Clover Lane

This is our second favorite muffin, first being the lemon blueberry muffin.  Easy and quick, no tricky ingredients.  I bought new muffin "tins" and I LOVE them.  Why did it take me so long to switch over?  I hated cleaning the stainless ones, and I also always ran out of muffin liners.  All my problems solved!  These are so easy to use and to clean.  I'm adding these to my list of favorite kitchen supply purchases ever.

This is such a quick easy budget friendly recipe, and so savory.   I serve this on fresh buns, and some kids choose to top with BBQ sauce.  It's good just the way it comes out of the slow cooker also!  The next day I freeze the leftovers or save some to add for a coleslaw salad for myself.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

3-4 pounds of boneless pork shoulder (I always have to remember the shoulder is the one that shreds the best)

1 tsp paprika

2 tsps garlic powder

2 tsps cumin

2 tsp chili powder

2 tsp kosher salt

3 TBS brown sugar

1 onion, chopped

In a small bowl, mix together the seasonings.

Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and coat it with the seasonings and onion.  That's it!

Cook on low for 8 hours.  When time is up, shred the meat with two forks until it's all mixed up.  It's ready to serve!

*affiliate links used

 Thinking:

I know I will never regret not watching the news, reading Facebook posts about current events or political opinions, or listening to talking, talking, talking, about nothing.  It has brought such peace and quiet to my life for years and the world keeps turning.  It's called cultivating a life where neighbors help neighbors, and communities come together and everyone stops wasting time on scrolling and getting angry and upset about things, but most then do nothing.  Talk is cheap.  Love thy neighbor.

Playing:

These were the simple questions I asked myself the last month.

Have you ever made a list of things that bring you joy?  Things that you enjoy doing?  Things that you hate doing?  What you want your day to look like?  A week?  A year?  Your life?  What is one or two feelings you want to have and others that you want to avoid?  What are your priorities?  What do you want to accomplish this year?  How do you want to feel?  How do you want to show up for others?  What do you worry about the most?  Who do you want to be? 

The next step after answering these questions is to figure out solutions or action steps that can apply to "real life".  Practical, calm, slow and steady steps forward.  Not freak out, I'll never be able to do this, this can never happen, one million excuses answers but tons of grace, and experimentation and willingness to find a way.

Tortilla Chili

*affiliate links used

 Thinking:

I'm so ready for 2021!  New Year's I think is my favorite holiday.  The calm after the storm, everything feels peaceful and quiet outside, and warm and cozy inside, as we brave the few months until spring.  It's always been a time for me to get things in order, and this year more than ever.  The last four or so years I feel like I've lived in crisis mode.  I've taken my deep breath, and continue to do so this year, as I create a new life for myself and myself children, and navigate what makes me feel safe and secure and happy.

This was a hit at my house last Sunday night, and I've saved the leftovers for lunch for me all week.  It hits the spot on a cold winter day!

Italian Sausage and Vegetable Soup

1 TBS olive oil

1 pound of Italian sweet sausage, removed from casings

1 cup diced celery

2 cups chopped onion