For those of you who live in Utah, here is a great cause:
There is a benefit concert TONIGHT, Tues. May 31st at 7 pm, starring Jon Schmidt and Jason Hewlett to help pay medical bills for Devin Willis, suffering from stage 4 Esophogeal cancer. (He quit his job to start his own business and then was diagnosed.) http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Tickets are $20 and can be bought through Bethanie (801)227-4620), or online at Covey Center for the Arts. The online tickets range from $15-25.
Here is the advertisement about the concert: An Evening with Jon Schmidt and Jason Hewlett: A Benefit for the Devin Willis Family
Sorry about the late advertising, but we just found out about it. If you'd like to enjoy a hilarious evening of entertainment, and help a worthy cause, then drop everything and get to this concert!
-Kara
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
MONDAY MOTIVATION - Live Strong
I recently received some material from LiveStrong - Lance Armstrong's Cancer group. I took some time to read through the guidebook, and found the LiveStrong Manifesto. It touched me, and got me thinking. I'd like to share a few lines here:
"We believe in life. We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being. You must not let cancer take control of it. We believe in energy: channeled and fierce. We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong. You're in the fight of your life. And we know the fight never ends. Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life."
We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being - there is a woman that lives somewhere near me, who walks every single day. She walks with the help of a walker-type thing. She walks in spring, summer, fall, and winter. There is rarely a day that I don't see her out walking. And I'm pretty sure she is fighting against some terrible disease. She looks very thin, and at times has had no hair. I noticed her before I was diagnosed, and wondered what the story was. I watched her all through my cancer journey - trying to figure out how she had the strength to leave the house and exercise every day. I still see her. It just amazes me. Whenever I catch her eye, she smiles and waves. When I read this line in the LiveStrong manifesto, I thought of her. She obviously believes in living every minute of every day with every ounce of her strength. I wish I would have been like her during my chemo. I think I would have healed faster. What an inspiration she is.
We believe in energy: channeled and fierce - One of the things people, especially family members, would say to me during my treatments, was "You need to focus on getting better. You need to take care of yourself". I put everything else aside during that year and a half. I really did put myself first. Now, that was a hard thing for me to do. I don't like putting myself first. I've got 4 kids, and a husband who all need me. However, I recognized (finally) the wisdom in taking care of myself. I knew it wouldn't last forever, and I needed to channel every bit of the energy I had toward fighting the cancer. So, I really connected with this line in the manifesto.
We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong. This line jumped out at me, because I think that it's where I am right now - trying to figure out how to live strong and be smart about taking care of myself. What kinds of food can I eat that will give me the best nutrition, and not hurt me. What exercises are the most effective - how do I become stronger, and fight off recurrence? How do I take care of not only my body, but my mind as well. How do I manage everything that has happened, and make it work with what I want my life to be like now? There are so many things to figure out, but one thing I know - I have to get smart and live strong!
The last few lines I shared is something I've tried to explain to friends and family, and haven't been able to get quite right - We know the fight never ends. Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life. I know there are people who go through cancer, fight for their lives, get through treatments, and then get on with their lives - they put their cancer journeys behind them. I can't do that. I've known for a long time that I can't just forget what happened. It was an awful thing to go through, and I know that there are thousands of women going through the same thing right now - and there will be thousands more who will have to go through it in the future. If what I experienced can help even one of them, then I have to be involved. The other day, I was looking at buying a Hope purse from Miche Bags, and I had a catalog sitting on my table. My husband started to flip through the catalog, and asked which purse design I was thinking about getting. I told him that I wanted the Hope bag - which is a breast cancer bag. He looked at me and said "Can we not just put this behind us?" Do I wish I could just put it behind me? Sure. Can I? No. Because cancer leaves our bodies, but never leaves our lives. It's part of us. It's part of me. I hope that the experience I had with cancer can be useful to someone else.
"Cancer is a long, hard road. But if there's one thing cancer has taught me, it is that we are stronger than we think. The journey may be frightening and challenging. But, when the way gets tough, we find the strength to go on."
-Lance Armstrong
"We believe in life. We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being. You must not let cancer take control of it. We believe in energy: channeled and fierce. We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong. You're in the fight of your life. And we know the fight never ends. Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life."
We believe in living every minute of it with every ounce of your being - there is a woman that lives somewhere near me, who walks every single day. She walks with the help of a walker-type thing. She walks in spring, summer, fall, and winter. There is rarely a day that I don't see her out walking. And I'm pretty sure she is fighting against some terrible disease. She looks very thin, and at times has had no hair. I noticed her before I was diagnosed, and wondered what the story was. I watched her all through my cancer journey - trying to figure out how she had the strength to leave the house and exercise every day. I still see her. It just amazes me. Whenever I catch her eye, she smiles and waves. When I read this line in the LiveStrong manifesto, I thought of her. She obviously believes in living every minute of every day with every ounce of her strength. I wish I would have been like her during my chemo. I think I would have healed faster. What an inspiration she is.
We believe in energy: channeled and fierce - One of the things people, especially family members, would say to me during my treatments, was "You need to focus on getting better. You need to take care of yourself". I put everything else aside during that year and a half. I really did put myself first. Now, that was a hard thing for me to do. I don't like putting myself first. I've got 4 kids, and a husband who all need me. However, I recognized (finally) the wisdom in taking care of myself. I knew it wouldn't last forever, and I needed to channel every bit of the energy I had toward fighting the cancer. So, I really connected with this line in the manifesto.
We believe in focus: getting smart and living strong. This line jumped out at me, because I think that it's where I am right now - trying to figure out how to live strong and be smart about taking care of myself. What kinds of food can I eat that will give me the best nutrition, and not hurt me. What exercises are the most effective - how do I become stronger, and fight off recurrence? How do I take care of not only my body, but my mind as well. How do I manage everything that has happened, and make it work with what I want my life to be like now? There are so many things to figure out, but one thing I know - I have to get smart and live strong!
The last few lines I shared is something I've tried to explain to friends and family, and haven't been able to get quite right - We know the fight never ends. Cancer may leave your body, but it never leaves your life. I know there are people who go through cancer, fight for their lives, get through treatments, and then get on with their lives - they put their cancer journeys behind them. I can't do that. I've known for a long time that I can't just forget what happened. It was an awful thing to go through, and I know that there are thousands of women going through the same thing right now - and there will be thousands more who will have to go through it in the future. If what I experienced can help even one of them, then I have to be involved. The other day, I was looking at buying a Hope purse from Miche Bags, and I had a catalog sitting on my table. My husband started to flip through the catalog, and asked which purse design I was thinking about getting. I told him that I wanted the Hope bag - which is a breast cancer bag. He looked at me and said "Can we not just put this behind us?" Do I wish I could just put it behind me? Sure. Can I? No. Because cancer leaves our bodies, but never leaves our lives. It's part of us. It's part of me. I hope that the experience I had with cancer can be useful to someone else.
"Cancer is a long, hard road. But if there's one thing cancer has taught me, it is that we are stronger than we think. The journey may be frightening and challenging. But, when the way gets tough, we find the strength to go on."
-Lance Armstrong
Friday, May 27, 2011
FRIDAY FARE: Super Foods - Apples
BANANA-APPLE-CRANBERRY MUFFINS
The next "super food" is APPLES. I found this recipe on fitsugar.com and it looks pretty good. There are additional fruits besides the banana, so you use less sugar than normal muffins. It's naturally sweet and full of fiber!
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas
1 apple
1 cup of dried cranberries
1 egg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups wheat flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup walnuts
oil (for the pan)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325° F. Peel all three bananas and mash them in a bowl with a fork. Now peel and dice the apple and add that to the bowl with the mashed up bananas. Add the egg, cranberries, cinnamon, and salt, and mix well with a fork. Add the flour and sugar, and stir it all up until it's all moist. Now use the oil to grease two mini muffin pans. Spoon batter and fill up each hole all the way. Top with a sprinkle of walnuts.
Bake the muffins for about 20 minutes. You'll have enough batter to fill another mini muffin tin, and maybe an additional half, making a total of 42 mini muffins.
The next "super food" is APPLES. I found this recipe on fitsugar.com and it looks pretty good. There are additional fruits besides the banana, so you use less sugar than normal muffins. It's naturally sweet and full of fiber!
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas
1 apple
1 cup of dried cranberries
1 egg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups wheat flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup walnuts
oil (for the pan)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325° F. Peel all three bananas and mash them in a bowl with a fork. Now peel and dice the apple and add that to the bowl with the mashed up bananas. Add the egg, cranberries, cinnamon, and salt, and mix well with a fork. Add the flour and sugar, and stir it all up until it's all moist. Now use the oil to grease two mini muffin pans. Spoon batter and fill up each hole all the way. Top with a sprinkle of walnuts.
Bake the muffins for about 20 minutes. You'll have enough batter to fill another mini muffin tin, and maybe an additional half, making a total of 42 mini muffins.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
THURSDAY THOUGHTS - "Wow! What a Ride!"
It amazes me how many wonderful and inspiring thoughts are posted without giving the author credit. And so, once again I am posting a most wonderful excerpt and I don't know who wrote it. However, the analogy is well expressed and is great food for thought. This is quoted from a three minute speech that was given at the American Mothers convention last week:
One beautiful spring morning when I was a teenager, I had the rare opportunity to take a ride in a hot air balloon. I loved it. I loved watching the world shrink below me and the sheer beauty that such a different vantage point allowed. I could see everything from a whole new perspective. At that time I had no idea that what was making our ride so beautiful was FIRE, and the heat it generated as it lifted us high into the sky.
Four years ago our fifth child, a daughter named Lucy, was born with six toes on one foot. The doctor quickly assured us that it was much more common than we realized and that it could be removed without a fuss. Just like that teenager in that balloon years before, I had no idea at that time what FIRE that seemingly insignificant extra little toe would bring into our lives. A couple of years later that toe would lead to a diagnosis of a rare genetic syndrome that would cause a myriad of health issues, most heart-breaking for us: imminent blindness.
Although our journey has certainly been a refiner's fire, I would never trade it. It has made my children glow with compassion, it has made me be a more deliberate mother, and my dear husband, well, he's still trying to figure our whether he likes this fire much at all. But that's OK. Some fires last a long time.
Everyone has some unexpected fire in their lives whether they are on the surface or deep down inside. Our fires are sometimes big and sometimes small....things ranging from your seven year old thinking it's funny to call 911 (like what happened at our house last week) or they could be smouldering long term fires like having to deal with drug or alcohol addictions, or losing a loved one. But I'd venture to say that as we look back on these fires, big or small, we would probably all agree that they, although at times horribly painful, have elevated us as they have given us a new perspective in life to make us stronger.
I love this quote from Rick Warren: "Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God in more interested in your CHARACTER than your COMFORT."
Just like a ride in a hot air balloon, sometimes the wind takes us places we may not want to go. But we have to train ourselves to cherish the new vantage point that the fires in our lives give us, and eventually we find that these fires are what elevate us to become the kinds of mothers (or fathers) God wants us to be.
In closing, I want to share one more quote:"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved piece, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW--WHAT A RIDE!"
May we all go forth and remember that fire has the power to elevate only if we will allow the hand of God to help us through the hottest, most smouldering parts."
Kathy Christensen
Guest Blogger
Sister Survivor
One beautiful spring morning when I was a teenager, I had the rare opportunity to take a ride in a hot air balloon. I loved it. I loved watching the world shrink below me and the sheer beauty that such a different vantage point allowed. I could see everything from a whole new perspective. At that time I had no idea that what was making our ride so beautiful was FIRE, and the heat it generated as it lifted us high into the sky.
Four years ago our fifth child, a daughter named Lucy, was born with six toes on one foot. The doctor quickly assured us that it was much more common than we realized and that it could be removed without a fuss. Just like that teenager in that balloon years before, I had no idea at that time what FIRE that seemingly insignificant extra little toe would bring into our lives. A couple of years later that toe would lead to a diagnosis of a rare genetic syndrome that would cause a myriad of health issues, most heart-breaking for us: imminent blindness.
Although our journey has certainly been a refiner's fire, I would never trade it. It has made my children glow with compassion, it has made me be a more deliberate mother, and my dear husband, well, he's still trying to figure our whether he likes this fire much at all. But that's OK. Some fires last a long time.
Everyone has some unexpected fire in their lives whether they are on the surface or deep down inside. Our fires are sometimes big and sometimes small....things ranging from your seven year old thinking it's funny to call 911 (like what happened at our house last week) or they could be smouldering long term fires like having to deal with drug or alcohol addictions, or losing a loved one. But I'd venture to say that as we look back on these fires, big or small, we would probably all agree that they, although at times horribly painful, have elevated us as they have given us a new perspective in life to make us stronger.
I love this quote from Rick Warren: "Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God in more interested in your CHARACTER than your COMFORT."
Just like a ride in a hot air balloon, sometimes the wind takes us places we may not want to go. But we have to train ourselves to cherish the new vantage point that the fires in our lives give us, and eventually we find that these fires are what elevate us to become the kinds of mothers (or fathers) God wants us to be.
In closing, I want to share one more quote:"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved piece, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW--WHAT A RIDE!"
May we all go forth and remember that fire has the power to elevate only if we will allow the hand of God to help us through the hottest, most smouldering parts."
Kathy Christensen
Guest Blogger
Sister Survivor
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
TUESDAY TIPS: Blogs Anyone?
Three items for today:
1. Yesterday I met with two wonderful women from The Rack Pack Foundation - a group here in Utah, dedicated to helping women recover from breast cancer. They provide bags full of goodies for women going through treatment, and they brought 5 bags to me - I'm excited to give these bags to the 5 women in our group who are currently going through treatment. I recently told you about The Rack Pack Foundation - they are the group that is sponsoring the Pilates in the Park event on June 25th. I encourage all of you to attend it! I'll be there myself. They are currently trying to win a grant from the LiveStrong Foundation, to set up a 6-week recovery program here in Utah. They are in the lead right now, but need votes. The voting ends on the 31st of May, so we have only one week to make a difference - if you have a minute, please go to the following link and vote for them.
http://vote.livestrong.org/applicants/102-the-christi-anderson-rack-pack-foundation/
YOU CAN VOTE ONCE PER DAY, so please try to vote each day until the 31st. And, please share the link with your friends and family. Have them vote as well. This program will benefit all the survivors in Utah. Thank you!
2. Just found a freebie for you survivors - if you'd like to try a natural deodorant, go to Happy Chemo! and you'll find a place on their home page to sign up to get a FREE sample.
3. I know I've talked to some of you about your blogs, and promised to list them on our blog list here. Of course, if you know me at all, you know that I've got a constant case of Chemo Brain! And, if your blog is not listed, it's because I've forgotten the address, or I've forgotten where I wrote the info down. :-)
All I can say is "Sorry!" If you have a blog about your cancer journey, and you'd like to share it with our readers - if you feel like it could help anyone - please leave a comment and let me know the address of your blog. I'd be happy to put it in our blog list (left sidebar). If you read blogs about cancer that you really enjoy, and think they would be helpful to our readers, leave me a comment with the name and address of the blog. Also, if there are any websites that we haven't listed on our blog (right sidebar), that you feel would be helpful for our readers, please leave a comment with the website address.
I appreciate your help. I'll continue to add blogs and websites when I come across them. And, don't forget to take some time and visit the blogs and websites we've got listed - hopefully you can find something that will be of help or interest.
-Kara
1. Yesterday I met with two wonderful women from The Rack Pack Foundation - a group here in Utah, dedicated to helping women recover from breast cancer. They provide bags full of goodies for women going through treatment, and they brought 5 bags to me - I'm excited to give these bags to the 5 women in our group who are currently going through treatment. I recently told you about The Rack Pack Foundation - they are the group that is sponsoring the Pilates in the Park event on June 25th. I encourage all of you to attend it! I'll be there myself. They are currently trying to win a grant from the LiveStrong Foundation, to set up a 6-week recovery program here in Utah. They are in the lead right now, but need votes. The voting ends on the 31st of May, so we have only one week to make a difference - if you have a minute, please go to the following link and vote for them.
http://vote.livestrong.org/applicants/102-the-christi-anderson-rack-pack-foundation/
YOU CAN VOTE ONCE PER DAY, so please try to vote each day until the 31st. And, please share the link with your friends and family. Have them vote as well. This program will benefit all the survivors in Utah. Thank you!
2. Just found a freebie for you survivors - if you'd like to try a natural deodorant, go to Happy Chemo! and you'll find a place on their home page to sign up to get a FREE sample.
3. I know I've talked to some of you about your blogs, and promised to list them on our blog list here. Of course, if you know me at all, you know that I've got a constant case of Chemo Brain! And, if your blog is not listed, it's because I've forgotten the address, or I've forgotten where I wrote the info down. :-)
All I can say is "Sorry!" If you have a blog about your cancer journey, and you'd like to share it with our readers - if you feel like it could help anyone - please leave a comment and let me know the address of your blog. I'd be happy to put it in our blog list (left sidebar). If you read blogs about cancer that you really enjoy, and think they would be helpful to our readers, leave me a comment with the name and address of the blog. Also, if there are any websites that we haven't listed on our blog (right sidebar), that you feel would be helpful for our readers, please leave a comment with the website address.
I appreciate your help. I'll continue to add blogs and websites when I come across them. And, don't forget to take some time and visit the blogs and websites we've got listed - hopefully you can find something that will be of help or interest.
-Kara
Monday, May 23, 2011
MONDAY MOTIVATION - Each Day is a NEW Day
I'd like to share the following quote with you:
"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
I love the idea that each new day is a NEW day - that we don't need to worry about mistakes or bad decisions, from the previous day. That day is over. Today is a new opportunity to make good choices, and do important things. When I think about this in relation to our cancer journeys, I wonder what lessons we can learn?
Yesterday might have been a difficult day - maybe you were angry once again that you have to deal with cancer. Maybe you just didn't want to talk to anyone, so you didn't answer the phone. Maybe you slept the whole day, because you just didn't have the strength of body or mind to get out of bed. And maybe at the end of yesterday, you felt awful for whatever reason. I've been right there experiencing each of these things, and others.
Today you can start over...
There is nothing wrong with being angry - it's one of the steps of grief. But, maybe today, instead of being angry, you can try to find just one blessing you have been blessed with - just ONE. Once you've found one blessing - acknowledge it. Try to find the joy in that blessing. And be grateful - gratitude is so important.
There is nothing wrong with not wanting to talk to people. Sometimes you just need to go one full day without trying to explain your illness to people. But, maybe today you could decide to take just one or two calls. Try to realize that most people who call are simply worried, and want to help. Let them. It will not only help you - it will bless them as well.
There is nothing wrong with staying in bed all day - I've done it more than once! There are days when you just simply need the rest. It's restorative. Today, try to get up and make a small plan... decide to eat something that will make you stronger, even if it's just something small... step outside and smell those wonderful smells of flowers, grass, sun... do a SMALL household chore - just to prove to yourself you can - do a small batch of laundry, or wash a few dishes, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment, and you'll feel better knowing that you are NOT helpless.
No matter what you did yesterday, today is a NEW day. If you tried to stay busy yesterday, today rest - take care of yourself. If you made dinner yesterday, today let someone else do it. I think that focusing on each day as a separate day - with new possibilities - is good for us. And, if nothing else, work on your acceptance and attitude. Again, there is nothing wrong with going through the steps of grief, including denial, anger, etc. But, I've found that it's so much easier to try to be happy - much easier to put a smile on my face than a frown.
Martha Washington said about attitude: "I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances."
Make today a NEW day - be happy, feel better, and know that there are people thinking about you and praying for you. Have a GREAT day!
-Kara
"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
I love the idea that each new day is a NEW day - that we don't need to worry about mistakes or bad decisions, from the previous day. That day is over. Today is a new opportunity to make good choices, and do important things. When I think about this in relation to our cancer journeys, I wonder what lessons we can learn?
Yesterday might have been a difficult day - maybe you were angry once again that you have to deal with cancer. Maybe you just didn't want to talk to anyone, so you didn't answer the phone. Maybe you slept the whole day, because you just didn't have the strength of body or mind to get out of bed. And maybe at the end of yesterday, you felt awful for whatever reason. I've been right there experiencing each of these things, and others.
Today you can start over...
There is nothing wrong with being angry - it's one of the steps of grief. But, maybe today, instead of being angry, you can try to find just one blessing you have been blessed with - just ONE. Once you've found one blessing - acknowledge it. Try to find the joy in that blessing. And be grateful - gratitude is so important.
There is nothing wrong with not wanting to talk to people. Sometimes you just need to go one full day without trying to explain your illness to people. But, maybe today you could decide to take just one or two calls. Try to realize that most people who call are simply worried, and want to help. Let them. It will not only help you - it will bless them as well.
There is nothing wrong with staying in bed all day - I've done it more than once! There are days when you just simply need the rest. It's restorative. Today, try to get up and make a small plan... decide to eat something that will make you stronger, even if it's just something small... step outside and smell those wonderful smells of flowers, grass, sun... do a SMALL household chore - just to prove to yourself you can - do a small batch of laundry, or wash a few dishes, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment, and you'll feel better knowing that you are NOT helpless.
No matter what you did yesterday, today is a NEW day. If you tried to stay busy yesterday, today rest - take care of yourself. If you made dinner yesterday, today let someone else do it. I think that focusing on each day as a separate day - with new possibilities - is good for us. And, if nothing else, work on your acceptance and attitude. Again, there is nothing wrong with going through the steps of grief, including denial, anger, etc. But, I've found that it's so much easier to try to be happy - much easier to put a smile on my face than a frown.
Martha Washington said about attitude: "I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances."
Make today a NEW day - be happy, feel better, and know that there are people thinking about you and praying for you. Have a GREAT day!
-Kara
Friday, May 20, 2011
FRIDAY FARE: Super Foods - Almonds
I was reading and researching on allrecipes.com about what they call "super foods". I found it very interesting, and thought I'd share a little bit here...
"Superfoods such as [almonds, apples, carrots, milk, kidney beans, salmon, yams and sweet potatoes, spinach, dark chocolate, strawberries, cranberries, and whole grains] work better than supplements to slash your risk of heart disease. Not only do they entertain your taste buds like a four-star chef, they also battle all six deadly heart attackers at the same time. Specifically, these amazing foods can:
* Reduce your risk of artery-clogging atherosclerosis
* Whittle away at cholesterol
* Lower your blood pressure
* Cool inflammation
* Neutralize damaging free radicals
* Reduce your chances of developing metabolic syndrome by keeping blood sugar lower and steadier
* When eaten in healthy portions, help you lose weight"
They also gave a tip I've heard quite often: you can find these "super foods" in the outside aisles of the supermarket - just shop around the perimeter. I thought for the next several "Friday Fare" posts, I'd find one or two healthy recipes that incorporate each of these super foods, and share them here. If you've got any ideas, let me know.
Today: ALMONDS
"Super nutrients: Monounsaturated fat, magnesium, calcium, potassium, fiber.
Serving size. 1 ounce (about 24 almonds); 160 calories.
Benefits: A single serving of these crunchy, protein-packed nuggets provides a whopping 9 grams of monounsaturated fat to help slash LDLs ("bad" cholesterol) and boost HDLs ("good" cholesterol). Simply choosing almonds instead of a doughnut, chips, or pretzels for two snacks a day could cut LDLs nearly by 10 percent. Almonds also pack 6 percent of your daily calcium quota and 20 percent of the magnesium you need--two minerals proven to help lower blood pressure. Bonus: You get 35 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin E, an artery-protecting antioxidant, as well as 3 grams of fiber. Just be sure to stop with one handful at snack time--advice that holds true for all nuts because they're calorie-dense.
Good ideas:
"One serving of almonds fits neatly into an empty Altoids mints tin. Fill the tin each morning and slip it into your purse or briefcase. Toss some almonds into salads, stir-fries, fruit salad, or hot or cold cereal. Keep slivered and sliced almonds on hand (store them in the freezer for freshness) to add to vegetable dishes, muffins, and cookies."
RECIPE: Almond Lemon Chicken (serve over brown rice)
(a few suggestions on this recipe - cut out some of the oil and all of the butter. Use white cooking wine to brown chicken in, lemon zest with the juice, and low-sodium bouillon.)
Ingredients
5 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons Dijon-style prepared mustard
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
6 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 cup sliced almonds
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons orange marmalade
2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
6 slices lemon, for garnish
Directions
Combine the lemon juice, mustard, garlic and white pepper. Beat in 5 tablespoons of the olive oil. Put the chicken in a shallow container and pour the lemon mixture over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
In a large skillet, saute the almonds in 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil until golden. Remove from skillet and reserve. Wipe out the skillet. Drain the chicken, reserving the lemon marinade. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet, then add chicken breasts and brown over high heat until breast is brown on each side (6 to 10 minutes). Remove from skillet and reserve.
Strain the lemon marinade into the skillet. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and cornstarch/water mixture. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half (about 5 minutes). Add marmalade and stir over medium heat until melted. Stir in the butter a bit at a time over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in parsley and red pepper flakes. Return chicken to skillet and heat through. Add reserved almonds and garnish with lemon slices.
ENJOY! Leave a comment and tell me how you liked it.
Next Friday: Apples
-Kara
"Superfoods such as [almonds, apples, carrots, milk, kidney beans, salmon, yams and sweet potatoes, spinach, dark chocolate, strawberries, cranberries, and whole grains] work better than supplements to slash your risk of heart disease. Not only do they entertain your taste buds like a four-star chef, they also battle all six deadly heart attackers at the same time. Specifically, these amazing foods can:
* Reduce your risk of artery-clogging atherosclerosis
* Whittle away at cholesterol
* Lower your blood pressure
* Cool inflammation
* Neutralize damaging free radicals
* Reduce your chances of developing metabolic syndrome by keeping blood sugar lower and steadier
* When eaten in healthy portions, help you lose weight"
They also gave a tip I've heard quite often: you can find these "super foods" in the outside aisles of the supermarket - just shop around the perimeter. I thought for the next several "Friday Fare" posts, I'd find one or two healthy recipes that incorporate each of these super foods, and share them here. If you've got any ideas, let me know.
Today: ALMONDS
"Super nutrients: Monounsaturated fat, magnesium, calcium, potassium, fiber.
Serving size. 1 ounce (about 24 almonds); 160 calories.
Benefits: A single serving of these crunchy, protein-packed nuggets provides a whopping 9 grams of monounsaturated fat to help slash LDLs ("bad" cholesterol) and boost HDLs ("good" cholesterol). Simply choosing almonds instead of a doughnut, chips, or pretzels for two snacks a day could cut LDLs nearly by 10 percent. Almonds also pack 6 percent of your daily calcium quota and 20 percent of the magnesium you need--two minerals proven to help lower blood pressure. Bonus: You get 35 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin E, an artery-protecting antioxidant, as well as 3 grams of fiber. Just be sure to stop with one handful at snack time--advice that holds true for all nuts because they're calorie-dense.
Good ideas:
"One serving of almonds fits neatly into an empty Altoids mints tin. Fill the tin each morning and slip it into your purse or briefcase. Toss some almonds into salads, stir-fries, fruit salad, or hot or cold cereal. Keep slivered and sliced almonds on hand (store them in the freezer for freshness) to add to vegetable dishes, muffins, and cookies."
RECIPE: Almond Lemon Chicken (serve over brown rice)
(a few suggestions on this recipe - cut out some of the oil and all of the butter. Use white cooking wine to brown chicken in, lemon zest with the juice, and low-sodium bouillon.)
Ingredients
5 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons Dijon-style prepared mustard
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
6 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 cup sliced almonds
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons orange marmalade
2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
6 slices lemon, for garnish
Directions
Combine the lemon juice, mustard, garlic and white pepper. Beat in 5 tablespoons of the olive oil. Put the chicken in a shallow container and pour the lemon mixture over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
In a large skillet, saute the almonds in 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil until golden. Remove from skillet and reserve. Wipe out the skillet. Drain the chicken, reserving the lemon marinade. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet, then add chicken breasts and brown over high heat until breast is brown on each side (6 to 10 minutes). Remove from skillet and reserve.
Strain the lemon marinade into the skillet. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and cornstarch/water mixture. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half (about 5 minutes). Add marmalade and stir over medium heat until melted. Stir in the butter a bit at a time over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in parsley and red pepper flakes. Return chicken to skillet and heat through. Add reserved almonds and garnish with lemon slices.
ENJOY! Leave a comment and tell me how you liked it.
Next Friday: Apples
-Kara
Thursday, May 19, 2011
THURSDAY THOUGHTS - The Art of Temperance
While writing the history of a dear friend of mine, I found an excerpt written very lightly in pencil in her own hand writing that she had found in a magazine article somewhere. I thought its contents were so wonderful that I decided to use if for this weeks entry. It reads:
"Lord, thou knowest that I am growing older. Keep me from being too talkative and particularly keep me from falling into the habit of expressing an opinion on every subject. Please release me from the craving to straighten our everybody's affairs. Keep my mind free form the recital of endless details. Give me wings to get to the point. Give me the grace, Dear Lord,to listen to others describe their aches and pains. Help me to endure the boredom with patience and to keep my lips sealed. For my own aches and pains are increasing in number and intensity and the pleasure of discussing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Teach me to be reasonably sweet; I do not wish to be a saint (saints are so hard to live with) but a sour old woman is the crowning work of the Devil. Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not pushy; independent yet able to accept with graciousness, favors that others bestow on me. Free me of the notion that simply because I have lived a long time, that I am wiser than those who have not lived as long. If I do not approve of some of the changes that have taken place in recent years,give me the wisdomcto keep my mouth shut. Lord knows that when the end comes, I would like to have a friend or two left."
I absolutely loved this quote. It reminds me of the word TEMPERANCE which is mentioned in the scriptures in many places. Temperance is the art of shutting our mouths before others want to shut them FOR us. It is food for us to remember that there is a time and a place for everything and sometimes silence is the best medicine of all.
Kathy Christensen
Sister Survivor
Guest Blogger
"Lord, thou knowest that I am growing older. Keep me from being too talkative and particularly keep me from falling into the habit of expressing an opinion on every subject. Please release me from the craving to straighten our everybody's affairs. Keep my mind free form the recital of endless details. Give me wings to get to the point. Give me the grace, Dear Lord,to listen to others describe their aches and pains. Help me to endure the boredom with patience and to keep my lips sealed. For my own aches and pains are increasing in number and intensity and the pleasure of discussing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Teach me to be reasonably sweet; I do not wish to be a saint (saints are so hard to live with) but a sour old woman is the crowning work of the Devil. Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not pushy; independent yet able to accept with graciousness, favors that others bestow on me. Free me of the notion that simply because I have lived a long time, that I am wiser than those who have not lived as long. If I do not approve of some of the changes that have taken place in recent years,give me the wisdomcto keep my mouth shut. Lord knows that when the end comes, I would like to have a friend or two left."
I absolutely loved this quote. It reminds me of the word TEMPERANCE which is mentioned in the scriptures in many places. Temperance is the art of shutting our mouths before others want to shut them FOR us. It is food for us to remember that there is a time and a place for everything and sometimes silence is the best medicine of all.
Kathy Christensen
Sister Survivor
Guest Blogger
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
TUESDAY TIDINGS - Pilates in the Park
I got an email from the Young Survivor Sisters - a survivor group that I belong to here in Utah (I think it's for 45 years and younger). They were informing their members about an event called Pilates in the Park. It's sponsored by The Christi Anderson Rack Pack Foundation, located in Sandy, UT. It's on Saturday, June 25th, at 10:00 am. For a $15 donation, you are invited to participate in a Pilates session in the park, and, afterward, a brunch. All proceeds will help benefit breast cancer patients in Utah. Here is the flier (click on it to enlarge):
I encourage you to participate in this. Also, please visit the Rack Pack's website for more information on their non-profit foundation... CHRISTI ANDERSON RACK PACK FOUNDATION
-Kara
I encourage you to participate in this. Also, please visit the Rack Pack's website for more information on their non-profit foundation... CHRISTI ANDERSON RACK PACK FOUNDATION
-Kara
Monday, May 16, 2011
MONDAY MENTIONABLES - The High Cost of Beauty...
Last night, while I was getting ready for bed, I realized that I've added some things to my "beauty" routine since I was diagnosed with cancer - things I don't think I EVER would have added if I didn't have to...
1. I'm using Latisse eyelash growing/thickening solution on my eyelashes at night.
2. I'm using LiBrow eyebrow growing/thickening solution on my eyebrows every day right before my makeup goes on.
These two items are a must in my routine now, because my eyelashes and eyebrows have not grown back like I wished. It's depressing. But, I will say that these two items really do work! I'll continue to use them.
3. I now have to use a concealer under my eye, because of the dark circles chemo gave me (thanks chemo).
Besides the dark circles under my eyes, I also have very uneven skin tone. I don't like to wear liquid foundation, but I do use a powder concealer that works pretty well. My favorite face makeup is Mary Kay Simply Flawless - I've been using it for years.
4. My skin looks much older now, so I am using two new (to me) products on my face - one in the morning and one at night...
Day: Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum. My skin just sucks this in - I love it.
Night: Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment. This smells so yummy. It's a little bit heavier than the Regenerating Serum, though.
5. I now have several scars, and I'm using Palmer's Cocoa Butter Oil on those. It's amazing.
6. To thicken my hair, I'm trying to remember to take vitamins and drink a whey protein shake. It does help.
Phew! ALL of that is added to what I normally do each day (makeup, hair care, etc.) I'm pretty high maintenance! And, the older I get, the higher the cost to keep me happy! Haha!
What kinds of products do you use now, since your cancer diagnosis? What is your #1 favorite product?
1. I'm using Latisse eyelash growing/thickening solution on my eyelashes at night.
2. I'm using LiBrow eyebrow growing/thickening solution on my eyebrows every day right before my makeup goes on.
These two items are a must in my routine now, because my eyelashes and eyebrows have not grown back like I wished. It's depressing. But, I will say that these two items really do work! I'll continue to use them.
3. I now have to use a concealer under my eye, because of the dark circles chemo gave me (thanks chemo).
Besides the dark circles under my eyes, I also have very uneven skin tone. I don't like to wear liquid foundation, but I do use a powder concealer that works pretty well. My favorite face makeup is Mary Kay Simply Flawless - I've been using it for years.
4. My skin looks much older now, so I am using two new (to me) products on my face - one in the morning and one at night...
Day: Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum. My skin just sucks this in - I love it.
Night: Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment. This smells so yummy. It's a little bit heavier than the Regenerating Serum, though.
5. I now have several scars, and I'm using Palmer's Cocoa Butter Oil on those. It's amazing.
6. To thicken my hair, I'm trying to remember to take vitamins and drink a whey protein shake. It does help.
Phew! ALL of that is added to what I normally do each day (makeup, hair care, etc.) I'm pretty high maintenance! And, the older I get, the higher the cost to keep me happy! Haha!
What kinds of products do you use now, since your cancer diagnosis? What is your #1 favorite product?
Saturday, May 14, 2011
SATURDAY STRENGTH: Exercise Does Help With Side Effects...
I don't know about you, but even though my last chemo treatment was over 2 years ago, I still have aches and pains, and fatigue. It's very frustrating. I've searched the internet to see if others are experiencing this same thing, and sure enough... there are tons of survivors who feel like this. I've been trying to figure out a way to get rid of these side effects from chemo, and I keep thinking that exercise will help. But, it's so darn hard to exercise when you feel so awful. Finally... I just found a testimonial from a cancer survivor, that assured me that exercise DID help her. I thought I'd share what I found...
I had chemo and radiation 22 months ago and I as well have aches and joint pains. I can't say it was/is excruciating but I felt my body was turning into this old crippled woman. I had to do something. About 3 months ago I started exercising. NOT for weight loss/control but for a healthy well being. I was walking some, however I didn't feel the benefit until I increased my workout. I do a combo of may different things since I tend to get bored with the same exercise, and quit! I jump rope, jog some, do some stairs, some Taebo, sit- ups, weights and a little toning. It takes about a hour. I cannot express how much this has helped me. I now occasionally have pains. Usually in my hips. Some have totally disappeared. The numbness and tingleness in my feet and toes seems to have improved. I feel like I have my life back, after almost 2 years! I now have the energy to do things I couldn't. Starting out was VERY hard. My knees hurt terribly, and ankles. It was very frustrating. I was trying to help other things but created other pains. However I kept doing it, (5 days a week) and it passed within a couple of weeks. I dont know if you have a exercise routine, but I hope this will encourage you and others to do so. Especially those that have joint pains. I feel this has been my saving grace.
Keep in mind - if you are experiencing pain, or anything unusual - don't forget to mention it to your doctor at your next checkup. That's really important. There could be something wrong. However, if he thinks you are physically fine, then maybe try to start exercising. If you are already doing this, then try doing a little more. And be patient - remember, she said that it took a little while before she could see results, as far as relief from pain.
I hope this helps.
-Kara
I had chemo and radiation 22 months ago and I as well have aches and joint pains. I can't say it was/is excruciating but I felt my body was turning into this old crippled woman. I had to do something. About 3 months ago I started exercising. NOT for weight loss/control but for a healthy well being. I was walking some, however I didn't feel the benefit until I increased my workout. I do a combo of may different things since I tend to get bored with the same exercise, and quit! I jump rope, jog some, do some stairs, some Taebo, sit- ups, weights and a little toning. It takes about a hour. I cannot express how much this has helped me. I now occasionally have pains. Usually in my hips. Some have totally disappeared. The numbness and tingleness in my feet and toes seems to have improved. I feel like I have my life back, after almost 2 years! I now have the energy to do things I couldn't. Starting out was VERY hard. My knees hurt terribly, and ankles. It was very frustrating. I was trying to help other things but created other pains. However I kept doing it, (5 days a week) and it passed within a couple of weeks. I dont know if you have a exercise routine, but I hope this will encourage you and others to do so. Especially those that have joint pains. I feel this has been my saving grace.
Keep in mind - if you are experiencing pain, or anything unusual - don't forget to mention it to your doctor at your next checkup. That's really important. There could be something wrong. However, if he thinks you are physically fine, then maybe try to start exercising. If you are already doing this, then try doing a little more. And be patient - remember, she said that it took a little while before she could see results, as far as relief from pain.
I hope this helps.
-Kara
Friday, May 13, 2011
FRIDAY FARE: Pineapple Chicken Salad Pitas
I saw some chicken salad at Costco the other day. It looked good, but there were a few problems: I could tell just by looking at it that it wasn't a healthy recipe, and there was no fruit mixed in - I love chicken salad with fruit. So, I didn't get it. And, I'm still craving a good, healthy chicken salad. I found the following recipe on Cookinglight.com, and thought it sounded yummy - and a plus... I've got all of the ingredients at home with me. Hope you like it!
Pineapple Chicken Salad Pitas
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup matchstick-cut carrots
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained
4 (6-inch) whole wheat pitas, each cut in half
8 Romaine lettuce leaves
Preparation
Combine first 11 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well. Line each pita half with 1 lettuce leaf; fill each half with 1/3 cup chicken mixture.
Michele Powers, Cooking Light
MAY 2007
A fun little tidbit: I could never say the word Worcestershire, until I worked at a Dream Dinners with a girl who was from England. She taught me how to say it, and I was surprised at how easy it is: Woo-ste-shir. Easy peezy!
Pineapple Chicken Salad Pitas
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup matchstick-cut carrots
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained
4 (6-inch) whole wheat pitas, each cut in half
8 Romaine lettuce leaves
Preparation
Combine first 11 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well. Line each pita half with 1 lettuce leaf; fill each half with 1/3 cup chicken mixture.
Michele Powers, Cooking Light
MAY 2007
A fun little tidbit: I could never say the word Worcestershire, until I worked at a Dream Dinners with a girl who was from England. She taught me how to say it, and I was surprised at how easy it is: Woo-ste-shir. Easy peezy!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
ALMOST WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Take a Seat!
I have this "thing" for chairs - especially unusual chairs. I was wondering this morning, if I could find a cool pink chair - and sure enough... a search of pink chairs on Google turned up some awesome finds! The question now is... am I daring enough to buy one??!! And WHERE would I put it?
This damask chair is just plain beautiful. Wish there was a better picture.
Haha! These remind me of the dryers in my mom's beauty salon when I was growing up - they weren't this lovely pink, though. ;-)
Oh, wow. What a fabulous chair!
Beautiful - the color is so unusual.
How can you go wrong with pink leather?! This suede chair looks SO comfy!
This chair is great - the shape, the stripes... everything!
I can stop now. I've found THE chair - this one is my favorite. LOVE this! Retro is so COOL!
Time to carve out a place in my house for my pink chair. Which one makes you happy?
This damask chair is just plain beautiful. Wish there was a better picture.
Haha! These remind me of the dryers in my mom's beauty salon when I was growing up - they weren't this lovely pink, though. ;-)
Oh, wow. What a fabulous chair!
Beautiful - the color is so unusual.
How can you go wrong with pink leather?! This suede chair looks SO comfy!
This chair is great - the shape, the stripes... everything!
I can stop now. I've found THE chair - this one is my favorite. LOVE this! Retro is so COOL!
Time to carve out a place in my house for my pink chair. Which one makes you happy?
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
TUESDAY TIDINGS - Our 1 Year Birthday Party - This Thursday...
Just a reminder that this Thursday - May 12th - is our Sister Survivors 1 Year Birthday Party. We are so excited to see all of our members there. :-)
It will be held at our regular meeting place - the law offices - at 7:00 pm.
We'll enjoy a birthday cake made by one of our members - B-Jo. We'll have a walk down memory lane, which pictures. We'll be making sugar scrubs as birthday gifts to take home. And, there will be plenty of time to hang out with each other, and talk.
Please call if you have any questions...
801-360-4666 (Kara)
-Kara
Dir. of Marketing
Sister Survivors
It will be held at our regular meeting place - the law offices - at 7:00 pm.
We'll enjoy a birthday cake made by one of our members - B-Jo. We'll have a walk down memory lane, which pictures. We'll be making sugar scrubs as birthday gifts to take home. And, there will be plenty of time to hang out with each other, and talk.
Please call if you have any questions...
801-360-4666 (Kara)
-Kara
Dir. of Marketing
Sister Survivors
Saturday, May 7, 2011
SATURDAY STRENGTH: Jyze - equipment that helps with rehabilitation...
Having breast cancer can cause of sorts of problems, but one of the problems I've found is that I'm having a hard time getting my strength back. I've been going through all of my exercise equipment - to see what might help, especially with my chest and arms. I unearthed this really cool equipment that I bought a few years back. I'm excited to use it - I think it might be a very good thing! It's called Jyze.
I know - sounds weird, but I think you'll like it. One of the things that attracted my attention was that it's good for rehabilitating surgical repairs. Here's some information from their brochure...
Jyze delivers breakthrough utility in rehabilitating injuries and surgical repairs. Jyze's short or long arc exercises improve functional ability and athletic performance and can be used in treating many chronic conditions. With it's simple but easy to use winding action, Jyze provides:
-Extreme versatility with unlimited exercise techniques and uses consistent with today's best rehabilitation protocols
-A spinning action the provides great visual feedback and encourages higher repetitions and longer, stronger workouts
-Improvements in spinal stability, proprioceptive awareness, muscular fitness, and cardiovascular fitness
-Multiple resistance levels with smooth and comfortable pace-based resistance with 3 to 70 pounds of force
-An addition to existing workouts (or it can be used stand-alone for rehabilitation and a return to full function)
I went to their website, and it looks like the system costs $19.95 - for that, you get the yellow resistance band (3-15 pounds) and the orange resistance band (8-30 pounds), a DVD, and some other stuff. I tried to click on the "Shopping" link, but couldn't get anywhere, so if you are interested in this item, you'll probably have to contact them. The email is: info@jyzefit.com The address is: 522 W. 4630 N., Provo, UT 84604
U.S.A.
This item was also featured in Prevention Magazine - to read about it, click HERE.
I know - sounds weird, but I think you'll like it. One of the things that attracted my attention was that it's good for rehabilitating surgical repairs. Here's some information from their brochure...
Jyze delivers breakthrough utility in rehabilitating injuries and surgical repairs. Jyze's short or long arc exercises improve functional ability and athletic performance and can be used in treating many chronic conditions. With it's simple but easy to use winding action, Jyze provides:
-Extreme versatility with unlimited exercise techniques and uses consistent with today's best rehabilitation protocols
-A spinning action the provides great visual feedback and encourages higher repetitions and longer, stronger workouts
-Improvements in spinal stability, proprioceptive awareness, muscular fitness, and cardiovascular fitness
-Multiple resistance levels with smooth and comfortable pace-based resistance with 3 to 70 pounds of force
-An addition to existing workouts (or it can be used stand-alone for rehabilitation and a return to full function)
I went to their website, and it looks like the system costs $19.95 - for that, you get the yellow resistance band (3-15 pounds) and the orange resistance band (8-30 pounds), a DVD, and some other stuff. I tried to click on the "Shopping" link, but couldn't get anywhere, so if you are interested in this item, you'll probably have to contact them. The email is: info@jyzefit.com The address is: 522 W. 4630 N., Provo, UT 84604
U.S.A.
This item was also featured in Prevention Magazine - to read about it, click HERE.
Friday, May 6, 2011
FRIDAY FARE: Eggs Italiano - for a Mother's Day Brunch
How about a healthy brunch recipe for Mother's Day - something that is equally easy to make and absolutely beautiful to behold?! This recipe comes from EatingWell.com...
EGGS ITALIANO
Ingredients
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound zucchini, (about 2 medium), diced
12 ounces plum tomatoes, (3-4), diced
3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil, divided
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
8 large eggs
4 whole-wheat English muffins, split and toasted
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Fill a large, straight-sided skillet or Dutch oven with 2 inches of water; bring to a boil. Add white vinegar. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in zucchini and tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in 1 tablespoon basil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, reduce the boiling water to a gentle simmer; the water should be steaming and small bubbles should come up from the bottom of the pan. Crack each egg into a small bowl and slip them one at a time into the simmering water, taking care not to break the yolks. Cook for 4 minutes for soft set, 5 minutes for medium set and 8 minutes for hard set. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to a clean kitchen towel to drain.
To serve, top each muffin half with some of the vegetable mixture, an egg, a sprinkling of cheese and the remaining basil.
Nutrition
Per serving: 329 calories; 14 g fat ( 4 g sat , 6 g mono ); 425 mg cholesterol; 31 g carbohydrates; 22 g protein; 5 g fiber; 675 mg sodium; 570 mg potassium.
EGGS ITALIANO
Ingredients
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound zucchini, (about 2 medium), diced
12 ounces plum tomatoes, (3-4), diced
3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil, divided
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
8 large eggs
4 whole-wheat English muffins, split and toasted
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation
Fill a large, straight-sided skillet or Dutch oven with 2 inches of water; bring to a boil. Add white vinegar. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in zucchini and tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in 1 tablespoon basil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, reduce the boiling water to a gentle simmer; the water should be steaming and small bubbles should come up from the bottom of the pan. Crack each egg into a small bowl and slip them one at a time into the simmering water, taking care not to break the yolks. Cook for 4 minutes for soft set, 5 minutes for medium set and 8 minutes for hard set. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to a clean kitchen towel to drain.
To serve, top each muffin half with some of the vegetable mixture, an egg, a sprinkling of cheese and the remaining basil.
Nutrition
Per serving: 329 calories; 14 g fat ( 4 g sat , 6 g mono ); 425 mg cholesterol; 31 g carbohydrates; 22 g protein; 5 g fiber; 675 mg sodium; 570 mg potassium.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Small Acts of Service
It has been said that caring is the work of experts, but strengthening the life in one another is the work of human beings. Any time we share someone's joy we bless the life in them. When you strengthen the life around you perhaps you strengthen the life within you. The kind of service that transforms us most has our fingerprints on it. It is rarely accomplished by simply signing a check. No matter what means we use, service is always a work of the heart.
In this wonderful group that we belong to, I see people giving small acts of service all around me. Perhaps it is a phone call to celebrate the end of someone's Chemo Therapy. Perhaps it is a small treat that may add joy to someone's day. Perhaps it is a note in the mail or a hat made to cover the head of a sister who has lost her hair due to her treatments. I have even seen pillows made to ease the pain and discomfort of those of us who are too weak to get out of bed very much. And our monthly support meetings are a source of comfort,friendship and sisterhood for those who attend.
I think this group is one of noble sisterhood which gets stronger as the weeks pass. We will celebrate our first birthday this month. Kudos to all of you who give service in many unique ways. I think that our hearts get stronger and stronger as we give meaningful service to one another.
Kathy Christensen
Guest Blogger
Sister Survivor Member
In this wonderful group that we belong to, I see people giving small acts of service all around me. Perhaps it is a phone call to celebrate the end of someone's Chemo Therapy. Perhaps it is a small treat that may add joy to someone's day. Perhaps it is a note in the mail or a hat made to cover the head of a sister who has lost her hair due to her treatments. I have even seen pillows made to ease the pain and discomfort of those of us who are too weak to get out of bed very much. And our monthly support meetings are a source of comfort,friendship and sisterhood for those who attend.
I think this group is one of noble sisterhood which gets stronger as the weeks pass. We will celebrate our first birthday this month. Kudos to all of you who give service in many unique ways. I think that our hearts get stronger and stronger as we give meaningful service to one another.
Kathy Christensen
Guest Blogger
Sister Survivor Member
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
ALMOST WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Inspiration Stones
(Inspirational stones hand-painted by Central Florida artist Chrissie Grace)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
TUESDAY TIPS - Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure - this weekend...
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is this weekend in Salt Lake City. This is just a reminder to our support group - we have a team registered to walk in the race. Our team name is "Hope Chests". There are about 4 people on the team right now. I hope more of you will sign up - it really is a great event. It's a great way to celebrate conquering the cancer monster. Go to http://www.komenslc.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/race-information/ to sign up, and walk with your fellow survivors!
Monday, May 2, 2011
MONDAY MOTIVATION - IN THE ARMS OF A MOTHER
This weekend was a momentous one for our family. We were all together for what will probably be the last time - at least for about 4 1/2 years. My oldest son, Grant (23), came home from college to spend some time with us. We spent Saturday as a family - it was Michael's 21st birthday. We had a great time together. Family pictures were in order. Even though it snowed in the morning, we were able to go in the afternoon and spend time at the Utah State Hospital grounds - what is referred to as "Provo Castle" - for pictures. This is a really old, rock amphitheater - we got some great pictures (I hope - I have yet to see them). We laughed, and laughed, as we tried to be serious for the pictures. Grant took them - he has started a photography business - and I saw just how hard and time-consuming it is to set a picture up that you, yourself, have to be in. But, I'm grateful I could have him do that. The kids played around on the grounds - even going so far as to have races rolling down the hill. You'd think they were all under 5! We went to lunch - something that doesn't happen very often because of the cost. And, then, that night, Michael, Grant, Rick, and I went to see the movie, Atlas Shrugged - something we'd been waiting to do for awhile. We've all read the book, and couldn't wait to see the movie. Anyone who hadn't read the book (Alex and Matthew), had to stay home! ;-)
All in all, it was a wonderful day - a special kind of day that we don't often get to have. And won't, again, for a long time. You see, Grant is leaving the country for a summer job, and he won't be back until the end of August. Michael is leaving on August 3rd for an LDS mission - we won't see him again for 2 years. He'll leave before Grant comes home. And then, Alex (who is almost 17), will most likely leave for his mission before Michael returns home. He, also, will be gone for 2 years. By the time he returns home, we will probably have more members of the family. So, this really is probably the last time we will be a family - together - just the way we are right now. My heart is breaking just a little bit at the thought.
Late Saturday night, Rick gave Grant a priesthood blessing - a father's blessing (something we do in our church) for his protection and safety. And then Grant spent some time giving Michael advice about his mission. It was very tender. There was a lot of weeping.
If you would have driven past our house on Saturday night - just a little bit after 10:00 pm - you would have seen what looked like a football huddle out on the lawn, next to Grant's car. It was actually a huddle hug. We all grabbed each other, and hugged tight - arms wrapped around bodies. It felt, to me, like something was ending. Some precious, special time. I can't adequately describe it. Of course, I was the only one who felt like my body was cracking apart. With a house full of boys, there is usually some confusion at to why Mom is crying at any given point! But, I'm so grateful for that time - for the huddle hug. A mother needs to have her arms around her children sometimes. Ah... those beautiful, beautiful boys of mine!
As I've been reflecting on my feelings this weekend, I've tried to pinpoint why I had to have that time - just the six of us. Why was it so important to me? 2.5 years ago, when I was diagnosed with cancer, that's all I wanted - to gather my kids and husband around me, and not let them out of my sight. My son, Grant, was on a mission in Japan, and I could physically feel that hole in my life. I remember not being able to sleep at night, and roaming my house - looking in on my children and watching them sleep. If I could just touch each of them each day, that was enough to get me through whatever the day held. Why is that? Why is it that at every momentous time in our lives, having family near is so important? As important as food or water, or even air.
As you can probably tell, I'm having a hard time with this changing time in my life. I don't want my kids to grow up and leave. As a mother, just the thought rips my heart to shreds. But... life goes on, doesn't it? We grow, we survive, we thrive. We look forward - not backward - and continue to find joy in simple things. Things like putting our arms around our children, or feeling gratitude for a sweet neighbor who serves us, or even just waking up to another beautiful day here on this earth.
I hope all of you can find something that will give you joy - no matter what you have to face in the future.
-Kara
All in all, it was a wonderful day - a special kind of day that we don't often get to have. And won't, again, for a long time. You see, Grant is leaving the country for a summer job, and he won't be back until the end of August. Michael is leaving on August 3rd for an LDS mission - we won't see him again for 2 years. He'll leave before Grant comes home. And then, Alex (who is almost 17), will most likely leave for his mission before Michael returns home. He, also, will be gone for 2 years. By the time he returns home, we will probably have more members of the family. So, this really is probably the last time we will be a family - together - just the way we are right now. My heart is breaking just a little bit at the thought.
Late Saturday night, Rick gave Grant a priesthood blessing - a father's blessing (something we do in our church) for his protection and safety. And then Grant spent some time giving Michael advice about his mission. It was very tender. There was a lot of weeping.
If you would have driven past our house on Saturday night - just a little bit after 10:00 pm - you would have seen what looked like a football huddle out on the lawn, next to Grant's car. It was actually a huddle hug. We all grabbed each other, and hugged tight - arms wrapped around bodies. It felt, to me, like something was ending. Some precious, special time. I can't adequately describe it. Of course, I was the only one who felt like my body was cracking apart. With a house full of boys, there is usually some confusion at to why Mom is crying at any given point! But, I'm so grateful for that time - for the huddle hug. A mother needs to have her arms around her children sometimes. Ah... those beautiful, beautiful boys of mine!
As I've been reflecting on my feelings this weekend, I've tried to pinpoint why I had to have that time - just the six of us. Why was it so important to me? 2.5 years ago, when I was diagnosed with cancer, that's all I wanted - to gather my kids and husband around me, and not let them out of my sight. My son, Grant, was on a mission in Japan, and I could physically feel that hole in my life. I remember not being able to sleep at night, and roaming my house - looking in on my children and watching them sleep. If I could just touch each of them each day, that was enough to get me through whatever the day held. Why is that? Why is it that at every momentous time in our lives, having family near is so important? As important as food or water, or even air.
As you can probably tell, I'm having a hard time with this changing time in my life. I don't want my kids to grow up and leave. As a mother, just the thought rips my heart to shreds. But... life goes on, doesn't it? We grow, we survive, we thrive. We look forward - not backward - and continue to find joy in simple things. Things like putting our arms around our children, or feeling gratitude for a sweet neighbor who serves us, or even just waking up to another beautiful day here on this earth.
I hope all of you can find something that will give you joy - no matter what you have to face in the future.
-Kara
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