tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84629672753429545972024-03-04T23:29:05.330-05:00Life, love, and whirled peasGenius ramblings from a 50-something chick MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-41451101778988025582023-01-10T16:20:00.001-05:002023-01-10T16:20:45.254-05:00Has it really been over FIVE years?!?!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhaSMVtXbliV_5hAyIJ72ZqBewfMxVIJn9Of2RwtbX_Oq4i-U_pWwynoOljzSg2z8erUyWulGUiBtkxd_Trd4Z2DYLKvQKqXGhWIlaOlgQIy3o0LHHvlJqvc8V782C3eY4uAu7VDbRCNG1TgV2pMBvKecxy_nZLUS6txySoh9r25s7vj620L4wQFj_A/s392/Screenshot%202023-01-05%20at%201.19.57%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhaSMVtXbliV_5hAyIJ72ZqBewfMxVIJn9Of2RwtbX_Oq4i-U_pWwynoOljzSg2z8erUyWulGUiBtkxd_Trd4Z2DYLKvQKqXGhWIlaOlgQIy3o0LHHvlJqvc8V782C3eY4uAu7VDbRCNG1TgV2pMBvKecxy_nZLUS6txySoh9r25s7vj620L4wQFj_A/w272-h320/Screenshot%202023-01-05%20at%201.19.57%20PM.png" width="272" /></a></div>Hello Blogiverse! After an unplanned 5+ year hiatus from blogging <em>(for no apparent reason other than being busy with other things)</em>, here I am, alive and well with oh so much to share with you. Life has certainly been taking me on an insanely wild ride, as it most likely has for all of you as well. <p></p><p>I'm looking forward to sharing lotsa cool info, tip, and insight that I've learned while I was MIA... cooking and recipes, health and eating changes, starting up a business, decorating and home repairs, the new and ongoing stress of assisting aging parents, and the shocking but inevitable changing of a decade as I rolled smoothly into my 50's.</p><p>I hope you all have been happy, healthy, and living yer best lives! Cheers to being back on the Blog!! <br /></p><p><br /></p>MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-19408829473437913122017-08-02T08:19:00.003-04:002023-01-05T09:23:04.770-05:00"Dear Jeffrey, I love wine..."When you and your BFF who lives in another state start drinking wine together via Facetime, and it morphs into texting Snapchat videos to each other all night, lol. Vine it all together and you've got some funny shit right there! Wonder what his end came out like, LOL.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l693wvqp9Kc" width="480"></iframe>MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-20970346911071813922016-04-13T18:54:00.001-04:002023-01-05T09:18:25.032-05:00Lettuce pray for rejuvenation!!!Have wilty lettuce? Don't toss it! Give it a bath!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7KcWM-NKC4Eerc7lD5VZAT1L4CY9nFALr-wmgrUnrW4uEtDgVXsRa9aezXHFi0KB_CVL53hYma_1KZzlcMYcJz1TZ1VPz5cBp5kwFYjYNYrCPW4pIswZ34p5D316ETGmYYtu7uL74Cm-/s640/blogger-image--1134732917.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7KcWM-NKC4Eerc7lD5VZAT1L4CY9nFALr-wmgrUnrW4uEtDgVXsRa9aezXHFi0KB_CVL53hYma_1KZzlcMYcJz1TZ1VPz5cBp5kwFYjYNYrCPW4pIswZ34p5D316ETGmYYtu7uL74Cm-/w240-h320/blogger-image--1134732917.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Fill a bucket, large bowl, or side sink with a nice refreshing ice bath, <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE5KYLEHdrgm5LAazNkepSdX1QBerb_1MAsWf_vPolJLXWmU-qm5yZY4ghTZ_vxADaH-Eo4fk06RWquWEXdqfYDRequR1UCPFw1ppX2CzCpNQJ8mpKT_42AGKOXeuU3xjbr2NmKTa0xpR/s640/blogger-image--1089710256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE5KYLEHdrgm5LAazNkepSdX1QBerb_1MAsWf_vPolJLXWmU-qm5yZY4ghTZ_vxADaH-Eo4fk06RWquWEXdqfYDRequR1UCPFw1ppX2CzCpNQJ8mpKT_42AGKOXeuU3xjbr2NmKTa0xpR/w240-h320/blogger-image--1089710256.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>cut the leaves off at the base (or tear them off... whatevs), and let them soak for an hour or three!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfZZDELup1vTT6Py_gSv5q-4lJJcz-DuN1DnmXmQ4g0XUuYrzW_-tOOUcDltscB40HnSRLiBkI2ww7Ce03mKzxYe_9ZwCp8iCDVP-G8c29J3EyMC9X1D6802CFZDwDm99GvH4Yvimh7YB/s640/blogger-image-1869076572.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfZZDELup1vTT6Py_gSv5q-4lJJcz-DuN1DnmXmQ4g0XUuYrzW_-tOOUcDltscB40HnSRLiBkI2ww7Ce03mKzxYe_9ZwCp8iCDVP-G8c29J3EyMC9X1D6802CFZDwDm99GvH4Yvimh7YB/w240-h320/blogger-image-1869076572.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>They'll come out crisp and happy, ready for a salad! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyN-N_fQk4axsVHPRB5_5LRIXLnTVZdUKJc8_yTSM62TfLX7_UQKfXpOmwtggxg7xuaZraBNZis13AtSjiYolmQtuCE5OOhRAwI2WAuT5CMzoMwHPpxL4nJhfL2xZa1uRckG5rmc4vYt5z/s640/blogger-image-1456882404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyN-N_fQk4axsVHPRB5_5LRIXLnTVZdUKJc8_yTSM62TfLX7_UQKfXpOmwtggxg7xuaZraBNZis13AtSjiYolmQtuCE5OOhRAwI2WAuT5CMzoMwHPpxL4nJhfL2xZa1uRckG5rmc4vYt5z/w240-h320/blogger-image-1456882404.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Peas Love Green, baby!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div>MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-7090512485523012582016-02-12T05:32:00.001-05:002016-02-12T05:32:43.696-05:00The things I shouldn't eat and why I cannot stop...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VH_ZFAnAvfnk-N-lD8HMGRw5m8iOr-nmgvHoTNjKSpsH7w6ksTd2WEaH6m14gzKCGmkUqs4PwBowt30FZJ8RIpukHqrilRPeaRIpUAb-clJlEojLpxFOWce-dlb_WtkEhW5zqD4AsW8j/s1600/over+eating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VH_ZFAnAvfnk-N-lD8HMGRw5m8iOr-nmgvHoTNjKSpsH7w6ksTd2WEaH6m14gzKCGmkUqs4PwBowt30FZJ8RIpukHqrilRPeaRIpUAb-clJlEojLpxFOWce-dlb_WtkEhW5zqD4AsW8j/s320/over+eating.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Why can't I respect my body's limitations and treat it as my temple? My one and only, irreplaceable, vehicle of life... which it IS... my ONE and ONLY... can't get another one, ya know? So why do I, at 45 years of age, continue to eat and drink like I'm in my 20's? All it does is make me miserable in the wee hours of the morning and then again the next day when I step on the scale. WTF is wrong with us for doing this?? Seriously, I know my body. I can tell when I'm getting a cold (<i>I mean from a mile away</i>), I can tell when I'm low on certain nutrients, I can tell when my thyroid meds are off by even a smidgen. So why do I continue to punish it, and my precious sleep, by eating whatever the hell suits me 'in the moment'?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrrBLrzeuKPx2RgpBJUVb683lOQqMtQRDTZRoy8Ua2tx6PBvRNt2hIYh4M1N00_4Cj0FGBGC4-3HA9GZC6DC9RaLKbNE4KnasdOM26bm7G05rEN08lG2B7GVVJZOWCGj4-UmPKvgjX5oI/s1600/MuW+curry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrrBLrzeuKPx2RgpBJUVb683lOQqMtQRDTZRoy8Ua2tx6PBvRNt2hIYh4M1N00_4Cj0FGBGC4-3HA9GZC6DC9RaLKbNE4KnasdOM26bm7G05rEN08lG2B7GVVJZOWCGj4-UmPKvgjX5oI/s320/MuW+curry.jpg" width="320" /></a>Here's why I'm bitching... tonight I had a buddy date with my friend Andy and we went to a most excellent British pub restaurant which has turned out to be our 'regular place'. Being traditional, they have all the Brit staples, including curry. I'm talking authentic, mouthwatering, delicious Indian curry with all the fixings (<i>if you so please</i>) and three levels of hotness... with a twist. They offer a 'Curry Enhancer'. What is that, you ask? It's about a 1/2 teaspoon of hot Indian goodness that packs the kick of hot magma in T minus 4 hours. And of course that's what I ordered. I LOVE the heat. I'm a drinker of Sriracha, connoisseur of hot sauces, and overall lover of the burn... but the 'Curry Enhancer' at this place is a whole other beast entirely for me. And I KNOW this. There's something about it that just curdles the intestines and everything that has entered them causing some undesirable outcomes. AND I KNOW THIS. We have history, Mr. Enhancer and I. I won't give you details, but let's just say it involved driving much too fast through a sleepy town white knuckling the steering wheel while freaking out that there was no public bathroom in sight.<br />
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So back to tonight. I had it set in my mind that I would make healthy choices and order some sort of blackened fish and fresh veggies. I'm in the middle of a 'Biggest Loser' challenge with a gang of friends (<i>a conversation for another blog, lol</i>) and 'failing to plan = planning to fail', so I had it mapped out - glass of white wine, fish, veggies, no bread, maybe a glass of red wine after dinner with good convo - CHECK!! And what do I order? A glass of white wine (<i>and red after dinner</i>), the Indian veggie & tofu curry with rice, and that goddamn Curry Enhancer. Are you effing kidding me??? The kind waiter nicely asks "You know a little goes a long way, right?" Sure sure... bring it on... I love the heat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV1Hn1ClI2_JTV8h6ini1Jfyn-sBiL7_MYa_VgMXTQ25gyy4Wt_s9TXjDYl8V2dzNFOkMqpZv9Emtu5y7LlPFvW9WS0qBRhqbkiNPkIcRkM-HLzl5z1__sDabIhrgX2Wmma1RtaXlQs6A/s1600/angry-belly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV1Hn1ClI2_JTV8h6ini1Jfyn-sBiL7_MYa_VgMXTQ25gyy4Wt_s9TXjDYl8V2dzNFOkMqpZv9Emtu5y7LlPFvW9WS0qBRhqbkiNPkIcRkM-HLzl5z1__sDabIhrgX2Wmma1RtaXlQs6A/s200/angry-belly.jpg" width="200" /></a>And I did. OMG, I LOVE the heat. I always order my curry (<i>at any restaurant</i>) at medium heat, because I'm a control freak and like to be able to adjust as I go. By that I mean adding, and adding, and adding until there's basically nothing left in the teeny side dish that was given to me with it's unheeded warning. And there's never any problem gobbling it down - no whining about burning lips or tongue, it's not that kind of heat. It's the kind that radiates from within, like a mini nuclear reactor just waiting for your drive home. And drive home I did. After much needed and enjoyed hang time, I bid adieu to my friend and hopped in the car. No problem, happy belly. Chit chatty with the Hubs on the drive home and enjoying some music (<i>car dancing like a fool and being entertainment for others waiting beside me at the light, no doubt</i>), I get about a mile from the house and giggle to myself about how I should just say f**k it and stop for some chocolate chip cookies. And then it hits me. Mother of all that's holy, GET TO WINN-DIXIE. And I did, thank goodness my neighborhood one, so I know right where the potty is... and the cookies. Again, no details are needed after that last line, but WTF is wrong with me?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg7t1AUyh27LT-0PvHCYYP6APjBb8wS54jSyTW0dGU46IuyoyvRgWu7MjOUHnN1S_66-XYuZN7AcMnopLNJTa2Z8uuRxYm79yvU2bYniyXqiKKPwfojXOU-ap9mDJ1CAZCfnzBGuhdXY8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-12+at+5.04.34+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg7t1AUyh27LT-0PvHCYYP6APjBb8wS54jSyTW0dGU46IuyoyvRgWu7MjOUHnN1S_66-XYuZN7AcMnopLNJTa2Z8uuRxYm79yvU2bYniyXqiKKPwfojXOU-ap9mDJ1CAZCfnzBGuhdXY8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-12+at+5.04.34+AM.jpg" /></a>Fast forward to 2:17am and I'm awake, indigestion and potty issues from the Curry Enhancer, from the cookies (<i>of COURSE I bought them</i>), and from the wine. All of which I knew would effect me like this. Me, the one who already has insomnia and sleep issues, who is now the proud owner of a 45 year old body that's starting to say "Hey, stop that shit, I can't take it" to things that in past years had never bothered me. Don't get me wrong, I'm a <b>young & healthy</b> 45 year old dame, but there's just some stuff that exercise and healthy living can't stop, and that's the aging of your insides and how it reacts to stuff in the process. Examples of said stuff that never EVER used to bother me, but now ruins my day: <b>Dairy</b> - too much gives me sinus congestion to the point of thinking I have the flu. <b>Wine</b> - two is my new limit, regardless of the span of time I ingest them, otherwise I am up all night long with a pounding heart which leads to a dumb headache. <b>Red wine </b>- not all but most cause serious allergic-like reaction with full-blown sneezing fits and stuffy nose (<i>lovely</i>). <b>Alcoholic beverages </b>- overindulgence for celebratory purposes renders me useless the following day (<i>so sad</i>). <b>Overeating</b> - the worse indigestion and heartburn known to mankind (<i>NEVER experienced THIS in my life, UG</i>). <b>Curry Enhancer</b> - not hot sauce or Sriracha, or your regular run of the mill heat sources, but the exotic fiery thermogenesis of the devil himself. These are what I need to avoid... and these are the things I "treat" myself to on occasion (<i>wha...??????</i>) <br />
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As part of my ongoing aging process I know that shit has got to change, even if it's only on those treat night occasions. And besides, what is there in all of this that can be called a treat other than that tiny window of time that I'm stuffing the deliciousness into my mouth? Sure it's AH-MAZE-BALLS and I relish every second of every bite, but is it truly worth feeling like crap, a sleepless night, or even an adult hangover (<i>which is so much worse than... oh wait, I never used to get hangovers</i>)?<br />
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Absofuckinglutely.<br />
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Peace, Love and Curry Burps<br />
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<br />MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-23219314469542780732015-11-04T14:08:00.001-05:002015-11-04T14:08:24.332-05:00Sweet little Pereimenopause Guidebook! Shit-ton of info in here, ladies!!Well lookie-lookie what I found buried deep in the belly of my over-worked laptop!! Psyched to have found this so I can share it with you all. Just a short little guidebook of what to look forward to as you progress through your goddamned 40's as a chick.<br />
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You're welcome :)<br />
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<iframe height="480px" src="https://docs.google.com/viewer?srcid=0B3EeEGWJ3BTVZkRGSm5ySVd3eWlqcWotdllUMWhUS2dmcnNV&pid=explorer&efh=false&a=v&chrome=false&embedded=true" width="580px"></iframe>MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-11240154279638405592015-08-17T19:49:00.002-04:002015-08-17T19:49:15.633-04:00Natural v synthetic thyroid horrmone replacement: How I started getting my shit together!These past five months have been tough on me. I've been depressed, sad, and unbalanced. I tried to hide it because... well, just because. It's my journey, ya know? Grief, medicine disproportion, and insomnia has wreaked havoc on my well being and I'm just now starting to feel better. FIVE MONTHS LATER... sheesh!<br />
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It's amazing what your thyroid controls. If you don't know, look it up <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/womens-health/article/symptoms-of-thyroid-problems" target="_blank">HERE</a>! It's ah-MAZ-ing and frankly quite shocking at just how much that little W shaped gland can fuck up when it's out of whack or worse, non-existent. <br />
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I had been on Armour (<i>a natural option to synthetic replacement</i>) for about 1 <span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 </span>year pre-surgery and I felt great. I could have lived like that for ever, but that pesky nodule just wouldn't quit making the doctors nervous, so out came the thyroid and all hell broke loose with my meds. After the surgery, I was left on my original dosage, but was changed to Synthroid instead of Armour because 'they preferred it'. I was told that they preferred it due to it's accuracy of dosage and consistency of shelf life. That with synthetic you can rest assured that you're getting the dosage that you are taking, but with a natural supplement there's dosing issues and it can lose it's potency due to not knowing how long it's been on the shelf and you can't be sure you're getting exactly what you're taking, and blah blah blah. Stupid me figured yeah sure they're the specialists and that's fine - I had taken it before, no biggie. Or so I thought.<br />
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I have been miserable. Exhausted to the point that my eyes were burning by 11:00am as if I hadn't slept a wink the night before, insomnia regardless that I was utterly exhausted, depression, brain fog, memory issues (<i>big time</i>), weight gain, loss of motivation, chills, and an outpouring of tears at the slightest thing. Out of creamer... crying. Late for an appointment... crying. Misplaced my glasses that were JUST IN MY FUCKING HAND... crying. OMG, it was a nightmare. And to let you in on a little info - that's not me. I'm annoyingly positive and overly energetic, kinda like a sarcastic bunny on crack. And I'm not shy about calling and asking or complaining, so I did just that. It was explained to me that I needed to 'bottom out' before they could do a blood test and up my dosage from the 100mcg of Synthroid (<i>generic Levothyroxide actually</i>) that I was on. Fine. So the wait began. I pitied my husband.<br />
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Two long ass emotional months later (<i>April</i>), my labs were drawn and I'm bumped from 100mcg to 125mcg... YES!! I was a little concerned with such a big jump, since I'm hypersensitive to medicine (<i>how lovely</i>), but was told that it was the way to go and I would be fine. Tick tock tick tock... I feel... nothing. Okay, maybe a smidgen better, but still exhausted, emotional, depressed, and all the other crap. I call again about 2 weeks into the new dose and explain what I'm going through. 'Sorry, you have to wait another 2 months before we can draw your blood again to really see how your body is processing the medicine'. SERIOUSLY?! And what's worse is that I bought it and didn't question them. My state of mind at that point had me so frazzled, boo-hoo-ey, and full of self-doubt that I was more sad over the info I had just received than mad. By now the hubs had to be numb to my crying and zombie-like state, lol.<br />
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Two more long ass emotional and exhausted months later (<i>June</i>), my labs are drawn again and BAM, I need a new dosage... but they're lowering it. Excuse me, but WTF did you just say? Yup, seems my numbers show that I was teetering on <u>hyper</u>thyroid and they have to balance that out. Umm, how about you balance out the symptoms and not just the numbers? What do you think of that??? By this time I am fuming and ask that the doctor call me personally. The conversation with him is about as pointless as the one with his nurse. They need to wait until I've been on it for at least a few weeks before they can make a new decision about the dosage... insomnia is a symptom of hyperthyroid, maybe your body is reacting to too much hormone?... you have to trust us. More blah blah... Fuck you.<br />
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Let's just skip forward from that call to my appointment with my Primary Care Physician (<i>9 July</i>). Her name is Dr. Bacon... she's a vegan. I love that. Anyway, I went in to bounce some questions off of her, because, well my thyroid was already removed and all I needed now was to have my meds balanced out... maybe she knew a local doc that I could switch to. And then the million dollar question... 'Have you ever tried Armour?'. Why yes I had, and geez I remember feeling pretty damn great on it. 'You may have an issue converting T4 to T3'... man, I forgot I had been told that before! Her suggestion is that I lower off of the synthetic and simultaneously reintroduce Armour into my system, but do it slowly as not to shock my system. Funny, my current endo wasn't concerned with shocking my system even after having a fricking small organ removed... but I digress. Furthermore, she offered to take over managing my thyroid meds, as she has experience with it and multiple other patients with thyroid issues. HELLS YES. Good bye Moffitt doc, hello earthy-crunchy PCP Dr. Bacon.<br />
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She immediately prescribed 30mg of Armour and left my existing 112mcg of Levo... four days later I was already feeling better. Crying is minimal, depression is practically gone, insomnia is taking it's sweet time, and everything else is slowly falling into it's comfortable place. She plans on raising the Armour & lowering the Levo equally until I'm completely off the synthetic and 100% back on natural. Six week wait until my labs and next appointment with her... I can't wait. I can't wait to tell her how much better I'm feeling and how optimistic I am. I'm certainly not 100%, but this is the first and only positive change since my thyroid was removed on 26 Feb. I'm so looking forward to my progress as I increase my Armour :)<br />
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I'm certainly not a doctor. I know that everyone is different, and not all of our bodies &
minds react the same to medicines, BUT if you're
suffering from ongoing hypothyroid issues and have not had any relief, <b>
talk to your doctor about going natural</b>. And if they don't want to talk
about it or refuse to prescribe it, find another doctor. It's YOUR
BODY and YOUR CHOICE. If there's a medicine available to you that can
make you feel so much better and keep your hormone levels on track, then
why would you not look into it?<br />
I'm sure there is truth and science behind main stream endocrinologists preferring Synthroid over Armour (<a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=17253" target="_blank">one doc's opinion)</a> (<i>and hopefully it's not mainly due to kick-backs from pharmaceutical companies</i>), but there is also truth and science to how great natural is for your condition and symptoms. I know <b>on a personal level</b>... I truly feel better on the natural hormone replacement. It is not a placebo. That's coming from a strict non-mammal eating or wearing human, that took a lot of convincing to initially use this animal derived product. And there is a LOT of material on why natural is way better than synthetic. Check out this awesome write up by the Deranged Housewife <a href="http://thederangedhousewifeonline.blogspot.com/2012/01/synthroid-vs-armour-squashing.html" target="_blank">http://thederangedhousewifeonline.blogspot.com/2012/01/synthroid-vs-armour-squashing.html</a>... so spot on. And this great article and explanation by Dr. Jeffrey Dach <a href="http://jeffreydachmd.com/why-natural-thyroid-is-better-than-synthetic/" target="_blank">http://jeffreydachmd.com/why-natural-thyroid-is-better-than-synthetic/</a> ...such great detail!! And be sure to check out the book Stop The Thyroid Madness by Janie Bowthorpe and visit her website <a href="http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/" target="_blank">STTM Here!</a> It will open your eyes to changing the way your condition is treated and how you can take control!!<br />
<br />
So, <b>ROCK ON</b> with your bad hypothyroid selves and get your shit together!! I'm still trying to get my shit together and I promise to keep you posted along the way... even if takes me a while due to feeling like a crazy person, lol. And please keep me posted on how you're doing! I would love to read what meds you take, how you react to them, and if there are any new 'all natural' changes coming your way :)<br />
<br />
Peas, Love and T3<br />
MaryAnn ~<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br />MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-13261435644489079772015-05-05T23:41:00.000-04:002015-05-05T23:41:53.423-04:00Thyroidectomy & a Chicken Shit - part 2Well, it's done. I am no longer the proud owner of an underactive, nodule dwelling thyroid. I am now the proud owner of a smiling throat scar, lol.<br />
<br />
I have to start by saying that the facility that handles my surgery (<i>Moffitt Cancer Center @ Tampa, FL</i>) was AH-MAZING. I only needed to stay one night and I would have been more than happy to stay an extra, lol.<br />
<br />
The short version: This has been one of the most sad & emotionally trying times of my life. Between the stress of upcoming surgery, my 12 yr old catman soulmate dying 3 days post-surgery, and the complete hormonal imbalance of going from slow-thyroid to no-thyroid, I was (<i>and still slightly am</i>) a basket case. But the surgery in itself was a breeze... Chicken Shit relieved :)<br />
<br />
The long version: You should get a cocktail for this. I'm much better at long versions. I'll get one too, lol. Ready? Great... <br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2/26: Pre-surgery fun in an air-filled gown!</td></tr>
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I was on their ticket for 07:00 and needed to arrive by 05:00... and we live an hour away, DOH! I was nervous as hell (<i>helloooo, Chicken Shit here</i>) and wanted to get some solid sleep the night before, so I got the okay for a sleeping pill (<i>Lunesta.... love that butterfly</i>). Worst case, I figured I'd sleep the whole following day away... or so you'd thnk (<i>more about THAT later!</i>). After the normal check-in and a short wait, we got called in for pre-surgery. The nurses/staff were all AWESOME and so nice, but not so overly nice that you'd want to punch them or anything. Gown on and IV in, I reminded them that I would like some happy juice before I got wheeled in and they smiled and said "of course!"... YAY! As I was wheeled away to surgery and waving bye to the Hubs, I was happy as a clam and as high as Tommy Chong. The one thing I remember as I rolled into the surgical room was seeing a few faces and saying, in a very sloppy stoner manner "In case I forget to tell you, you guys all fucking ROCK". Annnnnd lights out, lol. Yep, I made an impression. (<i>"Hey, MaryAnn! Hi there! You did great!!" said Ariana Grande, wearing her leopard print and eared hat</i>) What the...<br />
<br />
I'm fuzzy on the time, but 10:00 seems pretty close to when I woke in Recovery, and damn I MADE IT!!! My super sweet nurse Terry was by my side "How are you feeling?" Me "Not bad"... (<i>OMG, did I just SPEAK?</i>) After they scooped out a chunk of my throat guts?? HOORAY!!! I didn't even sound scratchy!! Talk about a weight off my shoulders! I napped on & off, and when I hurt, my sweet Terry gave me morphine (<i>HOLY SHIT</i>) and I peacefully napped some more. Ahhhhh....<br />
<br />
Around 11:00 they wheeled me to my new, floor room. DON'T MOVE ME! I want to stay with my <strike>dealer</strike> best friend Terry!!! Off for a ride I go; down a hall, in the elevator, and into a nice & comfy private corner room. They used a freaking inflatable hoover mattress to move me... HOW AWESOME IS THAT?! I felt like an air hockey puck! My nurse Kelly was AWE-SOME; super funny, down-to-earth kinda chick you want to grab a beer with. Turns out the super nice guy that drove me to my new room was her husband, lol. My Hubs came in around noon, and was not very pleased. It turns out that they (<i>not sure if recovery or floor</i>) didn't tell him that I had been moved and he'd been waiting over an hour; poor sweet guy. Upon checking out my neck in the mirror, it was pretty swollen and the incision was covered with Steri-strips and glue... yes, glue. But it wasn't bad and certainly nothing out of a horror movie, lol. <br />
<br />
As for the Ariana Grande reference earlier, when the Hubs got to my room he let me know that my awesome rockin' surgeon (<i>Dr. Kristen Otto</i>) had stopped by to see him in the waiting area to let him know everything went great. He said she was wearing this cool leopard print surgical cap that had little cat ears on top. And that's when the fuzzy memory became clear... My surgeon waking me after all was done with a hearty "Hey, MaryAnn! Hi there! You did great!! And my response "ARIANA GRANDE!! AWESOME!!!!". Oh christ, seriously? LMFAO.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldML4yoSO0QXKEfSV6ZIBKD96AF0ImPRd4E7pJdB8ED89EWyq7E8CTyD4www5aeJz45hsLvmgsQ5Ql93XZ618hH9tlHNCR8mesKhL9IN9MaadaEKzlyBfVpIhYHmLOq3Pg-iHowRAzSUP/s1600/2+postsurgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldML4yoSO0QXKEfSV6ZIBKD96AF0ImPRd4E7pJdB8ED89EWyq7E8CTyD4www5aeJz45hsLvmgsQ5Ql93XZ618hH9tlHNCR8mesKhL9IN9MaadaEKzlyBfVpIhYHmLOq3Pg-iHowRAzSUP/s1600/2+postsurgery.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2/26: Post-op stoner pics, lol</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During the first few hours after surgery, the incision site had a minor burning sensation, but my throat was fine. I had meds to
'stay ahead of the pain'. BTW, if anyone says this to you, LISTEN TO THEM.
Once you start hurting, it's hard to make it go away. Be a good doobie,
take your damned meds, and let your body chill out and heal. I was on Percocet, which helped keep the pain to a minimum. By evening, I was exhausted and not sleeping at all... UG. Turns out that one of the major side effects of anesthesia is insomnia (<i>and constipation, but I digress...</i>). So, know that going into ANY surgery, you may not sleep afterward regardless of what drugs they give you or how exhausted you are. By that point I missed my morphine, but I'm not one for unnecessary meds or pills, so... sigh, lol. One thing I didn't lose was my appetite. I was HUNGRY when I woke up! Since I had no throat pain, I wasn't deterred from eating and enjoyed a lunch of scrambled eggs, and other soft stuff that I can't remember because I was a little high, lol. I had dinner too... mashed potatoes & carrots (<i>just like cafeteria lunch in grade school!</i>) are all I remember, and they were the best goddammed mashed potatoes I had ever tasted, LOL. As for walking/moving, I didn't do much right away and certainly none on my own. I needed assistance getting to and from the bathroom, as I was very dizzy and a fall risk, but that passed within 24 hours. <br />
<br />
By about midnight, I was completely exhausted, but entertaining myself with in-house movies. The pain in my throat started, so they added Tylenol and gave me some Cepacol lozenges & popsicles. Take my advice - just because you have a voice after having a
thyroidectomy, doesn't mean you should use it. Shut up and let your
throat heal. I'm a dummy. Two other things that effected me from the anesthesia was shivering and constipation (<i>THERE it is</i>). The shivering ended about 24 - 36 hours after surgery (<i>such a strange feeling</i>), but the constipation decided to hang and visit with me for about 4 days (<i>not a great feeling either, lol</i>). I know we all react differently to medicine, but I can't stress just how fricking tired I was. Sometime during the early morning (<i>04:00ish?</i>), I remember ringing my buzzer for the nurse for a popsicle and unexpectedly started hardcore sobbing out of pure exhaustion (<i>I shocked myself with that</i>). It seems this is the key to getting addition bumps of morphine, lol. I ended up sleeping for about 1 and 1/2 hours and it felt glorious.<br />
<br />
By breakfast time my throat was okay, but the incision site was still burning and sensitive. This didn't last too long - about two days for me. Discharge was around 13:00 and went fine (<i>long wait</i>), but the ride home sucked. I felt every single little bump and it HURT. My poor Hubs felt awful, but it is what it is and we needed to get home. I took a filled ice pack with me for the ride and it was the best thing I've ever done, lol. When meds don't work, numb it with cold! Actually, for the first couple of nights, I couldn't sleep without an ice pack... very soothing on a fiery neck. My neck was super stiff, and due to the strips & tape I couldn't tilt my head back. Not a big deal until until you're a few days in and it starts bugging you. I was told I could shower, which felt AH-MAZING, but not to soak the boo-boo. Not a problem. Washing my long hair was a bit of a task, since I couldn't tilt me head back. A few other issues I had were numbness & tingling in my face (<i>which is a symptom of low calcium</i>) and I started having a bit of an allergic reaction to the pain medicine. I was told by the weekend doc to eat a shit ton of Tums (<i>I won't be exact because I don't want to be quoted, but it was more than 10 per day</i>) and take Benadryl (<i>which I'm hyper sensitive to</i>). My tingling seemed under control after a couple of days, and the Benadryl knocked me on my ass, so me and my ice pack got a couple good nights of sleep, lol.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VnB4Fy0H7Z4aXEW7lOlFOJAE9cHFGEeso0ra5OKjSwWBcdtPKneaeS1Zyw-UTK8k-sDi6B-g1Xj8CSauFW2kKql5mPKymXe-1wtrZcVXSxVBtmdAaugxPqa6DMHo-JdwIkkS8g5r9kY-/s1600/3+post+surgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VnB4Fy0H7Z4aXEW7lOlFOJAE9cHFGEeso0ra5OKjSwWBcdtPKneaeS1Zyw-UTK8k-sDi6B-g1Xj8CSauFW2kKql5mPKymXe-1wtrZcVXSxVBtmdAaugxPqa6DMHo-JdwIkkS8g5r9kY-/s1600/3+post+surgery.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3/1: Look how swollen my neck was... ugly, weird turkey neck!</td></tr>
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From here it all goes straight to hell in a handbasket. My wonderful amazing handsome catman soulmate of 11 years tragically died in my arms 3 days post-surgery. After that I was an emotional wreck. With constant sobbing and that god awful 'knot in your throat' syndrome, my physical experiences and issues, I'm certain, are isolated to just me. I have healed fine overall, but it took a lot longer for my throat to feel better. It never got the time that it needed to relax - just a constant battle of hitching and that grief knot in my throat. That fucking knot.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV5RUSC4zSyBHo8yefx6jW_3x9jnXl8I928WbocFGFucFXYAtUXPMqvQWJ1fHHXXq6J080ABbtPTLJsaOZf63IHHAQ3J2fQ-vL_1D3awHpJ26UE8Q5az224tr-tvZirVin3T41-xapDXD/s1600/4+post-op+follow_up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV5RUSC4zSyBHo8yefx6jW_3x9jnXl8I928WbocFGFucFXYAtUXPMqvQWJ1fHHXXq6J080ABbtPTLJsaOZf63IHHAQ3J2fQ-vL_1D3awHpJ26UE8Q5az224tr-tvZirVin3T41-xapDXD/s1600/4+post-op+follow_up.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3/9, 10-day Post-Op: On my way to remove bandaging... YAY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At my 10 day post-op visit, they removed the strips and glue (<i>YAY</i>), and it felt like a noose had been removed from my neck. Everything looked great and my calcium level was good... parathyroids had been saved and working well! I was sent home with neck exercises/stretches, and instructions about applying Vitamin E oil and avoiding the sun for up to 12 months. Um, yeaahhhh, I live at the beach, so this was going to be a pain in the... neck, HA HA HA. Oh geez....<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><insert music="" s="" timewarp="" wayne="" world=""> </insert></span><br />
So here we are, 2 months post-surgery and my scar is still pretty noticeable, but it looks good and is bump free & smooth to the touch. I'm told that it will be invisible or close to that in 6 - 12 months. I'm being extremely diligent about caring for it. I'm constant with Vitamin E and coconut oil, and anytime I leave the house I use Neutrogena SPF 100 and wear a scarf - rain or shine (<i>that sun is still shining behind the clouds!</i>). I also have to take into consideration my heritage. I'm 1/4 Portuguese and inherited a great ability to cook, a spicy temper, and olive undertones in my light skin which causes me to retain scars a bit longer (<i>or forever</i>). As a precaution, I just recently added Mederma to my daily regimen (<i>I was also told that Vaseline works well, too</i>). The key is keeping it moist and prevent it from scabbing. I also have full range of motion in my neck. I didn't drive for about 1 1/2 weeks, but we all heal differently and I took a little longer. I had issues, lol.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbrzXn8-hmqq3jm8R8U50xSaWGwd0ehkeOGBS9kvMQUVorHv6Lp2J_Fniu6z2O6MQen_uQ86SDutkaza28VR04XJC8j1QWgbfD5PRZkl0f0OgaHn_ElyP1SAzOXdqXlH0LlVzWgAQ1qWg/s1600/5+post+op.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbrzXn8-hmqq3jm8R8U50xSaWGwd0ehkeOGBS9kvMQUVorHv6Lp2J_Fniu6z2O6MQen_uQ86SDutkaza28VR04XJC8j1QWgbfD5PRZkl0f0OgaHn_ElyP1SAzOXdqXlH0LlVzWgAQ1qWg/s1600/5+post+op.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6 weeks! SO glad that swelling is gone!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Honestly, overall none of it was unbearable. My surgery & hospital experience was surprisingly awesome. They took such good care of me - I was all bundled up in my comfy bed with freshly warmed blankie deliveries and an overwhelming outpouring of "You poor baby". How can you not feel comforted by that?! <br />
<br />
<br />
Take-aways:<br />
* It's a routine surgery, try not to stress... but let yourself worry and panic if you need to. You can't control your feelings & emotions and it's worse keeping them in.<br />
* If your hospital staff doesn't make you feel 100% comforted and comfortable, press that button and tell them. You are only there for one night and you need to feel at ease and as pain-free as they can (<i>legally</i>) make you.<br />
* Everyone heals differently. I had short-term pain & minor issues, but my friend Michele who had the same exact surgery one week after mine had minimal pain, took zero pain meds, and was driving just a few days later. She's a rock star.<br />
* Plan on being out of commission for 2 weeks, but you might be up and at'em much sooner (<i>like Michele, the super healer</i>). Just make sure you allow your body (<i>and mind</i>) time to heal and catch up. You just had major surgery and an important body part removed for pete's sake - don't rush yourself. <br />
* Once any bandaging is off, lube that puppy up and don't be afraid to massage it. Gently at first of course (<i>get your head out of the gutter</i>), but you've got to help that scar tissue lay flat and go away. Only YOU can do this.<br />
* Be diligent about using your Vitamin E oil, Mederma, or whatever you're using! Use it multiple times per day and be religious about it! Leave it in the bathroom by the since and rub some on every time you potty!! Make it a no-excuse, must-do part of your day. <br />
* Come up with a good story for your scar. Mine? Well, when I was a cabbie in Boston this guy tried to chock me with a piano wire. He jumped out of the cab and ran for it... but don't worry, I found him and he got his... lol.<br />
* My pains and resolutions:<br />
> Scared shitless pre-surgery: ask for 'the happy juice' before you get wheeled in <br />
> Burning/fiery feeling at incision site: an ice pack will become your best friend :) <br />
> Sore throat: Cepacol and popsicles rock<br />
> Insomnia: Netflix for your all-nighter, and then Benadryl if you can't take it anymore, lol<br />
> Death of your cat: Love of family & friends, lots of crying, time, and Ben & Jerry's. Wine doesn't hurt either.<br />
* If you're concerned about ANYTHING (<i>i.e. my tingling face</i>), call the doctor. CALL THEM!! That's what they're there for and why your insurance company is paying them booko-bucks! <br />
* Smile! They wanted it out for a good reason and now it's out. No more biopsies or "what if's" for you in the future! HOORAY!!! YOU DID IT AND YOU ROCK!!!!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe0zWoKLpn6_R9rD4fQHcCHM7z43iNA4Jo0KkKfAZsrlZ1_gKqGKOqE2TWNvw9Us0vcCsKUIn4q_ygXfoi90PIXlCEIz8cVTILcLgdv4dxMAZARDYhhva-kvc02UKhWBOV1pDWmIALI_0/s1600/6+post+op.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe0zWoKLpn6_R9rD4fQHcCHM7z43iNA4Jo0KkKfAZsrlZ1_gKqGKOqE2TWNvw9Us0vcCsKUIn4q_ygXfoi90PIXlCEIz8cVTILcLgdv4dxMAZARDYhhva-kvc02UKhWBOV1pDWmIALI_0/s1600/6+post+op.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 weeks, 8 weeks and today at almost 9 weeks! YAY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I hope I didn't bore you too much... who am I kidding. If you were bored you would have closed this page by now, lol. My true hope is that I didn't forget anything. If I did, you'll be hearing from me. And I'm an open book, so you're welcome to contact me or comment any questions you might have :) I also added some some before and after photos for your viewing pleasure... some not so flattering. I must really love you guys<br />
<br />
Now to get my thyroid meds balanced out again... UG. THAT is a story for another post, lol. <br />
<br />
Peas, Love, and Synthroid adjustments :)<br />
<br />MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-46056046597079938082015-02-21T12:58:00.000-05:002015-02-21T12:58:00.774-05:00Thyroid Biopsy Tips from a Seasoned Pro...<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent">I've had six FNA <i>(fine needle aspiration)</i> biopsies. Three of them were
horrible and the other three were just uncomfortable & stressful.
The first three, I was numbed using lidocaine... which turns out hurts
more than the actual biopsy needles, lol. On all six of them, they did 4
- 6 passes of the needle during each biopsy, so I got off easier than
some people I've talked to. Bottom line - biopsies suck, but we all
handle them <i>(and pain) </i>differently. Here are my tips for getting
through it:<br /> <br /> *BR<span class="text_exposed_show">EATHE. You'll
be stressed out because, well someone's about to repeatedly jam a needle
into your neck... that's some unnerving shit. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> *ASK QUESTIONS.
Ask everything you want. And definitely ask how many passes of the
needle they will be making before they start. I count down out loud
after each pass. It gives you some small sense of relief knowing you're
that much closer to being DONE. <br /> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">*When they say DON'T MOVE,
don't fricking move. Don't swallow, cough, or clear your throat. The more still and
well positioned you are, the faster it will all be over. Take a second
before each pass to clear your throat and swallow, and ask a question or
make a joke to lighten the mood. They're going to do the procedure
regardless, so be comfortable while you're there.<br /> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">*Don't be embarrassed</span></span> about CRYING.
I am a waterworks factory when they mess with my neck. It's your NECK,
it's scary and stressful, and its makes you feel very vulnerable. Cry
away.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> *KEEP BREATHING, because it doesn't tickle. It's not awful
like a broken bone, child birth, or a punch in the face <i>(lol)</i>, but it
will range from mild discomfort to white knuckling the table-side that
you're laying on from the pressure being so bad. Just remember, it's
over fairly quickly <i>(depending on how many passes of the needle you
need)</i> and the counting down of each pass makes the time seem to go by a
little faster. And keep in mind, if you hold your breath it causes your body
to tense up, causing your muscles to be tense, causing you to stress
even more than you already are. So breathe... juuuuust breathe <i>(I know you're singing along... you're welcome)</i>.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
*CHILL OUT for the remainder of the day. You may not have much physical pain after an FNA <i>(minor sore throat, tenderness, and/or swelling
& bruising)</i>, but you will be exhausted from having stressed over the
upcoming appointment, the wait before the procedure, and then during
the procedure. The TV or a good book, paired with the couch and a cup of tea is a nice
way to celebrate your making it through the procedure without punching
the person who performed it, lol.<br /> <br /> This is just one person's
opinions and experience, but after six of them, I think my tips are valid, lol.
Biopsies suck, with a capitol UCK, but you've got this :)</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Peas out... and BREATHE!! </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><i class="_4-k1 img sp_Qr0u-xn62A6 sx_1d28cc"></i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><i class="_4-k1 img sp_Qr0u-xn62A6 sx_1d28cc"><u></u></i></span></span> </span></span>MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-32391971064386317792015-02-21T12:47:00.000-05:002015-02-21T12:47:01.388-05:00Thyroidectomy & a Chicken Shit - part 1<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">For those of you that don't know, I've been dealing with Hypothyroidism since 2004... <i><b>bleck</b></i>! And since about 2006, they've been keeping an eye on a nodule that has taken up residence on the backside of the left lobe of my thyroid... bothersome little shit. So, after six <i>(yep, I said SIX) </i>biopsies over the years, it's been decided to have it removed.... ALL of it removed. Here's the low down...</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">In mid-December, I had my follow up appointment to my final
biopsy and molecular marker results at Moffitt Cancer Center, in Tampa FL. First and foremost, I do not have
cancer. Whew! Now comes what they called the "grey area" part.<br /> <br /> It seems that the nodule they've been following is positive for a certain mutation, meaning there's a 50/50 chance that IT'S<span class="text_exposed_show">
cancerous. So, to be prudent, they'll be removing my thyroid <i>(both
lobes/sides)</i>. The left side <i>(with the nodule)</i> will be sent to the lab to
determine if it's indeed cancerous or not. Better safe than sorry...
I'm okay with that. And this will bring some long awaited closure
regarding the "is it or isn't it" about my thyroid issues. I'm am soooo okay with that :)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">Well, surgery is a short 5 days away and I
have to admit, I'm scared. Not of having my thyroid removed, not of
anything in particular... just that it's surgery and surgery is scary.
And it's surgery on/in my neck... UG - gross, invasive, <span class="text_exposed_show">scary.
I have my awesome hubs & friends that are reassuring and reminding
me that everything will be fine, and I know that. But it doesn't
change the fact that<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> IT'S SCARY</span> and I'm scared. Yuck. I wish it was
tomorrow because I just want it over and done with... let the recovery
process begin already, lol. Anyway, just thought I'd check in and say
I'm still out here, just keeping busy and trying not to think about my
hot date on February 26th. I'm meeting with the anesthesiologist on
Tues <i>(24th)</i>, so I'll be in touch. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Rock on, my thyroid peeps :)</span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /></span></span>
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show">Peas <i>(and thyroid)</i> out!</span></span>MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-66680240814581107342014-11-18T14:17:00.000-05:002014-11-18T14:20:33.850-05:00Easy Oven Roasted Squash... YUMMY!!So, it's that time of year again... fricking COLD!! But we can now get our wanting hands back on some of the most perfect vegetables known to mankind... squash! Yes, pumpkins & squash are utterly delish and so comforting on a cold day. And did you know how easy they are to cook??<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZAvoVRhi3u51z5o0rcqh1iJq29ywNJQSquC7JMxvrW5Arn9FXAbGP1AV62LIJgAmQDlrOtce45I9Z-8McS_mrisAMwRya4-RG2soXo9Ei82-PfbJPUBMKCIPZI7VJjpQJaztPKWz64Up/s1600/10428095_10205265778314123_6799831798545912859_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZAvoVRhi3u51z5o0rcqh1iJq29ywNJQSquC7JMxvrW5Arn9FXAbGP1AV62LIJgAmQDlrOtce45I9Z-8McS_mrisAMwRya4-RG2soXo9Ei82-PfbJPUBMKCIPZI7VJjpQJaztPKWz64Up/s1600/10428095_10205265778314123_6799831798545912859_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">It's SUPER easy. Here's the fast and awesomeness of it!</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">Cut whatever squash you're craving in half and
scoop out the seeds & 'guts'. Place halves face up in a <i>(lightly)</i>
oiled baking dish. I tend to use a cookie sheet covered in foil, for easier
clean up. Oil the 'meat' of the veggi</span></span><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">e by pouring some olive oil directly on it and use your hands to coat it. Or use a pastry brush if you're wimpy to getting your hands dirty ;) Don't
worry about the outside, since you won't be eating it<i> (but if it's an
eggplant, sweet potato, or anything you will eat the skin of, coat that
too!)</i>. Salt & pepper it, and bake in a preheated oven at 400 for
about 30 - 40 min. And then... </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">VOILA!!! <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266077521603:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266077521603:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266077521603:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Easy to prepare and basically zero
cooking for you, while it bakes in the oven and makes your house smell
AWESOME!!!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266077521603:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266077521603:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266077521603:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">FYI, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266077521603:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266077521603:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266077521603:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><i><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".fh.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266014880037:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".fh.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266014880037:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".fh.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266014880037:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">the filling in the picture? Not really an actual filling. On the same
pan, I roasted a cut up sweet potato and a sweet onion. I just dumped
some of that into the middles, and sprinkled it all with some cinnamon.
I read a LOT about adding cinnamon & brown sugar or maple syrup, but
I don't like my food sweet. Unless it's cake. Definitely when it's
cake, lol.</span></span></span></i> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266077521603:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266077521603:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266077521603:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Another idea that my friend Faith told me about is to </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266027640356:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266027640356:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266027640356:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">cube butternut squash and toss in olive oil, salt, pepper and then roast in the oven - almost like little hash browns... </span><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266027640356:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$2:0">Delicious! Thanks Faith!!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266027640356:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266027640356:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266027640356:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$2:0">Have an eggplant you're dying to roast? Check out my recipe for Baked Stuffed Eggplant here ---> <a href="http://lifeloveandwhirledpeas.blogspot.com/2013/10/garam-masala-baked-stuffed-eggplant-yum.html" target="_blank">Garam Masala Baked Stuffed Eggplant!</a>! And don't worry if you don't have Garam Masala (or don't like it, you silly silly person)</span></span></span>... you can sub any herb or seasoning you prefer and just as super tasty, warm and filling.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">So <b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">ROCK ON</span></b> with your bad self and <b><i>get roasting</i></b>!!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">ps. Always be mindful of what oil you're using! Olive, coconut & palm oils, butter, and ghee - all healthy in moderation. Canola, vegetable, corn, or soybean oil - all nasty shit that's bad for your heart and body. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br />pss. Organic is worth the extra couple of bucks. You get one body. Take care of it :)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">psss. I should have used a different color plate. Too much orange, lol.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".dj.1:3:1:$comment10205265778314123_10205266001399700:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">Peas out, my peeps</span></span></span></span></span>MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-56846437384553970032014-07-31T15:01:00.001-04:002014-07-31T15:09:00.181-04:00Perimenopause and hypothyroidism...... are you shitting me with this???Oh joy. The questions and confusions of being a woman in her early 40's. Some days I wish I was a dude; they seem to have it pretty easy in the hormone department, lol.<br />
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I recently had issues with headaches, bad insomnia, and forgetfulness that I felt bordered on Alzheimer's, and decided it had interrupted my life enough that it was time to visit my doctor. Dr. Kasia is cool. She's pretty earthy-crunchy and will quickly prescribe a massage or exercise over medicine. I love her :) She's also heavy into understanding and "knowing" your hormones, and believes that a huge factor in most of a 40-something woman's health issues are that her hormones are 'off' and unaddressed during Perimenopause.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs9wtn0zej3ckF_XspwRA1RsmK6pzxNxuupYibmlvji-6qmfkGq-PSI424FNUJsivHiReg7lgjm5pVhrwucMLXq8fGGbNGyB_z1upuYUnYYxMV6rdVr1x8QVryebRaLBfzKIJV3wWlsa8/s1600/peri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs9wtn0zej3ckF_XspwRA1RsmK6pzxNxuupYibmlvji-6qmfkGq-PSI424FNUJsivHiReg7lgjm5pVhrwucMLXq8fGGbNGyB_z1upuYUnYYxMV6rdVr1x8QVryebRaLBfzKIJV3wWlsa8/s1600/peri.jpg" /></a>I'm sorry... Peri-what??? That's right ladies. It seems the lucky owners of vaginas don't just get the fun of hitting menopause, but we also get the grey, and just as annoying, time frame of PERImenopause. This is the 5 - 10 years BEFORE menopause when our hormones actually begin their imbalance issues, and start either plummeting or sky rocketing, causing us to act like crazy-ass bitches. It's fun & exciting with symptoms like (<i>are you sitting down?</i>)... mood changes, anxiety attacks, forgetfulness, irritability,
sugar cravings, allergy symptoms, depression, brain fog, menstrual problems, anemia, hot flashes, night sweats, headaches and migraines, weight gain, belly fat, insomnia, fatigue, low energy, dry skin, arthritis, cold hands & feet, brittle nails, cracked heels, acne, slow metabolism... and that's just a few. And a few have been kicking my arse!<br />
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Now wait, I've already been suffering from a bunch of these issues... how's that possible? (<i>are you ready for this???</i>) It seems the symptoms of Peribitemyass are (<i>almost</i>) all the same symptoms of hypothyroidism; that nasty little condition I've been struggling with since 2004. Well smack my ass and call me pissed off. That doesn't seem fair!! How the hell am I supposed to figure out what symptom is being caused by which condition... and how do I feel better? This can't be normal. <br />
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Oh, but it is: <a href="http://www.theperimenopauseblog.com/35-symptoms-of-perimenopause-hypothyroidism/">http://www.theperimenopauseblog.com/35-symptoms-of-perimenopause-hypothyroidism/</a><br />
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As my doc explained this infuriating information to me, I was less than thrilled and all of the stereotypical age old thoughts that every chick ends up chanting in her head started swirling around in mine... hormones suck, vaginas suck, ovaries suck, aging bodies suck, blah blah suck, lol. <br />
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She sent me for blood tests to check my estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels (<i>yes, chicks have & make testosterone, so don't let any doctor tell you it's okay for yours to be at zero!</i>), and it seems that my estrogen is "through the roof" (<i>how lovely</i>), my progesterone was rock bottom low (<i>UG</i>), and my testosterone could use a boost. Her research and studies show that ALL women going through Perimenopause should consider low-dose hormone supplement(s) to ease into The Change (<i>seriously, who started calling it this?</i>), and suggested I try it out. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAue7xSy22MiHzyzyRd6Tdu5gexAa1ByVLVeOt6CJdiKvNyRkRZ_bVGaRp8K9kpXv4uxBtEHwfGtJhkFtBmZRKwAq0q-g6B5smVzRPcxdn1D-hRxtIWVzILkpLIxLmoleSGn32o7DN4xOh/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAue7xSy22MiHzyzyRd6Tdu5gexAa1ByVLVeOt6CJdiKvNyRkRZ_bVGaRp8K9kpXv4uxBtEHwfGtJhkFtBmZRKwAq0q-g6B5smVzRPcxdn1D-hRxtIWVzILkpLIxLmoleSGn32o7DN4xOh/s1600/Blog.jpg" height="320" width="264" /></a></div>
Now if you know me at all, you know I don't agree with prescription meds unless they are absolutely necessary. I don't even like popping Advil. It makes me sad and fearful that so many physicians are walking script pads, wearing a white coat and getting a fat check from the pharmaceutical companies. Ten years ago if my doctor said "Here, take this", I would have, no questions asked... but now I know better... and I have a new doctor. Sorry, soapbox! Anyway, after lots of online research and knowing that my Doc is not a fan of handing out pills, I agreed to give hormone replacement a try, in the hopes of not feeling constantly exhausted and like I'm losing my mind, and also knowing that I wouldn't have to take them forever.<br />
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I'm currently taking micronized progesterone and using a testosterone cream in the evenings. Coupled with my morning thyroid medicine I have to admit that I feel soooo much better. It's not perfect... I still feel tired when I know I got a good night's sleep, crave sugar like it's oxygen, and sometimes can't find my sunglasses ANYWHERE when they're actually sitting on top of my head... but I'm noticeably better over all. And I have the power of being in the know. I had never heard of PERImenopause before Dr. Kasia made me aware. I still think it sucks and is bullshit, BUT it's not and it's real... and most of us chicks are going to go through it. Dammit. So, time to pull up the big girl panties and deal with it!<br />
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Your takeaway? If you feel like crap and/or have any of the symptoms above, or that you read in the link I offered (<i>which I know you're going to read, right? :) </i>), be sure to see your Primary Care Doc or an Endocrinologist. Ask her to run some blood work to check your hormones and your thyroid levels, never just assume. They are very similar and they are very frustrating... and if it's your thyroid, it's urgent that you get it under control.<br />
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So DO IT! Get the blood work!! It's important to know and it's important to feel good in life. :)<br />
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Peas out,<br />
MaryAnn ~<br />
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<br />MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-66282585987847648182014-06-06T08:34:00.000-04:002014-06-06T12:30:16.885-04:00Tips & stories from a first time marathonerI ran my first full marathon on March 1st and it was awesome. Yeah... awesome. That's what I'm supposed to say, right? That it was awe inspiring, was the highlight of my life's accomplishments, and made my heart swell with pride... umm, no. Well, not until about a week or three later, lol.<br />
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As of today, three months after the run <i>(race for some, it was a run for me)</i>, I AM absolutely proud of myself, am awed that I accomplished such a huge feat on my personal Honey-Do list, and am in utter shock that I want to run another one, lol. My crazy, runner friends warned me that this would happen; that once I finish one, I'd want more. Kinda like chips or tattoos, lol. And I fear they are right. But before I do that, I wanted to get some stuff off my chest.<br />
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During my 16 week training program, I learned a lot. Some good, some misleading, and some detrimental to my stride and mental focus. If only I had had known some of this stuff earlier than later, I would have had my "Ah-ha" moment sooner than 3 weeks before the race! So I want to share with all you rookie marathoners out there getting ready to take the leap and make the commitment...<br />
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Here are some tips for a first time marathoner to help cross that first finish line.<br />
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<b>Tip #1: Get some running friends! </b> Already have some? Great! Now, fill them in on your plan to run your first full. They will fuel you with positive energy, support, and the camaraderie & knowledge only runner friends can. Whether you run with them or not, doesn't matter. Just be sure to be in contact with them and ask lots of questions. I am very lucky to have surrounded myself with a wonderful circle of
friends that are extremely positive, fit, and running fools. It
helps!!<br />
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<b>Tip #2: Be mindful of what you're reading online.</b> There's a lot of great information out there to help you train and be all that you can be, but be sure it's right for YOU! I made a huge mistake by getting "Google Burnout", lol. I researched so many websites and kept notes on how to train, what to eat, form & stride. I was overwhelmed. You name it, I read it. I wanted to be prepared!! What I didn't take into consideration is that these articles are usually written by marathoners. Not newbies like you and me, but seasoned runners. Their info is great, but not for us! <i>(not yet anyway!)</i> So, be sure that when you Google, Bing, and read your Runner's World <i>(which I know you will)</i>, you try to look for articles from first time or novice marathon runners. The info from them is super important!<br />
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<b>Tip #3: <i>This was most important to me - </i>watch your calories & DO NOT CARBO LOAD.</b> Here's a little story for you... I was about 3 weeks out from race day,
and I sat down in my friend Whitney's office and told her I felt defeated. I
had been trying so hard and doing everything right, yet I felt
so slow & 'heavy', not enjoying my long runs as I had earlier in my
training. She's a fitness director at a military base and has quite a
few full & half marathons under her belt, so she knows her shit and
her word is gold to me. She had me go over everything I was doing - training days & distances, what I was eating, what I was wearing,
etc. Turns out I was eating all wrong. I was taking in too many calories and was eating a shit ton of <i>(healthy)</i> carbs the day before my long runs <i>(insert loud annoying<insert annoying="" insert="" loud="" span="" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> '</insert></i><insert annoying="" insert="" loud="" span="" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">wrong</insert><i>' buzzer sound here)</i>. Unless you're a super-fit, low body fat, running machine, you do not need to up your calories as much as you'd think, nor do you need to "load" on carbohydrates. A typical body doesn't react or process carbs the same as a seasoned distance runner's body. At 43 with a thyroid condition, and 5'0" & 152lb, I was gaining weight and unknowingly sabotaging myself. I immediately adjusted my caloric intake, started eating less & lighter, and started feeling better & running strong again. It should have been common sense, but I had brainwashed myself after all of my online research. Google, my frenemy! BTW, a good <i>(generic)</i> rule of thumb for nutritional break down during endurance training is 50% carbs/25% fat/25% protein. <br />
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<b>Tip #4: Have your gait checked by a Physical Therapist and buy the right shoes!</b> During that conversation with my Whitney, I told her about some pain under my right foot and a growing concern of tendinitis. She asked about my shoes and if I'd ever had my gait checked. Why yes, I have! By a local running store. Turns out he knows his product, but knows nothing about testing someones gait. You need to be barefoot when you're checked. It's the only way to see your true gait & foot placement. I was wearing a neutral strike shoe... so naturally he said my gait was neutral. The following day I visited my ortho doc, and yes, I was showing signs of tendinitis and got a hearty "Boy, you're overpronated". Oh crap. Yep, I'd been running in the wrong shoes for a while. You see, the pronation of your foot shows how your foot land and 'rolls' with each strike, and is the key to finding the right running shoe and preventing injury. After replacing the 'wrong' pair of shoes <i>(and keeping my second pair, that were fine)</i>, I was running pain free even on my 20 mile training day. YIPPEE!!!! <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/pronation-explained?page=single">http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/pronation-explained?page=single</a><br />
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<b>Tip #5: Wear the correct bra for your size </b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">( . Y . )</span><b>!</b> Unless you're a dude. You guys can skip this tip :) I'm a short, medium build chick, with huge boobs. I wear a 34H/36G bra. Really?? Sheesh! I want to be a runner, not a stripper!! Anyway, I cannot tell you how difficult it was to find a bra that works for breasts this big. When I run, I want as close to zero bounce as I can get and it took a long time to find. I seriously can't remember how many sports bras I have tried and sent back; poor support, no support, wrong size verses what the tag said, poor coverage - you name it, I tried it. I even double bagged them for a while, wearing two sports bras over each other... UG. The only brand I've found that works is made by Enell. It's more like a vest torture chamber, but it works. It has a front closure of about 20 clasps, and works by compression with a teensy bit of encapsulation... but not much. The first couple of times you wear it you'll swear to the moon & sky that you're in the grips of a boa constrictor, but it 'softens' up. I don't want to use the word loosens, because it doesn't loosen or lose shape, but it does 'change' once you've worn & washed it a few times, so I promise that it does get easier, lol. I won't go into any more detail other than - if you've got gianormous boobs and enjoy high-intensity sports, this is the bra for you --> <a href="http://www.enell.com/">http://www.enell.com/</a>. FYI, it's cheaper on Amazon :)<br />
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<b>Tip #6: Cross-train Cross-train CROSS-TRAIN. </b> I am an idiot. I hardly cross-trained at all. I was religious abut weight training 3 days a week prior to my race training, but stopped because I was afraid I would waste too much energy on something that wasn't running. Idiot. I'm lucky I ran at the pace I did without cross-training. Don't be an idiot like me. Period. <a href="http://www.marathontraining.com/marathon/m_crosst.html">http://www.marathontraining.com/marathon/m_crosst.html</a><br />
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<b>Tip #7: Body Glide and moleskin are your friends. Use them.</b> I have scars on my ribcage from distance runs in the wrong bra... even some while wearing the right bra. Chaffing happens and you can't skip your training runs because of it, and strapping that evil bra back on over red welts is not a pleasant feeling. Have I told you how much I love moleskin? Stick the adhesive side to your bra, wherever it's rubbing, and you're good to go :) <a href="http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/footandankleinjuries/tp/Blister-Prevention-And-Treatment-Products.htm">http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/footandankleinjuries/tp/Blister-Prevention-And-Treatment-Products.htm</a><br />
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<b>Tip #8: Be proud of yourself </b>as soon as you start that damn race, during it, and most of all when you cross the finish line. Because you fricking did it!!!! Who cares how long it took you or what your pace was! I learned the hard way that your first marathon is for knowledge and fun, and that first shiny necklace at the finish line, lol. You can worry about your time after that one's under your belt.<br />
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I could go on and on, but I only wanted to share the biggies with you that helped save my ass... and skin, and feet, and mind. I'm happy and proud to say I finished in 5:45:43. It took me a while to be proud of my time... but it's MY time. <b> I</b> ran that race and got the bling. I learned and now understand what I need to do to keep me running healthy, happy and strong. And I finished a fricking marathon. And for that I'm super duper proud :)<br />
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Peas and pavement love!MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-69948914984268955342014-05-01T08:59:00.001-04:002014-05-01T09:03:54.440-04:00Where have I been for 6 months?! Busy bee with a newly found recipe for kale :)Holy crap!! Has it really been SIX months since I've talked to you guys? How rude of me!!<br />
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Between now and my last post I have celebrated my 43rd birthday, didn't celebrate Halloween for the first time in my life (<i>which I'll never do again!</i>), watched my Boston Red Sox win the World Series (<i><b>WOO HOO!</b></i>), celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary, started training for my first marathon, cooked a full Thanksgiving meal (<i>which I'll also never do again, lol</i>), had a whirlwind day trip to Graceland (<i>awesome!</i>), enjoyed a 2 week visit with my step-son including hosting Christmas for the family (<i>which I do for the season, not the reason</i>) and a quiet three-person New Year's Eve, celebrated the Honey's birthday, ran my first marathon (<i>after logging 402 miles in training... YEAH!</i>), hosted our yearly backyard 'Eat, Drink & Be Merry Bash' (<i>including a handmade Mexican feast!</i>), and tried to be a good health care proxy for my mother-in-law. WHEW!!! I was a busy girl, but I am NOT complaining. Most women have to do all this and work a full-time job. If I was working, there would be NO way I'd get all this crap done, lol.<br />
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So anyway... HI!!! How are you? It's May 1st and I miss my blog, so I'm going to just jump right in...<br />
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I just bought a gianormous bag of chopped kale (YUM!) and wanted a new recipe for it. I found this one online and OH MY was it tasty!!! <a href="http://www.calicooking.com/spicy-kale-and-quinoa-salad-with-sweet-corn-and-black-beans/">http://www.calicooking.com/spicy-kale-and-quinoa-salad-with-sweet-corn-and-black-beans/</a>. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN9gZoaxbaXSv7VFcxrySQ781J9-6T3Wm-8tTjdfM9vfQzGn-zjSzgJVYIajFm_hbb41tB2vubUW7WvH_C-zAaM2OhiQo0LptKnmi_u8jC5Fb3xS9b6mCXqvom70fBf5VHLbyeY_nut6w/s1600/spicy-kale-and-quinoa-salad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN9gZoaxbaXSv7VFcxrySQ781J9-6T3Wm-8tTjdfM9vfQzGn-zjSzgJVYIajFm_hbb41tB2vubUW7WvH_C-zAaM2OhiQo0LptKnmi_u8jC5Fb3xS9b6mCXqvom70fBf5VHLbyeY_nut6w/s1600/spicy-kale-and-quinoa-salad2.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a><br />
A few things happened though... <span class="userContent"> I decided last minute to make it, so I was missing a few ingredients... no corn, avocado
or cilantro. To balance out the 'sweet' factor (<i>due to the missing corn</i>), I added a 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. I also upped the kale by about a cup, so I would be getting more of the green love. I'm not big on heavy EVOO taste, so I made an executive decision to cut the oil back to 1/4 cup. I'm glad I did, since the 1/4 cup was even a bit more than I prefer. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">The recipe instructions also call for letting the quinoa cool before mixing... NAH! I'm an instant gratification kinda gal. I cooked the quinoa, prepping all the other ingredients & whisking the dressing during that cooking time. When it was done, I dumped the hot quinoa in a large bowl, added the kale & onion first, then the rest of the 'dry' ingredients - combining well. I poured the dressing on and mixed it in, being sure to cover every morsel. And that was it!! From gathering the ingredients, to taking my first nite, it was a total of 15 minutes. Okay, maybe 17 ;)</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Sorry I don't have my normal photos to share from my cooking adventure, but I wasn't thinking and just wanted to EAT KALE... NOM!!! I'll be sure to share the recipes, links, & photos from the recent party. SO many delicious and easy Mexican treats!! </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Glad to be back! Drop me a line to say hello, and please share my Blog with your friends! </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Peas out, </span><br />
<span class="userContent">MaryAnn ~</span>MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-79190732013357293012013-10-15T10:31:00.000-04:002016-04-20T12:30:19.322-04:00Garam Masala Baked Stuffed Eggplant... YUM!Last weekend was a BLAST! The hubby & I flew to Albuquerky to visit family and to experience the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. If you've never been... GO!!!! What an amazing sight! Lots of pics will be on my photography site soon, so be sure to stop by!! <a href="http://tinsquirrel.zenfolio.com/">http://tinsquirrel.zenfolio.com/</a> :)<br />
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So this weekend, I wanted a yummy, stay at home, hot in my belly meal; full of veggie-love ingredients and easy to prepare. Stuffed eggplant totally fit the bill! My recipe is a combination of one I found years ago, with added ingredients that I thought would be tasty, and an Indian twist! Ready?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYutg4-3S9OmetD3z30kL4Y0daXI1kTA3RYUK5YlNZawcebKpXUk4zwwRoV72RjA4OhYuSfb3eW28FGayXaLmosGO93Cd6rFPX159P-2rMEm1z687d0kb8idmRHwA567PUoL_HDmO0v3B/s640/blogger-image--1721724965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYutg4-3S9OmetD3z30kL4Y0daXI1kTA3RYUK5YlNZawcebKpXUk4zwwRoV72RjA4OhYuSfb3eW28FGayXaLmosGO93Cd6rFPX159P-2rMEm1z687d0kb8idmRHwA567PUoL_HDmO0v3B/s320/blogger-image--1721724965.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>What you'll need:</b><br />
* 1 med to large eggplant <i>- cut in half lengthwise & hollowed out, leaving<span style="font-size: x-small;"> 1/4"</span> in skins. Cube up the eggplant flesh. I leave the top attached because it looks pretty, but DON"T eat it, lol!!!</i><br />
* 3 tbsp Grape seed oil <i>(or olive... which ever you like)</i><br />
* PAM<i> (or some type of spray oil)</i><br />
* 1 med or large carrot <i>- medium chop, tip & top removed</i><br />
* 1 lg sweet or Vidalia onion <i>- medium chop</i><br />
* 1 med zucchini <i>- medium chop</i><br />
* 1 med yellow squash <i>- medium chop</i><br />
* <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGeEtOUJBdva0Kt2UVofU-JtSxBJMgoPDQsCKnxjDBXoyrHM3IuZCEfGSqHvK_FRdGeeDOjVeVWuexdK2QpHMGHr2WEb4UObsCDLC1Pknxp6zUebFZnvij7o0_BdAMJ70ypnntDiFZkee/s640/blogger-image--1193698395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGeEtOUJBdva0Kt2UVofU-JtSxBJMgoPDQsCKnxjDBXoyrHM3IuZCEfGSqHvK_FRdGeeDOjVeVWuexdK2QpHMGHr2WEb4UObsCDLC1Pknxp6zUebFZnvij7o0_BdAMJ70ypnntDiFZkee/s200/blogger-image--1193698395.jpg" width="150" /></a>4 - 6 baby bella mushrooms <i>- chopped</i><br />
* 1 tbsp minced garlic <i>(about 4 cloves?)</i><br />
* 1 <span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4</span> cup water<br />
* 1 cup Israeli wheat pearl couscous, not the small Mediterranean style <i>(found in most grocery stores in ethnic aisle)</i><br />
* 1/4 cup craisons<br />
* 1/4 cup shredded cheese <i>(any kind you like AND optional)</i><br />
* Balsamic vinegar <i>(the thick, sweet type AND optional) </i><br />
* 1 tsp Garam masala, powdered spice form<br />
* Salt & pepper <br />
* Cookie sheet with aluminum foil<br />
* Baking dish <i>(I like a square glass dish, the kind you'd use for brownies)</i><br />
* 1 tall gin & tonic with fresh lime :) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvxbwMX4ie47ToFgMDTbZYVrtYi0x_8xxuE7Ab4GMmGb-qc8kJ4ZScLZoSIyoEUrltGnIJcQ56JmBAZEwYNajzRS4LH5U_5bF3tX8PyR2j4uwvOp1DQ_WQ_4JQRLkcDN1lQyV_U81bn_I/s640/blogger-image--348907490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvxbwMX4ie47ToFgMDTbZYVrtYi0x_8xxuE7Ab4GMmGb-qc8kJ4ZScLZoSIyoEUrltGnIJcQ56JmBAZEwYNajzRS4LH5U_5bF3tX8PyR2j4uwvOp1DQ_WQ_4JQRLkcDN1lQyV_U81bn_I/s200/blogger-image--348907490.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>1)</b> In a large saute pan <i>(or pot, whatever you have handy that's a decent size)</i>, heat 2 tbsp of grape seed oil and the carrots over medium heat; cook for 5 minutes and pre-heat your oven to 400. The carrot is the densest veggie in the recipe, so it needs to cook a bit longer than the rest! Sip your cocktail.<br />
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<b>2)</b> Add the onion and let sizzle away with the carrots for another 2 - 3 minutes.<br />
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<b>3)</b> Add the rest of the veggies<i> (zucchini, squash, mushrooms, & garlic)</i>, and the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Fold it all together in there and let it cook for about 10 - 15 min, stirring occasionally. Sip your cocktail.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_dffdSt0ZLm0hRZAd2TP01Pqgl84nyal7-w2hPbh_cWaYzowYIpIKmTnDq4rIFMxyoDNlbKSVJQXOELURAVg0hqXNhR6nX6shwxPwCZh9drxC3bcNu9_ohtgWHlWENPOzVqGUeHcPzD4/s640/blogger-image-355842599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_dffdSt0ZLm0hRZAd2TP01Pqgl84nyal7-w2hPbh_cWaYzowYIpIKmTnDq4rIFMxyoDNlbKSVJQXOELURAVg0hqXNhR6nX6shwxPwCZh9drxC3bcNu9_ohtgWHlWENPOzVqGUeHcPzD4/s200/blogger-image-355842599.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>4)</b> Lightly coat the inside of the halved eggplants with oil <i>(I like PAM organic olive oil, or you can rub with your regular (messy!) oil)</i>, and sprinkle with salt. Place face down <i>(skin up)</i> on a foil covered baking sheet. Oil and salt the skin as well, and pop them in the oven for 15 minutes. Wash your icky hands... and have a delicious sip of your G&T love.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyst8m1E3pSGItUMgb5DovlR6oy5jVgCdj0K2kQ6_rjtYNxmXiKqPG05lB8Vs5AgdBy28vRItn982Js_95LXRs4lp00C6mwi6hwRtvH32zOQC2_o9hrI_tBJYHORjbBsstOiOJwYnf8pk/s640/blogger-image--1506393861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyst8m1E3pSGItUMgb5DovlR6oy5jVgCdj0K2kQ6_rjtYNxmXiKqPG05lB8Vs5AgdBy28vRItn982Js_95LXRs4lp00C6mwi6hwRtvH32zOQC2_o9hrI_tBJYHORjbBsstOiOJwYnf8pk/s200/blogger-image--1506393861.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>5)</b> After the veggie medley has cooked up for 10 - 15 minutes, stir in the Garam Masala, and about<span style="font-size: x-small;"> 1/2 </span>tsp of both salt & pepper <i>(more if you like)</i>. Add the water <i>(filtered please!)</i> and pearl couscous. Yup, just toss it right in there and fold into the veggies! Adjust the heat to low and let cook down for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This should not boil, sizzle, or get stuck to the pan... hence the LOW setting ;) I don't cover the pan either, for fear it will get too mushy with all that steam.<br />
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<b>6)</b> Remove your eggplant 'shells' from the oven, and leave the oven on. With a wooden spoon and tongs<i> (or whatever you feel will work)</i>, transfer the baked eggplant skins to a baking dish<i> (lightly PAM'ed or oiled)</i>, this time skin down, so you have two beautiful veggie boats. Set aside. Have a sip of that refreshing beverage calling your name from the other side of the counter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRmAalIWQHsrlHSyP-z3MJkyoJs_4Uk1ZKMdaRaECkqyFpndHB6yzHU9qyEtflhyaRJWYCPBsG3kzz5VLRjlHXKCKtJx3hU7QDb7TZJ9dgxCgkfDvo9JsAKwlb9KYmtyKlBXE4P4obJPt/s640/blogger-image--2040837529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRmAalIWQHsrlHSyP-z3MJkyoJs_4Uk1ZKMdaRaECkqyFpndHB6yzHU9qyEtflhyaRJWYCPBsG3kzz5VLRjlHXKCKtJx3hU7QDb7TZJ9dgxCgkfDvo9JsAKwlb9KYmtyKlBXE4P4obJPt/s200/blogger-image--2040837529.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>7) </b>Okay! Veggie-couscous mixture done? Great!! Turn the stove-top heat off, fold in the craisins<i> (trust me)</i>, and fill your eggplant boats! <i>(You WILL have extra filling, about 1/3 of the pan. Let it cool, jam it in a Tupperware. and smile about tomorrow's lunch!)</i>. Now top each half with a little cheese. I like shredded, as it melts nicely!<br />
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<b>8)</b> Bake these suckers for 15 minutes in your already heated 400 oven, and have a sip of that drink that's accumulating way too much condensation on the glass. When the eggplant <i>(...eggplants..??) </i>are done, remove from the oven and carefully transfer each to a plate. Drizzle with a rich thick balsamic vinegar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJl2vcwM3wNqaanMRlzCiRIrzRBQFAs_O0N4vv5dhmNlFkvsODG1L_YUTYvEdDmsnEmMaS-BzM8N23Dg-l85DMPeeyjCsAylRFFbK8UJ-1_v1eqns8wTaHZs5rl4K-SO7PqQZ5kDdRi0AL/s640/blogger-image--983559648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJl2vcwM3wNqaanMRlzCiRIrzRBQFAs_O0N4vv5dhmNlFkvsODG1L_YUTYvEdDmsnEmMaS-BzM8N23Dg-l85DMPeeyjCsAylRFFbK8UJ-1_v1eqns8wTaHZs5rl4K-SO7PqQZ5kDdRi0AL/s320/blogger-image--983559648.jpg" width="240" /></a><b>9)</b> Step back and take a look at what you've created! A MASTERPIECE!! Finish the last of that terribly watered down drink, so you can enjoy a fresh one with your meal ;)<br />
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FYI, I have no idea how healthy, fattening, or otherwise this recipe is, and I actually don't care. It's full of healthy veggies and fats <i>(and a little naughtiness like craisins & cheese)</i>, and I LOVE how it tastes. Hope you enjoy it too!<br />
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Peas out!MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-72843794054782166102013-10-02T12:16:00.002-04:002013-10-02T12:23:49.535-04:00An Atheist's tired ears<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><i>After hearing Joel Osteen promoting his new book today, I felt
the urge to post about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I'm hoping that soon they'll have a </span>guest that offers words of encouragement in the 'positive
energy' sense too, rather than in the "words of god". Now I feel the need to share it on my Blog, lol. Too sensitive a subject? Nah, we should be able to talk about anything, right? :)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i>From my personal FB page... </i></span></div>
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I'm always in awe at how strongly so many people believe that there is an actual god. Seriously, one all knowing supernatural entity that created everything... planets, mankind, animal kingdom; the whole shebang. The realist in me is completely unaccepting that this even a possibility, outside of a good sci-fi movie. I can only relate this 'being' to an alien. I believe in those.<br />
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On the flip side of religious beliefs, I love the passion that believers have; in their faith, in their houses of worship, in their gods. I love praying. I feel it's the same as meditation and requesting positive energy from the universe for our lives, our community, our future. And that's where this realist stops. How can people not appreciate that it's us, ourselves? We are our god and our devil, our positive energy and our personal demons. Want to be a good person? Do good things and make positive choices in life. <br />
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Sorry to gripe here on my personal soapbox that is Facebook, but it can get a bit overwhelming when you're a part of the "religious minority" that is Atheism, and you hear an extremely preachy person on his nationally televised soapbox telling everyone about "God's will" and that "He will tell you what to do" and "He will lead the way".... <insert eye="" here="" roll="">. WANT TO BE HAPPY?? BE A GOOD AND DECENT PERSON. BE KIND TO HUMANITY, LIVING CREATURES, AND EARTH. RISE ABOVE THE BAD DAYS AND KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH. SMILE, EAT HEALTHY, STAY ACTIVE, KEEP GOOD FRIENDSHIPS, MEDITATE (hope/pray). LIFE IS ENERGY. POSITIVE ATTRACTS POSITIVE. <br /><br />That's my belief; not an invisible immortal deity. I believe it's US. WE are our past, our present, our future. WE determine which path to take, good or bad. I have no animosity towards people in any religion, no prejudices, and am not looking to anger anyone or 'be saved', but for Christ's sake (ha ha) turn it down a notch. WOW, it felt really good to get that off my chest. I might even blog this, lol.</insert><br />
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<insert eye="" here="" roll=""><i>And so I did. </i></insert>MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-76349643682059333272013-09-27T12:06:00.001-04:002013-09-27T12:59:55.196-04:00Thrift Store SCORE! Creating Distressed Beachy End Tables<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6VJQddJAZeyH1qhUb7txG-i05urZolkyXtOtM-SBa2E7mhJuxZxeDuXlSwk_CB094ew0_IkUt3NIJKNqKWANv1CUz200uxZIK2DVcvFuMpNk-gUWJdd4OfK53OzMBnLSK-E14FUh8rKM/s1600/End+table1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6VJQddJAZeyH1qhUb7txG-i05urZolkyXtOtM-SBa2E7mhJuxZxeDuXlSwk_CB094ew0_IkUt3NIJKNqKWANv1CUz200uxZIK2DVcvFuMpNk-gUWJdd4OfK53OzMBnLSK-E14FUh8rKM/s200/End+table1.jpg" width="150" /></a>I'm so excited to share this with you!! I finally tried my hand at distressing a piece of furniture. I have been buying lovely pieces at thrift stores near and far, with dreams of painting, distressing, and embellishing them! I had been fearing the sandpaper and put off the distressing projects until recently. All I can say is WOW!! It's fun, easy, and very fulfilling, lol.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8amoNAtr7EWVwyWhk1wdeU2nvnvKdTLwQCYttXI2TcdG87vM2RpAnfOzVhH0wRE7srfYRjG5trmNV5dYyEfW3PL2FiwNiAVSWJ08HccQdc5OckTtJFgAz7JrPGlWJwRDbpUnbVZRcTJ6/s1600/End+table2.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8amoNAtr7EWVwyWhk1wdeU2nvnvKdTLwQCYttXI2TcdG87vM2RpAnfOzVhH0wRE7srfYRjG5trmNV5dYyEfW3PL2FiwNiAVSWJ08HccQdc5OckTtJFgAz7JrPGlWJwRDbpUnbVZRcTJ6/s200/End+table2.2.jpg" width="150" /></a>I wanted to start small, on a piece I wouldn't mind having to do over if I messed up (<i>who ME? Mess up?? NEVER... </i>), so I chose a lovely little end table I found for $10. Solid wood is the key, and an imagination, lol. I fell in love with this the second I found it. The scrolled feet, detailing on the legs and edges, and the Victorian-style pulls, which were in GREAT condition!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMZRRUTbmkKBrQVJlxl6ATRvxsbSUZyKFuvkliuqMnYUoVoQQR7rUpKfIerXuMdLFzv5q09cugNJYI8gCq7YSe_8FLFSiSUSrDuP9obvyWv5eRre0enSYSVLBqW_SX7xUOAqQ42cQix3P/s1600/End+table5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMZRRUTbmkKBrQVJlxl6ATRvxsbSUZyKFuvkliuqMnYUoVoQQR7rUpKfIerXuMdLFzv5q09cugNJYI8gCq7YSe_8FLFSiSUSrDuP9obvyWv5eRre0enSYSVLBqW_SX7xUOAqQ42cQix3P/s200/End+table5.jpg" width="150" /></a>Okay, so the reason this is such an easy and beautiful project, is
that you WANT the finished product to look worn and loved, and in no way
'perfect', which means you don't have to do a perfect job while working on it. It's also a very cheap project with an amazing finished result! Almost everybody has some sandpaper and some leftover white
interior/exterior house paint laying around in the shed or closet. Grab
it. Satin finish works best, but anything will work except
high-gloss... too shiny for a worn, weathered look. If you only have flat, you can always add a light coat of lacquer. Remember, this is a meant to be an inexpensive
project so keep it that way :) <i>Side note: Check Home Depot and Lowe's paint departments for their 'whoopsie' cans. Quarts are usually a buck or two and a gallon is around $5!! Perfect to have on hand for fun decorating projects :)</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CYSVYZjtbuEG1cCIXK8TJxVlHPD2fvh3tmJQ5-mMc8FFhcVvBG5TT82yxcPO8vSIaKlRsDo8CfCLNv7nFJZKXVZumAxBFpxApX4lO71819C20DYKm8nnci86sNPDY_3unI6wsCvadhKj/s1600/End+table4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CYSVYZjtbuEG1cCIXK8TJxVlHPD2fvh3tmJQ5-mMc8FFhcVvBG5TT82yxcPO8vSIaKlRsDo8CfCLNv7nFJZKXVZumAxBFpxApX4lO71819C20DYKm8nnci86sNPDY_3unI6wsCvadhKj/s200/End+table4.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
When it's a smaller, easy to handle piece like this, I'm a big fan of laying out a fabric/plastic backed tarp right in the living room, turning on the television, and having the pleasure of working while indulging in a good movie or binge show. When harry Met Sally and some True Blood got me through three tables, lol. So, find your show of choice, pour a glass of wine, and lets get started!<br />
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<b>What you'll need:</b> Ugly piece of wood furniture in need of a face-lift, tarp, screwdriver, sandpaper, damp towel, paint, paint brush (or mini-roller & tray for a larger piece of furniture), patience & wine. <i>You may need lacquer & additional brush... see step #6 and decide :)</i><br />
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Steps are boring, but I'm a BIG fan of lists... so it's steps you're getting, lol...<br />
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<b>1)</b> Remove any movable parts (i.e. drawers) and any hardware. If there are doors, it's your call if you want to remove them or not. Personally, I do, so I can keep the hinges paint free and get a good sanded edge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7gtC8L57gqL3Oa_HQkuojZLmSKOkYkHseBkoBWwiNXyUlfsoKLJLPwkCYYoqz_bPt32xKxS9Me2oRRZUYtuMSAXnkJeMd3tBqyLFs3dmZE-ZbTT0vIrKU8XEaZ4oYfhRVhxrICiGJdYl/s1600/End+table3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7gtC8L57gqL3Oa_HQkuojZLmSKOkYkHseBkoBWwiNXyUlfsoKLJLPwkCYYoqz_bPt32xKxS9Me2oRRZUYtuMSAXnkJeMd3tBqyLFs3dmZE-ZbTT0vIrKU8XEaZ4oYfhRVhxrICiGJdYl/s200/End+table3.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<b>2)</b> Do a quick all over sanding of the piece just to rough up the surface a bit, so the paint sticks nicely. Seriously quick, like 5 minutes depending on the size of the furniture you're working on. Then wipe it down with a damp towel to remove any dust from sanding. Let it dry completely before moving on.<br />
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<b>3)</b> Start painting! Yep, grab that brush and get to it. I use satin finish (<i>personal preference</i>) and I like to apply 2 coats, so the color is solid (especially when I'm using light paint over a dark wood or pre-existing paint color like mine was). Artist's choice if you want to get right into the cracks and crevasses. I like to do a 'sloppy' job on those areas, so there's more of a old, worn look. Let it dry over night or if you're anxious wait at least 6 hours. Don't get over zealous and only wait a couple of hours. It needs a good hard surface. That's what she said :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGJFAm_bHWdBJuYtfnjBURNcXN54oAYbptnb3mp4uhLsiB6v5785y8bWdruw6Vg40KAceTWgaAvH4aLF3sFx4lVkmaKealapePYw7oy47ZzuHK5VdudiCYmCjg4MCB2TG5s9NgqhhEwln/s1600/End+table6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGJFAm_bHWdBJuYtfnjBURNcXN54oAYbptnb3mp4uhLsiB6v5785y8bWdruw6Vg40KAceTWgaAvH4aLF3sFx4lVkmaKealapePYw7oy47ZzuHK5VdudiCYmCjg4MCB2TG5s9NgqhhEwln/s200/End+table6.JPG" width="150" /></a><b>4)</b> Grab your sandpaper (<i>I like 80 - 100 grit</i>), take a deep breath, and start sanding those corners and edges. Press lightly at first, so you get a feel for how much elbow grease you need to use to take off your desired amount of paint. And the deep breath was to get over the fear of messing it up. You want to mess it up. Believe me, you'll be happy in the end, lol. Don't be afraid to really work those corners! You get a very cool look when you get down to the wood; letting the layers of old, darker paint & varnish show through.<br />
<br />
<b>5)</b> Keep sanding! Yes, sand the hell outta that thing! Get all the edges; more in some places, less in others!! Focus on the spots that the piece would be handled/picked up/moved and sand those spots!! Take breaks, step back, pour yourself a glass of wine and look at it from all different angles and distances (<i>not the wine, the piece of furniture</i>). You'll start envisioning what you want it to look like... and then you'll sand some more, lol. Once you've gotten it to your desired level of distress, wipe it down again with a damp towel and let it dry.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL7DWeVOAka2Tkc7SNdfw-qBBZ9fOeu10P6blkmun8KY8dRDW3ylch-smXjmnhFnxkirzXKEpBkL9S1nrrrzEGUSfzwO3H-g1Mk_8VFOsoiImDyvdjTxFHC1xiovNO2pQakruZNhWIDrS/s1600/End+table2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcL7DWeVOAka2Tkc7SNdfw-qBBZ9fOeu10P6blkmun8KY8dRDW3ylch-smXjmnhFnxkirzXKEpBkL9S1nrrrzEGUSfzwO3H-g1Mk_8VFOsoiImDyvdjTxFHC1xiovNO2pQakruZNhWIDrS/s200/End+table2.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>6)</b> To lacquer or not to lacquer... If it's a piece that has a table top or will be used a whole lot (i.e. chairs), then you'll want to put a clear coat on the top (<i>or any part that will be handled or have things placed on it</i>). For my end tables, I only lacquered the tops (<i>two coats</i>), but not the sides or legs. I prefer using a roller over a spray can. Spray cans are messy and can leave you with ugly streaks. Bleck.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgTL9cDuS8sZ_xNi6q4S-j3u-hPj52LF87y8yC-MsqKDmLOQR3kS0voUu5W4Y5X3MaztNRefXgROjHpKiSsSdOpJuYWDuwxYjy_rgGSQ7jGXP6M4uoJPMuZ6CIE2FaVB9QdAJg5IExc3b/s1600/End+table2.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgTL9cDuS8sZ_xNi6q4S-j3u-hPj52LF87y8yC-MsqKDmLOQR3kS0voUu5W4Y5X3MaztNRefXgROjHpKiSsSdOpJuYWDuwxYjy_rgGSQ7jGXP6M4uoJPMuZ6CIE2FaVB9QdAJg5IExc3b/s200/End+table2.1.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>7)</b> Let that sucker dry over night again (<i>yes, over night this time for sure</i>), reattach your hardware and moving parts, and VOILA!<br />
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<b>8)</b> Sip your wine, and enjoy your beautiful personalized piece of furniture-art :) <br />
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I hope you have as much fun as I did working on my end tables. I actually ended up distressing 2 end tables and a coffee table! Lots of fun, lots of True Blood episodes and lots of wine, lol. My next distress project is a gorgeous drop down secretary desk. I'll be sure to post the finished photos and details of how it went.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhl5ZpdtTx-W_MO7u2S75eWbIUgPLKGC1tih9AJ8tfqx-rwjhRWvvahBj6L5fNlm9-MZp3OJV4C7v7zWpzvdQa9ZrK9kh-X9-UB7H7egmOerUa0E5-WnQIl2cDN40wmbeHHVZC3EC7Lyr-/s1600/End+table7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhl5ZpdtTx-W_MO7u2S75eWbIUgPLKGC1tih9AJ8tfqx-rwjhRWvvahBj6L5fNlm9-MZp3OJV4C7v7zWpzvdQa9ZrK9kh-X9-UB7H7egmOerUa0E5-WnQIl2cDN40wmbeHHVZC3EC7Lyr-/s400/End+table7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just remember, there are no rules!!!<br />
Peas out :)<br />
<br />MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-42514082926608430982013-08-28T00:33:00.002-04:002013-09-26T16:36:03.309-04:00Tuesday's Veggie Burger Adventure!!! I felt that today was the perfect day to try out a couple more recipes that I found online! Their pictures are delectable and I'm sooo hoping they're as delish as they look :) They offer 8 different bean burger recipes and I'm chomping at the bit to get started. Here goes!!...<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PIJvCuhuHxh7ClwhL7nqbMT1jNudjMweqB3PB-60C-XxzKedKEZAqbiecxm9yVEJUJPGZo0y0bIAJipFrbI73zPwZbnc85PvOIr26rWiwZm9Kikd9gcY8fu6Cm5PAPwgDe-Cn6DNuCST/s640/blogger-image-766588871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PIJvCuhuHxh7ClwhL7nqbMT1jNudjMweqB3PB-60C-XxzKedKEZAqbiecxm9yVEJUJPGZo0y0bIAJipFrbI73zPwZbnc85PvOIr26rWiwZm9Kikd9gcY8fu6Cm5PAPwgDe-Cn6DNuCST/s200/blogger-image-766588871.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice, simple ingredients!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Okay, so I ended up making the Black Bean Oat Burgers and a variation of the Curry-Spiced Veggie Burgers. You can find them here:<br />
<a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/veggie-burger-recipes#">http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/veggie-burger-recipes#</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9tHMfmCi0Y_DR08WsfuLyC7bt6bTtyIolbPhd81lUFynD7xv1932vhKAgRqFDkHLyl06V16Kz8mgxmfImU8AOiLq-0cesRgqgQlN8W6aWh5QP_PqM2WkHoDpTFqEWOWilhcXQAcm0JWs/s640/blogger-image--1598804847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9tHMfmCi0Y_DR08WsfuLyC7bt6bTtyIolbPhd81lUFynD7xv1932vhKAgRqFDkHLyl06V16Kz8mgxmfImU8AOiLq-0cesRgqgQlN8W6aWh5QP_PqM2WkHoDpTFqEWOWilhcXQAcm0JWs/s200/blogger-image--1598804847.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black Bean Poo</td></tr>
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The Black Bean recipe was good, but needs to be jazzed up... a little bland for my taste. The mixture turned out a bit on the wet side and I couldn't really form a patty, so I added another 1/4 cup of oats, pulsed, and tried again. I couldn't stop giggling because it looked like I had made a lovely batch of poo, lol. No, seriously. It looked like poo. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzwHDiY7TTZFC5MA5z6toLBiJhtjEAeczJDlcALT2Cy3TCUja7LHlLRGsJFqpEAZLRg2eXzSLSYmOE44GYRnVn2Yo8q9tunwezLz_Ql7HXH8wK3YtwYdF5yJfygjp3GfG5xIFjkQom7CO/s640/blogger-image--239713015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzwHDiY7TTZFC5MA5z6toLBiJhtjEAeczJDlcALT2Cy3TCUja7LHlLRGsJFqpEAZLRg2eXzSLSYmOE44GYRnVn2Yo8q9tunwezLz_Ql7HXH8wK3YtwYdF5yJfygjp3GfG5xIFjkQom7CO/s200/blogger-image--239713015.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Bean Oat Burger!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I cooked up one burger and had it for lunch on a big ol' deli style bun, so it would look nice in the photo for you all. Oh the things I do for you :) I will definitely make this again! Simple ingredients, simple cooking method, healthy lunch. Perfect! Next time I think I'll add some minced jalapeño, for a little WOW factor :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fDXLCjtB_i3Itvqy14-I87fPf-cAHoSC-XOctIWlrGHBobnv5PNEn5EvcRlsi_dzQtGyTIJ3nAOB_XaUcaNthqMgYP77cM6fYmci2TzLQGcr8c16JoBsCgVV5GkuPHWvyUdfnNq_mjd8/s640/blogger-image-1260935611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fDXLCjtB_i3Itvqy14-I87fPf-cAHoSC-XOctIWlrGHBobnv5PNEn5EvcRlsi_dzQtGyTIJ3nAOB_XaUcaNthqMgYP77cM6fYmci2TzLQGcr8c16JoBsCgVV5GkuPHWvyUdfnNq_mjd8/s640/blogger-image-1260935611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fDXLCjtB_i3Itvqy14-I87fPf-cAHoSC-XOctIWlrGHBobnv5PNEn5EvcRlsi_dzQtGyTIJ3nAOB_XaUcaNthqMgYP77cM6fYmci2TzLQGcr8c16JoBsCgVV5GkuPHWvyUdfnNq_mjd8/s640/blogger-image-1260935611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fDXLCjtB_i3Itvqy14-I87fPf-cAHoSC-XOctIWlrGHBobnv5PNEn5EvcRlsi_dzQtGyTIJ3nAOB_XaUcaNthqMgYP77cM6fYmci2TzLQGcr8c16JoBsCgVV5GkuPHWvyUdfnNq_mjd8/s640/blogger-image-1260935611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLW2-vzvuzl62q9ucFzJUz9RearIFaBebuHVo_Tn3CsvkxiczpqAXWVZ1XCYRYxok-0gIMdIULqzZkiOwO7I7nRaHtI5EKcL2Ay844C4MW0-oJSVYLKGqvfLX2yIywdgzE16U7TSQWT_5/s640/blogger-image-1416759293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLW2-vzvuzl62q9ucFzJUz9RearIFaBebuHVo_Tn3CsvkxiczpqAXWVZ1XCYRYxok-0gIMdIULqzZkiOwO7I7nRaHtI5EKcL2Ay844C4MW0-oJSVYLKGqvfLX2yIywdgzE16U7TSQWT_5/s200/blogger-image-1416759293.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curry-Spiced Burgers! YUM!</td></tr>
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The Curry-Spiced burger was a different beast all together, lol. I'm unsure if I messed up along the way or if the recipe is just not user friendly. The poo came out too wet again, but there wasn't really a binding agent ingredient in this recipe, so I didn't have anything I could add more of, and any decent 'burger-type thickness' was impossible with this batch. It ended up cooking like a potato pancake instead of a burger, but HOLY CRAP (or poo) it was delicious! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4PKIKPaAII3si_DPH_2_hiLNRYGjT8keB11t82nFMZE68kJEybaLswl6sSbihDxihlW_PpCmRRn_aI6RsQBxtNm5TJn3QQz0ggbTqfvW_yjT8gha4ByaPrrbycxeQD7jY28sgnTNaK-k/s640/blogger-image--1158470593.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4PKIKPaAII3si_DPH_2_hiLNRYGjT8keB11t82nFMZE68kJEybaLswl6sSbihDxihlW_PpCmRRn_aI6RsQBxtNm5TJn3QQz0ggbTqfvW_yjT8gha4ByaPrrbycxeQD7jY28sgnTNaK-k/s200/blogger-image--1158470593.jpg" width="200" /></a>I didn't have all of the ingredients that it called for (whoops!), so I improvised. YAY ME!! Instead of curry, fennel, & coriander, I just used garam masala powder. Also, I didn't have any cilantro, so I just left it out. What a great flavor these little suckers have!! I'm going to work on making a 'meatier' mix, but even if I don't figure it out, I may just use this recipe as a burrito filler... YUM RIGHT?!?!?!! <i>Side note: this was not near as simple as the Black Bean Oat Burger, but way more tasty.</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRpa6yYL0zC5Sa6BuY5OIHqUN6MypSS6dtRge6NFkaM465_h_yHtqf0TfE6JxJ0ooTdriidzFAZvuzp0WY47kbkzJN5Tik9zxVGl449ctrO-_3xX19qRk7PZAJbz9NWYt9ay3nWta4ON9/s640/blogger-image--1254469917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRpa6yYL0zC5Sa6BuY5OIHqUN6MypSS6dtRge6NFkaM465_h_yHtqf0TfE6JxJ0ooTdriidzFAZvuzp0WY47kbkzJN5Tik9zxVGl449ctrO-_3xX19qRk7PZAJbz9NWYt9ay3nWta4ON9/s200/blogger-image--1254469917.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onion, shroom, carrot love!</td></tr>
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So, my mistakes:<br />
* I think, in both recipes, I mixed the ingredients in the food processor for too long (it made the poo concoction too wet), and in the black bean one having added the extra oats at the end caused me to pulse them into the mix, hence the over processing of the poo. Otherwise, all was good.</div>
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My tips for both recipes:<br />
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* Let the mixture sit and 'gel' for a few minutes before handling it. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjrMBIDFfVsk3OTOE2PgF_rGwW8Svc4dSqLIxDbIJRVgqe9Ylhy1ENBanlLmYjXT7MBUTbcNryQrD9fsi-neACS_EyyRV9viEd5RV_KIdwm_plGPtZRlwzCpWtvTIq1-w9SQLSDpVu7OX/s640/blogger-image-1621744291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjrMBIDFfVsk3OTOE2PgF_rGwW8Svc4dSqLIxDbIJRVgqe9Ylhy1ENBanlLmYjXT7MBUTbcNryQrD9fsi-neACS_EyyRV9viEd5RV_KIdwm_plGPtZRlwzCpWtvTIq1-w9SQLSDpVu7OX/s200/blogger-image-1621744291.jpg" width="150" /></a>* Don't actually make a patty, but roll it into a ball first, drop it in the pan (literally, so it flattens out a bit), and press & form it with your hand. It will not have the same texture as ground beef, and will seem 'loose' to work with. You've been warned.<br />
* They only make 4 - 5 patties... the recipes say 6. They would be miserably teeny of you tried to squeeze 6 out of these recipes!<br />
* Have a hot pan when you start. Don't go lower than medium heat or it won't get a nice crispy edge to it, and it'll stick to the pan. <br />
* And lastly, don't mess around with them while they're cooking!! They'll need every bit of the 4 minutes on each side to firm up, so you can flip them. If you mess with them, they crack & split apart and all hell breaks loose.</div>
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The next ones I'll be trying my hand at are the Southwest Black Bean Burgers and the Black Bean Burger (last recipe given). Wish me luck!!!<br />
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Peas out, my peeps :)</div>
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MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-36788030779125926692013-08-15T21:26:00.002-04:002013-08-15T21:35:02.757-04:00Trying out a new recipe... One Pot Pasta<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFitqsXLw4ve08zbsBqSa7h-DvLxc4oxo2xgMsUxIsuz2Xk3kH-M0_z2K-zhyphenhyphenIr46dph_zasTjK8gHGP6O2mXtczL1bWs-CH0zFk0Cuvho-5ShrZMWEsM7UatrrCUzzcaEDuCLznWFppTq/s640/blogger-image-1169124124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFitqsXLw4ve08zbsBqSa7h-DvLxc4oxo2xgMsUxIsuz2Xk3kH-M0_z2K-zhyphenhyphenIr46dph_zasTjK8gHGP6O2mXtczL1bWs-CH0zFk0Cuvho-5ShrZMWEsM7UatrrCUzzcaEDuCLznWFppTq/s320/blogger-image-1169124124.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="caption" data-ft="{"tn":"L"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">Tonight I decided to try a recipe I saw on a FB link. It had no actual name, but it looked too good to be true. I'm calling it 'One Pot Pasta' for the sake of this conversation. Basically, you take a bunch of goodness, toss it in a pot and VOILA!, dinner is served. I got my ingredients together and got started!</span></span><br />
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<span class="caption" data-ft="{"tn":"L"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">Here are the instructions word for word, from the post/link I found... </span></span><br />
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<span class="caption" data-ft="{"tn":"L"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pasta, Tomatoes, Veggie Broth, Olive Oil, and Seasonings (details below)<br /> <br />
Throw it all in the pot, INCLUDING the uncooked Pasta, and cook! -
Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. The starch leaches out of
the pasta and makes a rich, warm sauce for the noodles. The other
ingredients cook right along with the pasta</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="caption" data-ft="{"tn":"L"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /> Ingredients<br /> <br /> 12 ounces pasta (I used Linguine)<br /> 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with liquid ( I used zesty red pepper flavor)<br /> 1 large sweet onion, cut in julienne strips<br /> 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced<br /> 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes<br /> 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves<br /> 2 large sprigs basil, chopped<br /> 4 1/2 cups vegetable broth (regular broth and NOT low sodium)<br /> 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil<br /> Parmesan cheese for garnish<br /> <br /> Directions:<br /> Place pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, in a large stock pot. Pour
in vegetable broth. Sprinkle on top the pepper flakes and oregano.
Drizzle top with oil. Cover pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a
low simmer and keep covered and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring
every 2 minutes or so. Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated – I
left about an inch of liquid in the bottom of the pot – but you can
reduce as desired . Season to taste with salt and pepper ,
stirring pasta several times to distribute the liquid in the bottom of
the pot. Serve garnished with Parmesan cheese. </span></span><br /> </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge85auAl8L0XlOnNNJ_LQYviNVK3hhNDmbVDP5s1L202SNjrl-uygbDh-Sascs2m12LcegV4QLPYDCfRIyGIQvtPVrx4q3jEUqt_WOSbyN1IwDAug4ZFNAWsanJTINlIEXzhjvYIuF8Hxr/s1600/One+pot+pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge85auAl8L0XlOnNNJ_LQYviNVK3hhNDmbVDP5s1L202SNjrl-uygbDh-Sascs2m12LcegV4QLPYDCfRIyGIQvtPVrx4q3jEUqt_WOSbyN1IwDAug4ZFNAWsanJTINlIEXzhjvYIuF8Hxr/s320/One+pot+pasta.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Their website before and after photo is here, in the big, cool, side-handled pot. Looks tasty!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mine didn't come out as tasty, or tasty looking. I changed a couple of things... I used gluten & wheat free spaghetti (not 'white' linguine), I used low-sodium veggie broth (as she specifically instructed against), and I didn't have fresh</span></span> basil, using Italian Seasoning to balance out for both the oregano & basil.<br />
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I don't think my minor changes should have made too big of a difference, but I can't confirm that until I make this again with 'real' pasta, which I hate. And with 'full-sodium' broth, which I will not use. Soooo, here are my before and after photos...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ_HOPOF8covJ-g0Q2N5tmQatOi0tD5ViFBcDTLnhkAdBdOs24arJsI2Aev-QpdFRdcJFBvmS051gtu2skm2jTAO_EYwJXIyhk_NTvK9n2rb9t-ZeKzu30Xdv7LpMd0GFIdxjoKD3lwF8/s640/blogger-image-257968813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldWUImj053UvGI-jPJltP3s5Hjrrm5490jh2jtf-EhnrtMcrFB55iU8KNVw0hyphenhyphen-pfcdmFYmxeSESczrCrJZBd4SQrDD1yzKw4Iro5P-YGYm1IpToZGR3VNPcKlqyYLqSjtSelFOODM51E/s1600/blogger-image-2078273753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldWUImj053UvGI-jPJltP3s5Hjrrm5490jh2jtf-EhnrtMcrFB55iU8KNVw0hyphenhyphen-pfcdmFYmxeSESczrCrJZBd4SQrDD1yzKw4Iro5P-YGYm1IpToZGR3VNPcKlqyYLqSjtSelFOODM51E/s200/blogger-image-2078273753.jpg" title="" width="150" /></a><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJ_HOPOF8covJ-g0Q2N5tmQatOi0tD5ViFBcDTLnhkAdBdOs24arJsI2Aev-QpdFRdcJFBvmS051gtu2skm2jTAO_EYwJXIyhk_NTvK9n2rb9t-ZeKzu30Xdv7LpMd0GFIdxjoKD3lwF8/s200/blogger-image-257968813.jpg" width="150" />So, not terrible, but not great... and not great tasting either. Using only broth as the cooking liquid as instructed made for a weird tasting sauce. Kind of bland, but I'll take some responsibility for that since I opted for low-sodium. It thickened up quite a bit from the starch from the cooked pasta, but really was lacking in any specific taste. The kick from the red pepper was there, but just blah; not enhanced or married to anything else. The amount of tomatoes (or lack of veggies) was not enough for the amount of pasta given or for my taste... nor was the garlic, but that's just me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFnqUUQpY0VeX3M_vfwo5HkARLC_9eQBLnDzVSuXfuxR79RC1O-aQ0j6g-GE8-Hj6fTUT2dC1EkISp2GJEgiJF2cg-MJVpyU2Z9t_YkSdSNekbgGrQq0exVJHujxgizAI4N6Xqc3_tGZv/s640/blogger-image-872452199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFnqUUQpY0VeX3M_vfwo5HkARLC_9eQBLnDzVSuXfuxR79RC1O-aQ0j6g-GE8-Hj6fTUT2dC1EkISp2GJEgiJF2cg-MJVpyU2Z9t_YkSdSNekbgGrQq0exVJHujxgizAI4N6Xqc3_tGZv/s320/blogger-image-872452199.jpg" width="240" /></a>I ended up broiling a piece of salmon to split with the hubby,, and a piece of naughty, cheesy garlic toast to balance out the bland-ish meal. The wine didn't hurt either...Seven Deadly Zins... one of our FAVS!! <br />
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Over all, I did not like this recipe, BUT I will use it again. Why you ask?? Because it's a GREAT idea that just needs a little tweaking to my personal standards. A little less broth, a little water... some spinach & mushrooms... maybe some shrimp added towards the end... and a whole lot of seasonings to jazz things up!!<br />
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Next time I make this I'll be sure to post the pics, the comments, and exactly what I used to make it more delish :) Until then, wish me lots of luck and imagination for the leftovers, lol.<br />
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Peas Out...<br />
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<br />MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-49306604719320924872013-08-15T12:11:00.000-04:002013-08-15T12:30:43.655-04:00Ingredient Swap!!!<b><i>Note to self:</i></b> Swap the craisins for organic raisins! I always forget how much added sugar they put in dried cranberries (<i>although they ARE scrumdiddlyumptious!</i>) and now I want too add more to yesterday's salad, lol. I add raisins and/or craisins to just about everything, even regular foodie-food recipes like Stuffed Eggplant (<i>Oooo, I have GOT to share that with you!</i>), so I try to be cautious of sugary items I might be adding to my meals. They taste wonderful and give dishes a little extra sumthin-sumthin that makes them POP!!<br />
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Wow, I talk too much... even when I type! I just wanted to advise about swapping organic raisins for the little red sugar wrinkles. Then then again, I don't ever think I can get my thought across properly without a babbling explanation... as noted in this second paragraph were I'm babbling about my babbling... :)MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-23672824589359135622013-08-14T20:41:00.000-04:002013-08-14T20:42:54.844-04:00Taboule Salad... sort of ;)Today was a day to go through the cabinets and check the dates on 'non-perishable' foods and decide what tasty treats I could use them in before they expired! I'm a big fan of the funky little "salads" they have by the deli counter (tabbouleh, couscous, soybean, etc), and am always mixing stuff together to make my own :) Here's what I came up with today...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwrthMxKv7cCzgdyUOY6cbdgpSKTH6jZFovOVbp34uxvUl8zvGlqrZJG52tHVUAVEcjycPs83dJoEv0TAB6JT-CB3yQKkIROQ8mMhi1P6KBj0nDgX9Tmn3GBqYztIPdgplI6-R1FiZgCL/s640/blogger-image-349229516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwrthMxKv7cCzgdyUOY6cbdgpSKTH6jZFovOVbp34uxvUl8zvGlqrZJG52tHVUAVEcjycPs83dJoEv0TAB6JT-CB3yQKkIROQ8mMhi1P6KBj0nDgX9Tmn3GBqYztIPdgplI6-R1FiZgCL/s320/blogger-image-349229516.jpg" width="320" /></a>* A box of Near East Taboule; just use the wheat, minus the seasoning packet<br />
* 1/2 can of black olives, cut up (rinsed well)<br />
* 1 can of organic shelled soybeans (again, rinsed well... always on canned stuff!)<br />
* 1/4 cup of Craisins (or about that... whatever was left in the bag)<br />
* 1/2 cup of black beans (I had just soaked and rinsed a bag last night... YUM!)<br />
* 1/2 of a cucumber, diced up, peel on (another leftover!) <br />
* 1 tablespoon minced garlic<br />
* 2 tablespoons each of grapeseed oil and balsamic vinegar, and black pepper & a little table salt (iodine is good for the system!)<br />
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1. Cook the wheat as explained on package, without the seasoning packet (normally I LOVE traditional tabbouleh flavor, but the packet looked a little old, so I doctored other flavors around not having those in the mix). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4I-xn9W0Ne0casJpZ1-E7tQYZdGa4i_ThuWyJhhD9fQMmucDq8x2BNUt-u5HdtxYE7D9AkgZWLRanT_qlxki5ljIEu9AQaG4qMSbkreDNtSY6llYUXW1CCgdXQq8A2fA77ttb5J6JN9L3/s640/blogger-image-1039608935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4I-xn9W0Ne0casJpZ1-E7tQYZdGa4i_ThuWyJhhD9fQMmucDq8x2BNUt-u5HdtxYE7D9AkgZWLRanT_qlxki5ljIEu9AQaG4qMSbkreDNtSY6llYUXW1CCgdXQq8A2fA77ttb5J6JN9L3/s320/blogger-image-1039608935.jpg" width="320" /></a>2. Let the wheat cool to room temp.<br />
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3. Mix all other ingredients in.<br />
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4. Enjoy!!<br />
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Yup, that's it. And to think, grocery stores charge upward of 5 bucks for a teeny container. It tastes better after it's sat & loved on itself for a while. This makes 8 heaping 1/2 cup servings, with the following nutritional values...<br />
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Per serving: 220 calories, 8g fat, 10g protein, 31g carbs, 15g iron, and 250g of sodium (highish sodium due to olives & canned soybeans). </div>
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Healthy calories, healthy fats, healthy carbs, lots of protein & iron... Awesome mid-day mini meal!!!<br />
<br />MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-1817172372408964522013-06-12T10:22:00.000-04:002013-06-12T10:22:45.874-04:00NOM NOM NOMI have to share my guilt free sweet treat with you all, but little history first...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdndreGk92j1TdYDxEwShoMuT8R7CntBhlGpo7RvRdOsFxOwD9ZRGeMkajJRt8b0TbQct6hmGv9Z9SqISDbzJxAfLkKSlUxp5wyyHMESxtaZUkETsKLkpXJpPcuGBxeRPBacKyHuIhC5u/s640/blogger-image-715228291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdndreGk92j1TdYDxEwShoMuT8R7CntBhlGpo7RvRdOsFxOwD9ZRGeMkajJRt8b0TbQct6hmGv9Z9SqISDbzJxAfLkKSlUxp5wyyHMESxtaZUkETsKLkpXJpPcuGBxeRPBacKyHuIhC5u/s320/blogger-image-715228291.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm a stress eater and at times a compulsive eater. I'm not proud of that, nor do I think I've ever admitted it to anyone other than my BFF, but there it is. And when I'm super stressed, I will eat pretty much anything in the house. As most stress eaters, I tend to lean towards the fatty, salty, carbie foods to get that awesome endorphin rush... especially when I'm bored or lonely. Typical so I read. Nice to know I'm not a freak alone in the corner... there are a BUNCH of us in the corner, lol.</div>
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And it does make sense. I'm a pretty 'compulsive-type' person over certain things... goes hand in hand with my self-diagnosed mild OCD, lol... but I digress...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJYI0-A_sAkwjHl_k9PKovbHuzxH4JRYeiAkx_gym0l6hAEX2baP9ObudpWT7fbtnxV8KbFPymvX80dWAm34X6vnUY-NjffYmUeO58r_mKMnJx0W6oww0PbPBgGJJfO05tf0SU6e64ZoV/s640/blogger-image-577634286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJYI0-A_sAkwjHl_k9PKovbHuzxH4JRYeiAkx_gym0l6hAEX2baP9ObudpWT7fbtnxV8KbFPymvX80dWAm34X6vnUY-NjffYmUeO58r_mKMnJx0W6oww0PbPBgGJJfO05tf0SU6e64ZoV/s320/blogger-image-577634286.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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So, there's this treat that I found a while ago, and I had forgotten about it for a because I've been eating some real crapola while on a binge. It's an ice cream substitute that's actually pretty tasty, called Arctic Zero. Now, I have to stress this: <b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">it is not ice cream</span></b>. Nothing is ice cream, except ice cream. This is faux ice cream, got it? Okay, now that we agree that <b>NOTHING</b> tastes like ice cream except for the real deal (filled with calories, fat, sugar, and dairy that kicks my sinuses ass), I have to say that in a pinch (or on a binge) this stuff is awesome! It's tasty, creamy-ish, and tricks your brain enough to curb a sweet cold urge to inhale a pint of Ben & Jerry.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig75v-tPxby2yYuMZxRHyukK8Kl6AtX81O5XfEof7yBGXLVX53hyphenhyphenW-P5xqcRJRPZKhFVbxNsWhfjJG70JMxIKauFVhdyVddD_pheK8auHshNa1cJlo8NzlFrcdnRAM2WshYd07xW5mpU2G/s640/blogger-image-1672297063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig75v-tPxby2yYuMZxRHyukK8Kl6AtX81O5XfEof7yBGXLVX53hyphenhyphenW-P5xqcRJRPZKhFVbxNsWhfjJG70JMxIKauFVhdyVddD_pheK8auHshNa1cJlo8NzlFrcdnRAM2WshYd07xW5mpU2G/s320/blogger-image-1672297063.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
The ingredients aren't terrible either, and the best part is that it's only 37 calories per serving! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!! Yes, you read that right. There's also zero fat and very low carb/sugar content. This is a nice change from the "Fat Free" hook that most food companies use to reel us in, just to find out that their product has an astronomical amount of carbs/sugar, that will soon metabolize into a shit-ton of fat in our bodies... jerks. So, even on one of those days where things just seemed to have sucked, and you feel the need to couch surf and eat an entire pint of ice cream, you would only be eating 150 calories. Nice. <br />
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So go! Be free to curb your craving to eat creamy, cold, sweet love... on the couch... while indulging in vampire shows (wait, what?), and be guilt free of ruining your body with zillions of calories, fat, and sugar!! Enjoy!!! </div>
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<br />MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-4195751595517284662013-03-08T10:34:00.002-05:002013-03-08T10:35:33.388-05:00Is you is or is you ain't my baby...It's funny how thoughts come to you while you're doing menial chores; the hum of the vacuum, or in my case rug cleaner, causing my mind to drift into an almost meditative state. My mind's topic yesterday? How fascinating and bizarre it is to me that none of my friends or myself have kids. I mean my true, old school, known for over 30 years and are still close, forever friends. There are four of us in my most absolute tightest circle of friends. It's not that none of us had opportunities, loves in our life that would have allowed us to, or some of us that had a child that didn't make it into the world. And even stranger, when I expand that circle of friends to my newer, yet still close friends... it is vary rare to see one with kids. Weird, right?? Things you think of while cleaning. Time to hire a maid, lol :)<br />
<br />MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-68803692184379991592012-12-19T15:21:00.005-05:002012-12-19T23:37:58.585-05:00The Traveling Housewife...Since my last post I have officially become a stay-at-home wifey-poo. The running joke is that I'm a Trophy Wife, but that's certainly not the case, lol. With the honey's job allowing us to travel more frequently between our two homes in GA & FL, we decided that I try my hand at my newest role... the Traveling Housewife. Things are going great, but I'm still 'learning' how to be a good housewife, lol. Don't get me wrong, I know how to clean, do laundry, and all the other domestic chores, and I'm good at them... just not good at getting around to doing them, LOL. I'd much rather be creating stuff :)<br />
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I have more projects going on in both houses then any of you would want to know about. From repurposing furniture, painting walls, and sewing curtains to photography, blogging, and EBay & Etsy sales! I have so much free time and too many options of filling it!! It's like looking at a huge menu at a restaurant... there are so many choices, you just can't pick one!! Well, I <i>need</i> to pick one. The slight chaos in BOTH houses is a bit too much for the honey (and on occasion, me too!). Sure, when he comes home things are tidied up and inconspicuous, but hiding in every nook, cranny & spare room is a pile or box of half finished something-or-other. And lately I've fallen off my 'list' wagon that helps me stay focused. Come on, you remember about me and my lists, right?? Yeah, well it's time this gal makes a priority list of projects (<i>which should include sweeping more often, lol</i>). Over the summer I even made some really great daily chores lists to keep me on track. Laminated them and everything so I could write, wipe and reuse. I think I lost them under a pile of fabric, lol. I guess it's time to dig them out.<br />
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Cheers to fighting the battle of self diagnosed ADD and trying to stay organized, lol.MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-41955256209331016342012-07-27T11:48:00.003-04:002012-07-27T12:59:14.781-04:00Oh my aching head...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<h2 class="me" style="color: black; display: inline; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>hang·o·ver</i></h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1;"><sup style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.75em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"></sup></span> <span class="pronset" style="color: #333333;"><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><span class="prondelim" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[</span><span class="pron" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="boldface" style="font-weight: 700;">hang</span>-oh-ver</span><span class="prondelim" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">]</span> </span></span></i></span><br />
<div class="header" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"></div></div><div class="body" style="margin-bottom: 0em; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="pbk" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="pg" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 3px;"><span id="hotword" style="position: static;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; position: static;">noun:</span></span></span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; position: static;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; position: static;">disagreeable</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">physical</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">after effects</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">drunkenness,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">such </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; position: static;">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; position: static;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; position: static;">headache</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">stomach</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">disorder,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">usually</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">felt</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">several </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="position: static;">hours</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; position: static;">after</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; position: static;">cessation</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; position: static;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; position: static;">drinking.</span></i></div><div class="pbk" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="luna-Ent" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklJjhASLAaF-_fOXIwfTZMoP5bYo0I3XdmNM_pQMrTN78d7GFYwCihvk4xtsN2SBBNdsAZUf-nG_Qspl6xktFDUslFb5kNd2rrhAZPAijK9ZBx5O3BwEe4Msk0RfjdlOG5jqOXvJ4mfJI/s640/blogger-image--1202816232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklJjhASLAaF-_fOXIwfTZMoP5bYo0I3XdmNM_pQMrTN78d7GFYwCihvk4xtsN2SBBNdsAZUf-nG_Qspl6xktFDUslFb5kNd2rrhAZPAijK9ZBx5O3BwEe4Msk0RfjdlOG5jqOXvJ4mfJI/s400/blogger-image--1202816232.jpg" width="300" /></a>In the past month or so, I've sworn off drinking... well, I've sworn to keep it to a minimum, lol. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a big lush or anything, but I enjoy a glass of wine (especially red) with my hubby at dinner. And the occasional beer at a ball game or cookout. And maybe a nice gin & tonic on date night. You get my drift. Anyway, it's come to my attention that A) I'm allergic to sulfites in red wines (NOO!!!), B) alcohol depletes your body of vitamins & minerals, and C) drinking makes me a fat-ass, lol. So, to alleviate all of these I've limited myself to the occasional glass of white wine or a beer on special occasions and/or once or twice a week. That's it. And I've been such a good doobie; I honestly have. I notice how great my body feels without having adult beverage running through my veins on a regular basis, lol. I'm more alert & aware, and full of energy. One night after a week of having nothing alcoholic, I had two glasses of red wine with the hubby. Having to cut out all red wine is a HUGE deal for me, so I had to 'test' my sulfite theory to be certain. OMG, my head was a hot mess the next morning. My sinuses were filled with snot <i>(gross, right?)</i>, and I felt like I had been hit with the ugly stick. Really? Two measly glasses of wine? Enjoyed over a 3 hour time frame?? Sigh, yep. Goodbye my old friend, you'll be missed. And sure I know I can buy sulfite-free wines, all organic and actually good for my body... but damn, they're pricey and limited in selection. I guess every now and then I'll still indulge in a red... can't hurt, right?? Wrong.<br />
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Fast forward to current day. OH MY ACHING HEAD. Yup, my indulgence was last night and boy am I a stupid girl. Really? Should I <i>really</i> consider it as 'treating myself' when it's to something that will hand me my ass the next morning?? Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't take back last night for a second. It was a fun, laughter filled date night with just me and the hubby. We enjoyed dinner at home, with a bottle of Zin (delish) and watched an episode of The Office. One bottle between two people is not terrible. It breaks out to 2 - 6 oz glasses of wine each. Well, I should have known better than to have that second glass, since I was already getting congested and sniffly after glass number one... but noOOOOooo, I had the second glass. What's that? Why yes, we DID end up going out afterwards. Yep, to a bar to 'treat' ourselves to a tasty beer. Yeah, me who hasn't been drinking a whole lot, decides to pour beer down her gullet on top of the two glasses of red wine already in there... did I forget to mention that I had a glass of white wine before the 2 glasses of red? No?? Yeah, I forgot too. <br />
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Yum yum, one tasty beer, some chips & salsa, and a couple of trivia boards in front of us. Flirty, laughing couple we were, just enjoying each other's company and that tasty beer. I opted for a Guinness since we were just staying for one. Man, this place has a damn great selection. Sure, I'll have one more. It's been a while since we've been out like this. Can't hurt for just one night, right?? Oh YUM! I love Magic Hat #9! So fruity and light! perfect with these fattening chips & salsa that we didn't need, but were craving because we're drinking beer. YAY!! I love trivia!! Especially when it's movie/TV/entertainment stuff! Wow! We already went through those beers?! Damn straight I'd like another one. No no, not the same, something different again, but in a larger bottle so I can fully kick my own ass here tonight. Sweet, Tucher it is!! Oh, how I love the taste of good beer. I actually don't like the buzz/drunk feeling, but it's a small price to pay to enjoy great tasting beers. What a fun night! Slept like a stone, too. Until...<br />
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Morning, you suck. Well, now wait. I'm a morning person. I LOVE mornings! Waking without an alarm is thee best feeling and I have that luxury this week. But... drinking has foiled my day and I haven't even gotten out of bed. Hell, I hadn't taken my head off the pillow yet and I was already sad. <br />
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So, why then do I still deem it as 'treating myself' when I indulge in the liquid devil?? Drinking <i>(more than one drink and/or red wine)</i> makes me feel yucky. It makes my face red & splotchy and prone to breaking out; it makes me feel like I have a cold, all congested and icky; it makes me fat and bloated, packing on unnecessary pounds while I'm working my heart out at the gym; and makes the next day (sometimes the whole day) a big worthless mess. So, really, am I treating myself? Lol, geezus, I can think of lots other fun ways to treat myself. Hello? Mani/pedi... massage... nap... chick flick... ice cream...<br />
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Yup, lots of other ways to treat myself, lol.MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8462967275342954597.post-52312717704987318412012-07-17T08:32:00.004-04:002012-07-17T19:20:18.289-04:00Write it down... EVERYTHING!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh Accountability, you and I have been dancing around each other for a while, but last week I got a hold of your coat tail and I'm trying my best to hang on!! If any of you reading this has ever felt out of control with anything... not completing tasks, loosing weight, cleaning the house, ANYTHING... all I can say is write everything down! Seriously, journal about everything. If you actually see in black & white what you're eating, feeling and doing <i>(work, gym, etc)</i> than you can see how far you've come and be proud of your accomplishments, or have the proof that you need to 'adjust' your habits a bit to get the results you want in life.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IZZDbk7ZOpq4P8Fo9HN-k9SyHJIbUHs0R8NRRUKTtyJBQA8FNM0Y109UFkfpp7HkeAniNMec68oA1Z_9GlNc94akjJQUt2LiADQRevZd7XwJWuX0W_S-XNS7wTttxAIPpCShVRuaSMiG/s1600/goal+without+a+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IZZDbk7ZOpq4P8Fo9HN-k9SyHJIbUHs0R8NRRUKTtyJBQA8FNM0Y109UFkfpp7HkeAniNMec68oA1Z_9GlNc94akjJQUt2LiADQRevZd7XwJWuX0W_S-XNS7wTttxAIPpCShVRuaSMiG/s320/goal+without+a+plan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Last week I started my Accountability Journey as a result of a good hard look. A look at my house, my yard, my fridge, my body. Every idea or project I have had in the past year (or five!) has been started with excitement, but then petered off when my self-diagnosed ADD kicks in and I turn all of my energy to something new. I told you many blogs ago how shiny I think everything is, right?? And you already know I'm a list lover, so I made lists. LOTS of them. Chores lists for my day to keep things 'flowing' that need to be finished and kept on top off. I know, it sounds too structured, but it's a starting point until I can train my brain into a new daily routine. It goes hand in hand with my food intake. And here's where I start to stress how we should write things down. I'll share the chores stuff later :)<br />
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About 3 months ago I started training at the gym, with a trainer and a nutritionist by my side. They keep me accountable while I'm there, but only <i>I</i> can be held responsible for what I eat. I started using one of my favorite things... <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">My Fitness Pal</a>. It's one of many free online food & exercise journals offered and I love it. I downloaded the app on my phone and have been super strict about logging everything... food, water, work outs, unplanned snacks; even the occasional naughty beer swilling at a Red Sox game <i>(you know you would too!)</i>. It honestly only takes minutes to do and the benefits are YOUGE! <i>(spoken in my best Donald Trump voice).</i> I can see that I'm not that perfect of an eater <i>(no shit Sherlock)</i> and that my 'eye-balling' of portions is about as off as you can get. Another thing it offers is the recipe maker. It allows you to enter in a recipe and it breaks it down for you... calories, fat, carbs, etc per portion. SWEET!! Try it. You'll love it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLsptg6UUQt_R9Yl8uJHMAm8EXVg3M7rBRNYewGIQs3Nx3tATuU52s-9cvsvHepnOEsxNyT54bWrEqWSeG6yrBcYb-sceJPihNP8V60nFibiNdQ8ySvgZ_I-lJpYxTKOVFuszEhPyL1XC/s1600/MO+tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLsptg6UUQt_R9Yl8uJHMAm8EXVg3M7rBRNYewGIQs3Nx3tATuU52s-9cvsvHepnOEsxNyT54bWrEqWSeG6yrBcYb-sceJPihNP8V60nFibiNdQ8ySvgZ_I-lJpYxTKOVFuszEhPyL1XC/s200/MO+tape.jpg" width="200" /></a>But the one thing that I always do when starting a new exercise/diet regimen, and did not this time around, is take body measurements. You look at yourself in the mirror all the time and you may not notice the changes that are happening. I was reminded of this when my best friend mentioned how defined my face looked in a photo and "how much weight I've lost". Umm, no, my clothes are still fitting the same and no, I still look and feel like a fat-ass. Well, umm NO right back at myself. It seems that I've lost more than I realized. I measured my bod yesterday and compared it to my last measurement (Oct '11) and I'm thrilled to report that I've lost an all over total of 16.5 inches (<b>WOW!!!</b>), with the majority of it gone from my waist & bust. YAYAYAYAYYYY!!!!!! As for the clothes still fitting the same, I'm forgetting that I've slowly removed an item or two along the way and am weeding out the stuff that becomes too loose... hence my clothes seeming to still fit the same :)<br />
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So I stress... WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN!! You will be surprised, sometimes pleasantly, at what you end up seeing!! And with that said, I'm off to the gym! I'll write later and share the lists I've created. They're keeping me in line pretty well ;)</div>MaryAnnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11811021883165721770noreply@blogger.com0