Happy Saturday!!!
 

Cristina~The Wii's are so hard to come by. We just got lucky. And not only that, but they are so ridiculously over priced online!!!! I saw one for $399!!! Thats how much the PS3 is at Walmart!!!!! We bought our Wii for $200+ Crazy.

Susan~The Wii is for video games. I'm actually excited with this one though because this is the first time I'll be able to play video games with Fonzo. I do not understand the Xbox360 controllers..and he keeps his GameCube & Ps2 on the ship (yes..Fonzo is a HUGE gamer, lol).

Katy~I didnt even think about all the calories!!! Nice!!!!!! LoL!! Fonzo wants to get the DDR sometime soon, lol. That burns A LOT of calories!! ;)

Mindee~Carnivals are sooooooooooooooooo fun!!!!!!!!! Whats the difference between a carnival and a fair?? LoL!!


Sassy~:hug: You are better than your "friend"




We didnt go to the Fair today. We ended up taking a really really really long nap, lol. So when we finally woke up it started raining..then it turned into snow, lol. So we just decided to go to Goodwill and see what they had there. Only, I ended up touching something bad and broke out in hives!!! So we left asap and went to Petco. Omg, I want some birds, gerbils, bunnies, and a ferret now. As well as a turtle & some fish, lol. All of those things, cats can and probably will attack, lmao.

We went to Target to look at the games..and I already know what my next games are gonna be, lol. I want Pinball, this racing game and Pirates of the Caribbean (where you can sword fight!!!!!!!!! totally awesome!!!)

Anyhoo..I better go..we're gonna watch Signs and then finally play some games on the Wii. Woohoo. :carrot:

BBL

TY my Friend!!!
 

Thank you, my friend and you too are much much better than that "friend" of yours. We are very special chickadees, as are all of us here. :high:

UGH SNOW! That totally stinks! UGH sorry about the hives.........just makes me itch thinkin about it. lol. Take some benedryl......;)

I think I want a WII now! I saw it on tv and people playin and it looks like SO Much fun + it is good exercise!!! :D

Big :hug:

just popping in before heading to bed.

the neighbors are arguing again, and the office manager is not going to like that! she already gave them a warning and told them that if she had to say it two more times, then the lease holder is getting evicted. (this makes time number two for them.....and they are NOT even on the lease as far as I know) the guy that is arguing with his girlfriend told the office manager that he promised that they wouldn't do it again. so much for that promise!

Just Sharin':


Eat 'n Lose: 10 Fat-Burning Foods!
By Strykowski Sheri
eDiets Contributor


Stoke your metabolic fire and burn calories faster with diet-friendly foods and beverages. Post this list on your fridge next to the photo of you in your "skinny jeans" and make a copy to bring with you the next time you shop for groceries.

Just remember: Calories count, portion control rules and there's no substitute for a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. So get moving!


Here are the top picks culled from some of the latest research:

1. Water! A new study seems to indicate that drinking water actually speeds up weight loss. Researchers in Germany found that subjects of the study increased their metabolic rates (the rate at which calories are burned) by 30 percent after drinking approximately 17 ounces of water. Water is also a natural appetite suppressant that banishes bloat as it flushes out sodium and toxins. Drinking enough water will also help keep you from mistaking thirst for hunger. So drink up!

2. Green Tea! Studies show that green tea extract boosts metabolism and may aid in weight loss. This mood-enhancing tea has also been reported to contain anti-cancer properties and help prevent heart disease. It's also a trendy drink among weight-conscious celebrities.

3. Soup! Eat less and burn fat faster by having a bowl of soup as an appetizer or a snack. According to a Penn State University study, soup is a super appetite suppressant because it's made up of a hunger-satisfying combination of liquids and solids. In the study, women chose one of three 270-calorie snacks before lunch. Women who had chicken and rice soup as a snack consumed an average of 100 fewer calories than those in the study who opted for a chicken and rice casserole or the casserole and a glass of water.

4. Grapefruit! The grapefruit diet is not a myth. Researchers at Scripps Clinic found that participants who ate half a grapefruit with each meal in a 12-week period lost an average of 3.6 pounds. The study indicates that the unique chemical properties in this vitamin C-packed citrus fruit reduce insulin levels, which promotes weight loss. NOTE: If you are taking medication, check with your doctor about any potentially adverse interactions with grapefruit.

5. Apples and Pears! Overweight women who ate the equivalent of three small apples or pears a day lost more weight on a low-calorie diet than women who didn't add fruit to their diet, according to researchers from the State University of Rio de Janeiro. Fruit eaters also ate fewer calories overall. So, next time you need to satisfy a sugar craving, reach for this low-calorie, high-fiber snack. You'll feel full longer and eat less.

6. Broccoli! Study after study links calcium and weight loss. Broccoli is not only high in calcium but it's also loaded with vitamin C which boosts calcium absorption. This member of the nutritious cabbage family also has plenty of vitamin A, folate and fiber. And, at just 20-calories per cup, this weight-loss superfood not only fights fat but also contains powerful phytochemicals that boost your immunity and protect against disease.

7. Low-Fat Yogurt! Dairy products can boost weight loss efforts, according to a study in Obesity Research. People on a reduced-calorie diet who included 3-4 servings of dairy foods lost significantly more weight than those who ate a low-dairy diet containing the same number of calories. Low-fat yogurt is a rich source of weight-loss-friendly calcium, providing about 450 mg (about half the recommended daily allowance for women ages 19-50) per 8-ounce serving, as well as 12 grams of protein.

8. Lean Turkey! Rev up your fat-burning engine with this bodybuilder favorite. Countless studies have shown that protein can help boost metabolism, lose fat and build lean muscle tissue so you burn more calories. A 3-ounce serving of boneless, skinless lean turkey breast weighs in at 120 calories and provides 26 grams of appetite-curbing protein, 1 gram of fat and 0 grams of saturated fat.

9. Oatmeal! This heart-healthy favorite ranks high on the good carb list, because it's a good source of cholesterol-fighting, fat-soluble fiber (7 grams per 3/4-cup serving) that keeps you full and provides you with the energy you need to make the most of your workouts. Just be sure to choose steel cut or rolled oats, not instant oatmeal, to get your full dose of vitamins, minerals and fiber.

10. Hot Peppers! Eating hot peppers can speed up your metabolism and cool your cravings, researchers at Laval University in Canada found. Here's why: capsaicin (a chemical found in jalapeño and cayenne peppers) temporarily stimulates your body to release more stress hormones, which speeds up your metabolism and causes you to burn more calories.

Here's how these 10 fat-blasting superstars help you lose weight:
# Each of these healthy weight-loss boosters fills you up and keeps you full longer on fewer calories.

# Water-rich fresh fruits, veggies and soup dilute the calories in your food and allow you to eat more without breaking the calorie bank.

# High-fiber fruit, vegetables and nutritious whole grains keep your digestive system on track and steady insulin levels, which prevents fat storage.

# Lean meat boosts metabolism and burns calories because it take more energy to digest than other foods.

eDiets can help you make those healthy, everyday choices that mean so much. With fantastic programs to choose from, make your an excellent, healthy choice today by clicking here and completing a free profile to get started.

Sheri Strykowski is a freelance journalist who specializes in health, fitness and lifestyle. Her articles have appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Lerner newspapers and National Safety Council publications. She is also a content expert who has built over 40 Web sites for a Fortune 100 company.

Sassy~Yes, all of us are very special here!!! :grouphug: OMG..You HAVE to get a Wii!!!!!!!!!!! I'll explain more later. Thanks for sharing that too. Fonzo told me all about the grapefruit..and I've been scared to try it, lol. So maybe tomorrow for breakfast, I'll finally give in and try it. I should also probably buy more soups (even though its kinda warm for it now). I LOVE LOVE LOVE green tea. I used to be hooked on it..well, the kind w/ginseng (spl?) in it. And it gave my sex drive a HUGE boost, lol.

Mindee~Omg, I hope your stinkin neighbors get evicted. But what are they fighting about? LoL!! Last month, we could hear our neighbors fighting..and me & Fonzo pressed our ears against the wall, LMAO!! We're bad, lol.



Okay well..Me & Fonzo finally played the Wii tonight. It was sooooooo much fun. We basically just tried the games that it came with. I suck at golf & baseball..didnt try the boxing one (but Fonzo is pretty good at that). I totally RULED at tennis & bowling!! We played bowling 3 times and I won each time, lol. IRL, Fonzo is better at bowling..but in the VR world, I'm better. :D Plus..I'm still pretty darn good at tennis!!! Yay me!! Well..I've never actually played tennis before..but I used to be pretty good at badminton. We soooooooooooooooooooooooooo wanna get the Pirates game now. We're just dying to sword fight, lol. I'll be Elizabeth & Fonzo will be Captin Jack Sparrow!!! LoL!!! Oh ya..my arms are KILLING me!!!!! LoL!!! OHHH and theres like this fitness thing on there..I havent tried it yet, but it looks interesting. Anyways..I'm pretty tired..so I'm gonna go to bed now. Got lots of game playing to do tomorrow, lol.

btw: I normally make fun of Fonzo for being really into his games..but omg, I'm like hooked now!!! I want more games!! We're even gonna get that Cooking Mama game. I have it on DS and its a lot of fun. We get to battle each other w/the cooking contest or whatever, lol. Too fun!!

Good morning!

Francie - the Wii sounds like lots of fun. My DS11 wants one bad because all his friends have them. We won't buy it (we restrict screens 'round here), but Grandpa might show up with one so who knows, there may be one in our future. Loved your pics on ms...Seattle looked like a good time and the purse is very chic.

Sassy-- Francie said it -- you are better than your friend, and you are so right when you say you gave her the power to make you feel bad..I do that too - why??? We are all great people!

Mindee--here's hoping the annoying neighbors get the boot! The t-ball sounded like fun..my kids would probably like one of those for the back yard.

We were supposed to get some snow today - freaky weather...but so far it looks like just some frost. DH put a bucket over my brand new blueberry plant yesterday and I'm so glad he did. I think the rest of my veggies are ok...haven't planted that much yet.


Hi to Susan, Cristina, Jules, and Sue...and anyone else reading this today.
What's everyone doing this weekend? Today my plans are to hang out, and hopefully get a walk in later today. I will pick DS up from a sleepover this a.m., then we assess whether he's up for his track meet. He has another birthday party to attend this afternoon at the community center. Maybe my walk will be getting him there instead of driving him. Such a social life. I just want to read and knit :)

Cheers!

Good morning. Dreary, gray day here. I hurried out for my walk before the rain hit. Slept like a log last night and didn't want to get up. Might be due to being awakened at 5:37 yesterday by the earthquake! What a rude wake up.

I have been helping DH some with the pergola he is building, but today he is in the shop cutting top pieces. I am not one for shop tools. I can hold and carry things in the yard, climb ladders and measure, level, but NO shop tools. :) I might be able to get a pic. of the finished product Sun. or Mon. Trouble is the rain is coming...so we will see.

Francie- Oh my goodness, the Wii sounds like a blast, I watched my DGD do DDR on her PS and it was quite a work out. Notice I say watched...I sure didn't try it.

Mindee- I saw rose bushes at Menard's and Lowe's this past week. Now I am wanting to put some in. Just have to decide where. Two of my three planted last year look healthy...one is dead. :(

Katy- Snow? Wow...I hope we are done with that, but you never know. They had called for snow last week-end, but we didn't get it. I wish we lived where we could walk to things in town. I would love it. I have always wanted to live right in our little town, but DH is not sold. There are big lovely homes and cutsie small shops. Plus a wonderful park and new library. I would be walking all the time. (or so I say..)

Sassy- Thanks for that...I will print it out. I do eat most of those things. Hate yogurt..so that's out and can't eat grapefruit. If you take meds. for high cholesterol you can't have grapefruit. Love turkey and fruit. HAd an apple for breakfast and am allowing a banana for my afternoon snack. I go overboard when I have them and have withdrawal when I run out. I LOVE melon and that season is fast approaching.

Cristina and Susan- You are both doing so well...I am afraid I have lapsed and am trying to get back on track. So far I have walked all week...not up to my usual distance yet. I have biked several days also. just 1 mile, but my legs are getting there.

Just laundry going today and bathrooms to clean. Can't wiggle my nose and have it magically done...so I must skedaddle.

Hi Sue! I hear you about the lapsing..just hard to get the exercise in for the last couple of weeks but I mean to get back on track.

Sassy - I liked that list..I can't have dairy, but there are plenty of other good foods. I got a craving for grapefruit after reading the list so I may get a big bag when I go to Costco later today. yum.

PS - I just tried a terrific tofu pate' at my Thursday group ( yeah- they feed us - go figure, but its always healthy). It's called Toby's and I had a roasted garlic and red pepper. It's only 40 calories for 2 TB. I found it at Fred Meyer Nutrition, but I imagine you can find it at nutrition centers or Whole foods-type places. Yummy - tasted liked egg salad...and no dairy yippee

Good Morning Chicks

Sassy - Sorry about the *friends* comment. I know how some comments can totally get you off kilter. My mom called yesterday and said "your answering message is rather wordy".........thought that was rude. I would never tell anyone that. Cute avatar! It made me laugh :) .....and thanks for the list!

Francie - Think carnivals and fairs are the same thing. lol Glad you got some rest! I love red grapefruit!

Sue - Thanks, I don't feel like I am doing good at all. I was reading about the Biggest Loser and she lost 112 pounds in 7 months, course she she working out 8 hours a day. I want to lose weight but not that bad. haha btw - how si your mother???

Katy - It is freezing out! I don't think we will get snow though, I hope not. The tofu sounds good. Did you get the aquatic program booklet in the mail? I was reading about Wilson and summer family pass is $250 and one for Gab's age alone was $99. I might do the $99 just so she can swim outside, seems like a lot of $$$$ though!

Mindee- I want to know what the neighbors are fighting about too!When I lived at my mothers the upstairs people were always raising their voices. It is so annoying. I am glad to hear I am not the only one who goofs on reading labels!! lol That was horrible.

Cristina and Jules - Hope you guys are having a good weekend!!

I am just reading this weekend, Little Earthquakes. Gab will come back in the morning, her father has to be back on the coast. When I saw him yesterday he looked horrid, must have lost 10/15 pounds, all in a week.
Rach quit her job this morning , so I am not in a good mood. She grabbed her bus pass and went to her friends. She owes me $70 and she better pay me back w/ her last paycheck. She cries and carries on that she won't have any money but that was the deal.Boo Hoo
Grrrrr, not in a good mood.
Also I have to tell McD I am passing on seeing him tonight. I just am wanting to read and snuggle in bed w/ the kitty. Just need a *time out*....

anyway - hope you all have a great Saturday!

Katy~The Wii isnt so bad really..they have some really fun games. A lot of sports games it seems like, lol. It snowed here in some places last night. What is up with this freaky weather?!?!

Sue~I've never played DDR either. Fonzo loves that game and he's always sweating a lot when he's done playing, lol. So I guess its a good workout.

Katy~Fred Meyers has a nutrition center??????? I soooooo did not know that!!

Susan~How are you liking Little Earthquakes?? I keep meaning to start her new book, but I keep getting distracted, lol.

Francie - I like Little Earthquakes! I think Becky is pretty funny. I cracked up when Andrew was trying to explain to her the only way he knows how to have sex in the bathroom. I am at the point where Lia has started working at Mas, so so far I am enjoying the book!!
The Freddies NCenter is usually by the pharmacy/shampoo/ medicine area!!

later :)

Hiya ladies...

SUSAN...nothing wrong with wanting 'me' time. I always want 'me' time, lol. Sorry to hear Rach quit her job...maybe she will go get another soon. About the reading...if I am not busy and can concentrate on my reading I will read about 2 books a week and get started on a third...it just all depends on what is going on.

SASSY...hugs to you! :hug: Sorry about the butthead! Honestly, I will never understand people and the drama/bs...especially from friends, or rather so-called friends. Thanks for the list/article!

SUE...bet the pergola is going to be nice! I've seen DH's handywork and it is good! And thank you! I am working my butt off but getting no where fast, lol. Actually, I feel better and now just need to get control of the eating! WTG on walking all week! :carrot: I was wondering if you guys felt the earthquake.

FRANCIE...ditto what Katy said...you will get a workout from the WII for sure! That is why I want one, lol. Doubt that I will get one though...maybe when and if they lower the price. I agree they are overpriced...I heard from someone who sold one for $9000, yikes! WHY? Anyway, glad you guys are enjoying it.

KATY...yeah, really tired of all the freakin' drama. I paused one day and took a looong, deep breath and said NO MORE! I won't allow myself to get upset over drama, too petty and stupid. Hope they will be able to help little L. Foot is better. I've found that when I do too many of the WATP dvds in one day it's not good for my foot. So took a break. I did do the 2 mile one today and it seems better. Hope you get that walk in.

MINDEE...hope you guys enjoy your trip to your moms. Funny about the bus driver...as long as she gets a cupcake, lol.

JULES...hoping all is well with you missy.

Nothing special planned for the weekend. Going to go out a little later and pull weeds since it is so nice out. It is supposed to be 75 today and I already opened the windows...love the fresh air and I am definitely ready for some nice weather. Also, reading some and working some on the favors. Finally got the rest of the stuff so now I can work on the candles once I finish up the bags.

I've done 90 minutes of exercise so far...the 2 mile WATP 2x=60 minutes and the Turbo jam learn and burn=30 minutes. As soon as I get off this thing I have 20 minutes of the bike, rope and weights to do.

That's about all I have...hope everyone is enjoying the weekend! Hugs

Jules - :hug:

Cristina - 75 outside would be SO nice!!! I have to take back my "it's not going to snow here" comment to Katy. It kind of came down in a snow/hail mixture today.
I am so tired of the cold!!
I picked up "In her Shoes" today, probably will start reading that tomorrow.
I think you are going to be working on those gift bags after the wedding Cristina . haha. It is very sweet of you and they are darling!!

anyway - off to the store to pick up more ice and a bottle of wine. Going to make myself some chicken tenderloin and have some steamed veggies. Get in my pj's w/ the merlot and sip while reading. lol It is perfect ME time!

I doubt McD understands that and that is too bad. Maybe my life is too complicated and going a different path from his?? I don't know what we have in common besides cheesebread. haha...jk. It is stressful to me, honest. Very sweet man, I just have too many things tugging at me.

k- I feel like I am on the Dr Phil show, sorry. lol