Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Pause, not Silence~

Tonight I am taking a moment of pause.  I had a blog that I wanted to write about, but then because of recent events.  I decided to change it and voice my opinion about the topic that so many are talking about.  Some of you might be lost as to what I am referring to so, here is the article... I took the liberty of changing the title. The Parting of ways...   I know that all of us have our own opinions on this topic.  With this being said, I also know that no matter what, we all will not agree on recent events.  Hence why I am going to take a night to collect my thoughts before I dig into this topic.  I want to be mindful in my thoughts, and not act on impulse.  I respect other's views even if I don't agree with them, and I hope that you will respect mine, even if you don't agree.  Tonight I am going to take in all I have heard & read and try to do my homework before I go any further.  
XoXo
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Ralph Waldo Emerson


Monday, January 30, 2012

Faces of Courage & Moffitt Cancer Center Present Body Painting Artist Lisa Scholder~

A few days ago a friend posted this on Facebook.  I was moved, to say the very least.  I think it is incredible how you can take an art form mix it with love and bring about not only healing, but a lasting image of beauty for all to see.  
This is a brilliant collaboration of talent, trust and vision. 
 I hope that everyone involved knows that this is a very powerful message & will reach many and empower all.  Thank you to the courageous models, and I wish them every happiness and continued healing.  Blessings to all that worked so diligently on this project.  I just wanted you to know that you have really touched me in a profound way.  
I hope that you all will enjoy this video. 
"Faces of Courage and Moffitt Cancer Center presented the first public Gallery showing of the "bodies of Courage" exhibit by body abstract painting artist Lisa Scholder. this event also served as a house warming for Moffitt's new International Plaza location in Tampa Florida. This video, the art it's work and examples of the "Arts in Medicine" program were presented in a VIP event followed by a catered event for the public. The event was also graced by the vocal stylings of Lisa Casalino". 

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Savvy Saturday~ Sunday Edition~ Kool Tool~

Yes, this would be me.  Enjoying my Kool Tool in Pink.
Welcome to this addition to Savvy Saturday!  I know that it 's a day late, but well worth the wait...  Promise! For some of you, you might just think that this is the Holly Grail!  Ok, so now that I have gotten your attention... Today I want to tell you about the Kool Tool.  This is truly an amazing little beauty!  It has many uses and is reuseable.  I contacted Sher, after coming across her on Facebook, then watching her video on YouTube.  We had a lovely conversation and I told her how I participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, and I was wondering if she would be willing to work with me in a fundraising capacity.  Much to my delight she embraced the idea with open arms.  Ok, the Kool Tool is a cooling Device. Made of fabric with high water retention, absorption and wicking properties, these stylish, portable pieces can serve as your personal cooling and re-cooling system. Just wet, wring, snap - staying cool is a breeze! 26"x17" is the size of the fabric.  They come in many color choices.  Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple and of course PINK!  They are light weight, portable and completely Kool!  I got two of these one in Purple and you know I had to have one in Pink!  I gave one to my sister & kept one for myself to test out.  I can tell you honestly, this is one amazing product.  Simple and stylish in design, light in weight, easy to use and is reuseable & is literaly limitless in it's uses.  My experience with the Kool Tool to date has been wonderful.  I have used it to soothe a bump on my 3 year old's head, to lower my own body temp when I was feeling less than stellar, in the relief of a migraine, as a way to pamper myself as I took a mommy Spa Treatment time out and to put moisture back into my skin when it was feeling the full effect of the winter.  I know that once the 3-Day training is in full swing for me,  this little beauty will have many more uses.  I am not one that likes to spend money on things that promise the world, only for you to get it home to find out that it can't delliver.  I promise you, this is all that and more.  You are pretty much only limited by your imagination for how you will use this.  As an added bonus, the ladies at Kool Tools are willing to give you FREE Shipping for any purchace as long as you use this code & they will also donate towards helping me walk in the 3-Day events this year that I have already commited to.  The code is 4TheCure1. This is a woman based business and Sher told me that if you are a 3-Day participant & you would like to partner with them for fundraising purposes, they are willing to work with any team.  I hope that you will check them out, give Kool Tool a try & let me know what you think.  Here is a way to get in touch with Sher & place orders or ask more questions.  I have also included the link so you can read more from their home page.  Also, on their home page you can view both of their YouTube Videos!

Sher~Kool Tool sher@kooltool.biz or www.kooltool.biz 

If you choose to place an order by phone, here is a number to contact them at 619-500-1952.
and the savings code again is 4TheCure1
XoXo

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Savvy Saturday ~ Preempted!

Due to technical difficulties my first hockey game, we are unable to bring you our regularly scheduled program (i.e., Savvy Saturday). We apologize for the inconvenience, but we assure you that we are hard at work repairing the problem play, going to our very first and exciting hockey game.


Chad and I had an opportunity to go to our first hockey game this evening, and we took it.  Unfortunately, I was unable to get my regularly scheduled Savvy Saturday blog post done this evening.  Therefore, Savvy Saturday was preempted for hockey and moved to tomorrow making it Savvy Sunday, so stay tuned!


The good news is we had a wonderful evening and are now HOCKEY FANS!  Wow, who knew hockey was this much fun and exciting?  Thanks for indulging me, and I promise to post Savvy Saturday tomorrow.  Here are some pictures from our hockey evening.  I hope you enjoy them.  XOXO


A Fight 


A Goal 


Me & Chad 


Lake Erie Monsters 3
Hamilton Bulldogs 1

Friday, January 27, 2012

Fantastic Foodie FridayRocco DiSpirito’s Cheesy Turkey Enchiladas With Tomatillo Salsa & Cilantro~


This fatigue-fighting meal from Chef Rocco DiSpirito will give you a sustained boost of energy from the protein and the spicy salsa.  This meal blends the Mexican flavors of healthy foods like bright-tasting tomatillos and cilantro in a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Serves 4
12 oz ground turkey breast
4 (9-in) low-carb tortillas
2/3 cup fat-free spicy black bean dip
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (12-oz) jar tomatillo salsa
1 cup reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Heat a large nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring to break it up a little, until it is just cooked through, about 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, using flameproof tongs, char the tortillas lightly on each side over an open flame, or toast them under a preheated broiler. Keep the tortillas warm by covering them with a clean kitchen towel as you go.

Stir the black bean dip into the turkey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Lay the tortillas on a work surface, and divide the turkey mixture among them. Fold the sides of the tortillas in over the filling and roll the tortillas up tightly to encase the filling. Lay them side-by-side in a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Spoon the salsa over the tortillas, and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the enchiladas are hot throughout, 10 to 12 minutes.
Sprinkle the cilantro over the enchiladas, and serve.

Nutrition Facts
314 calories
9.9 fat grams                                                            
38 g protein
32 g carbohydrates
59 mg cholesterol
18 g fiber
1,382 mg sodium ( this can be lowered by the ingredients you use, check the labels & refrain from adding more when you season to taste ).

Recipe found on The Dr. Oz Show web site originally posted 01/24/2012

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Friend~

Hello my friend, how are you today?  I ask because I care, and just wanted to check in with you, as you came by to check in on me today.  This morning as I got Tristin ready for school he asked me a curious question.  "Mom, how do you know if you have a good friend"?  I asked him where this thought had come from & he said he was "just thinking about it".  So, I said, well... I guess you know you have a good friend if they care about you and your feelings, they are kind to you and you can laugh together at the little things.  So he said ok, then what is the difference between a good friend and your best friend?  I told him that I wanted to answer his question, but I would need a little bit of time to think about it & I also needed to get him into the school on time.  So, I have been sitting here this morning pondering on the question that my 7 year old asked me.  I guess your best friend would be everything that your good friend is but your friendship takes on another level.  They understand you, maybe sometimes better than you know yourself & they still accept you flaws and all.  By the time Tristin came home from school he had made up his own mind about what the difference was between a good friend and a best friend.  I asked him if he wanted to talk about it and he said "No".  He told me that to him, the difference is standing beside your friend and being there when they need you that is your best friend.  A good friend is someone who you can sit with at lunch... Still not sure what brought this all on, but it made me think about things.  Amazing how a seven year old can make you re-examine your thoughts about life.  Even though I may not always have the all the answers... He sure does challenge me.  It is a beautiful thing to be able to see the world through another's eyes.  
XoXo

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Happiness~

While I have been busy doing other things, happiness has come to rest on my shoulder.  
Over the last year I have been blessed with new friendships and shed ones that were unhealthy. 
 I have started to focus on the things that really matter and working on mapping out new adventures.  
Some things will only get better with time, and others will be tested by the passing of time.
For tonight, I am just happy that I can sit and be content with right now in this moment...
I hope you feel the same blessing in your life...
XoXo  

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Life is funny .... so keep your sense of humor about it!~



I have spent some time today thinking about what happened yesterday (refer to yesterday's blog post).  I didn't spend a lot of time on it, but it popped into my head from time-to-time throughout the day.  I had a few more challenges today, and was quite honestly getting to the end of my rope.  I decided before I ran out of rope, I would tie a knot and hold on.  My knot was the telephone, and my method for holding on was to call a friend.


My friend listened intently to all of my tales of woe.  She gave me comfort and encouragement which was great, but the best part was when she started to laugh at all the stupid stuff that has happened to me the last few days.  She wasn't laughing at me or my life, she simply found the humor in some recent events.  At first she just chuckled and pointed out one item which I have to admit made me chuckle too.  Then she giggled which made me giggle, and before I knew it she was belly laughing.  Her laughter was contagious and I ended up laughing too. Things didn't seem so awful anymore, and suddenly I had a lot more rope.  My situation and experiences of the last few days hadn't changed at all.  What changed was ... ME, or at least my perspective.


I still have the same challenges as I did yesterday, or this morning, or even 5 minutes ago.  Life happens, and sometimes it is very serious business.  However, keeping a sense of humor and a positive outlook surely can't hurt and will probably help immensely.  Therefore, my wish for each of you this evening is to live life to it's fullest every day, love like there is no tomorrow, and every day I hope you find something so funny it makes you laugh until you snort.  Hopefully, you will have a friend to snort .... I mean laugh right along with you too!  XOXO...

Humor can alter any situation and help us cope at the very instant we are laughing. ~ Allen Klein

Monday, January 23, 2012

No Picture Required~

I don't need to post a picture for today's blog entry because sometimes you don't need a picture to see how genuinely ugly people can be.  I am talking about ugly behaviors, actions, deeds and words as opposed to a person's physical attributes.
  
I am sure some of you who follow my blog are surprised to hear me speak so candidly about this topic.  I try very hard to keep this blog and the messages contained in it uplifting and positive.  I am of the opinion that there is enough ugliness, hatred, ill-will and negativity in the world, so I do not need to add to it or give it any more life or energy than it already receives.   I am sure at this point you are probably asking yourself why in the world am I going there tonight then?  Well, to be perfectly honest and frank, it has been an extremely difficult day to "pratice what I preach!"


I have never claimed to be perfect and I never will.  I am the first one to admit with brutal honesty and sincerity that I am flawed and have my fair share of imperfections.   With that being said, I do, however, strive to be the best "me" that I can be.  I was made perfect in my maker's eyes and that should be enough.  Due to a situation that I found myself in today, I became aware that apparently, to some, that is NOT the case.  In an effort to protect the ignorant and the uninformed, I won't go into specifics.  Suffice it to say, it was very unpleasant, ugly, and mean spirited.  At first, I was stunned and hurt but after thinking about it this is what I want everyone to remember.  We all have worth, but we are all flawed in one way or other. These flaws may not always be visible, but each one of us has our own unique idiosyncrasies.  If we expect people to accept us with our imperfections and failings then we need to do the same for everyone else.


Unfortunately, some people think they are superior to others.  Their perceived superiority may exist because of their social standing, socioeconomic status, or pedigree.  Although we all put our pants on one leg at a time, some think it is their right or even their duty to point out the flaws or to voice their opinions of others regardless of how this may affect or hurt the other person.  I want to remind these people that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.  In other words, unless they are prepared to have their flaws and imperfections pointed out and scrutinized they should seriously keep their mouths shut. 

Personally, I don't care who you think you are because the reality is no one is any better than anyone else.  We all should be working on ourselves to be good people who do the right things and strive to live our lives in a manner that will please our maker.  A person's status as a celebrity, highly paid professional or whatever else that makes them think they are better than the rest of us really won't matter much in the end.  They do not have the right nor is it their duty to tell someone what they consider the worth or value of that person .  They have no idea what that person has been through or is going through, so do us all a favor and stop spewing out your hateful or opinionated poison because it isn't going to bring about a positive result.  In fact, it will probably do the exact opposite!


In an effort to end on a positive note, here is my parting thought and something for all of us to remember.

A Smile costs nothing, but gives much.
It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.
It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.
None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor, but that he can be made rich by it.
A Smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship.
It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone, until it is given away.
Some people are too tired to give you a smile;
Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give. ~ Author Unknown

Thank you for bearing with me this evening, and indulging me in this thought process.  I hope I am leaving you with a positive message and smile (and a picture afterall).  XOXO...

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Story~

Let me tell you the story of this Butterfly.
A man found a cocoon of a butterfly,
One day a small opening appeared.
He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours
as it struggled to squeeze it's body through the tiny hole.
Then it stopped, as if it couldn't go any further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly,
He took a pair of scissors and
snipped off the remaining bits of cocoon.
The butterfly emerged easily but
it had a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch it,
expecting that any minute the wings would enlarge
and expand enough to support the body.
Neither happened!
In fact the butterfly spent the rest of it's life
crawling around.
It was never able to fly.

What the man in his kindness
and haste did not understand:
The restricting cocoon and the struggle
required by the butterfly to get through the opening
was a way of forcing the fluid from the body
into the wings so that it would be ready
for flight once that was achieved.

Sometimes struggles are exactly
what we need in our lives.
Going through life with no obstacles would cripple us.
We will not be as strong as we could have been
and we would never fly.


I know that most of us would say that we have had more than our share of struggles in our lives.  We would be just fine if we had already reached our quota for the obstacle department.  After reading this, & re-reading a few more times, it really resonated in me.  I looked at the most difficult times in my life.  The challenges that were put before me, they forced me to struggle.  Once I got past that moment and took the time to reflect on it.  I found that I really did grow.  Sometimes, in Strength, other times in Faith, but I always grew from the experience.  Gaining knowledge and learning that I can make it thru.  If everything was easy or handed to us we would lose the lesson.  We would never gain the appreciation of earning and learning .  I can remember back to High School.  Upon Graduation a fair number of kids were given a new car.  I ( at the time ) felt that I was cheated.  I wasn't given that shiny, right off the truck, straight from the factory new car.  Instead,  I spent many a long Summer and did many various odd jobs to earn money so that I could buy my first car.  It wasn't right out of the factory, but rather the used car lot.  I didn't get the car that I had my heart set on, but I got a good all year long car that was dependable.  Two years later, when I was in a horrific car accident, I learned the value of the lesson.  For you see had I gotten the car that I had my heart set on, I would not be here today.  I struggled to pay for the car that I got & it served me well.  Looking back now, 
I can say...  Lesson Learned...
XoXo  

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Savvy Saturday~ Tahoe Medical Spa


As a past walker, daughter and granddaughter of breast cancer
survivors, Dr. Rebecca Gelber of Tahoe Medical Spa is committed to the important work the Susan G. Komen foundation is doing to help to raise both awareness as well as funding for breast cancer research.  
For 2012, Dr. Gelber is willing to donate $1000 to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for each walker, crew, family member or donor who under go cellular regenerative therapy.  Cellular regenerative treatments offer a new therapeutic option to those suffering from joint pain. For many with degenerative conditions such as arthritis, “bone on bone” wear, previous tears and injuries,the use of the patient’s own stem cells and platelet rich plasma (PRP)offers an exciting and minimally invasive treatment. 
Therapy allows many patients to experience decreased pain, increased function, and improved sleep.  This therapy involves the harvesting of a small amount of fat from just under the skin in a “mini-lipo”. This can be performed underlocal anesthesia, without the side effects or risks of general anesthesia. After injection of the joint, there is no lengthy rehab.  Significant over use, impact or stress to the joint needs to be avoided, but gentle use and range of motion are immediately possible and encouraged.  
More information about this procedure is available by clicking on this link: 
Freedom from Pain Or if you are interested you can contact the Tahoe Medical Spa by calling 775-298-1750 or e-mail them at: office@tahoemedicalspa.com

Friday, January 20, 2012

Fantasic Foodie Friday~ Mixed Green Salad w/ Oranges, Dried Cranberries & Pecans

Here is a salad that will not only help you to chase away the winter blues, but it might also help you battle cancer at the same time.  Citrus fruits are bursting with cancer-fighting flavor. In addition to Vitamin C, grapefruits, oranges, lemons and limes can improve your immune system, slow down aging and fight cancer.

Ingredients
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons orange juice 
6 tablespoons dried cranberries 
3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon grated orange peel 
6 cups mixed baby greens 
3 oranges, peel removed, segmented 
3/4 cup pecans, toasted 
1 tablespoon green onions, cut

Directions
Bring 1 cup orange juice to simmer in a small heavy saucepan. 
Remove from heat. 
Mix in dried cranberries. 
Let stand until softened, about 30 minutes. 
Drain well; discard soaking liquid.
Whisk oil, vinegar, orange peel and remaining 3 tablespoons orange juice in a small bowl to blend. 
Mix in cranberries. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
Place greens in large bowl. 
Toss with 2/3 of the dressing. 
Divide greens among 6 plates.
 Add orange segments to bowl and toss with remaining dressing. 
Top greens with orange segments and pecans.


Note: Dressing can be made one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Winning the fight against cancer, every day.
This recipe and health tip courtesy of Cancer Treatment Centers of America 

Thursday, January 19, 2012

A Little Secret~

I'm going to let you in on a little secret.  I know that you have most likely read my blog entries before.  I go on & on about my feelings for Susan G. Komen Foundation and the 3-Day experience.  I have asked you to support what I am doing.  To help me by donating towards my walks, but I have never asked you to join me in this journey.  I have been selfish...  So, today I am asking you... Would you like to join me?  To share in a once and a lifetime experience.  To meet some of the kindest people you will ever have the pleasure of knowing, and to spend three days with me.  To have the opportunity to see first hand, how beautiful the world could be if we all worked together towards a common goal.  I can tell you in painstaking detail how amazing this experience is, but you will never truly know till you participate.  So, here is your chance... What's even better?  You can sign up at a discounted cost, and really... Who doesn't like to save money?  So, if your ready for a life changing experience.  I am extending my hand.  I am ready & willing to share with you my knowledge. The next step, is yours to make.  Here is a discount code that will give you a $25.00 discount off of your registration  SAVE25.  This discount will only be good until 11:55 p.m. CT on January 31.  So, challenge yourself.  Step outside of your comfort zone.  Join me & my friends for an experience that will stay with you long after the 3-Days are over...   
XoXo

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Fine Line~

I guess some people just don't know what to say when they learn that someone that they love or know has breast cancer.  For some, they struggle to find the right words.  Instead of choosing silence, they fumble for words.  Jenny, who is a breast cancer survivor, has put together this video to shed light on what not to say... ( I think that she might have preferred silence instead of these reactions/words ).   I found her video to be a very clever and a cheeky way to shed light as to what people have said to her thru her battle.  I for one can admit, that at one point I too may have fumbled for the right words to say.  Especially after learning how the silence and distance felt to my mother as she waged her battle with breast cancer.  I still may sometimes struggle, but I always try to think of the other person before I speak.  Some of these people clearly should have exercised the same thought process.  I really wanted to share this with you because I think that Jenny did an amazing job at bringing this to light.  While finding a way to do it with style, humor, and a touch of class.       
Sh*t Girls say to Girls with Breast Cancer Jenny Saldana is a writer, actress and breast cancer survivor. These are the things she heard while battling breast cancer. If you are interested in following or learning more about Jenny Saldana and her upcoming web series HAPPY CANCER CHICK.  You can go to www.happycancerchick.com.  I know that I will continue to follow her journey, wishing her all the best.
XoXo

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Are you Hurt or Broken?~

I know that some of you most likely have already seen the movie, "Dolphin's Tale", but I just got done watching it...  I took away some really wonderful things, but the one lesson that I want to share with you is... That sometimes we are hurt, but sometimes being hurt is not what is holding us back, it's our pride.  The perfect visual that Morgan Freeman gave to a Vet that recently became disabled was he took a glass and dropped it on the floor.  Upon hitting the floor it shattered into many pieces.  He said, your are hurt, but this glass is broken.  It just reminded me that even though we may have our things that cause us pain ( cancer, divorces, loss of a loved one ) it does not mean that we are broken.  We are hurt... So many things can get in the way of us healing.  I don't have all of the answers and everyone is different to some degree, but we all have one thing in common.  Choices... Do we give in & let the pain take over or do we rise to the challenge and stare it down.  I for one may be hurt, but I refuse to be broken.  I have had the honor & privilege of meeting so many people that are fighting their own battle with cancer.  It is never an easy road and it is full of frustrations, fear and hurt, but they are not broken.  Thru their pain they are inspiring others, even when they don't know that they are doing it.  I have been inspired, I have been given a "second site" and it's Pink.  It doesn't mean that everything is all heart's & flower's with rainbow's everywhere. ( but it sure does sound nice ).  Instead it means that I have been given the rare privilege to see people up close & personal watching them battle for their very existence.  They have taught me that everything is not fair, but who ever said it would be?  They have taught me that energy is fleeting, so put it to good use, and the most important... That we have a choice to make every day that we wake up...  We can either be positive and embrace the life that we have, and do all we can to send that positive feeling out into the world.  Or we can be negative, to blame everyone & everything for what is wrong in our lives, and send on the negative feelings that we have, out into the world.  Believe me when I tell you that it takes far more conscious to turn the negative in to a positive then it does to spew out the negative that we all feel at one point or another.  So when you start to feel broken... I ask you to take a moment and remember the glass.  I think if you take time and really think about it. You will come to the conclusion that you are just hurt.  The Good News... We can Fix that!  But until that time comes...  We can love you thru it...
XoXo

Monday, January 16, 2012

Monday~

To some just hearing Monday, can trigger a host of responses.  Sadly, most are a negative reaction.  I have to go back to work, school or jump back into my routine. Blahhh...  Time for the fun to end, and get back to serious business.  Today, I decided that I was not going to fall into that trap.  I spent the day playing with the kids and then decided to check in on the world of Facebook.  I happened to run across a company that is owned and operated by women, and I am very interested in trying their product.  Once I receive it, I am going to try it out, & then introduce you to it in my Savvy Saturday post.  I want to blurt out right now about it and tell you everything that I know, but I am resisting the temptation.  I found a quote that I found appropriate for today seeing that it would have been Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 83rd Birthday today.


Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'

Martin Luther King, Jr.
XoXo