It's no secret that I've got some weight to lose (and yes, I am making progress. When I lose 50 lbs, I'm getting a spa day - how's that for motivation!?!:)

I considered joining weightwatchers.com but didn't really want to commit myself to their "system" and couldn't justify the expense.

Well, I found something that is just as good -- if not BETTER -- and it's FREE!

If you need to lose that baby weight -- you've got check out www.SparkPeople.com

It is an all-in-one weight loss center and community that gives you ALL of the resources that you need (meal planner, calorie counter, exercise  videos and log, blogs, messageboards etc) and did I mention it's FREE?!? (I can hardly believe it!)

The resources are simply excellent and it will keep you motivated on your journey.

And best of all, you can use it with ANY diet or execerise regime you choose. So if you want to follow Fit Yummy Mummy OR the South Beach Diet OR The Flat Belly Diet -- you can.  They have different forums for people following different plans and everything is adaptable.

So you if need to shape up -- go check out SparkPeople.com -- sign up then give yourself about an hour or so to get familiar with all of the resources there, I'm sure you'll be as impressed as I was.

As you may know, this has  been a challenging year for my family. My husband was out-of-work for a long time, he had hip replacement surgery and well...I could go on...but I won't...

Thank G-d things have recently started to change for the better :) 

But during the difficult times of the last few months, I rediscovered one simple thing that always energizes me and helps to lift my mood.  Believe it or not, it is Jasmine Pearl Tea . It is a loose leaf tea that looks like this:

It's not that I get a caffeine rush from this tea, I don't. There's very little caffeine it in it and this tea lifts my mood in a way that other caffeinated drinks never have. It makes me feel...almost euphoric. Really! I can't say that it will work for everyone this way, but it certainly works for me.

You don't need any special equiptment to brew it.  I put some of the balls in mug and pour hot water over them (just below the boiling point. If it boils, it will kill the delicate floral flavor.)  The leaves unfurl and sink to the bottom. When I'm done with the cup I refill it with hot water several times before discarding the leaves.

If you'd like to try some you can find it in a local tea specialty store or I recommend ordering online at adiago teas. Just click the button below.  Let me know how you like it and happy brewing! 

Need a little help losing weight? Experts say that, among other things, it helps to visualize yourself at your ideal weight. 

Sometimes...that's a little hard to do...

I have a solution for you!

Try Weightview.com  

Upload your own photo, and they’ll show you how you’ll really look without the extra pounds.

I can't wait to see how I'd look at my ideal weight. Then I'm gonna put that picture up EVERYWHERE! 

I got this in my email and I thought it was important enough to share.

Ovarian Cancer Whispers - so listen...

Watch for Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort; vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion; frequency and / or urgency of uri nation in the absence of an infection; unexplained weight gain or weight loss; pelvic and / or abdominal swelling, bloating and / or feeling of fullness; ongoing unusual fatigue; or unexplained changes in bowel habits. If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, ask your doctor for a combination pelvic / rectal exam, CA-125 blood test, and transvagina l ultrasound.  A Pap Test WILL NOT detect ovarian cancer.
 

I have been down and out with the nastiest cold/flu I have ever had.  I hear it's going around Toronto. Sore throat, Brief fever, then terrible cough and congestion that lasts and lasts. My voice has been completely GONE for days...

Then  I remembered that my friend Elizabeth Yarnell of Glorious One Pot Meals has a new blog at http://www.effortlesseating.com  where she often posts natural remedies for common ailments.  I found many useful ideas there. You can check out the  posts on natural remedies here: http://www.effortlesseating.com/archives/83

Stay well!