Sweet Treats

Now is the time where you are going to see candy and treats everywhere. Co-workers will be bringing in the left over candy soon to put on their desks and in the break rooms. Isn’t it always so tempting? Well, you can bet that you won’t be the only one fighting the urge to indulge. Think about the children! Some of their classmates and teachers will have the sugary delights readily accessible. Though, I don’t believe that it will be much of a fight for the kids, as they will more than likely give in without feeling “guilty pleasure” :-)

Chocolate is one of my favorite sweet treats! Studies have shown that dark chocolate has a high level of antioxidants that could boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, and even prevent heart disease. Now let’s not go on a dark chocolate binge just yet. Please do your research. However, if you are currently eating milk chocolate, consider replacing it with dark chocolate.

You can get creative and make a trail mix that includes your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and yes even chocolate. Try the dark chocolate M&Ms. You may find that the dark chocolate raisins are quite satisfying as well. Trail mixes are a great alternative to the other sweets you and children will be inundated with shortly. I’ve also included a recipe for granola bars that are nutritional and tasty. Consider keeping these and trail mixes handy. If you have kids, ask them to join you in preparing them, as they take pride in something they’ve creative. Perhaps they will choose the more nutritional option.

Granola Bar Delight:
2 1/2 c. Oats – quick rolled oats
1/2 c. Rice Krispies
1/2 c. Honey
1/4 c. coconut
1/2 c. dark chocolate chips
1/2 c. light brown organic raw sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. promise active spread (or butter)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Add all of the ingredients and mix together until combined. Press into a square 8×8 pan. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and score into bars (after it’s cooled completely).

Lightly press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving. Keep refrigerated to maintain freshness (optional).

Cool Garments for Hot Women

“I have no fear.”
“I faced my own mortality.”
“I learned not to put all my eggs in one basket.”

Do those sound like words from a business owner or a Breast Cancer survivor? Could it not be both? I actually had the honor of hearing each of these empowering phrases in my conversation with Haralee Weintraub, founder and owner of Haralee, which is her women’s sleepwear line.

Haralee started the business after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, to fulfill a need for comfortable sleepwear. She experienced sweating to the point where she would have to shower and change clothes 2-3 times per day; needless to say, sleeping at night was disastrous. Then one day she decided to cut up her biker shorts, because of the wicker, sweat absorbing material, and sew it into a nightgown. She was able to sleep throughout the night and was not as drenched in sweat as before. She presented the idea to her Breast Cancer survivor support group, who experienced the same discomfort and loved the idea.

“I never in a million years would have thought I would be an entrepreneur,” Haralee said. “I had a great career in pharmaceutical sales, and I was happy.”

Haralee has been cancer free for 9 years, but she likes to remind others that there is no cure for Breast Cancer and that you’re always in remission. Her diagnosis was very unexpected, considering that she had mammograms regularly, but it changed her life “forever”. Haralee is her way of having a rewarding career while giving back. A percentage of each sale goes to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research.

Haralee feels that starting a business and surviving Breast Cancer are similar because they both require the same mental attitude.

“You must have resilience,” she said. “When you first hear you have Breast Cancer, it’s devastating. Yes, there are about 40,000 people who die every year, but that doesn’t mean you die today. There will be times in your business when it gets tough and lonely, and you will need to really believe in it and love it to get through it.”

As a businesswoman, myself, I am always looking for ways to inspire others to follow their passions and speaking with Haralee was just that—a true inspiration. I challenge everyone to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. To check out more information about these “Cool Garments for Hot Women”, please visit www.haralee.com or follow on Twitter @Haralee.