Shoe of the Week - Issue #13

This is my newest pair of shoes ("scarpe" is Italian for shoe, by the way), "Blonde" by JLO. They were a gift from me mum. Doesn't she have great taste? Well, she gave me birthday money and this is where we ended up. Ok, these shoes get a 5 star rating (pending a long evening of possibly uncomfortable wear) BECAUSE: they came in a tiny enough size so as to fit my feet like a glove, they're hot (clearly), they seem well made and comfortable, and I got them - GET THIS: on clearance for 30$ They originally sold for 100$...ha haha ha haha ha ha ha ha!!!!
"Scarpe diem!"

"There's worse things than being centrist, honey..." #5

SO...for a couple of updates:
I never had to murder the slugs in my garden 'cause it got cold and they left town. But they'll be back, won't they? As far as the recycling goes...well, I've not been keeping up with that as I'd like. I know, I know - pure evil. And lastly, I still haven't finished Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States." As fascinating as it is, there is some part of my brain that absolutely shuts down with any mention of the American Civil War. So when I got to that section in the book, I found myself knee-deep in Harry Potter instead. (How's that for a confession?!)

Recipe of the Week

Sauteed scallions, mushrooms and asparagus

Here's a tasty recipe I found on Weight-loss.fitness.com It's easy to prepare, and you can use it a side dish to your favorite steak, fish or chicken!

1. thinly slice 1 lb stemmed fresh shitake mushrooms.
2. in a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 T oil over high heat. add mushrooms, cook, tossing often, until browned, about 10 min.
3. bring 3 c. salted water to a boil in a small saucepan; add 1 lb trimmed asparagus, sliced diagonally into 2-inch pieces. cook until crisp-tender, 3-5 min.
4. to the mushrooms, add asparagus and 2 bunches scallions, sliced diagonally into 2-in. pieces (about 3-4 cups worth)
5. season with coarse salt and ground pepper.
6. cook, tossing, until the scallions have wilted and the pan is dry, about 2 min.
7. stir in 1 t white-wine vinegar; serve immediately

per serving:
111 cals
6.9 g protein
16.7 g carb
6.3 g fat

Shoe of the Week - Issue #12

This is the "Truffle" by Mia. I had the opportunity to wear them while I was on vacation, so I can now score them properly. I was told to wear comfortable shoes that day, and boy I wish I had! This footwear may be some of the cutest I have (anything with furry patches, I always say), but WOW!, they have absolutely no cushion. It' s like walking on concrete. Terrible for the arches. So, while I really hate to do it...I think I have to give these shoes a 2 or a 3....how 'bout 2 1/2 stars. There you go. A cute shoe but only for 2 - 3 hours limited wear time that includes much sitting. Ah...happy shoe hunting!

Oh dear, Oh dear...

...it seems I haven't posted in a week...what's gotten in to me? Well, it hasn't been working-out, I'm afraid. Haven't been to the gym since Sunday. It seems this cold weather has me lazy. But not to worry, I've taken a new set of before pics and I plan to fully dedicate myself to this next Body for Life Challenge! Updates to follow, of course. As you may have noticed, the "Guest Essay" spot hasn't seemed to be all that successful. So, I'm cutting it and replacing it with another bit of chaos that doesn't at all seem to be appropriate for a fitness blog (like my shoes): Italian night! Maybe I'll call it "A Taste of Italy" or something along those lines. What's it all about? Well, I, for some strange, inexplicable reason, have always wanted to learn to speak Italian. I have bought so many Italian books, dictionaries, audio tapes and computer programs - even Italian Vogue. All in the otiose attempt to learn fluent Italian by osmosis. Well, I've finally taken the plunge and started proper lessons. Yeah for me! Naturally it seems good blog fodder - we shall see. Of course, I would still love to hear from anyone who would like to share their weight loss success stories and pics! Ciao, my friends!

What I Did on my Christmas Vacation Part 2 Alternate Title: Recipe of the Week

Mole Jerky

To prepare mole jerky, you will need: 2lbs turkey meat, marinating juices (your choice), a dehydrator, adventurous family members or friends, a small shovel, and 1 axe (substitute pitch fork)

First prepare turkey jerky (find some other nut's website for that recipe).
Next, dig several small holes in the front lawn using your shovel. In one of the holes, place the axe or pitchfork into the ground thereby creating a sense of finality to the "hunt". Next, invite your friends and family members over to try out your new jerky recipe. Make sure they park their cars in view of the crime scene. I think you see where we're going with this....

If I told you the rest, I'd have to kill you - secret family recipe!
Again, Happy New Year!

Shoe of the Week - Issue #11

I've decided that for the 1st "Shoe of the Week" of the New Year, I will provide you with a blast from my past. These Euro-style green combat boots kept me quite happy in my grunge phase until I could afford real Docs. They were pretty cheap as I recall, and they've held up quite well. They've got to be at least 12 years old??? Lordy...so I'll give them a 4 star rating: they've needed no repairs, but they are quite out-dated, no? Ah, the memories...
Happy shoe-hunting!

What I Did on my Christmas Vacation Part 1

As some of you know, I went to Georgia over the holidays. My brother lives there and I hadn't seen him in over 15 years. I had never been there before, and I was really amazed at how friendly the people were. So, as my first order of business in this new year...I am giving a shout out to Koreena at the Pooler, GA Goodwill store! I was checking out after having found a leather trenchcoat (for only 25$!!) and I noticed this woman's keychain. It was a little metal shoe. I threw such a fit over it, that she took it off her key ring and gave it to me! Awesome - thanks, Koreena! I must also mention that as I was shopping, another local commented on the shoes I was wearing saying "Cute shoes"...I could learn to like it in Georgia....