Archive for January, 2008

Addicted to Candles

Monday, January 28th, 2008

Angel Whispers

I love the little fragranced votive candles in glass jars. I tried a new fragrance over the weekend and this is now my favorite: Angel Whispers. I know this sounds corny, but it truly smells heavenly.

One of my girlfriends hosted a candle party last year and I picked up these tips to share.

Tips for Better Candle Burning

  • For best performance, burn 2 to 4 hours at a time. This will maximize the life of your candle.
  • Wick maintenance is key for perfect burning. Trim the wick to 1/4″ each time before you burn, and be sure to remove any wick debris in the candle before lighting.
  • Do not touch, lift or move a burning candle. Wait until the wax has cooled and hardened before touching a candle.
  • For optimal performance, keep burning candles away from drafts, vents and air currents.
  • Candle wax can be temperature sensitive. For best performance, do not expose candles to extreme high or low temperatures.
  • For safety, candles are designed to stop burning when 1/4″  to 1/2″ of wax remains. 
  • Candles will fade if left in light for an extended period of time. It is best to keep them out of direct sunlight.
  • Always use a heat-resistant, sturdy candleholder specifically designed for candle use. Be sure the candleholder is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Never place flammable materials, such as dry leaves or paper, near a candle.
  • Never burn candles unattended. Do not place lit candles where they can be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else.

Superbowl Chili Mac

Monday, January 28th, 2008

Chilimac

My favorite recipe for quick chili mac – only takes 20 minutes to fix!

Ingredients

  1. 1 (7.25 ounce) box Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
  2. 1 pound extra lean ground beef
  3. 1 tablespoon chili powder
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  5. 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, don’t drain!
  6. 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
  7. 1/3 cup Sour Cream
  8. 1/3 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

 Preparation

  1. Prepare macaroni and cheese as directed on package.
  2. Brown meat with chili powder and cumin in large nonstick skillet on medium heat.
  3. Add tomatoes with their liquid and the beans; simmer 3 min., stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in prepared macaroni and cheese; cook 3 to 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
  5. Spoon into bowls and top with sour cream and cheese.

Local young man gets slap on hand for passing a school bus and running over 5 year old girl

Sunday, January 27th, 2008

I was shocked to read in a local newspaper, about the lenient sentencing of a 20 year old man who passed a stopped school bus unloading children and actually struck a 5 year old girl.    He was convicted of a misdemeanor, given a lenient sentence, most of it suspended, the remainder mostly community service, a 6 month license suspension and a $1,000 fine.  Here is the link to the story:

http://www.starexponent.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CSE/MGArticle/CSE_MGArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173354352937

Immediately after sentencing, he appealed the guilty verdict!

I am shocked and appalled, wonder exactly how influential this young man’s family IS?

Man Braves Freezing Weather

Sunday, January 27th, 2008

With night coming and temperatures dropping, this man was forced to leave his wife at the Wal-Mart entrance with their groceries and set out alone for the car.

Brave Man

 

My son can cook!

Sunday, January 27th, 2008

Maybe cabin fever is getting to all of us. The weather has been so bad the past two weeks, and I’ve been sick for half of that.

So imagine my surprise when I didn’t have to cook dinner today – my son did it all and it was delicious! What a nice treat – I could get used to this!