tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11480696344141110382024-03-13T13:47:00.137-04:00Smart and Sassy SistersThe fun and sometimes irreverent guide to getting strong and skinny (and staying that way!) by eating real food and making your fat cells cry!Smart and Sassy Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01808251275617551604noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-14334489108597995622013-04-04T17:30:00.000-04:002013-04-04T17:30:01.066-04:00Shifting Priorities <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAA9mOCQUSSbt2AgkoBUmwVCX_UxKYUsXipXesLldlhy_Q6Ldstwso-_mebV0L2kJwx_gGUBuWKjBB3gc1AXp7RUIAnv2SwTAjoJ3_jUdhEl7Zzfo8edThjomJhu5I4grpY_jwwlfKQY/s1600/priorities1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAA9mOCQUSSbt2AgkoBUmwVCX_UxKYUsXipXesLldlhy_Q6Ldstwso-_mebV0L2kJwx_gGUBuWKjBB3gc1AXp7RUIAnv2SwTAjoJ3_jUdhEl7Zzfo8edThjomJhu5I4grpY_jwwlfKQY/s1600/priorities1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a great schedule follower. Give me a checklist of what
needs to be done each day and I will go right through the list; give me a
calendar with a structured routine and I will cross off every day like a
champ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While this may sound like an
excellent trait to have (and it can be) there is one problem – life does not
always cooperate with our best laid plans or schedules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not talking about the type of situation
where something random comes up and you have to change your plans for a week;
even a type A person like me can handle that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, I am talking about what do you do when life shifts in a more
permanent way- when you already have a full plate, but all of the sudden you
have more things you need <strong>(or want)</strong> to include.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suddenly that perfect schedule or routine that you have no longer works
and things can seem overwhelming!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>The truth is, we just cannot do everything</strong>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is very hard for me to admit- as Lexy
can attest, I have visions of doing everything perfectly and pleasing everyone-
and I <em>HATE HATE HATE when I feel like I have not performed my best or when I
have let someone down</em>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, what I
am learning is that it simply is not possible to do everything and that as life
changes we have to be flexible, take a step back, figure out what really is
important to us, regroup and create an entirely new routine or schedule that works for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Does this mean that we have license to start eating like crap
or skip exercising because we are too busy? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Instead, it means refocusing
on your goals and figuring out how to incorporate your healthy lifestyle in a
way that works for you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some
examples of changes that I have made in my schedule/routine recently:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDdubGnQdKpeLO6r0yk7BxR6bKBgztUDyZ9Pt32smslYOK0HAuzCRgDb9v1lZlDZBN8uA1jkVdTz0GhCExXuPQUXeLTLVk1zppoKygb-9Wpgr0PPuZeS-Rfkm_O9KoFY3gAnIYSk-Rr8/s1600/priorities3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDdubGnQdKpeLO6r0yk7BxR6bKBgztUDyZ9Pt32smslYOK0HAuzCRgDb9v1lZlDZBN8uA1jkVdTz0GhCExXuPQUXeLTLVk1zppoKygb-9Wpgr0PPuZeS-Rfkm_O9KoFY3gAnIYSk-Rr8/s1600/priorities3.jpg" /></a><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Running:</strong> Getting in 3-4 runs a week (including
one long run) is still a priority for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Running keeps me healthy and strong, is a great stress relief, burns a
ton of calories and as I said the other day “running makes me way nicer.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I enjoy running group, there are
times when not getting home on a Tuesday night until 8:30 or getting up at 6:30
on a Saturday morning has interfered with other things that I needed to get
done or wanted to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of feeling
guilty about missing running group, I have shifted my focus to simply getting
my weekly mileage in no matter what; if that means squeezing in a 10 mile run
between Easter celebrations in the middle of an afternoon, that is a perfectly
acceptable substitute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, recently
I have been running some on weekends with my boyfriend Kevin and the time that
we spend talking as we run (that is until we both get out of breath or I am
cursing the fact that he lives in a hilly neighborhood</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">) has been great time for just
the two of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <strong> </strong></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Healthy Eating</strong>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Between being busy at work and having a lot more fun things to do on the
weekends, I have not had as much time to make a bunch of meals from scratch
ahead of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does that mean that I
have gone back to eating crap? No! Eating healthy, nutritious, real food is
still a priority for me- so when I do not have time to make a bunch of things
from scratch, instead of caving and running through a drive through,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will resort to healthy quick meals (such as
oatmeal or eggs or salads with chicken).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I do not have time to make my own pita or sweet potato chips, I do
not grab a can of Pringles- I will go to Trader Joe’s and buy the organic
equivalent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I know that I am going to
be going out to dinner more than usual in a week/weekend, then that may count
as my extra treat for the week instead of going to Graeters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Strength Training/Toning</strong>: As much as I loved my
trainer, twice a week training sessions were no longer in my budget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, since I have been feeling flabby
lately and I still want to be toned, lean and strong I have found some at home
strength training workouts on Pinterest and I also am going to start going rock
climbing more. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For me, the key was letting go of the notion that I had to
stick to the exact same routine or else I would fail; instead, I realized the
smartest course of action was not to try to cram more activities onto an
already overcrowded plate, but rather to acknowledge that life and my
priorities had shifted and to adjust my time, schedule, and healthy lifestyle
to realign with those shifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfJToAMqmJD9OZSbKxeFxGCRoz08WMMNdj6xueGJuGD47ymigJXMaZjYYMlT7IbcpjCO-rUoJg-pP1NsM32-odtuj6tEBwehuOM_kMMVc4mcyRM1u0_TJOx1PJqpUP1MGdBZoeBI03Lw/s1600/guilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfJToAMqmJD9OZSbKxeFxGCRoz08WMMNdj6xueGJuGD47ymigJXMaZjYYMlT7IbcpjCO-rUoJg-pP1NsM32-odtuj6tEBwehuOM_kMMVc4mcyRM1u0_TJOx1PJqpUP1MGdBZoeBI03Lw/s1600/guilt.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You know what else I’m learning (or trying to learn</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you choose to reprioritize your life or
schedule, not everyone may be pleased with your decisions. However, letting
others make you feel guilty for doing <strong>what is right for you</strong> only adds unnecessary
stress and pressure! Trust me, I know this is easier said than done, but try to
think of that extra guilt or peer pressure as a thick layer of fat on top of
your already full plate and scrape it into the trash!!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
carrie213http://www.blogger.com/profile/05733752657096223839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-18549710788028574042013-03-29T13:00:00.000-04:002013-03-29T13:00:03.585-04:00Carrie's Running Playlist<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
I do not know about you but when I am running by myself I have to have music! Especially during a long run, having music with a catchy tune or an upbeat tempo is crucial to keeping me going. I also keep my playlist on shuffle when I am running, so that I never know what song is coming next- that keeps my mind and body from knowing exactly how much longer I have left to run. Here are some of my current favorite running songs: (warning some of them are explicit- but sometimes I have found that a good swear word is what you need to get through a long run;) </div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Edge of Glory- Lady Gaga</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Poker Face- Lady Gaga</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Scream- Usher</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Lose Yourself- Eminem</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bad Romance- Lady Gaga</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Born This Way- lady Gaga</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Crazy Ex Girlfriend- Miranda Lambert</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dirrty – Christina Aguilera</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dynamite- Taio Cruz</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">F**kin’ Perfect- Pink</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Fighter- Christina Aguilera</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Gunpowder and Lead- Miranda Lambert</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hip Hop Hooray- Naughty by Nature</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jumpin’ Jumpin’- Destiny’s Child</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Livin’ on a Prayer- Bon Jovi</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">No Air- Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Battlefield- Jordin Sparks</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rock Your Body- Justin Timberlake</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Say My name- Destiny’s Child</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sexy and I know it- LMFAO</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Single Ladies – Beyonce</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Stronger- Kelly Clarkson</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Telephone- Lady Gaga</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Man in the Mirror- Michael Jackson</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">One More Night- Maroon 5</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Firework- Katy Perry</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Moves Like Jagger- Maroon 5</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Catch My Breath- Kelly Clarkson</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">SexyBack- Justin Timberlake</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">DJ Got us Fallin’ in Love- Usher</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Call me Maybe- Carly Rae Jepson</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">OMG- Usher</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What Makes You Beautiful- OneDirection</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This is How we Do It- Montell Jordan</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Give Me Everything- Pitbull</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Raise your Glass- Pink</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Getting’ Jiggy Wit It- Will Smith</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together- Taylor Swift</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Run the World (Girls) Beyonce</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Boots On- Randy Houser</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Party in the USA – Miley Cyrus</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Beer Money- Kip Moore</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Only Way I know- Jason Aldean</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dirt Road Anthem- Jason Aldean</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Drunk on You- Luke Bryan</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I Don’t Want this Night to End- Luke Bryan</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rain is a Good Thing- Luke Bryan</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All my Friends Say- Luke Bryan</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Smoke a Little Smoke- Eric Church</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Creepin’ Eric Church</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Baggage Claim- Miranda Lambert</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Breakaway- Kelly Clarkson</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mean- Taylor Swift</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Picture to Burn- Taylor Swift</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Love the Way you Lie- Eminem</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Not Afraid- Eminem</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I Won’t Back Down- Tom Petty</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5150- Dirks Bentley</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tornado- Little Big Town</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Barefoot Blue Jean Night- Jake Owen</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Gives you Hell- Glee Soundtrack</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I Gotta Feeling- Black Eyed Peas</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wake Up Call- Maroon 5</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I’m too Sexy- Right Said Fred</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">F**k You- Cee Lo Green</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Paparazzi- Lady Gaga</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Only Girl in the World-Rhianna</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">U Can’t Touch This- MC Hammer</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Let’s Get it Started- Black Eyed Peas</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Get Low- Lil John</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hot in Here- Nelly</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Drop it Like its Hot- Snoop Dogg</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Til I Collapse- Eminem</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> More- Usher</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Alejandro- Lady Gaga</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Born to Fly- Sara Evans</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hall of Fame- The Script, <a href="http://will.i.am/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">will.i.am</a></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hips Don’t Lie- Shakira</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Fighter- Christina Aguilera</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Stronger- Kanye West</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Born to Run- Bruce Springsteen</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ignition- R.Kelly</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">E.I- Nelly</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Boom Boom Pow- Black Eyed Peas</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Empire State of Mind- Jay-Z</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Johnny Cash- Jason Aldean</span></div>
carrie213http://www.blogger.com/profile/05733752657096223839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-48549676860427000232013-03-24T08:00:00.000-04:002013-03-24T08:00:07.266-04:00Switch It Up<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Just
like eating the same thing every day can get boring, so can doing the same type
of physical exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether you
religiously hit the treadmill for a run or ride your bike along the trails, it’s
good to switch it up every once in a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not only will you start utilizing new muscle groups, but you might find
a new way to stay fit that keeps it exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">If
you belong to a gym, utilize their free classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no rhythm and I think I am finally going
to give in and try <u><b>Zumba</b></u> with the girls from work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figure laughing at me trying to dance will
burn even more calories!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also offer
an <u><b>Aqua Zumba</b></u> class that I can’t wait to try out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never tried <u><b>Cross Fit</b></u>, but I know they
have some raging fans out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
have some friends who love <u><b>Barre</b></u> classes, although I have never been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADNP_H-IkWsDECwjW2x3Ring7cSQNZNPoZF6RFM9WbxnFQ05zs-P91RQjYf-HAL7vZGr7KlZMAt766i9xHJbW67leCg8zsd9mJv9nRodxExi2U18RNeHUuJheW8JdDfM2gvnq384eHu4/s1600/.body_pump1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADNP_H-IkWsDECwjW2x3Ring7cSQNZNPoZF6RFM9WbxnFQ05zs-P91RQjYf-HAL7vZGr7KlZMAt766i9xHJbW67leCg8zsd9mJv9nRodxExi2U18RNeHUuJheW8JdDfM2gvnq384eHu4/s1600/.body_pump1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I
do love the <u><b>Body Pump</b></u> classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an
intense hour, but you really get to work all of the major muscle groups
including back, triceps, biceps, legs, and abs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s great because you can start off with 1
small weight on your bar and work up as you progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise you aren’t going to bulk up like
those professional bodybuilders, that takes hard work and 1 or 2 body pump
classes a week isn’t going to do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
call me crazy but I actually kinda enjoy the muscle fatigueness/soreness and I
can promise you I feel it about 24 hours later with Body Pump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And those wonderful foam rollers can work out
any pain! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqTdmXv3Z5p-XfIXYVFLaxHRT5nNitZPp06LLCakhXLD_GEXk0B5CVwVa56XbImz7FRBWVenBwjoyrplSSAkaA9LfFwNbSHjGgCV18zLr_OVoxwSzJr54YhMu4UWGPVgkbi6FUbLW04U/s1600/spinning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqTdmXv3Z5p-XfIXYVFLaxHRT5nNitZPp06LLCakhXLD_GEXk0B5CVwVa56XbImz7FRBWVenBwjoyrplSSAkaA9LfFwNbSHjGgCV18zLr_OVoxwSzJr54YhMu4UWGPVgkbi6FUbLW04U/s1600/spinning.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">One
of my coworkers teaches a <u><b>Spinning</b></u> class which are also adjustable to your own
skill level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know my level 8 on the
bike is much different than the pro’s in my class, but I know I am still
getting a great workout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does give
you a sore butt you will get used to it the longer you spin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the camaraderie in the classes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s easy to get discouraged when it gets hard,
and you can be motivated by everyone around you pushing themselves too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I
have taken some <u><b>Yoga</b></u> classes at the gym and also a park in town has outdoor
classes on the weekend and I love the change of scenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It amazed me in my first yoga class how hard
it was, they make it look so easy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Balance is not one of my strong suits, but I am working on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe6P9QMk8E535-5luFGcK-YKnykORWtyGC-bumxV9Oo40p3DU1q-Xwi7ak1n5h4EX0QNylK8qGyKGSyM6VvQhNgSuNesmSYv7-kWbeVXSyaznwWn82sUO49N7E0ejfqnpaKzxDVd1O5Y/s1600/Belly_Dance_class.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe6P9QMk8E535-5luFGcK-YKnykORWtyGC-bumxV9Oo40p3DU1q-Xwi7ak1n5h4EX0QNylK8qGyKGSyM6VvQhNgSuNesmSYv7-kWbeVXSyaznwWn82sUO49N7E0ejfqnpaKzxDVd1O5Y/s320/Belly_Dance_class.gif" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">On
Friday night I even tried <u><b>Belly Dancing</b></u> with some girlfriends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t believe how much it worked my core
and my arms and I felt more confident as the hour went on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Make
sure if it’s your first time at a class of that type to arrive a little earlier
and tell your instructor so they can show you how to use the equipment properly
and not hurt yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, if you don’t
like the class, no worries, pick another one next time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all about finding something that works
for you. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">What
classes do you like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Lexyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353159165707239368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-84368232376846045322013-03-19T18:00:00.000-04:002013-03-19T18:00:01.785-04:00Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXc2hyphenhyphen0OSpzICckHq9J-rdD6UAjjJRgB-AXVqVbwFKAFMMuDY2mPfw9He_E5HSVpgBk0BHxDNlpuoJoQXeAvHiWkBsVaRHsKQhN4TTzr8k8HIo4VUEznOJ2lK38XpOoE51Em13bMkDcg/s1600/mapleroastedsweetpotatoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXc2hyphenhyphen0OSpzICckHq9J-rdD6UAjjJRgB-AXVqVbwFKAFMMuDY2mPfw9He_E5HSVpgBk0BHxDNlpuoJoQXeAvHiWkBsVaRHsKQhN4TTzr8k8HIo4VUEznOJ2lK38XpOoE51Em13bMkDcg/s1600/mapleroastedsweetpotatoes.JPG" /></a></div>
I love sweet potatoes! Not only are sweet potatoes a fantastic source of B6, potassium, fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin c and e- they are delicious! I have a sweet tooth and used to love sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top, however once I started eating healthier I realized that just because you label something as a side dish does not make it any less of a dessert calorie wise:) So last year for Easter, I found this great recipe for a sweet potato side dish that satisfied my sweet tooth and was 1/3 of the calories per serving of regular sweet potato casserole.<br />
<br />
<b>Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes (makes 12 servings)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
2 1/2 lbs of sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces (approx. 8 cups)<br />
1/3 c pure maple syrup<br />
2 tbsp butter, melted<br />
1 tbsp lemon juice<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
freshly ground pepper<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<br />
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees<br />
2. Combine maple syrup, butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl.<br />
3. Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes, toss to coat.<br />
4. Cover and bake the sweet potatoes for 15 minutes. Uncover, stir and cook, stirring every 15 minutes, until tender and starting to brown, 45-50 minutes more. <br />
<br />
<b>Nutrition Information: </b><br />
Per serving: 96 calories, 2 g fat, 19 g carb, 1 g protein, 2 g fiber- PLUS NO CHEMICALS OR HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP:) <b> </b><br />
<b> </b>carrie213http://www.blogger.com/profile/05733752657096223839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-43066588736789346192013-03-14T06:00:00.000-04:002013-03-14T06:00:10.681-04:00Wonton Wonders<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VbGLy9Yy3E9_o1zrBJySjxiC6OnRUnFUocwUvD4a_t7dO_6a5jnl7WzcsvN0Ki_EPfceoNvgc8jNpDbsNcA69V3CaSzpIoxcKH02Ua9VXYikozGS91xata_j8C0MDuBSe2ySb_1Z2zo/s1600/wonton-wrappers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VbGLy9Yy3E9_o1zrBJySjxiC6OnRUnFUocwUvD4a_t7dO_6a5jnl7WzcsvN0Ki_EPfceoNvgc8jNpDbsNcA69V3CaSzpIoxcKH02Ua9VXYikozGS91xata_j8C0MDuBSe2ySb_1Z2zo/s320/wonton-wrappers.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Traditionally wonton wrappers are
reserved for stuffing full of pork or shrimp and deep fried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smart Sassy Sisters think there are even
tastier, and healthier, ways to enjoy these simple wrappers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The smaller wonton wrappers have less than 25
calories each, and the larger egg roll ones are under 100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have about 50 wrappers in each package
and I usually find them in the refrigerated produce section, by the bagged
lettuce or pre-chopped veggies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></o:p></span></u></b> </div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chips</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-I love a crunch and this packs a punch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If using the wonton wrappers cut diagonally
into triangles and coat with olive oil spray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ingredients: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">24 wonton wrappers, sliced in half
diagonally to form triangles<br />
Spray with Olive Oil mister, or drizzle olive oil or melted butter on the
wrappers<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgkspaXWwYWY5e-X0vlLyyEblbQP2W8onCiC-Y_f_wPEpPlckCXpX72iIDCJaVyyow1L2iIfmwh54TLVsq9JzA-aul3MF_NS_i6Bo3NgbNKXKx2_xV3MB-LUJPiachsNCW7gMpyGAn1U/s1600/Crisps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgkspaXWwYWY5e-X0vlLyyEblbQP2W8onCiC-Y_f_wPEpPlckCXpX72iIDCJaVyyow1L2iIfmwh54TLVsq9JzA-aul3MF_NS_i6Bo3NgbNKXKx2_xV3MB-LUJPiachsNCW7gMpyGAn1U/s320/Crisps.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Choice of toppings:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Parmesan or Romano cheese, grated<br />
Cinnamon (or Cinnamon Sugar)<br />
Smoked Paprika<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chilli Powder<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cumin<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I just open my spice cabinet and
start mixing up options and see what I like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Directions:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Preheat oven to 400°F.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Line baking sheet with parchment
paper or nonstick foil. Lay wonton wrappers on baking sheet in one layer. Spray
or brush olive oil or butter and top with seasonings of your choice. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the
wontons have crisped and turned a lovely golden brown. Allow to cool on the
baking sheet, then serve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Crisps will keep for 3-4 days in an
airtight container.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Banana,
Chocolate, Almond Butter Wrap Up<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This one works better with the
larger egg roll wrappers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lay the wrapper with the points up
and cut a banana into piece as wide as the wrapper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Spread a little almond butter on the
wrapper above the banana and put some dark chocolate chips below the banana.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wrap up like an eggroll and bake at 400°F
for about 10 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be all
warm, gooey and caramelized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br /></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Lexyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353159165707239368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-49105983853805358552013-03-12T17:00:00.000-04:002013-03-12T17:00:01.311-04:00Back on Track<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoSR6IQYL3cQbwE31bI3XuRGzMRf4OV4tFgNzm_uN-GMTcyCQYa-L32BgdHhO6VgyD_UL_9UysQt_MT1n3SFcQ5jdkUlY0GSsmASrJwgOLZujnuojJi3qgU2rROiyESPMKsG3Kn05eHA/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoSR6IQYL3cQbwE31bI3XuRGzMRf4OV4tFgNzm_uN-GMTcyCQYa-L32BgdHhO6VgyD_UL_9UysQt_MT1n3SFcQ5jdkUlY0GSsmASrJwgOLZujnuojJi3qgU2rROiyESPMKsG3Kn05eHA/s320/blog1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As much as I hate to admit it, I think I am going to have to
be a life-long calorie tracker. Around the beginning of this year I stopped
entering my daily food and exercise in Myfitnesspal- not because I had stopped
eating healthily, but rather because I am a creature of habit and was eating a
lot of the same foods every day and since I already had the calorie count of
those foods in my head, I figured I would be fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For most of January, I was pretty consistent-
however, in February I started to notice that I was not feeling the same in my
clothes or that my body felt just a little bit different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not that I had abandoned my healthy
eating habits – I was still eating mostly clean and organic and nutritious
foods- but rather that I was no longer measuring out my portion sizes or
tracking the calories. Combine this with the fact that my birthday, my
boyfriend’s birthday, Valentine’s Day, and my girls vacation with Lexy and her
mom were all in February- let’s just say that it was not difficult for an extra
7 lbs to creep back on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYa1Sor1j8wHe-fa6b2yabUlG3Lih0_7wUv8KL1L4CLRuUgD-PG6St0F7ExKoSXcsp0Z9IKYJ6_BcYADMLk0IzlNyftejt19oA3v8DcKPw98RE2FFUPGcmsrPy9Pi-NVbVu_qy74dx34/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYa1Sor1j8wHe-fa6b2yabUlG3Lih0_7wUv8KL1L4CLRuUgD-PG6St0F7ExKoSXcsp0Z9IKYJ6_BcYADMLk0IzlNyftejt19oA3v8DcKPw98RE2FFUPGcmsrPy9Pi-NVbVu_qy74dx34/s200/blog3.jpg" width="183" /></a>I will be honest- at first this really bummed me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the feeling when the scale is going
down – the sight of it going up is definitely not fun. My very first
inclination was to fall back into old patterns- I would tell myself, “I will
get on the scale next week after I have been back on track for a week.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if I have learned one thing during this
weight loss journey (and in life in general), it is that ignoring the problem
only makes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it worse- and I am bound and
determined that I am going to be proactive and take care of these extra pounds
NOW instead of LATER- because 5-7 lbs is a lot easier to deal with than 20! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, as tedious as it may be sometimes, I am going back to
tracking- for the following reasons:</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>When I track, I am more diligent about measuring
out my foods and sticking to portion sizes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is so easy to have an extra bowl of cereal, only to realize that you
just wasted 600 calories on GRANOLA!</li>
<li>
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Knowing
that I have to write down everything that I eat makes me think twice about all
of the extra nibbles or handfuls of things- I am less likely to grab a handful
of almonds if I know that I am going to have to go online and track those 110
calories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those small little bites or
snacks add up fast! </li>
<li>When I am tracking, I am way more likely to ask myself whether I am really hungry or whether I just feel hungry because I am tired or stressed- because I know if I eat then I have to write it down!</li>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Tracking helps me feel like I am in control-
that I have a plan that I am working towards and executing on- and I am much
more relaxed and confident when I am working towards something than when things
seem chaotic. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVR-e3gYfc-6X0xss1ZrRbYKH9u0uKQyKM2qGFSIQP3AA6Lv_wS5cwZX15dgMVOxh6CUeervDRTjePBMGpBeq6kH3u6-uGzSdL-PY-ZEcIFq2N6Sd5BG6ftKCzvYJZC1KAnGUZGB0Lbw/s1600/myfitnesspal.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVR-e3gYfc-6X0xss1ZrRbYKH9u0uKQyKM2qGFSIQP3AA6Lv_wS5cwZX15dgMVOxh6CUeervDRTjePBMGpBeq6kH3u6-uGzSdL-PY-ZEcIFq2N6Sd5BG6ftKCzvYJZC1KAnGUZGB0Lbw/s200/myfitnesspal.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
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Both Lexy (lexylily) and I (carrie2139) use myfitnesspal- I think it is the easiest and most comprehensive calorie tracking system- and it is free! Feel free to follow us as we recommit to daily tracking- and if you use
myfitnesspal, please leave us your username in the comments- that way we can be
motivated by you as well!</div>
carrie213http://www.blogger.com/profile/05733752657096223839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-74247935802864410052013-03-08T07:00:00.000-05:002013-03-08T07:00:00.076-05:00Milestones<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you to all of our faithful readers for checking us out
a few times a week and for sharing your stories with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just last week Carrie received the statement
to renew our domain name for another year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How exciting! We will run a 1 year anniversary contest in April, so be on the lookout for it. </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>This marks our 100<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> post</strong>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We weren’t quite sure how this year would go
with sharing of topics and getting regular posts written despite our hectic
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither of us are perfect and we
have indulged when we shouldn’t have or skipped workouts that were
scheduled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But hopefully we can learn
from that and from you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From eye opening
movies like “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead” to motivating books like <u>The Skinny
Rules</u> and more failed pinterest recipes than I care to admit it’s been a
year of learning & change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
put on some pounds and haven’t been as dedicated to my workouts as I need to
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have not sunk back to my Diet Coke
obsession but am constantly battling my sugar addiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need you all to keep me motivated and on
track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have read the books, done the
research and have seen my body transform and I don’t want to see any more of
those pounds creep back on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
slippery slope and the more “crap” you eat the hungrier you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was at an event today and really couldn’t
avoid eating pizza, so I had 2 slices of Papa John’s thin crust with
cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was over 450 calories and I
was still starving!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have to eat
pounds of vegetables before I would even get close to that 450 and I would be
stuffed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wanted this post to be a unique milestone, but sometimes
you have to just keep plugging away and realize you are making small
changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One way I will be forced to get
back into the gym on a regular basis is that I started a new job as the Vice
President of Financial Development for the <a href="http://www.ymcaokc.org/" target="_blank">YMCA of Greater OKC</a>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With our family membership we will have
access to all kinds of Y amenities including a wellness program for employees
with time off and cash incentives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
Associate Director teaches multiple classes a week so I am sure I will have to
check those out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have taken Body Pump,
Spinning and Yoga before but I am intimidated by the thought of Zumba, and
anyone who has seen me dance, or lack of dancing, may understand why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope this chart is as inspiring to you as it was to me. Join me in dropping that extra tire, 2 year old, or even a newborn giraffe!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qD7673VRfR4wzDCyBDeUX3Xp6TpDQu0YqnBl4RyQXoX2KnmGtB0GIkytjTQZijMjeJs7f8JQdmdYPjMU0RYhBW0_IEBLU8H6EfBE8XjVyZ24ReN6vcrFNwk7Mf89-wfT8lItEFn2WrQ/s1600/89579480057835830_NsUCMp6X_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qD7673VRfR4wzDCyBDeUX3Xp6TpDQu0YqnBl4RyQXoX2KnmGtB0GIkytjTQZijMjeJs7f8JQdmdYPjMU0RYhBW0_IEBLU8H6EfBE8XjVyZ24ReN6vcrFNwk7Mf89-wfT8lItEFn2WrQ/s640/89579480057835830_NsUCMp6X_c.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What milestones have you reached and how do you celebrate
those achievements?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Lexyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353159165707239368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-21607981680233958912013-03-05T06:30:00.000-05:002013-03-05T06:30:02.797-05:00Healthy Balance for Mom's<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7ENdbXH8KajyfqaF_iK1jTF4zllAQKdGTce_s0oj2AM5tvnHNggwz8964by1QuvZBQz3b30wPc6ZHbwL3d3ODIwzPfvJxFSc7o6uMnZwrBlFHid5Z6-4LcCZhqs_fnwHNtOyHa82Ww0/s1600/Sawyer_016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7ENdbXH8KajyfqaF_iK1jTF4zllAQKdGTce_s0oj2AM5tvnHNggwz8964by1QuvZBQz3b30wPc6ZHbwL3d3ODIwzPfvJxFSc7o6uMnZwrBlFHid5Z6-4LcCZhqs_fnwHNtOyHa82Ww0/s320/Sawyer_016.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beautiful Sawyer Family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong>Carrie & I are excited to share another guest blogger, Peggy Stocks Sawyer. We have known her for over 15 years. We were all avid pen pals way before there was texting. She's a frequent reader, commenter and recent winner of one of our contests. She is a true Smart Sassy Sister and we are thrilled to welcome her to the family and share her insight with you.</strong> <br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being a mom is hard. Being a mom with a full-time job is
harder. Being a full-time teacher mom who still tries to cook, clean, play with
the family, run errands, and do everything for everyone else can feel next to
impossible. When you’re so busy keeping everyone else afloat, it’s easy to let
yourself slide…especially when it comes to fitness. I know because that is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i> story. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My son arrived seven weeks early and threw us all off. Ever
since, he’s been calling the shots at my house. He first his spent two weeks in
the hospital nursery, which meant my new mommy-schedule included the 30 minute
drive to and from the hospital, multiple times each day. When we brought him
home, it was hard to find the energy to get dressed, much less cook, clean and
work out. I lived my life in three hour increments: nurse him, change him,
snuggle him back to sleep, clean something, catch an hour of sleep; lather,
rinse, repeat. As he got older, his schedule changed a bit, but I fell into the
Mommy Trap. Mommy came last. Always.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As my pre-pregnancy clothes got tighter and tighter, I
realized that in putting everyone ahead of myself, I’d been putting myself dead
last. And you know what? Allowing myself a little “me” time is okay. The time I
put into making myself a better person now will pay off when I’m able to run <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with</i> my son instead of watching him from
the sidelines. My son deserves more than a fat mom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m a work in progress, but here are some tips I’ve
discovered that have helped me to end the cycle of mommy guilt and realize that
in putting myself first a bit, I’m really helping my family.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cook.</b>
I hate cooking; my husband, son and I are all picky eaters. And I’d rather
spend the time after school playing with my little boy than prepping in the
kitchen. But when we go out, it is expensive and I eat garbage. Cook simple,
healthy meals. I have my meats frozen in marinades or seasonings, ready to go.
I now have a monthly calendar with recipes and ingredient lists sorted for each
week. I don’t always stick to it, but it helps me to stay a day ahead in my
prep work, which in turn cuts down the time in my kitchen. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Don’t
complain that you don’t have time</b>. As a mom, you never will. You have to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">make</i> the time. Yes, it stinks. Yes, your
day is longer than you’d ever dreamed of. But if you plan ahead and get your
spouse to help you, then you can do it. I get up at 4:40 every morning, workout
from 5-5:45, then come home to get me and my son ready. After school, I hit the
gym again before picking up my son. Then, it’s back home for cooking/laundry/baby
time. I’m usually </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">in bed within an hour or so after the
baby is. It took a while to adjust, but the payoff is worth it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sleep</b>.
Do it. Get enough. If you’re tired and grumpy, you’re not a good mom, spouse,
or employee. Being tired makes you more likely to binge, drink that soda, or
forget to plan a healthy meal. That dust is going nowhere, your lesson plans
will still be there in the morning. But for now, you need a healthy amount of
sleep that makes you function better and makes your body more efficient.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Go
Groupon</b>. Try something new! Groupon (or similar sites) is a great way to try
something different for cheap. I got a 10-visit pass for hot yoga for $30—and I
loved it! I got one for Tae Kwon Do--20 bucks for a $244 value package of a
uniform and lessons—and after one lesson, I realized it’s not for me. But I’m
only out $20! My next adventure is a $300 summer boot camp for which I paid $35.
With Groupon, it’s fun, it’s inexpensive, and if you don’t like it, you’re not
committed with an expensive long-term contract. It’s the perfect way to sample
new fitness ideas!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ditch the
guilt</b>. Stop it. So what if your husband put the baby to bed three nights
this week? He needs baby time, too. Who cares if you didn’t get the den dusted?
It doesn’t make you less of a person because your end tables are dirty. If you
have time for Facebook and Pinterest, you have time for a workout. </span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qvPonrs61sWPGsZdRFADDL4C1-VRX71SppD5bt44sWp5Stw2GZHeHf8LMMWM_MmQWBF0gzc1_ibrk-4FEpvE7x39GUbWsijHlgcP6150-ZHUEEDXWcuZvsvPxJNyHZvAg6Un-VL7Vt4/s1600/Moms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qvPonrs61sWPGsZdRFADDL4C1-VRX71SppD5bt44sWp5Stw2GZHeHf8LMMWM_MmQWBF0gzc1_ibrk-4FEpvE7x39GUbWsijHlgcP6150-ZHUEEDXWcuZvsvPxJNyHZvAg6Un-VL7Vt4/s320/Moms.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trying to find a balance with my time, family, and fitness
is not easy. It changes from week to week. But with a supportive husband, I am
learning to make it work. My son <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i>
have a healthy mom, and he will learn to make healthy fitness and eating
choices by watching me. I can definitely make time for that!</span></div>
<br />
Lexyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353159165707239368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-214294852621832232013-03-01T06:00:00.000-05:002013-03-01T06:00:00.888-05:00Meet Me in St. LouisLast week Lexy and I traveled to St. Louis and when we were
not busy in our Board meetings, we had a blast exploring the local attractions,
shops and restaurants in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here
is a recap of some of our favorites!<br />
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.blueberryhill.com/" target="_blank">Blueberry Hill</a>: </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were so excited that Blueberry Hill was
open that we braved the snowstorm and headed there for lunch on Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blueberry Hill is a St. Louis landmark filled
with pop culture memorabilia and is the home of legendary Chuck Berry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lexy and I both got the Veggie Burger with
Provel cheese (a St. Louis specialty) and it was delicious!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJktZNbcwdPhyA2ngGmk-Nu5ea9Lk9-5np9oLzTa-OzTXTYOaF3JVRpn4-K2WZh1mFqJALaQRLK3HH8ZuP9bi2fp0-3D08Q__85i1Cy1YWg-_cXpoqbu3K1eNQXjlK65QOgAA6gSwy7E/s1600/blueberryhill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZJktZNbcwdPhyA2ngGmk-Nu5ea9Lk9-5np9oLzTa-OzTXTYOaF3JVRpn4-K2WZh1mFqJALaQRLK3HH8ZuP9bi2fp0-3D08Q__85i1Cy1YWg-_cXpoqbu3K1eNQXjlK65QOgAA6gSwy7E/s320/blueberryhill.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lunch At Blueberry Hill!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://crowncandykitchen.net/" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Crown Candy Kitchen</b>:</a>
Opened in 1913, Crown Candy Kitchen is St. Louis’ oldest soda fountain and when
we stepped through the doors it felt like we had stepped back in time! I had
the egg salad sandwich and Lexy had the grilled ham and cheese- and both of us
had just a tiny shot glass sized portion of her mom’s chocolate shake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we were there we also got to experience
our first food eating (or in this case drinking) contest!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our new BFF Steve decided to try to conquer
Crown Candy Kitchen’s Malt Challenge- if you drink all five malts in 30 minutes
you get them all free and get your name on a plaque. According to the plaque, someone
was able to accomplish this in under 3 minutes! Alas, despite Lexy and my
spirited cheering, Steve was only able to get three malts down before he got
sick and conceded defeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Lexy and I
felt sick and groggy and miserable from the extra sugar we ate over the
weekend, I can only imagine how we would feel after 5 malts!!!!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP4zpZlWKIIByQNX9DB364r8Z-ANMN0Ed3AXhjJm1CgsMPMrr22AxYDNOVKPDD_6tmQdN7k1qOrKllarU-XCkm8UemjodpkdSdRe7d1xi2Dqi3VZ2drpOkA-T9rs8YwTsqwWXzm7g10s/s1600/lexycrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP4zpZlWKIIByQNX9DB364r8Z-ANMN0Ed3AXhjJm1CgsMPMrr22AxYDNOVKPDD_6tmQdN7k1qOrKllarU-XCkm8UemjodpkdSdRe7d1xi2Dqi3VZ2drpOkA-T9rs8YwTsqwWXzm7g10s/s320/lexycrown.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexy and our new bestie Steve at Crown Candy Kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlGTJvbWzPBdFhKlg05z8GlWZG_KfO9D5hHDgegkKO-t4Jm8d_33xOO6x4dRxwvnJzGP0TeVzTqch_f7ehsNL1zgS_hjqcUbw8i5-qpLNKbpciP9JqWzEnZRrmKwYfxqoqztoXdKQ13k/s1600/carriecrown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlGTJvbWzPBdFhKlg05z8GlWZG_KfO9D5hHDgegkKO-t4Jm8d_33xOO6x4dRxwvnJzGP0TeVzTqch_f7ehsNL1zgS_hjqcUbw8i5-qpLNKbpciP9JqWzEnZRrmKwYfxqoqztoXdKQ13k/s320/carriecrown.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrie and Steve (and 5 malts!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.citymuseum.org/" target="_blank">City Museum</a>: </b>If
you are even in St. Louis, you MUST visit the City Museum!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, I cannot tell you how many times
Lexy and I looked at each other while we were running around the museum and
said, “this is the best place EVER!” The museum is like an amazing giant
playground- where you could climb, run, explore, hang, swing- there was even a
10 story slide!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish we had worn heart
rate monitors because by the time we left, Lexy and I were exhausted and I can
only imagine how many calories we burned- who says exercise can’t be fun? Due
to the snow, we were not able to explore the outside or roof areas, but next
time we are in St. Louis we will definitely be back!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexy in a spinning top chair at City Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrF1pQNK1A5RbEaB_0nnajRXpVGNShUhBLDdl7jzlC5SOzfdpzq1jQqUG3VWxSLouLvK6zlmli3GQ19HJ9yUJKCSOhd_J9c4c6d9x5_1EBDRINZjp0MWCOKLqUugFqvEMkbHph4FvnqQ/s1600/carriecity.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrF1pQNK1A5RbEaB_0nnajRXpVGNShUhBLDdl7jzlC5SOzfdpzq1jQqUG3VWxSLouLvK6zlmli3GQ19HJ9yUJKCSOhd_J9c4c6d9x5_1EBDRINZjp0MWCOKLqUugFqvEMkbHph4FvnqQ/s320/carriecity.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrie climbing through the floor at City Museum</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://greenbeansalads.com/" target="_blank">Green Bean</a>: </b>While
Lexy and I did try to eat relatively healthy while in St. Louis, we did indulge
in some local sweet treats (how can you go to St. Louis and not try gooey
butter cake?) By the end of the weekend our bodies were rebelling about the
extra processed food and sugar- we both had headaches, felt lethargic, and just
gross! Luckily, we found Green Bean for dinner on Saturday night- and their
healthy salads made with fresh, local ingredients were just the cure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the Cobb-out salad and Lexy had the
Pueblito- and honestly I cannot tell you how amazing the salad tasted- my body
was definitely thankful to actually be eating something that was providing
nutrients!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpst2pBmI3tze00b9-KNLeb99ORJGnIuh1Epr4jXVIlKNtD95eNL0XABwZDIm7J-C680brPR11NVr3lLILKm-ZaqjGpNxZxH3-C497hBCKnHOCjUPCdFsCeyifp3nTRkSv5y8UPgR2zIc/s1600/greenbean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpst2pBmI3tze00b9-KNLeb99ORJGnIuh1Epr4jXVIlKNtD95eNL0XABwZDIm7J-C680brPR11NVr3lLILKm-ZaqjGpNxZxH3-C497hBCKnHOCjUPCdFsCeyifp3nTRkSv5y8UPgR2zIc/s320/greenbean.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ordering some healthy food at Green Bean!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lexy's mom Carol insisted that power shopping was a sport, however, just to be safe I did fit in two runs at the hotel fitness center. Let me tell you it was really hard to get out of my warm bed (Lexy can confirm that I was not the happiest of campers waking up to run;) , but I felt so much more refreshed from running than I would have staying in bed for an extra 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
Our next board meeting will be in the Oakland/San Francisco area in July- does anyone have any suggestions of healthy restaurants or must see/do sights that we should explore? </div>
carrie213http://www.blogger.com/profile/05733752657096223839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-83793332958845913422013-02-27T09:20:00.002-05:002013-02-27T09:20:52.999-05:00National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Everybody Knows Somebody<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hmMXAAhNSepfbuqzLq2Lm6bDnFM3Ml6wWtoIeN_h_AUOou2MkiGhmAdozebEwWNT3NejiO7oAWGozeGX1yHgKAaz7fRBomip8ZFbkH50LHqGSOMneLhTk0Eg9pA3AJ-xc9JupOyJ8yY/s1600/wedding+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hmMXAAhNSepfbuqzLq2Lm6bDnFM3Ml6wWtoIeN_h_AUOou2MkiGhmAdozebEwWNT3NejiO7oAWGozeGX1yHgKAaz7fRBomip8ZFbkH50LHqGSOMneLhTk0Eg9pA3AJ-xc9JupOyJ8yY/s320/wedding+pic.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
<b><i>This Guest Post was written by Sarah Mashburn Vogel, a friend that Lexy and Carrie have known from our days in a high school youth organization. Sarah is amazingly smart, funny, talented, successful and an all around fantastic woman. She is definitely a Smart Sassy Sister!</i></b><br />
<br />
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This week is <a href="http://nedawareness.org/">National
Eating Disorders Awareness Week</a>. Events like this are often held because
it’s easy for people not to think about issue that doesn’t affect them or
someone they know. So, I’d like to introduce to someone who’s had an eating
disorder: me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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For more than five years, I was one of the estimated 20
million people who are living with an eating disorder. There’s no question I
was in pain, but like many people with eating disorders, I was also great at
hiding it. I was an overachiever who always had plenty of friends and never
forgot to bake a birthday cake or write a thank you note. I even made it
through graduate school a year early. On the surface, that’s not the behavior
of someone with a life-threatening illness. But that’s the terrible irony of
eating disorders. Sometimes people are feeling their worst when they appear to
be at their best. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I also want to touch the topic of weight. Some people assume
that a person with an eating disorder has a “look.” That’s simply not the case.
People with eating disorders come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. I’ve
known a middle-aged man deep in the throes of anorexia. I’ve met a college
student from Asia who used her eating disorder as a way to deal with the
struggles of moving to another country. I’ve even known a 23 year old who <a href="http://www.theatrelab.org/denakohn.asp">lost her life much too early</a>
because of an eating disorder. None of them had that “look.” </div>
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During my own struggle, my weight was both above and below
where it is now. But whatever the number, I still thought it wasn’t “good
enough.” That quest to move away from the “good enough” mentality is something
I challenge myself to do every day. </div>
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I wish could tell you what led me to recovery. I had plenty
of breakthroughs with my therapist. I went to nutritionists and doctors who
told me again and again what I was doing to my body was harmful. I had friends
and family who intervened. I even spent the night in the emergency room. None
of these things really made a difference. For me, recovery came when I realized
that I wanted more out of my life than counting calories and thinking about
food obsessively.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>And when I started
opening myself up to life’s opportunities, I built stronger and more meaningful
relationships with my family and friends. I met my husband (the cute guy in the
picture with me). I got involved in fitness and realized the power of endorphins.
Most important, I found the courage to do things I once thought were
impossible, like becoming a yoga instructor and leaving a “safe” job for new
opportunities. While the journey still continues, I know that I’m on the path
to becoming the person I want to be. </div>
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While I wish I was the only someone you know that’s been
affected by an eating disorder, statistics show that probably isn’t true. 35%
percent of people who go on diets develop some kind of disordered eating.
Whether you are concerned about a friend, family member, or even yourself, here
are a few ways to learn more: </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Call the NEDA hotline (1-800-931-2237). The
experts there provide help and information. </b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Visit the NEDA website, <a href="http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/">www.nationaleatingdisorders.org</a>.
The website is full of resources that you can use to help someone you know or
yourself get support. </b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Not ready to talk about it? Chat about it with
NEDA Click to Chat option. Visit Find Help @ myneda.org</b></li>
</ul>
carrie213http://www.blogger.com/profile/05733752657096223839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-46615823487122359442013-02-21T19:15:00.003-05:002013-02-21T19:15:27.968-05:00Carrie's Top Ten Healthy Travel EssentialsGood Afternoon Everyone! Lexy and I are in St. Louis for a Board Meeting for the National non-profit Board that we both serve on and we have been having a great time exploring- despite Winter Storm Q! While vacation should be fun and both Lexy and I definitely believe in indulging in treats and local culinary specialties, there is no need to let being away from home completely sabotage your healthy eating/exercise plans. This is a list of some of my must pack items that help me stay on track while on vacation.<br />
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<b>Carrie's Top Ten Healthy Travel Essentials: </b><br />
<br />
<b>1. Granola</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIonFEY0qGabQW-FCspx0-_7MWoJPHrRkZcgnPxEhPEws9NnyM-RQq6Y4EveUk2Mjtc5_Z2Y8hB-fCFNh_QYh9eJqhzP0p1ZuAlYsDtHCfEUaMykdC0XlJQ-003Hokc9DnsRJUWYFTVg/s1600/organic+milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIonFEY0qGabQW-FCspx0-_7MWoJPHrRkZcgnPxEhPEws9NnyM-RQq6Y4EveUk2Mjtc5_Z2Y8hB-fCFNh_QYh9eJqhzP0p1ZuAlYsDtHCfEUaMykdC0XlJQ-003Hokc9DnsRJUWYFTVg/s200/organic+milk.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>2. Almond Butter</b>: I bring the individual packs of almond butter with me, since they do not need to be refrigerated and can easily be thrown into my purse. This is a great protein boost for an afternoon snack or paired with an apple or banana for breakfast.<br />
<b>3. Clif Mojo bars</b>: My favorites are the trail mix and the chocolate dipped peanut ones. They are 70% organic and delicious!<br />
<b>4. Individual organic milk/almond milk</b>: I love that you can buy individual cartons of organic milk/almond milk. These are perfect since they do not need to be refrigerated and I can use them either in my morning coffee or in cereal/granola. I found them at Kroger for 10 for $10.00.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz0Pvs4bGVUvCAINE63i6BGJlOw9Z3aePsFnvKUhY8Lpz3ehCsvY3P8VXJXBuNmGarG73TPe2n8UlaOa4In5ipcWjFhxsiyAknkR3ZCFW6aC5S8l-YYa5wEJmGincOH8cpChDd8L4ysY/s1600/crackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz0Pvs4bGVUvCAINE63i6BGJlOw9Z3aePsFnvKUhY8Lpz3ehCsvY3P8VXJXBuNmGarG73TPe2n8UlaOa4In5ipcWjFhxsiyAknkR3ZCFW6aC5S8l-YYa5wEJmGincOH8cpChDd8L4ysY/s200/crackers.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<b>5. Salty Snacks</b>: I usually back something salty/crunchy to snack on- this time I chose organic wheat crackers- way more filling and healthy than Saltines or Potato Chips!<br />
<b>6. Pistachios</b>: both Lexy and I love these! You have to be careful though, because it is all to easy to go through an entire bag of these if you do not watch your portion sizes:). Plus if you get the pistachios that are still in shells, it slows down your eating time! <br />
<b>7. Fruit:</b> I always bring some apples and oranges and bananas. Also, when Lexy and I travel, we always scope out the free breakfast that the hotel offers and will scoop up some extra fruit to replenish our stock- true Smart Sassy Sisters know if you take advantage of things that are free you have more money to spend shopping!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E8CS2vAMS1yKk8shi91duyWnvzOANxZwfakqjYSHCCftLADoEmjwY91rO4NTK7Lxb3W4Sz7n_ebwmlOnR_Sp5t_MRymlMzZn-8SGVqDb0679TylNhQ2er6aAW-g47vEKBxk3DwrBJeo/s1600/runningshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8E8CS2vAMS1yKk8shi91duyWnvzOANxZwfakqjYSHCCftLADoEmjwY91rO4NTK7Lxb3W4Sz7n_ebwmlOnR_Sp5t_MRymlMzZn-8SGVqDb0679TylNhQ2er6aAW-g47vEKBxk3DwrBJeo/s200/runningshoes.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>8. Water Bottle/Nalgene:</b> Drinking enough water is perhaps the single most important thing that you can do for your health! Also, it is much cheaper to bring a case of bottled water or a nalgene filled with water than it is to buy individual bottles of water at the gas station (and that way you are not tempted to get a big gulp soda or a package of Reese cups). <br />
<b>9. Running Shoes/Running clothes:</b> I always pack my running shoes and workout clothes- that way I am prepared to sneak in a quick run at the hotel fitness center (or outside if the weather is nice) during breaks from sightseeing. Getting some runs in while I am on vacation definitely helps offset the extra treats I indulge in:)<br />
<b>10. Headphones</b>: trust me it will make running on the treadmill go by way faster!<br />
<br />
By making sure that I pack healthy snacks and workout gear when I travel, I am able to enjoy vacation without coming home with an extra 10 lbs as a souvenir! carrie213http://www.blogger.com/profile/05733752657096223839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-54003470573922408782013-02-19T06:30:00.000-05:002013-02-19T23:45:11.960-05:00Must have Kitchen Tools<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You have heard us share our love for our
<b><u>Food Processors</u></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They aren’t necessarily
a cheap kitchen gadget, but I use mine on a weekly basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check craig’s list, ebay, garage sales, or
even your mother’s basement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s vital
that it has a sturdy & sharp blade, large bowl and powerful motor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They are p</span>erfect for whipping up almond (cashew or
pecan) butter, salsa, pesto, healthy ice cream and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY59N4B5xSWRLVPC950fEZHGB2EgcF6SpcPYlB7VVxLTn9eTze0c7Z2zKMkDzr4crhtWBCWDK1f5iL_x3oMxaeOTI97yf3kRSVwAShO0OCFcMS2LgDzI1s9ZSyoBT-MHjnhrkb5Nsm_sU/s1600/misto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY59N4B5xSWRLVPC950fEZHGB2EgcF6SpcPYlB7VVxLTn9eTze0c7Z2zKMkDzr4crhtWBCWDK1f5iL_x3oMxaeOTI97yf3kRSVwAShO0OCFcMS2LgDzI1s9ZSyoBT-MHjnhrkb5Nsm_sU/s1600/misto.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><u>Olive Oil Mister</u></b>-you can find them
online or at any kitchen store for about $15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I am cooking I would much rather use olive oil than a can of “natural”
cooking spray that includes grain alcohol and propellant (read the label!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just pour your Extra Virgin Olive Oil into
this mister and pump air pressure in and spray as needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s great for coating skillets on the
stovetop or baking in the oven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And you control the amount of olive oil you are using instead of just pouring it all around. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1W6rOLcflp5gh8raoAjLsuvBMeDxK0H7_typzYEa2Xfvgb6zo4AQ029JEa_NiFLfHYig2CPjmRr9JBtoLtznLv98jV-qA8r7QWo8HbfK2pIyUraDeD9tzRQGFqy8GXzJNdvNDQaCgOI/s1600/salad_spinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1W6rOLcflp5gh8raoAjLsuvBMeDxK0H7_typzYEa2Xfvgb6zo4AQ029JEa_NiFLfHYig2CPjmRr9JBtoLtznLv98jV-qA8r7QWo8HbfK2pIyUraDeD9tzRQGFqy8GXzJNdvNDQaCgOI/s200/salad_spinner.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><u>Salad Spinner</u></b>-I used to just use my
colander to rinse spinach, kale and other leafy greens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought they were rinsed properly, but it
amazes me how much water the spinner draws out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It does take up a lot of cabinet space but when you are dressing a salad
or baking kale in the oven, the last thing you want is watery leaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You can use the bottom container as a bowl to store or serve your greens as well. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTbufYchYOqvGHHrQ6JdKCkGn9VuOTYllNf5yZ2tEW_Rrb_sirSgLSP5qBDTIv18zII8Vm3KKxW7bPfsxrjdjiGxnEODwXSqUSF_xY8Rxz4lMUhQfZ7oHxHNk_xZkn4-jora6ULyCBq0/s1600/garlic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTbufYchYOqvGHHrQ6JdKCkGn9VuOTYllNf5yZ2tEW_Rrb_sirSgLSP5qBDTIv18zII8Vm3KKxW7bPfsxrjdjiGxnEODwXSqUSF_xY8Rxz4lMUhQfZ7oHxHNk_xZkn4-jora6ULyCBq0/s200/garlic.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><u>Garlic Grater Dish</u></b>-I’ll admit I was
skeptical about this but it’s one of my favorite kitchen tools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black;">It is so simple and
easy to use and is only a few inches around. All you have to do is simply place the food item of your choice on
the plate and rub it against the grainy surface and in seconds your food will
be finely grated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Garlic is so small and
it’s a harder cleanup in my mincer, my little dish works wonders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The grate is also so small you don't have to worry about getting big chunks of garlic in a bite. </span>It works great on garlic, ginger, chocolate,
cheese, nuts, nutmeg, and more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><u><b>Mason Jars</b></u>-Ok, it’s not
really a gadget, but we buy these by the caseful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to put almond butter in the half pint
size, nuts in the pint and granola and dried beans in the quart size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glass jars keep the products fresh and safe
and the lids & rings are interchangeable (unless you purchase the wide
mouth ones).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A case usually runs about
$10 and they are great for drinks (remember Carrie’s party post) supplies,
crafting gifts and countless storage options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Plus those reusable plastic containers get pretty dingy after a lot of
uses, not to mention the breakdown of plastic seeping into your food!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What are your favorite
kitchen gadgets that you can’t live without?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lexyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353159165707239368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-82923174755525896772013-02-15T06:00:00.000-05:002013-02-15T06:00:07.158-05:00Macaroni & Cheese Makeover<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">One of my favorite comfort foods is macaroni &
cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would buy the blue box with
the powdered “cheese product” or the yellow box with the creamy “cheese
product.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t matter to me, as
long as it was warm and cheesy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s
a much healthier & more wholesome way to enjoy the flavor of macaroni &
cheese without all the chemicals and fillers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span></div>
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<h3 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></h3>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span itemprop="amount"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 </span>3-pound spaghetti squash,
halved lengthwise and seeded<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span itemprop="amount"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 tablespoon </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span itemprop="name">olive oil</span></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVdVgq9TwBv4AixSCeueCNNRwEr8fXzQBa8drmaYeZv1XBU9H_xkHLFO2Jkmae4WMgYCe3clvpRpMmvkMJTEeLNBP_eX8IZ5FJLp3Vu-r9NBbjX1FNIw4WSe3aJXk0E6B6ivAUEkneQk/s1600/squash.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVdVgq9TwBv4AixSCeueCNNRwEr8fXzQBa8drmaYeZv1XBU9H_xkHLFO2Jkmae4WMgYCe3clvpRpMmvkMJTEeLNBP_eX8IZ5FJLp3Vu-r9NBbjX1FNIw4WSe3aJXk0E6B6ivAUEkneQk/s1600/squash.png" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span itemprop="amount"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 </span>15-ounce container ricotta<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span itemprop="amount"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span itemprop="name">large egg</span></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span itemprop="amount"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">4 cups </span>baby spinach, chopped<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span itemprop="amount"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 </span>garlic clove, chopped<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span itemprop="amount"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1/8 teaspoon </span><span itemprop="name">ground
nutmeg</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span itemprop="amount"><span itemprop="name">kosher salt and black pepper</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span itemprop="amount"><span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1 cup </span>grated mozzarella <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<h3 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-size: small;">Directions<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></h3>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Heat oven to 400° F. Place the squash on a
rimmed baking sheet, cut-side down, and roast until tender, 40 to 50 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the
ricotta, egg, spinach, garlic, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">With a fork, gently scrape out the strands of
squash and add to the ricotta mixture. Mix gently to combine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch square baking
dish, sprinkle with the mozzarella, and bake until browned and bubbling, 18 to
22 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">If
you like it spicy you can certainly add siracha, chili powder or any other kind
of spice or seasoning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also tried it
with green peas instead of spinach and it was tasty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broccoli might be another great option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We eat a lot of spaghetti squash, so it’s
nice to switch up the preparation every once in a while, so it doesn’t taste
like the same menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_iJqKDzRQs2xBBXLkO6fG6ZtN-VE8Uq8ayXktyb7vfitL17nKIfW3GEVGEKeOD9chw8pHHtsqQbpsIS8s17_iifIBZZphkNAIjpSMWUHeXAtGGJ8q0fICDfi8F8TXf7Vaq88ykeJTHI/s1600/diet_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_iJqKDzRQs2xBBXLkO6fG6ZtN-VE8Uq8ayXktyb7vfitL17nKIfW3GEVGEKeOD9chw8pHHtsqQbpsIS8s17_iifIBZZphkNAIjpSMWUHeXAtGGJ8q0fICDfi8F8TXf7Vaq88ykeJTHI/s320/diet_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Lexyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353159165707239368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-91765346849792533402013-02-13T17:00:00.000-05:002013-02-13T17:01:47.259-05:00Birthday Reflections!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcu56HBzAf0nJU8rGFRUgap-vU3q1OUPxFyDp2aLhPxwTP-P10nXstvNcKzVD8fArBmcMkbDfC8YBvXlnyJ9S8c9hrPHUsfJj3ADGjQ0z73CZcviQVKMJZ8PM79hvbmTOp1IwWYapfi4/s1600/birthdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcu56HBzAf0nJU8rGFRUgap-vU3q1OUPxFyDp2aLhPxwTP-P10nXstvNcKzVD8fArBmcMkbDfC8YBvXlnyJ9S8c9hrPHUsfJj3ADGjQ0z73CZcviQVKMJZ8PM79hvbmTOp1IwWYapfi4/s1600/birthdays.jpg" /></a>I love birthdays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
of my favorite television shows of all time is the Gilmore Girls and I could
not agree more with the Gilmore Girls’ idea of a “birthday week”- I mean
birthdays are so much fun, why not stretch out the celebration as long as
possible?:)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me birthdays have always been less about
the presents and the cake (though lets be honest what smart sassy sister does not love presents and chocolate:) and more about hearing from all of my friends and loved ones. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every year I am
reminded of how blessed and lucky I am to have so many wonderful people in my
life who love and support me. <br />
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<br />
In the past two years, however, my birthday has taken on an
even more special significance for me as it is an annual reminder of the start
of my weight loss journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The impetus
for the start of my journey was when I realized that I would turn 30 that year-
and I knew that if I wanted to make a change in my life, now was the time to do
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year, on my 31<sup>st</sup>
birthday, I celebrated officially losing 100 lbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, on my 32<sup>nd</sup> birthday, I am
celebrating successfully maintaining my 120 lb weight loss for over a
year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When people tell me they are
dreading turning 30, I just smile, because turning 30 for me was the start of a
brand new life- so far my 30’s have been fabulous!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLuFclz6LesohlBwvdhfIich6vd6ctnI4MOaRuQUt6cb5NB-HyFm-C7M-yVr6TG71diWo4HbEUX6MWJfSBSOXJFNHCsKpugoY-exr8Hq1PdB2nbZc6Onr7p6nOlYVKfld-n4Y8pbRBf0/s1600/birthdayquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLuFclz6LesohlBwvdhfIich6vd6ctnI4MOaRuQUt6cb5NB-HyFm-C7M-yVr6TG71diWo4HbEUX6MWJfSBSOXJFNHCsKpugoY-exr8Hq1PdB2nbZc6Onr7p6nOlYVKfld-n4Y8pbRBf0/s1600/birthdayquote.jpg" /></a></div>
When I talk about my weight loss or health journey, one of
the things I always try to stress is that the transformation is so much more
than just being able to fit into a size 4 pair of jeans (though that is a great
bonus:)
it is about discovering what you are capable of and who you are as a
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to say that I am a
totally different person now than I was before I started this journey- but
recently I have realized that is not entirely a correct statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not that I am a different person, but
rather that through this journey I have learned to step out from behind the
extra baggage and fears and insecurities and let the true Carrie shine through. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I drive
Lexy crazy when I go on and on about emotional or abstract concepts, here is a
list of practical concrete examples of how this journey has changed or impacted
my life:</div>
<ul>
<li>I believe in myself and I know that I have the
willpower and dedication to accomplish anything that I set my mind to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I no longer think “oh I can’t do that” or “that’s
impossible”- instead if there is something I want to do or accomplish, I
research it, come up with a plan and do it! </li>
<li>I am a
runner! I have run in 4 half marathons, numerous smaller races, and joined a running
group where I met friends who I never would have met if I had not started this
journey! </li>
<li>When someone tells me I look beautiful or that I
am pretty, I no longer try to deny it or think they are just trying to be nice-
I can graciously accept the compliment.</li>
<li>Clothes shopping is so much more fun- not to
mention I am super excited about the adorable size 4 dress I bought to wear out
on my Valentine’s Day date with my boyfriend!</li>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>I have learned so much more about healthy
cooking, nutrition and eating as clean and eliminating as many non-processed
foods/poisonous chemicals as possible. </li>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>I started a blog with one of my dearest friends
that has almost 17,000 page views and has given us a forum to share and connect
with others who are on their own health journeys</li>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>I started a garden and learned to grow my own
vegetables (yes, its yuppie farming, but still I think its pretty cool<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">:)<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></li>
<li>I can go rock climbing, or skiing, or dancing,
or hiking, or numerous other physical activities that I never would have been
able to do before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
</ul>
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The list could go on and on- my life has completely
transformed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So today I’m celebrating my
32<sup>nd</sup> birthday a happier, healthier, more confident woman who is
truly blessed by all of the wonderful people and experiences she has in her
life- and who is so excited about all the future has to offer!</div>
carrie213http://www.blogger.com/profile/05733752657096223839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-78418609133112837592013-02-07T06:00:00.000-05:002013-02-07T06:00:03.632-05:00Conscious Box Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am sure you have heard
of the monthly box craze with popular options such as Birch Box, Yellow Box,
Makeup Monthly, PopSugar and Crave Box and countless others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sweet husband got me a subscription to Conscious
Box for Christmas and I love it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
company has their own particular details, but the concept is simple-you pay a
monthly fee and have a “grab bag” of items shipped to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some items are full size, some are samples
and there is usually a really nice variety so you can try out lots of different
products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I researched and tried some
other food & fitness related boxes, but I settled on Conscious Box because
of the minimally processed and organic items I receive, they also have Vegan
and Gluten Free boxes if you are interested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here’s the description
from their website:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conscious Box</span><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">
brings healthy, organic, sustainable, and purpose-driven businesses right to
your door. What's inside your Conscious Box changes every month, with 10-20
products that are certified organic, fair trade, vegan, cruelty free, or more.
Only most socially responsible companies are included—so you can be sure
they're putting people & the planet first!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Conscious Box is great way to discover new businesses that are committed
to the philosophy of sustainability, conservation, and social responsibility.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this concept
because I wouldn’t necessarily buy all of these products in the store, but it’s
a great way to try lots of different things and then go purchase them if you
like them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you don’t, then you won’t
feel bad about wasting money since there are at least 10 other items in your
box.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrn4Ty1sqkpofcIWG5pPBWhtA5dQNQHdn7Xdw93so__xeRn0hPMrLPdkQV19vzmRE3q4QB9f-rEDmlwLixXQO1u5W_gh2NrdOI3gerHoZpTyN27Xop9H5xWegeYAVWjT2U9mWGXuJ46q0/s1600/dec2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrn4Ty1sqkpofcIWG5pPBWhtA5dQNQHdn7Xdw93so__xeRn0hPMrLPdkQV19vzmRE3q4QB9f-rEDmlwLixXQO1u5W_gh2NrdOI3gerHoZpTyN27Xop9H5xWegeYAVWjT2U9mWGXuJ46q0/s320/dec2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 2012 Goodies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In December I really
liked the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7th Heaven Naturals</b> face
mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to get 2 uses out of it
and left my skin feeling refreshed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
also enjoyed the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">18 Rabbits Granola</b>
with crunchy pecans, almonds, maple, and just a hint of coconut. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I tried the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Beanfield Snacks</b> chips made out of Beans instead of potato’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crazy huh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Brian is hooked on the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">St.
Claire's Organics Ginger Sweets</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were a little too intense for me, but I am glad he liked them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Avalon
Organic’s Soothing Vanilla Rosemary Lip Balm</b> is also a favorite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not sticky and tastes and smells wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I loved the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Divine Chocolate Spice Cookie Bar</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had to buy another one at Whole Foods since we devoured this one so
quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My skin gets extra dry in the
winter and the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eden Allure Argan Oil </b>was
a perfect way to keep it moisturized.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJu9oPcF0UMjwQNf6e42j1li-hbUakh7gHeAztFKOAj0DPvirwEIUIadc2VBimDpme7s4PrRxsUwcz391nvLDkg7phGN_kM9zC7jdKBULk_35EHNT8fNSB83q_vIidDG_QV-U35O6dLw/s1600/jan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJu9oPcF0UMjwQNf6e42j1li-hbUakh7gHeAztFKOAj0DPvirwEIUIadc2VBimDpme7s4PrRxsUwcz391nvLDkg7phGN_kM9zC7jdKBULk_35EHNT8fNSB83q_vIidDG_QV-U35O6dLw/s320/jan2.jpg" width="278" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">January 2013 Treats</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">In January I
fell in love with the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Qbel Whole Grain
Crispy Wafers</b>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got mint but had to
go and buy peanut butter & dark chocolate also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like a delicious and nutritious kitkat
bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t tried my <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pamela’s Chocolate Brownie Mix</b> yet, but
it looks amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Peeled Apple Cluster</b>s were a little too
crunchy for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both really liked the
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Teechia High Performance Super Seeds
Cereal</b> with Chia, Flax, Quinoa, Amaranth, Ramon and Pumpkin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a perfect alternative for prepackaged
oatmeal when camping. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also got a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Larabar</b> which I’m sure you have learned
by now is one of my favorites!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My February box will arrive soon, I can’t wait!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>
</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">
</span><br />
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Lexyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353159165707239368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-38431253642064249252013-02-05T14:36:00.000-05:002013-02-05T14:36:00.677-05:00Easy Baked Penne with Ricotta and Basil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcDUiYjLDVFyP8c94RTDwD24muZRYv15_fTd-OR91N2NJF5kbGphn4D_4r4fG4IIjaA47s7gPhAkY9MeUhg6fzlMaqZzM9muCQYujyV3cypRt9K84sqERmTpWTjDFGwvuJwLaH7Uykz0/s1600/bakedpenne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcDUiYjLDVFyP8c94RTDwD24muZRYv15_fTd-OR91N2NJF5kbGphn4D_4r4fG4IIjaA47s7gPhAkY9MeUhg6fzlMaqZzM9muCQYujyV3cypRt9K84sqERmTpWTjDFGwvuJwLaH7Uykz0/s320/bakedpenne.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There is something about winter that makes me crave comfort food. One of the things that has made successfully maintaining weight loss a lot easier for me is finding ways to convert traditional comfort food recipes into healthier versions. The recipe below is a healthier take on a pasta casserole that I adapted from a recipe from wholefoods.com. It is simple to make and also freezes great. By substituting whole wheat pasta, skim ricotta, and lean ground turkey, this recipe can serve to satisfy those comfort food cravings without breaking the calorie bank!<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients: (for 6 servings)</b><br />
<ul>
<li>1 pound penne rigate pasta (I use organic whole wheat pasta)</li>
<li>1 cup part skim ricotta cheese</li>
<li>1/2 tsp dried basil</li>
<li>1 (25-oz) jar of marinara pasta sauce (I usually use tomato basil, though I think a garlic or veggie sauce would be good as well)</li>
<li>1/4 tsp ground black pepper</li>
<li>3/4 c shredded mozzarella cheese</li>
<li>1 lb lean ground turkey (optional- the original recipe does not call for this but I usually add the ground turkey to add protein to the recipe)</li>
</ul>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350</li>
<li>If you are using ground turkey, brown the turkey with some onion and drain.</li>
<li>Cook penne according to directions on package, then set aside and let cool for 5 minutes</li>
<li>Combine ricotta cheese, basil, 1 1/2 cups of the pasta sauce and pepper in a large bowl</li>
<li>Transfer pasta to the bowl with the cheese mixture and toss gently to coat. Stir in the ground turkey.</li>
<li>Spread 1/2 c of the remaining pasta sauce over the bottom of the baking dish (I usually use a 9x13) </li>
<li>Spoon the pasta mixture into the baking dish and spread out evenly. Drizzle remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.</li>
<li>Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes</li>
</ol>
While I really enjoy this recipe, I have noticed that it can have a tendency to be a little bland if you do not add onions to the ground turkey or add some additional spices such as basil and pepper. I think that next time I make this I will use a more flavorful pasta sauce. <br /><br />
<b> </b>carrie213http://www.blogger.com/profile/05733752657096223839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-36436658171994202432013-01-31T16:00:00.000-05:002013-01-31T16:00:04.995-05:00Adventures in Rock Climbing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssCtwKtPn2GZ_-Ml8JvsIEwP9K_Hk7AWf0CbwHIDTgvnqiIabYilFSwbZB_rhtfbOY-c7BSZYJKnJlBux6_hKw4BzOU3vgpAQjn1Vx4o1bO5i7KNsFhyNoc-V1zjptbrDZcRlJlyzSMw/s1600/jillian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssCtwKtPn2GZ_-Ml8JvsIEwP9K_Hk7AWf0CbwHIDTgvnqiIabYilFSwbZB_rhtfbOY-c7BSZYJKnJlBux6_hKw4BzOU3vgpAQjn1Vx4o1bO5i7KNsFhyNoc-V1zjptbrDZcRlJlyzSMw/s200/jillian.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Confession: </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stepping
out of your comfort zone can be challenging and humbling for someone with a
Type A personality who hates the thought of other people seeing that she is not
good or perfect at something (aka ME<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span></span> Though I would not describe myself as a prideful or arrogant person and while I do think that trying new things is the best
way to stretch and grow as a person, I was reminded last night of how humbling this<b> </b>experience can actually be.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>I realized that while I say that I like
stepping outside of my comfort zone, the Type A part of my personality <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>would still prefer to be in control of this
process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A perfect example was last night when I went rock climbing.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>Here is how my ideal scenario
would have gone:</b> </div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>I would have researched (aka googled) rock
climbing and learned as many tips and techniques for beginners as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I would have gone and practiced on my
own <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(aka without people I know around)
and only THEN I would have gone rock climbing with my boyfriend (who is an
experienced climber) and he would <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have amazed
at how “naturally” I picked it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
me, that seems like a win-win situation- I would have broadened my horizons by
trying something new while minimizing the risk of looking like a fool in front
of someone I care about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<b>Here is how my actual adventure in rock climbing went down:</b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I had no idea what I was doing, it took me about
15 times to be able to learn how to make the simple figure<b> </b>8 knot (one of my
favorite comments from the night was when I said to Kevin- “um, this really
doesn’t look like a figure 8, it looks like a pretzel” and he replied with “if
it looks like a pretzel that is how you know its wrong;).”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I consider myself an athlete, it
turns out running half-marathons does not necessarily mean that you will have
the right strength or muscles to climb up a wall- I can only imagine how
awkward I looked hanging from the wall desperately trying to grab for a
handhold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And climbing was the part I
was at least remotely decent at- I don’t even want to discuss my difficulties
with belaying<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span></span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>For some reason the concept of throwing the
rope and keeping it locked (so you don’t drop the person who is climbing up the
wall- which even I knew was a bad thing to do) was hard for me to grasp. </li>
</ul>
</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEofKDKlOFNuNl1JSeyD5ykM5yXGIQRFBihnwUy-VAHCc34A1q65noYUL0tvaoZd8_BtFn1Zo3oizKccWBxsC5ZXppk-Z1ltpZNJ0Ls26A_SY8uY24-FOFX4_-WA_qklPWwAH42xl4X8k/s1600/blister3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEofKDKlOFNuNl1JSeyD5ykM5yXGIQRFBihnwUy-VAHCc34A1q65noYUL0tvaoZd8_BtFn1Zo3oizKccWBxsC5ZXppk-Z1ltpZNJ0Ls26A_SY8uY24-FOFX4_-WA_qklPWwAH42xl4X8k/s320/blister3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blisters-proof that I worked hard!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Luckily, Kevin was a very patient teacher and by the end of
the night I had successfully tackled a wall that I could not do the first time
around, I managed to finally belay him without getting my hand caught in the
carabiner, and both of us left mostly physically intact- or at least without any broken
bones<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">:)</span>
And do you know what- I loved it! It was a really hard workout, but it was FUN-
and I am super proud of the blisters and bruises on my hands because they show
hard work and perseverance. I loved rock climbing because it challenged me mentally and physically- it was like a puzzle trying to figure out where to best place your hands and feet to climb to the top of the wall (sort of like a vertical version of Twister) but I could also feel it working muscles in my arms, legs, back and core. I know the amount of calories burned rock climbing depends on a lot of factors, but I can guarantee you I burned a lot more calories on a rock climbing date than sitting in the movie theater!<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is really easy to blog or feel superior about things that
we are good at- at this point I feel like I am pretty confident giving advice
or suggestions on eating healthy, maintaining weight loss, or running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is much harder and much more humbling to
try something new and let others see your inexperience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But honestly, I think that is where true
growth happens- when you admit your inexperience, allow yourself be taught by
others , and embrace the challenge as a new adventure
that takes practice to master. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">How have you stepped out of your comfort zone recently? Are there any other new/interesting fitness experiences that you have tried?</span></div>
carrie213http://www.blogger.com/profile/05733752657096223839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-67633991269961569402013-01-29T15:53:00.000-05:002013-01-29T15:53:35.094-05:00You CAN buy healthy on a budget<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Last
week I shared my favorite ways to shop for healthy and local produce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that doesn’t fit your budget right now, or
you live in an area that doesn’t have lots of options, I am here to tell you that you can still eat healthy and it won’t cost you a ton of money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your resolution this year was to eat
healthier or save money, I have you covered with this post!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0YwO2dUkeG_aG4K7BXfQcbW37RQMYyCuKG3rqbUKFXCjfs_HSu-MMqmx4iVjccASjznmHjNvoB5RndRaV92ixMprGeocveAQJEdT4uWF1_AlWBfeFYdXacB_dwFgD-0apqkXFU2RevDR/s1600/aldi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0YwO2dUkeG_aG4K7BXfQcbW37RQMYyCuKG3rqbUKFXCjfs_HSu-MMqmx4iVjccASjznmHjNvoB5RndRaV92ixMprGeocveAQJEdT4uWF1_AlWBfeFYdXacB_dwFgD-0apqkXFU2RevDR/s320/aldi.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFn3vWjo-xk9YNOKdgxflPg2_LQnrAfpSnEWBAO5XnlV6x-fSqYlhFgiHPGAF1ErUx6u-pUaPLT2P6L7Kt3nb-zLHDphHYJ9hisHKj8VYoU-w2PBfMOWsUKn3K1KL-ocwlU-MYFk5RSFF/s1600/walmart.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFn3vWjo-xk9YNOKdgxflPg2_LQnrAfpSnEWBAO5XnlV6x-fSqYlhFgiHPGAF1ErUx6u-pUaPLT2P6L7Kt3nb-zLHDphHYJ9hisHKj8VYoU-w2PBfMOWsUKn3K1KL-ocwlU-MYFk5RSFF/s320/walmart.png" width="320" /></a>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b>Make a list and check it twice.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it’s not on your list don’t buy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t give in to those impulse buys,
especially if they aren’t on sale and are full of garbage chemicals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll check out the ads and see what produce
is on sale and make my menu plan that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I won’t prepare a fresh organic fruit salad in November when I know the
price is sky high on berries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
organic kale went on sale 2 weeks ago I bought 4 big bundles of it and tried
all kinds of new recipes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b>Ditch the prepackaged meals, organic or not, they
will cost you more!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are doing all
the prep work for you, and putting in all kinds of chemicals and additives so
it stays “fresh” before you eat it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
about actually making it fresh yourself with actual ingredients?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will cost less when you buy the products
and you can feel good about what is in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><u>Doing your own cooking not only lets you control what you put in it,
but also controls what you don’t put in it!</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My recipe doesn’t call for propylene glycol in my chicken pot pie, but
oddly enough it’s in there at the grocery store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b>Buy from the bulk foods section.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only is the per pound price much cheaper,
you can also just buy a few ounces or whatever you need for a recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you aren’t sure if you are going to like
quinoa or couscous (but I promise you will love them!) try it out in the bulk
food section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where I buy my
oats, grains, nuts and unsweetened dried fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stay away from the bulk gummy bears, they won’t save you any money and
don’t give you any nutritional benefit. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b>Sam’s Club does carry some organic produce
and meats at great prices</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 1 pound
tub of mixed organic baby greens is just over $4, which is pretty good deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t already have a membership at Sam’s,
don’t run out and buy one, unless you plan on using it more. Sam's Club lets each member bring a guest in with them, so if you do not have a membership find a family member or friend who has a membership and see if they would be willing to take you with them the next time you go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(We don’t have Costco or other warehouse
stores in Oklahoma, so I am only familiar with Sam’s)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also do a 200% guarantee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t like the produce, bakery or
meat, they will double your refund back to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b>Walmart does price matching from competitor
ads.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can read all the specifics at
this<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="http://corporate.walmart.com/ad-match-guarantee" target="_blank">link</a>. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are reviewing the ads from other
stores and they have an item at a great price, don’t drive all over town to
pick it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t have to wait in
line at customer service, just tell your cashier, and I always have a printed
copy of the ad just in case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
scored plenty of pineapples for 99 cents this way.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://aldi.us/index_ENU_HTML.htm" target="_blank">Aldi</a>
is a bare bones grocery store with rock bottom prices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They usually aren’t in the most affluent
sections of town and you have to pay a quarter deposit to use a grocery cart, but
you get it back when you return your cart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And if you are already bringing your own reusable bags you won’t have to
pay for their bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen peaches
for a quarter, grapes for 88 cents, and carrots for 49 cents!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those were all conventionally grown, but
super cheap prices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also just
launched their private label organic line called Simply Nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You still need to check the labels and read
the ingredients, but it is by far the cheapest place I have seen organics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a bottle of their Organic Extra Virgin
Olive Oil (17 oz) – $3.99 and Organic Frozen Strawberries (<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">12 oz) – $2.39 and was pretty impressed with
both.<b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b>Use coupons!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please don’t turn into those extreme
couponers on TLC, but you can save money using coupons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most coupons are put out by all the big name
manufacturers and contain items that we don’t eat anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saving 55 cents on an item you weren’t going
to buy already isn’t really saving you any money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://livingorganicforless.com/?page_id=96" target="_blank">Living Organic for Less</a> is my favorite site
to plug in whatever I’m going to purchase and it will tell me if there are
coupons available. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Leandra runs this site, and
hopefully will be guest blogging for us soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Usually if you print them from the computer you can print the coupon
twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also like <a href="http://thegreenbacksgal.com/saving-green/organic-coupons/" target="_blank">this site</a> for tips on
saving money. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">What’s the best deal you have found on
healthy items and where did you get it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lexyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353159165707239368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-12859973532325196512013-01-24T06:00:00.000-05:002013-01-24T06:00:10.852-05:00Shopping-Grocery Style<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">If
you know me at all, you know I love shopping!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While I prefer to shop for clothes, or shoes, or whatever is on sale, I
can also fill that shopping void by doing most of our grocery shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know each part of the country has their own
grocery store chains, so I can only speak for what is available to me in
Oklahoma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I encourage you to go out and
find what is out there in your city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">First
I would strongly urge you to check out Carrie’s posts from May & June on
her experiences with her first garden, the money she saved and delicious
produce she grew in her backyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
meantime, below are a few other suggestions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first 3 options are my favorite since you are supporting local,
sustainable farmers and keeping your money in your community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">-We
belonged to one of these last year and it was great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depending on the size of the share and the
size of your family you might want to split it with someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ours was $25 a week and they delivered 2
large brown bags of groceries to me every week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes it was hard to use it all up before the next delivery came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite thing about it was the surprise,
it was like a grab bag!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever is in
season that week, you will get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will
be supporting a local farmer and getting the best local produce that hasn’t
been traveling cross country, or cross continent to get to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are in OKC, check out
<a href="http://www.kamskookery.com/gfarms.htm" target="_blank">Guilford Gardens</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">. </span>Last year I really enjoyed the tomatoes,
peppers, corn, peppery arugula, squash and tried so many new dishes that weren’t
part of my repertoire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Farmer’s Markets</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">-If
you like the idea of eating & supporting locally (why would you not??) but
you also want to control what items you purchase then this is the best option
for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Check out this fabulous <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/" target="_blank">link</a> for a national site with all kinds of great links to local farmer's and their markets. It's really comprehensive. </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Urban Agrarian</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">-
Some farmer’s markets are only held on the weekends, or have limited
hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are in Oklahoma City you
need to check out
<a href="http://www.uaoklahoma.com/About_us" target="_blank">Urban Agrarian</a>. They are a farmer’s market that has a storefront open Wednesday-Sunday and also
travels to locations throughout the growing months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They do all the hard work and gather products
from 30 Oklahoma producers including amazing juicy peaches from Porter, perfect
eggs from Geary, and beef from Davis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can still support local farmers but I don’t have to drive all across the
state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I go there at least once a week,
all year round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get to know where my
food it coming from and who prepared it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not all of it is labeled ‘organic’ but you can always ask about their
pesticides and growing process and make your own decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can even order online and they will have
it ready for you, or will deliver it to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72ENB1mhYRxhlvRANFej7L-J0699DT7z8sNmgzBTBPi4Cmp0lIiZbz0U2aBbI5i7e9g5-feR31vFU-o9uz8y1aI0Y1mFLGCCC-cUwyNMWNtXfD-su1X09cvdWfm41NzZ36QXY8rqKZ-k/s1600/whole_foods-logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72ENB1mhYRxhlvRANFej7L-J0699DT7z8sNmgzBTBPi4Cmp0lIiZbz0U2aBbI5i7e9g5-feR31vFU-o9uz8y1aI0Y1mFLGCCC-cUwyNMWNtXfD-su1X09cvdWfm41NzZ36QXY8rqKZ-k/s200/whole_foods-logo1.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Whole Foods</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">-Commonly called “Whole
Paycheck” <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/" target="_blank">Whole Foods</a> does not have the reputation of being affordable, but it
does have the reputation of being the most health conscious organic
grocer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really impressed me that they
don’t allow anything sold in their stores to have ingredients from this
unacceptable list <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/about-our-products/quality-standards/unacceptable-ingredients-food" target="_blank">unacceptable list</a>
of more than 80 “ingredients.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I use
“ingredients” in quotes because I don’t have bottles of potassium metabisulfite,
ethylene oxide and caprocaprylobehenin at home next to my refrigerator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heck I don’t even know how to pronounce them,
but I am sure they are all crammed into some over processed snack that I ate at
one point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They still don’t ban recombinant
bovine growth hormone and propylene glycol so make sure you are reading the labels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their private label brand is called 365 and is more reasonably
priced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their sales also overlap on
Wednesdays, so go then to stretch your dollar further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can also use Whole Foods coupons (printed
online) and stack them with manufactures coupons for an even better
bargain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have an extensive health
& beauty section and salad bar and prepared foods section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their customer service is impeccable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their Whole Deal section of the website has
coupons and recipes and they are always running promotions and educational
opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMwLudoXlvA3-GqsuRgUhyphenhyphenkzVvNhKqpYZG4rvODh91vHYnnAfvy8Wy7WiCHLdgn3Md1pEVXwzOzZYN2Mos9j61OIHmdVBrS-B474P1Q9b7nuMgy2s2WlCRIM8ZlpC4bubplwx4VRpY2k/s1600/Logo_static.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMwLudoXlvA3-GqsuRgUhyphenhyphenkzVvNhKqpYZG4rvODh91vHYnnAfvy8Wy7WiCHLdgn3Md1pEVXwzOzZYN2Mos9j61OIHmdVBrS-B474P1Q9b7nuMgy2s2WlCRIM8ZlpC4bubplwx4VRpY2k/s1600/Logo_static.png" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Trader Joe’s</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">-I
think you have heard me talk about my love for
<a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/" target="_blank">Trader Joe's</a> and if you are lucky enough to have one nearby, check it out. I was surprised
to recently learn they are owned by the same people as Aldi’s (I'll be posting
about them next week). They carry a good variety of healthy food options, but I
love their Trader Joe’s label items. The price point is really reasonable and
they contain NO artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, NO MSG, NO
genetically modified ingredients and NO added Trans Fats. They don’t have as
large of a selection as Whole Foods, but you can certainly get what you need,
along with a bottle of $2 Chuck, their frugal wine line from Charles Schwab.
Their website also has some great recipe options and other tips. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbakZWRpF3LyRFsRdc4tnETCoV9cuiUZtVRuZxTiuhuxHl34RlXmPM_MqUJH2fJ2zN4NUD109mEPXr5d6HjlU3rlfdz4CsETHikmRdWlNBkB00wvBZt0i7rfQEA9zJUgAv5nc2W2pJek/s1600/sprouts-logo-294x195.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbakZWRpF3LyRFsRdc4tnETCoV9cuiUZtVRuZxTiuhuxHl34RlXmPM_MqUJH2fJ2zN4NUD109mEPXr5d6HjlU3rlfdz4CsETHikmRdWlNBkB00wvBZt0i7rfQEA9zJUgAv5nc2W2pJek/s1600/sprouts-logo-294x195.png" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Sprouts</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">-<a href="http://sprouts.com/" target="_blank">Sprouts</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is a national chain based out of Colorado and
are in the southwestern states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take
advantage of their best deals on Wednesdays when they have 2 sale ads that
overlap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their stores are about ½ produce,
¼ health & beauty and ¼ traditional packaged foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are known for their “silly produce
prices” and I have purchased pints of blackberries and organic kale for
$1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have sold avocado’s 4/$1 and
bulk almonds for $3.99 a pound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You won’t
find Lay’s potato chips and Diet Coke here, but you will still find added sugars
and processed foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to read
your labels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some great
options at Sprouts, but if you buy bags of “healthy” potato chips don’t wonder
why you are gaining weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A candy bar
is still a candy bar and should be eaten in moderation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure to view their deals of the month
online and register for their e-updates and coupons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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</div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">We
don’t have an <a href="http://www.earthfare.com/" target="_blank">Earth Fare</a> yet in Oklahoma, but I would love to try one out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are primarily in the southeastern
states. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Do you shop at any of these stores or what is your favorite? Next week I'll be sharing how to
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">maneuver in a healthy & affordable way around conventional stores like Walmart and Sam's Club.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Lexyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353159165707239368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-68054057383479595512013-01-22T12:30:00.000-05:002013-01-22T12:30:00.586-05:00Italian Turkey Zucchini Burgers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-eYpFSGE3taRwi3NRkFRuLxxXCNk87OCXLPG6Z34ERmvR9fR6TFaHAy5jwVHe7MLl4YLZtc6Npbp4vY3XzyD_Nkd6ecaAU-AZpT9Wu6rFzCzHTaItWTZtZtWmabEzw_RiynPlRdIEZA/s1600/Italian-Turkey-Burgers-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-eYpFSGE3taRwi3NRkFRuLxxXCNk87OCXLPG6Z34ERmvR9fR6TFaHAy5jwVHe7MLl4YLZtc6Npbp4vY3XzyD_Nkd6ecaAU-AZpT9Wu6rFzCzHTaItWTZtZtWmabEzw_RiynPlRdIEZA/s1600/Italian-Turkey-Burgers-300x225.jpg" /></a></div>
This is one of my favorite recipes to make! I found this recipe on onceamonthmom.com, which has a ton of great make-ahead recipes. Not only are they delicious and nutritious, these turkey burgers are perfect to make ahead of time- I will double or triple the recipe and then after I have cooked them I will wrap them in parchment paper and put them in a ziplock bag and freeze them. Then when I need a quick meal I will just pop one of the frozen turkey burgers into the microwave for 80 seconds or reheat them under the broiler. Even my friend Kate's 10 year old son Brayden loves these!<br />
<br />
<b>Italian Turkey Zucchini Burgers</b><br />
<br />
16 oz ground turkey breast<br />
2 medium zucchini, grated<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp garlic powder<br />
1 tsp dried basil<br />
1 tsp dried oregano<br />
1/2 tsp black pepper<br />
1/2 tsp crushed fennel<br />
<ul>
<li>In a large bowl, mix the zucchini and all of the seasonings. </li>
<li>Add in the turkey and mix well. </li>
<li>Form into patties- I usually make the patties a little smaller than the size of my palm</li>
<li>Turn on broiler and broil patties for 7 minutes per side.</li>
</ul>
These are great on exekiel buns or whole wheat bread- I have even eaten them by themselves:) carrie213http://www.blogger.com/profile/05733752657096223839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-77884018849784908792013-01-18T12:00:00.000-05:002013-01-18T12:00:01.554-05:00Cold Weather Running Tips!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgPzhm2bNVF9CbI6ZGr9PTv8kSUQ4lYMKd-BdKnqHfH-oe3BvD5jeYXWo1mj9VrtzQwQr_RekJzvYxaLCmtQwaf-VcD5wS5gv_8tFtKUyMY-XUYAS9JLm5GvCo7GYbzvtrDtXLQLJd6s/s1600/winterrunning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgPzhm2bNVF9CbI6ZGr9PTv8kSUQ4lYMKd-BdKnqHfH-oe3BvD5jeYXWo1mj9VrtzQwQr_RekJzvYxaLCmtQwaf-VcD5wS5gv_8tFtKUyMY-XUYAS9JLm5GvCo7GYbzvtrDtXLQLJd6s/s320/winterrunning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here in Ohio, we are firmly ensconced in winter- which
definitely makes me miss the lovely fall running days! However, if you are like
me and avoid the treadmill at any cost, here are some winter weather running
tips that will keep you from putting on the winter pounds without relegating
you to the boredom of the treadmill!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehaJR-a8N1yeyG8Ap0WlwtDXLsyRztZqH2FgfdMUfv3VT6poEktiCJbAtCMbMl2fq9lBXMZGLzeC9vpWPi1b0PNov9Zfsr3YndHRnFJN8x-L7TyzbLswHnzmoF4An026GuBHBHFJ1rD0/s1600/mizuno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehaJR-a8N1yeyG8Ap0WlwtDXLsyRztZqH2FgfdMUfv3VT6poEktiCJbAtCMbMl2fq9lBXMZGLzeC9vpWPi1b0PNov9Zfsr3YndHRnFJN8x-L7TyzbLswHnzmoF4An026GuBHBHFJ1rD0/s200/mizuno.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGT7apWHbLo_u9W7h8L9vvk1-63PAqF-BEYpyRjsWUm3ZtWrzbPxo88WHke9wgl4zzZ4FXBlpSvuxloS1A38ry1n8xXXTUox-5lrF-I8I50nc6mdJxj2Hx9Kjicyok8bOZfX2kIfZZMM/s1600/carmex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGT7apWHbLo_u9W7h8L9vvk1-63PAqF-BEYpyRjsWUm3ZtWrzbPxo88WHke9wgl4zzZ4FXBlpSvuxloS1A38ry1n8xXXTUox-5lrF-I8I50nc6mdJxj2Hx9Kjicyok8bOZfX2kIfZZMM/s200/carmex.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><br />
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b>Let your body gradually adjust: </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as it takes time for your body to adjust
to running in the heat and humidity of the summer, it also takes a few runs for
your body to get used to running in colder weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not aim for your fastest, hardest or
longest runs right away </li>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b>Gloves</b>: my hands are always the first thing to
get cold, so a pair of running gloves is a must! My favorite pair so far has
been the Mizuno Breath thermo gloves. </li>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> <b>
</b></span></span></span><b>Dress as if the weather were 20 degrees warmer</b>:
this is the hardest for me, because I HATE being cold!! I am always tempted to
put on a million layers, but over time I have learned that the tip of dressing
for your run as if the temperature is 20 degrees warmer is really true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is normal to be a little chilly when you
first start running, but once you get going your body will warm up and you will
be glad that you did not wear your heaviest winter wool coat<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span> </li>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b>Wear technical fabrics</b>: As the owner of my
favorite running store always says, “Cotton is Rotten!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even in the winter you want to make sure that
you are wearing tech clothing so that the moisture is wicked away from your
body.</li>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><b>Change quickly after a run:</b> You may not notice
the cold or the damp while you are running, but the moment that you stop
running your body starts to cool down and there is nothing worse than being in
cold, wet running clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So to avoid
getting chilled, change out of your running clothes as quickly as possible-
from head to toe, including socks and sports bra.</li>
<li><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Tread carefully</b>: it is really important that you
pay attention to the road/sidewalk if you are running in the winter- you do not
want to be injured by slipping on black ice or snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if it is really icy, it is probably best
to exercise caution and stick to the treadmill.</li>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b>Moisturize</b>: Running in the cold air can chap
your face and lips easily! Make sure to use a good moisturizer and chapstick
before and after your run. One of my good friends Ann swears by Carmex!</li>
<li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b>Wear reflective gea</b>r:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>since the winter mornings and evenings are
darker longer, it is really important to make sure that you take precautions to
make sure that cars can see you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
though I always feel like I am on safety patrol, I make sure to wear a
reflective running vest if I am going out for a run in the dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are also lights that you can attach to
your clothing or wear around your leg/arm, hats with lights, etc… the important
thing is to make sure you are easily visible!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
These are just some of the tips
that I have used to stick with my running regimen during the winter without
having to be relegated to the treadmill. Do you have any tips to share?
carrie213http://www.blogger.com/profile/05733752657096223839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-29088867671185408512013-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-16T09:00:17.673-05:00Sriracha Coconut Popcorn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIOO9BxKXST0VXXy3dk51eb1e1N1sNTaJqhds5vRcR3abax8CTP2WRPvHHEYF4VsGgQZ2pvJsipSn7DjRs0PztFVvIip_1fOBLfwIcnMo03t-CXPt7uXVGk4Ee01e2BkNdb2nkLW-q74/s1600/sriracha-coconut-popcorn-with-smoked-sea-salt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIOO9BxKXST0VXXy3dk51eb1e1N1sNTaJqhds5vRcR3abax8CTP2WRPvHHEYF4VsGgQZ2pvJsipSn7DjRs0PztFVvIip_1fOBLfwIcnMo03t-CXPt7uXVGk4Ee01e2BkNdb2nkLW-q74/s320/sriracha-coconut-popcorn-with-smoked-sea-salt3.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
If you didn't catch my first post on Healthy Kettle Korn, check out the archive posts from July. This is another of my favorite popcorn recipes, and the Sriracha gives it a real kick! <br />
<br />
We always have a bottle of Sriracha on hand, my husband likes to add it to stuffed peppers, stir fry, just about anything. <br />
<br />
<b>Sriracha-Coconut Popcorn </b>(adapted from <a href="http://www.bakeyourday.net/sriracha-sesame-ginger-popcorn/" target="_blank">Bake Your Day</a>)<br />
<ul>
<li>4 cups of freshly popped popcorn (I use our air popper and pop it dry)</li>
<li>3 tbsp butter</li>
<li>1 tbsp + 1 tsp coconut oil</li>
<li>2 tbsp sriracha </li>
<li>2 tsp sea salt</li>
</ul>
Combine butter, oil, sriracha, and salt in a large, deep saucepan or pot over low heat. When butter is melted and everything is mixed together, add the popcorn and stir until well-coated. Eat immediately, as it will get a little soggy after a while. Next time you are craving hot wings, DON'T give in and order them, see if this will satisfy you. <br />
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
And as an update to my resolutions I signed up for my first 5k. It will be a GlowRun and I'm on the Lightening Bug team. Can't wait to share photos with you of us in our neon colored gear. How are you doing on your resolutions? <br />
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Lexyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353159165707239368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-81492343494138896252013-01-15T13:20:00.001-05:002013-01-15T13:20:44.438-05:00New Years Resolutions Contest Winner!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIUA3p90Nut8Mm8Wxm7PRFVzW0NCv9FqBG9yIZ_XpvdaryJOyKUSQ9LXxeJBTnz5VQ0y4gMJHBflRVWESF9hAL7WSK8hvsfnnPqcwnYOCid5Ko0q0tJmrrPSOoZuCAsIue1pl6eeJZfI/s1600/organic+manifesto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIUA3p90Nut8Mm8Wxm7PRFVzW0NCv9FqBG9yIZ_XpvdaryJOyKUSQ9LXxeJBTnz5VQ0y4gMJHBflRVWESF9hAL7WSK8hvsfnnPqcwnYOCid5Ko0q0tJmrrPSOoZuCAsIue1pl6eeJZfI/s1600/organic+manifesto.jpg" /></a>Thank you all for being willing to be open and vulnerable and sharing with the smartsassysisters community your New Year's Resolutions for 2013! I know that you will all be successful and I cannot wait to see what awesome and fabulous changes we all make in our lives this year!<br />
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The winner of the 2013 Smart Sassy Sisters New Year's Resolution Contest is ......Peggy! Peggy is a beautiful, kind and talented person who has already made so many changes in her life-can't wait to see what she accomplishes in 2013. Peggy will be receiving a copy of Maria Rodale's book, Organic Manifesto!<br />
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Peggy's 2013 New Year's Resolutions are:<br />
<br />1. Cook four healthy family meals per week
instead of always eating on the go. Even the healthier choices aren't
really that healthy in a restaurant.<br /><br />2. Exercise five times per
week, and in turn run 250 miles by Christmas. I already registered for
two 5ks to get myself motivated.<br /><br />3. This one is hardest for
me...I have no self-esteem. None. I focus on the things I cannot do or
don't like instead of the things I can do or like about myself and the
way I look. This year, I will learn to take a complement. I will allow
myself to feel proud when I do something well. When I move down a size, I
will tell myself "good job!" instead of saying "well, you still have a
long way to go." This is the year I finally learn to love myself. :-)<br />
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Congrats Peggy! carrie213http://www.blogger.com/profile/05733752657096223839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-39048169391554837732013-01-10T06:00:00.000-05:002013-01-10T06:00:03.353-05:00The Wonder of Coconut Oil<a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/images/fearless-flyer/uploads/article-554/96070-OrganicCoconutOil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.traderjoes.com/images/fearless-flyer/uploads/article-554/96070-OrganicCoconutOil.jpg" width="256" /></a>If you are on pinterest at all or read any type of healthy living books or magazines I am sure you have heard of Coconut Oil. We started cooking with it last spring and love it! I gave you some brief information on it in my Kettle Korn recipe this summer, but we use it on much more than popcorn and you should too!<br />
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My favorite Coconut Oil is from Trader Joe's and I stock up with about 6 bottles at a time since the closest store is 3 hours away. I have never had it go rancid on me, 1 jar lasts us about 2 months. I would try a few different brands and see what you like, and then stock up when it's on sale. Depending on what brand you buy its about $10 a bottle, but TJ's is only $6. I know any natural grocer will carry it, and if your conventional grocery store has a natural/healthy section you will likely find it there. I know Whole Foods and Walmart have a no questions asked return policy, and I am sure many other stores do as well. But if you are anything like us, you won't be returning this jar!<br />
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I was confused when I first heard the term coconut oil and looked for it in a large bottle like Olive Oil. It is not in liquid form like traditional oils and it's also not the same thing as Coconut Milk found in a can or the dairy case. It is usually found with the other oil products and baking section. It can also often be found in the health & beauty section since there are multiple uses for it besides eating that I will explain below. Usually you will see multiple types. <br />
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<ul>
<b>Virgin (unrefined)</b> coconut oil tastes and smells
coconutty and is great for cooking and baking. You can use it for anything but it will impart a mild coconut taste and odor. Unrefined coconut oil retains the
most nutritional value and is superior to refined oil. Since we are always trying to eat the least processed foods, unrefined is the best choice for us. </ul>
<ul><b>Expeller pressed (refined)</b>
It does not have a coconutty
smell or taste. It is still outstanding to use but does lose some of
it’s health properties during the refining process, and is usually a little cheaper.<br />
</ul>
I use a spoon of it every morning to cook my eggs and use it in place of butter or oil in any recipe. It is easily melted to liquid form or you can just scoop it. If you store it in the refrigerator it hardens up and doesn't spread easily, so we keep ours out on the counter. When I am making popcorn I use it in melted form and just put the closed jar in a sink of hot water and it easily melts. It's not like beer, it can go back and forth from the counter to the fridge everyday if you want. It's super versatile! <br />
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Coconut Oil is a true Multi-Tasker! There are literally hundreds of ways to use it. It's great as a moisturizer, lightens age spots and works as aftershave. I've also used it as a deep conditioner for my hair and slept in it. I normally have greasy hair anyways, so I was worried about putting more oil in my hair, but it worked great. It's also wonderful to use in healing cuts, scraps and bruises. <br />
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It has also been known to prevent or relieve a whole host of diseases and disorders including Alzheimer's, Cancer, Cholestrol, Colds/Flu, Energy, Gallbladder, Liver Disease, Cramping and Urinary Tracking Infections. These health issues can also be lessened by including coconut oil on a daily basis: Acne, Sore Muscles, Cellulite, Decongestant, and Ear Infections. It is also a great natural healer for your pets including Digestive Disorders, Bad Breath, Hairballs, Wound Healing, Clears up Itchy Skin, Eliminates Odor in Fur and Makes Coat Shiny. <br />
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Whether you are trying to be frugal or just use less chemicals (or both!) you can also make Goo Gone, Insect Repellant and Furniture Polish from this miracle oil. <br />
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Be on the lookout for a recipe next week using coconut oil. It's another popcorn one! <br />
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Do you use coconut oil? What is your favorite way to use it or what are some options I have left out? If your New Year's Resolutions had anything to do with healthy living, this is a must try!<br />
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Lexyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353159165707239368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1148069634414111038.post-25472604043927915332013-01-08T06:00:00.000-05:002013-01-08T06:00:05.324-05:00Kale Salad<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMIiF4t3WKyJmNRtZgqmJHZn37RqWN3f5yKP7Uu7vZ4Vaj143xNg1MlBlceAafSitbmy-MQHlPqLDa74Hv9OXb-lZi4SXOPCxH-a0yFx-X4aF1RK57-AcRfd0vpdLXdRQxoAhtwMT85U/s1600/kool-kale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMIiF4t3WKyJmNRtZgqmJHZn37RqWN3f5yKP7Uu7vZ4Vaj143xNg1MlBlceAafSitbmy-MQHlPqLDa74Hv9OXb-lZi4SXOPCxH-a0yFx-X4aF1RK57-AcRfd0vpdLXdRQxoAhtwMT85U/s320/kool-kale.jpg" width="320" /></a>A few months ago I talked about how much I loved making Kale chips. Just sprinkle the leaves with olive oil and sea salt and bake up until they are light and crispy. I was making these 'chips' almost every week and started to read up on all the benefits of Kale. Not only is it low in calorie, high in fiber and has 0 fat, it's also filled with antioxidants and is a great source of iron and vitamin K, A and C. And it has more calcium than cow's milk! With all those benefits I figured it would be a wonderful addition to my kitchen plans each week. The Kale Salad recipe below is my new favorite way to prepare it.<br />
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1 large bowl of washed Kale leaves (I usually use the whole bunch)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0oWxePiOzldMj7BYZqj8LdtlQ9b2TaV69vEm8k94dNkz23opwMgv9m3z-xjZ1EwN9XRzhwgoUl7owH3_okkJOR8IQbAeJDHL_CaNrXgpUH6Sx_DC_bjK0rWnGoRL8L0AI5G_JaCgxV0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0oWxePiOzldMj7BYZqj8LdtlQ9b2TaV69vEm8k94dNkz23opwMgv9m3z-xjZ1EwN9XRzhwgoUl7owH3_okkJOR8IQbAeJDHL_CaNrXgpUH6Sx_DC_bjK0rWnGoRL8L0AI5G_JaCgxV0/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a>Kale is tougher & more bitter than spinach or many of the other greens I am used to. To get the best flavor & coverage you need to massage it. Add the olive oil & salt to the kale and just dig in with your hands and start breaking it down. Work the kale pieces until they get smaller, bright green and coated in olive oil. <br />
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1 tablespoon of lemon olive oil. (You can also use EVOO and add some lemon juice if you don't have flavored oil)<br />
1/4 teaspoon of sea salt<br />
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After it's all mixed & massaged I add peppitas, dried unsweetened cranberries, sliced almonds and shaved parmesan cheese. You can add tomatoes & avocados or whatever flavor profile you like. <br />
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I usually make a big bowl and if I don't eat it all that night I will take a container for work tomorrow. I have never tried to see if it will last more than a day, since I eat it up as soon as I make it. My local grocer has organic kale on sale for 99 cents a bunch every couple of months which also makes this a great frugal meal too!<br />
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Do you have any other ways you like to prepare Kale?Lexyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06353159165707239368noreply@blogger.com0