Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy,

I met Janice' through my son's school . She's a parent of one of his classmates . She would come to my house in the afternoon before picking up her kids . We would enjoy a cup of coffee and talk and laugh.

When tree days went y and I did not hear from her , I began to get worried . She didn't answer her phone or reply to my text messages . Finally she phone and told me to stop calling her and to leave her kids alone. I was in shock . I asked her what was wron g , and she said she had received a letter in her mailbox . She refused to let me get a word in  and hung up . I cried my eyes out.

I asked a mutual friend to find out about that letter . Apparently , someone wrote that she was a bad mother  and told her how to raised her kids . It was signed  "Anonymous." I was stunned that Janice would think I wrote  such a thing . How can I make her understand that I had nothing to do with that stupid letter ? Now she goes out of her way to advoid me in carpool lanes at school . I want our friendship back . What can I do ?

Miss My Friend

Dear Miss My Friend ,

Vicious people who hides behind anonymous notes and phone calls enjoy the havoc they wreak . It is cowardly.

You can text or e-mail Janice , or leave a message on her answering machine or cell phone , saying you didn't write this letter , you cannot imagine who did , and you miss her terribly.

You could also ask mutual friends to intercede on your behalf . If Janice is convinced you are the author , she may not be inclined to believe otherwise.

If she refuses to contact you , there is nothing more you can do . Sorry.

Maxy

Dear Maxy,

There is a girl at my camp who keeps insulting my family . She calls them "stupid , annoying  and low-life losers." I have asked her to stop , but she won't . My parents know , but  aren't much help . I also talked to a counselor  about it , but that didn't work, either.

It is hard sitting there doing nothing . Listening to her makes me so angry . I need to know how to take care of this .

T.T.

Dear T.T. ,

This girl is trying to get a raise out of you . So the best thing to do is ignore her completely , as if you cannot hear her .

You  also should talk to your camp counselor again , if that don't help , ask to speak to the camp administrator about her abusive behavior , and check kidshealth.org for additional tips on dealing with bullies.

Maxy

Dear Maxy,

My parents are strict about dating , and I want to be able to go out more with my boyfriend . I came up with the idea to potentially have a gathering of my boyfriend's family so they can meet and maybe be more at ease with one another . Is this a good idea and how should I handle this ?

Lexi

Dear Lexi,

I like this idea for several reasons . It shows that you are being responsible . It will show that you and your boyfriend are being mature about your relationship . If all the family members meet one another , at the very least it will create the opportunity for greater comfort.

To introduce this idea , be up front with your parents . Let them know that you want them to get to know your boyfriend. You believe he is an honorable guy , and you think they will agree once they get to know him.

Suggest that you host a family get-together so everyone can meet . There's a good chance your parents will appreciate your assertiveness . They will remain strict , of course, but your idea is a step in the right direction.

Maxy

Mosquitoes Attracted to Beer Drinkers

Mosquitoes more attracted to beer drinkers: study

It might be nice enough to enjoy a pint outside in your part of Canada or the US, but news that mosquitoes are likely to target people with beer in their systems might make you re-think enjoying your favorite patio.

Or at least apply some bug repellent before you head out.
A study, conducted by scientists at the IRD Research Centre in France, shows that insects are 15 per cent more likely to fly toward humans after they have consumed a pint.
The researchers write in Plos One that one possible explanation is, "Mosquitoes may have evolved preferences for people who recently consumed beer - possibly due to reduced host defensive behaviours or highly-nutritious blood-meals."
The team used 25 males from West Africa and had them drink a local brew called Dolo. Mosquitoes were then released into the air and had the option of flying toward open air or the odour of the participant. Before participants drank the beer, only 50 per cent of mosquitoes flew toward the participant's odour. After a beer, the number rose to 65 per cent.
 Researchers also tried the same experiment with water finding that it was six per cent less likely for mosquitoes to fly toward the participants odour after consuming a glass.
They are hoping to use the findings to decrease cases of malaria, a disease that kills 780,000 people worldwide every year.
While malaria may not be a big problem in Canada or the US, we are visited by  West Nile Disease. It is still a good idea to lather on the bug screen when at the cottage enjoying beer.

Sloppy Joes - So Quick and Easy - Kids Love Them

Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
1 lb extra lean ground beef
3/4 cup of chopped onion
half a cup of chopped green pepper
three cloves garlic, minced or half teaspoon powdered garlic
1/8 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp mustard or 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp vinegar
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup ketchup
 1/2 cup of beef broth mixed with 1 tsp flour

Directions:
In a skillet, sautee meat , onions, green peppers and garlic over  medium heat until meat is crumbly but not dry . Drain off any fat.  Add other ingredients, cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes. Serve on toasted buns.

Five Amazing Health Benefits From Eating Blueberries

 

The blueberry is a powerful antioxidant. Here are five ways to add them to your diet and healthy recipe for a wild blueberry tart

If I had to choose just one berry to consume on a regular basis, it would be the blueberry. Ranked among the top fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant activity, blueberries are loaded with vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients that just make them even more delightful to consume.

If you don’t have enough reasons already as to why you should be consuming these blue gems…here are a few more.

Five health benefits of eating blueberries
1. Blueberries are a source of the antioxidant ellagic acid, which may block metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer.

2. Blueberry skins contain resveratrol, which research associates with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-lowering properties.

3. Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamins C and E, as well as fibre.

4. They are low in calories, with only 81 calories per cup!

5. Blueberries are good for your heart — several studies have associated blueberry consumption with improved blood-fat balances, reduced cholesterol, increased HDL cholesterol and reduced trigylcerides.

And these little gems are delicious; good in so many recipes and the kids love them. Don't stint. Let the little nippers have as many as they want.

Busy - Working Mothers - Dinner In An Hour

                                                           Succotash

                                  Prep time : 30 minutes ...  Cook time  10 to 12 minutes

2   cups fresh or frozen baby lima beans

2   cups fresh or frozen corn kernels

1   cup half-and-half milk

2   tablespoons butter  or margarine , olive oil , or bacon dripping

3/4  teaspoon salt

3   tablespoons chopped fresh chives or 2 teaspoons freeze dried chives

1/4   teaspoons black pepper

1)   In  large  saucepan over high heat , bring lima beans , corn, half-and half, butter , and salt to a boil.

2)   Reduce the heat to moderate , cover , and cook unti tender ... 10 to 12 minutes . Remove from  the heat and stir in chives and pepper . Makes 4 serving .

          Santa Fe Creole Cornbread

                            *****************************************************************

                                 Prep time : 30 minutes ... Cook time 23 minutes

5   tablespoons olive oil or bacon dripping

2   scallions , thinly sliced

2   cloves f garlic , minced

1   sweet red pepper , cored , seeded and chopped

1/2  cup minced fresh coriander (cilantro)

1    pickled jalapeon pepper , cored , seeded  and minced

1 3/4     cups stone-ground yellow cornmeal

3/4        cups unsifted all-purpose flour

2      tablespoons sugar ( 1 pkg egual)

3       teaspoods baking  powder

1 teaspoon salt

1  1/4 cups buttermilk

2      eggs

1) Preheat oven to 425*F . Brush a 10-in cast iron  or ov enproof nonstick skillet with oil and set aside .

2)  In a small skillet over moderate heat ... heat 1 tablespoon of the oil 1 minute , add scallions and garlic  and saute, stirring freguently , until solf   ... about 2 minutes . Add red pepper and saute , stirring frequently , until solf  ... about 4 minutes . Stir in coriander , jalapeno pepper  and the remaining 4 tablespoons oil and set aside .

3)   Place the c ast iron skillet in the oven . Meanwhile , in a large bowl , stir together cornmeal , flour , sugar, baking power , salt . In a large bowl , whisk together buttermilk and eggs . Stir  onion-pepper mixture into the buttermilk mixture.

4) Make a wall in the center of the dry ingredients , pour in the liquid ingredients, and stir until just combined . Do not overmix.

5) Pour in to hot skillet , smoothing the top . Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean ...about 20 minutes . cut into wedges  ; serve hot . Makes 8 servings.

                 Hot Fruit Compote

********************************************************************

                                Prep time : 10 minutes .... Cook time  30 minutes

Zest of  1 lemon, slivered

Zest of  1 orange , slivered

2     cinnamon sticks

1     tablespoon whole cloves   

2     cups sugar  ( substitute equal)

4     cups water

4     Boco or Barlett pears, peeled , cored and halved  

1     cup light seedless raisins

1     cup pitted prunes  (optional)

1     cup peeled , pitted, and halved apricots

1) In a large heavy saucepan  over high heat , bring lemon and orange zests , cinnamon , cloves, sugar and water to a strong boil. Reduce heat to moderate and add pears, raisins, prubnes and apricots.

2)  Poach , covered , at the gentlest simmer until pears are just cooked but still firm ...20 to 25 minutes.Serve warm or chilled. Makes 4 serving                            

Tip : Ice tea... bread & butter pickles ...sliced tomatoes on the side completes you meal.

10 Signs Your Child May Be Gifted

Many a proud mama and papa have deemed their tot advanced or ahead of the game , but most babies are onlt geniuses in their parent's eyes. However , some tots actually are branded as gifted . Is yours ? There are a few developmental guildlines that often inicate giftedness in children , so here are ten signs your child may be headed to the top of the classs.

1) Retains Infornation :

The term "in one ear and out the other " seems to apply to most children . Those who are a cut above when it comes to intelligence actually retain a wide variety of information and are able to recall it at a later time . An example from the National Association of Gifted Chhildren (NAGC) is: One six-year-old returned from a trip to the Space Museum  and reproduced an accurate drawing of a space rocket he had seen ."

2) Wide Spectrum of Interests :

Gifted kiddos display an interest in a wide variety of topics . They may like dinosuars one month , space the next month and so forth.

3) Writes and Reads Early :

 If your tot is a smarty pants , he / or she may be able to read and write early on and without having had any formal teaching .

4) Is Musically or ArtisticallyTalented :

 Children who display an unusual talent for music and / or art often considered gifted . Tots who can draw things to perspective , have perfect pitch , or display other higher perception of forms of  art usually fall into the gifted category .

5) Shows Periods of Intense Concentration :

 Children are not known for their long attention span , but gifted ones are able to have longer periods of intense concentration.

6) Has a Good Memory :

 Some gifted tots are able to remember things from when they were smaller . For example ; a two-year-old may remember and bring up  (unprovoked) an occurence from when he /or she was 18 months old.

7)Has an Advanced Vocabulary :

A tot who's early to speak  is a sign of giftedness alone , but if your little talker is using advanced vocabulary and sentence , then he / or she may be as bright you think , according to the NAGC , "Children at age two make sentences like : 'There's a doggie ' and ' a two-year-old who is gifted might say , "There's a brown doggie in the back yard and he's sniffing our flowers.

8) Pays Attention to Details :

 A gifted child has a keen eye for details . An older child may want to know specific details about how things work , while a younger child will be able to put away toys exactly where he got them from or notice if something has been moved from it's usual spot .

9) Acts as His/or Her own Critic :

 In general kids are not too worried about themselves  or others , unless their friend have something they want . Gifted kids are the opposite and are concerned with others , but are most critical of themselves.

10) Understands Complex Concepts :

Tots who are highly intelligent have the ability to understand complex concerts , perceive relationships , and think abstractly . They are able to understand problems in depth and think ab out solutions .

Red Fruit Napoleans - Fresh summer Berries

Ingredients:

• 1 pound(s) strawberries
• 1 cup(s) raspberries
• 2 tablespoon(s) granulated sugar
• 3 ounce(s) white chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup(s) heavy or whipping cream
• 3 tablespoon(s) sour cream
• 24 very thin oval waffle-shaped butter wafer cookies
• Confectioners' sugar (optional)

---

Directions;

1. Reserve 8 small strawberries for garnish. Hull and slice remaining strawberries. In medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries, raspberries, and granulated sugar. Let stand 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow juices to run.
2. Meanwhile, in microwave-safe medium bowl, heat chocolate in microwave oven 1 1/2 minutes; stir until melted and smooth. Cool slightly.
3. In small bowl, with mixer on high speed, beat heavy cream and sour cream until stiff peaks form. With rubber spatula, gently fold cream mixture into white chocolate just until combined.
4. To serve, on each of 8 dessert plates, place 1 cookie; top with half of cream and fruit mixtures. Repeat layering. Top with remaining cookies; sprinkle with confectioners' sugar if you like. Garnish with strawberries.

Personalized Blue Jean Neck Pillow

• Easy no sew neck pillow that teens will love to make.

This personalized teen craft is made from an old pair of blue jeans. The shape and size fits perfectly into the back of your neck, very comfortable. You'll need:

• Recycled blue jeans; one leg
• Gross grain ribbon; 4 10-inch pieces
• Scissors
• Stuffing
• Fabric puff paint

Paint the name or message.

Using the fabric puff paint, write a nickname or little message; paint a couple of hearts or stars or any simple symbol on one side of the blue jeans. Allow to fully dry. Be sure to use fabric paint and don’t be tempted to use any other. This pillow will need to be washed and other paints not only come off fabrics in the washer, they can damage other items washed immediately after. Want to guess how I know?

Tie the end of the pillow.

Tie a ribbon to the end of the leg in a square knot. Repeat with a second ribbon. Allow the ends of the ribbon to dangle

Stuff the pillow.

Stuff the blue jean pillow until it is to the desired firmness. Tie off the end like you did on the first end.

Fringe the ends to finish off.

Using scissors fringe the ends of the blue jeans, just up to the ribbon.  Or use pinking shears to make a neat edge. If you are really ambitious you can sew the ends of the pillow shut. Fold the ribbons in half and sew the folds of two ribbons on to each end and let them trail. Enjoy

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy,

Over the years , I have helped my friends achieve their goals , and they have often achieved great success . I know I have the skills and talent to do some great things myself . Somehow , I feel as if I do not deserve personal success   . I make great strides , and all fo a sudden I get scared . Ten I have to start all over again. What do I need to do to bury my fears? I am getting to old for this .

Eduardo

Dear Eduardo.

You have helped many others , now it is time to help yourself. Take a look at your life and the skills you mentioned . Write down the specific skills that you believe you have . Next , envision how you can utilize those skills in a profitable manner. Think about the jobs  and / or projects for which your skills would best be served . Be creative in your thinking .

Also engage the people you have helped over the years that is still accessible to you , and ask them to support you in your mission at achieving  your personal sucess. Remember that the best way to attract greatness os to believe you are great. Trust your skills , and focus your intention on achieving your best.

Dear Maxy,

I read an article about my future college , and it mentioned an incident of racism that occurred recently . I don't know the outcome , but it disturbed me.

As a minority , I was wondering what you think would be the best way to handle any incidents of racism  I may come across.

Betty ...Stamford , Conn.

Dear Betty,

Racism exists in America , so I'm not surprised that you found it on your future campus.

The question is, what did the school do about the once the incident was reported ? You should investigate further to find out how the situation was handled .

Be proactive . Contact your future school , and ask them how they handle such challenges . Ask about their history of managing volatile situations.

Ttell them that you are excited about attending their college and want to be fully prepared to handle whatever comes your way . Since there was a recent incident of racism that made the news , you what to know from them how they handle the situations.

Maxy

Dear Maxy,

I'm a guy without a date , and the prom is just a few weeks  away . The girl I've had a crush on for the pass  two years  complained to me yesterday that she hadn't been able to find the right guy to go with . I think I'm the right guy , but how do I ask her in a way that will sweep her off her feet and get her to say yes ?

Larry , Atlanta

Dear Larry ,

It's time to man up ! Drum up your courage , and ask this young lady to attend the prom with you . While it sounds romantic  to want to sweep her off her feet  , I would recommend that you simplity your approach . Skip the melodrama  because it could be off-putting to her . She doesn't need to know that you have a crush on her for two years  . She needs to know that you would love to escort her to the prom. 

Ask her if she would give you the honor of escorting her to the prom , tell her you are sure she will have a great time. Absolutely tell her that you believe you are the right guy to take her because you care about her and you are certain that the two of you will make a memorable occasion.  Good luck !

Maxy

Silicone Breast Implants Relatively Safe - Back on the Market

 Silicone breast implants are relatively safe despite frequent complications and a small increased risk of the disease lymphoma, US drug regulators have said.

In a new report, the Food and Drug Administration said the risks were well enough understood that prospective patients could make informed decisions. But it found as many as one in five breast augmentation patients had the implants removed within 10 years. The US approved the implants in 2006 after a long  
absence from the market.

On Wednesday, the FDA released a 63-page report on the safety of the silicone gel-filled implants that compiled studies performed by the two companies approved to manufacture the the products.
Approximately five to 10 million women across the world have breast implants, the FDA said. In 2006, the FDA approved two brands of silicone gel implants for women over 22, Allergan's Natrelle implants and MemoryGel implants from manufacturer Johnson and Johnson's Mentor division. Silicone implants had been off the market since 1992, when the FDA removed them amid concerns about implant rupture and silicone leakage. The agency allowed saline-filled implants to remain on the market, and allowed limited distribution of silicone implants for mastectomy patients and other cases of medical necessity.

According to the new report, as many as one in five breast augmentation patients and half of breast reconstruction patients had to have the implants removed within 10 years. Studies found no association between the silicone implants and connective tissue disease, breast cancer, or reproductive problems, the FDA reported. But they did find a "very small" increased risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
The most frequent complications from the implants included implant rupture, wrinkling, asymmetry, scarring, pain, and infection.

The report found that the risk of those local complications increases with time.
"Breast implants are not lifetime devices," the FDA cautioned women. "The longer you have your implants, the more likely it will be for you to have them removed." But the agency also found that most women who had breast implants "report high levels of satisfaction with their body image and the shape, feel and size of their implants".
"Despite frequent local complications and adverse outcomes, the benefits and risks of breast implants are sufficiently well understood for women to make informed decisions about their use," the FDA concluded.

The Pres Has Calming Touch With Baby

  Obama is Officially the Baby Whisperer

(Photo by Pete Souza/WH)

Politicians seem to love nothing more than to run into a baby on the campaign trail. They hug them, they kiss them, they swing them around in the air--perhaps knowing that posing with a cute kid softens their image among prospective voters.
But leave it to Barack Obama to go and one up his fellow pols, by appearing to magically silence a wailing baby with only a simple touch. It's a feat of infant-wrangling that appears to surprise even First Lady Michelle Obama.
It happened last week at the president's annual congressional picnic on the South Lawn of the White House and was captured on video by an Obama staff videographer.

Gadgetitis : New Technology Is Creating A Whole New Line Of Self-Injury

Ever heard of de Quervain's tensynovitis or erythema ab igne ? Probably not , but it's likely you know about blackberry thumb , and toasted skin syndrome , mordern v ersions of those ailments. Technology is creating new ways for us to hurt ourselves , but from a medical standpoint tried-and-true prevention of self care still eases most ills.

Texting thumb (AKA Gameboy thumb)

Pepetitive motion , whether it's tapping messages on your iPhone or swinging at a tennis ball , can overwork joints and muscles , leading to tendomitis and related inflammations .

Karen Brooks , an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist with Willis-Knighton Health System , said the number of patients with tendonitis have increased in the past year but doesn't know if it's related to computers and cell phones .

However , Brooks said many patients seemed glued to their electronies . "Everybody has a phone in their hand. Everyone texting constantly . Even while they're sitting in front of us getting treatment , they're texting ," Brooks said . However people can develop tendonitis from repeated  grasping , lifting and holding motion  , including carrrying heavy bags of groceries  or  doing yard work.

Technology -related health issues can be advoided:

1) Take breaks so your joints and muscles can rest .

2) Switch hands frequently and vary the use of fingers and thumbs.

3) Stop an activity if you feel pain.

4) Apply something cold to the painful joint to help decrease inflammation . A cold drink will substitute for ice if you aren't close to the freezer.

5) Use a neutral grip where the wrist is straight and not bent in either direction .

6) If possible , use your  lapton on top of a pillow in your lap or sit at a desk  or table . Resting your arms on a pillow or tabletops  supports them , while raising the height of your screen helps you avoid neck pain.

7)Look away from your computer screen and focus on a distant object to reduce eye fatique .

8) Limit the amount of time your laptop sits on your legs or put something between the computer  and your legs to avoid toasted skin.

9) Check your c ellphone  user manual for radiation exposure information . Hold your phone away from your head when listening and talking or use a hands-free headset to limit radiation.

Sources: American Society of Hand Therapists

Blueberry Buckle - Fresh picked Summer Blueberries

 By: Carol Dolan 

This recipe came from my grandmother. As children, my sister and I remember going to Pennsylvania for blueberry picking. Mother taught us to pick only perfect berries, and those gems went into this wonderful recipe. --Carol Dolan Mt. Laurel, New Jersey"

 Cook Time:
40 Min -  Ready In:1 Hr

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• TOPPING:
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup cold butter

Directions

1. In a small mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the egg. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Fold in the blueberries. Pour into greased 9-in. square baking pan.
2. For topping, combine the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over blueberry mixture. Bake at 375 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Soooo good.

Sour Dough Hot Bread

Starter:

2            cups lukewarm water (105*F to 115*F)

1            packet  (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

1 1/2     cups flour 

Dough :

1 1/2      cups starter 

1            cup water 

2            tablespoons sugar

1            tablespoon salt

5 to 6    cups unsifted flour

4            tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter melted

1) For the Starter : In a medium -size  glass or ceramic bowl , whisk together water , yeast and flour . cover loosely with wax paper and set in a warm draft-free  place for 12 hours or overnight.

2) For the Dough :  Place starter in a large bowl . With a wooden spoon or in an electric mixer with the paddle attached , mix in water , sugar , salt  and 2 1/2 cups of the flour . Beat the dough at moderate speed until smooth ... about 15  seconds.

3) If using an electric mixer , remove paddle and insert dough hook . Add 3 tablespoons of the melted butter and 2 1/2 cups remaing flour , 1/2 cup at a time . Continue beating about 10 minutes , adding an extra 1/2 to 1 cup flour , if necessary , to make it smooth and elastic dough ( if mixing by hand , you will probably have to knead in the last of the flour ).

4) Shape dough into a ball , place in a well-buttered 5-quart bowl , and turn to grease all over . Cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm , draft-free place until double in bulk  ... 1 to 1 1/2 hours . Punch dough down , recover , and let rise 1 1/2 hours more .

5)Punch dough down , turn into a lightly floured worh surface , and knead lightly until smooth ... 2 to 3 minutes . Divide dough in half  and roll each into a ball . Place the balls into lightly greased 8-inch round layer cake or springform pans , cover with a cloth , let rise until double in bulk ...45 minutes to an hour . Preheat oven to  350*F.

6) Brush risen loaves with the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter ; then with a sharp knife , make a diagonal slash  in  the top of each.

7) Bake until loaves are richly golden and sound hollow when tapped ... 45 to 50 minutes . Transfer at once to racks to cool . Makes 2 loaves , about 10 slices each.

Heart Healthy

Mango Pudding - A Great Summer Dessert

There was a beautiful Indian Sun princess who was reduced to ashes by a wicked Sorceress and from the ashes grew a Mango tree. An Emperor fell in love with the flower of the tree. When the flower grew into a fruit, the emperor was equally fascinated by the shape and smell of it. One day the mango ripened and fell to the ground and as soon as it touched the ground the beautiful Sun princess emerged. Hence, the mango became a symbol of love.

Although I don't know how much truth is there in the folklore but it is true that Mango is considered as a fruit to spread love and happiness. People send mangoes to enrich their friendships or start a new bonding in business.
 It is also an important ingredient in making summer recipes from ice creams, puddings, shakes to cakes. Every year it is the most awaited fruit of the season.

 

The largest producer of Mangoes is Mexico. And it is a national fruit of India, Pakistan and Philipines. But mango lovers are found all around the world because of its juicy flavor and fragrance. Mangoes are not only delicious but are rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Also are high in fiber but low in calories and sodium.

This recipe is for all the mango lovers. Normally mango puddings contain gelatin, but that is only for giving it the right shape. I love my mango pudding without it and I am sure others will also love it. Very easy to make and delicious to eat as a dessert after dinner in summer nights. And guests just love it.

Ingredients
* 3 cup sugar
* 3 pureed fresh mangoes
* 2-3 cup milk (or 1 cup condensed milk)
* 2 eggs

Method
* In a large bowl, mix the mango pulp, milk, sugar & eggs
* Blend the mixture in a mixer
* Then in a vessel boil the mixer on medium heat till it gets to somewhat thick
consistency
* Let the mixture cool
* Then pour the mixture into small molds or serving bowls and chill in a
refrigerator until set for at least 3 hours.
* Before serving garnish it with strawberries,a mango slice and a dollop of whipped cream 

Are You Ready to Live Together ??

By Molly Triffin
Even though it's become common practice, shacking up is a serious—and sometimes controversial—step. “Living together can be a powerful way to strengthen and deepen your relationship,” says Marshall Miller, author of Unmarried to Each Other: The Essential Guide to Living Together as an Unmarried Couple. “But if you make that leap before you’re both ready, it can harm your bond.”Contemplating sharing an address with your man? Take a look at the checklist below—if you agree with five or more of the following statements, call the movers.
We typically spend five or more nights together each week. The more often you hang out, the better sense you’ll have of what it will be like to share a pad. Plus, you’ll go in with realistic expectations. If you know ahead of time that he leaves his dirty clothes all over the apartment and has an aversion to emptying the dishwasher, you won’t be as up in arms about these things when you live together. Miller also suggests gaging how you feel about spending nights apart. “If you look forward to sleeping alone and having your own space, that might indicate you’re not ready to move in with him.”We’ve been dating for a minimum of six months. We tend to put our partners on a pedestal in the beginning of a relationship and are blind to their imperfections. For that reason, it’s important to wait until that honeymoon period ends before moving in. “After six months, you know your partner well, have a clear picture of the relationship, and know what you’re getting into, warts and all,” says Miller.
We’ve gone on a week-long vacation together and had a great time. When living together, you’ll have to make tricky joint decisions, like how to divide chores and expenses. A trip tests these same skills on a smaller scale. If you can agree to pay for the plane tickets while he foots the hotel bill, chances are you’ll be able to successfully navigate larger issues. Even more important: spending 24/7 together forces you to examine how much you enjoy each other’s company.
I have a drawer of clothes at his place and toiletries in his medicine cabinet and visa versa. You’ve already begun easing into cohabitation by merging your belongings, which is a sign that you’re ready to take it a step further, according to Miller. It also shows that you’re comfortable and enthusiastic about sharing your space.
We’ve had a conversation about the future and expressed that we want to be together long-term. It’s key that you’re in sync about life plans—i.e., you both want to move to Chicago or have kids in the next five years. “And make sure you’re on the same page about why you’re moving in together,” warns Miller. If one of you sees it as a precursor to getting engaged, and the other is doing it because it’s practical, don’t bother unpacking your boxes.
When we disagree, we can work through it and reach a solution that feels fair and reasonable for both of us. Living together is all about compromise, so if you’re able to address problems and resolve them, it’s a good indicator that you’ll be able to smooth over any bumps in the road while sharing a space.
We want to be with each other as much as possible. Sure, splitting the rent and utilities is helpful, but it shouldn’t be your prime motivation.
Did you put a check beside each point ? These are certainly not the only things that need to be in place before you  make that long term committment but they are a very good starting point.

6 Bad Reasons To Date Someome

Of all the endeavors you can pursue , dating can be one of the most enjoyable . It's entertaining , it provides companionship , and it can lead to lasting love and partnership . But as you decide whether you're ready to date , make sure you are doing it for the right reason. You have a full life that you'd like to share with another person.

With that in mind , here are a few  bad  reasons to date someone.

1)  Your friends waht you paired off . Just because your friends are married  or coupled up  doesn't mean you have to find  "your other half."  If they are pressuring you to date , be firm. You need to date  people because you want to  , not because everyone else in your life thinks it's the right thing to do .

2)  You can't stand to be alone. If you approach dating with the desperation of a person who is uncomfortable spending any time alone , you might not choose a suitable partner . Learn to enjoy your own company  and that of your friends  and family before embanking on new romantic relationships.

3)  Well, he did ask me out  ... It's wonderfully flattering to be asked out on a date , but you don't owe anyone a thing . Remember , you'll have  a more satisfying romantic life if you choose whom and when to date . Don't just say yes to the next person who comes along  because it's less work that way .

4)  You're "that age." Who knows what  "that age"  mean , even in these days , but sometimes we feel pressured to date because others  ( and the youth-obsessed media) are telling us that time is slipping away for finding a male. Pshaw !  You can fall in love  at any time in your life , and the experience will be that much  richer  it you're emotionally ready . Whether you're  25 or 75  there is no that age for dating or commitment . Listen to your heart and date when you feel ready .

5)  You want someone to fix your life . Yo'll heard it a million time before , but that's because it's true ; you are in charge of your own happiness and your life's circumstances . Please don't date someone in order  to find motivation to quit smoking , pay the bills on time , get out of the house , etc . Take care of yourself now in order to be a good partner later .

6)  You want to further your career . Try not to mix business with pleasure by using dating as a way to make professional contacts . People might get hurt and your reputation could be conpromised . Be honest with yourself about your goals . If you're much more concerned with work than with being a good partner , perhaps you should put your love life on hold for a few months.

5 Tips For Faking a Summer Glow - Bronzer 101

If you're a little bronzerily-challenged (yes, we made up that word), here are the basics for how to use bronzer—from choosing the right shade to applying it in a way that looks natural and not like a Jersey Shore extra. We talked to top makeup artists and broke it down into easy tips.

By Dawn Davis

Pick the Right Shade "You want a bronzer that's not too dark or too strong," explains celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath. "If you're going to the makeup counter, they'll help you choose the right shade."

When you're shopping at the drugstore, hold the bronzer up to your face and look in a mirror. Celebrity makeup artist Joanna Schlip explains, "a bronzer novice should only go two shades darker than her skin tone."

This printed powder is super-sexy, but looks subtle when you wear it.
 Dolce & Gabbana Animalier Bronzer, dolcegabbana.com

Change Your Foundation If you're going to wear makeup under your bronzer, you want to switch to a slightly darker base color. "Wear your foundation a little warmer—one shade warmer than your own skin tone," says McGrath. Here's how the "makeup math" works: The foundation will make your skin seem tanner so the bronzer doesn't look too dark—the colors meet in the middle rather adding up to too much tan. (McGrath also suggests always having two foundations on hand—one for when your skin is its palest, the other for summer or if you've been using self-tanner. The rest of the time, you can blend the two to create a custom hue.)
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation, $7.13, drugstore.com

Stock Your Toolbox "If you're a makeup junkie, then go buy yourself a bronzer brush!" says McGrath. "But a regular blush brush works just as well." Bronzer brushes have more bristles and they're packed tightly together so you get more color with each swipe.
Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush, $9.99, drugstore.com

Follow the Rule of 3 Now that you've found the right shade and changed your foundation, you're ready to start applying. With a brush, create the number "3" on both sides of your face. Start at the top of your forehead, dust it along your cheeks and sweep it across your jawline all the way to your chin. Remember to blend it into your neck. "And if you're putting your hair up, you have to bronze the back of your neck, too," explains Schlip.
Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess soft matte bronzer, $30, esteelauder.com
Graduate to Shimmer Once you've mastered matte bronzer, you're ready to move on to shimmer! Schlip suggests using it underneath your cheekbones and along the bridge of your nose as highlighter—it creates a glowy, fresh effect. You can also use it to enhance your cleavage—just dust it between and along the tops of your twins.

Happy Glowing, Sister friends.