Season's Greetings.....

From Life Management Pros and it's founder, Mali List Mayer....

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Wednesday's words: Be possible

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" —Audrey Hepburn

Tuesday's tip: Mailing packages

The plastic "bag" mailers that some retailers use can be turned inside out to hide the writing and/or logo from the USPS and used again. (I just did it, so I know.)

In the kitchen on Thursday: Healthy Latkes

Baked Sweet Potato and Apple Latkes*

Preheat oven to 400. Grate 2 medium sweet potatoes (aka Yams). Peel half a granny smith apple and grate into the potatoes. Add 1/3 C. oat flour and 2 beaten eggs. Mix all the ingredients together. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and grease with olive oil. Shape mixture into large "meatballs" and flatten on cookie sheet. Brush tops with olive oil. Bake for 15-25 minutes. Serve warm. Makes 12. Latkes can be refrigerated overnight.

(There is no picture because I forgot to take one before I served them and they were devoured.)

"It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." — Albert Einstein

In the kitchen on Thursday: Overnight oatmeal

1 C. Water
3/4 C. Oats

Place ingredients in lidded jar or bowl and shake. Place in the fridge overnight. In the morning warm up the oatmeal with whatever add-ins you like.

Wednesday's words on exercise

”A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise.”― Winnie the Pooh

Tuesday's tip: Water. Water, everywhere

I just read that to be fully hydrated, you should divide you weight in half and drink that many ounces of water per day.

For example: 150/2=75, so 75 oz.

What is family?

Yesterday, I attended the birthday party of my mother's boyfriend and every family member of his had the same last name except for a cousin (and his wife) on the boyfriends mother's side and it made me wonder what is family, so I answered my own question when I though about my close friend and her husband that my daughter calls grandma and grandpa and came to conclusion that family is what you make it.

(P.S. So Marco [our Havanese puppy] welcome to the family)

In the kitchen on Thursday: A Southern style cake

This recipe originally came from the Betty Crocker website.

Caramel Cake

Cake

1 moist yellow cake mix

1 C. Milk

1/3 Butter, melted and cooled

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

3 eggs

Caramel Frosting

1/2 C. Butter

1 C. Powdered Sugar

1/2 C. Cake batter (reserved)

1/2 C. Evaporated milk

1 tsp. Vanilla.

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together for the cake. You can use an electric mixer on a low speed or a wooden spoon. When it is all combined, remove 1/2 C. of batter for the icing. Pour the batter into two greased 8" round pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes and allow to cool.

For icing, melt the butter in a 2 qt. saue pot. Add in the rest of the ingredients and cook for several  minutes until the mixture thickens and turns "caramel" colored. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Remove a cake layer from its pan and place on a plate. Ice the top with caramel frosting. Place on top the next layer and ice the top and sides.

I made this from my mother's birthday (she is Southern) and it was gobbled up before I could take a picture. I can say it is really delicious.

Wednesday's Words on Reputation

" Your reputation and integrity are everything. Follow through on what you say you are going to do. Your credibility can only be built over time. and it is built from the history of your words and actions." —Maria Razumich-Zec

Tuesday's Tip: Softer hands while you do dishes...

No, not Palmolive. Rub your hands with lotion or olive oil before putting on rubber gloves, then get to work and the heat from the water helps your hands absorb the moisture.

Wednesday's Words....On dogs

"A tired dog is a happy dog." —Zak George (Dog Trainer)

Tuesday's Tip....Leftover Halloween candy

If you still have some, cut up chocolate bars or other chocolate candy is a great addition to cookies, brownies or to sprinkle on top of an iced cupcake or layer cake, so get baking.

(P.S. Pass some of your home baked treat to your favorite veteran as a way to thank him/her for their service, since today is Veteran's day.)

Motherly advice

"Let your daughter know you are the parent and therefore in charge" which is easier said then done because I hated the phrase "because I am your mother and I said so," when I was my daughter's age.

In the kitchen on Thursday: Easy Marble Cake

Take one box of yellow or vanilla cake mix and prepare according to package directions. Remove 3/4 C. batter to another bowl and mix with 3 Tbsp. Cocoa powder (I used sweetened powder). Pour 1/2 of "vanilla batter" into a greased Bundt pan. Spoon on the chocolate batter. Pour remaining "vanilla" batter. Using a knife in a back and forth motion, swirl the batter together. Bake at 350 for 35-45 miniutes. Allow to cool slightly before removing from pan.

Wednesday's words: When it gets tough

"You don't develop courage by being happy in your relationships everyday. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity." —Epicurus

Tuesday's Tip: Reheating rice or pasta

If you are reheating in the microwave, place a wet paper towel on top to keep it moist.

(I learned this from my best friend, Melissa and my mother swears by it.)

Wednesday's words: Live in the moment

"Best to take the moment present, as a present for the moment." —Stephen Sondheim

Tuesday's tip: Laundry time

Do loads of laundry at night when you family doesn't need hot water for showers.

Im the Kitchen on Thursday: Recipe for an Apology of sorts

I want o apologize to my readers and followers for not keeping up with my blog of late—life got busy with the start of school, more clients, frizzy hair (that needed taming) and some personal needs that needed not be neglected any more and so now I am back in full force and ready to go.

(P.S. The main ingredient in an apology is honesty with a pinch or two of humility and humor.)

Wednesday's words: Help yourself

"All the advice in the world will never help you until you help yourself." —Fried Von Amburgh

Wednesday's Words: Professional vs. Amateur

"If you think it is expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." —Red Adair

Wednesdays words on homework

"Home computers are being called upon  to preform many new functions including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog." —Doug Larson

Tuesday's Tip: Stuck-on Cake

When baking remember to loosen the sides and bottom of your baked good when still warm, so it easier when cool to loosen it completely.

To-Do List on the run

I didn't have time to work out my to-do list last night, so I did it while waiting at the bank. The back of a deposit slip is "lined."

Tuesday's Tip: Diaper Change

Use a plastic shopping bag to line a public changing table and then use the bag to discard the dirty diaper and wipes.

(P.S. I learned this by observing a mother in a public restroom.)

In the kitchen on Thursday: Banana Walnut Muffins

As easy as peeling a banana....

1 Yellow or Vanilla cake mix
3 medium bananas (very ripe)
1 egg
1 Tbsp. Milk
1/4 C. or 1/3 C. chopped walnuts

Pre-heat oven to 350. Mash the Bananas and mix all ingredients together, except the walnuts with an electric mixer for 2-3  minutes. Stir in the nuts. Pour into 12 lined muffin cup pan. Bake for 25-25 minutes. Allow to cool. Can serve warm with butter or cream cheese.

Tip: I take very ripe bananas and freeze them. When I have three I defrost them and make these.

Wednesday's words on life

"Life is under no obligation to give us what we expect." —Margaret Mitchell

Margaret Mitchell Biography

It's Friday!

Most people relish when Friday comes because that means a weekend off and not for me with soccer games Saturday and Sunday and kid who has soured on Daddy so I am the it mom for know, so my weekend is all kid and more kid and strangely that makes me smile until I remember the Saturday game is at 8 am.

In the kitchen on Thursday...Buying in bulk

A few months back I made my fist trip to a bulk store. I was so excited to get large packages of items that were gigantic sized or multiples of a smaller size. Friends and family had raved and my mother, who I went with, was dying to check it out. She liked  it and I didn't. Why? She is one and I am three in my household. Whatever she buy is just for her. My daughter was with us, so we bought some snacks for her and I still have some left and she is tired of them. The cleaning products were a steal, the food items not so much. I am glad that my local grocery store is still in business and won't be folding anytime soon. Just my thoughts.

Wednesday's words on luck....

"Luck is the dividend of sweat. The more you sweat the luckier you get." —Ray Kroc

Ray Kroc biography

Wednesday's words on willpower

"The gift of willingness is the only thing that stands between the quiet desperation of the disingenuous life and the actualization of unexpressed potential." —Jim McDonald

Tuesday's Tip: Plants

Water plants when the soil up to 1" deep feels dry, so as not to over water them and possibly kill the plants

Wednesday's Words: Face your fear

“Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay.”  —Thich Nhat Hanh

Tuesday's Tip: When I return...

To this day I remember that my mother's parents always arrived for a visit wearing nice clothes; my grandfather was in a tie and I knew from this that my grandparent's house was left super neat. Here in lies the tip: leave your house neat, when you travel and you will come home to a neat house.

(I am sorry Papa-g that Mama-g made you wear a tie, I would have preferred your coveralls.)

Skinny Jeans

The other week I bought skinny jeans which is surprising because I am not "skinny" and my mom said it was because the company had realized that there are many body types that look good in skinny jeans and I said the company realized that the temporary confidence boost one gets from buying skinny jeans equals more sales—heck, I bought two pairs.

In the kitchen on Thursdasy: Easy Pasta Meal

1  jar Vodka sauce
3-4 slices cooked Turkey or Pork bacon
1/2 box Spaghetti, cooked according to the package directions.
3/4 C. Grated Parmesan or other cheese

Cook the bacon until crisp. Allow to cool and then crumbleHeat up the sauce. Put the cooked pasta in 4 bowls. Ladle sauce on top. Then add crumbled bacon and cheese. Serve immediately. Seves 4.

Wednesday's words: Wisdom comes from within

"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." —Aristotle

Wednesday's words: The little engine that could...

"Whether you believe that you can or you believe you can't, you're right." —Henry Ford

Henry Ford Biography

Tuesday's Tip: Wine on the go

If you plan on having wine at the beach or your hotel room, remember to pack a corkscrew and one with a bottle opener works for a six pack too.

Easy vs. Hard

My husband asked if I was interested in ordering two entrees and swapping half way, so I  said, "I'm easy about it" and my daughter said, "why can't you be hard sometimes?" and all I could do was answer, "I am not sure" and be left to ponder her question.

(P.S. My husband and I each got our own entrees.)

In the Kitchen on Thursday: Sinful Mac n' Cheese

1 box. Ziti Rigate
2 Tbsp. Butter
2 Tbsp. Flour
1 1/2 C. Milk
1/4 lb. American Cheese
1/2 lb. Cheddar Cheese
1 1/4 C. Corn Flake crumbs
1-2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/4 C. grated Parmesan or other hard cheese

Cook Pasta based on directions on box and drain. Melt butter in sauce pot. Whisk in flour until it is all incorporated. Add in milk and whisk for 2 minutes. Then pour in cheese and whisk until all covered by milk mixture. Place on lid leaving an opening. Let cook until cheese is melted. In the meantime in a bowl mix the crumbs, olive oil and cheese. Toss the pasta with the cheese sauce. Place in an oiled large baking dish. Top with crumbs. Broil for 5-7 minutes. Serve warm. Makes 6-8 servings.

(I almost ate 1/4 of the dish after I made it, so beware.)

Wednesday's words: Deadlines

"A goal without a date is just a dream." —Milton Erikson

"Snow" in summer

Every summer the Linden tree in front of house "snows" flowers and I sweep and sweep and sweep and this year our babysitter suggested using the snow shovel which was an excellent suggestion, since I refer to the flowers and "summer snow" and learned that thinking outside the season my help bring about a new solution.

Relationships come, go and endure

I had had lunch with an old friend (from junior high) and we were able just to talk and it made realuze that some relationships, while they wax and wane, will always keep on going while others will wane, either and die.

Wednesday's words on Thursday

"Misery loves company, but a positive attitude would rather be alone then be company to misery" --Anonymous

Hard work pays off, sort of...

The other week I went through a box of old (I mean old) paper and found a paper I wrote in high school that I worked very hard on and saw that the grade was a "C" and realized that for all these years I had only remembered the hard work and not the grade and realized that what mattered was my effort (and work ethic) and not the grade.

Goals then and now.....

I wrote these goals for a trip back packing through the US Rockies with the National Outdoor Leadership school and now fast forward nearly 20 years and I am a productivity coach helping others achieve their goals.

(P.S. I should note that some of the goals on the list were not achieved because I was sent home after three weeks with knee problems that prevented me from continuing and despite this, I still consider this trip to be one my best life experiences.)

Wednesday's Words on memory

"I write it down to remember it now, not later." —Anonymous

Tuesday's Tip: Travel essentials

Whether you are staying at a hotel, a friends house or a on cruise ship, here are a few essentials you should pack—flashlight, small first aid kit and disinfecting wipes.

The act of recovery....

According to Dictionary.com...

RECOVERY: restoration or return to any former and better state or condition.

Well, I am in RECOVERY from wrist surgery and will be back in the full swing of my blog soon.

Wednesday's words...Life according to Oscar Wilde

Tuesday's Tips: The Germs on your toothbrush

Did you know that you should replace your toothbrush every 3 months? And you should clean it regularly?

Well, according to Real Simple Magazine...

Toothbrushes: Every other week, swirl each toothbrush in ¼ cup warm water and ¼ cup baking soda. Let soak overnight, then rinse. Toss and replace every three months. (Yep, it’s time.)

Real Simple Magazine

The act of recovery....

According to Dictionary.com...

RECOVERY: restoration or return to any former and better state or condition.

Well, I am in RECOVERY from wrist surgery and will be back in the full swing of my blog soon.

In the Kitchen on Thursday: A classic with a twist

When I spoke to the caterer about my families food dislikes, I mentioned tomatoes, and so the vegetable lasagna was sauceless, like a white pizza and in my opinion equally as good as the classic and better than white pizza, a favorite of mine and so, I recommend you try your next veggie lasagna sauceless.

Tuesday's Tip: Cleaning the refrigerator

To clean refrigerator drawers—like mine where forgotten food rots and smells, try this from Real Simple Magazine....

Refrigerator drawers: Remove them and soak for 15 minutes in hot, soapy water in the sink. Drain, sprinkle the insides with baking soda, and wipe clean with a sponge. Still smell something? Use this age-old trick: Wipe down drawers with a cloth dipped in undiluted tomato juice, rinse with warm water, and dry.

Real Simple Magazine

Wednesday's words... The Fine Print

The act of recovery....

According to Dictionary.com...

RECOVERY: restoration or return to any former and better state or condition.

Well, I am in RECOVERY from wrist surgery and will be back in the full swing of my blog soon.

In the kitchen on Thursday: Classic sugar cookies

2 C. flour
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 C. Butter (1 stick), softened
1 C. Sugar
1 Egg, beaten
1/4 C. Milk
1/4 tsp. Vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375. Cream softened butter and sugar. Mix in the egg. Mix in the dry ingredients alternating with the milk. Add in the vanilla. Form the dough into a ball and put in the freezer for 30 minutes. Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/4 inch and cut with cookie cutters. Place on greased cookie sheets 2" apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool.

(From the Settlement Cookbook originally published in 1903 and last published in 1995.)

Wednesday's Words From Winnie the Pooh

“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.”  —A. A. Milne

Tuesday's Tip: Gift Cards

Don't toss out those unwanted business cards you got at the networking event, recycle them by using the blank side as a gift card. If you want you can glue the printed side to some paper and cut it out to make a fun gift card.

(P.S. For paper, I use glossy spreads in the newspaper or pages of a magazine.)

A networking lesson

When my father started at a new law firm, after 26 years at the first and only law firm he worked for, he took every other partner out to lunch to get to know them and how they practice their specialty of law, I carry this lesson with me whenever I am networking—really get to know a person (Coffee, anyone?) and most of all work at it (hence, my joining BNI for their weekly meetings).

The act of Recovery

According to Dictionary.com...

RECOVERY: restoration or return to any former and better state or condition.

Well, I am in RECOVERY from wrist surgery and will be back in the full swing of my blog soon.

In the Kitchen on Thursday: Corny Muffins

1 Jiffy Corn Muffin mix
1 sm. can creamed corn
1 Tbsp. Milk

Mix all ingredients together. Pour into greased or lined muffin tim. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. Makes 6 (and can be doubled for 12).

Wednesday's words the joy of chocolate

Tuesday's Tip: Clean Jewelry

Place metal jewelry in a bowl of warm water and add 1 packet of Alka Seltzer and watch the bubbles do their magic. Remove from bowl and buff with a cloth.

(P.S. I tried it and it works.)

Truth be told.....

This morning I ran into a fellow mom on my way to the gym and when I told her where I was headed, she called me an "over achiever" and two thoughts immediately popped in my head— one, thanks for the compliment and two, it's my wrist and not my legs, so why not get back to walking the track (and my mind and body thank me).

Lefty's Rule!

While I am in recovery with my right hand in a bandage, I am having to do things with my left hand and I am amazed at how well I am doing (even typing) and feel almost back to my old self (minus knitting, which brought the carpal tunnel to the forefront of my mind with excruciating pain).

(P.S. A sincere thanks to my mom who stayed over several nights to play nurse and my husband and daughter for helping out and giving me TLC.)

The act of recovery....

According to Dictionary.com...

RECOVERY: restoration or return to any former and better state or condition.

Well, I am in RECOVERY from wrist surgery and will be back in the full swing of my blog soon.

In the kitchen on Thursday: The Caterer

In anticipation of my wrist surgery, my mother hired her friend, a caterer to make some dinners so no one has to cook, while I am in the beginning stages of recovery and all I can say is "Thanks, Mom!"

Wednesday's words: The value of curiosity

"Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people." —Leo Burnett, advertising pioneer

Tuesday's Tip: Instant greenhouse

To protect plants and keep them moist while you are away on vacation, place them in clear plastic garbage bags and seal the tip with a bag clip; this creates a greenhouse effect allowing in light which creates a moisture environment inside the bag.

(P.S. I have tried this on many occasions and it works great. In fact I lost some plants last winter, because I didn't do it and they did not get enough water because the plant sitter came only once during the week.)

Navigating a new world....

As I prep for my surgery, I am having to learn to do things with my left hand, like use my mouse and when my daughter the other day asked if I was scared, I said, "No, I am nervous because I write with my right hand," and now I can add that I am excited too— to brave the world left handed.

Wednesday's words..From a coat

Seen  on a coat..."The things that you own wind up owning you."

Tuesday's Tip: Better Plants

As I was walking down the street recently, a woman chatted with me in the drizzle and said she puts crushed egg shells in her plants as to help them grow and stay nourished.

Quirks and all

Since the saying goes "You can't change the person, you can only change your reaction to them," I think the standard wedding vows should read, "...in sickness and health and with all his/her flaws and quirks" and so going forward I plan every two weeks to clean out my husband's mail pile (which is on my radar and not his) and which is totally fine with me and my neatnik daughter.

On being prepared....

For a networking meeting yesterday, members were asked to bring in an item that represented their business and I heard so many people say, "I forgot it at home" that I heard myself say an equal number of times, "Pack it the night before" that I realized that enough people know that you less likely to forget an item or hunt for keys if you pack you bag the night before.

In the kitchen on Thursday....Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy

Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

1 Lemon Cake Mix
Grated rind of 1 lemon
1/4 C. Poppy Seeds
1/4 C. Plain yogurt (I used Greek Yogurt)
3/4 C. Water

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together. Pour into greased loaf pan and bake for 30-40 minutes. Cool completely before removing from pan. Loaf can be frozen—just wrap in two layers of plastic wrap.

(I placed the batter in 3 greased mini loaf pans and baked for 20 minutes.)

Wednesday's words: The wolf pack

"The strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack." —Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling's Birography

Warm weather fashion...dont's

Why is it that as soon as the weather warms up the fashion don'ts—black bra under sheer top, backless top with bra and the one I saw the other day, toeless thigh-highs with flip flops, multiply exponentially? and now that I think about it winter coats cover them up.

In the kitchen on Friday: The fish got foiled

Fish in Foil

1/2 Lb. Arctic Char or Salmon filet
1/2 lemon sliced
1/2 Tbsp. dried dill
1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
12-18 string beans, ends trimmed

Preheat oven to 350. Get a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil about 14 inches long. Place the oil on it and rub it around. On top of the oil place the green beans, then the lemon slices and then sprinkle the dill. Place the fish on top skin side up. Fold over the edges of the foil, leaving one short edge open. Bake for 30 min. Serves 2.

(Even my husband who can be picky about the fish he'll eat liked it.)

Wednesday's Words: In five years

"You will be the same person in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read."
—Charlie Jones

Age is relative

Over the weekend I met a neighbor's daughter and recognized as some I went to high school with (graduated a year ahead of me) and I was pleased to know that after all these years of not seeing her, I looked just the same so she could recognize me and on the flip side a site visit at an elementary school, the kids talked to my mom and when one asker her age, she asked the kids how old they thought she was and a little girl responded. "85" (which is more than 10 years too much).

Tuesday's Tip: Eye candy

Rub your eyelids with your face cream, foundation or petroleum jelly before applying eye make-up and they should last longer.

Being adaptable

My mother's apartment sustained water damage due to a leak in the apartment above hers and when we had lunch yesterday, she said to me, "This has made me think about set in our daily routines we are." and she is right that when life throws a curve ball, we have to be able to adapt our schedules and our daily routines to be able to hit the ball out of the park.

In the kitchen on Thursday: Traditional Brussel Sprout Slaw

Approximately 1 lb. brussel sprouts
2 Tbsp. Mayonaise
1/2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. Honey
Pinch of salt

Wash sprouts and cut off ends. Slice into strips and break up in a bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Allow to sit for at least 1 hour before serving. Store in the refrigerator.

Wednesday's words: Always be learning

"Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field." —Denis Waitley

Tuesday's Tip: Extend the life of cut flowers

I was told these would work to extend the life of cut flowers in a vase....
1. A penny
2. An Aspirin
3. A pinch of white sugar

(or maybe these are just old wives' tales)

Eye bling?

The other day I tried to buy plain and simple mascara and they were all lengthening, volumizing or lash boosting-- thanks but my lashes just need a color boost and really no simple one?

In the kitchen on Thursday...Easy brunch cake

Orange Poppy Seed Cake

1 Vanilla cake mix
3/4 C. orange juice
1/4 C. poppy seeds
Powdered Sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together. Pour into greased Bundt pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes When cool dust with powdered sugar.

Wednesday's Words: Dream Big

"Dream big dreams; only big creams have the power to move men's souls." —Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius Biography

Tuesday's tip...Moist sugar

To keep brown sugar moist, drop a chard of a terra cotta planter in the box. (I bought a plant pot saucer and broke it with a hammer.)

Eating slower, needed but not by choice

For many months I have noticed that I eat my meals too fast and have been trying to slow down to no effect, until carpal tunnel syndrome forced me to use my left hand to eat and using the "wrong" hand has me eating slower (and losing weight)

A mother'w work is never done (I know a cliche, but.....)

Happy Mother's Day!

While my daughter and her friend that slept over made me waffles this morning, it is still a Sunday which means laundry, general house clean-up and grocery shopping and thankfully my husband cleaned up the kitchen (after two 9 year olds made waffles) and took them to the park, so the house is empty and I can clean as I want without feeling like I am rebelling against mother's day.

A milestone years in the making

I never learned to ride a bike as a kid (and the reason is too long to tell here) and so I decided a few years ago to promise my daughter I would learn and ride with her, so this year I bit the bullet and got an adult trike knowing I would never learn a two-wheeler and I can honestly say that I love my trike, but even  more I love fulfilling my promise to my daughter.

In the kitchen on Thursday...Spring greens

Pasta with Escarole

1 Head of escarole, washed
1 medium onion
1 16 oz. box Penne
2 Tbsp. Olive oil
Grated Parmesan cheese

Slice onion and Escarole into strips. Place in separate bowls. Heat the oil in a skillet. When hot, add  onion and cook until soft. Then add Escarole and cook until slightly wilted. Cook Pasta according to directions on box. Toss Escarole and onion with pasta. Serves 4. Top with cheese.

Wednesday's words...on to do lists

"You don't need a special device to make a to-do list. You don't even need a notebook. I feel somewhat ridiculous say this, but you'd be surprised how many people say they can't get organized until they take a workshop or hire an organizer or get the proper notebook. The back of an envelope will do. And the best thing about it? WHen you're done you can get rid of it."
—from My Foot is Too Big for the Glass Slipper by Gabrielle Reece

Gabrielle Reece Biography

Tuesday's tip...Don't forget the flour

To make sure cakes release from the pan don't just grease it, sprinkle in flour and get it on all sides. When cool, slide a knife around the cake edge and invert the pan over a plate and Viola! the cake comes out easy.

In the Kitchen on Saturday, finally....delicious chocolate

Easy Chocolate Cake

1 box chocolate cake mix
3/4 C. Ricotta cheese (or sour cream or softened cream cheese)
3 eggs
1 C. milk

Preheat oven to 325. Mix all ingredients together. Pour into greased Bundt pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes. Allow to cool in pan. Remove from pan and store in a cake saver or on plate covered with plastic wrap. Slice and serve with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Wednesday's Words: Form and Function

(From the Rutt Handcrafted Cabinetry Modern Lifestyle Brochure)

Tuesday's Tip...Your purse

The other day on public transit, I watched a girl spill her friends purse and out fell a full sized perfume bottle, a full sized body mist and a full sized baby lotion, so to lessen the weight carry travel sized items—you can buy items travel sized or buy empty bottles and fill them with your favorite products.

One bite at at time

Since being diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, doing things such as writing, typing and my favorites cooking and knitting are hard, so to work on a marketing postcard I am doing one piece of it a day and by weeks end a draft copy will be done and I am following the advice I give my clients to break projects into multiple tasks and do one at a time.

Wednesday's Words on Cleaning

"I hate housework! You make the beds, you do the dishes—and six months later you start all over again." —Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers Biography

Tuesday's Tip on Freezing

To freeze fresh fruit or veggies, wash, cut into pieces and place on cookie sheet (preferably rimmed), spread out pieces and freeze several hours. Then remove cookie sheet and place pieces in freezer bag and you will be able to get out as much or as little as you need.

In the kitchen on Thursday: Making clouds

Coconut and Almond Meringue Bars

4 large egg whites
1/2 C. Sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. Cream of Tartar
1/2 C. ground coconut (or shredded)
1/2 C. sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 325. Add salt and cream of tartar to egg whites. Beat on high until frothy. Add sugar gradually and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Stir in coconut and almonds. Line a 5" X 9" pan with parchment paper. Pour in egg white batter and spread out in pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool. Cut each side in 4, making 16 bars. To store bars, simply cover pan in tinfoil.

(My daughter, mom and husband can vouch that these are sweet "clouds" that should not go to waste.)

Wednesday's words on Success

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." —Robert Collier

Tuesday's Tip: Softer hands

Soften hands while you do dishes (Sorry, Palmolive), by rubbing olive oil on your hands before you put on the rubber gloves and as you wash the heat of the water opens your pores allowing the oil to moisturize the skin.

Relationships: Oil and water

The other week a client fired me and it made me think about relationships, just as I had done when my BFF moved to the Atlanta area and I realized that clients are not a potential hometown BFF and friends are not potential clients (and should not have their time management skills analyzed by me).

Wednesday's Words: Avoid Disorder

"It is best to do things systematically, since we are only human, and disorder is our worst enemy."
—Hesiod

Tuesday's Tip: Set a timer

If you want to spend a limited amount of time on a task, say 1 hour on Facebook or 45 minutes finishing your presentation, then set a timer and when it goes off, stop and move on to the next task.

Bittersweet moment

Today I donated my violin to an instrument drive that will refurbish it and give it to a public school student who can't afford one and while I was happy to see the dust collector go for a good reason, I was also sad, since Orchestra in high school had been one my favorite extra-curriculars due to all the laughs because I (and some fellow players) wasn't very good—hopefully the student who gets it is better than I was at playing a violin.

In the kitchen on Thursday: A breakfast with out all the work

Baked Pancake

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare pancake mix batter according to the directions on the box. Heat an ovenproof skillet on the stove. When hot, melt 1 Tbsp. of butter in the pan making sure to coat the bottom and sides. Pour in batter and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Bake in oven for 15 minutes. Serve warm sliced like a pie with maple syrup drizzled on top.

(My daughter had a slice tonight that she dipped in syrup for dessert and gave it two thumbs up. And the best part, no standing over the pan waiting to flip the pancakes.)

Wednesday's Words on happiness and love

"There is only one happiness in life, to  love and be loved." —George Sand (Amadine Dupin)

Biography of Geroge Sand

Tuesday's Tip...the night before

By prepping breakfast last night, including making Farro, I was able to have a healthy Farro and Egg and half a smoothie for breakfast while my daughter had the other half of the smoothie with half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (she has state tests today at school).

(P.S. You should do this for bags, briefcases, backpacks and even layout clothes.)

I did it, almost...

In my January newsletter, I talked about my resolution to lose weight, the five steps to make change lasting and how it takes 90 days to become "permanent", speculating that I would be 5 lbs. lighter on March 31st and in my February newsletter, I talked about developing the good habit of eating more vegetables to this end (and with my health coach, Marie, of the Family Plate, I am on my way) and so today I weighed in at 4 lbs. lighter (having gone up and down for the past three months, hence the health coach) and I am really proud of myself and intend to celebrate with a healthy lunch.

(If you are not receiving my newsletter and would like to, head on over to my home page and click the subscribe button on the lower left.)

Desk organization

Before....

After.....

Enough said (Sylvie would be very proud, especially if I kept it this way.)

In the kitchen on Thursday: Hot Chocolate and Marshmallow brownies

Months ago, I decided (and mentioned publicly) that I wanted to find other uses for hot cocoa powder beyond well, a hot chocolate. My first attempt, hot chocolate pudding, was a bust. My second attempt, hot chocolate and marshmallow brownies were devoured before I could even remember to take a photo.

1 stick butter, melted
3/4 C. hot cocoa powder
2 eggs
1/2 C. sugar
2/3 C. flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 C. marshmallows

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Pour into greased 8" square pan. Bale for 30-40 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting. Makes 16. Be advised marshmallows may melt right into the brownie giving it a "caramel" flavor.

Wednesday's words to remember

Tuesday's Tip: Oil and Honey

If you are cooking or baking with a sugar syrup (i.e. honey, molasses, etc.) measure the oil first or spray the measuring tool with cooking spray so the syrup comes out easier, practically none left in the measuring cup or spoon.

Time to go or not?

Yesterday I took my daughter ice skating (her new found favorite activity) and told her we would leave at a certain time only to realize that there was no real reason we needed to be home, so I let her skate till she was done and when I was done , I got a cup of coffee and read a book on my Iphone and learned that sometimes it is better to let a kid decide for themselves when to stop than drag him/her kicking and screaming the hole way home.

Connecting to nature

At the gym this morning, I got on the Elliptical and pushed the courses button for hike through canyons in Utah and when I was done, I not only felt the rush of endorphins, but also felt a connection to nature even though I had been indoors the whole time (and this is way better then mindlessly turning on the TV function for some "cop" drama).

In perspective...

This morning my daughter was looking at her new book, 101 Baby Animals and said to her father and I, "Do you know that male seahorses if they think their wife is ugly eat the young so they won't turn out ugly" and this put every martial spat we've had in perspective for me—I am lucky to be in a species that doesn't eat its young for any reason.

In the kitchen on Thursday: Lip therapy

Lip Balm

3 Tbsp. Cocoanut Oil
1/2 Tbsp. Almond Oil
1/2 Tbps. Olive Oil.

Melt the cocoanut oil and mix in a small container with lid with the almond and olive oils. Allow to cool completely. As the cocoanut oil hardens you should get a smooth "paste." If you don't have almond oil, you use a full Tbsp. of olive oil.

Wednesday's words..."Yes, I can!"

According to an article in Good Housekeeping, "You control 40% of your outlook—and can train yourself to be an optimist."

Good Housekeeping

Tuesday's tip: A reminder

When I checked in at the gym, I was told I had a note for missing keys and so I went to the membership desk to check the lost key bin and there were so many keys, I was stunned and thought if you're afraid of leaving something behind, set a reminder on your phone to go off 5 minutes before you leave that says, "Do I have (blank)?

The ingredients: a kid, a parent and punishment

Over the weekend my daughter acted out and had to be punished and she said that I had hurt her feelings and betrayed her (I said I would do one thing and then read the situation and did another) and so she wanted to punish me and at first I resisted and then gave in thinking, heck, even parents need a to be put in line.

(P.S. I am still waiting for my punishment, while my daughter has lost "screens" for today and maybe tomorrow too.)

Wednesday's words: Of Mice and Men

"Of all the words of mice and men, the saddest are, 'It might have been.'" —Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut Biography

Tuesday's Tip: Moisture Boost

To boost the moisturizing capacity of your body lotion, add a few drops of olive oil to the lotion before you put it one.

(This has done wonders for my winter-is-too-long dry skin.)

Two for One Deal Today

1. What is support?
           In life and business, we hear the phrase, "support of family and friends," but my business mentor made me realize that true support comes from with in and "support of family friends" is just the decoration on the cake.

2. Keeping the end in mind
           Yesterday my daughter go upset when we left the ice skating rink even though she had been told before we left the house that we would only have an hour and half and realized that at age nine she was learning the important concept of keeping the end in mind from the beginning of a project and for the cold walk home argued with me about (Hey, I know some adults who don't have this concept down pat).

Have I learned anything today? YES

In speaking with my business mentor, she said that people like to know upfront what things cost so they  know if they can afford them and this really resonated with me—one because there are no prices on website (soon to be corrected) and two because my 9 y.o. is very conscious of what things cost and how much she is spending (Thank you, Helen).

In the kitchen in Thursday: A new pan

Puff Pancakes

1/2 C milk

1/2 C flour

3 eggs

1 Tbsp. Butter, softened

Heat oven to 450. Grease muffin top pan. Pour in batter, so each muffin top is 2/3 full. Bake for 12 minutes. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and fruit.

Wednesday's words: Try again

"Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'" —Mary Anne Radmacher

Tuesday's tip: the night before

Pack your bag the night before, so you don't forget anything.

(I learned this the hard way this morning when I had to go home twice--once for my cell phone and a second time for my wallet. I should practice what I preach.)

Accountability

Recently I have thought of accountability as a partner (i.e. someone you meet at the gym that motivates you to work out) until my daughter made a Rainbow Loom bracelet and I dubbed it the "Accountability  Bracelet" and wear it when I go to the gym to remind me that I am accountable to her to be the healthiest I can and now I am wondering what else I can be accountable to her for, so I wear it  more often (I do go to the gym or yoga 4 times a week).

In the kitchen on Thursday: Not your mother's meatloaf

Turkey Loaf

1 lb. ground turkey
1 egg + 1 egg white
1/3 C. oats
1/3 C. ketchup
1/2 tsp. dried Thyme
2 Tbsp. dried Parseley
3-4 Tbsp. finely chopped Portobello mushroom
Salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together. Place in a greased loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes. Makes 4 servings. I cut the loaf into 8 pieces and each person gets 2 slices.

Wednesday's words from the beloved Dr. Seuss

"And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed." — Dr. Seuss
Dr. Suess Biography

Tuesday's Tip on writing...

Back when I (and you) were in school we learned the outline method to mapping out a paper/essay, well use it for that memo, presentation or article (as I did for my upcoming newsletter article for March)

Killing two birds with one stone (the cliche that is)

Today I met with two real estate agents that I reached out to, so my business could be written about an upcoming newsletter that they produce for the neighborhood and they asked me also to be in the newsletter they are especially doing for Parent's Night Out, a fundraising event put on by the PTA for a local school (the one my daughter goes to) and I came home dancing because I have been searching for a way to reach the parent body of her school—that's right two newsletters and I get the parent body of a local school as an audience (I am all smiles and off to make black bean nachos for dinner)

The power of FOCUS

I learned something in my yoga class this morning (and not new poses)—FOCUS, since the class is 1 hour and 15 minutes and most of us do our exercise all at one time to get it done, I learned the focusing for a concentrated period of time makes you more productive, so set your timer for 1 hour, don't answer the phone and email and put up a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your office door and see how much more work you get done.

(Tip: For those of you in a cubicle, hang a rope at eye level across the opening and attach the sign to that. I know this works because I used it when I had a work-in-a-cubicle job.)

In the kitchen on Thursday: The savory and the sweet

"Ceasared" Brussel Sprout Slaw

8-10 large Brussel Sprouts washed, the ends cut off and cut in hlaf. Then cut each half in strips.
Dressing:
2 cloves garlic
2-4 Tbsp. Lemon juice
1 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
1/2  C. Olive Oil
1/2 C. Parmesan Cheese grated.

Mix all ingredients together. Pour half over the Brussel Sprouts and toss until well coated. Save the rest of the dressing for another salad. Makes 3-4 side servings.

Oatmeal Bars

1/2 C. Butter (1 stick)
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. White sugar
1/2 C. oat flour
1 1/2 C. oats
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
2 eggs
1/4 C. Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips
1/4 C. White Chocolate Chips.

Preheat  oven to 350. Mix all ingredients, except chocolate chips together with an electric mixer. Mix in chocolate chips with a spoon. Pout into greased 9" X 13" pan and bake for 35-40 minuted. Allow to cool and then cut into bars.

Wednesday's words: Downhill "Skiing"

"If the going is easy, beware!. You may be going downhill." —Greg Taunt

Tuesday's Tip: Keep track of your finances

If you made a New Year's resolution to spend les,s then you need to do more than make a budget, you need to track what you spend in all your accounts (savings, checking and credit cards) to get the most accurate picture of your money habits (Hint: doing it online makes it easy; I know first hand).

For more on creating a budget....Truly Useful Budgeting

Wednesday's Words...Power vs. Freedom

"Power is about what you can control. Freedom is about what you can unleash." —Harriet Rubin

Tuesday's Tip: Master your to-do list

February is National Time Management month so master your to-do list by prioritizing the items on it, so each day you get the most important things done first.
Prioritizing Methods 101

What reading taught me about parenting

Over the weekend I learned that my daughter seeing me reading is not as good as each of us reading our own books at the same time—we are sharing an experience together, so the next time I bake or cook, I'll ask her to help me and share the experience.

The power of networking.......

Over lunch, I met the editor of Daisy magazine and today I signed a contract to be a contributing writer and this along with seeing my byline in previous issues has sent me over the top (and also the editor and I really get along).

Check out Daisy Magazine

In the Kitchen on Thursday: Easy Cod Fish Stew

Cod Fish Stew

1 lb. Cod Fish Filet
4 small potatoes
1/2 medium Onion
1 C. water
1 Tbsp. dried parsley
2 Tbsp. sunflower oil (or Safflower or Canola)
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Slice the onion very thin. Peel and cube the potatoes. Cube the fish too. Place the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, when the pot is hot and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add parsley and potatoes and stir until onions are golden in color. Add water and then fish. Cook for 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper and gently stir. Simmer until fish is heated through. Makes 2-3 servings. Serve with fresh bread.

The finished stew...

(and mighty tasty too.)

More words

"People think you are crazy if you talk about things they don't understand." — Elvis Presley

Wednesday's Words: Being Valued

"The child benefits more from being valued than evaluated." —Don Dinkemeyer

Tuesday's Tip: Starting your own business

Don't just ask family friends and former colleagues their opinion of your idea, seek out your potential audience and ask them

Today I learned a lesson form my plumber

Our furnace had a leak so the plumber came and told me that the little hot water tank was shot and that this problem is so common that he keeps a tank on the truck in the most common size and mind kept repeating the phrase, "Being prepared pays off." (and literally in the case of the plumber.)

Plants and analogies

Yesterday, I was removing dead stuff from two plants and it got me thinking about plants and analogies and then I thought, "what dead stuff can I trim from my life?" and so begins my journey of "removing dead stuff."

In the kitchen on Thursday: Gluten Free Corn Muffins

(The batter and the final product)

1 C. Yellow corn meal
1/2 C. oat flour (gluten free)
1/2 Tsbp. Baking Powder
3 Tbsp. Flax seed meal
1/2 C. whole kernel corn (frozen or canned)
1/4 C. unsweetened apple sauce
3/4 C. Almond Milk (unsweetened)

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together. Grease muffin tin. Fill each muffin spot 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool and remove from pan. Goes great with butter. Do not over bake or they will be dry. Makes 8.

Wednesday's words from my grandma (RIP)

"It's cold out, wear a sweater." Grandma (a.k.a Syd)

Tuesday's Tip: L for leftovers, L for lunch

Make double of your dinner and eat the leftovers for lunch the next day— I love this homemade healthy cheap lunch.

To gift or not to gift, that is what I ponder

I have noticed that gifts I give some family members sit unused and wonder if I should gift them in the future and decided that cooking lessons, dinner and movie was better than feeling hurt over an unused gift.

(On, a side note, many years ago we found gifts still in their boxes in my great uncle's apartment so for his upcoming birthday he is getting his usual grocery store gift card)

What us about the cold?

My family has been on edge lately and I would like to blame the frigid temperature outside, but instead I must face the reality that my nine year old is testing boundaries, my husband is over worked and my business is going nowhere.

Tuesday's Tip: Prepare ahead

Today at the gym, a woman forgot her sneakers since she was wearing snow boots and so my advice is to pack your bag (purse or briefcase, too) the night before so you don't forget anything in the morning rush.

More Words...

"Stop trying to figure everything out. You don't have to understand the ocean to swim in it." -- Dan Millman

Wednesday's words for a laugh...

"The trouble with being punctual is that nobody is there to appreciate it." --Harold Rome

Order in the....

Sometimes I just need to get my house in order to feel in order myself, so after two loads of laundry, emptying the dishwasher and organizing the garage (it is small and holds no car), I felt in order and got my first marketing mailing on my talk series ready to mail.

This just in...a cook book for FREE

All the recipes from the blog last year are available in one Pdf, so you can make them throughout the year (healthy waffles, sweet sugar cookies, baked tofu and Bok Choy, etc.) and store on your bookshelf. I have one on my shelf despite it being over crowded with books from my antique cookbook collection (I have one from 1851).

So click the link below.....
http://www.scribd.com/doc/197791528/From-My-Blog-In-the-Kitchen-on-Thursday-Recipes-2013

Happy cooking and eat-up!

In the Kitchen on Thursday: Healthy for the new year

Apple Sauce Nut Granola

2 C. Quick Oats
1 C. Quinoa (uncooked)
1/3 C. Raw Peptitas or other pumpkin seed
1/3 C. Slice Almonds
2 Tbsp. Raw Sunflower Seeds
1/4 C. Apple Sauce
2 Tbsp. Oil (Sunflower or Olive)
2 Tbsp. Honey or Maple Syrup.

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Pour on to rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes at 350. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Great on Cereal, yogurt or fruit.

Practice what I preach

I am home with a bad head cold, maybe sinus infection and my daughter called me lazy because I spent most of yesterday in bed and then I remembered that when she has a problem I often tell her that she must help herself first, which gave me an "aha!" moment, so today I am cleaning my office space because it is much needed and taking are of chores, basically helping myself to feel better despite my cold.

(Sometimes are best teachers are our children.)

Wednesday's words: For the first day of the year

“Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” —Brad Paisley

Brad Paisely Birography