_bbR3iY5lLSjzaZNziPYc6VX6tk Inspiration CAN be found EVERYWHERE!: January 2011

Sunday, January 30, 2011

The Fresh Diet -Thursday edition

Note --- not sure what happened here ..... this has been sitting as a "draft" instead of posting on Friday.  Sorry but this was such a great meal selection I had to post it now (just a little late)


Because of the delivery problem on Monday, I'm still a day behind in my meals - this was what I had selected for Wednesday, but ate on Thursday.  Having a day "lag" did not hurt any of these entrees at all.


Breakfast was Sauteed Zucchini & Parmesan Cheese Egg Bake with Fresh Pineapple.  This was very interesting because it was so different than the other bakes I have had.  This was much "firmer" in the texture but still very good.  I think perhaps there was some of the Parmesan Cheese in the egg mixture with made it a little drier and firmer in texture but not "chewy" tasting.  I've never had zucchini as part of my breakfast before, but will definitely look for this one again - really hit the spot.

Lunch was Grilled Lamb Burger on Whole Wheat Bun with Yellow Tomato and Mint Aioli.  The only thing I can say about this one ....... OMG!  I do like lamb and have had it in many ways but never as a burger, so now I can say I've had it all!  This was so good, so juicy and not the least bit gamy or tough or "off" tasting.  The Aioli was out of this world - just a touch of mint so it wasn't overpowering.  You could still see some "pieces" of mint and the aioli was the lightest of green (mint green as they call some of those "paint" colors) and oh so good.  Oh yes this will definitely be an option for me!


My snack today was Sweet Potato Chips with Fresh Guacamole Dip.  I know I usually plate my meals, but this one I just ate out of the container.  I mean it was a snack afterall.  I should have stirred the Guac just a little before I took the picture - but I was stirring/dipping/folding with my chips so as I ate it everything was incorporated.  Now I'm not sure how Chef does this one - but it is nothing like what you find in the grocery store.  It was oh so nice with the sweet potato chips.  I may never go back to regular chips or scoops.


Dinner was Tender Beef Fillet with BBQ Bourbon Sauce with White Bean Puree and Sweet Baby Peas.  This was the biggest piece of beef I have had in a long time.  It was actually pretty thick, which is why I believe it was much rarer than I usually like.  But I put it into the toaster oven on broil for just a few minutes (yes I watched it like a hawk) and it was perfect.  Now even as rare as it was, it was still extremely tender.  I was surprised.  I could almost cut the meat with a butter knife!  I am also finding that there aren't too many veggies that I haven't tried before TFD that I don't like.  The White Bean Puree was really interesting.  It was almost like a mashed potato in consistency, but you could tell it was a bean.  The baby peas were really pretty sweet, which just made them all the better.


Dessert was Peach Cheesecake.  A wonderful benefit of The Fresh Diet ......... cheesecake!  This was so good - a nice hint of peach flavor without going overboard.

I really love this "diet".  I really have such a smile on my face as I type this because I'm telling you there is no way I would have thought any of this was remotely "diet food" but I know that I am losing weight but eating wonderful meals every day and NEVER feel deprived - never EVER.

Are you fighting "something" like the flu?

I had done a post on surviving the flu season back in October of 2009  -  but I think it needs to be repeated since there are so many people who are fighting "something" this year. 

Perhaps this will help to either make whatever you are fighting leave sooner - or prevent you from having to battle that "something" this year.

Check out Key to Surviving the Flu Season.  and hopefully survive all this "junk" going around this year.  My only hope is that with all this snow and ice we have been battling this year - it will kill all the germs that are still in the ground, as my grandmom use to say.  So that come Spring (and it can't come too soon for me) we won't be having another round of sickness .

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Happiness



"We tend to forget 
that happiness doesn't come 
as a result of getting something 
we don't have,
but rather 
recognizing and appreciating 
what we do have."

Frederick Keonig

Friday, January 28, 2011

Special January in 2011


If you live in The Northeast, you know how special this January has been .... alot more "special" than I would have liked but hopefully it will soon be behind us.  At least we can hope.  These are pictures from Storm number 5 ..... I haven't even loaded the ones from Storm number 6 (our last one) that I think left us with someplace in the neighborhood of another 15 inches of the white stuff!



But there is another reason that this January is very special. 

There are 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays in a single month. 
This happens every 823 years! 
They are called The Money Sacs. 

My "orders" were to send this message to 8 good people and money will appear according to Chinese Feng Shui.  Those who stop wont get anything.

I was then told - Good luck.  Now you're on the clock. In 9 minutes something will make you happy. Please share this to 9 women you love. TAKE NOTE! 9 women.

Now I do not believe there are only good women (in one place I was told to send it to 8 good people and two other places 9 women).  So I have decided to share it here - for many reasons but I don't want to leave anyone out and I sure as heck don't want to be messing with Feng Shui because I could use all the money bags I can hold!

So consider yourself  "informed".  Now its your turn to share .......

Character vs Reputation



Be more concerned about your character 
than your reputation 
because your character is who you are 
and your reputation is just what others THINK of you.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Truths for Mature Humans

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection ...again

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.
17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!
24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important!!

Ok how far down this list did you get before you started laughing saying to yourself .... yup nailed it?

The Fresh Diet - the Wednesday Edition

I was so glad to see my little buddy sitting outside my door this morning.  I really miss seeing him and his contents when he isn't scheduled.

This morning was a Mandarin Orange Whole Wheat Muffin with Fresh Banana and Passion Fruit Yogurt.  I really enjoyed this muffin.  I know it was Whole Wheat, but really could not detect anything "whole wheaty" in the flavor.  It really was amazing - not sure how he does that but however it is ... just keep on doing it and I will continue being a happy camper.  The mandarin orange was not an overly strong flavor but you knew it was there - so it was very nice.  The Passion Fruit Yogurt has a strong flavor which would have been the passion fruit without having "pieces" in the yogurt.  They must have  juiced the passion fruit so that they could keep the yogurt so smooth and not change the color.  Although it was a strong flavor it was still a nice complement to the muffin.

Lunch was Whole Wheat Pizza Topped with Tri Color Bell Pepper, Mozzarella Cheese and Marinara Sauce.  Sounds pretty good doesn't it?  A wonderful diet that lets you eat Pizza - regularly - and continues to work is nothing short of a miracle.  I have had a few of their pizzas for lunch and have to say I still have not decided which is my favorite.  So I will be continuing on my quest to try all the pizza options available.

Snack today was a Baked Sweet Potato Stuffed with Spinach and Gouda Cheese.  This was a new snack for me and although I didn't think I was a fan of Sweet Potatoes ......... this one rocked.  Being baked it was a little bit sweet but not sugary sweet - if that makes any sense.  The Spinach and cheese melted really nicely together into the potato.  It really hit the spot.

Dinner was Pork Medallions with Provencal Sauce with Green Split Pea Puree and Roasted Green Asparagus.  I really do enjoy the Split Pea Puree, 1) I like split peas so its not a "stretch" but 2) although its a puree ..... it's not a baby food consistency so there is some nice texture as well as some pieces of split peas.  It really has a very nice flavor and those little pieces gives it a nice mouth feel too.  When I put this meal on the plate - I pretty much just lifted it out of the container onto the plate ..... so when I looked into my container that was the way the asparagus was placed, with the pork somewhat wrapped around it.  I just thought it looked so very appealing that way.  I also liked that the asparagus was not "mush" - it had a very nice tender crisp bite to it.  I really do enjoy the Fresh Diet's veggies.  They are just so good.


Dessert was Blueberry Cheese Cake.  Soooo good.  There really isn't much more to say - so good says it all.  Yes you can have your cheesecake and eat it too on a regular basis!  Oh heck you can have it almost every night if you so desire.  And I do have it quite often - does that tell you anything?

Pizza and Cheesecake?  I'm telling you - this is the best.  Have you looked into joining in?  You know that you too could be eating the Fresh Diet Way and you would be having these great meals along with me.  Check it out.  You won't be unhappy - I know I haven't regretted one meal!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

An Awesome Chicago Basement

I can't believe this guy can just go down in his basement and visit whenever he wants.

Talk about a "blast from the past ..."

Could you just imagine the kind of kids party or play date you could have here??  Or just a great day to reminisce about the "good ole days"?

Click your mouse here: Chicago Basement

Tuesday the Fresh Diet Way

I am running a day behind with my Fresh Diet meals, because of the delivery issues in the Northeast on Monday - where my meals didn't arrive until late morning (I'm really hating this winter already).  I decided that I would keep my meals together as they were planned - just a day behind.  So on Tuesday I ate what would have been my Monday meals.  If you are following along on the Fresh Diet Facebook Page, you may see differences in what others had today - that's why. 

Breakfast was Apple Ricotta Cheese Crepes with Fresh Strawberries.  I have had this one before, I believe it is the one that made me decide that this would be a nice entree and that it is much more filling than it appears sitting on the plate.  Today was no exception.  I really don't know what it is but those little crepes really do fill you up and make waiting until noon for lunch rather "easy" and some times even past noon.

Lunch was my Philly Cheese Steak Whole Wheat Wrap with Sauteed Bell Pepper and Mozzarella Cheese.  Yes this is my "beloved" sandwich.  It is the first lunch I had way back in October, when I first started with The Fresh Diet.  They do have different variations - some with mushrooms, some with bell peppers - all GOOD.  Today was no exception.  This is a fabulous lunch!

My snack for today was a Mini Whole Wheat Sweet and Sour Sloppy Joe.  This was so good on the little mini pita wedges.  The sloppy joe mixture was an interesting combination of the sweet and sour that was a little more sweet than sour - but it really hit the spot.

Dinner was Sesame Soy Grilled Tofu with Whole Wheat Linguine Pasta and Honey Glazed Beets.  Because I was making a Buffalo Chicken for the rest of the family, I decided to put my Tofu in the oven for the last 10 minutes or so of the chicken cooking.  I put a little Pam on a baking pan and popped my Tofu on the pan and after about 5 minutes "flipped" it over.  I want to say this was a wonderful way to reheat this.  The outside of the tofu was a little more firm than when I had Tofu before.  The inside was still soft and somewhat creamy - although wasn't falling apart when you cut into it.  Surprising ... I'm really starting to like  love Tofu.  The Honey Glazed Beets were as always great.  I sliced them into nice bite size slices to eat with my sliced tofu -- combining both flavors and textures was perfect.  I am also getting use to the different flavor and texture of the Whole Wheat Pastas, although this one could have used just a teeny tiny bit of salt.

Dessert was White Chocolate Chip Cappuccino Cheese Cake.  mmmmmmm can you say heaven?  Wonderful combination of flavors and textures (I love the sneaky little chips that you get). 

I seriously do not want to wake up if this is a dream ---- I really am liking looking at my scale (and for anyone on a diet you know how much of an accomplishment THAT is)

Commitment

You need to make a commitment, 
and once you make it, 
then life will give you some answers.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Cindy Crawford

So tell me do you wish you could look as good as Cindy Crawford does when YOU reach your 40's?  How about before you have hit the big 40?  I know I would have.


Don't know about you, but I'd say she looks even better in her 40's than she did in her 20's (and that's saying a lot, since she looked pretty darned good then).

If you think you might like to give it a shot ... check out Meaningful Beauty to find out Cindy's beauty secret!  I know I'm going to check it out ........ and I passed the 40s a little bit ago (you didn't realize that?  I'm shocked).  But if I can make my 50s (yes I said 50s) look anywhere as nice as she is making the 40s ---- well then I think it will be a winner!

The Fresh Diet Does Weekends!

I'm not sure what I was thinking but I decided to order a meal for Sunday figuring that since it is delivered Friday night/Saturday morning I could use it between Saturday and Sunday because I had some running to do this weekend and wasn't sure what else would happen.  WELL I want to tell you that the weekend menu was out of this world!  By now you probably know that I have enjoyed most of my meals during the weeks I have been receiving them - but the weekend menu is a little different - but just as good!


Breakfast was a Breakfast Burrito with Scrambled Eggs, Sauteed Mushrooms, Pepper Jack Cheese on a Whole Wheat Tortilla.  This was really very good.  I did heat it a little in the microwave, and then decided I would like the tortilla to be a little more "crunchy" instead of "soft" so I stuck that baby in the toaster oven under broil and then watched it like a hawk, flipping it over when one side got a little light brown.  I will definitely get this again, but I think I will just heat it in the toaster oven and forgo the microwave.  Only because I didn't need the extra step.  It also made me realize that I was doing good when I would make something similar on Sundays before getting The Fresh Diet.

Lunch was a Grilled Turkey Burger on Whole Wheat Bun with Lettuce, Tomato and Dijonaise.  When my husband and daughter wanted hamburgers make that cheeseburgers for dinner Saturday night I thought I could "partake" too but with my turkey burger and I didn't have to do anything more than toast the bun and warm the burger.  I did warm the burger in the same pan as their burgers (I know that's cheating) but it did work out well.  And I did add some sauteed onions that I made for them ...... shhh don't tell Chef.  But I was surprised that I actually enjoyed this burger as much as I did.  Don't get me wrong, I really like Turkey, but ground turkey can be really "touchy" and sometimes very very dry.  This was rather good and not as dry as I expected.  I would definitely add this to my list of meals.


My snack was Sauteed Pineapple with Key Lime Yogurt Topped with Toasted Coconut Flakes.  This was a very light and satisfying snack for my mid day Saturday.  I bet it would go well for those who had a very early breakfast and a later lunch as a nice "bridge" to those meals.  None of it was overly sweet or overly tart (sometimes Key Lime Yogurt can be) which was great.  This was the first time I saw this option and am very glad I was able to try it.



Dinner was Cajun Rubbed Grilled Skirt Steak with Butternut Squash Puree and Roasted Fennel.  I want to tell you the Skirt Steak was the MOST TENDER of any meat I have EVER had!  And that includes some fancy smancy restaurants!  And the flavor was perfect.  I know I sound like a walking talking billboard - but I have to tell you this one blew me away.  I expected it to be ok (as most meals have been) but this was over the top.  If you can be a customer (you really need to check out TFD Facebook page) because you are a contest winner, random winner, a groupon purchaser or an astute customer ..... order this one, you will not be disappointed.  The Butternut Squash Puree was actually on the sweet side - but a nice complement.  I was not so thrilled with the Fennel but I've only had it well cooked before, so I am not sure if it was the roasting or the extra crunchiness that didn't appeal to me.  


Dessert was Sugar Free Dulce De Leche Sandwich Cookie.  Now my friend Donna B., who is a fixture on The Fresh Diet Facebook Page (and we love her there, always so very helpful) once said that she would marry this cookie if she could.  Well we all laughed and those of us that hadn't tried it before, thought maybe the cold was getting to her.  But now I have to say, since I've tried it - this cookie ROCKS!  It is sweet, much more than the other cookies I've had from them, but was perfect with a cup of coffee at the end of the day.  Unfortunately it isn't offered often and I believe only on the weekend - but I will definitely be looking for this one again.  Yes it was THAT GOOD.

So tell me, do you like my new plates?  I not only wanted to add some color to my food but also to my plates, you know what they say about eating with your eyes first, right?  So I went looking for individual plates that would add that color to my presentation.  I think I have managed to do that.  Now I will still use my "old" plates as well, but day in day out white on white got / gets boring.  And my meals are anything but boring!  So tell me .... Is there one that you like above the rest?

Oh and it is "official" I am down 12 pounds since starting The Fresh Diet back in October.  I've gone through weeks without these great meals, Thanksgiving and Christmas "food fests", New Years celebration and a week on Marco Island where we ate out most of the time (or at whatever we could grab and make quickly) while getting the condo ready ..... and the scale still showed 12.2 pounds gone this morning.  SO ... this is my proof that it works - what are you waiting for ??  Why aren't you trying The Fresh Diet?

Happiness


Happiness is as a butterfly which, 
when pursued, 
is always beyond our grasp, 
but which if you will sit down quietly, 
may alight upon you. 

~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

Monday, January 24, 2011

Quote of the Day Zest and Enthusiasm

If you have zest and enthusiasm 
you attract zest and enthusiasm. 
Life does give back in kind.


Moved to New Jersey ......

This is an oldie but goodie .... especially now with all the cold and snow that has descended upon us here in NJ.


August 15
Moved to a new home in Jersey . It's so beautiful here. The lake to the north looks so majestic. I can hardly wait to see it snow covered. I'm going to love it here.
October 14
New Jersey is definitely the most beautiful place on earth.
The leaves have turned all the colors and shades of red and orange.  Went for a ride through the park and saw some deer. They are so graceful. Certainly they are the most wonderful animals on earth.  This must be paradise, I LOVE IT HERE.
November 10
Deer season will start soon. I can't imagine anyone wanting to kill such a gorgeous animal, hope it will snow soon. I love it here.  Those red and orange leaves have covered my yard. Looks like a magnificent multi-colored carpet. HOW BEAUTIFUL. Raking and cleaning up the yard will be an opportunity for invigorating exercise in the cool crisp air.
November 15
Ah, more leaves and more exercise.
November 18
Jesus, still more leaves. Guess it's best to wait until they've all fallen before I rake again.
November 25
Finally, all of the trees lost their leaves and with today's final raking it's over for this season.
Chiropractor suggested I use a lawn maintenance service next year.  Only four blisters became infected. Should probably remember to use gloves.
November 30
What the f--k? Where did all of those leaves come from?  A little wind last night and the lawn is covered again.  Oh well, they'll just have to wait until spring.
December 12
It snowed last night, FINALLY. Woke up to find everything blanketed in white. It looks like a postcard.
We went outside and cleaned the snow off the steps and shoveled the driveway. Had a snowball fight (I won) and when the snowplow came by and we had to shovel the end of the driveway again.
What a beautiful place. I Love Jersey
December 14
More snow last night, I love it. The snowplow did his trick to the driveway again.
I Love it here.
December 19
More snow again last night. Can't get out of the driveway to get to work. I'm exhausted from shoveling. F---ing snowplow.
December 22
More of that white sh-t fell again last night. As if dealing with the leaves weren't bad enough, now I've got blisters all over my hands from shoveling, must remember to wear gloves. I think the snowplow hides around the corner and waits until I'm finished shoveling the driveway. The a--hole.
December 25
Merry Christmas.
More frigging snow. If I ever get my hands on that son-of-a-bitch who drives the snowplow.
I swear I'll kill the bastard. Don't know why they don't use more salt on the roads to melt the f---ing ice.
December 27
More white sh-t last night. Have been inside for three days except for shoveling out the driveway after that plow goes through every time.
F---ing gloves got wet and then froze on my hands. Doctor said it was just a mild case of frostbite, disfiguration is probably only temporary. Can't go anywhere, car is stuck in a mountain of white sh-t. The weatherman says to expect another 10 inches of the sh-t tonight. Do you know how many shovels full of snow 10 inches is?
December 28
The f---ing weatherman was wrong. We got 34 inches of that white sh-t. At this rate it won't melt 'till summer.
The plow got stuck up the road and the bastard came to the door and asked to borrow a shovel. After I told him I'd already broken six of them shoveling all the sh-t he pushed into the driveway, I broke my last one on his; f---ing head.
January 4
Finally got out of the house today. Went to the store to get food and on the way back I hit a damned deer that ran in front of my car.
Did about $3000 damage. F---ing beast should be killed. Wish the hunters had killed them all last November.
May 3
Took the car to the garage in town. The thing is rusting out from all the f---ing salt they put all over the roads.
May 10
Moved to The Villages in Florida
I can't imagine why anyone in their right mind would ever live in that God-forsaken state of New Jersey

Sunday, January 23, 2011

The Fresh Diet Friday January 21

The combination I selected for today was interesting for me.  I think all of the items were new entrees, although I did have similar entrees for breakfast, lunch and the snack/dessert   All in all, I was very happy with the "collection" of entrees for Friday.  I am so glad I found The Fresh Diet Facebook Page back in October.  You should check it out - always lots of fun, lots of contests for free meals and random giveaways for 3 day trials ....... and lots of great people there too.

Breakfast started with a Carrot Oat Muffin with Fresh Mango and Coconut Cottage Cheese.  The muffin was very moist with just a hint of carrot, I did not taste any of the "oat" which in my opinion is a good thing.  I am not a big fan of oats, although I do like some oatmeals - I know makes no sense.  But I think it is the oat taste in some baked goods that usually has an aftertaste that I don't like.  This had none of that aftertaste.  I like cottage cheese, but until I started with The Fresh Diet, I was not a fan of "flavored" cottage cheeses.  You know the ones I'm talking about, pineapple cottage cheese, where the pieces of pineapple seem to overtake the cottage cheese.  The Coconut Cottage Cheese had a very nice flavor without being over the top.

Lunch was Whole Wheat Italian Pizza with Artichoke, Sun Dried Tomato, Alfredo and Cheddar Cheese.  Again I've had The Fresh Diet Pizza before, but this is fabulous.  Now if you don't like Artichokes or Sun Dried Tomato this is not the pizza for you.  These flavors are very prevalent in this pizza but I enjoyed it immensely.

Snack today was a Vanilla Pecan Pudding.  It was a very nice light pudding with the little bit of crunch.from the Pecan.  Very nice after the pizza because it allowed my taste buds to even out, so to speak after the stronger flavors of the pizza.

Dinner was Fillet of Salmon with Spiced Pomegranate Sauce with a Whole Wheat Fuscilli Pasta and Sauteed Kale.  I have to say this was another winner.  I don't think I have ever had Sauteed Kale, but it was actually pretty good for a "green".  The pasta was a great side to bring this all together. 


Dessert was Raspberry Cheese Cake.  This is yet another winner in the Cheesecake "war".  Even though this cheesecake is light, all the flavor comes through nicely.  I've always loved Cheesecake, but its usually the typical New York Cheesecake, which is a much firmer cheesecake.  I am really coming to love all of the creamier cheesecakes from The Fresh Diet.

Besides ...... what's not to love.  You have this wonderful diet plan that is working for me so well (12 lbs gone is a great thing) and I get to eat REAL food that tastes great!  I get to see what its like to eat like the rich and famous (gourmet meals made under the supervision of an executive chef) and eat fabulous meals that I've selected for each day AND I'm losing weight!  Now when you get to be over 50 (shhh its our secret) losing weight is not the easiest of things to do, but with The Fresh Diet I am losing weight and having lots of fun doing it.

Wanna try it for an outstanding price?  Go to The Fresh Diet and Get the Fresh Diet for $30.99 a day. Use promo code FD2011S to order. Online only.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

The Fresh Diet Thurs Jan 20th

I just can't get over how much I am enjoying all these meals.  I look forward to my nightly visit from the Fresh Diet Fairy (my wonderful delivery person).  Even with this horrible cold and snowy weather, its almost like a ray of sunshine in my kitchen (I know I know a little too much)

Breakfast was a Spinach and Feta Cheese Egg Bake with Fresh Papaya.  It a really nice dish.  I have never figured out how to pick the "right" Papaya  in the supermarket.  Whenever I've tried its either been either too ripe or too under ripe.  With the Fresh Diet - its been perfect every time I've had this fruit.

Lunch was a Roasted Eggplant & Havarti Cheese Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Bell Pepper Pesto and Baby Lettuce.  I think if I wasn't already married - I would be proposing the The Fresh Diet bread maker!  Every single piece of bread I've had has a nice flavor (yes the whole wheat can have nice flavor) without the aftertaste I've found in most supermarket brands.  This sandwich was interesting.  The Eggplant was a little tough/chewy but not inedible.  The Havarti Cheese was very nice.  The Bell Pepper Pesto was soooo good - I will have to try to recreate this one.   Although the menu said baby lettuce for the sandwich, I didn't get any - but it was good without it.  I toasted my bread (although you don't have to) and then put it in the microwave to melt the cheese, but I should have just put it in the toaster oven to give it a little melt - as you can see its a little "over-melted" but I managed to scrap them up back onto the sandwich.

Snack was a Sugar Free Banana Bar with Cream Cheese Frosting.  This was a nice bar, but the cream cheese frosting was a little thick and overbearing.  I think if the frosting was a little lighter in texture it would have been perfect.  But I will say that once again, I have no idea how this could be sugar free - there is absolutely NO aftertaste that you sometimes get with sugar free desserts.

Dinner was a Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Lemon, Pepper, Garlic Sauce with Meyer Lemon Roasted Red Beets and Green Beans with Walnuts and Garlic.  If you like Shrimp - THIS is a perfect entree.  I absolutely LOVE the Meyer Lemon Roasted Beets.  The green beans could have used more garlic - in my opinion but I really love the taste of garlic (no I'm not Italian) so you can never have enough for me.

Dessert was Cherry Vanilla Cheese Cake.  I am telling you - The Fresh Diet just has a way with Cheesecake.  I could seriously have cheesecake every day and never get tired of it.  The fact that they have so many flavors and they are so nice and light just makes it a wonderful way to end the day.  I forgot to take a picture of this one - but I didn't forget to eat it ....... but it was perfection.

The only thing I can say is ....... Where have you been all my life?  If this is a diet (and it can be) it is THE diet of the century.  If this is a dream ...... PLEASE I DON'T WANT TO WAKE UP.

STILL GOING, get The Fresh Diet for $30.99 a day for the 31 day premium program. Use promo code FD2011S to order. Online only please. Go to www.thefreshdiet.com/2011 or if you are a customer who wants to renew, just log into your account. Go for it. Its not going to last much longer!

Exercise and New Year's Resolutions

Was getting more exercise one of your New Year's Resolutions?  How are you doing with that one? 

Here is a great article with video on Workout Dos and Don'ts from HealthKeys.com

Friday, January 21, 2011

Quotes of the Day

There are no passengers on spaceship earth. 
We are all crew.


 

Don't bother just to be better 
than your contemporaries or predecessors. 
Try to be better than yourself.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Happiness

"From now on,
when happiness begins to blossom in your heart,
try to accept it, 
relish in it, 
ask it to stay.

It's okay to feel happy 
even if you believe you don't deserve it.

Feeling good is an expression of your wholeness 
and your connection with life."

From DailyOm 
and my Cousin George's 
Facebook Page

The Fresh Diet Jan 19th edition

Yes even with the weather here in the Northeast, I received my meals again this morning.  I do count my blessings each morning that I see my bag sitting outside my door because the weather has been either very very cold or full of either snow, ice, sleet or all three.  My Fresh Diet Fairy (ie delivery person) is a real trooper!

Breakfast was Toasted Granola with Diced Pears and Honey Almond Ricotta Cheese.  This really is a great meal.  It also surprises me at just how filling it is.  I know you are looking at this saying 1) what is that glass ?  Is she really eating breakfast from a Margarita glass? and 2) Is that going to last her until lunch?  Well the answers are Yes, Yes, and Yes!  Each meal should be an "event" for you and that means plating it as nicely as you can so that you don't feel like you are on a diet.  That is my motto and although I don't always do anything "fancy" I always eat my meals on a plate (even if its paper) because if nothing else it helps to train my eyes and brain what a normal portion size is on a plate!

Lunch was a Feta Cheese Salad with Naval Orange Segments, Fennel, Nicoise Olives, Baby Lettuce and Lemon Parsley Vinaigrette.  Now let me say this from the start - you may not be able to see from the picture but you MUST like Feta Cheese or this will not be for you.  I love Feta so it is great for me - there was a HUGE amount of  Feta (diced from the appearance) that complimented the Fennel and Olives.  This one will definitely be seen again on my plate - I LOVED it.

Snack today was Mini Veggie Egg Rolls with Peanut Sauce.  I warmed these up in the microwave, and then put them under the broiler of my toaster oven (probably could have just done that) to make them just a little "crisp".  Let me tell you these could be VERY ADDICTIVE.  The Peanut sauce is really good - too much for me to use - but you can always save it and use on something else .... I bet it would be excellent as a dipping sauce for the Whole Wheat Ciabatta bread ...... just saying.

Dinner was Grilled Chicken Breast with Orange Tea Leaf Sauce with Lemon Parsley Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Steamed Asparagus.   I'm not sure I was all that enamored with the Orange Tea Leaf Sauce, but everything else was wonderful.  I could have Brussels Sprouts and Steamed Asparagus often and be very happy  I will however, give the Orange Sauce another chance when it comes around again in the meal rotation - it could have been an "off" day for either me or the kitchen. 

Dessert was Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Fresh Mango Salsa.  I know a little strange to have something so savory for dessert, but they had 2 savory things that I liked today, so I opted for that - its part of the versatility and variety of The Fresh Diet.  I can't find the picture I took of this wonderful dessert - but when I find it I will add it below.  But I want to keep my posts "up to date" so I don't want to wait too long to post this.  I will find it ........

So tell me ... do you like my new dishes?  Am I breaking out of my "color challenged" mode?

Now my daughter has been having some Fresh Diet meals that she won in a random drawing.  Right now I can tell you that the Salads she has had (goat cheese salad and feta cheese salad) have been great winners.  The Pancakes yesterday were a home run (warmed up at home and then taken with her to classes).  She has tried two of the fish dinners, which really surprised me because she is definitely NOT a fish person - but she did like the Flounder Fillet.  I think she will try less of the fish dishes and more of the other options, but she is branching out.  And as she says "what's not to love about the desserts?"  She's had Chocoholic cake, chocolate chip muffin and grilled shrimp for a snack ..... so far I think she is pretty happy with her selections.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Secrets to being Fit ........ For LIFE

You may want to check out this article - especially if you are like me and trying to finally kick the extra weight to the curb in 2011 and then stay at a healthy weight for the rest of your life.

Now I hope it is a very LONG rest of your life, just as I hope mine is too - so perhaps our start should be reading The Secret to Being Fit for Life .

And then remember to make good meal choices making sure our diet is giving us what we need and has no "extra" calories to turn into fat.   If you want help with that step, and want to eat gourmet "diet" meals, check out my Fresh Diet meals by clicking on The Fresh Diet  so that you can jump right to that sort.  I've had some fantastic meals from The Fresh Diet in 2010 and it is continuing in 2011!

The funniest lady I've listened to

You really need to check this one out - especially if you need a laugh.  Who would have thought being "old" would be thought of as funny - oh no I must be getting old.

When I first saw this lady standing at the podium, I thought well this is going to be the LONGEST 7 minutes, but I promised I would watch.  And now I am so very glad I did.

I love that its called :  Reminder That Laughter is the Best Medicine.

The Fresh Diet Tuesday Jan 18th edition

Even with all the things that have been going on already this year, the one thing I can count on is a great meal delivery from The Fresh Diet.  Now they have been growing by leaps and bounds and are experiencing some "growing pains" - massive explosion in their exposure has lead to some phone issues, some internet server issues, the requirement for massive staff increases - but they are handling this wonderfully well.  Not that it has been easy, but they are doing very well, as this has all happened in less than a year!


My breakfast this morning was a Creamy Mushroom Scrambled Eggs with Nine Grain Toast.  Please note my new plates :)  I thought you all would be tired of looking at my bland white ones ... so I picked up a few colorful ones.  When I first saw my breakfast I was very skeptical, but I put the toast in the toaster oven on warm and put my eggs in the microwave at 80% power for 1 minute (I find this works well with my microwave for most meals).  I have to say I was really pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this entree.  I am still in the try new things mode, so that was why this one was picked.  It really was creamy without a heavy cream or mushroom taste.  It was a mellow flavor that went well with the eggs.  I will be keeping this one as an egg option, so you will be seeing this one again I'm sure.

Lunch was Grilled Wild Mahi Mahi on Whole Wheat Ciabatta Bread with Lettuce, Tomato and Thousand Island Dressing.  I've had this before, and I LOVE the Ciabatta bread so I thought this one was a winner too.  The Thousand Island Dressing had a bit of a zing that I don't remember from before - but not so much that you didn't want to use it, even if you don't like "spicy" things.  I really love the bread maker at The Fresh Diet.  Just saying ....

My snack today was Sugar Free Double Layer Chocoholic Cake.  I know a sweet in the middle of the afternoon?  Yes because I wanted it ...... yes I was "warned" that I was having "excessive" carbs in my meals today - but I decided that I was worth it and got it anyway.  Was really so good and definitely did NOT taste sugar free.  This is an "older" picture because I can't find the picture I took of this one (maybe I "devoured" before snapping)

Dinner was a Flounder Fillet with Mango BBQ Sauce with Spanish Style Brown Rice and Haricot Vert.  I think with the help of The Fresh Diet, I have learned to like fish.  I really never picked fish meals before The Fresh Diet - oh shellfish yes, fish fillets no.  Now I do pick fish many days when it is offered (most days)  and have found very few I don't like.  If nothing else this is a great benefit from eating The Fresh Diet Way.


Dessert was Honey Almond Cheesecake.  See I got my cheesecake too ........ a perfect diet.  They help you eat well AND cheesecake too.  I don't think I could ask or say for much more than that.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The Fresh Diet Returns AGAIN

Well I received a new visit from my wonderful Fresh Diet Fairy now that the New Year has dawned.  I had stopped my deliveries just before Christmas - because of all the visits/parties/family gatherings and then I took a trip to Florida to visit the condo my family purchased just after Thanksgiving.  Then of course we had the "attack" of the winter's wrath .........

I started the morning with a wonderful breakfast of Artichoke and Brie Cheese, Parsley Omelet with Seven Grain Toast.  I was a little surprised (happily) with the amount of Artichokes in this Omelet.  I liked the fact that the Brie was delivered in a cup so that once I warmed everything up, I had the choice of adding inside my omelet or taking a little with each bite.  So since I had the choice I did both.  I took a little with each bite, until I was about 1/2 finished with the omelet, then spread the remaining Brie inside the omelet and folded it back up.  Both ways were great, but I really did like having the option.

Lunch was a Grilled Tilapia Wrap on Whole Wheat Wrap with Sauteed Shallots & Lettuce.  This was a little "messy" while eating but was really good.  I think because the fish was moist and then the Shallots were sauteed and very moist, the wrap got a little soggy - not that it deterred from the taste one iota.  I think I will be on the look out for this one again.  I really enjoyed it.

My snack was a past favorite, Pink Poached Pear Filled with Creamy Ricotta Cheese and Honey Roasted Walnuts.  It is really pretty to look at and very nicely flavored.  What I also really like is that the pear is not overly firm or soft .... just enough "bite" to make it interesting with the filling. 

Dinner was Roasted Pork Meatballs with Roasted Tomato Alfredo Sauce with Herbed Barley Pilaf and Steamed Cauliflower.  When I looked at my container, I had 2 thoughts.  The first was 2 whole meatballs?  I am going to be hungry later that's for sure.  And then the second - You really are color challenged.  I have white plates and seem to pick a lot of "white" sides.  I have to say that after I heated up my entree and plated it - I cut the meatballs in half - it did make it seem like there were even more on my plate - but as I finished eating I realized that I was really rather full.  Surprise Surprise.  There must be some sort of magic in The Fresh Diet kitchens. 

Dessert was Sugar Free Boston Cream Pie.  I have had this before as well, and still can not believe that it is sugar free.  I really do defy anyone to taste this and know that it is sugar free.  Very very tasty and a perfect ending to the day.

Thank you so much The Fresh Diet for helping to make my 2011 meals healthy!  Oh and stay tuned for "more" meals that I have scheduled that I will plate on new more colorful plates.  Yes I am going to try to stop being so color challenged in my meal choices and my plating.

Quote of the Day


I have "appropriated" this quote from my cousin's Facebook page (Thanks Gail), she always seems to find great ones.  I've confiscated it because:
1) I thought it would be good for everyone to see and remember
2) because I could so I did :)  


So often when things change in our lives,
we have such a resistance to the change.
But it is important to remember
that when something big changes in our lives,
it means something better is coming.
When change comes, relax, have total faith,
and know that the change is ALL GOOD.

The Secret Scrolls

Sunday, January 16, 2011

North Jersey .... you too can be Fresh Dietized!

Have you been looking at my Fresh Diet meals 
and drooling over them?  
Have you been thinking about purchasing
The Fresh Diet Meals?  

Well if you live in North Jersey, 
have I got the deal for you!

Check out Groupon.com and their deal for 

You can get 2 weeks of meals at a great price (about $28.50 per day) for 3 meals and 2 snacks!  I'm sure you have seen my meals - now you can have them too.

But if you want to get in on this great deal ... do NOT dilly dally.  This deal is only good until midnight tonight!  

Check out The Fresh Diet Facebook Page
for great ideas, contests and information 
as well as some great new friends

I'll be looking for you ......

Quote of the Day


Just a little "thought" for the day.

Dreams do come true.
If you keep believing in yourself,
anything is possible.


Saturday, January 15, 2011

A Strong Person


A strong person knows how to keep their life in order. 

Even with tears in their eyes, 
they still manage to say 

"I'm ok" with a smile. 

God is good.

Change is coming. 

God saw your sadness and said hard times are over. 

If you believe in Him, send this to the strong people you know, whether they know they are strong or not.

Watch what happens in thirty minutes! 
Be honest and send this to anyone who made you smile this year. 

It may surprise you how many you get back.

Thanks for making me smile…


Live, Laugh, Love

Friday, January 14, 2011

World's Scariest License Plate.



I might try to pass her, 
but I damn sure wouldn't honk my horn.

The Power of Girl Friends!


They Teach this at Stanford University


Someone I know just finished taking an evening class at Stanford. The last lecture was on the mind-body connection - the relationship between stress and disease. The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman, whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends.

At first everyone laughed, but he was serious.

Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences. Physically this quality “girlfriend time" helps us to create more serotonin - a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well being. Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities. They rarely sit down with a buddy and talk about how they feel about certain things or how their personal lives are going. Jobs? Yes. Sports? Yes. Cars? Yes. Fishing, hunting, golf? Yes. But their feelings? Rarely.

Women do it all of the time. We share from our souls with our sisters/mothers, and evidently that is very good for our health. He said that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym.

There's a tendency to think that when we are "exercising" we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged—not true. In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking!

So every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health! We are indeed very, very lucky. Sooooo let's toast to our friendship with our girlfriends. Evidently it's very good for our health."