Old Year's Accomplishments...New Year's Goals

At this time of year, I like to look back on what I have accomplished over the year.  I like to reflect on special family events, travel, acquisitions, changes, accomplishments and all things that are positive.  I like to take a few moments to "take stock", "count my blessings", and list all the things I am grateful for.  I am careful not to take anything for granted.

Looking forward, at the dawning of the new year, I also like to consider those things that I would like to focus on.  Improvements, setting goals, personal growth and achievements are all part of my new year's goals.  "New Year's Resolutions" is also another name for these goals that are set for the upcoming year.

Gyms are always full of people trying to lose some weight in the early part of the year, so it's important to keep up a healthy, active lifestyle all year long.  It takes about three weeks to make a habit, so if you are trying to make a healthy lifestyle change, try to keep it up for at least 21 days. You have a better chance of keeping up with your new goals.

I've heard it said, "It's not what you eat between Christmas and New Year's - It's what you eat between New Year's and Christmas".  Sure - it pays to be careful with not overdoing it at holiday time, but it's important to keep that mentality going ALL year long.

There are many kinds of goals and resolutions that can be made at this time of year.  One of my goals is related to finances.  Another goal is related to writing and completing my book.

Take some time to reflect on your Old Year's Accomplishments, and make some New Year's Goals for yourself.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy new year!

Angela Gentile

Seek Good

Positive Thinker - Norman Vincent Peale

I found this quote in a book one day when I was in the library.  I really like how it explains the "positive thinker".  The positive thinker likes to focus on the bright side, and not dwell on the negative.

Seek good.

Have an awesome day!

Angela Gentile

The Duck Song

Here's a cute and catchy animated music video, fun for the whole family.  Simple, adorable, and amusing.  Enjoy.



Click on the arrow above to see "The Duck Song".  If you are having trouble, go to this YouTube link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtN1YnoL46Q

"Waddle, waddle, waddle...'Til the very next day."

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Pasta Night

My husband and son and a friend made some homemade pasta noodles the other night.  It's really easy and it's delicious.  My husband, being Italian, has a Pasta Machine, and it flattens the dough, and then cuts it into different sizes.  

Here's how they did it:

Homemade Pasta (Egg Noodles)

Ingredients (serves 12):

9 eggs

800 grams flour (about 6-1/2 cups)

1 teaspoon salt

Put the flour in a big pile, and hollow out the centre like a big crater.  Add the eggs and salt to the centre of the flour pile.  Beat eggs and salt with a fork and when mixed well, gradually add the flour from the edges into the centre of the pile until all the flour has been added.  Knead the dough for 3-4 minutes until no longer sticky. You may have to dust the surface with more flour as necessary.  Form the dough into a ball, and cover with a bowl.  Let stand for 1-2 hours at room temperature until it softens.

Cut a slice off the ball of dough, and run it through the pasta machine on the flattening setting.  Be sure to dust with flour generously before you put it through the machine.  You will end up with long strips of pasta.

Then cut the strips into 8" long pieces.  Put through the Pasta Machine on your desired setting (fettuccine or spaghetti for example).  Catch it as it comes out and lay it on a tray dusted with flour.

To cook:

Put the noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 5-6 minutes.  Goes well with spaghetti sauce or Alfredo sauce.  Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.  Enjoy!

Buon Appetito!

Angela Gentile 

Mishap on Flight 293

Photo credit:  http://tiny.cc/9vl9f

Mishap on Flight 293

A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport.

After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the Captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, non-stop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and therefore we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax -- OH MY GOD!"  Silence followed.

After a few minutes, the Captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm so sorry if I scared you earlier, but while I was talking, the flight attendant brought me a cup of coffee and spilt it in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!"

A passenger in coach said, "That's nothing, he should see the back of mine."


 
 
Have an awesome day!
 
~ Angela Gentile
 
(P.S.  The picture above has nothing to do with the joke - I just liked this picture!)

Old at Love, Young at Heart

I originally started out wanting to make a video about older men, and I soon realized that there was a common theme of tenderness and playfulness especially when older men are photographed with the women in their lives.  I wanted to share this love and admiration with you.  Simply adorable, I'd say.  Enjoy!



If you are having trouble seeing this, please go to the YouTube link at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-y0kIOFsVI

Have a great day!
~ Angela

Someone Like You - Adele (Mya Roy Cover)

Here's my latest video from my YouTube channel, On the Bright Side Vlog.

Mya Roy, a dear friend, sent me an audio track of her singing Adele's song, called, "Someone Like You".  It was so beautiful, and I enjoyed listening to it so much.  I then asked her if I could make a music video with it for YouTube.  She agreed!

Most of the pictures are from our travels and I have also added some beautiful pictures from friends who were kind enough to give me permission to use their photos for this video.

Enjoy!



If you are having trouble seeing this video, go to this YouTube link: http://youtu.be/cQeelCLt4ds

Have a great day,

~ Angela Gentile