A Brown Bag Gourmet

Chickpeas have UBER fiber!

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:26:00 +0000

If you are looking for a way to bring optimum fiber into your diet, Chickpeas are an amazing and easy way to do this. They taste great, and they can be made into the best hummus you've ever tasted. I know this for a fact, so here is a great, quick hummus recipe and all you need are the ingredients and a food processor:

1 can Chickpeas (drained)
1/2 tspn dry Mustard
1/4 cup GOOD Olive Oil (it may take a little more, be prepared)
1 Clove Garlic (crushed)
Fresh Basil
Dash of Sea Salt

Pour drained chickpeas into food processor , put the lid on and give three or four pulses to rough chop. I like to turn my food processor off when I add mustard, garlic, a few pieces of fresh basil (maybe three) - but, you do not have to if you are a Processing Pro!

Add your olive oil, let it run for just a couple of seconds then check the consistency. Continue to add oil until creamy, then stir in your dash of salt.

QUICK TIP

If you choose to make your own hummus for a party, whether it's in your home or in another home and you are the invited guest...substitute chickpeas for Canellini beans.

Consuming chickpeas is great, but since they are so fibrous, they can also cause a bit of public discomfort. Either take Beano prior to consuming or do the substitution...if you get my drift.

Happy, Healthy Eating from A Brown Bag Gourmet!

Authentically!

2012 - Year Of The Family (originally written on January 1st)

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:38:00 +0000

It's January first, New Year's day, and my husband and beagle are participating in a snoring contest as I obsessively review and revise my eBay store. We've only been up since seven this morning, but nap time is an important part of how my little family thrives.

Calm and quiet is essential in our home, but quiet doesn't mean silence.

Puddin' Pie sometimes snores so loudly that I can't believe she's just a 30 lb. dog. But, you know, as I sit here in my living room, foregoing my usual NYD ritual of watching the Sy-Fy channel's annual Twilight Zone marathon and take in what is most definitely a day of rest, I make the realization that my dynamic duo never snore in unison. It's more like a conversation or contest the two of them are having for one to outdo the other.

However, today especially, I'm finding that their little snore-and-snort sonata is somewhat soothing seque into a new - hopefully BETTER - year. It's truly started off to be just that!

Last night, my husband's youngest brother, who is in his mid-thirties and really a sweet guy, asked this wonderful woman to be his wife. Okay, so lots of people get engaged, but the great thing about his proposal is that he did it on the bridge where my husband and I were married AND the entire family was present, as were his closest friends.

The proposal happened before midnight, but it was such a great way to create an atmosphere of warmth and joy beyond the basic convivial New Year cheer. My BIL's fiancee is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Truly. I will also say that I was (and am) so genuinely pleased that she said she considered me to be her "new sister." It meant a lot more than you could ever know.

I'm sure I'm not unique in that I haven't always appreciated my family (immediate or otherwise) but, as I grow older, I realize how crucial the bonds are to creating a satisfying life. I'm looking forward to having another new "sister." Additionally, I'm hopeful that 2012 will be the year that relationships can be mended, friendships can be forged and families can allow bygones to be just that...bygones.

After all, this moment, right now, is really all we have. So, having said that, I'm going to make a cup of tea and listen to my own personal snoring serenade.

Happy New Year!

Putting "Everything" In It's Place

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 15:11:00 +0000

Just a few short days ago, I looked at the calendar and realized that the very next day was going to be the first day of December! Where did the month of November go?

Immediately, I began to experience a familiar and unwelcomed panicky feeling and I stopped to ask myself, "What if I don't get 'everything' done before the holiday is here?!"

For a moment, I was seized by an overwhelming urge to resort to my old self; the self whose only way of coping was to cut and run. Avoidance coping to the max!

Calling on newly-learned breathing techniques, I closed my eyes and took a big, deep breath. Slowly (and calmly, I might add) I went through my list of "everything."

After pulling my focus back to the moment - I was able to sort out that "everything" was really a whole lot of "nothing." Christmas is coming regardless. I'm slowly learning that if I relinquish control to the universe, it will eventually come out just fine. I don't have to control anything and everything will be put in it's proper place at the proper time.

You see, there is absolutely no reason in the world to fret over "anything" that isn't happening in the immediate moment.

This year, won't you join me in the conscious decision to worry less about "presents" and focus solely on "presence?" It truly is a gift.

Peace and joy be yours this season!

http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/holiday-season.aspx

http://www.socialworkers.org/pressroom/2001/111401.asp

http://stress.lovetoknow.com/How_to_Relax_During_the_Holidays

Not The Usual Pre-Holiday Blogpost -

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:26:00 +0000

Recently, I was introduced to a local horse rescue and sanctuary that is run by probably one of the most saintly women I have ever met. Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary is located between Osage Beach and Camdenton in the little area called Linn Creek. It's a drive if you live in Lake Ozark, but once you're out there, you realize it was worth every mile.

The owner, Connie Hendricks, is a lovely woman with bright blue eyes and a heart that, I'm sure, takes up her entire body. She has horses, mules, peacocks, a gaggle of little yappy dogs, and one big, black cow named Stanley. Connie told me that she is certain that Stanley believes he's a horse and, like me, she believes that these animals have souls; they think, feel, love and hurt as badly as we do.

The animals were all rescued from abusive or neglectful situations, and they are well-cared for at Forget-Me-Not. The type of dedication that Connie is giving to these animals (some blind or afflicted with very serious skin conditions that require regular medical attention) is truly amazing. The video is one I made of my new adoptee "Maude the Mule" and her friends at Forget-Me-Not.

Something else that amazes me is the amount of neglect and abuse in and around my community.

Abuse not only of animals, but of children (and women, too.) It makes me sad to know that a human can be so inhumane and have such a depth of cruelty. One of my former speech students once told me that Wal-Mart in Osage Beach is alleged to sell the most Budweiser anywhere in the United States...and the highest percentage of spouse and child abuse in Missouri is also purported to be in the Tri-County area that includes my own.

So, it's no wonder the Lake area has organizations full of dedicated people who volunteer tirelessly to protect, defend and provide refuge for individuals, children and animals who are the victims of such senselss cruelty. All of these organizations need and deserve support, and most of them really need money right now. The economy isn't helping anything, especially these important efforts.

Most of these organizations hold regular fundraising events. In fact, there are so many fundraising events for important causes that A Brown Bag Gourmet has literally had to back away from participating and just budget for annual donations. I wish I could help all of these organizations, adopt all of these animals, counsel with all of the women and protect all of the children and assure them that their adult life can be completely different if, once they are away from their abuser, they avoid walking in the abusers footsteps.

I am but one person, but I do what I can.

One of the things I want to do is encourage you to check out these organizations and find out what speaks to your heart. Do what you can. If you can't afford to give money, try to volunteer. If you can't volunteer, simply spread the word. Use your Facebook page or Twitter to repost information on these important causes because only by sharing and educating each other can we build awareness and lean towards change - and THAT is with ANYTHING in our lives!

With the onset of the holidays, I know that there is going to be an increase in reports of abuse. I wish I could simply share a recipe or entertaining tip, but after my visit to Forget-Me-Not, I realize that I have work to do beyond just sharing my talent for catering.

If you took time to read this blogpost, please take another moment to check out the links. Many thanks for your attention, your time.

May your holiday season be blessed.

http://www.cadv-voc.org/

http://kidsharbor.typepad.com/

http://www.mokidsfirst.org

Learning to live your best life through YOGA!

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 16:55:00 +0000

A Brown Bag Gourmet is all about celebrating life, and the things that make life worth living!

Of course, that celebration includes creating delicious food and amazing, entertaining experiences, but it also includes enjoying the MOMENT...experiencing the present in ways that bring comfort and peace to our daily lives. We can make every day the best day ever, just by living moment to moment, letting go of the past and avoiding our tendencies to worry too much about the future.

After all, we only have RIGHT NOW and living in the present helps us to live a positive and productive life - our BEST LIFE!

However, remembering to live in the present takes "presence of mind."

With that in mind, ABBG is pleased to present our brand new podcast featuring a discussion on YOGA and how the practice of yoga can help to heal our lives. The discussion features the vibrant Megan Sappington, RYT, a yogi who teaches in Jefferson City, Missouri. Megan talks about how she integrated yoga into her life, what the practice of yoga means and how it can help you to create your best life.

Just click on the picture and enjoy this 20+ minute chat with Ashley Brown and Megan Sappington, and check out http://www.abrownbaggourmet.com/ for information on a fantastic event coming to Jefferson City on October 22nd that's all about YOU and LIVING THE GOOD LIFE!

Passion & Pitfalls

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:24:00 +0000

As I sit nursing blisters on my ankles and severe foot swelling from tripping down too many stairs with a tray full of shrimp cocktail...I have a little time to reflect on what's happened over the entire weekend and most of it brings me a feeling of calm and satisfaction. On both Friday and Saturday nights, A Brown Bag Gourmet provided food (and coordination) for a lovely wedding in Lake Ozark and when I was leaving last night, the bride hugged me and told me that she couldn't have been happier with her wedding and A Brown Bag Gourmet did a phenomenal job.

Although wedding planning is not the focus at ABBG, I will, sometimes, take on projects that are relative to our catering. However, even though the bride and groom and their families were thrilled with the food and service they received...I realized exactly why I prefer to simply prepare and present great food and not get in the down and dirty of dealing with the nitty gritty of weddings and wedding planning.

If you are thinking about getting into business for yourself, you will find many rewards. If you have a distinct passion for something (i.e. cooking, fashion, accounting, cleaning) you will be able to do what you love. If you love to serve others, you will be able to do what you love. If you don't mind hard work with, often times, very little monetary reward, then starting your own business is the right avenue.

I find so much satisfaction in what I do, and planning menus and preparing food has an amazing calming effect on me. Happy clients, repeat business and great word-of-mouth advertising have kept A Brown Bag Gourmet in business over the last few years and I would like to believe it's because I've dedicated myself to making sure the customer comes first.

If you are in business through ownership or management, you know that YOU have to be the client advocate because the people you hire may not put two and two together:

CLIENT = REVENUE = PAYCHECK + Incentive!

Employees and contractors for your company must be educated on the importance of client satisfaction so that he or she understands where the money is coming from. I'm not saying that I am 100% perfect on this all the time because, in my industry, people will quit up to a minute before showtime. Over the weekend, I made the very real mistake of hiring friends of a family member. Not that hiring friends and family is a bad idea because, over all, my family and friends have been super supportive in helping me launch my business and are more than willing to do whatever is necessary to make sure I succeed.

In this instance, though, some very real issues came to light and it reminded me that my industry is truly not for everyone and just because someone watching from the outside thinks it looks like fun doesn't mean that he or she will actually enjoy the work...or enjoy working with me.

If you are going to run your own business, even though it is often easier said that done, it is imperative that you screen your employees/contractors/asssistants carefully. You feel differently about your business because it's YOURS! Getting others to feel the same way you do is going to be a stretch...but you CAN help them to "see" why it's important not to swear/throw tantrums/get angry with clients.

Connect customer service to the paycheck through incentivizing your staff and contractors. Focus on the positive and the positive outcome by saying, "I've had to work very hard to earn Mrs. XYZ's trust. If you will help me continue that good relationship with her, I'll give you $$ for your hard work! Sound like a plan?"

Through incentivizing, you can control those individuals who might not particularly enjoy working for you or with you, but have a clear comprehension of the equation...and money talks! This way, it's not JUST about you and your business...it becomes about THEM, too!

Second Home Living Magazine gives ABBG a Silver Spoon!

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 13:43:00 +0000

We are thrilled to have received the 2011 Silver Spoon Award for Best Caterer in Lake Ozark, Missouri.

And, we are proud of our friends and fellow foodies who received the same award for either a dish, a dinner or a beverage! Check out all the winners in Second Home Living Magazine on newsstands NOW!

An Evening with Bonotto Delle Tezze Wine @The Lodge

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:56:00 +0000

Join me for a 20 minute discussion on Bonotto Delle Tezze Wines and the cuisine of Exec. Chef Joe Elliott of The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Missouri!

Back in March 2011, we had an evening of fun, food and fantastic wines, and the folks in attendance were happy to share their opinion of just about everything that went on that night!

A great little discussion with some awesome local folks! Please give it a listen by clicking the link below!

http://www.whatscookin.podomatic.com

A Tour of Cavazza Wine

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:39:00 +0000

The new year brought a new and delicious partnership for A Brown Bag Gourmet!

Venezia Imports, LLC has partnered with us to bring amazing Italian boutique wines to the United States! Our first shipment is scheduled for the end of February 2011, and we are so proud to be able to represent so many fine vineyards!

One of the vineyards we are representing is Cavazza. In order to launch these wines and let folks know more before buying these fine wines.

The following podcast was created with that plan in mind! And, we've attached information about the three wines we sampled from the Cavazza family vineyard in the Colli Berici region of Italy!

www.whatscookin.podomatic.com

For more information about Cavazza wines, please visit their website! http://www.cavazzawine.com/

Thanks for checking in and we hope you enjoy our podcast!

Charcuterie & Cheese Platters Warm The Soul

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:16:00 +0000

It's snowing like crazy in Lake Ozark, Missouri! We are experiencing a near blizzard outside, but it's a great time to relax indoors, experiment in the kitchen and cook up some terrific recipes to share.

My beagle, Puddin' Pie, is very concerned about the snow outside since it is over her head. My husband has been diligently shoveling a path for her each time she has to go do her bizwax. She has entertained herself by hanging on my leg and giving me the most pitiful looks as I work on creating a snack of Italian dried salami and assorted cheeses (Charcuterie & Cheese).

I'm using dried salami, prosciutto and making a quick pate. The cheeses I've selected are Cabot from Vermont and all based in the cow's milk family of Cheddars. Plus, I have some great accoutrements like pickled okra, capers, stone ground mustards, dried fruits and some artisan breads to complete the ensemble.

My husband and I (and Puddin, too!) plan on enjoying our charcuterie and cheese platter - or what you could call a "peasant supper" - with a delightful glass of Cavazza Italian Red wine. We'll watch a classic movie or a soon-to-be classic or something with subtitles, and warm up by the fire.

Snow can be a very, very delicious thing!

Healing Lifestyles & Spas - The Art of Forgiveness

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:55:00 +0000

Tis the season to be willing to forgive. A thought-provoking article so apropos to the current season!

Healing Lifestyles & Spas - The Art of Forgiveness

Ashley Brown (ABrownBag) on Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:05:00 +0000

Ashley Brown (ABrownBag) on Twitter

Visit A Brown Bag Gourmet's Video Channel on YouTube.com

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:48:00 +0000

A Brown Bag Gourmet's Videos on YouTube.com!

We are not only the Lake area's premier caterer, we plan special events and make fun everywhere we go! Check out our YouTube channel for fun and exciting videos from various events we planned and catered.

Cheers!

'A Brown Bag Gourmet Local Flavor'

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:29:00 +0000

Looking for things to do at The Lake? Join us!

'A Brown Bag Gourmet Local Flavor'

'Join Us For A Fabulous Foodie Weekend!'

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:17:00 +0000

A Brown Bag Gourmet is hosting a great weekend full of local and national food, wine, cheese and surprises!

Make plans to: 'Join Us For A Fabulous Foodie Weekend!'

Join A Brown Bag Gourmet for Cocktails & A Cooking Demo!

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:56:00 +0000

Join us this Thursday at John Elliott Interiors in Lake Ozark
for Cocktails & A Cooking Demo!

Company Name - Cooking Classes & Events - Lake Ozark, MO

How Turmeric and other Spices Fight Toxins and Cancer - Zester Daily

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:01:00 +0000

Certain foods can cure your ills.

Exploring herbs and sustainable foods will help you not just live to eat, but eat to live!

How Turmeric and other Spices Fight Toxins and Cancer - Zester Daily

JOIN A BROWN BAG GOURMET FOR A...

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:08:00 +0000

NOVEMBER 19th thru 21st

Company Name - A Brown Bag Gourmet, LLC - Lake Ozark, MO

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:05:00 +0000

Join us for our
FABULOUS FOODIE WEEKEND 2010!
CLICK FOR MORE INFO...Company Name - A Brown Bag Gourmet, LLC - Lake Ozark, MO

6 Best Summer Foods for Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:13:00 +0000

It's summertime! Here's some solid information about eating the foods that help you lose or maintain your weight.

Summer is a great time for fresher food and a fresher outlook on life.

Enjoy!

6 Best Summer Foods for Weight Loss

Gift Baskets Worth Giving

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Tue, 25 May 2010 22:10:00 +0000

Don't you love to receive a beautiful gift basket?

A Brown Bag Gourmet can make a gift basket to suit just about everyone! We make traditional baskets with wine and gourmet goodies. And, we make specialty baskets with reusable, insulated totes to take on your next picnic.

Whatever you want us to make for you or your special someone, we can do...for you!

Keep us in mind!

Keepin' It Cheesey!

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Thu, 13 May 2010 09:11:00 +0000

Cheese is not only delicious…it’s art from God! I mean, think about it…cheese is made from milk and milk comes from animals. It’s natural, it’s beautiful and it should be enjoyed regularly!

I make cheeseboards for my clients by using several types, colors, sizes and densities of cheese. Primarily, I focus on what type of wine the client likes to drink and go from there. Cheese, like food, should be paired with the correct wine.

Some of the cheeses I like to use are Bleu D’Auvergne, Manchego, Doux du Montagne, Plain Cream Havarti, and aged, clothbound Cheddars and any cheese that has a beer or whiskey-washed rind. My personal opinion is that Gouda is overused in cheese presentations because it goes with so many types of wine. So, unless it’s super-aged and made from a blend of animal milks, I’m out on ol’ Gouda.

I am not a huge fan of yellow/orange cheddars, so most of my cheeses are white or yellowish in color – more natural with less rennet. Rennet is found in cow’s milk, but not in goat or sheep, and rennet is not exactly a good thing but I’ll save that for a later posting.

I like to arrange my platter with the Bleu in the middle, drizzled with local honey and surrounded by walnuts. I keep the semi-hard cheeses like Manchego on one side with pieces of Valrhona dark chocolate (I swear you’re gonna love it!) and crumbly, clothbound or whiskey-washed cheddar on the other side with chunks of mild Sopressa or hard salami.

Sweet on one side…savory on the other! This way, the platter appeals to just about everyone.

Another item that is a bit time consuming, but turns out beautifully is A Brown Bag Gourmet's sundried tomato & pesto cheese torta. It's the colors of the Italian flag and tastes like a day spent sipping wine and enjoying the Tuscan hillside. Promise!

I love cheese. It’s natural, delicious and brings joy to my guests and clients. I use cheese for entertaining, but also for it's nutritional value as well. Raw milk cheeses aid in digestion, and the calcium you find in cheese helps maintain strong bones.

If you have questions about any type of cheese, or how to plate and properly display the 8th natural wonder of the world...please get in touch with me!

http://www.abrownbaggourmet.com/

Company Name - Cooking Classes & Events - Lake Ozark, MO

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Mon, 10 May 2010 12:41:00 +0000

A Brown Bag Gourmet is now offering private cooking classes for up to 12 people at a time!

Check us out!

Company Name - Cooking Classes & Events - Lake Ozark, MO

Rapid Growth = A Plan Revisited!

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:04:00 +0000

Back in February, when I had quite a bit of time on my hands because things weren't so hectic, I made a plan for expansion of A Brown Bag Gourmet which included a gourmet wine boutique! Happily, I penned a business plan that included renting a building from The Lodge to fill with gourmet food items to be used to create beautiful gift baskets.

Have you heard the old saying, 'People plan and God laughs.' ???

It's true, but not in a bad way.

A Brown Bag Gourmet was recently invited to cater an incredibly beautiful, extra HUGE home in Chesterfield's Pacland Estates where we met several individuals who have since called us to see when and if we could cater for them. Expansion is in our future...but that means the boutique is on hold (but, not forever!) This means finding a kitchen to rent in St. Louis and moving forward with expansion efforts in the area of catering...not goumet gift baskets.

When life takes an unexpected turn, it's important to revisit priorities and goals. Right now, that's what we're doing and we're more excited than ever about the future!

So, for all of you who were so supportive of our efforts to open an actual "boutique" where you could visit us...no worries...it may be another year before we can do this, but we will stay focused and do what's best for the client, for the business and for those of us who enjoy what we do, but do not want to work 24/7 to get 'er done! :-)

Thanks for the support!

Raynaud's Phenomenon Has Nothing To Do With Actually Being A Phenomenon...Unless You're Brad Sloan

noreply@blogger.com (ABrownBagGourmet) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:06:00 +0000

The other day while I was driving to St. Louis, my fingers went totally white...and numb. I wasn't pariticularly anxious about anything. In fact, I was headed for a day of relaxation, shopping and eating at my favorite St. Louis haunts. So, it startled me that my fingers, which didn't feel too tightly gripped on my steering wheel looked as if they might glow in the dark!

I was right outside of Warrenton, so I stopped the car at the first gas station I saw and got out to move around a bit. When the color (and the feeling) finally came back to my fingers, I proceeded to forget about it and spend the day in what I call "Brown Bag Bliss" which means spending the day eating at my favorite place or places, discovering new cheeses, and spending ridiculous amounts of time perusing Ken Meisner's and Sur La Table in Plaza Frontenac and dreaming up things I could do with all the goodies & gadgets that I can't yet afford!

Not that it's important, but the day did not include wine sampling - and Brown Bag Bliss doesn't always include alcohol - which may surprise those who aren't exactly fans. :-)

Okay, so uneventful trip home, but a few days later, I'm in one of the huge refridgerators inside The Lodge of Four Seasons kitchen and...you guessed it....fingers go ghostly! I freaked out and called my friend Dr. Brad Sloan because he is the individual who literally saved my husband's life in 2008 when we were in the throes of hubby's rheumatoid issues.

Dr. Sloan is not only a friend to our family, he is a phenomenal doctor (and you can verify that on Google where Dr. Sloan is rated so high that he is classifed as a "Rare Find").

He took the time to ask questions and find out everything that's going on with me before suggesting anything could be wrong. However, he did introduce me to the possibility that I could have what is called Raynaud's Phenomenon which, after I checked the link and saw a picture...is exactly what I've been experiencing. Plus, Dr. Sloan is an expert in what is called Metabolic Syndrome which is brought on by many things including weight gain.

This is a wake up call. Although I consider myself a positive, optimistic and over all healthy person, I have burnt the candle at both ends for way too many years. With the advent of A Brown Bag Gourmet, my mind is turning so much that I find myself cooking at 3 a.m. then not allowing my body to nap when I know it's necessary. Too often, I eat the wrong foods or explore too many foods, drink too much coffee and simply do not move my body.

I did join a gym, and have yet to do more than walk on the treadmill.

Age, of course, plays a factor in this and there is nothing I can do about that. But, I CAN make healthier decisions including getting more rest, eating better and exercising more, and saying "NO" to more things/requests for my time. You can't be everything to everyone, especially if you can't even be the best to yourself! It's time and a change is gonna come.

Progress reports forthcoming!