Fabulous Findlay Market

I'm a big fan of Cincinnati's Findlay Market.

Sheila here. My guys (Ric and Eric) and I spent part of a morning last week, wandering among the vendors at my favorite spot in Over The Rhine.

There's a lot of talk these days about buying local to help the earth and local businesses, and Findlay Market is the perfect place to do it. I stocked up on seafood at Luken's Poultry and Fish, Eric found some sweet treats at Taste of Belgium, and I let Debbie Ganaway take care of our Sunday dinner with some delicious stuffed peppers from Gramma Debbie's kitchen.

I discovered Mike Luken's seafood a few years ago, and now I don't buy fish anywhere else. It's flown in fresh, and it really does taste better than seafood you'll find at the grocery store. My buddies there always tell me what are the best items in the cooler, and if I'm up for trying something new, they'll even tell me how to prepare it. I've added several new seafood dishes to our family menu with their help.

Jean Francois Flechet opened Taste of Belgium with one item on his list of fare: his famous waffles. Now you can find a whole case full of quiches, pies, cookies, Belgian macarons, and sinful brownies. He's also serving up some great smelling, hot pizza these days. Jean Francois has become so successful with his waffles, he's expanded into Columbus and Nashville.

Debbie Ganaway and her family bought Kroeger & Sons Meats a few years ago, and while her son heads up that business now, she's opened Gramma Debbie's Kitchen. It's a perfect place to find marinated meats, stuffed peppers, all kinds of salads, and even sides dishes like roasted root vegetables. Debbie is a fantastic cook, and her menu also includes a "Taste of Findlay Market," which she'll put together with foods from her kitchen and other vendors.

Those are just a few of my favorites at the market. I also love Silverglades Deli, Skirtz & Johnston pastries, Colonel De's spices, and the Christian Moerlein Beer Garten. While summer is my favorite time to check out Findlay Market because you can find loads of producer from local farmers, I love going anytime. Everyone there is warm and helpful, and I feel as if I am shopping with my friends.

If you haven't checked out one of the gems of the Queen City, the Findlay Market chili cook-off this month would be a great opportunity for you to get a taste of what it's like. Local cooks will put their best chili up for judging, and you can see some cooking demonstrations from some of the Findlay Market experts. It's set for Sunday, Jan. 23 starting at Noon. Find out more or get an entry form at http://www.findlaymarket.org/

Time To Get Back To Work

My holidays are finally over! Good morning everyone...Frank here...I hope all is well? Today marks my cleansing, NEW YEAR and better focus on healthy eating. I know this sounds like a resolution but it is now, I am calling it my lifestyle change, not a diet, not a fitness routine, but more focused everyday living. I sound so deep!!! Just with the holidays and then my trip to Florida I just feel like I need to slow down now and get some sleep! Florida was great though, with temperatures in the 70 degree range. I made a big mistake, I should know better, but our first day I headed down to the beach and it was a sunny day, with a slight breeze, and about 73 degrees. It felt great and comfy so I applied some sunscreen but did not think about putting more on because I never really got hot, but WOWZERS I had a really bad sunburn! Yikes...I had to aloe up and take it easy! However, besides that trip was relaxing and enjoying. I did however miss Mr. Benson but I thank my co-anchor Tracey Johnson and the family for watching Mr. Benson he spent time with her dogs Bosco and Diego! They had a great time I think to much of a good time because he slept all night last night and has been passed out on his chair for most of the time we have been home. Well now it is time to get back to work, we are TRACKING A WINTER STORM for Tuesday morning with moderate snow on the way...TRACK THE LATEST here www.fox19.com/weather

10 simple ways....I found to beat weight gain.

Good Morning and Happy Friday!

Dan Wells writing, I hope this note find you guys well and in good spirits!

So are you guilty of overeating during the holidays? well, I am, and with that said...I've gone on a mission to help us all lose some weight for the New Year!

Here are 10 simple ways....I found to beat weight gain.

1. Drink water. People often mistake thirst for hunger, so next time you feel like noshing, reach for water first. Drinking also helps you feel full. Some experts suggest sipping water (or iced tea) just before you sit down to a meal. Continue drinking as you eat to add volume and weight to your meal.

2. Set realistic goals. One or two pounds a week maximum is doable. Top weight-loss programs advocate stopping after the first 10 pounds and maintaining that loss for about six months before trying to lose any more.

3. Build in splurges. If you allow yourself to eat whatever you want for 2 meals out of every 21, you won't inflict enough damage to subvert your weight loss. And you'll feel less deprived.

4. Count to 10. Studies suggest that the average craving lasts only about 10 minutes. So before caving in to your urge, set your mental timer for a 10-minute time-out. Use the time to tackle an item on your to-do list; choose one that will give you a sense of accomplishment -- and get you out of the kitchen.

5. Eat more often. People who have kept their weight off for more than a few years tend to eat an average of five times a day. Light, frequent meals curb your appetite, boost your energy, improve your mood and even speed your metabolism, since the process of digestion itself burns calories.

6. Make weekly resolutions. Don't try to overhaul your diet overnight. If you make too many changes at once, chances are you'll get frustrated and throw in the towel. Instead, make one change, such as eating at least one piece of fruit daily, every week.
7. Start with 10%. People who start by focusing on achieving just 10% of their long-range weight-loss goal may have the best chance of ultimate success. Losing those first pounds yields the biggest health gains, too, since belly fat is usually the first to come off and is the most dangerous.

8. Spike your meals with salsa. This spicy condiment can stand in for mayo to deliver plenty of flavor without the fat. Mix it with a bit of low-fat yogurt to make tuna salad. Spread it on a veggie burger, or serve it with chicken or fish.

9. Take one-third off. When you eat dinner out, reduce the temptation to clean your plate by setting aside one-third of your meal. Ask the server for a doggie bag, and take it home for lunch the next day. Try serving yourself one-third less at home too. This simple tactic could subtract more than 500 calories a day.

10. Go easy on the alcohol. Remember that alcohol is a source of calories. A 12-ounce beer has 150 calories; a 3.5-ounce glass of wine, 85. A margarita packs a bigger caloric punch. Even worse offenders are creamy cocktails, such as brandy alexanders and mudslides -- equivalent to drinking a rich dessert.

The bottom line: If you're trying to lose weight, stick with water.

Ok, I think these are realistic...so here's to the quest to lose some pounds in January!

Talk with you guys next week!
Dan

A Christmas Wish Come True

A Kentucky girl's wish came true, just in time for Christmas.

Sheila here with a beautiful story to share as we kick off a new year.

You may be aware of my association with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and right now our chapter (which covers Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana) has more than 900 children, who are fighting life threatening illnesses, who are waiting for their wishes to be granted.

One of them was Ann, whose 17th birthday was on Christmas Day. Ann is not her real name. This teenager is dealing with more weighty issues than most of us can imagine, so she didn't want her name or picture to be used in any publicity for Make A Wish. Ann has cancer, and she was a patient at Cincinnati Children's Hospital until recently, when the doctors there determined there was nothing else they could do for her, and they sent her home to be with her family.

When that happens, doctors notify Make A Wish and tell our wish granting team to rush the child's wish. It's an effort to give the child hope, strength, and joy. In some cases, the rush wish becomes a family's last memory of time together, having fun instead of focusing on the illness.

Ann's wish was to go to Los Angeles. She wanted to walk on the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, see Rodeo Drive, and experience the Pacific Ocean and the beach. While we would love to say money is no object when it comes to granting a wish for a sick child, the reality is that we need a lot of help. Ann needed a private plane which could carry the medical equipment she needed to survive the long trip to California. The flight would cost $25,000. Needless to say, our wish granting team did not have that money readily available, but this is a Christmas story, so you can imagine what happened.

First, dozens and dozens of people offered donations to pay for Ann's wish, gifts ranging from $5 to $5,000! Then the Christmas miracle occurred, when Brian Huber of Reynolds Jet Management heard about Ann. Reynolds and Bank of America stepped in and DONATED the flight! Ann and her family embarked on their journey on Saturday, December 18th, one week before her Christmas birthday. Ann was so excited about her wish, she was able to walk onto the jet without assistance, and she and her family had a wonderful trip, full of magical memories.

Reynolds Jet Management also helped out by getting Ann and her family a sunset helicopter tour of Los Angeles, and Columbia Sussex provided hotel accomodations at the J.W. Marriott/Le Merigot Beach Hotel in Santa Monica.

Ann and her family took a double decker bus tour and saw the homes of celebrities like Tom Cruise, Jackie Chan, and Dr. Phil, along with local landmarks including The House of Blues, Johnny Depp's Viper Room, and the Beverly Hills Hotel. She had a brush with fame when she got to visit High Voltage Tattoo, the group which stars in the TLC TV show, L.A. Ink, and she had her photo taken with some of the artists. She and her family were so thankful, and couldn't believe how kind everyone was.

Unfortunately, as I was posting this blog this morning, I learned that Ann died two nights ago. She was at home, surrounded by her family, just as she wished. Make A Wish President Susan McConnell said, "She made it through Christmas with her family. That was another miracle." I can't think of a better Christmas miracle either. While we all are sad about the loss of her young life, I am proud that the Make-Wish Foundation was able to bring Ann and her family hope, strength, and joy for a few treasured moments.

I wish blessings and hope to you and your family in the New Year. www.wish.org/chapterlocate/results?state=oh

11th in 11

Let me explain the cryptic title of my blog.

Good Tuesday morning. Rob here.

I have decided to run my 11th marathon in 2011.

I actually started training on New Year's Day. How's that for commitment. I actually had fun because I'm not doing it alone. Once again I have enlisted the help of Bob Roncker's Running Group. It was a short run. 5 miles around Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout. A great way to start the new year and a new marathon training schedule.

It is also very inspiring to see the dozens of people who decided to tackle the challenge of a marathon in the new year. Some of whom have run plenty of marathons. Others who have barely run their entire lives. The first day is so hopeful. It's like Reds Opening Day. Hopeful. There are no injuries. Life hasn't gotten in the way yet. Miles of running haven't made you bitter and asking, "Why am I doing this?" And.. "I should have kept my big mouth shut and not told my family and friends."

Actually, Roncker's Running Group will help you get over all those hurdles and many many more. Most of the other runners are strangers, but there are few things unifying as a common goal and shared experiences. If you have ever thought of training for a marathon check out Roncker's. It helps. Most importantly, don't be intimidated. They're fun people and make the grueling training as fun as possible. Which many times isn't all that much fun. Happy New Year! Good luck in 2011 no matter what you resolve to accomplish.

Pork Loin To Ring In New Year

It pains me to say that I love Michigan! No not the football team, BUCKS all the way, but the state. I rang in 2011 with my best friends and there children up at there river house on the St. Joseph River which is in southwest Michigan just north of South Bend, Indiana. It is a classic small town atmosphere, in fact was voted most Romantic City in all of Michigan. I did not partake in that since it was just Uncle Frank on the visit, but my friends and there kids Cooper and Sullivan did venture down to Lake Michigan, imagine sustained winds of about 30 mph and sand whipping off the dunes into your face. WOW...we could only stomach about 5 mins was it was beautiful. We wrapped up New Years with my famous pork tenderloin! You butterfly a pork tenderloin leaving the ends closed so you can pack it full of goodness. You need to sprinkle it with sea salt and pepper then put chopped apples, goat cheese, and cloves of garlic inside of it. Then you lay pieces of pancetta on top of the opening and wrap it up and tie it. Then rub the pork with more pepper and sea salt and olive oil. Lay it in a pan and pour your favorite white wine on top of it and place rosemary and extra apples in the wine. Then bake it in a oven at 365 degrees until cooked to your liking. Slice up and enjoy!!!!

Last Week Of 2010, Buy A Pork Roast

Good Day Everyone...So as we say goodbye to 2010 I am reflecting a bit on the last 365 days. What are some of your favorite memories of the year? One of my highlights was when I committed to my new home of Cincinnati and continue to work with all of my friends here at FOX19. We kicked off the FOX19 News Morning Xtra in September, and it is something that I have wanted to do for a very long time. It's 60 minutes of information and entertainment highlighting people and places right here in the Tri-State. Plus, I get to work with a new friend in my co-anchor Tracey Johnson. I also have enjoyed bonding with mans best friend, my dog Mr. Benson he is a great dog and finally became potty trained by the end of the year! My carpet thanks you Mr. Benson. So as we look to 2011 let's start off on the right foot, it's a family tradition for me to eat pork roast and blackeye peas every New Years Day. My mom always told me if you eat chicken on the first day of the new year then you will be scratching all year long. My co-workers have never heard of this tradition please prove me wrong. Thanks to all for making us a part of your mornings this year and here is to a great 2011.