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Published monthly by the Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association
Communications Committee - December 1, 2019 Edition!
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"Try to be a rainbow in someone else's cloud."
~Dr. Maya Angelou
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| 5 TECHNIQUES TO STICK WITH YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS |
It's a known fact that for all the well-intended goals people set at the beginning of the year, only about 8% make it to the finish line and achieve their goal. An overwhelming 80% of those that start out strong are quickly terminated by mid-February. Well I, for one, don't want that to happen to you. Not this year. Not ever.
People create New Year's resolutions or goals in general because they want a better life for themselves. When we create goals in our brain, we hand them over to our subconscious mind, which plans and seeks out ways to accomplish the goal. The subconscious mind is a very powerful force, but it's only as powerful as the thoughts we think and the habits we create. Sometimes, the very techniques we are currently using aren't the ones we should be using for new goals. And maybe, for the past goals, you've been using some techniques that are wearing you out or just aren't working for you to help move you closer to your goal. Well, I don't want you to give up. And your future self doesn't want you to give up either.
So, I thought I would jot down a few techniques to help keep you in the game towards achieving your goal.
1. Hire a coach
- A coach or accountability partner is someone that can help ensure you believe in yourself and your goal. Many times self-limiting beliefs get in the way of people living into their full potential and reaching their goals. A coach can help you get rid of negative beliefs and replace them with positive ones. They will also ensure the goal is meaningful and will be a fulfilling achievement once completed. Every goal should align with a purpose in your life. If you're not sure about your purpose or how to align goals with your purpose, a coach can be very helpful. They can also help you develop healthy habits to maintain a work-life balance while pursuing your goal. Very often, people get off balance, having the pursuit of the goal take priority over everything else in their life. Ultimately, this can lead to lost relationships and poor health. Instead, an accountability partner can help ensure balance is maintained throughout the achievement of the goal.
2. Eat that elephant
- I'm sure you've heard that saying, 'How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.' Well that saying applies to your goal as well. That elephant is your goal, and I'm sure it's something you really want as part of your life. And in order for it to actually become part of your life you have to eat that elephant one bite at a time. This means that you've got to break the goal down into smaller goals or milestones. With smaller goals you won't be overwhelmed by the big goal and you have something to look forward to in a shorter amount of time. When you achieve the smaller goals, be sure to take a time-out to celebrate the victory and then keep going.
3. Time-block
- If you're having a hard time getting around to working on your goal then it's time to implement time-blocking. Time-blocking is a high productivity tool used to keep a person focused, uninterrupted and on task for a certain amount of time. Determine how much time each day or each week you need to work towards your goal. Then plan out your day or week to have a block of time carved out just to work on the goal. It may not always work out perfect but at least you are being deliberate about making time to reach the goal that's important to you - and that will build your intrinsic motivation to keep time-blocking it into your schedule.
4. Fail forward
- As the new year is right around the corner, some of you may already be fully motivated to jump right into those resolutions. However, there may be a time, as you move forward, you become close to getting off track. I want you to know, that it is ok. The key is to not give up at the first sign of failure. Instead, take a time out and reassess why you got off track or why it's not going as planned. Failure is not a bad thing as long as we get back up, learn why we failed, adjust accordingly, and keep moving forward. It's called failing forward. Elon Musk says, "If you're not failing, you're not trying." Don't be afraid of failure. Use it to focus on what does work and move forward.
5. Be gentle
- I want to stress that achieving goals is a wonderful and powerful thing. It motivates you to strive for even higher achievements. But in the midst of this goal that you want to achieve, be sure to be gentle with yourself during the process. You have set out to reach this goal for a reason and you're pursuing it with your mind, body, and soul. Find little moments within your day to sit quietly and listen to your inner voice. Ensure that you are talking to yourself in a positive manner; no negative self-talk allowed. Positive affirmations about who you are and where you want to be, by pursuing this goal, are ways to gently reassure yourself that you are headed in the right direction and will achieve the results you are looking for.
With these five techniques I'm confident you can achieve not only your New Year's resolution or goals you might have, but any task or challenge that comes your way. You CAN be a part of the 8% that reaches their goals this year. Be sure to hire a coach, eat that elephant, time-block, fail forward, and be gentle on yourself. You'll be glad you did.
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Fellow Homeowners,
The Board of Directors, which consists of 5 elected members, has a vacancy that we are looking to fill. Under our
Bylaws
the remaining Board members are to vote on a replacement to serve until the term expires at the Annual Meeting in April 2020.
In accordance with
the VWOA Bylaws, paragraph 7.04, "vacancies on the Board of Directors caused by death, resignation, or disqualification...shall be filled by vote of the majority of the remaining Directors...and each person so elected shall be a Director until a successor
is elected
at the next annual meeting of the Association."
If you are interested, please submit the following information, along with a brief resume (200-300 words), to
[email protected].
- Name:
- Address:
- Phone:
- Email:
Each volunteer will be considered and interviewed as resumes are received until the Board makes an appointment.
Sincerely,
VWOA Board of Directors
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The
VWOA Communications Committee is in the process of exploring an idea about creating a
Villages of Westcreek Public Service Announcement (PSA) video about littering. At this time, we are putting a call out for a
Volunteer Videographer from Westcreek who is skilled in creating videos for online publication. If we are successful in finding a volunteer who would be willing to take this project on, our plan is to have children play a role in the video.
If you are that person and would be willing to volunteer for this project, please contact the Chair of the Communications Committee by
clicking here!
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair
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The following Committee meetings will be held during the month of December. These are "Open Meetings!"
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Communications Committee Meeting
Monday, December 2, 2019 at 10:00 AM
Community Center Conference Room
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Suggestions and Recommendations Committee
Monday, December 2, 2019 at 6:00 PM
Community Center Conference Room
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VWOA 2020 BUDGET RELEASED
The
VWOA 2020 Budget is now available on the Villages of Westcreek website in the "Document" section.
Please note that for the fourth consecutive year in a row, that our 2020 Assessments have not been raised.
Submitted by: Bill Fenstermacher, Communications Committee Chair
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SOLICITATION FOR VOLUNTEER ARC MEMBERS
The Villages of Westcreek Owners' Association is currently recruiting to fill vacancies on the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). The ARC shall consist of 3 Regular Members and 2 Alternate Members. You must be a homeowner to be appointed by the Board of Directors to serve on this committee.
The primary objective of the ARC is to enhance and preserve property values throughout the community while being as consistent and fair as possible with their decisions and recommendations. The ARC has the authority to:
- Adopt and administer the review process on behalf of the VWOA;
- Review and approve or disapprove plans and specifications for each Property Improvement Application (PIA) regarding changes to the premises;
- Make changes to the "Standards for Architectural Design and Property Maintenance" as deemed necessary in accordance with the CC&Rs and applicable Federal, State and local laws; and,
- Make reasonable efforts to assist the applicants with their requests and any other concerns regarding the "Standards."
ARC members will be trained and expected to conduct business using an automated system. This system allows ARC members to view, comment, approve or deny PIAs digitally.
Ideal candidates will
- have access to a computer and internet.
- be available on a consistent basis to meet in person should homeowners request a meeting to discuss their PIA.
- Have knowledge of the VWOA's current standards.
HOW TO APPLY!
CLICK HERE
to send an email to the VWOA Community Manager to submit your name for consideration. Be sure to include your home address, phone number and email address.
Submitted by: Jacob Fey, VWOA Community Manager
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As we approach the Holiday Season, we thought it would be a good time to review the timelines on when you can display your outdoor holiday decorations!
Holiday decorations may be displayed on the premises, without ARC approval. Under our current guidelines, you can display your Christmas/New Year's holiday decorations
forty (40) days prior to the holiday but they must be removed no later than 15 days after the holiday.
For all other holidays during the year, the decorations can be displayed 30 days before the holiday and must be removed no later than 15 days following the actual holiday date.
Special event decorations such as birthdays, anniversaries, newborns, returning veterans, etc., may only be displayed on the premises for three (3) days without the Standards Department's approval if the number of decorations are minimal and, the decorations and signs are not placed anywhere else within the Villages of Westcreek, including the properties fronting any entrance to the Villages of Westcreek.
We hope you find the chart below helpful as you decorate for the upcoming Holiday Season!
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HOLIDAY
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DECORATIONS UP
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DECORATIONS DOWN
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| Thanksgiving |
October 29th |
December 13th |
Christmas and New Year's
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November 15th |
January 16th |
Reference: Section 6.7 of the Standards
Submitted by: Gene Hopkins, Communications Committee Member
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Please note the following office hours for the upcoming holidays!
| December 23- 9am till 2pm December 24- Office Closed December 25- Office Closed December 26- Office Closed |
December 27- 9am till 2pm December 30- 9am till 2pm December 31- 9am till 2pm January 1- Office Closed |
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Your 1st Quarter Assessment of $99.00 is due on January 1, 2020.
On January 29, 2020, all accounts with outstanding balances begin incurring a late fee of $20.00, plus a delinquent interest charge.
CLICK HERE
for more information about how to pay your assessments and our
Billing/Collection Policy
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NOTE
: The Office is open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, excluding holidays. In addition, the Office is open on the 2nd Saturday each month from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
- Payments can still be made here at the VWOA onsite office during business hours.
- Payments may also be mailed to our office, made payable to VWOA, at 12395 Military Dr. West, San Antonio, TX 78253. You can also mail your payment directly to Spectrum Association Management, P.O. Box 299008, Lewisville, TX 75029. Mailed payments are processed electronically; please do not send cash!
- You may drop off cash (in a sealed envelope), check, or money-order at the drop box, located to the right of our front entry doors at the business office. Make sure you include your address on your check/money order.
- Cash is accepted in the office.
- Card Payments will be accepted only after the homeowner is registered with Spectrumam.com.
- Pay by Phone- 1-877-342-6233 (your account number needed).
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If you need extra time to pay your assessments, fill out the form on the website below to see if you qualify for a payment plan. Payment plan requests are reviewed within two business days, and if approved, a payment plan agreement will be emailed to sign and return to our office within five business days.
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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS
The Villages of Westcreek launched an experiment to see if there was enough interest and support within the community for us to host local Food Trucks.
What started with just two food trucks serving the community on Friday, Saturday and Monday evenings, has now expanded to several additional trucks offering their cuisine throughout the week.
The support we received from community members and the Food Truck vendors has made this a successful venture.
If you know of a Food Truck that you think would be interested in joining the
"StrEATS of Westcreek,"
have them contact the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761 during our normal business hours. There is a small $25 fee for each truck that participates in the program. We only allow one truck per evening.
CLICK HERE
to view the StrEATS of Westcreek Food Truck schedule and menus!
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Our next scheduled Community Yard Sales will be held on December 14, 2019.
Community Yard Sales listings will be posted on the
VWOA website,
the day prior to the event. If you wish to add your yard sale to the listing, please call the VWOA Office at 210-679-8761 by 12 noon on the Friday before the scheduled yard sale.
Submitted by: Melissa Garcia, Administrative Director
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The Westcreek Poker Club was established by homeowner Michael Rico to bring community members together for an evening of fun. This club is exclusively for Westcreek residents.
Poker Club Rules:
- Each Westcreek resident must present a current VWOA ID card.
- Each resident may bring one guest to play.
- No alcoholic drinks (food, water, soda, snacks, etc. are okay).
- Sign-in sheet for residents.
- $20 tournament with rebuys and late entries for the first 90 minutes.
- Tournament payouts depend on the number of entries and rebuys.
The Westcreek Poker Club will get together on December 5th at 7:00 PM in the VWOA Community Center Hall.
Same format as before: $20 entry with a starting stack of 12k in chips. *Rebuys and late entries allowed no later than 8:15 PM.
To earn BONUS CHIPS, register by
7:00 PM!
For additional information or questions about the requirements and tournament format, email Michael Rico.
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Come join your neighbors in a fun game of Bingo!
Date: 1st Tuesday of the month
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: VWOA Community Center Hall, 12395 Military Drive West, San Antonio, Texas 78253
To play you will need to make either a $2.00 or Prize donation!
For questions or additional information, contact Jason Dunbar at 210-679-8761!
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The Villages of Westcreek
offers a wide variety of Sports Programs
throughout the year. Visit our "Westcreek Sports Program" website for more detailed information about our specific programs and registration information!
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BLOCKING OF SIDEWALKS
Parking any vehicle on sidewalks is unlawful per Texas Property Code
545.302 (a) (
2
) and is subject to ticketing by law enforcement officials.
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Blocking the pedestrian's use of sidewalks that are also a connection to part of the driveway, as shown in the picture, is also unlawful per the
Americans With Disabilities Act, Title III, Part 36, Sub Part C, 36.304.
Objects such as motor vehicles, trailers, RV's, children's toys, trash/recyclable containers, basketball hoops, tree limbs, shrubbery, etc. are only a few that restrict all pedestrians from using the sidewalks, including those who are handicapped and the children who walk to and from school.
The majority of objects that continually block the sidewalks and driveway aprons are motor vehicles and trash/recyclable containers. Placing trash/recyclable containers in the street next to the curb for scheduled pickups would solve one of the violations.
Violations may be reported to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office on their non-emergency number at 210-335-6000 or the Constable's office at 210-335-4850.
Additional reference:
Section 6.3.5 of the Standards
Submitted by: Gene Hopkins on behalf of Beverly Hover, Standards Manager
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FIREWORKS ... WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Per Section 8.5 of the Standards, unless a fire ban is in effect, fireworks are permitted outside the City Limits, but not on:
- Utility easements;
- Grassy and weeded areas;
- Military Drive West;
- Westcreek Oaks Drive;
- Westcreek View;
- Grosenbacher Road; and
- Any common properties within the Villages of Westcreek.
All trash/debris must be removed from the streets/lawns by 9:00 AM the following day
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A person may not:
a.
explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a
veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization;
b.
sell at retail, explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or flammable compressed gasses are stored and dispensed;
c.
explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold;
d.
ignite or discharge fireworks in or from a motor vehicle;
e.
place ignited fireworks in, or throw ignited fireworks at, a motor vehicle;
f.
sell, store, manufacture, distribute, or display fireworks except as provided by the
rules adopted by the commissioner; or
g.
manufacture, distribute, sell, or use fireworks in a public fireworks display or for agricultural, industrial, or wildlife control purposes without an appropriate license or permit. . Fireworks manufactured, distributed, sold, or used without an appropriate license or permit are illegal fireworks.
Penalties:
- A violation of a, b, c, d, e, and f that results in property damage in an amount of less than $200 and does not result in bodily injury or death, or a violation of Section 2154.254 (a) or (b), is a Class C misdemeanor.
- State law also gives fire professionals and law enforcement the ability to charge a person with arson if they recklessly cause a fire that damages a structure or other property such as a motor vehicle. If a person is found guilty under this law, the penalty can include fines up to $10,000 and incarceration.
Submitted by: Gene Hopkins on behalf of Beverly Hover, Standards Manager
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PROTECTING YOUR PLANTS FROM THE WINTER COLD
Winter in San Antonio means it could be hot one day and freezing the next. Don't get caught off guard and have to scramble to save the plants you've worked so hard to grow and nurture. Before the next cold snap, try to tackle some of the following precautions and plans. A little forethought can ease the stress of struggling to keep your plants alive.
- Plant Protection Products: Whether you need to buy something or just gather up your old blankets and tarps, do this now before a freeze forecast. If you are buying, you don't want to be out in the masses that are frantically trying to find N-Sulate when a freeze is imminent. Buy what you need now, while it's in stock. You may have plenty of blankets and plastic at home, but they probably aren't at your fingertips. Pull them down from the top shelves in the attic or dig them out of the garage so you don't have to do it when your fingers are frozen. Note: Always remember that when covering your plants, use your blankets first and then plastic. Never put plastic first.
- Moving Plants: Do you have a plan for moving plants that aren't cold hardy? You could clear out a space in the back of your garage so your plants have a new home ready to take them in. You don't want to be shifting things around at the same time you have to move plants. Just remember that prolonged periods of leaving your garage open in the cold can cause your plants to get nipped, too. If you are bringing them indoors, quarantine them in the garage for a period of time first to make sure you aren't bringing any bugs into the house, too. Before lifting, bend your knees or get help. Simple tricks like sliding a dolly under the edge of a big pot and securing a strap around the pot and dolly can make this task a lot easier and safer. Maybe some of your plants don't have to be moved inside. You can huddle your potted patio plants together. Huddling them not only creates extra warmth, but it also makes it easier to cover them when they are all grouped together. Tropicals in huge pots that can't be moved can benefit from looping a string of incandescent Christmas lights around the plant and under the protection cover. This creates a little greenhouse effect. Moving plants to protect isn't fun, but it's worse figuring everything out when it's already so cold your hands are almost too numb to lift a thing.
- Water: There are a couple of things, before and after a freeze, to remember about water. Before a freeze - If a freeze is predicted, watering your plants deeply the day before or morning of (12-24 hours before is best), can help to insulate them. Plant cells that are full of water are better protected than those that are not. Soil that is moist also stays warmer than soil that is dry. Try to aim for watering under the foliage as much as possible. After a freeze - Do not think that you are doing your plants a favor by watering your frozen leaves to "thaw" them. You actually will be killing them. Don't do it.
- Sunshine: After a freeze, sunshine can be great! But it can also be a death sentence to your plants if you don't remove your freeze protection. Even if there are freezing temperatures predicted the following night, if the temps are up and the sunshine is out during the day, remove the protection and let your plants soak it up. If you don't, you risk cooking your plants.
- After the Fact: So you forgot to cover one of your plants and it now barely stands, with shriveled up leaves, brown and pathetic. You might consider it an act of mercy to prune it. Don't do it! Those ugly limbs and stems could be the difference between life and death for your plant. Leaving them in place, even though ugly, will better protect the roots from another possible freeze. Leave them be until early spring.
Submitted by: Michelle de Jongh, Communications Committee Secretary
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CHRISTMAS CACTUS (
Schlumbergera)
- Light Requirement: Indirect light
- Water Demand: The top inch of soil should be kept moist to the touch at all times. Never allow the soil to become water-logged, or permit water to stand in the pot tray.
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, Red and White
- Height: 10 in with a diameter of 24 in.
- Season: They bloom from mid-November and January.
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HOLIDAY SAFETY
The Holidays are upon us. Between gift shopping, meal preparation, and travel plans, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, we should pause to consider some holiday safety tips to keep our loved ones safe.
Toy Safety:
- Beware of new toys that may have small parts, as these may be choking hazards for young children. This includes button batteries that can cause great damage if swallowed.
- Ornaments may serve as choking hazards if accessible to small children as well. Opt for shatter-resistant ornaments to avoid injury from glass or other delicate materials.
- Protective equipment (helmets, pads) should accompany all wheeled gifts (bikes, skateboards, scooters, etc.).
Barriers:
- Apply barriers around Christmas trees. These may be necessary to protect young children who may grab at ornaments or pull trees down accidentally (barriers can be easily removed for pictures).
- Use appropriate barriers in front of fire places. Keep this area clear of tripping hazards like cords, toys, or presents.
Travel Safety:
- Remove heavy jackets from small children in car seats. Puffy or bulky jackets create a dangerous space between the child and harness, not allowing a secure fit. In this case, children could become injured in a collision. Instead, remove jackets and tuck a blanket over secured car seat straps.
As family and friends gather this time of year, give special consideration to those who may have experienced loss, change, or are feeling down or alone, regardless of age.
- Reach out via phone call, text, or check on those who may be feeling sad or alone.
- If you are feeling down or lonely this season, please reach out to someone you trust and let them know how you are feeling. If you feel you do not have anyone to talk to and feel in distress, please call (24/7, free and confidential):
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Please take this situation seriously if someone reaches out to you. To download a free parent's guide for children's mental health, text MHGUIDE to 51555 (One in Five Minds, 2019).
Sources:
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Did you know that the leading cause of accidental fires in American homes comes from fuel burning appliances?
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, solid fuel burning appliances account for 5 to 10 percent of all household fires, and cause major damage for homeowners. The main causes of fire include: inadequate clearance between the wood burner and walls, floors and furniture; creosote buildup in the chimney; poorly or improperly installed chimneys and improper installation of the wood burner itself. These wood burning and fireplace safety tips can help keep you and your family safe this winter.
Fireplace Safety Tips
- Read the instructions for your wood burning stove and follow them carefully.
- Do not use flammable or combustible liquid (gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, etc.) to start a fire.
- Do not burn plastics, wood or garbage that has been painted or treated with chemicals. These materials can create toxic gases and can cause corrosion in the vent, chimney and heater.
- Burn wood recommended by the manufacturer only.
- Put ashes in a metal container with a metal lid. Then place this container onto a concrete surface away from combustible materials outside. These embers may still be hot for several days, so always dispose of them with caution.
- Place both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, and test these units regularly.
- Place a multi-purpose fire extinguisher near your wood burner. The extinguisher should be UL listed or Factory Manual (FM) approved and have a rating of 2A-10B: C at minimum.
- Inspect the firebrick liner in your stove, if you have one. Should the liner show signs of wear, replace it immediately and do not use the unit until the liner is replaced.
- Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will allow the fire to heat up which will, in turn, force toxic carbon monoxide into your house.
- Never leave a fire in a fireplace unattended. Before turning in for the evening, be sure that the fire is fully extinguished. Supervise children and pets closely around wood stoves and fireplaces.
Solid fuel units tend to require a lot more maintenance than other heating systems. Therefore, regular inspections and care are needed to protect your home and family against fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Have a wonderful Holiday! Should you need us... We'll be there for you! From all of us here at Bexar County 2 Fire Department.
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PORCH PIRATE SEASON IS UNDERWAY
Best ways to avoid porch pirates is to have your package rerouted to only when you're there, have it sent to a neighbor that is going to be home, change your package delivery for signatures only, or have it sent to where you work.
Get permission to ship all your packages to work. That way, they aren't left unguarded at your doorstep for hours while anyone walking by could snatch them. If this arrangement works out, be sure to tell all your friends and family members to ship packages to your work address.
Ask a friend or neighbor to receive your packages for you. You might not be home on workdays, but plenty of people are. Trusted friends who are retired or who work at home might be happy to let you have packages delivered to them for safekeeping.
If a neighbor can't receive your packages and you can't get them at work, another option is available. Try a service that lets you arrange for a package to be held at a warehouse until you arrive home. Then you can arrange delivery for evening hours that better suit you.
Set up a live recording video camera aimed at your porch. That could allow you to spot a theft as it happens and alert law enforcement officials, or at least provide you with video that might help identify the thieves
Submitted by: Patrol Administration Deputy Meyer, Bexar County Sheriff's Office
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SpotCrime is an independent, commercial site that provides crime mapping and incident information.
Official
Police Reports can be obtained from the BCSO Central Records Office. Contact information, fees, and hours of operation can be found on the
Central Records page
.
CLICK HERE to view SpotCrime mapping for the Villages of Westcreek.
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Submitted by: Patrol Administration Deputy Meyer, Bexar County Sheriff's Office
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HEALTHY HOLIDAY TIPS
Holidays are a wonderful time to spend with friends and family, but it also tends to be a time when we become very stressed, get sick, and overeat. Try to center the holidays on family and fun, not food. Here are some tips to keep your mind and body healthy as we finish out this year with multiple holiday parties.
- Exercise and movement decrease stress and anxiety. Take a walk, attend classes at your gym, or attend one of our classes offered here at Westcreek.
- Get lots of sleep. You become more stressed, moody, and increase catching an illness when lacking sleep.
- Limit sugar intake. Too much sugar decreases your immune system, making it easier to catch anything going around.
- Drink at least 64 oz. of water a day.
When attending a party...
- Eat a healthy meal beforehand.
- Don't overfill your plate. Look at your options in advance and decide what you are going to get.
- After finishing first plate, drink water and wait 30 mins before grabbing seconds. This will give your body enough time to start digesting the food and tell your brain that you are full, which will keep you from overeating.
- If someone really wants you to try some high carb/high sugar food that they brought, take just 1-3 bites.
- Stay away from the tempting food while standing/sitting around talking.
- Take a walk to burn off some off some calories. This also helps you digest the food better, which reduces heartburn, indigestion and bloating.
- Bring a healthy dish. In most cases, it is the healthy dishes that are the first to be devoured.
Here are a few healthy dishes that you can take to a party:
Appetizers
Desserts
- Baked Cinnamon Jicama/ Apples (recipe below)
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BAKED CINNAMON
JICAMA/APPLES
Here is a very tasty dessert recipe that I hope your family will enjoy:
Ingredients:
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3 cups jicama (or apples) peeled and cubed or you could slice them thin
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3 tbsp light Land O' Lakes Butter with Canola Oil, melted
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1/4 tsp apple pie spice
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1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
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3 packets stevia in the raw
Toppings:
- 1 tbsp Walden Farms caramel syrup
- 2 tbsp Fat Free Reddi Whip
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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Line a cookie sheet or baking pan with non-stick foil.
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Mix jicama or apples with melted butter in a medium sized bowl.
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Add cinnamon, apple pie spice, and stevia stirring until combined.
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Pour on to foil lined pan. Cover with foil.
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Bake for 20 minutes.
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Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes.
The jicama will not get completely soft when baking. Expect to have a slight crisp center when eating and a slightly sweetened taste. Enjoy!
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SOMETHING FOR ALL AGE GROUPS!
The Villages of Westcreek offers a wide variety of
"Health and Fitness Classes" for our residents!
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