Soup's on!

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

I'm in soup mode, especially since there's snow on the ground :(

I'm making:

It's a Japanese Chicken-Scallion Rice Bowl. I'm taking out the rice and adding noodles instead. Cannot wait!!!

Headed to the gym tonight for 60 mins on the bike. Woot!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GOODGETNBETR 11/4/2011 6:48PM

That's a tasty looking soup. Hope the snow is fleeting and liking the new background. Have a super weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment

BLESSED2BEME 11/4/2011 12:13PM

Oh my gosh that looks good! Where did you find a recipe for that? Report Inappropriate Comment

MNNICE 11/2/2011 9:27PM

One thing I love about this time of year is making soups in the crockpot on weekends! Sometimes some whole wheat bread in the bread machine, too! Report Inappropriate Comment

KEEP_GOING247 11/2/2011 3:26PM

Looks delicious! Now i'm hungry again .... Report Inappropriate Comment

CARRIEMT 11/2/2011 2:54PM

Snow also means skiing :) If it's gonna be cold, I like to have snow. The soup looks good, chicken and scallions sound great. Have fun at the gym! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIAMILAW96 11/2/2011 2:26PM

Sounds awesome! Enjoy! Report Inappropriate Comment

500

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

500 fitness minutes until I reach 10,000. 500 spark points until I get a new trophy. 500 seems to be the number of the day or the month rather.

Got to the gym finally last night for 40 minutes on the elliptical. It went so fast. It’s funny how sometimes that can happen. I sat down last night and created a workout plan for the month. I’ve never done that before but I’m going to try it for a month. What do I have to lose?

The plan consists of working out 4 days a week so that I don’t get burned out. I planned around nights when I have to be out of town for work and most Fridays. I’m rotating between the following items: 45 minutes on the elliptical, 60 minutes on the bike, 60 minutes of zumba and workouts 1,2, and 3 a trainer gave me a year ago. Workouts 1 and 3 focus on short bursts of cardio, strength training and abs. Workout 2 is 25 minutes on the treadmill and 25 or so strength training exercises that I don’t need any equipment for (so I can do part at home).

I’m hoping this will give me more variety, not make me want to scream and I can track my progress. I’m just going to keep trying things until they work. Eventually I’d like to add a home workout DVD, kickboxing at the gym, cross country skiing, hiking, etc. There’s also an aqua zumba I’ve been wanting to go to but don’t want to get in the pool just yet.

Reaching 500 never looked so good.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GOODGETNBETR 11/4/2011 6:59PM

E! Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 11/2/2011 9:13AM

No question - I love finding what works for you! Report Inappropriate Comment

CARRIEMT 11/1/2011 12:04PM

You're going to meet your goal and get your new TV :) I think your plan sounds great, how are you going to keep yourself accountable? I'm trying star stickers on my calendar, funny how shiny things still get my goat. The variety sounds like something to look forward to- good luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

TKTMTA 11/1/2011 11:02AM

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Costco, Halloween & November

Monday, October 31, 2011

My Friday was a pretty good night. I rented a couple scary movies and hung out at home. It was a good time. I actually like just hanging out and watching crappy movies. Makes me happy for some reason. I also made my beef roast with veggies. I was really disappointed because nothing had any flavor. I used seasonings and cooked it all day in a crock pot but it was not anything to write home about. I need to learn to add more flavor to things. I never use salt which I know adds flavor but I don’t want to add any if I don’t have to. I have to work on this. There’s a cooking class coming up and I might take it.

Saturday I went out with some friends. I was a goddess and looked pretty good (If I do say so myself). I put a bit of gold glitter on my hair and skin but unfortunately the cap came off and I ended up looking like gold dust. I spent the rest of the weekend trying to get the glitter off me, my clothes, apartment….you get the picture. Here was our crew: Heather (left) was an 80s fitness instructor, Lisa was a Newsie, and me. Had a good time but it was a weird night. We went to buffalo wild wings for dinner and I decided to get some hot wings (why I don’t know) so I didn’t feel so good the rest of the night. It was still fun though. I feel like I’m getting older because I don’t feel like staying out much anymore. Ah well.

I got my Costco membership FINALLY last week. I don’t have money to shop yet but I’m going to go this week. I really want to get a TV for myself as well. I hear they have great frozen chicken breasts and salmon. They also have Taziki which I LOVE! If you have any healthy Costco suggestions please let me know! I’m going to make a soup this week. Can’t decide between cheesy broccoli or mushroom tortellini. They’re both so good. I also got a recipe for a soup with crab, shrimp and orange roughy among other things. CANNOT wait to make that one!

So, I need to get back into my fitness routine. Not because it’s a new month but because there’s been this voice in the back of my mind telling me it wants to zone out on the elliptical for at least 40 minutes and sweat it up. I need to listen to that voice more often. I’m going to sit down and make a fitness plan tonight after the gym. I figure I can make a commitment for a month. What is it going to hurt? I’d like to lose some weight so I can cross country ski better this winter (I want to do that again) but need to lose a few pounds so I can get some better water proof clothing. I also want to go white water rafting this next year and need to be able to pull myself on to the raft. So many things I want to do……

I have some great workouts that a trainer did for me a while back. I also was thinking of getting a ‘walking’ exercise DVD for home when it’s snowy and I don’t want to go anywhere. I was also thinking of getting these: Has anyone used them? (it would be great if Spark had a product review page) I just want something to do while watching TV. There are different models and I don’t want to get something that’s just going to fall apart. I’m debating…… My apartment is so small that I need something tiny. Need to work on some strength training too. I just want to get started and add in pieces later.

I can feel winter coming. Can’t tell if I like that yet or not….for now I’m just pulling out all my warm clothing and planning for the holidays.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MT-MOONCHASER 11/6/2011 8:54AM

I've got a couple of Leslie Sansone walking DVD's. They are good. She doesn't just walk in place, she has you moving sideways and forward and back and kicking to work other muscles. She also has some arm movements in them. I just use the elapsed time counter to figure out how much I've done. Coach Nicole also has some exercise routines posted here on Spark that take very little equipment. A set of light weights and/or the exercise bands are really all you need - if you just use them. They take little space to store. Good luck. Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 11/1/2011 10:24AM

Love your costume - lets your inner goddess shine! Report Inappropriate Comment

CARRIEMT 10/31/2011 4:15PM

You look great as a goddess, sounds like you had fun even if you weren't thrilled to be out forever. I get chicken breasts, mahi mahi, salmon and veggies from Costco. I also get my non-food items like TP there- it never goes bad and eventually I'll use it :) I'm wanting to ski again this year, but not sure about taking my DH. If you took him, he might buck up. Just a thought. I think the pedals look like fun, hope you get some good reviews. Supposed to be colder tomorrow and I'd like some snow if it's going to be cold. Fingers crossed. Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLEJAY7 10/31/2011 11:55AM

What is Taziki? Check out my cookbook on SparkRecipes (ElleJay7 cookbook). I have some good crock pot recipes that are pretty flavorful. My fav is the Fiesta Chicken. Report Inappropriate Comment

Cooking Advice Needed (Please)

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

I have cauliflower and fingerling potatoes. I don't want to steam the cauliflower and roast the potatoes AGAIN....any thoughts? Many thanks!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KALIGIRL 10/27/2011 8:40AM

I love to sauté them in olive oil and add some fresh dill... Report Inappropriate Comment

SCHUBERTR1 10/26/2011 6:49PM

Steam & puree together. Like mashed potato but with less calories. Report Inappropriate Comment

CARRIEMT 10/26/2011 12:55PM

Sounds delicious with the mushrooms and onions! Hope it turns out well. Report Inappropriate Comment

APATRICIAO521 10/26/2011 12:29PM

Dice them both up and make a hash! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSPRIS3 10/26/2011 12:18PM

I usually take a bunch of veggies, clean and chop them up, spray a sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray, put the veggies on the foil, sprinkle some seasoning on it, add some cherry tomatoes and a bit of feta cheese, seal up the foil into a little pouch and cook in the over for 20 minutes. All the veggies are steamed, but the juices all mingle together. YUM YUM, plus, no dish to clean afterwards Report Inappropriate Comment

ERNO8151 10/26/2011 12:09PM

Thanks, great ideas! I was going to make them to complement a pot roast. Maybe I could roast them all together with some mushrooms and onions?! I saw a recipe online for roasted cauliflower and when they're cooked you add a little balsamic vinegar and parmesan.... Report Inappropriate Comment

RADFEN 10/26/2011 12:03PM

I roasted some cauliflower last night with olive oil and garlic. It was a good change from bland steamed cauliflower. Report Inappropriate Comment

JWAYNE90 10/26/2011 12:02PM

cauli-pots (mashed cauliflower) OR if you want to be really daring try to make some gobi and aloo samosas! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHUTRBUG1 10/26/2011 12:00PM

I love cauliflower steamed, then mashed with a little margarine or butter and seasonings. I actually like it better than mashed potatoes. What about potato soup? Maybe cook the spuds in some chicken broth, mash or blend and add a little non-fat milk for consistency. A little cheddar cheese melted into it and it would be yummy. Report Inappropriate Comment

NOTABOUTHEFACE 10/26/2011 12:00PM

You can roast them with a little olive oil and herbs? Report Inappropriate Comment

527 more to go!

Monday, October 24, 2011

My goal is to get to 10,000 total fitness minutes by the end of the year, I have 527 more to go. I'd like to buy myself a TV if I get it accomplished. Totally do-able but I just have to get going to the gym, and walking to work. Going to do at least 30 mins on the elliptical tonight. At least it will keep me warm!!

Didn't make my 'hot pot' this weekend but think I might throw in a beef roast for the week. My Grandma sent me home with some awesome jarred beets. They're so good and would be great with a roast, some potatoes and cauliflower. Yum-o!

My headboard broke this weekend. I had to sleep at an angle last night. It's kinda funny and I was in need of a new one but I've got to go looking around now. I bought the bed and two dressers from my friend for $250 a few years ago so I don't want to spend a lot to get it fixed. I think I'll go take a look at the good Sam. They also have a lot of stationary bikes. They all look like this:

and I don't think it'll hold my weight but maybe they have something a little more sturdy. I'd like to have something for when I'm watching TV. I'll give it a look tonight.

Tomorrow the local brewery is having a fundraiser for the humane society and I'll be helping out. I love doing that kinda stuff. I was thinking of getting a second job to keep myself busy for the holiday season but I think half of that money will go for taxes and the other half I'll spend in the store. We'll see...

I have a Dr appointment on Wednesday and I'm sure I'll get weighted. Just hope I didn't gain any while I was at home. I need to get back into the Monday and Wednesday routine and start walking to work...especially if I want to get that TV!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CARRIEMT 10/24/2011 5:12PM

Nine minutes a day- you're totally going to get a new TV. Eyes on the prize :) I think I read something about the fundraiser for the dogs. Not sure if I'll go. Tomorrow sometime during the night is trivia. Maybe you could do the second job with the goal of the TV. Either way, I'm rooting for you for a new TV and a stationary bike! Report Inappropriate Comment

GREENTHUMB70 10/24/2011 4:37PM

I know your going to make it to 10,000 I bet you make it to 11,000 with your determination. Your right about that second job going to taxes. I remember those days I penny for me two for the government. Report Inappropriate Comment

ROXYZMOM 10/24/2011 4:18PM

Congrats on all the Fitness Minutes! Your goal of 10000 is right around the corner! Good luck! Ps Your wallpaper on your page is beautiful! Report Inappropriate Comment