Today's Quote

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
~ Mark Twain

Copaxone and Me

After a recent visit to the Neurologist, it's been recommended that I start back up on one of the DMD's (disease modifying drugs) approved to fight MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Let me just say that I am not looking forward injecting myself once again on a daily basis with a host of foreign chemicals. DMD's are known to slow the progression and severity of the MS exacerbations; unfortunately for me, I have a history of not being able to tolerate the side affects of these medications. So as you can imagine, I am not thrilled about starting the medication again, although I know it's for the best. Follow along and see how Copaxone and I get along this time around.

Lemon Squares

1 Yellow cake mix (with pudding in the mix)
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, 1 egg and the oil until mixture is crumbly. Remove 1 cup of the mixture and set asice. Press mixture into the bottom of a greased 13x9 pan and bake for 15 minutes.

Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, 1 egg and lemon juice until creamy and smooth. Spread over baked crust. Sprinkle with remaining crumb misture and press down slighly. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.

Quote of the Day

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."~ William James

Spinach Ziti

1 pkg. (16 oz.) ziti pasta
1 jar (14-16 oz.) chunky-style pasta sauce
16 oz. ricotta cheese
16 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded & divided
10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 tsp. black pepper (to taste)

Prepare pasta according to package directions and drain well. Preheat oven to 350. Spray 13"x9" pan with cooking spray. Combine cooked pasta, sauce, spinach, ricotta and 3/4 of the mozzarella cheese. Pour mixture into prepared baking pan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered 10 minutes or heated through.

The New Guy

Meet Freddie, my new roommate. He's quite entertaining to watch and enjoys being being talked to as well. Freddie has become a great little roomie, he doesn't complain and keeps his mess contained to one spot, lol.

Accept Change with a Smile

Sooner or later a crisis will enter your life, and how you meet it determines your future happiness and success.

Since the beginning of time, everyone has been called up onto meet such a crisis.

A closer look will show you that most "crisis situations" are opportunities to either advance or stay where you are.

Indeed, most changes in your life will take place out of either 'inspiration' or 'desperation.'

Whatever comes your way, give it meaning and transform it into something of value.

Your personal growth is the process of responding positively to change.

A precious stone cannot be polished without friction, nor humanity perfected without trials.

© Copyright 2008 http://www.yourdailymotivation.com

Skincare 101

Your skin is your body's largest organ; everything you put on it has the potential of being absorbed into your body. With all the chemicals, detergents and harsh ingredients found in most body care products, that is a pretty scary thought. Spagirl Gourmet offers natural, nutritious skincare solutions... targeted for all skin types! Keeping your skin beautiful and healthy does not just happen. Skin must be pampered, protected and preserved through a daily regimen of all-over body and facial skin care!

We as women need to take a little time for ourselves each day to relax, refresh and rejuvenate so we are better able to take care of those who depend on us!

http://www.SpaPartiesByKim.com

Spagirl Gourmet

I joined Spagirl Gourmet as an Independent Consultant after falling in love with the products this company offers. I do have to say that the Ultra Smooth Body Butter soothes dry skin like nothing I have ever tried before!

A little info about Spagirl Gourmet..."Spagirl Gourmet was created as the recipe for natural, nutritious, ageless skincare! Our gourmet, spa quality collection of body and skincare products are ideal for the busy, modern day mom and woman. Our aloe-based, antioxidant rich, paraben free products blend natural botanicals with fruit extracts to pamper and care for the skin naturally. Our feminine, soothing, colorful design and sensuous fine fragrances furthers our mission to turn the functional necessity of personal care into a deluxe sensorial experience... at an affordable price."

http://www.spapartiesbykim.com

Brrr...

It's a balmy 26 degrees outside and I'm certainly not rushing to get out of the house this morning. I have a nice warm cup of coffee, am snuggled under a blanket and warm slippers on my feet.... do I really need to go out in this weather to run errands? Maybe I could put them off for another day? Actually snow is in tomorrows forecast, so I'm slowly trying to motivate myself to get moving, bundle up and embrace this cold winter day!

Banana Pecan Muffins and Bread

My family loves these muffins... if you like bananas, you'll love them too!

1 egg
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup oil
2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2-3 bananas, mashed
½ cup pecans (optional)

Beat egg, add buttermilk and oil. Mix in dry ingredients, add bananas and pecans. Fill greased muffin tins and bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.

For Banana Bread – mix as above and pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes.

Grandchildren

I have a grandson, who I affectionately call "Little Man" and a furr-grandbaby named Nekoda. Here they are enjoying a recent snowfall.

My Story

In my early thirties, I was a busy wife and mom working full-time while raising three young sons. Out of the clear blue sky, came along some unusual symptoms and a diagnose of Multiple Sclerosis. Then as if MS wasn't enough, after a few years of unexplained pain, I was blessed with a Fibromyalgia diagnose. Needless to say, over the years I experienced shock, denial and just about every other emotion possible.

Fast forward to thirteen years later... My children are grown, I no longer work outside the home and I'm still here. I may have MS, but it doesn't have me! I work at home, at my own pace as a Spagirl Gourmet Independent Consultant. I help women reduce stress in their lives with natural skincare products and private Spa Re-Treats.