Wordless Wednesday, 8.31.11

My sister + I

Some people say we look like twins, some say not at all. Either way - she's my sister - no matter what.

I'm going to visit her (she lives about 1.5 hours away) this weekend - woohoo 3 day weekends! So excited for some quality time with her. Not sure what we're going to do - but whatever it is, we'll have a blast! We will definitely make some memories!

Happy Wednesday all! Hope your week is proving to be a blessing!

  

Tasty Tuesday - Healthy Blueberry Protein Oatmeal Bars

It's another Tasty Tuesday - be sure to link up your favorite...new...etc. recipes!! Tell your friends about it, too...please :)

If I could do anything to improve this linky, also please share with me!

Please link directly to your recipe post! 

Thanks for participating, you rock <3






This recipe I am sharing tries to hid in some vegetables for those who don't get enough veggies in their diet - you can't even tell the difference - sounds weird, I know...but try it :)

Blueberry Oatmeal Bars 

Ingredients:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 
• 3/4 cup Balance trans-fat-free soft tub margarine spread, chilled (OR - apple sauce instead! great substitute - I use this instead)
• 1 cup low-sugar blueberry preserves (and if you want to be extra healthy - add a scoop of your protein powder)
• 1/2 cup spinach puree

Directions 

1. Preheat oven to 375*F. Coat an 8x8 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and vanilla, and stir to mix well.
3. Add the margarine (or apple sauce!) and cut it quickly into the dry ingredients with two knives until the mixture resembles coarse meal and is no longer powdery. Do not overmix. You might still see bits of margarine.
4. Set aside about half of the oat mixture; press the rest of it firmly into the pan. Bake until lightly browned at the edges (but not fully baked), 13 to 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, mix the preserves with the spinach puree in a small bowl.
6. Spread the blueberry mixture (with protein) over the partially baked oat layer, then sprinkle with the reserved oat mixture. Bake until the topping is slightly browned,  20 to 25 minutes. Set the pan on a rake to cool completely before cutting into 12 bars.

There Could Never Be a More Beautiful You

Happy Monday!

I was going to post some photos of my wonderful weekend - but decided to save that for another day. God placed upon my heart to remind each and every one of you how beautiful - inside and out, you are. Someone must truly need to hear it today. <3

I see so many gorgeous girls - other blogs, facebook, magazines, etc. But then I see them without makeup and I realize why they wear it. (Ok, that's mean! But you get my point.)

Make-up (and I am not judging anyone because I am the same way!) puts a sense of security around you. A sense of feeling good about yourself. It wasn't until about a year+ ago that I stopped wearing make-up to the gym. Yes, I would wear foundation/powder so I didn't feel as though I looked so miserable. So I am just as guilty as potentially you. It isn't right - it isn't wrong. It just IS.

Then I began to feel how much God really cares for me. How much he truly loves me. I always knew it - but I started to feel it. It gave me a self-confidence - more than make-up every gave me. Once I truly accepted and realized how much God loves me - even at my ugliest (and I don't mean physically ugly,  I mean characteristic ugly) - I'll be okay with whatever obstacles come my way. That even means the obstacle against myself.

That constant need to wear some type of make-up, I realized how silly it is. I'm going to the gym - I'll sweat it off anyway...so why wear it?! I'm going to the beach...I'll be hot in five seconds...so why wear it?! I'm going to go swimming in the pool with some friends...so why wear it? It is all an obstacle that I had to get over - in my head. I got over it. It took some time and some practice, but I got over it.

YOU out there. No matter what your struggle is - if you are struggling with the same thing I did. Or if you just have low self-confidence due to constantly comparing yourself to others. Whatever it is - you are beautiful. So what if you have a mole on your cheek or you're shorter/taller than everyone or you have to walk with a limp - you are gorgeous.

You have something unique and wonderful that other people wish they had for themselves. Whatever that one thing is - hold tight to it. When you're having an off day - think to yourself - "everyone always compliments me on my great posture...even if I have a zit the size of Mars...I'm going to soak up this great posture I have and feel good about it - feel good about myself." Of course others will have things - for example a nice clean complexion - that you wish you had - but don't dwell on those things. Only dwell on the positives. Life is far too short to think of negative things. Don't forget to thank God for that great posture of yours - every good and perfect gift comes from God. (Good posture isn't necessary a "good gift" but it sure gives you amazing self-confidence and self-worth and THAT, my dear, is from God.)

So those of you who needed an extra pick me up and a kick in the butt for always doubting yourself - here you go. I hope it reached you. And I hope you realize

 how beautiful you truly are <3  

   

 Just in case you haven't heard this song - this is for you -

Sauce Saturday

CHEERS!

Shh...inside that coffee is Bailey's (non-alcoholic) chocolate creamer...yum! It doesn't have as much sugar as expected so I'm happy with that!

Last weekend, I bought some of this as a substitute for bacon...

Obviously, it's not as greasy...crispy...etc as bacon, the first time I made it, neither V or I were too happy with it. Then I started making a couple with my breakfast last week (I have to get rid of it!) and it's starting to grow on me...pretty good.


And you know what? I feel like I've had more energy in my workouts - no joke. 3 grams of protein (only 20 cals!) per slice...so adding this to my greek yogurt and Kashi protein cereal in the morning - adds a little kick to it! (I think!)

Right now, my nails look like...

Pretty coral!

Hopefully by the end of today, they'll still look like that!

Going over V's grandparent's house to learn how to make a real Italian sauce (from a real Italian!)

Hope you all have a blessed Saturday! Take pictures of whatever you do! Memories are so important! <3

  

 

PMSing?

Hopefully I'm PMSing - either that or I'm just going crazy.

First off - you notice that you tend to get moody and maybe a little rude around that lovely time of the month. You know the icing on the cake, though? When your significant other asks you if you are on your period. My normal side of me says it's because he just wants to make sure since usually, I'm a pretty sweet gal. My crazy Aunt Flo side of me says that he's just being a Big. Fat. Jerk. (See where my crazy side is coming from? Absolutely no where!)

And then people at work? There's a percentage of the population who are just plain rude. I think they all come out to play a certain time of the month...
     Me: in the middle of talking with a new member, mid sentence...
     Rude guy: comes to the door, starts babbling something...what? I don't know - I'm in the middle of talking for goodness sakes!
      Me: "I'm sorry, I'll be with you as soon as I'm done with them."
      Rude guy: "I was just telling you that you left your keys to the machine up from...I don't really care if you left them out." and walks off.
      Me: -mouth drops- OH...ok, buddy. Thanks for being a grade A jerk!


You can't forget about all the little things that make you cry - a lot. Last night, V showed me a video of one of the Navy Seal's funerals (RIP - God Bless) who were recently taken down in that helicopter. At the funeral was the man's dog. This beautiful creature (why don't you just kill me now - a dog like my sweet precious Shelby) was at the funeral - laying at his master's casket. Oh. My Goodness. I lost it. Of course, V started smirking and then apologizing for ruining my night - he didn't want me to cry - just thought it was so cool. YEAH, it is too cool AND FREAKING SAD that the poor dog has to go through that.  

Heart breaking, right??!

I was reading a blog post last night about "fluff" blogs. This irked me for some reason. (Maybe I'll be able to find something today that doesn't irk me..haha!) From what I got out of it - a fluff blog is all daisies and rainbows. Please tell me why you would want to have a blog that complains about everything, curses every two seconds, nothing is good enough - everything just plain sucks and people are crazy. Shouldn't we be appreciating those small things in life and share it with others so that it off-sets the negative in life??? (I know this post is not one of those...but, I need to get it out before I explode...and you all know, this isn't a normal occurrence for me! At all.)

I wish there was a pill that took away this PMS moodiness and emotions. Midol supposedly does that - I think?? But it has so much caffeine in it, I don't want to take it.


Enough Negative Nancy for today - hope you all have a fantastic Friday. If you're on the East Coast and being affected by Irene - please be safe! Us Florida folks were supposed to get the brunt of it and now we aren't getting anything except a lot of wind and rain. Praying for all you Northern ladies (and gents if there are any!) who aren't used to hurricanes. <3

Also - if you are reading my blog for the first time - usually I'm not like this...promise. :)

  

Thursday...Time to Be Thankful

It's Thursday - you know what that means... Thankful Thursday.

I really enjoy being faithful to doing these every Thursday - it's a great reminder that I truly do have so much to be thankful for - no matter what circumstance I'm in. Our God is so good to us - He really is.

I am thankful for...

-All of the love, support, kindness, and warmth you all showed me yesterday. I really needed that. You followers are so amazing - you melted my heart when I really needed it. (Special thank you to my amazing friend Stace for the support + love and my sweet friend Vicki for her reminding me of Rainbow Bridge + being there) Boardie love! ...thanks to the very sweet Jeanne for the e-mail of the poem, as well. <3

-The beautiful Maddie at Sweet Tea (Jesus) + Me for the amazing giveaway that I won! I was blessed with being able to receive a devotional - perfect time, I need a new one. Thank you again, doll face! And if you haven't, check out her blog - she is such a sweetheart that is full of such love.

-Tuesday, I did abs with a body builder who I am friends with. I was able to keep up with him! He's done two shows in the past three months and is in training mode for a third next month. I was so proud of myself!

-Saving about $12 when I did my shopping at Publix this week. I know - no where near where I could be - but still happy with that!

-Finding my new favorite snack! -Pepperidge Farm Baked Cracker Chips. Oh. My. Goodness. You have no idea how delicious they are. And- healthy! (About 27 of them, 140 cals...I know, I know, there's a lot more than just cals, but if I'm going to eat chips - that's pretty good...and of course, all the other junk comes along with it!) SO- not only did I find these new snacks - but they were BOGO at Publix. Woohoo!

-Being happy with my new make-up! A lot of money was spent, but over all- can't complain!

-Having a work schedule that allowed me to watch my beautiful god-daughter during the week...

Cheesing

-Having a man who brings me surprise flowers at work...just because.

He makes me so happy! :)

-Still being completely spoiled by my old man friend at work - 2 packs of Twizzlers, a pack of Chips a Hoy and a pack of Oreoes just this week. And, every Saturday (since I work alone on Saturdays) he asks me if there is anything he can get me - anything at all...and he isn't kidding.

No matter how sad I might get or how much pain my body is in or what a poopy moment I might be having - I try so hard to remember how incredibly blessed I truly am. You are, too!

  

A Not So Wordless Wednesday...

Shelby girl <3

With a heavy heart, I am writing today's post.

Shelby has been sick for quite some time now - had three surgeries to remove tumors. After complications and just cancer completely taking over her body, sadly, Shelby had to be put to rest on Monday.

I know it was so she wouldn't suffer anymore - her leg was swollen three times normal size, it was bleeding + oozing, she lost 5 lbs in just 10 days, she would only move from her bed to the living room...I could go on + on with her issues.

I've never had to put an animal to sleep before - they've all passed on due to natural causes. It doesn't make sense to me - my brain doesn't compute it - we don't put humans to sleep, but animals, we do? I have a hard time digesting it.

I just need to keep reminding myself that now she isn't in any pain - she isn't suffering anymore.

She was the best pup - ever. Had her for at least 13 years. She loved to swim, play fetch, chase ya...so energetic. It was so heart breaking when she was only able to fetch her ball three times before she gave up - it got to be too much for her.

I've lost a part of the family and it is so devastating, it really is. I know, with time, it will get a little easier. But there will always be an empty place in the house - and my heart.

So spoiled. <3

 

Sorry for the beyond depressing post today! It feels good to get all of that out, though.

Tasty Tuesday link up! -BBQ Mango Chicken

As mentioned last week - time for a Tasty Tuesday linky party!

Would that be the proper name for it? (Please tell me if I'm naming it wrong!)

Be sure to share your favorite, new, delicious, etc. recipe!  Comment on a person's blog you visit and if you would enjoy the recipe!

Link to the specific post - not your blog! And be sure to follow any blogs you fall in love with!

ENJOY!! :o)  

MY recipe:

BBQ Mango Chicken

Ingredients

-2 lbs of Chicken Breasts

-6 to 8 tbsp of BBQ sauce  

-4 oz of Mango Puree (Beechnut baby food is a great substitute) 

-2/3 tbsp Garlic Powder 

-Optional Dash of Bread Crumbs (for on top)

Directions

Preheat the oven for 375 degrees.

First mix the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and puree mango. Pour a third of the sauce into a baking dish.

Cut the chicken into 4 oz pieces (8 servings) and place into baking dish. Cover with sauce. Sprinkle bread crumbs if desired and place in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked.

Number of Servings: 8

 

BON APPETIT! <3

 

Beach Days - the Best Days

The weekend always takes so long to come and then leaves so quickly, doesn't it?

Saturday, after work, was spent at V's grandparent's eating a delicious meal. Afterwards we walked around to digest and window shop a bit. We finally saw The Graduate! I know - how sad that it took so long for me to finally see it. I'm so happy I finally did. It's so interesting - especially for being a movie from the 60's! Benjamin was too amusing in it.

Sunday we spent the day at the beach! Finally got some color. Besides our cruise and weekend trip down to Sarasota/Siesta Key, we haven't been to the beach this summer - sad, right? 

Time to share some photos with you!

(Thanks for the feedback about having facebook fan page and/or twitter - if I do any, it'll probably be a twitter to start...we shall see though!)

Ok, ok, picture time!

Waiting for some lunch!

Very cool place on the beach - yuuum!

Turkey wrap with fries...I know, I'm so bad. I literally haven't had fries in at LEAST six months...they were so good :D

Matanzas Inlet - beautiful right?

Beach time!

How neat is this??!! Looks like these two folks invented it!

Serene

Sand dunes

Cool shot, right?

I could be there every weekend!

BEAUTY! <3

Hope you all had a blessed and relaxing weekend! ox

 

Facebook...Twitter...Youtube...etc...

Who has it for their blog??

If you have it - what purpose does it serve? I'm in the stages of trying to figure out if it's necessary/worthwhile to have a Facebook fan page or a Twitter account or a Youtube.

I don't see what the use of it? Are there some things you facebook but don't write about in your blog? If you have one - can you do without the other?

I'm a little hesitant to start any of them - with the worry that I won't keep up with it - keeping up with my blog + e-mails associated with it, at times, is work in itself! 

I would appreciate and love your feedback!!

Hope you are having a fantastic and blessed weekend so far!

ox

     

Show n' Tell Friday - vlog time!

Sometimes I wish I were more interesting than I really am...but I appreciate you for accepting me for who I am.

Here is my very first v-log! Hope it isn't too boring and you find some sort of entertainment out of it! 

Ok, show and tell - pass it on - your turn!

Happy Friday to you! <3

Thankful Thursday, 8.18.11

There is always so much to be thankful for! It really is quite amazing.

I was going to write about something else today - but then realize that it is so important to take a minute to yourself, realize what God has blessed you with and give thanks.

I am thankful for... 

-A man that is incredibly patient with me while I figure out the best make-up to get.

-Mending and building friendships that at one point, I thought was destroyed.

-Growing in Christ and gaining wisdom to forgive, forgive, forgive. Life is far too short otherwise.

-Having a fantastic meeting for Baby Pickel - have a great sponsor who is going to sponsor a Walk Benefit (Gobble Trot) in November to help raise money so we can purchase Thanksgiving food baskets for those in need.

-Starting to make jewelry again. Shopping for the beads and choosing color schemes is so fun.

-Having the owner at the gym being so grateful for what I do that he always thanks me for doing a great job.

-Recently winning a devotional from a giveaway. (Thank you!) I cannot wait to start it and share some of it with you all.

-Being sore from a stellar workout yesterday. (Makes me feel so accomplished!)

-Having the ability to offer a commission-based job for those who really need it. (If you're one of them - let me know!)

-For being awarded the Versatile Blogger Award a 3rd time (YAY!) yesterday - thank you Alison! <3

-You. Yes...you!! Thank you for all of your love, kindness, comments, and smiles. You rock!

What are you thankful for?!