Kitchen Shortcuts for Busy Families

Do you need to save some time in the kitchen, but are not quite ready to tackle a lot of freezer cooking just yet? Here are some shortcuts that work for my family, and might just fit with your family, too. Most of the meals my family eats start with the basics, like chicken and beef. A lot of grocery stores lower the per-pound price on meat when you buy in larger quantities. I buy 5 pounds of beef and 3 pounds of chicken at a time. All 5 pounds of beef get thrown in a pot and cooked while I’m cooking dinner that evening. The chicken also gets diced up and cooked. I then divide the beef into sandwich bags, 2 cups each. The chicken gets divided into approximately 1 ½ cups each. I never thaw out meat in advance now, because it only takes 4 minutes to thaw one of our pre-cooked bags in the microwave. As our lives have gotten busier, we have definitely learned to simplify our meals. I am the queen of one-skillet meals and simple dishes. My family enjoys tacos in a pan, goulash, macaroni & cheese with hot dogs, and a ton of other easy dishes. Keep a family favorites cookbook, and add to it when you find any new and easy recipes you would like to try. Determine the ingredients that you use on a regular basis, and keep stocked up on them. Make vegetables the easy way. Most dishes are even better when veggies are thrown into the mix. We try to eat vegetables every evening, so I have become pretty creative in slashing the task in half. Don’t be afraid to throw vegetables into skillet meals, or mix them up with dishes. This will save on washing an extra pot. My family just recently discovered steam fresh vegetable bags. They steam in the microwave in a matter of minutes, which makes the task of adding veggies to the menu even easier. Look for them in your grocery store’s frozen vegetable isle. There are plenty of ways to save you time in the kitchen, and spend a little more time enjoying meals with your family. Try out different techniques, and stick with what works. You don’t have to feel guilty for not making fancy dishes, as long as your family enjoys what you cook. In this day and age, you should feel good about the fact that you are cooking for your family, instead of eating out.

How to Win Your Favorite Collectibles and Other Items at Auctions

Copyright 2006 Monique Hawkins Some people are interested in obtaining more collectible items for their collection. Some are seeking music boxes and other mechanical music. Many others are looking for items such as cars, houses, jewelry, and household items for a cheap price. There is a very inexpensive way to get your favorite items. How? Auctions! You can find auctions in your area. Most local towns and cities have an auction house. You can usually check your local newspaper, which should have a section in the classifieds for upcoming auctions. Another good source is the Internet when looking for auction houses. Sometimes, you might be driving down the road and see a sign for an upcoming auction as well. Your local library is also a resource. Once you find the auction or auctions you are interested in, make sure you check the time it starts. You want to do this because it is important to view the collectibles, music boxes, mechanical music, or other items you are looking to bid on before things get rolling. You will want to carefully assess their condition. So give yourself plenty of time for this. Make sure you also take a notepad and pen to make notes of the items and the top dollar you are willing to bid. You also will be able to find out who the auctioneers and auction workers are. You will want to get to know them since they will have important information about the particular items you are interested in. This also helps them recognize you when you bid and maybe cause them to be more apt to look your way for a bid. Next, you will want to find out where the auction will start and what direction it will likely go. This is necessary because sometimes there may be more than one auction ring if there are many items. Believe it or not, some auctions last for several days! Each auction ring will have an auctioneer, a recorder, and helpers. It is best to figure out how many rings and which auctioneer will be in which ring. Some auctions have multiple estates represented, so don't be surprised if some sections of items may look like they do not belong with particular items. In addition to the auctioneers, recorders, and helpers at an auction, there will also be a payment table and registration table. At many auction these two tables are the same table. It will be necessary to stop at the registration table before the auction starts. You will need to register your name, address, phone number, picture ID, and tax number if you have one. Keep in mind that the auction can be indoors or outdoors, so make sure you dress appropriately. Otherwise, you might be too hot or too cold! You might want to think about taking a snack or lunch since there might not be a vendor available near the auction. Getting a good parking spot is also important so that you can transfer your music box, mechanical music, collectibles, and other items to your vehicle easily. When you are at the auction, you will notice that items will have lot number or description associated with it. This information may not be on the actual item, but the recorder will have it. It will be on the tickets for each of your winning items. It is always is a good idea to keep track of what are your winning bids and what the winning bid was. This way, you can match each up to your ticket when you check out. The items up for auction are usually kept in boxes or flats. The items may be auctioned per box or per item. If need be, you should be able to request a certain item be pulled out of a box to auction separately. A lot of times, however, you can get a better deal and bargain if the item you want is grouped together in a box with other stuff that may not be as desirable. The more expensive item are kept in locked cases with an attendant close by to open the case for inspection of the items. The auctioneers usually will determine beforehand how valuable pieces and will be which items should be auctioned individually. Get yourself positioned so that you can see the items as they are auctioned and so that the auctioneer will readily see you for your bids. Make sure you have your bidder numbered card ready to show the auctioneer when you bid and when you win an item. Sometimes, prior to and during an auction, as people look at the items, some may get moved from box to box. Make sure you pay close attention to what is being auctioned as in some case some things are moved. Depending upon the auctioneer, bidding could start at what the auctioneer thinks the item will eventually sell for. That offer may not get any bids, so in order to get people bidding; the auctioneer will lower the starting bid. If you are really interested in a music box, mechanical music, a collectible piece, or other items, you may want to bid first thing. This quick bid may scare off other potential bidders and you will win the item. Toward the end of the auction, there may not be as many people still at the auction. This is a great time to get some good deals also. If you win, take your things straight to your vehicle. Once you win the bid, the item or items are you possession and you are responsible for them. At the end of the auction, or when you are ready to leave, make sure you take the payment or registration table to pay for your winning items. They will have a list of items or a ticket for each winning item. Make sure the item and price match what you have recorded. It will be much easier to resolve any conflicts immediately rather than later. Follow the above tips and you will be sure to win that coveted music box, mechanical music, collectible, or other item you were looking for!

Finding Biological Parents

Finding biological parents and siblings can be quite a challenge, but by using various resources and registries available on the internet, success can be achieved by reaching the masses of people that are searching as well.

Children that are adopted often search for biological parents as they grow older and become more inquisitive of their heritage, and in turn may find that their parents are looking for them as well. The adoption may have been closed at the time, so this information was not made available through the adoption agency, as it is in an open adoption. Circumstances change and with time some people find that there is something missing in their lives, and finding biological parents, siblings, and other relatives can answer many questions that have always been in the back of their minds.

Other than just wanting to know, finding biological parents may serve another purpose as well. Many adults that were adopted as children want to know their genetic and medical history, which is a great motivator for finding biological parents, especially in cases of disorders or diseases existing in the family that have a genetic link, it would be helpful to know as much as possible. An extreme situation could be in the case of finding a genetic match for a bone marrow transplant or other type of tissue or organ transplant. Breast cancer is another example. If a woman’s mother or sister has been diagnosed with breast cancer, she has greater than a 50% chance of getting it as well. This scenario is quite common, and many women are faced with deciding whether or not to take preventative measures, such as elective mastectomy.

Finding biological parents, siblings, and other family members is done for a number of reasons, but success in this endeavor ultimately fills an emotional void that can be made whole no other way. A good place to start finding biological parents and others is by registering on a number of sites dedicated to getting families back together. Just post as much information as you can, search public records, and utilize people-finding services  as well. Finding biological parents may take some time, but it’s not impossible. Use a methodical approach and all available resources; talk to people and gather as much information as possible. Sooner or later the pieces of the puzzle will start coming together and hopefully a family reunion after finding biological parents and who knows who else! Good luck!

Holiday Decorating Ideas And The Environment

Title: Holiday Decorating Ideas And The Environment Word Count: 317 Summary: Have you thought about how your holiday decorating affects the environment? What can you do about your holiday decorating to improve your happiness and at the same time be kind to the environment? The good news, taking action to decorate your home and office for the holidays, while keeping respect for the environment, makes your workload easier. Conquer holiday stress with simplicity. Keep your decorations to a minimum. Simple holiday decorating makes your life easier t... Keywords: holiday decorating ideas,holiday decorating,holiday stress,environment,environmental psychology Article Body: Have you thought about how your holiday decorating affects the environment? What can you do about your holiday decorating to improve your happiness and at the same time be kind to the environment? The good news, taking action to decorate your home and office for the holidays, while keeping respect for the environment, makes your workload easier. Conquer holiday stress with simplicity. Keep your decorations to a minimum. Simple holiday decorating makes your life easier to manage. Simple decorating doesn't mean no impact. You can use Environmental Psychology strategies to achieve a stunning display with less work. At the same time, you can save money on new holiday decorations. Eignt Environmental Psychology Holiday Decorating Tips 1. Too many small items in a small space tire the eye and overload the brain. Don't go over the top with holiday decorations. Don't spend your money foolishly on a lot of cluttering ornamentation. 2. Choose a few large holiday decorations to make a bold statement. Bright and deep colors take up more visual space. 3. Make a gorgeous framed note on parchment that says: "We love the earth and choose to celebrate with nature." 4. Work with the holiday decorations you already have. Renew tired ornaments with non-toxic craft paint. 5. Decorate with consumable food, like nuts, fresh fruit, and cookies. 6. Decorate with Mother Nature. Cuttings of evergreens bring respite to tired eyes and fresh aroma to enclosed stale air. 7. Increase your office productivity and business prosperity. When people feel happy, they accomplish more. Take a tip from music therapy expert Enicia Fisher: Play easily-recognized soft music without voices. This encourages signing or humming to oneself to fill in the lyrics. 8. Instead of hanging lights all over your home, concentrate on the front entry to attract the eye and make all feel welcome. Defeat holiday stress this year. Use holiday decorating ideas that protect the environment and yourself. Happy Holidays! © Jeanette Fisher

If It’s Good Enough for NASA, It’s Good Enough for Me

As a strong, corrosion resistant metal and the third most abundant element on the planet, it does not come as a surprise that aluminium is used to make a vast range of products including furniture. Aluminium is non-magnetic and one of its key features is its remarkable light weight, making it the ideal material to be crafted and used in every day life. Its duration in commercial production has so far been short, spanning little over 100 years after being discovered in 1821. Upon being commercially produced, aluminium was more expensive than silver and gold. Over the next few years its price dropped to less than 90% of what it was and despite its recent discovery, crafting aluminium furniture is a lot cheaper and easier than crafting in wood, making its selling price cheaper respectively. Its grey-silver colour also means that aluminium furniture is almost guaranteed to match and even compliment any style of garden or patio décor. Although aluminium furniture is light and can blow over, it is very often seen outside cafes and restaurants and is well suited as outdoor (patio) furniture as it is easily manoeuvred, attractive and easily cleaned. Another major advantage aluminium patio furniture has is that it can be left outside in all seasons and will not be subject to damage or weathering. The reason aluminium is non-corrosive is because it has a thin layer of aluminium oxide covering its surface, preventing any further oxidisation taking place. This means it can withstand a lot of exposure to rain, snow, sleet and hail without rusting or losing its shine. Aluminium, like iron can also be cast for a slightly older more sophisticated look. To further protect aluminium furniture, a sand powder coating may be applied which can also change the colour of the metal according to personal taste. Other than this option, maintenance for aluminium is easier, cheaper and a lot quicker than that of wood. The fastenings that hold aluminium furniture together are most commonly made from stainless steel or aluminium. The list of furniture that can be made using aluminium is almost endless, as the metal is so malleable. The most commonly seen furniture items are probably patio chairs and tables, with aluminium tubing used for the legs and arms. It is best to place aluminium patio furniture on a patio rather than on grass, sand or any soft ground as its legs are often thin and may sink. Although wooden furniture doesn’t heat up as quickly as aluminium, there is always the hassle of having to fold up and balance wooden chairs when you store them, whereas the aluminium counterparts are typically stackable. The two main attractions of aluminium patio furniture are its modern look and its incredible strength considering how much it weighs. Although perhaps not appearing as classy as wood, aluminium compliments every colour apart from gold and can give a very clean, fresh and professional look to any garden, patio or restaurant. And after all, if NASA think aluminium is good enough to craft over three-quarters of their shuttles from the metal then surely it’s good enough for us to sit on?

Foreclosures Caused by Rising Energy Costs

Almost daily, you hear news reports about the increasing numbers of homes in foreclosure.  What you don't hear reported is how increasing energy costs are so often the cause of this devastating problem.

Are you losing your home because your can't afford to pay your energy bills and your mortgage? If you aren't facing foreclosure can you afford temperature settings that keep you feeling comfortable inside your home?

During the recent U.S. housing boom, builders completed homes quickly. Interest rates were low and investors eager to cash in on high returns on investments.   Unless you were knowledgeable about energy-efficient home features and made sure they were included during construction, chances are your new home wastes a lot of energy.  It's also likely you don't feel comfortable in your home due to uneven room temperatures, drafts, cold floors, etc.

There was a time when home air conditioning was a luxury.  Now it seems more like a necessity. Average temperatures in North America have risen over the last 20 years, remaining high for longer periods and forcing people to turn on air conditioners powered by electricity to survive excessive exposure to heat. 

Rate caps that once held down electricity costs are ending countrywide.  Maryland residents recently experienced the shock of a 70% electric rate increase. Pennsylvania residents will receive the first of several rate increases starting in 2008.

The mortgage industry facing huge losses from foreclosures is working with homeowners to reduce monthly mortgage costs.  A reduction in mortgage costs may help, but this is only a temporary solution.  Moving to another home, unless it is energy efficient will not solve the problem.

The best solution is to implement energy saving features in your home as quickly as possible. This will not only be good for you financially, it will also be good for the planet.

©Siti Crook, 2007

Hey, Where’d My Libido Go?

Copyright 2006 Karen Fusco Why do so many mothers lose their libido? Here’s 9 ways for Busy Moms to rediscover their sex drive. Don’t worry…it’s still there! Somewhere lodged deep between the crying, the breast-feeding, the ‘Mommy-I-needs’, the doctor’s appointments, the bills, the dinner, and the extra 5 pounds of pregnancy weight (or 10, or 15…or 30) that you just can’t seem to get rid of, lies your sex drive, dormant and patiently waiting to be revived. You may think as you are reading this, ‘Oh, no. That’s exactly what got me here in the first place.’ And that’s probably true. But, because we are so caught up in the multitude of responsibility and the day-to-day hustle, we tend to forget about the erotic pleasures that once came with the territory. 9 Sure-Fire Ways to Bring the Sizzle Back Into Your Sex Life 1. Sexy Panties and Lingerie. We got so comfortable wearing those maternity panties that Victoria’s Secret has actually become a mystery to our wardrobe. Here’s the thrill in wearing sexy lingerie -- because it’s beneath your clothes, nobody has to know you’re wearing it. That is, unless you want them to… 2. Highlight Your Best Features. You’ve still got it, whether you realize it or not, so flaunt it. Accentuate your best physical attributes and draw attention to the sensual side of you. 3. Exercise. Now, you may think there is absolutely nothing sexual at all about exercise, but here are proven reasons why a 15 minute daily workout will increase your sex drive. Not only does regular exercise increase your stamina, when you workout you feel good about yourself which will, in turn, be reflected positively in your confidence and appearance. And here’s where the science and research kick in, so bear with me. According to medical research, dopamine and endorphins are both considered pleasure neurochemicals (they affect how we feel). Aerobic exercise releases endorphins that create a sense of well-being (you feel good or euphoria). Feeling good likely boosts the libido and makes a woman more excited about sex. Endorphins are also released during orgasm. What a fantastic hormone! So, the next time you want to feel sensual take a brisk walk or jump on the bike with the kids to get those neurochemicals going. 4. Slow Down on the Mommy Stuff. Don’t let the multitude of day-to-day tasks take you over and wear you out. The top reason why couples aren’t having sex is they are just too tired. And as a Mom you are not just physically tired at the end of the day, you are also mentally exhausted. To eliminate fatigue, try a powernap during the day instead of washing the dishes or doing the laundry. The 10-20 minute nap will have you feeling much more refreshed and at ease. Most likely, there are items on your daily to-do list that can wait until tomorrow. You’re much sexier when you’re well-rested and relaxed than when you’re overwhelmed, exhausted and looking frazzled. 5. Take Off the Mom Hat. You weren’t born with the title. Before you were ‘Mom’ and the household Superwoman, you were this Super Sexy Woman on the move. You have to take off the Mom Hat for a moment because nobody else is going to volunteer to give you a break otherwise. 6. Play Dress Up. Now, this can go two different ways. It’s always nice to put on fancy clothes, get your hair, nails, and make-up professionally done to go out on the town. But, there is a naughty aspect that comes along with a trip to Fredrick’s of Hollywood or the local costume shop. The element of mystery and excitement is sure to get you going. 7. Get a Babysitter or a Family Member. If you have a support system… use it. If you don’t… hire one you can trust. If you can’t trust one locally, buy an airline ticket and ship one in. You will be hard pressed to find your libido with the kids running around screaming and playing, so find a way to have quiet time alone with your significant other. Once you have secured some help, plan a romantic evening alone at home or even a weekend getaway of pleasure. 8. Relax…Relate…Release. We underestimate the eroticism that comes with peace and quiet. Pamper yourself and rediscover the powers of relaxation. Release all of your worries and daily responsibility to enjoy the company of your lover. 9. Play up The Senses. The word ‘sensual’ means enticing the 5 senses. So, entice your sense of sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound to reawaken your sexual libido. Light your favorite scented candles to provide soft lighting (sight), warmth (touch), and sexy aromas (scent). Bring out warm baby oil so you and your lover can simultaneously massage (touch) each other in delicate places. And have a tray of aphrodisiacs to feed one another (taste) while soft music is playing in the background (sound).