angelm's Blog

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 bag (1 pound) frozen broccoli, red peppers, onions and mushrooms
1 can (15 ounces)  black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup  Thick 'n Chunky salsa
flour tortilla for burritos (8 inch) (from 11.5-ounce package), cut into 2x1-inch strips
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in center.
2. Stir in vegetables, beans and salsa; reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
3. Sprinkle with tortilla strips and cheese. Cover and cook about 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Ingredients:
2 packages (9 to 10 ounces each) frozen French-style green beans, cooked and drained
6 slices bacon, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cups water
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Preparation:
Heat oven to 350�. Place cooked green beans in a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon and onion until bacon is browned and onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour until well blended. Gradually stir in the water, chicken bouillon granules, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is quite thick.
Add sauce to beans and gently stir to blend. Sprinkle with cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until casserole is hot and bubbly.

1 quart ground onions
1 quart ground cabbage, about 1 large head
1 quart ground green tomatoes
18 bell peppers, a combination of green, red, and yellow ground*
1/2 cup salt
6 cups sugar
4 cups vinegar
2 cups water
2 tablespoons celery seed
1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
Preparation:
Combine onions, cabbage, green tomatoes, green and red bell peppers and salt; cover and let stand overnight. In the morning drain well. Put vegetables in a large kettle; add sugar, vinegar, water, celery seed and tumeric. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Pack into hot sterilized pint jars.
Seal and process in a boiling water canner for 5 minutes.

You don't have to buy a Prius, trade in your clunker or ride the bus to cut down on the money you spend for gas each month. Just make a few adjustments to your driving habits:

Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving on the highway -- speeding, rapid acceleration and braking -- can lower your mileage by 33%.

Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 miles per hour. Reining in your speed will save you up to 23%.

Keep tires inflated properly. Check your owner's manual to list your vehicle's proper tire pressure, buy a good dial-type pressure gauge ($8), and check your tires once a week. Keeping them properly inflated can improve your mileage by about 3%.

Empty the trunk. Don't carry around unnecessary items, especially in small cars. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your miles-per-gallon by up to 2%.

Asian Carrot Salad
Combine shredded carrots, green onion, and sprouts (alfalfa, red clover, daikon radish, and bean sprouts will all work). Dress with sesame oil and rice vinegar. Then sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. For extra kick, add a small amount of grated ginger or chili pepper.

What Not to Say About Someone's Appearance

Don't say: "You look tired."
Why: It implies she doesn't look good.
Instead say: "Is everything OK?" We often blurt the "tired" comment when we get the sense that the other person feels out of sorts. So just ask.

Don't say: "Wow, you've lost a ton of weight!"
Why: To a newly trim person, it might give the impression that she used to look unattractive.
Instead say: "You look fantastic." And leave it at that. If you're curious about how she got so svelte, add, "What's your secret?"

Don't say: "You look good for your age."
Why: Anything with a caveat like this is rude. It's saying, "You look great?compared with other old people. It's amazing you have all your own teeth."
Instead say: "You look great."

Don't say: "I could never wear that."
Why: It can be misunderstood as a criticism. ("I could never wear that because it's so ugly.")
Instead say: "You look so good in skinny jeans." If you slip, say something like "I could never wear that...because I wasn't blessed with your long legs." Follow these tips to shop smart for your own body type.

What Not to Say in the Workplace

Don't say: "That's not my job."
Why: If your superior asks you to do something, it is your job.
Instead say: "I'm not sure that should be my priority right now." Then have a conversation with your boss about your responsibilities. In the past year, the rules of the workplace have changed. Learn how to shine at work in the new economy.

Don't say: "This might sound stupid, but..."
Why: Never undermine your ideas by prefacing your remarks with wishy-washy language.
Instead say: What's on your mind. It reinforces your credibility to present your ideas with confidence.

Don't say: "I don't have time to talk to you."
Why: It's plain rude, in person or on the phone.
Instead say: "I'm just finishing something up right now. Can I come by when I'm done?" Graciously explain why you can't talk now, and suggest catching up at an appointed time later. Let phone calls go to voice mail until you can give callers your undivided attention.

. Schedule automatic payments. Have (at least) your fixed monthly bills paid automatically to avoid missing a payment and having to fork over extra money for late fees and/or interest. You can set up auto pay features through your bank's online bill paying service or by arranging it directly with the company or service provider.

2. Eat your groceries. Did you know that Americans regularly throw away nearly 15% of the food they buy at the grocery store each year? That can add up to hundreds or, depending on your supermarket budget, thousands of dollars each year. Save money by actually eating what you buy. Not sure how? Bypass the bookstore and borrow a cookbook from the library!

3. Bundle services. If you're paying different vendors for similar services you may be overpaying. Call your communications providers to see what price you'll be quoted if you switch and bundle your internet, phone and cable TV services.

4. Pay off credit card. If you're not paying off your credit card balance each month you're paying interest and, for most Americans, it's a pretty steep rate. Pay it off and you could save a tidy sum by eliminating your interest charges.

5. Mark your calendar. Whenever you rent something - library books, videos, etc. � mark it on your calendar and save money by avoiding those quickly mounting late fees. Many stores and libraries also now offer email reminders to help the constantly harried so sign up for the extra help!

6. File your taxes on time. Or if you need to file an extension at least pay what you owe on the due date. You'll avoid annoying notices from the IRS and, more importantly, save on penalties, fees and interest.

7. Roll it over. If you're switching jobs and you can't leave your 401(k) invested with your current company, roll your 401(k) into either your new employer's 401(k) or an IRA within the 60-day window instead of withdrawing the money. By doing so you'll keep the money invested -  and earning interest - and avoid those nasty taxes as well as the additional 10% penalty.

8. Switch credit cards. If you're carrying a balance on a high interest rate credit card check out other card issuers to see if you could transfer your balance to one with a lower interest rate and fewer fees. Use sites like Creditcard.com or Bankrate.com to compare card rates, and pay careful attention to how long those terms last so you don't wind up paying a higher rate and erasing any potential savings.

9. Use your privileges. Are you an AAA member? Do you belong to the AARP? What about your local credit union? Check organizations you have memberships with to see if they offer buying privileges or discounts.

10. Rent instead of buy. You might be excited to expand your driveway but don't let your enthusiasm overtake good sense. Hold off on buying that jackhammer and think before you spend on big-ticket items or items that you'll use once or infrequently (like movies and books).

11. Buy instead of rent.  Don't pay the exorbitantly high prices charged by rent-a-center type stores for items you'll use regularly and keep long-term like computers, furniture and appliances.

12. Ask. That's right, just ask. You can't be paying any more than you currently are, so why not ask if you can get the interest rate lowered on your credit cards or loans? Also, ask for a discount on services like your wireless phone, trash removal or pet care instead of switching to another vendor, and of course ask "is that the best you can do" on any big ticket purchases like cars, appliances and furniture.

In a tight economy it might be worth the seller's while to cut the price instead of losing the sale, and you'll both benefit in the end!

13. Just say no. To the extended warranty that is. They hardly ever make financial sense. Weigh the repair or replacement cost (and if you would even need or want to repair or replace it down the road) against the cost of the warranty and graciously pass when offered.

14. Have the awkward conversation. Americans average more than $750 yearly on holiday gifts and that's probably much more than most would like to spend. If your gift-giving is costing you more than you can realistically afford there's a good chance it's more than your relatives can afford (or would like to spend) as well. Take the plunge and broach the subject. Offer a more reasonable alternative (say, limit giving to children or put a dollar amount on gifts per person). More than likely your relatives will be grateful SOMEONE finally raised the subject and you'll save money in the process.

15. Eat at home.  If the idea of cooking for yourself seems like too much work at least opt for take-out instead of dining out - you'll save on the tip, the alcohol and most likely the cost for appetizers or dessert.

16. Balance your checkbook. It might take a few minutes but it's something you should be doing anyway and it can pay off huge dividends by helping you avoid bouncing a check and incurring steep overdraft fees (not to mention a little embarrassment)!

17. Stick with your bank. When withdrawing cash drive or walk the extra minute it takes to use your bank's ATM and avoid the fee that could come with another bank's machine. Better yet - switch to a bank that doesn't charge fees!

18. Use your TV. If you're paying for cable why not use all of it - and save some money in the process? Cancel the video membership and watch movies through cable movie packages you're already paying for or check out your free "on demand" shows. Drop the gym membership and work out at home to channels like FitTV, and bag the magazine subscriptions and watch the same shows (like Martha Stewart) on TV instead.

19. Quit those bad habits.  Smoking, overeating and drinking are costly habits to maintain. Okay - this is the "lazy" way to save, not necessarily the easy way. But you can save boatloads of money in two ways by saying sayonara to your favorite vices: (1) You'll save money by cutting out on the regular spending it's costing you, and (2) you'll probably save on insurance premiums and long-term health costs. It's the ultimate win-win.

20. Forget the pet.  Sure it sounds heartless but did you realize that welcoming home a little Fido can cost you an average of more than $1,500 a year - or $15,000 over 10 years? Feline fluffies are pricey too - just under $1,000 a year or approximately $9,000 for 10 years of care. Looking at the long-term picture, that's a new car or the down payment on a home! Keep walking right past that pet store and keep the money in your pocket instead.

Benefit and uses of tomato.

Tomato juice keeps the blood stream alkaline and thus maintain a high resistance to disease. It is very rich in iron and potash salts.
Half-ripe tomatoes offer an excellent remedy in all sorts of liver troubles. Tomatoes stimulate torpid liver and are very good for dyspepsia, diarrhoea and dysentery.
Being a rich source of vitamin A, it is a dependable preventive against eye troubles.
Tomato is a nervine tonic. It is very useful in all sorts of nervous disorders.
As it is a rich source of vitamin C, it is very valuable in scurvy.
Half ripe tomatoes are very valuable in summer diarrhoea. But it should be taken with musumbi (lime) juice.
It is also very effective in dysentery. But it should be taken with garlic and musumbi (lime) juice.
Half-ripe tomatoes are very useful in hot summer months as it prevents sun-stroke or heat-stroke.
Tomatoes are usually effective in heartburn, flatulence or indigestion.
Half-ripe tomatoes are usually given in dyspepsia.

For many, one of the hazards of enjoying the great outdoors is an encounter with poison ivy, oak or sumac. It can lead to a nasty, long-lasting rash. Unfortunately, poison ivy is spreading, thanks to global warming.

To avoid the uncomfortable reaction, immediately pour vodka on skin that has come into contact with poison ivy, and the alcohol will wash away the itchy culprit, urushiol oil. Some have said that the vodka needs to be at least 100 proof to work.

Ingredients:
1 cup beer
1 cup tomato juice
1/3 cup onion, finely chopped
5-6 cloves garlic, minced
2 green chile peppers, seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation:
In a medium skillet, add olive oil and garlic. Cook until slightly brown. Add in the onions and chili peppers and cook for an additional 4 minutes. Place remaining ingredients into skillet, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat. Allow mixture to cool completely before you puree in blender.

My nephew left for the marines today.I wish him all the best and my thoughts are with him and  his mom who is already missing him bunches.We love ya Josh!!

Just a spoonful of honey! Each morning, drink 12 ounces of lukewarm water with 1 tablespoon of honey on an empty stomach. This lubricates the intestines. When you don't empty the intestines regularly, toxins end up in either the liver or show up on the skin.

Obese Texas man hides gun between rolls of fat
         � A man stands at a bus stop. An obese prisoner in Harris County, Texas has been charged with illegal possession ...

WASHINGTON (AFP) � An obese prisoner in Harris County, Texas has been charged with illegal possession of a firearm after he was discovered to be hiding a 9mm pistol in between his rolls of fat, local media reported Saturday.

George Vera, who weighs around 500 pounds (225 kilograms) was originally arrested last week for selling counterfeit CDs, according to the Houston Chronicle newspaper.

A police spokesman told the Chronicle that Vera was searched three times over the course of his arrest and booking at the jail but managed to conceal the handgun with his rolls of fat until it was discovered in the shower.

Vera has been charged with possession of an illegal weapon in a correctional facility, which carries a penalty of two to 10 years in prison, but is currently free on bail of 10,000 dollars.

Judge approves Michael Jackson film
Audiences will get to see the King of Pop perform one more time later this year after a judge approved a major deal to produce a movie fashioned from footage of his final rehearsals.Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff approved a deal on Friday between Michael Jackson's estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Columbia Pictures on Friday. He announced the ruling Monday during a hearing where a separate merchandising deal is being considered.
Columbia Pictures announced the movie will be in theaters on Oct. 30. It will be crafted from hundreds of hours of behind-the-scenes and rehearsal footage shot in Los Angeles weeks before Jackson was to kick off 50 comeback concerts in London, and feature interviews with Jackson's friends and collaborators.
Portions of the movie will be shown in 3-D, the studio announced Monday.
"People who have seen this footage are astounded by the amazing quality of Michael Jackson's performance," said Michael Lynton, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. "This historic recording of the last time he sang and danced on stage shows the legendary artist in an incredibly powerful way, with crystal clear images and sound."
Under the terms of the proposed contract, the film will have to be screened for Jackson's estate and cannot include any footage that puts the superstar in a bad light.
Columbia Pictures paid $60 million for rights to the film, and the contract states Jackson's estate is slated to receive 90 percent of its profits.
Jackson died on June 25, days before he was set to embark to England for his comeback shows. Beckloff, in his role overseeing the estate, must approve all business dealings made by Branca and McClain in their role as special administrators, which they were granted in Jackson's will.
The judge had until Monday to approve the film and allowed Jackson's mother, Katherine, to review the contracts and raise any objections. Katherine Jackson did not object to the film, but her attorneys have raised questions about other agreements concerning AEG Live and merchandiser Bravado. The estate wants to enter into agreements with the two companies for merchandising.
The judge is considering appointing an attorney to represent the children's interests in the deals.
A proposed agreement calls for Bravado to receive worldwide rights to Jackson merchandise, including items such as trading cards, apparel and cell phone themes.
Burt Levitch, an attorney for Katherine Jackson, said he has raised several issues with the proposed agreements.
Howard Weitzman, an attorney representing the estate's current administrators, said some of those suggestions are "not acceptable." He said the contracts were aggressively negotiated and there was little room to strike a better deal.
"We feel that we're being second-guessed," Weitzman said. "I'm not sure why."
Katherine Jackson apparently wants AEG Live to give its footage of her son's concert preparations to the estate, according to discussions held in open court on Monday.
"Under no circumstances would AEG agree to such a thing," said Kathy Jorrie, an attorney for the concert promoter.
Columbia pictures is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony.

5 Compliments Every Woman Loves To Hear
Words of appreciation spoken directly to your romantic partner go far in paving the way to a happy, healthy relationship.

1.You're Irreplaceable. This is a surefire way to light up your partner's eyes. Saying these words (with full eye contact, of course) lets the special one in your life know that you know who she is as a person and that you value her as a unique individual. Why is this so effective? Think about when you break up with someone and part ways. One of the worst ramifications of the break-up is finding out, via Facebook update or chattering among friends, that you've been replaced by someone new. On the flip side, hearing from your current partner that you're valued for more than what you look like scores big, meaningful points.

2. You bring light to my life. Yes, we know this sounds like a bit much. But bear with us and let us make one point: relationships can go off course when one or both partners takes for granted the contributions the other makes to their lives. Saying this shows that a man understands and remembers that a women chooses to be with her man and opts to give her energy and time to him. Showing he appreciates that she shares her life with him is symphonic to a woman's ears. If the word light is a tad too over-the-top for you try replacing it with happiness, joy, sunshine�whichever word you can say with genuine meaning.

3. You are perfect just the way that you are. This one takes the gold star award for ability to make a woman's day, week, month or even year (if, that is, whenever she gets miffed at you for something small she recalls you saying this to her). Ingrid Michaelson sang it best with her lyrics to the song "The Way that I Am." If you really want to make your partner's day, we suggest e-mailing this song or youtube video to the woman you love. Deep, lasting love is unconditional. Showing that you comprehend and embrace this idea will touch your partner way more than superficial comments such as, "Your earrings are cute." Dating A Golddigger

4. I love your (fill in the blank: bright eyes, cute toes, toned arms, sleek legs, silky hair). We did not mean to give the impression above that we women do not like to hear you notice when we put extra effort into looking foxy for our man. But what's key here is that what you say is genuine. Don't just pick any random feature. Think about it. What is your partner's best physical attribute and why do you like it? Telling your partner this will show her you pay attention to details, and to her.

5. I am so proud of you. A big deal-breaker in any relationship can be supporting one another's life goals or not. Paying attention to your partner's current goals she is working hard to achieve endear her to you for life. Whether it is paying off her credit card debt, completing a class, putting in extra hours to earn a promotion or even trying to better balance her life, show your loving support for your women. Her heart will melt then and every time thereafter she remembers when you supported along the way to making things happen and brushing off when the chips are down.