How to Cut an Onion – johanna
August 17th, 2010 | Filed under: THE BOOKSHELF

One of the most called for ingredients in a recipe is chopped or diced onions. If you have extremely sensitive eyes the tutorial on how to cut an onion without crying will provide a successful tear free way to chop onions.

Technorati Tags: how to chop an onion, how to slice pepers, RECIPES, salsa

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August Resolution to Make – johanna
August 10th, 2010 | Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES, THE BOOKSHELF

Photo: courtesy iVillage.com

It amazes me that a single event can seem so far in the distance and then sneak up on me before I know it. Last Christmas I made a goal to be prepared. Unforeseen circumstances crushed that goal into tiny particles of cosmic dust. Christmas cards never went out and planned gifts were never finished while we all suffered retched illnesses the entire month of December. Each year my sister-n-law Jennifer and I renew our vow to complete all our Christmas shopping by Thanksgiving. Last year I waited to buy presents in hopes of scoring the best deals late into the season. I have learned my lesson. This year I am a repented saint.

Augusts’ resolution to ‘Make’ is nothing profound unlike the previous months have been. My resolution to make is the practical side of me saying “you only have three months before the flurry of the flu, school projects and holidays get in the way.” I have granted myself two months for planning three birthdays, one the week of Christmas. Then there is the making of Halloween costumes and new garb for the Christmas play I have been writing in addition to finishing all the homemade gifts started last November. I cannot wait for my little niece Lilyanna to opens hers. I will say no more since her mommy sometimes reads my posts.

Making does not have to revolve around crafts. You could:
Vow to make a new friend.
Make a decision you have been putting off until that some day.
Make home repairs. If the emergency overflow drain for your air conditioner has been leaking vow to get it fixed…today.
If you continuously miss your best friend’s birthday make a point to remember it.
Make a new recipe once a week.
Make a family plan that lists the goals you want to accomplish as a family. Come up with a family motto to help you achieve those goals.
Make up family traditions.
Make a list of topics to discuss at family dinner each night.
Make family time a priority once a week.
Make cards for someone in need of a warm gesture.
Make up a package for a soldier at war. Or take it to their family to show support.
Make a picnic lunch to share.
Design and make games and treats for a backyard carnival.

There is no procrastinating allowed during the month of August. It is about choosing to take care of business today.

Technorati Tags: birthday, Christmas, crafts, family, holidays, homemade, planning, procrastination, RECIPES, traditions

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August Website Review: xobobox.com – johanna
August 3rd, 2010 | Filed under: THE BOOKSHELF

Our August website review is just in time for back to school lunch box shopping. Xobobox.com was created by Meg, a stay-at-home mom concerned with the excess waste produced in school cafeterias. Her website is not only directed at children. Hungry adults can find tasty nutritious meal ideas and up to date conservation savvy alternatives to the plastic bag lunch containers. Meg says her motivation is to “steer us all towards a healthier and more sustainable environment by promoting healthy recipes (for you and the environment) and by reducing food packaging waste.”

My favorite lunch boxes are the Go Green Lunch Box, Laptop Box and the Easy Lunch Box. They offer one convenient container with compartments to separate food. Lunch bag coolers are available at a separate cost but are a must to keep any perishables from spoiling. Be sure to visit their websites for easy healthy meal ideas.

Photo courtesy of MySquareMeal.com

Technorati Tags: bento box, Go Green, green, healthy meal ideas, laptop lunch box, lunch boxes

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Boiled Eggs Tips and Tricks – johanna
July 27th, 2010 | Filed under: RECIPES - Breads, RECIPES - Breakfast, RECIPES - Main Dish, RECIPES - Sides, RECIPES - Soup / Salad, RECIPES - Treats, THE BOOKSHELF

My favorite way to eat eggs is soft boiled with a runny yolk and a piece of toast to dip or mixed with a side of grits; it is part of my southern upbringing I suppose. Hard boiled eggs can be equally tasty sliced in a salad. Getting the eggs to the perfect stage and out of its shell though is the dilemma. My boss once asked me how to boil eggs. It took a moment to remember because boiling eggs was second nature; put them in a pot, cover with water, boil, steam, cold bath. Time…shime… I never kept track I just did it. Thankfully my advice panned out.

Once a month on Dazzledish we try to post a ‘how to’ tutorial on a particular food, gadget or cooking tip because we want everyone to learn the basics so they feel confident in the kitchen. This month we will learn the art of hard boiled eggs and a few recipes to use them in.

What you need:
6 large eggs
Water
Large pot
Ice cubes

Place the eggs in a single layer in a large pot. Fill the pot with cold water to 1-inch above the eggs. Bring the water just to a boil on medium-high heat. Remove from heat, cover and steam for recommended time (see below). Immediately drain the hot water from the pot. Carefully cover the eggs with ice and cool water.

Soft Cooked Eggs:
A soft cooked egg has a firm white and runny yolk. Heat large eggs 1 1/2 – 3 minutes.
Soft cooked eggs are mostly served in an egg cup small end down. The top is removed to expose the runny yolk. The egg is eaten out of the shell using a small spoon. You can also use strips of toast to scoop up the yolk.

Medium Cooked Eggs:
Medium cooked eggs have a firm white and a slightly firm yolk. Heat large eggs 4 – 6 minutes. Pair peeled medium cooked eggs with poached asparagus or toast or in a Kedgeree.

Hard Cooked Eggs:
Hard cooked eggs have both a firm white and yolk. Heat large eggs 10 – 12 minutes or as long as 17 minutes.
Eat hard boiled eggs with a sprinkle of salt or try some of the international recipes listed below.
Deviled eggs
Soup
Salad toppings
Egg salad sandwich
Potato salad
Tuna Nicoise salad or Sandwich
Egg bread
Curry
Thai Son and Law Eggs
Pakoras from India
Cookies

TIPS:
– Some individuals like to add salt or vinegar. They say it makes removing the shell easier. Add a splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt to your water.
– Use eggs that are at least a few days old. Farm fresh eggs do not peel as easy.
– Do not boil eggs with cracks. They will break open and leak.
– Putting too much water in the pot will take longer to heat which can throw off the timing. Too little water will result in undercooked eggs.
– Watch the water. At the first sign the water is boiling remove the pot from the heat. Keep time from the moment you remove the pot from the heat and cover it.
– The ice bath stops the cooking process and the steam created inside the eggs will make it easier to peel.
– To peel start at the larger end where the air pocket is. Grab hold of the membrane under the shell and peel off.
– Chilled eggs are easier to slice. Warmer eggs are easier to crumble.
– Refrigerate unpeeled boiled eggs within a few hours for up to one week.
– The times listed may vary slightly due to the way your stove heats, the type and size of pot you use, the amount of water and number of eggs.

Technorati Tags: baby shower, BBQ, deviled eggs, Easter Egg Bread, Egg Cookies, Egg salad sandwich, food, How to boil eggs, Kedgeree, menus, Pakoras, picnic, Potato Aspragus soup, Potato salad, RECIPES, Soft yolk eggs, Son and Law Eggs, summer, Tuna Nicoise Salad, wedding shower

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July Resolution How to Have FUN – johanna
July 13th, 2010 | Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES, THE BOOKSHELF, THE DISH ON PARENTING

Photo: Dancing in the Rain, courtesy of Photo Bucket

Someone once told me they were leery of overly happy people because they must be hiding something. I think that there are individuals out there who are genuinely happy. The faults of life roll off their backs like RainX on a car windshield. On the opposite side of the glass half-full crowd are those who need to wallow in self-pity. They feel robbed of their liberties if their feelings are not validated. They feel they are  fake if they act contrary to how they feel. If they do not feel happy then why should they be happy? Problem is when they are not happy they feel no one should be happy. Thus we are all made to feel miserable with them.

One day I was listening to a radio talk show. The caller expressed the need to be true to her feelings but longed to be happy like her fiancé. Even so, she found it difficult to “fake” being nice if she did not feel like being nice. Her question was if she woke up on the wrong side of the bed was it ok to fake being happy? The host told her if that is what she needed to do then yes it is ok because it is never ok to lash out at someone. The host then added that sometimes when we try to be happy by smiling and doing nice things for other people eventually we become happy.

Not long ago I received terrible news that a dear friend of mine had succumb to liver cancer. She discovered that she had cancer only three months prior to her death. Donna was in her late 50’s. Her life had been fraught with peril at every turn. She was abused and abandoned most of her existence. She was strong. She was a fighter. She survived every negative confrontation thrown at her. By the time we met in my late twenties she was no longer the victim. Her rosy cheeks and denim overalls said everything about her character. She was soft spoken and kind. She would give the shirt off her back to help someone. She was genuine; always a pleasure to be around. She always had a kind word to say on both good and bad days. I loved being around Donna  because she was fun.

As the month progressed I learned of the severe personal tumults suffered by several of my dearest friends. I realized  that day there are more people than we realize who have or are  suffering in some form or another. Despite their afflictions, they strive to keep their heads high making the most of what they have. They have dealt with the past. They are moving on. Their lives are not perfect. They are battle worn and scared. Nevertheless, they are striving to make their lives and those around them better. These women are some of the most noble people I have had the pleasure of befriending. Most importantly despite their hardships they are permitting themselves to have fun and enjoy the pleasures of life.

Photo: Red Boat, by Dapixara

When I was a young girl I loved the movie Pollyanna starring Haley Mills. Pollyanna is a vibrant 11 year old girl. Upon her father’s untimely death she was shipped off to live with her Aunt Polly. The daughter of a Missionary Minister, Pollyanna did without the finer things in life. Her only belongings came from missionary barrels or donations. As it so happens, one summer she begged her father for a doll. The ‘Ladies Aid’ tried to find one but all they received by the time the barrel needed to be sent off was a set of crutches. Pollyanna’s father seeing her terrible sadness came up with an idea. He asked her to find something glad about the situation. When she could not he told her she could be glad that she does not have to use the crutches. From that time forward she and her father played what they called the “Glad Game”. Pollyanna set about changing the hearts of everyone around her including her sour-hearted Aunt Polly. One passage I greatly enjoyed, reading in the novel written by Eleanor H. Porter, occurred shortly after her arrival. Miss Polly had just given Pollyanna her daily schedule consisting of cleaning her room first thing in the morning after which she should read 30 minutes aloud to Miss Polly followed by cooking lessons. In the late afternoon Pollyanna was expected to practice the piano. Pollyanna asked “what about living?” When was she supposed to live when her time was taken up with all these extra activities? She lamented that she did not want to just breathe she wanted to live. And so she did. Her Aunt Polly was surprised at the numerous acquaintances Pollyanna had made and the impact Pollyanna made in their lives. The Aunt Polly was so moved by the town’s love for Pollyanna that her own heart softened so much so that she became susceptible to love and forgiveness. The glad game is not that simple. You must find something to be glad about on all occasions. Learning to look on the brighter side of life enabled Pollyanna to step out without fear of condemnation. People loved her because she was so much fun to be with. She could be friends with even the grouchiest of souls because life held no bounds.

This month’s resolution is to have fun. I made this list in the beginning of the year. When July neared I was unsure of what exactly Fun meant. The word Fun is defined as something that provides enjoyment or amusement. I think fun means being able to lighten up despite our circumstances. Miss Polly caved into and was trapped by embarrassment for 11 to 15 years. Her fears lead her down a lonesome unemotional path. Pollyanna gently guided her away from tight buns, dark clothing and pursed lips and back into a world full of color, friendships and joy. Fun for some may include dancing on the bar top but I am not talking about temporary self-satisfaction. Remember the New Year’s resolution’s purpose is to enlighten us and make us better friends, neighbors and relatives. Some activities are better left in the ignorance of youth. The fun I speak of entails allowing ourselves the freedom to stop and enjoy life. Put the electronics away. Forgive whom you need to. Find the glad in your most heart-breaking sorrows as difficult as it may be. To have fun is to help others find the glad so that they too can have fun. To have fun is to vow even though we wake up disgruntled we can make the choice to fake being glad if we have to. To have fun is to discover why everyone calls you the “party-pooper” or “no fun” and change it.

Photo: Nuns Having Fun

I try to teach my children it is ok to feel hurt, angry, sad, disappointed they are all legitimate feelings. But, we make the choice to let those feelings dictate our behavior and attitude or to let it go. It is not easy trying to tell that to a five year old who demands justice even to the point of missing out on the fun that is happening at that moment. I know there is more injustice going on in the world than we can fathom. There are people out there who are suffering or have suffered tremendous acts of violence, abuse and emotional warfare. Yet, day after day they keep moving forward. The writer Erma Bombeck wrote a column, upon discovering that she was dying from cancer, entitled “If I Had to Live My Life Over.” Erma wrote, “… I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. … I would have sat on the lawn with my kids, even if it meant grass stains.” During the month of July I hope to use up the bottle of perfume sitting in the vanity drawer. I want to view my new home as a vacation rental. I want to find more of the glad, relax and have fun.

This is a short but fairly long list on how to have fun. The possibilities are practically endless. My hope is maybe something on the list will spawn additional fun ideas. Please feel free to share your FUN in the comments section.

Each day write down 3-5 positive things that happened that day.

Learn to have fun playing the glad game.

- Watch the clouds

- Watch a sun rise

- Take a midnight swim

- Observe bugs

- Pick flowers

- Camping

- Build a fort

- Take a treat or a balloon to friends and family.

- Read a book and come up with a project or something fun to do based on the material.

- Call the girls or take your daughter(s) to go get pedicures.

- Go on a leisurely bike ride with friends.

- Host a mystery dinner.

- Have an unbirthday party.

- Pay for the person behind you at the movies or toll booth.

- Act out a book complete with make shift costumes.

- Host a Karaokee night.

- Have a Nerf gun Showdown.

- See how many Balloons it takes to lift off the ground. Then watch the movie “Deckchair Danny”.

- Put on a Shadow Theater show.

- Simply your life and home. Throw out the excess. Ask yourself do I really need this? Why do I have it? Is it in the way? Allow your home to feel like the vacation resort you always wanted to visit.

- Learn something new.

- Go to a concert

- Go on a ‘first’ date with your significant other.

- Take a “I feel good day” off of work, if you can.

- Check the Entertainment section of the newspaper or a local website to see what is happening in your town.

- Celebrate a holiday or an achievement.

- Stay up until 4 AM devouring a good book or chatting with an old friend.

- Plan a picnic

- Play a game of volleyball or basketball with friends and/or family

- Go to the lake

- Rent a houseboat.

- Host a game night.

- Play Frisbee.

- Go to a public sporting event.

- Play a sport.

- Date night at the arcade.

- Have a scavenger hunt.

- Make a home movie.

- Build a rocket or model car.

- Find a new hobby.

- Learn about Geo Caching

- Let the kids jump in the rain puddles

- Most important loosen up and lighten up. Don’t be negative. Be willing to come out of the comfort shell once in a while. Laugh a little more. Smile a lot more. Look for the joy or “Glad” in everything around you.

Technorati Tags: date night, family, How to have fun, kids, memories, Pollyanna, summer, things to do

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July Website Review: Paperback Swap – johanna
July 6th, 2010 | Filed under: THE BOOKSHELF

Paperback Swap has been hanging out in my incredibly long list of websites for a while now  but I had not ventured to try it out until a few months ago. We were going through the piles of books while packing the house to move. I came across several books that were fun to read at the time I read them but I could never see myself reading them again.

To get started, log onto PaperbackSwap.com then fill out a short registration page and you are ready to post. The books must be clean. Free of any rips, writing, highlighting or stains. A lightly worn binding or jacket is ok. In order to get a book you must send a book to receive points. One point equals one book. Enter the book’s ISBN number  located on the back of the book, by the bar code. To send a book you will need a scale to calculate the correct weight if you plan on purchasing stamps through Paperback Swap. The benefit of using Paperback Swap is that your points are available right away. Otherwise if you use the post office you will have to wait until the recipient declares they have received the book.You can opt to buy new books and points from the site but what is the fun in that?

There are no hidden fees for using paperback swap to post books. You pay the postage to send a book, someone else pays the postage to send a book to you. Just be sure you ask for “media mail” when sending the package from the post office. Be sure to check out CD and DVD Swap to unload any CD’s and DVD’s that are in good condition. Happy swapping!

Technorati Tags: organization, paperback swap, used books

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The History and Many Uses of Lemons – johanna
June 22nd, 2010 | Filed under: THE BOOKSHELF, THE GARDEN

Art Work by: Franz Eugen Köhler

No one is for certain where exactly the vitamin packed “Golden Apple”, as the natives of Northern India often referred to lemons, came from.  Lemons are believed to have originally come from India and China. Those in Northern India considered the lemon to be a valuable trade as they prized the lemon for its unique flavor in cooking. The Chinese used them as an antiseptic for wounds and as an antidote for poisons. The lemon eventually made its way to Egypt and the Mediterranean by way of the ancient Jews. Lemons were introduced to the Islamic gardens as an ornamental plant while the Egyptians used the leaves of the lemon tree in a drink known as Kashkab. Kashkab was a beverage made of fermented barley, mint, rue, black pepper, and Citron (lemon) leaf. By the thirteenth century the trade in lemon juice had grown considerably. Records of a medieval Jewish community in Cairo show that bottles of lemon juice, Gatarmizat, made with sugar were consumed locally and exported. Scholars believe this lemon juice to be an early version of lemonade.

By the time Christopher Columbus made his second voyage in 1493 the lemon tree was well established across the Mediterranean and Asian continents. On that voyage Christopher Columbus brought with him the seeds of the lemon tree, among other citrus trees, to the Island of Haiti. The Spaniards also brought a crew populated with scurvy (a nutritional deficiency) to the New World. Ironically they were carrying the vary fruit that could have prevented the disease. The antidote for scurvy was not published until British naval surgeon, James Lind, sanctioned the use of lemons in his “Treatise on the Scurvy”, in 1753. Nonetheless, his advice to give citrus fruit to the sailors was not implemented by the Royal Navy for several decades. By 1563 groves of citrus fruit including the lemon were introduced along the South Caroline coast and Saint Augustine Florida. Today California and Florida remain the largest producers of lemons in the United States while India is the world’s largest exporter of lemons.

Lemon juice is a complementary flavor in many fish dishes. Lemons are often used in marinades with poultry or red meat. They are also used to flavor steamed vegetables and lend flavoring in baking decadent desserts, cakes, pies, tarts, icings, puddings, fillings and candies. Mostly lemons are used as a garnish for iced beverages or hot tea. Besides cooking, lemons offer many healing properties.

• Lemons are considered a diuretic and may be useful to help flush toxins out of the body. Drink a regular tonic of lemon juice and water to cleanse the liver. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones, treat infections, asthma and arthritis.

• Lemons have the highest content of vitamin C of all citrus fruit. Drink water flavored with freshly squeezed lemon slices to help boost the immune system

• Mix lemon juice with hot water to aid in digestion and help cure nausea, heartburn, constipation, worm infestations and relieve hiccups.

• Mix lemon juice with hot water and honey to relieve a sore throat.

• Mix lemon juice and cranberry juice to help cure a bladder infection.

• Use lemon essential oil mixed with massage oil to aid circulation.

• Soak fingernails in a mixture of water, baking soda and lemon juice to clean nails and cuticles.

• Wipe cutting boards with lemon juice to sanitize and get rid of odors.

• Use lemon juice and vinegar to white underarm stains and ring around the collar. Then place in the sun.

• Brighten laundry whites. Add 1/2 cup lemon juice to the wash cycle of a normal-size load.

• Squeeze lemon juice on sliced apples or pears to eliminate browning.

• Shine stainless steel and clean glass shower doors.

• Spray lemon juice on your hair then go out into the sun for natural highlights.

To juice a lemon keep them in a bowl on the counter rather than in the fridge. Press down and roll the lemons on your cutting board before juicing.

Technorati Tags: cleanser, herbal, history, lemons, medicinal

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June A New Hobby To Love – johanna
June 15th, 2010 | Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES, THE BOOKSHELF

Photo: Hobbies Magazine February-March 1919 issue, cover by J.E. Standley

Several years ago a friend of mine started a Yahoo Group for local moms comprised of her friends, our friends and their friends as a way to share news quickly without having to call everyone. We post upcoming events, deals for the local restaurants, coupons for the grocery store, items we are looking to get rid of or looking for and parenting woes and advice, among other things. Occasionally my friend will pose a question to start a discussion. The first question asked us to list some of our hobbies and projects we are working on. Before children I had hobbies. I am sure of it. Sadly they were placed by the wayside and over time forgotten. This actually is not a bad thing. It is part of growing up. With each stage of life come new and exciting ideas that we can look forward to. Otherwise we would all be playing with barbies and GI-Joe figures at age 36. However if you have young children you are probably doing just that.

This month’s resolution is all about finding a hobby that is fun, yet challenging. My goal for this month was to finally sign up for fencing classes. For years I have had a secret desire to learn fencing. Just when I was about to sign up for classes we uprooted our family and moved to another city that does not offer any classes. Now I am left trying to figure out another alternative.

A hobby should be something you want to do. It should be relaxing never forced; although sometimes our children need a little push to motivate them in the right direction until they find something suitable. A hobby should be all about the passion. If you are doing it because everyone else is doing it or because you have to then it becomes a chore not a hobby. Here is the exception to the rule. I love to read. Recently I found a group of women in my area who share a passion for literature. Each month someone chooses a book from a long list of classic literature. The following month we meet for breakfast to discuss the novel and how it relates to us in our time. The experience has been exhilarating. Most of the books are not books I normally would have picked up to read. Yes at times, when I would rather be reading something else less complicated, it feels like a chore; however, the goal of enriching my life through beautiful literature and then connecting with other moms is the hobby. Studies have found that when we are genuinely engaged in an activity we find interesting we fuel our self-esteem and life becomes more exciting. After my first book club meeting I felt alive. Invigorated. I was inspired.

In a society such as we live in the term hobby is often viewed as juvenile. The truth is we all need enriching experiences to help us stay centered and live a more balanced life. We all want success in some form. We all want to give our best to our bosses, families and friends. However, it is impossible to maintain such high demands of ourselves without causing a negative impact on our health and well being. When we allow ourselves to become tired and drained from work or overloaded with obligations our ability to innovate drops significantly. Our failure pushes us to work even harder. We feel guilty. We feel frustrated. Ultimately we feel defeated. Hobbies help relieve the stress resulting in a happier you.

A hobby is a fantastic way to blow off steam from a stressful workweek. A friend of mine could not wait until Saturday morning to hop on his bike and ride for 3 hours to distress. Hobbies such as collecting books, stamps and maps have a historical educational value. Tinkering hobbies like building trains, models, rockets and cars can build career oriented talents. Active hobbies like hiking, running and sports invigorate us. Moreover, hobbies can enhance our creative minds and help us think more clearly. I always seem to find my best inspirations while I am running or working on a project.

Sometimes we may feel guilty selfishly setting alone time aside for our personal hobbies. The truth is our hobbies can have a lasting impact on the children who learn from watching us. When they see mom and dad happily working on a hobby they are more likely to engage in a hobby themselves. They may copy what their parents are doing or adopt something of their own. Learning to manage their free time at an early age will benefit them when they are older. As parents we can help them discover enjoyable activities together. I love camping and hiking. I am passionate about camping and hiking. However it is no longer the relaxing hobby I enjoyed when I was a single college student or newly married. With our three little ones it is no easy feat. Yet, we continue to put on a brave face and take our kids hiking to give them rich fulfilling experiences. Hobbies shared with parents create lasting bonds. These activities such as sports, running, music, camping, cooking, fishing among others continue to hold value after the children have grown and move off to college. Children are also less likely to turn to drugs or exhibit bad behaviors when they are older if they are pursuing fun interesting hobbies to keep them busy. Who knows maybe the little boy that was into building rockets will grow up to become a rock scientist.

Choose a hobby from the following list or log onto DiscoverAHobby.com for a more comprehensive list of ideas. Local colleges, home and garden depots and craft shops offer all sorts of classes for a minimal fee. Contact a small mom and pop shop or ranch to see if they would be interested in training an apprentice for free or ask a friend to teach you.

• Start a singing group. Gather some of your friends and their friends to meet once a month to sing together. Or join a community theater or adult choir in your area. Music has powerful effects over the mind.

• Schedule periodic camping and hiking trips with your spouse or friends. It is always a treat to get away with gals or buddies.

• Start a running or walking group.

• Learn taekwondo, (some dojos offer family classes on the weekend) boxing, biking, fencing, dance, archery, rock climbing, yoga, weight lifting.

• Gather some friends every Saturday morning to play volleyball, soccer, basketball, rugby, horseback riding, basketball, baseball.

• Learn to Kayak, canoe, fish, scuba diving, wilderness camping, hiking.

• Learn to scrapbook photos.

• Build models, carpentry work, Gardening, car mechanics, basic home repairs.

• Collect stamps, antiques, maps, wooden boxes, baskets, toys, pictures, books, coins, cars, art.

• Learn about home theaters.

• Complete a Puzzle.

• Tour historical sites and museums.

• Learn a foreign language.

• Take an arts and crafts class in quilting, sewing, flower arrangements, photography, painting, pottery, wood carving, knitting, stained glass, interior design, jewelry, welding.

• Study a musical instrument such as the guitar, piano, cello, violin, brass or woodwind instruments, organ, mandolin, lire, drums, voice.

• Take up journaling, writing, poetry.

• Join a book club or start one of your own.

• Take a cooking class or start a cooking club..

• Learn CPR, first aide.

Technorati Tags: art, collections, dance, hobbies, importance of hobbies, martial arts, music, talents

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June Website Review: Family Mint – johanna
June 1st, 2010 | Filed under: ABOUT, THE BOOKSHELF

Jeff Eusebio is the CEO and Co-Founder of FamilyMint.com.  Jeff created Family mint to give families an easy fun way to teach children and teenagers how to manage their money.

Family Mint is a free website. The way it works is you, the parent, sign up creating a virtual bank. As owner of the bank you manage your client’s (your children) funds matching interest rates, handling deposits and withdrawls just as a bank would for you. Family Mint takes the stress off parents by automatically depositing your child’s allowance in their account. Allowance deposits can be made weekly or monthly.

Each child creates their own account to keep track of their progress. They can manage deposits, withdrawls, transfers and plan long and short term expenses and saving goals. As the banker you can help motivate your child to save by giving them interest for so much money they save or by offering to price match when they reach a decided goal.

Technorati Tags: allowance, budgeting, Family Mint, finances, kids, money, money management, savings, teenagers

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Quinoa, the Ancient Mother Grain – johanna
May 25th, 2010 | Filed under: THE BOOKSHELF, THE GARDEN

Ancient in its origins, Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-WAH) has been a staple in it’s native lands of Chile, Peru and the colonies in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia, for almost 5,000 years. Quinoa translated in the Incan language meas “Mother Grain” and was once considered “the gold of the Incas.” While Quinoa is commonly referred to as a grain, similar to buckwheat and amaranth, it is grown from an edible leafy green vegetable plant relative to Swiss chard, sugar beet, table beet, and spinach whereas grains are born from grassy plants. The seed like granule comes in a range of colors that vary from white, yellow, and pink, to darker red, purple, and black.

Quinoa may be eaten hot or cold in salads soups, stews, pilafs and casseroles. Quinoa is used in bread, muffins, bagels, cookies, pancakes, granola and other baked goods. Use Quinoa in the place of potatoes, couscous and rice. It is also a yummy nutritional replacement for oatmeal. Top with a drizzle of honey, nuts or berries. Quinoa is a complete protein and an excellent source of magnesium, a mineral that helps relax blood vessels. Increased intake of magnesium has been shown to reduce the severity of migraine headaches and arteriosclerosis.

To prepare quinoa, always rinse it as you would rice to remove any powdery residue. Bring one part quinoa and two parts liquid to a boil; cover and reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes or until the grains are translucent.

Technorati Tags: healthy side dishes, Quinoa, RECIPES

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