Monday, March 4, 2013

i'm losing it.

 Yes, you read that right. Now the question is, do I mean I'm losing weight or my mind?

Both.

Things are crazy over here with 2 kids under 2 1/2 - how do y'all do it?! I always dreamt I'd be Supermom, but apparently, I can't handle all this crazy.

I digress.

SO...a few weeks ago I decided that I'd start eating right and trying hard to lose weight. Then we all got super sick, and I lost motivation. Just this week I've started writing down what I'm eating and trying to stay under 1440 calories. (Don't ask where I came up with that number - I calculated it somewhere, but I don't remember where...) I'm still nursing so I'm supposed to consume more calories than if I weren't nursing.

I think things are going good. I weighed myself at the beginning of the week and haven't weighed myself since. I'll update you when I decide to step on that scale. *shiver*

Some tips that I've found helpful so far...

- PLAN WHAT YOU WILL EAT FOR THE DAY, AHEAD OF TIME! That way, when mealtime comes, you don't have to think about it - just grab it and eat. Given the choice, most of us would choose something we shouldn't necessarily be eating...at least, I would!
- Give yourself a Cheat Meal. That way, you can eat the foods that you've been "craving" at that meal, but continue to eat right. (Some people have a Cheat Day - I don't think you need an entire DAY to Cheat, but whatevs.)
- WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING YOU PUT IN YOUR MOUTH! Calories add up fast, yo. That "bite" of peanut butter? That ish was probably almost 200 calories!
- Don't weigh yourself everyday. It can be tempting. But don't do it. Set a date with your scale every week, once a week, at the same time of day. (I like to do it on Monday mornings, right when I wake up. And naked. TWSS.)

That's all I can think of for now, but I know there's more! I'll update as I remember them. Now for some pictures!

Love these little meals! I got mine at Target on sale. All the food is super yummy and it's a complete meal in a cute little box. Love.
One of my favorite dinners to make & eat - veggie stir fry w/quinoa. Doesn't look pretty, but it tastes great!
Love this issue! It's probably my favorite issue of the year. Very inspiring. I'd like to think that one day I could be on the cover! :)
This is why I heart the dollar store! Smelly good hair detangler and eucalyptus epsom salt soak. Oh yeah. (And I use the haird detangler for myself, not my kids.)



Sunday, March 3, 2013

Fave in 5 - breakfast sandwich

This has been a fave of mine for a long time. I've already posted the recipe, but if you missed it, it's here.

I know, this is a repeated post. But hey! The breakfast sammie is really good and there are only THREE ingredients!

TIP: You can make a bunch of these sandwiches ahead of time. I make 5 at a time to keep in the fridge for the fiance so he can reheat them in the morning before work. Just prep the sandwiches by slicing the English muffins, put on the cheese and sausage, and wrap in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. Microwave when you are ready to eat! (Did that make sense? I'm typing this as I watch a show about fast food dangers...sorry!)

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Fave in 5 - sweet treat

This fave makes a great treat or even a great homemade gift! My mom loves it, the fiance loves it with ice cream, and I'll eat it any time of day. Truly.

Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark (for lack of a better name)

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
bag of mini pretzels
12 oz bag semi sweet chocolate chips
sea salt

Cover a baking sheet with foil. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Spread pretzels on the baking sheet. (You want 1 layer of pretzels and you may not use the whole bag.)
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir. Heat mixture until it begins to bubble, but do not let it boil. Let it bubble for about 3 minutes.
Once the butter and sugar have caramelized, pour it quickly over the pretzels. Bake the caramel & pretzel mixture in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
Meanwhile, set up a double boiler. (Look it up if you don't know what that is - that'd be better than me describing it, honestly.) Melt the semi sweet chocolate chips.
Once the pretzel & caramel mixture is out of the oven and the chocolate is melted, pour the chocolate over the caramel mixture. Even it out with a spatula if necessary. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the bark and place in fridge to set.
Once bark is set, break up into pieces and enjoy!

Not healthy, I know.
But a delicious treat if you need/want/crave one.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Fave in 5 - toaster pizza!

This is one of my favorite weeknight meals. I started making this just over a year ago. Sometimes I serve this as a snack to share with my family, and sometimes it's my dinner. It's pretty versatile and you can add whatever toppings & flavors you enjoy or have in your kitchen!

Toaster Pizza*

whole wheat tortilla
can of crushed tomatoes
shredded mozzarella cheese
Italian seasoning

On a whole wheat tortilla, spread a few tablespoons of crushed tomatoes. (This is the "pizza sauce", and the tortilla is the "dough".)
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Top with mozzarella cheese.
Pop in the toaster for a few minutes until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese has melted.

There ya go! Toaster pizza. I know, it's not the most amazing recipe you've ever read, but I'm telling you, it's good! I like to add carmelized onions or roasted veggies to the pizza - usually whatever vegetables are left over from dinner the night before. YUM!

*For BBQ Chicken Pizza, top the tortilla with BBQ sauce, add cheese, chopped cooked chicken, sliced red onion and cilantro.
For White Pizza, top the tortilla with alfredo sauce, add cheese, chopped cooked chicken and some roasted garlic cloves.
For Margarita Pizza, top the tortilla with cheese, add sliced tomatoes and fresh basil.
For Chicken Pesto Pizza, top the tortilla with pesto, add cheese and chopped cooked chicken.

Those are just a few variations, but the options are endless!

Friday, February 22, 2013

National Margarita Day.

 
 
Apparently it's National Margarita Day. Oh, Happy Day to all of you!
 
And I SOOOOOOOOOOO need one right now. Or 25.

Let's just say it's been a rough day full of snot, tantrums, blood, spills, and whining. More on that later.
 
For now, I will drown my frustrations in the largest vat of margaritas I can manage. (Or not, since I'm nursing and not drinking.)

SOMEONE HAVE ONE FOR ME! :) K, thanks.
 

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Fave in 5 - low calorie treat

I've made these for a while now. They are chewy, crunchy, sweet, and salty. Perfect combo, right? Oh, and it doesn't hurt that they are only 55 calories each!

Chewy Chocolatey Apricots

dried apricots
dark chocolate chips
sliced almonds, toasted (you can toast them in the toaster or in a dry pan on the stove, but be careful, they burn fast!)

Melt the dark chocolate chips. (I've had trouble doing it in a double boiler, so I do it in the microwave. Follow the instructions on the bag.)
Dip each apricot halfway into the chocolate, then dip in the almonds. Place on parchment paper and allow to set in refrigerator.

Voila! Little tasty chewies of goodness.

*PICTURE TO COME SOON!

Friday, February 1, 2013

First Fave in 5!

I love to make this for a quick lunch. I usually have all the ingredients in the fridge, it's tasty, and it takes about 2 minutes.

Cheesy Avo-taco

white corn tortillas
shredded Mexican cheese blend
avocado
favorite salsa or hot sauce ( This hot sauce is AMAZEBALLS!!)

Heat a nonstick pan on medium heat.
Place a corn tortilla in the pan, sprinkle a few tablespoons of shredded cheese on top. Heat until cheese is melted.
Remove tortilla from heat, add 1/4 chopped avocado and drizzle with salsa or hot sauce.
Enjoy!

See? That was easy! And it's SO. GOOD. Of course you could add any number of things to jazz it up, like roasted veggies, or eat it just like this.
Sometimes I just eat one.
Sometimes I eat two.
And sometimes I could eat 100, but I don't. Willpower, people. I try to pretend I have some.

*PICTURE TO COME SOON!



Thursday, January 31, 2013

a breakthrough.

I haven't weighed myself since I took the picture of my weight last week.
I haven't put any effort into losing weight, unfortunately. (And I wonder why I still haven't lost weight...?)

My older son is sick, and we've been pretty lazy around the house while I try to get him better. (This is the one thing I was afraid of, with him starting daycare - getting sick!!)

Lots of sleepless nights.

Lots of hand washing and snot wiping.

So needless to say I haven't spent any time on myself. But that's okay. I need to stop being so hard on myself. I need to stop making myself feel guilty all the time.

A day or so ago my son (who has been refusing to eat any food) was begging for some ice cream. The only thing we had in our freezer was a box of Weight Watchers Giant Fudge popsicles, and he wasn't going to stop begging until he got one. We went through our usual dance..."You can't have ice cream before your lunch"..."Mama said no!"..."You don't need ice cream right now"...and on and on. I began to get MAD that he was begging for ice cream and that he wouldn't let it go.

Then it hit me.

My SON wasn't the one that had bought the groceries and decided to buy popsicles... I was. Why should I be mad/frustrated with him? He didn't put the ice cream there! If it wasn't in the freezer, he wouldn't see it and be able to beg for it.

So that was my breakthrough. Might sound silly or whatever, but it really hit me that I needed to be a better example for my kids. I don't want them to grow up with a fat mom. I want to be the mom they are PROUD to introduce to their friends. That they are PROUD to have stand on the sidelines of their baseball or soccer or football games. The mom that can be a healthy example to them. The mom that I always DREAMT I'd be.

And it starts now.

Since I don't have the financial luxury to throw out all the unhealthy groceries in our kitchen, I've started to phase some things out. Like the Diet Coke I asked my fiance to buy on his way home from work one night when I thought I just HAD TO HAVE it - I poured it down the drain. Like I've said before, my fiance can stand to gain some poundage...so I've been making his lunches and incorporating some of the foods that I don't want in the home. Examples of some things in our pantry (that I'm not proud of)? Frito's chili cheese chips, Swedish Fish, Hershey kisses, frozen french fries, chicken nuggets, hot chocolate mix...the list goes on.

As I'm phasing those things out of the house, I'm going to bring healthier options in. If my son is hungry and wants a snack, there won't BE unhealthy options available for him. (Not that we can't splurge occasionally or have a treat once in a while. But if it's not in the home, and we have to actually go out to get it, I think we're less likely to eat it.)

So, here's to a healthy start! *insert clinking water glasses here!*

I'm going to start posting more recipes, more pictures, and more updates on my progress. My birthday is in mid-July and I want to have a pool party! But NOT without some significant weight loss, people!!

TMI WARNING: Just heard a gurgle from downstairs in the diaper area of my 11 week old...we're all sick at the moment with something awful...can't wait for this to be over! No more diarrhea for this mama!! Ha ha.

Monday, January 28, 2013

i'm gonna be honest...

...I was REALLY motivated to start working out and eating right after my last few posts, and after reliving all my bad experiences through My Fat Story.

Then life got in the way.

I got busy with taking care of my sons and preparing for my oldest to start daycare. I got busy with diaper changes, loads of laundry, cooking meals for my family, running errands, cleaning up messes, and giving baths to spend the time to take care of ME. (I'm sure every mom out there has a similar story...)

I know it's important to take time for myself. So why don't I? I'm not sure. I would LOVE time to spend on myself - to plan healthy meals, to organize my fridge and pantry, to take a nice long bath instead of standing in the kitchen after dinner and eating junk.


I thought that putting myself out there (here) on the blog with personal information and stories and fears and insecurities would "scare" me into making the right choices. But what I've learned is that it's all up to me. Lap Band surgery couldn't MAKE me eat less. Being embarassed in front of other people didn't MAKE me lose weight. Only I can MAKE me lose weight. And I desperately want to. I just have to DO IT.

So I guess this is more of a pep talk to myself than anything else. I need to get the junk out of the kitchen, make the right choices, and learn that FOOD DOESN'T MAKE ME HAPPY - my children, my family, my friends, sunshine, rain, waking up - all those things make me happy.

Food is just fuel for my body. It's not comfort. I'd much rather get a hug from one of my sons than eat a cookie. I just need to remember that.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

My Fat Story: Part 3

It was my senior year of high school. Winter Formal at a local amusement park that our school rented out for the dance.

My date was my best guy friend. Since I was never asked to any of the dances, I had to ask him.

Between songs, our group would go to different roller coasters for a ride.

This particular ride was new. I'd never been on it before.

Once it was our turn, we chose our seats, sat down, and waited for the safety bar to be lowered over us. Each rider had their own seat and their own safety bar. The bar lowered over me. I waited. It didn't lock in place.

I sucked in my stomach even further than I already was.

And waited.

The damn safety bar didn't lock in place. Was it my size? Yes, of course it was.

The ride operator walked over, attempted to push the safety bar in place while I practically suffocated. It didn't work. He said I was too large to ride the ride.

Instant panic, humiliation, tears, and horror. This had somehow never happened to me, although I'd been overweight my whole life and gone to plenty of amusement parks.

I don't know if my friends heard what he'd said (they must have) or if they were just trying to make me feel better (bless their hearts!), but they asked me why my seat was broken. Between tears, I told them I wasn't sure, but that I had to go to the bathroom anyway, so they could stay on the ride and I'd meet them at the gate when it was over. And I bolted. Ran straight for the nearest bathroom, and cried.

That's all I remember of my senior Winter Formal dance. I don't remember where we went for dinner before the dance, I don't remember how we got there, or what we did afterward. All I remember is the humiliation of that moment on the ride, and vowing to myself to lose weight and never experience anything like that again.

But I didn't. I didn't lose the weight, and although nothing like that has happened again, I'm still terrified it will. So that's why I'm changing NOW. It's never too late, I guess, but why did I wait so long?!

Senior year also brought me my first callback for the school musical. I'd auditioned every year but never received a callback. I was convinced it was my weight, although I'll never know for sure. The part I was given a callback for was the Stepmother from Cinderella. I went to the callbacks, was given the music to sing (in front of everyone that had been called back) and screwed it up. BIG TIME. I mean, it was terrible. I was nervous, sure, but this was different. I'm not sure if I was self-sabotaging myself for some reason, but MAN! This was BAD.

Needless to say I didn't get the part. But a friend of mine did, and she later won an award for the part! (Ok, I was super jealous, but she was a really sweet girl, and I was happy for her.)

Graduation came. Myself, along with a group of friends were nominated to sing the Star Spangled Banner at graduation, which was awesome!

I was planning to go to a nearby Cal State school to study musical theatre, and enjoyed my summer before college.

College began, but I soon dropped out. The Musical Theatre program was too competitive for me - I didn't have the talent nor the confidence to pursue it. (Plus, in one of my acting classes the teacher filmed us and made us watch ourselves afterwards. YUCK.)

So I got a job. Drank too much beer. Ate too much fast food. Didn't take care of myself the way I should.

Then I heard about Lap Band surgery. Oh, did I think that was the answer to all my prayers.

So, in August of 2007, I had the Lap Band surgery. The morning of the surgery I weighed over 300 pounds. And I vowed to never see that number again. (Which I haven't, thankfully!) I lost about 30 pounds in a few months. I stayed at that weight for a while.

Then I got pregnant.
Had my son in September of 2010.
In January 2012 I began to work really hard to FINALLY lose the weight, and I lost 26 pounds...before I found out I was pregnant.

Which brings me to NOW. My second son is 10 weeks old and I'm ready to start losing weight AGAIN.

Hopefully, Part 3 will be the end of My Fat Story.

Friday, January 25, 2013

My Fat Story: Part 2

In middle school PE we had to get tested for scoliosis by taking off our shirts in the locker room and bending forward so the doctor could check our spine. They warned us a week before to expect this. I was horrified.
I would have to take off my shirt in front of all the girls in my PE class?! NO WAY. So I asked my mom to get me out of it. Bless her heart, she did. (Sort of.) I was allowed to be excused from the test if I got a doctor's note and was tested by my doctor at her office. So that's what I did. Spared from embarassment! (Only to be embarassed repeatedly by my weight over the next few years...)

Life continued.
I was still in choir. I took an after school drama class. We had auditions for a musical - The Wizard Of Oz. I got a part. One that I was none too happy about. The Tinman. (WHAT!? I had to play a MAN?! NOOOO WAY.)
I thought this was surely because of my weight. I was so upset that the poor drama teacher actually gave me the part of Glinda, and gave another girl the part of the Tinman.
Life continued.
I wasn't happy with my weight, but I wasn't willing to do anything to change it. I liked my sweets, Diet Coke, chips, and everything that all my beautiful friends got to eat that I knew I shouldn't.

I found ways to hide myself at pool parties, at the beach, changing clothes in the PE locker room.

The first big step I took was in the summer before middle school. My mom and I had seen an ad for a weight loss summer camp in the back of a magazine, Camp La Jolla. We took a tour of the facilities, and I decided I'd try it out. 6 weeks of living away from home, eating healthy, exercising 6+ hours a day, and hopefully losing LOTS of weight.

I lasted almost all of those 6 weeks. I was SO homesick, and when a close friend was hospitalized, I used that as an excuse to leave early.

I lost 20 pounds. I was proud of it, but I didn't notice the change I'd hoped for. I was discouraged. I was wearing smaller clothes, but I wasn't being asked out by the cute boys or getting the lead in the musicals I auditioned for.

Then high school began. WOW. Boys went from being "cute" to "hot". Girls went from wearing jean shorts to skirts so short that they couldn't bend a certain way for fear of their "ladyparts" being exposed. Some kids did drugs. Some had sex. Some drank alcohol. It was a big change, but I loved it.

I did show choir. I took French because my grandma had taken it in school and because I thought it was prettier than Spanish. PE was still a nightmare. But I was enjoying life, even though I vowed to lose weight, eat less, starve myself, etc. It never worked. Something just hadn't clicked in my head yet.

I had crushes. LOTS of crushes. But the guys never liked me. My best friends had boyfriends. People went on dates. But I didn't.

I spent most Friday nights sitting at home dreaming about what it would be like to be skinny and have a boyfriend, or to be famous, or to be the popular girl at school. Why wasn't I doing anything about it, though? I don't know.

Over the years, I've had plenty of embarassing moments. Oh I'm sure at some point I'll share them with you. But none like the moment at Winter Formal my senior year.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

My Fat Story: Part 1

Now that I'm sitting down to write this, I don't know where to start!
I guess I should preface this with a few things...
I'm 26 years old, am engaged, and have 2 sons - 2 1/2 years old and 10 weeks old :)
I'm overweight - been that way my entire life, and I feel like I've been dieting my entire life.
My dad struggled with his weight when I was younger and changed his eating habits entirely and lost 60+ pounds and has kept it off for almost 20 years. My mom has never had a problem with weight - she is tall and thin and blonde. (and I hate her for it! Kidding, I promise!!)
My fiance is tall and skinny. I mean, super skinny. (Anyone watch Chelsea Lately? Well, Chuy weighs MORE THAN MY FIANCE - and my fiance is over 6' tall...) So let's just say he could stand to GAIN a few pounds, while I'd like to LOSE more than 100 POUNDS.
SO, this is my attempt to document my journey to FINALLY LOSE THE WEIGHT I'VE WANTED TO LOSE FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER. Hope you'll join me, and hopefully by this time next year, I'll be a member of the 100 Pound Club. (I'll post my stats soon - my battery just died on my scale and I haven't purchased a new one yet!)

Part 1

I had a great childhood. I am an only child and every Christmas I asked for a baby brother or sister, but I never got one. Looking back, I think I would have been a terrible older sister because I liked attention on ME. :)
I was born in 1986, 2 weeks overdue, and weighed over 9lbs. I was a chubby baby, but I'm told I was a happy one.

The first picture I remember looking at and thinking I was overweight was a picture taken of me in Kindergarten. (Hopefully one day I'll find it again and be able to post it here!)

In elementary school I was made fun of for being fat. I don't remember much about it, but my mom has told me that I'd come home crying and upset over things kids had said about me. I'm sure you can imagine some of the things they'd say. In my mind I knew I was overweight, but I guess I didn't "see" myself that way. I had lots of friends. I got invited to friend's birthday parties (most of the time). I was always in choir. I danced in the school talent show every year with my friends. I even had the guts to audition for the cheer team in elementary school - and MADE IT! I was on a competitive swim team. (The ONE sport I was actually good at and loved. Funny, since I had to wear a bathing suit to compete!)

At one point my mom and I went to a children's nutrition class at CHOC Hospital in Orange. I had to report back to my pediatrician about what I'd learned, how I was eating, and all that fun stuff.

I'm not going to get into the psychological issues that might have caused me to be overweight, or turn to food for comfort, or whatever, because honestly, I'm not a doctor. I don't know why I love food and why I feel like I can't control what I put in my mouth. Or maybe it's that I feel like that's all I can control? I don't know. Maybe one day I'll figure it out. This is purely my story from my perspective.

We always had healthy food in our house, and some not healthy options too. We didn't go to fast food restaurants often. My mom almost always cooked dinner, and yes, she always made me eat my veggies. On weekends when my dad wasn't working, we'd usually go to a restaurant for dinner and then to a movie. Sometimes we'd get candy, sometimes we wouldn't. I don't remember food being a huge issue.

What I do remember is kind of embarassing. I remember being excited to go to friends' houses because they usually had lots of junk food that I didn't have at home. I'd sneak into their kitchens to grab cookies or chips or whatever looked good that I didn't have access to in my own kitchen.

Life was good.
I was overweight but I felt happy most of the time. By middle school, kids weren't making fun of me as much.
My girlfriends and I discovered BOYS.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Faves in 5

Recently I've been thinking about some of my favorite recipes that I make often.

They are yummy.
They are easy.
They don't have that many ingredients.

So I've been thinking about starting a series of posts called Faves in 5 - some of my favorite recipes, with 5 ingredients. (Some may be a few more ingredients, some a bit less, but mostly just 5!)

One of my favorite recipes I've ever made is from 5 Ingredient Fix - a cooking show on the Food Network where she uses 5 ingredients or less for each dish. (You can find my favorite recipe of hers here )

So this isn't a new idea. Just a fun one!

I'll try to be better about taking pictures with my camera instead of my cell phone, but I can't promise anything. :)

I'll admit some of these recipes aren't exactly HEALTHY...but I'll share them nonetheless. Because I love to cook and try new recipes, I'm going to work on eating smaller portions if I make a meal that's not the healthiest. I'm also going to try to learn healthier substitutions for certain ingredients too.

Anyway, soon I'll post my first Fave in 5 and I hope it'll become a favorite of yours as well. :)

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

yummy nighttime drink


Here are the ingredients you need. I know it sounds weird, but trust me, it's good! And good for you! Lots of health benefits in the turmeric.


Original recipe here

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (I use vanilla unsweetened)
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp honey
1/4 tsp ground ginger (could use fresh ginger)

Heat almond milk either on stovetop or in microwave, then add the rest of the ingredients and stir well. Enjoy!
 

Monday, January 21, 2013

day 1 - starting weight

Yuck.
 

I posted that picture first so I couldn't decide NOT to post it. Obviously, I'm not happy with that number. But that's why it's going to change. Starting today.

I'm still in the process of writing my "fat story". It'll be posted as soon as I'm finished. So you can get a little insight into my journey, I guess. Everyone's got one. Mine just happens to be mostly about being unhappy with my weight. Uncomfortable. Embarassed. Angry. Sad. Not the adjectives I'd like to use to describe myself a year from now.

Granted, I just had my second son 10 weeks ago, but for someone my height (5'9") I shouldn't weigh 261.8lbs - I should be more at 150lbs, which is my goal.

Eventually I will begin to track my calorie intake every day, but for now, it's just too time consuming with my other responsibilities. I am still going to write down what I eat, and check nutritional information on the foods I'm putting in my mouth. Because I am nursing my son, I'm technically not supposed to DIET DIET, and I need to eat more calories than I would if I wasn't breastfeeding.

*By the way, I guess this is a good time to state the obvious - I'm not a doctor, don't claim to be, and I am just writing/sharing my opinions & experiences. As always, before starting any exercise program or diet, check with your doctor first!!

With that said, here is what I had for breakfast...

1 cup cereal with 1/2 cup 2% milk, coffee w/creamer
Because I can't afford to throw out all the unhealthy food in our house and restock it with healthy food, I'm going to make smart choices with the food I have, and when I need to go grocery shopping (which will probably be tomorrow...), I'll make smarter/healthier purchases!

So don't judge me. I judge myself enough. :)

So I probably shouldn't eat these...

 
I've always wanted to make spaghetti squash, so I finally bought one @ Trader's and I'm going to make it tonight! I'll let you know how it turns out...kinda scared, not gonna lie.

I guess that's all for now. Gotta go grab some water, drink it, then drink some more.

Oh yeah, and gotta run around and play with my little monsters.

Who's watching The Bachelor tonight?! LOVE that show, can't help it. Don't really care for Sean that much. I mean, he seems like a nice guy and all that, he's just not my cup 'o tea, I guess. But no matter what, I HAVE to watch every season.

Sue me. ;)


today's the day!

It's Monday morning and I told myself TODAY was the day I'd throw out the junk food and sweets and get back to eating right and exercising. I weighed myself this morning (picture/proof to come) and I'm ready to lose weight. (I've said this numerous Mondays throughout my life, but this time is the LAST TIME!!)

What I'm Doing Now: Sitting on the couch with the little guys, watching the Presidential Inauguration and drinking some coffee...wishing I had put some socks on because it's COLD!

Another post will be up later today. I will explain more about my diet and how I'm going to achieve my goal. I'll also post some more pictures, because, I like pictures! :)
 

Friday, January 18, 2013

fun questions to get to know me!

Describe yourself. What do you think about yourself and do you think people perceive you in the same way? I think I am funny, inappropriate, caring, and talkative...and probably a lot more! I HOPE people perceive me in the same way. That's something I'll have to work on.
Which is your most favorite book ever? Anything written by Michael Connelly and Ellen Hopkins. The Giver is a book I've kept since middle school because I love it so much!
Which is the one television character that you simply adore? Probably Christina Applegate's characted on Up All Night - and she has the cutest clothes!
What kind of music do you like? Almost everything! I don't listen to much rap or country, but I love a good mix of stuff.
Which is your favorite genre of movies? Depends on my mood. But I'll never say no to a romantic comedy. :)
What do you do when you feel very sad or depressed? EAT. That's something that's going to change in 2013!
What makes you angry? Are you short-tempered? How do you overcome your anger? I am very short-tempered I think! I don't have much patience, but I'm trying to be better!
Which is the best vacation you've ever had? Hawaii with the bestie when we were in high school. She knows why. :)
If you could have a luncheon with any three people (real or fictitious/from any time period/dead or alive), which three people would you choose and why? Michael Jackson, need I explain? Marilyn Manson, because he's fascinating to me...and...Kelly Clarkson because she seems real and fun.
Which is your most cherished childhood memory? What kind of kid were you, naughty or nice? I was a nice kid most of the time! All my childhood memories are cherished - I had a great childhood.
If given complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why? I'm not sure what profession I would choose, but I would definitely finish college.
What is your idea of fun? If given a chance to skip work for a day, how would you spend the entire day? Trying something new that I've always wanted to do would be my idea of fun.
Which is your favorite time of the day? My favorite time of day is when my boys are napping. (Kidding! Sort of.) Really, my favorite time of day is after the kids have had their baths, and we are all in pajamas and about to go to bed.
Are you a morning person or a night person? Neither. Really - I like to sleep in (although since having kids I don't know what that is anymore) and I'm notorious for being the first one to fall asleep at night...so, really, neither. I'd like to think I'm both though. :)
What is the craziest thing you've ever done? I've done a lot of crazy things...that's another post in itself!
Name one person you love the most and one person you hate the most. I can't name just one person I love the most - it'd be both my sons, though. I don't really hate anyone...
If we were a couple and we had a fight, how would you try to patch things up? Apologize? Geez, I dunno, I'm kind of sick of relationships right now...
What is the funniest prank played on you or played by you? The good ole days of TPing friends houses.
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be? Why? Probably a cat, because I love them!
Who was your first crush? Did you ever tell him/her about your feelings? My first crush was a guy named Jim in Kindergarten, and apparently he knew, because we were boyfriend & girlfriend. He even gave me a red heart necklace. It was true love.
Which is your most favorite place in this earth? Irvine, California. Sad, but true. Was born and raised there, and I love it. Next on the list would be Maui, San Francisco, New York, and Palm Springs.
If you were stranded on a lonely beach, what are the five things that you would want to survive? iPod (or some sort of music), Michael Connelly books, my contacts (so I'm not blind), nail polish (because I'm obsessed), and a journal.

After finishing these questions, I realized they weren't very interesting. Nor were my answers. Oh well, till next time! (And sorry to those of you that read the whole thing and agree with me...)

Thursday, January 17, 2013

oh by the way...

 
I am determined to make 2013 a great year! Join me for the ride ;)
 
 
 
 

Super Bowl brainstorm

One of my resolutions for 2013 is to be organized and plan ahead. I realized how unorganized I was at Christmas when it practically snuck up on me and I hadn't done ANYTHING to prepare for it. (I'll post my resolutions soon, I haven't organized them and I'm procrastinating. See how on top of things I am? Right.)
So...since the Super Bowl is coming up and I can't wait (kidding - I don't know a thing about football, and I really don't care, but I feel like you HAVE to watch the Super Bowl if you're an American...) I thought I'd start brainstorming some party food ideas for the big game. (As an example of how little I really know about sports, I'll let you know that I texted almost everyone I knew to tell them that I wanted to have a party for the Super Bowl, and that it was on January 12. YUP. Didn't check my facts first...it's on February 3, ya'll.)
ANYWAY... here is my first recipe that I think will be a hit. I found the original recipe on Pinterest, but I changed it up because the original was pretty bland. I still didn't LOVE this dip, but I took it over to a party, and everyone (I mean, EVERYONE) asked who made the dip and wanted to know the recipe.
It's super easy.
Like, embarassingly easy.
Apparently it's called Poolside Dip (don't know why)

16 oz. cream cheese
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 jalapenos, diced (leave the seeds in if you want extra heat!)
1/2 can diced black olives
1 cup frozen corn, thawed (I think the frozen corn is MUCH better than canned, but you could use a can of corn if you prefer)
1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
3 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and refrigerate for about 20 minutes so everything can get acquainted. :) Serve with crackers or chips. (I served it with Wheat Thins)
Sorry for the crappy pic! Had to take it quick before people started digging in...

More recipes and Super Bowl party/anytime party ideas to come!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Wordless(ish) Wednesday

Sometimes I eat my meals using my son's plate and utensils. That's totally normal, isn't it? Pictured recipe to come soon!

Friday, January 4, 2013

the year of DIY gifts

It's a story that I'm sure a lot of people can relate to - the holiday season seems to creep up on you, you put off Christmas shopping because you think you still have plenty of time, you keep telling yourself that TOMORROW you'll put up the tree...it goes on and on. Normally, I LOVE Christmas time. Especially with kids, I think the holidays are a super fun time. Well, this year was different. Maybe it was because I had a 6 week old baby. Maybe it was the major financial stress we've been under since moving back to So Cal. Maybe it was the fact that I could barely find time to change out of my pajamas, let alone decorate the house, bake cookies, and go buy a tree. Yeah, this year, I couldn't WAIT for Christmas to be over. And since we didn't have money to purchase gifts for our family and friends this year, I decided to make as many of the gifts as I could. (I know I could have done A LOT more than I did, but like I said, I don't have time, ya'll.) Although I did stay up all night one night baking Christmas cookies, one handed, while holding the baby...I can't put that guy down for more than a minute before he starts screaming. (I am anxiously awaiting for this phase to be over...)

Lemon Sugar Scrub (Great to exfoliate skin - all overy our body or just your hands)

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Lemon zest

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until a grainy paste forms. That's it! Super easy to make, and a great homemade gift for pretty much anyone. (Although I just gifted it to women...) This will fill about 3 of the glass jam jars.


More DIY gift ideas coming soon! Although I made these for Christnas, they can really be given throughout the year as desired. :)

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Thirsty Thursday

Thirsty Thursday because, well, it's Thursday, and Thirsty sorta rhymes with Thursday...right? Ok, well, I really just wanted an excuse to share this yummy drink that I've been making recently. Since I'm nursing my almost 8 week old, I'm not drinking alcohol, so for those nights that I'm craving something bubbly or a little different, this is the answer! It's not exactly difficult to create, and I'm pretty sure I'm not the first one in the world to make such a drink, but thought I'd share anyway. :) It's also pretty low calorie if you're watching your calorie intake.

Just mix 2 parts club soda to 1 part cranberry juice (I use Diet), squeeze a wedge of lime, and pour over ice. It's really refreshing!

Drinks in a mason jar? I'm a fan! :)

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Wordless Wednesday

So I'm not sure how this "Wordless Wednesday" works - am I allowed to explain my picture? LOL...cause I'm gonna! This is in the kitchen. These are our dishes. They need to be cleaned. This mama is struggling to find time to clean them. That is all. See? Didn't you need the description? :)