Weekend Round-Up and Celebrating MLK Day

Check out The World According to Bella from WWN  

Arctic Blast Survival 

http://www.wwnrockport.com/2017/01/the-world-according-to-bella-arctic.html

Book Review: "The Whip" by Karen Kondazian

I really enjoyed and I am also intrigued by this recent book club selection about the story of Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst (1812-1879). Karen Kondazian, an award winning writer and actress, certainly was creative weaving a fictional but poignant story based on sparse facts available on Parkhurst. 

Throughout the mid 1880s, Charley Parkhurst lived the rough male life of a whip, stagecoach driver for Wells Fargo. He earned high praise from his bosses, his friends the other whips, and passengers for his expertise as a driver and the consistent safety of his passengers. Then, upon his death, much to the surprise of all—it was discovered that Charley was a woman not a man. The book is about a life of courage, mystery, strength, survival and the ability to embrace life no matter what is dealt to you. 

I would suggest checking out the author's page to learn more karenkondazian.com

If the book not available at the library you can download it as an e-book for a small price.

"The Whip" has won numerous awards which include:
Best Western, 2013 International Book Awards
2013 National Indie Excellence Awards winner, Western fiction category
Award-Winner in the 'Fiction: Historical' category of The 2012 USA Best Book Awards
Gold Prize in Historical Fiction & Best Western Fiction - 2013 Global E book Awards
Since I am a huge fan of the Dollar Tree I found this link informative. It shows buyers what are great finds at the store and what products to be wary of buying.
http://howdoesshe.com/the-top-10-dollar-store-buys-and-what-not-to-try/

The following recipe was recently posted on my Pinterest board under recipes to try. I liked the fact it is 236 calories and found it quite flavorful.  

Thai Chicken Salad 

Cook's notes: A healthy salad at 236 calories and 5 Weight Watcher SmartPoints
adapted from cookincanuck.com and recipe serves four. Note if using a store bought rotisserie chicken the calorie count will change. It's a healthy start to the week. 

Salad Ingredients

• 1 package of cabbage slaw mix (red and green) about 6 cups
• 2 medium carrots, grated (about 1 cup)
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup minced cilantro
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 3 TB. silvered almonds, toasted

Dressing Ingredients: 

• 1 lime, juiced
• 3 TB. natural peanut butter
• 2 TB. low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tsp. agave nectar or honey 
• 2 tsp. fish sauce
• 2 tsp. rice vinegar
• 1 tsp. chili garlic sauce 

Salad Directions: 
In a large bowl, combine the cabbage/ slaw, carrots, green onion, cilantro and chicken.  Toss with the dressing. Garnish with the toasted almonds.
Dressing Directions: 
In a small glass bowl, combine the lime juice, peanut butter, soy sauce, agave nectar, fish sauce, rice vinegar and chili garlic sauce. Whisk until smooth or use a blender.

Ever Ready posted a similar Thai Chicken Salad recipe in 2016.

http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2016/05/asian-cuisine-meets-healthy-friday.html

Last, but not least, in the midst of these turbulent times its good to stop and reflect on the poignant words Martin Luther King Jr. has to offer.