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Brown Rice Vs. White Rice

2012-01-29T16:41:00.000-08:00

I truly never believed that I'd be blogging about rice. Well, here it is. Getting back on my plan for my next upcoming Figure Competition and I'm questioning the rice thing. Let's be honest, white rice just tastes better and it's easier to cook.

So, I did a little research.

Which is one piece of advice I have for anyone wanting to know what is going in there body or why one thing is "better" than another.

What is "White" rice?

White rice is created by removing the bran and germ portions of brown rice. By stripping the rice the healthy oils, magnesium, fiber and other nutrients are lost.

"Brown" rice?

A whole, natural grain that includes the above.

So, what does this mean?

Brown rice and white rice have similar number of calories and carbohydrates. The main differences between the two forms of rice lie in processing and nutritional content.

This also means, that I'll suck it up and cook my brown rice. Why eat something that could increase my chances of Diabetes and Obesity, when there's another option.

Push "Easy Button" Here :)

Need More?........

“The other consequence of the refining process includes loss of fiber, vitamins, magnesium and other minerals, lignans, phytoestrogens, and phytic acid, many of which may be protective factors for diabetes risk.”

"Refined grains “can wreak havoc with blood sugar levels and energy” and increase the risk not only for type 2 diabetes but for obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems. "

"Harvard estimates that replacing 50 grams daily of white rice (uncooked, equivalent to a one-third serving) with the same amount of brown rice would lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by 16%."

See my blog post here about some other "easy button" swaps and the Why's.

Find info here:
http://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20100614/brown-rice-vs-white-rice-which-is-better?page=2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_rice

Glamping!

2011-12-27T11:15:00.000-08:00

A while back I was doing some research on Camping and got a chuckle out of it really. I'm not much of a "camper". We did the RV thing and honestly it exhausted me! Extra shopping, pack it up, messy it up, bring it home, clean it out...repeat. Don't even get me started on the whole "cooking" thing. However, I know that the experience is good for the family so I'm willing to give in a little.

As I cruised around the internet to find camping that I thought

I could tolerate,

I came across these:

Ok, so maybe not this last one....but crazy isn't it!

I was reminded of my blog intentions when I read this funny article in the NY Times.

Also, I am happy to report that I am not the only one who doesn't find the term "roughing it" appealing. There's a whole site dedicated to Glamping!

Check out http://www.glampinggirl.com/ for an awesome glamping experience.

Camping: nature's way of promoting the motel industry. ~Dave Barry

Some national parks have long waiting lists for camping reservations. When you have to wait a year to sleep next to a tree, something is wrong. ~George Carlin

Camping: The art of getting closer to nature while getting farther away from the nearest cold beverage, hot shower and flush toilet. ~Author Unknown

It's the perfect combination! Meal Planning and Couponing, the Lazy Girl Way.

2011-12-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to lie. I do not see the value in couponing. I tried it.

I found alot of stuff that I didn't need. Alot of stuff that I don't need 10 of. Alot of stuff that is not a great choice nutritionally speaking. Alot of name brands, that frankly I don't buy because they're more expensive and why waste the time to clip the coupon on something that I can the "cheaper" version of already. I know that it's a craze and I'm hoping that someone will be so disgusted with me that they will attempt to show me the greener side of the couponing fence. I'm all about easy too. You know K.I.S.S (Keep it simple stupid!) Chances are good that I am not going to drive around town to save a few cents on my bread and I haven't done the math on the gas factor of doing so either.

So What's my point?!

I try to save money and my sanity by planning my menu. I already shared the most amazing Menu planning site that I have found to date. She puts together the menu, the recipe and the shopping list. Check it out here.

So, in comes all*you's Grocery Circular Roundup

This has got to be the best couponing site. From my shopping list, printed up from Eat at Home (above), I circle the things I need to get. Then I pop on to all*you and type in the items that I need. Searching by your area code, this site will pull up

all of the "deals" in your area right from

your own list!

No more shuffling through endless pages of circulars to find the stuff that you might actually get, finally getting to the store to find out that your coupon is expired or from another store.

I hate that!

The site also has printable coupons available to check out.

It might not be all of the deals and coupons that I could ever need, but it's an easy step in the right direction. If it's easy enough I will follow through. How about you?

So, I'm off to the store with my list and my "deals" and it took me about 5 minutes.

That I can do!

Check out all*you grocery circular roundup here.

What else can I make? ..........

2011-12-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out Pinterest yet? You have to...it's an amazing time waster, oh I mean resource :) Click the link to the right to check it out. It truly is an incredible site. Tons of information and ideas. You'll create a long, long list of To-Do's. (as if we needed more)

Enter Project Number 1!

I bought the ingredients to make my own laundry detergent and will follow the instructions here. I picked up the recipe from Pinterest via this great blog.

$20 for several (9-12) months of laundry detergent!! Yes please!
This is right on track with my money saving and being "greener" goals.

Project Number 2!

Who else but Martha could come up with a fantastic Tub Scrub with a couple of simple ingredients. Check out the recipe here.

Here's another one:

Every Day Shower Spray! Does it bother you to spend $4 a bottle on a spray that goes so quickly?

This one is great for Shower Doors and Faucets Daily.

Just a couple of easy ingredients =Green and Inexpensive.

I'm seriously loving the ideas that I find on Pinterest. I'll be working on these 3 tommorow. The only thing that's missing from this fabulous site is a "Did It" button.

Planning for a successful New Year....the budget

2011-11-26T17:49:00.000-08:00

About mid-year this year I pulled together our budget and started the "Envelope System Plan." It isn't easy to keep to it, I'll be honest. We were fortunate to be able to go on a wonderful family vacation and have slipped a little to the original plan of eating out "occasionally".

So, with the holidays staring me in the face and a New Year ahead, it's time to pull in the reigns. I'm pulling out the envelopes and looking for other ways to maximize savings for the upcoming year.

Here are the ideas that I came across during my search.

(Click on the links below for hundreds of ideas)

These are the things that I plan to work on or am in the process of:

Sign up for every free customer rewards program you can.

I've been signing up for stores debit cards to earn back rewards that you would normally have to get their credit card for. The money comes right out of our checking account, but I earn rewards and get money back! Nordstrom (rack too) and Target are the two that I get the most money back from.

Eat out only twice per month

This is huge for us. We don't go out to restaurants alot, but we get pizza, Subway, and burritos more often than we should.

I'm keeping my eye on "Groupon", "Restaraunt.com", "livingsocial" and other coupon sites for eating out deals. These have saved us a ton of money in the Food and Entertainment department and we've tried new restaurants and outings in the process.

Make your own gifts instead of buying stuff from the store
This is something that I'm working on. It's takes planning and some organization to have enough time to be able to pull this off. I like to browse Etsy for some handmade gems and reasonable prices. I've also been turned on to "VeryJane" which has amazing homemade and often personalized gifts at fabulous bargains.

Write a list before you go shopping – and stick to it

This has become so much easier thanks to "Eat at Home," a wonderful blog that offers weekly menus, recipes and the shopping list.

Invite friends over instead of going out.
I think our friends are just as happy to do this as we are. Not only are we all saving money, but it's kid friendly too.

Don’t spend big money entertaining your children
"Realize that what your children want most of all is your time, not your stuff, and you’ll find money in your pocket and joy in your heart"

I definitely need to work on this. I am guilty of taking my kids out for "little" treats (ice cream, hot chocolate, lunch, special breakfasts, pedicures, movies etc.) This is on the top of my list of things to modify.

Clean out your closet.

There are a couple of fabulous resale stores in our area. I just recently went through the families closets and sorted the good from the stained to take to resale.

Hide your credit cards.

Take your credit cards and put them in a safe place in your home, not in your wallet where it’s easy to spend them. If you argue that you need it for “emergencies,” just be sure to keep a small amount of cash hidden in your wallet for these emergencies. Don’t keep plastic on you until you have the willpower to not use it even when you’re sorely tempted.
MUST DO!!! It is a scary thing to give up the credit card....the "what ifs" are endless aren't they.

Do a price comparison – and find a cheaper grocery store
I've attempted this before and find it daunting to compare ads and prices. I'm not great at it and honestly think it is due to my lack of memory in the numbers/prices department.

Challenge yourself to try making your own things
This is a great idea really and I have found a ton of ideas on Pinterest for homemade soaps, cleaners etc. Not only does it save money, it's a greener way of doing things.

Reevaluate the stuff in the rooms in your house.

Go into a room and go through every single item in it. Do you really need that item? Are you happy that it’s there, or would you be just fine if it were not? If you can find stuff to get rid of, get rid of it – it just creates clutter and it might have some value to others. You also improve the perceived value of your house – and you’re likely to get a lot of cleaning done in the process. It’s a frugal win-win-win.

I love this and do this pretty regularly. You'd be amazed how much money you can make on eBay and in garage sales with all of the "stuff".

Go through your clothes – all of them.

If you have a regular urge to buy clothes, go through everything that you have and see what you might find. Take the clothes at the back of the closet and bring them to the front and suddenly your wardrobe will feel completely different. Take the clothes buried in your dresser and pull them to the top. You’ll feel like a brand new person who doesn’t need to spend money on clothes right now

Brown bag your lunch

I'm home during the day, so this isn't as much an issue for me. My husband is really good at taking his lunch and we made a "No buying lunch" rule for our kids school lunch. Not only for money saving reasons, but for health reasons too.

Consider dropping your home telephone line.

I'm working on this too. These darn companies really get you all tied in don't they. I guess I've made the mistake of bundling our services. I'd like to drop the phone, but it would make the cable and Internet more expensive. I'd like to drop the cable, but haven't figured out a way to make the family happy with the options available. This is on the to-do list. I need options.

Cut back on trips to Starbucks or other premium coffee shops. Often called the latte factor, spending several dollars per day on luxuries like premium coffee can really add up. For example, if you spend $4 for a cappuccino five times a week for 50 weeks out of the year (you're on vacation the other two weeks), you would spend $1,000 in a year. Try treating your trip to Starbucks as a treat instead of a habit. You'll save money and probably lose weight too!

This is my weakness!! I get a "latte" a day, every day! Yes, that is a ton of money. So, for Christmas I am getting a very nice Espresso machine and all the syrups and cups to go with it. That sucker will pay for itself in a very short time and we will be on our way to saving thousands in coffee alone.

Wish me luck! :)

Click Here to see the 100 tips to saving money. Here are few other great ideas.

The changes are starting to flow...

2011-11-22T16:36:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to live greener, eat cleaner and just take a "wellness" approach to living,

I have been making small changes.

Change can be overwhelming, being green can be overwhelming, eating clean can definately be overwhelming. I've decided to take baby steps toward each in an attempt to ease the family and myself in to new habits. My changes have almost gone unnoticed.

Tonight I got a little laugh and felt proud of my accomplishments in the cleaner eating department.

The kiddos asked for breakfast for dinner. My girls like to make the pancakes.

-I have replaced the regular ol' bleached flour with Almond Flour.

-The white sugar has been replaced with Splenda (which is fading

out

in to Stevia.)

and

-I switched over to a Sugar -Free Syrup a little while back.

So what we end up with is a pretty healthy dinner. No sugar, lower carbs and barely any fat from our turkey sausage. The best part is that the family inhaled it.

Here is the Pancake Recipe

Beat : 1 egg (substitue egg white :)..)
1 cup of milk (substitute Almond Milk)
2 T. oil ( I've switched to Coconut Oil)
1t. of Vanilla

Mix: 1 C of flour (Almond)
1 T. Sugar (Stevia)
1 t. baking powder
1/2t baking soda
1/2 t. salt
Add: Dry to wet ...Mix and cook

I decided to make a little journal of my changes and note the benefits or the "why's" so that I can reflect on what we have accomplished in the year.

Here are my notes for the "swaps" above:

Almond Flour/Milk :

Tasty, nutritious and easy to use. Low Glycemic Index and Gluten Free. It has a higher protein content and lower carbohydrate content than other flours.

A quarter-cup of almond flour, sometimes called almond meal, has 145 calories, 12 g fat, 4 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 5 g protein and 1 g sugar

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/484991-almond-flour-and-milk-benefits/#ixzz1eUF8ihnA

Eggs vs. Egg Whites

Egg Yolks:

Calories: 55 cals
Fat: 4.5 g
Saturated Fat: 1.6g
Cholesterol: 210 mg
Protein: 2.7g

Egg Whites:

Calories: 17 cals
Fat: 0.1 g
Saturated Fat: 0.0 g
Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
Protein: 5 g

It's a no brainer isn't it? :) So easy to buy egg whites now too. Why not?

Sugar Vs. Splenda Vs. Stevia

Sugar:

Serving Size 2g(about 1/4 of a teaspoon) = 11 calories and 3 g. of Carbohydrates

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/sweets/5592/2

Stevia
Stevia is a plant that originated in the rainforests of Paraguay. It is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, does not impact blood sugar and has zero calories. The leaves have been used for over 1,500 years by the Guarini Indians of Paraguay. It was discovered and introducd to Europe by M. S. Bertoni in 1899. While Stevia has since become a very popular sweetener because it is “natural,” the FDA has yet to approve it as a food source – it remains classified as a dietary supplement.

Splenda
Sucralose (Splenda) is a non-caloric sweetener made from sugar. It was discovered in 1976. A sugar molecule is modified to replace a hydroxyl (water) group with a chloride (chlorine) group. This creates a product on average 600 times sweeter than table sugar, which theoretically will pass through the body without being metabolized. Over 100 studies have been conducted using sucralose in order to approve it as a food additive.

http://www.everydiet.org/1001/sugar-and-artificial-sugar-facts

I have decided to switch from Splenda to the Stevia. I chose the Splenda because I wanted to cut calories and Carbs. I have switch to Stevia for the same benefit with the addition of the fact that the Stevia is a more natural product.

I guess the point of my blog post is to aknowlege that it can be quite a chore to be "green" or eat "clean" especially when you have a family of 5 to consider. I'm making similar steps throughout our house ( Detergent, Toothpaste, Cleaners etc.) As we run out of something I do a little product research and do the best that I can with that information to make a smarter choice.

Have a bias toward action – let’s see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away.
Indira Gandhi

I cool new way to track your "to-read's"..

2011-10-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

My husband laughs " Why are you looking at books?" He knows me.

Every year I make a resolution to read a few books. I have a little stack over here on the coffee table. It's not that I totally don't read, I'm just scattered. I've got a handful of books going and a long list of "to reads". Thing is, I need a plan of attack. There are so many things that I want to know about, which is why I spend so much time on the computer.
The computer is like immediate satisfaction. Want to know what something is...GOOGLE!
I making myself a plan of attack. I have, or will in a couple of weeks, conquer a huge goal. Taking to the stage for a Figure Compition, for which I've been preparing and planning to do for months has really helped me in so many ways. One of them is with my problem of needing immediate satisfaction.

"20 Weeks really isn't that long and

the things that you can accomplish with a little consistency are amazing!"

I've found this great site that I've decided to share. Not only can I make "the list" but I can check them off! I can also share with friends and they suggest books for me too. I love this. Here is my first 10 books. I'd love your input if you've read them, and be sure to "friend" me if you check out Goodreads too!
Tracie's bookshelf: to-read

Angela's Ashes

by Frank McCourt

tagged:
to-read

Night

by Elie Wiesel

tagged:
to-read

Running with Scissors

by Augusten Burroughs
tagged:
to-read

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace ... One School at a Time

by Greg Mortenson

tagged:
to-read

Cocktail Hour under the Tree of Forgetfulness

by Alexandra Fuller

tagged:
to-read

My Life in France

by Julia Child

tagged:
to-read

Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal

by Conor Grennan

tagged:
to-read

Reading Lolita in Tehran

by Azar Nafisi

tagged:
to-read

The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family

by Mary S. Lovell

tagged:
to-read

Naked
by David Sedaris

tagged:
to-read

Why "A Thousand Blooms"- & "Ayurveda"

2011-09-29T08:02:00.001-07:00

My mind is constantly on the go....could be the coffee. I also go in 1000 different directions and always want to learn about new, different things.

I call myself the "dabbler."

Not exactly really good at one thing, but pretty good at alot of things. I dabble in painting, sewing, crafting, reading, scrapbooking, triathlon, running, cooking, church, decorating, fashion, school, working, etc. I'm always adding something to my list of want to do's too....

I want to dabble in; learning to play piano, tennis, mastering yoga and right now I'm starting my dabbling in herbs, naturophathic medicine and Ayurveda.

Anyways, I share my dabbling here on my blog for anyone who wants to dabble, gain a little knowledge about random things and to continue to learn myself.

My husband has taken a new job at a "Wellness" Pharmacy and I work at a "Wellness" Center, so my interest in different types of medicine, treatments and other cultures perspective on wellness has intrigued me for the moment.

I'm sharing Ayurveda while I learn about it for the next couple of posts...

it is an intriguing practice.

What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda provides both curative and preventive measures towards optimal physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The word "Ayurveda" is from the ancient Indian language, Sanskrit, and literally means "Knowledge of Life".

Simple Definition
Ayurveda is a wholistic system of medicine from India that uses a constitutional model. Its aim is to provide guidance regarding food and lifestyle so that healthy people can stay healthy and folks with health challenges can improve their health.
There are several aspects to Ayurveda that are quite unique:

Its recommendations will often be different for each person regarding which foods and which lifestyle they should follow in order to be completely healthy. This is due to it's use of a constitutional model.
Everything in Ayurveda is validated by observation, inquiry, direct examination and knowledge derived from the ancient texts.
It understands that there are energetic forces that influence nature and human beings. These forces are called the Tridoshas.
Because Ayurveda sees a strong connection between the mind and the body, a huge amount of information is available regarding this relationship.

"Inherent in Ayurvedic principles is the concept that you are capable of taking charge of your own life and healing." (This concept is what draws me in to learn more)

-According to Ayurveda, you can achieve health through daily routine.

-With Ayurveda, we acknowledge that beneficial daily habits are different for each person, because each person is a unique combination of the 3 fundamental biological principles, which are called "doshas": Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Everybody has all 3 energies - although people experience each of them to a lesser or greater degree.

-There are 6 tastes according to Ayurveda, and we should enjoy all 6 in our diet:
Sweet - wheat, milk, dates, rice.
Sour - yogurt, tamarind,lemon.
Salty - sea salt, kelp, rock salt.
Pungent - onion, radish, chilly, Ginger .
Bitter - dandelion root, bitter melon, rhubarb root.
Astringent - plantain, pomegranate, apples

-Spices in Ayurvedic cooking
Spices used in small to moderate proportions according to the food
being prepared and the person's body-type - dosha - will stimulate all the digestive organs to produce the enzymes required for total assimilation and absorption.

-Ayurvedic herbs
Ayurveda herbal formulas are not generic supplements based on the latest health craze. They have been helping people improve their health for thousands of years.

These are the very basics that I have found about Ayurveda online. I'm drawn to the individualism, routine, taking charge of your own wellness through exercise, meditation, and nutrition.

See more about the basics here:
http://www.healingdaily.com/conditions/ayurveda.htm
and
http://www.ayur.com/about.html
A neat blog about the diet here: http://ayurveda-diet.org/

Joining "Mindful Mondays"

2011-09-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

I'm going to join in on this "Mindful Mondays" from the Happiest Mom this week. With such a busy week, I like the idea of having a new focus each week.

Here is the "formula" that is suggested for such a task:

WHO: Who is involved in this intention? Who will need to act?

WHAT: What is the one thing, idea or principle I want to focus on this week?

WHY: Why is this a priority right now?

HOW: What are the specific steps I’ll need to take to make this happen?

This week my focus is "re-creating our faith in our home".

Who: The entire family.

What: To bring the focus of faith back in to our weekly routine through prayer, family night and the attendance of church.

Why is this a priority right now? We have some changes taking place in our home that make this a great time to refocus.

Steps? Monday family night, Prayers at mealtimes and bedtimes, Scripture study, attendance at church events and Sunday church.

Life gets busy and we have gotten off track. Nothing happens overnight and we may not be perfect this first week. But, I'll have the goal, purpose and focus to get us back on track.

If you'd like to join the Mindful Mondays click here.

6 Items to Simplify Your Life

2011-09-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

Gotta Love Real Simple! There are some great ideas here. I'm loving the sandwich wrap and the "find your car" app. Check them out here :)
Happy Friday!

6 Items to Simplify Your Life

What is Labor Day Anyway?

2011-09-05T08:53:00.001-07:00

If you have children you know that you get the Why? and What's? about everything!

So, here are some fast facts about Labor Day. Keep your kids impressed :)

1) Labor Day is a celebration of the "economic and social contribution of workers"

2) It's always the first Monday of September

3) 1882 is the year that the first Labor Day was celebrated in New York

4) The first celebrations included; Speeches, picnics, lots of cigars and kegs of lager beer. (Keep the tradition going friends :)... )

4) Oregon was the first state to make it a Holiday in 1887

5) Labor Day is best known for the "unofficial" end of Summer Break

6) Labor Day is the last day of the year to wear White. (If your in to that :)..)

Need Something to do with the kids? Here is a site with some fun ideas for the Holiday.

Have a SAFE and FUN Day!

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

http://www.wikipedia.org/

This weeks Menu

2011-08-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sunday= Planning Day

Working on Menus, shopping lists, Laundry, To-Do's for the week and work out calendar.

Here is this weeks menu:

All Clean Eating recipes, to work toward the goal of making all of our choices clean eating choices.

Monday

Chinese Chicken and Rice

Tuesday

Turkey Albodigas Soup

Wednesday

Clean Eating Potato Soup

Thursday

Grilled Terryaki Turkey and Pineapple Burgers

Friday

Grilled Fish Tacos

Saturday

Guiltless Chicken Parmesan

Sunday

Broccoli, Mushroom Quiche

This one step, choosing a goal and sticking to it, changes everything- Scott Reed

Size matters....Lunch! I'm talking lunch!

2011-08-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

I am feeling very prepared for the school year to start tommorow, for my 3 kiddos. I have their clothes all layed out, school supplies by the door, and kleenex in my purse.

Sending your last child to Kindergarten is bitter-sweet isn't it :(

My kids make their own lunches, even the youngest.

Of course I prepare and have available "grabbable" food for them.

So, that is what I'm doing now.

-I bought one of those veggie and fruit platters from Costco. They like to pick and dip everything.

-I also stocked up on snack size Ziploc baggies and those tiny little sauce cups with lids.

- Here is my invaluable tip :)...: Fancy Toothpicks! You know the ones with the colorful ends.

Chicken and Pineapple Scewers from Clean Eating Magazine)

The kids love small bitesize bits and will eat just about anything if it's on one of those cute little toothpicks. (They have rounded ones if you are concerned)

What do you put on the toothpick?

Olives, Cheese, Rolled/ chopped Turkey Breast, Veggies, Fruit, Leftover Steak or Chicken Bites.

and don't forget the Dip!

I always have hardboiled eggs on hand and sometimes whip up some Deviled Eggs (hold the Mayo in our house)

How about some healthy muffins, savory or sweet. Filled with dried fruits, whole wheat, flax, hidden veggies :)

(Quick & Easy Breakfast Muffins by Clean Eating Magazine)

Try These Clean Pumpkin Muffins by Fit and Clean

or these

Clean Eating: Whole Grain Apple Muffins by Delicious Dishes

or these

Clean Eating Banana Muffins by Gracious Pantry

There are a ton of "Bar" options too!

These is at the top of my "try" list. Can you tell I'm ready for Fall.

"Clean Eating Pumpkin Spice Protein Bars" or "Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Protein Bars"

by Gracious Pantry

Most of these can be made ahead and frozen too!

My goal for this school year is to do a little planning and preparing. I also want to continue to find ways to transform most of our eating in to Clean eating choices. I'm planning ways to feed my kiddos the most healthy food that I know they will enjoy and be able to finish.

No SCHOOL lunches! Yuck!

A New Button.....

2011-08-17T08:24:00.001-07:00

Hi There! I've added a new button to the blog.

I have been saved by "Eat at Home"!

It's a great site that includes at least a years worth of week menus, recipes and shopping lists.

AWESOME!

My kids are back to school next week and I need all of the preperation help that I can get. So, what are you waiting for......go check it out!

Also, if you are interested in saving about $1000 in the next few months, stay tuned for my kids lunch planning post.

3 kids = 3 school lunches x 180 (average school days in U.S.) x $2 = $1080!

Wrapping up the Summer....

2011-08-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, so with three kids Summers can get expensive! Especially if you try to send them all to Summer Camp. One week of camp is around $200....and well, you do the math. This year I did a little planning.

"Mom's Summer Camp" was a success!

1. I printed up a blank weekly Calendar for each week of the Summer. Click Here for a sample.

2. I gave each week a theme:

Science Week: Discovery Science Center - Science Kit and Cooking

5 Senses Week: Games, Candle making

Ocean Week- Birch Aquarium, Tidepools, Beach

San Diego Week: Downtown Scavenger hunt, Seaport Village

Art Week: Children’s Museum by Train, Art Museum, Arts & Crafts

3. Then I put the things we needed to do on our Calendar. (Doctor Visits and other appointments) and appointed Thursdays as our "Travel Days".

4. I added free local events to our Calendar too. $1 movies, music in the park, free museum days etc.

5. I also put lunch choices for the week on the blank portion of the calendar. Each week I made a special option for the kids to look forward to. ( Chicken pasta salad, Burritos, Salad Bar..) among the regular choices (Sandwich, soup etc.)

6. I took lots of pictures! Now that our Summer break is winding down I am collecting the pictures and making my kids a scrapbook (digital=easier) of their "Mom's Summer Camp" to hold on to their fun Summer memories.

Doing the planning wasn't difficult at all. It took a few minutes of time and saved me from the I'm bored, what are we going to do to do and what's for lunch.

The kids looked forward to a new themed week, didn't complain about things that we "needed" to do (because it was right there on our calendar.) BONUS: They also did a ton of READING! We went to the library and participated in the reading program (which offers free museum, theme park and food tickets). They were able to pick books that related to our "Theme" for the week and also learned during the process.

It also saved us a ton of money (Thousands!) not just in camp fees, but I was able to plan trips to museums etc., by collecting coupons, free tickets or going during special pricing times.

Here is the kicker! They want to do it again next year!

Back to School!!! Special Morning Ideas...

2011-08-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

We still have a couple of weeks before school starts over here. The new clothes, new backpacks, lunch boxes and this year we've added a Thermos for hot foods too.

I thought that I had it all worked out, until a friend posted the question about a special breakfast to get those kiddos started on the first day.

Of course, I thought this would be a great opportunity for some research on the topic :)

Here are some ideas that I came across:

A fancy yogurt parfait

Layer your kiddos favorite fruit, nuts, yogurt and top it with some whipped cream and a cherry

Egg in the window

You've seen a variation of this. Cut a shape out of a piece of bread with a cookie cutter (Books,apple, star) put a little butter on the back side and crack an egg in the "whole" cook then flip. Easy and cute! Whole grain bread and egg whites for a healthier version.

HOW about these Adorable Butterfly Biscuits

that I found on "Gourmet Mom On the Go"

This might very well be a perfect food! and will probably be a favorite around here.

A Banana Dog! Genius!!

again thanks to Gourmet Mom on the Go

How about busting out the Panini maker for some breakfast Paninis?

Eggs, Potatoes, ham, sausage links, cheese, cream cheese and lox, peppers and sausage.

Whaterver fillings your kids like.

Filled breakfast croissants

(refrigerated croissants) with your favorite fillings. Sweet or savory.

Apples and cinnamon, cherries, chocolate and strawberries.....the sky is the limit.

Oatmeal Bar

is Popular around here too

A big bowl of warm oatmeal and a ton of available toppings!

Ideas: Brown sugar, nuts, dried fruit, fresh fruit,chocolate chips, caramel sauce.

Of course you can't go wrong with Themed Pancakes either!

Alphabet, names and school themed shapes would be perfect.

Whatever you decide your kids will be thrilled to start their year off with an exciting breakfast.....

It's almost here! Good Luck!

Taking time to save time...

2011-07-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

I have taken on a huge goal. In October I plan to compete in my first "Figure Competition." I'm not going to lie, it has been an adjustment and isn't going to be easy. The biggest adjustment is TIME. Not just the extra time in the gym, but the extra time preparing and planning 64 meals a week! Yes, 43 for me and 21, plus snacks, for my family. Somewhere along the line someone taught me the 5 P's: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

Sunday is the day around here. On my plan I have: Asparagus, Mixed Veggies, Ground Beef, Chicken, Tilapia, Oatmeal and Cream of Wheat. I have figured out about how much I need for myself and then double it. This has worked beautifully for the last 3 weeks and really is making things so easy!

Not only is this actually saving me time during the week, it is helping me create healthier meals for my family also.

So today:

1) I take a trip to Costco to get the "big stuff" listed above, veggies and fresh fruit. (Grapes, Cherries, Apples, Bananas)

2) I'm making the "big" stuff that I listed above. I also will cut up some carrots and celery and wash up the fruit and place in bowls with paper towels. I'll pack the cooked food in large containers or Ziplocs.

3) I'm preparing a Menu for my family

On the Family Menu This Week:

Monday: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus (I've prepared the meatloaf to be stuck in the oven tommorow while I cooked up my ground hamburger for the week)

Tip: I found these fresh chopped, nothing added, frozen potatoes that steam in the bag and ready to be mashed. Awesome Timesaver!!

Tuesday: Chicken Enchiladas (Again I've precooked the chicken, just chop or shred)

Wednesday: Stuffed Peppers (Yep, the hamburger that I've prepared mixed with rice, onions and peppers)

Thursday: Machaca (I'll throw a chuck roast in the crockpot with Mexican spices and onion. Shred and cook up with onion, pepper and egg)

Friday: Breakfast: Waffles, Eggs and Turkey Bacon

Tip: My kids make up a huge batch of batter on Monday morning and take it out through the week for warm pancakes or waffles any morning of the week.

Saturday: Chicken Tortilla Soup ( Yep, there's that chicken again :)... )

Sunday: Homemade Pizzas ( Gather the leftover chicken, ground beef, shredded beef from Thursday, and peppers and get creative! )

BREAKFAST & LUNCHES:

Pre-chop a huge bag of romaine lettuce and have salad bar. Those bowls of fruit come out at breakfast and at lunch. The big batch of Oatmeal and/or Cream of Wheat also becomes a breakfast bar. Have small bowls or baggies of raisins, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, fresh fruits etc. Leftovers are also a great option. We love our Panini grill around here too. Grilled Veggies and Chicken are great in them. Easy to reach for Carrot and Celery sticks with Peanut Butter or Ranch Dip are favorites.

I know, by experience, that it is challenging to get a decent dinner on the table for an entire family ( mine is a family of 5) when there is so much going on during the week. I also know that trying to diet or eat something different than the rest of the family is a real challenge and often leads to getting our diets de-railed. Taking that extra few minutes a day during the week will make the difference for you, your family, your diet and your sanity.

I want to share this great site too....

tons of recipes and menu planning help HERE at "eat at HOME"

If you're interested in following my progress, I'll be posting "HERE" on Twitter.

If you're sleepy do not look at this....

2011-07-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

Just when you think things will slow down for the Summer and you will spend countless hours on the beach with your children......Nope! Dreaming of a soft and cozy place to waste some hours away, any of these would do for me.

Menu and great menu planning site with shopping list

2011-05-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

It's even easier to plan when someone else does the work! Here is a great site and

I'll be trying out the

Week 3 Dinner Menu and Shopping List this week.

Red Chicken
Shrimp Pesto Florentine Pasta
Pepper Steak in Slow Cooker
Pita Pizzas
Pork Tenderloin with Apples
Mexican Style Chicken Tacos
Beef Souvlaki for the Grill

Here is the link for Weekly Dinner Menu Ideas

I've also been working on a Summer schedule for our family. Summer Camp can be so expensive for 3 kiddos, so we're making our own weekly themed camps that include field trips, crafts and other fun things...coming soon!

Planning this weeks menu

2011-05-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

Working on a new Budget in order for the family to take a cruise in November.

Part of saving money I have found is planning.

So, I figured I'd share this weeks menu plan :)

Monday: Sloppy Joes ("Sloppy Franks" -In hot dog buns, because that's what we have), corn and baked beans

Tuesday : Chicken Tamale Casserole and a Ceasar Salad.

I especially like this version because of the fat-free and lowfat ingredients.

Wednesday: Buffalo Chicken Paninis(hold the Mayo), Celery/carrot sticks and ranch dressing

Thursday: Chile Verde (I easy this up with spices and green chilis from my pantry and lighten up with a nonstick pan and very little oil) and refried beans

Here is the beauty of one crock pot, one big pork roast...two meals!!

Friday: Cuban Sandwiches and Cuban Beans and Rice

Saturday: Chopped Greek Salad (I'll add black beans and chopped grilled chicken to hearty this up.)

Sunday: Chicken and Dumplings

All of the above recipes are from My Recipes.com ....it is my new go to site for recipes and menu planning.

Bike to Work Month

2011-05-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

I am a bit of a biking enthusiast.

More indoor than outdoor it is true, but none -the -less I enjoy the bicycle.

I think it is a great thing to have this Bike to Work Month and I have been promoting this very day "Bike to Work Day" for the entire month.

I truly was amazed to see how many riders were out this morning and stopped by our local gym and sponsor for todays commute.

I wondered how many people commute to the office regularly and how

San Diego ranked on the list.

What I found:

San Diego ranks #8 out of 244 major cities for the highest number of bicycle commuters.

31% of those are women.

There are 387 miles of bike lanes in San Diego. Ranking them #4.

Impressive! and not surprising that in such a beautiful area with an almost ideal climate year-round that that number would be up there on the list.

Topping out the list:

New York City

Los Angeles

Chicago

Fort Collins, CO (They win everything there!)

Boston

(Find your city Here)

The benefits and effects on health and the environment are mostly obvious.

I did also find a list of 60 Benefits of Bike Commuting in case you couldn't think of any.

-Bicycling is the most energy efficient form of transportation ever invented.
-You get healthy exercise from bicycling.
-Save travel money by biking. If the switch is from a car this includes purchase price, gas, tires, fluids, insurance, maintenance, washing, parking, etc.
-Reduce stress by bicycling.
-Biking is therapeutic for the mind and spirit -- is fun and can make you happy.
-Cycling is therapeutic for the cardio-vascular system, live healthier.
-Regular cycling provides better muscle tone, bone mass improvement, clearer skin
-Regular bicycling helps with personal weight management -- new full-time bicycle commuters can expect to lose an average 13 pounds their first year of bicycle commuting if they maintain the same eating habits.
-Bicycling is a great initial activity for people who are obese and help them on their way to a healthier life.
-Regular cycling can lead to lower health care expenses -- save money for a nicer vacation.
-Allows the rider to appreciate the more of the nuances of the natural and built environment around them.
-Your commute will be the best part of your day instead of the worst part of your day.
-The exercise increase your productivity at workCycling improves your self-esteem.

So, get on out there and hop on your bike! Start small. Here are some TIPS to get started.

Follow this link to find local information about bicycling in the U.S., Commuting

and Advocacy Programs.

Strange things to do with cereal...

2011-05-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

I came across some crazy recipes while planning my weekly menu and it inspired me.

Captain Crunch Chicken Recipe
Captain Crunch isn't just for breakfast anymore. It's a delicious coating for chicken that Planet Hollywood mixes with a few spices to produce a sweet, crunchy chicken tender that kids and adults alike can't get enough of.
Famous restaurants need to come up with signature dishes to keep those crowds coming back (and to keep pulling in big profits). You can skip the crowds and save yourself a lot of money by making this simple dish at home. Let the Captain "crunchetize" you with this fantastic chicken recipe your entire family will love!
Captain Crunch Chicken
Ingredients:
2 cups Captain Crunch cereal1 1/2 cup corn flakes1 egg1 cup milk1 cup all-purpose flour1 teaspoon onion powder1 teaspoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon black pepper2 pounds chicken breast cut in 1-oz. tendersvegetable oil for frying
Directions:
1. Coarsely grind or crush the two cereals and set aside.
2. Beat the egg with milk and set aside.
3. Stir together the flour, onion and garlic powders and black pepper. Set this aside also.
4. Dip the chicken pieces into the seasoned flour. Move around to coat well, then shake off the excess flour.
5. Dip into the egg wash, coating well, then dip into the cereal mixture, coating well.
6. Heat oil in a large heavy skillet to 325 degrees F. Drop coated chicken tenders carefully into the hot oil and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, 3 to 5 minutes depending on size.
7. Drain and serve immediately.

Captain Crunh Crab Cakes!

click if you dare to go there

Spagetti and Meatballs

with Special K cereal

Ok, so the next couple aren't cereal. I just can't imagine adding Cheez-It's to any recipe, but here they are!

Baked Mac and Cheese with Ham

Ingredients
8 ounces dried corkscrew pasta
1 cup finely chopped ham (about 4 oz.)
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 1/3 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon liquid pepper sauce
1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese or shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded American cheese
2 1/2 cups Sunshine® Cheez-It® Original snack crackers (crushed to 1 1/2 cups)
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
Directions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain. Set aside.2. In medium saucepan cook ham in 3 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat until just beginning to brown. Use slotted spoon to remove ham from pan, reserving drippings in pan. Drain ham on paper towels. Add onion to drippings. Cook and stir over medium heat until tender.3. Stir in flour, salt, mustard and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and pepper sauce. Bring to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.4. Add cheddar cheese and American cheese, a little at a time, stirring until melted after each addition. Stir in pasta and ham. Transfer to 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.5. In small bowl toss together SUNSHINE CHEEZ-IT Original snack crackers and 1 tablespoon butter. Sprinkle over pasta mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Crunchy Cheese Chicken Tenders

Yes, you guessed right...Cheez-Its!

Easy Mexican Chicken Salad

Ingredients
2/3 cup reduced-fat ranch salad dressing or peppercorn ranch salad dressing
2/3 cup salsa
9 cups torn romaine lettuce
2/3 cup halved grape tomatoes
1/3 cup sliced green onions
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
3 cups shredded, rotisserie-roasted chicken breast
3/4 cup (3 oz.) finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup frozen fire-roasted whole kernel corn or whole kernel corn, thawed
1/3 cup sliced black olives
1 1/2 cups Sunshine® Cheez-It® White Cheddar crackers
Directions
1. In small bowl stir together salad dressing and salsa. Set aside.2. In large bowl toss together lettuce, tomatoes and green onions. Arrange on 6 serving plates. Top with beans. Arrange layers of chicken, cheese, corn and olives on top of each. Sprinkle with SUNSHINE CHEEZ-IT White Cheddar snack crackers. Drizzle with salad dressing mixture.

Unbelievable.... Cereal and Cheez-Its in recipes.

As a side note : It is not my intention to pass these recipes on to "try".

In case you are wondering, about 2 cups of that "healthy" salad is almost 400 calories.

Just imagine what the Mac N Cheese weighs in at.

Have you seen or tried any crazy recipes like these?

I remember my Grandma use to crunch up Corn Flakes for a baked chicken, it was good!

I have also seen that insane Krispy Creme Dohnut French Toast recipe...

Thanks Paula Deen, but no thanks :)

They can have Chickens!

2011-04-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

It is an exciting time! Time for HGTV's Green Home Giveaway.

Of course I want to win every year, but this year more than ever. The home is situated in beautiful Stapleton, CO................and.........they can have chickens!

Ok, so what?

It's a funny story really. A couple of years ago I had a very interesting conversation with the city about the chickens that I would like to have. The answer was a conclusive NO, and I've been bummed ever since.

You can see my the blog "My Chicken Dreams are Crushed" here.

After that entertaining read, make sure you enter to win the HGTV Green home.

10 Places You Should Take Your Kids

2011-04-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

Summer break is just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about what to do while the kids are out of school. I came across this great "bucket" list. These are places that I would love to visit myself. When I became a parent I had in the back of my mind all of the places that I would take my children. I wanted them to have the opportunity to see the world, to discover America and really learn history, hands on.

10 Places You Should Take Your Kids

Earth Day.....

2011-04-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

I feel like, since my move here to California almost 2 years ago, that I haven't progressed in my desire to be green. In fact, I might have taken a step back. It has really been on my mind lately too. I am so fortunate to live in this beautiful place, to see that great ocean daily, and experience this fabulous weather. It is time for me to give back and progress.

Being "Green" really is a process just like anything else I guess. It can be overwhelming for sure. There is a ton of information out there on what is right and what is wrong. I started with the most obvious and went from there. Small steps.

With Earth Day right around the corner I have decided to post some of my old "Going Green" posts and am going to add as the days go by. This will keep me focused and keep my family moving in the right direction.

"The quest to becoming a 'Natural Wildlife Habitat' "

http://athousandblooms.blogspot.com/2009/06/share-garden-sundaythe-birds-have-gone.html

"Making Green Changes"

These have proven to be an excellent purchase....still using them!

http://athousandblooms.blogspot.com/2009/06/metamorphis-monday-going.html

"I still want those Chickens!"

http://athousandblooms.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-chicken-dreams-are-crushed.html

"Gardening"

http://athousandblooms.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-dream-ofstarbucks.html

http://athousandblooms.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-am-really-excited-to-join-in-on-this.html

"More Green Changes..."

http://athousandblooms.blogspot.com/2009/06/going-going-going-greenpart-1.html

So I'm looking around now to see what other kind of changes I can make or pick back up.... this will be my Earth Day contribution this year.

Do you really....?

2011-04-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

So, I get asked by some of my friends if I "Really" do the things that I post on the blog. For the most part...Yes!

The best part about having a blog is to be able to research, to record and try new ideas.

I love learning random information, I love researching random things, I love making new recipes and crafts.

That is why this blog exists....I am random! :)

Here are a couple of photos of my version of the April Fools ..Of course mine does not look as pretty as the sample. It is, however, a little bit lower in calories and fat with 95% lean beef, and fresh mashed red potatoes with only non-fat milk, salt and pepper.

I love how these "grilled cheese" came out! Also a lighter version with Sugar and Fat Free Angel Food Cake and lite Cool Whip. Toasted Angel Food Cake is amazing BTW.

April Fools Day Food Ideas....

2011-03-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

I'm on the hunt for some fun April Fools Day ideas....here are some that I've found.

Click on the Photos for the recipe links

A grilled cheese made with sponge cake "bread" and yellow frosting "cheese".

This is so cool.... If you are feeling ambitious...

The Meatloaf Cake

What you'll need: Two round cake pans Your favorite meatloaf recipe Mashed potatoes Ketchup Cherry tomatoes Prepare your favorite meatloaf recipe as you normally would, but, before baking, divide the mixture into the two round cake pans and pat it flat. 1. Bake as usual, but shorten the cooking time (these thinner meatloaves won't take nearly as long to cook). 2. While the meatloaf is in the oven, make a batch of mashed potatoes; add a little extra milk and whip with an electric beater until they are fluffy and spreadable. 3. When the meatloaves are done, invert one of them onto a round plate. 4. Cover the meat with a thick, even layer of mashed potatoes. 5. Place the other meatloaf on top of the potato layer, and finish frosting the "cake" with the remaining potatoes. 6. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes to look like cherries. 7. Just before serving, decorate the top of your cake with ketchup. Write a personalized message, or just a simple "Happy April Fools' Day!"

Not so ambitious: Cupcakes :)

My kids would get a kick out of this "dog food"....actually sound delish!

How cute are these little "burgers".... Anything with Thin Mints can't be bad!

I don't know many kids who don't like Pizza....I like this one too!

8 ServingsPrep: 15 min. Bake: 40 min.

Ingredients 1 jar (14 ounces) pizza sauce 1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled 1 package (8 ounces) sliced pepperoni 3 cups biscuit/baking mix 3/4 cup milk 2 eggs 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon garlic salt 5 to 6 slices mozzarella cheese

Directions In a bowl, combine the pizza sauce, sausage and pepperoni; set aside. In another bowl, combine the biscuit mix, milk, eggs, butter and garlic salt. Spread half of the batter on the bottom and up the sides of a greased 10-in. fluted tube pan. Spoon meat mixture over batter; cover with remaining batter. Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until browned and a toothpick comes out clean. Invert onto a baking sheet. Arrange cheese over cake. Return to the oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Using two large metal spatulas, transfer cake to a serving platter; serve immediately.

Yield: 8 servings. Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 piece) equals 497 calories, 33 g fat (13 g saturated fat), 113 mg cholesterol, 1,776 mg sodium,

St Patricks Day.... I love a theme!!!

2011-03-12T06:09:00.000-08:00

What is St Patricks Day anyway?

According to wikipedia it's "a religious holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It is named after Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the most commonly recognised of the patron saints of Ireland. It originated as a Catholic holiday and became an official feast day in the early 17th century. It has gradually become more of a secular celebration of Irish culture.

Why a Shamrock?

He is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish, and the wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a ubiquitous feature of the day.[

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick

Chicago does it big by dyeing the entire River green.

Time to bust out the Corned Beef and Cabbage!

or maybe your kids aren't in to that? Here are some fun ideas for "Green" Food.

Ok, well it's not green.....but it is a tradition!

Basic Irish Soda Bread With Cheese

Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Ready In: 35 Minutes
Servings: 6
"A simple soda-risen bread is cut into squares, brushed with egg, dipped into grated Parmesan cheese, and baked for a savory accompaniment to your Irish meal."
Ingredients:
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup milk, or as needed
Directions:
1.
Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat eggs in a bowl and set aside. Place the Parmesan cheese into a shallow bowl.
2.
In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking soda until well combined. Add in milk, several tablespoons at a time, until the mixture forms a soft dough. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured work surface, and knead several times until the dough comes together.
3.
Roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick, and cut into 2x3-inch squares. Brush each square with beaten egg, and dip the top of the square into the Parmesan cheese. Place the squares onto the prepared baking sheet.
4.
Bake in the preheated oven until the squares are lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe-Tools/Print/Recipe.aspx?RecipeID=213824&origin=detail&&Servings=6

This is the one I'll be making for sure!

Shepherd's Pie

Grab the Green Food Coloring

How about:

Green Eggs

Green Mash Potatoes

Green Pasta

Green Frosting

Green Ranch Dip

Go Crazy! Pack the kids a special green lunch?

Peas and Pasta Salad

Cut a sandwich in a clover shape (Heart Shape Cookie Cutter)

Bell Peppers and Green Ranch Dip (Cut the Pepper in slices top to bottom for a clover shape)

Ohh aren't these cute, I am certain that my kid's would love them. Click on the picture to visit this great blog too. Tons of adorable "kid" food.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar

2011-02-24T14:13:00.000-08:00

My day today was spent learning about Cardiovascular Disease....Scary stuff!!
Women...educate yourselves!!

I came across this great site that offers risk factor calculators and tons of other information. Check it out!
http://www.hearthub.org/

Here was an interesting article about sugar that I thought I'd share:

Frequently Asked Questions About Sugar

Are all sugars bad?
No, but sugars add calories and zero nutrients to food. Adding a limited amount of sugars to foods that provide important nutrients—such as whole-grain cereal, flavored milk or yogurt—to improve their taste, especially for children, is a better use of added sugars than nutrient-poor, highly sweetened foods.

No, but sugars add calories and zero nutrients to food. Adding a limited amount of sugars to foods that provide important nutrients—such as whole-grain cereal, flavored milk or yogurt—to improve their taste, especially for children, is a better use of added sugars than nutrient-poor, highly sweetened foods.

How can I tell by looking at a nutrition facts panel if a product has added sugars?
Current nutrition labels don’t list the amount of added sugars (alone) in a product. It will be important for policy makers, the food industry and other public health groups to create dialogue regarding how to make assessing added sugars simpler for consumers.
How can I tell by looking at a Nutrition Facts panel if a product has added sugars?
Current nutrition labels don’t list the amount of added sugars (alone) in a product.
The line for “sugars” you see on a nutrition label includes both added and naturally occurring sugars in the product. Naturally occurring sugars are found in milk (lactose) and fruit (fructose). Any product that contains milk (such as yogurt, milk, cream) or fruit (fresh, dried) contains some natural sugars.
But you can read the ingredient list on a processed food’s label to tell if the product contains added sugars. Names for added sugars on labels include:
Brown sugar
Corn sweetener
Corn syrup
Sugar molecules ending in “ose” (dextrose, fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose, sucrose)
High-fructose corn syrup
Fruit juice concentrates
Honey
Invert sugar
Malt sugar
Molasses
Raw sugar
Sugar
Syrup
What are added sugars?
Added sugars are sugars and syrups that are added to foods or beverages during processing or preparation. They do not include naturally occurring sugars such as those found in milk (lactose) and fruits (fructose).
Added sugars (or added sweeteners) include natural sugars (such as white sugar, brown sugar and honey) as well as other caloric sweeteners that are chemically manufactured (such as high fructose corn syrup).
What is the difference between added sugars and naturally occurring sugars? Simple and complex carbohydrates?
Added sugars include any sugars, or caloric sweeteners that are added to a food during processing. Naturally occurring sugars are found naturally in foods such as fruit (fructose) and milk (lactose).
All carbohydrates are made up of units of sugar ("saccharride"). Carbohydrates containing only one unit of sugar (called "monosaccharides") or two units of sugar (called "disaccharides") are known as simple sugars or simple carbohydrates.
Simple sugars are quickly broken down and provide a very fast increase in blood sugar, while complex carbs take longer and cause blood sugar to rise more gradually.
Complex carbohydrates are found in foods such as starchy vegetables (corn, potatoes, peas, etc.) breads, cereals, rice and grains. Complex carbs are broken down into the simple sugars during digestion, which causes them to be processed more slowly in the body.
Why are sugars added to food?
Sugars are often added to food during processing to improve the taste of certain foods.
What does the AHA recommend as a limit for daily added sugars intake?
Your daily discretionary calorie allowance consists of calories available after meeting nutrient needs—these calories don’t contribute to weight gain. The American Heart Association recommends that no more than half of your daily discretionary calorie allowance come from added sugars. For most American women, this is no more than 100 calories per day and no more than 150 per day for men (or about 6 teaspoons a day for women and 9 teaspoons a day for men).
Sugar’s primary role in the body is to provide energy (calories). To get the nutrients you need, eat a diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, poultry and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Typically, foods high in added sugars do not have the nutrients the body needs and only contain extra calories.
How many calories are in 1 teaspoon (tsp) of sugar?
One teaspoon (tsp) of sugar has about 4 grams of sugar and 16 calories.
How much added sugars do most Americans consume?
A report from the 2001–04 NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) database showed that Americans get about 22.2 teaspoons of sugar a day or about 355 calories. This number has increased steadily over the past three decades. Teens and men consume the most added sugars.
A major contributor of added sugars to American diets are soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages.
What are discretionary calories?
You have a daily energy need—the amount of calories (or energy units) your body needs to function and provide energy for your activities. Think of it as a budget. You’d organize a real budget with “essentials” (for example, rent and utilities) and “extras” (for example, vacation and entertainment). In a daily calorie budget, the essentials are the minimum number of calories you need to meet your nutrient needs.
Select low-fat and no-sugar-added foods to make good “buys” with your budget. Depending on the foods you choose and the amount of physical activity you do each day, you may have more calories left over for “extras” that can be used on treats like solid fats, added sugars and alcohol. These are discretionary calories, or calories to be spent at your discretion.
A person’s discretionary calorie budget varies depending on how physically active they are and how many calories they need to consume to meet their daily nutrient requirements.
How are the remaining discretionary calories consumed if not as added sugars?
Discretionary calories are in addition to those that supply the nutrients to your body for daily function and activity. Your body does not actually need them to function. Common sources of discretionary calories (in addition to added sugars) are fats, oils and alcohol. Fats are the most concentrated source of calories.
Discretionary calories can be used to:
Eat additional foods from a food group above your daily recommendation.
Select a higher-calorie form of a food that’s higher in fat or contains added sugars (whole milk vs. skim milk or sweetened vs. unsweetened cereal).
Add fats or sweeteners to the leanest versions of foods (for example, sauce, dressing, butter/margarine).
Eat or drink items that are mostly fat, sugar or alcohol such as candy, cake, beer, wine or regular soda.
What is energy density and how do added sugars affect it?
Energy density refers to the number of calories (or amount of energy) per serving of a food. Because sugars contain calories (one teaspoon of white sugar has about 16 calories), the more sugar in a food, the more calories, or energy, that food will have.
A similar-sounding term, nutrient density, refers to the amount of nutrients per serving of a food (nutrients are materials a body needs to function healthfully—for example, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals). Foods that are highly nutrient-dense are good for your body. Ideal foods are low in energy density (calories) but highly nutrient-dense. Foods that are lacking in nutrients are often referred to as “empty calories.”
Because added sugars contain calories but no nutrients, they are energy-dense and nutrient-poor.
To improve the overall quality of Americans’ diets, the American Heart Association recommends people consume foods with more nutrients and less calories.
What foods and beverages are the main sources of added sugars in Americans' diets?
Regular soft drinks; sugars and candy; cakes, cookies, pies; fruit drinks (fruitades and fruit punch); dairy desserts and milk products (ice cream, sweetened yogurt, and sweetened milk); and other grains (cinnamon toast and honey-nut waffles).
Does this mean I should avoid all soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages?
You can choose how to spend your discretionary sugars calories.
Regular soft drinks are the No. 1 source of added sugars in Americans’ diets. A 12-ounce can of regular soda contains an estimated 130 calories (or 8 teaspoons) of added sugars. People who consume lots of sugar-sweetened beverages eat too many sugar calories which can add up quickly and tend to gain weight. Carefully monitor the number of calories you get from sodas and other sources of added sugars.
How can added sugars be used (within the recommended limits) to enhance the quality of people's diets?
Sugars promote enjoyment of meals and snacks. When sugars are added to nutrient-rich foods, such as flavored milks, studies have shown that the quality of children’s diets improves and there is no negative impact on their weight.
How do added sugars affect the quality of an individual’s diet?
Some studies show that eating large amounts of added sugars is associated with diets low in calcium, vitamin A, iron and zinc. Also, diets that are high in added sugars are typically low in fiber. This is important because increasing dietary sources of fiber is associated with decreasing energy intake, which can result in weight loss.
Why are “liquid calories” and “solid calories” different?
Some studies suggest that drinking too many calories is even more likely to cause weight gain than calories from solid foods. It is suggested that liquid calories are not as satisfying as calories consumed from solid foods, so people tend to consume more fluid calories to compensate. As a result, reducing liquid calorie intake has a stronger effect on weight loss than reducing solid calories.
Drinking calorie-containing beverages is connected with overweight and obesity. People should carefully monitor the calories they drink and get enough water to maintain proper hydration every day.
What are the American Heart Association’s new (January 2010) recommendations for sugar-sweetened beverages?
The American Heart Association recommends that all Americans consume no more than 450 calories (36 oz) per week from sugar-sweetened beverages. The new recommendations are one component in a suite of cardiovascular measurements developed by the American Heart Association to determine if Americans are improving their cardiovascular health by 20 percent by 2020.
Do the recommendations to limit sugar-sweetened beverages to no more than 450 calories per week apply to children?
This calorie limit is based on a daily 2000-calorie diet. Daily calorie needs and discretionary calorie levels vary for all individuals, including children, so the recommendations for sugar-sweetened beverages for young children will generally be lower due to their lower energy needs. Some older, very active children may require 2000 calories and for those children, the 450 calorie limit does apply.
This limit is very important, especially in light of the fact that the rate of childhood obesity has increased and sugar-sweetened soft drinks are relatively high in calories for small children. It is essential to help our children eat a healthy diet and achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. The obesity epidemic among children has caused children to experience adult conditions, such as elevated cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes at younger ages.
Is the American Heart Association taking a position for or against certain types of added sugars (e.g., raw sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and non-nutritive sweeteners)?
The AHA hasn’t taken a position on different types of added sugars, but we will continue to assess the science on this topic and any relevance to the impact on cardiovascular disease.
Since diet sodas and other products made of non-nutritive (artificial) sweeteners contain 0 calories from added sugars does that mean they can be consumed freely?
You can drink diet sodas in moderation, but they don’t give you any nutrition. Balance them with a variety of whole foods and beverages that provide a range of important nutrients.

Indian food for dinner tonight......

2011-02-21T08:44:00.000-08:00

I love browsing food blogs from folks with different backgrounds.

I've compiled a list of some of my favorite food blogs. They use unusual ingredients, have a ton of interesting food articles and great recipes.

http://appetiteforgood.com/

http://www.japanesefoodreport.com/

http://foodcurated.com/

http://riceandcurry.wordpress.com/

http://www.seriouseats.com/

I'm in the mood for Indian Food, so here is my recipe for today:

Chicken Tikka Masala

Indian:
How To Make Chicken Tikka Masala

This weeks menu with recipes

2011-02-06T06:52:00.000-08:00

Sundays are "Catch-Up" days at our house. Time to get everything back in order for the upcoming week. It is also time to grocery shop and make sure I have a plan for the weeks dinner menu so that I don't find myself in a jam :) P.P.P.P.

Linguine with Shrimp and Scallops

Molasses Glazed Pork Roast

Chicken Pot Pies

Filet Mignon with Caper Pepper Sauce

Pan Grilled Lamb Chops

Tomatillo-Pineapple Chicken

Fettuccine Alfredo

Thanks Again to "Moms who think" for the weekly menu plan!!

I used week 6 this time around as I liked the recipes.

Love Valentine Love

2011-02-04T07:46:00.001-08:00

Valentine Smile
On Valentine's Day we think of thoseWho make our lives worthwhile,Those gracious, friendly people whoWe think of with a smile.
I am fortunate to know you,That's why I want to say,To a rare and special person:Happy Valentine's Day!
By Joanna Fuchs

Take a Quiz Here to find out What your Romance Style is.

THE KIDS

I thought these were a cute and easy craft for the kids to take to their schoolmates.

A little Pipe-cleaner, glue dot and candy.

THE FOOD

I am a big fan of Tapas. Little flavor packed, mouth sized morsels. The kids also enjoy eating this way. It is a fun and eventful way to eat, enjoy each others company and the different flavors of the meal.

(Find Recipes Here.)

Everything is good in Chocolate

DECOR

GIFTS
What you'll need:
Pastel colored tissue paper
Chenille stem
Scissors
Ruler
How to make it:
Cut tissue paper into rectangles of desired size (5"x7" is the size pictured)
Stack around 15 pieces of tissue paper. Use the same color or different colors. If you want to use a smaller number of pieces of tissue paper, flower will not be as full.
Accordion pleat the tissue paper working from the long side.
Wind one end of the chenille stem around the middle of the accordion pleated tissue paper.
Trim the ends of each side to give the pedals a unique look. Trimming the ends into a point (like a triangle), or a bump (like a half circle) will look very pretty.
Gently separate each layer pulling upwards toward the middle of the flower. Do the second side. Let the children make a couple of flowers and put them in a May Basket. Early on the morning of May 1st hang on your mother's door, a neighbor's door, a friend's, or anyone special to you. Remember, it's supposed to be a surprise!

Here are some cute and unique ideas from ETSY!

(Click on the photo to go directly to the item.)

How about personalizing your own M&M's?

FYI ;)

Honey
There’s a reason it’s called a “honeymoon.” Honey has long been associated with sexual desire — it’s been called the nectar of Aphrodite (yes, the goddess of love). In medieval times, people would drink mead (a fermented honey drink) to increase sexual desire. Not enough basis to give you a sweet tooth? Well, honey is rich in B vitamins, the same vitamins needed for testosterone production.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been shown to increase appetite (both physical and sexual). Some people even rub cinnamon oil onto their bodies to produce powerful sexual stimulation.

Or, you could just eat it.

(See the whole list here)

Having fun with the Chinese New Year!

2011-02-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

What is it?

"New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving. The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors. The sacrifice to the ancestors, the most vital of all the rituals, united the living members with those who had passed away. Departed relatives are remembered with great respect because they were responsible for laying the foundations for the fortune and glory of the family."

Tons of great and ideas for celebrating on this site.

I love the opportunity to have a themed dinner

and teach the kids a lesson about other cultures.

Today is Chinese New Year, so we are having a themed dinner at our house.

I have also looked up some information about the holiday to share with the kids. Of course we will dress the table in red and the kids will get a little paper wrapped gift on their setting.

Here is what is on our Menu:

Eggrolls

(I will buy these @ Trader Joes, but if you want to make yours click the photo for the recipe)

Don't forget the Sweet N Sour Sauce!

Chinese Ribs

I'll be making these as one of our Main courses...in the crockpot and boneless

It's the flavor that I'm after, so here are the ingredients that will go in with the ribs

Ingredients
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sake
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh garlic
1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 pound pork spareribs

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Ingredients:
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken
breast halves, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large onion, cut into rings
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon white sugar
1/2 medium head bok choy, chopped
1 small head broccoli, chopped
1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with
equal parts water
Directions:
1.
In a large bowl, combine chicken, oyster sauce and soy sauce. Set aside for 15 minutes.
2.
Heat oil in a wok or large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and onion until soft and translucent. Increase heat to high. Add chicken and marinade, then stir-fry until light golden brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in water, pepper and sugar. Add bok choy and broccoli, and cook stirring until soft, about 10 minutes. Pour in the cornstarch mixture, and cook until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes

Fortune Cookies and Almond Cookies
(I'll buy these also, but the recipe is here if you feel like trying it. Click the photo)

Know your Sauce.....
Soy sauce: An incredibly versatile ingredient in Chinese cooking, soy sauce is used to flavor sauces, stews, marinades and meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Chinese soy sauce is generally saltier and not as sweet as Japanese.

Plum sauce: A traditional sauce for duck and pork recipes, plum sauce is a thick, sweet-and-sour sauce. It is made with plums, apricots and seasonings and sometimes goes by the name "duck sauce."

Black bean sauce: A sauce made from fermented soybeans, ginger and orange peel.

Hoisin sauce: Sweet and spicy, hoisin sauce is primarily a table condiment made with soybeans (or wheat), garlic, chile pepper, and other spices. It is almost jam-like in consistency and is frequently used to flavor meat, poultry and seafood dishes.

8 Weeks of Weekly Dinner Menus...sure!

2011-01-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

I am back in school as of today, so it's time to really plan things out so that I don't get caught off guard come dinner time.

I came across this site that provided 8 weeks of Dinner menus and I think I'll use it!

The bonus: They are healthy choices and include the nutrition information, recipe and directions.

RICE & BEAN BURRITOS, BUTTERED CORN

GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES , COLESLAW

BAKED ZITI WITH MUSHROOMS, GARDEN SALAD

BARBECUED PORK TENDERLOIN KEBABS ,BAKED BEANS

HEARTY CLAM CHOWDER, STEAMED VEGETABLES

BEEFY DEEP DISH PIZZA

TURKEY BURGERS, GRILLED TOMATOES, ROASTED POTATOES

See the full Menu Here

Stuck....

2011-01-22T11:45:00.000-08:00

These wall clings can really inspire some great decorating ideas.

The best part.....it is easily changed.

a cute way to hang your family photos

These mirror ones are really cool.

No Headboard...no problem

Yep, a chalkboard! Love these....

When these wall clings came out a few years ago I thought "Genious!" They have really come a long way and I still think they are fabulous! I especially love the chalkboard ones....much easier than the chalkboard paint that I got my hands on a while back (See that post here).

Thought I'd show a few of my favorites.

Check out this store for so many more.

I'll take it!!

2011-01-21T14:43:00.000-08:00

I'm always browsing homes and came across this one. It is perfect! Not done yet which would be ideal for a person like me who loves a project and loves decorating even more. With a family of swimmers, I am certain that we could make good use of that multi-lap pool too!

This home is in the area of Rancho Santa Fe,

which is a place that I have dreamed of living since I was a little girl.

$1,400,000

Bedrooms

5 Full 2 Partial Baths

6,290 Est. Sq. Ft.

A Funny Fruit Continued

2011-01-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

The "Buddah's Hand"

Fingered Citron

"smells powerfully of lemon, it has no juicy pulp hidden below its peel. Instead, the Buddha's Hand is grown commercially for its great taste. The fragrant rind is used to savor lemon liqueurs and specialty vodkas, and provides fragrance to lemon-scented cosmetics.

Chinese and Japanese households suspend it in their homes as a natural air freshener, and it still has a place in some religious ceremonies.

The fruit has a yellow rind when mature, and contains no flesh, juice or seeds"

(Source: http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Buddha's_hand_citron)

Historically, Buddha’s Hand is considered one of the oldest citruses originating in the foothills of the (Source)

KITCHEN USES FOR BUDDHA’S HAND:
The rind is very thick and grated into any recipe calling for lemon zest.
Small strips of the rind is easily candied, or turned into homemade marmalade.
Shave and sprinkle zest over fish, in salads, pilafs, relishes, casseroles, and soufflés.
Sprinkle in homemade quick breads and biscotti
Add to sauces, salsas, compotes and smoothies,
Use in sorbets, sherbets, desserts, puddings, confections, custards, cookies, cakes and other baked goods.
Use it to flavor liqueurs, vermouth and vodka.

Buddah's Hand Jam

Ingredients:Peel of one Buddha's Hand (equal to about 6 lemons), thinly sliced4 cups of water3 cups of white sugarjuice of 1/2 lemon3 tablespoons Amaretto liquor

Instructions:Put the Buddha's Hand peel into a large pan and cover with the water. Leave it sit for about 1 hour.Place pan over high heat and boil for about 30 minutes. Reduce heat to medium so it only boils gently. Add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved.

Make sure that it just boils very gently(or it will crystallize) for another 45-60 minutes. Stir in the Amaretto.

After about 45 minutes, squeeze in the lemon juice, give it another 10 minutes and pour the jam (which is still pretty liquid, but will thicken) into a big glass jar.

One For One Movement - A Pair Of New Shoes Is Given To A Child In Need With Every Pair Purchased - TOMS.com

2011-01-17T08:08:00.000-08:00

One For One Movement - A Pair Of New Shoes Is Given To A Child In Need With Every Pair Purchased - TOMS.com

Organization checklist.....

2011-01-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

Continuing on with the "Organization" Series:

Here is the checklist that I will be working on and figured I'd share in case you are also on the quest for organization.

_____Start a bag for charity. Clean out a dresser drawer and

start putting aside items for donation pickups.

(We do this year round, since the kids grow so fast.

I put a big bin in between the bedrooms for a couple of days.

Save your receipts! Taxes are right around the corner)

____Go through magazines and tear out or scan articles,

coupons and/or recipes. Then recycle the rest.

(I created a recipe binder sectioned off like a cookbook for this purpose.

Hole punch or slide in to protectors)

_____Take time to figure out how much you spent on gifts

this past holiday season.

Make plans to save that amount in the coming year,

a little at a time. At the end of the year, you will have

all the cash you need for your holiday shopping.

(I try to do this every year and just never get on it...

I will make this a goal to ease that Holiday Bill!)

_______If you haven't yet, set up your files for 2011.

Be sure to set up a file to hold all tax related papers so that come tax time

you have everything at your fingertips.

(Tax time sneaks up quick. Even if you think your organized, there is

always that one thing you just can't seem to find. )

______Make annual dentist and doctor appointments for you and

your family, and also vet appointments for any pets.

(Do some research! Depending on your age there may be additional tests you need this year. Don't skip on the preventative screenings...they can save your life)

______It's not too early to start planning your summer vacation.

Make a tentative plan of where you'd like to go and start checking on

when reservations are needed.

(Having a plan and a budget will get you saving now and may save you

money by not waiting till the last minute)

______Use a disinfecting cleaner to go over all door knobs, light switches and

cabinet fronts and pulls inside your home. This should help keep colds to a minimum.

So this is my short list to get tackled this month.

A get it all in order for the new year kind of thing. Let me know if you have anything to add.

Another Funny Fruit....

2011-01-08T11:50:00.001-08:00

I Don't know about you, but to me this looks like some kind of animal larvae or something...

So What is it?" It's a "Dog Dumpling"...of course!

...a "Cheese Fruit"

"Vomit Fruit"...

a "Noni"...

Formally named the "Morinda Citifolia" it is a tree in the coffee family.

"Despite its strong smell and bitter taste, the fruit is nevertheless eaten as a famine food [3] and, in some Pacific islands, even a staple food, either raw or cooked.[4] Southeast Asians and Australian Aborigines consume the fruit raw with salt or cook it with curry. The seeds are edible when roasted." (Source)

The green fruit, leaves and the root/rhizome were traditionally used to treat menstrual cramps, bowel irregularities, used to treat diabetes,liver diseases and urinary tract infections.

I don't think I'll be trying this one out anytime soon :)

A little "Resolution" info ;)

2011-01-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

I came across this information that I thought was a very handy guide to serving sizes. I have been using a "food tracker" for a while and of course knowing serving sizes is helpful.

A rounded handful -

one 1/2 cup vegetables or fruit, 1/2 cup of cooked rice or pasta, or a snack serving of crisps or pretzels
Woman’s fist –

another way of visualising a serving of vegetables, or one piece of whole fruit
Small handful or golf ball –

1/4 cup of dried fruit
A matchbox –

a 1 oz serving of meat, or a serving of cheese
Deck of cards, or the palm of your hand (excluding fingers) -

a 3oz serving (recommended serving) of meat, fish or poultry, or ten chips/french fries
Thin paperback book –

a 8 oz serving of meat
Check book -

a serving of fish (approximately 3 oz)
Tennis ball -

1/2 cup of pasta, or a serving of ice cream
Computer mouse -

a medium baked potato
Compact disc -

one serving of pancake or small waffle
Thumb tip or one dice -

one teaspoon of margarine
A ping pong ball –

two tablespoons of peanut butter
Small milk carton –

8 oz glass of milk
A baseball –

8 oz cup of yogurt, one cup of beans, or one cup of dry cereal

This info and a ton more helpful articles are HERE

Even if your goal isn't to loose weight I think it is a good idea to track your intake and output (exercise) to get a feel for your habits. There is such a thing as "Skinny Fat" you know :) See this article about that.

I highly recommend this site for tracking. It is customizable, it not only tracks your food, but exacty what your taking in (Protein, Carbs, Fat and the essentials) It also has an app to that you can track on the go. I find it to be super easy to use and haven't found a food yet that wasn't already loaded in the system. OH and it's FREE!

Check it out here: My Fitness Pal

I might read more if....

2010-12-25T16:55:00.000-08:00

traditional family room design by los angeles interior designer Susan Jay Design

traditional home office design

traditional home office design by new orleans architect RJ Elder Design

traditional home office design by philadelphia photographer Paul S. Bartholomew Photography

traditional home office design by san francisco architect David Ludwig AIA - Architect

traditional home office design by new york architect Austin Patterson Disston Architects

Maybe I'm jumping the gun here..but...

2010-12-24T09:48:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but come Christmas day I am ready to pack all the "STUFF" away and find my sanity again, and my garage floor :)

So, I am planning and starting my "to do" list for the week between X-mas and New Year.

I once read that during the Chinese New Year they clean the house before the New Year and do not sweep on the New Year as to not sweep away good fortune.

I'm not sure about that, but it is always in the back of my mind anyway.

I found this great tip for Sheets, which seem to multiply on me. I will use this and

the under the bed, in their own labeled box idea too.

I'll be searching for other organizing tips that I need around here too, so check back!

Just for Jiggles.....

2010-12-18T05:28:00.001-08:00

So you know me always hunting around the internet for new recipes and stuff. I was surprised about how many JELLO recipes were out there this time of year. I wanted to know more!

What is JELLO?

Note: If you ever want to eat JELLO again do not read the following!!

"The gelatin you eat in Jell-O comes from the collagen in cow or pig bones, hooves, and connective tissues. To make gelatin, manufacturers grind up these various parts and pre-treat them with either a strong acid or a strong base to break down cellular structures and release proteins like collagen.

After pre-treatment, the resulting mixture is boiled.

During this process, the large collagen protein ends up being partially broken down, and the resulting product is called gelatin.

The gelatin is easily extracted because it forms a layer on the surface of the boiling mixture."

("What exactly is Jell-O made from?" 24 January 2001. HowStuffWorks.com. 18 December 2010)

Check out this list of discontinued JELLO flavors:

Chocolate, coffee, cola, root bear, triple chocolate, maple syrup,bubble gum.
Discontinued flavors, which sound less appealing:

Mixed vegetable, plain, Italian salad, celery, whisky, and seasoned tomato.

Some of these are pretty interesting.

How about this craziness! Yep! It's all in there, even the Ham!

Kids time to eat!! How do you eat this anyway?

Ham and Vegetable Salad in Aspic

Ingredients:

4 cups cold chicken or vegetable broth

2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

3 egg whites2 hardboiled eggs, sliced

½ cup cooked peas

½ cup cooked, diced ham

2 tablespoons sliced maraschino cherries

3 tablespoon sliced canned peaches

2 inches cucumber,

diced2 imitation crab sticks,

choppedHandful chopped parsley

Salad to garnish

WHAT THE........!!!

This I could do...pretty for Summer I think

Wow, this would make my Grandma proud!

and the Classic Jello Parfait....

This one I have actually had and it is so good! Salty, Sweet, Crunchy and Creamy...Perfect!

PRETZEL SALAD

First Layer:2 cups crushed pretzels¾ cup melted butter3 tablespoons sugar1 tablespoon grated orange peel (optional)Stir together and pat into bottom of 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake at 400 for seven minutes. Cool completely.
Second Layer:12 oz. cream cheese1 ½ cup sugar7 oz. COOL WHIPWhip cream cheese and sugar together, add COOL WHIP and mix thoroughly. Spread on cooled pretzel crust.
Third Layer:1 large box strawberry jello2 cups boiling water16 oz. frozen strawberries sliced strawberries with sugarStir jello and water together, add frozen strawberries and stir until separated. Pour over cream mixture. Refrigerate until set.

Or maybe your prefer a little Watermelon.....How cute are these!!

Petite Watermelons
2 limes1 small box of red Jello
mini chocolate chips
Cut both limes in half lengthwise. Scoop out all the fruit with a spoon. Place the limes in a muffin tin to keep them from tipping over. Make the box of Jello according to the Jiggler directions. Carefully spoon Jello into the limes halves. Chill until almost firm. Using a skewer push the mini chocolate chips into the Jello for "watermelon seeds." Chill until until firm, then cut into slices.

Here is one the kids will love!

Broken Glass Jello

ingredients:

4 small boxes of jello,

different colors1 can sweetened condensed milk (Like Eagle or something, got it?)

2 envelopes unflavored gelatinwater
Dissolve each box of jello separately, into one cup of hot water.

Pour into individual containers (small tupperware works well) and chill overnight.
Ready a 9×13 pan.Cut flavors of jello into small blocks.

Mix together carefully in pan.
In a separate bowl, dissolve 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin in 1/4 cup cold water.

Add dissolved gelatin to 1 3/4 cup hot water and condensed milk. Cool.
Pour cooled milk mixture over jello and chill overnight

Still not enough....

Check out THIS Jello site. Everything to do with JELLO, thousands of recipes! Drinks, Cakes, Pies, Crazy fruit thingys...you name it!

Turkey Cranchiladas

2010-12-09T09:37:00.000-08:00

What? This sounds so good to me!! Sweet, Spicy, full flavored, cheesy deliciousness!!

I will be testing this one for sure.....see the full recipe by clicking the link below.
Pink Parsley: Turkey Cranchiladas

10 Tips to Control Your Weight This Holiday Season | Active.com

2010-12-08T05:05:00.000-08:00

10 Tips to Control Your Weight This Holiday Season Active.com

What a square!

2010-12-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

Yes! That is a Watemelon, a square watermelon. You want one don't you? Well, for about $82 you can have one from Japan. This is where they came up with the idea to grow

watermelons in an acrylic box the dimensions of their refrigerators.

So, if you're like me you think "I can do this!"

What about a Pumkin? Ohhhhhh........

Here is a little more info if you want it :)

Did you know.....Mark Twain

2010-12-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

“I came in with Halley’s Comet in 1835,” Mark Twain wrote in 1909. “It is coming again next year, and I expect to go out with it. The Almighty has said, no doubt: ‘Now here are these two unaccountable freaks; they came in together, they must go out together.’” And with this uncanny prediction, Samuel L. Clemens indeed died in the year of that rare occurrence on April 21, 1910.

I love random trivia, and this I never knew. I enjoy Mark Twain and just stumbled on this bit of information to share. I can remember driving throught the desert from San Diego to Las Vegas...no lights, just stars and that comet....an amazing site to see.

Speaking of Treats!!

2010-12-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

This is the most beautiful Christmas Bark that I have seen and I wil for sure be adding it to my Handmade Christmas list. A great neighbor goody!

Christmas Candy Bark
8 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips8 ounces milk chocolate chips5 ounces red candy melts5 ounces green candy melts
1/2 cup Christmas Oreos, cut in half1/4 cup red and green M&Ms (you can use regular M&Ms, peanut, peanut butter, whatever you like!)1/4 cup Holiday Corn1/4 cup Candy Cane Hershey Kisses, cut in half
Measure out the candy. Cut the Candy Cane Hershey Kisses in half and the Christmas Oreos in half. Set the candy aside.
Lay out a piece of parchment paper. You’ll use this to make the Christmas Candy Bark on.
Put 8 ounces of semi sweet chocolate chips and 8 ounces of milk chocolate chips in a microwavable bowl. Melt the chocolate but be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
Spread the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper into an 8 by 11 rectangle. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect.
Melt the red candy melts in a microwavable bowl. Place dots of the melted red candy melts on top of the melted chocolate.
Melt the green candy melts in a microwavable bowl. Place dots of the melted green candy melts on top of the melted chocolate.
Using a knife, swirl the candy melts and chocolate up and down. Then swirl the candy melts and chocolate back and forth.
Place the candy and cookies on the melted chocolate. Press down lightly.
Allow the Christmas Candy Bark to dry for at least 3 hours. Cut into pieces and enjoy!

Please see the complete recipe and beautiful pictures here @ Foodbuzz thanks Gingerbreadbagels!

Holy Coffee Calories!!!

2010-11-30T09:36:00.000-08:00

By now you might know that I am a Starbucks junkie

"Grande Iced Nonfat No-Whip Mocha" rolls right off the tongue ;)
I saw this article today and thought I'd share this craziness!

Holidays are right around the corner and sometimes we "treat" ourselves a little more than usual. Keep these numbers in mind....then hit the gym!!!

FYI: You would have to run approximately 1 hour @ a 9 minute/mile pace

to burn about 700 calories.

Starbucks Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino with Whole Milk and Whipped Cream (venti)

520 calories

23 g fat (14 g saturated, 0.5 g trans)
350 mg sodium
68 g sugars

Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Gingerbread Latte (large)
450 calories

12 g fat (7 g saturated)
290 mg sodium
68 g sugars

McDonalds Caramel Latte with Whole Milk (large)

330 calories

9 g fat (5 g saturated)
210 mg sodium
51 g sugars

Starbucks White Hot Chocolate with Whole Milk and Whipped Cream (venti)

640 calories

28 g fat (19 g saturated, 0.5 g trans)
330 mg sodium
60 g sugars

""""DDDDdddddddddddrrrrrrrrrrrrruuuuuuuuuuummmmmmrrrrroooooolllllll""""

#1: The Worst Coffee Drink in America

Cold Stone Creamery Lotta Caramel Latte, Gotta Have It Size

1790 calories

99 g fat (62 g saturated, 2.5 g trans)

175 g sugars

Wow that is a days serving of calories for most of us!!
If you get your coffee at an Ice Cream place...it probably isn't good for you :)
&
The average person should have about 85- 100 grams of fat per day.
If your on a diet you should have about 60 grams of fat per day.

In the spirit of the Holidays....keep your "treats"
....don't over-indulge and keep going to the gym or

you'll be jiggling like

bowl

full of jelly

too!!!

Here is a fun "calorie/activity calculator"
Here is entire coffee article

Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance....Right??

2010-11-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is a repost from last year. Of course I always have these huge expectations of the fabulous homemade gifts that I will wrap in splendor and will be so appreciated....anyway...the time is here again!!!

This is the year of Homemade Gifts......There! It is declared...now I need to get to work :>

So many ideas...

I really love the gift basket thing. Here are some cute baskets that I found. I find these fun and easy to make. Check out stores like: Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshalls for Gourmet foods and cool containers.

Everyone has a "thing" that they are in to and these can be personalized and not crazy expensive to put together.

You could also pull from your talents and make up batches of things to make multiple baskets. How about Soap? Sauces? Cookies? Candy? Something Sewn?

Here are some photos that I found on "Yahoo!" that I found inspirational.

Cute...simple for the "Tea" lover......

What's their favorite candy? This is cute!

This container is great! Recycle and Reuse right?....I also like the little wrapped gifts in it.

For the coffee couple....

How simple and beautiful! Check out Ross!! This bath stuff is super cheap!

Just a couple of their favorites in a cute basket....

What girl wouldn't love this...How about using their favorite color as a theme...

Fill the basket up by opening the boxes and displaying the packages....I love this container too!

How about a container with a lid....think about wrapping it up with a fabulous bow....filled with their favorite kind of magazines or books.....stationary.....the sky's the limit!

2010-11-17T16:11:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm all about balance :) It is these type of precious little recipes that throw me off track with the whole "clean eating" thing. This, friends, is why I spend hours at the gym.... I had to share!
Go running, then take a look at these:

1 pouch Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
1/2 cup Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting (from 16 oz container)
16 chocolate-covered peppermint patties (1.5 oz), unwrapped
2 tablespoons green tinted flaked coconut*
1 can (6.4-oz) each Betty Crocker® red and yellow decorating icing
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon water
2 teapoons sesame seeds

In medium bowl, combine cookie mix, flour, butter, and egg until soft dough forms. Shape dough into 16 (1-inch) balls. On ungreased cookie sheets, place balls 1 inch apart.
Bake at 375° F for 10 to 12 minutes or until set and edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove to cooling rack. Cool completely.
Spread about 1/2 teaspoon vanilla frosting on bottom of each cookie. Top 1 cookie, frosted side up with 1 peppermint pattie and 1/2 teaspoon green coconut. Pipe red and yellow icing on peppermint pattie for mustard and ketchup; top with remaining cookie, frosting side down. Repeat with remaining cookies.
In small bowl, combine honey and water. Brush on top of each cookie; sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Makes 16 cookies

*To tint coconut, shake coconut and a few drops green food color in tightly coverd jar or resealble food-storage plastic bag.

JUST IN CASE......
Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 cookie)
Calories 430
(Calories from Fat 130),
Total Fat 14g
(Saturated Fat 6g,
Trans Fat 2 1/2g),
Cholesterol 25mg;
Sodium 170mg;
Total Carbohydrate 73g
(Dietary Fiber 1g,
Sugars 56g),
Protein 2g;
Percent Daily Value*:
Calcium ;
Exchanges:
1 Starch;
0 Fruit;
4 Other Carbohydrate;
0 Skim Milk;
0 Low-Fat Milk;
0 Milk;
0 Vegetable;
0 Very Lean Meat;
0 Lean Meat;
0 High-Fat Meat;
2 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choices:
5;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Original Recipe Here

Time to eat!...Cleaner!

2010-11-08T15:41:00.000-08:00

Shaking off the Sugar coma that followed Halloween.......and diving in to the next Holiday!!

Of course I enjoy the sweet and sinful treats that the Holiday's bring, but need some balance. I do not want to play catch-up in the New Year. One woman that aspire to be like is Tosca Reno. You can learn more about her here. She is an amazingly healthy, motivating and inspiring woman.

She basically built an empire out of clean eating, health lifestyle and bodybuilding/fitness figure. I read about her first in Oxygen Magazine, which I find out her family own and operate...amazing! She is the face of "The Eat Clean Diet" which really isn't a "Diet" at all, but a better way to eat all together. I have been steeling clean eating recipes from here.... but, just recently bought a couple of her books. I have slowly been making little changes around here to incorporate the "Clean" eating ways for a while, and am excited to have all of these new recipes. I will be sharing some of them as we taste test them here. I am especially excited about the "Cooking with Kids" one that gives some really great kid friendly recipes, ideas for lunches and other great information.

I am a huge fan of these:

If you don't have them run out...right now and get them! As if the Crock-Pot wasn't cool enough, now it's easy to clean and get ready for tommorow.

I'll be checking out this recipe tommorow and cleaning it up with chicken, brown rice, whole wheat tortillas....hold the cheese and sour cream :)

Chile Verde

4 pound chuck roast, or pork shoulder/butt (Cleaner: Chicken Breast)

1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 small onion, diced1 (4 ounce) can diced chile (mine were mild, your choice)

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes10 tomatillos, diced (peel off the outer wrapper, if they have one)

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 teaspoons cumin

2 teaspoons sage

1 Tablespoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)

1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves

The Directions.I used a 6 quart. Trim any visible fat from the meat, and plop into your slow cooker stoneware. Add diced bell pepper and onion. If your tomatillos have the leafy-outer skin left on them, take the skin and stem off, and dice finely (I used the pampered chef chopper thingy. You can pulse in a food processor, instead, if you'd like). Pour in the contents of the diced chile can and the tomato can. Add spices. Stir a bit to get the spices down the sides of the meat. Add chopped cilantro to the top.Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, high for 6, or until meat shreds easily with a fork. After 7 hours on low, my meat was still pretty tough, so I chopped it into large chunks, and put it back in the pot for another 2 hours. By then, it had shredded nicely for me.

Serve with rice(Cleaner: Brown rice) , corn tortillas(Cleaner: Whole Wheat Tortillas), shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. oh! and refried beans. (Cleaner: Black Beans- home mashed not in the can!)

I am scouring this blog (A Year of Slow Cooking)...that I love and will post with Cleaner changes as we try them!!

Candy Corn Cordial!! Now we're talking..

2010-10-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

How much more Halloween can you get than a Candy Corn inspired cocktail!!

Candy Corn Cordial

(adapted from Foodnetwork.com)Via Here

(Makes 4 drinks)

Ingredients:

For the infused vodka:1/2 cup candy corn1 1/2 cup vodkaFor the cordials:Infused vodka2 tablespoons Grand MarnierJuice of 1 LemonLemon-Lime SodaCandy Corn, for garnishPreparation:Infuse the vodka: Combine the candy corn and vodka in an airtight container; set aside for at least 3 hours, then strain.
Make the cordials:

Combine the infused vodka, orange liquor and lemon juice in a large measuring cup, add a splash of lemon-lime soda and stir. Pour into chilled martini glasses and garnish with candy corn

Cuties and Catch-Up

2010-10-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

How cute are these little guys! I had to share them today for the "Halloween Theme" thing that I have going on. Click the picture for the recipe!Hope your enjoying your Sunday! I am feeling like a champion today...workout completed, laundry done and put away, homework complete, dished done, dinner in the pot.... I might actually have time to whip up these cute little guys. So, this is how Sundays are when DH takes the kiddos away for the weekend....it's catch-up time. Can't wait til they come back home...see their clean house, clean laundry, dinner....and dessert. It's going to be a great week!!

......and I've started another painting, which I hope to finish by tommorow. Check out my painting link on the right to see the progress---->

Caramel Apple Cake's on a stick

2010-10-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

I love making these little cakes on a stick and everyone loves them. I also love caramel apples, apple fritters....really anything appley and gooey ;)

I found this recipe and thought I'd share!

Click "Here" for one version

and

"Here" for another.

Ohhh Halloween.....I love Halloween!

2010-10-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

A Repost from last years Halloween Party...great ideas here and I found this recipe that I will add to the group....maybe just an afterschool snack. I truly do love Halloween and everything that comes along with it....Pumkins, cooking...cooking and cooking ;)

Click on the recipe above for the link to a larger version

What Kind of Halloween Pumpkin am I?

You are undoubtedly An elaborately designed pumpkin!
Halloween is not just about tricks and treats for you,

it's a chance to make and display beautifully crafted decorations to

celebrate this magical holiday.

(Thanks Martha Stewart online for this fun quiz)

Ok..Ok...I know I'm totally a Halloween Dork. I have been dressing up for Halloween and trying to scare Trick-or-Treaters forever. I am so excited to have a Sweety that is equally as dorky as I am when it comes to this fun Holiday too (sorry Dear).

So, my favorite Holiday is approaching and we are having a little family and friend get together..... I figured I share some of the stuff I have come across during my rediculous amount of time spent searching for creepy food and cool decorations.

The Food is the coolest part....I found some really disgusting stuff too! I'll have to save some of those ideas for when my children are a bit older I think....

How cute is this.....this is as "cute" as I am planning to get!

....okay! I guess these cute little Mummy Dogs will make their way on my table too...

Devil Eyes anyone?....
I just laugh outloud at this!!! Cat-litter cake!! complete with poop!

ugghhh I hat cats too! (sorry Grandma)

Check Here for the recipes above and a ton more.

The Graveyard is out...the moving lighted, huge spider is crawling its way through the glow in the dark spider webs....the strobe-light is set and my Sweety got out the fog machine and juiced it up....

This is the addition to this years front yard Decor ... it really does look cool at night!

thanks again Martha Stewart Living.

These little numbers will make their way around my house too!!! Brains, guts and stuff in a jar...cooool!

I think that this is so pretty for Fall in general...I'll be trying my hand at it too......

I buy "Martha Stewart Living Magazine" twice a year....The Halloween and the Thanksgiving issues. Good ol' Martha always comes up with things that I can use during these times. What I really liked about the next two are the low cost and cool look.... black paper! Hello! I can do this!

The kids will have fun with these Bats on a clothspin.

I guess I have enought ideas to keep me busy for the next couple of days... Hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures of it all pulled together. I would love to hear some of your ideas and even see some pictures...... Have a Spooky One!!!

THE END

Oh my......

2010-10-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

I can't really believe it has been this long since I've blogged....so sorry to those who follow...how boring! What's new? I've done a little painting, started back to school, teaching 7 classes a week and just plain busy with the kiddos and family. Here's one of my latest paintings...my next project is to find out why I can't get on to my TK Paints site... :)

"Berry Mojito"

Oil on Canvas Board

Endless Wallet...Endless Possibilities....

2010-06-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

$75M mansion near Orlando selling 'as is' !!

You may have seen this story, but I had to share it. Imagine what you could do with this!

WINDERMERE, Fla. – The brochure promises a "monument to unparalleled success."
The 90,000-square-foot home for sale outside Orlando has 23 bathrooms, 13 bedrooms, 10 kitchens and three pools. All that and more for $75 million "as is."
The catch? It's not finished.

(Story and Photos from Yahoo! News)

It's Almost Summer....

2010-06-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

Summertime starts at the end of the week.....Ahhh! Visitors, Camps, Beach Days Oh My! Honestly I can't wait!! This is our "first" Summer in our beach town and the reason I couldn't wait to move back home.

I am proud to say that I set a goal and finally completed it!!! A Half-Marathon!.....Too slow in my opinion (which is what happens when you don't train properly!!) So I signed up for another ;) Time Redemption ....

I also started this crazy...or Insane...."Insanity" madness......

I'll keep you posted on results in case your interested :)

Week 1: 4 pounds lost

(this was also the week that I ran the 1/2 and taught 3 cycling classes...just to note)

Of course eating better is on the plan...but, I am still following the Menu that you can find off to the side...Just click the "Le Menu"....I love this Menu and that it includes the shopping list!!!

Check out "Menu Making Monday" Here for more inspirational Menus too!

A New Art Blog....

2010-06-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Working on a little consistency in my painting....

So up went the new Art Blog "TK Paints" you can check it out here...

.or click on the link on the side :)

Time flies when you're having fun....

2010-05-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

By now you know how I bounce all over the place to try to conquer it all.....like most of us here in blog-land anyway.

So, lately I've been "Painting" !!! and am excited to report that

"Different Strokes for Different Folks" will be returning in June.... You can see my past paintings here and here and here. I would like to be more consistent in my painting and do the "in progress" picts to post here.

Here is the latest (in progress my husband is a Pharmacist...

so, of course I was drawn to these little

Pharmaceutical bottles....

Now.....Back to it!!

Bubble Tea for Foodie Friday

2010-05-21T10:08:00.001-07:00

Yep, Bubble Tea.... I guess it's the "Newest" trend in drink world over here in CA. Of course being a "Caffienated Beverage" kind of girl I had to give it a try :>

I was not disappointed.... Sweet, Interesting and a great Tea flavor....no bitter tea aftertaste that sometimes turns me off about tea.

What is it?

"In the most common English usage, the name "bubble tea" is often associated with pearl milk tea, as it is the most popular variant of the drink. Pearl milk tea, also known as "boba milk tea", is traditionally made by adding boba balls (made from a mixture of tapioca and carrageenan powder), large or small, to shaken milk black tea. Some tea houses use pre-mixed milk tea to simplify the steps and reduce cost, thus removing the "shake" part from step.

(Read more here @ Wikipedia)

This is how it comes at our local place....there are several flavors.... I stick with the classic....Check it out and let me know what you think.

You can make your own at home too....The link is (Here) for the supplies....there may be a "Bubble Tea Party" in my future :>

Check out other interesting food facts and see great recipes @ Foodie Friday.

Another great menu w/ shopping list!!

2010-05-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Still using that great Menu site WITH THE SHOPPING LIST!!!
Check the Menu link on the side for the recipes and list.

Here is this weeks menu:

Monday Grilled Tuna-Pineapple Kabobs ,Grilled Zucchini Planks ,
Watermelon Chunks

Tuesday Spicy Tex-Mex Burrito ,Guacamole Salad

Wednesday Home-Style Crust Supreme Pizza ,Classic Iceberg Salad
Easy Blueberry Crunch

Thursday Eggplant, Tomato and Feta Sandwiches
Field Green Salad Mix
Fresh Orange Slices

Friday Minestrone In Minutes ,Warm Cornbread ,Brownies

Saturday Sweet Chili Chicken Breasts ,Steamed Broccoli
Two-Potato and Rosemary Saute

Sunday Thai Pork Wraps
Asian Salad Mix with Sesame Dressing

Great Menu Site to Share.....

2010-05-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

I am usually pretty good about making up a menu for each week...but, being sick threw me off a little. For fun I decided to Google " What's for Dinner Tonight"....hoping that some personal chef would pop out of the computer and get to work :>

It didn't happen....but, I did find this great site with good looking weekly recipe plans (Including Main Dish and Sides and Desserts)....and "THE SHOPPING LISTS!"..."PRINTABLE RECIPES!!)

So, I'm all over this for meal planning for now.....

Here is a peak at next weeks Menu:

Monday
Spicy Ginger-Glazed Fish Steaks Steamed Asparagus, Roasted New Potatoes

Tuesday
All-American Bacon Burgers Tater Tots, Cookies & Cream Ice Cream

Wednesday
Chili Macaroni Skillet Tossed Garden Salad, Vanilla Pudding

Thursday
Pepper Jack Spinach Quiche Caesar Salad, Ripe Cantaloupe Slices

Friday
Pasta with Fresh Basil Tomato Sauce Tossed Garden Salad, Warm Foccacia Bread,Vanilla Ice Cream

Saturday
Skillet EnchiladasSpanish Rice, Refried Beans, Papaya Slices

Sunday
Mesquite BBQ Rotisserie Chicken Leg Quarters, Macaroni & Cheese, Green Beans

Here is the site:

Enjoy!!! Let me know if you try this too.....and Happy Mother's Day!!

The Advantages to being home sick.....

2010-05-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

Well, if there could be good out of being sick:

I've gotten alot of Scrapbooking done.

The house is clean.

The car is clean.

The laundry is done.

I guess I can't complain.....but, will I be ready for my 1/2 Marathon in a month???? hmmm.

Working on another 31 day meal plan and hope to get that up tommorow with

the "Cinco de Mayo Menu".

Ohhhh and here is my new favorite Digi-Scrap website.....check it out Here!!

Home Is...A Day Short....

2010-04-22T07:27:00.001-07:00

Ok...The Aprons drew me in to my next post. One of my favorite blogs "Reluctant Entertainer" is starting up this new blog party and I HAD to take part in this one...a day short :)
So I'll be joining in for the weekly Wednesday topic.....

This particular topic of fun in the kitchen and the cute little aprons spoke to me. In fact I just recently did a Scrapbook page about this particular theme. First, the apron of which I had to make myself......then the bread...which I had to learn how to make.

Here is the Scrapbook page that pretty much sums it up.....Things that I felt like I must do to be a successful "MOM" :>

Make Aprons

Bake Bread

Play the Piano

The list goes on and on....

And my favorite thing to do in the kitchen with and for my family are themed meals.....most recently our "Green Eggs N Ham" for Doctor Seuss Birthday this year.

I do not want green eggs and ham....I do not want them.....Sam I am!!

Another Amazing House.....

2010-04-11T19:23:00.001-07:00

I admittedly have a sickness.... I could sit all day and look at home tours, go out and check out Open House, often to houses I can't afford, and have seen all of the Open House in the neighborhood (within 100 miles).

I even once decided that I wanted to be a Realtor...but I didn't want to sell the houses... I just wanted to see them :>

I think when I grow up I should be an Architectural Photographer and join my love of Photography with great Architecture and Design.

Anyways, rarely do I come across a home that truly takes my breath away and when I do I like to share.....my husband love this ;)....

So here is my find!! Amazing Detail!!

Beautiful Architecture...Stunning!!

and in case you were wondering...

Price $9,995,000
Year Built: 2009
House size: 14,873 sq. feet Lot size: 87,120 sq. feet
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 9.0
Half baths: 1

"Infused with the finest of French and Italian design and craftsmanship, this exquisite estate rivals the most glorious castles in Europe. Intricate and detailed ceilings, crown moldings and baseboards, the finest of wood and finishes, onyx countertops, granite and marble throughout. Complete with wine room, movie theatre room, large office, lounge, game room, elevator and ballroom. Fabulous party pavillion with full chef's kitchen, built in barbeque, entertainment center and full his and hers bathrooms. Seventy two mature olive trees grace the grounds along with fountains and cascading waterfalls. Privately gated this two and half acre estate is beyond any description that could be given. Viewing the photos will transport you to a world that only the very wealthy of royalty ever experience. "

(Info from: MRMLS Public Search)

Easter Traditions.....

2010-04-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

An Easter Egg Store!!!! (In Salzburg, Austria) Oh I would love to walk through this place....

People are reflected in a foundation stone as they look at a sphere sculpture made from Easter eggs on the day of its unveiling at Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra cathedral in Kiev April 2, 2010. The artwork, created by Ukrainian artist Oksana Mas, is made from 3000 wooden Easter eggs painted in traditional Ukrainian style.REUTERS/Konstantin Chernichkin

I definately think that Easter is my "Second" favorite holiday....after Halloween of course. Something about the Spirit of Easter, the Spring-time, the food!

This "Greek Easter Bread" caught my eye and I wanted to find out more about it and other traditions from around the globe. I would like to try out this recipe....what a beautiful centerpiece to our Easter table
Kulich, a Russian Easter Bread

The Eggs

"Slovakian Wired Eggs"

"From the earliest times, the egg was a symbol of rebirth in most cultures. Eggs were often wrapped in gold leaf or, if you were a peasant, colored brightly by boiling them with the leaves or petals of certain flowers.
In Pagan times the egg represented the rebirth of the earth.
The long, hard winter was over; the earth burst forth and was reborn just as the egg miraculously burst forth with life. The egg, therefore, was believed to have special powers. It was buried under the foundations of buildings to ward off evil; pregnant young Roman women carried an egg on their persons to foretell the sex of their unborn children; French brides stepped upon an egg before crossing the threshold of their new homes"

Some More Easter Egg Decoration ideas Here.

The Crafts

I could go on and on with cute ideas, great food and beautiful eggs.....Happy Easter!

Menu Making Monday and a 31 day challenge.....

2010-03-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

I finally got it together and put together a 31-Day Menu:

What does this mean at our house? A 31 day "NO EATING OUT" Challenge!

Chicken and Mushroom Tacos
Grilled Corn and Potato Chowder
Baked Rigatoni and Tiny Meatballs
Steak Sandwiches
Beef N Broccoli
Buffalo Chicken Scewers
Sloppy Joes
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Carne Asada
:Pot Roast
Asparagus, Mushroom and Ham Quiche with a Potato Crust
Greek Pizza
Taco Soup
Asian chicken Breast and Fried Rice
Green Pea and Spinach Tortellini
Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini ( 1 big package from Costco makes 2 meals)
Slow Cooker Island BBQ Chicken and Spicy Slaw Salad (Again...cooking meat 1 time= 2 meals)
Machaca ("Con Huevos"..with eggs...this is how I ate it growing up , so this is how we make it)
Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu
Cajon Chicken Pasta
Pioneer Womans Lasagna
Cowboy Nachos
Asian Noodle Salad w/ Grilled Chicken
Chicken Piccata with Artichokes and rice
Pasta au Gratin with Vegetables
Taco Quesadillas
i'Carly's Spagetti Tacos (This is totally for the kids! ;>..)
Cobbwiches
Enchiladas Verdes
Slow Cooker Sweet N Sour Chicken
Chicken Pot Pie

OKKKKK....There it is...no eating out for 31 days...$$$ .. :> Starting April 1st...no..not an April Fools Joke...just a test. I figure If I can go without meat for 31 days, then this should be no problem!

Memories...

2010-03-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

Sometime during high school I read an article about the poor Seagulls that got trapped in Plastic Soda 6-Pack rings.....ever since then I developed the habit of clipping the rings before recycling them......

Today I came across this and it reminded me of those Soda things....so practical and indestructible...I could really use a few of these.

LoOk at ThIs CuTiE!! Kind of reminded me of one of those Strawberry Baskets....Just think of the possibilities.......

And...in case that wasn't cute enough....check out the Bicycle Basket!!! I think that these are a great idea too... Reusable, Colorful...Cute for Picnics...Great for the Beach...No smashed up food...Tidy little Package...Perfect!

These are such cute finds and environmentally friendly too, so I thought I'd share my "window shopping" experience with you! Check them and some other great things here.

What's new....

2010-03-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I added a counter to my first Marathon in June.... I guess that means I should get running some "real" mileage!!! Here is the "training plan" that I intend to follow for my first go-around.

Marathon Training Plan

The funny thing about this plan is that it starts with a 10 Mile Run..... :>

So, if you are just beginning to run and are starting with lower mileage check out this plan:

Jeff Galloways Marathon Training Plan

AND....If you aren't even close to thinking about a Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, or even a 10K....These sites have great training for the beginning runner....

The Couch to 5K Plan

This is a great site...lots of information about "Running", Training, Race Day Strategies, etc....

Runners World

Lots of Information Here too!

I also came across this Article that address the "Running is Bad for the Knees" Controversy

Check it out Here!

So.... Why Run?

weight loss,

improved cardiovascular health,

improved bone health
improved mood

better coordination

losing weight

In orer to lose one pound of body weight, the body must create a calorie deficit of 3500 calories.

This is equal to burning 500 calories per day.

Improved cardiovascular health

lowering the blood pressure

the risk of heart attack and stroke becomes diminished

Running is also beneficial for slowing down the aging process.

lowering stress levels.

improved coordination

(See the article here)

"Nuff Said!!" Get out there!!!

The Dilema....

2010-03-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

How does one stay fit, thin and fabulous when she loves to cook and eat!!!

It is a battle! With so many amazing sources for recipes on this darn internet!!!

Here are some of my favorite food sites:

For the Love of Cooking

Open Mouth Insert Fork

Savoring Time in the Kitchen

Smitten Kitchen

The Pioneer Woman Cooks

I know that I am barely skimming the surface, but these are the few that I go back to often for new ideas.

Now...Back to Work!!!

Now Selling!

2010-03-01T15:46:00.000-08:00

The adorable mini- cupcakes where a delicious hit! I made the Dark Chocolate with Dark Chocolate tops....can't go wrong with Chocolate! I have been asked to make a few dozen now by some other folks too!

Sky's the limit with these adorable little guys! Think Birthday Theme Colors....Easter Eggs...St Patricks Day Themed.....Beautiful White ones as a take-away treat for a Bridal Shower....Cute little Pink/Blue for a Baby Shower.....

MOMS!!! You will be the hit of the class when you bring these cuties for class parties! (School Colors?)

I have a ton of ideas and am open to new ones.

Any Flavor, color or theme:
How about Lemon, Strawberry, Cookies N' Creme, Black Forest....You pick your favorite!
Let me know which ones you would like!
Send me an e-mail or message me here with questions. (Just see the "Cupcake" Icon on the right!)

Menu Making Monday..Feb. 22

2010-02-22T07:50:00.000-08:00

Well...Here it goes:

Monday: Chicken Curry, Quinoa , Roasted Aparagus and Naan

Tuesday: Creamy Potato and Corn Chowder

Bechamel Base add cheese...cooked potatoes...canned white corn and any other veggie/ spices that your family prefers.

Wednesday: Grilled Steaks and Baked Potato

Thursday: Beef , Cheese and Sour Cream Enchiladas Mole

( Stew meat or chuck roast in the Crock-Pot w/ green chilis garlic, salt,pepper)...When its done mix it in with shredded cheese, Sour Cream and your favorite Salsa. Roll it up in large flour tortillas...after they are all set up... Poor Mole over the top and cover with cheese. (Premade mole mix ....see pic)

Friday: Spagetti & Meatballs (Carb load for DH's race weekend :)..)

Saturday: Homemade Pizzas (Premade Dough from Trader Joes and our favorite toppings)

Sunday: Breakfast for Dinner

Thanks to " I'm an Organizing Junky" for Hosting again....click "HERE" to check out a ton more weekly menu ideas.

Some New Digi-Pages....

2010-02-21T14:53:00.001-08:00

Ok.....so I am sticking with at least "ONE" of my New Years Resolutions...getting these pictures under control and Scrapping them Daily.....the newest:

Nice Buns!

2010-02-18T18:09:00.001-08:00

Why do I doubt that Homemade is going to be better?! Duh!

For my DH's Birthday he requested Hamburgers and Fries.. (easy to please :>...)

I couldn't make them just any old hamburgers or fries! We have just recently been to "Fudruckers" and they had the greatest buns.....so I decided to try to duplicate them. Including some fabulous homemade fries. They were Delish!!! The Buns were a little heavier than the "Fuds" so I'll be trying a different recipe next time.

However... I did discover that homemade Sandwich rolls are the way to go...we used up the rest of them in our lunches. They are super easy! So, I will be making a weekly habit of these.

Here are some bun recipes including the one that I used.

Soft Onion Sandwich Rolls
Honey Wheat Sandwich Rolls

I'll be trying this recipe next...click the picture for the recipe link:

Thanks again to "Designs by Gollum" for hosting Foodie Friday...click on the link to return and check out some more recipes.

See Me Here Too!

Menu Making Monday

2010-02-15T07:15:00.000-08:00

Already!! A Week goes by quickly......

Monday: BBQ Beef Sandwiches
(Time Saver Tip: Cooked 2 Chuck Roasts in the Crock Pot for Monday and Tuesdays Dinner)

Tuesday: Terriaki Beef with Rice (Shredded Beef, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers and Terriaki Sauce)

Wednesdays: BBQ Chicken Pizza

Thursday: Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu (Thanks to Finding Joy in My Kitchen)

Friday: Hamburgers with Homemade Hamburger Buns and Fries

Saturday: Cajon Chicken Pasta (Thanks to The Pioneer Woman Cooks!)

Sunday: Buffalo Chicken Salads

Check out more Weekly Menus Here @"I'm an Organizing Junkie"

House for Sale ;>

2010-02-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

I HAD to share this incredible house here in my town that is on the market. I am not usually a fan of a "Modern" home...but this house is astounding. A true architectural masterpiece in my opinion. Check it out.....a copied the listing info at the bottom...all of the bells and whistles!

OCEAN VIEW MASTERPIECE in La Jolla designed by one of Architectural Digests top 100 designers, is constructed from white concrete & floor-to-ceiling glass. Above Torrey Pines, this 11,000 sq ft trophy showcases views of the ocean & natural landscape, 4 bd/6 bth, theater, black tiled infinity pool, guest house, 8 car garage & private access to Blacks Beach. Impeccable design, unparalleled quality & paramount location make this a true piece of art.

(Info from the San Diego MLS)This is not an attempt to advertise or sell this property.

Menu Making Monday

2010-02-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

What did I learn during our month of "Vegetarian" Eating?

I was much better at using all of our produce before it went bad.
It gave me the opportunity to teach the children about what we get out of the food we eat and from where the essential vitamins and nutrients can be found while packing lunches.
Vegetables cook faster and ultimately require less planning.
Having a 31 day Menu really makes things sooo much easier! (see it here)

Soo, while I work on a 31 day Menu I will start off by joining in on "I'm an Organizing Junky's" Menu Plan Monday.(Here)

(Click on the meal for the recipe link)

Monday: Soy Chorizo and Potatoes (boil potatoes and then pan cook with the chorizo), beans & Rice.

Tuesday: Slow Cooker Island BBQ Sandwiches

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Thursday: Grilled Chicken over Spinach n Orzo salad with cranberries n almonds.

Friday: Skillet Grilled Burritos

Sat/Sun: Off :>...on vacation.

Thanks to "Aggie's Kitchen" for inspiring the recipes this week....head over for more great ones!

Holy Marshmallow Batman!!!

2010-02-06T17:35:00.000-08:00

Can you believe these marshmallows!!! and the cute little boy who scaled the cabinets and hid behind the frig to eat them!

Just think...It will only take One to top a delicious cup of cocoa!

What else?

Gigantic Smores! (Check out S'more recipes here)

A What would gramma say"Waldorf Salad"...(recipe)

Imagion these on top of the Thanksgiving Sweet Potatoes :>

I found this fun Campfire website with great recipes and camping ideas I thought I'd share here.

I guess we could top these with our own "Home-made" version?

BTW....I bought these at our local grocery store....

Click on the "Foodie Friday" Image to return to Designs By Gollum for more great recipe ideas!

Day 31 of the New Years Resolutions...

2010-01-31T07:23:00.000-08:00

So, How are you doing with your New Year Resolution/s?
Here is my list:

Eat Vegetarian for the Month of January (read about it here)
Finish what I start (Body Combat Cert., 1/2 Ironman, Digi-Scrappin')

Ok, the Eating Vegetarian was a piece of cake! It especially helped that I made up the 31 day dinner menu plan. It also helped that I found the most delicious Veggie Burgers at Costco to have for lunches. I don't know about you, but I love a "hot" lunch. (That sounds so Elementary School :>)

I did indeed finish the Body Combat Training and Video assesment....

still waiting to hear back on that one.

I am feeling shame to say that I cancelled my 1/2 Ironman....but, will do many other shorter distance races this year. I still have the Rock N Roll Marathon here in my town on my list. It is really a challenge to get in enough time training when you are tugging along a 3 year old.

I am totally going through a "phase" with the Scrapbooking. I got all of my pictures in order and put the "scrapped" ones in their own sub-folder and then started marking the whole folder with an "S" if it was completed. This works for me. I am a list maker and box checker! Here are a couple that I have done in the last few days.

Where am I !?

2010-01-20T20:47:00.000-08:00

Ok...so, as you know I am a juggler of many things. With nine weeks left until my first "Half Ironman" of course I am spending alot of time training...running, swimming and cycling. I have also completed the last step in my "Combat" Certification, the taping, and now will wait for the final word on that. I have also been working on more portraits (of which I am sworn to secrecy...but will share at a later date!)

Speaking of art....I am sad that my new interest in the monthly challenge "Different Strokes from Different Folks" is on haitus.....but, I found THIS!!!

"The Virtual Paintout"..... a very neat idea where you are given a "Google" Map and you do a virtual search for pictures from that area to use as inspiration for a painting....Cool Huh?

I have been saving pictures that I think I would like to paint in a folder.

One of those folders is full of my "bucket list" photos of places I would like to visit or take my family at some point. Here are a couple of examples. This challenge fits right in with this idea. I am excited to get started.

Dream Home Time.....

2010-01-11T13:07:00.001-08:00

This is one of my favorite times of the year....when I dream of HGTV coming to my house to tell me that I have won the always beautiful "Dream Home" ..... I am especially fond of this style...just having transplanted from the desert... I love a sigle story...open floor plan...just beautiful!!! Good Luck!!

31 Day No "Meat" menu

2010-01-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

My focus this "Foodie" Friday is one of my families "Resolutions".....

click on the icon for more recipes.

Image via Wikipedia

Ok...so today "they" start...

My husband and I are both training for the upcoming Cycling and Traithlon Season and really aren't big "Meat" eaters anyway.

To my surprise however, my husband mentioned a resolution to not eat "red meat".

I have been trying to talk him in to a Vegitable based diet for years! I am not talking Vegan here....(no animal products at all)....Just plant based or Lacto-ovovegetarian....no chicken, fish or red meat for 31 days...then we'll introduce some fish and chicken.

Here are some things that I read about this kind of eating:

A large body of scientific literature suggests that the consumption of a diet of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, nuts, and fruits, with the avoidance of meat and high-fat animal products, along with a regular exercise program is consistently associated with lower blood cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, less obesity and consequently less heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and mortality

-A major report published by the World Cancer Research Fund in 1997 recommended we lower our risk of cancer by choosing predominantly plant-based diets rich in a variety of vegetables and fruits, legumes and minimally processed starchy staple foods, and to limit the intake of grilled, cured and smoked meats and fish. These methods of preparing meat produce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic amines which are carcinogenic (11).

-Data from the NHANES study revealed that consuming fruit and vegetables three or more times a day compared with less than once a day was associated with a 27% lower incidence of stroke, a 42% lower stroke mortality, a 27% lower cardiovascular disease mortality, and a 15% lower all-cause mortality (25).

Read More Here.and there are some guidlines and recipes here at the American Dietetic Association website.

I am a planner, so I came up with a 31 day Menu of Recipes that I know my family, especially the children could tolerate.

Click on the item for the recipe.