Eat This, Not That

A few months ago, I saw on TV someone talking about these books: Eat This, Not That!

I can't recall what show or who it was but soon after their discussion, I researched it on-line and what I read about these books seemed interesting enough to eventually buy. I actually forgot about them over the holidays due to all the chaos that entailed during that time for us.

Last week, I was browsing Amazon.com for some books and saw in my "Wish List" these series of books. I was reminded about buying them. And, so I did. They came in yesterday and I have been reading them since. Even stayed up past my bedtime too intrigued to put them down.

Now, the books claim to be "The No Diet Weight Loss Solution!" While the books are full of information on foods and their nutritional value or sometimes lack-thereof...I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a weight loss solution.

But I will say that the information they provide and reveal can be eye opening. I am learning that some of the foods that I have been eating or feeding my children aren't as healthy as I thought. Or that there might be a better alternative or brand that is even healthier. These books seem to be a great resource of information that you just can't gather yourself unless you park in a grocery isle and read all the nutritional and ingredients labels on every food product. Who has time to do that when you've got children running up and down the isle like they've just been let out of a cage. Or they are constantly fighting with each other so you have to stop what you are doing and referee the WWF match going on in front of spectators. Or they announce like a bull horn they have to go doo-doo even though you just left the restroom because the other child had just done such activity. Anyway, I obviously digress. Back to the books.

While I will attempt to use their recommendations, there is a cost factor when it comes to buying some of the brands they recommend. With groceries costing so much as it is...it's not going to be feasible for us to buy every brand or food they recommend. I will have to choose and prioritize which foods are worth the extra costs and which aren't.

For example...they recommend organic ketchup and rightly so. You will notice that organic ketchup has less calories, sodium and sugar. But it's way more expensive. This is not a product I will splurge on because we just don't use that much ketchup. However, the rice they recommend is healthier than just the plain ol' white rice. I will splurge on this because we like rice and it's one of the few foods I can get my boys to eat.

So if you choose to buy these books and yield to their recommendations, you will most likely have to discern which items best fit your budget and taste. That is, unless, you live on an unlimited amount of grocery money, unlike my family.

I bought 5 of the books, not necessarily because I wanted all 5. Some of them came in a set and it was cheaper to buy the set than to buy certain ones individually. There may be more to the series but these are the ones that interested me. All 5 of these cost me about $70. Shipping was free on Amazon since my total was over $50. At this time, I've mainly skimmed over the books not reading a whole lot of detail. But what I have read has been full of information and most revealing.

Eat This, Not That! 2010 version
Eat This, Not That! The Best and Worst Foods in America
Eat This, Not That! Restaurant Survival Guide
Eat This, Not That! Kitchen Survival Guide
Eat This, Not That! Supermarket Survival Guide

I welcome any comments from those that have any experience with these books and how they have helped.

Delta Squirrels

Since I like my cabinets painted black so much..I thought I would try it on some squirrels here in the Delta.... Whatcha think?

I know some of y'all are probably wondering why I am blogging about black squirrels. Well, where I am from only 2 hours south of here...there aren't any black squirrels, at least none that I saw. The biggest population of them are a grayish, rat looking color. You don't see those here. They are either black or a reddish color.

The first time I saw the black squirrel, I seriously thought he had been in someone's chimney and was just covered in soot. But then noticed several more and soon realized that was not the case.

Anyway..I thought the black squirrel was blog worthy to show my friends back home a little something different here in the Delta.

Here's looking at you Kid:

The Family Bond Kitchen

Since I come from a long line of cooks, a kitchen is somewhat important to me. Now, I don't like to cook as much as my mother and her mother and her mother's mother but I do enjoy it on occasion. And all that like to cook know that a kitchen can either add to this enjoyment or take away from it. I certainly don't need nor want a gourmet chef's kitchen decked out with newest gadgets and top of the line appliances. But I do want a kitchen that is warm and welcoming. For me, it just helps make a house a home.

This house was built 60 years ago. And I as I didn't want a retro, antique looking kitchen, I still wanted a kitchen that represented the warmth and welcomeness a house of that time may have had.

As you may have read in a previous post, I was debating on the bottom cabinets to be black with the top cabinets more of a creamy white. JB eventually let me have my way. (Sounds selfish on my part, doesn't it). He really didn't care...just had a hard time visualizing the final outcome. My dad warned me about black having been a painter for many years, he didn't want me to do it. But the sweet, willing dad he is...he granted my wishes of having black cabinets.

And I LOVE them!!! I have no regrets on any of the decisions I made regarding the kitchen. This is a huge step for me as I generally find myself indecisive when it comes to home decor and relying only on the opinion of others. I had more tell me NOT to do it than I did in support of.

Although, it doesn't represent a kitchen built 60 years ago...I think it works well for this house. And if the time ever comes...will be a great selling asset for this older house and neighborhood.

I regret I don't have before pics. I just didn't think about it and my camera was packed up when we started. There are still a few ideas I need to fulfill for this kitchen. I haven't decided yet what kind of knobs to put on the doors and drawers. I'll be getting to that soon. I want new ovens. There are double ovens so I am having to wait a little while to purchase 2 ovens. I would also like to redo the floor..but this will have to wait awhile, also, if it actually gets done. But other than those 2 items...everything else suits my satisfaction for the time being.

Because it's a galley kitchen it's hard to get a view of the whole room. Our eating area is actually right outside the kitchen door so it's separate from the actual kitchen.

Scenes from the Delta

This sign is off the road between Wayside and Avon. I would love for someone who uses block ice to leave a comment on what you use it for. I'm at a loss as to why it still sales. Dad says that fisherman use it to keep their catch "iced down" but can't you just buy bagged ice for that?

At Least It Works!

Well, we found out that our security alarm works...the loud way. Last night, JB set the alarm off at 11:00 pm.

A few seconds later, the security company called to get our password. I didn't hear the conversation as I was in another part of the house trying to calm my nerves while playing my Wii Active. (I know, late to be playing the Wii but that was the only time I had to do it yesterday)

He came to where I was and told me that he had spoken with the security company and it had been taken care of. A few seconds later, my cell phone was ringing. Again, shot my nerves...who would be calling my cell phone this time of night. (your imagination runs wild when unexpected phone calls come that time of night)

JB answered it as I was gasping for breath...both due to my work out and my shot nerves.

JB on the phone: "I just got a call from you on our home phone and gave the password. Oh. (with a surprised, concern look) Well, I think the password is either ****** or *******. "

I knew the password but didn't get the chance to tell the company as they had already hung up. I was like, "Ummmmm, Sweetie, they aren't gonna have an in depth discussion with you on the phone concerning the password and giving multiple chances to get it right. That would defeat the purpose of having a password".

A few minutes later we also found out the police do come when you don't give the right password. We had a brief encounter with the G'ville Police Department.

By this time..I didn't need the workout to increase my heart rate...this episode did more than enough for me.

Haiti Relief

I have some friends that will soon be missionaries in the Dominican Republic. They are currently in Costa Rica for language school. He sent out an email today regarding Haiti and how one can contribute to the relief effort being done through their mission opportunities.

I am passing this alone for anyone that might be interested. With so many organizations asking for money...it helps to know a reputable source recommend an one of those organizations.

http://www.dewettsonmission.blogspot.com/ This is their personal blog about their mission work. You will find a post and instructions on how to give through the organization they are working with.

Just like Old Times...

Well, maybe not so old...but it feels like a long time ago to me. Since this coming Monday is MLK Day and the boys are out of school, we are taking advantage with a trip back home and enjoying the days of "Just like Old Times".

Our "just like old times", started last night enjoying a birthday party for a sweet, dear friend.

Just like old times, we got our haircut by our favorite beautician who also happens to be a family member at Wild About Hair in Brandon.

Just like old times, we shopped for fabric at Hobby Lobby and Continental Sewing.

Just like old times we went the local candy store to buy some of our favorite, sweet candy treats...gummy bears, gummy worms, gummy dinosaurs, and a big lollipop.

Just like old times, we visited MeMe at her work.

Although running around town with 4 year old twin boys can be challenging, frustrating and chaotic at times...I sure do miss the "Just like old Time" days of doing this back home. These kind of days were typical when living in Madison partly because of the shopping opportunities this area offers.

There just aren't these kind of adventures in G'ville nor the Delta for that matter. Although it's not the same kind of daily errands, God is showing me other adventures up there to enjoy with my boys tagging alone. There is a bakery in Leland, Connie's Kitchen, that I take the boys to pick out their favorite, sweet treat. Although it's not candy...cookies are just as good in the mouths of a child...and this Mamma, too. And as I mentioned in a previous post...we still enjoy Shipleys Do-nuts when we have the opportunity.

All too soon, the adventures in the Delta will one day be the "Just like Old Times". And when that time comes, I'm sure I'll be wishing those days were back, too.

Until next time...the song "You're Gonna Miss This" proves to be true for days like this,
HB