Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This is a delicious recipe.  I have tried it out a few times and it is always amazing.  If you enjoy mushrooms, it is wonderful with a topping (or side) of mushrooms.  Yum!

Ingredients:
4 cups of cooked egg noodles
1 pound of skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
2 cups of trimmed lean ham into small pieces
1 can of lowered-fat cream of chicken soup
5 slices of reduced-salt Swiss cheese
1 cup of bread crumbs
Spray butter or oil
Cooking spray

Directions:
1. First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Spray a 13 × 9 inch baking pan with cooking spray.  Combine the chicken, ham, noodles, and soup in a large bowl.
3. Put half of the noodle mixture in the pan.
4. Places swiss cheese slices on top of the noodle mixture in the pan in one layer.
5. Place the rest of the noodle mixture on top of the cheese slices and smooth it down.
6. Sprinkle the top with bread crumbs. Then spray the top with spray butter or oil.
7. Bake for 35 minutes. The casserole should be hot and bubbly.

It should make about eight servings.

Enjoy!!

Supportive of Healthy Heating?

So it's reading week right now for me.  I decided to visit my parents for a few days.  My parents and I don't always see eye to eye on things and we really don't have the same interests.  But it was my dad's birthday and I did have a few days off (and they said they actually wanted to see me) so I figured, why not!

Last night, I got there in time for supper.  We had homemade macaroni and cheese for supper which is definitely not part of my healthy eating.  But it's just one supper, I am only there for a few suppers anyway.  Not a big deal.  I had a small portion of it.  Then for dessert, we had some pie for my dad's birthday.  I asked for half a piece so I didn't have a lot of it.  But my sister made it, so of course I will have some of it.  Then my mom got my dad eclair donuts.  Extremely unhealthy, on so many levels!  So of course I didn't have any.  Then they wanted to make me a milkshake.  I declined and said that perhaps I would have one the next day.  Then they were watching TV at night and they had some chips out.  I declined those as well.

I'm not sure that visiting my parents house is very good for my weight or health.  I don't mind having snacks from time to time.  I do love sweets.  But that much?  In one evening?  It was a good thing I hadn't eaten anything unhealthy earlier that day (I had just had some fruits and an egg).

Even better - tonight they want to have pizza!  The pizza they want though is a really delicious kind of pizza.  So I'm planning to allow myself for some pizza for supper.  I almost guarantee that they will come home with some pop (soda) as well ... which I will definitely not be having (unless it's diet, then I may have a glass).  I think I'll make up a healthy Caesar salad to go with the pizza though.

I am just realizing that it is so much easier to be healthy on my own!  I can only eat what I buy.  And I just avoid the unhealthy foods.  The only unhealthy foods I really have is homemade cookies and stuff.  I really love homemade cookies and other sweets like that.  So I allow myself to have those at home.

I'm just kind of venting now - how annoying it is to come home to the unhealthiness.  I do intend to make supper tomorrow night for the family.  It will be healthy! It will not be greasy pizza or cheesy macaroni and cheese or anything like that.  I think I'll go for a walk today though ...

What Are You Living For?

Really, what is your purpose? Why are you here? I know, difficult questions.
I have absolutely no clue why I’m here. What good am I supposed to do with my life? I’m not exactly powerful or influential or anything. I’m just me, a regular young adult who doesn’t know what the reason for her existence is.

I would like to find out. But how do you even do that? I really, really wish that I had a passion for something. Then maybe I’d feel more together with my life. Instead of how I am now.

It’s just … I should have a goal. I feel like I’m lost or something. I need someone to lead me. I want to know what I should accomplish.

How can I help people? How can I do something? I don’t know how. But I want to know. I want someone to tell me!

It's Feeling Like Spring!

Okay, so I know spring doesn't technically start until the middle of March. But, in the middle of February, it is starting to feel like spring!

This past week, I haven't had to bundle on the mittens, hat, scarf, winter coat, and boots. It has been so nice!

I am one of those people who loves the warm weather (not hot - just nice and warm!). I love being able to just sit outside, even if I have to wear a sweater. But in jeans, a t-shirt, and a sweater. That's so nice. I hate the freezing cold weather! It's so brrrr ... not fun! It is just such a relief after the cold winter.

It is also so pretty outside. With the flowers growing. And starting your garden. Okay, I don't have a garden, but I want to have one!

I want spring to come even faster now!

Hating The Love of Valentine's Day

A lot of people are anti-Valentine's Day because it's just a big marketing hype for stores to get money. I've heard all that before. So a lot of people just don't celebrate it.

But I really don't see what's wrong with celebrating a day of love. You don't have to spend a lot of money to show someone that you love them. Am I going to spend a lot of money on my boyfriend this Valentine's Day? Certainly not. I am, however, going to spend some time with him. I'm also going to give him a nice homemade card and some delicious cookies. I am sure that he will appreciate the time I spent doing both of those things. But how much money did I have to spend? Not a whole lot!

I hear of so many "anti-Valentine's Day" parties out there. For me, it just feels like hate parties. The reason I am not too fond of Valentine's Day anymore is because of these hate parties. I really don't get why everyone is hating the love. Instead of being a day for love, it's turned into a day of hate. It is like ... what has this world turned into?

Even if you don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend, there are a ton of other single people out there. You can still have a party. But make it a Valentine's Day party instead of anti-Valentine's Day. Have fun. Show your friends that you care about them (without spending money). I really don't see anything wrong with a fun, loving, caring day where you can cherish your friends, family, and significant other. Sure, you "should" do that every day - but who really does?

So for anyone attending an anti-Valentine's Day, think about it. Why hate the love?

Movie Review: No Strings Attached

I watched this movie last weekend and I have to say it is a great movie. Very funny!

First off though, I want to say my one complaint about this movie. It was rated 14A. Personally, I think it should have been rated R! It was very, very sexual and referenced both sex and drugs a lot. Neither which I would say is appropriate for a 14 year old. I would hardly want my 17 year old sister watching it!

But overall, once you get past the fact that 14 year olds just should not be watching it, it was great! In summary, there are these two friends who just use each other for sex. There is a lot of drama that goes on - friends, family, drugs, ex-girlfriends, sex, work, etc. Eventually the two of them fall in love with each other (I know, expected!) but they won't really admit it to each other. I won't go on completely because I don't want to spoil it for you but it has a very nice ending!

It is definitely a movie that I would recommend to those over the age of 18 and who want a good laugh!

Graduating From College

Right now, I'm at the stage where I'm only three months away from graduating from college. It is a very intimidating experience. Right now, I'm just thinking "what am I going to do?" I'm realizing the expenses of graduating. Right now, I'll be honest, my parents are paying for my rent. It is really nice to save that $400/month. Right now, I really only have to pay for my groceries, bus pass, tuition, books, Internet, and cell phone. Those are the main things. It really isn't that expensive when you take rent out of it. But I have a few part time jobs (yes, multiple ones!) and I'm making it through.

I am calculating how much I expect to make at a future job and the amount is just barely greater than my expenses. I cannot believe the expenses that I'm going to have! I know my rent will increase (because I plan to live in an actual apartment instead of renting a house with roommates). But besides that, how much m ore expensive will it really be?

I was actually thinking about getting a pet. A pet cat, to be more precise. I'm realizing, with the amount that I am making, that I will likely not be able to afford a cat unfortunately. Perhaps I'll be able to work up to it. I may stick with a pet fish (I already kind of have one) because they are nice to have. There are lots of other pets available though ... maybe a hamster? I used to have a hamster. That could be nice. They are not as expensive as cats!

It should be nice not to have to save up for tuition and books though. That can get fairly costly (it was over $3,000 per year for the past two years). Then books are about $100 per class ... on term, I had nine classes. The books added up!

There is just so much to deal with once I graduate. Unfortunately, my parents aren't being supportive. They don't really want me to follow my dreams. I think they just want me to stick with something basic and boring. They also expect me to earn $20/hour immediately after graduating which I really don't think will happen (okay, I guarantee it!). Perhaps they just don't understand the market out there right now. They haven't done the research on jobs ... I'm the person who has!

Anyway, I am thinking a lot about my future. I just get so nervous about it! But in three months, I will officially be a college graduate. Scary, especially since I'm only 20. Although I am looking forward to it. I might as well start working and gaining experience at this age anyway. And who knows what will happen!

January 2011's Best Songs

1. Mark Knight - Devil Walking

Doesn't this song make you want to dance? I could dance for hours and hours just from this song. Such a great beat. Definitely a club song!

2. Pitbull - Hey Baby

Another dance song. The beat - their voices - amazing. Another song that is popular in clubs and parties and for dancing. The lyrics aren't anything special, it's just the music. The chorus is just - wow!

3. Swedish House Mafia - Miami 2 Ibiza

Can you tell I like dance songs? This is another that I can't stop dancing to! The accent just makes the song incredible. I don't know why, but it does! They are known for their house music. Since I started listening to them, I haven't been disappointed! This is my new favourite of their though!

4. Britney Spears - Hold It Against Me

Okay, so I liked it the first time I heard it. But then it was on the radio *way* too much. So I got fed up with it. But you know what - it's still a really good song. Very catchy. I'm not really a Britney Spears fan but I'm definitely into this song.

5. Kesha - Blow

When aren't Kesha's songs amazing? Another one of those songs that will definitely be a hit! I absolutely love her voice. There is something different about it. And I love her style and everything. She is herself - unique, different, fun. And this song ... a lot of fun!

Six Valentine's Day Ideas

Valentine's Day is coming up - if you have a girlfriend or boyfriend, you may be under a bit of pressure. Even if you don't really celebrate Valentine's Day, I still think it's nice to do a little something. It isn't fun being the only girl (or guy) who doesn't get even a thought for Valentine's Day. So I have compiled a list of things you can do for your special someone this Valentine's Day.

Remember, for anything you do, make sure to give a card! You can buy a card or make a card, either one, but a card is always nice!

1. Homemade cookies or chocolate. It's my personal favourite. I probably suggest it too much but think it is just a great gift. First, it shows you put some time into it. And second, it's delicious! My favourite for Valentine's Day is just making regular chocolate chip cookies and putting red or pink dye in it.

2. If you really can't bake, a box of chocolates. It is more expensive than baking cookies but a box of chocolates is sweet as well.

3. An item of clothing. Depending on your significant other, it could be a t-shirt, a hoodie, boxers, lingerie, PJ set, belt, etc. You know your partner. You know what he or she would like the best.

4. A photograph (with a nice picture frame) or photo album of the two of you. Valentine's Day is a romantic day so you should emphasize the relationship, and each other, and something like this would do the trick!

5. A bottle of wine. Bring over some dinner too. The two of you can have a romantic night together!

6. If you want to splurge a little, get tickets. It could be to a concert, a play, a sports event, a romantic getaway. Something where the two of you can spend some time together (yes, make sure you buy two). If the tickets seem a bit much, remember that you would buy your half anyway! The event depends on his or her interests and, of course, your budget. But you can usually find something that your partner will find fun!

Remember - there are a gazillion options for you! Put a little bit of time into it and your partner will be happy! Make sure to spend some time with him or her on that day and enjoy yourself!

How To Make It Through Winter

Winter is my least favourite season. It is just cold and miserable outside! So here are my suggestions for activities to do during the winter!

1. Actually make use of the snow by sledding, making a snowman, or having a snowball fight.

2. Catching up on a school course that may need a bit of work.

3. Taking up a sport that can be done indoors, such as swimming, rock climbing, tennis, soccer, squash.

4. Renting movies from the library or video store, making some hot chocolate, and hanging out with your friends, family, or a special someone.

5. Take time to think of the perfect Christmas and birthday gifts for friends and family.

6. Attend a concert. There are lots of indoor ones!

7. Cheer on your local hockey team (or another sport that is popular in your town during winter).

8. No girlfriend or boyfriend? Finally sign up for online dating!

9. Have your own party. Get some good music and drinks and invite some friends over. Party it up!

10. Spa day. If you want to, actually go to a spa. Or get your friends or some family members together for a home spa kit and bonding time.

11. Try out a new cookie recipe. Chocolate chip cookies are delicious, but find a new interesting recipe!

12. Research night classes at a local college. Who knows, you may find something worth taking!

13. Spring cleaning. It can happen in winter.

14. Find a way to make a little extra cash by doing some online work.

15. Work on your resume and cover letter. Get some helpful hints online. Redo them. Also, make a portfolio.

16. Learn how to cook. And start by making healthy and tasty supper for your family.

17. Make a goal to visit every bar or pub within ten km of your house.

18. Buy an exercise DVD. Actually use it.

19. Blog!!!

Anyone else have any ideas for fun winter activities? How about your opinion on winter? Yay or nay?

What Makes Someone Beautiful?

Personally, I don't think it's all about the physical looks. I do think it plays a part but it isn't the whole thing. Someone could be very attractive looking. But if she opens her mouth and says something rude or is just mean, she isn't that beautiful anymore to me.

A beautiful person is someone who puts effort and time into both her appearance and personality. It's a mix of both.

I know plenty of people who could be beautiful if they actually tried. Both people who needed to work on their appearance and personality. Appearance isn't everything in today's society but it is a very important aspect. It isn't "one or the other" - it's both.

The traits that I find most important to being beautiful are: being healthy, dressing for your body shape, being hygienic (showering and brushing teeth), being kind to others, honesty, being friendly, helping others when needed, smiling, and confidence. I think that, together, those traits can make a truly beautiful person.

Do you agree or disagree with me? What other traits do you think a "beautiful" person would have, in your opinion? What do you think?

Prince Charming

Have you found your Prince Charming? Are you still looking for your Prince Charming? Do you believe in finding your Prince Charming? (Or Princess Charming ... but, for this post, I'm going to just say Prince Charming, to make it easier.)

Everyone has different views on this mysterious "Prince Charming". Does he exist? Is there just one? Are there three or four out there for you? What if you don't find him? What if he's on the other side of the world? What if something happens to him? What if you lose contact with him?

One of my closest friends has been searching for years for someone who is right for her. She is religious and the type of person who is waiting for "the one" before sex. Which is great for her. But the problem is, she is always looking for this guy. Never just letting it go. She is out with a different guy each day of the week. She falls in love with each one and then gets upset if something happens. Once she finally dates a guy, she is obsessive. Thinks about marrying the guy. And then, within a couple months, that guy does something that makes him not be "the one" and she breaks up with him. In my opinion, she's looking too hard and has high expectations. She's a great person for sure. But she has impossibly high standards. And she is obsessive with each guy that she thinks could possibly be the one. For her, I thinks he just needs to take it slow. When she meets a cute guy, she doesn't need to immediately go through her checklist and see if he could be her Prince Charming.

Now, let's talk about another of my closest friends. She is the complete opposite. I don't think she's ever been on a real date. She doesn't put any effort into it. She get upset that she never has a date but it's because she doesn't try at all. She never really "dresses up" or anything. Face it, wearing sweatpants and baggy sweaters isn't exactly the way to get noticed. Going out of your way doesn't have to happen all the time either. But there is a happy medium. Nice jeans, a cute top, a bit of make up, it can go a long way. But this girl just doesn't do any of that. She expects a guy to come to her. How does she expect to meet a guy like that? She doesn't meet guys or talk to guys. She doesn't do anything to find a guy. She thinks her Prince Charming is just going to magically appear. Chances of that happening? In my opinion, very slim.

Let's have another example. I have a guy friend who has never really had a girlfriend before. He is so shy. He, like the second girl I mentioned, thinks that this girl is just going to come flying out at him. Bam - she will just be there. I can't seem to convince him that just won't happen. He doesn't seem to believe me. He just complains about not having a girlfriend. Well, he could, if he made any effort. Went out to meet girls.

Last but not least, I'll give an example of a guy that I used to know (about a year ago). Right now, he's seeing a girl. Things are going great. They have been seeing each other for about a month so far. Knowing him, I predict that she will break up with him in another one to three months because he is too obsessive. He gets serious too fast. He immediately starts thinking that she is "the one" and he will plan their future and everything. Not everyone wants to move that fast.

To all of these people, they wonder why they can't really find anyone who it works out with. Yet they don't listen to me when I give them answers (or try to help). What do you do? I mean, sure, they will probably all find someone and get married. But I feel like they are just approaching it the wrong way. Eventually (who knows ... maybe ten or twenty years!) they will get married. Great. But for now, they are going through this heart break and sadness. Because they want Prince Charming. Or "the one". And maybe he / she is not going to just exist.

What are your opinions on "Prince Charming" or "the one"? Are you searching for him/her? Do you have any friends who have an "odd" way off attempting to find this person? It is something that most young adults go through ... but everyone feels it differently.