Scarves, Shawls and Wraps

Okay, so I know this is so Oprah 2001, but I love scarves, wraps and shawls. I particularly love those that can be all 3. It all began with the Pashmina craze several years back. During that time I discovered this little shop at the airport where everything was/is $10. They had those large viscose shawls that can also serve as a scarf or wrap. They are perfect for keeping you warm in winter and are a beautiful bit of color to add to a summer sleeveless dress. The viscose ones are not my favorite because they wrinkle. But they iron or steam very easily. Also they are cheap. You should never pay more than $10.00 for one and they come in every color of the rainbow, which is just fun! I also prefer them instead a cardigan or sweater, not only because they look more elegant, but you can easily fold them into your bag when you no longer want to wear it. Also, the cheap ones can serve as a blanket, towel, skirt or cover-up at the beach. You can even use the larger ones to strap a baby to your back if need be. They are more functional than you realize.

I purchased a real authentic Pashmina shawl while in Vietnam and paid a lot of money for it. It is very soft, does not wrinkle, but is very fragile and "pulls" easily. So I don't wear it very often and prefer the cheap ones instead.

I also found these stripped ones, like the one I am wearing here, in Mozambique and love their versatility. They can be more casual than the larger bright colored viscose ones. They are smaller, more lightweight and can also serve as a head wrap. You can spread them out, add a magazine, a t-shirt, a bottle of sunscreen, a pair of flip-flops, a little snack and then just tie it up in a little bundle and you have a ready-made bag for the beach. (Or spread it before sitting on a muddy rock so you don't get dirt on the back of your white pants!)

Nerdy Stuff- Jing and Cooliris

Papa adores these two sites.

http://www.jingproject.com/ Jing Project allows you to:

1. snap a picture of your screen

2. record video of onscreen action

3. share instantly over the web, IM or email

This is more helpful that you realize. Being able to capture a page from a website and send as one document can really come in handy. The video of onscreen action is helpful when instructing someone on how to do virtually anything on the computer. You can even narrate these videos if you have a microphone. If sending a capture of a page- you can even highlight, arrow or create a textbox of what you are wanting to show. (as seen in the photo) This all may seem cumbersome and complicated, but the application is really user friendly and makes capturing and sending specific articles, photos or other information easy. Also, a lot of web photos and information is often copywritten and coded so that you cannot simply right click and save. I do not condone stealing people's stuff. But with this application you can "capture" photos that you would not be able to save otherwise.

Another one of his favorites is Cooliris http://www.cooliris.com/. It is a plug-in that takes you to a "3D" wall that lets you browse thousands of images, videos and more with ease and speed. (It works like the iPod touch) I think it only works with Firefox. So if you are searching for a photo or information on a specific item, you can type in a key phrase and have access to thousands of photos and subsequent sites relating to that subject matter. Their website explains it in great detail. You should check it out. P.S. This photo was made possible by Jing.

Free Music

imeem is addictive and fun. Let's say you are having friends over and want to play the latest Coldplay CD, or you are cleaning house and you want to dance to Whistle While You Work, or you wanna hear Mozart while you prepare dinner for 4, or you are getting dressed for a job interview and you need some Beyonce'. The scenarios are endless and imeem is your answer. It allows you to play just about any song under the sun. You can play entire albums too, so you are not constantly at the computer. There are some commericals in there at some point, but it is a minor nuisance, considering you have all this music at your fingertips. Plus, you can embed songs to your blog or website. I have done it a few times on my Days of Grace blog and have done so below. Some songs work, and some don't, but again, beggars can't be choosers. http://www.imeem.com/

My Favourite Things - Julie Andrews

Hershey's Piece of Cake Cake

This is my sister's recipe. It is one of my favorite chocolate cakes and it is very good and super easy. I have copied and pasted it exactly as she sent it to me. It reveals how little I know about baking and the fact that she knows this. However, I made it last night and it was a hit! (I baked it for 45 minutes instead of 30)

------------------------------

Hershey's Syrup Chocolate Cake

1 stick softened butter

1 cup self rising flour

4 eggs

1 cup sugar

16 oz or more Hershey's syrup

Mix all ingredients and pour into a greased 9X13 inch pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. (do you know to cream the butter and sugar then add eggs, flour and last syrup?)

Icing:

1/2 stick butter

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup chocolate chips - I use semi sweet

1/2 cup nuts if desired

Combine first three ingredients in a bowl and melt in boiler. Allow to boil for 2 minutes. Add nuts and chocolate chips. Remove from heat and allow chips to melt. Pour immediately on top of cake. Allow some time for this to cool before eating. It tastes and slices better, but won't be awful if you have it warm.

Eat a slice for me.

Sleep Sacks

So we all know I am no expert on the field of babies. But if you have one, I think you should put it in one of these. I kept Punkin this weekend for 5 hours and have NO IDEA how mother's do it (one hour of which he was asleep). I don't know how you ever go anywhere or do anything? Babies are heavy and you can't just put 'em in a contraption and walk away. They fuss. They put stuff in their mouths. They spit. But even after I put him down for his nap...I couldn't wait until he woke up again so I could get my hands on him. I love these little sleepers. Europeans use them all the time. I don't know why we don't. They are supposed to keep the baby "covered" no matter how much they move around. They are safer and more comfortable than loose bedding in a crib. So rather than covering them with a blanket it, you zip them up in one of these. Plus they are just too cute. Punkin has this one with the monkey on it.

Workout Videos

Laura Steen loves this website. It has great workout Videos where you can learn basic strengthening techniques. Many of them, you can watch once and easily learn the strengthening and toning exercises to do them again on your own at any time. Laura has her computer set up in her workout room and I set my laptop up on the coffee table to best follow along. They are not hard and you can mostly listen to the instructions without having to strain to see the computer. Laura does her workouts in the mornings and I do mine in the afternoons. I used to find these not very productive, but like Laura says, "doing something is better than doing nothing" and these really do work. I am certain that a daily routine of these for a few weeks will yield results! Just the simple act of stretching, breathing and pumping the heart a little does a body good. And most of these are very short 5 minute workouts. www.fitnessmagazine.com

Television

PBS Masterpiece Classics is showing Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility again this February 1-8. It is in two 90 minute episodes on Sundays at 9:00pm. Set your DVR! Put the kettle on. It is so good! I love this adaptation. Wuthering Heights is playing now. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/schedule/index.html

Photography

Christine Davis discovered this wedding photographer years ago. Ruth Rackley is from Clinton, SC. We both go to her site about once a month, just to view all the weddings and watch the slideshows. A lot of them are along the coast and you can get great ideas. She pays so much attention to detail that you feel like you where there. I have actually spoken on the phone with her and want to use her for our next family portrait and would LOVE to be able to use her for my wedding one day. She really is the best I have seen. She has a general website and a blog. The site takes a bit to load because of all the content, but I highly recommend taking a look at her stuff. Grab a kleenex.

http://www.rackelyphotography.com/ www.rackleyphotography.com/blog

Mascara

I am still open to suggestions, but this is my old standby and remaining favorite.

It applies well, whether applying a little or a lot, dries quickly and is easily removable. And it is under $5.00.

Lunch- Bonna Bella Yacht Club

Sometimes when I close my eyes and attempt to teleport myself anywhere but the ATL, I find myself sitting on the patio of the Bonna Bella Yacht Club in Savannah, GA. Rebecca Grizzle, Elizabeth Glenn Howell and I spent a summer Saturday there and didn't want to leave. We could have easily shown up for lunch and stayed until dinner. Menu items include a shrimp and grits appetizer & low country shrimp cakes with cucumber salad & curry aioli. Entrees feature grouper, yellowfin tuna, sea scallops, 1.5 lb Maine lobster, and save room for the Hazelnut Gellatto for dessert. Or just go sit on the patio and drink Red Stripe and eat oysters. Many visitors arrive by boat and there is always a colorful array of characters lurking about. It is a fun place to people watch. White collar retirees pull up in their spotless refurbished Chris Crafts in Sperry topsiders and local Blue collars arrive by Chevrolet in fliplops. It has all the charm and character of a local coastal dive, with excellent food and a discerning beer menu. And guess what else? The owners are huge wine connoisseurs and travel all over California, Francy and Italy, searching for great wines, which they offer to you by the glass or by the bottle. Remember to stay for the sunset. http://www.bonnabellayachtclub.com/

Running Pants

As long as I am living, my thighs will touch. I could starve myself to near death, and my thighs will still touch. In the world of running, sweaty thighs and nylon, polyester or even cotton are not a good combination because of...chaffing. There was once a time in my life, before I was a runner, when I didn't know what chaffing was. Let's just say, now I do. Ouch. There is not just thigh chaffing, there is sports bra chaffing too, but that's another problem entirely. A second problem I face is being cold. I am always cold. I have such a hard time getting motivated to go run when I am cold. If it's cold inside, it's gonna be cold outside! I have stood out in the freezing cold with women in itty bitty running shorts and sports bras, and I am in long running pants, gloves and a stocking cap and cold! Those are just two reasons why I love these running pants. They are the Mizuno Exodus 3/4 Tight. They are better than shorts, because of the chaffing issue discussed earlier. My friend Truitt calls pants, "long pants" and I laugh at him and say, "as opposed to short pants?" But here is actually an occassion where there is a difference and they need distinguishing. These are short pants. They are better than full length pants because you can still wear them in the heat of summer. Once you really start running in cooler weather you really warm up and longer pants can actually get hot and flap around your ankles. These are made of "moisture management" fabric, have a back pocket and a small one inside the waistband. Their website boasts a Gusset Crotch and I am laughing as I type that and haven't a clue what that is and really don't even care to find out. But they are sleek and I promise, they make you run faster!

Running

I really like this! I won this a few months ago and have just now taken the time to get it out and play with it. I purchased a simple $10 velcro pocket device at Phidipiddes and inserted the sensor on the laces of my Brooks shoes. (Yes, $10 is a lot for velcro, but even if you order one online it will cost that with shipping and I would not trust a homemade device). At first, I had the device upside down and I ran for two miles and it told me I had been .47 miles! But then I switched it to the correct side and it seems to worked perfectly! It can easily be calibrated, so I plan to take it to a track sometime soon. I was impressed with how user friendly it is. You simply plug the receiver into your iPod, place the sensor on your laces (closest to the toe and as tightly snuggled in as possible). You use the screen on your iPod to select your goals. Today I did a 4 mile run. You can choose a time or calorie goal too. You can select which playlist you want to listen to and even select a particular song to play at any time during your work as a Power Song for motivation. I was impressed with how user friendly it is! I love having the man speak in my ear and tell me how far I have been and at what pace. I didn't realize how consumed I had been, looking at my watch and being concerned about getting the correct mileage in AND figuring in my mileage back home. With this in my ear, I simply run. The man (or woman), comes in over your music and tells you how fast you are going at each mile. I love being able to just put it in, set a goal and start running! I like hearing my current pace at each mile (or when you press the center button) as it lets me know when I am a little sluggish so I can pick up the pace. There is no need to get the Nike Plus running shoes. If you own an iPod, you should get one. It will make you BE a runner or a walker or a jogger. Simply plug it in and start walking, it is a great motivational tool. I love to chart things and this does that for you too. You can upload all your workouts and set large goals, like marathons and it will plan work outs for you. That is a bit much for me and time consuming. But the ease of this device for my daily runs is just what I have been needing.

Preserves

Tart Cherry with Sherry, Organic Red Raspberry, Strawberry and Triple Berry, Spiced Apple, Cherry Pomegranate, Blueberry, Rhubarb Ginger, Seedless Black Raspberry, Apple Butter, Apricot and Balsamic Sweet Onion are a sampling of these delicious preserves I recently discovered from Braswell's. Those of you from around here have most likely seen their line of salad dressings, some made with Vidalia sweet onions. The also make pickles, relishes, honey, jellies, syrups, rubs and more. But my favorite are these sweet, flavorful, yummy preserves! They come in these adorable reusable European Old Fashioned glasses, in either 13 or 15 oz. The Balsamic Sweet Onion one would be great over a block of cream cheese with crackers. And the Seedless Black Raspberry would be so good on 9 Grain bread. I had some over the holidays at Mama Deane's. The shiny clear glass made me select it from the cabinet and I had no idea how delicious it would be. It was not too sweet. I thought for sure that this would be impossible to find and would retail for $10. But no! Kroger sells the preserves for $3.99! They retail for $6.25 on Braswell's website. And guess what? They are made in Statesboro, Georgia! All the more reason to try it. They look so pretty stacked in a pyramid on my kitchen counter. They make excellent gifts, make your breakfast table look elegant, and they make my mouth water just thinking about them, so tart, so fresh, so sweet, so good. http://www.braswells.com/

Canned Goods

I don't know why I am on this food kick lately. And I don't want to admit that "j'adore" canned goods, but this stuff is really good! I love the Hoppin' John and serve it over cauliflower, doctored up with a little bit (and I mean little bit) of sour cream and good-for-you butter. I often eat at my desk and on the go. These Margaret Holmes products are perfect for a quick meal and a great alternative to a Lean Cuisine. Oh! and they are completely Southern, grown and canned in South Carolina and Georgia.

Oatmeal

I love oatmeal! I recently pointed out to my mother that most all of my favorite foods are things that I didn't have growing up, such as oatmeal, sauteed spinach, and portabello mushrooms. I think my mother was insulted. But I LOVE oatmeal. I think, growing up in the South, we just didn't want to take away from grits or somethin'? Oatmeal was Yankee food and don't even think about Cream of Wheat. I used to point to it in the grocery store having seen those commercials of a piping hot bowl of warm Cream of Wheat and I wanted to try it. My mother would have nothing of it. And I always wondered just what the heck was porridge. I knew it was not good too cold or too hot, but I had no idea what it was? I think this is pretty much it. And it is so so so so good. You can add berries or honey or agave nectar or cinnamon or butter (shh) or bananas and have a different breakfast every morning. Carla gave me this brand for Christmas and I LOVE IT! It is NOT instant, but so worth the wait.

Boots

I have to admit the UGG boot craze drove me nuts. I could understand if you lived in Banff, you get to wear suede shearling boots, but not if you live in Atlanta! In my opinion, if you are wearing sheepskin boots in Atlanta, you look stupid. Chances are it is not even cold, and there is a greater chance it is raining. So if you can't wear them in the rain, or in weather over 45 degrees, your days of wearing them are really limited. Plus, I just think they look dumb. Unless you are Hannah Montana, don't put on a denim mini skirt and these boots and think you are all that. Until, I tried them on. I never realized that my toes are always COLD. Suddenly, I fell in love with these warm, soft, comfy, rubber soled boots! I always remove my shoes at the door, but my boots feel like slippers and keep my constantly cold toes really warm. I bought this pair instead of the UGGs as I still refuse to invest a whole lot into them. So now I say you can get a pair. I won't judge. http://www.bearpawshoes.com/

Cookies

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness. These are good. So good. Obviously, like an Oreo, but pepperminty. They are better than I thought they would be. This indulgence is worth it. I am pretty sure they are seasonal, so get them before they are gone. Or call me, I have a box and will share.

Children's Clothing

Perhaps it was just the high of Outlet Mall shopping, but I fell head over heels in love with this store. You know how you see the adorable little French, Swedish and all together foreign kids in striped stockings, brightly colored Mary Jane's, little bobbed hair cuts and you think, "where do they get this stuff"? I have always wondered where the heck they get these adorable clothes. Surely not all Europeans get to shop at Oilily all the time. But I have now discovered Hanna Andersson and I know now where to get it. Being an aunt, I am in charge of fashion for FOUR children. FOUR of the most adorable, smart, precious, intelligent children in the whole wide world. It is becoming more and more difficult to find really great children's clothing. I refuse to buy them these skimpy, trendy, horrific fads that are out now for kids. They are just children and need not dress like adults or in tacky attire. The styles here are adorable. The baby clothes are just what little babies need to be dressed in, little onesies and crawlers in soft pastel colors. The toddler and children's clothing is comfortable, washable and colorful. And Hanna Andersson has SALES! The outlet store in Williamsburg had tons of racks of things for $5.00 and $10.00. They have stores in Phipps and Perimeter, in Atlanta. www.hannaandersson.com

Honey Dispenser

How cute is this? Mama Deane gave me one of these and I love it! I love the cute honeycomb design and it is perfect for messy honey in a jar. Simply pour into this adorable container. It looks so cute on the breakfast table. It's manufactured by Harold Imports. You can fill the little stand with hot water to keep your syrup or honey soft and warm! (Remember to plug the little hole while filling). I found them on www.amazon.com, www.gardenpartyteas.com and www.kitchenemporium.com

Tea Kettles

Hanging around my handful of European friends has made me appreciate the art of "taking tea". I love tea time! Hot tea is so relaxing and soothing and good for you. We should be doing this y'all. I am all for bringing it back and if you come and visit me, I will offer you proper tea. What a delightful excuse to always have cookies in the pantry. I have this Chantal Classic Tea Pot. It has a Hohner harmonica whistle. I love the sound of a kettle. It is also a necessity for making coffee with a French Press and I hear once you start making coffee this way, you'll never go back to the drip. I recommend a French Press too, just not sure which one yet. Perhaps a fully stainless steel one, and for sure not glass, so it will be more travel friendly. Oh! and I got a new omelet maker for Christmas, the review is forthcoming.

Salon

Aveda Institute Atlanta: http://www.avedainstitutesbb.com/atlanta-services.php

I am almost hesitant to recommend this place, as there are just certain things for which you do not want liability. A bad hair cut is one of them. But I went here and despite coming out NOTHING like what I wanted it to, I was constantly reviewing them in my mind and wanted to put the experience into words. As far as Salons go, I have done them all...the Ritz, Las Vegas, a spa in Arizona, Vidal Sassoon, Jamieson Shaw, Van Michael, Hair Cuttery, Cost Cutters, Miss Sarah the Lady's Basement, Joan's house in middle of nowhere Hart County...you get the picture. I have paid $100 and I have paid $4 (Harare,Zimbabwe- shampoo, cut and blowdry!). Yet, I never seem to find that perfect place, that always offers the perfect cut, the perfect experience or the perfect price. Van Michael was getting there, as they offer a New Talents salon, with young up and coming stylists at half the price. But then as soon as you would get settled into a stylist and cut that you liked, he or she (most likely he) would be off to "the floor" and you would start again with someone new. Then they started to build a new parking lot and getting in and out became a nightmare. Then they built a Whole Paycheck right next to it and I would spend $100 on goat cheese and pinot when I went it to "just look around"or wait on traffic to die down. So I can't go back there. Plus, they can be all pretentious, I don't like pretentiousness. It's a hair cut for crying out loud, not plastic surgery. SO! I have driven by the Aveda Institute a million and one times. It's in Buckhead in the same general area as the Disco Kroger AKA Fresh Fare Kroger where the Cost Plus World Market is on Piedmont. It is next to Chipotle. So I finally after some searching find their website and a services menu. I expect there to be a long waiting list and a need to make appointments months in advance. But this is not the case. You can call and most likely get an appointment that same week, within a day or two. Haircuts are $15.00 and Color for long hair is $35, short is $25. So the prices are amazing. And they use all Aveda products of course, so you know the product is good. It is the applier of the product that is the sketchy part. Even though I came out with Jet Black hair...yes, black, I still kinda recommend the place. They make attempts to make it pleasing and a good experience. I was greeted by a young student who wanted to show me a candle and give me a neck massage. It was nice. My student never told me her name, was awkward with small talk and seemed a little unsure of herself, but she appeared to follow all the steps that she had been taught in color application and in the basics of hair trimming. I believe most mistakes were mine, in not properly overseeing or explaining the exact color and using the word "darker" and not stressing my desire to not look like Elvira when I got out of there. I think I should have looked at the swatches with her and approved the color swatch rather than trust her to find something that would work for me. Also, note that you are gonna be in there forever and I do mean forever, take water, a snack, and a book with over 200 pages, because it will take 4 hours of your life. This is not fun. But there is considerable savings involved. And that's a good thing. My girl was also a little insecure and just not confident like the guys at Van Michael who tell you how beautiful you are and how they are gonna make you more sexy than ever. She didn't say any of that. She didn't ask about my love life or gossip about the tabloids...so I missed that. She made me nervous a couple of times when she would ask me about the cut and I had no idea what to tell her to do...that's her job? She also had to go get her supervisor once to make sure she was doing something right and scared me to death. So now I am not so sure I do recommend the place. BUT! if you need a cut, know exactly what you want, aren't too picky, or if you know your color recipe...this is a great place to go. They also offer other spa services (like 1 hour massages for $40!) that could also be really great deals. I came out looking a bit like this...and I am not kidding:

Brunch

Kathleen and I went here yesterday. Ria's Bluebird Cafe'. I've been so many times, and it is always good, warm, cozy, fresh and yummy. They must have known that I was coming because they served a tomato and goat cheese omelet as the Omelet of the Day! They serve this really good coffee by Batdorf & Bronson out of Olympia, Washington and they serve it in those small thick white Diner Mugs with real cream. You can order it here: http://www.dancinggoats.com/.

It really is good stuff. They serve soysage, my fav! And biscuits and sweet potato hash browns!! They have a lunch menu also, but their Breakfast is really where it's at. You can check them out at www.riasbluebird.com

They've been featured on Food Network and remain Atlanta's CitySearch Best Brunch.

421 Memorial Dr SE Atlanta, GA 30312-2207 Phone: (404) 521-3737

Photography

http://www.jillhiggins.com/

Amy and Doug used Jill Higgins this year for their Christmas card. It's adorable. I am assuming Jill's a Valdosta girl. Her website was on the back of the card. She's good. She has a blog. She travels. She was recently in France and Holland. She likes Pomme Frites (sans the mayo). I just HAD to post the honey picture, yum. And I can't post without plugging. She's good. I know I said that already. But, she is. I love this picture of the window...it's Paris. Mom & I have been there! Not just Paris, but this store, where the windows are decorated. It's so much fun. Oh! Here's their Christmas card:

Hair Products

Aveda, Fredrick Fekkai, Bumble & Bumble...Bumble Schmumble. These products are 99% cheaper than all of that and work practically just as good. I like the curl enhancing gel that comes in the pump. Malibu Surf Legend, Shelley Merrick taught me how to use it, so I have great hair right out of the ocean (after surf lessons). Go ahead and take the top off the pump, pour a dollop in your hand, after rinsing the salt water from your hair, rub it all in, and there you go! The stuff in the jar is good too. But remember, a little goes a long way.

Market

I am not sure why I am on this food kick lately, but I am going to have to plug of all things...a grocery store. Who doesn't love the Fresh Market or Whole Foods ie Whole Paycheck? We all do. I have to admit that Publix is becoming predictable and boring and I am switching to Kroger. I refuse to put a tag of any sort, for any store, no matter what the discount, on my key chain, but if you do this I will still love you and would never judge. It is just a quirk of mine. I don't know why. Some people I love the most in life, i.e. my sister, do this and my love is unchanging. So, since I don't make $100 million dollars a year and Whole Paycheck is for special occasions only and who the heck pays a dollar for a lemon anyway? Even if I had a billion dollars I still would never pay a dollar for a lemon! Crazy. So! I stumbled upon the "Fresh Fare" Kroger in Buckhead. You know it, on Piedmont, used to be the Disco Kroger back in the day? Well there. I went in just to get a few things while I was in that part of town. I was greeted by friendly people who welcomed me to the store! There were actually enough carts for all the shoppers and I didn't have to push the one with the race car attached because it was the only one left. Yes, I have done that. Sans kids! It was either that or the electric powered wheelchair one and I was not about to do that! So anyway, they get points for having carts, which apparently is a real problem for grocery stores these days, or at least the ones I frequent. They have a HUGE wine section, which is just fun for me. I might not buy anything, but I love to look and read labels, they make my mouth water. I admit that it is far from the best grocery store ever, and you would be greatly disappointed if you compare it to much of anything else, especially other stores with the word "fresh" in their name. This is no Harry's Fresh Market. This is a grocery store...with more than just jug wine (blech). They have that good organic section. They have a sushi bar, an olive bar, a salad bar and the like. It is convenient. They have cheese and stuffed olive samples! I am so easy to please. The people are friendly, at least 4 people spoke to me and were kind and said, "have a nice day". I am a sucker for the manger's specials. I found a big ole container of already cut, in water, celery for .99 cents that I snacked on while I shopped. I like that. And they clearance their stuff that is about to expire, Publix doesn't do that. I like that. Also, you don't have to have the silly little card, you can enter my sister's home phone number instead and get the discount! I recommend the Fresh Fare Kroger on Piedmont, so there.

P.S. I have no idea who this kid is, found the pic online and it made me laugh. Do kids get free balloons and sugar cookies???

Breakfast

Telecommuting has introduced me to a whole new world. My favorite new discovery...breakfast. Breakfast is typically, oatmeal at my desk or a breakfast bar. This luxury will end for me at the stroke of midnight Dec 31st :(

I could do a whole Favorite Things column on breakfast foods alone. For the oatmeal I have recently switched to the Kroger brand! I was a die hard Quaker girl, but the Kroger Active Lifestyle, both Almond & Cranberry and the Maple & Brown Sugar, at HALF the price, have won me over.

But the one morning a week I have been able to work from home, I can hardly wait to get up and cook breakfast. I love love love spinach and GOAT CHEESE and mini portabello mushroom omelets. I love 9 grain toast with Polaner's (or Kroger Brand) All Fruit blackberry jam. And I love Morning Star "Soysage". As a pescatarian, this stuff is amazing! I don't see how even meat eaters could ever go back to the real stuff after eating this. Yummy good. Also, if you are looking for a lucrative business, MorningStar has the market on vegetarian "meat". I even notice when dining out that most restaurants that offer "soysage" serve this MorningStar stuff and they could use some competition. So there is an opportunity here for a soysage making business and you heard it here first. Oh! And they go great with Starbuck's French Roast....

Beverage

Ok, this is about to get really corny. This one is a "where have you been all my life?" find. He's a Doctor. He makes me smile. He doesn't make me feel guilty. He doesn't keep me up all night. He is refreshing. He is Caffeine Free Diet Dr. Pepper. I know this stuff has been around forever, but in my efforts to be completely soda free, and in banning all carbonated beverages, I overlooked this opportunity for sheer bliss. I finally just broke down and bought a whole case the other day. I can hardly wait to hear the fizz. It's that good. And since we are already on the subject of things that are questionably good for you, I must admit that I love these too..White Cheddar Cheez-Its. Rebecca Grizzle introduced us. Thanks Bec, you've brought new pleasure into my life. And a reduced fat pleasure at that!

Moisturizing Cream

This stuff really is the best. I loathe lotion. I do not like the act of having to apply lotion head to toe and I don't like feeling all greasy. I don't know when you are actually supposed to apply the stuff anyway. I am always cold and don't want to stand around nekkid waiting on lotion to dry. If it is actually hot out, you don't really have dry skin and need the lotion. It's really only in the winter when it's cold. So lotion frustrates me. If you get dressed too soon you get it all over your clothes, if you wait too long to get dressed, you freeze to death...it has happened. So given that application is important, and that lotion is at times a necessity, I recommend the oldest, most predictable, most reliable one out there...Eucerin. My eczema ridden friends, whose names I will withhold, all recommend it. This Eucerin in the little tub is the best ever. It is fragrance free and non irritating. I even use it on my face, now that I am using Retin-A as a self inflicted face peel. It is really thick and because I am obsessed with application I like the way you just open the jar, get what you need and immediately apply it to the desired area. With other lotions you squeeze or pump and a buncha not so thick COLD liquid comes out. And most of the time it can be irritating and has lots of chemicals and perfumes in it. As much as I love the soothing scent of cucumber or shea butter or rose petals or lavendar, most of the time it is just a buncha perfumes and junk. Yes, we all know Oprah doesn't wear perfume and she smells amazing because she coats her creamy chocolate skin in pumpkin ginger bread lotion every day and washes her hair in honey extract. But I say, stick with the Eucerin, it does the trick. If you wanna smell like Oprah, but some vanilla flavoring behind your ear.

Dessert- Laura's Skinny-ish Cake

I thought for sure I had already posted this. Laura and I made this cake during one of my visits. I think we ate the whole thing in just a few days, choosing it for breakfast too. It is lower in fat, contains zucchini and applesauce. It has a tofu topping that I love! But don't tell Catherine and Gracie, they won't eat it if they know it has tofu in it. This recipe recommends Cool Whip Lite. I don't. All Cool Whip products are made of hydrogenated fats. There are organic alternatives out there and even ReddiWhip is more "natural", containing heavy cream, nonfat milk and sugar.

The actual Recipe belongs to Sandra Lee. I don't know her, but Laura refers to her like a family friend. http://www.foodnetwork.com/

Ingredients
For Cake:
1 large zucchini, finely grated (about 2 cups)
1 (1-pound and 2.25-ounce) package chocolate fudge cake mix (recommended: Betty Crocker Super Moist
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 large egg
2 large egg whites
3/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt
3/4 cup applesauce
For Mousse:
1 (12-ounce) package soft silken tofu
1 (3.9-ounce) package instant chocolate fudge pudding (recommended: Jell-O)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (8-ounce) package whipped topping (recommended: Cool Whip Lite)

Garnish: Chocolate sauce, confectioner's sugar, cocoa powder
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat with cooking spray the bottom only of a 9 by 13 inch glass cake pan.

FOR CAKE: Set grated zucchini in a mesh strainer over a bowl and lightly press with a spatula to release water. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, cinnamon, eggs, egg whites, nonfat yogurt, and applesauce. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl often. Fold in drained grated zucchini. Pour into prepared cake pan.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool completely. When cool, invert cake onto a large plate or platter, and cut cake into 12 large squares with a clean, sharp knife.

FOR MOUSSE TOPPING: While cake is baking, combine tofu, pudding mix and cinnamon in a bowl. Using an electric mixer beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Fold in the whipped topping with electric mixer on low speed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
To serve, cut each cake square in half diagonally to make 2 triangles. Use a spoon to decorate each plate with chocolate sauce, set 2 cake triangles on each plate, sprinkle generously with confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder, and dollop with chocolate mousse.