All Blog Posts (336)

RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE WEEK: He' s Really Trying to Make Things Better

When your partner speaks to you about something he is unhappy about in your relationship, he isn’t trying to make the relationship worse. In actuality, he is trying to make your relationship better by speaking about the problem. Although since he may not be well-versed in how to speak cherishingly and relationally, it may come across as anger or sound like a complaint or criticism to your ears. But, instead of reacting with anger or defensiveness, let your guard down, look at it differently –… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on November 20, 2009 at 9:00am — No Comments

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Sweet Potato Souffle

This recipe for Sweet Potato Souffle submitted into our Thanksgiving recipe contest by Jane Barr is her son's favorite dish. It sounds so yummy, it just might become your favorite, too. Submit the recipe you crave the most each Thanksgiving in our contest, and you may win dinner for two at Longevity Restaurant!

1. Boil 6 sweet potatoes for 45 minutes or until soft.

2. Peel potatoes and mash. Mash into the potatoes

- 2 beaten… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on November 20, 2009 at 8:14am — No Comments

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Pomodoro Sauce

This recipe from Scott Nuss's Eat for Health beginner class is a delicious raw tomato sauce loaded with vitamins and nutrients that is so simple and quick to make. As long as you remember to soak the sun-dried tomatoes and dates ahead of time, this recipe can be made in five minutes. The bitterness of the tomatoes is balanced by the dates. Use it anywhere you would use tomato sauce.

6 Roma Tomatoes

4 soaked Dates

1/2 to 3/4… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on November 13, 2009 at 8:30am — No Comments

Uncooking: A Different Kind of Cooking Class

Cheese ravioli with pomodoro sauce, meat tacos with refried beans, butternut squash soup, kale tabouleh, brownies, and apple cinnamon crumble…sounds like a feast of cooked food, doesn’t it? In actuality, all of these dishes were the menu for the Introduction to “Uncooking” class led by Chef Scott Nuss at Simon’s Coffeehouse. Amazingly, no stoves or ovens were involved in this food preparation-- nor was there any meat. The focus of this class was… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on November 13, 2009 at 8:14am — No Comments

RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE WEEK: Protect Yourself

Last week, I talked about making sure your negative feelings don’t leak out on your partner. This week’s tip is about how to protect yourself so your partner’s bad day doesn’t become your bad day. When your partner is in a nasty mood, think of shielding yourself so that the negativity doesn’t penetrate you. Think to yourself: “I can comfort him or ask how I can help, but I am not going to allow his bad day to affect me. It’s his issue.” Imagine an invisible shield between you. When you practice… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on November 12, 2009 at 3:30pm — No Comments

The Suncoast Food and Wine Fest: A Delectable Way to Spend an Afternoon

It was a wise decision to change the name of the Suncoast Wine Fest to the Suncoast Food and Wine Fest this year. As I noted in my column last year, this festival is just as much about the food as it is the wine. The festival itself didn’t change this year other than the addition of specialty beers to further accommodate the masses. It’s just that now the name reflects what has always been true – you can easily enjoy this festival for the food alone. Next year, even if you don’t enjoy wine,… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on November 10, 2009 at 4:57pm — No Comments

PRODUCT REVIEW: Julie Hewett Ora Mineral Powder -- A New Love!

When I love something, I’m typically faithful in my devotion. But with things as with people, sometimes you think you have loved until something so much better comes along that you realize it wasn’t true love in the first place. That’s what happened when I tried Julie Hewett’s Ora Mineral Powder. When it comes to foundation, my allegiance used to be to Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Foundation, but now I’ve found a new love! I will be forever grateful… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on November 6, 2009 at 3:00pm — 1 Comment

Interview with author Lucinda Streiker-Schmidt about her novel “A Separate God – Journal Of An Amish Girl”

Here's the interview link: Journal Of An Amish Girl

Lucinda Streiker-Schmidt will be in Sarasota next week signing and

discussing her new book "A Separate God - Journal Of An Amish Girl", a

fictional account of her childhood and marriage based on factual events.

Lucinda in… Continue

Added by Cliff Roles on November 5, 2009 at 7:00pm — No Comments

Interview with author Susan Estes about her new children’s book “Tinycandy’s Gift”

Here's the interview link - click here: Tinycandy's Gift

"Tinycandy’s Gift" is a new Christmas story by Susan Estes. Tinycandy is an elf growing up in the North Pole who always felt left out because he walks with a limp. With Christmas approaching,Tinycandy is desperate to find his special “gift” in order to contribute… Continue

Added by Cliff Roles on November 4, 2009 at 7:30am — No Comments

Book me now for your holiday photos!

Are all your loved ones under one roof for the holidays? Book me now to come to your home (Sarasota & Manatee counties) and take those special photos of your family and friends. Special Thanksgiving rates for portraits and events - but my smile comes FREE! :-) Call 941 685-9017, mail cliffroles@aol.com or skype me at cliff.roles!…

Continue

Added by Cliff Roles on November 3, 2009 at 10:30am — No Comments

RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE WEEK: Check For Leakage

If you’ve had a bad day or if you are upset or in a bad mood for whatever reason, check to make sure it doesn’t leak out on your partner. Checking for leakage means that you acknowledge your own negative feelings and make sure that no one else has to feel the toxic energy of them. No one else should have to tip toe around you or be careful of what they talk about because you’re having a bad day. I’m willing to bet that at this very moment images… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on November 2, 2009 at 8:00pm — No Comments

Interview with author Gaellen Quinn about her novel “The Last Aloha”

How did far-off Hawaii become part of America?

Suppressed for nearly 100 years, it’s a story known to few.

Here's the interview link: Gaellen Quinn

In 1886, Laura Jennings boards a steamship bound for the exotic islands of Hawaii to live with… Continue

Added by Cliff Roles on October 31, 2009 at 11:00am — No Comments

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Stuffed Figs

Fresh figs at the Farmers Market and the 15 year aged Balsamic Vinegar that I bought to make Michelle Donner’s delicious Spinach Proscuitto Pizza recipe inspired me to make this recipe one evening when a bout of hunger struck. (Michelle’s recipe cost me the price of a pizza stone, too – but the taste was worth the price of both purchases). The figs are simple to make, can be made in minutes and are quite delicious, if I do say so myself. It… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on October 29, 2009 at 1:30pm — No Comments

Interview with author Jamie Carie about her new novel “Love’s First Light”

Here's the interview link: Jamie Carie

The nearly 65 million Americans who read at least one romance novel in the past year will want to dig in to Jamie Carie’s new novel Love’s First Light. Set against the French revolution, Love’s First Light follows the lives of Christophé, the Count of St. Laurent, and… Continue

Added by Cliff Roles on October 27, 2009 at 5:30pm — No Comments

Interview with identical twin Abigail Pogrebin about her book “One and the Same”

Here's the interview link: Abigail Pogrebin

One and the Same

My Life as an Identical Twin and What I’ve Learned About Everyone’s Struggle to Be Singular

“Twins have always been fascinating, even before the miracle of modern science and fertility drugs made them almost… Continue

Added by Cliff Roles on October 27, 2009 at 5:30pm — No Comments

Book Review: "The Smartest Way to Save: Why You Can't Hang On To Money and What To Do About It"

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t wish for more money. Yet many of us just live month to month, with nothing left over at the end. The one sure way to have more money is to save money; it’s an important part of responsible financial management, and it is the only way to reach our financial potential.

During these difficult economic times, it’s hard to think about saving money. Most people are either worried about making money or whether… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on October 23, 2009 at 3:30pm — No Comments

RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE WEEK: Remember, You Are Not Alone

If you are in relationship, then you are not alone. Virtually everything you do will affect your partner in one way or another. Be conscious; you are now walking the path with another human being that has feelings and sensitivities. Consider how your actions will affect your partner. Step out of your self and ask “How might what I am about to do affect my partner?” It’s not just about you anymore. It’s about the two of you.

Apply this tip… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on October 23, 2009 at 3:00pm — No Comments

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Won Ton Soup

You don't have to go out for Chinese anymore! The cool weather we've had the past few days makes it a great time to enjoy this Won Ton Soup recipe from Publix Apron's Cooking School. It's worth making this soup just to see the cool raft that forms.

Serves six

For the Won Tons:

¾ pound Ground pork (may also use Ground Turkey or Chicken)

1 Tbs. Chopped Ginger

1 Scallion (sliced fine)

1 clove Garlic… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on October 19, 2009 at 1:30pm — 2 Comments

Howling For Halloween

Okay I admit it, I love getting dressed up for Halloween - It's the one night throughout the year when you can let a little piece of your innermost hidden personality shine through. And it's even more fun if we get our dog dressed up, too.

Is your dog a little devil? Get him some horns and a tail. Is your canine known for his courage? Get your super Spot a superhero costume. Is your dog overly affectionate? Try dressing him up… Continue

Added by Michelle Sampson on October 10, 2009 at 2:00pm — No Comments

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Braised Short Ribs with Shitake Mushroom and Cannellini Bean Ragout

In this recipe from the Intermediate Techniques class at Publix Apron's Cooking School, the fennel seed and porcini mushrooms took the short ribs to new heights.

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:

6 beef short ribs, approximately 1-lb each

1 large carrot, unpeeled and roughly chopped

1 medium onion, unpeeled and roughly chopped

3 ribs of celery, roughly chopped

½ head of garlic, halved horizontally

¼ cup… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on October 8, 2009 at 1:00pm — No Comments