Dec 2010

I'm not big on New Years Resolutions... but I think this year I will just try to appreciate what I have!!!

Change the Name...

I looked up the definitions of "Star"... and than "Celebrity":

Star- An artistic performer or athlete whose leading role or superior performance is acknowledged; One who is highly celebrated in a field or profession.

Celebrity- A widely known person; a famous person; fame notoriety.

Based on these definitions and the recent casting of people like Bristol Palin, I think they should change the name of "Dancing with the Stars" to "Dancing with a Celebrity".

That is all.

A Dog Park in the Lakes Region!

Of course, we as a community need to be responsible for ourselves and our dogs.

And I'd like to think the Lakes Region could do that!

I know other communities have dog parks and they work;

I drove to Portsmouth with my husband and dog yesterday so we could check out a park...

I know there is a dog park area in Concord too...

Yet, I reside in the Lakes Region and would love to see a dog park happen here!

http://www.happytailsdogparknh.org/

Stars behind bars!?!

There are one or two random people I graduated HS with who had rough home lives, stayed in our hometown, got involved with drugs for financial purposes, got caught and have gone to prision for years! They couldn't afford fancy lawyers. And I'm pretty sure when they get out they will try hard, but won't have it easy financially and will struggle to get a great paying job because of their record, and maybe because they couldn't afford an expensive college education, etc... etc...

Yet! We as a society seem to be ok with "stars" who do the exact same thing?! Just because they moved to Hollywood, have money, and play "dress up" for a job, somehow it's OK?! I get that they are in the "limelight" and that contributes... but if they can't handle it then get a regular job and let the people who can handle it do that job! I'm pretty sure they won't leave though, because then if they got in trouble they couldn't make millions to be interviewed about their couple of days in jail?!

None of it seems right?! If doing or dealing drugs is bad, then EVERYONE should deal with the consequences of their decisions! OR... if we are going to let stars off easy, at least make part of their sentance to financially help those who aren't getting off easy to get into a good rehab or to get an education and skills that can help them contribute to society?!

Affordable Beauty!

The above book has spa like treatments made from stuff you have at home!

I love facials etc... but it can be expensive.
Here are a couple of things it mentions (I really need to go get this book!):

For your FEET!

Lemon juice mixed with asprin (only 5 or so). Mash into the lemon juice and put mixture in zip lock bag, put feet in bag. Relax for about 20 min.

For your HAIR!

Maple syrup. (sounds messy but it's somehow good for it). Pour on hair, wrap with plastice wrap. Sit 20 min. and wash out!

Ok, these next ideas were just found online; go ahead, try one!

For SKIN!

1 cup coarse sea salt mixed w/ 1/1 cup baby oil.

Put in screw top jar and leave 24 hrs. Stir mixture and apply to body on areas you want to smooth, rinse off, dry.

For HAIR!

Mix an avacado, 1 egg yolk, teaspoon of olive oil.

Apply mixture to hair in sections. Leave 30 min. or so, rinse.

For FACE!

Mix a bannana with 2 Tblspoons honey. (add 2 Tbls of plain yogart for thicker consistancy)

Apply to face and neck, leave 15 min. and rinse off.

For FEET!

1. Soak feet in warm water, sea salt, sliced lemons, and a few drops of essential oil.

(Use Pumice stone on heels)
2. To exfoliate feet and calves use the following mixture; 1/2 cup sugar, juice of a grapefriut,lemon, and lime, 2 Tbls extra virgin olive oil, w/ a splash of warm water.

Then rinse feet.

3. To finish; apply rich body cream to feet and calves.

21?! ...Have a Beer for your health!

To begin we must always remember to drink in moderation!

That said, I found this article that has 5 good reasons to enjoy a beer tonight!

http://health.msn.com/mens-health/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100261759&imageindex=1

Here are the reasons in a nutshell, but the deatails explaining them are at the website!

-May prevent osteoperosis

-May lower risk of heart disease

-Hops map lower cholesterol

-It's a brain beverage

-It can keep ya hydrated

Funny Kids

I have three nephews, teach kids dance, and have lots of friends with children.

I love the things that kids say!

* I was outside running around with my nephews and their friends at a Birthday party. Their friend is the size of my oldest nephew (at the time he was 4) . I asked my oldest nephew how old their friend was and he answered, "he's 2... but he's a big 2."

* After his 1st couple of days at a full day of school my oldest nephew became concerned about being gone from the house for so long. He's a bit dramatic, my sister-in-law explained, he had told her he was worried if he was away from the house for so long he would forget how to get to his room.

* My nephew had the word "sowing" on a sign he had made hanging on his wall. I tried to explain the word is actually spelled "s-E-wing." He sounded out the word again and exclaimed, "well that just doesn't make any sense."

* My nephew's explaination for calling his brother a doofus- "It's hard to remember his name." My sister-in-law decided, still not ok, but points for creativy.

* My nephew's take on Spanish- "It's just like English, only you talk faster and the words are different."

More to come no doubt...

* My 7 year old nephew, "Are you guys going to have kids soon?"

Me, "Well, I spend a day with you guys and I'm pretty exhausted, so we aren't in a rush. "

Him, "Mmmm, yea."

Me,"Plus you guys are pretty expensive to have."

Him, "We don't cost any money!"

Feel free to share your funny stories!

NH Attractions!

I grew up in NH, graduated high school and went to colleges far away. I traveled the US and world and slowly found NH is actually a beautiful place. Now I'm back and can appreciate the state I once wanted to leave. I love how in NH you get the Mts., the oceans, the lakes, and cities within driving distance!

Here is one beautiful place to see in NH! Feel free to share your favorite spots!

THE FLUME GORGE: Franconia Notch State Park

More places to see and things to do in NH...

In the MTS: http://highlandmountain.com/

75 Ski Hill Dr.

Northfield, NH 03276

Are you a Mt. biker?! No worries if not you can chill at the lodge while the adventurous family members ride!

At the OCEAN: http://www.cinnamonrainbows.com/

931 ocean Blvd.

Hampton, NH

Surfing in NH?! Surprisingly not as cold as I expected. It's a ton of fun! Rent a board on your own or take a lesson!

Night out By the LAKE: http://www.thecman.com/restaurants/lago/

1 US Rt 25

Meredith, NH 03253

Looking for a good meal in the Lakes Region with a beautiful view of the lake?! I love the atmosphere of Lago. Try their flatbread pizza! You can even sit outside!

(Sitting inside and want a little more fancy, try LAKEHOUSE. Just come from the beach and want more casual, try CAMP or TOWNDOCKS)

They are all popular with the tourists and locals, so bring a positive attitude incase there is a wait!

Idea for the family: http://www.childrens-museum.org/

6 Washington St

Dover, NH 03820

A fun place to cool off for a bit or to stay dry if it's raining!

Then head over to the town of Portsmouth. I love it there!

In the City: http://palacetheatre.org/

80 Hanover St

Manchester, NH 03101

Quality professional shows you will enjoy, so why not, go see a show!

Shows on the Seacoast: http://www.seacoastrep.org/index.php

125 Bow St

Portsmouth NH, 03801

I actually worked here one summer; they really do great shows!

Family day in the Lakes Region: http://www.beansandgreensfarm.com/

245 Intervale Rd

Gilford, NH 03249

Grab a delicious fresh sandwhich in the Deli and relax at a picnic table in the shade of a tree!

It doesn't get more New England than this.

Also just a great place to get fresh produce, vegetables, and plants.

Walk around and see the animals!

Or visit the Corn Maze in the fall (that is actually a little scary, but fun!)

MORE IDEAS COMING SOON...

World Cup Picks

Who do you think will win the World Cup?!

Our Picks (and why):

Lyall (as our WC expert, crowd support): Netherlands

Me (I like their beer): Netherlands

Nazzy (agrees they have crowd support): Netherlands

Meredith the Intern (likes their food): Spain

Since neither team has ever won a World Cup we will be happy no matter who wins, but it's fun to pick a side to cheer for!

Drink Plenty of Water!

We all know we should drink an average of 8 glasses of water a day (more if you are active!)... but do we actually?! In this particularly hot weather I have been conciously forcing myself to drink plenty of water and you should too! It's a great habit to start and for something so simple has great health benefits. To make it more enjoyable and refreshing to drink I add slices of lemon! Sometimes at night for a treat I'll have bubbly water! So go ahead, have some water... you'll be glad you did!

For more info. on why water is so important check out:

http://www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/water.htm

Seven affordable Date Ideas!

It's 4th of July weekend! Perhaps you have a 1st date planned and don't know where to take them?! Maybe you just want to go on a date with your significant other?!
But! You live within your means so can't afford dinner and a movie and the idea of another night watching tv on the couch isn't going to make for a great "date." I am here to (try to) help!

Here are seven inexpensive date ideas!!!

#7. DO SOMETHING HISTORIC; museums, memorials, city tours... obviously this one works best on a person interested in history! But it's 4th of July weekend, why not check one out?!

#6. GET WET; a beach, a pool, a slip n slide if you are young at heart, and make a day of it! Bring a cooler with water and snacks, bring suntan lotion, and just relax!

#5. OUTDOOR CONCERT; just about every city has someone performing this weekend and it's probably free. Grab some chairs, blankets, and relax listening to the music.

#4. HIT UP A ROOFTOP BAR; for the 4th this is so cool! watching fireworks from a rooftop?!Go to bar if you can spend a little or make it private if you have your own roof top. (However, make sure the roof you are on is supposed to support people! And is not slanted!)

#3. HOST A BAR-B-Q; For a group date atmosphere. You provide the space and maybe some snacks but make it pot luck or just say bring your own drinks and thing to grill. You are with friends, having fun, but didn't have to pay for all the food.

#2. BONFIRE; This could go along with the bar-b-q or be private. I'll be hanging with my hubby tonight doing this! Fire permit, chairs, bottle of wine, and the romantic atmosphere of a bonfire.
Ahhhh, summer.

#1. PICNIC; A little cliche maybe, but it is romantic and more affordable than going out! Plus you can customize it to what you like. You can have a picnic in the woods, at a beach, in a field, at a waterfall, etc... (just bring your bug spray too!)

Well I hope that helped! Please feel free to share any of your own ideas!
Love and Smiles!

Bobotie Recipe!

We made Nazzy try this South African dish Thursday morning as we talked World Cup! Now you can try it too!

This is (my mother -in-law) Val's Bobotie!

BOBOTIE INGREDIANTS:

2 lbs Lean minced Beef (Lyall made a vegitarian version for my brother and his family so you can do this with minced soy too!)

2 onions, finely chopped

1 slice of white bread

3/4 cup milk

1 1/2 Tblsp medium Curry Powder

2 large eggs

1 Tblsp sugar

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp Turmeric

2 Tblsp Chutney

1/2 cup seedless Raisins

1 cup grated Carrot

4 lemon or bay leaves

Soak the bread in the milk and squeeze out the milk and discard; crmble the bread.

Combine all the ingredients together except 1 egg and the leaves. Mix well.

Spray a baking disg well with cooking spray.

Place the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.

Insert the leaves in an upright position into the mixture (evenly spaced).

Bake in a moderate oven at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

EGG TOPPING:

Beat the remaining egg w/ 1/2 cup of milk.

Pour over the meat.

Return dish to oven for another 1/2 or until the egg mixture is set.

Serve with yellow rice, chutney, and a tomato and onion sambal.

YELLOW RICE:

3 cups water // 1 cup white rice // 1 tsp. Turmeric // 1/2 a Veg. stock cube

Cook above ingrediants together in the usual way.

While waiting for the rice to cook, soak 1/2 cup rasins in boiling water.

Drain and add to the cooked rice. Serve with Bobotie and Sambal.

TOMATO and ONION SAMBAL:

1 cup diced fresh Tomatoe // 1/2 cup diced Onion // 2 tsps Grape Vinegar // a generous grounding of Black Pepper

Mix together well and serve with Bobotie or Curry and Rice.

World Cup 2010 Hottie Wives/ Girlfriends!

Based on nothing but opionion. And there were a lot of beautiful ones, just picked a few...

Here are the Hottie Wives/ Girlfriends of World Cup Soccer Players:

#5 Abigail Clancy- Girlfriend of England Forward

Peter Crouch

#4 Sara Carbonero- Girlfriend of Spanish Goal Keeper

Iker Casillas

#3 Sarah Brandner- Girlfriend of German Mid Fielder

Bastian Schweinsteiger

#2 Sylvie van de Vaart- wife of Dutch Mid fielder Rafael van der Vaart

#1 Irina Shayk- Girlfriend of (#1 in guys) Portugal Forward

Cristiano Ronaldo

World Cup 2010 Hotties. (USA)

Based on surveys taken by the Huffington Post...

Your Top 5 Hotties of the USA World Cup Team:

#5 Tim Howard- Goal Keeper

#4 Joanathan Spector - Defender

#3 Oguchi Onyewu- Defender

#2 Benny Feilhaber- Midfielder

#1 Carlos Bocanegra- Defender

World Cup 2010 Hotties (world)

Based on surveys done by the Huffington Post...

Here's your Top 5 World Cup Hotties from all the Teams:

#5 Lukas Podolski- Germany

#4 David Beckham- England (although injured and didn't play

we kept him on here cause he is a hottie!)

#3 Oguchi Onyewu- USA

#2 Tim Cahill- Australia

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo- Portugal

Cat

Oscar the Cat became the first cat to get prosthetic cat legs! Yea for the little guy!

Chinese toddler does Michael Jackson-the real meaning of Globalization

Motorcycles

"Lawmakers are considering a new measure to tone down motorcycle noise, but critics say it won't work any better than previous efforts to quiet machines.

They want one that limits the noise motorcycle mufflers can emit to 106 decibels, according to Sen. Robert Letourneau, a Derry Republican.

The propsed law would ban so-called "straight pipes"... Straight pipes refer to mufflers that lack noise-dampening devices..."

Hmmm. I can't say I would be able to tell the difference in muffler noise levels and I think it'd be silly to expect cops to sit around listening so they can bust people. However, I also think those with motorcycles should be respectful of their own ears and those around them and make smart choices. Perhaps I'm an optimist that people can make better choices on both sides.

To those with motorcycles: Don't get ridiculous. Have enough noise to be safe to distracted drivers, but showing off is just sort of sad.

To those complaining: Everything makes some noise. Are they in front of your house gunning their machines in your yard? Probably not. Maybe don't be so quick to complain.

As for me, I grew up near Main Street in Laconia NH and so I find a certain comfort in the sound of passing motorcycles as I fall asleep on a warm summer night. It reminds me of Bike Week as a child!

Drive Safe and be aware of Motorcycles sharing your roads!

Bringing back the 80's!

I actually want to see both of these movies. Maybe it's just to bring back memories from my childhood, but it should be fun?! What do you think?!

World Cup

The World Cup 2010 is about to start!

What?! You don't care?! It's not the Superbowl or World Series (which is a silly name really since it doesn't include the entire world)?! Well, I care! And so should you!

I admit, I'm not a huge sports person in general. I personally look forward to the Tony Awards every year! (the awards show for Broadway,which happens to be this Sunday!) I did play field hockey and tennis in high school. But in college my interest in different sporting events basically revolved around the sport that the person I dated watched or played. I still have copies of "Idiots Guide to Baseball and Football."

However, I have come to realize how sports can bring people and countries together in a positive way! So I try to at least make an effort to learn the basics and cheer on the teams! And I happen to be married to a man from South Africa and South Africa happens to be the first country on the continent of Africa to host the World Cup, so I am particularly interested this year!

I understand you may not be married to a South African and therefore not have that personal connection to the country and game. If we ever have kids it will be part of their history, so it's important to me. So why should the rest of you care?!

How about so we, as Americans, can learn that there is an entire world out there with their own histories, problems, and solutions. So that we can also see that in brief moments despite any differences, they come together for a sport! A sport that people of all ages, cultures, and monetary groups can participate in! Education and understanding make the world a more peaceful place to live in!

By learning and taking part of this World Sporting event, we can also help other countries to learn about us. We can help to stop the stereotype that all Americans are obnoxious, egotistical, small minded, loud people. I have traveled all over the world and am often accused of us being like this. (and technically stereotypes come from somewhere?!) Yet, rather than loudly and obnoxiously try to defend us (and prove them right). I simply point out I am American and yet I'm not acting like that... it generally stops there. I show them with my actions and interest in their cultures that we can be pretty cool too!

So, back to the World Cup 2010! Watch a game! Follow the American team! We play our 1st game this Saturday against England. And while you're at it, learn a thing or two about South Africa! It's a beautiful country! Gorgeous coast lines, fabulous wine routes, The Kruger National Park, where you can actually see wild animals in their own habitat!

In fact I will help you, here is a sight I found that has some fun facts about the World Cup:

http://www.funtrivia.com/en/Sports/FIFA-World-Cup-627.htm

And here is one with some fun facts about South Africa:

http://www.funtrivia.com/en/Georaphy/Africa--S-Countries-10520.html

May we all learn a thing or two today and have fun doing it!

BLOG

BLOG: noun. short for weblog: a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer.

And so it is, I'm starting a Blog!

Technically if I really wanted to keep a "personal" journal, as stated in the definition, I would go buy an actual journal and write in that with the idea that only I would read it. (Hence, personal) When I think back on journals I had growing up, with my deep thoughts about my crushes and how I had done well or badly on tests, I realize it would have been rather boring reading to anyone but me! And yet here I am starting a blog online...

I will share thoughts, ideas, and opinions, both deep and silly. Feel free to agree or to agree to disagree with any of it. Just keep in mind it's all in good fun!