Veggie Not-fried Rice

I've started altering old recipes to make them healthy.  As I've no doubt mentioned several times, my husband is a chef.  A darned good one too.  Case in point: he makes an incredible pork fried rice the day after he roasts a pork loin.  It's better than any restaurant version I've ever tasted.  The pork is flavorful and juicy, the rice is fluffy, the veggies are crisp and the egg is cooked like an omlette and then diced so you get a piece in every bite.  It's loaded down with soy sauce and fried in canola oil.  WOW.

 But I'm veg now, and I'm not eating white rice and not frying foods.  So what do to when the fried rice mood strikes?  CREATE MY OWN RECIPE.  Here's what I came up with.  It's big on veggies and flavor, low on fat and empty carbs.  It's veg, but I'm sure pork, chicken or shrimp would be a delicious edition for those carnivoires out there.

Meg's Veggie Not-fried Rice

1 cup rice (I use 1/2 c brown, 1/2 c red Thai)

1 T chopped garlic

1/2 small chopped onion

1 c sliced carrots

2 c pea pods

2 large eggs

low-sodium Soy Sauce 

Rice Wine Vinegar

Method: cook rice to package directions.  The combo of red Thai and brown takes 3 1/2 c of liquid and about 40 mins to cook.  During the last 5 minutes of cooking, place veggies in a microwave dish, cover with water and nuke for 5 minutes, until tender-crisp.  Beat the eggs with salt & pepper to taste.  When the rice is done,  add Soy Sauce and the vinegar to taste, while keeping the flame on medium low.  Add a t. of olive oil and stir.  Add the egg, stirring quickly so it cooks evenly and incorporates into the rice.  This will give the rice a creamy texture.  Once the egg is absorbed, add your veggies and toss/fold to combine.  Plate up and add extra soy, vinegar or hot sauce to your taste.

Let's talk hysterectomy

Becoming healthy means more than eating smart and exercising.  It means taking care of yourself as a woman with annual pap smears and monthly breast exams & mammograms.

And for me, it now means a hysterectomy.  At 37.  WOW.

I have terrible endometriosis, which strangles my ovaries, tubes, bladder, bowels, pretty much my entire abdominal region.  I have mennorhagia which is excessive clotty bleeding during your period.  I am doubled-over in pain almost 1/2 the month.  I miss work.  I spend hours lying down and at times cannot even hold my 22 lbs son.

And now I'm going to do someting about it.  I'm ready.

I know for some, it's a very tough decision, but since I'm infertile anyway, it's really not a big deal at all.  I'm ready to be gutted like a fish, if it means a stop to the pain, a more active life, and the ability to pick up my boy whenever he wants me to.

 

I urge each and every one of you to keep current with your gyne exams and TALK with your gynecologist.  Things you may THINK are "normal" may not be.  Get it checked out.  And please, please, please know there is support out there.  I've found it.  It's called HysterSisters and its a network of women and specialists who GET IT.  What more could a girl ask for?

Softscrub CAPTAIN

We are proud to announce that we have been chosen as 1 of the 200 bloggers chosen to be a Softscrub captain. What does this mean? We will get the newest products first(before they hit store shelves), try them out and let you know how they work. We will get coupons to share with our readers and recommend products for you! Stay tuned for more info!

Sam's Mom's Monday progress Check-in

Since Zenful Mommy has taken the helm and is checking in on her progress weekly, I figured I should do the same, since we are sisters in this 52 to Fabulous/get healthy/ build a better life endeavor.

I got the the gym 2x and logged a total of 14 miles.  I would have preferred to get in 3-4 times for shorter workouts, but with a toddler I'll take what I can get.  Once the weather clears I'll start walking at 5 am.  Don't particularly trust myself driving to the gym at that time of day.

I kept within my calories all week (currently 1360).  I also kept strict veg.  That's almost 3 weeks now. It helped to have similar meals to my husband & son (ie: when they had burgers I had a soy burger, when they had fatty homemade mac-n-cheese I had polenta w/ a bit of Parmesan...etc.)  I think I did a good job getting enough protein in as well.

I lost a total of 3.5 lbs for the week.  I'm not anticipating that loss every week.  It was a great jump start for me though. 

Total of 8.5 lbs loss in 7 weeks, which is just above 1 lbs a week.  That's a healthy loss so I'm thrilled.

How are you doing on your quest for a better you?

It's Monday! (mamavation monday)

So it's Monday again, boy how time flies. I definitely had some obstacles last week, mainly sick kids. Stomach flu or whatever it was that took over our home for 2 days and kept us all awake at all hours of the night and kept the washing machine going and going. We are all healthy now.

Workouts for me: did 5 out of 7 days ( wishing I could of done the 6th day, but the flu had me down) I did do my cardio one day with it, and thought I was going to pass out. I need to listen to my body and rest when needed.

Nutrition: I did great!Lots of fruits and veggies and healthy choices made. I did have pizza on Pizza night but made sure that myself as well as my girls had a healthy salad 1st. My daughters actually got filled up on the salad !

Down a pound and a half, full of energy and managed to fit into pre-pregnancy pants (actually pre pre pregnancy!) Happy with my progress and happy that my whole family is making healthier choices.

My goal for the week is to eat slower, it takes 20 minutes for your brain to register that you are full...so taking the time to eat slowly makes all the sense in the world.

Happy Monday and remember to take it one day at a time!

Processing it all

I'm still having trouble blogging about Haiti. I don't know how to wrap my head around the grief. The suffering. The death.
It hits too close to home.

Haiti is like Ethiopia in a lot of ways. It's a very, very poor country with a very rich culture and amazingly loving people. People in Haiti don't ask for our help. They live their lives and raise their children and have a strong faith that sustains them. Like Ethiopia.

So when I see the destruction, when I see the little boys and girls in all the orphanages...when I see all the children who will now end up in orphanages...I see Sam. And it's too much.

So please, skip that cup of coffee at Starbuck's, or that pizza night out...and go here or here, or here.  And help. And then go into your child's bedroom, and inhale his scent, and kiss his cheek, and thank the heavens that he's your baby. And pray that all the babies find their parents, and all the mothers find their little boys.

Small Steps to a Better Me

I don’t know about you, but I’m quite inspired by Zenful Mommy’s progress in the past few weeks.  I’m making my own small changes, and having some small success.  I wanted to share some of these things – maybe they’ll work for you.

1.     I resisted pastry/bagel day at work (every Tuesday) by bringing a Kashi GoLean bar to work.  It was super-filling with loads of healthy carbs, fiber & protein.  With coffee, the bar, and a bottle of La Croix, I was too full to even look at the pastry/bagel table in the kitchen. 

2.    I’ve been packing my lunch EVERY DAY.  This has really helped my temptation for fatty lunch foods, as I would feel guilty if I didn't eat what I packed and/or to spent extra money.  The lunches I’ve been taking are planned the night before and are usually left-overs from dinner.


3.     Oh right!, I’ve been planning and making healthy dinners: a grain (Thai red rice, quinoa or brown rice) several sautéed veggies (loving dark leafy greens and cabbage lately), and protein (tofu or egg.)  The grains and veggies are really filling.  On the occasional times I have pasta with my guys, I half a ½ portion and supplement with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or red pepper strips.


4.     I’ve been packing snacks for work: portioned out dried fruit and nuts.

5.     I’ve been chewing gum.  This really helps in the afternoon when I’m craving an UN-healthy snack.  Its sweet and keeps my jaw moving, which gives me the sensation of eating.

6.     I’m back at the gym.  WOW that feels good to say!

7.     I’m tracking all my progress with a food/calorie diary and exercise diary.  This really helps accountability-wise.

I hope to soon be seeing Zenful Mommy sized results!





What little secrets/tips do you have to stay “on target” with your healthy-living goals?

What Sam's Mom NEEDS

Continuing 52 to Fabulous: What this girl NEEDS:

1. I NEED to organize my weekends. Staying in PJs until 11 sounds delicious, but I feel like I'm getting nothing done. This increases my anxiety and makes me not so fun to be around. I NEED to have my weekends as family time, and to do that, I need to be organized w/ errands and to-do lists. I NEED to get up and get ready, so I'm not using Sam's nap time to shower and get ready for the day.

2. Like Zenful Mommy, I NEED a date w/ my husband. My 80 year old MIL is terrific with Sam, but I don't think a date night is on her agenda.  So I NEED to find a babysitter I trust.  But not a teenager, right? Mission Impossible?? Sounds like it but I'll find a way.

3. I NEED to consistently get into the gym. Not occasionally. No excuses. At least 3x week. I know once I get into the habit it won't be so hard.

What's on your NEED list?

What Zenful Mommy NEEDS

What a girl NEEDS?


1. My top priority is an uncluttered home. Clutter leads to confusion, disorganzition, frustration, and most of of clutter leads to MORE clutter. So I NEED to unclutter: my closets, drawers, cabinets,shelves etc...and have a clean space. Uncluttered home, uncluttered LIVES.

2.I NEED to Spend more time with my husband, which means I NEED to find a babysitter. With his work schedule it will be difficult, but it may mean I stay up late at night in order to have time with him. It may mean sneaking out on a Saturday or Sunday morning for breakfast alone. Whatever it means that we have to do, WE HAVE TO DO. Our realtionship is the foundation of our home.

3.I NEED to find and follow my passion. I know which things I enjoy doing....BUT how do I find MY PASSION? I need to do a little more soul searching, if you will, and figure out exactly what I want to do with my little ole' self.

Mamavation Monday

There is an amazing group of mom's over at Bookieboo...it is a group of moms with one thing in mind, a healthier lifestyle. I am joining a group over there called the Mamavation Sistahood, which is a group of women that will all support one another while obtaining a healthier lifestyle. This is something that I so desperately want...to be healthy, NOT super skinny just healthy, WHATEVER that may mean for MY BODY, I accept it.


Over the last week, I made some definite changes.

Nutrition: I became conscious of EVERYTHING i put in my mouth and made deliberate decisions not to eat off of my kids plates(or finish their dinner). I ate 5 to 6 small meals a day and drank tons and tons of water. My meals were all (ok, NOT ALL) healthy, no chips (except for the one that I tasted while making my daughters lunch), no cookies, a couple of peices of chocolate(enough to satifsfy my craving..but not a whole candy bar), and TONS of fruits and veggies (which I think sent my body into some sort of shock ☺)I even ate out but made sure not to choose healthier items. I added extra calories to each of my meals as I am still nursing my son but made sure that they were healthy choices and not empty calories.



Workouts: I did 6 days of workouts, alternating between strength training and cardio(kick you butt fat burning stuff!) My workouts were done at home using the Power 90 tapes...they kicked my butt but I got results! I didn't want to work out on several days and tried to talk myself out of it, especially when it was already 9pm when I started to work out!



This is the first week in a long time that I have :

1. Slept soundly

2. Had energy throughout the day

3. Cared about what I put into my body

4. Been able to fit into a smaller pair of jeans...





Results from week 1:

3.5 pounds lost

2 inches lost off of my waist

1 1/2 inches lost off of each thigh



I NEED TO "HIGH FIVE" somebody! I feel great and am going to keep it up! Thanks everyone for your support! We'll see what next week brings but as for now, I am taking one day at a time.

52 to Fabulous: What a girl wants; Sam's Mom's version

What a challenge we have undertaken.  It will be tough, but I anticipate amazing changes for ALL of us!

What THIS girl wants:

1.  To be a happy working mommy

2.  To raise a healthy child

3.  To build a stronger marriage

Happy Working Mommy

I need to find and celebrate balance.  I find myself wishing I were at home during the day...and often desiring more intellectual stimulation during the weekends.  I need to delve deeper into the moment, ie: be "there" at work, and be "there" at home.  I need to find the joy in both halves of my life and find a way to blend them together: for the sake of both my career (sole bread-winner here) and my family.

Healthy Child

Demonstrate by example, example, example.  It is impossible to raise Sam to be a healthy child unless I am healthy.  That means healthy eating choices, portion control, healthy yet plentiful snacks, loads of fresh fruit and veg, and moving & shaking daily (don't think of it as exercise.)  But it also means emotional and intellectual health.  And healthy relationships.  And finding the joy in everyday life.  And sharing and celebrating spirituality.  The WHOLE package.  My son deserves it.

Stronger Marriage

I fear I have put my husband on the back burner for a very long time.  When we were waiting for Sam I was very depressed at times, and turned inward instead of coming to G for support.  Since Sam has been home I've been consumed (we both have) but I haven't made TIME for G.  I am ashamed of that, but it's true...that's what I've done.  Now I feel like the longer we go without time alone, the longer we go without a date, the longer we go without (okay, I'm gonna say it here: SEX)...the harder it is to "get going" again.  I know, it's like a bandaide and I just need to rip it off.  Alone time, conversation, sharing, dates, and intimacy is NECESSARY.  I know that a strong marriage is the backbone of a healthy family for Sam.  I need to not only make an effort, but to actually follow through.  I need to set goals each week to spend X amount of time together and DO IT.  Not let work get in the way, or returning emails/phone calls or anything else.  G deserves it.  I do too.

WOW this is harder than I thought -- just putting this down on paper makes these goals that much more real.

How is your list coming along?

52 to Fabulous - Week 1 What a Girl Wants

Wow tough question, so what DOES a girl want?

Our goal is to write down our top 3 choices each week..

What this girl wants is:

1. I want to be healthy

2. I want my home to be a happy place

3. I want to be surrounded by positive/happy people



Healthy

This means, making healthier choices for myself as well as for my family. Healthy eating starts in the grocery store not in my home. I will purchase healthier items for my family. I will get more exercise and teach my children the importance of healthy eating. I will get my husband to see the benefits of exercise and get him to participate in some sort of physical activity at least twice a week.



Happy Home

Making my home a happy and healthy environment. De-cluttering my home from top to bottom. (I have already started this process) Keeping my home neat and organized on a daily basis. Teaching my children how to clean up after themselves and how to help with household chores.


Friends and Family

I will weed out those people that are negative in my life. I want to spend time with only those that bring something positive to my life. Whether family or friends, I will re-enforce the positive that I see in them..

My list could probably keep going but with the limit of my top 3 choices it was tough.

What do YOU want?

52 To Fabulous

"52 weeks to fabulous...pursuit to a better me"

ENOUGH SAID, I'M IN!!!

Cassie and Linney, 2 fabulous ladies, started a challenge for us all! More than a challenge , its an action plan to make the changes you want in your life. To live your life to its fullest potentional. It's all about you and your journey. Each month will focus on different areas of your life, I will post all information here. Join us in this journey of self reflection and set goals for yourself!

Here is the schedule of Categories for the year by month
January – Fabulous Beginnings
February – Fabulous Organization
March – Fabulous Fitness
April – Fabulous Food
May – Fabulous Style
June – Fabulous Fun
July – Fabulous Hobbies
August – Fabulous Finances
September – Fabulous Family
October – Fabulous Health
November – Fabulous Home
December – Fabulous Blogging

We hope that you will join us! Both of us will be on this journey with you...and be blogging about it here.

(Week 1 for January is "WHAT A GIRL WANTS", this will be in a seperate post)

No matter how large or how small...set some goals !

Once a month Cooking

I know that this may seem time consuming or NOT seem Practical BUT what if you could cook all of your meals in one weekend and freeze them?(VERY PRACTICAL) On a late night, instead of picking up fast food, you have a ready made meal. Just take it out of the freezer and pop it into the oven. Simplicity at its best.

Here is just one of the recipes that you can find at The Frugal Mom.


Emerald Soup

Ingredients for Cooking Day:

2 pkgs. frozen peas
1 cup water
1 small onion chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup light cream
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp. mint leaves (or to taste)
Directions for Cooking Day: Cook peas in water until tender; place peas and liquid in blender. Add onion, celery and chicken broth; blend until smooth. Pour into bowl, add cream salt and pepper and crumbled mint leaves. Freeze using freezer bag method.

Directions for Serving Day: Defrost soup in refrigerator. This soup is served chilled

She has TONS of recipes on her site. She even has a cookbook Click Here!

Saving time for Moms and Serving Healthy Meals to our families!

Happy Friday!

How do you save time when making meals?

Happy Girl Hair: Natural Haircare for Kids

I have two girls who have enough hair for 5 or 6 people. It is thick..it is curly...it is beautiful and I have struggled over the past few year with how to manage it. My 7 year old wants to wear her hair down everyday...NOT.....my 4 year old really doesn't care too much but doesn't like the detangling process..thus SCREAMS at me when I do her hair. We wash and DO the whole hair "Thingy" once a week...and that one a week, is like a 6 hour process.


1. one girl gets in the shower, I add the shampoo..we wash

2. We rinse and wash again

3. We do conditioner...and its not working good enouh

4. Screaming as conditioner is in her eyes...

5. We do a DEEP conditioner....leave on for 10 minutes (yes we are wasting water..as the shower is still going...they sit and play while the conditioner is in, like they are in a jungle under a water fall)

6. We rinse....

7. We exit the shower and the Detangling Process begins...between 30 min to an hour..depending on how much they wore their hair "DOWN" that week

8. Blowdrying (40 minutes) or just braiding (my choice...and only 10 min)

....and then we start all over again with girl #2....and in between I take care of my 5 month old...

So I was EXCITED and wanted to do back flips when Sam's mom sent me to this site! YIPPEE, check it out and show her some LOVE.

..and she has the right name for her site...HAPPY GIRL HAIR


Happy Girl Hair: Natural Haircare for Kids: International AdoptionTravel & Hair Care

Feel your boobies!

As you know by now Zenful Mommy & me are walker/participants in this years Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.  We are walking on June 5-6 in Chicago.  It's 26 miles the first day and 13 miles the second day and we are already training and fundraising.  (and might I say, already looking and feeling better!) 

The AWBC is about awareness, it's about hope, it's about funding mammograms and research and A CURE.  It's about survivors and fighters.  It's walked in memory and honor of the women we love and the women we have lost.

But it's also about US.  The young women who don't have cancer now, and are too young for annual mammograms.  It's about SELF-EXAMINATION.  It's about FEELING YOUR BOOBIES. 

This is so important ladies and something each and everyone of us should be doing every single month.  Religiously.

If you don't know how, go here.  There are also several videos on YouTube.

If you do know how and aren't doing it DO IT NOW.  Seriously, stop reading this post and go get in the shower and raise your left arm and feel your boob with your right hand.  NOW.

Why you ask?  Because cancer in younger women is on the rise.  Because younger women tend NOT to complete monthly self-examinations and we don't catch it quick enough.  And because, I love each and everyone of you too much to see that happen.  Hence this PSA. 

Oh, and I'm going to be posting this every single month until the Walk.  So next time, I want to see comments that you are ALL doing it.

AVEENO NOURISH + MOISTURIZE

Last night I tried the newest Shampoo from Aveeno. It is wonderful! I have very curly dry hair and this definitely did the trick and I didn't even use a conditioner. Although not heavily scented, it reminded me of the beach and summer. It is VERY clean smelling.This product nourishes the hair by replacing the moisture and helps repair each strand. They do have a conditioner and a leave in treatment as well that I would LOVE to try. Thanks to Glamour for the sample!Anything that is simple and saves this busy Mommy time is A-ok in my book!


I was given this Sample to do an honest product review by Glamour Magazine and Aveeno. I was not compensated for the review.

Going Veg

I used to be vegetarian.  I kept it up religiously for 8 months once, and then 9 months after a break of about 1 year.  I was good: tofu, eggs, dairy, beans for protein.  But I'd fallen off the wagon for about 1 year again.  Now I'm back on, and really committed. 

You see, for me eating veg is eating healthy.  I don't eat prepared (ie: frozen food section) veg protein patties (high in sat. fats), I don't eat gobs of cheese pizza or grilled cheese sandwiches, or other similarly fatty foods.  When I'm veg I'm hard core.

They say it takes 28 days to make a habit and 90 days to break it.  I've been completely veg (no fish) for 7 days now.  I was semi (just a bit of fish and one meal w/ turkey) for about 28 days prior. The first week is always the toughest and I feel like I'm really on track now.  Hard because my husband is a chef, and makes lovely pork & veal meatloaf, roast chicken and Italian sausage regularly...but after 1 week, I must admit the thought of those foods make my stomach turn.

My fridge is stocked w/ eggs, low-fat dairy, and tofu.  My pantry is stocked with dried and canned beans and quinoa (a grain high in protein.)  I even have veg chili (tofu &  red beans) for lunches.

I must say, I FEEL better when veg.  Not necessarily thinner or anything like that, just better.  Like my insides are getting clean.

I'm pretty proud of myself, making this commitment.  I hope to keep this habit FOR LIFE this time.

Have you recently made any dietary changes that make you feel GOOD on the inside?

Prost Productions - Sponsored Post

Hey, just wanted to share this! I found a very cool site that makes wine tags for the bottles that you give as gifts. Very unique and custom and pretty cool!

Prost Productions - www.prostproductions.com
How unique! We gave out several bottles of wine over the holidays and without gift tags! I don't think the recipients knew that they were from us at all. What a unique idea! A definite must!

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Roasted corn, pepper & egg scramble

We have 12 inches of snow and are in hibernation mode over here in Sam Land.  Literally, it's 12 noon and we're still in jammies.  I wanted to make something FAST for breakfast, but in light of my new-found dedication to health in the new year (hello! the AWBC is only 6 months away!) I wanted to make something good for me and Sam (since he always eats what I do.)  I rummaged around in the fridge and freezer and came up with this in about 5 minutes.

Roasted corn, pepper & egg scramble **

For 1 large serving (to be split w/ a toddler) or 2 small servings with toast:

2 large eggs (broken and scrambled in a bowl w/ a little salt)

1/2 green pepper, chopped

1/2 c corn (frozen is fine)

1 t garlic, chopped

handfull of shreaded cheese

PAM or other non-stick spray

Coat skillet w/ Pam, then put on medium-high heat.  If your corn is frozen, put it in the pan first w/ 1 T of water and let it thaw.  Then add the garlic & pepper w/ some S&P to taste.  Cook long enough to get some color on the pepper and corn (I like them carmelized!), then add your egg.  Stir around and just before the egg is set, sprinkle on some cheese.  We used moz because that's what we had in the house and it was delicious!

** if you had more time than I did, you could remove the veggies when cooked, and make the egg into a formal omlette, then add the veggies & cheese and fold over.

Per serving: approx 200 cal (depending upon your egg size), 13 g carb, 18 g protein, 12 g fat, and 2 g fiber.

Oh, and did you spy my fabulous Breast Cancer mug in the picture?  Just another reminder of the upcoming AWBC in June.

1800Flowers - Valentine's Day promotion - Sponsored Post

1800Flowers - Valentine's Day promotion - www.1800flowers.com

Awesome deals for Valentines day and beautiful flowers!

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Rip it off fast...like a bandage

(for those of you who read my other blog, I apologize for the repeat post, but wanted to reach a larger audience, as I believe ALL moms have had to deal with this issue.)

I was gone from 2 pm on Monday until 5 pm on Tuesday. That included an overnight. I was on a business trip. Away from home. Without Sam. Let me say that again: WITHOUT SAM.

I was 4 1/2 hours away from home. If something were to happen, an emergency of some sort, I would not be able to be there in time to DO something to fix it. Now, intellectually I KNOW that G is home with Sam each and every day, all day long, and they are FINE...but that's intellectually. Last night while having a panic attack in my hotel room I wasn't thinking with my head...just my broken heart.

I called while they were eating dinner. I called during bathtime. I called at bedtime. G put the phone on speaker and set it down on the dresser while he was rocking Sammy. I told him how much I love him, and how proud we are to be his parents. I sang our nighttime prayers. I told him goodnight in an ugly breaking voice. And Sam went to sleep. He was fine. He went to sleep WITHOUT ME.

Since June 23rd, for the past 6 months, I have not be apart from my son. I have not NOT put him to bed. I have not NOT been there in the middle of the night when he wakes. I have not NOT been lying next to him when he wakes in the morning. And last night, I wasn't there. And this morning, I wasn't there. And he was fine.

I know I should be pleased that my boys did so well without me. But all I can focus on is the "without me" part of that sentence.

When I came home Sam was VERY pleased to see me. I got loads of hugs, back rubs and smooches. He hugged me extra hard when I put him down for bed tonight.  In the middle of the night, when he comes into bed, I will inhale the scent of his hair, hold him close, and send a prayer of thanks that I'm with him. I am the luckiest woman in the world: I get to be his mom forever.

And I promise I won't go on another overnight business trip until at least February. I promise baby boy.

Friends that are Family

We are all born into a family, however there are some that are placed in our lives that become "FAMILY" to us. I have to say that we have been blessed with many friends that are like family to us. Our children have a few "aunts" and "uncles" that are not in anyway related to us but that are "family" in our hearts. I am thankful for them and for what they bring to our lives.

Be thankful for those around you and surround yourself with those that enhance your lives and limit time with those that bring you negativity.

Do you have friends that are "FAMILY"?

Mamavation

So as moms, we all need a little motivation or "MAMAVATION" and Leah over at Bookieboo is offering a challenge to 2 lucky moms, to get fit! I am applying and need your support.

The 2 moms chosen will complete a 7 week crash course in healthy living, they will be supported by an army of moms. The Mamavation Cheerleader squad and Mamavation Sistahood will be behind them every step of the way. They will receive a Mamavation Mentor, which is a mom that completed the program and has stuck around to mentor another. And they will also be required to have a "fit friend," or someone who they know that already lives a healthy lifestyle.

The moms chosen will receive all that they need to succeed, a customized meal plan, footwear, a treadmill, Tao Bo Videos and TONS of support! The moms will have to keep a food diary(posted on line) as well as post progress photos as well as appear on MOMtv every Monday for the 7 weeks!

Am I nervous (YES), am I scared (OF COURSE), but by putting this all out there(IN THE OPEN FOR EVERYONE TO SEE )....I hope to get fit and live a healthier lifestyle and NOT have to cover up anymore!!!

See my video entry and support me on this journey to a healthier lifestyle!!!

Self confidence courtesy of Old Navy

This weekend I went shopping for a new pair of jeans.  I had lost 4 lbs in December, but then gained it back over the holidays.  (boo-hiss!) But my old jeans were looking really frumpy.  You know, when the gut of the jeans is too baggy and makes your pooch look even bigger than it is?  Like that.  I tried on some of my smaller jeans (I have about 4 different sizes in my closet), but they were a tad snug.  So I went out looking for a slimmer cut of the same size.

Now, I would love to report that I found I could wear a smaller size at Old Navy.  But I cannot.  Instead, I can report that I found a pair in a much slimmer cut: not the forgiving "trouser" jean style I had been wearing. They are definitely smaller in the thigh (circumference) and I believe smaller waist and seat, if only slightly.

I feel more confident in these jeans.  I felt like my old pair were a bit of a cop-out. These jeans are more flattering BECAUSE THEY ACTUALLY FIT.  I have a tendency to wear too-big clothing but I know that's not the most flattering.  Clothing that fits is always more flattering. I love these jeans.

These jeans also make me feel like the food and exercise changes I'm making are paying off.  Even if not on the scale (yet) I think I'm losing centimeters (I wouldn't say inches yet.)

Do you have a special piece of clothing that makes you feel more confident, no matter your dress size?

Best party mix ever...a day late

Buffalo Chex Mix

9 c. Chex (any combo -- we use 1/2 Rice & 1/2 Corn)

2 c. mini pretzels

2 c. goldfish or other cheese crackers

6 T. butter, melted

1 pack dry ranch dressing mix

1-2 tsp. celery seed (NOT celery salt)

2 T. hot sauce (or more to taste)

Pre-heat oven at 250.

In a very large bowl (or in batches) mix Chex, pretzels and crackers.  Set aside. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, dry dressing packet, celery seed and hot sauce. Toss butter mix and dry Chex mix thoroughly.  Place in small batches on a large cookie sheet with sides and bake for 10 minutes.  Cool on parchment or wax paper, or foil.  When batches are completely cool, store in airtight containers.

1/2 c. serving (yeah, like you can eat just 1/2 cup!) is approx. 125 cals.