Have you tried Mrs. Smith’s Blackberry Cobbler?   It is absolutely delicious!  In fact, we had some for dessert tonight, topped with Dreyer’s Vanilla Yogurt Blends (slow churned and creamy).  I don’t need an alli diet pill because we just had moderate servings, and the yogurt is low-fat and low-calorie (plus it even has live active yogurt cultures in it).   The key is eating in moderation and not having seconds and thirds, no matter how tempting it might be!

Grilled is good!  Check out your *local Jack in the Box and see if they’re offering a free grilled sandwich with a drink purchase this coming Tuesday.  Grilled is so healthy, and you can’t beat a free sandwich.  Better yet, take someone with you and buy their drink so their meal is free.

*In Texas, offer not valid in Austin, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Lake Charles, or Waco.

In Idaho, offer not valid in Boise, Twin Falls, or Idaho Falls.  In Washington, not valid in Seattle.

Have you ever been reading and come across something and wondered, “What is that?”  Well, I came across something called “muscle milk” and decided to go to the site www.musclemilkreview.org to find out what is was. It’s not actually milk but rather something that body builders use. Since I’m not trying to build up bulky muscles or gain weight, this is definitely not on my shopping list. It’s interesting, though, to check out things and find out about them.

I’ve mentioned that I’m trying to eat healthy foods since the holidays, but I’m not obsessed with my diet.  I don’t follow a colon cleanse diet or anything like that. We try to eat more fresh fruits, salads, veggies, and lean protein. Whole grains such as oats and whole wheat or spelt flour are what we eat, and white processed flour is eaten in very limited quantities.  Desserts are not as often and in smaller portions.  Notice that we still have desserts.  I’ve read that people who don’t reward themselves with treats are more likely to binge and eat way too much of the dessert they’re craving.  So, basically we eat healthy foods and in moderation.

I take several vitamins and supplements which really do help the way I feel and help my overall health.   I research supplements, though, and make sure I’m taking something that’s safe and also the right amount for me.  When taking any kind of supplement or pill, it’s good to research for side effects, for example diet pill side effects.  Sometimes the side effects are something most people would want to avoid.

Here’s a recipe for “Quick & Easy Beef Stew” from Gooseberrry Patch’s cookbook, Ready, Set, Eat!  Sounds delicious & like a great 30 minute meal:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon oil  (I would use EVOO)
• 1 lb boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 10 ounce can French onion soup
• 10 ounce can tomato soup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 24 ounce frozen stew vegetables

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.  Add meat.  Cook and stir until brown and juices have evaporated.  Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover, and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes.  Serves 4.

Note:  Gooseberry Patch offers several cookbooks.

Looking in the mirror is not one of my favorite things to do.  Too many wrinkles!  I wonder what the best eye cream for wrinkles is, or if it’s very expensive.  It’s really not that big a deal for me anymore, though.  My family and true friends will love me regardless of my wrinkles.  And you know what?  It’s a person’s personality and warmth that I notice.  I don’t care if they have wrinkles or not.  A lot of people probably feel the same way!