Prioritizing Life 101 with Liza Corrine: Edition oNe: The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.- Alex Haley-

Many of you may or may not know but I have said for YEARS that I am going to write a few books, but I never can seem to properly express myself. To help me get started I am going to write a continuous series of mini blogs by Liza Corrine and see how this goes. The inpiration for the Prioritizing Life 101 Series by Liza Corrine was inspired by the following email forward from my friend Yvonne (Bay Shore, NY):

When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day
are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise
jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the
jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. Then students responded with a unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. "Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions--and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand and and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions--and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The
same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. "Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first--the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

I would like to know that there are people out there reading my blog. If you have a moment leave me a comment. If just to say hi.... or to tell me what you think of my topic for that day. I appreciate your feedback and communication.

MoneyTalk with Liza Corrine: Edition tHREe (3): Top 7 Traits of Wealthy People

Though I am grateful for the blessings of wealth, it hasn't changed who I am. My feet are still on the ground. I'm just wearing better shoes. – Oprah Winfrey –

While searching the web trying to find things to help keep this series going I located this interesting article by Abel Cheng that I thought would be intersting to my blog readers. This article was featured on several sites and I thought I would share.

Top 7 Traits of Wealthy People

By Abel Cheng

PERSISTENCE
On your way to achieve wealth, you will definitely face some obstacles. Overcome the obstacles and move on. Do not give up and be persistent. Wealth is achieved only by removing a series of stumbling blocks along your way to riches.

INVEST OR BUILD A BUSINESS
Extremely wealthy people are either businessmen or investors. Look at some of the richest people in the world. They all own companies. To create wealth, you must involve yourself in business or investing. This is where the money is. Start your own business and grow your wealth.

INNOVATIVE
To be very wealthy and to stay wealthy, you need to be very innovative. Being innovative ensures that you always come up with new ideas to create wealth. Look around you for some opportunities that can make you rich. Be observant and critical.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE
If you are not doing what you love, forget about getting rich. Wealthy people get wealthy because they do what they love. They love what they do so much that they forget that they are actually working. Find something you love and create business around what you love.

GIVE IT BACK
Donate some of your income to charity you believe in on a regular basis. Some extremely wealthy people even have their own foundations. They donate a percentage of their wealth to the cause they believe. The more you give, the more you receive. Do not hoard wealth, share it with people around you.

CONTINUOUS LEARNING
Keep learning to improve yourself. Extremely wealthy people believe that the greatest asset in the world is your mind. Your mind shapes your destiny. Invest in your greatest asset by reading books, listening to audio tapes or attending seminars.

LEVERAGE
Extremely wealthy people do not do everything themselves. They know when to let go. They hire the right people to do it. Bill Gates doesn't write software, he hires programmers to do it. To be very rich, you must know how to leverage. Hire people and use tools to do some of your work. If you do not leverage, there is so much that you can do, and this puts a limit on how much money you can make.

Taken from : http://www.showmomthemoney.com/PersonalGrowth/7Traits.htm

Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. – Benjamin Franklin-

MoneyTalk with Liza Corrine: Edition tWo (2): My Inspiration

Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons. – Woody Allen-

I like to share methods of saving with others which is why when a local news station ran a story that I thought was interesting...I was inspired this series called MoneyTalk with Liza Corrine

The segment was a Buyer Beware feature on Shopper Savings on a local news channel, WYFF 4. In feature they introduced us to a young lady that saves hundreds of $$ a year by completing rebates. If you would like to read more of how she does it as well as well as check out other article they did in the past on shopping savings and more please click here If you would like to view the video of this segment please click here.

MoneyTalk with Liza Corrine: Edition oNe (1): How to Shop

"If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting." -Benjamin Franklin -

This begins my short blog segment on MoneyTalk with Liza Corirne…

Did you know that a lot of people who become wealthy through inheritance or though hard work tends to purchase used cars?

Commonly my friends tease me because I am rather an economical shopper. I have been called crazy for going to after thanksgiving sales and even my boyfriend calls me his “frugal baby”, and this is okay with me. I hope that even when I am in a better financial situation I maintain my frugal ways. I believe that we develop such ways out of necessity or greed. As for me… it isn’t greed but necessity and sometimes kind of fun.

Liza Corrine’s Tips for Finding Good Deals
(Part 1: Nos. 1-5)

Please note I use terms “The Release” aka pros, benefits, etc. & “The Catch” aka cons, negatives, costs, etc.

1. Clip Coupons: Don’t be above this. You can clip coupons while you are sitting watching television. THE RELEASE: They are pieces of paper that when scanned at the appropriate place of business can save you money. THE CATCH: You have to pay attention to expiration dates and maintain a place to keep your coupons.
2. Shop Stores like Tuesday Morning, TJ Maxx, Ross’s, etc: THE RELEASE: These stores have a lot of the name brand items (if you are into that type thing) for much cheaper prices THE CATCH: Items are often limited and/or out of season. These places can be disorganized.
3. When Shopping Online SEARCH for COUPON CODES: Take a moment before you check out and visit your favorite search engine (in my case Google) and search for the store you are about to make a purchase followed by the word coupon code (i.e. Target Coupon Code) . You can check the first couple of links and see if there is anything that you can use. OR you can bookmark a few that I use. Current Codes.com or Rebate Place.com THE RELEASE: You often save a decent amount of money if you only take the time to fill out the paperwork. Vendors count on you not wanting to take the time to do this. THE CATCH: It can cost you a stamp and time to fill out the forms.
4. Shop After Thanksgiving Day Sales: Better known as BLACK FRIDAY. If you lay out sale papers, choose the items you would like to purchase, then make a plan of action...THE RELEASE: you can save hundreds of dollars. THE CATCH: There can be negatives to this event… and that is what it is … an event! If you pick the HOT SPOT (the store that EVERYONE who is Black Friday Shopping has selected you could be in line for hours. Some shoppers are CRAZY!

Scholarship Opportunities... Listen UP

I do not tend to send a lot of forwards as I may have stated before. Instead if I feel that the word should be spread I post it on my blog. Check out these opportunities...

"O" The Oprah Magazine is looking to hire fall interns in the Fashion and Style Departments. Candidates must be highly organized, detail-oriented and be able to juggle multiple tasks at once. Prior internship experience preferred, but not required. This opportunity is available for college students in need of credit hours and recent graduates who are available to start immediately, full-time from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 5 days a week.
Send resumes with a cover letter to: Cindy M. Del Rosario, Associate; Editor O, The Oprah Magazine1700 Broadway, 38th floor ; New York, NY or call 212-903-5149.

Verizon is looking for students who are 2006-2007 graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). If you know of someone graduating from a HBCU this year with a degree in Engineering, Computer Science and Technology, Information Technology, General B business, Finance or Marketing, please have them forward their resume to:
melissa.w.langham@verizon.com to be considered for career opportunities within Verizon.

The Women's Technology Program at MIT is a 4-week;summer residence program to introduce high school girls to electrical engineering and computer science. If you know a girl who is currently a high school junior who demonstrates math and science ability and an interest in finding out about EECS, please encourage her to visit our website for more information and for an application form (sorry, applications were due Feb 3, 2007, but explore possible exceptions http://www.mit.edu .Our classesare taught in a supportive environment by a staff of women MIT PhD candidates and undergraduates The full -time academic pro am includes hands-on experiments and team-based projects in computer science, electrical engineering, and mathematics. No prior experience in computer programming, physics, or electrical engineering is expected, but applicants typically have strong academic records, especially in math and science.

HARVARD'S TUITION ANNOUNCEMENT - Harvard is offering free tuition for students that have a family income below $40,000. If you are a mentor or have nieces and nephews who might be interested, please give them this information. If you know any one/family earning l less than $40K with a brilliant child near ready for college, please pass this along. The prestigious university recently announced that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families can go to Harvard for free...no tuition and no student loans! To find out more about Harvard offering free tuition for families making less than $40, 000 a year visit Harvard's financial aid website at:http://adm-is.fas.harvard.edu/FAO/index.htm or call the school's financial aid office at (617) 495-1581.

Tomorrow I begin a segment called MoneyTalk with Liza Corrine. Please come
back and see what I have to say... this should be interesting.

Be on NBC's Identity - Casting in ATL

IDENTITY - CONTESTANTSNOW CASTING!
Open Call!! We will be holding open calls at:

Gordon Biersch Brewery (848 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) on Friday, 2/16, from 5pm-9pm and Saturday, 2/17, from noon to 5pm.

Do you have an uncanny ability to read people? Are you intuitive and enthusiastic? If so, you might be able to win $500,000 on "Identity". Identity Open Call just added!

If you were unable to attend an open call, follow the instructions on their website to submit an application.

25 Things A Sista' Should Never Apologize For

This was a forward that I received and I thought it was cute. I hope you enjoy...
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1. Never apologize for pursuing what makes you happy. Even if you need to quit your job, transfer schools, or move across country, always do what youreally want.

2. Never apologize for using proper English. Keeping it real does not have to mean speaking Ebonics.

3. Never apologize for giving your best in a relationship that just didn'twork out!

4. Never apologize for being successful. Only haters want to keep you at their level.

5. Never apologize for crying. Wear waterproof mascara and express yourself.

6. Never apologize for ten pounds you need to lose. People who truly cares about you will accept you as you are.

7. Never apologize for being frugal. Just because you save money instead of blowing it on the latest fashion emergency doesn't mean you're cheap.

8. Don't apologize for being a single Mom. Babies are a blessing.

9. Never apologize for treating yourself to something special. Sometimes you have to show yourself some appreciation.

10. Never apologize for leaving an abusive relationship. Your safety should always be a priority

11. Never apologize for keeping the ring even if you did not get married.

12. Never apologize for setting high standards in a relationship. You know what you can tolerate and what simply gets on your nerves.

13. Never apologize for saying NO.

14. Never apologize for asking for what you want in bed. If you don't, then who will?

15. Never apologize for wearing a weave or braids. You bought it so it'syours.

16. Never apologize to your new friends about old friends. There's a reason she's been your girl from day one.

17. Never apologize for ordering dessert or more than one dessert.

18. Never apologize for dating outside your race. Just because you found Mr.Right across the color line doesn't mean you don't love your brothas.

19. Never apologize for demanding respect. You are to always be treated as aqueen.

20. Never apologize for not knowing how to cook. Even if you can't burn like Grandma you know how to order good take out. (Right Girl!)

21. Never apologize for your taste in clothes. It's your style.

22. Never apologize for changing your mind, it is your prerogative.

23. Never apologize for making a decision from your heart, even if others don't agree. You have to live with the consequences not them.

24. Never apologize for making more money than your man, you work hard and you deserve to get paid.

25. Never apologize for being you!

What do your eyes say about YOU ?

I thought this was cute and fun to read... I hope you enjoy!

*Blue Eyes*
People with blue eyes last the longest in relationships. They are kind, pretty or handsome & very good kissers.they always fall in love with there closest friends and never understand why, they are very funny and outgoing and don't care what people think or say,They are very satisfying and love to please. They can EXCEED your pleasure standards. The best of all. If you repost this and you have blue eyes you will have the best kiss sometime in the next 5 days.

*Green Eyes*
Sex Addicts!!!People with green eyes have the most passion put into relationships, they have long lasting relationships. People with green eyes are also the horniest and most beautiful. They long for the touch of another. People with green eyes are very sexy and very attracted towards the opposite sex. They help others in need. They are the most attractive eyes of them all. They get envied alot but it doesnt bother them. You will meet the person you're going to spend the rest of your life with if you repost this.

*Hazel Eyes*
People with hazel eyes are very loveable. They are really hott and awsome to be around. Their relationship tends to be very honest cause if they aren't truly in love, the relationship won't work. They are very fun to be around but don't enjoy "pet names". They fall easily for their best friends. Can make anyone laugh no matter what they're mood! They don't care what people think or say about them! They are very satisfying and love to please. They can EXCEED your pleasure standards. They would give anything to be with their special someone! They are very laid back and chill and love to just be around. If you repost this and have hazel eyes then you will be happy soon with the person who is on your heart.

*Brown Eyes*
STRAIGHT UP PIMPS!!!!!Sexy as hell,people with brown eyes are very attractive, adorable, love to make new friends. Will do anything for that special person. Kind and polite Can make anyone laugh or cheer them up. Loves to please the one they care for or love,very good kissers, are straight up WARRIORS, repost this if you have brown eyes, and you will find the one that you are meant to be with within the next 7 days.

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*Bonus for my friends*. There are 9 set of eyes on the right hand side. Who can identify the most sets of eyes correctly? First names only when guessing,please

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Library Ministry

Hello Everyone. My church… Pleasant Hill Baptist Church is starting a at our church. We are requesting books be donated for students to check out as well as old magazines. You can specify if magazines are to be used for craft projects OR if they are to be used for historical, research and reference purposes. I am very passionate about helping this ministry because I believe it is imperative that we read to our children, know how to research, and much more. If you have books and/or magazines that you would like to donate please contact me as soon as possible.

Please be mindful of subject matter. Also keep in mind that adults and children will be able to check out books.

Thank you.

Economics Summer Camp 2007

Hello Everyone. As many of you know I do an economics summer camp. We are in our 5th year of camp and have a new and improved website! If you know any rising seniors that would be interested in attending please direct them to our website. If you have any questions please let me know and I will provide you with further information. You can download brochures by clicking here or I can mail you some if you would like. I need a great number of schools to apply this year so please help me out.

Please note it is not just quantity that we are looking for but QUALITY! So please pass information about this camp along to students who you think are top of the bar! We are currently acceptingapplications from rising high school seniors with a thirst for knowledge,a demonstrated interest in economics and outstanding academic performance...Thanks!

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Today's Recipe
submitted by Melissa Y
Banana Cake

1 ¼ cups sugar

½ cup butter

2 eggs

1 teaspoon baking soda

4 tablespoons sour cream

3/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)

1 cup banana, mashed

1 ½ cups pastry or cake flour

1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, beaten very lightly, and the baking soda, dissolved in the sour cream.
2. Beat well, then add bananas, flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt and vanilla.
3. Bake in a well greased loaf pan, 7-1/4 x 11-1/4 x 1-1/2 inch, in 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven.
4. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
5. Serving suggestion: cool cake and cut into layers and fill with cream cheese frosting, or spread with whipped cream cheese just before serving.

Recipe can be doubled and baked in 10 inch round pans.

AAP Bachelorette Weekend

Good Afternoon Everyone! For many of my friends and readers who have been wondering why I have been MIA a lot of it is because my bestest friends Alyssa is getting married and I am a bridesmaid. We have been to Gastonia for an Engagement party, to Fort Lawn for a Christmas Shower, to Easley for a Kitchen Shower, and the latest is a Bachelorette Party on Sullivan's Island. (Can you believe it and I/we haven't been able to go to EVERYTHING)... Poor Alyssa I know she is tired.. but having a great time! It has been a lot of fun for me and I wanted to share a picture of a group of us at Poe's Tavern on Sullivan's Island. We had a blast! Only a few more weeks until the big day! Congratulations Alyssa!

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Today's Recipe
submitted by Anna W
Lasagna

12 ounces bulk Italian or pork sausage or ground beef

1 cup chopped onion (1 large) 2 cloves garlic, minced ** I use more garlic **

1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 8-ounce can tomato sauce 1 tablespoon dried

Italian seasoning, crushed

1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed (optional)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

6 dried lasagna noodles

1 egg, beaten

1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese or 2 cups cream-style cottage cheese, drained

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1. For sauce, in a large saucepan cook sausage, onion, and garlic until meat is brown. Drain. 2. Stir undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, fennel seeds (if desired), and black pepper into meat mixture. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Meanwhile, cook noodles for 10 to 12 minutes or until tender but still firm. Drain noodles; rinse with cold water. Drain well; set aside.4. For filling, combine egg, ricotta, and the 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Set aside. 5. Spread about 1/2 cup of the sauce over the bottom of a 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Layer half of the cooked noodles in the bottom of the dish, trimming or overlapping as necessary to fit. Spread with half of the filling. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. If desired, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over top. 6. Place baking dish on a baking sheet. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. 7. Makes 8 servings 8. Make-ahead directions: Prepare as above through Step 5. Cover unbaked lasagna; chill for up to 24 hours. To serve, bake, covered, in a 375 degree F oven for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake about 20 minutes more or until heated through. Let stand for10 minutes before serving.

Barbara Cross... MLK Speaker at Clemson University

"Barbara Cross is the oldest of four children born to Rev. and Mrs. John Cross. In June 1962, Barbara and her family moved to Birmingham, AL, when her father became pastor of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.

On Sunday September 15, 1963, Ku Klux Klan members planted and exploded bombs as 80 children waled into the church basement for Sunday School. Four little girls were killed, and 22 others were injured. The attacks was designed to incite fear in the community for supporting the Civil Rights Movement. Instead, the incident created a public outrage and momentum for the Civil Rights Movement." - Taken from the program bio of teh MLK Commemorative Service at Clemson University; Tuesday, January 16, 2007
She first said that the young ladies were often refered to as "The Four Little Girls" and that they were indeed that but also indviduals with names which she wanted us to know, recognize and be able to recall. Four girls—Addie Mae Collins (aged 14), Cynthia Wesley (14), Carole Robertson (14), and Denise McNair (11) . Durinng her expressive and informative speech Ms. Cross also shared with us her ABC's of Dr. King..

A
Atlanta, Agape Love
B
“Bombingham”
C
Courageous, Committed
D
Dreamer, Drum Major for Righteousness
E
Equality, Economic Boycott
F
Freedom
G
Gandhi (NONVIOLENT RESISTANCE)
H
---
I
Injustice (ridding the world of such)
J
Justice
K
Killed
L
Love
M
Marching from Montgomery to Memphis
N
Noble Peace Price
O
Oppressed
P
Preacher, Prophet, Peacemaker
Q
Quiet
R
Remember, Reflect, Renew our lives to the cause of freedom
S
Service
T
Teacher
U
United in the Spirit of Brotherly love
V
---
W
---
X
---
Y
---
Z
Zeal

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She stressed how Dr. King Lived the Dream, by Being the Dream through the aforementioned characteristics, actions, or inspirations. She also shared with us a few statements of reflection that she referred to as HEAVY if reflected on for a moment.

"Nonviolence does not mean that you will not be killed... it
means YOU will not kill someone"-unknown source-

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."-Martin Luther King, Jr; Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963-

"Either we live together in peacefulness or die together in
foolishness."-Martin Luther King, Jr-

It was a pleasure to mingle with her afterwards in the reception to honor her which is where the above picture of her and my mama was taken (Cross on the right). She was quite personable and one day I look forward to reading her book that she has yet to write about he experience of being in the church the day the bomb went off. In both her speech and one on one talk she told us of how her Sunday School teacher held her back to finish something. Which was the only reason she was not with the four young ladies that were killed in the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. She told of how one of the young ladies was her best friend. How one of the young ladies was holding her wallet for her and it was returned to her weeks later, and she recalled where it had been. She told of how Dr. King and others came to her home and worked with her father to compose the eulogy. She has so much to tell of her experience on that day and if you ever are fortunate enough to hear her tell of it, it is worth hearing. She my friends... is walking history.

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Today's Recipe

submitted by Geneva G

MEXICAN CORNBREAD

1½ cup of self rising cornmeal(Preferably White Lily®)

3 eggs½ cup cooking oil

1 8oz. can of cream corn

2 medium onions, chopped

8 oz. of extra sharp cheese, diced

¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, crushed

½ bell pepper, chopped

Preheat oven to 450degrees. Mix all ingredients. Get a 9” X 11” baking pan. Spray pan with Baker’s Joy ®. Pour mixture into pan and level out. Place in oven and cook until brown ~30 minutes. (Length of time will depend on how hot the oven is… (i.e. may take longer if you do not preheat the oven). Remove from oven. Let cool and cut into equal square s & Serve.

LinkedIn ... See What it is about

Have you heard about LinkedIn? It is yet another way to keep in touch with relatives, friends, and coworkers. However what makes it a little different from many other’s out there is it is set up for professional development and networking. You may or may not know you’re your friends or family do for a living or maybe you know but cannot recall when others ask if you if you know someone in XY or Z industry.

If you have a few moments and you would like to broaden your professional development networking among friends this is a site you should check out.

I currently have the following on my list..

• Assistant Professor of Economics at Clemson University
• Lecturer at University of Georgia
• Case Manger at South Fulton Senior Services
• COO of Eagle Companies
• Sales Representative at Sealevel Systems
• Senior Associate at KPMG
• Pharmaceutical Scientist at Banner Pharmaceuticals
• CO Owner of Monopoly Trading Copany
• Assistant Professor at Coastal Carolina
• and more...

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Today's Recipe
submitte Calaha Serrette
1-2-3 Cheesecake

1 cup of sugar

2 lbs of cream cheese (4-8oz pkg)

3 eggs

graham cracker crust

1 can of desired topping (cherry, strawberry, etc.)

Mix all together pour into graham cracker crust. Bake for 30min (the middle will not be firm) let cool. For 1hr , refrigerate overnight or for 4hrs. Add a can of cherry pie filling on top(or any of your favorite topping). Enjoy.

Happy Birthday Davida! - Shrimp & Grits

Today I would like to wish...

Davida G.

a Happy 24th Birthday...

ahh.. those were the days...

I would also like to wish Celestine P, Tammy C, & Regina D a happy birthday as well! I hope that each of you have a wonderful day!

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Today's Recipe...

Shrimp and Grits

compliments of Cory T.

Shrimp & sauce
3 or 4 slices of bacon
½ medium onion, chopped
1 ½ lb cleaned shrimp
2 Tbsp flour
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste
½ to 1 c. water
Fry bacon and remove from pan.
Add onions to drippings and cook on medium heat until tender.
Add shrimp and stir until pink.
Add flour and stir until brown. Will be lumpy.
Add Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
Add water.
Stir until smooth and thickened gravy.
Serve over grits.
*Tip: Cook grits with ½ chicken broth, ½ water for more savory grits.

Happy New Year! - Resolutions - Kool -aid points- Recipes..

Hello my friends, family, and visitors of my blog!

This is my first blog of 2007! I pray that each of you have had a wonderful and blessed year so far & that your 2007 is more prosperous, blessed, and outstanding than your 2007! For those of you who haven't had a positive 2007 thus far...pray, keep praying, and trust in God. I am a strong believer in prayer. Speak and live positive and you will be blessed!

Okay so this blog will cover a few things as the title states... you have read my New Year's well wishes...

Next to share some of my resolutions for 2007 and yes I am one of those people who make resolutions :) . Keeping it simple this year...

• go to the gym at least once a month (hey a girl has to start somewhere
• do a minimum of 100 sit-ups per week
• learn to swim
• loose 10 lbs (and not gain them back :) )
• improve my financial situation by positive measures
• be a positive source of inspiration for all that I encounter

On to my next topic of today's blog... Kool-Aid Points...

for any of you who still make Kool-Aid, I know I do and love it, please send me your kool-aid points if you do not wish to use them. You know you too have wondered what you could do with those things... I finally remembered to search and see what you can get & it turns out that the program will be ending this year...go figure.

"But don't delay, because these items are only available while supplies last or until June 30, 200; when the Kool Points program ends."

Just when I remember to finally look it up...lol If you would like to see click here. Please blog or email me and I will provide you with an address to send the points. Yes I can be corny.. but that is OKAY!... look for this blog topic to return in the coming months ... just in case it got lost in this introductory blog of 2007.

Now to my final topic of this blog....RECIPES...

I would like to thank each of you who contributed recipes to my friend's Kitchen Bridal Shower! You are the greatest. Over the coming months I will share with you a recipe a day (if I can remember) along with other topics. So if you would like to see all recipes submitted via email please check back daily.

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Today's Recipe

compliments of Lynette B.

Amaretto Cheesecake

Crust
11 Graham Crackers
¼ c Sugar
½ c Melted unsalted butter

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Grind crackers in food processor, and then add sugar to food processor. Finally add butter in mixture. Press mixture down in bottom of 9” Spring Form Pan., and pack firmly. Do not place mixture on edge of pan. Bake crust for 8-10 minutes or until edges are brown.

Filling
4-8oz packages of soften Cream Cheese
1 1/3 c Sugar
4 Eggs
1/3 c Amaretto

Mix cream cheese. Gradually add sugar 1/3 c at a time; blend well. Then add eggs, one at a time, at a low speed to avoid air bubbles. Finally add liquor. Pour mixture into pan. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Begin baking in a cold oven. Do not preheat oven. Reduce heat to 300 degrees and continue baking cake for 1 hour. Be sure not to open the oven until cake had baked for 1 hour. Allow cake to cool and then cover with aluminum foil. Allow cake to chill in refrigerator overnight.

Topping
4oz Sour Cream
1 ½ tsp Amaretto
2 Tsp Sugar
Mix ingredients (3) together. Chill in refrigerator overnight before adding to cheesecake.

Please note... these recipes could be from other sources but were donated by people to help build my friend's recipe collection! I just wish to share with others the joys of cooking.

Diabetes breakthrough...Toronto scientists cure disease in mice

Good Afternoon all! My love sends out daily emails (commonly forwards), some are funny, others are enlightening, some are political, and well some you just don't know what to think. If you would like to become part of his emailing list please contact him on his blog site link to your right, Mixxedkid's Place in Space. Today's forward was from a Canadain Newspaper in reference to diabetes. With many close family and friend affected by this disease this was something that I felt was important to share.

By: Tom Blackwell, National PostPublished: Friday, December 15, 2006 In a discovery that has stunned even those behind it, scientists at a Toronto hospital say they have proof the body's nervous system helps trigger diabetes, opening the door to a potential near-cure of the disease that affects millions of Canadians. Diabetic mice became healthy virtually overnight after researchers injected a substance to counteract the effect of malfunctioning pain neurons in the pancreas. "I couldn't believe it," said Dr. Michael Salter, a pain expert at the Hospital for Sick Children and one of the scientists. "Mice with diabetes suddenly didn't have diabetes any more." The researchers caution they have yet to confirm their findings in
people, but say they expect results from human studies within a year or so.
Any treatment that may emerge to help at least some patients would likely be
years away from hitting the market. But the excitement of the team from Sick
Kids, whose work is being published today in the journal Cell, is almost palpable. "I've never seen anything like it," said Dr. Hans Michael Dosch, an immunologist at
the hospital and a leader of the studies. "In my career, this is unique." Their conclusions upset conventional wisdom that Type 1 diabetes, the most serious
form of the illness that typically first appears in childhood, was solely caused
by auto-immune responses -- the body's immune system turning on itself. They
also conclude that there are far more similarities than previously thought
between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and that nerves likely play a role in other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as asthma and Crohn's disease. The "paradigm-changing" study opens "a novel, exciting door to address one of the diseases with large societal impact," said Dr. Christian Stohler, a leading U.S. pain specialist and dean of dentistry at the University of Maryland, who has reviewed the work. "The treatment and diagnosis of neuropathic diseases is poised to take a dramatic leap forward because of the impressive research." About two million Canadians suffer from diabetes, 10% of them with Type 1, contributing to 41,000 deaths a year. Insulin replacement therapy is the only treatment of Type 1, and cannot prevent many of the side effects, from heart attacks to kidney failure. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to shift glucose into the cells that need it. In Type 2 diabetes, the insulin that is produced is not used effectively -- something called insulin resistance -- also resulting in poor absorption of glucose. The problems stem partly from inflammation -- and eventual death -- of insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas. Dr. Dosch had concluded in a 1999 paper that there were surprising similarities between diabetes and multiple sclerosis, a central nervous system disease. His interest was also piqued by the presence around the insulin-producing islets of an "enormous" number of nerves, pain neurons primarily used to signal the brain that tissue has been damaged. Suspecting alink between the nerves and diabetes, he and Dr. Salter used an old experimental trick -- injecting capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot chili peppers, to kill the pancreatic sensory nerves in mice that had an equivalent of Type 1 diabetes.

Article Taken from the National Post

Six Degrees of Separation

... the positive energy returns to the blog...Good Day Everyone out there in blogging world. Today’s topic is the age old theory of Six Degrees of Separation. My friend, Denise, was watching ABC New's Primetime last evening and decided to participate in the current Columbia University's Small World Project. This theory fascinates me for many reasons.

• Reason 1: I believe that it is true and have had many discussions with my friend Denise in particular about it
• Reason 2: Years ago I belonged to a website that explored this theory loosely and could see the effects
• Reason 3: I enjoy studying the validity of such wonders
• Reason 4: I am a member of a scientific review board and it is interesting to read Columbia University’s On-line Consent
• Reason 5: I think it is just plain fun!
  

So if you have time please click on the links above to check out and even join the study.

Don’t Have Enough Experience???

WARNING:

Today’s blog is a complaint !

(forewarning to those who don’t want negativity today because I honestly try to stay positive).

Time and time again I interview… (and yes my boss knows, he hired me with the intention of me bettering myself)…and I have one friend in particular, lets call her Penelope, that can completely relate to me. And I think she is one reason I continue to interview. Time and time again we interview and we are told how wonderful, great, what a good fit for “Job X” we would be BUT… and here it comes…

• we don’t have enough experience...or
• "Person Y" has so much MORE expereince... or
• you are overqualified for this job... or
• with your Masters Degree we feel we would have to pay you... or
• they say they are going to call you back and they DON'T!

... COME ON PEOPLE... be original come up with some other excuse... becuase that is what it is! Okay, maybe that is a little harsh but you too would be annoyed if you were in my shoes...

Would someone somewhere please explain to us how we will EVER get more experience if we are constantly rejected? I mean seriously, time passes, we continue to do similar things but not what we want to do with the rest of our lives… gaining experience doing SOMETHING and what are we told… Lets see … we both have Bachelors of Sciences… we both have Masters Degrees… and Penelope is even working on her PhD. (You go Girl!!) 7 years removed from attaining our Bachelors and we are getting the same responses!

We have contemplated at times omitting our Masters Degrees from our resume and replacing them with the objectives listed for our respective Masters Degrees as EXPERIENCE from said institutions, but that would be dishonest… and we would have to account for those years somehow.

There are those of you who read my blog and tell me that I should look for jobs in locations far from my current locale. To those of you nothing personal but...

• 1) I am SICK AND TIRED OF HEARING THAT (if that is your advice... please keep it to yourself)
• 2)I HAVE AND DO... I admit not as much as I have in the past but work with me here that IS NOT the ONLY answer the question either.

Penelope and I have had conversation after conversation and we just do not get it! Strong, Educated, Smart, Creative, Attractive, Young ladies who repeatedly get the short end of the deal. I tell myself time and time again that God has a plan for me and Penelope… and we just cannot see it yet. We have known for some time now it isn’t what we know, how good we are, what degrees we have but WHO we know! We obviously don’t know the right people! This is so VERY frustrating. How do we continue to inspire young people to do there best, get more education, when it doesn’t seem to get us… well me at least ANYWHERE. People want to abuse us and our talents! I am just so very FRUSTRATED! UGH… and that is my complaint for today! Any words of encouragement? Does anyone out there know the right people and would care to share?

Please Contribute Recipes!

Good Afternoon All!

One of my closest friends, Alyssa, will be getting married in February 2007. CONGRATULATIONS ALYSSA! The Clemson Bridesmaids are throwing her a Kitchen/Recipe Shower. What I would like from you is to please contribute your favorite recipe so that I can add it to the recipe box we are giving her at her shower. You can either leave it on my blog or email it to AlyssaKitchen@lizacorrine.com If you choose to send a recipe via email please put the name of the Recipe in your subject line. Also, if you don't mind please put your city and state. I appreciate your time and recipes :) Have an outstanding weekend!

Liza Corrine

If you have pictures of the actual items you are sending me the recipe for please attached it to the email.

Thank you !

Great Appointment Book

Hello Everyone - I am back and blogging this wonderful holiday season! If you are an organize fanatic or looking to become more organized in the coming year the appointment book by Olge Publsihing company a wonderful choice. My boss had one in his office from 2005 and I really liked it so I purchased a 2006 planner have loved it! If you would like to find ou

t more abou them and the other products they offer please check out their website. www.oglepub.com . Their contact information is listed below. Here is a picture of an opened appointemnt book...

As you can see it has monthly tabs, daily and monthly bookmarks and also has... has monthly expense recording spaces, places to record mileage, an address book , area code map, intantional dialing codes, the most oftn used websiteds and 800 numbers in North America, Weights and Mesarues, converstion tables, and so much more. With shipping and handling one appointment book comes to $32.75... I believe it is worth the money!

PHONE: 1(800) 914-6453 • FAX: (503) 625-1892 • E-MAIL: PAT@OGLEPUB.COM

Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM PACIFIC COAST TIME