Life is good...and getting better everyday!!

Officially an "empty nester" learning to adjust to the flexiblity, freedom and carefree life style!!



It's all about me...NOW!! Well, almost!!



Life is good, keep it real!!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Blueberry Smoothie!!

Breakfast…
Good morning to everyone and it is a good morning!! Started out a little rough, had a flat tire, then left my badge to get into the office in the truck with the flat, but it’s all going to be okay. Know why? Well, I’ll tell you why; Blueberry Smoothie, it’s what’s for breakfast!!

1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
½ cup fat free vanilla yogurt
¾ cup 1% milk
2 packages of splenda (or any low cal sweetener)

Blend in a blender

Very filling and very yummy!! You simply must try it…of course, you can use a fruit of your choice!!!
If you like smoothies, you can Google it and there are tons of recipes for all kinds of smoothies…even some with cayenne pepper, think I might have to try that one…just for !!!

Have a great day Living Lighter!!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Eater's Remorse

Eater’s Remorse – ever had it or even know what it is?

Definition of “eater’s remorse” – when you consume food you didn’t want, or the consumption of junk food with no nutritional value, or eat when not hungry then feel remorseful afterwards. (Can you relate?)

Bootsie is sure there are many other definitions that would fall into the “eater’s remorse” category, but you get the idea!! I absolutely hate it when I fall into this trap, because it normally means I’m either bored or frustrated!! And I don’t like being either one!! I try to surround myself with healthy foods, so when I do find myself bored or frustrated there are healthy choices. However, no matter how hard you try sometimes it just doesn’t work and you eat more than you should, even too much healthy food can cause a gain on weigh day. UGH!!!

One of the best ways to help keep the “eater’s remorse” from causing a gain at the scale is, of course not doing it in the first place is the best solution!! However, none of us are perfect and we’re going to goof up sometimes. But, the good news is; exercise can and will help. I know that can be a dirty word!! Maybe you prefer to call it “movement”, just get moving any movement is better than none!! It doesn’t have to be “traditional” exercise, like walking, running, swimming, biking, weight lifting etc…be creative, sweeping, mopping, raking leaves, and even cleaning out a closet can burn calorie or at least get your mind off eating, so that also saves calories!!

So let’s get out there and move and then move some more!!!

Life is good!!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Dental Hygiene School - Daughter #2

Dental Hygiene Tools

So very proud of Daughter #2 and her quest to become a dental hygienist!!  Today is her first official day of school, she has spent the last two years taking prerequisite classes in order to apply for dental hygiene school!!  All her hard work as paid off, she was accepted to the Houston Community College Dental Hygiene program.  She has worked in the orthodontic field for several years and enjoys working with the kids, but once a dental hygienist she has more control over where she works, her hours and of course, the money is good!!

It's a two year program, so the next two years will be extremely hard!!  But, she and her husband are willing to make the sacrifices to make a better life for themselves and for their future children!!

Once again Bootsie and Mr. Husband aka "the parents" are very proud!!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Lean Cuisine for lunch...not a fan!!


Bootsie had a rough start to the morning, first alarm didn't go off...got up with the second alarm!!  Which meant I was up 30 minutes later than normal.  UGH!! So needless so say, didn't have time to fix a proper lunch!  Made a hasty decision and grabbed this Lean Cuisine out of the freezer thinking it would be okay for lunch!!  Wasted 9 PlusPoints on this YUCKY frozen wanta be food!!

Never been a fan of frozen foods and don't buy many, confirmed again today why I don't buy them!!  The bright side is, Good Bootsie overruled Bad Bootsie and won, damn it!!  It went something like this:

Good Bootsie:  EW, this is awful.

Bad Bootsie:  Cool, an excuse to go out and splurge!!

Good Bootsie:  No, way Jose...

Bad Bootsie: Aw, come on...you deserve it!!

Good Bootsie:  Again, NO, WAY JOSE!!! (screaming at myself at this point)

Good Bootsie won and ate the crappy frozen dinner and is looking forward to a nice healthy home made dinner tonight!!

Live is good!!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Weight Day down 1.4 pounds

Bootsie has been struggling since returning from our July vacation.  Got off track during vacation and tried and tried to plan, shop and cook better to get back on track!!  Well, finally it's paid off, the weight gained on vacation is finally gone...so now to keep the momentum going!!

Have discovered several yummy WW recipes and have tried them all!!  I'm being ambushed by "portion control" the recipes are so good I want to eat more than I should!!   However, with that said I now make sure there are plenty of veggies or salad to go along with the yummy recipes so I can fill up on them and savor the yummy part and still feel full and satisfied!!

Also, moving more!!  Walking and climbing the stairs in between floors in the office building!!  Every little bit helps, right???  I sure hope so!!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Highland Village Balloon Fest 2011

WOW!!  Beautiful!!  Huge!! 

Bootsie and Mr. Husband met Daughter #3 at the Highland Village Balloon Fest Saturday night.  Since she works for Highland Village, we thought we'd go show our support and check out the town.  The town has more than I expected, it has everything!!  Very nice place.  Would like to go back one day when I could check out the shopping, eateries etc...but, what I saw was really nice.  When I go back maybe I'll have my own personal tour guide, hint, hint to Daughter #3!!

I've seen hot air balloons up close before, but I guess it's been a while and I'd forgotten how huge they really are!!  They are beautiful, graceful and a little overwhelming in person. 

This picture was taken during the "Evening Glow" event.  It was really something to see!!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Officer Sarah Jones

Meet the new Highland Village Police Officer Sarah Jones!!  Doesn't she look official in her uniform!!  Momma Bootsie got all teary eyed while taking this picture.  Hard to believe our, shy, quiet, reserved daughter is now a very confident, mature and go get 'em woman!!

She worked very hard to get to this point, after weeks of training, a little blood, a lot of sweat and a few tears later what we have is a police officer!!

So very proud of her and all she has accomplished!!