In the kitchen on Thursday: Spice it up

The conversation....
"You are having cheesy rice with veggies and chicken nuggets with spicy ketchup, " said Mom.
"Did you go grocery shopping today? " replied my 8 year old daughter.
"No, "—Mom
"Then how do we have spicy ketchup?"—8 year old
"Easy, mix ketchup with hot sauce." —Mom

She even dipped the cheesy rice (risotto with mixed veggies) in the ketchup.

Spicy Ketchup
2 Tbsp. Ketchup
1-2 tsp. Frank's Red Hot sauce

Mix all ingredients together until combined. Add more hot sauce to your taste.

Wednesday's Words: What lies in a problem

"Half the solution to any problem lies in defining it." -- Dr. Phil

Another Tip

Keep shoes looking and smelling good

Tuesday's Tip: Antibacterial Soap vs. Regular Soap

Recent findings state that regular soap is just as effective at removing germs as antibacterial soap.
FDA Panel findings

So far Monday is a "good luck" day

I found a penny on the bus ("Pick it up and all the day you'll have good luck") and the solutions to three minor problems have been solved before lunch time—that penny sure was lucky.

Why is a finding a penny considered good luck?

My horoscope for today

These subjects have been on mind. What a coincidence!

Is it the weekend yet?

Last Friday, I got a head start on the weekend and I could use a head start again except I have to edit copy for my new website, meet a friend for lunch and pay a visit to the gym (if I intend to lose another 10 lbs. like my doctor wants).

In the kitchen on Thursday: Leftovers make a meal

Fried Rice

Heat 2-3 Tbsp. Sunflower oil in a frying pan. When the oil is hot add leftover rice, chopped up leftover meat, diced leftover veggies (and or a frozen veggie mix). Saute until heated through. Pour on 1-2 Tbsp. of Soy Sauce and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm. If you want, you can scramble 1-2 eggs in the oil before adding the rice.

More words....

From Bottom Line Personal

Wednesday's Words: Doing right can be hard

"Sometimes the right thing ain't the easy thing." —Ad for a television show

Tuesday's Tip: Mixing Pasta and sauce

When mixing pasta with sauce use the pasta pot because the heat in the pot keeps the whole mixture moist and creamy.

Anothe tip....

From Bottom Line Personal

The start of the weekend....

My plans for today got cancelled,  so what to do—start the weekend and catch-up on much needed rest and down time and oh, do I love it.

More words....

Words on Wednesday: One more day to Valentine's Day

"How to eat a box of choclates and not hate yourself in the morning: sleep till noon." --Valentine's Day card from my mom (Thanks, mom--it gave me a laugh)

Tuesday's Tip: Tax time

Those free mailers from the USPS, UPS or FedEx make wonderful "folders" for sorting your receipts and papers for taxes and just don't forget to label them.

Tax Calendar for 2013

Lessons from a paper shredder

Paper shredders can only hold as much as the size of the bin allows and "over heat" after too much use and well we do too—we can only hold as much as our brain allows and we "burn out" and so as I time my usage of my shredder in 20 minute installments, I must remember to time myself so I don't overflow and overheat.

The day after...

After yesterdays new exercise class, I am sore, sitting on a heating pad as I work at my computer trying to design the logo for my new business and pick the color and the best part is on the snowy, rainy day in NYC, I am really warm (from the heating pad of course).

In the kitchen on Thursday: Winter Comfort

Easy Shepard's Pie

1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion
1/2 C. frozen mixed vegetable (I use the classic mix)
2 Tbsp. Sunflower oil
1 tsp. Worstershire Sauce
2-3 medium potatoes
2 slices American Cheese
1/4 C. low fat  milk
Salt and Pepper to taste

Peel the potatoes and boil them. They are done when a fork can easily pierce them. Peel and dice the onion. Heat the oil in a 10" skillet and add the onion. As the onion begins to brown add the meat. Break it apart as it browns. When it is almost done add the veggies and Worstershire sauce. When it is all cooked turn the heat off. Drain the potatoes. Using a blender or electric mixer, "mash" the potatoes with the cheese and milk until there are no lumps. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spoon the meat mixture into an 8" square pan. Spread the potatoes on top. Bake covered for 15 minutes. Remove cover and broil for 5 minutes to brown the potatoes. Serve immediately

Wednesdy's words: Choosing our friends

"Fate makes our relatives, choice makes our friends. " —Jacque Delille

(My "younger sister" turns 31 this Friday and I am so proud of her.)

A little humor while shopping

On the wall at a dry goods store....

Tuesday's Tip: How to clean a dishwasher

To clean a dishwasher, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom, place 1 C. of vinegar right side up in the top rack and run a normal cycle.

Check out these appliance cleaning tips....
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/kitchen/cleaning-kitchen-appliances-00000000001134/index.html?xid=checklistnewsletter-02-04-2013

What I learned from the Superbowl

The '49s came back with a force after the blackout (but not enough to win), but this taught me that taking time regroups, reflect and recharge can change the way the game (the project, task, etc.) is played and what the end result is.

Congratulations to the Ravens! (In my heart, I was rooting for the NY Giants.)

In the kitchen on Thursday, oops Friday

It's Friday

Taking the day relaxing and letting my mind rest hoping that my creative juices will once again be flowing (they were dammed by lack of sleeping well for a few nights).