Smoothies 101

My breakfast smoothie basics. Today's flavor: Pineapple

Recipe:

1 c liquid (today, used 1/2 c fat free milk, 1/2 c water)
1/2 c. Fat Free yogurt
1/2 banana (mostly for texture and nutrients, you don't really taste the banana in the mix)
1-2  T protein powder (a quarter scoop)
1 c frozen pineapple chunks (or strawberries, peaches, any frozen fruit)
1 c ice

Blend it all together until smooth. (Helpful hint: Put liquids in blender first, frozen items last.)

Today's calorie count: 305

If you're adventurous, you could add healthy greens (spinach, kale). You could cut calories by a) skipping the protein powder-- though not recommended because that helps keep you full longer. b) using all water, or green tea, no milk c) substituting dairy for soy or nut based yogurt-milk (if you're lactose intolerant or vegan). Some people use fruit juice instead of water or milk, but that really adds calories.

Why not fresh fruit? I find the frozen fruit gives it a thicker, more satisfying shake-like texture.

Is it satisfying? Very. It fills me up and cuts out my snacking urges. I won't be hungry again until noon or later, but it doesn't weigh me down or sap my energy. When I have my morning smoothie, I don't even need my morning coffee. Alternate days, I will have 2 eggs or egg whites with spinach and a glass of V8. And coffee. Or, well, yesterday I had a bowl of Lucky Charms. Nobody's perfect.

JANE SLAYRE, still slaying.

It's Jane Slayre's anniversary! Released 2 yrs ago and finding new readers every day. Thanks for all your love and support. xoxox


Visit the Jane Slayre website for fun games and extras! 

Super Bowl: Go, Patriots!

Yes, I am a Patriots fan, and so excited that they've made it all the way again this year, another Patriots-Giants Super Bowl. Two great teams, only one winner. I hope it's the Pats. But I love my Giants fan friends. Let's hope it's a good game.

I'll be watching at home-- too nervous to go out. Making nachos, Buffalo wings, and sandwiches.

How about you? Big plans for Super Bowl Sunday?

Happy Holidays!

I will be spending Christmas with family. My husband's busy travel schedule has slowed down, son has been living at home for the past year trying to write and doing voice auditions, daughter is home from college for the holidays, and the corgi is doing well after a scary emergency surgery.

Wishing you well, safe, and happy through the season and into the New Year.

If you're looking for some good reading or gifts, try:

Monster Classics:
Grave Expectations (Gallery Books, September 2011)
Jane Slayre (Gallery Books, April 2010)

Paranormal Romance:
To Hell with Love (Zebra Books, July 2008)
Naughty or Nice (Zebra Books, September 2009)

or for your new e-reader device,
Masters of Seduction, a romance anthology featuring authors Marsha Canham, Virginia Henley, Jacquie D'Alessandro, Jill Gregory, Sherri Browning Erwin, and Julie Ortolon.

Cheers!
Sherri

Survivor South Pacific: Power Rankings Finale

Xfinity's Gordon Holmes(156) and his partner in ranking, Andrea Boehlke(156) have had a great season, and finally ended up in a tie. I've almost caught up, at 154, which really isn't bad considering how  I tanked early on.  Here are my predictions for the finale:


RI: It's down to Brandon and Ozzy and someone's coming back in the game. I think it's Ozzy. Which means Brandon goes to the jury and let's go from there...

1. Sophie has played a solid game, going along with Coach when it suited her, keeping Albert in check when necessary, using shrewd strategy, and sharing witty asides with the camera. I hope she wins.

2. No question that Coach kept control of his tribe and made some really strong moves, like swaying Cochran to Upolu's side by playing on his fear of drawing rocks, and telling Brandon he had to wait to see what God wanted him to do... that was all a strategy, right? Hmm. Unfortunately, I think he played a little too hard to win over the jury. 

 3. Albert had a bad time at the last Tribal Council. Brandon's little "gift" of the immunity necklace will get Albert into the final three, but not in the way that he intended, as a beloved hero and wise player. Albert now looks like a jerk to the jury and can't win-- which makes him a perfect candidate to bring to the end. 

4. Rick simply hasn't been heard from enough for me to think he goes much further. He's in with the right people, but someone's gotta go... and it might all come down to who wins immunity. And I don't think it's Rick for the win. 

5. Ozzy (or Brandon)- whoever comes back in the game will need immunity to stay in the game, and I'm not sure that's going to work out for Ozzy. Though it most certainly could, which would give him a shot at winning over the jury. But I'm going to say he ends up on the jury, and not making a final argument to win.