Thought it was time once again to give you an update on how our dancing is coming. The Captain and I have been taking lessons at Arthur Murray. We’ve been learning things like the Merengue, the Hustle, Swing, the Waltz, the Salsa and some fancy turns within those dances! At first I was completely nervous, but after these few weeks, I feel like we’re ready to maybe possibly dance out in public!
Dogs are loved by many families in the U.S., and around the world. But, what’s the #1 dog breed in America?
Let’s check out the Top 5
5. Bulldogs
4. French Bulldogs
3. Golden Retrievers
2. German Shepherd
1. Once again, Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the U.S.
The updated rankings were based on data from the American Kennel Club, and the Labs reigned above all others for the 28th consecutive year. Labs are credited for their friendly nature and ability to fill so many different working-dog roles. They’ve been used as service animals, bomb-sniffing dogs, hunters’ helpers, dog-sport competitors and still make amazing family pets.
My family is Irish, so Shepherd’s pie made it’s way to the dinner table from time to time. I love this new version of that classic hearty, filling, and warm meal! Even if you’re not Irish, your family will appreciate this for St. Patty’s Day or any other winter day! Thanks to my sister, Terri for passing this along!
Potato Mash
4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk
2 1/2 Tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
Filling
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 medium onion, diced
8 ounces ground beef
2 Tbsp flour
1 cup beef broth
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups frozen vegetables
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Prick the potatoes with a fork and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Rotate and cook another 5 minutes. Test with a knife to make sure they’re done.
Cut the tops off the potatoes and scoop the insides into a bowl, leaving a 1/4-inch wall around the skin.
Add the milk, butter and salt to the bowl of potato and mash until smooth. If you’ll be piping the potatoes, place them into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and reserve for later.
In a sauté pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking into smaller pieces, until browned and cooked through.
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to combine. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and frozen veggies to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened and become glossy. Remove from the heat.
Fill each potato evenly with the beef mixture. Pipe the mashed potatoes over the filling, covering the meat mixture completely. (You might not have to use all of the potatoes.)
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops of the potatoes start to brown.
Tip
In step 2, if you’d rather bake the potatoes, rub olive oil, salt and pepper all over the cleaned potatoes, place directly on an oven rack and bake at 425 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes until done.
(Recipe adapted from Recipe Tin Eats via Tip Hero)
You may have noticed that your favorite mascaras are living very short lives these days. The mascara of old, that would stay moist, clump free and last for half a year is down to living a month at best.
Cosmetic companies have figured out we will buy more mascara, more often, because it’s an absolute essential for 90% of women. We will not live without it and we want it to preform!
I don’t know about you, but when my mascara starts to dry up two weeks in, it’s a little infuriating. So here are some tips to lengthening the life of your mascara!
1. Clean the wand each time you use it. Simply wipe the wand with a tissue to insure you’re not adding more dirt or grime to the mascara bottle.
2. Run the closed mascara tube under hot water or let it sit in a cup of hot water. This will keep the formula thin and help prevent drying and clumping.
3. Simply add a drop or two of Visine to your drying mascara. This will help extend the life.
4. Apply mascara with thin, even, alternating coats to get the best results and dip the wand fewer times during applications.
5. Never pump your mascara, roll the wand inside the tube. Pumping it adds air and dries it more quickly.
