I have lost my mind- and everything else (Except weight)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

For the first time in longer than I care to remember, I am beginning to feel that I am actually losing my mind. Not that it is that a very large entity, but there are times when it is useful in helping with focus, memory, and daily activities. This brings me to the purpose of today's ramblings.
There are so many individuals who I am blessed to consider friends who have played a major role in helping me to stay the course. I have received such support in the form of thoughtful comments, goodies, and visits to my page.
I have been remiss in my responses and for that I am truly regretful. My days are brightened greatly, and if I am remiss in responding know that it means more than you realize
I value each and every one of you as the unique individuals you are. It is my preference to acknowledge that in some way. However, I wanted to be certain that this reached all.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHIRNEST 11/10/2011 6:03PM

knowing is half the battle! Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 11/10/2011 4:16PM

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Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Saturday, November 05, 2011

Quick Info:
Servings
Contains Dairy
Contains Egg
Vegetarian
Diabetes-Friendly
Nutritional Info (Per serving):
Calories: 113, Saturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 119mg, Dietary Fiber: 0g, Total Fat: 5g, Carbs: 13g, Sugars: 11g, Cholesterol: 14mg, Protein: 5g
Exchanges: Other Carb: 1, Lean Meat: 0.5, Fat: 1
Carb Choices: 1
Recipe Source:

More Diabetic Recipes
Total Time: 20 mins
Ingredients
4 teaspoon egg white(s), dried
1/4 cup(s) water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup(s) sugar
1/2 package(s) tofu, silken-style firm, light, (6.15 ounces) cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices and well drained in white paper towels
4 ounce(s) cream cheese, reduced-fat
2 teaspoon lemon peel
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoon preserves, strawberry, reduced-sugar
strawberries, (optional)
sprig(s) mint, fresh, (optional)
Preparation
1. In a medium bowl, combine dried egg whites, the water, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually beat in sugar until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Set aside.

2. In a blender or food processor, combine tofu, cream cheese, lemon peel, and lemon juice. Cover and blend or process just until smooth. Do not overmix. Gently fold tofu mixture and preserves into egg white mixture. Stir just until combined but some streaks of the egg mixture and preserves remain.

3. To serve, spoon mousse into 6 dessert dishes. Top with fresh strawberries. If desired, garnish with mint sprigs.

www.everydayhealth.com

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SUSIEMT 11/7/2011 10:29PM

This recipe sounds yummy! Report Inappropriate Comment

HUNGRYWOMAN2 11/6/2011 2:58PM

Nell, I find they work well for me also. It is now finding the proper balance. If you give it a try I would be interested in your opinion and comments. Thank you for stopping by. Report Inappropriate Comment

NELLJONES 11/6/2011 9:56AM

Diabetic recipes are my faves! They fit into my plan perfectly. Thanks for the addition. Report Inappropriate Comment

HUNGRYWOMAN2 11/5/2011 9:46PM

I appreciate you taking the time to visit my blog. I hope you enjoy it! I would be interested in any comments or opinions you might have.. Report Inappropriate Comment

Blessings to all my fellow Sparkers

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

I believe that one of the areas I neglect most is telling the people I am closest to just how much they mean to me. I get so caught up in the "small stuff" that the important things are often left undone. Life is not truly lived if we are constantly in the past or the future.
As you all know I am quite verbose, and it takes me longer than it probably should to get to the heart of the matter. The truth is, I allow myself to become overwhelmed by details. Lately, I have had issues which challenge my stamina. I am now taking daily activities in increments.
Now to the point. I have been encouraged, and inspired by my Spark friends. They are a major part of each day. I don't communicate as quickly as I would like these days, but I would like each and every one to know how important you are, and the difference you make as you are a part of my journey.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LALASLAND 11/3/2011 11:05AM

Awww! You are a great sparkfriend yourself, you know! I hope your weekend is fantastic and full of love! Report Inappropriate Comment

JENNY888 11/3/2011 2:39AM

Thank you back. You are a great Spark friend. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLFGOLF 11/3/2011 1:00AM

Thank you for sharing. You help to remind me to thank all those around that help and support me. Now that I can't get out and walk for the next 2 months, they are great in helping me find other ways to get my exercise in. Report Inappropriate Comment

OAKSHAVEN 11/2/2011 11:14PM

I agree, and thanks back at you. With this community behind me, I feel as if maybe this adventure has the hope of a happy ending. Report Inappropriate Comment

Learning to Go With the Flow

Saturday, October 29, 2011

It has once been said "the best laid plans..." Flexibility, however, is vital. This is a difficult balance for me. Sometimes my attitude has been why bother, every time I plan something it doesn't seem to happen. Today, was one of those days.
I had been looking forward all week to a quiet afternoon, taking the time necessary to complete some tasks ahead of me. I simply wanted to relax, and spend some time with my cat. However, it was not to be.
My significant other, who had planned a fishing trip, had it fall through. Naturally, he was disappointed, and as usual, I seem to be the preferred distraction. I had several annoying phone calls consecutively. I was then invited to a gathering to celebrate my mother's birthday. Of course, I didn't want to miss that. Yet as I wasn't feeling as well as I would like. I really missed having that "me" time. It was an enjoyable day, but changing in mid stream isn't easy.
I am still facing so many things. Yet, that is all they are. Eventually, they will get done. And someday, my plans may actually become a reality.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHEENADEE 10/30/2011 11:55AM

Some days just go that way. At least you had a plan to begin with. :-) Lately, I feel that I have let too much time flow by without any kind of plan on my part. Thanks for making me think about that...now to see what I do about it. I hope you have a great Sunday! Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 10/30/2011 8:40AM

My plans didn't pan out, either! Here's to a satisfying Sunday! Report Inappropriate Comment

PASTORMIKE7 10/30/2011 12:11AM

Things as you know happen for a reason!! God has a plan for your life and today was one that consisted of many things that involved others. Patience is a virtue and your day will come sooner then you think. God Love You!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Slow-Cooked Italian Wedding Soup

Thursday, October 27, 2011

http://www.dlife.com/diabetes/diabetic-rec
ipes/Tomatoes-sun-dried-oil-pack-drain
ed-piece/f5448.html

Hearty Stew with meatballs, spinach, fennel, and orzo pasta

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients
1 large onion
1 egg, slightly beaten
NaN cup whole wheat breadcrumbs, ground fine
3 piece Tomatoes, sun dried, oil pack, drained piece, finely chopped (optional)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1lb lean ground beef (10% fat)
2 tsp olive oil
1 fennel bulb
8 cup low sodium chicken broth
NaN tsp white pepper
6 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced
NaN cup orzo pasta, dry
5 cups fresh chopped spinach, shredded

Directions

1. Chop one-third of onion very finely, and thinly slice remaining onion.
2. In medium bowl, combine, chopped onion, egg, bread crumbs dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and ground beef. Mix well.
3. Shape into 12 meatballs.
4. In large skillet add oil, and heat over medium. Brown meatballs and discard fat.
5. Transfer meatballs to 4-1/2 to5-1/2 quart slow-cooker. Add sliced onion.
6. Cut off and discard upper stalks of fennel. Save some of the feathery leaves for garnish.
7.Remove wilted outer layers, remove thin slice from fennel base. Cut fennel into thin slices.
8. Stir fennel, chicken broth, white pepper, garlic and remaining Italian seasoning into mixture
9.Cover and cook on low heat setting 8-10 hours or on high heat setting 4-5 hours.
10. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Gently stir in orzo. Cover
10 minutes or until orzo is tender. Stir in spinach. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with fennel leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts
Makes 8 servings
Amount per serving
Calories 190.1
Total Carbs 10.2
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars 1.3g
Total Fat 8.9 g
Sat Fat 3 g
Unsaturated Fat 5.9 g
Potassium 485.5 mg
Protein
15.6
Sodium 95.6

Dietary Exchanges
1/2 Fat, 2 Meat, 1 Vegetable

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHEENADEE 10/28/2011 1:29PM

Soungs yummy, and great for cool weather. Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 10/28/2011 9:46AM

Yummy! Report Inappropriate Comment

PERSISTENCEMIMI 10/27/2011 10:37PM

Thank you, Teresa. This recipe sounds wonderful! I'll buy the ingredients tomorrow. If you can think about good cooking, or even made this soup, it means that you feel so much better. I'm glad if you are. Thanks again and feel well. Mimi Report Inappropriate Comment