Thursday, February 09, 2006
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
WHAT ARE YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE ROMANTIC MOVIES?
Can you pick just one? I don’t think I can. Here are a few suggestions to get you thinking.
Titanic, Ghost, Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, An Affair To Remember (1957), Princess Bride, William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Pretty Woman, Jerry McGuire, Somewhere in Time, Gone with the Wind, Only You, Untamed Heart, My Best Friend's Wedding, While You Were Sleeping, A Walk in the Clouds, Sabrina, The Truth About Cats And Dogs, Notting Hill, The Outsider.
Later in the week I’ll post my all time favorite romantic movies. Let’s say ten. You know how I love lists!
Okay, list your top ten favorites!
Titanic, Ghost, Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, An Affair To Remember (1957), Princess Bride, William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Pretty Woman, Jerry McGuire, Somewhere in Time, Gone with the Wind, Only You, Untamed Heart, My Best Friend's Wedding, While You Were Sleeping, A Walk in the Clouds, Sabrina, The Truth About Cats And Dogs, Notting Hill, The Outsider.
Later in the week I’ll post my all time favorite romantic movies. Let’s say ten. You know how I love lists!
Okay, list your top ten favorites!
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
HEY! YOU! Get off of my cloud!
I went to the mall today, and I noticed a lot of men in the jewelry stores. Way to go, guys! I browsed past one and the salesgirl was showing him diamond earrings. Ooooh.
Big sales and clearances in the department stores. I bought a suit with a skirt and a suit with capri-length pants. Tomorrow I have to find the right pair of shoes to wear with those, however. Got a great purse, too: black with pink trim. I have a two outfits it will match. I am so glad fashion styles are more eclectic than ever. Shoes don't have to match purses and bags, in fact shoes don't even have to "match" the outfit as long as they're the right style. I've always been a mix it up kind of gal, mixing gold and silver before it was in style, and now you throw beads in with them and have it all going. I dug out stuff that was in style back in the 70's and it's fashionable now. Even cooler, because it's "vintage." Who knew?
I have refused to wear some of the comebacks, however, like bell bottoms. Uh uh. been there, did that, let this fad pass without me, thank you. Peasant blouses and skirts are on my list of un-do-ables as well.
Even the hairstyles! I wore a "flip" in junior high! Okay, I'm thinking about that one. But I refuse to set my hair on juice cans. LOL
By the way, for the record, I loved seeing the Stones do the Super Bowl half time. You have to give MJ credit for still having the energy and the moves.
Big sales and clearances in the department stores. I bought a suit with a skirt and a suit with capri-length pants. Tomorrow I have to find the right pair of shoes to wear with those, however. Got a great purse, too: black with pink trim. I have a two outfits it will match. I am so glad fashion styles are more eclectic than ever. Shoes don't have to match purses and bags, in fact shoes don't even have to "match" the outfit as long as they're the right style. I've always been a mix it up kind of gal, mixing gold and silver before it was in style, and now you throw beads in with them and have it all going. I dug out stuff that was in style back in the 70's and it's fashionable now. Even cooler, because it's "vintage." Who knew?
I have refused to wear some of the comebacks, however, like bell bottoms. Uh uh. been there, did that, let this fad pass without me, thank you. Peasant blouses and skirts are on my list of un-do-ables as well.
Even the hairstyles! I wore a "flip" in junior high! Okay, I'm thinking about that one. But I refuse to set my hair on juice cans. LOL
By the way, for the record, I loved seeing the Stones do the Super Bowl half time. You have to give MJ credit for still having the energy and the moves.
Monday, February 06, 2006
FEBRUARY CONTEST
Here are the three packages of books I'm giving away for Valentine's Day.
package of 4 historicals:
CHALLENGE TO HONOR - Jennifer Blake - autographed
TILL NEXT WE MEET - Karen Ranney
THE RAKE'S REVENGE - Gail Ranstrom
THE LADY's HAZARD - Miranda Jarrett
package of 4 romantic suspense:
PERSON OF INTEREST - Debra Webb
PREMEDITATED MARRIAGE - BJ Daniels
EPIPHANY 3-in-1 - Herron/Webb/Kane
DB HAYES, DETECTIVE - Dani Sinclair
package of 4 Blaze/Desires:
HER PRIVATE EYE - Shannon Hollis - autographed
NOTHING BUY THE BEST - Kristin Hardy
CUTTING LOSE - Kristin Hardy
LIKE LIGHTNING - Charlene Sands
With each group I'll also include an envelope full of assorted bookmarks, many of them autographed by the various authors. I collect these throughout the year at conferences and signings so I can offer them to you.
How to win:
For each post on my blog between now and Valentine's Day, you will be entered. Post as many times as you like to any subject and you'll be entered each time. As I receive notice of each comment, your name will go into the fishbowl. I'll draw three names on the 14th and mail out your prizes asap.
I LOVE my readers!
package of 4 historicals:
CHALLENGE TO HONOR - Jennifer Blake - autographed
TILL NEXT WE MEET - Karen Ranney
THE RAKE'S REVENGE - Gail Ranstrom
THE LADY's HAZARD - Miranda Jarrett
package of 4 romantic suspense:
PERSON OF INTEREST - Debra Webb
PREMEDITATED MARRIAGE - BJ Daniels
EPIPHANY 3-in-1 - Herron/Webb/Kane
DB HAYES, DETECTIVE - Dani Sinclair
package of 4 Blaze/Desires:
HER PRIVATE EYE - Shannon Hollis - autographed
NOTHING BUY THE BEST - Kristin Hardy
CUTTING LOSE - Kristin Hardy
LIKE LIGHTNING - Charlene Sands
With each group I'll also include an envelope full of assorted bookmarks, many of them autographed by the various authors. I collect these throughout the year at conferences and signings so I can offer them to you.
How to win:
For each post on my blog between now and Valentine's Day, you will be entered. Post as many times as you like to any subject and you'll be entered each time. As I receive notice of each comment, your name will go into the fishbowl. I'll draw three names on the 14th and mail out your prizes asap.
I LOVE my readers!
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Gearing Up For The Big "V Day"
I've been seeing the cards and candies, the red and white doodads and pink flowers since the day after Christmas, and I'm sure you have too. Yes, the commercialism is a bit too much, but I still love Valentine's Day. I love boxes of chocolates, jewelry and red roses, so shoot me. I'm a hopeless romantic.
I'm putting together a gift buying booklet for men, and I'll give away copies at my booksigning this Saturday. I'd love some input -- your suggestions on a few things.
Not all men are completely clueless about gift buying, so how did those special few get that way? Do they possess a gene the rest of the male population is missing? A really good instruction book I don't know about? Here's the problem: letting the guy know what to get you without making it obvious that you're hinting. Just telling them outright takes away the romance, does it not?
Maybe we're too subtle. We want them to know exactly what we want without us having to say a word. If he knows me, if he really loves me, then he's in tune and knows what pleases me. Am I wrong here? So I drop hints. I leave catalogs around. I make lists. I mention stuff. I point out things I'd like. If the big day comes around and he says he didn't know what I wanted, is it time to hit him over the head?
He should KNOW what kind of woman I am. Perfume or allergies. Chocolate or diet phobic. Real flowers or silk. If he pays attention, he knows this stuff, right?
And here's a real biggie. I want to receive a gift that's something *I* would like, not something he wants me to have. If I'm a flannel jammies gal and he gives me a revealing Victoria's Secret number, I know he has a motive. And his motive wasn't pleasing ME. Worse -- what if that gift makes me think I wasn't sexy enough for him in my T-shirt and lounge pants? See what I mean? He could get himself in real hot water here. On the other hand, what if I am a sexy lingerie gal, so I love that kind of stuff? I'm probably not a perfect size, so do I want him to know my size? Will I be insulted if they're too big? Crushed if they're too small? No wonder guys find gift-giving so complicated.
What about a gift card so that you can buy whatever you want? Does that show his lack of interest? What about a certificate to a spa? Would I think he thinks I hook haggard and need a day of pampering, or will I just accept it at face value and know he wants to pamper me? So many question. So little time left. Do you feel the urgency?
Are there any gifts sure to please? Anything fail safe?
I guess for me it's thoughtfulness. I want something that says he was thinking only of me. Jewelry always does it. Chocolate usually does it.
And once again, no cords, please. Okay, that's just unromantic. 90% of items with cords involve work. “I love you more than life, baby -- and now here’s your new toaster.” See what I mean?
What would please you this valentine's Day?
What's the best Valentine's Day gift you ever received?
I'm putting together a gift buying booklet for men, and I'll give away copies at my booksigning this Saturday. I'd love some input -- your suggestions on a few things.
Not all men are completely clueless about gift buying, so how did those special few get that way? Do they possess a gene the rest of the male population is missing? A really good instruction book I don't know about? Here's the problem: letting the guy know what to get you without making it obvious that you're hinting. Just telling them outright takes away the romance, does it not?
Maybe we're too subtle. We want them to know exactly what we want without us having to say a word. If he knows me, if he really loves me, then he's in tune and knows what pleases me. Am I wrong here? So I drop hints. I leave catalogs around. I make lists. I mention stuff. I point out things I'd like. If the big day comes around and he says he didn't know what I wanted, is it time to hit him over the head?
He should KNOW what kind of woman I am. Perfume or allergies. Chocolate or diet phobic. Real flowers or silk. If he pays attention, he knows this stuff, right?
And here's a real biggie. I want to receive a gift that's something *I* would like, not something he wants me to have. If I'm a flannel jammies gal and he gives me a revealing Victoria's Secret number, I know he has a motive. And his motive wasn't pleasing ME. Worse -- what if that gift makes me think I wasn't sexy enough for him in my T-shirt and lounge pants? See what I mean? He could get himself in real hot water here. On the other hand, what if I am a sexy lingerie gal, so I love that kind of stuff? I'm probably not a perfect size, so do I want him to know my size? Will I be insulted if they're too big? Crushed if they're too small? No wonder guys find gift-giving so complicated.
What about a gift card so that you can buy whatever you want? Does that show his lack of interest? What about a certificate to a spa? Would I think he thinks I hook haggard and need a day of pampering, or will I just accept it at face value and know he wants to pamper me? So many question. So little time left. Do you feel the urgency?
Are there any gifts sure to please? Anything fail safe?
I guess for me it's thoughtfulness. I want something that says he was thinking only of me. Jewelry always does it. Chocolate usually does it.
And once again, no cords, please. Okay, that's just unromantic. 90% of items with cords involve work. “I love you more than life, baby -- and now here’s your new toaster.” See what I mean?
What would please you this valentine's Day?
What's the best Valentine's Day gift you ever received?
Friday, February 03, 2006
in February thoughts turn to love...
...and nothing says love like something from the kitchen, right?
Every year my Valentine's Day cookies are a huge hit. The kids all know I'm going to make batches for them, and these are their favorites. I often have enough to take a tray to a booksigning. They freeze really well.
Many years ago I got the recipe from my husband's grandmother who called them Aunt Myra's Cookies. Since none of us know who Aunt Myra was, we call them Grandma Violet's Cookies. I'm sure that one day they'll be known as Bama's Cookies. (I don't think I've ever mentioned this before, but my grandchildren all call me Bama. It started with #1 and never changed. Sometimes I'm The Bomb. Perhaps I never mentioned grandchiildren before either. It gives me a whole wrong image, doesn't it? Forget I said anything.)
Make sure your soda and spices are fresh. I always sift my flour before adding.
CHERYL's VALENTINE SPICE COOKIES
Cream together:
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter, lard or margarine
add 1 cup molasses
2 egg yolks (save the whites for frosting)
1 tsp soda dissolved in 2/3 cup boiling water
flour for stiff batter: about 5 cups
Mix and chill dough for several hours.
Roll out thin and cut with cookier cutter. Grandma claimed that the rectangles cut from a Spam can made for less re-rolling of the dough. I use heart shapes, of course.
Bake in 375 degree oven about 5 minutes.
Watch closely because they will burn easily.
Frost when cool.
FROSTING:
1 1/2 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water, boiled together to soft-ball stage
Pour slowly over beaten egg whites and beat until stiff
Add a pinch of soda and 1 tsp vanilla
Add 3 - 4 marshmallows after adding the syrup
The frosting sets up firm and shiny and so pretty!
Every year my Valentine's Day cookies are a huge hit. The kids all know I'm going to make batches for them, and these are their favorites. I often have enough to take a tray to a booksigning. They freeze really well.
Many years ago I got the recipe from my husband's grandmother who called them Aunt Myra's Cookies. Since none of us know who Aunt Myra was, we call them Grandma Violet's Cookies. I'm sure that one day they'll be known as Bama's Cookies. (I don't think I've ever mentioned this before, but my grandchildren all call me Bama. It started with #1 and never changed. Sometimes I'm The Bomb. Perhaps I never mentioned grandchiildren before either. It gives me a whole wrong image, doesn't it? Forget I said anything.)
Make sure your soda and spices are fresh. I always sift my flour before adding.
CHERYL's VALENTINE SPICE COOKIES
Cream together:
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter, lard or margarine
add 1 cup molasses
2 egg yolks (save the whites for frosting)
1 tsp soda dissolved in 2/3 cup boiling water
flour for stiff batter: about 5 cups
Mix and chill dough for several hours.
Roll out thin and cut with cookier cutter. Grandma claimed that the rectangles cut from a Spam can made for less re-rolling of the dough. I use heart shapes, of course.
Bake in 375 degree oven about 5 minutes.
Watch closely because they will burn easily.
Frost when cool.
FROSTING:
1 1/2 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water, boiled together to soft-ball stage
Pour slowly over beaten egg whites and beat until stiff
Add a pinch of soda and 1 tsp vanilla
Add 3 - 4 marshmallows after adding the syrup
The frosting sets up firm and shiny and so pretty!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Happy Weiner-Hog Day!
Today my six-year old grandson came home from school and started redecorating his room, in the form of moving things around on his shelves and dresser. He asked if I'd get the skinny trees we had by the fireplace (meaning the alpine trees I use at Christmas). When I asked what for, he told me it was so we could properly celebrate this special day. "What day is it?" I asked, scanning my brain for February holidays, like president's birthdays. "No. it's not a president," he tells me. "What are those little furry things?"
I think again. Little furry things?
"Weiner-hogs!" he announces. "It's weiner-hog day!"
My husband was standing in the kitchen and he supplied the correct word, because I had to bury my face in a pot of spaghetti sauce. The boy was apparently asscociating words to remember the right term and crossed weiner dog with ground hog.
Guess the little guy saw his Oscar Meyer shadow, eh?
I think again. Little furry things?
"Weiner-hogs!" he announces. "It's weiner-hog day!"
My husband was standing in the kitchen and he supplied the correct word, because I had to bury my face in a pot of spaghetti sauce. The boy was apparently asscociating words to remember the right term and crossed weiner dog with ground hog.
Guess the little guy saw his Oscar Meyer shadow, eh?
Monday, January 30, 2006
Still Soup Weather: TACO SOUP
Today I made one of my family's favorite soups. We'll eat it again later in the week, and it's great leftover. Doubled, you can serve a crowd.
TACO SOUP
Brown together:
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 can stewed tomatoes
8 oz tomato sauce
1 can corn
1 can pinto beans
1 packet taco seasoning (I use mild, sone like hot & spicy)
1 or more cups water
Serve with shredded cheese and corn chips.
I promise your family will love it!
TACO SOUP
Brown together:
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
28 oz crushed tomatoes
1 can stewed tomatoes
8 oz tomato sauce
1 can corn
1 can pinto beans
1 packet taco seasoning (I use mild, sone like hot & spicy)
1 or more cups water
Serve with shredded cheese and corn chips.
I promise your family will love it!
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Coming Soon to a Blog Near You
I've been blogging since 7/06/05 !! Over six months. I confess I'm not a faithful daily blogger. I go through fits and spurts -- like everything else I do. I'm -- what's the word? Impulsive. Yes, that pretty much suits me.
I'm cooking up a contest or two for my favorite holiday; VALENTINE'S DAY! Whoo hoo! Stay tuned.
I'm cooking up a contest or two for my favorite holiday; VALENTINE'S DAY! Whoo hoo! Stay tuned.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
RITA Judging
I got a stack of books to read and judge for RWA's national RITA award contest. I often find a gem that I wouldn't ordinary have bought or read, so I always look forward to this. As we all know: So many books, so little time....
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
The Ebay Song
My friend Robyn found this. If you're an ebay nut like us, you'll crack up. Even if you're not, you'll laugh. Can't get it out of my head now.
http://tinafolsomphotography.com/ebay_song.html
http://tinafolsomphotography.com/ebay_song.html
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Shoes, I confess........
I had to buy shoes. We now have a Discount Shoe Warehouse nearby. Until a new shopping center opened up the only DSW I'd ever seen was in Tulsa, so that wasn't too dangerous. But now...
You get a "membership card" - after spending $250 you get a $25 gift card. Shoes on the top shelf are 80% off, second shelf 70%, on down to 40%. How can you NOT buy at least two or three pair when they're discounted like that? Tell me!
I do have a firm rule for myself, however, so this makes it tough: When a new pair comes in, an "old" pair goes out. I have a freecycle lady who I just email now and she comes to get my departing shoes sight unseen. LOL
You get a "membership card" - after spending $250 you get a $25 gift card. Shoes on the top shelf are 80% off, second shelf 70%, on down to 40%. How can you NOT buy at least two or three pair when they're discounted like that? Tell me!
I do have a firm rule for myself, however, so this makes it tough: When a new pair comes in, an "old" pair goes out. I have a freecycle lady who I just email now and she comes to get my departing shoes sight unseen. LOL
Friday, December 30, 2005
Hello Mary Lou, Goodbye Heart
I've been shopping to selectively spend some of my Christmas money. Just before Christmas I bought myself an Alphasmart. It's a lightweight little keyboard with a Word processor that I can carry anywhere. It holds eight files and plenty of text, so I can work on various projects. Once you've written your text, you simply download it via a USB connection, and it flows right into your open text document on your PC. I love it! You can check them out at alphasmart.com. They still have the 3000 on sale this month. It's a steal, actually!
What I needed was the perfect bag to store and carry my Alphie in, and I found one yesterday. A stylish leather bag that looks like a purse, and it has pockets for notebooks or research, the cord, a phone, etc..
Also bought myself a bracelet. Okay, one teeny weeny piece of jewelry for all of Christmas wasn't bad at all. And...please hold your laughter...the new Ricky Nelson Greatest Hits CD. I listened all afternoon today and was swept back to my youth by that seductive voice. "Everlovin' your my one desire, Everlovin' you set my heart afire. Everlovin' I'll be ever lovin' you."
I'll be watching for the coat sales next. And maybe one more teeny weeny piece of jewelry....
What I needed was the perfect bag to store and carry my Alphie in, and I found one yesterday. A stylish leather bag that looks like a purse, and it has pockets for notebooks or research, the cord, a phone, etc..
Also bought myself a bracelet. Okay, one teeny weeny piece of jewelry for all of Christmas wasn't bad at all. And...please hold your laughter...the new Ricky Nelson Greatest Hits CD. I listened all afternoon today and was swept back to my youth by that seductive voice. "Everlovin' your my one desire, Everlovin' you set my heart afire. Everlovin' I'll be ever lovin' you."
I'll be watching for the coat sales next. And maybe one more teeny weeny piece of jewelry....
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award Nominees
Logged on today to find a dozen congratulations for an RT nomination!
AMERICAN-SET HISTORICAL ROMANCE
HER BODYGUARD Geralyn Dawson HQN (Jun)
TO TEMPT A TEXAN Georgina Gentry Zebra (Feb)
MCKETTRICK'S CHOICE Linda Lael Miller HQN (Jun)
PRAIRIE WIFE Cheryl St. John Harlequin (Feb)
I always felt this book was special -- I'm glad they thought so, too!
http://romantictimes.com/
You can click on Reviewer's Choice Awards in the Book News box if you want to see all the nominees in all the categories. I like to read as many of the books in the categories as I can.
Think I'll celebrate by taking down the Christmas tree and vacuuming. Ah, the exotic life of a romance writer.
AMERICAN-SET HISTORICAL ROMANCE
HER BODYGUARD Geralyn Dawson HQN (Jun)
TO TEMPT A TEXAN Georgina Gentry Zebra (Feb)
MCKETTRICK'S CHOICE Linda Lael Miller HQN (Jun)
PRAIRIE WIFE Cheryl St. John Harlequin (Feb)
I always felt this book was special -- I'm glad they thought so, too!
http://romantictimes.com/
You can click on Reviewer's Choice Awards in the Book News box if you want to see all the nominees in all the categories. I like to read as many of the books in the categories as I can.
Think I'll celebrate by taking down the Christmas tree and vacuuming. Ah, the exotic life of a romance writer.
Monday, December 26, 2005
So what did you get for Christmas?
On Christmas Eve Day as I was preparing for the family to descend the next day, I kept finding cash envelopes around the house: on the coffee maker, taped to the back of a child, in my make-up drawer, beside my computer! My husband gave me cash for Christmas! LOL I'm loving it, and planning what I'll buy myself. (My wish list is pretty intimidating.) Good job, Honey! Your gift definitely doesn't have an electrical cord!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Announcing W.I.C.O.E. Seminar For Men
Women In Charge Of Everything is proud to announce the opening of its EVENING CLASSES FOR MEN!
OPEN TO MEN ONLY Note: due to the complexity and level of difficulty, each course will accept a maximum of eight participants
The course covers two days, and topics covered in this course include:
DAY ONE
HOW TO FILL ICE CUBE TRAYS Step by step guide with slide presentation
TOILET ROLLS -- DO THEY GROW ON THE HOLDERS? Roundtable discussion
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LAUNDRY BASKET &FLOOR Practicing with hamper (Pictures and graphics)
DISHES &SILVERWARE; DO THEY LEVITATE/FLY TO KITCHEN SINK OR DISHWASHER BY THEMSELVES? Debate among a panel of experts.
REMOTE CONTROL Losing the remote control - Help line and support groups
LEARNING HOW TO FIND THINGS Starting with looking in the right place instead of turning the house upside down while screaming - Open forum
DAY TWO
EMPTY MILK CARTONS; DO THEY BELONG IN THE FRIDGE OR THE BIN? Group discussion and role play
HEALTH WATCH; BRINGING HER FLOWERS IS NOT HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH PowerPoint presentation
REAL MEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WHEN LOST Real life testimonial from the one man who did
IS IT GENETICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT QUIETLY AS SHE PARALLEL PARKS? Driving simulation
LIVING WITH ADULTS; BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR PARTNER Online class and role playing
HOW TO BE THE IDEAL SHOPPING COMPANION Relaxation exercises, meditation and breathing techniques
REMEMBERING IMPORTANT DATES &CALLING WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE Bring your calendar or PDA to class
GETTING OVER IT; LEARNING HOW TO LIVE WITH BEING WRONG ALL THE TIME Individual counselors available
OPEN TO MEN ONLY Note: due to the complexity and level of difficulty, each course will accept a maximum of eight participants
The course covers two days, and topics covered in this course include:
DAY ONE
HOW TO FILL ICE CUBE TRAYS Step by step guide with slide presentation
TOILET ROLLS -- DO THEY GROW ON THE HOLDERS? Roundtable discussion
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LAUNDRY BASKET &FLOOR Practicing with hamper (Pictures and graphics)
DISHES &SILVERWARE; DO THEY LEVITATE/FLY TO KITCHEN SINK OR DISHWASHER BY THEMSELVES? Debate among a panel of experts.
REMOTE CONTROL Losing the remote control - Help line and support groups
LEARNING HOW TO FIND THINGS Starting with looking in the right place instead of turning the house upside down while screaming - Open forum
DAY TWO
EMPTY MILK CARTONS; DO THEY BELONG IN THE FRIDGE OR THE BIN? Group discussion and role play
HEALTH WATCH; BRINGING HER FLOWERS IS NOT HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH PowerPoint presentation
REAL MEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WHEN LOST Real life testimonial from the one man who did
IS IT GENETICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT QUIETLY AS SHE PARALLEL PARKS? Driving simulation
LIVING WITH ADULTS; BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR PARTNER Online class and role playing
HOW TO BE THE IDEAL SHOPPING COMPANION Relaxation exercises, meditation and breathing techniques
REMEMBERING IMPORTANT DATES &CALLING WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE Bring your calendar or PDA to class
GETTING OVER IT; LEARNING HOW TO LIVE WITH BEING WRONG ALL THE TIME Individual counselors available
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Sue's Scones
I made these for my ladies Christmas Tea, which was today, and they were the hit of the tea party!
2 c all purpose flour, sifted
1 large egg
1/3 c granulate sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
6 oz white chocolate chips
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c craisins
1/4 c unsalted butter, chilled
1/2 c finely chopped dried apricots
3/4 c heavy whipping cream
1 c coarsely broken walnuts, optional
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter into 1/2 inch cubes and distribute them over the flour mixture. With a pastry blender cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, stir together the cream, egg, and vanila. Add the cream mixture to the flour mixture and knead until combined. Knead in the white chocolate, walnuts, and fruit.
With lightly floured hands, pat the dough out into a 9 inch diameter circle in the center of an ungreased baking sheet. With a serrated knife, cut circle into wedges. If you double the recipe, spread the dough out in the pan and cut into squares.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes. Using a spatula, transfer the scones to the wire rack to cool. Recut into wedges if necessary.
Serve warm or cool completely and store in an airtight container.
They make ahead and freeze beautifully!
2 c all purpose flour, sifted
1 large egg
1/3 c granulate sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
6 oz white chocolate chips
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c craisins
1/4 c unsalted butter, chilled
1/2 c finely chopped dried apricots
3/4 c heavy whipping cream
1 c coarsely broken walnuts, optional
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter into 1/2 inch cubes and distribute them over the flour mixture. With a pastry blender cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, stir together the cream, egg, and vanila. Add the cream mixture to the flour mixture and knead until combined. Knead in the white chocolate, walnuts, and fruit.
With lightly floured hands, pat the dough out into a 9 inch diameter circle in the center of an ungreased baking sheet. With a serrated knife, cut circle into wedges. If you double the recipe, spread the dough out in the pan and cut into squares.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes. Using a spatula, transfer the scones to the wire rack to cool. Recut into wedges if necessary.
Serve warm or cool completely and store in an airtight container.
They make ahead and freeze beautifully!
Friday, December 16, 2005
Things To Ponder
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?
Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized? <>
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.
Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized? <>
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Bob's Chili
Got this recipe from my cousin. It's chili weather!
1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. (1.25 oz) McCormick chili seasoning
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 15 oz can mexican flavored diced tomatoes
1 15 oz can chili beans
1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
1 4.5 oz can chopped green chilies, drained
1 16 oz jar banana pepper rings, drained & chopped
1 16 oz jar Pace Mild Pacante Sauce
Brown meat; season with salt & pepper to taste. Drain meat, add chili seasoning and simmer a few minutes. Add pacante sauce (set jar aside) and simmer a few minutes.
Add tomatoes, beans, green chilies and pepper rings. Add water to empty pacante sauce jar (about 1/2 cup); add to chili until pan is full or chili has enough moisture.
Cover and simmer about 30 minutes.
May also use hot chili seasoning and/or Medium pacante sauce if you dare.
1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. (1.25 oz) McCormick chili seasoning
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 15 oz can mexican flavored diced tomatoes
1 15 oz can chili beans
1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
1 4.5 oz can chopped green chilies, drained
1 16 oz jar banana pepper rings, drained & chopped
1 16 oz jar Pace Mild Pacante Sauce
Brown meat; season with salt & pepper to taste. Drain meat, add chili seasoning and simmer a few minutes. Add pacante sauce (set jar aside) and simmer a few minutes.
Add tomatoes, beans, green chilies and pepper rings. Add water to empty pacante sauce jar (about 1/2 cup); add to chili until pan is full or chili has enough moisture.
Cover and simmer about 30 minutes.
May also use hot chili seasoning and/or Medium pacante sauce if you dare.
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