Eureka! No more itching!

I will start by saying, I promise to report on the Whole30 progress tomorrow ...

BUT I HAD TO SHARE THIS!

I am allergic to bug bites.  I know - isn't the itching and welts for all of us our Immune systems fighting the insect venom?  Technically, yes, but I am REALLY affected by them.  I don't just get a welt, I get a huge welt.  The itching wakes me up in the middle of the night.  I carry around Afterbite in my purse in the summer because the itching would literally affect my day if I didn't.  It's really bad.  And when I have no remedies, it like being hooked on crack.  I can't help myself.  I HAVE to itch, which takes some skin off, then it looks nasty, then I have to have bacitracin on it, and sometimes it scars (I have white circles on my ankles from a particularly bad summer.)

And bugs love the taste of me.  If there is one mosquito in a room of 100 people, I guarantee he bites me.  (Yes I assume all the jerky biting Mosquitos are male).  Frankly I have no idea how my mom had me outside all the time as a kid.

But I found something!  This week I had a bad bite on the side of my foot (terrible spot) and one on the BOTTOM of my third pinkie toe (even worse spot) - I'm pretty sure they were spider bites, but it's irrelevant - they itched like hell.  So I was googling "spider bite itch relief" and EUREKA!  This is what I found:

"Some of the proponents of heat therapy for itches recommend using very hot water, not so hot as to burn the skin, but just a little cooler than this. Others swear by hair dryers. They recommending pointing a hair dryer at an itchy spot for several seconds or minutes. The skin should become uncomfortably hot, but not anywhere near being burned. After this heating of the skin happens, the itch is supposed to go away.  Many people testified that applying significant heat to an itch for a short amount of time made the itch disappear for several hours, maybe even longer."

(http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/2011/05/28/a-miraculous-cure-for-bug-bite-itching/)

So I got out my hair dryer (to be honest, I never saw the hot water idea until I just copied the text), and turned it on.  No, it didn't feel great, but I tried to get it as hot (close) as possible without actually burning my skin, as suggested.  It actually felt itchy for a second, and I kept at it for about 15 seconds at each spot, but when I turned off the blow dryer and let my skin cool down, IT WORKED!  I stayed itch-free for 6-8 hours!

Just wanted to share with all you other bug-bite haters out there.

Peace.  Love.  Serene.

Whole 30 - Healing Crisis

Im coming up to my halfway mark of this program, and I'll have to admit, it isn't all the smiles and roses that I reported last time.  Yesterday was the first time I was feeling some cravings for my forbidden foods.  I was looking through Pinterest on Halloween boards (yes, I look at Halloween stuff all year long.  This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone by now), and there were a lot of cool cakes, caramel apples, and other various desserts.  It looked good.  It looked really REALLY good.  More so than I've ever wanted sweets before.  And it's not the only time in the last few days that desserts have looked good to me.  Which is strange, because I really don't eat much sugar, so I thought that would be the easiest of the food groups to avoid.  Why do they look so good to me now?  Don't tell me Im going to want sugar just because Im not eating cheese?  Or is it because Im eliminating all of the sugar from my body, and the tiny bit I ate before was just enough of a "comfort padding" for my body, that now it is losing it and craving more?  This is a question for the more health-smart people in my life (Katy? Jason?)

I've also had some physical distress - I had a migraine (true migraine - sensitive to light - could be due to dehydration) over the past three days - thank goodness for strong meds!  I had also felt some flu-like symptoms.  Chills, nausea, achy.  But for some reason I knew it wasn't the flu.   I'm hoping this is the point that they call the Healing Crisis

• The healing crisis is the result of every body-system, in concert, working to eliminate waste products through all elimination channels and set the stage for regeneration. The end result: old tissues are replaced with new. When any treatment or cleansing program causes a large scale die-off of bacteria, a significant amount of endotoxins (toxins within the bacteria itself) are released into the body. The more bacteria present, and the stronger their endotoxins, the stronger the cleansing reaction. When any treatment or detox causes the organs of the body (particularly the liver, which is a storehouse of drug and poison residues) to release their stored poisons and toxins, a cleansing reaction may occur. Any program, such as fasting, which causes a rapid breakdown of fat cells (which are a storehouse for toxins), can cause a healing crisis as toxins previously lodged in the fat cells are released into the blood stream. 

If in fact I have hit this point, it means that my body has really worked through all of the stores of sugar, gluten, toxins, and all rest of the things I have eliminated, and are working them out of the body.  It means my body is truly getting healthier, and replacing the poisoned cells with new healthy ones. 

Strangely enough, my willpower is still going strong.  I know some of you are considering this plan and you don't think you could do it.  YOU CAN!  I considered not reporting the bad stuff from above, but it is part of the necessary healing process.  The worst was only 3 days.  Today is day 4 and while I'm not feeling awesome, I am going in the right direction.

To end this blog, I will share a collage of foods I have been eating - YUM! - While I might have to work a little bit harder for my meals and be prepared, nobody can say that Im not eating well!

Peace.  Love.  Serene!

Eggs and veggies, cherries!

Eggs and veggies, farmers market sausage

Panara fuji apple salad (no dairy in the dressing - I checked!  But probably a wee bit of sugar)

Tuna salad (olive oil Vitamix mayo) in lettuce wrap with shredded carrots and cucumber

Chicken stir fry (no rice) - no sauce

Grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, cherries

Zucchini noodles with marinara and fresh basil

Shrimp scampi with clarified butter (only dairy allowed)

Marinated grilled pork tenderloin, grilled apples, grilled onions, green beans, fresh pineapple

And my NEW FAVORITE:  Frozen bananas in vitamix w/ coconut milk, salt, & cinnamon

Spring Gardening

Ohhhhh can you feel that?  I almost forgot what sun felt like!  After this very long and hard winter, it is finally spring (except for in Northern Michigan, where it is still snowing every other day!)  You all know how much I love to tend to my garden, and the surprises I get every day as new flowers come up.  Well this episode of "In the life of Serene" is doing double duty!  Not only can I share beautiful pics of some of my annuals coming up that I am so proud of (tulips and daffodils are nearly gone, irisis are up, and I see the lilies making their green appearances), I am also going to share pics of my trip to Eastern Market, in downtown Detroit for the annual flower day.  My big brother, Seabrook, wants to take his super cool, suped up old Chevrolet truck.  See pics below!

SPRING FLOWERS

EASTERN MARKET FUN!

Whole 30 progress

So my plan was to blog for all of you once a week, but since this is the FIRST week, I thought I would throw in an extra blog to let you know how I'm doing, because, you know, I'm supposed to be kind of batty this first week.

Well, not so much.  But let me explain:  as I said before, I don't drink coffee.  Wait, I do drink coffee, but only when absolutely necessary, filled with milk and sugar.  I don't enjoy the taste, and I am certainly not dependent on it to start my day.  So obviously I didn't even think about that.  While there have a been a few sugary things that look good to me, I haven't had any cravings for them (not unusual for me).  I thought I would be longing after all the foods I can't have, but i really haven't.  My willpower has been pretty strong (I know, color me surprised!), but generally my meals keep me pretty full.  Yesterday I just had a handful of raw cashews for lunch.  That's a no-no, so I promise not to do that again. (I know, Hartwigs, 3 meals!).  At this point, you're saying, "Serene.  You've only made it through 4 days."  HEY!  I dare you to try it!

There have been things that I looked at and thought "just one taste?", but they (from now on you can assume that when I say THEY in relation to this program, I am referring to the authors of the book it starts with food, and the whole 30 program, Dallas & Melissa Hartwig) are pretty adamant that there are no "one-bite" cheats.  So alas, NO SOUP FOR YOU!  (Completely lost on you if you aren't a Seinfeld fan).

My mom will be surprised at the breakfasts I am eating (I'm not much of a breakfast person), which have been yummy, but I have a feeling I'm going to run out of ideas fast.  I'm already a little sick of eggs.  I might go back to my ways of high school and have dinner for breakfast.  I'm a weirdo.  I would eat leftover Chinese food at 7am.  So maybe now it will be grilled chicken and broccoli.  Sounds like a good way to start the day!  Gosh, I can hear you in my head! "Why not try those gluten-free waffles, pancaked, etc or some oatmeal?"  .... 1) Oatmeal is off limits too.  Grains.  2) I'm sure those gluten-free items still have a form of sugar.  I can't even have maple syrup or honey, which is the substitute for most people.   3). They generally say that you shouldn't eat the foods that fool your body.  It doesn't help you break the habit.

When I wanted to cheat (but didn't):

- Making dark chocolate brownies that my grandmother requested.  Mmmm batter.

- Red wings game:  0 items to eat.  Everyone eating pizza and beer.  Another time that I was surprised that it was the beer I really wanted.  Not even BW3 (buffalo wild wings for you younger folks - they changed their name) had their "naked" wings without breading.  I held out and just drank water, and ate a banana when I got home.  Surprisingly, I only needed to satiate my hunger, there was no cravings once I got home.

- I already know I'm going to want a tailgate beer after my hockey game tonight.  It's part of the game - hanging out in the parking lot.  Again with the beer ... And I know I'm not an alcoholic, but it definitely shows how much a part of life it is.

Yeah that's it in the 4 days

How I feel:

Not much different.  I haven't woken up in the middle of the night since I started.  I always get up to pee, or because I crave cheese.  I want to give this another week to make sure it's the program and not something else.  So far no extra clear thinking or amazing energy.  I didn't really expect that after 4 days.  Ok, yeah I did.  I also haven't seen any weight loss (Im actually not allowed to weigh myself per the rules, but I don't anyway - I mean I haven't FELT any weight loss), but I feel less bloaty.  You girls know what Im talking about.

Here's what I've been eating:

Breakfasts:  Sweet potato hash with 2 fried eggs, and Egg scramble with onion, pepper, sausage, tomato, and sprouts on top for crunch.  Side of strawberries.

 

Lunch at work:  Salad with grilled chicken, cuc, sprouts, peppers, blueberries, dried cranberries, pecans.  Guacamole on cucumber, fruit salad  (I had this twice).  Second day I added an apple with homemade almond butter made with raw almonds, coconut oil, himalayan salt, and cinnamon.  Yum!  I love my VitaMix!

I can do this!

Peace. Love. Serene.

It Starts With Food

ITS NOT A DIET!

Ok, so it's not a diet, but it is a PROGRAM called Whole 30, from the book "It Starts With Food" by Melissa & Dallas Hartwig.  So technically I am CHANGING my diet, which I guess is the definition of a diet, but it's more than that.

They include a lot of what they call "sciency" stuff that explains why grains, gluten, dairy, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and legumes are bad for your system.  Let's not even start on processed food (this includes protein and "health" bars)  But the bottom line is that many of these food groups can cause systematic inflammation, which leads to pretty much a gamut of bodily issues:  weight gain, allergies, migraines, swelling, IBS, depression, and all kinds of other things.   Oh and also, they explain that milk is made by mothers to fatten up babies, and give them much needed nutrients very early in life.  That its not really meant to be consumed throughout your life.  And cows milk is for calves ... not humans.  I don't know - that all kind of makes sense to me.

So here's the plan:  30 days with none of the above mentioned food groups.  A diet of quality organic meat, poultry, seafood, nuts, veggies, and fruit.  To season food: olive oil, clarified butter (oh yeah, clarified butter and heavy cream are allowed - Im really not sure why), vinegars, and herbs.

Im not going to lie.  Im a little bit nervous.  One minute I'm saying "I don't drink coffee, and I don't have much of a sweet tooth - this will be a breeze!" Then I went to the grocery store.  Bad move.  I had gone too long before dinner, but I had to get some much needed "prep" food so that I can avoid this very situation in the future. I was hungry.  Then I saw some yummy looking crackers, and some delicious cheese.  DOH!  Ok, so maybe not so much a breeze.  Im not even going to talk about the pasta aisle.  BUT I kept reminding myself of the equally yummy meal at home I was going to make.  And it's only DAY 1 for cripes sake!

So I went home and made my dinner.  In fact, I took pictures of all of my meals today, and you will find them below.  Even my hamburger at the farmer's market!  What surprised me was that it wasn't the bun that I missed - but the beer the guy at the next table was drinking looked awfully good on this 90-degree day!

DAY 1

Breakfast:  Scrambled eggs w/ basil, vietnamese chicken sausage from the farmers market (I know every ingredient!), fresh strawberries.  It was amazing how sweet and flavorful the first bite tasted.  I realized that I didn't feel the same about the last few.  Is that normal.  Are we so used to not tasting our food?  I couldn't even finish this meal.

Lunch at Eastern market:  Perfectly cooked hamburger with grilled onions, ketchup, and mustard.  No, I did not eat the bun.  And Im sure that there was off-plan stuff in the condiments, but the book says sometimes you can't control it.  I definitely couldn't finish this - it was like a pound of meat!

 Dinner:  Marinated grilled chicken, steamed broccoli with olive oil, grilled carrots, fresh strawberries and blueberries.  And yes, that is a strawberry cooler in the background.  Strawberries muddled with mint and stevia.  Let it sit for a bit, then added club soda.

All in all, this could be any other day (other than the no bun).  Im told the first week is the hardest.  Im told that my cravings will go away.  Im told that I will sleep better, have more energy, have better athletic performance, be in a better mood, lose weight, have less allergies, and generally feel good.

I am striving to plan my meals so I am not tempted.  The plan includes NO CHEATS.  I know ... harsh.  Basically you have to start over.  I learned today that I just can't go too long without a meal or I get really really hungry, and thats when mistakes are made.  Im also suppose to eat enough at my meals that I do not snack.  That seems wrong to me, but if I'm going to do this, I have to follow it their way.  I will have a few little "snacky" options so that if I need it, its there.  Im not going to beat myself up about it as long as I have healthy choices.  They are adamant that we are not supposed to get super hungry in between.

I may need some help along the way.   Please don't offer me a cocktail at my little brother's graduation because I can't, and Im going to be bummed out about it.  Please forgive me when I only eat one thing when you invite me over for dinner.  Please understand when if I get a little bit crabby at the end of this week.  And please please don't mention cheese.  I already know that's my weakness.  The things I thought about today were:  cheese, crackers, pasta, and taco shells.  But ....

I CAN DO THIS!

Peace.  Love.  Serene

P.S. If anyone wants to join me in this program, Im happy to share the info, or the book, or the recipes.  I have posted a bunch on Pinterest.  Click here to see my Whole 30 board.

Coconut Oil

COCONUT OIL

I've just heard about (and jumped on the bandwagon) the benefits of coconut oil.  I know - you're saying 

"but I thought that coconut was BAD because it's so high in fat?"

In fact, that's TRUE:  coconut oil is more than 90 per cent saturated fat, or about 11.8 grams per tablespoon, compared to about 63 per cent or 7.2 grams for the same amount of butter.

BUT the reason this doesn't apply to coconut oil, say supporters, is that about half the saturated fat in the oil is medium-chain fatty acids, which are easier to digest than the more prevalent long-chain fatty acids in most other oils, including butter.  It is also loaded with lauric acid, that wondrous fatty acid that is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal.  

What are the health benefits of coconut oil?

Studies have show that intake of coconut oil can help our bodies mount resistance to both viruses and bacteria that can cause illness. It also can help to fight off yeast, fungus and candida.

It can help with:

positively affect our hormones for thyroid and blood sugar control. 

boost thyroid function helping to increase metabolism, energy and endurance. 

Increases digestion and helps to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

a positive antioxidant action in the body

coconut oil is a wonderful moisturizer for skin and hair

It has good amounts of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is very protective

Coconut oil can withstand the heat – making it a better cooking option

SUPPOSEDLY, based on web sites, it relieves stress, promotes increased immunity, metabolism and weight loss, fights viruses, Alzheimer's disease, kidney problems, heart disease, high blood pressure and much more. Topically applied, it is said to prevent wrinkling and be good for dry skin and hair.

Coconut oil can help with weight loss because it effects the metabolism positively. It helps our bodies burn fat better and more effectively, as well as utilize food we consume for energy, health, and repair. Coconut oil and weight loss are compatible.

So TRY IT!  I've been taking a scoop a couple of times a day.  I think it tastes good, and it melts on your tongue.  I'll let you know about weight loss.  :P

Peace.  Love.  Serene

Basement Growing

With the first hints of spring in the air (it was 65 yesterday!), I thought I would share the basement growing race.  It was a close tie between the White Cosmos, and the Blue Enhancement Morning Glories:

I can't wait to post updated pics of these little babies!  These were taken over a week ago, so there are now a lot more sprouts making their debut.

There's something about growing plants that is so satisfying.  Try it some time!

Peace.  Love.  Serene.

Resolutions Updated

Since it has been almost 6 weeks since the new year, I thought I would give an update on my New Year's Resolutions.  I haven't been as committed as I wish I would have been.  Where does the time go?

Original Resolutions, and my progress:

1.  Meditate at least once per week
     
Nope.  Nada.  Why is it so hard to remember to do this?  I should set myself a reminder to do it in the morning at a certain time, but then I end up hitting my alarm anyway.  Any ideas?

2.  Keep a log of exercise - aim for 2x per week, increasing to 4 by April

Nope on this one too.  Ok, yes, I play hockey once or twice a week, but that doesn't count.  I think the beers negate the exercise.  But I will admit it's good for my heart.  This past weekend I was in a tournament and played 4 games in less than 3 days.  I have 2 more tournaments coming up in the next couple of months.  BUT I have to go to the gym.  I don't go because it's cold out, and because I have so much to do at home.  So if I can get some of that done (clean basement, repaint holes in walls), I feel like I will have less excuses to go to the gym.

3.  Write thank you cards for gifts by Jan 15

This one I did.  YAY!  I only had two to send because I was with everyone else, but it's still an accomplishment.

4.  Start using coupons by Dec 15

Yep, I did this one too.  Mostly I use the Kroger and Meijer coupons that are automatically loaded onto the card.  The problem with that is that I need to have a printout so I know what to buy.  I also print online coupons, but I find that I don't use a lot of them because I just don't need them.  They also don't have coupons on fresh fruits and veggies, and that's what I buy most.  So there is still room for improvement here, and Im still working on making it a habit and routine.

5.  Use up food in my cupboards consistently

This is a work in progress, so I'll say yes, I've used some things up.  I have too many cans because when I want to make a recipe, I want the ingredients to be readily available.  But it's getting a little ridiculous.  Ok, so now I have to work on looking at recipes to use up the before-mentioned stockpile of canned foods.  The only problem?  I was just told I should stay away from canned and boxed foods because they are processed.  Dilemnas, dilemnas!

6.  Do some of the projects I have saved, taken pictures of, and written down

This will happen when it gets warmer out and I have the resources (like wood and sticks) to do these.

7.  Learn how to knit - basic stitches by June 1st

This is also back burner because I gave myself a long deadline.  Funny how that works.  Ok, I will go on YouTube and at least practice this week.

8.  Learn how to use Pinterest

Pinterest is totally cool, and TOTALLY sucks your time.  There is everything you can imagine, from recipes, to crafts, to history, to places .... it's endless, and it's really hard to stop looking.  Now I'll just have to remember to go back in and use the super cool stuff I pinned.  Feel free to follow me (I don't exactly know what that means yet, but I do know I'm following some other people)

9.  Be less judgemental - to others and to myself

Yeah.  Working on this.  Working on thinking about where other people are coming from when someone annoys me.  It's all about perception, right?  Still difficult, but baby steps ...

10.  Cook dinner at home more often

I guess I've never been bad at this, but its hard to make just a little bit, and I hate to waste food.  And my freezer is pretty full (don't forget there are two of us sharing space).  So my offer goes back out there - does anyone want to trade prepared, freezable, dinners?  Come Spring Im going to be giving stuff away because I love spring veggies and herbs, and it makes me want to make food all the time.


How are you doing with your resolutions?

Peace.  Love.  Serene.

Get ready for spring planting

I know I know - you're rolling your eyes at me.  Spring planting?  We're not even to the end of January!  AND THIS IS MICHIGAN!  But this is the perfect time to get ready. Its snowy here, and there are no exciting holidays left (screw Valentines Day), and so I need something to make me happy.  Thinking about planting makes me happy!

So here's the deal - if you didn't read last year's post - You have to have a grow light or two, suspended from a ceiling or a frame.  You start with biodegradable pots (or yogurt cups, or egg cartons - just make sure they have holes cut in the bottom) in a large tray to hold the water.  Mine looks like this:

You can see that I have marked each row or half row.  When I first started I thought I was cool and I was using popsicle sticks as plant markers. (ooh look at me, Im so GREEN).  Yeah.  They got moldy.  And the marker ran so I couldn't read them.  Just get the super cool un-green plastic things.

Fill the cups about 2/3 from the top.  Seeds will set on top, or will be pushed in, based on directions.  Top with a little bit of soil.  Water gently.

But it's bad for the plants if they get too big inside, and you can't plant them outside until after the last frost.  So you should be starting about 8 weeks before your last frost date

Detroit last frost date:   Approx. May 10th

This is when you should plant indoors:

• 12 to 14 weeks: onions*, leeks*, chives*, pansies*, violas*, impatiens, geranium, and coleus
• 8 to 12 weeks: peppers, lettuce*, cabbage-family crops*, verbena, petunias, impatiens, snapdragons*, alyssum*, and other hardy annual flowers
• 6 to 8 weeks: eggplants, tomatoes, broccoli, dahlia, zinnia
• 5 to 6 weeks: cockscombs (Celosia spp.), marigolds, other tender annuals
• 2 to 4 weeks: cucumbers, melons, okra, pumpkins, squash , cosmos

An asterisk (*) indicates a cold-hardy plant that can be set out 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost.

Peace.  Love.  Serene

Grow. Regrow. Repeat

Along with the other blogs I listed previously, I am in love with this newly found one, 17 Apart.  Yes, I know I didn't have to do any actual thinking for this blog, but how cool?  Regrowing veggies from the ends that you normally throw away!  Check it out!


Regrow Celery
http://www.17apart.com/2012/02/growing-celery-indoors-never-buy-celery.html

Regrow Bok Choy
http://www.17apart.com/2012/02/how-to-regrowing-bok-choy.html

(I also read the same process that works for the above 2 links, also works for Romaine lettuce)

Plant Sweet Potatoes
http://www.17apart.com/2012/03/how-to-plant-sweet-potatoes-indoors.html

Grow Garlic
http://www.17apart.com/search/label/Our%20Avocado%20Trees

Regrow your scallions
http://www.thekitchn.com/re-growing-green-onions-grow-your-scallions-back-on-your-windowsill-165274


CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE:

http://www.17apart.com



Peace.  Love.  Serene

These are a few of my favorite things ...

I have a few professional blogs that I follow, and here are a couple ... a few ... a handful ... ok a lot of my favorite blog posts.  ENJOY!

PEACE.  LOVE.  SERENE.

The Kitchn (www.thekitchn.com)

How to make kombucha tea

Make your own sparkling cider

Make homemade mozzarella

15 Holiday cookie recipes

15 Pumpkin recipes

Low heat recipes for hot days

15 Money saving tips

Good uses for apple peels

Green cleaning solutions

How to make french onion soup

Use up leftover cilantro

8 Awesome popcorn toppers

Do you unplug appliances at night?




A Beautiful Mess: (http://www.abeautifulmess.com)

Green smoothie challenge

Fresh juice recipes

Simple sangria recipes

Whiskey ginger recipe

9 Fancy grilled cheese

Couponing, updated

Oh yes, one of my resolutions was to start using coupons.  Doesn't everyone, you say?  Surprisingly, no.  I discussed this with my Mom over the holidays, and she said she uses coupons.  Funny, I never recall her using them ... ever.  So maybe I just didn't pay attention at the grocery store?   I don't know if it has just never occurred to me to use them, or Im just  lazy.

I have a funny comparison to talk about coupons.  I have been to the grocery store 4-5 times since I wrote my resolution blog, and not once did I use a coupon.  Because Im not in the habit.  I received a SonicCare SpinBrush toothbrush for Christmas (wait for it - this will make sense).  I was super excited, even though its vibrating and weird, and slightly nauseating the first time I used it (some of you know that I have a pretty strong motion sickness problem).  So the first night, I opened it and used it and it was great.  The very next morning, we had to run out the door, and I pull my hair into a pony, throw on my shoes, brush my teeth, run into the kitchen to pour some to-go coffee .... and my mom is just looking at me.  Yeah, I just grabbed the manual toothbrush.  Totally forgot about the totally awesome SpinBrush (and yes, I would like sponsorship money from SoniCare).

Ok back to the point.  I have not used those coupons because I wasn't used to it.  It takes just a little bit of preparation.  I had to visit the websites, and check the Sunday coupon page, and put them in my purse!  And THEN, I have to remember to LOOK to them when Im at the store, and actively choose those items to purchase.   No, I probably won't use all of them.  But if I can just get this far, I feel like I can get into the habit.  I mean, I make a grocery list!  I should be able to check the websites once a week for coupons I may use.  I guarantee Im not going to remember to check before I leave work when I have an urge to make stir-fry and have to pick up the ingredients on my way home from work.

And this really ties into everything else - changes can be made with a little bit of prep.  Cut out coupons (couponing).  Have a grocery list ahead of time and stick to it (weight loss).  Print out your gym hours and group class schedule (get fit).

So good luck - let me know what you do to prep for changes
(By the way, I do have a good exercise tracking spreadsheet for activity changes)

Peace.  Love.  Serene.

Couponing

See Blog: New Year's Resolutions

COUPONS!

I don't know why I don't use coupons.  I mean, it is manufacturers and stores saying, we want YOU to spend less money, so why don't I accept?  Because Im lazy.  I know that.  Too lazy to research, too lazy to cut them out, too lazy to organize them when I am at the store.  But in all reality, I have more time than money, so I really don't have that luxury.  So one of my resolutions is to be better and finding, and using, coupons.

Does anyone else use coupons?  What is the best way?  I don't get the newspaper, but maybe I can buy one every Sunday just for the coupon inserts - that's where they put them, right?  I also know there are a lot of good websites to print coupons.  Can someone tell me the best ones?  Is it worth it to go to each and every manufacturer's websites?  Do they offer more than what they put out to the websites?

Obviously I'm new to this, but I want to do it right.  HELP!  

I want responses on this one!

Peace.  Love.  Serene.

New Year's Resolutions

I stopped making new year's resolutions a few years ago because frankly, I didn't stick to them.  But I have realized it is a good time to remind yourself of the changes you want to make in your life.  Yes, they need to be realistic goals.  Yes, you need a game plan.  But it can go so much longer (or sooner) than the usual resolutions.  So here are some of my ideas (not necessarily using this year), and I would love to hear more to add to the list.  They don't have to be the ones you're setting - just ideas for everyone else!

1.  Meditate at least once per week - increasing a day every 3 months (putting on calendar!)
2.  Keep a log of exercise - aim for 2x per week, increasing to 4 by April (putting on calendar!)
3.  Write thank you cards for gifts by Jan 15 (putting on calendar!)
4.  Start using coupons by Dec 15 (I don't mean the extreme couponing, people, get your head out of the gutter - but seriously?  A $400 grocery bill and they pay $13?)
5.  Use up food in my cupboards consistently
6.  Do some of the projects I have saved, taken pictures of, and written down (many of them are nature based, so I might have to wait for spring for these)
7.  Learn how to knit - basic stitches by June 1st
8.  Learn how to use Pinterest
9.  Be less judgemental - to others and to myself
10.  Cook dinner at home more often (Does anyone want to trade 1/2 dinners?  Sometimes I waste because I can't eat it all up before it goes bad)

By the way, it helps to write them down and post them where you can see them every day
Thanks, Miss Katy


Peace.  Love.  Serene

Christmas Cookies

Who doesn't love Christmas Cookies??

This year I get an honor that makes me both happy and sad.  I am helping Granny make the time-honored super-special super-delicious world-famous Xmas eve Christmas cookies.  It's sad because she has been having some pain issues and doesn't feel that she can do it alone.  It's happy because it has been a super secret recipe my entire life, and NOW for the FIRST TIME, it is being passed down.  I don't know if this means that next year the responsibility will be all my own, but I will take on the shared or solo cooking with gratefulness.
There is also a tradition involved in these cookies that goes like this:

NOBODY gets to eat a Christmas Cookie until AFTER dinner on Christmas eve

But other than these cookies, I will also be baking several others.  In all reality, I don't have much of a sweet tooth.  I will probably only eat a couple of each cookie over the holidays.  But I love presenting them, and I love giving them as gifts.

Here is my list:

Swedish christmas cookies
Candy cane cookies
Ritz thin mints
Buckeyes
Chocolate covered orange balls
Saltine toffee
Candied citrus peel

These are my maybes:

Fruit jellies (I've never made them before, but this is my kind of candy!)
Peppermint marshmallows (I've never made homemade marshmallows, but they are all over this year)
Lemon ginger mint cookies (very good, but not very Christmassy)

I know I will have to cut a few of these out, but it's so hard to choose!!

What are you favorites to make?


Peace.  Love.  Serene