What color is your aura?

I love the colour yellow!!

It says "Tends to be free-spirited and creative.  Are fun-loving.  See the cup half-full and are generally in a good mood"

I definitely think this is me.  I do have my sad days and have had a few lately when I have been wondering where that happy person went.  

Each house I have lived in gets painted eventually and always there are yellow, gold room(s).  Imagine my happiness when the last house I bought was yellow on the outside!!

And of course it makes me happy just to wear yellow. 

My horoscope 

 "Hit the road for a day trip over the weekend when the stars favour a break from routine.  The TLC you show loved ones keeps the healthy and happy.  Take good care of yourself too!"

Well I did take Mom to Moose Jaw although it was for a funeral. We still had a pleasant day, stopped at the best bakery there for the donuts she loves, and she was thrilled to get out of town.  The husband of the woman who had passed away was so happy to see mom as he knew it took great effort for her to be there.  With her physical challenges she was the most disabled person there.  She is inspiring really, her perseverance. 

Brain Games

Did the Crossword and Soduko pages.  Pretty easy. 

Win these!

This page has contests you can enter but all are in the U.S.   There are coupons on this page also but those are also U.S. only.  Come on!!  I want to play too!!

I did in the spirit of it go to Chapters.  I had two gift certificates (that's like coupons)  and bought three books.    There was an on line survey form with a chance to win $1000.00  I filled it out.  Didn't win  :(

This is the book I went for and am in the process of reading:
Blink The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
by Malcolm Gladwell.
 I am simplifying it when I say it is about decision making processes and results based on gut reactions, intuition, and studies and stories about people who follow it.
I have been struggling with the fact that I seem to trust my intuition a lot when it comes to jobs, large purchases, houses, business decisions, etc.  I am an artist I believe that working intuitively is a real asset.  I of course use my knowledge, skills and thinking too.  However some of the greatest results come from just going for it.   I can confidentially say that trusting gut reactions has generally given positive results in many areas of my life. 
When it comes to personal matters I am more self doubting and use what I presume is more logic and thinking, and only later do I realise that if I would have gone with my intuition (initial gut reaction) I would not have had so many problems.
  So I decided to do some reading and this book came up when I googled following your instincts.
I will comment further when I have finished reading the book.  Which won't be long!!  My intuition says "Go for it!"  :)

Surprise! These noodles are superfoods!

ON SALE TOO!!

Suggested six different kinds of pasta of which I will try two of them.  I made Shiritaki noodles with Tilapia fish.  The noodles are angel hair shape and are 20 calories for 113 grams, or 40 calories for the whole package!  It says they are made from a yam-like plant and their soluble fibre swells to 17 times the original size in the digestive tract.  So fills you up for a long time.  I found them at Old Fashioned Foods in the refrigerated section.  I am going back for more as I will definitely make these again.     I cooked the fish in a pan, added the noodles with a bit of stir fry sauce and spices.  Fish was 100 calories for each fillet and had a very mild pleasant taste. 

Its a great way week to : Read a new Romance!

Having a garage sale and Jenny (daughter) brought over some books.  I read Slow Burn by Julie Garwood which I would call a romance/suspense novel.  It was an easy read and kept me interested to the end.  And I didn't guess who the bad guys were ahead of schedule which was definitely a plus.

Also on this page was Watch the Muppets which I have already seen.   But I purchased My Dog Skip with Frankie Muniz.  I  will make some popcorn one afternoon and snuggle up with the grand kids.

Sluggish Thyroid? Slow Metabolism? Stubborn Fat? Lose 10 bs right away with the fat-melting $10 supplement!

Today is my first day! 
Well as far as I know my thyroid is fine.  This says take 2000mg of fish oil per day as it speeds up metabolism too.  Use a 1500 calorie diet with emphasis on good nutrition of fruit, vegetables, lean protein, good carbs and fat.
It lists many benefits such as,  reduce breast cancer risk, help prevent heard disease and improves your mood.  It also improves insulin levels and cuts cravings, soothes internal inflammation.  Improves immunity and sharpens thinking.  1000mg if you eat fish, 2000mg if you don't.

Use a diet plan like South Beach Diet or the Mayo clinic Diet.

I bought Life Brand  natural source Wild Salmon Oil which are
1000 mg tablets of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Yummy

Flavor of the week

Cinnamon Bun

Well every Sunday for the past 9 years I have driven to Robin's Donuts and bought coffee biscuits and muffins and taken them to my daughter and son in laws.  Over the past few years grand kids Kobe 10 years and Jettah 5 take turns calling me Sunday morning when they get up and put in their order.  They love the cinnamon buns from there and as a special treat I sometimes buy them one.  Of course with this challenge topic they were in luck.  These are loaded with cream cheese icing and are delicious.

150 calories per bar

Cinnabon.  Coincidentally my friend Kent purchased this from Cosco.  I think he said they were two boxes of 12 bars each for $7.00.  They are a delicious little snack and a few seconds in the microwave makes them even better.   He left a box with me and the kids love these too.

What's coming up!!

1.  I am going to have another Poker Party.  Playing poker is listed in an article "Fun ways to beat anxiety"  Plus Trevor is requesting another one.  Guess who was the big winner??!

2.  There is "Host a Beauty Bridal Shower".  I don't know of anyone getting married but I am going to have a girls spa- beauty party at my house following the tips provided. Thinking maybe everyone can bring beauty products they aren't using and we can have a free shopping/testing table. 

3.  Under Recession Busters is having a yard sale with tips on how to promote it.    My daughters and I are planning one for next weekend at my house weather permitting.  Oh my I have a garage full of stuff to get rid of!!

4.  Have fun with Kids--A craft where you turn a milk bottle into a fairy house.  Milk bottle?  I think it means those plastic ones.  Will ask the daughters. 

So with three weeks left as my timetable I will have to do one each weekend and the craft somewhere in between.     (Unless I can sneak the poker party in the evening after closing up the garage sale.)

Plus all the cooking.  Some of which I will do for the poker and spa party. 
 
I think this is a possible schedule but will require my work commitments to be steady with few surprises.   Whew!!  A little bit of stress with the fun!!

Instant Chic Update your home with the pattern that Guarantees

Little me

This is toile.  A French pattern.  I found this cute little photo box at the $ Store which definitely represents it.  

At Winners  I bought a couple things I needed,  that I thought were at least in the spirit of the patterns.

Replacing some very worn tea towels are these beauties!

I love these cups with their fluted wonky edges

Always Brag About A Good Hair Day

Article:  Give your beauty Routine some flower power!

Always brag about a good hair day!

• Encouraged to use flower based products or home made solutions on face, hair, or body to pamper yourself.  I couldn't located the products recommended that I was interested in. However I tried this one which fits the bill.  Minoi Miracle Oil from The Body Shop.  Made from Tiare flowers (Tahitian Gardenias)  in coconut oil.  I rubbed a bit in my hair after I dried it.  The result was a great shine, and moisturised without weighing it down.  It is supposed to be a good body and bath oil also.   It has a light scent which I could easily tolerate despite being allergic to many perfumes.

  

  Minoi Miracle Oil

Also:The Hottest Way to Curl your Hair!

This works!!  "As you pull the flat iron
 down a section of hair,  twist your wrist
 and let the hair wrap around the plates
 until you reach the end." 

Sunny Days in Antigua Part 2

   And that is the final challenge from last months magazine.  The kids loved it and took the extra home.  I forgot to pour the grenadine in separately, so it didn't look quite so beautiful.  Anyhow my first ever smoothie in the new blender that I have had for a year and used for the first time today!
When I told Kobe the ingredients he said he loved Grenadine and that his other grandma used it.  I had never heard of it until I had to buy it for this drink! So I guess it must be used for other things too.  I will check it out. 

http://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-grenadine-syrup-1053i 

Found this recipe for grenadine syrup which is pomegranate and sugar basically.  The author, Tarla Dalal writes cookbooks, is from India and has a huge following.

Add 19 years to your life

by:  Cooking with Beans  I became a believer in beans as in the March 5 issue they are a big part of the Resistant Starch diet.  It says one to two cups a day which seems like an awful lot.  However today I cooked up a nine bean soup and made it quite thick.  I thought it would also go nicely on potatoes, or add some salsa for a dip.   I made extra beans and froze them in in 1 1/2 cup sizes and try adding them here and there.  Good thing I work at home.  Says because they are packed with pyhtates, a group of nutrients that will make me 2 years younger!!  These nutrients can  kill cancer cells, strengthen immunity and reverse cellular ageing.   Good news.  I cup of brown rice, 1 oz of almonds or 1/2 cup cream of wheat can do the same trick. 

For Diabetes Wow that's a lot of Cinnamon

Prevent-and reverse-diabetes!

Protection from your spice rack--Says 1/2 tsp of cinnamon daily cuts your blood-sugar levels 29%.  I don't have diabetes.  But my grandmother had it, and my mother has it.   The cinnamon on my kitchen table now.  To remind me to use it.  Yesterday and today I added it to my french toast mixture.   For two slices it worked easily. Not sure I will be able to manage that much per day but I think to add cinnamon as much as possible is a good idea. 

Continuing:

Eating with the Non Dominant Hand:  Tried again for breakfast. What a good idea!  It certainly makes me more aware of what and how much I am eating. Normally I just kind of zone out and all of a sudden the food is gone.  Awkward for sure, but I bet with practice I would get better at it. 

 Note:
 I discovered:  Kirstie Allie's 100 Days of Dance   Already completed.  Darn.  Still dealing with the inner ear dizziness thing.  Boy when it clears up am I going to fly!!  I mean dance!!

http://www.100daysofdance.com/blog

Sunny Days in Antigua

Snowy here today but warm in the kitchen:   Caribbean Sweet Potato Fries

Two Thumbs up from Kobe

 Kobe said they were the best sweet potato fries he had ever had. 

Caribbean Sweet Potato Fries (found on another blog called: More Joyful Choices  here is the link;  joyfulgfchoices.blogspot.com/

1 T. brown sugar
1 tsp. cumin
½ tsp. cinnamon
Pinch of allspice
2 T. canola oil
3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
Coarse salt (regular works, too)

Cut each potato in half (or quarters, if they are large).  Cut each half into 3 or 4 long wedges.

Combine oil and first 4 seasonings in a large bowl.  Add potatoes and toss to coat.  Spread in an even layer on foil-lined jellyroll pan.  Sprinkle with salt.

Bake at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

I substituted frozen sweet potatoes and didn't have any allspice.  I used 2 tablespoons brown sugar and olive oil instead of canola. 

Kids finding their pictures on my blog

Picking up the Pace

Picking up the Pace
Will be doing more than one task a day.  That way I can get though one magazine per month.  Some tasks are easy to accomplish and it will give me extra time to concentrate on the harder ones, like crafts, parties, cooking etc. 

New Magazine first task:

Hot trend:  Treat yourself to 3-D Flowers

Love the colour

This was easy as I had already bought an inexpensive purse last month.   I took it with me to Vegas which seems to be the city of fancy purses, and I even received  a couple compliments there.  I see this trend everywhere.  In clothing too.  I may find something else next time I go shopping!

Handy way to avoid overeating

Eat with your non-dominant hand.

In order to slow down, be more aware, consume less.  My date took me to Red Lobster.  I wasn't going to mention anything,  just do it.  However I was looking kind of awkward.    So I explained.  I wonder what comment his non-comment meant?  Dropped a bit of lettuce here and there but otherwise managed.  I think it helped.  I only ate one and a half of their delicious biscuits.  I should have drank the wine with my non-dominant hand as that went down a little too quickly.  My sparkling personality may have over sparkled a bit.  I will try this again and see how it goes.

( Sent my niece a cheque for her wedding of 1 and a half years ago.  Sorry for the delay Erin. )

Look at all I did!!

Look at all I did!!

I am afraid.  Yes really!  Of cooking!  It causes me a lot of anxiety because with the exception of a few dishes, I cannot cook.  Because of this challenge I cooked 4 different entrees and a vegetable dish.  I discovered ways to handle the anxiety by dividing it into stages. (eg cook the pasta one day.  The topping the next)  Start early in the day.  By 4pm I feel too anxious and rushed to even try.  Plus if it is palatable I can have it for lunch and supper!!  If I fail, I am the only one who knows.  I am queen of the slow cooker (success guaranteed) however have now discovered one pot recipes aren't much more difficult and they turn out too!

I now have eye make up skills.  For which I will be grateful every day. 

I also discovered how much bright colours make me happy and am wearing them more.

I saved $ by checking my phone bills.  Even though I was sure I wouldn't and just did it because it was there.  (see the blog)

I downloaded bird songs because they were supposed to help with anxiety.  I don't know that they did but the app has a game which is actually a teaching tool and now I am developing an interest in learning to identify birds in my back yard by the sound that they make.  I like it.

I had a Poker Party.  I never have parties.  I can now play poker, I made my first ever martini,  and had a lot of fun.  Everyone wants me to have another one!!

I did a baking project and a craft project with my grand kids.  They loved it and so did I.  Jettah is already looking ahead at what we do in the latest issue. 

It is encouraging me to get back to my painting which has been long neglected.  And I am going to run a portrait class next month.  I seem to be getting a lot of my confidence back about many things. 

I started taking Vitamin D every day.

I lost 2.5 pounds on the Resistant Starch diet plus it reinforced some strategies for weight loss and healthy eating.  

I feel really happy.  Stimulated.  I thought this challenge might take away from things I have to do in my life but instead it added to my life.   It has increased my self esteem.  I feel like I am a more interesting person.  I am having a lot of fun!!

Family and friends were initially puzzled by my decision to do this but now seem to  find it interesting (I think) and are having fun too as I include them in some of the activities. 

I am excited getting into the new issue, and look forward to the challenges it provides.  Coming up will be a Spa Party.  Another Poker Party.  Getting to my painting.  More great recipes I hope. 

I am also learning how to blog.  I experiment almost daily with blog tools hoping to make it a more attractive interesting site. 

Turn around day.

Turn around day.   Bought a new Woman's World Magazine to continue the challenge with and still have a couple things to complete on the March 5, 2012 issue.

One is "Sunny Days in Antigua.  I am planning to make the drink, "Taste of Antigua Tropical Smoothie" and a carribean type dish to honour the two page spread.  It looks so beautiful and peaceful there.

The final one, " Wedding elegance for under $10.00" is making a wedding centrepiece.  No weddings in the future, but this jogged my memory. My niece married a over a year ago and I still hadn't sent her a wedding gift.  So Erin, I will be putting a cheque in the mail.  Honest!

And it's the last day for the  7 Days of Inspiration

www.lyndaargue.com

Work some magic.  Smile.

That's not a tough gig.  I will smile all day long!! I will let you know how the magic went.

(Really really)Spicy

(Really really)Spicy Tagliatelle Primavera

As you can see I made it with tri-colour rotini  pasta. I added about 8 times as many red pepper flakes and still got a good review from my roommate Gary.   The only pasta dish I have ever made in the past, was spaghetti.  In the past month I have made two plus Chicken Cacciatore which I think counts as a third.  Pretty darn proud of myself. 

Very healthy I will make this again

7 Days of Inspiration

www.lyndaargue.com

Let your dreams keep you strong.

I take this to mean to not accept a passive life to believe in my dreams so much that I am strong and happy in the present, not doubting or doing less than I expect of myself.  To believe in myself.  To aspire.  And to hold on.  I have given up on dreams in the past, sometimes blaming others, when underneath it was my own fear that held me back.  Practically, I would like to do more painting that is fulfilling.  Right now that means painting my loved ones.   I love teaching and am going to do another portrait class soon.  Organize a workshop at the beach in the summer.

I have one more dream that I won't share yet, but that dream and all dreams apply to what I have just said.  Believe in myself and my dreams.  Work towards with joy in the present, neither giving up or making myself miserable because they are not achieved yet.  Believe in myself!!

I did quit eating after nine pm!

7 Days of Inspiration

7 Days of Inspiration

Miracles still happen every day!

www.lyndaargue.com 

            
                   Giving birth to my three daughters, having grandchildren.  Those are the miracles!

               (Note:  I remembered not to eat after nine p.m.)

What a Hoot!

What a Hoot!
A great afternoon with my two little granddaughters doing the craft project, owl bookends out of socks and felt. 

Never leave children alone with foam chips

Proud of their work

Just Cute!!

Today's Inspiration

 Today's Inspiration

"Life is more beautiful than ever.  So are you!"                                     

                     
I take from this to enjoy the day.  I have to do a few things I don't want to do but I get to go out in the sunshine.  I am healthy.  I feel pretty happy, and hey I am having a good hair day!!  Life is good!

Picture from my website:
www.lyndaargue.com

Updates:   Finished Crossword and Sudoku page
                 Tomorrow granddaughters over and we are doing a craft.  Who is this grandma??

          

!!HAPPY EASTER !!

!!HAPPY EASTER !!

From 7 Days of Inspiration:
  Sometimes, stepping back shows us the best path forward

(I think this means that sometimes just not pushing a decision may allow the mind to clear and then the decision becomes apparent) And since today is Easter I am just going to enjoy a nice family day at my mother's and let all the decisions wait!

With a busy life it is easy to forget things I have set out to do if they are to go more than one day.  Like, twice a week face treatment, 7 days of Inspiration.  Almost finished this issue of the Magazine however I will make a calendar to remind myself of ones that are ongoing.  

 Reminder:

 One facial peel treatment (twice a week) ...done
  No eating after 9 pm...done

Fun!!! First Ever Poker Party!!!

Had copies of "Rules" and "Hands ranked in Winning Order" at the Table
Only one of us had ever played before

However some very serious participants

Someone had a lot of chips (someone else waiting to get them)

That's me second from right--only a few chips left!
Notice the green felt on the tables

Cheese hearts compliments of Edna

Beautiful martinis  First time I ever made a martini and pretty proud of myself!!

What the heck are capers??

 I COOKED AGAIN!!

I used lemon zest.  Loved the tangy flavour.

Not magazine beautiful, but magazine tasty for sure!!

You Deserve the Best--

You Deserve the Best--Healthy Cereal

According to Hungry-Girl.com    Says buy Fiber One Cereal Original  Blend it into crumbs, season with spices, coat chicken in fat free liquid egg substitute and dip in crumbs and bake.  Sounds yummy.  I bought the cereal and will definitely be trying this. 

Also 1/2 way through the cross-word puzzle. 

Did some more shopping for the poker party on Friday!!

Discover the Wild New Neutrals

This was about decorating with animal prints.  I thought I would buy just one thing.  A cushion for my house or a decorative mug or dish.  It was surprisingly difficult to find anything.  I ended up buying coasters, which I really needed.  I will keep my eye out  for something more as I think a splash of animal print design would look great in my living room.  

Quiet a noisy door!

This really worked.  Rub a bit of petroleum jelly into your door hinge if it is squeaking.  At first I thought it didn't work but when I tested it again a few hours later; beautiful silence.  How easy is that!!

Follow Jennifer's diet!

Follow Jennifer's diet!

This lady lost 102 pounds.  She did all sensible things, exercise, healthy eating.  Of the four tips she gave I already do three of them but the forth is:

Nix late-night noshing

So no eating for me for three hours before bedtime which would make it 9pm!  Bye popcorn, cheese and crackers.

Your Dreams are too Important to Ignore

Your Dreams are too Important to Ignore

An inspirational bookmark that I printed off and cut out.  What dream am I ignoring?  I have been putting off my art for a long time.  I know my next project will be a pic of John and one of Molly, my grandchildren.  First step to this is to buy new colour printer ink so I can  enlarge the pics I plan to do.  Or, Find out how to get pics off my phone to get printed somewhere.

"Protect Your family from CO Poisoning"

"Protect Your family from CO Poisoning" (there was an article on a woman who almost died of CO poisoning and her long road to recovery.)

I Installed a co detector in the basement.  Good for me!!

Love and Laughter

Motoring through the last pages.

I want to have this magazine all done by the Easter Weekend.  So am going to double and triple up on some of the pages to get done.

Love and Laughter

This page has cute pics of pets, and others of kids.  I decided to put up a combo.  This is Jettah and my dog Buddy having a nap.


Your Horoscope
It said my cash flow problems will abate on the 4th  (of March)  That was the day that I rented out one of my houses, which was a darn big relief!!

What Colour is Your Personality

I am definitely the Orange Artisan

It says I am  able to be both creative and practical plus am known for entrepreneurial drive!  That is definitely me.  I am going to print that little article up and put it where I can see it.  To remind myself how great I am!!!!! lol

7 Days of Inspiration

A positive thought for each day of the week

Todays is:   You are a positive force in someone's life.

Yes i think that is true.  Good for me.