Beep Beep Bon Appetite'

Baked French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup

1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash salt
Praline Topping (recipe follows)
Maple syrup

Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. (Use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread Praline Topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.

Praline Topping:
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Makes enough for Baked French Toast Casserole.

Friday Feast

Appetizer
How are you today?

Uptight...just waiting for the day to be over basically.

Soup
Name 3 television shows you watch on a regular basis.

Survivor, Biggest Loser, and Lost

Salad
What’s the scariest weather situation you’ve experienced?

I live in California...we dont have WEATHER here unless you consider surviving 115 degree weather as something spectacular.

Main Course
If you could wake up tomorrow morning in another country, where would you want to be?

Tuscany/Italy...it looks so beautiful there.

Dessert
What do you usually wear to sleep?

An oversized t-shirt

ICE Campaign - "In Case of Emergency"

This was inspired by a conversation I had last weekend at my DBF's families house. I was amazed at how many people didnt know this. We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends. If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign. The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations as cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" ( In Case Of Emergency). The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE". For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference! Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today!

TT #30

Thirteen Things I wanted to be when I grew up.

1. Dancer - Heck I still love to dance.

2. Nurse - Well, Im in the medical field and I may still fulfill this one.

3. Mother - Im blessed to be a mother of two beautiful boys.

4. Singer - OK...this one takes a little talent.

5. Teacher - Then I realized I would need the patience of a saint...not for me.

6. Wife - Been there, done that twice.

7. Cashier - Did this one as a teen. I dont know what the big deal was.

8. Vampire Slayer - This would be fun if there actually were vampires!

9. World Traveler - Maybe some day.

10. Lifeguard - I was on the swim team in school...thats the closest I got.

11. Ballerina - I weigh more than 90 pounds.

12. Waitress - I have no idea why I wanted to do this either. This is a tough job.

13. Reporter - I always wanted to interview people with a microphone and feel important.

Wordless Wednesday

Do you know the difference between margarine and butter?

Both have the same amount of calories.

Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams compared to 5 grams.

Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study.

Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.

Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few only because they are added!

Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other foods.

Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than 100 years.

And now, for Margarine..

It’s very high in trans fatty acids.

It Triples the risk of coronary heart disease and increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol).

Increases the risk of cancers up to five fold.

Lowers quality of breast milk.

Decreases immune response.

Decreases insulin response.

And here's the most disturbing fact.... HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY INTERESTING!

Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC.

This fact alone was enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular structure of the substance).

You can try this yourself:

Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days you will note a couple of things:

* no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell you something)

* it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value; nothing will grow on it.

Even those teeny weenie microorganisms will not find a home to grow in. Why? Because it is nearly plastic. Would you melt your Tupperware and spread that on your toast? I know that margarine is cheaper, but after doing the research, im going back to butter. I had no idea!!

Teen Suicide

I know this is a touchy subject for a lot of parents but its something that we need to think about considering all the things that children are doing to themselves these days. It is the third leading cause of death for people 15-24 years old. Experts believe that statistics would be higher if other forms of self destruction drug overdoses, self administered poisonings, some fatal one car accidents were taken into account. There is no sure-fire way of detecting suicidal thoughts in your teen but there are behavior patterns (warning signs)that may point toward suicidal thoughts. Learn to recognize them, and more importantly, learn to talk with your teen about them. Neither one of my children have ever done anything of this nature (Thank God), but I did experience a girlfriend of my older son try to commit suicide. She slit her wrists and smeared blood all over my bathroom walls. That was a wake up call to how serious this problem really is.

Warning Signs
• A previous attempt -This warning sign may seem obvious, but eight of ten suicide attempts involve people who have tried to kill themselves before. Did you know boys are more likely to follow thru with suicide than girls?
• Threats or conversations about death-Seven of ten who attempt suicide had told someone that they wished to die, saying things such as, "I'd be better off dead," or "You all would be better off without me."
• Problems in school, especially sudden problems, such as a drop in grades, falling asleep in class, emotional outbursts, or withdrawal.
• Fear of punishment or parental criticism.
• Problems with alcohol or other drugs.
• Changes in physical appearance or habits, disturbed sleeping and eating habits, depression, expressions of low self-esteem.
• Detachment from family and friends.
• Giving away personal possessions.
• Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
• Statements of hopelessness.

It is not true that talking about suicide will give the idea to your child. In fact, not discussing your fears with your child is far riskier because he or she may take that as a sign that you don't care. Here are some tips on how to deal with talking about suicide with your teen.

How to help
• Listen.
• Express love and sympathy
• Validate your child's feelings.
• Acknowledge his or her fear and pain.
• Leave the door open for conversation, even if your child denies thinking about suicide.
• Monitor your child's behavior for warning signs.
• Encourage your child to get involved in a group at school or church: sports, drama, music-anything that helps him or her feel connected to others.

There are more than 200 suicide prevention centers throughout the U.S. Calling the Girls and Boys Town National Hotline at 1-800-448-3000 can put you in touch with someone who can help-24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Beep Beep Bon Appetite'

Sharp Cheddar "Lasagna"

1 pkg. (14 oz.) KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Sharp Cheddar Cheese Sauce
1 lb. ground beef
1 jar (14 oz.) spaghetti sauce (about 1-1/2 cups)
1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Prepare Dinner as directed on package. Meanwhile, brown meat in large skillet; drain. Add spaghetti sauce to meat; mix well.

LAYER half each of the meat mixture and prepared Dinner in 8-inch square baking dish. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

BAKE 15 min. or until heated through.

Substitute
For more Cheddar flavor, prepare as directed substituting KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese for the mozzarella cheese.

Friday Feast

Appetizer
What is your favorite type of art?

I like the black and white chalk drawings...I dont know what the name of it is but I love the details. I have a chalk drawing of Marilyn Monroe and James Deans on a Harley that I adore.

Soup
When was the last time you got a free lunch (or breakfast or dinner)? Who paid for it?

When my son in the military came home for leave in July, my Mom and her BF took us to dinner for his birthday.

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how emotional are you?

11....what can I say, Im a scorpio.

Main Course
Approximately how long do you spend each day responding to emails?

too much...all day long at work and then when I come home I check a few times.

Dessert
To what temperature do you usually set your home’s thermostat?

Right now my house has been staying a nice 70 degrees because its cool outside. That has nothing to do with the thermostat and everything to do with opening the house up.

I made someone smile today....

Thank you Emmyrose for the You Make Me Smile Award. The Lord blessed me with 2 boys but if I had a daughter, Id want her to be just like you!!



She is such a sweetheart...here is what she said:

Lori - she reminds me of my mom and I admire her strength for being a single mom

TT #29

13 Products that I will only buy name brand
1.) Toilet paper- Northern

2.) Dish Soap - Dawn

3.) Toothpaste - Crest or Aquafresh

4.) Spaghetti Sauce - Prego

5.) Soda- Diet Black Cherry Vanilla Coke or Diet Vanilla Pepsi

6.) Bread - Sara Lee Honey Wheat

7.) Mayo - Miracle Whip/Kraft/Best foods

8.) Yogurt - Yoplait

9.) Shampoo - Redkin/Garnier

10.) Coffee - Folgers/Maxwell/Starbucks Medium Blend

11.) Chocolate Syrup - Hersheys

12.) Gum - Orbit Cinnamon

13.) Cereal - Life Cereal/Golden Grahams

Wordless Wednesday

Yummmmmm.....Just Peachy Smoothies

2 cups sliced fresh peaches, nectarines, and/or apricots
1 cup fat-free milk
1 6-ounce carton peach fat-free yogurt with no-calorie sweetener
1 cup small ice cubes or crushed ice

Directions
1. In a blender, combine fruit, milk, and yogurt. Cover and blend until smooth.
2. Gradually add ice through hole in lid, blending until almost smooth. If desired, garnish each serving with fresh fruit. Makes 4 (1-cup) servings.

Double Blue Berry Smoothies: Prepare Just Peachy Smoothies as directed through Step 2, except substitute blueberry yogurt for peach yogurt and 1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries and 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blackberries for peaches.

Double Red Berry Smoothies: Prepare Just Peachy Smoothies as directed through Step 2, except substitute strawberry yogurt for peach yogurt and 1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen sliced strawberries and 1/2 cup fresh or frozen red raspberries for peaches.

Fruit Smoothie Pops: Prepare peach, blue berry, or red berry mixtures as directed through Step 1. Omit ice. Pour mixture into 14 compartments of freezer pop molds. (Or pour into 3-ounce paper or plastic cups. Cover with foil. Make a slit in the foil of each. Add sticks.) Freeze for 4 to 6 hours or until firm. Makes 14 pops.

Prepare pops as directed; freeze for up to 1 week.

Foods that are good for your skin

Flaxseed Oil – I use this daily for a multitude of things. I had no idea it was good for your skin until I did the research. My face has been clear for months and I had no idea it was because of the Flaxseed oil!! It’s no secret that Omega 3s are great for your skin, but did you know that flaxseed oil is one of the best sources of this essential fatty acid? That’s great news if you’re not a fish-lover. Just one teaspoon of flaxseed oil per day provides 2.5 grams of Omega 3s, which in turn hydrate the skin. Essential fatty acids also dilute sebum and unclog pores that can otherwise lead to acne.

Avocados - This creamy, green fruit is abundant in essential oils and B-complex vitamins that nourish your skin inside and out. Niacin (vitamin B3) is especially important for healthy skin, and is found in abundance in avocados.

Mangoes - Mangoes have more than 80% of your daily requirements for vitamin A, which is why they’re such a great face food. Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin cells; a deficiency will result in a dry, flaky complexion. As an antioxidant, it also fights free radical damage that can prematurely age the skin.

Almonds - Not only is it a gorgeous shape for your eyes, almonds are also great for your complexion. With 150% of your daily need for vitamin E, it’s no wonder that getting a bit nutty is good for you. Vitamin E's rich oils moisturize dry skin

Cottage Cheese - Dairy isn’t just good for your bones, it’s great for your face, too. But it’s the selenium in cottage cheese, not the calcium, that has us really going wild for these creamy curds. Selenium, an essential mineral, teams up with vitamin E as a powerful free radical-fighting antioxidant duo. Plus, it’s been touted to protect against skin cancer and even fight dandruff.

Baked Potatoes - Unlike greasy French fries, a plump, steaming baked potato is actually good for your skin. One baked potato eaten with the skin supplies 75% of your daily need for copper. This essential mineral works hand-in-hand with vitamin C and zinc to produce the elastin fibers that support skin structure.

Mushrooms - This fungi isn’t just for shishkebabs and stir fries; it’s also rich in riboflavin, a B vitamin that’s vital to your skin. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is involved in tissue maintenance and repair, but actually goes beyond basic skin care to improve skin blemishes caused by rosacea.

How long should you wait??

Wouldn't it be great if there were quick cures to the "break-up blues"? Unfortunately, there are no simple remedies, and at times, uncomfortable feelings also come along for the ride. Regardless, some people may put a lot of blind faith into certain defined "break-up rules" in the hopes that they will feel better and move on soon. For example, have you ever seen the show Sex and the City??(I own the whole set) Charlotte believed that it takes half the total time you went out with someone to get over him or her (although I’ve heard that rule before). In reality, however, moving on itself has no clear-cut rules, and can often be a difficult process. I think it all depends on the feelings you have/had for the person you were with. I’ve been trying to help my friend get over her break up and I know that with some men, I could just move on without being fazed…however, if love is involved, it’s a little more difficult. I’m not a very patient person. I don’t have time to wait around for my heart to catch up, I just want to move on so I tend to do whatever it takes to make the hurt go away. I think hanging out with friends is an awesome cure for the blues. There is nothing like going dancing with friends and having men buy you drinks. If nothing else, it’s an ego boost. Is it the right thing to do?? I don’t know, and I never claimed to be an expert, but sitting around feeling sorry for yourself and reminiscing about old times doesn’t work and I think it’s more destructive than constructive. How long should you wait before you sleep with someone?? Is there a rule on that one too?? Alot of women and men use sex as a tool to mend their broken heart, but does it really work? Can you replace the emptiness with a night of meaningless sex? I dont know...its kinda of like getting drunk to kill the pain. The next morning, the hurt is still there. Any suggestions as to how I can help my friend cope with her loss??...Enquiring minds want to know….

Is there a difference between childcare and preschool?

Childcare and after school programs are generally the only option for working parents who need their children to be taken care of during the day. Most childcare centers accept babies as well as toddlers and are full-time, full-year programs. Preschool refers to an early-childhood educational class and are usually for 3 and 4 year old. However, I put my oldest son in preschool at age 2. Many offer a part-time schedule (for example, a few hours a day, two to five times a week) as well as full-day care, but only from September to May with separate summertime programs that act more like a childcare. The two programs are often used interchangeably. A childcare center with experienced, well-trained teachers and stimulating activities offers kids similar advantages to a preschool. I think the level of learning that a child picks up in childcare depends on the ratio of caregivers to children and the willingness of the caregiver to teach. Some places are there to simply "watch" the children. I put my oldest son in preschool and my youngest son in childcare (a non teaching environment). I noticed a big difference academically as well as socially between the boys. Although, Brad was diagnosed with ADHD, I still think If I had enrolled him in preschool, we may not have had as many academic and social issues as we did. He didn't learn the social skills he needed to help him make friends as there were no other kids his age. It broke my heart to see him try to socialize at school. I didn't realize the importance of hanging out with other kids his age. My oldest son always excelled, he was a straight A student until he graduated. That's not to say that every kid that goes to preschool will be that way, but I think statistically, kids that start out in preschool do much better than not. Also, my oldest son never had problems making friends. When searching for a program that's right for you, look at many different places so that you have alot to chose from. Take your child with you and see how they act around the teachers or caregivers. Kids pick up on things that adults don't. As the voice of experience, although there is nothing wrong with childcare until the child enters kindergarten, I strongly suggest preschool. It may even be cheaper and the child will be the real one reaping the benefits.

Is there really a cure?

I am currently reading the book Codependent No More. Its a book given to me by my counselor years ago after I broke up with a boyfriend of 8 years. I don't think I had a problem before I met him but I know I definitely had a problem after. He was very controlling and possessive. He had a drug and alcohol problem that I tried desperately to fix, but couldn't. In the book, she states that codependency is: "An emotional, psychological, and behavioral condition that develops as a result of an individuals prolonged exposure to, and practice of, a set of oppressive rules-rules which prevent the open expression of feeling as well as the direct discussion of personal and interpersonal problems" Interesting....another definition -"Those self-defeating, learned behaviors or character defects that result in a diminished capacity to initiate or to participate in loving relationships." OK...I get it. I wonder how a normal, (well, somewhat normal) strong-willed, independent person becomes entangled in such a web?? How do we lose site of ourselves and become these people that the book defines? I wish I had the answer to that. I only know this, after leaving that relationship over 5 years ago, Ive had a hard time settling down with any ONE person for a long period of time. I did almost get married a couple years ago...I thought this guy was the one. I wasn't passionately in love with him, but he treated me like a queen. We were together for a year and a half, then, just when I let the barriers down and started to trust again, I found out he was a liar. A big one!! He didn't cheat or anything, he lied about money and stupid little things. It was habitual. I told him from the beginning, lying is the one trait I cant handle and he did it anyway. So, back to square one. Now, my trust issues have tripled and I trust no one. How do we get past the hurt and excess baggage so that we can learn to live healthy, productive lives in a wonderful relationship?? I have yet to figure this one out. The book promises a cure for this disorder...we shall see. Maybe I'm too old to be fixed? Has anyone read this book and will is really help??

Beep Beep Bon Appetite'

Easy Chinese Stir-Fry

1 tsp. oil
1 lb. boneless pork loin, cut into thin strips
3 cups sliced carrots
1/3 cup KRAFT Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
2 Tbsp. hoisin sauce
2 green onions, thinly sliced

HEAT oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add meat and carrots; cook 5 min.

STIR in dressing and hoisin sauce; cook 7 min. or until carrots are crisp-tender.

ADD onions; cook 1 min. Serve immediately.

Cooking Know-How
Sprinkle pork strips with 1 tsp. cornstarch before stir-frying for beautiful browning.

Serving Suggestion
Serve over hot cooked rice or angel hair pasta.

Friday Feast

Appetizer
When was the last time you visited a hospital?

Daily....I work in one:)

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how ambitious are you?

10+...I have no patience for slackers or procrastinators.

Salad
Make a sentence using the letters of a body part. (Example: (mouth) My other ukelele tings healthily.)

Some Men Irritate Lori Endlessly (ok, so its not a body part but you use your lips to do it....doesnt that count???)

Main Course
If you were to start a club, what would the subject matter be, and what would you name it?

A Dance Club?? Hmmmmmmm, subject matter???? having a good time. 70's decor...Dancing, Dancing, and more Dancing...go-go booths, aquariums as tall as the ceiling, misters, flourescent lighting...I think I would name it "Groovies"..

Dessert
What color is the carpet/flooring in your home?

Brown

When us single Mom's need a little pick me up...

Here are some ideas to make you feel good about yourself that costs little to nothing.

1. Get a new haircut. Maybe even highlight those tresses. If you can’t afford a fancy salon, turn to the yellow pages for a beauty college close to you. The students are closely supervised and the prices are very affordable.

2. Call a friend and invite them to a day at the spa. Lay by the pool, sip margaritas, and get caught up on the latest girl talk.

3. Visit the major department stores in your area and allow their cosmetics personnel to give you a make over. This is not only good for your spirits, it’s wonderful for the pocketbook. Most cosmetics departments will give you a complimentary makeover. Don’t forget to ask for FREE samples that they might have available. (Remember not to impulse buy!)

4. Go shopping! This is a unique twist on shopping. Visit Marshall’s, TJ Max or Ross Dress For Less. Take a cart when you enter the store. Look at EVERYTHING.... place anything that you really like in your cart. When you are finished (this should take about an hour and a half or so), abandon your cart and leave the store empty handed. You will have satisfied your shopping desires and feel great about how much money you saved by not impulse buying!

5. Take a drive to the beach. Lay out a towel and read your favorite book with a nice cold green tea. Then, close your eyes and listen to the waves. There is nothing like it.

6. Go out dancing with friends. There is nothing like moving your body to the music, while you're laughing and having a good time. If you're lucky, you might not even have to pay for your drinks:)

7. Go to your bank and open a Vacation Account. Many banks will allow a Savings Account with as little as $10.00. Make a commitment to put at least $15 per week in the account and then chose a destination with your kids. I took my boys on a cruise a couple years ago. We had a blast.

8. Write notes to your closest friends and relatives. Tell them all the things that make them special to you. This is a feel good thing, not only for you, but for them too.

9. Visit Big Lots or your local discount store and buy scented candles. Light them throughout your house and then either curl up with a good book or take a luxurious bubble bath. Either way you can’t lose.

10. Treat yourself to a movie and make it a comedy! If you’re on a budget, take snacks with you. My purse is always loaded with my favorite munchies.

There......now dont you feel better already???

TT #28

13 of Murphy's Other Laws
1. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

2. A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well.

3. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

4. A day without sunshine is like, well, night.

5. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

6. Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.

7. Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.

8. The shin bone is a device for finding furniture.

9. When you go into court, you are putting yourself in the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.

10. If the shoe fits, get another one just like it.

11. The things that come to those that wait may be the things left by those who got there first.

12. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat all day drinking beer.

13. Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries.

Some words of inspiration....from one single mother to another.

When I look inside and see that I am nothing that's wisdom. When I look outside and see I am everything that is love. Between both of those two; that is my life. If you need to say who you are, you truly aren't.

Your past is important, but it is not nearly as important to your present as is the way you see your future. If you keep hope in the future there is power in the present. Today's fringe benefits are tomorrows expectations.

Understand; Regardless of your past, your future is a clean slate. You already possess every characteristic necessary for success. Remember, happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think.

The surest way to knock a chip off a shoulder is a pat on the back. Whatever happens throughout your life, do not lose hold of the two main ropes of life ~ hope and faith. Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on whatever comes your way.

If things in your life are not going your way. Understand them. Don't go with them, walk away from them. Remember a kite rises against the wind, not with it. Happiness is not something you find, but rather something you create.

Recognizing a problem doesn't bring a solution, but until we recognize that problem, there can be no solution. Whether you think you can or think you can't ~ your right. You can be or do anything you wish in this world. It's all up to YOU. Only you have the power to destroy your hopes, dreams and desires. I never stop believing and I never will!

Wordless Wednesday

More online dating services to look into....

Yep, more reviews for the newly single or women that have been single way too long and are ready to get out there and date again!! It doesnt hurt to check them out. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Date Billboard - This is an undiscovered new website where you post and browse dates. This idea is really cool. If you have nothing to do, you can post a date - any date to go to dinner, or to the movies, anything - and if someone replies that you like, you go. If you don't like anyone who replies, you don't have to go - you just click on 'no thank you'. You can browse other people's dates too to see if a date posting catches your eye. They also have other cool features like if you really like to bowl, you can put it in their datefinder feature and when someone posts a bowling date you'll get an email. And if you think the person is ok - you reply to the date. It's very new - but I think the idea is great and will catch on very quickly.

eromance.com - This site is still new so there aren't as many members as a lot of the big sites, but its great that its free...not just to search or to signup...its really free! The site is actually pretty good quality, even compared to the big sites. So, if it stays free and more people join, it will be a pretty cool site.

Singlesnet.com - One thing that’s unique to Singlesnet is the amount of stuff you can do with a free account. This is very rare to have so much control with a free account type. Contacting other members is allowed.You can send and receive e-mails to other members. Ive personally tried this site in the past. I dated two of the guys for 5 months and one for a month. No, they weren't Mr. Right but you never know until you try. Its not any different than meeting a man in a grocery store and taking him for a test spin. I got to check out the men in my area and the return on my paid profile was pretty good. I tried it for 3 months paid and went back in between men. I got responses daily.

What is codependency?

Alot of single women find themselves falling into the category of being codependent. You dont know how it happened or when it happened but you wake up one morning and realize something just isnt right. Then you talk to a friend who has been to counseling and she suggests that you may have that very same problem. There are many definitions used to talk about codependency today. The original concept of the disease was developed to acknowledge the responses and behaviors people develop from living with an alcoholic or substance abuser. A number of attributes can be developed as a result of those conditions. However, over the years, codependency has expanded into a definition which describes a dysfunctional pattern of living and problem solving developed during childhood by family rules. One of many definitions of codependency is: a set of maladaptive, compulsive behaviors learned by family members in order to survive in a family which is experiencing great emotional pain and stress. As adults, codependent people have a greater tendency to get involved in relationships with people who are perhaps unreliable, emotionally unavailable, or needy. And the codependent person tries to provide and control everything within the relationship without addressing their own needs or desires, setting themselves up for continued unfulfillment. Even when a codependent person encounters someone with healthy boundaries, the codependent person still operates in their own system. They’re not likely to get too involved with people who have healthy boundaries. This of course creates problems that continue to recycle. If codependent people can’t get involved with people who have healthy behaviors and coping skills, then the problems continue into each new relationship. It's a never ending cycle. What are some of the symptoms according to the experts?

controlling behavior
distrust
perfectionism
avoidance of feelings
intimacy problems
caretaking behavior
hypervigilance (a heightened awareness for potential threat/danger)
physical illness related to stress

It’s widely believed we become codependent through living in systems (families or relationships with substance abusers) with rules that hinder development to some degree. The system (usually parents and relatives but sometimes husband and boyfriends) has been developed in response to some problem such as alcoholism, mental illness or some other secret or problem. Individuals who are suffering from codependence may seek assistance through various therapies, sometimes accompanied by chemical therapy for accompanying depression. In addition, there exist support groups for codependency. Some of these are: Co-Dependents Anonymous, Al-Anon/Alateen, Celebrate Recovery, and Adult Children of Alcoholics, which are based on the 12-Step model of Alcoholics Anonymous. I hope if you're a victim of this disease, you seek help. The only person it will help is you...it isnt easy but the first step is recognizing you have a problem. What you do about it is up to you.

Younger men, is that the answer?

One day, you're ravishing each other, the next day, it's over. Is it something that happens gradually, or can it actually happen over night? Ive been in many types of relationships with different kinds of men, and I'm not sure I know the answer to that. I think as we get older, the things we tolerate change along with our ideals for the future. Once you've gone down the isle, had the happy marriage, and given birth to your children, you become a different person. When the happy couple is no longer happy, do you stick it out for the sake of the children and try to make it work or do you cut your loses and move on? I have been married twice, and have come close to it a few times as well. After a break up or divorce, you are no longer looking for a man that will be a good father per se, (meaning someone to bare children with) but he should be a positive role model for your children. However, what you are looking for is a man to spend the rest of your life with. Someone that will be with you thru good and bad, someone you can laugh with and talk to, and finding someone that totally rocks your world wouldn't be bad either. I wonder if after time, you just become so use to living single that you find excuses or reasons not to live happily ever after. Its either that, or the men that you find later on in life just have way too much baggage. They are damaged goods, not like when you were younger. When you're first starting your search for "Mr. Right" (in the early years), it seems that there was more of a variety to chose from. As you get older, well, like they say, the good ones are either married or gay. Ive always been optimistic of this concept because I want to believe it isn't true. However, the older I get, there are more signs that it may be a fact. So, what to do then?? Do we venture out as Demi Moore did and find a man 15 years our junior??Halle Berry is dating someone 9 years younger and there is a 17-year gap between actress Susan Sarandon and longtime boyfriend Tim Robbins. Yes, I know we aren't movie stars, but that doesnt change the idea of it all. If you cant find what you're looking for in someone your age or older, do you think its reasonable to try a younger man?? I, for one, have never dated anyone more than 5 years younger than myself but now I'm beginning to wonder. If older men can date younger women, why cant we date younger men??? They say a women reaches her sexual peek at 38 to 40 and a man at 18. Isn't that a cruel joke to play on women? My girlfriend swears by younger men, but I am still a skeptic. What do you think?

Here's to you Mrs. Robinson!!

What are your favorite break up movies??

When all you want to do is be alone after breaking up, curling up with a great breakup movie can offer great therapeutic benefits. Whether you've done the breaking up or your ex ended the relationship, a comfort cure for the broken hearted can be found in these carefully chosen flicks.

1. About last night (1986)
At a neighborhood bar Danny, a swinging single, meets Debbie, a bright young advertising executive. Sparks fly, and the pair go home together. Although they desire to keep their independence, they begins spending more and more time with each other and finally end up moving in together. However, their whirlwind romance gets the better of them and, although they have strong feelings for one another, they break up and Debbie movies out. Its one of my favorite movies ever, even though it's an oldie.

2. Waiting to exhale (1995)
This movie's true baseline is about four women who choose the wrong men and are not happy about it. They each want to find the "ideal" man for whom they are searching, and at times, their frustrations are directed to "all the men in the world" who have failed them. There are critical parts and heartbreaking moments that will shed a bright, revealing light on these women's personalities, so much so you might even reflect on your own experiences with a connection to one or more of these women.

3. The Break-Up (2006)
Funny at times, The Break-Up is a gut wrenching yet surprisingly honest story. This film is in no way a romantic comedy, as many moviegoers had initially anticipated. Instead, Vince Vaugh and Jennifer Aniston walk viewers through the stages of grief (and in some ways, torture) we put ourselves through when trying to decide whether or not a relationship is worth salvaging.

4. Closer (2004)
Closer depicts four people, otherwise with very little in common, unraveling and weaving a tapestry of complex romantic interactions with each other. Jealousy, love, obsession, affection and lust all take center stage, artfully showing different facets of each character's motivations and personality, while offering the viewer different viewpoints of the same situation. An excellent movie for those wanting to see their own past relationships in a different light.

5. High Fidelity (2000)
A list of top break-up movies wouldn't be complete without the movie that lists the "top five breakups of all time", as John Cusack's character (Rob Gordon) does. The movie follows the most recent breakup of Gordon, who then attempts to determine just why all of his major relationship break-ups occurred in the first place. This movie definitely falls into the comedy category, but still offers a large dose of reflective drama as a balance.

Beep Beep Bon Appetite'

S'more Brownies

Crust:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons sugar
Pinch fine salt
Brownie:
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
4 large cold eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour

Topping:
4 cups large marshmallows
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8 by-8-inch square baking pan with foil so it hangs over the edges by about 1 inch.

For the crust: Lightly butter the foil with some of the melted butter. Stir the rest of the butter together with the crumbs, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Press the crumb mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the brownie. Put the butter and chocolate in a medium microwave safe bowl. Melt in the microwave on 75 percent power for 2 minutes. Stir, and microwave again until completely melted, about 2 minutes more. Alternatively, put the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with 1 inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl on the pan without touching the water. Stir occasionally until melted. Stir the light brown and white sugars, vanilla and salt into the melted chocolate. Add the eggs and beat vigorously to make a thick and glossy batter. Add the flour and stir until just incorporated.

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake until the top is crispy and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean, with a few crumbs, about 40 to 45 minutes.

Remove from the oven and carefully position a rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat on low. Layer marshmallows across the top and toast under the broiler until golden, (keep an eye on it, it can go quick), about 2 minutes. Cool on a rack, gently removing the brownies from the pan using the aluminum flaps. Carefully separate any marshmallow from the foil and fold away. Cut into 12 (2-inch) squares.

Friday Feast

Appetizer
Using only one word, how does grocery shopping make you feel?

Irritated

Soup
What is your favorite part about the season of Autumn?

Halloween….Thanksgiving….cold nights and breezy days….fall clothes..winters on its way!!

Salad
Have you ever had any bad experiences online?

I caught a nasty virus once. It cost me money to fix and really pissed me off.I don’t understand hackers. Those people really need to get a life.

Main Course
Name three things that make you happy daily.

My boys, My friends, The music I listen to.

Dessert
What one household cleansing or organizing item would you not want to be without?

Bleach

Ways Women Sabotage Finding Love Again

I was going thru my TT's today and I found this post by Emmyrose and I thought it was great information to share. I can relate with alot of these reasons as im sure most of you single girls and mothers can. Thanks Emmyrose...

So it's time to start dating again ... or is it? You think dating again is what you "should be" doing, but perhaps you're just not ready. Here is a list of the top 13 things women could do to potentially sabotage the starting over process.

1. Carrying too big a list. While it's important to make sure that a potential partner shares important values, when a woman becomes overly protective of her heart, she may also become overly judgmental of a man. If she has not taken the time to heal her past, her checklist will disqualify her suitors.

2. Associating dating with sex. Because she worries that she will be pressured into intimate relations, a woman is likely to avoid the situation completely. The wisdom is, "Date around, don't sleep around." Avoid the fear of getting hurt by saying "no" to sex, but not to dating.

3. Glorifying the past. The tendency to compare each new opportunity often keeps a woman from moving forward.

4. Staying stuck in grief. Holding on to her pain will keep her both safe and alone.

5. Not giving ourselves permission to love again. The awful feeling that we are betraying our partner, especially if they have passed away, is one way that women close themselves off. She must recognize that letting go of her pain does not mean she has stopped loving him, but rather that she is able to feel the love.

6. Sleeping around. Sometimes when women are starting over after painful loss, they're trying to repair low self-esteem caused by rejection from previous lack of affection.

7. Expecting immediate passion. If she is expecting the earth to shake right away, and it doesn't, she may be turned off. In fact, the red flag should wave when she does feel intense attraction right away. She's responding to her idea of what his guy is like, not the reality.

8. Maintaining unrealistic expectations or over-romanticizing.
Between movies and romance novels, a woman may have the idea that a "real man" will come along if she waits.

9. Attracting the wrong type. Because she is holding on to unresolved hurt from past relationships, she attracts people that repeat the pattern. (Yep, guilty as charged on this one!)

10. Focusing on the negative. By remaining stuck in negative feelings about the potential hurt of past relationships, a woman convinces herself not to bother trying.

11. Becoming overly self-sufficient. When she disconnects from her needs, and sends out the message that she doesn't need help, she is sabotaging her ability to attract a man into her life. Having needs is not the same as being needy.

12. Taking on too much. Losing herself in taking care of others, and putting the needs of her family before her own. These are all additional ways women close off availability.

13. Fear to start over. Afraid to move on and let go of the strongholds that's keeping them to get out there and start over.

Just get out there! It's time for you now. Move forward with careful thought and understanding about what you need. Realize that the mistakes and losses of the past are actually badges of wisdom to carry into your new life.

TT #27

13 great movies about single mothers.

1. Terms of Endearment

2. Mermaids

3. Little Women

4. The Perfect Man

5. White Oleander (Yes, I know she wasnt a good Mom but it was a great movie).

6. Chocolat

7. Hope Floats

8. Parenthood

9. Finding Neverland

10.What's eating Gilbert Grape

11.Tumbleweeds

12.Stella

13.All About My Mother

Things to do and not to do on your first date

A first date is all about first impressions and naturally, you want to make a good one. With all the pressure and nervousness we feel before a first date, it is not always easy to realize whether the things we do on a first date will leave a good or bad impression. Here are a few pointers so that you do not give any false impressions about yourself. Whether the date works out or not, you should always be remembered as the person who was comfortable and fun to spend some time with.

Do:

1. Make Eye Contact - Making eye contact on a date is very important. It makes the other person feel important and that you are actually interested and paying attention to what he or she is saying. If a guy cant look me in the eyes when I’m talking to him, he usually doesn’t get a second date. To me, that means they have something to hide or some real low self-esteem. I've had to deal with that before. I love a man with self confidence and a plan, otherwise, no thanks.

2. Give Compliments - Be sure to give your date a nice compliment- whether it's on their hair, clothes, smile or whatever you personally notice. Giving compliments will show your date that you cared enough to take the time to observe the efforts they made in putting themselves together. I believe in the rule that if you have nothing nice to say, keep your opinions to yourself. Try to find something positive….even if he is a dork.

3. Laugh at His Jokes - Whether you truly think your date’s jokes and sense of humor is actually funny, it is always polite to give a laugh. To laugh at his jokes and humor will show the appreciation you have for the efforts they made to make the date interesting. So give him a laugh, without being over the top or making it look fake or forced. I can spot a phony laugh a mile away, he probably will too.

4. Give a Confirmation Call - Giving a quick call to confirm your date will make you both feel relaxed and peaceful. It will prevent any misunderstandings or miscommunications and will also relieve any worries about you or date being stood up. Plus, it also shows how much you are actually looking forward to meeting your date!

Don’t:

1. Talk on the Phone - Nothing is ruder than talking on your cell phone during your date, or checking messaged constantly while on a date. It expresses only rudeness, but that you may also be bored and uninterested in your date, making him feel insecure and upset. So wait until the end of your date to check messages and if you must keep your cell-phone on and answer it, then keep your talk short and let the caller know that you are busy and will get back to them later. I usually only take calls from my kids, because with teenagers, you just never know.

2. Be Late - Being late for a date is more than just being late. It gives the impression that you do not respect your date’s time and that you are also someone that cannot be relied on. Show your date that you value time and are responsible by showing up on time. If a guy is late to pick me up without a reasonable excuse, that will be his first and last date.

3. Talk too Closely - Do not make your date uncomfortable by getting too close to them when you talk. People need to feel like they still have their own personal space and if they suddenly feel suffocated, then they will close up and you will not be able to learn as much about them as you would like. If someone is in MY space, I have a hard time concentrating. There is no need to get too close unless you are invited in to their space…but that usually doesn’t happen on the first date.

4. Be too Aggressive or Direct -There is a difference being flirty and being too aggressive. There is also a difference between asking questions to get to know your date better and just being too direct. If you like your date, feel to flirt and have fun, but do not be too touchy feely and do not get too sexy with your talk. You do not really know how your date feels at this point and perhaps he is not ready or comfortable getting that far yet. Keep your flirting simple and set limits. You can ask questions to your date about their work, hobbies and so on, but do not be too direct and forward with your questions either. For example, do not straight ask their yearly income, marriage plans and so on. Remember, this is a first date- do not scare your date away with a “too much too soon” impression.

Wordless Wednesday

I'm a Blogging Star...

At least that's what teatime ramblings had to say. Its nice to know that someone actually listens to what I have to say and passes it on...thanks again. Right back at'cha babe!!

Living single.....

Wouldn't it be great if the first person you fell in love with ended up being Mr. Right?? You never had to date, you never had to play games, you just clicked and everything was perfect until death due you part.....well, lets have a reality check on that one. Most people now days end up in multiple relationships, dating countless guys, and still find themselves asking.."Is this what it's really all about?" What did the people due back in the day that we don't do today?? Why is the divorce rate so high now and divorce was never even thought of back then?? Was it because the so called "Good Wife" said nothing and did everything?? She let her happiness take a back seat and tried to convince herself that life was perfect?? Women today want more. We work and we multi task like no generation before us. We take our kids to their sporting events, help them with homework, do the shopping and the cooking, do the yard work, take classes at night to better ourselves, and manage to keep a halfway clean house (most of the time). At the end of the day, we find little time for ourselves. Yet, are we happier than the women that came before us?? I, for one, don't get it. I think we have come a long way in our independence but I have yet to determine if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Id love to find the perfect guy to make my life complete, but what am I saying with that statement? That I need a man to complete me?? I don't think so...its nice to have someone to take care of you once in a while and to tell you everything is going to be OK...however, I have only been in a couple relationships where I actually felt that way. What happened to the men from the past?? The ones that took care of their wives?? Not only have women progressed but men have changed too....but not for the better. I wish I knew what happened. Is there something that we need to teach our sons to bring back yesteryear?? Hmmmmmm....if only I had the answer to that one. That, my friends, is the question of the decade....this decade because something has DEFINITELY been lost in the translation.

The cure for what ale's you...

If you're having a bad day, bad life, going thru a break up, divorce, hate your job, or just need a little ME time, here's what you've got to do. Take a friend and head for the sun, water, and fun. Lets face it, sometimes life just sucks and you need to get away. To me, there is nothing better than laying poolside and drinking your favorite drink to pass the time. Girls will be girls, add 5 teenagers to the mix and you have quite an interesting time. Its the best pick me up in the world. You forget all your troubles and let yourself go. Be a kid, act stupid, and it wont matter because you are with people that love and care about you. Don't let life get you down....get out and live!!!

Happy Labor Day Y'all!!

Death Sentence.....what a great movie!

A friend and I went to see Death Sentence today. I have only one word to describe it...WOW!! I have never seen Kevin Bacon throw down a performance like he did in this movie. It was action packed from beginning to end. There are alot of graphic scenes so anyone with a weak stomach for violence should just stay at home. The story was about a father who's son gets killed during a gang initiation...after that, its all about revenge. We were on the edge of our seats through the whole movie. I hope Mr.Bacon gets an award for his performance because it was off the charts. Kelly Preston did an awesome job as well playing the role of his wife. My official rating...two thumbs WAY up!!

Online Dating Services..Just do it!!

I know that most of you have heard of Eharmony and Match.com because of the amount of advertisement they have on T.V. but there are so many more sites to consider when choosing an online dating service. Most of them cover a wide variety of states. Here are a few sites that you don't hear too much about but have been rated very good by singles:

Perfect Match.Com: This site is rapidly growing in popularity thanks to recent movie and TV attention and publicity. It was featured in NBC's Science of Love, Must Love Dogs and on the Dr. Phil Show.

Great Expectations: This service gets right to the point. It requests a zip code and then asks that you register by filling out a profile if the service is available in your area. It's quick and easy. This service has been around for many years and reports high success rates. A great choice if you live in one of the large cities where it's currently available.

Yahoo Personals: This site has fast searches with plenty of matches. It also offers a full 7 day free trial so you can get a better feel before committing to anything. It has over 9 million members with profiles. It's very easy to get started and hard to beat if you're looking for lots of photos and a fast match.

Matchmaker: This service has a fair sized US presence and is also has a growing international membership. Members sometimes get messages from outside their country. This site was one of the early online dating pioneers. It has shifted its focus to an older audience than some of the other top online dating sites.

What do you have to lose?? They all have photos so its not like you're going in blind. Alot of single parents use these as an alternative, especially when they have baby sitting issues and can't go out on a regular basis or if they don't have many single friends to go out with. If a man is putting money into a site to find someone he is usually pretty serious about a relationship. All of the personals have specifics about what they are looking for in a mate and what they aren't. I suggest you read these before choosing someone that you want to get to know. For example, if the guy doesn't like kids, I wouldn't chose him as a someone you would want to pursue. These services charge money but its alot less than a Friday night out at a bar with friends (trust me, I spent WAY too much money last night going out with friends). I know back in the day, finding someone online was unacceptable and people made you feel crazy for even doing it. Now, its the norm....

Beep Beep Bon Appetite'

MICHAEL'S CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

2 cups Bisquick
2/3 cup milk
package of skinless boneless chicken thighs
1/2 of chopped onion
1 clove garlic
vegetable of choice (yellow squash pictured)

Fill a decent size pot with water,add chicken ,onion and garlic and boil for 10 minutes.
Mix milk and bisquick.
Get (and keep) hands wet for pinching and rolling Bisquick into ping pong size balls.
Drop into boiling broth.
Bounce and roll dumplings for 5-10 minutes.
Take biggest dumpling out and put on plate.Cut in half...when done dumpling should look fluffy inside...NOT gooey.
Cook vegetable of choice.
Put dumplings on plate...Add chicken as desired..with vegetables.
Prep and cooking takes less than 30 minutes.