Marie Bostwick's Blog, page 13
March 20, 2023
It’s How You Are Old: Handling Aging
French author, Jules Renard, penned many pithy sayings that ring true and have stuck in my mind. A couple of my favorites include, “Writing is a way of talking without being interrupted” and “When I think of all the books that are left for me to read, I am certain of future happiness.”
Good stuff, am I right? Recently, I stumbled upon another Renard quote that got me thinking, one about handling aging.
“It’s not how old you are but how you are old.”
Oh, my. Oh, yes.
As I celebrate still another birthday, I am less focused on how old I am than how I would like to be old, the attitudes and practices that might give the later years of my life meaning and purpose and, hopefully, allow me to be a blessing to others.
Depending on how specific you get, the possibilities are myriad. But at the end of the day, I find it most helpful to think in terms of attitude, an awareness of qualities that will guide me to a vibrant old age that is more than a number.
Here are a few that feel crucial to me. Maybe they will feel that way to you too.
Roll with the punches, don’t let the little stuff become big stuff. If it’s not going to be important in a year, it isn’t important now, so channel your inner Elsa and let it go.
Roll with laughter too. Look for the humor in life! If you’re paying attention, you won’t have to look very far and that’s a good thing.The old adage about laughter being the best medicine has a lot of truth to it.
It’s How You Are InvolvedAs we get older, the temptation to disengage from volunteering or serving is strong.
If you’re one of those people who always put her hand up in younger years, stepping up to the plate for committees and leadership at church, kid’s schools, or community organizations, an “I already gave at the office” attitude is understandable. That kind of thing takes a lot of time!
However, serving can be fun and allow us to feel and be relevant as we age. I’m not suggesting we volunteer for everything, just that we avoid disengaging entirely.
Instead of trying to do all the things, pick one or two causes that you really care about, and devote the best of yourself to them.
It’s How You Are InterestedThe interest I’m talking about here is interest in other people.
Be someone who asks good questions, who takes the time to really delve into people’s stories and gets to know them well. You might be surprised, even fascinated, by what they’ve seen and done and thought.
Being interested in others is part of what keeps life interesting.
Depending on a whole bunch of factors that we may not have control over when handling aging, staying active as we age can be harder for some people than others. So, the definition of “active” is going to vary widely from one person to the next.
Some folks might be running marathons into their eighties. For others, working their way up to walking a mile, or even just around the block, can be a goal that requires some effort. And that’s okay.
The important thing is to keep moving as best you can, for as long as you can.
If the word “adventurous” makes you nervous, I know that I’m not suggesting you suddenly take up skydiving.
(But if you want to, go for it! I think that sounds amazing! Just know that I will be standing safely and sanely below on terra firma, cheering you on and praying your chute opens.)
To me, being adventurous simply means trying new things. It’s the willingness to remain curious and expand our experience as we age.
That certainly could mean trying a new and challenging sport. It could also mean traveling to a foreign country or region of the country. It could involve auditing a class at the community college or possibly going whole hog and earning a degree.
But when it comes to this portion of handling aging, it could also be as simple as taking up a new craft, leading your grandkids on a hike, joining a club, or deciding to read some books in a genre you’ve never tried before. (Steampunk, anyone?)
It’s How You Are RelationalStudy after study has shown that people with friends are happier and healthier as they age than people who are isolated. But here’s the deal – cultivating and tending to friendships takes effort. It’s important to be intentional about your relationships.
Write a letter or email, pick up the phone, remember birthdays, drop some cookies off on the doorstep, follow up and show up.
Put it on your calendar if you have to, but do it. Maintain relationships is an investment of time that will pay you back tenfold.
Sometimes as we age, it can seem like there’s less to be grateful for.
Health worries, money worries, family worries, and the general feeling that the world is going to hell in a handbasket can make us feel like we’ve got a whole lot less to be thankful for than we did in years past.
And I can understand how it’s possible to feel that way. But it really is only a feeling. The truth is, there is always something to be grateful for, always.
Recognizing life’s small blessings and undeserved gifts may require a little more effort in some seasons of life than others, but if you open your eyes, you’ll find them. Once again, write it down if you need to. In fact, I highly recommend it.
It’s a funny thing, but the more time you take to be grateful, the more you’ll notice things you’re grateful for.
Handling Aging: It’s How You are GraciousOh, how I love a good Maxine cartoon! That cranky, gray-haired old lady with the snappy comebacks and bad attitude always makes me laugh. If you’ve read my books, you’re probably not surprised to learn that I love a good curmudgeon.
But the thing about cranky Maxine, or snooty, critical Abigail Burgess Wynne from my Cobbled Court novels, and the obnoxious and arrogant Oscar Glazier from my upcoming book, Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly, is they’re fictional.
Encountering imaginary curmudgeons can be a lot of fun, a real treat! Encountering them in real life?
Yeah, not so much.
If aging gracefully is something you’d dearly love to do as you figure out handling aging, then do your best to be gracious. Put others before yourself. Forgive quickly and sincerely. Be quick to encourage and slow to criticize. Give up gossip, speaking ill of others, and argument for the sake of it.
I’m not suggesting you should be a pushover or doormat, simply that you be kind and do unto others as you’d like them to do unto you. Especially in our golden years, the Golden Rule will serve us well.
It’s How You Are FaithfulA 2018 study of 1,000 seniors found that those who hold a strong faith in God and pray regularly report an improved sense of well-being.
Your experience and practice may differ from mine, but the findings of this study ring so true for me. The cords of my Christian faith have held me together in good times and bad, in youth and age.
It’s been a long road. When it comes to following Jesus’ path, I continue to stumble and struggle, take two steps forward and one step back and I suppose I always will. But living out my faith, however imperfectly, has made my journey fuller, more relevant, and more joyous.
Today is my birthday.
Again!
I’m somewhat baffled as to how this can be. It seems like I just celebrated a birthday about five minutes ago. Every year seems to go more quickly than the one before, I am finding.
I won’t kid you; wrinkles aren’t my favorite thing. I do miss my old face. And I could really do without some of the aches and pains that are creeping into my joints or spending money on hair color that I’d rather use to buy books or fabric.
But as long as my birthdays keep coming, I’ll keep celebrating them. Because every year is a gift, an undeserved chance to do more, learn more, and become more.
As far as my old face, I try to remember something else that good old Jules Renard said, “Wrinkles are engraved smiles.”
I’m collecting a few more engravings every year, and isn’t that grand?
March 12, 2023
Colcannon Recipe: Irish Mashed Potatoes
Sometimes known as Irish mashed potatoes, my colcannon recipe is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day side! Buttery potatoes jazzed up with cabbage and onions. A delish way to get your greens!
Colcannon Recipe – Scrumptious Side For St. Patrick’s DayThey say everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. And why not? During the last gloomy days of winter, aren’t we all looking for an excuse to celebrate?
However, we’re as Irish as can be at my house. Both my husband and I can trace more than seventy percent of our DNA back to the Emerald Isle, so we’ll be getting our green on and celebrating with a wee nip of whisky and some classic Irish dishes.
I haven’t quite settled on a main course yet, probably hearty Irish stew or platter of corned beef. But in addition to a loaf of my Easy Irish Soda Bread, I plan to prepare my Irish Colcannon recipe.
Though colcannon or Irish mashed potatoes are a great accompaniment most any time of year, it really is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day side dish.
What Is Colcannon Or Irish Mashed Potatoes?
Some people refer to colcannon as “Irish mashed potatoes.”
Potatoes certainly play a major role in my colcannon recipe, as they do in many other traditional Irish dishes. But there’s more to colcannon than just mashed potatoes.
Adding sauteed green cabbage and green onion gives my colcannon recipe some beautiful color and kicks the flavor up a few notches. Those green onions bring in a bit of bite without being overpowering, which is why my colcannon recipe calls for a whole bunch.
Creamy mashed potatoes, sauteed cabbage, and gorgeous green onions are a great combination. But the thing that makes my colcannon recipe so good and so decadent is everybody’s favorite guilty pleasure – butter.
Lots of rich, delicious, decadent butter.
Buttery Colcannon – A Delicious Small IndulgenceIf you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know that most of my recipes lean in a fairly healthy direction, with lots of fresh veggies and high-quality protein, minimizing added sugar, and generally using olive oil for my fats.
So you may be asking yourself, “Lots of butter? What’s up, Marie?”
Okay, here’s the deal.
Unless health concerns mean you’re on a very restrictive diet, a little indulgence never hurt anyone. And when you break down the amount on per-serving basis, we really are talking about a little indulgence – like half a tablespoon of butter .
Also, it’s St. Patrick’s Day. I just don’t think you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without potatoes. And potatoes without butter?
Well, that’s just not right. I think my Irish ancestors would agree. Especially since I used Irish butter.
How Do You Make Colcannon?My colcannon recipe is very easy to prepare.
You start by boiling potatoes in salted water. Don’t be afraid to use a lot of salt in the water – I generally put in a whole palmful of Kosher salt.
I know that might sound like a lot but remember, most of it will be drained off with the liquid. If you don’t salt the water generously, your potatoes – and your colcannon – will be bland. (And that would be tragic.)
After boiling, draining, and setting aside the potatoes, you’ll cook the chopped green cabbage or green onions in butter until they’re nice and soft. Next, you’ll add the potatoes, milk, and a little salt and pepper, and then hand mash the potatoes with the greens.
Finally, you’ll taste and adjust the seasonings (if you’re worried about adding too much salt, go heavier on the pepper), top the hot colcannon with one more tablespoon of butter, and serve.
Yum!
Colcannon Recipe: Irish Mashed Potatoes Author: Marie Bostwick 
Yield: Makes 8 to 10 half cup servings [image error] Print Recipe [image error] Pin Recipe Ingredients 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks4 T good butter, divided (I prefer Kerrygold Irish butter)3 cups chopped green cabbage (can substitute kale)1 bunch green onions, chopped fine (about 5 or 6 stalks)1 cup whole milk (can sub cream or half and half)Kosher saltPepper Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions Add a generous palmful of Kosher salt to a pot of water (enough water to cover the potatoes by a couple of inches) and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, reduce heat to medium, and boil for 15 to 20 minutes, until potatoes pierce easily with a fork.Drain liquid from potatoes and set them aside, covered to keep them warm.In the same pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and green onions. Saute, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, until cabbage is fairly soft.Add the boiled potatoes and milk to the pot. Use a hand masher or large fork to mash the potatoes and milk together with the cabbage and onions. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings.Place the colcannon in a bowl, top with 1 tablespoon butter, and serve. 
Did you make this recipe? Tag @mariebostwick on Instagram and hashtag it #fiercelymarie
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March 6, 2023
Date and Banana Protein Smoothie
Naturally sweet and packing plenty of protein, this no sugar added Date and Banana Protein Smoothie is great for breakfast or lunch on the go or as a sweet-tooth-taming snack. Just six ingredients!
California Inspiration for a Date and Banana Protein SmoothieDid you know that date shakes are a thing? I had no idea until my recent stay in California’s Coachella Valley. But apparently, they are.
As soon as word of our SoCal sojourn got out, I started receiving messages from friends who’d been there before, saying that The Chairman and I simply had to get ourselves a date shake. That it was required.
Honestly, they didn’t have to twist my arm very hard. No, I’d never had a date shake. But I’d also never had a shake I didn’t like, so I figured they’d probably be pretty good.
It was better than good, way better.
But since the date shakes from Shields in Indio, California come in only one size – ginormous – I decided ahead of time that I’d only drink half. However, when I hopped out of the car to enter the drugstore a bit later, leaving the shake behind, I returned to an empty cup.
The Chairman, who had declared a dislike of dates and ordered a strawberry shake for himself, drank all of his shake, plus my leftovers.
“I just thought I’d taste it,” he explained. “It was really, really good!”
Yes, it was. And now I can’t stop thinking about it.
But even if date shakes were a thing here in Washington, it’s not the kind of treat I can indulge in very often. That’s where the idea for making a date and banana smoothie came in.
Date and Banana Smoothies – Plenty of Protein and No Added Sugar!Look, I’m not going to kid you. Date and Banana Smoothies aren’t nearly as sweet as date shakes. But they’re really tasty and healthy enough so that I can enjoy them on a regular basis.
Naturally sweet dates and frozen bananas make these smoothies a terrific way to tame my sweet tooth without kicking healthy eating to the curb. Recently, my DIL made date and banana smoothies for the granddarlings and even the pickiest of her picky-eaters loved them!
And with plenty of protein from non-fat Greek yogurt and an optional dab of peanut butter, Date and Banana Smoothies are terrific for a quick lunch or breakfast on the go! If you want to boost the protein even more, you could blend in a scoop of vanilla flavored protein powder.
What Do You Need to Make Date and Banana Protein Smoothies?
Just six simple ingredients…
Dates (I like Medjool but any large, pitted date will do. Add extra if you want a sweeter smoothie.)Banana (frozen ahead of time)Non-fat Greek yogurt (can sub low or full fat if you prefer)Peanut butter (you can leave it out if you’re allergic or are watching calories)Coconut water (you can also use almond, soy, or regular milk, or even water)Ice cubesHow To Make Date and Banana Protein SmoothiesI wish all recipes were as easy to make as these Date and Banana Smoothies.
All you have to do is put the ingredients in the blender and press a button. A couple of minutes later, you’ll be in smoothie heaven.
The blending will go more quickly if you put the ice and liquid ingredients on the bottom, then the yogurt, then the other ingredients on top.
I find that my blender’s pulse feature works well for smoothies. If things get stuck, turn off the blender, stir the ingredients, and pulse again. You might need to do this a couple of times before your smoothie gets…well, smooth.
Give my Date and Banana Smoothies a try soon. They’re healthy, easy to make, and so good!
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Date and Banana Protein Smoothie Author: Marie Bostwick Yield: 1 serving [image error] Print Recipe [image error] Pin Recipe Ingredients 1 cup ice cubes½ cup coconut water (can sub almond milk, regular milk, or plain water)½ cup nonfat Greek Yogurt1 T peanut butter (optional)3 Medjool dates, cut into small pieces (additional if you want a sweeter smoothie)1 medium frozen banana, cut into slices Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions Place the ice cubes and coconut water in the bottom of the blender jar. Add the yogurt and peanut butter on top, then the date pieces and frozen banana slices.Pulse the ingredients in the blender (stop the blender and stir my hand if ingredients get stuck, then blend again) until the ingredients are well combined into a thick smoothie.Pour smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately. Did you make this recipe? Tag @mariebostwick on Instagram and hashtag it #fiercelymarie
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February 26, 2023
Gluten-Free Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe
This gluten-free Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe is the perfect comfort food for cold winter days. Gluten-free or not. It’s a tasty one-dish dinner your whole family will love!
Healthier, Gluten Free (or not) Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese RecipeThis recipe came about when I was making some freezer meals for a friend who was going to be undergoing surgery.
She has celiac disease, so I knew that whatever I cooked needed to be gluten-free. And since she also has two small children, it also needed to be a dish that the kids would eat that was reasonably healthy. That meant trying to sneak in some veggies.
Though I thought of going with my Sweet Potato Enchiladas, I wanted something milder. Butternut squash’s slightly sweet but subtle flavor is a vegetable that even picky eaters enjoy. Since the cheese is the star of the flavor show here, I thought they might not even notice it. But it’s there just the same, adding a savory sweetness to the mac and cheese, plus plenty of nutrients and fiber.
Making my Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe gluten-free was easy. All I had to do what buy some gluten-free macaroni and cook it according to the package directions.
Sometimes, gluten-free products have a different texture or taste than those with gluten, but I honestly couldn’t tell the difference this time. But if eating gluten isn’t a problem for you, you can use regular macaroni or even the whole wheat variety.
Gluten-Free Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese – Have It Your WayThis is a flexible recipe. Because I’m trying to keep a lid on fat and calories, I made a few adjustments to nudge my mac and cheese in a somewhat healthier direction.
For instance, my recipe calls for two percent milk and a reduced-fat cream cheese. The end result was still rich and creamy. However, you can certainly use full-fat milk and cream cheese if you prefer.
My cheese of choice here was Swiss. It has a very mild flavor which I enjoy, but I jazzed it up a bit with the addition of some Dijon mustard and nutmeg. If you’d like a stronger cheese flavor, you might use sharp cheddar instead, skip the nutmeg, and either cut the mustard in half or leave it out entirely.
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is the finishing touch on my Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe. I only used a quarter cup here, but you could easily double the amount if you’d like.
Chopped ham gives my recipe a boost of flavor and protein, but it’s entirely optional. Whether you use the ham or not, you’ll still have a terrific one-dish dinner that the whole family will love!
Making Gluten-Free Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Is this recipe as easy as the mac and cheese from the blue box? No. But it’s tasty, healthier, and very simple to make.
To start with, you’ll boil the macaroni according to the package directions and set it aside. Next, you’ll roast some butternut squash and onion in the oven and mash it after cooking.
(If you’re feeding kids that are very veggie-phobic, you might boil the squash instead, then puree it in the blender. After the puree is mixed with the cheese sauce, they probably won’t even know it’s there. Sneaky, right?)
While the squash is roasting, you’ll make a simple stove-top cheese sauce. You’ll stir the mustard, nutmeg, and mashed squash into the sauce, pour over the macaroni, add the ham if using, and stir.
After placing the mac and cheese in a baking dish, top with the parmesan, heat in the oven, and serve.
Easy!
This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe is a gluten-free (or not!) alternative that the whole family will enjoy. Try making some this week.
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Gluten-Free Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe Author: Marie Bostwick Yield: 4 servings [image error] Print Recipe [image error] Pin Recipe Ingredients 12 oz gluten free macaroni, cooked according to package directions (can sub regular or whole wheat macaroni)1 lb butternut squash, 1-inch chunks½ cup chopped onion1 T olive oilSalt to tastePepper to taste1.5 cups 2% milk (can use regular milk)2 T Dijon mustard1/2 tsp ground nutmeg4 oz reduced fat cream cheese (can use full fat)2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (can sub sharp cheddar or other cheese)8 oz chopped ham (optional)¼ to ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions Preheat oven to 400. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Lightly spray and 8×8 oven proof casserole dish with cooking sprays. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat lightly with cooking spray or olive oil.Place squash and onion onto foil lined baking sheet. Pour oil onto veggies, stir to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, stir. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, until squash is soft.Place milk, cream cheese, and Swiss cheese into a heavy-bottomed sauce pan over medium low heat. Stir until cheese melt, making a thick cheese sauce. Stir in mustard and nutmeg, then set aside.Remove roasted veggies from oven. Lower oven temperature to 325. Mash squash with a fork or potato masher until fairly smooth. Stir into cheese sauce.Stir cheese sauce and ham, if using, into the macaroni. Place mixture into prepared 8×8 casserole. Sprinkle with parmesan. Place casserole in oven for about 10-15 minutes, until macaroni is warmed through and the parmesan is melted. Did you make this recipe? Tag @mariebostwick on Instagram and hashtag it #fiercelymarie
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What to do in Palm Springs Besides Golf
Palm Springs is known as a golfer’s haven. But there’s a lot to do in Palm Springs besides golf! Read on for a list of fun activities and adventures to try during your next – or first – visit!
A Non-Golfer’s Guide to Fun In Palm SpringsMy husband and I are just wrapping up an extended stay in sunny LaQuinta, California.
Along with Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and others, La Quinta is a town in the warm and sunny Coachella Valley that’s become a haven for snowbirds. A whole bunch of those birds come to play golf.
But what about the rest of us? Is there anything on the fun docket for visitors to Coachella Valley who don’t swing a club?
Yes! Plenty!
Outdoor and indoor activities and adventures abound in this beautiful desert region. Honestly, there’s much more to do in Palm Springs besides golf than I can possibly cover in one post. There’s even more to do than I could try in a month-long visit!
But here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Take A Hike
Until we arrived, I had no idea how many hiking trails we’d find in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley area. If you’ve only got time for one, definitely make it hike through the incredible landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. There are plenty of hikes to choose from, from short to long and easy to strenuous.
We made two visits to Joshua Tree to hike the Cottonwood Spring trail and the Barker Dam trail. Both were fairly easy, about a mile long, and just beautiful! I definitely want to return. But dog lovers should know that four-legged friends are not allowed on trails at Joshua Tree.
Dogs are welcome at the Bear Creek and Cove Oasis trails in La Quinta. These are wonderful spots to walk with dogs. The Bear Creek trails are fairly flat, mostly paved, and have water fountains along the route. Dogs are required to stay on the trails, so they don’t disturb wildlife habitats.
No matter where you’re hiking, bring water and let people know where you’ll be. Also, stay on the marked trails! It can be easy to get lost in the desert. For more hikes in Palm Springs, check out this article from the Desert Sun.
We were so impressed by the many bike lanes and bike trails in the area. If you’re looking for something to do in Palm Springs besides golf, make time to hop on a bike. It’s a great way to get some exercise while getting to know the area.
Bike rental companies abound in Palm Springs and Coachella Valley. A quick google search will show you plenty of options in the town where you’re staying.
You can rent for a month, a week, a day, or even an hour. And most companies offer a wide variety of bikes, from plain Jane cruisers and competition road bikes to e-bikes. If you’re in the market for a new bike, renting can be a great way to try out a new model.
Soak In A Spring
Hotels and resorts boasting spas with hot springs and mineral pools for their guests are one of Palm Springs’s many attractions.
But you don’t necessarily have to book a hotel stay to enjoy a relaxing soak in a hot spring. Quite a few area resorts offer hot spring and pool day passes. It might be just the treat your aching muscles need after a long hike or bike ride.
Feed A Giraffe!We did so many fun things during our visit to La Quinta. But one of the highlights was a visit to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
This well-laid out, non-profit desert botanical gardens and zoo is home to more than 500 animals. I was fascinated by the see-through dens of the naked mole rats and impressed by the hospital, where you can actually see animals being treated and cared for.
But my absolute favorite was the opportunity to get up close and personal with a giraffe! Feeding the giraffes costs a little extra, but it was an experience I’ll never forget.
We weren’t able to score any tickets this time, but the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert has a huge roster of concerts and shows from Broadway touring companies.
The nearby Agua Calliente and Morongo Casinos host any number of musical headliners. And if you’re so inclined, you can try your luck at the slots or tables before or after the show.
Learn To Cook
As all of you who have been following my blog know, cooking is one of my favorite pastimes.
So I was excited to stumble upon Cooking With Class in La Quinta, which offers two-hour demonstration-cooking classes. My excitement grew when I discovered a class centered on Thai cuisine, something I would really like to know more about.
I signed up for the class and showed up right on time but…24 hours late. So disappointing! I don’t know how I managed to write Thursday down in my calendar instead of Wednesday, but I did.
Oh, well. I bet it would have been a terrific class. I’ll definitely try Cooking With Class on my next visit to Palm Springs. Because when it comes to things I’d like to try besides golf, learning to cook something new tops the list.
Speaking of food…
Dine Al FrescoPalm Springs has so many wonderful restaurants that dining out really does qualify as an activity, especially dining al fresco!
Snowbirds and locals alike love enjoying a meal outdoors, even if the weather turns a little chilly. And by chilly, I mean under 67 degrees. Restaurants in the area have mastered the use of outdoor heaters, so it’s pleasant to dine al fresco practically all year round.
It would really be impossible for me to list my favorite restaurants in the area, but if you’re looking for a special occasion restaurant offering delicious food and great service in an incomparable setting, try Lavender Bistro in La Quinta.
Dining under a green canopy of trees wrapped with lights reminded us of the old Tavern on the Green in New York. It’s a very elegant spot to celebrate a special day or just being together.
Almost every town in Palm Springs has a weekly farmer’s market, and a quick online search will give to the date and hours for markets near you. I went to the La Quinta Farmer’s Market three times during our stay, buying fresh produce, locally grown dates, cheese, and other items. I paid a bit more than I would have in the supermarket, but the freshness and quality of the goods were worth it!
We also went to Art on Main events twice during our stay. On alternate Saturdays during the winter and spring, Old Town La Quinta Village is closed to motor traffic as the streets become home to booths hosting a huge variety of extremely talented local artists.
There’s so much to see! It’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. And who knows, you might just go home with a one-of-a-kind piece of art as a memento of your trip!
An activity that comes highly recommended as something to do in Palm Springs besides golf is to take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
The 10-minute tram ride carries you through the vistas of Chino Canyon to Mt. San Jacinto State Park, an elevation of more than 8,000 feet. Once there, you can enjoy a meal or a drink at the summit, hike around the park, or just enjoy the view.
At least, that’s what I hear. The tram is a very popular attraction, and you really do need to purchase tickets in advance. I didn’t realize that on this trip, but I’ll be prepared next time. It’s always good to have something to look forward to!
Update Your WardrobeIf shopping is your idea of a good time, you’re going to love Palm Springs! There are boutiques and gift shops on almost every corner, each more adorable than the last. A friend and I had a wonderful time browsing through the unique shops in Old Town La Quinta.
Are you up for a full-on shopping marathon? Then you might want to visit the Desert Premium Outlets, north of Coachella valley, with dozens of high-end, designer stores. And if you’re looking for quality that’s more affordable, check out the Cabazon outlets that are right next door.
So Much to Do In Palm Springs Besides Golf!As you can tell, there are all kinds of things to do in Palm Springs besides golf!
My list really did just scratch the surface. But if you ever have a chance to visit, I hope you’ll try a few of my suggestions.
February 12, 2023
Easy Gougeres: French Appetizers
These decadent, buttery little morsels are a classic of French cuisine. Surprisingly simple to make –and to make ahead – Easy Gougeres are one of my favorite appetizers. You’ll love them!
Easy Gougeres – My Go-To Appetizer Since Back in The DayEasy Gougeres appetizers have been a secret weapon in my entertaining arsenal for a long time.
A VERY long time.
Weddings tend to be far more lavish and expensive than when my husband and I married more than four decades ago. But even by the standards of the time, the budget for my wedding to the Chairman was decidedly modest.
Basically, I had a guest list of one hundred and twenty and no money. What I did have was a love for cooking and entertaining, so I catered for our wedding myself.
Of course, it wasn’t just me. My family pitched in too.
My dad – a butcher and avid fisherman – supplied crayfish and several salmon he’d caught himself and some beef tenderloins. And my mom and sisters helped organize and serve the cold buffet because the girl wearing white really couldn’t be the same girl who refilled the potato salad bowl.
However, in the weeks before the wedding, I cooked and cooked and cooked and cooked.
The thing I cooked the most of was these Easy Gougeres. Only I didn’t know they were called gougeres at the time. Back then, my sisters and I referred to them as Cheese Wangos. Sometimes we still do.
But gougeres by any other name are still scrumptious and surprisingly simple to make. Then and now, these rich, cheesy, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth morsels are my go-to appetizer.
Gougeres, a classic of French cuisine, are made by combining choux pastry dough with cheese and baking them in the oven until they are puffed, crisp on the outside, tender on the inside and golden brown.
Essentially, gougeres are to-die-for cheese puffs that aren’t at all difficult to make.
There are quite a number of variations available, but my easy gougeres recipe calls for just seven ingredients…
MilkButterSaltFlourEggsDijon mustardGruyere cheeseMaking Easy GougeresThe process of making gougeres starts by melting the milk, butter, and salt together on the stove, then quickly mixing in all the flour to make a smooth and sticky dough.
After letting the dough cool for a bit, you’ll mix in eggs and egg white until they’re well combined into a smooth but very wet dough, then add mustard and cheese.
My preferred cheese for gougeres is Gruyere. You can also substitute Parmesan, Swiss, Manchego, Asiago, etc. A cheese with a lower moisture content will result in lighter gougeres but, really, they’ll taste good no matter what cheese you use.
When the dough is ready, you simply scoop generous teaspoonfuls onto a parchment lined sheet for baking.
It’s that easy!
A hot from the oven gougeres is a little taste of heaven. So, I like to coordinate the cooking time with the arrival of my guests. But one of the other things I love about gougeres is the fact that they’re easy to prepare in advance.
Making Easy Gougeres Ahead of TimeIf I’m hosting a small dinner or family party, I’ll often bake my gougeres earlier in the day and then warm them up in a preheated oven for 3 to 4 minutes after my guests arrive.
And if that feels like too much trouble or if you forget to reheat, they’re also delicious served at room temperature.
But guess what?
You can also scoop the unbaked gougeres dough onto baking sheets, freeze them thoroughly, then store them in plastic zipper bags in the freezer for up to two months!
That means, if you’re having a big party, you can make and freeze dozens, scores, and even hundreds of gougeres ahead of time, then bake and serve them on the big day!
That’s what I did as a bride on a budget all those years ago. My easy gougeres were a big hit, and the marriage has lasted for more than four decades.
Nothing not to love about that, am I right?
Easy Gougeres: French Appetizers Author: Marie Bostwick Yield: 45 servings [image error] Print Recipe [image error] Pin Recipe Ingredients 1 cup milk½ cup unsalted butter3/4 tsp salt1 cup white all purpose flour4 whole large eggs, room temperature1 egg white1 T Dijon mustard2 cups shredded gruyere cheese Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Place milk, butter, and salt in a heavy bottomed pan over medium heat. Melt butter and bring mixture to boil.Add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until well combined and then continues stirring for another full minute, until the dough is perfectly smooth but still sticky. Take off heat and cool for 5 minutes.Place dough in mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat in whole eggs, one at a time, then the egg white. Keep mixing until the eggs are well combined and the dough is smooth. (The dough will be quite wet at this point). Mix in the mustard, and then the cheese. Remove the mixer from the bowl and use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and stir the dough my hand one last time. (If you don’t have a mixer, all of the above can be done by hand with a spatula and a strong arm.)Scoop heaping teaspoons of the dough on the prepared baking sheet, about two inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for about 16-18 minutes or until they are pulled and golden brown, turning sheet halfway through. (Additional dough can be scooped onto baking sheet as above, frozen on tray, and then placed in Ziploc bags for later use. Bake as usual, but increase the baking time about 4 minutes.) Did you make this recipe? Tag @mariebostwick on Instagram and hashtag it #fiercelymarie
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February 5, 2023
A Visit to French General
Who’s my favorite French General? I’ll give you three guesses. Nope, it’s not Charles de Gaulle. It’s not Napoleon Bonaparte, either. Here’s a hint – my favorite French General stocks some of the most delicious fabric you’ve ever laid eyes on! Recently, we had a nice long visit.
My Bucket List Visit to French GeneralIf you love quilting and crafting as I do, chances are good that you know precisely what “French General” I visited recently.
French General is a company that designs and sells simply gorgeous, French-inspired fabrics, as well as a vast variety of vintage notions, beads, buttons, jewelry kits, embroidery supplies and kits, unique vintage papers, and an ever-changing supply of “Found in France” ephemera that will make the heart of crafters thrum with delight.
Before I go any further, you may be wondering why I would devote an entire blog post to French General. It’s not because I will make any money if you decide to buy anything from them. I’m not affiliated with the company in any way, shape, or form.
This is just me wanting to share a good thing with my readers. As you’ll see when you read on, French General is a VERY good thing indeed!
I’ve been buying French General designed quilt fabric and embroidery for years, mostly from local quilt shops or at quilt shows. I’ve also bought supplies online from the French General website.
But a visit to the brick-and-mortar French General store located in Los Angeles has been on my bucket list for a long, long time. Just a couple of weeks ago, I finally got my chance. It was all I hoped for and more!
Logistics and A Very Understanding HusbandYou might wonder why a trip to a retail store would make my bucket list. I mean, sure. It is located in Los Angeles, but with all my traveling, you might wonder why I hadn’t found a way to visit French General before now.
So, here’s the deal. The French General retail store is only open on Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm. It’s also located in a part of LA that’s a bit off the beaten path. Getting there takes some effort and advanced planning.
Lucky for me, I’ve got a very understanding husband. As you may know, we recently drove from Washington to the Palm Springs area to get a break from the gloomy Pacific Northwest winter.
When I told the Chairman that I really, really wanted to visit French General, he juggled our driving schedule and braved the LA freeway system so I would visit the store in that brief, five-hour window.
Is he a keeper, or what?
My French General Visit – So Much Crafty Eye Candy!
Okay, okay. Enough with the talking and explanations. What you really want to see is the inside of the French General store, am I right? And maybe what I bought on my visit? (The answer to the second question is…probably more than I should have. But I don’t regret it one bit!)
Fair enough. Let’s get to it.
As you can see, the interior of French General is a delightful, perhaps even slightly messy, mélange of ephemera and crafty treasures. There’s so much to see that it’s hard to know where to look first!
The wall of hats, ribbons, trims and fabric flowers had me thinking about embarking on a second career as a milliner. But only a moment later, I saw the item that holds first place in my craft-loving heart, lots of gorgeous quilting fabrics.
Isn’t it gorgeous! These homey but oh-so-elegant French-inspired prints just made my heart go pitter-pat.
And not only do they look beautiful, they feel amazing! French General quilting fabric is 100% high-quality, high-thread count cotton. The weave is tight, so there’s no fraying when you sew, and the feel is soft and smooth.
My biggest problem was choosing which print collection to purchase. And the problem got even bigger when I noticed the beautiful collection of solids and stripes!
It’s hard to explain without seeing them first-hand, but these are not your average solids. The colors are rich and unique, and there’s a very subtle tone-on-tone quality to the weave. I know it’s going to add so much to my quilts.
But if you visit French General, unique finds that will up your craft game can be found in every corner.
Jewelry makers and crazy quilters will drool with delight as they peruse through the selections of beads, baubles, and buttons.
And mixed-media artists, scrapbookers, junk journal makers, and crafters of all sorts will swoon with happiness as they rifle through their collection of specially printed papers and unique, vintage paper goods – everything from actual letters and postcards to antique ledger pages and vintage sheet music.
Their online store does carry a good selection of their available products. But it pales in comparison to what you’ll find if you have a chance to visit French General’s brick-and-mortar store. It’s not a huge space, but every inch of it is packed with delights.
The bottom line is this – my bucket list visit to French General more than lived up to my expectations! The only tricky part was trying to decide what to buy and bring home.
After more than an hour of perusing, I made my choice. 
Finally getting to visit French General really was a dream come true. I’m so glad I went, and I can’t wait to start putting my purchases to good use. I also can’t wait to go back!
As you can see, I was all about the red fabric on this trip. But next time, and there will definitely be a next time, I think I’ll get the blue.
January 29, 2023
Poached Pears with Marsala
Poached Pears with Marsala is a deliciously light, elegant dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make! Fragrant spices and a Marsala wine reduction bring out the flavor and natural sweetness of the pears. The perfect way to finish a special family meal or dinner for company.
Poached Pears With Marsala – A Light And Luscious DessertIn the weeks that follow holiday the annual holiday indulgences, it seems like everybody is trying to watch what they eat. So, trying to figure out what dessert to serve at a recent dinner party initially had me stumped.
However, I do tend to design my menus around whatever is in season at the time. Not only does the produce taste better, but it’s also usually more affordable. When I walked into my local market and saw they were having a sale on bags of the most adorable little pears you’ve ever seen, I knew I had the makings of a really delicious dessert.
Poached pears really are a classic, and there’s a reason for that.
The tender but still slightly firm flesh of the pears, poached with spices in a just sweet enough sauce simply melts in your mouth. So luscious and light that no one – not even guests who’re watching their waistlines – will be able to resist.
Not only do these Poached Pears in Marsala taste amazing, they look fabulous too! And best of all, this impressive dessert is incredibly simple to make.
The first step in making poached pears with Marsala is choosing the pears. You want pears that are small to medium in size. That will reduce the cooking time and make it easier to fit the pears into the pot during poaching. Also, I think the smaller pears just look nicer.
Use pears that are slightly underripe so they don’t become mushy during the poaching. If the skin of the pear indents easily when you push it with a finger, it is too ripe. Choose pears that are firm but give just slightly if you push the skin with your fingers.
How To Make Poached Pears With MarsalaWhen you’re ready to cook, slice about a half inch off the bottom of each pear. That will help them stand up more easily in the pot and on the plates when served.
Next, peel the pears but leave on the stem. It makes the pears easier to remove from the pot and looks pretty too. Some people cut the pears, but I must prefer to poach them whole. It just looks so elegant that way.
With the pears prepped, you’ll make the poaching liquid. Let’s talk about what goes into it.
A lot of poached pear recipes call for red wine. That blush of red the wine imparts to the pears is very attractive, but I find the taste to be a bit sharp. As far as I am concerned, Marsala is the absolutely best wine for poached pears.
Marsala is a fortified Italian wine produced in Sicily. It’s light in color and has a sweet, almost caramel flavor that intensifies when boiled into a sauce or reduction. If at all possible, use a proper sweet marsala purchased from a liquor store or wine shop. It’s not expensive and is much more flavorful than the marsala cooking wine from the supermarket.
To the Marsala, you’ll add some sugar, fresh lemon juice, and spices, and bring everything to a simmer before adding the pears to the pot.
Depending on the size and firmness of the pears, you’ll poach them for 10 to 20 minutes. I like to leave the pears upright in the pot for the first few minutes, then push them onto the side and turn them gently every couple of minutes so they poach evenly.
Test for doneness by piercing the pears with a fork. They should pierce easily but still feel slightly firm. You don’t want a mushy pear!
When the pears are cooked, remove them from the liquid and set aside. Then let the poaching liquid continue to simmer until it becomes syrupy, thick enough to coat a spoon lightly.
How To Serve Poached Pears With Marsala
Poached pears can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature or while still warm.
When it’s time to serve, place the pears on individual plates or shallow dessert dishes, spoon the Marsala syrup over the top, and then garnish with lemon peel. It’s a simple but very elegant presentation.
You could also drizzle a little bit of cream or even melted chocolate over the pears if you’d like. Vanilla or cinnamon-flavored ice cream will also be an excellent accompaniment to Marsala poached pears.
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Poached Pears with Marsala Author: Marie Bostwick Yield: 6 servings [image error] Print Recipe [image error] Pin Recipe Ingredients 6 small to medium, slightly underripe pears1.5 cups sweet Marsala wine½ cup sugar1 large, fresh lemon – (2 T juice for poaching liquid, peel for garnish)1 cinnamon stick¼ tsp ground cloves¼ tsp ground cardamom Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions Slice approximately half an inch from the bottom of each pear, so they still stand up flat. Peel the pears whole, leaving the stems on.Remove the zest from the lemon (just the yellow part of the peel, not the pith) with a zester or peeler and set aside.Put the Marsala, sugar, spices, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice into a deep-sided pot over medium high heat until it just begins to boil.Add the pears and reduce the heat until the poaching liquid is simmering. Poach the pears for 10 to 20 minutes, until they are still slightly firm but can be easily pierced with a fork. Remove the pears from the poaching liquid and set aside.Increase the heat on the stove, bringing the poaching liquid to a low boil. Stirring frequently, reduce the liquid until it become somewhat syrupy, thick enough so the liquid will lightly coat a spoon.Pears can be served warm or at room temperature. Place pears on individual plates or dessert bowls. Evenly divide sauce and spoon over pears. Sprinkle pears with lemon zest and serve. Did you make this recipe? Tag @mariebostwick on Instagram and hashtag it #fiercelymarie
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November 15, 2019
Breakfast Casserole: The Monte Cristo Edition
The world is full of brilliant people.
Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Sir Issac Newton, Wendell Berry, Edith Wharton, and Stephen Sondheim are a small sampling of the famous names I feel should be included on any list of brilliant individuals.
But what about the not-so-famous brilliant people? The unsung heroes whose contributions, large and small, make the world better? For example, the person who invented the breakfast casserole?
Scoff if you will but, in my opinion, the brilliance of whoever came up with the idea of a hearty and delicious breakfast that can feed a crowd, be prepared the night before, and simply popped in the oven the next morning, borders on genius. They’re so good and they make entertaining so much easier.
While somebody must have started the breakfast casserole ball rolling, at this point I think it’s a dish that has definitely become crowd sourced. Everybody has their own take on breakfast casseroles. Some are savory, some are sweet, some are healthy, some throw health under the bus and go for full on indulgence. If you question my dedication to a breakfast casserole, check out this one a previous post with two breakfast casserole’s and one quiche for evidence of my historical obsession.
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Breakfast Casserole, A Gift To My Guests
That’s what’s so great about breakfast casseroles; you really can choose your own adventure here. And breakfast casseroles are so flexible and hard to mess up. As long as you’ve got some good bread, enough eggs, and don’t burn the dish, it’s pretty hard to go wrong.
If you ever come to my house for an overnight visit, there’s a better than fifty-fifty chance that I’ll serve you some form of breakfast casserole while you’re with me. And unless you’ve forewarned me that you’re on a diet or under doctor’s orders, chances are also good that I’ll be serving you a casserole that falls squarely into the indulgent category.
In my book, having guests in a house is cause for celebration. So I like the menu to reflect that and spoil my guests with something special and memorable. That’s what I set out to do last weekend, when two of my quilting-connected girlfriends came for a visit.
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Breakfast Casserole: My Monte Cristo Edition
My Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole was all I had hoped for and more! In other words, it was easy to make ahead, utterly indulgent, and as pretty as it was delicious! The smoky, savory ham and gooey cheese are beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the raspberry jam and pretty sprinkle of powdered sugar. (I like to offer a little syrup on the side, for those who want it even sweeter.)
We had to do a lot of walking to work off this stick-to-your-ribs breakfast but it was worth every single step. Besides, when you’ve got good friends in residence, the only thing better than sharing a good meal together is sharing a long walk and gab fest afterward, yes?
So give my Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole a try the next time you’ve got guests. It’s sure to impress and it’s delicious served hot or cold, which makes it a great choice if you need to bring a dish to a potluck. With the holidays coming, we could all use more make ahead and take along recipes. But wherever and however you serve it, Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole is a recipe that turns any meal into a festive occasion!
(Love the idea but need a healthier alternative? I’ve got lots of those: homemade granola, smoothie recipes, more smoothie recipes, and quick make-ahead breakfast ideas.)
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Monte Cristo Breakfast Casserole
Author: Marie Bostwick
Prep Time: 15 Cook Time: 45 Total Time: 1 hour 
Yield: 6-8 servings 
Print Recipe 
Pin RecipeIngredients
8 slices white bread, toasted and cut into 1-inch cubes
¾ lb uncured, brown sugar ham, medium diced
1 c Swiss cheese, shredded
1 1/2 c Gruyere cheese, shredded
1 tsp kosher salt
2/3 c ricotta cheese
1/4 c honey mustard
8 large eggs
1 c whole milk
1/3 c raspberry jam
Powdered sugar
Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9X13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, combine eggs, ricotta, mustard, whole milk, and salt. Whisk until yolks, egg whites, and other ingredients are fully combined.
In the same bowl, add bread cubes, diced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, and only ½ cup gruyere. Gently mix with your hands or a wooden spoon until combined, then transfer to a greased baking dish. Smooth the top so that the bread is in an even layer, then cover the top with the remaining 1 cup of gruyere cheese. (If you’re preparing ahead of time, cover the pan with foil and put in the refrigerator up to twelve hours before you plan to serve, then move on to Step 4.)
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the center is set and no longer wiggly, and the cheese is browned and golden.
When casserole is done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes.
Enjoy this casserole with a sprinkle with powdered sugar, a dollop of jam, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Did you make this recipe?
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The post Breakfast Casserole: The Monte Cristo Edition appeared first on Fierce Beyond 50.
November 12, 2019
It’s Time to Stop Believing These Time Management Myths
“How do you do all the things you do? Don’t you ever sleep?”
People ask me this a lot. Usually, the question is delivered in a teasing tone but sometimes they seem entirely serious. While I have long wished I could get by on less (imagine how many more quilts I could stitch or books I could write with an extra couple of hours each day!), I absolutely require eight hours of sleep a night. Anything less and I’m a wreck.
Even so, I do manage to get a lot done in the time I have. Not always as much as I’d like to but a lot, and probably more than most people. The truth is, I’m pretty good at time management. But I wasn’t born this way.
There are people who seem to have solid organizational and time management sense baked in from birth. In my experience, those people tend to be math-loving, science-geeky, engineer-in-training, left-brained types, the people who find beauty in long columns of numbers that add up every time.
I always secretly admired those people but they’re definitely not my tribe.
Like most artists, I was born a member of the intuitive, fly by the seat of your pants, right-brained club. You know what I’m talking about, people who can never find their car keys, often leave the house wearing two different shoes, have overdue library books piled on every flat surface and drink their morning coffee out of a mug that says, “A Clean Desk is a Sign of a Frightened Mind”.
There is so much about my artistic, creative inclinations that I love. But living with chaos and the stress that comes with it always had me feeling like I was falling behind on everything. The desire to free myself from that stress, act on more of my creative impulses and ideas, and simply enjoy life more fully lead me on a search for better ways to manage my time.
It’s been a long road, filled with discovery, experimentation, and failure as well as success. I wish could say that I’ve found the perfect formula for making the most of my time, but it’s not true. Improving my use of time is an ongoing process, a formula I’m always fiddling with, but I’m definitely better at it than I used to be.
The first step in my journey was confronting some of the time management myths that so many people buy into that can sabotage your attempts at gaining control of your time before you even begin. Let’s look at a few of them.
SOME PEOPLE ARE BORN ORGANZIED. I’M NOT ONE OF THEM.
It is true that some people seem to have an innate ability to organize their lives and time. And perhaps you’re not one of them. But the truth is, you can learn to manage your time more effectively if you really want to.
I don’t mean to sound harsh but the “disorganized gene” myth is more than a myth, it’s an excuse, and maybe even a lie you’re telling yourself. If you’re fine living with chaos, and stress, and missed deadlines, that’s fine. But don’t tell yourself it’s because you can’t change.
If I can do it, anyone can. Really.
THE MYTH OF MULTITASKING
There are people who will argue with me here but, in my opinion, multitasking is a myth, right up there with unicorns and mermaids.
Yes, it is true that there are some things which can be accomplished simultaneously – returning phone calls while chopping vegetables for dinner, knitting while watching a movie. But most of the time, multitasking simply means that you’ll be doing two things less well than they ought to be done. It’s just not possible to give your full attention to two tasks that the same it.
Don’t believe me? Let me show you the nine rows of knitting I had to tear out on my scarf after the movie credits rolled and I found that dropped stitch.
PLANNERS AND TO-DO LISTS
If you’ve been reading my blog for any period of time, you know that I’m a devoted list maker and that I absolutely LOVE my Living Well Planner. This planner helps me developed realistic goals, create action plans for achieving them, and use my time more wisely and productively. It’s also saved my sanity.
(By the way, you don’t have to wait for the new year to begin using a Living Well Planner. One of the many features I love about planner is the fact that it is undated so you can begin using it any time. Click here to find out more.)
But the best planner in the world won’t do you a lick of good if you don’t actually USE it! Buying planner and then failing to fence off time to write in it and schedule your week (I do this every Sunday evening) it is like sleeping with geography book under your pillow in hopes of becoming a world explorer. It just won’t work.
Using a planner does require an upfront investment of time but, like any wise investment, it will pay off in the long run.
TECHNOLOGY MAKES YOU MORE PRODUCTIVE
Well. Maybe.
There are lots of programs and time management applications out there that can improve your productivity. I use several myself. When it comes to time management, technology can be a blessing. It can also be a curse.
Today, technology creates countless avenues for communication and connection. Anyone anywhere can reach out to us at any time for any reason. That means when we are trying to focus, there’s a zillion things fighting for our attention. Add to that the fact that Americans are asked to process four times the information as we did in 1986 and it’s not surprising that we never feel like there are enough hours in the day. So many things are fighting for our attention. Too many.
I’ve trained myself to be wary of the tools that claim to make me more productive but actually end up having the adverse effect. I can’t write books or blogs while I am answering emails, checking my Instagram, or taking calls. Technology might help you manage your time more effectively but for me, the key to time management lies in consciously placing fences around my schedule and guarding it carefully.
Which segues nicely with the next time management myth…
WITH THE RIGHT KIND OF TIME MANAGEMENT, I CAN DO IT ALL
Not to put too fine a point on it but…uh…no.
Time is a finite commodity. Though there are things you can do to spend that time more productively, no amount of money on earth will buy you even one more minute of time.
Even if you entirely give up watching television, and cat videos on YouTube, and procrastination, and sleep, you will never accomplish all the things you’d like to all of the time. The same holds true of things that other people might want you to do.
What you can do is set boundaries on your time and think carefully before saying yes. I realize that saying no can be very hard, especially for women. If that’s a challenge for you, allow me to share a single sentence that can change your life. The next time someone else asks you to take on a time-consuming project say, “Give me a couple of days to think about it,” and then do.
Thinking through the plusses and minuses of taking on a new task will give you a chance to weigh the necessity, benefit, or deficits of doing so. Making that assessment will help you feel better about saying yes, or no. And you might be surprised by how often somebody else will have stepped up to the plate to take on the job during those two days of thought.
Everybody has to pick and choose. No matter how well you manage your schedule, you simply don’t have time to do it all.
But you do have time to do what matters, those things you truly care about and are uniquely qualified or positioned to accomplish.
Need more resources to crush your goals? I’m here for you.
After you’ve read my time management myths post, check out my:
Roadmap for your most productive year ever
Guide for finding your morning routine
Goal-setting tips
Goal-setting gear
Guide for overcoming procrastination and getting rid of overwhelm
The post It’s Time to Stop Believing These Time Management Myths appeared first on Fierce Beyond 50.
