How to master the art of a home cooked meal

Cooking your meals at home is good for your health and your wallet. Photo: Alyson McPhee, used with permission.

There are so many reasons why cooking your meals at home is a good idea. While ordering takeout is easier, convenient, and often tastes great, it is not good for your health or your wallet. Because of this, more and more people are trying to get into cooking as a hobby and a way to feed themselves.

Unfortunately, cooking is not always easy, especially if you do not know where to start. This is where this article comes into the picture. With this advice, you can save money, improve your health, and learn how to make some delicious meals. 

Saving Money

With the recent rise in the cost of living, everything is expensive. You might reason that takeout is not much more expensive than buying groceries, but this is just a sign that you are buying groceries wrong. 

The first mistake people make is to neglect to write a list. This makes you more likely to forget something you need, so you end up having to go back to the grocery store, where you might pick up a bunch of other groceries. Write a list and plan what you will buy, ideally based on specific recipes. 

Writing a list also prevents you from buying food you do not need. Shopping when you are hungry leads to buying junk food and other unneeded items, which can lead to waste. Pay attention to prices as you buy, specifically the price per weight, which will tell you what provides better value for money.

The Right Recipes

If you are not familiar with cooking, then recipes are your friend. Ideally, you want to start with simple, delicious, and quick recipes so that you can get started on your cooking journey. Consider the nutritional value of the meals you cook as well.

For example, try some delicious brown sugar pork chops. You’ll love how simple yet tasty they are. Because they are packed with flavor, you can pair them with some steamed or sauteed vegetables for a quick, healthy, and easy meal.

Once you build a collection of recipes that you have learned, you naturally get a grasp of the basics of cooking. You learn how to hold and use a knife properly, as well as the best way to brown meat and create a sauce. You also grow more confident in your skills, which allows you to experiment or try more complicated dishes.

Cooking Classes

One way that you can improve your skills and grow in confidence is to find some local cooking classes. These will teach you specific techniques and tips that will boost your cooking ability, and give you some great ideas for meals. 

Cooking classes are also an excellent way to make new friends and connections. You can find classes geared towards your age group and your peers, or go for a mixed group. You never know who you might meet and what ideas you might pick up.

Learning how to cook is a good way to help yourself grow as a person and pick up some practical skills.

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Four hobbies that can teach you important life skills

Dancing serves as a form of exercise and stress reliever. Photo: Michael Zittel, used with permission.

It is never too late to learn something new. In fact, it is encouraged at all ages to help keep the mind sharp and expand your skills. With so many different skills to know and learn, you will never be short of new hobbies or passions to indulge in or learning opportunities you can take up.

While some hobbies can be solely for fun, many can help you expand your skills and support and enhance your quality of life. Read on to find out more.

Cooking and Baking

Everyone needs to learn how to cook and taking up cooking or baking, or even both, as your new hobby can give essential skills you can use every day to support yourself. Whether you want to wow your friends by whipping up a three-course meal worthy of a place on MasterChef or you try this lemon slice recipe to practice for a spot on the Great British Bake Off, learning kitchen skills will serve you well. Whether you self-learn at home using recipe books, online tutorials or via food bloggers or by taking classes, you can find something that works for you positively.

A New Language

Many people learn languages in schools, but not as many carry on these skills as adults. New languages can help you massively when travelling around the world or when conversing with people who have a different native language than you. The most common spoken language in the world is English, followed by Mandarin Chinese, Hindi and Spanish, but there are over 6,5000 spoken languages in the world for you to try to learn if you so wish.

Sewing and Knitting

Sewing and knitting are skills that were once commonplace in schools across the world but, in recent years, have been removed from the curriculum. However, lately, these skills seem to be having somewhat of a revival, with more and more of the younger generations taking up knitting and sewing for pleasure. These skills can help you be more creative and give you valuable skills to help you repair items at home and even create your own clothing.

Dancing

Dancing is an excellent form of exercise and can be an important stress reliever and mood enhancer. Suppose you struggle to get the motivation to move or do much exercise, or you simply like to express yourself through music. In that case, taking music classes to teach yourself different dance styles at home can help you learn how to express yourself better and stay fit, healthy, and more enjoyable if the gym does not interest you. Dancing means paying attention to how you hold your body, the beat of the music and how to stay in time with a beat. Being more agile and fluid in your movements can help you avoid accidents and injuries and set you up for a physically healthy body that can cope with your daily activities.

Whatever hobby you take up, ensure you do it for the right reasons. While some can give you invaluable skills you can implement in your life, you need to enjoy what you must do to get maximum pleasure and benefits from it, or it will not be worthwhile.

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Mother’s Day gift ideas: Mindful Moms Retreat at Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk

Gift ideas for moms at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk include a Mindful Moms Retreat and more. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so if you are looking for gift ideas, consider Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk.

A spa day is one of the most rewarding Mother’s Day gifts, and this year Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is offering moms everything from luxurious spa treatments to specialty cocktails at the rooftop bar and lounge to provide them with all of the celebrations that they deserve. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2023)

Over Mother’s Day weekend from May 12-14, guests can enjoy the following Mother’s Day programming:

  • Mindful Moms Retreat: For the month of May, moms can enjoy a mindful mimosa to kick off their spa day and choose from two restorative treatments, including a 50-minute Brighten & Renew Facial, a 50-minute Sleek & Slim Body treatment, and a 50-minute pedi or 50-minute “mommy” mani. Guests can enjoy the sauna and steam room before their treatment and afterwards cheers to self-care with a complimentary glass of champagne while unwinding in the spa’s relaxation area. $275.00 (discounts cannot be applied).
  • Ario Launch Party: Kick off the summer at the hotel’s Cenote Pool Deck on May 13 from 2p.m. – 4p.m., where the Thompson Spa will debut its summer hydration product line.
  • Mother’s Day Brunch: On Sunday, May 14, families can gather at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s signature restaurant, Landrace, helmed by James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh, for a special family-style Mother’s Day brunch featuring a seafood display, brisket carving station, lemon prickly pear cupcakes, banana cream parfaits, mimosas, and more.
  • Bad Moms Event: On May 12, moms can gather with their girlfriends for the “Bad Moms event” at the hotel’s enchanting rooftop bar and lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, for a well-deserved night out perched over the city with specialty cocktails and live DJ performance at 8p.m.
Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.

New book release: ‘Maribelle’s Shadow’ by Susannah Marren

Susannah Marren’s new novel ‘Maribelle’s Shadow’ will be released June 27, 2023. Photo: Amazon

Susan Shapiro Barash is an American author of thirteen nonfiction women’s issue books including “Tripping the Prom Queen,” “Toxic Friends,” and ‘You’re Grounded Forever, but First Let’s Go Shopping.” She writes fiction under her pen name Susannah Marren. Her novels are “Between the Tides,” “A Palm Beach Wife,” and “A Palm Beach Scandal.” Susan’s books focus on the gender divide, how women are positioned in our society and their innermost feelings about themselves as daughters, mothers, sisters, friends, wives, mothers-in-law, daughters-in-law, rivals, colleagues, and lovers. Her new book, to be released June 27, “Maribelle’s Shadow,”  is a compelling tale of deception and family loyalty, written by the nationally renowned observer of women’s relationships. It is available for pre-order on Amazon. (Meryl Moss Media, 2023)

“Maribelle’s Shadow” – The only thing that spreads faster than gossip in Palm Beach is news of a mysterious death. As the editorial director of Palm Beach Confidential, Maribelle Barrows knows what lurks beneath the glittering facade of the moneyed elite on Florida’s most glamourous coast. Or does she? When her adored and impressive husband, Samuel, dies suddenly, the secrets and lies between Maribelle and her sisters rise to the surface. Compounding the anguish, the authenticity of their socially ambitious mother and their lavish lifestyle of mansions, privilege and couture clothes is thrown into doubt. As their carefully constructed image unravels, each sister realizes she must fend for herself. While the pathway out is steep, it is worth any risk. Until the winner takes all.

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Poetry spotlight: the poetry of Danny Wilson Vol. 2

‘Another Trip to Denny’s’ by Danny Wilson. Photo: Google

Continuing the journey into Danny Wilson’s poetry, here is volume 2 and a look into some of his other poetry books. Danny Wilson is a poet originally from Greenville, NC and currently residing in Albuquerque, NM. After years of military service, he is now retired and focusing on his poetry. He has written over 100 poetry books in the last nine years with no intention of slowing down. (Danny Wilson, 2023)

Another Trip to Denny’s
Moments in time test all notions of reality. Pieces of a dream paint a flawed picture. Total strangers become a part of communal consciousness. Tomorrow shows a faint glimpse of happiness.

Beyond Tomorrow
Finding the strength to smile at disaster when it happens. Failure becoming another excuse to succeed. Looking into the future at what could be while making it happen. Unbridled passion challenging the imagination of all.

Once Upon a Time
Moments in time encompassing the past while highlighting the present. Individual struggle binding souls together with a purpose. Sunday evening reflections create inward rumblings. A single voice creating the structure of a new dialog.

Romancing Yesterday
Reflections on the trials and tribulations that we face. Thoughts coming from the heart and mind. A specific take on the human conditions that affect all humans.

Square Pegs
Key moments in life define who we are meant to be. Obstacles on the path to renewal seek permanent answers. Sunsets leave battered souls intact. Existing one more day in a matrix.

Three Easy Pieces
A few minutes of casual observation, reflection, and thought. Guaranteed to stir reflection, debate, and angst. Life becomes a living, breathing entity that is experienced for a moment.

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Photo: Google

Poetry spotlight: the poetry of Danny Wilson

‘A Fifth of Never’ is just one book in Danny Wilson’s vast collection of poetry books. Photo: Amazon

In honor of National Poetry Month:

Danny Wilson is a poet originally from Greenville, NC and currently residing in Albuquerque, NM. After years of military service, he is now retired and focusing on his poetry. He has written over 100 poetry books in the last nine years with no intention of slowing down. So if you are searching for some new poetry to speak to your heart, check out these titles. (Danny Wilson, 2023)

These are some of his poetry books:

“A Fifth of Never” – Visiting human consciousness on a daily basis. Isolated moments painting a vivid picture of quirks, eccentricities, and ideas. Bringing together a somewhat messy analysis of the psyche. Leaving the reader with a painting that challenges thought. Perhaps adding to the dynamic of what it means to be human.

“Manic Monday” – Touching emotions, the thought process, and the soul. A journey in the realm of the possible that visits another place. Winding up at a destination that is cathartic as well as enlightening. Pushing the notion of free expression while embracing things that tie all human souls together. Each day provides a learning curve and adjustments that ultimately make tomorrow exciting, desired, and worthy of pursuing.

“Fading Forward” – Existing between complex worlds…..Seeing the beauty of fellow truth-seekers…Tired eyes reaching for a brass ring….Pet sounds fade to the twilight zone…

“Quiet Room Speaking” – Ears ringing 24/7…..I try to make sense of a senseless life anew….Hanging out with the folks at Denny’s….My inner psyche grows with the complexities of human dynamics….

“Tarheel Bluedevil” – Seeing the honor in my fellow man/woman. Striving to co-exist with grace. I play a game of chance now. My heart leads the way. Forever humble…

“Librarian Art” – Reality within the confines of Denny’s…..My muse taking poetics to another level….Mom/Pop illuminating the Matrix….Finding yesterday’s child….Always!

“Nellie Wilson Speaks” – The house of pain?….I find the illusion to be complex now….Ms Pharo pointing a sympathetic finger anew….Thoughts of [more]…..

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New book release: ‘Fix Your Back Like An Architect’ by Marian Jodlowski

‘Fix Your Back Like An Architect’ by Marian Jodlowski. Photo: Amazon

Marian Jodlowski is a Master of Science in Architecture graduate from the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice. He also completed postgraduate studies at the Warsaw University of Technology. At age 55, he suffered from acute spinal disc disease, which temporarily prevented him from walking; after contracting this illness, Marian became interested in the mechanics of human movement. This interest resulted, among other things, from the fact that the treatment offered by the academic health service was ineffective in his case, and he considered spinal surgery a last resort. In this situation, he started looking for specialists offering alternative treatments. In his book “Fix Your Back Like An Architect: Gravity Therapy of the Spine and Motor Organs,” the author explains how he overcame acute spinal disease and returned to everyday life. He also shares how he strengthened his body so that even many years after the onset of the disease, he no longer feels discomfort. It is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback format. (Marian Jodlowski, 2023)

During his treatment, some of the specialists’ methods had some positive results, while others did not. None of them fully identified the causes of the disease or offered a comprehensive cure. Due to Marian’s profession and technical experience, he increasingly perceived the human body as a complicated spatial mechanical system affected by Earth’s gravity, similar to the static and mechanical engineering objects functioning on Earth. Such well-proportioned objects with logically juxtaposed structural elements operating by the laws of physics function very well and are less unreliable than those without such features. Recognizing the above relationships and many others related to conditions in the field of academic and alternative medicine allowed him to formulate many important indications regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the spine and musculoskeletal system. Thanks to their use, the author not only managed to avoid spinal surgery, but many years after acute disc disease of the spine, he does not feel any related ailments. His well-being is much better than a dozen years ago.

“Fix Your Back Like An Architect: Gravity Therapy of the Spine and Motor Organs” – Most musculoskeletal dysfunctions arise from a chronic lack of gravitational tension in some muscles and over-tension in others. They usually result from habitual abuse of incorrect, often favorite body positions and because of using faulty movement patterns in everyday life. Such dysfunctions can begin gradually in childhood and become fixed for longer just as quickly. Therefore, in such cases, it is equally important to identify these problems according to the rules presented in the book and to proceed to their elimination immediately. In a healthy adult, musculoskeletal disorders usually develop much more slowly. However, if they are not eliminated in advance, they are constantly deepening, worsening a person’s well-being and even preventing them from functioning properly in everyday life.

As the leading cause of diseases of the spine and musculoskeletal system, the author presented chronic muscle tension disorders caused by the action of incorrect vectors of forces caused by gravity and ground resistance. In connection with the mechanism causing bone deformities, according to the Delpech-Wolff Law, which explains the causes of even severe skeletal deformities.

The author also indicates how the poor functioning of the muscular system during everyday activities affects the occurrence of diseases of the spine and musculoskeletal system.

Acute pain is the body’s alarm signal and should not always be eliminated too often with painkillers. However, comprehensive methods leading to the fastest possible healing of inflammation should be used. Progressive natural pain relief is a signal to undertake other forms of treatment, including active therapy involving moderate corrective exercises.

The author’s knowledge and experience presented in this book can save you from making many hasty decisions about how to treat your conditions, including risky back or joint surgery. In addition to the systemic knowledge about rebuilding the body, you will receive many practical tips to reduce your daily ailments and contribute to your recovery.

Without knowing the principles in this book, it is difficult to imagine keeping the body in good shape and avoiding the destructive influence of gravity on the body, which lasts for years. On the other hand, without using the crucial tips on exercise techniques contained in it, it is difficult to rebuild the body and effectively eliminate dysfunctions and deformities of the body caused by its incorrect use.

In the book, you will read, among other things:

  • How children with a weaker mitochondrial genome can avoid severe developmental defects such as scoliosis, general physical underdevelopment, and other musculoskeletal defects. How these children can match the level of physical development of other peers by consciously using the forces of gravity.
  • How the proper use of gravitational energy in an almost imperceptible way shapes the correct body posture in people with particular genetic predispositions. How effectively it affects the development of their muscular system, vitality, and health, and what should be done not only not to waste this potential but also to effectively use it for further strengthening of the body.
  • How adults can avoid conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, disc herniation, joint degradation, and general body weakness.
  • What are the causes of the loss of motor skills in seniors and the general decline in health with age. Moreover, what are the indications of how to stop these changes to maintain fitness and health until old age.
  • Why activities such as walking, running, sitting, bending the body, doing squats, and lifting weights should, in most cases, be done differently from what is generally recommended.
  • How to maintain high physical and intellectual fitness thanks to man’s conscious acquisition of energy in the biological and gravitational cycle.
  • How, through the action of gravity, in some body positions, there is a negative shaping of muscle tension, which causes the weakening of vitality and human health, and how can we prevent it.
  • Why many of the recommended ways to exercise in a variety of sports, including bodybuilding and weightlifting, often lead to health loss rather than health improvement.

** Excerpts available ***

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New documentary release: Living With Chucky

The documentary Living With Chucky is now available on streaming and Collector’s Edition Blu-ray. Photo: Cinedigm, used with permission.

This month, Cinedigm and Bloody Disgusting premiered the horror documentary Living With Chucky on its horror streaming service SCREAMBOX and on all major digital platforms in the US and Canada. (EG-PR, 2023)

Living with Chucky takes an in depth look at the groundbreaking Child’s Play franchise from the perspective of a filmmaker who grew up within it. Featuring interviews with cast and crew such as Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly, Alex Vincent, creator Don Mancini, and much more, this personal film recounts the dedication, creativity and sacrifice that went into making the franchise and its long-lasting impact on the horror community.

Storming into pop culture in the late 1980s, the three-foot menace known as Chucky, proved that Child’s Play was anything but. The horror film went on to spawn six sequels, a television series, a reboot, comic books, a video game, and merchandise.

Written and directed by Kyra Elise Gardner, daughter of legendary special effects artist Tony Gardner, Living With Chucky looks back at the groundbreaking horror franchise by those there from the beginning. The documentary details the history of the Child’s Play films by the cast and crew, in addition to Gardner’s own relationship with the series and the impact it had on her family. Gardner, who grew up alongside Chucky the killer doll, seeks out other families involved with the Child’s Play films as they recount their experiences working on the franchise and what it means to be a part of the “Chucky” family.

Cast: Abigail Breslin, Adam Hurtig, Alex Vincent, Billy Boyd, Brad Dourif, Christine Elise McCarthy, Dan Povenmire, David Kirschner, Don Mancini, Elle Lorraine, Fiona Dourif, James A. Janisse, Jennifer Tilly, John Waters, Kyra Gardner, Lin Shaye, Marlon Wayans, Tony Gardner, Tony Timpone, and many more.

Official Selection: Popcorn Frights Film Festival 2022, Fantastic Fest 2022, and Screamfest Horror Film Festival 2022.

US VOD PLATFORMS
Amazon, Apple, Google Play, VUDU, Hoopla, Xbox, SCREAMBOX, and more.
(SCREAMBOX is available to stream on iOS, Android, Prime Video, YouTube TV, Comcast, Cox, and screambox.com)

CANADA VOD PLATFORMS
Apple, Google Play, Xbox, and more.

The Living With Chucky Collector’s Edition Blu-ray is also available in the US & Canada. Special features include: Exclusive artwork by Creepy Duck, Candid Conversations, Favorite Death Scenes, Strange Families and Director’s Commentary.

Memoir: ‘Syrup Sandwiches’ by Anthony Owens

‘Syrup Sandwiches’ by Anthony Owens. Photo: Amazon

Anthony Owens is a native of Dawson, Georgia, but grew up in Brooklyn, New York since the age of two. He considers himself a Brooklynite, having grown up there from 1965 to 1981. He proudly served 20 years of active-duty service in the United States Navy fighting in two wars and providing humanitarian aid to foreign countries. With an MBA from Saint Leo University, he is now a federal information technology specialist in Virginia. His memoir, “Syrup Sandwiches,” is a powerful story about a young black boy who defeats the odds. (Anthony Owens, 2023)

“Syrup Sandwiches” – Anthony Owens shares how he became a successful man as he had to rise above the expected outcome for a child raised in poverty. Even though he was subjected to neglectful, abusive men, Anthony understood the importance of breaking the cycle to become the caring and responsible father he never had. He is one of the underrepresented voices in America – a black man raised by a single mother struggling to make ends meet; he speaks for the voices that so often go unheard. Faced with the odds of poverty, an absentee father, trauma, violence, bullying, and gang brutality, Anthony gives us a raw look at how he was determined not to be defined by his circumstances and makes a way out of no way.

“Syrup Sandwiches” is an inspiring story that gives hope to all children, especially poor children of color, providing a message of hope and success. In a time when society is looking at stories that speak to the black American experience, this is a story that is unapologetically authentic. This memoir provides hope; a reminder that there is a way out. Those who work with children can gain insight into what it takes for children to overcome the odds, what it is exactly that promotes success for all children. His goal for “Syrup Sandwiches” is for readers to see that even when life is unpredictable and challenging, giving up is not an option. Anthony also wants readers to know that our traumas, challenges and difficulties should not define or dictate who we are or shall be, and that we should all choose not to give up.

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Texas Wine Auction announces auction items and new chefs

The annual events is aimed at raising awareness for Texas wines and funds for hospitality workers. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Texas Wine Auction, an event aimed at bringing together Texas wineries and winemakers to raise money for wellness programs and research to enhance the Texas wine industry, is excited to announce their auction items and the addition of two new chefs to the event, taking place on Saturday, April 29 from 6p.m. to 11:30p.m. Chef Luis Villalva of El Come Taco in Dallas, TX and Chef Austin Simmons of TRIS in Houston, TX will join the ranks of the eight incredible chefs participating in this year’s auction. (Texas Wine Auction, 2023)

Both of the recently announced chefs will participate in a competition to present the best dish of the night, voted on by event goers. They will join the previously announced Chef Angie Ragan, Chef Mike Hall, Chef Krystyna Cibelli-Pettus, Chef Roshni Gurnani, and Chef Matt Church.

In addition to enjoying incredible food and wine, attendees will also be able to bid on incredible auction items throughout the night. This year’s featured auction items include:

Tasting the Stars of Texas: Co-sponsored by FlavoryTX and Feast & Merriment, the auction item will be a memorable experience enjoying Texas wines paired with ranch-to-table dinner, followed by a guided star party with sparkling Texas wines.
Texas staycation: A luxurious three day, two night stay in Fort Davis, Texas with a wine tasting by Chateau Wright.
VIP Napa Trip: A VIP trip to Napa in California for four. The trip includes a three day, two night stay at Auberge Du Soleil with private transportation to six wineries.
Hill Country Tour: An exclusive tour of Hill Country wineries via helicopter with Aero Vino.
VIP Wine Weekend: Feature winery, William Chris Vineyards, will host a Barrel Tasting for eight, and private dinner at their vineyard. They will also host tastings at all three of their properties and a two night stay at Carter Creek Winery & Resort.
Wine Cases: Feature winery Inwood Estates will offer two cases of their ultra premium wine and dinner at a location to be revealed at a later date.

Tickets are available online. For those interested in donating to the cause, please visit Texas Wine Revolution. 

Vista Oaks Event Center
8192 E. Highway 290
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Texas Wine Revolution is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating consumer education and awareness of Texas-grown wines as well as giving back to the industry and communities we operate within. In 2022 Texas Wine Revolution announced its inaugural Texas Wine Auction, an event supporting community and industry through a showcase of Texas wine and world-class cuisine presented by top culinary talents from around the country.