Over the last 3 months, I guess because I have changed how I eat... I have been losing weight. So I decided that I will start working out and help that along. I want to be able to run in a marathon eventually. Thats my new goal for myself. By next year summer time, I want to be able to run a marathon. Big goal for me yes... considering Im normally pretty darn lazy!
But at the same time I want to lose about 25 lbs. Since I havent run since track in sophomore year of high school... Im going to start with walk/run method and work my way up! Hopefully 3 weeks from now I can go 30mins running at a constant.... adding 5-10 mins a week until I can go for an hour.... and now that its nice outside, on my off days from running ill ride my bike.
On top of that I am going to alternate daily between Biggest loser boot camp and biggest Loser yoga....
we shall see where this leads me... Im excited though! Hopefully that will be enough motivation for me.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Spinach Pasta Casserole
This was FANTASTIC!!! and resulted in left overs for lunches!
Ingredients
10 ounces of Fusilli (like spaghetti wound into a tight corkscrew)
1 Egg
1/8 cup olive oil
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach
1/2 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
2 Jars spaghetti Sauce
Mozzarella Cheese Shred (you will need the whole bag)
Preheat Oven to 350.
Cook Fusilli according to package directions. Drain and place in large bowl.
In a smaller bowl mix together egg and oil. Add to the pasta and toss. Then add spinach and bread crumbs and toss.
On the bottom of an 11x7 baking pan, spread some of the pasta sauce, add half the pasta mixture and top with cheese. Repeat again. Spread sauce, remaining pasta, and then cheese.
Bake for 45 minutes, till bubbly and slightly browned on top.
MY SUGGESTION! The noodles on top get crusty from baking. Add more sauce before the final cheese layer to keep noodles moist!
Ingredients
10 ounces of Fusilli (like spaghetti wound into a tight corkscrew)
1 Egg
1/8 cup olive oil
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach
1/2 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
2 Jars spaghetti Sauce
Mozzarella Cheese Shred (you will need the whole bag)
Preheat Oven to 350.
Cook Fusilli according to package directions. Drain and place in large bowl.
In a smaller bowl mix together egg and oil. Add to the pasta and toss. Then add spinach and bread crumbs and toss.
On the bottom of an 11x7 baking pan, spread some of the pasta sauce, add half the pasta mixture and top with cheese. Repeat again. Spread sauce, remaining pasta, and then cheese.
Bake for 45 minutes, till bubbly and slightly browned on top.
MY SUGGESTION! The noodles on top get crusty from baking. Add more sauce before the final cheese layer to keep noodles moist!
Crock Pot Chicken Jambalaya
Ingredients:
6 Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1 inch cubes
1/2 lb. kielbasa, sliced
1 can tomatoes, undrained
1/2 bell pepper, chopped - I used a whole red pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning (I included a recipe for making your own seasoning at the end)
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
Put Everything into a crock pot and turn on low for 7 hours.
Serve with brown rice and a big salad
CAJUN SEASONING RECIPE
You can vary the amounts of each seasoning depending on how much total cajun seasoning you would like in the end.
In a blender mix:
Cayenne Pepper
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Thyme
chilli powder
sweet basil
bay leaf
black pepper
Grind until fine powder then fork in salt.
6 Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1 inch cubes
1/2 lb. kielbasa, sliced
1 can tomatoes, undrained
1/2 bell pepper, chopped - I used a whole red pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning (I included a recipe for making your own seasoning at the end)
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
Put Everything into a crock pot and turn on low for 7 hours.
Serve with brown rice and a big salad
CAJUN SEASONING RECIPE
You can vary the amounts of each seasoning depending on how much total cajun seasoning you would like in the end.
In a blender mix:
Cayenne Pepper
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Thyme
chilli powder
sweet basil
bay leaf
black pepper
Grind until fine powder then fork in salt.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Interview Day...
In about 45 mins, I will determine the fate of my stay - at - home - mom routine! The kids are off to the neghbor, kate. Im dressed and ready....just sitting here typing. I have such mixed emotions about this one. I am so excited that I was thought of when the position became available, it working in a field that I adore... with midwives I think are FANTASTIC!!!! But, It will change the home life drastically... Its almost too expensive to work when you have young children! We shall see what today brings!
Wish me luck!
Wish me luck!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
To work or not to work, that is the question!!!!!!
A couple weeks back I was contacted by my midwife (the one who caught two of my three and saw me through the pregnancy of the third). They have an opening in their office for a medical assistant/receptionist and wanted me to fax over my resume. First, I was so incredibly shocked that she thought of me! Out of all the people she knows, she thought of me! Called me at home, and then offered me the position! This is amazing to me! A year ago, this was the perfect, most ideal position I could have been offered.
In the last year, Mike took a new position at another company, that resulted in a pay increase and different schedule, allowing me to stay home with the kids (although we still have no money lol) BUT, NOW....I'm used to being at home. At the end of winter break, I also stopped sending the kids to the local Montessori school and decided to put Mia into the local public school. Which changed her schedule. Both Mia and Ian were attending full day Montessori. Now, Ian is home with me every day (soon he will be at the district preschool) but both only attend half day.
While I really would LOVE to have the extra cash, and this couldn't have fallen into my lap so easily if it weren't meant to be... BUT WHAT DO I DO???? It is a part time job, working again with women and children....especially love the idea of working with midwives! AWESOME!
But, is it worth giving up being at home during the day... and the schedule is unknown at this time! I am supposed to meet with the office manager and a couple others this Friday morning at 9am and find out more information. So it cant hurt me to go... But there is just so much to figure out on the home end... Something I thought I wouldn't have to do again for some time!
What a dilemma... Ill have to update after Friday's meeting for some more opinions once I find out more information. But for now, I'm completely lost with my thoughts on what to do this time!
In the last year, Mike took a new position at another company, that resulted in a pay increase and different schedule, allowing me to stay home with the kids (although we still have no money lol) BUT, NOW....I'm used to being at home. At the end of winter break, I also stopped sending the kids to the local Montessori school and decided to put Mia into the local public school. Which changed her schedule. Both Mia and Ian were attending full day Montessori. Now, Ian is home with me every day (soon he will be at the district preschool) but both only attend half day.
While I really would LOVE to have the extra cash, and this couldn't have fallen into my lap so easily if it weren't meant to be... BUT WHAT DO I DO???? It is a part time job, working again with women and children....especially love the idea of working with midwives! AWESOME!
But, is it worth giving up being at home during the day... and the schedule is unknown at this time! I am supposed to meet with the office manager and a couple others this Friday morning at 9am and find out more information. So it cant hurt me to go... But there is just so much to figure out on the home end... Something I thought I wouldn't have to do again for some time!
What a dilemma... Ill have to update after Friday's meeting for some more opinions once I find out more information. But for now, I'm completely lost with my thoughts on what to do this time!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Slacking...
I have to find my motivation again!!! I have to! I was doing really well getting stuff done during the day, and then decided I needed a well deserved break! I cant do that. My mind doesnt work that way. Even with lack of sleep I have to stick to my daily goals and just get 'em done! Im going to make a list for myself tonight for everything that needs to be accomplished tomorrow and IM STICKING TO IT! I HAVE TO!
ugh...motivation where are you my dear friend....
ugh...motivation where are you my dear friend....
Lucas Dirks - Hope for PLGA at OneTrueMedia.com
It has taken me until now, to come to grips with this whole thing. Until now, I was feeling somewhat helpless because there is much than I can do other than be a medical rock. Try to understand it all, explain it to him and my family, etc... But on the flip side of it, this is my baby, something that you can never imagine to happen to your own child. Only the ones you hear about in papers, in the news, or in telelthons for local hospitals... Well this time its my own child. It took until this week for me to realize that there is something that I can do that doesnt only help my son, but every other child that has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. I have set up a fundraising page that sends 100% of proceeds to the PLGA Foundation... who in turn uses ALL proceeds towards research for a cure! Until now, there is no cure...
This is the video I have made to go on the fundraising page. Please share the fundraising site link, the video and RAISE AWARENESS!!!!
This is the video I have made to go on the fundraising page. Please share the fundraising site link, the video and RAISE AWARENESS!!!!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
New Fundraising Page... For my Son...
I have started a new fundraising page for Lucas, who was diagnosed last June (2009) with PLGA - Pediatric Low-grade astrocytoma. His particular tumor is location on his brainstem and they believe it falls under the class of fibrillary astrocytoma. There is NO cure... The only option is surgery, chemo and radiation to make the tumor subside, and then all over again when it comes back... NOT if....
PLGA foundation donates 100% of the proceeds raised to PLGA research!!!!!! Here is Lucas' site...
http://firstgiving.org/lucasdirks
PLGA foundation donates 100% of the proceeds raised to PLGA research!!!!!! Here is Lucas' site...
http://firstgiving.org/lucasdirks
Monday, February 1, 2010
Church...
I was raised to follow my heart and choose what I feel is right vs. my parents choosing what religion I will be... I was raised my a Muslim, I have been to catholic masses, Lutheran, baptist, Unitarian, evangelical and even went to catholic high school, one that excepted/taught all religions....
For the last year or so, I have sporadically attended a church in Oak Park and even attended some of the seminars...But last weekend, I realized it also just wasn't me. Yesterday, I attended a new church that I found about from a friend, and came to realize that I know MANY people attending.
I have been seeking some sort of religion for some time, just felt the need and I am not quite sure why, a need I cant really put into words, but I know its what I need and something that I want for my children.
Yesterday, there was NO discomfort, no "weirdness" for lack of better terminology which I had been experiencing at the other. It was....FANTASTIC! It is a contemporary service but still with ALOT of teaching. A VERY young minister who is also FANTASTIC!!!!
Yesterdays teaching could not have been more perfect to be my first either! It was about recapturing joy. One example for instance really hit home! HE was reading a story about a father and his young daughter that routinely before bed would do a dance and sing a song and flail around the living room. One night the dad asked his daughter to "hurry up" and she asked the profound question of WHY? He didn't have an answer, and at that moment he realized that he was taking joy away from her. That he should be happy that his daughter is happy!!!! My daughter NEVER stops singing...she NEVER stops dancing around, or talking for that matter. I always find myself irritated with it, and asking her to stop. Now I have been forced to look back as what I was taking away from her!
There were 3 steps to recapturing joy
1.STOP FORGETTING -
2.STOP COMPARING
3.STOP WAITING!!!!!!
It was truly amazing. Since I didn't have the kids with me yesterday, I had the entire rest of the day to reflect on what had been said to me that morning. I spent the rest of the day re-reading the teachings that the pastor had shared with us, and then began to follow the guidelines at the beginning of the bible to read it! (the right way) :) In three hours I reached where you are supposed to be on day 15, but I couldn't stop.
It feels pretty nice.... I have to admit for someone that has never really been "religious" just lived it in my daily life to put context to it all!
For the last year or so, I have sporadically attended a church in Oak Park and even attended some of the seminars...But last weekend, I realized it also just wasn't me. Yesterday, I attended a new church that I found about from a friend, and came to realize that I know MANY people attending.
I have been seeking some sort of religion for some time, just felt the need and I am not quite sure why, a need I cant really put into words, but I know its what I need and something that I want for my children.
Yesterday, there was NO discomfort, no "weirdness" for lack of better terminology which I had been experiencing at the other. It was....FANTASTIC! It is a contemporary service but still with ALOT of teaching. A VERY young minister who is also FANTASTIC!!!!
Yesterdays teaching could not have been more perfect to be my first either! It was about recapturing joy. One example for instance really hit home! HE was reading a story about a father and his young daughter that routinely before bed would do a dance and sing a song and flail around the living room. One night the dad asked his daughter to "hurry up" and she asked the profound question of WHY? He didn't have an answer, and at that moment he realized that he was taking joy away from her. That he should be happy that his daughter is happy!!!! My daughter NEVER stops singing...she NEVER stops dancing around, or talking for that matter. I always find myself irritated with it, and asking her to stop. Now I have been forced to look back as what I was taking away from her!
There were 3 steps to recapturing joy
1.STOP FORGETTING -
2.STOP COMPARING
3.STOP WAITING!!!!!!
It was truly amazing. Since I didn't have the kids with me yesterday, I had the entire rest of the day to reflect on what had been said to me that morning. I spent the rest of the day re-reading the teachings that the pastor had shared with us, and then began to follow the guidelines at the beginning of the bible to read it! (the right way) :) In three hours I reached where you are supposed to be on day 15, but I couldn't stop.
It feels pretty nice.... I have to admit for someone that has never really been "religious" just lived it in my daily life to put context to it all!
On Saving Money with dinner - From Leanne Ely
Here is the paraphrased copy of an email I received from Leanne Ely today on how to save money on weekly dinners... very useful I must admit!
1. Eat vegetarian one night a week. Kids Love Rice and Beans!
2. Eat breakfast one night a week for dinner. Light candles and serve juice in wine glasses for fun
3.Eats greens and beans one night a week
4.Eat homemade soup one night a week
5.Cook with your crock pot one night a week which allows you to use a more inexpensive cut of meat
6.Only buy meat/produce on sale and/or marked down
7. Eat from your freezer one night a week. You would be surprised how many meals you can make.
8.Buy dried beans and make your own instead of buying canned. The directions are right on the bag
9.Make your own broth from left overs. Chicken for instance, throw the body, onion carrots and celery into a pot and simmer for an hour
10.Pack up a quick dinner PB&Js with carrots stick etc for nights that you wont be home for dinner because you are out running around instead of wasting money on a drive-thru
This is all Leanne, I take no credit just thought they were great ideas. If you want to subscribe to her food for thought emails sign up on big tent. Leanne Ely Saving Dinner - Dinner Diva
www.savingdinner.com
1. Eat vegetarian one night a week. Kids Love Rice and Beans!
2. Eat breakfast one night a week for dinner. Light candles and serve juice in wine glasses for fun
3.Eats greens and beans one night a week
4.Eat homemade soup one night a week
5.Cook with your crock pot one night a week which allows you to use a more inexpensive cut of meat
6.Only buy meat/produce on sale and/or marked down
7. Eat from your freezer one night a week. You would be surprised how many meals you can make.
8.Buy dried beans and make your own instead of buying canned. The directions are right on the bag
9.Make your own broth from left overs. Chicken for instance, throw the body, onion carrots and celery into a pot and simmer for an hour
10.Pack up a quick dinner PB&Js with carrots stick etc for nights that you wont be home for dinner because you are out running around instead of wasting money on a drive-thru
This is all Leanne, I take no credit just thought they were great ideas. If you want to subscribe to her food for thought emails sign up on big tent. Leanne Ely Saving Dinner - Dinner Diva
www.savingdinner.com
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Dog Treats - "Garlic Nibbles"
I originally was searching the internet for dog cookies I could make with the kids, and after looking over some of the recipes, I realized that I could make them a whole lot easier...and with ingredients already in the house... FANTASTIC. Thats what i was looking for.... not something I would have to go shopping for the ingredients. I will do that for my family, but it seemed a little silly to do with the dog....
So here it is... this is what I came up with and Jordan loved them...
PS- They smell super fantastic while cooking and dont include any ingredients that would be gross for humans so feel free to taste a bite... :)
Ingredients:
3 Cups of Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 tsp of garlic powder
1 egg beaten
1/2 of chicken broth
1/2 of dry milk (or soy milk if you have that instead)
6 Tbl. Margarine
1 tsp of honey
1/2 c oats
3-4 tbl parmesean
and a little bit of parsley for their breathe....
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Combine butter, milk and garlic
Cut in flour and honey
mix in egg
Add in chicken broth (should be very thick dough, hard enough to form a ball, it will also be very sticky)
Roll Dough into 1/2 in thick layer and cut cookies (yields approx 90 1inch cookies)
Bake at 350 for approx. 25-30 mins.
So here it is... this is what I came up with and Jordan loved them...
PS- They smell super fantastic while cooking and dont include any ingredients that would be gross for humans so feel free to taste a bite... :)
Ingredients:
3 Cups of Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 tsp of garlic powder
1 egg beaten
1/2 of chicken broth
1/2 of dry milk (or soy milk if you have that instead)
6 Tbl. Margarine
1 tsp of honey
1/2 c oats
3-4 tbl parmesean
and a little bit of parsley for their breathe....
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Combine butter, milk and garlic
Cut in flour and honey
mix in egg
Add in chicken broth (should be very thick dough, hard enough to form a ball, it will also be very sticky)
Roll Dough into 1/2 in thick layer and cut cookies (yields approx 90 1inch cookies)
Bake at 350 for approx. 25-30 mins.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Addition to Broccoli Soup recipe
I made this tonight with dinner....
I added sliced mushroom at the same time as the broccoli etc... also used about a cup of the frozen spinach.
It was fantastic and everyone had seconds!!!!!! :)
I added sliced mushroom at the same time as the broccoli etc... also used about a cup of the frozen spinach.
It was fantastic and everyone had seconds!!!!!! :)
Garlic Lime Chicken
Another super easy one....
Garlic Lime Chicken (and alternatives to the base)
Mix these seasonings together on a plate to use as a coating for chicken breasts...
garlic powder
onion powder
paprika
cayenne pepper
salt and pepper
thyme
Coat both sides of chicken and cook well. Nice and brown on both sides and remove to plate.
alot of the seasoning and chicken juice will be left in teh bottom of the pan do not discard.
add 1/2 chicken broth
2tbl of lime juice
2tbl of butter to pan and drippings and whisk.
Simmer and serve over the top of the chicken
Serve with rice and fresh veggies
Alternate: (tex-mex version)
Cook chicken the same
Cook sauce the same
place avocado and cilatro on top of chicken and then sauce
serve with quesdilla and black beans
Alternate: (Italian Version)
Cook chicken and sauce the same
place cappers and italian parsley before sauce on top of chicken
serve with rice and veggies
Garlic Lime Chicken (and alternatives to the base)
Mix these seasonings together on a plate to use as a coating for chicken breasts...
garlic powder
onion powder
paprika
cayenne pepper
salt and pepper
thyme
Coat both sides of chicken and cook well. Nice and brown on both sides and remove to plate.
alot of the seasoning and chicken juice will be left in teh bottom of the pan do not discard.
add 1/2 chicken broth
2tbl of lime juice
2tbl of butter to pan and drippings and whisk.
Simmer and serve over the top of the chicken
Serve with rice and fresh veggies
Alternate: (tex-mex version)
Cook chicken the same
Cook sauce the same
place avocado and cilatro on top of chicken and then sauce
serve with quesdilla and black beans
Alternate: (Italian Version)
Cook chicken and sauce the same
place cappers and italian parsley before sauce on top of chicken
serve with rice and veggies
Broccoli Soup Receipe
SUPER EASY!!!
One onion, chopped and sauteed with olive oil
Then add to pan:
Frozen organic broccoli
Frozen spinach
Garlic
A small amount of thyme
Salt and pepper
and a quart of chicken broth
Simmer on stove for 10-15 minutes and serve
This can also be done in a crock pot with fresh veggies if you would like. Super healthy Super easy!!!!
One onion, chopped and sauteed with olive oil
Then add to pan:
Frozen organic broccoli
Frozen spinach
Garlic
A small amount of thyme
Salt and pepper
and a quart of chicken broth
Simmer on stove for 10-15 minutes and serve
This can also be done in a crock pot with fresh veggies if you would like. Super healthy Super easy!!!!
How to build your own Control Journal...
http://www.flylady.net/pages/cjmain.asp
Tools needed:
A small three ring binder (or something similar, even just a notebook to start)
Paper
Pen
This is completed in steps, so no need to feel frustrated from the start.
http://www.flylady.net/pages/cjmain.asp
Tools needed:
A small three ring binder (or something similar, even just a notebook to start)
Paper
Pen
This is completed in steps, so no need to feel frustrated from the start.
Learning how to fly...
When I first found out about flylady (www.flylady.net) I was still in a place where I was overwhelmed by what surrounded me. I couldnt get a grasp on what exactly I should do to begin. With the help of a dear friend who has the mind set for these types of things, I was able to get a good stable ground on which to start and learn exactly what I needed to do on a daily basis.
From the time I could start working, I did. Being a stay at home mom is a brand new thing to me since the birth of my third child. Even then I worked part time until just last year...
I never really understood what to do with myself during the day, and especially if I didnt have the kids at home with me. I knew what NEEDED to get done, but just didnt have the motivation to do it. NOR, did I have the thoughts organized in my head to know where to start.
I would just leave the house, and then regret it later, when still nothing got done and I had spent money on things that come to find out I already owned, and it was just burried.
At the beginning of the year, when it comes time to think about New Years Resolutions, I wasnt quite sure what I wanted for myself.
I never really make resolutions anymore, because I always feel as if I am setting myself up for failure. I would always be ashamed that I did not acheive this goal I had set out for... and believe me when I come up with an idea, I run with it, not only run but its more like an iron man!
Then when I end up overwhelming myself half way through, I quit!
This year, I decided that I would come up with something that would be more attainable in the long run because it comes in baby steps. It would not just be a New Year Resolution, but a life-long resolution... Something that will always be a work in progress. It will show accomplishment along the way, vs. one big reward at the end.
My resolution: in a nutshell.
First off, to be a better me. I cant do better for others if there is still work to be done on myself.
To be a better mom, and to be a better wife.
What this would include, is that there is always a routine, everyone always knows what is expected from me and what I expect from them. Dinner always at the same time, menus planned in advance, cleaning done on a scheduled daily routine, etc....
So far, so good and I think I've nailed it.
From the time I could start working, I did. Being a stay at home mom is a brand new thing to me since the birth of my third child. Even then I worked part time until just last year...
I never really understood what to do with myself during the day, and especially if I didnt have the kids at home with me. I knew what NEEDED to get done, but just didnt have the motivation to do it. NOR, did I have the thoughts organized in my head to know where to start.
I would just leave the house, and then regret it later, when still nothing got done and I had spent money on things that come to find out I already owned, and it was just burried.
At the beginning of the year, when it comes time to think about New Years Resolutions, I wasnt quite sure what I wanted for myself.
I never really make resolutions anymore, because I always feel as if I am setting myself up for failure. I would always be ashamed that I did not acheive this goal I had set out for... and believe me when I come up with an idea, I run with it, not only run but its more like an iron man!
Then when I end up overwhelming myself half way through, I quit!
This year, I decided that I would come up with something that would be more attainable in the long run because it comes in baby steps. It would not just be a New Year Resolution, but a life-long resolution... Something that will always be a work in progress. It will show accomplishment along the way, vs. one big reward at the end.
My resolution: in a nutshell.
First off, to be a better me. I cant do better for others if there is still work to be done on myself.
To be a better mom, and to be a better wife.
What this would include, is that there is always a routine, everyone always knows what is expected from me and what I expect from them. Dinner always at the same time, menus planned in advance, cleaning done on a scheduled daily routine, etc....
So far, so good and I think I've nailed it.
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