Health: 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The USDA in a press release in Jan 2011 redesigned the recommended dietary guidelines to place stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increased physical activity because more than one-third of children and more than two-thirds of adults in the United States

are overweight or obese . The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is the the federal government's evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity.

Some of the tips provided by the USDA include:

• Enjoy your food, but eat less.

• Avoid over sized portions.

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.

• Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

• Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals – and choose the foods with

lower numbers.

• Drink water instead of sugary drinks

After reading countless email newsletters forwarded to me by my husband, I feel it important to impart some other tips that may help those of you who are battling the bulge like I am.

Tip #1: Buy only single ingredient items or combinations of single ingredient items. If you look at the ingredient content on the packaging, you will see that most packaged foods have usually 10-50 ingredients. Put these back on the shelf girl!

Example: I bought organic single serving packages of oatmeal the other day and the ingredients listed was just whole rolled oats. That is it. My son on the other hand brought me a bag of corn puff cereal and when I looked at the ingredients there were about 15 and sugar was the second one on the list. I showed it to my 7 year old and explained to him what we were trying to do in the house was simply to make healthier choices and that this was just one way to start. He of course stomped his foot in frustration and said "WE" did not include him in the discussion and therefore he should be exempt from the new food rule.

Tip #2: When shopping stay on the periphery of the store because this is where all the fresh items were stocked. All the center isles housed packaged food items filled with sugar and preservatives.

Hey bloggers check back later for new tips.

Kitchen Knowledge: How To Boil The Perfect Egg

Whether you want a soft boiled or hard boiled egg, it is easy to mess up!

Too rubbery, cracked in the water, whites not cooked enough, sulfur smell, grey film on yolks. Follow these tips and you should end up with perfect soft and hard boiled eggs every time.

Tip 1: Bring refrigerated eggs to room temperature before dropping them in the hot boiling water. It is the difference in temperature that cracks them.

Tip 2: To destroy salmonella bacteria, egg must be cooked to o160 degrees F. This is the temperature at which an egg yolk sets. To avoid contracting salmonella, avoid eating undercooked egg whites or has a runny yolk.

Tip 3: If you are concerned about your egg being too old. Put it in a cup of fresh cold water if it lays still on it's side, it is still fresh. If it tilts or floats, it is going bad. As an egg loses freshness, the white will become runny and thin and the yolk will become flatter and break easily.

Tip 4: Directions for Soft Boiling verses Hard Boiling an egg.

First heat water to a simmer. Gently lower room temperature LARGE eggs into the water. Increase the temperature until the water begins to boil then reduce it to a simmer. Simmer your egg for 4 minutes for a soft boiled egg. Simmer your egg for 10 minutes for a hard boiled egg. Remove the egg from the simmering water and plunge it into a bowl of cold water. Peel immediately and let peeled egg cool in cold water for at least 5 minutes.

Tip 5: Avoid the grey black ring from forming around the yolk by not cooking it for longer than the 10 minutes.

Garden Trick #1: Use Epsom Salts To Green Up Your Plants

I was at the local farmers market picking up some creeping petunias for my patio pots. Icommented on how some of the plants looked a little yellow in the center. The lady told me to drop 2 Tbs. Epsom Salts on top and water and that should green them right up. I did what she said and it worked.

It turns out this little trick is a little garden secret used around the world. It works because Epsom Salts are made up of magnesium sulfate, two elements crucial to plant growth. Magnesium is the element that is generally lacking from our soil plays a role in

strengthening the plant cell walls, allowing the plant to take in the nutrients it needs.

This trick is a simple solution to keeping your plants green and is cheap as well as readily available.

Next time your plants look a little pale, just drop 2 Tbs of Epsom Salt in to the container and water.

Recipes: Chicken Vindaloo (dry with no gravy)

4 chicken breasts - skinless boneless, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup flour

3 tbs corn oil

3/4 tsp cumin seeds

1 inch cube fresh ginger minced

1 medium onion cut small

1 jalapeno minced

4 tbs Patak Brand Vindaloo Curry Paste

3/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Cube chicken breast pieces. Sprinkle with salt and coat in flour. Set aside.

Heat oil on med-hi, Add Cumin seed and stir. Add ginger onion and jalapeno and reduce heat to med. Cook until onion are translucent. Add chicken and seer on all sides. Cook for 5 minutes turning frequently. Add curry paste and continue to cook for 5 min on med-hi until chicken is cooked throughout. Stir in cilantro.

Serve over rice.

Servings: 4

Gavin Tail Twister #24: I Wouldn't Do That If I Were You!

The Set Up: Gavin is seven years old and adores his big brother! He wants to do everything his brother does...be a good pitcher, be a good catcher, be a good student, and have lots of friends. He wants to play all the same video games, show off his one underarm that is trying to grow a couple of scrawny hairs when he reaches his tween years and even sport the same hairstyle or non hairstyle I should say. They both insist on sleeping on wet hair after their evening bath. In the morning, they splash some water on a comb and push the comb through the tangled nest atop their big heads. Combing it straight down flat on top, pressed onto their forehead with no part and usually with the sides not combed at all. GOOOOBER! I tell them it does not look good but they insist it does and before they leave, the hair is pushed over just on the ends mid forehead so it doesn't get in their eyes. It is kinda Justin Bieber-ish but not that neat. I just let them go to school looking like that. Hee Hee! They are gonna love those pictures!

The Story: Today Gavin and his big brother Sammy (age 11) went to get hair cuts. Of course neither wanted a cut. It was just that time! Nichole is their hair dresser and talks to them just as a good hair dresser does with his/her clients. I am not sure what conversations transpired between the brothers before they got to the hair dresser but neither really wanted to be there. Nicole usually asks "what are we gonna do today?" and they usually respond with what they wanted for a style. Sammy took his turn like a man and with no complaints. Now it is Gavin's turn. Nichole followed all the usual hair dressers protocol...pumped up the chair, put on a cutting drape, sprayed Gavin's hair with water but skipped over the "what are we gonna do today?" question. She picked up her scissors and before she could make the first cut,

Gavin blurts out "I wouldn't do that if I were you!"

Nichole stopped and said "well, why not Gavin?"

Gavin responds with a lisp of course: " I've got LICSSE (that is lice with a lisp)!"

You do?

Yea, I tried to get it all out (lisp) yesterday but couldn't. (lisp) So, yea I got (lisp) lice.

Nichole laughed and said "Gavin you are the first kid that has tried to get out of a haircut by telling me you have lice. " SNIP!

Once In A Lifetime Event: The Royal Wedding

What is the big deal about a royal wedding you ask? Only every girl in the entire world has dreamed of a fairytale Cinderella wedding and it is actually going to take place in our lifetime. On April 29th at 11AM London time (that is 5AM in the US east coast), a commoner Kate Middleton will marry a Prince, Prince William. Some will say who cares! Who Cares??? I and millions of other commoner care! It has been quoted actually that BILLIONS will tune in via TV, Internet,phone, and radio. There will be horse drawn carriages, the most gorgeous wedding dress , and jewels, not jewelry but jewels, sparkling everywhere. Famous people will fill London's West Minster Abbey for the event of the Century. Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will perform the ceremony after which the royal bride and groom will ride in a royal carriage to Buckingham Palace. The procession will pass some of London's most famous landmarks. Crowds of people will line the streets hoping catch a glimpse of the newlyweds. Once at Buckingham Palace, William and Kate are expected to make a public appearance on one of the balconies and there they will "KISS". OMG A Royal Kiss!!! This is what fairy tales are made of. The couple retreats into the palace and and attend a grand reception hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Remember once the Queen puts her fork down everyone must put their forks down. She would not last 1 day in our house with Gavin (7) around. She would probably want to get the yardstick (oh that is what southerners use, Queen Elizabeth would probably use that giant royal staff) after him inside of 5 minutes because he'd be asking for "one more bite, just one more, please, please, just one more quick "memory bite". Why do you think she has a big giant staff next to her when is seated in the royal chair. It's to bonk you when you are misbehaving or... poke at you just because she can. That is what I'm going to tell my kids anyway. I can't wait to watch this event. The entire wedding will be covered live by the BBC and several other network stations.

CNN will provide multi-platform coverage as well. It is sure to be a magical event and one that will be talked about for years to come. It will be history taking place right before our eyes. Don't miss it! You never know, if you look close enough, you may even see a glass slipper.

American Idol Pool:

May 12, 2011 James was voted off. What a shocker! I thought he'd win the whole thing. All you pool players guessed incorrectly.

May 5, 2011: Jacob was voted off and Jason is still leading!

	Week 1: Pick 1 To Leave (11 left) 25 points	Week 2: Pick 1 To Leave (9 left) 25 points	Week 3: Pick To Leave (8 left) 20 points	Week 4: Pick To Leave (7 left) 20 points	Week 5: Pick To Leave (6 left) 15 points	Week 6: Pick To Leave (5 left) 15 points	Week 7: Pick To Leave (4 left) 10 points	Week 8: Pick To Leave (3 left) 10 points	Finale Week 9: Pick The Winner (2left) 10 points
Voted OFF	Naima & Thia	Pia	Paul	Stefano	Casey	Jacob	James	Haily	Winner
Random Knowledge	Naima +25	Stefano Total=25	Haily Total=25	Jacob Total=25	Jacob Total=25	Jacob 40	Haily 40	Haily 50
Magic 8 Ball	Says No no to Stephano +0	Stefano Total =0	Haily total=0	Stefano Total=20	Jacob Total=20	Jacob 35	Lauren 35	Lauren 35
Smedium I Wish	Naima +25	Lauren Total=25	Stefano Total=25	Haily Total=25	Jacob Total=25	Jacob 40	Scotty 40	Haily 50
Swim Mama	Naima +25	Stefano Total =25	Haily Total=25	Jacob Total=25	Jacob Total=25	Jacob 40	Lauren 40	Lauren 40
Lady Called Greg	Thia +25	Stefano Total =25	Haily Total=25	Stefano Total=45	Jacob Total=45	Jacob 60	Lauren 60	Lauren 60
Big Country	Naima +25	Cassey Total =25	Haily Total=25	Stefano Total=45	Jacob Total=45	Jacob 60	Haily 60	Lauren 60
Yo-Yo	Naima +25	Paul Total =25	Paul Total=45	Stefano Total=65	Jacob Total=65	Jacob 80	Haily 80	Haily 90
G. G.	Haily +0	Haily Total =0	Haily Total=0	Jacob Total=0	Jacob Total=0	Jacob 15	Haily 15	Lauren 15

May 4th: Cast your vote by Thurs. results show. Contestants left!

April 28th: Cast your vote for who you think will be voted off on Thursday.

April 21: Finally Stefano goes but I did not pick him to go. Jason, stud in the lead!

April 20: Seven are left. Vote one off after tonights American Idol Competition show and before the American Idol Results show starts tomorrow night at 8 PM.

April 14, 2011 Week 3 Results

Paul was voted off. Way to go Yo-Yo! You were the only one that got this week correct. You now lead the pool.

April 13, 2011

Vote for the one you think will be voted off on Thursday's American Idol Results Show.

8 are left! Vote in the comment section below this post. You can still win!April 8,2011

April 7, 2011 Week 2 Results:

NO ONE got this one! So sad! I picked Pia to be the overall winner...I am out of the game unless you guys are just bad judges for the next 7 weeks. Ha!

April 6, 2011

Week 2 results will be posted here. Watch the competition tonight and then submit to me under the comment section of this post whom you think will be voted off tomorrow's results show.

Your pick must be submitted to me by the beginning of Thursdays Results Show and remember to tell me your alias each time you comment so I know who you are. For those of you who did not submit an alias, I made one up for you. You should know who you are! If you don't call me or text me.

Here is what you have picked for week 2.

April 2, 2011 Week 1.

Here they are: We have 8 players and the results are as posted.

April 1, 2011

Remember to submit to me your pick of whom you think will be voted off by the beginning of Thursdays Results Show each week. Submit in the comment section below and make sure you tell me your alias. For those of you who did not submit an alias, I made one up for you.

Recipes: Crock Chicken Curry

2 Tbs Olive Oil

2 medium onions chopped

2 chili chopped fine

4 clove garlic sliced thin

1 inch ginger sliced thin

2 tbs cilantro chopped

4 Tbs Instant Sambar Powder

2 Tbs Garham Masala Powder

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 lb chicken breast cut in 2 inch pieces

1 14 oz can crushed tomato

1 14 oz can diced tomato

Layer all ingredients in a crock pot starting with olive oil and ending with canned tomatoes. Cook 3 hours hi and 2-4 hours on low or cook 6-8 hours on low.

Serve over hot rice and with a dolop of sour cream or nonfat plain yogurt.

Get Organized: Clear The Clutter (Thin Out Your Closet-Here's How!)

Organize your closet in 2 sections. One for Fall Winter and one for Spring and Summer. Within each section clothing should be grouped by type. All pants together and all shirts together. Within each type of clothing, items should be grouped in Length Thickness then Color. All hangers should be placed backwards (hook towards you). When you use an item and put it back it, it should be placed in the correct direction (hook away from you). At the end of the season all items still in backwards should be pulled out and given to Good Will. These are items you didn't use all season but thought you couldn't live without. If you can't part with something, put it in a box in the corner of the closet with the date on it. If one more year passes and you have not gone into the box, get rid of it. It is taking up your valuable space.

Get all the same hangers. I like the clear plastic ones with the swivel hook for your tops because they accommodate every kind of top. This is very pleasing to the eye.

Clear the clutter and it will clear the mind!

Recipes: AsparaCous (Asparagus and Couscous)

Couscous is a traditional staple food served in areas of West Africa, Europe and Asia usually with meat or vegetable stew. Couscous granules are made of coarse ground semolina wheat rolled into small balls and then coated with finely ground wheat flour. They are about 1/4 the size of a piece of rice. Couscous is high in protein and fiber without the meat and the animal fat.

The health benefits asparagus are HUGE. Asparagus is rich in vitamin K, fiber, Vitamin A, and Folate, and Glutathione . The nutritional content of these nutrients has multiple effects. It detoxifies the body and reduces bloating. It prevents osteoporosis, has anticancer properties and is shown to regulate embryonic and fetal nerve cell formation. To top it all off it has antioxidant properties which help keep you looking young.

Here is a recipe that contains both couscous and asparagus. It is High in protein, fiber and antioxidants. It is delicious!

1 2/3 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth (boil)

1 bunch asparagus cut in 1 in pieces

1 1/3 cup couscous

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 juice of lemon

3 Tbs EVOL (extra virgin olive oil)

1 cup frozen peas thawed and rinsed

1/2 red bell pepper cut into small pieces

3 scallions chopped

1/2 cup pine nuts (toasted)

1/4 cup fresh dill chopped fine

2 Tbs fresh mint chopped fine

Lemon slices and fresh mint for garnish.

Bring broth to boil. Blanch asparagus for1 minutes until it turns bright green. Add frozen peas. Continue to boil 1 min. Strain asparagus and peas leaving broth in a large bowl. Rinse asparagus and peas under cold water to stop them from cooking and pat them dry.

Add couscous to bowl of broth. Stir in salt and pepper and cover. Set aside until cool about 15 minutes.

Add lemon juice, olive oil and toss couscous.

Add asparagus, peas, bell pepper, scallions, pine nuts, dill and mint. Toss until well mixed. Add salt to taste if needed. Garnish with lemon slices and mint.

Serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold as a salad.

Gavin Tail Twister #23: My Life Has Been A Disaster!

On this particular night in April 2011, I was working late. On my way home, I spoke to my dad who just two days earlier lost his pet dog, Copper. What a sad day that was for everyone in the family. Everyone cried and cried after Copper was put to sleep especially my dad. This was the one animal he had truly been attached to only he did not know it until Copper was gone. What an empty space in your home after the family dog passes. I know this because I have the same empty space in my home from our sweet Louie (Springer Spaniel) who died 3 years ago. He was my one and only pet I've ever let into my life. I still cry when I think about him!

Setting up the story: My Canadian Man, William, and I have for the last year been talking to our children Sam and Gavin about this passing being a possibility. We stressed the importance of quality time and saying a proper loving good bye to the dog each and every time they saw Copper. That usually got Copper an extra kiss and a pat on the head. Little did they know what that loss would really mean to them. On Friday (3 days ago), I told our family that Copper was very sick and not able to walk anymore and that Paupa would faced with putting an end to Copper's misery. Seventeen years with a dog is a long time and this decision did not come easy. Both kids seemed sad but again, they did not comprehend what this would do to them emotionally.

Back to the story. On this particular night in April 2011, I was working late. I spoke to my dad on the way home and arrived in the garage at 9:30. I drop my stuff on the kitchen counter and sit in the empty family room. Immediately Gavin(7) comes out of my bedroom with tears in his eyes. He flopped face down on the sofa and proceeded to sob. I just thought his dad kicked him out of the bed for not following federation rules in the parents bed. That is another story!

I did not pay Gavin much attention until Sam (11) came out and with a sad face asked "did Copper die?" William had just told them that Copper had gone to Heaven. I could see tears coming so I answered Sammy, Yes as I looked away to stop myself from crying too. I said "but you know what Sam? Copper is with Louie chasing and herding birds." That brought a slight smile through his sad face.

I scooted both boys upstairs to their beds hoping to spend individual time with each child to talk about our loss. Gavin was a bit angry about Coppers death but more sad than angry. I consoled him with a mental picture of Copper not being in any pain and hanging out with Louie and all kind of other animal friends. We talked about what a great life Copper had and all the funny things that happened when Copper and our new dog Maggie hung out. They would play chase and bite the other dog's tail and even dog wrestle. They protected us and loved us unconditionally as God created them to do. They filled our lives with happiness along with alot of extra dog work and dog worries just like children do throughout their lives. As Gavin let out an occasional all-out sob with tears, he said and I quote "My life has been a disaster!"

My response "Oh Gavin why would you say that?"

"Because first Louie died and now Copper is dead."

"I guess Gavin, that is what loosing someone very dear makes you feel like."

"I would rather get an F at school than let Copper die."

"Me too Gavin." I said softly.

As he dozed off to sleep with an occasional sob burst, I though about what he said. "My life has been a disaster." Loosing two dogs in three years is a lot and to a seven year old, that is a lot of loss his short little lifetime.

There will probably be more tears over Louie and Copper tomorrow and for many days to come. One thing I can say for sure. God knew what he was doing when he created dogs. After all, if dogs outlived their owners, who's job would it be to scoop the poop? That would be the Canadian Man and the Canadian Manboy's (William and Sammy's) job in our house.

Copper was a special family dog and he loved everyone but especially Paupa. We loved Copper and will truly miss him! May you rest in peace Copper and chase bird for an eternity.

It is a good thing we have Maggie (our one year old Golden Retriever) to bring all that dog joy....and worry. But most of all that empty space in our house is now filled!