Category Archives: Food/home improvement/business

How to Identify the 10 Most Annoying Office Workers

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(The following was written before the COVID-19 pandemic. Those of you who are still commuters or do “hybrid” work-a combination of remote and physical locations-may recognize all or some of the following. Full-time “remotes” will definitely remember.)

I have worked in several different offices for large corporations and small
companies, encompassing the Midwest and Eastern regions of these United
States.
And there hasn’t been a workplace yet, NOT ONE, where I didn’t encounter most
of these office space aggravators:

LOUD TALKERS-If there are more than four people in a workspace, at least one
of them will be the one that can be heard in China.
Even just saying “Hello” can be quite a jarring experience; You’ll be blasted out
of your seat or blown a few feet from where you stood (It’ll sure feel that way).
Have you ever tried to hold a private or just a normal conversation with a loud
talker? Forget it, because ALL of it will be revealed right there at that moment.
I was “lucky” enough to work with one who would repeat everything you said in
a booming voice as you were talking to him. Only talk about things with this
person that you really wouldn’t mind being broadcast in the office and
throughout the Chinese mainland.

KNOW-IT-ALLS-They not only think, they BELIEVE that they’re a vast reservoir
of all the knowledge in the world-and you’re not. Even on things they know
absolutely nothing about (And you KNOW they don’t), they’ll ab-lib or “shoot off
the cuff” (It’s actually very weird, yet fun to watch).
Some of you may remember Cliff Claven from the popular TV series “Cheers“
(played by John Ratzenberger); he’s the patron saint of this group.
If you really need an answer to a burning trivia question, they may actually be
handy once in a while (Be prepared for a lengthy dissertation, however).

 ONE-UPPERS-Whatever experience you’ve had, whatever trip you took, even
if you’re the FIRST to ever accomplish something in a given field, they will
ALWAYS do it better, travel to better places, and achieved more (After all,
you were only the first by default, didn’t you know that? They actually achieved
the one-of-a-kind goal first (or their cousin), but something else came up: They
inherited $50 million dollars and took FOUR around-the-world trips, setting up
their own computer labs and hamburger joints-or something like that.

ANGRY MAN (or WOMAN)-No matter what it is, whether it’s office business,
national news, or some aspect of home life, Angry will be ticked off-and stay
ticked off. If you come to work happy, they’ll be upset became you came in
happy (“Our community’s in tatters”. “You should be out there, doing your
share.” “Why aren’t you?” “Huh?” “Well?” “You finished your project on time,
huh?” “You COULD have helped me with mine; Why didn’t you?” “Well?” “You
think you’re all that, don’t you?” ). A close relation to this is the man or woman
with THE FUNKY ASS ATTITUDE. I have noticed that many angry and FAA types always want someone else to do part or all of their work for
them. Is it because they’re just not very good at their job and are “playing the
bad attitude card” to hide this? Hmmm

 SUPER PARENTS-They’re into baby or their kids, 24-7. It’s not entirely a bad
thing, and at least this group deeply cares about their offspring (There ARE
other things to talk about, though). But it’s annoying (and disturbing) to try to
convert EVERYONE to parenthood (Some are childless by choice, some are
childless for medical reasons-ALL choices should and need to be respected).

 THE NOSY (or SPYS, MOLES, SLINKYS)-They hover around, working
diligently to get the goods on everyone and the company. They seem to be
capable of appearing right through the walls, creeping up on you. They’ll know
if you got fired or promoted before you will (and may tell everyone else about it
first).

 THE PERKY-They live in Candyland. No matter what, they’re bubbling over
with pure sunshine and constant joy (And you should be too, gosh darn ya!).
There never seems to be a serious moment, nothing ever fazes them (at least
not in public). It’s unnerving sometimes-But if things are going exceptionally
well in your life, they are fun to celebrate with.

CHARITY PUSHERS-They’re those extremely passionate folks who are always
(and constantly!) collecting for a cause, any cause (Are the chili peppers in
Mexico being threatened? Are pigs and hogs being denied mud? Ongoing
conspiracy found in a baloney sandwich?). They care. They REALLY care.
And you should too (constantly!).

 THE DOWNERS-Some of you out there may remember a recurring comedy
sketch on “Saturday Night Live” called ‘Debbie Downer‘ (portrayed by Rachel
Dratch). It was hilarious-and oh-so-true. Perhaps you may not know it,
 but many, if not, most of you have certainly run across a person that’s
constantly having a tragedy, 24-7 (Don’t these folks ever have a GOOD or
HAPPY moment? But then, they’ll probably complain or whine about it!).

 SLOBS (or PACK RATS, HOARDERS, COLLECTORS)-They’re often one of
the nicest people around, but no one’s seen their desk in years. THEY haven’t
actually seen their desk in years. The piles and stacks have now begotten their
own piles and stacks.
But the weird thing is, slobs can usually find just what they need or what’s
requested out of all that chaos. I believe they could find just what they need out
of a garbage dump.
That DOES take a skill.

Roasted Vegetables

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Roasted vegetables, in my humble opinion, are one of the tastiest flavors around (due to the natural sugars being browned and caramelized).

And if you just have a sheet pan (baking sheet, cookie sheet, etc.) or a square medium-size or larger baking pan, that’s all the equipment you’ll need. Some say you also need a rack that fits in the sheet pan and parchment sheets or foil to line the bottom of the pan with for easier cleaning.

You can. I don’t. I simply let the pan cool, then just add hot or warm water with a squirt of dishwashing liquid and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Then rinse the pan with clean water and either wipe it dry or put it in the dish drainer. I prefer this way; every time I use a pan lining and try to lift it out, something always ends up spilling out on the pan, anyway (or spilling out while cooking).

Some also say that there are certain veggies that will roast better than others and that you should pick just root or dense ones with similar sizes and weights. You can. I don’t. I just go by what I like and what I have available. Here’s an example of what I have put together: Slices of potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, cut-up broccoli, onions, eggplant, and zucchini.

Some say you should use basically olive oil or other certain coatings on the veggies. You can. I don’t. But what I will do is a very light coating of the sheet or baking pan using regular cooking oil, so the veggies won’t stick. And I also use a variety of marinades, spices, and seasonings on the veggies. There’s no one “right” way; you do you.

I have used:

French, Catalina, and Italian salad dressings

Apple cider vinegar

Shredded cheese of any variety

Salt, pepper, garlic powder or garlic pepper, and lemon pepper

Chopped onions

Chopped bell peppers

I then combine all of this together with whatever veggies I have on hand and let everything marinate for at least a couple of hours or more.

Then:

For slow roasting, which will yield a soft, creamy inside and crispy, toasty edges, set the oven to 325 degrees F. for about 23 to 30 minutes (a half-hour). Take a taste test; if it’s to your liking, you’re done. If not, let this continue for about another 15-20 minutes or more. Cooking times are going to vary because there’s really no one “proper” way.

I personally prefer to roast from 350 to 400 degrees F. for 30-40 minutes (this produces a more crispy, crunchy texture with a soft inside, but not creamy).

Sometimes I’ll just add my veggies to the meat I’m cooking for that day, but I always do this when the meat is halfway done.

I can usually smell when the veggies are ready, but you can insert a small paring knife in the center; if the knife goes in easily and the outside’s browned down, it’s done.

Let the veggies “rest” outside the oven for a few minutes; you can then serve them hot or at room temperature. And you can add extra flavors after cooking; it doesn’t have to be before (the reason I always flavor and season before is because this way, everything’s baked in; tasty results!).

Any leftovers can be added to a salad, sandwich, or simply eaten “as is.”

Here are two recipes to try:

Vegetable Roast

Ingredients

1 each red and yellow pepper, seeded and quartered

1 red onion, cut into wedges

1 Vidalia or other sweet onion, cut into wedges

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 tsp. each minced fresh thyme and oregano, or one-fourth tsp. each dried

one-half tsp. salt

Heat the grill to medium-high or heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a bowl (if using a grill), or roasting pan, combine all ingredients.

Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning once, until tender.

Or, roast for 45 minutes, occasionally turning, until tender.

Makes 4 servings

Work time: 5 min.

Total time: 20-50 min.

Did You Know That…..

Onions are low in sodium fat and cholesterol-free and are also excellent sources of cancer-fighting phytochemicals.

Roasted Broccolini

Ingredients

2 lb. broccolini, stems trimmed (you can also switch to broccoli rabe; to prep, just trim the bottom inch or so from the stalks)

3 Tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. lemon zest

three-fourths tsp. kosher salt

one-half tsp. crushed red pepper

 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Toss together the broccolini and olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet.

Sprinkle with zest, salt, and red pepper; toss well.

Roast at 450 F. on the top oven rack until slightly crispy and stalks are tender, about 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven. 

Makes 8 servings

Work time: 10 min.

Total time: 35 min.

Sources: My own personal recollections; “Roasting Vegetables” by Elizabeth Karmel, The Associated Press-The Vindicator, April 8, 2020; and “Roasted Broccolini” recipe-Cooking Light, preview issue

Winter Salads

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Sarah Russo’s Basic Salad Formula

Sarah Russo is the chef and owner of Salad Club, a Chicago-based local subscription service; each week her team puts together a monthly menu of healthy salads (if you live in the Chicago area and want to try this, first orders offer a $10 discount with the code MIDWEST10. For more details and info, go to saladclub.co).

A new salad (winter or regular) can often be created by a great idea or inspiration. Is there a particular cuisine you’re in love with? Or are there any leftover tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, etc. in the fridge (or veggie bin)?

For Russo’s base, there are nearly always two kinds of greens used, to bring a variety of nutrients and textures (also brings interest to the eyes and palate). Sometimes a grain is used instead of one of the greens.

Now the veggies: Layer in three or four other kinds; you want vegetables on top of the greens; possibly two roasted and two raw veggies, each one cut differently with a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures (the main goal is getting people to eat 80 percent plants).

“For the protein, we have an animal or plant one, like grilled chicken, salmon, braised pork, or seasoned tofu. And a plant protein doesn’t have to be fake meat; a grain and a legume can be mixed to create a nutritionally complete protein. For example, beans and rice,” according to Russo.

Crunch!-“You have to have a crunchy finish; it can be either nuts or seeds or even some crumbled potato or plantain chips.”

Russo considers the dressing the most essential part of the salad; preferably a homemade one. She recommends a heavier dressing for heartier greens ( it really coats the leaves and softens those greens fibers).

Russo’s salads are all dairy-free, by personal choice (she does eat dairy, just not in a salad). But if you prefer or want cheese or yogurt on your salad, go ahead, she said, but consider leaving it out sometimes.

Here are two types of winter salads; the first example is the hardy Taco Salad:

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained

One 14-oz. can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 pkg. taco seasoning

One-half teaspoon salt

1 head of lettuce, shredded

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated

1 large avocado, peeled and sliced

One 6-oz. bag of corn chips

4 tomatoes, cut into wedges

1 cup Catalina French dressing

Brown beef; drain off fat. 

Add beans, taco seasonings, and salt.

Simmer for 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, place all remaining ingredients.

Add beef-bean mixture and toss.

Serves 6

And here’s the lighter Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette:

Ingredients

6 slices bacon

One-half cup green onion, sliced

One-third cup of red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

One-fourth tsp  salt

One-fourth tsp black pepper

Two 5-oz. packages of baby spinach

Cook the bacon slices in a large skillet until browned and crisp.

Transfer to paper towels, reserving the drippings in the skillet; crumble the bacon.

Add the green onion to the skillet; cook and stir over medium heat for 1 minute.

Stir in the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper.

Whisk until combined and heated through.

Put the two packages of baby spinach in a very large bowl; add warm dressing and bacon.

Toss to wilt slightly.

Garnish with pepper.

Serves 4

Sources: “Salad Days” by Hannah Agran-Midwest Living, Jan/Feb. 2022, “Speed Cooking” by Pat McBride-Burris, 1997, and “Simple Sides”-Dinner Fix section, all recipes, Dec/Jan. 2022.

Become Your Own Motivation Guru

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What do you do when you know what you need to do, but don’t want to do it? If you’re like most people, you find yourself doing EVERYTHING ELSE but what you should be doing (often with a deadline looming). Your “get up and go” got up and went and didn’t even say goodbye.
This type of situation can wreak havoc when you have a jam-packed schedule and especially when you’re running your own business. It’s up to you-the entrepreneur wearing enough hats already-to also become your company’s motivation guru. Here’s how.

Get some answers.
You need to find out what would make doing the job at hand desirable, worthwhile, possible, and/or intriguing enough to get you to do it. Ask yourself these questions:

What do you want to do now?
You may be willing to do a task later; you just don’t want to do it now.
When would you be willing to do it?
If you answered something like “February 2028” or “Never“, you may want to follow up with the next question.

Do you still want the task to be done?
Will the result be worth the effort? Does it really need to be done? Maybe your delay signifies that it’s not really necessary.

Are you willing to live with the consequences of not doing it?
Sometimes you have to say no in order to open yourself up to new opportunities. Is this the case?

What would you be willing to do?
There might be a “fun” or “easy” part of a project that you may enjoy doing. Once you get started you may find that’s all it takes to get you motivated enough to complete it.

Is there another way to get the work done?
You can always arrange for someone else to do it. Be aware that you may have to pay someone else unless they’re a close relative or good friend. And even then… the price might be steep.

How will you feel once the task is done?
Sometimes the prospect or visualization of getting it over with will activate you. I often give myself a little non-edible treat-like reading a long-anticipated book, buying a new much-needed item, or simply taking a leisurely cat nap when I complete projects.

Why don’t you want to do it?
You can permanently alter aspects of what needs to be done or change your routine to make the task more appealing.

How long would you be willing to do the task?
Sometimes doing a little at a time helps a lot. You can also see how you’re progressing; that’s motivation right there!
Just get up and do it already!
There are a number of ways that you can get out of the doldrums and stay on top of your game. The following methods are used by many highly successful entrepreneurs and business professionals from all fields (and by yours truly).

Surround Yourself with Positive Energy and Attitudes by acquiring and connecting with colleagues and friends who have similar interests and/or challenges. If there are none in your immediate area, network via the Internet through associations and other great groups.

Give Yourself a Break to refresh and recharge your energy. You work hard enough, so when you’re feeling tapped out, tap into something completely unrelated to the job at hand. Play with your kids or pets, meditate, take a walk, or pick up the phone and call a friend. It’s imperative that you take the time to relax because being under pressure is just part of the life of an entrepreneur. I often use the visualization concept and imagine I’m in a five-star hotel being waited on hand and foot.

Play Some Great Tunes and get caught up in the good feelings they bring. A favorite work motivator across all industries is music. I even play certain types for each day of the week and often work in tune with the song!

Feel ready to take on the world or just the top item on your to-do list? Using these methods may help you find the drive you need when you need it and your ability to get the job done may be just the motivation you need to take your business to the next level. 

Surviving a Job Loss

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While a job loss has many ramifications, dealing with the range of emotions it causes-from anger to anxiety to depression can prove to be especially difficult. It is perfectly normal to experience these reactions, for being unemployed is inherently stressful and it can also involve a grief process.

There are four basic stages of this:

Shock-a disbelief that this has happened to you
Anger-a feeling that you have been wronged
Mourning-sadness over the loss of friends
Acceptance-the desire to get on with your life

  Stress isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can, in fact, be a powerful motivator, but at too great a level it can get in the way of performance. It’s all a question of how you manage stress.

  Here are a few tips on how to deal with job stress:

1.    Keep a hopeful outlook. What are the good things in your life right now? (Good health, strong friendships, and your car and home are paid off). Listen to other people’s stories of how they emerged from this situation and not only survived, but in some cases, became more prosperous because of it.


2.    Recall the ways you have successfully handled past hardships and draw on these same skills to meet and overcome current challenges. You will become a much stronger person; To paraphrase an old saying, “What doesn’t break you, will make you”.


3.    Help yourself by helping others. Assist others in need by volunteering. When you are not going to work every day, your sense of being useful and helpful can suffer. You don’t have to do it full-time, but volunteer work will restore and maintain your self-esteem and self-concept. You may learn some useful new skills, you’ll look forward to getting out of the house, and most importantly, this will get you out of any depression (You’ll become so involved that you can look at your situation in a whole new way).


4.    Make connections. Don’t isolate yourself. Seek social support from your family, friends, and others. Spend time with those who offer genuine support and connection.


5.    Maintain a daily routine. Keep up a regular schedule, including household chores, job-search activities, and getting out of the house. This will also help stop any pending depression or just sitting around, feeling sorry for yourself.


6.    Take care of yourself. Make the time to properly exercise, eat, and rest. Schedule some time to do things you enjoy such as hobbies and social activities. You may feel the need to stay in survival mode when you’re job hunting, but this can lead to burnout. And besides, you still need some “down” time. Looking for a job IS a job and can be harder work than an ACTUAL job!
  
    Getting your finances in order is absolutely crucial now. One of the first things you should do is to see if you are eligible for unemployment compensation. If you are, sign up for them as soon as possible. I would also go over any savings you may have and figure out how much you can live on for as little as you can afford. Make sure you have enough for medical expenses and be very sure to keep paying for your rent or mortgage, heat, light, and food (You need these to survive). You will still need a telephone and a car (or public transportation) to find a job. If your money situation is extremely tight, make sure you pay for these first.

  If someone owes you money, ask for it. If you have a skill like baking, giving lessons or tutoring, decorating, or “babysitting” for pets or the elderly, put an ad in the newspaper or pass out homemade flyers advertising this to generate extra money. Sell off those items around the house that you no longer use that others need and will gladly pay for.

  Stop using your credit cards for now and start paying with cash. Create a weekly menu for all your meals. Start clipping and using discount coupons. Buy those store brands! (Did you know that we spend 14 percent of our total income on food? And almost half that amount is spent in restaurants, snack bars, vending machines, and fast-food places.) Eat at home or bring a brown bag lunch; it’s more nutritious and only a fifth the cost.

  Stay away from the malls. If you absolutely MUST go, bring a list of the things you truly need, with only enough cash to buy what’s on your list.

  Did you know that we often can spend more than $100 a month just on entertainment; movies, video rentals, cable television, hobbies, and other recreation?  Trim the entertainment.

  And don’t forget to turn off the lights and television when you’re not using them. Close the door. Put a full load in the washer and dryer. Set the thermostat to 68 degrees and put on a sweater. Use a fan (instead of air conditioning) when it’s hot. These simple actions will save you from higher utility bills, which you don’t need right now.

Sometimes a job loss can often turn out to be a greater opportunity than if you had continued with the company. By doing the abovementioned tips, you may find yourself being offered a better position or end up starting your own business.

Your Astrological Home Decor and Cleaning/Organizing Style-Part 2

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Libra (Sept. 22-Oct. 22)-“Should I clean up this mess or not?” is your philosophy. While you don’t mind tidying up after a sports event or birthday party, you don’t like doing regular tasks, like cleaning up and organizing clutter. So you’ll tend to put it off. What you can do is listen to music on a headset or talk on the phone as you’re working to make the time fly by.

Your home has a simple, yet elegant design-straightforward with architecturally attractive lines. You enjoy having a yard or garden to balance or complement the home.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)-You focus on what can be seen (believing that at least 80% of an orderly appearance can be done with just 20% of effort). You can deal with some very quick dusting, but you don’t want to handle a pile of clutter.

There’s a visual, unique element in your home’s architecture, placement, or interior design-or in all of these.

Color schemes can vary widely with you, but you lean primarily toward deep hues, blues, and dark reds. Metals, wood, and leather are also prominent in your dwelling.

Sagittarius (Nov.23-Dec.20)-You love having as many people as possible helping you! But you don’t like to be tied down to a schedule; you’ll work the cleaning up and clutter busting around your personal time. Your home may display red tints and purple shades in bold patterns or solids, with soft gray tones as the background.

Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 19)-You don’t mind occasional cleaning help, as long as they do what you say (to you, there’s your way-and there’s the wrong way. Period!) The bottom line is, you don’t like a messy place.

Your ideal home décor is efficient and understated with simple and traditional designs. Your colors lean toward muted gold, silver, and dark blues ranging to almost black, and tan.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)-You’re totally into “green” (environmental products and living). And you always help others to keep their clutter under control. You’re also neat (for the most part). You’re all about recycling.

You may either redecorate an older home in a very unique way or buy a brand-new house with a standout architectural design.

Your home décor colors include deep shades of purple, blue or green. You tend to create your own blend of traditional and modern decor.

Pisces (Feb.19-Mar. 20)-Any cleaning up that involves bleach, suds, or bubbles and/or brushes, you’re so there, but first you have to feel like cleaning. And you don’t like to fuss over it either. You’re drawn to soft-lined, fairly ornate architecture and décor. Rich earth colors, darkening to black and light green, blue, and rose shades please you.

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Your Astrological Home Decor and Cleaning/Organizing Style-Part 1

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Aries (Mar. 21-April 20) A fast ‘run-through’ suits you just fine (you don’t clean every nook and cranny, and don’t want to). You don’t want to spend an entire weekend, days, or even hours cleaning. Clutter buster products are right up your alley!

The fiery aspects of Aries will most definitely come through in your home décor; the most unconventional furnishings are often found in the home or apartment, complete with flamboyant red tones. Yet you’ll also often have a ‘quiet room’ done in soothing blues or other soft colors, reflecting an inner self few people see. Many will often decorate totally in soft hues or shades.

Taurus (April 21-May 20)-You don’t mind cleaning up at all, but you’d rather not pick up after grown folks or people who are physically capable. Organizing the closet clutter isn’t a daunting task; it’s a good workout session!

You like traditional styles in furniture and subtle combinations (you’re drawn to greens and soft metallic hues). Many of you love antiques; your home often has beautiful objects that are both functional and decorative. Both males and females have a flair for interior decorating!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)-” If nobody sees the clutter, is it really clutter then?” That’s the mindset and motto you live by. You will clean up when it’s really needed (like when you run out of clean items!), but you’d rather not.

You have eclectic tastes in your home décor. You like bright, open rooms with lots of sun, big windows (looking out over traffic!) and clear yellows, whites and reds. Balance these colors with blues and pastels for calming nerves.

Cancer (June 21-July 20)-You don’t mind cleaning or organizing clutter if it has anything to do with the kitchen. If it’s centered near the oven, you’re a happy camper!

You’re very picky about your home décor, and will often completely remodel a home to be “just right”. You like silver, white, black and watery shades. And you like having everything in a precise, highly organized manner.

Leo (July 21-Aug. 21)-Cleaning up and organizing clutter should be done quickly, so the pain doesn’t linger! (But you’ll do it when you know someone else will also benefit; and if you can play some music and dance while you‘re cleaning!) If no one’s looking, you’d rather not worry about the mess.

Your home décor tastes lean to modern (even avant-garde) and deep shades of all colors. Even when sharing a home, your “spot” will always be known by your particular style.

Virgo (Aug. 22-Sept. 21)-You either live to clean up and organize clutter, or are a total slob! If it’s the former, you’re a master at this; teach others your clutter-buster techniques.

Your home is usually in the best of taste, with warm, understated earth tones accented with yellows and greens.

Assorted Kitchen Hacks

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Cleaning

Wash hands before and during cooking (especially after touching raw meat and poultry). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends at least 20 seconds to sing “Happy Birthday.”

After Kneading Sticky Dough:

  1. Standing over the sink, “wash” your hands with a handful of flour or cornmeal instead of soap and water.
  2. Rinse your hands with cold water (hot water causes the dough starches to gelatinize; more scrubbing!

Working with strong-smelling ingredients like onions, garlic, or fish has many cooks reaching for the standard lemon juice to wash away any lingering odors from their hands. But sometimes the smell’s more potent than the lemon. Try handwashing with a couple of tablespoons of mouthwash (any brand) instead.

For chemical-free and safer kitchen countertop cleaning, use a spray bottle filled with equal parts white vinegar and water.

Save those plastic shopping produce bags and use them to clean up kitchen scraps. You can spread a bag on the counter next to your cutting board or in one half of the sink and sweep the scraps onto as you prep. When you’re done just gather up the bag and throw it away. These plastic bags can also be used to throw away garbage in general.

You don’t need to rinse raw meat and poultry (it’s more likely to spread contaminants around the sink and possibly on any nearby food).

Ever try to open a new bag of flour without the cloud of white dust that pops up and goes down on the counter? To remedy this, try slapping the top of the bag a few times before opening it to settle the flour so that it stays inside.

To prevent splashes when pouring tomato sauce, soup, or stew from a pot or pan into a storage container, place the backside of a large wooden or metal spoon under the pouring streams to deflect the liquid into the container.

Forgot to cover a dish while microwaving? To clean out the splatters, just place a microwaveable bowl full of water in the oven and heat it on high for 10 minutes. The steam loosens dried food particles.

Organizing

An empty facial tissue box can store many bags and one at a time can be easily removed.

To loosen cakes or muffins from nonstick pans, use a plastic “takeout” knife (instead of a metal one that can scratch the nonstick surface).

Food Prep

To separate those packaged bacon strips:

  1. Roll the package lengthwise into a cylinder, then flatten it out again.
  2. Open the package and remove the desired number of strips, which are now less tightly packed.

Don’t have a vertical roaster? A 16-oz. beer can is a good substitute, but prefer a non-alcoholic one? Get your Bundt pan instead. Once the chicken’s been seasoned, slide it onto the center post of the pan, legs facing down, so the chicken stands upright.

The Basics

Stubborn jar lid? Get an old computer mouse pad. The rubber bottom creates a good grip.

A thin metal spoon is also a good option. Use the spoon as a lever and slide its tip between the lid and the jar-avoid the lid’s notches. Gently press down on the handle until the seal releases, or “burps.”

mise en place-Preparing and measuring the ingredients for a dish before you begin to cook. In other words, “food prep!”

Here’s a shortcut for cutting even slices of homemade bread for sandwiches: Let the loaf cool on its side on an oven rack. The rack’s bars will leave subtle vertical indentations that act as a template for evenly spaced slices.

When making the cross-hatch (is that what they call it?) on the tops of peanut butter cookies, most folks use a fork, which involves a two-step process. To cut the time in half, mark the cookies in one swipe with a perforated potato masher.

Mini muffin tins are usually fitted with a rim that is too tiny to hold with bulky oven mitts. Avoid this struggle by leaving one corner cup empty when you fill the tin. Now you have a place to insert your thumb, allowing you to remove the tin without getting burned or squishing any of the muffins.

Hold on to that jar of pickle juice after finishing the last pickle. You can add thin-sliced onions, bell pepper strips, diced or sliced tomatoes, or a combo to the juice, then marinate in the fridge for a few days. The new mixture can be used as a topping for hot dogs, burgers, or salads. Pickle juice can also be used for drinking “as is.”

The best way to keep a pound cake moist is to cut slices from the middle of the cake, not the end. The cake can then be sandwiched back together and wrapped in plastic wrap. With the cut sides insulated this way, the cake stays moist longer.

To add bacon flavor to anything without having to fry a slice of bacon every time you need it, save some leftover bacon drippings. You can pour the drippings into a bowl or container and refrigerate. Or once solid, the drippings can be scooped into teaspoon portions, and frozen (stored in a zipper-lock bag or something similar).

Source: “Cook’s Illustrated Kitchen Hacks: How Clever Cooks Get Things Done” by the editors of America’s Test Kitchen, 2015

Work Like a Cat (on location or remote)

Posted in Business, Food/home improvement/business by

Whether at work in a physical location or remotely at home, adopting a few cat traits can teach you how to manage stress, develop independence, and live life on your own terms.

Here are a few examples:

Be free as the air and do only what you have chosen to do. Work only at jobs that fulfill you; heed only your own counsel, and pursue your true desires.

To maintain your inner calm and peace, identify the source of your stress, deal with the issue thoroughly, then let go of it for good-don’t ruminate or brood-and calm will return.

Know how to assert yourself calmly, and defend your space at the first attempt at intrusion. You deserve more than a walk-on part!

Wisdom is not a subject that can be learned or taught. It is a state, a stance that requires a step back from the agitation of life in order to comprehend it better in its universality. The wise person knows how to sit on the moon in order to gaze at the earth, just like the cat sits on the roof to observe the moon.

Emancipate yourself from other people’s views of you. To your own self be true.

Learn something new every day.

A cat is independent; it’s one of their main characteristics. But yet by our very nature, we can not be totally independent, as cats are (people have always leaned toward living in groups). Despite everything, we all have an interest in regularly taking into account the degree of dependence and independence in our lives, so we’ll ask ourselves from time to time:

How financially independent am I?

Do I alone determine my life’s major directions or are they determined by the needs of my partner, parents, or children?

To what extent am I dependent on my work for the money it brings in? Am I so much in debt that I have no other choice than to rack up overtime, spending weekends and holidays working?

Am I obliged to put up with my boss’s moods in order to keep my job, even though there’s a better position waiting for me elsewhere if only I were to allow myself to apply for it?

We can not live independently like a cat, but we owe it to ourselves to correct certain tendencies that can evolve, often without us realizing it.

Work to recapture a substantial part of independence in all areas, and you will win your freedom.

Learn to be served like a cat (they know how to delegate). Knowing how to delegate is key in the workplace (and in other areas as well); many company directors and other managers are incapable of trusting others and delegating, so they spend far too much of their time checking and validating their employees’ efforts. This can create a “mothering” culture where employees will want every minute detail of their work checked and approved. The result is wasted hours and excessive work for the boss. Effective delegating will develop time for yourself, to do what you like, rather than constant monitoring.

Regularly creating your own calm (cats love calm!) conditions creates the conditions for your well-being and is the best solution for avoiding ulcers.

Learn to say “no,” as a cat does. Don’t take on tasks that are not part of your job description with such regularity that your colleagues and superiors come to expect it of you, with no financial compensation for the extra workload.

Cats are natural bosses; a catlike attitude is very well suited to a professional context. Consider:

Be efficient when necessary and deal with problems immediately.

Always be watchful without being noticed.

Be responsive if needed and make that special effort.

Don’t spend your energy unnecessarily; also, ration your work.

If you’re the boss, be like a cat by always maintaining a firm yet benevolent attitude, encourage with a glance, and be present.

A cat is tenacious.

Be patient and tenacious in everything you do. Never give up!

Cats are always cautious.

When there’s a doubt, there’s no doubt. Follow your instinct!

And here’s a bit of extra advice from the resident “cool cat” of TV’s Shark Tank, Damon John:

Being broke can actually fuel success as an entrepreneur.

Why?

It forces you to think more creatively, use your resources more efficiently, connect with your customers more authentically, and market your ideas more imaginatively.

It forces you to be true to yourself, stay laser-focused on your goals, and come up with innovative solutions to make a meaningful mark.

Sources: “How to Think Like a Cat” by Stephane Garnier, 2018 and “The Power of Broke-How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage” by Daymond John (with Daniel Paisner), 2016

Decor Gift Ideas and Products for Everyday Use

Posted in Food/home improvement/business, Home Improvement/Interior Design by

From the Better Homes and Gardens Collection featured at Walmart; all under $25!

An Acacia Tray with Brass Finish Handles (it’s beautiful!)

A 6-piece Electric Wine Opener Set with a Wood Base

A 4-piece Oven Mitt, Pot Holder, and Mini Mitt Set

Sustainable Glass Spray Bottle (very cute)

A 2-piece Oversized Woven Kitchen Towel Set

A 3-piece Glass Canister Set with Acacia Wood Lids (great for organizing things; and very cute)

A Glass Wine Decanter with a Wooden Sphere Stopper (looks very elegant!)

A 16-oz. 2-Wick Stoneware Candle

A 5-piece Stainless Steel Bar Tool Set in a Wooden Block

Here are a Few Recommendations from the BHG Holiday Gift Guide:

The glass competes of two-wick Aura Candles can be filled with candy once the candles are gone. Retail price is $32 each at paddywax.com.

Not your grandma’s plain old matchbooks anymore! The Blue Match Holder (it’s beautiful!), made of hand-poured concrete, has a match striker on the side. Retails for $22 at tennprairie.com

Star-shaped ceramic dishes in cobalt blue (one of the best colors ever, in my humble opinion) will make anything look good on it. It’s $47 for a small plate, and $59 for a large one. They’re available at ecruonline.in

The Holly and Pear Pie Dish is also very striking; you can bake and serve in it. $42 at anthropologie.com

Old Pine Round Serving Boards are recycled lightweight, food-safe pinewood. Retail price is $40 for a 12″ one, and $62 for a 17″ at airandanchor.com

Putty Tapers are long, skinny candles with navy-colored flowers painted on them. Retails for $42 at nickeykehoe.com

The Flower Grow Kit is a ceramic planter with a reusable hydroponic watering setup that allows you to grow annual flowers indoors. It costs $38 and is available at store.modsprout.com

Here are a few decor gift ideas and everyday products from Midwest Living:

Base Vase, from Des Moines, Iowa, is a slim tube sized so that any taper candlestick will fit it, which in turn can create a custom- build vase (this will also work for a slim branch of one or two flowers). It’s $15 for one or $35 for three. For more info, go to basevase.com

Mosser Jadeite Glass Candlesticks is an absolutely beautiful product from Mosser Glass, a heritage company in Ohio. They come in three colors and retail from $75 for two at food52.com

Baileybuilds.com feature wood mosaics, modern wall hangings, and the Heritage Round Monogram by Anna and Nathanael Bailey (Duluth, Minnesota). The monogram’s available in three colors and measures 6, 15, or 23 inches. From $49.

Sources: BHG ad; Celebrate section-“Holiday Gift Guide”-produced by Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes and Gardens, Dec. 2022 and home and garden section, life gift guide-” ’tis a gift to be local”-Midwest Living, Winter 2022