It's a good, good day!

Two main reasons today is so great!  First, I have succeeded in staying on WW's for five weeks now (through the holidays no less) and have lost eight pounds!  But what is even better than that is the number 50.  That is the degrees it was today, January the 5th--in Utah!  I usually Hate (yep, with a capital H) January because it is so bitterly cold and miserable, but this whole week has been high 40's and low 50's!  To celebrate here is a yummy WW recipe and a faux Spring Pinterest idea:
                       LOW CALORIE CHEESECAKE BROWNIES 2 Points +  (from  LaaLoosh)

Ingredients

• Brownie:
• 2/3 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup liquid egg substitute
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup strong coffee
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Cream Cheese Topping:
• 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup liquid egg substitute
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Coat a 7-by-11-inch brownie pan or baking pan with cooking spray.
3. To make cream cheese topping: Place cream cheese in a small mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and beat until smooth. Add egg, flour, yogurt and vanilla; beat until well blended.
4. To prepare brownie: Whisk whole-wheat flour, cocoa and salt in a bowl. Place egg, egg whites and brown sugar in a large bowl and beat with the electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add applesauce, coffee and vanilla; beat until well blended. Add the dry ingredients and beat on low speed just until well blended, stopping once to scrape down the sides.
5. Scrape about half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Slowly pour the topping evenly on top. Drop the remaining brownie batter in large dollops over the topping. Draw the tip of a sharp knife or skewer through the two batters to create a swirled effect.
6. Bake the brownies until the top is just firm to the touch, about 20 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into 24 bars.

Preparation time: 20 minute(s)
Cooking time: 2 hour(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Low calorie, Reduced fat

Number of servings (yield): 24

Culinary tradition: USA (Traditional)

Entire recipe makes 24 servings
Serving size is 1 brownie
Each serving = 2 Points +




TULIPS--ANYTIME!

Ever since I took out my tulip bulbs and put in a rock garden eight years ago, I have mourned my tulips every Spring.  But no more!  Pinterest has given me tulips again, and I don't even have to wait for warmer weather.  I plan on forcing some bulbs this week and will post my own tulips when they are ready!