Weight Loss Surgery???

I don't feel like I am at a point where weight loss surgery is an option for me. Sure I am heavier than I'd like to be, wider than I'd like to be, but I am slowly slimming down. So I don't even think that I am elidgible. I also don't agree with the assesment that my calculated BMI puts me at severely obese. I used to swim distance events and the butterfly in school. It had a huge impact on my natural shape. I have broader shoulders than most and a basic muscle structure that is larger than a normal 5'4" woman. Sure I still have a bunch of baby fat I'd like to loose. But according to the BMI calculators I was obese at my top fit weight. Can't help it I have curves, I don't think it's possible for me to get to the ideal weight recommended for me. If I remember correctly I was there in the 7th grade... If you could see my Senior year picture you wouldn't think I was obese at all! I think the only way to get an accurate BMI is to be tested by someone certified to do so.

Of course just because I don't think it's not for me doesn't mean it isn't a viable option for those who have tried EVERYTHING else. I think that people considering weight loss surgery should weigh all the options available to them. This website seems to have a variety of support tools and a great deal of information on the Lap-Band option.

Easy Chocolate Cake from scratch

I made this cake recipe earlier in the week. It made 2 cake pans (8" rounds) plus 8 cupcakes. I probably should have made 12 cupcakes & smaller layers the cake was really tall! I also cooked it a hair too long, but that said it didn't last long enough for me to snap a picture! The frosting is on the extremely sweet side so for double layers it was a little too much for me, but I am the ONLY one who noticed. I also added 2 T instant coffee powder to the cake mix.

5 Minute Chocolate Cake


Peanut Butter Frosting
1 c shortening
1/2 c Peanut butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
4 3/4 to 5 c powdered sugar
3 to 4 Tbsp milk, divided

Beat shortening, peanut butter & vanilla at medium speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add about half of the powdered sugar, beating well. Add 2 Tbsp of milk. Gradually beat in the remaining powdered sugar and enough milk to make the frosting of spreading consistency.

Add more powdered sugar to stiffen frosting if it is to be used for decorative shapes (flowers, borders, etc.).

Black Friday is around the corner

I live for black friday deals. I have done some of my best holiday & family shopping on the day after Thanksgiving. The sooner I get the ads the better I can plan my spending! Nothing kicks off the Christmas season for me like standing in the parking lot with a cup of coffee freezing my behind off with all the other crazy people!

In the past I have gotten a computer, portable DVD player, Nintendo Micro, my sister bought her trampoline, we missed out on the Wii though. I count on getting the ads as early as possible so I can decide if I'm gonna go at all! We usually just go to the local Wal-Mart. So I start searching online for the Wal-Mart deals like now...

I've already signed up for the newsletter & hopefully there will be a screaming deal on TVs because ours is just biding its time... Hopefully there will be some intersecting with my gift list!

I'm not one of the people who go & then try and profit by selling the stuff online later. I'm strictly a gifts or personal use person! I am guilty of picking up a few extras for other people, after all , not many people I know want to get up at 5AM the day after Thanksgiving (unless they are heading to the woods)!

Pepperoni Bread & Pizza Subs

Pepperoni Bread

1 cups plus 2 tablespoons water (70° to 80°)
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 teaspoons dried oregano
3 1/4 cups bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup sliced pepperoni

In bread machine pan, place the first eight ingredients in
order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting. Choose medium
crust color and loaf size if available. Bake according to bread machine
directions(check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; make necessary adjustments.

Just before final kneading add pepperoni.

I made this by hand since my BM is still out of commission. I dissolved the sugar & yeast in the water & mixed all the dry ingredients together first. I kneaded in the cheese & pepperoni at the end. Let rise once in oiled bowl in moist oven for almost 2 hours, divided into 2 loaves & let rise again. Then baked at 350 until they were golden (about 20 minutes).

Then we cut the loaf in half & sliced like a hot dog bun. Spread the open pieces with pizza sauce, pepperoni & mozzarella cheese. Put it under the broiler until lightly browned. Then we put it back together & we had pizza subs just like our deli makes them. YUM!

Wished I'd taken pictures. I sent the extra loaf to work with hubby, his coworkers LOVE me!

Cutie

I took this picture of the Princess in our living room, now everyone at hubby's office thinks I'm a pro!

Family vacation planning

I am still holding out for a weekend get away with my kids but now with school starting I doubt it will happen. I am going to start now planning next years trip. I was sent Kango.com to review so I figured hey I'm trying to plan a family trip I'll check it out!

Kango.com is in the alpha phase right now, so they are newbies! Their home page has links to best things to do with kids & families in California & Hawaii. Plus zoo, aquarium, museum, & theme park reviews.

Kango.com is a place to submit your reviews of places you've been & to read what others thought about the places you want to go. Leave your ratings & reviews to help out other families planning their trips. I have a feeling that they will be an invaluable resource while planning our big trip with the kids!

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My weekend reads

Frugal For Life Tips & links for Holidays.  Great tips for the upcoming Halloween holiday & others.

Simple Dollar The one hour project One hour makes all the difference. Announcing a new series for September on how to spend an hour to directly improve your finances.  Sounds like a good read to get back into frugal mode!

Organizing LA Old Hollywood pantry organization.  I have fabulous cupboard space & still have a hard time finding anything!  This is my winter project!  Labels on everything, a place for everything, no more wasted or over used spaces.  The bonus to this should be that I won't go buy something because I don't have it then find it 2 weeks later...

Make it from scratch #28 Great collection of recipes, projects & tips.

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