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agriculture/natural resources County Home 4H and Youth family consumer science economic development Texas A and M University Stephenville - District 8 Center

Texas Cooperative Extension


September, 2001


Williamson

County

Extension

Education

Association


Strengthening

Families

Through

Education




Susan Richey
County Extension Agent
Family and Consumer Sciences
Williamson County
512-930-4400
sg-richey@tamu.edu
williamson-tx.tamu.edu



Telephone Preference Service Direct Marketing Association   You can reduce the number of telephone solicitation calls placed to your home by contacting the Telephone Preference Service of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). The DMA commercially publishes and markets lists of consumers who do not wish to receive solicitation calls. Your name can be added to DMA's lists by sending your name, telephone number (including the area code) and address (including the zip code) to:

Questions about the DMA's registration program should be addressed to the DMA at this address.

Registration with the DMA should reduce the number of unsolicited calls placed to your home, but may not stop all unwanted calls.


Refrigerate Promptly   Bacteria grow most rapidly in the Danger Zone 覧 the unsafe temperatures between 40 F and 140 F, so it's key to keep foods out of this temperature range. And since cold temperatures keep most harmful bacteria from growing and multiplying . . . be sure to refrigerate foods quickly!

The Top 4 Cool Rules
The Chill Factor 覧 Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared foods, and leftovers within 2 hours or less. Marinate foods in the refrigerator.
The Thaw Law 覧 Never defrost food at room temperature. Thaw food in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave if you'll be cooking it immediately.
Divide and Conquer 覧 Separate large amounts of leftovers into small, shallow containers for quicker cooling in the refrigerator.
Avoid the Pack Attack 覧 Don't over-stuff the refrigerator. Cold air must circulate to keep food safe.

Put these dates on your calendars, and make plans to attend! If you have any other suggestions or ideas for our e-mail club, please let me know.

What's hot - Learn what's hot with jeans so you can communicate with the teens in your life

Low-rise - Anywhere from an inch or so below the belly button to really low (like about six inches from the crotch to the waistband!) Great way to show off pierced navel.

Ankle interest - Vents (slits at the ankle), zippers (on peg legs for the '80s look), flares.

Vintage look - Whiskers (worn, lighter marks radiating out from the crotch), worn patches on backside. light washes

Some embellishment - Crystals, grommets, studs. The overly decorated denim that Tom Ford of Gucci initiated a few years back (feathers, braiding, tape, etc.) is pretty much over.

Slim cut- Regardless of the leg or waistband, the look is overwhelmingly sleek and slim.

How to Add Color to your Wardrobe

     Neutrals are fine for much of your wardrobe, but color adds punch and personality if you know how to use it.

     Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: Varies

     Here's How:

   1. Start by holding different color swatches up to your face to find flattering hues.
   2. Assess your current wardrobe to decide which colors coordinate best.
   3. Narrow it down to two or three new vivid colors.
   4. If it's an acceptable color for makeup like rose or fuchsia, start by using the color on your lips or nails.
   5. Add a scarf in one of your new bright colors.
   6. Try a camisole in the new color under a neutral jacket.
   7. Once you've incorporated color in small amounts, try adding accent pieces like jackets and cardigans.

Tips:

   1. Don't stray too far from your normal style with color -- it you're used to wearing beige, fuchsia will be too stark of a contrast.

   2. Don't pay too much attention to which colors you should or shouldn't wear according to your hair, skin an eye colors. Most of us have cosmetically altered our natural colors anyway.

   3. Do put bright colors on or near your best assets, because they draw attention.

Ten Smart Tips for Back to School

   1. Ask your child interesting questions such as "What was the funniest thing to happen in school this week?"

   2. If your child is struggling in several subjects, concentrate on English first. A good English tutor can also help your child understand concepts in other subjects, from math to history.

   3. If you talk to your children about your struggles at work or when you were a student, they will be more likely to tell you about their struggles.

   4. Use your valuable experiences to help them avoid the mistakes you made or saw others make when you were a kid. Telling stories about your experiences is more effective than lecturing your children.

   5. Encourage your child to befriend new students who are not considered "popular." It's a great way to teach them to think about others and less about themselves.

   6. If your child frequently forgets homework assignments, ask the teacher to sign your child's to-do list every day.

   7. Never rewrite (or write) your child's papers for him. He will learn the art of writing better if you circle the mistakes and let him figure out how to rewrite.

   8. Limit your child to one or two school sports. Encourage them to participate in nonsport activities such as music or chess.

   9. Make every effort to attend parent-teacher conferences. If your school does not have at least two per year, set up your own meetings to discuss your child's progress or problems.

   10. If you are cheerful and positive about life and work, your child will most likely follow your example with regard to school.
This information is taken from the September 2001 issue of Family Circle.

Tired of Being Tired? How to Nab A Nap

Naps aren't for everyone, but for certain people, these brief bursts of shut-eye are a godsend. For such people, a short nap can restore alertness, says Daniel Buysse, M.D., past president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and associate professor of psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. This gives them a boost of energy that helps get them through the rest of their day. And these small doses of dozes are not out of the ordinary: According to the National Sleep Foundation, 38 percent of American adults steal away for a catnap at least once during the work week.

If you do decide to take a siesta, you should limit your slumber to less than 30 minutes and not snooze later than 3:00 p.m. Most important, remember that napping is not a substitute for a good night's sleep. On the other hand, if you're currently grappling with insomnia, you might try giving up naps to see if that helps.







COMPANY FRUIT SALAD

4 medium Golden Delicious apples, diced
4 medium Red Delicious apples, diced
2 cups seedless green grapes, halved
2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained

DRESSING:
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
ス cup sour cream
ス cup mayonnaise
ス cup sugar

Combine all the fruit in a large bowl. In a mixing bowl, beat the dressing ingredients until smooth. Pour over fruit; toss gently to coat. Serve immediately. Yield: 16-20 servings.

SWEET POTATOES AU GRATIN


2 large uncooked sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 egg
2 cups whipping cream
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch pepper
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Place potatoes in a greased 8-in. square baking dish. In a bowl, beat egg. Add cream, salt, nutmeg and pepper; mix well. Pour over potatoes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375ー for 40-45 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Yield: 6-8 servings.
Honey-Dijon Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 pound)
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Place chicken in an ungreased 11-in. x 7in. x 2-in. baking dish. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over chicken. Bake, uncovered, at 350ー for 35-40 minutes or until juices run clear, turning and basting with pan juices every 15 minutes. Yield: 4 servings. Nutritional Analysis: One serving (prepared with light soy sauce) equals 197 calories, 340 mg sodium, 63 mg cholesterol, 19 gm carbohydrate, 24 gm protein, 3 gm fat.


Butterscotch Pecan Dessert

ス cup cold butter or margarine
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup chopped pecans, divided
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
3 ス cups milk
2 packages (3.4 or 3.5 ounces each) instant butterscotch or vanilla pudding mix

In a bowl, cut butter into flour until crumbly; stir in ス cup pecans. Press into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 350ー for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping; spread over crust. Combine milk and pudding mix until smooth; pour over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes or until set. Top with remaining whipped topping and pecans. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Yield: 16-20 servings.

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