2009 October | a site for women

Archive for October, 2009

Cool Down & Power Up Smoothies

Satisfying smoothies can do more than just cool you down on a hot summer day. They can power you up, too.

Whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a lunchtime refresher, smoothies are a refreshing way to get powerful nutrition. And as a busy mom looking for convenient and tasty ways to boost my family’s nutrition, I’m cheering about how easy it is to do it.

* Fruit juices-orange, cranberry, other favorites–provide antioxidants and essential vitamins we need daily.
* Milk-especially fat-free evaporated milk-delivers essential calcium and protein.
* Add-ins provide an extra punch of super-nutrition:
o Just a half cup of pumpkin, from the can, delivers great fiber and more than a day’s worth of the antioxidant Vitamin A;
o fresh fruit like banana, berries, peach, nectarine or mango add fiber and antioxidants;
o a spoonful of peanut butter adds protein and kid-approved flavor.

If you’ve got teens or other family members who like to make their own smoothies, take advantage of my tips to make “just in time” smoothie blending a snap:

* Keep cans of fat-free evaporated milk in the fridge for “right now” chilled smoothies.
* Bananas, peaches or other fruit almost too-ripe-to-eat? Toss in the freezer for a future smoothie.
* Fill the freezer with light, low-fat and/or reduced-sugar ice cream-in vanilla and other favorite flavors.

Whether you’re looking for nutritious meal ideas for the family or fun baking projects to keep your summer cookie jar full, be sure to visit VeryBestBaking.com.

October 28, 2009 Posted Under: All Recipes Read More

Tea and Pears Make a Merry Combination

Spicy Ginger-Poached Pears
Pear Lavender-Mint Spritz

Tea and Pears

Some things just go together, especially for the holidays – hot cocoa and marshmallows … turkey and stuffing … and a fresh new holiday duo, tea and pears.

“Combining flavorful ingredients such as tea and pears in holiday recipes can bring your holiday party a depth of flavors that ranges from crisp and clean to sweet and spicy,” says Kathy Casey, celebrity chef, mixologist and author of “Sips & Apps.” “Tea and pears are both affordable ingredients that add a great flavor combination to dishes and drinks.”

With this duo, elegant holiday entertaining is as simple as stopping by your local grocer.

Several gorgeous varieties of pears are in season throughout the holidays – including the Anjou, Comice, Bosc, Concorde, Starkrimson, and Bartlett. Pears come in a wide range of colors and flavors that easily suit any festive menu. They also make a delicious dessert alternative to heavy sweets and pastries.

With varieties including black, green, white and oolong as well as herbal infusions, teas span the flavor spectrum for every taste. From delicate and fruity to bold and spicy, brands such as Tazo offer tea varieties perfect for every occasion. More and more home cooks and chefs are discovering that tea can go beyond the cup and add dynamic flavor to many recipes.

Pears and tea also offer guests the gift of health benefits – one medium-sized pear has 24 percent of the daily recommended amount of fiber and is a good source of vitamin C. And made with all-natural herbs, spices and botanicals, tea naturally includes antioxidants.

October 28, 2009 Posted Under: All Recipes Read More

The Man Rules

At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down

Finally , the guys’ side of the story ( I must admit, it’s pretty good)

We always hear ‘the rules’ From the female side Now here are the rules from the male side

These are our rules! Please note… they are all numbered ‘1′ ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You’re a big girl. If it’s up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don’t hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports It’s like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Crying is blackmail. 1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one! Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say i t!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

October 16, 2009 Posted Under: Laughs for Ladies Read More

Order and thought for the day

From: Headquarters Miami Home for the Aged To: As to whom this May Apply

Pfizer Corp. announced today that Viagra will soon be available in liquid form, and will be marketed by Pepsi Cola as a power beverage suitable for use as a mixer. It will now be possible for a man to literally pour himself a stiff one. Obviously we can no longer call this a soft drink, and it gives new meaning to the names of ‘cocktails’, ‘highballs’ and just a good old-fashioned ’stiff drink’.
Pepsi will market the new concoction by the name of: MOUNT & DO.

funny grandmother

Order and thought for the day: There is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra today than on

Alzheimer’s research. This means that by 2040, there should be a large elderly population with perky b00bs and huge erections and absolutely no recollection of what to do with them.

October 2, 2009 Posted Under: Laughs for Ladies Read More

Making Mealtime Matter for Men

Now more than ever, today’s men are facing a “male meal dilemma.” Despite their desire to live and eat better, men are having trouble finding convenient, satisfying foods that taste good and they can feel good about eating.

Their busy schedules only add to the dilemma. Men are now more physically active and involved with their families and communities than ever before. In fact a recent survey found that half of men said their family requires more of their time and on top of that, 40 percent work longer hours. Even though they wish they could eat better, it’s no surprise that most of the time they end up reaching for foods that are not good for them because they are stretched for time … or they’re left hungry by diet dinners.

Some food brands are now responding. One of the most popular “man brands,” Campbell’s® Chunky™ soup, just revamped its line to help provide a solution to the dilemma by offering 23 soups that deliver a full serving of vegetables and 100 percent lean meat; and many soups that provide a good source of protein.

NFL sports team registered dietitian Leslie Bonci works with some of the nation’s toughest athletes, and she says that with all of the added responsibilities and activities most men are juggling, it’s even more important to develop better eating habits.

“There is no way that somebody can perform to the maximum if they don’t take care of what’s going into their body,” says Bonci.

Here are some of her expert tips for better eating.

Build Muscle: Look for protein-rich foods such as nuts, beans or lean meats. Along with exercise, protein helps build muscle, which can boost metabolism.

Fill Up, Not Out: Low calorie-dense foods, those that are higher in water content and offer more nutrients in fewer calories such as vegetables, fruits and soups are great for weight management. Pair Chunky Grilled Sirloin Burger with Hearty Vegetables Soup with a side salad for maximum “volume” impact.

Make Family Time: Less time in the kitchen means more time to spend with the family. A few nights a week opt for simple meals, such as soup and sandwiches that everyone will enjoy.

Save Dollars: With the cost of food in mind, stretch your dollar by making meals at home or repurposing leftovers into brand new meals. Eating at home helps with portion control, too.

Get Your Zzzzzs: Be sure to get enough sleep each night to improve eating habits and concentration. Often, people make poor food choices and overeat simply because of fatigue. Ideally, aim for 7-8 hours on most nights.

For more information and tips from Bonci, visit ChunkySoupGamePlan.com.

SOURCE:
Campbell’s® Chunky™ Soup