Also from sparkpeople... couldnt help but share this article. i loved it
Never look down on anybody unless you are helping him up.
- Jesse Jackson
It is easy to get down on someone when you aren't in their shoes. Often we throw in our two cents when it is not only unwanted, but also unhelpful and useless. Resist the temptation to waste your breath on pointless criticism at someone else's expense. Don't give advice to people unless it is asked for, lest you belittle them and come off looking like a know-it-all. Instead, examine ways you could help that person. Rather than continuously feeling irked by a coworker's mistakes, could you lend a hand or explain a task to her in a respectful way? You never know when the shoe will be on the other proverbial foot. Help others and one day it might come back to you.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
20 Tips to Save Money on Gas
I found this article from sparkpeople.com - enjoy!
I thought number 5 and 17 were very interesting!!
Small Changes Can Improve Efficiency by 30%
-- By Stepfanie Romine, Business Writer
With the prices at the pumps rising every day (or so it seems), we're all wondering the same thing: How can we save money on gas? Is it even possible?
Yes, of course you can save money on gas. These tips won't bring down the cost of gas, but they will help you use less gas, which in turn will save you money. Following the tips below can improve the efficiency of your car by up to 30 percent, according to drivers who've adapted such tactics! A bonus is that many of these tips will also help you help the environment. Go green while saving some green!
1. Combine trips. If you know you're going across town for soccer practice, stop by any stores you might need to visit in that area. Try to group errands geographically.
2. Downsize. Unless you need an SUV, minivan or full-size truck, then trade it in for a more efficient model. Want to save even more money? Switch to a hybrid (the prices have dropped in the last few years) or learn to drive a motorcycle or scooter.
3. Reduce your commute. Move closer to work if possible, work from home a day or two a week, or get a job in your neighborhood.
4. Don't wait for a holiday. Gas prices rise whenever more people travel, such as around the holidays. Fill up at least three days before a holiday.
5. Fill up mid week, in the morning. Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fill your tank. The weekends are the most expensive. Gas stations change their prices midmorning, so head to the pumps before you go to the office.
6. Park it. Park once, in the first spot you see. Unless you can't walk, park as soon as you find a spot instead of driving around to find one that's close. Also, if you're going to make several stops in the area, leave your car parked and drop off packages between stops, if need be. You can squeeze in a bit of exercise while you shop!
7. Charge it! Get a gas credit card that offers you savings. If your card is specific to one company, make sure those gas stations are located in the areas where you typically drive. You won't save money if you drive across town to get gas! (Just be sure to pay off the card in full each month so you don't get hit with finance charges.)
8. Go low. Use the lowest recommended octane for your car. Check you’re the owner's manual for your car, but most cars on the road today can go with the lowest-octane (and cheapest) gasoline.
9. Wait to fill up. Always fill up when you've got a quarter of a tank or less. You get better gas mileage with a lighter load, so that means gas mileage improves as you near empty. However, don't let it get too low—you could end up stranded!
10. Don't top off. When filling up, use the automatic "stop" function on the pump. When it stops, don't pump out a few extra cents worth of gas by hand. That gas evaporates (talk about a waste of money) and is bad for the environment, too.
11. Quit idling! Idling wastes gas and pollutes the air. Whether you're in line at a drive-thru, waiting for school to let out, or stopped in a parking lot, turn off the car. Turn the ignition to "accessory" mode to keep the radio and AC on. Even better, park and walk inside instead of using a drive-thru.
12. Remember what you learned in driver's education class: Don't tailgate, maintain consistent speed, drive the speed limit, and anticipate stop signs. Changing speeds constantly reduces efficiency. Decide what's more important to you: Arriving a couple of minutes (or usually just a few seconds) earlier, or saving money.
13. Got junk in your trunk? Empty it. Any extra weight reduces fuel efficiency. Also, take off any bike or ski racks if you're not using them. They can cause drag, making your car work harder to maintain speed.
14. Take care of your car. Regular oil changes improve gas mileage. Be sure to regularly change air filters, keep your tires properly inflated, and use a fuel injector cleaner, too.
15. When you are ready to fill up, fill it up all the way! Gas is expensive today, and chances are it'll be even more costly tomorrow. If you fill the tank completely, you can go longer between fill-ups.
16. Know your route. Getting lost is a waste of time and money. Sometimes it can't be avoided, but plan your routes in advance or use a global positioning unit. Carry a map, and use it!
17. Be shady. Park in the shade. Gas can evaporate on a hot day, especially when you park in the sun. Also, parking in the shade keeps the inside cooler, meaning you have to use the air conditioning less.
18. Speaking of AC. Only use it on the highways. It's more efficient to roll down the windows when you're going 40 miles per hour or less. The air conditioning is a better choice when you're going faster.
19. Slow down. Obeying the speed limit is more efficient for your car—especially on the highway. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.30 per gallon for gas. Besides saving gas, driving the speed limit is also safer for you and your passengers.
20. Don't stop. Didn't we just mention safety? Yes. Always obey traffic laws and be watchful of the vehicles and pedestrians around you. However, if you can safely (and legally) slow down enough to avoid actually stopping (such as when a stop light is a long way ahead of you), then do it. It takes less gas to speed up than to start from a full stop.
Follow these tips, and soon you'll be saving some pennies (and eventually some nickels, dimes or even dollars)! If you think those of us in North America have it bad, think of our brethren in Europe: Gas tops $8 a gallon on much of the continent, including Norway, Britain, Belgium and Germany. Ouch!
I thought number 5 and 17 were very interesting!!
Small Changes Can Improve Efficiency by 30%
-- By Stepfanie Romine, Business Writer
With the prices at the pumps rising every day (or so it seems), we're all wondering the same thing: How can we save money on gas? Is it even possible?
Yes, of course you can save money on gas. These tips won't bring down the cost of gas, but they will help you use less gas, which in turn will save you money. Following the tips below can improve the efficiency of your car by up to 30 percent, according to drivers who've adapted such tactics! A bonus is that many of these tips will also help you help the environment. Go green while saving some green!
1. Combine trips. If you know you're going across town for soccer practice, stop by any stores you might need to visit in that area. Try to group errands geographically.
2. Downsize. Unless you need an SUV, minivan or full-size truck, then trade it in for a more efficient model. Want to save even more money? Switch to a hybrid (the prices have dropped in the last few years) or learn to drive a motorcycle or scooter.
3. Reduce your commute. Move closer to work if possible, work from home a day or two a week, or get a job in your neighborhood.
4. Don't wait for a holiday. Gas prices rise whenever more people travel, such as around the holidays. Fill up at least three days before a holiday.
5. Fill up mid week, in the morning. Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fill your tank. The weekends are the most expensive. Gas stations change their prices midmorning, so head to the pumps before you go to the office.
6. Park it. Park once, in the first spot you see. Unless you can't walk, park as soon as you find a spot instead of driving around to find one that's close. Also, if you're going to make several stops in the area, leave your car parked and drop off packages between stops, if need be. You can squeeze in a bit of exercise while you shop!
7. Charge it! Get a gas credit card that offers you savings. If your card is specific to one company, make sure those gas stations are located in the areas where you typically drive. You won't save money if you drive across town to get gas! (Just be sure to pay off the card in full each month so you don't get hit with finance charges.)
8. Go low. Use the lowest recommended octane for your car. Check you’re the owner's manual for your car, but most cars on the road today can go with the lowest-octane (and cheapest) gasoline.
9. Wait to fill up. Always fill up when you've got a quarter of a tank or less. You get better gas mileage with a lighter load, so that means gas mileage improves as you near empty. However, don't let it get too low—you could end up stranded!
10. Don't top off. When filling up, use the automatic "stop" function on the pump. When it stops, don't pump out a few extra cents worth of gas by hand. That gas evaporates (talk about a waste of money) and is bad for the environment, too.
11. Quit idling! Idling wastes gas and pollutes the air. Whether you're in line at a drive-thru, waiting for school to let out, or stopped in a parking lot, turn off the car. Turn the ignition to "accessory" mode to keep the radio and AC on. Even better, park and walk inside instead of using a drive-thru.
12. Remember what you learned in driver's education class: Don't tailgate, maintain consistent speed, drive the speed limit, and anticipate stop signs. Changing speeds constantly reduces efficiency. Decide what's more important to you: Arriving a couple of minutes (or usually just a few seconds) earlier, or saving money.
13. Got junk in your trunk? Empty it. Any extra weight reduces fuel efficiency. Also, take off any bike or ski racks if you're not using them. They can cause drag, making your car work harder to maintain speed.
14. Take care of your car. Regular oil changes improve gas mileage. Be sure to regularly change air filters, keep your tires properly inflated, and use a fuel injector cleaner, too.
15. When you are ready to fill up, fill it up all the way! Gas is expensive today, and chances are it'll be even more costly tomorrow. If you fill the tank completely, you can go longer between fill-ups.
16. Know your route. Getting lost is a waste of time and money. Sometimes it can't be avoided, but plan your routes in advance or use a global positioning unit. Carry a map, and use it!
17. Be shady. Park in the shade. Gas can evaporate on a hot day, especially when you park in the sun. Also, parking in the shade keeps the inside cooler, meaning you have to use the air conditioning less.
18. Speaking of AC. Only use it on the highways. It's more efficient to roll down the windows when you're going 40 miles per hour or less. The air conditioning is a better choice when you're going faster.
19. Slow down. Obeying the speed limit is more efficient for your car—especially on the highway. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.30 per gallon for gas. Besides saving gas, driving the speed limit is also safer for you and your passengers.
20. Don't stop. Didn't we just mention safety? Yes. Always obey traffic laws and be watchful of the vehicles and pedestrians around you. However, if you can safely (and legally) slow down enough to avoid actually stopping (such as when a stop light is a long way ahead of you), then do it. It takes less gas to speed up than to start from a full stop.
Follow these tips, and soon you'll be saving some pennies (and eventually some nickels, dimes or even dollars)! If you think those of us in North America have it bad, think of our brethren in Europe: Gas tops $8 a gallon on much of the continent, including Norway, Britain, Belgium and Germany. Ouch!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Spicy Southern Barbecued Chicken
Made this last night, minus the onions and added garlic. i enjoyed it!! Made it with corn and mashed potatoes :)
On a scale from 1-10, i gave it a 7 and jared gave it a 6
Removing the chicken fat and skin and adding no salt to the tasty sauce makes this chicken favorite heart-healthy.
Ingredients
o 3 lb. chicken parts (breast, drumstick, and thigh), skin and fat removed
o 1 large onion, thinly sliced
o 3 tablespoon vinegar
o 3 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
o 2 tablespoon brown sugar
o black pepper to taste
o 1 tablespoon hot pepper flakes
o 1 tablespoon chili powder
o 1 cup chicken stock or broth, skim fat from top
Directions
1. Place chicken in a 13x9x2" pan. Arrange onions over the top.
2. Mix together vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, pepper, hot pepper flakes, chili powder, and stock.
3. Pour over the chicken and bake at 350ยบ F for 1 hour or until done.
4. Baste occasionally.
Yield: 8 servings--Serving Size: One chicken part with sauce
Nutritional Info
* Amount Per Serving
* Calories: 177.2
* Total Fat: 4.6 g
* Cholesterol: 28.2 mg
* Sodium: 275.4 mg
* Total Carbs: 23.2 g
* Dietary Fiber: 0.8 g
* Protein: 11.2 g
Gotta love Spark people recipes :) ENJOY!!!
On a scale from 1-10, i gave it a 7 and jared gave it a 6
Removing the chicken fat and skin and adding no salt to the tasty sauce makes this chicken favorite heart-healthy.
Ingredients
o 3 lb. chicken parts (breast, drumstick, and thigh), skin and fat removed
o 1 large onion, thinly sliced
o 3 tablespoon vinegar
o 3 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
o 2 tablespoon brown sugar
o black pepper to taste
o 1 tablespoon hot pepper flakes
o 1 tablespoon chili powder
o 1 cup chicken stock or broth, skim fat from top
Directions
1. Place chicken in a 13x9x2" pan. Arrange onions over the top.
2. Mix together vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, pepper, hot pepper flakes, chili powder, and stock.
3. Pour over the chicken and bake at 350ยบ F for 1 hour or until done.
4. Baste occasionally.
Yield: 8 servings--Serving Size: One chicken part with sauce
Nutritional Info
* Amount Per Serving
* Calories: 177.2
* Total Fat: 4.6 g
* Cholesterol: 28.2 mg
* Sodium: 275.4 mg
* Total Carbs: 23.2 g
* Dietary Fiber: 0.8 g
* Protein: 11.2 g
Gotta love Spark people recipes :) ENJOY!!!
So its been awhile...
I haven't posted in ages. But i have decided to start again and this will be more interesting reads ive found, or quotes or just whats going on in life :) enjoy!
I thought this was super interesting. It is wayyyyyyy easier to blame others
The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.
- Albert Ellis
Do you accept responsibility for your choices in life?.
Do you feel in control of your life? No matter how negative events or actions may become, you are the only force that is able to determine the reaction. Often we fail to do this and instead blame the world for our feelings of sadness, rejection, and hopelessness. The reality is that your actions are a choice, and you must claim those feelings and choices. We can be our best cheerleader or worst enemy when it comes to determining the health of our emotions. Do some pep talks with yourself each morning. This will help you develop positive, self-affirming thoughts that will enhance your personal development and growth.
I thought this was super interesting. It is wayyyyyyy easier to blame others
The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.
- Albert Ellis
Do you accept responsibility for your choices in life?.
Do you feel in control of your life? No matter how negative events or actions may become, you are the only force that is able to determine the reaction. Often we fail to do this and instead blame the world for our feelings of sadness, rejection, and hopelessness. The reality is that your actions are a choice, and you must claim those feelings and choices. We can be our best cheerleader or worst enemy when it comes to determining the health of our emotions. Do some pep talks with yourself each morning. This will help you develop positive, self-affirming thoughts that will enhance your personal development and growth.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Rachela's life has completely changed.
So, its been a minute since i've posted on here. Everything has changed, all for the better of course.
I recently moved back home with mom and dad, and i am LOVING it. i feel like im finally home :) and not to mention marley is so happy to be back up there and he gets to play with Lilly more. I also get to see my nieces like 100 x more than i could before.
I'm the happiest ive been in awhile, i love it. I get to see my Jenica almost every day which i have missed so much. However, i am missing my Stasi heart pretty bad, she moved back to Chicago a few weeks ago and its hard to not have her here while im going through what im going through. but we need to skype it up my love.
this song makes me happy :
Ooooh you feel that as I take you to them dirt roads
Deep in your southern roots.
When nobody said life was going to be easy
And we travel through this emotional rollercoaster called life,
and we have our ups and downs.
Just keep in mind when you hit rock bottom,
There aint no where to go but up baby.
It's just all you about how you deal wit it you feel me..
until next time, when i hopefully have a cool joke to tell you guys. Thank you everyone that has been by my side, i love you all!!!
I recently moved back home with mom and dad, and i am LOVING it. i feel like im finally home :) and not to mention marley is so happy to be back up there and he gets to play with Lilly more. I also get to see my nieces like 100 x more than i could before.
I'm the happiest ive been in awhile, i love it. I get to see my Jenica almost every day which i have missed so much. However, i am missing my Stasi heart pretty bad, she moved back to Chicago a few weeks ago and its hard to not have her here while im going through what im going through. but we need to skype it up my love.
this song makes me happy :
Ooooh you feel that as I take you to them dirt roads
Deep in your southern roots.
When nobody said life was going to be easy
And we travel through this emotional rollercoaster called life,
and we have our ups and downs.
Just keep in mind when you hit rock bottom,
There aint no where to go but up baby.
It's just all you about how you deal wit it you feel me..
until next time, when i hopefully have a cool joke to tell you guys. Thank you everyone that has been by my side, i love you all!!!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
Monday, June 1, 2009
Artichoke attack
So its been awhile since i have posted. Just haven't had much to say lately i guess and just been really busy. I finished my classes and just found out that i passed both!! (barely but i got a c). Marley is great, but recently depressed as our neighbors and his love Minnie moved away but he still gets to visit with her. And dangle is getting better at not bothering us while we sleep so he's allowed indoors at night time haha.
We went camping a couple weekends ago in santa barbara and it was alot of fun.
This is at an organic farm
So now for the point of my blog. been on a health kick lately and we went shopping tonight and were immediately sold on cooking some artichokes. Twenty minutes later and after a google search on how to cook we begin to eat. So tasty and yummy. and were just enjoying a nice home cooked meal (made some chicken casserole ohhh my favorite). anyways, we get to the end of it and guess who's home we have been eating EWW!!! SO FREAKING GROSS there was a living creature inside. luckily brandon caught it first otherwise i prolly would have thrown it across the room. so i totally have the heebie jeebies but poor little guy got steamed to death.... my mom made me feel better by saying at least they don't use pesticides HAHAHAHA
We went camping a couple weekends ago in santa barbara and it was alot of fun.
This is at an organic farm
So now for the point of my blog. been on a health kick lately and we went shopping tonight and were immediately sold on cooking some artichokes. Twenty minutes later and after a google search on how to cook we begin to eat. So tasty and yummy. and were just enjoying a nice home cooked meal (made some chicken casserole ohhh my favorite). anyways, we get to the end of it and guess who's home we have been eating EWW!!! SO FREAKING GROSS there was a living creature inside. luckily brandon caught it first otherwise i prolly would have thrown it across the room. so i totally have the heebie jeebies but poor little guy got steamed to death.... my mom made me feel better by saying at least they don't use pesticides HAHAHAHA
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