Valentine's Day

Friday, February 12, 2010

I wanted to wish all of the Spark community a very Happy Valentine's day! I hope you set aside time to have a special celebration, whatever that might be!

I'm so thankful for my dear husband who has stuck with me as I ballooned from the 110 pound bride to, well let's just say, the bride was twice as big! He never said anything negative to me about my weight. He was supportive when I wanted to exercise. He was always willing to do anything I wanted to try. When I had medical issues because of weight, he would ask me what I thought I should do instead of telling me to lose weight. He's been so happy to see me become more healthy as I've lost. He has been very willing to purchase a new wardrobe and compliment me on how my new clothes look on my new body! I am so blessed!! Ritarose

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MOST INCREDIBLE Barley Bean Toss Salad---Try it!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

This ultra-fresh salad is bursting with flavor!

Salad:
1 C regular pearl barley
3 C water
1- 15.25 oz can Mandarin oranges, drained
1 - 15 oz can kidney beans, drained
2/3 C finely chopped red onion
1/2 C chopped red bell pepper
1/2 C chopped green bell pepper
3 T chopeed fresh cilantro leaves

Dressing:
2/3 C whilte wine vinegar
1/3 C olive oil
2 T granulated sugar
1 t. salt
1 t. ground black pepper
1 t chili powder
1 t dry mustard
10 drops red pepper sauce

Combine barley and water in med. saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 45 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed. Combine cooked barley and remaining salad ingredients in large bowl; set aside. In medium bowl, combine dressing ingredients and mix well. POur dressing into small saucepan and heat until mixture bubbles. Pour hot dressing over salad; cover and refrigerate 4 hrs or overnight. Serve with a slotted spoon. Makes 8 servings
Per serving 285 calories, 7 g protein, 10 gr fat 44 g carohydrate, 0 cholesterol, 8 g fiber, 449 mg sodium

Note--we ate this 1/2 hr within making and it was delicious and oh so colorful!!

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SNOW

Saturday, February 06, 2010

I am so invigorated after walking for an hour in the snow. The wind wasn't blowing, I was warm and my ipod was my companion. As one who loves the snow, I couldn't ask for a better start to my day!! Have a great weekend all!!

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Thankful heart

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Little by little, every day I am exercising, building strength, stamina and endurance that I haven't had for so many years! An unexpected outcome is how much I'm enjoying the process!

Even though I'm over 50 I'm stronger than I was in my 30's. My sleep has been better as has my mood. Even though I have sore muscles after a good workout it's a good kind of sore because I know that my workout caused it. My husband doesn't have to give me foot rubs every night now.

I'm so encouraged and feeling very blessed that I have this opportunity to improve my health! An added bonus is the encouragement, friends, education and tools that I've so enjoyed on SP!

Thanks, friends, thanks Chris Downie for the gift of SP!

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Update on my friends/prayer request

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

First, I thank those spark friends who prayed for my friends Erich and Jackie. I asked for prayer for Erich after he suffered a stroke while on vacation in Hawaii last week. I spoke with his daughter and found out that they are very encouraged, even though his left side is paralyzed they were able to get him to walk yesterday with the help of a walker. He also came through the mental tests with flying colors and his speech has not been affected.

The women who cook at church with Jackie were planning to send flowers to them as we originally thought they would be there until next week. Upon hearing that, Jackie told her daughter, "forget the flowers, Erich would like chicken pot pie!" I loved hearing my friend's humor come through!

Please pray that they will be able to leave HI to come back to MT to begin rehab. They must have a bed in a rehab center before they will release Erich.

I am so very thankful for your prayers and concern, what a beautiful community Spark People is! May the Lord bless you all!

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