Shoot ...they want my photo!

I heard from Kathleen today, she said they are still considering the article about featuring me and Suzanne Somers in First Magazine, but it is still in the preliminary stages.

So, keep your fingers crossed for me that her Editor is interested and it moves forward, ...oh, and if they do, she asked me about doing a Photo-shoot. How cool would that be?

Whether it does or not, I'm really flattered that she selected me to be featured, ...and toying with the idea of being in the magazine has been really fun for me.

I also wanted to share the link to FIRST Magazine with you, it's www.myfirstforwomen.com .

I'm Stepping Up my Game!

Okay, so you know how much I love working out doing my daily Weight Training, ...but I have to tell you that I have been incorporating some Stepping too.

And, with all the excitement with the magazine, I became motivated to "step up" my game. So instead of 1 set on the Stepper 2-3 times per week, ...I'm now doing 5 sets a day!

Yeah, I know, ...crazy!

It's just so addicting and I just can't help myself because it makes me feel so good!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

I wish much joy and happiness to you and your families, ...may all your dreams and wishes come true.

RINGing in the New Year!

Oh, my god, ...I'm just beside myself.

After months and months of not being able to wear my wedding rings, ...I have lost enough weight that I can now wear them!

Isn't it funny, how the "little" things make such a difference. And, when you add some "sparkle" into your life it just makes you shine!

Strawberry Surprise Muffins

Ingredients:
1 cup FAT FREE plain yogurt
1 cup rhubarb sauce (see recipe below)
2 cups strawberry rhubarb (see recipe below)
1 cup 5 grain whole oats
1 cup organic wheat bran
1 cup organic finely milled whole wheat flour
1 cup Grape Nuts cereal
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tarter
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup Whey Low GOLD

Procedure:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, add yogurt, rhubarb sauce, and strawberry rhubarb (DO NOT drain off excess liquid from rhubarb), stir to combine.
3. Next, add whole oats, wheat bran, whole wheat flour, grape nuts cereal, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Mix well until combined.
4. Spoon batter into a 12 cup silicone muffin pan lined with paper cups and place on baking sheet. Dust muffin tops with Whey Low Gold*.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, remove from oven and allow to cool.
6. Pop muffins out of cups and place in a large ziplock freezer bag. Keep refrigerated or frozen until ready to use.

Eat & Enjoy!,
Betsÿ

Note: When reheating from frozen state, just pop 2 muffins in the microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute each and they are ready to eat!



ADDITIONAL RECIPES:
Rhubarb Sauce:
2 cups rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
1/3 cup Whey Low Granular* (you can use any sugar substitute)
1/4 cup water
2 tsp. strawberry extract

Place ingredients in a small saucepan, cook until rhubarb softens and breaks apart while stirring often. Finished sauce should resemble cooked applesauce, set aside to cool.


Strawberry Rhubarb:
2 cups fresh or frozen rhubarb
1 cup Torani Sugar Free Strawberry Syrup

Place rhubarb in small storage bag, add 1 cup sugar free strawberry syrup, securely seal and place in refrigerator for 24 hours. Occasionally turn bag so that the syrup will be evenly distributed over the rhubarb.


*Whey Low Granular and Whey Low GOLD are sugar substitutes, you can purchase these at http://www.wheylow.com/ .

And it just keeps getting better!

I'm back, ...and with another muffin recipe!

Yep, I've been at it again, and I have to say this one is definately my favorite one yet! LoL

It's so moist and delicious and just full of nutrition, ...I know, I know, your all saying "okay, okay tell me" ...it's my Strawberry Surprise muffins!

I've posted the recipe in the Recipe Box, ...so, if your looking for something that is fat free and full of healthy goodness, give it a try!

FIRST, second, ...

I was asked to send my Before Photo and a Current Photo to Kathleen at FIRST Magazine for the article, ...I had such a hard time looking at the before photo. It really forced me to take another hard look at myself and then deal with the fact that I "was" overweight.

It's just so odd that our minds really can and do fool us, ...honestly, I never thought I was fat during that time. I knew I had gained weight, but I just avoided looking at myself in the mirror. So, when you don't face something, that old addage that it doesn't exist comes into play.

Here's to a new "me" and to no longer playing games with myself, ...now I'm facing all my fears, head on. No more hiding or avoiding the things that make me unhappy and uncomfortable. And, I have to tell you, ...I just couldn't be happier about it. It really gives you a sense of peace when you resolve your issues rather than run from them.

I wish for each and everyone of you to find peace with yourselves and the strength to face your fears.

I wanna be FIRST!

I have some exciting news to share ...

I was contacted by Kathleen Wilcox, Senior Associate Editor of First Magazine to be featured in an upcoming article about Suzanne Somers.

I am so excited, ...and I love that this is happening just as I'm starting my Christmas break, talk about motivation to stay on track during the holidays! LoL

Loving it!

Memories

Thought it would be fun to add a Photo Album to my Blog!

Do your body good!

I love this stuff!

I don't have high cholesterol but I am very health conscience when it comes to the foods that I put into my body.

In June of 2007 I discovered that Kroger, a local grocery store chain launched a new milk product called Active Lifestyle Fat Free Milk. It contains plant sterols (all natural plant sources) which help reduce "bad" cholesterol and the risk of coronary heart disease.

It's a win-win product in my opinion and the taste is unbelieveable! Currently, it is only sold in 1/2 gallons, but I'm sure with more awareness and demand it won't be long before it is available in whole gallons.

So, if you shop at ...

Kroger

Kroger Marketplace

Ralphs

Fred Meyer

Food 4 Less

King Soopers

Smith's

Smith's Marketplace

Fry's

Fry's Marketplace

Dillons

QFC

City Market

...do your body good and pick up a 1/2 gallon of Active Lifestyle Fat Free Milk today and give it a try!

Losing it and Loving it!!!

I am so happy and proud to be a "Loser" ...my official weigh in this week was 162 lbs. I am excited to have now lost 20 lbs. and 22.5" over-all.

I made a little Sig Tag to celebrate, ...if you would like to order one for yourself or a friend, please visit www.growlibear.com and click on Sig Tags.

The tag costs $3.00, and is personalized with your name, hair color, and weight. You can display it in your emails or on your website!

To support your weight-loss efforts, when you complete the order form, mention that you saw this Sig Tag advertised on my weight-loss blog and you will recieve it at 50% off!

Do you have clutter bugs living at your house?

Yes, it's true, clutter seems to find me where-ever I go. I just don't understand it sometimes, because, ...honestly, there is an orgainzed person living inside of me! LoL

It's just crazy how quickly things seem to pile up?

I think some people have the misconception that people who have clutter are lazy, don't feel like putting things away, or just plain don't care about their surroundings. Well, I can only speak for myself but I can tell you for sure that none of these things describe me.

I think it comes down to "time" ...and for me that is something that I always seem to be lacking. I think it's because I choose to tackle too many things and it's hard to balance them on a daily basis.

I work 10 1/2 hours a day running my daycare. I have two online business's that I own and operate in the evenings/week-ends. I am enrolled in college working towards my degree. I am a wife and mother to a family of 5 with 4 pets. I home-school my 14 year old son. I do all the shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, bill paying, ...and the list goes on.

So, when you look at my life from this angle it's easy to see how clutter can begin to hang out, ...when I'm busy with one task, the clutter sits patiently and waits for me to come and send it away. And, when clutter sees that your not looking at it, it invites it's friends and before you know it you have an entire neighborhood of clutter bugs living in your house.

Okay, my house really isn't as bad as what you see featured on "Clean House" ...which by the way I just love that show! It's so inspiring and I think all of us can relate to some degree and it always makes us feel better to know someone else out there is worse off than us. Sounds cruel to say but you know it's true!

So, with loosing weight, I feel that I need to find a way to loose some of the clutter weight too!

I am a very organized, multi-tasking person who strives on balance and structure. It's important to me to be consistant when it comes to establishing a routine and then sticking to it. Now, I just need to find a "clean house" routine and get it established so that I can get rid of those clutter bugs once and for all! Well, okay, ...maybe, I'll let them come for a visit once in a while? On second thought, ...Nah!!! LoL

Pasting Post-its!

Can you believe it's already Wednesday?

I have been so incredible busy, seems sometimes there's just never enough time. I've always said to "find yourself" you have to "loose yourself in something bigger" and I've definately been doing that this week.

I have had so much going on that I have been relying on my trusty post-it notes to keep me from forgetting things. I am beginning to look like the post-it queen! LoL

I bought Kenny a new car for his birthday, ...it's a 2007 Ford Focus. Red or course! LoL I know how much he loves his camaro but he had been talking for a long time about wanting to get a smaller car and keeping the camaro and putting it in storage. So, that is now a reality, ...and so is having car payments again! LoL

Whenever we "shake" things up financially, it causes me to re-evaluate our budget and find ways to "save" money and to "earn" more money. So, the first was sorta easy, instead of continuing with monthly payments, I just went ahead and paid off several loans/credit card bills so that the new car payment would have a place in our existing budget. Next, I began looking for ways to earn more money.

It made more sense for me to try and supplement my income, so I came up with a few ideas. Since, I love to write, I thought there must be a way for me to do what I love and get paid for it too, right? Yep, that's right! I did a search and found some online opportunities that will allow me to do just that. The first one is called payperpost and you get paid for writing posts!

Sounds simple, eh? Well, I decided to give it a try and we will see what happens!

Looks Aren't Everything is about eating healthy and feeling fit, ...I look forward to working with payperpost to provide you with posts that offer you support through products and/or services that are related to just that!

T.G.I.F.

Yep, it's Friday!

Today, Kenny has another treatment, ...he's always anxious and a bit nervous about getting them. I'm just glad that these treatments are able to control his condition. He's come a long way and I hope that the future will bring even more options as new and improved medicines and treatments become available.

My biggest hope is that he may be able to administer treatments on his own and no longer have to go to the hospital for infusions.

Okay, were heading out the door, so just wanted to leave you with a "word of the day," ...plan, plan, plan! Yes, I know I said it three times, but hey it's still just one word! LoL

Planning is key when it comes to weight-loss success. So, be sure and "plan ahead" and you will be better able to avoid those temptations that don't fit into your weight-loss plan.

YOU CAN DO IT! (((hugs)))

Enjoy your day!

From the Spice Barn

Okay, just had to share, ...I am officially addicted to Spice Barn's seasonings!

I absolutley love the Salt & Vinegar, ...although they recommend using it on popcorn, I prefer to sprinkle it on pork rinds. I like having a little flavorful protein snack in the afternoon and this really hits the spot and I don't even miss those high calorie salt/vinegar pototato chips!

Oh, I almost forgot I ordered the Ranch and the Sour Cream & Onion and they are both yummy. I tend to get creative and use these for all kinds of other recipes, ...I'll post them under my Recipe Box as soon as they have been tried and tested by me and my family.

Autumn Splender

With November upon us, ...it's easy to get caught up in the Holiday spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Both of these holidays are a time of giving and receiving, ...so be sure and put yourself at the top of your list.

You deserve to have the best gift ever, ...so give yourself the gift of health and happiness!

Having the Write Stuff ...

I was interested in finding some suppoprt with my writing, ...something that would allow me to write about things that are related to my life and also would support my "Looks Aren't Everything" site. During my research, I found http://www.blogsvertise.com/ , it doesn't cost you anything to register with them, ...and they offer topics for you to choose to write about on your blog.

Writing has always been a passion of mine. I started out writing poems, all of which were based on real life experiences. I was chosen to write and recite one of my poems for my High School graduation ceremony. The years following graduation, I continued writing poetry and was proud to have my work chosen to be published as part of a collection of Poetry.

Having my childcare background, it wasn't long before I discovered that I was interested in writing books and short stories for children. I wrote several children's books and submitted them to The Institute for Children's Literature for consideration. So far, my work has not been selected for publication, but I'm not discouraged. I really enjoy the process of writing and find it very satisfying and rewarding.

I'm excited and looking forward to writing blog entries on a regular basis. It allows me to "write from my heart" and to provide products and services that offer support to my readers on eating healthy and being fit!

25 Years at Zumbiel

In recognition of 25 years of service, Kenny and I were invited to attend The CW Zumbiel Over 25 Year Club Dinner.

The event was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Sharonville.

The evening began with cocktails served at two open bars and hors d'oeuvres which included ...jumbo shrimp cocktail, fresh lemons, remoulade & cocktail sauce, fruit & cheese with assorted crackers and yogurt dip. Baked brie wrapped in puff pastry, apricot chutney and sliced french bread. Steamed King Crab Legs in butter. Chicken livers & Scallops wrapped in bacon, roasted garlic & lemon aioli. BBQ & Buffalo chicken tenders, celery sticks, bleu cheese & ranch dressings. Open faced philly cheese steaks with horseradish cream.


Following the cocktails was a 4 course dinner.

1st Course
Fresh mixed greens with tomato, smoked turkey, ham, scallions, smoked gouda, cucumbers, hard boiled eggs, presented in a red corn tortilla cup with roasted garlic ranch salad dressing.

Assorted dinner rolls with butter & honey butter.

2nd Course
Raspberry Sorbet on lighted ice sculptures


3rd Course
Crab crusted filet mignon topped with a lemon-caper cognac cream sauce. Roasted chicken stuffed with spinach, onion, tomato and proscuitto ham, topped with roasted pepper coulis. Roasted garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus tips with peppers.

Frances Ford Coppola Black Label Claret, Cabernet & Sauvignon Blanc.


4th Course
Mango Lemon Tart, Chocolate dipped Strawberries with raspberry and kiwi sauce.


After dinner was served, the awards ceremony began. Those being recognized included 25 years, 30 years, and 35 years of service. The president of the company spoke about each of the recipients in a very warm and heart-felt manner and expressed such sincere gratitude towards them for dedicating their lives to his company.

As he spoke, you could feel a sense of pride fill the room, ...and you just knew that you were a part of something really special.

Kenny was the second person to recieve an award, he was presented with a gold watch that included an emblem with the company logo, diamonds and emeralds on the side.

At the conclusion of the event, all of the women were presented with long stem red roses and the men were given cigars. And, the center of each table was adorned with a beautiful bouquet of white roses. One person from each table was selected to recieve the centerpiece ...and I happened to be the one at our table! Karen was so thrilled when I brought it home. She immediately put her fancy dress on and paraded around like she was in a wedding! LoL

It was a very lovely evening and we really enjoyed ourselves. We look forward to attending next year and for many years to come.

Weighing in on my Progress 11/05/2007

Woke up this morning, ...feeling refreshed and ready to start my day. Ahhh, ...funny how one more hour of sleep can make such a difference.

We had a blast at our Gala on Saturday night, ...I'll post about that in just a moment, but for now I am happy to report that, ...drumroll please, ............. I lost 3 lbs. and 2" this week!

I'm so excited, only 1 more pound to go and I will have reached a milestone of 20 lbs. lost!

Betsy's Weight Loss Progress

Date	Weight	+/-	Lbs. Lost	Lbs. to Goal	Comments:
03/05/2001	160 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	30 lbs.	Start Somersizing
06/10/2001	130 lbs.	30 lbs.	30 lbs.	0 lbs.	Reached my Goal!!!
01/01/2002	149 lbs.	+ 19 lbs.	0 lbs.	19 lbs.	Bad, bad, bad :(
02/14/2002	136 lbs.	-13 lbs.	13 lbs.	6 lbs.	Yay, on my weigh!
03/05/2002	130 lbs.	- 6 lbs.	6 lbs.	0 lbs.	Back at Goal Weight
06/05/2002	130 lbs.	- 0 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	Holding Steady
08/07/2002	128 lbs.	- 2 lbs.	2 lbs.	- 2 lbs. below goal	down 2 lbs.
09/26/2002	124 lbs.	- 4 lbs.	4 lbs.	- 6 lbs. below goal	down 4 lbs.
11/05/2002	122 lbs.	- 2 lbs.	2 lbs.	- 8 lbs. below goal	down 2 lbs.
12/23/2002	121 lb.	- 1 lb.	1 lbs.	- 9 lbs. below goal	down 1 lb.
03/05/2003	126 lbs.	+ 5 lbs.	0 lbs.	- 4 lbs. below goal	up 5 lbs.
09/23/2003	130 lbs.	+ 4 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	Back at Goal Weight
01/05/2004	132 lbs.	+ 2 lbs.	0 lbs.	2 lbs.	up 2 lbs.
08/16/2004	130 lbs.	- 2 lbs.	2 lbs.	0 lbs.	Back at Goal Weight
02/14/2005	130 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	Holding Steady
10/31/2005	130 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	Holding Steady
01/17/2007	183 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	53 lbs.	Start Somersizing
05/05/2007	173 lb.s	- 10 lbs.	10 lbs.	43 lbs.	Slow but Steady
07/14/2007	182 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	52 lbs.	Start Somersizing
08/06/2007	180 lbs.	-2 lbs.	2 lbs.	50 lbs.	down 2 lbs. (TOM)
08/13/2007	177 lbs.	-3 lbs.	5 lbs.	47 lbs.	down 3 lbs.
08/20/2007	177 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	47 lbs.	Holding Steady
08/27/2007	174 lbs.	- 3 lbs.	8 lbs.	44 lbs.	down 3 lbs.
09/03/2007	174 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	44 lbs.	Holding Steady (TOM)
09/10/2007	171 lbs.	- 3 lbs.	11 lbs.	41 lbs.	down 3 lbs.
09/17/2007	171 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	41 lbs.	Holding Steady
09/24/2007	171 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	41 lbs.	Holding Steady
10/01/2007	171 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	41 lbs.	Holding Steady (TOM)
10/08/2007	171 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	41 lbs.	Holding Steady
10/15/2007	169 lbs.	-2 lbs.	13 lbs.	39 lbs.	down 2 lbs.
10/22/2007	168 lbs.	-1 lb.	14 lbs.	38 lbs.	down 1 lb.
10/29/2007	166 lbs.	-2 lbs.	16 lbs.	36 lbs.	down 2 lbs. (TOM)
11/05/2007	163 lbs.	-3 lbs.	19 lbs.	33 lbs.	down 3 lbs.
11/12/2007	163 lbs.	0 lbs.	19 lbs.	33 lbs.	Holding Steady
11/19/2007	163 lbs.	0 lbs.	19 lbs.	33 lbs.	Holding Steady
11/26/2007	162 lbs.	-1 lbs.	20 lbs.	32 lbs.	down 1 lbs.
12/03/2007	162 lbs.	0 lbs.	20 lbs.	32 lbs.	Holding Steady
12/10/2007	162 lbs.	0 lbs.	20 lbs.	32 lbs.	Holding Steady
12/17/2007	160 lbs.	-2 lbs.	22 lbs.	30 lbs.	down 2 lbs.
12/24/2007	157 lbs.	-3 lbs.	25 lbs.	27 lbs.	down 3 lbs.
12/31/2007	157 lbs.	0 lbs.	25 lbs.	27 lbs.	Holding Steady
DATE	WEIGHT	+/-	Lbs. Lost	Lbs. to Goal	Comments:
01/07/2008	157 lbs.	0 lbs.	25 lbs.	27 lbs.	Holding Steady
01/14/2008	159 lbs.	+ 2 lbs.	23 lbs.	29 lbs.	up 2 lbs.
01/21/2008	157 lbs.	-2 lbs.	25 lbs.	27 lbs.	down 2 lbs.
01/28/2008	157 lbs.	0 lbs.	25 lbs.	27 lbs.	Holding Steady
02/04/2008	158 lbs.	+ 1 lbs.	24 lbs.	28 lbs.	up 1 lbs.
02/11/2008	155 lbs.	- 3 lbs.	27 lbs.	25 lbs.	down 3 lbs.
02/18/2008	155 lbs.	0 lbs.	27 lbs.	25 lbs.	Holding Steady
02/25/2008	155 lbs.	0 lbs.	27 lbs.	25 lbs.	Holding Steady
03/03/2008	154 lbs.	-1 lbs.	28 lbs.	24 lbs.	down 1 lbs. (TOM)
03/10/2008	152 lbs.	-2 lbs.	30 lbs.	22 lbs.	down 2 lbs.
05/17/2009	167 lbs.	0 lbs.	0 lbs.	27 lbs.	Back on Track!!!
07/04/2009	161 lbs.	- 6 lbs.	6 lbs.	21 lbs.	down 6 lbs.

Measurement Progress

DATE	ARMS	CHEST	WAIST	THIGHS	HIPS	TOTAL " LOST
07/14/2007	14"	41"	44"	27"	45"	0.0"
07/21/2007	14"	40"	42"	26"	44.5"	4.5"
07/28/2007	13"	40"	41.5"	25.5"	44"	7.0"
08/06/2007	13"	40"	40"	25.5"	43.5"	9.0" (TOM)
08/13/2007	13"	40"	40"	25.5"	43.5"	9.0"
08/20/2007	13"	40"	39"	24.5"	43"	11.5"
08/27/2007	13"	40"	39"	24.5"	43"	11.5"
09/03/2007	12.5"	40"	39"	22.5"	42.5"	14.5" (TOM)
09/10/2007	12.5"	39"	39"	22.5"	42.5"	15.5"
09/17/2007	12.5"	39"	39"	22.5"	42.5"	15.5"
09/24/2007	12.5"	39"	39"	22.5"	42.5"	15.5"
10/01/2007	12.5"	39"	39"	22.5"	42.5"	15.5" (TOM)
10/08/2007	12.5"	39"	38"	22.5"	41.5"	17.5"
10/15/2007	12.5"	39"	38"	22.5"	41.5"	17.5"
10/22/2007	12.5"	39"	38"	21.5"	41.0"	19"
10/29/2007	12.5"	39"	38"	21.5"	41.0"	19" (TOM)
11/05/2007	12.5"	38"	37"	21.5"	41"	21"

New "Weight Loss" Support Group!

Okay, ...still need to paint the outside and do a little decorating of the inside, ...so pardon all of my dust.

If you would like to join me in a Support Group for weight loss, please come by and join my new email group. It's called "On my Weigh" ...and really the name says it all.

So, if you are working towards a weight loss goal and are looking for some support, this is the place for you!

Here is the link ...

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/onmyweigh/

Weighing in on my Progress 10/29/2007

I stepped on the scale not expecting to see any change from last week since Tom arrived today and as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and glanced at the bright red numbers glowing up at me it said 166. I stepped off the scale and back on again, ...and there it was again.

Next, I looked around, hopped off, on, off, on, ...and it continued to read 166. I moved it to another side of the room, stepped on again and it still said 166. I bent down to move it again and as I stood back up, I noticed there was Kenny watching me with a smile on his face. As he came toward me , he said, ...I agree, I don't think the scale is right today. I think you weigh less than it says!

Okay, now I'm giddy over Kenny's sweet comment and the fact that my scale was so kind to me with Tom being here that I lost 2 lbs. this week, ...life is good!

I want that!

I want the "Pink" Dyson Vacume cleaner!

October is "Breast Cancer Awareness" month, ...and Dyson isn't dishing out any dirt when it comes to supporting this cause.

In honor of Breast Cancer, ...they are donating $40.00 towards Breast Cancer research from every pink vacume cleaner purchase. And, they are offering a contest for a FREE "Pink" Dyson Vacume!

It's important for each of us to do our part for better health, ...so, please be sure and do your monthly exams and have annual screenings. Early detection saves lives.

To help create awareness, I offer my Butter Bear Awareness Ribbons. If you are interested in displaying them on your website, blog, or in your emails, ...please visit my graphics site Growlibear Graphics, they are located in the LINKWARE section under Butter Bears. To request yours simply fill out the form at the bottom of the page, they are FREE to use with a link back to www.growlibear.com .

Here is my "Breast Cancer" ribbon bear ... , to save, just left-click on image, it will open a new window, then right-click and save it to your computer.

Wow! I really am Fat!

Okay, ...today, after uploading my pictures, I realized that I really am fat. LoL

No really, I don't mean this in a negative way, it's just so amazing to me that our minds can see ourselves one way and the camera can see us entirely different.

Earlier this year, when I was ready to focus on myself, I realized that I had become overweight, although I knew in my head that this was true, I just couldn't see that for myself from the inside.

Sure, when I would catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror and I thought I looked huge, but I also found myself in disbelief that it was actually my reflection looking back at me. I just still felt like "me" on the inside and my mind played along by allowing me to see myself the way I wanted to and not the way it was. I guess that's what "denial" is really all about. As long as we deny it, it just doesn't exist, right?

It's okay though, because back in July when I woke up that day and decided that I wasn't going to do "this" anymore, ...it meant that I was getting off of that roller-coaster ride and I was leaving all of those feelings of denial behind.

So, today when I look in the mirror, I still look bigger than I want to be, but I don't feel ashamed of myself anymore. I am "on my weigh" to a better me by eating healthy and exercising.

And, ...one day, when I look in the mirror, the reflection I see will be the same person who I see as "me" on the inside.

Uploaded my "In Progress" Photo!

I know the photo's still look the same, but really they're not.

I put on the same outfit I had on from the first picture so that I could really compare my progress.

I love seeing "before" and "after" pictures but it bugs me when they look "so different" that it makes me question if they are really the same person, don't you agree?

So, I decided for my transformation, I would put on the same outfit each time I update my photo progress, ...just wish I had thought about the outfit more before I decided to do this! LoL

Okay, well, if I happen to find another photo at the same start weight I may swap them out. Otherwise, I will just continue with what I have so far.

One of my goals is to create a "slideshow" or a presentation that shows all of my pictures "morphing" from my starting weight to my goal weight!

Kinda Cool, huh?

Is that the same photo?

Okay, I realize that I just posted the same "Before" photo as the "In Progress" photo, ...but there's a reason I did that!

Oh, you want to know what it is?

Well, my batteries died in my camera while I was uploading my "In Progress" pictures and I can't get them out of the camera! So, today after work, I'll run to the store and buy some new batteries then I'll upload the correct photo.

In the meantime, I went ahead and used the same photo so I would have a place marker.

See, there was a reason! LoL

Photo Album

Before ~and~ After Photos - 2007

"Before" Photo 07/14/2007 Weight Loss: 0 lbs. Inches Lost: 0"	"In Progress" Photo 10/22/2007 Weight Loss: 14 lbs. Inches Lost: 19"
Weight: 182 lbs. Measurements: Arms: 14" Chest: 41" Waist: 44" Thighs: 27" Hips: 45"	Weight: 168 lbs. Measurements: Arms: 12.5" Chest: 39" Waist: 38" Thighs: 21.5" Hips: 41"

Weighing in on my Progress 10/22/2007

Ta da! I am still loosing, I'm down 1 pound this week and another 1.5".

Woo Hoo, feels so good to be off of that darn plateau! I'm anxious to reach 162 lbs., the reality of loosing 20 lbs. sounds so motivating to me. Okay, only 6 more pounds to go, I can do it!

Weighing in on my Progress 10/15/2007

Can you hear me all the way over there?

I'm jumping up and down with "screams" of delight! LoL

Okay, ready for my news, ....drum-roll, ....uh, ....another drum-roll, ....drum-roll, drum-roll, okay, okay, here it is ...my scale is ready to get moving again, I am down 2 pounds! Woo Hoo!!!! Do I dare say it? Yes, ...my plateau is over!

For my 3 month mark, I am down 13 lbs. and 17.5", ...I feel so much better, more energy, and have such a great outlook and attitude about my way of eating that I'm living in the moment and enjoying every minute of it!

Happy Birthday Wishes!

Today is Saturday, October 13th! It's my oldest son's birthday, he is 20 years old today!

We went out shopping earlier today for him and now I need to run to the grocery store. We are having a small party for him this evening and I want to make sure I have plenty of healthy snacks on hand.

Today is also the 1st birthday for my Members Area at my graphics site Growlibear Graphics, http://www.growlibear.com/ . I am having a month long celebration!

Okay, I'll check in later!

BetsC's Pantry!

These are products that I have used and/or would

recommend using as part of a healthy lifestyle!

♥ Dairy ♥

Product: Dannon All Natural non-fat (Plain) Yogurt Use: Eat alone or use in recipes Where to Buy: Local grocery stores. Ingredients and/or Nutritional Information: Dannon All Natural Non-fat (Plain) Yogurt: Cultered grade A non-fat milk, contains active yogurt cultures including L. acidophilus. Additional Note: I use it as a replacement for fats in my fat-free recipes. You can also use a flavoring to create a delicious flavored yogurt!

♥ Grains ♥

Product: Bob's Red Mill Use: Whole grains Where to Buy: Local grocery stores. Ingredients and/or Nutritional Information: Unprocessed Miller's Wheat Bran: Wheat Bran 5 Grain Oats: Rolled whole wheat, rye, oats, flaxseed, barley, and triticale.

♥ Spices & Extracts ♥

Product: Spice Barn Extracts Use: Spices, Extracts & Flavorings Where to Buy: www.spicebarn.com Ingredients and/or Nutritional Information: Butter Flavored Popcorn Seasoning: Maltodextrin, salt, natural and artificial flavors including butter, whey, dextrose, butter powder, buttermilk powder, xantham gum, extractives of turmeric and paprika. Less than 2% silicon dioxide to prevent caking. Salt & Vinegar Popcorn Seasoning: Maltodextrin, Sodium Diacetate, Salt, Fructose, Vinegar Powder, Sodium Citrate, Malic Acid, Natural Flavor. Additional Note: I use the Popcorn seasonings on plain pork rinds instead of on popcorn.

♥ Sugar Substitutes ♥

Product: Whey-Low Use: Sugar Substitute, Brown Sugar Substitute, Powdered Sugar Substitutes Where to Buy: www.wheylow.com Ingredients and/or Nutritional Information: Whey Low: Sucrose, fructose, and lactose monohydrate. Whey Low Gold: Sucrose, fructose, and lactose monohydrate. Powdered Whey Low: Sucrose, fructose, lactose monohydrate, and corn starch.

Product: Xylitol Use: Sugar Substitute Where to Buy: Some specialty grocery stores carry this or you can order it online. Ingredients and/or Nutritional Information: Xylo-Sweet: Xylitol Additional Note: Available in granular form and in convenient packets.

Product: Torani Sugar-FREE Syrups Use: A sugar-free flavoring. Where to Buy: Some specialty grocery stores carry this or you can order it online. www.torani.com Ingredients and/or Nutritional Information: Sugar-free Syrups: Natural flavorings, purified water, splenda.

BetsC's Blog Bites

Getting up close and personal, ...an Interview with you and me!

Q: How long have you been Somersizing? A: I started Somersizing on March 05, 2001.

Q: I'm confused about the levels? A: There are two Levels, Level 1 is intended for weight-loss and Level 2 is intended for weight maintanance. Almost Level 1, is basically Level 1, however it includes an ingredient or a combination that falls short of Level 2.

Q: I remember a Betsy from Somersizing With Betsy and Weigh 2 Go with Betsy from years ago, is this you? A: Yes, I am the same Betsy from www.somersizingwithbetsy.com and www.weigh2togowithbetsy.com, I no longer own or operate those websites, I am changing with the times and so I now share my Somersize experiences here on my blog at www.looksarenteverything.com !

To ask a question, simply email me at Betsy@looksarenteverything.com

BetsC's Blog Bites

Good Morning, ...and happy TGIF!

I decided that since I get a lot of emails with questions about me, food/product recomendations, exercise and my experiences with Somersizing that I would start a new category and share these questions and answers with all of you.

So, please feel free to email me at Betsy@looksarenteverything.com and ask a question, it may be featured on BetsC's Blog Bites!

Somersizing is so Satisfying!

Okay, I need to go to bed, but really wanted to pop in over here to post a message.

It just occured to me that in 3 days it will be 3 months. I'm just amazed at the progress I have achieved on the inside and how it is being reflected on the outside. I am so much more at peace with myself and to not feel like I'm "struggling" with my weight any longer is such a comforting feeling.

When I first began Somersizing, I was looking for a way to avoid some health issues that I feared would affect me if I didn't find a healthier way to live. And now to rediscover those same feelings and attitude is just incredible.

I love that I can eat healthy foods, not count calories, fat grams, carbs, etc. ...and be able to loose weight. I also love that I've always looked at this part of the program as an added bonus. I really like my focus being on "eating healthy and feeling fit" rather than being obessed with being on a "diet" and trying to loose weight!

Weighing in on my Progress - 10/08/07

Okay, ...the scale is still stuck but my measurements have began to move again! This week, I lost 1 inch in my waist and 1 inch off my hips, ...yea!

So, drum-roll ........................that's now a total of 17.5" inches lost since 07/14/2007!

Woo Hoo! Doing the Happy Dance!!!

Whooosh, ...this was a fast week!

Wow, can't believe that another week has already flown by. Guess that means I've been having fun? And, yep I have been! LoL

Okay, I think I'll just do a bit of an update then hopefully, tomorrow I will begin posting regularly.

Last week's "Weigh-In" ended up being the same, ...however, Tom visited, so I didn't feel discouraged with seeing the same results. My next weigh-in is tomorrow morning, so we shall see what that brings!

Eating? I couldn't hold out any longer so I began eating my muffins again, ...it's funny cause before I really only choose to eat carbs for breakfast maybe 2-3 times per week. And this time, I really enjoy eating them everyday. I really feel so much more balanced and if it means a slower weight loss, then that's okay, ...I accept that as a positive trade off!

Oh, oh, ...and I was at it again, Jungle Jim's was out of Jicama so I just purchased twice the Rhubarb and decided to experiment with it. I diced up about 1 1/2 cups of Rhubarb and then added Torani sugar free Strawberry Syrup and let it soak overnight, ...what can I say, yet another "winner" of a recipe! Strawberry Muffins, YUM!!! (I'll post the acutal recipe tomorrow!)

Exersize? Guess what we bought? Go ahead Guess!

Okay, I'll tell ya, ...a brand new Home Gym to replace the one we just got rid of in July! Woo Hoo, ...I'm lovin it! It's funny how I'm an all or nuthin kind of girl, ...and right now in just the past 5 days I've become so addicted to using it that I just can't get enough! ROFL

And, now I've been thinking a lot about some mini-goals, ...really they are so important.

We have an upcoming event that really got me thinking about setting some goals, ...on October 25th, my husband will celebrate 25 years with his company. Once you reach this status, you are then invited to an Awards Dinner and Ceremony with the other employees who have also reached 25 years and beyond. I'm so proud of him and excited that we will be going to a fancy Dinner Party on November 3rd!

Now, ...since I'm happy loosing weight at a steady pace, I don't want to pressure myself by setting a # goal, however, I would like to look my best for this event. So, I"m going to continue to be legal and work out everyday and just continue this process and go where-ever my progress takes me.

As a reward for my success so far, I am going to buy a new dress, shoes, ect. to wear and will go and have a pedicure at Mitchell's Salon and DaySpa the morning of the event! I think this pampering will make me feel special and I won't need to focus on my actual weight loss.

With my weight gain, I have been unable to wear my wedding rings, ...so, I'm really, really hoping that I will be able to slide them on by then! Yes, my Fingers are crossed!!!! LoL

On to other news ...

I have a huge celebration going on at Growlibear Graphics, my graphics site, ...October 13th will mark the 1st birthday of my Members Area so I am offering lots of fun and games and prizes to celebrate!

I've found a few online resources for home-schooling materials where I can purchase curriculum for Kirk. So, I've been bidding and buying lots of stuff for him over that last few days. I'm excited and can't wait for them to arrive!

Plus, I've been scoping out some of Suzanne's products over at Ebay, I just keep forgetting to come back and check on them, ...I've missed a few things that I would have liked to have!

I'm not really ready to join Suzanne's new company called Suzanne, ...but you know me, it could happen! LoL

I've also been thinking a lot about HI& G's, wishing I had a current catalog, as I'm feeling like redecorating! Must be my new outlook on life, ...I just want to make improvements and than means making everything look better.

OH, oh, ...and I was able to get Ken into a furniture store today and showed him this really nice leather couch that I've been wanting. All he had to do was sit on it and he agreed, ...he loved it too! Ah, he's just not ready to make such a big purchase when our budget is geared towards the garage project. But, hey, ...least I got him in the store and he approved of it! LoL

Okay, well, it's now midnight, and 5:30 am comes really early, so I'm signing off for tonight but promise I'll be back tomorrow with my weekly "Weigh-In!"

Shaken things UP!

Okay, ...so as I am approaching week 3 at being the same weight/inches so I decided to shake things up a bit. Hoping that by my next weigh-in (October 1st) that the Metal Monster, er I mean that Sweet Scale of mine will be kind and move on out of the 70's!

As for eating, I decided to keep my muffins in the freezer and switch to some Pro/Fats breakfasts for a week. Yes, ...I am feeling a bit of withdrawl over that decision, but it's only a short term change so it won't be long until I add them back in.

Next, I have increased my water consumption and have increased my exercise, ...whether the scale moves next week or not I'm doing good things for my body and I'm feeling great about that!

Okay, ...so while making changes, thought I'd try to add some more information to my Blog, so bear with me as I shake things up over here!

Plateau's, yes they are going to happen.

After 2 weeks of my weight and measurements remaining the same, ...I think I've hit a plateau!?!

I"m not feeling worried, nervous or anxious about it, I know that I've made a commitment to eating healthy and being fit and that this was going to happen sooner or later.

A Plateau is your bodies way of adjusting and establishing a balance when your body undergoes changes. I have been loosing inches and weight at a nice steady pace since July, ...and although I want it to continue I understand why my body needs to take a break.

Plateau's can last from a few days to several weeks to months, it just depends on your individual body.

With Somersizing, counting calories or staying within a certain daily caloric range is not required as part of the program. As long as you correctly follow the guidelines on Level 1 you will loose weight. However, ...the rate at which you loose weight is determined by several factors.

Here are just a few ...

• Diet
• Current weight
• Calorie Consumption
• Calories Burned
• Exercise
• Water

If you find that your weight loss is slowed, stalled or you experience a plateau, ...I offer some helpful suggestions, just follow this link "Breaking through a Plateau" for more information!

BetsC's QUICK Guide to Food-Combining

I choose healthy foods from the following four food categegories:

Complex Carbohydrates
Proteins/Fats
Veggies
Fruits

Whether I am trying to loose weight or maintain my weight, I eat these foods in moderation, following simple food-combining principles, which includes eating them in combinations at appropriate times to assist the bodies natural digestion process.

Carbs w/Veggies (no fats)
Wait 2 hours before eating Fruits
Wait 3 hours before eating Proteins/Fats

Proteins/Fats and Veggies (no carbs)
Wait 2 hours before eating Fruits
Wait 3 hours before eating Carbs

Veggies (no fruit)
Wait 0 minutes before eating Carbs or Proteins/Fats

Fruits (no carbs/proteins/fats)
Wait 20 minutes before eating Carbs
Wait 1 hour before eating Proteins/Fats
NOTE: Best when eaten on an empty stomach.

I avoid all refined sugars, simple carbohydrates, processed foods and foods with added chemicals. You may have noticed that I did not mention Sweets? Well, I did that for a reason. As much as I love Sweets, they do not serve the body with any real nutritional value, so I don't like to include them as a separate food category.

It's better to focus on real, whole foods, such as complex carbs, lean meats, fresh fruits and veggies.

Then, once you have established good eating habits, you can have a little sweet treat if you like. If you learn not to incorporate Sweets as a "food" category to begin with you will be more successful in eating healthy and not falling into the bad habit of substituting "Sweet Meals" in place of healthy, nutritious meals!

Suzanne Somers Weight-Loss Program SOMERSIZE

To learn more about Somersizing, please visit Suzanne's site at www.somersize.com !

Betsy's Stuffed Green Peppers

Ingredients:

3 large green peppers
1 ½ pounds ground beef
8 ounces ham (diced)
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
1 large onion
2 tablespoons garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon peanut oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 can (Hunt's) no sugar added spaghetti sauce
4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese



Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 400*
   
2. Brown ground beef, drain, set aside.
   
3. Wash green peppers, cut in half, blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
   
4. Place peppers in baking dish, cut sides up.
   
5. In a large stockpot, saute onion and garlic in peanut oil until tender. Add, ham and ground beef, stir to combine. Remove from heat.
   
6. Add, shredded cheddar cheese, one half can of spaghetti sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
   
7. Spoon mixture into open peppers, using all of mixture. Pour remaining half can of spaghetti sauce on top of peppers, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
   
8. Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. (Allow to cool for 6-8 minutes before serving.)

Eat & Enjoy!, Betsÿ

Welcome to "Looks Aren't Everything"

An introduction and how-to navigate my Blog!

Welcome to "Looks Aren't Everything," ... where I share my weight-loss experiences, product recommendations, original recipes, and provide support to those who follow a way of eating (woe) that promotes a healthy lifestyle through the reduction and/or elimination of refined sugars, high starch fruits/vegetables, and simple carbohydrates.

I have been following the Suzanne Somers Weight-Loss Program called Somersize since March 05, 2001, ...to learn more about my journey, please visit my page "On my Weigh" and read My Success Story!

New to blogs?

Here are a few hints and tips to help you navigate through this site ...

1. Contact Me - to contact me via email "click" here!


2. About Me - my Google profile.


3. Quick Glance at My Stats - a click review of my statistics.


4. Graphic Collection - my collection of weight-loss graphics


5. Categories - list of categories that my messages are posted under.


6. Blog Archive - list of my recent/past messages organized by month.


7. My Websites - list of my websites that I own and maintain.


8. Weight-Loss Websites - list of other weight-loss and support websites.


9. Tag Board - click here to leave me a message
   

Note about Messages:

At the bottom of each message, you will find the following tabs:

1. Comments - click on this tab and you can leave a comment regarding the message post.


2. Labels - this tab shows which category the message is located in.


3. Older Posts - click this tab to access all posts in this category


4. HOME - click this tab to return to the most recent post.

Monday, 08/20/2007

B - (2) peach bran muffins, 8 oz. ff milk S - none L - mashed cauliflower, bacon, cheese S - pina colada cooler D - ham/cheese (no bread), pork rinds w/spinach-artichoke dip S - none

Tuesday, 08/21/2007

B - (2) peach bran muffins, 8 oz. ff milk S - strawberry fruit chiller L - mozz. marinara, iced coffee cooler S - beef & cheese sticks D - hot dog (no bun), crispy jicama chips S - iced coffee cooler

Wednesday, 08/22/2007

B - (2) peach bran Muffins, 8 oz. ff milk S - ham/swiss roll ups, garlic dill pickle L - hot dog (no bun), cheese, bacon, sf pudding S - strawberry/apple chips D - Mozz. Marinara S - none

Thursday, 08/23/2007

B - orange juice (wait 20 minutes), (2) peach bran muffins, 8 oz. ff milk S - ham/swiss w/tartar sauce (no bread) L - chili w/cheese, iced coffee cooler S - strawberry/apple chips D - ham/swiss roll ups, iced coffee cooler S - none

Friday, 08/24/2007

B - (2) peach bran muffins, 8 oz. ff milk S - pina colada cooler L - ham/swiss (no bread), dill pickle S - none D - corned beef, string cheese, iced coffee cooler S - bbq pork rinds

Saturday, 08/25/2007

B - (1) peach bran muffin, 8 oz. ff milk S - spinach salad w/oil & vinegar L - mozz. marinara S - cucumbers, meat & cheese bites D - none S - none

Sunday, 08/26/2007

B - (2) peach muffins, 8 oz. ff milk S - 1/2 cantalope L - (2) chili dogs with cheese (no bun) S - sugar snap peas, cheese cubes D - none S - none

Weighing in on my Progress 09/17/07

Wow, it's been 9 weeks and I have had a steady loss of pounds and/or inches during this time. So, ...I don't mind at all that the scale didn't move today and that my inches remained the same.

Not sure if this will be the beginning of a plateau or not but I do think that at times our body does need to just stop to catch up with the changes that are going on when we are in the process of loosing weight.

I know this is a lifestyle change and that means adjusting to new habits. So, I'm not feeling discouraged at all and I will continue to focus on eating healthy foods and becoming fit!

BetsC's QUICK Guide to Food-Combining

I choose healthy foods from the following four food categegories:

Complex Carbohydrates
Proteins/Fats
Veggies
Fruits

Whether I am trying to loose weight or maintain my weight, I eat these foods in moderation, following simple food-combining principles, which includes eating them in combinations at appropriate times to assist the bodies natural digestion process.


Carbs w/Veggies (no fats)
Wait 2 hours before eating Fruits
Wait 3 hours before eating Proteins/Fats

Proteins/Fats and Veggies (no carbs)
Wait 2 hours before eating Fruits
Wait 3 hours before eating Carbs

Veggies (no fruit)
Wait 0 minutes before eating Carbs or Proteins/Fats

Fruits (no carbs/proteins/fats)
Wait 20 minutes before eating Carbs
Wait 1 hour before eating Proteins/Fats
NOTE: Best when eaten on an empty stomach.

I avoid all refined sugars, simple carbohydrates, processed foods and foods with added chemicals. You may have noticed that I did not mention Sweets? Well, I did that for a reason. As much as I love Sweets, they do not serve the body with any real nutritional value, so I don't like to include them as a separate food category.

It's better to focus on real, whole foods, such as complex carbs, lean meats, fresh fruits and veggies. Then, once you have established good eating habits, you can have a little sweet treat if you like. If you learn not to incorporate Sweets as a "food" category to begin with you will be more successful in eating healthy and not falling into the bad habit of substituting "Sweet Meals" in place of healthy, nutritious meals!

Do fat jeans become skinny jeans?

Yes, 11 lbs. and 15.5" do make my fat jeans feel like skinny jeans! LoL

Okay, I'm still in the 11/12's and they are really starting to become baggy, ...but I just can't bring myself to buy a pair of 9/10's yet? I guess I'm waiting on my mind to catch up with my body?

Anyway, I am really glad that Fall is here. I was telling Kenny that I get to feel like I'm having a seasonal transformation, because in the Fall/Winter I tend to wear lots of comfy sweat shirts, ...and I'm hoping by Spring when I shed those big, heavy clothes, that I will be able to reveal my body at my goal weight.

Usually, I'm in such a hurry to loose weight, ...and this time I'm not. And, it makes me feel so good, because I know that this is truly a lifestyle change when my focus is on eating healthy foods and reaching my ideal body weight at a slow and steady pace.

Weighing in on my Progress 09/10/07

I'm feeling like the Energizer Bunny as I am moving towards my goal, ...to date I have now lost 11 lbs. and 15.5" overall and I'm still going, and going, ...and going!

Scrumptious Apple CoConut Muffins

Ingredients:
1 cup FAT FREE plain yogurt
1 cup rhubarb sauce (see recipe below)
1 cup shredded coconut flavored jicama (see recipe below)
1 tsp. Apple flavoring (Spice Barn)
1/4 cup Xylitol
1 cup 5 grain whole oats
1 cup organic wheat bran
1 cup organic finely milled whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tarter
2 tsp. cinnamon/xylitol mixed
1/2 tsp. salt

Procedure:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, add yogurt, rhubarb sauce, and coconut jicama (drain off excess liquid from jicama), stir to combine.
3. Next, add whole oats, wheat bran, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon/xylitol mix, and salt. Mix well until combined.
4. Spoon batter into 12-14 individual silicone muffin cups or 12 cup silicone muffin pan and place on baking sheet. Dust muffin tops with additional cinnamon/xylitol mixture.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, remove from oven and allow to cool.
6. Pop muffins out of cups and place in a large ziplock freezer bag. Keep refrigerated or frozen until ready to use.

Eat & Enjoy!, Betsÿ

Note: When reheating from frozen state, just pop 2 muffins in the microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute each and they are ready to eat!


ADDITIONAL RECIPES:
Rhubarb Sauce:
4-6 stalks of fresh rhubarb (sliced)
1/4 cup xylitol (you can use any sugar substitute)
1/4 cup water

Place ingredients in a small saucepan, cook until rhubarb softens and breaks apart while stirring often. Finished sauce should resemble cooked applesauce, set aside to cool.

CoConut Jicama:
1/2 half of medium sized jicama
1 cup Torani Sugar Free Coconut Syrup

Cut ends off of jicama, then cut in half. Set one half aside. Using the other half, carefully strip away the outer peel, then shred. Place shredded jicama in small storage bag, add 1 cup sugar free coconut syrup, securely seal and place in refrigerator for 24 hours. Occasionally turn bag so that the syrup will be evenly distributed over the jicama.

It just keeps getting better!

OMG ...it just keeps getting better! LoL

Okay, I think I'm going to have to change the name of my restaurant from "Betsy's Bistro" to "Betsy's Bistro & Bakery" ...since I'm becoming so successful at making my sugar-free baked goods!

My newest muffin recipe simply tops the rest, ...not sure if it's the apple flavor or the coconut but it's scrumptious. I had a feeling it was going to be good when they were baking and everyone started coming into the kitchen to find out what the wonderful cinnamon aroma was. LoL

Field of Lavendar

Okay, so I decided to use a photo depicting a field of lavendar for my background image. I needed to find something that I felt would be theme related, ...diet, weight loss, food, hmmm, I really love purple, so I thought what about herbs and of course, ...I couldn't help but think of lavendar. So, lavendar it is!

I've recently ordered some new products that fit into my healthy lifestyle. I can't wait for them to arrive! I prefer to buy in bulk, so I needed to address the storage issues that come with buying lots of things. And, as much as I love pretty things, it's best if they can be functional. So, I bought a set of new "see through" canisters, ...not only do they look pretty sitting on the counter, but I don't have to open each one to see what's in it!

My husband built me a set of custom indoor window boxes above my kitchen sink when we built our kitchen. The other day, it occurred to me to plant herbs in place of the straggly plants. So, off to the nursery we went and I purchased lots of fresh herbs, ...now I am so pleased with my boxes, I love the idea that I can just snip a little herb whenever I want and add it to a recipe. I need to replace the batteries in my camera, then I will post a picture of them.

Okay, it's really late and I need to go to bed, ...I have a lot of things jotted down to add to this site, hopefully, I'll find some time to do that tomorrow!

Heavenly Peach Bran Muffins

Ingredients:
1 cup FAT FREE plain yogurt
1 cup rhubarb sauce (see recipe below)
1 cup finely diced peach flavored jicama (see recipe below)
1 cup 5 grain whole oats
1 cup organic wheat bran
1/2 cup organic finely milled whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tarter
1 tsp. cinnamon/xylitol mixed
1/2 tsp. salt


Procedure:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, add yogurt, rhubarb sauce, and peach jicama, stir to combine.
3. Next, add whole oats, wheat bran, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon/xylitol mix, and salt. Mix well until combined.
4. Spoon batter into 12-14 individual silicone muffin cups and place on baking sheet.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, remove from oven and allow to cool.
6. Pop muffins out of cups and place in a large ziplock freezer bag. Keep refrigerated or frozen until ready to use.

Eat & Enjoy!, Betsÿ

Note: When reheating from frozen state, just pop 2 muffins in the microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute each and they are ready to eat!



ADDITIONAL RECIPES:

Rhubarb Sauce:
4-6 stalks of fresh rhubarb (sliced)
1/4 cup xylitol (you can use any sugar substitute)
1/4 cup water

Place ingredients in a small saucepan, cook until rhubarb softens and breaks apart while stirring often. Finished sauce should resemble cooked applesauce, set aside to cool.


Peach Jicama:
1/2 half of medium sized jicama
1/2 cup Torani Sugar Free Peach Syrup

Cut ends off of jicama, then cut in half. Set one half aside. Using the other half, carefully strip away the outer peel, then finely dice. Place in small storage bag, add 1/2 cup sugar free peach syrup, securely seal and place in refrigerator for 24 hours. Occasionally turn bag so that the syrup will be evenly distributed over the jicama.

In the Editing Room ...

Yep, I am in the editing room again, trying out a new look!

I'd rather have a background image in place of the grey background color, just haven't figured out how to change that yet?

Hmmm, ...gimme a minute and I'm sure I will find it! LoL