Here We Are...with Luci

The Rice Cooker: A Better Way To Cook Brown Rice, Couscous, and Oatmeal In Less Time

Anyone else out there ever throw away a pot because the brown rice stuck to it like cement? cooked oatmeal until it was a mushy mess? dried the color right out of the couscous? I have found the answer and it's a Rice Cooker. Simple to use, quick results, fast clean up! What else could one ask from this must have kitchen gadget? What about the cost, you ask? There is a make and model to fit every budget.

A rice cooker makes eating healthy easier since brown rice and other grains are a snap to cook. At least that is what I kept reading in magazines. Since I was avoiding recipes that called for long grain or brown rice, I decide to give one a try. After some research, I bought the Cuisinart 4-Cup Rice Cooker because it is mid-priced and mid-sized. Note: some are much larger than others, so think about your portion needs and storage capacity before purchasing. 

Most are sold with a "special rice measuring" cup that you use to measure out the dried grains. You then use a regular household measuring cup to add the correct amount of water. Each one comes with grain/water measuring instructions that should be followed for maximum results. Simply add the grains, then the water, cover, turn on, and while you are preparing other parts of the meal, the rice cooker is doing the work for you. Poof, in no time you have fluffy rice ready to plate!

6 Handy Tips To Cooking Great Grains:

1. Add Fat: What? If you thought I said this was healthier, it is; but most instructions call for some fat to be added. I have tried cooking rice, oatmeal, and couscous without it and the cooker seems to overflow. Adding a pat of butter to oatmeal or a teaspoon of olive oil to rice or couscous helps resolve this issue.

A Leopard Doesn't Change Its Spots

"When people tell you who they are, believe them." ~ Maya Angelou

The lesson is LISTEN! A leopard doesn't change its spots. Good or bad, people reveal themselves to us in all different ways. Their actions, words, silence, indifference, and deeds tell us everything we need to know about them. Sometimes the message is wonderful, and other times, it is disappointing. Either way, opening your eyes and more importantly, your ears, can save you from wasting time (perhaps years) and energy on the wrong people in your life.

Choose wisely, their story is right in front of you...hear it and believe it. Spend your time and energy on the special people whose stories enhance your own.

Do you agree? Have you had a "leopard" in your life that did change its spots for the better? Tell us about it.

What Are You Wearing?

Recently, I had the honor to write for the popular blog, Bionic Beauty. The recurring Friday column, "Powerful Beauty," challenged me to explore what powerful beauty really means to me. By the comments that are being posted, it seems others agree.

I feel strongly about the message and I want to share the article with you.

Please take a look at Powerful Beauty with Luci Weston and join in on the conversation there or on Here We Are.

Next time you think about what to wear, perhaps you won't consider clothing! ~ Luci :)

Soy Perfect? Not So Much - The Hidden Dangers of Soy

Do you really know what you are eating? I am not trying to insult you, but unless you are only eating "whole" foods there is always a chance something unexpected is present. Short of reading every label and understanding each ingredient, you run the risk of consuming ingredients you don't want or need.

We all know about sneaky sodium, MSG, saturated fats, preservatives, etc. Did you know that soy, for some, can be a less than healthy choice. "Soy what? I don't eat soy," you say? Maybe you do and don't know it. Surprise! It is an added ingredient in numerous products.

Even if you think you are doing a good thing and eat soy because you read or heard it is the perfect health food, it may not be so perfect for you! I learned this the hard way after consuming soy milk in my coffee and cereal for the past few years. I felt bloated and often had heart palpitations; neither had ever been an issue for me. Luckily, I heard a radio interview with author, Dianne Gregg. She was discussing how her life threatening experience with a soy allergy prompted her to write The Hidden Dangers of Soy.

During the interview, she described what I was experiencing. I ceased using soy milk and started searching product labels for hidden soy. Sure enough, besides the obvious soy milk culprit, I discovered it lurking in my favorite kettle corn popcorn, energy bars, and several cereals. Since then, my diet is soy free and my symptoms are gone.

Dianne has done extensive research on this subject and her mission is to share this crucial information with others. Here is a brief, but fascinating, excerpt from the book:

It's disguised in everything from hamburgers, hot dogs, baby formula, flour, and much more. It's often marketed as low-fat, dairy free, or as a high protein meat substitute for vegetarians. The soy derivatives you need to look for are textured vegetable protein (TVP), partially hydrogenated soybean, soy protein isolate (SPI), hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP). One of the dangerous substances in the soybean is phytic acid, also called phytates. These acids block the body of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron and especially zinc. But, you never hear about that.

Her message to everyone is "if you are not feeling like yourself, and have symptoms such as nausea, bloating, gastric disorders, unusual weight gain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or lack of energy, it's worth trying to eliminate soy from your diet for a period of time to see if it is contributing."

Thank you Dianne for sharing your experience and reaching out to help others. The book is an informative, eye-opener, which will have many people saying "so long soy" after reading it.

[The claims made about specific products on or through this show are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. The reviews and opinions provided on this show are for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. Please consult with your health-care professional before taking or administering any new product to yourself or anyone else.]

Much To Do About Divorce: Positioning Yourself Before You Ask Or Are Asked

CLICK HERE to listen to the latest Here We Are Radio Show episode, "Much To Do About Divorce: Positioning Yourself Before You Ask Or Are Asked."

Matrimonial and family law attorney, Judith A. Hartz, filled us in on important steps to take before or after the difficult decision to divorce is made. Have a paper and pen ready, you will want to take notes -- there is a lot to do!

Judith Hartz is a partner at Kozyra & Hartz. She has been specializing in the area of family law for 19 years. She won the 2005 Family Lawyer of the Year award; co-authored several articles on the issue of custody; and serves as an editor on the New Jersey Family Lawyer publication. 

If you are remotely considering this option, or if you were recently served with divorce papers -- this show is packed with useful information. Happily married? Then email this post to a friend who may not be. He or she will thank you.

{This legal information is being presented by Here We Are as a service to its readers and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal advice. It is not meant to substitute for competent legal counsel from a licensed attorney in your state. You should neither act nor rely on any of the information without first consulting a lawyer who will apply the current laws to your specific circumstance or situation.}

Emergency Plan: The Must Do PP List - From Panicked To Prepared

PP = Preparedness Plan

The ongoing fires in California sparked this list. While our thoughts and prayers are with those who are in harm's way, it is a good time to think about what each of us would do in that stressful situation. An emergency plan that is put into place BEFORE an emergency occurs will turn potential panic into a preparedness plan in the short time you might have to act.

While every minute counts, it is possible to pack the most essential items even if you have less than an hour to leave your home in the path of destruction. Use the categories and tips below to collect important items that will help you prepare today for an easier tomorrow.

Personal "Papers":

• Insurance information - household and health
• Passports, Social Security Cards, Birth certificates
• Rolodex, Computer disks, Thumb drives
• Cell phones with chargers
• A recent statement from each household bill
• Check books, credit cards, cash from house
• Laptop with charger
• Pens and paper
• Pictures: Household contents; Family photos

Personal Items:

• Prescription Medication, Body braces or supports
• Eye Glasses, Contact Lenses, Sunglasses
• Pillows, blankets, towels
• A change of clothes and an extra pair of practical shoes for each member of the family
• Bottled water, juice boxes, snack bars
• Baby food/formula, diapers, bottles
• A battery operated radio; flashlights; extra batteries
• A prepacked personal product travel bag for each person

Pets & People & Personnel:

• This one is obvious IF they are home with you when you have to leave
• If you must leave while loved ones are not at home, it is wise to have a "call plan" in place and a preselected "meet up" location.
• Dry pet food
• Employees, employers, co-workers information - contact info besides the office or work location number or email

Tips to Using This List:

• Much of the Personal Papers list can be collected and organized now. Store it in a strong box that you can grab and go. Keep a written list of its contents outside the box so you know what needs to be added, if anything.
• Other Personal Paper items, like check books or cash, should be stored in one location in the house.
• Electronic chargers can be pre-labeled on the plug area for easy identification.
• As for pictures, put photos or disks with photos of the house and its contents in the strong box. Family pictures that are not displayed can be stored away now; grab displayed ones and throw into an empty box (don't worry about breaking the frames, they can be replaced).
• Keep a few shopping bags folded up in the linen closet to fill with pillows, towels, blankets.
• Clothing has to be limited, think ahead of time of what you might grab for each person, you probably won't have room for more than one or two suitcases for the whole family. 
• Each person in the house should have assigned "item collection" duties. This will save time and help with thoroughness in an emergency. If some of this list is assembled ahead of time, one person should be able to collect it all, pack the car, and leave in under an hour.

Be it fire, flood, hurricane, or political unrest, use this list to prepare now at your leisure...the old adage still holds true, "It is better to be safe than sorry."

If you have additional ideas, tips, or items to add, please do so in the comments section. Every bit helps. Remember, the most important thing to get out safely is YOU!

The Last Hoorah

September tries its best to have us forget summer. ~ Bernard Williams

Enjoy the long weekend...finish that novel, take a long walk, have drinks with friends, sleep late, kiss someone, breathe deeply, have fun.

Indulge yourself, you deserve it!

September: The Setting Sun of Summer

Announcements, Updates & Reminders

 

Announcements

Gifts, Gifts, Gifts: Congratulations to the July Gift Giveaway winner, subscriber Emily of Delaware. She won the signed copy of Lisa Scottoline's latest best-seller, Look Again. Thank you to all the Here We Are subscribers who commented during July. So many wonderful books were suggested to add to our reading lists.

The August gift winner will be announced in the HWA October Announcements entry. The August gift is the Williams-Sonoma book, "Desserts." I chose this book in honor of our July Easy As Blueberry Pie recipe. The August gift is open to all subscribers, I hope the winner has a sweet tooth because the recipes are very tempting.

NOTE: We are looking for comments...Please post a comment on any article during the month of September for a chance to win the September gift. Remember, you have to be an HWA email subscriber to win. I haven't yet found the right gift, but I am sure it will be something good...So share your thoughts, suggestions, tips and hints!

Going Green Tip: Now is the time to opt out of receiving unsolicited telephone books. You know the ones that clutter up the closet shelf only to be left unused until next year's is delivered? Save some trees by opting out. It is easy and fast. Check out Yellow Pages Goes Green and click the "opt out" link. Fill in your info, then verify it by clicking the link in an email they send to you. Done!  

National Rice Month: September is National Rice month. In celebration, the USA Rice Federation is offering a scholarship to high school students, as well as a sweepstakes contest. This month, I will be writing a review of my latest gadget, a rice cooker...so whether you love or hate yours, this will be a good chance to comment by sharing your own review or a favorite recipe.

Updates

Saying goodbye to summer is a good time to reflect on life and the changes ahead. Be it love or business that need a serious overhaul...we have some terrific guests scheduled for the September Here We Are Radio Show line up.

Sunday, Sept. 13: Divorce attorney Judith A. Hartz discusses the details of what to do and what not to do before you ask or are asked for a divorce. Ouch! Be sure to tune in here at 6:30pm EST.

NOTE: Because there is a lot of information to cover during 30 minute shows - we may not take callers...so be sure to email me your questions ahead of time. (See the email link at the top left corner of any HWA page - next to my favicon.)

Reminders

Sept. 13: Remember to pick up a card or make a call, it's National Grandparent's Day. Check out this Grandparent site for some fun ideas.

September is National Women's Friendship Month. Is there someone to whom you owe a call or an email? Here's your chance to get reacquainted. One of the most popular HWA articles has been and continues to be BFF + RSS = RFF...Reconnecting Female Friendship. I offer this as a reminder to pause, be grateful, and reach out to the female friends in your life.

So long summer, hello to the new fall season!