Add Pasta back into the mix

Here is another new product I want to share. This one I had to order through the mail, and you can't buy just one bag, so I was worried I'd end up with $20 of pasta that I couldn't eat. I shouldn't have worried!

Fiber Gourmet's claim that they make delicious high fibre, low calorie pasta that tastes as good as ordinary pasta is completely true. I ordered two flavors and so far we have only tried the Whole Wheat Fettuchini. At only 130 calories for a normal serving size and with 18g of fibre, it is exactly what I was looking for to be able to eat pasta more often. The key element was would it really taste just like normal pasta or would it be tough and chewy as many whole wheat pastas are. I have eaten it twice and both times I felt that it needed a couple of minutes more cooking time that stated on the package, but the taste was exactly the same and my husband who isn't watching calories, said he had no idea it was "special" pasta.

For those of you on Weight Watchers, this is a welcome new product. Now you can have pasta that is only 2 points instead of 4 for a normal serving size. Add some low fat sauce and a tablespoon of shredded parmesan sprinkled on top and you have a delicious, filling main dish for only 4 points!

If you are interested in learning more, check out their website.

I hope this catches on

A few weeks ago I read about a diet soft drink that doesn't use artificial sweeteners. Instead it uses a leaf called Stevia, from South America that sweetens with no calories. I looked it up on the internet and learned that the only store near us that sells the drink, called Zevia, is Wegmans. I love Wegmans, but it isn't all that close and on weekends it is very crowded, but I went anyway, braved the crowds to do my full weekly shop and bought myself a six-pack of Zevia Ginger Root Beer. They had a few other flavors, but I was most attracted to this one.

The verdict: Fabulous. I just wish they had were sold everywhere and were a bit cheaper. The taste was great and I loved the idea that it was all natural. If you get the chance, try one. You won't be disappointed.

Turning leaves

I caught sight of my first trees that were turning for Fall today. It was a bit strange because we were wearing shorts and short sleeves and were still very hot (it was about 80 degrees) so it didn't feel like Fall, but the proof is in the picture. Fall is knocking on the door and trying to get in.

Start shooting your shoes

(Model: nephew Jacob in 1999)

About.Com: Photography has a nice site and they have been having a sort of mini course and contest. I just discovered it and they are already on assignment 34, but it looks like fun. This month's assignment is to take photographs of shoes and submit your best photos (no more than 5) to the contest.

Sounds like fun and I think it will be fun to participate in a new contest each month. If you are interested, here is the link: http://photography.about.com/b/2008/10/01/assignment-34-shoes.htm