Friday, May 31, 2013

20 Benefits of Walking



20 Benefits of Walking

1.  Helps with weight management.
2.  It's accessible to everyone.
3.  Doesn't require special equipment.
4.  One of the easiest ways to get more active.
5.  Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.
6.  It's a low impact exercise.
7.  Lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol).
8.  Raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol).
9.  Lowers blood pressure.
10. Reduces the risk of some cancers.
11. Helps reduce the risk and aids with the management of type 2 diabetes.
12. Improves mood.
13. Helps maintain strong bones.
14. Reduces the risk of heart attack.
15. Less likely to lead to injuries.
16. Reduces stress.
17. Reduces risk of heart disease.
18. You don't have to pay for it.
19. Builds aerobic fitness.
20. Helps maintain lean muscle tissue.

Happiness is finding half a bag of gummy bears in the bottom of your purse.



Happiness is finding half a bag of gummy bears in the bottom of your purse.

Sometimes, when I don't want my wife to find something, I put it in her purse.



Sometimes, when I don't want my wife to find something, I put it in her purse.

A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions



A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions and the roots spring up and make new trees.

A relationship is like a house



A relationship is like a house.  When a light bulb burns out you do not go and buy a new house, you fix the light bulb.

Reusable towels that you snap back together once you use and wash them.



Reusable towels that you snap back together once you use and wash them.

- Each set has TWELVE 10"x11" towels

- Towels are made from a 100% cotton print and backed with a lush and thirsty 100% cotton terry cloth (just like a wash cloth). All fabrics are prewashed to minimize shrinkage and are ready to use right out of the package. 
- Each towel has three snaps on each side. The middle snap keeps the roll from "sagging" and supports the increased weight of the towel. Snaps are poly-resin and set with an industrial press. Made to withstand many snaps/un-snaps and harsh washing conditions, the snaps are also gentle enough that they will not scratch surfaces while cleaning. 

All twelve towels fit perfectly on any existing cardboard towel tube using the three included snap adapters

Thursday, May 30, 2013

I drank the want and said I was a problem solver.



During an interview a half glass of water was set in front of me.  I was asked if I was an optimist or a pessimist.  I drank the want and said I was a problem solver.

How did you learn to say, "I want attention" in so many ways?



Your posts are so fascinating.  How did you learn to say, "I want attention" in so many ways?

She turned her can'ts into cans and her dreams into plans.



She turned her can'ts into cans and her dreams into plans.

Cowardice asks the question: Is it safe?



Cowardice asks the question: Is it safe?
Expediency asks the question: Is it politic?
Vanity asks the question: Is it popular?

But conscience asks the question: Is it right?

And there comes a time one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic nor popular - but one must take it simply because it is right.

I think it's very healthy to spend time alone.



I think it's very healthy to spend time alone.  You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person.

I was asked once, "You're a smart man. Why aren't you rich?"



I was asked once, "You're a smart man.  Why aren't you rich?"

I replied, "You're a rich man.  Why aren't you smart?"

Kryptonite for the OCD



Kryptonite for the OCD

A picture of the leaning tower of Pisa.  If you make the tower straight the frame is crooked.  If you straighten the frame the tower is crooked.

7 Side Effects of Soda



7 Side Effects of Soda


Phosphoric Acid - Weakens bones 
and rots teeth

High Fructose Corn Syrup is a concentrated form of sugar,
Fructose derived from corn. It increases body fat, cholesterol
and Triglycerides and it also

makes you makes you hungry.

Excessive artificial sweeteners makes you crave more.
Potassium Benzoate -
preservative that can be broken

down To benzene In your body.
Keep your soda in the sun and
benzene =
carcinogen

Caramel Color - Made From The chemical caramel. is purely cosmetic, it doesn't add flavor
yet is tainted with carcinogens.

Formaldehyde - Carcinogen, it is not 
added in soda but when you digest aspartame, it

will break down into 2 amino acids and menthol = f
ormic acid - formaldehyde [diet sodas].
Food Dyes = impaired brain f
unction, hyperactive

behavior, difficulty focusing
lack of impulse control.


Pineapple Upside Down Cake



Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
3 cups cake flour, plus more for pan
1 cup butter, softened, plus 1/2 cup, melted
2 1/4 cups sugar
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups whole buttermilk
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 (20-ounce) cans pineapple slices in juice, drained well (reserve 2 tablespoons juice for frosting)
1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained well
Pineapple Buttercream Frosting, recipe follows
Chopped pecans, for garnish, optional


Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray and coat with flour.

In a large bowl, beat 1 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating until fluffy. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and set aside.

In a small bowl, add the 3 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine. Add the flour mixture into the egg mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.

Divide the brown sugar evenly into each pan. Pour the melted butter equally over the brown sugar. Arrange the pineapple slices and cherries over the brown sugar. Reserve remaining pineapple slices and cherries for another use.

Pour equal amounts of batter over the fruit and bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 40 to 45 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Invert the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely.

To assemble the cake, carefully arrange 1 cake layer, pineapple side up, on a cake plate. Carefully stack the remaining cake layer, pineapple side up, over the first layer. Frost the sides of the cake with Pineapple Buttercream Frosting. Press chopped pecans into sides of cake, if desired.

Pineapple Buttercream Frosting:
1/2 pound butter, softened
2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
Beat all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.

Yield: about 2 cups

Grilled Mozarella



Grilled Mozarella

Ingredients
1 pound fresh buffalo mozzarella, cut into 4 equal pieces about 3-inches by 4-inches
8 1/2-inch thick firm white sandwich bread
2 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, leaves
1 teaspoon coarse salt
A grating of nutmeg
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions
Place the mozzarella on 4 slices of the bread. Cover with the remaining slices to form sandwiches. Trim the crusts off to make perfect 4-inch squares.

In a wide shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the cream, thyme leaves, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk until well blended.

In a 10 to 12-inch nonstick saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until smoking. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and cook until the sizzling subsides. Dip 2 of the sandwiches into the egg mixture, turning to coat, place in the pan, and cook until golden brown on the first side, about 2 minutes. Flip over and brown on the other side. Transfer the sandwiches to individual plates and repeat the process with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon butter, and 2 sandwiches. Cut in half, and serve immediately.

Pistachio chicken with pomegranate sauce



Pistachio chicken with pomegranate sauce

Preparation method
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins
1. Preheat the oven to 180 C / Gas mark 4.
2. Beat together the eggs and the milk. Dredge the chicken breasts in flour, then in egg wash and finally in the chopped pistachios.
3. In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Fry the chicken until lightly browned. Place in an earthenware baking dish.
4. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. After 20 minutes, melt butter in a saucepan. Fry shallots until soft. Add cream, white wine, chicken stock and pomegranate juice. Simmer for a few minutes.
6. Place chicken on plates, and pour over sauce.

Ingredients
Serves: 4
6 eggs
50ml milk
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast fillets
90g plain flour
130g finely chopped pistachio nuts
For the sauce:
2 tbsp minced shallots
120ml dry white wine
120ml chicken stock
120ml double cream
50g butter
1 ½ tablespoons 100% pomegranate juice

Buttermilk Pie



Buttermilk Pie 

Ingredients:
1/2 C. buttermilk
1 3/4 C. sugar
2 large eggs
3 T. flour
pinch of salt
1 stick butter or margarine melted
1 t. vanilla
nutmeg

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix everything together and pour into an unbaked 9" pie shell. Sprinkle the top lightly with fresh nutmeg. Bake 15 minutes at 400 degrees. Reduce to 350 degrees and bake about 45 minutes longer.
Cool to allow the filling to set.

This pie is rich, you could use a little less sugar and add 1 T. more flour.
NOTE: This is the way the recipe is written. I have sometimes reduced the sugar by 2 T. and increased the flour.

Peach Cobbler



Peach Cobbler

Ingredients:
1 stick (4 ounces) butter
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, thinly sliced (we used 6 for a real fruity tart)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°

Peel and slice peaches into thin wedges. Toss peaches with 3 tablespoons of the sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon.

Melt butter and pour into a 2-quart baking dish.

In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the remaining 1 cup of the sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Add milk and vanilla extract until blended. Lumps are okay.

Pour batter over butter.

Arrange peach slices over the batter.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean. Serve warm with a scoop of fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Stick figure running toward its life goals, just about to drop into the pit of the internet.



Stick figure running toward its life goals, just about to drop into the pit of the internet.

Oh, good you're sending it back



Oh, good you're sending it back.

I'll get the tape.

A baby in a box and a cat looking at him.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

It doesn't mean they're bad...it means they're human.



Everyone makes mistakes in life, but that doesn't mean they have to pay for them the rest of their life.  Sometimes good people make bad choices.  It doesn't mean they're bad...it means they're human.

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand



Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Go Ahead Bounce



Go Ahead Bounce

Several bucks with large antlers laying under a trampoline.

My brain is like the Bermuda Triangle.



My brain is like the Bermuda Triangle.  Information goes in and then it's never found again.

Pull Cord To Begin Apocalypse



Pull Cord To Begin Apocalypse

I really love how we can just look at each other and know that we're making fun of the same person.



I really love how we can just look at each other and know that we're making fun of the same person.

Crock Pot-Tater Tot Casserole




Crock Pot-Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
32 ounces tater tots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 tablespoon dried onions
1/4 cup skim milk

Brown ground beef and drain.
Line crock pot with tater tots.
Combine all other ingredients and pour mixture over the tater tots.
Cover. Cook on High 3 hours.
This takes about ten minutes to prep. Including the time it takes to cook, roughly about 3 1/2 hours total. This recipe makes about 8-12 servings.

Hint: Try adding some green peppers or chilis for a little kick!
 

Zip lock bag of water, natural fly killer




Zip lock bag of water, natural fly killer

Put fresh herbs in ice cube trays with olive oil and freeze, never waste fresh herbs again.



Put fresh herbs in ice cube trays with olive oil and freeze, never waste fresh herbs again.

Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole




Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole



Here is what you need: Serve 8-10
- 1 dozen eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 lbs of hash brown potatoes. (you can use frozen hash browns, just cook for 8-9 hours, instead of the 7-8)
- 1 lb of bacon or veggie Morning Star bacon- cooked, drained and cut into pieces. (feel free to substitute with your favorite breakfast meat..sausage, ham, etc)
- 1/2 cup onions – diced
- 3 cups cheddar cheese – shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp of pepper (I am recommending an additional pinch of salt and pepper for each layer of hash browns)
1. Beat 12 eggs until well blended.
2. Next, beat in milk and garlic powder, mustard, 1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp pepper. Set aside.
3. Layer potatoes (I suggest to season each potato layer to taste…..a small pinch of salt and pepper) and sprinkle 1/3 of the onions.
4. Next sprinkle 1/3 of the bacon.
5. Last but not least, top with 1 cup of cheese.
6. Repeat this layering 2 more times to have a total of 3 layers….ending with cheese.
7. Take your egg mixture and pour over layers. For refrigerated hash browns, cook for 6-7 hours on low. For frozen hash browns, cook for 7-8 hours on low or until eggs are set
 

Barkalounger



Barkalounger

Baby sitting between a dog's paws and laying up against the dog's chest.

Don't Chase the Laser, Carl



Don't Chase the Laser, Carl

It's what the humans want.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Magic Potion



Magic Potion

Love this for a kids party, make Kool Aid and freeze in ice trays. Then fill glass with Sprite, when ice melts, it changes color.

Peach Crunch Cake



Peach Crunch Cake

24.5 oz jar of sliced peaches in light syrup
1 package yellow cake mix
1 stick butter (1/2 cup), cut into 16 pieces
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Layer ingredients in a 13 X 9 dish, in order starting with the peaches.
Bake for about 40 minutes.
Serve warm or cold… with or without ice cream.


Egg Foo Yung

INGREDIENTS:
8 eggs, beaten
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup diced fresh mushrooms
1/3 cup chopped cooked chicken breast
1/3 cup cooked and crumbled ground beef
1/3 cup chopped cooked pork
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper


FOO YUNG SAUCE

2 cubes chicken bouillon
1 1/2 cups hot water
1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
6 tablespoons cold water
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch


DIRECTIONS:
1. Beat eggs in a large bowl. Add the celery, onion, bean sprouts, mushrooms, chicken, beef, pork, salt and pepper. Mix together.
2. Heat oil in a medium skillet or wok and brown egg mixture 1/2 cup at a time. When all of the mixture is browned, set aside.
3. To Make Sauce: Dissolve the bouillon in the hot water in a small saucepan; add sugar and soy sauce and blend well over medium heat. Add cold water and cornstarch and stir until thick and smooth.

Don't steal, don't lie and don't cheat. The government hates competition.



Don't steal, don't lie and don't cheat.  The government hates competition.

I Feel Sluggish



I Feel Sluggish

These Are the Balloon Animals I Can Make



These Are the Balloon Animals I Can Make


Worm Snake Eel

Saturday, May 25, 2013

In Case of Fire Break Glass



In Case of Fire Break Glass

A stick with marshmallows on it in a fire case.

Country Boy Po' Boy



Country Boy Po' Boy

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds beef eye of round roast
5 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups hot water
2 bay leaves
1/2 bell pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 loaf crusty French bread
Mayonnaise, for serving
Shredded iceberg lettuce, for serving
Sliced tomatoes, for serving
Sliced dill pickles, for serving
Directions
Cut 5 slits in the roast and stuff with the garlic cloves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the oil. Sear the roast on all sides until a rich brown color. Add the hot water, bay leaves and bell pepper and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer until the roast is very tender, about 3 hours. During cooking, you want to make sure you keep the level of liquid that you started with. You may have to add up to another 1 1/2 cups water. Do not let the liquid cook out.

Transfer the roast to a cutting board to rest. Discard the bay leaves and bell pepper from the pot. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, whisking, until thickened. You may need to add more flour until you reach the desired thickness of gravy. Be careful not to add too much, since it will thicken faster than you may expect. Season with salt and pepper.

Slice the bread down the center and warm slightly in the oven. Thinly slice the roast. Spoon the gravy over the cut sides of the bread and spread with some mayonnaise. Load the bottom half with sliced beef and top with lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. Cover with the top half of the bread. Cut into 6 pieces and wrap with butcher paper or parchment paper.

Break Dancer or Gay Waiter



Break Dancer or Gay Waiter

Philly Cheesesteak Mac 'n' Cheese



Philly Cheesesteak Mac 'n' Cheese

Ingredients
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), divided
2 large onions, thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound cavatappi-shaped pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
3 cups milk
2 cups shredded provolone
1/2 cup beef stock
1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef, roughly chopped
1/4 cup Italian parsley, chopped
Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring it to a boil.

Once the water boils, cook the cavatappi to al dente according to package directions. Once the pasta has finished cooking, drain it and return it to the pot it was cooked in.

While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add the onions to the pan and top them with a lid or piece of aluminum foil for 2-3 minutes, just to get them cooking. Remove the lid or aluminum foil and continue cooking the onions until tender and lightly caramelized, 8-10 minutes.


While the onions are caramelizing, melt the butter over medium-high heat in a medium-size pot. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and cook the mixture for about 1 minute. Whisk the milk into the butter-flour mixture slowly and bring up to a bubble to thicken. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and reserve.

To the skillet with the onions, add the beef stock and the roast beef. Cook to warm through.

Add the cheese sauce and the onion-roast beef mixture to the pot with the drained pasta and toss everything to combine.

Garlic Grilled Tomatoes




Garlic Grilled Tomatoes

Ingredients:
Tomatoes
Garlic
Olive Oil
Herbs
Crush Garlic, Oil & Herbs in a small bowl.
Brush Half sliced Tomatoes with the mix.
Throw into a frying pan or grill until slightly burned

Wild Mushroom Quesadilla



Wild Mushroom Quesadilla

Many varieties of exotic mushrooms are in the market these days, some gathered from the wild and others cultivated commercially. Forest-gathered mushrooms, such as chanterelles, porcini (cèpes), morels, matsutake, lobster and others, can be found seasonally at specialty grocers and farmers’ markets. Cultivated varieties like portobello, cremini, shiitake, oyster and enoki mushrooms are available in most markets year-round.

Ingredients:
Vegetable oil for coating
1 mild green chili, such as Anaheim or poblano
2 Tbs. unsalted butter
1/4 lb. fresh wild mushrooms, such as porcini (cèpes), chanterelles, morels, shiitakes or portobellos, finely chopped
1 Tbs. pure chili powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup salsa
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese
Directions:
Prepare a hot fire in a grill. Oil the grill rack.

Grill the green chili directly over high heat, turning to char and blister it on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper bag, close the bag and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel the chili, then cut it open to remove the seeds and stem. Mince the chili and set aside.

In a fry pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the mushrooms, minced chili, chili powder and garlic and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the salsa and season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.

Grill the tortillas on one side only until soft and lightly grill-marked, 2 to 3 minutes. On a work surface, lay out 4 sheets of aluminum foil slightly larger than the tortillas. Coat the foil with vegetable oil. Place a tortilla, grilled side down, on each piece of foil and spoon one-fourth of the mushroom mixture and one-fourth of the cheese on one half of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas over the mixture and pinch the edges together with your fingers. Do not overfill the tortillas. Fold the foil over the filled tortillas and crimp the edges to seal.

Grill the quesadilla packets directly over high heat, turning them once, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove a packet from the grill and open the foil. The cheese should be melted and the tortillas lightly golden and crisp. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes more if needed. Remove the foil and serve immediately. Serves 4.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Things Are About to Get Serious



Things Are About to Get Serious

Soldiers standing around a crate labels Top Secret Battle Monkeys

New Seatbelt Design 45% Less Accidents



New Seatbelt Design 45% Less Accidents

When you stop chasing the wrong things, you give the right things a chance to catch you.



When you stop chasing the wrong things, you give the right things a chance to catch you.

If your phone gets wet, try placing it in a bag of rice.

Oh, so that’s how it works…haha!

If your phone gets wet, try placing it in a bag of rice.  At night, the rice will attract Asians who will fix your electronics for you.

He Got Voted Off the Island



He Got Voted Off the Island

Pots, pans, utensils and dishes animated and in a kitchen.