Ohhh la vache!!!  Has it been a week already?! Seems like just yesterday I posted an update. 
And you? Have you had a productive week? Are eating well? Are you taking care of yourselves? I hope so! I have said it before and I will say it again, 
Life is too short to eat bad food! 
Shall we get down to brass tacks... 

Last week: 140
This week: 139

I added a little bit of fruit and yogurt this week to add a bit of variety (fromage blanc actually, I added half a ripe peach, sprinkled on some cinnamon and a packet of stevia.. Peaches and cream, ya'll!!! It was heavenly!)  I also started taking multivitamins and starting lifting free weights earilier in the month, but not everyday, heck not every other day, ok, ok, once a week! (if that!) Again, I attempt not to do too much, well because, one... I'm lazy, perhaps I should start saying I'm patient or zen, yes, I prefer the sound of that much better... and two, I have nothing but time, even though it seems to be moving faster than usual! Can you believe it will be Christmas in three months!!!! THREE MONTHS! 

Here is you and yours! Have a great week and EAT WELL! 

Hey Everybody! You treating yourselves well? You eating well?

As for me... I am well and am exercising, however before you start rolling your eyes, please know that I am very lazy and attempt to do the minimum with maximum results. 

Obviously, I live in la la land, or as I like to say Ohh la la land, but living overseas does have it advantages waist wise. Why? 
Well, first, my mode of transportation is leg powered, I either bike or walk as fast as my short legs can take me, and by fast, I mean, not at all. I don't like to break a sweat and attempt not to be run over by those crazy French drivers! This also means that even when I just want to sit and veg out in front of my computer, having a sweet puppy and athletic husband quickly put me in my place.
My puppy needs exercise, sometimes I can almost hear her saying, "Walk me fat ass, YOU could use the exercise!"

I am currently weighing in at 140 pounds (63.5 kg) which puts me in the overweight category for my height. (According to my BMI or body mass index.) I consider being overweight good news. Why? Because, not so long ago, my BMI was in the morbidly obese category. I have to admit, I still feel as if I weigh 215 pounds, even though the scale and my clothes reflect a different story. Strange how that works. I still have about 25 pounds to lose overall, however, one pound at a time. 
One pound at a time.

Have a great week everyone! And remember, life is too short to eat bad food!

We all remember Jason from the slasher franchise, Friday the 13th. 
Come to think of it, I have NEVER camped by a lake or stayed in a cabin by the woods. 
So, why am I bringing this up?
We all know Friday the 13th is unlucky, but do you know why? 

Well, let's take a look at French history because this is where it commenced. By the way, just know everything ended badly because of human desires: power, greed and money. 

It is best to start at the beginning with the Knights Templars. They were this legendary elite fighting army  of knights and lords  or "warrior monks" formed during the Christian Crusades to combat Islam. Renowned as a fighting force for 200 years, by the 1300s the order had grown so rich and powerful (they were the first to establish a banking system and in fact, were more bankers than warriors) they became a threat to kings and popes alike. 


According to the book  Tales of the Knights Templar by Katharine Kurtz:

On October 13, 1307, a day so infamous that Friday the 13th would become a synonym for ill fortune, officers of King Philip IV of France carried out mass arrests in a well-coordinated dawn raid that left several thousand Templars — knights, sergeants, priests, and serving brethren — in chains, charged with heresy, blasphemy, various obscenities, and homosexual practices. None of these charges was ever proven, even in France — and the Order was found innocent elsewhere — but in the seven years following the arrests, hundreds of Templars suffered excruciating tortures intended to force "confessions," and more than a hundred died under torture or were executed by burning at the stake.

By the way, King Philip IV of France was in deep debt to the Knights Templar, so in his logic, getting rid of the Knights Templar disolves the debt. I suppose human lives are worth less than money.

But wait, it gets better... you see  in 1314, Philip had the last Master of the Templars, Jacques de Molay burned at the stake after a 7 year imprisonment, along with 3 other high level Templars. They were suppose to receive life imprisonment after having confessed to their crimes, but like any good drama, de Molay and Geoffroi de Charney stood up for themselves in court. They exclaimed that they were only guilty of betraying their Order to save their own lives and the charges brought against the Order were fictitious, for it was holy and pure. They went on to say that their confessions false.

When word of this came to the King, obviously he was seething and ordered them burned that same day. As the Templars slowly burned to death, they refused all offers of pardon for retraction and beared the agony with composure. They earned the reputation of martyrs among the people, who reverently collected their ashes as holy relics.

According to legend, de Molay cursed both Philip (the King) and Clement V (the pope) from the flames, saying that he would summon them before God’s Tribunal within a year. It just so happened, both King and Pope died within the next year.

It seems The Templars’ curse extended beyond Philip IV. The throne passed rapidly through Philip’s sons, who all failed to produce male heirs and by 1328, the King Philip IV blood line was extinguished. The throne passed to House Valois.

Ohhh Happy Day everyday! How is it going in your neck of the woods?
Shall we talk about food? My favorite subject, of course!  
Like any gourmand, I like to eat and eat well. 
I can even talk about food, while eating food!
Recently, a very handsome Frenchman, paid me the highest compliment stating, "You are so French now!" 
Merci beaucoup, monsieur! 

Call it obsession OR call it as I see it.
I am simply paying close attention to how I treat and take care of myself! 
This is my body, my temple. 
It would be disrespectful to the Gods if I didn't take care of the gift they bestowed upon me!
Can I get an Amen!??! 

This to-die-for fried chicken recipe comes from the lovely Sheila! 
I have never met her, however she kind of reminds me
Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilie Clark from my favorite book and TV series, A Song of Fire and Ice, Game of Thrones. 
I consider my low carb book and Sheila's website my bibles.
I am constantly reading and rereading them for knowledge, motivation and ideas. Thank you Sheila! 

However, I digress.. I am a southern girl at heart, and Mama NEEDS her fried chicken! I have posted this recipe in the past, so quit being lazy and peruse my blog for some hidden treasures, some food for thought and of course, recipes! You'd be happy you did! 

Right, fried chicken...
 I also dipped the chicken in homemade ranch dressing (sour cream with a Hidden Valley Ranch Dips packet) and enjoyed it immensely with my green salad. 
Needless to say, I was in fat girl heaven! Truth is, I love eating richly, all the while I'm losing weight! I mean, Bonnnnjouuurrrrr! 
Why didn't I listen to Dr. Atkins and Sheila YEARS ago? Oh yeah, because I was dumb! Well, honey chil... Not NO MORE! 

This is a stir fry I made with leftover veggies. It is simply extra lean ground beef, one clove of garlic, some onion, red bell pepper, and green beans. A little salt, a little pepper, and let us not forget the aged white cheddar cheese! Simple and delishhhh! It reminded me of my favorite Thai dish, sans coconut milk and red spice. Hmmm, might have to check the carb count on coconut milk or recreate it somehow.... 

By the way,  I haven't had cheddar cheese for close to three years. Why? Well, France didn't sell it! I can hear those snobby Frenchies now, "Stupid Anglo-Saxon with their bad cheese!!" 
In fact, I only found it a month ago, that is when it popped up in my local market! I was so happy, I nearly fainted! 

Broccoli and Cheese soup! Yes, please! This is beyond tasty and so easy to make, I promise you'd kick yourself for not making this dish sooner! I made this for dinner earlier in the week and whoooaaaa Nelly was it tasty! 
Obviously you need FRESH broccoli, half a bouillon (chicken) cube, one or two cloves of garlic and maybe a quarter of a whole onion, minced. 
Adjust the servings for your family. I made the soup for 2 people.
IMPORTANT: Your broccoli  MUST look as if they are relaxing in a jacuzzi! Do not use too much water!

First, cut them into small little trees and with the onion, garlic and cube, allow it all to boil for about 8-10 minutes or until they are tender. Next, transfer to a blender (or hand mixer) and blitz until it is to the soup consistancy you enjoy. Add a little salt, a little pepper, a pat of butter, a pat of sour cream, and top off with cheese! 
PERFECTION! I like to eat my soup in mugs, it makes me feel as if I have a better handle on it! hahhaha, get it?!!

Fresh oysters! Yes, please! 

I love mine with just a squirt of lemon and eating them right out of the halfshell! 
In a previous post, I mentioned that oysters are a Sunday French tradition, but don't ask me why. I asked the sweet husband and he simply said, "Why not!"
I love them, LOVE THEM! 
I love their milk, their freshness, their saltiness, their silkiness!
Seriously, I feel like Queen Cersei (Game of Thrones reference) when I eat them, especially with a cool glass of rosé or white wine! PARADISE!  
I could easily eat a dozen all by myself, however I usually am satisfied after eight! 

Chicken Salad.... 
Depending on the day, I either purchase a ready-made rotisserie chicken or chicken breasts. I am such a cavewomen when I have a rotisserie chicken in front of me....picking the flesh off the carcass to my fat-girl delight!!
The only thing missing is a bone through my nose. 
However, since moving to France, I have become, oh what's the word, civilized and thus, my chicken salad looks more like this. 
I add lots of pepper and even make my own salad dressings, either ranch or oily delishhh. (my name for it)
Oily Delishhh Ingredients: olive oil, white vinegar, a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of salt, some pepper, and dusted parmesan cheese. I like the tanginess and zestiness of my homemade concoction! By the way, when cooking, I eyeball and taste, never measure, the amount of herbs, spices, and oils in my foods. I feel everyone has a good eye,  measure and taste for their personal preferences.

Cucumber sandwiches...
In the past, my go-to junk food was chips and soda! Now, I have figured out a way to replace my unhealthy passion for something better. Of course, I eat cucumbers in my salad, however, if I am feeling peckish, which is few and far between, this is one of my go-to snackaroos! 
I make cucumber sandwiches! By the way, that is Philadelphia cream cheese in the center.
YUMMMMM! I feel so girly and pretty when I snack on these delish treats! 
I also make cucumber chips or crisps for you Brits. (not pictured) It is simply sliced cucumbers, then I  add a copius amount of fresh-squeezed lime on top and sprinkle with sea salt.  I chase it with Perrier sparkling water to give me the carbonation high I use to get with soda! 

Tuna in Avocado Boats! 
I need to add more fish to my diet. I love anchovies (with fresh lemon squeezed on top) and sardines, of course I love salmon, who doesn't?! By the way, I only eat FRESH anchoives and sardines, hardly ever canned. What I do eat canned is tuna, because it is just easier and truth be told, I'm lazy! 
I only add dijon mustard à la ancienne (its a French thing, it has mustard seeds in it) and mayo, pepper and a squeeze of lemon or lime, and place it inside the avocado pit and eat with a spoon! Yummmm.... creamy! I added a side salad topped with leftover bacon, cherry tomatoes, and for the dressing, I used oily delishhh!  (recipe is located above, under chicken salad) 

I hope I have given you some food for thought! 

Thank you again to Sheila, Linda and the I breathe, I'm hungry websites 
for the wealth of information and for your time and dedication. 
I do so appreciate it, all of you ladies are class-acts. 

As I have said before and will again: LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO EAT BAD FOOD! 
Might as well get thin while eating off the fat of the land!
Also, I will not be posting a Weigh in: Wednesday Reality Check for this week, instead it will be posted on the Sept. 18th.

Take care of yourselves 
and 
Bon Appétit!

Hello there! 

I love my friends. I am so fortunate to have been able to meet a really great group of INTELLIGENT, CREATIVE and DOWN TO EARTH women that I can truly be myself around, who do not judge me or use my faults against me, and above all, who love me, just as I am! (squee!) 
I wish the same for you. So, why am I getting all sentimental and gooey? Well, like every intelligent, creative, down to earth woman, she reads. 

One of my class act lady-friends recently lent this book to me, stating:
"I think you will enjoy it, Jen!" She was right. I loved it. In fact, I have sprinkled a Churchill quote into my everyday venacular because of this book: "KPO!" Which stands for "Keep Plodding On!" However, after doing some research, one of his secretaries overheard, "Keep Buggering On!" Nonetheless, good advice, old chap!
My favorite Churchill quote is "If you are going through hell, keep going!" 
About the book... Her name is Maggie Hope, (American, of course!) who is as smart as a whip and has the classy chutzpuh that goes along with it! I believe it is a trilogy, but don't quote me. I enjoyed it and experienced all the emotions that went along with it. I am fortunate to have never experienced living through a war as the European people did. This book made me appreciate all the blessings I have and allowed me to understand the French and British even more. 
See what having intelligent, creative and down to earth friends do for you??!!   

My other class act lady-friend of mine, donated this book to me. I am still in the process of reading it, I should be done with it today or tomorrow.
This book is charming and infuriating at the same time, much like the French! 
Honestly, I just adore it and it made me realize that I do not self-pamper myself enough. 
This book discusses the French mentality and the differences between the Brits and the Americans. Some of this I already knew, however I didn't know the motivation behind it. This sweet book enlightened me and is making me take a hard look in the mirror to improve my beauty regime. 
One of my favorite quotes in the book is, "Better to be dead than ugly." I laughed, then gave myself a manicure and pedicure. My mother use to always say that having a bad, forceful attitude is ugly and to always create an air of mystery about yourself. 
Growing up in Texas, I attended balls and cotillions, even was a debutante. At the time, I felt like a performing monkey in heels. Today, to be honest, I would LOVE to attend a masquerade ball! I miss it, but shhhhhh! Don't tell my mother! 
If you live outside of France, it may be difficult to comprehend some of the author's writing. My suggestion: find yourself a French lover and stat! 

Again, another classy lady-friend allowed me to borrow this book. I will start reading it after I finish reading Impossibly French.
I love reading non-fiction books, especially dealing with historical events, cultural differences, and auto-biographies. Don't get me wrong, I love reading books (Game of Thrones, Harry Potter)  that can transport me to another time and place and that allow me to reflect and assist me in becoming a better person. 
As you may or may not know, I am a practicing modern witch, as were my grandparents, who were folk-healers, magical, and respected community leaders in a little Texas town. They believed in good ailmentation, meditation, healing with herbs and prayers, dancing, laughing and having huge Texas hoedowns! Turns out, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Another cool development is that my boss (she lent this book to me) is decendant from a falsely accused witch and therefore, hung. As we conversed, I said, she probably had a nice piece of property and the 'community leaders' wanted to get their grubby hands on it. She looked at me, gave me a sly (witchy) smile and said, "That's it." 
I am looking forward to reading this book. 

Living in France, I constantly have to be on my toes. This is my adopted country, therefore I have be updated on what is going on in my community. C'est normal, as the French say. I will always be the odd person out and be discriminated because of it, that is just a fact. It sucks, but c'est comme ça! 
Therefore, to beat the Frenchies at their own game, one must be prepared. 

Please allow me to complain for a brief moment: I always have to be prepared. Always, always, ALL WAYS, ALWAYS! Ok, done. Thank you.

To do that, I read, I ask questions, I practice speaking French, I make observations.... in other words, monkey see, monkey do. 
Another class-act lady friend of mine allowed me to borrow this book as well. 
She said she learned a wealth of information and it helped her navigate the choppy waters known as the French. I plan on reading this after I finish Salem Possessed.
I know I will be enlightened and will add more secret ammo to my ever growing arsenal. 

And you? Read any good books lately? 
Personally, my favorite time of year is autumn. 
I love curling up with a mug of coffee or soup, a blanket, or my puppy and reading until I am too tired to continue.
Happy Reading! 

​Fashion...
Since living in France, I have noticed a big difference in how I dress. I put heels, lipstick and perfume on to walk my dog to the bakery. I wear a lot more dresses and pay special attention to what and how I eat. Why? Because I am taking care of myself. On Planet France, the French believe in the basic respect for taking care of oneself.  

Remember the book, French women Don't get Fat? By the way, French women on a whole are slim and dress in a fashion that accentuates them, however I have seen a few French fatties on the streets, but it is rare, and of course, I am one of them. But I digress, I purchased that book in the United States, and when I read it, I couldn't comprehend what she was talking about. The author paints a picture of experiencing France with all five senses. 

I lived in Las Vegas, Nevada. The only trees around I was allergic to, it was too hot to enjoy hiking or playing tennis, my city was too big to walk to the nearest grocery store without dying of heat stroke. Then, I moved to France. I reread her book and suddenly it made sense, because I experienced it. I'm not saying you need to move to France to dress better, although you will, I am saying you have to pay attention to how to accentuate your best self. This is what France has taught me. You know as well as I do that nothing beats the feeling of slipping on an outfit that makes you feel (fill in the blank) sexy, beautiful, stunning, radiant, glam, fierce, strong, etc! 

French fashion revolves around the sense of each woman. She dresses practically and in accordance to her personality without it being a sideshow, but a fashion show. Know the boundary.