HOW TO: Pit your Avocado

My husband and I enjoy a good guac mix every once in a while. We also frequently put avocados on our tacos, toastadas, etc. Getting the pit out of the avocado can be quite the chore! I used to use the method I call the, "try not to lose a finger" method. This method involves whacking the pit of the avocado with a knife, and pulling. Flaws to this method include: 1. If the knife isn't in the pit far enough, it comes out. 2. If the knife is too far into the pit, the pit may come out with some difficulty, resulting into some possible knife to the nose flinging action. Neither of these are good options. So, after some observations, I have finally found a sensible alternative.
Step one: (Similar to step one of the "try not to lose a finger" method):
Whack the pit with a knife.

Step 2: (This one is REALLY important, it sets the two methods apart):

TWIST the knife that is in the avocado.

Step three: 

PULL the avocado pit out of the avocado.

I have found this way is SIGNIFICANTLY easier than the other method.

Click the link below to visit our Youtube channel and see a video.

Three Thisters Guide to Toilets, Sinks, and Hand-drying Options in Public Restrooms

We were showing some friends from out of state around town a few weeks ago and visiting a public restroom here and there in the process. I became very aware of all the many methods there are for using the toilet, washing, and drying your hands. I wondered if any of our readers could be perplexed by all the options available from restroom to restroom and decided to present a guide here that I hope can be useful to you. Most people generally use the restroom in three stages, the toilet, then handwashing, then hand-drying. Each of these stages offer either a manual or motion-activated form of use, each of which I will cover here.

Toilets:

Some have a lever you push or pull when done. Some have a button. And some are motion activated and everything's taken care of almost before you can realize it's gone.

Sinks:

Some have a manual faucet. Others have a motion-activated sensor. And some dang things require you to push with one hand while you wash the other. Heh. Try doing that with a baby in your arms.

There is a small sub-category here, Soap dispensers:

Some you push manually, some have a motion activated sensor.

Hand-drying options:

Paper towels: Some you pull down manually. Some are motion activated by a wave of your hand.

Hot air blowers: Some require you to push a button. Others are motion activated, again by a wave of your hand.

As I outlined this information for our readers, I started to pick up on a trend. Each stage of the restroom experience is either manual or motion-activated, and can be recognized in the following ways:

Manual:
Most manual options will have a lever, or something to push or pull. In some cases, "PULL" will even be inscribed on some dispensers. This is not to be confused with a picture of a waving hand, which is solely for motion-activated paper towel dispensers.

Motion-Activated:
Sometimes the unit will be labeled "motion-activated." It is also possible that you will be able to locate a red, laser-like sensor. Stand in front of the sensor. In the case of toilets, whether or not it is labeled, all you must do is stand up.

I have included a printable here. Please download, print, and distress the edges with either a brown ink-pad or soaking with tea-bags and drop it in your purse as an easy reference the next time you or a little one has to go.

HOW TO: Make Shot Put Bread

The smell of Italian pasta is in the air. An undeniable and overpowering desire for garlic bread fills your soul. 
"Grocery store.... here I come!" You go to grab your keys.

No.

You decide you're gonna do this pioneer style. That's right. You're going to make your own bread. Garlic Shot Put Bread.

This is the bread BEFORE you shot put-itize it. It's okay.... but nothing makes you say "bon appetite" like a bread that requires an average of 53 chews for each swallowable bite!
 
I'm going to be frank and say that I'm not really sure how I achieved the beauty of my shot put bread. I guess you could say it's the magic in my hands. But I'll do my best to describe it here so people don't start referring to me as the Selfish Shot Put Bread Hog. 

1. Follow the recipe exactly.
2. Read each direction 5 times before, during, AND after you follow each step. Like really.
3. I learned this one long ago- detach your self-esteem from your cooking (you don't want to get TOO prideful).
4. And VUALA! You have yourself some delicious and mostly edible shot put bread!

P.S. If you want the ingredients/measurements, give me a ring.