What He Says and What She Hears

Everyone in the world hears and understands things differently. This hold extremely true to what men say to women, and what women say to men.

"I'll me home around __pm." Now, when a woman hears this, she is expecting you to me home around ?-?:30. Most woman are more punctual then men when it comes right down to it, when they say they will be at a curtain place at a curtain time. If he is really going to be home 2-3 hours later than what he says, he should have said "I'll be home late". This saves everyone a headache. As the guy you are not late, and us woman are not sitting around glaring at the clock at ?pm or later fuming because you said you would be home at a curtain time.

Women ask men " Do you like my new ______ ?" or "Did you like _____?" and of course we are fishing for a compliment.
     "It was okay/ It's okay" Normally this is not what a woman wants to hear. It is generic, not a compliment in anyway, and makes us feel that you really could care less. Keep in mind we are fishing for a compliment, just say " It was really good", " I like it", or being super crafty and be like " I really liked  the ______" and pick something out to comment on.

"I am just never in the mood" Now this is a tricky and sticky situation a lot of woman do fine them selfs in. When we hear this a few alarms start going off in our heads. He isn't attracted to me anymore, he is seeing someone else, and alot of other things but that are just a couple. But we do have to give the guy the benefit of the doubt that he is just never in the mood or that when you are he isn't or visaversa. Keep in mind we women can be some what fragile in this department.  All in all when we hear this 100 different things go threw our minds and it makes a crazy.

"I'm going to the store" Now woman normally ask what are you going for because we tend to say 'We need _____ if your going' but when nothing is really needed from the store, we tend to here "I need to get out of the house for a while', I don't want to be around you right now', or You are being annoying". If any of these are the case, do us a favor and just say "I'm going out for a bit". Saves another headache with all of the speculating.


Hope everyone one has a Happy Hoilday!

Holiday Treats!

I have lots of recipes I really need to post... But here are a few good Holiday Treats I just recently made on Monday.

Oreo Truffles:

• 1 bag of oreos
• Plan Cream Cheese, 8 oz.
• 1  lb.  white baking chocolate (I like the Ghirardelli White Chocolate)

Get the cream cheese out so it can soften. Crush the cookies in a large ziplock baggy. I used a rolling pin to get the cookies as finely crushed as I could. Then in a large bowl combine crushed cookies and cream cheese. With a hand mixer on low speed to mix the cookies and cream cheese. After mix I put the bowl in the frig for about 20 mins so it hardens up some. Then using a teaspoon 1-inch balls by hand. Place the Oreo balls on  wax paper covered cookie sheets and place in the freezer for about 20 mins so they harden. Dip balls in white chocolate; place back on  baking sheet covered with waxed paper. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. To store, cover and refrigerate.
This makes about 50 truffles. That is if you are not like me and eat the mix while you are waiting for the chocolate to melt.

Soft Ginger Cookies:

Okay so I 100% did not make these cookies from scratch... I used the box of  Betty Crocker Gingerbread mix and fallowed the directions.

But my only personal note to this directions on the box is only bake for 9 mins, not 8 or 10!!! 9 mins is perfect to reach a delicious soft ginger cookie!

Also mine do not have sugar on them... They are good with and with out!



Happy Holidays!

Holidays Part 1

It is getting that time a year again, the holidays.Halloween is only 4 days away now, and in 5 days radio stations will start getting out there Christmas music. By mid November I will be turning the radio station to something different when I hear Jingle Bells or Oh Holy Night.

I have already been asked what my plans are for Thanksgiving and even Christmas!!! At this point I have no idea what my plans are. I personally do not plan 2-3 months in advance for anything, unless is something to do with the performing arts and you have to purchase tickets in advance. 

Thanksgiving for the most part is American holiday. The reason we celibate Thanksgiving is so we can give thanks for what we have, and to recall the first real feast that the Puritan settlers had after they arrived in the Americas. When I have been to large Thanksgiving dinners over the years, and I haven't been more so repulsed by most of the people around me. Stuffing there face until they have to unbutton their pants and burb grossly. When a couch only fits so many, the most annoying person there squeezes his unbutton pants body in between the others on the couch, rhat is my utmost favorite. Not! 

Smaller Thanksgiving dinners/get tog ethers are more my style. Being able to watch a football game munch on snacks, help with dinner, wonder off and take a walk, or just plan nap. 

Thanksgiving is a great time of the year to see family you normally do not see on a weekly basis, but over staying ones welcome in not called for.

 

Why is it so hard? Day 4

So I have started on the hCG drops diet. Oh boy is it hard to stay away from sweets. The food I am cooking is fabulous and extremely tasty. Chicken with garlic salt, onion powder, and ground ginger, along side with onions and asparagus. Today, I made tilapia with onion powder, garlic salt, and paprika. Which I extremely recommend. This is a 26 day processes... the hCG drops diet, is suppose to help you drop 20-40 pounds of weight. I think I am going to struggle with it with out being able to eat sweets, that has been my number 1 craving so far... I will be able to over come it, if some people do not bring in cream cheese filled brownies into work, I will be okay.

Recipes to fallow soon!!

PS 1.5 pounds lost !

Why, Oh Why??

Finding a job is still kinda tough for a lot of people. The average unemployment rate for the United States is 9.2%, with Nevada being the highest at 14.4% and North Dakota being the lowest at 3.7%. In Utah is has pretty much stayed at around 10%.

What I do not understand is if you are looking to get a job, why you would show up to an interview in jeans that have holes in them, tennis shoes, and a tee shirt? That is sloppy and extremely unprofessional.

When looking for a job (remember my resume post?) make sure you resume is 100% professional. If you are dropping off a resume, you still need to look your best. Whom ever takes your resume will most likely be asked what the applicant looked like. If you are dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, that is what the employer will be told, and will most likely not bode well.

Here are some tips to looking your  best while looking for a job.

Men: Depending on the job you are looking for, you will not have to pull out the 3 piece suit. A very nice long sleeve, clean, and pressed dress shirt and slacks. Clean none scuffed up shoes and a tie wouldn't be a bad idea either. Your hair does need to be washed and styled. I know your thinking "Styled? What?", what I mean is you can not come in to an interview with bed head. Also, clean nails is a good idea.

Woman: Same goes for woman, depending on the job you do not have to wear a complete dress suit. But then again it wouldn't hurt. Professional looking dress is not hard really for woman. All we really have to look in our closet for a nice looking dress, or a nice blouse and skirt. When choosing your interview outfit, please remember that you do not need to dress slutty or skanky. It is okay to show a little skin, but please oh please leave something to the imagination. The same goes with the hair, nails and shoes, make sure you look clean and neat.

I personally see a lot of people that need to be pulled aside and asked " Did you really come in dressed like that for an interview?". I always want to say to them " I think you should go home and rethink your outfit", I think I would get in a lot of trouble doing that though.

MMMM.... Lasagna

So my last post was how to make home made noodles. The reason why I made home made noodles was because I wanted Lasagna.

1 Large bottle of Prego sauce

1 tsp. of Paprika

1 tsp. of Onion Salt

5 cups of shredded Mozzarella Cheese

5 cups of shredded Ricotta Cheese

2 packages of Jimmy Dean Sausage

1 set of home made noodles (enough to make a 2 layers)

1 9x13x2in pan ( I use a Cake Pan)

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cook the Jimmy Dean Sausage, or what ever meet you would like to use.
Mix the Prego sause with the Paprika, and the Onion Salt. You can use different spices to your liking.
Make sure all of your cheese is preshredded , so it is less time consuming.

In the non-greased pan layer your ingredients.

Layer 1- Noodles
Layer 2- Sauce
Layer 3- 2 cups of Mozzarella and 2 cups of Ricotta evenly spread
Layer 4- Half of the cooked Meat
Layer 5- Noodles
Layer 6- Sauce
Layer 7- The rest of the cooked Meat
Layer 8 - The rest of the Cheese

In your pre-heated oven place your Lasagna and bake for 1 hour to 1.5 hours, or untill the Lasanga is completly hot, and the top layer of cheese has lightly brown. Take out and let rest for 10 mins.

You can pair this with garlic bread, or french bread.

This serves about 4 people.

Being Lazy... But not that lazy

Have you every looked for pasta at home and found that you didn't have any? And you really didn't feel like going out to the store for just 1 item?

Using basic staples every one should have in there kitchen, and using these very easy steps you can make your own pasta from scratch.

1 Large bowl

1Fork

2 1/4 c. all purpose flour

4 eggs

extra all purpose flour for dusting

wet cloth

Rolling Pin/ Pasta Roller

I used a Rolling Pin, because I did not have a pasta maker/roller.It was very time consuming and a work out.

Now in the large bowl pour in the 2 1/4 c. of flour and with the measuring cup create a hole in the center. Crack the 4 eggs into the center and fold flour into the eggs with the fork. After the mixture has become clumpy you can start using your hands. Pour the dough on to your (clean) floured counter, knead the dough for about 5 mins, untill the dough is evenly colored.

Wrap the dough ball in a damp cloth, for 10-15 mins. This will rest the dough, and get the dough moist and easier to work with.

I used a rolling pin to roll out the dough. I took about a ball (about 1 inch in diameter), flour the dough so it doesn't stick to the board or roller. The dough after rolled out needs to be very thin, and cut into 4 inches x 3 inches for lasagna. This recipe Will make enough to make a 3 layer Lasagna, or enough raviolis to feed 2-3 people depending how large you make them.

To cook the pasta, drop the rolled out dough into boiling water for about 2 mins.  For lasagna it will cook in the oven so don't worry about pre-cooking it.

Remember what I said before, this is very time consuming with out a pasta maker. It was very worth it the Lasagna I made was to DIE for!

Think Out Side Of The Box

"Hey do you want to go out?"-Boy "Yeah! What did you have in mind?"-Girl "How about a dinner and a movie?"-Boy

How incredibly lame and overly expected. Its always great to go see the newest flick, but why not change it up and do something completely out of the box.

• If you just have to see that flick, why not go to a Drive In? Summer is normally the best time to do this. The weather is perfect, you can pretty much pack your own dinner, popcorn, candy, or what ever you feel like eating. In the fall bring along your favorite pillow and blanket so you are in perfect comfort in your own car, and snuggle up!
• Garden walks. Most cities have extremely pretty gardens year around. Walking can be a very relaxing way to catch up on things that are going on in each of your lives. Or if this is a first date, it is a great public yet intimate way to get to know each other.
• Comedy Clubs are a great escape from the mundane everyday life. They say that laughing will help you live longer! Have some great laughs and enjoy each others company.
• Mini-Golfing/Arcades is a fun way to beable to be out year around. Have fun goofing off and making each other miss what you are trying to aim for, or mess up playing arcade games, see who can get the most arcade tickets. Then afterwards most arcade places have ice cream parlors in them. Top your night off by a double ice cream cone of your favorite flavor.

Just a few out of the box fun things do to on a date night with that special someone.

In Office Food Etiquette

Everyone likes baked goods, treats, and food in general. Especially when someone in your office brings in something they've made at home.

At first when someone brings something for the office, do not assume that it is something that is going to be shared. Normally, who ever brings the food in will announce to everyone that they brought in food to share with the office. You wouldn't like it if someone came to your desk and started picking at your lunch, right?

When someone brings in food to share, they bring just enough in for everyone to have 1-2 servings. When someone takes more than the allotted amount it takes away from the others in the office, and someone is bound to miss out. So please remember to think of others and not pig out.

After you have had your taste of the sweet awesomeness, please, please make sure you clean up after your self. Either if it is throwing away your trash or cleaning up your crumbs. If you just happen to be the last person to take the final piece, throw away the container or ask the person who brought them in what they want you do to with the container.

The number one thing to remember is to thank the person who brought in the food. This will make the person feel like they did a good job, they are appreciated, and have them to possibly bring more stuff in at another time.

Mmmmm..... Cookies

If you are anything like me, you have problems making Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are either rock hard, to thin, or just plan gooey. I recently found this from scratch cookie recipe, the cookie dough in its self is delicious!

Here is what you need:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup vegetable oil

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Now you need to preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Stir together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

In a  bowl, mix/cream together the vegetable oil, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Blend in the flour, baking soda, and salt.Then fold in the chocolate chips.

 

Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. I like to use a 1/2 a tablespoon to get my cookies to the perfect size. Even a Ice Cream Scoop works well.

 

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or untill the cookies start to slightly brown.

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

 This recipe will make about 2 dozen cookies, unless you are like me and love eating cookie dough!

 

 Now pour your self a glass of milk and ENJOY!!!!

 

4 Things Men Should Not Do In The Morning

Its is some time in the AM and your alarm starts buzzing. You hit snooze and start waking up, trying to motivated yourself to get out of bed.

If you are anything like me right after you step out of bed you are groggy, slow, unresponsive, and alittle bit cranky. Especially with no coffee.

Men beware when we are like this in the morning. Here are some things you can do, so you will not get snapped at.

1- Do not ask a bunch of stupid questions. " Why are you getting up already?" It is because we have to get up to go to work, or mainly the fact that we are awake and want to get up. "What are you doing?" What does it look like, do you really have to ask us what we are doing? My all time favorite "Where is MY breakfast?" First of all I rarely eat breakfast, when I do get up earlier so I can eat, don't ask me where yours is. Get up and eat if your hungry, you are a big boy and can make yourself something.

2- Do not get in our way. When we are trying to get ready for the day, most of us have a routine we go threw in the morning. If you get in the way it throws our whole routine off.

3- Moving our stuff is bad. When we go looking for something and we can not find it, it takes time away from what we should be doing rather then hunting down a brush or an article of clothing.

4-  If you have a drive way like mine and it is a single lane and you have parked behind your wife/girlfriend/partner, you better either have your car moved by the time we are ready to leave. Or be prepared to get you butt out of bed and move your car and get snapped at. When we have to leave we have to leave, and a couple of minutes can screw up the whole drive to work.

These are some of the easiest things for you to do as a man to keep your woman happy, and not snapping at you in the morning.

All in all, please just stay out of our way in the mornings.

Speaking Falsely

Here is a time old old question asked over and over again: Why lie?

There are many different types of lies; personal gain, getting out of or someone in to trouble, getting out of doing something, avoiding an argument or dispute, or trying not to disappoint someone. There are many more to name but these are the ones I see most.

Everyone does it, men and woman. Children know how to lie from day one, " Did you eat that cookie?" ... "No mommy", they do it so they do not disappoint there parents and so they can out of trouble.

Eve lied to Adam in the garden of Eden,I guess that would be human kinds first lie. It has never stopped, it is an on going rollercoaster tearing apart the relationships couples, family, friends, and coworkers have.

Lying can cause a snowball effect, you start with one tiny white lie, then you have to tell another one, then another one, then by the time you are done you have been caught in your "snowball". Rolling down the mountain side screaming at the top of your lungs wanting to get off this "ride" as the cliff is getting closer, until you have gone over the edge and plummeted to your "death".
When I say death, I am speaking about all of the relationship you have just ruined by getting so caught up in a lie that you, yourself was caught by the person you were lying to.

Lying does get you ahead in a sense, but it destroys your most precious relationships.

Lie :

A false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood; 

something intended or serving to convey a false impression; an inaccurate or false statement.

Resume Etiquette

When I was a Sr. in high school, I remember taking a class (I do not recall what it was called) that was required to graduate. This class taught us how to apply for a job, type up a cover letter, and what a resume was suppose to look like.

Your future employer wants to see a very clean cut resume. That includes clean white paper with no folds, tears or stains. Your resume should include: your name, address, email address and the best phone number to reach you at.

A short paragraph stating what it is you are looking for in a job postilion and how your previous work experience would help you do well in this field. Then as fallows your work history (starting with your last job first then going back), education, then achievements. References are nice to put on a resume, but it is not necessary.  A lot of employers do not like looking at 2-4 pages resumes. Keeping it short and sweet on one page is the best.

Also obnoxious fonts, ink color, tiny front, and designs are not professional. Arial font or Times New Roman are normally the best fonts to use for a resume.

I have seen a lot of resumes come threw in the last year. Today I took 3 resumes; only 1 out of 3 resumes would be what I would call a perfect formatted resume. The other 2 resumes were only 75% correct. They were given to us folded in half, it left huge (ugly) crease marks in the paper.

Lucky for the applicants I am not the one doing the hiring. If it was me, I would have tossed them straight into the trash bin.

Pumpkin Pie Goodness

Everyone loves Pumpkin Pie, especially the home made kind. But honestly who has the time to make a pumpkin pie on any given day, besides Thanksgiving? Would you take all of that time and make a huge pie for 2 people and let it go to waste? I think not. Here is a perfect way to satisfy your Pumpkin Pie craving year around! Also you can change the filling to what ever flavor you fancy. Just use pie filling out of a can and off you go!

Pumpkin Pie Tarts

2 boxes Pre-made Pie Crust (1 pie crust = 2 Peices)

Filling:
2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg
Sugary Glaze:
1 tablespoon of butter (set a side)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, sugar, and egg. 

Unroll the pie crusts, cut into 4 equal pieces so they are triangular, you can use a small paring knife to carve jack-o-lantern faces, or really any kind of ordainment you would like into the pie crust pieces you will be using for the tops.

Spoon a amount of pumpkin mixture into the center of one of the triangles, taking care to not let the filling ooze near the edges. 

Take the 1 tbs of butter and melt in the microwave.
Gently lay the carved piece over the pumpkin filling, then press the edges firmly together with your fingers, if you would like to make them pretty use a fork to make marks on the edges.

Place the tarts on to a cookie sheet. Lightly brush the tops of the tarts with butter and bake in an oven preheated to 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or just until the edges of the tarts begin to turn golden brown.

In a large bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla.  Drizzle glaze over hot pumpkin tarts. 

Or if you don't like icing and rather go with the traditional home made whip cream to top the tart with.

2 cups of Cream

1/2 cups of Sugar (add more sugar to fit your sweet tooth)

Whip together until a thick and creamy

There is nothing better than on a cool autumns day than the smell of pumpkin in your home. Let me know how you like it!