It Snowed in Tennessee!

Just A Quick Smile

I've been working on a project that's been taking up most of my post-work time, but I haven't forgotten about Specs Appeal and my loyal readers. I hope that things are going well for you.

Stay tuned!

Get to Steppin'

At work there's this new program called HealthMiles. And I love it.

We got these pedometers, and I'm working mine out. I have found that if you shake your hips Shakira-style, that little counter gets to jumpin', jumpin'.

All the activity that I do, from regular walking to exercising and "weighing in" at HR, gets recorded, and I get points for each thing. After so many points, I will start accumluating money toward gift cards of my choice (to places like Target and Amazon).

Just wait 'til it gets warm outside. This pedometer will be in for the ride of its life.

Not Exactly Half-Baked

You know how I loves my pasta, right?

Well, this is a new recipe that I tried the other night for baked ziti with ricotta and parmesan.

It's from The Best Casserole Cookbook Ever--not even kidding--by Beatrice Ojakangas. That name is a mouthful, but so are the dishes.

This one could not have been easier, and it was delish, I have to say.

It called for spinach, but I left that nasty stuff out and put an extra handful of parmesan (and love). I'm guessing you could improvise and add chicken, sausage, breadcrumbs, and/or any number of vegetables, if you're into that sort of thing.

What have you been cooking lately? I know it's cold out, but at least the residual heat from the oven will make the house warmer. Bonus!

Gimmie s'more 'a that, please!

Remember how I endorsed Archer Farms last year?

Well, I still do. Even more now.

<---- This stuff is heavenly. It's so good, even though my picture leaves a little to be desired. The bag is half-full because I couldn't stop eating it long enough to dig out the camera.

It has little chunks of chocolate, dehydrated marshmallows that are a bit chalky (but strangely addictive), graham cracker bites, chocolate covered peanuts, and seasoned pecans. Yum, yum, gimmie some.

In other news, I haven't really seen tons of specs-worthy ads lately. I will cop to loving the Gap cheerleader ones at Christmas, though. They cracked me up and made me a little nostalgic for the Gap spots of old. Are any commercials or print ads tickling your fancy lately?

Ring It On In

Happy 2010, you specs-y people!

This month I'm not making a to-do/not-to-do list like in previous months, but I thought I'd share some resolutions.

You may remember the first one. No extraneous shopping for Q1 of 2010. Yikes, but so far, so good. I realize we're only 5 days in.

I need to work on my fitness. It's been months since I've exercised, but I always love the way I feel afterward. That yoga DVD is calling my name--but very softly.

I want to read more! Now that I'm a bit more settled, I need to hit up the library (I've found two so far) more often. It's a great source for some free entertainment.

And I want to be more conscious of my blessings. I know I can sometimes get my gripe on, but I have my health and my senses and some cool people in my life.

Now it's your turn, dear reader. Please tell me at least one thing you want to do (or not do) this year. It will only take a minute. Honest.

(Note: You will be seeing this cool calendar each month. It's from my favorite stationer, Linda & Harriett, and I love it.)