tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83669274501461536292024-02-08T03:58:47.670-08:00Loser Like MeA blog about dieting and how crafting, thrifting and fashion keep me sane and my mind off food...most of the time.BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-89383227085704985372012-03-29T17:28:00.000-07:002012-03-29T17:28:21.142-07:00Um, yeah...I'm 30.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My 30th birthday was this past Monday. I'm still not sure how I feel about it - And by "it" I mean being 30. My best friend came down to visit and stayed the night on Monday. We chatted about old times all the crazy situations we got ourselves into, and he asked me how it felt to be 30? At that moment I began to tear up. I really didn't want to fall for that whole "30 Hype", but the more I thought about all of the dreams and plans I had as a child I start to realize how little of it I've accomplished. 30 is that age that everyone says "By the time I ..." and it hit me and I felt dumb and quickly snapped out of it. I don't like dwelling on things that I can't change, but every now and then you're allowed to sulk a bit, right? After that we went back to laughing and drinking and talking about good times. I am optimistic about the next decade. I plan to make it the decade of "doing" and not another decade of indecisiveness.<br />
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I obviously didn't make my goal - you know the whole reason I started this blog and all. I think I'm down a total of about 13lbs from where I started. The moment I realized I wouldn't be anywhere near my goal I completely gave in. Trying to claw my way back out at the moment.<br />
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I'm not sure what the fate of this blog will be. Most <strike>all</strike> of the time I feel like I'm talking to myself <i>about</i> myself and it's weird. Lifestyle blogs (is that what this is considered?) tend to be self indulgent, which is fine if you're actually interesting but I'm quite bored with myself and find me rather dull. I feel like I'm at a point where I'm realizing I'm not helping anyone here and wondering if the time I spend here - as little as it's been recently - could be better utilized doing something else. Maybe I'm thinking too much into this because really it's just a fucking blog, I'm not splitting the atom.
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Two really GREAT things did happen that I can attribute to this blog. It motivated me to go sign up for school. I've been putting that off for 12 years and it wasn't until I started blogging that I realized I NEED to do it, and do it now. The second one is indirectly <strike>or not at all</strike> attributed to this blog. Ran and I decided to try for another baby! After we had our kiddo we talked about having another one fairly soon so that they could be close in age; Going on 8 years later we finally decided mostly because I'll be starting school that this was the time to have another one. This time around it's really about strategics - I don't want to be dealing with a newborn through any part of the actual nursing program. I <i>think </i>I can handle work/home/baby through the first 2 years of G.E...At least that's how I'm hoping it all works out. By this time next month I could pregnant...cross your fingers!BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-5235665305289865922012-03-07T20:55:00.000-08:002012-03-07T20:55:08.113-08:00Low Carb Poblano Jalapeno Chili <span style="font-family: inherit;">I got this recipe from the current issue of "Cooking Light". I had to modify it only slightly to make it low carb, plus upped the spices quite a bit. To my surprise this thickened up nicely; it was very good. I plan on making this regularly. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Low Carb Poblano Jalapeno Chili</span></b></div>
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<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="name">Cooking spray</span> </span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="amount">1 1/2 pounds</span> <span itemprop="name">ground sirloin</span> </span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="amount">2 </span><span itemprop="name">jalapeno peppers</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="amount">1 tablespoon</span> <span itemprop="name">canola oil</span> </span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="amount">1 Med-Large onion</span> <span itemprop="name">chopped </span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="amount">1 cup</span> <span itemprop="name">chopped seeded poblano (pasilla) chile (about 2 large)</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="amount">8 </span><span itemprop="name">garlic cloves, minced</span> (Or as much or as little as desired I used about 10)</span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="amount">1 </span><span itemprop="name">12-ounce Corona Light</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="amount">1 1/2 tablespoon</span> <span itemprop="name">chili powder (or more to liking)</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="amount">2 teaspoons</span> <span itemprop="name">ground cumin</span> (or more to liking)</span></li>
<li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="amount">3/4 teaspoon</span> <span itemprop="name">kosher salt</span><span itemprop="preparation"></span></span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span itemprop="amount"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 1/2 cups of the Best tasting, Lowest carb Marinara you can find. The one I used was 8 carbs per cup.</span></span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="amount">1 cup</span> <span itemprop="name">fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth</span> </span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="name">1 Can Eden foods Black Soy beans, rinsed and drained</span> </span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span itemprop="amount">1 </span><span itemprop="name">(14.5-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained</span> </span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></li>
<li class="hasDeal cboxElement" itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient" style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Optional: Top with Sour Cream, Sharp Cheese and for extra heat pickled Jalapenos (this really wasn't very spicy)</span></i></span></li>
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<li style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Heat a Large Pot over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add beef; cook 10 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble. Remove beef from pan; drain. Wipe pan clean.</span></li>
<li style="float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Remove and discard seeds and membranes from 1 jalapeño; finely chop both jalapeños. Heat pan over medium-high heat. Add oil; swirl to coat. Add jalapeños, onion, poblano, and garlic; sauté 10 minutes or until onion is tender. Add beer; scrape pan to loosen browned bits. Cook 6-8 minutes or until 50% - 75% of liquid evaporates (whichever your preference - I did 75%). Add chili powder, cumin, and salt; cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in beef, marinara, broth, beans, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until slightly thickened. Ladle about 1 1/2 cups chili into each of 8 bowls.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-72712437420449500052012-03-05T19:53:00.002-08:002012-03-05T19:54:31.395-08:00 Took all my placement tests today. I suck suck SUCK at math but passed by enough that I don't have to take the test again. Glad to have that part behind me. I'm a horrible test taker; I want to get it over with so badly that I speed through it just to be done with it. I really need to stop doing that. All I do now is wait until April when Summer registration begins and I'm a college student YAY!<br />
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For dinner tonight made a low carb version of the "Poblano-Jalapeno Chili" from the current issue of "Cooking Light". Turned out really yummy will post the modified recipe tomorrow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img4.myrecipes.com/i/recipes/ck/12/03/poblano-jalapeno-chili-ck-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img4.myrecipes.com/i/recipes/ck/12/03/poblano-jalapeno-chili-ck-l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl</span></td></tr>
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<br />BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-59198558242897896452012-03-04T21:37:00.001-08:002012-03-04T22:02:42.810-08:00Boys DIY Cut-offs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The following post is weird for two reasons 1)It's still very much winter in many parts of the Country, and 2)This is so simple that I almost feel like making a post about it is lame. This <i>seems</i> like something that would have dawned on me a lot sooner, but doing this never entered my brain until I needed to buy some new shorts for my kiddo last summer. I just didn't like what was available at Target/Kohl's/Macy's etc. I popped into an HM that had a kid's section and found the cutest cut-off shorts, but they wanted like $20 bucks! Finally the light bulb switched on and I realized I had about 3 pairs of holey jeans that I could turn into cut-offs. Went home; got the scissors, and voila! super cute, classic cut-offs for my Boy. I kick myself for not doing it sooner - all the pairs of jeans I've thrown out over the years, ugh - now I feel like I'm at least getting double duty out of these jeans that he seems to grow out of or wear through quickly. The only reason I'm even posting about this is because when my Aunt saw his cut-offs she asked me where I got them and I told her I made them - I saw the light bulb go off in her too. Even those of you with girls - Today I saw Target put out their girls cut-offs for $14.99 I think? Go to the thrift store pick up some jeans and make them yourself! You'll save money and you'll have some custom cut-offs. Often times the simple stuff is overlooked so if this helps even one person than I'm happy. I made a pair today so I thought I'd photograph the before and after.<br />
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He did rock the "grungy" jeans look for a bit, but the hole got a little too big so shorts they became.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is supposed to be his sad face.<br />
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Cut at the center of the hole, use the cut piece as a guide for the other leg and done. After a few washes it'll be nice and frayed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubDqcmGM3C4/T1RODC8CsnI/AAAAAAAAAXk/dM-9_OvGNWo/s1600/IMG_4998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubDqcmGM3C4/T1RODC8CsnI/AAAAAAAAAXk/dM-9_OvGNWo/s400/IMG_4998.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is his happy face</td></tr>
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<br />BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-88278078671776731362012-03-02T09:41:00.000-08:002012-03-02T09:41:51.129-08:00Five Things Friday... So I'm starting a new thing here on Fridays. Trying to get some kind of cohesive theme going on since my blog has been all over the place as of late. I'm going to write about 5 things from this past week or 5 things I'm looking forward to next week that made me happy/sad/scared/excited whatever! This week was a tough one so it'll be a mix of a few things. Please don't hesitate to do this over on your blog if you feel so inclined.<br />
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1) I had a really crazy teleconference meeting with the CEO of a start-up here in the Silicon Valley. One of those I'm going to be completely vague about what I want, but I want YOU to be a mind reader and know EXACTLY what I want. Needless to say I broke down in tears after. It's not that I don't feel like I could handle the task, but the pressure that I felt like I was under in that moment just felt crippling. Luckily I had a conversation with my boss the next day and he talked me back from the ledge.<br />
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2) Just got word I qualified for the full Pell Grant - WooHoo! - Thanks Government!<br />
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3) Spoke to my Dad yesterday and he was super upbeat - I love when I talk to my Dad and he's upbeat. He certainly has reason to be down in the dumps. Their home is in Foreclosure. He's caring for my Step-Mom who's currently going to Dialysis 3 days a week and dealing with complications from diabetes (one of which is slowly causing her to go blind). On top of that my Father has a brain tumor - LUCKILY the wonderful Doctors and Nurses at Stanford hospital treated him and we just found out his tumor has shrunk! Ironically, my Grandmother had the same tumor 20 years ago and the treatment was much more invasive - she ended up with shingles, partial vision loss in one eye and not to mention a petty gnarly scar. The treatment my Dad went through was 3 hour long sessions of radiosurgery, no cutting! Pretty amazing stuff...<br />
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4)I got a call from a local Indie radio station saying I won two tickets to the San Jose Cinequest Film Festival screening of "Forgetting the Girl" tonight! Sweeeeet Date night tonight :)<br />
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5)Woke up to an email from a super awesome blogger Mong's from <a href="http://mythriftycloset.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Thrifty Closet</a> saying I had won her most recent giveaway of the cutest little handmade brooch. Seriously, if you have not visited her blog take a looksy. If you gave her $10 bucks and let her loose in a thrift store she will amaze you with what she can put together. Plus, she's just an amazing person on the inside. Looooove her!<br />
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Well have a Fantastic Weekend, Folks! If you do this on your blog please come back and let me know - I'm super nosey and like to know what every ones up to :p</div>
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<br /></div>BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-22595861031476831752012-02-28T15:46:00.000-08:002012-02-28T15:46:10.346-08:00Down but College Bound... Lately I've been feeling down about my job and my future/retirement etc. I think it's because I'm turning 30 and I feel like I've accomplished so little up till now. My 20's with the exception obviously of my Husband and Kiddo just felt like such a waste. If I had to sum up my 20's in one word "Awkward" comes to mind. Not unlike my teen years I feel like I just haphazardly lived through an entire decade with no real purpose. I'm still discovering myself in many ways; My view on Politics/Religion/Relationships/Style (or lack thereof) - things I feel I should have established by the time I was 30.<br />
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The biggest regret I have is that I put off College. I got a job working as a contractor for NASA right after High School graduation. Being young and living on my own of course I didn't give up a nice paycheck to go back to school. I worked there for 8 years until I got laid off. By that time I was only working part time since I had just had my Son, but I was also working part time at my current job (a small start-up). My boss brought me on full time and I've been here ever since about 4 years. I LOVE my Boss, my co-workers and my schedule is something to be envied for sure, but I just feel like I've reached as far as I can possibly go and I just don't see myself doing this job 5 years from now. The only way out of this situation is going back to school. This clicked with me last night and this morning I got the ball rolling; Signed up to get my student ID and got the schedule for the placement tests. My dream is to be a Nurse. I think part of the problem after High School was that I had so many interests that I ended up choosing none. It wasn't until my time at NASA when I joined the rescue team did I decide that I LOVE helping people. Nursing just seemed to me like the perfect fit. I know I've got a long way to go and an uphill battle - Holy cow I've been out of school for 12 YEARS! - But I'm so ready for it...I'm Stoked/Scared/Happy/Excited/Petrified all at once....BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-78648328024674991332012-02-27T13:23:00.000-08:002012-02-27T13:23:05.169-08:00America's Got Talent Re-Cap<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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We arrived in SF about an hour before the posted start time.
I should have known that was not enough time as we drove up the line was
<i>ridiculous</i>! There went any hopes of getting on the first floor. We all looked
at each other and almost decided to book it to Pier 39 instead, but quickly
decided to press on. We parked and got in line, waited about an hour in line
before we got in. We sat on the 2<sup>nd</sup> floor in the “TV Section” but I don’t
think I ever saw the camera pan our way. About 45 minutes after we sat down the
taping finally started. Just FYI the shots of the Audience
Booing/Cheering/Clapping/Throwing up X’s is taped BEFORE the show starts. Yes,
we did still react to the performances, but about two hours in we were pretty bored,
Ran was nodding off - standing up and clapping was just not an option at that
point so I understand why they do that. In the 4 hours we were there we saw
maybe 8 acts. We left the taping at the break (which was about 3 hours in) but
apparently we only missed maybe 2 additional acts. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
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There
were definitely a lot of Stern fans in the audience. I heard more Ba-ba-booey’s
then I would have liked, so many so that I would have probably punched someone
in the face if they were in striking distance. Howard as a judge was fantastic!
He X’d who should have been X’d and let go those that deserved it. He also<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>had the ability to tell the performer
the truth no matter how awful they were, without being mean. He even managed
to make them laugh while he was crushing their dreams. My Mom who is not really fan was a convert
when we left the show. I think people will be pleasantly surprised by him. Sharon Osbourne also seemed pretty cool. Took her a few minutes to make it to her seat after her introduction because she was giving out so many hugs (To the dismay of Nick Cannon who looked annoyed) Both she and Howard interacted with the audience during breaks which was nice. Here
are some of the highlights from the auditions:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Taylor Beckett</i></b>:</span> She was filming her “Intro” while we were
waiting in line so it was no surprise when we saw her walk on stage as the third
act. She has this beautiful BIG voice coming from this tiny little thing. She got
some flak for singing so “Big” without any build up, which I agreed with, but
she sounded amazing in the auditorium. She has a classic “I-can-sing-the-shit-out-of-this-song” voice, which is nice but I tend to like the singing acts that
have some kind of interesting inflection to their voice.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Chadwick Johnson</i></b></span> (At least that’s what I thought I heard): Another
singer with an amazing voice. He was a surprise because he seemed kinda nerdy, a bit introverted which is weird because he’s a bartender. Howie kept mentioning
what a “Winning Smile” he had, we couldn’t tell from where we were. He could sing
for sure! He had great control of his voice. I think he’ll go far if he can get some
personality.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>“Turf”</b></i></span> (Didn’t catch his real name): He was the “Hard
Luck” story of our visit. He is a dance contortionist and I admit I was
cringing in my seat - the things he was doing with his arms and legs was pretty
cool to watch. He’ll never win, but he had a story that made you want to root
for him. Homeless at one point, dancing on the streets of SF to make money he
seemed genuine and someone you want to see succeed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the taping we
made our way to Pier 39. Ran wanted to stop by the Houdini Magic shop to pick
up some trinkets for our kiddo. We ate at Louie’s Seafood – Food was “Eh”, but
Ran did enjoy his crab. I had pasta which was my bad - ordering pasta at a
seafood restaurant :/ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then headed to Ghirardelli
Square and we managed to get one cell phone shot before my phone died. The real
winner of the day was the SF weather. It was BEA-U-TI-FUL in SF! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ky8FdcP0sjM/T0vq6LmwSUI/AAAAAAAAAXE/iadEOTJr92M/s1600/Ghiradelli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ky8FdcP0sjM/T0vq6LmwSUI/AAAAAAAAAXE/iadEOTJr92M/s320/Ghiradelli.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Golden Gate is behind us, but the sun and my crappy cell camera blocked it out :(</td></tr>
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We got home fairly early and since we were sans kiddo for the night, we walked to a nearby restaurant/bar. This is my Holy-Cow-Long-Beach-Teas-Taste-Like-Pink-Lemonade and now I'm buzzzzzzzzzed face.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqVKBbV3pZc/T0vwqCMuNnI/AAAAAAAAAXM/AiRW6LOuK_M/s1600/buzzed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqVKBbV3pZc/T0vwqCMuNnI/AAAAAAAAAXM/AiRW6LOuK_M/s320/buzzed.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
All in all a good day was had by all...</div>BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-25085590626745652082012-02-23T20:44:00.000-08:002012-02-23T20:44:45.139-08:00Howdy Doody Tooty Fruity<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Hello Blogland! Been awhile since I’ve logged in…truth be
told I’ve started a blog post a few times only to stop before getting a coherent
sentenced typed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of the time I
sit here with my laptop staring at the screen with a cocked head
thinking “WTF am I going to write?” I live a relatively boring, mundane life
and envy those that can not only blog every day/weekly but actually have
something interesting to say. In any case I suppose I could at least let you in
on what I’ve been up to this past month. </div>
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As far as my diet I’m UP a few pounds
WHOMP WHOMP. My drive and motivation pulled a “Thelma and Louise” - I’m kicking
myself because I was doing so good! I tell ya this food has such a grip on me
it’s unbelievable. I had a few pretty wild years when I was younger; tried
just about every drug under the sun, had a really fun time, but never once found
myself getting sucked in the way food seems to just encompass my brain. It’s
the closest thing to a true addiction that I think I’ve ever faced. I have this
all or nothing mentality when it comes to food. Either I completely deprive myself
or I completely give in. I can’t seem to do the “have one bite and move on”
that one bite always leads to me wanting more. I really need to find my happy
medium, my 30<sup>th</sup> is fast approaching and I’m no closer to my goal
than I was a month ago. I’m not delusional I know I won’t make goal in a month,
but my overall goal is still attainable. I don’t want to waste another DECADE
battling the bulge, I refuse to.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than eating
anything and everything this past month I’ve also been working like crazy - We
just moved to a new office space and broke in a new intern from Singapore (From
NUS studying at Stanford) fun times. I’ve also been working in my son’s class a
lot. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone that says Teachers are paid
enough need to actually spend some time in a classroom – I’m exhausted after
just a few hours. Still hitting up the thrift stores, garage sales and estate
sales. My Mom and I went to one this past weekend - a total time warp. This was easily a two
million dollar house, beautiful on the outside but a delightful mess of a time
capsule on the inside. The woman that lived there out lived her husband and kids
and hoarded everything after their deaths. It wasn’t filled to the ceiling with
cat poop or anything but it was definitely a haven for dust and cobwebs. I
chatted with the family for a bit, very lovely people and I’m always glad to
see when family is present for these estate sales – It’s still a bit weird for
me as a shopper and I’m sure for them, but a lot of the time I find they like
to discuss their family member and the belongings finding new homes with folks
like me. Speaking of thrifting I am a bit closer to opening an etsy store. I’ve
been measuring and researching getting ready to finally photograph all my
wares. All in all a pretty uneventful month - you see why I had a hard time
keeping up with my blog? Pretty boring stuff…</div>
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On the Horizon…This weekend Ran and I are going to a taping
of America’s Got Talent in San Francisco. Ran is a longtime Stern fan so I’m
sure he’ll be trying to see how many times he can scream “BA-BA-BOOEY” before
we get kicked out…</div>
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I did manage to
photograph some of my recent thrifty purchases. Some things I’m keeping. Others
will eventually be Etsy bound…</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GtgBeL5X_hI/T0cJ-cqr6gI/AAAAAAAAAV8/GBJclzLvkcE/s1600/IMG_4941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GtgBeL5X_hI/T0cJ-cqr6gI/AAAAAAAAAV8/GBJclzLvkcE/s400/IMG_4941.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These little guys are cute, but have absolutely no business being in my house they'd be broken in no time flat. I think they would make darling little terrariums though.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMucX0sQtlw/T0cKDLehx-I/AAAAAAAAAWE/figVXcNpXO8/s1600/IMG_4951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMucX0sQtlw/T0cKDLehx-I/AAAAAAAAAWE/figVXcNpXO8/s400/IMG_4951.JPG" width="266" /> </a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82d_s4LCLZc/T0cKEp_yD_I/AAAAAAAAAWM/DlLrFO559LI/s1600/IMG_4955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82d_s4LCLZc/T0cKEp_yD_I/AAAAAAAAAWM/DlLrFO559LI/s320/IMG_4955.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of my favorite recent finds and I got a set of FOUR! that never happens. They are porcelain (Heavy duty) soup/salad sets. I've seen these priced $30-$50 bucks a pop I paid $3 dollars a set. Plus I <i>think</i> they might be vintage, the bowl has a GDR stamp on the bottom.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ul8e4WUbfs/T0cKGwuzHaI/AAAAAAAAAWU/lFo2floDIrg/s1600/IMG_4961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ul8e4WUbfs/T0cKGwuzHaI/AAAAAAAAAWU/lFo2floDIrg/s400/IMG_4961.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute little daisy coat hanger.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGlNFR6YUew/T0cKR3UbAtI/AAAAAAAAAWc/EKKdHYhU-so/s1600/IMG_4946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QGlNFR6YUew/T0cKR3UbAtI/AAAAAAAAAWc/EKKdHYhU-so/s400/IMG_4946.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This vintage skirt screams "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia" but I couldn't pass it up. It has the cutest candy colored buttons. Unfortunately I'm not a waif so I won't be donning this skirt.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPTpY-cAcFQ/T0cKU6vEkpI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Mig1cu6JEh8/s1600/IMG_4948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPTpY-cAcFQ/T0cKU6vEkpI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Mig1cu6JEh8/s400/IMG_4948.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super cute tribal print skirt falls mid-calf and I love it - Can't wait for summer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKf5lWYQkeo/T0cKW4ZeorI/AAAAAAAAAWs/HBHMU1LKxIY/s1600/IMG_4949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKf5lWYQkeo/T0cKW4ZeorI/AAAAAAAAAWs/HBHMU1LKxIY/s400/IMG_4949.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved this skirt from the Target Missoni line but wasn't about to shell out the big bucks for it on ebay. I found it at Goodwill for $4.99. Yup, Goodwill gets Target merchandise that hasn't sold (clothing/shoes at least) 3 months after it hits the store floors. So if you missed out on the Jason Wu line check Goodwill in a few months.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AREuy5M_XIU/T0cKYvr9LnI/AAAAAAAAAW0/Tli8t-Cly6Q/s1600/IMG_4963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AREuy5M_XIU/T0cKYvr9LnI/AAAAAAAAAW0/Tli8t-Cly6Q/s400/IMG_4963.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a pretty sweet find too REAL Missoni shoes. $5 bucks whaaaat!</td></tr>
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Oh I'm also babysitting this little guy and his two buddies (Dogs) I've currently got 4 dogs and 1 turtle in my little 2 bedroom house. I feel a bit like Ace Venture when they all gather around me. Luckily, they all leave tomorrow with the exception of my two loveable mutts. </div>
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<br /></div>BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-44947549234665744212012-01-25T19:55:00.000-08:002012-01-25T19:55:05.455-08:00Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Is there some kind of surgery that turns taste buds off? If so, sign me up! I know I said I'd be back on track on Tuesday but it never happened. I'm still a bit sick so I can blame some of it on that, but really I'm just so lazy right now. I have no desire to cook - it's currently much more appealing to order in or eat whatever my Husband makes (Which is usually not low carb and seriously lacking in the greenery department).<br />
I wish I could say I'm fat because "X" happened or because I eat when I'm angry/sad/glad etc. because then maybe I could address it and move on. But isn't it possible that I'm fat because I just love the way unhealthy stuff tastes? I mean, I know all the health benefits of eating healthy I even feel better physically when I do, but I sometimes find the whole process of preparing and consuming said meals quite daunting. My brain is constantly telling me what I'd <i>rather</i> be having...That little voice is usually <i>very</i> convincing. Even my usual modes of motivation: blogging, thrifting, crafting are feeling like chores to me. I hate it! I need to get out of this funk!! I'm not sure how to move on from here but I don't plan on giving up just yet.BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-20189303529028170992012-01-25T12:04:00.000-08:002012-01-25T12:08:34.000-08:00Holy Shit Maurice Sendak is still Alive!I will admit before I saw him on Colbert last night I just assumed he died a long time ago...Come on you did too, right!?! Not only is he still alive, he's a total nut! I LOVE it...check out the video below.
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<br />BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-28527836901273730002012-01-23T14:34:00.000-08:002012-01-23T14:34:24.117-08:00Peeking out of my shell for a bit...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been in such a
funk this past week - quite literally, luckily you all can’t smell me. I’ve had
no motivation to eat on plan let alone get out of bed. Without fail every time
there is a major shift in the weather I get sick and this past week was no
different. I’m much better today but now my little one is sick so we’re
housebound together. I need to get my ass back in gear - Reaching my goal weight
by my Birthday is pretty much a pipe dream now, but I’ll forge ahead (Starting
tomorrow, ha!) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For today I’ll be
crawling back into bed with my warm chocolate chip cookies and re-runs of
Designing Women and Golden Girls…Good times.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a good note I ordered a VitaMix blender from QVC and it
arrives today!! Looking forward to consuming at least some of my meals through
a straw. Anyone else have a vitamix?!</div>BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-75213495248343786862012-01-18T08:39:00.001-08:002012-01-18T08:39:40.285-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qpLgaNPtYU/Txb1pCJ0pbI/AAAAAAAAAV0/pvCHPGqZEDs/s1600/internet-blackout-web-on-strike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qpLgaNPtYU/Txb1pCJ0pbI/AAAAAAAAAV0/pvCHPGqZEDs/s1600/internet-blackout-web-on-strike.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-72345616886628617952012-01-17T20:02:00.000-08:002012-01-17T20:02:10.054-08:00Low Carb Sugar Free Paletas de Coco!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
No other dessert evokes more memories of childhood for me than Paletas de Coco. I can clearly remember the sound of the bells as they inched closer to my house - the old man pushing the ice cream cart was the highlight of my day during the hot summers. I'm not a cook/baker by any means, but being on a low carb diet kind of forces you to get creative in the kitchen. I've been trying out different dessert recipes - most failures, until it dawned on me that I should try and makeover my all time favorite ice cream bar. The original recipe is super simple just three ingredients, but the main component was sweetened condensed milk which is basically a sugar BOMB. Then I remembered a post by Beeb over on <a href="http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/" target="_blank">Lowcarbfriends</a> where she made SCM from<a href="http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/lowcarb-recipe-help-suggestions/702206-low-carb-sweetened-condensed-milk-made-table-cream.html" target="_blank"> table cream</a>. Once that part was figured out the rest was easy peasy. Thanks, Beeb!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~*~*~Low Carb Paletas de Coco ~*~*~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHtL1pp5f9Q/TxZAlDozE5I/AAAAAAAAAVk/KavASGsASMo/s1600/IMG_4869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jHtL1pp5f9Q/TxZAlDozE5I/AAAAAAAAAVk/KavASGsASMo/s320/IMG_4869.JPG" width="213" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What you'll need:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 can Media Crema Table Cream (Threw the can out before I got the measurement, pretty standard though)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2/3 Cup Sweetener (I used Swerve which is basically Erythritol but measures cup for cup like sugar)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Tb Unflavored Whey Protein powder (I only had vanilla on hand so that's what I used)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 Tb Vanilla </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 can 13.5-15oz can Coconut milk </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Unsweetened coconut shreds (optional)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>*Optional add ins - Mango, Pineapple, Guava </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Combine the first 4 ingredients and simmer over medium heat until it thickens - Takes a few minutes. To this mixture add the can of coconut milk, again simmer until slightly thicker another few minutes (It doesn't get super thick so don't go on thinking you need to cook it for a long time) Remove from heat and allow to cool about 10 minutes. Add as much or as little of the coconut shreds to the mixture as you like. Pour into molds and freeze.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These are very rich and creamy. Next time I will try the "Light" coconut milk from Trader Joes and see how I like them. That will shave off about 10 carbs from the total count.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Approximately 4.75 net carbs per bar </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RcLyPKc6I0o/TxY9D6IUfuI/AAAAAAAAAVU/eBr3caxbkQA/s1600/IMG_4850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RcLyPKc6I0o/TxY9D6IUfuI/AAAAAAAAAVU/eBr3caxbkQA/s320/IMG_4850.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6b_QWMlWMac/TxZAq_KpoaI/AAAAAAAAAVs/dbQF8HCfJiQ/s1600/IMG_4854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6b_QWMlWMac/TxZAq_KpoaI/AAAAAAAAAVs/dbQF8HCfJiQ/s320/IMG_4854.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right after I added the coconut milk</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd9mbVYuh-E/TxZAjT-YkgI/AAAAAAAAAVc/rQeqftOUjQQ/s1600/IMG_4860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sd9mbVYuh-E/TxZAjT-YkgI/AAAAAAAAAVc/rQeqftOUjQQ/s320/IMG_4860.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was able to fill 4 traditional molds and 3 Rockets!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-40635616990325553832012-01-12T09:52:00.000-08:002012-01-12T09:52:52.348-08:00A Workout Story in Pictures and Words... Once upon a time there lived a family
of "Losers". Mother loser despised all conventional forms of exercise
and searched high and low for unconventional ways to enjoy time with her
family and get their bodies moving. Then, she discovered Sky High. A
magical place of many, many connected trampolines.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UBlSnnsGvQ/Tw8OoiY8X6I/AAAAAAAAAUE/DI-vrwXSy_c/s1600/IMG_4776.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UBlSnnsGvQ/Tw8OoiY8X6I/AAAAAAAAAUE/DI-vrwXSy_c/s400/IMG_4776.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lots of fun was had by the entire Loser family and their friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjtpv4VRIi8/Tw8PEQZnNvI/AAAAAAAAAUM/cosuBtPIl9w/s1600/IMG_4766.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjtpv4VRIi8/Tw8PEQZnNvI/AAAAAAAAAUM/cosuBtPIl9w/s400/IMG_4766.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B09g4MHBOCs/Tw8PW9xHm_I/AAAAAAAAAUU/k1odJPEN4-0/s1600/IMG_4768.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B09g4MHBOCs/Tw8PW9xHm_I/AAAAAAAAAUU/k1odJPEN4-0/s400/IMG_4768.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Yt5MCsaCoE/Tw8PpEMo1QI/AAAAAAAAAUc/274nS2AfdC8/s1600/IMG_4789.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Yt5MCsaCoE/Tw8PpEMo1QI/AAAAAAAAAUc/274nS2AfdC8/s400/IMG_4789.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking
for further enjoyment the Loser family headed to "The Pit". The pit is
also a magical place - a place where you can run, jump and fly through
the air. But beware, the pit is also a dangerous place with many rules
that if not followed will leave you in regret. The littlest Loser tried
with all of his might to do a flip, but always came up short. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtGCeR-SYPk/Tw8Rv-eqcDI/AAAAAAAAAU0/3qH3uaXg2RU/s1600/IMG_4774.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RtGCeR-SYPk/Tw8Rv-eqcDI/AAAAAAAAAU0/3qH3uaXg2RU/s400/IMG_4774.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mr.
Loser was determined to teach his little one this awesome move. But,
Mr. Loser didn't think he needed to follow any stinkin' rules so he
jumped and flew how he saw fit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xxOSVap9Co/Tw8Rk-PgarI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ZJPkVXsHZQw/s1600/IMG_4798.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xxOSVap9Co/Tw8Rk-PgarI/AAAAAAAAAUk/ZJPkVXsHZQw/s400/IMG_4798.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVfcvw9uxfI/Tw8UrUVxWEI/AAAAAAAAAU8/O9Xcpm8rtrM/s1600/IMG_4796.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OVfcvw9uxfI/Tw8UrUVxWEI/AAAAAAAAAU8/O9Xcpm8rtrM/s400/IMG_4796.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d238VbWpcn0/Tw8VJGrZOrI/AAAAAAAAAVE/C4jGkDDEN-8/s1600/IMG_4799.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d238VbWpcn0/Tw8VJGrZOrI/AAAAAAAAAVE/C4jGkDDEN-8/s400/IMG_4799.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In went Mr. Loser like an arrow through the wind straight to the bottom of the HARD pit floor...CLUNK! BANG! BOINK! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZzlJawq1YI/Tw8WFobLuOI/AAAAAAAAAVM/AFoS6q5RlZc/s1600/IMG_4802.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZzlJawq1YI/Tw8WFobLuOI/AAAAAAAAAVM/AFoS6q5RlZc/s400/IMG_4802.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't
worry folks, Mr. Loser is just fine. No broken bones. Just really,
really sore. Leaving the pit bruised and battered but with humility in
tact.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pit 1 - Mr. Loser 0.</div>BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-69120562218581788192012-01-09T19:14:00.000-08:002012-01-09T19:32:32.865-08:00Tag, I'm IT!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxaeeABsaDU/Twug6sdRDnI/AAAAAAAAAT8/sfLlULSOn8s/s1600/tag_your_it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxaeeABsaDU/Twug6sdRDnI/AAAAAAAAAT8/sfLlULSOn8s/s400/tag_your_it.jpg" width="351" /></a></div>
<br />
I was tagged by the Lovely Leigh from <a href="http://poonapalooza.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Poonapalooza</a>. This is my first time being tagged, but I'm already going to have to break the rules - Yeah, I'm a rule breaker - Since I don't have a ton of followers, and I'm pretty sure most of them have already been tagged (according to my Google Reader at least) I'm going to go ahead and call out any of my follower/readers that have not yet done one. Consider yourself TAGGED YO!<br />
<br />
Here are the rules:<br />
<br />
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.05pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Post
these rules.</span><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.05pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You
must post 11 random things yourself.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Answer the </span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">questions</span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> the
tagger set for you in their post.</span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Create</span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> 11 new questions for the people
you tag to answer.</span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.05pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Go
to their blog and tell them that you've tagged them.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">No stuff in
the </span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">tagging</span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> section
about ‘you are tagged if you are reading this.’ blah blah blah, you </span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">legitimately</span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> have
to tag 11 peeps! </span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~*~*~*~*~ 11 Random Things ~*~*~*~*~</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. I was in a movie with Brad Pitt! Ok, not exactly. Hubs and
I were extras in Moneyball. We saw Brad, Jonah, Phillip and the dude from Parks
& Rec. Brad Pitt and Jonah hill are SUPER nice and Brad looks BETTER in person.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. I use to be on a rescue team for the Federal Government.
Husband still is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. Relating to number two, I repelled off of Dumbarton
Bridge (Local Bridge kind of near San Francisco) as part of training.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. I hate olives</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5. I’ve never seen Titanic</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6. In elementary school I was part of a PBS special about African
drums, but I’ve Never seen it! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7. In junior high our school won a performance by then
unknown Backstreet Boys. Kids who sold a ton of fundraiser crap were given
backstage passes to get autographs – they were tickets with special cougar paw
(mascot) stamps on the back. I faked mine and drew one on the back and met them, Ha! Naughty, I know…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8. Lakes freak me out
- I’m always afraid something’s going to bite me. Oceans I love though, go
figure!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9. I cannot watch 3D movies. They make me sick as a dog –
Avatar put me down for a day.</div>
<br />
10. I'm "Married" to a Skateboarder. He doesn't skate nearly as much as he use to, but it's definitely his first love (I've come to terms with that) You can see him in old Tilt Mode Army videos.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11. I’m super competitive when it comes to Board Games –Bring
it!</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~*~*~*~*~ Here were my questions/Answers ~*~*~*~*~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
was your favourite food when you were a child?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I had a crazy, crazy obsession with butterfingers at one
point in my childhood. I somehow managed to not only get like 10 of them at
once, but ate them all in one sitting. I majorly upchucked shortly after and
have NOT had one since, the thought of them actually makes me sick now.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
is one of your favourite quotes? </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><i>"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says "I'm possible"!" ~ Audrey Hepburn </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What is your favourite body part? </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I think I’d have to say my lips - I
just need to start being braver with my lip color</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you could stay a certain age forever, what age would it be and why?</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>
</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Though I’m not quite there, I’d
probably say 30. You’ve had enough life experience by this age to actually have
an opinion on some things ;p</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you could chose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>
</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Oh man these questions are tough! But if I could sit down
and pick the brain of someone the first person that comes to mind would be
Leonardo Da Vinci.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you could meet anyone living or dead, who would it be?</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So many! But since I just mentioned him I’ll stick with Leo –
such a brilliant human being. But the girly girl in me really wants to say Johnny
Depp, ‘cause well HELLO it’s Johnny Depp!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
celebrity do you get mistaken for?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Is there a celebrity named Nobody? ‘cause that’s who it
would be. As a child though I did actually get mistaken once for Tatyana Ali –
Remember her? the youngster from “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>The lady swore up and down I was her.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
would you name the autobiography of your life?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A life well thrifted!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
was the first thing you bought with your own money?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A little portable cassette player with speakers that I would
take to school and my Friends and I would listen to Color Me Bad, Digital
Underground and Bell Biv Devoe. We thought we were the shiznit, lol.</span></i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What was the last experience that made you a better person.</span></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When my Son was born. I learned to be a much more
patient person</span></i><br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
was the last movie, tv show or book that made you cry or tear up?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What’s sad about this is that it wasn’t even a movie, but a
trailer for a movie! Sandra Bullock’s new movie “Extremely loud and Incredibly
Close” makes me tear up EVERY time I see it. I will NOT be watching it in the
theaters because I will be a blubbering fool.</span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
------------------------------------------------</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Now should you choose to take on this mission here are my questions for you. Be sure to come back and let me know if you answer these!</b></div>
<br />
1) What was your favorite cartoon growing up<br />
2) If you had a plane ticket to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?<br />
3) Which one of the seven dwarfs do you relate to most? (Dopey, Grumpy, Doc, Happy, Bashful, Sneezy, Sleepy)<br />
4) What if your favorite Holiday and why?<br />
5) What annoys you?<br />
6) What was your first job?<br />
7) What is your current favorite TV Show?<br />
8) What do you love about yourself?<br />
9) What was your first car?<br />
10) Ocean, Lake, River or Pool where would you prefer to spend a hot day?<br />
11) Does expecting the unexpected make the unexpected become the expected? (Thank you Philosoraptor for that mindfuck)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peace out, Peeps! That was a lot of work!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Christina</div>BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-51001908943545047492012-01-09T09:40:00.000-08:002012-01-09T09:40:02.301-08:00I got weighed today... Today I stepped on the scale and lost 8lbs! Before your head explodes, let me explain. I GAINED 6lbs during my two week eat-whatever-passes-within-grabbing-distance Holiday binge. I didn't really know what to expect but I'm thoroughly pleased. Not to mention I'm <i>FINALLY</i> under 190 - clocked in at 188. The two weeks prior to the break I was gaining and losing the same pound never breaking that 190 threshold. So, yeah. I'm stoked today.<br />
<br />
If anyone is wondering the only thing I did differently besides eating my usual low carb stuff is I really didn't snack much. Mostly because I was super busy with work, and because I wasn't really hungry. The first few days were definitely tough getting back on track but I was rocking along again by Wednesday. Drank lots of water and got as much sleep as possible. Those two things are really important for me in regards to weight loss - I consistently lose if I drink lots of water and get lots of sleep. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
28lbs to go!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-74391084665215348632012-01-08T20:47:00.000-08:002012-01-08T20:47:40.901-08:00Ladies Who Lunch A friend invited me to lunch today - I haven't seen her in months. Funny how that works out; I live less than 5 miles from her but we manage to only see each other sporadically. We both lead pretty busy lives and I will admit I'm really bad about keeping up with people. The fact that I am not on Facebook surely doesn't help. The nice thing is whenever we see each other it's like we just hung out. We went to Specialty's. I had a chicken cobb salad. It was good. <br />
<br />
The title of this post makes me giggle; I called myself a lady. If you all only knew...<br />
<br />
I decided to dress up so please ignore my fat legs - I'm working on it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Awj_OoSFWsU/TwpohdP7TQI/AAAAAAAAATc/nH8E7T8GTUs/s1600/IMG_4630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Awj_OoSFWsU/TwpohdP7TQI/AAAAAAAAATc/nH8E7T8GTUs/s400/IMG_4630.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes another headless photo- had no makeup on, bleh. On another note I've been living in this sweater since I got it. So cozy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzlMDPSf3yU/TwpovbxM66I/AAAAAAAAATk/lmYs5LVUaAw/s1600/close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzlMDPSf3yU/TwpovbxM66I/AAAAAAAAATk/lmYs5LVUaAw/s400/close+up.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Banana Republic Merino Wool Sweater, Thrifted $8</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Target Dress by way of Goodwill, Thrifted $6</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Tights, Ross</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Vince Camuto Oxford Wedges, HSN</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Weigh in tomorrow....ruh-roh!</span></i></div>BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-68678175835030291082012-01-06T22:05:00.000-08:002012-01-06T22:05:56.487-08:00Apparently I'm color blind So...um, yeah I left my house wearing two different shoes today. Not two that were kinda similar in color, but one black and one bright pink. How I managed to make it out of my door and all the way to work before I noticed - I have no clue. Luckily, I work less than 2 miles from my house so I didn't endure any <strike>extra </strike>cockeyed looks before I made it back home to remedy the situation. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5CWaYlTfWM/TwfYUzjRMsI/AAAAAAAAATM/VJYkvo8nf8Q/s1600/shoes+ps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5CWaYlTfWM/TwfYUzjRMsI/AAAAAAAAATM/VJYkvo8nf8Q/s400/shoes+ps.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I've mentioned before that my Boss takes us all to my FAVORITE Indian place for lunch every Friday. The fact that it's also a buffet on Friday's is super yummy cream cheesy icing on top. Yes, having naan inches away from my hands is a bit torturous - I have NO self control with the stuff so I don't even dare touch it. Someone asked me once what I eat when we go (I'm a low-carber) so I managed to snap a pic with my phone before I devoured the plate.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-waxfm5-MPog/Twfbjr3y5SI/AAAAAAAAATU/oLEukRtoj5A/s1600/tandoori+ps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-waxfm5-MPog/Twfbjr3y5SI/AAAAAAAAATU/oLEukRtoj5A/s400/tandoori+ps.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salad with yogurt dressing/Steamed Veggies/Tandoori Chicken/Paneer Masala/Aloo Palak (Minus the Aloo)/and a teeny bit of Daal </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-42890118317849989472012-01-05T20:11:00.000-08:002012-01-06T09:01:12.222-08:00Going to a Luau? So in keeping with my resolutions I decided to "dress up" today. You may look at my outfit and think <i>that's </i>dressed up? Yes, for me this is more put together. I wasn't lying when I said my daily wear is t-shirt and jeans. Quite literally jeans, converse and a a top usually made of cotton. When I walked into the office today my lovely boss remarks "Going to a Luau?" Apparently he thought I was really colorful today. I work with a bunch of dudes and I <i>think</i> that was his way of saying I look nice; at least that's how I'm choosing to take it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uI39-XXI3EU/TwZwC1R1KBI/AAAAAAAAASI/ZdTTCzXfS2A/s1600/outfit+head+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uI39-XXI3EU/TwZwC1R1KBI/AAAAAAAAASI/ZdTTCzXfS2A/s400/outfit+head+down.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQgP_1ejZy4/TwZuvujGfoI/AAAAAAAAARk/8q5NiiJK7p0/s1600/colt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQgP_1ejZy4/TwZuvujGfoI/AAAAAAAAARk/8q5NiiJK7p0/s400/colt.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pup Colt decided he wanted to be in the pic too.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-HCbD6SGaM/TwZu0WUph8I/AAAAAAAAARw/NxPqyNSkXKw/s1600/blur.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-HCbD6SGaM/TwZu0WUph8I/AAAAAAAAARw/NxPqyNSkXKw/s320/blur.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Shirt, Thrifted $3</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Jeans, Ross $10</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Shoes Target $8 on sale</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Necklace, gift</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This top is a perfect example of my thrifting clothes golden rule: If you like anything about an item on the hanger - try it on. I passed this top up twice because 1) it's 2 sizes to big and 2) because I thought it looked a little bridesmaidish/matronly. I finally decided to try it on and I'm glad I did: It's comfy, hides my gut and I love the color. So many times I've passed on items because there was something I didn't like about it on the hanger. So now if I like anything about an item, and I can get into it I will try it on. This is a good tip to keep in mind when clothes shopping in general. I did take this in a bit on the sides and the fit is much better now.<br />
<br />
Sorry about the decapitated look. It's been a long day; I have no make-up on and my hair's a mess so yeah not gonna see my face today.BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-17454994859810000742012-01-04T20:10:00.000-08:002012-01-04T20:10:22.708-08:00Bleh The last few days have been ROUGH. The brain in my belly has been trying to convince the rest of my body to eat anything and everything. The mountain of motivation I had going into the Holiday break has apparently been packed away with the rest of the Christmas decorations. The fact that I've been so busy with work the last few days doesn't help either - I seem to be grazing through the day instead of having proper meals. Don't get me wrong; I'm not grazing on the bad stuff, but the act of eating what I'm eating seems to feel like such a chore because I can't eat what I <i>really</i> want. I hate complaining. I really do - So, I'll stop now because in the grand scheme of things food is just so not important. Ok, yes it's important - you need it to live and all that jazz, but obsessing about what I can and cannot eat just seems so inconsequential. I hate it.<br />
<br />
I was watching some show the other day (local news maybe?) anywho - they were giving out tips on how to make certain food items last longer. I found the tips online and thought I'd share them. Some of them I knew, but others I didn't. Hopefully someone else finds these useful as well.<br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Herbs</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
Herbs tend to be expensive, and you usually have to buy more than you need for
one dish, so you want to make them last as long as possible. The best way to
keep herbs fresh is to by storing them in whole bunches. First wash them, then
seal them in zip lock bags and place them in the freezer. Storing them this way
should keep them at peak freshness for up to a month. That's more than double
them time they would last in the fridge. And when you are ready to use them,
you'll find they are actually easier to chop frozen - and they'll defrost in a
hurry once you toss them into a hot pan.<br />
<br />
<b>Flour, Rice, Pasta</b><br />
<br />
Flour, rice and pasta aren't foods you typically have to worry about going bad
anytime soon. Flour keeps for 6-12 months and pasta up to two years. But these
foods are susceptible to little bugs called weevils. To help ward off the
weevils try slipping a bay leaf into your storage container. The scent of the
bay leave will help repel the bugs. Other items bay leaves will protect are
barley, cornmeal and oatmeal. Most cereal products will be just fine for months
with the bay leaves to protect them. Also consider scattering a few leaves on
your pantry shelves to repel moths, roaches and mice. <br />
<br />
<b>Cheese</b><br />
<br />
You probably never thought about putting butter on your cheese, but that's the
key to keeping it moist when storing it in the refrigerator. Simple spread
butter or margarine on the cut sides and you help seal in the moisture. This
trick works best on hard cheeses sealed in wax.<br />
<br />
<b>Veggies</b><br />
<br />
The reason these veggies wilt is due to water loss. The best way to re-crisp
them is by putting them in ice water. You can let them soak in the ice water
for up to a half hour. The ice water penetrates their cells and helps restore
the crunch. Some foodies also suggest that tossing in a few slices of raw
potato with the wilted veggies helps speed things up the re-crisping. <br />
<br />
<b>Salt</b><br />
<br />
The key here is to keep the salt dry and keep it from clumping together.
Anybody that lives down south where the humidity is particularly high probably
has had their salt shakers clog up. If you put a little bit of dry rice in the
shaker it will stop the salt from hardening. The rice works like a sponge,
absorbing condensation that can cause clumps.<br />
<br />
<b>Stock up on butter</b><br />
<br />
One staple you can stock up on when it's on sale is butter. If you shop in
warehouse stores, such as Costco, don't be afraid to buy it in bulk. Butter
will keep in your freezer for up to six months. Just be sure to store it in an
airtight container or you run the risk of it taking on the flavor of other items
in your freezer. <br />
<br />
<b>Cottage cheese</b><br />
<br />
This tip goes for both cottage cheese and sour cream - neither have a very long
shelf life, so here a way to make them last longer. Simply place the cottage
cheese or sour cream container in the fridge upside down. What does that do? By
inverting the tub it creates a vacuum effect that stifles the growth of
bacteria that can cause the food to spoil.<br />
<br />
<b>Honey</b><br />
<br />
This a great "did you know" for today: What is the only food that
doesn't spoil? The answer: honey. The sugar in honey is itself a preservative.
Honey is also acidic, which helps to keep bacteria out. While it doesn't go
bad, all honey will crystallize at some point. But don't toss it out. The
crystals are just sugar and with a little gentle warming you can make the honey
clear again. Try microwaving it on medium heat for 30 seconds at a time. <br />
<br />
<b>Eggs</b><br />
<br />
If you ever unsure of the freshness of your eggs -- maybe you don't quite trust
the date on the carton -- there's a simple way to test the freshness. Fill up a
container with water and place the eggs in it. Fresh eggs will sink; bad or
spoiled eggs will float. According to the USDA website, an egg can float in
water when its air cell has enlarged sufficiently to keep it buoyant. This
means the egg is old, but it may be perfectly safe to use. Crack the egg into a
bowl and examine it for an off-odor or unusual appearance before deciding to
use or discard it. A spoiled egg will have an unpleasant odor when you break
open the shell, either when raw or cooked. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/02/11/earlyshow/living/ConsumerWatch/main7340130.shtml" target="_blank">Full article here</a> </span></div>BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-76359663853610628312012-01-03T21:40:00.000-08:002012-01-03T21:54:54.938-08:00Resolución Here I am jumping on the resolution bandwagon. I never
usually make these because, well obviously I tend to break them (Hello, that’s
why I’m fat!) But since I’ve started blogging, and there’s that whole
accountability aspect of it that I keep bringing up – I’m going to go ahead and
make a list:<br />
<ol>
<li> <span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span>Lose weight. Well, it’s a given but since it’s
the main motivation behind this blog it does belong on my list. </li>
<li> Start an
Etsy store to hawk my wares. This is MAJOR. I’m running out of
space in my house and there is simply no reason for me to hold onto vintage
clothing items that are size 2 – I will never be a size 2. Plus, I’ve been
thrifting like crazy lately and I need to support my habit. </li>
<li><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Get serious about saving money. I work for a
small start-up so I get a paycheck and nothing else. Thank Jeebus for my <s>live-in
lover</s> Husband’s union or I wouldn’t even have health care.</li>
<li><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>Learn how to properly use my DSLR camera. I
think I’ve taken auto mode as far as it can go. </li>
<li> Be More active outdoors. Notice, I didn’t say exercise
more ;p</li>
<li> ...And last but not least; Dress up more. This is a
weird one for me. Day to day I tend to be t-shirt and jeans. Not because I don’t
have a desire to dress up (and by dress up I mean be little more put together) At
my current weight I have no desire to draw attention to myself. I flat out
refuse to even buy clothing at this size because I feel like I’m giving in to
this weight – so I end up recycling the same old tired outfits all the time. I’m
definitely not one of those “I’m fat and I’m proud!” chicks that are embracing
every roll and curve. I am starting to not care as <i>much </i>about what other people think<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> – </i>I even wore a dress for New Years which I NEVER do, but I’m
much more comfortable in my skin at a lower weight; That I know for sure.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Well, I think there is enough here to keep me pretty busy. If the World doesn't swallow us all up - I think I might have a good shot at powering through these. Here's to 2012 and hoping we all reach at least one of our goals this year!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found this pic online and I think it pretty much sums up blogging to a tee, ha!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qnk45-Sj5io/TwPj1erJG4I/AAAAAAAAAQc/hcqpbTidaJk/s1600/blogging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qnk45-Sj5io/TwPj1erJG4I/AAAAAAAAAQc/hcqpbTidaJk/s400/blogging.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-2291689502406609052012-01-02T16:20:00.000-08:002012-01-02T16:20:25.945-08:00Well Hello There 2012!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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Happy New Year, Folks! I hope everyone rang in the new year
exactly how they wanted. We had a little get together at our house, mostly
family and a few friends. It was nice because we so rarely get a chance to get
the whole lot of us together (From my Dad’s side – immediate family.) We all
have such busy day to day lives that we hardly ever get a chance to sync up, so
yeah that made New Year’s that much more special. We busted out the old fire
pit, hooked the kids up with long pointy sticks and marshmallows and let them go
to town – The adults got to wash it all down with plenty of booze…Good times.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My diet for the last two weeks was pretty much an EPIC fail.
I had planned on just indulging on the two Holidays, but about two days into my
vacation I said ‘Fuck it’ and ate like I was in a competitive eating contest
every day – Yeah, pretty bad. I’m pretty sure I’ve gained about 5 or 6 pounds
back. Oh well - Back on track today, right?! </div>
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<br /></div>
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In between boozin’ I took some pics ;p</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AoGgX0VdeqM/TwJA20kOAXI/AAAAAAAAALo/jXF4W5XYcz0/s1600/IMG_4363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AoGgX0VdeqM/TwJA20kOAXI/AAAAAAAAALo/jXF4W5XYcz0/s400/IMG_4363.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little nut.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7VzZ15PLxA/TwJBxA2A1HI/AAAAAAAAANM/pdhQRTPyVv4/s1600/IMG_4469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G7VzZ15PLxA/TwJBxA2A1HI/AAAAAAAAANM/pdhQRTPyVv4/s400/IMG_4469.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubs and my Uncle</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XFHi47UeSUA/TwJCWkTLdrI/AAAAAAAAANY/Rjosf06m3CE/s1600/IMG_4458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XFHi47UeSUA/TwJCWkTLdrI/AAAAAAAAANY/Rjosf06m3CE/s400/IMG_4458.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt and Uncle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tDzBoHgmYJo/TwJC5VW2_VI/AAAAAAAAANw/imaPuwialY8/s1600/IMG_4442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tDzBoHgmYJo/TwJC5VW2_VI/AAAAAAAAANw/imaPuwialY8/s400/IMG_4442.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Little Bro and my Step-Dad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kWlxE0Misg/TwJEADqWUNI/AAAAAAAAAOw/lq5iTx_z78c/s1600/me+and+dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1kWlxE0Misg/TwJEADqWUNI/AAAAAAAAAOw/lq5iTx_z78c/s400/me+and+dad.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and <strike>Laurence Fishburne</strike> my Dad, he really does look like LB in person not so much here.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmgaUo0G2uw/TwJElkv42AI/AAAAAAAAAO8/yNJeahaU5NE/s1600/IMG_4409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmgaUo0G2uw/TwJElkv42AI/AAAAAAAAAO8/yNJeahaU5NE/s400/IMG_4409.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8pDm1qjsJw/TwJFJ3f_d4I/AAAAAAAAAPU/Y51-zqCkjl0/s1600/IMG_4411.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8pDm1qjsJw/TwJFJ3f_d4I/AAAAAAAAAPU/Y51-zqCkjl0/s400/IMG_4411.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgelACSFees/TwJFu-2uENI/AAAAAAAAAPs/fB4mWSvM33Q/s1600/IMG_4475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgelACSFees/TwJFu-2uENI/AAAAAAAAAPs/fB4mWSvM33Q/s400/IMG_4475.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is my little brother with a pack of Fireworks in one hand and another one inching closer to his face. He's Autistic and tends to 'zero in' on objects, anyone with an autistic relative knows what that means. I probably should have stepped in at this moment instead of worrying about getting a good pic, LOL. FYI he's fine the sparkler didn't get any closer than that.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pic pretty much sums up the night, lots of empty booze cups and plenty of munchies. This is CA and we do have an unusually high amount of Medical Marijuana scrips in our family so munchies are a must hehe.</td></tr>
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<br /></div>BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-42849752298466967282011-12-19T16:42:00.000-08:002011-12-19T16:47:40.349-08:00Until Next Year... I'm taking some vacation from the blogosphere and partially from my diet. No, not entirely. I'm not throwing in the towel, but I am planning on indulging this upcoming Christmas weekend. We'll also be hosting a get together at our Casa for New Year's eve and I'd like to get my drink on. Soooo my plan is to hopefully maintain my weight loss to date. If I stay the same, great. If I lose, awesome. I weighed in this morning and I lost 3lbs! 18 total since 11/14 - 32 more to go...<br />
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If you're reading this You have a Wonderful Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Kwanza and all that Jazz! Let's hope 2012 is good for us all!<br />
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Until then let my friends entertain you.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G97M_bft5b8/Tu_VKIDILSI/AAAAAAAAALM/BRbWmYzpyew/s1600/ugly-christmas-sweater-joy-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G97M_bft5b8/Tu_VKIDILSI/AAAAAAAAALM/BRbWmYzpyew/s400/ugly-christmas-sweater-joy-lg.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yup, still making me smile...</span></td></tr>
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Any Dragon Tattoo fans? Rooney Mara looks amazing as LS. So looking forward to this...</div>
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<br />BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-75740618425859170682011-12-18T21:45:00.000-08:002011-12-18T21:45:47.379-08:00Get your Swerve on Peeps! I ordered some Swerve about two weeks ago and received my package last week, and since then I've been thoroughly enjoying it in my coffee and tea. Swerve is an Erythritol based sugar alternative that measures cup for cup like sugar. It is the closest thing I've found that tastes like sugar in my coffee. It's damn expensive about $12 bucks a pound, but having now tried it in my coffee I can't go back to the liquid sweetener I was using. I plan on using it sparingly but I did want to try and bake with it. I decided to make cinnamon sugar cookies and boy did they come out yummy. Because it is Erythritol there is still that slightly cool taste to the cookies, but these were still really good and held up very much like a real cookie. No, I'm not going to put Toll house out of business with these. I may call it a cookie, but I've yet to come across a LC cookie that came close to tasting like anything made with actual flour. If you're like me and the "white stuff" is off limits these end up being a decent replacement. <br />
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Now, I am by no means a baker. So if you're looking at this recipe and wondering Why did she add that? or Why did she do that in that quantity? I can't answer you. All I did was find a basic sugar cookie recipe and tweaked it. There is no rhyme or reason to my recipe I just used what I had on hand. If anyone has suggestions to make it better, please let me know (And No, use flour and real sugar is not a helpful suggestion) :p<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Low Carb Cinnamon Sugar Cookie </span></div>
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<li>1 Cup Blanched Almond Flour (I used up some Bob's and some I got from nuts online)</li>
<li>2 Tbsp Vanilla Whey Protein Powder</li>
<li> 2 Tbsp Coconut Flour</li>
<li>3/4 Cup Swerve (or equivalent sweetener of your choice, original recipe called for 1 cup but I thought that would be too much. These were still pretty sweet may use even less next time)</li>
<li>1 stick soft room temp butter</li>
<li>1 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1 room temp egg</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla </li>
<li>1 tsp cinnamon (or as much or as little as you want, I may have added a bit more can't remember)</li>
<li>1 tsp xanthan gum (If you don't have this, it may still be okay not sure if it's necessary or not. I added it because I had it - remember no rhyme or reason!)</li>
<li>About 1 Tbsp Swerve and 1/2 tsp cinnamon for rolling your cookies.</li>
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I got about 18 cookies out of this. Approximately 1 Net carb per cookie. </div>
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Cream butter and sugar. Once blended add egg and vanilla. Combine all of the dry ingredients in another bowl (Make sure to mix it up so the different "flour"/powders are all distributed evenly)Add about half of the flour to the creamed butter and mix, add second half and mix until all is well blended. Put the dough in the fridge for about 20 minutes (It's too sticky otherwise). When ready take the dough and roll into balls, dip one side of the ball into the sugar/cinnamon mixture and place other end on your cookie sheet - flatten ball with the palm of your hand. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes, but watch carefully after about 8 minutes they go from cooked to burnt pretty quickly. <br />
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I baked my first batch for about 10 minutes, the edges were nice and browned but the middle stayed somewhat soft. My next batch I kept in for about 12 minutes and the whole top was browned. I prefer the taste of the first batch because it was a bit soft and crunchy. You will probably want to taste one right out of the oven like I did and they will be really soft and you'll be like WTF?! but put them on plate and check back in about 10 minutes and they'll have firmed up nicely. This is when they tasted the best about 15 minutes after I took them out of the oven. The next day they were good, but that "cool taste" oh so familiar with Erythritol baked goods was much more prevalent. <br />
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<br />BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8366927450146153629.post-75257605114808600242011-12-18T20:42:00.000-08:002011-12-18T21:56:03.058-08:00Black hole aka shopping mall parking lot Day's like this I thank Jeebus we have the Internet. The shopping Gods were not in my favor today. Yeah, I know it's the Sunday before Christmas but damn it was ca-ra-zy out there. Lots of honking and finger flippin' a plenty. At one point I tried to go to Old Navy, after circling the parking lot for about 15 minutes I gave up and left. I made my way to Target only to realize I left my purse at home which contained my Red card and a gift card I had. I still had my debit card in my back pocket so I stopped at a Ross on the way home, found a super cute jacket only to put it back once I saw that the checkout line wrapped all the way around to the back of the store. I think I managed to check maybe one person off of my list. So I wouldn't feel completely defeated I managed to find a few things on Amazon and make my list a bit smaller - It's probably what I should have done from the beginning and saved myself the headache and some gas. <br />
One highlight from today was my lunch. I took advantage of Cheesecake Factory's curbside pickup and ordered a Salad w/Chicken - I know, what's so special about a chicken salad? Well, not much. BUT their ranch dressing is off the hook! Yes, I said off the hook <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Are kids still saying that?)</span> I forgot how good their ranch is. I can't be certain, but I'm fairly positive that they put crack in it. Why else then would I be at this very moment craving ranch dressing? It's the crack I tell ya!!BeesKneeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02531824314781252412noreply@blogger.com0