Day 130 Yep..I'm still eating RAW/CLEAN but I do cheat sometimes!

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

So today was a bit of a cheat day. We went to the movie and I had popcorn, in fact, true confession I usually DO have popcorn. I just can't enjoy the movie without it. Perhaps I am a popcorn addict? Some things I am just NOT willing to give up. Popcorn would be one...red wine...Pinot Noir.. preferably would be second. Luckily I do not attend a movie everyday and I do not have wine every night. So in my cluttered little mind...that's okay. Or at least that's what I tell myself.

We went to the new John Travolta movie today I think it was called something to the effect of From Paris with Love...or something similar. The title was a little wacky...it did take place in Paris..and I guess there was an assumption of love..but I think it might have been more geared to the release date of February and the Valentine's day reference. It could have just have easily been called. Crazy..with too much action movie. John Travolta is a GREAT...I mean GREAT actor...but I thought he was just sleep walking through this particular character. Maybe he is still in shock over the loss of his son...I certainly would be. Don't get me wrong the movie did hold your attention...but it was a little disjointed if you ask me. I like my movies to have some real meat to them to get my teethers into. This just threw around a whole lot of heavy artillary, lots of high speed car chases, and people getting splattered around the movie set. Lots of effect without much affect..if you know what I mean!

I had a lovely fruit smoothie for breakfast, beaded my brains out all morning. Had a salad for lunch with the forbidden but sooooo enjoyable popcorn late afternoon.

I'll have some left over Super Bowl chili for din din and call it a day!

I didn't get my exercise in today other than about 9,000 steps on my pedemetor..but hey..at least that's something right?

I just responded to a wonderful blog by SilverOwl who notified me that I was mentioned in her H is for heros blog....so I noted my heros too...a wonderful and inspiring bunch of Sparkster friends...we all help each other so much and are so supportive. It just makes the whole journey so much easier doesn't it?

Hugs to you and happy Tuesday! You all make my SparkWorld go round and for that I'm eternally grateful!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GOING-STRONG 2/10/2010 10:07AM

I'm going to wait for the John Travolta movie to come out on DVD. I was kinda thinkin it might be a disjointed mess and you have confirmed that. I'm with you on the popcorn. You are still losing and feeling good so in moderation isn't going to kill you. Enjoy your sunshine and have a great day. Hugs, R. Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 2/10/2010 4:13AM

I think they pipe extra popcorn smell into the movie theater just to make us want it. Report Inappropriate Comment

STARREACHER 2/10/2010 12:02AM

Hi FS! I went to the movies last week and had an unbuttered (as in NO butter) popcorn, just a size medium. I found an online local newspaper article that listed the calories as 850!!!! I just about died. That's more than half my daily caloric intake. No wonder it tastes so good! Later! Cris tina. Report Inappropriate Comment

MS.ELENI 2/9/2010 10:33PM

I checked out your post on silverowl and was surprised to see my name.You are just too good to me. I am glad you know I will always be up front with you. I am a big John T fan.I wondered how his new movie would be. You are doing so good on your eating that I doubt popcorn once in awhile will ruin you. By the way.You are one of my heroes too. Report Inappropriate Comment

GRANDMAAMIE 2/9/2010 10:18PM

WOW YOUR DOING GREAT... I LOVE MY POPCORN TOO. HAVE A GREAT EVENING AMIE Report Inappropriate Comment

EMILYBEMENT 2/9/2010 8:28PM

Good going Bobbi! Cheating is not a cheat it is a treat for all you do! So call it a well earned gift! Love ya sweety! Em Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 2/9/2010 7:54PM

We both made JJ's list and I feel it was an honor to be mentioned with you. Isn't it great to know that Spark People made you and I both Sheros! Love you! Have a wonderful Wednesday. Hugs, Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 2/9/2010 7:41PM

Yes, I used to be addicted to popcorn. Made it with butter, parmesan cheese and garlic salt. How do you say "mega-calories?" Nowadays, nope. I guess I cheat a little in other ways. Life is for having fun, and yummy stuff is part of it. (okay, in moderation) Report Inappropriate Comment

Day 129 Raw/Clean eating diary..a wonderfully peaceful day in the studio!

Monday, February 08, 2010

Wowser...you've got to love the Snow Birds in Florida in February. This is the Saturday market at the Promanade in Bonita. Looks as crowded as the Iowa State Fair that we go back to visit in our home state most every August. I wish ALL of my markets generated these kinds of crowds...I'd be RICH and most likely famous by now! Saturday was my all time best day of sales to date..and I'm feeling richly BLESSED since the economony is in the crapper this year.

This little freeform sweetheart of a necklace sold..I love it..it's pewter free formed to hold in those exquisite shells that I gathered right off Bonita Beach's white sands...talk about a never ending stock of inspiration...there it is right there to be gathered during my morning beach walks! How LUCKY DUCKY is that? I always tell my customers that no matter how talented we artists may think we are..we can NEVER improve on the beauty that Mother Nature puts right in front of our noses on a daily basis! TRUE FACT!

I also sold this little sweetie...to a fellow Iowa gal..so I know it's going to a good home! I didn't even take her I.D. on the check she wrote...erp..maybe that wasn't the smartest business choice..but I was so doggone busy..sometimes you just have to have faith that all will be just fine..right?
She particularly LOVED this because she is a purple girl and she tells me that purple is a hard thing to find in accessories...yay...I filled a niche! And all without having the slightest clue..now I do..we need PURPLE! I can DO purple!

I am heading back to the studio..just a convenient 22 steps away. I am flinging open the windows to let the cool air in to circulate through the house...I didn't get to meet with my peeps today to share in a birthday lunch..but they know that I've been swamped and that I am right there at that luncheon with them in spirit..but I've got to rebuild inventory...the preverbal
'making hay while the sun shines'.


Here's an interested customer checking out my Loop De Loo anklets..thank you dear Lord for letting them be such a wonderful seller for me. I was even approached this week by a book editor asking me if I'd be interested in putting together a book with pictures on my freeform work...I said YES...my momma didn't raise no dummy!
now I just have to find the time to DO it...but I will...the busier you are..it seems the more you surprise yourself on how much you can actually accomplish. Don't think about it...you will talk yourself right out of the task...just jump in with both feeties...if I can do it..you CAN too!

I will walk for 30 minutes alternatinating between jogging and fast walk with inclines on my circuit training. I will do Coach Nicoles Fit DVD for at least the 15 minutes and maybe I'll squeeze a little more in this evening.

Oh boy...there's my favorite friend at the door...the UPS man with what else...more supplies! Whoop DA!


Here's just a few more pics to inspire you to come visit Florida in February..this is our clothing attire! Come on down!




I'm still looking a little 'fluffy' here..but I'm aiming for at least a pound a week loss..if I can't do that I'll take a pound a month..that will be just fine too..actually as long as the scale keeps going DOWN rather than up...I'm a happy camper! I know this extra weight didn't just FLY onto my bod...so it's not going to FLY off and STAY off..so I'm taking the turtle route..slow but sure!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 2/10/2010 4:09AM

I'm delighted that you had such a wonderful day in sales today! Report Inappropriate Comment

VISUALLYRICS 2/9/2010 6:41PM

Here's to "Making Hay While The Sun Shines"!! ....such lovely unusual jewelry! ....and I love your new orange background on your Spage...I absolutely LOVE orange! {{Ravishing!}} ....and don't worry about the slow weight loss process; if I know you, you are loving the way you feel due to your Excellent food choices! .....and that counts for Much! =) Congrats on lots of fitness minutes! from Sunny Texas ~ Laura Report Inappropriate Comment

CATHYGETSFIT 2/8/2010 11:05PM

I love your jewelry Bobbi! You make some lovely pieces!! I don't suppose you can repair jewelry? I have a watch that my dad had given to my grandma from one of the many vacation spots he took with his 2nd wife. Anyway, the band has Abalone glued or whatever to it and it's missing some. Would you or can you repair or I guess maybe replace some of the ones that are missing? I will get down to visit you someday. I'm really glad you had a great day at the market! Has anyone ever tried to steal anything while you're busy with another customer? Cathy Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 2/8/2010 8:47PM

If you were wearing that summer attire here today, we'd be hauling you for more than just a psych consult! LOL! It is bitterly cold. This morning it was -10 with a -30 wind chill. Now that would get your attention. Have a super evening replenishing your inventory. You'll keep yourself busy, no matter what. Just remember to eat, okay? PS Do you sell anthing online? I think you'd have another whole new market! Comment edited on: 2/8/2010 8:56:53 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 2/8/2010 8:25PM

You look great, Bobbi and I am so jealous of all that sun. Thanks for sharing your market days with us and also some of your great creations. You are so very talented. I love them. Take care sweet one and have an awesome week. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

GOING-STRONG 2/8/2010 6:05PM

Loved the picture! I agree, taking weight loss slow is the way to go. I have only lost 5 pounds in the past 7-8 months but I'm okay with that. I'm moving in the right direction and eventually I will get there. In the meantime, the healthy habits are getting more established! Whoop da as Bobbi would say! Hugs to you, R. (PS - Back is feeling a bit better, I'm going to try a spin class this afternoon) Report Inappropriate Comment

MONSTERDECOOKIE 2/8/2010 4:36PM

Love love love your jewelry. Report Inappropriate Comment

MS.ELENI 2/8/2010 2:33PM

Loved the pics.Glad you had one of you. I was hoping to see some of your heart pieces. Hang in there and someday you will be famous.And we will all be saying we knew you when. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANGELCOWBOY1 2/8/2010 2:26PM

Love the blog and love the pictures! I'm on the turtle route also, but not a quitter! Report Inappropriate Comment

EMILYBEMENT 2/8/2010 1:33PM

Oh yes well worth the trip south. Great share Bobbi, I love seeing your beauties! Have a great week. Hugs and Love, Em Report Inappropriate Comment

DRAGONFLY_RUN 2/8/2010 1:24PM

your jewelry is beautiful Report Inappropriate Comment

Day 128, Raw/Clean eating diary...it's Super Bowl Sunday...yip!

Sunday, February 07, 2010

Wowser...I'm pooped tonight! I'm checking in with my Sparkland buddies and then..I'm hoping to last for the rest of Super Bowl..and then I'm taking a well deserved rest!

Today was windy, windy, windy..but nice. My boards held up and I was happy with my sales in Naples at the Farmer's Market. I'm really wondering if I'll stay the full course at that market. It isn't generating the crowds that it should be. That means that the promoter is not advertising. When you have a new market...you've got to let the people know it's there in all fairness to the vendors who put up 6-8 weeks of rent in advance. I can see the vendors are getting a little frustrated. They haul all their stuff, build their displays, arrange their wares..and then wait...for people to come.

Sales is strictly a numbers game...you've got a much better chance of selling if your product is exposed to large numbers...the Naples market isn't cutting the mustard to date..this is week #6 for me. I've got about 2 more weeks before it's rent time again and a serious decision to make, will I renew, or won't I? I keep thinking the market should be going gang busters by now..but I am losing faith in the promoter..I think he's all show and 'no go'...rumor has it that he is starting yet another market in the area on Saturday's. Now why..I ask you would he be scrambling together another market when he hasn't even got this one going in a strong way...hummmmmm...you get the same drift that I do...lack of commitment to the vendors, and more commitment to collecting more rent..right? Well, at least that's the way I see it tonight..but it may be that I'm just tired and cranky and my world view is fairly narrow.

We were to go to a Super Bowl party that I was really looking forward to...but I got a big custom order from a customer who is only in town until tommorrow..so I decided it was much more important to concentrate on that and I'm happy that I stayed home to work on it. DH made his famous chili so we were a rousing crowd of two whooping and clapping for our team! I must be getting to be an old geezer...two late nights back to back, plus market days back to back leave me pooped...or maybe at this ripe old age I'm learning I don't have to attend every social event that we get invited to...yep..there's something to the adage.."live and learn'...yes there is!

I'm down another pound..so a big whoop da for that...31 pounds down..I'm into this new way of eating for life..and I'm so doggone proud of myself for finding Spark, instituting a plan, and just keep on keeping on with it! I easily could have skipped my blog today..but once I get into the groove of something it becomes a habit..Spark land is a habit that I hope I never get out of...happy Super Bowl my Sparksters..and remember to just keep on keepin' on...the proof is in the puddin'..and make that a puddin' a CLEAN one..okay, okay?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHERYLP461 2/8/2010 8:48AM

Wow 31 pounds that's awesome. Great job! Sheryl Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 2/8/2010 7:31AM

Congratulation on the weight loss. Keep up the good work. So happy the Saints won yesterday. Have an AWESOME week, my friend. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

GOING-STRONG 2/7/2010 11:01PM

31 Pounds! A great big whoop da to you Bobbsters! and yes you should feel proud of your new healthy lifestyle and the commitment you have made. By rhe way, I had sugar free pudding for dessert tonight but my guess is that probably doesn't fit the definition of "clean" LOL. Report Inappropriate Comment

EMILYBEMENT 2/7/2010 9:46PM

woohoo good job on the loss! Way to go girly!! I hear ya about the vendor! Maybe you should put a fire in his trousers with a few of you all having a wee chat with him. Sometimes home is just what a tired body needs. It is pretty good too. Take care and we will catch you later! Hugs, Em Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 2/7/2010 9:38PM

Big decision there-good luck! Congrats on the 1 pound! Very positive attitude! Report Inappropriate Comment

MS.ELENI 2/7/2010 9:27PM

Sounds to me like you have already made up your mind but just not saying it out loud. Congrats on the weight loss. Anyone would be pooped if they had been on the go like you have. Try to find some time to rest and recoup Report Inappropriate Comment

Day 127, Raw/Clean Diary...it's late and I still have miles to go!

Saturday, February 06, 2010

Okay...I admit it! I'm in the weeds...I am behind...and I am forlorn! Tommorrow is market..I'm low on inventory and even lower on inspiration! What to do..what to do?

I'm just going to chill...that's the only solution I can come up with at this moment. We just got back from a gathering with our "old comers group". I call them that..because they are wonderful friends that we met years and years ago when we first moved to Bonita Springs and I decided I wanted to meet new people. I was the 'Welcome Wagon' lady way back then..do you remember the 'Welcome Wagon' lady? I met a newcomer to Bonita and we got to talking and decided that together we would form a group to welcome all newcomer's to Bonita Springs.

That was SOME time ago...I think way back in 1988...but a group we did form and it grew and grew and grew! It was a mission of happiness for Jeanie Bitner and I. She is long gone..but I remember her like it was just yesterday. She had been a part of a big newcomer group in Orlando and her newcomer skills and my human resources skills from a big bank meshed together perfectly. We formed the Newcomer's of Bonita Springs. I met wonderful new friends back then and I'm happy to say I and DH have kept in contact with many of them all these years later. We meet every few months to catch up on all of our busy lives.

They are in sharp contrast to our Friday night group whom we get together with on a weekly basis. They are all about 20 years older than DH and I but age to me is just a number on a piece of paper right? The stories they have to tell and the wisdom that they have gleaned throughout their years of experience is truly fascinating. One of our fav couples is the past president of Florida Gulf Coast University and his beautiful dear wife! I really so enjoy the wonderful wisdom that they impart!

I think that we can learn so many things from each and every person that crosses our pathway in life. I know that they all come into our lives for a particular reason..that includes our Sparkie friends too!

I had my BEST day to date at the market. The crowds were crazy! As you know sales is simply a numbers game the more numbers you have to expose your product to the better your chances for a sale are...so ...now you understand why people pay mega bucks for the Super Bowl ads right?

A good eating day..even at the the dine in group tonight...tomorrow is the Sunday markets..I'm sadly lacking in my Loop de Loos...but I'm hopeful my other higher priced jewelry will be a draw...it's not hard in Naples where the ladies plop down $150.00 for a necklace without a backward glance....I'm doggone grateful for that customer base...I'm doggone glad that one of my sistas (Patty from the Friday night group) insisted that I take my wares to the streets..as she said! I'm thinking...oh the beauty of friendship! Without her and her encouragement I never would be in the place that I am now with such successful sales and repeat business.....Have you hugged and kissed your friend today? If not..get to it..they are GOLD!

Here's one to mine!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHAKENBAKE 2/9/2010 9:40PM

Thought of you today,,,found a new restaurant here in my new place, Tulsa, Ok called Pure Raw. It is a restaurant AND you can order food weekly from them and have it shipped. Dying for you to check out their menu and tell me what you think. I think I want to work their so I could get their recipes. :) ha. I'll keep you posted. How's the running going? hugs, wanda Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 2/7/2010 7:10PM

I'm delighted for you that the sales are going so well. Maybe when you inventory is low, you could either: (1) shut down shop early or (2) up the price a little. Supply and demand---right? Report Inappropriate Comment

MS.ELENI 2/7/2010 6:39PM

I am glad to hear that sales are going well. Maybe you could talk hubby into doing some with you as you watch TV at night. Good luck at Naples. Stay warm as it is on the chilly side. Report Inappropriate Comment

GOING-STRONG 2/7/2010 10:28AM

Good job on the eating... it can be so difficult to eat right when you are in a group and everyone is muinching away on "forbidden" food. Today is Super Bowl Sunday and eating is going to be challenging for lots of folks. I was at Costco the other night and they had an entire AREA full of food demos with Super Bowl treats. I limited myself to a few chocolate covered almonds and chips with salsa. Good luck with market today. Making all those loop de loos will keep you busy.. and you know busy hands can be a good thing and keep you out of trouble. LOL. Hugs to you, R. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 2/7/2010 8:57AM

to you today, my friend. I am sorry you are down on inventory but in so many ways, that is a good thing, It means the markets and you have been successful. Way to go! Take care and have a Sunny Day. Hope it is a GREAT one. Hugs, Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 2/6/2010 10:09PM

back at you! Glad you had such a wonderful time with old friends and that sales are so brisk! Keep on Sparking but remember to rest and take some "me" time when you can! Report Inappropriate Comment

Day 126, Raw/Clean Diary...just a moment to get my 'spark fix' happy face!

Friday, February 05, 2010

They made this emoticon just for me! I also love to say I'm expressive... is a big FAT UNDER statement! I'm watching the Keanu cat chasing around his catnip toy..wish I could take a little whiff of it too! I'm beadin' me brains out today! It's good fun..if a little stressful. I usually take stress as an energy booster, I've always seemed to function pretty well under it. I write better, I produce better, I have to actually chain my channels of attention towards the goal. That's a biggie for the creative types. You can get off task oh so easily. The right side of the brain has a mind of it's own bouncing and bobbing into deep waters.

But....I'm taking a little lunch break..hey...everyone has to eat right..so I can justify a little Spark time too...after all Spark time for me is every bit as nuturing as food..at least in my opinion!

I'm warming up this CLEAN soup that I made that is absolutely to die for! LadyNettie wanted it...so here you go soup girl after me own heart!

Chicken, White Bean, Spinach Soup

This version came from Eating Well but I always jazz up my own version...erp..one of these days I'm going to remember all the delectables I add...I just open my spice cabinet and start dumping...so I'll try to remember add ons as best I can. I know you all will tweak to your own taste also..everything is better with our own brand on it isn't it?

2 t EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, cut into 1/4" rounds(I used more..love em)
1 T chopped fresh sage..I bought it then forgot to use it so used dried
2 14 oz cans reduced sodium chicken broth..I think I used 3..or maybe more??
2 c water..skipped this because of the extra broth added
1 15 oz cannellini beans, rinsed...I used 3..I make bigger batches of soup always!
1 2 lb. roasted chicken skin discarded meat removed from bones and shredded (4 c)
I just bought 2 lb chicken breasts and sauted with garlic, rosemary and evoo and cut them
up. Worked out just fine.
1 pkg frozen spinach thawed

I also added Ms. Dash, chopped celery, some left over cherry tomatoes that I had in the fridge that had been baked in EVOO, garlic and parsley flakes with balsamic vinegar..see what I mean when I say I throw in everything. I added some chopped celery and some chopped carrots, even some thyme and other spices..you decide.

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over med. high. Add leeks and raw veggies, stirring often until soft. Stir in sage and continue cooking until aromatic about 30 sec. Stir in broth and increase heat to high, add in any extra's you want. Add in beans, chicken, spinach, and cook uncovered stirring occasionally, until heated through. Serve hot.

I eat this delectable soup with my 'homemade CLEAN pita chips' so completely satisfying and healthy. I think I posted my chips a few days back.

Enjoy and and know that eating CLEAN is not nearly the hardship you might think it would be...it is your GIFT to your own beautiful self and the one's you love! Remember...only YOU control what goes into your body..make healthy choices okay, okay! Do I hear a big ...yes, Bobbi...I can do that! Right on sistas and bro's....right on!

One more note...no wogging yesterday...just a 15 minute ST with Coach Nicole DVD..today I'll do my 45 minutes on my buddy slim...that's me treadmill...it's a love/hate relationship for sure, for sure...but I know she is the one that will help me achieve the goal I'm looking for and that is the goal of a healthy weight with a healthy lifestyle! Do I hear a Whoop da??? Love ya sparklers.....aw oh...lunch break is officially over..back to Loop de Looing...I've gotta have a load of them for Saturday and Sunday's market!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GOING-STRONG 2/5/2010 10:37PM

Have a great week-end at market and enjoy the sunshine. It is raining here now and about 50 degrees! I'm sure hoping Spring comes soon. Thanks for the soup recipe. I'm making a batch of chicken & veggie soup tomorrow. Hugs, R. Report Inappropriate Comment

SIMPLELIFE4REAL 2/5/2010 8:09PM

Thanks for taking a break from beading to do a little sparking. It's always fun to read your blogs. May the Force be with you at the markets this weekend. BTW...I eat about 95% or more clean. Totally agree, it's not a burden at all. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 2/5/2010 7:50PM

Thanks for posting the soup recipe. I love soup and this one sounds like one I would like. Have a GREAT weekend. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYNETTIE 2/5/2010 7:14PM

Thanks so much for posting your soup recipe! I am going to try making it over the weekend if I get a chance. Happy beading! Report Inappropriate Comment

MS.ELENI 2/5/2010 7:12PM

Thought of you today at book store.The magazines had several on clean and raw eating. Looks like the bad weather will be over tomorrow for market. Sell a bunch. Report Inappropriate Comment

SOULCOLLAGESUE 2/5/2010 2:07PM

Whoop da! You are fantastic, moreso in how you've incorporated RAW into your lifestyle, and I'm SO thrilled it's taking you beyond where you were able to go. I'm vegetarian, but no one else in my family is, so I've printed out your soup recipe. I've yet to (have time to) do a Coach Nicole video, yet I've gotten as far as bookmarking it. You inspire me further! I appreciate your encouragement towards clean. It's a journey I started when I became a vegetarian 35 years ago, in the spiritual living philosophy of Laurel's Kitchen cookbook. As with you going RAW, who knows who will Spark another's foothold on a successful journey towards their goals? Lol re your sage! Been there. Hugs, sweetie. Glad you stopped for lunch. Report Inappropriate Comment