Catch Up Time

Man, you guys, I suck at this blogging thing.  Nevertheless, here's a new post!

First of all, I am posting (finally!) the recipe for the Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, as requested:

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs (from The Shrinking Kitchen)

Rating: 5

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 28 meatballs

Serving Size: 4 meatballs

Gather

1 pound lean ground chicken

1 egg

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 carrot

1 stalk celery

2 green onions

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 ounce crumbled blue cheese

1/2 cup Frank's Hot Sauce (or your favorite), divided

1 tablespoon butter

Step by step

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. Line a cookie sheet with foil and coat with nonstick spray.
3. Cut the celery, carrot and green onion into large chunks and throw into a food processor.
4. Pulse to chop into small bits.
5. In a large bowl, combine the vegetable mixture, chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, 1/2 the hot sauce and the blue cheese.
6. Gently fold together to combine, but don't overmix.
7. Form the mixture into small meatballs - you should get about 28 small meatballs.
8. Place the meatballs on the cookie sheet.
9. Bake for 20 minutes.
10. While the meatballs are baking, put the rest of the hot sauce and the butter into a microwave safe dish.
11. Microwave about 30 seconds, until butter melts.
12. Stir well to combine.
13. Remove the meatballs from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
14. Place the meatballs onto a serving dish and drizzle with butter/hot sauce mixture.
15. Enjoy!

Nutrition

WW PP 4; Calories 157; Total Fat 8.7g; Saturated Fat 3.5g; Trans Fat 0.0g; Cholesterol 87mg; Sodium 741mg; Total Carbohydrates 5.8g; Dietary Fiber 0.6g; Sugars 0.8g; Protein 13.8g 

So, these meatballs were AMAZING.  I, as usual, didn't have enough hot sauce so I had to use half regular hot sauce and half extra hot sauce.  Whatever, they were delicious.  Had an AWESOME kick. :)  I ate them with some rice and a salad for dinner and then took the leftovers to Sister #1's house for Coach's birthday.  Yum, yum, yummy! :)

Now, you might be wondering why I have been such a slacker lately.  Well, I'll tell you.  The week before last I had the flu and MAN! it was awful.  Obviously, no blogging was done then as I was pretty much sleeping the entire time.  And of course last week was spent catching up on everything that got missed during the flu.  So, here we are today...President's Day...and in between cleaning, grocery shopping, granola bar making, science project doing and everything else that is going on today, I'm taking a couple minutes out to blog.  Whew!

What else is going on??  Well, it's Lent.  Hooray for sacrifice! ;)  Instead of giving something up (since I've pretty much given up a bunch of stuff do to the clean eating/living a healthier lifestyle) I've decided to really focus and try to keep on track with everything I'm doing now.  In addition to that, I'm really going to try to be a better daughter and be more present in my Dad's life.  I am the biggest slacker when it comes to this area of my life, and I'm really ashamed of myself.  So, that's that.  Emma, on the other hand, has decided to give up T.V.  Seriously.  Now, I personally think it's because she was already grounded on T.V. for the past three weeks and she figured "hey, what's another forty days?"  We shall see how well she sticks with it.  Now, I didn't tell her she HAS to give something up.  We were talking about Lent and I was explaining it to her, and she decided of her own accord to give up T.V.  I think it's going to be a good thing.  We could all do with a little less T.V., right? 

School is going really well for me, surprisingly.  I had a math test last week and I got a 100%. What? Excuse me?  The math loser got a 100%???  Yes, kids, I am happy to report that I am actually doing well in math.  Thank goodness.  I'd hate to take baby math over again. :P  I know it's early in the game, but so far things look on track for me to actually graduate in December.  Too bad it only took me eight years to get a flippin' two year degree. LOL

Emma's doing pretty well in school, too.  All A's and B's.  Right now she's working on a science project where she has to make a model of a habitat.  It's going...ok.  She has a major issue with coloring neatly.  It's driving me bananas.  But, we shall persevere and when it's done I'll be sure to post a picture.  

Well, let's talk some more about food since that's what makes me happy.  :-D  This week's meal plan from The Shrinking Kitchen is all about going vegetarian!  That's right, folks, every dinner this week will be meatless.  Do you think my family will make it through??  We'll see.  The meals sounds pretty darn tasty, and I can't wait to try them.  Tonight's dinner is Mediterranean Pasta Toss.  Of course, I'll eat it without the Feta since I can't stand that stuff, but I'm sure Mark will enjoy it.  The rest of the meals consist of: Fragrant Chickpea Stew, Crispy Quinoa Patties over mixed greens with avocado, salsa and cheese, Aromatic Noodles with Lime Peanut Sauce, Simple Tomato Ricotta Pasta with a big green salad, and Hearty Vegetable Soup and homemade Yeast Rolls.  Yum, right???  I've also got a recipe for Honey Balsamic Roasted Fruit and Chocolate Almond Butter Granola Bars.  Who needs meat???

Well, I'm off to help with the science project.  Wish us luck!!!!!

It's Super Bowl Eve!

I'm celebrating the day before the Big Game by having a dinner of Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, rice and salad! Yum!!

Welcome to a New, Rockin' Bod...in 90 Days!!

So, my big brother is basically my Coach. I go to him for all sorts of advice on eating, working out, etc.  And then we text each other the insane workouts we do; although, his are always WAY crazier than mine. ;)  Anyway, we were talking a few weeks ago and it seems I have a little addiction...to weighing.  I just can't help myself!!  The scale is down there in the basement, calling me..."Jeeeeeeeeeeees!! Come weigh yourself!  You KNOW you want to know!!!"...and then I get irritated when I see I've gone back up a pound or two in like a day.  So frustrating.  Hmph.  Anyway, Coach and I were discussing this little addiction of mine and he suggested I give myself a reasonable 90 day goal and only weigh/measure on the first day and the 90th day.  Holy crap!! WHAT???  Ugh...I can do this, though.  Well, maybe I really need to have Mark hide that scale because I've already failed and weighed myself today.  :(  90 days started yesterday.  Ok, so, my goal is pretty reasonable, I think.  I'd like to get down to between 140-145 and lose a good bit of this tummy/hip fat I have going on since getting pregnant and having Emma 7 years ago.   What?  You haven't heard of the whole "9 months on, 7 years off" thing?? LOL  Anyway, I think that's doable in 90 day.  And I already have a head start because at the beginning of January I started eating cleaner and working out again, so I've got a 6 pound loss on my side already.  And, because I'm pretending to be fearless, I'm going to go ahead and post my weight and measurements on here so I can be held accountable by you all.  OMGOMGOMG....here goes!Height: 5'8"Weight: 154 lbsWaist: 33"Hips: 41"Bust: 37"Thighs: 23.5" Alright...it's on!!! 90 Day Rockin' Body, here I come!!!!  

One Foot In Front Of The Other

Food Note: Seems like I'm the only one who enjoyed the Beany & Cheesy Quinoa Bake. Whatever. You win some, you lose some. :-P

So, I've been feeling particularly challenged lately. You know what? Life is really hard. Especially when it comes to being a parent. That crap's HARD. I feel like I screw up so much stuff, but I guess that's when I just have to take a step back, take some deep breaths, and then just start over...one foot in front of the other. So, that's what I'm trying to do. It's these tough times when I really miss my Mom. I need her direction, her ear, her reproach...her love. But I know she's watching over me...nudging me to get back on course when I veer off onto some side road. Thanks, Mommy; I know you'll always have my back.

And you know what else? I'm really thankful for the rest of my family; my sisters, brothers, and Dad. There is no one else in the world like them and I know they always have my back, too. I am especially thankful for Sister #1 for helping me wade through some mud last night. I am so blessed in my life and I really need to focus on that. God and my family will get me through whatever life has to deal me.

Inhale. Exhale. One foot in front of the other...

Captain Cooker Lady

Whew!  I got some serious cooking on today, folks.  More on that in a bit, but first the updates. 

First of all, as of last Wednesday, I am enrolled in MA81.  Ugh.  I am still bitter about having to take this class, so I'm not going to talk about it that much.  Suffice it to say, I'm on my way to A.A.S. completion and that's all that matters.  Fingers crossed that by December this year I will FINALLY have my degree.  Good Lord, it only took me 8 flipping years to do it. 

So, because of this addition to my already ridiculously busy schedule, I've had to make a couple of adjustments.  Much to my fitness dismay, I've had to concede and give myself Mondays as a "rest day".  ::sigh::  I really want to be working out 7 days per week, but, alas, it cannot be.  As it stands, I'll have the following fitness schedule:

Mondays - "rest day"
Tuesdays/Thursdays - Nike+ at home
Wednesday/Friday - Gym w/Sister #1 (Amy)
Saturday - Zumba (yeah, baby!)
Sunday - either Zumba or Yoga

I guess it will just have to be what it will be. 

Moving along, I'm also hoping to adjust my work schedule to work a half hour later every day so I can get my full 8 hours.  Not that I want to work later, but I need the cashola.  Keep your fingers crossed that my boss says yes. :)

Next up, the cooking.  So, since I'm following the Shrinking Kitchen weekly menu plan, Sundays are my Menu Plan/Grocery Shop days.  Now, since I won't be home for dinner on Monday nights, I need to make that night's dinner on Sunday.  (Isn't Sunday supposed to be a day of rest?  Oh well, no rest for the insanely busy, I suppose...)  And that's what I did today: made Beany & Cheesy Quinoa Bake for tomorrow night's dinner (and my lunch at work).  However, I did not, of course, stop there.  This morning I made Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes (which no one but me liked...whatever), and before I made the Quinoa Bake I made Strawberry Yogurt Muffins for breakfasts/snacks.  Like I said, I got my cook on today.  I like it, though.  I guess I get that from Mommy. :)

I tried the muffins, and they were delicious!  Therefore, here is the recipe.  Oh, and speaking of muffins!  Those Whole Wheat Lemony Blueberry Muffins I made last week - SO YUMMY!! :)  I really hope the Quinoa Bake is yummy, too.  I'll let you know.

Ugh, I need to stop writing and go do more stuff.  Gotta wash The Captain's hair and get her into bed.  Thankfully, tomorrow's lunches are as done as they can be for now, so once she's in bed I actually get 30 minutes to myself.  Yippee!

Until tomorrow, kids....;)

Home with a Sick Kid = Try a New Recipe!

Today is Day 2 of Emma being home sick.  Luckily, The Man (a.k.a. Mark) stayed home with her yesterday.  He can be pretty awesome when he tries.  Today, it's my turn.  I, also, can be pretty awesome. :-D  

Since I have all this time on my hands today (something I am definitely not used to), I decided to try out a recipe that I found on ShrinkingKitchen.com.  My big sis Amy recently made me aware of this website and I can't thank her enough!  It is amazing!  It has a weekly menu plan of healthy meals, and daily emails with new recipes.  I've made a resolution this year to eat cleaner and live a healthier lifestyle, so this website is amaaaaaaazing! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.   

Anyway, I recently received a meal plan email with a recipe for Whole Wheat Lemony Blueberry Muffins.  At a mere 106 calories a pop, I couldn't resist.  So, while The Captain watched some old episodes of She-Ra (oh yeah, my kid is old school), I decided to whip up a batch of these delightful muffins.  The recipe only makes 12 muffins, which, to me, is perfect.  Sometimes I really hate when the recipe makes like 3 dozen of something and then no one ends up eating any after the first like 10 because there are just too many of whatever the thing was that I made.  (That, my friends, was an awesome sentence...talk about run-on...)  I haven't tasted them yet, but I'm going to have one as my afternoon snack and I'm sure it's going to be amazing.  For your pleasure, I am including a picture and the recipe.  Enjoy!!

 

 

Whole Wheat Lemony Blueberry Muffins

Whole Grain Lemony Blueberry Muffins

Rating: 5

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 12 muffins

Serving Size: 1 muffin

While these muffins are not sugary sweet, the blueberries and lemon give a nice kick and lots of moistness to this whole grain muffin.

Gather

3/4 cups low fat milk

4 ounces (1/2 cup) Fage plain 2% Greek yogurt

1 egg

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 teaspoon lemon extract (you could add more)

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/4 cup corn meal

1 cup white whole wheat flour (could use regular whole wheat)

1/2 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons brown sugar

3 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries

Step by step

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and lightly spray muffin tin with oil or line with paper liners.
2. Combine wet ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
3. Add dry ingredients, except blueberries, to a large bowl and whisk to combine.
4. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet. Mix with a spoon until just combined. The batter will be lumpy, just make sure all the dry ingredients are wet.
5. Gently fold in blueberries. (*hint, if you lightly coat your blueberries in flour, they won't sink to the bottom when you bake.)
6. Put muffin tin on middle rack in oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.
7. After completely cooled, you can store these in an air tight container or freeze for later!

Nutrition

WW PP 3, Calories 106, Total Fat 1.2g, Cholesterol 15mg, Sodium 115mg, Total Carbohydrates 20.9g, Dietary Fiber 1.7g, Sugars 9.0g, Protein 4.0g

Let's Do This!

OK.  So...wow.  I'm gonna try this blogging thing out.  Because I have so much extra time to write a blog.  But you know what? I think it's going to be good.  Therapeutic.  

I guess I should start by introducing myself.  My name is Jessica Taylor.  I am a 30 year old mother, wife, sister, daughter, cousin, granddaughter, friend, employee, cook, maid, taxi driver, student, and any other title you want to give me.  So let's break this down a bit.  I have been married for 7 years to my first and only love, Mark.  I have also been a mother for 7 years to the most amazing little girl, Emma.  I also work full time, am working on finishing my A.A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies, workout 7 days a week, and run The Captain (a.k.a. Emma) to Karate 3 nights a week, pack lunches for the three of us most days of the work week, cook dinner almost every night, and keep the house in some semblance of order.  Sound exhausting yet?  Yeah, it is.  But, I love everything I do; even if I complain about some of it now and then.  

So what exactly is this blog going to be about?  Pretty much whatever I feel like that day.  I am pretty positive I'll be posting pictures of food I make (along with the recipes and links to where I found them).  I'm sure there will be posts about Mark and Emma.  Probably some complaints about school.  Really, just whatever floats my boat that day.  Think of it as taking a peek inside my diary.  Exciting, right?  Thrilling, no?  Well, we can always pretend. ;)

I hope you enjoy keeping up with me in my hectic world!!