Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist's Blog – December 2009 Archive (8)

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip

When Lisa from Backyard Getaway entered this recipe in the holiday recipe contest, I knew Kim was going to love it (even though Patti Linn, her personal trainer in the Weight Loss challenge, might not). Lisa serves this recipe which was passed down from her aunt every New Year. You might want to include it in your festivities this year, too.

Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip

Preheat oven to 350 bake about 10-15min

1 1/2 boxes cream cheese softened

Spread in… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on December 29, 2009 at 9:30am — 2 Comments

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Chocolate Peppermint Snowball Cookies

Finally, someone took the hint and dropped a holiday recipe contest entry off at the office for us to taste test! Thanks to Wendy Aronson Moore for sharing this delicious treat. If you still have holiday baking to do, this recipe is very yummy.

1 18 oz pkg of chocolate sandwich cookies

1 8 oz pkg of cream cheese

3/4 cups peppermint candies

1 lb white chocolate confection candy coating

In a food processor,… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on December 22, 2009 at 11:00pm — 4 Comments

RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE WEEK: Prevent the Invasion of the In-Laws

Time around family over the holidays can sometimes create tension in relationships. If you are one of the unfortunate ones who have in-laws or parents who are critical or non-supportive of your relationship, be sure to put a protective bubble around your relationship this holiday season. By that I mean, make a conscious effort to prevent intrusion in your relationship. Remember that your relationship with your spouse is your primary relationship now. If your parents are saying or doing negative… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on December 20, 2009 at 9:22am — No Comments

PRODUCT REVIEW: Tallulah Glossary Mineral Gloss

The tagline for Tallulah’s Glossary Mineral Gloss is all about kissing. And once I applied the lip gloss, I felt like my lips were just calling to be kissed. Moist, plump and glistening, as I looked in the mirror I couldn’t help thinking “Who wouldn’t want to kiss those lips?”

When I opened the package, I immediately knew that the Brazilia Glossary was going to be a perfect shade for my lips; the bronzy color coordinated well with… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on December 13, 2009 at 9:30am — No Comments

RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE WEEK: Make-up Sex Is Not Enough

If you’ve had a crisis in your relationship, make-up sex is not going to solve the problem. This tip doesn’t mean that reconnecting sexually isn’t necessarily a good thing. It does mean that if you don’t address the actions which damaged the relationship, the relationship will likely crash and burn.

Too many times, I’ve seen couples gain a false sense of security once they are back in the bedroom (so to speak). Whatever they’ve been doing to improve the relationship, such as couples… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on December 13, 2009 at 7:00am — No Comments

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Pumpkin Chocolate Tart

Thanks to Carissa for entering this recipe in our Thanksgiving Recipe Contest. I made this tart for Thanksgiving, and everyone agreed that pumpkin and chocolate are a winning combination. Pumpkin pie may never be the same!

The recipe is from Martha Stewart, November 2003.

Prepare the crust first.

Chocolate Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup + 1 tbsp. sugar

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on December 9, 2009 at 10:43am — 1 Comment

RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE WEEK: It's His Gift, Not Yours

As the holidays approach and you’re shopping for your man, don’t make the mistake that many women make. Don’t use the opportunity to attempt to mold your man into someone you want him to be with your gift. It happens all the time. Women buy men clothes, shoes, even sunglasses they wish he would wear. They buy surprise tickets to performances they want to see -- that their partner wouldn’t take them to see otherwise. Sports-oriented gifts like golf clubs have been given to inspire men to join… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on December 6, 2009 at 1:38pm — No Comments

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Pumpkin (or Banana, Pineapple or Peanut Butter) Squares

Donna Paige won the random drawing in the Thanksgiving Recipe Contest with this submission which includes variations for different flavors. Although Donna isn't normally a dessert person, she thinks you will love this dessert as much as she does. You'll also love how easy it is to make.

Pumpkin Squares

Cake:

1 (18 1/4-ounce) package yellow cake mix

1 egg

8 tablespoons butter, melted

Filling:

1… Continue

Added by Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist on December 1, 2009 at 3:30pm — No Comments