All is right with the world again as the whole House of Shine crew is back in the same place for a Friday video.
Join us this week as we discuss the holidays, New Year's Eve and our plans for 2011 and don't forget to meet us in the Community Forums to share your free for all response.
Shining off until tomorrow...
Each day for the month of December, I have committed to featuring an idea that shines. With two days left in the month and New Year's Eve right around the corner, there is no way around a little reflection of our lives over the past year.
But "Reflectshine" is not a total stretch, because, reflection and shine are inextricably linked. Shining means creating a fulfilling and purposeful life and reflection provides the self-awareness necessary to understand that which you actually find fulfilling and purposeful.
So, a little reflection on the eve of New Year's Eve is a must for anyone who intends to shine in 2011. Use the questions below and take a look back at 2010:
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What did I learn (skills, knowledge, awareness, etc.)
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What did I accomplish? A list of my wins and achievements.
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What would I have done differently? Why?
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What did I complete or release? What still feels incomplete to me?
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What were the most significant events of the past year? List the top three.
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What did I do right? What do I feel especially good about? What was my greatest contribution?
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What were the fun things I did? What were the not-so-fun?
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What were my biggest challenges/roadblocks/difficulties?
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How am I different this year than last?
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For what am I particularly grateful?
To make today's post exponentially more interesting, consider joining us in the Community Forum, labeled Today's Post and share a few of your answers.
Shining off until tomorrow.
Chanukah and Christmas might be over, but the spirit of giving doesn't have to end.
Here is an idea that shines if, like me, there are a few people to whom you would still like to present a small holiday gift. This idea is especially "shiny" because so many people resolve to make their new year happy and healthy.
Use the favorite Beeny recipe listed below to make a batch of Fine Cooking's yummy Honey Almond Granola.
This honey-sweetened gem bakes up a little less crunchy than a sugar-sweetened granola. For added crispness, turn off the oven, leave the door ajar, and let the granola cool there. Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for at least three weeks. Yields 9 to 10 cups.
Vegetable oil spray
4 cups old-fashioned (not quick-cooking) rolled oats
1 cup oat bran
2 cups whole almonds, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup honey
1 Tbs. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. pure almond extract
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 tsp. table salt
1 cup raisins (optional)
Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F. Spray two rimmed baking sheets with vegetable oil spray. In a large bowl, mix the oats, oat bran, and almonds. In a smaller bowl, whisk the oil, honey, vanilla, almond extract, dry milk powder, and salt. Pour the mixture (it will be gloppy) over the oats and stir, with your hands or a spoon, until well combined.
Divide the mixture between the two oiled baking sheets and spread in an even layer. Bake for 20 min., stir, and switch the positions of the pans. Bake until the oats are golden brown and the nuts look well toasted, another 10 to 20 min.; don’t overcook. Let cool completely in the pans. The oats may feel soft but will crisp as they cool. When completely cool, stir in the raisins, if using.
Now visit us in the Community Forum labeled Today's Post and share your fun suggestion for ways to package and present your New Year's treat. I have a fun idea up my sleeve.
Tune in on Friday to check it out.
Shining off until tomorrow...