Salad-In-A-Jar...

I recently attended  a Salad-In-A-Jar Party. Did you know that was a thing? It's like a 31 Party or a Norwex Party or a LuLaRoe Party. Except it's way faster, way less expensive, and what you get is actually very practical, as you are going to eat it that week. Here's how it works:

• Every person commits to bringing 5 empty mason jars and 3 toppings. I brought cucs (seeded and sliced), cherry tomatoes, and chicken. (The host provides greens.)
• Set up your table so your hearty veggies are at one end and your leaves are at the other, with the "wetter" veggies in the middle. Here's a great graphic for how to design your table.

• Begin at the end with the hearty veggies and fill until your jar is about half full. Then stuff with greens.
• You are done and so is lunch for the next five days!

A few observations:

• This was fun and super fast. I told Husband I'd be about two hours (because that's how long 31/Norwex/LuLaRoe last) and I was done in 45. I would have been done sooner if I hadn't stayed around to chat.
• I really loved that the host picked DARK GREEN GREENS. I really hate Iceberg, and though I can tolerate Romaine, Spinach is my go-to. So I was happy.
• SOME people put dressing in their jars first. I chose not to for a number of reasons:
1. I was afraid it would make my salad soggy.
2. It meant I had to commit right then to the type of dressing I wanted, which I was not prepared to do.
3. I don't use much dressing and I'm not sure I could get the dressing to come out with the salad very well without a spatula, which I don't keep at school.

• Next time, I will not fill the toppings up to the halfway mark as I did in the first two in the picture above. The second salad from the right looked like this when I dumped it:

It looked like this when I was done and I should have stopped several bites beforehand...because it was too big for one meal.

I've had three so far and my favorite has been what I'm calling an Asian chicken salad. It's the one in the middle of my picture up top and it contained:

• broccoli
• celery
• chicken
• oranges
• grapes
• golden raisins
• sunflower seeds
• slivered almonds

I paired with Annie's Shiitake Dressing (to which I added some honey because it was too salty for me) and it was AMAZING! I mean it. I'm totally making this one again!

And maybe the best part was getting to spend time with new friends. The four women on the left (including me) all met last year when our kids were in the girl in the plaid's kindergarten class together. It was super fun getting build salads together :)

Goals: Summer 2014

I have been putting off the writing of this post, mainly because I am injured.  I've been holding out, hoping the pain would miraculously stop or that the doctor would give me magic beans or something. So far, neither has occurred.  So, with a heavy heart, I am forced to conclude that summer will not start out with a bang in terms of my fitness goals.  And, to be perfectly honest, living with constant pain is exhausting.  The pain is bad enough now that it doesn't matter what position I'm in - it hurts.  Transitions are when it hurts the worst - getting into or out of the car, lying down, getting up, lifting Lucy, shifting positions during the night (which also wakes me up), etc.

So, for the last week, I've basically thrown myself a pity party.  I've lamented the fact that I  have 0 miles since my run three weeks ago.  I have cried about not being able to go to yoga for at least two weeks (and honestly, the thought of going makes me cringe - my back hurts that bad), which means my goal to attend "30 Days of Sweat" is out the window.  So I am having to revamp my fitness goals for this summer.

And, while I was at it, I did my other summer goals too. I read somewhere that it helps to categorize your goals, so I'm trying it out.  They are as follows:

Health Goals:

• watch the diet very carefully, focusing on fresh, plant-based foods
• once my back has recovered, continue with yoga and frequent walking
• continue oil pulling (not sure this is necessarily a "health" goal, but it makes my mouth feel clean and I do believe my teeth are a bit whiter)
• drink only water, but allow myself one tea per week
• weight down to 140

Reading Goals:

• finish my list - only 5 more to go!
• read Catcher in the Rye (for you, Lara!)
• read my two parenting books (one of my unreached 30 Before 30 goals)
• reread Mockingjay

Relational Goals:

• take at least one trip down to OK to visit my brother and his family
• go on no less than FOUR non-kid outings with my super-hot husband of nearly 10 years
• oh yeah...and celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary
• try to connect with the women in my moms class at least once a week OUTSIDE of Sunday
• coordinate a freezer cooking night at church

Spiritual Goals:

• continue to be discipled
• lead a Moms Connect Group
• participate in our movies/13 Coffees Connect Group both by going and doing the prep beforehand
• focus on prayer
• increase Bible study

Family Goals:

• take a (small) trip
• make a summer "do" list with my son...and do all the stuff!
• throw him a 4.5 birthday party (his birthday is right after Christmas so we party on his half birthday)
• attend the Sports Center family reunion
• enjoy time with Rick's extended family when they come in July 

Personal Goals:

• make a "to do" list every week and post it in my bedroom (like the one above)
• keep my house in a constant state of cleanness - this helps my stress level stay down
• prepare home-cooked meals for the family every weekday
• finish Lucy's baby book (another of my unmet 30 Before 30 goals)
• make videos from the kids' early years of life (again, another unmet 30 goal)

And...go!

New Thing: Oil Pulling

I saw this post on a friend's FB wall.  She was interested but a little freaked about this thing called "oil pulling."  I had never heard of it, but I clicked the link, read, and then posted on my friend Chelsea's wall, asking what she thought about it.  A loooooong conversation ensued, and by the end, I was convinced - I was going to try it.

I know it sounds TOTALLY disgusting, but the lure of a natural cure to headaches is honestly what interested me most.  I am sick of popping pills that don't work or drinking a caffeinated-sugar-loaded beverage.  I could also do with whiter teeth.

I hopped on Amazon and found I could get a giant thing of it for $13.  I ordered.  It arrived over the weekend and Monday morning, I took the plunge.  Below I describe my own experience with this new thing, but if you want to be highly entertained, you need to read Laura's experience.  It's hilarious.

At first, it was kind of disgusting.  Its consistency is the same as Crisco.  Eww.  And it tastes like coconut.  Double eww.  But, once it melts (a minute or two in), it's not bad.  I swished it around in my mouth while I showered, toweled off, blow-dried my hair, and got dressed.  By then, 20 minutes had passed.  I repeated the process every day this week.  I have noticed the following:

1 - I have not had a single headache
2 - I have not needed chapstick in the morning
3 - I think my teeth might actually be half a shade whiter!

I have used coconut oil to remove eye make up and it works like a charm.  I have also used it in place of oil in two recipes and it has worked great.

I'm going to keep it up!

Get Fit: Week 2? Except, not really...

I feel like this shouldn't really be "Get Fit" because there is no exercise component.  So...still working on a good title.  Taking suggestions.

I didn't track what I'm eating.  I found this tedious and nearly impossible with which to keep up.  I'm eating more small snacks and it was just too much maintenance for me.  I pulled a 144 on the scale Saturday morning.  That's down from 147.4 last week.  I feel pretty good about that.  But then, I'm in Oklahoma visiting my brother's family and I have eaten pizza, cereal, a sandwich, and ice cream.  I determined I didn't want to be a burden on them, as they were providing my food, and that I really wanted Hawaiian pizza from my favorite OK pizza joint.  That's going to hurt.

The bottom line is I'm lacking motivation.  I fit into a size 6 last week, (a first...EVER) and while that should probably serve to motivate me more, there is a part of me that's like, "I'm a six.  That's pretty stinking good, considering I was a 14 when I started all this crap."  Not very gung-ho, but it's definitely how I have felt in my lesser moments.

Here's to a better week!

Get Fit: How NOT to Do It

I ate a piece of cheesecake last night.  I made it for my dad's birthday.  And it looked good.  So I ate it.

I woke up in the middle of the night with a churning stomach.

I called in and got a sub.  I have made multiple trips to the bathroom.  And the whole day is still ahead of me.

This is how not to do it.

Delicious Vegetarian Black Bean Soup

When I went through the Eat to Live diet, I discovered an amazing soup at Panera Bread - Vegetarian Black Bean Soup.  A few years ago, I found a recipe that resembled what I imagined went into this wonderful bowl of tasty, hearty goodness.  It could also be called "Mmmm...Yummy Soup."  I like that.  I made a few changes and here is the recipe we use now:

• 1 onion
• 4 celery ribs
• 1 bell pepper (color your preference...I had green on hand)
• 4 cloves garlic (I was out of fresh :()
• 3 c vegetable broth
• 3 cans black beans, undrained
• 1 t salt
• 1 t cumin
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• *1 pkg kielbasa (not pictured...and only if you don't want to go the vegetarian route, or in my case, have a husband to please) 

You will notice that I have beef broth instead of vegetable broth.  This is because I just made this beef and noodle recipe of Lindsey's (which was a HUGE crowd pleaser - thanks Lindsey!) and didn't have vegetable broth.  I have substituted beef broth before, so I know it works just fine.  But officially, it is no longer a vegetarian dish.  If that is important to you, take note.

STEP 1: Chop, chop, chop!
Chop up those veggies.  If you live with people who do not like large chunks (my family), then dice, dice, dice!

1 onion

1 bell pepper

Looks like I have a way lot more celery than the other veggies.  I went back and changed the ingredients list above from 6 ribs of celery (which is what this is) to 4.  Not sure what happened, but as I like celery, I used it all anyway. :)

This would probably be a way easier task with a food processor, but I don't have one, so I dice, dice, dice.

STEP 2: Throw it into the pot!
Combine your first five ingredients: onion, pepper, celery, garlic, and beef broth, and bring to a boil.  Simmer 10 minutes.

STEP 3: The beans (+ kielbasa, if you don't want to go the vegetarian route)
Puree one can of black beans.  *Side note:* In making an effort to eat as much fresh food as possible, I examined the label on the black beans.  I know nothing about beans or how to make them - I have always used canned beans.  They contain "Prepared black beans, water, salt."  I'm sure the sodium is overdone as a preservative, but beyond that this didn't sound too "dirty."  (Chelsea, can you weigh in?) *End Side Note* I use the magic bullet, which might be my second favorite kitchen appliance.  (First is the Kitchen Aid mixer in the background :)  I use it for banana bread, baby food, and all sorts of other great stuff.  If you don't have one, I'm sorry, but an immersion blender, or even just a regular blender would probably work fine.  Add it and the two other cans to the pot UNDRAINED.  Also, if your husband prefers to have meat in all his foods (ahem), chop up some kielbasa and throw it in.  I have to admit, it does add some flavor.

STEP 4: Add spices and simmer
Add salt and cumin.  Spoon out about three tablespoons of the broth and combine with 3 tablespoons of corn startch to thicken the mixture.  Add to soup and simmer until veggies are completely cooked.

STEP 5: ENJOY!
Mmmm...yummy soup.  My family likes to treat this dish like chili and add sour cream, cheese, and chips to the soup.  It is delicious, but quite unhealthy, and honestly, I don't think it needs anything else.  It is simply PERFECT!

:)

Couscous

 

We were first introduced to couscous when we lived in Lawrence.  Some friends of ours made it for us and it was so easy and delicious that it quickly became a staple in our house.  And now that I'm eating differently, I realize that it is, in fact, one of the few healthy meals on our list of staples.  This is how we fix it at our house, but as it's extremely versatile, it would be easy to customize to your family's taste.

Step 1: Gather ingredients
Okay, here's what you need:

• Chopped veggies (I used Farmer's Market fresh yellow squash, zucchini, and onion - one of each)
• 1 1/2 c cous cous
• fresh garlic
• shrimp (not pictured)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (not pictured)

Step 2: Cook veggies
In a skillet, heat olive oil and garlic until it becomes fragrant.  Add vegetables.

I removed some of the veggies because, even though they cooked down, it was a lot.  The squash and zucchini were pretty large.  I saved these for later :)

 

Step 3: Cook the couscous

Make the couscous according to package instructions.  It recommends flavoring the water with salt and oil.  I did use a pinch of salt (and I do mean a pinch...I'm not a fan of salt).  While that is cooking, 

Step 4: Add the shrimp

Rinse and de-tail the shrimp (if not already done).  Chop into bite-sized pieces if necessary.  Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until the shrimp become just opaque.

Step 5: Add the couscous

Once the couscous is done, fluff with a fork and add to the skillet.  Cook for a bit longer (5 minutes, maybe?) stirring occasionally.

And viola!  You have a delicious meal that doesn't need any sides.  And if you don't like my veggies, add different ones.  If you don't like shrimp, do chicken or tuna.  If you like a little more flavor, throw in some soy sauce.  (That's what my husband does.)  It is a delicious little dish.  And it's good cold, too!

Make it healthier: 

-Use whole wheat couscous.  I didn't even know they had it until I started writing this post and reading up on it!

-Use raw veggies instead of cooked ones.  If you go this route, I would make it a cold salad-type dish.  It would be great with some scalions, cucumbers, tomatoes (and feta! Though feta's on my no-no list right now, and certainly doesn't add to the healthiness...) 

Farmer's Market!

Last year, I discovered the Farmer's Market.  I'm not sure why it took so long.  When I lived in Lawrence I never went because it was always SO crowded that I never wanted to try it.  But last year, a miracle happened. I recall driving around downtown (which I generally try to avoid at all costs) looking for a garage sale and I spotted it.  Parts two and three of my miracle were that my son and his stroller both happened to be in the car.  It was early - like, 8 or 8:30, so we stopped.

Several things happened all at once.  My son became enamored with the sights and sounds all around.  I began walking down the aisles and looking at the price of this fresh, locally-grown produce - prices highly comparable, and in some cases, cheaper than those at the grocery store.  I saw the most beautiful onions (seriously - I had dreams about these onions afterward), fresh green beans, delicious-smelling herbs - I was hooked.

Saturday, after my brief trip to a few yard sales, my son and I headed out.  I again spent more than I would have normally, but my mother does such a huge service for us during the year that I like to get her some special eats once and a while.  This is what we bought:

1. Honey - $4.50 from bee-keepers in Meridan.  I got this for my mom.
2. Fresh Honey Wheat Bread - $3.75 I got this from the Mennonite women who run the booth in the middle of the South aisle.  I ate a few slices for breakfast and it was DELICIOUS!
3. Sugar-free Hawaiian Bread - $2.50, also for my mom.
4. New Potatoes - $2.00 I plan to make Pot Roast this week with these!

Total = $12.75

Giving Up Pop

Okay, so this isn't exactly a new thing.  I do this a few times a year, and am actually quite successful... that is, until I get a throbbing headache at work, at which point I surrender to a can of my very favorite carbonated beverage - Pepsi.  (Actually, my favorite is Wild Cherry Pepsi, but they don't carry it at school and it's really hard to find.)  And, since Christmas, I have also afforded myself the luxury of a pop on the way to school each Friday morning - Sonic does $1 larges before 11 AM.  However, effective last Sunday, I am no longer a pop-drinker.  Why?  In case you haven't seen it, check out the graphic below:

Via: Term Life Insurance

I am by no means a health freak, but if I look at it logically, why continue to pump it into my system when:

• it is not good for my health (see above)?
• it costs extra money?
• its medicinal qualities can be achieved with actual medicine (if only I would keep Tylenol in my desk drawer)?

Result: a passionately renewed effort at cutting out pop for good!