NEW FOR YOU - Your Personal Chef

Don't have time to cook meals for your family?

Eat out too much?

Let's set up a time to discuss your family's meal needs.

Rick can be your Personal Chef.

For around the same amount of money you're spending now to eat out at restaurants,

you can have me provide healthy, home-cooked, meals for you and your family.

I can customize your cooking plan to your specific needs and desires.

We'll spend time getting to know what you and your family likes, can't have, have to have, etc and then we'll schedule a Cooking Day for you where I'll come to your house and prepare your meals for the week.

I will leave specific instructions for your for reheating your meals and tips on serving.

Provide your family with restaurant quality food in the comfort of your own home.

While the cost is about the same as your restaurant bill, you'll save the time of having to drive to and from the restaurant (and the cost of the gas), and you won't have to put your name on a waiting list!

Save time and money by having your very own Personal Chef.

For more information email me at eventsiam@gmail.com and get

Cookin With Rick!

Cookin' With Rick at Upside Down Pride

Just wanted to update everyone -

Spent a GREAT day at Upside Down Pride.

My Pampered Chef "partner in crime" - Linda Thatcher, and I put together a off the hook booth and spent the day letting everyone know whatThe Pampered Chef is all about!

As you can see, we had a SPECTACULAR location in the new hip and oh-so-trendy, Bar of Modern Art, BoMA, in downtown Columbus. The event was listed at #3 of "The Top Ten Things To Do This Weekend" in Friday's Columbus Dispatch.



BoMA is located in a former church and the stainglass and amazing architecture is still in place to superbly enhance the atmosphere of this location. Where better to gather so many people to witness the amazing talent of so many groups.

Linda and I were anxious to witness the performance of Stompers (one of their members had his booth set up right next to ours).

Again, today was a great day. I'm thankfurl for all the wonderful people I met. I hope those Linda and I shared the day with stay in touch and that The Pampered Chef can make all our lives just that much better.

And, special thanks to Patch and Emily for helping us with materials for the booth. And, Thanks so much for Linda for spending a great day with me showing the world The Pampered Chef. But most of all, Thanks to Linda's son for giving up Mom for a day to come make sure I didn't have to do this one my own! I'll make sure I don't do it too often!

Top 10 Reasons for Starting Your Own Direct Selling Business

Top 10 Reasons for Starting Your Own Direct Selling Business

Empowering Women magazine - August 2006

1 Freedom and Flexibility Imagine the freedom to set your own hours, to take vacation when you want, not when it's convenient for your boss. That freedom, combined with the flexibility of a business that fits the lifestyle of a corporate professional as easily as it does a stay-at-home parent, is an appealing aspect of direct selling business.

2 Financial Freedom Building your own business allows you to control your financial future. An opportunity that allows you to leverage your time and offers a source of residual income allows you to create true financial freedom.

3 Tax Benefits Tax deductions for home-based business owners ? supplies, business mileage, even utilities for a designated office space ? can really add up. A tax advisor who specializes in home-based businesses can help you take advantage of all the tax benefits available to you.

4 Recognition Recognition is practically nonexistent in an adult's day-to-day life ? unless you're part of an industry in which praise is part of the package. Good companies recognize their field's achievements more than money. Applause, trips, jewelry and more all help independent business owners know they're appreciated for their efforts.

5 Personal Growth You're never too old to develop a better attitude, learn a new skill or overcome shyness. Owning your own business, and being part of a direct selling business in particular, fosters the desire and the support people need for personal growth.

6 Fun and Friendship Direct selling business opportunities offer a wonderful opportunity to develop and strengthen friendships. Whether you're a stay-at-home Mom who craves adult conversation, a retiree who wants to remain socially active or a corporate employee who wants to create a life outside of work, the direct selling industry offers numerous opportunities for expanding your circle of friends.

7 No Limits When you're employed by someone else you rely on them to give you a raise or a promotion. When you're the boss, you decide! Set your own goals, dream big and create the life you want with no restrictions on territory or income. Perhaps that's one reason more young women are choosing this alternative-career path over the corporate world.

8 Customers Love the Convenience In a fast-paced world, the more ways we can simplify our lives the better. Shopping at home ? at a home party, on a consultant's web site or by simply picking up the phone and talking to someone who knows what you like and use ? is a convenience that customers appreciate.

9 Get the products you Love at a Discount Most companies allow their distributors to purchase items for personal use at significant discounts. Becoming a consultant with a direct selling company is a great way to stock up on products you love, and earn money by sharing them with friends and family.

10 Earn Money While You're on Vacation Take advantage of residual-income opportunity most direct selling companies offer by building a team, and you'll be on your way to earning money ? even when you're not working. Direct selling offers independent business owners the opportunity to maximize their income based on their personal efforts and those of their team.

Sign up now and you can earn $100 extra Pampered Chef Product FREE!

Let's get together soon to chat about it ... either over the phone, over dessert, or over a cup of coffee ...

Put Some Magic In Your Cooking In February With The Magic Pot!

In the month of February, I will be using what is being called The Magic Pot at the cooking demonstrations for the month. Using the Deep Covered Baker, I will show you one of 5 different recipes that are amazing, nutritious and budget friendly. Each recipe ends up being about $2 per serving.

Choose from the following recipes for your February show -

• Grilled Chicken Penne al Fresco
• Minature BBQ Pork Sandwiches
• Mexican Chicken Lasagna
• Microwave White Chicken Chili
• 30-Minute Chicken

Email or call me to book your date in February and put magic back into your cooking!

A Red, White And Blue Recipe!

Celebrate Inaguration Day with this quick, cheap and festive dessert!

January 20th, 2009 - Inaguration Day in The USA is a great time to make this Red, White and Blue Trifle and celebrate with something sweet.

Ingredients
1 prepared angel food cake (13 oz)
1 qt. fresh strawberries
3 cups blueberries
1 container (16 oz) frozen sliced strawberries in
syrup, thawed
1 lemon
3 containers (8 oz each) blended strawberry yogurt
1 pkg (3.4 oz) white chocolate instant pudding and
pie filling
2 cups thawed frozen whipped topping, divided

1 - Cut cake into 1-in. cubes using Color Coated Bread Knife; set aside. Hull fresh strawberries and cut into quarters. Set aside ½ cup of the strawberries and ½ cup of the blueberries for garnish. In Classic Batter Bowl, combine remaining fresh and frozen strawberries; mix well.

2 -Juice lemon using Juicer to measure 2 tbsp juice. In Stainless (4-qt.) Mixing Bowl, whisk yogurt, pudding mix and lemon juice until smooth using Stainless Whisk; immediately fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping.

3 - To assemble trifle, place one-third of the cake cubes into Trifle Bowl. Top with one-third of the strawberry mixture and one-third of the blueberries, pressing down lightly. Top with one-third of the yogurt mixture, spreading evenly. Repeat layers two times, spreading last layer evenly using the Small Spreader to create a flat surface.

4 - To garnish, fill Easy Accent® Decorator fitted with open-star tip with remaining whipped topping. Pipe whipped topping over top of trifle; garnish with reserved strawberries and blueberries. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Yield: 16 servings

Bowl 'em Over For The Bowl Games

Havin the gang over for the upcoming Bowl games?


Going to a fiesta for the Fiesta Bowl?


Here's a dish you can fix at home for your guests or take with you where you'll be watching the games.

Bread Bowl Artichoke Dip

Baked and served in a bread bowl, this rich, flavor-packed dip is perfect for your next party.




Ingredients
2 16-oz sourdough bread rounds (about 6-in. diameter), divided
Vegetable oil
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup milk
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts in water, drained
1 1.4-oz envelope or one 1.8-oz box (2 envelopes) vegetable soup mix
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 lemon
1 container (8 oz) sour cream
Grated fresh Parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Using Color Coated Bread Knife, slice off top of one bread round to create a lid; set lid aside. Carefully remove center of bread round to form a 4½-inch-wide and 2-inch-deep well for dip. Slice center of first and entire second bread round into 1-in. cubes. Place bread bowl on center of Large Round Stone with Handles. Arrange bread cubes around bowl; spray with vegetable oil using Kitchen Spritzer.
2. In Classic Batter Bowl, whisk cream cheese until smooth using Stainless Whisk. Add milk to cream cheese; whisk until smooth. Chop artichokes using Food Chopper. Add artichokes, soup mix and garlic pressed with Garlic Press to batter bowl; mix well using Small Mix ’N Scraper®. Microwave on HIGH 5-7 minutes or until hot (do not boil). Juice lemon using Juicer to measure 2 tbsp juice. Stir juice and sour cream into hot artichoke mixture; pour into bread bowl.
3. If desired, grate Parmesan cheese over bread bowl and bread cubes using Rotary Grater. Lean lid against bread bowl. Bake 13-15 minutes or until bread cubes and top of dip are golden brown. Remove from oven; serve immediately.

Yield: 12 servings
Nutrients per serving (about 2 tbsp dip and 4 bread cubes): Calories 220, Total Fat 8 g, Saturated Fat 4.5 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Carbohydrate 29 g, Protein 7 g, Sodium 610 mg, Fiber 2 g

Resolve To Be In Charge Of Your Life In 2009!

Have you made resolutions before that had little or no impact?

Ever made "safe" resolutions?

For 2009, make the resolution to take charge of your own life and make it better than anyone ever thought you could.

You know you can.

I know you can!

Imagine what life would be like if you:
* Had extra income for a car or mortgage payment, education, family vacations or retirement.
* Could pay off debt.
* Had more time for your family.
* Could do something you really loved.

That's what life is like for independent Pampered Chef® Consultants around the world.

For an investment of only $155, you're in business for yourself. And you're supported by a world-class company that provides the marketing tools and step-by-step training that lead to your success.

You'll find everything you need to build a successful business in your New Consultant Kit!
High-quality, multifunctional products - Catalogs - Software - Professional business supplies to market your business - A tote to easily carry products and catalogs to and from Shows.

You'll also receive engaging and effective training and support - including a Business Guide, Getting Started DVD and access to our Online Training Center - all targeting the skills most critical to your early success. It's a value of more than $500!

Call me. I'd love to chat with you for about 15 minutes to see if The Pampered Chef® is the change you need in your life. Only you can decide if it is, and I'm here to help you make an informed decision

A New Recipe Of The Week

In my family, its been a tradition to have Pork on New Years day. Its supposed to be a guarantee of good fortune and prosperity for the year to come.

So, here's a great recipe to use for those that wish to not only ring in 2009 on a properous note and also have an amazing meal to start the year off right!

Asian Pork and Noodle Skillet

Tight on time? This quick skillet dish is a great “go-to” recipe that your family will request again and again!

2 medium carrots, peeled
1 medium red bell pepper
5-6 green onions with tops (about 1¼ cups sliced), divided
2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons Asian Seasoning Mix
4 packages (3 ounces each) oriental-flavor ramen noodles
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 cups water

1 - Cut carrots into julienne strips using Julienne Peeler. Cut bell pepper lengthwise into ¼-inch strips using Chef’s Knife. Slice green onions; set aside tops for garnish.

2 - Using Boning Knife, trim fat and silver skin from pork tenderloins. Slice pork lengthwise into four strips. Thinly slice strips crosswise. Combine pork, sesame oil, seasoning mix and two of the ramen seasoning packets in Classic Batter Bowl; mix well with Classic Scraper.

3 - Add vegetable oil to (12-in.) Skillet; heat over medium-high heat 1-3 minutes or until shimmering. Add half of the pork. Cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until browned; remove pork from Skillet and keep warm. Repeat with remaining pork.

4 - Add carrots and bell pepper to Skillet. Cook 1-2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add water and remaining ramen seasoning packets; stir to loosen browned bits from bottom of Skillet using Bamboo Spatula. Add ramen noodles and white parts of green onions to Skillet. Cover; bring to a boil and cook 4-5 minutes or until noodles are softened. Add pork; stir to break apart noodles. Remove Skillet from heat; let stand, covered, 3-4 minutes or until pork is heated through.

Garnish with reserved green onion tops.

Yield: 6 servings
Nutrients per serving: Calories 530, Total Fat 24 g, Saturated Fat 8 g, Cholesterol 100 mg, Carbohydrate 38 g, Protein 38 g, Sodium 1280 mg, Fiber 2 g
Cook’s Tip: If desired, 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips, can be substituted for
the pork tenderloin.
©The Pampered Chef, Ltd., 2007

What Do YOU Want From The Pampered Chef?

A simple post and a simple question -
But first, an explanation.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret, the first priority of a Pampered Chef Consultant is NOT to sell you products! (Shhh! Don't tell anyone!)

The first priority of any Pampered Chef Consultant is to make your life better.
How do we do this?
We provide you with a service. We serve YOU!
That means we need to know what it is you want from The Pampered Chef.
Do you want recipes?
Do you want cooking tips?
Do you want party and entertaining tips?
Do you want to save money on your Grocery bill?
Do you want to replace old/outdated kitchen tools or serving dishes?
Do you want a whole new life?

A Pampered Chef Consultant can help you with the answers to all of these questions and more.

I, Your Pampered Chef Consultant, can help you with all these and more.
Please realize that just because I call you, email you or talk with you about The Pampered Chef doesn't automatically mean I'm trying to sell you something. I'm trying to find out what I, and The Pampered Chef, can do to make your life better.

That may not always mean selling you something. I know that. I realize that. Do you?

So, please, tell me what do YOU want from The Pampered Chef? Comment here, email me, call me, show up on my doorstep to tell me.

I post this because I want to take down that wall that goes up any time I contact you and others because it is automatically assumed that you have to buy something to make me happy. You buying something won't make me happy (it will make me money, but not always happy). What will make me happy is to know that your life is just a little bit, or even a lot, better because I was able to help you.

So, tell away what you want and need! I'm listening.

Holiday Gift Idea - Pretty And Useful!

Who doesn't enjoy a nice warm beverage to hold in their hands this time of year?

Need a simple, yet totally useful, gift for a friend or coworker?

Put together this little package and be the favorite friend of Chocolate Lovers in the upcoming year.

Combine
1 cup sugar
1 cup non-dairy powdered coffee creamer
1 cup nonfat dry powdered milk
1 cup milk chocolate morsels
2/³ cup unsweetened cocoa powder.

Place 1/³ cup cocoa mix in a cellophane
bag; top with miniature marshmallows.
Seal bag and tie with a bow. Place the bag
in a Coffee & More Cup with Sweet Mocha
Hazelnut Sprinkle and a chocolate-dipped
peppermint stick.
To prepare, place cocoa mix into the cup.
Add 1¼ cups hot milk. Stir until well blended.
Yield: about 12 giftable servings

Don't Fake It

When running your own business, or playing a crucial role in someone else's, you have to be "for real".

Don't Fake It.

If you decide to work on your own, do not rely on making your paycheck at something you do not have a passion for.

In the movie Sister Act 2, Whoopi Goldberg told a High School student, "If when you go to sleep at night, thinking about singing. If when you wake up, you think of singing, then you are a singer." The reverse is true too. If you wake and sleep thinking you're a carpenter, then you'll pretty much struggle through trying to be a restaurant chef.

You may be able to go through the motions of the job you choose, but in the end, your success, or lack of, will be determined by the passion you have.

If you're checkbook is going to depend on the success of what you're doing on your own, then you had better love doing it day in and day out, 24 hours a day.

You can't fake your way to the bank.

Why I Blog. . .

I've been at this a few days now, so I guess its time to tell you why I'm doing this.
As you can read in my bio statement here on this Blog, I've been a PC consultant for over a year now. Through this time, I've been hit and miss on communicating with my Hosts and Guests.
It has always been my hope to organize my communications.
This Blog gives me a format I can work with in posting updates to you. I've put together a schedule of posts so that you'll always see new and fresh posts giving you the most up to date information that you can use.
Also, I've never been comfortable with beating anyone over the head with the Pampered Chef information I have for you. Therefore, this Blog is here for your taking.
There are several options available on this page for you to keep track of the posts. You can "follow" by using the link to the right, or if you scroll clear to the bottom of this page, you can "subscribe" to this blog using your RSS feed which will download the posts into your email program (this is the option I use for Blogs I follow)
If you ever have questions about the Blog here, or want to see a certain issue or product addressed, then do not hesitate to contact me.
I hope this will be the start of a beautiful path of communication between you and the Pampered Chef.

Quick Monday Update!

Just a quick note -
For work today, we had a photo shoot in order to update the website.
The photographer, Karla, from Banks Photography, is quick!

Check out
www.bankspix.com/blog.html

This Week's Upcoming Schedule

Mondays I'm going to let you know what the upcoming week looks like for me, and for you. I'll, of course, include all my Pampered Chef related appointments, but I'll also throw in some odds and ends that'll give you a clue to me and who I am outside of The Pampered Chef

So, here we go

Monday, November 17th -

• A Day planning to make Special Days spectacular for my Brides - Yeah, by day, I'm a Wedding/Event Planner with Devoted To Details in Dublin, Ohio
• The Best New Show on Television! "My Own Worst Enemy" with Christian Slater. If you like intrigue, espionage and even a bit of mental distress, you'll love "My Own Worst Enemy"
• My Goal For PC (short form of Pampered Chef) today is to do follow up calls with at least 5 people on my contact list and to also schedule 3 new shows (for December and January)

Tuesday, November 18th -

• I work in the DTD office Monday through Thursday, so, yeah, today is another Wedding Planning day.
• My Tuesday evenings are spent with NCIS. I'm such an avid fan, I help with a Charity event every fall in LA - The NCIS Fan Fest
  

Wednesday, November 19th -

• DTD daytime
• Meeting with a local Photographer for a casual meeting in the evening. In Wedding/Event planning, you can't expect it to be all work. We all like to let loose and just meet for a beer or a meal every now and then.
• No TV shows tonight. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thursday, November 20th -

• DTD time
• Smallville and Supernatural on CW tonight. Watching Smallville this season is kind of bittersweet. Its the final season. bummer...
• Thursdays also sometimes turn into a movie night with Jerry and friends. Depends on what's out and if I have the dough. This week the movie "Bolt" comes out, so yeah, I'll be there. LOL

Friday, November 21st -

• I work from home on Fridays, though it doesn't mean I don't work. LOL Today is dedicated to PC. I'll schedule shows for December and January today. (want to schedule a show, email or call me today)
• I have a show closing out today. If you need an order placed, let me know by the 21st.

Beaded Elegance

Want to add a touch of elegance to your Holiday Table?

The new Holiday Beaded items from The Pampered Chef will add class, elegance and beauty to your Holiday spread and your friends will be talking about your table next year!

These items are made of high-polished stainless steel neck and head are beautiful and durable. The handle is constructed of colorful glass beads. Due to nature of hand-making process, bead alignment may vary. Having seen these with my own eyes, the description and the pictures just don't do it justice.

These are truly beautiful items.

When taking good care of these beaded items, you want to keep in mind -

• Wash prior to first use; hand wash only. Towel dry immediately. Not dishwasher-safe. Do not soak.
  


• Do not use abrasive cleansers, such as steel wool, scouring pads or cleansers with chlorine bleach as this may scratch glass and could permanently damage stainless or glass surfaces.
  


• Not recommend for use with cookware as metal serving head may scratch nonstick or stainless surfaces.

As well as the Serving Spoon and Serving Fork shown in the picture above, there is one more beaded piece that is offered

The Beaded Spreader

In fact in the month of December, if you place an order of $60 or more, you'll receive this item for FREE.

However, if you'd like to receive the entire set for FREE, make sure you email or call me and I'll get you started on the road to FREE Beaded Elegance!

Small Stations

Your Party Planning Tip Of The Week

When you are thinking of the layout of the area your guests will be mingling in, think of the "flow" you want your guests to move in.

You want everyone to mingle and have a good time getting to know everyone and catching up with those they haven't seen in awhile.

Yet, you don't want them empty handed at any time - They have two hands, one for food, one for drinks.

An easy solution to this is handled by creating stations within your Party area. Put two or three dishes in one area, displayed nicely. Set up several of these areas around your party area and this will allow your guests to continue moving in the crowd without ever being caught empty handed.

For amazing display ideas, check out the Simple Additions line where you'll find serving trays and bowls in several patterns and designs that make your displays look like you hired a pro!

Multi Use Tip of the Week

I'm always looking for new and inventive ways to use my Pampered Chef products for more than what the obvious use for them is.

Weekly, I'll be sharing a "Multi Use Tip" that you may not have thought of.

If you know of alternative uses for your Pampered Chef products, email them to me, and you might just see them up here on my Blog!

This week's "Multi Use Tip" is for the Prep Bowls .

Use these as great place setting/Guest gifts when you have family and friends over. Cut out circles of your favorite colored or print paper to fit just inside the top of the lid of the Prep Bowl. Write a greeting or your Guest's name on it, then fill it with a holiday treat that your guest can take home. (if you want, contact me and I can send you a pdf file for snowflake circles that are premade to fit the Prep Bowl lids.)

Recipe Of The Week

I'm going to make it a point to post a new recipe each week.


This one, the first one, is one I'm looking forward to making for my December Holiday Open House! I'll let you know how it goes and any tips I discover -

Candy Cane Brownie Lollipops

These irresistible treats make adorable
hostess gifts or take-home goodies.


Ingredients
1 pkg (18-21 oz) fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients to make brownies)
24 candy canes
10 oz chocolate-flavored almond bark
Additional decorations such as red jimmies (optional)


1. Line Medium Sheet Pan with a 13-in. piece of Parchment Paper; lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions; pour batter into pan. Bake 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Remove from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack; cool 20 minutes or until still slightly warm.

2. Meanwhile, cut straight ends of candy canes off to form 4½-in. sticks using Utility Knife. Place candy cane tops into resealable plastic bag and crush using flat side of Meat Tenderizer; set aside.

3. Using Medium Scoop, scoop brownie into 24 rounded scoops, packing brownie into scoop using hands. (Entire brownie will be used.) Roll brownie scoops into smooth balls. Insert candy cane sticks into centers of balls, mounding brownie around each stick.

4. Place almond bark into Small Batter Bowl; microwave according to package directions until smooth. Spoon melted bark evenly over each brownie ball, turning to coat completely. Allow excess bark to drip off. Dip into reserved crushed candy canes or jimmies and stand upright on a piece of Parchment Paper. Repeat with remaining almond bark, lollipops and crushed candy. Let stand until set. Place into miniature cupcake liners.

Yield: 24 servings
Nutrients per serving (1 lollipop, excluding optional ingredient): Calories 260, Total Fat 11 g, Saturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Carbohydrate 40 g, Protein 2 g, Sodium 75 mg, Fiber 1 g

Cook’s Tips: Although the edges of the brownies are crusty, they don’t need to be discarded. Simply scoop the edges along with the center, and they’ll soften as they stand.
If desired, lollipop sticks or stick candies can be substituted for the candy canes.
Wrap lollipops in cellophane, tie with ribbon and use as table décor, place cards or take-home goodies for a special holiday touch.

From The Pampered Chef® Festive Holiday Desserts Recipe Collection.
©The Pampered Chef, Ltd., 2008
Homemade for the Holidays