Congratulations to my buddy Kotton and his mom Indica! They've been waiting with LBR for a long two years, waiting on their perfect family. See, they're not spring chickens anymore, and they've been together their entire lives. LBR really wanted to keep their family together, but it took a long time to find the exact right forever family for them. But last night, they found it!!! They'll be going to their new family this weekend, and I hear that everybody is super excited about it. Way to go, Kotton & Indica! It was worth the wait!
Giving Back
We were only one group of several in DC and there were many more around country. Another group in DC was delivering prepared meals to people in treatment for cancer or HIV/AIDS.
Although this was the first nationwide volunteer event organized by Walmart, it is far from the only way that the organization provides for the hungry. I learned that Walmart will provide $2 Billion thru 2015 to feed the hungry in the United States. I loved hearing this statistic, especially when you consider a city like Washington, DC which has the highest child poverty rate in the nation. Walmart’s efforts are helping to feed the most vulnerable members of the population. In addition to volunteers for the day, each project in Washington, DC received $5000 from Walmart.
This was my first time working at a food bank and basically we had to sort through all of the donations to determine what was good, what was for the “hog” bin and separate everything into the appropriate bins.
It was like reverse shopping, each of us grabbed a reusable shopping bag, placed groceries in them and put them in the bins. We each had our own methodology, I mostly stuck to looking for pasta, rice, soup and diet food.
The entire crew from Walmart was efficient. Some people were responsible for emptying the large boxes of donations into bins for sorting, others were packing the sorted foods in boxes for delivery. We were like a machine and everyone determined what they were comfortable doing and did it.
We completed the job in a couple of hours, the food bank actually saved some food for us during the week because they knew we were coming. Apparently, the summer months are the slowest for foodbanks - people generally think about food donations around the holidays but there are always mouths to feed. If you are ever considering holding a food drive, perhaps work with your child over the summer to organize one when the need for the food is the greatest!
Overall, I think everyone involved had a wonderful time. I am actually considering visiting my local foodbank to donate some of my time. I know that around the holidays they will be inundated with food and in serious need of volunteers. If you have a few hours to spare consider donating time to help out at a food bank too.
The sense of accomplishment and joy in knowing that you are helping others is unmatchable!
Disclosure: My travel expenses to DC were provided by Walmart and I was compensated for photographing and documenting the event.
Race Day Essentials - Vol. 2
I am pretty sure I am headed to Shrinkvivor Exile Island today. Training for a half-marathon usually doesn’t equal weight loss but I’m good. I’m still running and preparing for my race in 17 days. Since I’m maintaining my weight loss, I’m happy. In the meantime, I want to share Volume 2 of my race day essentials series.
This race day essential again may not be for everyone but it is a must for me. Make-up. I know, I know, who is thinking about make-up when preparing to run 13.1 miles? Me! I like to put my best face forward and I wear a little make-up to ensure that I am always camera ready. I’m not talking about wearing full-on false eye-lashes(although if that is what you want to do by all means do so) but I do mean a bit of coverage.
For me, wearing make-up serves two purposes. One, my face is picture perfect and two I protect my skin. I use two types of make-up for my foundation - on the places on my skin where I have blemishes or hyper-pigmentation(dark spots) I use a full coverage foundation called Cover FX.
This stuff is AMAZING! When I wear it you cannot tell that I have scarring at all. I only dot it on my trouble areas and the way the foundation is made, it is a perfect match. There are three different shades to apply.
I use the lightest as a concealer and layer it with the darker colors to reach my natural skin tone. A primer, application brush and powder was included in my kit. I only use the powder on evenings out I know I am going to have that sweaty glistening glow race day so I don’t bother with powder when I run.
I then follow up with a tinted moisturizer by Lancome that has SPF15. The tint is just enough coverage without being too heavy. This combination is great for my skin, it stays in place even after long miles and my skin is protected from the sun. I love both of these products. Another staple is my Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptous waterproof mascara. 
I wore it the other day and a friend asked me if I had false eyelashes! I swear by Lash Stiletto and at only $8 or $9 a pop I think it is a great alternative to the pricier brands and just as effective.
So there you have it, day 2 I’m sharing with you my “vanity” race day essentials. Just because a girl is sporty doesn’t mean she can’t look good too!
Oh, and I’m on the list of 50 most inspiring health folks on twitter, if I inspire you please click here and vote for me!
Disclosure: I received the Cover FX for review but this did not influence my opinion of the product if I didn’t like something about it you can be sure I’d tell ya!
This race day essential again may not be for everyone but it is a must for me. Make-up. I know, I know, who is thinking about make-up when preparing to run 13.1 miles? Me! I like to put my best face forward and I wear a little make-up to ensure that I am always camera ready. I’m not talking about wearing full-on false eye-lashes(although if that is what you want to do by all means do so) but I do mean a bit of coverage.
For me, wearing make-up serves two purposes. One, my face is picture perfect and two I protect my skin. I use two types of make-up for my foundation - on the places on my skin where I have blemishes or hyper-pigmentation(dark spots) I use a full coverage foundation called Cover FX.
This stuff is AMAZING! When I wear it you cannot tell that I have scarring at all. I only dot it on my trouble areas and the way the foundation is made, it is a perfect match. There are three different shades to apply.
I use the lightest as a concealer and layer it with the darker colors to reach my natural skin tone. A primer, application brush and powder was included in my kit. I only use the powder on evenings out I know I am going to have that sweaty glistening glow race day so I don’t bother with powder when I run. 
I wore it the other day and a friend asked me if I had false eyelashes! I swear by Lash Stiletto and at only $8 or $9 a pop I think it is a great alternative to the pricier brands and just as effective. So there you have it, day 2 I’m sharing with you my “vanity” race day essentials. Just because a girl is sporty doesn’t mean she can’t look good too!
Oh, and I’m on the list of 50 most inspiring health folks on twitter, if I inspire you please click here and vote for me!
Disclosure: I received the Cover FX for review but this did not influence my opinion of the product if I didn’t like something about it you can be sure I’d tell ya!
Race Day Essentials - Vol. 1
I am going to do a series of race day essentials. At least the things that are essential for me. Some may work for you and others may not. I suggest you glean what you need from these posts and leave the rest alone. I’ll start with foot care.
Until I started running longer distances - 6 or more miles, I didn’t have a problem with blisters. However, I think the combination of running shoes that are a bit too wide with long distances wreaked havoc on my feet.
I have bunions and thought buying a wide running shoe would be a good idea - Not. In any event, I’ve had to rest my feet because my blisters were out of control. Luckily I am in pretty good condition so even though I’ve only been running once or twice a week, I am still feeling great. But it became obvious to me that I needed something for race day when even after a week of rest and trying different shoes my blisters flared up.
I got the recommendation to use 2nd Skin on twitter and I am extremely pleased with the results. I’ve run 8 miles and 4 miles with nary a blister raising its ugly head. I purchased the 2nd skin blister kit which includes moist squares to cover the sensitive blister, a knit topical covering that is similar to a bandage and most importantly for me, pressure padding. I used all three on my 8 mile run and had a ton of cushioning. I treated my blisters by draining them with a small pinprick made by a needle so I didn’t have any exposed sensitive skin (luckily). I think the moist squares are best for that but I put it on the first time out.
I plan on wearing the entire three pieces when I run my half-marathon but on short runs the pressure pad is enough. I am probably going to have to purchase another pack before my race because with 2 blisters there are really only enough moist squares for three applications. I also have never seen this brand in stores so if you plan on using it you will have to order online. I found the best price on Amazon, about $6 or $7 and I have free shipping with Amazon Prime.
It is pricey but totally worth it! I’d like to be able to celebrate and enjoy the victory dinner without painful blisters and using 2nd Skin will enable me to do so. Now, I don’t suggest using 2nd skin on race day if you are not prone to blisters. As a matter of fact, you shouldn’t try anything new on race day. I plan on running with my new runners, my arm sleeves and the top I plan on wearing before race day (I will be discussion all of these). This way I can identify any potential issues and not discover them on the day I can’t do anything about it.
Now, if you have been prone to blisters, I highly recommend 2nd Skin. They are totally worth the price and hopefully combined with my new shoes blisters will be a thing of the past!
Until I started running longer distances - 6 or more miles, I didn’t have a problem with blisters. However, I think the combination of running shoes that are a bit too wide with long distances wreaked havoc on my feet.
I have bunions and thought buying a wide running shoe would be a good idea - Not. In any event, I’ve had to rest my feet because my blisters were out of control. Luckily I am in pretty good condition so even though I’ve only been running once or twice a week, I am still feeling great. But it became obvious to me that I needed something for race day when even after a week of rest and trying different shoes my blisters flared up.
I got the recommendation to use 2nd Skin on twitter and I am extremely pleased with the results. I’ve run 8 miles and 4 miles with nary a blister raising its ugly head. I purchased the 2nd skin blister kit which includes moist squares to cover the sensitive blister, a knit topical covering that is similar to a bandage and most importantly for me, pressure padding. I used all three on my 8 mile run and had a ton of cushioning. I treated my blisters by draining them with a small pinprick made by a needle so I didn’t have any exposed sensitive skin (luckily). I think the moist squares are best for that but I put it on the first time out.
I plan on wearing the entire three pieces when I run my half-marathon but on short runs the pressure pad is enough. I am probably going to have to purchase another pack before my race because with 2 blisters there are really only enough moist squares for three applications. I also have never seen this brand in stores so if you plan on using it you will have to order online. I found the best price on Amazon, about $6 or $7 and I have free shipping with Amazon Prime.
It is pricey but totally worth it! I’d like to be able to celebrate and enjoy the victory dinner without painful blisters and using 2nd Skin will enable me to do so. Now, I don’t suggest using 2nd skin on race day if you are not prone to blisters. As a matter of fact, you shouldn’t try anything new on race day. I plan on running with my new runners, my arm sleeves and the top I plan on wearing before race day (I will be discussion all of these). This way I can identify any potential issues and not discover them on the day I can’t do anything about it.
Now, if you have been prone to blisters, I highly recommend 2nd Skin. They are totally worth the price and hopefully combined with my new shoes blisters will be a thing of the past!
Here at Legacy, we like to talk about lots of fun events and goofy doggy antics. But we never lose sight of our ultimate goal -- finding forever homes for our awesome LBR dogs!! I was an LBR foster dog for what seemed like an eternity until I found my forever family. Let me tell you, nothing weighs on a guy's (or gal's) morale more than the long wait. :( So let's try to make that wait a little shorter for some of our LBR dogs.
Today I'd like to talk about my buddy Shera. I've been watching some of my mom's DVDs of her namesake, and I'm seeing a lot of similarities.
Like her superhero namesake, Shera defends the innocent from the forces of evil.
So to sum up:
She-Ra, Princess of Power - NOT available for adoption!
Shera, Princess of Power Naps - AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!!
You can learn more about Shera on LBR's website. And remember, even if you can't adopt her, you can still make a donation towards her care, or to help other LBR dogs. Let's find Shera her forever home!
Today I'd like to talk about my buddy Shera. I've been watching some of my mom's DVDs of her namesake, and I'm seeing a lot of similarities.
This is She-Ra, Princess of Power!
And this is Shera, Princess of Power Naps!
Like her superhero namesake, Shera defends the innocent from the forces of evil.
Both are great with children and small animals. (Especially if they're the same thing.)
And both are loyal and loving to their friends.
So to sum up:
She-Ra, Princess of Power - NOT available for adoption!
Shera, Princess of Power Naps - AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!!
You can learn more about Shera on LBR's website. And remember, even if you can't adopt her, you can still make a donation towards her care, or to help other LBR dogs. Let's find Shera her forever home!
The Countdown Begins
Unbelievably I have only 20 days until the Nike Women’s Half-Marathon in San Francisco. The race is less than 3 weeks away and I actually feel quite good. I have my race day essentials that I’m going to highlight in the upcoming weeks and my training is going well. Although because of my blisters I reduced my training to one long run on the weekends, my recent use of the 2nd skin blister kit has enabled me to run without blisters forming. So between now and race day I plan on running between 44-50 miles. I know I can do the full 13.1 but I want to get the running in so I don’t have any seriously sore muscles on race day.
The wonderful thing about running is that you can do it anywhere. There are really no excuses (other than injury) to keep you from running. This weekend I took an overnight trip to DC. The last long 12 mile run was scheduled for Saturday but I knew my schedule would not permit me to run that long. I debated about waiting until Sunday to run but figured I should try something new and run in DC.
My overnight bag was not much heavier with the addition of running shoes and my gear and as soon as I hit the hotel I went straight to my room and changed. It was fairly late when I arrived and I wanted to be able to run a decent length of time before the sun set. My hotel was right near Rock Creek Park where there is a running trail and I was off. I planned on running at least 6.5 miles to the Lincoln Memorial and back but really wanted to do more if time permited.
I started with a slow leisurely pace while carrying a bottle of water in one hand and my iPhone in the other. My tunes kept me going and having the water on hand was great for hydration (I left my water belt at home so I had to make do). My first stop was at the Potomac for a water break - both to drink and to view. It was so hot and humid that it was nice to be on the water and the view was lovely.
The wonderful thing about running is that you can do it anywhere. There are really no excuses (other than injury) to keep you from running. This weekend I took an overnight trip to DC. The last long 12 mile run was scheduled for Saturday but I knew my schedule would not permit me to run that long. I debated about waiting until Sunday to run but figured I should try something new and run in DC.
My overnight bag was not much heavier with the addition of running shoes and my gear and as soon as I hit the hotel I went straight to my room and changed. It was fairly late when I arrived and I wanted to be able to run a decent length of time before the sun set. My hotel was right near Rock Creek Park where there is a running trail and I was off. I planned on running at least 6.5 miles to the Lincoln Memorial and back but really wanted to do more if time permited.
I started with a slow leisurely pace while carrying a bottle of water in one hand and my iPhone in the other. My tunes kept me going and having the water on hand was great for hydration (I left my water belt at home so I had to make do). My first stop was at the Potomac for a water break - both to drink and to view. It was so hot and humid that it was nice to be on the water and the view was lovely.
I had to stop for a picture of course and then kept going. I decided to run on the side of the reflecting pool toward the Washington Monument.
When I arrived at the end of the pool I viewed the display of states
and a beautiful water show.
I started running faster because it was becoming dusk and I had four miles back to the hotel. By the time I got back to Rock Creek Park it was DARK! Not a good look - there are few lights on the parkway and sometimes I was running in the actual park away from the road.Scary. But I just said a little prayer and kept running. I ran so fast in fact that I caught a cramp in my left calf and had to walk the last half mile or so, in the dark.
But I arrived back to the hotel safely and I was proud of myself for getting the running in. After a quick shower I walked to Adams Morgan and had Ethiopian food at my favorite Ethiopian restaurant Meskereem. It was so good! And with the mile walk to the restaurant and back added an addition 2 miles so I got a total of 10.3 miles in on Friday. Not too shabby!
Yesterday I toughed it out and ran 4.1 miles in the rain around my neighborhood. It was a good training exercise, as a friend on twitter said- what happens if it rains race day? Best to be prepared!
Well, that is my update, I still am struggling to get water in but other than that things have been pretty good. I’m maintaining my weight loss and that makes me happy.
Hill Harper - The Conversation
I am an avid reader and there is rarely a time that you can ask me "what are you reading?" and I don't have an answer for you. Recently, I've been checking out the latest book by Hill Harper. He is the Brown University and Harvard Law School graduate turned actor that you may know from CSI. He is also an author. His first book, Letters to a Young Brother: MANifest Your Destiny is aimed at young people and provides inspirational material on a number of different topics. His latest literary venture is "The Conversation: How Man and Women Can Build Loving and Trusting Relationships". Now, I must admit that I was a bit skeptical about this book.
I mean, he is a single guy talking about relationships. But as I read the book I realized that although he is not married, he has a great deal of practical advice that can be applied to relationships. He also addressed the fact that he is still not in his ideal relationship by seeking input for the book from his friends that are married.
I believe the main premise of the book is communication. I am in agreement with his supposition that communication is the foundation of positive relationships. And although this book does focus primarily on African-American relationships, I think the information found within it's pages are applicable no matter what your ethnicity.
GIVEAWAY
If you'd like a copy of The Conversation all you have to do is leave a comment telling me what words of advice you have for building loving relationships. The contest is over on October 8, 2010. Please be sure to leave your email address in your comment if it is not in your Blogger profile. Good Luck!
Disclosure: I've been compensated for my time and effort to spread the word about this book. I also received a copy for review. As usual, all opinions are 100% my own.
THANK YOU!
If you think something is impossible I am here to tell you - nothing is impossible! A year and a half ago I was on twitter speaking to my friend Maria Bailey and she was trying to convince me that I could run a marathon. The 200 pound me. The me that had let herself go and saw no way out of the depression and fat that had overtaken her body. That me simply laughed and said “I have no desire to ever run long distance, 6 miles is my max ever.” And today I find myself ready for the Nike Women’s Half Marathon that is just 23 days away and I have all confidence in myself that I will finish.
Not only will I finish but with your help, I have raised over $5000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help newly diagnosed patients and fund research for a cure. When I decided to do this back in June I was doubtful. I doubted my ability to run 13.1 miles but more importantly I doubted my ability to raise $3900.00, the minimum fundraising amount for me to attend the race with Team in Training.
But I set out on my quest, called up my good friend Jennae and told I was running for her daughter Ja’Naya and that was it. I HAD to meet my goal. If nothing else, I follow through on my promises to friends and a promise to a four year I certainly was going to keep. Within two months I met my goal of $3900 and decided to keep on going. By aiming for Rockstar status - raising $1000 over the fundraising minimum, I guaranteed over 75% of the funds raised were going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. And admittedly, I am a bit competitive - even it if it is only with myself and I wanted the honor of being recognized as a Rockstar - with a pin, hat and certificate. Little things for a major accomplishment but worth it to me.
And today, I’m so proud to say not only am I ready to run the 13.1 miles but I’ve gone over my initial fundraising goal by $1220.00! See, nothing is impossible, nothing! Despite these difficult economic times people supported this effort. Every single donation mattered, from $5.00 to $500 and to you all I say THANK YOU! You have made a difference!
I’m not done. I still have a race to run but I am so thankful and grateful for all of the support that you have given to this wonderful cause. Of course, I will post photos from San Francisco and I gotta show off the firefighters and that Tiffany’s necklace that I’ll earn when I cross the finish line. See you there virtually! And again, THANK YOU!!
Not only will I finish but with your help, I have raised over $5000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help newly diagnosed patients and fund research for a cure. When I decided to do this back in June I was doubtful. I doubted my ability to run 13.1 miles but more importantly I doubted my ability to raise $3900.00, the minimum fundraising amount for me to attend the race with Team in Training.
But I set out on my quest, called up my good friend Jennae and told I was running for her daughter Ja’Naya and that was it. I HAD to meet my goal. If nothing else, I follow through on my promises to friends and a promise to a four year I certainly was going to keep. Within two months I met my goal of $3900 and decided to keep on going. By aiming for Rockstar status - raising $1000 over the fundraising minimum, I guaranteed over 75% of the funds raised were going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. And admittedly, I am a bit competitive - even it if it is only with myself and I wanted the honor of being recognized as a Rockstar - with a pin, hat and certificate. Little things for a major accomplishment but worth it to me.
And today, I’m so proud to say not only am I ready to run the 13.1 miles but I’ve gone over my initial fundraising goal by $1220.00! See, nothing is impossible, nothing! Despite these difficult economic times people supported this effort. Every single donation mattered, from $5.00 to $500 and to you all I say THANK YOU! You have made a difference!
I’m not done. I still have a race to run but I am so thankful and grateful for all of the support that you have given to this wonderful cause. Of course, I will post photos from San Francisco and I gotta show off the firefighters and that Tiffany’s necklace that I’ll earn when I cross the finish line. See you there virtually! And again, THANK YOU!!
P.S. - like my stationary? It is so me and by Tiny Prints, check them out!
A Cowboy's Sweetheart
Yee-Ha! The night of our first date he arrived wearing cowboy boots and blue jeans. I thought that was pretty brave. Here I was a serious art history major (working on my master's degree in Museum Studies), and I had never seen anything like it. He took me country western dancing at the Red Door North, and we have been two-stepping ever since.
Perhaps that is why one of our favorite waterning holes is the Corkscrew Cafe at Georis Winery in Carmel Valley, CA.
Lots of Cowgirls here,
including one of their wines,
which is called ~ Cowgirl Red!
The interior of the Corkscrew Cafe
The bar in the Winery Tasting Room
A Wagonfull of Lavender
Always a place to hang your hat!
Out West of the Great Divide,
Marjorie
Howdy, folks!
Well hi there! You may have noticed that there are a few more faces (and wagging nubbies) hanging out at the Legacy Chronicles. Well, Cubby's a big celebrity and Maggie and Rissa are... well, I wouldn't call them lazy, but I heard their mom did! But the point is, they don't update a whole lot, so a few more of us Legacy alums volunteered to help out. You've already heard from Baxter, and you'll be meeting all of us over the next few days. 
Not nearly as much fun! Fortunately, I eventually figured out the most important part of the whole experience.
Looking super cool. I'm good at that.
So I'd like to follow up on my man Baxter's PSA. See, he was talking about how life jackets are important. I agree. Because as a boxer, I've got many natural talents, but swimming is not one of them. But for some reason, my mom insists on bringing me to this thing called Wags & Waves every year. I guess if you're a swimming kind of guy (or gal), it's pretty cool. See, Hawaiian Falls -- the big water park in Garland -- opens its doors to us canine citizens at the end of the season. So there's lots of swimming and floating and eating ice cream. (That was the best part!)
But if you're not a swimming kind of guy... well...
Not nearly as much fun! Fortunately, I eventually figured out the most important part of the whole experience.Looking super cool. I'm good at that.
Love Your Cereal Breakfast
On Tuesday I hosted a Kellogg’s Love Your Cereal breakfast at my home with nine of my friends and too many children to count! We had a great time. I prepared a lemon-blueberry coffee cake made with Rice Krispies 
I also served yogurt parfait made with mixed berries, vanilla yogurt and Kellogg’s low-fat granola.
And of course I had an array of Kellogg’s cereal.
As we enjoyed our breakfast we were joined by Anne-Marie from Kellogg’s by Skype and she helped dispel some of our ideas about cereal and answered our questions.
One of the main things that we were surprised by was the amount of sugar that is actually in cereal. We guessed that between 25-35% of a child’s daily intake of sugar is derived from breakfast cereal. Anne-Marie informed us that only 5% of a child’s daily sugar intake is from cereal. We were all very surprised. Anne- Marie also reiterated the importance of breakfast and let us know that in this age of childhood obesity, having breakfast regularly helps to keep a child’s bmi in the normal range.
She opened the floor to questions and we had some tough ones. My friend Rai asked about the possibility of Kellogg’s producing organic cereals and we learned that Kashi is actually a Kellogg’s brand. We are fans of a Kashi in my household and many of the other moms are too - little did we know that Kellogg’s was the company behind this brand! I asked about sustainability efforts and Ann-Marie informed us that Kellogg’s boxes are made with recycled cardboard and that they are constantly looking for ways to make production “green”.
I also inquired about cereals without High Fructose Corn Syrup and was directed to Kashi and other low sugar Kellogg’s brands. Overall I think the breakfast was a success, we learned quite a bit about the cereal and also asked that they consider resealable bags for the cereal to keep it fresh. Personally, I generally stick to giving my son the Kellogg's Granola and Raisin Bran but for a treat I do occasionally give him Frosted Flakes or Fruit Loops. This is a throwback to when I was growing up, my mom only let me eat "healthy cereal". I wonder if her view would change today if she realized how little sugar is actually in cereal......
I want to share the recipe for the coffee cake with you because there was only one small piece left when my friends departed and they ALL wanted the recipe. In my usual fashion I made adjustments, specifically I used wheat and gluten free flour and no one could tell the difference! If you try the recipe please let me know how you like it - I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
Blackberry Lemon Coffee Cake
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 Ingredients
3 cups Rice Krispies® (crushed to 3/4 cup)
1 1/2 cup sall purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup margarine or butter
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1egg
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 cupseedless, blackberry speadable fruit
Directions
1. In large mixing bowl, stir together KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal, flour and
sugar. Using pastry blender, cut in margarine. Remove 1/2 cup mixture and set
aside for topping. To remaining mixture, stir in baking powder, soda and salt.
2. Beat together egg, buttermilk and lemon peel. Add to cereal mixture, stirring
only until combined. Spread 2/3 batter evenly over bottom of 9 x 1 1/2-inch
round cake pan coated with cooking spray. Evenly spread fruit over batter to 1/2
inch of pan. Dot with remaining dough and carefully spread over fruit. (All of
fruit will not be covered) Sprinkle top completely with reserved topping
mixture.
3. Bake at 350° F about 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes
out clean. Cool 15 minutes. Cut into wedges to serve.
®, ™, © 2010 Kellogg NA Co. Kellogg Kitchens� recipes are the property of the
Kellogg Company.
For more information about cereal check out LoveYourCereal.com
Disclosure: I was compensated for my time to organize and host the breakfast but all opinions are my own.
I also served yogurt parfait made with mixed berries, vanilla yogurt and Kellogg’s low-fat granola.
And of course I had an array of Kellogg’s cereal.
As we enjoyed our breakfast we were joined by Anne-Marie from Kellogg’s by Skype and she helped dispel some of our ideas about cereal and answered our questions.
One of the main things that we were surprised by was the amount of sugar that is actually in cereal. We guessed that between 25-35% of a child’s daily intake of sugar is derived from breakfast cereal. Anne-Marie informed us that only 5% of a child’s daily sugar intake is from cereal. We were all very surprised. Anne- Marie also reiterated the importance of breakfast and let us know that in this age of childhood obesity, having breakfast regularly helps to keep a child’s bmi in the normal range. She opened the floor to questions and we had some tough ones. My friend Rai asked about the possibility of Kellogg’s producing organic cereals and we learned that Kashi is actually a Kellogg’s brand. We are fans of a Kashi in my household and many of the other moms are too - little did we know that Kellogg’s was the company behind this brand! I asked about sustainability efforts and Ann-Marie informed us that Kellogg’s boxes are made with recycled cardboard and that they are constantly looking for ways to make production “green”.
I also inquired about cereals without High Fructose Corn Syrup and was directed to Kashi and other low sugar Kellogg’s brands. Overall I think the breakfast was a success, we learned quite a bit about the cereal and also asked that they consider resealable bags for the cereal to keep it fresh. Personally, I generally stick to giving my son the Kellogg's Granola and Raisin Bran but for a treat I do occasionally give him Frosted Flakes or Fruit Loops. This is a throwback to when I was growing up, my mom only let me eat "healthy cereal". I wonder if her view would change today if she realized how little sugar is actually in cereal......
I want to share the recipe for the coffee cake with you because there was only one small piece left when my friends departed and they ALL wanted the recipe. In my usual fashion I made adjustments, specifically I used wheat and gluten free flour and no one could tell the difference! If you try the recipe please let me know how you like it - I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! Blackberry Lemon Coffee Cake
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 Ingredients
3 cups Rice Krispies® (crushed to 3/4 cup)
1 1/2 cup sall purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup margarine or butter
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1egg
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 cupseedless, blackberry speadable fruit
Directions
1. In large mixing bowl, stir together KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal, flour and
sugar. Using pastry blender, cut in margarine. Remove 1/2 cup mixture and set
aside for topping. To remaining mixture, stir in baking powder, soda and salt.
2. Beat together egg, buttermilk and lemon peel. Add to cereal mixture, stirring
only until combined. Spread 2/3 batter evenly over bottom of 9 x 1 1/2-inch
round cake pan coated with cooking spray. Evenly spread fruit over batter to 1/2
inch of pan. Dot with remaining dough and carefully spread over fruit. (All of
fruit will not be covered) Sprinkle top completely with reserved topping
mixture.
3. Bake at 350° F about 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes
out clean. Cool 15 minutes. Cut into wedges to serve.
®, ™, © 2010 Kellogg NA Co. Kellogg Kitchens� recipes are the property of the
Kellogg Company.
For more information about cereal check out LoveYourCereal.com
Disclosure: I was compensated for my time to organize and host the breakfast but all opinions are my own.
Public Service Announcement – Life Jackets
Howdy, Peeps. Normally my dog duties simply involve heading up the welcoming committee at Casa Armstrong (that's mom and dad's crib). But today, since I'm about to hang up my puppy flotation device for the summer, I'm taking on the temporary role of Public Service Announcer.
You see, far too many humans assume all boxers (or canines for that matter) can swim like Phelps. And I'm here to tell you that you're sadly mistaken. As you can see below, I'm swimming challenged. But thanks to my Outward Hound flotation gear, I can paddle it out with the big swimmers and still live to bark about it tomorrow. (I'm not plugging the gear, but you gotta admit it's clever.)
You see, far too many humans assume all boxers (or canines for that matter) can swim like Phelps. And I'm here to tell you that you're sadly mistaken. As you can see below, I'm swimming challenged. But thanks to my Outward Hound flotation gear, I can paddle it out with the big swimmers and still live to bark about it tomorrow. (I'm not plugging the gear, but you gotta admit it's clever.)
Sure, there are plenty of boxer guys and gals that can hold their own in the pool. My boy Armani (aka Buster) swims like a big furry duck. As you can see below, however, he wasn't keen on my flotation fashion. He's saying, "You're wearing that? In public?" Whatever. Don't hate on a player.
The point is, before you allow your boxer to jump in a pool or a lake -- or in my case even a big puddle -- make sure he or she is a swimmer and not a sinker. (Stinkers are cool. Just not sinkers.)
Peace, love, and boxers.
A Success Story!
Well, today part of my vision has come true. I am featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution Health and Fitness Section as a Success Story! Here is the link to the online version and I am on my way to the grocery store to pick up several hard copies of the paper. I guess it is time for me to update my vision board!
As far as working out goes, I have been pretty lazy. I ran 8 miles on Saturday and my poor feet are once again blistered. On Monday I was in Los Angeles and had the opportunity to work out with the EA SPORTS Active 2 and I have to say I cannot wait until the November release date! As most people know, I used EA SPORTS Active More Workouts to kick start my weight loss program and honestly I attribute much of my success to EA and their continued support of my efforts.
I only worked about for about 10 minutes with the game and yesterday and today I am still feeling it. Gerard, the fitness trainer for EA developed a customized workout for me that primarily focused on strength training for my lower body and clearly it worked! I have sore muscles (in a good way) and will be firing up my More Workouts so that I can work on building muscle that I’m sure will help prevent injury and keep my hip in shape. I know that I should be strength training but my experience with EA just drove the point home.
As far as checking in for Shrinkvivor, the scale is down from last week, I am at 152.4 - I knew that the water weight would be gone! So, I continue in maintenance mode this is a good place to be. I can hardly believe that the Nike Women’s Half Marathon is only 25 days away. Of course, I am planning my next event and I think it will be the Zooma Women’s Half Marathon the first week of November. After that the Disney Princess Half-Marathon the weekend of my birthday in February.
Keeping these goals in mind help me continue my exercise and training. I love having something to work for and of course the medals at the end of each race provide me with a sense of accomplishment!
P.S. I've been nominated for the Top 50 Most Inspirational People on Twitter and I'd love it if you'd vote for me here - http://bit.ly/cWUU2f
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