Happy Halloween!

Just a quick entry tonight to say BOO!  We spent the day going to different retirement communities and spending time with the residents.  We went to TREAT them, not to TRICK.  The boys handed out Cupcakes and Blueberry Muffins as well as Smiles & Hugs.  They got a few pieces of candy, but not a huge bag full.  It didn't matter, we had fun going around & sharing time with the residents.  Lightening Mc Queen ( Tristin ) & Tow Mater ( Tyler ) really made the day for some of the people that we came in contact with.

Techinal Difficulties...

Since arriving in Arizona yesterday.  I have had problems getting my computer linked up to the Internet.  So, I am forced to use my Mother's computer in very limited capacity.  I can sometimes get my phone to upload pictures with much hand waving and moving from place to place to find where I can get my phone to pick up an open line.  Ahhhhhh!  So fingers crossed and prayers up that tomorrow I will be back on line with full blown access!  Today I took the kids to go see Mrs. Dory.  Her daughter Jean, who was very close to the boys, lost her battle with brain cancer just a few months ago.  We were hoping that we would get here before she passed, but it didn't work out that way.  Dory was thrilled to get to see the boys and their Halloween Costumes.  Tristin was Lightening Mc Queen & Tyler was Tow Mater.  After that, I went for a training walk. I can defiantly tell a difference in the weather and how my body is reacting to it.  Whew, I was a sweaty mess in only 5 miles!  It's a dry heat alright.  Felt like I was baking in an oven!  Walked back to the house, re-hydrated then filled up some extra bottles for my Mother and the kids then it was off to the carnival.  What fun we had wish I could up load some of the pictures to show you but not possible at this point.  I can tell you that the kids had a wonderful time!  Hope tomorrow to have my computer back on line so I can share more with you.  Today our 3-Day family finished up in Tampa.  With limited access, I tried to follow what I could but have much catching up to do.  My thoughts and prayers have been with them all.  Very soon, I will take my last 60 mile journey for this year.  It will be amazing to walk it with my sister, especially with all she has been through this year.  12 days till the Opening Ceremonies for the Arizona 3-Day... Ready or Not... Here we Come!

From Here to There...

Today started with alarms going off every 5 minutes, till I could get my unconcious self awake enough to realise that I slept an extra 35 minutes.  Now, with being said. This usually wouldn't be a big deal, but when you live over an hour away from the airport and then add in the road construction.  The realization of those lost 35 minutes start to play on your mind.  Finally, I called the airlines to find out that I had.  In my infinite wisdom, set the alarm on my phone to say the flight was at 6:05 am when the flight was actually 7:05 am.  I think I knew that having the fundraiser the day before was going to make for little sleep the night before the flight.  We got to the airport in plenty of time, even with a security snaffoo.  Thank you TSA Agent that thought a bag of Matchbox cars looked "suspicious".  From there, we left Cleveland.  Headed to Chicago where Tristin didn't want to leave, because he wanted to meet Cee-Cee & Rocky from "Shake it up Chicago".  We left Chicago and headed to Arizona.  We arrived a few minutes early, but my parents were still there patiently waiting on us.  My Mother was proudly wearing her Alpha-Pink-Omega T-Shirt.  I think that the extreme pink hair threw them off.  My Mom said, at least she won't worry about losing me in a croud.  LOL ( My Mother, the Comedian! )  On the way back to my parents house we went to Target, to get the boys Halloween Costumes so that they could go the street fair in Fountain Hills.  It has been a long day, but a good day.  Always nice to get away and soak up some sun!  I am looking forward to a good night sleep, before my training starts tomorrow.  Sweet Dreams! XoXo 

Fantastic Foodie Fridays~Pumpkin Pasta Surprise

Thought this would be a fun recipe for you to try especially seeing that pumpkins are so readily available right now.  I hope you will try this & maybe find a new family favorite!  

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 13-oz pkg whole-grain pasta or brown rice pasta
• 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, finely shredded
• 1 Roma tomato, chopped into small chunks
• 1 small zucchini, finely chopped (peel left on)
• 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
• 15 oz pumpkin purée
• 1 10-oz jar pasta sauce
• 1 tbsp low-fat plain cream cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions (undercook it slightly as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce).
2. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, brown turkey for 7 to 10 minutes or until no pink remains. Drain any fat, return pan with turkey to stove and add onion and garlic. Sauté turkey mixture until onions are translucent. Add carrot, tomato and zucchini and sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes, until tender.
3. Add red pepper, pumpkin purée and pasta sauce (if mixture is too thick, add a bit of water). Cover and simmer for 7 to 10 minutes, until zucchini is soft. Add cream cheese, then turn off heat and let cream cheese melt.
4. Add pasta and mix, cover and let stand for 2 minutes. Enjoy!

Nutrients per 1-cup serving: Calories: 402, Total Fat: 3.5 g, Sat. Fat: 0.5 g, Carbs: 62 g, Fiber: 6 g, Sugars: 7 g, Protein: 25 g, Sodium: 72 mg, Cholesterol: 38 mg

By Theresa Cochran | Photo: Gibson & Smith Posted on November 17, 2010

Counting Down...

As I am preparing for tomorrow at the mall.  Making over 166 cupcakes, getting raffle baskets together and getting everything else that I need to ready.  I keep thinking of my Pink Family that is in Tampa getting ready for their 60 mile Journey.  The nervous energy that is building.  Some will have a tough time sleeping tonight.  Tomorrow as the walkers tackle Tampa, I will be at the Ashtabula Mall doing two training walks.  One from 10-12 and the other from 4-6, after the walks and the event is over.   I will be heading home to get last minute things together.  Saturday morning I will be catching a 6:00am flight with the boys to head to Arizona.  Where I will start training preparing for my 3-Day walk in Arizona.  The next 48 to 72 hours will be a challenge, but we are up to it.  There is a Pink storm that is going to take over Tampa tomorrow morning.  I hope that they are ready!  XoXo

Just a Reminder...

I have some close friends that I think need to be reminded tonight that they are Amazing, Loved & have Immeasurable Worth...  Sometimes we just need to be reminded that we are valued.  I don't make it a habit to put up videos, but tonight I heard this song.  I listened to the words, and felt that it was really fitting.  So, when you think that no one notices, I do.  When you think that no one cares, I do.  When you feel like you have given all of yourself and you have nothing left.  I know you have more!  We all need a little reminder every now and again.  Tonight is your reminder.  We all have our own up hill battles and struggles that we have to deal with.  That being said, we can't let things or people steal our light, shine & sparkle!  So many times we leave things to chance thinking that... "They know"...  I don't want to leave anything to chance, not today or any other day.  So, just incase you didn't know or couldn't figure it out here is a little quote I wanted to leave you with tonight to think about...  "To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world." (Taylor Hanson)

                                                                                                                                              XoXo

Get Your Sneakers Ready...

Friday will be my last fundraising event before I leave for Arizona on Saturday.  
I am heading to the Ashtabula Mall.  I will have two training walks, 10-12 and then another from 4-6.  During this time, I will have a few tables set up in center court with Alpha-Pink-Omega Shirts, Angel of Grace Bracelets and Raffle Baskets.  Bruno Bros in the mall will have a cake raffle going on as well as 10% from all the sales will go towards the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  We have had a few retailers that have been very generous towards the event.  I may have someone coming to make fresh kettle corn ( depending on the weather ).  Other than that, it's fingers crossed & prayers up!  Thank you to my dear friend Lisa for helping me develop the slogan & design for the event.  To the left is the 3 pictures that can be found scrolling though the mall marque for advertising.  

Dr. Sheri Phillips~ Need I say More?

When people ask me why I do all I do for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, I tell them that it started out to honor 3 special women that helped to touch and shape my life.  Now, it is about fighting for, honoring and memorializing all of those that I meet along my journey.  Dr. Sheri Phillips is not only our National Spokeswoman for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, but is my dear friend.  Last weekend, she celebrated her 3rd year cancer-free in Atlanta during the 3-Day event.  I am constantly amazed by Sheri's genuine out pouring of love for all those that she meets at the different events.  She has a very busy schedule, but when she talks with you, she makes you the focus of her attention, everything else seems secondary.  If you have never been to a Susan G. Komen event I encourage you to sign up.  Join us in what ever capacity you can, and learn why my passion only continues to grow for this cause and the people I come in contact with.  Dr. Sheri Phillips is so much more than just our National Spokeswoman.  She is a Survivor!  She embodies all the desirable qualities that you would want in your friend that comforts you.  Your mentor, that guides you through the rough patches and you learn lessons from.  Your hero, someone that you can look up to, that has been through the trenches and had the intentional fortitude to rise above their adversities.  She is stunning, not just in her outward beauty, but inside.  Her courage, strength and passion to not let others define her, and her willingness to brave the unknown and re-envent herself.  I have so much respect for Sheri, and feel so blessed to have her in my life.  I hope you see a glimpse of what I see every time I meet her in her touching story below.      

From Doctor to Activist: A Breast Cancer Reinvention Story

Being a doctor was my life's dream, and that's what I did for 18 years.  Then cancer intervened, followed by disabling lymphedema, deep soul-searching, and life-changing participation in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure.

by Sheri Phillips, M.D.

Sheri Phillips, M.D., a breast cancer survivor, is now national spokesperson for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure

I’ve always exercised and kept my body in shape. For the most part, I’ve always eaten well. I have no family history of cancer or of any major medical issues, as far as I know.

And yet, I’m a three-year breast cancer survivor.

Surviving breast cancer is a difficult, life-changing event for anyone. I underwent a partial mastectomy, a lymph node dissection, 15 rounds of chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation. As a result, I now have clinically disabling lymphedema of my right arm and hand, which has impacted my career as a physician because I can no longer perform hands-on treatment of my patients.

But the most difficult part of surviving breast cancer was losing my mom while I was undergoing chemotherapy. My best friend, my voice of reason and the person who could always help me find the answers to any problem, was no longer here. My mom was gone and I was alone.
Just one year ago, I was searching for the higher purpose in my life. My lymphedema had begun to affect my ability to safely care for my patients and my boss at the time called me into his office and said, “A physician who is not clinically capable is of no value to me.” My heart sank. I’ve wanted to be a physician since I was two years old. I studied hard for years and worked my way through school to achieve this goal. I spent my entire life preparing, becoming and practicing as a physician, and my life’s dream seemed to be coming to an end at age 42 —all because of breast cancer.

After months of physical therapy and struggling with depression, I found myself getting angry. Angry at being told that through my short lifetime of struggles that I had no value.

But I’m alive and cancer-free for a reason.

So I decided to make a difference, not just in my life, but in the lives of others. By helping them through their struggle and showing them their own value, I would find mine again.

For years, I was seen as the invincible physician. Now as a “patient-physician” I’m a stronger advocate for better health awareness and the need for a cure. My diagnosis and treatment took away one of my greatest fulfillments in life which was the hands-on care of my patients. But after evaluating what I still have rather than what I lost, I have a brand new focus and mission in life. I have decided that I will spend the remainder of my lifetime helping people with this disease and their loved ones gracefully walk the bridge from pre-breast cancer life to life as a survivor.

I’m alive and cancer-free for a reason.  And I’m meant to be part of the solution.

I participated in the Susan G. Komen Chicago 3-Day for the Cure in 2010. At the end of the event, I knew I’d found my calling. I was meant to help change lives on a national scale. I could share my story, share my voice, share my life, and share my victory with thousands of others that needed help. So I applied and was chosen to be the National Spokesperson for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure.

I am now honored to represent the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure as the 2011 national spokesperson. This role affords me the opportunity to raise awareness and educate thousands of women and men throughout the country about breast health and how they can join the fight to end breast cancer.

From being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 to being named the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure national spokesperson in 2011…now that’s reinvention!

Don’t realize at the end of your life that you’ve spent an entire lifetime merely existing. Instead,LIVE the life you’ve been blessed with and “Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance, and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.” ~ Lee Ann Womack

• The article was found in: MoRe Magazine~FIRST PUBLISHED OCTOBER 11, 2011
• 
  

A Weekend to Remember...

Saturday night started out with me driving to Julie's house.  Once I got there, we were off to the Bone Yard in Mayfield.  The band 1988 was playing.  We got to meet lots of Balee's Friends.  The Bone Yard had really great food & drinks.  The place was split into different sections.  The front bar was huge and had a stage with a big dance floor in front of it.  On the walls on either side of the stage they had really big screen TV's with different sports channels playing.  Up stairs over the bar area they had tables set up where you could order dinner and they also had a private party room.  Downstairs on the opposite side of the building from the main bar they had an area that was a cross between Chucky Cheese and Dave & Busters.  They had mini bowling and pool tables, a small bar area then lots of video games and popular table games.  In between the band's sets they had great dance music & I got to get out on the floor and dance.  About 1:30am we left the Bone Yard and headed back to Julie's.  Once we got to her house we stayed up till 4:00am talking.  Then it was time to go to bed.  7:00am came and it was time for me to get up and go to the Brown's Stadium.  I stopped by the gas station to pick up some coffee then it was off to work.  The Brown's won their game today 6 to 3 over the Seahawk's.  Right before the end of the game, a fight broke out and I had to step in and break it up.  I ended getting a little banged up, but nothing that was too serious.  After the game ended I had to fill out a bunch of paper work before heading home.  I live about an hour away from the stadium.  While I was driving home, I found myself struggling to stay awake and on the road.  I ended up pulling off the interstate.  I was going to get out of the car, stretch my legs, get something to drink and use the restroom.  I managed to pull into a parking space and turn off the car before passing out.  I woke up an hour and a half later.  I actually scared myself.  I didn't remember even falling asleep.  When I woke up I called home just to say that I was alright.  I finished the drive home.  I just finished eating and now it is time for me to go to bed and get some real sleep.  I had a great weekend seeing many wonderful friends.  I also learned a valuable lesson.  I am not 21 any more & my body requires more sleep.  I don't regret one second that I got to spend with my friends, but I almost made a costly mistake that could have had serious ramifications.  Sweet Dreams my Dear Friends, Love You so...  XoXo

Early Post...

As most of you know, if you follow my blog. I am usually posting my entries right before the midnight hour.  Tonight that is not the case. I have been running around all day taking care of things so that I could have a Girls Night Out!  A bunch of my 3-Day friends are all getting together to celebrate their birthday's.  I was invited to come along.  I have not had a girls night out in so long.  I am really excited! We are going to go to the Bone Yard.  I have never been, so it will be a new experience.  I didn't think that I would be home before the midnight hour, hence why I am posting now.  Yesterday went really well.  I was at Bruno Bros from 10:30 ~ 11:00.  We had lots of fun & I even had a mother that called into order dinner and bought two of my shirts. Then, had it all delivered.  I thought that was really cool!  Monday I should get the check so that I can send it into the foundation.  Tonight after we go to the Bone Yard in Mayfield Heights we will go back to Julie's.  I will sleep there tonight, then in the morning I will be headed to the Browns Stadium for work.  It's going to be busy for the next day and a half, but I can't wait!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, whatever you are doing & remember to enjoy the moments that you are given.  XoXo

Fantastic Foodie Fridays~Tortilla Soup with Lime Crema

While tortilla soup is usually made with cooked chicken, spicy sausage gives it a fiery kick. Buy fresh spicy chicken or turkey sausage, or even opt for the hot Italian-style variety. The garnishes are the key to making this soup healthier: Radishes and cabbage add fiber and vitamins, while the tortilla strips add complex carbohydrates and a satisfying crunch.  I also like adding Fresh Roma tomatoes and sweet Vadalia onions to top this off.

INGREDIENTS:

TORTILLA SOUP

• 3 no-salt-added corn tortillas
• 1 2/3 tbsp canola oil, divided
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 6 oz fresh spicy poultry sausage, such as chicken or turkey habanero
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
• 1 tbsp ground dried chile, such as ancho
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 14-oz can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 6 radishes, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups cabbage, shredded

LIME CREMA

• 1/2 cup plain, low-fat yogurt
• 1/2 lime
• 2 tbsp cilantro leaves, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. To make tortilla strips, brush tortillas on 1 side with 2 tsp oil, then stack tortillas and cut into very thin strips, about 2 inches long (if using leftover tortillas, stack those pieces and cut into thin strips, then toss with oil). Spread tortilla strips on a baking sheet and bake until crispy, 12 to 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan or small soup pot, sauté onion in 1 tbsp oil over medium-high until it starts to soften. Slit sausage casings and crumble meat into pan, and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 3 minutes. Stir in oregano, chile and cumin; then add tomatoes and their liquid, broth and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off heat and let soup stand while you prepare crema.
3. To make lime crema, put yogurt in a small bowl and squeeze in lime juice; then stir in cilantro.
4. Ladle soup into 6 bowls and drizzle each with some lime crema. Serve tortilla strips, radishes and cabbage alongside to add to each bowlful, as desired.

Nutrients per serving (1 1/2 cup soup and 2 tsp lime crema): Calories: 190,  Total Fat: 9 g, Sat. Fat: 2.5 g, Omega-3s: 410 mg, Omega-6s: 1,280 mg, Carbs: 17 g, Fiber: 3 g, Sugars: 4 g, Protein: 11 g, Sodium: 105 mg, Cholesterol: 20 mg

By Tori Ritchie | Photo: Peter Chou  Posted in Clean Eating Posted on July 19, 2011

Nutritional Bonus: The addition of cabbage makes this soup an excellent source of vitamin K, which USDA researchers believe may activate proteins in the body that build and maintain healthy bones.

Cakes for the Cure...

I am working on getting ready for tomorrow.  I will be at the Bunker Hill Bruno Brothers doing a fundraiser called "Cakes for the Cure".  I am baking lots of delicious cupcakes to sell.  I will have Alpha-Pink-Omega T-Shirts, Angel of Grace Bracelets and Moser's Custom Dog Tags with me to sell as well as a few Susan G. Komen running ribbon pins.  We will have a cake raffle & a 50/50. 10% of all the sales for the day will go directly to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  So, if you are local.  Wear your Pink tomorrow, get a Free Slice of Pizza and share in our hope to find a Cure... If you want to call in your order tomorrow (440) 998-1258, if you want to come out and show your support the address is 823 Bunkerhill Road, Ashtabula, OH 44004.  Here is a link if you want to check out their Menu...Bruno Bros Menu

She Let Go...

She let go. Without a thought or word, she let go.
She let go of the fear. She let go of the judgments. She let go of the confluence of opinions swarming around her head. She let go of the committee of indecision within her. She let go of all the "right" reasons. Wholly and completely, without hesitation or worry, she just let go.

She didn't ask anyone for advice. She didn't read a book on how to let go. She didn't search the scriptures. She just let go. She let go of all the memories that held her back. She let go of all the anxiety that kept her from moving forward. She let go of the planning and all the calculations about how to do it just right.

She didn't promise to let go. She didn't journal about it. She didn't write the projected date date in her Day-Timer. She made no public announcement and put no ad in the paper. She didn't check the weather report or read her daily horoscope. She just let go.

She didn't analyze whether she should let go. She didn't call her friends to discuss the matter. She didn't do a five-step Spiritual Mind Treatment. She didn't call the prayer line, She didn't utter one word. She just let go.

No one was around when it happened. There was no applause or congratulations. No one thanked her or praised her. No one noticed a thing. Like a leaf falling from a tree, she just let go.

There was no effort. There was no struggle. It wasn't good and it wasn't bad. It was what it was, and it is just that.

In the space of letting go, she let it all be. A small smile came over her face. A light breeze blew through her. And the sun and the moon shone forever more.


Ernest Holmes

By: Ashleigh Grace Walkinshaw

I found this, and tonight I found it was time to share with all of you.  Depending on where you are at & what is going on in your life right now, this could take on many different meanings.  I felt with all of the Pink Warriors that we have lost recently this might help with the healing with some of you.  To others it might take on a completely different meaning.  I just hope that it means something to you.  If not now, maybe later...  I just felt it was worth sharing with you. 

XoXo   

Many Blessings...

Forgive me tonight as I depart from my usual posts, I felt like this was relevant and I had to post what I was feeling... As we journey through our lives things change, our knowledge, jobs, geographic location, sometimes marital status and even our friends.  I have to tell you, as I have gotten older my friends have changed, but my most cherished friends are the ones that I can call upon in the best of moments and the worst.  They do not judge me, they understand where I am at that moment in time and love me in spite of all of my flaws.  Their unwavering support and love means more to me than I could ever express to you in words.  Some of my dear friends walk with me in my Pink Journey and others make it possible for me to do so.  Distance might rob us of lots of precious time, but when we get together or get to talk on the phone it is like no time has separated us and we continue forward.  I am blessed to have them in my life, and I hope each and every one of them knows that their name is forever etched in my heart.  You bring out the very best of me and I love the moments that we share together...Thank you for giving me the gift of your friendship and for going through all the up's and downs that live brings throughout the journey and loving me through it... XoXo

At a Loss...

As I returned home from the gym tonight, I received a private message on Facebook telling me that tonight we lost another Pink Warrior.  It is never easy to hear that we have lost a family member.  The one thing that I know, is that our Pink Family will now do all we can to be there to assist the family.  Showing our love and giving support where we can.  I get so frustrated knowing that we are doing all we can to help find a Cure, but yet we just lost another friend to this heinous disease.  I am a concoction of emotions right now.  I wish that I could find an eloquent way to express what is in my heart right now, but I am at a loss.  So I guess I will just leave you with this thought tonight...  Please don't wait until you are affected by this to be effected by it... We are saving lives every day, with everything we are doing, but we are still losing loved ones, friends, wives, husbands, and some parents are having to bury their children...  You don't have to walk 60 Miles over 3-Days to make a Difference!  No matter where you are, you can help to bring about the Cure.  It will take all of us, joining together, using our talent, resources and love... As our Pink Warrior takes flight tonight, she can rest easy knowing that she did not quit.  She was held in love and taken home... XoXo

Just Wanted to Say...

Everyone has their own way to Fight.

Some Walk, Some are Crew, Others are Medical to take care of the Walkers and Crew.

We even have people that travel long distances just to cheer everyone on their Journey.

& when Day One, of our 3-Day Journey Starts. 

We hear Inspirational & Motivational words spoken by.

Our National Spokes Woman, Dr. Sheri Phillips.

But all of this could not be possible with out...

YOU!

Your Donations help to support everything that we do.

We may Walk the 60 Miles over the 3-Days.

but,

without you, we couldn't do everything that we do.

So Tonight, I just wanted to say...

THANK YOU!

Thank you for believing in our efforts for finding a Cure.

Thank you for being our partner in this Fight.

You may not think that your part is very BIG.

 but just know, that your donation

no matter how Big or Small

 gets us One Step Closer,

to waking up to a world without Cancer...

So tonight my Fellow Warriors...

I just wanted to say...

Thank you for making a Difference!

XoXo

Bucks for Bernice...

Bernice, who is my mother in law's sister is battling cancer.  She was recently let go from her job of 23 years, because of her illness. ( which has angered everyone, who has heard the story. ) The doctor also informed her that she is terminal.  So, tonight friends and family gathered around and had a benefit to help her.  There was a 50/50 raffle, then there were lots of great raffle baskets that were donated.  So many wonderful people were there having a great time chatting, catching up and supporting Bernice.  Today in Ohio is also known as "Sweetest Day".  A Hallmark type of holiday where it is like Valentine's Day.  So, what better way to spend the day than supporting someone that you think is amazingly sweet?  Bernice is just one of the many reasons why I walk, and will continue to so till we find a cure.  

Fantastic Foodie Fridays~ Chicken-Coconut Soup

  

I am always trying to find new food choices to you to try.  Here is a new soup for you.  I LOVE this soup! I made a few changes based on my ingredient-availability and preference, I think it turned out really well! I used olive oil, regular coconut milk, didn't use the cilantro, and traded in white potatoes for sweet potatoes. I think this made a huge difference. The sweet potatoes had mostly dissolved by the time I was done cooking, resulting in a thick broth. Delicious!  I'll definitely make this again.  I hope you enjoy this & will try adding your own twist to this. 

Chicken-Coconut Soup

INGREDIENTS:
•  2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, scrubbed and chopped into approximately 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 cup small white or red potatoes, scrubbed and chopped into approximately 1/2-inch pieces
• Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup light coconut milk
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 oz each)
• 1/2 cup snow peas, cleaned and cut lengthwise
• 1 tsp red chile pepper flakes (or to taste)
• 1 to 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 4 tbsp cilantro, coarsely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium. Add garlic, onion, carrots and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper and sauté until onions are lightly translucent.
2. Add broth and coconut and skim milks. Bring to a light boil.
3. Add chicken, cover and let simmer for 12 minutes over medium-low to medium heat.
4. Remove chicken and set aside. Add peas and chile flakes to soup. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. When cool enough to handle, slice chicken and add pieces back to the soup.
6. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Add lemon juice, sprinkle in cilantro and serve.

Nutrients per 1 1/2-cup serving: Calories: 250, Total Fat: 12 g, Sat. Fat: 4.5 g, Carbs: 18 g, Fiber: 3 g, Sugars: 6 g, Protein: 16 g, Sodium: 150 mg, Cholesterol: 30 mg 

By Sandra Schlafer | Photo: Gibson & Smith   

Clean Eating Posted on August 26, 2011

Metastatic Breast Cancer...

I always try to learn at least one new thing a day. Today I learned 13 new things and thought that I would share them with you.  Feel free to share these as they might just save your life or someone you love.  Know your body and trust your instincts. Early detection may just save your life!  This post tonight is in Honor & Memory of friends that I have and had the pleasure of knowing.  They live and have lived with this disease and survived in spite of it, living each day to it's fullest.  Till there is a Cure, I will walk.  While I am continuing to walk, I learn.  As I learn, I share it with you in the hopes that you will never need to use it...  XoXo 
Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day~ October 13, 2011 

13 Facts Everyone Should Know about Metastatic Breast Cancer:

1. No one dies from breast cancer that remains in the breast. The lump itself is not what kills. The metastasis of cancerous cells to a vital organ is what kills.

2. Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer to different parts of the body, typically the bones, liver, lungs and brain.

3. An estimated 155,000 Americans are currently living with metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer accounts for approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S.

4. Treatment for metastatic breast cancer is lifelong and focuses on control and quality of life vs. curative intent. ("Treatable but unbeatable.")

5. About 6% to 10% of people are Stage IV from their initial diagnosis.

6. Early detection is not a cure. Metastatic breast cancer can occur ANY time after a person's original diagnosis, EVEN if the patient was initially Stage 0, I, II or III and DESPITE getting annual checkups and annual mammograms.

7. Between 20% to 30% of people initially diagnosed with regional stage disease WILL develop metastatic breast cancer.

8. Young people DO get metastatic breast cancer.                                                                                 9. There are many different kinds of metastatic breast cancer.

10. Treatment choices for MBC are guided by hormone (ER/PR) and HER2 receptor status, location and extent of metastasis (visceral vs. nonvisceral), previous treatment and other factors.

11. Metastatic breast cancer isn't an automatic death sentence. Although most people will ultimately die of their disease, some can live long and productive lives.

12. There are no hard and fast prognostic statistics for metastatic breast cancer. Everyone's situation is unique, but according to the American Cancer Society, the 5 year survival rate for stage IV is around 20%.

13. To learn more about National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day as well as resources specifically for people with metastatic breast cancer see www. mbcn.org. 

We appreciate your support on October 13 and throughout the year.

Women Who Wine ~ Halloween~

Tonight the ladies met at the Spring Hill winery in Geneva.  It was "Women Who Wine" night.  We were celebrating in our Halloween best!  I was a Cancer Kicking Fairy, Faye was a Sheik, Linda was a Witch and Sharon was the Pink Panther.  We had a wonderful night out.  They let us sample a Apple Wine and it was delicious.  I was also asked to talk at the December "Women Who Wine" event.  Really excited about that!  I was one of the winners in the costume contest and so was Sharon.  I had the opportunity to speak to a few people about the walk in Washington DC & the up coming walk in November in Arizona.  

10 Ways to Love...

I know many of you think that 3-Dayer's are "over the top", "pinkwashed", and even a little "crazy".  This may be a little true.  We train like mad to meet the demands of walking 60 miles, because not training, ( that would be just plain CRAZY! ) We fund raise just about any and ever where we go because raising $2,300 is no easy task, and the numbers go up the more places we want to go & walk at.  So when the day comes that we lace up our sneakers and take the first step of our 60 Mile Journey we try to bring all of our love, creativity, fun & of course bring about awareness as we walk.  Some let loose & have fun with the walk dressing in all sorts of costumes & others dress in team shirts or matching outfits.  It doesn't matter which way you decide to represent your loved ones or yourself on this walk.  The thing that matters is that you are involved.  You are not sitting on the sidelines waiting for a cure, you are out there doing everything you can to bring about a change, Now.  With all of the fun & festivities there are struggles and there is loss.  This unfortunately, is not a 24/7/365 party where you get to spend time with all of your friends "just because".  Thinking about it, how amazingly wonderful it would be if that was true.  I have met some of the most incredible people over the last two years.  With all of that being said, there is a serious side.  Right now we have friends, loved ones and people that we have met in our travels fighting for their lives.  All they want to hear is that they are in Remission or that the Cancer is gone.  Not that the cancer is spreading and that the cancer is in control.  As a pink family, when one hurts, we all hurt.  We try to lift up those that are hurting and in need, doing all we can to be there to support and help.  Sometimes, all we can do is pray.  Pray for the latest treatment to work.  Pray that the cancer shrinks or disappears, and sometimes,  just pray that if we have to let go, that we can be there for them in the way they need us to be.  No one wants to let go, no one wants to lose one more person to cancer ( no matter what kind ).  So tonight, as you get ready for bed say a prayer for all of those that are fighting.  Pray that they have the strength to make all of the difficult decisions that they are having to make.  Pray, so they know they are not alone, even in their darkest hour.  Pray tonight and give Thanks for all of the blessings in your life.  Tonight, I will Pray... Will you?  XoXo