How to Make the Best First Impression to Win Over an Interviewer

You need to be prepared if you intend to make the best impression on a potential employer.

In the competitive world that we live in, the first impression that someone has of you could either help or hinder your career.  Therefore, your best chance of success or failure rests on those crucial few seconds upon meeting the interviewer to determine your future.

Give Yourself Extra Time for the Restroom to Evaluate Your Appearance

You need to arrive at least fifteen minutes before your interview to take care of your appearance and fill out any application and related forms.  You don’t want to jeopardize your chances by walking into the interview without thoroughly inspecting that professional image you radiate for public view.

Besides combing or brushing your hair that might have been wind-blown, it is important to inspect your outfit.  Look for any buttons that may have opened, any zipper that may have come undone, any straps from your bra, camisole or slip that might be falling and properly adjust them.  Pull down any riding sweater, dress or skirt.  You don't want to accidentally reach for a strap while you're talking or get up from your chair with an unzipped pair of pants only to expose yourself, which would cause untold embarrassment.

Carrying a few safety pins and a small bottle of hand lotion can save you from disaster if those straps keep falling, the zipper breaks or any static cling that your dress or skirt may encounter.  Rub some hand lotion between the palms of your hands and then pat your hose, camisole or slip helps.  After all, accidents happen when you least expect them.  It is to your advantage to be prepared just in case.

Make sure blouses, tops and shirts are all tucked in and as wrinkle free as possible.  

A dark suit, dress, or top can be revealing if you have any dandruff or lint sticking to your outfit.  Brush anything off that you don’t want that interviewer to notice. When the interviewer’s eyes keep wandering to the dandruff on your shoulder or the lint or fuzz on your outfit, this is hardly the kind of attention that you want if you hope to win a second interview.

Don’t go too heavy with makeup or fragrance.  In fact, you may want to skip perfume for your interview and aim for more natural, but polished look.  Smile and look for any lipstick on your teeth.

If you wear eyeglasses, check the lens for smudges.  Smudges can make you look sloppy and careless.

Those that habitually wear earrings might want to check that both were put on.  In a nervous rush, women have been known to forget.  If so, you want to take that lone earring off before you head into that important interview.

While Waiting in the Outer Office Reception Area Mentally Prepare

No matter how nervous you may feel inside, try to mentally prepare by picturing yourself already working in the position as you wait to be called for the interview.  Imagine your desk or office and what it will look like in your mind’s eye.  Now see yourself behind the desk, perhaps, typing on the computer or answering the phone or some other task that you would be doing.  The mind works in pictures.  The more that you see the image of you performing that job that you are seeking, the more reality that you give the energy.  The result can translate into more confidence.

Smile and Make Eye Contact When the Interviewer Calls Your Name

A warm smile and maintaining eye contact will show interest and how in touch you are to others.  It is welcoming and a way to connect with people with how open and approachable you are as a person or candidate to work with.

Body Language Says a Lot About You as a Potential Employee As Well

Hold your head high and maintain straight posture when you head toward the interview.  Shake his or her hand with a firm grip while maintaining eye contact.  Walk confidently as if you already have the position.  When you sit, be attentive and stay poised. Being too relaxed once you take a seat or fidgeting in your chair can give the wrong impression.

Be Confident and Upbeat About What You Can Bring to the Position

Even if you feel other candidates might have more experience or education than you do, don’t go into the interview taking that thought with you.  Otherwise, you might as well turn around and go home.  

If you don’t believe in yourself, then you have no right to be in the interviewer’s office.  Remember, you were called to interview because you had the education or skills that attracted the employer in the first place.  Your job now is to reinforce those qualities that caught the company’s initial attention and expand upon them and your achievements with energy and excitement of what out of the box thinking that you can bring to the position.

Prepare Ahead and Research the Company

You can always stand apart from the crowd and your competition by walking into the interview as informed about the company as you can.  Find out some relevant facts and weave them through your answers will impress once the interview begins. Employers love knowing that you took the imitative because it shows what drive and dedication you will bring to the position.

Show Enthusiasm and Be Attentive Through the Interview Process

  
Listen and do not interrupt the interviewer. When it is your turn to speak, ask your questions.  Don’t be shy about sharing ideas to demonstrate your grasp on the position.

Emphasize Your Strengths 

An interview is your time to shine as a potential employee.  Therefore, it is crucial to sell yourself to the interviewer by pointing out your strengths.  Perhaps, you are a “people” person that has a winning personality and are a good conversationalist that can get others to open up to you easily.  Then again, planning and organizing details for the large picture is something that you might excel in or always be the one that others come to for creative ideas that help to get projects started after the initial concept.  Whatever those strengths may be, share them with the interviewer while you have the opportunity.

Follow Up After the Interview Can Give You an Edge

Everyone likes to be appreciated.  Sending a thank you note to the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you can be helpful.  A little thoughtful note can single you out from the herd of others competing for that same position.  It also shows the interviewer exactly how interested you are to work for their company by making sure your name is remembered.

Perseverance Pays Off

Despite how well the interview went, you may not get the position.  Of course, you will take it as a personal rejection and blame yourself for something or another.  Whatever the reason was, not getting the job was not your fault.  After all, for every corporate job, it is estimated that 250 others hoped to snag that job also.  You, my friend, at least made it to the top 20 or so.  Take pride in that and consider that interview was your practice run.  The next job will be yours!  

How to Improve Your Listening Skills to Be More Understanding

Real listening strengthens relationships.

Have you ever found your mind wandering while listening to a friend going on about a problem or something new that happened? Maybe you are distracted with a new obstacle at home or work that currently took priority over your attention span. Though no one intentionally tries to miss parts of a conversation, it happens more often than you realize since the average person has only an eight second attention span.  Therefore, in order to be a better friend, co-worker, lover or employee, then it’s important to improve your listening skills.   

Taking the time to really hear what is said can show deeper understanding and compassion, not to mention respect for what that person is going through.  Being an adept listener can strengthen relationships on many fronts because you are someone that really hears the words by listening effectively.  In return, you show others that you are worthy of their trust.

After all, real listening is an art.  It is also is one that needs to be practiced to fully comprehend the difference it makes to better lives.  Thus, it always is helpful to know where to start.

Make Sure to Understand What Is Being Said

When it is your turn to talk, try to sum up all that was said first in your mind before voicing any opinion.  Repeat back something that your friend just shared could help you get further clarification without appearing that you weren’t listening.  

For example, maybe your friend is hurt that she wasn’t invited to another mutual friend’s wedding. Tell her, you hear how angry she is but the invitation might have been delayed because of the new mailman or her recent move.  Reminding her of the possibilities helps her and you to keep your mind on what she is saying, a sign of a thoughtful listener.

If you happened to miss something because what was said doesn’t make sense to you, then ask for a clarification.  However, by all means, do not judge.  You are there right now solely to listen.  

Verify What Your Friend Is Trying to Get Across

Sometimes, the best things that you can for do for this friend is by lending a sympathetic ear.  Understand what this person is going through by mirroring what you learned back when answering.  Words such as “I can understand” or “I see why you’re so upset” shows that friend you understand the place she’s coming from.  

Learn to Hear Between the Words 

Are you hearing any missed clues or a pattern that could suggest how your friend really feels?  Learning to pick up on unspoken words also will mark you as a good listener.

Take Inflection and Body Language Into Consideration

Being a better listener requires tweaking your observation skills.  Examining your friend’s tone of voice relaying this story to you and body language can reveal a lot of hidden emotions. If your friend’s voice is excitable and keeps getting louder or her arms are crossed defensively across her chest silently also speaks the truth.

Think Carefully About Interrupting

One of the worst offenses a good listener can display is interrupting during the conversation.  When doing so, you are refusing to hear what that friend is trying to say, which is selfish.  After all, the friend is revealing this problem or situation to you.  Therefore, do allow her to finish and show that you understand.

Don’t Rush to Offer Advice

Regardless of how tempted you may be to offer opinions, proceed with caution.  A real friend doesn’t hide the truth as she sees it, but sometimes that opinion is not asked for or appreciated it.  Think before responding.  Show extra thoughtfulness with something like “Let me give this some quick thought,” to express that you’re taking time to come up with a worthwhile solution.

Avoid Rattling on About Your Own Similar Problem 

Allow your friend to say all that she has on her mind.  Yet, don’t think that she necessarily feels like hearing all the times that you had the same thing happen to you.  No matter how good your intentions may be, your friend may only want to air her thoughts with another soul as a sounding board.  If you have questions, ask them instead.  However, she will tell you when she wants that opinion in her own time.

How to Up Your Happiness Factor With the Happiness Evaluation Test

You'll find clarity about your happiness through this exercise.

Let’s face it.  Tell me one person that couldn’t use an extra boost of happiness in their day.  After all, look at the state of the world and it’s no wonder most of us are feeling like a dark cloud is hanging over her heads.  Therefore, it’s time to take a quick test that I call a happiness evaluation of what brings you joy.

Before you begin, get a pen and a sheet of paper to write your thoughts down. You can also start a daily journal as a helpful resource to your journey of self-discovery. You don’t want to rush so leave your work out for when more of it comes to you.  

Ask Yourself What Instantly Brings Out Your Smile

Ask yourself what is the first thing that comes to your mind that makes you smile.  Is it the face of your child doing something funny or a grandchild to a sweet gesture that your hubby, boyfriend or girlfriend did that warmed your heart?  Maybe it was your best friend that could have taken you on a wild, fun adventure that as soon as you think about it is making you giggle.  Then again, it could be of the furry variety such as your new puppy doing something silly or a cuddly kitten that, perhaps, is afraid of her reflection in the mirror, etc. that does it for you to start feeling more cheery.

Don’t forget other fond memories can be vacations, a new car, a house, expensive pair of shoes, etc. that you bought or are hoping to buy that gives you a happy rush.  The mere thought of that trip or fun in that house to the compliments that you know you’ll receive on your feet once in those shoes can trigger a happy face. 

Write everything that makes you smile on that sheet of paper.  You will be adding more, but it is important to keep that sheet where you can easily see it as a reminder of what makes you happy enough to genuinely smile.

Repetition of the Happy Thought Can Embed Itself in Your Mind

What I’m saying is you can locate happiness just by replaying an old memory or a thought in your mind.  I always found it helps to close your eyes like a dark screen waiting for the actual movie before powering up that happy memory like a mini movie.   Envisioning the thought in your mind can start cranking in the brain’s endorphins to feel happier before you know it.  

An Ongoing List or Journal to View Keeps Your Mind Focused in a Happier Place 

The happiness list that you compile can be as long or short as you need.  The value of taking this simple test or detailing your happiness notes in a journal is because it constantly reminds you of all that is good in your life to be grateful for.

How to Improve Your Disposition When in a Bad Mood

This beauty may eventually regret her bad day.

I don’t care who you are or what you do. The fact is that we all have bad days when we aren’t the most pleasant to be around for one reason or another.  Chances are there are days that others may see you differently regardless of how you see yourself.   Unless you want to jeopardize relationships and offend your friends and coworkers, then do yourself a favor by finding the cause in a timely fashion before you do or say something that you’ll eventually regret.

Ask Yourself What Brought Out This Nasty Mood

The easiest way to understand why you are suddenly hard to be around is by trying to figure out what triggered this change in your mood.   Did something happen at work that you deem as unfair like the boss piling on more work than usual or taking credit for your work as his?  Of course, this would make you angry. Without realizing it, you could be alienating those closest to you and damaging relationships over time that could alter your life.  Nonetheless, you need to accept this or begin searching for another job because harboring all this resentment will only deepen and follow you home, if you let this crabby mood continue. 

Redirect bad energy into other things that need done helps.

Maybe your husband or boyfriend forgot your birthday or something else important to you when you always remembered his.  Your first inclination might be to rip into him for his negligence and make him feel guilty, which as the injured party, you feel have every right to do.  However, what are you accomplishing by demeaning him?  Wouldn’t it be better for your relationship to talk and express your feelings openly instead of jumping to conclusions on why he purposely hurt you like that?  After all, there could be a legitimate reason he forgot that he had no control over.  Even if he did forget “your” birthday, we all make mistakes.  Let go of that pent-in anger and forgive because it is in the past unless you want that resentment to fester in you and grow.

The point that I am making is finding the cause of your sudden bad mood is the first step to improving a bad disposition.  You can change your mood once you understand why it is making you feel that way.

Channel Bad Energy Productively to Your Advantage 

Anger and frustration can overwhelm the best of us at times.  Yet, it gets us nowhere to dwell on our problems.  On the other hand, physical energy directed at what you have to do anyway such as cleaning, errands, bill paying, etc. can distract your mind and give it a break from the current situation.  Sometimes, the best solutions come to an open mind instead of a stressed one where the answer can't come through.  

Give Yourself a Break 

When you’re in your least most likeable moods, do take time to watch a movie, read a book, play a game, start a puzzle where you can stay silent and concentrate on nothing but that activity.  Your mind can retreat from the problems and have more time to recoup without accidentally doing or saying  what you really didn't mean to say from your heart.

Did you ever hear the song, "Smile" (though your heart is breaking) by Nat King Cole?  You may not feel able to smile, but forcing a smile at times can help generate a real one and others that respond positively to that smile.  This will help salvage a bad mood better than continued nastiness any day.  

How to Remedy Monday Morning Blues

This sad beauty will soon remedy her Monday morning blues after this post.

Did you know that nearly half of all American women don’t feel attractive on Monday mornings?  After all, think of all that most working women have to fit into those two free days before returning back to work.  There is cleaning, shopping, cooking, laundry, errands in between spending time with family, friends or a late night date that further exhausts you.  For those that also fall into this trap and need a little motivation to feel pretty and energized again when they return to their jobs, I have some quick tips to get your edge back.

Wearing Makeup Gives Confidence and Presents a Better Professional Image

Instead of calling more attention to how tired your face looks, use a light hand with your makeup. Concealer and a classic red lipstick can be your best friends.  This lip color is what you want to reach for because it makes a strong statement.  Red shows others in the office that you’re ready for any challenge as well as adds polish to your look.  The boldness in this color also is helpful directing the eye downward from your exhausted eyes that might betray you to focus on your lips.

Pay Extra Attention to Your Hair Can Do Wonders for the Ego

Making sure your hair is styled better than usual can energize your spirits as well as your appearance.  When your hair looks good, it is only natural to feel more confident about yourself.  Plug in your curling iron, flat iron or hot rollers.  Spritz your hair with some water and take your hair dryer and a round thermal brush to blow dry and restyle it.  I also like to use some styling product or rub a few drops of hair oil in the palm of my hand to scrunch up sections to restyle or add some extra control.  You can always rock a straight style more by using a shine spray for extra glossy wattage.

Your Outfit Choice Can Also Improve Mental Outlook for a New Work Week

Your choice of outfits can also perk up your mental outlook when that dreaded Monday rolls around.  What I suggest is hunting through your closet for the office appropriate outfit that makes you feel the prettiest or the one that received the most compliments.  

Never Underestimate the Power of a Smile

Try to smile even though it may be forced at first.  Smiles are magically inviting as well as contagious to all in their path.  You can’t help but feel better giving and receiving a warm smile.  

For more help on how to recharge your beauty, you might want to read my earlier posts with energizing a tried face to makeup tips when tired.

How Not to Be Defeated When Trying to Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions

Goals are easier to obtain in small steps that you keep track of in a planner.

I don’t know about you, but every new year I make a small list with my resolutions.  It’s not huge, but it is my way of examining what I want to change in my life.  Sometimes, I am successful with the goal that I focus on while others just seem to far out of reach the harder that I try.  However, this made me think.  It was not my list of goals that caused the problem, but more my method of trying to accomplish these things that were at fault.  

Therefore, I looked at this task from another way.  Perhaps, being more successful at achieving those resolutions was to start smaller than demanding something from myself that just might be unrealistic for me to do.

Here’s the thing.  How many of us vow to eat a healthy diet and give up the junk food?  Of course, we have every good intention that this will be the year that we’ll accomplish that.  Yet, a week or two or even less of a time can pass before that staunch purpose falls flat when temptation arrives through stress, outside influences, lack of time or just energy to cook such a healthier meal happens.  

Naturally, you feel bad when can’t keep to that goal.  Instead of blaming ourselves for failing at that resolution, wouldn’t it have been better to simply work our way up to that goal in steps first?  Thus, the goal is more obtainable if attempted in stages.

For example, a more realistic goal would be avoiding junk food one day a week and cooking a meal from scratch–-not a frozen dinner or grabbing some fast food.  Plan out the entree, vegetables and fruit, perhaps, cooking with olive oil to begin altering your eating habits.  On that one day of the week, skip your usual dessert and turn to fruit. 

If you love ice cream, I highly recommend the frozen banana, which is delicious.  Peel and wrap each one in wax paper and place in a zip-lock freezer bag can come in handy when you crave ice cream.  The texture is creamy and sweet.  It also takes a while to polish off a frozen banana.  Honestly, I have a big bag in my freezer for whenever I need ice cream.  This will satisfy that call for ice cream, I promise.

Keep to that weekly routine and watch what happens.  You’ll be so proud of yourself that before you know it you’ll be able to take an additional healthy eating step.  Maybe you’ll do by eating two vegetables (a green and yellow) by also taking care in how you prepare them.  Then again, you might reduce your red meat consumption and so forth.  What I’m saying is that each success motivates you to try another step once you see it can be done.

Healthier eating may not be your goal.  You could want more sleep, spend more time with the family, lose weight, etc.  I could go on and on.  The important thing to remember is you can reach any of your resolution goals if you tackle them in small steps over just jumping in.  

How to Lift Yourself Up When Life Overwhelms to Block Your Happiness and Goals

This beauty listens to her inner voice.

I do not know one person that can honestly admit that their life is perfect.  However, some are just better than others by redirecting stress and channeling it to work for them instead of against.  In doing so, they concentrate on blocking out the stumbling blocks of negativity by focusing that energy in a productive, new direction by listening to their intuition.

Of course, it is not easy to listen to that inner voice that is trying to tell you something.  Most of the time, our minds are so consumed with the current state of our lives that we drown it out to such a low volume that we basically cannot hear or heed its warning.

You may be skeptical of trusting your intuition, but it a built-in tool that can help guide you when you need it to initiate change.  Yet, you’re probably wondering how can you give validity to a mere feeling?  The answer is to start small in trying to develop it.

Anything new can be frightening, but you need to take a step at a time.  For example, ask yourself some questions to practice such as how you help your child, perhaps, be more outgoing or whether to accept a job offer or even just call someone that you haven’t talked to for ages, etc.  Before long, you will get a guiding feeling one way or another with what your gut is trying to tell you.

Though as beneficial as intuition may be, you also need to be logical as well, especially when making important decisions.  Don’t forget facts, but take instinct into consideration as you do.  The more practice that you do using facts in combination with intuition as you develop it can help give you more clarity and insight into viewing past obstacles toward the goals you want.

How Not to Let Critics Crush Your Spirit

This beauty smiles because nothing now will stop her.

The world is full of all kinds of people with personalities that not always mesh well together.  Some people will automatically like you while others will not.  You do not even have to know these people, but they are out there, especially if you are in the public eye.

The reason behind their motivation to waste time to deliberately want to hurt others never ceases to amaze me.  It is hard to explain what makes people have such hatred festering in their hearts that the only way that they might feel better about themselves is through hurting others.  Maybe this is the fuel that helps them burn through their own frustrated lives, which is sad.  Yet, with the miserable state of the economy, global tensions, it is easy to understand.  Still, it is no excuse for spewing their hatred to other souls.

This negativity could be happening to you at work from a boss or co-worker to keep you in your place.  After all, you might want a raise or someone else does this out of nothing but jealousy to cripple your performance.  

Despite what these suffering people may do to lift their own sense of self-worth, I’m saying that it is better to brush them off.  Instead of letting their negative energy in, the best way to remain positive is to block it from your mind.  Otherwise, you will be stuck in that darkness and exactly where that critic wants you to be.

Energy returned in anger keeps you from anything productive.  It is useless trying to make all people like you because they won’t.  Concentrate on whatever task is on hand to the best of your ability without allowing this negative energy to distract you from what you can do or choose to do and you will remain on track to your goal.

The next time a situation like this happens to you, you need to power up with words that will materialize in positive thoughts.  Focus on helpful thoughts such as you can do it or anything is possible, keep your goal in mind, and keep working toward it with love in your heart and you will reach it!

Happy Mother's Day!

Even a goose mother listens to other feathered youngsters--not just her own!

Today is a special day to extend or receive some extra love to mothers everywhere.  After all, think of all that we put them through growing up.  Yet, they persevered through some of our craziness of youth shows how exceptional mothers really are.  

Therefore, wherever you are, I hope that you remember to do something nice for your mother.  If she's still with you, returning that can be as simple as a phone call, a visit, taking her to dinner or cooking one for her along with a beautiful cake.  

Happy Mother’s Day!  I will see you tomorrow when Nuts 4 Stuff returns to normal operation because I too am celebrating.

Some Loving Valentine’s Day Inspiration!

Put your loving touch to work this Valentine's Day!

I am a romantic and appreciate the candy, roses and jewelry that my guy takes the time to give me each Valentine’s Day along with a cozy, candle lit dinner at a nice restaurant or at home, depending on prior commitments. What I’m saying is that every couple celebrates this special day in their own way.  Here is what I like to do to start this holiday.

Before anyone else is up, I take care of my appearance first by getting dressed, perfumed and putting my makeup on. After all, you want to be attractive for your guy–-not just for one day but every day.  Sometimes, women can be too tired and forget the importance that a little grooming effort makes to keep your man’s attention focused on you.

It’s also fun to serve something to please your guy’s ravenous hunger when he appears for Valentine’s Day breakfast.  Therefore, I make sure to cook something to start this day off right with what I call Love Muffins, scrambled eggs with mushrooms and cheese, over a toasted English muffin.

He always gets a charge out of that breakfast entree once he sees those Love Muffins on his plate.  As silly as it may sound, I can see the love unfold in his eyes at this small, but  flirtatious  gesture.

Of course, you can’t let him leave the table without some kisses.  Strawberry kisses come next with a plate of fresh strawberries.  You may want to put your caressing fingers to work and feed him one at a time, but he will want to return the gesture while you tempt him with that sweet, red juice that always finds its way to your lips. 

Though it may be harder for him to leave the table–-and you, taking some extra time for a quiet Valentine’s Day breakfast before the rest of the gang is up, will send him with thoughts of you and what’s in store for later.

I hope added a smile and fueled your inspiration this Valentine’s Day.  Happy Valentine’s Day!  

Are You Ready for a New Year?

By analyzing her past year and writing out what she wants to change before the New Year helps this beauty manifest her goals.

Another new year is about to be here.  Now is the time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions, if you’re intent on having a better one.  

Mine for one is to think about all the food I buy and try to make it a habit of analyzing every food label before I put it in my shopping cart.  

What will your first New Year’s resolution be?

A Holiday Tradition That Can Make Your Christmas Even More Memorable!

Everyone wants to contribute to the Christmas Memory Box!

Ever since I was a small girl, I remember one holiday tradition that my family always made sure to do.  At the time, I never thought much of it until years later now that some family members have passed.  Being an adult, I now appreciate what my family’s Christmas Memory Box was all about.  Therefore, I thought that I would like to share our family’s holiday tradition with you so you can also make your future Christmases even more special.

Usually on Christmas Eve after dinner, we would pull out this decorated box that was adorned with our holiday art work from grade school.  Inside, there would be sheets of paper with our names and dates where we would jot down what was so special about that particular Christmas that we wanted to remember forever.  
You would think it was all about what gifts you got that year.  However, it was so much more than that.  One note was about a turkey that my grandmother, an experienced cook, made for Christmas dinner that we couldn’t eat.  It was the year of vegetables and no one said a word about it.  My grandmother is no longer here, but I always remember what a wonderful Christmas we had that year together.

You may think a Christmas Memory Box can’t possibly sweeten your Christmas, but I promise you it will! 

Some Valentine’s Day Inspiration to Bring Out Your Inner Cupid!

Kind loving gestures can take all forms to touch a heart.  

Though you may not always say out loud what’s in your heart, today is the perfect time to show that love. Showering your special person with gifts like jewelry, perfumes, roses, chocolate, lingerie or even a simple card to express in words how you feel for you is always welcomed and appreciated. Yet, a loving action speaks volumes even more.  Therefore, be sure to do something thoughtful today for that person, not because it is expected of you like going out for a romantic dinner, but do it because you would be loss without that special someone in your life.

Sometimes, the little things that someone does for us are more remembered than a gift. Get out of your comfort zone, perhaps, and do something together that you don’t usually do because it’s not fun for you–-only do it because is important for your loved one.  

For instance, if you hate sports, you might want to cozy up on the sofa and watch it together and learn to share that passion.  Who knows you could also come to like it?    

My Treasured No Bake Candy-Cookies Recipe!

This recipe holds a special place in my heart every time I make it.  A few years ago, I was a bake sale and spotted these particular gems.  The lady behind the counter was thrilled that I was admiring her donation with those gleaming dark tops.  What she did not know was that these cookies looked like the ones I used to make until I lost my recipe. 

I had tried other recipes, but they were not up to par compared to my old one.  These cookies need to firm up to become hard or they will fall apart when held.

We started talking.  Anyway, she was kind enough to give me her recipe and I got to take home two treats that day--her wonderful candy-cookies and that excellent recipe.

A few months later, I learned that this thoughtful young woman died.  Now every time that I make this recipe, I think of her and that unexpected bit of extra kindness she shared with me, a stranger.

And now, dear readers, I am forwarding that kindness of her delicious candy-cookies to you!  As you drop your cookies to the waxed paper, I hope you will think of her as well and remember that even the smallest act of kindness can have a rippling effect and spread, keeping a memory such as hers, alive forever.

No Bake Candy-Cookies

1/2 cup of margarine or 1 stick (not spread)
1/2 cup of milk
2 cups of sugar
1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa
3/4 cup of peanut butter
3-1/2 cups of rolled old-fashioned oats (not the minute/quick oats)
1 teaspoon of vanilla

Boil the margarine, milk and sugar together for one minute to dissolve the sugar crystals.  Add the remaining ingredients to the margarine mixture.  Drop onto waxed paper.  Let it stand for about 45 minutes to harden completely.

Simple Ways To Turn Up The Heat This Valentine's Day!

Are you searching for a way to fire up the romance this Valentine's Day?  If so, I have a few tips to set the mood for that perfect day.

Become his alarm clock and wake him up on Valentine's Day morning with the power of your kisses!  (Of course, you need to get up ahead of time to do your makeup and teeth and become so tempting that he won't be unable to resist pulling you back into bed as you slowly and expertly deliver them, covering your lover in kisses from head to toe.  Depending on how much time you have until work, you might want to wake up a bit earlier than it takes to get glamorous because he probably won't let you go.)

If your lover is the shy type when it comes to taking his shower, then I have a nice tip to send him off this Valentine's Day.  Warm his towel with your blow dryer and as he comes out of the shower, wrap him in cozy comfort.  Watch his eyes light up as you pamper him over with this simple loving touch.

On the other hand, I suggest start Valentine's Day right and just jump into that shower can also be a fun way to begin celebrating!

The workplace can be tricky.  However, you might be able to send a flirty text or demand an urgent after-hours appointment (if you get my drift) for later.  Do watch emails and don't get over descriptive because some businesses do monitor email messages!

Now I hope I gave you some fun inspiration and a great jump start to making a memorable Valentine's Day!

Happy New Year and Good Luck Wishes!

Happy New Year!  I am sending each and every one of you my sincere wish for only excellent health, happiness, success, love, and all the best that life has to offer for this upcoming year.

Today, I am making the traditional good luck foods of pork and sauerkraut.  This year, I am adding some black-eyed peas since it is also rumored to help usher in good luck. 

Though food will hardly change your fate, I think good luck traditions are important this one day of the year.  Regardless of how our current lives are going, they allow us to keep that candle of hope burning through that childlike bit of magic within us instead of letting the problems of our current life extinguish it. 

Therefore, I will serve those particular foods and with every bite, I will also be expecting a happier and more prosperous year than the last.  So for this one day, I will be a child again and believe in magic and the power of my good luck pork, sauerkraut, and black-eyed peas to unleash only the best the universe has to offer. 

If you hate pork, sauerkraut or black-eyed peas or think I am silly for doing so, I understand and do not take offense.  In that case, I will share some of my good luck with YOU while I eat mine.  After all, it is the least I can do to thank you for reading and letting me into your lives.

So keep smiling and do remember that you always have a friend here at Nuts 4 Stuff!  I mean what I say and those words come from my heart because we all are searching for the same things from life. 

Do You Have Any New Year's Resolutions?

Every year I resolve to exercise more especially adding leg lifts to my routine.  I start out well and stick to the plan, but then I always seem to get sidetracked.  This year, however, I am ready to give it another shot since I moved my full length mirror.  Glancing at my whole less than perfect body should provide better motivation. 

Strange how when I lose weight that I find  it vanishes only from the top and not the legs.  Why I am so lucky in that respect baffles me to no end.  However, this year I am prepared to tune those puppies up once and for all.

I don't know how well this full mirror trick will work to keep me practicing those leg lifts.  Nonetheless, it is what I'm going to try this year to help me shape up and tone my legs.

Do you have resolutions set for this new year?  If so, tell me what they are and how you plan to go about it?

Keep Young Ones From Losing Interest in New Toys With This Tip!

We all know how quickly children can loose interest when it comes to toys.  However, there is a way to keep toys fresh like a few from Christmas without spending extra money for constantly replacing them. 

Do try to box some of those toys up and hide them for a while.  Though this may sound mean, but you are not depriving anything to those very young children in the least.  Instead, they will focus on the ones before them and forget about what is no longer there. 

Once you notice their interest is waning in their current selection, then it is the perfect time to pull out that stash of toys. 

Make it fun for them and wrap up that box with a pretty gift wrap or even take apart a brown grocery bag for them to unwrap when you present it like another gift.  Watch the excitement on their little faces as they peel away that paper and peer into yet another gift.

Another inexpensive way for those little ones to have fun is saving any big box for them to play in.  Allow them to explore the interior and use it to hide or sit in.  Watch them play with that box for hours while suddenly neglecting those toys.  Those faces will light up as you open up another avenue for them to use their imagination.

I dare you to try this with your own very young children.  You will save yourself some money and also multiple their happiness with fresh fun and possibilities! 

Here's an Easy Method to Get Children to Put Their Toys Away!

How many times do you constantly remind your young children to put their toys back where they belong?  Regretfully, those requests can often fall on little deaf ears.  Nonetheless, there is a  helpful way to deal with that frustrating problem.

The next time trucks, dolls, and monsters alike are scattered throughout the house, you can start by issuing a warning that any left around will go into a special box.  You might call it the NO PLAY WITH TILL WEEKEND box where the toys will remain until Saturday rolls around.

Of course, children will want to test your resolve on the matter.  You could give them an initial pass the first time it happens before seizing the toys in question.  However, the second time your children leave those toys about, then it is time to take action.

You must remain firm when you gather up those neglected toys and not allow your children access to them until the weekend as they were told.  Do not allow their complaints to weaken your reserve or no improvement to the situation will be made.

When they complain and want back a specific seized toy, then explain calmly why they cannot have it until Saturday.  Instead, you should hand them another toy, book, or get them to help you with a small chore to keep them occupied.

You will be amazed at how quickly those same children will remember to pick up their toys the next time they play with them! 

Ways to Encourage Your Children to Cook!

Helping your children take an interest in cooking and baking is a good thing.  Not only will they learn an important lifelong lesson of being self-reliant when it comes to meal preparation, but you can help teach them some other valuable lessons as well.

Cooking and baking require measuring.  Sometimes, you need to adjust recipes and work with fractions, which is a great way to sharpen their mathematic skills.

Learning to cook and bake can build confidence when your child masters, perhaps, a favorite recipe.  Praise that acquired new skill and watch that child exceeding beyond your expectations as he or she wants to make something more complicated or learn more.  You might even have a budding chef in your midst. 

Do not criticize only suggest when a mistake is made, otherwise, you will discourage them from wanting to continue.  Everyone makes mistakes so just be patient with the extra dishes, tasting spoons, or the coating of flour now on your floor or any accidental spills!  This is a valuable lesson for you in gaining patience just as much as it is for your child.

Teaching your child to cook and bake can be a fun activity for both mother and child, especially if you start out making the child's favorite recipe together, side by side as a team.  Read the recipe together and walk your child through each step of the process.  Don't assume that just because you understand how to read a recipe that a non-cook does.  Ask your child if he or she understands and has any questions about the instructions.

For example, your child may ask how long does it take to cook potatoes before you can mash them.  You may reply twenty minutes is about right.  However, you may fail to provide that little detail about stabbing them first to test if they are soft enough because it comes naturally to you. Trust me, but mashing semi-cooked potatoes is like serving up a plate of glue that even dogs will refuse to eat.  I know because I forgot this little detail once.

Another important lesson is helping them appreciate the loving efforts that go into cooking and baking for your family.  A person only understands another person's situation is if they personally experience it.   Cooking and baking will develop their compassion and understanding for you and later a spouse.

Take your children grocery shopping with you.  Show them the fresh fruit and vegetables and give them lessons in proper selection.  Help them learn to read the ingredients on the back of jars and boxes of what is healthy and what is not is.  This serves as a wonderful introduction into nutrition and healthy eating. 

Finally, you can help them understand cost and comparison, which is another vital lesson to be had when you compare one product at the grocery store over another.  This is the perfect way to teach children the value of a dollar.