What is the impact of the lockdown on Personal Injury Claims?
As we arrive in 2020, few of us might have expected that COVID-19 will wipe the world as fast as it has done, and that it would have such a serious effect on many.
The lockdown has affected everybody in many different ways across all walks of life. In the world of personal injury COVID-19 has undoubtedly brought about slower progress across the landscape of litigation in general.
While the number of new claimants has slipped around the board, we expect an explosion of claimants that would emerge from the pandemic.
While personal injury cases are still reported and those that were filed before COVID-19 are making significant progress, this scenario is affected by several obstacles.
Personal Injury Lawyers provides some of the ways the COVID-19 could impact personal injury claims:
- Delays in medical treatment
It is necessary for us to seek prompt medical attention anytime someone is involved in a car crash or suffers some other form of personal injury. Therefore, it is always important to obey the guidance of those who concern for you, which involves attending all of your follow-up appointments and following them along with diagnoses and procedures as directed by the doctor.
You have a legal responsibility to prevent your losses if you file a personal injury claim, which means doing something that healthcare experts advise to recover or achieve maximum health care improvement. You will also need to have paperwork showing the full magnitude of your injury issues to recover your reasonable and true compensation.
The Coronavirus epidemic has posed a range of problems in terms of medical care for victims of personal injury. Firstly, people are naturally anxious about visiting a doctor who is infected with COVID-19. This can result in them wasting precious consultations and not getting the treatment they need to get onto the road to recovery.
Please note that all the appropriate steps are taken by the open clinics and hospitals to ensure that patients are healthy, and the danger is very small compared to the risk of failure to obey up on the care Protocol.
- Restricted access to court cases
Court hearings in all federal courts are put on hold until the pandemic subsides. Non-jury trials were allowed to proceed, at the judge’s discretion, with only attorneys, their clients and extremely important witnesses in a position situation can appear.
In some cases, videoconferencing is also used for pretrial hearings and other gatherings. How all that adds up to is that you should face substantial delays in the process, should you lodge a personal injury case.
However, there are drawbacks that video conferencing will not be suitable in every situation. It may also be particularly difficult to use video conferencing in the sense of psychological disorders where the injured party still feels depressed and may not feel comfortable talking about such sensitive issues via a video link.
We can feel awkward doing so at home, during lockout, in household with other family members, kids etc.
- Pressure to Settle down Quickly
Personal injury claimants are likely to face greater pressure to resolve their lawsuits due to delays in the trial and stricter finances. With the chance to wait several months for a jury trial, many people will now be tempted to take the money.
Insurance providers are now mindful of this, and would definitely benefit from the situation. An insurer intends to pay out as little as possible on a claim for an accident and give a lowball deal to a patient realizing other people need the money immediately.
Those most seriously affected would-be plaintiffs who have no legal assistance since most are untrained with the procedure or traditional techniques of compensation used to mitigate a lawsuit’s costs.
- Insurance compensates lapses:
Owing to the deepening recession certain drivers might not keep up with paying their insurance premiums. That may contribute to the lack of evidence that could exacerbate the condition of a victim following a traffic crash.
A rider injured by an uninsured vehicle may not be able to take out insurance from the estate of the driver.
Their only option may be to obtain cover from their insurer in spite of their uninsured motorist scheme
A defendant must keep in mind that their trustee is an unfavourable party in these proceedings and will definitely not resolve a lawsuit without challenge. First-party claims can be as contentious as third-party lawsuits, and assistance from an attorney can be nearly as necessary.
- Impact on Employment
COVID-19 has, and will continue to have, impact on the work force. In certain cases, this could help to reduce the value of claimants not only in terms of demand for wage loss but also in terms of knock-on impact.
There will be problems of sick leave, unemployment and other cost-cutting steps to be addressed, such as wage cuts, pay freezes and unpaid leave. It will also require professional evidence to consider the medium to long-term impact on whichever sector of employment a pursuer works in.
Bio-
Mitchell is an experienced personal injury lawyer in Gold Coast. He is a Senior Associate and was admitted to the Queensland Supreme Court in December 2012.
Navigating a Teenager’s Bad Behavior Learned From The Ex’s House
When a marriage ends in divorce, co-parenting is the best way to ensure that your teen’s needs are met. It’s great when a teenager can spend time with both parents, with both of them playing an active part in their child’s life.
In an ideal world, both you and your ex would collaborate in raising your teen, discussing issues and agreeing on the best way forward. However, in real life, divorce is messy and joint custody arrangements can be stressful, especially if you’re dealing with a vindictive, irresponsible ex. Co-parenting can also be difficult if both you and your ex-spouse are not on good terms.
One problem that can arise in such a situation is when both you and your ex fail to co-parent as a team. Your children need consistent guidelines and routines to thrive and nowhere is this more important than when disciplining them. Having different ideas on discipline results in your teen being allowed to act one way at your ex’s house or even getting away with certain behavior that you might not agree with. Sometimes they can even pick up bad habits from the ex.
Needless to say, this can throw a spanner in the works if you’ve been trying to establish certain rules and consequences with your teen. Here’s how you can deal with the problem before it becomes deeply entrenched.
Try and improve communication with your co-parent.
Successful co-parenting is only possible when there’s clear, consistent communication between you and your ex. No matter how acrimonious the divorce was, keep your feelings about it separate from those of your co-parenting relationship. Be respectful and let conversations between the two of you focus on your teen and what’s best for them.
Communicate how you feel about your ex allowing your teen to get away with certain things and listen to their side of the story. Maybe what happened was a misunderstanding that can be easily cleared up or maybe it’s a sign of lazy boundary-setting and discipline on the part of your ex. You won’t know until you talk to them.
Get on the same page about discipline.
It’s important for both you and your ex to get on the same page about disciplining your teen. Consistency from both of you helps your teen avoid confusion and also ensures that they can’t play you against each other.
Discuss this with your ex and outline what you both think should be healthy rules and guidelines as well as effective consequences especially around issues like curfews, homework, hanging out with friends and any off-limit activities. While the rules don’t have to be exactly the same in both households, they should be similar enough to provide consistency.
Don’t bad mouth your ex.
Whatever happens, don’t ever bad mouth your ex to your teen. You need to remember that your ex-spouse is still their parent and they love them regardless of what happened between the two of you. Always speak respectfully about them and find other ways to vent your feelings e.g. talking to your friend or therapist.
Call in professional help.
If you’ve tried addressing the issue with your ex-spouse and they refuse to stop enabling your teen’s behavior, maybe it’s time to get some professional help. While the courts won’t interfere with some decisions, they can still step in when major issues are involved e.g. allowing your teen to get away with underage drinking and other kinds of risky behavior.
Another option to consider is family therapy. This route gets everyone involved in expressing themselves and working towards a solution together with a neutral mediator.
If these tactics don’t work, you might consider sending your teen to a therapeutic treatment center for troubled teens. where they can receive dedicated help from qualified professionals in a supportive environment to get his behavior back on track.
Sticking to your guns and instilling discipline in your teen might not make you the fun parent, but it will ensure your teen grows up to become a responsible adult.
Author of this article, Tyler Jacobson, enjoys going to the mountains near his home in Draper, Utah to connect with his wife and children through camping, hiking, and quality time together. When he isn’t rebooting in the outdoors, he shares his fatherly experiences with the world through writing and creative work. Tyler shares the ups and downs of family life and the solutions he’s found through lengthy research and involvement in the industry and his own experiences to help parents everywhere. Follow Tyler on: Twitter
5 Supplements That Can Supercharge Your Training
In the quest to build a desirable physique, an adequate supply of nutrition plays a huge role. No matter if you are beginning your workout journey or are already a hard-lifter, you’ll need proper supplements besides the regular diet to hold on to your gains. Most bodybuilders and athletes go by a meticulously planned supplement schedule throughout the day to keep the flow of nutrients running in their bodies. We take a look at 5 supplements to boost your training.
1. Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates should be the primary ingredient in your shakes before you add proteins and the likes. When you work out, your muscle glycogen is stressed and can decrease if the carb supply is deficient. With Carbohydrate intake, you prevent this possibility and, therefore, can train for the maximum amount of time and build a curved body.
Carbohydrates come in handy if you’ve limited protein intake, which makes you short of calories. Carbohydrates also influence your insulin levels, and you should be sure of the volume before adding it to the shake.
2. Protein: 
Protein powders are the most popular supplements when it comes to bodybuilding. Protein has low-fat elements and helps to gain muscle and aids in mass gain. Amino acids are the constituents of muscle-tissue, and protein consists of various amino acids. Therefore, protein consumption becomes most fruitful when you take it just after the workout session as it will start building your muscle blocks after you have them broken down with the exercises.
If you take proteins after a workout and still can’t gain muscle, you might be taking it way after the training period. When a protein mixture is taken immediately after muscle breakdown, it increases your muscle gain 25 times due to a short-lasting “anabolic window”! There are many types of protein, but Whey is famous for its easy digestibility. It also makes your bloodstream work faster.
3. Creatine:
Creatine is one of the supplements which is rated very highly for its ability to deliver instant energy, which is crucial for charging yourself up during training. It revitalizes protein synthesis which accelerates your lean muscle buildup. Creatine is an excellent addition to your mixture, and it is always better to take it with carbohydrates and protein for the best results.
Among many kinds of varieties, Creatine monohydrate is the most efficient and should be your first consideration.
According to studies, regular intake of Creatine requires you to drink sufficient water because it increases muscle hydration by drawing water from other parts. Additionally, Creatine keeps tiredness and mental sloth away for a charged-up workout.
4. Glutamine:
Glutamine is an essential amino acid that is also the most available one in human bodies. Glutamine helps in slowing down the fragmentation of complex molecules in the muscle and the subsequent release of energy. It positively influences hormone levels and raises the levels of growth hormone. Like Creatine, Glutamine serves you better if you absorb it with Carb and protein shakes.
Glutamine’s salient features are its ability to make you recover faster and hold on to your muscle gains when you are on a diet. Glutamine is also found in meat, seafood, and eggs. The requirement of Glutamine increases with the progress of your workout standard. It’s critical to remember that Glutamine levels can decline in the bloodstream due to exhausting and stressful exercise sessions.
5. Branched Chain Amino Acids or BCAAs:
BCAAs are essential for quick energy bursts, and they help in reducing muscle tissue breakdown throughout training periods. BCCAs are great for your hormones and helps in maintaining testosterone levels following a workout.
However, studies demonstrate that BCAAs alone are not capable of muscle protein synthesis and need Essential Amino Acids to increase anabolic signaling. Hence, you must take BCAAs with the much-discussed mixture of carb, protein, creatine, etc. If you are concerned with the lack of protein synthesis, Anavar can be a great choice due to its anabolic property.
Happy sweating!
Author of this article is Rebecca Smith
Not step, Not Half, Just Family
The family structure in the US is changing and blended families are becoming more common. While raising any family comes with its fair share of hurdles, blended families have to deal with a lot more challenges.
I don’t have a blended family myself but I have friends who do and I admire the work they put into uniting their families. That’s the whole point, isn’t it? To have a happy family where everyone feels supported, valued and loved.
Sure blended families come with a lot of names depending on the mix involved. All kinds of remarriages can happen, thrusting children from both partners into a world of “steps” and “halves”. You can have stepfathers and mothers, step-siblings and half-siblings. These names might be biologically correct but sometimes they miss the point –FAMILY.
A blended family, regardless of how it came about, is still family. We are human and sometimes we tend to focus on irrelevant things. So rather than spending time worrying about titles in blended families, what you should call each other or how to explain your family to other people, the focus should be on bringing your family together.
Uniting a Blended Family Can Be Challenging
When it comes to families, none is perfect and blended ones can be even more challenging to bring up. Don’t let the Brady Bunch fool you, becoming one united blended family doesn’t always go seamlessly.
It would be naïve to expect your family to meld together right away. Your children will need time to adjust to your new partner and their new siblings. Sibling rivalry will still be there and might even be worse, especially if the number of kids in the family increases and they feel they’re not getting the attention they’re used to.
Parents also need some time to adjust to the changes brought about by blending their families. You’ll have to work together to navigate tricky terrain with co-parenting, discipline issues, dealing with holidays and celebrations, divided loyalties and other headaches that may arise. You’ll find yourselves looking for any parenting tips you can get your hands on and having lots of conversations to work things out.
In spite of these challenges, it’s up to you to give bringing the family together your best shot.
Yes, It’s Worth It
So what if your child has a different biological mother or father? Or maybe they’re not comfortable calling you mom or dad and instead prefer using your first names? Does that make you love them any less?
Ignore the “half” and “step” titles and purpose to unite the family, bonded by love under one roof. Think of it as having been given a puzzle to complete with a bunch of different pieces thrown in. Insisting on making the original picture on the box won’t work. What will work is making a new picture with the pieces you have now.
Purpose not to separate members through titles and proudly say yours isn’t a step or half family, but just a family.
Author of this article, Tyler Jacobson, enjoys going to the mountains near his home in Draper, Utah to connect with his wife and children through camping, hiking, and quality time together. When he isn’t rebooting in the outdoors, he shares his fatherly experiences with the world through writing and creative work. Tyler shares the ups and downs of family life and the solutions he’s found through lengthy research and involvement in the industry and his own experiences to help parents everywhere. Follow Tyler on: Twitter
Top Tips for Stress-Free and Budget-Savvy Family Travel
Finding ways to stretch your travel budget can be complicated, especially when you’re trying to accommodate different age groups. You want everyone to enjoy themselves, and pleasing members of your whole family can leave you pulling out your hair. Here are some suggestions for making the most of your getaway without experiencing hassles and stress.
Smart Booking Strategies
Timing can be everything when it comes to travel planning. If you can put it off, the Guardian recommends waiting until the last minute to book your arrangements, as it frequently equates to a substantial discount off advertised prices. Your other best option is to book extremely early to secure the best rates. Discounts for children are something of a rare commodity these days, although some experts note that airlines will allow infants under the age of 2 to fly for free, so long as you hold your little one in your lap.
Another suggestion is to take a respite from parenthood and plan a holiday apart from your children. There are responsible, caring, safe babysitters out there, and with this being the Information Age, you can book a reliable sitter via the web. If you have any concerns about the person you hire, you should meet up before confirming your arrangements.
Family-Friendly (and Budget-Friendly) Lodging
Putting a roof over everyone’s heads for the duration of your adventure is part of the crux of family travel, particularly when you want to be careful in your spending. You can check in with company internet boards and newsletters for people letting out rooms, or consider a house-swapping arrangement. Sometimes, it pays to take advantage of traditional family-oriented options, such as camping, staying in a farmhouse, or booking a stay in a hostel. Be forewarned: Some experts point out that hostels vary tremendously, from the most pleasant of accommodations to those which are questionable at best. Do some research beforehand and check the ratings and reviews prior to making a decision.
Check Your Dates
When it comes to saving money over the course of a stay, the Barefoot Nomad points out that you can often come out ahead by lengthening the duration of your trip. Consider adding a day or two at each end of your holiday, and you might find it’s well worth the added expense. Just ensure you can set aside the time from your workplace before making the commitment.
Cut Meal Costs
Feeding your youngsters can be a traveling challenge, especially if you have any picky eaters in your bunch. While it isn’t always as enticing as eating meals out, consider making a grocery run once you reach your destination. Choose some simple staples you know your youngsters will enjoy, such as favorite cereals and sandwich foods, and aim to partake in at least one meal you prepare each day. Let your kids select the food, and include something special that wouldn’t normally be allowed. It’ll be easier on your wallet as well as your nerves, and you and your children can then venture out for explorations with full bellies and clear minds.
Plan Outings Well
When it comes to finding budget-friendly entertainment for your holiday, a variety of attractions are free to children. For the best results, plan your days around meal times and the normal napping schedule. You don’t want to be standing in a long queue when your youngster is too hungry or too tired, potentially resulting in crankiness and temper tantrums. Short, simple events are usually more convenient and relaxing for everyone.
Ensure your next family holiday is enjoyable and affordable with good planning. Schedule your trip carefully and make selections that stretch your budget. With a few smart strategies, you and your kids are sure to have a wonderful time.
Author of this article is Ashley Taylor ashley@disabledparents.org
Image courtesy of Pixabay
Get in Shape for Free: A Fitness Guide for Single Parents
Engaging in regular exercise is one of the smartest investments anyone can make, especially if you’re a single parent who needs the energy to keep up with her kids. And when we say “investment” we’re talking about time and effort, not money. To show you what we mean, here are several free (or almost free) ways to get in shape. Use these tips to give you the guidance and motivation you need to achieve your fitness goals.
Stick With the Basics
TV programs love to show images of people with big arms and sculpted abs. The purpose behind most of these promos is to sell you some kind of overpriced product, usually with the promise that it will turn you into a superhero. Sadly, the real world never works that way. Most home fitness machines end up as overpriced coat hangers or yard sale merchandise. So skip the gadgets and start with these four classic routines instead:
- Pushups. This one exercise can do you more good than all the fitness products on the market. It strengthens the arms, shoulders, chest, abs, and even the legs. Plus, it costs you nothing. You need only a small amount of space and the motivation to improve yourself. And don’t beat yourself up if you can’t do a standard push-up right away. There’s no shame in starting at the intermediate level by bending your knees. Soon you’ll be pumping them out with the best of ’em.
- Situps or leg raises. This exercise will bulk you up without draining your wallet. Some people have trouble doing sit-ups because of neck or back issues. If that sounds like you, then leg raises are a great alternative, according to the fitness experts at the New York Times.
- Squats/deep knee bends. Not only will this exercise give your legs a great workout, it’s a perfect way to get cardio benefits at the same time. The burpee is a more advanced variation of the squat, one that combines the benefits of squats and pushups while getting your heart going.
- Walking. Yep, you read that right. According to Mayo Clinic, you can enjoy fantastic health benefits simply by putting one foot in front of the other. Start by walking 30 minutes 3-4 times a week, then increase the intensity by picking up your pace or walking hills as time goes on. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and dress with the weather in mind.
Staying Motivated
We all know that lack of motivation is the reason why most people fail to exercise. So don’t feel bad if your biggest challenge is summoning the willpower to succeed. You’re far from alone. Here are some proven ways to turn your lethargy into a lust for fitness:
- Have a workout partner. The two of you can keep each other pumped as you sweat the pounds away. Your children can also accompany you in a stroller, on foot, or even a scooter or bike.
- Give yourself positive feedback each time you complete a routine. For example, you may allow yourself a new workout shirt in return for week of cardio workouts.
- Visualize the results. Picturing yourself as the person you want to be can inspire you to get off the couch and get moving. Try it.
After a few months of commitment to the above, you may consider expanding the workouts you try. You can add simple (and relatively cheap) items to your home gym to start incorporating more advanced exercises into your routine. By doing so, you’ll continue to see results month after month.
Get on the road to a new and better you starting today – you’ll look back on the decision as one of the best things you’ve ever done for yourself.
Author is Paige Johnson Paige is a self-described fitness “nerd.” She possesses a love for strength training. In addition to weight-lifting, she is a yoga enthusiast and avid cyclist. website learnfit.org/
More outstanding advice for having better workouts and healthy lives in Avoid These Workout and Post Workout Mistakes To Maximize Your Results www.massgainsource.com/post-workout-mistakes/ Author is Mark Williams
You Could Be Hindering Your Teen’s Dating
You Could Be Hindering Your Teen’s Dating Potential
While some parents may be hindering their teen’s dating potential, I don’t necessarily think it is a bad thing. I am not advocating for overly strict parenting where you don’t allow your teen to date at all, but there are some important precautions I think all parents should consider when their teen starts dating…
Set Clear Curfews
Not too long ago, my teenage son took a more serious interest in girls. He became interested in spending time with girls outside of school for dating purposes or “hanging out” as he calls it. So he wanted to renegotiate his curfew. His curfew changed when he moved from middle school to high school but hasn’t been updated since. I saw no need to change it, as he could stay out until 9:30 pm Sunday – Thursday and 11:30 pm Friday – Saturday.
He decided to challenge this when out on a group date and came home at midnight on a Saturday. While he tried to argue he was only a half-hour late, he knew the consequence for breaking curfew was a week of grounding with a week added for each curfew-breaking offense.
Tips for parents who want to curtail bad teen dating habits by setting a curfew:
- Set clear curfew rules.
- Set reasonable and relatable consequences for breaking these rules.
- Follow through with punishment or curfew breaking will be a regular thing.Teen Date Nights and Money
Part of teaching your teen how to date responsibly is teaching your teen how to deal with their personal finances. The sooner your child understands basic savings and financial planning, the better equipped they will be later in life.
My teen son knows I won’t play the money tree, being a backup when his personal funds are running low. When he takes a girl out on a date, he has to think creatively and within a budget. Sometimes that just means a movie night at home with some popcorn, which helps me keep an eye on the dating couple.
I have found this has made my son more responsible overall. If there are activities and dates he would like to go on, he has to plan them in advance and secure the finances to do so. He has felt the sting of not having enough money to take a girl out that he likes and it’s a good reminder for him to manage his finances responsibly to obtain the things he wants. I also like to think that by not offering to pay for his extravagant dates, he thinks of creative, less expensive dates and therefor doesn’t rely on flash or funds as a crutch for getting to know girls.
Everyone On Same Dating Page
Not only does your teen need to be on the same page with any rules you set up but so does your parenting partner. This can be tricky for co-parents who are divorced but is possible when working with clear communication.
Author of this article, Tyler Jacobson enjoys going to the mountains near his home in Draper, Utah to connect with his wife and children through camping, hiking, and quality time together. When he isn’t rebooting in the outdoors, he shares his fatherly experiences with the world through writing and creative designs. Tyler shares the ups and downs of family life and the solutions he’s found through lengthy research and involvement in the industry and his own experiences to help parents everywhere. Follow Tyler on: Twitter | LinkedIn
Signs that Your Child is Doing Well Post-divorce
It is easy post-divorce to be in the survival mode and not really notice if there are any red flags regarding your child’s behavior. You both are drifting along finding your footing and discovering new routines. What are some indicators that your child may be thriving or struggling during this period? Here’s a list of healthy behaviors that indicate your child is on the right path post-divorce.
1. Being social. He receives calls from friends and keeps up his activities with them. Is he going out to movies and events? Is she wanting to go on play dates or meet pals at the park? If your child seems more withdrawn and not wanting to hang out with peers, then investigate why. Lack of interest in keeping or making friends can be a sign that something is not right.
2. Expressing opinions on the divorce. It does not matter if they are negative or positive, just that he feels free to express his feelings. He may have the opinion that his parents are acting stupid and that’s okay. When he utters one word answers to you or does not want to have conversations with others, he could be feeling depressed. A healthcare provider can be invaluable in sorting out if this is a medical issue.
3. Maintaining spirituality. Finding or maintaining spirituality in the midst of a dark situation is a good sign that your kid is doing OK with the transition.
4. No signs of cutting or self-mutilation. Self-mutilation is done when someone is in so much emotional pain that they express this in a physical way. Casually look at your child’s arms to see if there are any scars. Does your child who previously liked to swim now refuse to don a bathing suit? Is your child hiding his body in a way he didn’t before? www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/20/kids-and-divorce-_n_5549776.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce
Quick and Easy Meal
Here is a quick and healthy way to make soup. I go to Trader Joe’s (or your local favorite store) and buy different cartons (32 OZ) of their various vegetable soups. I use fresh vegetables bagged, or from the produce aisle, or farmer’s markert. Steam and then puree them in a food processor. For example, I sometimes get a bag of mixed broccoli/califlower and after steaming and pureeing, put them in a pan and add organic butternut squash soup. It seerves 3 to 8 people, depending on portions.
If you want to skip the steaming part, make a red/yellow/orange pepper soup. I buy a 32 OZ carton of Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper soup. I puree 2 or 3 peppers and put the puree in a pot on the stove, adding the carton of soup. Just heat through and serve.
You can steam and puree the veggies ahead of time, put them in a small container and refridgerate until almost serving time. It takes around 5 to 10 minutes to heat up the puree veggies and soup.
This is a wonderful starter when entertaining, bound to get you rave reviews. For a simple meal with the kids, add a sandwich or salad and you are done.
Home Alarm tip
A construction contractor gave me this tip to prevent false alarms. Remove cobwebs from around your alarm sensor and get rid of any spiders near it. The movement of a web, or spider, in front of the alarm sensor can trigger a false alarm. Air rushing out of your heating and cooling vents can get those strands of webs moving. I also keep the vents near my ceiling dust free with a long duster.
Remember, when you go on vacation to call your alarm company to give them your house/pet sitters’s phone #, in case there is a false alarm or possible break in.
Quick shortcuts with food for company
Save on prep time and buy prediced ingredients. Many grocery stores carry, fresh diced onions. Soups and other recipes call for a vegetable mixture called mirepoix, which can also be purchsed in the fresh food section. Keep cream cheese on hand because it can be mixed with so many other items for a quick dip or hors’doeuvres. Mixed thawed spinach (thawed in a flash in the microwave) or herbs with the cream cheese and serve with crackers or cut up veggies for drop in guests.
For Ham Pinwheels: Take thin slices of ham, spread on cream cheese, plain or with herbs, then roll up the ham tightly with the shorter sides. Slice it about 1/4 in. thick for a lovely appetizer.
Yummy French Bread appetizer: Cut a loaf of french bread into 1/2 inch slices. Spread with softened butter with a dab of mustard mixed in. Top with Brie cheeze. You can also sprinkle paprika on some and Fines’ herbs or Herbs De Provence on others for more festive colors. Broil theses just until the edges turn brown, maybe a minute or two.
Quick stuffed mushrooms: Remove the mushroom stems and dice them. Add cream cheeze, chopped green onion and salami bits. Mix together, and stuff the mushrooms. Cook on baking sheet for 10 min.s @ 375. You can get creamed spinach in the freezer section and stuff the mushrooms with this for a variarion.
Remember the classic, but easy artichoke dip. One can of chopped artichoke hearts. 3/4 cup of mayonaise. One cup of cheeze, can be parmesian, or whatever tickles your fancy. You can add anything else, green chili, herbs, whatever. Cook @350 for about 25 min.s
Keep some high quality frozen appetizers in your fridge for drop in company, such as those from Trader Joe’s. In an emergency, Cut bread into rounds, top with cheeze and put under the broiler for a short time.
Enjoy the holidays!
Diversify your Assets
In these crazy economic times, don’t put all of your financial eggs in one basket. Diversify! For example,
one of our esteemed American financial institutions played a big part in wrecking havoc with Britains’ economy. Londoners lost their high paying financial jobs which trickled down to other parts of society. Some experienced London investment advisors did not do what they preached. When they received bonuses, they took it in stock options and other bank plans, instead of putting their money in other types of investments in different venues. These people lost their retirement investments and life savings in one blow, along with their jobs.
Pick more than one financial institution for your investments. I have done well recently in intermediate bonds. I also keep some money in my bank, for easy access. I am investing in a plan which has a multitude of stocks, to minimize risks, although less of my money is here. I was shocked that one local bank only offers .10% on savings accounts, almost nothing. Look to see if a bank now owns an investment house that you are considering for investments. One bank that I loathe, bought out the one I was with, so I withdrew my money and found a much safer, higher paying venue. Another way to diversify, is with real estate. It’s a buyer’s market now. If you have the money to purchase an extra, smaller house, you can rent it out for years and enjoy the income. Your house would eventually appreciate and you can sell it at a much later date.