How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredients:
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup shortening
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional sugar for coating
48 Hershey’s kisses
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 375 F.
2) Beat peanut butter and shortening until well blended.
3) Add both sugars, egg, milk, and vanilla and beat until fluffy.
4) Mix together flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat in gradually to first mixture.
5) Form into 1-inch balls, roll in sugar, and place on cookie sheet.
6) Bake for 8-10 minutes. Unwrap kisses and immediately press into cookie centers.
Notes: This is the original recipe that I sometimes alter. Recently I made slightly larger cookies and baked them a few minutes longer. You can also use butter instead of shortening. Butter will enhance the flavor, but shortening gives a flufflier texture.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
How to Deal with Tooth Nightmares (Real and Imagined)
Live in a third world country for a few years with poor diet and dental care and probably obtain two cavities (I haven't confirmed yet). Then start learning to SCUBA dive and have pieces of your back molars pop off because of the water pressure. True story. Real phenomenon. I've never had bad teeth, until now, but I've had a lot of dreams in my life about something happening to my teeth, like all of them falling out or being broken.
My parents said that I ground my teeth as a child and it woke them up at night. I'm not sure if the grinding caused the dreams or vice versa, but they were probably connected somehow. I've heard that tooth dreams are a result of stress, which makes a lot of sense since people grit their teeth
when they're under pressure, no pun intended. However, for kicks and giggles I decided to research other possibe interpretations of this kind of dream.
1) Fear of death or growing old
2) Powerlessness
3) Fear of change
4) Fear or failure or embarrassment
5) Poor health (physcial, mental, spiritual, emotional)
6) Financial instability
7) Abandonment
/(Source)
I think a lot of these concerns apply to me, but they are general enough to apply to quite a lot of people. They are very real human fears. You could add a lot of additional things to this list and it could all be considered stress, a mental/emotional condition that may affect us physically in the way that we hold our jaw, which completes the cycle by again affecting our mind and emotions as we sleep, especially if we don't deal with that stress in a healthy way.
Now that it has actually happened - pieces of my teeth have actually come off, the fear isn't as great as I thought it would be. I was so worried that one day I would have cavities or other tooth problems and that it would ruin my teeth and affect me for the rest of my life. Now I realize that regular people just go to the dentist and get it taken care of. Unless you stick your wide open mouth in everyone's face, no one is really going to know or care that you have a few tooth problems.
As long as I am not in pain and my smile looks okay, I'll be happy. And even if someday something happened to my front teeth (Lord forbid!), I'll probably cry but then end up with some nice looking implants that no one will realize are fake. Unlikely, but at least now I know that I'll survive.
My parents said that I ground my teeth as a child and it woke them up at night. I'm not sure if the grinding caused the dreams or vice versa, but they were probably connected somehow. I've heard that tooth dreams are a result of stress, which makes a lot of sense since people grit their teeth
when they're under pressure, no pun intended. However, for kicks and giggles I decided to research other possibe interpretations of this kind of dream.
1) Fear of death or growing old
2) Powerlessness
3) Fear of change
4) Fear or failure or embarrassment
5) Poor health (physcial, mental, spiritual, emotional)
6) Financial instability
7) Abandonment
/(Source)
I think a lot of these concerns apply to me, but they are general enough to apply to quite a lot of people. They are very real human fears. You could add a lot of additional things to this list and it could all be considered stress, a mental/emotional condition that may affect us physically in the way that we hold our jaw, which completes the cycle by again affecting our mind and emotions as we sleep, especially if we don't deal with that stress in a healthy way.
Now that it has actually happened - pieces of my teeth have actually come off, the fear isn't as great as I thought it would be. I was so worried that one day I would have cavities or other tooth problems and that it would ruin my teeth and affect me for the rest of my life. Now I realize that regular people just go to the dentist and get it taken care of. Unless you stick your wide open mouth in everyone's face, no one is really going to know or care that you have a few tooth problems.
As long as I am not in pain and my smile looks okay, I'll be happy. And even if someday something happened to my front teeth (Lord forbid!), I'll probably cry but then end up with some nice looking implants that no one will realize are fake. Unlikely, but at least now I know that I'll survive.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
How to Waste a LOT of Time
Go to Addicting Games.
You'll never be able to leave.
One of my BOSSES once showed me this website I waste entirely too much time there. I'll find a favorite game and get stuck on it until I beat it. Some of them are really dumb, but the title is appropriate - they are addicting.
You'll never be able to leave.
One of my BOSSES once showed me this website I waste entirely too much time there. I'll find a favorite game and get stuck on it until I beat it. Some of them are really dumb, but the title is appropriate - they are addicting.
Friday, January 28, 2011
How to Make a Nutritious, Tasty, Fulfilling Snack
I have always been a big fan of sweet potatoes, but until recently I didn't realize just how nutritious they were. They are a natural source of dietary fiber, naturally occurring sugars, potassium, complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins A and C, iron and calcium. I also didn't know quite how to enjoy them without butter and brown sugar.
Well, a few weeks ago I found a recipe for baked sweet potatoes chunks with a bacon maple glaze (similar the sweet tater fries you find in some restaurants). Before baking, you coat the chunks in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. I tested a piece to see if they were done baking and discovered that I LOVED the chunks even without the glaze. We ate it with the glaze that I made from maple syrup, but it gave me the idea to start making my own sweet potato fries with enough seasoning to make them delicious enough on their own.
You can cut your sweet potatoes into any shape you wish - chunks, fries, chips, etc. I would recommend baking them at 400 or higher. I've cooked them on a lower temperature for longer, but they don't get very crispy. I cook my chunks for about 15-20 minutes on each side, but that time would obviously decrese for thin fries or chips. You can use any kind of oil, but I think olive oil has the best flavor. I've also uses garlic and parmesan cheese on my sweet potatoes. I think I could eat these every day. It would probably make me a lot healthier!
Well, a few weeks ago I found a recipe for baked sweet potatoes chunks with a bacon maple glaze (similar the sweet tater fries you find in some restaurants). Before baking, you coat the chunks in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. I tested a piece to see if they were done baking and discovered that I LOVED the chunks even without the glaze. We ate it with the glaze that I made from maple syrup, but it gave me the idea to start making my own sweet potato fries with enough seasoning to make them delicious enough on their own.
You can cut your sweet potatoes into any shape you wish - chunks, fries, chips, etc. I would recommend baking them at 400 or higher. I've cooked them on a lower temperature for longer, but they don't get very crispy. I cook my chunks for about 15-20 minutes on each side, but that time would obviously decrese for thin fries or chips. You can use any kind of oil, but I think olive oil has the best flavor. I've also uses garlic and parmesan cheese on my sweet potatoes. I think I could eat these every day. It would probably make me a lot healthier!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
How to Really Worry Your Family and Friends
Just happen to be visiting another country when unrest breaks out. My friend Rachel was in Egypt recently and toward the end of her trip I started hearing about problems going on in the country. She's back now, but one of the headlines on the yahoo page is about the protests that are breaking out.
I was living in Honduras in 2009 when the coup happened. If you don't know anything about it, the wikipedia article is a decent introduction - . I lived through the curfews and "state of exception." My friends and I saw protests, threatening graffiti, and a lot of unrest. At one point we were even on a bus on the same day that a bus from the same line to the same city was bombed. We had very nearly taken that bus, but were delayed in our departure. If I remember correctly, only part of the explosive device went off and the other part was defused or didn't function. If it had gone off as planned, everyone would have probably been killed.
If you understand Spanish or want to put it through an online translator, here is an old article I found about the incident. It happened on Thanksgiving Day when we were on our way to eat dinner with our missionary friends.
We were also in the country when they had a devastating flood and a major earthquake. I can't imagine the anxiety that we caused our families and friends. We didn't completely disregard their wishes, but we were there for a purpose and we completed it. There were probably people who were worried about Rachel while she was in Egypt, but I understand the call to travel, explore, and understand other cultures. I understand the missionary's call and will probably continue to listen to it the rest of my life.
I was living in Honduras in 2009 when the coup happened. If you don't know anything about it, the wikipedia article is a decent introduction - . I lived through the curfews and "state of exception." My friends and I saw protests, threatening graffiti, and a lot of unrest. At one point we were even on a bus on the same day that a bus from the same line to the same city was bombed. We had very nearly taken that bus, but were delayed in our departure. If I remember correctly, only part of the explosive device went off and the other part was defused or didn't function. If it had gone off as planned, everyone would have probably been killed.
If you understand Spanish or want to put it through an online translator, here is an old article I found about the incident. It happened on Thanksgiving Day when we were on our way to eat dinner with our missionary friends.
We were also in the country when they had a devastating flood and a major earthquake. I can't imagine the anxiety that we caused our families and friends. We didn't completely disregard their wishes, but we were there for a purpose and we completed it. There were probably people who were worried about Rachel while she was in Egypt, but I understand the call to travel, explore, and understand other cultures. I understand the missionary's call and will probably continue to listen to it the rest of my life.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
How to Make an Oddly Satisfying, Slightly Nutritious, Low-Calorie, Semi-Caffeinated Drink
Sometimes I get in the mood for mountain dew, especially code red mountain dew. It was my friend during many final exam study weeks. I've never been a constant soda drinker, though I went through a stage when I lived in Central America because all of the cokes were made with real sugar instead of corn syrup. I'm much more likely to drink milk, water, juice, coffee, and tea now. However, I've recently had the urge for that code red flavor. I bought a pack but realized I was drinking it too often and that the sugar overload was giving me a headache. (It's not the caffeine. I tend to drink caffeine on occasion to help my migraines.) I bought the diet variety but no one really LIKES the diet aftertaste.
We tend to buy the simply orange juice at our house but the other day we decided to try the variety with added mango juice. I had just poured myself a glass when I remembered that I had already opened a can of diet code red mountain dew. Enter: Strange idea. I'm sure someone has done this before, but it was an original idea to me. I mixed the OJ and soda together. After all, mountain dew already has a citrusy flavor. The end result was rather tasty and it masked the diet flavor. The OJ does add some calories to the calorie-free diet soda, but it also adds some vitamins, so I'd say it's a fair trade.
We tend to buy the simply orange juice at our house but the other day we decided to try the variety with added mango juice. I had just poured myself a glass when I remembered that I had already opened a can of diet code red mountain dew. Enter: Strange idea. I'm sure someone has done this before, but it was an original idea to me. I mixed the OJ and soda together. After all, mountain dew already has a citrusy flavor. The end result was rather tasty and it masked the diet flavor. The OJ does add some calories to the calorie-free diet soda, but it also adds some vitamins, so I'd say it's a fair trade.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
How to Make An Amazing Pitcher of Southern Iced Tea
Sweet tea has been called the house wine of the south. There are probably some places outside of the south that offer this refreshing drink, but I had no idea that it wasn't a staple in all restaurants until I traveled out west one time and people snickered at me when I tried to order it. I lived in Central America for several years and although they offered sweet tea, it was usually made from a mix rather than brewed directly.
I love tea so much that I can drink unsweetened, hot, herbal, or just about any rendition and I take pride in the fact that I can make a proper cup of British tea, but my first love will always be southern iced tea.
Materials Needed:
1 cup of water per quart of tea you wish to make
1 family size tea bag or 2-3 standard tea bags per quart
tea kettle or saucepan
tea pitcher
sugar (approximately 1/2 cup per quart)
pinch of baking soda
1) To make a tea base, first boil water in a saucepan or tea kettle.
2) Place the tea bags in your tea pitcher and pour the water over them.
3) Allow the tea to steep for about ten minutes. Add a pinch of baking soda to cut the bitterness.
4) Remove the tea bags but don't squeeze them, as this can increase the bitterness.
5) Add sugar to taste and stir.
6) Serve over ice or refrigerate until chilled. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste.
Keep your tea refrigerated to keep it from spoiling.
Note: I do not recommend using a microwave to boil water. Water will not bubble even when at a boiling temperature, so it can become deceptively hot. When moved, it can bubble over and cause burns.
I love tea so much that I can drink unsweetened, hot, herbal, or just about any rendition and I take pride in the fact that I can make a proper cup of British tea, but my first love will always be southern iced tea.
Materials Needed:
1 cup of water per quart of tea you wish to make
1 family size tea bag or 2-3 standard tea bags per quart
tea kettle or saucepan
tea pitcher
sugar (approximately 1/2 cup per quart)
pinch of baking soda
1) To make a tea base, first boil water in a saucepan or tea kettle.
2) Place the tea bags in your tea pitcher and pour the water over them.
3) Allow the tea to steep for about ten minutes. Add a pinch of baking soda to cut the bitterness.
4) Remove the tea bags but don't squeeze them, as this can increase the bitterness.
5) Add sugar to taste and stir.
6) Serve over ice or refrigerate until chilled. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste.
Keep your tea refrigerated to keep it from spoiling.
Note: I do not recommend using a microwave to boil water. Water will not bubble even when at a boiling temperature, so it can become deceptively hot. When moved, it can bubble over and cause burns.
Monday, January 24, 2011
How to Procrastinate
1) Instead of doing what you should be doing, make long and detailed lists of what you should be doing.
2) Take a nap. Tasks can't plague you while you're sleeping. Unless you dream about drowning in paperwork or something.
3) Clean your house. It stalls the task at hand but helps you feel productive.
4) Watch a gripping movie or TV show. Your problems can never be as bad as a fictional protagonist, right?
5) Pretend to work. Or do all of the preliminary planning, such as getting a template for a document ready. You'll convince your brain you're actually working.
6) Find someone to procrastinate with. It eases the guilt.
7) Do absolutely anything else but what you're supposed to do.
*sigh* I'm way too good at this. I need professional help.
2) Take a nap. Tasks can't plague you while you're sleeping. Unless you dream about drowning in paperwork or something.
3) Clean your house. It stalls the task at hand but helps you feel productive.
4) Watch a gripping movie or TV show. Your problems can never be as bad as a fictional protagonist, right?
5) Pretend to work. Or do all of the preliminary planning, such as getting a template for a document ready. You'll convince your brain you're actually working.
6) Find someone to procrastinate with. It eases the guilt.
7) Do absolutely anything else but what you're supposed to do.
*sigh* I'm way too good at this. I need professional help.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
How to Draw
This is one of the top most searched for how-tos, but also one of the vaguest when compared to specific entries like how to tie a tie and how to cook a turkey. Drawing is a much more abstract concepts. Yes, the pencil, paper, your hand, and maybe even subject is concrete, but the way you process that subject is not. Although there are methods and techniques that can be used to improve your drawing, everyone sees the world a bit differently and everyone draws differently.
If you want to be an artist or you have a mandatory art class, then these are the suggestions that I have for you that can help you to discover the way that you draw best. Although some people are naturally more artistic than others, I think everyone can at least learn basic drawing skills.
1) Buy a sketchpad (if you're taking a class, this will probably be required anyway). Invest in a nice one and you'll be more motivated to draw in it.
2) Invest in drawing pencils. I have many sets. General's Kimberly drawing pencils were my low end beginner pencils but now I have a Derwent set. Pencils have different levels of hardness, which determines how dark they are on the page. It can be extremely difficult to get a variety of values out of a single, ordinary pencil.
3) Draw every day. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece; it can be a simple sketch of just about anything. Just as musicians and athletes must practice to fine tune their skills and build physical or intellectual "muscle", artists must develop their skill. There is always the occasional prodigy that was just born with it, but I have more admiration for those who painstakingly work at their craft.
4) Don't tear out pages, scribble everything out, erase too much, or get frustrated and give up on your drawings. I used to do this all the time and my teacher told me that it was just a sketchpad, not the final product. Work out the problem on the paper. You might come back to that idea later on and improve on it.
5) Don't restrict yourself to realism. Yes, it can be impressive to recreate a scene with photographic quality and you should practice this skill. However, don't be afraid to doodle, make things up, or alter the characteristics of real world objects.
6) Before you focus too much on a completed work, shading and all, make sure that you have the basics down. Drawing begins with a line that is either thick or thin, straight or curved, light or dark. Lines progress into shapes and figures that go together to form a composition. Figure drawing and shading are skills I practiced seperately for a long time before putting them together.
7) If you invest in any sort of book to help you, don't just buy one that is filled with pictures for you to copy step by step. Find one that also has sketching exercises or guides for things like shading techniques, correct proportion, point of view, etc.
8) One book that I highly recommend is Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain. Right-brained people tend to be more artistic while left-brained people tend to be more analytical. I took the brainworks test many years ago and it showed me that I was split almost evenly between right and left brain, auditory and visual. But even if you are left-brained, that doesn't mean the right side of your brain is dead. This books gives you exercises that activate the right side of your brain.
9) One such suggestion that worked well for me was turning a picture upside down and then drawing it. That way, I didn't focus on what my left-brain thought it was supposed to look like, but instead on the lines and shapes that my right brain actually saw. Two other techniques that my teacher incorated into our classroom was covering the clock and not talking while we drew (language and time awareness are associated with the left brain.)
10) Observe more than you draw. Too often budding artists glance at their subject and then draw for several seconds without looking back. Don't just guess at what is there. Really look at it and notice the subtle nuances of every line and shape. If the normal fruit composition doesn't strike your fancy, compose your own still life.
When you feel like you have reached a milestone with your sketching ability, try bringing that idea to life on a big piece of quality drawing paper. My favorite surface to draw on is bristol board. When you finish your first composition, set it up on one end of a well-lit room and walk to the other end to critique it. Often a drawing at a distance loses much of its detail and contrast, so you can tell what areas you need to work on. The best drawings have a wide range of lights and darks, which more easily capture the attention of observers. Be wary of books or people teaching who proclaim they will teach you how to draw. Some teachers actually give you techniques that help you develop your own ability and style while others merely have you copy them and therefore learn their style. A bit of both is okay.
If you want to be an artist or you have a mandatory art class, then these are the suggestions that I have for you that can help you to discover the way that you draw best. Although some people are naturally more artistic than others, I think everyone can at least learn basic drawing skills.
1) Buy a sketchpad (if you're taking a class, this will probably be required anyway). Invest in a nice one and you'll be more motivated to draw in it.
2) Invest in drawing pencils. I have many sets. General's Kimberly drawing pencils were my low end beginner pencils but now I have a Derwent set. Pencils have different levels of hardness, which determines how dark they are on the page. It can be extremely difficult to get a variety of values out of a single, ordinary pencil.
3) Draw every day. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece; it can be a simple sketch of just about anything. Just as musicians and athletes must practice to fine tune their skills and build physical or intellectual "muscle", artists must develop their skill. There is always the occasional prodigy that was just born with it, but I have more admiration for those who painstakingly work at their craft.
4) Don't tear out pages, scribble everything out, erase too much, or get frustrated and give up on your drawings. I used to do this all the time and my teacher told me that it was just a sketchpad, not the final product. Work out the problem on the paper. You might come back to that idea later on and improve on it.
5) Don't restrict yourself to realism. Yes, it can be impressive to recreate a scene with photographic quality and you should practice this skill. However, don't be afraid to doodle, make things up, or alter the characteristics of real world objects.
6) Before you focus too much on a completed work, shading and all, make sure that you have the basics down. Drawing begins with a line that is either thick or thin, straight or curved, light or dark. Lines progress into shapes and figures that go together to form a composition. Figure drawing and shading are skills I practiced seperately for a long time before putting them together.
7) If you invest in any sort of book to help you, don't just buy one that is filled with pictures for you to copy step by step. Find one that also has sketching exercises or guides for things like shading techniques, correct proportion, point of view, etc.
8) One book that I highly recommend is Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain. Right-brained people tend to be more artistic while left-brained people tend to be more analytical. I took the brainworks test many years ago and it showed me that I was split almost evenly between right and left brain, auditory and visual. But even if you are left-brained, that doesn't mean the right side of your brain is dead. This books gives you exercises that activate the right side of your brain.
9) One such suggestion that worked well for me was turning a picture upside down and then drawing it. That way, I didn't focus on what my left-brain thought it was supposed to look like, but instead on the lines and shapes that my right brain actually saw. Two other techniques that my teacher incorated into our classroom was covering the clock and not talking while we drew (language and time awareness are associated with the left brain.)
10) Observe more than you draw. Too often budding artists glance at their subject and then draw for several seconds without looking back. Don't just guess at what is there. Really look at it and notice the subtle nuances of every line and shape. If the normal fruit composition doesn't strike your fancy, compose your own still life.
When you feel like you have reached a milestone with your sketching ability, try bringing that idea to life on a big piece of quality drawing paper. My favorite surface to draw on is bristol board. When you finish your first composition, set it up on one end of a well-lit room and walk to the other end to critique it. Often a drawing at a distance loses much of its detail and contrast, so you can tell what areas you need to work on. The best drawings have a wide range of lights and darks, which more easily capture the attention of observers. Be wary of books or people teaching who proclaim they will teach you how to draw. Some teachers actually give you techniques that help you develop your own ability and style while others merely have you copy them and therefore learn their style. A bit of both is okay.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
How to Avoid Getting Thrown Out of a Bar
Don't continue to hit on or buy drinks for someone that clearly does not want your attention, especially if you are a stalker.
Tonight I went to hear my brother's band play and a guy got kicked out for bothering a girl. At first the owner just talked to him, but when the girl's friends told him that the guy had been stalking her for two years, he kicked him out.
This article could also be titled, "How to Get a Random Guy Thrown Out of a Bar by Lying", but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.
Tonight I went to hear my brother's band play and a guy got kicked out for bothering a girl. At first the owner just talked to him, but when the girl's friends told him that the guy had been stalking her for two years, he kicked him out.
This article could also be titled, "How to Get a Random Guy Thrown Out of a Bar by Lying", but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.
Friday, January 21, 2011
How to Save Money on Your Phone Bill
1) Go to Wal-Mart.
2) Buy a Straight Talk phone (ranging in price from about $40-$200, depending on your needs.)
3) Buy a car charger if you need one ($10).
4) Buy the protection plan if you're really mean to your phones ($20).
5) Go home and get on straighttalk.com.
6) Click on activate/register and follow the instructions. You can purchase your preferred talk plan here also.
7) Talk. Enjoy your savings.
8) Refill your phone with the $30 card (1,000 minutes/1,000 texts/30mb) or the $45 card (unlimited EVERYTHING). You can also buy cards that last one year or setup auto-refill from your bank account if you think you might forget.
Notes:
You can get a new number or use an existing one, though it can take up to 2 days to transfer an old number. Mine only took a few minutes, though. My family just switched all of their phones because we were tired of contracts and we realized that the "free" phones weren't really so free considering how expensive our bill was.
2) Buy a Straight Talk phone (ranging in price from about $40-$200, depending on your needs.)
3) Buy a car charger if you need one ($10).
4) Buy the protection plan if you're really mean to your phones ($20).
5) Go home and get on straighttalk.com.
6) Click on activate/register and follow the instructions. You can purchase your preferred talk plan here also.
7) Talk. Enjoy your savings.
8) Refill your phone with the $30 card (1,000 minutes/1,000 texts/30mb) or the $45 card (unlimited EVERYTHING). You can also buy cards that last one year or setup auto-refill from your bank account if you think you might forget.
Notes:
You can get a new number or use an existing one, though it can take up to 2 days to transfer an old number. Mine only took a few minutes, though. My family just switched all of their phones because we were tired of contracts and we realized that the "free" phones weren't really so free considering how expensive our bill was.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
How to Make Cake Mix Cookies
I made some tasty cookies today. I was first introduced to cake mix cookies at a friend's house, and my life hasn't been the same since. I ate a shameful amount of cookies that night and thought there must have been some special secret ingredient. It was actually quite simple.
Take any regular box of cake mix (I use yellow) and dump it in a mixing bowl. Add two eggs, a stick of butter or margarine, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix well. I add one cup of chocolate chips and a half cup of chopped walnuts. Drop by rounded teaspoons on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 for about 10 minutes. You can make bigger cookies and bake them a little longer.
You can make just about any kind of cookie you want with cake mix as a base. With cookie mixes and even made from scratch cookies I often come close to burning my cookies just trying to get the middle done. I don't like crispy cookies but I also don't like raw ones. Cake mix cookies just seem to cook more evenly. The middle rises up before th bottom burns.
Take any regular box of cake mix (I use yellow) and dump it in a mixing bowl. Add two eggs, a stick of butter or margarine, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix well. I add one cup of chocolate chips and a half cup of chopped walnuts. Drop by rounded teaspoons on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 for about 10 minutes. You can make bigger cookies and bake them a little longer.
You can make just about any kind of cookie you want with cake mix as a base. With cookie mixes and even made from scratch cookies I often come close to burning my cookies just trying to get the middle done. I don't like crispy cookies but I also don't like raw ones. Cake mix cookies just seem to cook more evenly. The middle rises up before th bottom burns.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
How to Prevent Your SCUBA Mask from Fogging Up and Other Tips
People use masks for a variety of activities, from swimming to snorkeling to skin and scuba diving. I’m currently learning to scuba dive, so I was concerned about a foggy mask because I not only wanted to be able to see the ocean life, but also be able to stay oriented that far under water.
When I first started snorkeling, it didn’t bother me as much because it is easy to wipe out a mask at the surface. I learned in the diving pool, however, that it’s no fun to be down with your group and not be able to see them or complete the diving exercises correctly. I did a few things right, but I made a few common mistakes that all newbies make. These are my suggestions.
1) Buy a quality mask. There are plenty of inexpensive snorkeling sets that include a mask, fins, and snorkel, but you’ll want to invest a bit more money if you’re going to be diving. There are some bells and whistles that you may not necessarily need, like a purge valve, side windows, etc., but for the most part you get what you pay for. A comfort strap might be nice also so you don’t snag your hair.
2) Scrub the inside and outside of the mask window with a non-gel toothpaste or other non-abrasive cleaner. Maybe there are some soft cloths you can use, but I just used my finger. The mistake I made was thinking that a simple scrub was good enough. My mask still fogged up the first day. My instructor said it can take 2-3 good scrubbings to remove the protective film from a new mask.
3) Use defog on a dry mask. There are several kinds that you can buy, but remember to use a little inside and out and then rinse ONCE before you put it on. Any more than that and you’ll rinse the defog off.
4) Put your mask on and leave it on. Taking your mask off and exposing it to water and air can cause fogging. As long as it’s on your face you don’t have to worry about that. This is easy when diving because you’re not going to take off your mask, but when you’re learning new skills at the surface you might be tempted to take off your mask to see better. My mask was very clear the second night but I noticed it getting foggy toward the end because I messed with it too much.
5) Rinse your mask well with fresh water after each use and store out of the sun (just as you should do with the rest of your equipment), preferably in your protective case.
The reason I wrote about masks rather than all of the equipment is because I am still learning about most of the other components and a foggy mask was what was causing me the most anxiety when I started class. I will continue to post as I learn more. If you have anything to add specifically about masks, I would welcome the advice!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
How to Avoid Injury While Walking Your Dog
Don't use a leash designed for up to 30 lbs on a 45 lb dog.
Just sayin'
Just sayin'
Monday, January 17, 2011
How to Breathe Underwater
This is what I've learned so far about breathing underwater in my SCUBA class. This is common-knowledge for divers, but I just started and I'm processing the info by writing about it. These were some things that I was worried about before I started, but I'm much more at ease now.
1) If the regulator comes out of your mouth, it isn't difficult to get it back again, so don't panic. You can sweep your right hand behind you for the hose or lean forward while lifting your tank/BCD with your left hand so you can reach behind you with your right to find where the hose connects.
2) When you lose your regulator, as mentioned above, you have to get the water out of it so you can breathe again. If you don't have any air to exhale, there is a purge valve you can press that will do it for you. We also practiced blowing water out of our snorkels and switching between our snorkels and regulators while under water, which ended up being a lot less nerve-wracking than I thought.
3) If all else fails and your regulator is not available or malfunctions, you have an alternate air source, which can also be given to your partner if he/she has a problem. You can then breathe from the same tank while you ascend.
4) Equalizing is not as difficult as it sounds. You clear your ears just like you would if you were traveling in the mountains or flying in a plane.
5) Here's a biggie for me - What if my mask fills with water and I'm deep below the surface? This would happen to me while snorkeling but I was on the surface so I could readjust my mask any time I wanted. Well, as it turns out, even when you're below the water, you can take a deep breath, hold the top of your mask, and blow out through your nose to clear all of the water from your mask.
6) Finally, the MOST important rule: Never hold your breath while diving. It's a natural instinct for us to hold our breath but it can be dangerous the deeper you dive. We practiced at the surface by taking our regulators out of our mouths and exhaling slowly (blowing bubbles). If you hold your breath at the surface and then descend, the natural air you take with you compresses and the decompresses as you ascend. However, a breath taken from a tank below uses air that is at the surrounding pressure of the water. If you were to then ascend with that air in your lungs, it would continue to expand as the pressure decreased, causing overexpasion of your lungs. But this is a rule that is easily learned and practiced.
Overall, my first experience was good. I never doubted that I would love diving, but I was a little worried that it would take me a while to get the hang of breathing without panicking. The only problem I had was that my mask fogged up because I hadn't cleaned the new film off of it well enough. That made it a little difficult to see but we were in a pool so I was okay.
1) If the regulator comes out of your mouth, it isn't difficult to get it back again, so don't panic. You can sweep your right hand behind you for the hose or lean forward while lifting your tank/BCD with your left hand so you can reach behind you with your right to find where the hose connects.
2) When you lose your regulator, as mentioned above, you have to get the water out of it so you can breathe again. If you don't have any air to exhale, there is a purge valve you can press that will do it for you. We also practiced blowing water out of our snorkels and switching between our snorkels and regulators while under water, which ended up being a lot less nerve-wracking than I thought.
3) If all else fails and your regulator is not available or malfunctions, you have an alternate air source, which can also be given to your partner if he/she has a problem. You can then breathe from the same tank while you ascend.
4) Equalizing is not as difficult as it sounds. You clear your ears just like you would if you were traveling in the mountains or flying in a plane.
5) Here's a biggie for me - What if my mask fills with water and I'm deep below the surface? This would happen to me while snorkeling but I was on the surface so I could readjust my mask any time I wanted. Well, as it turns out, even when you're below the water, you can take a deep breath, hold the top of your mask, and blow out through your nose to clear all of the water from your mask.
6) Finally, the MOST important rule: Never hold your breath while diving. It's a natural instinct for us to hold our breath but it can be dangerous the deeper you dive. We practiced at the surface by taking our regulators out of our mouths and exhaling slowly (blowing bubbles). If you hold your breath at the surface and then descend, the natural air you take with you compresses and the decompresses as you ascend. However, a breath taken from a tank below uses air that is at the surrounding pressure of the water. If you were to then ascend with that air in your lungs, it would continue to expand as the pressure decreased, causing overexpasion of your lungs. But this is a rule that is easily learned and practiced.
Overall, my first experience was good. I never doubted that I would love diving, but I was a little worried that it would take me a while to get the hang of breathing without panicking. The only problem I had was that my mask fogged up because I hadn't cleaned the new film off of it well enough. That made it a little difficult to see but we were in a pool so I was okay.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
How to Slow Aging
Don't laugh at me (my friend chimes in "Don't call me names..."). I know I'm only 26, but a lot of people, and by that I mean everyone that I meet, thinks that I look younger than I really am.
An expert who knows what to look for would probably hit a little closer to the mark, guessing early 20's, but recently I've been mistaken for a young teenager. I was about to get into the therapy pool at my health club and the lifeguard informed me that those 14 and under not allowed in that pool. I hope she wasn't embarrassed when I told her my real age, because I think it's rather amusing.
It won't be amusing, however, if when I turn 30, I suddenly look my age. I would have endured all of the teasing for nothing. I doubt that will happen, but I've decided to take some steps now that will slow the aging process. I've been reading a lot of articles lately and here are the best 11 tips I've heard for slowing the aging process.
1) I don't smoke, drink, or do drugs, so that is one obvious factor that might give me a more youthful appearance than peers who engage in those behaviors. I don't condemn the occasional drink, but I do frown on behavior that is hazardous to one's health and relationships. Everything in moderation.
2) I don't go to tanning salons or spend hours in the sun unprotected. I went to a tanning bed the month before my senior prom and I could just feel the cancer seeping into my skin. I hated it. I spent the last few years in Honduras where the UV index was constantly "extremely high", so if I was going to be in the sun for more than a few minutes, I slathered on the sunscreen. AND, despite my current pale appearance, I still managed to acquire a very healthy glow and light tan.
For a while experts were saying that people should wear sunscreen all the time, even during incidental sun exposure (walking to and from the car) but then they realized that people were subject to a variety of other health risks when deprived of vitamin D. I got into the habit of carrying my sunscreen with me in case there was a spontaneous soccer tournament at my school but I didn't apply it in the morning before going to work.
3) I didn't realize until recently how much my skin might have benefited from the fact that I like to wear hats and sunglasses. Not only do they offer an extra degree of protection against the sun, but they cut down on squinting, which eventually causes wrinkles. Don't argue with me and say you aren't a hat person. I wasn't either until someone gave me a really cute hat and I just decided to wear it with confidence. Once you get used to seeing yourself in hats, you'll see yourself as a hat person.
4) EAT FAT! Okay, this is something that I didn't change until recently. I tend to eat very little fat, not because of any diet, but because I've always been a big carb eater instead. I like a good steak or burger, but I don't eat them very often. Most fatty things are also greasy, which my stomach doesn't handle very well. Yes we should avoid saturated and trans fats, but we need the unsaturated fats in fish, nuts, and olive oil. I Living in Honduras helped me to like fish more and now I cook a lot of my food with olive oil. Side note: Everyone wants to avoid high cholesterol but a few years ago my total cholesterol was below 100, which meant my good cholesterol was low. Numbers that low can cause health problems, too.
5) Less sugar. Okay, I promise I'm not trying to sound like a dieting website. I don't approve of most fad diets, but I am all for a healthier lifestyle, which I need to step up and achieve myself. I ate so much sugar as a child that it's a miracle I don't have any cavities. As I got older, too much sugar gave me headaches, so I don't go overboard too often, but I could still cut back on the sweet tea. But other than weight and blood sugar management, why less sugar? It has been linked to increased prodution of WRINKLES! Eek! I don't want those.
6) Having close friends. Don't get so busy as you age that you only see your friends on facebook. People who spend time with close friends live longer. So, get on facebook and invite some friends to a movie night.
7) Get more regular sleep. In college I didn't get enough sleep but when I became a teacher, I was responsible for a whole class and not just myself, so I had to get in bed on time or I wouldn't survive. Now that I'nm back in the U.S. and working for myself, I tend to have really irregular sleep patterns. I might get enough sleep, but I don't have a regular bedtime. Everyone knows we should get 7-8 hours of sleep, but I read recently that some people who sleep less (around 6.5 hours) live longer, but you have to find the sleep pattern that works for you. I also read that it is easier to wake up in increments of 1.5 hours so as not to interrupt a sleep cycle. So, since 7.5 is divisible by 1.5, you might feel more rested than if you slept for 8 hours and woke up in the middle of a sleep cycle.
8) Stress is a big factor in aging. It can suppress our immunity and increase blood pressure. What I've tried to do lately is incorporate simple stress-relievers into my daily routine. In college and when I lived in Honduras I didn't have a bathtub, just a shower, and I didn't realize how much I missed taking long hot baths. Now, I give myself permission to take a relaxing bath and do some reading as long as I'm productive the rest of the day. I also indulge in one guilty pleasue, like a sweet tea, which is my comfort drink. Whatever relieves stress for you, give yourself permission to do it regularly. It will help you be more efficient in your other tasks, and help you feel and look younger.
9) I do not own an iPod, but I don't have anything against them. I tend to listen to music while I'm sitting at the computer and I've just always had something else that I neeed to spend money on. I may get one someday, but I will certainly watch how loudly I listen to my tunes. Hearing loss can definitely make you seem older. I was watching a video about this and their suggestion was to use noise cancelling headphones that cut out background noise so you don't have to turn your players up so loud.
10) Regular exercise. Wow, I am guilty of disobeying this rule. I was very active in Honduras because we were always going on adventures, walking places, and swimming. However, now that I'm back in the U.S., I have my car, and it's COLD outside, I've turned into a couch potato. I recently joined a gym though, I'm super excited about the indoor pool, and I recently started SCUBA lessons, so hopefully my habits will improve this year.
11) I'm back to skin again. Protecting your skin against the sun is important, but you should also protect it against dry, cold air and this rule doesn't just apply to your face. Wearing gloves in the winter can keep our hands more youthful. I'm not a big fan of using tons of heavy creams and lotions, but there are a few products you should invest in. A good cleanser and moisturizer are key. I use oil-free, hypoallergenic products, usually from Neutrogena, but I don't have a preference as long as it doesn't break me out and makes my skin look good. Now that I'm closer to 30 than 20, I might invest in one good night cream to prevent wrinkles, but I think it's better to prevent them on the front end by not exposing yourself to the forces that cause wrinkles in the first place. Except laughing. Wear your laugh lines with pride.
An expert who knows what to look for would probably hit a little closer to the mark, guessing early 20's, but recently I've been mistaken for a young teenager. I was about to get into the therapy pool at my health club and the lifeguard informed me that those 14 and under not allowed in that pool. I hope she wasn't embarrassed when I told her my real age, because I think it's rather amusing.
It won't be amusing, however, if when I turn 30, I suddenly look my age. I would have endured all of the teasing for nothing. I doubt that will happen, but I've decided to take some steps now that will slow the aging process. I've been reading a lot of articles lately and here are the best 11 tips I've heard for slowing the aging process.
1) I don't smoke, drink, or do drugs, so that is one obvious factor that might give me a more youthful appearance than peers who engage in those behaviors. I don't condemn the occasional drink, but I do frown on behavior that is hazardous to one's health and relationships. Everything in moderation.
2) I don't go to tanning salons or spend hours in the sun unprotected. I went to a tanning bed the month before my senior prom and I could just feel the cancer seeping into my skin. I hated it. I spent the last few years in Honduras where the UV index was constantly "extremely high", so if I was going to be in the sun for more than a few minutes, I slathered on the sunscreen. AND, despite my current pale appearance, I still managed to acquire a very healthy glow and light tan.
For a while experts were saying that people should wear sunscreen all the time, even during incidental sun exposure (walking to and from the car) but then they realized that people were subject to a variety of other health risks when deprived of vitamin D. I got into the habit of carrying my sunscreen with me in case there was a spontaneous soccer tournament at my school but I didn't apply it in the morning before going to work.
3) I didn't realize until recently how much my skin might have benefited from the fact that I like to wear hats and sunglasses. Not only do they offer an extra degree of protection against the sun, but they cut down on squinting, which eventually causes wrinkles. Don't argue with me and say you aren't a hat person. I wasn't either until someone gave me a really cute hat and I just decided to wear it with confidence. Once you get used to seeing yourself in hats, you'll see yourself as a hat person.
4) EAT FAT! Okay, this is something that I didn't change until recently. I tend to eat very little fat, not because of any diet, but because I've always been a big carb eater instead. I like a good steak or burger, but I don't eat them very often. Most fatty things are also greasy, which my stomach doesn't handle very well. Yes we should avoid saturated and trans fats, but we need the unsaturated fats in fish, nuts, and olive oil. I Living in Honduras helped me to like fish more and now I cook a lot of my food with olive oil. Side note: Everyone wants to avoid high cholesterol but a few years ago my total cholesterol was below 100, which meant my good cholesterol was low. Numbers that low can cause health problems, too.
5) Less sugar. Okay, I promise I'm not trying to sound like a dieting website. I don't approve of most fad diets, but I am all for a healthier lifestyle, which I need to step up and achieve myself. I ate so much sugar as a child that it's a miracle I don't have any cavities. As I got older, too much sugar gave me headaches, so I don't go overboard too often, but I could still cut back on the sweet tea. But other than weight and blood sugar management, why less sugar? It has been linked to increased prodution of WRINKLES! Eek! I don't want those.
6) Having close friends. Don't get so busy as you age that you only see your friends on facebook. People who spend time with close friends live longer. So, get on facebook and invite some friends to a movie night.
7) Get more regular sleep. In college I didn't get enough sleep but when I became a teacher, I was responsible for a whole class and not just myself, so I had to get in bed on time or I wouldn't survive. Now that I'nm back in the U.S. and working for myself, I tend to have really irregular sleep patterns. I might get enough sleep, but I don't have a regular bedtime. Everyone knows we should get 7-8 hours of sleep, but I read recently that some people who sleep less (around 6.5 hours) live longer, but you have to find the sleep pattern that works for you. I also read that it is easier to wake up in increments of 1.5 hours so as not to interrupt a sleep cycle. So, since 7.5 is divisible by 1.5, you might feel more rested than if you slept for 8 hours and woke up in the middle of a sleep cycle.
8) Stress is a big factor in aging. It can suppress our immunity and increase blood pressure. What I've tried to do lately is incorporate simple stress-relievers into my daily routine. In college and when I lived in Honduras I didn't have a bathtub, just a shower, and I didn't realize how much I missed taking long hot baths. Now, I give myself permission to take a relaxing bath and do some reading as long as I'm productive the rest of the day. I also indulge in one guilty pleasue, like a sweet tea, which is my comfort drink. Whatever relieves stress for you, give yourself permission to do it regularly. It will help you be more efficient in your other tasks, and help you feel and look younger.
9) I do not own an iPod, but I don't have anything against them. I tend to listen to music while I'm sitting at the computer and I've just always had something else that I neeed to spend money on. I may get one someday, but I will certainly watch how loudly I listen to my tunes. Hearing loss can definitely make you seem older. I was watching a video about this and their suggestion was to use noise cancelling headphones that cut out background noise so you don't have to turn your players up so loud.
10) Regular exercise. Wow, I am guilty of disobeying this rule. I was very active in Honduras because we were always going on adventures, walking places, and swimming. However, now that I'm back in the U.S., I have my car, and it's COLD outside, I've turned into a couch potato. I recently joined a gym though, I'm super excited about the indoor pool, and I recently started SCUBA lessons, so hopefully my habits will improve this year.
11) I'm back to skin again. Protecting your skin against the sun is important, but you should also protect it against dry, cold air and this rule doesn't just apply to your face. Wearing gloves in the winter can keep our hands more youthful. I'm not a big fan of using tons of heavy creams and lotions, but there are a few products you should invest in. A good cleanser and moisturizer are key. I use oil-free, hypoallergenic products, usually from Neutrogena, but I don't have a preference as long as it doesn't break me out and makes my skin look good. Now that I'm closer to 30 than 20, I might invest in one good night cream to prevent wrinkles, but I think it's better to prevent them on the front end by not exposing yourself to the forces that cause wrinkles in the first place. Except laughing. Wear your laugh lines with pride.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
How to Start Your Novel
I've heard it everywhere that the first step in book writing that actually involves WRITING is the one-sentence summary. You may have to make the time, clear a space, get your materials and thoughts together, give yourself a pep talk, commit yourself to a project, etc., but if you can convey the idea of your story in a one-liner, then you may have a real story on your hands. If not, then maybe you haven't focused your idea enough.
That was certainly true for me. I had a lot of ideas for great characters and scenes, but when I sat down to write my sentence summary, I didn't really know what my story was REALLY about. What was the character's real journey about, besides just the funny and dramatic moments I had collected?
This is an example of a one sentence summary that I found in my new book Book in a Month.
"A Hobbit named Frodo, entrusted with an ancient ring, must now embark on an epic quest to destroy it."
I have no idea if J.R.R. Tolkien began his book with a sentence like that. Brilliant people like that usually have everything mapped out in their heads, but the successful ones usually plan and map it out with intricate detail before writing their first draft.
I can't yet write an article about How to Write a Novel because although I've read a lot about it and know a lot of steps, tips, and strategies, I haven't yet done it. I am currently working on my one-sentence summary, which I feel is a great way to take that first bite of elephant. I guess I 'll let you know how it goes.
That was certainly true for me. I had a lot of ideas for great characters and scenes, but when I sat down to write my sentence summary, I didn't really know what my story was REALLY about. What was the character's real journey about, besides just the funny and dramatic moments I had collected?
This is an example of a one sentence summary that I found in my new book Book in a Month.
"A Hobbit named Frodo, entrusted with an ancient ring, must now embark on an epic quest to destroy it."
I have no idea if J.R.R. Tolkien began his book with a sentence like that. Brilliant people like that usually have everything mapped out in their heads, but the successful ones usually plan and map it out with intricate detail before writing their first draft.
I can't yet write an article about How to Write a Novel because although I've read a lot about it and know a lot of steps, tips, and strategies, I haven't yet done it. I am currently working on my one-sentence summary, which I feel is a great way to take that first bite of elephant. I guess I 'll let you know how it goes.
Friday, January 14, 2011
How to Learn Piano
Find a piano teacher!
Okay, forgive my sarcasm. I'm feeling a little silly today. I've decided that I'm going to teach piano lessons again. I really like doing it but it was hard to be consistent with it in college because my students and I all had schedules that changed every few months. Now that I can devote more time to it, I feel like I can do a really good job.
The reason I'm writing this as a how-to is because I get a little frustrated with the websites, books, and software that boast to teach someone piano in a do-it-yourself manner. Yes, it is possible to learn without a teacher, but it is extremely difficult and only certain people succeed at it.
I'm of the opinion that it really doesn't have anything to do with how intelligent you are. Sure, there are some prodigies and geniuses out there, but their brains process information in a completely different way.
All great athletes have coaches, right? Well, even a naturally talented person needs someone to watch their moves and give them feedback. I'm not just saying this to advertise my own profession. I've tried to teach myself guitar for years and it's just not happening. I consider myself a pretty intelligent person and I already play two other instruments, so what's the deal? I have time to practice but I need more direction and guidance. It can be really stressful to figure out what you have to learn and then try to learn it. Having a good teacher takes out most of the guesswork and helps you progress faster. And that goes for any instrument or hobby. If you're hitting a brick wall, it's not because you aren't musical or you're not smart. If you REALLY want it bad enough, you can set aside the time, money, and determination needed.
And if you live in Central Arkansas, I can help! But if you don't, I'll still be glad to hear that you took my advice.
Okay, forgive my sarcasm. I'm feeling a little silly today. I've decided that I'm going to teach piano lessons again. I really like doing it but it was hard to be consistent with it in college because my students and I all had schedules that changed every few months. Now that I can devote more time to it, I feel like I can do a really good job.
The reason I'm writing this as a how-to is because I get a little frustrated with the websites, books, and software that boast to teach someone piano in a do-it-yourself manner. Yes, it is possible to learn without a teacher, but it is extremely difficult and only certain people succeed at it.
I'm of the opinion that it really doesn't have anything to do with how intelligent you are. Sure, there are some prodigies and geniuses out there, but their brains process information in a completely different way.
All great athletes have coaches, right? Well, even a naturally talented person needs someone to watch their moves and give them feedback. I'm not just saying this to advertise my own profession. I've tried to teach myself guitar for years and it's just not happening. I consider myself a pretty intelligent person and I already play two other instruments, so what's the deal? I have time to practice but I need more direction and guidance. It can be really stressful to figure out what you have to learn and then try to learn it. Having a good teacher takes out most of the guesswork and helps you progress faster. And that goes for any instrument or hobby. If you're hitting a brick wall, it's not because you aren't musical or you're not smart. If you REALLY want it bad enough, you can set aside the time, money, and determination needed.
And if you live in Central Arkansas, I can help! But if you don't, I'll still be glad to hear that you took my advice.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
How to Make the Most of Your Time on the Road
My How-To Entries are not meant to be formal or extensive but they are more a reflection of my interests and activities. I won't write about things of which I have no knowledge. Most guides will concern things I have actually done, have researched thoroughly, or am interested in doing in the future. Just writing about them might be interesting, but turning them into a simple guide might actually be beneficial to someone. Occasionally I might just write a joke entry. All of this helps clear my brain of random thoughts, gets the creative juices flowing and kills my writer's block for other projects.
Today I was on the road for awhile without a passenger to talk to, so these are some of my ideas for enjoying the drive.
Radio: An obvious choice, I know, but I have eclectic taste so I keep it on scan for a while to find the good songs. I have the Soundhound App on my phone, which recognizes and archives songs for you. I don’t text and drive like some nuts, but it’s fairly easy to push the orange button. That way, I can remember all the new songs that I heard and liked along the way. Occasionally I play CD’s, but even your favorites can get old after a long drive.
Language CD’s: I’m currently learning Chinese and learning by audio CD’s is the best way to produce an authentic accent. I don’t have time to go to a class right now, but even 15 minutes of practice in the car is enough time to learn several new phrases.
Phone: This is not recommended for everyone. Some people simply shouldn’t talk and drive. I recommend using a headset or, if your car has it, built-in bluetooth. You can even use speakerphone. Talking helps me stay alert and prevents drowsiness. I usually catch up on all the phone calls I need to make while I’m in the car.
Prayer: I’m sure that God would like for us to dedicate some time solely for Him without mulititasking all the time, but cartime can be a great time for additional prayer, especially for safety.
Reminders: If you have a recorder or your phone has one built in, you can record audio notes and reminders. I often make to-do lists, but I can’t write while driving.
Favorite snacks and drinks: Indulge a little bit and get yourself a comfort snack when you stop for gas. It will make a lonely drive much more enjoyable. I don’t drink much soda anymore and I only eat sweets on special occasions, but if ever my drive is much longer than an hour, I’ll get myself a mountain dew or coffee and laffy taffys for the road. The guilty pleasure helps offset my back stiffness.
Photography: I don’t recommend this while driving unless your camera is mounted, but if you have the time to stop along the way, look for interesting sights and then use an app like footprints to document it. I once mounted a video camera in my passeger seat and recorded the drive during a beautiful sunset, then saved it for stock footage.
There isn’t a lot you can do but drive when you’re the driver, and that should be your main focus, but for me having something small to do keeps me from zoning out or getting sleepy, which can be just as dangerous as a distraction.
Any other ideas?
Coming Soon: How to SCUBA, How to Become an Adoptive Parent, and How to Handle a Power Outage in Winter
Today I was on the road for awhile without a passenger to talk to, so these are some of my ideas for enjoying the drive.
Radio: An obvious choice, I know, but I have eclectic taste so I keep it on scan for a while to find the good songs. I have the Soundhound App on my phone, which recognizes and archives songs for you. I don’t text and drive like some nuts, but it’s fairly easy to push the orange button. That way, I can remember all the new songs that I heard and liked along the way. Occasionally I play CD’s, but even your favorites can get old after a long drive.
Language CD’s: I’m currently learning Chinese and learning by audio CD’s is the best way to produce an authentic accent. I don’t have time to go to a class right now, but even 15 minutes of practice in the car is enough time to learn several new phrases.
Phone: This is not recommended for everyone. Some people simply shouldn’t talk and drive. I recommend using a headset or, if your car has it, built-in bluetooth. You can even use speakerphone. Talking helps me stay alert and prevents drowsiness. I usually catch up on all the phone calls I need to make while I’m in the car.
Prayer: I’m sure that God would like for us to dedicate some time solely for Him without mulititasking all the time, but cartime can be a great time for additional prayer, especially for safety.
Reminders: If you have a recorder or your phone has one built in, you can record audio notes and reminders. I often make to-do lists, but I can’t write while driving.
Favorite snacks and drinks: Indulge a little bit and get yourself a comfort snack when you stop for gas. It will make a lonely drive much more enjoyable. I don’t drink much soda anymore and I only eat sweets on special occasions, but if ever my drive is much longer than an hour, I’ll get myself a mountain dew or coffee and laffy taffys for the road. The guilty pleasure helps offset my back stiffness.
Photography: I don’t recommend this while driving unless your camera is mounted, but if you have the time to stop along the way, look for interesting sights and then use an app like footprints to document it. I once mounted a video camera in my passeger seat and recorded the drive during a beautiful sunset, then saved it for stock footage.
There isn’t a lot you can do but drive when you’re the driver, and that should be your main focus, but for me having something small to do keeps me from zoning out or getting sleepy, which can be just as dangerous as a distraction.
Any other ideas?
Coming Soon: How to SCUBA, How to Become an Adoptive Parent, and How to Handle a Power Outage in Winter
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
How to Make Banana Bread
This is a bread machine recipe but I have also used it in a regular oven.
Ingredients
¼ cup butter or margarine, melted
1 egg, slightly beaten
3 tablespoons sour milk (1 tablespoon vinegar and 2 tablespoons milk)
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
½ to ¾ cup chopped nuts (optional)
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Measure banana, milk, eggs, and butter into bread pan. Combine remaining ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Add to bread pan. Select quick bread setting. Press start.
Tip 1: On occasion I have replaced some of the sugar with brown sugar to enhance the flavor. Or, I use the same amount of regular sugar and replace the chocolate chips with brown sugar. If you choose to use nuts, walnuts are my favorite.
Tip 2: This is a very moist and sticky dough so I usually have to "help" the machine by giving it a quick stir during the mixing cycle (or else there is a lot of dry flour left in the corners of the pan).
Tip 3: Every bread machine is different. The bake time on my quick bread cycle is a little short for moist breads, so I check it at the end (toothpick or "bounce-back" test) and cook it longer on the machine's bake cycle.
Tip 4: When preparing for a regular oven, I usually cream the butter and sugar(s) in a medium mixing bowl before adding the milk, egg, and banana (and then the dry ingredients). If I remember correctly, I used a 9x5 loaf pan.
I don't always follow my recipes to the letter, so you'll usually see a lot of optional steps and notes to help you adapt the recipe to your taste. Happy baking!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
1/11/11 How to Enjoy Your Birthday
1) Sleep in late.
2) Dress in comfy clothes.
3) Curl up by the fireplace on a snow day.
4) Drink hot chocolate.
5) Eat your favorite meal.
6) Watch your favorite TV show.
7) Hang out with friends and family.
8) Enjoy a few of your favorite activities (reading, writing, playing the piano, art, etc.)
9) Blog about it, even if to others it might seem mundane.
10) Don't live up to anyone's expectations but your own.
2) Dress in comfy clothes.
3) Curl up by the fireplace on a snow day.
4) Drink hot chocolate.
5) Eat your favorite meal.
6) Watch your favorite TV show.
7) Hang out with friends and family.
8) Enjoy a few of your favorite activities (reading, writing, playing the piano, art, etc.)
9) Blog about it, even if to others it might seem mundane.
10) Don't live up to anyone's expectations but your own.
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