Bye Bye Snow. Hello Spring!

Finally! The snow has disappeared in Michigan and it feels like Spring. We've been spending all of our free time outdoors and we're loving it! Winter in Michigan can be long, boring and hard but I do love the changing seasons. Winter really helps me appreciate Spring. The birds are singing and the air smells so fresh. Ahh.....




I am bummed that Mayla, our two year old "baby" will have to put her winter coat away until next year. Santa brought this adorable jacket for her. OMG the neighbors will laugh at me when I'd walk her around the neighborhood. What can I say? She's my baby and yep, I love dressing her. Haley loves it too! Mayla fits into some of Haley's baby clothes. Poor dog! :>)

Haley just started Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run is a nationally known program that's for girls in 3rd to 6th grade. It's such an awesome program and I'm honored to be assistant coach this year at her school. The girls learn about self esteem, improved self image, loving themselves, relationships and tons of other great things that young girls deal with. It's also a running program and we'll run a 5K in 10 weeks. I'm super excited. I'll be sharing more about Girls on the Run and the details of the big race.

Arizona, Meeting a Food Network Star. Awesome!!

Hello from beautiful, sunny Arizona! I was so excited to leave the cold and snow of Michigan but best of all, I get to hang with some really awesome women for the next few days. Stay tuned as I share my trip with all of you.

Fat-Free Cheesecake

The top will crack when cooking, so plan on serving with a dollop of fat-free whipped topping to hide the cracks. This recipe is for a 9" pie pan.

24 ounces fat-free cream cheese (bar type) at room temperature
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup egg substitute (equal to 3 eggs)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons packaged cornflake crumbs (optional)
fat-free whipped topping, optional

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, and vanilla. Using an electric mixer, beat at high speed until blended. On low speed, beat in egg substitute and spices. Increase speed to high, and continue to beat until well blended.

Spray a 9" pie pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add cornflake crumbs (optional) to the pan and shake lightly to coat bottom and sides with crumbs. Pour in cream cheese mixture. Bake for 45 minutes or until center is set but not firm. Cool on wire rack.

This dessert should be stored in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. Top with optional whipped topping when serving.

Makes 12 servings
8 servings
Each Serving
1/12 cheesecake

Carb Servings: 1
Exchanges:
1 carbohydrate

Nutrient Analysis
calories 86
total fat 0g
saturated fat 0g
cholesterol 10mg
sodium 362mg
total carbohydrate 12g
dietary fiber 0g
sugars 8g
protein 9g

Source: Quick & Healthy Volume II, 2nd Edition, © 2009 Brenda J. Ponichtera, R.D, Published by Small Steps Press, publishing health conscious books for the general population, a division of the American
Diabetes Association; $18.95;
To order call 1-800-232-6733
or ORDER NOW!
Also available at local bookstores and online from Amazon, Borders, and Barnes and Noble.

Frugal Fun

When you can't find a sled......improvise! You gotta love the innovation! And all in the name of fun! I hope that you are all enjoying the winter thus far. Winters get hard here in Michigan because they can be so long, cold, and with little sunshine. We try to play outside as often as possible. I've found that having kids is a great excuse to be a big kid myself. I LOVE sledding!

Our Trip to Great Wolf Lodge

We had such an awesome weekend at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City last weekend! I'm excited for our next visit! I thought I'd share some pictures.




Even Santa was there this weekend! That guy is so cool!




This, my friends, is the Wolf Den. The girls absolutely flipped when we opened the door to our suite and they discovered the Wolf Den. It's a separate room in the suite that's just perfect for little cubs! It has a bunk bed and it's very own TV. It was so awesome! I really wanted to sleep in the Wolf Den but Haley wasn't too keen on the idea.










It may have been snowing in the Grand Lobby but it was a warm 84 degrees in the Water Park! I loved playing in the water park while we could see it snowing outside. We spent most of our time playing in the water and relaxing in the hot tub. Great Wolf Lodge is hours of non stop fun. They really cater to family fun! When you go for a visit, I highly recommend trying the Buffalo Burger - it's out of this world!

Check out these special rates!

WHIMSY Ring Giveaway

WHIMSY interchangeable bead rings offer a whole wardrobe of choices in one ring. Graceful detailing showcase striking, collectible Murano glass beads. All rings are compatible with Pandora, Chamilia, and Trollbeads. The WHIMSY collection is expertly created using only reclaimed sterling silver and 14-karat gold with gem-quality diamond accents. Crafted with uncompromising attention to detail, each ring is hand-finished and each diamond is hand-set. For over 30 years, celebrated artist R. Craig Whitten has developed one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces for discriminating clients. From coast to coast, his museum quality pieces are designed to showcase each clients individuality. Please visit www.WhimsyWorldwide.com for more information.


Giveaway: One lucky winner will win their very own WHIMSY collection ring! With a retail of $125, this is a giveaway you don't want to miss! Click here and post a comment telling me what your favorite product is. Please be sure to leave your email address. Giveaway ends 12/31/09.

The Bucklette

Finally!! I don't have to drag my purse with me everywhere I go! The Bucklette is a hands-free fashion accessory, made for women who don't always want to carry a handbag but need the essentials - perfect for a night on the town, a kids' play date or a day of shopping. There are two versions: a belt buckle that comes with a belt and a compact clip-on. Both versions are designed to hold a lipstick, key, credit card and ID. The Bucklette is sharply designed, made in the USA, crafted from recyclable, lead-free metal and comes packaged in a reusable jewelry bag. I love the Bucklette because it's functional fashion! The Bucklette is available for purchase at select retailers and online at www.bucklette.com.


The Bucklette was created and designed by Sandra Alexander, a Philadelphia-based graphic designer, artist, entrepenuer and founder of Dessa Lea Productions. While single and living in Center City Philadelphia, Alexander was always on the go. Frequently running from work to a night out, she learned a quick change of clothes and "just the essentials" were necessary - lipstick, money, ID and house key. Rather than a cumbersome handbag, Alexander carried a wristlet or under-the-shoulder bag, but it typically ended up sitting on a table, hanging on a chair or on the floor. While at a restaurant one evening, a friend's purse was stolen, inspiring Alexander to create an accessory that would free women from the worry and inconvenience of carrying "the bag".


Located in Philadelphia, Dessa Lea Productions is principally involved in the design, development and launch of unique women's fashion accessories that add style to their wardrobes and convenience to their lives.