Do it.

Homemade Popsicles, Anyone?

Boy, is it a hot one today... and tomorrow isn't planning on being any cooler.  I really wanted to get into making some homemade popsicles this year to save some money and because this way I know what's in them.  I found a great reference.  Check it out!

What NOT to Do

Well, I gained almost two pounds this week... I'm disappointed, but in no way surprised (at least I'm not in denial, right?)!  I've been on vacation staycation for a week now and even though I'm cutting back on eating out TREMENDOUSLY... there were still four times in this past week where the meals weren't prepared at home.  Wow, that's a lot!  It didn't seem like a lot at the time...(doh!)...  And, then of course, let's not forget those cinnamon rolls... and there's stuff I didn't even post on here... like the homemade chocolate cupcakes, banana pudding, and chocolate covered bananas (omgediblearrangements) for my husband's birthday.  This week isn't much better in terms of fatty-food-goodness.  We've got Father's Day and a festival to attend.  Those two might not be so bad though... at least the leftover desserts won't be sitting in my house.

Does anyone know how fattening an elephant ear is?!? Lolz....

On a much better, healthier note, I got a very important package yesterday... my custom made orthotics!!!! See, I have a bone condition called a bone spur on my heel... it's like a little extra growth to my heel bone.  Everytime I put any pressure on it- It hurts!  Really, really bad!  This was preventing me from getting very physical... I mean, I'd even limp at work... I'm 24 years-old!  Insanity!  Anyways, these EXPENSIVE little suckers are supposed to relieve the pressure on my foot... YIPEE!

I'm starting off today with a healthy breakfast... hope this kick starts a healthy week with a 2 lb loss!

Happy Weight Loss!



Love is in the Air

Today is my two year wedding anniversary! We're keepig it simple this year due to lack of extra spending money, while still keeping it special.  This morning I got up and made heart-shaped cinnamon rolls (GASP!), an idea I got off pinterest AGES ago. Yea, I know it's not that healthy, but when it comes to holidays (& I'm not talking President's Day... and I realize to some of you this may be super important....it's not to me) I am much more lenient with my diet.  I don't think it's okay to binge on a holiday, but it's okay to try some special foods you may not normally eat. Moderation, moderation, moderation...
Anyways, I started off the day with surprising hubby with heart-shaped cinnamon rolls and he surprised me with a homemade card (AWE)!  We have plans for a picnic today on Lake Michigan as well, and I'm pretty excited about it.  The weather is gorgeous, people!

What is your philosophy when it comes to healthy living and holidays?

Delightful Dinner

I'm on vacation this week; so I have a lot of time to cook healthy yummy delicious meals!  Tonight I made slow cooked BBQ spare ribs (inspired by Budget Bytes' Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs), grilled baby carrots, grilled yellow potatoes, and fresh green onion.  This dinner was a nice change of pace for me.  It reminded me a lot of dinner at my grandparents house (slow cooked meat, potatoes, and veggies).  I love the colorfulness of the plate!

Yesterday's Breakfast!

Here is a picture of my breakfast yesterday morning.  I actually made this SCRUMPTIOUS oatmeal a day prior for my mother; she gave rave reviews! If you love pumpkin you must try this oatmeal.

Lady of the Night

Haha. The title to this post makes me laugh.  As you may already know, I'm a nurse.  I work midnights three nights a week; so sometimes I don't sleep at night even when I'm not at work.  I'll especially do this if I have to work the following night so I'll sleep during the day.  TV sucks at night and there are only so many shows I want to watch OnDemand.  Tonight I decided I'd try a new recipe to get rid of some of my vegetables in the fridge before they went bad (really working on letting no grocery go to waste).  I went with Budget Bytes' Swamp Soup. Delicious! It's also full of great nutrition!  Using myfitnesspal, I found that this recipe has approximately 150 calories & 4 grams of fat as long as no cheese is added.  In the picture below, I had some crackers added; which are not part of the calorie count/fat count.

Great Find

Yesterday while reading Taralynn Mcnitt's post on her favorite oatmeal, I was clicking on a few of the links and found a WONDERFUL new blog, Budget Bytes. Holy Cow!  I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about this blog! This girl is all about good ol' fashioned home cooked meals that are really AFFORDABLE! She even goes as far as to break down the cost of each ingredient.  Check her out!!!

Yesterday's Breakfast

Honey flavored Chobani topped with Bear Naked Fit vanilla almond crunch granola and raspberries paired with 2 organic boiled eggs sprinkled with organic ground black pepper.

Keeping a Clean Kitchen

I’ve found that keeping a clean kitchen is a huge motivator for me to stick to a healthy diet. I don’t know about you, but I CAN’T cook in a dirty kitchen. I’ve got five, four-legged furry creatures living in my house (four of which can either jump on the counters, or at least skim them); so Clorox wipes have became my best friend. Never a day where you won’t see a Clorox wipe container sitting on my kitchen sink. Anywho, I’ve been non-officially doing an experiment the last week or so trying to keep a cleaner kitchen to boost my inspiration for healthy cooking and frugal living. It really seems to be working!

Because you can’t wash your fruits & veggies if your sink is full of dirty dishes…

& you can’t chop them if your dishes aren’t clean!!!!

*Tips for Keeping a Clean Kitchen*

• Make room for your groceries! Clean our your fridge before going to the grocery store. Throw away all expired, old food. Same holds true for your cabinets.
• Don’t procrastinate! Do your dishes after your meal, before you put on a movie to watch with your significant other. My husband and I have been trial running this the past week (not that he knows, haha, but we have). We always used to watch TV and eat dinner. We’re now eating at the table more; this way there is nothing to distract me from doing the dishes directly after dinner is over. Plus, if you do them right away it actually takes less time because nothing is stuck to the dishes yet!
• Use your dish rag and wipe those flat surfaces down with your dishwater before draining your sink.
• Get out that broom! While you may not need to mop every day, it’s still a good idea to do a quick sweep. Get out your broom and get the obvious dirt.
• Don’t forget the trash can! I always designate this chore to my husband ;)

Usually my kitchen routine takes less than 30 minutes (I have been grilling a lot lately). One day every week or so I desginate more time in my kitchen doing a more thorough job of cleaning surfaces and mopping.

First Post

I’ve been wanting to do this a long time. I’ve been interested in food & nutrition since early adolescence. I’ve been an avid blog reader for years (ever since I discovered the internet.) I especially love Undressed Skeleton and Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen! These two girls are HUGE MOTIVATORS for me in my weight loss journey. It only makes sense that I’d end up here. =)