IN THE KNOW WITH RO: Mustard Mania

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: Mustard Mania: YELLOW MUSTARD for Deviled Eggs Mash yolks of 6 hard cooked eggs + 1/4 Cup of Sour Cream + 1 Tbsp Yellow mustard + 1 Tbsp Chopped Chives...

Mustard Mania

YELLOW MUSTARD for Deviled Eggs
Mash yolks of 6 hard cooked eggs + 1/4 Cup of Sour Cream + 1 Tbsp Yellow mustard + 1 Tbsp Chopped Chives + 1/4 Tsp salt, then spoon into the cooked whites.

DIJON MUSTARD for Fish Topping
1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard + 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise + 1 Tbsp chopped Dill then spread on 6 Flounder or Cod Fillets.  Broil for 3 minutes then serve.

GRAINY MUSTARD for Salad Dressing
3 Tbsp Olive Oil + 1 1/2 Tbsp White Balsamic Vinegar + 1/2 Tsp Grated Orange Peel, then toss with your salad and some orange segments.

HONEY MUSTARD for Cole Slaw
3 Tbsp Honey Mustard + 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar + 1/4 Tsp Salt.  Toss with a package of ready made slaw and 1 Chopped Mango.

Enjoy!

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: Pumpkin Smoothie

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: Pumpkin Smoothie: I must not tell a lie - pumpkin recipes have not been my favorites, but when a friend shared this, I gave it a try and was really surprised ...

Pumpkin Smoothie

I must not tell a lie - pumpkin recipes have not been my favorites, but when a friend shared this, I gave it a try and was really surprised at how good it tasted.  Even better, it was really simple to make.

1 Can of Chilled 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 Can of Chilled Evaporated Milk
1 1/2 Cup Orange Juice
1 Small Sliced Banana
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
2 Dozen Ice Cubes (Optional)
2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon (Optional)

Place the pumpkin, evaporated milk, orange juice , banana and sugar into a blender, blending until smooth.  Pour over ice if you like, then sprinkle with cinnamon.

Feel free to be a little decadent by topping it with whipped cream.

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: POMEGRANATE PEAR SMOOTHIE

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: POMEGRANATE PEAR SMOOTHIE: You're going to love the taste of this yummy and surprisingly healthy smoothie, and it's super simple to make. 1 Can of Fresh Pea...

POMEGRANATE PEAR SMOOTHIE

You're going to love the taste of this yummy and surprisingly healthy smoothie, and it's super simple to make.

1 Can of Fresh Pears, diced

1/4 Cup Freshly grated Orange Zest

1/3 Cup Pure Pomegranate Juice (Try POM)

Honey or Agave to taste

1 Cup of Ice

Add the pears, orange zest and juice to your blender until smooth.

Sample, then add the honey or agave to taste.  Add the ice, then blend until frosty.  Pout into a tall glass and enjoy this awesome treat!



WEIRD TEXAS LAWS

Thanks to Nichelle Gregory, my Facebook friend for passing this on because it's super important news for others to know.

If you live in the state of Texas (I've lived there on three different occasions, by the way), be sure that you limit your dildo purchases, or at least hide them. Apparently it could be a felony to promote the use of or to own more than six.

If you're thinking of taking out one of your eyes - don't you dare sell it, because that would be illegal.

Also, if you're tired of sitting down, make sure you leave your beer on the table.  If you're standing, I dare you to take more than three sips, which would be illegal.

In a word - WOW!(lol)

Hugs...

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS NOT A NEW CRIME

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS NOT A NEW CRIME: For the past several days, there has been a lot of talk about Ray Rice and the loss of his job with the Ravens based on his abusive actions ...

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS NOT A NEW CRIME

For the past several days, there has been a lot of talk about Ray Rice and the loss of his job with the Ravens based on his abusive actions toward his wife.  What saddens me is that 1 in 3 women in the United States alone have already been suffering, yet there has been no significant dialog until someone famous shows up on the news.  Domestic violence is a silent crime that is often swept under the rug until something dangerous happens.

Be assured, while we saw the horrific violence he displayed towards his wife in the elevator, this was surely not the first time he had exhibited that type of heinous behavior.  Even worse, society still has no understanding of why a woman may stay in an abusive relationship, and eventually treat her as the bad guy.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter if the NFL knew about the tape or not.  What does matter is this man and anyone else who physically assaults someone is supposed to be charged and placed in jail, even if the victim is afraid to prosecute. Sadly, this man shows no remorse, which is typical with an abuser, and I can only imagine the sheer hell she must be going through, now that her husband has lost his source of income.  I guarantee that his poor wife is being blamed.

Closer to home, someone you know is being battered.  The cashier in the grocery store where you shop has been verbally abused and criticized for years if she's late cooking dinner.  The broken arm of your cousin was not caused by a fall down the stairs.  The verbal degradation of thousands of women happens every day, affecting their self-esteem and mental well-being.  Physical assault or rape, verbal humiliation and name calling, emotional and financial abuse are all considered domestic violence.  No one should have to live with that kind of treatment.

My heart goes out to Rayven Rice who is silently dealing with this nightmare, and there are still so many women right in your neighborhood who need your support and guidance; not your unfair judgment.  There's no such thing as, "she provoked it" or she made him do those things.  Some are afraid to leave because their situation may get worse.  They may have no source of income, afraid of having to live in a shelter or no food to eat.  Many are afraid that their children may be hurt.  Abuse is all about control and manipulation and it doesn't just happen to celebrities.  Remember - Love should NEVER hurt.


 


This is the time to call your local domestic violence shelter to find out how you can assist, or take time to listen if someone tries to share what is going on.  Your actions can literally save a life.

InterAct
24-Hour Crisis Lines
Domestic Violence: 919-828-7740
Rape/Sexual Assault: 919-828-3005

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: ON-THE-GO BREAKFAST MADE RIGHT AT HOME

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: ON-THE-GO BREAKFAST MADE RIGHT AT HOME: Hungry in the morning, but don't have any time to waste? Make these yummy breakfast meals, wrap them up, then run right out the door so ...

ON-THE-GO BREAKFAST MADE RIGHT AT HOME

Hungry in the morning, but don't have any time to waste? Make these yummy breakfast meals, wrap them up, then run right out the door so you won't be late.

Creamy Mango Smoothie
Puree 1 cup chopped frozen mango, 1/2 cup each  low-fat or skim milk and plain yogurt, 1 tbsp agave nectar and a pinch each of ground ginger and salt in a blender until smooth.  If you don't care about calories or only have whole milk and another type of yogurt like vanilla - what the heck, use them and be done with it! (lol)



Avocado Toast
2 slices whole-grain bread with 1 sliced avocado.  Mash lightly with a fork, then drizzle with 1  tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp lemon juice.  Sprinkle with salt and red pepper flakes.

Almond Butter, Yogurt & Fruit Parfait
Stir together 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp almond butter and 1 Tbsp honey.  Layer with 1/4 cup halved grapes, 3 quartered strawberries and 2 tbsp chopped roasted almonds. If you want to do something else with your grapes, and don't feel like "quartering" your strawberries, chop them up however you like.  Also, feel free to add different fruits if you prefer. 

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: QUICK CHEESE STEAK SANDWICHES

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: QUICK CHEESE STEAK SANDWICHES: This is super simple to make using deli roast beef or any beef that you prefer.  In a large nonstick skillet, cook 2 thinly sliced onions an...

QUICK CHEESE STEAK SANDWICHES

This is super simple to make using deli roast beef or any beef that you prefer.  In a large nonstick skillet, cook 2 thinly sliced onions and some minced garlic in a little hot oil over medium-low heat until very tender; season with salt and pepper to taste,  then toast the split sub rolls.  If you like extra heat, feel free to add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Add 12 oz. deli-sliced roast beef or your choice of beef to the onion mixture in a hot pan; cook and stir until just warm, dividing among roll bottoms.  Top with cheese slices or warmed Cheese Whiz, then you're ready to eat a yummy meal.

Hugs...
.

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: FAT PHILLYS GRILLE & DELI - YUMMY TREATS!

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: FAT PHILLYS GRILLE & DELI - YUMMY TREATS!: If you live in the Triangle area of NC and haven't tried the food at Fat Phillys Grille & Deli, you are missing a real culinary deli...

FAT PHILLYS GRILLE & DELI - YUMMY TREATS!

If you live in the Triangle area of NC and haven't tried the food at Fat Phillys Grille & Deli, you are missing a real culinary delight!

In addition to the excellent and fun customer service, the food is simply out of this world fabulous.  I tried the 6 oz. Cheeseburger with banana peppers, pickles, mayo, lettuce + tomato and couldn't eat it all in one sitting, and this

was the small version at $5.99!

I also tried their homemade handcut fries that were truly delicious.  What I liked is that you could see everything was made from scratch and even though it took a while longer  to prepare, it was definitely worth the wait.

No, they did not solicit my comments or offer me anything free, I simply want to praise the yummy goodness of that cheeseburger!  Vegetarians, don't despair - they also offer their Awesome Grilled Veggie Salad with various dressings that you'll love for just $6.49.

They are under new management and just set up their Facebook page, so stop by to LIKE them, or even better, go by the shop and try the food for yourselves.  Fatphillysgrilleanddeli is how they are listed.

Check them out personally at 7272 GB Alford Hwy, Holly Springs, NC  27540, 919-552-8053.  This is right in the same shopping center where the Super Wal-Mart lives and they are open on Sundays.

Hugs...

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: GRANDPARENTS' DAY - Not!

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: GRANDPARENTS' DAY - Not!: Apparently I missed a really important holiday yesterday - Grandparents' Day.  As you know, I'm a grandparent, but I don't kno...

GRANDPARENTS' DAY - Not!

Apparently I missed a really important holiday yesterday - Grandparents' Day.  As you know, I'm a grandparent, but I don't know that I really need a special day to recognize it. A holiday has no real significance unless someone calls you up to mention it, gives you a card or gift, or spends time talking about it all day.  No one I knew even mentioned it, and in fact I found out about via Facebook.

As you know, my grand baby is a little young to grab her dad's or mom's telephone to call me for something like that, and since she wasn't mailing me any gifts anyway, I'm fine with it.

I'm still waiting for her to have a really intellectual conversation with me so we can hang out at the movies and discuss the plot, or to talk about the chemistry between the romantic characters in a very cool novel.  Basically, I just want to be able to understand what she's saying at least 85% of the time.

Until then, I don't think we'll pay Grandparents' Day any attention.

Hugs...

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: COLLEGE STUDENT TIDBITS

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: COLLEGE STUDENT TIDBITS: You'll be happy to know that if it's late at night on a weekday, your kids are hanging out in the library.  Upon their initial arriv...

COLLEGE STUDENT TIDBITS

You'll be happy to know that if it's late at night on a weekday, your kids are hanging out in the library.  Upon their initial arrival, there is some social activity, but eventually, they do settle down to study or use the computer.  You'll also be proud to know that there is very little cell phone shenanigans going on while they are IN the library.  YAY!

I was amazed to see that young people are NOT eating junk food in the dining hall as you may have expected.  Nope - they are absolutely enjoying salads, tofu and hummus.  In fact, so many of the kids were eating shredded carrots that I thought they would literally hop out once they were done eating.

Don't get me wrong, some of the kids still love their cheeseburgers, pizza,

corn dogs and french fries, but they are definitely more focused on healthy items these days.

In case you thought this was the wrong blog, I do have to share a few observations.  Some of these college students can put away some food!  Frequently they can be seen eating 4-5 platefuls in one sitting, and they still take some fruit to go.

Still, keep in mind that those darn cell phones are back in full force once they're back in the dining hall!

Hugs...

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: MOVE ON

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: MOVE ON: These two words are very easy to say, yet, for most of us, actually doing it seems almost impossible. Until we have the courage to be honest...

MOVE ON

These two words are very easy to say, yet, for most of us, actually doing it seems almost impossible. Until we have the courage to be honest about our lives, the cycle of unhappiness will continue.  This is particularly true when the realization of a bad relationship literally knocks you off your feet. It really is true that if you keep doing the same things in your life, you'll continue to get the same result.

After years of "settling", you looked at yourself for the first time and simply walked away from it all. The lies, cheating, disrespect and lack of support from the man you loved caused you to say, "it's time to start over".  You no longer cared about losing the material things,  wondering how you were going to pay the bills, or if there would be enough gas in the car.  It didn't matter that you would be lonely, or that you would be the topic of vicious gossip from those you called friends.  You simply wanted your dignity and self-respect back.  You had to clean up the mess and move on.

Though it hurts unbearably, and you will remember many of the good times, which may cloud your judgment,  realize the struggle you've gone through has prepared you for something much better.  Don't waste valuable time seeking revenge, which is beneath you.  Try to remain positive and surround yourself with goodness. You are ready to be molded so you can help someone else get through the pain.  You are ready for change so you will be what you deserve to be.


Perhaps you've dreamed of being a singer, but circumstances stopped you.  Maybe you're a reader who has a knack for reviewing novels, or have thought about running a marathon.  Take that trip you've been thinking about for years, or go back to school to get your degree. It's okay to take a moment to just cry, then rejoice in your new found courage to find all of the joy life has to offer. Rebuild your life and move on gracefully.

Hugs...

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: HERBED CRAB SALAD-STUFFED AVOCADOS

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: HERBED CRAB SALAD-STUFFED AVOCADOS: I can't absolutely guarantee that your food will look this beautiful once you're done with the recipe, but hey, if it tastes good, n...

HERBED CRAB SALAD-STUFFED AVOCADOS

I can't absolutely guarantee that your food will look this beautiful once you're done with the recipe, but hey, if it tastes good, no problem and everyone will love you!

Anyhoo, here's all the details:

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh summer herbs (tarragon, chives or basil), 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar, a pinch of pepper and a pinch of cayenne if you like a little more spice.  Using the flat side of a knife, smash 2 chopped cloves of garlic with a pinch of salt, then whisk this paste into the mayo mixture.  Stir in 8 ounces of lump crabmeat 1 1/3 cup chopped celery.  Divide the crab salad among 4 pitted avocado halves, then serve to your friends.

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR COLLEGE STUDENT IS REALLY DO...

IN THE KNOW WITH RO: DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR COLLEGE STUDENT IS REALLY DO...: Here's another "real" day in the life of a college student that you may be surprised to know, at the same college which must s...