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Monday, August 08, 2016

A Visual Journey *UPDATE*

I went through and found more old (and some hilarious) photos. These are mainly for my fam.

That's me & my Mama, Miss Tootsie.
Don't remember who the baby is.

That's me being so "fast" & grown. With my hand on my back, as
my mother would say. Some of the other kids are the Rouzans. Still friends today.

That's my big brother, Chuck, looking like a black member of  Duran Duran.
So handsome & still is.
Me in background. And I still tag around him when I can!

Me with my little brother, Darrell & his dog, Scott.
He loved that dog.

My daddy. I'm the female "George".




Image result for years that ask questions and years that answer

I was talking with a good friend the other day. We are both making a lot of life changes and shooting for big futures - yes, even at my 55 and her 57 years. She said something interesting about how different everyone's life journey can be. Ours have certainly not followed normal paths!

So, I'm looking back on my years that ask questions and years that answer. The only thing any of them have in common are their echoes.









































I've been up, I've been down. I've flown First Class, Coach, and Standby. My world has been full to bursting with joy, then plunged into a darkness close to Hell. I've been healthy, fine, arrogant, beautiful, desired and too full of myself. I've been broken and abused and discarded and forsaken and forgotten and vilified and sick unto death. I've had friends and enemies and people who simply never noticed.

I am blessed because I've lived a life and, God willing, I will make the most of the years I have left.

Peace
--Free

**UPDATE** The Book *is* Coming (Really!)

Because I announced having finished my first short story collection, I thought I should explain why there has been a delay in the Amazon release.


First, let me say that I truly appreciate the existence of CreateSpace for self-publishing creatives. It's really a beautiful thing.

However...

There is a bit of a learning curve for first-time users.

I'm a slow learner.

Actually, I'm proud of myself for having gotten as far in the process as I have. I have on my bookshelf a first proof copy of  Love and Madness.


The cover looks better than this photo shows...
I'm holding back on publishing because I am adding to the book. I don't feel right releasing it with only the stories I'd included in the proof. Also, I have completed a few more stories that fit the mood of Love and Madness and really want them as part of it.

One thing that I find tedious about CreateSpace is using their templates. Of course, that's a better option than not using them. Unless there is a fairy who will fix the margins and  any other formatting. (If any of you are friends with such a being, please schedule me an introduction.)

I read the forums, so I know I'm not the only writer who has problems with formatting and cover issues. Now that I have finished additional stories for the book, I am having to start from scratch with the template. Once that's done, Love and Madness will be hitting the market. Trust me, I will be shouting the news from every rooftop I can.

For now, keep me in your prayers. If I don't finish this first book soon I will either be losing all the rest of my mind or taking up drinking as a serious pursuit.

In the meantime,



Peace
--Free

Sunday, August 07, 2016

Low Carb Check-in (and a **REVIEW** of Atkins Snack Bar)

So, it's Day 3 (if I am counting full days & not the one where I cheated like Tiger Woods) and I was able to get into a top that I bought months ago, and I was able to get into my cute boots. Yay.

Odd thing is, I'm losing inches but I don't see a bit decrease in pounds. Matter of fact, depending on which time of day I step on the scale, I might be a bit UP in weight from the last time.

Good news is, I've decided not to worry about the pounds showing on the scale as much as I look at how my clothing fits. Also, how I feel is a big indicator of positive results. The most positive result so far: I'm not as crashed-out and tired feeling. Last night I worked on the book for more than 3 hours at a sitting, That has not happened in a while because I either get sleepy or muddled and have to stop working.

I've gotten into a better groove with my eating patterns. I'm not just scarfing down eggs or chops like it's a command performance. I had to learn to eat when I'm hungry. That sounds crazy, because everyone knows to eat when they are hungry. Right? Maybe not. As my body adjusts to this diet, I'm finding that I'm not hungry as often as I used to be. I've had to break the habit of eating food (or snacks) just because they are there, Basically, I'm learning to listen to my true hunger and, for any snacks, I'm pacing myself.

I already told you that I love, love, love this flavor of Market Pantry brand water enhancer:



I actually thought about trying another flavor, but I'm going to stick with what I know! Plus, these are only around $2.65 at the regular price and I'm sure there's going to be a sale every now and then.  My niece and a couple of my friends really like the Crystal Light powders. I wasn't crazy about Crystal Light because of the fake/acidic aftertaste.  (If anyone has tried the Dasani ones, let me know what you think about those.)

One thing that I will be re-stocking is that Viva Labs Organic Cacao Powder that I reviewed not long ago. It has become a favorite substitute for creamer when I need to add flavor to my coffee.  In addition to the yummy taste (which, by the way, is great for boosting those cheap and weak-tasting coffees), cacao powder is good for the body in general. I've been worried about my sarc for the last several months and am doing everything I can to boost my immune system. (Now I will have to do a review of the powder!)

I take the pure cacao (left)
and add it to coffee creamer powder (right)
Okay, that all covers the check-in part of this post. Let's move on to the REVIEW of the Atkins Bars,
which are now a favorite snack of mine - even though I think they're kind of pricey. Or maybe not. I just re-checked my receipt and see that I paid $6.29 for a box of 5 bars. So, not too bad, I guess. I should look for them at Costco or Sam's to see if there is a price-break.


I was only tempted by the name of these. That photo doesn't exactly make the mouth water, does it?

It looks like a lie

Most sugar-free or low-sugar have a weird texture, an odd metallic undertaste, or they just make you want to spit them out and scrape your tongue free of any residue.


To start by telling the truth, I never expect a low-carb, low-sugar "snack" to taste good. My sister, a brother, and my mother were all diabetic dialysis patients. You better bet that I've tasted my share of "high protein", low-sugar bars, shakes, candies, etc.



It's a good thing I got to the stage of opening up the wrapper. I was really encouraged by the look of the actual bar. I have to suggest Atkins changes that wrapper which almost scared me into buying a Snickers instead.

is that malted milk in the center???
I loathe malted milk!

This low-carb treat is almost as good as a Snickers. Mostly. it reminds me of a large version of those little round "turtle" candies but with less carmel.
World Famous Gourmet Milk Chocolate Pecan Turtles 16 Oz Gift Tin
These are turtle candies

This is the Atkins

No malted milk anywhere in there, praise Jesus.

The chocolate is surprisingly smooth and, well, chocolate-y. Sometimes, "healthy" chocolate has a waxy texture. I was sitting in my car in the parking lot of the store when I had my first bite and, boy, this one hit the tongue like a good, messy chocolate, just the way I like it. After eating nothing but eggs, chops, and neckbones for a few days, this was such a welcome treat. I'm sure that anyone seeing me right then wanted to suggest that my chocolate and I go get a room.

Now, there is a bit of a salty undertaste that I didn't notice the first time I ate one of these. I guess I was so excited about snacking on something involving chocolate and nuts to notice. My tongue was too happy with the chocolate to taste any salt. And the saltiness is not very pronounced or unpleasant. As a matter of fact, just like most chocolate lovers know, the saltiness sort of  intensified the chocolate flavor

So, yes, in my book, this bar is a winner.

Peace
--Free

Wednesday, August 03, 2016

Getting Lean & Going Low (Low Carb Weight Loss)

Anytime I'm fat and decide to do something about it, I get a little cranky. For that reason, there won't be a regular post today. Instead, here are my recent, current, and pending thoughts:

  • If only I'd known about the low carb thing before...
  • I'm losing most of my first day's weight just running to the toilet.
  • After the first 8.5 hours, I've peed away at least 3 pounds.
  • I could do low-carb so easy if donuts were low-carb.
  • Or those butter bars from the Walmart bakery section.
  • Donuts are not low carb, low sugar or low fat. 
  • Butter bars are Satan's latest tool to pull me under.
  • Why can't all diet soda taste as good as Fresca? I once drank Fresca for 2 weeks before I realized it was diet. 
  • Fresca. Carb = 1g. Sodium = 35mg. Fresca. Good stuff. Liquid manna.
  • I never liked hot sauce until I went low carb. 
  • Frank's hot sauce is so good that I want to marry it.
  • I might not want to marry the super-spicy sauce, but the Buffalo sauce. I'm getting it a ring.
  • I really like eggs. I thought that I could live on nothing but eggs if I had to. Then I did an egg fast.
  • I can't live on nothing but eggs. (And Grammarly hates double negatives, by the way.)
  • Unless I have some of that hot sauce. Then I might make it at least four days.
  • Do you know how good and delicious a pork chop tastes after you've eaten nothing but eggs for hours?
  • After  hours of nothing but eggs, I almost passed out when I tasted a piece of bacon.
  • I can do low-carb and low-fat, but it's really hard to keep those sodium numbers down.
  • I was so bloated when I started this regimen that I couldn't even suck in like Homer Simpson.
  • Well,  I could suck in but my gut didn't move.
  • After 48 hours, I can not only do a suck in, I almost don't need to.
  • I have proven something for myself and I feel like a science project.
  • I proved that it's both the amount and kinds of calories that make a difference.
  • Anyone wants to argue, try eating 1200 calories a day in soup and trail mix. Then try eating 1800 calories in meat/fish and leafy, green vegetables.
  • My body gets all skinny and happy on the meat and veggies. On the soup and trail mix, my body was all bitchy and carried a mental switchblade. 
  • I can't stop thinking about that hot sauce.
  • Wonder if Frank's needs a spokesperson for that hot sauce?
  • It's time for my egg snack, but I am really tired of eggs.
  • Hmmm... a pat of butter on a warm boiled egg is really quite good. Quite good.
  • Hot sauce on the boiled egg tastes better, though.
  • Wish there wasn't so much sodium in this sauce.
  • Otherwise, I'd be happy dipping celery in it. And I really hate celery. But that sauce...
  • My short term, non-critical goals in life are all to do with foods and beverages.
  • First goal: find an Almond Joy creamer with less carbs and fat. 
  • Second goal: go wrap tiny pieces of donuts up in some fried bacon for a half-healthy snack.
  • Third goal: sit on a blanket in the sun, drinking coffee with Almond Joy creamer and eating my "dough bacon" snacks.
  • Fourth goal: find a way to market my donut bacon snacks.
  • Scratch Goal 4. I think someone in New York beat me to it.
  • Note to self: visit New York to try all those hip donut combos I hear about.
  • Time to weigh in for the evening.
  • Dang. I'm going to do another weigh-in in an hour.
  • All those thoughts about donuts added a pound. I'm sure that's what happened.
  • Second weigh in went much better. It's my heavy-soled sandals that tipped the scales upward.
  • I wonder just how much my hair weighs now that it's grown back out?
  • Time to see what the hot sauce tastes like on some neckbones.
  • Hmmm... Why am I not that hungry now? 
  • I think the best benefit of this diet is starting to kick in.
  • I could actually turn my nose up at something sweet and decadent right now (as long as that something isn't in the form of a Denzel look-a-like)...
Seriously, though, I am doing very well on a low-carb (and reasonably low-fat) diet. I wish I knew why this kind of food regimen is discussed more.

The one problem I had when I was at my heaviest was trying to exercise. I don't mean I wasn't motivated because I was. The problem was that, carrying so much weight, I had trouble moving at all, let alone exercising.

If only someone had told me before that there was a way to at least jump start my weight loss - without trying to get to a gym or take long walks in the freaking winter snow or high summer heat!

What I got when I asked around about various diets was the usual spiel: low cal, low fat, more exercise, better sleep, less anxiety... Excuse my filthy moment, but Bitch, puh-lease!

If I had known how easy it is to do a low carb diet, I'd have been back in my size 4's two years ago. So, you can bet I'm going to be telling folks to check out a low-carb diet.

By the way, want to mention the Vlogger who really inspired me, not just because she is sharing her personal journey, but because she dared embark on the journey. She makes the whole idea of losing a lot of weight seem so very possible. Here is just one of her videos.



Check the links on her YouTube page and give her some mad support. That perky attitude and genuine personality is just perfect for a mainstream audience. I don't know why some brand isn't knocking down her door, hiring her as a spokesperson. She certainly got me fired up.

Now, I don't want (or need) to lose 40 or 80 pounds in a couple of months. What I would love to do, is eventually make my way back to the 130-140lb range. After that, I'll start dusting off my size 4 jeans. And when I say I want to be a size 4, I don't say that because there is anything wrong with ladies of other sizes. I say I want to be a size 4 because I do want to be a size 4 again. Before the illness and the steroids, I didn't know nothin' bout no size sixes or fourteens. I really don't think my skeleton was built to hold this size *^%#@%^ body. LOL

I am not doing a low carb regimen as extreme as Kaylah Cupcake's, but it's still a huge change for me. This is just week 1 so I am playing with different plans to see what feels comfortable. This is what I'm starting with:


That might seem drastic for someone who loves their Almond Joy creamer so much but apparently, it's not fat or calories I have trouble with. It's my sodium intake:

I'm over on my fat by a bit, but that's fine. It's that sodium that's crazy!

This shows how easy it is to have ONE item in your daily diet that can mess you up. I still have a calorie allowance for this day, so you know I'm not just pigging out on the world. Nope. I love My Fitness Pal for this single reason: I can pinpoint my food problems.





Damn that wonderfully delicious hot sauce!

So, yeah, I'm having to learn how to move my foods around so that I don't get all bunched up with sodium or fat. Most of my fat that didn't come from meat, came with a tuna-with-mayo snack. I really have to watch my snacking...

The good thing is that I am not hungry in the least - even with almost 600 calories left to go. I'm just going to have to find a low-sodium snack for the night.

Can we all say pistachioThin Addictives???


Done. Hahahaha!!!

Peace
--Free

Sunday, July 31, 2016

**REVIEW** Black Radiance Ebony Powder

Hey, dark-skinned ladies! I have found another fantastic product that you might be interested in.


Black Radiance Pressed Powder Compact 

Black Radiance made me so mad when they discontinued my favorite shade of liquid foundation, but they just won back my love with this product.

I don't normally use powders as my only foundation because I never could find one that complimented my skin tone. With a powder, shade matching is crucial. The wrong shade can come off looking mask-like or caked on. Plus, a poor quality powder settles into even fine lines and creases. Yikes!

Just a quick mention here: This powder is for setting your liquid foundation, I suppose, but I am my own gal and I use it as a foundation. So there.

This powder does exactly what a good powder foundation is supposed to - evens out my skin tone and softens my look - and it does it perfectly. It doesn't cake up the least bit (even in humidity), and it blends so well with my skin tone that in the mirror I don't look so much made up" as I do lightly 'filtered'. It's that softening effect that you get when you are in the right lighting.




Okay. Why do I look so mean? Let's try that one again:


I know that's kind of a fake smile, but what do you expect when it's just me and my webcam? Nah, really I was smiling because I love the look I get with this foundation. Actually, when I use this powder, I get the same effect that other women do when they use only a little bit of blotting powder. You know what I mean - something to tame the shine and fine lines.

By the way, I dug out my Black Radiance Illusions Lip Gloss - shade #3229 - for my little photo shoot. Glad I did. Forgot how much I like it.

"Diva Desire" is the shade name. I think.
Whatever. Bet it's discontinued.

The powder is very light and doesn't feel as if it's smothering my skin. I also love that it doesn't "transfer" easily, messing up my hands and clothing.


You can't even see my jawline


This particular shade is (surprise, surprise) the same one that I loved in the now-discontinued liquid foundation I swore by. The price was reasonable, thank goodness and even more surprising, I found the product in my local Walmart. I'm not sure how long the store will carry the item since I found it as a mark down ($3) on an end cap in the cosmetics aisle. No worries though, because Amazon also carries it (though it costs around $10). Yay!




I was so happy to find this on markdown. Otherwise, I might not have tried it. (Yeah, I was still made about the discontinued foundation!)

The photo quality it not the best (sucky webcam), but you can at least tell that I don't look like I'm in clown-face. Matter of fact, I took one photo with only one side of my face made up (lipstick and all) so that you could see how subtle the effect is.

lipstick side is the made up side

The negative thing I have to say is not to do with the makeup. It's the applicator brush. Ugh! I hate those cheap little brushes for applying powder foundation. Instead, I'm using this brush that I got for free as part of a review:

Got this set free in exchange for a review

This style of applicator brush is amazing. Just perfect for applying powders although I wasn't crazy about it for applying liquid foundation...

Anyway, if any of you have seen this product and were wondering if it were any good, I can tell you that, if you find your shade, you should grab it. I'm glad I did!

Peace
--Free

Saturday, July 30, 2016

**FOLLOW UP** Honey as a Healing Agent

It's not often that I get to come back and give details of dramatic results about products I've reviewed. It's an awesome feeling.

Back in April, I was posting about the different types of honey. My main interest was in the great taste and the natural healing powers of the different varieties. I've been using honey for a long time - adding it to my beverages and cereals, and just taking a little bit by the spoonful when I'm not feeling well. Honey is a great throat soother and, because of the sarcoidosis, I tend to cough. Sometimes, I cough so much that I get hoarse, and all my life I've been prone to laryngitis. Honey has become a regular part of my natural medicine cabinet.

In the past several weeks, I've broken out with a rash. It started like a minor dry-skin problem but it was isolated to small sections on both ankles and in minute patches on my palms and fingers. My hands healed rapidly and the rash never even really developed past the minor stage. I suspected I was suffering from a lack of iodine and, since I have some J. Crowe's, I took a few drops every day. The dry spots on my hands healed up, but my ankles got worse. I stopped taking the iodine and contacted my doctor. It's possible that my meds (chemo and an infusion treatment) may be the cause, so I have an appointment coming up to check on that. In the meantime, I tried using a hydro-cortisone cream. Moisture is not my problem, though, and the cream wasn't helping much.

I know that doctors must hate patients who go all renegade with their own healthcare and, because I trust my specialist more than he will ever know, I usually don't do anything without checking with him first. That rash was driving my nuts though! It is dry and ugly and it was starting to itch. Of course, you know me...

I woke up last night because the rash was feeling itchy. I went straight to my natural medicine shelf. I still don't have any of the whole manuka honey, but I do have an antioxidant honey blend that has some manuka in it. ----->>>>>>>>>>

















This is what the rash looked like yesterday (and this doesn't even show how scaly and dry it was!)




This is how I dressed it after applying a good dollop of honey with a Q tip:





This is what the rash looked like once I washed off the honey with a warm wet towel:



To be fair, the lighting and color from the camera seems better, but the difference really is this startling.  Best of all, the itch is gone. I am probably never going to be able to afford a decent amount of Manuka honey, but that might be all right. I'm hearing more and more about Scottish heather honey. Because the price is affordable ($17/12-oz jar), I've ordered some from Amazon using my saved up reward points. Another bonus: a high iron content in the heather honey.

For now, I'm just excited about how the honey blend I used has helped with this rash. I can't wait to tell my doctor. Well, I can kind of wait because I know he'll probably give me one of those looks!

You have to admit that this is pretty impressive. It proves to me what I've heard for years - from my mother and all those old ladies from my youth. Honey can be a natural healing agent.

Like I said, it's not often that I can come follow up with such dramatic results, but honey really, truly did do the trick for me. I still need to see what caused this, but I'm hoping that, until I see the doc, the honey continues soothing the itch and moisturizing the dry patches.

I'm not recommending that anyone substitute honey for medical care - I'm certainly not doing so. I just wanted to share my personal experience in this one instance. By the way, I did double check some references once more before I actually applied the honey to the rash on my foot. I found some sources that back up what my mama taught me about honey and healing:




Peace
--Free