Slim House Slim Body

For the slim life: Love your closet, love yourself!

2010-10-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

This dress just arrived from my favorite store, Nordstrom. I am so happy to share that I ordered it in size Medium, and it fits!! Mind you, I'm much curvier than this stick of a model, so it looks different on me. Actually, I can honestly say I look better in this dress than the super slim model. Yay!

I am feeling very good about my shape and fitness, at the moment. Frankly, it feels scary to even "publish" that news. I'm still a size away from fitting into the sexy red halter dress from my Mom's slim years, so still in slimming mode.

This takes me to a very important feng shui for slimness point: The more you love yourself exactly as you are, today, the more quickly you will reach your slim goals.

It also reminds me of the Slim Closet chapter in my book. If this dress had not fit me comfortably, now, I would have sent it back. Right away. Even if it was only a little snug and might fit in a week or two.

If a garment is not wearable today, it should be either (a) not in your home at all or (b) at least in a storage area out of your daily presence.

Slimming down your closet is one of the quickest, easiest ways to support your desire to be slim and fit. When every garment in your closet is wearable, now, you feel much better about yourself, now. If every third garment is too tight to wear, it makes you feel bad to even move past it to the roomier clothes.

By the way, Mom's sexy red, halter dress is in a storeroom, in a garment bag, completely invisible by casual glance.

Find other equally easy ways to support your slim lifestyle in Slim House Slim Body. Order your copy, today!

Path of Slim Sanity, Part 1

2010-10-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Part of the view from my chair

I'm currently reading Women, Food, & God by Geneen Roth. After seeing Geneen's recent appearance on Oprah, I have become filled with the hope of being completely free of the swing of the weight pendulum. Take Geneen's concepts, add in feng shui for slimness -- that's a recipe for a life of sanity around food. Yay!

I've only read about 3 chapters, so far, and already I am feeling more sanity around food.

I have to laugh at myself, though.

I just very carefully selected what I was hungry for breakfast-wise. (Geneen)
I placed a medium-sized portion on a pretty plate the size of which made the portion feel ample. (feng shui).
I chose my favorite cutlery. (feng shui)
Found a throw to wrap around my legs; it's a little chilly for alfresco dining here in Lake Oswego, OR this morning. (feng shui)
I settled down in a comfy chair on my lovely patio to have breakfast with the garden, birds, and squirrels. (Geneen & feng shui)

My Patio

And then managed to eat it all barely noticing how delicious it was, barely noticed the garden, the birds, or the squirrels, my mind was so busy. (Not Geneen, Not feng shui)

Personally, I find that hilarious. Also, insightful. It's good to know that however careful the preparation may be, one must continue to be careful to Stay Present with Every Morsel.

I imagine, I dream, the days will come when staying present with food will be more the norm, a healthy habit. Currently, though, I'm choosing to be amused by this Lesson in Absence.

How about you?

Slim Challenges of Life with Mom, Part 2

2010-10-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

Mom & Me, Circa 2002

It has been quite the Slim Challenge to live with my now 91.75 year old Mom. As you may recall, she eats the least healthy food possible at every opportunity and has sweet treats Every Day. Even just keeping her company some of the time plus doing my fair share of stress eating (stuffing those feelings), had a weighty consequence.

After about 7 months of sporadic healthy behaviors, I hit my saturation point. I recommitted to all my slim behaviors, started exercising regularly, and slowly I have let go of the 22# amassed.

I did think, having developed wonderful easy ways to use feng shui to support slim intentions and written a book on the subject that I was off the Slim/Pudgy Pendulum Ride forever. Obviously, I've found that major changes in one's life can still wreak havoc with one's desires and intentions.

I am very glad that I was able to apply the principles in Slim House Slim Body, even when it didn't seem to be having a very direct effect on me.

Over the last year, I have been clearing out virtually every closet, cabinet, storeroom, and drawer in my Mom's very large home. To her eyes, it looks very much the same. Most of the differences are behind closed doors.

The bulk of this project was completed about the time I decided enough is enough and recommitted to my slim lifestyle.

It took about a month for Mom to quit suggesting I taste her yummy indulgences. For a while there, it seemed like I was saying "No, thanks" about 8 times a day. Her new habit of refraining from asking me to share in such things makes it much easier to stay on track with my healthy food choices.

I'm currently at an acceptable weight. However, there's this gorgeous, red, halter top dancing dress with a beaded jacket that will be perfect for Christmas dancing parties that I'd love to wear. It's my Mom's dress from her former petite days. I think it is possible that I can healthily wear it. It's a wonderful dream, in any case.

Do you live with someone who either doesn't need to watch what they eat or simply chooses not to be careful? How do you manage?

Use Nordstrom Wish List as Your Intention List

2010-05-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Nordstrom's Summer Fashions are soooo pretty. I was browsing through the "New Items" section when the idea of using the Wish List feature as an Intention List came to me.

It's easy and fun and such good feng shui.

All you do is browse your favorite store site, mine is Nordy's obviously, and use their Wish List feature to save photos of the clothes you intend to look great in.

It's best for your Slim Intentions to select clothes with waists, and not elastic waists, either. The more the clothes show off your newly sensuous, shapely, fit self the stronger the intention they are.

Here are some of mine:

I'm not exactly sure where I'm likely to wear these clothes. Perhaps, subconsciously, I chose them to fulfill another intention, a romantic life!

Interestingly, actually owning such garments is not a good idea until they fit you comfortably. When you actually own them when they don't yet fit, they nag you, which delays the accomplishment of feeling good wearing them.

While it is preferable that they be clothes you intend to own when they do feel good and look great, they can merely represent the clothes you'd enjoy seeing yourself in. It is best if they match your intended or current lifestyle and your intended or current pocketbook.

It's perfectly okay, though, to choose haute couture clothes even if you never intend to actually purchase them. Just think how lush your lifestyle can be when you use the money you've attracted to acquire this Slim Wardrobe. You could take a cruise! What a celebration for Slim You!

The Wish List can represent Slim Intentions, Wealth Intentions, Generosity (to self or from others), and Lifestyle Intentions (more social, more romantic, more travel).

So have fun visiting your favorite stores and start your Intention List, now!

Copyright © 2010 Kathleen Tumpane. All rights reserved.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE?

You can, as long as you include the copyright and this blurb with it:

Feng Shui Designer, Teacher, and Coach, Kathleen Tumpane ASID, is the author and creator of Elemenza Weekly, her FREE weekly ezine which includes her renowned column ‘Simply Feng Shui’ rich in Feng Shui Design and Lifestyle tips to help you design your home and office rich in elegant and subtle feng shui power that helps you live and work in balance. Visit www.elemenza.com to learn more. Kathleen is also author of Slim House Slim Body, to own your copy and be continually inspired visit www.slimhouseslimbody.blogspot.com.

Recipe .. Kathleen's Fabulous Egg Salad

2010-03-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

This may seem an odd inclusion as a Slim Recipe. However, it is so satisfying it is easy to savor a small portion. Serve it on cocktail rye toasted as shown here! Or savor a generous dollop on six Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Crackers. Yummmmmm.

As I'm currently living with my lovely 91 year old mom and other family members drop by from time to time, I usually do a full dozen eggs. As a single person, I'd do eight eggs, so I'd have several meals-worth.

Having instant yummy meal options makes it easier to choose healthy, yummy, slimming foods.

Ingredients:

8 - 12 hard boiled eggs, minced
Red Onion, minced
Celery, minced
Red Pepper, minced
Country Dijon Grey Poupon Mustard
Best Foods Mayonaise

I generally create a pile of onion, an equal pile of both celery and red pepper. Then mix them together on the cutting board before adding them to the minced hard boiled eggs. I add just enough mayo to bind everything. (My mom adds more mayo directly to her sandwiches; she really likes mayo.) Then, at least a heaping teaspoon of the mustard.

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Feng Shui Designer, Teacher, and Coach, Kathleen Tumpane ASID, is the author of Slim House Slim Body; How to use Intentional Design to become and be slim. Visit her Slim Blog at http://www.slimhouseslimbody.blogspot.com for articles, tips, and news of teleclasses.

Recipe ... Yummy Slim Turkey Loaf

2010-03-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 medium Red Onion, minced
5 stalks +/- Celery, minced

Mix together:
1/2 slice of bread, toasted and minced
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence

2 lb. lean ground turkey

Break up ground turkey in a bowl. Add the onions & celery, mixing completely. Add the egg mixture. Blend thoroughly.

Form into a large patty (2 lb. makes two large patties) the same shape as your Lean Mean Grilling Machine (LMGM). Cut into thirds. Transfer to LMGM using your large knife as a spatula.

Cook 5 to 6 minutes.

I'm more in the mood to cook in the morning, so I mince and mix then. Later, I form the patties and have the Turkey "Loaf" hot for dinner. The rest makes fabulously yummy meatloaf sandwiches and salads for days on end.

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Inconvenience is good feng shui!

2009-12-31T13:06:00.000-08:00

Two of the challenges in the slim life while being present for (living with) Mom has been
(a) being too tired in the early evening to have the energy to make a real, healthy dinner
(b) the abundance of high fat, high carb and yes, delicious, food in the house.

Gone, for the nonce, are the days when Dangerous Foods just didn't live with me. I have fresh appreciation of how difficult it is for those of you that have husbands and roomies that do not share your desire to surround yourself with ONLY yummy, SLIM food options.

I'm happy to report that I've had a breakthrough !! It primarily addresses the first of the challenges mentioned above ... being too tired at the end of the day to prepare a real dinner. However, it also reduces the desire to munch on all those scrumptious somethings in the kitchen.

What I've discovered is the magic of doing most of the prep work for dinner first thing in the morning. Well, not FIRST thing, but nearly. After my second cup of coffee and while I'm enjoying the third, I LIKE to cook. Or at least prepare up to the point of actually cooking.

That means, when the dinner hour approaches I have just enough energy to complete the process and enjoy an absolutely scrumptious, healthy meal.

I still seem to have the habit of munching the evening away. But, that is easily arrested by having the munchables sufficiently distant from my usual evening locations (Den sofa watching TV, snuggling in bed with my kitties reading a book). Distance to munchies being up the stairs and through the entire rest of the house to get to them gives me time to re-consider munching. Distance allows awareness to be heightened which helps break the munching habit.

If you live in very small space, distance may not be an option. You probably can keep your favorite munchies in inconvenient locations, though.

top shelf especially if you need a step stool to get them.
bottom shelf, way in the back of a cabinet, so you practically need to get on the floor to reach them.
in a cabinet in your garage.
in a box in the trunk of your car ... far away from the lid.

It is actually better to store your favorite indulgences in a room you rarely use, like a guest bedroom, or a room usually not associated with food, like your garage.

The goofier the location, the less convenient, the better!

In most cases, the feng shui suggestion is to place items in the most convenient location. In this case, the opposite is the best feng shui option. Don't you just love that!

My Holiday Wish for YOU

2009-12-31T12:22:00.000-08:00

Slim Challenges of Life with Mom, Part 1

2009-11-11T10:04:00.001-08:00

As you may know, I am currently being present for my 90 year old Mom. This has brought several challenges to my slim life. In no particular order ...

1. Her home is filled with stuff. For the most part, it is beautiful, well-loved, great memory-filled stuff. The other stuff is just stuff. I have been steadily deleting THAT stuff. With every load for the trash guys, my slim life gets easier.

2. Mom eats whatever she likes which is usually the most fat filled, artery clogging item on the menu. As long as we're eating out, that is no problem for me. Those foods hold no allure for me. One example, Zeppo's Mac and Cheese. The serving was enough for Mom's lunch plus dinner for two. Luckily, mac and cheese is NOT one of my comfort foods. My lunch at Zeppo's was Salmon e Limone; molto bene.

3. At age 72 or so, Mom's sweet tooth gained precedence over her will power. So if we stop at Starbuck's or Peet's for coffee, she will always want something from the sweet offerings. This IS difficult for me because I've always had a very active sweet tooth. I'm doing better with this than I was. Just realizing that mom will Always want something sweet makes it easier for me to make careful choices of indulgences.

Interestingly, rearranging the TV Room/downstairs Living Room so mom can see and hear the TV more easily has had the most impact on easing my slim life. In doing so, I moved the two chairs I've never liked out of my Office and moved the loveseat from the downstairs (dare I say My) Living Room into my Office. The net result is a much lighter feeling Living Room and a cozier Office.

What are your Slim Challenges? Does this post give you some ideas of how you can handle your challenges more easily? Please share. We're all in this, together!

Slim Pop Quiz 102

2009-09-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

"Two Ripe Plums" by JoAnn Tomsche

Quiz Question 102: Slim Symbol ... or not?

Slim Pop Quiz 101

2009-09-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite Relationship symbols. I found it in a wonderful shop in the Plaka district of Athens -- with the Acropolis within view. Every time I see it, I am reminded of that wonderful trip (which makes it also a Wealth and Lifestyle symbol for me).

It stands about 12" high. The base is approximately 1.5 X 1.5 X 1.5.

Here's your Quiz 101 Question: Is this a Slim Relationship sculpture ... or not?

Book Excerpt: Slim Firsts: What you see First is what you Attract

2009-09-03T16:38:00.001-07:00

First impressions are lasting impressions. Even when you are not consciously aware of them, first impressions set the tone of how you feel: for the day, in that room, at work, at home.

What do you see when you first awaken in the morning? When you enter each room in your home? When you drive up to your office? When you open your office door? When you drive into your garage? When you enter your home?

When you first awaken in the morning, you probably do not look as good as you will later. That is one of the reasons why mirrors in bedrooms are not considered a good idea. The image of your barely awake self probably does not reflect the vibrant, vital person you can be once you have your morning coffee or do your morning exercises. It can actually make you feel tired all day to see your barely awake self first thing in the morning, even after a good night's sleep.

For example, if the first thing you see upon waking is a sculpture or painting that represents "Friends and Lovers," you start your day feeling supported and well loved by your mate -- even if he is away on a business trip.

Perhaps your immediate goal is to feel self sufficient and independent after a debilitating divorce. A painting or sculpture of a strong single person, the same gender as you are, can help you start your day with confidence.

Sometimes, what you see first works against you. Here's one example. Few people who have home exercise equipment feel they use it as much as they "should." "George" had his exercise bike in his Family Room to remind him to use it. And it did. Remind him. All the time. It dominated the room. And nagged him unmercifully.

However, when he converted part of his garage into an exercise room, he found that he exercised more regularly and more enjoyably. When he went there, he was there to exercise. When he was in his Family Room, he was able to relax more completely. That one change made a huge difference in how he felt about himself: he felt more fit, healthier, and even slept better.

Just for fun, try this exercise:

At First Sight

Request the form here and print it out.

Then, walk through your home and note what you see first in each area. As you look over your list, you will easily assess the cumulative feelings those Firsts generate.

Do they make you feel
Slimmer? Nagged? Thwarted? Supported? Loved? Independent? Creative?

Excerpt from Slim House Slim Body. Get yours now!

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Can your home be TOO slim?

2009-09-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

Recently, one of my feng shui design coaching clients called with a "feng shui emergency." She couldn't seem to quit munching! This intrigued me as our most recent (a month or so previous) design coaching session had, I thought, addressed her intention to become and be slimmer.

We got together that afternoon. Feng Shui EMT!

What I discovered at Carol's (not her real name) home was fascinating.

Carol didn't realize we had already slimmed her house down during our coaching session. After she read my book, Slim House Slim Body, and she faithfully followed the suggestions to slim down her house -- which didn't need it!

Her living room end tables and cocktail tables felt bare. She had deleted a lazyboy type chair and two end tables in the Family Room.

Not only that, there were no family photos in the Living Room and an overabundance in the Family Room. As a result, her Living Room felt impersonal and her Family Room felt a tad overwhelming with family connections.

Carol's house was too slim. At a subconscious level, Carol's munching was her spirit trying to fill her up.

Luckily, it was very easy to fix. We moved some of the family photos from the Family Room to the Living Room. This reduced the "burden" of family in one area and added family warmth to the Living Room. We replaced the end tables in the Family Room and added back flower arrangements Carol had put away.

A phone follow up call two days later and then two weeks later both confirmed Carol is no longer at the mercy of compulsive munching.

The very cool thing from my point of view is that Carol knew her munchies were connected to her home environment - she had no idea how and immediately called for help. What a lovely model of self care.

Copyright © 2009 Kathleen Tumpane. All rights reserved.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE?

You can, as long as you include the copyright and this blurb with it:

Feng Shui Designer, Teacher, and Coach, Kathleen Tumpane ASID, is the author and creator of Elemenza Weekly, her FREE weekly ezine which includes her renowned column ‘Simply Feng Shui’ rich in Feng Shui Design and Lifestyle tips to help you design your home and office rich in elegant and subtle feng shui power that helps you live and work in balance. Visit www.elemenza.com to learn more. Kathleen is also author of Slim House Slim Body, to own your copy and be continually inspired visit www.slimhouseslimbody.blogspot.com.

How does kindness lead to slimness?

2009-08-24T12:12:00.001-07:00

Slim Emotions
Accept, allow, and celebrate ... yourself and others

Kind thoughts support your desire to become and be slim. How? The very discernment which allows you to monitor your food choices and quantities and encourages you to keep exercising, Metal energy, is the same energy that judges every body you see. Maybe you do not assess every body that crosses your field of vision, and if not, good for you! Most everyone I know does it.

Judging every body you see is toxic to your slim desires.

Judging every body you see is toxic to your slim desires. The good news is that it is easy to change such behavior. Yes, I know you may have been automatically checking out the attractiveness of every person for decades. Yet, I promise you, it will feel so much better for you to adopt these suggested actions, you will rapidly replace your former assessing behavior. Kind thoughts will become as automatic as judging ones used to be.

I celebrate your slimness.

Whenever you see a person who looks slim and sexy to you, say three sentences out loud (if alone) or in your head (if others are around). Here are some suggestions of Slim Mantras:

I celebrate your slimness.
I celebrate your sexiness.
I celebrate your beauty.

Or you might affirm:

I celebrate your attractiveness.
I celebrate your fitness.
I celebrate your style.

Or you may simply say:

I celebrate your slimness.
I celebrate your slimness.
I celebrate your slimness.

The key is to express your joy in her physical attractiveness three times. It is amazing how much better you feel when you do this. Your celebration of her physical success lifts your mood and boosts your own slim intentions.

Whenever you see a person who seems overweight to you or too skinny and perhaps anorexic, you say once with feeling: I send you love.

I send you love.

When you see yourself in the mirror or in the reflection of a glass door, send yourself love or acknowledge your own beauty, sexiness, and slimness -- whichever feels appropriate at the time.

By sending the over and under weight love, you align yourself with the divine in you. Yes, you have judged them as under or over weight, briefly. Still, when you send love to others, it just plain feels good.

When you think about it, as you celebrate the physical attractiveness of others, you are sending love to them, too.

This simple act of appreciation and kindness radiates from and through you and supports your desires to become a be slim.

You'll love how kind thoughts feel so much, you'll want to come back and let us all know!!

Excerpt from Slim House Slim Body. Get yours now!

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Favorite Food Day -- Welcome Relief?

2009-08-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

I grew up Catholic. One of my fondest Catholic memories was my Dad's annual Lent ritual. During Lent, he gave up his favorite foods: potatoes, bread, butter, ice cream. By Easter, forty days later for those of you who didn't grow up Catholic, he lost at least 20 pounds. It was simulataneously his offer of suffering and his annual weight control program!

Why am I telling you? Because last Sunday, I had a nearly Carb Only day!! I had raisen bread toast with cream cheese and cinnamon sugar, a couple of slices of yummy rye bread with butter, several pieces of fruit, savored Charms Blow-Pops (currently my favorite candy treat!!), and I think I had some red licorice, as well.

I'm not sure I had any significant protein all day. Which is roughly the reverse of what I usually do.

About half way through the day, realizing what I was doing, I decided to just go ahead a savor my Favorite Food Day. Sure, it was a boulder on the path back to my chosen slimness. However, by savoring it instead of beating myself up about it, I happily resumed my Slim Path the next morning.

Then, I remembered, on Sundays during Lent, Dad indulged in his favorite foods. I don't remember the theology about it, but apparently that was allowed. And he still lost at least 20 pounds each Lent.

While I have no intention of having a nearly Carb Only Day every Sunday, this memory and experience have given me permission to occasionally have a Favorite Food Day while in slimming mode.

What do you think about this Favorite Food Day? Are you concerned about resuming your program after a day of indulgence? Does the idea appeal to you? Inquiring minds, at least mine, want to know!!

Daily Slim Plan

2009-08-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

One practice that really helps me stick to my Slim Plan is using the Daily Slim Plan form to

keep track of my intake and carb count (you can count POINTS, carbs, whatever works for you)
note my activity plans and mark them off after doing them
note my water consumption (bottles)
note my supplements consumption (also reminds me to take them)
note any Slim Actions I intend to do and mark them off when done

My favorite part of the Daily Slim Plan is the "Plan to Overcome Today's Obstacles."

At the start of each day, as I note breakfast, mark off the AM vitamins, and plan the day's activities, when I come to the "Plan to Overcome Today's Obstacles" I think about the day's agenda.

If I'm planning on doing errands, meeting with clients, checking on job sites, that section will note the "e food" that is "emergency food" I plan to take with me. This time of year, it includes a note to remind myself to use the cool bag.

Other times, that section might say "Go to Albertsons to get more yummy, slim treats."

Since it is part of the form, this section helps me anticipate where or when I may go "off my program," and create a plan to avert that self-defeating circumstance and the self recriminations that often attend such acts.

I like using this form to self-monitor. Sure, there are days I don't use it. Sure, there are days I start to use it and then stop making notes after lunch. By that time, though, I've already done the "Plan to Overcome Today's Obstacles," so I'm good.

Email me at kathleen@elemenza.com to receive the form as a pdf file ready to print!

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Delish Recipe for Carnivores

2009-08-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

If you're a carnivorous person, like myself, you'll enjoy this recipe for flank steak. I've created elaborate marinades but this super simple recipe only slightly modified from Weight Watchers' in 20 minutes, is the yummiest I've found!

Flank Steak with Herbes de Provence

1.5 T Herbes de Provence
1 t Salt
.5 t Pepper

Combine the ingredients. I enjoy using my glass mortar & pestle to combine the flavors. Then rub the herb mixture on the steak.

Spray your Lean Mean Grilling Machine with non-stick spray. Preheat.

Cook 5 minutes. (for medium)

Let rest on your cutting board 5 minutes.

Cut across the grain. Serve!

Enjoy!

PS No Lean Mean Grilling Machine? Follow WW in 20 minutes or go to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and treat yourself to this fabulous small appliance!

Guilt-free Croutons make a salad yummier!

2009-08-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was browsing through Trader Joe's at my leisure, as opposed to doing the Trader Joe's Dash. My meanderings led to the discovery of "Trader Joe's Parmesan Crisps."

I warn you, the recommended serving will probably break your allowed fat, carb, and calorie counts. However, if you can limit yourself to one crisp, instead of 3 or 4, it will likely work within whichever slim food program that is working for you.

It has been years, perhaps decades, since I've had croutons. With this yummy discovery, croutons in the form of one Parmesan Crisp crumpled to crouton size now add another level of scrumptiousness to my salads.

Check them out and let me know if you agree!!

My favorite guilt-free dessert treat!

2009-08-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

Just had to dash over to the store to pick up my favorite guilt-free dessert treat! What is it? Weight Watchers Ice Cream Candy Bars!

Really yummy on a hot day!

Introduced to me (and LOTS of other people) in the daily tips from www.hungry-girl.com! If you're not subscribed, I highly recommend doing so immediately. One of the few newsletters that I receive that I almost always open!

An Appeteaser is an Appetite Appeaser!

2009-07-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

An appeteaser is a tiny, scrumptious treat that you eat before you begin to prepare a meal. It satisfies your initial hunger pangs and gives you the energy and willingness to make healthy, slim meals.

My personal favorite is five multigrain thin crackers with a healthy dab of my Gorgonzola Spread on each. Since I savor each cracker as a scrumptious treat, it is easy to stop at five crackers.

Kathleen's Gorgonzola Spread
12 oz Soft Spreadable Light Cream Cheese
2 oz Gorgonzola Cheese
.5 teaspoon Water

Add the Water to the Cream Cheese to make it more spreadable. Freshly crumble the Gorgonzola into the Cream Cheese. Hand stir with a fork. When well blended, either return it to the plastic container or put the spread in a decorative serving bowl. Cover and store it in the refrigerator 24 hours before serving.

It may seem too luscious for a slim program. Frankly, such small treats make adhering to my program possible.

A healthier appeteaser, like grapes for example, doesn't seem to have the same braking mechanism. I tend to much more than one serving of grapes.

The more scrumptious the treat, the easier it is to keep it tiny.

It also helps to serve your appeteaser on a small plate, so it looks full. The more formal the presentation, the more you savor the scrumptious treat.

This appeteaser ritual feels sumptuous while it gives me the energy to then make yummy, healthy, slim meals. Frankly, without an appeteaser, I may snack a tad too much and never make a real meal. That is a recipe for derailment if ever I heard one.

Appeteasers appease your appetite and allow you to regain your stamina by restoring your blood-sugar balance. This makes it possible to be ready, willing, and able to create, slim, delicious meals.

Bon Appetit!

Excerpt from Slim House Slim Body. Get yours now!

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Slim Seminar: How feng shui makes it Easier to become and stay slim

2009-07-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has ever had the intention to become slimmer knows
it takes effort to become and stay slim.

It can be easier.

Really.

Use this link to check out the details
of this
insightful and delightful seminar!

It's on Tuesday, 28 July, in La Quinta, CA!

I promise
you'll learn valuable information
and
be vastly entertained!

If you've never been to one of my classes, you're in for a treat!
(no brag, just fact!)

See you soon?

Take a Slim Shower!

2009-07-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

Can you guess what a Slim Shower is?

Nope, not a party like a Bridal Shower or a Baby Shower.

Nope, not a lighter than misting rain.

It is a shower with powerful, uplifting, and joyful intentions!

Here's how you take a Slim Shower:

Dim the lights in your bathroom, if you can. Personally, I just let available light leak into the bath from another room and close the window coverings so it is delightfully dim.

You can light a candle, if you're in the mood. Make the candle a slender one and white for purity.

Get in the shower.
Stand very tall -- you're already looking and feeling 5# lighter!
Get your washcloth soapy.
Close your eyes.
You read correctly.
Close your eyes -- you know where your body is!
Caress your body with the washcloth; keep your hands off!! This blurs your perception of your body.
As you stroke your arm, picture it the slim arm you desire it to be.
If you like, say aloud, "I love my slim arms."
As you wash your leg, imagine it is the firm, strong, beautiful leg you desire.
Say, aloud or silently, "I love my slim, strong legs."
And so on.

As you rinse, say, "I am slim, fit, and sexy."

Dry yourself with your eyes closed, too!

Shower yourself with love and slim intentions to love yourself well each day!

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Going Home: Weight Loss Program Challenge

2009-06-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

With summer well upon us, you may be soon going on vacation and/or visiting family. I don't know about you, but much as I love my family and love to visit Oregon, going home has wreaked havoc on my slim intentions more than once.

Vacations mean freedom from routine. That can be wonderful. However, I've noticed that unless I'm careful, I tend to drink less water, exercise less, and indulge in breads, cookies, and desserts far more.

Here are some of the ways I've found to allow me to enjoy vacations and family visits thoroughly and comfortably stay within or close enough to my slim program. Use them to return home with your weight the same or even lighter than when you left!

1. Allow yourself tasty treats in small portions. Without vacation indulgences is it still a vacation? I don't think so. So, I allow myself tasty treats. I choose them with care and if they are not superlatively yummy, I don't finish them. I also limit my tasty treats to one indulgence a day/max.

2. Consider your vacation exercise options before you leave home. Accept that your usual exercise routine may be inconvenient, impractical, or impossible. Before you arrive, consider what your options for exercise are likely to be and be willing to adapt your exercise to what is convenient, practical, and possible.

When I visit mom in Lake Oswego, for example, it is often not convenient to take my 45 min swim. I can easily do yoga, dance, and take walks, though.

3. Beware of emotional land mines. If you, like me, notice that you seem to "need" sweets or other favorite "comfort" foods that you usually can avoid with ease when visiting family, know those impulses let you know you're feeling emotionally vulnerable for some reason. There are several possible outcomes when that happens:

a. You indulge almost not noticing ... with severe remorse later. If that happens, instead of beating yourself up about it, forgive yourself and decide to make more self-loving choices next time.

b. You notice the impulse and decide before your first bite how much you're going to allow yourself ... and stay present (rather than go unconscious). If you can figure out the trigger, that can be very helpful in staying on your program even when you're home.

c. You notice the impulse and realize having "x" with mom is just a habit, an old habit, one that is not worth the consequences of additional exercise later. It seemed like a emotional land mine but it was really just a small rock on your path.

4. Take "emergency food" everywhere you go. My favorite protein bars aren't available in Oregon, so I ship a box to my mom several days before leaving home. I have a few in my handbag for the plane and several in my suitcase, just in case UPS is slow. Being prepared keeps my anxiety re: blood sugar at bay.

5. Refill "your" Water Bottles, so you can easily monitor and maintain optimal water intake. I purchase 4 bottles of water and 2.5 gallon water containers upon arriving. I refill the 4 bottles each morning. This makes it really easy to make sure I'm drinking enough each day.

6. Eating out: Decide how much of what you're served you are going to eat before you take the first bite. Restaurant portions are often insanely large. I often split my meal with someone or take half home for the next day's lunch. Resign your membership in the "clean your plate club."

7. Talk about anything other than your weight loss program. You really don't want to invite comments on your current program especially from family members who tend to tease. Teasing can erode your resolve. So, deflect any conversation about your food choices and exercise. Given the choice, most people are happiest talking about themselves! Take advantage of that and stay slim on your vacation!

Using these suggestions, you can be pleasantly surprised by delightful news on your home scale! I am usually a couple of pounds lighter. However, if I'm a couple pounds higher than I like, I know they'll soon be gone and the fun of the vacation is well worth it.

Excerpt from the latest edition of Slim House Slim Body. Want more? Get your copy, now.

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Yummy Strawberry Spinach Salad

2009-06-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

This is such a wonderful treat of a salad, I just Have to Share it with you. One of several fab additions to my recipe collection as a result of a Cooking with Class experience. All the recipes are for 12 people (# in the class). I've reduced this one so I can easily give this treat to myself -- and easily share with friends by simple multiplication. I make the dressing for 12, then refrigerate.

Strawberry Spinach Salad
serves 1

Baby Spinach (2 or 3 handfuls)
Strawberries, 3-4, sliced
Red Onion, thin slice of small onion

Dressing
serves 12

4 T Orange Muscat Vinegar (Trader Joe's)
2 T Olive Oil
1/2 t Mustard (Grey Poupon Country Dijon)

Whisk together.

Toss with salad ingredients and Enjoy!

Photo by Lisaluvz -flicker

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"Temporary" Clutter Area not so Temporary! OOPS!

2009-06-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

For several months, sticking to my slim intentions -- making healthy choices for food and doing my preferred, Lead Element related exercise, has been a bit of a struggle. You might think that is contrary to the essence of my book's premise -- changes in your home helps you become and BE slim. Actually, it accurately reflects that premise!

The Metal Area of my home is primarily in my Office Closet. It's a large walk-in closet intended for dual Master Suite bedroom. I'm using that room for my Office. The Office Closet is my "designated temporary clutter area." It's where stuff gets stashed when I'm in a hurry to straighten up the house. The key word is temporary.

Over the past 5 years, since I discovered the Slim Principles in my book, Slim House Slim Body, it has been easy to keep this room mostly straightened -- which supported my staying slim beautifully. The 25 pounds I let go of stayed gone.

Over the last several months, though, stuff had accumulated to stagnating proportions in this Metal Area and about 10 of those pounds sneaked back for a visit.

Last weekend, I took the time to do some clearing in the Metal Area/Office Closet. Three hours' attention made a huge difference. While it is not completely cleared out, the immediate feeling of heaviness is gone from the room.

I feel like I immediately let go of five pounds! Which, of course, didn't actually happen. What DID happen immediately: It is no longer a struggle to make yummy, healthy food choices and to take my swims. It's easy and fun! It's just three days later and already I'm three pounds closer to my desired weight!

I am delighted but not surprised at the results. What does amaze me is that I let the temporary status of the temporary clutter area change to semi-permanent. A reminder to walk my talk!

Do you know where the Metal Area of your home is? If you'd like to be sure, I'm happy to do an "Ask Kathleen" session for you. Fax (760.779.9073) or email a sketch or scale drawing of your floor plan. I'll apply the feng shui grid or bagua to it and email it back to you. Then, we'll have a teleconference to discuss:

Learn more about the importance and benefits of Metal Energy to your fitness goals from my book and/or come to the class next month in La Quinta, CA. Register for La Quinta U(niversity) at www.justsignmeup.com!

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Fabulous in Only 20 Minutes

2009-06-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

This morning, I decided to check out Chapter 7: Fabulous in Only 15 Minutes.

I've only reviewed half of this chapter and already I have 10 new recipes to enjoy! AND I actually believe they will take only 20 minutes! Since I often get so focused on tasks that I forget to eat until I'm ravenous, quickly yummy real food is a god-send.

My fav's in this group so far are:
242 Filet Mignon with Herb Butter
243 Flank Steak with Herbes de Provence
251 Hungarian-style Pork Chops with Sour Creme Sauce

I'm having so much fun reviewing recipes in this cookbook. I've discovered a whole new way to be a more fabulous Kitchen Goddess!

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SAVE THIS DATE: July 28, 9:00 AM!

2009-06-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

La Quinta U(niversity) is the coolest way to Stretch your Mind and Broaden Your World this Summer! Attend ANY or ALL of 40+ 1-hour "How-to" Fun & Motivating Seminars for a one-time fee of $59!!

Just scheduled: "How to Become and BE Slim using feng shui!" presented by, you guessed it, me!! No, it is NOT about clutter clearing -- well, of course that is one aspect of it, it IS feng shui afterall. It's more about how to recognize your slim symbols, slim art, how to make your refrigerator slim, all to support your desire to lose weight and be fit.

Each seminar lasts 1 hour. Handouts will be given as well as discounts for the host location La Quinta Resort and Club, 49.499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta.

Go to www.justsignmeup.com to check out the wide array of seminars being offered through August 31, 2009! I KNOW there's at least one that will capture your attention. If it's mine, I'll see you soon!

When your home is on your side, slimming happens!

MAS*H wisdom applies to Recipe Review

2009-06-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

This morning, I started recipe review by copying the Chapter List of Recipes for Chapter 3. Then I realized, it would be time saving to do all the Chapter Lists at once. Now, whenever I start reviewing recipes, I can be at leisure to simply read.

This type of time saver was beautifully expressed on M*A*S*H. When chastised for being such a slow surgeon, Charles Emerson Winchester very haughtily says, "I do one thing at a time, I do it Very Well, and then I do something else!"

It may not be the best thing for a M*A*S*H unit surgeon, but it is often a very good practice for the most effective use of time.

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How to use a Cookbook for Easier Menu Planning

2009-06-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

A most enjoyable way to start the day:

birdsong on a light, cool breeze
Sidra purring
delicious coffee &
reading recipes in a newly acquired cookbook.

Yup, not a mystery -- my more usual practice. A cookbook. Specifically, Weight Watchers in 20 minutes.

As I know what I like, ingredients-wise, and what I don't, I scanned the list, first. Anything with smoked salmon, cilantro, or scallops, for example, was immediately eliminated.

Since I'm not on the WeightWatchers points program, I'm on a high protein/low carb program, first I'd recalculate the carbs by subtracting the fiber carbs (good ones) from the carb count given. Anything with a huge (my view) carb count for one meal, got immediately eliminated.

Anything that required a food processor or a microwave got eliminated. The time saved using the food processor is blasted by the time it takes to clean them, in my opinion. Cooking with a microwave nearly always eliminates any nutritional value of the food.

Out of the 31 recipes in "Welcome the Morning," I found six recipes that sound scrumptious and that I'm likely to make. There are 8 recipes in "It's Noon ... Time to Eat" that sound yummy. Two of which, especially so.

14 new recipes - a successful harvest.

Some of the recipe pages with reject recipes on both sides, I just tore out and tossed. Others, I just marked with a line through them.

Since the Chapter recipe list does not have page numbers, I marked my winners with their page numbers.

I think I'm going to use Tombo Correction Tape (white-out) over all the rejected recipe titles. That way, all I'll see are my choices.

It's likely that I'll tear out the winners and add them to my favorite recipe binders for ease in meal planning.

For today, it is enough to have identified my winning recipes in two chapters.

KT's Chapter 1 Picks:
27 Denver Omelette
28 Provencal Vegetable Omelette
29 Potato and Green Pepper Frittata
30 Crab and Chive Frittata
36 Mixed Veggie Egg Foo Yong
42 Turkey, Potato, and Sage Patties

KT's Chapter 2 Picks:
48 Bartlett Pear and Ham Salad
52 Santa Fe Roasted Chicken Salad
56 Asparagus-Shrimp Salad
60 Roast Beef and Watercress Sandwiches
64 Warm Caesar Chicken Sandwiches
66 Soy-Glazed Fresh Tuna Sandwiches
78 Kiebasa and Black Bean Soup
81 Corn and Crab Chowder
82 Tomato-Basil Soup

That may sound like a lot of work to you. To me, it was delightful and means I'll actually use the recipes in the book more than if I didn't go through this analytical process.

I do the same with recipes found in newspapers and magazines. There, though, my first concern is: how long will it take to make this? More than a half hour, and I'm happy to have such things prepared by a master chef in a restaurant, thank you very much!

What do you think? Do you do something similar? Please share!! Comment, now!

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Give your slim intentions jet fuel: Discover Your Slim Motivators

2009-06-04T17:43:00.000-07:00

If you feel that one of the best things you can do for yourself, right now, is to commit to becoming and being slim, it is important to first identify the “sizzle” motivators.

Once you know what makes the idea of becoming and being slim enticing, you can find subtle symbols to remind you of those sizzling feelings, place them in their most powerful locations in your home and office, and let feng shui design help you reach and maintain a slimmer body.

Sure, one of the outcomes is you will be healthier. However, if that was truly a motivator for you, you would already be slim.

Perhaps you choose to feel comfortable in a swim suit on your two week vacation. This may be a prime motivator, but since the vacation may be only two weeks out of a year, it does not augur well for long lasting slimness.

Perhaps your motivator is, “I look and feel great in everything I try on in a store and in the clothes I wear every day.” If so, you can start by not trying on anything new until you are at least one third of the way to your slimness goal.

If you love to go out dancing but are not comfortable doing so now, your motivator may be, “I’m slim, so I can dance.”

Many people who carry more weight than they want avoid being photographed because they do not like how they look in pictures. So maybe one of your prime motivators is "I enjoy seeing myself in photos."

You may have noticed the motivators are all phrased in the present tense. It is how you want to feel, now. If Slim Motivators are phrased in the future tense, "I will like seeing myself in photos in three months." It may seem more accurate. However, those three months will always be ahead of you.

Spend a few minutes, now, writing down every motivator you can think of.

How will your life be more enjoyable when you are slimmer and more fit?

Put them on separate scraps of paper so it is easy to prioritize them. Choose three or four that feel the most compelling. Edit them until they are slim and sleek.

If you'd like to run them by me, you can post them in the comment box below. You can also send me a private email via my website http://www.elemenza.com/.

Just by focusing your attention on the lovely differences you are choosing to enjoy when you are slim, stimulates the process of your becoming and being slim. Stay tuned to this blog for more tips, comments, and what to do, next, with your slim intentions.

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2009-06-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

This Lalique sculpture invokes slimness, sexiness, flexibility, sensuality and yoga. I added the ribbon belt with its silver "belt buckle" several years ago. For me, it adds a welcome bit of fun and light-heartedness to the slim equation.

What is YOUR favorite Slim Symbol?
Inquiring minds, mine at least, want to know.

Copyright © 2009 Kathleen Tumpane. All rights reserved.

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Feng Shui Designer, Teacher, and Coach, Kathleen Tumpane ASID, is the author of Slim House Slim Body; How to use Intentional Design to become and be slim. Visit her Slim Blog at http://www.slimhouseslimbody.com for articles, tips, and news of teleclasses.

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Slim Seminar: How feng shui makes it Easier to become and stay slim

Take a Slim Shower!

Going Home: Weight Loss Program Challenge

Yummy Strawberry Spinach Salad

"Temporary" Clutter Area not so Temporary! OOPS!

Fabulous in Only 20 Minutes

SAVE THIS DATE: July 28, 9:00 AM!

M*A*S*H wisdom applies to Recipe Review

How to use a Cookbook for Easier Menu Planning

Give your slim intentions jet fuel: Discover Your Slim Motivators

MAS*H wisdom applies to Recipe Review