#it’s easier said than done having been gluten free for 8 years now

[ineffabeatlemindpalace]

Admitting to yourself that dairy makes you feel sick in so many ways and you’ve always been vegetarian anyway, so let’s turn entirely vegan at last

[keaywrites]

2. Baking (together?)

Sometimes baking christmas cookies is perfect to get into the holiday spirit. Sometimes you do it because you already are in the holiday spirit.

Sometimes you do it because you work in a restaurant as a waiter and you want to show everyone that you can bake better than them - which is also the reason why you regularly bring cakes and pies to work with you.

So you spend the 8 hours you have between shifts with baking instead of sleeping. But everyone loves your cookies and cakes and pies and that's enough reason to do it. So you make a rather simple dough, which isn't actually that simple because one of your coworkers has a bunch of food allergies so you have to make it gluten- and lactose free. Now you have to look up a glutenfree recipe because you can't just use glutenfree flour for a normal recipe.

So you make your dough and put it in the fridge. After that you clean the entire kitchen and start with the next dough. The one you told yourself last year that you'll never make it again because it's a pain to make and roll out. But no one makes those cookies - because of said reasons - which means everyone will love you if you do.

After putting that dough in the fridge you look up at your kitchen clock and realize that it's already after midnight. You should really get some sleep, so you put your flour stained clothes in the washing machine and immediately regret it because you could've put those clothes on for finishing the cookies tomorrow. Oh well, now it's too late.

After just four hours of sleep you get up to finish your cookies, because you only have about three hours left until you have to go to work.

You get your doughs out of the fridge and make some coffee. When you're done with that it's time to knead that dough once again and roll it out. After rolling it out you realize that you did not put flour onto your table so you scrap that dough off there and do it again.

After two hours and seven trays full of cookies you are feeling a mix of accomplishment and exhaustion. You swear to yourself to never do this again, knowing full well that you'll do the same thing next year.

At work everyone loves your cookies and compliments you, so you make another batch that same night because half of your colleagues weren't in today.

This may have been how my last two days have been going. I will not share the cookie recipe that's an absolute pain to make but I WILL share the easier one because the cookies actually turn out delicious and I'm proud of them.

For the dough you need:

375g of gluten free flour (preferably corn based)

125g of powdered sugar

250g of butter (I used vegan butter, works just as good)

2 egg yolks

1 teaspoon of xanthan gum

1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

a bit of salt

Just mix all of that with your hands until you get a dough. It's going to take forever. Don't worry if the dough seems too crumbly. If you can make a ball out of it without it falling apart immediately that's enough.

Put it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (just leave it there over night)

Roll it out (put flour underneath) and use whatever cookie cutters you want. I like to use small ones and make little holes in half of them with even smaller cookie cutters (you'll see why in the picture)

Put them in the oven for a few minutes. They're done when they're still pretty pale but just a tiny bit darker than when raw. You'll know what I mean.

You can use some raspberry jam (or any other kind) and rum to stick them together (cook them both together first) put some powdered sugar on top and you're done. Theyre absolutely delicious and everyone will love you for bringing them to work with you.

[eventschimp]

115 Fantastic Happy Birthday Funny Messages. best wishes

Best Funny happy birthday wishes

Looking for the perfect Happy birthday funny messages & pictures to brighten someone's day? Whether it's someone you know, or someone you're friends with, or even someone who's lost their birthday wish, we have all the humorous birthday wishes you'll need and absolutely enjoy.

Fun should be an integral part of our life and must be on the occasions of Good days of life. The funny wishes and fun notes are sure to make their day brighter and make them laugh! Send them in greeting cards, by SMS, or via Facebook and Twitter!

Here you will find quick-links to specific sections and the complete list of funny birthday quotes and wishes.

funny birthday message to my best friend

You have many friends, but some of them have a special badge of a best friend, so they need special attention, more time to spend with them and priority over others in your life. If you want to wish them well on their special day, here are some great happy birthday funny messages to make them smile.

1.Wish you a happy birthday, sweetheart, and keep smiling until I have enough evidence to send you to the mental asylum.

2.Use these funny happy birthday quotes to wish someone a very happy birthday and poke fun at their age. You can use them in a card message, a Facebook caption, or even a t-shirt.

3.Statistics tell us you will live longer if you have the most birthdays (but it has also been proven that too many birthdays will kill you.

4. I know you are celebrating your birthday, but you can't stop your favorite food items from being right in front of you.

5.Happy birthday! After all those years and yet another year, you still haven't become wiser.

6.On your birthday, you can always depend on me to let loose with a night to remember in the morning.

7. Do not let age catch you down... it is too hard to bounce back!

8.On your birthday, I have something gluten-free, completely calorie-free, and absolutely delightful gift. Guess, what I have for you? Yes, you are right... It's a text message!

9. The kind of friend I am, I forgot your age.

10. I can't believe how fast time flies when you're having fun! When did we get so old?

11. The fact that we managed to keep this friendship going despite generational differences is wonderful.

Funny messages and wishes for girlfriend.

Having a girlfriend is a privilege no one must forget to wish on special occasions, and everyone would like to do something out of the ordinary to strengthen the bond of friendship and love.

It seems that funny happy birthday messages do the job perfectly. A good and funny note can put your lover's smile on her face and this is the ultimate goal of greeting them. Here is a compilation of some fine wishes messages for your girlfriend.

12. The one and only time I lied to you was when I said I'd love you forever, but realized that i couldn't live that long..

13. Last night, I dreamed of you while hugging my pillow. I wish one day I could dream about my pillow and be hugging you.

14. Regardless of what economists may say, you are the only one for me. There is no one else I can replace you with.

15. If my eyes are bothering me, I can't remove them from you.

16. Falling from the sky or a tree is fine, but the finest way to fall in love is with you! Happy Birthday my sweetheart.

17. The proverb goes wrong that a picture is worth a thousand words, but after looking at yours, I have no words to describe!

18. I'm no gambler, but I guess I'm just betting with my heart and mind that I will never stop loving you.

19. Too much smiling has caused me to develop wrinkles. Stop being so lovely! It drives me crazy..

20. It's evident that I adore you, from the sparkle in your eyes.

21. I hope your birthday is as awesome as your hair in high school.

You may check out: 71 Birthday Wishes in Unique Style- Best Bday messages

Best humorous wishes for boyfriend

22. We will lock up our hearts together and toss away the key; I give my heart to you; do give yours to me.

23. Because monopoly is always harmful and competition is always beneficial, it makes sense to have many crushes and flirts instead of just one true love! An economic theory on love.

24.  Whenever we're together, you make me feel so young. Thank you for being the first.

25. It's a pleasure to celebrate the birthday of someone I hope will be my friend, even when we're too senile to remember each other's birthdays.

26. Happy birthday to a person who is charming and talented, as well as witty, and is much like myself.

27. It is your birthday, so we will eat fired up baked goods and sing at you while you sit there awkwardly.

28. Happy birthday. Thanks for being older than me all your life.

29. Wishing you a unique birthday wish every year would be difficult. Choosing a special wish for next year would be even more challenging, so I'll just say happy birthday.

30. Despite the truth that today would be a perfect time to write sweet words about my best friend in the world, I already finished my autobiography a month ago.

Happy birthday funny messages for brother

Depending on your brother's personality and what type of relationship you have with him, these next funny birthday wishes for brothers could be just the thing for you to give him a laugh on his birthday too!

Hoping that these happy birthday funny messages will amaze your dear brother on his birthday, so keep scrolling to choose the perfect one.

31.That's all you really need for a gift. Just saying. Happy birthday!

32. Although it's hard to understand why we're celebrating your day since only mom did all the efforts. Happy birthday!

33. I am amazed at how long we have tolerated each other. Happy Birthday.

34. Your birthday falls at just the right age. You are old enough to see your mistakes, but still young enough to make more. Happy Birthday!

35. Wishing you a happy birthday! Hope you have a day as beautiful as a unicorn farting rainbows!

36. Hey big bro! They say that as you get older your intellect grows, but since we keep doing the same stupid thing we did as kids, we must be the exception to that rule.

37. It's my brother's birthday and he's smart, funny, witty, charming… and a lot like me!

38. I'm glad you're finally 21 and can finally do all those things you've been doing since you were 16! Happy birthday!

39. There's only one person you can be completely idiotic with through thick and thin. So glad I have you, bro! Have a great birthday!

40. After searching the web for 3 hours, I gave up trying to find the perfect birthday message for you. Happy Birthday.

41. When I thought about what I would get you for your birthday, I realized you already have me. Thank you very much. Happy birthday!

You may check out the amazing article

Funny happy birthday wishes for a lil sister

Finding funny happy birthday wishes for your younger sister has never been easier, with a wide selection of funny greetings, funny jokes, and wishes. We have all the best, cute, beautiful, and sweet words to bring a smile to your little angel's face.

42. I wish you a very happy birthday to the sassiest, coolest, and funniest little sister in the world!

43. Congratulations on your birthday, little sister, you may have always been smarter than me, but you have always been my best friend.

44. I will always love you for being my little monkey, but you've grown up, happy birthday Lil sister

45. My parents never gave me a pet before you were born, but after you were born I finally got a pet. Happy birthday, Sister I hope you never grow up.

46. You are not only funny but also crazy, just like your sister. No one else has a sister like you. Happy Birthday.

47. Thank you for being the most competitive person I have ever encountered in my life. Why couldn't you accept my win against you? I didn't understand. Happy Birthday my little sister

48. Happy Birthday, sis. I will always think of you as my silly little sister, no matter how tall or wise you get.

49. I love you, dear one, and I will love you until the very end. Despite your age, it doesn't mean you are any better or worse off than I am. I love you.

50. You have indeed given me nerves of steel, Happy Birthday little sister.

Happy birthday funny wishes for father

Regardless of your age, dad always celebrates your birthday well. Now, it's his turn to celebrate and have a great party! Use the best Funny Birthday Wishes for Father to show how much you respect the humor and zest for life your dad possesses. Your father is the best man you know, so give him a happy birthday celebration with Funny Birthday Wishes for Father he'll remember and love!

51. I know it's not an easy job being a dad, but it's done with class and style. Happy birthday to the father who does it all.

 52. Your schedule is just like that of a student with a lot of classes. Happy birthday, Dad!

53. Happy birthday dad, I'm sorry I can't be there to wish you a happy birthday in person, but please know that I think of you on your special day. Thanks for everything you do! Can't wait to see you again!

54. Here's a fun fact-you're not getting older, but you take great pleasure in making bad jokes. Enjoy more of those, Dad, and happy birthday!

55. Having said that, I know that today is your birthday, but that does not make it a holiday, so I'm not too excited about it. Just kidding. Happy birthday to an important man!

56. It's been a week since I thought of what to write in a funny birthday message for you. But I couldn't think of anything funny. Happy birthday!

57. Your mother told me that, even though you're getting older, you're not becoming any wiser. You should be grateful for the information she shared with you. Just kidding.

Happy birthday funny messages for husband

It makes sense, then, that, at least once every three hundred and sixty-five days, we owe ourselves something special. And on those days, consciously or subconsciously, we all crave to be celebrated by others. It is especially important to celebrate our spouse's birthday every year. After all, our spouse is our better half. Who else will do it?

58. You transformed everything about companionship when we met. It still amazes me how amazing you remain throughout our marriage. Happy birthday, dear husband.

 59. I count my blessings twofold, honey because you brought light and fragrance into my life on the hardest of days. Happy birthday to you, love.

60. I wish you the most beautiful days of your life because you are the most amazing human ever. Have a great day, my prince charming.

61. Even if I were reincarnated as a woman multiple times and found you every time, I would never marry anyone else. Happy birthday to you.

62. Thank you for being devoted, supportive, enthusiastic, compassionate, creative, strong and resourceful. You are an amazing human being and I love you more than anything.

63. I feel safe and prepared for any obstacle with you by my side. You are a fantastic teammate, and I love you for that. Happy birthday, dear.

64. I celebrate you every day, so there is no need to limit my celebration to one day. But let me take this opportunity to remind you how deeply I love you. Happy birthday, dear!

Best birthday messages and wishes for Mother

Whether you agree or disagree with me, mothers are the best! If the mother you have is not your best, that's huge! Mothers are truly God's gift to us. Mothers know how to shed tears and smile when necessary. They give so freely for you when no one else will. They sacrifice a lot to make you happy. Mothers are gold! They deserve the best! 65. Despite being the best mom in the world, I can't express how much I love you enough to wish you an amazing birthday.

66. I appreciate how patient and loving you have been with me. Thank you for letting me wish you a wonderful birthday.

67. It is the greatest honor of my life to celebrate my mother's birthday. She is the most wonderful mother a person could ask for.

68. Cheers to a terrific birthday and a successful year to come for the best mom in the world.

69. In return, I wish you all the happiness on your birthday. I am extremely lucky to have a mother like you who is caring, kind, and giving.

70. Mom is a great mother who brought me into this world and has loved me ever since. And to your mom for bringing you into this world, which gave us the opportunity to celebrate your birthday today.

71. Having been born to you makes me feel more blessed than I could not imagine. Happy birthday to my great Mom

72. Your love and guidance led me to where I am today, and I would like to express my gratitude for your birthday.

73. My mom, you always put in a lot of effort to make this day special, but now it's my turn to make it memorable.

Happy birthday funny note for wife

After spending a long time married to one's sweetheart, you might want to express your gratitude, show your love and give her additional attention whenever there is another reason to celebrate. On her birthday, you will obviously want to look for a unique present, yet it is important that you also share your thoughts.

If your wife doesn't want a physical gift, or if you don't have one, here are dozens of birthday wishes for her that you can use as inspiration or use as is. It's the acknowledgment or attention she gets from you that really makes her birthday magical.

74. It is the one day out of the year I put my wife's mother-in-law in my prayers. Happy birthday, sweetheart!

75. PI is like how much I love you, darling wife: endless and never-ending.

76. Unless I use Nutella on my toast or ice cream on my apple pie, I wouldn't eat my honeybun without you. Happy Birthday, my beautiful wife.

77. The only thing better than bacon… and that's a lot… is my love for you.

78. Thank you for being the only copilot I'd ever want. Happy Birthday

79. Happy Birthday to my beautiful, thoughtful, intelligent wife! I am lucky enough to be your husband…but you only surpassed my luck by being mine!

Funny wishes for daughter's birthday

Here you will find an impressive range of heartwarming happy birthday funny messages for daughters to inspire you. Whether you're looking for a short message to send or a thoughtful card, you'll find something here to suit your needs.

80. Our beautiful daughter celebrated her birthday today! We love you so much, Mom and Dad!

81. Getting you the best present possible makes my day complete. Wish you a day filled with sunshine, rainbows, laughter, and fun!

82. Happy birthday to our daughter, we wish you all the best.

83. We are so happy to have you in our lives, Sweetie! We're so glad you're kind, fun, and crazy!

84. My dear daughter, I hope your day is as wonderful as you are, as shiny as your doll’s grin. Thanks for everything.

85. Having you in it makes the world a better place! Although we need to be smarter in handling you and our dishes has been a challenge. Happy birthday, lovely daughter!

86. Thank you for being such an amazing friend and we wish you a wonderful birthday. Love from Mom and Dad 

87. I love having you as a daughter. Thank you for being mine. Happy birthday darling, love from Mom.

Birthday funny wishes for daughter-in-law

You can find so many amazing funny happy birthday wishes and messages for your daughter-in-law right here on our website. Make sure you take advantage of them and send them to her!

You can pick from our extensive collection of original birthday wishes to transform your beloved daughter-in-law’s birthday into an unforgettable experience she will cherish for years to come.

88. It's a wonderful birthday wish to a daughter-in-law blessed to have such a great mother and father-in-law.

89. Thank you so much for not being a malicious daughter-in-law towards me on your birthday, dearest. I can't thank you enough.

90. Thank you so much for putting my son on the map. Without you, he would certainly be nothing - just as teens would be nothing without smartphones and social media accounts. Happy birthday!

91. The idea that daughter-in-laws are wicked and difficult is wrong. May the good Lord bless you abundantly for not being a witchy in-law. Have a great birthday.

92. Have a wonderful birthday! Did you know that science-backed studies have proven over and over again that too many birthdays lead to premature death?

93. While we celebrate your birthday, dear daughter-in-law, I find my mind wondering about the rumors that you were so old your first car was a covered wagon. I hope you will take this opportunity to clarify that issue once and for all!

humorous birthday messages for Mother-in-law

Birthdays are the most glorious days on earth and so, without doubt, they are always special to the individual who celebrates them. So, a funny message of happy birthday and a lovely wish to your MIL on her birthday would really make her happy and tell her that you love her, too.

94. In honor of your birthday, I am sending you a belated birthday message. I hope you accept it ma.

95. Enjoy your birthday, no matter how noisy we are. May you find the energy and patience to put up with our annoying habits. Happy birthday.

96. How wonderful my mother-in-law is, she is just terrific, and I'm sure she will serve me a bottle of Fanta today.

97. Mother-in-law, I couldn't have given you a better birthday gift than the precious daughter you gave me. I can only strive to be the son you never had. Happy birthday, mom!

98. You seem to be defying the laws of aging; you seem to be turning back the clock. If there is some secret to this, please share it with me. Happy birthday.

99. Lastly, I want you to know I really appreciate you not executing me while I slept for taking your precious daughter and I am so thankful I still have a wonderful mother-in-law.

How to wish your boss in a funny tone?

A leader's job can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding. Keeping clients satisfied and having respect from employees is important for success on the job. You should let your boss know he/she is appreciated and that you are happy to work together, especially on his/her birthday. You will not only make your boss's day more exciting by sending happy birthday funny messages, but you may even brighten your own, as well.

100. During this intensive year, your support has been vital to many people and the company. Thank you for everything you do.

101. You are an example of all that is good in this company, and I see you making smart decisions all the time that benefit both the company and our clients. You truly are a great role model for us all.

102. We are so grateful to you for being such a blessing in our lives! You are a treat and a blessing.

103. Congratulations on your birthday to someone who makes every day go by without any bumps and plenty of laughter!

104. Let's take this day to honor you and your excellent leadership!

105. Your leadership stands out! Happy birthday and here's to many more years of fabulous leadership!

106. What does it matter if we don't visit you anymore? It's true! You're the best boss around.

107. What does it matter if we don't visit you anymore? It's true! You're the best boss around.

Funny happy birthday to co-worker

If you work together with unity and uniformity for 8+ hours daily, then you have spent one-third of your life together with your colleague. Your colleague also needs to be congratulated on their birthday with funny happy birthday messages.

108. Throughout your life, I wish you many adventures, heartfelt moments, and many more milestones. Happy Birthday.

109. You make this place tolerable - and that is hard to do! Happy Birthday! Come grab some lunch or drinks soon!

110. A birthday is a reminder that the world is waiting for you to dream, to move forward, to fulfill your dreams. Happy birthday!

111. Congratulations, we're not sure how old you are yet. Only you, God, and Human Resources know your true age.

112. I am honored to work with you, thank you so much for all of your help and guidance, and I wish you a happy birthday.

113. Progress is a matter of faith, unity, and patience. I wish you great success as long as you hold onto these principles. Happy Birthday.

114. Congratulations to my wonderful coworker who celebrates his or her bi-annual birthday today! Good luck and happiness in the years to come!

115. Congratulations to our very special colleague. Wishing you and your family the most abundant blessings and may your life always be filled with joy.

funny happy birthday thank you message

[towaniegaita]

FAQs [Nozakibento, 16th October 2010]

Original post in Japanese

I collected together some of the questions I'm often asked.

 Basic Information

Name: Nozakibento

Date of Birth: 28th April 1986 (Showa 61)

Height: 177.5cm (as of 2018)

Weight: approx. 60kg

Blood Type: A

Home prefecture: Hokkaido. I was born in Sapporo. I also lived in Tokachi and Kushiro.

Current location: Tokyo (I moved there from Hokkaido in the year I turned 30)

Occupation: A 33 year old amateur idol

Hairstyle: I used to wear a wig, but now I mostly go for a messy style

Visual Acuity: Both eyes are around 1.5 without glasses

Characteristics: Nozakibento

Likes and Dislikes

Favourite food: Sliced senmai (boiled tripe), vegetables in general, meat in general (especially meat sashimi), seafood in general (especially octopus and oysters), anything cherry blossom flavoured, anything yuzu flavoured, rice, miso soup, soba, udon, niboshi ramen, yakuzen herbal soup, grated yam, tofu, shiokara, sushi, sashimi, seaweed, mochi, rice flour dumplings, wheat gluten cakes, keihan rice, oyster soy sauce, slow-boiled eggs, Indian curry from Tokachi, ice cream (especially citrus, mint chocolate, watermelon and vanilla flavours), hard gums, mini Ramune candy, agar jelly, almond tofu pudding, oroblanco

Least favourite food: None.

Favourite drinks: Tea in general, kale smoothie, scented but not sweetened sparkling water, vegetable juice, tomato juice, soba water, miso soup, dashi, non-alcoholic beer, ginger ale, black coffee

Favourite alcoholic drinks: Campari-based cocktails (especially Spumoni), Violet Fizz

Favourite animals: Daring crabs, spotted garden eels, owls, sea urchins when they eat cabbage

My type: Someone with a big heart, who isn't rude and doesn't complain all the time. Decisive, speaks logically and is a fast worker

Favourite scents: Bergamot, yuzu, oroblanco, lemongrass, lemon and lime, eucalyptus, vanilla, incense, hinoki cypress, the smell of hot springs, medicinal water, struck matches

Favourite sports: Table tennis, endurance running, non-competitive swimming, walking

Favourite instruments: When I listen to bands, I tend to focus on the drums, bass and keyboard. If I go to see a symphonic orchestral concert or something, I tend to watch the percussionists. I myself can't play any instruments.

Hobbies: Gaming, listening to game soundtracks, table tennis, reading, darts, being enveloped in aromas, checking my daily electricity bill using a bill management app

Special skills: Ability to work as a librarian, can sing The Tortoise And The Hare starting from different positions, a little bit of competitive eating (can eat up to about 2kg)

Qualifications: Librarian, teacher's licence (for primary, middle and high schools), certified member of the Sports Boy Scouts (link in Japanese), Kanji Aptitude Test Level 2, driving licence (for manual cars)

Person I most respect: My mother

Favourite subjects: Japanese (especially modern Japanese), contemporary society, ethics, politics and economics

Favourite season: The shade in midsummer

Favourite phrases: 

80% Preparation 20% Performance (dandori hachibu)

The early bird gets the worm (sente hisshou)

Niche business (sukima sangyou)

Information, Communication, Discussion (houkoku renraku soudan)

Easier said than done (iu wa yasuku okonau wa katashi)

Haste makes waste (tanki wa sonki)

Drink if you want, but be swallowed up (sake wa nondemo nomareru na)

The frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean (i no naka no kawazu taikai wo shirazu)

A picture is worth a thousand words (hyakubun wa ikken ni shikazu)

Stress-free

Favourite Japanese poem:

'If I live long,

I may look back with yearning for these painful days -

The world that now seems harsh

May then appear sweet and good!'

By Fujiwara no Kiyosuke, translation by Peter McMillan

Favourite place to hang out: Inside a game

Favourite characters: Domo-kun (NHK), Moji-kun (Kotoba no Puzzle: Mojipittan), Zushi Hokki (official mascot of Hokuto city in Hokkaido), Jack Frost (Megami Tensei series), Morgana (Persona 5)

Favourite anime: Eureka Seven

Favourite manga: Love Roma by Toyoda Minoru

I Wonder If I Can Make 100 Friends by Toyoda Minoru

Yoake no Toshokan by Nonou Tao

Other manga I like: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun, PAPUWA, Final Request, Yu☆Yu☆Hakusho, Revelations: Persona, Mind Assassin, Sayonara Zetsubou-Sensei, Arakawa Under The Bridge, Fushigi Yuugi, Ranma 1/2, Psychometrer EIJI, The Kindaichi Case Files, Rakudai Ninja Rantarou, Soul Hunter etc.

Favourite game: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers

Other games I like: Shin Megami Tensei 1-4, Shin Megami Tensei 4 Final, Shin Megami Tensei if, Persona 1-5, Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha 1 and 2, DIGITAL DEVIL SAGA Avatar Tuner 1 and 2, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 1 and 2,  Little Magic, Jake Hunter: Let Time Pass By, LIVE A LIVE, Final Fantasy 5 and 8, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light, Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem, Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana, Schoolhouse Horror Story, Banshee's Last Cry, Jungle Wars 2, Ranma 1/2: Hidden Treasure of the Red Cat Gang, Renegade, The New Hot-Blooded Tough Guy: The Eulogy of Kunio and Co., Puyo Puyo, Puyo Puyo 2, Saga Frontier, Monster Farm, Monster Farm 2, KOF98, SAMURAI SPIRITS, vib-ribbon, Clock Tower 2, Clock Tower Ghost Head, Maria: Kimitachi Ga Umareta Wake, Double Cast, Sakura Wars 2: Thou Shalt Not Die, Kotoba no Puzzle: Mojipittan, RPG Maker Series, etc. As for social network games, I like Kuroneko no Wiz Dx2 Shin Megami Tensei Revelation, and Ensemble Stars!

What I most want right now: Time

Do I smoke? Never. But I have nothing against those who do. I don't mind if someone smokes next to me.

Things I struggle with: Exercise, exercise, exercise, exercise, English, mental arithmetic, making other people cross.

What I like about myself: Large earlobes

What I don't like about myself: The fact that I easily neglect my work if I lose focus.

Do I like nurses? I like them if they're good at giving injections.

Favourite way of heating things up in a microwave: 2 minutes at 500W

Ideal way to spend a day off: Sleep like I've melted into the bed, do the cleaning and laundry when I wake up, play games like I'm bathing in them, sleep again.

Novels I’m glad to have read and why: There's a lot, so I'll just list what I can remember off the top of my head.

★ Criss Cross - Konton no Maou by Takahata Kyouichirou, published by MediaWorks. This was the very first book that made me interested in reading novels.

★ Natsu no Niwa - The Friends by Yumoto Kazumi, published by Shinchousha. When I felt down, I read this and my heart was cleansed.

★ Rirekisho by Nakamura Kou, published by Kawade Shobou Shinsha. Because it gave me courage.

★ Tsubasa wa Itsu Made Mo by Kawakami Ken'ichi, published by Shuueisha. I simply thought that it was a really good book, and reading it made me want to read more books like it in the future.

★ Tsumetai Kousha no Toki wa Tomaru by Tsujimura Mizuki, published by Kodansha. This was the book that reminded me that I wanted to keep reading novels forever.

NicoNicoDouga and Dance covers

When did you start using NicoNico? 2007, in the earliest days of the RC version.

What kind of videos do you watch on NicoNico? Anything.

Were you learning how to dance? I've never learnt how to dance.

Why did you start dancing? I wanted to take part in the first large-scale Cirno meeting. (T/N: An event where a whole bunch of people from NND get together to dance to Cirno's Perfect Math Class. Here's the 2009 version.)

What's the average production time for a single video? It varies.

What's been the most fun thing to dance to so far? Ren'ai Hunter

Which of your own dance videos are you most satisfied with? Domo-kun's dance to MERRY GO ROUND

Where you happy to be chosen in the Geiran videos (A series where a gay man ranked dancers on NND)? I was.

Which version is your current Domo-kun?

Hokkaido and Tokyo version: Tiramisu (Original version. Mainly stays at home. On active duty)

Osaka version: Chocolat (Retired)

Fukuoka version: Fondue (Retired)

Tokyo version: Belgium (Retired)

Tokyo version: Demel (Retired)

What kind of expressions do you make and what feelings do you have when dancing as Domo-kun or in the blue full bodysuit? None

What would happen to you if you drank a strange potion? I'd become aggressive.

Aren't you going to wear a wig anymore? I'd like to wear one again some time soon.

Other

Were you in any clubs during middle school? I was in the table tennis club for all 3 years. My high school club is a secret.

Do you have a girlfriend? It'd be annoying to have to update this page if I got a girlfriend or if we broke up so that's also a secret.

What are your dreams and goals? To make the people I love happy. I want to live in a way that I can look back when I die and think that I lived a good life.

What are your habits? Looking at the ingredients and nutrition facts labels on food. Looking at the ingredients labels on shampoo. Moving around unsteadily. Clicking my tongue without any thought behind it.

What are your typical phrases? Okay (ii yo), I see (naruhodo), Why?! (nande dayo), hahahaha, hah hah hah hah, HAHAHAHA

What are your main principles? To always live calmly, and to never miss an opportunity

Does your Roomba have a name? It's called Junpei.

When did you first meet Domo-kun? A friend gave me a Domo-kun plushie for my birthday and the rest is history.

What was it that drew you to Domo-kun? His loveliness.

Where did you get such a large number of plushies from? Some of them I bought, some of them I received. A few of them I got from a crane machine.

What do you want to do right now? Sleep.

What part time jobs have you done in your life? Waiter at a sushi restaurant, library work, private tutoring.

If you have a child in the future, what book would you absolutely want them to read? You Are Umasou by Miyanishi Tatsuya, published by Poplar

Do you have any rivals? No (because no-one will compete in the same ring as me).

What's your image of the ideal human? Someone who can do fundamental things reliably.

What's your motto? Stress-free

What's the reason for your name?

Nozaki → Named after Nozaki Megumi from the idol group CHECKICCO

Bento → My inspiration

 -------------

First published 16th October 2010, updated 1st December 2019

[femnet]

Next year, I want to leave the Caribbean country where I am living to enroll in a university in the United Kingdom. I want to start my life as an adult, and kick off my future in the best direction. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Except I can’t get there by just snapping my fingers.

I turned eighteen years old a couple of months ago, so I am now legally entitled to my own actions. Well, let’s make the best out of that.

As a twelfth grade student, mature and conscious that my path will be my own, I have jotted down a list of new school-year resolutions that will help me reaching my goals by next September. 

1- Study, study, study!

Disclaimer: I am allergic to extremes. This is not about locking oneself in a dusty monastery and bury under a mountain of books. Balance is the key.

Yes, this is the tea. I was used to hearing people say that I should “enjoy my time as a youngster, you’ll have time for working later.” However, ladies and gents, here is the truth *drums roll* PROCRASTINATING ISN’T ENJOYING. How are you going to secure yourself a bright future if you don’t build the basis for one as early as possible? 

One of my friends, who studies psychology and philosophy, surprised me by saying that you have until the age of twenty-two to create proactive habits. Later, it’s harder (but not impossible!) to develop new neural connections, so teenagers should give their best at learning.

Also, who said that scrolling down our Instagram feed is better for our health than studying? Honestly, if we make the latter become fun, we will be able to harvest much sweeter fruits.

2- Collect money

Not talking about Monopoly bills nor videogame coins: get a job! Even the little ones are worth it. Why? 

First of all, we’ll have to have a job at some point. The earlier we learn about the professional world (think taxes system, work relationships, money handling), the easier it will be to grow in our niche after studies. 

Secondly, what college student is happy to be broke? *Buzzer* NonE! (Hint → that’s the right answer.) 

Earning cash (and not spending it on clothes or candies) before living on our own allows us to build a soft reserve that will cushion our needs later! The money I am making as a journalist and translator will go towards clothes and food when I move to the UK. It’ll be something less to worry about once I’m far from my family! 

3- Eat culture: educate myself

This goes hand in hand with the first resolution, except we’re not talking about actual subject studies.

I spent this summer surrounded by only adults. What happened? Big conversations happened! The belief that teenagers have today of handling serious dialogues is true to a certain extent. We like to be very idealist, and would love to make the world a better place, but tend to be only one-sighted. Most adults who have been around for longer than we have take another approach to everyday news. Once in the grown-ups’ world, it will be crucial to keep update on the actuality and explore a palette of perspectives and knowledge. It is better to know something about everything rather than everything about something (and then be the ignorant of the group when our favorite topic is dropped). 

4- Get started on the diet TODAY

Disclaimer: I am not necessarily talking of a diet to lose weight. Think healthy diet, or student diet (best quality-quantity-price relationship). Also, the diet is an example. Think about all the things that you should do today, but always find an excuse not to.

*Underlines, highlights, circles the last word of the subtitle.* 

“Yes, I’ll get started on the diet tomorrow,” she said, every day, for the past two years.

Long story short, tomorrow never arrives, every day is today, so let’s get started right now and be done with the wistful sighing.

I have adopted a gluten and sugar-free nutrition since some months now. While it was hard to say no to pasta, pizza and chocolate at first (the Italian in me was tortured), I found out after a couple of weeks that I didn’t even feel the yearning for those products. It’s all about getting used to a certain habit, and keeping a strong mind about the decision in the first days.

5- Get up from that chair and move

Most students’ big problem: we stay sat for too long. 

Among other ultra-valid reasons that should encourage us to move more, let’s talk about the relationship of physical activity and studying. It has been demonstrated that movement helps the blood--which carries oxygen and nutrients--reaching the brain much more easily. I made my own little experience to prove this.

Using Khan Academy, I passed two SAT exams within a week. I made sure to go to bed at the same time the day before, and to eat the same breakfast in the morning, so the conditions would be very similar. I passed the first exam exactly as if it were a real one, respecting the times of pause and not getting up from my chair between sections. Without studying any more, I passed the second exam a few days later, except I got up and walked a bit between each sections. Not only did I feel much more concentrated during the second exam than the first one, but I also improved my results by 60 points!

6- Yoga is a daily thing

Meditation, respiration, balance… Yoga combines all of these and thus joins sport and relaxation for both the body and the mind. It helps regulating the flow of hormones, the blood circulation, the digestive system, etc. I am not inventing anything.

Introducing yoga in my daily schedule has been a helpful step towards becoming more of an adult. I know that I will be able to cope with new steps and stresses because I have my own self by my side. Quite the change from the self-deprecative marathons so popular among teens.

7- Stand my ground, but accept genuine critics and advice

As a child, I used to get rebuffed a lot by my parents and brother, and I have grown up convinced that whatever I said was silly and others were always more right. I became taciturn, and repressed my own thinking a lot. Now, I have understood (thanks to some time spent with different people) that I am more than capable of saying smart stuff too! I am conscious that what I say is valid and that my opinion has to be respected, so I do not have to change my mind and adjust to others. When I don’t agree, I say it. When I want something, and feel like I deserve it, I claim it. And this is just right. 

However, I make sure not to cross the border: I accept critics and advice when they are helpful. I make sure to complete the information I get, compare it with other opinions. We have to remember that some people know more than us about certain things, and this is just right too.

8- Pick up my blogs from the ashes and build a temple from the rubble

You can tell that I love drama. This point for me is about blogs, but consider hobbies in general.

Because a healthy person has an open mind, having different occupations is strongly advised--most of all if those occupations help us polishing our values and qualities.

What I mean from “picking up my blogs from the ashes” is that I need to start working on them again, counting it as one more necessary periodical activity. I am too quickly excited by ideas, and then burn the eagerness too soon. This aspect of personality is not a great asset for someone who wants to study marketing and communication during four years. 

By “build a temple from the rubble,” I mean that I have to make something useful out of what I have created. Not only will blogs look nicely on my curriculum and personal statement, but they could be a way to earn some exposure and a little money. Making the most of what we have is the first step towards success.

In case you’d like to see what my blogs are about, here are the links: x   x

9- Take care of my appearance

Taking care of one’s appearance isn’t only a way to demonstrate people around us that we value them and consider them worthy of seeing the best of us, it is also a self-compliment that leads to a healthy relationship with ourselves. Taking the time for facial masks or choosing clean outfits will do as much for our outside than our inside. We are our own best friend, let’s treat us accordingly.

[mamablahblahblog]

Eight Years of Abstinence: How Bethenny Frankel Saved My Life

Most people don’t think of eating disorders as addiction—even in the world of addiction. But in my experience in the rooms of recovery, the food program is often the last stop on the out-of-control addiction train barreling downhill. Many put down the booze and drugs but hold on to the donuts, and eventually wander into the food rooms when they become ready to surrender to that one last thing that has power over them. One friend, a former heroin user, says that “coming off sugar was harder than coming off heroin.” Chances are you have never had to unsaddle the white horse, but most people have tried a 30-day detox of the other white stuff that is an ingredient with many, many names and is found in literally everything. Friends who have tried a thing called a “Whole 30” complain of sweats, headaches, nausea, shaking and dramatic mood swings. If you’ve watched even one episode of Intervention, you recognize these symptoms.

I was actually watching an episode of Intervention the first time it occurred to me that I might have a problem with food. Seeing a desperate former athlete manipulating money out of her mom, negotiating, navigating, hiding, lying and stealing to get high made me chuckle to myself as I walked to the freezer; “Huh.” I said to myself. “I do the same thing around ice cream.” I was using food in the same way as she was huffing paint.

I have a reality star to thank for my recovery. Bethenny Frankel, one of the Real Housewives of New York, wrote a book called Naturally Thin. It was the last “diet” book I read. In it, she encourages readers to “taste everything, eat nothing.” So I went on a spree; finally I was able to order eight items from the menu—the tuna tartare and the radishes with butter. The Bolognese and the mignon. The crème brulèe and the zabaglione. I could be a “foodie,” and be thin!

But it didn’t work. I tasted everything and ate everything. My results were no different than the meat diets or the “free day” diet or the juicing or the pay-to-lose programs. After a late-night cheeseburger deluxe binge (when I had intended to not eat the bun and get a side salad instead of fries), I was physically in pain from eating too much that day and looking at the empty take-out platters scattered on the floor around me, I had an emotional break. “Why can’t I stop eating? Why can’t I make a diet work?” I was flooded with feelings of self-loathing and despair.

A chapter in Bethenny’s book resurfaced in my food-clouded brain. Something about bingeing. It was a loving, knowing paragraph or two about how she gets it, she’s been there, in the bodega late at night full of feelings after another lousy date when it seemed like a pint of Dulce De Leche and a bag of Doritos was the only way to feel better. She wrote something like, “I get it. But stop. Just stop bingeing. And if you can’t? There’s help.”

I didn’t know what she meant by “help,” but I walked from the sofa (where I was also bingeing one TV program after another) and Googled “I can’t stop bingeing.” I was directed to a page with 20 questions, and the results were a choir of angels and an end-of-the world chasm at the same time: I have an eating disorder.

The next evening, eight years ago today (Sunday, August 8th, 2010), I went to my first 12-step meeting for eating disorders. In a quiet room filled with love, I told a group of strangers who were exactly like me that I had been bingeing and restricting food for as long as I could remember, that I had a problem that was causing me immeasurable pain, and that I need help. That same day, I decided to do what I was told instead of being an expert, and I stopped eating certain foods for good, one day at a time. I let go of what I thought was control and allowed the light to creep into the darkest corners of my life.

I had been trying to get pregnant. I had PCOS and was pre-diabetic. I was seeing a shrink, a fertility specialist and an acupuncturist weekly. The latter had been telling me for months to stop eating sugar and gluten, but I made daily exceptions (taste everything, right?) So, when I left my first meeting, desperate to know what and how to eat after decades of compulsive dieting, my soon-to-be sponsor said, “just do what you’re told to do by the actual experts, and don’t fish around for an easier, softer way. That’s just you trying to take back control.”

In the beginning, I would wander around during my lunch hour crying, not knowing where to go or what to eat. With my new-found support, I would make a call to one of the numbers I had stored in my phone. They were strangers, but they were me, and I could say whatever I wanted to them and they always had the same thoughts and feelings and had been where I was.

Here’s how I describe my particular disease of addiction: you know the show Dexter? About the guy who secretly murders murderers? He always referred to the part of him that had to kill as his “dark passenger.” My eating disorder was a dark passenger in my car, always in my periphery, yelling at me, tempting me, chiding me, shaming me, scolding me, abusing me, laughing at me, telling me that I was useless, fat and ugly. I would never look directly at it, but I knew it was there. By entering the 12-step rooms, I was exposing this beast for what it was, and as I did so, it lost power over me. I stopped believing its lies, and eventually kicked it out of the car completely. Oh, it still lurks as a hitchhiker and on bad days I sometimes even pull over and consider picking it up again. But my recovery has kept that passenger door locked for eight years, and I pray it will continue.

Here’s another analogy I heard in the rooms: addiction is like a tiger in a cage and your connection to a higher power keeps that cage locked. When you have an eating disorder, you have to find a way to open that cage ever so carefully every time you eat. There are few other addictions where you’re forced to navigate your addictive substance and behavior around it multiple times a day, while still maintaining your sobriety.

I don’t know where my addiction came from or why (and it doesn’t really matter), but I do know it was fast-tracked as a result of trauma. I was an eye-witness on 9/11 when the spiritual rug was ripped out from under me. After watching bodies fall from a burning building, I had the clear thought, “there is no God. If there was a God, this wouldn’t be happening.” I became emotionally and spiritually sick, and my pain was a constant keening in my brain, and food was the only way to shut it up.

What I understand now is that the perpetrators of that horrible act were also spiritually sick. It was an act of sick humanity, not an act of God.

In the years since 2010, I have experienced trauma and have maintained my abstinence from bingeing and restricting. Through three pregnancies and two losses, I have never used food or harmful food behavior to avoid feeling the worst pain imaginable. Today, eight years in, I have helped lead others into the rooms, and done my best to help some stay. My life is bigger than I could imagine; I have two extraordinary daughters, a balanced, healthy and loving marriage and a daily reprieve from the power that food once held over me. I am grateful beyond words to the 12-step program. And to Bethenny Frankel.

[honeypotpreschool-blog]

Hiii. I just saw that someone was talking about the possibility of having an ED. I have had anorexia for almost 8 years, and I'm currently trying my hardest to recover. But I find it very difficult to do so when I love being a small little girl :( It's also very hard for me to regress when I am so caught up with counting calories. I don't know what to do. I want to give up on recovery, but I know I can't :( Do you have any advice?

hi there angel ~ this is mod euphie!

so… i’m going to answer this the best i can with the most knowledge i’ve gathered throughout my own anorexia nervosa experience. i don’t usually trust myself to give food advice because my idea of “healthy” has been very, very distorted in the past and still kind of is. but, i’ll try my very best! 💕

please read under the cut! warning, it’s super duper long~ but i wanted to be as helpful as possible! 

so… i’m not sure if you know this already, so i’m just going to say it: recovery is not getting rid of your eating disorder. it’s learning to combat it and live a healthy, fulfilled life in spite of it. you will never not have “anorexic thoughts” (i hate that word but it’s what my doctors have always used ;~;), recovery is just learning to fight them off and not listen to them. for me, there are many times where eating breaks me down to tears, and i always have to remind myself of this… “i hate eating, but eating brings things that i love. i have to eat if i want to have energy, if i want to dance, if i want to travel, if i want to have good relationships, if i want to have a life in my control, if i want to stay out of the hospital, and if i want to get away from this mental torture.” i’m sure there are things like this for you, too… when fighting off anorexia nervosa, you have to think about those ♡

this problem, unfortunately, can only truly be resolved outside of regression :(

first, you have to break your habits. you can’t look at calories and jot them down. you can’t cut up food into tiny pieces. you can’t hide food during public meals. every time you want to, you have to fight it, now matter how much anxiety it brings. i felt like a criminal every time i ate something without it being planned the day before or written down in my notebook, but… i have to do it. i have to get better, or i will die. that’s just the truth. 

this is easier said than done. it will be very difficult and you need to be so brave. honestly, sometimes… just tell anorexia to shove off, out loud. it kind of helps when you separate yourself from it and think of it as a bully instead of as part of you! 

despite popular belief in ED clinics, eating carb-heavy meals all day every day and snacking constantly is not the only or even the best way to recover from anorexia in the long term! 

once you are at a less dangerous weight, you can choose to eat healthier, leaner foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, lean meats, and only small portions of carbs and still have a very good diet! many anorexics choose to go vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, organic, etc. during their recovery and even continue after their recovery! as long as you aren’t eliminating things like carbohydrates, fats, sugars, etc. then any other choice you make will be just fine~ choosing to follow an alternative diet may give you the same feeling of control, while still eating normally and maintaining a healthy weight. this can help reduce the anxiety you have towards eating, because there won’t be as many “scary foods” involved. 

some of my favorite things to eat when i’m regressing is fruits cut into flower, star, and heart shapes (strawberries, nectarines, and watermelon!), baked plain sweet potato, apple slices with (or without) vanilla almond butter, broccoli with parmesan cheese on top, and on really good days i like bento boxes (usually white rice in hello kitty shapes, lean meat, veggies) and gluten-free toast with vanilla almond butter, sliced bananas, and gluten-free granola on top! 

i really don’t eat mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, cookies, pudding, ice cream, or any of the “usual lil foods.” i’m not far enough into my recovery to feel confident eating heavy foods and tons of carbs and high fat contents, so i… don’t! 

you will have days that are better than others where food comes more easily and you see clearer past the disorder. there will be times when it’s really, really painful and you’re not going to be that happy, but i encourage to fight through it. resist your habits. keep eating healthy. recovery is worth it and you deserve it, honey bear! 

good luck! keep fighting, and remember i’m here for you (even if that doesn’t mean much) ~ ♡

[trenttrendspotter]

Fresh from Expo West: 10 Top Natural Trends for 2019

The interest in naturals continues to evolve and capture the imagination of consumers. It’s an exciting time for the industry with the popularization of the plant movement, the emergence of CBD and shoppers’ obsession with wellness. The 2019 Natural Products Expo West, held at the Anaheim Convention Center, March 6 – 9, was a convergence of mainstay and up-and-coming brands vying for the spotlight.

There isn’t a trade show that engenders as much passion as Expo West. Everyone who has ever been to an Expo West remembers it and thinks of their time there with great affection. Great news: The show continues to flourish under new management and to lead the way on natural alternative trends and products. 

“Every year at Expo West we foster the connection between emerging brands who are impacting the landscape and industry pioneers who have paved the way for decades,” said Lacey Gautier, group show director at New Hope Network. ”This event highlights the importance of community engagement and the role everyone plays to create a more sustainable packaged goods industry. With so much to celebrate in organic agriculture and ethical business practices, you can feel the energy throughout the campus.”

Here the top 10 trends spotted by globe-trotting trend watcher Nancy Trent:

1. CBD bubble or boom

What’s happening with CBD is reminiscent of the internet bubble of the 90s…or is it?Everyone is racing into the game, but it’s not a game, it’s just the beginning of one aspect of the plant-based revolution we are seeing change the way we live. Just as the Internet bubble resulted in the failure of many individual companies but not the Internet industry itself, the CBD business is likely to thrive but not all of the many companies coming out with CBD products will survive.

According to Sebastien Hebbelinck, founder of Prana Principle, “We are just scratching the surface of the potential of this revolution as we wait for guidance from the FDA.” Hebbelinck, who has been in supplements for over 25 years, began his career in the Netherlands and settled in Colorado as a sought-after expert. Hebbelinck figured out how to maximize the potential of CBD with a line of full spectrum hemp oil extract sublingual tinctures that contain non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids and synergistic compounds such as Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabichromene (CBC), and a range of naturally preserved terpenes. Terpenes is expected to be the next buzzword in plant-based healing.  

Hebbelinck’s focus is crafting CBD tinctures without THC and he feels there is a lot of confusion in the market about full spectrum vs. broad spectrum, the safety of THC and claims that manufacturers can accurately make. But the country is moving forward and manufacturers need to be responsible to the FDA, retailers and consumers.

2. Shots are the juice

The juicing trend has reached an all-time high.  So has “the awareness of sugar content in our foods, including juice, which has lead to the ‘shot’ movement,” says Kristina Dermody, CEO of California Juice Company. Consumers and people that influence these trends have realized that most of the nutrients we need from juice can be consumed in one delicious shot. This has lead to the success of companies like California Juice Company. The California-grown, organic, nutrient-dense, premium full ingredient fruit and veggies are mindfully formulated to optimize authentic flavors and give the health we need in condensed servings. They are delicious, too!

3. Putting more fun in Functional Foods 

Just the Berries has a special species of Organic New Zealand blackcurrants, which are the most nutrient-rich berries in the world, used primarily for eye and vision health. They are very popular in Asia, as top baseball teams from Japan love this brand. Just the Berries is celebrating its 30th anniversary and is launching its first store in the U.S. 

Likewise, Wishgarden Herbs, an almost 40-year-old whole herb company, combines the fast-acting power of its whole herb liquid extract formulas with an enjoyable social connection via remedy-drink pairings. “This takes wellness and lifestyle to a whole new level that delivers octaves on ‘functional drink’ efficacy and is also fun, tasty and shareable,” says Catherine Hunziker, CEO of Wishgarden Herbs. 

Move over cauliflower pizza: “There can be no doubt that vegetable crust pizza is of interest. Who doesn’t want healthier and tastier pizza alternatives?” asked Benjamin Frohlichstein, CEO of Cappellos. The latest entry into that category is almond crust, with plant protein, healthy fats, nutrient-dense and grain-free pizza crust perfect for keto appetites.

4. The new superfoods

Buyers are inundated with snacks that are so smart, marketers have to find snacks that are not only Keto, protein-rich and grain-free but also have a certain  je ne sais quoi too. 

“There is a focus on ingredients because people are reading labels and demanding better ingredients,” says Jeff Brinkhoff, CEO of Hopapops. For instance, lotus seeds, the main ingredient in Hopapops, are trending in Europe because they are a true ancient superfood with roots in Aryuvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for helping to maintain health blood sugar levels.

Vegan, all natural TahiniBars are made of sesame seeds with amazing taste and texture, all for only 100 calories. The texture is so appealing, TahiniBars made an ad campaign around their smoothness called “my first crush.” 

Brami Snacks, made with lupini beans from Spain, have more fiber than edamame and fewer calories than almonds. To make them even more appropriate for the U.S. market, they come in scrumptious flavors, too. How did we not know about these incredibly delicious wonder beans before? 

5. Focus on simply healthy ingredients

Elma Farms latest introduction is POSHI, which stands for the “Power Of Simply Healthy Ingredients.” These plant-based snacks are gluten-free, non-GMO, convenient and low-calorie.  Everyone is talking about innovative fermented snacks!

Much of the hummus we buy at the store is pasteurized by heat. Anyone who has had or has made their own fresh hummus knows that it’s all about the freshness of the ingredients. Starting out in farmer’s markets, discovered by Wegman’s, they continue to keep high standards for ingredients. “It’s not about flavor to catch attention,” said Chris Kirby, of Ithaca Cold Crafted.  He buys whole lemons and squeezes them in his hummus, which also includes raw garlic.   

And when hummus is good, it’s easy to eat too much. That was the concept behind Blue Moose, one of the first organic snacking hummus with portion control 100-calorie cups and dehydrated carrot sticks. 

6. Basics, made even better

We all would be eating more beets if they were easier to work with. Thank you Beetroute from the Netherlands for sourcing the most delicious beets and doing the messy prep work. I know I will be eating more beets as you launch in the U.S. market.

Another classic to get a fresh spin: Dates. Joolie’s, with the help of superior technology, produces the most succulent organic Medjool dates I have ever tasted.

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the National Peanut Board partnered with Crazy Richards Peanut Butter to roll out an entirely new category with the introduction of its new frozen snack line, Wholly Rollies – Frozen Protein Balls. Wholly Rollies was developed to make healthy snacking simple. “As consumers continue gravitating toward snacking, the National Peanut Board is excited to be part of bringing new products to the freezer case. As a delicious, nutritious and portable snack, Wholly Rollies embodies everything consumers are looking for,” says Ryan Lepicier, SVP, marketing & communications, National Peanut Board.

7. Brands that go above and beyond

“Every year consumers get smarter and more discerning in their decision-making process, whether it’s non-GMO or vegan–these are specific values,” says Sabrina Banadyga, the chief marketing officer of EnerC. EnerC is a caffeine-free, low-sugar vitamin C supplement committed to the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit.

Teatulia, a Bangladesh-based single-garden direct line of organic loose leaf teas, demonstrates a thorough commitment to sustainability by supporting a cooperative and establishing a cattle-lending program. In exchange for maintaining the garden, collective members (who are overwhelmingly female) receive cows instead of the more popular microfinance loans normally associated with Bangladesh. In return for fresh milk, members of the program pay down the loan with milk and cow dung which helps fertilize the tea garden. Teatulia is now introducing a totally innovative line of tea sodas. 

It’s about time people started getting picky about their eggs. “There is an increased desire for eggs from chickens that are pasture raised,” said Ryan Miller of Farmers Hen House. People want more protein, they want better protein and they are willing to pay for it. Another reason these eggs are amazing is they only get eggs from authentic sustainable family farms that produce their grain to feed their chickens. And, their processing plant is 100% solar powered!

8. Hydration cleans up

Hydration was one of the hottest categories. We’re thirsty for natural ways to hydrate. Electrolytes are a great way to stay healthily hydrated, but they are hard to drink without calories, sugar, carbs or caffeine. That’s what lead to the success of Ultima Replenisher, a stick pack containing all 6 macro electrolytes without the things you don’t want. It’s made with all plant-based flavors, colors and sweeteners and vitamin C, another thing we like to add to our water.   

One water company, Essentia, has done some rigorous testing to prove its hydration value.  A clinical trial, published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (JISSN), showed Essentia has a 9.5pH or higher alkaline water that is better at rehydrating than regular water.

9. Seriously smart supplements

As people continue to push themselves to new limits, the use of brain-health supplements has become an expanding industry, with expected growth to $11.6 billion by 2024. Quality of life is dependent on the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system. Meaningful improvements to cognitive function can impact the quality of communication and connection in relationships. It gives us more of the mental energy we might need to turn our good intentions, in areas like diet, exercise, and sleep, into reality. And, it supports our ability to adapt to environmental stressors. Neurohacker Collective, a company focused on creating best-in-class wellbeing products using a unique research methodology based on complex systems science, understands that different systems in the body don’t act in isolation. Neurohacker’s flagship product, Qualia Mind, is a premium nootropic used to help stimulate and support overall mental performance of the brain. Qualia Mind incorporates high-quality ingredients to ensure optimal results and transcend basic cognitive enhancement. Neurohacker’s brain supplements, while designed to support increased cognition, also are designed to improve the entire body to support peak performance.

10. Chemical free, from cosmetics to OTC remedies

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As seen in Whole Foods Magazine

[jhope-seok]

70 QUESTIONS

tagged by the lovely @satansonyeondan

1. do you have a good relationship with your parents? My mother yes, my father no. My mom is my role model and I live my life in a way to make sure I don’t live it like my father/turn into my father.

2. who did you last say “i love you” to? My mom on the phone a few minutes ago.

3. do you regret anything? No.  I try not to.

4. are you insecure? Every so often, yes.  I try not to be.

5. what’s your relationship status? Single and ready to mingle

6. how do you want to die? Um...idk...no painfully?

7. what did you last eat? A gluten free, dairy free, soy free cookie. #ihatemybody

8. played any sports? I played soccer when I was in kindergarten, basketball in middle school/high school in a co-ed church league, and I danced for 9 years.

9. do you bite your nails? No.  I try not to.  I keep a nail file with me most places.

10. when was your last physical fight? Physical?  Idk.  A long ass time ago?

11. do you like someone? Unfortunately yes.  Of course he’s taken and of course his gf has the same name as me and of course he’s my coworker =.=

12. have you ever stayed up 48 hours? Nope.  I value my sleep too much.

13. do you hate anyone at the moment? Idk if you could say I hate this girl, but this girl I work with gets on my every last nerve and I cannot stand to be around her.

14. do you miss someone? My sister.  She lives in Montana and I’m in Maryland.

15. have any pets? Noooo :(

16. how exactly are you feeling at the moment? Meh

17. ever made out in the bathroom? Um.......I don’t think so? Made out a lot of places but not ever in a bathroom i don’t think

18. are you scared of spiders? Sort of?  I’ll kill one if I have to, but they’re not my best friends?

19. would you go back in time if you were given the chance? I love the idea of going back in history, but I read once if anyone was to go back in time you’d destroy the world by bringing back bacteria from today’s era.

20. where was the last place you snogged someone? In his car when he dropped me off?  Then he never spoke to me again. #cool

21. what are your plans for this weekend? I’m staying with my cousin and aunt and uncle while my mom is in Montana so whatever they’re doing I’m doing.

22. do you want to have kids? how many? Nooooooooooooooooot really.  I’d adopt but I’d have to be really ready. 100% am not going through childbirth.

23. do you have piercings? how many? I have my ear pierced but I never wear earrings.

24. what is/are/were your best subject(s)? In K-12 math and science, then in college I hated science and excelled in all my CRJU classes, which is what I graduated as.

25. do you miss anyone from your past? Hmmmmm....I don’t know.

26. what are you craving right now? FOOD WITH GLUTEN AND DAIRY IN THEM.  I’m gluten and lactose intolerant so I always want all the food I can’t eat.

27. have you ever broken someone’s heart? Yes.  In 7th grade I dated this guy but I broke up with him after 3 weeks cause we didn’t talk or hang out and for Valentine’s day in our english classes we had a project to create a meaningful Valentine for someone....and his was for me and so everyone knew about it and he wrote this sappy Valentine asking for me back and I said no.  And my teacher asked me about it and I said I told him no and she was even sad.  I’m brutal.

28. have you ever been cheated on? No......................but there’s a long story and some grey lines about whether or not this guy emotionally cheated on his gf with me.  And then there’s the time another guy actually cheated on his girlfriend with me.  Yeah............neither time are as bad as they sound, I promise.

29. have you made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry? I don’t know?

30. what’s irritating you right now? That girl at my work.

31. does somebody love you? I hope my family does.  Outside of them I have no idea.

32. what is your favourite color? Purple <3

33. do you have trust issues? Kind of?

34. who/what was your last dream about? I don’t remember

35. who was the last person you cried in front of? either my mother or my boss.  I cry at work a lot.  It’s stressful.

36. do you give out second chances too easily? I try not to anymore

37. is it easier to forgive or forget? Forgive.  Saying I accept your apology is easier than forgetting about the deeds they’ve done.  But neither is easy.

38. is this year the best year of your life? I sure fucking hope not.

39. how old were you when you had your first kiss? 15

40. have you ever walked outside completely naked? No?

51. favourite food? Chocolate anything and POTATOES (Boil em mash em stick em in a stew)

52. do you believe everything happens for a reason? Yes!

53. what is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night? I check my phone.

54. is cheating ever okay? No.  The time someone actually cheated on their gf with me I was so mad at him when I found out he had a gf, I literally yelled at him.  the other guy I told him I wouldn’t do anything and if he liked me he needed to break up with his gf if he wanted to do anything, and he wouldn’t break up with his gf so we stopped talking.

55. are you mean? Yes.  Cold hard bitch.

56. how many people have you fist fought? my sister?

57. do you believe in true love? sure.

58. favourite weather? Rainshine.

59. do you like the snow? Yes!  Especially now that I’m working so I can get days off.

60. do you wanna get married? Yes.

61. is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby? No.  Call me babe instead.

62. what makes you happy? Puppies.  Kpop idols.  A lot of other stuff

63. would you change your name?   No.

64. would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed? Yeah cause he fucking ghosted me?  And was a douche to me?

65. your best friend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do? All of my closest male friends are gay so.....that’d be v odd.

66. do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete self around? All of them?  I lived with my 4 closest guy friends for 2 years in college so the answer is yes.  And they’ve all seen me shit faced drunk so yeah they’ve seen me be me.

67. who was the last person of the opposite sex you talked to? My uncle?

68. who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with? Probably my mother or one of my coworkers.

69. do you believe in soulmates? No.

70. is there anyone you would die for? My sister.  My mother.  My cousins and aunt and uncle. I’m tagging: @honeyheonie @sunshinelollipopsandyoungjae @shittyprettyandshinee @pinkhoodiemark @spillthetaetae (you guys don’t have to do it but this was pretty interesting to do!)

[mandimormon-blog]

Seaweed and Dirty Filters

Typically, as I type a blog, I have bullet points or a keyword list stored as a note, on my phone. Not because I forget everything, but I forget everything UNLESS someone offends me.  In the case, I remember the exact year, day, weather, time, location, minute, what clothing we both were wearing, and whether or not I was having a good hair day.

Last week, as I pecked away at the keyboard, I forgot a little gem.  It’s probably because my mind shifts focus dozens of times and when I remember where I was originally going with something, it’s too late.  It’s posted.

Picture this.  We go about the same weekly, school routine, day-by-day.  We arise and shine forth, extra early or most of the time not a minute before 7:00 a.m. expecting to be arriving at school sometime between 7:55-8:05.   A long time ago, (like last school year), I used to be up before the sun, getting five miles in and starting morning chores long before 7:00 a.m. rolled around.  This year, however, my son began all-day Kindergarten meaning, I have about seven hours a day to get household chores underway, a run in, weights in, and all of the errand running done (because let’s face it – it’s easier to fly solo when purchasing the weekly groceries).  I require my sleep.  I even get lots of stars on my FitBit for getting enough sleep per night.  Yep, that feels like a participation trophy but it’s a good feeling to get enough sleep not to mention healthy, so I’m not ashamed.

Back to rolling out of bed at 7:00, dragging my feet down the stairs, “inspiring” my children to get dressed in the clothing they laid out for school, the evening before.  Mamma-pedia’s Definitition of “inspiring” means bribing; repeating up to, but not more than 12 times; announcement of privileges; threats of privilege-removal; threats of calling the parent (in the restroom upstairs) into the conversation;  and shouting, as a final resort.  

Then a breakfast compromise, naturally, because no two children enjoy the same thing at the same time. Then hair.  Oh hair.  Have you met my middle child?  Undoubtedly, everywhere we go this little chicky receives a minimum of three compliments on her naturally curly loose locks.  Caring for these gorgeous locks isn’t a beautiful process.  This little girl is very independent and stubborn.  Every. Single. Day. Is a battle over the hair.  Every. Day.  If I choose to pull it into a ponytail or bun, she’ll remove it immediately because it wasn’t her choice.  After the effort to catch her running around the couch, bar, up the stairs, around the table, and spray detangling all over her, the floor, sometimes even my husband if she has to be lovingly restrained, hair styled and then it’s removed, in the blink of an eye, you can only imagine how frustrated I become.   Actually, not that frustrated anymore.  I can’t be fazed.  I just look like the Kermit memes or the emoji with its mouth closed straight across and eyes shut.

Hair, eventually check, usually minutes before 8:00.  Then it’s teeth brushing, book bag gathering, shoe placement or shouting about shoe placement, and running out the front door.  

As parental blood pressures return to stable, we call on someone to give a morning family prayer, (yes, on the way to school in the truck, the whole family), and discuss the children’s agenda for the day.  On this given day, it was Friday, and as we slowly inched our way closer and closer to the drop-off location.  I remembered it was Friday and Jude’s show-n-tell day.  I said to him, “Jude, is today show-n-tell?”  His response, “Oh yeah, I forgot.”  

I looked to my left and to my right.  “Well, maybe we can find something in dad’s truck you can take in.”  He held up a paint-stir stick, “I can take this!”  

I opened the glove box and pulled out the contents.  Without thinking and laughing a little, “Here’s a Book of Mormon, you could take that.” He began hopping in his seat, “Yes, Yes! I want to take that!”  

I looked at my husband, who tried convincing him it probably wasn’t a good idea to take that to show-n-tell. But Jude was insistent now.  He was so excited, so we couldn’t take it from him.  We just hoped for the best.  After dropping the children off, my husband and I conversed about how this was going to go down.  I laughed and said there would probably be a note sent home with him.  But, honestly, I wish I had the faith this kid has to be bold and absolutely satisfied with things I choose to do.  

The day went by, that was the day we went to the temple last week, so my mother picked up the kids from school.  She told us this story when we returned from our day-date.  Note, she usually waits in the carline.  Today, a few classes were out to recess while she waited.  

She said as she was sitting in the carline she was looking around at all of the children playing on the playground.  She noticed one little boy, but thought it couldn’t possibly be Jude because that child had no hat and no gloves on, this day was chilly.  But then she realized that little boy absolutely had to be Jude because he was running around the blacktop, carrying a Book of Mormon in his hands.

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at this.  I even pulled Jude into the conversation my mother, husband, and I had, to ask about taking his show-n-tell to recess.  Sure enough, he let us know he did have it, it took it outside for both recesses.

Jude seems to be on a roll and has been for a couple of years now.  I’ve always heard the baby of the family is the comedian.  

On Wednesday, I was terribly busy.  I know you’re probably thinking ‘Yeah right’.  Valid. Truly valid.  But I dabble in a lot of extracurricular activities.  For one, I run.  I like to 5-6x a week.  So maybe an hour, hour and a half a day.  Weightlifting.  That’s 20-40 minutes.  On this particular day, I had to run, weightlift, runner-bathe… ‘Mamma-pedia’s Definition of “runner-bathe” – wash face, blow-dry sweat into hair, wipe off body with a damp towel and a little bit of soap, air dry, dress for the day.’

Then my mother and I ran over to Crawfordsville and hit up Kroger.  Have I mentioned how much I love their organics and gluten-free selections? Wow, I do.  Then since Wednesdays are early release, I ran inside, make a salad, inhaled it, and went to the school for pick-up.  I hadn’t really been home all day.  I didn’t realize how much of an impact this would make on my children until we all walked through the front door and Reis, stopped dead in her tracks, “Mom, why is the house a mess?”

Job Security.  That’s what I wanted to say.  I clean, clean, clean, every day.  A normal day those three kiddies walk in and everything is put away, the counters are clean, all articles of clothing clean and put away, the house is fragrant of essential oils from mopping or the diffuser, and even sometimes dinner is in the crockpot or ready to be prepped.  This particular day, not so much… the cereal bowls were still on the counter from the morning, a hair brush on the table, detangler out, hair cream.  Sink with several dishes, the counters weren’t wiped down a couple of pairs of shoes appeared sporadically on the floor, the couch was looking crazy.  The zipper is broken, so sometimes the guts of the couch hang out, you know what I mean?  The white stuffing.  Toys on the living room floor.  A hamper full of clothing next to the washer and dryer.  Barstools disheveled.  

As she said this I didn’t take offense, past the job security tidbit, I was like, “You are right. I have to clean it now.”   I’m not OCD. Not even a little bit.  My sink had blue clay residue for a couple of days around the bowl and like I mentioned my couch is undressed half of the time. If I were OCD that brown couch would be curbside.  I just have a routine I go about day-by-day, thinking no one noticed, but now I know they do.  

So, here I am straightening things up, Jude’s following me around at this point, discussing something with me.  We usually have very adult conversations together.  I opened up the utility closet door to place the vacuum back.  While it was open I hung another bag up on its hook, the furnace filter caught my eye.  It was still dust-covered.  

To my son, I commented, “I want to text your dad and ask him to get a furnace filter, but I’m afraid to, since I’ve already asked him, nine times.”

Jude replied, “Maybe he’s getting it for your birthday.”

Backing it up, on Monday my girls (plural) had 4-H meetings.  Remi is now old enough for Mini 4-H.  Reis has done 4-H since 3rd grade, but not Mini.  I, however, did Mini 4-H in second grade.  In second grade when times were simpler.  For example, you could bake cookies or build a birdhouse.  

In 2017, you can pick from a slew of projects, similar to the bigger kiddos, and this year you can even get a mentor and show a smaller livestock animal.  No cows.  

Reis had her first meeting of the year, too.  It was very successful and she’s stoked a friend of hers is taking a project this year.

Tuesday was Valentine’s Day. That day was crazier than the Wednesday, I’d described.  But only because I choose for it to be crazy and I was crazy-proud of that.  

I set my alarm a little bit earlier than normal.  It wasn’t 7 a.m. prying myself out of bed like a zombie.  I had a hop in my step, because I had big plans for the fam.  

While they were sleeping, I made gluten-free blueberry muffins, homemade gluten-free fresh strawberry and chocolate chip pancakes, and fresh strawberries cut into hearts, with “pink milk” (aka Strawberry Milk – we don’t even do regular milk in our home, we usually opt for almond everything but this was a special day).

I gave my husband a box of one of his favorite kinds of a candy with a cheesy message on it and later in the day, I made him a loaf of gluten-free banana bread.  He said it was good.  But to me, the texture appeared very dry.   I couldn’t try it, AIP still going strong.  Speaking of AIP, I read the guide to reintroduction, a few days ago, and laughed out loud.  It said as you reintroduce a food group, you should take a small nibble of the food, wait 15 minutes, consume it and then don’t reintroduce anything else new for five days to note your reactions.  AIP Founders must not understand my life.  If I’m trying a food I’ve been forced to avoid for 30 days and my meals consist of vegetables with the exception of nightshades, no grains, no seeds, no nuts, no dairy, no soy, no processed foods – do you think I can just take a little nibble of something?  The answer is no.  No, I inhale that food and then eat more of it.  I did try an egg yolk a few days ago, so I’m going to venture to say it didn’t affect me in a bad way, and I should probably hard-boil more eggs.   Oh, the sacrifice!  

I ran, tossed around some weights, and got ready.  I went by the flower shop to send an arrangement to someone and noticed I was the only female, aside from the staff, all men on Valentine’s Day.  I was planning Miss Remi’s Valentine’s Party.  Of course, I had been for the past couple of weeks.  I delegated almost everything, but I still took in my insulated bag of backups, in case they were needed and a gluten-free party mix.  

That morning, I decided to attend Jude’s party, too, since it was a half hour before Remi’s party. After his was over, I rushed to Remi’s, and feeling great about that one, because the moms did an exceptional job with their delegations.  Did I mention Remi and I both wore our matching Mommy and Me LuLaRoe Valentine Leggings?  We so did. She even wanted me to wear them to match her.  I had so many compliments because of how “festive” my leggings were.  

I began to walk down the hallway, headed out of the building after her party, but noticed my oldest daughter in gym class.  I tried discreetly tapping on the window but it was probably super loud in there, so I just let myself in and yelled her name.  I’m sure she wasn’t embarrassed at all.

She and her friend came quickly to me, probably hoping I didn’t yell her name, again.  I asked if she’d had her party and they told me it was in the next ten minutes.  I told them, I would probably come then.  

Classroom parties must be my weakness, because I know I described previously how proud I was at the beginning of the school year when I only signed up for one party per child so I wasn’t so stressed going to three parties and making three contributions or more for each holiday.  

I ran outside and moved my vehicle away from the bus lane, and went in for round three.   I unloaded a few things that wouldn’t be needed and reloaded my Mary Poppins insulated bag.  I was able to contribute a gluten-free party mix to this one, for my little Celiac Lady.

After school, I rolled out gluten-free (do you wish you had a quarter for every time I said gluten-free?) pizza dough, I made from scratch.  I was crossing my fingers it would taste good to my children.  This variety, how about I say GF now?  GF anything carby – like breads, buns, donuts – are rarely yummy.  They usually have a funky texture and grainy taste.  I always speculate it’s because it’s crushed up almonds or some other kind of nut. It lacks fluff.

I made a huge heart shaped pizza for the children.  My husband isn’t a pizza fan.  (Which I’ve heard means Telestial Kingdom for him.)  So I made one of his favorite meals (that my children don’t like); Chicken Tetrazzini.  

Chorus for Reis, Kettlebell Tabata for me, and Ballet for Remi – by the end of the day, I was about to die from exhaustion.  The pep in my step had long gone away.  And I felt like that zombie I described I usually feel like when waking up of a morning.

On Friday night of this week (not to be confused with last week, since I did talk about that, too), we went on a double date to Fujiyama – the new hibachi restaurant in Danville. What a neat experience!  We were seated at a grill and the chef entertained us while cooking our table’s food.  Lots of fire and laughter, the food everyone got looked out of this world. My husband was particularly fond of the rice, which was surprising.  My GF food had to be prepped in the kitchen.  Boring, I know.  

My friends and husband even made fun of me because I got a seaweed salad and sashimi.  Even more funny, when I tried to tell the waitress I couldn’t have gluten, she asked me what I was saying 4x in a row.  Then finally she was like, “Oh, gluten-free?” I guess the “free” on the end clues people in.  

When I was asking about the details of the seaweed salad, she told me none of the people she’s ever waited on had ever gotten it.  Danville doesn’t eat seaweed, I guess.  

I am really excited to take our children there to have this food experience!  After we finished up, we choose to bowl.  We also agreed Covington was a good idea.  Called, they said there was open bowling so we arrived. The parking lot seemed swamped. When we went in we were told it would be hours because the school was there.  Sure enough, high-schoolers, high-schoolers everywhere.  

Bummed because we were just in Danville, mind you ¾ of us are Mormon, we decided to go into the bar, where no one was, and play pool.  We drank gigantic ice waters and played pool.  The most stressed out I’d been all week, trying to figure out which pocket to aim for.  ;-)

Reis had a couple of friends spend the night, so they were quite busy being social butterflies.  On Saturday, Remi had another basketball game, where she made three baskets and had a few assists, too.  Jude was able to attend baseball camp, where he hit the ball multiple times and loved that.  Then Allen took him out for a Daddy-Son Date, Lazer Tag and lunch.

Saturday was a busy, busy day, too, but it was gorgeous out.  Today, piggybacked the busy-ness.  We had a Youth Fireside after church.  I think I’ve said before, we have a three hour block for church. I have a meeting beforehand, unless my husband is out of the building, then I go on time.  Throughout the year, our youth ages 12-17, have Firesides or meetings they select the topic and speaker and we eat lunch together and listen before going home.  

Today, was the Standards Fireside.  Our Young Women had submitted questions and scenarios they’ve encountered and the panel (they choose) of ‘cool and trendy’ adults, answered them with life experience and the “why”.   The meal was my task.  So, I had to prep everything for ‘Walking Tacos’ or ‘Tacos in a Bag’.  I made a few up and they smelled awesome.  I’d heard from several people, too, they were awesome. I pretended my lettuce with mushrooms and cucumber in oil and vinegar and apple was actually a Walking Taco. You’re killin’ me, AIP.  Sundays are usually a binge eating day for me, since I’m gone for so many hours, I like my body reacts as if it’s important I refuel and tank up, just in case I’m gone away from the fridge for that period of time, again.  

Here I sit, it’s now dark outside, and I need to go to my happy place.  My bed.

[luukeskywalker]

Rules - copy this post into a new text post, remove my answers and put in your own. when you are done tag up to 10 people and also tag the person that tagged you….most importantly, have fun!

Tagged by @irhinoceri ouo a / age - 19, but not for much longer! i’m terrified b / biggest fear - Waking up and realizing the past four weeks have been nothing but a horrible, horrible nightmare. Because then I’d have to live through it all again and I am so tired. c / current time - 1:53PM PST! d / drink you had last - I am currently drinking a caramel apple spice from Starbucks. It tastes like how fall feels... I love it. e / everyday starts with - On days I have class, the alarm goes off at 7:30AM, I lie in bed for about twenty minutes whining about how I don’t want to get up, then I get dressed and go to class. On days I don’t have class, I sleep in till about 9-10:30AM and then I chill in bed on my phone for another hour before I finally get up.

f / favourite song - Boo tough question. Right now though I’d have to say either Stupid and Shallow or Blame It On The Girls (they both give me shippy feelings and I’m into that again, who would have guessed) g/ ghosts are real? - Yes. I live with ‘em. They’re not, like, “ghosts” in the way that media shows them, but I still think it counts.

h / hometown - Hillsborough! Right on the corner. It’s really easy to confuse the address because I live right between two “towns”. 

i / in love with - Rohan... enough said....

j / jealous of - Other writers who I perceive as being better than me? Most other writers? Yeah let’s go with that :P

k / killed someone - I’ve thought about it! But hasn’t everyone? Anyways, no.

l / last time you cried - Uh, like about a month ago or so. I was thinking about my dog. Still not quite ready to face the impending cold reality of his death. 

m / middle name - I have two! Alexandra and Mary.

n / number of siblings - One older brother, one older sister. I’m the youngest by ten years - my sister is turning thirty this year (woah holy shit I just realized that) and my brother is turning, like thirty four or something? o / one wish - I wish I had a stand, holy shit... more specifically I wish I had Crazy Diamond... life would be so much easier... okay maybe not easier but it sure would be more fun. p / person you last called/texted - Alex. Because we were talking shit about other students in our class. Haha.  q / questions you’re always asked - "are you doing your homework” or “hey man you wanna die?” both asked by Alex because all we ever do is bitch about doing homework and wishing for death

r / reasons to smile - Bro every moment I spend with Alex is a reason to smile.... but if u want other ones there’s caramel apple spice drinks, the Legend of Zelda, redwood trees, knowing that the mall I live next to had part of a Parks and Rec episode filmed in it (TREAT YO’SELF), that feeling you get when you finish writing something that’s taken you a really long time to work out, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, going grocery shopping with your friends, Star Wars, singing (with or without your friends - both are encouraged!), petting dogs, the sweet inevitability of death that claims us all... s / song last sang – Alex and I were singing along to The Sporting Life in my car.  t / time you woke up - 7:30AM! I sure do love being alive u / underwear colour - It’s a light blue with little mermaids on it.  v / vacation destination – Okay by myself I’d probably go to Hawaii and chill on the beach all day. But if I could go somewhere with someone I would steal Alex and go to Japan.  w / worst habit – I am currently procrastinating. I have a 3 page bio paper and a 5-10 minute presentation about myself due on Friday. I sure do wish for death. x / xrays you have had – Ohhh boy. Okay I have a story about this. So about two years ago, it was in February so wow, throwback, anyways, I just kept throwing up for no reason, and it would happen like once a week at a specific time (Sunday at 8 o’clock to be precise). And everyone was like “What’s wrong??” and I was like “I HAVE NO IDEA IT JUST KEEPS HAPPENING” so we went to the doctors, and they were like, “Yo, it could be you’re allergic to gluten, or maybe you’re backed up shitwise, or maybe you got an infection, or maybe-” and so they did a bunch of tests on me. Took my blood, took some x-rays of my body, et cetera. 

Anyways during that like, solid week of waiting for the test results back, my mom had assumed the problem was I was allergic to gluten. So she went on a huge shopping trip to get all these gluten-free products, and forbid me from eating gluten, even at school where I had no control over what the lunch ladies made that day (I love the lunch ladies at my high school I would kill for them, but that’s not the point lol). ANYWAYS I was like “nah fuck that” and kept with my normal morning routine of eating a cheese bagel for breakfast. So the tests come back in and the doctor gets me on the phone and is like “Yeah, so, the problem was really obvious once we got your x-rays. You’re full of shit. Literally. Drink laxatives 3 times a day and you should be fine.” 

And so I did that. And I got better.  y / your favourite food - Meatloaf. But I’m kinda picky about it... it’s gotta be The Good Kind, you know? z / zodiac sign - Taurus/Gemini cusp! And I’m the year of the Ox. 

I’m supposed to tag multiple people but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m just gonna tag @kakyoinmylove and anyone else who wants to do it!! Make sure to @ me if you do, I want to see your answers ^^

[antionetterparker]

Younique: 14 facts you should know before joining [Review]

Virtual parties on social media…

Cosmetics on par with CoverGirl…

Payment within 3 hours of making a sale…

This isn’t your mom’s beauty MLM. It’s a new (and definitely more modern) way to approach network marketing.

Younique is a trendy cosmetics MLM with clever branding and marketing strategies. The 1950s are calling and they want their Tupperware parties back, right?

Telling companies they HAVE to embrace the digital revolution if they want to stay competitive is old news, but they don’t always listen. Younique, on the other hand, hasn’t just embraced it — they’ve made sweet, sweet love to it.

FAQ

1. What does Younique sell? Younique sells makeup, skincare, and fragrances to support their mission of building women’s self-esteem and validating their inner and outer beauty.

2. What are Younique’s most popular products? Younique Moodstruct 3D Fiber Lashes lash enhancer could be considered their flagship product. It was the first beauty product that went big. Other big sellers include Touch Mineral liquid foundation, Moodstruck Splash liquid lipstick, and Moodstruck Epic mascara.

3. How much does it cost to join Younique? You’ll pay $99 to become a Younique distributor.

4. Is Younique a scam? No, it’s a legit company selling real products.

5. What is Younique’s BBB rating? A+

6. How long has Younique been in business? Since 2012

7. What is Younique’s revenue? $400 million

8. How many Younique distributors are there? 1.19 million

9. What lawsuits have been filed? In 2017, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Younique for promoting their Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes as “natural” and containing “100% Natural Green Tea Fibers” when it contains unnatural ingredients and no green tea leaves at all. [1]  In 2017, Younique sued Maelle Beauty and forced it to shut down for 5 months. Its founder was a former employee of Younique. [2, 3] In 2016, Luci Bags LLC sued Younique for violated trade dress, basically recreating Luci Bags and claiming they were created by Younique. [4] In 2018, the case was dismissed. [5] Also in 2016, Younique Products disputed with Mark M. Youssef over the trademark of Younique. [6]

10. Comparable companies: Avon, Mary Kay, Rodan + Fields

So should you get involved?

Product-wise this company might be legit, but if you’re just interested in the business opportunity, there are better options out there…

Click here for my #1 recommendation

Either way, here are 14 facts you should know before joining Younique.

#14. They were kind of an overnight success

Younique hit the ground running and reached their goal of 999 presenters within 9 months of launching. [7]

Then, in 2015 they were named one of Utah’s “emerging elite” companies [8], and co-founder Melanie Huscroft claimed Younique was the “fastest-growing company in the nation” (exaggeration?) after they exceeded $53 million in sales in the month of November alone [9].

Now they have over a million Presenters (distributors). [10]

This still doesn’t touch Younique’s cosmetics competitors — MLM giants like Mary Kay, who has 3.5 million distributors; Nerium, one of the fastest growing skincare MLMs; and Avon, the world’s largest direct seller with $5.7 billion in annual revenue. But it’s pretty impressive for a company that’s still learning how to walk.

#13. Beauty mogul Coty now owns a majority stake

In 2017, Coty Inc. acquired 60% of Younique for $600 million in cash. The company is still led by brother-and-sister founders Derek Maxfield and Melanie Huscroft, who own the remaining 40%. [11]

Coty is one of the biggest players in the global beauty scene, with more than 70 brands in their portfolio, including CoverGirl, Clairol, OPI, and premium fragrance and skincare labels Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs.

#12. They’re operating globally

When Younique launched in the UK in 2014, they signed on their first 1,000 presenters in under 30 minutes flat. [12]

They’re now operating around the world: U.S., Canada, Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Mexico, Germany, France, Spain, and Hong Kong.

#11. Naturally based products

Consumers are increasingly skeptical about chemically-based products, and Younique’s products are “inspired” by nature.

Their makeup isn’t chemical-free, but it’s marketed toward the naturally-inclined and free of harmful fillers. [13] They claim their newest set of Moodstruck Addiction palettes are formulated without any gluten, parabens, PABA, BPA, or latex.

Also, they don’t do animal testing. [14]

#10. A Generous Sign-On Kit

It costs a one-time fee of $99 to become a Younique presenter, which is pretty standard if not a little high. But presenters don’t have to turn around and buy inventory, and they get $225 worth of product, including the mascara that won them a cult-following and still sells 16,000 units a day. [15]

1 Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes+

1 Moodstruck Addiction Shadow Palette (palette will vary)

Angled Shadow / Sponge Brush

Beachfront Self-Tanning Body Lotion

Splurge Cream Shadow in Elegant

Cream Shadow Brush

Shine Eye Makeup Remover Cloths

Skin Care Sampler

Foundation Sampler

Bronzer Sampler

Pigment Sampler

Blush Sampler

Lip Gloss Sampler (Set of 10)

Lip Stain Sampler (Set of 7)

Shade Stick

White Charm

Black Oval Presenter Case

#9. Super simple compensation plan

Younique’s compensation plan is one of the simplest in the industry.

Statuses are colored, you start at white and work your way up to black, gaining additional commission and perks with each bump.

The first chart explains the requirements for each status, and the second lays out the compensation for each status. While a 20-30% commission rate is nothing special, (Mary Kay offers 50%), the royalties folks with higher statuses can make off their recruitees means there’s definitely potential to make money.

#8. You have to recruit to make good money

This is a big negative. It’s the reason a lot of MLMs get called pyramid schemes and spam — they rely on recruitment over product sales.

While Younique definitely focuses on product sales, it’s true that you’re not going to make a fortune off commission alone.

Without recruiting, even if you sold $10,000 worth of product, you’d only make $2,401 after the cost of your starter kit. If you sell that much every month (not easy), you’re bringing in an annual salary of only $30,000 before taxes.

#7. Instant commission payments

Getting paid faster doesn’t mean you’re making more – or does it? To millennials, instant payment is a deal maker. Nearly two-thirds of millennials say being paid immediately helps their finances and a quarter actually prefer quicker payments to a pay raise. [16]

Through Younique’s PayQuicker system, commissions are deposited into Presenter accounts either instantly or within 3 hours of sales. Presenters are even given their own Younique branded debit card so they don’t have to wait for the money to transfer to their bank accounts.

#6. They have a strong message

You know what else millennials love? Working for a cause they believe in. [17]

The message behind Younique promises to “uplift, empower, and validate women” in an industry full of impossible beauty standards. Younique even uses regular people, their own Presenters, rather than professional models to show off new looks in their catalogs.

#5. Sales support a good cause

Younique puts their money where their mouth is when it comes to their mission.

Younique products were partially created in order to fund the Younique Foundation charity. The cause is personal for co-founder Melanie Huscroft, who says “Our goal was to build a company that would become so successful that it could ultimately fund a foundation for women who were sexually abused.” [18]

The charity raised $1.2 million in 2017, and half of it was spent on healing services [19]

#4. You never have to buy inventory

That’s right, no minimum order requirements.

The largest taxi company in the world owns no taxis (Uber), the most popular media owner creates no content (Facebook), the most valuable retailer has no inventory (Alibaba), and the largest accommodation provider owns no real estate (Airbnb). [20] Digital disruption has arrived, and Younique gets it.

Products are shipped to customers directly from your Younique site, so your sales are done 100% digitally.

This also means…

#3. No more home parties

Who actually wants to be the hostess with the mostess? Setting up, catering to guests, cleaning up afterward — no thanks.

And let’s be real. If younger folks are forgoing actual parties in favor of staying in and watching Netflix, they’re not going to come out in droves for a “party” where there’s no keg and someone’s selling them something.

Younique Presenters never host a single home party. Instead, they create and host virtual parties via social media platforms like Facebook.

#2. Social media masters…or obnoxious spammers?

Relying on social media for marketing is a double-edged sword.

It’s easier, and if you know your way around social media and internet marketing, you can really leverage it.

That being said, people are (understandably) fed up with seeing their Facebook and Instagram feeds littered with sales pitches and “party” invites from friends trying to sell to them. And many Younique distributors are guilty of this.

#1. Younique is TRENDY

The cosmetics industry is tough. Avon is literally older than your grandma who wears it.

Younique may be the new kid on the block, but they’re going for Prom Queen.

Younique’s battle strategy is clear: target younger markets. Well, at the rate the company has been trending, they may have them cornered.

Could Younique be the future of direct cosmetics sales? We’ll see.

Recap

While Younique may be a great company and the trends indicate they won’t be losing popularity anytime soon, they’re still MLM and the industry has flaws. Not saying it would be impossible to make money, but your time could be better spent.

Look, I’ve been involved with network marketing for over ten years so I know what to look for when you consider a new opportunity.

After reviewing 200+ business opportunities and systems out there, here is the one I would recommend:

Click here for my #1 recommendation

via https://mlmcompanies.org/younique/

[consulting-celiac-in-the-tardis]

13 Back-to-School Essentials for Students with Chronic Illness

New blog post!

Back-to-school time is almost here, and I know from experience how stressful this season can for students with chronic illness. After all, when you have a chronic illness, you have to worry about staying healthy on top of completing homework, going to class and/or work and overall just kicking butt at school life.

Since I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at age 11 and celiac disease at age 16, I’m no stranger to going to school, college and now grad school with a chronic illness. So today I thought I’d share 13 “necessities” I think all students with chronic illnesses should have for the coming school year, regardless of their age, chronic illness and education level.  

1. A planner. 

Like I’ve written before, you can use a planner for so much more than just writing down homework for class. You can also remind yourself about when to take your medication, foods you need to prep, phone calls you need to make to your doctor and anything else you need to do to kick life’s booty with chronic illness. 

2. A heat pack and ice pack. 

If you have fibromyalgia or another chronic pain condition, having heat and ice packs on hand is a total must. These are two items I didn’t think about the first time I went to college. I was so used to my parents having several of each that I didn’t even think of buying my own! But when a fibromyalgia flare-up hits, being able to lay down with a heat pack on my back and an ice pack on the back of my neck makes a huge difference. If the same is true for you, make sure you add these two packs to your back-to-school shopping list. 

3. All the emergency snacks. 

Ever been busy running around town to do errands and then realize, “If I don’t eat something right now, ‘hangry’ is going to be an understatement!”? When you have dietary restrictions (like from celiac disease), finding a snack can be more challenging. That’s why I always have a few bars, homemade energy balls or pieces of fruit stuck in my purse or backpack - just in case! If you need ideas of allergy friendly snacks to pack for back-to-school, check out this gluten free snack recipe roundup or this list of some of my favorite premade snacks lately! 

4. Blackout curtains. 

If you struggle with getting enough sleep, black-out curtains can seriously transform your life. I need more sleep than the average bear (thank you, fibromyalgia), and my black-out curtains ensure that the sun doesn’t wake me up hours early. In a pinch, close pinning a light blanket to your curtain rod will work too (not that I’ve ever been desperate enough for that...cough, cough), but black-out curtains are a worthy investment for lots of restful sleep. 

5. A good lunch box. 

Remember how excited you were as a kid to buy a new, cool lunchbox for the school year? Well, packing yourself a delicious, nourishing and allergy friendly lunch to eat at school is just as important in high school, college and even grad school. I’m always a fan of leftover gluten free pizza, vegan mac and cheese or any of these other gluten free packed lunch recipes. As long as you have a good lunch box to put them in, your stomach is destined to be very happy all school year long.

6. A reliable pair of shoes. 

Depending on how large your school is, you’ll probably be racking up the steps once the school year starts up again. As a result, having a reliable pair of shoes is a MUST. Personally, I wear my Adidas sneakers with orthotics as often as I can, but find out what works for you and stick with it! 

7. A note or paperwork from your doctor. 

Like I wrote in my comprehensive guide for going to college with celiac disease, my college required certain paperwork and documentation from my doctor to get the accommodations I needed from my college. So before the school year starts, I’d encourage you to reach out to your school’s disability resource center and ask what paperwork you should get done before school begins.

8. Frozen meals or foods for busy days at school. 

I typically cook at least once a day, but during crazy busy days at grad school, having frozen foods or meals that I can heat up and eat in a few minutes is seriously life-saving. I plan on doing a round up of my favorite frozen foods and meals soon, but lately I’ve been loving Dr. Preager’s GF veggie burgers, Path of Life’s quinoa meals and frozen portions of my vegan mac and cheese, stacked enchilada, oil-free fries, and granola. I’ve also loved eating Foster Farm’s GF chicken nuggets and chicken tenders in the past. 

9. All. The. Medications. And a pill pack to stay organized! 

In college, my friends used to joke that everyone should run to my dorm room if there was an emergency because I had all the food and all the medications. But on a serious note, making sure you stock up on your pills and know how and when you’re going to get them refilled is super important before every school year. When you move somewhere new for school like I did last year, it can feel really overwhelming to figure out your medical care on top of your new school and classes. So the sooner you make a game plan for your medications, the smoother your school year afterward! 

Depending on how many pills you need to take, I recommend investing in a simple pill organizer (or even a pill organizer + water bottle like this one!) as well. Always having a week’s worth of pills organized makes it super easy for me to just pour that night’s pills in a plastic bag to keep in my backpack if I have a night class or am going out with friends. Spending ten minutes or so organizing my pills for the whole week always saves me lots of time during my busy days later on! 

10. The phone numbers of several friends you can call for support. 

I’m not going to lie. Going to school with a chronic illness is hard. That’s why you should try to have at least one person you know you can call and vent to anytime you need. Having a solid support system can keep you from feeling alone in your struggles and give you important reminders about how awesome you really are! If you don’t have any close friends or family that could fulfill this role, you can always explore online support groups for your chronic illness as well. Some of these online groups are definitely better than others, but as long as you find someone who makes you feel safe and understood, that’s all that matters. 

11. A backpack loaded with all the necessities, from extra meds to backup snacks. 

There’s no point in loading up on emergency snacks and medicine if you don’t take them with you for when you might need them! That’s where a sturdy backpack or purse comes in. I’d also encourage you to have fun with your backpack and show off your personality...and perhaps even your chronic illness. My favorite part about my backpack (besides all the goodies inside it) is the buttons - including some about slaying life while gluten free - I have all over it.

As for what emergency items to include in your backpack, I always have a few bars (so I can choose whichever one I actually feel like eating) and some backup migraine, stomach and pain medications. There’s nothing worse than being trapped in class while battling a flare up, and these meds saved me several times last year! 

12. A self-care checklist. 

I get it. When you’re trying to be a rockstar student while managing your chronic illness, self care can often fall to the bottom of your to-do list. But taking the time to relax your body and your mind is virtual during busy times at school - especially if you have a chronic illness that makes you extra prone to getting run down or sick from stress. So I’m challenging you to make a list of three self care practices you’ll try to engage in every week. They can be as simple as painting your nails each Sunday night and as quick as just taking a 10 minute walk during your lunch breaks. If you need inspiration for easy ways to practice self care, check out my lists of self care activities you can do in 15 minutes or from the comfort of your own bed.

13. The belief that you are gonna rock this school year, no matter what obstacles may come your way! 

Most likely, the school year will come with some challenges. Most likely, there will be days when you think, “If I was normal, school would be SO much easier!” But know this: with enough determination, support and hard work, you can kick the school year’s butt, even with a chronic illness. And you’ll be amazed at how much the challenges you overcome make you grow in the end.

My Reminder to All Chronically Ill Students...

As the school year creeps closer, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little anxious. However, I also know that I’ve survived much harder school years on the past - like being hospitalized for celiac complications during my freshman year of college - and that this year will be full of adventures, memories and opportunities to learn. 

And if you’re also feeling a little anxious about going back to school with a chronic illness, I hope this list makes you feel less alone and gives you a better idea of how you can prepare yourself for success! What's one of your chronic illness necessities? Tell me in the comments!

via Blogger https://ift.tt/2o4oYAQ

[fashiontrendin-blog]

How Nick Foles Got Back Up

http://fashion-trendin.com/how-nick-foles-got-back-up/

How Nick Foles Got Back Up

PHILADELPHIA ― Before he was the 2018 Super Bowl MVP and a civic hero, quarterback Nick Foles was a gentle, nurturing kid with white-blond hair and giant hands. That’s how I remember him, at least. Nick and I were childhood friends. His size always made him seem older and more imposing than he was. He was quiet and liked to play Nintendo.

Our families spent holidays together and visited each other between Texas and Louisiana. Nick’s dad, Larry, had been the manager of a Baton Rouge restaurant where my dad bartended in the late ’70s. When Nick was 8, my dad took him and my brother duck hunting in Grand Chenier, Louisiana, and Nick was more interested in caring for the injured ducks in the blind after they’d been shot than in hunting them. At one point he got upset because some of the ducks seemed not quite dead. He wanted to end their suffering. So he tried to shoot one on the floor with his BB gun, but he missed, and the BB ricocheted and nailed my dad in the forehead.

The Nick Foles who greeted me on Monday in a nondescript office at the Eagles’ Philadelphia training facility was not quite the Nick Foles I knew as a kid. I hadn’t seen him in 20 years. He is 6 feet, 6 inches now and in all ways a bona fide phenomenon. Grown colleagues of mine own shirts with his name on them. Men across Philadelphia have his face tattooed on their bodies.

We spoke for an hour about football and fame and faith, about being an apolitical quarterback in a politically charged moment for the NFL, and about his near retirement two years ago and his unusual journey since then, from backup to star to backup again. 

Nick! You’re so much bigger than the last time I saw you. I have a picture of you and my brother arm wrestling when you were children.

Eagles PR guy, on his way out of the room: I bet your brother can’t beat him in arm wrestling now.

Nick: Taylor? He and I are getting older now, so we’d probably just have a beer and call it a day.

I thought you didn’t drink.

I’ll drink sometimes, usually hard dry cider. I’ve noticed, even though I’m 29, with all the hits and everything, my body just does not feel good when I drink alcohol. We have so much to do throughout the day, and when I’m healthier and on it, I can get more done and still be a dad and a husband.

Do you have a vice? Do you ever just go nuts and eat a bag of Hot Cheetos?

I had two autograph signings the last two days for like eight hours, and I didn’t eat yesterday, so I got home and I was starving. And we eat gluten free ― my wife got real sick four years ago, so we’ve had to learn, and it helps me too with inflammation. But I got home and crushed a bag of chips. They were the healthiest chips you can get, made with coconut oil and stuff like that, but I’ll definitely have some gluten-free pizza.

So you don’t have a vice.

What’s it like to suddenly be famous and see grown men around Philadelphia wearing shirts with your name on it and having tattoos of your face on their bodies?

It’s crazy because when I was here the first time around, we broke a lot of records, I got a lot of notoriety for that here. Philly just loves the Eagles. But when I came back after everything that happened in my career in St. Louis and being a backup in [Kansas City], I wasn’t as noticeable. I could go to the grocery store, and people would recognize me, but it wasn’t a big deal. Now I go anywhere in the nation and it’s a big deal.

Tori [his wife] and I were just in Hawaii on a pretty secluded island, and even there the locals knew who I was. A guy recognized me while I was snorkeling — it was crazy. People are always very nice. But I would never sit here and say you just get used to it — I don’t know if anyone’s ever supposed to be used to it.

What’s the weirdest fan encounter you’ve had?

The tattoo things are pretty crazy. I met a guy at a signing the other day — his whole back was me with a trophy on the “Rocky” steps.

Wow. Was it a good tat? What did you say?

I mean, it was his whole back. Forever. There’s not much you can say. I was like, “That’s cool, man.” That’s there forever.

Do you find Eagles fans to be different than fans of other franchises?

Yes. The thing I’ve always admired about Eagles fans is that it’s not fans; it’s family. It’s generational. I was at a signing yesterday and a lady started crying. She said, “I got to watch the game with my 90-year-old mother, and it was the greatest moment of her life, watching the Super Bowl.” Another woman said she was trying to have kids and couldn’t get pregnant, and after the Super Bowl she got pregnant. The doctor said something shifted in her body that allowed her to be pregnant. Stuff like that you hear, and you realize this isn’t just a game for people here.

So there are people in Philadelphia that credit you with their fertility.

I saw on Instagram that you have a “Rocky” trophy in your locker.

Yeah, actually the guy who made the real “Rocky” statue [in Philadelphia] sent me that after the Super Bowl.

It’s funny that you saw that on Instagram. I’ve never been great at social media. With what Tori and I want to do, with helping the community and maybe starting a foundation, it’s important to expand that stuff. But I don’t want it to be a highlight reel of me, I want it to be real. My wife gets sick, Lily [his 10-month-old daughter] hit her head the other day — stuff goes on. Though beautiful pictures of beaches are wonderful, I want to post things that inspire me — whether it’s a song or something I read. I’m just trying to home in on using the platform to help people. Because football — though this is awesome, and it’s great to be in the NFL — I knew a long time ago this wasn’t where my heart would be. But now because of this, I can help a lot of people through other avenues. I can go and speak, and people want to see me.

You’ve said that you want to be a youth pastor after the NFL, right?

The media sort of ran with that. People were like, “Oh, you want to be a pastor! God bless you!” When I was in Kansas City and having a tough time in my career, I decided to go to seminary to continue my spiritual growth. And the youth pastor thing — we have a great local church at home, and I always thought it would be cool to volunteer at the church. I could teach some sermons in the high school, but it’s more just to be one-on-one and help those kids at that point in their life.

There are so many people on your team from different backgrounds, different religions, different political views. Do you find yourself being a spiritual leader on the team or more kind of leaving everyone alone?

I think everyone knows I’m a Christian. But I just really want to show love to my teammates and show I genuinely care about them and that I’m not trying to be better than anyone.

When I’m on a team, it’s all about relationships and just getting to know each other. If you ask me about [University of] Arizona, I probably won’t remember a lot of games, but I’ll remember the locker room. I’ll remember working hard with those guys and that friendship. The NFL’s a little different because guys are in and out all the time, but when I step in the building, I just want to get to know people. I’ll go in the equipment room and chat. When you actually love each other and you go into a game, it’s easier to play. When adversity hits, like in the fourth quarter and stuff goes bad, no one freaks out because you’re like, eh, I got it. We all care for each other. We know we can play. Every team says they’re like family, but this team really is more than any other that I’ve seen. That’s why I believe we won the Super Bowl — because of the relationships in the locker room. That’s the coolest part of the game.

The number one thing I tell kids when I go speak is, if you’re doing this for money, fame, girls, boys, cars, whatever, you’re going to be very empty at the end of it. I can tell you that because I’m who you want to be if you want to be an athlete. I’m a professional athlete. And there’s nothing in there. The newest car’s not going to be good enough. For me it’s my relationship with Christ and my family, that’s what it’s all about.

Do you and your teammates joke around and make fun of each other? Do they have any nicknames for you?  

Everyone knows I’m sort of goofy. Some guys are really serious when they play. I’m not. In practice, when I’m throwing with receivers, I’ll work on some no-look throws — I’ll look left and throw right. No one will ever do that in a game, but to me it’s just sort of fun, and there might be a day I do do it and everyone’s like, “HOW DID YOU DO THAT?” It’s just off-the-wall stuff. We played ultimate frisbee the other day, and I got to be a kid and run around like crazy. Even in games, I try to keep things humorous. If I throw a really bad ball or a long out-of-bounds ball, I’ll say: “Oh wow, that was really good, Nick. Wow.” But I won’t be down on myself, I’ll sort of laugh.

An example is, during the Super Bowl I threw a touchdown to Corey Clement, our running back, that was between three defenders, and everything happened so fast. But I went through my reads, and I went to throw to Corey and in my head was like, This looks horrible. This is not how we drew it up. I’m not throwing it. What do I do? And all of a sudden the safety slipped a little bit, a tiny bit, and I was like, Oh I got this. And I threw it, but that’s what went through my head in a split second. And it landed between three guys and he caught it. 

I have to touch on Colin Kaepernick and The New York Times story about the owners’ meeting, the talk about going to the White House or not going to the White House. There’s obviously a super politically charged environment in the NFL right now. Some of your teammates have been pretty outspoken about politics, but you’ve stayed out of the fray. Do you think it’s possible to remain apolitical as a star quarterback in the NFL?

I just don’t know a lot about politics, it’s something that I just don’t have a great knowledge in, so I just listen and observe. That’s really it. If I spoke about it, I wouldn’t have a lot of knowledge in it. The character of people, the heart of people, that’s where my focus is. When it comes to political issues, I look at things differently. It’s not necessarily for me to speak. I might have opinions, but I like to listen in those situations, because a lot of times you can say something, but you’re not going to be right either way. So it’s pointless.

So you’re staying out of it.

How do you go from Super Bowl MVP to being a backup again? How do you flip that switch emotionally?

Well, it’s never been done, ever in the NFL, for a Super Bowl MVP to be a backup quarterback. I thought I might have been traded a month ago, because I saw everything in the news, and we’re aware of that because that’s our life. We just moved into a great home here last off season, we have a ten-and-a-half month old, a great place. And if you’re going to be traded, you have to be on your toes. But now that we restructured our deal, and we’re here for at least another year, it’s honestly a great opportunity to impact a lot of people, because a lot of people are gonna look at me and say, “Alright, let’s see how he really responds. Let’s see how he really acts. Let’s see who he really is.”

And pride does seep in, you know. You see a Super Bowl ad and you’re like, wow, that’s crazy! And you’d love the opportunity to start. But you have to reel back in. I think everyone deals with that in some sort of fashion. You know, it’s humbling. I have to humble myself daily to come in here and be a backup quarterback, sit in meetings, and I’m not the starter, though two months ago we were on stage holding the Lombardi Trophy. But it’s good for me. I’m learning a lot about myself and growing in ways I never could imagine. Everyone else looks at it like, “Oh, you should be starting, you should be getting paid this,” and it gets in your head a little bit, and then you have to get it out. Because it doesn’t matter. You really have to just focus on now and just being grateful. It goes back to perspective, like my family — seeing my daughter and my wife. We’re happy. We have great people here. Just sort of enjoying the moment, because eventually football will be over. 

What was it like going up against Tom Brady after having been a backup in the same season? How did you not crack under the pressure? Were you nervous?

I didn’t know how my body was going to respond, because it’s such a big stage. You know how you’re going to prepare, but you never know until you step on that field how it’s going to happen. Because you always prepare to succeed, but guys have bad games. My focus was staying in the moment, staying present. It’s easy to look at the big picture and freak out, but we say, “Be where your feet are.” Like right now, I’m present, I’m talking to you. That’s where I am. My mind isn’t wandering. And with that it sort of clears the clutter in your mind. Every day I get up, make coffee, read scripture. I was journaling every day during that time, because there were so many emotions I was dealing with, for leaving the team and being in that situation.

So I felt good going into the game, but I remember sitting there for the national anthem, and I was taking everything in. And I knew the first play of the game was a pass, and on that play I’d sort of get an idea of how my body’s doing, how my heart’s doing, how my mind — like, is everything calm? Then I dropped back, our first read was covered and did a hard reset all the way across the field and threw it to Nelson Agholor for a completion, and I remember right then I thought, I feel really really good. It was probably the most relaxed I’ve ever played in a game, was in the Super Bowl, because I was just very present. The stage didn’t get too big.

And I really believe the reason I was so calm is because I have great teammates and that they’re very talented and work hard and do what they’re supposed to do. Not once this year did the offense get mad when the defense played bad, or the defense get mad when the offense played bad. That showed our team we always had each other’s backs.

Is that different from other teams you’ve been on?

Yeah. I’ve been on teams, I don’t want to name them, but the attention to detail wasn’t great. Schematically, we weren’t great. Great guys, good people, but we didn’t have a strong identity, and going into the games was very stressful, very tough. And I remember having a lot of trouble — like I’ve always thrown for 300-400 yards a game since I was in high school, and it was this one year of my life playing the sport where we could barely get over 150 in a game, where I was used to throwing for that in a quarter. And it was very tough. But there’s a lot of growth that happened that year.

I talk a lot to younger guys, and money can blind them. I mean, when you play, you should get paid for what you do. But make sure you go somewhere with a good system, good coaches. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. It’s miserable if you get on a team and you aren’t playing well and everyone turns against each other. And I’ve experienced that. I thought I was going to retire two years ago. That was real. That was 100 percent. I was done.

It is because you lost faith in yourself and thought you weren’t good anymore?

I knew I could still play ― they knew I could still play at an extremely high level. I just did not like football. I couldn’t touch a football. Someone would throw me a football, and I would just drop it. I’d had enough, I’d lost the joy. I can’t do something without my heart. I think something inside me was going on, there was so much fear to play again. It wasn’t that I didn’t think I could play, I just had a horrible experience and it just blinded me. But I knew there would be more growth in playing than in stepping away.

And I knew I brought so much joy to my dad and my father-in-law and my family and the people watching, and [the idea of taking that away from them] hurt. They’ll watch me play the game, and it provides so much happiness and escape. My dad has rewatched the Super Bowl probably a hundred times. My father-in-law just watched it again last night.

That’s really sweet! My dad spent years trying to teach me how to throw a football correctly, giving me physics lectures about how my arm is like a whip. Are you going to do that to your daughter?

I’ll probably teach her how to throw a football. I really just want to do everything I can to love her and just be daddy. But I think she’ll have some good athletic genes — my wife is more athletic than me. She played volleyball at Arizona. She’s 5-foot-10, can run, jump. And Lily’s like, top percentile in length. She’ll just get a toy and throw it across the room.

You want to see some pictures of her?

[jimdsmith34]

40 Genius Recipes With Three Ingredients or Less That ANYONE Can Make

How many times have you looked at a recipe and thought it looked great only to discover that the list of ingredients was a mile long and would cause even an Iron Chef to roll their eyes and stick a frozen pizza in the oven? Exactly.

Cooking doesnt have to be complicated and it can be delicious with only three ingredients or less. Now, were not talking about peanut butter and jelly or a bowl of cereal with milk although theres nothing wrong with those but rather more innovative creations like Nutella cake, jalapeno poppers, pulled pork, and ice cream.

Youll wonder, Why didnt I think of that?

1

One Ingredient Banana Soft Serve

Via: The Kitchn

The recipe that has been sweeping the Internet for the past couple of years is so simple its not even a recipe.

Its actually frozen bananas thrown in the food processor until they reach the consistency of soft serve ice cream. Seriously.

Its really that good, and the possibilities for modifications are endless peanut butter, cookies, other fruit, and so many other things.

Youre welcome.

2

Shells and White Cheddar

Via: She Makes and Bakes

Forget the blue box. Make thisstovetop version in which you slowly cook the pasta right in the milk, so it gets super creamy. Then just stir in cheese and the sauce makes itself.

3

Salted Caramel Truffle and Chocolate Fudge Brownie Pie

Via: Chelseas Messy Apron

This looks complicated, but it really only requires a graham cracker crust, a tub of chocolate and caramel ice cream, and toppings. You. Are. Welcome.

4

Three Ingredient Tomato Soup

Via: Enjoy Tribute

Soup with just tomatoes, onions or peppers, and olive oil. It doesnt get any simpler than that.

5

Peanut Butter Waffle Sandwiches

Via: Crazy for Crust

If you have a waffle maker, Pillsbury biscuit dough, and peanut butter (and optional syrup or honey)youre ready to make this mealthat can be frozen for easy treats later.

6

Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs

Via: Mom on a Timeout

Whether youre gearing up for a big game, a potluck, or just a quick dinner, all you need are meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce.

7

Two Ingredient Flourless Nutella Cake

Via: Kirbie’s Cravings

Do you have Nutella? Of course you do. Do you have eggs? Lets hope so, because after 25 minutes of baking you have a decadent dessertand happiness.

8

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Via: The Comfort of Cooking

Just three ingredients and 30 minutes give you tender sweet potatoes stuffed with shredded BBQ chicken and an easy weeknight meal.

9

Two Ingredient Pizza Dough

Via: The Slow Roasted Italian

Its not delivery, its Greek yogurt and flour coming together to make everything from pizza dough to variations such as garlic bread and calzones.

10

Oreo Bark

Via: Bakers Royale

Need a quick treat to bring somewhere? Try this two ingredient, sweet and simple dessert filled with Oreo goodness thats ready in 20 minutes and probably devoured in 20 seconds.

11

Two Ingredient Cheese Crisps

Via: Celebrations at Home

These cheese crisps are little bites of heaven. They makegreat snacks for the kids,appetizerswith a glass of wine, or an accompaniment with a salad.

12

Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Via: Barefeet In the Kitchen

This recipe is a classic with just eggs, peanut butter, and sugar, which means youre just minutes away from satisfying your craving for a delicious treat.

13

Coca-Cola Chicken

Via: When East Meets West

Boil the chicken, replace the water with Coca-Cola and add in soy sauce to create a meal thats literally done in minutes.

14

Two Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

Via: Oh Lady Cakes

The only thing standing between you and thisdecadent treat is chocolate, your milk of choice, and whatever toppings you want to go nuts with including, well, nuts.

15

Two Ingredient Healthy Pancakes

Via: Top With Cinnamon

While there are a few modifications and pinches of things here and there, thisrecipe basically consists of two things eggs and bananas. Thats it. Im not kidding. Get your pancake on.

16

Super Easy Mozzarella Sticks

Via: Mommy Savers

Why are they super easy? Because they only require egg roll wrappers, string cheese and an egg. Of course you have to have sauce for dipping, but were not counting that.

17

No Churn Coconut Ice Cream

Via: Dessert Now, Dinner Later

If your tastes lean more towards coconut than banana, as mentioned above, this ice cream recipes comes together with two ingredients and no ice cream maker required.

18

Sinfully Easy Chocolate Croissants

Via: Inspired Taste

No, theyre not real croissants, but cheating is totally recommended when all you need is puff pastry, chocolate chips, and one egg to make these treats.

19

Roasted Fennel, Red Onion, and Orange Salad

Via: Food52

Yes, you have to roast the three ingredients, but its a salad that dresses itself.

20

Three Ingredient Flourless Peanut Butter Cake

Via: Kirbie Cravings

Eggs, peanut butter, and sugar are all you need to make a cake thats both light and dense, sweet and delicious.

21

Pretzel Coated Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Via: Cooking With Cakes

Juicy, moist chicken tenders, a crunchy crispy crust, and the sweet taste of honey mustard all done with three ingredients.

22

Kiss Pies

Via: Picky Palate

Hershey Kisses + refrigerated pie crust + 1 egg white = perfect little pies filled with your Hershey Kiss flavor of choice.

23

Perfect Tomato Sauce

Via: Food52

Once called the most famous tomato sauce on the Internet, this recipe from Marcella Hazan’sEssentials of Classic Italian Cooking requires only tomatoes (canned or fresh)butter and onion. Bon apptit!

24

Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups

Via: Leeves and Berries

Chocolate chips? Check. Peanut butter? Check. Sea salt? Check.

Betterthan those store-bought treats you spend money on? Check and checkmate.

25

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Via: Betty Crocker

This technically calls for chives and cream cheese as two separate ingredients, but you can get chive-flavored cream cheese, so yes, there are still just three ingredients and they make a perfect appetizer.

26

Frozen Mint Chocolate Chip Pie

Via: Thirty Homemade Days

Whoever said money cant buy happiness didnt know you can buy an Oreo pie crust, a tub of ice cream and Cool Whip to create this.

The best part? Any flavor of ice cream will work.

27

Two Ingredient Biscuits

Via: The Kitchn

If you thought a biscuit recipe had to include Bisquick, youre wrong. This one requires only flour, buttermilk, and optional sugar and butter.

28

No Bake Salted Caramel Slice

Via: Big Man’s World

Crispbread crackers, caramel sauce, and chocolate sauce are all that you need for this twist on a childhood favorite.

29

New England Baked Haddock

Via: Bowl of Delicious

If cooking fish intimidates you, this is a great place to start cooking it. Why? All you need is the fish, bread crumbs, and butter.

30

Two Ingredient Nutella Brownies

Via: Diethood

The tasteand texture are similar to a fudgy brownie and require only two ingredientsNutella and eggs.

31

Cookies and Cream Icebox Cake

Via: Food52

While any cookies could be used and combined with just whipped cream, the classicuses chocolate wafers.

32

Three Ingredient Pulled Pork

Via: Tablespoon

The only things standing in your way of moist, flavorful pulled porkthat can be prepared in minutes and cooked in a slow cooker are pork, root beer, and BBQ sauce.

33

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Via: Gimme Some Oven

A decadent, gluten-free flourless chocolate cake recipewith no added sugar necessary. Plus, it just looks super fancy.

34

Tostones with Spicy Coleslaw and Avocado

Via: Mommyhood’s Diary

Basically,tostonesare fried plantains, pounded flat and then fried again to create a delicious plantain slices.

And guess what? You can top them with whatever you like, such as spicy coleslaw and avocado.

35

Two Ingredient Maple Souffle

Via: Sugar Laws

It sounds weird to pair eggs with maple syrup, but eggs insoufflsare essentially an invisible ingredient they give structure and density to something that otherwise tastes like flavored air. So in this creation, maple flavor for the win!

36

Three Ingredient Chili

Via: I Heart Naptime

Mix the meat, beans, and tomatoes together in large pot, bring it to a boil, and then simmer for about 30 minutes. Then you can top it with whatever you want, but the base is only three ingredients.

37

Iced Coffee Milkshakes

Via: The Nerd’s Wife

Forget those expensive blended drinks from the coffee shop. All you need for a quick pick-me-up is iced flavored coffee, chocolate chips, ice, and whipped cream to top.

38

Individual Parmesan Hash Brown Cups

Via: The Yummy Life

Crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and made in muffin tins, these easily come together with shredded potatoes, parmesan, and scallions.

39

Three Ingredient Hazelnut Cookies

Via: Easy As Apple Pie

Also called Ugly But Good cookies because they dont look too attractive but vanish off the serving plate in minutes, they only require three things hazelnuts, sugar, and egg white.

40

Cheddar Broccoli Egg Muffins

Via: Fit Mama, Real Food

Cheddar broccoli soup is delicious. Broccoli topped with cheddar cheese sauce is genius. These egg muffins? Right up there with those, but so much easier.

See? As easy as 1, 2…and sometimes 3.

source http://allofbeer.com/40-genius-recipes-with-three-ingredients-or-less-that-anyone-can-make/ from All of Beer http://allofbeer.blogspot.com/2018/02/40-genius-recipes-with-three.html

[allofbeercom]

40 Genius Recipes With Three Ingredients or Less That ANYONE Can Make

How many times have you looked at a recipe and thought it looked great only to discover that the list of ingredients was a mile long and would cause even an Iron Chef to roll their eyes and stick a frozen pizza in the oven? Exactly.

Cooking doesnt have to be complicated and it can be delicious with only three ingredients or less. Now, were not talking about peanut butter and jelly or a bowl of cereal with milk although theres nothing wrong with those but rather more innovative creations like Nutella cake, jalapeno poppers, pulled pork, and ice cream.

Youll wonder, Why didnt I think of that?

1

One Ingredient Banana Soft Serve

Via: The Kitchn

The recipe that has been sweeping the Internet for the past couple of years is so simple its not even a recipe.

Its actually frozen bananas thrown in the food processor until they reach the consistency of soft serve ice cream. Seriously.

Its really that good, and the possibilities for modifications are endless peanut butter, cookies, other fruit, and so many other things.

Youre welcome.

2

Shells and White Cheddar

Via: She Makes and Bakes

Forget the blue box. Make thisstovetop version in which you slowly cook the pasta right in the milk, so it gets super creamy. Then just stir in cheese and the sauce makes itself.

3

Salted Caramel Truffle and Chocolate Fudge Brownie Pie

Via: Chelseas Messy Apron

This looks complicated, but it really only requires a graham cracker crust, a tub of chocolate and caramel ice cream, and toppings. You. Are. Welcome.

4

Three Ingredient Tomato Soup

Via: Enjoy Tribute

Soup with just tomatoes, onions or peppers, and olive oil. It doesnt get any simpler than that.

5

Peanut Butter Waffle Sandwiches

Via: Crazy for Crust

If you have a waffle maker, Pillsbury biscuit dough, and peanut butter (and optional syrup or honey)youre ready to make this mealthat can be frozen for easy treats later.

6

Slow Cooker Cocktail Meatballs

Via: Mom on a Timeout

Whether youre gearing up for a big game, a potluck, or just a quick dinner, all you need are meatballs, grape jelly, and chili sauce.

7

Two Ingredient Flourless Nutella Cake

Via: Kirbie’s Cravings

Do you have Nutella? Of course you do. Do you have eggs? Lets hope so, because after 25 minutes of baking you have a decadent dessertand happiness.

8

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Via: The Comfort of Cooking

Just three ingredients and 30 minutes give you tender sweet potatoes stuffed with shredded BBQ chicken and an easy weeknight meal.

9

Two Ingredient Pizza Dough

Via: The Slow Roasted Italian

Its not delivery, its Greek yogurt and flour coming together to make everything from pizza dough to variations such as garlic bread and calzones.

10

Oreo Bark

Via: Bakers Royale

Need a quick treat to bring somewhere? Try this two ingredient, sweet and simple dessert filled with Oreo goodness thats ready in 20 minutes and probably devoured in 20 seconds.

11

Two Ingredient Cheese Crisps

Via: Celebrations at Home

These cheese crisps are little bites of heaven. They makegreat snacks for the kids,appetizerswith a glass of wine, or an accompaniment with a salad.

12

Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Via: Barefeet In the Kitchen

This recipe is a classic with just eggs, peanut butter, and sugar, which means youre just minutes away from satisfying your craving for a delicious treat.

13

Coca-Cola Chicken

Via: When East Meets West

Boil the chicken, replace the water with Coca-Cola and add in soy sauce to create a meal thats literally done in minutes.

14

Two Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

Via: Oh Lady Cakes

The only thing standing between you and thisdecadent treat is chocolate, your milk of choice, and whatever toppings you want to go nuts with including, well, nuts.

15

Two Ingredient Healthy Pancakes

Via: Top With Cinnamon

While there are a few modifications and pinches of things here and there, thisrecipe basically consists of two things eggs and bananas. Thats it. Im not kidding. Get your pancake on.

16

Super Easy Mozzarella Sticks

Via: Mommy Savers

Why are they super easy? Because they only require egg roll wrappers, string cheese and an egg. Of course you have to have sauce for dipping, but were not counting that.

17

No Churn Coconut Ice Cream

Via: Dessert Now, Dinner Later

If your tastes lean more towards coconut than banana, as mentioned above, this ice cream recipes comes together with two ingredients and no ice cream maker required.

18

Sinfully Easy Chocolate Croissants

Via: Inspired Taste

No, theyre not real croissants, but cheating is totally recommended when all you need is puff pastry, chocolate chips, and one egg to make these treats.

19

Roasted Fennel, Red Onion, and Orange Salad

Via: Food52

Yes, you have to roast the three ingredients, but its a salad that dresses itself.

20

Three Ingredient Flourless Peanut Butter Cake

Via: Kirbie Cravings

Eggs, peanut butter, and sugar are all you need to make a cake thats both light and dense, sweet and delicious.

21

Pretzel Coated Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Via: Cooking With Cakes

Juicy, moist chicken tenders, a crunchy crispy crust, and the sweet taste of honey mustard all done with three ingredients.

22

Kiss Pies

Via: Picky Palate

Hershey Kisses + refrigerated pie crust + 1 egg white = perfect little pies filled with your Hershey Kiss flavor of choice.

23

Perfect Tomato Sauce

Via: Food52

Once called the most famous tomato sauce on the Internet, this recipe from Marcella Hazan’sEssentials of Classic Italian Cooking requires only tomatoes (canned or fresh)butter and onion. Bon apptit!

24

Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cups

Via: Leeves and Berries

Chocolate chips? Check. Peanut butter? Check. Sea salt? Check.

Betterthan those store-bought treats you spend money on? Check and checkmate.

25

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Via: Betty Crocker

This technically calls for chives and cream cheese as two separate ingredients, but you can get chive-flavored cream cheese, so yes, there are still just three ingredients and they make a perfect appetizer.

26

Frozen Mint Chocolate Chip Pie

Via: Thirty Homemade Days

Whoever said money cant buy happiness didnt know you can buy an Oreo pie crust, a tub of ice cream and Cool Whip to create this.

The best part? Any flavor of ice cream will work.

27

Two Ingredient Biscuits

Via: The Kitchn

If you thought a biscuit recipe had to include Bisquick, youre wrong. This one requires only flour, buttermilk, and optional sugar and butter.

28

No Bake Salted Caramel Slice

Via: Big Man’s World

Crispbread crackers, caramel sauce, and chocolate sauce are all that you need for this twist on a childhood favorite.

29

New England Baked Haddock

Via: Bowl of Delicious

If cooking fish intimidates you, this is a great place to start cooking it. Why? All you need is the fish, bread crumbs, and butter.

30

Two Ingredient Nutella Brownies

Via: Diethood

The tasteand texture are similar to a fudgy brownie and require only two ingredientsNutella and eggs.

31

Cookies and Cream Icebox Cake

Via: Food52

While any cookies could be used and combined with just whipped cream, the classicuses chocolate wafers.

32

Three Ingredient Pulled Pork

Via: Tablespoon

The only things standing in your way of moist, flavorful pulled porkthat can be prepared in minutes and cooked in a slow cooker are pork, root beer, and BBQ sauce.

33

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Via: Gimme Some Oven

A decadent, gluten-free flourless chocolate cake recipewith no added sugar necessary. Plus, it just looks super fancy.

34

Tostones with Spicy Coleslaw and Avocado

Via: Mommyhood’s Diary

Basically,tostonesare fried plantains, pounded flat and then fried again to create a delicious plantain slices.

And guess what? You can top them with whatever you like, such as spicy coleslaw and avocado.

35

Two Ingredient Maple Souffle

Via: Sugar Laws

It sounds weird to pair eggs with maple syrup, but eggs insoufflsare essentially an invisible ingredient they give structure and density to something that otherwise tastes like flavored air. So in this creation, maple flavor for the win!

36

Three Ingredient Chili

Via: I Heart Naptime

Mix the meat, beans, and tomatoes together in large pot, bring it to a boil, and then simmer for about 30 minutes. Then you can top it with whatever you want, but the base is only three ingredients.

37

Iced Coffee Milkshakes

Via: The Nerd’s Wife

Forget those expensive blended drinks from the coffee shop. All you need for a quick pick-me-up is iced flavored coffee, chocolate chips, ice, and whipped cream to top.

38

Individual Parmesan Hash Brown Cups

Via: The Yummy Life

Crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and made in muffin tins, these easily come together with shredded potatoes, parmesan, and scallions.

39

Three Ingredient Hazelnut Cookies

Via: Easy As Apple Pie

Also called Ugly But Good cookies because they dont look too attractive but vanish off the serving plate in minutes, they only require three things hazelnuts, sugar, and egg white.

40

Cheddar Broccoli Egg Muffins

Via: Fit Mama, Real Food

Cheddar broccoli soup is delicious. Broccoli topped with cheddar cheese sauce is genius. These egg muffins? Right up there with those, but so much easier.

See? As easy as 1, 2…and sometimes 3.

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/40-genius-recipes-with-three-ingredients-or-less-that-anyone-can-make/