Fall Flavors

Last night hubby had class, so I made something for dinner that I wanted to try and knew he would not want….Acorn Squash!!

I love summer squash, but have “always” hated any type of winter squash. My mom used to make mashed up orange squash goop, and I hated it…but I decided to give it another shot and purchased an acorn and a buttercup squash last weekend.

My acorn squash turned out WONDERFUL! I am so excited for the leftovers at lunch today!

Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

1 acorn squash
2 small apples, chopped (I used Gala’s)
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350*. Cut squash in half and remove seeds and fibers. Place squash cut side up in a baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes. While squash is baking, melt butter. In a small mixing bowl combine butter, apples, brown sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon. Spoon into the center of the squash after they have baked. Return to the oven and bake for 30 more minutes or until the squash is tender.

This was a very filling meal! I stuck one of the halves in a bowl and ate it out of the “shell”. Yum!

Temptation

Lately I have been very discouraged by my weight-loss efforts (or lack of weight loss). I love to bake, but then I also love to eat (lots) of what I bake. Hubby and I love to eat out, but I never have the will-power to say “NO CHEESEBURGERS!!!” And pizza…don’t get me started on that! At least once a week we get invited over to my parents house for dinner and a lot of the time we have pizza. I love it. It loves to stick to my belly. Grrr.

Let’s not forget candy. I like candy. Not so much chocolate and especially not things like smartees….but anything like licorice, Dots, Good ‘n Plenty, Mike and Ike’s, and Hot Tamales, I enjoy those the most.

Take a look at the TEMPTATION that sits on the desk right next to mine (about 6 feet away) and is ALWAYS full.

 

I find myself grabbing a piece and eating it without really realizing it. By the end of the day, I will see several wrappers in my trash can and feel absolutely disgusted with myself. I am embarking on a new mission to stay out of the candy bucket (it’s huge! It’s one of those animal cracker tubs from Sam’s or Costco.)

Why am I obsessing over this? Well, I want to lose weight and be healthy, but it’s really a vanity issue that has taken over my brain this week. My parents are taking my entire family  (me, hubby, 2 sisters and their boyfriends) to Florida/Disney World the week before Christmas. I NEED to be able to fit into my summer clothes from two years ago because where am I going to buy shorts/tank tops/swimsuits in MICHIGAN in DECEMBER? (Plus, I really can’t afford to buy new clothes!)

I guess this is as good a motivator as anything. Hubby even seems motivated….We’ve been walking 2 miles together every night after dinner (and it was HIS idea!).

I CAN DO THIS!

What tips do you have for keeping out of those things that tempt you the most? How do I “build up” will-power?

Amazing

I’m sorry I’ve been a bad blogger this week! I have been CRAZY busy at work (and since I don’t have internet at home, blogging must be done on my lunch hour!) Half a day of work today and then Homecoming festivities the rest of the day!

Maybe I can redeem myself with a new recipe. I found this gem at MyRecipes. Amazing.

Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta

1 Tbsp plus 1/4 tsp salt, divided
1 pound penne pasta
1 1/2 pounds tomatoes, seeded and chopped (any suggestions on the best way to seed a tomato?)
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup basil leaves
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt and the penne; cook until pasta is just tender to the bite. Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and garlic in a large bowl. Add olive oil and remaining salt to the mixture. Drain pasta and add to tomato mixture. Toss. Can be served hot, warm, or cold. (This makes the kitchen smell AMAZING!)

Where Has the Week Gone?

I can’t believe it’s Wednesday afternoon already…where did the week go? It has been kind of crazy in my life lately….my baby sister is on Homecoming Court this weekend at her high school (she’s a senior and one of three in the running for queen!) so we have been elbow deep in glitter for her posters to use in the parade. Three years of glitter posters are about enough for me! (Baby sister was on court last year too, and middle sister was on the year before!)

I haven’t eaten anything fabulous this week since I haven’t gotten groceries in about a month….we have been making do with what is in the cabinet. Hopefully I will get my meal plan and grocery list done tonight! I know I won’t have time Friday (assembly and parade for sis!) or Saturday (volleyball tourney and taking pics before the dance for sis!)

Today’s (not very exciting) eats include:

Breakfast: Steel cut oats with a little brown sugar, cinnamon and peaches+banana. I think I am going to LOVE making a batch of these oats on Sunday night, sticking them in the fridge on Monday and being able to have breakfast ready all week!

No morning snack. I think the steel cut oats+fruit really keep me filled up a lot better than regular oats!

Lunch: Morning Star Farms veggie burger on an English muffin with salsa, a yellow bell pepper with salsa for dipping and watermelon.

Snack: A few honey wheat pretzel sticks and a banana

Dinner: I think I will try this recipe. (I need to use up some of my farmer’s market tomatoes!) Hubby will want meat, so I may have to make him a hamburger to go with the pasta (is that a weird combination? I guess macaroni salad goes with burgers….)

The temperatures have definately started to cool off around here…fall is in the air! Hopefully I can take the puppies for a nice long walk tonight!

Were you ever on Homecoming Court at your High School?

Bondi Band Review

A few weeks ago I was sent some headbands to try from Rebecca at Bondi Band.

 Bondi Bands are headbands that are made out of different types of fabric and come in a “wicking” model (both in solid colors and in sayings/phrases) and a “fashion” model. Each style comes in a mutlitude of colors and patterns. This is the basic concept of Bondi Band, straight from their website:

“By using stretchy and breathable material, we allow Bondi Bands to fit virtually every head size comfortably and fashionably.”

I did think that these headbands fit well, and they stayed on during my run. I have tried other types of headbands, but they usually slide off of the top of my head as soon as I start moving. They are also very good at wicking…no sweat in my eyes during my 90* run!

I felt that the wicking headbands stayed in place better (the material wasn’t as silky as the fashion version) and I liked that they had a more matter (instead of a shiny) finish.

One more great thing about this product is that you can get them with words written on them. One of the bands I recieved says “run”, and there are so many funny, motivational, inspirational, and fitness related options to choose from. I’m not sure this actually “improves” the products, but it sure does make this company stand out from others who may have similar products.

These headbands are also great for taming the massive amounts of fly-aways that I get after I run (stupid curly hair!). I found that these headbands were just as easy to wear with my hair down as with it up!

In addition to headbands for women, Bondi Band also has headbands for children, several styles of women’s hats, dog collars, and hats and headbands for men.

Another great thing about this company is that they donate 10% of their pretax profits to a charity which supports cancer research! Amazing!

I would defiantely recommend purchasing one (or a couple!) of these great headbands. I cannot wait to wear mine during the Toronto Women’s Half in May. Thanks so much, Rebecca, for giving me the chance to try your great products!!

Overnight Steel Cut Oats

Awhile ago I purchased a small bag of steel cut groats at our local Amish bulk foods store. I had never tried these, but was intrigued. I put off making them because I really wasn’t sure how. Sunday night I finally bit the bullet and did a little research online as to how to prepare them.

It was so easy! I loved how little time it actually took, and now I have a big bowl of oats in the refrigerator that should last me the whole week!

Overnight Steel Cut Groats

In a large sauce pan, mix 1 1/2 cups steel cut groats

 

With 6 cups water. Boil for 1 minute

 Cover and let sit at room temperature in the sauce pan overnight…they will absorb a lot of the water overnight!

 

In the morning, boil again for 10 minutes, or until the are thick and creamy (but still have a little “crunch” in the middle). I did have to make sure I watched these carefully, because they were so thick that they almost burned when I just lef them to boil.

Scoop a bowlful up, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!!! (1/2 of a Nectarine, Maple Syrup, a little bit of Maple Brown Sugar Granola)

I put the rest into a large tupperware bowl and just scoop out what I want each day and throw it into the microwave.

I can’t believe I was “affraid” of this stuff! It was so easy and makes breakfast so easy! Try it!!

Farmers Market Goodies

Just a quick post to share my farmers market loot from this morning…

3 huge candy onions
12 peaches
26 baby red skin potatoes
4 colorful bell peppers
6 large tomatoes

All for $10!!! Amazing!

Have a great weekend!

TMI

I took Pali for a walk last night and spent the rest of the night cleaning up doggy throw-up (sorry for the details!) from Copper. He was sick about every 2 hours all night….Needless to say, food still isn’t looking that appetizing.

Breakfast was a cinnamon raisin bagel with a smear of cream cheese (it looks kinda like a cinnamon roll with frosting!)

 

Snack was some grapes

 

Lunch was an Amy’s Burrito, Sabra Hummus with carrots and 1/2 of a green pepper and the rest of my grapes.

 

Snack was some dark chocolate. (x3)

 

Hubby suggested pizza for dinner…I’m game. Hopefully I don’t have any more sick puppies!

Ran out at lunch and I got some great deals at Kroger (I didn’t get pictures of my loot since I had to go back into work and didn’t want to haul all my groceries in)….

• 4 boxes Cascadian Farms Organic Cereal ($1.99 per box, regularly $5.49 each)
• 1 box Kashi Cereal ($2.99 regularly $4.99)
• 3 large nectarines ($1.70)
• 1 bag of honey wheat pretzel sticks ($1.59)
• The new Cooking Light Magazine ($4.99….a total impulse buy/splurge)
• 1 4-pack of Sarba Hummus cups ($2.49)
• 1 jar of crunchy peanut butter ($1.29)
• 1 pound bag of baby carrots (Free with coupon)

Total: $23.01 I think I got a good deal! I probably didn’t need 5 boxes of cereal, but when I get on a cereal kick, I will eat it three meals a day! I got lots of new flavors that I haven’t tried before!

What’s the best grocery store deal you’ve ever gotten?

It Doesn’t Feel Like Wednesday

What a pleasant surprise that it’s Wednesday (I was thinking it was TUESDAY all morning!) Last night for our anniversary dinner, I made Lasagna Roll Ups, Cheesey Garlic Toast, and Butterscotch Pecan Cookies. Yum!

Today has been another crazy busy day at work! I ran out at lunch to Joann Fabrics to get a pattern to sew an apron. I am fairly new at sewing, so I got a a “sewing for dummies” apron pattern. Now I just have to find some fabric I like!

Today’s eats included a turkey bacon, egg beaters and cheese sammy on an Arnold Thin for breakfast. (That’s melty cheese, not runny egg, I promise!)

 

Snack was part of a carrot cake Clif bar

 

Lunch was a reduced fat peanut butter, dried cranberry, and nectarine sandwhich on another Arnold Thin (I love those things!!). With half of a green pepper.

 

For dessert I had a couple of pieces of Lindt dark chocolate

Snack was some yummy red grapes.

 

Dinner tonight will be leftovers from last night. I hope to take Pali (my dog) for a long walk tonight. Copper (Hubby’s dog) has been having some hip pain, so our morning walks have been cut short, and Pali has been a big bundle of energy lately. Maybe I can convince hubby to go with me… We need to take advantage of this gorgeous Michigan fall weather before the nasty Michigan snow shows up!

Is it December Yet?

I know, I know….summer is barely over and I am looking forward to winter. Usually I hate winter, but that was before I got awesome news over the weekend….

My parents have decided to take my whole family (mom, dad, me, hubby, 18 year old sister + boyfriend, and 17 year old sister + boyfriend) to DISNEY WORLD the week before Christmas. We will be renting a van and driving down there. It will be a 24 hour drive each way, but it should be fun. Yay for actually having a Christmas vacation! (I may work for a school district, but my part of the district is open over Christmas+Spring break and summer vacation). 

Well, it felt good to be back to work, or at least back to scheduled eating times! Here are today’s eats:

Breakfast was blueberry oats with a white nectarine cut up on top

 

Snack was 2 small Tootsie Rolls

 

Lunch was half of the reduced fat cheddar+turkey pepperoni roll that I made for dinner last night, 1/2 of a green pepper and some grapes

 

I wasn’t really hungry for an afternoon snack, but I will probably much on some grapes during my 40 minute drive home from work. 

For dinner tonight, I am making a bigger meal than usual….but it’s our anniversary!! We are having lasagna rolls, broccoli, garlic bread, watermelon, and pecan+butterscotch cookies. Yum! (But I will be busy when I get home from work!!)

So excited for December! We haven’t been on a family vacation since I was a freshman in college! We all get along well, and we love the boys my sisters are dating, so 24 hours in a van shouldn’t be too bad!

Do you have any vacation plans for this winter?