- Whether you think that you can,
- or that you can't,
- you are usually right.
- Henry Ford
- Do,
- or do not.
- There is no 'try'.
- Yoda
- from 'The Empire Strikes Back'
- If you are going through hell, keep going.
- Sir Winston Churchill
- I have not failed.
- I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
- Thomas Alva Edison
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Quotes of the Day
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Office gifts already figured out
Finding gifts for people in the office (you know the infamous grab-bag event) is always difficult for me especially when you have a limited amount to spend. I hate that it is a stressful situation for me and so it seems, for many. Now having this addressed by a male, could give a rather unique spin on this dilemma so I set out to find help in this annual event.
We have a guest post written by Lawrence Kenton on this very subject.
Our office Christmas party is going to be really early this year because of all the different business trips we have scheduled over the next month or so and that's just what worked for everyone to be able to come to it. So that means that I also had to start thinking early about the stuff that I was going to get for everyone at the party.
Most of the time instead of doing secret Santa, we just give each other cookies, fudge, or some sort of baked goods like that. But unlike all the other men in the office, I'm not married so I can't rely on a wife to whip together a gift like that for me. So I used my Clear wireless internet service to look up some gifts that I could make pretty easily.
I thought that out of all the homemade gift ideas that I came across, I thought that ones that have cookie or other mixes in a jar with directions to add eggs or whatever else is needed were the best, so I'm going to throw some of those together.
We have a guest post written by Lawrence Kenton on this very subject.
Our office Christmas party is going to be really early this year because of all the different business trips we have scheduled over the next month or so and that's just what worked for everyone to be able to come to it. So that means that I also had to start thinking early about the stuff that I was going to get for everyone at the party.
Most of the time instead of doing secret Santa, we just give each other cookies, fudge, or some sort of baked goods like that. But unlike all the other men in the office, I'm not married so I can't rely on a wife to whip together a gift like that for me. So I used my Clear wireless internet service to look up some gifts that I could make pretty easily.
I thought that out of all the homemade gift ideas that I came across, I thought that ones that have cookie or other mixes in a jar with directions to add eggs or whatever else is needed were the best, so I'm going to throw some of those together.
The Fresh Diet - Friday Dec 3rd
It may seem like a little thing to you, but when I come down to make the coffee each morning, and see my buddy from The Fresh Diet, waiting for me outside the kitchen door, I always break into a smile. It is getting to be rather cold here in the Northeast, but we still have days that get warm (not sure if that makes sense since it is December already) so when I get to select my meals for each day, I try to remember that. This was suppose to be one of those "warmer" days - suppose to be but it didn't work out that way. I think the cold days of late fall / early winter are here to stay.
Breakfast this morning was a Fresh Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Apple Yogurt. I have to say the fruit continues to be very fresh, even in December. Yes some of the fruit is cut and as with all cut fruit, it can start to discolor. Perhaps you can see in the pears, that they are not totally "white". The slight discoloration in no way effected the taste. I really love the fruit salads that The Fresh Diet provides. I have loved yogurt for a very long time, and lately (when not eating TFD meals) I have eaten mainly Greek Yogurt, because of the higher protein, but the fruited or flavored yogurt that I get with my Fresh Diet meals is really good. It is creamier and "looser" than the greek yogurt I use to eat. Perhaps it is Greek yogurt with the added fruit and its juice that makes it looser, I don't know - but I will say it definitely is tasty! This morning's yogurt was no exception - pieces of apple in many spoonfuls and a definite cinnamon flavor but not overpowering.
Lunch was a new entree for me, Feta Cheese Salad with Fire Roasted Bell Peppers, Asparagus, Sun-dried Tomato, Endive & Radicchio mix with a Creamy Balsamic Dressing. As you can see this is another huge salad. And if you look you can see where I "spilled" the dressing on the side ...... see not a professional picture, just me showing what I am eating. This is a definite keeper of a salad. The peppers were sweet and the sun-dried tomato had a "chewy" texture that was very nice. The Endive and Radicchio adds a bit of a bite to the salad - a peppery bite that is the nature of those lettuces - that was a nice contrast to the other vegetables. I really liked the Asparagus spears that I found in the mix. And the Feta - there really was a very nice amount of cheese on my salad, but I don't think you can see it, but it didn't take over the dish.
My snack for the day was an Artichoke Bottom filled with Herbed Cheese. Yes, it was another new item, and really really good. I would bet this herbed cheese would be good on/in just about anything! And I have to say, although it was only 1 ..... it was a big artichoke and perfect for that in-between time when you want something but you don't know what.
Dinner was Fillet of Catfish with BBQ Peppercorn Brandy Sauce with Sweet Potato Hash and Garlic Creamed Spinach and Arugula. Yes, for a person who is not big on "fish" I have been having a lot of fish meals lately. Some I have loved and will definitely add to my menu when they appear, others I wasn't that excited about but might add to my meals again, and then others where I won't get again. The Catfish falls into the maybe category. I'm really not sure how to describe this one. The peppercorn sauce definitely overpowered the fish. I had put it over the fish before I ate it ..... maybe I would have liked the fish more if it had been "plain". I couldn't tell if it was a fish I would like because of the sauce, since it seemed that the fillet was a very white light fish, but I couldn't taste it. The sweet potato hash didn't seem to be a hash (unless I don't really know what a hash is) but was more of a boiled potato that got my attention. I am finding that without the thick syrupy coating that I've had on sweet potatoes before, I really like them. The Garlic Creamed Spinach and Arugula just seemed to be steamed spinach to me. Now I like spinach (as you can see, if you have been reading here, I've ordered spinach a few times before) but this was not the different side that I had hoped to try. That being said - I would still say, Popeye would be proud - spinach is good eats!
Dessert was Coconut Cheesecake. What more is there to say? It still blows me away, that I can have cheesecake while on this plan and still lose weight. I was holding out, trying to wait as long as I could before having my dessert. I have been trying to make my meals a little more "evenly" spread over the day. I had my cheesecake around 8:30 with a nice cup of coffee. It really was the perfect end for a day's meals. I think you can see that this is a nice firm cheesecake (not pie like) that I love.
Now if you like what you see, you should get yourself over to The Fresh Diet Facebook Page, because they are having a contest for a free MONTH of meals. Here's the contest - For a Month of TFD, WHAT would you DO? If you add a picture or a video you could also win a free month. And the more people we get to enter, the more prizes there will be. You see the Fearless Facebook Leader just loves to "over-give" and we just love when he does that (thanks Jim). The contest was originally for 1 free month. Then there was a decision to add another free month if you did a picture or video. Then as is usually the case ....... when things start rolling and more and more people enter, we started to hear about his love of over-giving, which could mean days or weeks more given to contestants. So get on over there, "like" The Fresh Diet and ENTER the contest before 12/5 at midnight. You too could win and be eating The Fresh Diet Way like MOI.
If contests aren't your thing, and you just want to order - call 1-866-FRESH 50. Tell them that I sent you - Just like to let them know that I am one of their faithful cheerleaders .. Oh how I love this. The people are so friendly (and not just because you are buying their meals) like family members and so very helpful. You won't be disappointed if you get their service.
Breakfast this morning was a Fresh Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Apple Yogurt. I have to say the fruit continues to be very fresh, even in December. Yes some of the fruit is cut and as with all cut fruit, it can start to discolor. Perhaps you can see in the pears, that they are not totally "white". The slight discoloration in no way effected the taste. I really love the fruit salads that The Fresh Diet provides. I have loved yogurt for a very long time, and lately (when not eating TFD meals) I have eaten mainly Greek Yogurt, because of the higher protein, but the fruited or flavored yogurt that I get with my Fresh Diet meals is really good. It is creamier and "looser" than the greek yogurt I use to eat. Perhaps it is Greek yogurt with the added fruit and its juice that makes it looser, I don't know - but I will say it definitely is tasty! This morning's yogurt was no exception - pieces of apple in many spoonfuls and a definite cinnamon flavor but not overpowering.
Lunch was a new entree for me, Feta Cheese Salad with Fire Roasted Bell Peppers, Asparagus, Sun-dried Tomato, Endive & Radicchio mix with a Creamy Balsamic Dressing. As you can see this is another huge salad. And if you look you can see where I "spilled" the dressing on the side ...... see not a professional picture, just me showing what I am eating. This is a definite keeper of a salad. The peppers were sweet and the sun-dried tomato had a "chewy" texture that was very nice. The Endive and Radicchio adds a bit of a bite to the salad - a peppery bite that is the nature of those lettuces - that was a nice contrast to the other vegetables. I really liked the Asparagus spears that I found in the mix. And the Feta - there really was a very nice amount of cheese on my salad, but I don't think you can see it, but it didn't take over the dish.
My snack for the day was an Artichoke Bottom filled with Herbed Cheese. Yes, it was another new item, and really really good. I would bet this herbed cheese would be good on/in just about anything! And I have to say, although it was only 1 ..... it was a big artichoke and perfect for that in-between time when you want something but you don't know what.
Dinner was Fillet of Catfish with BBQ Peppercorn Brandy Sauce with Sweet Potato Hash and Garlic Creamed Spinach and Arugula. Yes, for a person who is not big on "fish" I have been having a lot of fish meals lately. Some I have loved and will definitely add to my menu when they appear, others I wasn't that excited about but might add to my meals again, and then others where I won't get again. The Catfish falls into the maybe category. I'm really not sure how to describe this one. The peppercorn sauce definitely overpowered the fish. I had put it over the fish before I ate it ..... maybe I would have liked the fish more if it had been "plain". I couldn't tell if it was a fish I would like because of the sauce, since it seemed that the fillet was a very white light fish, but I couldn't taste it. The sweet potato hash didn't seem to be a hash (unless I don't really know what a hash is) but was more of a boiled potato that got my attention. I am finding that without the thick syrupy coating that I've had on sweet potatoes before, I really like them. The Garlic Creamed Spinach and Arugula just seemed to be steamed spinach to me. Now I like spinach (as you can see, if you have been reading here, I've ordered spinach a few times before) but this was not the different side that I had hoped to try. That being said - I would still say, Popeye would be proud - spinach is good eats!
Dessert was Coconut Cheesecake. What more is there to say? It still blows me away, that I can have cheesecake while on this plan and still lose weight. I was holding out, trying to wait as long as I could before having my dessert. I have been trying to make my meals a little more "evenly" spread over the day. I had my cheesecake around 8:30 with a nice cup of coffee. It really was the perfect end for a day's meals. I think you can see that this is a nice firm cheesecake (not pie like) that I love.
Now if you like what you see, you should get yourself over to The Fresh Diet Facebook Page, because they are having a contest for a free MONTH of meals. Here's the contest - For a Month of TFD, WHAT would you DO? If you add a picture or a video you could also win a free month. And the more people we get to enter, the more prizes there will be. You see the Fearless Facebook Leader just loves to "over-give" and we just love when he does that (thanks Jim). The contest was originally for 1 free month. Then there was a decision to add another free month if you did a picture or video. Then as is usually the case ....... when things start rolling and more and more people enter, we started to hear about his love of over-giving, which could mean days or weeks more given to contestants. So get on over there, "like" The Fresh Diet and ENTER the contest before 12/5 at midnight. You too could win and be eating The Fresh Diet Way like MOI.
If contests aren't your thing, and you just want to order - call 1-866-FRESH 50. Tell them that I sent you - Just like to let them know that I am one of their faithful cheerleaders .. Oh how I love this. The people are so friendly (and not just because you are buying their meals) like family members and so very helpful. You won't be disappointed if you get their service.
Friday, December 3, 2010
The Fresh Diet - Thurs Dec 2nd
I can not tell you how happy I am to be getting The Fresh Diet again this week. I have had so many things going on that the last, and I do mean last, thing I had time to think about was shopping for food (good, fresh food), meal preparation and then cooking. With The Fresh Diet, I didn't have to do any of this. It was as easy as opening the bag, warming in the microwave, putting it on the plate (my choice) and eating GREAT food.
Thursday morning I came down to make the coffee and found my buddy waiting patiently for me to open the door. I just love seeing him (or is it her?) there each morning. It is like a ray of sunshine on some very cold and dark mornings.
This morning I have another new entree for me Peanut Butter Chip Muffin with Fresh Papaya & Banana Cottage Cheese. I am truly in love with these new items - muffins, who couldn't get behind a nice muffin for breakfast? I mean Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme make a living on donuts and muffins and they are not all that good for you. This muffin was moist, definitely tasted of peanut butter but not overly intense, and good for you! I just HAVE to figure out how these are made. Even Jenn would like these for breakfast and wouldn't be making those DD runs on the way to class - well maybe still for a large coffee but that's to stay awake in some of those lectures (shhhh) I really like cottage cheese plain, but these "flavored/fruited" blends are starting to grow on me.
Lunch was a Chicken Caesar Wrap with Romaine Lettuce and Cucumber on a Sun-Dried Tomato Tortilla Wrap. I have had this before, in one of the early days in October, and still like it. This time I opened up the wrap and put the Caesar dressing INSIDE on the chicken instead of using the little cup to "dip". I think it was better this way because it was all through the wrap and not just on a little bite. The only thing I really wanted was more lettuce and cucumber in the wrap. Now this sounds funny, even to me. One of the great benefits of The Fresh Diet, has been the increased desire for veggies. Who would have thought that? Vegetable cravings? I mean I'm not a vegetarian (although that would also work with TFD) but I've come to a greater appreciation of good, fresh, tasty vegetables.
For a snack today I had the Greek Spanakopita with Spinach & Feta Cheese in Filo Dough. I have also had this one before and I still love it. Neither the Spinach nor the Feta overpower the other or the Filo. And the Filo is so light and flaky even after heating up in the microwave. Most "dough" products can get hard and dried out when it is put in the microwave unless you are very careful. The Fresh Diet seems to know the secret because even this Filo Dough was still light and flaky and darn tasty. I really could make a lunch or dinner out of these with no problems - it was that good.
Dinner was Fillet of Wild Snapper with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Lemon Zest Lima Bean Puree and Steamed Sugar Snaps. I seem to be on a "fish" run since I think this is the third day in a row that I ordered it. And yes I wanted to try something I hadn't had before and things I don't normally cook at home. The snapper, you can see, was HUGE. Although it was light, moist and tender it was not a favorite of mine, but then I don't think I have had Snapper before anywhere. It had nothing to do with the preparation, because it did have a good taste to it, it was just not as good as some of the others I have had this week. The Lima Bean Puree was really interesting. I will admit that I really like lima beans, so I don't know if you don't like them that you would like this, but I really liked it. Again this was not a total puree so it had some texture to it that I also liked. The Steamed Sugar Snaps were OUT OF THIS WORLD. They had a really nice sweetness to them that I just loved. I hope they have these again because they will definitely be on my plate!
Dessert was a Hazel Nut Espresso Muffin. This was very moist and had a nice flavor to it but not overly "Hazel Nutty". I actually tasted more of the espresso than the hazel nut. I did have this with a cup (ok huge mug) of green tea for a nice end of the day. I am pretty sure this was made with some whole wheat flour, even though it wasn't specifically noted, because of the texture, but it really was good. To be honest, I don't know if it is that I am getting use to more whole wheat breads and muffins or if it is just the way The Fresh Diet kitchens use this flour. But whichever it is - I'm happy to continue getting these as long as I can. Now if I could figure out how they do it for when I am not getting my meals delivered ........ or make them for the family I would be very happy. I wonder if I could get Chef to spill the beans???? We could keep it a secret between friends - please .....
Don't forget to check out the Fresh Diet Facebook Page for great deals and contests and giveaways - you never know you too could be lucky enough to be trying The Fresh Diet delivered to your door in the next weeks or months to come!
There are still a few days left to enter my CSN stores giveaway -- don't miss out - ending at midnight Dec 6th.
Thursday morning I came down to make the coffee and found my buddy waiting patiently for me to open the door. I just love seeing him (or is it her?) there each morning. It is like a ray of sunshine on some very cold and dark mornings.
This morning I have another new entree for me Peanut Butter Chip Muffin with Fresh Papaya & Banana Cottage Cheese. I am truly in love with these new items - muffins, who couldn't get behind a nice muffin for breakfast? I mean Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme make a living on donuts and muffins and they are not all that good for you. This muffin was moist, definitely tasted of peanut butter but not overly intense, and good for you! I just HAVE to figure out how these are made. Even Jenn would like these for breakfast and wouldn't be making those DD runs on the way to class - well maybe still for a large coffee but that's to stay awake in some of those lectures (shhhh) I really like cottage cheese plain, but these "flavored/fruited" blends are starting to grow on me.
Lunch was a Chicken Caesar Wrap with Romaine Lettuce and Cucumber on a Sun-Dried Tomato Tortilla Wrap. I have had this before, in one of the early days in October, and still like it. This time I opened up the wrap and put the Caesar dressing INSIDE on the chicken instead of using the little cup to "dip". I think it was better this way because it was all through the wrap and not just on a little bite. The only thing I really wanted was more lettuce and cucumber in the wrap. Now this sounds funny, even to me. One of the great benefits of The Fresh Diet, has been the increased desire for veggies. Who would have thought that? Vegetable cravings? I mean I'm not a vegetarian (although that would also work with TFD) but I've come to a greater appreciation of good, fresh, tasty vegetables.
For a snack today I had the Greek Spanakopita with Spinach & Feta Cheese in Filo Dough. I have also had this one before and I still love it. Neither the Spinach nor the Feta overpower the other or the Filo. And the Filo is so light and flaky even after heating up in the microwave. Most "dough" products can get hard and dried out when it is put in the microwave unless you are very careful. The Fresh Diet seems to know the secret because even this Filo Dough was still light and flaky and darn tasty. I really could make a lunch or dinner out of these with no problems - it was that good.
Dinner was Fillet of Wild Snapper with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with Lemon Zest Lima Bean Puree and Steamed Sugar Snaps. I seem to be on a "fish" run since I think this is the third day in a row that I ordered it. And yes I wanted to try something I hadn't had before and things I don't normally cook at home. The snapper, you can see, was HUGE. Although it was light, moist and tender it was not a favorite of mine, but then I don't think I have had Snapper before anywhere. It had nothing to do with the preparation, because it did have a good taste to it, it was just not as good as some of the others I have had this week. The Lima Bean Puree was really interesting. I will admit that I really like lima beans, so I don't know if you don't like them that you would like this, but I really liked it. Again this was not a total puree so it had some texture to it that I also liked. The Steamed Sugar Snaps were OUT OF THIS WORLD. They had a really nice sweetness to them that I just loved. I hope they have these again because they will definitely be on my plate!
Dessert was a Hazel Nut Espresso Muffin. This was very moist and had a nice flavor to it but not overly "Hazel Nutty". I actually tasted more of the espresso than the hazel nut. I did have this with a cup (ok huge mug) of green tea for a nice end of the day. I am pretty sure this was made with some whole wheat flour, even though it wasn't specifically noted, because of the texture, but it really was good. To be honest, I don't know if it is that I am getting use to more whole wheat breads and muffins or if it is just the way The Fresh Diet kitchens use this flour. But whichever it is - I'm happy to continue getting these as long as I can. Now if I could figure out how they do it for when I am not getting my meals delivered ........ or make them for the family I would be very happy. I wonder if I could get Chef to spill the beans???? We could keep it a secret between friends - please .....
Don't forget to check out the Fresh Diet Facebook Page for great deals and contests and giveaways - you never know you too could be lucky enough to be trying The Fresh Diet delivered to your door in the next weeks or months to come!
There are still a few days left to enter my CSN stores giveaway -- don't miss out - ending at midnight Dec 6th.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
You too Can help without spending a dime.
if you click on the link, The Hunger Site you will be able to send a cup of food to someone who is hungry and it doesn't cost you a dime - all you need to do is click. The sponsors pay for the food if YOU click.
Then if you move to the next tab on the link, you can help fight breast cancer.
On the next tab, you can help support childrens' health.
And then there is a tab for literacy, rain forest and animal rescue.
You can help all these great causes without spending a dime. All you need to do is click on each of the tabs and then on the "Click here" button and the sponsors will make the donations. How easy is that?
What are you waiting for? Start clicking! And then go back every day and click some more. Pass it on to all your friends and family - lets MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Then if you move to the next tab on the link, you can help fight breast cancer.
On the next tab, you can help support childrens' health.
And then there is a tab for literacy, rain forest and animal rescue.
You can help all these great causes without spending a dime. All you need to do is click on each of the tabs and then on the "Click here" button and the sponsors will make the donations. How easy is that?
What are you waiting for? Start clicking! And then go back every day and click some more. Pass it on to all your friends and family - lets MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Quotes of the Day - Words of Wisdom
We haven't had some "words of wisdom" in awhile, so I thought today would be a good day to throw a few out there and see what you think.
People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.
Dale Carnegie
- If a man does his best, what else is there?
- George S. Patton
- Not everything that can be counted counts,
- and not everything that counts can be counted.
- Albert Einstein
A lie gets halfway around the world
before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.
Sir Winston Churchill
Help for those going through medical treatments
I hope that none of you ever need to use this service, however, I wanted to make sure that all knew of this. It will give a woman going through treatments one less thing to think about or stress over. God knows she has enough things on her mind, cleaning her home does not have to be one of them.
Cleaning for a Reason
If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment.
Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women.
It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.
http://www.cleaningforareason.org/
http://www.cleaningforareason.org/
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