My friend sent me this recipe!

My friend sent me this recipe and I wanted to share. I love beef stroganoff, so if anyone else does, please try this.

Prep: 20 min; Cook: 30 min
Makes 6 servings, about 1 cup each

1 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin or boneless top
loin steak, about 1/2 inch thick
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 1/2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon salt
1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups sliced mushrooms (8 ounces)
1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
Hot cooked noodles or rice, if desired

1. Cut beef across grain into about 1 1/2x1/2-inch
strips. (Beef is easier to cut if partially frozen, about 1
hour)

2. Melt margarine in 10-inch skillet over medium-
high heat. Cook beef in margarine, stirring occasion-
ally, until brown

3. Reserve 1/3 cup of the broth. Stir remaining
broth, the ketchup, salt and garlic into skillet. Heat to
boiling; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer about
10 minutes or until beef is tender

4. Stir in mushrooms and onion. Cover and simmer
about 5 minutes or until onion is tender

5. Shake reserved broth and the flour in tightly
covered container; gradually stir into beeef mixture.
Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1
minute; reduce heat to low

6. Stir in sour cream; cook until hot. Serve over
noodles

1 Serving: Calories 300 (Calories from Fat 160); Fat 18g
(Saturated 8g); Cholesterol 80mg; Sodium 90mg;
Carbohydrate 10g (Dietary Fiber 1g); Protein 25g

Lighter Beef Stroganoff

For 12 grams of fat and 260 calories per serving,
decrease margarine to 1 tablespoon and use nonstick
skillet. Use reduced-fat sour cream or yogurt

A peculiar witch dashes into the outlook.

Reconnected with an old friend

I have a friend whom I've known since middle school. We used to hang out all the time when we were in school, but over the years, we seem to have just drifted apart a little bit. We still talk on the phone and text, but it's been forever since we actually went and did something together. Well, last night, we decided to change that. We ended up going bowling (my favorite sport), and it was so fun! We really had a great time. We're going to try to start hanging out more because neither of us wants to drift apart again. He's such a good friend and he's been there for me when times have gotten hard. He's like the big brother I never had.

Have any of you recently reconnected with an old friend?

What did you do?

Where did you go?

Chicken obsession!

My husband is getting so frustrated because chicken is literally taking over our house. It's my favorite food, but my husband doesn't like it so much. I recently bought a box of chicken from Angel Food Ministries, and also a few from the store. Our freezer contains about 90% chicken, and 10% other meats. We have chicken every other night. It's so funny to see the look on my husband's face when he asks what's for dinner, and I say "Chicken!!!" Haha. I'm so mean. Oh well, he'll live with it, or he'll starve. His choice! Do any of you have a chicken obsession?

My son meet his half-brother

I won't go into details because honestly, it would take a while. However, I do have a teenage stepson whom I've never met. That is, until yesterday. Let me tell you, it was amazing. He is the sweetest kid! He is respectful and he made me laugh. My son got along great with him. My son is 5, and this was the first time he got to meet his half-brother. They bonded so well! It's amazing how well they bonded given their age difference (8 years). We plan on visiting again soon. I'm wondering if any of you have relatives they haven't met because of one reason or another. Care to share any stories?

I love Bad Boys!

I love Bad Boys! This movie is awesome. I've seen it a million times, and it's still great. I love Will Smith, and I've always loved him since I first saw him on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. I have also loved Martin Lawrence ever since I first saw him on the Martin show. These two guys are great, and they are definitely good actors. I think it was great for them to team up in Bad Boys. I don't think I could've picked two better guys to play the parts. So what are your thoughts?

I have been a smoker for almost 10 years

I have been a smoker for almost 10 years, and want to quit. I have tried several times in the past, only to go right back to it. The longest I was able to quit was 3 months, but then I started smelling it when I was around friends who smoked, and I smelled it in restaurants, etc, and started back up. I know it's not good for me, and I am ready to get rid of my cigarettes, but I just can't seem to throw them away. I have been doing good lately and not smoking as much as I usually do, but I can't seem to quit completely. I have tried patches and gum, yet nothing has worked. Has anyone else quit smoking? How did you do it?

chicken teriyaki sub

I went to Subway yesterday and had a chicken teriyaki sub. I've had them a million times before, so I know they are very delicious. That is the only thing I eat at Subway, besides the spicy italian. I wonder how many other people order this same sub when they go there. Do you like the teriyaki? Do you eat it when you go there? Do you think it's their #1 selling sub, or do you think they sell more of something else?

Outdoor Cooking and Picnic Fare

I need some good recipes for outdoors. We're having a group "party" and the them is "Barbecuing, Outdoor Cooking and Picnic Fare." Any recipes fitting this theme would be greatly appreciated.

I already had a (Carolina Pork Twirl)

"This is a perfect appetizer for a small family gathering."

INGREDIENTS

* 1 pound sliced bacon
* 1 (1 1/2 pound) fat-trimmed pork tenderloin
* 1 1/2 cups mustard-based barbeque sauce
* salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat a grill for medium heat. When hot, lightly oil the grate.
2. While the grill is heating, slice the pork tenderloin into flat strips similar to the bacon. Roll up strips of bacon inside strips of pork tenderloin and secure with moistened toothpicks. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the rolls for about 10 minutes on one side, then turn over. Slather some barbeque sauce over them and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

I need as many as you can possibly think of. Thanks so much for all your help.

If you were given 1 million dollars

If you were given 1 million dollars, and you could only choose from the following options, what would you do with the money? You can only choose 1 response.

1. Keep $500,000 to yourself, give $250,000 to charity, and give the other $250,000 to your parents.

2. Keep $250,000; give $500,000 to your best friend, $100,000 to your favorite charity, and the remaining $150,000 to your next door neighbor.

3. Keep $800,000, give $100,000 to your best friend, and give the other $100,000 to a homeless person.

If I was given this amount of money then I would choose the third option, I think that it would be wonderful to have $800,000 for myself so I could buy a new home and also travel, and the $100,000 to my best friend and the other $100,000 to a homeless person I would feel great about giving this amount to them as hopefully that this would give them the chance in life that they needed and they would have a happier and fulfilled life.

Tony Hawk 2

Have you ever played Tony Hawk 2? I have the game on Playstation 1, and I play it once in a while. When I first got the game a few years ago, I was playing it every day. But because I now have a child, school, and other things to tend to, I don't really have much time to play. I still play maybe once a month, and I love it. I like the fact that you can unlock 2 extra levels at the end if you do every trick. I've done it several times, and it took forever to do it the first time. I thought I would never get it. What about you? Do you play? How often? Is it on Playstation, or some other platform? What's your favorite part of the game?

I am looking for a recipe which has chicken in it!

I love chicken, and I am looking to find any recipe which has chicken in it. I am willing to try anything. I am just getting sick of ordering chicken from KFC, and want to make a meal from scratch. Don't get me wrong, KFC is delicious, but it does get expensive, and I would rather spend my money on things I actually need. I am a beginning cook, so something simple would be great.

But, for now! I will make (Chicken Devon) for our dinner! Chicken Devon is really good and easy to make! Here are the ingredients and directions to making it:

-skinless, boneless chicken breasts (2-4 large)...however much you want
-about 1/2 of a medium jar of Best Foods Mayonaisse
-1 large can of cream of chicken
-powdered curry to taste
-broccoli (how much you want)
-American cheese slices (Kraft 2%)

Boil the chicken until cooked and cut into bite sized pieces. Mix everything together except the cheese slices, spread it out into a 9x13 pan and put 1 layer of cheese over the top (side by side). Bake for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve over white rice and enjoy!! It's very fattening due to the mayo so I hope you're not on a diet!! But it's so good!! One of my favorites, I hope you like it!

Google Chrome Problem!

I've been using Google Chrome for a few months now without any problems. However, lately, I've been noticing a few things. First, when I post a discussion and upload a picture, the picture does not show up if I'm using Chrome. So if I plan to upload a picture to my post, I have to use another browser. I've also been having issues with it for my school site. I can't open up my school e-mail with Chrome, but I can do it with Opera and IE. There are a few other small issues too. So I think I will be deleting Chrome and just using Opera and IE. Anyone else use Chrome? Have you had the issues I mentioned?

I love Olive Garden

Have you ever visited Olive Garden? If so, what was your experience? Did you have a nice waiter? Or were they rude, pushy, etc.? Did you feel at home, or were you anxious to leave? Did you like what you ordered? Had you eaten it before, or was it a first time thing?

I have eaten at Olive Garden a few times in my life, and I have always had positive experiences. My meat has always been completely cooked, and it's always been delicious. The past couple times, I've had the stuffed chicken marsala, and it's my favorite meal there. Before that, I usually got spaghetti or something else that looked good. I mostly went by pictures on the menu. If it looked good, I ordered it. But now I always get stuffed chicken marsala and I definitely recommend trying it. We've always had nice waiters. In fact, we just recently went to Olive Garden on my birthday a couple weeks ago. Our waiter was very nice, and always made sure that we were satisfied. I hate when waiters bug you every couple minutes because I like to enjoy my meal with my husband, not be bothered by waiters. But this waiter was polite, and he spaced out his visits to our table. He would come and ask if we needed more drinks. About 10 minutes later he would come back and ask if we needed anything at all. He made sure that we had exactly what we ordered, and that we didn't have any problems. Most waiters don't care, and that's why I love Olive Garden. They have the best staff of any restaurant I've ever visited. So what has been your experience with Olive Garden?

Best Friends

My best friend and I never really get to do anything fun, so I was really excited last night when we got to go see the new Hannah Montana movie. It was so awesome! We listened to music the whole way there and the whole way home. It felt so good just to get out of the house and go do something without our children. I really can't wait till we get to do it again. What kind of things do you do with your best friend? Do you go shopping? Do you go see movies? Do you just drive around town?

Sometimes my best friend and I go shopping together. We love going to Walmart. One time, at Kroger, we stopped in the middle of the aisle, grabbed my camera, and took a picture. LOL We're so weird.

Weigh Down

I have lost 30 pounds by eating whatever I want...in moderation. I started with a "program" over 2 years ago and was very happy when I started seeing the weight go away. The "program" is called Weigh Down. It is not a diet...it becomes a way of life. I ate whatever I wanted but did it in a way that doesn't put on pounds. I don't think people should deprive themselves of good things like cake and bacon and such. I don't indulge in these things ALL the time but it is fine to eat them and not totally eliminate them. With Weigh Down you eat what you want you but you only eat when you are truly hungry and quit when you are "satisfied"...not stuffed! Also cut everything in half...just start eating half of what you would usually. Weigh Down is wonderful and I always highly suggest it to anyone hoping to lose weight. Just search for "Weigh Down Workshop" and you can read about other stories and more information.

Quitting the habit

I haven't smoked in about 2 months. I can't remember the exact day I quit, but I know it's been about 2 months ago. I'm so proud of myself! I don't know if I told any of my friends, but I have a blood clotting disorder, and if I kept smoking, I was at a great risk of forming clots in my heart or lungs and dieing from it. So I did the smart thing and gave it up.

I just wish I would've quit sooner. God has a plan for us all, and I'm still finding out what that plan is for me. Anyway, I feel great since I quit smoking. I have more energy, I can breathe better, and I can actually play with my son when we go to the park, instead of sitting on the sidelines watching him. It's amazing!!!! I feel like life is a lot more meaningful since I don't have nicotine controlling my life. I would love to hear about other people quitting the habit.

Do you feel better than you used to?

Get High

Marijuana is legal in California?!? Did anyone read the news about marijuana becoming legal in California? I don't know all the details, but I read an RSS feed that said anyone can get marijuana in California just by telling a physician that they'd feel better if they take it.

Can you believe this????

They're basically giving Californians permission to get high just because they think they will feel better if they do. Is that what we have to look forward to in the other 49 states soon? I wonder which state is next? Are you against this, or do you think it's a good idea?

This poem really touched me!

A friend of mine sent me this poem, and I wanted to share with you my friend. It's about parents who have lost their children. This poem really touched me. It's written by a girl named Jennifer Wasik.

What Makes A Mother

I thought of you and closed my eyes; and prayed to God today I asked what makes a Mother and I know I heard him say.. A Mother has a baby, this we know is true. But God can you be a Mother, when your baby's not with you?

Yes you can, he replied with confidence in his voice I give many women babies, when they leave is not their choice. Some I send for a lifetime; and others for a day And some I send to feel your womb, but there's no need to stay.

I just don't understand this God, I want my baby here He took a breath and cleared his throat; and then I saw a tear. I wish I could show you, what your child is doing today If you could see your child smile with other kids and say "We go to earth to learn our lessons of Love and Life and Fear, My Mommy Loved me oh so much, I got to come straight here..

I feel so lucky to have a Mom, who had so much love for me I learned my lesson very quickly, My mommy set me free. I miss my Mommy oh so much but I visit her each day when she goes to sleep, on her pillow's where I lay.

I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek; and whisper in her ear Mommy don't be sad today, I'm your baby and I'm here." So you see my dear sweet one, your children are okay Your babies are here in my home; And this is where they'll stay. They'll wait for you with me, until your lesson is through And on the day that you come home; they'll be at the gates for you.

So, now you see what makes a Mother, it's the feeling in your heart It's the Love you had so much of; right from the very start.

By Jennifer Wasik.

Uneasy feeling about daycare!

Have any of you ever felt like it's impossible to find a good daycare? I always used to feel that way. I heard stories on the news about daycares being closed down for violating health codes, daycare workers abusing children, neglecting them, etc. It was a bunch of horror stories. I also put my son in daycare when he was 2. I was skeptical, but I had heard good things about this particular daycare. However, after 3 days, I took him out. Three days in a row, they did not change him. He wasn't potty trained yet, so he was still in pull-ups. When I came to pick him up, his pull-up was full of pee and poop, and it was the same one he had worn when I dropped him off.

Anyway, that was 2 years ago. My son is 5 now, and I figured it's time to try again. I had my doubts because of the past, but since he's potty trained now, I figured that's one less thing to worry about. Anyway, I put him a local daycare about a month ago and it's awesome! It's an in-home daycare and the owner is so wonderful. She is sweet, kind, and my son loves her so much!

I am so happy that good daycares do exist, because for the longest time, I thought they didn't. Does anyone else feel this way?

Friends Who Care

Last night, we had a really bad thunderstorm, and my friends cared enough to send me messages asking if my family and I are okay. It's amazing to know that my friends care about me so much. It never fails. When I have a bad day, when I feel that no one cares about me, my friends always prove me wrong. I feel so blessed to have friends who show me on a regular basis that they do care, that they do love me, that they are here for me whenever I need them. I don't know what I'd do without my friends. I really don't. They are God's gift from Heaven.

Do any of you have friends like this? Ones who are always there to show you how much they care?

Camping is a lot of fun

I went camping when I was little, but my 5-year-old son has never been. My husband's son has never been either.

My husband and I took our sons this past weekend and they had so much fun! They got to help set up the tents, and learned how to be one with nature. We roasted marshmallows and hot dogs, which the boys really loved. It was a blast, and I can't wait to do it again. It brought back memories of when I was little.

Have any of you been camping?

Have you taken your children?

Did they like it?

We got a new DOG today!

We got a new dog today and he's so cute!!! He's 6 months old, full blooded golden retriever, and we love him already! We got him from a woman on free-cycle who was moving and couldn't take him with her. She wanted a good home for him so he wouldn't be bounced around from home to home.

My husband and I offered to take him in, since we have a 3 year old son. They are playing together and getting along like best friends. I'm really glad we were able to take him into our home. His previous owner was very happy that he got a good home, and I'm glad we got a good dog. I'll have to take a picture of him and put it in my profile for everyone to see.

Anyone else get a new dog recently?

I absolutely love it!

I have worked for Home Instead Senior care for 8 months and I absolutely love it! It's the best job I've ever had. Each office is individually owned, and I think my office is the best one out there. I recently called a Home Instead in another state because I was thinking of moving there, and I was appalled at the way they do things there. For one, they do NOT show caregivers they are appreciated. The man I spoke with told me that the caregivers already know they are appreciated, so there's no point in him showing them. How can they know if they are not shown?!?!? That location does not offer bonuses after working there for a year. They also do not hold recognition banquets. They don't offer extra pay for working on weekends, and they don't give out certificates of achievement after working so many hours. My location does all these things. We get awards after working 1,000 hours, 2,000, etc. We also get raises after so many hours worked, which the other location does not do. The pay rate you start at is the rate you make forever, even if you work there for 30 or 40 years. Can you believe how different 2 locations can be, even though they are the same company?

I've only just started!

I've only just started to get back into exercising and eating right. I've just joined a gym to help get myself motivated and into shape and have just started to adjust my diet. Its hard at first but I’m sure it will get easier. I'm trying to cut out most fatty foods and cutting down on carbos and eating a lot more Veges (I love vegetables) and fruits.

I have 20 pounds to lose and so I will just take one day at a time. I know I have to drink a lot more water because I hardly do that nowadays, I find it hard to drink water but now that I’m exercising I’m wanting it more. Let’s hope I see some changes in two weeks :)

My son loves walking dogs at the Humane Society

Just how many of you volunteer in your community? How often? Once a week? Once a month? How does it makes you feel to help others? Since the beginning of the year, our family has been volunteering 4 days a week in our community. It's been a wonderful experience to donate our time to others.

My son loves walking dogs at the Humane Society. He also loves serving trays at the Soup Kitchen. It's made a big impact on our family, and I wish everyone would volunteer their time. God wants us to serve others. Being selfish gets us nowhere. If anyone reading this wants to volunteer, but doesn't know where to go, you can go to www.volunteermatch.org, put in your zip code, and it will give you a list of opportunities in your area. You can also just call local places that normally need help, such as soup kitchens, food pantries, animal shelters, nursing homes, etc.

I just recently got hired on as a Substitute Teacher

I just recently got hired on as a Substitute Teacher for our local elementary schools. I was a Sub for the elementary schools in our old town, but since we moved, I wanted to try to find something closer. I have already gotten to sub a few times, and it is so fun. I love working with children. They are so talented, and most of them are eager to help. I love starting a new job. It's a new change of pace, new people to work with, and it just gives me a good feeling.

What about you?

Have you gotten a new job recently?

Do you like it? What are the perks?

Any disadvantages?

My only disadvantage is that I can't work every day. I only get called in about once a week. Also, since I'm just a sub, I work for a different class each time I work. Therefore, I don't get to see the same children. It's hard to remember everyone's name and get to really know them.

feels AMAZING!!!

For those of you who read my discussion about looking at a house and waiting for the guy to call me, he called yesterday. He said that he liked us the best out of all the people who applied. He said that we seemed like we would be really good tenants, so if we want the house, we got it!!! I'm so excited. He said we can move in November 1st, and he's going to call me Monday to work out all the details. We are so excited there's no words to describe it. We have continuously been turned down by apartments, houses, etc. So to be finally accepted, feels AMAZING!!!

I've found myself becoming obsessed with Lady Gaga

Lately, I've found myself becoming obsessed with Lady Gaga (picture below). I love 2 songs by her; "Just Dance" and "Poker Face". I seem to really be obsessed with "Poker Face". I want to listen to it all the time, and I literally play it about 20 times a day, maybe more! It's weird too, because normally I'm into rap and rock, and this is more like an upbeat, dancy-type song. Definitely not what I'm used to listening to. Are any other bloggers obsessed with a certain song? Is it what you normally listen to, or something completely different?