Ok, Ok I have a confession to make... I am not always NICE!!! It's not that I have a terrible attitude towards life in general but more often than I like I quickly jump to criticise others and myself for that matter. I have realized this about myself and have really noticed just how "not nice" I can be. I have a habit of saying what's on my mind wether it's good or bad and I know this can hurt people. I don't want to be some grumpy old woman one day that has been in a terrible mood for the last 30 years. I don't necessarily let this behavior show in front of others. Sometimes it's just negative thoughts. I'm tired of it. I know I am the only one who can change this behavior in my mind. I also feel as if I am not the only one guilty of this behavior. It shows almost everywhere you go.. the beauty shop, newspapers, the news, social circles... negativity can find you anywhere you go and eventually corrupt minds.
I like to go back to what my Mother always said, "If you don't have something nice to say then don't say anything at all". I had a very quite evening of getting my hair done this past Tuesday. I usually gossip in there. I told Kimberly why I was so quiet and she laughed and we found something nice to talk about.
Here's a tip I found: If you find yourself thinking poorly about someone, don't worry; you're not a terrible person because we all do this from time to time. However, try to catch yourself doing it, and think of something nice about that person instead. It'll help you look at people more positively, and you'll quickly break the habit of seeing the worst in someone.
I think that's a good place to start.
Random acts of kindness... that's my next goal. http://www.operationnice.com/ has an area where you can download "nice notes", I have printed some and so can you. They can be left anywhere and be used to say Thank You or just to tell someone how nice they look today, maybe without letting them know who told them that.
http://melissahead.com/operation_nice/nice_tips.pdf
http://melissahead.com/operation_nice/operationnice.pdf
I can't wait to see what a nice person I turn out to be :)
"Don't give up! Bad habits don't change without much perseverance." I'll keep that in mind!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Secret Weapon
Happy Tuesday all! I'm gonna let you in on a little secret... The Secret Weapon in fact. That's just what I call it. It's a recipe for easy crock pot beef roast and vegetables. It turns into a wonderful supper when simply served with white bread or rolls and macaroni and cheese.
The Secret Weapon
1 good size roast (about six to eight dollars depending on how many you are feeding and what style roast you like)
1 envelope Onion Soup Mix
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans, Mushrooms, Corn, Onion... whatever vegetables you prefer.
Place the roast in your crock pot. In a small bowl mix together soup mixes. I like to add a half can of water (can being the cream of mushroom soup can). Pour mixture over the roast and let cook on low all day. If you choose to use fresh veggies I would suggest to put them in from the beginning. If you are using canned you can add them an hour before the roast is finished. This roast usually takes at least 7 hours on low for a good sized roast.
Personally I like to use the crock pot when I am at home all day where I can stir whatever I am cooking. If you know your crock pot well enough to leave it while you are gone to work all day I would suggest canned vegetables and add them when you get home and let them cook for an hour in the crock pot to absorb the flavor.
Hope you like it!
The Secret Weapon
1 good size roast (about six to eight dollars depending on how many you are feeding and what style roast you like)
1 envelope Onion Soup Mix
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans, Mushrooms, Corn, Onion... whatever vegetables you prefer.
Place the roast in your crock pot. In a small bowl mix together soup mixes. I like to add a half can of water (can being the cream of mushroom soup can). Pour mixture over the roast and let cook on low all day. If you choose to use fresh veggies I would suggest to put them in from the beginning. If you are using canned you can add them an hour before the roast is finished. This roast usually takes at least 7 hours on low for a good sized roast.
Personally I like to use the crock pot when I am at home all day where I can stir whatever I am cooking. If you know your crock pot well enough to leave it while you are gone to work all day I would suggest canned vegetables and add them when you get home and let them cook for an hour in the crock pot to absorb the flavor.
Hope you like it!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Grocery Shopping on a Budget
After being a single gal for - - - ever and having only myself to depend on monetarily I had to come up with a way to grocery shop on a budget. Keeping in mind that I love to cook and make things I really had to gain control of my spending. I allotted myself a certain amount each week. Some weeks it might have only been a little. I had to learn to only buy the necessities or what I called my necessities. However, I still allowed myself to have fun with my list such as buying a small bunch of flowers for my table or a certain loaf of brie. In that respect I simply shopped where I could spoil myself cheaply :).
My tip today for grocery shopping on a budget goes like this...
First figure out exactly how much money you have to spend. Let's say you have $45.00. Create your list of what you need and want at the store this week. Try and shop for "a week's worth" of living. When you have your list together, next to each item write in it's average estimated cost. Such as a half gallon of milk $2.50. Then add up the estimated total. If it is more than your allotted grocery amount either take something off or adjust the price to buying the generic of what you may normally buy. Example instead of buying your normal favorite white bread at $2.60 buy the grocery store brand that costs $1.00.
I have shopped using this method for years. Most of the time it works. The key is sticking to your list. When you get into trouble with your budget money is when your eyes are bigger than your wallet and things go into your cart that aren't on your list. Don't give in! If it's not on your list then you can't have it this week. Or you need to sacrifice something else at the same price. It takes some discipline but only you can control your spending. I still get excited to see exactly how close I've gotten at the register with my estimated prices. And I must say I've gotten pretty good at it!
*Don't forget to allow for taxes when adding up your list. One good way to do this is to round up your estimated prices.
My tip today for grocery shopping on a budget goes like this...
First figure out exactly how much money you have to spend. Let's say you have $45.00. Create your list of what you need and want at the store this week. Try and shop for "a week's worth" of living. When you have your list together, next to each item write in it's average estimated cost. Such as a half gallon of milk $2.50. Then add up the estimated total. If it is more than your allotted grocery amount either take something off or adjust the price to buying the generic of what you may normally buy. Example instead of buying your normal favorite white bread at $2.60 buy the grocery store brand that costs $1.00.
I have shopped using this method for years. Most of the time it works. The key is sticking to your list. When you get into trouble with your budget money is when your eyes are bigger than your wallet and things go into your cart that aren't on your list. Don't give in! If it's not on your list then you can't have it this week. Or you need to sacrifice something else at the same price. It takes some discipline but only you can control your spending. I still get excited to see exactly how close I've gotten at the register with my estimated prices. And I must say I've gotten pretty good at it!
*Don't forget to allow for taxes when adding up your list. One good way to do this is to round up your estimated prices.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Talapia with Lemon Sauce ala yum!
Good Monday morning all! I thought I would hand out a quick supper main dish to start off the week.
Talapia with Lemon Sauce
3 pieces talapia
flour
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp butter
salt & pepper
Sauce:
juice of 2 lemons or 1/4 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 tsp caraway seeds
1 Tbsp butter
In a large skillet heat butter and oil on medium heat. Lightly salt and pepper bother sides of fish and coat fish in flour. Place in skillet, cooking each side 4-6 minutes flipping only once. Fish will flake and turn white inside when checked with a fork. Remove fish and place on a plate and set aside.
In still warm skillet pour lemon juice, chicken broth and spices. I like to use caraway seeds, thyme and a little old bay seasoning. Let simmer on med-high for 6 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and whisk in until melted. Pour sauce over fish on plate. Enjoy.
Talapia with Lemon Sauce
3 pieces talapia
flour
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp butter
salt & pepper
Sauce:
juice of 2 lemons or 1/4 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 tsp caraway seeds
1 Tbsp butter
In a large skillet heat butter and oil on medium heat. Lightly salt and pepper bother sides of fish and coat fish in flour. Place in skillet, cooking each side 4-6 minutes flipping only once. Fish will flake and turn white inside when checked with a fork. Remove fish and place on a plate and set aside.
In still warm skillet pour lemon juice, chicken broth and spices. I like to use caraway seeds, thyme and a little old bay seasoning. Let simmer on med-high for 6 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and whisk in until melted. Pour sauce over fish on plate. Enjoy.
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