Thursday HBR ~ Loving You Series by Thumper

Relax
10 Date Night Ideas Under $15
Keep spending to a minimum and fun to a maximum with these recession-proof date night ideas!

1. Fiesta Night
The Nest staffer Lauren has this weird dream of wearing a sombrero with chips around the brim and salsa in a bowl on the top. We'll just ignore that and offer you this idea for some delicious and calienté amusement.

Novelty sombreros: $10
Chips and salsa: $5
Doing the Mexican Hat Dance naked in said novelty sombreros: hilarious
Total: $15

2. Kickball
Positioning you and your sweetie on opposing teams makes for an excellent grudge match -- and great make-up sex later on.

Kickball: $5
Big grassy field: free
BYOB: free
Cotton t-shirts and markers (clearly you need team jerseys): $2/each if you get at least 12
Losers buy the pizza: makes things much more interesting
Total: around $10/person

3. Romantic Italian Meal
While it's odd to say that dogs once epitomized romance, we loved the scene at the Italian restaurant in Lady and the Tramp. Skip the pricey pasta and opt for the cheaper (and cheesier!) pizza instead. Kissing isn't optional.

2 slices of pizza: $5
2 glasses of wine: $4
Ice cream for 2: $6
Total: $15

4. Fashion Show
She loves Project Runway for the fashion and drama, he loves it for, well, Heidi Klum. Combine your passion for fashion and fun -- and then take it all off at home.

Trying on ridiculous outfits at a vintage store: free
Disposable camera: $6
Incriminating pictures: priceless
Total: $6

5. Movie Night
Miss the wild abandon of your college days? Have the gang over for beers and movie -- but save the make out session for later.

Renting Old School: $5
Inviting your friends over: free
Going really old school and having people throw in beer money at the door: awesome
Going streaking through the quad: optional
Popcorn for 20: $10
Total: $15

6. Watching the Sun Set
Like our love lives, it's easy to overlook the beautiful things that happen around us every day. Watch the sun go down and then share a kiss under the stars.
Blanket to sit on: $6
Sunglasses: $2/each at your local drugstore
Lemonade: $1/each
Total: $15

7. Poetry Night
When it's done right, poetry can express love like no other medium. Remember Byron's "She walks in beauty like the night?" Well, bad poetry can be just as evocative -- and downright hilarious.

Berets: $10
Espresso: $5
Trying to out-do one another with cheesy, horrific poetry about your love for one another: awesome
Total: $15

8. People-watching aka Create Your Own Movie
Not all dates have to be steamy! Simply spending time together is what dating is all about. Pick a beautiful day to sit on a bench in a park and marvel at the wonders -- and freaks! - of nature.

Bottle of wine: $8
Plastic cups: $3
Bench: free
Marveling at the wonders of the public: more fun than you think
Total: $11

9. Silly Sex Night
We'll let the Wikipedia entry for edible underwear speak for itself on this one: "Edible underwear is a type of undergarment that is formed of an edible material which can be consumed by the partner during sexual activity. In this case, pleasure is heightened by undressing the partner with the mouth. However, this sort of underwear is often given as a gag to friends couples."

Edible panties: $6
Kama Sutra: $5
Keeping information to yourselves about the number of positions you try: please do
Total: $11

10. Take a Bath Together
Hot tubs are overrated! There's fun to be had in your very own bathroom. Rub-a-dub-dub, keep it sexy in the tub.

Luxurious bath soap and salts: $8
Back-massaging Loofah: $5
Getting clean and being dirty at the same time: sexy
Total: $13
Source: The Knot By Lauren Le Vine

Health
Fit and Fabulous as You Mature Series
Attached is a cookbook!

Keeping Track of Serving Sizes
Many people think that bigger is better. We are so used to value-sized portions—especially in restaurants—that it can be easy to eat more than our bodies need. Eating smaller portions will help you cut down on calories and fat (and might save you money too). Here is a 1,600-calorie per day sample menu with sensible portion sizes:*

Breakfast
1/2 cup oatmeal
1 English muffin with 1 tablespoon low-fat cream cheese
1 cup low-fat milk
3/4 cup orange juice

Lunch
2 ounces baked chicken without skin (a little smaller than a deck of cards)Lettuce, tomato, and cucumber salad with 2 teaspoons oil and vinegar dressing
1/2 cup rice seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon tub or liquid margarine
1 small whole-wheat roll with 1 teaspoon margarine

Dinner
3 ounces lean roast beef (about the size of a deck of cards) with 1 tablespoon beef gravy
1/2 cup turnip greens seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon margarine
1 small baked sweet potato with 1/2 teaspoon margarine
1 slice cornbread
1/4 honeydew melon

Snack
2 1/2 cups low-fat microwave popcorn
1 1/2 teaspoons margarine
* Adapted from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) sample menus.
TIP: Use tub or liquid margarine instead of butter. Choose a soft margarine that has less than 2 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon and has 0 grams of trans fat. "Liquid vegetable oil" should be first on the ingredient list. (American Heart Association)
TIP: Try keeping a food diary. Writing down what you eat, when you eat, and how you feel when you eat can help you understand your eating habits. You may be able to see ways to make your eating habits healthier. You can also use your diary to plan weekly menus, make shopping lists, and keep track of recipes you would like to try. For more information about keeping a food diary, read the Weight-control Information Network (WIN) brochure Just Enough for You: About Food Portions.

Eating Away From Home
In real life, you cannot always cook your meals. Here are some ways to make healthy choices when you are away from home:

• Use a small plate at social functions to help keep you from eating too much.
• At restaurants, order a half portion, share a meal with a friend, or take half of your order home for another meal.
• Balance your meals throughout the day. If you have a high-fat or high-calorie breakfast or lunch, make sure you eat a low-fat dinner. If you know you will be having a higher fat dinner, make lower fat choices earlier in the day

You can do it!

Set goals, and move at your own pace to reach them. Ask your family and friends to help you. They can encourage you, help you with setbacks, and be there to celebrate your successes!
No matter what, keep trying—you can do it!
Source http://win.niddk.nih.gov/

HUMP~DAY.....AWWWW By Rebecca

HAPPY HUMPDAY EVERYBODY!!

Only two days away from Halloween, so I thought I would write about something scary... new relationships!! I know... I know... deep breaths. LOL!! It's just that so many of my friends are starting new relationships right now. Just last night, one of my friends admitted to how strong her feelings were for her new guy very unconsciously, and truth be told it surprised, and freaked, us both.

So we're sitting at work, and I'm teasing her about her new guy. I was like he has you walking around with this smile on your face. I teased her that if she was a cartoon rainbows, unicorns, and little bluebirds twittering, covered in pixie dust, would be dancing around her head. She just giggled and grinned even harder, and was like yeah... that's true. What's so surprising is my friend isn't the giggle and grin type. She's usually more the guy in the relationship than the actual guy she's is seeing at the time. When I jokingly called her on it she tried to go into this speech about we are just friends right now and yes I like him a lot and we have such a good time together but we aren't putting labels on anything, I don't want a boyfriend right now although I don't want to see anyone but him, and yeah I don't have to see him everyday but I miss when I don't because it just seems like we are getting so close and he just completes me- my mouth drops and her my drops. She said OMG... OMG did I just say that!! DID I REALLY JUST SAY THAT?!! My mouth is still open at this point so all I could do is nod my head. This was a total whoa moment! She was like what am I going to do?!! I don't want to fall in love right now? Why is this happening? I laughed for a minute or so, then was like you dork you can't stop love from finding you no matter what. If it's meant for you to have those feelings for someone,no matter how scary for you it is, it just going to be- whether you want them to or not!

So my friends, I ask you... What moment made you realize you were in LOVE, or even just had stronger feelings than you wanted to admit for someone in a relationship? Where you as freaked out about it as my friend?

Until next HUMPDAY...

Rebecca :)

Tastey Tuesday by Alcira

It's not all Hallows Eve..., but it is Trick or Treat Week...,
What can we get into? Pumpkin Painting..., maybe...,
What about pie eating, whipped cream spreading, finger dipping and licking. Trick and Treat yourself to a Couple Candy Share....
INGREDIENTS:
1 Shower Curtain - (For the Bed or Cushioned Floor)
1 Kama Sutra Paint Box



1 Can of Redi Whip or Cool Whip
1 Warm Pie (that would be YOU!) or, if you must..., Sweet Potato Pie!

Spread your shower curtain, and lay your partner in the middle, decorate them with your edible goodies...., lick and suck your way to an explosive treat.

Have A Yummy Tastey Tuesday!!!

Sweet Potato Pie

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 (1/2 to 1lb) sweet potatoes - really equals 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (17.2oz. can sweet potatoes drained if u are short on time & not a purist)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar (or 1/2cup white sugar & 1/2cup of brown sugar)
• 1/2 cup milk (or evaporated milk)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger and cloves or allspice (Optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour (Optional for thickness)
• 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
  

*Note: Some folks have added 1 tsp Rum extract, Almond extract, and or Rose water..., they have also substituted no fat sour cream or rice milk in place of what was directed. Make the pie your own, you can dip your finger and taste all you like, remember this is YOUR SWEET POTATO PIE!

DIRECTIONS:

1. Boil sweet potatoes whole in skin for 40 to 50 minutes, or until done. Run cold water over the sweet potatoes, and remove the skin.
2. Break apart sweet potatoes and mix till smooth in a bowl. Add butter, (1/4 at a time to taste, could be too much for some) and mix well with mixer. Stir in sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla, and flour. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Pour filling into an unbaked pie crust.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 55 to 60 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Pie will puff up like a souffle, and then will sink down as it cools.

Miss Lisa's Weekly Celeb & Da Hell News

Well folks another week has come. Goodness the mess that has happenand the good stuff. Lets get to it.
Well the market is not holding study. Folks still dumping stocks.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081024/ap_on_bi_st_ma_re/wall_street
I have said before I'm not the smartest person in the group but i'm pretty much sure we are already in a recession. Yet we still have folks saying "on the brink", "almost there". Nahhhh boo, we there. I know y'all heard of this.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081024/ap_on_el_pr/palin_clothing_20
Heffa sit down, somewhere we saw your outfits from back in the day. You needed that 150,000$. Shit I ain't mad at you, give me $150,000 makeover and I'll run for V.P. too. Now on to Madonna...
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4738393a1860.html
Lawd child, You should have his ass sing a pre nup. Also you have lost your mind. If Guy is a great dad doing what he needs to do why offer him money so you can keep him from them. Bitch please.
Now on to the dumb stuff...
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=10348822&ch=4226713&src=news
All I can say is Negro please.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7688091.stm
How the hell??? That's all I wanna know. That and this child clearly needs jesus and a hug.
Well folks that's all the news. Oh a side note. Both job interviews went great. We have a pre appoval letter for a house. Life is turning around.

Beauty

True Beauty
Chad A. Booher

Beauty is a thing seldom seen

No one sees it because no one looks

Or at least not in the right place

Beauty is held by all

Within the soul it lies

Waiting to come out to the surface

Only it can't

Beauty is suppressed by the evils of the world

Only love can bring beauty out

Once seen

Beauty never hides again

Not even hatred can deny beauty

Of it's true design

Beauty although possessed by all

Will only ever be truly seen by few

And fewer yet will ever see

One of the most beautiful sights

The beauty held by you

You are all beautiful to me ~Thumper

Relax, Breathe and have Tea
Herbal teas are not only relaxing and soothing to the spirit, but your stomach as well! Many herbs have properties to calm. Two common herbs are chamomile and peppermint. Both herbs in tea can calm anxiety, restlessness and help with sleeplessness.

INGREDIENTS (Use organic ingredients whenever possible)

• 1 ounce dried or fresh chamomile flowers
• 1 pint boiling water

1. Put the flowers in a cup.
2. Pour in boiling water.
a) Cover the cup with a saucer and let it stand for 10 minutes
b) Pour the liquid through a strainer and into another cup.
Enjoy! Chamomile tea has a naturally sweet flavor, so you'll probably like it plain. To make it sweeter, though, just add a little honey.

* Don't let the steam escape while your tea is brewing. If you let the steam out, it may carry away some of the "calm healing power" of the flowers.

* If you don't like the light and flowery taste, of the herb tea, you can try mixing with black tea for a heartier teas.

** I personally drink organic peppermint tea at work. It helps alot with annoying co-workers.
Health
Reading Food Labels
Food labels may help you make healthy food choices, but they can be confusing.* Here are some quick tips for reading food labels:

Check Serving Size and Calories: All the information on a food label is based on the serving size. Be careful—one serving may be much smaller than you think. If you double the servings you eat, you double the calories and nutrients, including the percent Daily Values (DVs).

Percent DV: This number tells you whether a food is high or low in nutrients. Foods that have more than 20-percent DV of a nutrient are high. Foods that have 5-percent DV or less are low.

Saturated Fat: Saturated fat is not healthy for your heart. Compare labels on similar foods and try to choose foods that have 5-percent DV or less for saturated fat. Most of the fats you eat should be polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Keep total fat intake between 20 percent to 35 percent of your total daily calories.

Trans Fat: Trans fat is not healthy for your heart. When reading food labels, add together the grams of trans fat and saturated fat, and choose foods with the lowest combined amount.
Cholesterol: Too much cholesterol is not healthy for your heart. Keep your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol as low as possible.

Sodium (Salt): Salt contains sodium. Research shows that eating less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium (about 1 teaspoon of salt) per day may reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

TIP: Many food labels say "low-fat," "reduced fat," or "light." These claims do not always mean the food is low in calories, however. Remember, fat-free does not mean calorie-free, and calories do count!

Fiber: Choose foods that are rich in fiber, such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.

Sugar: Try to choose foods with little or no added sugar, such as low-sugar cereals.

Calcium: Choose foods that are high in calcium. Foods that are high in calcium have at least 20-percent DV.

* For more information on reading food labels, visit: www.cfsan.fda.gov/labelman. For information about the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, see: www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.
Source: National Institutes of Health

HUMP~DAY --- Hmmmmmmmm....

Hi Everyone,

I know usually there is wonderful information about a sexual position for HUMP~DAY; however, this week I wanted to do things a little differently.
HUMP~DAY is also about exploring and sharing sexual thoughts and experiences as well.

So I would like to know what was one of your most SENSUOUS experiences.

I'll start things off...

While at university, I was going out with this guy at the time who had gotten on my bad side. We had broken up, but where in several classess together. We started talking again as friends, and I agreed to come over to study ONLY (yeah right huh! lol!). Anyhoo, I was tired from having been up studying the previous night. He suggested we take a nap, and then start studying again. I agreed and we lay down on his bed. I was on one edge and he on the other. We set the alarm, and fell asleep. The alarm went off, and we pretty much opened our eyes at the same time. He hit the alarm to cut it off, and by then I noticed even though we still weren't touching, we were much closer to each other than when we first fell off to sleep. We looked at each other for what seemed like minutes. I went to roll over so I could get up but he stopped me. I opened my mouth to say something silly I'm sure to break the mood, but he stopped me. He put his finger to my mouth, and just kept staring at me. His hand slowly smoothed my cheek, and brushed my face. It felt as if he wanted to know how each one of my features felt like. His hand moved lower to flow down my neck and over my shoulder. He ran it down my arm and slowly moved it back and forth. He whispered "you have the softest skin. I miss just touching your arm to feel your skin." He then went on to smooth his hand over the dip of my waist and over my hip to my leg and back up. He said to me that he didn't want to have sex, but could he just hold and touch me. I just nodded my head up and down, not daring to say anything to break our little world he'd created for us. He gathered me close to his body, and just held me really tight. He moved his hands slowly to feel me. No clothes were ever taken off, he didn't even try to touch my sex. He just continued to hold me close and run his hands along my body. It was like he was a sculptor who wanted to know every dip, curve, roll, and point that made me so he could make sure his rendition of me came out just right. I eventually begin to touch him as well. I learned his body, and it was wonderful! We fell asleep again holding each other. When we woke up, we talked and, of course, got back together. Although, we eventually broke up again, I will never forget how he made me feel that day.

So that's my story... what's yours?

Rebecca :)

Tastey Tuesday ~ Day/Night Cream Pie by Alcira

Nothing is better on a cold day like Steamed Milk, or Hot Soup..., But on a warm evening how about a cool sticky treat? Ice cream and hot fudge....., or just heavy cream and

I like that...,
But if you are feeling particularly kinky how about a Chocolate Cream Pie?
By day it seems like a Joan Cleaver dessert for the family...,

By night it serves as a hot gooey mess that is all sweet, creamy, silky and DELICIOUS...

IMAGINE HOT AND CHOCOLATE...

OR,

WARMED AND PRIMED...

ENJOY

Chocolate Cream Pie

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows or 16 large jet-puffed marshmallows
• 1 bar (8 ounces) milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup whipping (heavy) cream9 inch ready-to-use graham cracker or chocolate-flavored pie shell

Heat milk, marshmallows and chocolate in 3-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate and marshmallows are melted and blended. Refrigerate about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until mixture mounds slightly when dropped from a spoon.

Beat whipping cream in chilled small bowl with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Fold chocolate mixture into whipped cream. Pour into pie shell. Refrigerate uncovered about 8 hours or until set. Garnish with milk chocolate curls and whipped cream if desired. Immediately refrigerate any remaining pie after serving.

Makes about 12 servings, Yummy you can spread it all over, and Ummmm then lick it all off..., and you can do it 12 whole times!!!

Man-Day by Stephanie

It's another Man-Day Monday...no I didn't say Sunday! I hope everyone had a delightful and fun weekend if not hang in there it is bound to get better I am sure. Here is a lil somethang something to get you started off on this promising week right!







The abs on this mo-fritter I could just lick'em up!

Mmmmm Yummy Yummy give me some of that honey...

Artabulous!! !! Can I lick u up and down til u say Stop? Dayum! what I could do with all of that man meat.

Can you say Mandingo Warrior! Hell Yeah I can!!!

Have a Great Week!!

The Life & Times of Drea... A Series of Misadventures & Episodes

SO Jayha jynxed me.
She called me earlier this week and demanded to know what I had done dangerous.
NOthing, I replied. Cuz as abnormal as it is, I hadn't done anything, at that point I hadn't even had to really cuss any customers or coworkers out.

So I am being extra cautious and as laura is coming for a visit I even asked my mom to put us on the prayer list so we don't get in any trouble.

Then today, after a episode of anger at work yesterday that brought about me standing on a counter to give a redneck contractor what for and why to a rousing applause and the church going schooling I had to give a co worker..., I am feeling the evil chi slip upon me. I refuse to do any lifting, fetching or potentially dangerous work..., But alas my soft side gets me..., I had to drive a martcart (you know the motorized wheelchair things) back to the bay..., on the way back I cut behind the service desk so I can stop in the office and plead to come home early..., BUT NO..., an elderly coworker is in the way, so I attempt to sidestep him as I am moving quickly and bumping him would probably break him in half.....

WHAT DO I GET FOR BEING CONSIDERATE....
FACE PLANTED..., THATS FRUCKING WHAT
Someone stackes the rubber matts we stand on on top of each other (probably to try get more cushioning) and I trip over the mf'ing things..., I had my hands in my hoody pocket so I CAN'T catch myself and....,
DOWN I GO like a felled frucking christmas tree
TIMBERRRRRRRRRRRRRR BOMB...

dust flies up like the cloud of a volcanoe errupting after aeons of silence...

MY GLASSES FLY OVER THE COUNTER AND ONTO A PUMPKIN IN THE DISPLAY AND I SLAM MY ELBOW INTO THE FILING CABINET.

TOO pissed to move and mad at the univers I lie there.
Then I start laughing cuz fruck it, I aint dead..., and being me I am surprised I haven't busted before..., and I am sure my boss is replaying the video (the service desk is alway under survaliance) as I type..., AND THIS IS THE LUCK I HAVE.

Well my boss and his daughter and the book keeper rush to pick me up...., really concerned that I am shaking and they cant see my hands

When they realize I am laughing they are even more confused.
I said, DON'T you people know the clutz rule, if you fall you must make people think your really hurt so they wont laugh...

NO one BLINKS..., until the bosses daughter decides that my hair is awry and offers to fix it for me.

Apparently I growled at her and made her jump back three feet.

I am sore..., knees skinned elbow aching, thank GOD, I landed on the matts and not the concrete floor.

The only good thing was that I didn't crush my cigerettes in my hoodie pocket...., cuz I needed a smoke after that.

GOD I LOVE MY LIFE...

Here's the topper..., Later that day..., How come I get out to my truck and I dropped my purse and kicked it up under my truck....., YES, I had to get down on my bruised knees and tummy and go under the truck to get it..... To be CONTINUED....

Thursday HBR ~ Loving You Series Pt. 2 by Thumper

Beauty by Julyne Derrick
You can use basic ingredients found around the house to make your own simple, hydrating masks. If you have oily or acne prone skin, mud or clay-based masks are great for balancing out your skin. Dry skin will benefit from hydrating masks made from glycerin, honey and oils. Ginseng or green tea masks are great for soothing skin.

Masks (homemade or otherwise) should stay on for 10-15 minutes, should follow with a cleansing and a thin layer of moisturizer.

Homemade Facial Scrub Recipes

The kind of the mask you want to use depends on your skin type.

Yogurt Face Mask for All Skin Types

Natural skin brightener recipe from India (July 2008 Cosmopolitan Magazine) Mix a tablespoon of turmeric powder in 1 cup of plain yogurt. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse off.

Homemade 'Cat Litter' Mask for All Skin Types

We got this recipe off a TV show years ago. The beauty expert (Diane Irons, the author of several beauty books) swore cat litter is made of the same ingredients as special clays found in $100 spa facials. We tried this and loved it.
Ingredients:

• 1 bag cat litter (must be marked '100 Percent Natural Clay')
• Water
• Drops of your favorite essential oil
  

Preparation:
Mix in a couple tablespoons of the cat litter with water and drops of oil (we find the oil helps make the experience somehow less kitty litter-ish) Apply mask to face Wash off after 15 minutes.

Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

This is a soothing face mask and great if you have bananas around the house.
Ingredients:

• 1 banana, preferably ripe (you can keep ripe bananas in the freezer. Let it thaw before using)
• 1 tbsp honey
• An orange or a lemon

Preparation:
Mix the banana and honey together.Add a few drops of juice from an orange or a lemon. Apply to face for 15 minutes before rinsing with a cool washcloth or a steaming warm washcloth.

Combination Skin

This mask, based on roses, is perfect for balancing out the oily and dry areas of your skin.
Ingredients:

• Optional: 6 fresh rose petals
• 2 tbsps rosewater
• 1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not low fat or non-fat)
• 1 tbsp runny honey (to get honey runny, you can warm it in a microwave for a few seconds).

Preparation:
Soak rose petals, and then crush them in a bowl. Add the rosewater, yogurt and honey.Mix well and apply to the skin. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse.

Dry, Chapped Skin

Avocados and honey are particularly moisturizing.
Ingredients:

• ½ avocado
• ¼ cup honey

Preparation:
A classic recipe for dry skin. Mash the avocado in a bowl, and then stir in honey.Apply to skin and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse face with a cool washcloth.

Face Mask for Aging Skin

Sugar is a preferred exfoliates to salt because it tends not to tear at the skin. When dead skin collects on the surface of skin, it's important to slough it away. This helps clear up clogged pores. When skin isn't exfoliated, it can appear ashy.
Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp warm water

Preparation:
Stir sugar into warm water so that it melts.Make sure granules are dissolved; otherwise they could tear your skin. Apply to the face. Gently massage around the skin.Rinse with warm water OR I like to take a warm washcloth that's steamed in the microwave. Make sure the washcloth is not too hot.

Face Mask for Sensitive Skin

This mask is great for soothing chapped, sunburned or otherwise irritated skin. Extra tip: This mask works well for other skin types as well. For oily skin, add a couple drops of lemon or lime juice. For dry skin, mix in a couple tablespoons of honey.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup natural yogurt (we like it just-out-of-the-fridge cold)
• ½ cup oatmeal (any type of basic oatmeal works here)

Preparation:
Mix the ingredients together. Apply to the skin for 10-15 minutes.Wash off mask with a washcloth steamed in the microwave (careful that it's not too hot).

Two other fun options for oatmeal face masks: Egg whites. Mix the oatmeal and an egg white. Let the mixture dry on face, and then gently wash off with a few splashes of warm water. Follow with a steaming washcloth to the face.

Pepto-Bismol. A friend of mine uses Pepto-Bismol with oatmeal for her masks. She got this tip year ago from a magazine. She suggests the active ingredient (bismuth subsalicylate) in Pepto-Bismol soothes your stomach as well as your face.

Source: about.com

Hump-Day by Rebecca

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Tastey Tuesday Pt. 2 by Sunnii

Pot roast is good, but I like chili with my cornbread. After you make the chili, while it's still hot, pour it into pan, cover it with cornbread batter and bake it.
That's comfort food.

What makes an authentic chili, especially in the American Southwest, causes many heated discussions: beans or no beans, ground meat or chunks, mild or hot and so on. In this version, you can replace the oil with bacon fat or lard for a more savory taste.. Serve with warm corn bread.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 pounds beef chuck, coarsely ground
3 large yellow onions, finely chopped
2 fresh jalapeno chiles, seeded, finely chopped
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ground cumin
4 teaspoons ground oregano
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chili powder
2 12-ounce cans beer
2 cups beef stock
1 can crushed tomatoes with juices
3 15-ounce cans kidney or pinto beans, drained
2 teaspoons salt
For Garnishes
sour cream, salsa, shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, chopped green onion or red onion

Tastey Tuesday by Alcira

Well, it's that time again..., Tastey Tuesday
What can we whip up today that's Cozy, Sexy, Fulfilling....

How about a nice Beef Stew with some home-made Cornbread?

Feeding each other in front of a fireplace or in the comfort of your living room all spread out in an impromptu lovers picnic?

Yes, that's it.

Remember the Fall and Winter brings Cold and Cuddles!!

Try this healthy, hearty and comforting stew to serve on cold winter nights. It makes good use of the ingredients that are in season, but can also be modified to include your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds stewing beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup sliced celery
3 cups beef broth
2 carrots
2 medium potatoes
1/2 cup baby lima beans
1 cup apple juice
1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
1 jar (12 ounces) small white onions, drained, or about 1 dozen frozen, thawed
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons cold water

What's next:
Brown the beef in a large saucepan (don't overcrowd). When ready, toss in the onion and celery. After about 5 minutes, pour in the beef broth. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, lower heat, cover the pan, and leave to simmer for about one and a half hours.
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the beef in the vegetable oil; add onion and celery and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes longer. Add beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Add the carrots, beans, potatoes and apple juice, then simmer until the vegetables are tender. Then add onions and corn, cooking for another 10 minutes. Add flour dissolved in a little water to thicken the stew. Season with salt and pepper. Now, chow down! Serve with cornbread.

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 pound butter
2/3 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch square pan.


2. Melt butter in large skillet. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Quickly add eggs and beat until well blended. Combine buttermilk with baking soda and stir into mixture in pan. Stir in cornmeal, flour, and salt until well blended and few lumps remain. Pour batter into the prepared pan.


3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

If you must substitute the cornbread, another other fantastic option would be flaky buttermilk biscuits.
I would just buy the Pillsbury Grands. (That's my favorite substitute)

Enjoy!!

Man-Day by Stephanie

HOT SEXY MEN! Woo hoo, I so love being a woman and here is a little eye candy for my fellow women to start out your day and week. Please enjoy, I did.

WARNING!!!! I SUGGEST YOU NOT OPEN WHILE IN THE PRESENCE OF MINOR OR AT WORK....

Miss Lisa's Weekly Celeb & Da Hell News

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Thursday HBR ~ Loving You Series by Thumper

RELAXATION

Dance Like No-One's Watching!

So, you've had one of THOSE days. Well it's time to shake it off and get back to being you again.Take off your shoes, crank up the volume and try to keep up...
(Sources says that one Posse member was dancing like there no tomorrow, when the other half walked in and performed some other relaxing techniques. ) So dance and have fun!

BEAUTY

Beauty and body-care is where we find our common ground with the ancient Egyptians. Just as for us today, hair care was a major concern for the ancient Egyptians. Thousands of years ago, they demonstrated our own current cultural anxieties with baldness, thinning, receding and graying hair. Reminiscent of modern attitudes, the ancient Egyptians associated healthy, luxurious hair with youth, sexuality and sex appeal.

Care of natural hair retained upon the head was also taken seriously. We know that the Egyptians cleansed their hair, although we don't know with what frequency. Hair combs appear among early grave goods, even from pre-dynastic days. Both single and double sided combs, made from wood or bone have been found. A wide variety of surviving formulas indicate that preventing baldness and graying hair, both of which can be perceived as signs of aging, was a serious concern. Like us, the Egyptians were anxious to preserve youth or at least a youthful appearance as long as possible.

The following formula can be used to stimulate hair growth or merely to improve the texture and appearance of one's hair. Almond Oil and Castor Oil were among the vegetable oils used by the Egyptians. Castor Oil is frequently used in an attempt to encourage hair growth but it has a very viscous texture. Mixing it with the Sweet Almond Oil will improve the aroma and make the resulting oil smoother and more easily spread. However, if you wish to somewhat reproduce the stickiness and "tacky" feel of resin from the original formula, eliminate the Sweet Almond Oil and double the proportion of Castor.

Try the Fir Oil if you want to recapture the essence (or at least fragrance) of the original Egyptian formula. Use Rosemary Oil, if you prefer to place your trust in more modern research. You can also combine the two Essential Oils, however no more than an entirety of 10 drops should be used, whether of one oil or both. In addition, Rosemary Oil should not be used during pregnancy or by those suffering from high blood pressure or by those who are prone to seizure disorders. Essential Oil of Fir is generally considered a gentle oil, however, if you have very sensitive skin, you may find a high concentration irritating, in which case use fewer drops or more oil. Both oils are antiseptic and invigorating.

Scalp and Hair Stimulation Oil
One Teaspoon Sweet Almond Oil
One Teaspoon Castor Oil
10 Drops Essential Oil of Fir Needle (Abies spp)
OR Essential Oil of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Mix the Sweet Almond Oil together with the Castor Oil in a small bowl and then add no more than 10 drops of Essential Oil. Mix with your fingers and then rub vigorously into your scalp, concentrating on areas where hair is thinning.

HEALTH
Fit and Fabulous as You Mature Series

Tips on Moving More
Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (like brisk walking) on most or all days of the week.
Also try to do strengthening activities two or three times a week. These activities are important because older adults—especially women—lose muscle and bone every year. Strengthening activities may help prevent or lessen this loss.
Fitting in physical activity is not as hard as you may think, and you do not have to do the whole 30 minutes at one time. Try these tips to overcome things that may keep you from being active.

"It's too late for me to get physically active."

It is never too late to start moving more. Physical activity may help you manage health problems like arthritis, osteoporosis (bone loss), and coronary heart disease. It may also help:

• Keep your body flexible.
• Keep your bones and muscles strong.
• Keep your heart and lungs healthy.
• Control high blood sugar, especially if you lose weight.
• Let you keep living in your own home without help.
  

TIP: If you are over age 50 or have chronic health problems such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, or obesity, talk to your health care provider before starting a vigorous physical activity program. You do not need to talk to your provider before starting a less strenuous activity like walking.

"Physical activity is a chore."

Physical activity can be fun—you just need to figure out which activities you enjoy. The more enjoyable it is, the more likely you are to stick with it. Some ideas include:

• Walking or taking an exercise class with a friend or a group—that way, you can cheer each other on, have company, and feel safer when you are outdoors.
• Starting a small garden in your yard or in a community garden.
• Breaking physical activity into short blocks of time—taking three 10-minute walks during your day may be easier than taking one 30-minute walk.
• Doing different activities throughout the week to stay interested.
• If you are not comfortable being active outdoors because of safety concerns, consider joining your local recreation or fitness center or going to a relatives neighborhood to walk.

"It's too expensive."

There are lots of ways to be physically active that are free or low-cost. Consider:

• Finding a local park or school track where you can walk.
  Walking around a mall.
• Being active with your grandchildren—take a walk, toss a softball, or ride bikes.
• Walking your dog or meeting up with a neighbor to walk together.
• Checking out a fitness video from the library and following along at home.
  

"I don't have enough time."

No matter how busy you are, there are ways to fit in 30 minutes or more of physical activity each day. Try:

• Spreading physical activity throughout the day, rather than doing it all at once.
• Setting aside time to be active. For instance, if you make it part of your daily routine to walk after breakfast, you may not think twice about doing it.
• Walking to do your errands, when possible.
• Being active while doing other things. For example, you can lift weights or march in place while watching TV, or walk around your home while talking on a cordless telephone.
  

"I'm not an athlete, so why strength train?"

Strengthening activities are good for everyone—and there are ways to become stronger without lifting weights. Strength training may help you perform your daily activities with more ease. Consider:

• Doing step-ups or wall push-ups in the comfort of your own home.
• Using canned foods or filled water bottles as weights.
• Walking up stairs—lifting your body weight strengthens your legs and hips.

Next Week... Eating Better

Hump-Day by Rebecca

We always love when people give their input, and share their thoughts with us.
I'd like to say THANKS! to Lillie for sharing, and giving us our topic for this most excellent HUMPDAY!!

Lillie, I think it is the general consensus that your hubby is a LUCKY man!!



Kink For Long Distance Lovers

Masturbation is good but it is not the key ingredient to help satisfy yourself and your lover. After years of being married to a military man you find ways to keep him on his toes. So yes I masturbate when he is not here for months on end, But after I am done, I email him and tell him in great detail what I did. I set the scene, where I was when I did it, If the TV was on or candle lighted the room, even if the fan was on giving me a nice cross wind. What I used, if I did it slow or fast, every sound I made, the images of him that I used in my head, and then at the end I moaned his name. I can guarantee you will get a email or call that very night if they have access. Let's just say other husbands on the ship have wanted me to speak to their lover. It's not that they read the email, it's just that my husband always have a silly grin on his face after he gets one of those emails.
Lillie


Rebecca :)

Tastey Tuesday by Alcira

Apple Picking Season
In keeping with edibles... How about Caramel Candy Apples without the Apples.

1 Pkg. Caramel
2 Warm Bodies
20 Happy Fingers
..... A few slips of the tongue and VIOLA!!!!

P.S. You might want some wet naps for spillage!!!

For the rest of you that are looking for a quick and easy treat for the family try this....

Quick Caramel Apples







INGREDIENTS
6 apples
1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
2 tablespoons milk
DIRECTIONS
Remove the stem from each apple and press a craft stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet.
Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave 2 minutes, stirring once. Allow to cool briefly.
Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated. Place on prepared sheet to set.

Note: Make sure Apples are nice and cold, set in fridge overnight, and turn apple while dipping..., easier to coat. And if you really want to amp it up sprinkle you favorite toffee chips, crushed oreos or almonds on top. Enjoy!!

Hey Lookey by Drea

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO you wanna know what happened in vegas......
well here is a taste of something tastey http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2299011521493124230

Man-Day by Stephanie

Hello My Peeps!
Guess what today is! Yeah it's that time again you guessed it right. It's sexy as sin day with a little bit of this and a little bit of that but a whole lot of "shut yo mouth"! Hot as fire! Man-day and like always since we have a few men on-board you have the pleasure of some HOT as fire eye candy too I suppose if I must (wink). So without further ado and whoopla. Here we go. I so hope you enjoy what you see. I know I did while picking them out.

It's getting HOT in here. If you are faint of heart what's coming next is definately not for you...

Ole Skool Shawty!!!!

Now for the fellas...wait for it...wait for it....wait......BAM!!!!