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I love storytelling and always want my readers to have options. You can find my blogs on my YouTube channel and listen to them on the go.
Twilight Zone...Do You Ever Ask Yourself, "Is This Really Happening"?
Life is so odd at times. Or just maybe my odd is someone else's norm. But I must confess, I feel more often than not as if I have stepped into an alternate reality. Some individual's behaviors seem so strange as of late that I question "is this really happening?". Did they just do, or say what I think they did?
Do you know what the real twilight zone is? The true twilight zone exists in the ocean. It is the middle layer of the world's ocean that receives faint, filtered light. It is not black like the midnight zone, but there is darkness. My twilight zone moments are not black, but definitely a little gray and hazy.
I imagine that when you read the title to this blog your thoughts immediately went to the Rod Serling's television show, "The Twilight Zone". You were correct to make that assumption. This blog is definitely inspired by the series that always consisted of the oddity, creepiness, and most of all, irony. Nothing was ever as it appeared to be.
Last year, my girls and I made it a nightly routine to watch at least one episode of The Twilight Zone. It was, and still is, on Netflix. They loved the old timey feel, because well they were made over 50 years ago, and my girls are kids, and everything seems old and ancient. They loved the twists at the end, and trying to guess what was really happening. Real life, and people's behavior are a little more unpredictable, and sometimes not so much.
I recommend watching The Twilight Zone whenever you can.
Top 10 Twilight Zone Episodes:
Third From the Sun
Time Enough At Last
The Hitch-Hiker
The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street
Elegy
Mirror Image
The Dummy
Living Doll
Queen of the Nile
The Bewitchin Pool
The Twilight Zone is supposed to be an escape from reality, but what happens when reality is stranger than fiction? We seem to be living in strange times, or is it just me? You decide.
To Be Organic Or Not To Be...Is Buying Organic Worth The Cost?
I must say that the word organic has a nice ring to it. It makes me think natural and healthy, but unfortunately it also makes me think expensive. The cost of organic fruits and vegetables are nearly double that of the chemically soaked others.
So I guess the question is "is it worth it to buy organic?" I think the answer is both yes and no.
Is Organic Food Worth The Cost?
I have researched and read many articles that discussed the value, both monetarily and health wise in buying organic.
It basically comes down to being worth the cost if you are purchasing fruits with thin skins, such as tomatoes and peaches, because the pesticides and chemicals are more likely to penetrate the fruit. But not worth it for the likes of banana or melons with thicker skins.
Watermelon Slices
I grow my own tomatoes, so I guess I am safe there, but I have also started buying free range, cage free organic eggs. These eggs are nearly triple the price of your typical dozen, but I feel good about "possibly" supporting a more humane existence for the chickens. I am also in processing of preparing to raise my own chickens for eggs.
I buy organic when possible, but I definitely have my concerns, or should I say trust issues. How do I know that these products are truly what they say they are. How do I know these chicken were not kept in cages, or fed hormones and chemically tainted feed. How do I know the grapes I just paid $7 for are truly organic?
I suppose I will never know for certain if a product is truly organic, but I will take all of precautions that I can. I can do things such as thoroughly washing fruits and veggies before use, buying locally grown produce, and growing any fruits or vegetables that I can.
Also I can go to Certified Farmer's Markets, and buy directly from organic farmers.
What are your thoughts on organics products? Do you buy organic food? Do you buy other organic materials such as towels and sheets?
5 Signs It’s Time To Set Boundaries In Your Relationship
Boundaries are limits that define acceptable behavior. These limits apply very much so to relationships. In fact, perhaps boundaries in our personal, romantic relationships are the most important ones to set.
We often become comfortable, maybe too comfortable, in our relationships, and we can forget how to treat our partners.
I see boundaries as being about trust and respect. Boundaries apply to everyone, whether you are the male or female in your relationship, or you are a same sex couple. Read the below boundary breakers, and ask yourself if you are doing any of these, or if they are being done to you. If they apply, ask yourself if you are okay with the status quo of your relationship.
The 5 Signs You Need To Set Boundaries
They Interrupt
Whether it's a work call, or your candle party, they interrupt with non-urgent issues. This is a disrespectful power play, and it is a boundary issue. While they think they are marking their territory with you, what they are really doing is putting their lack of respect for you on full display for co-workers, friends, and family.
Respect yourself enough to set boundaries.
They Track and Spy
Everyone, even those in relationships, are entitled to some privacy. They will disguise it as worry for your safety, but it is really about controlling you. Needing to know where another adult is every second of the day, who is supposed to be a partner and equal, is a boundary issue.
In addition to tracking and spying being about control, it is also about a lack of trust and respect in the relationship. The boundary issue is unhealthy and needs to be addressed.
They Smother
Alone time is important, as is time with others outside of your relationship. If your significant other makes you feel guilty for doing things, or wanting to do things, without them, you have a boundary problem.
If they do not respect your need or desire for alone time, or to occasionally do things without, they have serious boundary issues.
Always About Them
Does just about everything you do as a couple revolve around their wants? Do you get input? Do you try to give input but always seem to get shot down? You are paying for half the trip, but get none of the say. These are boundary issues. Your voice is not heard, and your opinion is not valued. Set the expectation.
They Treat You Disrespectfully
Are things said to you by your significant other that you would be ashamed if your family or friends ever overheard or knew about? That is a boundary issue. Many things go on between couples, but verbal and emotional abuse should not be tolerated.
Hands are not the only way to beat a person down. Set boundaries, stand up for yourself, and tell them to never speak to you like that again.
Relationships are work, but I believe too many people spend far too much time ignoring problems that can be fixed, such as boundary breaking. They spend too much time hoping things will turn around, while not facing problems head on. And unfortunately, they spend too much time working on relationships that are beyond repair, or that was never going to work at all.
What are your thoughts? These are just my opinions, and I know everybody has one. Please share your story or experience!
“When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated. This is why we sometimes attack who they are, which is far more hurtful than addressing a behavior or a choice.” - Brene Brown
New Year, New Resolutions...Maybe? Will There Be A New You In 2018?
Honestly I have not made a New Year's resolution in years. I find them pointless, and a pre-destined failure of sorts. Don't get me wrong, I am all about changing for the better and being the best me I can be. I don't know, maybe it is the rebel in me, but I refuse to make January 1st of any year my pivotal point. My day of instant epiphany, self-discipline, and yes, self-righteousness. Why any particular day to change, to do better, to be better? Procrastination maybe? Just a few more cheat days, weeks, or months if you start on the first of the year?
Personally I am always working on losing weight, getting healthier, giving more, learning more, and striving to be a better wife, mother, and friend. Would I have more success if I made a New Year's resolution? Not likely for me, but if it works for you go for it. I am currently in a highly motivated zone. After I turned forty, I told myself that I would become the best version of me yet. I am still a work in progress, but I have 10 years, right? Well 8 years now, but who's counting.
Here are the top resolutions people made for 2017. I am betting you will recognize yours.
Lose Weight/Eat Healthy
Self Improvement
Better Financial Decisions
Quit Smoking
Do More Exciting Things
Spend More Time With Family/Close Friends
Work Out More
Learn Something New On My Own
Do More For Others
Find The Love Of My Life
The resolutions list is the perfect starter to-do list for having a great life. Did you make a resolution? Do you always make resolutions? Statistics show 42% of people never make resolutions. Either way, I hope 2018 is your best year yet.
Cyberstalking...Are You Guilty Of Internet Stalking?
The thought of cyberstalking sounds insanely creepy. The concept of stalking period is creepy. One usually stalks with the intent to catch eventually, right? Like an animal in the wild, watching its prey, learning its patterns, and waiting for the right moment to strike.
After all, timing is everything.
Human beings are not much different than animals in the wild. We all carry with us some basic, predatory instincts. It is our nature. Humans are also curious creatures, which can lead us to some "light" cyberstalking.
Maybe you are curious about your high school boyfriend? Wondering how he's looking these days? Maybe you start peeking at his Facebook, and Instagram postings.
You debate messaging him, but you don't. Instead you slowly gather intel about him from the Internet. Is this stalking? Some might say so, but you believe it's harmless. Others might say you are just being smart in finding out everything you can before initiating contact.
In all seriousness, cyberstalking is a growing problem. There is so much information readily available on the Internet, and then you add in social media, and we are all very exposed. True cyberstalking is a crime, and involves harassing and stalking someone through email, instant messaging, and social media. But let's be honest, even if you never make contact, deep down you know you are being a little creepy.
I admit that I have definitely looked at an exes online info. Can you blame me? If I were in the dating market, a guy would be smart to go through, and read my blogs. He would learn a lot about my likes and dislikes, and more importantly, he would learn the fastest way to my heart.
It is smart, strategic, and maybe gives an upper hand to learn everything we can about someone in advance. I always hope for authenticity in people, but I know to a degree, that I'm forever vulnerable because of my blogs. My choice, and I own it.
Here are some things you should not be doing as part of your Internet surveillance. If you are, stop it now. You are being creepy, and possibly breaking laws!
Trying to hack your love interests social media accounts
Creating fake accounts to friend and view their activity
Impersonating them online
Sending numerous emails, direct messages, or invites, including from the fake accounts
You are letting your interaction, or lack of interaction, with your interest via social media affect you emotionally and mentally
The truth is, we have now become a society of over-sharers and voyeurs. Which are you? Do you consider yourself a bit of a cyberstalker? If you are, what do you hope to gain from it? Nothing, some sort of advantage, or someone's heart? I hope you at least know why you are doing it. I suppose sheer curiosity is always a possibility.
Body Language...Can You Tell What He Is Thinking?
Positive body language between couple
Ok, so technically I am no body language expert, but I find it interesting and have done lots of reading on the topic. I feel pretty confident in my abilities to regurgitate, I mean share, the the info I found.
I believe if we are honest with ourselves we can admit that we spend quite a bit of time hiding our true thoughts and feelings. We hide our annoyance when we are in the check out line behind someone paying with a check, or how much we dislike our boss, or even how much we like the new guy or girl at work.
I bet you think you have it all figured out, right? You play it cool and try keep your face emotionless when your jerk boss tasks you with something they should be doing. Or the girl you are crushing on is sitting across from you in a meeting.
How do you hide your feelings? You can't, not if your boss or crush know how to read body language.
I have an expressive face so my irritation, anger, and annoyance are rarely disguised. I think I am much better at hiding my other thoughts and feelings. I hide my fear and anxiety really well. I have also been really good at hiding my attraction for certain men in the past. At least I think so.
Experts would say I had telltale signs that gave me away, of course if they knew what to look for. The eyes say it all. They will dilate to take in more of the one they are attracted to.
There is no all encompassing list of signs your body will exhibit with any one particular emotion, but the below lists have been shown to accurately predict ones true intent or feelings.
Here are signs you might exhibit if you dislike someone:
Not facing them when they talk to you
False smiles
Very little eye contact
Keeping a large distance
Yawning
Side stepping while talking to them (you want to leave)
Touching your nose
Here are signs you might be angry or hostile:
Balled fists
Pupil contraction
Running fingers through hair
Compressed or whitened lips
Crossing arms
Rapid speech
Intense glare
Shaking
Redness in face
Here are some signs you might exhibit if in the presence of someone you are crushing on or secretly in love with:
Lots of eye contact
Mirroring behavior
Gesture on appearance such as fixing tie, socks, or hair
Great posture, straightens up when in their presence
Is fidgety, and plays with things such as buttons or a pen
Touches face a lot out of nervousness
Plays with round objects in presence (this one is about sexual attraction and breasts)
Dilated eyes because they like what they are looking at
Feet point towards them, in order to keep them in your line of sight
Feeling vulnerable yet? I am. We all wear masks sometimes, often in the workplace. But our bodies betray us because research shows that whatever we are feeling shows up on our body first, not our conscious mind. Once our mind becomes aware we can put on that fake smile or look of interest.
Don't worry, sometimes people need to know how you really feel.
5 Signs It’s Time To Set Boundaries In Your Friendship...
Boundaries are an important part of any relationship. If you do not set boundaries with those in your life, then you are not respecting your yourself, or requiring that they respect you either. Often times we recognize when our friendships have veered off course, and perhaps new boundaries need to be set, but we may find it difficult to take the necessary corrective steps.
The first step with boundaries, is recognizing when you need to set them.
5 Signs That It Is Time To Set Boundaries With Your Friends
They Don't Respect Your Time
This is the friend that believes all of your free time is theirs to do with as they please. You had a long, exhausting week, and all you want to do is hibernate all weekend. But without even calling, your friend shows up, with bag in hand, declaring she's spending the weekend. A boundary is needed with this friend.
It's Always A Competition
I don't believe in competing with my friends, and I don't believe in having frenemies in my life. If your friend is always trying to one up you, it is time for a talk, and to set boundaries.
They Are Emotionally Draining
Yes, friends are supposed to be there for each other, and listen to one another. But you are not supposed to be their therapist, and it cannot be about them, and their problems all of the time. If it feels like you are always on the phone with your friend dealing with one of his or her crises, it is time to set a boundary.
They Take Advantage of You
Your friend knows you will help anyone. She needs help moving, you are there. She needs a ride to the airport, of course you will take her. The problem is, this friend is always unable to reciprocate, and is taking advantage of your kindness.
It is time to set boundaries with this friend. You can say no sometimes, and still be a good person.
They Hurt Your Feelings
Whether it's a comment about your looks or your intelligence, your friend takes digs at you. And the worse part is you feel it is done intentionally to hurt and belittle. This goes back to competing. Set the boundary, and let them know that put downs are not acceptable to you.
Relationships, whether they are romantic or friendship, are complicated. It is boils down to two individuals trying to get what they want and need out of a relationship. Sometimes they may, or may not be, taking the other persons feelings into consideration, while doing so. This is why we have to speak up.
I am a firm believer that we show people how to treat us. If you set no standard for how you are to be treated, then they will treat you accordingly. - Charlene Eckstein
5 Beauty Tips For Fighting Dry Skin In the Winter
Winter months and cold weather tends to wreak havoc on our skin. The harsh weather can leave our skin feeling dry, rough, and itchy. To make matters worse, we get to add the unattractive, crackled, prematurely aged skin look that no one is super happy about.
The good news is that with a fews simple tricks you can minimize, or even completely avoid the pitfalls of cold, dry weather. Every women needs a beauty routine, and that routine needs to be adjusted based on weather, climate, and even age. Here are my tips for fighting that winter dry skin.
5 Beauty Tips To Fight Dry Skin
Add Some Humidity - Humidifiers are not just for when you have a cold or flu. Winter weather is very dry. I recommend running a humidifier in your room at night, or at least a few nights a week. It will add some much needed hydration, and help replenish your skin.
Take Warm, Not Hot Showers - Really hot water dries your skin out. Reduce the temp, and you will not dry your skin out as much. The steam from the shower will help lock in moisture from you skin's natural oils, so close that bathroom door for a nice steam.
Moisturize - It is important to adjust your beauty routine as the weather changes. In winter months, my face cream is thicker, and more moisturizing. For the body I recommend coconut oil. Specifically for hands and feet, I suggest adding a nice layer of coconut oil to your hands and feet, and wearing booties and mittens for at least an hour. Do this overnight if possible. Your hands and feet will be so soft. Also try using coconut oil for your hair and scalp. It is wonderful.
Hydrate - Drinking lots of water is important to your winter skin. Your skin is drying out due to lack of moisture in the air, so you need to hydrate it from within. You can also hydrate by eating water rich foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, grapefruits, and lettuce.
Avoid The Cold Wind - Winter is coming, or so they say. Seasons will change, and cooler weather will come no matter. The best thing you can do for your skin in colder months is to stay out of the cold weather, if possible. Just remember that if you must venture out, be sure to wear sunscreen (yes even in winter months), sunglasses, a hat, and a scarf too.
Like all other beauty tips and tricks, consistency is key. Moisturizing occasionally is not going to cut it. Dry skin can increase wrinkles, and nobody wants that. Take care of that skin, and get your winter beauty routine going.
What do you do to combat winter dry skin? Or do you keep same the same beauty routine all year long? Just please tell me that you at least have a routine... Please share!
I'm A Home Chef But Gasp...Sometimes I Get Takeout! Can I Eat Fast Food, and Still Be Healthy?
The words fast food and healthy do not usually go together, but can they? Is it possible to enjoy fast food without loading up on fat, and sodium, and sugar? I think the answer is yes. Many fast food chains offer healthy, low calorie options, but that is not usually what we are there for. Just like many Americans I love french fries and burgers, but I also love a great salad, turkey sandwich, or a tasty soup.
At Wendy's you can get a half size caesar side salad for 250 calories, and you can add a small chili for another 180 calories. That's not bad and is actually really filling. Or you can grab some Panera Bread for breakfast, and have their breakfast power sandwich, which is delicious, for just 340 calories. Go back for lunch and get their cream of chicken wild Rice soup for 310 calories. You can view all of Panera Bread's nutritional values at panerabread.com. I recommend doing this for all restaurants before eating out.
Panera Bread Power Breakfast Sandwich
Don't get me wrong, I love cooking, and taking leftovers for lunch. But sometimes there are no leftovers from the night before, or I am craving something different. It is nice to know that I can get fast food, and have somewhat healthy options. Now, whether or not I am choosing the healthy options is between me, and my scale. I would also like to add the caveat that low calorie doesn't necessarily mean healthy. Don't forget to look at the fat, sugar, and sodium content.
Let's be honest, it is always healthiest to cook at home. You can control the fat and sodium content that goes into your food. But in our busy lives sometimes we go for what is fast and convenient. I don't believe that means we have to sacrifice healthy food choices.
When you go fast food, do you go healthy? Do you never have fast food? Or do you just say to hell with it, and get whatever you want?
Any Morning Breakfast Bake Recipe...Make Ahead The Night Before
If you are like me, then you love a breakfast bake. Breakfast bakes are yummy, filling, and a crowd pleaser. I make some version of a breakfast bake every major holiday morning or long weekend. I prepare my any morning bake the night before, and pop it in the oven on the morning of, while family is still sleeping.
The great thing about the breakfast bake is that the ingredients are simple, and can be versatile. I have so many versions of this one recipe. You cannot go wrong. The one constant is eggs. Everything else is negotiable, based on what you have in your fridge or pantry. You can make it a veggie bake, or a meat lovers. You can use bread or potatoes. Choose ingredients based on what works for your crowd.
Here is this year's Any Morning Breakfast Bake Recipe...
Ingredients
- 8 eggs
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 6 slices sourdough bread, cubed
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage
- 4 bacon strips
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Directions
- Lightly spray 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- On medium heat, crumble and cook sausage in skillet until brown. Drain excess grease from sausage.
- Pan fry or cook bacon on microwave safe plate until crispy. Allow bacon to cool, and crumble in with sausage.
- In a large bowl beat together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once beaten, add in half the cheese.
- Add cubed bread to baking dish, and top with sausage and bacon crumbles, and half of the chopped green onions. Pour the egg mixture evenly into the baking dish, and top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil, and refigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and cook for 60 minutes covered. Remove aluminum foil, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bake is firm.
- Garnish with the remaining green onions and serve.
That's it! Pretty simple right? Feel free to add your own twist to this classic. I suggest serving with a side of fruit and mimosas.