Shrinkin' Violets Part 3 Read HERE!

[Daisalana 33]

Tonight is the company christmas party, woowoo.

Hah coworkers sent me this, simon says, he does whatever you tell him to lol.

http://www.simonsezsanta.com/index.php

[HeatherO 7]

I did foster care for years when my son was younger. I usually worked with teenagers, mostly boys after my first experience or two with teenage girls was finished, lol. I don't mean that negatively, it is just that teenage boys are a whole lot easier for me than teenage girls . . . perhaps lack of pms, or having lots of brothers growing up???

Anyway, I have had a couple of children that were on medication. One interesting thing I found was that changes in medication (or dosages) would sometimes have a very specific impact on hunger and later weight. I noticed it with Adderol, Ritalin and Depacote. The impact could sometimes be extreme such as never really eating more than a bite or two at dinner and having to be coaxed to eat that much . . . to having a huge after school snack, dinner with seconds or thirds, a dessert snack, and refrigerator raids in the middle of the night. Medication can make a huge difference in more than just behavior.

The weather here in Ohio has been really rainy and not too cold . . . which is very surprising. Unfortunately we will probably make up for this mild start to winter in early Spring when winter just won't go away.

Laura, I am happy to hear you can feel the baby moving, I just started feeling the "flutters" this weekend but only in mid-morning and they are almost imperceptable. I loved the ultrasound videos . . . I have my big one coming up in a few weeks and I can't wait to see :0).

I hope everyone has a happy Monday!!!

[mdrai 3]

pie-hole report so far today:

B = pro shake

a couple teeny tiny licks of the cookie dough beater... seriously... just a couple...

L = 1c. homemade turkey salad (w/light mayo)

16 oz water

am going to do the weight circuit @ 2:30 today.

[Teachlady 3]

Pie hole report

B = 1 slice cheese

1 cup lofat chocolate milk

L= 1 cup left over Almond chicken

1/2 cup fresh raspberries with 2 tbls. heavy cream

handful of chocolate chips:eek:

16 oz. white cranberry/peach diet drink

Must stay away from chocolate... must stay away from chocolate... must!!

[Haydee 2]

...a couple teeny tiny licks of the cookie dough beater... seriously... just a couple...

LOL, too cute... I took tens of thousands of teeny tiny licks off my sisters spatula and bowl this weekend as she was making her cream cheese icing for her pumpkin loafs. Oh my belly was aching afterwards...

I am getting so excited about my party on Wednesday! I love parties and I love having my house full of people. I know, I'm crazy like that... My mom is just such a good hostess and she passed that trait down to me and my younger sister. My middle sister, no way. She hates having people over because it's just more "work" for her.

Thanks for the text Laura! I was working in the kitchen when I got it and I was just so excited for you! I feel like I'm with you every step of the way!

Suzie - how'd dinner go on Friday? I ended up not going out at all that night. I went home and made some meatloaf and some peas and carrots. I was so tired that day for some reason...

Terry - where'd ya'll go Saturday night? Isn't downtown fun? We were uptown on Saturday night, hanging out with friends. We then wandered down to the village area and walked around for a bit. I love all the lights and all the decorations...

Michelle - how's the cat's bowel movements lately? Did you end up giving him some Fiber one pop tarts? Don't know why but I always think about that darn cat and his plug ups.

TracyK - what kind of Cookies did you bake? Send me some if you're so hard pressed to get rid of them, LOL!!! And yes I can eat fries without sliming. Just the ones from Mickey D's for some reason. And not alot, just like a half a medium order. But then that's all I'm eating because they create a plug and I can't get anything else down for awhile...

Next Monday I'm going to to my baking for presents. I have no clue what kind of Cookies to make this year. Something with dried cheeries. Anyone have any ideas? Also, I have an aunt who was diagnosed with mild diabetes earlier this year. She doesn't take insulin but I know she watches her sugar intake. I don't want to give her anything sweet but I do want to give her something home-made. It would hurt her feelings if everyone else was getting home-made treats and I got her like perfume or a candle or something. Any ideas?

[Teachlady 3]

Haydee..

This is the recipe of the day on Allrecipes.com

Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

• 9 cups Corn Chex®, Rice Chex® or Wheat Chex® Cereal (or combination)
  
• 2 cups bite-size pretzel twists
  
• 2 cups bite-size cheese crackers
  
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
  
• 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing and seasoning mix
  
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  

• Add to Recipe Box My folders:
  
  
  
• Add to Shopping List
  
• Add a Personal Note
  

DIRECTIONS

1. In large microwaveable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in Cereal, pretzels and crackers until evenly coated. Stir in dressing mix and cheese until evenly coated.
   
2. Microwave uncovered on High 3 minutes, stirring each minute. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.
   

[Teachlady 3]

Haydee.. if you go to Allrecipes.com and type in cherry Cookies in the search, you'll find recipes galore..

[Haydee 2]

Thank ye Judy! That chex mix is a good idea! She loves snacky type things so I know she'll like that...

I'll let ya'll know if I find a good dried cherry cookie recipe...

[Teachlady 3]

Here's one I found.. even though they spelled whether as weather.... it still sounds like a good recipe.

Cherry Orange Cookies

Dried Cherry White chocolate Holiday Wreath Cookies

© Jackie Milligan

Nov 10, 2008

Cookies are one of the all time favorite snacks; these delicious cookies offer the tang of citrus, chewy dried cherries and creamy white chocolate.< /p>

Weather they are for a party, an after school snack or just munching while you watch tv, cookies are at the top of the list of everyones favorite sweet treat. With more exotic dried fruits becoming easier to find and in some cases more economical than fresh fruit, it makes sense to make a cookie out of one of Americas favorite fruits - the cherry.

Cherries are said to be high in antioxidants, contain high levels of Vitamin C and beta carotene. With the health benefits of this tasty little fruit added to the Vitamin C of the orange, these cookies offer health benefits as well as being a delicious treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 c butter
  
• 2 eggs
  
• 3/4 c brown sugar
  
• 3/4 c granulated sugar
  
• 1/2 tsp orange extract
  
• 2 tbsp grated orange peel (fresh or dried)
  
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
  
• 1/4 c triple sec
  
• 1/2 c half & half
  
• 1/2 c sour cream
  
• 1/4 tsp salt
  
• 3 3/4 c flour
  
• 1 tsp baking soda
  
• 1 tsp baking powder
  
• 1 c dried cherries
  
• 1 c white chocolate chips
  

Directions:

1. heat oven to 350
   
2. in large bowl, mix softened (not melted) butter with firmly packed brown sugar and white sugar
   
3. add eggs and mix until well incorporated
   
4. mix in orange peel
   
5. stir in sour cream until mixture is smooth
   
6. in small bowl, mix triple sec, orange extract, almond extract and half & half
   
7. in a separate bowl, sift flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder
   
8. add dry ingredients alternately with wet ingredients into butter and egg mixture being sure to mix well after each addition
   
9. when all of the wet and dry ingredients have been mixed together, add cherries and chocolate pieces mixing just enough to incorporate
   
10. drop by tablespoon full onto cookie sheets
    
11. bake in pre-heated oven for 10 - 12 minutes until a light golden brown
    

For a festive alternative, omit white chocolate chips from batter. After cookies have cooled dip them halfway in melted white chocolate. Using green and red candied cherries cut out wedges to be used as leaf decorations. These can be placed on top of the white chocolate before it dries.

These cookies can also be made into tasty wreaths. While cookies are still warm, use a doughnut hole cutter to cut out center of cookie. Dip top of cookie in melted white chocolate, while chocolate is still wet sprinkle with red and green sugar crystals and decorate with wedges of candied cherry.

An equally delicious way to enjoy these cookies is to make blueberry lemon cookies. Use the same recipe above substituting dried blueberries for the cherries and lemon extract and lemon rind for the orange. Also substitute vanilla extract for the almond.

[kity 2]

Sounds like a lot of work! But don't get me wrong...I like the fruits of the labor, as long as it is not my labor!

Pie hole report:

NEED TO CLOSE THE PIE HOLE!!

There is the report, and it ain't pretty!

[TracyinKS 7]

Pie Hole report:

coffee w/creamer

various pieces of cheese

drink of milk (to take meds)

chex turtle bar.... disguised as a granola bar

out to lunch with boss......

baked potatoe Soup

3 pcs of candy out of the jar in the next office

mug of hot coco not sf.

as you can tell I am sucking in the LOW CARB department today!!!!!!!!!!!!

I made a brisket for dinner.. it baked all night in the oven and is currently in the fridge waiting for me to slice it.

[mdrai 3]

Ha ha... I like your report, Pam... gets right down to the nitty gritty point, huh? That could be ALL of our reports!!

Just got back from doing the weight circuit w/ds... my arms are wibbly wobbly... the darn computer program reminded me that the last time I did it was 10/1... whoops! But now having ds wanting to go, that will get me to go, this is my new plan on how to get my butt to go!

[mdrai 3]

Haydee... another cookie idea is white chocolate chips & craisins & oats... just make the batter for oatmeal raisin & add the chips & craisins instead... mmm.

[TerriDoodle 6]

Pie Hole Report: See Pamela's

Haydee - We went to Ibiza (YUM!) and had a very nice time. I had some of the most delicious cabernet EVER. They have some very nice wines. I have no idea how much it cost...LOL...DH was paying so I'm just saying to the waiter all night long...."Oh, whatever you recommend will be fine!" LOL Had crab cakes, beef tenderloin and creme brulee! Delish! Our group of friends decided that we would get together 1x a month and try a new restaurant every month. Houston has a million excellent ones. Thursday we go to Smith and Wolenski's for his company party....where the wine flows like a river.... OH, and I just made an appt for that same day to get a FILL! What was I thinking??!

[kity 2]

Ha ha... I like your report, Pam... gets right down to the nitty gritty point, huh? That could be ALL of our reports!!

Just got back from doing the weight circuit w/ds... my arms are wibbly wobbly... the darn computer program reminded me that the last time I did it was 10/1... whoops! But now having ds wanting to go, that will get me to go, this is my new plan on how to get my butt to go!

Can your ds come over at 4:30 in the morning and tell Sus and I he wants to go work out too? That should solve the problems. Sus said last night, "I might go work out later, after you go to work..."

Well what fun is that for me? I am hoping to go, but if it is pouring out I won't go. You have no idea how bad desert people drive in the rain...I should know, I am one of them!