Beth, I'm definitely looking forward to it "even-ing out." I want to be back in the shape where I don't collapse in a heap at the end of the day, just 'cause I exercised! Thanks for your encouragement and I like your mileage updates. Great idea.

Sorry, still hating the new format. *this* close to migrating to WP. Formatting with wysiwyg is always totally screwed up, no "undo" and font formatting changes never "take." If I wanted to hand code a post, I wouldn't pay for it.

I'm also having font issues and formatting issues. I'm open to change, but hate the functionality of the new layout. None of the wysywig editing seems to be working quite right.

I posted this before reading your adorable post (http://gracefulcreative.com/?p=1772) about your two littles and their conversation. I'm glad we're both taking time out to enjoy.

I'll let Rosey answer this for herself if she wants to, but I'll chime in on her program design: In Rosey's case, our plan for her was less about burning calories added by consuming sugar and more about the insulin effect simple carbohydrates (sugars) were having on her body and metabolism. When insulin spikes due to straight sugar consumption, we tend to eat more, then feel sluggish and crash, then repeat. If you're interested in why avoiding sugar is more than just about calories, try searching "metabolic syndrome" or "insulin effect."

I see meal planning squarely in the camp of "not for everyone." Me, I can't make great food choices or stay (kinda) on budget without at least a bit of a compass. Plus, it forces me to try new recipes. Yum.

We all have our vices, don't we...?(sigh.) Post-baby I'm fighting the sweet tooth, too. I love how Rosey walked around with her treat for 30 minutes and got past the craving. Great tip! I may not have mentioned it before, but if Rosey isn't on a "no sugar" day, she doesn't get to eat any sugar past 6:30pm, which helps with sleep and also helps to avoid being vulnerable (tired) and likely to eat more.

Rani, *such* a beautiful photo. I keep it "unread" in my Reader so I can look at it again. Lovely eye for color.

In line with @I Love-Hate, I've found outbound links to other bloggers in the same niche are effective in reaching out, creating link love and have even opened the door for some guest posts. By the way, I think the 31 Days series by Darren was incredibly info-rich and helpful; I still can't believe it was free.

- Yep, you're right, Stephanie: crockpot beans are waaay easy. And I've got the black bean stains on the pot to prove it! They turned out a little mushy (which was fine for what I used them for)...any tips on this. I refuse to cook beans without soaking them first, so maybe I should take the water they soak in and absorb into account? Hints? - As far as sprouting goes, Jenna @ Chive Talkin' is the gal to ask. I'll see what I can find in the way of facts, but I can tell you they taste almost nothing like their cooked counterparts when sprouted. Much more fresh and crunchy. Look for a separate post soon. - No sticks for our frozen bananas. I just pull one out of the freezer and it's gone in three bites. What's that you say? There's chocolate in my son's hair? Oops : ) Thanks for stopping by!

Hey Jenna! I have my first batch of black beans in the Crock Pot right now. I found a handout at our co-op with cooking instructions (it was from PCC, and an amended version of the chart is here: http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/products/grocery/tips_beans.html#5) (They have the same thing for grains here: http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/products/grocery/tips_grains.html#6). I soaked them overnight and put them on high, but it was sputtering so much I just turned it down. We'll see! I'll report back next week. I'm allergic to nuts, too, so I never put nuts in my dishes. I usually substitute seeds or leave 'em out completely. Thanks for hosting the weekly menu exchange!

I should try that. The bee pollen was a little pricey and honey is much more versatile.