March 30, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Homemade Chai

Growing up, I loved going down to the gas station where my mom worked and getting a hot cup of chai. I hope this is as good!


2 green cardamom pods lightly crushed
1/8 tsp. black peppercorns
2 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1. 1 1/2 inch piece fresh ginger , peeled and thinly sliced
2 C. water
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 bags black tea
3/4 C. reduced fat milk

1. Bring spices, ginger, and water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer until liquid becomes aromatic, about 15 minutes. Whisk in sugar, then add tea bags; turn off heat and let steep 3 minutes.

2. While tea is steeping, warm a serving pot by rinsing several times with hot water. Strain tea mixture through a fine strainer or a coffee filter into pot. Heat milk over medium heat until just simmering. whisk until frothy. Pour into serving pot, stirring well to combine.

Apologize

Make your apology bigger than the crime. Don't attempt to diminish your mistake by offering a lame apology or excuse. You'll only make matters worse.

Instead of saying: "It's not a big deal" "I didn't mean it" of "You're overreacting"

Try: "I made a big mistake" "I never should have done/said that" or "I should have known better"

Admit your real wrong. The superficial part of a mistake (missing dinner, a careless comment) is often a symptom of a larger offense. A good apology reveals that underlying issue by using the word "because".

Instead of: "I'm sorry I forgot about our dinner plans"

Try: "I'm sorry I forgot our plans because it was disrespectful of me to cancel at the last minute."

Never say "BUT" This one word can sabotage your apology. It's a disguised effort to deflect blame ("I'm sorry for forgetting about dinner, but you should have reminded me").

Use your words, not your wallet Nothing can replace an honest, heartfelt apology. Giving your partner flowers or another gift in lieu of an apology can come off as a bribe. The gift says you're sorry but doesn't show that you understand what you did wrong. If you want to give a gift, do it later- it'll be much more appreciated when it's given without strings attached.


Information provided by whole living magazine. 

Brushing Baby's Teeth/Gums

Until the first tooth arrives, make sure to rub a clean damp cloth over gums at least once a day. This will not only insure clean, healthy gums but also introduce your baby to an oral cleaning routine.

Once a tooth pops through, put a pea sized dollop of fluoride-free training toothpaste on a finger brush. Glide finger brush over the gums as well as both sides of his tooth. To rinse, swipe a wet cloth over his teeth and gums.

After molars pop up, use a soft bristled brush with training paste. Start with his uppers, brushing in a circular motion from the front teeth to back and then chewing surfaces on top. Repeat on bottom teeth. Use a wet washcloth to rinse.


Information provided by american baby magazine.