My progress, since weight loss surgery 8/8/07

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Kitchen Tip Tues.: Flax and Menus


Did you know you can use flax as a substitute for fat or eggs in recipe? Three tablespoons of flax equals one tablespoon of fat or oil, and one tablespoon of flax plus three tablespoons of water equals one egg. Not only is this healthy it makes it safe for those with egg allergies, Vegans and it is frugal! If you count the cost of flax vs. eggs the savings usually are wonderful! It is sold in a box , near the flour. I also include a small spoon full in my kid's yogurt/cereal/ smoothies/ granola.

I also found this little tid-bit:

"Flaxseed is very high in omega-3 essential fatty acids. In addition to the omega-3s, the remaining two components of flaxseed -- lignans and fiber -- are being studied for their health benefits as well", says Diane Morris, PhD, RD,


Menus Note : By the way- I am working on putting 8 weeks of menus for everyone to download for free on my page- they include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and the recipes! All free for you! Look at the left sidebar :)

Be sure to visit Tammy's Page for more tips!

Monday, July 30, 2007

You say goodbye, I say hello... hello.. hello!


Good Bye old friends:

caffeine
Gum
straws
Sugar
soda

Good Bye Maddie

hello:

freedom to: move, live, breathe, play and enjoy life!

In just 9 more days I have my WLS!

Wanna Know why? Look here and here:)



Keep in touch- I will be posting progress here.

Coming Soon!


Bear with me, I am working on a new look- I will put the file downloads and the links back up ASAP :)

Come back soon!!!!

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Free Recipe E-files!


Parker over at Divine Domesticity is posting two recipe files! A free download of Sweets and Savory! Thanks Parker - Be sure to take a look At her site!

Friday, July 27, 2007

I Won A MAJOR AWARD!


Mr. Parker: It's a Major Award!
Swede: Shucks I wouldn't know that. It looks like a lamp.
Mr. Parker: What is a lamp, you nincompoop? Tt's a Major Award. I won it!
Swede: Damn, hell, you say won it?
Mr. Parker: Yeah, mind power, Swede; mind power.




I WON!!!!


I was enterening Almost all of the "Dog Days Of Summer Bloggity Giveaways." So far I have won one of the drawings ! If I win any more, I will post them here too (fingers, toes and eyes crossed! Please be sure to visit my NEW blogging friends:)


A HUGE thanks to:

Forty Before 40- For the Subscription to "Real Simple" Magazine


And The Winner Is.........


Insert drum roll here :)



I had my Three year old draw from a bowl today.

And the winner is:

Happy Momma!!!!

Take a look at her blog:
http://www.afishingpoleandaskillet.blogspot.com/


Congrats Happy Momma!

Thursday, July 26, 2007

I'm Jonesing!

My Addiction:

58%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Free Online Dating from Mingle2

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

WFMW: Mommy's Power Naps


Bear with me this is a long Intro!
This Is the Parenting Edition of WFMW, Believe me- Mommy's Power Naps make me more patient and sweet as a mommy :)
I have been burning the candle at both ends for some time now. I have worked at least PT (up until this year) every since my babies were little. My hubby and I have always worked this out so that we work opposite schedules so there would be no need for child care. The hardest was the Mid night shifts! This year I have been in Real estate school and plan to start working again in Jan. I am taking classes on line so that my hubby could pick up a PT job (along with the FT job ) to supplement my loss of income. How did we work it out? In order that the schedule would not interfere with my home, I get up before everyone else ( at 5am and do 2 hrs. of classes daily.) I do not have the luxury of getting to bed before 10pm , so usually right after lunch I am worn down. I take a 30 min. POWER nap even though my 3 and 4 year old do not nap. How? I put in a 30 min. kid tape, turn down the volume and curl up on the couch. My oldest is in charge of waking Mommy after the movie! Mother Of The Year? Probably not, but it works for me! Be sure to visit Rocks in My Dryer for more great ideas. Oh, and if you did not know - Check out the Dog Days Of Summer Bloggy Giveaways she is hosting here.

Because I love freebies!!!- A give away for you!



I just HAD to join the fun!



So I am giving away a lovely journal, some Chocolate Macadamia nut coffee, a Parenting Bible and a toddler devotional book . The Bible (NIV) and the devotional are not new but there are no marks , just shelf wear. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. To have a chance to win you need to be sure to leave a comment. Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer is hosting this wonderful Dog days of Summer blog giveaway be sure to visit so you can take a look at the other giveaways, just click on the cute puppy above. Drawing will be held this Friday- Make sure you leave your e-mail so I can find the winner!

Good Luck and be blessed! Oh, And come back to visit me again sometime :)

Monday, July 23, 2007

THE GREATEST GIVEAWAY EVER!

Take a look- leave a comment- cross your fingers and see if you win! Shannon is hosting a Dog days of sumer blogging carnival Giveaway!

Thanks Shannon!

Here: http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/

Friday, July 20, 2007

The Internet is GONE!!!!!!!!

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Frugal Friday: New uses for Free containers!








I love to re-use free containers in fact I did a whole post about peanut butter jars! Here are a few of my reusable container ideas:

  • Deli lunch meat in "zip lock" containers- self explanatory
  • Crystal light (generic of course) - used for small craft items, Coffee pods, filled with water and make large ice blocks for drinks, paint cups for kids
  • Frosting tubs, GV Marshmallow cream, yogurt, Sour cream- same as above and also- cut small cross slits in the lid for a lidded cup the kids can take anywhere without your fearing they are lost just add a straw! Also wonderful for homemade yogurt
  • Large Pickle jars and the large animal cracker jars sold at Wal-mart become storage for rice, flour etc.
  • Large Butter tubs- to fill with soup to freeze. I can label the top with a sharpie and just throw it out or give it away to a sick friend. Sometimes I even mark through and rewrite again! I also keep two or three around to send leftovers home with people so they don't have to be worried about returning the container.
  • I use glass jars for 1 thing only- grease disposal! I usually keep one in the fridge. with bad -trash grease from chicken, meat or burgers. I store it in the fridge until it is full then seal and throw away. I use glass because you can add warm grease and I keep it refrigerated because I don't want to grow anything in it.
  • I use cereal, wax bags as freezer wrappers when I make and freeze hamburger patties.
  • I also used (when I had babies) baby food jars to organize small screws and nails in the garage. nail or screw the lid to the bottom of a shelf and then fill jar and screw to the lids. You can modify this by using any jar you want to.
Be sure to check other frugal ideas Biblical Women hood

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Works for me: Replacement parts







When My children (they are 3 and 4) started to out grow the sippy cups, I decided, instead of buying brand new "big kid cups", I would order the lids with straws and change the lids

from the regular sippy lids. I plan this month ( my new budget always starts on the 1st) to order the Coolster tumbler spill proof lids - they look like grown up coffee cups! What savings! I am still using the original 9oz insulated cups they started with! When I do decide to pass these along, the next person will have lids to take them from beginning to end! My favorite is the Playtex brand because the lids are always interchangeable! Buy the way, these cups were from a yard sale and I only paid 50¢ each because they did not have lids! So when my babies were ready to start using a cup, I called the Playtex company and asked could I order some lids. Customer Service sent 3 free Baby sipster lids. These are the the ones with a soft spout and handles. I ordered the lids I needed from then on. I also have done this with used baby bottles, parts for a toddler bed, a bottle warmer and other items. You can find replacement parts and even manuals for almost most anything for babies and some household items. I suggest that you always contact customer service even it is available on the web site sometimes they will send the parts or manuals for free.

Here is the web page for playtex:
http://www.playtexstore.com/cgi-bin/category/PTXP-22

for Gerber (24 hrs) Call for parts:
1-800-4 Gerber

Munchkin :
http://www.munchkin.com/products/browse.php?section=prodCategories&ID=10021
or call 1-800-344-2229
e-mail- cserv@munchkin.com






Visit Shannon for more great ideas!


Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Sandwich Station



My kids love Peanut Butter- they eat some kind of PB sandwich most days. I found the easiest thing to do was keep my bread, Peanut butter, Nutella and Marshmallow cream inside a plastic box with lid on top of my refrigerator. Jelly is in 'fridge of course! This way when I need to make a quick sandwich it is all together!

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Are you a Lint Licker?

Monday, July 9, 2007

My maddie

I have a maddie too. Please read this:
http://bigcitygirl.blogspot.com/2007/07/meet-maddie.html

I am in tears.

Wanna a quickie?

Here its is: I have to take a little hiatus- I WILL BE BACK! Missing my blog already.
See you soon, I hope!

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Frugal Friday: Frugal vacation


My favorite "frugal vacation" tips are probably not new to anyone, but it only occurred to me and my family a couple of years ago.
Here are my favorites:
1. Take a weekend not a week long trip
2. If you have a whole week or more, and need to fly,travel during the week - the rates are cheaper.
3. Vacation in your home town- if you have the money get a hotel close to home- this seems silly, but as women we feel the need to cook and clean if we are in our home. If a hotel is out of the budget, then have a talk with your family and agree to share the chores if you stay home. Explain to your DH that if you have to cook and clean, then you will not be on a true vacation. Cook as little as possible and use paper plates so clean up is minimal. Let the laundry wait and enjoy the local sites. If you stay at a hotel, be sure to get a room with a refrigerator and microwave. Have the free hotel breakfast, for lunch and snacks have sandwiches, instant meals like Ramen or oatmeal , cookies and fruit cups (that you pack supplies for )and for dinner- eat out. In a pinch you can usually get a few disposable bowls, cups and cutlery from the hotel breakfast bar. Save dinner leftovers to have for lunch the next day. If you have dog or cat you can leave them home and just check in with them.
4. If you own one or can borrow one use a RV! Try camping locally either in an RV, tent or campground. Check out KOA .
5. Stay with family if you can. If you do, be sure to plan at least one day to be at their disposal. Don't expect them to cook and clean for you. make sure to respect their schedules- they may have to work while you are there, so don't rely on them to entertain you. Discuss your plans with them so they know ahead that they are "off the hook."
6. If you are brave enough then try a home exchange.
7. Use time share programs- Google "time shares" for more info .

Enjoy your vacation- I am off to a hotel this weekend, Only about 3 miles from my home. Our family has planned a weekend of Library time, A free kid's class at Home Depot, A trip to the beach, a shopping spree at the Dollar Store ($5 per kid :) , a ferry ride across the river($1 each) to get ice cream and play at the park. I don't have to cook or clean and the weather is lovely so we will leave our dog outside all weekend and just check in once a day for food refills (we have a self watering dish).

Have a Happy 4th of July!

Kitchen Tip Tuesday~ Happy 4th!


We are planning a weekend away from home - so forgive this but I will be reposting a Works For Me Wednesday tip as this week's Kitchen Tip- have a wonderful 4th of July everyone!
http://justincase-doll.blogspot.com/2007/07/wfmw-food-coloring.html
Be sure to visit Tammy's site for more great tips!

Sunday, July 1, 2007

WFMW: Food coloring


My kids (princess 4 and Super boy 3 ) can be picky eaters, so once in a while I will change the color of their food and let them choose the color . Surprisingly they don't like regular eggs but they love red or green ones! Oatmeal and Cream of Wheat always taste best in shades of pink and blue, even spaghetti is better if it is purple!

Coloring your food works for me!

Visit Rocks in My Dryer for more WFMW ideas!

Menu 7/1 to 7/06



Bold Items will have the recipes following the menu.
To see other menus visit: http://orgjunkie.blogspot.com/



S- Breakfast-English Muffins Lunch- Out Dinner- Leftovers Snacks-Vanilla wafers
M-Breakfast-Strawberry smoothies and PB toast Lunch- Tuna salad sandwiches,fruit choice Dinner-Meatball Hashbrown casserole, salad Snacks- Jello
T-Breakfast- Cereal Lunch- Banana sandwiches Dinner-Apple stuffed pork chops, broccoli and rolls Snacks- Pumpkin Snack
W-Breakfast- Oatmeal/grits Lunch- Baked potatoes Dinner- grilled steaks, hot dogs and potluck Snacks- applesauce
Th-Breakfast- Cream of wheat Lunch-canned beef stew, biscuits Dinner- Pastitiso, salad and garlic bread Snacks- Teddy grahams
F-Breakfast- cheese toast Lunch- Wraps with Deli turkey and cream cheese Dinner-Sausage rotini, Salad and bread sticks Snacks-Chocolate banana pops

Recipes:
Meatball Hash Brown Bake

2 eggs
3/4 cup crushed saltines (about 20 crackers)
6 to 8 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp salt, divided
1 1/2 tsp pepper, divided
1 pound ground beef
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 large onion, chopped
1 package (30 oz) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed

In a bowl, lightly beat eggs. Stir in cracker crumbs, garlic, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Crumble beef over mixture; mix well. Shape into 1-in balls. In a covered skillet over low heat, cook the meatballs in a small amount of water until browned; drain.

In a bowl, combine the soup, sour cream, cheese, onion and remaining salt and pepper. With paper towels, pat hash browns dry. Stir into the soup mixture. Transfer to a greased 13"x9"x2" baking dish. Arrange meatballs over top pressing into mixture. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer or until meat is no longer pink and potatoes are tender.
Apple Stuffing Pork Chops

1 box stove topped stuffing
1 can apple pie filling
pork chops
Layer in dish Stuffing mix and the amount of butter add water that the Package calls for.
pie filling and Pork chops. Cover with foil and bake until meat is cooked 350 30-45 min.

Pumpkin Snack

1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/3 cup marshmallow cream
cinnamon
nutmeg
1 sheet graham crackers, divided

1. Heat pumpkin and fluff over medium heat, and stir in spices. When warm, spoon into serving dish, stick in crackers, and enjoy!
Quick & Cheesy Sausage Rotini

3 cups rotini pasta, uncooked
1 lb. Italian sausage links, cut into bite-size pieces
1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chopped onions (about 1 medium)
1/4 cup KRAFT Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
3/4 cup KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided

COOK pasta as directed on package.
MEANWHILE, cook sausage in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat 10 min. or until sausage is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Drain sausage; return to skillet. Add tomatoes with their liquid, the onions and dressing. Cook 5 min. or until onions are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
DRAIN pasta. Toss with the sausage mixture and 1/2 cup of the cheese. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese.