Auld Lang Syne.

I wanted to take the time to wish all my friends and readers a very HAPPY and SAFE New Year. 2009 was a wonderful year for me and I hope 2010 is even better.

In 2010, I have many new and exciting projects I will be working on, so sadly this will be my last blog post since I won't have the time to keep up with it any longer. I truly enjoyed blogging for the last couple of months and I not only learned a lot but made a few new friends along the way. I hope the information I have given you has in some way helped you and kept you focused on staying happy and healthy as much as it has for me.

So---thanks for your kind words & support and please feel free to revert back to this blog for some great healthy advice and recipes.

And remember---little steps toward your goals are better than no steps!

Here is a final quote I want to share with you that I feel everyone should live by.

The Greatest Wealth Is Health. ~Virgil

Carpe diem!

Images Found -pdnachicago.com, worpress.com, flickr.com

Christmas Addiction.

Every Christmas I am addicted to watching "A Christmas Story". It is simply hilarious and unlike any other Christmas movie ever made. It spoofs on family relationships around the holidays and how we felt as kids, we sometimes seemed to be invisible or unheard by our parents, but in the end we find out we actually weren't all along. If you have never seen this movie it certainly is a must see and you have no excuses because it runs on TBS for 24 hrs on Christmas day.

Remember laughter is perfect for healing what ills you!

Two thumbs up, 5 stars.... etc, etc!!!!!

images found - flickstongue.com

Just Treading.

So excited--- recently my boyfriend and I got a treadmill for our home. We created our own home gym, including this, an exercise bike, free weights and this machine called The Infinity which is great for squatting and pull ups. We also set up a TV to keep us from getting bored in the meantime and to watch workout DVD's. I know with all the great food over the holidays we will be using this gym often in the new year. And it is something we can do together, what's better than that?

Make your own home gym with all your favorite equipment!

image found - wordpress.com

Oven-Roasted Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges.

This is the perfect side dish recipe for any occasion and uber healthy!

You Will Need:

Nonstick baking spray
2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled or scrubbed, cut into thin wedges
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, depending on taste
Finely ground sea salt, for seasoning
Freshly ground pepper, for seasoning

What to Do:

1. Preheat oven to 450° F.

2. Spray baking spray on large baking sheet.

3. Combine oil, sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in small bowl.

4. Place potato wedges in large bowl; pour oil mixture over potatoes and toss to coat.

5. Spread potatoes in single layer on prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake potatoes for 15 minutes; remove from oven and turn potatoes.

7. Bake again until potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, about 15 more minutes.

8. Transfer potatoes to serving dish and season to taste with salt and pepper; serve immediately.

Serves 6

image/recipe by Marie Saba, found - rd.com

Just Say No To Eating Snow!

Your parents always told you not to eat the yellow snow. Well now it's bad to eat the white fluffy stuff too. The reason you shouldn't eat snow is because snowflakes form on small pieces of dust. When they fall from the clouds they pick up pollution in the air. The pollution sticks to the snowflake, then the flake falls to the ground. If you eat the snow you might also be eating pollution and dirt, among other things.

The cleanest snow is in Antarctica. Because Antarctica is far away from cities and their pollution, the snowflakes aren't as dirty. The snow there might even be clean enough to eat.

Want to test the snow in your area?

You Will Need:

> a plastic container that is empty, clean, and has a lid

> a coffee filter or piece of paper towel

> a bowl

> a magnifying glass

1. Go outside and fill the container with fresh snow

2. Put the lid on the container and let it melt inside

3. After it has melted place and hold the coffee filter or paper towel over the bowl. Pour the melted snow slowly over the filter or paper into the bowl. Can you see dirt and stuff piling up on the paper or filter? If you can't tell, use the magnifying glass.

I admit that I've eaten my share of snow, but that was in the 70's & 80's when eating snow was more socially acceptable. But with all I know now, I just think it's kinda gross with all the dogs, plows, bacteria and pollution. Anyone else?

Follow your own instincts on this one! Ha,ha!

images found -imageshack.us, wordpress.com, telegraph.co.uk, premiumhometour.com, ref .thinkquest.org

Winter Wonderland.

Is there anything more breathtaking then looking out the window after it's been snowing all night and seeing the snow nestled perfectly on top of all the tall trees and rooftops? For me--- the feeling of peace and calm comes over me and it makes me feel like snuggling up in a cozy blanket, sipping a warm cocktail and reading or watching my favorite TV shows or movies. This feel good feeling is what winter and the holidays is all about for me. If you have a certain someone to share it with it makes it even more special.

So, embrace all of these beautiful picturesque moments and worry about all the shoveling later... :)

images found: refriedteacher.com, chehrehasocial.com, desktopexchange.com, .wordpress.com, uasd.edu

Doggie Treadmill.

With the DogTread you get a regular exercise routine for your pet. This machine gives your canine friend a workout that increases muscle tone, improves vitality, increases life span, and helps curb destructive behavior or excess energy. Now you can keep your dog healthy regardless of weather or environment.

It's very durable and won't wobble, it also has adjustable speed settings.

This is not a replacement for regular walks in the nicer weather, your pet still needs fresh air and a new environment to stay mentally happy and healthy.

Hop on your own treadmill as well and walk together! Instant work-out partner!

image/info found - cache.gifts.com

Healthy Hot Cocoa Recipe.

I recently read that Scientists have confirmed that hot cocoa is even more anti-oxidant packed than green tea. And it's great for the skin. The store bought packages aren't very healthy so I thought I'd find a healthier home made one and I did. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

~2 cups milk (you can substitute lowfat, skim, soy, or rice milk, if you wish).
~2 heaping tablespoons organic fair trade pure dark-chocolate cocoa powder (more or less to taste).
~Pure maple syrup, to taste (some of us prefer a sweeter cocoa)

PREPARATION:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan and add cocoa powder, whisking to combine.

2. Add maple syrup to taste, stir again, pour into a large mug, and serve hot.

Makes 1 serving.

How great is a hot cup of cocoa after coming in from a snowy cold day? Tops on my list!

image/recipe found - care2.com

Healthy Appetizers - Part Cinq.

~Oven-Fried Zucchini Sticks

Oven-baked zucchini sticks taste every bit as good as their deep-fried brethren with only a fraction of the fat and calories. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, marinara goes great with them.

Ingredients

• Canola or olive oil cooking spray
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds zucchini, (about 3 medium), cut into 1/2-by-3-inch sticks
• 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 475°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Combine flours, cornmeal, salt and pepper in a large sealable plastic bag. Dip zucchini in egg white, shake in the bag to coat, and arrange, not touching, on the baking sheet. Coat all exposed sides with cooking spray.
3. Bake on the center rack for 7 minutes. Turn the zucchini and coat any floury spots with cooking spray. Continue to bake until golden and just tender, about 5 minutes more. Serve hot.

Nutrition:

Per serving: 127 calories; 2 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 23 g carbohydrates; 7 g protein; 4 g fiber; 427 mg sodium; 524 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium (15% daily value).

*Tip -"Make sure you space these out enough in the pan or will remain soggy.

Great alternative to the greasy french fry! Sure it will be a crowd pleaser.

image/recipe found eatingwell.com

Healthy Appetizers - Part Quatre

Today's appetizer is packed with Omega-3's.

Ingredients:

• 16 slices “party size” pumpernickel bread
• 1/2 cup horseradish cream
• 16 slices smoked salmon
• Dill sprigs, for garnish

Preparation:

1. Top each pumpernickel slice with 1 1/2 teaspoons horseradish cream and 1 slice salmon. Garnish with a sprig of dill.

Nutrition:

Per serving: 48 calories; 1 g fat (0 g sat, 1 g mono); 4 mg cholesterol; 5 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 1 g fiber; 171 mg sodium; 28 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Protein, omega-3s, niacin, vitamin B6.

Presentation is just stunning!

image/ref eatingwell.com

Healthy Appetizers - Part Trois.

~Guacamole-Stuffed Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup Quick Guacamole, (recipe follows)
• Kosher salt & cracked black pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and cook at the barest simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, pour out hot water and run a constant stream of cold water over the eggs until completely cooled.
2. Cut each egg in half; remove and discard yolks. Fill each half with 2 teaspoons guacamole. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Nutrition:

Per serving: 55 calories; 3 g fat (1 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 2 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 1 g fiber; 223 mg sodium; 48 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Protein, fiber, no cholesterol.

Gotta love this yummy protein packed snack!

image/ref found eatingwell.com

Healthy Appetizers - Part Deux.

And continuing on my easy holiday appetizer recipe series for this week..... :)

~Spinach-&-Brie-Topped Artichoke Hearts

Ingredients:

• 1 9-ounce box frozen artichoke hearts
• 2/3 cup cooked chopped spinach
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 18 thin slices brie

Preparation:

1. Preheat broiler. Prepare artichoke hearts according to package directions.
2. Combine spinach, lemon pepper and salt in a small bowl. Top each artichoke heart with the spinach mixture and brie. Broil until cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes.

Nutrition:

Per serving: 20 calories; 1 g fat (1 g sat, 0 g mono); 4 mg cholesterol; 1 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber; 94 mg sodium; 78 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A, folate, potassium, magnesium.

Creative, healthy, tasty and eye pleasing!

image/ref found - eatingwell.com

Candy-Canes.

Don't throw away the left over candy-canes! New studies show that Peppermint may do more good than we knew–everything from fighting germs to helping digestion problems. In fact, some researchers say that having a tablespoon or more of fresh peppermint a day can be a healthy habit. Candy canes contain peppermint oil, which is said to help with irritable bowel syndrome. And researchers say that one day peppermint oils and other oils may be used to help prevent bacteria growth on food.

So these beautiful decorations may have some health benefits after all. Just be sure to brush after eating one-they do have sugar and are a candy, after all.

It may actually be time to rethink about those candy canes before getting rid of them. Maybe a candy cane a day will help keep the doctor away!

I'm crunching on one right now! Delic!

image found - candysnob.com, Ref - onhealthyliving .com

Healthy Appetizers - Part One.

Since the holidays are here and I'm sure you will be throwing either a Christmas or New Years party or maybe just having a few friends and/or family over for dinner. I wanted to try to find some great healthy appetizer recipes that won't only taste delightful but they won't pack on the pounds and they will have a beautiful presentation to boot.

*I will be adding a recipe daily for the rest of this week and next week. Hope you find a few that you just love.

~Tomato Basil Skewers

Ingredients

• 16 small fresh mozzarella balls
• 16 fresh basil leaves
• 16 cherry tomatoes
• Extra-virgin olive oil, to drizzle
• Coarse salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Thread mozzarella, basil and tomatoes on small skewers. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Nutrition:

Per piece: 46 calories; 3 g fat (2 g sat, 0 g mono); 8 mg cholesterol; 1 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 0 g fiber; 217 mg sodium; 34 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium, protein, vitamin C, potassium.

I'm definitely making this one for our New Years party!

image/recipe found - eatingwell.com

Tis The Season!

Believe it or not Christmas shopping is great exercise, going from store to store looking for that special gift for the special people in your life. Add an extra healthy jolt to your shopping experience by parking your car far from the mall, take the stairs instead of the elevators, walk to one store and then go to the farthest store from it for your next gift so that you walk further by going back and forth from one side of the mall to the other. It may not be great exercise for your wallet (but you'd be spending the money either way), and it's great for your heart and body.

Happy Shopping!

image found - gift-center-online.com