Haiti Relief Effort and how you can help:

This Friday January 22nd a plane is taking off with supplies to Haiti and you can help by donating clothes, batteries, medical supplies, personal hygiene products and much more.

The drop off stations are:

The Glens Falls Hospital- Broad Street by the loading dock

Glens Falls Bank- 696 Upper Glen Street

Sotheby’s Realty- Downtown Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Open till 5pm

Bolton Landing- 4587 Lakeshore Drive

Visit www.haitirelieffundny.org for more information on what you can do to help because every little bit can make a difference.

What’s your FAVORITE holiday cookie?

What is the holiday season really about? Everyone knows that answer, it’s all about the cookies!

Leave me a comment and let me know what your favorite holiday cookie is. Could it be those cute little ginger bread cookies with the tasty gum drop buttons or is it the oatmeal raisin. Whatever it may be I want to hear about it  and talk about it on my show on Thursday!

Holiday Peanut Butter Cookies
These peanut butter treats are holiday-ready with festive red and green M&Ms.
Don’t these look great!

New Year’s Resolution

The New Year

“Resolution” has become a bad word.  I find it disheartening that we cannot enter a new year with the enthusiasm of setting a few goals like we used to.  Often we hear about the failures of those who have made a quest to do better in the new year by making a resolution or two.  I have often failed in reaching my goal to lose weight, excercise more, get more organized or whatever I had set out to do.  That can be a discouraging thing.  However, we probably should think about carrying out a new attitude when discribing and evaluating our New Year Resolutions.  For the resolution gives us aim…hopefully for us to do better.  And, we know the value of setting goals in this day and age.

I have made the same resolution every year for the past twenty years…to better my health.  In my case, it is to lose weight and excercise more.  I usually start off okay, but then sway and give up.  Two years ago, I made a plan with the help of my family.  I went on a diet through an organized plan and proceeded to lose 20 pounds.  When the plan ended, so did the shedding of pounds.  I did gain a few and controlling the eating was hard.  Oh, by the way, forget about the excercise part.  That really never got organized.  So…overall evaluation…failure.

But, when it came time to make a new resolution for this year, there was something I came to realize.  I was starting off the year 16 pounds lighter than I did a year ago.  That’s not failure.  That’s success…to some degree.  Now, I’ll do the same thing this year, but with a little more positive outlook.  I should also not evaluate until further down the line.  They say that when you are trying to lose weight, you should not look at the scale on a regular basis.  That is probably how we should look at any resolution.  Look at the overall picture.  Don’t look at the day you indulged in a feast or smoked a few cigarettes.  Look at the accomplishments of doing better than you were doing before and not at the momentary lapses.  This is not new thought.  I actually have very few original thoughts.  However, we should remember that how we approach and follow through on a goal is a major step toward accomplishment or failure.  I would like to end this by telling the story of my most successful resolution.

I met my wife in 1994.  I was a smoker..not much…not quite a pack a day.  She was not.  I decided that it would be a great time to lose the habit because I had an added insentive.  On New Year’s Eve heading into 1995, I vowed to quit smoking.  This resolution had one differnt condition.  I vowed to quit smoking on June first of that year.  This prepared me for the big endeavor.  Dissenters said I was preparing myself to forget about the goal and would not go through with it when it came time.  But for me, it was a way to not dwell on the resolution and take it on too fast, but it allowed me the time to prepare my mind for the new goal on a day to day basis without evaluating it too soon.  I also set up the people around me to act as a support group.

On May 31st, 1995, I smoked my last cigarette.

Happy New Year…so go make a resolution for now, the Spring or for whatever.  Just prepare to Succeed not Fail.  Remember…ahh…my favorite quote…”Whether You belive you can or can’t, You’re Right!

My Best to you for a healthy and safe 2010.

John

Holiday Fun! — Kellie Quinn

Hard Pressed for chatter at the family gatherings?   Copy & paste, then print out the fun quiz I have for you. ENJOY!   It’s about fun & feeling good …so get to it!

…and  Merry Christmas !!

 

HOLIDAY SPECIAL POP QUIZ

• Who was the child star in the original “Miracle on 34th Street?” (Natalie Wood)
• In “Frosty the Snowman,” who is the little girl who helps Frosty get to the North Pole? (Karen)
• In “It’s a Wonderful Life,” what are the names of the cop and taxi driver? (Bert and Ernie)
• In “The Grinch That Stole Christmas,” what did Cindy Lu Who do before she went to bed? (Have a drink of water)
• In “The Charlie Brown Christmas,” what song is sung after Linus tells Charlie Brown ‘What Christmas is all about?’ (Hark the Herald Angels Sing)
• In “Frosty Returns,” what comedian floats in on a snowflake to narrate the story? (Jonathon Winters)
• In “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer,” what is the Abominable Snowman’s job at the end of the show? (To put the star on top of the tree)
• Who’s the big name star that plays Santa in the claymation “Santa Claus is Coming To Town?” (Mickey Rooney)
• Who’s Ralphie’s brother in “A Christmas Story?” (Randy)
• In “Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer,” what elf wants to be a dentist? (Herbie)
• Who’s Rudolph’s dad? (Donner)

 

CHRISTMAS MOVIE Quiz      

Name the movie that each of the following characters come from:

• Ralphie Parker (“A Christmas Story”)
• Cindy Lou Who (“The Grinch”)
• Pig Pen (“Charlie Brown Christmas”)
• Clark Grizwald (“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”)
• Hermey (“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”)
• Clarence Oddbody (“It’s a Wonderful Life”)

The Good Stuff …– Kellie Quinn

                                                            

Going for the tree? Whether with friends or the family, do the right thing — PACK refreshments. It makes the experience more memorable …and a lot tastier.  So many things can happen which could turn your fantasy “outing”  upside down, UNLESS, you are prepared and armed with the “comforts.”

Simple things, …a bag of candy canes, a thermos filled with a hot, sweet treat, and a simple bag of popcorn.

EVERYBODY HAPPY?  Good, let’s get that tree tied down and roll………

The thermos is an amazing accessory. Fill that baby up with piping Hot Fluffy Chocolate (don’t forget the cups ….unless you’re on a date– forget the cups, share the Thermos!–Nice sneaky touch!)

I prefer to keep the family outings SIMPLE (i.e., NO BOOZE) … the only glow needed here should be from a well decorated tree. AND THAT’S IT!

If it’s a cozy tree hunting trip for two, try the Hot Buttered rum….. Hot Frothy versions (foodnet.com), or more traditional high-test version made with boiling water, brown sugar, butter and rum.  My favorite is (was,…is,….was,…it’s a mood thing)  Hot Buttered Rum with apple cider base, pat of butter, cinnamon stick and (optional) white rum.

Also, a Hot Apple Pie is delicious!  Apple cider base, Liquor 43, cinnamon stick, with a mound of whipped cream ontop.

There’s always old faithful — The Hot Chocolate. White Hot Chcolate is even more fun. Sometimes a quick trip to D&D works, too!  Just take it home, dump in the thermos (because the details are more fun), and toss some treats in your pocket.  See? You’re soo cool, now!

Have FUN!

Holiday Feast Fear — Kellie Quinn

I know , I know, we all prep for the big splurge.   But c’mon.  It’s just another meal!  Key to dealing with the pounds at the holiday feast and seasonal treats, is to simply enjoy yourself…treat it like a regular meal.  Eat, laugh, enjoy your family and the company that surrounds you.   They are beautiful,…your people.

Truly, while feasting, we take breaks chatting, listening,…time passes as we enjoy each delicious course. A Plate full of our favorites.  Not like it happens every day!  Plenty of time to walk it off tomorrow.

Time is so very precious. Spend it looking at the faces at your table, as they will change (sometimes ever so slightly) between the years….study their progress from last year, the evolution of their charm, humor, smile, their style(s)….enjoy them.  FORGET the RULES of responsible “eating to diet!”  That’s for another day.

Some  will not be with you next year, ….some will bring along a new addition.  Please, savor the memories that you absorb from the table…NOT the calorie counting.

BUT– If you have to be a party poop and worry worry worry about the unimportant stuff …here ya go, as promised….But really…must you??

Please,…READ Responsibly:

TOP 10 TIPS TO AVOID PACKING ON HOLIDAY POUNDS

(National Examiner) Packing on pounds is easy to do during the holidays. So here are 10 suggestions to help you keep the weight off from nutrition and health expert Dr. James D. Krystosik:

1. Get plenty of sleep. Being tired often triggers eating pangs.
2. Drink plenty of water. If you don’t take in liquid, the body retains it, increasing body weight by 10 to 15 pounds.
3. Curb appetite by loading up on “good carbs” – high fiber veggies like beans, whole grains such as oats and brown rice and fruits.
4. Limit your intake of proteins.
5. Keep stress levels down by walking, exercising and meditation. Stress can spark the appetite.
6. Avoid “bad carbs” like high-starch potatoes, breads and desserts.
7. Vinegar reduces the body’s absorption of “bad carbs” so use a variety of vinegar with olive oil for salad dressings.
8. Stay away from foods with hydrogenated oils and the sweetener aspartame. These substances do not aid in weight loss.
9. Choose foods with “good fats” like soy beans, avocado, nuts and seeds, fish like salmon, tuna and halibut and leafy green veggies.
10. Keep in touch with a pal who has similar diet and health goals to boost your willpower during the holiday food feast.

 

Dear Friend,  “Enjoy”  a very  HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!

A Better Night’s Sleep — Kellie Quinn

(Caring.com) Trying to get a better night’s sleep? Here’s a list of 5 foods/drinks to steer clear of before you go to bed.

 

1. Preserved meats. Ham, bacon, sausages and many cold cuts contain high levels of an amino acid that trigger the release of a stimulant that makes us feel alert and wired.
2. Chocolate. Can you say caffeine?! Even a cup of hot cocoa or the little chocolate chips in your mint chip ice cream could be enough to keep you awake.
3. Energy drinks. Red Bull, etc. have a ton of caffeine as well as taurine, which boosts alertness. Even if you drink it early in the day, it could make it hard to sleep well.
4. Tomato sauce or spicy foods. Digestive disturbances are a common sleep problem, so stay away from acidic and spicy foods that can cause reflux, heartburn or other symptoms that interrupt sleep.
5. Alcohol. A drink or two may relax you, but alcohol also keeps you awake or wakes you up because it dehydrates you !

And 5 to help you fall asleep:

1. Cherries. They’re a natural source of melatonin, the chemical in our bodies that regulates sleep. Experts recommend eating cherries an hour before bedtime.
2. Bananas. They’re a good source of natural muscle relaxants potassium and magnesium, plus L-tryptophan, the amino acid in turkey that makes us so sleepy at Thanksgiving!
3. Toast. Foods rich in carbs trigger insulin production, which makes us sleepy.
4. Oatmeal. Like toast, a bowl of oatmeal triggers insulin production, raising your blood sugar naturally and making you sleepy. Oats are also rich in melatonin.
5. Warm milk. Like bananas, milk contains L-tryptophan, which releases the relaxing chemical serotonin. It’s also high in calcium, which promotes sleep.

The Sandwich Cure — Kellie Quinn

The Right Sandwich Can Solve All Your Problems! 
Sandwiches aren’t just for lunch anymore. In fact, a new study says a variety of the tasty concoctions are the cure for what ails you. “You can target particular problems with the right combination of ingredients,” says Detroit dietician Marcia Grapley. “Whether you want to cut calories or stop a migraine, your choice of sandwich fixings can help achieve your goal while pleasing your taste buds.” “But there is one rule you must follow — no white bread. It’s high in sugar and doesn’t have the amount of fiber you find in other breads such as wheat, rye or pumpernickel.”

• Grapley suggests tuna salad on rye with low-fat mayo and lettuce and tomato can decrease the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches. “Insomnia is not a problem most of us would think could be helped by a sandwich, but we’d be wrong,” says Grapley. “In fact, a slice turkey and cream cheese is guaranteed to help you get the shut-eye you crave.”
• If you suffer from a lack of energy and worry about bone density, pump up the volume with a roast beef and Swiss cheese on rye with mustard. The meat is high in protein while the cheese is filled with calcium — a one, two punch that’s hard to beat.
• You can rev up your love life with a surefire combination of honey, figs, ricotta cheese and orange slices on wheat bread.
• Watching your weight and cholesterol levels? Slap together a tasty broiled veggie burger topped with salsa. “One of my favorite combinations for people who want to up their potassium intake is an avocado and roast chicken sandwich,” says Grapley. “Chicken is also chocked full of niacin, which boosts your metabolism.
• Researchers discovered another winning sandwich is sliced apple and peanut butter. Down one of these before you work out. You can even eat your way out of a hangover by eating a toasted chocolate and banana sandwich.

Happy Fourth Of July!! — Kellie Quinn

Easy to find activities, ….For schedule of events:   

 

www.SaratogaJULY4TH.com

As always,  look for our STAR 101.3 Fun Van and the Prize Guys. You’re going to find the best events.    

 HAVE SOME FUN! 

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY — Kellie Quinn

Dad represents the easy going,  ”FUN” parent.   Unlike “Mom”, who stands for good manners, wash your hands, pick up your clothes, clean your room, do your homework, never belch in public, chew with your mouth closed,…

Dads …well,…  lets throw a ball,  round of golf, can I have the car keys?, to the ever popular “Bank Of Dad.”

Good Dads are a little girls best friend.  All girls learn that they can pull the big powder puff over his eyes, and always remain his little angel .. no matter what !  

Also, according to the Book  “The Fatherstyle Advantage”   by authors: Kevin O’Shea and James Windell,  Dads provide so much to the parenting table.  More than just the obvious. For example, Dads teach us different ways to play, expectations that are different from the (necessary) Mom expectations, and he shows us how to take risks. It’s inarguable.  Simple nature.   

Pick up a copy or check out the website :  SomethingyoushouldKnow.net with Michael Carruthers. I Love this site !! 

So,  for Dad, and all the single Moms who have had to creatively deliver both parenting jobs,…

Happy Father’s Day.  Have a great weekend !!