High Fructose Corn Syrup HFCS

Dr. Lustig had a book out, "Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity and Disease." I just viewed Dr. Robert Lustig's YouTube video Sugar: The Bitter Truth and found it very eye opening.  You can view it by clicking here. 

I was aware of some of the points in Dr. Lustig's presentation.  In fact I just read an article by Dr. Mercola about the effects of Coca Cola in a person's diet (and made RT quit his one coke a day habit).  I knew that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is bad for you and is in just about every (processed) food out there.  (I didn't know that fiber was taken out of food to give it a longer shelf life)

I did learn from Dr. Lustig that each person consumes about 141 pounds of sugar per year.  Wow!  And we wonder why we have an obesity (and Type Two diabetes) problem in the US?  "Fructose is not glucose and does not support the hunger hormone."  That's why we keep eating more and more (bad food). 

Another interesting fact was that Gatorade (the original) came out in 1970 and didn't have sugar.  (I remember my brothers drinking it and thinking it tasted good)  Gatorade was later bought out and HFCS was added to it.  To make it taste good so more people will drink it.  (which means more sugar in our diet)

Very disturbing was the fact that baby formula has corn syrup solids and sucrose added to it.  Why?  And we are led to believe that the formula is good for our babies.  Hey, it's approved by the FDA.  Aren't they supposed to be watching out for us?

Taken from Dr. Lustig's speech:

from the FDA "no harm will result from the use of the additive (fructose).  and HFCS is generally regarded as safe.  It is adulterated if it contains anything poisonous that makes it injurious to health."

I could go on and on.

View the YouTube video.  It's long but it's worth it. 

Your health is worth it.

And, how old are you?

I'm sure you remember my Valentine craft post (love on a picture frame).

Well, I came home to find out that it "somehow" broke. 

I had the picture on the mantle leaning against the fireplace.  It has been up there for a few weeks now without falling.  I had just admired it a few days before thinking how much I really like it.
I leave the house to go to a Daisy meeting on Friday and when I return, it's broken.

When I walked in the door, Nick asked me if I remembered that picture with the word "Love" on it. 
I said yes. 
He said it broke. 
I said how? 
He said that he wanted to see if it was attached.  He touched it and it fell and hit the fireplace and shattered.  (I'm not sure if he was talking about the word or if the picture was attached to the wall).   

Normally I would be worried about having nice things around my children when they are young, but, when they are sixteen, I shouldn't have to worry.  He was truly sorry about it and wanted to pay for a new one.  (I told him that I made it)

Now I am on the lookout for some glass to replace my frame.

Wish me luck.

Fast Food

Alex had several basketball games on Saturday.  Two of them were spread out around dinner time.  I promised them I would take them (Alex and Bella) out for dinner.  Of course, Alex picks a fast food place.  This isn't one of the popular places across the country (or world) (think McDonalds, Wendy's, Burger King), it's more of a local fast food chain.

Once they made their decision, I made my dinner to bring with me.  I'm not a big fan of fast food.  Especially when you don't know ALL of the ingredients.  Then, I have to factor in the whole vegetarian meal.  I know I'm safe if I pack my own food, so I did.

When we got to the restaurant (it was packed!  well, it was Saturday night) there was a sign on the door that said, "No outside food allowed."  That meant I would have to eat my dinner in the car.  Again, no big deal. 

Bella was a little upset about it.  She told me that when she grows up she is going to have a restaurant and have food for vegetarians.  I said I would gladly come and eat at her restaurant (and even work there). 

My Fan Club

Every morning, on my return walk from the bus stop, I look up at our house and this is what I see:

My fan club

sorry about the bad picture

The hearts around them shows their love for me

If I leave the house, they stare out the front window with sad eyes wondering why I didn't take them with me.  When I return, they are there at the window, waiting patiently.  Do they stand there the whole time?  I'm sure Newton lays down after a couple of minutes.  (he's ten, he's allowed to rest)  I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Pippen stood there waiting the entire time.  (he's such a Mama's boy!)

They make a great welcome home committee.  It's good to know that you are loved and appreciated. 

Of course, I'm the one that feeds them.....

Vegetarian Diaries - Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Onions

I took Bella to a birthday party for one of the boys in her class.  It turns out this is the first birthday party that he has ever had in his life (he turned seven).   I decided to stay with Bella.  She can get a little clingy especially if she has never been to the person's house.

 I ended up talking with the birthday boy's (BB) uncle.   You know me.  Talking it up with everyone around me.  He told me a little history about the family (they are from India).  There are 3 sisters, he is married to one of them (his second marriage), and the other two sisters live with their husbands and families at the house (where we were at for the party).  Yea, for some reason, people tell me their whole life story..RT tells me it's a gift that I have.

 I met BB's grandma.  I encouraged her to join in on the limbo game (she did).  I tried to get her to go again when it got lower but, she chickened out.  I had to leave (just as the meal was being served) and they got quite upset.  (I had to pick Nick up from work)  I promised I would be back and eat then.  When they found out I was a vegetarian, they were so excited.  (they are all vegetarian)  They told me they go to the church that holds the annual veggie festival (I already marked my calendar for August this year).

I bumped into them at the open house for Bella's school and they were all hugging me.  I think I have become part of their family (that's RT in the background saying "People love you!").

Anyway, that was my vegetarian story.

I have been on a spinach kick lately.  I can't get enough of it!

We buy the two and a half pound bag of fresh spinach.  It's a huge bag.  I was worried the first time I bought it.  I didn't think we would be able to eat that much spinach.  We managed to finish it off.

I will use spinach for a salad or in soup.  I even made a taco salad using spinach (instead of lettuce).  It was delicious!

One morning I decided I had a taste for spinach and chopped a bunch up, along with some onion and sauteed it.

I scrambled an egg in it so it seemed a little more breakfast-y

It was more spinach than egg

If you want, you can put in a little feta cheese (and make it more like a Greek omelet)

goat cheese might work, too

 

 Enjoy!

Know your target market

I think I have seen it all.

Bella just got a letter (advertisement) addressed to her from AT & T for a new cell phone.  Smart phones, too.  Not the average phone that doesn't have any of the bells and whistles.  Smart phones!

Yea.  I know.  She's seven!  Nothing like starting them early, huh?  I mean, I'm sure she's going to be a talker.  Chit chatting with all of her friends at all hours of the day (and night).  She already has old cell phones (that do not have service) that she pretends are real.

Of course, I didn't let her see it.  I don't want to hear how she has to have a cell phone.   (she can come up with some good arguments...none of which make sense)

As funny as it seems, the uneasy feeling I have about this is, how did they get her name and address?

Low Fuel Level

Nick has been driving our cars when needed.  Well, for work or to hang with friends.  I have no problem with him using the cars.  I do have a problem when he uses a lot of the gas and leaves me with a car that has about 45 miles until empty.  That may seem like a lot, but, when you have a lot of errands to run, you're sick and it's cold outside, the last thing you want to do is stop at a gas station to  fill up your car.  I should state that my car had half a tank of gas when he borrowed it.

My dad always told me that if I borrowed the car I should put $5.00 worth of gas in the car.  Of course, this was a LONG time ago when $5.00 worth of gas was at least 5 gallons, which was enough to get him to the nearest gas station without having to push the car.  He also said that it's wise to keep a full tank, never go below the half way point.  Some people might argue that it's a waste to have all of that gas in your tank.  It's actually nice if you get in your car and know that you have at least a half tank of gas when you have to go some where and a gas station stop is not in your plans.

Which brings me to the reason I decided to write this post.

Today I had to use RT's car.  He is going to be taking my car for the next few days (my car, the one that has a FULL TANK OF GAS) and was taking it to have the oil and tires checked out.   I had to go somewhere (he knew this) and he said to use his car.  Once in his car, I get this message:

Yep, "Fuel Level Low" along with a beeping sound

I'm sure the beeping sound means, HEY, GO TO A GAS STATION!

Nothing like being all dressed up, its 2F and REALLY windy outside and I have to pump gas into the car. 

I have come to realize that I think my husband is allergic to gas stations.  Every time I get in his car to drive it the fuel is low.  Every time.  It's funny how the cars is always offered up to me for use (knowing that the tank is empty).  I think he knows I will fill it up with gas.

Just once I would like to get into a car and have the comfort of knowing that the tank is full and I don't have to make an emergency stop at the gas station or figure out a plan on how to push the car the rest of the way to the gas station by myself while wearing heels.

My First Sewing Attempt

You knew this moment was coming. 

I finally got the machine out, the needle threaded (about a dozen times), cut some material and made a project that I have been eyeing for some time.   I found the inspiration and tutorial here on the blog, "This Heart of Mine."  I thought  the clutches that Amy made were adorable and they seemed rather simple to make. 

I learned a few things along the way.  Like, measure your materials.  Yea, it seems simple and a no brainer, but it's the one thing I did not do the first time around.  Hey, it was my first time! 

I also learned that it's OK to get up and walk away for a few minutes.  The needle kept unthreading itself to drive me crazy.   Sometimes walking away and coming back gives you a fresher perspective (and a little more patience so you can strangle thread that needle).

It's also okay to improvise.  That probably isn't what a professional sewer (seamstress?) would say but, I figure sometimes you just have to go with your gut.  Adjust things if you need to.

Here's a picture of my first little clutch bag.  I loved the colorful leafy fabric.  I haven't figured out how to add a snap yet.  That's my next step (once I have mastered making these).

 I told Bella about it when she got off the bus today.  She was pretty excited and said, I can't wait to use it.  (she likes to take over things that I make and keep them all to herself)  Of course, when she saw it, she said, "Never mind.  I don't want it." 

Ouch!  Where's the love?

Back to my little clutch.  My issue is the inside pocket is sewn, but is not straight (longer on one side).  That's where the measuring comes in.

Hard to see in this picture. 

Look closely and you will see that the top of the inside pocket is not straight.

Here's a picture of my second attempt.  I decided to make it a little smaller to use as a package for a gift.   I even measured this time. (surprise, surprise)  I made a template.

 My template size is 3.5"x6".  This makes a pretty small bag.  Again, my bag did not come out perfect (I'm determined to get it right).  The outside is red and the inside is red with white hearts. 

Of course, Bella saw this one and grabbed it.  She said it's perfect for her and that she loves the Velcro.  Glad I could get it right this time for her.

I'm off to make another one.  Hopefully three times is a charm.

Valentines Day Cards

Bella made all of her valentines day cards for her class.

We have lots of glitter, stickers, paper, glitter glue, bling, doilies and ribbon to use.  Bella dove into the glitter glue and decided that's what she wanted to use for all of her cards.   Glitter glue gobs take awhile to dry.  Good thing we started this project a week early.  We also used sequins (glued them on in the shape of a heart) and, of course, my favorite, paper heart mosaics.  (I didn't get a close up of those, you will just have to take my word for it that they were cute!)

I made a  card for RT.  I used glitter!  and made sure I used a shot of my ancient bottle of hairspray to hold the glitter onto the card.

I also decorated a lunch bag for a little gift for Bella.

like my card?

I used a foam heart and glittered it (glue then glitter) and a little hair spray

The great thing is this is a foam heart sticker so I didn't add any glue.  Just peel and stick.

I made some cookies and brownies for the boys of the house.  I didn't think they would want a gushy valentine card from their mom.  :)

Did you do anything special today?

Happy Valentines Day!

Valentine Photo Book

I was going to call this post a Valentine Love book, but, I thought that might send everyone's mind in a different direction and be a little risque. 

Valentine Photo book sounds a little better.

I have made several photo books here and here  .

For this book I used an empty cereal box.  I cut four square pieces out of the box. 

Using scrapbook paper, I covered both sides of the cardboard.

 Printed out my pictures and, using some other pretty paper, I put my pictures in the book.

Of course I added a little heart to the back

This will say: " Made with love from Mom"

 Oh, and I got to use my crop-o-dile to make the holes.  I love that tool!

This book is about Bella.  The book was going to be for RT with pictures of us together but I realize that we don't have any pictures of us together.  I'm usually taking the pictures so we have pictures of him (and the kids, of course).  He has some pictures from his camera (of sticks and the kids).  My goal is to get some pictures of the two of us together.  RT told me to photo shop some pictures together.  Considering there really aren't many pictures of me it might be impossible.   Maybe I should put together a book of his stick pictures.

I added stickers and some ribbon to pretty it up.

I wrote a little about the pictures and decorated the pages a bit

All ready for Valentines Day!

 

Spread the love!

My embarrassing moment for the day

Embarrassing moments.  Everyone has them.

Today was my turn.

I let the dogs out this morning.  Something I do every morning.  Remember when we got each of the dogs and I was told I wouldn't have to do anything?  Yea, I remember that, too.

Anyway.  I fed both dogs and let them out again.  I have to make sure I clean up after Newton for certain reasons.

I thought I would put in a load of laundry to start off my day.  When I got the load going, I checked on the dogs and was upset at what was happening.  I ran out the door and said, "Don't eat Poo!"  (this is to Pippen) 

Of course, my next door neighbor was right there. 

Can you say embarrassing? 

Good thing we've been neighbors for awhile.  I'm pretty sure this isn't the first (and probably won't be the last) time he has experienced our weirdness. 

Valentine Love Picture

Remember my last Valentine frame picture post?  How I said it would be a cool idea to try using a heart shape and some pretty paper as a background?  I even said I might just try that and see how it comes out.

Well, guess what?  I tried it and I like how it came out! 

And, of course, I thought I would share it with you.

I used a frame that is a little weather beaten.  Ok, it's old, but I thought weather beaten sounded a little better than old, don't you think?  Like it has been through a lot.

The paper is (love)writings.  Something that can easily be made.  Take your white paper and dip it in tea.  Once the paper is dry, it will have a stained look to it (like an old piece of paper).  You can repeat the tea process to get a darker tint to your paper.  We had to do this for a school project for the boys - I don't remember which grade.  The tea makes the paper look old, then they write a letter on it.  If I remember correctly, this was in fifth grade.  The students were pretending they were soldiers in the Civil War and they were writing a letter home to their family.  It was weird to read the letters.  You know alot of those soldiers did not make it back home and what was the mail system like back then?  Creepy.

Okay, enough creepiness.  Back to our project.

Using your best handwriting skills and a black pen, write out a poem or love letter.   Make sure that it fits inside the frame.  Paint your heart red and attach to the center of the paper.  Pop it all into your frame and you're done!

 

Keep spreading the love!

Spreadable Butter

Good thing one of my children cared enough to put the (empty) container of spreadable butter back in the refrigerator.

I went to make a grilled cheese for another child and this is what I found:

very thoughtful, don't you think?

Vegetarian Diaries - Chinese Noodle Soup

Went to a friend's house last weekend for the Super Bowl.  I mentioned that I am a vegetarian (before we went there) and told them not to worry about food for me.  I made sure to bring a salad along for dinner. 

While we were there, my vegetarian-ism was brought up.  It seems to be such a hot topic for people.  They want to hear all about it.  Why?  When?  What (brought this about)?  I answered all questions.  I did overhear a couple people say that they could never do that (go vegetarian).  They said they need their meat. 

Turns out one of the party goers brought a vegetarian dish (veggie tacos) just for the occasion.  Oh, and they absolutely loved my salad.  (which was whatever I felt like tossing in)  Even the meat lovers went for seconds on the salad. 

This week we have all been battling a bad cough.  I can't seem to shake it.  Yes, I should do the apple cider vinegar shot and get it over with (I'll do it after I put up this post.  I promise).  Today's coughing was non stop for me.  Throat lozenges aren't doing the trick.

I had a taste for soup.  Since I don't eat meat, chicken noodle soup is out.  I thought an Asian noodle soup with some vegetables sounded pretty good. 

Here's what I came up with, taken from Allrecipes.com

 

Asian Chicken Noodle Soup

4 ounces dry Chinese noodles
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth

6 shiitake mushrooms, sliced

2 green onions, chopped

1 skinless, boneless chicken breast half

2 eggs

 

*I left out the chicken, added more green onions and mushrooms and one more egg and a touch of soy sauce

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir noodles into boiling water and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. (For a chewier texture, shock the noodles by pouring 1 cup cold water into the pot when it starts to foam, then letting it come to a boil again to finish cooking.) Drain and divide into two serving bowls.

Meanwhile, bring chicken broth to boil in a medium saucepan with mushrooms and green onions. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir into boiling broth. When broth returns to a boil, crack eggs into broth. Continue to cook until chicken is no longer pink and eggs are cooked, about 10 minutes. Pour the chicken soup over the noodles in the bowls and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

I wonder how much of a difference it would make on the environment if the school buses did not idle while waiting for the students at school?

My New Saying

I have a new saying.  Don't worry, my family's saying, "what?" is still in use. 

This is my saying that I have been using quite a bit lately.  I didn't make it up and I don't know who to give credit.

Here it goes.

"It is what it is."

Before you jump to any conclusions, think about it for a minute.  There is a situation or a problem and you really can't do anything to change it.  You may not like it and want to jump in and change it to your liking, but, you can't.  You can waste hours and hours trying to figure out how to change it or make it better.   Some situations (problems) can not be changed.  So, why waste your time getting worked up about the situation (or problem) and just accept it and move on.

Well, I like it.  It has helped me get over things that did not happen (that I wanted to happen) and to just graciously accept the situation "as is."

It is what it is.

Try it.

My Christmas Gift

I'm not sure if I mentioned the toaster that I received for Christmas this year. 

Yes, very romantic, I know.  You should be jealous.  Not everyone gets a toaster for Christmas.

Our old toaster was going.  You had to run the bread through a few times to get it to toast the bread.  (so much for toast in a hurry)  The old toaster had four slots.  It came in handy at all of those wild toast parties we had at our house.  (The police were always being called.  Sigh.  I'm going to miss those "crumb-y" times)  It was big, bulky and a storage hog.  Sad to say that things like toasters are not built to last very long.  I received this toaster as a Christmas gift less than ten years ago.

My new toaster only has two slots.  It has seriously cut down on our toast socializing.  It is a lot smaller and very easy to store.  You only have to run the bread through one cycle in order for it to toast, unless you're like "some people" me  who like it REALLY toasted.  

One day, after having the toaster for a month (I don't eat toast that often, but, make it for others in the house) I realized that it had a feature that will lift the toast higher so you don't burn your fingerprints off.  How convenient!  No more burnt fingers.  It only took me a month to realize this feature.

Recently (so, now, six weeks since I've had my gift) I noticed that it has a retractable cord.  (yea, I'm all about noticing all of the features of my gifts.  I study my gifts and know every little inch of them.)  At first I thought I could push the cord in a little.  I was later told by RT that the cord is, in fact, retractable.  Apparently it's something I should have known when I got the toaster.

Maybe I will have to keep a better grip on my gifts so they don't pulled out of the box, placed on the counter begging me to be used.  Meanwhile, the box and paperwork are being recycled before anyone gets to look at them.

I'll keep you posted if I figure out any more features.  Be patient.  It might take me awhile.

Valentine Love Frame

More Valentine art to share!

I have wanted to do this project for a long time.  I had the idea, found some of the pieces but never got around to it until now.

What you need:  Pretty paper, picture frame (with glass), letters (to spell "love") or a heart, paint, paint brush, glue and glue gun.

I happened to have the word "love" in cursive.  I found this on clearance about a year ago.  You can find letters or words at Michael's Craft Store, Hobby Lobby or any other craft store.  Another idea would be to get a heart and use it on a smaller picture frame.  In fact, I might just do that at a later date.

My word came in white.  I decided to paint it red.  I wanted it to stand out.  It took several coats of paint, so be patient.

I cut my pretty paper to fit inside the frame and glued it to the back of some cardboard.  I don't think you will have to do this.  I was originally going to do this project without the glass inside the picture frame, but decided that when I glued them on they will need some support so they don't fall off.  I used the hot glue gun so the words would adhere to the glass (and, hopefully not fall off!).

I'm liking the way it turned out.  Even the gold frame.  Originally I was thinking a black frame, but, I found this frame at the thrift store and thought I would try it.  The brown background doesn't show off the whole look.  Here is what it looks like on the mantle.

It was hard getting this picture because the frame has glass and my camera wanted to use the flash.  Of course I'm taking this picture at night and there isn't great lighting in our family room so the camera kept insisting on using the flash.  Since the flash kept causing a glare, I turned it off and this is the picture I got without the flash.  Not sure if you can see the details.  It looks great next to my glittered hearts, doesn't it?

 

Keep spreading the love!

It's just another Manic Monday

Poor Bella was up coughing most of the night (so was I).  I'm keeping her home from school.  (I decided not to share the cold love this time around)  I believe she got this cold when she went to a friends house.  The younger brother was coughing and the mom said, "Oh, he's not contagious."  Yea, the things people say.  You can't make this stuff up.

Bella kept telling me she had to go to school.  (she has a bit of her mother inside her)  I told her that it was ok to miss a day and that she doesn't want to get her school friends sick.

We are in need of throat lozenges. 

I was curious about the differences in cough drops and throat lozenges and decided to look it up.  Here is what I found out:  Taken from Wikipedia

"Cough drops and throat lozenges are actually separate products, although they are often confused in common terminology. Cough drops are intended to reduce coughing. Throat lozenges are intended to soothe the pain of a sore throat."

I thought that was interesting.  I thought that they were interchangeable. 

Cough drop sounds like something that you coughed out.  (yea, I can be gross sometimes) 

I still like using the word lozenge.  It's a lot more fun to say than cough drop.

Valentine Art

I love Valentine's Day.  RT call's it the "National Holiday" because I think it's the best holiday and everyone should have the day off. 

It's an important day.  A day to share with the one's that you love.  That was plural on purpose.  The plural was not intended for multiple lovers (hey, let's try and keep this clean!), but for family members (children, etc.).

I found this idea here on Mrs. Polly Rodgers  .  She has some fun ideas for crafts for $1.00 or less.You should check her out!

I purchased the heart boxes at the dollar store and already had the glitter and glue. 

I jumped right in and started glittering away my little hearts.  (GLITTER!)

I let them dry, sprayed them with hairspray.  Yes, I have hairspray.  I couldn't tell you how old the can is because I use it once in a blue moon.  (like Bella's dance recital and the Daddy/Daughter Dance)  I don't think the brand is around anymore.  Does anyone use hairspray anymore?

I used the hairspray so the glitter would stay on the hearts (and not all over my house).  Yes, I love glitter but not all over the house.

I had a hurricane glass to put them in (I took out my Christmas decorations) and realized that I need more hearts.  :)

 I might have to get a few more so it looks full

I love the way they came out, don't you?

Just spreading the love.

Daddy Daughter Dance 2013

Also known as Sweetheart Dance.

This year they changed the name of the dance to the "Sweetheart Dance."  I think with all of the talk about Daddy/Daughter Dances in the news, it seemed like the right thing to do.  I still like to refer to it as a Daddy Daughter Dance.

This year (and last year) the 5th grade Girl Scout Troop hosted a Sweetheart Dance.  On the invitation, they suggest bringing your sweetheart:  Daddy, Grandpa, Uncle or Special Friend).  This year's theme was a masquerade.

Bella wanted curls in her hair.  I won't go into detail the nightmare (crying, fit throwing) that we had with her hair.  Let's just say if this is a sign of what's to come, I'm in for it when she is a teenager.

Bella wore the dress she wore in the wedding last year.  She's been wearing it around the house and for dress up.  She has been looking forward to an occasion to wear this dress again.

Here she is all prettied up in her purple dress

 Beautiful

 I like this one!  They look so cute, don't they?

Here is a picture RT took at the dance

 Bella is beaming!  (and so is RT)
Looks like they're having a great time
After the dance, they went to Colonial Cafe for ice cream (because I'm sure they didn't have enough cakes, cookies and candy at the dance)  And, I think they wanted to extend their date a little longer. 

Bella with her friend, ready to have ice cream!
Love the masks and the beads
Looks like they had a great time!