Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars (120 calories)

As I was looking over the weekly sales ad while grocery shopping at KrogerCo, I noticed the advertisement for Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars (No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Made with Real Fruit and Whole Grains).

I also noticed that it's only 120 calories per bar; wholesome fiber, 0 trans fat.

Of course, I purchased a box of Apple Cinnamon.  In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Apple Cinnamon (such a great combination).

Yesterday, for my mid-afternoon snack, I ate one.  Not bad.  Personally, I wish it had more filling.

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the best)...I would give Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars - Apple Cinnamon a rate of 7.

While it's low in calories, you taste more of the whole grains than the fruit itself.  The fruit taste in your mouth only lasts for a few seconds.

Question:  Is there room for improvement?
Answer:  Yes, I strongly believe so.

Question:  Will I try it again as a snack?
Answer:  Yes, because it's enough to satisfy my mid-afternoon snack craving.

If you decide to try it.  Please, by all means, let me know how your rate the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars.

DIY Project - Easy Steps to fix a Leaky Kitchen Sink

After weeks of procrastinating, I took on the Do It Yourself (DIY) Project of fixing my leaky kitchen sink.

Tools you will need for this project:

• Adjustable Wrench
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Paper Towels / Shop Towels
• Brass Faucet Stem (2 - Hot/Cold Stem)

Follow these easy to follow steps:

1. Shut-off (turn off) the water connection (which is located under the kitchen sink).
2. Gently use the Flathead Screwdriver to remove the cover on the kitchen faucet knob.
3. Use the Phillips Screwdriver to remove the screw holding the kitchen faucet knob.
4. Remove the kitchen faucet knob.
5. Use the Adjustable Wrench to remove the Brass Faucet Stem.
• I took this corrosive piece to Lowes Hardware to find exactly what I needed for my project.
6. Place the new Brass Faucet Stem in.
7. Use the Adjustable Wrench to tighten the Brass Faucet Stem into place.
8. Place the kitchen faucet knob back over the Brass Faucet Stem.
9. Place the screw back in using the Phillips Screwdriver...tighten it into place.
10. Place the cover back over the kitchen faucet knob (usually snaps back into place).
11. Repeat steps 1-10 for the other kitchen faucet knob.
12. Go back under the kitchen sink and turn the water connection ON.

I hope that this has helped you in some way or another.  It was easier than I thought.  I'm just happy that I didn't run into any additional problems.

MyFitnessPal - Calorie Counter, Daily Logs, etc.

I know many, including myself, who make resolutions every year or every few months to make some changes to one's health (such as:  exercise - at home or the gym, cut certain foods out).  Well, the other night as I watching the evening news, the following report got my attention.

News Report Article Link:  http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/consumer&id=8940051

MyFitnessPal - is a FREE app to download onto your mobile (you can also find it on web page, Facebook and Twitter @MyFitnessPal).

You log in your current weight, height and your goal weight.  The app will then tell you what your calorie count should be on a daily basis.

I'm on my second day of using the app.  You must be dedicated to inputting your meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks....your exercise routine (equipment used, number of calories burned, number of minutes spent on each exercise).

Throughout the day, the app will track:  Your Goal Calorie Count, Food Calorie Consumed, Calories Remained, Exercise, and Net Calorie Count.

Then at the end of your day, after your finished logging in all of your entries...click on "Complete This Entry".  And the app will tell you how you did for the day (your total calories, total carbs, fats, protein, sugars, etc.).

The other thing that I love about this app is that if you eat out, you can find a great deal of restaurant food / meal nutrition and can "add" to your daily log.  (such as:  @Starbucks, @Chick-fil-A).  It also scans the bar code of food items so that you can "add" to your daily log.

Try this app:  MyFitnessPal

If you do, let me know what you think about it.  Does it help you? or Not?

Easy Meal: Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts

On New Year's Eve, 2012....I wanted to make a special dinner for my love and myself.  Something that would be easy and great tasting.

The following items are needed:

• Package of Chicken Breasts (skinless)
• 1 bottle of Italian Dressing
• Onion
• Bell Peppers (of your choosing)
• Garlic
• Kosher Salt
• Ground Pepper
• Butter

Follow these preparation steps:

• Rinse each chicken breast with water.
• Place ckicken breasts in a large bowl.
• Shake the Italian Dressing and pour into large bowl (enough to coat each chicken breast).
• Cover with foil.
• Place large bowl in the refrigerator (allow to marinate for at least 2 hours).
• Slice onion, bell peppers (to your liking as to how much you would like)
• I used half of a green and red bell peppers
• Chopped a few cloves of garlic (to your liking)

Grilling time:

• In a skillet add butter over a medium heat.
• Add marinated chicken breast to the skillet (usually 2 pieces will fit).
• I cut the chicken breast in the center to ensure that it cooks through.
• Add your Kosher Salt and Ground Pepper (to your liking).
• Grill one side at a time (personally, I like mine to be a nice golden color). Cover with lid.
• Turn the chicken breast over and grill the other side.
• Gradually add your onion, garlic, and bell peppers to add flavor. Cover with lid.

Once your marinated grilled chicken is done...serve with your favorite side dishes and a healthy salad (with sliced almonds and dried cranberries, onions, tomatoes) and a lite dressing.

Enjoy your meal.

FREE Star Gazing App

Unfortunately, I do not have a telescope to see the stars or planets.  However, my friend informed me of the "Google Sky Map"....not only can you see the stars and planets, but the app is FREE to download onto your mobile.

Since it's cold temperatures outside, I've been able to enjoy this app from inside my home...where it's warm.  (Ha. Ha. Ha.)

Try this app.  Let me know what you think about it.

Happy New Year 2013

Did you make any resolutions for 2013 (ex:  lose weight, save money, quit smoking, no resolutions)?

Encourage Children with POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

In an instant things can change drastically.  On Thursday, my teen son came home upset about what happened to him at school.  He has been struggling all week.  But, this last NEGATIVE comment and actions by a teacher at his junior high school was his breaking point.  My teenage son was in so much pain.  He called me from the school office extremely upset, begging me to let him go home because he didn't want to lose it at school and get into trouble. He said, "Mom, P-L-E-A-S-E let me go home. I can't take much more of this."

It broke my heart to hear my son's pain. It upset me more when he informed me that a teacher told another student, "Stay away from him because he is a bad kid." Another teacher, as he entered his class, she placed his papers on his desk without giving him any guidance or instruction as to what the discussion / class work problem was being worked on as a class.

All weekend, I sat with my teenage son talking and giving POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS and advice regarding his school, friends, building up his self-esteem and confidence.  He was looking forward to returning to school on Monday.  In an instant it all changed on Sunday evening within 3 minutes.

How you ask?  Another teenager, a girl his age & a relative, began chatting with him online. She called him an "ass, asshole, stupid" and that he "would get what's coming to him".  He told her to stop.  She continued with "I'm just trying to help you."

Really?!?!?  How does this help my son?  It doesn't.  He was so angry he wanted to go confront her.  That was not going to accomplish anything.  I'm just relieved that he took my advice.  Sat down with me and we had another heart-felt talk.  Decisions, Actions, and making the right choices in life.  To learn how to compose himself.  To think before acting.  To think before talking.

He asked, "Why am I alive? Why didn't God let me die when I was a baby? I feel as if I should have never been born."

Wow!!! When I heard him ask these questions, I was speechless.  My baby was truly lost in the world.  My heart aches for him.  I told him that God has a plan for him.  He was placed here to accomplish something in life that is great.  He has a mission to accomplish for himself....a gift to give to others.  He has to open his heart, mind, soul, and eyes to see and understand.  He has to open his ears to listen to God's message.  I truly believe that God puts challenges in our paths every day...to see how exactly are we going to handle things.  Are we going to choose the right path?  In times of difficulties, are we going to turn to our Lord for guidance?

NEGATIVE comments are made to our children every day, from all around....parents, siblings, adults, law enforcement, teachers, community.  I know that children are different in today's world than when I was growing up.  There is little respect and kindness.  Let's remember:  It all starts at home.

My child's heart is broken.  An absentee Father who has NEVER been there for him from day one until now.  His best friend moved away from him over a year ago...NEVER stayed in connect (no calls, no emails, no visits).  An adult relative lost his temper and physically pushed him out of his grandparents home and used derogatory words with my son.

When is enough.....enough.  How much can a teen take?  I don't want to lose my son to bullies or suicide.  I'm here fighting to keep my son alive in today's world.  I'm working hard to build up his self-esteem and confidence by using POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS on a daily basis.  Won't you help do the same?

Let's start with:  Love yourself.
Next:  I love you unconditionally.
And so on...and so forth.