Crazy State Laws

Alabama

• Anniston: You may not wear blue jeans down Noble Street.
• An ordinance in Linden, Ala., provided that all women of "uncertain chastity" had to be off the streets by 9 p.m.
• Bear wrestling matches are prohibited.
• Children of incestuous couples are deemed legitimate.
• Incestuous marriages are legal.
• It is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle.
• It is legal to drive the wrong way on a one way street if you have a lantern on the front of your car.
• It's against the law for a man to seduce "a chaste woman by means of temptation, deception, arts, flattery or a promise of marriage."
• Masks may not be worn in public
• Men may not spit in front of the opposite sex.
• Mobile: It is unlawful to howl at ladies inside the city limits. It is unlawful to wear women's pumps with sharp, high heels.
• Montgomery: It is considered an offense to open an umbrella on a street, for fear of it spooking horses.
• Peanuts are not allowed to be sold in Lee County, Alabama after sunset on Wednesdays.
• Putting salt on a railroad track may be punishable by death.
• The game of crackaloo is illegal in Fairfield, Ala.
• Women are able to retain all property they owned prior to marriage in the case of divorce. However, this provision does not apply to men.
• You cannot chain your alligator to a fire hydrant.
• You may not drive barefooted.
• You may not have an ice cream cone in your back pocket at any time.

Alaska

• Even though it is legal to hunt a bear, it is illegal to wake a bear and take a picture for photo opportunities.
• Fairbanks: It is considered an offense to feed alcoholic beverages to a moose.
• In Alaska it is illegal to whisper in someone's ear while they are moose hunting.
• Kangaroos are not allowed in barber shops at any time.
• Moose may not be viewed from an airplane.
• State policy states that emergencies are held to a minimum and rarely found to exist.

Sherri's Helpful Hints

Cooking Tips and Tricks

When rolling out crust, roll from the center out, very lightly, then cover with a large piece of plastic wrap – continue to roll carefully and turn crust over so that the crust is now on top of the plastic wrap. Place another piece of plastic wrap on top and finish rolling to desired thickness, refrigerate if necessary. With butter based crusts, the plastic helps hold the shape of the crust, eases annoying splitting of the crust, and helps keep you from adding too much flour.

Lumpy gravy of any kind is always an embarrassment. Even seasoned professionals occasionally have lumps in sauces and gravies. Simply drain the sauce or gravy through a fine sieve to remove lumps and discard them. Veteran gravy makers, like Grandmothers, will think you’re a kitchen whiz. Soups can also be drained with the addition of a coffee filter.

When emergencies strike, such as a forgotten bake sale or unexpected guests, it’s nice to be able to whip up a pie for dessert quickly. First, put pride aside, and keep some piecrust mix like Krust-ez or Pillsbury for a quick crust. Replace a bit of the water with a few tablespoons of sour cream. No one will ever know you used a packaged mix and the sour cream will add flavor as well as help to make the crust flakier.

Quick Whipping - A teaspoon of cold water added to the white of an egg causes it to whip more quickly while increasing the quantity of the egg.

Cottage cheese will remain fresher longer if you store it upside down in the refrigerator. This slows the effects of oxidation.

Brown sugar will not harden if stored in the freezer.

If you freeze wild rice it will last 3-4 months compared to a week in the refrigerator.

Regarding tomato paste, it seems a whole can of tomato paste is many times too much for some recipes. Suggestion: take a piece of waxed paper, putting it on a cookie sheet and putting teaspoonfuls of the leftover paste on the paper - another sheet on top and freeze this. When frozen just peel them off and put them in a baggie and when you need a tsp. or tbs. of paste you have it without opening a whole can and there is no waste --OR-- put small amounts in an ice tray and then just pop them out when you need them.

Always use tongs to turn meat on the grill to avoid piercing the meat. This keeps most of the wonderful juices inside the meat.

When boiling corn on the cob, add a tablespoon of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness.

To determine whether an egg is fresh, immerse it in a pan of cool, salted water, if it sinks then it is fresh, if it floats to the surface, throw it away.

Potatoes will take food stains off of your fingers. Just slice and rub the raw potato on your skin and rinse with water. Just the same, if you're peeling shrimp or cleaning fresh fish and you don't want the smell to remain on your hands all day, squish a few fresh strawberries between your fingers for a minute or two, then rinse with soap and water.

Brush some beaten egg white over your pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful glossy finish.

When marinating food keep these guidelines in mind: Certain foods like vegetables or chicken soak up marinades quicker than pork or red meat. For chicken, shrimp, fish or vegetables, 3-4 hours is usually good in the refrigerator. With pork or red meat, 6 hours works nicely, overnight works the best.

To easily remove burned food off of a skillet, add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Then set it on the stove and bring to a boil to remove the offending foods.

Spray your Tupperware with non-stick cooking spray before adding any tomato based soups or sauces and there won't be any stains.

If you store half an apple in the container where you are storing a cake, the cake will retain it's freshness longer.

Use a meat baster to squeeze your batter onto a hot griddle for perfectly shaped pancakes every time.

To prevent egg shells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water when hard-boiling.

To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

When a recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white 'mess' on the side of the cake.

Christian Quote of the Day

Can we believe that God ever modifies His action in response to the suggestions of man? For infinite wisdom does not need telling what is best, and infinite goodness needs no urging to do it. But neither does God need any of those things that are done by finite agents, whether living or inanimate. He could, if He chose, repair our bodies miraculously without food; or give us food without the aid of farmers, bakers, and butchers; or knowledge without the aid of learned men; or convert the heathen without missionaries. Instead, He allows soils and weather and animals and the muscles, minds, and wills of men to cooperate in the execution of His will.

... C. S. Lewis

RECIPE of the Day - 4/30/2007

Who can resist a good alfredo dish with fresh cream, butter, broccoli and romano cheese? This is very rich and delicious and gets two thumbs up from our daughter.





Broccoli Alfredo

1 tablespoon salt
1 (8 oz.) box fettuccine
4 cups (8 oz.) broccoli florets
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup cream
1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

Place the salt in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package directions for al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli. Drain in a colander; set aside.

Place the butter in the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and stir until melted. Add the cream, then stir in 1/3 cup of the Romano cheese. Add the fettuccine, broccoli, cayenne and nutmeg, if desired and toss. Remove from heat and sprinkle with another 1/3 cup of the Romano cheese and the pepper. Toss again, add the other 1/2 cup of cream.

Serve in bowls and sprinkle with the remaining Romano cheese. For garnish at the side of the bowl, add 3 fresh basil leaves arranged with stems touching and leaves fanned out.

Makes 4 servings.

FREEBIES of the Day - 4/30/07

Knorr Sides Plus Veggies side dishes sample from Wal-Mart. Knorr makes some wonderful pasta and rice side dishes and these sound really great as well. To get your free sample of Knorr side dishes plus veggies, click here!

Diet 7-Up Taste Challenge Kit. They will send you a Diet 7-Up and 2 other diet lemon-lime sodas to try. You need to register to be able to get the kit, but it's fairly quick and easy. To get your taste challenge kit, click here!

Pure Agele free skin care samples. They say they are the world's purest alternative. There are so many products out there that are loaded with chemicals and other things you don't want on your skin. To give these products a try, click here!

Free museum admission for Bank of America cardholders and a guest during the month of May. This is not available in all areas, but there are over 95 locations - so hopefully, one will be near you. To get information on this great deal and the locations of the museums, click here!

Calgon Get Juic'd samples. They have 3 scents that they have developed for this line. Calgon has come up with some great products lately and I hope these are just as good. I haven't received mine yet, but I'm interested to see what it's like. To get your free sample from Calgon, click here!

Printable Medical ID wallet card. It is so very important that people know any condition you may have, in order for you to get the appropriate treatment during an emergency. Whether you're diabetic, have a heart condition, high blood pressure, are pregnant, etc. To print out this medical ID card, click here!

Milestones of Science poster from AAAS. This is a really cool thing to get for your children to get them more interested in science. To get your free poster, click here!

Target coupons. They have a lot, I found a new link and it's really good for coupons. To get your Target coupons, click here!

Free gift for Mother's Day. Wal-Mart has new American Greetings card designs and if you stop by on May 5, you will get a free gift in celebration of Mother's Day. For more info, click here!

Free comic book day on May 5th. They are giving away free packs of special edition comic books at participating retailers. To find a participating store near you, click here!

All you can eat at the American Legion Post #346 in Farmington, Michigan on Memorial Day, May 28. If you live in the area, this is a great deal for you - get together with your family and friends and celebrate Memorial Day. To go to their website, click here!

Software giveaway of the day - Features a different title every day. These are about $20.00 regular price, so what a deal!. For your free software, click here!

Game giveaway of the day - Features a different game every day. They have arcade, puzzle and action games. For your free game, click here!

Hobby Lobby 40% off printable coupon. They have some really good deals at Hobby Lobby, so why not save 40% while you're there. To get your coupon, click here!

Virginia Pines Press Book Cover Magnet for free. They have 3 to choose from - just click on the line above the choices and you can see what they look like. To get your free book cover magnet, click here!

Crazy State Laws

There are so many crazy laws in each state that I'm taking it a state at a time. I am starting with the state I live in, which is Texas, from there I'm going alphabetically. You know, you really have to wonder - what were these people thinking?




• A city ordinance states that a person cannot go barefoot without first obtaining a special five-dollar permit.
• Abilene: It is illegal to idle or loiter anyplace within the corporate limits of the city for the purpose of flirting or mashing.
• Clarendon: It is illegal to dust any public building with a feather duster.
• Galveston: It is illegal to drive a motor car down Broadway before noon on Sundays.
• If two trains going in opposite directions on the same track meet each other, one can't move until the other does.
• If you went to church in Texas years back, you'd better be recognized. An old law made it illegal to go to church in disguise.
• In Mesquite, Texas it is illegal for kids to have unusual haircuts.
• In Texas criminals are required to give their victims 24 hours notice, either orally or in writing, and to explain the nature of the crime to be committed.
• It is illegal to drive without windshield wipers. You don't need a windshield, but you must have the wipers.
• It is illegal to spit on the sidewalk.
• It is illegal to take more than three sips of beer at a time while standing.
• It is legal for the blind to go hunting as long as they have someone with them who isn't blind.
• In San Antonio, Texas, you can't honk a horn, run a generator, have a revival meeting or do anything else that disturbs the neighborhood and the city has a four-member noise police squad to enforce the law.
• In Texas any artificial constructed underwater barrier reefs must come with an instruction booklet.
• Port Arthur: Obnoxious odors may not be emitted while in an elevator.
• Richardson: It is now illegal to place a "for sale" sign on a car if it visible from the street. It is illegal to do "U Turns".
• San Antonio: It is illegal for both sexes to flirt or respond to flirtation using the eyes and/or hands.
• Temple: No one may ride a horse and buggy through the town square. You can ride your horse in the saloon. Cattle thieves may be hanged on the spot.
• Texarkana: Owners of horses may not ride them at night without tail lights.
• Texas law forbids anyone to have a pair of pliers in his possession.
• The entire Encyclopedia Britannica is banned in Texas because it contains a formula for making beer at home.
• There is an old law in Texas that states you are unable to tuck your pants into one boot unless you own ten or more cattle.
• You can be legally married by publicly introducing a person as your husband or wife 3 times.

Sherri's Helpful Hints

Kitchen Hints

To whiten appliances that have begun to yellow, apply a mixture of 1/2 cup bleach, 1/4 cup baking soda and 4 cups warm water. Let set for 10 minutes before rinsing and drying.

Clean stainless steel burner pans on stoves by putting them in a large pan, adding enough water to cover, and 3/4 to 1 cup baking soda. Simmer on low for about 1 hour, then wash with regular detergent. Any stains that remain can be removed by ribbing lightly with a steel wool soap pad.

Run greasy stove hood filters through the dishwasher.

Blender
To clean the blender, fill part way with hot water and add a drop of detergent. Cover and turn it on for a few seconds. Rinse and drain dry.

Broiler
To clean the broiler pan, sprinkle the hot pan heavily with dry laundry detergent. Cover with a dampened paper towel and let the burned food set for a while. The pan should require little scouring.

When broiling, put a cup of water in the bottom of the broiler pan before starting. Cleanup is easier, and the drippings create instant gravy. This also eliminates smoke.

Butcher Block
Minimize stains and cover scratches by rubbing mineral oil on surfaces. Mineral oil is odor-free and nontoxic.

Can Opener
Loosen grime from a can opener by brushing with an old toothbrush. To thoroughly clean blades, run a paper towel through the cutting process.

Cast Iron
To remove charred food and burn spots from cast iron skillets, boil vinegar and salt in the skillet.

Put a coffee filter into cast iron skillets when you put them away. The filter absorbs moisture and prevents rusting.

China
To remove coffee or tea stains and cigarette burns from fine china, rub with a damp cloth dipped in baking soda.

Coffee Makers
To keep your coffee maker in peak condition, only use filtered or bottled water. The sediment in hard water will adhere to the tubing.

Remove stains from a glass pot by rubbing them with a lemon slice.

Copper
Wipe tarnished copper with undiluted tomato juice applied with a soft, clean cloth and your pot bottoms and candlesticks will shine! Make sure that you rinse thoroughly.

Crystal
Vinegar is a must when washing crystal. Rinse in 1 part vinegar to 3 parts warm water. Air dry. Crystal will be spotless!

Cutting Board
To rid cutting board of onion, garlic or fish smell, cut a lime or lemon in two and rub the surface with the cut side of the fruit.

Pour liquid bleach on the cutting board to clean and sanitize it. Rinse well, then apply a bit of mineral oil.

To make a stained cutting board look like new, mix a couple teaspoons of liquid bleach into a dishpan full of warm water. Scrub the board. Rinse the board several times with very hot water.

Deodorizer
Boil a little vinegar or a teaspoon of cloves in a half-cup water to dispel cooking odors.

Detergent
Always use the cheapest brand of dishwashing detergent available, but add a few tablespoons of vinegar to the dishwater. The vinegar will cut the grease and leave your dishes sparkling clean.

Dishes
To quickly remove food that is stuck to a casserole dish, fill it with boiling water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda or salt.

Dishwasher
To clean, use regular powdered laundry bleach instead of dishwasher detergent in an empty machine. It cleans and disinfects.

Before loading the silverware tray, place a sponge in the bottom. It will prevent small utensils from falling to the bottom.

When removing dishes from the dishwasher, unload the bottom rack first so that water that has pooled in glasses or cups on the top rack doesn't drip onto the dishes below.

Disposal
Grind a half lemon or orange rind in the disposal to remove any unpleasant odor.
Deodorize it by running lemon, orange or grapefruit peel through it.

Food Grinder
After using a food grinder, get all the ground material out and make the grinder much easier to clean by running a slice of bread through it before dismantling.

Formica
Scrape dried food spills off counters with a square plastic tab such as that found on bread bags. It won't scratch as a metal utensil might.
Polish Formica tops to a sparkle with club soda.

Freezer
A piece of charcoal in your freezer will keep it smelling sweet.

To clean a frost-free freezer, mix 1/2 cup of isopropyl alcohol with a dishpan full of lukewarm water. The alcohol loosens any icy matter. Sponge away the dirt. The alcohol evaporates rapidly, so you do not have to dry.

Grill
When the grate is cool after barbecuing, place it inside a large plastic garbage bag with 1/2 cup powdered dishwasher detergent. Pour in enough hot water to cover the grill; seal the bag, shake it to dissolve the powder, and then let it stand for several hours. Rinse thoroughly.

Before ever using your barbecue grill, spray it heavily with vegetable oil.
A fast and effective way to clean a grill is to use leftover brewed coffee. Pour it on a hot or cold grill. Wipe off and you will be amazed at the results.

Ice Chest
Sprinkle a musty-smelling ice chest with baking soda, then close the lid for about an hour. Rinse with clean water and wipe with a soft cloth dampened with a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Your ice chest will smell wonderful between picnics!

Microwave
To easily clean up a spillover in the microwave, cover it with a wet paper towel and put the oven on HIGH for 10 seconds. The mess will wipe up when the cloth cools.

Odors
To get rid of the smelly,oily film on plastic bowls, make a paste of baking soda and a little water. Rub it on, then rinse and wash as usual. The bowls should be squeaky clean.

Rub your fingers on stainless steel under running water to remove the odor of onion or garlic. Anything made of stainless steel will work - cutlery, bowls, and also the sink itself if it happens to be made of stainless steel.

Pans
To remove badly burned-on food from a pan, scrape away as much of the burned-on food as you can. Fill the pan with cold water, add a cup of salt and let it soak overnight. The next day bring the water slowly to a boil and allow it to boil gently for about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the water cool. Pour water out and finish cleaning with a scouring pad. The burned-on food should come off easily.

Refrigerator
Wash the inside of the refrigerator with vinegar and water to prevent mildew.
Be sure to keep the coils at the rear of your refrigerator clean and dust-free. Remember to unplug the refrigerator before cleaning.

Scouring Pads
Cut nylon net into four-inch strips and gather into a pompon.
When scouring, hold steel wool in a sponge. The sponge will protect your hands and absorb the water so the job makes less mess.

Sink
If your drain is clogged with grease, pour in a cup each of salt and baking soda followed by a kettle of boiling water. This will usually open the drain.

Stainless Steel
Use rubbing alcohol or salad oil to clean stubborn water spots off a stainless steel sink or counter. Shine with a sponge dipped in vinegar.

Clean faucets and appliances with vinegar. For stubborn buildup around faucets and fixtures, put paper towels around the fixtures and soak with vinegar, then let stand until the grime comes off easily.

Remove spots with white vinegar.

Use a cloth damped with rubbing alcohol to remove water spots from stainless steel.

Thermos Bottles
Keep them uncapped and they won't get a musty odor.
To clean, fill with warm water, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and allow to soak.

Walls
Wax them and grease will wipe off easily.

Christian Quote of the Day

Let God operate in thee; Hand the work over to Him and do not disquiet thyself as to whether or not He is working with nature or above nature, for His are both nature and grace.

... Meister Eckhart

RECIPE of the Day - 4/29/2007

Living in Texas, we eat a lot of mexican food. Quesadillas are great, but this is a recipe I really like - it's all in one pan and is quite delicious. The enchilada sauce is the best I have ever had and I make it at least twice a month. So, enjoy!



Quesadilla Casserole

1 1/4 cup enchilada sauce (recipe follows)
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups (8 ounces) grated Monterey Jack, plus 1/4 cup for the top
1 3 1/2- to 4-pound rotisserie chicken, shredded
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 cup salsa
1 avocado, diced
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Heat oven to 400° F.

In a small bowl, combine the enchilada sauce and cream. Spoon 1/4 cup of the sauce mixture into the bottom of a shallow 2-quart casserole or 9-inch springform pan. Top with 1 tortilla and a third each of the cheese, chicken, onion, and zucchini. Repeat twice to form a total of 3 layers. Top with the remaining tortilla, sauce mixture, and cheese.

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more. Slice into wedges and serve with the salsa, avocado, and cilantro.

Enchilada Sauce

1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons self-rising flour
1/4 cup New Mexico or California chili powder
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
salt to taste

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in flour and chili powder, reduce heat to medium, and cook until lightly brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning flour. Gradually stir in tomato sauce, water, cumin, garlic powder, and onion salt into the flour and chili powder until smooth, and continue cooking over medium heat approximately 10 minutes, or until thickened slightly. Season to taste with salt.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.
653 calories per serving.

FREEBIES of the Day - 4/29/07

Mr. Coffee coffee sample. They will send you a sample packet that makes a full pot of coffee (if you like it strong) or if you like it like we do, it will make about 2. To get your free coffee sample, click here!

Celestial Seasonings tea sample. You can choose from Raspberry Gardens Green Tea or Honey Vanilla Chamomile. They have some wonderful teas and both of these sound delicious as well. To get a great tea sample, click here!

South Beach Diet Sweet Nut Creations sample. These are really quite tasty with peanuts, peanut butter and a lot of other good stuff. I was really surprised at how good these actually are, plus, they're lower in calories and fat - not bad. To get your free sample, click here!

Vanicream samples good through April 30. These are by Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. and they are free of dyes, fragrance, parabens, lanolin and formaldehyde. This is a call-in @ 1-800-325-8232 with the free sample code "AllergyMoms". To get some samples that are great for those with sensitive skin or anybody, really, click here!

Cooking Light Perks when you sign up with their supper club. Whether you have a few friends that gather from time to time or you have a supper club, you just sign up for this great offer and get some really neat things. They'll send you a limited edition mini-magazine of menus, recipes, entertaining ideas, wine pairings and more, plus a DVD that takes you through the process of hosting a supper club - from shopping to serving up tasty dishes. You also get a monthly newsletter with tips and ideas; this is a really great deal that is informative and helps you be your most creative for those gatherings with friends. To get this really great package, click here!

Travel mug free from Au Bon Pain. Sign up for their e-club and you get a printable certificate to take to one of their stores. We used to have one here, but alas, no longer - they are mostly on the eastern seaboard, northernmost part. When you fill in your information, they have a drop down for their locations and you can see if you have one near you. To get your free travel mug, click here!

Sippy cup from Juicy Juice and Very Best Baby. This is a great cup - yellow with grapes and apples - one your child should love. Along with the sippy cup, you get a Guide to Infant and Toddler Nutrition Needs, a monthly e-newsletter and a subscription to Very Best Toddler magazine (this is a great magazine with informative articles, recipes, play ideas, toy reviews, etc.). To get this great sippy cup and other perks as well, click here!

Natural Cleaning Products from Toni Natural Products. They are happy to send out samples for you to try and they have cleaning supplies, health & beauty, etc. You need to click on the buy wholesale, retailers click here button and fill out the form. Where it says company name, you enter sample request and then let them know which samples you wish to try in the comments box. These instructions come from their web page. To get your natural samples, click here!

Free poster and publications from the National Arbor Day Foundation. They have information on conservation, celebrating Arbor Day, rainforest rescue and more. To get your free poster and publications, click here!

Free patriotic address labels from the Paralyzed Veterans of America. They have some very nice patriotic styles with flags, banners, flowers, heart balloon and birdhouse. To get these nice, patriotic address labels, click here!

Free gift for Mother's Day. Wal-Mart has new American Greetings card designs and if you stop by on May 5, you will get a free gift in celebration of Mother's Day. For more info, click here!

Free comic book day on May 5th. They are giving away free packs of special edition comic books at participating retailers. To find a participating store near you, click here!

All you can eat at the American Legion Post #346 in Farmington, Michigan on Memorial Day, May 28. If you live in the area, this is a great deal for you - get together with your family and friends and celebrate Memorial Day. To go to their website, click here!

Software giveaway of the day - Features a different title every day. These are about $20.00 regular price, so what a deal!. For your free software, click here!

Game giveaway of the day - Features a different game every day. They have arcade, puzzle and action games. For your free game, click here!

Free membership to Cook's Central. This site allows you to organize your recipes online, search for new recipes, get help with your questions, etc. This is a really nice site, so to get some really great recipes and other neat perks, click here!

Free road maps for the US or Canada. Just click on either country and the state or province and you are redirected to the order form (no charge at all). These are great for summer road trips that may be coming up. To get your free maps, click here!

Nicorette Fruit Chill free sample (non-medicated) and a $10.00 coupon towards purchase. If you are trying to quit smoking, this is supposed to be an easier way to do it. Chew the gum when you get a craving and it is supposed to be pleasant tasting. You also get a $10.00 coupon towards your purchase, which really helps. To get the free sample of Nicorette Fruit Chill Gum so you can see for yourself what it tastes like, plus a coupon to help you offset the cost, click here!

Bathroom Scale Diet Tricks

1. Weigh yourself fully clothed after dinner and again the next morning without clothes and before breakfast, because it's nice to see how much weight you've lost overnight!

2. Never weigh yourself with wet hair.

3. When weighing, remove everything, including eyeglasses. In this case, blurred vision is an asset. Don't forget to remove jewelry as it could weigh as much as a pound!

4. Buy only cheap scales, never the medical kind. Accuracy is the enemy and high quality scales are very accurate.

5. Always go to the bathroom first.

6. Weigh yourself after a haircut, this is good for up to half a pound of hair (hopefully).

7. Exhale with all your might BEFORE stepping onto the scale. (Air has weight, right?)

8. Start out with just one foot on the scale, then holding onto a towel rod slowly edge your other foot onto the scale while slowly releasing the towel rod. Admittedly, this takes time, but it's worth it. You will weigh at least two pounds less than if you'd stepped onto the scale normally.

Sherri's Helpful Hints

Florists Tips

• If you want to use Oasis again store it in water. If it is allowed to dry out it will not absorb the water properly the next time it is used.
• To keep plants watered while you are away for a few days, place one end of a pipe cleaner into the soil by the plant and the other end into some water. The pipe cleaner will gradually draw up the water.
• To keep plants alive during a longer stay away. Place a towel in the bottom of the bath and add 1" of water. Place house plants on top of the towel. They will draw up the water while you are away.
• Don't buy roses in tight bud as the chances are they will not open. Buds should be opening slightly.
• Spray dried flowers with hair spray to prevent them dropping.
• To fluff up dried roses, hold rose head over a steaming kettle and gently work out petals.
• To remove dust from silk flowers, put some table salt into a paper bag, put flower heads into back and shake vigorously. Remove flower from bag and it will be dust free.
• Poppies keep longer if you singe the stems over a naked candle flame.
• To revive dropping tulips or roses, wrap tightly in newspaper and put into water up to their necks. Leave overnight.
• If your roses are wilting, cut 1cm off stem, wrap in paper, plunge stems into boiling water for approximately 10 seconds, then put into deep cold water.
• The sap of the Euphorbia (of which the poinsetta is one) is an irritant - always remember to wash hands after handling.
• Don't place flowers in direct sunlight, over radiators or on top of television sets. Keep in a well ventilated part of the room out of direct sunlight.
• Don't place flowers next to fruit as fruit gives off a gas which prematurely ages flowers.
  Remove dead flowers as these also give off gases which affect the others.
• Non-scented flowers last longer!
• Lily stamens should be removed as soon as the bloom is sufficiently open as the pollen can damage fabric and polished wood surfaces.
• If the flower head is too heavy and the stem is hollow, put a garden cane up inside the stem to support bloom.
• Soak vases overnight in bleach to remove bacteria. Dirty vases shorten the life of cut flowers considerably.
• To help when repotting plants into larger pots, place the current pot into the larger pot and push compost firmly into the gap between the two. Gently remove the inner pot which leaves the correct size hole into which the plant can be dropped.
• A friend of mine was wiping dust from a plant with a wet sponge containing fabric softener. Not only did the plant shine for about 8 weeks, but it smelled wonderful.
• To make tulips stay upright stick a pin through the stem just below the head.
  

Christian Quote of the Day

There are only two kinds of men: the righteous, who believe themselves sinners; the rest, sinners who believe themselves righteous.

... Blaise Pascal

RECIPE of the Day - 4/28/2007

These are light, delicious pastries that you normally find in bakeries. They are very simple to make yourself for a lot less money.




Palmiers

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 package frozen puff-pastry sheets (such as Pepperidge Farm)

Heat oven to 400° F. Adjust rack to middle position.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the work surface. Unfold 1 sheet of the pastry and place it on the sugar. Roll it to an even thickness. Sprinkle it with 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Starting at one short side of the rectangle, roll the pastry toward the center of the sheet, stopping at the middle. Repeat with the opposite short end, so the rolls meet. Trim the ends with a knife. Cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices and place flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them 1 inch apart. Sprinkle with 1 more tablespoon of the sugar.

Bake until golden and puffed, 20 to 23 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack.

Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Serve hot or at room temperature.

In Advance: Palmiers are best the day they're made, and you can bake them hours before the party.

Yield: Makes 32 palmiers.
97 calories per pastry.

FREEBIES of the Day - 4/28/07

Kalahari Red Tea sample when you join the Kalahari Expedition Club. They have great perks like: Members only special savings, the opportunity to help them select new products and flavors, and the latest news about research on the health benefits of rooibos. To get these great perks plus your free sample, click here!

Stetson fragrance samples for men and women: Stetson Black for men and Shania for women - these are both great fragrances. To get your free fragrance sample, click here!

Lacoste Touch of Pink fragrance sample for women. This is a blend of orange, coriander, jasmine, violet leaves and vanilla. To try this unique fragrance, click here!

Dakota Flax Gold sample. This naturally contains a rich source of essential fatty acids, high quality protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamins and minerals and is even supposed to help your blood glucose levels. To get this free sample, click here!

Sore No More pain relieving gel sample. This is made from botanical extracts and other natural ingredients. This really does work quite well on those little (or big) aches and pains that we get from time to time. To get your free sample, click here!

Beyond Bodi Heat heat pack sample. They will ask for a valid e-mail address and then they will send you an authorization code that you need to enter to get the sample. This is a great product that provides continuous low level heat to soothe your sore, aching muscles. This is great for back aches, joint pain, stiff neck and shoulders. To get this air activated heat pad, click here!

Alice Woodrum Salons hair shaping spray sample. This should be a really great product. If you have a style that is hard to hold or just need extra hold to keep the style fresh - this is definitely the product to accomplish the look. To get your free sample, click here!

Live Well Love Life skin care samples. They will send you samples for answering about 5 questions. They have everything from rejuvenating products to pimple fighting products. To get your free skin care samples, click here!

Building Blocks for a Healthy Future children's kit. This is a great kit for kids, it includes: The family guide, activity book, sing-along CD, ABC coloring book, character cards and more. Just click on the box and then click on check out. There is absolutely no cost in shipping and they give you a confirmation number for your records. To get this great free kit for your child(ren), click here!

Chamonix All-Natural Skin Care Products sample and catalog. They have done research to develop and deliver the finest skin care products that effectively help treat wrinkles. To have younger looking skin is great and to use products that are all-natural is even better. To get your free sample and catalog, click here!

Free gift for Mother's Day. Wal-Mart has new American Greetings card designs and if you stop by on May 5, you will get a free gift in celebration of Mother's Day. For more info, click here!

Free comic book day on May 5th. They are giving away free packs of special edition comic books at participating retailers. To find a participating store near you, click here!

All you can eat at the American Legion Post #346 in Farmington, Michigan on Memorial Day, May 28. If you live in the area, this is a great deal for you - get together with your family and friends and celebrate Memorial Day. To go to their website, click here!

Software giveaway of the day - Features a different title every day. These are about $20.00 regular price, so what a deal!. For your free software, click here!

Game giveaway of the day - Features a different game every day. They have arcade, puzzle and action games. For your free game, click here!

Women's Health Care Kit. They give you 10 publications - everything from asthma to depression. These may be beneficial to you or you can share these with those you love; to get your free kit for women, click here!

Luna Elixir Women's Nutritional Drink sample from Mambo Sprouts. This is an organic, all-natural fruit drink mix created for the specific nutritional needs of women. It has a good source of calcium and iron, rich in antioxidants and high in folic acid. To get your free sample of this nutritional drink mix for women, click here!

Signs Your SUV is TOO BIG!

Your kids refer to riding the bus to school as "downsizing."

Before go you out, you have to file for a parade permit.

It has its own gravitational field and has drawn a Geo Metro into its orbit.

There are two successful Starbucks franchises located in the back seat.

It's great for soccer moms, since the back seat folds down into an entire field, complete with goals.

Mortgage payment = $2200. Texaco card payment = $2201.

You can drive over the Grand Canyon.

You can not only drive through flood water, but through lakes as well.

They ask you to be the transportation for the contest winner and their 500 closest friends.

The fuel gauge doubles as a fan.

Sherri's Helpful Hints

Ways to Reduce Stress

Want To Feel Better? Have Some Chinese Food...
To start chasing away those blues, enjoy some Chinese food, such as a Sweet and sour chicken, orange beef. Any Chinese food that has a wonderful tangy flavor is said to simulate the brain center that is responsible for joy. So if you are having a really bad day. Perhaps you should do Chinese for lunch?

Have A Hot Fudge Sundae... Yes, a hot fudge sundae...
Treat yourself to a hot fudge sundae. The ice cream has loads of calcium plus folic acid, which have been proven to be mood elevators. The combination also boosts the production of serotonin, which is known to keep one happy for a longer period. When you add the dark chocolate, you add a great tasting cancer fighter.

Orange And Lemon Peel Rejuvenate Your Immune System...
The essence of orange and lemon peel, well known to have a substance called limonoids that has been proven (Texas A&M University study ) to be a cancer preventing property. Plus the peels of these citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C, which is known to aid in rejuvenating the body's immune system. So don't discard the peel, add it into your foods, or grate the peel and us as a topper, or sprinkle into your tea.

SAGE--- Curb Your Stress, Naturally...
Sage is good for more than seasoning chicken or stuffing. Sage Is a wonderful herb that studies have shown to improve ones mood. Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a perennial flower with lavender flowers, and leathery green leaves. Its been used for centuries in cooking and for medicinal use. An English herbalist Gerard stated, "Sage is good for the head and brain, it quickeneth the senses and memory." Gerard said this In 1597. So you can see sage was being used as far back as the 1500s for its good properties.

What Is known about sage today? Through lab studies sage has been proven to slow the release of enzymes that are proven to break down acetylcholine. Acetylcholines are essential neurotransmitter. By inhibiting these enzymes there is good proof that it improve mood by maintaining optimal levels of acetylcholine. Blind research studies were done by a British researchers with 30 healthy young volunteers. Some volunteers being given Sage leaf extract, some being given sugar pills. After 4 hours the volunteers that had taken the sage , were calmer and alert, than the volunteers that received the placebo. Sage Leaf Capsules can be found in health food stores. Dose recommendation is 600mg. To be taken before a stressful event or if in stress. You may also try sage tea, To make add 1cup boiling water, with 1 teaspoon dried sage, steep, and enjoy. (Caution do not take if pregnant).

Slow Down -- Walk Don't Run...
At the end of the day, don't add to your fatigue with a jog...Invigorate your body with a stroll. According to the research done at the Greece Aristotle University, walking is more likely to invigorate the body. Research shows that the high intensity of a run leaves one more likely to rest more after the run. Not actually fighting fatigue but adding to the level of fatigue. It is proven that a moderate walk as a rule invigorates, and adds to ones energy level, and lifts the spirits.

Make Time In Your Day To Relax...
Give your body a chance to slow down and feel truly relaxed.
Take time out to just sit and listen to soft music. It is a very well know fact, even a short time spent listening to music can be very rejuvenating to the body and soul.

Happy Memories from Photos...
Sit down and reminisce by looking at your favorite photos. You can't help but have wonderful feelings viewing past good times that have been captured in photos.

A Candlelight Bath & Baby Powder...A wonderful way to relax at bedtime, a relaxing bath with a few candles lit, topped off by a dusting of baby powder. Not only is the powder soothing. The sent is known to be very relaxing and in some way trigger wonderful childhood memories.

Massage -- It Will Really Relax You...
If you want to feel peppy, get a massage. I am not talking about a costly Spa massage. This massage can be done just about anywhere. Ear massage; massage your entire ear with two fingers using just a light pressure. It does work for most people; it is very invigorating.

Think of Turning that Frown Upside Down...
Endorphins are our body's own feel-good, pain-reducing chemicals. We not only produce endorphins with what we eat, but when we smile. Studies have shown that the curvature of the mouth in an upward position, triggers the brain to produce endorphins. Hard to believe that just a smile can get your endorphins racing... So smile frequently, and see if your mood does not improve.

Laugh Yourself Happy...
Put on that favorite funny movie. Laughing is definitely one of the best stress relievers. You definitely produce endorphins when you laugh. It is unbelievable just how fast you will feel better after you've had a really good laugh.

Christian Quote of the Day

We are all pencils in the hand of a writing God, who is sending love letters to the world.

... Mother Teresa (Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu)

RECIPE of the Day - 4/27/2007

This is one of my favorite pasta salads, especially when I use the tortellini with cheese. The dijon dressing is truly delicious and the blending of ingredients makes for the best pasta salad I have tried in a long time.


DIJON TORTELLINI SALAD

3/4 c. vegetable oil
3/4 c. red wine vinegar
1 c. Grey Poupon Dijon mustard
1/2 c. light cream or Half and Half
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs. meat or cheese filled tortellini, cooked and cooled
5 c. chopped broccoli, blanched
2 1/2 c. chopped seeded tomatoes
1/3 c. sliced scallions
Mixed salad greens
2 tsp. Italian seasonings

In blender or food processor, blend oil, vinegar, mustard, cream, Italian seasonings and garlic until thoroughly combined. In large bowl, combine tortellini, broccoli, tomatoes and scallions. Add dressing tossing to coat well. Cover; chill several hours or overnight to blend flavors. Serve on a bed of salad greens of your choice.

FREEBIES of the Day - 4/27/07

Honeybar free sample as seen in O Magazine. These are supposed to be really delicious and good for you. They will ask for a promotional code at the bottom of the page - enter OMAG and it will take you to the free sample page. To get your free sample of a nutritious bar that is tasty and good for you, click here!

Pantene Pro-V Color Expressions hair care samples. They have many shades to choose from, so you can get the product that is best for your hair. To get this great offer for Pantene, click here!

Scoop NYC fragrance sample. This is a blend of pear blossom, white peony, jasmine, pink freesia, tangerine zest and a subtle hint of musk. It is a very light fragrance that isn't so overpowering. To get your sample, click here!

24 Hour Fitness free 10 day trial. They have certain conditions such as time, going to the same location every time, etc. but no big deal. To get your free 10 day fitness trial, click here!

Spa Look free skin care samples and face care e-mail information. They ask you a few questions to determine which products to send you and you will receive an e-mail confirmation on the samples. The e-mail information on face care comes the next day. To get your free samples and info, click here!

Dove Ultimate Clear deoderant sample. This has been one of my favorite deoderant samples because it really doesn't leave that white residue and it smells really good too. To get your free deoderant sample, click here!

E-Harlequin Medical Romance books free. You get 2 free books to try and if you don't like them mark "cancel" and you keep the 2 books. To get your free medical romance books, click here!

Tyvec Envelopes product sample. They send you a product sample and literature - these are the envelopes that you probably buy anyway, at least we do. To get your free sample, click here!

Free gift for Mother's Day. Wal-Mart has new American Greetings card designs and if you stop by on May 5, you will get a free gift in celebration of Mother's Day. For more info, click here!

Free comic book day on May 5th. They are giving away free packs of special edition comic books at participating retailers. To find a participating store near you, click here!

All you can eat at the American Legion Post #346 in Farmington, Michigan on Memorial Day, May 28. If you live in the area, this is a great deal for you - get together with your family and friends and celebrate Memorial Day. To go to their website, click here!

Software giveaway of the day - Features a different title every day. These are about $20.00 regular price, so what a deal!. For your free software, click here!

Game giveaway of the day - Features a different game every day. They have arcade, puzzle and action games. For your free game, click here!

Charmin Fresh Mates 10 count sample pack. These are great for when you're on the go - they even come in really handy for use as baby wipes, or just clean-up wipes. To get your free 10 count sample pack, click here!

Charmin Roll Extender for the mega rolls. This helps even with the other brands that have double rolls. To get your free roll extender, click here!

Robert Schmidt-isms

I planted some bird seed. A bird came up. Now I don't know what to feed it.

I moved into an all-electric house. I forgot and left the porch light on all day. When I got home the front door wouldn't open.

I eat Swiss cheese from the inside out. But I only nibble on it. I make the holes bigger.

I had amnesia once or twice.

I bought a million lottery tickets. I won a dollar.

I got a chain letter by FAX. It's very simple. You just FAX a dollar bill to everybody on the list.

Any closet is a walk-in closet if you try hard enough.

You can always get a job in international affairs because 90% of everything happens in a foreign country.

I called the Census Bureau to see why they hadn't sent me a form, and they said that I was too nondescript to influence the demographics one way or another.

The Bermuda Triangle got tired of warm weather. It moved to Alaska. Now Santa Claus is missing.

I heard that in relativity theory space and time are the same thing. Einstein discovered this when he kept showing up three miles late for his meetings.

I bought this thing for my car. You put it on your car, it sends out this little noise, so when you drive through the woods, deer won't run in front of your car. I installed it backwards by accident. Driving down the street with a herd of deer chasing me. Those were the days.

That's a good thing to say to the police the next time they stop you. "License and registration, please." "Hermits have no peer pressure." "License and registration, please." "Whenever I think about the past, it just brings back so many memories." "License and registration, please." "There's a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore looking like an idiot. Wouldn't you" say, Officer?" "License and registration, please." "What's another word for Thesaurus?" See the cop have a nervous breakdown. "I was just trying to give him a ticket."

In the Roadrunner cartoon, the coyote has been chasing him for 25 years. I'd like to see him finally get right up to him and go "Sorry, I thought you were someone else."

Driving hasn't been the same since I installed the funhouse rearview mirrors. "What is that?"

When I was in boy scouts, I slipped on the ice and hurt my ankle. A little old lady had to help me across the street.

The sign said "eight items or less". So I changed my name to Les.

I Xeroxed my watch. Now I have time to spare.

If you tell a joke in the forest, but nobody laughs, was it a joke?

Sherri's Helpful Hints

When to Replace Down-Filled Items

We normally think of down-filled items as coats or vests and comforters. These are definitely popular items, but there are other down-filled items that are not seasonal. Here are some of the most common down-filled items that we use and how to determine the right time to replace them.

Pillows: Expect to replace them every three to five years (sooner if they smell mildewy) because the weight of your head resting on them every night makes them lose support. You can try this test to see if your pillows do indeed need to be replaced. Fold a pillow in half and squeeze out the air, if it doesn't spring back to shape, it's time for a new one.

Comforters: They need to be replaced only if they've lost their loft (fluffiness) and aren't as warm as they used to be. You can prolong their life with a duvet cover, which reduces washings.

Feather Beds: Replace after three to ten years. Moisture causes down to mildew, so a feather bed's longevity depends ont he dampness of your climate and how much you perspire.

Upholstered Cushions: Frequently used sofa cushions probably need to be changed within five years because they have little resilience. You can try artificial down, which holds its shape much better.

Sleeping Bags: Because these aren't items that are used daily, they may not have to be replaced for thirty years or so. If the fluff factor is low, however, it won't be as warm.

Jackets: The warmth will most likely outlast the style because they last for twenty to thirty years. If the filling starts getting clumpy or gets lumpy, it will cause cold spots.

Christian Quote of the Day

It seems to me, as time goes on, that the only thing that is worth seeking for is to know and to be known by Christ -- a privilege open alone to the childlike, who, with receptivity, guilelessness, and humility, move Godward.

... Charles H. Brent

RECIPE of the Day - 4/26/2007

These are the most delicious, rich, ooey gooey dessert bars you will find. These were one of the top selling items at our bakery and I make them at least once a month at home. They have the most wonderful, buttery flavor and the crust is so good - you can't eat just one, or two, or three...




Pecan Pie Bars

Crust:
2 C. flour
1 C. brown sugar
1/2 C. crisco
1/2 C. butter
1/2 t. salt
1 egg yolk
1 t. vanilla

Filling:
4 eggs
3/4 C. sugar
1 1/4 C. dark corn syrup
1/2 C. melted butter
1/2 C. flour
1 t. vanilla
2 C. pecans, chopped

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, combine all crust ingredients; blend well. Press in bottom of ungreased 13x9x2 pan. Bake 12-15 min. or until golden brown. Set aside.

In medium bowl, combine eggs & sugar. Stir in corn syrup & butter; blend well. Mix in flour & vanilla; add pecans. Pour filling over warm crust. Bake 18 - 20 min. Filling will set as it cools.

FREEBIES of the Day - 4/26/07

Olay Total Effects Moisturizing Vitamin Complex. This contains seven vitamins and minerals plus moisturizer. It gently exfoliates and also increases moisture, plus it is fragrance free and dermatologist tested. To get this sample of enhanced moisturizer, click here!

Carnation Instant Breakfast sample. This is what helps keep my husband going on those early workdays (it gives you a lot of energy). They come in some yummy flavors, too. To get your free sample, click here!

Hane's Comfort Soft Panty. This offer is available again, so jump on it quickly - it died within about 2 days before. To get your free comfort soft panty from Hanes, click here!

Dove Energy Glow Lotion with self-tanners. This sample comes from Costco (you leave the member # blank - you don't have to be a member to get this sample) and this is a great product. It leaves your skin feeling so soft and gives you a beautiful sun-kissed look. If you use it everyday, you have a darker tan (this isn't one of those products that leave you with an orange hue). To get this great sample that gives you a sun-kissed look without the sun damage, click here!

Operation Gratitude free packages for soldiers. These include samples, toiletries, entertainment items, letters plus a lot more. These packages can be requested by the family of the soldier or the soldier themselves. This is a great idea to help those who help us everyday in their service. To order a package, click here!

Life Source Basics sample. This is a 12 day supply (I'm not sure why they didn't just give a 14 day supply, but, oh well). They say it is the best natural product to support your immune system - it activates key immune cells to quickly identify and fight foreign challenges - plus, they say it's gentle and safe to use every day. To get this free sample of Life Source Basics, click here!

AMC Theaters Summer Movie Camp free movies. This is for families, schools and organizations - they are only available in certain areas - the free movies start at 10:00 a.m. every Wednesday and run from June 27th to August 15th. They even have a special price for their kid's pack refreshments. To get more info on this tremendous offer, click here!

Celine Dion's Enchanting fragrance. This is supposed to be a light, beautiful fragrance - we'll find out as soon as we get the sample, right ladies? To get your free sample of Enchanting, click here!

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation mailing labels. They have 2 different designs to choose from: roses and America (both have three different designs in each). To get your free mailing labels, click here!

Ergo AMP from Ergopharm. This is a product to help you increase metabolism, burn fat, control your appetite and help you lose weight without feeling drained. If you are trying to lose a few pounds and want a product to help your body's metabolism work more efficiently, click here!

Free gift for Mother's Day. Wal-Mart has new American Greetings card designs and if you stop by on May 5, you will get a free gift in celebration of Mother's Day. For more info, click here!

Free comic book day on May 5th. They are giving away free packs of special edition comic books at participating retailers. To find a participating store near you, click here!

All you can eat at the American Legion Post #346 in Farmington, Michigan on Memorial Day, May 28. If you live in the area, this is a great deal for you - get together with your family and friends and celebrate Memorial Day. To go to their website, click here!

Software giveaway of the day - Features a different title every day. These are about $20.00 regular price, so what a deal!. For your free software, click here!

Game giveaway of the day - Features a different game every day. They have arcade, puzzle and action games. For your free game, click here!

Harlequin Historicals 2 free books. They will send you the books free and if you don't wish to receive any more books, just mark cancel and keep the books - it's that simple. For those of you who love romantic stories set in the past, click here!

Free summer food safety package from the Food & Drug Administration. This gives you great information on how to safely prepare and serve your favorite foods. Sometimes when we go on picnics, we leave things out for a while as we are playing, hiking, etc., this helps you know how long you can leave foods out and other useful info. To get this free package, click here!

Septic Remedy free trial sample. This is not a pretty subject, but things happen. This is a product that you simply flush and it helps to clean your drains, control odors and you have less buildup. To get this free trial of Septic Remedy, click here!

New Dog Cross Breeds

Collie + Lhasa Apso = Collapso, a dog that folds up for easy transport

Pointer + Setter = Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet

Great Pyrenees + Dachshund = Pyradachs, a puzzling breed

Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso = Peekasso, an abstract dog

Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel = Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle

Labrador Retriever + Curly Coated Retriever = Lab Coat Retriever, the choice of research scientists

Newfoundland + Basset Hound = Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors

Terrier + Bulldog = Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes

Bloodhound + Labrador = Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly

Malamute + Pointer = Moot Point, owned by....oh, well, it doesn't matter anyway

Collie + Malamute = Commute, a dog that travels to work

Deerhound + Terrier = Derriere, a dog that's true to the end

Bull Terrier + Shitzu = Oh, never mind....

Sherri's Helpful Hints

How to Stay Healthy

Eat antioxidant-rich foods, such as whole grain cereals, walnuts and artichokes, as well as foods packed with omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. The antioxidants protect the body's tissues against stress and inflammation and enhance immune function. Omega-3 fatty acids promote blood flow and the production of anti-inflammatory substances, which also boost immune function.

Take a brisk walk every day. Any kind of moderate daily exercise - such as cycling, swimming or working out at the gym - can improve lung and immune function. Physical activity enhances the ability of T. lymphocytes (white blood cells that attack virus and cancer cells) to speed up the immune response. Don't get too over eager though, high-intensity exercise for two or more hours at a time increases stress hormones, which can lead to suppression of the immune system.

Stay at least three feet away from people who are coughing or sneezing. This will keep you outside the immediate spray of their germs. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. If you're not near a sink during the day or work in a high germ environment (like a school, medical office, etc.) carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you.

Drink a lot of water, get adequate sleep and get a flu shot. Staying well-hydrated keeps the tissues of the respiratory system moist and helps the immune system work properly. Sleep helps the body function at an optimym level. If you get seven to eight hours of rest a night, you'll be less likely to become sick and if you do catch something, you'll recover faster.

Stay home from work when you first feel ill. Work-related stress (plus the commuting back and forth) could slow your recovery.

When to See a Doctor

1. A high fever that is accompanied by marked dizziness or a stiff neck.

2. Trouble breathing, shortness of breath or chest pain.

3. Severe facial pain or pressure behind the eyes plus congestion.

4. A sore throat without a runny nose or a cough.

5. Cold symptoms - headache, nasal congestion, postnasal drip and sinus pressure - that last longer than about 10 days.

Christian Quote of the Day

There are great limits upon the human imagination. We can only rearrange the elements God has provided. No one can create a new primary color, a third sex, a fourth dimension, or a completely original animal. Even by writing a book, planting a garden, or begetting a child, we never create anything in the strict sense; we only take

part in God's creation.

... Kathryn Lindskoog

RECIPE of the Day - 4/25/2007

I really love anything made with cherries - especially when there's cream cheese involved - they're sweet, juicy and taste so good. This is a wonderfully rich and delicious dessert that goes with almost everything.



Sweet Cherry Cheese Dessert

1/2 cup cold butter
2 1/2 cups crushed pecans
Shortbread cookies
2 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners sugar
1 (12 ounce) container whipped topping, thawed

In a large bowl, cut butter into crushed cookies until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 18 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Cook on a wire rack.

In a large bowl, combine the pie filling, extract, set aside.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners sugar until fluffy; fold in whipped topping. Spread over crust. Top with pie filling, cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours.