The Catharsis of Couponing

Coupons.!

Tampa, (Fl) -- It's been a long time since I'd updated this little blog of mine; probably, the update I bring after a few months of not updating this one. Savings are an essential aspect of every household with a moderate income, that is a rule; but, as every aspect of shopping there is a liberator aspect toward having the idea of - getting items for nothing, can generate problems similar as compulsive gambling where there always have to be more -, when couponing is wrong.? When you start hoarding newspapers and getting things you don't really need in order to get some extra cash.

As my friend Angela said, - there is an emotional aspect in almost every single shopping experience that generates pleasure - is true, humans tend to act based on behavior and some behaviors are based on repetitive patterns that can release pleasure or pain. Some individuals can't really control themselves toward certain habits and then there is the point where addiction kicks in.

Sure, some people will said that with today's economy and because kids when they are growing "eat as cattle" but when you buy 60 cases of yogurts that life spans less than two months, no matter of how much your kids eats, no matter what excuse you use, you have to realize you have a problem and it has to be dealt with.

Another problem when you enjoy the bliss of coupons comes with the paradigm if - I am going to find deals that suit my needs.? Such a finding food that is not sugary or essentially junk.? - The answer is simple, sometimes you will find some deals that fit to your need but then much of the time there are deals that revolve around junk food and not the good eat. What to do.? I can save some by changing my eating habits or just eating what I like.?

That comes with the person and the situation; in my case I ended up adapting a little bit what to eat but at the same time I modified my habits into getting household items for cheap prices without sacrificing my eats. Then if I was a parent, I probably would adapt a few things to get them for nothing but without putting my children into the risk of any of the types of diabetes or a morbid weight line at a young age.

But, if would love to teach my kids how to save I would explain to them the best way to shop without sacrificing what you like, instead of just hoarding paper like crazy.

Kielbasa Hot Dogs - Easy Vegetarian Recipe

Tampa, (Fl) --- Hello people, is been a few days since I wrote something. Lately I've been thinking about how cooking should be as always have be, to be simple, easy and enjoyable for everyone. There is another point I been trying to conceal because finding good vegan and vegetarian products that taste much as the real deal around the market because part of transitioning into vegan as well vegetarian is that the product will make your scents happy with what you are eating.

I had a simple idea, why not to make hot dogs.? As there are plenty of choices with meat there are also a lot of choices with the vegetarian market and the vegetarian segment can find a lot to chose from. In my opinion the Tofurky brand has a really nice selection of products as well flavors. The average price is US$4.99 and it can be found on almost any supermarket around the country.

 What we are going to need for this recipe:

1) Hot dog buns.

2) Ketchup

3) Mayo

4) Mustard

5) Cheese of your preference (in our case Mozarella)

6)  Oil (as it works perfectly to roast the sausages)

7) Vegetarian whinnies

8) Shoestring potatoes (albeit this can be optional)

Steps:

1) The first step is to pre-heat a pan with oil; another alternative is butter to add a crispy flavor but as a preference option oil is my number one option; albeit over here I am just using canola as I ran out of olive oil which is a more delicious as well less invasive to the arteries that frying anything with butter as Paula Dern does.

Wait until the pan is actually completely hot, that you can hear the bubbles popping out of the oil but be careful into not burning yourself and then that is the moment you will add the sausages but for now while the oil is heating let's face on step 2.

2) This step is the easiest one as well the less annoying one as you have to cut the hot dog bus in half but as much companies anticipate that people are lazy with knifes or little kids are going to be helping prepare the hot dogs so they already cut the buns in half in order to make it easy to the people to prepare them and avoid any possible accidents.

One brand that already has them cut in the middle is the Publix brand, to whom don't know Publix is a supermarket in a similar fashion as Kroegers or Bi-Low.

So let's add now the mayo and mustard; the order of the factors doesn't alter the results but sometimes how you spread them around the buns can create a really good hot-dog or a small mess; the best is to grad around a teaspoon (not that much, just with the tip and spread around thirds). I prefer to spread the mayo and mustard in the middle of the bun and the ketchup on the top but if you are using relish the best option is to add the mayo along with the mustard and leave the relish on the top as well with any other salty item you would like to add.

3) So by now the stove should have heathen he pan until the desire proportions, you have to realize that every stove and oven are different, the one in my house is electric and have numbers from 1 to 9, the intensity I use is 6 which is a little bit over the medium and it takes the necessary time for me to prepare what I want when I am cooking other things as well to disperse the heath slowly and more proportionally.

4) As we mentioned earlier we are using the Tofurky brand which encompass a series of vegan products, and they are easy and quick to cook. One good things about vegan products is that fatty content over the animal products and they won't exude the smell of the animal fat around the house and they won't be as lethal for people who have allergies to pork and veil.

The cooking time of the sausages takes around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the intensity of the stove and a good tip to know, you know they will be done when every single side of the sausage looks gold and crispy. So you have to take note and remember to turn them every quart around every 2 minutes or until you see them even.

5) This is a little trick that I imagined a while ago when I was trying to find a simple solution to not taste cold mustard as well mayo with my hot dog; I just place the prepared buns for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave and they come warm and the bread doesn't get stiff.

6) The adjacent photo is self explanatory, there is not much to say except place the sausage in the buns.

7) The next step is probably my favorite one because what would be of a hot dog without cheese.? Just a a sausage and a bun and that's it; but using the previously heated pan with a different chunk of cheeses, why chunks instead of shredded ones.? Because when you buy the chunks the melting point is far heavier than the little pieces. The trick with this part is to make the squares completely grilled and golden and when they are perfectly melted you will cut them on the diameter of the buns and sausage and spread them on the top as "butter".

8) And as a piece de resistance, in our version we are doing it Colombian style by adding shoestring potatoes, it can be any brand you like or you enjoy. That's the point of cooking, being able to enjoy what you are eating.

Pik-Nik is my favorite brand since I move to the States, you can find in your local supermarket and the have a multi-use  beyond being simple dressings for meals.

  9) And that it is; a simple way and a easy meal to prepare. 

Vegan Taco Recipe (Easy and Photo Tutorial)

Tampa, (Fl) -- Hello people, it's been a while since I wrote something here; I been trying to find a little bit of my self over the last year and I found out up to the point I had become more comfortable on my own skin and knowing what I want to do to; at least with this blog I want to focus on simple organic based cooking with vegan and vegetarian ideas.

Today we are going to do a simple Vegan Taco which we are going to use:

1) Any Mexican salsa of your preference. 2 Tablespoons for half a pound.

2) Tofu Crumbles (Any brand you like is OK).

3) Taco Shelves where you can get at any supermarket (I got mine at Publix.)

4) Vegetables of your choice.

5) Vegan cheese slices.

6) (Optional) Vegan meat; in the case of mine I like to add "fake" Bologna.

7) Taco seasoning

The first thing we are going to do is to pre-heat the oven 350 Fahrenheit degrees (but all the temperatures can change so you better know the heating point of your oven as mine is electric) in order to cook the ingredients properly, but also one beautiful thing about cooking is that you can do the way you like to create fantastic results.

Two methods for cooking tacos are making the shelves hard independently from the ingredients and cook the ingredients separate in order to create a perfect stir but also to create the marinade of the ingredients and cook them in the oven together to create a perfect symmetry and a more gourmet approach but the setback with the oven is that you have to be careful to not overcook them.

When the oven is set, it is time to start assembling the tacos, depending on the container you are going to use leave at least an inch apart between the tacos. The first step is to add the cheese in the bottom; my ideal cheese is the Go Veggie! as is completely lactose and dairy free.

Another addition I do enjoy making is to add some extra "meat" that is meatless and Lightlife is a nice option to add some extra flavor to the combination which I place above the cheese but in between the crumbs or as in the Colombian Spanish we say El Picadillo; which I think is the proper term in this case. So with El Picadillo we are going to use the Marjon Tofu Crumbles.

What is fantastic about these tofu crumbles that you can find within almost any variety is that you can adapt them to make hamburgers and to use them for filling or anything and in this case they are going to be the body of the taco itself.

The tofu crumbles we are going to use you can find them at any major supermarket in the vegetarian section or near that one around the produce cold items. I got mine at Publix for US$3.99 and I ended up preparing a marinade with them that I will use later for another recipe with linguine.

 At the moment of making the marinade use the rule of thirds to make them extra spicy or extra mild depending on your case of preference and try to center the meat so it won't crumble down on the sides (since we are making the tacos in the oven as a whole) when you are making the picadillo also use the taco seasoning of your preference, I tend to to add two teaspoons of seasons on every third of my recipe but the flavor is up to you.

Since this tacos don't have any meat the cooking time is less than the ones with real meat crumbs, the proper time to make them crunchy is about 10 to 15 minutes, beyond that point there is a risk that they will end flabby and not that tasty. I hope you enjoy this simple and easy recipe, and don't forget to add any veggies you like at the end.

Ten Little Ideas for Saint Valentine in Tampa Bay

Tampa's Metropolitan Area

Tampa, Fl -- To all the "lovebirds" who love love, and to the people who compensate total abandonment for a year and want to try to make it up in one day with a cheap supermarket card there are plenty of ways to do something to enjoy your loved one company beyond any classical cliche.

10. Go to the Straz Center in Downtown: Tampa is a city filled with culture if you know where to find it and the Straz Center offers intimate shows for couples. On Saint Valentine there are going to be four different shows such as Popera, Latin Nights, 'S Wonderful and M.A.D. Theater.

09. Take your better half or Date to a Romantic Dinner in a Boutique Restaurant: There are so many amazing restaurants around the Bay Area that offer from different set of environments as well dishes but there is one tiny romantic restaurant that is located on Treasure Island named Gigi's. The prices are accesible and nighttime the place is romantic and ideal for couples; is been one of our favorites for years and we usually go over there on special occasions. The place address's at Gulf Boulevard and 106 Avenue.

08. Do Something fun if you are Enthusiast of Adrenaline: Tampa is close to Orlando but also for couples who like adrenaline Tampa has Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and a big selection of roller coasters. The entrance goes around US$80 per adult but also there are small different restaurants operated around the park that offer a really intimate environment but reservations have to be make in advance.

07. Share an intimate dinner at your Own Home: Is a good option but don't make it cheap or overdue your credit trying to buy ingredients that are really expensive. Create an intimate environment where you know you two are going to enjoy yourself. Put the cellphone away.

06. Go to the Movies or the Auto-drive Cinema: Inviting the person you would like to be in a date to the movies or the drive through, be generous and know that you are going to spend but don't let it ruin your time because part of being social is to invest in the different situations.

05. Go to a University Concert: Usually local universities such as The University of Tampa and the University of South Florida art departments offer a series of concert through spring and summer, beside going on a date that is relatively inexpensive you will also be supporting the school art department programs and is always a good way to know more intimate the person in question later.

04. Have a Drink in a Bar: Bars as Blue Martini usually offer local entertainment and drinks for a really good price and because of the nature of the business there no children involved so adults can know themselves better than in business tat offer a mix environment to attract more customers. 

03. Spend the day Together in Bed: Need to say more.

02. If You Have Children: Send them away for the day, the Busch Garden option is not only for adults but for parents who want to spend the day alone; but is a matter of planning the day carefully as the parent can offer their kids to drive them to the park or helping them to stay as much they can to spend the day out of the house until certain time.

01. If You Have Children: and want to incorporate them into any plans to show that Saint Valentine is not only for couples but a day to celebrate love, there are plenty of activities to go around such as visit MOSI, or any family oriented place as the options are endless. 

The New Flavor of Graeter's is Amazing

Tampa, Fl -- Not many people are aware about this fabulous brand of ice-cream because is not sell everywhere but is probably one of the best brands that is on today's market. Their ice-cream is so thick and delicious that after tasting it you probably won't go to another brand that easily but what is amazing opposite to other popular brands Graeter's hasn't place on the market a new flavor up until today after three years.

Black Cherry Chocolate Chip looks as a total decadence dessert and is totally amazing too but the flavor is not very different from that they already offer in their carte as there is already a Black Cherry and quite a few other products of their line which chocolate chips but the combination of Black Cherry Chocolate Chip is just delicious is much as mix between Ben and Jerry but with a Greek-unique touch, as it has a scent of French ice-cream because on how is make. As of today February 1st of 2013 the product will be on selected locations so the best idea to know where to get is to check it here to see where you can find this magnificent product.

(New Hampshire) The Importance of Sex Education

Pride Flag

Tampa, Fl -- Whenever you think about New Hampshire you probably think as one of the best States to receive an stellar education, where students achieve the highest standardized test scores in the country but it seems that New Hampshire lawmakers are in the process of deleting on their knowledge the public health and sex education programs.

According to the Concord Monitor, State Representative (R-NH) Ralph Boehm introduced a bill to the House Education Committee yesterday that would allow parents to pull their children out of health or sexual education lessons for any reasons at all. It is quite fearful because of the ignorance of some parents the HB 161 would cause some concerns in the public health sector specially because the Granite State already grants parents or guardians to concede objection over certain lessons over religious grounds.

The bill if is mimicked by conservative States could bring some serious issues on a national level as if a parent don't like a teacher then it would be justifiable to pull their child outside the class, saying that over religious reasons his child shouldn't be there but only because the parent feels discomfort with the teacher. If the parents feel discomfort talking about sex they should place their kids on a private school that follows their ideological doctrine instead depriving the kids without a knowledge that is crucial to prevent an STD or an unwanted pregnancy.

The problem with the sex talk lays on the discomfort of the parents to talk something natural with their children because much of them believe they won't do anything stupid or because of the parents upbringing in a religious environment where sex was a taboo topic as a general theme and the only time something as that was spoken at the moment of getting married. Parents shouldn't be able to have a blank card within certain decisions that could obstruct their children development.

The fact is, sex education works (the programs they need to get expanded as not everything is heterosexual sex), in real world examples it have been demonstrated that institutions with strong sex educational programs have low levels of teen pregnancy rates as well STIs. If we talk on a real basis, abstinence don't work because is a prohibition and being young "what you can't get is what you desire the most."

What to Do With the Baby Breathing Spasms.?

Crying Baby

Tampa, Fl -- Angry, pain and sadness, and in some cases frustration for not obtaining something he wanted tend that children between 8 months and 2 years of age have exaggerated emotional replies that can manifest through the feared breathing spasms.

Feared by parents who aren't aware of this condition and don't know how to act on this physical and emotional transformation of their children, but to understand why these spasm occur is  quite simple, they happen because there is a shortage on the breathing to an event that cause anger or frustration, they can be triggered by anything that upsets the baby; during the event the child produce long uninterrupted screaming's and then he looks as he is chocking up to the point the lips can turn blue which can cause him passing out for less than a minute and then coming back to his senses in the same amount of time he fainted.

Also it can appear as a reply to an intense pain or fear, without even crying the baby can turn white and start losing his conscious slowly with or without convulsions all of these while the child is awake. This all happen due an abnormal reflex where -5% of the kids can hold their breathing enough time to pass out, but is good to hold a differencial diagnostic to analyze any other problem related to the neurology, physiologic and alteration on the conducts of hearth and breathing to differ them from any behavioral problem that are related to tantrums.

The first step is to consult the pediatrician of the child due not every children are suceptible to have these cardiorespiratory attacks and cultivating a good clinical history as well behavioral as they could be presented due a poor handling of the stress from part of the child and if is behavioral it can be corrected but one piece of advice is to not throw water to the child and letting him to lay down to keep the blood flow active in the brain but when the child is breathing normally you can apply but never cover the breathing orifice as he can choke. 

Some considerations to Take if you Want Your Child to Be A Vegetarian

Fun with Veggies

Tampa, Fl -- There has been several questions regarding vegetarian habits in the past, yet the questions if is OK to educate a child into vegetarianism or veganism.? Keep steering different opinions among different sectors of the population.

Lets take the situation on a sociological and cultural context of the dietary aspects in Hinduism versus the dietary habits of many Americans. Probably the context could a little complain as many Hindus follow the tradition of the Vedas and the Dharmasastras which both elements focus on the tradition of life that centers around the religion while respecting cattle but also other forms of meats while the majority of Americans have different focus on diet probably the main inconvenience for a parent is to focus what his child would eat and how society would influence the child's eating habits when they are not around their parents but at school.

What to do.? According to some experts the best idea is to leave the child to decide when he or she turns to the majority of age to decide what is the best or what path decide to follow, why we said this.? Simple, because sometimes parents have to follow their children diets carefully as they don't want them to be malnourished but some pediatricians recommend that all the necessities are supplemented by the adequate proteins such as animal proteins, vegetables and grains due the reason that all vegetable proteins are OK but they don't contain the essential aminoacids that can be found in dairy, eggs and animal; but, proteins that contain cereal and can be mixed they create a good source of nourishment.

One supplement that can be added to the diet is the quinoa as well fruits and vegetable proteins; one reason quinoa is essential in the development because it contains dietary minerals, fiber starch and sugar.