Schmoozing With Betsy

If the world flops you upside down...

2013-05-04T17:30:00.000-04:00

If the world flops you upside down, walk on the ceiling!!
We are faced with many obstacles in life. My goal is to find a way to overcome and move past any obstacles that are weighing me down.
Sometimes the road is really tough and so dark. Those are the times that you feel so alone. Don't give up!! Hang on with every last fiber of your being, set one foot in front of the other, hold your head up high, say a prayer and move forward.
It might seem impossible to lift up your feet on some of the paths, but, shuffle along and you will make it through!
I personally, have had a very difficult path to trudge, but, I am making it. It's been slow and sometimes I have lost my balance and fallen. I have even rolled down hill sometimes. The important thing is to stand back up.
In one year, my daughter and I lost nearly everything. It started with my job being dissolved, my friend passing away, my daughter's dorm fire, my dog passing away, my mom passing away, my daughters roommate's dad passing away, my brother in law having a heart attack, my sister in law having her heart miss firing, my husband's best friend passing away, my husband having a heart attack and needing a heart transplant on our wedding anniversary, my dad being hospitalized the same day, the loss of our restaurant, my darling husband passing away and ten days later, my dad passing away. You think that was enough, my house was robbed by someone I thought I could trust. Most of my husband's family shunned me and one even tried to turn my own daughter against me!
What did I do? I crawled inside myself and turned to food to try to find comfort. Comfort from the pain and loneliness. Comfort from the feeling of abandonment and thoughts that I must have done something really really awful in my life to be punished so badly.
I couldn't find anything to ease this pain. I was broken and shattered and felt all alone.
A person I thought was a family friend walked up to me at my dad's funeral and told me that I needed to join the human race! Not I'm sorry for your loss, but critiquing me on how I was grieving. Then to top it off, she sent me an email which she copied to my all my in laws saying how selfish a person I am and that I only think of myself!
I should go visit someone that was missing an arm or leg and see how they feel.
I could have stuck up for myself, I could have been just as heartless and written something back to her, to all of them. But instead, I told her that I would pray for her.
Visit someone that is missing a limb? I was missing my heart. I had begged the doctors to please use my heart, I knew it would be no good without my husband.
I would have gladly given up my arms and my legs to have my husband and parents back, to give my daughter her innocence and laughter back.
And so, I ate. I ate to fill the emptiness. I ate to try and find pleasure. I ate because I was in despair. I would get a glimpse of myself in the mirror and not know who it was and yet, I seemed to not be able to stop. I had lost control of everything in my life.
My nieces Anji and Tiffany suggested that I start blogging. It's a place to write down how you feel and maybe win some great giveaways.
That is how I began to find myself again! My niece, Tiffany from bookcover justice introduced me to Meredith Bandy.
Meredith is the PR Manager for NUTRISYTEM. She has so much compassion for people, she is like a breath of fresh air for me!
Through the grace of God, she hooked me up with Nutrisystem and a chance to not only find myself again, but, also to maybe be able to help others along the way with my blog!
I am so happy with the results so far! -25 pounds in 4 months, without really even trying! No stress of deciding what to eat or how to figure out the calories. It is all done for us!
I have learned portion control and now drink water more than any other beverage. I do however still love a diet coke now and then, but, it used to be the only thing I would drink.

I really love the food! It's very difficult to pick out a favorite when there are chocolate muffins, cinnamon rolls, biscuits and gravy, pizza, IceCream, cookies, chef specialties and so much more!!
The best thing from all of this; I like myself again! I took such great care of my folks and my husband!! I have NOTHING to be ashamed of!
It's time to take care of me! I am stronger than I ever thought and yet I am compassionate. I am tough but so soft hearted. I am kind and gentle and if all that is selfish; then so be it!
This is going to be a great year! I just know it! I live in a great little spot in the woods, I have the love of my family and friends. I have my beautiful daughter whom I'm so proud of. I am gaining control and becoming confident again.
I even have started a new friendship with a man. We were (almost) introduced by a mutual friend, but, that's another story of its own. :-)
It is never too late to get control of your life!! Do yourself a favor and please join Nutrisytem with me. I will help you along this pathway and if you stumble, I'll be here to catch you and if you fall, I will pick you up!
Here's to a great year and a healthier us!!

You can connect with Nutrisytem in many different ways!

1. Nutrisystem Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Nutrisystem

2. @Nutrisystem Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nutrisystem

3. Nutrisystem You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/Nutrisystem

4. Nutrisystem Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/nutrisysteminc/

5. Nutrisystem Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/107083288279617410657/107083288279617410657/posts

Disclosure: I am recieving free Nutrisystem products and services (yay!!) in exchange for my participation and honest review of the program!

ecoATM. Get $$ for Old cell phones!

2013-02-07T20:09:00.001-05:00

Not only can you do your part in helping the environment, but, you can also get paid for doing so!
There is a fast growing company called ecoATM that is sweeping its way across this country.
What started in San Diego California is quickly spreading across the states and making huge strides into the north eastern states.

What is this wonderment you ask? To put it simply, it is an ATM kiosk that collects your unwanted cell phones and MP3 players.

The consumer not only has a place to drop off their unwanted cell phones and MP3 players instead of throwing them into a trash or becoming electronic hoarders, but, they can help save the environment and put a bit of jingle jingle in their pockets!

In turn the company can have these phones refurbished and recycled. With such a growing need for cell phones, this becomes a winning situation for everyone involved.

How does this little kiosk work???

The ecoATM is an automated, self-serve kiosk that evaluates and buys back electronics directly from consumers for cash whether they are working or not! The process only takes a few minutes to complete and is easy as 1, 2, 3, 4

1: Place your mobile device in the ecoATM test station. (Don't be afraid, it won't bite!)

2: The ecoATM will examine your device and search for the highest price it can find in the worldwide market.(isn't that just the cutest ATM ever!)

3: If you like the price and decide to sell it, you will receive cash on the spot! There's no waiting for a check in the mail!!

4: You walk away with a smile on your face and jingles in your pocket.

For more information on this great invention, please visit their site at http://www.ecoatm.com
You can also follow ecoAtm on Facebook and twitter! Let's help get the word out there!!!

*disclosure: I received no compensation for this article. The opinion above is strictly my own, although I do believe that you too will agree!!

And Sometimes..,

2013-01-24T21:59:00.001-05:00

There are times in every ones life when it feels as if the sun has left you and that you fell into an endless pit of despair and sorrow.

And sometimes... there is a light at the end of the tunnel ( no its not hell fire ). Trust in it!! You need to keep running towards it.

And sometimes... You just haven't the strength any longer to even stand! Crawl, crawl towards the light. Just get there!

And sometimes... Along this path you will lose footing and friends and family. If they can't help you, crawl over them. You can make it.

And sometimes... It can take years to get there. Time is not important. Your well being is!

And sometimes... Out of the blue comes someone. Someone very special, who is kind and gentle and understanding.

And sometimes... They become friends and confidantes. You start to feel safe and happy.

And sometimes... You can barely wait to see them. To feel their arms around you. To see the warmth of their smile.

And sometimes... It can happen to you when you least expect it.

And sometimes... Is happening to me!!!

You've ...Got Text ...

2013-01-18T09:08:00.001-05:00

We live in such a high tech world that some people feel we are losing touch with each other.
I have found it to be the opposite for me. I am able to connect with my family and friends that are scattered across the world as if we are all neighbors.
I could even sit and have a cup of coffee with my sister in Kansas and my sister in New Hampshire on Skype.
I can see my nieces and nephews grow, fall in love and even have their own babies. I also see what all my brothers have going on in their lives and share it with my friends.
So to me, I enjoy this type of communication. I hear their voices in my heart as I read what they've posted.
It was the only way I could stay connected to the world while my husband was in the hospital. After he passed, I could no longer talk on the phone. It was way too difficult to try and hide the sadness in my voice, or find words to express the shattered being that I had become.
So, I took to writing my feelings instead. I learned to hate the phone, I couldn't bear to hear the disappointment any one had in me.
I lost my job last January, so, slowly I became a hermit living in the woods of Maine.
I love the beauty and the serenity of this wooded 2 acre lot that I rent. Here, I was able to finally lick my wounds and heal.
I have been on a journey of trying to find myself again. I've been lost for so long.
Slowly, I am finding myself again and remembering that I like me.
I love the different seasons here in this spot in the woods. Watching the trees come alive in the spring and the way the leaves paint my surroundings with such breath taking colors, and when it snows, the beauty in the way it clings to the trees leaves you in awe.
The glitch in this perfect little picture...not working and having run out of unemployment earnings.
So, when it snows a lot and it is wet and heavy, I am left snowbound. I just can't shovel that much snow.
That is when I used my connection to the outside world and posted for help on my Facebook page. My darling nephew was going to pay to have someone come plow the 1/2 mile driveway. A friend from West Virginia called her friend up here. As a favor to her, he was on his way over to rescue me, the snowbound maiden, when his plow broke down.
That's when the story starts to turn. He (Jim) sent me a text to let me know that it will be another day just be patient he'll get me plowed out.
My landlady felt bad so she hired someone for the season.
Since that day, Jim and I have started texting. He is kind with a wonderful sense of humor and has made me start wanting. Wanting human contact again. Wanting human contact with ... Him.
Now comes the rushes of nervousness, shyness and self doubt that have slowly taken over my mind since the year of sadness.
Being a gentle gentleman, he hasn't asked me my age or body stats. I'm short and round and a few years older but I'm getting healthy again. In fact. Another 2 pounds off this week. yay!!!
I am really enjoying our texts and hoping that since he likes the beauty inside of me.
I am a great present for someone underneath the wrapping paper, you just have to be patient when opening.
For now we continue to text... But, I see snow in my future, guess I will have to ask Jim if he would be kind enough to plow my driveway.

I can move Mountains!

2013-01-04T12:22:00.001-05:00

Never underestimate the inner strength you have!
Today is a good day, today I moved mountains! Okay, it was mountains of snow and I used a shovel, but I did it!
That's right, ME!
If I could move this mountain, just think what YOU can do!
There are many mountains that we face in our life time. Some mountains small and unthreatening, so all you need to do us hop right over it and be on your merry way.
Then, there are mountains that are so big and frightening, that you have to find a path around it. I have one of those very foreboding mountains smack dab in the center of my path! This mountain is connected to many many smaller ones.
I have a mountain of grief. Grief, can halt you and force you to lose ground on your path. It may be one of the most difficult mountains to maneuver. This is one you have to conquer on your own.
There is no time limit as to when you must make it over, it is different for everyone. I am sure that you will find others that will set you back. There are also others that God will thankfully send you, to help pick you back up and set you on your feet.
There are other mountains that you may face; quitting smoking, shyness, and weight gain, to name a few. There are tools to help you make it over these mountains.
I was faced with a big weight gain when during another mountain climb in my life. This caused many small mountains to pop up. Lack of self esteem, feelings of hopelessness, abandonment... The list goes on.
With the help of Nutrisystem, I am making my way over this mountain. There is no stress involved. There are foods that will satisfy anyone and lead you on a more healthy path.
The mountains of hopelessness and self esteem begin looking like hills and are much easier climb.
I ask that you join me on my mountain climb and we can help each other. Sometimes, you might stumble, but, I will help you stand back up and together with Nutrisystem, we will knock this mountain down!!

Here are some mountain climbing tools that will get you started and support you throughout this journey!

1. Nutrisystem Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Nutrisystem

2. @Nutrisystem Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nutrisystem

3. Nutrisystem You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/Nutrisystem

4. Nutrisystem Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/nutrisysteminc/

5. Nutrisystem Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/107083288279617410657/107083288279617410657/posts

Disclosure: I am recieving free Nutrisystem products and services (yay!!) in exchange for my participation and honest review of the program!

And the tears fall

2012-12-26T21:37:00.001-05:00

The house is quiet and still. The only sound I hear is the gentle snoring of my beautiful guardians, Lily and Watson.
They don't like it when I cry and are usually all over me trying to make me stop. Tonight though, they are worn out from running in the snow and having left over turkey.

I thought of listening to some music, but, today, all the songs are just making me miss you more. I try to close my eyes to sleep but, I just play your memory over and over. Usually, thinking of you makes me smile, but, not tonight. No, tonight, my heart is hurting so badly for you!

I wonder how my heart still beats when I am so broken and empty inside. I want to heal and be whole again but how can I when you were always what completed me.

I relive the days over and over in my head trying so hard to change the outcome. I try to think of changing something so that I will wake from this nightmare and find you beside me.

What happened to the girl you loved so much? The one who's laugh filled a room and eyes twinkled as she teased others?
I feel unwanted and so very lost. I think that if I work, I may find myself again, but, I can't even find a job that wants me.

You were always an angel to me. I am confused to why you had to leave me to become an angel to all. I am selfish and want you back!

Who is going to hold me and tell me that I am beautiful even if I gained weight or cut my hair? Who is going to make me laugh when I burn the supper or trip up the stairs? Who is going to sing Beatle songs with me? Who is going to laugh so hard with me that we fall down exhausted!

And as the tears fall, who will be able to kiss them away!

Love Yourself

2012-12-22T13:53:00.001-05:00

I recently read an article about diet trends for 2013. I was pretty shocked that Nutrisystem was not listed, so I posted a comment to the website. I really was quite upset that Nutrisystem wasn't listed since that seems to be what works for me.
Not only am I losing weight steadily, I am also breathing easier and have gotten more energy.
So, I am giving a shout out to Nutrisystem! I have not always been overweight, due to PTSD, I just didn't seem to notice how unhealthy I became. Nutrisystem is a very healthy and effective way to lose weight safely and to keep it off. I find the support to be solid and the staff is always there to answer any questions or to help you through any tough spots.
You can follow Nutrisystem through so many sites that there is never any trouble getting the support that you need!

1. Nutrisystem Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Nutrisystem

2. @Nutrisystem Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nutrisystem

3. Nutrisystem You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/Nutrisystem

4. Nutrisystem Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/nutrisysteminc/

5. Nutrisystem Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/107083288279617410657/107083288279617410657/posts

In our fast paced life, where we opt to eat at fast food restaurants to grab a quick bite to fill a hunger, isn't the best choice for a healthy meal and often leaves you hungry again very quickly and also craving more.
With Nutrisystem, not only have I found the meals very tasty, they are also very filling. They are even bars that you can grab for a quick breakfast or lunch on the go, or even as a snack if you are out and about and need a quick something to keep your energy up.
I know there are a lot of fad diet trends out there that promise a quick weight loss. But, why sacrifice your health, do yourself a favor and just try Nutrisystem for a month... Your body will thank you!
My journey to a healthier life style is Thanks to NUTRISYSTEM. I invite you to come along with me for mutual support. If you would also like to join NutriSystem, either click any where you see their name and it will link you right to their site!
Please visit Nutrisystem at www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog or you can also call them @ 1-888-853-4689 and join the Nutrisystem family too!!
Disclosure: I am receiving free Nutrisystem products and services (yay!!) in exchange for my participation and honest review of the program!I

Hugs For the Holidays

2012-12-15T22:28:00.001-05:00

We are in the blessings of the holidays. The time when your hearts should be so full of love and joy and yet there are so many of us who hurt more during this time. There are so so many lonely and heart broken people around the world who can't be with their loved ones, a mom missing her babies and husband( or wife) as she is away in the service protecting us. Or the military man who has just left home for the first time and in his parents eyes, he is still just their baby and yet he is also fighting others to keep us safe.
So many out of work, and unable to purchase gifts for anyone. Barely enough to even put on a special dinner. These people so need our kindness and our prayers.
This year, like so many of them it seems, my heart is aching along with so many others. I pray for everyone that have lonely heartaches, but, especially this time of year. It seems so much colder and so much lonelier when you are missing someone.
It breaks my heart to see or hear people arguing out in the stores. If only they understood how desperately so many of us would wish they had their parents, children or spouses near. We would hug them so tightly, there surely wouldn't be any arguing.

Even with a heart full of sorrow, I can still find wonderment in the tree lights and music floating in the air. The excitement on the little one's faces as they get a glimpse of Santa in the store.

To me, this is a time of hope! My heart still is filled with kindness and love when seeing the Salvation Army ringing their bells and hoping for just a bit of change and a kind greeting instead of rushing past trying not to make eye contact with them.

I reflect on the gifts that God blessed me with. The (sometimes unspoken) love of family and friends. The times that were happy and special that warm my heart on cold lonely nights.
I am blessed with 6 siblings and all of their families that even distance can't change the love that we feel for each other.

This time of year seems to bring smiles quicker and hopefully forgiveness. If you are angry at someone, release it. Give it to God! He will help you. ( For those of you who don't believe, please know that I HAVE to believe! I HAVE to believe in Heaven or my mind would snap. I HAVE to believe that my husband, parents etc are having Christmas in Heaven. Surrounded by the little ones that left us too early. I see them singing songs and laughing and dancing around the most beautiful tree ever. That they are even luckier that they are able to sit not on Santa's lap, but, to sit on the lap of Jesus as He laughs and sings with them. I HAVE to know that they are all wishing nothing but happiness for us.

I wish for all of you a very special and loving holiday that is filled with many gifts that you feel more than see! I wish you warmth in the cold. Giggles and gentle touches. Winks and hand holding. Smiles and deep belly laughter that truly comes from the heart. I pray you find forgiveness in your hearts and a dance in your step.

I send all of you my hugs and love! Have a great week. Be kind to yourself! But, especially be kind to others. Hold a door, let the car in front of you turn, smile and give someone a touch on the back.

I also have a very special holiday wish to my friends in Nutrisytem, without you, I would have never made it this far! Please visit them at www.nutrisystem.com and give yourself or someone you love the gift of a healthier life.
Nutrisytem had sponsored me and this holiday, I am happy to be 23 pounds lighter!!! It is so easy to do and the food is scrumptious!

Hugs for The Holidays

2012-12-15T22:23:00.000-05:00

Minus 22.8 Pounds and Counting

2012-11-30T18:06:00.001-05:00

I made it through Thanksgiving without over eating too much and I skipped the dessert!! In fact, I actually lost again this week!!! I am down now a total of 22.8 pounds. Yup yup yup!!! It is still coming off and steadily!

Okay, when you have a lot to lose, 22.8 pounds is just a drop in the bucket, but, if you don't think that is a lot of extra weight to carry around, go into the store and pick up a 20 pound bag of pet food and walk around with that for a day. It is difficult to do even for a half an hour.
I would never have made it without my Nutrisystem! They are there for me to answer questions and give support if I ever need them and the food, well, I just love it!!!
There is an amazing chocolate muffin for breakfast that really satisfies my chocolate craving. It is luscious! I even heat it up in the microwave for a few seconds and oh my goodness. There is also a cinnamon roll that tastes anything but diet! Amazing!
There are so many different foods to choose from that it can be difficult to decide what to eat that day!
That would be the only tough thing about Nutrisystem, deciding what to eat that day. I can not believe how easy this is and the weight is really coming off!
I love Nutrisystem and believe in them so much, that I actually want to lose all my unhealthy weight and work for them.

I remember what it was like to be thin. I know how differently some people treat you when you are round. Some people are down right mean. Which surely doesn't help the depression part that some overweight people have.

I am even enjoying exercise! In fact, today, I went to my niece Tiffany (also on Nutrisystem) and we did her Wii fit today and I even did a couple of songs on the Michael Jackson experience. So much fun!! You can also follow her progress HERE http://bookcoverjustice.blogspot.com/

I have a long way to go, but, I am doing it! It can be done! Please, if you have weight to lose, I would love for you to try Nutrisystem and see just how easy it is to lose that unhealthy poundage without feeling deprived!

The holidays are now upon us which usually means seeing friends and family, which can bring along eating and drinking things that aren't always a good choice. I have to admit, I wanted to start Nutrisystem after the holidays so that I could still indulge myself in the unhealthy foods that I thought I wanted. But, now, I am so thankful that I started a couple months back because now I really think about what is going into my mouth! I am now proud of my choices, own I fill up on raw veggies and fruits, I have cut way back on my diet coke and my drink water for the most part. I even feel more energized and there is something else, I BELIEVE! I Believe that I will succeed!!!

So, here is to a great healthy week end with plenty of fresh air, exercise, water and good food choices!!

My journey to a healthier life style is Thanks to NUTRISYSTEM. I invite you to come along with me for mutual support. If you would also like to join NutriSystem, either click any where you see their name and it will link you right to their site!
Please visit Nutrisystem at www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog or you can also call them @ 1-888-853-4689 and join the Nutrisystem family too!!

Disclosure: I am receiving free Nutrisystem products and services (yay!!) in exchange for my participation and honest review of the program!I

You can also follow Nutrisystem on Facebook, @Nutrisystem on Twitter, as well as on any other social media channels you are a part of (i.e. YouTube, Pinterest & Google+)

So Many Different Faces

2012-11-13T10:24:00.001-05:00

Not a day goes by that we all don't face some type of choice.
What to wear, what kind of mood to express, highway, back roads, give the homeless person some money or some food, pay for some one else's toll, pay for a strangers lunch?
Is there something that you can do today to brighten up someone's life a little bit? A smile? A simple touch? A really tight hug?
So many choices. So many different faces to wear for others to see. What face are you showing?
I made a choice to be happy today. No matter the heartache that rips my soul apart; I will put on my happy face.
Today is the fifth anniversary of my husband becoming an angel. Like today, it was raining, which didn't surprise me because it rained when we met, our first date, and our wedding.
Taking the dogs outside today, I let the rain fall over me. I stood looking up into the sky and let my tears be mixed in the the raindrops from Heaven.
When someone you love so deeply is called Home, the grief never fades. It doesn't get better with time! Why do people say that? It just gets different. So very different. You lose friends and sometimes family that just can't seem to understand how you can still ache or they just don't know how to talk to you any more. Sometimes seeing you reminds them too much about their own pain.
Some things people say to try and "help" you through the grief are not helpful at all. For those of you who say "God won't give you anything you can't handle" Please for the love of God, STOP IT!!! It is NOT helpful.
How can you say that to a parent that has lost a child, to rape victims, or when someone's home burns down or gets foreclosed on. The last thing we want to hear is that.
For me, it made me question my faith! I am happy to say that I have regained or renewed my faith but its been a very hard road.
Today I want to focus on the good. I have gained hope again and new friendships. I have forgiven those that walked away from us. I have forgiven those that stole from us (at least I'm trying to😕).
Good things are starting to happen in our lives. My daughter's friend is getting married and wants my daughter to be with her do badly, she paid for my daughters cruise!!
Even though I am out of work, I have not had to worry about food, thanks to Meredith Bandy at Nutrisystem!
I have been given free products in order to write about my journey to becoming healthy!
So. Instead of eating foods that fill you but are so very unhealthy, Nutrisystem provides me with not only healthy and nutritious foods but it is extremely delushious! Yes, De-Lush-ious!! That's even yummier than delicious!
Am I hungry, ehhh sometimes, but, I make such better choices for a snack!
I am learning to stop eating when emotions take over. I let my emotions out for a little bit. I now exercise and have a goal again in my life!
My goal? Oh, I am going to be a success story for Nutrisystem and I want to work for them! I also want to be able to get my daughter on this wonderful program so that she too will become healthy and self confident. I want to be one of the girls in the commercials, I want to be an inspiration to someone. Someone who thinks there is no hope left!
Good things DO happen to good people!
So today, the choice I make is to be happy! Happy that I had such a wonderful husband and that he was such a great dad and friend to all those who knew him!
Happy that I am on the road to being heathy and happy that my faith has been renewed.
Will you also choose to be happy today? Please join me in becoming a better YOU!
Since I am posting from my phone it won't let me set you up with a link to Nutrisystem. Be good to yourself and go to www.nutrisystem.com and join! You will begin to feel hopeful again! There is no stress, everything is right there to help you! Counselors and new friends to help you through rough spots and celebrate your successes!
Trust me! It really works!! I am down 18 pounds!! Waaaahooooo!!
*discloser: I was given free product in exchange for my honest opinion. In no way am I told what to say. Your opinion may be different than mine, but, that is okay! That is what makes us unique and special. Today, remember YOU ARE SPECIAL and deserve to feel that way!! So, won't you please join me on the road to a healthier lifestyle?

Monday's Read ~ Enchanted By Starlight

2012-11-12T13:43:00.000-05:00

Enchanted By Starlight by Tina L. Hook

Publication Date: October 16, 2012

This enchanting story is set around three girls, Skylar ( love that name) Grace and Alaina.
Each girl has to find for herself her true meaning for enchantment through lives that are intertwined through envy, deception and love.
If you are one that wishes on stars when you look up into the sky, this is surely a book that you will find very difficult to put down! It is truly magic!
Bravo Miss Tina! Bravo!!!
The story take place Florida
Skylar, Grace and Alaina have magical powers that were given to them from comets. each a different comet, each a different gift.Sklylar wanted so badly to be someone important and not judged by the her clothes or small home. She grew up in a small home and couldn't wait to get away. She falls in love but, he just couldn't give her what she thought she needed.
Grace was very kind hearted and a devoted and true friend. She had a special power over men. She was unsure of herself. I think though, she may have been my favorite of the girls. She was kind and cared about her friends.
That brings us to Alaina. I didn't like her. She really angered me. She was mean and spiteful and lived to ruin everything for Skylar.
I loved this book! I loved how the characters intertwined from early in life. Once I picked it up, I just couldn't put it down. I really enjoy that there was a magical twist to this book that sets it at the must read category!

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Losing With Betsy~never never never give up

2012-11-09T14:24:00.000-05:00

Thank you NUTRISYSTEM!!!

Great words to live by!

I had a really tough week. I let things get to me and as a consequence, I ended up falling into bad habits. So, I have picked myself up and kicked myself in the butt several times (Too bad that doesn't count as exercise) and I am back into forward motion with my life.

The anniversary of my husband's death (and my dad's 10 days later, my mom six month prior) is coming up this week and I let it get the best of me. But, I have decided that I need to focus on the joy that their lives gave to me.

God truly blessed me. I am so thankful for the love that I was so lucky to have had. Also I loved my childhood. My parents were tons of fun and we always were laughing. So, this year on the 5th anniversary, I will celebrate their lives and not dwell on their deaths.

I owe it to myself and to our daughter to continue my new healthy lifestyle. I like how I feel when I am in control of my progress. With the help of NutriSystem I WILL Succeed!!! I even have family members using NutriSystem. Both my sister and my niece have also joined!!

My niece has type II diabetes and guess what!?!? NutriSystem has a program especially made for that! Please check out their site by clicking on their name and see all they have to offer! You will be amazed!

My niece and I are getting together a couple of days a week to use her elliptical and her Wii Fit so that we will be able to have fun while we push each other to our goal of a healthy weight. It always helps to have support!

I also have decided to make my daughter her Christmas gifts. I love to knit and crochet and guess what, it also helps me not think about eating! I found some beautiful yarns to work with. (once they are finished, I will take pictures and upload them to show the finished projects.)

So, here is to a great healthy week end with plenty of fresh air, exercise, water and good food choices!!

My journey to a healthier life style is Thanks to NUTRISYSTEM. I invite you to come along with me for mutual support. If you would also like to join NutriSystem, either click any where you see their name and it will link you right to their site!
Please visit Nutrisystem at www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog or you can also call them @ 1-888-853-4689 and join the Nutrisystem family too!!

Disclosure: I am receiving free Nutrisystem products and services (yay!!) in exchange for my participation and honest review of the program!I

You can also follow Nutrisystem on Facebook, @Nutrisystem on Twitter, as well as on any other social media channels you are a part of (i.e. YouTube, Pinterest & Google+)

I hate you November

2012-11-05T12:18:00.001-05:00

Yes, that is right. It's the only month I truly don't like! It does have some redeeming factors such as some people that I love were born this month. And there is Thanksgiving to end the month, but, it doesn't at all stop the lump stuck in my throat.
I am a person that continuously count my blessings. Even still, after the year of sadness I still can count not only the blessings that I have, but, the blessings that were once mine.
For those of you born or have blessings born in November please forgive me if this post offends you.
To me, I feel this month should be called Noremember ... Although that wouldn't stop the heavy heartache that even my medication can't touch.
Please don't think that I am being selfish. I know that others are also hurting this month. Normally, I am like a big fluffy comforter and if you are hurting, I will wrap my self around you and take on your pain. But, not in November. I can barely survive my own pain and wish so badly for a comforter of my own to take this pain and emptiness away.
It has been like this for five years now. Five years! Oh yes, I also hate the year 2007. My daughter and I watched the ball drop and become 2008 and all we could do was hug each other and weep!
I love October. It's full of hope and color and scents that reminds me of childhood days with my dad raking leaves into piles just for us to jump in while my mom would be busy in the kitchen cooking up something magical.
I love the crispness in the air and the warmth of the sun. Yes, I have to say, my most favorite month is October.
We were married in October, my Peter Pan and I. My darling Gilly, never seen without a smile on his face and a handshake or clap on the back for everyone.
He reminded me a lot of my dad. Great sense of humor, always with a joke or six to tell. Didn't swear. True gentlemen. A handshake from them was better than any signed contract. They were honest men who would do anything to help you.
In 2007, on my wedding anniversary, 2 things happened that dropped me to my knees. Took the wind out of my sails as my dad and Gilly would have said.
My dad, my dear sweet dad, fell. He fell in his bathroom and cracked his head. This part just rips my heart open... He laid there for two hours, before his neighbor came into check on him and found him there.
The neighbor called me and asked me to come sit with him, but, my husband was throwing up so, I called my sister Chrissy and asked her to sit with him.
When she got to our dads, she decided to get him to the hospital to have the bump on his head checked out. The hospital kept him for observation.
My Gilly wasn't getting better, we ended up at the same hospital as my dad. While the techs were taking X-rays of my husbands chest, I ran up to see my dad.
I kissed him and ran back down to the ER to see my husband. The doctor came in and said he thinks that my husband is having a heart attack! Things are kind of hazy there since panic set into me. I know I must have texted our daughter Leah because she ended up with me.
The doctor decided to operate and see what was happening...
When the doctor came and sat with me, the first thing he said was that my husband was a very sick man.
A balloon pump was placed into his heart and we were transported to Boston for a heart transplant. Once in Boston, I begged the doctors to use my heart! I told them that it was already his and I wouldn't need it if he died. They just patted my hand and said no dear. That wasn't how things worked. There was no one to blame, some people just don't have healthy hearts.
My husband who had the heart if an angel. Always helped those in need. Always there to put a smile on your face and happiness in your own heart! That beautiful heart of his could just not hold on any longer. On a cold and rainy morning at 2:30 in a room filled with Beatle music and get well cards, my husband had to go.
I searched in the corners of the room for his spirit and begged him to get back into his body! I washed him and kept kissing him but he just wouldn't wake up! Even my tears weren't magical enough to bring him back!
I still had the belief that God would suddenly have Gilly take a gasp of air and his beautiful heart would beat again. He would be a miracle.
I now know that he was a miracle that God put into my life. With Gilly, I was able to find me. He brought with him his love for God and me and Leah.
No matter what some his family wants to think of us, they forget that Gilly picked us! He loved us with the last beat of his beautiful heart.
We were one. So how do you move forward when a very part of you is gone? All your future that you had planned out together... Gone!
We were going to be that cute old couple that lived in the woods and walked every day holding hands and waving at everyone.
On that cold November day, all my hopes and dreams were washed away in the rain.

And so it rained! Cold lonely rain.
The rain, the rain came at all the important dates in our lives. We met up in a pouring rain storm, our first date, thunderstorm, our wedding and honeymoon, rain...November 13, rain!
I lost so much that cold rainy morning! I was lost, in shock and angry! I was angry at God! I couldn't believe that a God who is supposed to love so loving, could take my husband, my future away from me!
I have never been angry at my husband for not being able to hang on to this life. No, my anger was directed at God. The God that I prayed so hard to all my life! What had I done so terribly in my life to have him not only do this to me but to my innocent daughter.
He took my sweet mom in May, my job, my friend Susan Whipple, my daughter and roommates fire at her dorm, her roommate Tasha's dads death, my husbands best friend Dennis Cobb death, our restaurant closing ... My life used to be so blessed! Then in 6 short months, I lost my faith. Faith in God, faith in people.
Five days after burying my husband, 10 days after my husband died, my dad left us and joined my mom. Before he joined my mom I told him that when he got to heaven to tell God that He made a huge mistake when He took Gilly.
My sweet sweet loving dad had taken my hand and told me that God doesn't make mistakes and He leaves the strong behind. We cried together. He was sorry that he couldn't be with me at Gilly's funeral.
I was laying in my parents bed, the day after Thanksgiving when the phone rang and my brother told that my dad was gone.
As sad as I was, I was so happy for my dad! For as hard as my husband was trying to live, my dad was trying to die.
I didn't cry at my dads funeral. Maybe it was that I was still in shock. I don't know. I knew my dad was where he wanted to be. He was with my mom!

For 62 years he and his bride were married. They had been through so much together, births, miscarriages, cancers, war, heart attacks, pace makers, Alzheimer's. They had a special love that happens to so few of us.
Because of the love they had for each other, it was what I searched for and found.
I knew what we all had was special and I was thankful and counted my blessings.
I look back at those long five years and see just how far I've come. Oh I still wonder how a shattered heart can still beat, but, I have gained some of my faith back.
I will never heal completely, I know that. But, I am able to put a smile on my face and pretend that I am okay.
But, if you knew me before, you would see through my facáde. You would see that my eyes don't have the same twinkle, in fact they aren't even as blue any more. My laugh, although it is a great one, it isn't filled with the joy that it once had.
And you would know how I desperately need to be hugged and reassured that there are still bright days ahead.
Oh November, yes I hate you!

Losing With Betsy ~ Protein Drink Ideas

2012-11-02T05:26:00.001-04:00

I am one that lives to experiment when making foods and drinks. Sometimes, the product needs to be thrown away because even the dogs run from it.
( Just kidding, I am very careful about what I feed my best friends)
But, sometimes, I can produce some very very tasty treats for the taste buds!
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE the taste of the protein drinks from Nutrisystem!! But, I play with my food.
So this morning I was craving an iced mocha latte. Two problems arose, lack of funds to shell out for a coffee and lack of gas to get to a coffee shop.
Hmmmm what is a caffeine and chocolate addicted girl to do?
Well, that is when ideas start popping around in my little brain like popcorn doing its little dance of explosion in hot oil.
Yes, I can make this!!! So, since the shakes are so thick, and I didn't really feel like having a milk shake.
I decided to double the liquid ... The liquid was fresh coffee and add an envelope of the chocolate protein mix to it with about 5 ice cubes. ( I love ice! Even when the weather gets cold)
I shook it up really well ( which reminds me, I need to order the special mixing cup Nutrisystem has that comes with a metal ball inside so it will mix up completely... No funny lumps lingering)
The result was a success!!! I ended up adding more coffee since it was still a bit thick for my taste but, I had 3 full cups of this delushious concoction that I split up and drank throughout the day! Yummo!
Another few concoctions that were also successful were , banana in the strawberry,( need a blender for that one, but, so worth it) strawberries in the strawberry, raspberries in the vanilla.
The coffee flavored protein drink is pretty sweet since I don't use hardly any sweetener in my coffee so, mixing it with coffee is also sooo good!!
Please try these and let me know, what have you tried? Successes and failures?
I was thinking of adding some peanut-butter to the vanilla and making it thicker, then maybe crush a graham cracker and have peanut butter pie!
Or adding pumpkin! I will have to try that since Thanksgiving is coming up pretty quickly.
Here's hoping that you have a very successful day! And remember, if you fall down, pick yourself back up, brush away the feeling of failure, and make a better choice next time! You can do this! We can do this!!!
Hugs!

* these are all my own opinions and I in no way am told what to write or what to say!

My journey to a healthier life style is Thanks to #NUTRISYSTEM. I invite you to come along with me for mutual support. If you would also like to join NutriSystem, either click any where you see their name and it will link you right to their site!
Please visit Nutrisystem at www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog or you can also call them @ 1-888-853-4689 and join the Nutrisystem family too!!
Disclosure: I am recieving free Nutrisystem products and services (yay!!) in exchange for my participation and honest review of the program!

You can also follow Nutrisystem on Facebook, @Nutrisystem on Twitter, as well as on any other social media channels you are a part of (i.e. YouTube, Pinterest & Google+)

Losing With Betsy~Ridin' The Storm Out

2012-10-30T13:02:00.001-04:00

Living in the woods of Maine is so serene...normally. Our neighbors are the trees so during a storm that threatens downed trees and loss of electricity, when you are told to prepare, that is what you do. You prepare.
You make certain to charge everything you can, phones especially. Make sure to have plenty of water on hand and food that you don't need to cook.
I love my spot in the woods. I have healed greatly here since losing my home, both my parents, and my darling husband.
This is where my husband would have wanted to live and this little spot feels so safe, even during storms.
The front room is basically all glass and faces south to benefit from the sun's warmth all day.
During the day, before the hurricane was directly on us, was indeed something to watch. The strength of the trees that surround this house is awesome.
These beautiful trees have wonderful flexibility. They seem to dance in a swaying rhythm and their branches reach out to each other to waltz and dip to the music of the wind.
As beautiful as it looks, it is also very dangerous. Sometimes the wind can be such a bully that it can blow an older tree right over hitting power lines and causing outages everywhere.
So, how does this bring me to a losing with Betsy article??
When my daughter Leah and I lost power, we were set with healthy foods that needed no cooking to eat and we pre washed everything incase of no water.
We had fresh salad veggies and fresh fruits. Such a great thing to grab when you are an emotional eater and feel you need to pop something in your mouth!
Also I mix the chocolate protein mix with coffee instead of water and oh my, what a delushious ( delushious is a few taste buds better than delicious)
And with my lunch bars added, I ride out the storm, proud of myself for sticking to my NEW healthy lifestyle!
Today, I woke up and thanked God that we were all safe and the angels for protecting my spot in the woods and of course Nutrisystem for keeping me on the right track to staying healthy!

So, I have to say, I should never fear, Nutrisystem is there to guide me and even help me through the bumps and dips in the road. They are just a phone call away if I need to get added support or have any questions.
Are you struggling with weight and poor health? I can say, there is no need to fear, please make the right decision and come get healthy with me. We can and WILL do this... Together!!!
* these are all my own opinions and I in no way am told what to write or what to say!

My journey to a healthier life style is Thanks to #NUTRISYSTEM. I invite you to come along with me for mutual support. If you would also like to join NutriSystem, either click any where you see their name and it will link you right to their site!
Please visit Nutrisystem at www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog or you can also call them @ 1-888-853-4689 and join the Nutrisystem family too!!
Disclosure: I am recieving free Nutrisystem products and services (yay!!) in exchange for my participation and honest review of the program!

You can also follow Nutrisystem on Facebook, @Nutrisystem on Twitter, as well as on any other social media channels you are a part of (i.e. YouTube, Pinterest & Google+)

Perfect Bait from Michael Fowlkes

2012-10-29T12:02:00.001-04:00

I received Perfect Bait to read and give a review.
I honestly feel someone with knowledge and love of the working of boats would enjoy this book more than I did.
It was supposed to be a thriller, which it was but not until the last third of the book. Then, some of the scenes were very graphically violent.
The author's details definitely made your heart race! The love scenes were not for the shy and although I am not shy, there were times that I felt myself blush.
I love the strong women characters that were in the story!
All in all, I wrestled with what I should score this book at and I decided upon 2 bookmarks out of 5 bookmarks. For me, this was a book to read but I tended to day dream a bit with all the workings of a boat.

Losing With Betsy~No Need To Fear!

2012-10-29T06:36:00.001-04:00

This week is week 3 and I am so very excited to tell you, I lost 1/2 pound! Now my total loss is - 10 1/2 pounds!

I have to tell you that my daughter Leah and I had a Halloween Party this past week-end. It was great fun and very successful as far as parties go, but, for my trying to become healthy, it was not a really good night.
Although even in 3 weeks, I have adopted some fantastic eating habits. I didn't over eat, but, I did make some not so healthy choices. Normally, that would be enough to throw my hands up in the air and say, oh who cares!? I've blown it for good now!!!
But, not this time! This time when I woke up in the morning, I opened my freezer, took out a package of Nutrisystem pancakes and forgave myself.
I got right back on track!!! Of course, getting right back on track was very easy when the food is just so delicious and very filling! And taste is very important to me.
Sometimes, I am a bit fearful to try a new flavor like the Moroccan Inspired Chicken from the frozen meal section. It wasn't the chicken or the spinach that I was apprehensive about, it was the side of cinnamon bulgar wheat. I love cinnamon, but, never had I eaten bulgar wheat. I have never had bulgar wheat even in conversation.
I have to admit, the first bite was interesting and I wasn't sure that I liked the texture or the taste, but, I am determined to eat healthy and become fit! The second bite was more pleasant and at the end if my meal, I was kind of wishing that I had some more.
I have to say, I was very impressed and look forward to eating that meal again!
The frozen meals come inside a steam fresh bag. With this type of cooking, everything is cooked so thoroughly that there aren't any cold spots like you sometimes get in frozen meals. The taste is also so full of flavor and the juices are not all dried out!
I have to say that I always figured that Nutrisystem was just a hype but, after eating the food which is soooo delushious, yes Delushious! My goal is to become a spokeswoman for them.

I have to admit, I have loved Marie Osmond and Janet Jackson since I was young and grew up listening and following them. So, because of that they seem almost like family even though they don't know me. I have known them for do many years and have followed their weight loss and healthier bodies from joining Nutrisystem!
My sister Chrissy also influenced me to seek out Nutrisystem to get healthy because she is successful because of them also!!
So, I have to say, I should never fear, Nutrisystem is there to guide me and even help me through the bumps and dips in the road. They are just a phone call away if I need to get added support or have any questions.
Are you struggling with weight and poor health? I can say, there is no need to fear, please make the right decision and come get healthy with me. We can and WILL do this... Together!!!
* these are all my own opinions and I in no way am told what to write or what to say!

My journey to a healthier life style is Thanks to #NUTRISYSTEM. I invite you to come along with me for mutual support. If you would also like to join NutriSystem, either click any where you see their name and it will link you right to their site!
Please visit Nutrisystem at www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog or you can also call them @ 1-888-853-4689 and join the Nutrisystem family too!!
Disclosure: I am recieving free Nutrisystem products and services (yay!!) in exchange for my participation and honest review of the program!

You can also follow Nutrisystem on Facebook, @Nutrisystem on Twitter, as well as on any other social media channels you are a part of (i.e. YouTube, Pinterest & Google+)

What cha readin' Wendnesday?

2012-10-24T10:20:00.001-04:00

I was lucky and I truly mean lucky to have received the novel ENCHANTED BY STARLIGHT to review.
This is a first novel from Tina L Hook.
Already, I am looking forward anxiously to read something else from her!! Well done, girl! Congrats on a great story.
I don't want to give anything away, so no spoilers!! 🙊
This enchanting story is set around three girls, Skylar ( love that name) Grace and Alaina.
Each girl has to find for herself her true meaning for enchantment through lives that are intertwined through envy, deception and love.
If you are one that wishes on stars when you look up into the sky, this is surely a book that you will find very difficult to put down! It is truly magic!
Bravo Miss Tina! Bravo!!!

* I did receive this book for free for my honest opinion of it. Although my opinion may differ from yours, I must say that I totally enjoyed this book from Tina L Hook and was no way persuaded by it being free to me!

I want to be half the woman I am!

2012-10-23T11:55:00.001-04:00

I want to at least weigh half of what I do anyway!!
Losing weight isn't so easy for me. But, I sure can gain it easily! I am what you call an emotional eater. Sad, eat, nervous, eat, happy, eat, bored, eat... well, you get the picture. I am sure that some of you can relate.
Since I am not one of the people lucky enough to have those great genes going for me, it is a struggle, especially since I love food.
I have to learn moderation and to listen to my body. It is so easy to over eat when you are not paying attention. You may be lost in a conversation or maybe watching television, or you just love the taste of what you are eating and want more of it.
Luckily for me, Nutrisystem came and saved my day!!! In two weeks, I have lost 10 pounds!!! I am not hungry and I am loving the chef inspired meals. I am very impressed to say the least of those frozen delights that are in a steam fresh bag! Not only do those wonderful steam fresh bags heat the food evenly, it sure doesn't taste like a frozen meal!
Since I am an emotional eater, I have to pay close attention to not give up on myself. It is too easy to give in and then give up!
I know that I can make it and be healthy again. I keep praying for the strength to lose the added poundage and be an inspiration to someone who is struggling also.
Since the year of sadness, it's been so easy to stop caring about me. It's easier to get lost in the pain and loneliness and eat, than it is to face the emptiness and go on. To get that " WHO CARES" attitude. Well, I have decided that its me, it's ME that has to care and make the best of this life that God has blessed me with.
I have taken up both my crocheting and my knitting again to keep myself from thinking about food while watching tv.
When looking back, I have traveled so very far from that girl who lost almost everything in the year of sadness. And with help from Nutrisystem, I am beginning to find myself again.

My journey to a healthier life style is Thanks to NUTRISYSTEM. I invite you to come along with me for mutual support. If you would also like to join NutriSystem, either click any where you see their name and it will link you right to their site!
Please visit Nutrisystem at www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog or you can also call them @ 1-888-853-4689 and join the Nutrisystem family too!!
Disclosure: I am recieving free Nutrisystem products and services (yay!!) in exchange for my participation and honest review of the program!

You can also follow Nutrisystem on Facebook, @Nutrisystem on Twitter, as well as on any other social media channels you are a part of (i.e. YouTube, Pinterest & Google+)

Losing With Betsy ~ And we're off!!

2012-10-12T14:24:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to have received my first box from Nutrisystem!, chuck full (2 layers) of shelf stable foods and then, a couple of days later, I received a huge cooler full of the Chef Table Collection and frozen treats. I am very excited about these meals!

I also received this bottle to help me with knowing just how much water to have each day. I love that idea, I just wish it had a built in straw, but, I devised one myself and it makes it easier for me to drink out of...the only warning I have to give you is that if you use cold water, the bottle will sweat. I tend to drink water at room temperature, so that isn't a big deal for me. I also love lemon...really love lemon, so... I squeeze the juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon into the container and take it with me where ever I go.

I am loving the foods so far!!

I love all of the breakfasts and lunches so far. The wedding soup and double chocolate muffin are among my favorites so far. The only meal that I was slightly disappointed with was the staple ready meatloaf. I am very picky about my meatloaf however, being raised on my mom's recipe, so, I just grilled up some onions and peppers and added them to my meal and was very pleased by the outcome. I will order it again since I am a meatloaf freak! I also love the protein drinks...I have even heated up my Almond milk (35 cals) and added it to the chocolate and have had a wonderfully warming and fulfilling couple of cups of hot chocolate. I have also added fresh strawberries to the sweet strawberry flavor for an incredible shake!

I love the fact that Nutrisystem is so supportive! I also visit the site to read all about the people who have succeeded already and to have any questions that I may have answered.

Oh yeah, I am really loving this and the best news so far, earlier this week, I was down 6.2 pounds!! How sweet is that AND...It hasn't been a week yet, so, I will update this week end to let you know just how much healthier I am!!!!

My journey to a healthier life style is Thanks to NUTRISYSTEM. I invite you to come along with me for mutual support. If you would also like to join NutriSystem, either click any where you see their name and it will link you right to their site!
Please visit Nutrisystem at www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog or you can also call them @ 1-888-853-4689 and join the Nutrisystem family too!!

Disclosure: I am recieving free Nutrisystem products and services (yay!!) in exchange for my participation and honest review of the program!

You can also follow Nutrisystem on Facebook, @Nutrisystem on Twitter, as well as on any other social media channels you are a part of (i.e. YouTube, Pinterest & Google+)

🌟
👉UPDATE👈
WEIGH IN WAS THIS MORNING! Weight loss 8lbs!!!💃👏

AHHHHHH October

2012-10-01T15:56:00.001-04:00

October in New England, there really isn't a more beautiful spot to be this time of year!

This year is promising to be a real beauty. It seems as if the trees changed color over night. The colors are ranging from lime green, yellows and red with dots of the evergreen trees and blue spruce here and there.

The breeze carries such a wonderful scent as it flows through the trees, making the leaves dance and sound like a room full of rustling skirts. The scent is a mixture of fresh fallen leaves, juicy apples, and soft underlying magic of fire places being lit to take off the sudden chill in the air.

.

This is my favorite month. There is a lack of biting insects and its the time of year when the air is cool in the morning and in the evening but, just perfect during the day. Now is when the laundry smells extra fresh having been dried outside and the fashion goes from shorts and tank tops to sweat shirts and jeans.

Week ends are full of raking up leaves into big piles that have kids all giddy waiting to jump into the pile of them. Having bonfires and roasting marshmallows.

If you get a chance, please come on up to New England and soak in the beauty! I am sure that you wont regret it.

A lot excited to be a little less of me

2012-09-28T14:17:00.000-04:00

I am so excited!! I have been chosen
to be part of the NutriSystem Blog nation!

YAY ME!!!

My order is submitted, so stay tuned for the start of my healthy journey!!

Most over weight people can tell you of how the added weight can cause insecurities. We are treated differently at times and looked at with disgust. Some people even are cruel enough to make comments that are loud enough for us to hear. As with all tolerances, they are hurtful and do damage.
It even seems that a star gaining weight is even worse than being exposed on a sex tape or being caught for drunk driving.
I am one of the people that wasn't always chunky, thick, chubby, pleasantly plump, fluffy, obese, fat or any other adjective that is used to describe those of us that would benefit, health wise to take off the added pounds.
So, I will take you along with me on my individual journey on how the weight gain started and my road to being healthier!
Along with Nutrisystem, I will share my tips on how to eat healthier and also how to get all those glasses of water in.
If you have a journey to take, please come along and join me. We can travel together to look and feel better before the new year!

Please visit Nutrisystem at www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

or you can also call them @ 1-888-853-4689 and join the

Nutrisystem family too!!

You can also follow Nutrisystem on Facebook, @Nutrisystem on Twitter, as well as on any other social media channels you are a part of (i.e. YouTube, Pinterest & Google+)

Disclosure: I am recieving free Nutrisystem products and services (yay!!) in exchange for my participation and honest review of the program!

Mohawk Area Rug Giveaway

2012-09-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

Schmoozing with Betsy is proud to

Welcome You to The Mohawk Area Rug Giveaway

This giveaway is brought to you by

Mohawk Flooring

The giveaway is hosted byCouponing With Integrity and Giveaway Gator.

Co-hosted by Schmoozing with Betsy,

Mommy Lesson Plans and Pea of Sweetness

My friends, the owners of Giveaway Gator, recently were given a Mohawk Area Rug from
Mohawk Flooring to review. Please continue reading below to see what they have to say about their area rug and don't forget to sign up for your chance to win one of these fabulous rugs!

Raising 4 kids in a 3 bedroom house has taken its toll on our home. The floors took the worst beating. Some time back we opted for tile floor because it was just so much easier to keep clean than a carpet. The problem with having wall to wall tile is that it takes some of the warmth out of the house. I don't mean temperature, I mean the warm relaxed feeling you have in your home. Keeping the house clean is important but, you don't want your house to feel clinical.

Area rugs are a great way to bring some warmth back into a home. In our case we have a fireplace that is dead center in the house and it does draw your eye to it when you walk into our home. A fireplace to me, should be a gathering area on cold winter nights but, we did not have any rugs in this area so even on the coldest nights, you would find the kids sitting on the couch far away from the heat of the fire.

When Mohawk provided us with an opportunity to review their area rugs, my wife and I jointly decided that the fireplace was going to be the ideal place to put the rug they will send but first we had to decide on a rug. My wife and I have very different tastes in home decor. I like plain simple earth tones and my wife likes flare. Thanks to my wife's flare our bedroom is painted purple so I at first thought that we were going to have a hard time picking an area rug to go in front of the fireplace but truthfully it was not hard to do because

Mohawk rugs are for the most part tastefully designed with very few outlandish patterns. Don't get me wrong you can find a Mohawk rug to match any style or decor in any house but my wife and I soon found a rug that we could both agree on. Our rug has a modern abstract geometric pattern featuring circles, squares and stripes while the colors were of browns and beige's. I don't think anything we ever had to pick together went this smoothly. We are delighted with the area rug and the added warmth, our living room has brightened our home up considerably.

I must add that Mohawk manufactures in the US and I have a deep seated believe in supporting American companies. In a time when many American companies fell, Mohawk kept going strong; for that I, salute them.

About Mohawk

Mohawk Industries is one of the world's largest floor covering manufacturers and distributors and is a leading producer of yarn, ceramic tile, area rugs and bath mats. Mohawk Industries is headquartered in Calhoun, Georgia. Mohawk designs, manufactures and markets woven and tufted broadloom carpet, area and accent rugs and mats and a variety of hard surface flooring products. Mohawk Home products can be purchased in stores nationwide and through their websites. Finding the right rug is just a click away.

Home Depot

Kohl's

Target

Walmart

Bed Bath and Beyond

JCP

Lowe's

Sear's

Meard's

About the giveaway

One winner will receive a 5' x 8' Mohawk area rug up to $150.00 in value.
*******

This giveaway runs from 12:01am on 9/11/2012 until 12:01am on 10/02/2012

You must be a US resident 18 years old or older to be eligible

All entries will be verified.

Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected.

By entering the giveaway you are acknowledging the above.

About the prize:

One winner will receive a 5' x 8' Mohawk area rug up to $150.00 in value.
***

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Disclosure: The owners of giveawaygator.com received one area rug similar to prize in order to review the product. We did not receive any monetary compensation for this giveaway or review. Our views are our own and may differ from yours. Schmoozing With Betsy is not responsible for shipping the prize.

Feel the OO Giveaway

2012-09-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Schmoozing With Betsy

Welcomes You to the

Feel the OO Giveaway

If you want to say OO my feet feel so good,

then you really need to have a pair of the OOfos open shoes!!

This giveaway is brought to you by OOfos

The giveaway is hosted by
Couponing With Integrity and Giveaway Gator.

Co-hosted by
Mommy Lesson Plans , Pea of Sweetness and Swank Savings

About OOfos:

We can get into the technical aspects of OOfos but let's be honest here, what matters is this: OOfos uses a type of foam that absorbs 37% more impact energy than most other shoes.
OOfos is very light. OOfos uses a patented foot bed design that helps your feet feel comfortable. Shoes that absorb impact, are light and are comfortable are by far the best types of shoes because they prevent your feet from making you feel uncomfortable.
You have all heard somebody say "My dogs are tired". You can usually see that the person who said that looks tired and uncomfortable. The reason for this is your comfort during the day depends a great deal on having comfortable shoes.
OOfos describes the comfortable feeling you get from wearing their shoes as "the OO" The one thing that I don't like about open shoes is that your feet get dirty from dust and grime and this dirt is then walked into the shoe and makes the shoe look dirty and grimy. I'm not a clean freak but, OOfos has another OO for me. The OO, it is machine washable OO feeling.
OOfos is constructed as one piece so there is no stitching or glue used to make the shoe, so you can toss them in the wash without wondering if they will fall apart. I highly recommend open shoes like the OOfos thong or slide for young kids, especially teenage boys. I spent a good deal of my childhood in a boarding school and smelly feet is something I'm unfortunately very familiar with.
Nothing helps more than getting those smelly feet in some clean air and a bit of sunlight and the OOfos shoes are perfect for that. Spending my entire day in hard leather school uniform shoes I quickly learned that feet can not be kept in shoes all day every day or they start to attract bacteria that causes the bad foot smell.
There are two very effective treatments for bacteria, O2 or oxygen from the air around us and ultraviolet light from sunlight so I would spend as much time as possible barefoot or wearing open shoes. Adults can gain the same benefits for OOfos. Let's not pretend adults feet don't like to be comfortable and get some fresh air. OOfos do come in male and female sizes so Mom and Dad can both feel the OO and strut around in their lightweight and ultra comfortable OOfos too.

About the Foot Bed Design

If you look at to OOFos foot bed you will notice that the shoe starts off higher in the back and slopes down to the ball of the foot. The inner foot area is also raised. When you slip your foot in to the shoe the shoe fits the natural shape of your foot perfectly while some other shoes of the same design are flat and unnatural. This is one of the reasons why this shoe is so comfortable.

About the giveaway

Begins 12:01am on: 09/06/2012 Ends 12:01am on: 09/21/2012

All times are EST
You must be a US resident 18 years old or older to be eligible
All entries will be verified.
Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected.
By entering the giveaway you are acknowledging the above.

About the prize:

One winner will receive a pair of OOFos shoes of their choice. Kids and adult shoes are available in both male and female sizes. a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway *Disclosure: We did not receive any monetary compensation for this giveaway or review. Our views are our own and my differ from yours. Schmoozing With Betsy is not responsible for shipping the prize.

Schmoozing With Betsy

If the world flops you upside down...

ecoATM. Get $$ for Old cell phones!

And Sometimes..,

You've ...Got Text ...

I can move Mountains!

And the tears fall

Love Yourself

Hugs For the Holidays

Hugs for The Holidays

Minus 22.8 Pounds and Counting

I made it through Thanksgiving without over eating too much and I skipped the dessert!! In fact, I actually lost again this week!!! I am down now a total of 22.8 pounds. Yup yup yup!!! It is still coming off and steadily!

I remember what it was like to be thin. I know how differently some people treat you when you are round. Some people are down right mean. Which surely doesn't help the depression part that some overweight people have.

I am even enjoying exercise! In fact, today, I went to my niece Tiffany (also on Nutrisystem) and we did her Wii fit today and I even did a couple of songs on the Michael Jackson experience. So much fun!! You can also follow her progress HERE http://bookcoverjustice.blogspot.com/

I have a long way to go, but, I am doing it! It can be done! Please, if you have weight to lose, I would love for you to try Nutrisystem and see just how easy it is to lose that unhealthy poundage without feeling deprived!

So, here is to a great healthy week end with plenty of fresh air, exercise, water and good food choices!!

You can also follow Nutrisystem on Facebook, @Nutrisystem on Twitter, as well as on any other social media channels you are a part of (i.e. YouTube, Pinterest & Google+)

So Many Different Faces

Monday's Read ~ Enchanted By Starlight

Enchanted By Starlight by Tina L. Hook

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Losing With Betsy~never never never give up

Thank you NUTRISYSTEM!!!

Great words to live by!

I had a really tough week. I let things get to me and as a consequence, I ended up falling into bad habits. So, I have picked myself up and kicked myself in the butt several times (Too bad that doesn't count as exercise) and I am back into forward motion with my life.

The anniversary of my husband's death (and my dad's 10 days later, my mom six month prior) is coming up this week and I let it get the best of me. But, I have decided that I need to focus on the joy that their lives gave to me.

God truly blessed me. I am so thankful for the love that I was so lucky to have had. Also I loved my childhood. My parents were tons of fun and we always were laughing. So, this year on the 5th anniversary, I will celebrate their lives and not dwell on their deaths.

I owe it to myself and to our daughter to continue my new healthy lifestyle. I like how I feel when I am in control of my progress. With the help of NutriSystem I WILL Succeed!!! I even have family members using NutriSystem. Both my sister and my niece have also joined!!

So, here is to a great healthy week end with plenty of fresh air, exercise, water and good food choices!!

You can also follow Nutrisystem on Facebook, @Nutrisystem on Twitter, as well as on any other social media channels you are a part of (i.e. YouTube, Pinterest & Google+)

I hate you November

Losing With Betsy ~ Protein Drink Ideas

Losing With Betsy~Ridin' The Storm Out

Perfect Bait from Michael Fowlkes

Losing With Betsy~No Need To Fear!

What cha readin' Wendnesday?

I want to be half the woman I am!

Losing With Betsy ~ And we're off!!

You can also follow Nutrisystem on Facebook, @Nutrisystem on Twitter, as well as on any other social media channels you are a part of (i.e. YouTube, Pinterest & Google+)

AHHHHHH October

October in New England, there really isn't a more beautiful spot to be this time of year!

This year is promising to be a real beauty. It seems as if the trees changed color over night. The colors are ranging from lime green, yellows and red with dots of the evergreen trees and blue spruce here and there.

The breeze carries such a wonderful scent as it flows through the trees, making the leaves dance and sound like a room full of rustling skirts. The scent is a mixture of fresh fallen leaves, juicy apples, and soft underlying magic of fire places being lit to take off the sudden chill in the air.

.

Week ends are full of raking up leaves into big piles that have kids all giddy waiting to jump into the pile of them. Having bonfires and roasting marshmallows.

If you get a chance, please come on up to New England and soak in the beauty! I am sure that you wont regret it.

A lot excited to be a little less of me

I am so excited!! I have been chosento be part of the NutriSystem Blog nation!

My order is submitted, so stay tuned for the start of my healthy journey!!

You can also follow Nutrisystem on Facebook, @Nutrisystem on Twitter, as well as on any other social media channels you are a part of (i.e. YouTube, Pinterest & Google+)

Mohawk Area Rug Giveaway

Schmoozing with Betsy is proud to

Welcome You to The Mohawk Area Rug Giveaway

This giveaway is brought to you by

Mohawk Flooring

The giveaway is hosted byCouponing With Integrity and Giveaway Gator.

The giveaway is hosted byCouponing With Integrity and Giveaway Gator.

Co-hosted by Schmoozing with Betsy,

Mommy Lesson Plans and Pea of Sweetness

My friends, the owners of Giveaway Gator, recently were given a Mohawk Area Rug from Mohawk Flooring to review. Please continue reading below to see what they have to say about their area rug and don't forget to sign up for your chance to win one of these fabulous rugs!

I must add that Mohawk manufactures in the US and I have a deep seated believe in supporting American companies. In a time when many American companies fell, Mohawk kept going strong; for that I, salute them.

About Mohawk

About the prize:

Feel the OO Giveaway

Schmoozing With Betsy

Welcomes You to the

Feel the OO Giveaway

If you want to say OO my feet feel so good, then you really need to have a pair of the OOfos open shoes!!

This giveaway is brought to you by OOfos

The giveaway is hosted by Couponing With Integrity and Giveaway Gator.

Co-hosted by Mommy Lesson Plans, Pea of Sweetness and Swank Savings

About OOfos:

About the Foot Bed Design

About the giveaway

About the prize:

I am so excited!! I have been chosen
to be part of the NutriSystem Blog nation!

My friends, the owners of Giveaway Gator, recently were given a Mohawk Area Rug from
Mohawk Flooring to review. Please continue reading below to see what they have to say about their area rug and don't forget to sign up for your chance to win one of these fabulous rugs!

If you want to say OO my feet feel so good,

then you really need to have a pair of the OOfos open shoes!!

The giveaway is hosted by
Couponing With Integrity and Giveaway Gator.

Co-hosted by
Mommy Lesson Plans , Pea of Sweetness and Swank Savings