Besides the picturesque nature and colors, fall also brings many comforting foods – pumpkins, squash, apple cider are just a few that make fall feasts so spectacular. These foods don’t just bring a variety of colors to the table, they also have many medicinal and health benefits. Click the image below to read Dr. Jeremy Wolf's article on Food Matters and to take a look at some of the fall super-foods.........

See more recipes from cooking Mamas: at www.cookingmamas.com

PUMPKIN SAUSAGE LASAGNA RECIPE - No boil noodles, sweet or spicy turkey sausage, pumpkin puree, prepared roasted garlic marinara and 3 cheeses, makes this lasagna recipe quick and easy to prepare!

CourseEntrée
CuisineItalian
Skill LevelEasy
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
1 (15 oz.) cont. light ricotta cheese
2 T. Parmesan cheese shredded
1 T. Italian seasoning
12 oz. sweet or hot turkey sausage casings removed
3/4 c. canned pure pumpkin
1/2 c. dry white wine
1/2 c. chicken broth
1 (15 oz.) jar roasted garlic marinara sauce
8 no-boil lasagna noodles
1 1/2 c. mozzarella cheese shredded & divided
1/3 c. hot water
Servings:
6
Units:
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and seasoning in medium bowl, mix well.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, cook, stirring to break into pieces, until browned. Transfer sausage to paper towel lined plate to drain.
Add pumpkin, wine and broth to skillet, cook over medium heat stirring frequently, until bubbly. Stir in sauce and sausage, heat through.
Spread 1 cup sauce mixture over bottom of a 9x 13-inch baking dish. Top with 4 lasagna noodles. Spread 1 cup ricotta mixture over noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Pour 1 cup sauce mixture over mozzarella cheese, top with remaining 4 lasagna noodles, remaining ricotta mixture and remaining sauce mixture. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Pour hot water around edges of lasagna. Cover with foil.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

BRAIN PICKINGS - MARIA POPOVA's labor of love, turns 10 today! On this special occasion, she shares the 10 most important things she has learned about life in this first decade. Click to read:https://www.brainpickings.org/?mc_cid=c7f9956a1e&mc_eid=57c0e3af4e

Lora Martini is based in the Seattle area. Her work is greatly inspired by the US Northwest landscape. Her specialty is encaustic and oil painting. She displays some of her work at the Parklane Gallery, Kirkland, WA. Learn more about Lora's work at
www.loramartini.com and about the Parklane gallery at www.parklanegallery.org

You may think that what you’ve developed in your childhood is what will define you for the rest of your life. Even if some of the habits and personal traits that we’ve developed are holding us back, our mind often chooses to ignore the damages and to resist any kind of change that might usurp the status quo............ Click the image below to read Vladimir Zivanovic article on the Lifehack Blog. www.lifehack.org/

Anyone else feel this way?

www.adriennehedger.com
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Featured by www.kudos365.com

I know a thing or two about job interviews. I’ve had more than my fair share over my career. On more than a few occasions, the employer even wrote me a personal note saying they would “keep your name on file” if a more suitable opportunity arose or whenever Hell froze over.

Of course, in most cases, your goal in any job interview is to make a good impression. At last count, there are 15,473 different advice books out there pitching strategies to help you prepare for job interviews. These experts offer time-proven, practical tips like Don’t forget to shower before you show up or this useful suggestion: Arrive at least five minutes before your scheduled appointment time, but not seven hours before, as that just comes off as creepy.

But there are no advice books out there on how to blow the interview. That’s where I come in. Say you’re in the middle of a high-stress interview, and it suddenly becomes clear the people at this company are a bunch of a-holes. You conclude you’d rather sit through a three-day insurance presentation on the benefits of whole life over term than ever work for these jerks. What are you going to do? Oh sure, you could just endure the rest of the interview, making steady eye contact, extend a firm handshake, thank the recruiter for her time and exit gracefully – just like every other lame job candidate would do. But since when did you just follow the crowd?

The next time you’re faced with the job interview from Hell, and you know you’d rather take a job as a great white shark feeder with one of those underwater metal cages as your “cubicle” than work one minute for this toxic employer, don’t go walking. Start talking. To help you out, I’ve crafted some handy responses to frequently asked job interview questions, designed to ensure they’ll never invite you back:

Interview question: Why should we hire you over any of the many other highly qualified candidates we are talking to?

Your response: Well, for one thing, can any of them belch the National Anthem on key? Also, if you hire me, your other employees will start to look outstanding by comparison, and that will really help their morale. By the way, I’ve checked into the backgrounds of some of your other candidates. I’m pretty sure I saw the previous interview candidate on an episode of To Catch a Predator. Hey, not to brag, but I have a totally clean criminal record – because they never could prove the arson charges. Also, I never say ugly, racist comments. I always keep those thoughts to myself.

Interview question: What would you consider to be your greatest strengths?

bad job interview - Bite MeYour response: In 5th grade, I crushed it at dodge ball. I can hold my breath for a minute – longer if I’m drunk. I always arrive to work within an hour of my start time – unless the fish are biting that day. Then you know where to find me, if you catch my drift.

I used to steal office supplies, but now I have everything I need, so I won’t need to steal from you. I can withstand enormous amounts of pain. Go ahead and punch me in the stomach as hard as you can. I can say with almost complete certainty I can’t be bribed into becoming a Russian spy. But then, every man has his price, am I right? Did I mention, I have an awesome Pez dispenser collection?

Interview question: What would you say are areas you need to work on somewhat?

Your response: Well, I’m kind of a mean drunk. But I’m working hard most evenings at becoming a nice drunk. When someone asks me the time, sometimes I’ll lash out and accuse them of stealing from me. I probably should stop doing that. On occasion, I will yell FOOD FIGHT in a grocery store and start throwing baked goods at anybody who makes eye contact. When napping at my desk, I tend to snore extremely loudly. I never learned how to eat with cutlery. Sometimes I forget I’m not invisible.

Interview question: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Your response: You mean assuming I haven’t taken over your job by then? Ha, that’s a joke. I’m a real jokester. I should have listed that as one of my strengths. Can you make a note of that? Seriously, buddy – can I call you buddy? I have no idea where I’ll be in five years. Hell, I usually don’t know where I’ll wake up the next morning. But if I had to guess, I’d say I’ll probably be an astronaut or maybe an oil rig worker or the Chief of Staff to the next American president…. Or a rodeo clown…. Or perhaps in rehab again. It’s really hard to say. I like to keep my options open.

Interview question: If we hired you, what would be your first priorities in your new job?

Your response: Well, it would for sure not be to raid the office supply cabinet. I think we’ve covered that. First priority? Probably to ask for a raise. I sure won’t be able to support my crack habit on this salary. Next, I’d ask to take the rest of the week off – because the pressure of your first day at a new job can be overwhelming, know what I mean? Then I’d probably ask someone to point out where all the hot chicks are in the office.

bad job interview - ZiggyInterview question: Do you have any questions for me?

Your response: Yes, I do. First, do you share my belief that Hitler was just misunderstood? Hey, mind if I do a little cocaine on your desk? Oh, and will I have my own secretary? I’m not picky, but I’d really prefer a buxom blonde. What do you think the chances are your company will follow through on my suggestion to install a free beer dispenser in the break room? Would there be any problem if I brought my pet anaconda to work? Don’t worry, he’s only dangerous if he’s hungry, and I always bring plenty of live rats to keep him well-fed.

Oh, one more question: When do I start?

That’s the view from the bleachers. Perhaps I’m off base.

PS: If you enjoyed this week’s post, let me know by posting a comment, giving it a Like or sharing this post on Facebook. www.viewfromthebleachers.net

Do you love it when your kitchen sparkles and shines, but hate all the work it takes to get it that way? Then click the image below to read Top Reveal's article by Alyssa Winters

If you love Reuben sandwiches, you’re going to LOVE the Reuben Dip recipe from Meggan Hill. To view the recipe click: #recipe" target="_blank">www.culinaryhill.com/hot-reuben-dip-recipe/#recipe

Autumn calls some birds to travel south while others remain and prepare for winter weather. Click here: goo.gl/Whidbey to read Kate Poss' article about Frances Wood's book “Brushed by Feathers: A Year of Birdwatching in the West.” on Whidbey Life Magazine

Nutrition can be a controversial issue. There’s no doubt about it! ~ Click the image below to learn about healthy protein options from Laurentine ten Bosch.