Things I Love: Oregon Chai Slightly Sweet

Chai tea is my absolute favorite morning beverage.  Heck, I don't need mornings to drink this deliciousness.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbMmhL9dEeYAFW8NqHa3dkbGGgk9ij4BP4CfELmWR9l23gKES1-0qtkXtJYhVRDSLV6_w122POyPamRXxUGrXKuRMoL2MMyQcVxtgGnKE2jwV4cr6pVHg5iQcv9CI-xuUQCzbkJqkhbQ/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbMmhL9dEeYAFW8NqHa3dkbGGgk9ij4BP4CfELmWR9l23gKES1-0qtkXtJYhVRDSLV6_w122POyPamRXxUGrXKuRMoL2MMyQcVxtgGnKE2jwV4cr6pVHg5iQcv9CI-xuUQCzbkJqkhbQ/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I'm always on the search for a lighter chai.  I used to be in love with the chai at Starbucks (made by Tazo), but a grande size made with skim milk is 6 PointsPlus too many for me.  And truth be told, I really prefer to get the venti so it will last.  But 7 PointsPlus is a large chunk of change to be dishing out for just a drink!<br /><br />I've also made chai via a <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/september-goals-and-chai-tea-recipe.html" target="_blank">recipe</a> from Eat What You Love, and it's not a terrible one.  It's actually pictured above and that nice size cup yields 3 PointsPlus (despite what the previous blog post said).  Still, I was ready to give something else a try.  <br /><br />So this weekend I made Crock Pot chai from the <a href="http://www.mileskimball.com/MilesKimball/Shopping/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=BC00360353" target="_blank">Crock Pot Diet Cookbook</a>.  You basically take several black tea bags, 8ish cups of water, fresh ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and ground cloves along with 3/4 cup of sugar and heat that on high for 2.5 hours.  It's not bad, and I'm sure I can get used to drinking it.  My only complaint with this version is that the spices don't strain out very well in a strainer (I'm using a powdered sugar sifter).  I'm not sure they are supposed to, but you end up with a ton of spice sediment in the bottom of your cup.  I don't think anyone wants to digest about 2 Tbsp worth of wet spices.  I never figured out the PointsPlus value of this one.<br /><br />THEN, this weekend as I was strolling through Tar-jay, I came across this little lady:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHDde69FCaKYksyLkAHFd1R2orjCjL3El4I8MRyVOKPgVuJX38D5SEAw3GgyHKv2xwDQ3TNgjIXnkf-9F8_miCFvzxclIg-D31Mlge2Y84BxlilGeEmXll5LAS1QsP23QuwmGdS6DPNA/s1600/oregon+chai+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHDde69FCaKYksyLkAHFd1R2orjCjL3El4I8MRyVOKPgVuJX38D5SEAw3GgyHKv2xwDQ3TNgjIXnkf-9F8_miCFvzxclIg-D31Mlge2Y84BxlilGeEmXll5LAS1QsP23QuwmGdS6DPNA/s400/oregon+chai+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Oregon Chai comes in many <a href="http://www.oregonchai.com/products/default.aspx" target="_blank">varieties</a>, including a <a href="http://shop.oregonchai.com/SugarFree-Original-Chai-Tea-Latte-Concentrate/p/ORG-12032" target="_blank">sugar free version</a> made with Splenda.  But, if you're like me, Splenda does a number on my stomach.  But <a href="http://shop.oregonchai.com/Slightly-Sweet-Original-Chai-Tea-Latte-Concentrate/p/ORG-13032" target="_blank">slightly sweet</a>?  I'll take it!  As the awesome people at Oregon Chai state in the product description, it's like Light Chai.  The stats are impressive:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSPGmcC196R-phCQfGvKQ2uxMRfu8RDL6INUYKAJOtaeHRGK7PIZGu00dpcuCTwVSBWOC29_CWcnbNtZHb3KPlI8DK4MCypgliBcAkjaweUHLEv_UeNdg3oD6vU5jDG0ld6ytuu0XUfw/s1600/oregon+chai+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSPGmcC196R-phCQfGvKQ2uxMRfu8RDL6INUYKAJOtaeHRGK7PIZGu00dpcuCTwVSBWOC29_CWcnbNtZHb3KPlI8DK4MCypgliBcAkjaweUHLEv_UeNdg3oD6vU5jDG0ld6ytuu0XUfw/s400/oregon+chai+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Understand that you must add equal parts milk and chai when making it.  So, the chai mix itself for half a cup is 1 PointsPlus.  However, to get a grande size, I used 1 cup of chai concentrate and 1 cup of skim milk for a total of 4 PointsPlus.  I can do 4 PointsPlus for a chai.... 6 is pushing it 'bucks!<br /><br /><b style="color: #351c75;">Do you have a favorite coffee/tea beverage? </b><br /><br />If you're interested in trying the Crock Pot recipe, I'd be happy to share it.. just let me know!<br /><br />

Oregon Chai Oregon Chai Slightly Sweet Things I Love Things I Love: Oregon Chai Slightly Sweet

Chai tea is my absolute favorite morning beverage.  Heck, I don't need mornings to drink this deliciousness.  I'm always on the sear...

Read more »

Things I'm Loving This Week

Back in the day, as in the college days, I used to thrive on Lean Cuisine's and granola bars.  I've had every single granola bar under the sun.  Frankly, just as I got burned out on the LC's (and all frozen meals for that matter), I also got tired of granola bars.  BUT, there is still an "oldie" out there than I still enjoy, but I've added two new ones to that list as well.<br /><br /><div style="color: #351c75;"><b>1. Kashi/Kellogg's Special K/Luna Granola Bars</b></div><br />My all time favorite "granola" bar is the <a href="http://www.kashi.com/products/tlc_cereal_bars_cherry_vanilla" target="_blank">Kashi TLC Cherry Vanilla</a>.  My mom told me that as a baby one of my favorite Gerber jars was the cherry vanilla flavor.  These Kashi bars are a very close representation of the Gerber days and that is precisely why I love them.  They are 3 PointsPlus each.<br /><br />  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLCheUNj9JuGwdNs9m7AJEAwJniX4a-28FOj03kuFJKlq8pWWmcQWWhq9DIEcbtUuKOjoy71tnKi0AacXeFmsDZs3qNefOrTwV_V4woH1ICeP44_8dUZOr8lXoYhkQrIwgCTvMYGzYwM/s1600/kashi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLCheUNj9JuGwdNs9m7AJEAwJniX4a-28FOj03kuFJKlq8pWWmcQWWhq9DIEcbtUuKOjoy71tnKi0AacXeFmsDZs3qNefOrTwV_V4woH1ICeP44_8dUZOr8lXoYhkQrIwgCTvMYGzYwM/s1600/kashi.jpg" /></a></div><br />Next up are the new <a href="http://www.specialk.com/granola-bars" target="_blank">Special K Granola Bars</a>.  I like these because they're not overly sweet but they're sweet enough and flavorful enough to not taste like cardboard.  I've only tried the dark chocolate (3 PointsPlus) so far and I really like them:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyWNH17Zl8AtZIR1ZYyf5yYXE-Ze4-mRZGH_b6XjF1MYzOtWu_g6f0sI9zMUuV2Ch8uu-XEVG5B7ojdwJ35a-K5Sbg8FIlDx2vYcPYKGFIfHhfiqq_-v9Rdv_6NDhVYTgj1-kk6z3NkE/s1600/special+k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyWNH17Zl8AtZIR1ZYyf5yYXE-Ze4-mRZGH_b6XjF1MYzOtWu_g6f0sI9zMUuV2Ch8uu-XEVG5B7ojdwJ35a-K5Sbg8FIlDx2vYcPYKGFIfHhfiqq_-v9Rdv_6NDhVYTgj1-kk6z3NkE/s1600/special+k.jpg" /></a></div><br />Other Luna bars I've tried taste a little too vitamin-y for me, but I really find the S'mores flavor tasty (5 PointsPlus):<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay3LRg2nHUqQUPvh48Fi3LFrIrLRO8W7vjtLo_aGELLhrE8sXrzBJYe__aCZtetjK8jhQlKBivcL1g9CvnEY0x0-Qpu_6kQiCX42M5-JamQf8_-l1DYZlalcSRu7495Z75ofeuDBD18c/s1600/luna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgay3LRg2nHUqQUPvh48Fi3LFrIrLRO8W7vjtLo_aGELLhrE8sXrzBJYe__aCZtetjK8jhQlKBivcL1g9CvnEY0x0-Qpu_6kQiCX42M5-JamQf8_-l1DYZlalcSRu7495Z75ofeuDBD18c/s320/luna.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="color: #351c75;"><b>2.  <a href="http://www.seltzerslebanonbologna.com/index.html" target="_blank">Seltzer's Sweet Lebanon Bologna</a></b></div><br />I've grown completely tired of a turkey sandwich.  Again, I've eaten so much of that crap over my lifetime that the thought of another turkey sandwich almost gags me.  I've always been in the mindset that other lunch-meat would just be too high in calories/fat and so I never considered anything else (I don't like ham by the way).<br /><br />Then I came upon Seltzer's Sweet Lebanon Bologna at my local Giant!!  Man do I <b>LOVE </b>this stuff! Two slices of the bologna is 2 PointsPlus, and that is PLENTY of meat to make for a satisfying sandwich.  Now, I believe Seltzer's is a regional thing, so depending on where you live you may not be able to find this brand in your store.  They are out of Palmyra, PA (go motherland!) and they seem like they're a small operation, but I don't know that for sure.  However, I think Boar's Head seems to be a national meat chain and their Lebanon bologna is comparable in PointsPlus (though not nearly as good!).  If you're on the east coast - request this at your supermarket if you enjoy Lebanon bologna.  Giant stocks mine with the other prepackaged lunch-meats.   <br /><br />**Update on Seltzer's - you can go <a href="http://www.seltzerslebanonbologna.com/where.asp" target="_blank">here</a> to find out if they sell it in your state.  If not, you can order their products online!** <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF968yQHEjVqZaZNofBA1JcKz-UKmGwFGOphr0t7jxDn8hmseLjMbdQcgaobtWQop0luB0b7fvl82sGdO1VB8xYTyD1GwwaNdetm1FB0-k5flqPJWKCO_gTV_SEFGPsyB_Ygnq4AQBaB0/s1600/seltzers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF968yQHEjVqZaZNofBA1JcKz-UKmGwFGOphr0t7jxDn8hmseLjMbdQcgaobtWQop0luB0b7fvl82sGdO1VB8xYTyD1GwwaNdetm1FB0-k5flqPJWKCO_gTV_SEFGPsyB_Ygnq4AQBaB0/s320/seltzers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #351c75;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #351c75;"><b>3. Walks During an Awesome Weather Week!</b></div><br />The weather in Virginia has been absolutely superb all week.  It's so typical of this area - it seems like we'll just skip seasons all together and go straight into the next one.  For example, it's March and we're already seeing temps in the 80s here!  What happened to Spring?!<br /><br />Uhhhh, can you believe I've done some form of activity almost every single day since Saturday (minus Monday)? I went to the gym on Saturday and Sunday.  Saturday afternoon Joel and I did <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2012/03/weekweekend-recap.html" target="_blank">that walk</a> through the park.  Tuesday night we went for a walk around our neighborhood.  Wednesday and Thursday I had lunch hour walks with Katie and Meghan (thank you ladies!).  All of this activity was almost effortless because it was enjoyable.  When you're walking and talking, you're not thinking about "How much longer do I have to go?".<br /><br />Katie helped me snag this pic of me and the Washington Monument today - thank you Katherine!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPy3xTrhp2I1cYnARq91dISDKzCguX9qCV0ppTCJiO_dxEItdr7COoeEf7g9U9QrLTkPJCLtcuyec-uIRqnj72VDanrSsf0njRgdMPyG-MSQoWMD-k54aVViGfdpQIUx9i8oHZfvy6Zo/s1600/me+and+wash+monument.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPy3xTrhp2I1cYnARq91dISDKzCguX9qCV0ppTCJiO_dxEItdr7COoeEf7g9U9QrLTkPJCLtcuyec-uIRqnj72VDanrSsf0njRgdMPyG-MSQoWMD-k54aVViGfdpQIUx9i8oHZfvy6Zo/s400/me+and+wash+monument.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><b style="color: #351c75;">Anything that you're finding exceptionally helpful this week for your own weight loss journey?</b><br />These summer temps sure are motivating!

Things I Love Things I'm Loving This Week

Back in the day, as in the college days, I used to thrive on Lean Cuisine's and granola bars.  I've had every single granola bar und...

Read more »

Things I'm Loving This Week

<b style="color: #674ea7;">1. Hungry Girl's <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/367" target="_blank">Yum Yum Brownie Muffins</a> {5 PointsPlus}</b><br /><br />These are definitely on the steeper side of PointsPlus values on sweet treats for me, especially since it's <i>just </i>a muffin!  However, they are really chocolatey and provide some hidden fiber as a bonus, thanks to the pumpkin.  They're actually a nice size too.  INCREDIBLY easy to make: simply mix <span style="color: #999999;">{ONLY}</span> the cake mix + the pumpkin puree and bake in 12 cup muffin tin at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. <span style="color: #999999;">{HG Tip: Make these in mini muffin tins to yield around 36 mini muffins at a smaller PointsPlus value!} </span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzgAL09sN8ngryhaBBVpWgXwjGAYDz_QmBmGKZUYsL72qb1roL9WahVSJF40dW7KG55TZiagLs_b3_jYzJv3-_VoanM_hUJ4cb2JbKmlu6OZmKUCo-K22zWO9ZiZSEWEJdMk7-Zmc5Gg/s1600/brownie+muffins+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzgAL09sN8ngryhaBBVpWgXwjGAYDz_QmBmGKZUYsL72qb1roL9WahVSJF40dW7KG55TZiagLs_b3_jYzJv3-_VoanM_hUJ4cb2JbKmlu6OZmKUCo-K22zWO9ZiZSEWEJdMk7-Zmc5Gg/s400/brownie+muffins+3.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">easy peezy</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8quTmk7iE289_IXUjUw5K3u09s9usEkcdUu0tp3ZyBDZqNBPkmMq5dlAmmUYJuWQqSQufY2EVAXL3HUVlMC5htmJwCWkQDA-bXbNwzK6Ibw5VIxwC5ZpjO4cHXUxhYrlcPQZCuuT32wU/s1600/brownie+muffins+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8quTmk7iE289_IXUjUw5K3u09s9usEkcdUu0tp3ZyBDZqNBPkmMq5dlAmmUYJuWQqSQufY2EVAXL3HUVlMC5htmJwCWkQDA-bXbNwzK6Ibw5VIxwC5ZpjO4cHXUxhYrlcPQZCuuT32wU/s400/brownie+muffins+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />You could argue that these muffins have an almost....dis-pleasurable look to them. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOd72hil_x3hBe8_SV4SM3pBseHdR90UOaXMTpGFAVOlabeFZhaqD0xi5D9wxwmYPMMXTesivZYZhWMvnfQgj7-9oQwt0as49KAUNJD69B-LPuSKhHBm6karLlgPIYxVP1BtfC-HCECQ/s1600/brownie+muffins+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOd72hil_x3hBe8_SV4SM3pBseHdR90UOaXMTpGFAVOlabeFZhaqD0xi5D9wxwmYPMMXTesivZYZhWMvnfQgj7-9oQwt0as49KAUNJD69B-LPuSKhHBm6karLlgPIYxVP1BtfC-HCECQ/s400/brownie+muffins+2.jpg" width="306" /></a></div> <br />They somewhat resemble what might "happen" to you if you consume endless amounts of fiber.  BUT if you can look past their....outward appearance.... and try not to think about it as you bite into the goodness, you will be glad you didn't judge this brownie-muffin by it's cover!<br /><div style="color: #351c75;"><br /></div><div style="color: #674ea7;"><b>2. Mini Chopper</b></div>I received this mini chopper as a Christmas gift two years ago.  My mom purchased it as part of a Black Friday special at Wal-Mart for $4.97.  Sometimes, you get what you pay for.  In this case, I can assure you that this less than $5 chopper has been nothing short of amazing and useful since I first unwrapped it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBW4wQklboCx6K2-iuZtHDBU7iNLDG3KjLqDmO77IvA-C7SJtB7cJY1UD7dQd9x1JlGNGURTf8G0X0l87tdHYX5HmR_K_zkYqoE4YENgMWHEkOE1WlKMUspywcoZgpkxWPMw4mFpNozg/s1600/mini+chopper+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBW4wQklboCx6K2-iuZtHDBU7iNLDG3KjLqDmO77IvA-C7SJtB7cJY1UD7dQd9x1JlGNGURTf8G0X0l87tdHYX5HmR_K_zkYqoE4YENgMWHEkOE1WlKMUspywcoZgpkxWPMw4mFpNozg/s400/mini+chopper+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I primarily use my mini chopper to get those pesky onions minced up.  I hate onions, but a lot of ingredients in recipes that I cook often call for them.  Once upon a time I would've never considered putting onions in a dish.  But since I got my mini chopper, I can get them so finely minced that I can pretend they're not even in the food I'm making!<br /><br />Of course, it's also extremely good at grinding up Oreos to make <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/easy-oreo-truffles-95085.aspx" target="_blank">Oreo Truffles</a>.  <span style="color: #999999;">{Tip: If you do make the truffles, refrigerate or freeze them for up to an hour before dipping them in the chocolate.  Otherwise you will have a mess of melted Oreo balls in your bowl of chocolate.}</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbbZScAuAe7o9azHmpfefyTZj1lB9H4C5-AYRpiAeZFza6jifIlL6h7n0Ky2wTJSFlTGqpiHZCBbxnYoEF_z2HtBBkjAcVniRjOIStSLPlod_-e77ipVgZmBFPOvtL45HFchfyclGeFk/s1600/mini+chopper+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbbZScAuAe7o9azHmpfefyTZj1lB9H4C5-AYRpiAeZFza6jifIlL6h7n0Ky2wTJSFlTGqpiHZCBbxnYoEF_z2HtBBkjAcVniRjOIStSLPlod_-e77ipVgZmBFPOvtL45HFchfyclGeFk/s400/mini+chopper+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The stainless steel blade, chopper bowl, and lid are all dishwasher safe.  What more could you ask for in a $5 kitchen appliance?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y9Gpjqa3eVagyznQwpaEL7sDF4HN9At_55wYehcl3ybq8aelNP4v-iuEogXCvVNwcoN5lHgO2Ruebrkri6g3J9LgAS6MnFwiMdBKkqW0tym81BmEXeVjP2ZDQWveEqebSdAFNlgI-gs/s1600/mini+chopper+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y9Gpjqa3eVagyznQwpaEL7sDF4HN9At_55wYehcl3ybq8aelNP4v-iuEogXCvVNwcoN5lHgO2Ruebrkri6g3J9LgAS6MnFwiMdBKkqW0tym81BmEXeVjP2ZDQWveEqebSdAFNlgI-gs/s400/mini+chopper+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I have used this chopper over and over and <i>over </i>again, and the blade is starting to get a little dull.  Any idea where I can go to get something like that sharpened?<br /><br /><div style="color: #674ea7;"><b>3.  <a href="http://www.drpepper.com/products/#drpepperten" target="_blank">Dr. Pepper Ten</a></b></div>Diet pop is an acquired taste, let's face it.  It's about the same as during your freshman year of college, when your first taste of an alcoholic beverage is, inevitably, cheap beer.  You choke it down at first, but eventually you cannot even tell the difference between <a href="http://www.anheuser-busch.com/s/index.php/our-beers/#%21Natural" target="_blank">Natural Light</a> and the "premium" beer that is the <a href="http://www.coorslight.com/" target="_blank">Silver Bullet</a>.  {That was then, however!  No way will you catch me sipping a Natty Light these days!}<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOX_yXOEh9yoJwq015YmZTP6m6mVyq9775QTsL4fQhT4B5ImnFBeng4kJx5f9PEbZK2ARFPLnuQ0eCArbNf_6u8xBPHOtbMg6wvpQiVIL7R0KJwrJ-O-inDcTuKNckE7M3qN-hVqwx1U/s1600/dr+pepper+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOX_yXOEh9yoJwq015YmZTP6m6mVyq9775QTsL4fQhT4B5ImnFBeng4kJx5f9PEbZK2ARFPLnuQ0eCArbNf_6u8xBPHOtbMg6wvpQiVIL7R0KJwrJ-O-inDcTuKNckE7M3qN-hVqwx1U/s400/dr+pepper+1.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />Still, Dr. Pepper Ten is the closest variation to it's "parent" version that I've tasted yet.  Coke Zero may be a close second.  But Dr. Pepper Ten has absolutely no after taste what so ever.  And for 10 calories, I will take it!  I don't drink a lot of diet pop, but I will not hesitate to use it as a substitute for eating whenever I'm craving food.  I find it filling and it gives me a taste of something other than water.  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gk5pdxFuGUGSXGbBH5vcUjcBzqsnSItWrwgMalqLoeZObXsP4qEZi8Na5w9SZk5Vc_3LfFjIMn9sALUuNZI8qLq10pzFaHwv8Ld1XI1qT7AIUF9sfdmYVXi_7m8YzfZKbYK4CNhecBc/s1600/dr+pepper+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gk5pdxFuGUGSXGbBH5vcUjcBzqsnSItWrwgMalqLoeZObXsP4qEZi8Na5w9SZk5Vc_3LfFjIMn9sALUuNZI8qLq10pzFaHwv8Ld1XI1qT7AIUF9sfdmYVXi_7m8YzfZKbYK4CNhecBc/s400/dr+pepper+002.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click to make larger - yes, there is HFCS</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This gem was an accidental discovery whenever Joel was looking for a low-cal mixer for his Jack Daniels fix.  I'm so glad he discovered this!<br /><br /><b style="color: #674ea7;">What are some things you love this week?</b>

Hungry Girl Things I Love Weight Loss Products Weight Watcher Recipes Things I'm Loving This Week

1. Hungry Girl's Yum Yum Brownie Muffins {5 PointsPlus} These are definitely on the steeper side of PointsPlus values on sweet treats f...

Read more »

Things I'm Loving This Week

<b>1.  2 New Coffee Mugs</b><br /><br />I received two new coffee mugs for Christmas and both are awesome!  One came from my niece, Grace.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXeoNMbK3CPER9w36nr3nkhEgcoetazhLMhFuxIxGPbQXtUIjKtVd2nTcP2et4b5KHjMbz1WP4jCon2nkpj0ahotGD0l_-hHeyiuqUZHcaPEeL_kgx4GfqrFelPdO8XvFIsmsowYL98M/s1600/grace+mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXeoNMbK3CPER9w36nr3nkhEgcoetazhLMhFuxIxGPbQXtUIjKtVd2nTcP2et4b5KHjMbz1WP4jCon2nkpj0ahotGD0l_-hHeyiuqUZHcaPEeL_kgx4GfqrFelPdO8XvFIsmsowYL98M/s400/grace+mug.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The other came from my young cousin, Brice.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCyCCIoP_k7wpWGIyewnXZbwwLwBcejR7B8X3n2okIFa3aMZ0bzGgPCrqo5mdtAxJdXSOzTHUJ37zaHnUSnUrZppKDMOapN7jgHkThSLjiP-e1xYu_jdbf52a_12_jdr-l6_LDWus0tc/s1600/brice+coffeemug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCyCCIoP_k7wpWGIyewnXZbwwLwBcejR7B8X3n2okIFa3aMZ0bzGgPCrqo5mdtAxJdXSOzTHUJ37zaHnUSnUrZppKDMOapN7jgHkThSLjiP-e1xYu_jdbf52a_12_jdr-l6_LDWus0tc/s320/brice+coffeemug.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br />These have already proved amazing for sipping my morning tea with a 1/4 cup of half and half (2 Points+) or what is left of my pumpkin spice coffee from Trader Joe's... with an 1/8 cup of half and half  (1 Points+)! <br /><br /><b>2.  <a href="http://zipfizz.com/">Zipfizz</a> in Grape and Orange</b><br />While my parents were visiting last week, my mom and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up some groceries and stumbled upon this gem.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9n2kbTtqdis4oXFnpn05UhkQony_Wx_k_GB9mva2sGDZe08uIXxzYLPRZqE_GoVo09VOGj2R92CtoFD0AUqwgV5MbCcU7qE5pHkXEMDT9CyYlMEZ51lQUZzzUZKL2ebJevbPOehGg2Y/s1600/zipfizz+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9n2kbTtqdis4oXFnpn05UhkQony_Wx_k_GB9mva2sGDZe08uIXxzYLPRZqE_GoVo09VOGj2R92CtoFD0AUqwgV5MbCcU7qE5pHkXEMDT9CyYlMEZ51lQUZzzUZKL2ebJevbPOehGg2Y/s400/zipfizz+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />They were actually part of a product promotion, so we got to try them right away.  They're called <a href="http://zipfizz.com/">Zipfizz</a> and they are marketed as an all-natural healthy energy drink.  There are 3 tubes to each box.  There are just 10 calories in each tube and 0 grams of sugar. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1VdWdulxoN-9ky4IRQ4SBs51s0oRwFV5DKdKex605RDFWrdhzRrvSM0593ztH2bVzJxXY6HjD-5auY6eWONY9Bgvw6GaHZo8FPATJ7LU-kmEc9nwWaHrDTbya4tO-C2URTBwi5Vxp74/s1600/zipfizz+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1VdWdulxoN-9ky4IRQ4SBs51s0oRwFV5DKdKex605RDFWrdhzRrvSM0593ztH2bVzJxXY6HjD-5auY6eWONY9Bgvw6GaHZo8FPATJ7LU-kmEc9nwWaHrDTbya4tO-C2URTBwi5Vxp74/s400/zipfizz+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click for larger size</td></tr></tbody></table><br />So far I've only had the orange and grape because this is all that my Wal-Mart carries.  However, they come in other flavors that sound equally delicious: <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNYkoGXgaM5om6klXmvvXZV8Cc4d60LiowspieNjIHNJGestJoIzNVLCBxlZdAB8y3BoM8VsTWwYUthZB7BNrGaiXWrclUVNbksVCpDkEFgc2TbmXAruhgM95MFAC6vTXBTEyyfGdnoQ/s1600/zipfiz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNYkoGXgaM5om6klXmvvXZV8Cc4d60LiowspieNjIHNJGestJoIzNVLCBxlZdAB8y3BoM8VsTWwYUthZB7BNrGaiXWrclUVNbksVCpDkEFgc2TbmXAruhgM95MFAC6vTXBTEyyfGdnoQ/s400/zipfiz.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Zipfizz website</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Other than the flavor, which I think tastes great, the thing I love most about them is that they are somewhat similar to drinking a pop (or soda for the rest of yinz ;) ) because they offer this fizzy flavor.  The only pop I care to drink on a regular basis is Cherry Coke or Wild Cherry Pepsi mixed with Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi (1/4 cherry to 3/4 diet).  But there are still more calories in my concoction of pop than there are in the Zipfizz.  It totally satisfies my craving for a pop, and that is a major win for me!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstBUn3DdC9e1jDz2EIfYH8bCnO2BSS9uDlgz3muuAvWOxI7X9FWzsFVMPe_QiVpoY0ZnUCTAVyvYs9_0lPUIzWDHV3k0mn9xYk_EJPDDgTFxskqf7pDK_Vxk_vJTA5qolyb9mR9q1CT8/s1600/zipfizz+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstBUn3DdC9e1jDz2EIfYH8bCnO2BSS9uDlgz3muuAvWOxI7X9FWzsFVMPe_QiVpoY0ZnUCTAVyvYs9_0lPUIzWDHV3k0mn9xYk_EJPDDgTFxskqf7pDK_Vxk_vJTA5qolyb9mR9q1CT8/s400/zipfizz+3.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br />All you do is pour the tube into a 16-20 oz bottle of water and shake it.  A word to the wise on this... you must do it quickly or it will fizz out of the bottle!  OR, better yet, drink a little bit of the water first to give yourself enough room at the top so you can easily pour it in without concern.  The only other thing I want to say about this is when I went back to Wal-Mart to buy more, I had a small challenge finding them.  I first checked where the Crystal Light stuff is shelved but they were not there.  Of course I was immediately concerned that Wal-Mart didn't have them in stock, but then I tried the coffee aisle (since they are marketed as energy) and still no luck.  Finally I found them over near the pharmacy with the Slim Fast/Atkins/Ensure/whatever else energy drinks.  Voila!<br /><br />The deal breaker for you may be the cost... they are $4 and some change per box, which I thought was a little pricey for just 3 tubes.  Zipfizz, if you're reading this, please offer my readers a giveaway :).  They MUST try this!<br /><br /><b>3. <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hamilton-Beach-Two-Square-Belgian-Style-Waffle-Maker/16913517">Hamilton Beach Waffle Iron</a></b><br />I ended up with this <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hamilton-Beach-Two-Square-Belgian-Style-Waffle-Maker/16913517">waffle iron</a> over Christmas when I learned that my sister was receiving one from her inlaws as well. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZaxMpPUHEJm4Df0DDyd8N1Kd0rVXb5JNn1Q99V67mwHHzDBUTu_9qvr5uu1hF0zYzMa_p0cIqmm3JLduoplezUur96kCnGlseWncng4OIdWf6SOE-px2vwyAMv3teUZ3qfYc8ejL69k/s1600/ww+and+waffle+iron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZaxMpPUHEJm4Df0DDyd8N1Kd0rVXb5JNn1Q99V67mwHHzDBUTu_9qvr5uu1hF0zYzMa_p0cIqmm3JLduoplezUur96kCnGlseWncng4OIdWf6SOE-px2vwyAMv3teUZ3qfYc8ejL69k/s400/ww+and+waffle+iron.jpg" width="387" /></a></div><br />So far I've used it twice (purchased from walmart.com for $14 on sale in December... it's now $19.28 but isn't available online currently) and made Weight Watcher's Buttermilk Whole Wheat Waffles (5 Points+) from their <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Weight-Watchers-New-Complete-Cookbook/dp/047061451X/ref=pd_sim_b_8">New Complete Cookbook</a>.  This is the first time I've ever had homemade waffles and they are sooooo much better than the frozen variety from Kellogg's.  The waffle iron is so simple to use... $14 well spent! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNB2KmdCaQbfbW293gfQj8XSA630VDkjscM8xnPVIohdCw5Ljc19zrvwaZv_tqy8xAudKW6AtbcIcazCHBPDRf7FLleZUvR0jKHTcnWxDJUwun1wS5JsxD-hMmaCjXvmF0Di93u9jPzQ/s1600/blog+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNB2KmdCaQbfbW293gfQj8XSA630VDkjscM8xnPVIohdCw5Ljc19zrvwaZv_tqy8xAudKW6AtbcIcazCHBPDRf7FLleZUvR0jKHTcnWxDJUwun1wS5JsxD-hMmaCjXvmF0Di93u9jPzQ/s400/blog+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Do you own a waffle iron?<br />  <br /><b>4. <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/591">Hungry Girl Krispymallow Treats</a></b> <br />I had an entire box of Rice Krispies left over from <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/12/deen-family-cookbook-meemaws-kitchen.html">Paula Deen's Christmas Cookies</a> and decided to use those up to make this recipe.  I thought these were a phenomenal substitute to the traditional Rice Krispy Treats.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5nfYNriUbN84pKnaxtluiVetxBjTUvZX0HouVIagfbLstBjuNIXUWMD2P_U9il3U_-XssZqvN4qinYNVmkxzJoq94DeV1FF101QXQi3sy8BaTaKdmoOiNDIJIsyiLVCrdxseRyBDl6Q/s1600/krispymallowtreats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5nfYNriUbN84pKnaxtluiVetxBjTUvZX0HouVIagfbLstBjuNIXUWMD2P_U9il3U_-XssZqvN4qinYNVmkxzJoq94DeV1FF101QXQi3sy8BaTaKdmoOiNDIJIsyiLVCrdxseRyBDl6Q/s400/krispymallowtreats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The bonus is that you get some added fiber in there from the Fiber One cereal, but the marshmallow and Rice Krispies overpower the Fiber One... still allowing them to taste great.  The recipe says it serves 25, but I had a hard time cutting up the 9x13 dish into just 25 squares (that would be REALLY small and 1 Points+ each).  I cut mine into 18 squares and came to a Points+ value of 2.. still not bad and a nicer size of a serving!  Have you had this version before?<br /><br /><div style="color: purple;"><b>Any particular things you're loving this week?</b></div>

Things I Love Weight Loss Products Things I'm Loving This Week

1.  2 New Coffee Mugs I received two new coffee mugs for Christmas and both are awesome!  One came from my niece, Grace. The other came from...

Read more »

Things I Love This Week

<u><b>Love #1</b></u> <br />Shortly after Halloween, while shopping in my local Safeway, I stumbled upon these Keurig gems: Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa K-cups.  They were 50% off, though I'm not sure why.   One K-cup is 2 Points+.  If you're like me, and one K-cup just doesn't quite get your cup full enough, then 2 of them are just 3 Points+!  Have you tried these?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D1W68t6-v06yAWlhIrbBrf0JT2Q4bVXu6ZRlH4fDvINUyd3HNsNcBEdWZMQa1SwUjjrXYenFRVbA0vmBuxKixTSDXOuIQdqgwIS7q8MiBixlpiJjnPYNxAUK94cOSkHfxFXMA1E24p8/s1600/Christmas+Card+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D1W68t6-v06yAWlhIrbBrf0JT2Q4bVXu6ZRlH4fDvINUyd3HNsNcBEdWZMQa1SwUjjrXYenFRVbA0vmBuxKixTSDXOuIQdqgwIS7q8MiBixlpiJjnPYNxAUK94cOSkHfxFXMA1E24p8/s400/Christmas+Card+003.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />The Market Pantry large marshmallows (from Target) are 2 Points+ for four.  You can really do without four of them though.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8eXUIBE24pHgvqS7R6heuOn6ksKBwG1qx2bErNx7YTP0pUZmjQl9hGKj-pFMVODWkr2GKNBKLsvymckSC1UL38-LcoM47oXCEe5V9ZGKX8L3YK87z6c5DXK3fTo78F4bqEsEX82vtUM/s1600/Christmas+Card+005+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8eXUIBE24pHgvqS7R6heuOn6ksKBwG1qx2bErNx7YTP0pUZmjQl9hGKj-pFMVODWkr2GKNBKLsvymckSC1UL38-LcoM47oXCEe5V9ZGKX8L3YK87z6c5DXK3fTo78F4bqEsEX82vtUM/s400/Christmas+Card+005+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><u><b>Love #2</b></u><br />The next thing I am loving is the veggie dip recipe that I snagged from <a href="http://nothankstocake.blogspot.com/2011/12/veggies-and-dip-new-way.html">Kelly @ No Thanks to Cake</a>.  Incredibly easy to make and rather versatile based on the dip mixes available from <a href="http://www.hiddenvalley.com/products/hidden-valley-dips-mixes/">Hidden Valley</a>.  The serving size I chose is 48 grams (determined on eTools) for 1 Points+.  It has definitely inspired me to eat more vegetables, which is always a good thing for this picky eater!<br /><br /><u><b>Love #3 </b></u><br />The last thing I'm loving are the awesome comments you've all made on the <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/12/giveaway.html">Giveaway page</a> in regard to what you're most excited about for Christmas.  I am going to hold off on commenting on them individually because it will make it easier for me to total up the count when it comes drawing time.<br /><br />For the readers who are parents, I can somewhat identify with you on that front - watching your kids open gifts on Christmas morning.  Isn't that the best?  Ever since I was blessed with a niece, Christmas is that much more enjoyable - her reaction to things are hilarious.  Last year my parents got her this view finder.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bestweekever.tv/bwe/images/2009/07/View-Finder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://www.bestweekever.tv/bwe/images/2009/07/View-Finder.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember these?</td></tr></tbody></table>We could NOT convince her to move on to her other gifts.  She just had to play with that one thing.  (She was 2 years old at the time).  Each time she would look through the view finder she would say... and I quote: "What you do seeeeeeeee?" ... really dragging out the 'e' sound! Too cute!<br /><br />What are you loving lately? Any new/cool/genius WW friendly product finds?<br /><br />

Things I Love Things I Love This Week

Love #1 Shortly after Halloween, while shopping in my local Safeway, I stumbled upon these Keurig gems: Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa K-cups.  T...

Read more »