Well - it's been a while.

Right before Christmas I got the worst flu ever!!!  I also gave it to Lucas and we spent a week together in our house- sick!

I was doing so good organizing my Christmas stuff then I got sick and everything sort of fell apart.  I was so sad to not get my Christmas cards out in time and hadn't decorated the tree.  Thanks to Rob a lot of stuff got done I was just unable to do!  And Thank God for my mama who fed us.

So it's Friday after the Holiday and I'm back on the scale and ready to resume my fitness stuff after a long break.  The only good thing about the flu was that I didn't gain weight!

I'm trying to keep my fluids up as I still don't feel 100%.  I love my new LifeFactory bottle!

I'm gathering a couple of recipes together for a party I have tomorrow night

White Russian

Kraft Artichoke Dip

I'm debating on wearing this to the party?

The New Year is almost here and I'm working on setting some goals for myself!! 

Yahoo

Getting ready for Christmas the organized way....and Christmas Spirit!

Going to the Christmas Tea with mom was so nice and really helped me get into the Christmas Spirit!

They served this yummy cocktail they called a Poinsettia

They said it was champagne mixed with CranRaspberry juice and they put 2 raspberries in every one's glass.

Well in trying to prepare for Christmas in the organized way I tend to get a little snippy, but I do try and correct myself.  I think with getting our house more organized it will in the end save time and grief.  In doing all this stuff around my house my workouts have suffered, but honestly I have to just finish this before I can relax and enjoy my workouts.  I have to let go of all the guilt feels for now and just know I'll be back at it soon......like next week soon!!

here's a quick clip...lol.

 

Is it possible we get a Christmas gift every day it's just a matter of opening it?

 

Life can seem so difficult and it's hard for all of us- but look how far we've come!  We have made major accomplishments whether it's been raising a child, caring for a pet, battling an addiction, leaving bad people behind, helped with homework, donated time and money- we did stuff! 

No matter how small.

A couple of nights I've been a brat like I said- mostly feeling sorry for myself- missing my old body- but look how far I've come

 

This was such a hard time for me, but it was only by one day at a time and the support of all my family and friends that I made it to today.

.......but life is a continual journey and this was just one of my many stops.

I have so much more to grow!

 

I hope I always remember to love everyone as the special gift they are. 

 

The day of Lucas' surprise party I was running around like mad doing errands and I had major problems arise- but I ran into my mom at Walmart and thank goodness as I had a major dilemma there.  So anyways I was rushing rushing and my mom called to check on me after we had said our good byes and she said to me, "Did you hear that guy singing at the front door?"  

Well I did see and hear him- but I was so rushed I didn't enjoy it.

My mom went on to say what a wonderful voice he had and she was so right.

It made me stop and think that I need to slow down and really enjoy gifts that are given to me everyday that I take for granted.  He did have an awesome voice and what a great treat after having to deal with busy Walmart!

 

This gift I didn't miss- An 82 year old woman at the grocery store:

She asks me:

What do you call a fake noodle?

 

Me:  

I don't know

 

Her:

An Impasta

She was definitely a gift that day in the grocery line.   She was so cute and so happy despite the very spacey cashier.  She told me another joke, but it was a bit dirty so I'll keep it to myself.  

I have so much more to grow!

I get by with a little help from my friends

This says it all!

Fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen

What is seen is temporary

What is unseen is eternal

Thank you my dear friend

Well the holiday season is a great time of year, but that doesn't mean there aren't problems.  I was on a roll of keeping myself so busy that I almost forgot about cancer and my other problems.  They aren't major problems, but they do cause me stress and struggle.  So one thing I've learned is to ask for help and I'm blessed with some very special friends.  I spoke to B on the phone and she made me laugh and gave me positive vibes and emailed me a delicious salad recipe.

Spinach Salad with Strawberries

15 Min Prep. Portions-10

2 – 6 oz. pkg. Fresh Spinach

1 – Qt. Fresh Strawberries halved

1 – 2-1/4 oz. Pkg. Sliced Almonds

1 – 2 oz. Pkg. Slivered Almonds

Dressing:

1/2 C Sugar

1/4 C Cider Vinegar

1-1/2 teaspoon finely chopped onion

1/4 teasp Paprika

1/4 teasp. Worcestershire

1/2 C Vegetable oil

1 Tablsp. Poppy Seeds (Add last)
1 Tablsp. Sesame Seeds(Add last)　

Do ahead if you wish: Dressing

Combine sugar, vinegar, onion, paprika and Worcestershire sauce

in blender. Process 30 seconds. Add oil and blend in seeds with

spoon. This can be done and stored ahead of time.

Toast almonds under broiler until light brown.
Spinach: Remove stems and wash – pat dry.

Tear into bite sized pieces.

Combine spinach, strawberries and almonds in large bowl.

Cover and Chill. This can be done several hours before serving.

Just before serving pour dressing over salad.

I then called another friend I know loves scripture.  I asked her to say a little prayer for me and then if by chance a scripture comes to mind- pass it on to me.  Well she did just that and it was absolutely perfect.  She had no idea what my problem was as I just left a voice mail.  Well she came through for me.  The scripture she chose to hand write, spoke right to my heart.  The above picture is the note she sent me.  She also sent me many other typed scriptures, but I know the handwritten one was special for me.  I love my friends and family.

So that being said- I've been thinking/praying a lot.  I just need something to sooth me - to keep me going with a happy heart.  I feel like my light is dim at times.  It's a constant fight I think we all go through?  Well God speaks to me in many different ways.  I don't always listen to Christian Radio and I don't know that I've ever listen to Joel Osteen preach before, but I have recently.

Joel spoke of this bible story concerning a military leader- Joshua.  He had a plan to win the battle, but he instead went on his faith in God and went with God's plan.

Here is a portion:

Joshua worshiped Him and listened carefully to the battle plan.  He spoke as if the city of Jericho was already won.  This surely strengthened Joshua's faith.  He was being told the future before it even happened by God!

This was the plan:  For six days the army would circle the city once while the priests blew their ram's horns.  The priests with trumpets went first, then the priests which carried the Ark of the Covenant, then the army.  The only sound would be the sound of the horns; no one could speak a word. Then on the seventh day, they would circle the city seven times in the same manner, and then when Joshua gave the signal, they would shout with a great shout. Then the walls would fall flat...

I can relate my struggles to this story because:

1. God spoke to Joshua as if the battle was already won- positive thinking is so very important.

2. These incredibly holy people were asked not to speak to each other- see if one of these dear people  weak and spoke of it - it would have spread to others.  The people were stronger united in silence with God as their God and provider. 

Keeping our eye on God and going to him is really a way to grow and heal.

and so that's my preaching for today!!!

I'm working to get ready for Christmas, but I think I'm getting a cold so I'm eating my oranges, taking Airborne and drinking lemon water.  I'm also trying to be more organized and I have to say getting my clothes together before hand really helps.  I'm actually wearing stuff I haven't worn in a while.  I often get stuck wearing the same old same old- cuz it's easy.

This week I took my Stella and Dot jewelry and based my outfits around them and today ended up like this:

Here's my jewelry from my party

and here's what I choose to wear with them

I haven't wore this skirt in a LONG time.

Ok- and how cute is this gift?

I'm in love! 

This post was all over the place, but I really wanted to get the information on God out there; because as time passes my mind gets busy and well the story just isn't as good.  And I really want to remember my God stuff. 

So have a Coke and a Smile :)

wish I could have one of these

Veggie Wedgie Wednesday~ Broc&Bok

Broccoli with Bok Choy

--Hmmmm- Martha doesn't call it Broc&Bok, but I like saying it like that.

Well I browsing for a side dish to go with Lucas and Rob's dinner tonight and I found this one:



On Martha's site...where else?

I liked this recipe because I could get home by 5:30 and manage to get it done in time to leave the house by 6:05!!!  Very few ingredients as well.  The seasoning used is soy sauce, garlic, ginger and oil.  I didn't have fresh ginger so I used the ginger powder I had.

Rob said it was delicious and I'm not too crazy about Soy sauce- but Lucas likes it so I thought he would like it.  I did try it and I actually liked it too.  I really liked the bok choy!  I used a low sodium soy sauce and it tasted just fine.

I broiled the guy's pork chops got this side dish done and made it to Zumba by 6:30!!  Now that's a keeper!
I ate after class~ fish with left over tomato salad and a spoon of the Broc&Bok!!

Thanks Martha!

Veggie Wedgie Wednesday

Well it's getting nicer outside and it's time for yummy summer favorites.....................

Sunday night I ended up doing another- make everything I have in the frig for dinner- because I just didn't know what to make.  We had a couple of chicken dinners from the car show up the road so I really only needed some veggies and a starch.


Lucas loves roasted asparagus and it's just so easy......I love using Wegman's Basting Oil- it's good on lots of things!

I always have a few cans of chickpeas on hand so I quickly did a google search and found this RECIPE on bon appetit

I can never pass these up in the grocery store- I'm addicted to them!

All you need for these are red wine vinegar, olive oil and SeaS&CrackedP

For the starch I cooked up Veggie Delights (pretty sure that's the name)- It's pasta made from veggies.

I googled easy pasta sauces and found a few HERE

from Williams&Sonoma Blog

I ended up with the simplest

Cacio e Pepe

from the Italian Dish Blog

All these used very little ingredients- I must always have these things on hand:

Sea Salt

Olive Oil

Cracked Pepper

Vinegar- Red Wine and Balsamic

Garlic

Basil- Fresh

Parsley- Fresh

Lemons

Block of Cheese

Pasta/Rice

Chicken

Bread would be nice

I guess these would be my favorite staples

oh and milk for the BOYZ ;)

For leftovers the next day I added the asparagus to the left over pasta and it was yummy....could have even thrown in the chickpeas or chicken as well.

YUM

Do you like Pina Colada?

Well the detox/purification is hard and sometimes I slip up, but having my mom doing it with me is fun.  She has lost weight- but that's not her goal so she will have to go on to eating more foods.  She already eats pretty healthy so that's good for her. 

One of the best parts of doing a detox with my mom is that she drinks all kinds of smoothies.  Well she's been making the Pina Colada Smoothie and it's actually good with not a lot of ingredients. 

1/2 Cup of water
1 Cup Pineapple
A Handful of Coconut (or a half a handful if you got big hands) 
4 to 5 Ice Cubes

Blend it up

We add our purification and fiber powder
You can probably add some banana too....just thinking

This is my new favorite smoothie~ 

It's Friday and tomorrow I have a lot of running around to do.....I'm hoping to get to the gym in the morning to try a new class.  I started at the new gym with Rob and it's a lot of fun going with Rob.  They had a resolution board up at the gym where you put your goals with your name and phone number and then you can hook up with people with similar goals.  Well someone called me to maybe meet up for a workout- how nice.

I really really want to get going on losing this weight!!! 
I really love this workout bag- I'm debating on getting with my Christmas money.

I kinda like going on websites that actually have a video of items like this:

This weekend I'm still thinking about Vday ideas

............thinking about drinking more water and how cute these cups are

Oh I love Betsy Johnson and when I seen her wearing the necklace I wanted for Rob's party I smiled! 

 I wonder if it will ever go on sale.

I still think about this couple.........I miss that show.  This is my favorite outfit of hers.  I love the jacket, dress, purse, shoes.....oh I love it! 

I would really love to have a pita pizza this weekend, but I'm gonna have to pass it's not on the plan.  Oh when I'm done I'm gonna have a healthy pita pizza like this

Wow I got lots to do tomorrow
Gym
Mallory's Gymnastics thingy
Bank
Beauty Supply Store for Shampoo and Hair Oil
Black Clothing Laundry Detergent- I'm addicted to it
Check out dress pants for Lucas at JCPenny's- sale on dress clothes
Buy Push Pins
Finish up Leann's Vday package and get ready for mailing
Laundry
Do my nails
Upgrade my cell
Set up a Skype account
Get Karl's Nails cut
Clean Mouse House
Organize Basement
Do return at Best Buy
Always have an eye out for inexpensive black workout pants
Grocery shop for Chicken soup ingredients
Go to Down to Earth for a Delicious Smooths and Wheat Grass Shot
Watch Some Dara Dubinet Tonic Recipes- coffee replacement :)

I wonder how many I will get done????
Place your bets people...lol.
To Be Continued.....

So much to think about.................

 Rob's 40 is around the corner and I got to fit into this $12.80 dress

What a good shopper.......

......EXCEPT that I want this necklace to wear with it

Which is over 10x more than the dress....lol.

I won't be going out on BLACK FRIDAY

I have to start my TO DO list for the month of December

YIKES

So much to plan out So little time

I'd really like to get my decorating done early

I'm loving the outdoors coming in for the holiday

How about this cocktail for the Jollyday?

How-Tuesday: Raspberry Jello Cosmo from Etsy on Vimeo.

Always loving a good magazine browse to get my shopping inspiration going

Open publication - Free publishing

Cheap Trick Tuesday- Blueberries

Well it's blueberry season and you can stock up and freeze up all the blueberries you can get your hands on.
Right now at Weis Markets- Blueberries are BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!

What's nice about blueberries is that it's pretty simple to freeze them and then use then in smoothies and other recipes.  There is a blog I like that gave a couple of good tips for freezing your blueberries:

 Body Alive Body Aware

Here's a Blueberry Smoothie Recipe:
from Gluten-Free Goddess

She has a lot of beautiful food over there

Vegan Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

Get your protein fix the vegan way. Zap yourself a smoothie with gluten-free rice protein powder and organic frozen blueberries. Antioxidants never tasted so good. Change ingredients accordingly to suit your own allergenic persuasion.

For one smoothie:

3/4 cup ice cold gluten-free almond milk

2/3 cup frozen blueberries- organic, if possible

2 tablespoons Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder

1 serving Stevia with fiber [Stevia Plus]*

Combine ingredients in a blender or Vita-Mix container. Cover tightly. Whip until smooth and frothy. Pour into a fancy glass. Sip.
gluten-free goddess

Read more:
 http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2007/06/blueberry-smoothie-veganluscious.html#ixzz1RtjRi7mD

Another CHEAP trick savings- Gas MONEY getting to the gym to do your circuit

DOWNLOAD this Circuit for FREE no machines needed!

http://media.onsugar.com/files/docs/Fit_circuit_workout.pdf

Do it at home

Don't forget to buy your blueberrie!
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Flat Abs Diet: 7 Low-Fat Dinner Recipes

Flat Abs Diet: 7 Low-Fat Dinner Recipes