New Courage too.
New Strength to last
The New Year through.
Salute! Here's Looking at You Kid! Gan Bei! Skol! Down the Hatch!
and my favorite Cheers!
HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS!
Marjorie
p.s. What's your favorite toast?
Toasting the New Year
New joy to you.
New Courage too.
New Strength to last
The New Year through.
Salute! Here's Looking at You Kid! Gan Bei! Skol! Down the Hatch!
and my favorite Cheers!
HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS!
Marjorie
p.s. What's your favorite toast?
New Courage too.
New Strength to last
The New Year through.
Salute! Here's Looking at You Kid! Gan Bei! Skol! Down the Hatch!
and my favorite Cheers!
HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS!
Marjorie
p.s. What's your favorite toast?
A special announcement
The power of the paw helped him through scary surgery and clean margins. Now Atom Ant would like to announce that he got his Christmas wish -- his very own furever family! Atom, his new mom, and his new sister Brea got to spend Christmas together, and they're hoping for many more happy Christmases. Hooray for Atom!
The Christmas Can Can - Straight No Chaser!
And here is another hit from my friends Straight No Chaser! The Christmas Can Can. This is HILARIOUS!
The 12 Days of Christmas - Straight No Chaser
Today I give you the 12 Days of Christmas - Straight No Chaser style! This group is so great in concert and wonderful for all ages. They have a Christmas album that I highly recommend and I have to tell you that I don't think I've ever met such a nice group of guys. I met them last year at a blogging event that I organized and they were simply amazing! Without further ado, Straight No Chaser!
A Social Network Christmas!
Have you ever wondered what would have happened if Jesus was born in this age of facebook and social media? Well, the folks at IgniterMedia came up with the wonderful twist on the Nativity Story. Gotta Love It!
Happy Elves of Blogland
Dear Merry Elves of Blogland (and Beyond),
Thank you for your gifts of beauty and light!
Wishing each and everyone of you...
A Season of Joy and Love,
Marjorie
It's Christmas!
So, unbelievably there are only eleven more days left in 2010. And Christmas is only 5 days away! I'm here prepping for my visit North. There is packing to be done, the house to be cleaned and I have certainly been reflecting on this year. My journey to healthy living remains a journey, I guess I've been on a hiatus of sorts for the past few weeks but with the Disney Princess Half-Marathon fast approaching I will be back in training shortly.
I will be making a huge spread for Christmas this year - actually my Mom and I will be cooking and it will be so nice to spend another holiday with family and my friends in New York. I'd love to say I'm going to be making an entirely healthy dinner but actually butter, cheese (gotta have mac & cheese), and of course my special Sweet potato pie will be on the menu.
The key to healthy eating during the holidays for me is not to cut out my favorites but to taste everything. A little of indulgence keeps me from overdoing it and of course spreading the love by sharing food with my friends keeps it out of my sight and mouth!
I'll be running around like crazy over the next few days and hope to post but if I don't.....Merry Christmas!!!!!
Ho ho ho!
LBR alum Huey (L) and foster Aldridge (R) got to meet Santa Paws yesterday! How exciting. I hope Aldridge was a good boy so Santa will bring him a forever home for Christmas!
Hmm... not exactly.
Umm... still getting there....
There we go! Good boy, Aldi! I know Santa will bring a wonderful forever home for a good boy like you!
Hmm... not exactly.
Umm... still getting there....
There we go! Good boy, Aldi! I know Santa will bring a wonderful forever home for a good boy like you!
The Biggest Loser Challege Wii Game - video post
In the winter I am a fan of exercising indoors. When offered the chance to try out The Biggest Loser Challenge Wii game I jumped right on it. Check out my video to get my thoughts on the newest release from The Biggest Loser Franchise!
I'm on Diet and exercise Cruise Control
I'm going to keep this short and sweet. I am a slacker. For the past month or so I've been on cruise control with my diet and exercise. I've been completely slacking! For some reason these things have just not been priorities in my life. When I got on the scale this morning things were pretty much the same way they looked last week - 156.8 but I know I could be doing much better. I think this cold has me held hostage and even though I have access to fitness workouts that I can do from the comfort of my home, the busy schedule of this time of year keeps me occupied.
But I know these are just excuses. Last year I was on track. Lost weight and looked great. Ah, well, the trials and tribulations of living a healthy lifestyle. I think this just comes with the territory. The thing that I refuse to do is beat myself up about this. I am just going to keep saying to myself that I can do this and you know what? One of these days I actually will!
How about you? Are you meeting your health and fitness goals? Come on, dish!
Wordless Wednesday
It has been awhile since I participated in Wordless Wednesday but this picture is amazing! Yesterday Mekhi and I went to the screening of Yogi Bear - it comes out on Friday - and we had a great time!
My new body rocking leggings 3 different ways!
One of the biggest perks that I’ve enjoyed as a result of my weight loss is shopping for new clothes. Although I don’t have an extensive wardrobe yet, I do have some pieces that lay the foundation for my style. One of the staples in my wardrobe are my shaping leggies from Yummie Tummie. I’ve long been a fan of Yummie Tummie, I’ve been a brand ambassador since July 2009 and I wore my Yummie Tummie in all of the photos I took to chronicle my weight loss. It has actually been really fun for me to go from an X-Large to a medium/small in the line. So, of course I immediately said yes when I was asked to show you 3 different ways I wear my Yummie Tummie shaping leggings!
First I give you a casual look. I wear this when I’m running around town, doing errands but still want to look cute. I actually wore this outfit when I met with designer Nick Verreos and he told me that I looked “muy caliente” The shirt hugs all of my curves and the leggings keep everything tight!
The next look is a business casual look. When I have meetings or if I’m attending a conference I will pair my leggings with a nice blazer that pops and some cute shoes. I always get compliments on this particular outfit.
Finally, I give you my New Year’s Eve outfit. I’ve paired my leggings with an open shouldered dress. I’ll be spending the holiday in New York so I want to be sure my legs are warm when I’m walking the busy streets of the Big Apple. I’m bringing in the New Year showing off all of the wonderful body that I’ve worked so hard to get this past year.
This post is part of a style series sponsored by Yummie Tummie and Clever Girls Collective. I received a complimentary pair of leggings and compensation for writing the post. All of the views expressed in this post are my own.
The pups here at LBR are getting our lists together and writing to the Big Guy to let him know what we want for Christmas. A few of our dogs got their wishes granted early -- a whopping five LBR foster dogs found their forever homes this weekend! Here's hoping a whole bunch more find their new families by Christmas. We want to give Santa a helping paw!
And remember -- pets are for life, not just for Christmas!
Simple Toys...Simple Joys!
Remember When Children's Toys were Unplugged and Simple?
Before we communicated via iPhones...
Before the uncontrolled spending on Black Friday?
Before Barbie and Ken?
When we would take time for a tea party with our friends.
Yes, some activities were stereotyped, while others were just...
Preparation for life.
My children spent many happy hours in their Playroom (formerly a second floor kitchen of our first house). There, amidst an array of art materials: pots of paint (finger and tempera), big fat brushes, and long rolls of newprint, they were free to create. Daddy's old Brooks Brothers shirt, when worn backwards became a smock, and the old white ceramic sink was perfect for washing up. On rainy days, a large cookie sheet filled with cornmeal became an indoor sandbox. Early recyclers - we cut cereal boxes into jig saw puzzles. And of course, we mixed up our share of big batches of play dough. Bath time was fun too - when, with the addition of a few drops of blue food coloring, it became a dip in the Ocean. Good Times!
Please play with me, and Share your memories of your favorite Simple Toys.
Marjorie
P.S. Take a peek at the blog A Femme d'Un Certain Age. Tish asked me to contribute to her Christmas post on Gifts that Cost Nothing. (In my case almost nothing!)
Foodie Friday Vegetarian Chili
With the cold weather upon us I like to keep warm by making comfort food. Many times people are under the impression that comfort food has to be bad for you but I love to make chili. It is quick and easy and packed with nutrients! Mine is filled with black and kidney beans, soy ground meat and of course tomatoes. My canned tomato of choice is Hunt's and I recently found out that recent studies have suggested that the distinct combination of nutrients found in tomatoes may have a measurable impact on heart disease prevent! (ConAgra Foods)
Heart disease prevention is high on my list of priorities, the maternal side of my family has a history of hypertension and my weight was leading me down the path of high blood pressure. I've been inspired to remain committed to being healthy by all of my family members and I especially want to be around for my baby boy. By adding exercise and making good food choices, I've been able to reduce my risk of heart disease and now I know that eating tomatoes will also add to my prevention efforts. Although some may be skeptical of using canned tomatoes, you might be surprised to learn that Hunt's tomatoes are flash-steamed to help them keep their backyard-garden-fresh taste, are 100 percent natural and contain no artificial preservatives or ingredients.
I'm a big fan of Hunt's and for my chili I used crushed tomatoes. I'm posting my simple recipe, hopefully you will try it and enjoy it as much as my family does.
Vegetarian Chili
1 medium onion
2 jalepeno peppers
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can organic kidney beans
1 can organic black beans
1 package Morningstar soy crumbles
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 can Hunts Crushed tomatoes
Chili powder
Black pepper
Sea Salt
Method:
Chop onion, jalepeno peppers (I keep the seeds in for heat), and garlic. Heat olive oil in medium skillet. Add onion, peppers and garlic. Saute for 5 minutes until aromatic. Add package of soy crumbles and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add kidney and black beans, crushed tomatoes and seasonings to taste ( I don't measure). Cook over low flame for 30 minutes. Serve hot! This recipe is especially good with homemade cornbread!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but as usual all opinions are my own and I am an avid user of Hunts!
Tis The Season for Giving! Video Post
I love the holiday season. The twinkling lights, the smell of a Christmas tree, of course the good food and being surround by family and friends. The holidays are also a time for me to be thankful for all of the blessings that I have. Although I am no millionaire, I am blessed with a lovely home, my health and a healthy family, two cars and we never go hungry. I'm blessed!
When I measure all of my blessings I also realize that there are so many people out there (now more than ever) that are struggling not only to make ends meet but out in the cold with no place to live, with young children and unable to fulfill their children's desire for a gift this holiday season. When I was asked if as a Walmart Mom I wanted to participate in a Toy Haul Challenge to see how many toys I could purchase with $100.00 I immediately said yes because all of the toys are being given to my charity of choice. Check out my video and see how well I did!
I am donating the toys to my church, we will be distributing toys to needy children in the Atlanta area. I am so thankful for this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others this holiday season.
Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and was compensated for my time to make this video and write this blog post.
When I measure all of my blessings I also realize that there are so many people out there (now more than ever) that are struggling not only to make ends meet but out in the cold with no place to live, with young children and unable to fulfill their children's desire for a gift this holiday season. When I was asked if as a Walmart Mom I wanted to participate in a Toy Haul Challenge to see how many toys I could purchase with $100.00 I immediately said yes because all of the toys are being given to my charity of choice. Check out my video and see how well I did!
I am donating the toys to my church, we will be distributing toys to needy children in the Atlanta area. I am so thankful for this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others this holiday season.
Disclosure: I am a Walmart mom and was compensated for my time to make this video and write this blog post.
A Weighty Issue
A Weighty Issue
Well, I hopped on the scale today and to my surprise it read 156.4 pounds. I *think* I weighed 162 last week. I know it was over 160 but can’t remember the actual number. This week the only changes I’ve made have been to cut out fast food. I know. What is the queen of “Clean” eating doing eating fast food? Well, I have no excuse. I think that there is a combination of things going on - the cold weather, early darkness and lack of consistency with my medication all contribute to my lackadasical approach to my exercise and eating. I know for many people the onslaught of winter brings on depression and if I’m not careful I can fall into a serious funk.
I am pretty sure that I have an handle on things now. I am being consistent with my meds and I’m not binge eating anymore. Most importantly I have an awareness about my situation and have decided to make a change. By doing this I am no longer going to engage in self-destructive behaviors (binge eating) but turn to healthy choices, even when I have the urge for some emotional eating.
I have still not gotten on a consistent exercise plan SO as soon as I finish typing this I am running to my family room, taking advantage of my son’s nap and starting my EA SPORTS Active 2 challenge. I’m ready to be focused, stay healthy and maintain my weight loss.
I’ve only been honest in this space and I continually admit that living a healthy lifestyle is not easy. There are going to be good days and bad but I am determined to have my good days outweigh the bad ones.
Well, I hopped on the scale today and to my surprise it read 156.4 pounds. I *think* I weighed 162 last week. I know it was over 160 but can’t remember the actual number. This week the only changes I’ve made have been to cut out fast food. I know. What is the queen of “Clean” eating doing eating fast food? Well, I have no excuse. I think that there is a combination of things going on - the cold weather, early darkness and lack of consistency with my medication all contribute to my lackadasical approach to my exercise and eating. I know for many people the onslaught of winter brings on depression and if I’m not careful I can fall into a serious funk.
I am pretty sure that I have an handle on things now. I am being consistent with my meds and I’m not binge eating anymore. Most importantly I have an awareness about my situation and have decided to make a change. By doing this I am no longer going to engage in self-destructive behaviors (binge eating) but turn to healthy choices, even when I have the urge for some emotional eating.
I have still not gotten on a consistent exercise plan SO as soon as I finish typing this I am running to my family room, taking advantage of my son’s nap and starting my EA SPORTS Active 2 challenge. I’m ready to be focused, stay healthy and maintain my weight loss.
I’ve only been honest in this space and I continually admit that living a healthy lifestyle is not easy. There are going to be good days and bad but I am determined to have my good days outweigh the bad ones.
The Rainbow Bridge is getting full.
RIP Denali
It hasn't been a good week. :( We lost another LBR baby to the Bridge yesterday. This sweet little boy, Denali, was battling illness the whole time we had him. But in between, he was the cutest, spunkiest little guy you've ever seen! He stole all our hearts, and we will miss him very much.
Denali died of distemper, a horrible disease that has no cure but can be completely prevented by one inexpensive vaccine! Please vaccinate your pets. We guard your houses, make you laugh, and snuggle with you when you need a friend. But we depend on you to keep us healthy. Please don't make anyone else suffer like Denali did.
Godspeed, little guy. You will be very missed.
My Favorite Things - A Strand of Pearls - Giveaway (video post)
It is the holiday season and I want to share with you some of my favorite things. These are things that are not necessarily fitness oriented but can be used as treats when you meet fitness goals! I am all about rewarding myself when I accomplish my goals.
First up, a strand of pearls from PearlParadise.com which specializes in freshwater pearls at numerous price points so they are really affordable. I received a 18 inch pearl necklace that sells for $100 and comes with an appraisal. The appraised value is $570! Every girl deserves pearls and I am so glad to finally have a strand of pearls to call my own. The thing I like about pearls is the versatility. I can dress them out for a night on the town or just pair them with a t-shirt and jeans to run errands.
You too can be the owner of a strand of pearls! PearlParadise is providing a strand for one of my lucky readers.
To Enter:
All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me why you'd like the pearls for yourself or who you'd give them to (this is a mandatory entry).
Extra Entries:
Tweet about this contest: Enter to win a strand of pearls on @CutieBootyCakes http://bit.ly/f6vUp5
Follow Pearl Paradise on Twitter
Like Pearl Paradise on facebook
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EVERY METHOD OF ENTRY! Be sure to leave your email address in your comment if it is not in your blogger profile!
Good Luck!
(previous winners on other blogs of PearlParadise items are not eligible to enter. The contest ends Saturday, December 11 at 11:00pm EST)
Another sad farewell
This is HalfTyme. She was born into LBR's care after we rescued her momma from a shelter, and she was adopted by one of our wonderful volunteers. This week, she somehow got out of her house. Half of LBR went out looking for her, but sadly, we weren't able to find her before she was hit by a car. She is missed very much by her mommy, her brother Shadeaux, and her entire extended LBR family. Run free at the Rainbow Bridge, HT!
Godspeed, Shera
We here at LBR would like to bid a sad and very fond farewell to a very special girl, Shera. Shera and her BFF Molly waited for a very long time on our boxers-in-need page. Their mom fell on hard times and had to give them up, even though it tore her apart, and she worked very hard to find them a perfect new home. They ultimately weren't adopted through LBR, but they found a home together where they were loved and safe.
Sadly, Shera passed away today, curled up on a soft bed with her best bud by her side. I guess that's a pretty good way to go, when it's time. We at LBR just loved Shera to bits, and my mom just loved playing with her at pet fairs. Run free at the Rainbow Bridge, Princess of Power! You had so many people love you.
Sadly, Shera passed away today, curled up on a soft bed with her best bud by her side. I guess that's a pretty good way to go, when it's time. We at LBR just loved Shera to bits, and my mom just loved playing with her at pet fairs. Run free at the Rainbow Bridge, Princess of Power! You had so many people love you.
A great holiday thought from an LBR volunteer:
"An earlier post made me start thinking about the true meaning of this holiday season. So, I decided to make some Christmas magic of my own and played Santa's elf today when I picked up my foster from Midway and it felt FANTASTIC!
While I was waiting for my foster to be brought out from the back, a young (maybe mid twenties at most) guy was trying to hold back tears for his little dog that had been at Midway for days ~ she'd quit eating on Thanksgiving and had been sick ever since. He was trying to figure out how to pay for treatment (which he clearly couldn't afford) and asked the girl up front if he could make weekly payments. His total to date was $147 without boarding. When they went to check with Doc about payments, I asked the guy how his dog was doing. He went right into a treatment room and walked out like a proud daddy with some sort of hairy mixed Heinz 57 and then introduced me to Sapphire. I couldn't help the tears in my eyes. We have been right where this poor guy is. Sick dog, no money, little skin kids with holidays coming up. Front office person came back and told him he'd need to put half down and could then pay out the rest. He looked so defeated and I could tell he was having to make a very difficult decision.
So....I told him Merry Christmas and paid enough of the bill that he could keep the dog at Dr. C's until Sapphire finished treatment. I wish ya'll could have seen the look on his face. The poor man was speechless and almost started crying (he was doing the "manly thing" a guy like him would do and was holding the tears back) but then said very quietly, "God Bless you, lady" as I walked out with my foster.
The reason I'm telling this story is that I'm hopeful that there are more elves out there ready to do some magic, especially on the BIN page. I can't stand the thought of so many babies in a shelter or worse at this time of year."
See why I love LBR volunteers? They're the most awesome anywhere! So please take our elf's challenge and create some holiday miracles of your own! And if you're in the DFW area, please consider making that miracle taking one of our Boxers in Need. There are a lot of dogs that need a foster home really badly -- ones that are about to die in a shelter or who are waiting outside in the cold. Please be a holiday angel today!
"An earlier post made me start thinking about the true meaning of this holiday season. So, I decided to make some Christmas magic of my own and played Santa's elf today when I picked up my foster from Midway and it felt FANTASTIC!
While I was waiting for my foster to be brought out from the back, a young (maybe mid twenties at most) guy was trying to hold back tears for his little dog that had been at Midway for days ~ she'd quit eating on Thanksgiving and had been sick ever since. He was trying to figure out how to pay for treatment (which he clearly couldn't afford) and asked the girl up front if he could make weekly payments. His total to date was $147 without boarding. When they went to check with Doc about payments, I asked the guy how his dog was doing. He went right into a treatment room and walked out like a proud daddy with some sort of hairy mixed Heinz 57 and then introduced me to Sapphire. I couldn't help the tears in my eyes. We have been right where this poor guy is. Sick dog, no money, little skin kids with holidays coming up. Front office person came back and told him he'd need to put half down and could then pay out the rest. He looked so defeated and I could tell he was having to make a very difficult decision.
So....I told him Merry Christmas and paid enough of the bill that he could keep the dog at Dr. C's until Sapphire finished treatment. I wish ya'll could have seen the look on his face. The poor man was speechless and almost started crying (he was doing the "manly thing" a guy like him would do and was holding the tears back) but then said very quietly, "God Bless you, lady" as I walked out with my foster.
The reason I'm telling this story is that I'm hopeful that there are more elves out there ready to do some magic, especially on the BIN page. I can't stand the thought of so many babies in a shelter or worse at this time of year."
See why I love LBR volunteers? They're the most awesome anywhere! So please take our elf's challenge and create some holiday miracles of your own! And if you're in the DFW area, please consider making that miracle taking one of our Boxers in Need. There are a lot of dogs that need a foster home really badly -- ones that are about to die in a shelter or who are waiting outside in the cold. Please be a holiday angel today!
Motivation for Exercise - Video Post
Today I'm discussing finding motivation to exercise. I know that although I am fairly consistent with my exercise, it isn't easy. I hope this video helps you - remember we can help each other ! Trust me, I need all the help I can get. After Thanksgiving my scale has moved up instead of down so it is time to get serious!
Also, today is World AIDS Day. The epidemic is NOT over and it is important for us to remain educated, spread awareness and be safe! We are working for a world without HIV/AIDS.
Last year nearly 1/2 million babies were born with HIV. By 2015, that number could be zero. Change your profile picture to a (2015)RED image and help turn Facebook, and the world, (RED) for World AIDS Day. http://f.joinred.com/nJJ
Also, please watch this video http://www.starbucks.com/share/#/the-killers for every view Starbucks is donating 5 cents to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.
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