The Blessings Of Christmas Past

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Coco

Last Christmas we had our family dinner on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day like we usually do. It took a bit more planning and organizing to be able to prepare and enjoy a feast and still make it church for the 10 pm candlelight service, but we did it.

I knew my daughter didn’t want to come to church with us (and I wasn’t going to force the issue with a 20 year-old), but I thought my son could be convinced. I took advantage of his status as a relatively new driver eager to get behind the wheel, and made him our “designated driver” for the evening. (That also meant that the adults could enjoy a glass of wine with dinner without setting a poor example of drinking and driving.)

Although my Mom often goes to church with us, my Dad hadn’t been very often because he was an active member of his own church. I was glad when he agreed to join us on Christmas Eve, because our candlelight service is so lovely. The church is warm with the glow of dozens of tealights hanging from the ceiling over the altar, and festively decorated with red and white pointsettias and fragrant evergreens. At the end of the service, the lights are dimmed and we sing “Silent Night” by candlelight. Then, all of the lights are turned all the way up while we sing “Joy To The World.” The contrast of dark and light, solemn and exuberant, is very moving.

When we got back home, my Dad told me what a special evening it had been for him. He enjoyed the totally-from-scratch apple pie my daughter had made, was impressed by my son’s careful driving, and was touched by the church service.

(My Dad with my kids, but not last Christmas)

As Christmas approaches, I am relishing my memories of last Christmas, and the very special time that I had with my Dad. If I make it to our Christmas Eve service this year (which I am talking myself into by writing this, even though it will be hard), I am sure that I will cry for him (as I am crying now just thinking about it), but I also am sure that the magical glow of the candles will lift my spirits, and that the Holy Light of the Holy Night will fill my heart.

Treasure the blessings of today, so you can treasure the memories of yesterday.

Posted in Life, My Faith | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Product Review: Magic Masala Lays Potato Chips

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Coco

Just because I was annoyed by the over-the-top marketing on the Baked Lays package, doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy a good potato chip. Last weekend I was shopping at an Indian grocery store for spices (they are so much cheaper there than at the grocery store!) and these caught my eye:

I knew that if I didn’t like them, my son surely would, so I picked up two bags.

I think some of this marketing puffery is lost in the cross-cultural translation.


It’s interesting to see the different style of nutrition information (per 14g serving and per 100g) and the different disclaimers. The last line says

*Proprietary Food*

The curious lawyer in me had to look that up. My preliminary Google search indicates that India has a law called the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act that provides “regulatory standards for food products that constitute the bulk of the Indian diet.” Proprietary food is by definition “a food which has not been standardized under the PFA.” So, there you have it. (Google also pulled up a legal dispute surrounding the caffeine content of a Red Bull energy drink imported into India—apparrently it had too much caffeine under the PFA, and was subject to that regulation even though it is a “proprietary food.” Fascinating stuff, I know!)

So, do the Magic Masala Lays live up to the hype? Did I taste the blend of “life ‘n’ spice?

They taste a bit like barbecue flavor chips, but not quite. While eating them, the flavor is a bit milder and sweeter, but afterwards they leave a bite on your tongue. As far as spicy chips go, I think I like PopChips™ salt and pepper flavor better, but these were pretty good.

I’m not sure if you can read the “share pack” labeling on the front of the package. I did share this 2.2 ounce package with my husband—I gave him one chip to try anyway. 🙂 That’s my problem with chips. I tend to eat at least two servings at a time. And if the nutrition information for 14g means that a serving is about 1/2 ounce, I guess I ate four servings. 😛 

Have you seen these chips?

Have you seen other unusual varieties of U.S. products at an ethnic grocery store?magic

Posted in Food, Product Reviews | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Waterlogged App Winners

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Coco

Thanks to everyone who entered my Waterlogged App giveaway.

The winners are Jen and Carrie! Check your email for details.

Waterlogged Version 1.3.5 IPA App iPod Touch iPhone iPad

Happy Hydrating!

Posted in Fitness | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Easy Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Coco

Even though I make dozens of fancy cookies with my friends at our annual Christmas Cookie Bake-A-Thon, my kids still want me to make a few batches of peanut butter kiss cookies. I really like them too, and since my friend gave me a recipe that is incredibly easy and makes scrumptious cookies, I am happy to oblige.

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

The hardest part is waiting long enough to pack them up without eating them all while they are cooling! Continue reading →

Posted in Food | Tagged , | 5 Comments

I Don’t Need Excuses

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Coco

Last week was pretty rough. My eyelid swelled up like a sore thumb (I had a chalazion, which is like a stye, but not associated with an infection). I had a big work meeting every day, including one I was leading, one that involved a day trip to New Jersey, one where I was a speaker on a webinar, and one where I was the only presenter for an organization’s “holiday” meeting. All in all, my week was high in stress and low in sleep.

As I was talking myself through my treadmill workout on Tuesday, I thought of several reasons to cut it short.

  • My eye is swollen.
  • I’m tired.
  • I should get to work early.

But then I told myself:

I don’t need excuses.

Excuses are a dime a dozen, especially this time of year. There are more competing demands on my time, from clients wanting to complete their year-end business goals to friends and family wanting to get together for the holidays. I’m staying up later trying to get everything done, so of course I’m tired when my alarm goes off at o’dark-thirty for my workout.

But excuses won’t help me reach my goals. Excuses won’t ensure that my skinny jeans fit come January 1st. Excuses won’t keep me in shape for the four races in I’ve already signed up for in 2012. I don’t need excuses. Instead, I need to focus on my reasons for sticking with my exercise routine and (mostly) healthy eating.

Yes, I want to fit in my skinny jeans, but I also want to enjoy the holiday treats that are worth it. I may not be able to burn off every extra calorie I consume over the next two weeks, but I should be able to come pretty close.

Yes, I want to stay in good shape for my races, but I also need the mental health benefits of exercise, especially this time of year. Nothing clears my head of the Christmas chaos than a nice long run, even if it is cold outside.

So, I finished my full treadmill workout on Tuesday. And on Wednesday, I set my alarm early to squeeze in my elliptical and weights routine before I had to head to the airport. On Thursday, I walked on the treadmill. And Friday, when my eye finally was better, I went for a run. No excuses.  

Are you letting excuses override your reasons?

Posted in Fitness | Tagged | 11 Comments