Chocolate Cobbler
Cobbler
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Topping
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1 1/3 cups hot water
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare an 8 inch square baking dish by greasing it and setting it aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, add flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and two tablespoons of cocoa. Mix well. Next, stir in the milk and oil until well blended. Pour the mixture into the pre-prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining cocoa and brown sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter. Pour the hot water over the top of the batter but do NOT stir. Then place the baking dish into the oven. Bake the cobbler for 45 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched in the center.
Serve warm with your favorite ice cream.
Health Concerns for Women in Their 30s
Life would certainly be easier if we didn’t have illness to slow us down. However, life doesn’t have to slow down. Taking better care of your body, eating right and exercising can help put us on the road to recovery far more quickly than if we just sit back, give up and do nothing. Here are some health concerns that women in their 30s need to be aware of.
1. Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death of both men and women. In women, the condition is responsible for approximately 29% of deaths. Even though more men die of heart disease than women, it is women who tend to be underdiagnosed, often to the point that it’s too late to help them once the condition is discovered.
The risk factors for heart disease are increasing age, smoking, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes, and heredity (this includes race). People with a family history of the disease have greater risk. So do African-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and some Asian-Americans. Adapting healthier behavior, to include a balanced diet and exercise, lowers overall risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Breast cancer
Not only is breast cancer the most common cancer in women, it is second to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer death in women. However, these days breast cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Women should not fear getting a breast cancer screening. The earlier it is detected the sooner treatment can begin and then recovery.
3. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a silent and serious disease. You probably don’t think about it, but bone is living tissue. Osteoporosis is not just a disease of little old ladies; it is also not a normal part of aging. It used to be defined as a disorder of postmenopausal women. It is now known that osteoporosis can develop at any age. Younger women often don’t realize that doing simple things like exercising and increasing calcium and vitamin D consumption can make a huge difference in keeping their bones strong.
4. Depression
An estimated 19 million Americans are diagnosed with clinical depression every year. And a full 12 million of them are women. Depression occurs most often in women between the ages of 25 and 44. Approximately one in eight women can expect to develop depression in her lifetime.
Clinical depression is different from the rough patches we encounter in our daily life. Situational depression eases with time but true depression is described as a persistent, profound, and inescapable sense of sadness, hopelessness, apathy, and fatigue. Casualties of clinical depression often lose interest in activities they once found pleasurable. In more severe cases the sufferer is unable to care for themselves or their families.
5. Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune disease refers to an assorted group of illnesses that can affect almost every organ of the body. It includes diseases of the nervous, gastrointestinal and endocrine systems, as well as skin and other connective tissues, eyes, blood and blood vessels.
This means that the body’s immune system becomes misdirected and attacks the very organs it was designed to protect. Unlike cancer (which encompasses a wide range of diseases such as leukemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, etc.), autoimmunity hasn’t been embraced by the medical community as a category of disease.
6. Fertility
Women are putting off childbearing longer. So, we face the concern of reduced fertility and its steady decline with each passing year. Talk with your doctor about fertility screening.
7. Pre-Diabetes
Women who are battling with their weight are at risk of developing pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes means the blood glucose levels are above normal which causes them to teeter on the edge of developing the condition. So see your doctor regularly, eat a healthy balanced diet, lay off the sweets (have some fruit or a salad instead), and exercise.
Remember, you may not feel different, but that doesn’t mean your body hasn’t changed. Take a step back and see the bigger picture. Don’t neglect your body; it is the only one you have.
Health Concerns for Men in Their 50s
Men in their 50s may be as busy as they’ve always been, or they may choose to enjoy their early retirement if this is an option. However, during this time there may be a number of illnesses or diseases developing. This may be a stronger possibility if a man has neglected his health in the past. It is vital that men have a physician they see regularly who can provide them with the health care and advice they need as they grow older. Here is a list of concerns for men in their 50s.
1. Obesity
Obesity increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses, but may not affect a man’s health until after the age of 40. You owe it to yourself to maintain good and healthy eating habits. Put down that brewski and pick up a glass of water. Ditch the nachos and have a salad instead – your waistline will thank you. Keep physically active to maintain a healthy weight. A 30-minute walk every day will give you significant health benefits and help to maintain energy levels.
2. Stroke
New or reoccurring strokes affect in the ball park of 780,000 Americans every year. Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Although age is the primary risk factor, having a stroke increases the probability of future strokes. Individuals most at risk for stroke are older adults, in particular those with high blood pressure, who lead a sedentary lifestyle, and who are overweight, smoke, or have diabetes. So it behooves the man in his 50s to see a physician regularly.
3. High Cholesterol
Improve your eating habits by eating foods low in cholesterol. Eating a diet rich in whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats is better for you than eating high-fat dairy products and high-fat meats. Whole grains contain a lot of fiber, and low-fat meat and dairy products are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Eating these foods will reduce high cholesterol.
4. Heart Disease
Eat a healthy diet full of fiber and low in saturated fat. This reduces the risk for heart disease. Stop smoking. Smoking drastically raises the risk of heart disease. It is vital to your heart to eat a healthy balanced diet that is low in cholesterol. Again, try to eat more whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and don’t forget those leafy greens!
5. High Blood Pressure
Exercise, such as a daily routine of combined strength and cardio training, will help to lower the risk of high blood pressure. If you want to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, do not smoke, reduce your alcohol consumption, and resist the urge to add salt to foods.
6. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the top health risks for men in their 50s and older. See a doctor every year for an annual colonoscopy to check for prostate cancer. This visit may seem a little bit scary, but it is vital to maintain good health.
7. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a common problem in aging men. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can happen to any man, and long-term ED can be treated medically. If a male in his 50s begins to notice frequent occurences of erectile dysfunction, it may be time to schedule an appointment with his physician to determine whether it is age related or something more serious.
This is the time of your life to thrive with family and friends. This can also be great time to take up a hobby, to travel, volunteer, or get involved with your community. Talk to your GP about your family medical history, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, flu shots, bowel cancer screening, prostate exams, etc. As men age, the risk of developing these issues increases. The important thing is to stay active, eat right, exercise and don’t be afraid to see your doctor for fear of hearing bad news. Hesitation could mean an unnecessary worsening of an underlying condition.
Health Concerns for Men in Their 40s
Men in their 40s face tough threats against their health. There is good news, however; many of these diseases and conditions are preventable. 40 is not old for a man. It is, however, a time when taking better care of yourself becomes more imperative and also being more proactive about your health. When a man reaches his 40s it becomes more important for him to try and stay ahead of any health concerns that might arise.
1. Heart Disease
Heart disease includes hardening and narrowing of the arteries (coronary artery disease). This can lead to angina (chest pain) and a heart attack. Heart disease also includes heart arrhythmias and heart failure, which means the heart cannot efficiently pump blood through the body. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, swelling and extreme fatigue. Have your cholesterol and high blood pressure monitored by a health care professional. Eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. When consuming alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.
2. Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply is severely reduced or interrupted to part of the brain. Brain cells die without the necessary blood supply. Symptoms to watch for are sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion or trouble speaking or understanding; vision problems in one or both eyes; trouble walking, losing balance or coordination; a severe headache with no apparent cause. It is vital when trying to prevent a stroke to watch your diet, not smoke, exercise regularly, and have cholesterol and blood pressure monitored.
3. Depression and Suicide
Men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women. Men are more prone to suicide because they are often taught to hold their emotions inside. They may not openly show signs of sadness or depression, seeing it as unmanly. The signs of depression for men differ than that of women. Men, instead of sadness, may react with anger, aggression, risk-taking behavior, alcohol and substance abuse, burning out at work or even a midlife crisis. Ignoring their emotional pain can work against men, as looking the other way can trigger depression can lead to thoughts of suicide.
4. Cancer
Colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers are risk factors for men at this age. It is necessary for men in their 40s to begin prostate cancer screening and rectal examinations performed by a physician. In addition, colonoscopies should be performed regularly.
5. Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. This is where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Diabetes can be prevented through losing extra weight, eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables, avoiding fatty foods and exercising on a regular basis.
6. Erectile Dysfunction
While not life-threatening, erectile dysfunction may begin to occur in a man’s 40s. It may signal other health risks such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It may also indicate diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, vascular disease and neuralgic disease. In some cases it can be caused by nerve damage or side effects of certain medications. Stress and depression also plays a role in erectile dysfunction.
7. Kidney Stones
Calcium deposits can begin to build up in men in their 40s. This increases their chances for kidney stones. Often kidney stones are not detected until it’s too late and pain begins to develop in the sides.
Small stones will pass on their own in the urine, while others may require surgical removal or breaking up by using a shock wave procedure called lithotripsy. The stones are shocked and burst in to smaller pieces, allowing them to pass during urination.
When a kidney stone is detected and is small enough to pass or has been broken apart during lithotripsy, a tube may be placed through the bladder or back into the kidney. This tube will drain urine from the kidney until all the small pieces of stone pass out of the body. The tube may be put in place before or after the patient’s lithotripsy treatment.
The old clich
Blood Orange Sorbet
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups water
1 cup sugar
2 2/3 cups fresh blood orange juice (about 10 oranges)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Garnish: fresh mint sprigs
Preparation
In a small saucepan, add the water and sugar. Bring this to a boil and then reduce the heat. Allow the mixture to simmer for five minutes. Remove this from the heat and allow it to cool completely. Add the juice and stir completely.
If you have a 4-quart electric or hand-turned ice cream maker, pour the mixture in and freeze it according to the manufacturer’s directions. Use ice and rock salt periodically until the ice cream maker begins to “bog down.
Health Concerns for Men in Their 30s
Women live longer than men, have fewer fatal accidents, suffer fewer violent deaths, and are outnumbered by men in suicide by a ratio of four to one. Knowing this, why don’t men take better care of themselves? Boys, from childhood, are taught and expected to be tough and ignore pain. Here are some health concerns for men in their 30s.
1. Heart Disease
One in four men has some form of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death. In half of the cases of heart attacks, the heart attack is the first time the patient finds out about any heart disease.
As many as 10% of all heart attacks in men occur before age 45. Just like in older adults, about 80% of these attacks stem from coronary artery disease. Other causes of early heart attacks in men include abnormalities of one or more arteries, blood clots that form in other areas of the body and are carried to the coronary arteries, blood clotting disorders, chest trauma, drug abuse, stress and high blood pressure.
2. Suicide and Depression
Men are four times more likely than women to commit suicide. Men are more prone to suicide because often they are taught to hold their emotions inside. They don’t openly show signs of sadness or depression, seeing it as unmasculine.
The signs of depression for men differ than that of women. Men, instead of sadness, may react with anger, aggression, risk-taking behavior, alcohol and substance abuse, burning out at work or even a midlife crisis. Ignoring their emotional pain can work against men, as looking the other way can trigger depression which in turn can lead to thoughts of suicide.
3. Prostate Cancer
Not enough is known about prostate cancer and how to prevent it. The disease is treatable if detected early enough. This is challenging since this form of cancer can show no symptoms until it has spread throughout the body. Even though age is a risk factor, younger men shouldn’t assume they won’t develop it. Thirty percent of prostate cancers occur in men under the age of 65.
4. Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. Caucasian men are more likely than African-American and Asian-American men to develop this type of cancer. There are two types of testicular cancer: seminomas and nonseminomas. These cancers grow from germ cells which are the cells that make sperm.
Seminoma is a slow-growing form of testicular cancer usually found in men in their 30s and 40s. Nonseminoma is a more common type of testicular cancer and tends to grow more quickly than seminomas. There may be no symptoms. Symptoms that may occur can include discomfort or pain in the testicle; a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum; pain in the back or lower abdomen; enlargement of a testicle or a change in the way it feels; development of breasts (this can also occur normally in adolescent boys who don’t have testicular cancer); lump or swelling in either testicle.
Most men’s health concerns are largely preventable. It is important to make healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy balanced diet and getting more exercise daily. It’s also important to make better choices when indulging in risky behavior. Try to drink in moderation and avoid casual sex. Of course, making common-sense choices
Getting Your Child to Open Up
Sometimes, prying information from your child is like trying to open a can without a can opener. It just can
Three Fun Crafts You Can Do with Popsicle Sticks
Popsicle sticks – or craft sticks – open up a world of possibilities when it comes to crafts. Armed with glue and craft paint, you can do some amazing crafts with these handy wooden sticks. Here are three ideas:
1. Boxes
You can make handy little boxes with lids using craft sticks. Here’s what you’ll need:
* 1 package of craft sticks
* White glue or hot glue gun
* Marbles or beads
* Acrylic craft paint (optional)
* Paint brush
* Wax paper
Lay the wax paper out on your work surface. Take four popsicle sticks and lay them evenly side by side on the wax paper. Along the top of this row, glue a popsicle stick (flat side down). Do the same with the bottom edge. Now do the same with the sides. Like a log cabin, keep gluing down Popsicle sticks along the alternating edges until you have the sides of the box at the height you want.
For the lid, lay out popsicle sticks like you did for the bottom, and glue two to the top and bottom edges and two to the side edges. If you want to paint your box, do so at this point. When everything is finished, glue a marble or bead in the center of the box top to make a handle.
2. Fans
This is a simple craft that your kids can do to celebrate a holiday or just show off their artwork. The basics are this:
* 1 popsicle stick
* Stiff paper or cardstock in a design of your choice
* Glue
Simply make two designs of whatever you choose from the card stock. Then, with the design facing out, sandwich the top 1/3 of the popsicle stick between the two pieces of card stock and glue.
3. Bracelets
Did you know you could make curved bracelets from wooden craft sticks? You can! Here’s how.
Supplies:
* Popsicle sticks
* Large cardboard tube or rolled up magazine secured with packaging tape
* Rubber bands
* Hot glue gun
* Ribbon
* Beads, shells, buttons, plastic flowers, and other fun objects that would make good decorations
First, boil the popsicle sticks in water for 30 minutes. Then let them sit in the water while it cools. This gets them soft enough to bend without breaking (some will break, though, so be prepared). When the water has cooled, take the popsicle sticks one at a time from the water and bend them around the cardboard tube. Hold them in place with rubber bands. Once they have dried, you can remove the rubber bands and slip the curved craft sticks from the tube. Then use the hot glue, ribbon, beads, and so forth to decorate your bracelets.
Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 green onion, finely chopped
10 asparagus spears, trimmed
3 tablespoons crushed butter-flavored crackers
Hollandaise Sauce
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 egg yolks
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon water
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Directions
Flatten the chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thick by pounding with a meat mallet or covering with plastic wrap and hitting it with a heavy pan.
Spread the mustard on the flattened chicken breasts and then sprinkle them with the onion. Place an even number of asparagus spears in the center of the chicken and then fold the sides over. Place a toothpick in the chicken to hold them closed, if needed.
Using an ungreased microwave-safe dish, place the chicken breasts into the dish seam side down. Sprinkle the chicken with cracker crumbs. Place the uncovered dish in the microwave and cook on high for 6 to 8 minutes. You can tell the chicken has cooked enough when the juices run clear. Keep the chicken warm while you create the hollandaise sauce.
In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Remove the bowl and slowly whisk in the egg yolks, lemon juice, water and salt to taste. Place the bowl back into the microwave. Heat at 30% power for 30 seconds or until the mixture thickens or it has reached 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir it once and then spoon it over the chicken. Garnish with the toasted, sliced almonds. If you used toothpicks, discard them before serving.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Outdoor Wooden Deck
If your deck gets damaged or begins to become structurally unsound, repairing or replacing it can get pretty costly. Maintaining your deck is a much better option that’s more economical in the long run. To help prevent expensive problems from developing, here are some tips for extending the life of your outdoor wooden deck.
1. Regular Inspections
Twice a year – usually in spring and fall – it’s a good idea to check on the structure and overall state of your deck. Look for moisture build-up on joints, especially the butt joints, and also on the posts and beams of your deck. If water is pooling anywhere, it will affect the structural integrity of the deck. So you’ll want to make adjustments to see that the water drains, perhaps by adjusting the angle of the joints and beams so that gravity will take care of the water.
While you are inspecting your deck, remember to look for insect damage, too. Old wasps’ nests, carpenter bee holes, and other damage will need to be repaired. Wood putty works for repairing holes and gauges; wasps’ nests can be scraped off (just make sure they are not occupied!).
2. Keep It Clean
Regularly spray your deck with a garden hose. If there is some dirt build-up, algae, mold, or mildew, use a scrub brush and mild soap and water to scrub these areas. Just a note – make sure the scrub brush you use has nylon or natural bristles. A wire brush or steel wool pad can cause deep scratches with metallic stains.
Using a power washer every year or so can take this hose cleaning up a notch. Keeping the PSI under 2500 is recommended.
3. Sweep and Rake
Don’t let leaves, sticks, and so forth pile up on your deck. If you do, they will rot and stain your deck. They will also hold moisture close to the wood, leading to rot. So periodically get the “fall out” off your deck and let the air and sunshine dry the wood.
4. Paint or Sealant
Applying a coat of paint every five years is recommended. A fresh coat of paint or stain helps keep certain insects at bay, too, particularly carpenter bees. If you are using a sealant, you can stain the deck first and then apply the sealant. You might prefer a combination product that will seal and stain. Power washing before staining, painting, and/or sealing is recommended.
5. Prevent Insect Damage
Take steps to prevent insects from eating your deck or making their homes in it. Keeping it sealed and painted is a good first step. Also, be on the lookout for bees and wasps that may be building nests, and treat the area accordingly. Don’t have lights on all night around your deck, as this attracts bugs – if you want lighting on your deck at night, choose a variety that does not attract insects.
Ten Easy Tips to Freshen Up Your Home
Wintertime can be cozy and warm, but it can also make things feel pretty stuffy once spring starts to come. Bringing some freshness into your home is surprisingly simple, and can make a big difference in how you feel and how your home looks. Here are ten easy tips to freshen up your home – this spring or anytime!
1. Add Color
While repainting a room is one way to do this, we’re talking about easy ways to freshen up! So to add a pop of fresh color, try these ideas:
* Put some colorful throw pillows on furniture
* Put up colorful window treatments and/or drapes
* Brightly-colored placemats and table runners add color to your table
* Decorate with fresh fruit and flowers to add a colorful punch
* Lay down one or two bright throw rugs
* Hang tapestries or throw rugs on the walls for beautiful color
2. Wipe Down Walls
This doesn’t have to be complicated – just a bucket of sudsy water and a sponge, and you can remove years of grime from your walls. It may look like a fresh coat of paint, and it’s a lot easier and cheaper than painting!
3. Polish Wooden Furniture
This not only makes your wooden furniture gleam; it also makes your home smell great. Use something lemon-y for a really bright, clean scent. You can make your own furniture polish using olive oil and lemon essential oil if you like.
4. Houseplants
Add some healthy, green houseplants to your windowsills and bring a wonderfully lively look to your rooms. Hanging houseplants also add drama and greenery. If you choose varieties that clean the air, then you’ll literally be freshening things up by making the air cleaner!
5. Get Rid of Clutter
An easy tip for getting rid of clutter is to invest in some simple, fresh containers like baskets and painted boxes and store your items there.
6. Dust!
It’s amazing how much fresher a room looks after a good dusting. Go over all objects with a duster and vacuum and wash items if necessary.
7. Lighting
Use blue, “outdoor” type lighting in your home to bring a fresh feeling indoors. If you can, make as much use of natural lighting as possible now that winter’s over.
8. Change the Drapes
Take down heavy drapes and put up light, minimal window coverings that let in plenty of light.
9. Put Up Mirrors
Adding a mirror to your space brings light and shiny brightness to a room. Mirrors also make a room look bigger. Add a few and admire the effect!
10. Switch Out Your Wall Art
Do you have wall art sitting in storage? Maybe it’s time to take some down and put up new wall art. You can, of course, buy or make wall art to add a fresh new look.
Ten Crafts You Can Do with Everyday Items
Have you ever looked at a craft project and thought you’d like to try it, only to discover you need a zillion special supplies? Trips to the craft store can be fun, but they can also be time-consuming and expensive.
So why not do craft projects from items around the home? Here are ten crafts you can do with everyday items.
Scrap Paper
Despite the prominent use of email and electronics, paper still inundates our lives. Make use of it with some of these craft ideas!
1. Quilling
Sometimes called paper filigree, you can achieve an amazing and detailed look with scrap paper. The principle is simple: wind thin strips of paper (1/16 to 1/8-inch wide strips) tightly around a thin tool or toothpick. Remove and shape with the fingers into flowers, hearts, vines, etc.
2. Paper Mache
Dip newspapers torn into strips into white glue and water mixed half and half. Layer them on an armature and allow to dry. Then sand smooth (if you like), paint, and decorate!
3. Paper Chains
Colorful magazines and even junk mail make great “links” for a paper chain. Cut into strips, link as rings, and make the chain as long as you like.
4. Decoupage
Cut out pictures and designs from magazines, pamphlets, or even wrapping paper. Then turn the cut-out over, scrape the edges thin from underneath (you can use a craft knife for this) and coat the back of the picture with decoupage medium. Carefully glue the design to the object (lamps, boxes, picture frames, table tops, etc.). Use a paintbrush to smooth and cover with more decoupage medium.
5. Paper Beads
To make paper beads, follow the method for quilling – except coat the paper strip with decoupage medium before you wrap it (leaving about 1/4 inch decoupage-free at the beginning so you can slip it off the toothpick when finished) and wrap at a slight angle. Add a dab of glue or decoupage medium to secure the end. If you like, paint the paper before cutting it into strips.
6. Place Mats
Cut brown paper bags or other scrap paper into strips, and weave into place mats. Cover with paint and/or decoupage medium.
Cardboard Tubes
Toilet paper and paper towel tubes can be the inspiration for all kinds of crafts!
7. Hair Clips
Take a 4-inch cardboard tube (cut to size) and cut it in half vertically, so you have an open trough shape. Paint with acrylic paint, let dry, and hot glue beads, silk flowers, and other decorative items to the outward-curved side. Glue a plain hair clip to the underside.
8. Napkin Rings
Cut cardboard tubes into one- or two-inch-wide rings. Paint with acrylic paint, and when dry, hot glue beans, beads, and spices (like whole cloves and peppercorns) to the outside of the ring. Or you could coat the painted tube with white glue and roll it in a mixture of seeds, beads, beans, and so forth.
Sunglasses
Over the years, many of us accumulate a collected of non-prescription sunglasses. Use them in these craft ideas!
9. Lens Chimes
Pop out the lenses of your sunglasses. Hot glue them to varying lengths of thin wire (1 lens per wire) or upholstery thread, and hang them in the wind!
10. Empty Sunglasses Frames
Now you can have fun with the frames. Hot glue beads and rhinestones to them, coat them with glitter, or hot glue feathers and other items to them. You can create a great Halloween accessory or Mardi Gras mask!
Spinach and Fresh Fruit Salad
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. Freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar
1 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
5 oz. Baby spinach
1/2 cup Dried cranberries
1/2 cup Sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 cup Fresh blueberries
4 oz. Brie cheese, crumbled
1 small Green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 small Avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup Sunflower seeds
1/4 cup Walnut halves
Preparation
Start by making the dressing. Combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil and lime juice in a small bowl. Set this aside as you make the salad.
In a large bowl, add the spinach, bell pepper, strawberries and blue berries. Toss this together and then add 1/4 cup of the dressing. Top the salad with any or all of the following: brie cheese, sliced avocado, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds or walnut halves.
When you are ready to serve, pour the rest of the salad dressing on the Spinach and Fresh Fruit salad and lightly toss.
When You Shouldn’t Choose Fat Free
Just because a product says fat free or low fat doesn’t necessarily mean it