Ay-yo, No Comprendo...Adventures in Español

Second language learning is a funny thing. There is little else that can make you feel like a badass and then a buffoon in a New York minute.

When you're on, you're on. But when you're not...¡Ay Dios mío! Thank God for hand gestures...which, by the way, I have found, usually freak out those who do not talk with their hands.

I am a second language learner. I have been trying to learn Spanish now, mas o menos, for a while. I guess you could say that I am a textbook learner. I went through a silent period, where I took everything in, trying to make sense of what I heard...even though it sounded like one veeeerrrryyy long word. And then I began to experiment with vocabulary, identifying words like a toddler, using association, rather than translation.

As a visual learner, I quickly learned that I could remember vocabulary if I could see what the word looked like and how it was spelled. I began soaking up vocabulary like it was my job. I put post-its on everything, and soon, I could identify scores of nouns. I also practiced pleasantries, suitable enough to score me a café con leche or maybe even sangria and tapas in un bar madrileño. Winning!

While that in itself was grand, sentences began to take on more importance as it looked like a life with my husband was becoming more of a reality. With a mother-in-law that did not speak English, it became quickly apparent that como esta usted just wasn't going to cut it. I wanted to be able to talk with her, to hear her stories, to learn from her experiences.

No worries...I am a visual learner. Seeing the words kept me on top of my game. I was confident, as someone strong in my first language, that I would be strong in a second language.

And then I had to conjugate verbs.

If I could live in the infinitive case forever, indeed, I would be winning again. But, alas, it could not be.  I could avoid it, but the past and future tense would forever haunt me with Dickens' Scrooge-like torment.

We practiced at home. I went to Spanish school. I studiously worked through my Spanish textbook and workbook, wearing out pencil erasers as I battled verb tenses and direct and indirect objects. I began to speak in short sentences, but became frustrated with the level of "baby talk" that I could generate on my own. I knew what I wanted to say, but I didn't have the words to express myself.

And what made matters worse more complicated, is that in order to be successful, one must truly live in the language. When we're in Spain, it gets a bit easier, because except for my husband, everyone speaks Spanish all the time, and my older relatives speak the regional dialect, Gallego, which is another story altogether.

When you think in a language, you just do better. But working, living and thinking in an English world wreak havoc on my ability to flip the switch between language. At the strangest times, I would look at English speakers and think Spanish, and then think English when I should be using Spanish. And then there's my Spanglish....

Verbos, I would lament to my mother-in-law. Those darned verbs were doing me in. For as much progress as I was making, it seemed like I was stuck in neutral. And at times, it felt like I was beginning to roll backwards down Mount Español.

In Spain and desperate to communicate with my new family and friends, I struggled to pick out words familiar to me and make sense of what people were saying and asking. I was triple processing everything, deciphering first what they were saying, then the answer, and finally, how I would answer. By then, the conversation had moved on. Not winning.

In exhaustion and a bit of self preservation, my brain shut down when it hit the saturation point and Charlie Brown's teacher took up residence in my brain like a long lost friend, sheltering me from the frustration of my inability to communicate.

God blessed me with a husband who has the patience of a saint and the ability to talk me off the ledge when my emotions ran the gamut, from frustration to desperation. Lovingly and compassionately he reassured me that I was making progress...that it would take time. And it does. Experts say that it could take 7-10 years for an adult to become fully fluent in a second language.

But patience is in short supply when you are immersed in a language you don't fully understand. It becomes a matter of survival, not convenience.

He was right. I have made great gains. I can carry on a basic conversation in Spanish and I think I would be okay if I got stranded at the market...but don't tell him that.

I have learned that, while eventually I may see a degree of fluency comparable to some native speakers, there are some things I simply may never understand.

And that's okay. Because when your heart's in it, your brain will follow. And that's winning.


How about you? Inspire me with your efforts to try something outside your comfort zone.

Missing the Heart...An Educational Tragedy

I am a middle school teacher. That very statement often solicits reactions of both sympathy and blessings, and I am always happy to accept the latter, but most people have it wrong.

Middle school rocks. And we, the adults in charge of shepherding our kids through it, are blowing it. Big time. If we don't fix it, and soon, the results will be tragic. The school is on fire and it seems like we're busy sharpening pencils for high stakes exams.

Middle school students are caught in developmental purgatory. They are richly diverse...culturally, academically, socially, physically, emotionally and socioeconomically. And most are simply hoping to make it through...to high school...to college...to some sort of life that everyone tells them is about to start.

It's no secret that our schools are in crisis. We are losing our kids, because in trying to solve the equation for success, we miss the mark...their hearts...their passion...and it's resulting in a lack of proficiency. And it's that lack of passion, not proficiency, that is plaguing our kids.

Kids haven't changed, but the world has. From birth, we have empowered kids...encouraged them to ask questions, to speak their minds and to think for themselves. Why should we be surprised that the factory model and curriculum canon no longer work?

In our schools' defense, I acknowledge that students come to us, often with significant gaps in their skill sets. And poverty impacts student achievement in ways that most will never understand. 

Scaffolded skills are key to higher achievement levels. But, in the quest for students' academic gain, we've lost sight of students' passion and their hearts.

And they're checking out. Big time. And if they don't care, they won't achieve. Period.

Most states have adopted the Common Core State Standards and it's easy to understand why.

There's a sense of desperation tied to raising student achievement and the feds are betting the house on these national standards. 

Regardless of what people think of the CCSS, what's most important is that we ignite or reignite students' passion and inspire them to pursue lifelong learning.

If they're engaged, they'll achieve. But if they could care less, we're doomed.

I'm only one person. So is every other teacher. There's so much beyond our control, but for the most part, we can control what happens within  the walls of our own classrooms. The change starts with us.

• Middle school curriculum, on its own, will never make or break anyone. Start with relationships. Continue to build relationships with kids. Encourage and practice kindness and empathy. Lead by example. 

• Know their interests. Share their excitement. For example, achieving a new level on a video game may not seem like a lot, but if we compare it to a milestone we've been trying to reach and it's easy to see...everything is relative.
• I tell my students that there is so much more to them than how they perform in any given classroom. Know who they are and what makes their heart pound, for better or for worse.
• Ask their opinion and then, let them share that opinion. Bring current events into the classroom.  Let them bring current events into the classroom. You'll find out quickly where their interests lie. My middle school students will be voting soon. And they vote every day with their dollars. Knowledge is power; help them understand the power they do have and how to use it to their advantage.
• Share our passions. Lead by example. Give them hope beyond the walls of your classroom. For example, I love to share my travel experiences with my students. They need to know that there is life beyond our school. They have choices and new chances every day. We all do. Use them for good.

• Build curricula around students' interests and inquiry whenever possible. The English Language Arts standards are ideal for this. Do whatever has to be done to make curriculum relevant to students' interests and useful for their life skills, not just their test taking skills. They need to find value in what they learn. Doing it because I said so doesn't work. It rarely did and it still won't. Sometimes standards can seem obscure and their only value lies in making the next level more accessible. Acknowledge it for the stepping stone that it is and move on.
• No one likes to fail. Regardless of how a student presents, everyone wants to be successful. Unfortunately, in many schools, for many students, academic success is tied to issues related to compliance, like homework. Standard proficiency is one thing, but punishment is another. Consider alternate paths to demonstrating proficiency. If a student is a caregiver, is hungry, neglected or abused, homework understandably lies at the bottom of the priority list. Knowing our kids helps us to know that and act accordingly.

• Most importantly, schools need to remember that students are still kids. They need to move. They need to talk. They need to play. Some experience stress and worries that no child should ever encounter. There are multiple resources online dealing with classroom activities that honor and respond to the needs of middle school students. Their heads won't work unless their hearts do. Sometimes, we're all they have.

Teaching is a gift and a blessing I have been honored to have. But school systems, in their desperate quest for higher student achievement, are missing the mark.

Schools are losing their kids. And they're losing good teachers who want nothing more than to inspire their students to achieve and to become lifelong learners. Something has to give, because if we continue on this trajectory, we risk alienating an entire generation, inadvertently encouraging illiteracy and apathy.

And that would be tragedy of catastrophic proportions.

Relatively Healthy Crock Pot Beef Stew

I have been making this beef stew for years. It is so easy and so delicious, you'll never go back to the stove. And, given the frigid temperatures we have had here in the Northeast, it's the perfect meal to come home to after a long day. Also, it's not greasy, so it's relatively guilt free. 

Here's how I do it. I have a smaller crock pot, so adjust amounts based on what you have. This makes about four servings.

I use:

• 1 package of lean stew beef, cut into smaller bits and trimmed of any visible fat
• 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
• 2 red potatoes, cubed or quartered, depending on size
• 1/2 butternut squash, cubed or a package of already cubed squash.
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, to taste, whole or chopped
• Carrots to taste...really, any other veggies you like. Sometimes, I use chopped, peeled parsnips as well. 
• 1 can of baby peas, if you like them
• 1 can of beef broth or its equivalent in beef stock
• 1 can of fat free or low fat cream of mushroom soup
• Salt and pepper to taste

That's it. If you like a thick broth, coat the beef in flour before you put it in the crock pot. The starch from the veggies will thicken it a bit, especially if you have leftovers.

I put everything in the crock pot, put it on low and let it go. It's ready when I get home (6-8 hours later). It is delicious and so easy.

Enjoy!

I Was Featured!

Another wonderful surprise greeted me this morning.

After being featured earlier this month as Blog of the Week by the Northeast Bloggers' Network, I awoke to see another wonderful opportunity to network with other bloggers...this time with teachers who travel and who are interested in travel and teaching abroad.

Thank you so much to Lillie at Teaching Traveling for featuring me among her profiles of traveling teachers. I am continually reminded of how blessed we are as bloggers to be part of such a supportive community. I am so grateful for this opportunity.

Thank you again to Lillie and to all of you who visit and share your thoughts with me on this journey. You are all very appreciated.

Cheers!

Romantic Weekend Getaway...Playing Tourist in Your Own Town

Hooray for long weekends! We are winter weary, so this mid-January escape is the perfect remedy to carry us through to Spring. This weekend, we are playing tourist our own town...beautiful Boston.

Go, Pats!

If you're looking to love up your own long weekend, here's five easy tips we use:

1. Check Priceline. The ability to bid on a hotel price may intimidate some, but you can learn the game and come out a winner. Start low and gradually increase, $5-$10 at a time until you win your bid. This weekend, we hit the jackpot and until Monday, we will be calling the Boston Park Plaza our home.

2. Check discount sites like groupon, living social, goldstar and whofish for things to do in town. Often, you can find deals for tours, restaurants, shows, and museum discounts that might be exactly what you're looking for. 

3. Theme it up. We were engaged in Paris, so it becomes fun to reminisce about our time there and sip coffee in Parisian-style bistros. Love Rome? Sip cappuccinos in a local coffee bar. Barcelona your thing? Find a tapas bar and buen provecho!

On a weekend like this, when football fans gather to watch playoff battles, a sports bar may be just the thing to rally hometown loyalties, or to root for the team who can beat your rival. Go Pats!

Photo courtesy of www.patriots.com

4. Culture Club. Find a local museum and see what's on exhibit. Who's playing at the local jazz club or acoustic open mike? See what's going on in town and try something new.

Boston has scores of options, and this weekend we may be headed to the Museum of Fine Arts to see John Singer Sargent's Watercolors or to the Museum of Science to explore Our Global Kitchen...Food, Nature and Culture.

Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science, www.mos.org

Also, trade shows may be a draw. For example, here in Boston, we have a camping and RV show this weekend that may give us some ideas for summer trips or more extensive long term travel.

5. Second Honeymoon. Weekends away are a great time to break from the routine. It's fun to let romance rule the day and soak up the love. We'll have to go back to work soon enough.

Our tentative itinerary is set and we can't wait to get away. Enjoy the weekend and let everything you do come from a place of love and gratitude.

Planning Our Bilingual, Bicultural Wedding

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task. There are to-do lists that never seem to end, budgets that continually swell, and stress levels that can turn the most mild-mannered, even-tempered love-struck bride-to-be into a head-spinning, ear-smoking Bridezilla. I lucked out...no Bridezilla for me...I swear!

I always thought of myself like Carrie Bradshaw...someone who was missing the "bride gene." I knew that I wanted a beautiful wedding that reflected the joy we had in becoming husband and wife; but, honestly, I was more excited about the life of adventure that would follow the wedding...traveling the world and building our home and life together as husband and wife. The details eluded me...I trusted the professionals we hired and went with the flow.

Despite the laid back approach, a perfect wedding we had, filled with love, laughter and precious moments that make me smile when they dance within my memory.

My husband is fluent in both Spanish (his first language) and English. My brothers-in-law are also fluent in English, but, my mother-in-law speaks no English at all. We knew that we wanted her to be able to participate in all parts of the wedding, so we planned a bilingual, bicultural wedding that honored both of our cultures, and also one that celebrated us as a couple.

Here's how we did it:

• The music that greeted our guests consisted mostly of Spanish guitar music, including
• Concierto de Aranjuez

• La Leyenda del Beso
• Recuerdos de la Alhambra

• We knew we wanted a bilingual ceremony, so we needed a bilingual officiant. Luckily, one of my husband's colleagues, a retired judge with whom I had also worked with at school, was just the person for the job. He knew my husband personally, which added a comforting, personal touch.

• We included readings in both languages, including a piece by Charlotte Bronte, a piece by Pablo Neruda... "Soneto 17," here in English, but read in Spanish.

• And a piece from Walt Whitman that spoke to our wanderlust:

I give you my hand,
I give you my love more precious than money,
I give you myself before preaching or law:
Will you give me yourself? Will you come travel with me?
Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?

~Walt Whitman

• We exchanged our vows in English first and then in Spanish. That was one of the most tender moments of the ceremony, as I struggled to pronounce the Spanish, which, for some reason, we never thought to practice.
• Our dj and emcee were bilingual and did wedding announcements in both languages.
• During our cocktail hour, while the wedding party took photos, guests were treated to a bachata demonstration and lesson.

• At dinner, our dj played music from Latin and Spanish artists, such as
• The Gipsy Kings
• Joan Manuel Serrat, a Spanish artist popular in Uruguay
• Cristina Pato, a Galician bagpiper
• We served wine from South America, from Chile and Argentina.
• Our wedding cake was vanilla with dulce de leche filling, popular in Uruguay.

•  Our first dance song was beautiful and bilingual, "I Belong to You" by Eros Ramazzotti and Anastasia. For those moments the song was played, we were frozen in time.

• All of our tables were named after places we visited in Paris, where we were engaged.

• We included parents and children as we danced with our respective parents...all fathers and daughters were welcomed to join in as I danced with my own father, and all mothers and sons were welcomed to join in as my husband danced with his mother.
• Our honor attendants...his brother and my best friend, spoke their toasts in both English and Spanish. She did great!
• We honored all married couples who paved our way with a special Anniversary Dance.
• Because we love to travel, we chose a suitcase for the cards with which people gifted us.
• The people who we asked to participate in our wedding are all dear to us, making their participation a precious gift to us on our special day.

In our eyes, our wedding was just perfect, celebrated with the people we love the most. People stayed and danced and celebrated with us until the last dance was played. 

The day went by far too quickly, but it was one that will be forever etched in our hearts as one of the most beautiful, magical days of our lives.

What awaits us down the road that may equal the joy of that day, only God knows. But making our day a reflection of who we are as individuals and as a couple added to the joy that surrounded us on that day and with every precious memory.

Amor para siempre...

Three questions that could change your day

At the end of the day, some of us collapse into bed, our minds swirling with to-do lists and angst over what may not have gotten done or done well. Some are riddled with worry over what's to come or focused on the void with what never came to be.

I like keeping things simple. I try to focus on what I can control, and what I can control is my thinking. When it seems like chaos surrounds me, the best choice for me is to consider what I can do, plan, and go from there.

If nothing else, before you crash for the night, answer these three questions and see if it makes any difference in how your day ends and the next one begins.

1. What went well, or what did I do well today?
Focus on the positive and be grateful for something that went well because of you, or something with which the universe gifted you that day.

2. Is there anything I could have changed? 
If not, let it go and move on. Sometimes, the only thing you control is your reaction to the energy around you. You can't control others; only you.

If the answer is yes and maybe there was a better way, do it better next time. When you know better, you do better.

3. What's my plan for tomorrow?
Knowing your plan for the day gives you focus. You know what has to get done, generally speaking, and you hit the ground running. Meeting your goals is within reach.


Experiment. Ask yourself one, two, or all three of these questions. Sometimes gratitude for what we have in any given day, an understanding of our own power, and the focus on our own goals get lost in the minutia of the day or in the chaos of others. Maybe the answer to a good night's sleep is only three questions (and answers) away.

A Trip to the Island...La Toja, Spain

Imagine a church covered completely in sea shells...its outer walls adorned with messages from pilgrims who seek its sanctuary and tourists who seek its quirkiness.

Iglesia de las Conchas





Passersby glance and then move closer, curious as to the messages left by those who came before.

Such a church is a reality on the La Isla de La Toja (A Toxa in Gallego, the language of Galicia), across the bridge from El Grove (O Grove) in the Rias Bajas (Baixas), meaning "lower rias," in Galicia, Spain.

The island of La Toja is a summer and fishing resort in the south of Galicia, which boasts warmer waters, a luxurious mineral spring-fed spa, a casino and golf course, creating a playground for the wealthy.  

La Toja known throughout Europe for its therapeutic, healing thermal spring. Legend has it that a man left his dying donkey on the island, only to return and find him youthful and spry. It is used by the famous soap company, La Toja, which has been making mineral salt based soaps since the early 20th century.

Granite engravings lining the streets downtown.

Galicia is known for all-things scallop shell,

the symbol of St. James, the Great...an apostle of Christ.

During low tide, you will find women of all ages, harvesting clams and other shellfish from an area that celebrates the bounty of the sea every October in a grand seafood festival.

La Toja is a fun destination, about six hours from Madrid and only an hour from Santiago de Compostela.

Take the trip, sip the Albariño (Galicia's white wine) and take in all that this lovely little island has to offer.

Salud!

Back to Basics

I've lost my way. I got complacent and careless. Old habits seeped in, and with it came 30 pounds.

I have ignored it, berated myself, wished it away and cowered in shame and feelings of failure for too long.

But I'm done. I have to be. I have fought obesity my entire life, and that SOB will not win. Food, as much as I love it, will not have the upper hand.

Starting today, January 11, 2014, I will take back control in the way that I know how...back to basics.

 

I know that I cannot exercise out a bad diet. Diet is 80%...if I'm not eating well, I'm not feeling well, and if I'm not feeling well, I'm not moving. And on the flip side, if I'm feeling well, I'm eating well and moving more.

 

I'm in the ditch...I need  to make a turn for the better. 

 

For me back to basics is

• tracking and, at times, weighing and measuring my food--knowledge is power
• paying attention to hunger signals
• knowing why I'm eating...and it better be because I'm hungry
• eating protein and veggies first
• getting enough water
• moving my body every day, mixing it up and trying new things
• getting strong and staying strong--no excuses
• today's starting weight...177. Goal weight by April 11th...147.
• check in on the 11th of each month with progress update...stay accountable.

I'm scared. I'm afraid  that I will fail and be back at 300 pounds before I know it...my head has certainly planted those seeds before and it has done it again.

It won't be easy. Anyone who has ever struggled with weight knows this. At times, it will hit the fan and hunger, as well as the sugar/carb demons will rear their ugly heads. I know this...I haven't struggled with obesity because I handle them well.

I know the time is now to do some weeding in my brain. I need to pull those negative seeds of self-doubt and re-seed it with positive and motivating messages. I have to count on all I have learned though my journey to get through day by day, meal by meal, if need be.

My dear followers and friends...help me to stay accountable. If you know personally, check in and ask me how I'm doing. If you know me virtually, please do the same.

And if you're on the same journey, please let me know and I will do the same for you.

I'm done. I cannot will not be done in by a fork or spoon.

Just like that...

Over the Moon!

This morning, I awoke to the nicest surprise...

I was named Blog of the Week by The Northeast Bloggers' Network, a network of bloggers living, working and writing in the Northeastern United States.

As someone looking to write strong, compelling content and build readership, this was an encouraging kick-start for my goals for 2014.

I am so thankful to Northeast Bloggers for featuring me this week. As I meet and network with other writers, I am continually reminded of how lucky we are to be part of such a wonderful, supportive community. I look forward to paying it forward and helping others along the way.

Thanks again! Cheers!

Three Travel Resolutions You Can Keep

Resolutions are easy to come by this time of the year and usually, by February, many are long forgotten. Many people resolve to be happy and others resolve to get healthy.

If travel is on your radar for 2014, here are three resolutions you can make that you can keep.

1. Save like a boss. Maybe 2014 is the year that you take a big trip, and maybe 2014 is the year you save for that big trip.

Start small.

The 52-Week Money Challenge is being pinned ad nauseum because it can work. Start small. If the suggested amount is too much, cut it in half. If it's no problem, double or triple it.

Make saving something that is non-negotiable. Save before take-out and eat a sandwich. Drink your coffee at home or put it in a to-go thermos. Save before the movies and catch a documentary on Hulu or go to a matinee. Save where you can. It adds up. No excuses.

2. Plan. Feed your wanderlust and become an expert on where you want to go. What are the neighborhoods you want to explore? What are your must-see sites and experiences? Start a file on your computer or go old-school and build a folder. Create a travel vision board.

Become a social media hound for your destination and see what's hot...not as a tourist, but as a local. Follow Twitter and Facebook sites of tourism centers based in cities of interest.

Are there travel memoirs from writers in your destination or in activities you want to experience? Don't plan your visit with an itinerary, because flexibility is key, but, educate yourself and build excitement.

3. Start small. Explore your capital city like a tourist. If you were having visitors in town, where would you take them? Does your capital city or other metropolitan city in your area offer a tour? Any museums? Explore.

Sometimes, when people come to town and see the sites our capitals have to offer, we shrug and say we've  never been. Why not? Try a new restaurant or a corner coffee shop. Sit in the park with a book. Pack a picnic. If others are willing to explore your capital city or metropolitan center, shouldn't you? Sometimes a day or night out, even a weekend away, is enough to rejuvenate us and kindle a spark for bigger or more extensive travel.

If 2014 is your year to hit the road, congratulations! But if it's your year to plan, plan with gusto. Save like a boss, plan your heart out and start small. When you're ready to go, you can say, ¡Buen viaje!

PS--If you haven't already, get your passport. Here's the link for the online application. If you already have it, know when it expires.

Pin It: Ten healthy snack ideas

When you're trying to diet, hunger seems to intensify, at least for me. And the more I workout, the hungrier I get.

The first switch happens in my head...it's not a diet; it's eating well. And in eating well, I live well. I feel better about myself and my choices. I am more eager to work out. I feel great, and my overall outlook on life is improved.

It's important that when I eat, I go for something healthy, and, just like with breakfast (see easy, healthy breakfast ideas here) planning is half the battle. If I have go-to snacks that are prepped or portable, there's no excuse for me to choose poorly.

Here are some of my favorites.

1. Raw almonds--there are about 24 in an ounce, one serving size. If you have a kitchen scale, even better. Knowledge is power. Add an apple or a clementine for a bit of sweetness.

2. Protein bar. Quest protein bars are my favorite. They are high protein (20g) and high fiber (17-18g) and low sugar (1g). They're not coated, so they don't melt. They're fabulous warmed up and there's even a peanut-butter cup option that is better than the real thing. Available online, at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe...watch for sales...they're worth every penny.

3. Nut butter balls...easy and yummy...get the recipe here.

4. Apple and 2 tablespoons of all-natural (no sugar) peanut butter.

5. Hummus and veggies. Or, you can mix dry ranch dip into plain Greek yogurt. and make a dip for those veggies. Or use salsa.

6. Peanut butter & banana shake up. Slice a banana and put it in a zipper-lock-style bag. Add 2 tablespoons of PB2 and shake it up. Enjoy! This works with sliced apple too. This is one of my favorites.

7. Trader Joe's goat cheese medallions with veggies or a Wasa crisp. Creamy and indulgent.

8. Roasted chickpeas. Preheat the oven to 450. Rinse and dry a can of chickpeas. Mix seasoning with a tablespoon of olive oil and mix to coat. Put on a cookie sheet and roast 20-25 minutes. Be careful towards the end...they can burn. Experiment with seasoning...cinnamon-sugar, salt and pepper, tamari...anything you want that sounds good. Make it yours.

9. Fat free or low fat cottage cheese, plain or with pineapple or Greek yogurt, topped with 1/4 cup frozen wild blueberries, a half ounce of chopped walnuts or pecans, a tablespoon or so of low-sugar craisins, and a tablespoon or so of chopped dates. You can mix up the toppings...this is what I like.

10. Piece of toast with 1/4 mashed avocado, salt and pepper (or 100-calorie pack guacamole)

BONUS: Deviled egg (no yolk)--egg white stuffed with hummus or guacamole.

Good luck with the resolve to eat healthier. Eat well, live well.  

Pin It: Nut Butter Balls

If you're looking for an easy, delicious, high-protein snack, look no further. This is versatile and user-friendly. Mix it up and find the perfect combination to make it yours.

Here are the basics:

• Start with a base of either dried milk or protein powder. You pick. I use 2 cups.
• Add all natural nut butter. Peanut is my favorite, but almond and cashew butter also work.
• Consider a bit of sweetener...maybe honey, pure maple syrup, or a combination...about a half cup should do it...more or less. If you want to use less sweetener or if it's too crumbly, add more nut butter or...your choice.
• You can also throw anything else into the mix...raisins, minced nuts, mini chocolate chips...it's your call. Make it yours. Experiment with texture and taste.
• Mix well and then roll into small balls.
• Because they're fairly sticky, you'll want to coat them in something. I have used sesame seeds and I've used wheat germ. Make it pretty and add a few sprinkles into the mix before your roll them in the coating.
• Refrigerate and enjoy.

#365Grateful ...A new project for me in 2014

I saw this video today...



And I became inspired. I could use a new project. I've been looking at ways to improve my photographic eye and perspective, and doing so in a spirit of gratitude seems like a win-win.

Want to follow along? Follow my instagram feed. Or create your own project and add the tag, #365grateful.

Please leave me your instagram feed link in your comments below, so I can follow your journey as well. Have fun!