Helpful Household Tips: Different Uses for Tea Bags

Tea tastes great, but did you know that it can be used outside the body as well!  Tea has a multitude of personal uses including:

·       Soothe Sunburn- If your skin has been burned badly then wet a few tea bags and place them on the affected area.  The tea will help to relive the sting. 

·       Subdue Razor Burn- Razor burn is no fun at all.  Apply a moist tea bag to the burned area and feel the awesome relief!

·       Reduce Foot Odor- Bathe your feet in a tea bath for about 20 minutes every day to reduce any foot odor you may have.  The stronger the bath, the better the results.

·       Homemade Mouthwash- If you have a toothache or other mouth pain then try rinsing with peppermint tea mixed with a pinch of salt. 

·       Dry Poison Ivy Rash- As summer approaches so will poison ivy season.  Dip a cotton ball or other towel in tea and apply to the rash.  Let the moisture dry on its own.  Repeat the process as needed.

This information was gathered from the following Reader’sDigest site.

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

Quick Dinner Recipe: Pizza Pasta Bake

Italian food rocks!  How can you combine two of the best Italian foods in one simple entrée?  Simple, just use the Pizza Pasta Bake recipe below.  It is quick, easy to make and combines all the necessary ingredients for a great night around the dinner table!

Ingredients:

1 package (16 oz) penne pasta

3 links sweet Italian sausage, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1 can (15 oz) Muir Glen® organic pizza sauce

1 can (6 oz) pitted ripe olives, drained, sliced

1 can (4 oz) Green Giant® mushrooms pieces and stems, drained

1 large bunch fresh basil, stems removed, leaves coarsely chopped

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

Directions:

1.) Heat oven to 450°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package, using minimum cook time.

2.) Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, cook sausage, bell pepper and onion over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until sausage is no longer pink and vegetables are crisp-tender.

3.) In baking dish, mix pasta and pizza sauce. Add sausage-vegetable mixture, olives, mushrooms and basil; toss until well combined. Sprinkle with cheeses; top with pepperoni.

4.) Bake uncovered 8 to 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated and cheese is melted.

This recipe was found at theattached site.

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

What is Memorial Day?

Since 1971, Memorial Day has fallen on the final Monday in the month May.  Although most people know Memorial Day has something to do with men and women in the armed services, they do not know the true meaning or origin of the national holiday.  Originally called Decoration Day, many military members and family of those who served began honoring those who passed during the Civil War.  Decoration Day was originally scheduled to fall on May 30, but was eventually changed the final Monday in May to ensure a longer weekend for those who chose to celebrate the lives of their lost friends and family.  Memorial Day became an official national holiday in 1971.  Although all members of the service should be honored, Memorial Day serves as a time to recognize those who have fallen.  The White House flag is raised to half-staff for a portion of the day to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving our country.  The entire Ryan Family is extremely grateful to all the men and women who have passed, served or will serve our country in the armed services!

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

Helpful Household Tips: Different Uses for Dental Floss

Have you been flossing?  Apart from minimizing dental bills and creating a brilliant smile, dental floss has some great uses that most people do not know about.  Floss is cheap and can be used all over your house…

·       Cut Delicate Food-Sometimes a knife is hard to come by, or maybe you do not have the right size to cut delicate food like cake.  Try using floss next time to get a clean cut!

·       Remove Cookies- The most delicious cookies are always the ones that don’t want to come off the baking sheet.  Slide floss underneath them after baking to remove them with ease and no mess left behind!

·       Lose the Ring- Ever had a ring stuck on your finger?  Whether you need to take it off for good or bad reasons, if it’s stuck then wrap the rest of your finger tightly with floss and slide the ring right off.

·       Hang Things- When the holiday season rolls around use mint dental floss to hang ornaments on the tree. 

·       Un-Stick Photos- If you have two photos stuck together try using floss to get them apart.  Ripping them apart with your hands can cause damage to both, so slide floss between them and savor each picture for another day!

·       Floss- The most important use has to do with your beautiful teeth.  Keep a healthy smile by flossing every day.

These uses were found at the following link.

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

No Email After Work

The average work day is filled with dozens of emails, phone calls and even text messages.  Communication with others is constant and this continuous back and forth can wear on you as the day comes to a close.  Unfortunately, we know that sometimes you check your work email on the weekend, on the way home, or even worse…at home!  A recent study found that some of the most successful people do not open their email, or even answer their phone once the work day has concluded.  Why is this?  The study showed that when people are constantly in “work mode” they get burned out, crabby and their creativity tends to run out.  It is understandable.  The human body naturally gets tired around 3-5pm as it needs rest and relaxation.  The founders of 5 Hour Energy capitalized on this notion as they discovered that most people need a boost in the afternoon.  So, what can turning the computer or cell phone off after the work day do for you?  It can recharge your brain so you come to work energized.  It can re-boot your creative side so new ideas flow out of you.  Most importantly, keeping work at the workplace can dramatically change your health as it can reduce stress in your life.  We know you work hard, just keep it at the workplace so you can continue to shine!

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

Quick Dinner Recipes: Dan Dan Noodles

So, you’re a little rushed for dinner tonight.  It happens to the best of us.  Try this delicious recipe for Dan Dan Noodles.  Not only is it a quick recipe, but it will allow your family to explore a different kind of food!

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces Shanghai-style noodles or udon
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3/4 pound ground pork
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped peeled ginger
• 3/4 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons chili oil, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 teaspoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 1 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns, ground in a mortar and pestle
• Pinch of sugar
• 4 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
• 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced

Directions:

1.) Bring a large pot of water to boil and add the noodles. Cook until tender but still slightly firm to the bite, then drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to quickly chill. Drain well.

2.) In a large (12-inch) skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat until smoking. Add pork and a pinch of salt and pepper and cook until partially cooked but still half pink. Add ginger and continue cooking until pork is cooked through and starting to brown.

3.) Stir in chicken stock, chili oil, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, tahini, and sichuan peppercorns. Season with a little sugar, then bring to a boil and simmer until the sauce thickens, 7-10 minutes.

4.) Add noodles to the skillet and toss well in the sauce. Once noodles are heated through, taste for salt and sugar. Transfer to bowls and top with peanuts and scallions. Serve immediately.

This recipe was found at the following site.

Enjoy!

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

Awesome Body Facts

There are some cool body feelings that are nothing short of amazing, so we took to Reader’s Digest to find the answers.

Why Does My Stomach Feel Up in My Throat On Roller Coasters?

 Believe it or not, your insides (stomach and intestines) are actually shifting.  Don’t worry though it is not harmful to your health as they go right back into place.

Why Does Luke Warm Coffee Taste So Bad?

Certain taste buds in your mouth are more receptive to temperature than others with certain foods.  For coffee, the taste is less bitter when it is hot.  Odors also influence taste.  The hotter the coffee=a stronger aroma=a better taste.

Can Achy Joints Actually Predict Weather?

To a degree, yes.  When a storm is brewing, the atmospheric pressure will most likely drop which could cause body tissue to swell.  This swelling can increase the pain someone has in their joints.

Why Do I Get Side Aches When  I Run?

The running process, although healthy, can stretch, pull and pound your diaphragm.  This can lead to a sharp pain.  To stop the pain, slow down, or work on taking longer breaths when running.

There are quite a few more at the following Reader’s Digest site.

At Ryan Motors, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.          

Quick Dinner Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Pizza

Everyone likes pizza, especially kids.  Try this delicious homemade pizza recipe this week when you are in a crunch for a quick dinner.  The family is sure to love this special East Coast pizza:

Ingredients:

1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 Tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon beef bouillon granules
½ pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
1 Tablespoon prepared Italian salad dressing
1½ cups (6 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Unroll crescent roll dough into one long rectangle, seal perforations.

3. Press dough onto the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 13x9x2 baking dish.

4. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

5. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, sauté the green pepper and onion in oil and bouillon until vegetables are tender, set aside.

6. Arrange beef over crust. Brush with salad dressing, top with pepper mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

7. Bake 4 to 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

8. Cut into squares. Makes 6 servings.

This recipe was found at the attached site.

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

 

Respect the Farmer's Tan

It is fairly common practice, especially for the younger generation, to make fun of those who sport a “farmer’s tan.”  The jokes are quickly approaching as the weather is heating up with each day.  Unlike most of the public we would like to take a moment to salute those who have a famer’s tan.  You may wonder why we would do such a thing, and it is a pretty simple explanation.  Those who have tan lines represent a strong class of people.  Athletes, outdoor workers and yes, farmers, are some of the hardest working people on this great earth.  We don’t see funny tan lines on these people; we see dedication, hard work and a personal drive.  These people have the guts to work a job, play a sport or provide much needed services to their community with their shirt on!  To all of you out there with a farmer’s tan, we thank you.  The hard work you put forth in the field, on the job or with your team does not go unnoticed. 

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.      

The Value of Newspaper

Over the last decade, the newspaper has faded to the backdrop as online articles, Nooks and even Ipads have come to the forefront for news and information.  In fact, a majority of people do not receive the daily paper and very few go out of their way to read it.  Online articles and other forms of digital news may be the way of the future but we are here to put some value back into print.  Newspapers have been around for hundreds of years and their value cannot be understated.  For example, when a newspaper is printed, a writer is bound by their word.  They cannot go back and edit a word or sentence.  They must stand by their work.  Similarly, newspaper reporters and writers are, typically, more accessible to the community.  What do we mean by that?  A local writer can be contacted with ease and their opinion can be challenged by anyone in the community where as an online column can be made anonymous and by someone oblivious to local issues.  Lastly, the newspaper represents the history of the area.  It shows where the people are from, where they are now and where they are headed.  A town’s newspaper has the ability to paint a vivid picture of what life is truly like in a specific community.

Happy reading!

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.   

Work Snacks 101

Work Snacks 101

We all know that time of the day when our stomachs start grumbling.  Lunch is hours behind us, fatigue starts to set in and we need some sustenance to get us through the rest of the day.  Unfortunately, we often turn to unhealthy choices: chips, pop, candy and other fatty or sugary snacks.  These food items, although tasty, can bring on more hunger, less energy and even extra weight.  Stay healthy this week and try a few of these simple alternatives:

·        Peanut butter and jelly sandwich- A pretty obvious choice.  The key with this snack is to buy healthy peanut butter.  It may cost a few dollars extra, but the numerous health benefits outweigh the price difference.

·        Almonds-These wonderful nuts are packed with protein, or energy, and are a healthy alternative to a majority of vending machine snacks.

·        Apple or Orange-The natural sugars in fruit can help propel you through the end of the day.

·        Protein shake-Protein shakes do not have to cost you an arm and a leg.  There are a multitude of affordable options at your local grocery store.  Most of these powders can be mixed easily with water and they come in a variety of flavors.

·        Simple sandwich- What is a simple sandwich?  It is meat, a slice of healthy cheese and bread.  Stay away from mayonnaise, mustard and other condiments.  A small sandwich should give you enough energy to type a few more emails before the final bell rings.

Happy snacking!

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.

Quick Dinner Recipe: Skillet Sausage 'n' Rice

Have a busy weekend coming up?  Most of us do with the weather finally turning for the better.  Multiple activities can make it difficult to whip up a delicious meal so we found a great recipe that will kick any fast food option out of the picture:

Ingredients:

·         1 (16-oz.) package smoked sausage

Click to see savings·         1 medium-size green bell pepper, chopped

·         1 small onion, chopped

Click to see savings·         1 garlic clove, minced

·         1 cup chicken broth

·         2 (3.5-oz.) bags quick-cooking brown rice

Click to see savings·         1/2 teaspoon salt

·         1/4 teaspoon pepper

·         Garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1.      1. Cut sausage into 1/2-inch slices. Sauté in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove sausage slices, and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 Tbsp. drippings in skillet.

2.      2. Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic to skillet, and sauté over medium-high heat 4 minutes or until tender. Add chicken broth, stirring to loosen particles from bottom of skillet, and bring to a boil. Remove rice from cooking bag; add rice, sausage, salt, and pepper to skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 5 minutes or until rice is tender. Garnish, if desired

 

This recipe was found at the following site.

Bon Appetite!

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.  

Receptionist for a Day

The receptionist at our dealership has been sick for the last couple of days, so I volunteered to work from her station and take over her duties while she recuperates from a nasty cold.  After just one day, my respect for her position, work ethic and attitude has shifted dramatically.  Wow, what a tough job!  We often forget how important jobs, such has reception or secretary, truly are.  For example, the phone never stops ringing.  Never.  Most of us have the luxury of letting phone calls go to voicemail when we are “busy”, but not the receptionist as they are the face of the company, literally.  They are the first voice/face a customer sees when they call or walk in the door and it is imperative they have a good attitude, the whole day.  This leads to my second point.  The receptionist has to be upbeat and positive all day, every day.  I am not lying when I say that this is next to impossible.  A “bad day” can not be in a receptionist’s vocabulary as they are just as important in the sales process as the salesman or the sales manager.  They set the tone for the entire sale/discussion.  Lastly, the receptionist is one of the hardest working positions in a business.  Not only do they assist everyone, but they may also serve as public notary, title clerk, administrative assistant, safety officer and much more.  I used to think my job was difficult…no more!  I salute and thank all receptionists.  Thank you for removing stress from everyone’s day, doing more than your share and performing each task with a smile on your face.

At Ryan, vehicles may be our profession, but people are our passion.