What Do We Want?! FREEBIES!!!

Freebies! Who doesn't love them?!

Nothing in life is truly free. Some free things require a little, some require a lot. The freebies I love come from my friends at Influenster. The only requirement is that I share my observations with YOU! You, too, can receive complimentary items for testing and sharing.

Honeywell Humidifier

In my most recent #voxbox I received a Honeywell Humidifier just in time for Christmas! Shortly before Christmas, my sister woke up one morning with a nosebleed. I told her it was time to take out the Honeywell!

It's been more than a week since Christmas and we haven't experienced anymore nosebleeds! The wintery air here in the California desert can get a little nippy in the evenings prompting the heater to be cranked up.

I think the Honeywell Humidifier has created a nice balance in the atmosphere and it is lovely. Thanks Influenster and Honeywell!

Influenster

Check out Influenster.com to see which #voxbox promotions you'll qualify for. There and dozens of categories and products sampled, tested, and shipped for free! The social community at Influenster discuss topics on:

• Hair Care, Eye/Facial Makeup; 
• Personal Care, Wellness;
• Entertainment;
• Phones;
• Video Games and Consoles;
• Cat and Dog Supplies;
• Office Supplies;
• and More!

If you have a social media influence, visit Influenster.com and participate!

It's fast! It's fun and it's FREE!

by Michelle Brown

#HumidifyMe #Influenster #freebies #free 

Suge Knight Goes The Way of OJ Simpson - Sooner or Later, You're a Goner

I'm telling ya'll living in Hollywood ain't no joke, even when Hollywood meets Compton. INTERESTING! We regularly dine in places with celebs like Suge Knight and I'm certainly glad the fuckery was kept to a minimum at our dining establishment that night.

We met Suge Knight at the Twin Dragon Shanghai Cuisine located on the cusp of Beverly Hills. He seemed to be nice enough even though he was trying to push up on my daughter. Who wouldn't though? She is a hottie. She is my heart.

It's sad to see all of Suge Knight's bad dealings coming back  to haunt him. We can't know for sure if Suge really hung guys over balconies to get deals. Who's to say if rumors of Suge Knight's involvement with Tupac Shakur's murder are true. Who knows?

Whatever Suge Knight did to the universe is certainly coming back to bite that ass! Like OJ Simpson decades ago. I believe he did it and got away - the first time. Now OJ is serving time in prison because he put some funky ass energy into the universe. Remember kids - "wherever YOU go, there YOU are..."

This is sad to see how the choices we make will manifest into present circumstance and Suge Knight had different options. Better options. But alas, Suge chose "The OJ Simpson Route" for $1600.

Here is the video of Suge Knight at Tam's Burgers in Compton on that fatal day. View at your own risk!

From Mystery Shopping to Self Employed

Millions of people dream of working for themselves and striking it rich. I had that dream, too! I'm half way there. I am a self employed field services professional and it all started with mystery shopping!

Free Time in Hollywood

Living in Los Angeles, with Hollywood right in my back yard, is the business! Since I am self employed, I can arrange my schedule to take advantage of the great opportunities in my lovely town. I don't have to request permission or fill out a request-for-leave form. I don't have to inform my boss. I do, however, have to make up the time.

When you are young in your business, chances are you wear many hats. You have to be the business development person, the legal person, the secretary, the president, the worker and the staff! That is a lot of juggling and scheduling. It's no wonder that I'm half off my rocker, at times. But, I seem to get'er done! Could I do better? Of course I could do better, and I will! What about you?

Will you be the same person this time next year? Or, will you have taken charge of your life. Will you start saying "no" to the things and people who don't have to be a priority in your life?

Not everyone deserves to be in a front row seat of your life story.

Today is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life

I make it a point to be someone new this time next year. I didn't stop at mystery shopping. I looked for other opportunities that I could do as an independent contractor. I've taken photos for extra cash. I became a merchandiser for extra cash, slinging and straightening newspapers. I've traveled to different states for work. The work was plentiful like a gold rush, so I headed for the hills of North Carolina. I lived in Florida.



Now that I've taken up residence back in my adopted hometown of Los Angeles, I'm successfully working my field services business and enjoying the amenities, too! I didn't guest host on #TheRealDaytime, but maybe some day. I have the time!

Check me and my girls out on The Real on Monday, March 9th. Channel 11 @ 3pm on the West coast.

Thanks for reading and sharing.

by Michelle Brown

Quick Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe With Sesame Ginger Dressing

Sesame Ginger Dressing

1 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 c. rice wine vinegar
1/4 c. Bragg's Liquid Aminos (or your favorite soy sauce)
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp minced ginger

Salad

2 c. shredded cole slaw mix
1/2 c. fresh bean sprouts
1/4 c. sliced red bell pepper
1 tbsp sliced almonds
1/2 c. cooked, chopped chicken
1/4 c. mandarin pieces (optional)

Garnish

green onion sliced on the diagonal
sesame seeds
crispy chow mein noodles

Directions

1. Whisk together dressing ingredients and set aside;
2. Mix salad ingredients;

3. Drizzle Sesame Ginger dressing and toss;
4. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onion, and chow mein noodles;
5. Serve and enjoy!

More FREEBIES!

Who does not absolutely love FREEBIES? I know I do. I also enjoy sharing my opinions with others.  As a member of Influenster, I can do both!

Check out this box of full sized freebies I received from Influenster! I received all of this for FREE!

 #Rimmel eyeliner;

 #SugarPlum NYC New York Color;

 #LoveMyEcoHairBrush;

 #McCormickGourmet Thyme;

 #CelestialTea Candy Cane Flavored For The Holidays;

 Fruit Vines with a  #SweetSide;

 #GetADVANCED with Boots No7 Protect & Perfect ADVANCED Serums.

What is Influenster

Influenster is a community of trendsetters, social media hotshots, and educated consumers who live to give opinions of products and experiences. Influensters meet to learn about new products from national brands as well as review the products they already use in their day-to-day lives!

What Do I Get For FREE?!

Sign up with Influenster and you can enjoy:

•        Interactive Twitter chats with celebrities and in-the-know experts;
•        Complimentary full-size products to test and review;
•        Contests and earn giveaways;
•        Special discounts on featured brands, services, and more!

Member Rewards

All Influenster asks of members is to share their opinions with their friends & followers on social media! Flex your social media influence and earn rewards. Get rewarded with discounts for the Social Impact you hold.

Are you active and social media savvy? I must be pretty savvy because I’ve now received two FREE VoxBox(es).

This was my first:

Sign up now.

Give direct feedback to brands you love and claim ongoing VoxPerk offers.

Go on, take a look around @ Influenster.com


FREE is always fantastic to me!

by Michelle Brown

#freebies #free #voxbox #influenster

Free Designer Clothes!

Would you like a great bargain?

How about Free Designer Clothes?!

Who doesn't love the smell and taste of FREE...?

I know I love bargains and I love freebies. 

I scored these Steve Madden Ankle Strap Pumps for - you guessed it - absolutely FREE! 

Follow these simple steps to get your free designer clothes:

• Visit Liked Twice and sign up to receive $10 store credit; 
• Install the app on your iPhone to receive another $10 store credit;
• Install the app on your iPad and you will receive an additional $10 store credit; (That’s a whopping $30 in store credit!) 
• Watch a quick video and receive 50% off of your first purchase

That is how I got these hot Steve Maddens for the low, low price of FREE!

Zero. Zilch. Nada.

Listed Price: $35 Half off for video: $17 + $4.95 (shipping) = $22.95 

Using $30 store credit leaves us with $7.05 in store credit and some hot Steve Madden pumps for absolutely FREE! 

Refer your friends and receive more credit! 

Free designer clothes at Liked Twice!

It’s fun! It’s easy. It’s FREE!

by Michelle Brown

#designerclothes #free #freebies #stevemadden #pumps #likedtwice

The First Step in Successful Mystery Shopping

First Things First…

If you take any steps toward becoming a mystery shopper, the first step should be getting yourself a dedicated email and password for this venture.

Sure dozens of emails requesting your services sound nice but it can become overwhelming QUICKLY. Plus when those schedulers and account managers come calling or emailing, as it were, you want the bigger bucks.

In addition to higher paying mystery shops,  my field services contracts can yield up to $130, each. I got started with a list like The Hot New Mystery Shopping List. Fifteen years ago I began mystery shopping with a hot new mystery shopping list and today I've successfully made a career for myself as a field services professional.

Just as we all stand around the proverbial water cooler and dream about working for ourselves, I did that too. I dreamed of working from home or working for myself then I took a leap. I leaped with faith in myself.

You Must Crawl Before You Walk…

It didn't happen overnight. I used mystery shopping as a springboard to a lucrative and  sustainable full time job. I have a full time job, with part time hours. I am self employed as a field services professional.

Now that my break is over it's back to this deluge of email. It seems that I found out about the dedicated email TOO LATE!

I've been mystery shopping for years upon years but the industry has changed. With a few swift clicks you too could be sifting through tasty offers. You, too, could be getting paid for shopping and dining.  Amusement parks and hotels use mystery shoppers, too!

TIP: Applying to more companies gives you more opportunities. Mystery shopping companies all over the United States are looking for people like YOU! Apply to five companies per night for a week and you can pick and choose the mystery shops that suit your fancy!

Field services contracts worth more than one hundred dollars a pop might be the penacle of my craft, but I also enjoy the mystery shops for (free) oil changes and quick flamed pizza in my neighborhood.

Try The Hot New Mystery Shopping List today. Earn extra cash next month!

Apply to several companies tonight and prepare for the avalanche tomorrow. Results will vary according to needs in your city and surrounding areas.

My primary email address with AOL is chock full of mystery shopping requests for services. However, my dedicated email for my work at home ventures is Google Gmail. As a bonus, Google+ has a pretty cool social circle.

So, REMEMBER the first step in SUCCESSFUL mystery shopping is to get a dedicated mystery shopping address.

Get a dedicated mystery shopping  gmail address and add me to your Google+ circle at The Field Services Diary on Google+.

Thanks for reading and sharing! Happy Shopping!

by Michelle Brown

#mysteryshopping #workathome #gmail #googleplus #thefieldservicesdiary

Freebies - Full Sized Freebies From Influenster - FREE to Join

Would you like to receive FREE full-sized beauty, health, and food brands delivered right to your front door?

Who is Influenster?

Influenster is a community of trendsetters, social media hotshots, and educated consumers who live to give opinions of products and experiences.

What does Influenster do?

Influensters meet to learn about new products from national brands as well as review the products they already use in their day-to-day lives!

As a member, you can participate in exclusive rewards campaigns, such as:

• VoxBox campaigns - receive complimentary full-size products to test and review;
• Interactive Twitter chats with celebrities and in-the-know experts;
• Fun contests where members can earn giveaways;
• Special discounts on featured brands, services, and more!

Check out my last VoxBox that was packed with FREE full sized products: My VoxBox

There is a new destination on Influenster.com called The Hub, which showcases articles written by the top members of our blogosphere community. Get the inside scoop on products: tips & tricks, testimonials, top picks and more at The Hub.

In return, all Influenster asks of members is to share their opinions with their friends & followers on social media!

Flex your social media influence and earn rewards. Sign up now to give direct feedback to brands you love and claim ongoing VoxPerk offers, rewarding you with discounts for the Social Impact you hold.

Are you active and social media savvy?

Go on, take a look around @ Influenster.com

Free is always fun and tastier to me!

BE INjoy!

by Michelle Brown

Work at Home - Freebies!

Who doesn't love, Love, LOVE FREEBIES? You know, Free stuff, twofers, coupons, and great deals. Working at home allows me time to do things that I like and I like FREEBIES and the internet! That's where YOU win. I've been fluent in internet since the 1990's. I pride myself on knowing my way around this camp. People are always looking for part time jobs, extra or quick cash and FREEBIES! I've often come across these opportunities and would like to share one with you today. Introducing - Influenster

After signing up and creating a profile, I was chosen to receive a complimentary #VitaVoxBox for testing. I've been so exposed, I often don't qualify for panels anymore. Much to my surprise, I got one! You should get yours too!

Now, what was in my Box? It was filled with cool, yummy stuff. Not dry and boring stuff that I'd never use. The absolute best thing in my Box was the Softlips Cube. OMG. My lips were so moist and lip smackingly tasty! The Softlips Vanilla Bean Cube is the Bomb.com! The round, exposed "stick" was amazing and fun to use! I'm zeroing in on a paddle tennis partner and it's warm and sunny here in Los Angeles. I can't wait to #GetCubed with my Softlips Vanilla Bean Cube!


Also in my Box was some Pure Leaf Iced Tea. That was very tasty. I found the iced tea refreshing in that it was lightly sweetened, with a fresh brewed and full, rich flavor. I like black tea, red tea, and green tea. I enjoy both hot tea and iced tea. I suppose you could say that have a  #loveofleaves. Pleased again!


If you didn't know already, I enjoy cooking and occasionally will burn myself. Also in my Box was some First Degree Advanced Burn Cream. Not only is it good for burns from cooking and grilling, but from hot beauty tools, as well! I know you ladies suffer a little to be as BEAUTYful as you are! I don't use hot beauty tools, but I do get down in the kitchen. I'll keep my First Degree Advanced Burn Cream handy because #BurnsHappen.

Energy and protection also came in my Box. When I get ready to smash my opponent (any takers?) out there on the paddle tennis court, I'll have my extra energy with the Bikini Ready Energy Gummies. I've always liked gummies. NOW I can enjoy gummies that are great tasting B-12 vitamin supplements for a quick energy booster. Let's see if the Bikini Ready Energy Gummies  and paddle tennis will get me a #bikinireadylifestyle by next summer!

The Playtex Sport Fresh Balance with Odor Shield is designed to neutralize odor on and off the court. It's specifically designed for Sport Level Protection allowing me to #PlayOn. 

Since I'll be a Grand Ma Ma soon, I want to maintain a youthful appearance for as long as I can. Enter the Elizabeth Arden #FlawlessFuture skin serum. I do look forward to feeling the Ceramide Caplets bursting with richness on my face when I smooth it in. I apply in an upward and outward motion from my chin up. That's how I work on my jowls when I moisturize.  How do you moisturize? How do you apply? Leave me a comment below.

What an awesome Box, right? It was jam packed with cool and useful items. You may not work at home (start here with The Hot New Mystery Shopping List), but if you like deals, coupons, and FREEBIES, check out Influenster.com.  You can thank me later!

BE Injoy!

by Michelle Brown

Working From Home and Being Self Employed - *Good* Time Management Skills Needed

Having good time management skills is a must if you plan to be successful as a self employed Field Services Professional working from home.

As I plan my schedule for the next few days, slating a full day for office work and phone calls isn't particularly feasible at this time. It is sad to say that the only time my phone rings, pretty much, it's work. That could be a good thing or it could be a bad thing. The bad thing is that my #Framily doesn't call me much. I guess that stands to reason since I don't call them much, either! The good thing is that my phone does ring, regularly.

Good time management has always been a struggle for me. That is one reason me and Corporate America couldn't get along. I mean, who likes to rush through lunch in ONE hour? I found it hard to do on a consistent basis. #NOW, I have so much work to complete that sometimes I eat lunch late or not at all! That can be a good thing or it can be a bad thing, but my diet while working in the field is another post.

Being self employed is not as glamorous as some may think. Have you ever seen a one-man band? They look a little funny, but they skillfully orchestrate all of their tools and instruments to form entertaining sounds. Often times, owning a small business means you will be wearing many  hats, using different tools and instruments. Good time management skills are a set of tools any good business would benefit from.

I'm learning that I can complete sketches and enter reports better in the morning time. I believe my creative time is during the evening. At that time my thoughts flow easily and creatively. It is in the evening when I am of no use performing left brain activities. However, in the Field Services business, planning, mapping and routing the night before are recommended. I should walk the walk.

I have been introduced to a broad concept of batching all of my activities so that I can get more done. I purchased a nifty planner from Office Depot with weekly and monthly templates. #NOW I must determine what's important for me to do daily, weekly, and monthly. I must say that my #Framily is high on the list, however one must establish boundaries and find a happy medium. Being able to hang out and commune with my #Framily any day, any hour is a dreamy benefit. Not having to ask permission from anyone is one of the greatest benefits of being self employed.

I look forward to filling my new planner with great accomplishments, giving myself checks and stars for tasks completed. It'll look nice and feel good, too. Everyone needs a stroke of the ego, every now and then. Sometimes you have to toot your own horn. Don't expect anyone else to do it for you! In addition, I look forward to seeing, in black and white, my growth and accomplishments. The year is going to pass, anyway. Will you be the same person this time next year? I plan to be bigger (in spirit) and better! How about you?

Is time management one of your strong skills? I work on my time management daily. Well, regularly. Ok I work on my time management skills often; when I have time, that is. Boy I'll tell you, it's a vicious cycle. 

by Michelle Brown

Working From Home and Being Self Employed - A Thin Line Between Love and Hate

Of all the things I love about working from home and being self employed, filing taxes and the IRS are THE worst! I sure look forward to seeing how the universe will work this out for me. I’ll have to come up with a different strategy for the upcoming years, cause this one ain’t working!

Not only did my company earn $70K in year two, but I was able to secure work for friends and family, or "Framily" as some might say. How would you like to drive around YOUR neighborhood, and beyond, collecting data and photographs? Can you submit an online report with 10, 15, or 20 questions? That's part of my job that's pretty easy, but then I have to put on my "Accountant's Hat". That is where I fail miserably. I must admit that I'm a graduate school drop-out, due to Business Math. Sigh.

To date, I am still dealing with and reeling from the treatment by the IRS.  It only takes numerous letters, but ONE bank account seizure for the IRS to get your attention. Well, to get my attention, as it were. The IRS got tired of asking nicely, so they did what they had to do – they TOOK their coins!

Next time, I should just pay my PI… up front! Can you say, "Bitch betta have my money?"  I owe, I owe, so it's off to work I go!

Working from home does not give one a free pass. Working from home means just that - work. Be it 5am, 5pm, or midnight, work must be done and I (you) must do it. 

Now let me gather myself so I can get 'er done! 

by Michelle Brown

+workfromhome +self-employed +irs +taxes

Power Walking For Exercise

Power walking for exercise has long been my "go to" exercise. I used to frequent 24 Hour Fitness to enjoy the aqua aerobics classes, but have fallen off. I wanted to purchase a bicycle, but that hasn't come to pass. Power walking is the next best thing! 

"What is power walking?" you might ask. Power walking is walking at a brisk pace and swinging your arms that are bent at the elbows. Swing with full range and motion. Remember to breath in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. 

Have you ever race walked? We did as kids. We race walked to see who could get to the dinner table first - walking without running! Try it with your kids for fun.

The best three things about my power walk this morning:

• Accomplishing a goal: I've put myself in an arena with some amazing women and I must prove myself, to myself. I am now a contributor to an online women's magazine that will debut soon. I can't get shown up. This is like "The Hunger Games" so to speak. We all come from various backgrounds, have different priorities and ideals, and all want to win, in our own right. A wise old prophet [George Clinton of the Parliament Funkadelics] once said: "There's enough light under the sun..." There is enough light under the sun for everyone! I like light. I like sun. 
  
  In this forum I will be discussing my amazing weight loss of 50 plus pounds and walking has been, well you know, my "go to" exercise. I haven't walked in a while, but I've been speaking about it. Today was the day to BE about it.

• Enjoying my neighborhood: I realized while I walked how much I enjoyed walking around in the hustle and the bustle, rather than driving in it. I have become so spoiled working from home. When I do work in the field the amount of traffic in the evenings is almost unbearable. Coupled with coordinating my schedule with my daughter since we share a car, I'm frazzled when I get home. Seems I just want to crawl in my cave and stay there! But while walking, I felt alive. I enjoyed seeing the people almost miss their turn signal because were watching me! The driver was probably thinking, "That should be me!" The jogger I encountered encouraged me to pick up the pace even more. "Burn more calories!" he huffed as he smiled and trotted in the opposite direction. A couple of the young adults offered greetings and salutations and a couple of youth failed to make eye contact. They were on their way to the college prep school near my home. We'll have to do better on Monday.

and the third best thing about my power walk this morning;

• Enjoying nature: Spring has sprung and the sun is out early! It was cool in Los Angeles this morning, but the sun was shining bright like a diamond. As I age, I take more care to cover my neck when I am out of doors. I want to stay healthy so I donned hats, gloves, and sweaters, etc. I wasn't a couple of blocks from home before a sister got HOT! All of the layers started coming off. By the time I arrived back home they were wrapped around my arms, waist, or wherever they could ride! I'll have to do better tomorrow.

Power walking is a fun way to stay in shape, get out in the sun, and have some fun!

Now that I've done something for me, I'm ready to get the rest of my day started. I'll be working with EBT/SNAP (food stamp) vendors today and volunteering this evening. 

by Michelle Brown

Photo Credit: http://fitness.makeupandbeauty.com/do-at-home-walking-exercises-for-winters/

A Waiting List to Volunteer?

Everyone needs a helping hand every now and then. Volunteering is one of my favorite things to do. Not only do I get to help others, but I am enriched also. 

Through the Positive Minded People's group on meetup.com 

http://www.meetup.com/positivemindedpeople/ 

I will be volunteering in +DTLA at the Union Rescue Mission.

[Union Rescue Mission] We embrace people experiencing homelessness with the compassion of Christ - giving hope and healing for a changed life - helping them find their way home.

Imagine my shock to find that I was put on a waiting list?! to +volunteer at the Rescue Mission. That says a lot, though. People aren't just sitting around complaining and/or consuming. What a bore! Get out and do something! Help somebody or learn something new.

Today is a good day. I woke to find my RSVP status had been elevated to GOING to volunteer. YES! Helping those less fortunate downtown has been on my bucket list for a very long time. I am happy to check it off and so happy to help! OMG, I could cry now. 


I believe the eyes are the gateway to the soul. I look forward to seeing some relief in tired and weary eyes. I AM love.

by Michelle Brown

South Central Los Angeles

What do you think of when you think of South Central? Do you think of Korea Town? Do you think of the Ghetto? Maybe you think of home. I am proud to say that I grew up in South Central and I survived. Being from South Central (no Los Angeles needed) became a topic of discussion while we volunteered at Shelter Partnership’s Shelter Resource Bank. I am part of a volunteer organization called One Brick. 

I was the only Black woman among my group of 16.

After easing my way into the conversation and whoo’ing the crowd with my varied background, I stammered a bit when asked where I was from. I had practiced this weeks before. I wanted to be fair to my hometown and my homies who are all over the world. I wanted to glorify Los Scandalous. ”I’m from South L.A.” I managed. 

Being from South L.A. wasn't good enough, though. I’m from South Central! I corrected, with a Cheshire cat’s smile on my face. As I’m the consummate devil’s advocate – “Let’s talk about it…” A cute little vegan, white lady from Ohio thought of Korea Town when she thought of South Central and “The Riots…” she added. The [L.A.] Riots of 1992 ensued after 4 Los Angeles police officers were acquitted in the brutal beating of Rodney King, which was caught on tape. The vegan woman, from Ohio, saw it all on t.v.

Previously, some in the group were amazed that I had been a flight attendant. I trained in Ohio and Kentucky. There was a woman who was from Kentucky volunteering, as well. “Yeah,” I went on. “I met a white woman at a swanky hotel in Marina Del Rey and she was insulted because she was offered a teaching position in “South Central” she said with disdain. After having whoo’d her in all my glory, I didn't have the heart to shatter her bubble by admitting to being from South Central. “I’m from South L.A.” I muttered to the woman at the hotel. 

Sharing the hotel story got the volunteers talking. I’m sure they have different thoughts about people from South Central now. They all agreed that I was not an angry Black woman, either. I am Black and I am proud to be from South Central. I like being a Stereotype Buster! I enjoyed my time volunteering and met great people. 

Shelter Partnership is a wonderful organization that coordinates donations for the needy - everything from furniture to sneakers to Kleenex. Check them out at Shelter Partnership. 

You can find One Brick and other volunteer opportunities, as well as other events at Meetup.com. 

by Michelle Brown

Earthquake! in Los Angeles March 03.17.2014

We experienced a 4.4 magnitude earthquake in Los Angeles in the early AM. Around 6:25, when children readied for school and parents, fought traffic. I AM happy to be in the collective "we" experienced..." because I have mad FOMO (fear of missing out) on earthquakes. I'm not scared. I AM brave. I figure when your number is up, your number is up - YOU WILL get to YOUR final destination. hahaha!

I thought it was bigger than a 4.4, but it's been so long. I enjoyed it, nonetheless. It felt like a big jolt and a little rumbling to follow. I've had numerous careers and side-gigs. I was once a newscaster on a live cable news program. I think I was pretty cool under pressure, but check out these cool cats this morning experiencing a 4.4 magnitude earthquake, live on the air.

The Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana Recipe

Zuppa Toscana from the Olive Garden is one of my favorites dishes. I enjoy preparing it fresh with Italian sausage and thick cut bacon, sliced potato and yummy green, vitamin C-rich kale.

First I cooked the sausage, drained it and set it aside. In a large stock pot I cooked the bacon until it was crisp. I removed the bacon from the pot. 

In the bacon fat I sauteed the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced potato, sliced lengthwise down the middle and then with the cut side down on the cutting board I sliced half moon slices. I sauteed the onion, garlic, and potato for about 5 minutes until the potatoes were starting to become translucent. 

Then I combined the cooked bacon, sausage, chicken broth, crushed red pepper and Italian seaoning. I brought the soup to a boil and then turned the fire down low. I let the soup simmer until the potatoes were cooked through. After 12-15 minutes I added the chopped kale and stirred in the heavy whipping cream. As always I added a dash of the wonder spice turmeric. 

Turmeric is an antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory qualities, reduces the risk of blood clots, slows the progression of Alzheimer's, is a natural painkiller, is beneficial to skin health, and is used as a cancer fighter.* That sounds wonderful to me! I use turmeric in just about everything that I cook.

Ingredients:

1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
5 (13.75 ounce) cans chicken broth
2 potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups of chopped kale

*Source: Top 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Turmeric

by Michelle Brown

Beer & Bruschetta - President's Day and Working From Home

How did you celebrate the President's Day holiday? Since I am self employed and work from home, national holidays can be more of a nuisance than a vacation. I took the opportunity to have an office day instead of working in the field today. I spent the entire day blogging. As with any full schedule, you have to take time out for nourishment, sustenance, food! I happened upon some great finds at the $.99 Only Store this a.m. I found some small, oven-baked Italian toast and wished for smoked gouda. Although I have at least 4 or 5 varieties of cheese in my fridge, sadly, smoked gouda was not one of them. What I was able to scrounge up was goat cheese. I had a great and productive day blogging.

For lunch I prepared myself a beer with a side of bruschetta topped with freshly roasted grape tomatoes, red onion, fresh basil, goat cheese (Yum!) and olive oil. Now, I'm switching my chef's hat for my Webmistress hat and it's back to the grind.

by Michelle Brown