Making Macaroni and Cheese in the Crockpot

My daughter made the most delicious dinner last night. She is a macaroni and cheese lover. Her grandmother used to make macaroni and cheese from scratch, over the stove, while everyone else was buying boxes of Kraft. It was these memories that led her to want to try the macaroni and cheese in the crockpot.

This is a very cheesy, rich recipe.

Start with two cups of macaroni noodles - this can be made with either elbow macaroni or even penne pasta. Boil the pasta seven minutes. Pasta should be soft at this point. Drain the pasta but do not rinse.

While the macaroni is boiling, grab a sauce pan and combine four tablespoons of butter and two and a half cups of cheese. We like mild cheddar. The original recipe called for sharp cheddar. We also use a lower fat cheese, thus cutting out some of the calories. Stir the butter and cheese together over a low fire until the cheese melts.

Pour the melted cheese mixture into the crock pot and add in three scrambled eggs. We actually used one whole egg and two egg whites. I couldn't justify the extra yolks. Mix in one cup of sour cream. We used low fat sour cream. I've cooked with the non fat sour cream and the taste changes. If you can, stick with either low fat or regular sour cream.

Add in one can of cheese soup. Any brand is fine, we happened to use the popular national brand. We searched for a lower fat version of the soup and could not find one. Had we found it, we would have used it. Add in a half teaspoon of ground mustard and salt and pepper to taste. We are not salt users and the butter has salt in it, so we did not add any salt to our mac and cheese. We did add in pepper, probably a half teaspoon worth.

Stir everything together and then pour in drained noodles. Mix together to coat the noodles. We took off the lid three times to stir it. The more you remove the lid, the more cooking time you'll need.

The sauce thickened in between each stirring. The sides and bottom ended up being just a little browned and crunchy which I personally love.

Kids love cut up hot dogs in their macaroni and cheese. Add the hot dogs for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

As I read reviews on this recipe, I noted many people said theirs was overcooked. Make sure your crockpot is on low and make sure you stir it a few times while cooking.

We served this with a green salad and garlic bread and had a wonderful dinner that everyone enjoyed.

Depression & Andropause - Find Out How to Help Yourself

Andropause correlates directly with depression - a major player in the notorious mid-life crisis period men face in their late 40's to late 50's. There are a wide variety of symptoms and conditions hormone-wrecked men experience during this mid-life transition - everything from the mental (i.e. irritability) to the physical (loss of libido, lack of energy, and weight gain.) Depression, left untreated, can be a disabling condition.

Andropause depression is due to dropping levels of testosterone. Low testosterone levels cause many depressive symptoms - among them, a general indifference to events surrounding you, the inability to concentrate, extreme irritability, and memory loss. We might stress over things that might otherwise be worry-free in a normal situation and brood over certain matters. Our memory might go down the drain and we begin to see our lives in a negative light.

Energy levels plummet and enthusiasm for the activities we used to enjoy become flat-lined. Insomnia and restlessness is also a common symptom. Normal everyday things might become a burden to us, and the simplest shout of a child can make us excessively irritable. Psychologists use a variety of battery tests to figure out whether you suffer from depression. Besides handing you test sheets to work with, they also place you under observation - noticing your behavior, tendencies, and habits while talking to them.

Men tend to be rebellious creatures by nature. We love shrugging off our faults and being poised in the midst of emotional trouble. We take on the role as masculine creatures - lion kings of the jungle that reign over the sprawling landscape we call life. Men can be in full denial when it comes to questions about their sexual ability and prowess. Refusing to understand that we aren't who we once were with our sexual performance as a result of Andropause is in our blood.

Fellas, it is time to become aware and acquainted with the severity of your depression.

Off the bat, there are facts and figures supporting depression as a major problem. For one, 80% of all suicides in the United States are carried out by men. The majority of people with this condition never seek the advice and counsel of therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Probably the most shocking fact of all is the male suicide rate is highest during the Andropause years. You read correctly - highest during the years we're specifically talking about.

How do we deal with these devastating changes to our lives? How can we manage stress to reduce the chances of clinical depression? For one, we must follow a daily exercise regimen. That coupled with a caffeine-free diet will boost our immune systems to fight disease. It will also slow down the aging process. Aim to maintain that explosive 30-inch, vertical leap well into your 60s! Another is doing the activities we love. Don't stray from playing your pick-up basketball games with buddies or building those go-carts from scratch as a hobby. Stick to them and enjoy the satisfaction of doing so. Distract yourself from your current condition without ignoring it completely.

Maintain a social network of friends and family that will cheer you up when you need it most. Something as simple as having your young child shove a hand drawing of a red school bus in your face can provide for laughs and smiles. The most important piece of advice is to accept your condition and make the best of it.

For example, low testosterone levels can easily be supplemented with testosterone cream. It's bound to happen to all of us, and you either have the choice of making the best of it or letting it overwhelm you. Awareness is critical, and an optimistic attitude, followed with physical activity and a solid nutritional plan, is the best means of fighting Andropause, anti-aging, and the demon known as depression.

7 Energizing Ways to Increase Metabolism

Some days it just seems hard to get going. Trying to find that extra bit of energy to get you through your day but it just isn't there. The periods of low energy may not be what they seem. Sometimes just doing a few simple things will not only help your energy levels but it can increase your metabolism as well. And anyway you can increase your metabolism is a good thing.

Here are 8 ways to help energize your days and increase your metabolism at the same time.

1. Get up and get out: Exercise is one of the most important energy boosters there is. Living the life of a couch potato lowers your energy levels. Your heart and lungs do not work as efficiently supplying less oxygen to the cells. Oxygen is a key component in cell metabolism and less oxygen means a slower metabolism. As your metabolism drops you burn fewer calories and gain weight. A slow metabolism will also cause you to feel fatigued and run down.

Exercise can reverse this energy drain. It increases cardiovascular efficiency, pumping more blood through the body and therefore greater amounts of oxygen, increasing the metabolic efficiency of the cells and the body as a whole.

2. Boost your breakfast: Most people make the mistake of either not eating breakfast or if they do it consists of a big cup of coffee and some sort of sugar filled sweet roll. While it satisfies the taste buds it long term energy output is minimal. Once the caffeine wears off and your blood sugar drops you'll be ready for that midmorning nap.

Eating a breakfast high in complex carbohydrates like whole grain cereal with skim milk and fruit will give you a long sustained energy source that keeps your metabolism at its optimum level well until lunch.

3. 8 Hours in the sack: Nothing recharges the batteries like a good night sleep. Sleep is the time when the body renews and heals itself. The best way to get more sleep is to go to bed earlier. That might put a damper on your channel surfing but your metabolism will thank you. Here are 5 ways to help improve your sleep.

o Exercise regularly

o Get on a schedule and go to bed about the same time every night.

o Eat a high carbohydrate snack before bed.

o Don't drink caffeinated drinks before bed.

o Avoid alcoholic beverages before bed. You will not sleep as soundly with alcohol in your system.

4. Know your prime energy time: Are you a morning person or an evening person. Your body's energy runs in cycles, with high energy and low energy periods. Make a note of your energy cycles, when they are high and when they are low. Plan your major tasks at your high energy times and you'll breeze right through them.

5. Have fun: Do things that make you happy. Take the time to partake in activities that you enjoy everyday, if possible. It doesn't have to be the same thing everyday but taking the time to do something fun decreases stress and helps to motivate you.

6. Take a break: Taking a break from work every one and a half to two hours helps refresh our minds and bodies. If your mind starts to wander or you find yourself wishing to take a nap during work get up from your desk and take a walk and get some fresh air. Movement is your body's best friend and helps jump start your metabolism giving you the energy to get through the day.

7. Alcohol is a downer: Alcohol, as we all know, is a depressant. While it can make us loose our inhibitions at the end of the night your reaction times are slowed and drowsiness takes hold. What you may not realize is the fatigue and slowed thinking will continue the next day. Even if you only have a beer or two a day you may notice a vast difference in your energy levels if you eliminate the alcohol.

By following these seven tips you can boost your energy and increase your metabolism and before you know it your fatigue and lack of motivation will be a thing of the past. And who knows, you may even burn a few extra calories and lose some weight.

Microsoft Vista and Wireless Adapters - Compatibility, Usability

You're all wondering, how are wireless adapters working with the new Microsoft Vista. There is no cut and paste answer for that because it all depends on the kind of wireless network you are using. Are you using Netgear or perhaps Linksys. I will try to clarify as many different adapters as I can and see if I can find a quick fix for your adapter questions.

Linksys Wireless Adapter

If you use Lnksys and you are wondering if Vista will work with it, Linksys has come out with a new driver that is compatible with Vista. If you would like to download it, just got to linksys.com. One you download these files, you can then go to your control panel to search for your driver and point to the download files.

Netgear Driver Problem

If you are a Netgear user, you will have some trouble with compatibility. Microsoft offers a beta driver that you can download that is not affiliated with Netgear. You can download the driver at, http://netgear.com. Basically, beta means that the code is not successfully tested but it is a way for people to give feedback and allow changed to be made.

If you use Netgear, I recommend that you steer clear until everything is cleared so you can use Vista without any problems. This is really a pain to deal with so stick with XP until it is resolved.

Wireless Adapter Battery Drain

One problem that people are also having with Vista is that the laptop batteries get drained quickly while connected to the internet. It has to do with the fact that many wireless connections do not have the ability to go into the "power save" mode that the Microsoft Vista Operating system allows for.

All in all, Vista has some problems with compatibility when it comes to some wireless adapters but there are fixes available. The only problem that I see that will require some consideration from people has to do with laptops. They have the double threat of having batteries that can overheat as well as connections that cannot be made.

Health Hints for Hectic Holidays

The holidays sure to have a way of getting us off track, don't they? Maintaining a routine through the holiday season is difficult for even a "professional planner" and for those with diet "resolve of steel" - so don't get down on your self for a momentary indiscretion or two. It's important that we "Modern Moms" resign ourselves to doing what we can, when we can in the context of our overriding priorities - and make it OK emotionally. Meaning, give yourself "permission" rather than guilt for doing what you know is right, such as spending your very limited, but quality time with your child(ren) after a long work day.

It's important to figure out what CAN be done to stay on track during decidedly hectic times like this, and make the most of these opportunities since they are overcompensating for a lack of effort elsewhere (due to minimal time and energy).

Here are a few of the things that even the busiest Modern Mom "should" be able to do during the hectic holidays, even with a busy work, travel, family and all things holiday schedule, some courtesy of eDiets' nutrition experts:

DIET:

o Eat "clean". Yes, I KNOW those dog-gone holiday baskets are everywhere (especially in the workplace), but with a lessened fitness regime your health-seeking/weight-loss efforts will depend on your ability to keep your calorie intake to reasonable levels. Chewing a mint flavored gum (which will make chocolate and other things not taste as good) or sucking on hard sugar free candy can help you resist those temptations. Or, enjoy a mug of sugar/fat free hot chocolate or a low-fat oatmeal and fruit cereal bar at your desk, instead! Don't just deprive yourself - make some kind of reasonable trade!! Again, you just need to plan ahead and have your emergency foods readily available. If you make only one list per week, make it a healthy grocery list and stick to it!

o Eat small, healthy meals every 2.5-3 hours or so rather than just a few large meals. Doing so will keep you sated throughout the day so that you're not ravenous at mealtime, which may cause you to overeat or eat calorie-laden foods, and will keep your metabolism humming. And, be sure NOT to skip meals because you're so busy. While you think you're saving on the calories and don't mind, you're actually slowing down your metabolism, which has to "stretch" the energy derived from your last meal over a longer period of time. If your body comes to "expect" new fuel sources more often, it'll burn off what it gets quicker.

o Drink your water - and lots of it!! (no matter how many trips to the ladies room it will require) Your body is made up primarily of water and while water does not have calories to provide energy, it contributes to weight loss and assisting your digestive system. Ample water will keep the toxins flowing right out of your body.

o Enjoy heart healthy "winter" foods: Soups are great... convenient, healthy and delicious. Make a fresh vegetable soup with all your favorite root vegetables...sauté in a nonstick pot onions and garlic, then add water or low sodium canned vegetable broth, chunked potato, celery root and carrots. Season with dried herbs and pepper, and enjoy as a meal with some whole grain bread, or as a snack. Stews can be made with healthy root vegetables and lean meat. The secret to a healthy stew is not adding fat to the food! Braise the meat without added fat in a nonstick skillet, drain off the fat, and slow cook with carrots, onions and garlic. And, citrus fruits are at their peak in the winter! Florida oranges and grapefruit are best enjoyed peeled...the fiber in the whole fruit is the most beneficial. Remember, it takes at least 5 oranges to make an 8 ounce glass of orange juice...and you wouldn't peel and eat 5 oranges in one sitting...you'd be full after one or two! So, enjoy your citrus fruit...whole.

o Just before going to any holiday party, eat an apple with a full glass of water so that the fiber will keep your appetite at bay. Go ahead and "sample" the party fare if you can't seem to resist - it's OK to allow yourself a "reasonably" sized treat once in a while, particularly in a celebratory fashion. As long as you can enjoy the modest-sized treat while maintaining complete control, you can immediately get your mindset back into "diet mode", enjoy the event, and not feel completely deprived. Otherwise, keep a glass in your hand. If you're holding a glass, it's more difficult to hold a plate and eat! Take a plate of food to begin with, enjoy it, and then keep a glass in your hand for the rest of the event. And finally, don't stand around the food table--take the foods you want and leave the area immediately!

FITNESS:

o With your harried schedule, do what you can with the advice below during Monday-Friday, and resolve to working out for at least one hour on both Saturday and Sunday. No excuses here...if you're skipping your workouts during the week, you need to get them in on the weekend. Optimally, you would also find a happy medium during the week, such as getting up early on Tuesday's and Thursday's also for a morning walk (at least).

o Try isometric exercises. These are great if you're pressed for time or stuck in line at the supermarket. Just by flexing a few times each day, you can maintain a significant amount of muscle tightness. Simply flex those muscles whenever you are sitting in your car, standing at the bus stop or walking to the boss's office. For example, while stuck in traffic, tighten your abdominals and hold for 60 seconds, but remember to keep breathing through your nostrils. Maybe you're waiting in line to checking out at a store.

o Take advantage of any opportunity to exercise and engage in healthy behaviors during your workday. Here are some ideas:

o Stretch! Every hour do some arm-chair exercise. While sitting, bend over in your chair and let your arms hang down...then sit up and take five deep and slow breaths...in through your nose, and out through your mouth.

o Crunch! Every hour, do 12 "rear-end crunches"...while sitting, tighten your buttocks muscles and hold for 10 seconds. Start with 3 repetitions, and work up to 5 or more.

o Focus on your posture - While seated at your desk, consciously focus on sitting tall with your neck relaxed, shoulders back, lengthened spine, feet on the floor and abdominals tight. Maintaining good posture involves most of the muscles in your body and keeping your body in good alignment will help to retrain your muscle groups all day long. Besides practicing good posture can make you look 10 pounds lighter.

o Take 10 minute breaks every hour - Studies have shown that employees are much more satisfied and productive if they take 10 minute breaks every hour. Use that time to get up, stretch, go for a brisk walk, or do some deep breathing. Oxygenating your muscles and getting the blood pumping will keep you more alert, manage stress and help to give your metabolism a boost. Three ten minute sessions are as good as one thirty minute continuous one.

The bottom line is that there will be obstacles to achieving and maintaining your desired body weight - You may encounter a plateau or unexpected life event that may thow you off track. Remember that this is all part of the process, and while you may wander temporarily you CAN get back on track the very next day!

Tips For Avoiding Water Damage

If you've ever experienced water damage, or if you know people who have, then you likely know that the aftermath of a flood or plumbing accident isn't pretty - or cheap. As with most unpleasant things, taking preventative measures to avoid water damage in the first place makes sense. Not only are most of the water damage prevention steps easy to perform, they are generally inexpensive, if not free!

Before you begin, consider some of the common causes of water damage: drips, leaks, and clogs. With these root causes in mind, inspect your house and take action! This may involve a bit of work on your part such as cleaning out rain gutters and clogged drains, and it may require a few trips to the hardware store to buy new hoses, caulk, washers, and fittings. However, your efforts are well worth doing as a simple overflow could cost you hundreds of dollars in water damage mop up costs and repairs.

Dealing with Drips
While drips and leaks are similar, let's address them separately. When inspecting your home for drips, use your sense of hearing as you inspect the following areas:

o Sinks, including the faucet as well as the plumbing underneath the sink
o Any appliances with hoses such as washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters, and dishwashers. Pay attention to heating and air conditioning systems as well as these systems produce water and often have hoses leading to drip pans or drains.
o Any area with exposed plumbing. This includes basements, crawl spaces, unfinished sections of your garage, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and outdoor areas such as hose bibs and exposed sprinkler lines.

Look for signs of water and listen for the telltale sign of drips. Sometimes the repair is as simple as tightening a water valve while other repairs may require new fittings, hoses, or washers. Replace any hoses that show signs of deterioration such as brittle washing machine hoses.

Dealing with Leaks
Like drips, you'll find leaks in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other areas where water lines run. However, leaks can be more difficult to detect. After all, a slow leak may not make a drip, drip, drip sound. In fact, the leak can be well hidden, slowly causing damage. Look for signs of water leaks by inspecting areas around windows and appliances for signs of moisture. You may notice damp carpet, water stains, or mildew. Basement leaks and seepage are also common, so be sure to check your basement, using your sense of smell as you search for signs of water damage.

Repairing leaks can be as simple as caulking a leaking window or replacing a leaking pipe. Ignoring leaks almost always leads to further damage.

Dealing with Clogs
Clogs are responsible for water damage due to overflows. After all, if a drain is clogged, water has nowhere to go. Typical areas to clean and maintain for preventing clogs include:

o Sump pump drains
o Rain gutters
o Toilets
o Kitchen disposals
o Sinks and tubs
o Outdoor drains
o Laundry drains

Regularly inspect drains and gutters and clean out the gunk as needed. Use a plumbing snake to clear clogged pipes and keep a toilet plunger handy for clogged toilets.

These are easy water damage prevention steps that you can take today to prevent costly water damage cleanup and repair costs tomorrow.

Limited Resources - Maximum Performance

Resources in a computer system are limited. All the concurrently running processes have to share these resources and memory adequately and efficiently. If too many processes run at the same time, then the system is deemed to perform poorly. Also, if not too many processes are active, there may be processes running in the background that may hinder the optimum utilization of resources. To deal with the background processes, one has to focus on the Windows registry and the startup menu. Some of the installed programs are designed to load themselves at the time of Windows startup. The information regarding this is stored in the registry. These programs drain the resources and the computer runs slow.

The programs that load at the startup are usually the anti-virus programs or OS based tools. They need to be used as often as the operating system loads itself. Even if a person seldom makes use of these programs, they still consume that precious little memory and gradually force the computer to behave absurdly and poorly. Unnecessary utilization of resources affects the overall performance as well.

There are many registry fixers and cleaners available for download that can help manage the startup tools. You can check/uncheck any program you want or do not want to load automatically on start-up. You can think of it as a manual startup of the Windows. The user interface of the registry cleaners is also kept as simple as possible for better understanding. You do not need to delete or uninstall the programs, but you can just have them removed from the startup line of the operating system. You can have a better command over your tools and can decide your computer's performance all by yourself. Just keep the registry clean and improve your computer's performance to the hilt.