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Ideas, insights and inspiration for busy people on the go Friday, February 11, 2005 |
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Editor’s Scribbles
Valentine’s Day is 72 hours away. The clock is ticking. The pressure is on to get out there and pick out a gift, make a dinner reservation, splurge on sweet nothings. Have you made plans yet? I won’t be. I’m not celebrating. I used to until it started getting too commercialized.
The meaning of love has gotten lost amidst the diamonds, dinners and double chocolate. Can you imagine something as powerful as love held back for just this one day in a year? I say, celebrate it every day! Tell someone you love them now. Hug them now. Appreciate them now. Don’t wait for February 14, it only rolls around once a year (LOL). If you do, you’re missing out on 364 other glorious opportunities!
Spending Valentine’s alone this year? No big deal, there’s lots you can do. Today we give you some brilliant selfless ways on how you can share the spirit of love. If all else fails and you’re still feeling left out, make yourself a bowl of piping hot French Onion Soup. Food for the soul!
Before I go, just one last thing. If you’re a netpreneur, I’m offering you a chance to promote your business at a very special price. Go here now for details.
We really appreciate having you with us. Here’s wishing you love, joy and a great week ahead. Ciao for now.
Kit Editor/Publisher Website: http://MinuteChaser.Go-GetGlobal.com Email: chaser@go-getglobal.com
Brainwave 12 Ideas for Valentine's Day If You're Not Part of a Couple
by Susan Dunn, MA, Life Coach
When we think of Valentine's Day, we tend to think of two lovers celebrating together. If you aren't paired at this time, don't let yourself get left out! Here are 14 great ways to celebrate Valentine's Day YOUR way.
1. Celebrate with a child!
If you don't have one, borrow one! Invite your niece over for an afternoon of tea with tiaras and tutus, making Valentines, and reading Valentine's books. Got a boy in your life? How about some slap-jack or Pente, video games and a candle-lit dinner with fondue - to keep those hands busy! Nice red catsup is good enough for the sauce!
2. Give a party at a children's shelter.
The Volunteer Director is trained to help you! Simple refreshments, favors, plan a game, tie-dye t-shirts, crafts, play the piano and sing. It's the thought and the companionship that count. Games? Play musical chairs, tying big red bows to the front of the chairs. Pin the Lips on Ms. Valentine - draw "her" on posterboard - use moving eyes, false eyelashes and pipe cleaners for hair. Put each kid's name on a pair of red lips cut out of construction paper with tape on back. Blindfold them with a Valentine scarf and proceed! Valentine Bingo - make bingo cards with February-theme items: groundhogs, Presidents Lincoln and Washington, candy, hearts, doves, lovers, Valentines, etc. Serve "Love Potion" for the beverage.
3. Make it a special day for someone in a retirement or nursing home.
Put on that bright red sweater and your Valentine tie, scarf, or suspenders (http://store.yahoo.com/tiebar2/valentineday.html ) and head on over! You will be SO WELCOME. One friend of mine takes something he bakes called Terribly Naughty. I believe it has pecans, peanut butter, chocolate morsels, marshmallows, butterscotch pieces, pure butter, at least a pound of sugar, and brandy in it. You could also make the Ultimate Killer Cookie of All Time. He's very popular! 'All My Lovin'" and other Valentine's braces available here: http://www.rainbowconnection.com/index.php/cPath/22_71 .
4. Have friends of all ages over for a Valentine's Party.
Sing love songs, watch a video, make an outrageously beautiful buffet spread. Have everyone bring a grab bag gift. Have a poetry contest. Here's a list of Romantic songs: http://www.inspirationpoint.com/ipmusic.htm .
5. Call up your son and daughter-in-law and tell them you're coming for the weekend to take care of the kids so they can go celebrate.
Pack the parents off, and then bake Valentine's cookies with the kids and have a red dinner - red jello hearts, heart-shaped pasta with tomato sauce or heart-shaped pizza, Hawaiian punch and cinnamon hearts in hot cocoa. "Willie Wonka" video, everyone gets in the big bed with Nana, snuggle-time, dogs included. Woo hoo!
6. Celebrate with your animal companion.
There's no more reliable source of love in our lives. Bake some homemade dog biscuits (http://www.gurney.co.uk/pads/bone.htm ) . Take your dog for a special outing, and on the way, drop off your treats at the local animal shelter. Or take your animal companion with you to a nursing home or convalescent center. Many facilities are making this opportunity available for their guests. You can deck your dog, cat, ferret or rabbit in a festive Valentine scarf - http://www.pet-bandanas.com/valentines-bandanas.htm - for the occasion. Valentine's sweaters, vests, ties, bows, boas! And anything else you need for your little furry friend - http://www.cosettescloset.com/valwear.html .
7. Enjoy the day helping others.
A local place of worship might be building a house for Habitat or going Valentine caroling at a housing project. If not, why not? If not you, who? Organize something with your civic group, singles group or Sunday School class. If the New York Giants can do it, so can you. They visited patients in Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian on Valentine's Day.
8. Book a Valentine cruise on the Costa cruise line and dance the nights away.
Be a gentleman host, or dance with one! Gentlemen dance hosts "work" from 8 pm to 1 am every night, visiting with and dancing with women cruise guests. Great vacation for singles! Gentleman, don't forget your red cummerbund and bowtie (http://store.yahoo.com/tiebar2/solcolcumbow.html ).
Wait til the last minute when the rates go down really low.
9. Have the girls over for a Valentine Day Brunch.
Make pancakes and fried eggs shaped like hearts, serve with strawberry syrup, fresh strawberries, some nice crisp bacon, strawberry daiquiris and nice hot tea. Yum! Set a terminally romantic buffet table and fill the DR ceiling with pink and/or red helium balloons.
10. Check for special events in your town. A special Valentine pops concert perhaps? Or get away for the weekend and see some great art. Bath House Center in Dallas, Texas, has an annual February exhibit called "El Corazon," "the heart." The Utah Symphony will be presenting a Valentine Symphony concert February 11 and 12.
11. Try something zany. The Embassy Suites, Richmond, Va. offers the King's Dominion Package - 2-room suite, breakfast, reception, indoor pool and Jacuzzi and 2 adult tickets to go ride that roller coaster! There's more than one way to 'lose your heart' on Valentine's Day.
Or check out the Winter-storm adventure Ancient Cedars Spa, Vancouver Island at the Wickannish Inn, situated on a rocky promontory at the westernmost point of Chesterman Beach, at the gateway to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (http://www.wickinn.com/Frames/HPfrm.htm ). Enjoy the spectacle of 20' waves pounding the coast from your room with ocean view, deep soaker tub, and fireplace for optimum viewing. All spa amenities, epicurean dining and "the storm-watching experience". Slickers provided. Bring along some friends, your pet, and/or a good book!
12. Feed your heart! Curl up with a good book. Read a super sappy and sentimental romance, or read about love itself -- "A General Theory of Love" is written by three doctors, one of whom writes like a poet). ----- About the author: ©Susan Dunn, MA, Life Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . Susan is the author of "Midlife Dating Survival Manual for Women," and offers coaching, Internet courses and ebooks for your personal and professional development. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for free ezine.
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Modern Living Choice and Change by Clyde Dennis OK, so here we are. We've switched the calendars out and made our resolutions. Now it's time to set about the process of making those changes we've resolved to make. You haven't forgotten already have you? I heard you say this year I'm going to... stop smoking, exercise more, take a few night classes, start saving for retirement, eat healthier, cut my alcohol intake by 50%, get more rest and on and on and on. Choices to change. I applaud you for living consciously enough to even realize that some changes might be good. Unfortunately there are those who don't dare think that on any given day, we can in any way we choose change anything or everything about ourselves and thus our lives. It seems we've somehow been coerced into believing major portions of the course of our lives are set in stone and are therefore unchangeable. This of course could not be further from the truth. On any day we wish we can open a new book for reading or start writing a new and exciting chapter of our own, in our own. We can stretch ourselves to meet new challenges, or we can choose to shrink away from them. At will we can turn old friends new again, and new friends old. We can move up, or we can move on. The choices that we can and must make are essentially endless. What we must not loose sight of is that these things are in fact CHOICES. And even more importantly we must realize it's through these choices that our history is being continually written. We also of course have the choice and option of exercising our choice not to choose. I call this the choice of mediocrity. This tag because not to choose is still a choice made. It's just allowing the choice to be made for you rather than by you. A very mediocre way to live. It's choosing to pretend to be alive rather than going ahead and doing it. I can't imagine though why someone would CHOOSE mediocrity. I Guess it's a comfort thing? I mean what the heck, we're here anyway. May as well do the thing. Right? Anyway, not to get sidetracked... If things aren't the way you want them to be the first thing you must do is choose to do something different from what you're currently doing. My personal philosophy on this one is if things aren't working, ANY other course of action is better. Figuring it's already not working so I can't break it. It's already broken. We have both the ability and the responsibility to make conscious decisions and choices. What I'm suggesting is that you resolve to be the driver in your life rather than a passenger. You wouldn't set the cruise control on your car and just let it take you where ever it ends up would you? Don't do it with your life. We must not allow errors in judgment to be repeated every day. If you want things to be different at some point you must resolve to do some things differently. After all, What is the definition of insanity? Doing the same things you've always done expecting to get different results. It's up to you to make the choices that bring the things you want into your life. Whether it be peace, love, happiness or whatever. You must realize there are definite things you can do to bring these things to you. Two things are always happening. You're always making choices, and these choices are always changing your world. The question is-- Are you going to allow the things that change today in your life to be random events, or are you going to exercise your freedom to choose your changes? Either way, one thing is for sure... A change is certainly going to come. Have a nice week. Live some. Love some. Learn some. Everyday. ----- About the author: Clyde Dennis, a.k.a. "Mr. How-To" has been writing and publishing Articles and Newsletters online since 1999. Clyde's company EASYHow-To Publications provides "How-To" information on How-To do, be or have just about anything one can imagine. For more information visit http://www.EASYHow-To.com. Email correspondence for Clyde should be sent to: cdennis at easyhow-to.com
Offpeak Hours Authentic French Onion Soup
By Charlie Burke
Many variations of onion soup are served, but the best, I believe, are true to the traditions of the bistros in Paris neighborhoods. Certainly, each kitchen has its own preferences (and we will offer options as well), but each preparation requires following a few essential steps - slow and thorough browning of the onions, simmering the broth and onions sufficiently to allow full flavor to develop and, finally, time in the oven to intensify these flavors.
Although total preparation time is two hour or so, only the initial browning requires close attention. The soup can be made a day or two ahead, then reheated and baked just before serving. The results are worth the effort when compared to the pale onions and thin flavors which disappear under a thick layer of cheese in more common recipes.
For 6 - 8 servings:
6 large yellow onions, thinly sliced 2½ tablespoons olive oil 1 cup white wine (optional) 2 quarts chicken broth, beef broth or water Sea salt and freshly ground pepper 6-8 slices French bread 1½ cups grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese or a mixture of either with Parmesan cheese ¼ cup Cognac, dry Madeira or sherry (optional)
Place a thick- bottomed pot (4 quart) over medium heat and
Add white wine and boil down until it is nearly evaporated. Add broth or water and bring to a simmer over medium heat, then turn down to low and simmer partially covered for 45 minutes. While soup is simmering, place bread slices on a sheet and place into a preheated 325-335 degree oven until toasted golden brown.
To serve, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Taste the broth and add salt and pepper to taste (little or no added salt may be necessary if canned broth was used). Add the ¼ cup of Cognac or other spirits, if using, and ladle soup into oven-proof bowls. Place a slice of bread into each bowl and divide the cheese among the bowls. Place a sheet pan into the oven and place soup bowls into pan. Bake until bubbling and cheese is slightly browned (20 -30 minutes).
Variations: If water is used, a lighter broth results, and highlights the rich onion flavor. Chicken stock adds depth to the soup, while beef broth produces the darkest, most dense version. Try them all and consider using half water and half broth. If you wish to avoid the cheese and bread, simmer the soup 5
----- About the author: An organic farmer and avid cook, writer Charlie Burke is the vice president of the New Hampshire Farmer's Market Association (www.nhfma.org). His column & recipes appear weekly in The Heart of New England's newsletter... get a free subscription by sending a blank email to: heartofnewengland-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit www.TheHeartofNewEngland.com
Over Coffee
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Send your answer and 3x60 text ad to me here. Only one entry per subscriber please.
One correct entry will be drawn at random on February 28, 2005. Winner will be announced in the first issue of March. Winner’s ad will be posted at the Global Mall for one week.
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IN THIS ISSUE Editor’s Scribbles Brainwave 12 Ideas for Valentine’s Day if You’re Not Part of a Couple Featured Sponsors Find stuff you need Modern Living Choice and Change Offpeak Hours Authentic French Onion Soup Co-op Ads Over Coffee Jump into our Birthday Contest and Win free advertising!
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