Skinnygirl - #skinnygirlXinfluenster

 I'm a reality show junky - the housewives being one of my guilty pleasures. The original New York crew is a few of my favs... If you watch, you are well aware of Skinnygirl's creator Bethenny.

In my #refreshvoxbox I received a Skinnygirl Tasty Nutrition Bar in chocolate peanut butter with sea salt. The packaging tells me its 170 calories, 6g of protein with 5g fiber. Not bad... I had a sweet tooth after dinner, still had calories to spare (yes... I'm a calorie counter) so I indulged. And... Yum. I was a little worried about the sea salt as I've had other nutrition bars with added sea salt and they tasted... salty... this was perfect. It wasn't too over bearing on either peanut butter or chocolate and my sweet tooth was a happy camper.

Through February 26th you can buy 5 bars for $5 at Target - and check out Skinnygirl Daily for all of Bethenny's other products and offerings.

"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."
 #skinnygirlXinfluenster
#contest

#RefreshVoxBox

Ok, so it's been a while. And....  I'm quickly approaching fifty something and counting (hm.. a name change may need to be in the works?!).....

So I've recently signed up with Influenster and thought it would be fun to blog about the products I receive for free in order to test and give my opinion on.... Fun little package of complimentary items came today. Yipee, who doesn't love FREE??!!

The first thing i opened was the bag of Nacho Cheese Beanitos. Um... Yum! They are a white bean chip, high in fiber, gluten free with 4 complete grams of protein (their words, not mine). What did I love... they are super light and crunchy - I have a fondness for chips... a HUGE fondness. At 140 calories for 12 chips, I can keep them in my calorie count for the day and satisfy my desire for crunchy goodness. What I'm not so sure I'm fond of.... though the Nacho Cheese taste great as you are eating them, it does kinda of leave a lingering taste in your mouth. Can't put my finger on what in the spices it might be... but I do think I need a drink or two of water to help rinse it out. I did also recieve a plain white bean with sea salt - looking forward to dunking those into some yummy salsa!!!

I'm sure their website will tell you where to get your bag - promise you wont be disappointed  http://beanitos.com/    #allthatanabagofchips

*my bag of beanitos was complimentary to allow me to test and talk about!

David Tieman of Tieman's Fusion Coffee....

Well, It's official....

Our previous partner, David Tieman of Tieman's Fusion Coffee, is making it legal and known....

He never intends to purchase our half of the company....

He has filed for personal bankruptcy....

His payoff was personally guaranteed, which a man of his word and Christian integrity for which he claims to have, would make good on, or at least make contact with his debtor to discuss....

Especially since Tieman's Fusion Coffee is still a viable company in business....

Curious about the story? Here's each post about our journey... David drains the bank account, backround on how our partnership came about, all communication stops, mediation, payoff agreement and this sums it all up.... 

Follow Friday....

Haven't played for a while. Feeling Beachie's questions this week...

This week’s statements:

1. I always refuse to admit_____ ~ well, not always, but i do have a hard time admitting when I'm wrong. I'd say 98% of the time. It just doesn't roll off the tongue easily.

2. I won’t eat ____ ~ liver. cabbage. Actually I've never really had either but they just don't sound appealing.

3. I would like to hang out with _____________ for a day ~ my grandparents. Now that they are gone I realize I didn't take advantage of sitting down with them and really learning about their life experiences. I miss them.

4. I would like to learn how to __________ ~ speak a foreign language, play the piano, surf... Problem is I don't actually want to learn, I just want to know how. 

By the way, If you read this Beachie, I'd add the button but I just don't know how...

Friday Follow on Saturday....

It's been a while, but I always love Beechie's game...

1. I find it very difficult to ____ - let go and not try to control life.

2. No matter how hard I try, I really can’t stand to ___ - hm... not sure about this one. First thing that comes to mind is clean my kids bathroom - ick!

3. My significant other is _____ - perfect.

4. I wish ____ would stop. - the aging process. I don't mind getting older, just wish the body didn't have to show it!!!

Follow Friday...

Feeling beachie has asked....

1- When I was younger, I used to ______ think I was going to be a SUPER STAR... little did I realize I needed to have a football team of children, or party on the Jersey shore, or be a so called "socialite" in a metropolitan town, or be a bounty hunter, own a pawn shop, or have a child at 16 and allow someone to document my stupid thinking in order to do so.

2- I always start my day with ______ coffee - is there any other way to start it?

3 – When I get some time alone I like to _______ right now my alone time starts around 9:30 each night and I hate to admit it but I like to watch a bunch of mindless tv.

4  – I think _______ is ridiculous at the moment, the Casey Anthony verdict

Meet Me on Monday....

 Here we go......

1.  What is your favorite food?  Anything Mexican. Hands down.
2.  What color scheme is your bedroom? We've lived here 14 years and have yet to work on the upstairs. White walls, brown and tan comforter. In my mind my room has walls a color called sauteed mushroom (yes, it's a real paint color). With dark furniture, color schemed brown with accents of blue. I could go on and on, I know what I want, just need the funds to do so.
3.  Do you carry a donor card? Yes
4.  In your opinion, is the glass half empty or half full? I hear all the time how positive and upbeat I am, but really I'm a half empty kinda gal. I'm not a negative nelly, I think I'm just realistic.
5.  Vanilla or Chocolate? Hmmm, Vanilla but with toppings.

Happy Birthday To Me....

45 and STILL counting...

Meet Me On Monday....

 Here we go...

1.  What feature of the opposite sex do you notice first? Teeth - weird? Nasty teeth are just - well -nasty.
2.  Do you talk to yourself? Is there anyone who doesn't? Yes, often.
3.  What is your current relationship status? Married for 14 years, together 18
4.  Do you have a garden? This thumb is as far from being green as they get. I kill plants. Thank goodness it doesn't take a green thumb to raise children!!
5.  What is your favorite licorice flavor? Red vines, and only red vines. Strange thing, only liked black licorice when I was a kid, now I think it's gross!!!

Thanks Java!

Meet Me On Monday....

Although it's Sunday night! Maybe you'll read Java's questions she posted on Monday...

1.  What is your favorite yogurt flavor? Plain ol' Vanilla. If we're talking yogurt. I like to add granola, nuts and bananas to it. If we're talking frozen yogurt, I like to mix vanilla and peanut butter cup with nuts on top.
2.  Ankle or knee socks? and on the same theme, white socks or colored?? Really? Is there anyone over the age of 8 wearing knee socks any longer? Really the only time I wear socks is when I wear my running shoes, and that's with an ankle - white by the way - sock.
3.  How is the weather right now? It's always beautiful in So Cal. It's a cool evening with the sun to soon set. Simple perfect.
4.  Are you a fast typer? Faster then some, not as fast as those who do it for a living.
5.  Red or White Wine? I don't drink anymore, I'd rather save my calories for food, not liquid consumption, but If I'm going to have wine, Red all the way.

Meet Me On Monday....

Java's questions......  

1.  What is was the last piece of candy that you ate? Peanut M&M's
2.  Do you "read" in the bathroom? Typically no - get in, get out!
3.  I can't stand when someone _________? Does not return their shopping cart to the cart return, and instead leaves it right in the parking space. Plain laziness.
4.  Do you do daily, weekly or monthly grocery shopping? Most of the time daily, when I'm on top of it weekly, but I'm not on top of it very often.

Follow Friday....

 Feeling Beachie's questions of the day:

1.      I cannot eat just one: Oh wow, really... hm, peanut M&M's, chips of any kind, jordan almonds, any kind of nut, and there is more, those just quickly come to mind. Self control is not my strong point.

2.      When I am in a bad mood ____ always makes me feel better: Hm... I'm a bit puzzled by this. I suppose it depends what put me in the bad mood... I think i need to roll this answer around in my mind for a bit.

3.      Happiness is: The love and support of family and friends.

4.      The most comfortable thing I own is: My couch, It may not be as pretty as it was 14 years ago but its so dang comfy.

Follow Friday....

1.  I despise the expression: "I don't know, it wasn't me" - I have kids, need I say more.
2. I put _____ on my burgers: If I make them at home I'm boring and go with cheese, spicy mustard and ketchup. If I'm having them out, I like them all dolled up with whatever fancy toppings grab my attention.
3. If I could have any view out my kitchen window it would be: The ocean
4. If money were no object I would: Have an ocean view out my kitchen window.

Meet Me On Monday....

 Java's questions this week... 

1.  What is your favorite bagel flavor? Haven't met a favorite bread product I don't like - but if I have to pick a fav bagel, its the everything. Yummo!!
2.  If you had an extra $100 right now, what would you spend it on? Bathing suits for the kids
3.  What is the last thing that you felt guilt about doing? Ok, gonna sound crazy, but buying a $1.49 burrito at El Polo Loco. Money is so tight that a simple "extra" purchase like that puts me right into guilt mode.
4.  Soft serve ice cream or hand dipped?  Let me start by saying this answer is a 'redo' - I thought hand dipped was when they take the soft serve and dip it into chocolate that hardens - which I love. After reading Java's answer I understand hand dipped to be, well, ice cream. So, I like hand dipped. Soft serve only when it's dipped!!
5.  Are you allergic to anything? Yes, anything that involves cleaning and planning meals. Have the epi pen ready they send me into convulsions every time!

Meet Me On Monday....

Have not played this in a while, once again hoping on Java's question train...

1.  Crunchy or smooth peanut butter? Either way. I've always bought smooth for the family, but just recently we've switched to crunchy. I like to add a little honey and cinnamon to a heaping spoonful and eat apple slices with it. Found out I really like the crunchy, but I am a nut lover.
2.  What is your favorite color Rose?  Probably sterling roses, which are a lavender color
3.  Do you remove your shoes when you walk into your home? No, we have dark wood floor. I'm actually a little put off when people want you to remove your shoes coming into their home. I understand the reason behind it, but its not a "welcoming" feeling to me.
4.  What is your favorite season? Summer - Sunday beach days are my all time favorite days. And i love wearing tank tops and shorts or skirts, cute little dresses.
5.  Approximately how many hours a day do you spend blogging? Very little.... I spend more time reading others blogs.

Happy Easter.....

Yippee, It's Follow Friday....

1. Despite the fact that I should know better, I still always: Man, where does this list start and does it ever end? Eat things that are not good for me (ie, sugary sweets and salty goodness), make excuses why I can't exercise (cause it's no fun doing it myself), question God and His plan (cause the past few years and the days I'm encountering sure have not been MY plan). Lack having patience with my kids (why can't I be Mrs. Brady?), neglect to eat breakfast (even though its the most important meal of the day, or so they say)... Oh I could go on...

2. I _____ when I am worried: I stress... and stress some more.... and then stress even a little more... the past several years worry is all I seem to do... Big sigh...

3. I always forget__________: Geesh, I forget everything these days. It's amazing to me that I can actually remember anything.

4. ___________________is the best! Summer - LOVE summer, the beach, the clothes, the tanned skin. Sitting poolside, going to the river. JUST. LOVE. SUMMER.

Meet Me on Monday....

Love Java's questions:

1.  Who would be your dream celebrity date? Brad Pitt
2.  Do you have any food restrictions? Nope, however I wish I could restrict myself from sugar. I lack complete self control over my sweet tooth.
3.  How much time do you take to get ready in the morning? An hour, this natural beauty doesn't come quickly!Very envious of those of you who can leave your hair wet and it naturally dries gorgeous. And I'm the Tammy Fay Baker of mascara use -I was not gifted the eyelashes I desire.
4.  Sausage or bacon? Why can't it be bacon and sausage? Mostly bacon though
5.  Do you Google, Bing or Yahoo? Google

Fill In Friday!!!

1. My favorite kitchen secret is: Um, hm, I really don't think I have one. I'm feeling a bit left out if this is something I should have. Unfortunately there's no secrets in my kitchen, just miracles that edible things come out of it!!

2. _____is my favorite flavor of ice cream: Since childhood Mint and Chip has always ranked number one. Since being married to my husband, I've really come to love chocolate and peanut butter, especially the kind you get at Cold Stone where they mix it all for you. But honestly, I can consume mass amounts of just about any ice cream - yummy....

3. My favorite pair of ______ finally wore out: Oh so sad, my black boots. I wear them with everything, and they were hotter then hot. They were actually my third pair of the same Steve Madden boot. Three inch heels, hit right below the knee - with pants, skirts or dresses... I'm currently searching Ebay in hopes to snag another pair. Victoria's Secret currently sales them but I can get them cheaper on Ebay... hm... I really miss them....


4. If I could just have one more ______. Redo of the last four years. They have not been the best....

 Love that I can do Meet me on Monday on Sunday night....

1.  If you had to eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mexican... hands down. I can't pick one thing, that's too tough, but as I've said before, I think I'm a Hispanic women trapped in a blond Caucasian body.
2.  Do you write your blog posts in advance or the day you post them? 99.9% of the time the day I post them.
3.  Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? Yes. My mother, brother and I were in a car accident when I was probably about 9 or 10. Another car pulled right out in front of us and my mom broke her collar bone. I hit the dash board with my face, but was fine. Unfortunately we were headed to my Aunts with our Thanksgiving turkey. Needless to say our family gathering ended up turkey-less that year.
4.  What is your favorite candle scent? Vanilla
5.  Coffee or tea? Well, absolutely coffee..... But.... let me tell ya about a little coffee company I know that puts green tea in with their coffee as well as two other super foods.... Living Java Coffee (which my husband and I happen to own). Check out our website, it tells you it all. But suffice to say, I get the best of both worlds, GREAT tasting coffee with all the benefits of green tea....