Sugarless deLite's Daily Report

This is a quick reminder to start the blog: Election Day is one week away. Next Tuesday is your chance to vote for your local, state and federal leadership. If you are uncertain of the candidates and their stances, here is a link to the League of Women Voters of Texas Voters Guide for the 2006 election. Also, here is a link to Project Vote Smart . Today is Halloween. Here in north Texas, it means that there is a cold front due this evening. It seems like we get one every time during the evening of Halloween. If you’re taking the kids out this evening, be sure that they are bundled up from head to toe. There is going to be quite a wind today as the cold front moves through. The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Pumpkin, Marshmallow, New York Cheesecake and Banana. Today's Special: You can get a free small yogurt. Wear your fall colors (must have orange) and say the magic word: Scooby Doo . The alternative option is to wear a costume and say trick-or-treat. Q...

This weekend, my friends held their annual Halloween party. A lot of them go all out for this event and it is one of the most anticipated parties of the year. In my opinion, the top costumes of the evening go to Space Ghost, the 50's Pin Up, Michael Jackson (for the attitude), and the Mooninites (a husband and wife team). An honorable mention goes to Spinach: the scariest substance on earth. It was a fun night as always. The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Chocolate Peach (one time special event), Caramel Fudge, Blueberry Cheesecake and Peach. Tomorrow, you have a chance to get a free small yogurt. Wear your fall colors (must have orange) and say the magic word: Scooby Doo. The alternative option is to wear a costume and say trick-or-treat. The Owner's Corner Tip of the Week: Many people come into our store looking for healthy choices to eat. The top two questions lately are related to Trans fat and whole grains. Each of these topics is a valid concern...

I've waited 24 years to say that the St. Louis Cardinals are the champions again. The last time my Cardinals won, I was 4 years old just starting to understand the world around me. I grew up during most of my elementary years in St. Louis. It's a baseball town where you do root for the home team. I've even had the pleasure of attending a World Series game there, but they lost that series to the Royals. It is true what they say though, good things do come to those who wait. The Cardinals (10) now rank second behind the NY Yankees (26) for total victories in the World Series. Congratulations to the team that very few people gave a chance to advance out of the first or second round and that very few people even thought could last 6 games against the Tigers. I'd also like to tip my hat to the Detroit Tigers for an excellent and exciting season. With the young squad that Detroit has, they could be back on the grand stage a few more times over the next 5 years. The only down...

I woke up early this morning to go pay a ticket from the good city of Parker. The store opens at 10 AM so I normally don't wake up until 8:35 AM. I have not been able to adjust my normal 1 AM bed time and twice this week I have found myself awake at 7:25 AM. It makes my days a little more yawny than usual, but I've been able to take care of some important errands. I was amazed at the change in weather from yesterday to today. No wonder people get sick. One day it's 85 and the next it is 55 with a cold wind. It is just another day in Texas. I'm sure tomorrow's weather will change again. The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Egg Nog, Caramel Fudge, White Chocolate Raspberry and Peach. Today all items on the sale rack are 50% off. Come in for some great savings on chocolates, candies and mixes. Friday Fun Fact: In Burma, where most of the world's rubies come from, the finest hue of ruby is called "pigeon's blood." Burmese gem e...

Yesterday seemed to be one of those days for a lot of people. I don't know if it was the rain or what, but it just seemed very hectic and stressful. Thankfully, days like that, for as bad as they can be, are often just one good event away from being great. I've been called an optimist before. I think that I may just be and that is a good thing. I just can't imagine having any reason not to be. After all, if 99 days out of a hundred are OK, good or great, who am I to really complain about one that was bad that turned out so well? ;) The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Toffee Coffee, German Chocolate Cake, White Chocolate Raspberry and Peach. Today is Teacher Day! Show your teacher ID and get a small yogurt for 99 cents. The bagels have arrived! We currently have a full stock of all bagels (Blueberry, Cinnamon, Onion, Sweet Wheat, White and the Perfect 10), English Muffins and pita bread. Come in and get these great Weight Watchers® friendly items to...

Last night a rare occurrence happened, I got to watch a World Series game. My sister abdicated control of the TV to my mother and I after Dancing with the Stars ended. Normally I would prefer to have the TV off, but I have yet to catch a game and St. Louis is my team so it was nice to be able to watch from the 4th to the end. Besides, baseball is the only sport that my mom and I route for the same team. The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Toffee Coffee, German Chocolate Cake, White Chocolate Raspberry and Peach. Today is Cone Day. All cones are only $1.85 all day long (regularly $2.72). Wacky Photo Wednesday: (We continue the love of Star Wars, pirates and animals.) Thanks to Holly for the photo find because it made a busy day a little easier. It looks like rain today and for a bit tomorrow, but a wonderful weekend lies ahead.

This evening I get to go shopping for the holiday table cloths for the store. It will be fun to get out of the store for a little bit, which is something that I won't be doing much of in the next few months, and find a nice pattern for the store. We don't upgrade every year so this will be the pattern for the next 5 to 10 years. (No pressure.) One of the things that my friends and co-workers frequently mock me for this time of year is my early shopping habits. Yes, it is true that I already have most of my Christmas shopping finished. Yes, I do already have some birthday shopping for next year completed. I feel that if a gift is perfect for someone, then the timing of the purchase does not matter. It is better to get it at that moment than to try and remember it later. As for Christmas shopping, there is not much time for that when you are trying to help everyone with their own sugar free needs for the holidays so I always try and have this finished by the middle of November at...

With my mother in town for a few more days, I went to my sister's house yesterday afternoon to cook dinner for them. I cooked one on my favorite dishes which I simply call Breakfast Casserole. This dish is awesome! After the 35 minutes of prep work, all you have to do is put it in the oven for 25 minutes. Word to the wise, do not talk 10 minutes past the kitchen timer. :( Even with the burnt cheese shell the casserole tasted great; however, I take pride in my cooking and this was a humbling meal. Maybe humble pie is a good dish to have served occasionally. The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Toffee Coffee, German Chocolate Cake, White Chocolate Raspberry and Strawberry Shortcake. We're starting our holiday preparations at Sugarless deLite this week. It is hard to believe, but Christmas is only 9 weeks away. You will see new items in the next few weeks and some great early bird specials are just around the corner so keep your eyes open. During this time...

The holidays are coming. The last week has brought the start of the holiday time crunch to Sugarless deLite. We have been planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas since July, but this week, as our final orders began to arrive, it has become apparent that the holidays are neigh. In the next few weeks, you will see our busy little elves starting on their Christmas work lists. By the first weekend in November, we will have our Christmas settings in the store. Christmas is only 9 weeks away! (It's a good thing that I've got almost all my shopping done.) Things will only move faster from here on out. The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Chocolate Mint, Peanut Butter, Very Berry and Strawberry Shortcake. Tonight is buy one, get one free (limit one, excludes XL). Saturday Distraction: What Color Orange Are You ? You Are Cameo You are understanding and very empathetic. You don't tend to have acquaintances. Everyone is your friend. And all of your friends ten...

I got home last night after having a wonderful dinner with some of my family that I have not seen in a while and received a text message from one of my friends congratulating my St. Louis Cardinals on their victory over the NY Mets. Of course, I then stayed up too late watching the highlights. It looks like we are up for a third round of the Cardinals and Detroit Tigers in World Series play (1934, 1968, and 2006). I hope that the Cardinals have a better showing this year than they did in 2004 against the Boston Red Soxs. World Series Pick: St. Louis Cardinals (sentiment clouding judgment because it has worked for me so far) The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Chocolate Mint, Peanut Butter, Very Berry and Strawberry Shortcake. Today’s Special: Buy 5 of The Girls Mints and get the 6th for free. These cute tins each have over 100 tiny mints in them and are available in 5 different flavors: Cinnamon, Red Cinnamon, Peppermint, Berry Mint and Green Apple Mint. They ...

I got my new phone on Tuesday of this week. After two days of fiddling with it, I believe that I now fully understand how to make a phone call. Seriously, when did these things become personal computers? All I wanted is a cell phone and instead I got a phone with a PDA, Camera, the internet, a walkman and FM radio (which is actually cool), and a whole bevy of other options that I never plan on using. I got my phone numbers transferred over (thanks to my mom for the heads up and the nice people at the Cingular store in Allen) and I got Cingular to turn off the My Net option which I had accidentally accessed four times in the first 24 hours so I think I am set up and ready to go. One of the interesting side effects of the new phone has been a time change for me. I have for the last 4 years had all of my clocks set 15 minutes ahead to help me show up on time to work and meetings. Since the update to my phone instantly changed my initial set up and put in the correct time, I decided to no ...

One of the cooler things about writing the daily blog at Sugarless deLite is that I am given a great liberty to write what is one my mind or going on in my life. So today, I am going to take the chance to embarrass my mother by wishing her a Happy Birthday! The nice thing about this birthday is that she just happens to be in town from St. Louis which means that she will actually get her gift and card on time this year. (Yes, I know that I am a horrible son.) It will be fun to see her on her birthday. I think that it has been 10 years plus since that has happened. The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Chocolate Mint, Coffee Royal, Very Berry and Strawberry Shortcake. Today is Cone Day. All cones are only $1.85 all day long (regularly $2.72). Wacky Photo Wednesday: Birthdays were more fun when we were younger because you could make a mess of everything and people would say "Ahhh, how cute is that?". I wonder how long it took to train the cat to do this?

Yesterday, Holly from the peanut gallery, a.k.a. the comments section, left me a little note that called me old for suggesting that we should turn our TV's off more often. I think that she might be right. I am, at the very least, old fashioned. I've fought against that for a long time, but I am much more comfortable with it now. I think that it might be one of my more enduring qualities. Most modern technologies have a place in our lives; however, I can't help but feel that sometimes we give them too much of a place and we tune out the more important things. Then again, maybe I'm just 28 going on 75. The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Chocolate Mint, Coffee Royal, Very Berry and Banana. Today is Shake Day. All shakes are $3.69 (Regularly $3.93-$4.62). Quiz Day: In keeping with today's opening blog entry, I present to you this quiz. How Emotionally Mature Are You ? You Are 81% Grown Up, 19% Kid Your emotional maturity is fully developed, an...

It has been really nice to see the rain over the last two days. I know that this weather can bum some people out, but I can't help but enjoy it. We need the rain so badly, that it is great to have the rain. There is something refreshing about it. It's also nice to have a rainy Sunday when you can stay in side and enjoy the company of friends and family. It gives you a chance to listen and talk to each other which is probably something that we don't do enough of on most days. I think the world might be better if we left TV’s off more often. The Tigers fulfilled the first part of my World Series prediction by sweeping the A's out of the post season. The Cardinals and the Mets are tied at 2-2. I'm hoping for a rematch from the 1968 World Series with slightly different results. The Cowboys got a little help from TO and a lot of help from the Saints and the Titans (congratulations to Vince Young on his first NFL victory). The disaster in Philly doesn't look quiet as ...

I ordered my new phone yesterday. I am looking forward to receiving it and activating it later in the week. I didn't want a new cell phone, but I had to get one. I am a casualty of the SBC purchase of AT&T. My cell phone service has over the last few months decentigrated. I average 4 to 5 dropped calls a day when I am driving around. AT&T use to have the best coverage of any of the providers in the Dallas area; however, Cingular has refused to maintain the old network. Last month, I was charged a $4.99 service fee for staying on the old network. Talk about an insult. I would have switched to Verizon, but almost all of the people that I use my minutes on are with Cingular. I hope my shiny new phone has better coverage than my venerable old phone. I'm going to miss my old Nokia 6390. :( The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Butter Pecan, Pumpkin, Very Berry and Banana. This weekend, we have a Millennium Pie Special. The traditional crust Millenniu...

Three years and worth the wait, the Old 97's proved to be as good as a show as ever and the Granada proved to be a pretty good music venue. It was the first time that I have been to the Granada since they changed it from a movie theater to a concert venue. The show was packed with old school fans and the band did not disappoint. The Old 97's played a healthy mix of new and old songs along with a couple of solo songs from the band's front man Rhett Miller. High energy fun is the best way to describe the show. I sang along and danced around as much as I could. I fit right in with the vast majority of the crowd because that is what you do at one of their shows. You kick back and scream out with the band. It was a great show for a small group of friends and I would like to thank my best friend for putting up with my attempts to dance. ;) The Old 97's are still one of the greatest bands to see in action and I am glad that I got to do so again. The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate D...

Tonight is a concert night. I always get excited when I know that I am going to go to a show later in the day. I am a music person. I love to sit back and listen to music and I love to sing along with it. The band tonight is perfect for both. The Old 97's are an alt-country band that originates from Dallas and have had moderate success nationwide. Hands down, they are one of the best live shows that you can ever see. It's my seventh time to see them, but the first in three years. I've got a great show on the horizon, there is a cold front in the air, and I've got good friends to share it all with, who could ask for more? The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Butter Pecan, Pumpkin, Very Berry and Banana. Today is Teacher Day. If you are a teacher, bring your ID in and get a small yogurt for 99 cents. Spread the word. The bagels have arrived! We currently have a full stock of all bagels (Blueberry, Cinnamon, Onion, Sweet Wheat, White and the Perfe...

It was a long and hot summer. It seemed worse than most others we've had recently; but as I said a few weeks ago, the heat has helped me appreciate the good weather so much more. Just when we were at the breaking point for our ability to handle the summer, we were given a reprieve a few weeks ago. Then, we were given a reminder of what summer can be. Now, I feel that we are ready to turn the corner into autumn and move into the changing of the season. Cool weather lies ahead. :) The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Butterscotch, Roasted Almond, Very Berry and Banana. Today is $1.85 Cone Day (regularly $2.72). Wacky Photo Wednesday: Man's best friend in all things.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday are my workout days. I try to go around 10:30 PM or so to do some light lifting and then run. Last night I ran first because the weight room was occupied. I ran 2.25 miles, which is half a mile further than my best run. I was tired when I started and had thought about running only 1.25 or 1.5 miles, but my best friend texted me right before I went into the gym telling me about a hardship that they were having. I ran for that because I had done everything else that I could do for them. I don't know if that makes sense, but at half a mile, I just covered up the gauges and ran. I shouldn't have made it as far as I did because of how tired I was when I started, but the run was the best that I have ever had because I let go and ran. Just to catch everyone up on the baseball bet that Rick and I had: Push. I got the National League and he got the American League winners correct. I was very surprised with the short series. My picks for the League Championsh...

After 18 years of having people look at me like I was an alien with a third arm growing out of my head when I said that I have never been to the State Fair of Texas, I went to the fair yesterday. Save for the wonderful company, there was nothing really special about it. I know that saying this might revoke my Texas citizenship, but the fair was just a fair. I think that it just couldn't live up to the hype of 18 years. Also, I believe that many people first go to the fair when they are young and have a built in nostalgia that I did not bring into this experience. I had a corny dog and walked the boulevard. I had the greatest companion to talk to and walk with. The weather was nice if not a bit warm. After three hours, I had enough of the fair. It was a great day and a fun thing to experience; however, I don't see myself getting really jazzed up about the fair coming into town. Thank you to my best friend for sharing my first fair with me. Maybe now I will get less strange looks...

Do you ever spend time with someone and get so caught up in the conversation that you lose track of time? It happened to me last night as I was talking to my best friend. At the end of the evening, we had talked for 10 hours and it didn't seem like any more than a few at most. Time is relative. A good conversation can move it a long like nothing else. Tonight is not only the big game, but also the return of the Bilge Pumps at the Tipperary Inn. That's right; everyone's favorite pirate troop returns to Dallas tonight to sing their songs and lift a pint. It should be interesting to see if there is any flow over from the fans at the game. Go Texas! The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Cappuccino, Roasted Almond, Angel Food Cake and Orange Vanilla. Today is buy one, get one free from 6 PM-8 PM (limit one, excludes XL). Saturday Distraction: What Planet Are You From ? You Are From Neptune You are dreamy and mystical, with a natural psychic ability. You l...

Last time I made mention of the weather and turning my A/C off, the weather turned and the heat came back like an Indian summer. I have a feeling that this change would have occurred regardless of what I wrote. I don't really believe in luck either good or bad; however, I am excite at the possibility that I can once again turn off the A/C. I promise if there is a return of summer this time that I will not mention this again. Nevertheless, I hope that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the wonderful weather this weekend and the upcoming rain next week. This weekend is of course Texas-OU weekend with the Red River shoot out on Saturday afternoon. You will see me in my burnt orange tomorrow. I'm looking for two years in a row against a much improved OU team. If you're wearing an OU shirt, expect a little friendly banter because I know that I am going to get some from the OU fans out there. Let's go Texas! The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Cappuccin...

The big game got rained out yesterday in New York and it left me with a mission to see if there was any rain on our horizon here in Dallas. It seems that the forecast has changed since last evening. According to Weather.com, there is good news and bad news about the weather. The bad news is that today is going to be hot again. The good news is that this weekend should be in the mid 80's and we are going to ride that trend throughout the next week along with some showers thrown in for good measure. Yes, there is a chance of getting into the seventies. :) The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Cappuccino, Peanut Butter, Angel Food Cake and Orange Vanilla. If you are a UT Dallas student, you can get a free small yogurt by showing your student ID. The bagels have arrived! We currently have a full stock of all bagels (Blueberry, Cinnamon, Onion, Sweet Wheat, White and the Perfect 10), English Muffins and pita bread. Come in and get these great Weight Watchers® fri...

I've got to admit, it is hard not to talk about baseball. I love this time of year and Derek Jeter's performance last night was outstanding. Nevertheless, I will try and refrain. Just know I may occasionally slip up. I know not everyone likes sports, but if you do, then I'm sure that you can understand. Good news on the computer front. My friend has informed me that I shall soon have my computer back and able to run Myth TV (TIVO type application). I am looking forward to putting this in action and recording Veronica Mars which started last evening. If you’re not a fan of this show, start watching. It is great. I'm also excited about ripping all of my CD's to the computer and having an actual Juke Box in my living room. It will be nice to have everything set up. The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Cappuccino, Peanut Butter, Angel Food Cake and Orange Vanilla. Today is Cone Day! All cones are $1.85 (regularly $2.72). It occurred to me this m...

I have abstained, but now I must give my picks of the baseball playoffs. If you will bear with me, I promise to only do so at the start of each series so as not to completely boar the non-sport fans. First, I would like to review my picks for the division winners and wild cards. Original Picks / Revised Picks (All-Star Break): NL East: Braves / NL East: NY Mets NL Central: Cardinals / NL Central: Cardinals NL West: Los Angeles / NL West: Los Angeles Wild Card: Mets / Wild Card: San Diego AL East: Yankees / AL East: Yankees AL Central: Cleveland / AL Central: White Sox AL West: A's / AL West: A's Wildcard: White Sox / Wildcard: Tigers Of my original picks, I correctly identified four postseason teams. The revised picks netted 7 out of 8 with 5 of 8 placements correctly identified. I think that the Sporting News should give me a call. Here are my picks for...

I went to a different church this weekend with my best friend who had invited me. The fun thing about going to other churches is that even if it is within the same denomination, they are all slightly different. It is interesting to see those differences in action. It's also fun to see how other Sunday school classes are run and the interactions of the people in the classes. I was able to finish The Screwtape Letters yesterday. I am convinced that this is one of the finest pieces of satire that has ever been written. If you like a challenging read, then I would highly recommend this book. C.S. Lewis shows a mastery that is rarely seen today. The Yogurt Flavors: Chocolate Decadence, World Class Vanilla, Cappuccino, Marshmallow, French Vanilla and Candy Cane. October Calendar: (click to enlarge) The Owner's Corner Tip of the Week will return next week. As a side note, it looks like I was wrong about my apartment seeing the last of the AC. It may have another week or two left. At l...