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About me - Writing Nag

I'm a chef/restaurant owner and writer currently living in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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Food & Drink > Food & Drink (Other) Nutritious lunch box ideas: 18 of 39
It's not surprising that most school lunch programs are too high in fat and sugar. With childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes at an all time high, we can't ignore what our children are choosing to eat. Instead of throwing your children into the marketing mayhem with no education, make it part of the curriculum. Introducing go... More..
Food & Drink > Restaurant Reviews The difference between a good restaurant and a bad one: 8 of 16
As a restaurant owner and a chef I love to eat out. Whether it's fast-service or fine dining there are good restaurants and bad ones. My standards are pretty basic. My top seven attributes for determining whether I will go back are as follows, not listed in order of importance.1. Cleanliness-general cleanliness is important, ... More..
Food & Drink > Bread & Baking Recipes Recipes: Homemade raisin bread: 1 of 1
Growing up my siblings and I were blessed to have my mother's mom, Nana, living in our house. A retired schoolteacher she now filled her days helping to raise us and cooking mouth-watering dinners and baked goods. From the time I was seven years old, I was chosen to be her designated kitchen assistant. I was in charge of stir... More..
Hobbies & Games > Antiques & Collecting (Other) Vase collecting: Head vases: 1 of 1
You might have seen them at estate sales, on eBay or have stumbled upon one at a garage sale.Starting in 1940 through the early '70's porcelain or ceramic head vases were originally made for floral designers. But the beauty and uniqueness of these ceramic vases soon made them popular collectibles. Head vases have been produce... More..
Food & Drink > Dining Etiquette Should cell phones be banned in restaurants?: 69 of 115
Although banned is a little harsh I think in certain restaurants cell phones should not be allowed. As a restaurant owner of a fast-service restaurant we were forced to post a sign reminding patrons that "their cell phone will get better reception outside". Why did we post the sign? Picture the scenario-busy lunch rush, line ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Writing Tips Advice for new writers: 73 of 88
How to become a "better" writer in 30 daysOne of the first statements I hear when I tell people I'm a writer is they would be a writer too if they had the time. If you are a writer and you don't write because of time constraints, you have to ask yourself if you are serious about becoming a writer. Daily writing is the way to ... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Gardening: 5 of 6
Planting DahliasEarth, warm under my spadebrings forth wormsvying for squatter rightspushing them asideI dropvisions of summerdinner plate dahliasraising their facesand snubbing last yearsChristmas tree, now compost More..
Food & Drink > Breads, Grains, Pasta & Rice How to make a great sandwich: 29 of 34
A great sandwich starts with fresh interesting ingredients.My seven layers of flavor include the following:1. Hearty, whole-grain breads or bread alternatives. Don't settle for supermarket bread, find a local bread baker or bake your own. Bagels, pita, croissants, baguettes, kaiser rolls and focaccia loaves all make great san... More..
Food & Drink > Sauce, Spread & Dip Recipes Recipes: Cranberry sauce: 11 of 12
Pear and Cranberry Chutney1 Tbsp vegetable oil2 Bartlett pears, peeled and cut into small dice1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and cut into small dice1 small onion, cut into small dice2 cloves garlic, chopped fine2 cups water1 1/2-2 cups brown sugar1/4 cup cider vinegar1/4 tsp. allspice2 cinnamon sticks1/2 tsp ground cinnamonpinc... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenthood Taking "mommy time" without feeling guilty: 72 of 73
"Mommy, mommy, mommy" if I hear that name one more time I'm going to...When my third child started the chant I thought about changing my name and moving out. Sure I could see the kids at the holidays and I'd send pictures, but instead I reached for my mommy bag found a new paperback, plucked out a fancy tea bag and a bar of d... More..