Ingredients
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup skim milk
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large banana, diced
• 1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• cooking spray
Directions
1. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Set bowl aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the skim milk, melted butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and stir in the wet ingredients, being careful not to over mix the batter. Gently fold in the banana, chocolate chips, and nuts.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.
Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 195 | Total Fat: 10.2g | Cholesterol: 58mg

Early next month, I will be braving my first theme park with a two-year old. Fortunately, or unfortunately, my husband’s whole family will be there to help me with this feat of parenting! And as you can tell by the title of this post, I just thank god it’s not the very LARGE, magically CROWDED kingdom of Disney – that will come when my daughter is a little bit older. Instead, we are trekking to Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA. After scouring the website, it actually looks like my daugher will absolutely love the trip, which is well worth the experience. There are dry rides, water parks, parades and live shows with her favorite characters – Elmo, Abby, Big Bird, Zoe and Cookie Monster. However, it’s smaller and less well known than Disney World, so I can only imagine that lines and prices won’t be too ridiculous (knock on wood). Furthermore, it’s only a 6 hour drive, versus the 2 days or heinous plane ride it takes to get to Orlando. Sesame Place is only 30 minutes from Philly, so I’ll get to check “get an authentic cheese steak” off of my bucket list. And, most excitingly for me, the park is only 2 hours from my family in Maryland. I hope I’m not counting my chicks before they hatch, but I’m actually looking forward to this mini vacation! <img src=”{filedir_2}24de581170e5481eb6c165bae378d556_sp11_paradenight3_t5d8056v2.jpg” alt=”” height=”345″ width=”460″  />

May is a month filled with food and fun. It is National Barbecue Month, Hamburger Month, Salad and Salsa Month. Celebrate with your favorites during Restaurant Week in New Hampshire (May 17-24). Lunches and dinners at a wide variety of restaurants in the state are offered at prices ranging from $10-$35. It’s a great time to try something new!

Looking for something to do? Have you visited the Nashua Public Library? Library cards are free for anyone who lives or works in the city. Besides books, music, and DVDs, the library offers passes to many museums: the Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts and New England Aquarium in Boston. Passes are available for the Currier Gallery of Art in Manchester, the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord and many others. Call the library at 603-589-4600 for more information.

Memorial Day will soon be here (the unofficial start of summer). This holiday honors Americans who gave their lives for their country in any war while serving the United States. Please take a minute to remember these brave men and women.

Spring is in full swing! One of the best parts for me is the farmers markets starting to pop up.  There are quite a few close by. For a full list visit www.getrealmaine.com.

When I was in fifth grade, I was called to a meeting with the school Principal, Mr. Murphy. I don’t recall the reason for the meeting, but I clearly remember asking him, “why is your office pink?” To me, pink was girly and I was astounded that a full-grown man would want to spend an entire day surrounded by that color. Mr. Murphy’s answer to my query was to explain that, psychologically, pink was a calming color and it helped to alleviate anxiety in students who had been called to his office.

Did you know that there is an entire branch of the psychology field called Color Psychology, which focuses on how color affects human behavior? This study is certainly fascinating, although it can be influenced by many factors, such as culture, region, context, and personal experience. However, the collective subconscious of society often means that certain colors are related to particular attributes.

One of the earliest theories about what later became Color Psychology came from poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1810. While based on his intuitive perception of the impact of color on mood, Goethe’s insights have been substantiated by modern scientific research. Carl Jung became a pioneer of Color Psychology when he suggested that art could be used as psychotherapy. Even Winston Churchill recognized the effect of color on mood when he stated, “I cannot pretend to be impartial about the colours, I rejoice with the brilliant ones and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns.”

Colors can be used to manipulate our purchasing habits, our sense of time, our health, and even the color of the automobile we drive suggests characteristics of our personality. The following list relates the common properties and symbols associated with various colors:

<strong>Pink</strong>
As I mentioned previously, pink is a tranquilizing color that is representative of understanding and love. The color inspires nurturing, comfort, sincerity, and friendliness.

<strong>Red</strong>
Red is the most intense color and is usually associated with passion and excitement. Red is also attention seeking, which may be why thieves and police officers target red vehicles more frequently. Red is a stimulating color, and researchers have discovered that people’s reaction times are quicker under red light, as well as that sports teams wearing red jerseys have a higher chance of winning. However, red may be overwhelming for people whose nature is more relaxed and the color may trigger confrontations.

<strong>Orange</strong>
Orange is an uplifting, motivational, and warm color. On one hand, it stimulates independence, spontaneity and adventure, but at its extreme, orange may invite assertiveness and competition.

<strong>Yellow</strong>
Yellow is closely related to the intellect. Research suggests that the color enhances concentration, communication, and metabolism. Although it is associated with happiness and joy, yellow is the most difficult color for the eye to take in. As a result, researchers have discovered that tempers flare and babies cry more frequently when in yellow rooms.

<strong>Green</strong>
Green is an emotional color and is closely related to renewal, balance and peace. It is the easiest color for the eye to perceive and generally has a calming effect, which is why guests on television shows relax in the “green room” before their appearances and why formal Colonial gatherings were held in rooms with green walls. Green inspires harmony, but an overload may lead to complacency, boredom, and even hypochondria.

<strong>Blue</strong>
Blue offers tranquility, safety, and reservation. It is frequently presented as a conservative color. Witnesses at trials may be instructed to wear blue, as it lends a feeling of reliability. Blue is emotionally sedating, which is why many hospital recovery rooms may be blue. In 2000, Glasgow installed blue street lights in some of its tougher neighborhoods and subsequently saw a reduction in the crime rates. On the negative side, blue may also be cold and depressing. It is also an appetite suppressant, as naturally blue foods are frequently toxic. Therefore, if you’re dieting, install a blue light in your refrigerator or eat from blue plates.

<strong>Purple</strong>
An inspiring color, purple stimulates creativity, individuality, and spirituality. Traditionally, purple was associated with royalty, so the color also connotes wealth and sophistication. In the negative, purple may be seen as impractical, immature, insincere, or overindulgent.

<strong>Brown</strong>
Brown is reliable and down-to-earth. It suggests authenticity, honesty, and responsibility. However, brown may evoke dullness and it can enhance maudlin feelings.

<strong>Gray</strong>
The most unemotional color, gray is pragmatic and isolating. It feels “corporate” and promotes indifference.

<strong>White</strong>
White is unquestionably the ultimate symbol of purity and innocence. It may also suggest a sterile, fastidious, hands-off personality; think Martha Stewart and her perfectly crisp white button-down shirts.

<strong>Black</strong>
This is a color with very complex associations. In one aspect, black is powerful, authoritarian, elegant, and sophisticated. It can also be serious, intimidating and may elicit fear. Another interpretation is that black is a color of aloofness and submission, like a priest wearing black in submission to God or a widow wearing black in mourning.

What can we learn from this? One way Color Psychology can be used is as an introspective device; what does your favorite color imply about you? Is it correct? Is it the message you want to send? I hope it also makes you aware of how color may be subtly used to manipulate the masses. For instance, be aware of the packaging on products you purchase, political signs, the colors of certain rooms… subliminally, someone may be trying to sell you something, but there’s also the possibility that there’s something from which they’re trying to distract you.

Sources I used:
http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/08/17/goethe-theory-of-colours/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_psychology
http://www.holyorderofmans.org/Color%20Philosophy/ColorPhilosophy/philosophy_of_color.htm
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/colors.html
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0932396.html
http://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/meaning-of-colors.html

Lyme Disease & Tick Bites
Ticks can transmit Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Symptoms vary by disease, including fever, chills, and fatigue.
The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food offers free tick identification to New Hampshire residents. The intent is to monitor the distribution of tick species in NH. Complete the Tick Submission Form and mail the tick and form as described. Ticks submitted will not be tested for disease-causing pathogens.
Avoiding Tick Bites
o Stay on trails outdoors; avoid areas of overgrown brush and tall grasses.
o Wear light-colored clothes so ticks can be easily seen.
o Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants tucked into boots or socks.
o Check yourself often for ticks.
o Use insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin (follow directions).
o Arboviral & Tick Prevention for Kids
o Avoid Mosquito & Tick Bites
o Protect Yourself from Ticks Where You Work (Lyme Disease and
Outdoor Workers)
o Tick/Mosquito Poster
Is It A Tick Bite?
o Spider Bite – Several fluid-filled bumps appear at the site of the bite.
o Tick Bite – The bite is hard, itchy, and forms into lumps. A red, rash-like halo surrounds the bite and then slowly spreads outwards.
Removing An Attached Tick
1. Remove the tick promptly. The sooner you remove it, the less chance of infection.
2. Use tweezers to grasp the tick’s mouthparts at the surface of the skin.
3. With a steady motion, gently pull the tick straight out.
4. Wipe the bite area with an antiseptic, or wash with soap and water.
5. Be alert for symptoms of illness over the next 7-10 days.
o Do not squeeze the tick.
o Do not rub petroleum jelly on the tick.
o Do not use a hot match or cigarette.
o Do not pour kerosene or nail polish on

It’s finally that time of year when all we want to do is be outside. Since pretty much everyone is either working, in school, or just plain busy for most of their waking hours, though, it’s not always a guarantee that we’ll get to spend much, if any, quality time out in the fresh air. This can make us a little resentful…which leads to crankiness…which will probably only end up leading nowhere good. But instead of letting your inner monster come out when you’re replying to the next annoying email or sitting through yet another hour-long conference call, why not try a couple of tricks from our friends over at <a href=”http://shine.yahoo.com/team-mom/body-movements-instantly-increase-happiness-144300490.html#!ewLrL”>Yahoo! Shine</a>? If there’s even a small chance that certain movements alone can make you feel a little happier, what have you got to lose?

I’m a die-hard paperback book lover. About a year ago I received an iPad as a gift (I know, very generous!) and started little by little building a library of books. After a year, I’ve compared the pros and cons of paper vs. electronic and this is what I’ve come up with.
Electronic books let you carry your entire collection of books with you, it’s easy to mark your page, if you don’t like what you’re reading, click, click and you have another book open. And, you don’t have to design every room in your house around how many bookshelves you can squeeze in.
But then,
Paperbacks are easy to tuck in a pocketbook, they don’t weigh anything, and they are a must-have for a beach vacation (you know the real juicy kind of story…murder mysteries set on Cape Cod. Oh…what kind did you think I meant?), grains of sand caught in the spine. And how would we press flowers without paperbacks?
Last night I started a score sheet; Paperback vs iPad. Picture this; you’re lying in bed, holding your book/iPad on your chest two inches from your face, then you doze off. What happens to the paperback? It slips lightly to your face and your significant-other finds you under it snoring gently. What happens to the iPad? It comes crashing down on top of your face, you bolt up, grabbing your nose checking for blood! Paperback = 1 iPad=0.

Change.

It’s a word we all know and most of us do not like. Some people fear change. Some resist it. Others embrace it and all of the excitement that it offers. I am probably a “middle of the road” person when it comes to change. For a long time I did not like change or do well when it came to change. But what I have learned is that change IS good. It is necessary. And even though in invokes fear and anxiety, it ultimately takes us to where we need to go next. I have been through enough “change” to know that no matter how scary it seems, what is on the other side is worth it. This could be for anything. For me, it started with my weight loss journey 3.5 years ago. After losing 97lbs, I experienced so much change that I wasn’t sure I could handle it all.

Baby steps. Focus. Perspective.

It could be any part of your life where you are experiencing any kind of change – change of job, change of homes, change of relationships, change of health…anything. The key is to always remember that no matter what changes and/or how it changes, it is happening for a reason and the best thing to do is embrace it and allow things to fall into place. I am a true believer in that everything happens for a reason – whether things are in our control or not. It is up to us to accept the change and make things work the best you can.

So. Are you afraid of change? Do you embrace change? Are you willing to change? These are questions to ponder.

Whether we like it or not, change happens. We are constantly changing and evolving as humans. Again, I say change is good, especially when it feels bad. It’s entirely up to you to decide if you are going to resist or embrace it. But just remember, change will happen even when you are resisting it! So I say, smile and embrace it, because only good things can happen from it!

Keep an open mind and a positive attitude and you will create great things for yourself!

Click on the link below for some great ideas to start making small changes….

http://worldobserveronline.com/2012/04/25/15-things-you-should-give-up-to-be-happy/

PINEAPPLE GLAZED PORK TENDERLOIN
Printed from COOKS.COM

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1 1/4 to 1 1/2 lbs. pork tenderloin
1 (8 1/2 oz.) can sliced pineapple
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. cornstarch

Drain pineapple and keep the juice. Keep pineapple rings for garnish. Trim excess fat from pork. Place pork on a rack in a baking pan. Mix 1/3 cup juice, mustard, ginger, paprika, brown sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch in a small pan. Bring to a boil and stir until thickened. Brush pork loin with part of the glaze. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until meat is tender. Brush meat with glaze several times during baking. Turn meat over and brush both sides. Arrange pineapple rings and serve. Slice meat across grain.