tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3797555534933217222024-02-07T00:17:38.866-08:00How to Improve YOUR LIFEI want to help you to improve YOUR daily quality of life, so every day I will offer a pieces of advice. It could be a new exercise I've come across, or a great tasting recipe, or just a joke.Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-72187580729061001382011-01-15T20:08:00.001-08:002011-01-15T20:37:45.866-08:00Food for ThoughtHappy evening.<br /><br />Ever craved something and could not find it at the store? For me that item is <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Cuties Clementines.</span> I asked for them the other day at the store, and came to find them today. Much to my chagrin they did not have them. Even though I have been <span style="font-weight: bold;">CRAVING</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Cuties</span> for 2 weeks now, I realized that sometimes I have to accept that I cannot always have what I want. So instead of <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Cuties</span>, I decided on some deliciously plump <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">blackberries</span>. They are not <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Cuties</span> but they are still good. I will continue waiting on my quest for <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Cuties</span>.<br /><br />Just a bit ago I was reading a free local magazine "<span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">Natural Awakenings</span>" and came across an article titled "Foods that Fight Pain: A Tasty, Colorful Banquet". It left me feeling a little better about my early purchase of <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">blackberries</span>. Here is why:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Cherries</span>, <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">Blackberries</span>, <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Raspberries</span>, <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">blueberries</span>, and <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">strawberries</span>. These fruits contain compound which works an anti-inflammatory and is 10 times more effective than aspirin according to Michigan State University Researchers.<br /><br /> For more information on pain fighting foods check out the rest of the article here:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">http://www.naturalawakeningsmag.com/Natural-Awakenings/January-2011/Foods-that-Fight-Pain/</span><br /><br />Cheers to pain free with fruit<br />!Eliza!<br /><br />Also a special thanks to <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">http://www.cutiescitrus.com/</span> for the deliciousness, please get them to a store near me before I lose my mind!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-90225478063073810652011-01-14T21:33:00.000-08:002011-01-14T21:33:03.915-08:00Disney's Enchanted - "Happy Working Song" (Actual Footage)<span class="Apple-style-span" > Good evening or good early morning</span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >As usual i start out my day by making a to do list. Todays list included a LOT of cleaning! For the most part, I got everything done that I set out to do. And it was such a feeling of accomplishment! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >On top of that my apartment is now clean and the positive (if i have feng shuied properly) can flow. I even cleaned the bathroom sink. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I encourage you to tidy up your bedroom or clean up all the dishes tomorrow before you go to bed. When you wake up in the morning, it will be a nice fresh start without the extra clutter. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>I am going to include a list I found on Woman's Day to help with cleaning;</b></div><div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><b><br /></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><b>Pare down countertop clutter</b> to what you use every single day, and store—or get rid of—the rest. “Most of us use only 20 percent of our kitchen products 80 percent of the time,” says Julie Edelman, author of <i>The Ultimate Accidental Housewife: Your Guide to a Clean-Enough House.</i> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><b>Save elbow grease</b> “Disinfectant cleaners need to sit on wet countertops for five minutes to sufficiently get rid of foodborne germs and bacteria,” says Linda Cobb, author of <i>Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean</i>. </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><b>Employ lidded baskets</b> to hide toys, magazines and other items.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><b>Flip couch cushions over</b> and give throw pillows a fluff for an instantly tidier-looking sofa.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><b>The shower curtain </b>can be cleaned by wiping them down with hot water and bleach</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><b>Wipe down</b> the bathroom mirror every time you step out of the shower, while the glass is steamy. And do the same to shower walls.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><b>Replace bar soap</b> with liquid soap displayed in a refillable, decorative dispenser.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; "><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; ">Scrubbin Bubbles </b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; ">has wonderful products to clean the toilet: cleaning gels and the toilet brush make for a mess free touch up </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><b>Use plastic bins or crates</b> to corral detergents, dryer sheets, softeners and other essentials.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><b>Keep a plastic bag–lined</b> trash bin in the room to toss lint from the dryer trap and other debris.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><b>For the clean of bleach without the smell</b> you can purchase scented bleach like fresh meadow and lemon that are not as harsh and work well for people who have a breathing problems </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >And for a bonus, cut up and old t-shirt or use old socks instead of paper towels. They are reusable and will save you a lot of money in the long term from not having to buy paper towels. </span></p></div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; ">If you have young children who you would like to get to help, try motivating with this song from Enchanted: Happy Working Song by Amy Adams.</span> </span><div><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Pb2si7fClqA?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Happy cleaning, </div><div>~Eliza~</div><div><br /></div></div>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-50637285188269474802011-01-13T18:26:00.001-08:002011-01-13T18:49:41.001-08:00achy abs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zfQaFcqqLOSKnP3VMn7SZKErC9jjGkgjbJryMyK_iNjTcgOjAqyL5tkyVzr7KK71gLgZHyiMvG8IN-VErTIdU1U47IaoxLccK4s_-aiVbbU2QlsDNZZvaekdfeY85Qofb0noQTI9atGQ/s1600/yoga.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zfQaFcqqLOSKnP3VMn7SZKErC9jjGkgjbJryMyK_iNjTcgOjAqyL5tkyVzr7KK71gLgZHyiMvG8IN-VErTIdU1U47IaoxLccK4s_-aiVbbU2QlsDNZZvaekdfeY85Qofb0noQTI9atGQ/s320/yoga.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561867921994840354" /></a><br />Hello how has your evening been? <div><br /></div><div>Mine has been slow. After playing games online for what must have been hours I finally coaxed myself out of the chair (with chocolate as motivation) and into my <span class="Apple-style-span" >yoga</span> clothes. Grudgingly I laid out my yoga mat and turned on one of my many dvds. I am not as flexible as I was during the height of my <span class="Apple-style-span" >yoganess</span>. Back then I could make it though about 10 minutes of this particular dvd. Tonight I didn't quite make it that far, but that is okay. </div><div><br /></div><div>It has always been my opinion that the first time you do something is always that hardest. So although I didn't quite make it to the 1o minute mark it's okay, because I put forth the effort and took the first step back into staying fit. I am thankful that my foot has finally healed enough that I am able to work out once again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Blessings, </div><div>~E~</div>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-29257048131677621452011-01-12T12:56:00.000-08:002011-01-12T13:12:01.567-08:00GoalsGood Afternoon fellow bloggers. <div><br /></div><div>Do any of you make lists of goals? Kind of like new years resolutions but nothing too strict. I usually make lists of my goals twice a year-once around new years and once at the end of summer. Just some things I'd like to work on. When I make my list or lists (short and long term) I like to share it with someone, that way I might be held better accountable and have a better chance of achieving my goals. So this goal writing session, I would like to share my goals with you.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Do something intellectual with my time.</div><div>2. Improve my GRE scores to 1100.</div><div>3. Improve my posture. (I am going to try and set alarms on my cell phone as reminders).</div><div>4. Try to say more positive things.</div><div>5. Actively seek a job (devote some time every day to the job hunt).</div><div>6. Actively search for grad school (email and try to contact professors, make visits).</div><div>7. Make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.</div><div>8. Get my foot healed (2x daily exercises for it).</div><div>9. Volunteer or get an aquarium job.</div><div>10. Get into a set daily schedule.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you have any goals or resolutions? Let me know if I can help you with it, please ask how mine are going! </div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers, </div><div>~e~</div><div> </div><div><br /></div>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-87709740624179329262011-01-10T20:34:00.001-08:002011-01-10T21:03:08.934-08:00Lazy Day DelightGood evening.<br /><br />I don't know about you but I am one of those people who has a hard time <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">relaxing</span> when there is an opportunity for a <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">lazy day</span>. I typically find myself being<span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"> restless </span>and <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">annoyed</span> that I haven't done anything with my day and am usually unable to just sit and do nothing. Today most of the town was closed due to inclement weather, SC was declared to be in a <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">state of emergency</span>. It was <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">windy</span>, <span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">rainy</span>, <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">cold</span>, and <span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">icy</span>. Today was the perfect opportunity to have a <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">lazy day</span>.<br /><br />Today I had a <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">lazy day</span>, and enjoyed spending time with my boyfriend. I was, for the most part (I made breakfast for us), able to just lay in bed <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">relaxing</span>, talking, and watching a movie. Now I'm sitting here watching the BCS game and playing on the computer. It's almost <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">midnight</span> and I really haven't accomplished anything with my day...and I am 100% okay with that.<br /><br />I hope that each of you, if you have the opportunity, are able to have a completely <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">relaxing</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">lazy day</span>. :)<br /><br />~eliZa~Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-37139319211380862682011-01-09T06:32:00.000-08:002011-01-09T06:39:31.449-08:00End of the Day RelaxationI was reading the magazine "All You" and found an article about how to relax at the end of the day. Here are a few of the things readers wrote sent it:<div><br /></div><div>"I grab myself a cup of hot tea, grab the mail and disappear into the bathroom for 10 minutes or so...after a challenging day at work" ~ Elaine Golden </div><div><br /></div><div>"At the end of a long ..day all I want to do is let myself go. On my drive home I crank one of my favorite tunes and take a deep breath, then slowly exhale, leaving all the anxiety behind" </div><div>~Paige Carter</div><div><br /></div><div>"I clear off my desk before I go home. It's a visual and mental indication that I'm done. When I come back the next morning, I don't feel overwhelmed by a messy work space" ~Tammie Sayre</div><div><br /></div><div>"As a personal trainer, I make sure to take the time every night to do some stretching and breathing exercises. It releases my tension and is really good for me." ~Julee Daniels</div><div><br /></div><div>What kind of things do you do to relax? </div><div><br /></div><div>~eliza~</div><div><br /></div>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-86744052555459395382011-01-08T23:52:00.000-08:002011-01-09T00:06:50.325-08:00FamilyHello and good evening. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Today was my last day visiting my family. Although I saw her yesterday, my mom, dad, and myself went over and spent time with my grandma. As I live away now and only come to visit during the holidays its easier to notice changes that have been gradually been taking place. My grandma is in her 80's and this visit I really have been aware of how age is taking its toll. I makes me sad to see her struggling with her arthritis, and hearing her forget the simple words in a sentence while knowing that she realizes and is embarrassed by these simple mistakes she is making. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I almost spent my last day in town catching up with an old friend, but instead decided to spend some more time with my grandma. I am glad I did. Life is too short to take things for granted....too short to take for granted that she will be here next time I come home in another 6 months. Until I see her next time I will have happy the memory of cooking a dinner for her that she enjoyed(she is a VERY picky eater so this means a lot).</div><div><br /></div><div>Tell your family that you love them; you never know what tomorrow will bring. </div><div><br /></div><div>~eliza~</div>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-54800690876139833832011-01-07T21:50:00.001-08:002011-01-07T21:57:22.219-08:00New Year New Start<div>I would like to thank you for staying with me despite my extreme lack of posting. I thought that I had given up on my idea of giving others ideas to lead better lives by trying to focus on the positive things in my day, but I was wrong. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I was sitting on the airplane I thought about what my new years resolutions were going to be (isn't that how all these things start?). One of my thoughts was to be more positive especially in my conversations with others. With the bad economy it seems harder and harder to focus on the good things and not get sucked into the feeling of lurking doom. </div><div><br /></div><div>SO while I have lots of extra free time I am going to try and start up this blog again. This time there will be a slight twist. I will try to share new ideas about food and recipes in addition to my positives! </div><div><br /></div><div>WHOSE WITH ME?!</div><div><br /></div><div>~Eliza~ </div>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-86469909287149532692010-03-07T12:47:00.000-08:002010-03-07T12:52:03.552-08:00my love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3m4KJWLYIybonSpBogsOnYk8KO40ZyDcLYxVTr0UJqCRw7BasXPV1TFohapLQuhjXCc4Lisvf6VWFGIBZ_fcjMCSuVMxjmH6424ayBuceHLpgcKuLGigWRT4if4amY_y2I8_HvAN3uH6/s1600-h/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445997111201101266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3m4KJWLYIybonSpBogsOnYk8KO40ZyDcLYxVTr0UJqCRw7BasXPV1TFohapLQuhjXCc4Lisvf6VWFGIBZ_fcjMCSuVMxjmH6424ayBuceHLpgcKuLGigWRT4if4amY_y2I8_HvAN3uH6/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" /></a> this top picture is my baby Lil' Fish after he got his teeth trimmed. it doesnt seem like anything till you look at this bottom picture, and you can see how huge they were.... to the point he couldnt eat. : (<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhir1LTIJw0j4uQb5Hr0LXTYn7CS3E3b8qfxdOK73_SKeEdiQWEFq6Rgy5l2UMu5ADRIlcAzXw84qTiBt16C_MkXjXkr6y4pqYludoGk5-_4d-vOHfV3nNTedBvZJa3TK4ZXw6dF6vfoj9h/s1600-h/DSC_0061-3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445996541129650770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhir1LTIJw0j4uQb5Hr0LXTYn7CS3E3b8qfxdOK73_SKeEdiQWEFq6Rgy5l2UMu5ADRIlcAzXw84qTiBt16C_MkXjXkr6y4pqYludoGk5-_4d-vOHfV3nNTedBvZJa3TK4ZXw6dF6vfoj9h/s400/DSC_0061-3.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-62507555277203379772010-01-19T20:32:00.001-08:002010-01-19T21:02:19.002-08:00Easy TrufflesAttention all you chocolate and cheese cake lovers!!!<br /><br />I stumbled across this recipe the other day in a coupon ad and decided I'd try it. I wasn't to keen on it but the 3 other people who had them were in love. Chocolate truffles, made with cream cheese. So if you like rich chocolate and or the richness of cheese cake, then this may be for you.<br /><br /><div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkBhrAibaVaqtDmWWpA3RcbauklCuYRcxjqWTQIAcCrzcUufYokVhJEsLbeRUnLswvo4ldMMlZrES3aLRiZ1PHZJpj85KUJ2_YAdb8nCy96EWoLHxiR_XNVYWZGItglMGbuJnVFdorjYR/s1600-h/DSCN8559.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428682213901276674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkBhrAibaVaqtDmWWpA3RcbauklCuYRcxjqWTQIAcCrzcUufYokVhJEsLbeRUnLswvo4ldMMlZrES3aLRiZ1PHZJpj85KUJ2_YAdb8nCy96EWoLHxiR_XNVYWZGItglMGbuJnVFdorjYR/s320/DSCN8559.JPG" /></a>Chocolate truffles</div><div><br /></div><p align="right">1. The small blocks of cream cheese... halved.</p><p align="right">2. 10 squares of semisweet bakers chocolate.</p><p align="right">3. sorted sprinkles (if you want) </p></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div>Directions:<br />In a double boiler, if you have one, (if not, vigilantly microwave in a bowl, with a little bit of milk. Or make your own double boiler by placing an empty pot inside/on top of a pot with boiling water) melt the chocolate squares. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Slowly add the melted chocolate and mix completely. Put the mixture into the fridge for about 20-30 minutes to let cool. Remove and use teaspoon or melon baller type instrument to portion and shape the chocolate mixture into balls. If you want you can dip the tops of the truffles into sprinkles to add color and texture. </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p align="left">I recommend using mini cupcake/muffin containers to put the individual truffles in. </p><div>Share and enjoy... oh yeah and don't forget the best part... licking the beaters! :) </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 172px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 151px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428681084390797826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5qdyi4m34R6kNk4_JSiWCyiEWl0eVcrciSVUbG50EYy9PbmhiAr52cGrqyGQymTUr7ksJnKSWOdoCd5T1B-GK_lakbSbTf9mNTYD_5-bKuGVs9Q1Tn04eyL4MBSqxP_UsD2OIGmbnJV8/s320/DSCN8560.JPG" /><br /><br />Thanks for reading!<br />Eliza </div>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-62944611438187703852010-01-19T18:37:00.001-08:002010-01-19T18:49:15.959-08:00Shooting Stars<a href="http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/PTGPOD/030547c.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/PTGPOD/030547c.jpg" /></a><br /><div>When was the last time you went outside at night and looked at the <span style="color:#ffff66;">stars</span>? As a kid, I used to do it all the time with my dad. The other night an old co-worker invited me out to a bonfire out in the country. The fire was amazing but when the talking lulled, I found myself looking up out at <span style="color:#ffff66;">stars</span>- I had not seen such a clear night sky in quite some time. As I gazed up into the beautiful sky, I saw a <span style="color:#ffff66;">SHOOTING STAR</span>!!! I was so taken a back by it I forgot to make a wish.<br /><br />Next time you get a chance, go out on a clear night, look up at the <span style="color:#ffff66;">stars</span>, and be amazed by the vast expanse of beauty.<br /><br />Sorry for the delay in writing these last few days, my internet has been acting up, hopefully its back for good. haha.<br /><br />I hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far!!<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br />*****Eliza******** </div>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-76918160151547969582010-01-13T21:05:00.000-08:002010-01-13T21:28:49.202-08:00Friends<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error" style="color:#000000;">Hola</span> <span style="color:#ffff33;"><em><strong>amigos</strong></em></span><span style="color:#000000;">!<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#ffff33;"><em><strong>Being a friend</strong></em></span>. <span style="color:#000000;">Tonight one of my good</span> <span style="color:#ffff33;"><em><strong>friends'</strong></em></span> <span style="color:#000000;">roommate/best </span><span style="color:#ffff33;"><em><strong>friend</strong></em></span><span style="color:#000000;">, after not being able to afford rent, had to move out. My</span> <span style="color:#ffff33;"><em><strong>friend</strong></em></span><span style="color:#000000;">, although she probably won't admit it, is having a rough time. She usually keeps to herself and rarely asks for help. Tonight I invited her over for dinner and told her I was here if she needed anything. She politely thanked me but declined my invitation. As I was cleaning up the dinner mess I got a text from her asking if she could come over for a bit. It'd been awhile since I'd seen her, and it was nice to talk, but more importantly, it felt good to be there for a</span> <span style="color:#ffff33;"><em><strong>friend</strong></em></span>. <span style="color:#000000;">My</span> <span style="color:#ffff33;"><em><strong>friends</strong></em></span> <span style="color:#000000;">have been there for me more than I can remember, so it really was an honor to be able to be there for her when she needed me.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">A lot</span> of the time I think I get to caught up in the day to day life that I forget to make time for my</span><span style="color:#99ff99;"> </span><span style="color:#ffff33;"><em><strong>friends</strong></em></span>. <span style="color:#000000;">That is something I need to improve. Do you have any suggestions? I am going to start by calling back one of my</span> <span style="color:#ffff33;"><strong><em>friends </em></strong></span><span style="color:#000000;">who moved away. Is there something I can do to be there for you as a follower, as a</span> <strong><em><span style="color:#ffff33;">friend</span></em></strong><span style="color:#000000;">?<br /><br />Thanks, your</span> <em><strong><span style="color:#ffff33;">friend</span></strong></em>,<br /><span style="color:#000000;">Eliza</span>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-63581250649058396122010-01-12T19:19:00.000-08:002010-01-12T19:30:01.122-08:00Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver the other gold.<span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong>I recently noticed that I have a few more followers, so this is for all of you. </strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong>To all my newest followers, thank you. I appreciate your willingness to give my blog a read every now and again. I hope that you like enjoy. </strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong>To my loyal friends who have followed me from the beginning- thank you. Your following means <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">a lot</span> to me. I was beyond tickled the other day when I saw Kimberly commented on my hot chocolate recipe. It is wonderful to feel like the little things making my life a bit better are helping in yours too. : )</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong>Thank you to everyone. I appreciate your following more than you know. You all give me a reason to find some good in the little things each day. Please continue commenting and always feel free to share. </strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong>Many thanks, </strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;"><strong>:) Eliza :)</strong></span>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-20301449343445380562010-01-11T11:48:00.000-08:002010-01-11T12:18:10.666-08:00-"What is your new years resolution eliza?" -"uhhh"Hello how are all of you doing today? I've had a mildly frustrating start, but I'm not going to let it get to me! Every year I always end up setting myself up for failure with a new years resolution. But this year I decided to do things a bit differently. When a friend asked me: "What is your <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>new years resolution</strong></span> Eliza?", I paused and looked at my friend blankly and said: "uh....".<br /><br />The other day I was reading someones blog and she was talking about making resolutions. She said that you should make a whole lot of <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>resolutions</strong></span>, some really easy ones (that you know you'll be able to accomplish) and some other, more challenging ones. That way, even if you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">don't</span> get the hard ones you still can get little ones (like brushing your teeth). I like her idea. (If <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">you're</span> interested, feel free to check it out, some of her blogs are pretty comical. : http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-stick-to-your-new-years.html )<br /><br />So I have decided on a unofficial <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>resolution</strong></span> for myself to work on, a goal you could say. As I was laid off before the holidays, money is a little thin and eating out (which I love to do) is expensive and can add up. I like... no love to cook. My<span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong> resolution,</strong></span> to try and help save money and expand my cooking skills, shrink my waistline, is to cook dinner each night.<br /><br />Did you make any <span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>resolutions</strong></span> this year, if so what? How are they going so far? Thus far(since I've been back at my apartment) I have done great! 3 delicious dinners! Last night my boyfriend even offered to help pay for groceries if I wanted to keep cooking!! Doesn't it feel great to be successful in something you set out to do? No doubt I will probably get off track somewhere, as I usually do, so feel free to remind/ ask me how I'm doing.<br /><br />This was the flounder pot pie we had for dinner last night.<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 232px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 179px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425577311546339314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLraS-_zSmTJbu6rUOrdmdfkLmdmiNeC4RaSEIY0lwJ8sLw4ObW0FFkVv85KIwt4u6EFWG-REQV6X_KY-Fji6sYGy_otATd1c_owkADEfcmfPHB66Lk1xI8TyoF9BHVKpR751w2tp1c6SG/s200/DSCN8558.JPG" />Thanks for reading, and good luck with your <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">resolutions</span></strong>!</p><p><<~Eliza~>></p>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-73372970113078447972010-01-09T16:22:00.000-08:002010-01-09T16:42:56.336-08:00<>< Fish <><<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBjtaFLE4ofrYAmp-eEP2IDsfAroImsv2ObZfN9J6CtMbGtLbY8df3h6dFYzrRUFS73Sjp9RJ-xqC0JorTKh43XlUFlJsPghjSgTW_eOe3zBKoil0oaO9OUVoOdnv5cPRaJChMFwbK6wU/s1600-h/DSC_0058.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424905090849964466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBjtaFLE4ofrYAmp-eEP2IDsfAroImsv2ObZfN9J6CtMbGtLbY8df3h6dFYzrRUFS73Sjp9RJ-xqC0JorTKh43XlUFlJsPghjSgTW_eOe3zBKoil0oaO9OUVoOdnv5cPRaJChMFwbK6wU/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0maec33O_ETOrlQsbHCijbmRMi58y3W5CvCSkQzDJJ2f3jyO_W0rAbYJjUNgJRC7N28_ZjgqdlR9H1TY-kkA3QCS5C3wtlUbGGe34cvKdOd0IplQ5I_QCPi8x7HAuD2hWBCmoj7GRJwl8/s1600-h/DSC_0060.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Blub</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Blup</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Blup</span>! ( I imagine <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">that's</span> how you say 'hello' in fish). How is everyone today, staying warm I hope. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Whilst I was staying warm inside today I decided to clean my fish tank. The slimy green algae was more than taking over the tank. After I'd finished scrubbing the last of the glass walls of the tank, I sat back and looked and admired the job I'd done. The walls of the tank were so clear. Looking through the glass at my little fish swimming around in they're newly clean tank brought me a sense of peace and accomplishment. It must be nice to be a fish, or any other pet that has a loving family- relaxing, without much worry or care. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Do you have a fish, a dog, cat, bird, snake, hamster, turtle, horse, or rabbit? If so, take a minute to sit and watch them, and just relax. You might be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">surprised</span> at the sense of calm you feel. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Thanks for reading, </div><br /><br /><div>Eliza</div></div>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-18441476898167436232010-01-08T19:04:00.000-08:002010-01-08T19:21:38.526-08:00homemade hot chocolateIt has been a long 48 hours. I am finally back in my apartment, and it is good to be home. Only it seems the cold weather has followed me back, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unfortunately</span> without the snow. :( I know that a lot of places are getting a nice blast of cold winter weather right now, so I thought I'd share a delicious recipe to help warm you up. <br /><br /><div align="center">Homemade Hot Chocolate:</div><p align="center">You will need: </p><ol><li><div align="center"> 4 tablespoons of Cocoa powder </div></li><li><div align="center"> 2 teaspoons of cinnamon </div></li><li><div align="center"> 2 tablespoons of sugar </div></li><li><div align="center"> 2 tablespoons of honey </div></li><li><div align="center">1.5 tablespoons of vanilla extract </div></li><li><div align="center"> 2.5 cups of milk </div></li></ol><p align="center">Directions: </p><p align="left">In a pot, mix sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder together. Add enough of the milk that the cocoa powder and sugar are blended smoothly. ( This takes a little more than a fourth of a cup). Add the vanilla extract and blend it into the mixture. Put the pot on the burner at low-high or medium-low heat. (You <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">don't</span> want the temperature too high or the milk will burn to the pan). Add the rest of the milk and the honey. Continually stir the mixture till it is heated to your desired temperature. Pour into mugs, and enjoy. :) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">mmm</span> </p><p align="center"> Note: </p><p align="left">If you like food that has a bit of a 'kick' to it, you can add a teaspoon <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Cayenne</span> pepper. Now you have a hot chocolate similar to what the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Mayans</span> used to drink. </p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left">Do you have any good hot chocolate recipes? If so I would love to hear them!</p><p align="left">Thank you for reading, go warm up with a cup of homemade hot chocolate. :) </p><p align="left">***Eliza***</p>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-73221505272853628482010-01-05T19:59:00.000-08:002010-01-05T20:19:16.678-08:00Fight Fat; Give Grapefruit a Go<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#cc9933;"><strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hola</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">como</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">estas</span>? </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#cc9933;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#cc9933;"><strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alrighty</span> guys and gals, today I will make it short and sweet... or bitter rather.... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">haha</span>. <span style="color:#ff6666;">Grapefruit juice</span>. Have you ever had it? At first you may not like it, I didn't. I started drinking it as a substitute for coffee. It's bitter taste works as an excellent wake up call in the mornings, but <span style="color:#ff6666;">grapefruit juice</span> is really quite good for you. An article I read in "<a href="http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/minisite/ce_index.htm">Clean Eating</a>" magazine stated that: </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#cc9933;"><strong></strong></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#cc9933;"><strong> " Make one of your five daily servings of fruits and vegetables an <span style="color:#ff9900;">orange</span> or a <span style="color:#ff6666;">grapefruit</span> to help you manage your weight....<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">narigenin</span>, a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">flavonoid</span>, in <span style="color:#ff9900;">citrus </span>fruit causes the liver to burn excess fat instead of hanging on to it. The molecule also helped improve triglyceride and cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of insulin resistance and stabilize glucose metabolism (risk factors for type 2 diabetes and heart disease".</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#cc9933;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#cc9933;"><strong>If you're interested in trying some <span style="color:#ff6666;">grapefruit juice</span> in your daily <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">routine</span>, I recommend going for the half gallon containers that say 'Not from concentrate' at the bottom. This helps to ensure what you're getting is actually juice not a juice substitute. </strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#cc9933;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#cc9933;"><strong>Enjoy your <span style="color:#ff6666;">grapefruit</span>! Thanks for reading, </strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#cc9933;"><strong>Eliza</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span> </div>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-82630977725929574892010-01-04T19:47:00.000-08:002010-01-04T21:23:41.866-08:00Spread the Love, Share the Excitment, Starve a Vampire<div>Hello today! Hopefully you are staying warm, I know most places around the country are feeling pretty chilly.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>All the delicious holiday treats, and the cold weather seem to catch me every day, acting as if I'd just eaten a full blown thanksgiving feast. Since it I am on a mini vacation, I have taken advantage of every minute of it. I sit around reading all the books that have backed up over the last year, baking holiday treats for various family members, and spending time with my family. Pretty picture aside, I have been LAZY. As I was trying to think of something to do, besides sit around at my parents house, a commercial came on the radio, inviting people to come downtown and <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>donate blood</strong></span> as there was a shortage. So, I called up my mom, and asked her if she'd be interested. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today myself, my mom, and my brother all went to <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">donate blood</span></strong>. Im sure that <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">donating blood</span></strong> was not something that they normally would have thought about doing, but it didnt take much to convince them. As my brother and I left we joked about how we'd been lazy again today, but at least we'd done one little thing and made a difference in someone's life. It felt good. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Not that you have to, but if youre interested, check out the <a href="http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=d0061a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">American Red Cross's</span></strong> </a>website to see if there is a local <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">blood drive</span></strong> you can go to <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>donate</strong></span>. <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Donating</strong></span> doesn't take long, and is relatively painless, but in <span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">1 visit, you save 3 lives!</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thank you for reading, I hope that you have a WONDERFUL day! </div><br /><div>~ Eliza </div><div> </div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 529px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 334px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://blogs.abcnews.com/.a/6a00d8341c4df253ef0120a57329cd970c-800wi" /><br /><div></div>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-65789441174922885522010-01-03T16:46:00.000-08:002010-01-03T17:03:10.809-08:00Patience is a VirtueHello everyone, Happy Holidays! I am sorry about the lapse in posting I have been very busy with my research these last few months, but it is starting to pay off.<br /><br />I will make this short and sweet because I am sure you've heard it many times; <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Patience</strong></span> is a virtue. I am not a <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>patient</strong></span> person... at all. But for awhile I had had my eye on a young gentleman. As I got to know him we became great friends, and as time progressed I wanted something more to come of it, but he was not ready. Never have I been so <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>patient</strong></span> for such a long period of time in my life! Sure enough my elders were right. My <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>patience</strong></span> paid off. Right before I went to visit my family, my friend took me out to a wonderful dinner, and asked me to be his girlfriend.<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>Paitence</strong></span> is a virtue, that I think I will try to practice a bit more often. Have you ever waited <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong>patiently</strong></span> for something and finally recieved it? Didn't it feel amazing?!<br /><br />Thank you for having <strong><span style="color:#000099;">patience</span><span style="color:#3333ff;"> </span></strong>and not abandoning me. <br />Happy 2010!<br />~ Eliza<span style="color:#3333ff;">. </span>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-61422321123635714412009-11-03T13:23:00.000-08:002009-11-03T13:42:35.154-08:00Now you see it Now you dontHow are you today?<br /><br /><br />I am a little sad today. When I came into my favorite place to sit, relax and have a coffee, I found out that they were closing. I've been coming here for several months now, and to see them close makes me quite sad. But as I'm sitting here sipping on my chi-tea latte I realized something. I've been coming here so regularly without much thought that I have been taking for granted the fact that I can come here.<br /><br />With the unsteady economy, something that is as regular to you as breathing could become a trying venture. Live each day to its fullest and try not to take, even the small things for granted- you never know when something might change.<br /><br />Thank you,<br />ElizaElizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-49453196839931578592009-10-21T12:06:00.000-07:002009-10-21T12:46:42.162-07:00Dental Hygiene- Is Your Mouth Getting Proper Care?I am finally back after a few very busy weeks! Terribly sorry for the delay.<br /><br />Today I realized that with drainage caused by my inevitable seasonal allergies I had very unpleasant smelling breath. I am in the habit of <span style="color:#ffcc66;">brushing my teeth </span>in the morning and at night, as well as using <span style="color:#ffcc66;">mouthwash</span>. Since this wasn't working I decided to look up some ways to help prevent halitosis(bad breath) which is caused by a build up of germs and bacteria.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 336px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 413px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://content.bored.com/comics/mouthwash.jpg" /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>This is what I found:</strong></span> </div><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#ffcc66;">Gargle</span> with warm(as warm as you can handle, the warmer the better) salt water</div></li><li><div align="left">Hydrogen Peroxide rinse does wonders for killing germ. Just dilute the hydrogen peroxide you get from the store to a half and half ratio and swish around your mouth. The same as with mouth wash-don't swallow. </div></li><li><div align="left">Unwanted germs and bacteria live on your <span style="color:#ffcc66;">toothbrush</span>, so its important to clean it by more than just rinsing with water. You can clean it BEFORE you use it by dunking it in a Dixie cup of your handy dandy hydrogen peroxide, then rinse with water.</div></li></ul><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>A few everyday tips for a clean mouth:</strong></span></p><ul><li><div align="left"><a href="http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthBasics/GoodOralHygiene/OralHygieneBasics/WhatisGoodOralHygiene.cvsp">Brush</a> your teeth thoroughly TWICE a day</div></li><li><div align="left">Make flossing part of your DAILY routine as bacteria and food particles get stuck between your teeth even if you cant feel it.</div></li><li><div align="left">Don't forget to <span style="color:#ffcc66;">brush</span> your Tongue </div></li><li>Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 MONTHS</li></ul><p>For more information, you can check out the <a href="http://www.ada.org/index.asp">American Dental Association </a>for their suggestions on toothpaste and other products.<br /></p><p><span style="color:#ffcc66;">Brush your teeth</span>, and floss for a beautiful smile. If your breath needs to be spiced up, try some mouthwash or gargling with salt water to keep unwanted bacteria at bay. </p><p>Smiles, </p><p>Eliza</p>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-53232050726186272232009-10-16T21:51:00.000-07:002009-10-16T22:38:02.701-07:00Are you washing your hands enough?Hello, how are you today?<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://blog.bioethics.net/washing%20hands.jpg" /><br />How many times did you <span style="color:#3333ff;">w</span><span style="color:#3333ff;">ash your hands</span> today? Let me see... I've <span style="color:#3333ff;">washed</span> mine about 7 times maybe. <span style="color:#3333ff;">Washing your hands</span> is a very simple but important way to help keep you well. You should be <span style="color:#3333ff;">washing your hands</span> when:<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>you are preparing food</li><br /><li>after you use the bathroom</li><br /><li>before you clean a cut or wound</li><br /><li>after you blow your nose or sneeze</li><br /><li>before putting in or taking out contacts (if you wear them)</li><br /><li>after taking out the trash or changing a babys diper</li><br /><li>after taking care of someone whose sick</li></ul><br /><br /><p>The Mayo Clinic recommends that you <span style="color:#3333ff;">wash your hands</span> for 20 seconds, making sure to scrub your wrists, plams, tops of your hands and the fingernails. I know this is gonna sound bad but I used be a little lax on <span style="color:#3333ff;">washing my hands</span> all the times I should have. Recently though I bought some new apple cider scented soap, and not I cannot wait to <span style="color:#3333ff;">wash my hands</span> because it smells so good. <a href="http://www.rvis.edu.bh/uploaded/School_Nurse/handwashing_e.gif"></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Next time you're about to cook dinner, or after your sneeze make sure you <span style="color:#3333ff;">wash your hands</span>! </p><p> </p><p>Peace and Wellness. Thank you for reading, </p><br /><p>Eliza</p>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-36742309184492568082009-10-13T15:36:00.000-07:002009-10-13T16:52:38.847-07:00Keep Healthy With Vitamin CWelcome to Prevention week. As many are worried about getting sick or catching the dreaded <em>Swine Flu</em> I am going to offer a tip each day this week about how to stay well.<br /><a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/cm/thedailygreen/images/FI/orange-juice-potassium-lg.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 121px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 119px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.thedailygreen.com/cm/thedailygreen/images/FI/orange-juice-potassium-lg.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.sweetfreestuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/emergenc.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 123px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 121px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.sweetfreestuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/emergenc.jpg" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 103px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 103px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://images.uulyrics.com/cover/v/vitamin-c/album-vitamin-c-enhanced-cd.jpg" /><br />Every day with my breakfast, I like to have a glass of (not from concentrate) grapefruit juice. Not only does my glass of juice wake me up with its slightly bitter taste, but it gives me a dose of <span style="color:#ff6600;">vitamin C</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">I'm</span> sure that you heard or seen the commercials for <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.emergenc.com"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Emergen</span>-C</a>, and heard about how <span style="color:#ff6600;">vitamin C</span> will help to keep you from getting sick. A <a href="http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/vitamin-c-for-common-cold">study</a> done in 2007 showed that people who get their daily recommendation of <span style="color:#ff6600;">vitamin C</span> would be sick for shorter duration of time than would people who didn't.<br /><br />Although <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">there is</span> not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">a lot</span> of proof that <span style="color:#ff6600;">vitamin C</span> will help with the common cold, it is an important <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">antioxidant</span> that helps keep your body strong and healthy. It helps to iron to be absorbed by the body, as well as <a href="http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminC/">forming <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">collagen</span></a>. <span style="color:#ff6600;">Vitamin C</span> helps to reduce and protect against free radical damage in your body. Research also shows that <span style="color:#ff6600;">vitamin C</span> is involved in the metabolizing of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cholesterol</span>, which can help prevent gallstones and high blood <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cholesterol</span> levels!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong>Where's <span style="color:#ff6600;">Vitamin C</span> Hiding?</strong></div><div align="center">*Oranges*Orange Juice*Grapefruit*Grapefruit Juice*Strawberries*Tomatoes*Sweet Red Bell Peppers*Broccoli*Potatoes*Garlic*Apricots*Carrots*Blueberries*Onions*Raw Green Beans*Cranberries * Summer Squash *Watermelon *Pineapple *Celery * Asparagus* <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Spinach</span>* Kiwi*<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Cantaloupe</span>*Romaine Lettuce* Kale*<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Brussel</span> Sprouts*Papaya* Parsley* Lemon Juice*</div><div align="center"><strong>Just to name a few</strong></div><br /><br /><br />Depending on your age and circumstance there is an average amount of recommended <span style="color:#ff6600;">vitamin C</span> you should be getting. Take a look at <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=109">this chart </a>to see what your <span style="color:#ff6600;">vitamin C</span> intake should be.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">0- 6 mo: 40 mg <span style="color:#000099;">M 9-13 yr: 45 mg</span> <span style="color:#ff6666;">F 9-13 yr: 45 mg Pregnant 18 yr 80 mg </span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">6-12 mo: 50 mg <span style="color:#000099;">M 14-18 yr: 75 mg</span> <span style="color:#ff6666;">F 14-18 yr: 65 mg Pregnant 19 yr+ 85mg</span><br />1-3 yr: 15 mg <span style="color:#000099;">M 19 yr+: 90 mg</span> <span style="color:#ff6666;">F 19 yr+: 75mg Breastfeeding 18 yr 115 mg</span> </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">4-8 yr: 25 mg <span style="color:#ff6666;">Breastfeeding 19 yr+ 120 mg<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><span style="color:#000000;">Thanks,Peace and Wellness, </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><span style="color:#000000;">Eliza</span><br /></span></span>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-52507040749472658662009-10-13T15:26:00.000-07:002009-10-13T15:29:59.597-07:00Disease Prevention<div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;">I had an idea for this week. It seems that everyone is worried about swine flu, as it continues to spread. So this week, all my posts will be about little things you can do to stay healthy and keep from getting sick. Whatcha think?</span> </div>Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379755553493321722.post-27735453006419155592009-10-13T12:39:00.000-07:002009-10-13T13:51:31.721-07:00Promoting Proper Posture<div>I would like to appologise for my lapse of posting, I am going to attempt to make it up today. How was your weekend?
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<br />When you were younger did you mum or dad ever tell you to stand up straight or youd have bad <span style="color:#009900;">posture</span> when you got old? My mum did all the time. Unfortunatly it never stopped me from comfortable slouching in my seat. Now as Im older I recently realized that I have horrible <span style="color:#009900;">posture</span> and I have decided that Im going to try improve it a little bit. Do you stand up straight and have good <span style="color:#009900;">posture</span>?
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<br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Here are some reasons why good <span style="color:#009900;">posture</span> is benefitial</em></strong></span></div><div> </div><ol><li>Good posture will make you stand up taller, giving you a confident and empowering aura when you walk into a room.</li><li>Having good <span style="color:#009900;">posture</span> will help to allow you to take deeper and fuller breath</li><li>Over time bad <span style="color:#009900;">posture </span>can cause muscle <a href="http://www.healthandage.com/Age-Defying-Fitness-The-Importance-of-Posture">weakness and or tightness.</a></li><li>Good <span style="color:#009900;">posture</span> can lead to more energy and fewer aches and pains.</li><li><a href="http://www.scoi.com/posture.htm">Gravity exerts </a>alot of force on our bodies at all times. If you have proper <span style="color:#009900;">posture</span> the force from gravity will be evenly distributed so as not to stress any of your muscles, ligaments or bones. </li><li>Your <span style="color:#009900;">posture</span> affects may facets of your daily body movement, from the opening and closing of your jaw to keeping your inner organs in their correct positions! </li></ol><div> </div><div>
<br /> </div><p align="center"><em><strong></strong></em></p><div><em><strong>If your a little skeptical, try this exercise once with bad <span style="color:#009900;">posture</span> and then again with good <span style="color:#009900;">posture</span>:</strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><strong> 1.</strong> Take 3 deep breaths. <strong>2.</strong> Move your head side to side.</em><em><strong>3.</strong> Raise your arms over your head. <strong>4.</strong> Tap your teeth together.</em> </div><div> </div>
<br /><p align="center"><em>Can you feel the difference?</em> </p>
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<br /></div><p></p><div>Aside from standing straight with your shoulders back and your head up, you can also improve your <span style="color:#009900;">posture</span> with some yoga exercises. This video will show you the mountain pose that you can use to start developing good <span style="color:#009900;">posture</span>. </div>
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<br /><div>For more yoga poses to improve<span style="color:#009900;"> posture</span>, you can try the poses below: </div>
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<br /><div>Table balancing Pose:</div>
<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 237px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 86px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.detroityoga.com/px/asanas_med/img102.jpg" />Boat Pose:
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<br /><div><a href="http://www.tinajuanfitness.info/exercises/Advanced-Boat.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 211px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.tinajuanfitness.info/exercises/Advanced-Boat.gif" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>May <span style="color:#009900;">posture</span> bring you confidence! </div><div>Thanks, </div><div>Eliza</div>
<br />Elizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03805399248623535542noreply@blogger.com0