Foodie pen pal

This is what I received this month from my foodie pen pal.  It all looks so delicious but I have to confess since I am on the no sugar challenge for this month, I have not tried it yet.  There is some granola, cherry butter, chocolate :) and coffee!!  I was going to try the coffee until I discovered I was out of coffee filters.  Darn.  Thanks to my foodie pen pal and as of tomorrow, I can try my goodies :)

Are you interested in participating in a foodie pen pal?  Click HERE. 

I enjoy participating and finding different things to send to my foodie pen pal and receiving a box in the mail is like celebrating my birthday!!!!

That's it for tonight friends,
peace out,
j

Foodie Pen Pals and no sugar challenge

This is what was in my box of glorious goodies!  My foodie pen pal was the BEST!!  Her name was Melissa and she was right when she said "Big Love comes in small packages!"  I told her "It's like she knew me!!" 
 I Heart Justin's almond butter packets.  They are all different flavors and these are puurfect to accompany an apple.  Mostly because I tend to eat WAY too much peanut butter when scooping out of the jar.   I also love the Justin's organic peanut butter cups.  I received a bag of Brickle.  Ooooooh, it's a good thing I ate this Before starting my no sugar challenge this month because it was hard to put down!  But it is gone now so I have nothing to worry about!  I also received a bag of mixed nuts and chocolate covered sour cherries.  I don't know how she knew I loved cherries because I forgot to mention that in the email, but she was right on!!  Thanks Melissa!!
This is the third time I have participated in the foodie pen pal and I just Love it.  It's like Christmas every month :)  If you think you might be interested check out the details below!

And now it's time for some details about Foodie Penpals.  In case you’re a new reader, here’s a reminder of what the program is all about:

-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal! 
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month. 
-Foodie Penplas is open to US, Canadian & European residents.  Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. Same with Europeans. We've determined things might get too slow and backed up if we're trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. 

If you’re from the US or Canada and are participating for May, pleaseCLICK HERE  to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions. 

You must submit your information by April 4th as pairings will be emailed on April 5th!

*If you're from Europe, please CLICK HERE (www.thisisrocksalt.com/foodie-penpals/) to signup. 

I am starting a 30 day no sugar/junk food/fast food challenge.  I'd like you to join me.  Throw out all that easter candy or hide it in the freezer behind the frozen veggies.

So when I say no sugar, I mean no sugar or sugar IN products.  Read your labels friends.  No more drive thru and no more junk food (c'mon you know what junk food is).  Good luck and I will be checking in with you!

In light and love,
j

-----------------------------------

Are you going to eat that?

Last week my Dad had a check up with the oncologist..(which turned out well).  Afterwards, he asked if I wanted to get something to eat.  He wanted pancakes so we went to IHOP.  Once we were seated, our waitress brought us our menus along with their "special menu".  They had 3 new griddle sandwiches and when I saw this one, my immediate thought was, "healthy". Being a vegetarian, I noticed the spinach and roasted red peppers first, which made me think this might be a good sandwich.  However, after I noticed how much cheese was in it, I thought I'd better look up the nutrition facts. 

  

New! Spinach, Roasted Red Pepper & Cheese Griddle Melt

One-of-a-kind. That's this new, hand-crafted breakfast Griddle Melt with sautéed spinach and onion in a fluffy omelette, layered with roasted red peppers and melted Provolone, Parmesan and Pepper Jack cheeses on grilled, sourdough artisan bread. Served with your choice of hash browns, seasoned fries or seasonal fruit.

 

  Well, I almost fell out of my chair.  Check out the stats:

 

1590  Calories    55  Protein  109 Fat  100  Carbs 

Calories from Fat 970  Saturated Fat 43

Trans Fat 2.5  Cholesterol 575  Fiber 9  Sugar 5 (notice they don't tell us sodium content??!!)

 

This is the stats for the sandwich ONLY!!!  So if you get fries or hash browns, you are in for an even deeper shock.  The other two sandwiches are up to 100- 200 calories less than this one and they have ham in them.  Kudos to them for offering fresh fruit but seriously....who needs a sandwich with this many calories??  They do offer half a sandwich for those that don't want a full serving.  Oh Yay, so I can eat 795 calories and still be hungry?!  This does go to show you, just because it is vegetarian, does not mean it is healthy. 

 

Wondering what I ate?  I was really wanting multi- grain pancakes so I settled for one instead of the stack of four.  I eat my pancakes dry.  I'm not a big fan of syrup although I have been known to put peanut butter on my cakes.  That one pancake cost me 247 calories...normally they come in a four stack for 990 calories!!!  And that is without syrup or butter!!!  Gah!!!!!! 

 

 

 

I also had the oatmeal with banana.  This rang up to be 260 calories.  It also came with a huge scoop of butter and brown sugar and milk.  I used just a touch of brown sugar. 

 

 

The waitress kept trying to give me margarine and sugar free syrup and it upsets me that she believes those items are supposed to be good for me??!!  NOT!!  Margarine is horrible for you and what exactly is in that sugar free syrup?  It's not going in this body. 

I escaped with 507 calories vs 1590 calories plus that I could have eaten had I not checked.  Check your stats when you go out to eat my friends.  If you don't have a smart phone, check online before you leave or ask your waiter for the nutrition information. 

If you are trying to lose weight and you tend to eat out a lot...you might be shocked at what you think you are consuming verses what you are consuming. 

Stay educated my friends.

With love,
j

 

Grumpy cat? No, grumpy j.

 

Decide today to not let your circumstances control your attitude. ~ Joyce Meyer Ministries

 

That quote screamed my name when I read it on facebook.  Yep, she was talking to me.  Have you ever felt like your aura has changed?  Or you went to bed as a positive person and woke up a completely different person....I'm grumpy j.  My circumstances are totally controlling my attitude.

 

I know this has a lot to do the fact that I haven't jazzercised in what feels like a year but truly is close to 5 months now.  I did have a two week spot in there that I was able to jazz but my feet gave out and it was time for another surgery.  I was, "in a perfect world", supposed to be able to go back to jazzercise last Wednesday.  However, my feet are not going to let that happen.  I am still in too much pain.  Doc says, I am physically ready whenever my pain is gone but to "listen to my body" before going back to my feet pounding torture  workout.  Listen to my body?!!! That is something we fitness gurus tell our clients...not something we follow.  Pffffff!!!!

 

There are so many circumstances that have changed my attitude in the last year.  Things at work, things at home.....life is hard. 

 

I keep thinking, "at least I don't have a terminal illness", "at least I have food on the table and a roof over my head", "at least, at least...."  I can play that game all day but that doesn't change the fact that

 I. Feel. Grumpy.  Most of the time.

 

When I was 14, I got a job at The Candy Emporium.  Do you remember that store?  It was on Lincolnway, the same block as jazzercise.  It is now a bicycle shop.  The gal that hired me was named Mary Lou.  Mary Lou became sort of a surrogate mother to me.  When I was quiet for too long, she knew something was bothering me.  She would painfully drag it out of me. 

 

In other words...I haven't blogged for a while.....when you have nothing nice to say, you don't say anything at all right?! Hmph! 

 

So I've decided to tell you 10 things that I am thankful for this week....will this make me feel better.  No.  But it looks good on paper.  These are not in any particular order.

 

1. Lunch with my son Cory

2. Yoga class (my feet allowed me to do down dog)

3. Talking with my friend Tammy

4. My four legged babies snuggling with me 

5. Reflexology

6. jazzercise of LaPorte AND New Carlisle

7. Free oil change at Cannons

8. Good nights sleep

9. Coffee

10. Headache free week

 

I've been having headaches almost daily.  My jaw hurts when I wake and I'm sure I am clenching my jaw while sleeping.  I am also having nightly nightmares.  I seem to have them right before I wake up so I remember every detail.  They are disturbing and horrible.  This of course puts me in a great mood to start the day.  It's weird how a dream can feel so real and throw you off for a duration of the day. 

 

Ok, let's move on shall we? Here is something positive.... I got my new outfit from Ellie last week. 

 

Despite the fact that those pants look like they could fit a two year old, the entire outfit is AWESOME!!  Yes, they fit me.  It's called stretch.......lol.  I absolutely LOVE this Ellie.com.  I have not received an outfit that I do not like or that I think was not worth it.  The material on these workout clothes are of the best material. 

 

As you know, I am the worlds worst blogger.  I was supposed to post my foodie pen pal goodies on Feb 28th, but that post never happened.  My biggest apology to my foodie pen pal.  I received this in the mail last month....

 

 

Janet from Michigan sent me these goodies.  The chocolate was delicious! The package in the top right are caramel ginger drops.  They are SO good!!!  I love the trail mix and the granola too!  I have not received a package of goodies I have not liked yet.  It is like getting a Christmas present once a month.  I should be receiving this months package any day.  I will post the results of that package on April 1st.  I promise. 

 

I guess that is enough for my first day back in 5 weeks. 

 

One day at a time.  One day at time.

 

Peace and love,

j

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PV Body now Ellie

I got my shipment for this month.  Sammy wanted to be in the picture which is odd because when you pull out the camera Sammy usually runs....or turns his head the other way.   Now that I look at it, this is not a very good picture.  Sorry, looked way better on my phone.  Well, the top is a pretty purple, a little small but it does fit.  Last month my white top was a little big but fit and they both are medium.  I guess that is the chance I take.  I like the capri's here too.  Will be perfect for when I get back to running.  Yes, I will be running again soon. 

 

So if you didn't see my blog post last month, I signed up for a monthly auto shipment for a workout outfit.  For $49.95 and I get a complete outfit.  I see now, they have the option to let you pick out your outfit.  You can even pick two tops or two bottoms for that price and get free shipping.  I may have to check that out.  You can find this now at www.ellie.com.

 

 

Day 40-42

Health Tip-  Your chances of success are measured by your belief in yourself!!!  With that being said....This is day 42!!!!!!!!!!!! I believed in myself enough to finish my 42 day challenge.  I.  Did.  IT!





1. Read the daily proclamation day and night,  Done

2. Compliment someone each day and say nothing negative about anyone. On Saturday, I complimented a gal at the gas station.  I told her I really liked her hair cut.  She seemed pleased that I noticed.
Sunday, I complimented Sheri for her drive to not miss any jazzercise classes.  She just rejoined us and she is rocking it!  I gave her a big high five!!!
Monday,  I complimented Kris on her fabulous determination to her health.  She is doing a great job and I can noticeably tell the difference.  She is working hard towards her goals and I am very proud of her.

3. Stop eating BEFORE you are full. Follow the special body cleansing program- I am eating a vegan diet. I am only allowed to eat Raw.  Eden diet.  I have eaten nothing "warm" in three weeks.  Going from Raw- to juice- back to raw has given me no comfort in this cold weather.  It was rough at first but I seemed to adapt to it.  I will say one thing...I am going to have that big cup of coffee tomorrow and prolly be on a caffeine high all morning!!  I am also going to eat something warm.  Black bean soup maybe.  Oh the deliciousness. 
Remember the recipe I told you the other day with the avocado?  I made it again today without the olive oil.  I used 1 avocado, half the juice of a lemon, minced garlic (I didn't measure) and mixed it all together in my vitamix.  It was SOOOO good.  I urge you to try different homemade dressing for your salads rather than using that processed junk in the bottles!  It makes a HUGE difference in the salads!

4. Do not get angry, curse or complain. Do not gossip about anyone.  I got angry over the weekend.  I blew it again.  I fail.

5.Give someone something material each day.  Saturday and Sunday, I gave random people lottery tickets.  I hope they win big.  Today, I gave Kris a card and a Cliff bar...wanted her to know I have noticed her effort and it is paying off!!

6. Pray and read scripture for your age in minutes daily.- I pray for 11 minutes in the morning and 11 minutes at night. I also listen to an audio bible for 11 minutes in the morning and 11 at night. Done

7. Drink half myweight in ounces of water.- done I have to drink 72 ounces of water. Done.

8. If you are doing any of these stop. Stop flirting, having affairs, committing fornication, looking at pornography, or communicating with a person who is not your spouse. Nope

9. Wash my face before bed....dry brush before shower....use neti pot in shower....drench my body in oil before drying off in shower. Going good!!


I have lost 16 pounds....I was actually up to 148.6 at one point before my challenge.  I knew I was getting close to 150.  I physically feel SO much better!  I can now say I weight what my drivers license says I weigh!!!  Woot-Woot!!!


My weight is as follows-
Day 1. 146.1
2. 144.0
3. 142.3
4. 142.6
Restart day 1. 143.8
2. 144.2
3. 142.7
4. 142.3
5. 140.9
6. 140.6
7. 140.4
8. 139.8
9. 139.8
10. 137.6
11. 138.9
12. 138.3
13. 138.7
14. 139.6
15.137.6
16. 135.6
17.136.3
18.135.8
19. 135.8
20. 137.3
21. 136.9
22. 135.8
23. 133.7
24. 135.4
25. 133.1
26. 132.9
27. 133.1
28. 133.5
29. 132.1
30. 131.5
31. 130.6
32. 130.5
33. 130.2
34. 130.8
35. 130.6
36. 131.2
37. 131.6
38. 130.9
39. 130.5
40. 130.8
41. 130.5
42. 130.5

Day 35-39

Health tip #45-  ......eat less.  Seems so basic.  But I know it is SO hard when that food is right there!!!  Restaurants gorge us with portion sizes so huge we have forgotten what a true portion size really is.  My advice, use smaller plates and bowls.  You get the illusion of more but satisfaction of less.  You can do it friends.  Push yourself away from the table.  Less is more!

I don't know how I didn't blog all week....it seemed I kept thinking, I will do it in the morning, or tomorrow night and it's been 5 days!!  I haven't given up, in fact, I am almost there!!  I have three more days.  Sat, Sun and Monday!!!!  I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable of.  I will share at the end!

Ok, I'm about to share TMI...remember how I told you if you drink beet juice, you will pee red?!  Well....the last time I drank beet juice was Saturday....by Tuesday, I was still peeing red....and it was starting to hurt.  I remember thinking...man that beet juice stays with you!!!  Then I realized I was starting to get a uti.  I kept trying to pee and I couldn't and then when I did, it hurt.  I called the doc and tried to explain to the nurse but she immediately cut me off as soon as I said I thought I was getting a uti.  I didn't get the chance to tell her, I had been drinking beet juice so it may not be blood.  I really wasn't sure.  One trip to the hospital and one trip to cvs for an antibiotic and I feel much better.  Haven't found out yet if it was blood or beets.  I can just see them in the lab....there is no blood in here....why is this red?! 





1. Read the daily proclamation day and night.  Done

2. Compliment someone each day and say nothing negative about anyone.

Monday-  I complimented my foot doctor.  He does and amazing job and I wanted him to know.  I told him how much I appreciated him but was tired of seeing him.  He told me years ago to go work at Starbucks...much easier on the feet.  I think he just wanted a discount! 

Tuesday- I complimented a friend of mine whom I haven't seen in Years!!  We used to work together at LaPorte Hospital.  It was so GOOD to see her!  She looked great!
 
Wednesday-  I complimented a gal at Target.  I had to take something back and she was very personable and helpful.  This doesn't always happen at customer service and I let her know how much I appreciated her. 

Thursday, I complimented Kathy.  Kathy is struggling to work on her form in Jazzercise.  We went over some techniques and she did an Amazing job.  It was like a light bulb went off in her head and she "got it".  I LOVE THAT!  Feeling confident in your workout is the Bomb!!!  I can't wait to hear how she feels after her first jazzercise class since really focusing on technique. 

Friday- I complimented Missi from Hair Fitness.  She has a new sign outside her shop and it looks AWESOME!!  It is very eye catching!!

3. Stop eating BEFORE you are full. Follow the special body cleansing program- I am eating a vegan diet. I am back on Eden diet.  All raw foods.  The first thing I ate Monday morning after juicing for 7 days was carrots.  I ate three large carrots.  I crunched them loudly.  Good thing Cari wasn't home because she can't stand to hear any noise when anyone eats.  I made an very delicious dressing yesterday to go on my salad. 
1 avocado
juice of 1/2 lemon
tiny bit of olive oil (I didn't measure)
Mix all in blender.  It was REALLY good!!  I have a soft spot in my heart for avocados.  I eat an entire one almost every day.  First thing people think when I say that is, they are SO high in fat!!  It's good fat!  Fat that keeps my hormones in balance....fat that helps to regulate my temperature....a fat free diet is not a healthy diet. 
I just realized after typing the recipe, I am not supposed to have olive oil.  Ooooops, I guess I won't have that again until after my challenge.  It didn't even dawn on me. 

4. Do not get angry, curse or complain. Do not gossip about anyone.  Ok, I got angry again.  Seriously, 42 days without getting angry...I'm not sure that is possible for anyone.  Blew this one again....

5.Give someone something material each day.
Monday-  Cari's friend was in the same class as Hannah the day I gave her a Reese's Egg.  She told Cari she wanted one too so I had Cari take her one Monday.  It was confirmed with a picture and a smile!!  Your welcome Marinda!

Tuesday- I gave Jeri a bamboo plant with a card wishing her lots of luck in her new business adventure.  Jeri is one of my class managers...she opens the building in the wee hour of the mornings before class.  Her and her husband are leasing the Martin's Pizza down town.  They have named it Andi's pizza.  I encourage all of you to order a pizza from her regularly!!!  You can come work it off at Jazzercise :)  They do have amazing cheese rolls.  If you have never tried one, put that on your bucket list!  I hope they are successful!!  Come on it's Friday night...order a pizza and cheese rolls-  219-362-6261.  They are open til 9 tonight!  Help keep a small business alive!

Wednesday- I gave Jackie a book titled "What did I come in here for?"  Hahaha, we are always doing that.  You know, you walk back in the other room to remember what you were doing?  She wasn't feeling well and it showed when she came in to work.  She went home and read her book and ate her Reese's Cup (yep I snuck one of those in!)  I think it helped cheer her up a bit!

Thursday- I gave Christine a Cliff Bar with a pair of Cliff bar socks.  I got the socks as a promo gift and decided to pair it with a Cliff bar.  Cliff bars are one of my go to protein bars.  Christine is doing an amazing job losing weight and she had come to me for advice on what to eat before class to keep her energy up.  My advice was a banana.  She said it helped her a lot.   I like to keep protein bars in my purse for that time when you are getting hungry and don't want to run through a drive thru.

Friday-  I sent my friend, A (short for Angela) flowers.  She had a bad night last night and I wanted her to know how much I love her.  She is an amazing woman, teacher, friend and jazzercise instructor.  I wanted to put a smile on her face! 
I am also taking my juicer over to my friend Berta for her to borrow.  I am excited she is wanting to try it!!  I will have to remember bendy straws.  They are always better with bendy straws.

6. Pray and read scripture for your age in minutes daily.- I pray for 11 minutes in the morning and 11 minutes at night. I also listen to an audio bible for 11 minutes in the morning and 11 at night. Done

7. Drink half myweight in ounces of water.- done I have to drink 72 ounces of water. Done.

8. If you are doing any of these stop. Stop flirting, having affairs, committing fornication, looking at pornography, or communicating with a person who is not your spouse. Nope

9. Wash my face before bed....dry brush before shower....use neti pot in shower....drench my body in oil before drying off in shower.  My skin is GLOWING!!!

My weight is as follows-
Day 1. 146.1
2. 144.0
3. 142.3
4. 142.6
Restart day 1. 143.8
2. 144.2
3. 142.7
4. 142.3
5. 140.9
6. 140.6
7. 140.4
8. 139.8
9. 139.8
10. 137.6
11. 138.9
12. 138.3
13. 138.7
14. 139.6
15.137.6
16. 135.6
17.136.3
18.135.8
19. 135.8
20. 137.3
21. 136.9
22. 135.8
23. 133.7
24. 135.4
25. 133.1
26. 132.9
27. 133.1
28. 133.5
29. 132.1
30. 131.5
31. 130.6
32. 130.5
33. 130.2
34. 130.8
35. 130.6
36. 131.2
37. 131.6
38. 130.9
39. 130.5