Lesson 13 Amber Comes Over To Bake Cookies

Ted's girlfriend Amber comes over to help with the cookies.
Amber has experience baking cookies from a former job.
Susan leaves the kitchen so they can work better.

Ted: Mom, Amber is here to lend a hand with the cookies.

Susan: Hi Amber. Nice to see you again.

Amber: Good to see you too, Mrs.Johnson.

Susan: that's an interesting hairstyle.

Amber: Thanks. I'm glad you think it's cool. Blue hair is all the range this season.

Susan: Well, I'm going to take a break now and let you kids to take over.

Ted: Don't worry, Mom. Your business is in good hands with Amber. She really knows her stuff.

Amber: That's true. I used to work at Mrs.Field's Cookies in the mall.

Susan: You don't work there anymore?

Amber: No, I got fired. I have a real sweet tooth, and they told me I was eating too many cookies.

Susan: Well, I'm sure you haven't lost your touch.

Amber: I might be a bit out of practice.

Ted: Mom, you can watch Amber bake if you want. You might pick up a few tricks of the trade.

Amber: Yes, feel free. As a singer, I'm used to performing before an audience!

Susan: Thanks, but I'm going to get out the way. You know what they say: too many cooks spoil the broth!

Amber: Will I see you later tonight?

Susan: Yes, I'll be back in a few hours.

Ted: Mom, why don't you just call it a night and go to bed. You've been working your tail off all day.

Idioms

all the rage - the latest fashion; popular right now

(to) call it a night - to stop an activity for the rest of the night

feel free - go ahead and do something; don't hesitate (to do something)

(to) get out of the way - to move out of the way; to stop interferring with someone's plans or activities

(to be) in good hands - in good, competent care

(to) know one's stuff - to have an expertise in a field

(to) lend a hand - to help

(to) lose one's touch - to no longer be able to do something well

(to be) out of practice - no longer good at doing something

(to) pick up - to acquire; to learn

sweet tooth - an enjoyment of sugary foods

(to) take a break - to stop and rest from an activity

(to) take over - to assume control

too many cooks spoil the broth - too many people involved in an activity can ruin it

tricks of the trade - clever shortcuts gained by experience

(to) work one's tail off [slang] - to work very hard