Fancy That!

Featured in my MP3 list in the sidebar, is my absolute FAVORITE song for this summer. Paradise by Aaron Sledge. It's one of those top down, windows open, speakers thumping songs you cruise down the highway smiling - songs of summer. I stumbled across it last week after I'd downloaded the album. This track puts me in mind of some old school Miami Vice numbers; talkin' about going to the Bahamas and relaxing at the beach. Then the lyrics in the last verse talk about going to Paradise "walk the streets made of gold, live stories Grandma told".

http://aaronsledge.emigospel.com/biography/

We've all been there. Gotta have that Chocolate, and for me - it's every morning!!! I'm settling for a Skinny Mocha at Starbucks w/ lowfat milk and no whipped cream. I know it's not the greatest for me, but it gets me through the day.

When I'm really in a fix, I've got to get to Abundant Living where Diana has a stash of Carob covered peanuts or raisens in her refrigerated section. They are so addicting!! What is Carob? Jenny Matthau would define it as "the leguminous pods of the locust tree indigenous to the Mediterranean. Carob powder a healthier alternative to cocoa powder is made from roasted and ground carob pods. It is a very rich source of calcium and potassium and unlike cocoa is naturally sweet and contains no caffeine or oxalic acid." So ok, what good is that to ya? If you are working out every day and you are getting muscle soreness the calcium and potassium will help them heal faster along with drinking water to flush out the toxins. No, you won't get the caffeine, but if you've already had enough for the day, skip it. It only brings on anxiety and can cause palpitations anyway. Eating carob flavored snack will help your body process food better and won't make you feel bloated or sluggish.

One more little secret of mine? I have a stash of Luna Bars in the cabinet. My favorite flavors are Peanut Butter, White Chocolate Macadamia, and Chocolate Peppermint Stick. They are low in calories and have 140 mg of Potassium to help with water weight and muscle soreness. They taste soooo good, but will melt in the car or even your purse, so carry with care.

Do you ever think this while you are in the heat of that race to put in crazy hours during the week? Becoming so driven to stack up the cash, can lead you to volunteer for extra hours, take call for your week and someone elses too, or rearrange your schedule to cover someone's vacation and your own gig at the same time. Write yourself a little note on a piece of paper and put it in a jar. Write a list of things you wish you had time to do. Keep track of those things and then when your work starts to loosen up and you get bored - pull out a few slips of paper or your list and make plans.

My personal list can look something like this:

Call a friend and schedule a play date.
Go to the state park's beach w/ the kids.
Put up different curtains in the living room.
Change the bedroom furniture around.
Shop for scrapbooking stuff.
Develop pictures.
Make picture album.
Plant flowers in pots for deck.

Keep a small notepad with you everywhere. Keep one in the bathroom, on the fridge, in your purse, in your Bible. You never know when you'll remember something you need to do. Responsibilities are endless as a Mom, and the more things you can bring together, the more you will feel in control. Be intentional!

I get so excited every Sunday night!! It's on! Ok, so for all you fans out there, it was TIME for Dzintra to go home. I'm sure that she would be a wealth of knowlege, but could she lasso all those ideas and secure her center?

Brianna, honey what is up? I'm thinking Brianna is afraid to get out there. What is holding her back? Girl, get it on! I think she will get there, but we are short on episodes.

My favorite right now is Aarti. I'll come to your Party ANYDAY, Girl! She's fun and I'm ready to get some of her recipes to try. I think she will be the winner. The thing that intrigues me about her is the reviews by the selection committee that praise her flavors. I've never been to a restaurant that cooks that kind of food; so for me as a home cook, I've got to get my kitchen stocked and do it for the family. Aarti, keep that smile on, and don't peak too soon.

Aria, is one of the front runners too, and I'm interested about how she could incorporate her family life into her show. As a mom with toddlers, it would be great to see a show where you could see kids in the kitchen too. Is that Aria's niche? I'm wishing she could give more kiddie dishes or ideas of make ahead dishes or 3-4 different dishes from one meat that you buy on sale. Aria, equip me!

The guys aren't getting my vote this time. Darrell, you have got the look but not the flair to keep my attention. Brad, show me something more than the monotone narrative. I'd fall asleep in class if you were teaching.

Herb, you are right there where I need a kickstart to eating right to reach my fitness goals, but the previews show you falling apart NEXT WEEK. Aaahhh!! Couldn't you talk more about portions and eating right and what to eat for a flat stomach? Don't let me down and leave the show yet!!!

I'm tuning in next week to find out who will continue.
Leave a comment, let's talk!!