A Blog About Nothing
On my commute home this evening I thought about blog topics. I had a particular one in my mind when I walked through the door of my home but then my mind suddenly cleared. The family was busy doing homework, studying for finals, and news watching. As busy as they were they made it clear they were hungry. My mood changed. I felt calm, some how more relaxed. Almost like I didn't have a care in the world.
I started to prepare dinner and my hubby asked if I wanted a glass of wine. I pondered what I wanted as he called out bottles from the wine fridge and I realized what I wanted. I was in the mood for Prosecco, which is basically Italian champagne. I enjoyed a couple of glasses while I cooked a delicious but rich dinner. I am usually pretty health conscious when it comes to what I feed my family but tonight was a little indulgence. I made gluten free fettuccine with tuscan chicken, and to be honest it was delicious. Not regrets. No big servings.
Still relaxed from my Prosecco and maybe a little sleepy too, it's time for a little reading and a nice bath. I am currently reading Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder. Super excited to start Night Study this weekend.
Okay I guess this blog was about a couple of things. My sudden euphoria, Prosecco, Tuscan Chicken, and what I am currently reading. So my questions to you are what are you drinking, what are you eating, what are you reading???
Side note: A big shout out to Barilla for making really good gluten free pasta. I was so excited to see they finally make fettuccine.
10 Signs You're Having An Emotional Affair (Before It Becomes Physical)
Emotional affair is a popular term for the growing trend, particularly in the workplace. An emotional affair is defined as a bond between two people that mimics the closeness and emotional intimacy of a romantic relationship, while never being physically consummated. Also known as affairs of the heart.
Emotional affairs can be crushes or real love. They can also be signs of trouble on the homefront and a big warning sign that you are feeling unfulfilled by your primary relationship. If you think you or your partner are engaged in an Emotional Affair, here are the signs to look for.
FEATURED VIDEO - 10 Signs Of An Emotional Affair
10 Signs That You May Be Having An Emotional Affair...
He/She Is The First Thing You Think About When You Wake Up
He's The First One You Want To Share Good News With
You Text Him A Lot
You Plan What You Are Going To Wear/Say/Do When She's Around
You Start Wishing Your Partner Was More Like Her
She Just "Gets" You
You Share Secrets You Haven't Even Shared With Your Spouse
You Blow Off Others For Him
You Share Secrets About Your Spouse
You Fantasize About Her
Photo by Sjale/iStock / Getty Images
Emotional affairs can be intense, hot, and mean the end of your marriage or relationship. The individuals involved in the emotional affair share a connection, and usually have great chemistry. But is the connection and amazing chemistry worth the risk?
Perhaps your emotional affair partner is your soulmate, or maybe you take the leap and the relationship is a bust. Either way, those engaging in emotional affairs are seeking something outside of their relationships that seems to be missing from within their relationships.
What To Do If You Are Having An Emotional Affair
If you are involved in an emotional affair you have to figure out what you really want. You are unhappy to some degree with your current relationship, and you are using the emotional affair to make the relationship bearable.
Maybe you are trying to buy time until you figure how to leave your current relationship, or perhaps you are completely clueless about what you need to truly be happy. Either way, a decision is needed.
You have two choices for dealing with your emotional affair situation. The first choice, and honestly probably the least desirable option for those involved, is to break it off. If you want your current relationship to work you cannot be engaged in an emotional affair.
However, breaking off the emotional affair doesn’t miraculously fix the relationship issues that made you vulnerable to the emotional affair. You need to be truly committed to fixing your problems, otherwise you will end up in another emotional affair or sexual affair with the same person or someone else.
The second choice is to end your relationship. You are unhappy in your relationship, no longer in love with your partner, living like roommates, and just going through the motions. It is not fair to you or your partner to continue on in a relationship when the love has gone.
The important thing to keep in mind is that your decision to end your current relationship should be based on “that” relationship, and not the possibility of a future with your emotional affair partner.
Emotional affairs are complicated and bring up so many questions. Does the emotional affair cause relationships problems, or does the emotional affair occur because of the existing relationship problems?
Some relationships are worth saving and fighting for, while others are dying a slow death. You know in your heart if it is time to break up and move on.
What are your thoughts on emotional affairs? How do you feel about emotional affairs? Have you ever been impacted by an emotional affair? If so, how did things work out? Please share your story or experience!
“If a man, who says he loves you, won’t tell you the details of a private conversation between him and another woman you can be sure he is not protecting your heart. He is protecting himself and the women he has feelings for. Wise women simply see things as they are, not as their low self-esteem allows.” ― Shannon L. Alder
Stressed Out...Do You Compartmentalize or Let It Out?
It is a special time year for me and for many others. The holidays are here and lots of family gatherings and get togethers. Busy with work, life, and kids and I'm feeling a little more stress than usual. Stress is normal, to a point, and can even be good for you.
Stress can make you push yourself to do better, study more, try harder. Those are the positives. Stress can also make you sick, literally.
I remember the days when stresses revolved around grades, getting picked for something, or finding out if "he" liked me. Such a simpler time. Now life involves many situations and circumstances beyond my control.
Normally I am one for letting it out and being done with it but sometimes that can create more problems than fixes. So what does one do? Bottling up your stress is not good for you.
When I am feeling stressed I tend to get more frequent headaches, feel sluggish, and have knots in my neck and back. Over time I have learned different techniques to manage my stress
8 Ways To Help Manage Stress
Exercise
I do this regularly.
Get Out of Your Head
I have been obsessing about the issue. I know I need to get out of my head.
Get Some Rest
I suffer from insomnia and with thoughts of this issue in my head my sleep is not great.
Visualize Calm
I try and it works, temporarily.
Take a bath
I do this regularly but still can't clear by my mind. The thoughts seem more intrusive in a quiet bath.
No Drinking or Smoking
I don't smoke but I actually think maybe a glass of wine in the bath would help.
Don't Ignore the Problem
Yep I have been doing that.
Don't Eat Feelings
Not much of an appetite actually.
Some situations are out of your hands and beyond your control. But for the issues that stress you out that you can deal with what do you do? Sometimes avoiding a stressful issue seems like a good idea, but not if it is creating mental and physical issues for you.
What would you do? Do you avoid problems or uncomfortable situations hoping they fix themselves or that they will just go away?
What's On Your Movie Replay List? Here Are My Top 10 Movies To Watch Over and Over
I am going to be honest, most of the movies on my list would not be deemed "Oscar" worthy. I like them because they are fun, funny, or evoke some emotion that takes me back to a special time, or place in my life.
Try not to be too judgey in your assessment of my list. Unless of course you are wiling to share your list as well and be judged.
Love Actually
I am a romantic at heart. As unrealistic as most of the storylines are, they are still sweet. And of course it's a great Christmas movie.
The Best Man
Umm Morris Chestnut, no other explanation needed.
It's Complicated
I am Meryl Streep fan, but in this particular movies she is almost living my dream life. She lives in a beautiful home in Santa Barbara, with an ocean view and a gorgeous garden. Plus she runs an awesome bakery/cafe. She has a great group of girlfriends, but the only thing missing is a mate. I would want to share that wonder life with someone.
Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion
So dumb it's hilarious. It always makes me think about my high school days. I think many people can relate to this movie in some way. Plus it has great 80's music.
So I Married An Axe Murderer
I start laughing just thinking about this movie. It's hilarious. Just give it a chance.
Lord of the Rings
I don't know what it is about these movies, but if I am puttering around the house on the weekend, one of the LOTR movies is likely to be on in the background in one of the rooms. I mean they are always on TNT or TBS, and they last for hours.
Harry Potter
HP movies are fun, entertaining, and family friendly. The girls and I can just cuddle up on the sectional, and watch any of the movies on a lazy day.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Who doesn't love Indiana Jones? Well ok Crystal Skull was a bust, but who doesn't love that theme music, and the sound of a whip cracking.
Grease
I know every song to Grease. I think every sleep over I ever went to we sang all of the songs. It's two hours of being silly and singing, maybe even dancing if you know the hand jive.
Inception
I find the concept brilliant, and I love the sound track. Hans Zimmer is amazing.
So there you have it. The top ten movies I watch the most, in no particular order, mainly because they relax me, or make me laugh. Think about the movies you watch the most. What keeps bringing you back to them?
How To Have A Relaxing Black Friday
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, and traditionally one of the biggest shopping days of the year, as it kicks off the Christmas shopping season. On Black Friday one can find some of the best deals of the year, but they can also find hoards of people ready to trounce all over them for a cheap television.
Needless to say, I no longer physically go out to the stores on Black Friday. I mean why would I, thanks to this thing called the Internet. Here’s how I spent my last Black Friday, and this upcoming one will be no different.
My last Black Friday was pretty lazy and uneventful. I have not braved the mall or shoppes in the wee hours in years. Don't get me wrong, I am not judging. I have just mastered the art of shopping from my iPad in bed.
I am an early riser, thanks mostly to my insomnia, so I am up early enough to catch the early bird specials online that they are also offering in stores. It's quite wonderful actually, with a mug of coffee in hand and the house still quiet.
Once the sun came up I went for a short walk, while the hubby headed to the golf course. Once hubby got back home we started breaking out all of the Christmas decorations and putting up the Christmas tree with the girls.
Yep, we have a 9.5-foot tall synthetic tree with lights already on it. It's really pretty. In the past I found the "real" Christmas tree experience to be overrated and not worth the hassle. But to each their own.
I was exhausted and sore from yesterday's events. So today I treated myself to a two-hour nap! I ate an early dinner of leftovers with the family and saw the hubby and kids off to the movies, and then I ran myself a bath.
While everyone is at the movies, I wrapped a few Christmas presents while alone in the house. The rest of the night was spent in bed catching up on my favorite Netflix shows.
How did you spend your Black Friday? Did you have to work? Did you shop until you dropped? Hopefully, it was everything you wanted it to be. Happy holidays!
What's Your Sign? I'm An Aries...
So I have never been one for astrology but one of my girlfriends' constant reference has peaked my interest. I have always known I was an Aries, which is a fire sign but that is about it. I figured I would do a little research on Aries and see how much seems to be in line with the person I really am.
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. Aries are leaders of the pack and first in line to get things done. Aries have excellent organizational skills and like to finish more things at once.
The negative is Aries are impatient, aggressive, and vent anger on others. Hmm so far this is eerily close to my personality traits.
The Aries women are fearless and natural leaders. Aries women are energetic, charismatic, dynamic, and love challenges and adventures. They are also extremely passionate and sexual, which makes her irresistible to the opposite sex. I think that last one is up for debate.
Since Aries is a fire sign, my greatest overall compatibility is with the Leo and Sagittarius, which are both fire signs as well. The best sign for marriage with an Aries is a Libra.
My hubby is a Gemini, which is listed as another compatible sign to consider for Aries. Tip for attracting an Aries woman. She craves love but wants to be in a position of control at all times.
Lastly, the strengths and weaknesses of the Aries. Aries are courageous, determined, confident, enthusiastic, optimistic, honest, passionate. Unfortunately the Aries is also impatient, moody, short-tempered, impulsive, and aggressive.
Well I think I am a believer and a poster child for Aries. What are your thoughts on zodiacs signs and their accuracy? Are you a believer? Please share your thoughts!
My Favorite Time of Year...
Fall has always been my favorite time of year. I love the crisp air, the slightly yellow tint of the sun, and beauty all around as the leaves began to change color. I love the baking, the decorating, and the soup making.
I hate having to resist all of the goodies everywhere but take comfort in being able to hide under an extra layer of clothes.
I plant lots of herbs as the air turns cooler and check daily for the sighting of sprouts. My efforts are usually rewarded around the fourteenth day. Pumpkins are being carved, goblins are on display, and zombie warning signs are going up.
Halloween arrives and small and big children prowl the night on the search for free candy, trading cuteness for chocolate. Will a chill in the air, and a smile on my face, I hand out candy as I admire all the cute and clever costumes.
October ends and on the hunt I go for the perfect turkey. I will the brine the turkey for at least twenty-four hours in a tried a true rosemary-garlic solution that will yield the tastiest, moistest turkey one could dream of.
Thanksgiving night our beautiful Christmas tree goes up. Tired yet content to sit on the sofa with the family to watch lights flicker on the tree and listen to the fire crackle in the fireplace.
December comes and the shopping frenzy begins, for most, but not me. I am an early shopper so most of my presents are wrapped and under the tree at this point. I enjoy evening walks around the neighborhood with the hubby and my girls, with thermos of tea in hand, to spy all of the wonderful Christmas decorations.
On Christmas Eve, technically into winter, we open stocking gifts and track Santa. There is a tinge of sadness in my heart because I know my favorite time of year is coming to an end all too soon.
Christmas morning comes with me sitting by a fire, sipping coffee, and watching the children and husband open their gifts. Although happy I still have to resist the urge to pout about how fast it is all coming to an end. I remind myself to be thankful for all of my good fortune.
Dinner will consist of sides and a yummy baked ham before heading off to the movies. We come home from the movies to a Christmas tree with no presents under it and trash bags full of wrapping paper. There’s a mess to clean up and l can’t wait to do it all over again next year.
It begins...
What do you during the fall? Do you have any fall or holiday traditions for you and your family? Please share your traditions or any suggestions!
What's Growing In Your Garden?
I love gardening. In fact there is always something growing in my backyard and window sills. I am not a beginner since I have mastered growing lettuce, parsley, basil, and rosemary. I am fortunate enough to always be able to go into my backyard for some fresh herbs.
Unfortunately I still struggle with growing tomatoes, which is a hit or miss process for me. I have grown as many tomatoes as tomatoes plants I have killed. I have had a lot of success growing cilantro in the past until I change the location for the planting, which was a bad idea. Currently I am back to growing cilantro in a well drained pot in full sun and having much success. I also have collards growing well in the garden but from past experience these are a favorite of rabbits. My husband rabbit proofed the yard and so far so good.
In my window sill I am trying a new technique of growing thyme, mint, and chives in mason jars. I lightly water daily and so far the thyme is growing well after three weeks. Nothing so far with the chives but I am not giving up hope yet. The mint is sprouting so maybe by the 4th of July the hubby and I will be sipping mojitos in the backyard from our home grown mint.
What's growing in your garden?
Cajun Paste...A Pantry Must Have!
This past winter, yes technically it's still Winter, but not for those of us living in So Cal, I discovered my new favorite thing...Cajun Paste. I was shopping at William-Sonoma for products to make my Thanksgiving and Christmas a little less labor intensive. I came across a product called Turkey Paste - Cajun Spice. I also purchased a yummy rosemary-garlic brine mix.
I mulled it over decided I wouldn't use the paste for the turkey for two reasons. The first being that I have a kids and worried it might be too spicy. The second was that Thanksgiving is too special of a day for me to risk screwing up the bird. I decided to start small. A nice cajun roasted chicken was the first test. The cajun paste jar is small but packed with flavor.
The direction suggest coating the bird inside and out, making sure to get under that breast skin, and allowing to marinade for about two hours. I roasted the chicken as normal and was rewarded with a delicious, flavorful bird. It was spicy so my youngest had a hotdog and green beans for dinner.
I started imagining all of the other uses for the paste. Next I added a teaspoon to home fried potatoes as they cooked for breakfast. Another hit with family. My best discover yet has been using the paste on seafood. Cajun baked tilapia is my new favorite thing. Spoon a teaspoon of cajun paste over each fillet and bake for about 23-25 minutes depending size of pieces at 400 degrees. So yummy!
Another great recipe is cajun shrimp. Toss about a pound of shelled shrimp with 2 tablespoons of paste and lay out on baking sheet. In a 350 degree oven, bake for about 10 minutes.
I have no affiliation with William-Sonoma, but I just wanted to pass on a great find. And psst, I'll tell you a little secret. I have figured out how to make my own, and it tastes just as good, if not better!
The Movie Theatre Experience...Do You Still Enjoy Going?
Times have changed when it comes to the big screen experience. Prices have gone up like crazy for the tickets and do not even get me started on the concession stand prices. I mean $12 for a bucket of popcorn, seriously.
And despite all of the lecturing promos about talking excessively and cellphones use during the movie people still do what they want without any consideration to you.
Why bother going? Why not invest in a nice size television, a surround system, and a comfy recliner. It would probably save you lots of money in the long run. You can buy the DVD, rent from Red Box, or subscribe to Amazon Instant Video, which I love.
You can eat what you want and the bathrooms are always to your liking. Plus movies go from the theatre to DVD in a matter of months now.
Having said all of that I still love going to the movies. Some movies are a must see at the theatre. Nothing really beats to movie going experience but it is pricey, particularly for a family of 4. I have some recommendation for saving you some money.
First I always go the AMC theatre at the mall near my house, so I purchased the AMC Stubs card. The card is $12 a year and pays for itself during the summer block bluster months. You earn money/points on the card when you purchase tickets or buy at the concession. Not only do I earn $10 every couple of visits, I can upgrade my drinks and popcorn for free. Pay for a small and get a medium. Another recommendation is preparation.
I head to Target before a movie trip. Target carries movie theatre size candies for about $1, which will save you about $3 per candy item. Lastly, I always bring a bottle of water in my purse. I refuse to pay $4 for something that is practically free.
Share your tips for saving at the movies.