Friday, April 9, 2010

Animals and Alzheimers

On Thursday, I had the chance to interview Dr. David Dosa, author of the book, "Making Rounds with Oscar-The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat." Although I'm not really a "cat lover", I had read excerpts of the book in both Guideposts and Readers Digest and knew that I wanted to learn more about Oscar. In case you aren't familiar with the story-Oscar is a cat that resides at a nursing home in Rhode Island and he has the uncanny ability to know when one of the residents is near death. He will climb up on their bed, or the window sill and hold his vigil until they have passed on. The book is touching and inspiring. Over 5 million Americans are afflicted with this some form of dementia and the book also addresses the many issues of caring for a loved one with this disease. It will introduce some topics that may be difficult, but that need to be discussed.

It is so important to eat a good breakfast! If you are "crunched" for time in the morning, try one of the following:
Morning Monte Cristo- Top a low fat whole grain waffle with 3 slices of honey baked deli ham and 1 oz. reduced fat Swiss cheese. Place in toaster oven toast until cheese melts. Remove from oven and drizzle with 1 tsp. light pancake syrup; top with 2nd toasted waffle.
Banana'wich-Spread 1 tsp. peanut butter on hot dog bun. Add 1 small banana, sliced, and drizzle with 1/2 tsp. honey.
Eggs-in-a-wrap-Spread 1 oz. goat cheese on 100-calorie whole wheat wrap. Add 1 egg, scrambled, and 1 c. baby spinach leaves; fold wrap.

Happy Birthday to my daughter Sarah-
~the start of a whole new decade to explore and enjoy!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Attitude and Asparagus


One of my favorite quotes is :

"The way choose to see the world, creates the world we see"


It's all about attitude. If I surround myself with negative thinking and negative energy, that's how I will view everything. It's easy to get down, depressed and feeling sorry for myself. If I choose to be optimistic, look on the bright side and decide to make lemons from lemonade-my day will go much better, my outlook will improve and everything will run more smoothly. I'll be able to adjust to the bumps in the road.

I have not been keeping up with my blog, of late. I plan to change my attitude and to make time to share my thoughts and the interesting things I learn and share with my listeners.



Fresh fruits and vegetables! There's nothing better (well, maybe chocolate, but that's another story!) This is the time of year for sugar snap peas, spinach, mushrooms and asparagus...

My Dad, who is a very "particular" food connoisseur-loves asparagus. I served it at Easter dinner and was suprised that he would even try it. He shared the story of how as a young boy, he and his father would pick the vegetable as it grew along the side of the road. Food can be very powerful in invoking memories and emotions. I'm sure my Dad remembers those great times with his father whenever he tastes the great flavor of this wonderful spring vegetable.



If you haven't tried it lately here are a few tips:
Wash well to remove sand and grit. Trim by snapping the bottoms. Take several spears at a time and bend them an inch or so from the bottom until the woody, dry sections naturally break off.

Choose your cooking method:
Steamed: Pour 1" water into a 12" skillet with a tight fitting lid. Insert a collapsible steamer basket. Bring water to a boil over medium high heat. Add the trimmed asparagus, cover and steam until fork tender (about 4-6 minutes, depending on thickness).

Roasted: Heat oven to 425 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss trimmed asparagus with 1 Tbsp. olive oil and 1/4 tsp. of both salt and pepper. Roast until tender, about 8-10 minutes-depending on thickness.

Grilled: Heat outdoor grill or indoor grill pan. IN large bowl, toss trimmed asparagus with 1 Tbsp. olive oil and 1/4 tsp. each salt & pepper. Place spears flat across grill top in opposite direction of grill grate. Grill 3 minutes. Using tongs, rotate spears and cook until tender, about
2-3 minutes longer.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Careers and Crockpots

Another great book interview today with author, Harvey Mackay. Fortune Magazine refers to him as "Mr. Make Things Happen". He talked about his new book, "Use Your Head to Get Your Foot in the Door".

If you are looking for a job or know someone who is unemployed this is a great career resource book. Harvey will help you prep for the interview with a chapter that highlights a 44 question checklist. He discusses attitude, how to create a job application video (a very interesting concept), how to constructively think about your next job while you are still employed and maybe the most interesting concept: the invisble web. We all know that it's important to do research on the company you are going to be interviewing with. This technique will "humanize" your interview and create a more personal connection if you can search out "personal" information about your prospective employer (hobbies, interests, etc.) before the interview. Harvey did his research. He had checked out my blog and knew my interests and hobbies and introduced them into our conversation. His comprehensive book covers everything you need to know AND he offers a money back guarantee! You can access his website at www.harveymackay.com and click on the "job secrets" toolbar.


I found another great website that I'd like to share. www.50plusfriends.com If you like to use your crockpot this is a "must bookmark" site. You can find recipes for any category-appetizers, meat, fish, desserts-almost anything you can think of. All you need to do is click on the appropriate category and it brings up the recipe! Very easy and the recipes look good, too. Check it out and if you try one of the recipes, let me know the results.

Great guest line up for next week's show.
On Monday, 2/22 we'll talk with Pamela Yellin about her book: "Bank on Yourself"
On Thursday: 2/25 we'll have Sue Frederick. Her book, "I Can See Your Dream Job" generated a lot of fun and excitement when I spoke with her last fall. She will be taking calls so if you would like her to give you a quick overview of what you REALLY should be doing she will just need your birthdate. Should be another facinating interview!
And then on Friday, 2/26, we are going to talk to Tracy Trivas about her new book "The Wish Stealers". Fiction that is geared toward pre-teens but a fascinating story with a great lesson.

I am a big believer in quotes. From time to time I will pass some of my favorites on to you. Today's quote comes from Mark Twain:
"If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything"

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Happiness Project

If you missed the program today, I talked with Gretchen Rubin author of a great new book,
"The Happiness Project: Or Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle and Generally Have More Fun".

It is a great book and one I highly recommend!

Gretchen spent one year trying to be "happier". Focusing on a different subject each month, she made resolutions and then charted them. For the month of March she focused on work-her challenge was to "aim higher". Are you happy at work? Are you happy with the kind of work (career) that you do? Check out Gretchen's website www.happiness-project.com or pick up a copy of her book. It's a facinating concept. If we all try to make our homes, family relationships, friendships and workplace just a little bit "happier" we'd all reap the benefits.

I also found a GREAT website: www.stilltasty.com. If you aren't sure about the food in your refrigerator or pantry, this is the place to go. Just type in the food or beverage, indicate how long you've had it and you'll find information as to its "shelf life" in both the fridge or the freezer. It's also great to check those spices and other staples that have been sittin on your shelves. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Saturday, February 13th, 2010



Happy Valentine's Day!







Are you hoping to receive flowers, or better yet, roses for Valentine's Day?
Here are a few tips to lengthen their life and enhance their beauty:


*Select a vase that is half as tall as your flowers

*Cut off any leaves or thorns that will be below the water line. (Wear
gardening gloves to protect your hands).

*Hold stems under running water and cut off at least 1".

*Place taller stems in center and arrange shorter ones at edges.

*Fill in with greens and or baby's breath


*Keep away from direct heat or sunlight and drafts.

*Add fresh water regularly and continue to snip stems, about 1/4"-1/2"
every time you change the water.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

February 2010

Happy Heart Month!

February is Healthy Heart Month, Black History Month, Cherry and Grapefruit Month, Children's Dental Health Month and National Wedding Month

Remember to wear red on Friday, February 5th.

Super Bowl Sunday is February 7th. Which team are you cheering for? Or will you be getting together for the great food and fun with friends? Do you have a great recipe for a Super Bowl Bash? Why not share it during the show or send it to me via email?

The Winter Olympics begin later this month in Vancouver, Canada and I've got lots of great guest interviews lined up throughout the month.
Be sure you tune in to the show

Thursday, July 23, 2009

July...



July is National Blueberry Month, National Ice Cream Month and Hot Dog Month


We talked about the different flavors and what it says about your personality. In case you missed it, choose your favorite from the list below, then click the link to find what your favorite flavor says about you.



  • Butter Pecan, Chocolate Chip, Coffee

  • Double Chocolate Chunk, Mint Chocolate Chip

  • Rocky Road, Strawberry or Vanilla (Mine is Rocky Road)