ROAMING GYPSY BABY

Holy Toledo time flies!

2011-03-27T11:47:00.006-04:00

Yikes it's been 7 months since I blogged. I really don't know why I'm thinking of starting back, but here goes....I guess I'm hoping it will be a jump start to getting rid of more of these pounds that are jiggling on my booty! I have lost a few more and am now maintaining. Now is the time to get into full clean eating and exercising mode.
I actually have been eating pretty good, but the slip ups have been more frequent and I really don't want to slide back into old unhealthy habits.
Nancy (my sis) and I joined the Y in November. We started out doing really well but with the holidays, sickies and vacation we've been slacking. We are heading back on Wednesday. I'm going to step it up a notch and try to do some Margaret Richard on days I don't hit the Y. I used to follow her regime, it's old school but it works.
I'm not going to blather on and on in my first post back so I'll end with the next rule (yes I will finish, well except for the very last one as my puppy at it) (REALLY)

RULE 58: Do all your eating at a table.
First of all a desk is NOT a table. Eating at your desk or while watching tv is mindless eating. You are not focusing on what you are putting in your body. If you have to eat at your desk make sure it is good food.

More to come!

HELLOOOOOO

2010-08-07T15:32:00.004-04:00

I'm finally forcing myself to take a few minutes to post. I'm not going to make any excuses for not posting, I'll say it straight out. I WAS LAZY! That's it, I haven't been too busy, I just didn't feel like it. PFTTTTT

Here's an update of my summer (if anyone still visits here? {or even cares} LOL). I am kind of enjoying the job. The only reason I say kind of is that I think the training was pretty lame and I have to call customers. Overall I'm ok with making customer calls, but the lack of training stinks. But I'm dealing.
We have had a HOT summer so far, my poor grass. It is a lovely shade of yellow/brown. We've been running the air a lot, mostly cuz of Randy's MS and Nancy's hot flashes. HA, I do not miss those!

My potted garden is hanging on. I sometimes need to water twice a day as they dry out over night! I can't wait to have plants in the ground next year. The spot I have them in turned out to be perfect, they are getting plenty of sun. Hopefully the edging stone will be on sale soon and I can start building the bit of raised bed I want for next years garden.

Nancy and I have been hitting as many different farmers markets as we can. Other than the Eastern Market (too far to get to on a weekly basis) the Flint and Grand Blanc markets have been the best. Saginaw's has been very disappointing so far this year. Along with fruit and veg, I've been picking up local eggs and even some grass fed burger. MMM, delish.
Look at the cute sign at the Flint market...

And with thoughts of fresh food in our minds here is a new rule...you didn't think I would just leave you hanging did you? We are just about done with them, so I'll have to think of something else to post about.

RULE 57: Don't get your fuel from the same place your car does.
Did you know that American gas stations make more money selling food (and cigarettes) than they do from selling gas? And what kind of "food" are they selling? Food filled with preservatives, sugar, salt and who knows what. And don't get me started on the soft drinks or bottled water. Gas stations should be called "processed corn stations"....ethanol outside for your car and high-fructose corn syrup inside for you! DO NOT EAT HERE!
(more about bottled water in the future)

off to play .......ciao!

Hello beautiful weather!

2010-07-01T13:04:00.004-04:00

I can't begin to describe the weather we've had this week. Beautiful!!! We're heading into the 90's for the weekend tho. Hot Hot Hot!

I am going to paint my patio table and chairs TODAY while it's not a million degrees, but I am sceerd to start. Just because I'm a waffler and am unsure I really like the color. Dork I am. TODAY, I will paint TODAY...there, maybe now I will really get it done.

Let's get the rule out of the way so I can go paint TODAY
RULE 56: Limit your snacks to unprocessed plant foods.
Americans have steadily increased their calorie consumption by about 500 calories per day. A lot of it from snacks and biggie this and that. As I posted previously try to snack on fruit, veggies and nuts. Yummy stuff!

CIAO! I'm off to paint...really!

Moving forward

2010-06-29T10:46:00.002-04:00

Whew, the last few weeks have been a challenge. My old job reared it's UGLY head and put me in a tailspin. I really really hate that place. But what has transpired made me realize I need to move forward and not look back.
I had the "opportunity"( ha ha) to go back and I almost fell for it. Thankfully I received a phone call from the most recent place I worked offering me a temp job. I had to make the decision to go back to hell, for how long who knows, or accept the temp job and continue searching for a long term position. In my heart I knew what to do but the ever-loving dollar was making me have doubts. Anyway, I will not be returning to hell!!! Hopefully a year from now I won't regret my decision. I'm going to be working a mile from home at our local power company. I'll be working in the fraud dept, verifying identity and such. Previously I worked there in the billing dept and I enjoyed the job and the people I worked with. It was a humongo change from the hell I was in for almost 10 years. I was treated like a person not a number or a statistic. I could actually use the restroom or speak to a coworker with out fear of retribution! I can't believe how brainwashed I was!

Haha...sorry for the run on paragraph. I am so not a writer.

Needless to say during these last few weeks I have not been eating well. The weather being so hot hasn't helped. I cannot remember a May and June so warm. It's finally coolish today.

Do you remember which rule in the book FOOD RULES (look there is a Kindle option!) I was on? I do. So let's not dilly dally.

RULE 55: Eat meals.
Sounds kind a dumb, doesn't it? But we are not eating meals like we did 30 years ago. We snack, constantly. We eat in at work, while driving and of course in front of the boob tube. This leads us to over eat. If you snack sensibly, with fruit and veg you're ok. But if your snackage consists of donuts and chips that's not ok. I'm more of a grazer and I've learned to have healthy snacks available. My fridge is loaded with nectarines, peaches, plums, radishes and avocados. So if you are a grazer make sure you are sensible about it. And if you can't be sensible stick with only eating at mealtime.

And lastly how do you like the new template? Blogger has some new backgrounds and I felt what better time to change. There aren't many to choose from but it's better than nothing. I always wanted a cool background but so many blogs that I visit have customization that slows the blog down and I chose not to do that. I have no patience for slow loading blogs so I end up not visiting them often. Which reminds me I really need to clean up my links....not today, but soon LOL.

Well I need to get a move on.
ciao!

Long time no see!

2010-06-08T09:02:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the non posting, just needed a break from food accountability. Ha, that's what graduation and birthday parties will do for you. But I'm back on track this week. And even tho I haven't been eating clean these last 2 weeks I finally broke the 20 pound mark so I guess it's not all bad.
Nancy and I went to the Midland farmers market and it was super! I bought farm fresh eggs, maple syrup and a few plants. The eggs were fantabulous!
I've been gorging on fresh eggs as a wonderful friend gave me another dozen the next day...mmmm I've had eggs every which way LOL.
I am hoping to get to more farmers markets in the next few weeks. I have heard Flint and Ann Arbor have really nice markets. And I have never been to the Eastern Market in Detroit so that is definitely on my agenda.

Enough about that...here's a new rule!

RULE 54: "Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper."
Some researchers say a calorie is a calorie no matter when consumed. I have my doubts so I try not to eat a big meal late in the day. If I eat late at night I feel the meal just sits there, for sure it gives me heartburn. I always feel better eating a good breakfast with lot's of little meals during the day. Works for me.

It's camping season!

2010-05-18T14:25:00.002-04:00

Lily and I are heading camping for a few days. This will be her first trip. I'm sure she's not going to like the leash thingy after having free roam of our huge yard heehee. I can't wait to see if she'll like the beach and water. And I usually don't like camping before Memorial Day because of the weather, but I have been getting stir crazy and need to get away. I'll pack a winter coat and a pair of shorts LOL. Lovely Michigan.

Are you hungry for a rule? Cool...here's the next...
Rule 53: Serve a proper portion and don't go back for seconds.
You really lose control of portion size when you double up....maybe wait a few minutes before deciding on seconds, you might realize you don't really want that extra portion. This has worked well for me.

Thanks for your comment Kathy!

I probably won't post til I get back, but watch facebook for photos of Lily's first camping trip....ciao

Rain...

2010-05-07T11:54:00.002-04:00

Ahhhh, nice gentle rain. It's been threatening to rain all week and today it is. The grass and trees are so green....love it and we really need it. This is the first year since we've owned this house, almost 20 years now, that the back yard isn't flooded. I hope typing that doesn't jinx us!

Me update: no job yet-and I'm getting antsy ... have been eating clean since mid February and have lost 19.5 pounds. Not eating much processed food has really eliminated my salty/sweet food cravings. Most people either snack on salt/crunchy foods or sweets...NOT ME...I want them all! It's an addiction I tell ya. So this is a very new feeling to me. LOL

Rules, rules...here's a new one....
RULE 51: Spend as much time enjoying the meal as it took to prepare it.
Pretty good advice if you ask me! Kind of dumb spending an hour fixing a delicious meal only for it to be over in 10 minutes. Take your time and ENJOY each bite!

Ha...since I have been such a slacker here's a bonus rule....
RULE 52: Buy smaller plates and glasses.
The bigger your plate the more likely you are to load it up. That's bad for portion control. And just because restaurants supersize doesn't mean we need to follow that nonsense at home. One study found that by switching from a 12 inch plate to a 10 inch plate caused people to reduce their consumption by 22 percent.

Have a fantabulous weekend! ciao

Woe is me...

2010-05-02T17:20:00.003-04:00

I have been in a funk these last few days, and I figured if I didn't have anything positive to say I should just keep to myself. Still not completely out of it. Anything anyone says I take personally, tho I'm sure I'm reading them wrong (I hope!). Maybe I just need to get out...feeling kind of claustrophobic. Maybe a nice tropical vacation would cheer me up? LOL Anyone want to join me?

I'm a bit tired of toast for breakfast and then a salad for lunch so I dug out my smoothie maker and this is what I've had the last two days... a spinach and berry smoothie...the dark bits not pulverized are blueberries, they never liquefy like the spinach and strawberries do. mmm good!
And now ... the next rule...
RULE 50: The banquet is in the first bite.
No other bite will taste as good as the first, the next bites usually aren't as satisfying. When the pleasure ends put down your fork.

ciao

NADA...ZIP...ZILCH

2010-04-28T09:24:00.002-04:00

That's what I have to say today. Nothing new or exciting going on in my neck of the woods. Nancy is off today so we are tackling the extra bedroom full of crafts and crap .....it's just going to be a quickie rule today...

RULE 48: Consult your gut.
Remember the old saying "your eyes are bigger than your stomach" ... slow down and follow the clues your body gives you. You will be happy you did.

and the next is basically the same...

RULE 49: Eat Slowly.
This is not just so that you'll eat less but that you enjoy more! Appreciate your food!

ciao!

I hate rummage sales

2010-04-25T19:20:00.002-04:00

But it's a good way to purge. Nancy and I are going to have one in the next month and I am dreading it. I just love the folks who dicker over a 25 cent item...just give me a quarter you cheap skate. Ah well. Since it was a rainy day in this neck of the woods we started organizing and packing up stuff. We're going to tackle the kitchen tomorrow. Nancy has some Fiestaware casseroles, platters and large mugs from her wedding shower that have been in boxes for 10 years that we're going to put in the cupboards and use. But she's going to sell the place settings since we are already using the ones I bought. And I think I'm going to sell my cups and saucers. Some of them are going for big bucks since the color is retired or discontinued. I'm hoping to make some money to pay for the i-phone and a new bike.

Let's get to the next rule...
RULE 47: Eat when you are hungry, not when you are bored.
I am so guilty of this and probably is the biggest reason I weigh what I do! I am trying to follow this old wives tale "if you're not hungry enough to eat an apple, then you're not hungry" ...but I usually DO eat the apple and it really helps keep me in check when I really am hungry. I'm outgrowing the bored eating with the help of facebook as I try not to eat while surfing LOL. Yeah, that's my excuse for my facebook addiction.

that's about it for today ... ciao.

Every day should be Earth day!

2010-04-22T11:55:00.005-04:00

With everyone asking each other "What are you doing for Earth Day?" I thought, nothing special, as I do things every day. I compost, recycle, use my own bags while shopping and am trying to eat somewhat locally. But the eating locally is pretty much impossible during the winter months where I live. And while some of my friends call me "crunchy" I am not nearly as crunchy as I would like to be. Living where I live I have limited options. Our health food stores are mediocre as is the farmers market. I'm doing little things that I feel help our planet and my health. When I made my salad this afternoon I realized I buy too much packaged veg so I'll try to buy more from the bulk bins (if available). Speaking of salads I finally found one that I LOVE! FINALLY...I'm not super happy that it has a good amount of ingredients, but it has 70 calories, 6 grams of fat and only 1 gram of sugar! AND NO HFCS or artificial sweeteners. Delish! Oh, and I used just on a garden type salad. I did not make a "Caesar" salad...I go against the grain ... LOL ... I'm still looking for a homemade dressing that I love so if you have one please post it.

mmmm ... doesn't it look delish?

Enough about me ... today would be a good day to check out the DVD Food Inc. It's running on some PBS stations this week or you could stream it to your pc from Netflix. Here's a companion video from the flimmaker. That site has some pretty good links to check out also.

on to today's rule...
RULE 46: Stop eating before you're full.
Sometimes that's easier said than done. At restaurants for instance, people sometimes feel guilty when they don't finish their plate. Not me! As Martha would say "they're a good thing" the next day's lunch for example. Saves you money too as you won't have to spend dollars tomorrow.

Well I need to get my bread out of the oven .... ciao!

New toy

2010-04-21T15:23:00.002-04:00

Nancy's phone broke, contracts up = new phone for her and me! We made the switch to the i phone. I liked my blackberry but I thought was awkward to use some of the features. I have a few things figured out on the i phone but I know it'll be a bit before I'm flying. Nancy on the other hand is already frustrated. It would have been better if she had the day off to play with it before she had to jump in and try to figure things out while she's working (she uses it for work too). Hopefully I can help her tonight.

Here's the rule of the day:
RULE 45: ... Eat less.
No one likes to hear this, but really, we eat way too much. The servings at restaurants are just ridiculously huge. The meal I get at my favorite Mexican restaurant can feed me for 3 meals easily, same with Olive Garden.
"Calorie restriction" has repeatedly been shown to slow aging in animals. Many researchers think it could be the strongest link between diet and cancer prevention. We eat much more than our bodies need to be healthy. The following rules will help us manage the amount we eat.

Ciao my friends!

Spring fever!

2010-04-13T10:20:00.009-04:00

I have a bad case of spring fever.... the weather (except for today) has been wonderful. I decided to do a container garden this year and next year get in the ground. I went to Menard's and bought a ton of concrete edging as I want it raised a bit......fast forward 7 days....(I started this post days ago) Well Nancy and I decided we wanted those same edging bricks along the front of the house and around the two flower beds in the back yard, so off we went and got another full pallet of bricks, 140 to be exact.Yesterday we placed them in front of the house and they look very nice, BUT we decide to do two levels so now we need to get more if I am going to do them around my new garden...I am so sore I will need to recuperate before I tackle the back LOL
Tax season is over and so is my time with Maddie...and last week I had the pleasure(?) of keeping JaeLee also. LOL Sorry for the bad quality, they were taken with my blackberry and they weren't very cooperative, um were you at TWO! Yeah there are two little munchkins crawling thru that toy in that last photo.Now I need to focus on finding a real job! If you have a lead let me know!

Clean eating is going GREAT in the house! We are eating fun new things and all of it fresh. I have even discovered that eating out at my favorite restaurant isn't a big deal anymore...I even threw out my leftovers!!! I'd rather eat at home.

Let's get back to our rules, this is the start of the final part of the book, Food Rules HOW SHOULD I EAT? (NOT TOO MUCH) The rules in this section are designed to help you build a healthier relationship with food.
The French paradox: the mystery of a population that eats all sorts of supposedly lethal fatty foods and then drinks red wine, but the French are healthier, slimmer and live slightly longer than we. The reason could be that the French people have a totally different relationship with food than we have. They rarely snack, eat smaller portions and do not go back for seconds. They also enjoy their food more leisurely, enjoying long meals with other people. Behaviors like these may matter more than the nutrient in their diet.

RULE 44: Pay more, eat less.
You get what you pay for. There is a trade-off between quality and quantity. Our system of food production has been focused on quantity rather than quality, hence the giant meat farms and industrial food farms. It reduces the price but the quality suffers. Americans spend less than 10% of their income on food, less than any citizens of any other nation. But we are paying for it in our health. We are the least healthy of any nation. If you spend more for better food you will probably eat less of it and treat it with more care. So choose quality over quantity...and as our grandmothers said "it's better to pay the grocer than the doctor"

Have a fantabulous day ... ciao

Gloomy day

2010-04-08T10:18:00.003-04:00

Sometimes a gloomy day is just what you need. I don't feel like being peppy and up beat so it fits my mood. The events of this week have put me in a funk and I ate way too much sugar yesterday.
moving on for the day....

RULE 42: Regard nontraditional foods with skepticism.
Approach new food creations with caution. Novel food innovations sometimes resemble a mutation: It might represent an evolutionary improvement, but chances are it doesn't. Soy products are a good example. Generations have been eating soy in the form of tofu, soy sauce and tempeh, today we are eating soy food like substances such as, "soy protein isolate" "soy isoflavones" and "textured vegetable protein" from soy and partially hydrogenated soy oils ....these are very questionable products! There is no data stating these fake soy's are healthy. You are better off eating soy prepared in the traditional Asian manner than these odd "recipes" dreamed up by food scientists.

RULE 43: Have a glass of wine with dinner.
I'm not going to expand on this one as it's kind of old news. There are many benefits of drinking wine too bad I haven't found a wine I like. Long ago I used to drink Riunite Lambrusco ... I think it was a sweet wine. Do they still sell that? Or what kind of wine would that translate into in today's wines?

Tomorrow, or whenever I feel like posting next we will be on part 3 of the book ...How should I eat? (not too much)
Off to enjoy this wonderfully gloomy day ... ciao

Stressed to the MAX!

2010-04-06T16:03:00.003-04:00

I've been away from a previous job for just about 4 years now, it was a horribly stressful job. Well out of the blue yesterday I got a call from the union settling my case. Holy Toledo am I making the right decision???????? Egad, I was a mess all yesterday, calmer today but I am feeling so stressed out. When I get stressed I chew the inside of my cheek and don't notice til it hurts, um, well, let me tell you it hurts LOL. Breathe in ... breathe out ...

Ok, let's think of something else, like the rules...

RULE 40: Eat more like the French. Or the Japanese. Or the Italians. Or the Greeks.
People who eat traditional foods of their culture are usually healthier. They eat a variety of foods. People who eat a "modern Western" diet of processed foods are definitely not healthy. Any traditional diet is better than the modern Western diet. If the older traditional diets weren't healthy those people wouldn't still be around after all these centuries.
One example is the French, even tho they eat white flour and saturated fats they eat much smaller portions, no second helpings and no snacking!
There are other things to think of when looking at traditional diets also, such as the combination of foods, so it's not just one thing about these diets that make them more healthy than the Western diet. Try to eat like your ancestors.

Going to try and relax and veg .... ciao

Hoppy Easter!

2010-04-04T15:55:00.006-04:00

We are having a mellow day...We had Easter dinner yesterday at my brothers, had the usual ham, kielbasa, Polish Easter soup (which we call borscht even tho it's not made with beets) salads and coffee cake. I definitely ate too much sugar but Easter only comes once a year, and it's my favorite food holiday LOL BUT I am proud to say I have not had ANY Easter candy. Now that is a miracle since I LOVE it all. Since it was raining my SIL Mary hid eggs all over the living room and we watched all the kiddos find them. It was mayhem! We are a bunch of FREAKS! lol

I am so NOT clean eating today either, after taking the puppers for a walk Nancy and I stopped for a Slurpee, haven't had one of those in a year! Too sweet! So today is pretty much a bust at eating good as we are having pizza for dinner. Ah, tomorrow's another day.

RULE 40: Be the kind of person who takes supplements-then skip the supplements.
Sounds weird doesn't it? Well people who take supplements are usually healthier than those who don't, BUT in studies it shows that the supplements that they take aren't effective! The ones who take supplements are healthier due to their lifestyle, not the supplements they are taking. They generally are more health conscious, better educated and more affluent. They exercise more and eat more whole grains. So mimic their habits but save your money and skip the supplements.

Hope your Easter is great!

ciao

Happy Easter Eve!

2010-04-03T11:00:00.002-04:00

Drats missed another day...no monkeying around so I'll get to the rules quickly.

RULE 38: Favor the kinds of oils and grains that have been traditionally been stone-ground.
The newer types of oils extracted by modern "chemical" means do not have the the same nutrients that older stone ground oils had, plus they have additives that older oils don't. When grindstones were used to refine oil and flour more of the germ and fiber remain. White flour cannot be made from stone-grinding. Stone-ground grains have more B vitamins. So for your health choose whole grain, stone ground foods and oils like olive, sesame and peanut!

The next rule is perfect for this weekend...
RULE 39: Eat all the junk food you want as long as you cook it yourself.
There is nothing wrong with eating a few sweets, pastries fried foods, or even drinking a soda every once in a while. But they shouldn't be eaten daily. Chances are you won't be eating fries or donuts if you had to make them yourself each day! Make good choices so you can enjoy treats when you get the urge.

off to enjoy this beautiful day! CIAO!

SLACKER!

2010-04-01T10:18:00.005-04:00

Yep, that's me...just forgot and then kept putting off posting. So I'll post a few rules today, and maybe post another later today to get back on track
... the weather is just beautiful here the last few days, time to get outside and enjoy it, so me and by buds took a little road trip to Ann Arbor yesterday and had a ball. We had lunch at Zingerman's Deli. We split a sandwich and side dishes of roasted potatoes and chick pea salad. Super yummy! We also shopped a few fun stores, I bought a few spices and a couscous/lentil salad that I want to make for dinner today. We went to a food co-0p and to a Home Goods store. Both awesome stores.
And I've been wanting to visit these fairy doors for quite some time and we found 5 of them.
They are so adorable ... I think I will get one for the side of my garage where my shade garden is. Or I'll make one to fit the space.

Now on to the rules:
RULE 36: Don't eat breakfast cereals that change the color of the milk.
The cereal is highly processed, full of carbohydrates and chemical additives.

RULE 37: The whiter the bread, the sooner you'll be dead.
White bread is just evil, there is nothing healthy about it, the ingredients are striped of anything nutritional then vitamins are added! How dumb is that, might just as well eat the healthy wheat and full grain breads with the nutrients still in it!

Time to get my groove on ... ciao!

Score!

2010-03-28T19:04:00.002-04:00

I scored at Kohls this weekend. I got a 30% off coupon last week so decided to get some new athletic shoes. I ended up getting 3 pair. It's been a year since I bought some so I thought it was about time. These old ones are ready for the trash!
I went to the grocery store 3 times this week, dang eating fresh food is WORK! I have to say I am very impressed with the variety of new organic foods at our grocery stores.

RULE 35: Eat sweet foods as you find them in nature.
Pretty simple. In nature sugars almost always come packaged with fiber. This slows their absorption which makes you feel fuller before you've ingested too many calories. This is why you should always choose whole fruit rather than fruit juice. So don't drink your sweets, especially soda and most juice.

Be good ... ciao

Food Revolution

2010-03-27T12:06:00.002-04:00

Is any one watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution? Can you believe those kids didn't know what a tomato was? Or a potato? I can kind of understand the eggplant, but the tomato??? I was floored. I guess I shouldn't be surprised as my 12 year old niece didn't know what animal a hamburger came from! She thought it was from a horse! I'm teaching her tho...we're making healthy smoothies this week while she is on Easter break. Heck my auntie who lived in the city had a garden while I was growing up and we would eat leaf lettuce, green beans and tomatoes warmed by the sun, right out of the garden. Never even worried about washing them either LOL. MMM or warm pickles from my uncles garden, those were some good eats!

I'm happy to say I am typing from my messed up laptop. I had to take off a few keys tho, and have to press really hard on a few of them, but at least it's working.

Here's today's rule:
RULE 34: Sweeten and salt your food yourself.
Before you just leap in and salt your food taste it! It might have enough for your taste. I don't know how many times I see people fill their plate, salt the food then eat it. How do they even know it needed to be salted? Thank goodness I have never been a big salter so this is one rule I already have down pat! And remember processed food notoriously has tons of added salt.

Eat well.....ciao

Wonderful Wonderful Friday

2010-03-26T09:41:00.004-04:00

I haven't been this happy that it's finally Friday in a long, LONG time! It's really been a long week. I watched Maddie every day, and the pc issue made it excruciatingly long. I have quite a few things I need to get accomplished tomorrow... going to try an external keyboard to see if that works for my laptop, the pups need haircuts and baths, need to get them gifts for their birthday Monday and then finally need to go to Kohls and use the 30% off discount I have.

I'm not going to post more than one rule to catch up, as I'm posting while playing with Maddie and might not have much time .... We are halfway thru the rules ...here's todays rule...

RULE 33: Eat some foods that have been predigested by bacteria or fungi.

There are a lot of health benefits in fermented foods-foods that have been transformed by live microorganisms. Things like yogurt, sauerkraut, soy sauce, kimchi and sourdough bread are good examples. Foods like this can be a good source of vitamin b12, an essential nutrient you can't get from plants. A lot of these fermented foods also contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that improve the function of the digestive and immune system, they can help reduce allergic reactions and inflammation.

Now for me, I went off track yesterday. Crummy days sometimes do that. But I just have to look forward.

Have a good weekend .... ciao

time off

2010-03-25T09:29:00.002-04:00

I won't be able to post the rules today...I'm at my brothers and I forgot my book. I think my laptop is toast. I spilled a tea on it yeasterday, keys are stuck and it is doing some funky stuff.

So I am not sure when I will be able to get back to the rules, maybe tomorrow.

Eat wel......ciao!

On my soapbox today!

2010-03-24T18:00:00.008-04:00

More proof about the evils of HFCS! This article really shows the problem with this poison. I am more convinced than ever to eliminate this completely from my diet. There are a few items still in the house that need to be purged, I don't have the heart or money in my wallet to just chuck everything so I am using them. But I have not bought one item with HFCS in it since the beginning of February. Eating like I have has really reduced my cravings for snacking and HFCS was the root of the problem. Nuts and fruits are my go to snacks. Please take a few moments to read the article, you will be surprised. And here's a list of HFCS free foods.

crap, keybo.ard bro.ke be bac
k to.m
o.rro.w

Eat more fat?

2010-03-23T13:41:00.002-04:00

That's what this article says....it just has to be the right kind of fat...pass by all the gimmicky food that says "lowfat"!

It's going to be a mini Mad Men marathon in my house today...I got the first disc of season 3 from Netflix today!!! Hot dog, I love that show!

On to the rule ....

RULE 32: Don't overlook the oily little fishes.
Wild fish are among the healthiest things you can eat, some fish are on the verge of collapse because of overfishing. Avoid big fish like tuna, swordfish and shark. Some are becoming endangered and they often contain very high mercury levels! The most nutritious wild fish species like mackerel, sardines and anchovies are well managed and some are abundant.
"A land with lots of herring can get along with few doctors" is an old Dutch proverb.

eat your fish today!

ciao

Ha... thanks facebook!

2010-03-22T19:06:00.003-04:00

I got what I wished for LOL. There's a glitch at crackbook and I can't get to any games.....good time to do the blog post I guess.
We had a meat free day today....for dinner we had Gardenburgers, couscous with red peppers and baked beans....super yummy. Everyone liked it all! Following the rules is getting easier every day.
I am kinda doing WW points with Nancy and while dinner was quite low I ate a whole avocado for lunch...EEK! But is was sooo good it was worth the points.

RULE 30: Eat well-grown food from healthy soil.
Michael Pollan states it would have been easier to say "eat organic" as it is true that food certified organic is usually well grown in healthy soil, soil nourished by organic matter rather than pesticides. But there are many wonderful farmers and ranchers in America for tho they may not be certified organic for whatever reason, they do grow excellent food. They should not be overlooked. Soils rich in organic matter produce more nutritious food, food that is higher in antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. But remember, food that travels cross country in a truck diminishes the nutritional value...so it's best to eat food that is both organic AND local.

I need an intervention!

2010-03-21T09:37:00.005-04:00

I am so addicted to the stupid games on crackbook that I need an intervention. How do I get unaddicted? Cold turkey or gradual? I think it's going to have to be cold turkey as I keep procrastinating the gradual thing LOL.

I am happy to report that I took the blueberries back to Kroger! I'm proud of myself ... HA!
When there I picked up a package of Ezekiel Bread made by Food for Life.I read about it on a message board where they are trying to limit white flour and sugar. I toasted 2 slices this morning and it is ok, a bit dry, but I like that it's so healthy so I will probably buy it again. And if you're doing Weight Watchers it's only one point per slice, and they are real sized slices, not those super slim ones.

and...
RULE 29: Eat like an omnivore.
It's a good idea to add a few new species and not just new foods to your diet. That means new kinds of plants, animals and fungi. There is a huge diversity of food products offered in supermarkets and this is deceptive as many of them are made of just a few plant species, the most being corn, wheat and soy, which are seeds, not leaves. The larger diversity of species you eat the more likely you are to cover all nutritional bases.

now get busy...do something today! (yeah, giving myself a pep talk)

ciao

First day of spring?

2010-03-20T14:38:00.003-04:00

Thanks Mother Earth for the bit of snow and freezing weather.....sure appreciate it! [sarcasm] at least it's Saturday ... my day of leisure.

We went out to eat last night at Krysziaks House. Not so clean eating and I feel pretty guilty, but I guess a bit of grease once in a while is ok LOL....at least that's what I keep telling myself.

I'm going to hold off making more bread as I was the only one eating it. It is too healthy tasting for the rest of the household! If it was white sponge they would eat it up! Oh well ... maybe I'll mix up half batches and see how that goes.

Here's today's rule:
RULE 28: If you have the space, buy a freezer.
Or if you already have an extra freezer make sure to use it to it's maximum benefit. When you find a good source of pastured meat buy it in bulk as you get a better deal, a great way to eat well on a budget. Having a freezer will also allow you to put up food you get at the farmers' market. You can buy more at the height of it's season which is usually cheaper. Freezing does not significantly diminish the nutrients in produce. I love having an extra freezer and can't imagine being without it.

off to play ... ciao

T.G.I.F.

2010-03-19T11:45:00.002-04:00

I am always happy it's Friday ... even if I have no plans. The trip to Krogers for blueberries was a bust. I bought 4 pints since I have been eating so many and they were CRAP! I am actually going to return them today. I HATE returning things so we'll see how that goes, plus I've never returned food before. I stopped somewhere else today to get some different ones and after checking out about 20 pints that each had some fungi growing on them I gave up and bought frozen .... eh, they are just ok. Oh well.

Let's get to the rule before Maddie bugs me LOL...
RULE 27: Eat animals that have themselves eaten well!
What the animals eat strongly influences the nutritional and healthfulness of that animal. This is true for meat, milk and eggs. This is overlooked by the industrial food chain in it's quest to produce huge amounts of cheap animal protein. This has changed the diet of most of our food animals in ways that have damaged their health and HEALTHFULLNESS. We feed animals a diet of grain to make them grow quickly BUT if these animals were pastured, eating green plants their meat will be healthier for us. They will contain healthier types of fat (more omega-3's and less omega-6's) as well as more vitamins and antixiodants. Wild meat is very healthy as they do not eat grain. When purchasing meat, milk and eggs look for pastured products. You will pay more for these products but it will be worth it.

Have a wonderful weekend .... ciao

Working towards goals...

2010-03-18T09:29:00.003-04:00

One of my goals this year is to get rid of crap....I am going to purge old clothes and the mounds of "stuff" that is just sitting around. I've been wanting to get this tackled since last summer. I was so sick last year and thought heaven forbid if I croaked who would want to go thru my crap??? I got rid of quite a bunch of clothes already but I am going to be brutal today...BRUTAL I tell you!!! Send me strength!

Now I don't get many comments, but I am getting some weirdo ones with funky links so I wanted to let you know why the word verification feature was activated.

Even after the little celebration the other day I am still moving downward on the scale! So I guess these rules are helping me stay on track and it really isn't difficult. How weird is that? After all these years of yo-yoing something as simple as common sense, getting rid of processed food and sugars (real and fake) is working. Today instead of craving junk food I am CRAVING blueberries! I see a trip to Krogers is in order. They have the best organic blueberries I've had in a quite some time.

RULE 26: Drink the spinach water.
The water veggies are cooked in is rich in vitamins and healthful plant chemicals. Add this water to sauces or save it for soups. mmgood!

Today's dinner will be chicken tenders and asparagus & zucchini on the grill with oven potatoes. Delish.

gotta get moving .... ciao

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2010-03-17T20:43:00.002-04:00

What a FANTABULOUS day in the neighborhood!!! I love spring. Since Nancy and I had a bit of a food celebration yesterday at the party we threw for my dad's 80th birthday we took a little walk with all three pups. It's the first time Lily and Macy went since the fall. They pulled quite a bit at the beginning but calmed down by the end of the walk. We ordered some really cool harnesses and they should be here any day and I know those will be a big help. I can't believe they will be a year old soon! They are turning out to be really great kiddos!

Well today's rule is pretty appropriate St. Patty's day since it's about colors.
RULE 25: Eat your colors.A healthy plate will include several different colors, that's an old wives' tale that turns out to be good science too. The colors of many veggies reflect the different antioxidant phytochemicals (anthocyanins, flavonoids, carotenoids) they contain. Many of these chemicals help against many chronic diseases, each in different ways. The best protection comes from a eating as many different phytochemicals as possible.

Hope your day was great!
ciao

Chinese Proverb...

2010-03-16T13:09:00.006-04:00

RULE 24: "Eating what stands on one leg [mushrooms and plant foods] is better than eating what stands on two legs [fowl], which is better than eating what stands on four legs [cows, pigs, and other mammals]."

This Chinese proverb offers a good summary of traditional wisdom regarding the relative healthfulness of different kinds of foods, though it inexplicably leaves out the very healthful and entirely legless fish. **

** quoted directly from Food Rules

Have a beautiful day!
ciao

Healthy restaurants?

2010-03-15T16:26:00.003-04:00

I sure wish the Moosewood Restaurant was near me! I would love to enjoy a meal there. It's serves healthy organic fare. I have a few of their cook books in my Amazon cart and I am having a hard time deciding which one I want. Maybe this one? BUT then again maybe I should try a few first: recipes ! Isn't that cool that even tho they sell cookbooks they share recipes. They even specify which book the recipe came from....I can't wait to try the Quinoa Stuffed Peppers and Mediterranean Lentil Salad mmmmm!

And now for todays rule....
RULE 23: Treat meat as a flavoring or special occasion food.
While vegetarians are usually healthier than carnivores that does not mean that you need to eliminate all meat from your diet. Meat is a nourishing food, so Michael Pollan doesn't tell us to stop eating meat, he just says to eat mostly plants, not ONLY plants! Flexitarians, who are people who are nearly vegetarians eat meat a couple of times a week and are just as healthy as vegetarians.
There is evidence that the more meat there is in your diet, especially red meat, the greater your risk of heart disease and cancer.
So consider having a 4 ounce steak instead of 8 and double up on the veggies. Your heart will thank you.

ciao til the morrow

Bye bye heartburn!

2010-03-14T17:18:00.002-04:00

Well I have been eating clean for over a month now and one huge benefit is that I no longer have horrible heartburn. Earlier this year I was taking 2 Prilosec, some ranitidine and slugging down super strength Mylanta and still not getting relief. I am now taking only one Prilosec in the morning and am thinking I might be able to get rid of that one. I had no idea this would be one of the benefits of eating clean! I am beyond excited!

Ok, now if you followed the rules in part one (What should I eat? (eat food)) you will have been eating real, whole food most of the time. Traditional diets around the world have huge diversities, it's possible to nourish ourselves from an astonishing range of foods as long as they are whole, real food. They have been, and can be, healthy high-fat, healthy low-fat diets but they have always been built around whole foods. But some whole foods are better for us than others, and some ways of producing them and combining them in meals can make a difference. So the rules in part two ( What kind of food should I eat) which is mostly plants, propose a handful of personal policies regarding what to eat, above and beyond "food".

RULE 22: Eat mostly plants, especially leaves.
Many studies demonstrate that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits reduce the risk of dying from all the Western diseases. In countries where people eat a pound or more of vegetables and fruits a day the rate of cancer is half what it is in the US! HALF! That is astonishing to me! You'll also eat less calories since plant foods are usually less "energy dense" than other things you eat, consuming less calories protects against many chronic diseases. Vegetarians are notably healthier and they live longer....so pretend you are a rabbit!

I hope someone else out there in bloggyland thinks these rules are helpful.

Have a super Sunday!
CIAO!

Hungry for Change...get involved

2010-03-13T09:26:00.013-05:00

Since rewatching the Oprah episode the other day I revisited the Food Inc website. They list 10 simple things you can do to change our food system. I am happy to say I am doing just about all of them, I need to work on 2 of the listed 10 items. Doing these things will get us healthier and help towards our medical costs. Forty years ago we spent 18% of our income on food and 5% on healthcare. Since the start of industrialized farms and food those statistics have reversed!!! We now spend 9% on food and 17% on healthcare! That is scary! We get less nutrients from the genetically modified food and we eat more of it...leading to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity. If you eat a great variety of real food you will get all the nutrients you need. I honestly think these things are something we all can do very easily.
Here's the list:

1. Stop drinking sodas and other sweetened beverages. You can lose 25 lbs in a year by replacing one 20 oz soda a day with a no calorie beverage (preferably water).

2. Eat at home instead of eating out. Children consume almost twice (1.8 times) as many calories when eating food prepared outside the home.

3. Support the passage of laws requiring chain restaurants to post calorie information on menus and menu boards. Half of the leading chain restaurants provide no nutritional information to their customers.

4. Tell schools to stop selling sodas, junk food, and sports drinks. Over the last two decades, rates of obesity have tripled in children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years.

5. Meatless Mondays—Go without meat one day a week. An estimated 70% of all antibiotics used in the United States are given to farm animals.

6. Buy organic or sustainable food with little or no pesticides. According to the EPA, over 1 billion pounds of pesticides are used each year in the U.S.

7. Protect family farms; visit your local farmer's market. Farmer's markets allow farmers to keep 80 to 90 cents of each dollar spent by the consumer.

8. Make a point to know where your food comes from—READ LABELS. The average meal travels 1500 miles from the farm to your dinner plate.

9. Tell Congress that food safety is important to you. Each year, contaminated food causes millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths in the U.S.

10. Demand job protections for farm workers and food processors, ensuring fair wages and other protections. Poverty among farm workers is more than twice that of all wage and salary employees.

Now here's today's rule from FOOD RULES:

RULE 21: It's not food if it's called by the same name in every language. (Big Mac, Cheetos or Pringles)

Ha! I like that rule. That concludes part one of the book...tomorrow we start on part two of the book.

Have a wonderful weekend! ciao

tgif!

2010-03-12T21:44:00.003-05:00

Good evening...almost forgot to post!

RULE 20: It's not food if it arrived through the window of your car.
Technically... I guess it is, but it's not healthy...so DON'T EAT IT! LOL

Here's a bit of a progress report on me...I've lost 9 lbs since around Valentines day. I only had 1 pop/soda since Christmas, and the pop I had was a Vernors to help while I had a bit of the flu and had an upset tummy, NO DIET COKE! I'm hoping that writing this journal/blog will keep me accountable and on the right tract.

enough for today.....ciao!

Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day

2010-03-11T09:07:00.005-05:00

I have a friend who has been making Artisan Bread and I was intrigued about it. I am trying to eliminate white flour from my diet so I knew that wasn't for me. BUT the authors devised recipes for a healthier alternative using wheat flour: "Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day" This blog has the recipe if you don't want to invest in the book, but I do recommend getting the book as it has TONS of tips and recipes in it. Here is a loaf I made yesterday. It's whole wheat with sesame seeds on top. It's a heavyish bread, and this was the last loaf of my fridge batch so it has a bit of a sourdough flavor. Mighty tasty and super easy!

Now for todays rule:
RULE 19: If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don't.
Pretty self explanatory, eliminate processed foods for better health.

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OPRAH TODAY! FOOD 101!!! A lot of good info.

Have a fantabulous tgif eve! ciao

Next on the agenda...

2010-03-10T10:04:00.007-05:00

is adding exercise to my goal. So the dogs will be going for a lot of walks. I am feeling better every day. I have been clean/scratch cooking about 4 times a week. I have found some great recipes that even Nancy and Randy love. The prep time is what is a killer, not sure I can keep it up once I have a job! We'll take it one step at a time I guess. I might have to chop the veggies the night before.

RULE 18: Don't ingest foods made in places where everyone is required to wear a surgical cap.
Most likely the food is highly processed, lots of sugar, salt and fat!

Set your dvr's for Oprahs show tomorrow. It is a rerun "Before you grocery shop again, Food 101" with Michael Pollan and Alicia Silverstone on it. It has some really great info.

Have a great day! CIAO!

Twofer Tuesday

2010-03-09T16:17:00.002-05:00

I was a bit under the weather so I will grace you with 2 rules! Aren't you lucky!?!?!?! hahaha

RULE 16: Buy your snacks at the farmers' market.
You can't go wrong with this rule as pretty much everything at the market is good eats! You'll find yourself snacking on real food rather than chips and sweets.

RULE 17: Eat only foods that have been cooked by humans.
Usually restaurants are corporations using some processed foods, with too much salt, fat and sugar. Cook for yourself at home or with friends!

I'm cooking for us tonight... chicken and veggie quesadillas mmmm good eats!

ciao for now!

Sunny Sunny Sunday!

2010-03-07T10:39:00.005-05:00

It's another beautiful day in the neighborhood. How is it in your neck of the woods? Are you going to watch the Oscars tonight? I haven't decided if I will yet...haven't seen any of the movies!

Eating well is going good. I fell off the wagon at the shower, but I didn't want to look stupid and not eat anything. They had a nacho bar. Something I need help with is my salads. I need a good recipe for a homemade dressing. All the dressings that I've found either have too much sugar or fat, or they have manufacture sweetener which I avoid like the plague. Do you have one that you love whether it's bottled or made? Please let me know.
Let's move on to the rule for today...

RULE 15: Get out of the supermarket whenever you can.
When shopping at the farmers market you will probably not find any HFCS, processed foods with an unpronounceable ingredient list or food items with fake health claims. And the food will be locally grown! You'll find whole, fresh food picked at the peak of their nutritional quality. The type our relatives ate long ago! This food is alive!!!

Have a wonderful Sunday...maybe I'll be back later today. CIAO!

Happy Saturday!

2010-03-06T10:25:00.003-05:00

I have a baby shower to go to in bit so I can't dilly dally....here's the next rule...

RULE 14: Eat foods made from ingredients that you can picture in their raw state or growing in nature.
Look at a package of Twinkies, Pringles or Oreos, check out the ingredients and imagine what they look like raw, or where they grow. You can't picture it! This rule will keep all sorts of chemicals and foodlike substances out of your diet!

gotta scoot.....ciao and eat well!

Happy Fish Fry Fryday!

2010-03-05T20:03:00.002-05:00

Sound familiar? Yeah, I used that title as a facebook post today too....I went off clean eating to eat at Oasis. We have been having fish there since I was a wee tot and it is still my favorite place for perch. MMMMM DELISH. It was worth going off plan!

RULE 13: Eat only foods that will eventually rot.
Food processing extends the shelf life of food from fungi, bacteria, incects and rodents. We compete with them for the nutrients. The processing makes food less appealing to these organisms. By heavily processing food they remove nutrients that attract these competitors, or that would turn food rancid, like omega3 fatty acids that also attracts them. The more processed the food is the longer the shelf life and the less nutritious it is. REAL FOOD IS ALIVE and therefor it should eventually die. There are of course a few exceptions, such as honey which has a shelf life measured in centuries! Remember to shop the outside aisles for real food!

See you tomorrow! CIAO

HA...I lied

2010-03-04T12:47:00.003-05:00

Post number 2 for today!!! What's up with that? I thought of something and wanted to post it before I forgot.
I am an enabler, and YES, I think I have a mini convert! Nancy of all people! While shopping yesterday she actually bought romaine lettuce instead of iceberg!
Here is the nutritional value for both lettuces if you are curious:
One cup of iceberg lettuce:

8 calories
0.5 gram protein
0.7 gram fiber
10 mg calcium
78 mg potassium
1.5 mg vitamin C
16 mcg folate
13.3 mcg of vitamin K
164 mcg beta carotene
152 mcg of lutein + zeaxanthin

One cup of romaine lettuce has:

8 calories
0.58 gram protein
1 gram fiber
16 mg calcium
116 mg potassium
11.3 mg vitamin C
64 mcg folate
48.2 mcg vitamin K
1637 mcg beta carotene
1087 mcg of lutein + zeaxanthin.

The Romaine lettuce is a better choice.

That is a little step, but what she did next is a pretty big step for her. We were in the produce section of Papa Joe's and she said "what's that small stringy stuff that's on salad bars?" (meaning sprouts) I told her and she BOUGHT THEM!!!!! That just about floored me! LOL
I just made a big salad and added the sprouts so that's what made me laugh for today.
How about you? Anyone else eating healthier out there in bloggyland??? Speak up if so, I'd love to hear what you're doing? Or not doing....just love hearing from you!

Ciao for the second time!

March 4th

2010-03-04T11:56:00.002-05:00

Another beautiful day!

RULE 12: Shop the peripheries of the supermarket and stay out of the middle!
Pretty much all markets are set up the same way. Processed food products are all in the center aisles of the stores. Fresh food like produce, meat, fish and dairy are on the outside aisles. If you stay to the outside you will eat real food, healthy food. The one place to be mindful would be the dairy aisle, watch out for HFCS added to yogurts and juices.

I'm heading out to the book store so see ya tomorrow...ciao!

I need some dollars!

2010-03-03T19:18:00.002-05:00

Holy Toledo eating clean costs a lot! Me, my sister and buddies went down state today. We hit Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Papa Joe's and Penzey's (spice store). It seems redundant going to 3 different markets, but they each have different things to offer. Yikes I spent some money. It was a beautiful day for a little road trip. And we had lunch at Chipotle Grill ....mmm delish!

After our little excursion today the rule for today is pretty appropriate ...
RULE 11: Avoid foods you see advertised on television.
More that two thirds of food advertising is spent on promoting processed foods! So if you avoid products with big ad budgets you will be avoiding edible foodlike substances. When have you ever seen an ad for lettuce, broccoli or green beans??? Now you will see a few whole foods advertised, like walnuts, almonds or prunes, but they aren't very common, and we're smart enough to not avoid those good foods I think. Fake health claims and faulty food science have made supermarkets very treacherous places to shop for real food...the next two rules will help with that.

Well off to play and watch the boob tube...ciao!

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

2010-03-02T09:36:00.001-05:00

Spring is going to be here before you know it! we are having a sunshiny day in these parts. I NEED this sun!

RULE 10: Avoid foods that are pretending to be something they are not.
Margarine is a good example ... it's just processed oil. Anything that is labled "imitation" should be avoided at all costs. Why add fake, processed junk into your system? This rule applies to soy-based mock meats, artifical sweeteners, fake fats and starches. Steer clear of these and EAT CLEAN!

I'm keeping it short today....ciao!

It's March already?

2010-03-01T15:39:00.002-05:00

How in the heck did that happen? Jan and Feb flew by! I had a great weekend relaxing and eating clean! Eating clean doesn't mean starving or wanting anything. For instance, yesterday for breakfast I had 2 slices of my 5 minute wheat bread with butter and a banana, I had a bowl of mixed fruit for lunch as I wasn't very hungry, but around an hour or so later I had a handful of almonds and for dinner I had turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy and roasted cauliflower and broccoli. While watching tv I made a cup of hot cocoa from low fat milk, cocoa powder and stevia. Cutting out processed foods and sugars has really kept my appetite and cravings under control. It's crazy how much I feel I am eating and still losing weight and feeling better. Who knew?

Well onto the rule of the day:
RULE 9: Avoid food products with the wordoid "lite" or the terms "low-fat" or "nonfat" in their names.
There has been a forty year old campaign to create low and non-fat versions of foods and it has been a failure! We have gotten fatter on these types of products!!!!!!! The reason is because when fats are removed from the foods they are replaced with carbohydrates, sugars and salt to boost the flavor. Since the low-fat campaign began Americans have been eating more than 500 additional calories a day!!! Mostly refined carbs! The average male is 17 lbs heavier and the average female is 19 lbs heavier than in the late 1970's. We are better off eating the real thing in moderation rather than bingeing on low fat items filled with sugar and salt! So go ahead and eat REAL TASTY FOOD, just not too much! LOL

ciao for today....see you tomorrow!

SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY and RULE 8

2010-02-28T10:04:00.003-05:00

I think it's my favorite day of the week. It's usually a relaxing morning with my cup of tea, the newspaper and a dog or three curled on my feet. I don't have anything pressing to accomplish today and I don't have a list a mile long. So it's going to be a spontaneous kind of day. Maybe Barnes & Noble or watch some Tudors!

Here's today's rule
RULE 8: Avoid food products that make health claims.
For products to carry health claims on it's package it must have a package, thus it's more likely to be processed rather than whole food. It's the products of "modern food science" that make the boldest health claims, and these claims are often based on incomplete and bad science. Such as margarine, it was one of the first "industrial foods" to claim it was more healthy than traditional food it replaced. It turned out that it contains trans-fats that give people heart attacks. The healthiest food in the supermarket (fresh produce) do not come in packages.

If anyone is reading this please share your thoughts. I'd love to hear them.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
ciao!

Patting myself on my back!

2010-02-27T10:08:00.002-05:00

Well after eating not so clean yesterday afternoon I made it thru the rest of the day eating clean!!! I have never been this motivated.
It was fun seeing all my old coworkers, and one gal has gone more radical than me! She's been vegan since Jan 1st and she looks amazing. She's thinner and her skin is as smooth as a baby's butt! I don't know if I'll ever go vegan but she is a testament to the affects of what it can do for you. It was nice talking to someone like minded. I know everyone is tired of my preachyness.

Here day sevens rule...it's a very simple one.
RULE 7: Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce.
Pretty self explanatory. Just keep your foods simple.

I have a bunch of things to do today so I can't dilly dally......ciao!

Potlucks are BAD!

2010-02-26T13:39:00.004-05:00

I just got back from a party for some former coworkers who are retiring. It's the first time I have eaten bad in two weeks and I am feeling the effects of it. BLECH! This is truly proof to me that I am heading in the right direction. I feel shaky, out of sorts and have a headache. I will remember this whenever I am tempted to stray. And the funny thing is that I didn't think I over did it. I guess I didn't realize that even small amounts of sugar/hfcs and processed foods have such a great effect on our systems! It was a big lesson to me and makes me stronger in my resolve!

And now onto RULE 6: Avoid food products that contain more than five ingredients.
Usually the more ingredients the more processed it is, leading to more chemicals and such. BUT be careful of marketing ploys as a few companies are now promoting their short ingredient lists as healthy like Haagen-Dazs and Frito-Lay...so there are some exceptions to this rule. These foods we will talk about later in rule 60 pertaining to treats.

Ok...that's it for today...I need to get off the pc and take care of this headache.

Have a great weekend, and stop by tomorrow for more encouragement LOL ...ciao!

Rule 5

2010-02-25T10:02:00.004-05:00

RULE NUMBER 5: Avoid foods that have some form of sugar (or sweetener) listed among the top three ingredients.

It's really hard to eliminate sugar completely. The further down the ingredients list the less sugar in the item and the less you have ingested.
Now food scientists have come up with tons of items that are sugar but we wouldn't know it by their name. There are forty types of sugar in processed food.....barley malt, beet sugar, brown rice syrup, cane juice, corn sweetener, dextrin, dextrose, fructo-oligoscharides, fruit juice concentrate, glucose, sucrose, invert sugar, polydextrose, sucrose, turbinado sugar ...etc etc etc. Try to get items without these or make sure they are far down the ingredient list.
One tip that I can offer is that not only have I tried to eliminate almost all of those types of sugar I have completely eliminated "fake" sugar, such as Splenda or aspartame. Studies show that switching to manufactured artificial sweeteners does not lead to weight loss, possibly because it deceives the brain with the reward of sweetness stimulating a craving for even more sweetness. Since there is no way I can give up my tea I have been using natural stevia to sweeten it. I don't use a lot, just with my tea. I have found I prefer two brands, Stevia and Suncrystals. They come in packets so it's super easy to take with. So I can enjoy sweet tea anywhere without feeling guilty. DELISH! Try it!

K, off my soapbox for today. Sorry that some of the rules in section one seem redundant. Sections two and three are less preachy. LOL

And with that I am off! I've got things to do!

ciao

Rule 4

2010-02-24T16:27:00.003-05:00

RULE NUMBER 4: Avoid food products that contain high-fructose corn syrup.
Avoid HFCS not because it's any worse for you than sugar but because it is a reliable marker for a food product that is highly processed. Also it is being added to hundreds and hundreds of foods that have not traditionally been sweetened---like breads, condiments and many many snack foods---so if you cut down on it you will cut down on your sugar intake. But be careful of the food industry's latest scam: products reformulated to contain "no HFCS or "real cane sugar". The claims are that they are "healthier". Not necessarily, sugar is sugar....
The main reason I am avoiding HFCS is because of the way it is metabolized in the body...seriously leading to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease! Metabolic Dangers of High-Fructose Corn Syrup

That's it for today.....I'm off to try a new recipe....spaghetti squash with chicken and veggies! I'm sure it will be interesting.

ciao til tomorrow!

Rule 3

2010-02-23T10:07:00.003-05:00

I'm gonna post a quickie today....I know I'm boring you but if this journal/blog keeps me on tract that's what counts! Plus I am vowing to spend less time on the net, especially crackbook, um I mean facebook. I have at LEAST 50 books waiting to be read, not counting the magazines that have been piling up!
So here's:

RULE NUMBER 3: Avoid food products containing ingredients that no ordiary human would keep in the pantry!

Ethoxylated diglycerides? Cellulose? Xanthan gum? Calcium propionate? Ammonium sulfate? The food scientists' chemistry set is designed to extend shelf life, make old food look fresher and more appetizing than it really is! Plus you get to eat more. Have these additives proven to be a hazard to your health? It's hard to determine but they haven't been eaten by humans for very long so it's best that they be avoided.

I should remind you that these rules are taken from FOOD RULES AN EATER'S MANUAL by Michael Pollan. I want to give credit where credit is due. I LOVE LOVE LOVE his books!

So by following these rules I am learning to eat better and have already lost a few pounds plus I am sleeping better. I have mainly been avoiding HFCS, limited regular sugar and cut out all crappy snacks. So cheers for me!

See ya tomorrow! CIAO!

Hamburgers-fries-soda and the corn connection

2010-02-22T15:58:00.004-05:00

The documentary King Corn is about two friends, one acre of corn and the subsidized crop that drives our fast food nation. Two best friends from college move to Iowa to learn where their food comes from. With the help of friendly neighbors, genetically modified seeds, nitrogen fertilizers, and very powerful herbicides, they plant and grow an acre of of America's most subsidized grain, corn. But when they follow their pile of corn into the food system, what they find raises troubling questions about what we eat AND how we farm.
So what do hamburgers, fries and soda have in common? That's a typical fast food order but they all have a corn connection. The cattle kept in the humongous meat factories (NOT FARMS) eat corn instead of grass that they used to be raised on. The fries were probably fried in corn oil. And the soda is full of HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) The documentary clearly points this out.
Most people believe that Americans are obese because of lack of exercise. That may be only one component. The two men in the documentary took samples of their hair and found out that corn is a big component of their makup! It's because corn is practically unavoidable unless you make a conscious effort. The way corn metabolizes in our liver could be a big factor in why the western diet makes Americans obese. That's why Americans have gotten fatter and fatter the last 40 years in spite of the low fat and low carb bandwagons. And the way we've been eating these last 40 years could be why we could be the first generation ever to not have lived as long as our parents!!! Strong thoughts I would say.
Which leads us to:
RULE NUMBER 2: Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food.
Can you imagine what your great-grandmother would have thought of most of what we eat? What would she think of Go-Gurt portable tubes of yogurt? Is this food? Toothpaste? HMMM There is so much in our markets that our ancestors would not recognize! There are many reasons to avoid these food-like substances. They are full of chemical additives, corn and soy derivatives, not to mention the plastics they are packaged in! Using this rule you will keep nasty junk out of your system and you on your way to a better and healthier life!!! So think of this the next time you shop for groceries.

that's enough.....ciao!

A new year a new me

2010-02-21T12:04:00.010-05:00

Hello out there...did you miss me? I have no reason for not blogging...just lazy and hanging on facebook games...where I am wasting way too much time. (That will be a future post) I'm unemployed and searching for work, and while biding my time for that next great job to appear I have been watching my great niece a few days a week. What a change from 4 years ago! The only thing I miss is the big bucks, but money isn't everything....my sanity and point of view is now marvelous! I really really do not miss that 40-50 hours of badgering stress. Urgh, just thinking back I have no idea how I survived for so long doing what I did.

Ok that is a quick update on me....and now on to the future. I try not to set resolutions for the new year as it's futile. But after this last year of health issues I have decided it's time to get on the band wagon and get my booty going and get healthy. I need to lose weight and get some energy. I think the way to do that is to change the way I think of food. I've been doing a lot of research. Reading "In Defense of food-an eaters manifesto" by Michael Pollan has changed the way I grocery shop. It is more expensive but I think it will be worth it. The main idea of the book is "EAT FOOD. NOT TOO MUCH. MOSTLY PLANTS." That's what I've taken to heart. I shop the outside of the grocery store and read labels of everything that goes in my cart. If it has high fructose corn syrup in it it is left on the shelf. I knew a little about HFCS but didn't know why it is so bad AND addicting. Just try to go for a day reading labels and cutting out HFCS and other sugar and you will be squirming by the end of the day! It does take time to wean yourself from this poison. The way it metabolizes in the liver is frightening.....AND after watching
Food, inc and King Corn
it's frightening how much the government has it's paws in our food supply and dictates what we eat. So much of what we consume has corn of some type in it that never did previous to the last 40 years.
I'll step off my soap box shortly .... but if you too want to get healthier and take steps to a better world check out King Corn and Food, Inc on dvd and Michael Pollans books. The dvd's can be had from the library, netflix or amazon. I got the books from amazon as I wanted to keep them rather that return them to the library.

Oh wait....one more thing....another of Michael Pollans books is FOOD RULES, AN EATERS MANUAL a small, cheap book with rules to live by... there are 64 rules split among three parts based on his principles:
What should I eat? (eat food)
What kind of food should I eat? (mostly plants)
How should I eat? (not too much)
I will post one rule a day...maybe two as some are really simple and need no explanation.
RULE NUMBER ONE: EAT FOOD....that means real food, not processed crap in boxes that last years on the shelf! He calls processed foods manufactured by "food scientests" edible foodlike substances as they aren't really "food"

So there you have it....are you bored yet? Too bad! LOL You haven't heard ANYTHING yet...that's just the tip of the iceberg!

ciao for now

the nesting continues

2009-11-02T18:49:00.003-05:00

I'm happy today! Nancy and I decided to make bunches of Christmas cookies! I have not had the gumption to make them since I lost my Mom back in 1998. I think I only baked Christmas cookies once or twice since then and it was just a few, not the dozens we cooked. I just couldn't get back into it, it was always something we did together....during the season we'd call each other with a new cookie recipe and decide which of us would be the one to test it out. I sure do miss that. I'm going to make a point to be happy about it and not sad.
I am very lucky to have all her recipes and cookie cutters!!! This is going to be so much fun! I'm really into it this year.
I signed up for a cookie countdown. Each day I'll receive a different recipe.....and I am on the hunt for new cookies all over the web even tho the old standbys are the ultimate comfort cookies so I will probably only ad a few new ones to the lineup. LOL
I can't believe how many blogs there are out there pertaining to cooking and baking! I will have no shortage of ideas that's for sure.
So if you run across a blog or website with cookie recipes send me the site and if you have a favorite cookie send me the recipe!

ciao and bake on!

Little pies!

2009-10-25T20:34:00.017-04:00

I have no idea what has come into me....I am nesting big time...I have been cooking/baking like crazy. I'm thinking it's because of being sick for so long I feel like I missed it so much and am making up for lost time....
Well I came across these little pies on a few blogs and am just fascinated by them. They are made in short half pint canning jars.
I cheated and used ready made pie crust and filling.....next time I make them I will make the crust and filling!

first roll out the dough, and use the lid of the canning jar to make the top of the pie, cut a hole in it to vent, set aside.
next press dough in the jars, just a bit higher than I did in this photo, so you'll have enough to fold over the top crust
then fill the jars with pie filling....use less than I did! You'll see why later...
then put a bit of water around the edge, put the top on, crimp, brush with egg wash and sugar.Next place them on a baking sheet, I used a silicone mat so they wouldn't slide around when I took them out of the oven. Bake at 375 for appx 40 minutes.see why I said don't fill them as much as I did! I blew the tops off!
Now some people don't bake them right away... so after you have them assembled screw on the canning lid tops and toss them in the freezer. When you are hunkering for something sweet throw one in the oven! Your own personal little pie! ENJOY!
Next I'll be making little pies in mini muffin tins!!!

ciao

I GOTTA FEELING

2009-10-22T19:29:00.008-04:00

I missed this when it first aired on Oprah...but she replayed it today. I played it 4 or 5 times already. There is NO WAY you can be in a bad mood after watching it...so keep it in your favorites and play it whenever you need a lift!
CRANK UP THE VOLUME!

and if you want to learn the moves and dance with the mob here's the video to teach you

WTH, where is the respect?

2009-09-03T21:20:00.004-04:00

Sorry I have to make a post about a political issue, but I can't get this issue out of my brain. So maybe talking about it here will get it off my mind...my friends and family are sick of my political talk LOL.
What the hell has become of our nation that parents would keep their children out of school for a day so they don't have to listen to OUR president speak to them for, what, maybe a half an hour, about the importance of education???????
I seriously think people have lost their minds. And what the heck is wrong with these wingnut radio "personalities" encouraging this.
I am just disgusted. I understand not believing in some of his ideas, (shoot even I don't) but the blatant disrespect they are teaching their children just baffles my mind.
I guess that's what it comes down to for me, respect. I surely did not like the way the last administration ran things, but I certainly had respect for the office of the president!!! I would have no qualms about any president addressing my children...well if I had any. LOL
anyhow....I feel better....carry on

ciao

Camaros and FREE Pizza

2009-08-25T19:46:00.003-04:00

How do those two go together you ask?.....for one I absolutely LOVE the new Camaro and who doesn't love pizza.....well here is a cool story about the founder of Papa Johns pizza and was reunited with his '71 Z28... papasroadtrip
Pretty cool huh?
So snag a Camaro and head on over to a participating PJ's and enjoy!

ciao!

well well well

2009-07-01T11:55:00.005-04:00

I know I have ignored the blogaroonie for a long time. Sometimes it's best to not say anything if you have nothing good to say. I'll say one sentence and leave it at that...medical issues suck! These last 5 mos feel like a bad dream. Back to work tomorrow...gotta build back those savings that are depleted. Thank goodness for my frugality!

Ok...one happy thing I want to talk about is my new friend....Mz Lily. Isn't she the most adorable thing you have ever seen!!! She is one welcome addition to our family...and to be fair here's a pic of the other 2 hellions in the house.
That's Mz Macy and Mz Zena.
Lily and Macy are sisters but have such distinct personalities. Lily is a type B while Nancy and Macy are type A.
Both are ADORABLE! They are growing like weeds and are 13weeks old. I think they'll end up around 15 - 20 lbs.

I think I'll end this post with link to a blog I have recently visited and enjoy. Of course the name perked my curiosity first... http://the-gypsy-feet.blogspot.com/

ciao for now

HAPPY EASTER

2009-04-12T10:18:00.014-04:00

We are having a low key Easter this year, we are having ham, kielbasa, eggs, party potatoes and of course Polish Easter soup (Borscht) but we won't be having any company.
....went to see the kiddos (the nieces and nephews) yesterday and they were so cute hunting for eggs and then opening them to find goodies and money. The two littles, Maddie and JaeLee are walking/running and will be talking very soon. I really needed that time with them!

Watching tv this last few days I keep seeing this commercial

it is sooooo cute .... I love when he's flat on his belly and the man walks by, he just glances at him and then continues to munch. LOL I can't wait to have a puppy back in the house!

ciao .... have a happy day!

I have the bestest sister

2009-04-10T22:39:00.004-04:00

I have had a pretty bad few weeks with all these medical issues and I know I've been a bear to live with, but she hasn't given up on me...just look at what was waiting for me when I got out of work yesterday.....
It's HUGE and smells awesome!!!
I love her and she really cheered me up with this beautiful lily.

It's time!

2009-04-02T20:30:00.011-04:00

It's been 3 months since Barq's has gone to heaven and I miss him terribly. And now that Lucky has joined him the house is so very quiet, it doesn't feel like home without any furry people around.

I thought I would take a bit of time before getting a new buddy, but I find I am checking petfinder every day. I really miss the connection that Barq's and I had. No one will ever replace him but I can't live in the past, new memories are waiting to be had. And while petsitting my friends pups recently I realized how much furkids add to a household.

I have a friend who's friends Schnauzer just had 8 puppies!!! I want one so bad but I am having a hard time with the guilt of not getting a pound puppy or a rescue. UGH! Will the guilt go away? Maybe with the first wiff of puppy breath it might! LOL
Just look at these little bugs!

Oh and plus the thought of me and Nancy having sister furkids again is fantabulous! Now how can I wait 4 weeks to meet these cuties!
Yeah, I guess I've made up my mind and I hope I am making the right decision.....thanks for listening/reading.

ciao

Life without insurance sucks!

2009-04-01T20:45:00.003-04:00

If you have health insurance thank your lucky stars EVERY DAY. Without it life can just stink! So much worry and so little options for care.
I'm lucky enough that I have a pretty good job, bad thing is that it is not permanent nor do I get health benefits or sick days. I have been having horrible back and abdomen pain for over a week. I sucked it up after 3 days of pain and went to see my Dr. Now that's all fine and dandy if they can just give you an RX and wam bam, problem gone....no such luck. My Dr is pretty compassionate, but there is only so much they can do...I was on antibiotics and pain meds, well, done with the antibiotics and the issue continues. I break down again and see the doc today....which is a record for me cuz I pretty much have to be half dead to break down and make an appointment, much less 2 appointments in barely a week.
Ok another pee test and nothing is showing up....so more pain meds and an ultrasound next week.
So after thinking it was a uti or kidney stone we are headed in another direction. UGH.....at least the antibiotics were free! Yippee, hey gotta laugh don'tcha.
Enough babbling.....the meds have kicked in and I am probably not making much sense.
ciao

ohhhh Twilight

2009-03-21T19:54:00.004-04:00

um....nope I won't be one to buy the dvd....for one thing I don't buy dvds since I never watch movies over and over...BUT this is one that I wouldn't buy even if I was a dvd buying fool...I really really really liked the books, but the movie was pretty lame. All that fake sexy staring. I thought it was badly acted and was, well, corny. My friend and I were actually laughing at a few parts in the movie theater. Well, giggling is more like it LOL.
I know a lot of people looovvvveeedd it, but me and my buds just didn't.
Oh, and don't get me started on "how sexy Edwards is" BLECH! This message board post from someone else sums up how I felt about Edward.... "Edward wasn't even the slightest bit sexy. I would say his "staring" was more creepy/constipated looking then sexy." LOL
Now if you loved the movie, great, drop into Tarjhay and pick up a copy, stimulate the econony. Me, I spent all my spare dough at the gourmet markets down state this week LOL

Fairy Doors of the Urban Fairies

2009-03-14T21:53:00.009-04:00

Everyone asks where I get my goofy post ideas from and honestly, they come from a variety of sources, the podcasts I listen to are good fodder as are blogs I visit... Artsy stuff usually comes from scrappy blogs....here's something I saw while blog hopping ....Fairy Doors...I just love this idea! Little doors for fairies, in houses, restaurants or schools...Here's an article from 2006 that explains exactly what they are: fairy doors
I WANT ONE!!!....where should I put one? Inside? Outside?

and all you scrappers will appreciate this next one!!! A PAPERKIN FAIRY!!! I about bust a gut when I saw it! I think little Owen...the sock monkey up in my header, would look much cuter on a fairy doorstep than that paperkin!

and there's more Urban Fairies What a crazy idea! I want to go to Ann Arbor so bad.....I know where my next road trip will be!

thanks for visiting
ciao

I like

2009-02-28T14:59:00.002-05:00

Elmo
Pharmacies
and pranks.....

time sucker

2009-02-20T20:33:00.003-05:00

red button

it's the pits!

2009-02-17T20:39:00.003-05:00

this is one commercial where I crack up every time.....I never even noticed that she points out her pit hair at the beginning....goofy! It reminds me of the contest me and my niece had...well, she lost, she was trying out for cheer leading and didn't want to be embarrassed ya know! HAHA so I won! HAHA

It's the gnome!

2009-02-15T19:43:00.004-05:00

Well The Amazing Race starts up in a few minutes and I'll be watching....
Maybe it's the loyalty in me, but if I start watching a series I have trouble letting it go....I do enjoy them so I guess what's the harm....except a rotting brain from too much tv LOL.
Interest must be waning tho...I haven't checked out the contestants this time...and haven't joined any pools as to who the winner will be.
On the other hand maybe I watch this one cuz of the little gnome....
he's a cutie!
Well off to rot my brain...ciao!

I'm good....

2009-02-13T19:30:00.002-05:00

why do I find this commercial so funny...especially the last dude with the little puffs of smoke coming out of his mouth...

Can you hear me now?

2009-02-08T15:14:00.003-05:00

Gotta love the Verizon ads (even tho my AT&T's milkey minutes are pretty clever) Verizon got their "network" together for an impromptu commercial and to an extent scare the crap out of one their subscribers.

Tomorrow is Monday

2009-02-01T22:38:00.005-05:00

Dang the weekend FLEW by....It feels like a whirlwind!

I spent a few hours on Friday trying to up date the os on my Blackberry....a new version came out and I was still using an old one since I have never updated it since I got it last September. Well after 2 hours I still couldn't do it so I gave up....It has better email capabilities and VIDEO!!!
Saturday I did some shopping, went to my buddies for crab legs and a movie....tiring day
Sunday.....got up bright and early and headed over to my brothers for my great nieces 1st's birthdays....fun-but boy was I glad to get home to some piece and quiet...then I spent another 2 hours and now I FINALLY have the updated operating system for my berry! AND I have video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yeehaw! Of course I had to play...and downloaded a new theme...it's so pretty.
I thought I'd show you how addicted I am to this little gadget....and maybe that's why I love it so much....I can mod it! I have a bunch of covers for it...and there are more I want. I found a dude on ebay that sells these babies super cheap with no s&h...yeah, that justifies it! LOL
Yes...I have 8 covers! As you can see I do have one duplicate, what can I say, the second one came in a set. LOL I probably switch them at least once a week or so.
I've found I can alter the hard cases...the bright pink one WAS plain but I doozied it up with stamps and stazon...worked like a charm! I'm going to do something with one of the extra green ones soon.

Well how about that for a busy weekend? I guess I had better hit the hay since I have another 10 hour day tomorrow...just the usual!

Have a super duper week....ciao!

ahhhhh

2009-01-30T14:50:00.000-05:00

Love me some Fridays!!!
It's going to be a busy weekend, but it's better than being at work....the bambinos are having a 1st birthday party so I'll have some photos of the cuties.

This will be a no photo post as I'm posting from my berry and haven't figured out how to add them...I'm not a geek berry YET!

Have a super weekend!

Glorious times!

2009-01-19T16:38:00.003-05:00

I have been watching inauguration coverage on different channels and am amazed at how inspired I feel. It's so cool to see so many people come together and work towards a common goal....what's best for the country.

And I just watched VP-elect Joe Biden on Oprah and it's so neat to see how genuinely happy he is to be VP and how much he believes in President elect Barack Obama's plans for our nation. He just was beaming ... I think he's going to do a great job!

Here's a photo repost...but it's how I feel....I wish I was in the jeep with them!
It's been eight too long years of downhill trends ... I'm energized and happy to feel like we are on the right track...I understand things won't happen overnight, but as corny as it sounds I feel hopeful!

Drunk college kids cam

2009-01-16T16:58:00.001-05:00

Some dudes made a funny take off of the SFShiba puppy cam....

I remember when I used to over imbibe LOL

it's a blanket.... with sleeves!!!

2009-01-02T18:28:00.006-05:00

It's the Snuggie...I'm sorry to make fun of you if you have one of these, but seriously... "I" think you look like you just joined a cult!I think they need to be reinvented with some lively printed material, maybe? Eh....maybe.

welcome 2009

2008-12-31T23:18:00.006-05:00

Hi bloggy friends.....I'm still here, haven't fallen off the face of the earth, even tho I want to sometimes.

I am going to make some resolutions in order to help me move forward. You all know 2008 was not a good year for me and my family. As much as I want to forget the year I can't, that would mean forgetting my dear sweet niece and furbaby. The memories are the only things that keep me going.
I'm going to resolve to not cry EVERY DAMN FLIPPING DAY!!! Crying is not going to change what happened so I have to think of tomorrow and keep the memories dear.

Of course I'll make other resolutions, like getting thin and rich! LOL so if you know of a fantabulous job give me a jingle! See....humor, I'll never lose that. I promise to not be such a stranger and get back to blogging, message boards, facebook .... etc.etc.etc.....

Thanks for listening to me whine I love you all! I wish you all the best for 2009. Let's make the new year the best ever.

sock monkeeeyyyyyyyy

sigh......

2008-12-09T20:46:00.004-05:00

Well I made it thru the first full day without my furry buddy.

It was tough. He's been with me for almost 15 years. I can clearly remember the day we met. He was soooo teeny. He was my snuggle buddy.
He's been very healthy except for last year, so we had many happy years together. He was loyal to a fault, and so trusting. We spent his last few hours snuggling, he kissed me and I could tell by the look in his eyes the he was telling me it was ok. He had the most expressfull eyes I have ever seen in a dog. I think he was tired of being tired and frail.

It's funny how you miss the little things...the little tippy tappy of his nails on the hardwood floor, his sighing when he sleeps....last night when I woke up in the middle of the night, I rolled over and immediately thought "careful, don't wake Barq's"....but he wasn't there to wake up. <<>> and of course he wasn't there to meet me at the door when I got home from work....

This sucks so much....but thru it all I am so happy for the time we had together. I'm grateful for that. He helped me thru some tough times and we had a lot of fun thru the years. He sure brought me more joy than I could ever have given back. I love you Barq's....see you later alligator!

I'm thinking of getting a tatoo...

2008-11-23T16:47:00.004-05:00

maybe like this one
OK....just kidding...I'm nuts but not CRAZY ... lololololol

Oh I NEED one of these for Turkey Day!

2008-11-17T18:58:00.002-05:00

puppy cam

2008-11-14T20:31:00.002-05:00

Just a quickie post...I've only been watching these guys for a week BUT I swear they have grown leaps and bounds already!

puppies

mmmmm....puppy breath...I wish we had smell cam LOL

President Obama!!!!

2008-11-04T23:17:00.002-05:00

What a great day! I am in tears at the election results. I am so hopeful for our great country.
I am so sad that PRESIDENT elect Obama's grandmother didn't see this day, but am happy she is at peace. I actually believe she knows the outcome and is so proud.

Hi from North Carolina!

2008-11-04T17:37:00.002-05:00

Well here I am posting from the top of a mountain! The weather is fantabulous...and so is the company.

Today is our stay in day so I've been checking CNN every once in a while! (in between sitting on the deck enjoying the mountain view and sitting in the hot tub) We also went part way down the mountain to feed a donkey....he's a cutie!

well....I need to check on dinner so see ya later!

Hello everybody!

2008-10-30T20:54:00.002-04:00

Dang it's been a while! And I doubt if I will be able to blog this next week as I'll be on vacation in North Carolina....I'm taking my laptop but I'm not sure if I'll have a signal. I'm going to try to use Nancy's at&t gizmo, but we are so high in the mountains the signal might be too low. We'll see....

I traded in my sony phone for a blackberry so I will have email access...how cool is that!!!????? But I'm not sure if I even want to bother with message boards on it LOL.

PLEASE VOTE ON TUESDAY!!!!!

see ya when I get back....ciao!

Just a funny to lighten up the mood!

2008-09-28T11:36:00.002-04:00

heehee .... looks like they are drinking my favorite .... iced coffee!!!

The culprit!

2008-09-14T19:21:00.005-04:00

Remember the post with the picture of the pile of feathers....well here is what did that!!!

The hawk was stalking the birds hiding in my flower garden...it was eerie. Most of the birds had stopped chirping except for one that sounded hysterical. The hawk flew off without catching any prey.
Sorry the photos aren't the best, you really can't get super close as it flies away when you get close to it. These were taken thru Nancy's window with my Blackberry!

ciao and watch out for hawks!

Flair junkie

2008-09-05T21:19:00.012-04:00

Do you facebook? I never thought much about it, but thought I'd check it out and it's ok...something to play around with when I'm bored. I get hooked on things like this so easy tho.....right now I'm hooked on Parking Wars and Flair....I just love those little buttons of joy....here's a few of my faves...

Look at the cute one I made of JaeLee!!!
There are pages and pages of flair ...this is just a small sampling of them. So if you see them sprinkled in the siggys of message boards, this is where they are getting them....Check it out...

ciao

Things that make you go DUH!

2008-09-02T20:46:00.004-04:00

How in the heck did I NOT see these tabs!??!!!!????
andSee those little tabs! I swear I NEVER noticed them! EVER!!! EVEN when I said nasty words when the wrap dropped out of the box and wished for a solution!!! I guess I'm not the most observant gal out there LOL

Remember this day!

2008-08-27T18:59:00.005-04:00

I've been watching the Democratic National Convention and today when it was "official" that Barack Obama will be the first African American Presidential nominee I was literally full of goosebumps. It is so cool seeing history made. What a race this has been! First a female almost being the nominee, now this! I NEVER would have thought I would see this in my lifetime. I love this country.
It really is true...you can grow up to be anything you want to be. Never doubt that. Never let your kids doubt that!!!
Countdown to November!!!

Randomness

2008-08-23T16:38:00.015-04:00

Hello fellow bloggers! I thought I've been mia for too long and thought I'd finally make a catch-up post...I plan on visiting a bunch of blogs in the next day or so too.

When was the last time you went to a concert? I haven't been to a concert in quite a few years, I think Jimmy Buffett was the last one, like 12 years ago!!! So guess who I'm going to see this November 18th!!! ???? !!!!! MADONNA that's who!!!!!! yayyyyyyy I am so geeked I can hardly stand it!!! The countdown begins!

I've taken a few photos lately so I'm going to share them with you...this one is a photo of what I've been eating this ENTIRE week, seriously ALL WEEK.I bought some Parmesan pepper bread from Nino Salvaggios (it's an international market down state) let me tell you this bread has some BITE...you can really taste the cracked black pepper, mmmmmm and the tomatoes came from my friend Karen's garden....mmm I simply love warm tomatoes freshly picked from the garden...then I switched it up a bit and had some of the bread with red and yellow cherry tomatoes! EVEN BETTER!Don't they look scrumptious!!!

K, the next photo I want to share is of my precious new great nieces, JaeLee is on the left, she's Brandy's baby and Maddie is on the right, she's Holly's babyI know I'm biased ... but I think they are ADORABLE!!!

And now I'll bore you with one more photo, we have a pair of hawks living in our neighborhood and we see them on the hunt every once in a while. Well they got a chickadee yesterday and proceeded to eat it right in our front yard...right outside of our big bay window, we didn't see the act, but here is the evidence!
and this is a photo not so close up and what I first noticed.
Egads! Ignore the weeds LOL

Hope all is well with my fellow bloggers. I'll be visiting your blogs very soon!!!

ciao

No mope weekend.....

2008-08-10T19:31:00.004-04:00

Well, my "no mope" Saturday and Sunday is almost over! But I'm going to try and be positive the rest of the week. I guess the key is to keep busy.

I did some retail therapy today. Nancy and I went to Target and found some cute scrapping stuff in the dollar spot marked down to 50 cents...can't pass that up!
We then headed over to the AT&T store to check out a new cell, my old phone was less than reliable. It rang when it felt like it. I ended up with something totally different than I was scoping out on the web. I got the Sony Ericsson Walkman...it has so many bells and whistles I doubt if I use them all....but they are fun....and it is PINK!!!
the top slides up so you can't see the keyboard in this photo. Isn't it purdy?

Thank you everyone for all the well wishes for my family and for me concerning by buddy, Barq's....he's doing pretty well this weekend. We're spending a lot of time snuggling....

I hope your weekend was good, make the most of every moment!

ciao

OVERWHELMED

2008-08-07T07:30:00.002-04:00

I'm overwhelmed with so many emotions....I decided I need to get it out of my head.

I'm overwhelmed with sadness and gratitude. During this horrible month my emotions have changed at the drop of a hat. Thru the sadness I am overjoyed with gratitude that so many people care. Seeing the hundreds of people that came to the funeral home, the funeral and the luncheon showed me how many lives Holly touched and how well loved she is.
And the generosity everyone is showing just amazes me. The flowers, food and money for her children's trust fund make my heart swell.

Along with losing my beautiful niece I'm losing my faithful Barq's. I think it's time to let him go, but how do I really know? My decision changes evey day! It's harder as each day passes. Am I keeping him around for me? Is he happy? Is he hurting? Life is so hard sometimes.

Hopefully getting thoughts out of my brain will help me deal.

~~~~sigh~~~~ thanks for listening.

Sweet Holly

2008-07-27T11:15:00.004-04:00

The world may never notice
If a Snowdrop doesn't bloom,
Or even pause to wonder
If the petals fall too soon.

But every life that ever forms,
Or ever comes to be,
Touches the world in some small way
For all eternity.

I'll miss you more than words can say.

my heart is breaking

2008-07-13T19:40:00.002-04:00

Today started out so good but turned horrible early on. Barq's and I were sitting on the couch reading the paper when he had a seizure. I thought it was the end for him. It was so awful to see. It seemed to last forever, but in reality it probably was only a few minutes. After it was over he was whimpering and crying like he was scared or in pain. I held him until my friend got here. He slowly came around but he was groggy and could hardly walk. His legs kept giving out on him and it kinda looked like his left side was paralized. (cry)
When he was able to walk better I took him outside as he seemed to be agitated and looking for someone??? Weird.
I thought of taking him to the emergency care, but when we went last year there was nothing they could do after the fact.
He's been sleeping most of the day. He has an appointment to have his teeth cleaned, some tests and to get fluids tomorrow. I am going to cancel the teeth cleaning, I do not want to stress him and subject him to that. He is such a little trouper!
I love him so much it's stupid. I've been bawling on and off all day. This just sucks.sucks.sucks!

I'm going to live!!!!!!

2008-07-10T19:25:00.004-04:00

Yeah, I'm dramatic, BUT honestly I was worried about my eyesight quite badly. I finally saw the Dr today and I just have extremely bad eye strain due to dry eyes. He noticed how infrequently I blink, that coupled with all the paperwork and computer work I do lead to the eye strain. My glasses prescription hardly changed!!! So he gave me the name of "tear" eye drops for during the day and an ointment type "tear" for at night. He said some days will be better than others but it will never go away completely. I just got home from Wally World and popped the drops in and the eyebobs feel nice! They have been so sore I'm happy for a bit of relief. And I'm making a conscience effort to blink more.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the emails and the pm's at the Cottage...I appreciate it! Many many hugs to you all!!!

Now on to something fun----anyone for a Sour Toe Cocktail??? It's so gross I can't even explain it, but you can read about it here and of course there are a million you tubes about it.

and YOU KNOW you need to see a photo
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
I don't think I can say "EEEWWWW"
enough to tell you how gross it looks!!!
EWWW, EWWW, EWWW!!!!!!!
Any takers?

ciao...off to rest the eyebobs!

Thank goodness for weekends!

2008-07-05T20:27:00.004-04:00

Hi all! I thought I'd do a quick post to let you all know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.
I haven't been posting as I've been in a bad mood and quite depressed and just don't want to spread it LOL.
I do a lot of papertype work at my job and it's very draining on my eyes. By noonish they are so blurry I have a hard time finishing the day. After work I have been avoiding the pc and somedays can barely watch tv. It's quite scary. Not sure if I need a new lens prescription or if something is wrong. I got some "tears" drops and they seem to help so far. It really sucks not having insurance. I sure didn't want to spend money on glasses right now.
I hesitated posting this as I really don't want to sound like a whiner, but I don't want my few readers to think I got lost!!! I'm not avoiding anyone....... But I'm having a long weekend and no work since Thursday so the eyebobs feel pretty good right now!!!!! Yippee!
I have an appt on the 10th so I'll find out what is going on then.

Hey how about a lighter subject ...
I was listening to a podcast (The Bryant Park Project) about
unlikely landmarks....the one they highlighted
was the gum tree ~~it's~~ was a tree on South St in Philadelphia. They cut it down recently to make improvements. People would walk by and leave their gum on the tree.
Looks tasty hey?

ciao

Wednesday ramble

2008-06-04T20:47:00.005-04:00

What a historic week!!! Barack Obama is the 2008 democratic presidential nominee! I'm so anxious to hear who his vp pick will be. History has been made for African Americans and for women this week!

I have been glued to the tube, shoot I even had to listen to Rush this afternoon to see what he had to spew. I usually have to turn him off after about 5 minutes LOL...I can only take so much of his crap, but I had to hear his spin. What a loser!

I forgot to post what I was working on
a few weeks back.
I made/decorated another atg stand.
(Randy cut the wood and put it together)
I sanded, primed, painted, added some rubons
and then put on a few coats of
decoupage. Lastly I added a few flowers
and some ribbon.
It was a present for my best friend Karens
birthday. I hope she liked it!

And lastly I am hoping the Wings have a great outcome tonight!!! The cup was ALMOST in thier hot little hands Monday! GOOOOO WINGSSSSS!!!

ciao

New stamps!

2008-06-02T20:39:00.005-04:00

I got an email from MaVincisReliquary about a 50% off sale and I just had to splurge on a set of ART quotes. I have been lusting after these since I first saw them early this year. The name of the set is "Speaking of Art..." Sorry if you can't read all the quotes, go to the site to see them better. My favorite quote is "Without art, we are but monkeys with car keys" It's perfect for me. I have to say how great the customer service is, I ordered them Friday night, got a personal email that night saying they will be in the mail Saturday and today they were waiting for me when I got out of work!!! How great is that!?!?!?! Check it out... she has some awesome alphas!!! They are unmounted red rubber. I use Aileens tackit over and over on the backs, no cushion. Just cut them out, put them on a sheet of acrylic in a binder. When I want to stamp I just peel it from the acrylic and slap it on an acrylic block and stamp away. They give great impressions.

I can't wait to use these!!!

natures roadmap

2008-05-31T13:05:00.009-04:00

I went walking along a rail trail on Memorial day with my friends and I snapped a few photos....here's a few I thought were pretty cool. It looks like some kind of bugs ate away at a tree.

Pretty cool huh?