Voting begins today for the Second Annual New Jersey Top ten Beaches Survey!
Go to njtoptenbeaches.org to vote for your favorite. Voting begins today at noon and runs through midnight on May 1st. The survey results will be announced May 21st. My personal favorites? Sea Girt, followed by the strip of beach/boardwalk that runs through Spring Lake, Belmar, Avon, and Bradley Beach. Summer.....hurry up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Little Things...And The Big Things
Things big and little that continue to annoy girls about guys, according to the latest 'Liz' survey, as featured on our morning show last week:
Here's are the results:
The little things:
- They leave dirty dishes in the sink (sometimes even dirty paper plates!)
- They leave dirty dishes on the table or in the living room or anywhere else in the house without even BRINGING THEM to the sink.
- They are freer with spitting, passing gas, and burping than girls are, sometimes even getting a kick out of themselves for doing so.....but they DON'T think it's 'ladylike' for girls to do the same (not that we would!)
- They throw dirty clothes in the direction of the hamper instead of IN it, or, even worse, just leave the dirty clothes wherever they were taken off, even if that's in the middle of the living room rug.
- They don't change the toilet paper roll when they use the last of it.
-They genuinely don't seem to mind the messiness they create or feel the urge to clean it up.
The bigger things:
- They make jokes when you're trying to make a point.
- They always think they are right even when they clearly aren't.
- They don't jump up to help with their crying babies or to change poopy diapers.
- They forget to say sweet things to you or get you little gifts anymore, taking you for granted more and more as the years go by...unless, of course, they want something.
- They don't call when they say they will and then don't understand why that upsets you.
- They sometimes tell what they consider little white lies so as to avoid hurting your feelings or incriminating themselves.
- They say they're listening when they're really just nodding and not paying attention.
- They have a way of defending themselves that somehow twists things around to make YOU feel like YOU'RE the one that's wrong.
- They still leave the bulk of the house chores to the woman regardless of whether or not she also has a job outside the home.
Here's are the results:
The little things:
- They leave dirty dishes in the sink (sometimes even dirty paper plates!)
- They leave dirty dishes on the table or in the living room or anywhere else in the house without even BRINGING THEM to the sink.
- They are freer with spitting, passing gas, and burping than girls are, sometimes even getting a kick out of themselves for doing so.....but they DON'T think it's 'ladylike' for girls to do the same (not that we would!)
- They throw dirty clothes in the direction of the hamper instead of IN it, or, even worse, just leave the dirty clothes wherever they were taken off, even if that's in the middle of the living room rug.
- They don't change the toilet paper roll when they use the last of it.
-They genuinely don't seem to mind the messiness they create or feel the urge to clean it up.
The bigger things:
- They make jokes when you're trying to make a point.
- They always think they are right even when they clearly aren't.
- They don't jump up to help with their crying babies or to change poopy diapers.
- They forget to say sweet things to you or get you little gifts anymore, taking you for granted more and more as the years go by...unless, of course, they want something.
- They don't call when they say they will and then don't understand why that upsets you.
- They sometimes tell what they consider little white lies so as to avoid hurting your feelings or incriminating themselves.
- They say they're listening when they're really just nodding and not paying attention.
- They have a way of defending themselves that somehow twists things around to make YOU feel like YOU'RE the one that's wrong.
- They still leave the bulk of the house chores to the woman regardless of whether or not she also has a job outside the home.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Dave Carey Returns To The Point
A boy who came on the air on The Point when he was 13 years old, and who suffered with Leukemia as a child, has now gone on to good health, college, and following his dreams of being a rock star!
We so enjoyed having Dave Carey (and his bandmate Matt) on the air with us this morning and playing their song. The name of his band is Just Enough and they took first place in the first round of Battle of the Bands in Asbury at The Saint recently. We wish Dave and his bandmates the best of luck! You can check them out on their new website justenough5.bravehost.com
We so enjoyed having Dave Carey (and his bandmate Matt) on the air with us this morning and playing their song. The name of his band is Just Enough and they took first place in the first round of Battle of the Bands in Asbury at The Saint recently. We wish Dave and his bandmates the best of luck! You can check them out on their new website justenough5.bravehost.com
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Pros & Cons Of Popular Diets
Some health and fitness experts comment about the following diets:
Jenny Craig (ready-made meals and snacks without thinking)
Pros - A balanced, calorie-controlled diet with weekly consultations in-person or by phone.
Cons - The meals can get expensive and repetitive. You might learn a bit about portion control, but not how to count calories on your own.
The Zone (one gram of fat, two of protein, three of carbs)
Pros - These are generally healthy, balanced meals promoting fat loss and reducing cholesterol
Cons - Grain-based carbs are lumped in with fruits and veggies, and delivered meals can get expensive.
Weight Watchers (based on a points system)
Pros - Information-driven discussions, weigh-ins, food tracking journals, online options, and meetings for support. people can stay on it for years and keep lean.
Cons - You have to pay for meetings, tools cost extra, and even though all foods have points they don't necessarily have nutritional value.
Mediterranean Diet (olive oil, veggies, even red wine)
Pros - Linked to several health benefits like a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, home cooking makes it relatively inexpensive, and flavorful foods will keep you from feeling deprived.
Cons - you can overdo calories and fats if you're not careful.
South Beach Diet (a strict, three-phase program)
Pros - A diet that most can follow if they stick to the rules.
Cons - The diet is too restrictive and unhealthy in the first two phases and lacks essential nutrients. Don't start this diet if you're not going to finish.
Atkins (Increase proteins, limit carbs)
Pros - A quick shed of pounds can be encouraging, but it's water weight first.
Cons - Long-term health effects of excess protein include high cholesterol, kidney abnormalities and possibly even cancer risks
Jenny Craig (ready-made meals and snacks without thinking)
Pros - A balanced, calorie-controlled diet with weekly consultations in-person or by phone.
Cons - The meals can get expensive and repetitive. You might learn a bit about portion control, but not how to count calories on your own.
The Zone (one gram of fat, two of protein, three of carbs)
Pros - These are generally healthy, balanced meals promoting fat loss and reducing cholesterol
Cons - Grain-based carbs are lumped in with fruits and veggies, and delivered meals can get expensive.
Weight Watchers (based on a points system)
Pros - Information-driven discussions, weigh-ins, food tracking journals, online options, and meetings for support. people can stay on it for years and keep lean.
Cons - You have to pay for meetings, tools cost extra, and even though all foods have points they don't necessarily have nutritional value.
Mediterranean Diet (olive oil, veggies, even red wine)
Pros - Linked to several health benefits like a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, home cooking makes it relatively inexpensive, and flavorful foods will keep you from feeling deprived.
Cons - you can overdo calories and fats if you're not careful.
South Beach Diet (a strict, three-phase program)
Pros - A diet that most can follow if they stick to the rules.
Cons - The diet is too restrictive and unhealthy in the first two phases and lacks essential nutrients. Don't start this diet if you're not going to finish.
Atkins (Increase proteins, limit carbs)
Pros - A quick shed of pounds can be encouraging, but it's water weight first.
Cons - Long-term health effects of excess protein include high cholesterol, kidney abnormalities and possibly even cancer risks
Friday, February 13, 2009
Smart Snack Choices if You're Dieting:
1. Chewy granola bars. Look for ones made with real nuts or whole grains, under 140 calories, with at least 4 grams of fiber and 5g of protein.
2. Greek yogurt. It's strained, which makes it fluffy and more filling with less fat and calories - and calcium can help you lose weight. Sweeten with fruit, if you want.
3. Oatmeal. It's more filling than dry cereal with the same calories and fiber.
4. Soy chips. A high-fiber, low-fat snack that's a significant source of soy protein, which helps facilitate weight loss.
5. Frozen juice bars. Sweet and tangy and generally low on calories.
6. Licorice. May help reduce body fat and appetite.
2. Greek yogurt. It's strained, which makes it fluffy and more filling with less fat and calories - and calcium can help you lose weight. Sweeten with fruit, if you want.
3. Oatmeal. It's more filling than dry cereal with the same calories and fiber.
4. Soy chips. A high-fiber, low-fat snack that's a significant source of soy protein, which helps facilitate weight loss.
5. Frozen juice bars. Sweet and tangy and generally low on calories.
6. Licorice. May help reduce body fat and appetite.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Freehold Raceway Mall Monthly Kids Breakfast
I just wanted to remind everyone with young children how much fun we have at the Kid's Breakfasts at Freehold Raceway Mall on the first Saturday of every month. From toddlers to ten year olds, boys and girls alike play games, do crafts, enjoy entertainment, and win prizes. It's like a giant playdate! Parents and grandparents get to relax and chat, too, while watching the kids have fun. And there are free carousel rides, too!
This past Saturday we enjoyed watching the kids learn to walk the runway and pose for pictures. And it was great having Sharon Gano of eStreet Designs grabbing some great 'papparazzi' shots of the children which we'll be giving out to the kids at the next breakfast. Thanks, Sharon! Also next month we'll be celebrating St. Paddy's Day at the Kids' breakfast with lots of fun and games. Hope you'll join us!
This past Saturday we enjoyed watching the kids learn to walk the runway and pose for pictures. And it was great having Sharon Gano of eStreet Designs grabbing some great 'papparazzi' shots of the children which we'll be giving out to the kids at the next breakfast. Thanks, Sharon! Also next month we'll be celebrating St. Paddy's Day at the Kids' breakfast with lots of fun and games. Hope you'll join us!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Quick Fixes For Cooking Mistakes
Mushy pasta: If you overcook pasta, give the noodles a saute in olive oil or butter, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Eggs: If you want to make sure they're fresh, place them gently into a bowl of water. Rotten eggs will float; fresh ones will stay underwater.
Stale bread: Restore life by slipping bread into a 325-degree oven in a slightly damp paper bag. When the bag is dry, your bread will have regained its softness. Or, you can use stale bread to make breadcrumbs, croutons, crostini, or (my favorite) bread pudding.
Overbaked cookies: Put them in a plastic bag or container, along with a few apple slices. They should soften in 24 hours. Or pop them in the microwave for 5 seconds.
Torn pie crust: Roll a patch of dough to the same thickness and flatten the edges. Brush some lightly beaten egg white on the contact points and lightly press it onto the main shell.
Bitter coffee: Add a pinch of salt to balance it.
Stale cereal: Past-prime cereal can be zapped back to life with 30 - 45 seconds on a plate in a microwave. Or, grind unsweetened cereal in a blender or with a rolling pin, to use as breadcrumbs, or swapped in for 1/2 cup of flour in muffin or cookie recipes.
Overripe fruit: As long as the fruit's not rotten, it can be salvaged. Slice it, sprinkle it with sugar, and set aside. Later, add a dash of vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, or red wine and serve with whipped or ice cream, or blended with milk or yogurt for a smoothie.
Dry meat: Pour drippings into a pan, add 2 - 4 cups of stock, and bring to a boil. slice the meat, place it in a roasting pan or dish, and add the stock mixture. Cover with foil and place in a warm over for 5 minutes. The meat should regain some of its moisture.
Too salty: You could drop a peeled potato slice into the mix. Or, a more reliable bet, add some liquid, some sugar, or vinegar to balance it out.
Too spicy: Tame with a touch of sweetness. Tomatoes or a bit of ketchup adds sugar, which will take some of the spice away. Or, if it won't interfere with the flavor, add a dollop of plain yogurt.
Too sweet: A spoonful of cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can knock down sweetness a few notches. You can also cut sweet with a dash of butter, olive oil, or cream.
Eggs: If you want to make sure they're fresh, place them gently into a bowl of water. Rotten eggs will float; fresh ones will stay underwater.
Stale bread: Restore life by slipping bread into a 325-degree oven in a slightly damp paper bag. When the bag is dry, your bread will have regained its softness. Or, you can use stale bread to make breadcrumbs, croutons, crostini, or (my favorite) bread pudding.
Overbaked cookies: Put them in a plastic bag or container, along with a few apple slices. They should soften in 24 hours. Or pop them in the microwave for 5 seconds.
Torn pie crust: Roll a patch of dough to the same thickness and flatten the edges. Brush some lightly beaten egg white on the contact points and lightly press it onto the main shell.
Bitter coffee: Add a pinch of salt to balance it.
Stale cereal: Past-prime cereal can be zapped back to life with 30 - 45 seconds on a plate in a microwave. Or, grind unsweetened cereal in a blender or with a rolling pin, to use as breadcrumbs, or swapped in for 1/2 cup of flour in muffin or cookie recipes.
Overripe fruit: As long as the fruit's not rotten, it can be salvaged. Slice it, sprinkle it with sugar, and set aside. Later, add a dash of vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, or red wine and serve with whipped or ice cream, or blended with milk or yogurt for a smoothie.
Dry meat: Pour drippings into a pan, add 2 - 4 cups of stock, and bring to a boil. slice the meat, place it in a roasting pan or dish, and add the stock mixture. Cover with foil and place in a warm over for 5 minutes. The meat should regain some of its moisture.
Too salty: You could drop a peeled potato slice into the mix. Or, a more reliable bet, add some liquid, some sugar, or vinegar to balance it out.
Too spicy: Tame with a touch of sweetness. Tomatoes or a bit of ketchup adds sugar, which will take some of the spice away. Or, if it won't interfere with the flavor, add a dollop of plain yogurt.
Too sweet: A spoonful of cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can knock down sweetness a few notches. You can also cut sweet with a dash of butter, olive oil, or cream.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Connecting With Nature
There's a book called "Last Child In the Woods" by Richard Louv that talks about the importance of helping your kids connect with nature. Here are just some of the actions we can take:
1. Maintain a birdbath, build a bat house, or care for plants in your yard.
2. Find an old board and place it on bare dirt. After a day or two, lift the board to see how many creatures have found shelter there.
3. Keep a "wonder bowl." All the natural wonders picked up on walks, like acorns, rocks, and feathers can be stored there to enjoy.
4. Give your children a 'green hour' each day - a time for unstructured outdoor play.
5. Adopt the "sunny day rule." If it's a beautiful day, there's no excuse for being indoors. Get the kids outside.
6. Be a cloud spotter. Look up at the sky with your kids and take turns saying what the clouds look like.
7. Take a hike or be a stroller explorer. Or put together a stroller group that meets for weekly nature walks.
8. Adopt a tree. Pick an existing tree or plant a special one to help mark an important family occasion. Take pictures of the tree after a big windstorm, in the fall, or after the first snow. Record what animals and birds use the tree. Watch for its seeds and plant them.
9. Raise butterflies - from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to emerging butterfly. You can find the kits in many children's catalogs or some hobby shops.
10. Get your kids to count and draw the birds they see. Keep binoculars and a bird guide handy.
1. Maintain a birdbath, build a bat house, or care for plants in your yard.
2. Find an old board and place it on bare dirt. After a day or two, lift the board to see how many creatures have found shelter there.
3. Keep a "wonder bowl." All the natural wonders picked up on walks, like acorns, rocks, and feathers can be stored there to enjoy.
4. Give your children a 'green hour' each day - a time for unstructured outdoor play.
5. Adopt the "sunny day rule." If it's a beautiful day, there's no excuse for being indoors. Get the kids outside.
6. Be a cloud spotter. Look up at the sky with your kids and take turns saying what the clouds look like.
7. Take a hike or be a stroller explorer. Or put together a stroller group that meets for weekly nature walks.
8. Adopt a tree. Pick an existing tree or plant a special one to help mark an important family occasion. Take pictures of the tree after a big windstorm, in the fall, or after the first snow. Record what animals and birds use the tree. Watch for its seeds and plant them.
9. Raise butterflies - from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to emerging butterfly. You can find the kits in many children's catalogs or some hobby shops.
10. Get your kids to count and draw the birds they see. Keep binoculars and a bird guide handy.
Monday, February 2, 2009
De-Cluttering Your Home
Simple and Easy ways to De-Clutter your Home:
1. Start with the easy junk. Go room by room and throw out trash, coupons, menus, flyers, outdated calendars, old newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and toys that have fallen apart.
2. Set small goals. Try to bang out a mini de-cluttering session every day. You can accomplish more than you think in just 15 minutes. For instance, delve into the junk drawer while you're talking on the phone.
3. Give everything a home. A big reason why clutter accumulates is because things don't have homes. A good home for a frequently used item is one that makes it easy to get to and to put the item back into.
4. Let go. If you had only ten minutes to evacuate your home, what would you grab? Make a decision to surround yourself with only beloved and useful things and give the rest away or throw them out.
5. Identify clutter hot spots. You can't hide all your clutter, but you can contain it. Look at where it builds up, and find something to put it in. For instance, try a large bowl on the kitchen counter for keys, or a big basket by the door for shoes.
6. De-clutter daily. It's easier to keep up than to catch up, so establish a daily routine. Grab a laundry basket and make the rounds, tossing in anything to be put away. Dont let messes build up and overpower you.
7. Be a good gatekeeper. Think twice before you bring home something new. Ask yourself if you really need it and where you will put it. Becoming a more conscious shopper goes a long way toward cutting clutter.
1. Start with the easy junk. Go room by room and throw out trash, coupons, menus, flyers, outdated calendars, old newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and toys that have fallen apart.
2. Set small goals. Try to bang out a mini de-cluttering session every day. You can accomplish more than you think in just 15 minutes. For instance, delve into the junk drawer while you're talking on the phone.
3. Give everything a home. A big reason why clutter accumulates is because things don't have homes. A good home for a frequently used item is one that makes it easy to get to and to put the item back into.
4. Let go. If you had only ten minutes to evacuate your home, what would you grab? Make a decision to surround yourself with only beloved and useful things and give the rest away or throw them out.
5. Identify clutter hot spots. You can't hide all your clutter, but you can contain it. Look at where it builds up, and find something to put it in. For instance, try a large bowl on the kitchen counter for keys, or a big basket by the door for shoes.
6. De-clutter daily. It's easier to keep up than to catch up, so establish a daily routine. Grab a laundry basket and make the rounds, tossing in anything to be put away. Dont let messes build up and overpower you.
7. Be a good gatekeeper. Think twice before you bring home something new. Ask yourself if you really need it and where you will put it. Becoming a more conscious shopper goes a long way toward cutting clutter.
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