Menu 1/7-1/10

I know this week is already under way, but I wanted to get this posted anyway...

January 7-10

Monday: Make Your Own Pizza

A favorite with the girls, pizza dough from Trader Joe's that they roll out (with a little assistance from me) and top with sauce, cheese and their protein of choice.  I use olive oil, garlic powder, cracked pepper, cheddar, onions, peppers, tomato and a little pepperoni on mine.

Tuesday: Amish Beef Stew

This is a new one for me.  I know I'll be adding some beef broth and some additional seasonings, but looks good!

Wednesday: Spaghetti, Bread

Simple...brown some meat, season to taste (I use onion, garlic, dried basil, thyme, oregano and parsley) add some sauce and boil some noodles.  Done.

Thursday: Dinner Out

We don't make it home after school on Thrusdays anymore because we don't have time after dance ends and swimming begins.  We'll be eating at Whole Foods, Epic Burger or Panera this night.

Grocery List:

Pizza dough

Pizza Sauce

Canadian Bacon/Pepperoni

Stew Meat

Celery

Tomato Juice

Potatoes

Hamburger

Spag Sauce

Crusty Bread

Rise

I love this song.  I've loved it since the first time I heard it.  

My favorite line is:

Because He who is in me is greater than I will ever be, and I will rise

This song is a great reminder that we came from the dust and one day will return to dust, but God takes us, lifts us up, creates beauty from our messes and when we yield to Him, anything is possible.

A quick prayer for my friend who is on her way to the Democratic Republic of Congo to FINALLY pick up her two kiddos would be appreciated...safety in travel, a smooth transition of the kids into her custody and a wonderful God-centered life for them here in the states.  Thanks guys!

Gifting

My little bro Josh and baby Connor.

My little brother is on his own for the first time.  He bought a house last spring and works a demanding job.  Mom said he was doing fine, had progressed past frozen burritos.  Well, when I was home for Christmas...and what was in his freezer?  Frozen burritos....

This I couldn't deal with.  He's a hardworking boy, works nights, not getting home until 4 or 5 in the morning.  I get that he needs quick food, something that will be ready in minutes so he can get to bed.  Well, luckily I've spent the last several months on Pinterest pinning every crock-pot friendly meal.  For Christmas I gave him a crockpot, and for his birthday (Jan 10) I gave him a bunch of ziplock bags and freezer worthy containers.  I then spent the next few days looking through my recipes, making shopping lists, dragging Mama Cindy to the grocery store, and putting her to work as my sous chef--in her own kitchen nonetheless.

Well...here are the results:

Getting ready to pack it up and head to Josh's.

Josh's freezer by the time I got done with it.

His ice maker isn't working so I filled the space with food!

Josh was so happy to have some food and grabbed a couple breakfast burritos as soon as I got done putting them in the freezer.  It was nice being able to take care of my brother like this.  I'm so far away there isn't much I can do, but I really enjoyed stocking up his freezer and knowing that he'll have some good food to eat for a while is priceless.

I did use a lot of spices out of mom's cabinet but bought all the meat and the majority of the ingredients for these meals at WinCo and it only cost $95.  For as much food as I made, that's a steal of a deal!

Here's what I made:
Turkey Chili (Made a triple batch and froze)
CrockPot Lasagna (Double batch and froze)
Oh-So Easy Pork Chops (Made 3 bags of 2 each chops)
BBQ Spare Ribs  (2 Bags)
Maple Dijon Chicken  (1 Bag)
Cilantro Lime Chicken (1 Bag)
Breakfast Burritos...I can't find the link to the recipe I used, but here is the recipe:

1 lb. Pork Sausage (I used Jimmy Dean)

1 Pkg. Hashbrowns (not frozen, the fresh kind like Simply Potatoes Brand)

12 Large eggs

1/4 cup milk

shredded cheese (I used pepper jack)

salt and pepper, garlic (and tobacco if you wish) to taste

1 to 2 pkg. flour tortillas (I used the soft taco size tortillas)

Break apart and brown sausage in pan.  Remove onto paper towel lined plate to drain.  Cook hashbrowns in sausage pan using the remaining grease…you might need to add some oil as well.

Crack eggs into large bowl and whisk until combined, add salt, pepper, garlic, tobasco and milk, whisk until combined.

When hashbrowns are done, lower heat to medium-low, add sausage back and pour egg mixture over the top and sprinkle some cheese on.  Stir until eggs are done.

Lay a tortilla out, spoon some of the mixture into the tortilla, sprinkle with cheese and roll up, ends in.  Wrap in plastic wrap, place in large ziplock bag and freeze.

To cook, remove from wrap, micro one at a time for 1-2 minutes.

Fitness Challenge Take 2

Stretching after my first run of 2013

Ok, how many of you resolved to be healthier in the new year?  Lose some unwanted pounds, have a more balanced diet, make it to the gym more often?  Well, its your lucky day...I have just the thing for you.  



The Get In Shape Accountability Challenge has been a success so far, with individuals loosing up to 20lbs over the last 3 months...and we still have another 12 days to go!  The second challenge will start February 1 and end March 31.  We're shortening it to 2 months this go around because 3 months is a really long time and I noticed people started falling off a little more as time went on.

Remember, this is not a crash diet or crazy workout plan, this is a challenge to make healthy habits and stick to them.  We aren't about being extreme for a few months then falling off again, it's permanent change we're looking for!



I'll recap the rules for you:

* It's $20 to get in on this (money is due January 31 or your name won't be added to the list)

* We'll add your name to the contest spreadsheet

* Each day is worth two points

   *One point for working out (30 min or more, must break a sweat)

   *One point for staying in your calorie goals (set them here)**

        *This system makes an equal playing field not matter your ability or weight

        * Only 6 workouts a week will count, nobody should be working out all 7 days, you need rest

*  You'll log on each day and mark a "W" for "workout" and a "C" if you stayed in your calorie goal

* At the end of each week track if you lost/gained weight (+3 if you gained 3lbs, -2 if you lost 2lbs, etc)

* I will total the points each week so you can see where you're at in comparison to everyone else

* First, second and third highest point total at the end of 2 months will split the money

   *Dollar amount will depend on how many people are participating

* Challenge will go February 1-March 31 

* Please pass this info along to anyone you'd like-the more participants = more $$ you could win

**I should note, you can track your calories anyway you'd like, DailyPlate.com is just what I've found helpful but feel free to use whatever means works for you.  We even have people who are on Weight Watchers, so their "C" comes from staying in their points.  We have others who are gluten free so their "C" comes from following the plan they've set.  This is all about what is successful for you--just stay consistent throughout the challenge.

Think it over, sleep on it...you still have some time...message me when you decide you want in on this!

Pinterest Thursday

Most people resolve to be healthier in the new year...I am no exception.  Here are a few helpful pins...as always click the photo for the website.

Dried apple slices...3 hours at 250

Dried Strawberries...3 hours at 210

7 Spaghetti Squash recipes

Tips for combining complex carbs with lean protein

Some great ideas for healthy snacking

Click here to follow me on Pinterest and come back next week for a guest Pinterest post!

New Year, New Things...

You might have noticed a few new additions to my blog over the last week or so.  First, I added a list of all the books I've been reading...no need to make blogposts about the books, I'll just give you the details on the side column.  I actually stole this idea from my friend Celina...thank you Celina!!  Second, I added my training plan for the half marathon in March.  I figured since it was a new years resolution to compete a training plan, I'd use all of you readers to hold me accountable.  I'll post each week's workouts then cross them off when each workout is completed.  If you see me slacking, send some encouragement my way or just track me down and give me a swift kick in the bum!

My first attempt at instagram...while stretching after a little run.

Anyway, I hope your new years is off to a good start.  Mine didn't exactly go as planned, but I changed directions and enjoyed it nonetheless.

Auld Lang Syne

Honestly, I have never been a fan of this song, the lyrics and melody combine together in a haunting way that makes me feel lonely and sad...like life is slipping away, another year gone.

Funny then, that this version would be my favorite...it's the version from the Sex And The City movie...when Carrie is already asleep and Miranda calls her...she treks across the city as the clock winds down and makes it just in time to embrace her dear friend.

When I hear this version, I think of my girls...Hannah and E...and not just because I saw the movie with them, but because I know, if I needed, I could call them at midnight and they'd come running, just the way Carrie did.

The words "Auld Lang Syne" translate to: times long past, the good old days.  May we remember all the good times of the year past and look forward to the good times to come in the new.

And in the words of Colonel Potter (yes, from M*A*S*H):

"a toast to the new year may she be a damn sight better than the old one

and may we all be home before she's over".