I love when spring turns into summer because then cookout season begins! If you are like me, have no time and like quick easy recipes that your friends and family will enjoy then you will love my pasta salad. It’s super easy to make and I always get lots of compliments about it!

Ingredients:
1 Box of rotini pasta (you can do 2 boxes if you have lots of mouths to feed)
1 Bottle of zesty italien dressing (I use more than 1 bottle if I cook more than 1 box of pasta)
1 Container of cherry tomatoes
3 Cans of sliced black olives
1 Container of crumbled feta (you can also substitute with shredded cheddar cheese)
1 Bag of sliced pepperoni slices

Directions:
Cook the box or boxes of pasta according to the directions on the box. While the pasta is cooking I slice up the cherry tomatoes into halves or even quarters if you prefer smaller tomato pieces. I also place a stack of pepperoni slices together and cut them into quarters. I don’t use the whole bag of pepperoni slices so this way it looks like there are more without using a lot. Once the pasta is done and drained I let it cool for a few minutes and then start using the zesty italien dressing (about half the bottle). Then I just put all the ingredients in with the pasta (you will need a good size bowl once all the ingredients are together) I mix everything together and then use the rest of the dressing. If I’ve made more than 1 box of pasta I usually will do a taste test to see if I need more than 1 bottle of dressing. If you prepare the pasta salad ahead of time make sure to put it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I and my friends and family do!

Memorial Day weekend is usually considered the kick-off to the summer. If you are heading out to any Memorial Day celebrations this weekend, please remember there are usually local parades to attend as well.

Memorial Day parades are a nice way to pay remembrance and to honor those who gave their all for our nation’s service.

Here in Portland, Maine, the city’s Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 27, 2013 at 10:30 am. The parade will start at Longfellow Square and head down Congress Street to Monument Square; where ceremonies will take place.

Check out more events for this Memorial Day weekend at http://www.portlandmaine.com/events/

Admittedly, the words “microwave” and “cake” don’t look right next to each other. But let’s face it: apartment living can sometimes mean settling for slightly less than a gourmet kitchen and we’ve got to work with the resources we have – even if we’re cooking/baking and our resource is a microwave. So if you’re craving something sweet and feel like you’re out of options, think again! Give this little microwave recipe from <a href=”http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/bake-cake-60-seconds-yes-read-180300939.html”>Yahoo! Shine</a> a try and you just might be pleasantly surprised.

<strong>Ingredients:</strong>
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

<strong>Directions:</strong>
1. In a small bowl, mix all dry ingredients — flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, salt.
2. Stir in egg, milk, and vegetable oil.
3. Pour batter into a single coffee mug, or two ramekins. Make sure they are microwaveable.
4. Microwave on high for one minute and 30 seconds in a (lightly-greased) mug, or 45 seconds in a ramekin.
5. If the batter isn’t fully-cooked, microwave an additional 15 seconds on high, repeating if necessary, until fully cooked. Remember that microwaved foods continue to “cook” for an additional minute afterwards. Try not to overcook!
6. Serve while still warm! Enjoy!

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?