Friday, October 26, 2012

East Coast Flair: Fit Friday

East Coast Flair: Fit Friday: Take it day by day one small step at a time. Just a few days ago I told you to throw away the Ranch dressing, park farther away from the ...

Fit Friday


Take it day by day one small step at a time. Just a few days ago I told you to throw away the Ranch dressing, park farther away from the door and get moving. What advice can I give to make this a fit Friday and punch up the challenge for the weekend? I have a few ideas, never fear! Get out there and rake those leaves and I don't want to hear it's getting too cold outside. The colder the temp makes it perfect for outdoor activities. Continue your hydration rituals and consider adding some hot green tea to your morning breakfast. What?! Breakfast? Ok, tell me you are eating breakfast? Oh yes, you're skipping to save on calories aren't you? Well, I tried this for years myself and I also said eating breakfast made me fat! Ha! It will make you fat when you eat the wrong things. So, to start each morning right allow me to give you a few suggestions for that a.m. meal. Steel cut oats, I say steel cut because they are not processed as much as your traditional types. Two strips bacon 1 egg 1 egg white, One seving greek yogurt with mixed berries. That's just a few suggestions to get you rolling. By the way I want you to be cautious in your serving sizes too. Be sure to top oats with cinnamon, it's delicious and I'm doing you a huge favor. I am always available for questions if you have any. You can reach me via email. at monicadillow@gmail.com


Thursday, October 25, 2012

East Coast Flair: D' Souza, 2016:Obama's America, and my view

East Coast Flair: D' Souza, 2016:Obama's America, and my view: I was not going to review this movie because I know everyone is sick of the political rhetoric but since I discovered the downward spiral ...

D' Souza, 2016:Obama's America, and my view

I was not going to review this movie because I know everyone is sick of the political rhetoric but since I discovered the downward spiral on D' Souza I felt I must give my opinion on the documentary and the smear campaign. Well, I rented the documentary 2016:Obama's America a couple of weeks ago on Vudu. It's a documentary in which D' Souza gives you theories about what he thinks President Obama is trying to accomplish during his Presidency. Pictured above is D' Souza and one of Barack Obama's half brothers that D' Souza interviews during the filming. The film discussed President Obama's father quite a bit because he theorizes that President Obama holds his fathers government ideologies as his own. Here's where it went too far for me. This D' Souza goes as far as to show President Obama's fathers grave in the film, which I find distasteful. I just think if you want to talk President Obama down, do it, but leave the dead out of the discussion. Especially, a parent. The documentary was boring and tedious for viewing at times, but I feel good that I watched and listened to his far fetched theories because no one can say I'm closed-minded or will not hear out the other side.
Now here's the thing: being a republican, conservative, a right-winger, or whatever you call yourself is fine. But, here's where the slippery slope begins, PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES CAN'T THROW STONES. D' Souza threw rocks all over Obama'a fathers house and now look at him. D' Souza the man behind the documentary and author of two hate venom filled books against President Obama is now under scrutiny for having a wife and mistress at the same time. He's stepped down from his position at The King's College a christian based college, allegations are being brought that he hid $90,000 in an account in India from his wife, IRS, and others.
We are human not perfect and not without fault. We need to stop tearing people down and digging up dirt and attempt to HONESTLY solve problems. Stop demonizing other opinions, social class, race, religion, and anything that makes us different. It has been said time and time again,'what goes around comes around'. Each word and action we put out the Universe is bringing it right back (to you!). All good and all evil will come back to its origin.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Only 68 Days Remain!



Sixty eight days remain to reach your goals for 2012. Are you there already? Half way? Given up? If you are half way, depending on the goal you may amp up the activity and still reach your goal. Don't dare give up! If you took the time to start the work then you felt you and the goal were worth it at some point. I've reached MOST of my goals for 2012. One of the remaining goals is 15 pounds. I will do this! I know I can handle the pressure. I know January is approaching and many will do the weight loss goal then, but let me remind you: Start now! You will thank me for this in January. After those all or nothing binges you will find it hard and distracting to just "dive right in". Start now, start small, but by all means: START! Here are a few EASY starters YOU CAN do right now: Lower your intake of ALL sugary drinks by one per week. Step AWAY from the Ranch dressing. People, Ranch is overrated and numbing your taste buds! Get rid of it. Park AWAY from the door, take the steps, and get your body moving.

Friday, October 19, 2012

East Coast Flair: BE the Change You Want to See Republicans AND Demo...

East Coast Flair: BE the Change You Want to See Republicans AND Demo...: I must admit Mitt Romney was right and maybe too kind when he said 47% of the population will not take responsibility for themselves. I thin...

BE the Change You Want to See Republicans AND Democrats.

I must admit Mitt Romney was right and maybe too kind when he said 47% of the population will not take responsibility for themselves. I think that statement has been taken out of context and used too often against him, but isn't that what our media and society feeds on? I will not reveal who I am voting for, but people that know me already know that answer. What I am going to do is maybe upset you after reading this post. I've heard so much bickering and complaining during this election that I think it could last me a lifetime! Allow me now to turn the tables on you and explain that 47% was a kind number.
Let's break it down and get REAL! I've lived through (and I'm listing the ones I remember during my life) Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, and now Obama and none of them have ever had a huge impact directly on my life. I liked and didn't like things about all of them. Things are fuzzy memories with Carter and Reagan because I was too young to remember, but as a child you hear the talk among adults. Not during any Presidency have I felt unsafe against a terrorist, I don't feel like any President has ruled the outcome of my job outlook (outsourcing plays a role and  not just one man is not in control of that). We payed taxes the first year we were married and still do. And let me get you straight on this; paying taxes happens when you file and at the end of your paper work it says YOU OWE!!! Yes, they take a payroll tax out on people but, then give them a refund! How nice for you.
I don't focus on those on welfare, food stamps, or any form of public assistance! I'm far too busy running my own household. I also know that I don't know every person's story. Stop judging people! You all sound like jealous school children. Do you really want to see change? I think it may serve us well to start with a grass root movement with our local and state government. We need more education, training, and information. In order for a society to truly thrive we need to have educated and informed citizens. The higher the education level  you will see more tolerance and civility. If you're bitter over a lazy relative on welfare or food stamps then turn them in or shut your mouth. Don't judge all of society with your lazy relatives, thank you.
My point is, what are you doing to take your life into your own hands? How are you getting unemployment numbers down in your area? Are you involved in the education system? What are you involved in that may make a decent impact in the areas you're busy complaining about?

Fit Friday!!!!!

Fit Friday is here and I want to do a product review today. I love peanut butter but I sure don't love the calories involved. That's why I only add 1 tablespoon to my shakes or dip my apple in that same amount. Two tablespoons of peanut butter runs you 180 calories with 17 grams of fat ( I am quoting this from the label of Kettle Brand All Natural Almond Butter). See photo below


This is what I bought in the past and would make sure to limit the serving amount per use to save on calories. But now a new dawn is about to age!! The PB2 era has arrived in my eating regimen. Yay!! Viva PB2!! Below I will post photos of the flavors that arrived on our doorstep today. See below:    


 I bought this version of peanut butter via a site called Vitacost.com
You can also find this product at bellplantation.com

This product can be added to your favorite protein shake or you can use 2 tablespoons mixed with 1 tablespoon water to make a nice creamy spread. I will use this product both ways. And the best part? 45 calories for 2 tablespoons and only 1.5 grams of fat (a mere 1 gram of fat for the chocolate flavored). I just want to share that in each version (original on the left and chocolate on right) you will be able to pronounce all the ingredients and KNOW what they are. I was using all natural nut butters for this very reason. Just to give you a challenge from this Fit Friday series, go to the pantry later and ATTEMPT to read the ingredients of the peanut butter you are currently ingesting! You will be surprised. Do yourself a favor and go with a natural or powdered version. My Mom eats what I call "imitation peanut butter" haha!! I call it that because the companies throw in a few items that don't need to be there. Peanut butter should be a simple ingredient list that is easily read. Give this or a natural version a try in the future. Until next week, keep moving, hydrated and above all be Fit on Fridays!!!!!!!!!!!!!                 


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

East Coast Flair: Pet Questions,things to ponder.

East Coast Flair: Pet Questions,things to ponder.: Well, so many people think a pet makes a great birthday or Christmas gift and that can be the case. I just hope before you make such a decis...

Pet Questions,things to ponder.

Well, so many people think a pet makes a great birthday or Christmas gift and that can be the case. I just hope before you make such a decision you know you are making a choice that may be around for years to come and you need the finances to back that choice. Sometimes that Christmas puppy is not the best plan because Christmas can be loud, scary and dangerous for dogs. Also you need to realize "dogs don't have problems, dogs have PEOPLE problems." I get very angry when I hear people complain "how dumb that dog is" when the REAL PROBLEM comes in your laziness to not train the dog. You don't want the dog to chew the socks? Well, don't allow them to "play" with the sock when they are puppies. Puppies become dogs and just like children need to be taught. A sock will always be a toy IF you start it out that way.
Oh yes, another sentence I hear and just cringe,"we bought them a pony." Wait, what? Now, did I hear that correctly? How sweet, an animal most know nothing about and not to mention costs quite a bit to feed. Let me get this straight, you bought something that needs quite a bit of care? Don't get me wrong gang, I know little to nothing about the equine, but what I do know is, their feet need care, don't feed them hay that is or has been wet, and they must eat (quite a bit I might add). Then here we are just a month or two down the road and Johnny or Susie isn't riding that pony anymore. Did I mention the family can't afford to feed the pony? Exactly! Take those children to the zoo folks. At the zoo you can have a great family experience and use it as a learning tool.
The moral of my story today: Animals are great! Heck it's been proven they can be therapeutic, but they need your time, care, and financial support. These needs are not temporary or short fleeting because these needs exist throughout the life of the animal. With that said, possibly the stuffed teddy bear is looking like an excellent choice right now.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

East Coast Flair: Warm Weather Endings

East Coast Flair: Warm Weather Endings: We can still plan on Indian Summer to get out and finish up some outdoor activities but I like to tie the loose ends while I know the weathe...

Warm Weather Endings

We can still plan on Indian Summer to get out and finish up some outdoor activities but I like to tie the loose ends while I know the weather is warm. For example, today was so beautiful with a nice breeze. I was able to be lazy on the porch but tomorrow I need to do one last tidy up just in case fall gets cold and stays that way. When the sun is brightly shining I find it perfect to clean those windows inside and out, clean porches, and hand sparkle those automobiles one last time. Clean windows are the bright shining eyes of your home. When you have clean windows it looks as though you just built the place last week!! Haha! But honestly, you want your home to look comfy, cozy, AND clean in the upcoming months. Get out that Windex and the newspapers and shine those windows up brightly today. You don't want Grandma pulling up to dirty, spider web windows come Thanksgiving. And you definitely don't want cobwebs on the windows scarier than the Halloween decorations.



Friday, October 12, 2012

East Coast Flair: Fit Friday

East Coast Flair: Fit Friday: Candy!!!!! Hello Readers!!! I am bring my Fit Friday series back due to popular demand and to boost healthy habits during a season of ...

Fit Friday


Candy!!!!!

Hello Readers!!! I am bring my Fit Friday series back due to popular demand and to boost healthy habits during a season of overindulgence. This Friday I want to help you take baby steps in your adjustment to healthier living. Ok, I know all the candy is about to hit our homes in a few weeks You are either going to have it to give our or it's coming to your house via your own little goblins. Here we go, if you're buying candy to give you can go for low fat candies or something you know you will not eat. Also do not put the treats in your home for days in advance. Buy your treats the evening of trick or treat. Now when the candy comes home via your own kids the game gets tough. Here's one thought, don't go around hitting up each and every door. Just go to some familiar neighbors or friends so that the kids only get a small amount of candy. Another plan is to take the extra candy to give at Sunday school class or any type of group meeting you or the kids may attend. Whatever you do just make sure to remember the key words: Moderation and Safety. Be safe while out spooking the neighborhood, and enjoy your treats in moderation.

East Coast Flair: SHUT UP! I'M BUSY TELLING PEOPLE OFF AND CLICKING ...

East Coast Flair: SHUT UP! I'M BUSY TELLING PEOPLE OFF AND CLICKING ...: Wow! This has been an eventful week. I got a small taste of cyber bullying, had a rude person steal from my trash, and this was all in o...

SHUT UP! I'M BUSY TELLING PEOPLE OFF AND CLICKING SEND!



Wow! This has been an eventful week. I got a small taste of cyber bullying, had a rude person steal from my trash, and this was all in one night! Todays blog brings the topic of bullying and you know what I mean; you make some comments on cyber space and 2 or 3 people back you up and all the sudden, Hero status for you! People acting rude and uncivil, cutting you off while shopping or driving. The fact I threw away a large area rug and no one came to the door and asked me if they could take it home. I threw the rug away because it had my dog's diarrhea on it (too much to spray off) but no, someone stole it before the trash men could come this morning! I see people making horrible comments on Facebook and Twitter about the upcoming elections! Unfriending, unfollowing, and being down right nasty. America, we've got to realize our lives, values, and habits are NOT the same. In my younger years I would argue politics and get ugly, BUT, NO MORE!! I don't want to be apart of that behavior. Now don't get me wrong I can have the conversation but we have to do so in a respectful manner. I think we are seeing the effects of what I call "the reality TV effect." You know, I am going to tell you off, attack you and you're gonna take it. I am going to tweet about you and spread lies and gossip and you can just shut up!

Al Roker brought up an interesting fact the other morning; he noted  that he does not care for e-invitations. I thought about it and I don't like them either. He noted his family recently missed a birthday because it came via email. Can you imagine The Roker Family email? It got pushed aside and lost in the shuffle. By the way, please tell me you send a physical card when you give your condolences. We live in a day and age that people want you to text them because "How dare you call me!" mentality. We are living among people that sit home and no longer keep vile thoughts and mean attitude to themselves, they are spewing it all over our feeds. Just for today, do me this one favor, before hitting send on ANYTHING today make sure to READ it! REALLY READ how it flows! Do you come off snarky, rude, condescending? Think, Read, Send! At the end of the day, will what you've said be worth it? Will you gain enemies? Lose respect? If you notice, losing friends, respect,  and customers is happening it's just those people are not spewing it all over the internet.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Hey, What's the hurry?




Here we are putting out the pumpkins and goblins and already some people are thinking of Thanksgiving! What? Wait a minute, what gives? I'll tell you who is surely focused on this once sacred holiday: retail employees. Just one week ago I was shopping my favorite bookstore. During my visit I overheard the employee discussing with another location about the 8-2 Thanksgiving Day hours they are keeping this year. That makes me just so sad. Sad for the people that have to work that day and sad for our society that the dollar is more important than ANYTHING. You may be shaking your head or disagreeing with me on this but as you recall last year many opened on Thanksgiving night. That is how I call it because if it is midnigh or later most families are still digesting their dinner. Where are the days of being with family? Enjoying a day of game playing, tossing the football, and watching the games on TV? Where has our respect for the employee of retail that they MAY possibly want to have this small 24 hour period with their loved ones? To all my readers that work retail I'd like to take this time to thank you for all you do and for the shoppers, let's stay in. Stay in until 6:00 am on Black Friday morning. After all, why are you so quick to leave your family and cozy homes to spend the all mighty dollar.

Monday, October 8, 2012

East Coast Flair: Life with Dogs

East Coast Flair: Life with Dogs: To the left is a photo of one of our beloved boxers, Abby. All of our dogs are now medically considered to be in their senior ...

Life with Dogs











To the left is a photo of one of our beloved boxers, Abby. All of our dogs are now medically considered to be in their senior years. Life with these senior dogs has so far not been much different than their younger years. Dogs can be very much like children in the way they both step on our feet younger in life and then your heart as the years pass. The dogs have needed more trips to the vet the last couple of years but nothing life threatening. Not too many meds are given daily, mainly preventatives. Each event that now occurs makes you realize how fast time has gone and how lucky we've been to have raised each one. My one wish is to care for them with respect and treat them humanely. Above all, I hope we are not so selfish in the end to prolong the inevitable only for our own gain. If your family is considering a household pet, decide if you want a canine or feline. Things you need to consider is being able to afford your addition. Some factors to budget: preventative meds, vaccinations, future boarding, cost of a high quality food just to name a few. Check with a reputable breeder or most certainly consider rescuing. Just do you and the pet a favor and try not to bring your addition into the home for Christmas. Holidays can be stressful for our furry friends so do your research and make the best decision for you, your family, and soon to be four legged friend.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Politically Correct


Hello East Coasters! I know I know, I've been absent and silent for far too long. I have been trying to get my plans together for this blog and am going with the flow of me. Just follow along, bear with me and continue to read and share my posts. This week I'd like to touch base a bit on the political, but not to shove my political preferences down your throat. I just want to remind people to be more tolerant and to have productive conversations about your vote and/or party affiliation. I believe when said "with age comes wisdom" is so true. There was a time when I would come to angry blows about political "discussions" but no longer. I find the media coverage seems to be more about catching attention, bullying and picking apart candidates. Long gone seem to be the days of informing potential voters. And don't get me started with the rhetoric in the commercials. Both sides say and promise things that anger me because they are insulting my intelligence. Do your best to read, research, and inform yourselves in order to cast a vote that you are comfortable making. Make your vote with pride and above all no matter the outcome of your candidate remain mature and respectful.