I like to make jokes about being a 25 year old in a 45 year old body but I still know my place in life. I know that I can't really be 25. I have a family...husband, children, home, job, pets, etc...that means I have to be grown up...right?
Don't get me wrong. I completely agree with those who say 'you're only as old as you feel' (some days, I'd swear I was 90). There's nothing like living the laundry and dirty dishes behind to spend time hanging out with my girls. However, there's a time when I just have to take a deep breath and admit that I'm not a kid anymore.
Some people seem to have a hard time accepting that. I have friends who are 30+ and still feel they should be hanging out with their pothead friends and staying up all hours of the night, watching old movies, while I feed them (and their cats). For some reason, they don't understand that I work to feed MY family and MY cats.
Oh well, not that my rant is going to make them act any different...especially since they don't even subscribe to this blog.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
It's Good to be Bad
Foods with a Bad Rep That Are Actually Good for You
Some of your favorite guilty pleasures are better for you than you might think. In fact, many offer hidden benefits. Here are the foods that you can stop avoiding at the grocery store. Just watch the serving sizes.
Coffee
That morning kick of java can have lots of other benefits in addition to making you bright-eyed for work. Coffee drinkers seem less likely to develop heart disease and diabetes. Also, coffee has become the most common source of antioxidants in the American diet. And studies of coffee drinkers have found it may lower the risk of some types of cancer.
Regular or decaf? Researchers say the benefits may come from something other than caffeine, because decaf drinkers also see lowered risk when it comes to heart disease (though not as low as those of caffeine drinkers). Be more concerned about whether your coffee is filtered—unfiltered coffee (like the kind made in a French press) has been linked to heart risks.
Eggs
When you think of eggs, you may be blinded by their link to cholesterol. But for most people, eggs (in moderation) are not only harmless but healthy. Researchers studying overweight people found that those who began their day with some eggs ate fewer calories and less fat later in the day than those who didn’t. It may be the protein in the eggs that helps you feel fuller longer. Plus, there is some evidence that shows eggs may help prevent memory loss and preserve eyesight.
Egg or not? If your cardio health is fine, you can safely have an egg a day as long as you watch your cholesterol intake from other foods (like shrimp or pastries containing eggs). If you have heart disease or major risk factors for it, experts say limit cholesterol to 200 milligrams a day (one small egg has 157 mg; one medium, 187 mg). In either case, get regular cholesterol checkups.
Peanut Butter
With the word “butter” in the name, you’d figure the gooey stuff isn’t all that healthy. But even though it has about 200 calories per serving, it has a good amount of fiber and protein, which can help fill you up so you eat less overall. And the fat it has is mostly the heart-healthy monounsaturated kind. It also serves up vitamins and minerals and has been shown in studies to help decrease the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Reduced-fat or regular? If you’re buying reduced-fat peanut butter because you think it’s better for your waistline, save your money. The calories are the same (or even a little higher) thanks to the extra ingredients that are used to make up for the missing fat (including more sugar). Instead, look for lower sodium counts—which can range from 40 to 250 milligrams per 2-tablespoon serving.
Chocolate
This isn’t permission to eat candy bars with abandon—chocolate does have a good amount of fat and calories. But when you satisfy your sweet tooth with a small chunk of dark chocolate, you may be helping your circulation. Researchers believe that the dark stuff helps increase blood flow. This means chocolate may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Plus, denying yourself may only backfire. When researchers asked a group of women to either think about eating chocolate or block chocolate from their minds, those told to banish thoughts of chocolate ate the most of anyone.
Chocolate like you’ve never had it before… The next time you eat a piece of dark chocolate, sit down. Take a few seconds to smell it before putting it in your mouth. Remember that 1 piece tastes no different than 20 pieces. Really focus on the taste in your mouth—even try sucking it instead of chewing it.
Some of your favorite guilty pleasures are better for you than you might think. In fact, many offer hidden benefits. Here are the foods that you can stop avoiding at the grocery store. Just watch the serving sizes.
Coffee
That morning kick of java can have lots of other benefits in addition to making you bright-eyed for work. Coffee drinkers seem less likely to develop heart disease and diabetes. Also, coffee has become the most common source of antioxidants in the American diet. And studies of coffee drinkers have found it may lower the risk of some types of cancer.
Regular or decaf? Researchers say the benefits may come from something other than caffeine, because decaf drinkers also see lowered risk when it comes to heart disease (though not as low as those of caffeine drinkers). Be more concerned about whether your coffee is filtered—unfiltered coffee (like the kind made in a French press) has been linked to heart risks.
Eggs
When you think of eggs, you may be blinded by their link to cholesterol. But for most people, eggs (in moderation) are not only harmless but healthy. Researchers studying overweight people found that those who began their day with some eggs ate fewer calories and less fat later in the day than those who didn’t. It may be the protein in the eggs that helps you feel fuller longer. Plus, there is some evidence that shows eggs may help prevent memory loss and preserve eyesight.
Egg or not? If your cardio health is fine, you can safely have an egg a day as long as you watch your cholesterol intake from other foods (like shrimp or pastries containing eggs). If you have heart disease or major risk factors for it, experts say limit cholesterol to 200 milligrams a day (one small egg has 157 mg; one medium, 187 mg). In either case, get regular cholesterol checkups.
Peanut Butter
With the word “butter” in the name, you’d figure the gooey stuff isn’t all that healthy. But even though it has about 200 calories per serving, it has a good amount of fiber and protein, which can help fill you up so you eat less overall. And the fat it has is mostly the heart-healthy monounsaturated kind. It also serves up vitamins and minerals and has been shown in studies to help decrease the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Reduced-fat or regular? If you’re buying reduced-fat peanut butter because you think it’s better for your waistline, save your money. The calories are the same (or even a little higher) thanks to the extra ingredients that are used to make up for the missing fat (including more sugar). Instead, look for lower sodium counts—which can range from 40 to 250 milligrams per 2-tablespoon serving.
Chocolate
This isn’t permission to eat candy bars with abandon—chocolate does have a good amount of fat and calories. But when you satisfy your sweet tooth with a small chunk of dark chocolate, you may be helping your circulation. Researchers believe that the dark stuff helps increase blood flow. This means chocolate may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Plus, denying yourself may only backfire. When researchers asked a group of women to either think about eating chocolate or block chocolate from their minds, those told to banish thoughts of chocolate ate the most of anyone.
Chocolate like you’ve never had it before… The next time you eat a piece of dark chocolate, sit down. Take a few seconds to smell it before putting it in your mouth. Remember that 1 piece tastes no different than 20 pieces. Really focus on the taste in your mouth—even try sucking it instead of chewing it.
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Most Dangerous Cake in the World...HONEST!!!
MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).
And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world ?
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).
And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world ?
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Our egos
This has nothing to do with caffeine but makes perfect sense:
Our egos tell us we're the only ones that have any kind of feelings.
We're the only ones with a relationship.
We're the only ones with family.
You know, I think that if you kill a spider, there is a relationship that you're ruining.
There's a conversation going on outside with the other spiders.
'Did you hear about Chris?....Killed yeah....Sneaker.
And now Stephanie has nine hundred babies to raise all alone.
Well, she's got her legs full I'll tell you that right now.
Chris was so kind, wouldn't hurt a fly. It's just been tough for them lately.
They just lost their web last week.
Those humans think they're so smart. Let them try shooting silk out of their butt and see what they can make.' ~ Ellen Degeneres
Our egos tell us we're the only ones that have any kind of feelings.
We're the only ones with a relationship.
We're the only ones with family.
You know, I think that if you kill a spider, there is a relationship that you're ruining.
There's a conversation going on outside with the other spiders.
'Did you hear about Chris?....Killed yeah....Sneaker.
And now Stephanie has nine hundred babies to raise all alone.
Well, she's got her legs full I'll tell you that right now.
Chris was so kind, wouldn't hurt a fly. It's just been tough for them lately.
They just lost their web last week.
Those humans think they're so smart. Let them try shooting silk out of their butt and see what they can make.' ~ Ellen Degeneres
Friday, December 5, 2008
Have something yummy with your tea
Hazelnut Tea Cookies
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon table salt
2 sticks butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, plus additional for coating
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups hazelnuts, toasted and finely chopped
Directions
Directions
Heat oven to 325 degrees F and arrange racks in upper and lower third.
Combine flour and salt in a medium bowl and whisk until aerated and evenly combined; set aside.
Place butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add sugar and vanilla and continue to mix until whipped and light, about 2 more minutes.
Place butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add sugar and vanilla and continue to mix until whipped and light, about 2 more minutes.
Add half of the nuts and mix until evenly incorporated and nuts are broken up, about 1 minute. Add flour and mix until well combined, about 1 minute. Remove bowl from mixer and stir in remaining nuts.
Shape dough into 1 tablespoon balls and place on baking sheets, spaced at least 1 inch apart. Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until underside of cookies are brown, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes on baking sheets.
Meanwhile, place some powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Once the cookies have cooled, roll them in the powdered sugar until just coated and tap off excess. Let cool completely and recoat in powdered sugar, tapping off excess sugar, before serving.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Coffee Grog
Coffee Grog
Serves 6
A rich, spicy, sweet coffee delight. It's a bit elaborate for a coffee recipe, but if you are serving a group of people, it's worth the extra effort to make such a special drink.
Ingredients:
3 cups coffee
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbs butter, softened
1/4 tsp cloves, ground
1/4 tsp nutmeg, ground
1/4 tsp cinnamon, ground
Peel of 1 orange
Peel of 1 lemon
Preparation:
Break fruit peels into 6 pieces, each. Place one piece of each into cups. Blend butter, sugar, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix coffee and cream together with the spice mixture. Serve into 6 cups.
Serves 6
A rich, spicy, sweet coffee delight. It's a bit elaborate for a coffee recipe, but if you are serving a group of people, it's worth the extra effort to make such a special drink.
Ingredients:
3 cups coffee
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbs butter, softened
1/4 tsp cloves, ground
1/4 tsp nutmeg, ground
1/4 tsp cinnamon, ground
Peel of 1 orange
Peel of 1 lemon
Preparation:
Break fruit peels into 6 pieces, each. Place one piece of each into cups. Blend butter, sugar, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix coffee and cream together with the spice mixture. Serve into 6 cups.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
I feel the need for...
CAFFEINE.
It's the weekend. I've already had 2 cups but they just aren't working.
Time for another pot!
It's the weekend. I've already had 2 cups but they just aren't working.
Time for another pot!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Caffeine & Migraines
As a chronic migraine recipient, I know all the tricks to fighting one off. Caffeine, of course, is my favorite. Wash down a BC Powder with a can of Mt. Dew and I'm as good as new in no time flat!
Actually, this isn't a new way of medicating a migraine:
http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/triggers-caffeine
Friday, November 14, 2008
What's Java?
Java Sparrows (Padda oryzivora), also known as Java Rice Birds and Java Temple Birds, are one of the most attractive of all finches. They are hardy, colorful, easy to breed and relatively inexpensive. The Javas are well known for their impeccable, slick plumage. They have been popular throughout the ages and are often depicted in both modern and ancient Oriental art.
Dictionary results for: Java
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Show Spelled Pronunciation [jah-vuh or, especially for 2, jav-uh] –noun
1. the main island of Indonesia. 76,100,000 (with Madura); 51,032 sq. mi. (132,173 sq. km).
2. (usually lowercase) Slang. coffee: a cup of java.
3. Trademark. a high-level, object-oriented computer programming language used esp. to create interactive applications running over the Internet.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Caffeine Pros & Cons?
Caffeine Pros & Cons (a little info for those who care) :P
How about some interesting facts?
Coffee Facts:
* Coffee represents 71% of all the United States caffeine consumption.
* When coffee first appeared in Africa, it was used as a type of religious intoxicant.
* Americans' taste for coffee grew during the early nineteenth century, as a result of tea imports being cut off due to the War of 1812.
And for your next big party, try serving this:
Coffee Punch
Ingredients:
2 quarts of vanilla ice cream, softened.
2 quarts of strong brewed coffee, cooled.
2 cups of milk.
2 cups of whipping cream, whipped.
½ cup of sugar.
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Ground nutmeg.
Directions:
Combine the coffee, milk, sugar, and vanilla; stir thoroughly. Chill.
Place the vanilla ice cream in a large punch bowl.
Pour the coffee mixture over top of the ice cream, stirring gently.
Top with whipped cream, sprinkle with nutmeg, then serve.
How about some interesting facts?
Coffee Facts:
* Coffee represents 71% of all the United States caffeine consumption.
* When coffee first appeared in Africa, it was used as a type of religious intoxicant.
* Americans' taste for coffee grew during the early nineteenth century, as a result of tea imports being cut off due to the War of 1812.
And for your next big party, try serving this:
Coffee Punch
Ingredients:
2 quarts of vanilla ice cream, softened.
2 quarts of strong brewed coffee, cooled.
2 cups of milk.
2 cups of whipping cream, whipped.
½ cup of sugar.
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Ground nutmeg.
Directions:
Combine the coffee, milk, sugar, and vanilla; stir thoroughly. Chill.
Place the vanilla ice cream in a large punch bowl.
Pour the coffee mixture over top of the ice cream, stirring gently.
Top with whipped cream, sprinkle with nutmeg, then serve.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Caffeine isn't just for drinking...
Cappuccino Cake
1 premade sponge cake.
1 cup of boiling coffee.
1 cup of condensed milk.
2 teaspoons of gelatin.
Cream, for topping.
Powdered chocolate, for topping.
Instructions:
Line a suitably sized starsol cake tin with foil and place the premade sponge cake inside.
Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling coffee.
Mix the coffee into the condensed milk.
Pour the mixture over the sponge cake, distributing so that mixture is evenly absorbed.
Place in your refrigerator for 3-4 hours or until set.
Top with cream and powdered chocolate.
Serve.
Coffee Art
This is really cool! Art you can drink: http://www.costaricacoffeeart.com/coffeefilter/coffeefilterart.php
Now I know what to get all my caffeine addict friends for their birthdays!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Canadian Coffee
Let's start this blog with a yummy coffee recipe:
Canadian Coffee
1/4 c Maple syrup, pure
1/2 c Rye whiskey
3 c Coffee, hot, black, double strength
Topping:
3/4 c Whipping cream
4 tsp Maple syrup, pure
Whip cream with maple syrup until soft mounds, set aside.
Directions:
Divide maple syrup and whiskey among 4 warmed, heat-proof mugs or goblets. Pour in coffee, leaving about an inch to cover with topping. Enjoy!
Canadian Coffee
1/4 c Maple syrup, pure
1/2 c Rye whiskey
3 c Coffee, hot, black, double strength
Topping:
3/4 c Whipping cream
4 tsp Maple syrup, pure
Whip cream with maple syrup until soft mounds, set aside.
Directions:
Divide maple syrup and whiskey among 4 warmed, heat-proof mugs or goblets. Pour in coffee, leaving about an inch to cover with topping. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)