However, most people are in need of exercise.  So, instead of seeing cleaning as a job that is never done, and that I have to do over and over again until I die (and then I’ll be buried in dirt), I prefer to see it as an opportunity for some aerobic exercise.  Sometimes it’s strength training if I have to move things around like furniture or boxes of stuff.  Anyway, since I started using cleaning as an opportunity to get healthier, my house is cleaner and I’m losing weight!

A recent transaction was executed right here in the Nolensville metro area.  Bucking the national prejudice that Tennesseans are behind the times, the RTexUSA service is new in the US and could be the beginning of a large new trend in home buying.

Ingredients:

Crust
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Filling
3 cups chilled whipping cream
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, cut into pieces

1 cup chilled sour cream
6 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Cranberry topping
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin

1 cup ruby Port
1 cup sugar
1 whole star anise*
1 cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
2 2-inch strips orange peel
2 cups fresh cranberries or frozen, thawed

Preparation:

For crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Blend graham cracker crumbs and sugar in processor until combined. Gradually add butter and process until moist clumps form. Press crumbs onto bottom and 1 1/2 inches up sides of 10-inch-diameter springform pan with removable bottom. Bake until set, about 12 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool completely.

For filling:
Place 1/2 cup whipping cream in medium bowl; sprinkle gelatin over. Let stand 5 minutes. Combine 1 cup whipping cream and cream cheese in heavy medium saucepan. Whisk over medium-high heat until mixture is smooth and just beginning to simmer. Remove from heat. Add gelatin mixture; whisk to dissolve. Strain into large bowl. Let stand 45 minutes to cool.

Combine remaining 1 1/2 cups whipping cream, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in another large bowl. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; reserve bean for another use. Using electric mixer, beat until mixture thickens and peaks form. Fold into cream cheese mixture in 3 additions. Transfer filling to prepared crust. Cover and chill until set, at least 6 hours and up to 1 day.

For cranberry topping:
Place 1 tablespoon water in small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over. Let stand 5 minutes.

Bring Port, sugar, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange peel to boil in heavy large saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 5 minutes. Add cranberries and simmer mixture until cranberries begin to pop, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir some of hot cranberry liquid into gelatin mixture in small bowl to melt gelatin; stir gelatin mixture into cranberry mixture in saucepan. Transfer to medium bowl; refrigerate until cold. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.)

Just before serving, remove pan sides to release tart. Cut cheesecake tart into wedges. Spoon cranberry mixture over each wedge and serve.

Traditional housewarming  presents or gifts held symbolic meaning for the recipient. In ancient times gifts of salt and bread were common.  These simplest gifts were made to make certain that the inhabitants were never hungry.

In more recent times, small gifts of any type for the home have become the norm: bakeware, door knockers, decorative wall art, and houseplants. Housewarming gifts might also include gifts for the yard and garden like a tree or shrub.  These items, beyond being decorative, are given to enhance the value of the home.

Angel Heart Farm has created a safe environment where children can experience the warmth and peace of bonding with animals, thereby promoting a positive effect in the healing process. Studies have shown that pet therapy can improve one’s mental and physical health, shorten recovery time and decrease stress and incidents of depression in children and adults.

Through interaction with animals, children are empowered to be caregivers instead of care recipients. Our goal is to improve the lives of children with animal assisted therapy in conjunction with their physician-ordered treatment.

Angel Heart Farm believes that animals, along with music, art and nature, have a lasting healing on the heart, body and minds of all people. Families are welcome to share a lunch together in the Angel Garden, listen to music, or just share quality time together on the farm.

Founded and operated by Tracy Kujawa, a horse lover and cancer survivor herself, she knows the power, love and support that her own Arabian horses gave her in time of illness. This life-changing ‘moment’ challenged her to create a program that would reach far into the lives of ill children and provide a sanctuary of peace and joy.