Easy, Delicious Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe

   Last weekend was my annual GWA weekend, but one thing was missing ~ the traditional Chocolate Chip Cake. My bff tasked to bake this treasure ran out of time. So here I am on a snowy weekend poised to make one of my own (to fill the void!) Awesome weekend but I need that easy, delicious, mouth watering Chocolate Chip Cake now!! It is relatively speaking, good for you. It has a small amount of shortening, protein packed eggs, good for you spice cinnamon, great for you dark chocolate & calcium (from the sour cream, ok that may be a stretch!) So here is the recipe:

¼ lb. margarine/butter       2 cups flour

1 cup of sugar                   1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs                               1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup sour cream               6-oz. chocolate chips (I use semi-sweet)

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder   

1 tsp. cinnamon mixed with ½ cup sugar

Cream butter, sugar & eggs. Add sour cream, vanilla, flour, baking powder & baking soda. Spread half batter into greased 13” x 9” pan. Spread half the chip & half cinnamon sugar mix over batter. Add rest of batter, then chip & cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. So easy & delicious! It is a huge hit at brunches, parties, heck anytime. Yum.

Simply Stated, Walking Works!

    February’s Real Simple magazine cover story is ‘yes, walking works!’ Since I embrace all things simple in my blogs I wanted to share their tips. The walking advantage: lowers the rate of weight gain, staves off dips in energy, lifts your spirits, strengthens memory, protects you from heart disease & may decrease your risk of some cancers. Wow! I am, admittedly, a fair-weather walker. I love from this list, since I enjoy walking outdoors most, is the lifts your spirits benefit. It is something you notice immediately. Call it instant gratification that is actually good for you!

   Some do’s:

Go outdoors – your multi level terrains will give your muscles a more effective workout.

Get creative indoors – Dial up the incline on your treadmill & turn around so you are also walking backwards for a few minutes.

Use a pedometer – or a smart phone app like Moves mobile app. Keeping track has been shown to increase physical activity by 27%!

   Some don’ts:

Don’t dress for a run. Choose a flexible, lightweight walking sneaker you can twist with your hands.

Don’t carry weights – They are not heavy enough to make a difference & may increase shoulder injuries.

Don’t go too slow – The brisker the pace the better.

   Walk the right way:

~ Your spine should be straight with ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips & hips over knees.

~ Your arms should be bent at 90 degrees and swing back & forth.

~ Your feet should land heel first, then roll through the foot and push off with your toes.

   My tip, remember to enjoy the scenery as you walk & take time to smell the roses!