Baked Eggplant- Recipe to Come
March 12th, 2010
While I was sitting here waiting for my steel-cut oats to finish cooking, I decided to browse a few recipes in an effort to find something different, but healthy to cook. I have been doing what I’m calling “Spring Cleaning” in my body, by continuing with my workout efforts and trying to eat only the things that have actual nutritional value for my body. This ‘cleaning’ effort is going to allow me to get rid of the excess pounds and help me reach my goal.
I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about how much I love sugary things. Seriously, sugar would be my drug of choice if I were an addict, and once I start eating it, I seem to have problems knowing when to stop. Chemically, the sugar releases a ‘feel good’ which makes me want more. That in turn makes me feel good for about two minutes, and then I start feeling crappy. The reason why is because it isn’t doing anything to ‘help’ my body, but doing everything to hurt it.
Our bodies need Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates, Fruits and Vegetables. It also needs Calcium and many other nutrients. The thing is- not all proteins, carbs, fats, fruits and vegetables are created equally, and what ‘food’ we are giving our body, directly affects our health. You may not notice the difference with a big flashing sign, but there is a difference.
Sorry I seemed to have went off in a rabbit hole somewhere. I do believe I started this talking about new recipes. I found one for a baked eggplant that sounds absolutely devine, and I think while I’m out getting my hair colored and cut today that I’ll stop in at the store and pick up the ingredients. I’ll let y’all know how it turns out, but in the meantime, I’d better get to work.
Checking Before We Need To
March 12th, 2010
With everything that has happened recently, Marcel and I have been talking about how we think it’s time that we check our insurances and make sure that we have the best coverage possible. Not only that, we also want to make sure that we’re getting the best coverage for the lowest price. I’ll admit since I’m the one who was going to have to check on all everything, I wasn’t really looking forward to it. I could see myself calling company after company, until I stumbled across NetQuote. If you are looking for Ohio insurance, all you have to do is search and you’ll find everything you are looking for at one site, as opposed to going to five or even ten sites. It definitely made things much easier. Now if I can just get Marcel to sit down with me so we can decide what we need, and from whom. I’m glad there are companies out there that make it easier to find what we are looking for, and now all we have to do is see if we need to add to our policies or if we’re ok how we are. It’s definitely something to think about before you need it, and not when you realize you do.
It’s Love
March 11th, 2010
You know you love Starbuck’s when you’re willing to travel 45 minutes out of your way only for a Sugar-Free, Skinny Vanilla Latte. Since I traveled all that way, I got the Grande instead of the tall. After all, I had to make it worth my trip. Desere got the Caramel something-or-other (I think it was also the Latte), which she said was also good.
I enjoyed every guilt free moment of that coffee, and the time that it took to get there and back. I didn’t want to spend the evening alone, so I’m glad Desere was happy to join me on a last minute whim. The coffee was good, and the company even better.
Have Suitcase- Will Travel
March 11th, 2010
With everything that has been going on the past week, one of the things that has kept my mind occupied is thinking about places I’d like to travel to. I’d love to take a vacation in the next few days but I know that isn’t realistic. Marcel said he saw some great deals for Toronto hotels, and I admit that while I’ve been to Toronto once, it was only for a few days and years ago.
It also isn’t that far from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, which is something I’ve always wanted to see. Could there be a trip to Canada in the making? Anything’s possible. I guess tonight though, the only place I’ll be traveling to is bed.
The First Deal Isn’t Always the Best
March 11th, 2010
I can’t remember if I shared this little story with y’all a while back or not, but my intentions were to share it and I don’t think I did, so I’m going to share it now. It’s one of those life’s little lessons that goes to prove that the first deal is not always the best deal and it definitely pays to do your homework.
A few months ago I realized that I hadn’t recieved my “O” magazine for that month, so I called Hearst Magazines to ask them about it. I gave them all my information and they were able to inform me that my subscription had indeed expired the month before. While I do happen to love many different magazines, “O” is my favorite and one that I’ve subscribed to almost continually since the very first edition. In fact, if some of my older editions hadn’t been tossed when I moved, I would still have the very first issue. Anyway, I digress.
While I had Hearst magazines on the phone, she asked if I wanted to renew my subscription. I said that I did, and asked if she had any special deals for two years. She said she’d see what she could do, and when she offered me the particular price for a two year subscription she said that it was the best price for any subscription time at that point. I actually thought it seemed quite a bit more expensive than the previous 2 years, but I wasn’t sure anymore (after all 2 years had passed) so I said yes. I gave her all the important information and she assured me that my “O” magazine will resume with the April edition that I hope to receive soon.
After I hung up the phone, I couldn’t help but think that the ‘deal’ she offered me was not the best one. I started browsing around on the Oprah.com website, and wouldn’t you know- if I ordered online from the Oprah site, I could get a MUCH better deal. When I say MUCH better, I mean that two years was almost half what I’d just agreed to, and I could get three years for a few dollars more than the price of two.
I called back and got another person at Hearst, who canceled that order and gave me the better deal. She also apologized to her colleague for not giving me the better deal in the first place. I was so glad that I had a second look. It was definitely worth it.
Making Moving Easier
March 11th, 2010
Have you ever thought about the frustrations that are associated along with moving? Not just the rental trucks, but the packing and everything in general. There always tend to be ‘hidden’ costs associated with some of the trucks, but with places like Upack there are no hidden costs. They pride themselves on letting you know up front what you’ll be paying, and once you pack it, they drive it to your destination for you. How’s that for a great deal and for making moving easier and less stressful?
(On Location) From the Train.
March 9th, 2010
I don’t know if it’s just me but the train seems especially quiet this morning. Aside from a window that us partially open and is making the sound that windows do when they are open and something is movig at a fairly high rate of speed, there is silence.
it was hovering just below the freezing point when I got out which has left a beautiful frosty tint to some of the leaves and even the benches at the station.
As we pass through field after field, I can see signs of spring- a crocus here, a daffodil there. The trees are still bare, but it won’t be long before they start showing signs of life.
I’ll admit that I didn’t want to get out of bed this morning because I was tired after a unrestful night of sleep, but now I’m glad I did. These quiet moments are golden. I can’t help but wonder if that is where the quote “Silence is golden.” comes from.
Take some time and enjoy a moment of silence today. Reflect, ponder or just be.
My Favorite Feline
March 8th, 2010
The clouds finally cleared out today and the sun made an appearance. Mister M. took advantage of the warmth of the sunshine and curled up on the sofa. I was able to grab this shot in a quick moment with my “eye” before he turned his attentions to JJ.
Times Changing? (The Oscar’s)
March 8th, 2010
I didn’t watch the Oscar’s last night, but I was happy to read on Fox News that Sandra Bullock won Best Actress for her performance in The Blindside. It was an awesome film, and Sandra did an amazing job at playing a southern girl, right down to the accent. I am a southern girl so I should know.
What I did find interesting is that the first woman director EVER won an Oscar last night, and incidentally that same film won for best picture, The Hurt Locker. Until I saw it nominated for the Oscar, I’ll admit that I’d never heard of it, but I’m curious how many of you saw it and what your impression was?
You have to give kudos to Kathryn Bigelo for being the first woman EVER to win the best director Oscar. In 82 years, that’s definitely saying something. It’s great to see that women are also finally being recognized for great directing work, and I have to wonder if times are changin’ in Tinseltown. What do you think?
Jewelry is a Girl’s Best Friend
March 8th, 2010
Anyone who knows me, knows how much I absolutely love jewelry. My mother in law asks me every time she notices that I have a new piece of jewelry if I have enough, and I have told her on more than one occasion that one can never have too much, or enough jewelry. For years, all I would wear was gold, but over the past five or six years, I’ve started exploring other metals such as copper bracelets and sterling silver.
For the most part, I buy my jewelry online. The prices are great, and the selection is much better than I have found anywhere locally. In fact, I’m constantly looking for a great new place to shop for jewelry and recently I came across a great new place, that not only has great items like copper bracelets, silver charms, and other fabulous jewelry, but they also offer free shipping worldwide. The thing that I love about that is that not only can I order something for myself and have it shipped for free, but I can also order great pieces of jewelry for friends in other parts of the world without paying outrageous shipping prices. Shopping for jewelry should be fun, and they also guarantee your complete satisfaction on every item that you order.
As you know, I love to share great deals when I find them, and I definitely think this is a great place to shop. Not only is the selection great, but the prices are good, and did I mention free worldwide shipping?
