A RANDOM INSIGHT INTO MY LIFE, MY TRAVELS, MY EXPERIENCES, MY THOUGHTS AND SOME OF MY DREAMS!!
30 November 2010
Healthy snacks to help you lose weight !
With Christmas coming and knowing full well that we will be over eating, here area few healthy snacks that you might cinsider to asist with you losing weight !
Melons
Throughout the summer, stock up on an array of seedless watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew to cube and have on hand when you feel the urge to "pick." Their high moisture content dilutes the calories per serving and provides you with more water — a great way to hydrate and feel fuller sooner
Fat-Free Yogurt
Protein-rich dairy foods have been shown to aid in weight loss, so try starting your day with a yogurt parfait. Layer your favorite fat-free yogurt (try Fage 0%, which is thick and super-creamy) with berries and crushed nuts or granola. Bonus tip: This makes a great dessert, too
Summer Vegetables
You'll benefit from keeping vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, and red, green, and orange peppers on hand to make meals more flavorful and filling, with fewer calories. Use them in wraps or to fill out pasta dishes, serve them as a side dish, or keep it simple and pile them high on a plate sprinkled with freshly grated cheese.
Low-Fat Dips, Dressings, and Spreads
Potentially dangerous food fatigue is brought on by eating boring food. A varied selection of low-fat dips and dressings in your fridge will keep your taste buds stimulated and make it easier to get those five servings a day of fruits and vegetables down. Try any of the Sabra Mediterranean dips, spicy salsas, or a yogurt-based dressing to get started! Hint: Try a spicy wasabi dip for veggies, or a sweet yogurt and sugar-free jam dip for fruit!
Rotisserie-Cooked Turkey or Chicken Breast
Keep a Tupperware container filled with precooked chicken or turkey breast in easy reach. These are convenient sources of protein that keep your blood sugar from dipping and your appetite from rising. Eat them cold or reheated; sliced, diced, or cut into strips; alone or on salads and in fajitas
Mini Versions of Your Favorite Drinks
Just because you're cutting back on calories doesn't mean you have to cut out everything you love. Just look for smaller-sized versions of your favorite drinks. For soda lovers, Coca-Cola offers a new 90-calorie Coca-Cola Mini can as an option
Water, Water, Water
When you're trying to lose weight and exercising more, water should become your new best friend, but it's not always easy to drink the required eight glasses a day. Experiment with calorie-free flavored waters like Vitaminwater zero. They can satisfy your taste buds and keep you hydrated on your way to the beach!
Until da next Tyme !
Heading Home
Well I made it home to snowy London!
Man its freezing, they had us circling for 30 minutes while they cleared the runway.
I almost didn't make the flight as I was enjoying my final buffet ( the food was good though trust me )
So I had to quickly spin a story to get on the flight..... That's an international traveler :)
Flight was horrible US airways planes are not SEXY!
But back on London ground and for those that know IRIS is the way forward.
London welcomed me with a snowy blanket....wow! What a welcome home!
Until da next Tyme !
Missye
" The Travel Queen"
Amazing Facts #8
Here is today's amazing fact !
"1.525.000.000 miles of telephone wire are strung across the US"
That is a whole lot of wire !
Until da next Tyme!
29 November 2010
Retail Therapy
This is going out to the ladies and some men, but if you have ever suffered from being a shopaholic, visiting the US during Thanksgiving is not for you !!!
Around this time of the year all Americans take part in the annual "black Friday" events that happens country wide.
What is`black Friday?
Black Friday is the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the US, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Retailers adopt the term and refer to it as a the time of year when their business move into the black or turn a profit, in preparation for the Christmas season they offer great deals, some as high as 50% - 80% off from items such as electricals, toys etc.
Needless to say shoppers go into a frenzy and just like the January sales in London will que and camp out for days, sometimes in cold temperatures just to get that bargain
.
However within a few days after black Friday we have "Cyber Monday"
Cyber Monday started a few years ago for the day many people returned to work after Thanksgiving and make online gift purchases where the huge electrical stores do big savings to capture the online shoppers who don't necessarily want to brave the cold and que to get a bargain.
Online sales is big business and I for one cant do without it as I sometimes I hate drudging around the stores when I can do it in the comfort of my own home at whatever time I please :)
If you are a novice and have never experienced the joys of shopping on black Friday or Cyber Monday, its a must, something that must be achieved in ones lifetime, guaranteed you will pick up a bargain.
Happy shopping people if you are in the US
Until da next Tyme!
How far will you go???
I am gonna put the question out there!
How far would you go to save the planet?
Some people will say to that they will do whatever it takes to ensure the future of their children and their children's children against pollution.
However to sum it up in a nutshell, my girlfriend spinned it another way.
She tried on a hat while shopping loved it so much that she decided to wear it around the store and eventually home!!!
Now there is nothing wrong with that but to wear the hat to the till and take off the tag and ask the cashier to scan it..... Was nuffness... (for those that in the know!).
The cashier with a deadpan expression responded by handing her back the tag and the receipt and he explained she might wanna keep that incase she needs to give it back to the store... blaaaaaa.
But when I put her on blast she then justified it by saying that she is saving the planet by not taking a bag....... Oh my goodness, she took it there - of course I had to call her out in the store, as that was just pure ghetto!!!!!.
So this is her rendition of saving the planet.....you gotta love it!
Until da next Tyme!
Amazing Fact #7
So todays fact is interesting and maybe can be proven if one is seen in your life time
" A comets tail always points away from the sun"
I have never seen a comet but will look out for the above if I do see one
Until da next Tyme !
27 November 2010
OAP loses £80k!
Ok I read this story and I wanted to share it ...... as I am sorry this is pure stoopidness (- yeah I said it ....
In this day and age how the hell can you be so stupid, and you believe that offering a reward you will get it back - are you freaking kidding me ????.
Ok let me be real, if I found it I wouldn't give it back and people can say what they want, but I know that if they found it all thoughts of returning it or being a good smararitan is non existent!
"A pensioner who does not trust banks claims to have lost his life savings of £80,000 - by leaving it on the roof of his car and driving off.
The man from Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend, put a bag containing the cash on top of the vehicle as he was moving the money to his place of work.
As soon as he realised what had happened he began a search with his grandson but they could find only the bags the notes had been in.
The 68-year-old, who does not want to be named, is said to have saved £2,000 every year during his working life and kept the money under a bed while he had a guard dog.
When the dog died he kept the money close by him.
The man would take the money from his bedroom and put it in the car when he went to work.
"My car is never more than 10ft from me at work so I can keep an eye on it," he told Mail Online.
"That morning I left at about 6.20am and didn't realise I had lost it until noon.
"I went home and checked my bedroom in case I had left it there."
The man has offered a reward for the return of the cash.
Essex Police confirmed they are investigating a possible theft after a man contacted them on Friday, November 19, "reporting he had lost £80,000 in cash".
"He told police he had accidentally left the money on the top of his car before driving off on the morning of Thursday, November 18 at 6.20am," said a spokeswoman. "He later realised what he had done."
The man said the money was in an orange plastic bag inside a blue pull-string bag.
Some evidence found at the scene will be inspected for fingerprints and officers have checked local CCTV cameras.
Anyone who may have found the money is asked to hand it to their local police station or risk being accused of 'theft by finding', the spokeswoman added."
So from my understanding the police are telling me if I found this , and don't return it, it can be classed as STEALING ... are they SERIOUS !!!!
They are lucky I am in the US...... otherwise I would be a rich chic right now ......
Until da next Tyme!
Amazing Facts #6
So for all the movie buffs!
"Adjusting for inflation Cleopatra, 1963 is the most expensive movie ever made up to 2002 with a budget of $44 milion is equivalent to $280 million by 2002"
Until da nextTyme !
26 November 2010
Convenient Life!
So let me put a question out there ....
How many of you would love to live in a world where most things are accessible 24 hours a day?
I mean grocery shopping, restaurants etc - go on be honest
Well welcome to the USA!
I mean I visited a gym that is open 24 hours a day and I mean all fully operational, not partly closed, all areas are` accessible and it was AMAZING!
Welcome to a luxurious environment where everything is state of the art, full creche facilities for mothers, rock climbing to entertain both adults and children, sauna, steam comfortable seating within each locker room with huge plasma screens to relax, hair salon, on site masseuse..... the benefits are endless.
Of course there is a fee for such amenities, but its nominal compared to what is offered and more importantly the convenience that you can go when you want!
Of course America is a convenient city, they supply you what you need to make your life easy...... and in the current society that we live in, life gets bogged down with work and we have less time to do all the mundane stuff that we need to do, and our quality of life deteriorates as we are spending more and more time at work - this ideas makes perfect sense.
So I will be working out and steaming until the early hours over the next few days before I head home !
Until da next Tyme!
Amazaing Facts #5
This is a good one
" The internet slang AFAICT means - As far as I can tell"
For all those abbreviators
Until da next Tyme !
Happy Thanksgiving!
So while in the rest of the world its a normal mundane day.... in the US today is a holiday.....
Its the one day in the year celebrated more than christmas by all Americans, its a day to be thankful for a lot of things no matter how big or small.
I am celebrating it with my family, and from the time I woke up, the comadarie in the house, whilst preparing the food is just awesome!
The ribbing about who gets to make the mac and cheese, or how to do the Honeyed Ham is hilarious, of course mum no matter what she says she wont be doing anything apart from preparing and cooking one item, she can't help herself :)
Thanksgiving is all about famly and no matter whether you beef with your family for 364 days of the year, this is the day when you are thankful for them and you make the effort to mend those bridges.
You eat so much food that you can vegetate on the sofa, an the "Itis" will set in, then you wake up and go back for more food.
That is a good day!
Candied Yams! |
Home made chicken pie |
Mac & Cheese |
Fried smoked turkey breast |
Cajun fried Turkey |
Apple pie |
Honeyed Ham |
This is what my plate looked liked!!! its now after 6:30pm and I am wounded on the sofa .
But I had a good day :) so I hope you all did too
Until da next Tyme!
25 November 2010
Amazing Facts #4
Happy Thanksgiving!
so to share some info ....
"The official beverage of Ohio is tomato Juice "
wow who knew :)
Until da next Tyme!
Is it Christmas already???
I keep forgetting how we like to do things big in the US.
Today is Thanksgiving, but homes have been setting their lights up for the past few weeks in preparation for chritsmas.........which is not until December!!!!!
Yes we are in November, but to look at some of these houses, you can be forgiven to think that its December already.... its like they are wishing christmas to come early
Genetically Modified
Food should be a normal size, so its with great apprehension that I walked around Sam's - a store like Costco.
The size of food here is just ridiculous, they genetically modify the food, that it looks unnatural.
Strawberries the size of a 2 year old fist is not natural, apples the size of honey dew melons is beyond a joke. Plums the size of apples is not appealing.
Then to top it all, they then have sugary products that takes it to another level.
What is with the oversize cookies???
Really!!! and the cupcakes loaded with fructose and coloring and they wonder why there is an obesity issue within their young as well as a high volume of people suffering from diabetes.
Will the US ever learn???
Until da next Tyme !
Missye
" The Travel Queen"
24 November 2010
Amazing Facts #3
So guess what I found out today
" The most populated city in the world is Tokyo, with 30 million residents"
Thats a lot of people!
Until da next Tyme!
Blackberry Tips #1
As the new owner of the Blackberry Torch, I am sent phone tips on how to make my new blackberry work to the best that it can.
With that in mind I am going to be sharing with you all that I learn :)
Enjoy !
Here's how to easily create music “Playlists” on your Blackberry music player:
- In the media application click “Music”
- Click “Playlists”
- Click “New Playlist”
- Click “Standard Playlist”
- Type a name for the Playlist;
- Press the “Menu” key;
- Click “Add songs”
- Click on any song you want to add to the Playlist, and the song will be added automatically;
- To add more songs repeat steps 6-8
- When you are finished press the “Menu” key and click “Save”.
Until da next Tyme!
23 November 2010
Amazing Facts #2
Its the sharing time....
"The largest bat in the world has almost a 6 foot wing span"
That don't sound like a bird !
Until da next Tyme!
Another Royal Wedding !
So the big news broke and I have avoided discussing it, but I am afraid that I have to face it.
Prince William and his girlfriend are gonna get married
Did anybody think that this wouldn't happen?
Seriously, he as been dating this chick for 6 or 7 years , from the time she was brought into the spotlight.... it was a done deal the minute she was associated with him.
I am happy for him, as I think he is a modern royal, he is grounded as his mother was, and she wasn't perfect, as we all have faults, but his softer down to earth side is what is appealing to the UK public as it like looking at Diana all over again.
I for one want to see him as King and get rid of his dad, who is not really moving with the times and his very archaic in his thinking and outlook.
We are a progressive society and I think William is the way forward.
So let them get married and prepare to take us into the next century, the older royals have done their duty, now its tine fir the young ones t step up to the plate.
Until da next Tyme !
Amazing Facts #1
I have discovered a really cool site for Amazing facts, so I am gonna share with you all, so we can all learn together!
"English sailors came to be called Limeys after using lime juice to combat scurvy."
Until da next Tyme !
Missye
" The Travel Queen"
22 November 2010
Basket Ball - VIP Style !
So as y'all know I am a DIVA and in that same vein, my brother in law pulled a card and hooked me up to go see the Dallas Mavericks play the Chicago Bulls live at the American Airline Centre.....
Well my Brother in law is BEAST !
You see my girl ( his wife ) and I was greeted by the Assistant GM to the Dallas Mavericks, taken through the back door with all the other money players and was greeted by the GM of the Dallas Maverick - Donnie
Donnie - Mavericks GM |
Steveson locker |
Dallas Dancers |
Military Enlisting |
Flagship Suite |
wearing the Maverick Shirt |
Big shoes... dang |
Donnie with guests |
Americans are patriotic, make no mistake about that , and it was evident frorn the turn out- to support their home team, with one or two Bull supporters in the crowd.
It as all showmanship from the crowd participation to the half time shows provided by the cheerleaders, the mascot and even the military that showed up honoring those that wished to serve their country and re enlist on national TV for another 4 - 6 years.
Americans know how to do it big, and they are proud of it too!
Today I got to see team support on a big scale, along with what a sport event should be all about !
I for one saw some hunks on the court as well as in the crowd, so ladies, maybe you should all take an interest in basket ball as you never know you could be that lucky girl this evening that had a proposal on the big screen at a home game with thousands watching on national TV ....
Until da next Tyme !
21 November 2010
Sunday Service!
I went to Church!
Yes you read right , and I survived without bursting into flames !!!
Ok for those that know me will understand how ironic the situation as I live in a church,but have never visit the establishment.
So it was with trepidation that I dragged myself out of bed this morning and followed my girl to church.
This church isn't like your typical old skool church, firstly it is set in the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel!
You are greeted by parking attendants that direct you where to park, once you enter the venue, you are welcomed with refreshments from tea, coffee , to biscuit and pastries and you are made to feel at home.
Entering a hall that can seat around 200 people - every seat is filled - you are greeted with a room packed with the latest technology, its like entering into a pop concert.
I am talking TV plasma screens, full band, cordless mics, laptops, the works.... this ain't no joke !
The service begins with the Praise and Grace team....... their role is to warm up the crowd, so like a concert they come on to warm up the audience for the main event , and these guys took the task in hand.
The joy that they exuberate took it to another level, their singing made the heart cry even if you didn't want to, and then there were ushers on hand with boxes of tissues if you so needed it - the depth of their belief showed in how they brought the crowd in to share their worship with them
The preacher /paster made the sermon interactive with the audience and thus had their attention the entire time
Hold up a classical ensemble them took it to another level, I am talking violins and cellos that had the entire room in silence ....... am I in the right place ????
Overall the experience wasn't as bad as I may have thought, I didn't have any expectation before going, but it brought home that we we are in the 21st century where churches have face book/ Twitter and blogs, where you can text your pastor to get the sermon of the day......
This is society moving forward!
Like they say , you can find a good looking man women in the church and they weren't kidding I saw some brothas in the place today :)
So maybe the church will see me again on another visit
Until da next Tyme !
20 November 2010
Zumba!
The Zumba program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away.
The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Add some Latin flavor and international zest into the mix and you've got a Zumba class!
Dont think that this is just for women....... oh no, three was a man in the class admittedly alone, he wasnt gay, and he was doing his thang!
If you love dance and want to commit to a enegetic workout this is the way forward....be prepared though that yiu use oalot of energy , you sweat by the bucket and you must drinks lots, but yiu feel energised afterwards.
Except in my case I was so knackered I came home and was alseep for the afternoon.
Keep shaking those hips and booty people !
Until da next Tyme !
19 November 2010
Fitness Myths and Truths !
This time of year is all about starting fresh—new goals, solid plans, better habits. You probably have a new exercise routine to help you reach your weight loss and fitness goals. Along the way, whether in the gym, reading the latest books, or talking with your friends, you’ll hear a lot of advice about exercise—not all of which is true.
There are several common misconceptions about exercise and weight loss, but don’t let yourself be fooled! Here are the Top 6 Fitness Myths and the Truths that debunk them:
Myth #1: You can take weight off of specific body parts by doing exercises that target those areas.
Truth: This concept is called "spot training" and unfortunately, it doesn’t burn fat. When you lose weight, you are unable to choose the area in which the reduction will occur. Your body predetermines which fat stores it will use. For example, doing sit-ups will strengthen you abs but will not take the fat off of your stomach. Similarly, an activity like running burns fat all over your body, not just your legs. You can, however, compliment a balanced exercise program with a selection of weight training exercises to gradually lose weight and tone the body.
Myth #2: Women who lift weights will bulk up.
Truth: While on a weight lifting program, the right hormones (testosterone) are necessary in order to bulk up. Women’s testosterone levels are much lower than men’s, so in most cases, they are not capable of building large muscles. In fact, since muscle takes up less room than fat, women tend to lose inches when they strength train. So in addition to the physical benefits (increased metabolism, decreased risk of osteoporosis, increased strength), strength training will help you slim down too!
Myth #3: If you can’t exercise hard and often, there’s really no point.
Truth: Even moderate activity is shown to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. If you don’t have 30 minutes in your day to exercise, try splitting it up into 10-minute segments instead. Everyone can find 10 minutes to spare sometime during the day! There are simple things you can do to increase your activity without having to go to the gym: take the stairs instead of the elevator, jump rope or do body weight exercises (push ups, crunches) at commercial breaks, take a short walk after lunch. Remember that any exercise is better than none!
Myth #4: Performing abdominal exercises will give you a flat stomach.
Truth: This is similar to Myth #1 above. The fact is, the only way to get a flat stomach is to strip away the fat around the midsection. This is accomplished by doing cardio/aerobic exercise (to burn calories), strength training (to increase metabolism) and following a proper diet. Abdominal exercises will help to build muscle in your midsection, but you will never see the muscle definition unless the fat in this area is stripped away.
Myth #5: You will burn more fat if you exercise longer at a lower intensity.
Truth: The most important factor in exercise and weight control is not the percentage of fat calories burned, but the total calories burned during the activity. The faster you walk, bike or swim, for example, the more calories you use per minute. Although you will be burning fewer "fat calories", you will be burning more total calories, and in turn, will lose more weight.
Myth #6: No pain, no gain!
Truth: Exercise should not be painful! At the height of your workout, you should be sweating and breathing hard. You should not be so out of breath that you cannot answer a question, but should not be so comfortable that you can carry on a full conversation. That’s how you know you are working at a good level. It’s important to distinguish between muscle fatigue (feeling "the burn") and muscle/joint pain (sharp and uncomfortable pain during movement). Pain is your body’s way of telling you that you’re doing something wrong. Listen to your body. If it’s painful, stop!
There’s a lot of fitness information out there- some reliable, some not. The important thing is to ask questions. If you don’t understand something or question the source, ask a qualified fitness professional for their advice. Sticking to the truths of these myths will keep you healthy, injury-free, and on track to meeting your fitness goals.
Until da next Tyme !
18 November 2010
Older Women and Sex !
17 November 2010
Texas Legends !
I decided to head to a "Fan Jam" session to see what its all about as its a regular occurrence here in the US for all sport fans,
The cheerleaders ! |
my boys practicing |
Moussa & Izaiah - my godson |
click the link below to get a full snippet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uABulTvSKeE
The Maniacs |
Taking that Dunk! |
For my first time I was really impressed and wondered if this would ever happen in the UK, but for the upshot while I was there I had a great time .
Until da next Tyme !
16 November 2010
I am in Dallas to celebrate my girls birthday and my favourite thing to do lately is eating out.
So I am checking out the restaurants around the area and my girl takes me and a few other friends to a restaurant "Loft 610" for a birthday meal.
Well if you are from the UK think Gordon Ramsey style where you can see the food being cooked.
Think Cocoon, Quaglinos and maybe The Mango Tree and you will picture a beautiful laid out restaurant with impeccable service and great ambience.
Its seems that there was a stir among the ladies at my table as the Head Chef was a television winner here on US TV, I have no idea who he was , but they were all excited at meeting him, so I sent message for him to visit our table to alleviate the pumping hearts that were beating at my table by grown women :)
Meet "Tre Wilcox" the head-chef at Loft 610, loves his job, but shy at the attention, he was a sweetheart, and a visit to his restaurant just for his smile alone along with the food is a must .
So if you are in the Plano area check it out........
I can recommend the Sea Bass and Banana bread pudding
Until da next time
Facebook gets email !
So once again it seems that we are in a world where social networking is taking over.
Facebook is now gonna get email , they are looking to take over the world , they already have the social thing down to an art form.
One of the biggest improvisations is that Facebook users will be able to communicate to non-Facebook users via Facebook using an @facebook.com ID. This is a possible threat to email services as now Facebook users will have to go to Hotmail or Yahoo or Gmail to communicate with non-Facebook users. So, at least theoretically, there's a possibility of a good number of Facebook users gradually making @facebook.com their default email ID.
So what is next , they gonna be opening a bank and starting their own credit card :) seriously !!!
Until da next Tyme !
15 November 2010
They make them big !
12 November 2010
Travelling
Sometimes there can be nothing better than traveling!
Whether your buzz is derived from when you book your ticket, or packing, or traveling to the airport, I for one enjoy the feeling I get when I am sitting on the train pulling into the airport.
So that is what I am doing today, I am now sitting in departures ready to jet off!
Enjoy your day I will keep you all posted on my adventures.
Until da next Tyme !
Missye
" The Travel Queen"