PLEASE HELP!
My computer suffered a heart attack Monday night and yesterday it was wiped clean and revived. I have spent the better part of the last two days working on it and have it almost back up and really going... but I lost ALL of my bookmarks.
I know that doesn't sound like much, but I had a lot of bookmarks.
Please help me replace them! I would love it if you would leave a comment (or several), recommending sites that I should visit and bookmark. Here I'm really looking for cooking/weight loss/WW/recipe sites and blogs.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Stress Consuming
So I've realized that I don't "stress eat" as I've said. I "stress consume". This means I'll inhale any high-calorie consumable possible when I've experiencing stress. Especially child-induced stress.
I've decided that the planets must have been aligned the past 3-4 days, because every child I've had contact with has been behaving badly. Yesterday I seriously considered bringing out the booze at 9:30 AM. I did not, but I DID stop at a gas station for a Diet Coke and was thrilled to find a Little Debbie display... I caved in to two items that surely had enough fat and calories for the week... oh well.
Last week was just off. We ate out a lot (several invitations from friends and family) and I didn't have many groceries or a planned menu- which made it harder to turn down dinner out. I did make significantly better choices than I would have made even a year ago. I did NOT request my food without butter/sauce (as Core would dictate), but I did order Core foods and ate them as prepared... so, with the added fat and calories. I also drank an adult beverage every time we went out. And you know what? I have zero regrets about my choices last week. Sure, it wasn't the best; but it certainly could have been much much much worse.
Saturday I wrote a new menu and went grocery shopping and we got back on track once again. Our menu for the remainder of April isn't all Core, but it is family friendly. Tonight's meal was Margarita Pita Pizzas, from an older Pampered Chef "It's Good for You" cookbook. You make a sauce out of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning; spread it on a pita round (uncut, without a pocket); and top it with roma tomato slices (I used canned diced tomatoes), basil, and mozzarella. This time I also added sliced mushrooms. Bake at 425 until the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. YUM. Great with a red wine.
If you haven't guessed it, I'm really not on track here; mainly because I gave up my Monthly Pass and haven't been weighing in. Honestly, don't really care right now, either. I have two pairs of size 8 jeans that fit me fine. No, the jeans (size 4) I wore a year ago don't fit- they're way too tight. No, I haven't tried on my capris or shorts, so I don't know what of those will fit. I probably need to lose a good 10 pounds for those to fit well, but not knowing is kinda nice.
I'm not sure how often I'll be posting here in the next month or so, but I am trying to post more on my non-food blog. If you're wanting to check in, stop over there and say hi!
I've decided that the planets must have been aligned the past 3-4 days, because every child I've had contact with has been behaving badly. Yesterday I seriously considered bringing out the booze at 9:30 AM. I did not, but I DID stop at a gas station for a Diet Coke and was thrilled to find a Little Debbie display... I caved in to two items that surely had enough fat and calories for the week... oh well.
Last week was just off. We ate out a lot (several invitations from friends and family) and I didn't have many groceries or a planned menu- which made it harder to turn down dinner out. I did make significantly better choices than I would have made even a year ago. I did NOT request my food without butter/sauce (as Core would dictate), but I did order Core foods and ate them as prepared... so, with the added fat and calories. I also drank an adult beverage every time we went out. And you know what? I have zero regrets about my choices last week. Sure, it wasn't the best; but it certainly could have been much much much worse.
Saturday I wrote a new menu and went grocery shopping and we got back on track once again. Our menu for the remainder of April isn't all Core, but it is family friendly. Tonight's meal was Margarita Pita Pizzas, from an older Pampered Chef "It's Good for You" cookbook. You make a sauce out of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning; spread it on a pita round (uncut, without a pocket); and top it with roma tomato slices (I used canned diced tomatoes), basil, and mozzarella. This time I also added sliced mushrooms. Bake at 425 until the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. YUM. Great with a red wine.
If you haven't guessed it, I'm really not on track here; mainly because I gave up my Monthly Pass and haven't been weighing in. Honestly, don't really care right now, either. I have two pairs of size 8 jeans that fit me fine. No, the jeans (size 4) I wore a year ago don't fit- they're way too tight. No, I haven't tried on my capris or shorts, so I don't know what of those will fit. I probably need to lose a good 10 pounds for those to fit well, but not knowing is kinda nice.
I'm not sure how often I'll be posting here in the next month or so, but I am trying to post more on my non-food blog. If you're wanting to check in, stop over there and say hi!
Monday, March 31, 2008
March
So March is almost gone and I really haven't said much this month... I'd planned on working hard at getting the rest of the way back to goal this month, weighing in by the end of the month, and being free.
Then I went to my final WI of February, and I was so mad when I left that it really affected my losing. I went off-plan and stayed off for a while. My house was in total disarray for a while due to the installation of 350 sq feet of hardwood flooring, and with that, my kitchen was buried and we did a lot of eating junk. Also, March is Shamrock Shake month at McDonald's. I absolutely adore Shamrock Shakes... I love love love them and I do not know when to stop. And there is a McDonald's roughly 2 blocks from my house.
I got back on schedule for our planned dinners, realizing how much more money we were spending by not planning ahead. I made Roni's whole wheat pizza dough and topped it with Core toppings.
I planned out a new menu, sticking to healthier-but-not-necessarily-Core entrees, and am halfway through that. Easter dinner wasn't totally Core, but was very point friendly (as both of my parents are on Flex). I didn't buy too much Easter candy, and while I did eat some, I didn't OD on it.
But then I got sick (again). All last week I was miserable, this week seems to be slightly better. I was eating roughly one meal per day and wasn't really hungry for more. My stomach shrank and my appetite did as well... I lost a good five pounds. All of my pants are too big, but my at-goal jeans from a year ago are still a bit too tight. (I tried them on this morning, hoping that just maybe today would be the day!)
I'm getting over this yucky bronchitis, but I don't want to destroy the progress I made towards goal... my self-control kicked in today and I am pleased to report that I did not give in to desire and stop for a fast-food shake or other treat. This week's menu is almost entirely Core, which should also aid in additional weight loss. That being said, I'll try to pop in here more often...
Then I went to my final WI of February, and I was so mad when I left that it really affected my losing. I went off-plan and stayed off for a while. My house was in total disarray for a while due to the installation of 350 sq feet of hardwood flooring, and with that, my kitchen was buried and we did a lot of eating junk. Also, March is Shamrock Shake month at McDonald's. I absolutely adore Shamrock Shakes... I love love love them and I do not know when to stop. And there is a McDonald's roughly 2 blocks from my house.
I got back on schedule for our planned dinners, realizing how much more money we were spending by not planning ahead. I made Roni's whole wheat pizza dough and topped it with Core toppings.
I planned out a new menu, sticking to healthier-but-not-necessarily-Core entrees, and am halfway through that. Easter dinner wasn't totally Core, but was very point friendly (as both of my parents are on Flex). I didn't buy too much Easter candy, and while I did eat some, I didn't OD on it.
But then I got sick (again). All last week I was miserable, this week seems to be slightly better. I was eating roughly one meal per day and wasn't really hungry for more. My stomach shrank and my appetite did as well... I lost a good five pounds. All of my pants are too big, but my at-goal jeans from a year ago are still a bit too tight. (I tried them on this morning, hoping that just maybe today would be the day!)
I'm getting over this yucky bronchitis, but I don't want to destroy the progress I made towards goal... my self-control kicked in today and I am pleased to report that I did not give in to desire and stop for a fast-food shake or other treat. This week's menu is almost entirely Core, which should also aid in additional weight loss. That being said, I'll try to pop in here more often...
Saturday, March 15, 2008
still here, not doing so hot
I've been off plan since my last weigh in... have had a ton going on and haven't been on plan really at all.
I exercised all week last week, but then with everything else I didn't keep it up this week. The prince has spring break this coming week, so I'm not sure if I'll get it in then, either (I've been doing it during naptime).
I bought a regular hula-hoop at Target (I spent some time and found the biggest one there, it comes to about my waist), and I've been doing that for about 15 minutes a day. I also bought a workout DVD, but I haven't tried it yet- I'll let you know!
I exercised all week last week, but then with everything else I didn't keep it up this week. The prince has spring break this coming week, so I'm not sure if I'll get it in then, either (I've been doing it during naptime).
I bought a regular hula-hoop at Target (I spent some time and found the biggest one there, it comes to about my waist), and I've been doing that for about 15 minutes a day. I also bought a workout DVD, but I haven't tried it yet- I'll let you know!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Latte Demonstration
I've had a couple of questions about how I make my morning latte, so I decided to walk you through. The princess thought I was nuts this morning, taking pictures of myself making my coffee- but I guess it's nothing new! LOL
About a year and a half ago I worked out how much hubby and I were spending on buying coffee... waaay too much. I decided that we could be making our own for much less money, so I did a little investigating and decided to start with a stovetop espresso maker. We paid less than $20 for the silver one at World Market, I THINK it is the 6 serving size.
I bought the pink one recently, thinking that I never use all of the espresso that I make each morning, and that I wanted the smaller, cuter one for myself. Hubby hasn't been drinking coffee lately, and I thought that this would be the perfect size for just me. I was wrong- I've only used it once, and it didn't make nearly as much as I use... I guess I use more than I realized.
I don't actually make espresso- it is technically called "stovetop espresso", which is similar to a "cafe americano"- or halfway between coffee and espresso. For more info on my espresso maker and how it works, this Wiki page about the Moka Express is fantastic!
I use regular coffee grounds instead of the expensive espresso grounds. I don't know if there is a taste difference, but the cost difference is incredible. I've been buying my grounds at Sam's Club- I pay about $6 for this big tin:
I measure out a cup of skim milk and microwave it- my microwave has a "beverage" setting that I use... about a minute and a half, I think.
While the espresso and milk are cooking, I measure out my syrup. This week I'm using the Kahlua flavor, and since I decided to decrease the amount of syrup I use, I've been using 50 mL- which is about 1.6 ounces. The measuring tube I use is a teeny baby bottle (Enfamil) that we got from the hospital when the princess was born- I use it because I don't have a teeny measuring cup and this does the job. I go ahead and pour it into my mug while I'm waiting for the milk and espresso.
When the milk is done, I pour it in, then add espresso to top off the mug- if I'm using a bigger mug, I end up having more caffeine for the day. I'd never measured the espresso before today, but it turns out that I use almost a full cup (!!!) of espresso! (Wow, no wonder I have the jitters sometimes!) I ALWAYS use a travel mug. I like to take my time with my coffee, and it might take me an hour or two to drink the whole thing... the travel mug really helps to keep it warm. Also, I am picky about my mugs and will only buy 16 or 20 oz mugs- anything smaller and I don't have enough room, anything bigger and it takes too much espresso.
And that, my friends, is how Blondie makes her morning latte. :)
About a year and a half ago I worked out how much hubby and I were spending on buying coffee... waaay too much. I decided that we could be making our own for much less money, so I did a little investigating and decided to start with a stovetop espresso maker. We paid less than $20 for the silver one at World Market, I THINK it is the 6 serving size.
I bought the pink one recently, thinking that I never use all of the espresso that I make each morning, and that I wanted the smaller, cuter one for myself. Hubby hasn't been drinking coffee lately, and I thought that this would be the perfect size for just me. I was wrong- I've only used it once, and it didn't make nearly as much as I use... I guess I use more than I realized.
I don't actually make espresso- it is technically called "stovetop espresso", which is similar to a "cafe americano"- or halfway between coffee and espresso. For more info on my espresso maker and how it works, this Wiki page about the Moka Express is fantastic!
I use regular coffee grounds instead of the expensive espresso grounds. I don't know if there is a taste difference, but the cost difference is incredible. I've been buying my grounds at Sam's Club- I pay about $6 for this big tin:
I measure out a cup of skim milk and microwave it- my microwave has a "beverage" setting that I use... about a minute and a half, I think.
While the espresso and milk are cooking, I measure out my syrup. This week I'm using the Kahlua flavor, and since I decided to decrease the amount of syrup I use, I've been using 50 mL- which is about 1.6 ounces. The measuring tube I use is a teeny baby bottle (Enfamil) that we got from the hospital when the princess was born- I use it because I don't have a teeny measuring cup and this does the job. I go ahead and pour it into my mug while I'm waiting for the milk and espresso.
When the milk is done, I pour it in, then add espresso to top off the mug- if I'm using a bigger mug, I end up having more caffeine for the day. I'd never measured the espresso before today, but it turns out that I use almost a full cup (!!!) of espresso! (Wow, no wonder I have the jitters sometimes!) I ALWAYS use a travel mug. I like to take my time with my coffee, and it might take me an hour or two to drink the whole thing... the travel mug really helps to keep it warm. Also, I am picky about my mugs and will only buy 16 or 20 oz mugs- anything smaller and I don't have enough room, anything bigger and it takes too much espresso.
And that, my friends, is how Blondie makes her morning latte. :)
Word Cloud
Becky created a word cloud for her blog today, and provided a link so we can make our own! You just go to this site, enter the address of your blog, and their webbot will search all of the content to create your very own word cloud- the words are those that you use most often, and their size is based on the frequency that you use those words... and they put everything into alphabetical order for you, too.
Here is my word cloud for this blog:
Kinda neat, isn't it?
Thanks Becky!
Here is my word cloud for this blog:
Kinda neat, isn't it?
Thanks Becky!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
*^&%&#&$ Scale
I don't know that I've ever been MAD about a WI before.
Disappointed, sure.
Surprised, yes.
Mad? This is a new one.
I've been watching my scale here at home for the last week or so, it has been creeping downwards as I am extra careful about what I eat. I'm trying to be more careful and maybe go overboard on the "diet" (no, not lifestyle for now), trying to get rid of these pesky couple of pounds and down to goal.
I had a really difficult time with the last 10-15 pounds last time, too- it took FOREVER to lose them and no time at all to regain them. I ended up setting my WW goal weight higher than I'd wanted to, just because I kept hovering around it.
My scale at home this morning was clearly pointing to 140. 140!!! My goal weight is 138. I wanted to get to WI right away so nothing would happen to that beautiful number I saw on the scale... I weighed myself at least 5 times before I left this morning, just to make sure that it wasn't a fluke and that I really was seeing that number.
I had to wait and wait at WW this morning- about 20 minutes just to step on the darn scale. When I got on, I said "Now, that isn't right!" (and I think I said it a little louder than maybe I should have!)... that @#$%%$## scale said 146.2. 146.2!!! WTF?!?!
I overcame the very strong desire to go eat something yummy... realizing that it was habit, not desire or craving, and came home to make my coffee and bulgar and rant a bit. I ended up skipping the bulgar and having a half of a peanut butter sandwich, and now I feel better. But I'm still pretty ticked. Hubby thinks we just need a new scale.
I AM down from my last WI, and even down a bit from 2 WIs ago (Feb 7)- but only down 0.6 from then. Remember I skipped last week, knowing that it would be up. I guess it IS a good thing that I'm down, but I'm really steamed that my usually accurate scale was this far off- and that I was all ready to see a really fantastic loss this week, especially because I've been working so hard, and was really looking forward to being down so close to goal. Ugh.
Disappointed, sure.
Surprised, yes.
Mad? This is a new one.
I've been watching my scale here at home for the last week or so, it has been creeping downwards as I am extra careful about what I eat. I'm trying to be more careful and maybe go overboard on the "diet" (no, not lifestyle for now), trying to get rid of these pesky couple of pounds and down to goal.
I had a really difficult time with the last 10-15 pounds last time, too- it took FOREVER to lose them and no time at all to regain them. I ended up setting my WW goal weight higher than I'd wanted to, just because I kept hovering around it.
My scale at home this morning was clearly pointing to 140. 140!!! My goal weight is 138. I wanted to get to WI right away so nothing would happen to that beautiful number I saw on the scale... I weighed myself at least 5 times before I left this morning, just to make sure that it wasn't a fluke and that I really was seeing that number.
I had to wait and wait at WW this morning- about 20 minutes just to step on the darn scale. When I got on, I said "Now, that isn't right!" (and I think I said it a little louder than maybe I should have!)... that @#$%%$## scale said 146.2. 146.2!!! WTF?!?!
I overcame the very strong desire to go eat something yummy... realizing that it was habit, not desire or craving, and came home to make my coffee and bulgar and rant a bit. I ended up skipping the bulgar and having a half of a peanut butter sandwich, and now I feel better. But I'm still pretty ticked. Hubby thinks we just need a new scale.
I AM down from my last WI, and even down a bit from 2 WIs ago (Feb 7)- but only down 0.6 from then. Remember I skipped last week, knowing that it would be up. I guess it IS a good thing that I'm down, but I'm really steamed that my usually accurate scale was this far off- and that I was all ready to see a really fantastic loss this week, especially because I've been working so hard, and was really looking forward to being down so close to goal. Ugh.
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