Sassy Bras for Classy Broads

One Hot Party for a Great Cause!

May 8th, starting at 6 pm
The Venue, Downtown Asheville
Food, Drinks, Fun and Brassieres on Parade!
Just $25! Proceeds Benefit Womens Health Programs
Get THE Hottest Ticket in Town NOW!

Some of what's happening in our world:

Before you scarf down the chocolate bunny in the Easter basket, you should probably know it has more than 1,000 calories. Here's the reality check along with some alternatives. You're welcome.


 I love this! Several newspapers around the nation held "Peep" contests that featured different uses for the popular marshmallow candy. Some pretty good creations. Check them out here and also here.


 A lot of buzz about Tiger Woods as we gear up for the Masters. TMZ is claiming he shelled out $10 million to keep mistress Rachel Uchitel quiet. The same website claims its found the golfer's kindegarten teacher and she's talking. Enough already!

The more interesting Tiger news in my opinion is the Vanity Fair article in the issue that just hit news stands. You can read the preview here.

You can now buy "breathable" chocolate and coffee. It's the invention of a Harvard professor. Remember our sense of taste is enhanced by our sense of smell, so the idea here is that you inhale the smells, and get a caffeine buzz, while dodging all the calories. About $8 for pack of three. Details can be found here.

 Looking for a good book? I'm a big fan of Harlan Coben. He was on with us last week talking about his newest stand alone thriller. Great read, especially for a weekend.

We made it! Looks like winter may finally be behind us, at least according to the ole farmer's almanac.  It's about time! I think we're all happy to see sunny days and blooming flowers ahead. I was driving past Beaver Lake this week and the trees are starting to bud, the March flowers are blooming, even the tulips are starting to think about making an appearance.

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There's still time for you to make a difference on bringing Google's fiber network to Asheville. It's so easy; just go here and fill out the nomination form. Google will pick at least one community as a pilot site for its new fiber network, which will offer internet speeds a hundred times faster than what's available now. Check out this video from our schools.
 


On another note, I just finished a really fascinating book. If you like politics, this is a must read. The 2008 Presidential election certainly was fascinating. I didn't realize all that was happening behind the scenes. Check out Game Change.

March 8, 2010

In January, after going on a cruise with friends and being one of heaviest in the crowd, I came back determined to slim down. And one part of my plan was to begin running.  It was a form of exercise I'd avoided and frankly dreaded. But I noticed that those who did it tended to weigh less. And since I'm not giving up food or drink, I decided I'd better start moving.

To ensure I would stick to my plan, I set a goal that included travel, something I love to do. With family in Orlando, Florida, it was easy to pick the Disney Princess 5K as my first official event. I chose it in early January, made my reservations and registered and set out on an eight-week plan to get in shape for the March 6th run.

I started with a walk/run combination. Walk for a few minutes, run for a minute, then walk some more. Over time I increased the amount of running. time; eventually I was up to 3 miles of the walking/running combo and suddenly it was time to head to Florida.

My goal for my first event was to not be the last one to finish. I was so nervous and worried. What I learned is that there are a lot of women like me. Women who are struggling with weight, who are starting to move, and who are challenging themselves to do something outside their comfort zones. 

Choosing the Disney race for my first event was the perfect call.  It was, first and foremost, fun. Disney does everything with a touch of Pixie dust and magic and this event was no different. It was cool seeing all of the characters and running through one of the parks.  And while there was a time limit, I never felt hurried. Plus I got to participate with my niece and a couple of her friends ... and that's a memory I'll cherish always.

I finished as I'd hoped - in the middle of the pack. Crossing the finish line, I was filled with a sense of accomplishment and was so proud of myself for seeing a goal through to the end. I felt powerful and energized.

I will do another 5K in the months ahead; where and when is to be decided. I won't say that I'm hooked on running; I do, though, like the feel good vibes I get afterwards.

Here's the recipe I made to take to a Super Bowl party and friends loved it ... and so did my toughest critic, Ken. Super easy!



Chipotle-Chocolate-Peanut Butter Frito Candy

2 cups pretzels (Snyder’s Buttersnaps) (100 grams)
1 cup Fritos (50 grams)
8 mini peanut butter cups or about 5 regular size peanut butter cups**
1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (114 grams)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (use more or less)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a 13×9 inch pan with parchment paper or no-stick (Release) foil.

Place pretzels on a big cutting board and break them up with your hands or if you feel like it, a chef’s knife. You don’t want them crush them too much. The goal is to just break them.

Break the Fritos up with your fist – again, no pulverizing or crushing – just breaking.

Toss the broken Fritos and pretzels together and throw in the chipotle powder, distributing it evenly. Stir in the peanut butter cups.

Lay the mixture flat, but tightly packed, across the lined pan.

Place butter in a saucepan and melt over medium heat. When butter is melted, stir in brown sugar. Bring mixture to a boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring once or twice. Pour over Frito mixture and bake for 8 minutes. Remove pan from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over hot candy. Return to oven for 1 minute to soften chips. Spread softened chocolate chips over bars.

Cool at room temperature until you feel the pan is cool enough to be transferred to your refrigerator, then transfer to refrigerator to set the chocolate. This should take at least an hour. When chocolate is set, lift from pan and break the candy up as you would almond toffee. You can eat it cold or let it come back down to room temp.