You're going to Hollywood!

If we've learned anything over a 5 year span of watching American Idol, it's the fact that mom has a thang for men that can sang! No, no... seriously, (well, that is true) it's the ability of each singer to "make the song their own". It shows that you are not merely a professional karaoke singer, but someone that can throw a little artistry into somebody else's songs.
My oldest gal, in my professional karaoke opinion, is one step closer to The Golden Ticket. Take a listen. You'll agree.
I'm so very proud...

WHAT'S GOIN' ON OUT THERE?!?!?!

These...

... this...

... some of these...

... ooo, and this...

... and to top it all off with these intoxicating little buggars...

... and some ambiance.

(I didn't think it would be appropriate to show piles of doggy-doo)

anime-boy

a test to see if you are paying attention

I think it was last week that I blogged about Ross' Salad.
Well, I'm still not over it and I will make it a staple in my diet... like chocolate, or water.
I understand that the thought of watching Ross' Talky Blogs may not be appealing to some, so I've caved and decided to include a photo and recipe so that you, too, can over-indulge in this sensory-explosive meal!

(note: there is no tofu in the image above, and I have thrown in some arugula, sunflower seeds and a piece of fiber-filled cardboard, I mean, Wasa toast with a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese on top!)

- baby spinach
- strawberries
- crumbled goat cheese
- tofu (however you like it, I buy it baked and firm)
- shredded carrots

dressing: (there's no right or wrong to the ratios here, although the vinegarette is the main component)
- basalmic vinegar (i just buy the dressing)
- honey
- stone ground mustard
- squirt of lemon juice

Okay, I'm done talking about it.
I swear.

silent struggles

Aside from exercise, there are other ways you can combat anxiety and depression. In a recent personal battle of "medicate vs. unmedicate", alternative therapies have become a huge interest of mine. Along with Weight Watchers, I have found the following info (which I didn't write, but don't feel like citing) to be extremely helpful in my quest for stability.

* FISH – Fish oils have a stabilizing effect on moods. Studies using supplemental fish oils have shown success in treating depression without prescription medications. Healthy fish to increase in your diet include salmon, trout, sardines, arctic char, mackerel, herring, and sole. If you don’t care for fish, then fish oil supplements called EPA/DHA are available in most health food stores. I’d recommend 1000 – 3000 mg per day.

* B complex vitamins – B complex vitamins including B12, B6, and folic acid are important in the production of serotonin in the brain. These B vitamins can be taken as a supplement, but are also found in foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, fish, poultry, and whole grain cereals.

* Magnesium – Magnesium is also essential for mood stabilization. I would recommend 350-500 mg of magnesium daily. Foods rich in magnesium include wheat germ and wheat bran, nuts, tofu, and dark green leafy vegetables. If you don’t care for any of these foods, magnesium supplements, such as magnesium glycinate are available.

* FIBER – Increasing your intake of fiber helps your body to process and maintain stable hormone levels. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits & vegetables, nuts & seeds, and beans.

* Reduce your intake of sugar – Although sweets, sugar, and carbs can provide a temporary “feel good” effect, they cause swings in the levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain that are unstable. A rule of thumb is to reserve carbs and small amounts of sweets for after dinner only – these foods transiently boost serotonin levels, which may help with getting to sleep, so they’re best avoided until evening.

* Consider a natural antidepressant – If your symptoms are not severe, under the supervision of your physician or therapist you might consider one of the natural antidepressants. These natural therapies have shown effectiveness of varying degree in helping mild to moderate depression. These include St. Johns Wort, and SAMe. Both are natural products that can be very effective, but they can have interactions with other medications, so please consult your physician before trying these therapies.

still crazy after all these years

THIS THURSDAY
I'M THERE
CAN'T HANDLE IT
*(insert teenage squeal)*

it's a party, no... it's a SALAD!

This can't be one of those "long story short" kinda tales.
I can't, in good conscience, take credit for such a culinary masterpiece.
My friend, Ross, probably can't either... but I took it from him.
Is this an appropriate citing of my resource? Can I continue?
Okay, back up a sentence or so.
This Ross guy?... Not really my "friend".
(Gosh, why we gotta be so technical?)
Any of you watch (semi-religiously) The Tonight Show? Or...
How about VH1's Celebrity Fit Club, I believe, Season II. (?)
Well, Ross Mathews is aka "Ross the Intern" on Leno. His ridiculously magnetic personality captured me at HELLO! I watch Ross' "Talky Blogs" several mornings a week while drinking my coffee. I'm working on substituting the Blog for The Bible. Don't be hatin'.
AAAAAANYHOOO...
This morning, Ross shared a recipe. I ran out and bought the ingredients because I could only imagine the explosion of flavor that was to come.
I was right. It was amazing. It was... expen$ive.
It was worth it.
I would give you the recipe, but I would love for you to meet "my friend", Ross.

$elf-"worth"

I always love when these articles resurface from time to time...
Not that you can put a price-tag on my job...
Oh, ok... you can if you want to. Nothing wrong with a little validation, right moms?

the swell season

What an honor to be in their passionate presence last night.
The same passion that oozed from their beautifully simple, captivating, award-winning movie, "Once", filled every inch of the theater and made my heart swell - the way pure, raw, music does once in a blue moon. Glen and Marketa are shining stars in a sea of over-produced, under-talented noise that we are all too often subjected to.

faith, trust, and pixiedust

Fairy Houses...

literature in action.

Flowers in the WILD

"You mean flowers grow where people don't plant them?"
Oh, you sweet city-dwelling children...
LET'S GO ON A HUNT!

Sooo... off to the
Madison Heights Nature Center
we went!

Can't leave without our trusty Pocket Naturalist!
We own several and LOVE THEM!

What did we find?

BUTTERCUP

CANADA MAYFLOWER

TRILLIUM

WILD GERANIUM

... what else did we see?

my favorite bird!