Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist's Blog – November 2009 Archive (9)

RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE WEEK: Extend the Gratitude

The Thanksgiving holiday is a time that prompts us to be grateful. Hopefully, everyone utilized the day as an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation to loved ones. But, don't stop after holidays like Thanksgiving or Valentine's Day. Extending the gratitude to your partner every day of the year will heighten the connection in your relationship and contribute to an abundance of love throughout the year. Become cognizant of your partner's qualities, deeds and acts for which you feel… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on November 28, 2009 at 1:00pm — No Comments

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 — 2 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 — 2 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 — 1 Comment