Preasha's parlor

Evolve and love

2012-01-19T21:35:00.003-06:00

Evolve and love. Evolving is changing. Change is inevitable and growth is optional. Things will change around you regardless of your participation. How you choose to respond and adapt is up to you. Life is about growing and sometimes growth is painful. The end result is often rewarding if you hang in there. Learning to love is the most rewarding thing we can do. Without love life can be miserable. Not just romantic love but brotherly love and self love. We often cannot love others because we have yet learned to love ourselves unconditionally. Love yourself so that you may love others.

"The Light of the Christ within now wipes out all fear, doubt, anger and resentment. God's love pours through me, an irresistible magnetic current. I see only perfection and draw to me my own". This is an affirmation from "Your word is your want" by Florence Scoval Shinn. If we can show the kind of love to others that God shows to us what an awesome world we would have.

Thankful Tuesday

2012-01-17T11:54:00.003-06:00

Again trying to play catch up. Things come up and I don't post as I would like. Regardless I am thankful to be able to do it when I can. I have missed the past 5 listings from the January poster. These are:

Be content
Lighten up
Celebrate and appreciate
Dream
Give thanks

Each day we can find a way to do these things. Being content doesn't necessarily mean to stay in a place where you don't desire. To me it's about honoring what you have. Appreciating what you've done. It doesn't mean to stop striving to be better. Sometimes we get so focused on what we don't have that we forget that which we do. Lightened up a bit, everything doesn't have to be so serious all the time. Learn to relax, laugh and enjoy life. Celebrate and appreciate those who have chosen to be in your life and choose to remain a part of your life. This past weekend we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We know his quotes. We know his speeches. We know is vision. He not only had a dream but a vision. That dream wasn't just acknowledged, it was something he worked to achieve. Let us remember to give thanks to those who have come before us and those who will come after us. The dream can only remain a reality with the work that we put into it.

Cultivate oneself

2012-01-12T23:14:00.002-06:00

Cultivating is more often spoken in regards to planting and growing. We can use it also to refer to our own lives. Time often leads to a rut or stagnation in our lives. We sometimes need to cultivate new ideas,places,people or whatever it takes to change our current circumstances if they are not to our liking. We need to prune out the dead weight that we carry. That can be negative thoughts or actions that we keep acting upon. It can also be people who are not lifting us up but instead are pulling us down. Anything the prevents you from growing intellectually,financially,spiritually and personally must be removed.
Seek the good. Speak the good. Open your heart and allow all that you desire and you deserve to come unto you without doubt or fear. Know that what is divinely yours can only be kept from you by you. Don't block your own blessings with the wrong thoughts,desires and actions.

Consider and reflect

2012-01-11T22:17:00.003-06:00

What to do? What to do? A question we may ask daily. Thinking it through whatever the task may be. Whatever point we may have reached we may need to spend some time reflecting upon where we've been, where we are and where we want to go. Often we are so busy trying to get "there" that we forget to be grateful for how far we've come.

Catch up time

2012-01-11T21:37:00.003-06:00

Not having internet access for the past few days has me behind.

Saturday was "let go, forgive and accept. That's something that has been playing over and over for awhile. I was trying to do that but I found that maybe I was trying to let go of the wrong thing. Sometimes you just have to let go of "letting go" and just let it be.

Sunday was exercise and move. Not a hard one. Still on that grind. Maybe a bit too vigorous with the Wii. I may need to modify to continue this pace.

Monday was serve and contribute. Each day there's a way to do this when you are in a field that indeed provides service. Learning to speak up and give your opinions is a way to contribute. Giving to those in need whether it be in time or monetary. Do what you can that's all that can be asked.

Tuesday was listen and learn. Communication--the big key in relationships. Listening and hearing aren't the same. Hearing is the process where sound is perceived. Listening is the process where sound is perceived,analyzed and comprehended. That information is then processed. We hear people all the time but are we really listening to them. We don't want to just be heard we want others to "listen" to us.

Create and envision

2012-01-06T11:05:00.003-06:00

Today's focus is create and envision. Something I have in the back of my mind but haven't put much effort in doing. That "vision" notebook is on the list. Cutting, thinking and need to "focus". Part of it is putting it down on paper and accepting that these are things you desire. Putting it out there and being prepared to receive--why is that scary? Sounds silly.
Ask and it will be given to you

Seek and you will find

Knock and the door will be opened to you

Matthew 7:7

Fear of achieving has no place in your drive for success--whatever that success may be. You block out your own blessings by not being open to receiving them. It's been said that if your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough. So go ahead, dream and dream big!

Laugh and play

2012-01-05T16:06:00.002-06:00

Today's focus was laugh and play.

It's late afternoon and I am wondering have I laughed today. I don't think I have. If I did the sad thing is that I can't recall when or at what. That all being said. I don't feel very jovial. I need cheering up.

Breathe and smile

2012-01-04T13:47:00.003-06:00

Well somehow yesterday got away from me and I didn't post on chanting and singing.

Today's actions are "Breathe and smile". 2 good things to keep in mind. Sometimes taking a deep breathe is needed to clear your head. Breathe in to calm down. This morning threw me off my schedule. A power outage delayed my day and I felt out of sorts because my plans were changed for a bit.

I eventually stopped whining about the cold and went to Ihop. Ate too much and went back home to start the day. Granted it was afternoon by the time I got work but nevertheless I got there. Sometimes even when i'm not smiling on the outside, I am smiling inside. A thought, a memory or a sight can all trigger a smile either externally for all to see or internally so that only you are aware.

Meditate

2012-01-02T17:46:00.004-06:00

So the second line of the poster says meditate and feel. I have to admit I have not been one to think that of what I do as meditation.

Meditation can be defined as follows:

1. To reflect on; contemplate.

2. To plan in the mind; intend:

v.intr.

a. Buddhism & Hinduism To train, calm, or empty the mind, often by achieving an altered state, as by focusing on a single object.

b. To engage in devotional contemplation, especially prayer.

2. To think or reflect, especially in a calm and deliberate manner.

I suppose I fall into "b". More like "conversations with God". Often questioning the thoughts that sometimes follow my talking. Sometimes it's in my head and sometimes it's really an oral conversation. Most often those take place in the car or some other place I find myself alone with my thoughts. The shower's a good place. I think it's time to practice taking a few minutes in the day and just releasing and clearing my head and allowing myself to feel the negativity escaping. I have no expectations--one of my new goals-Just let it be. Whatever it is let it be.

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T19:06:00.004-06:00

Ok I didn't do so well in 2011. I-and I use the word again-neglected my parlor. I was busy elsewhere but maybe it's time to come back. I am using this picture as a focus. I hope to keep each of these in mind and address them.

Last night I did my own version of the burning bowl ceremony. It involved taking a list of ideas,thoughts or actions that I felt I needed to release from my life and burn them. I also wrote a list of things to replace them. No it wasn't magic. I didn't wake up this morning free of them. It's a journey that's only begun. It will be work.
This poster has many things that I used to replace negative things I did or thought in 2011. I told myself that today after church I would relax and enjoy the day. For the most part I did. I did find myself being "busy". I started throwing away little thinks that I didn't need. I had said I wouldn't do that until tomorrow but I just felt the need to toss. There's a whole to be removed and each day something needs to go. We'll work on that. Little by little it can be done. I removed a lot of email and contacts last week. More of that to do as well. Things that no longer serve you good must go. In order to grow cut away the dead ends. Embrace the new. Allow it to come to you.
Reflecting upon last year there were some awesome days and some painful days. All for growth and improvement. I must continue growing.

It's June

2011-06-27T16:49:00.002-05:00

Ok, I know it's June 27th and once again I use the word neglect--I have soooo not been rambling here. I should but I haven't. I am going to take the time to revamp my page--(sureeee) LOL. It could happen. I need a summer theme quickly.

Fall

2010-11-05T20:03:00.003-05:00

Hmmm last post was in March. Time definately flies. I neglected my blog but I didn't neglect myself. It's November! Where did that come from. I got around to getting my computer--woohoo! I'm still collecting Wii games. I've added since March--gee whiz! Gold's gym latin dance workout, Just Dance 1, Just Dance 2, and Raving Rabbids 2. I have Zumba on pre-order and I need to order Just Dance Kids. They are also coming out with Nickolodeon fit and The Rabbids have a new one.

I don't use my Wii like I did but I need to add some back in. I have been in the gym sometimes 2 a days so the Wii got pushed aside.

Crochet--What's that? LOL. After the weather warmed for good I got side tracked and stopped crocheting. I just started looking at Ravelry again. I have tons of yarn that needs to be used up! I have to carve out the time. I am still continuing my magazine addiction. I have a tote bag filled and I add more but I don't seem to read them. Ugghhh I need to do that!

What keeps me from doing either of those--reading or crocheting? Hanging out on Facebook at BWDW (Black women do workout). I love this page. It has helped me to stay focused on this journey of ridding myself of the extra lbs. I have had a goal of actually weighing less than my driver's license. I'm closer than I have been in probably 25 years. That's my gift to myself.

There are other gifts that I would like to give myself. I can't decide on an Ipod touch or some wi-fi e-reader. Everybody is coming out with one and they upgrade them before you can get yours out of the box. Sigh.

A couple of months ago I really tweaked my eating and now try eating a "clean" diet. It isn't perfect but it's mucho better. I have the Eat clean diet book recharged and Your best body now by Tosca Reno, Clean eating magazine and The best of Clean eating cookbook. It'll be even better when I read all of this stuff. I've browsed it and my Oxygen mags but haven't actually read them cover to cover. It is fairly simple. Lean protein, complex carbs and healthy fats. Dump the sugar, sodium, processed foods,fatty empty calories. It's a journey and not a destination. It's a lifestyle and not a diet. I have work to do and nobody can do it for me. I'm doing it for myself----my gift to me!

Spring

2010-03-22T12:39:00.002-05:00

Time flies when you're...............

I don't know where it went or what I was doing. I still haven't got a new computer. I won't even bother listing all the things I haven't done or even started. It's cold today. My to-do list isn't shrinking. I got two Raving Rabbids Wii games. Need more remotes for more folks.

My how time flies

2010-02-10T11:18:00.002-06:00

Jiminy Cricket it's been awhile. I still haven't replaced my computer. I have been using the wii since January 1st and it's been great. I just added Gold's Gym cardio boxing and Wii Sports resort.

I hope that they are as fun and beneficial.

Trying to eat better as well. Putting too many crochet projects in my queue. I keep seeing things to make. I've managed to finish a few things. Need to get photos posted at some point to Ravelry.

Ahhh so much to do.

Finally opened the box

2010-01-02T22:33:00.002-06:00

Ok I bought the Wii in October. I connected it yesterday and I've been playing it since. I'm not not doing too bad in bowling. I'm determined to win one game in tennis. I finally won some points--LOL! I bought a fit plus bundle today. It comes with the balance board, fit plus and my fitness coach 2. I have the first fitness coach. I'm hoping with these I can create a program that will keep me moving and interested along with my regular gym routine.
There are a few others that might be good to have to mix it up but we'll start with this.

Looking at eating plans so I'll need to make a grocery list and stock up. I just want it to be something that I do as a normal part of life not something I have to "think" about all the time.

I have to replace the laptop soon. I can use the Wii to browse. I don't know about posting from it.

I still have to find material to line my fat bottom bag and the clutch that I crocheted last month. I haven't seen anything that matches or I like. I also need handles for the bag. I haven't made anything since the DS lite case that I finished Wednesday. I have several patterns but nothing's got me raring to work. I think I just want to finish the other projects first.

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-01T14:34:00.002-06:00

Wow it's a new year already. I like so many others have reflected upon the past year and look forward to the new one. I realize that I set goals and had dreams that weren't met or went unfilled. Here is to another chance to achieve them. I found this website for affirmations and this one. It is time for some positive thinking and focusing.

I must focus on myself. "I deserve a strong and healthy body". It is up to me to believe, receive and achieve.

I deserve healthy friendships and relationships. "The past has no power over me, I forgive all those that need my forgiveness and I forgive myself"

My heart is open in order to give and receive love

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Matthew 7:7

Sometimes we don't get because we don't ask. Maybe we don't ask out of a lack of faith or because we don't really believe that we deserve it. No we won't get everything we desire. Sometimes the things we seek aren't the things we need. Vision boards were the rage awhile back. I never made one but I can see how acknowledging your desires in a format where you can visualize them could be helpful in keeping you on a path to achieve them. If I know I want something and I need to cut back on other things to get it, I may be more likely to stay focused if I can "see" my desires. There are some needs and wants that I have currently so maybe I can do that......

Random musings

2009-12-09T12:38:00.005-06:00

Quote of the day

"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be"---Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I thought that somewhere I spoke of my discovery of Seneca apple chips. I'm beginning to think one can become tooooo attached to eating these. Since discovering these a month or 2 ago I have lost count of the number of bags that I have consumed. No they aren't helping in the ongoing quest to rid myself of the 20+ pounds that came back from wherever I had sent them. I want them gone!

I've been pondering my activity level and it isn't what it used to be. I still get in 3-4 days of workouts but the level of intensity isn't what it used to be. I don't lift several days a week and I don't run. I miss them both and have to make the decision that only I can make myself go do them. The Wii is still in the box. It's only been 6 weeks since I opened the package to see what was in it. I had intentions........ Yea, Yea, I know.

The last time I actively ran was less pounds and less age! I did a modified version of the Couch to 5k. I never ran the 5k but could do 3 miles slowly. Here is a 7 week plan that looks interesting. http://www.active.com/running/Articles/How-to-Start-Running-Today.htm

In order to run I need music. With that being said, I need to see if my MP3 player still works and if it does, it still needs NEW music.

I picked up my crochet hooks after a couple of years. I have plans in my head for a hat, headband and a purse. I've done 2 headbands. They're ok. I can use more practice. Let's see how that goes.

I've found plenty of websites with patterns and a knitting/crocheting community at http://www.ravelry.com/

Lots of rambling but that's what I do.

Black Friday

2009-11-27T21:07:00.003-06:00

WHEW!

I left home around 4:30 a.m.. I made a trip to Walmart go what I needed and went home to unload the car. Went back out to the 2nd Walmart, had breakfast, went to Big Lot's and then the mall. Went back home to unload again. Made a trip to Old Navy, TJMaxx and Ross. It was getting time for the Iron Bowl and traffic was picking up so I went across the river. I got back home around 8:30 p.m. I'm waiting for sleep to

hit hard!

I found a pair of Naturalizers. The style name is "catchy" they were at both TJMaxx and Marshall's.

This isn't one that I had on a list but it will work.

Did I say that I was whipped?

Anyway, I picked up 2 more jars of Colorset moisturizing treatment and a tube of Philip B Creme rinse. Yea like I needed ANY of them!

I'm still on the hunt for a sweater dress/and or tunic.................

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T12:54:00.004-06:00

Whew!

It took me forever to get logged back in. How many times did I type my username and password!

I know that it's been 3 weeks since I posted but I knew I had the right info. Oh well, I'm in.

The year is quickly passing by. Can it really be Thanksgiving already. Well the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has passed so I guess it's here. We have Black Friday and Cyber Monday to finish out this month. Wow where did it go?

While I was at my favorite spot--Big Lot's. I picked up 3 sets of dvds.

Holiday Family Favorites

Holiday TV Classics

These both consist of 4 dvds of old Christmas movies, cartoons and tv shows.

Some of the cartoons are reaaaaaaaally cheesy but that's ok. It's great to see how far we've come. Many of these are in the public domain and can probably be found online.

They were done by Mill Creek Entertainment

I also got Cartoon Vault. A 4 dvd collector's set.

Popeye, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Merry Melodies, Bugs Bunny, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Kansas City Kitty, Heckyl and Jeckyl, Superman,The Little Monsters and more.

This set is from Vintage Home Entertainment.

I didn't see this exact set on their site but they have other collections.

I still haven't taken time to take the Wii out of the box. I bought it last month and haven't done a thing with it.

I'm trying not to graze but I think I need a snack. It's 1:22 and I didn't have lunch since I ate breakfast while watching most of the parade.

Gotta go check the ads..............

Ear pain

2009-11-02T14:00:00.003-06:00

Why does my ear hurt! Not like an earache but sore to the touch. I'm tired of being tired. I got the Jackie Ormes book on Friday and as of 2 p.m. today it hasn't been viewed by moi. My focus just isn't there. I still haven't found new shoes for working out. There are way too many unused broken in shoes under the bed. Still good for bopping around but not for working out. I just don't need that many. Still need to donate the items I culled from the closet. Sighhhhhhh

Jackie Ormes-First African American woman cartoonist

2009-10-23T10:54:00.004-05:00

I'm so late on this. In 2008 The University of Michigan Press published 'Jackie Ormes: The First African American Woman Cartoonist' by Nancy Goldstein. I had not heard of Mrs. Ormes until today.

http://www.jackieormes.com/

Kansas City Public Library

http://www.kclibrary.org/event/nancy-goldstein-jackie-ormes-first-african-american-woman-cartoonist

Here is an interview with Nancy Goldstein discussing her book.

http://www.archive.org/details/NancyGoldsteinJackieOrmesTheFirstAfricanAmericanWomanCartoonist

Comics Crusader: Remembering Jackie Ormes

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93029000

She began with the Pittsburgh Courier and in 1937-1938 "Dixie to Harlem" was published. She also created "Candy", "Patty-Jo 'n' Ginger", "Torchy in heartbeats".

From the cartoons came the Patty-Jo dolls and the Torchy togs cut out paper dolls.

I've collected dolls and I don't recall the Patty Jo doll. I will check my doll books and see how I missed it. My collection is generally modern porcelain artist dolls so I wasn't out there looking for vintage or antiques. Because these dolls were created as play dolls, finding them in good condition might be tough.

Made by the Terri Lee Company in late 1947-1949. This wasn't the stereotypical African American doll that was found on the market at the time.

I soooo want those Torchy's Togs paper dolls. I'd frame them--LOL!

Trying to borrow the book.

Where are the size 9s!

2009-10-18T19:22:00.004-05:00

I have been to at least 12 stores trying to find some shoes. Particularly casual mary jane type.

I saw a few online and because I need to try them on I went searching for them. They had some out there in the stores but did they have a 9? NO! Plus I have a limit on what I want to spend and $50 plus wasn't it.

I didn't try either of these ons. But this is what I was looking for. I did find one and the price was right BUT of course the 9s were gone! Nevermind now that I can't remember the style name.

The search goes on....

Fall bags and shoes

2009-10-16T21:07:00.005-05:00

Almost 2 years ago I spotted a wonderful Tignanello purse. It was retail about $160 and though I really liked it, I didn't like it that much. I later saw it on Macy's website on sale. After computing the shipping it put the bag almost back to the retail so that was a no. It is rare that I get attached to something and experience a "gotta have it" moment. While browsing one of my favorites shopping spots I saw "my" bag. TJMaxx had it for $79.99 and that was still more than I wanted to spend but I got it. I got it in black and it's been my everyday bag most of the time. I have others that I carry occasionally but I fall back on this one. I spotted this bag in TJMaxx on clearance much later and briefly considered snagging it but didn't want to pay for it. It may have been about $45-$50! I wasn't thinking that I couldn't find something else I liked as much. My bag is in fairly good condition considering how long I've had it. The straps of course are showing the wear with fraying. So I keep searching for the next "gotta have it" bag.

Today I was browsing again and nothing really jumped out at me. They had a few Tig bags and though they were cheaper than my current bag they didn't say "hey" pick me. I was about to leave the purses when I saw something in the clearance section. I had seen it before but it wasn't "it". I examined it again, held it up and thought this won't work for everyday BUT the soft leather makes it dressier. Add to that the size is smaller. I turned the tag over and stared---$29. Is this right? Hmmm it could work. I had to debate it since it wasn't an everyday bag. I looked back at the manufacturer's tag and retail was $179. What?! Discount was $89. So I got it.

Coming up: Shoes

Purging your clothes closet for fall and winter

2009-10-14T14:05:00.003-05:00

I know it's been a month. I've just been lazy---too lazy. I have to get on the ball now. The season is changing and that closet is so unorganized. I'll keep picking the same 5 tops and bottoms if I don't get it together.

If you only have one closet designated for clothing (as so many of us do) then you have to switch out the clothing (shoes too!) that you wear in the spring and summer.

There are numerous books, magazine articles, websites, tv shows, etc. that tell us how to do this. Particularly when dealing with clutter control. We could just take all the things out of the closet, fold them and pack them away until the next season. That's fine but if we do that then we'd never get rid of the stuff we no longer need. So before packing let's ask a few questions.

1. Do I like this garment?

2. Can I still wear this garment---really wear it?

3. Does the garment need mending?

4. If I don't like, can't wear or need the garment can someone else use it?

Apply the questions to each garment. If you still like it, can wear it and it doesn't need mending then place in a pile to be packed. If you like it but can't wear it--ask yourself realistically will you be able to wear it the next season. If you believe you can then keep it. If not, place in the donate pile. Do this for all the clothes in the closet and drawers.
Once those are ready to store or donate then get the fall and winter clothes unpacked.

Apply the same questions to those garments BEFORE you put them in the closet. Honestly if you didn't wear it last year you won't likely wear it this time around unless it was something that didn't fit then and now fits.

An assessment of the garments allows you to rid yourself of excess and allows you to share with someone else. Sometimes you just don't care for something anymore. It no longer suits your lifestyle or fits your personality. Sometimes we have these impulse buys and after a couple of wears realize that it really wasn't right for us. It's ok to let it go. Someone else will love it and that frees up space to get things that you love and things that fit!

This applies to shoes, accessories and undergarments.

Six weeks ago my first post was about letting go. I started and created keep bags and go bags. Guess what they haven't gone anywhere. Find a person or place to donate to and do it!

Re-visits and new discoveries

2009-09-16T14:06:00.005-05:00

I don't know why---- but I love magazines, especially free magazines. I know that I can also browse some magazines online and fill my need but I rarely do that. If there are interesting magazines in the "free--take me" pile. I will gather them up and sometimes I even read them.

Awhile back--ok months ago I picked up a pile and in the pile was Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion. Years ago I used to buy this, in fact I found a stash of them I still have. As I was perusing the magazine I thought gee maybe I'll go look for a new issue. I headed over to the website and what did I see?

http://www.maryengelbreit.com/2009/07/30/mary-engelbreits-home-companion-magazine/

As of the July 30, 2009 post it no longer is being published!

Sigh---------- my lack of buying or subscribing wasn't the issue. Mary says that a lack of advertising income did them in. She also named Cottage Living, Domino, O at Home, Home, and Country Home, etc. All of those I have browsed or purchased at some point. I actually snagged Domino, Country Home, Martha Stewart Living and Coastal living from the free pile. I have yet to look at them but it will come.

I love Mary's artwork. Whimsy but not over the top.

Anyway I did a search to see what else of interest has folded. According to Magazine Publishers of America http://www.magazine.org/ I've missed out on (that is something I've read or might have read) :

2000
Dell Pencil Puzzles and Word Games
Official Pencil Puzzles and Word Games
New Woman

2001
Family PC--I remember this when they first started in 1994
Mademoiselle-I used to read this and Glamour back in the day---way back
Mode-A high fashion mag for full figured women--I got rid of my issues when I decided I didn't want to be full figured (it didn't help)--LOL!

2002
Homestyle
Rosie--Oh yea this was the old McCall's. I snagged an April 1952 McCall's from a free pile
Yahoo! Internet Life

2003
Biography
Heart & Soul

2004
Consumer's Research
YM(Young Miss formally known as Calling all girls)---Wayyyy back in the day did I get this. Ok not so far back that it was still called Calling all girls

2005
Disney Magazine
Organic Style

2006
Budget Living
Shop Etc.---I've been getting rid of these and they haven't made the trash yet
Weekend---I think I still have a couple of issues of this too

2007

Blueprint

House & Garden (wow it started in 1885)

Life

2008

Cottage Living

Home

O at Home

PC Magazine (Moving to Web Only)

Quick & Simple

2009
Country Home

Domino

Hallmark

Southern Accents
Teen

Vibe

Just a few of the many no longer being published or have moved to online versions

Need a magazine fix? Peruse these sites.

Full view
Google Books
Archive.org
Zinio
H.E.A.R.T.H.

Covers
Nypl Digital Gallery
MagazineArt.org

There's bound to be more out there.

More muffin mania

2009-09-10T12:58:00.016-05:00

Yea I know--what's with the muffins. I like them! Today I made mini muffins. They were bite size and I thought I would eat less but I probably had more than if I had made 6 big ones. I got 21 minis out of the batch. Soooo does that mean that 3.5 are equal to 1 big one--LOL! I guess then I had the equivalent of 1 whole one and a half of one. Anyway they weren't too sweet and had a nice "peachy" taste even though it was artificially flavored. I added a bit of cinnamon to the mix and there you have geniune imitation peach cobbler.

This is what I made

Here's the link to the company Mayberrysfinest

They have other products besides muffins but here are the other muffins

Cinnamon toast

Chocolate chunk cookie dough

Banana chocolate chip

Lemon ice box

Blueberry

Muffin mania

2009-09-03T12:52:00.004-05:00

I love muffins .........why? Because I can enjoy a treat without overdoing it. They are small and sweet. Just enough to satisfy the need for "something". BUT! There's a problem. I see soooo many that I want to try and I need small batches so they don't go to waste. It's really easy to do a commercial mix, bake and eat. Ok, now I have the directions to freeze them.

According to the Quaker oats website most muffins freeze well.

Cool them.
Then wrap in foil, freezer wrap or freezer bags.
Label them with the name and date.
Store for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or the conventional oven for 10-15 minutes depending on the muffin size.

Ok gotta give it a try because I still have the cranberry orange left and I want another flavor--LOL!

I found packages of mix in the cabinet today. I think it was blueberry, triple berry, banana walnut and something else.

Cookbooks and recipe websites are great but my latest and greatest discovery (I'm late I know) are FOOD BLOGS!!!!

I'm so grateful to these wonderful food bloggers who have the patience and skill to bake these delicious treats from scratch and then share them with the world.

This recipe hit the blogs a couple of years ago and I think people are still discovering it (ok maybe just moi) .

For me this is a weekend project as opposed to spur of the moment workday UNLESS I have mixed the dry ingredients the night before and have everything ready to go the next morning.

Snickerdoodle muffins

http://www.culinaryconcoctionsbypeabody.com/2007/03/16/cookie-conversion/

Blueberry Sour Cream Corn Muffins Diabetic Recipe
Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup corn meal

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

One egg, beaten

1 cup sour cream

1/3 cup thawed frozen unsweetened apple juice concentrate1

1/2 cups fresh or frozen (not thawed) blueberries

2/3 cup whipped cream cheese

2 tablespoons no-sugar-added blueberry fruit spread

Directions: Preheat oven to 400-degrees.
Grease 12 medium-sized muffin cups or line with paper liners; set aside.

Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl. Add combined egg, sour cream and apple juice concentrate; mix just until dry ingredients are moistened. Gently stir in blueberries.

Spoon batter into prepared cups, filling each cup 3/4 full. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand in pan on wire rack five minutes. Remove from pan; cool slightly.

Combine cream cheese and fruit spread; serve with warm muffins.

Recipe makes one-dozen Blueberry Sour Cream Corn Muffins.

Breakfast is my fav!

2009-09-02T11:30:00.003-05:00

This morning I opened a package of Martha White cranberry orange muffin mix and about 15 minutes later I had some very moist muffins. I'm working on making some from scratch but that might have to be relegated to a saturday morning or a sunday afternoon. Anyway this is what I had along with an omlete/omelette and cantaloupe.

I spotted a blueberry cornmeal recipe and I might have to experiment with it and might even try---gasp! Jiffy mix as the base.

It's September!

2009-09-02T04:15:00.002-05:00

The year is quickly rolling by. It seems like New Year's day just passed. It is now 4:19 a.m. and I have been awake for over 30 minutes. I fell asleep before 10 and now i'm up---ughhhh. Watching without a trace and listening to my tummy rumble for food. Yesterday for lunch I had another Sam's choice chicken dish. This one was the Apple, Cranberry, Pecan Stuffed Chicken Breast. This had potential but alas it missed the mark. It is a frozen food nonethe less. This would be good made fresh. I have another one left and I'll eat it but fresh would definitely be delish!

The art of letting go

2009-08-28T19:28:00.003-05:00

All day I had ideas pop into my head on "letting go". Letting go of unwanted, unneeded, unloved STUFF. I gathered up some books to refresh my memory on the when, why, how of purging.
Fast forward to 7 p.m. I made an unhealthy dinner choice but again it was something I wanted but my body doesn't need or want it--bleh. I'm now trying to recover from that so that I can start the first step which is analyzing clothes. Do I love it? Can I wear it? Would I wear if I could wear it? Will I ever wear it? Do I even need it?

As I lie here watching TLC's "What not to wear" I know that I need to have the same open eye and let things go. I have failed the idea of taking something out when you buy something new--Ha!

Woooooo part one is done.

I ended up with 1 bag to keep (for now). 2 bags to donate and 1 bag to trash.

I have to pick another spot to focus on. I have another bag of fall/winter clothing that needs analyzing and then there's the closet!!.

Letting go feels great!!!!!!

Fall flavors

2009-08-27T21:05:00.003-05:00

The weather seemed cooler today and I started thinking about Fall. Usually I don't think about wassail or mulled cider until it's cold and the holidays. I usually make it in a big batch with orange juice,apple cider, cinnamon,etc. Awhile back I stumbled upon a quick way to make a hot drink and it isn't the pre-packaged cider mix. I had purchased some sugar free drink mixes that you put into your water bottle. I had some orange and some cranberry apple. I mixed the two and added it to hot water. Simple, quick and an alternative version of a cider mix.

Another treat that I thought of is gingerbread cake. Hot and moist. I've only had it from a mix so I may search for a recipe.

Ode to the sweet potato

2009-08-26T20:59:00.002-05:00

Sweet potatoes!

Baked, fries,chips, mashed,candied,souffle, casserole, pie, cobbler,cookies, biscuits,waffles, pancakes, muffins, bread, soup, cake, cheesecake,dip,dumplings, ice cream,jam,pudding, pone,ravioli,salad,tart,rolls.

Ok, there are a lot of other things that people have done with my beloved sweet potato but i'm not sure I'd like it.

Hunting the perfect sweet potato pecan muffin recipe.

Weekend haul

2009-08-23T20:12:00.005-05:00

I did more shopping on Saturday. I didn't get much because I didn't see anything that I really wanted

I got this skirt on Friday

I wanted this one but neither Kohl's had it in my size

I got a light weight navy cardigan that will work until early Fall.

I also bought the ayurvedic powders I wanted

Amla
Aritha
Heenara Hair Pack
Kapoor Kachli
Lodhar
Maka(bhringraj)
Multani mati
Tulsi

Have to find time to use them either as a stand alone paste or mixed with conditioner.

Shopping

2009-08-21T20:09:00.003-05:00

After work I stopped for a bit of retail therapy. I miss miss miss Goody's.

I went to Kohls. I had seen several tops on their website that I thought looked promising. I found them, tried them on and put them back. I had picked up extra larges and they hung and I didn't like them well enough to look for larges. I picked up 2 denim skirts as if I NEED another one but I can always use another 1 or 2. Dark denim is lacking in my wardrobe.

life + style® Denim Pencil Skirt ---This one I bought

Axcess pleated Denim Pencil Skirt--Needed another size they didn't have it. It pulled across the hips making the pleat open instead of lying flat

Ok off to Sally's
Being the product junkie that I am I bought more hair products that may not do a thing for me.
I got a tube of Marc Daniels Go Curly serum and a pack of Hair One Olive Oil cleanser

I will try them at some point. Not really sure what to do with the Go Curly but we'll see

Cravings

2009-08-20T20:27:00.002-05:00

I did the boot camp workout tonight. I haven't updated my food journal but it shouldn't be bad calorie wise. I'm sure I didn't get as much protein or fiber as I wanted. Earlier today I browsed some food blogs and whyyyyy did I do that. I sooo wanted to eat cupcakes, lime bars, blondies, snickerdoodles, and everything else my tastebuds liked.

After dinner I was craving chocolate. so I opened the refrigerator and the freezer, stared into them, closed them and opened them again thinking something had magically appeared.

Sigh..............

On a good note I didn't eat anything extra.

Sam's Choice: Three Cheese & Jalapeno Stuffed Chicken Breast--review

2009-08-19T12:28:00.002-05:00

This was today's lunch choice. I had bought these awhile back and decided I needed something different for lunch. It said to cook at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Well I did this while preparing for work this morning and I think I went over 35 minutes. It wasn't rubbery or tough but a bit done. The jalapeno had a bit of a kick to it but not too much. I could have used more cheese but then I could eat just cheese as well so it was sufficient for the size of the chicken breast. I paired it with a cup of green beans and a baked sweet potato.

The chicken was 240 calories, 8 grams of fat and 34 grams of protein. More fat than I probably needed but will try to keep the rest of the day's intake down.

I liked this and would probably purchase again

Two steps forward, One step back

2009-08-18T20:33:00.000-05:00

Today was supposed to be a 2-a-day workout. I got up this morning at 5 to get dressed and just felt like ughhhhhhhhhh. I told myself that it was ok to "rest" so back to bed I went. I got up an hour and a half later and grabbed some juice and started getting breakfast. Juice was a bad idea. The tummy rejected that with a quickness. I got breakfast down and headed out to work. I got to work and made a cup of tea. That wasn't working for me either. I downed a bunch of saltines and a sprite and felt much better. Next came popcorn. I left for a meeting and got back about 2 and decided to eat my lunch-- Grilled chicken salad. About 4 I had some cantaloupe and fresh pineapple. I headed to the gym at 5 and even though I didn't feel perky, I didn't feel horrible like I did yesterday. I made it through the class and when I got home for dinner I had no desire for anything healthy. It was a sloppy joe kind of night with fries and a brownie.

My excuse is that as long as I have this sinus crud and feel sick, I'm just not up to eating clean.
It's an excuse I know. If I eat better maybe I'll feel better but I'm not feeling it.

Bump in the road

2009-08-18T07:20:00.000-05:00

I've had intentions of posting for the past 2 days but just haven't felt up to it. The sinus stuff is making it difficult to stay on plan. Yesterday I didn't have enough calories before my evening workout and I felt really bad on my way to the gym. I made a decision to fuel up with the nearest thing which happened to be a McDonald's. I know I could have gotten something simple like a plain chicken sandwich but noooooo that didn't happen. I needed the healing effect of french fries----LOL! I made it the class and home. All would have been well with my food intake for the day if I had stopped there. Later I ate again and that kicked my count way overboard but it's ok. I'll try to keep it balanced and it should be fine.

Cheating or Treating?

2009-08-15T21:13:00.000-05:00

I thought about starting this blog off with some finely written explanation of why I was blogging. I decided to go with what popped into my head. I decided last Sunday that I needed to get back on a healthy eating plan. I haven't been eating completely "unhealthy" foods but I have been choosing too many less healthy foods. We're quickly cruising into another season and as I stare into my closet I realize that there are articles of clothing in there I haven't worn during this warm ------ok hot weather. I haven't worn them because they are a bit too snug for my liking. I don't like the feeling that I could injure someone with a missile formed from a button. My first thought was that I was tired of trying to get rid of the extra inches. I was going to go through the closet and if it didn't fit---pack it up and pass it on. Ok, that's fine except there are things in there I still like. So the lightbulb moment came and I decided to give it another shot.

I grabbed my Dr. Phil's ultimate weight solution for the meal plans. Hmmm 1100-1200 calories for a couple of weeks. Uhmm, I don't think that's going to last. Logged back into my fitday account. [Note to self-the journal would be more accurate if you actually remember what you ate]. I managed around 1200 calories for a couple of days. I ended up with under 1500 average for the week so far. I don't think 1200 is going to work and I don't foresee a 2 lb per week loss either. I have to regroup and find new meals or I'll get bored which will lead to either cheating or treating. I made a conscious decision to stray off the plan today since I was out and yes I could have made a better choice but I wanted what I wanted.

Everything in moderation except maybe cheesecake. It might be best to leave that alone for now. LOL!