You probably do not know this, but this week is Fat Talk Free Week. Fat Talk is negative self-talk and has NOTHING to do with being overweight, average weight, or even underweight. Fat Talk is when we say things like:
- "my thighs look huge in these pants"
- "i ate SO bad today" (what makes something bad? does food actually have character traits?)
- "i've got to get rid of this double-chin (or flabby arms or belly or whatever)"
- "i can't wear skinny jeans. my hips are too big."
- "i hate summer. i refuse to wear a swimsuit in public."
- "ugh...don't take a picture of me. i look so fat."
- "gosh, you eat so healthy. that must be why you're so skinny and i'm not."
- "i've got to get to the gym because i've been eating so much (or my clothes are too tight or my stomach's pooching out...)"
- "if only i could look like her, i would be so happy."
This list does not even BEGIN to scratch the surface in terms of comments I hear every single day and have heard my entire life. Fat talk does not benefit anyone. It is detrimental, not only to yourself, but to every single person around you.
Please, please view the short video below. It is time to break the cycle we, as women, have become so accustomed to all our life. It is so common for us to talk about different areas of our body we hate or how we wish we looked like a particular person.
Please make a commitment to actively pursue positive self talk. I know it's not easy because we've grown up in a society that has warped our sense of self and jaded our thoughts. But I beg you to think before speaking those comments aloud. You don't know who's listening. You don't know who is struggling with body image and how it may affect them. When you tell them they "look great and have they lost weight," you don't know the inner struggle they might be going through and whether or not they are miserable. Be so careful in front of your daughters, your nieces, your sisters, your mothers...
God created you and me (and every human being) in His own image. We all have intrinsic value because of that...period. There is nothing, not education, beauty, social status, body shape, physical fitness, etc. that makes one person more valuable than the other. "You were made to fill a purpose that only you can do and there can never be a more beautiful YOU."
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Tasty Tuesdays: the 18th installment
Happy October 20th to all my lovely readers! I can hardly believe I've been doing this post for 18 weeks, and I can't fathom the idea that we are just 11 days away from November. What has happened to 2009? In just a few short weeks, I'll be trimming the tree while singing my heart out to the NSYNC Christmas CD. But...let's not get ahead of ourselves!
Being the avid baker I am, today's recipe is easily the most used in my entire repertoire. Everyone should have an easy frosting recipe that requires no measurements, double-boiler or recipe card. This frosting has graced countless cakes, cookies and anything else deemed frosting-worthy. It can also be easily tweaked to include different flavors and dies beautifully using a little food coloring.
So without further ado, I bring you today's Tasty Tuesday recipe.
1-2-3 Buttercream
Ingredients:
2 sticks butter
6-8 C powdered (confectioners) sugar
2 T cream or half & half
1 t vanilla (optional)
1. Cream butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time.
3. Add cream a little at a time until you reach desired consistency.
Quite honestly, I NEVER measure this recipe (with the exception of the butter). I just add powdered sugar until it looks like frosting and is the right consistency for me to ice my cake. Obviously, I prefer a thicker icing so that it holds up well on my cake and doesn't droop off the sides.
If you've been using icing in a can all your life, I hope the ease of this recipe will inspire you to at least try your hand at homemade frosting. It is so worth it and tastes world's better than anything processed/pre-made. I promise!
*BTW, a big Tasty Tuesday shout-out to my sister and cousin Li-Li who both made my banana bread recipe and received RAVE reviews. Kudos ladies and I loved getting the feedback.
Being the avid baker I am, today's recipe is easily the most used in my entire repertoire. Everyone should have an easy frosting recipe that requires no measurements, double-boiler or recipe card. This frosting has graced countless cakes, cookies and anything else deemed frosting-worthy. It can also be easily tweaked to include different flavors and dies beautifully using a little food coloring.
So without further ado, I bring you today's Tasty Tuesday recipe.
1-2-3 Buttercream
Ingredients:
2 sticks butter
6-8 C powdered (confectioners) sugar
2 T cream or half & half
1 t vanilla (optional)
1. Cream butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time.
3. Add cream a little at a time until you reach desired consistency.
Quite honestly, I NEVER measure this recipe (with the exception of the butter). I just add powdered sugar until it looks like frosting and is the right consistency for me to ice my cake. Obviously, I prefer a thicker icing so that it holds up well on my cake and doesn't droop off the sides.
If you've been using icing in a can all your life, I hope the ease of this recipe will inspire you to at least try your hand at homemade frosting. It is so worth it and tastes world's better than anything processed/pre-made. I promise!
*BTW, a big Tasty Tuesday shout-out to my sister and cousin Li-Li who both made my banana bread recipe and received RAVE reviews. Kudos ladies and I loved getting the feedback.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
you only get one shot.
After seeing this on a couple of blogs and finding it fairly interesting, I decided to jump on the bandwagon. The caveat is you have to answer each question with just one word. Have fun reading and do it yourself if you want.
1. Where is your cell phone? bag
2. Your hair? frizz-ball
3. Your mother? selfless
4. Your father? hero
5. Your favorite food? mexicana
6. Your dream last night? nonexistent
7. Your favorite drink? champagne
8. Your dream/goal? legacy
9. What room are you in? office
10. Your hobby? cooking
11. Your fear? freewill
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? God's will (i cheated)
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something you aren’t? greedy
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. Wish list item? n'espresso
17. Where did you grow up? dallas
18. Last thing you did? file
19. What are you wearing? dress
20. Your TV? functional
21. Your pets? n/a
22. Your friends? mosaic
23. Your life? blessed
24. Your mood? calm
25. Missing someone? sister
26. Vehicle? andi
27. Something you’re not wearing? makeup!
28. Your favorite store? williams-sonoma
29. Your favorite color? pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? puzzled
32. Your best friend? related
33. One place that I go over and over? a-town
34. One person who emails me regularly? poppala
35. Favorite place to eat? HOME!!!!
And even though there are no rules, I'm tagging Kori, Lyric, Brooke and Meagan. So if you're reading this, you have to do it!
1. Where is your cell phone? bag
2. Your hair? frizz-ball
3. Your mother? selfless
4. Your father? hero
5. Your favorite food? mexicana
6. Your dream last night? nonexistent
7. Your favorite drink? champagne
8. Your dream/goal? legacy
9. What room are you in? office
10. Your hobby? cooking
11. Your fear? freewill
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? God's will (i cheated)
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something you aren’t? greedy
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. Wish list item? n'espresso
17. Where did you grow up? dallas
18. Last thing you did? file
19. What are you wearing? dress
20. Your TV? functional
21. Your pets? n/a
22. Your friends? mosaic
23. Your life? blessed
24. Your mood? calm
25. Missing someone? sister
26. Vehicle? andi
27. Something you’re not wearing? makeup!
28. Your favorite store? williams-sonoma
29. Your favorite color? pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? puzzled
32. Your best friend? related
33. One place that I go over and over? a-town
34. One person who emails me regularly? poppala
35. Favorite place to eat? HOME!!!!
And even though there are no rules, I'm tagging Kori, Lyric, Brooke and Meagan. So if you're reading this, you have to do it!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tasty Tuesday: the 17th recipe
I know I've said it before, but I adore the flavors of all, specifically pumpkin. I like pumpkin in everything: pie, cake, cookies, soup, pasta, oatmeal - the list is endless. However, it is hardly acceptable to serve anything pumpkin-flavored outside of the fall/winter months. Can you imagine bringing a pumpkin pie to a 4th of July barbecue? The horror!
Be that as it may, it is our duty to enjoy all things pumpkin to the absolute fullest during these months when it is appropriate to consume the orange colored fruit. (Yes, a pumpkin has seeds, therefore, it is technically a fruit).
Today's recipe features pumpkin and happens to be one of my favorite pumpkin recipes. It comes from BHG and is so easy and really highlights the natural goodness of the pumpkin as opposed to masking it with tons of sugar, cream, etc.
As a fair warning, if you're expecting something sweet and reminiscent of pumpkin pie, prepare to be sorely disappointed. This soup is for pumpkin lovers and will be off-putting to some.
Easy peasy pumpkin soup
Ingredients:
1 15-ounce can pumpkin (not pie filling)
1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup fat-free milk
1 T brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1. Stir together pumpkin, chicken broth, and milk in a large saucepan.
2. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Heat just to boiling.
3. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
I have served this as a first-course for Thanksgiving dinner for many years. It can also be paired with a salad and bread for a super easy weeknight meal.
Be that as it may, it is our duty to enjoy all things pumpkin to the absolute fullest during these months when it is appropriate to consume the orange colored fruit. (Yes, a pumpkin has seeds, therefore, it is technically a fruit).
Today's recipe features pumpkin and happens to be one of my favorite pumpkin recipes. It comes from BHG and is so easy and really highlights the natural goodness of the pumpkin as opposed to masking it with tons of sugar, cream, etc.
As a fair warning, if you're expecting something sweet and reminiscent of pumpkin pie, prepare to be sorely disappointed. This soup is for pumpkin lovers and will be off-putting to some.
Easy peasy pumpkin soup
Ingredients:
1 15-ounce can pumpkin (not pie filling)
1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup fat-free milk
1 T brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1. Stir together pumpkin, chicken broth, and milk in a large saucepan.
2. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Heat just to boiling.
3. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
I have served this as a first-course for Thanksgiving dinner for many years. It can also be paired with a salad and bread for a super easy weeknight meal.
Monday, October 12, 2009
i'll take the chipper chicken.
Actually, make that shrimp (also a cheap alternative) in our case...allow me to explain.
This past Saturday marked another fousin foray into the kitchen and I couldn't be more pleased with our results. Upon hearing that our favorite China doll (Christina) would be journeying our way for the weekend, I knew we must make plans post haste to kick it old school and cook up a little dinner while enjoying each other's exquisite company.
*If I haven't said it before, getting in the kitchen with my fousins has become one of my most favorite things in life. I love to try new dishes and experiment with new flavors ("there's nothin' like experimentin'...who's ready for some chromo-magnificence"), and actually having a group to cook for/with makes the entire experience so much more rewarding. In addition, it's also fun to cook with those who are open to expanding their food horizons and who like to have impromptu dance parties while working in the kitchen. And finally, cooking a meal it home is extremely cost effective and it's always more enjoyable to dine at your leisure. I love to linger at the dinner table for at least an hour.
The menu was set several days in advance and featured:
spinach, pear, blue cheese and walnut salad
baked shrimp with feta and tomatoes
baked sweet potatoes
roasted green beans and artichokes
beer bread
Upon arriving at the Mendez chateau, we promptly got busy in the kitchen sauteing, chopping, mixing and the like. All hands were on deck as we prepped the feast and I can honestly say I loved every minute of it. I wish we could do family dinners everyday. Wouldn't that be a treat?
In between the arduous manual labor, Haylee got in on the action and had some special fousin time herself. Not only did she join in the dance party, but she also got tossed in the air repeatedly by China who made the mistake of doing it once. Children are never satisfied with experiencing something fun only one time. They want you to do it over and over and over again.
With all that dancing and toddler tossing, we really worked up some hearty appetites. Suffice it say, when the dinner bell rang, we loaded our plates with the delicious goodness and ate to our heart's content. Twas delicious indeed and the conversation was equally delightful.
We rounded out the night by watching Jim & Pam's wedding, and we all agreed the final scene made the entire hour of mediocre content worth it in the end. And to be honest, I think I could do anything with my fousins and it would be a grand time.
This past Saturday marked another fousin foray into the kitchen and I couldn't be more pleased with our results. Upon hearing that our favorite China doll (Christina) would be journeying our way for the weekend, I knew we must make plans post haste to kick it old school and cook up a little dinner while enjoying each other's exquisite company.
*If I haven't said it before, getting in the kitchen with my fousins has become one of my most favorite things in life. I love to try new dishes and experiment with new flavors ("there's nothin' like experimentin'...who's ready for some chromo-magnificence"), and actually having a group to cook for/with makes the entire experience so much more rewarding. In addition, it's also fun to cook with those who are open to expanding their food horizons and who like to have impromptu dance parties while working in the kitchen. And finally, cooking a meal it home is extremely cost effective and it's always more enjoyable to dine at your leisure. I love to linger at the dinner table for at least an hour.
The menu was set several days in advance and featured:
spinach, pear, blue cheese and walnut salad
baked shrimp with feta and tomatoes
baked sweet potatoes
roasted green beans and artichokes
beer bread
Upon arriving at the Mendez chateau, we promptly got busy in the kitchen sauteing, chopping, mixing and the like. All hands were on deck as we prepped the feast and I can honestly say I loved every minute of it. I wish we could do family dinners everyday. Wouldn't that be a treat?
In between the arduous manual labor, Haylee got in on the action and had some special fousin time herself. Not only did she join in the dance party, but she also got tossed in the air repeatedly by China who made the mistake of doing it once. Children are never satisfied with experiencing something fun only one time. They want you to do it over and over and over again.
With all that dancing and toddler tossing, we really worked up some hearty appetites. Suffice it say, when the dinner bell rang, we loaded our plates with the delicious goodness and ate to our heart's content. Twas delicious indeed and the conversation was equally delightful.
We rounded out the night by watching Jim & Pam's wedding, and we all agreed the final scene made the entire hour of mediocre content worth it in the end. And to be honest, I think I could do anything with my fousins and it would be a grand time.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
it's too late to apologize.
Okay, not really. But I did have the pleasure of hearing the song live this past week at the One Republic concert. View the videos below for some sound bytes of the set they played.
While I was definitely a fan prior to the conert, I became even more impressed upon hearing them live. They sounded exactly like they do on the radio which is such a rarity these days. I was also really taken with their stage presence and overall talent.
Their new album (which happens to come out on Tuesday) is chock-full of greatness and I highly recommend downloading it on i-tunes if you have the chance. I think you will really enjoy it.
While I was definitely a fan prior to the conert, I became even more impressed upon hearing them live. They sounded exactly like they do on the radio which is such a rarity these days. I was also really taken with their stage presence and overall talent.
Their new album (which happens to come out on Tuesday) is chock-full of greatness and I highly recommend downloading it on i-tunes if you have the chance. I think you will really enjoy it.
it's her party, and she'll cry if she wants to.
Last weekend, we celebrated Haylee's 3rd birthday with a Dora-themed fiesta extravaganza.
Michelle did a bang-up job planning the big bash and left no detail untouched. From the Dora-emblazoned cake to the massive spread of Mexican inspired food to the party favors to the festive pinata, the party was a hit from start to finish.
The gang was all there with all sets of grandparents present and some of the birthday girl's best friends. She was beyond thrilled to have so many of her favorite people in the same room and let out a squeal every time someone new came to the door.
The kids played outside in the mini bounce house and on the swingset, but perhaps the highlight was the Dora-shaped pinata. It is quite a marvel to watch three and four-year-olds take a wack at Dora's face. Haylee was a bit timid at first, but once she observed some pinata pros, she was reluctant to give anyone else a turn. In fact, she proceeded to have a full-on meltdown every time one of her friends was given the opportunity to take a swing. My competitive nature must be rubbing off on her.
The guest of honor's spirits were quickly lifted with the birthday song and her chance to blow out the candles on her Dora cake. She had been asking for a Dora cake for at least a month prior to her birthday and when she finally got the chance to dig in, she was in cake heaven. I can't say I blame her. A good cake is easily the highlight of every party.
As if that weren't enough, the fun didn't stop there. The birthday girl had a pile of presents to unwrap, and received enough dress-up costumes to last her a lifetime. There was Minnie Mouse, Cinderella, fairy wings out the yin yang and a myriad of princess acoutrements to delight even the prissiest of girls.
All in all, it was the perfect way to bring in a new year in my precious niece's life. I know I've said it before, but I can't imagine loving someone as much as I love my little Pearl. She can be a total toot, but when she asks for a "giant hug," my heart melts completely and I want to give her the world. So here's to an awesome 3rd year in your life. I can't wait to be a part of your story!
Michelle did a bang-up job planning the big bash and left no detail untouched. From the Dora-emblazoned cake to the massive spread of Mexican inspired food to the party favors to the festive pinata, the party was a hit from start to finish.
The gang was all there with all sets of grandparents present and some of the birthday girl's best friends. She was beyond thrilled to have so many of her favorite people in the same room and let out a squeal every time someone new came to the door.
The kids played outside in the mini bounce house and on the swingset, but perhaps the highlight was the Dora-shaped pinata. It is quite a marvel to watch three and four-year-olds take a wack at Dora's face. Haylee was a bit timid at first, but once she observed some pinata pros, she was reluctant to give anyone else a turn. In fact, she proceeded to have a full-on meltdown every time one of her friends was given the opportunity to take a swing. My competitive nature must be rubbing off on her.
The guest of honor's spirits were quickly lifted with the birthday song and her chance to blow out the candles on her Dora cake. She had been asking for a Dora cake for at least a month prior to her birthday and when she finally got the chance to dig in, she was in cake heaven. I can't say I blame her. A good cake is easily the highlight of every party.
As if that weren't enough, the fun didn't stop there. The birthday girl had a pile of presents to unwrap, and received enough dress-up costumes to last her a lifetime. There was Minnie Mouse, Cinderella, fairy wings out the yin yang and a myriad of princess acoutrements to delight even the prissiest of girls.
All in all, it was the perfect way to bring in a new year in my precious niece's life. I know I've said it before, but I can't imagine loving someone as much as I love my little Pearl. She can be a total toot, but when she asks for a "giant hug," my heart melts completely and I want to give her the world. So here's to an awesome 3rd year in your life. I can't wait to be a part of your story!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
