Show and Tell

  Stuffs I See and Saw. Shown and Told.

Because.

So lemme show you a few thangs.

This is a prayer card I have tacked to the inside of my medicine cabinet so I see it every time I brush my teeth and what not.

It goes along with this bracelet:

Each bead or charm is symbolic so you can go through them like a rosary of sorts as you meditate on the prayer.

This is my dog Zoe on our walk this morning.

People are surprised to learn I have a dog. “Why is there not a gazillion pictures on your Facebook or blog?”

One explanation is she is a camera HATER.  Not sure why.

I see this every time I leave my apartment and the splash of color makes me happy, especially on a gloomy morning like today.

 

My new notebook.

 

Adds some sparkle to the drudgery of logging my food.

Speaking of food…

On my Vegetable Fruit Salad post Christine mentioned I should add avocado which I have done.

I didn’t chop the veggies much or mix them — just threw everything (yes that is how I do pepper) on a plate and got down.
Whatever. Totally Fine. I aint tryin’a impress nobody.
(Most of the time. LOL.)

This is a coupon for a new food product I’m in love with and can’t wait to tell you about.
 
Can you guess what it is?

I see this everyday. Yup. I wear make-up every day, and not very skillfully. 

Usually just cream, brows and lashes..necessary for this blonde girl.
(There’s some new things in the basket too, I’ll tell you what I think soon).

Lastly I got mail from my friend who I sent the Lemon Card to. It arrived yesterday – as I was replying to comments on my last post asking about favorite childhood books.

Look what she wrote!
 

Totally freaked me out – as I know she has no access to the internet. Then I remembered I had written her a funky rhyme and talked about Dr. Suess in my last letter so things fell into context.

Phew this is getting long (and boring).
I will end with three words:

Sock. Monkey. Sticker.

You’ve been shown.

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WTF Wednesday: I Found the Coon Butter

It had been a while and I had one thing on my mind:

Sunflower Seed Butter.

Yes, that was my mission as I entered my happy place Whole Foods. I intended to make my own, but I remain undecided as to whether that is actually cheaper in the end.
I headed over to pick up my favorite –MaraNatha Sunflower Seed Butter.

But to my displeasure they were out of stock.
Then, to what my wondering eyes should appear but this little beauty. On sale, no less. $4.99.

I got super excited because I had found the coon!

Say whaaaa?

A certain friendly awesome* of mine had sent me this photo. There is an inexorable mind link for some of my friends between me and PBJ. I love it.

(*Two adjectives can make one noun in my Missyese.)

She asked if I had tried that nut butter brand before but I’d never seen it – but I got a kick out of that raccoon on the label. So when I saw it in the store I thought “Stacy!” 

Stacy is inexorably linked in my mind with supreme awesomeness. So the Sunflower Butter was purchased.

Well. 
In the middle of a serious spoonage sesh on the couch I remembered the reason I only buy Maranatha Brand.

It is the only one with no sugar. (If you missed it, I don’t like sugar.)

I flipped the jar over and yup.

Not just sugar, but evaporated Cane juice. Evaporated cane juice as the second ingredient!

WTF.
Whatever. Totally FINE.

This week I really mean it. For real ‘do.

I’m okay with it and glad it happened. I will be consuming the rest of this butter and I don’t give a coon’s azz. Yes, I am still leery of it but I am swallowing all those thoughts because it’s JUST FOOD.

There was a time when there is no way this would have made it in my cart because I obsessed over food labels (ingredients) determined to stick to my meal plan. I never forgot to check.
There was a time when I would have pawned the open container off on my family – never to be consumed by me again.

But not now.
I am glad that I have a little wiggle room, it makes me feel sane.

PLUS I now know the story behind the coon.

Sorry to bore you, this was kind-of sort of a big deal that turned into the most inconsequential thing ever.
In summary: I bought sunflower seed butter and ate it.

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~News~

It’s healthy to try new things, treat yourself a little, and switch things up to make life a little more…more.

Let me tell you my “news.”

I bought a new microwave Sunday. I go through microwaves like athletes go through running shoes. This one has a five year over-the-top warrantee to defend against my Midas touch of doom.

Microwaves are healthy. Because.

I finally broke down and started buying the big-boy jars of peanut butter.
Good for my economic health and the health of my soul.

I started taking some new health supplements. (It’s too soon to tell a difference.)

I bought some new clothes to accommodate my healthy body and give me that boost of “feel-good” we get when we look nice.

 

Our busy season is coming up and my current uniform of flowy tops and stretchy pants won’t do in the office with clients.

 

Self care, personal hygiene, taking the time to care for our appearance – Healthy!

I tried a new make-up. Love it. It’s super light, like a tint. I’ve always been a tinted moisturizer gal (if anything at all) even before the new BB creams. I can’t wait to try an actual BB though. 

 

Some new sparkle — feels like looking life straight in the eye and saying “I LOVE YOU!” 

I recently tried Raw Coconut Aminos instead of my beloved Braggs. (Sorry for the pic. Ow! My eyes!)

I’ve grown weary of vegetable protein so it’s nice to cut back a little and switch it up. The Coconut Aminos tastes great and have less sodium.

 

Another new – frozen vegetables. These Asian inspired mixes are great because I rarely have veggies like baby corn or water chestnuts in the house and this is waiting whenever the “Asian” mood strikes. (Is that PC? lol).

I’ll never be an “all frozen- all the time” girl but on occasion, why not? They’re just as healthy.

New Vitamin water flavor – it’s got caffeine (!) and lots of other weird things that probably aren’t healthy but the vitamins balance it out *wink*. I really just don’t care that much. lol :9

I tried a new salad dressing. It’s …meh. I’ve been trying to do the dressing thing more to see what I am missing.  Really? I just prefer a simple extra-light tasting olive oil spritz — but variety is healthy as are fats – especially on greens.

 

I have another new dressing waiting for me to experiment with and let me tell you about ….wait for it….THESE NUTS (heehee).

   

Yeah – I hate to love these almonds (#crack#ingredients) but whatever.

Everything in moderation – INCLUDING MODERATION. <—Write that down.

 

Last month I found out Publix (my grocery store) will steam your seafood for free. I cannot express my pure unadulterated joy. It’s my new favorite “I’m tired” treat for dinner after work. Or..on Saturday. LOL.

It’s important to have go-to meal options that are healthy, easy and fast. Better than the drive-thrus and deliveries or skipping a meal.

 

You can get it seasoned, but when it comes to Cod I don’t mess around. All I need is the …drool….flaky buttery tasting flesh. #sorryvegheads

  

On one Atypical Tuesday I decided to switch things up by eating salmon. Salmon’s not really my favorite.

It’s delicious- but I’d never choose it first. I have to remind myself to get it every once in a while because of all the healthy fats. 

And finally, new albums I’ve picked up. Music is the wallpaper of the mind. Good for the mind and soul, and when you shake that azz it’s good for the body.

 

• What’s new with you?

Today’s Prompt for NHBPM  was “News-Style Post” (??) and the other option was “A time you had to take the high road” (no thanks). So…this is what came out.  Previous posts can be found here.

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Day Late, Dollar Short and Unhealthy.

It’s November! November is National Blog Post Month, or NaBloPoMo. (I giggled too).  It’s “a month dedicated to the art of blogging” and participants blog every day for 30 days. (Is blogging an art? Hmmmm…)

ANYWAY – WEGO is putting a spin on things and declaring November National Health Blog Post Month, or NHBPM.

Rolls right off the tongue, don’t it?

If you sign up with WEGO, they’ll provide prompts to guide your writing about health each day. Guess who’s participating? THIS GIRL.

“Say what? Girl….you ain’t got no health!”

Let me tackle Prompt #1 – why I’m choosing to write about my health.

I’ve decided to do this rather daunting and challenging project because I’m fighting to gain my health. I’m going to have to plow down a bunch of obstacles in order to get there. There’s my disordered eating and food addiction, for example. It’s silly, really. JK.

For real though — it’s a complicated and TOUGH battle and I need ALL the motivation, encouragement and focus I can get right now. Especially now. For real.

It may help to add one more thing to my day.

Blogging every day? Never been my thing. I’m just not that interesting. Especially not right now (see above). I don’t have much to contribute. Also it’s November 2.

I’m a day late, a dollar short and unhealthy.

All I do is win. lol.

But I’m-a do this.

Unless I change my mind.

It’s totally different than chickening out or giving up.

• Anyone with me? Let me know.

 

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WTF Wednesday

Life hands us stuff: lemons, blessings, unfortunately located piles of dog poo, rainbows….etc. Not all of it is tasteful, but our job is to make do. That means thinking WTF and moving on. WTF as in: WHATEVER. TOTALLY FINE.

Like…take for instance my latest fashion accessory:

It’s like a scarf…

 

Except it’s not.

My back and neck are jacked up something FEIRCE.

Whatever. Totally. FINE.

ARRRRggghh. When it rains it pours. Time takes time and the body heals at its own pace. A few months of treating it better may not mean shiz as far as it’s concerned.

I’m thinking God approves for me to sit still on my razzmatazz for a good long while. Groin, Ribs, feet…. HE work all things for good.

So it’s fine! Whatever!

And meanwhile THIS single gal has a bed buddy.

And it will not mind at all if I eat PBJ in bed with it.

 

I felt bereft if I did not write something today. Who knows why. I’d apologize for lack of content and the over share but then I would apologize every time I write.

But seriously …  please don’t think this is “poor me” drivel.
It’s just …funny to me.

Angering too… health is NOT something to take for granted.

Also I’m bored.

 

Love to love ya!

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ommm….

Deep Breath. Inhale….and….exhale. Ahhhhh… Ommmmm…..shanti…शान्ति.

I’m now entering the realm of OMMM- On My Mind Monday – Where the breathing is deep, but the thoughts? Not so much. Here are some random thinks I’ve thunk this past week. Welcome to my inner sanctum of silly.

silly > sad.

I weigh and measure 99% of my food. I also have a love affair with peanut butter – which I prefer to consume in increments of 1/2 Tablespoon.

Peanut Butter. Me. Obviously, I use the pants off my 1/2 Tablepoon. Like everyday. Naturally, I lose them, break them, garbage disposalize them, and *blush* mindlessly throw them away at 3am in kitchen lit only by the light of the refrigerator door.

 

So my problem: I have like 15 sets of spoons and one 1/2 Tablespoon. That’s a lot of drawer space. And ca$h money. Every time I lose one I have to replace the entire set.  For some reason it is SO difficult for me to find a set of measuring spoons with the 1/2 T measurement. I always have to go to like two stores at least. I don’t know why. Can they not make ALL sets have the 1/2 T? So rude. Also why can’t they sell individual spoons. They probably do. At the spoon store.

Whatever. I have a difficult life.

I need a vacation.

All this picture needs is unicorns. And peanut butter.

If you really REALLY for-real-deal wanna know what’s been on my mind…I will share with you the email reply I got from a friend yesterday. It made my day.

Fat =

Fabulous Attitude Train

Fancy Acrobatic Toad (I know, I remember.)

Fluffy Ass Toot

Flaming Apple Tort

Finely Attuned Theorist

Flickering Asteroid Trail

Frilly Alpaca Tail

Friends Always Tell

[I didn't mean for the last three to rhyme, but they did. Now it's your turn. GO! Get your F.A.T. on!]

But that’s all I’m gonna say about that.  No sense indulging insanity. If I can avoid it…..because I may be a little insane.

Exhibit 8,954,326:

What in the actual what.

I HAD to snap a photo when I found myself going for my afternoon walk in this get up. Don’t even ask. There is hardly any reason or excuse.

I’m having issues with my feets and hence the compression socks…other than that? I got nothing. So, yeah. This is me. Just a free crazy lady spirit OR…THAT weirdo freak in the neighborhood. You decide.

I will tell you I walked around like that…and yet it is REALLY bothering me that I am showing you my dusty mirror and  sloppy PJ pile down there on the right. I make sense.

This post is getting too long.

• What is your favorite F.A.T acronym  (from above)?

 

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That’s Just Me

My mom says I’m picky….I say I’m particular.

There are certain things (mostly random and inconsequential) that I just….demand feel very certain about. FOR ME.
No judgment. It’s not about you….it’s all about me.
#parusuelle

i.e;

I drink wine from a wine glass.

Anything else is wrong. Simple as that.

Wrong.

Multi-level wrongness.

Still abominable. NO.

Also….no designs.

Especially not hand painted. 

Or with words. Or Names. Or numbers.

Not even Butterflies.
(Yes, you read that correct.)

I know these are gorgeous, but no colors either.

I can’t see the beautiful color of the wine nor the legs.

As for these trendy and fashionable novelties…

 

Loathe them Sam-I-Am style.

Just as I loathe this:

Bowl Grabbers. Or…I should say bowl warmers.

Or, I should say, I loathe the thought of myself doing that. *shudder* It’s just wrong.

LC can do it. 
 

You can do it, too. NBD.

But ….. ಠ_ಠ.

What can I say?

That’s just me.

And I’m-a do me.
Ain’t nobody gonna get hurt…..so why not?

Just one more thing. The overpour.

*warning* bowl grabbing squared in 3…2…1…

It’s crass. 

Crass.

2-4 oz please. 5 at tops. It’s not going anywhere. Keep it in the bottle. When in doubt use the three finger rule for mine, server-friend. 

So wrong.

• What’s one of your “particulars?” (wine-drinking or otherwise)?
  

PS- Years ago I totally owned that Pier One Blue Swirl Wine glass. Shrug. Tastes evolve. LOL.

PPS-  I drink wine out of most anything when it’s offered, I’m a guest etc….. but as for me and my home.

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Three Meals | Three Questions | Three Minutes of Your Time

Surrrrrrveeeeeyyyyyyzzzzzz.

Because you care. I’m half-joking and half serious. I mean – I read them on other blogs and I used to LOVE slam books in elementary school (remember those?). I know I’m not the only quirk who has a passing interest in what shampoo a person uses.

Soooooo here I go with a survey I saw on Amanda’s blessing of a blog. Eating three real-deal meals a day is something I have to work hard on… this is like an extra-credit assignment.

Three Meals, Three Questions

Breakfast

1. Favorite cereal as a child?

Several.

 

General Mills Corn Flakes > Kellogg’s.

I also ate a lot of Rice Krispies (Sog city!). My mom was not a fan of the more sugary cereals…so neither was I. Plus my dad always said if I wanted frosted flakes just add sugar to my corn flakes. It was cheaper that way.

But we had our family’s “special treat” and I – heck I STILL drool over [the idea of eating] this stuff.

2. Coffee or tea? With milk or without?

I’m not a fan of hot drinks so I’m-a roll with iced tea…

 
Coffee just turns me off but I do go through phases. I like my coffee iced, flavored with lots of sweetener and almond milk … lets just call it a milkshake. And you know…I don’t have much of a sweet tooth.

Although recently I have been a coffee girl. Because of this:

And I can even drink it black.

3. The one food you eat most often at breakfast?

EGGS. Actually, Egg yolks are … complicated. Egg whitez and Beaterz.

What would I do without them? I really hope I don’t lose my appetite for them as I have with dairy. Hard Boiled are already a turn-off.

Eggs. Such a funny word. Such a funny ..food.

 Lunch

1. Sandwiches are generally considered a “lunch food.” If you had to choose between a grilled cheese and a peanut butter and jelly, which would you pick?

This is just the most ridiculous question anyone could ask me.

Enough said.

 

2. You can only put four ingredients in your salad (not including greens); what do you throw in the mix? Additionally, which greens and dressing do you pick?

Only Four? RUDE.  Mine would be Onion, Black Pepper, Salt (substitute style) and blanched asparagus. For greens I LOVE iceberg, arugula and my favorite salad blend:

Dressing? No thanks….but sometimes. Its hard to find sugar free and making my own requires…work. I like these ones:

   
Annie’s Organic Green Garlic, Newman’s Own Lite Italian and Naturally Fresh Ginger.

3. One food you can’t live without at lunch?

To be honest, I can and have lived without “lunch.” But not very well. Whatever it is though it absolutely HAS to have produce. Vegetables especially. At least something green.

   

 

Dinnaz!

1. It’s the end of the day. You’re tired, hungry, and your fridge is empty. If a fast food (from a chain) is your only option, where do you go and what do you order?

Honestly? This would never happen. I hoard food. If I was too tired to cook or whatever I would most likely go to the supermarket for pre-cooked shrimp, salad or sushi. Whole Foods…if I’ve got a dime or 250.

 

BUT…let me think… I guess…. fast-food-chain wise I would head to Panera or Chipotle if there was one nearby (I ate at Panera once) or Subway and get a salad …maybe with a veg burger. I’m difficult (understatement). For now.

2. TV/computer on or off while you’re eating?

I’d love to say differently but TV ON. On the floor. Off a tray. LOL. I live alone. It’s no big deal. I mean – look at how much fun she’s having…

 
When I am with people or family however….TV OFF or I get stone cold ragey.

3. The one food you eat most often at dinner?

This. I eat asparagus about 363 days a year and have done so for YEARS. Really. Yes, really.  I think it’s a bit of a thing if you know what I mean.

Ditto onion.  Always onions. Lots of onions. It reeks (literally. ha.) of disorderly conduct. But for now? Least of my worries. Onions and asparagus and proteins. Sometimes I add other veggies…but only sometimes.

 
You’d think these were the same meal different photos. Oh but no. This is how I live. Asparagus. Every day. Years. No lie. My pee doesn’t even smell anymore.

PS::Those Morning Star Veggie Chik’n things? Yeah. That was (was!!) a big deal HUGE thing. But more on that some other day.
PPS:: I’d apologize for the crassnast pics but that would imply that I’m sorry.
PPPS:: Who the heck am I talking to? lol.
PPPPS::I should take a photograph of my humbling dining alone regime. Because….

• Answer one of the questions. If you want.
• If you do this survey on your own blog let m know..I wanna read it. Please use pictures though. You know how I am…lol.

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OMMM….

Deep Breath. Inhale….and….exhale. Ahhhhh… Ommmmm…..shanti…शान्ति Get ready for another round of OMMM- On My Mind Monday. Where the breathing is deep, but the thoughts? Not so much.

Here are some random thinks I’ve thunk this past week. In no particular order. For no particular reason. Because.

Boy Scouts Need to Step it Up a Notch

Every year the Girl Scouts come correct with a limited-time-only panacea for the masses: those dearly beloved cookies. We fawn, we drool, we flock, and we spend. We spend a lot. Girl Scouts also team up with ice cream and candy bar companies, securing a portion of America’s retail dollar too.  $Cha-ching$

Let’s be real. The “for a good cause” factor is probably responsible for …oh… 15% of all proceeds. Because really? We’re just hooked.

The Girl Scouts know profitability. They also know what sells.

Then there’s the Boy Scouts. What do they sell? Microwave freakin’ popcorn.  Usually outside a grocery store selling the same thing. Big incentive. 

They don’t even sell the pre-popped or flavored varieties anymore. No. Just popcorn. That’s it. Ends there. Seriously?

There is no “immediate gratification” or “impulse temptation” factor at all. You can’t rip into a box of popcorn kernals before you even get to your car…much less devour 1/2 the box before your home, thus necessitating a return trip tomorrow to buy more.

Dear Mr. (or Mrs.) Person-in-Charge-of-All-the-Boy-Scout-Things:

Your popcorn needs more sex appeal. 

Invest in a few tons of sugar, salt, and fat. Go to town in a test kitchen.  It doesn’t matter what comes next. All the basics are there. Layer sugar, salt and fat on anything and it’ll sell.

I personally recommend marketing a popcorn/trail mix “bar” of some sort. Disguise the fatty sugarbomb with words like “wholesome” and “nutritious” or “energy".

Make them really small and “only 200” calories. Or make the ratio of serving size to servings per bar inversely proportional. Set up shop outside of places like Curves or something. BE INVENTIVE!!

I can’t believe I’m actually promoting this kind of thing, but heck – it’s for a good cause. lol.

While I’m on the topic of delicious addictive food….

Paula Deen is Selling Diabetes.

I know Paula’s diabetes is old news….the jokes have been made, critics have weighed in, etc. Yet, only recently did it dawn on me that she is, effectually, selling Diabetes. 

I think of it like this: She profits from her show/cookbooks which are rife with uber rich foods. It’s fine in moderation, but we don’t live in a moderate society. We live in an obese society. Lots of Diabetes going on.

The way I see it, now that Paula’s Diabetes is out of the closet, her show is basically pitching “let me show you all the food to eat in abundance if you want to get diabetes.” 
$Cha-ching$

And then….Paula turns around and sells you what you’re gonna need once you actually have Diabetes. $Cha-ching$

“Just put a band-aid on it, y’all.”

“Life with Diabetes can be DELICIOUS and I want to tell y’all about it.
With Love.”

I don’t harbor any resentment against Paula. I don’t think this is some manufactured plot – but the whole thing is just wrong. She could be promoting diabetes prevention. She could grab another spot on Food Network cooking her trademark comfort food in a healthier, Diabetes-friendly way.    

But, Whatever. Totally Fine.

Well then. I’ve gone on FAR to long and really? There’s only so much a girl with an eating disorder can blather on about unhealthy and healthy food and obesity and whatnot before it becoming entirely laughable.
I’ll leave it at 50% laughable.

• What’s been on your mind lately?

  Also, you should read this book. (If you want). 

http://www.theendofovereatingbook.com/

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ommm…

Deep Breath. Inhale….and….exhale. Ahhhhh…

Ommmmm…..shanti…शान्ति

Get ready for another round of OMMM- On My Mind Monday. Where the breathing is deep, but the thoughts? Not so much. Here are some random thinks I’ve thunk this past week. In no particular order. For no particular reason. Because.

1. The kid from Jerry Maguire recently celebrated his 21st birthday. My first thought was “Dang, I’m old.”

Then I thought “he should be proud.” Thanks to him, legions of people on the planet know how much the human head weighs.

Also, he’s still pretty cute, no?  A “you’re like a brother to me” brand of cute.

2. What the hey-now are these things called again?

Google Answer: Honey Stirrer, Honey Dipper, or Honey Drizzler. I like Honey Dipper better. I kind of wish they made something similar for peanut butter drizzlage. I would call that a Peanut Butter Drizzler.

Also, why does this picture disturb me?

3. I saw these in the Walgreen’s and thought I was having a flashback. I mean…come on now. Anyone?

Seriously?

Not that I ever…err…moving on. 

4. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a powerful allegory of faith.

Also, I love LOVE Charles Schulz.

5. I wondered if there was such a thing as pumpkin seed butter. One Google search later….It does exist! I’ll have to cash in my 401K to get some and I’ll let you know how I like it.

Also? I SO don’t have a 401K.

I have a 911WH – never heard of it? It’s a Whole Foods Emergency fund. That’s wise investing right there.

Hi. My name is Missy and I am a compulsive food shopper.

• What’s a random think you’ve thunk that you think I should know?
• I don’t do Halloween (I would if I had kids but, it’s not my thing.) Are you the Halloween type or more of a “Harvest Fest at the church” type.

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