Halloween Snack Mix

I found this post from Munchkin Munchies through Pinterest and had to share. You can view it on the original page here.

 

 

Doesn't that look so YUMMY! Can't wait to try it out!

Whats your Fall Bucket list??

Game Day Saturday Recipe (A day late)!!

Welcome to Saturday, y'all!  If you are in the Beautiful South, SEC Football (Roll Tide!) is in full swing and you need some good munchies for game day!! 

Here's what you need:
1 can Refried Beans

1 package of Taco Seasoning

1 package of softened Cream Cheese

1 8oz tub of Sour Cream

1 jar of Salsa

1 package of shredded lettuce

1 package of Mexican Blend shredded cheese

1 can finely chopped Black Olives

Here's what you do:
1. Mix half of the packet of Taco Seasoning with the Refried Beans and spread in the bottom of a glass baking dish.

2. Mix the other half of the Taco Seasoning with the softened cream cheese and sour cream and spread it in a layer above the beans.

3. Pour and smooth Salsa in a layer.

4. Finely chop your lettuce and sprinkle in a layer.

5. Add a layer of shredded cheese.

6. Top with finely chopped black olives.  I like the chopped because they make dipping easier!
7. Enjoy with your favorite chips!

Energy Bites

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated.  Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.  Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy!  Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Smashed Peas & Carrots photo

I couldn't be more excited to try these bites for myself. Even without the coconut, they will be delightful!

Double Chocolate Cookies

Made these tonight for a bake sale and they are De-licious!! Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips.
• Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Yield: about 9 dozen.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (2 each) equals 119 calories, 6 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 19 mg cholesterol, 91 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein.

Layered Brownie Cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ounce semisweet chocolate, melted
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 9 whole graham crackers
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

 Directions

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine milk and vanilla. Combine flour, salt and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk mixture
• Remove a third of the batter to another bowl; stir in melted chocolate. Fold in walnuts. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Arrange graham crackers over top.
• Add chocolate chips to remaining batter. Drop by spoonfuls over graham crackers and spread evenly. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool on a wire rack before cutting. Yield: 2 dozen.

Weight-Loss Update

Its been a while since I've updated my blog. Yes - I am still working out and following the Weight Watchers weightloss program for eating....

Andy is on board and is cooking amazing meals from the newested Weight Watchers cookbook.

  It was on sale for $14.95 at the meeting a few weeks ago and I couldn't help but pass it up...... there are TONS of recipes that have REGULAR ingredients that you will probably have in your cabinet already. (Can you tell that I HATE when a meal looks yummy but ingredients are all exotic)

Anyway....I have another WW weigh in tonight so I'll update on my journey soon.

Week Four Weigh In

Well...week 4 weigh in came and went....

I didn't lose but .6 of a pound this week and my measurements are exactly the same exact for my bust (-1.5inches)... so.....

In other news..I started attending Weight Watchers meetings on Thursday nights.

Happy 4th of July to you and yours!!

Homemade Wheat Bread Sticks

I found this recipe at The Happy Housewife blog. Visit it here.

 Whole Wheat Bread Sticks

• 1 1/3 cups warm water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups flour ( I used whole wheat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 3 tablespoons powdered milk
• 2 teaspoons yeast
• cornmeal (for rolling the dough, do not add to the dough mixture)

Topping

• 1/2 cup melted butter
• Garlic Powder
• Parmesan Cheese
• Salt

Mix together olive oil, yeast, salt, oregano, powdered milk, and warm water. Add in flour. Knead for 5 minutes. Cover dough and let rise until doubled. Punch down dough and roll out into a rectangle. To get that pizza parlor taste use cornmeal instead of flour to roll the dough. Place dough on a greased cookie sheet. Push or roll the dough so it fills the entire cookie sheet. With a knife or pizza cutter slice the dough into one inch strips. Don’t cut all the way through the dough, only about half-way through.

(The original recipe has the dough being put on a cookie sheet but I am going to try to roll them like bread sticks)

Let rise for 30 -45 minutes. Mix together melted butter, garlic powder and Parmesan cheese. Brush the mixture on top of the bread sticks, then sprinkle a pinch of salt. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.

Week 3 Weigh In

I have no idea where my Week 3 weigh in post went. It has vanished!! :0(

To summarize it...I had no weight gain or loss.....which has bummed me out. Thursday I am starting Weight Watchers meetings back. I'll be attending meetings every Thursday with my awesome and supportive team teacher and her daughter. I can't wait!

In other news.....I have my measurements taken tomorrow and I'm hoping they show some loss before I go to the WW meeting tomorrow.

Stay posted...... More to come soon!

Week Two Weigh In

Time in Journey: Week 2 (10 weeks left) 
Starting Weight - 262.2
Currently - 260.8
Lost - 1.2

• What I miss: Eating Sweets
• Excited to - Buy new clothes!
• Other news: I had 5 workouts in 4 days!! I totally reached my goal from last weekend. I have to admit that I was dreading the two a day workouts, but was amazed by the energy that I had after each. This week is VBS at church, so I'm not sure I'll get 2 in a day, but will defiantly be at the gym in the afternoons....I am going to try to get up in the mornings and workout at home before heading to VBS each day. 
• Bummed -  I only lost 1.2. this week. In order to reach my 30 pound goal in 3 months I really need to lose 2-3 pounds a week. However I am happy it was a lose if that small.
• Goal for this week - Drink more water....focusing on my gallon of water a week. Watching my portions and eating more green vegetables is also needed.

Summer Project #1 - Master Bedroom Closet

Our master bedroom closet is OUT of control..... that is the only way I can explain how it looks...or should I say looked. Here are the before pictures

Ridiculous..I know !?!?!?! So I took a day and took everything out, did a little organizing and cleaned out 4 bags full of stuff to donate to a mission trip that a group from our church is taking.





All shoes are now in clear containers that are marked with a short description of what they look like.







All shirts are hung up by occasion (daily, church, etc) and by color.......I know that shows off my OCD but oh well!

This picture makes me realize that the hubby wears entirely too many t-shirts in the spring/summer.....must start working on that!!

Motivational Quote

You get out of it what you put in it. - Billy Scott

I've seen this quote for almost a year now, but it didn't start feeling so very true until my summer workout program began. Thanks Billy Scott for keeping me motivated and focused!

Week One Weigh In

Time in Journey: Week 1 (11 weeks left) 
Starting Weight - 262.2
Currently - 262.2

• What I miss: Eating Sweets
• Excited to - Buy new clothes!
• Other news: My 4th school year is over. Its been a crazy week and I have to admit that I only got 2 workouts in at the gym all week. I did however walk the dog and work in the yard which had me sweating like crazy but wasn't enough to shed the pounds like I needed to this week. So...going to have to hit it hard this week....softball game tonight and back to the gym tomorrow! 
• Bummed - I'm totally bummed that I didn't have any weight lost for this week. But then again with the last week of school stress and several potlucks, I didn't eat right.
• Goal for this week - drink more water....I need to be drinking at least a gallon of water a day. Also, get in at least 5 workouts in...because by next week I need to be to 10 a week.

Weight Loss - A Must!!

I can't believe that I haven't blogged yet about my weight loss progress. Let me go back and start from the beginning. In July I began working with an amazingly motivated team teacher Anita. She began talking to me about a local gym and I became very interested.


August 2nd, 2010 I walked into MMA Catch Wrestling Gym. I have to admit that I was TERRIFIED because I had put on weight and wasn't sure how much I could really do. I was surprised at how nice and friendly everyone was and how no one really did pay attention that this big girl was huffing & puffing and sweating like a man. Later in the month I began attending Weight Watchers meetings. Through working out almost every day and WW, I was able to lose 15 pounds and almost 12 inches all over my body.


In January I had a routine visit with my OBGYN, where I was excited to announce that the hubby and I were ready to start a family. My OBGYN informed me that being overweight and pregnant increased my odds of many difficult issues and could even be fatal to an unborn child or myself. With this news I knew I had to kick the weight loss into a new stage. I have been working out, but not like I was and not like I need to be. I did apply for the Biggest Loser (yes - the TV version) and I wasn't a candidate because I wasn't heavy enough. So Billy with the MMA Academy in Smiths Grove has agreed to take on the challenge and write me a Biggest Loser inspired plan for the next 3 months. I'm actually pretty excited about it because I am lucky to have a support family and friends. I know I won't stay this way, but hopefully this blog will help me stay committed.

So, tomorrow I start my 12 week weight loss plan ...... 12 weeks to lose 30 pounds. After much thought I will be blogging through my journey (posting actual weight & measurements weekly & monthly)...Stay Tuned!

Starting Place

When I started thinking about documenting my weight loss journey my sweet & loving hubby asked if I was ready for everyone to know my personal business a week at a time. At first I wasn't quite sure, but I know now that its going to make me stay committed and focused on my goal.

Below is my beginning weight in information.

Time in Journey: Beginning (11 weeks left)  Yes, I realize that posting my weight loss journey may be crazy..... but I MUST stay focused and I think this is a GREAT way to do just that. Plus, if you don't like it...don't read it! Hehe! Just kidding!

• Starting Weight - 262.2
• Currently - 262.2 
• Measurements -
• Bust - 47 5/8 inches
• Hips - 52 1/8 inches
• Neck - 15 inches
• Waist - 46 7/8 inches
• Calves
• Left - 18 inches
• Right - 19 inches
• Thighs
• Left - 26 inches
• Right - 27 inches
• Arms
• Left - 15 inches
• Right - 15 5/8 inches
• What I miss: Eating Sweets
• Excited to - Buying new clothes!
• Other news: My 4th school year is coming to a close. I have really enjoyed this group of kiddos regardless of the ups & downs we experienced this year. I can't believe that first day of next school year I'll be tenured when it seems just like yesterday that I was being hired!!! I am TRULY blessed! 

When I Was Your Age

Now that I'm a teacher I find myself saying things that my 5th graders have NO clue what I'm talking about. For example the other day students were using laptops to research the 3 branches of government. One student was complaining that it was taking him too long to find the needed information.

So I replied, "When I was in fifth grade, we didn't have the Internet or laptops. We had to look up all of our information in encyclopedias." To which the student replied, "Is that the same thing as World Book Online?"

Someone Has to Say It!

But people today DO NOT know how to dress properly. Have you ever watched What Not to Wear? TLC makes BIG bucks with this show and its all about getting people to dress better. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I'm the best dresser because I have my off days like everyone else....but at least all of my rolls are covered. If you don't believe me, LOOK around. Try the website, People of Walmart if you don't want to look around yourself. Its full of people who go to Walmart in the worst. outfits. EVER. Period!

I'm not saying you have be the best dresser in the world or spend the most money on your clothing, but PLEASE at least look in the mirror before you leave him. :)

Homemade Raisin Oatmeal

Taste of Home Raisin Oatmeal

Ingredients

• 6 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apples or dried banana chips
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 
  ADDITIONAL INGREDIENT FOR OATMEAL:
• 3/4 cup water

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Divide into two batches; store in airtight containers in a cool dry place for up to 1 month. Yield: 7 cups of mix (two batches oatmeal mix--each batch makes 7 servings).
• To prepare oatmeal: In a deep microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup oatmeal mix and 3/4 cup water. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds; stir. Cook 20-50 seconds longer or until bubbly. Let stand for 1-2 minutes. Yield: 1 serving.

Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup equals 186 calories, 2 g fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 175 mg sodium, 36 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 6 g protein. Diabetic Exchange: 2-1/2 starch

Fab Five Friday - Snow Edition

Today is our 9th snow day...yes, that's right. We have had 9 snow days this season. With that in mind, I thought I'd steal the fav five idea from a friend and give you the Fab Five Friday - Snow edition.

#1 - Fuzzy Blanket


The Big One Blanket

 This blanket is the best! I purchased it from Kohl's two or three years ago and it is used 24/7. Its so great that Andy and I fight over it!!



#2 - Comfy Slippers & Pj's

For a snow day, one must have a comfy\warm set of jammies and slippers. Getting dressed on a snow day is a big No No! My favorite jammies are from old navy. I also wear a pair of cowgirl boot slippers that are so warm and keep my feet toasty all day!

#3 - A Great Book(s)

Karen Kingsbury

Or in my case, books! Thanks to several of my co-workers I am ADDICTED to reading Karen Kingsbury. Currently I'm reading A Thousand Tomorrows. If you haven't tried any of her books, go to your local library or bookstore and start with the Baxter family books (Redemption Series). I feel like the Baxter's are the family next door! I know you'll love them.

 

#4 - Hot Chocolate

 

I received a large tin of Williams Sonoma Hot Chocolate two years ago from a room parent for a Christmas gift and I can honestly say its SUPER TASTY. It is the perfect warm treat after playing in the snow.

 

#5 - Favorite T.V. Show
One must not forget a marathon of your favorite t.v. show on a snow day. NCIS, HOUSE, Grey's Anatomy and several other shows play several times a day. Check your local TV guide, or find your favorite show on DVD and start watching. It's a must!

Truthful Tuesday (A Day Early)

I'm going to take a page from a great fellow blogger who is also a co-worker of mine and start blogging certain themes for days I don't have anything new to share. Today....Truthful Tuesday!

1. I am OBSESSED with Gilmore Girls. Any time there isn't anything on t.v. I'll find a dvd from my collection ( I have all 7 seasons) and watch it. I've watched all episodes about 1321654689431646351 times but LOVE it!

2. I recently joined Weight Watchers and HATE weighing in once a week. I'm actually starting to think that its having a reverse affect on me. I really do prefer to not know once a week, but weight in every two weeks and be surprised.

3. My husband LOVES to cook and I LOVE this about him. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE a great, new, easy recipe but I LOVE it more that my hubby loves cooking and does it so well.

4. My Master's diploma came in the mail last week. I've already hung it in a diploma frame in the office but..this isn't surprising since I hung the frame in anticipation of completion almost 2 years ago.

5. I am over-weight. See #2.....I however have joined a local gym and LOVE working out. The high from working out is amazing. I've already lost 12.4 pounds. Now if I could just get back on track by eating more fresh foods then I'm sure I'd lose more. I must remind myself to be the little train that could...I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!!

Soapapilla Cheesecake Pie

Today's recipe is super easy and better yet, super YUMMY!

Ingredients:

• 2-8oz Philly Cream Cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cans of crescent rolls
• 2 tsp honey

Using a 9x13 pan, place one can of rolls in bottom of pan. Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over rolls. Top cream cheese mix with remaining can rolls. Spread sugar over top layer of rolls (about 1/2 c). Bake at 350 for 30 minutes and drizzle with honey. (Serves 12)

Thanks Uncle Gary for sharing this great dessert!