This is a great recipe to try if you don’t normally like meatloaf. It is really amazing and it is so easy to make! You will need;
2lbs Ground beef
1C Bread crumbs (seasoned or unseasoned)
3 Large Eggs
1 Chopped/diced yellow onion
1TParsley
1/4 C Ketchup
Topping
Make this to taste and cover meatloaf. It is just a 50/50 mix. This is how I like it (a little sweeter).
1/2 C Brown sugar
1/2 C Ketchup
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together and place in a large bread loaf pan. Mix toppings in separate bowl and pour then over meatloaf. Bake for 45 minutes.
Let me start off by saying, I love movies. I pretty much watch a movie every other day. So, when a new movie comes out I get excited. I don’t get a lot of free time but the time I do have is spent watching movies. For some reason, I find it very relaxing. Here are two of the movies I can’t wait to see.
Paul
I am one for a good comedy, especially when it involved a little green alien. Mix in a little animation and some hilarious punch lines and I am sold. Sign me up for AMC Fork & Screen, it is my favorite way to watch a movie these days. I am very curious to find out how this got an “R” rating…
Now, I know this movie has been out for a little while. But, for some reason this movie wasn’t at the top of my must sees list. Totally on my short list though and I can’t wait to go see it while it is still in theaters. Sci-Fi movies are hit and miss with me for some reason, but this one looks like it has a great cast and good story line. I would love to have a super-power. I better hurry before this one isn’t in theaters anymore.
Basically the best BBQ in the world. I am going to go out on a limb and say it. I eat at this place every chance I get. Sign me up for it any day. I don’t even have to look at the menu. I will take a “Smokie Joe”and an order of their ridiculous fries. If you have never been their you have to put it on your short list! They only have two locations, one in Olathe by AMC and the original location in Merriam. This is one of the place I don't tell people about because I it is a secret I like to keep. But now the word is out.
2 Freddys Steakburgers
What can I say about Freddys? Yum! They are kina like Steak and Shake mixed with Culvers? But sooo much better. They have really good steak burgers and the best hot dogs around. With such a great menu selection you will surly have options. Don’t forget to save room for desert! They have some awesome custard. freddysfrozencustard.com/
3 Boston Market
For a chain Boston Market has got it going on! Home style food that is fast. It reminds me of the holidays every time I eat there. This is one place I will change it up and order something random off the menu for my main entre. The sides however, I don’t mix up too often. Mac and cheese and their apple crisp. When I eat here, I am a happy camper. www.bostonmarket.com/
4 Hen House Salad Bar
Not a place you would think of seeing on a list like this. But seriously, if you like salads like I do, drive your car to Hen House for your next meal. The selection they have is similar to other salad bars but the quality is where you will be “wowed”. I personally love the chicken, it is seasoned to perfection and I never pass it up. www.henhouse.com
5 Orange Leaf
I would eat ice cream from here for breakfast if they were open. This is such a different type of ice cream place for you lovers. With so many selections of flavors and toppings to choose from. You get to sample the different flavors and mix and match what ever you want. If I had to pick one flavor, which I don’t, I would pick the fat free frozen yogurt with raspberries. Thank you Orange Leaf for opening up more locations!orangeleafyogurt.com/
You don’t have to spend top-dollar out at a quiet, candle-lit restaurant to have a romantic date. Why not create an intimate mood in your apartment? Read on for fun dating ideas to try inside your own four walls.
Bring on the creative courses When we cook at home, we often have just enough time and energy to prepare one-dish meals, or perhaps a meat/protein and a side dish or two. Preparing a more lavish meal to share in courses is a special treat, and your date will appreciate the special effort. If he or she has a favorite dish (salmon? steak?), use that in the main course and get creative with your appetizer, soup or salad, and dessert. You might want to experiment with a new recipe for one of the courses, but choose dishes that you’re more experienced with making for the rest of the meal.
In the dark There is an interesting trend in some eateries to host dining in total darkness. The experience is meant to heighten senses of taste and smell, so that food is enjoyed without the distraction of sight. Though it might prove a little messy, why not try the same concept for an apartment dinner? You and your date can each prepare dishes ahead of time and keep them covered. When the lights are out, you can unveil each one at the table and enjoy the surprise of what the other has made to share. Expect some interesting conversation as you marvel at how unexpected the flavors are when enjoyed in the dark.
Dinner and a movie, at home Have fun creating an alternate universe for an evening. Themed dates bring together food and entertainment. How about BBQ and Westerns, Chinese food and kung fu, sushi and samurais, or Italian food and Fellini? You can even add decorations to go with your theme, such as Chinese lanterns, Italian travel posters, or cowboy hats.
Stargazing indoors If you’re like many apartment dwellers, stargazing isn’t exactly easy to do, with city lights and surrounding buildings competing with starlight. Try this romantic date idea: buy glow-in-the-dark star stickers and create your own ceiling constellations. You can assemble the best-known ones or create your own heavenly palette. Along with star shapes, you might also use glowing hearts or images that represent your date’s hobbies. Try to get it as dark as possible in your apartment, then spread a blanket on the floor. Unpack your picnic basket and enjoy the night sky in your own living room!
Think beyond the white tablecloth and candle: you can create a romantic date in your apartment by listening to music or old radio shows, playing truth or dare, or sharing stories. Be creative and see if some of these dating ideas inspire ideas of your own. Most of all, have fun on your at-home date!
When winter weather hits and temperatures start to drop outside, your apartment will get chilly, as well. Use these tips to help prepare your apartment for winter, and protect yourself from the cold.
Reverse ceiling fans Running your ceiling fan in reverse in your apartment can keep you more comfortable in winter weather. Since hot air rises, your ceiling fan can push that warmer air back down onto you. Just flip the switch on your ceiling fan. If it’s in reverse, you’ll see the blades going counterclockwise when you look up at it.
Help your heating system An efficient heating system will cost you less. As you prepare for winter, you will want your HVAC system to run smoothly and efficiently. Apartment management should take care of scheduling appropriate, regular inspections of important equipment. (You might inquire with management when your unit’s system was last assessed.)
You can also help your heating system to work more efficiently by wrapping your hot water heater in a special blanket. Available at home improvement stores, hot water heater blankets run about $15 and insulate a heater to improve its efficiency — that’s a pretty big deal considering that nearly 14 percent of your energy costs go towards providing hot water.
Winterize the fireplace Turning the thermostat down and cranking up a warm fire can save you big bucks on heating bills. Your apartment fireplace should be number one on the list of amenities to check as you prepare for winter.
When you first use the fireplace, pay close attention to ventilation. If you notice smoke in the air or a strong smell of smoke, you might inquire with your apartment community manager about the process for having your fireplace inspected.
If you do not plan to use your apartment fireplace, make sure the damper (a piece of metal that keeps out cold air) is securely closed. Prep for zone heating Think about where you spend the most time in your apartment, and purchase heaters to keep those areas comfortable. Zone heating gadgets might include an electric blanket, a space heater, or a towel warmer — any device that allows you to focus heat where you need it, instead of using extra energy to warm a larger space.
Close off infrequently used areas Why should your laundry room have to be as toasty as your living room? Keep infrequently-used rooms and closets closed off during winter weather so that your heater can work more efficiently.
Insulate windows Window insulation kits use shrink-wrap plastic sheeting to seal off drafts. This inexpensive investment could end up saving you money during a cold winter. Adding heavy drapery around your windows also cuts heating costs.
Have maintenance plug up gaps Windows aren’t the only drafty places in your pad. Check for cracks and gaps on the outside of your apartment near windows and also inside your unit around outlets and doors. Check with maintenance staff to caulk any large leaks. You can also purchase door draft stoppers to help stop cold air from seeping in through cracks.
Set the thermostat If you’ve got a programmable thermostat, prepare for winter by setting it to heat your home only during the hours you’re there. It’s much cheaper to turn the thermostat down during the day when you’re at work and back up when you get home, rather than keeping your apartment warm 24/7.
Turning the thermostat down just three degrees can save you money. That’s why utility companies recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees. Even if you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you can still save money by adjusting your thermostat manually each day.
Check smoke detectors Check your smoke detectors when you prepare for winter. While you’re at it, make sure your fire extinguisher is in working order, as well. Heating for winter potentially increases indoor fire hazards, so checking these devices now is a good idea.
Winterize yourself Instead of turning up your thermostat, make yourself more comfortable with warm clothing. When it’s cold outside, dress appropriately for the weather. And get the right indoor garb for winter weather, too: sweat pants, slippers, warm pajamas, and a blanket for the couch.
Before you make any major changes to your apartment, of course, check your lease and talk to your apartment property manager to ensure you are not breaking any apartment community regulations.
Remember that a few small, inexpensive changes can help you stay comfortable and potentially save you money this winter.
Post from Apartment Guide Newsletter www.apartmentguide.com
Black Friday bargain hunters beware. There's a good chance you won't score that doorbuster deal you've set your heart on.
Retail experts say the annual hype and hoopla that surrounds Black Friday also masks some nasty surprises.
The most painful: The crushed hopes of hundreds of midnight shoppers, who camped outside for hours in the cold hoping to score a 40-inch LCD HDTV for under $500, only to later learn that the store had four in stock.
That's one harsh — but all too common — example of a Black Friday reality that shoppers need to know about before they map out their shopping warplan, said Edgar Dworsky, consumer advocate and editor of Consumer World.
But there are many more. Here's a sampling of Black Friday secrets that CNNMoney.com has flagged for deal hunters:
Limited supplies: Read the fine print on the Black Friday circulars.
Most doorbuster deals — especially those on big-ticket items like HDTVs and washer-dryer combos — are in very limited supplies, often only four to six units per store.
So unless you are among the first six on line before stores open on Black Friday for those deals, you're pretty much out of luck.
Retailers use these juicy deals to entice shoppers into their store, that's when the switcheroo happens. Even if you didn't score the bargain you wanted, sellers hope that since you are already there, you'll probably grab some other deals instead.
HDTV deals. Is it the standard model, or a 'derivative?' Some of the holiday electronics with those low sale prices are products with fewer features than a standard model in that product line.
The difference can be subtle and most consumers probably won't even notice, said Dworsky.
Dworsky points out a Samsung 40-inch LCD HDTV for under $500 that has appeared as a doorbuster deal on several retailers' Black Friday circular.
"That model doesn't appear on Samsung's web site. Maybe it was made just for Black Friday," he said. Another red flag, the deal on that TV just lists the deal price and not the regular price of the model.
The lesson for shoppers: Do your own research and check the specifications on those discounted HDTVs.
A Samsung spokesperson was not immediately available to comment for this story.
Avoid bad bling. Jewelry is always a sought-after deal on Black Friday. But experts say consumers should keep some tips in mind before buying their bling this year.
Because of surging gold commodity prices, jewelry manufacturers are paying much more for the precious metal than last year. So one way that jewelers are keeping their own costs, and retail prices down reasonable for consumers, is by selling more gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry.
Many advertised deals on gold jewelry will use phrased such as "gold-filled" or "gold-overlay." This is not the same as solid gold, said Kevin Adkins, a graduate gemologist.
"When you see those terms, know that you're buying silver with a plate of gold coating over it," said Adkins.
If the price is too good to be true on that diamond set, then it probably is. "I saw an online deal for a 1-carat diamond cocktail ring for $431.40. A 1-carat ring sells at least for $1,000," he said.
His advice: Ask about the four C's — cut, clarity, carat and color — before buying diamond jewelry and always check return and refund policies on Black Friday deals.
Which Black Friday deals are online? Many retailers will say that their Black Friday in-store deals are available online but they won't tell you which ones, said Dworsky.
"So do I run out and stand on line all night or gamble on the computer all night?" said Dworsky.
The other annoyance with retailers' Black Friday online deals, he said, is that many sellers don't tell you what time the web deals kick in. "Is it just before midnight, at midnight or at the same time that the stores open?" he said.
Don't assume a "price match" policy. Many retailers who typically follow a price-match policy during the year may drop it for the Black Friday shopping weekend.
Again, carefully read fine print on the Black Friday circulars to see which retailers will match the lowest prices on an identical product and which sellers explicitly say the policy will not be in effect.
When winter weather hits and temperatures start to drop outside, your apartment will get chilly, as well. Use these tips to help prepare your apartment for winter, and protect yourself from the cold.