Rachel's Renaissance

I've wanted to start a blog for a while now. I guess the only thing holding me back is a good first post. So I'll just make a below average post with room to grow. From the fear of spiders to the fear of failing, we have physical and mental responses to certain things. The fear of failing can be overcome with another fear: the fear of never succeeding because you never try. Thus a counter fear that promotes productive activity. Is fear such a bad thing? Worst case scenarios invade my vivid imagination frequently, taking subject matter from daily tasks and happenings. Something as simple as a walk down the stairs can have me cringing in pain at the very real broken ankle I will receive two steps down. Or when a mildly dangerous task is preformed by a loved one I have already strapped them in the car and we are on the way the the ER holding the lost digits in a bag of ice. Due to these fanciful and detailed imaginings on the one hand I am prepared for anything, and on t...

Homemade "Almond Joys" Craving chocolate? Want a fun tasty treat to share? These chocolate coconut almond goodies are a great option. Makes 24 or more Ingredients: 20 oz bag Chocolate Chips (semi sweet) 7 oz bag Sweetened Coconut flakes 1- 2 teaspoons Olive oil 1- 2 teaspoons Light Corn Syrup 24 - 40 Almonds Stuff: Cookie sheet Wax paper Blender Rubber spatula Bowls and spoons etc. Microwave ***Disclaimer depending on the size of coconut center you make or how much chocolate you dump on each, the number of treats will vary. I made over two dozen with this supply list and my first time skills. I probably could have used a mold or something to help keep things consistent. But these treats are fun and have the homemade feel. Who doesn't like extra chocolate. First things First: Melt the Chocolate! Tip: I add a teaspoon or so of Olive oil to the bowl of chocolate chips and stir till they are covered....

I've been looking for a certain style of jacket ever since I saw all the cool kids wearing them in Russia fall and winter of 2013-14. You know the green jackets, long on the back, pockets galore, tie at the waist, hood with or without fur.  I asked a young 20 something girl about hers and she seemed surprised that I thought it was a Russian style, because it's actually an American  fashion.  Two years later I finally found a good knock off in my price range for winter season 15-16. Who knows if it's still all the rage... but I love wearing it. So I proudly show it off to my boyfriend after I'd been talking for ever about finding a " homeless style " green jacket.  And he looks at it and says that's not homeless that's an army jacket. Military style fashion.  And then my gut sank...I knew that it was military style but why did I first lable it as grungy homeless style in my brain.  Probably because I only time I've seen this jacket worn b...

A very smooth and strong product, they wrinkled as they dried though This was my first attempt: The casein protein was not washed well enough and was rougher in texture