Take the stairs!

A set of stairs in Stockholm, Sweden--with a moving escalator next to it--both of which lead to the same spot on the floor of the upper level. A study showed that 97% of the people took the escalator over the stairs. A group of engineers got together, and decided they wanted to reverse that percentage.

*Watch the video*

The percentage has reversed to a whopping 66% more people choosing the stairs over the escalator. Bravo for engineering!

For the most part.

My blog plan has always been to stay as positive as possible. I share positive things I find, products I enjoy, inspirations I think you would like. When and if I talk about myself I like to keep it upbeat...for the most part.

I have to tell you, readers, I've been in a spell of blog-post-dry-out. Makes me feel a bit disappointed when I don't have the head of steam I used to. A bunch of the features I used to share have gone the way of the Dodo--Art History, artist interviews, "and I quote", Flickr Faves, small business topics--to name a few.



Yeah, I get it, things evolve and people change. I know this happens to others as I was just reading a post about the same thing over on Leah's blog, moxie photo design (haven't visited...please, do, you'd enjoy her musings).

So, here's the thing. Instead of adding up the times I haven't posted, I'm just posting when I really have something to share or to say. Keeping it real. I always respect the bloggers that are honest and sincere more so than fancy and frequent. Not that it's ever been unreal on this blog--and it never will be, I promise--but in blogging, as in 'real life', honesty really is the best policy, don't you agree?



Being honest, I've been struggling with this spring term at University. Not the work or the schedule but my health has been bringing me down a bit too often. Nothing graphic to share, just that I have back issues that have caused me sciatica distress for about 18 months, and symptoms of hypo-thryroid that wreak havoc with my hormones and cause major fatigue. I've structured myself on a one-day-at-a-time lifestyle, and, at times, even that can be more than enough.



But I'm still pluggin' along, still working at what I need to do, and always find something to be hopeful for and inspired by--even if I'm neglectful to share it with those around me. So that's my personal sharing for today, folks.

Thanks for hanging around here even when it's a bit slow, and thanks to those that take time to leave me comments and feedback; I appreciate it very, very much!

Images in this post are courtesy of Julie, Leah and Beki--three bloggers whose work I truly admire. :)

Recipe: Baked Oatmeal

Autumn is upon us! I always get the urge to bake in the fall, do you? Back-to-school starts for me next week. My classes are all in the afternoon and evening but this looks like a healthy and tasty breakfast I'll have to try. And the topping choices are almost unlimited...yum!

Ingredients
2 cups Quick Quaker® Oats OR 2-1/4 cups Old Fashioned Quaker® Oats, uncooked
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3-1/3 cups fat-free milk
1/2 cup cup liquid egg substitute with yolk or 2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

Preparation
Heat oven to 350º F. Spray 8-inch square glass baking dish with cooking spray.

In large bowl, combine oats and granulated sugar. In medium bowl, combine milk, egg substitute and vanilla; mix well. Add to oat mixture; mix well. Pour into baking dish.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until center jiggles slightly. Remove from oven to cooling rack.

Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over top of oatmeal. Using back of spoon, gently spread sugar into a thin layer across entire surface of oatmeal. Return to oven; bake just until sugar melts, about 2 to 3 minutes. Set oven to broil. Broil 3 inches from heat until sugar bubbles and browns slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. (Watch carefully to prevent burning. It may be necessary to turn baking dish.) Spoon into bowls to serve.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time Time: 40 min

Recipe and image via.

Recipe: Spicy Chickpea Sandwiches

Food cart vendors are popular in our city, Portland, Oregon. Recently, I discovered there's a cart located in the Sellwood neighborhood, called Garden State, that serves these sandwiches. Going to have to pay them a visit soon and then try making these at home!



You Will Need

Chickpea patties
1 1/2 cups chickpea (garbanzo) flour*
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Spicy lemon mayo
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
Finely shredded zest and juice of 1/2 lemon

Carrot slaw
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups shredded carrots (2/3 lb.)
1 cup shredded radishes

Cooking and assembly
6 ciabatta or pane francese rolls (3 oz. each)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
About 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
4 ounces salad mix (5 cups lightly packed)

Preparation

1. Make chickpea patties: In a 3- to 4-qt. pan, mix chickpea flour and dry seasonings. Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups water until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking often, until mixture begins to thicken, 3 to 5 minutes. Switch to a spoon and stir until mixture pulls away from pan bottom and mounds in center of pan, 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in parsley. Using an oiled spoon or fingers, evenly spread mixture in an oiled 9- by 13-in. pan. Let cool.

2. Make mayo: Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Chill, covered.

3. Make slaw: Whisk together vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, then gently stir in carrots and radishes.

4. Now for the sandwiches! Preheat broiler and set a rack 4 in. from heat. Split rolls, leaving one side attached, and open up. Place rolls cut side up in a large rimmed baking pan; lightly brush tops with 1 tbsp. olive oil. Broil until golden, about 1 minute. Tip onto counter and drape with foil.

5. Oil the baking pan. Brush chickpea mixture with 1 tbsp. olive oil; sprinkle with salt. Cut into 12 rectangles and set slightly apart in oiled pan. Broil until golden, 4 to 6 minutes. Turn patties over and broil until golden on second side, about 2 minutes.

6. To assemble, generously spread mayo on cut sides of rolls. Place some salad greens on one side of each roll and top with some carrot slaw, then 2 chickpea patties.

*Find in the baking aisle of well-stocked grocery stores and at health food stores.