Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin Chili

2 pounds ground beef 1 large onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained 1 (46 fluid ounce) can tomato juice 1 (28 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes with juice 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 1 tablespoon chili powder 1/4 cup white sugar

In a large pot over medium heat, cook beef until brown; drain. Stir in onion and bell pepper and cook 5 minutes. Stir in beans, tomato juice, diced tomatoes and pumpkin puree. Season with pumpkin pie spice, chili powder and sugar. Simmer 1 hour.

Homemade Bread in a bag!

Homemade Bread in a bag so easy your children can do it!
Bread in a Bag

INGREDIENTS
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 (.25 ounce) package rapid rise yeast , or 1 Tablespoon
1 cup warm water
3 tablespoons non-fat dry milk
3 tablespoons oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

DIRECTIONS
In a large resealable freezer bag, combine 1 cup of the flour,3 tablespoons sugar,1 pkg. yeast and 1 cup warm water. Squeeze most of the air out of the bag, and seal. Squish with your hands until the well blended. Set aside to rest for 10 minutes at room temperature, or until bubbles appear.

In a separate bowl, stir together 1 cup of flour, 3 tablespoons dry milk, 3 tablespoons oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Pour into the resealable bag and squeeze out most of the air. Seal, and squish until well blended. Add the last cup of flour to the bag, and continue mixing in the same manner until well blended.

Remove the dough from the bag, and place on a floured surface. Knead for 5 to 8 minutes. Form into a small loaf, and place in a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan. Cover with a towel, and allow to rise for about 30 minutes, or until your finger leaves an impression when you poke the top of the loaf gently.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake the bread for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown.

This was alot of fun for the children. We made three loaves and they turned out beautiful.

What to do with a large pork loin?

Make 6 meals for 7 people...I'll show you how!
Cut wrapper off of loin by making a slit down the middle and cutting the edges to unfold keeping the loin in the plastic. (for easy removal after cutting up the loin)


What to do with a large pork loin?

First pick the smaller side and cut into slices for 1) Sweet n Sour Pork with Rice. Remember you don't need too much for this. Cut the next 7 chops with pockets for 2) Stuffed PorkChops. Cut 7 more chops for 3) Maple Balsamic Pork Chops. Cut a nice ten inch section and spiral cut for 4)Stuffed Spinach Pork. Cut the last section about a pound worth for 5) Shredded BBQ Pork Sandwiches and last but not least their may be odd ends grind them up and make a 6) Spicy Pork Sausage! Whew!!!! I usually prepare the stuffing for the stuffed pork chops and stuff them and freeze them for later. Wrap them up and label and freeze. Recipes will come later.


Made into sausage and froze for breakfast



Diced and put in freezer for later use for the Sweet N Sour Pork with Rice.



Stuffed Pork Chops (used the same recipe for the stuff pork loin and put into the freezer)


Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin

I usually follow the recipe on a package of stove top dressing I add dried cranberrys, 1 cup diced celery and 1/2 diced onion to the mix before cooking it.
Cut your pork loin in a I_I shape so you can stuff with the stuffing and roll up. Tye with twine and place in baking dish. Bake at 350 for 1 hour til juices run clear.
I use extra stuffing that was left over to stuff the pork chops and freeze for future meal. (Pic below of stuffed pork chops)


Sweet N Sour Pork with Rice


Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Ok I place small pork loin (about 1 1/2 lbs.) in Crock Pot and pour 1/2 can of coke on it with 1/2 of onion soup mix package! Cook in crock pot 6 hours or so! Take pork out and shred it with two forks and place back in crock pot. Add 1 small can tomato sauce and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Let simmer a little longer put on buns and serve with chips. i used large crescents from the bakery and added diced tomato and shredded lettuce to it! Very good

Spaghetti & Meatballs and Buttery Herb Pull-Apart Rolls

Buca Di Beppo Meatballs & Meatball Sauce and Buttery Herb Pull-Apart Rolls


Buca Di Beppo Meatballs & Meatball Sauce

2 1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup romano cheese, grated
3/4 cup dry Italian seasoned bread crumbs
4 large eggs
2 tsp salt
1/4 cup fresh garlic,minced

Meatball Sauce

6 garlic cloves, minced
1 large onion, diced
1 celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped into little tiny chunks
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
2 (28 oz.)cans plum tomatoes with juice (I use diced)
salt & pepper
1 small can tomatoe paste and use about 16 oz. water

Directions: meatballs: mix all ingredients together shaped into golf ball size meatballs makes about 40. (I use a large drop scoop like from pampered chef)
Set aside rest one hour. Cook meatballs in the meatsauce.

In large pan saute in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic, onion, celery & carrot until transluscent. Add tomatoes, parsley, salt & pepper. Bring to boil them lower heat. Simmer your meatballs used covered lid for 45 minutes.
Remove meatballs to platter & serve with spaghetti noodles or other favorite pasta.
Add a little lemon & parmeson cheese.


Buttery Herb Pull-Apart Rolls

Thaw out 9 rhodes dinner rolls in a sprayed cake pan. In about 45 minutes cut each in 1/2 and drop back in pan. Drizzle with 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic bread seasoning and some mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Grocerys

A hundred dollars in grocerys!
Total price my price
1 Caprisun box 2.11 .99
1 Starkist Tuna 1.79 .75
4 Kraft Mayo 3.19/12.76 2.00/8.00
5 chicken broth 1.19/5.95 -1.00/4.95
1 barella pasta .49 .49
2 kellogs cereal 2.99/5.88 1.88/3.01
4 post rsn brn 2.99/11.76 .99/3.96
Golden Bran 2.99 2.99/2.59
Cheerios 2.99 2.09
Rice Chex 2.99 2.99
8 PB Crescent 2.79/22.32 .79/6.32
2 philly cheese 2.18/4.36 .99/1.98
4 Aus Hairspray 3.65/14.60 1.37/5.48
1 trident 3 pk 2.79 2.79
4 Simple Apple J 3.24/12.96 2.50/10.00
Ricotta 2.99 1.99
minute maid OJ 2.90 1.90
ground beef 3.49 3.49
4 sprite 1.49/5.96 .99/3.97
2 coke 1.49/2.98 .99/1.98
4 tyson FZ wings 8.99/35.96 4.98/19.92
4 tyson chicken 8.99/35.96 4.98/19.92
ground turkey 1.99 1.99
2 pk whole chic 9.11 9.11
16 pringles 1.00/16.00 .25/4.00
Doritos 3.29 2.49

total: 218.36 127.15
-10.00 kick off buying 10 products
-25.00 gift certificate
100.00 total with sells tax

Apples from our Apple Tree

We got about 2 1/2 bushels out of our apple tree this year. My daughter Whitney took the picture. She did a wonderful job!

$150.00 for 7 days of meals

I came across this site on 7 days of meals for $150.00
You might have already heard this on Oprah.

http://www.oprah.com/food/Chef-Cat-Coras-Complete-7-Day-Menu

Spinach Salad

Spinach Salad

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tsp. poppy seeds
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground mustard
1 bag baby spinach leaves
5 slices cooked bacon crumbled
1 pkg. sliced mushrooms
1 cup cottage cheese,rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded swiss cheese or mozerella
1/4 purple onion thinly sliced & cut into strips

Combine all 1at ingredients for dressing put in a shaker and refriderate.
In large bowl combine all other ingredients. Before serving add dressing
and toss gently. Makes 14 servings

Greek Orzo Salad

Greek Orzo Salad

Cook 3/4 cup dry Orzo according to package, drain 7 rinse in cold water

1/3 cup chopped cucumber, seeded
2 T. chopped green onion
2 T. olive oil
1 Tbs. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper

Cover & chill 30 minutes
Before serving stir in 1 cup shredded baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 T. snipped fresh italian parsley

Crochet Fingerless Gloves

Ok so in between picking up the kids from school I made this pair of fingerless gloves. I made them at the same time using one end of the skein of yarn and the other. So when I needed to put the edging on I was ready to do the edging on the otherone as well.

Applesauce Spice Bars

IngredientsBars
1 cup sugar1/3 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened1 LAND O LAKES® All-Natural Egg1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 1/2 cups applesauce1 teaspoon ground allspice1 teaspoon ground cinnamon3/4 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 cup raisinsFrosting
3 cups powdered sugar1/3 cup sour cream3 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened1 tablespoon vanilla1/2 cup chopped pecansDirectionsHeat oven to 350°F. Spray 10x 15-inch baking pan (I use a sheet pan) with no-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine sugar, 1/3 cup butter and egg in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add all remaining ingredients except raisins. Beat, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Stir in raisins.

Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Combine all frosting ingredients except pecans in small bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth. Frost cooled bars; sprinkle with pecans. Cut into bars.

12 packages of Trident Gum!

12 packages of Trident Gum

Walgreens had a sale on trident for 2/1.00
I had four coupons that say buy three trident gum and get $1.00 off.
I bought a 12 pack package and used all four coupons and it only cost
$2.00!!!!! What a bargain! Usually Trident is over a dollar and using
the coupon at another store would have cost over $2.00 alone for just
three packages. :)

How to make a diaper castle cake on a budget!

How to make a diaper castle cake on a budget

First of all I bought three spools of ribbon in white light pink and dark pink, some foam sheets, and a multi size package of rubberbands, some wider ribbon and a bow at the dollar star and used two packages of western family diapers (count 40 each size 3) Cost under twenty dollars.
So not working with the traditional 100 diapers this time. I have only 80 diapers to work with. So this is what I did! Four rows of 16, connect three rows of 16 for the bottom layer. And fasten the other 16 on top of them. Fasten ten for the top row and 6 for the pillars.

Start by folding the diaper over so the printed design part is tucked in.

Fold the next diaper ontop of the other one just facing backwards so printed side is still tucked in.


Here is the stack of 16 folded diapers. Now I use a large rubberband to secure it. (make 4 of these)

take long pieces of ribbon and tie the rubberbands together on the bottom layer.

Arrange like showed in picture. fasten the three rows together with another larger rubberband to secure the bottom row.

pull ribbon up through the top and place the next layer of 16 diapers on top. Repeat with top 12 diapers (ribbon must be long enough to go through the three stacks. Roll up 6 for the tower separately and rubberband like a scroll. Use ribbon to fasten on the castle with aid of the rubberband.


use foam sheets to form pillar tops. roll up like a cone and staple each one. Make sure they are wide enough to fit over the rolled up diaper. Decorate with ribbon or whatever you like. curl the ribbon and top with a bow.

Crocheted Allstar booties for a girl!

I bought this outfit for a friend and decided to make some Allstar booties to go with it. I think they turned out great!

Crochet Lunch Sac

Finally got out the crochet hook and this beautiful yarn color called berries. Yum!
I instantly wanted to make a Lunch Sac and in two days here is my creation.

Kit Kat Bars

Kit Kat Bars

Homemade Kit Kat Bars

75 club crackers
1 cup butter
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup whole milk
1/3 cup white sugar
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips

Line an ungreased 13x9 inch baking pan with 1 layer of crackers, cutting to fit; set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add cracker crumbs, brown sugar, milk, and sugar. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and pour half of the butter mixture evenly over crackers. Place another single layer of crackers evenly over butter mixture. Pour remaining butter mixture evenly over crackers. Top evenly with remaining crackers.

In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, chocolate and butterscotch chips. Melt over medium low heat, stirring constantly. Spread evenly over crackers. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Cut into bars and store into refrigerator.

Candied Pear

Candied Pear

Peel 6 pears
1 small pkg strawberry
add a few red hot candies to your liking

Pour 2 cups water into a sauce pan and add the jello
mix well. Add red hot candies
place pears in mixture. Boil til pears are tender.
Make sure pears are well covered.

Take pears out gently place in custard cups and pour
a little jello mixture over them. Set them up straight
and chill. Pour the rest of jello mixture in other cups
to chill as well.

Macaroni Salad (made into a crab)

Macaroni Salad
3 cups cooked macaroni
4 tbsp mayonnaise
4 tbsp sweet relish
4 tbsp diced red bell pepper
2 green onion chopped
dash salt
dash hot sauce (like Tapatio, not Tobasco)
few cracks black pepper

Boil macaroni according to package directions and rinse with water to cool. Combine macaroni in a bowl with chopped red bell pepper, onion, sweet relish and mayonnaise. Stir together and add a few cracks of black pepper, a sprinkling of salt and a dash or two of hot sauce.

2 green olives for eyes
2 lime wedges for front claws
4 baby carrots for back legs
and a cheese cracker to fill up the plate.

Hello Kitty Cookies

Ok- I got this idea from the internet and collected the needed candies to complete these cute cookies. Gum drops, jelly belly beans, and shoe string licorice. Alright!
Lets Make Cookies

Big Soft Sugar Cookies
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup sour cream
5 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda


Beat butter & sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla & sour cream. Sift dry ingredients together & gradually add to butter/sugar mixture. Chill 1-2 hours.

Roll out and use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Bake 350° F for 8-10 minutes.

Meanwhile while they are baking. Roll out gumdrops in granualted sugar and cut into bow shape. Cut licorice into 1/2 inch pieces and sort jelly belly beeans to aquire enough black and yellow for eyes and noses.

Butter Cream Frosting (for above sugar cookies)
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
1 lb. (about 4 cups) sifted confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk or water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream shortening and butter together; add sugar, water, and vanilla. Blend on medium speed until all ingredients are well mixed. Blend additional minutes. Add food coloring as desired. Mix until creamy. Frost and decorate cookies.

My girls loved them!

Sweet Crispy Chicken Wings

Sweet Crispy Chicken Wings

40 pieces of chicken (20 wings cut in half)
1/2 cup flour
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 eggs crack over chicken
1 tsp. salt
pepper (fresh grinded over chicken)
vegetable oil to cook chicken
1 cup ginger root sliced
a little soy sauce
a little vinegar
seasame seeds (optional)
Put chicken wings in bowl salt & pepper. Crack eggs and add flour and starch. Coat the chicken in it. Get vegetable oil hot. Put chicken in cook both sides and remove.
Add all chicken back to pan when cooked and pour the sticky sauce over them and cook a little bit to get sauce mixed on evenly.
For sticky sauce add
1 cup sliced ginger
add to 1 cup boiling water
add 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup vinegar
Let boil in separate pan about 5 minutes add 1 cup cornsyrup. Lower heat add 1/2 cup orange sauce and pour over chicken.

Chicken and Prawn Laksa

Chicken and Prawn Laksa
2 tbsp. oil (I use sesame oil)
2 tbsp. grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, crushed
8 green onions, sliced
8 chicken tenderloins (I actually use 5-8 chicken breasts)
2 tbsp. mild curry paste
3 cups hot chicken stock/broth
1.5 cups coconut milk
12 small raw prawns (I used cooked, tail off,ok I use 30-40 medium shrimps)
about 3 cups of rice
handful of snow peas
handful of bean sprouts
1/3 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
2 pinches of basil (optional)

Heat the oil in a wok (or normal pan). Add ginger, garlic and green onions: stir fry 1 min. Add chicken to the pan and stir fry for further 3 minutes or until cooked. Stir in curry paste until chicken is well coated. Add hot chicken stock and stir in the coconut milk. Bring slowly to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Add prawns and simmer for a further 3 minutes. Meanwhile, place the vermicelli in a large heatproof bowl and pour over enough boiling water to cover. Set aside for 5 minutes until soft. Drain the vermicelli and divide among large, warmed serving bowls. Add snow peas last 5 minutes before serving and add and some bean sprouts, then ladle over the rice and top with bean sprouts, and chinese crunchy noodles. Serve sprinkled with cilantro and remaining bean sprouts which is optional

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie

2 9-inch pie crusts
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 tsp salt
pepper
thyme
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup cream (I used milk, worked fine)
1/2 cup or so white wine
2 cups cooked chicken, cut into chunks
3/4 cup frozen peas
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, sliced
couple cloves chopped garlic
some more thyme, because thyme is awesome

Heat oven to 425.

Melt butter over low heat. Blend in flour, salt, pepper, and a little thyme. Cook over low until it's a nice light roux. Stir in broth, cream, and wine. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute.

Saute the onion, carrot, and garlic until soft. Throw in salt, pepper, and thyme as you like. Add to the sauce with the peas and chicken. Pour into the pie shell and cover with the other crust. Cut a couple vents in the top. Put some foil over the edges to keep them from burning. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown.

Homemade Soft Pretzels

Homemade Soft Pretzels (Beer drinking Pretzels...Ha Ha!)
1 tbs yeast
1 1/4 c warm water
1/4 c brown sugar
4 c flour

coarse salt
melted butter (about 3 tbs)
1/2 c baking soda dissolved in 3 c water at a simmer



1. Dissolve the sugar in the warm water and add the yeast to proof it. The yeast should get foamy after about 5 minutes.

2. Add the flour and mix it gently. The dough should be sticky but well combined. Don't over-knead it or you'll get tough pretzels.

3. Let the dough rise in a covered, oiled bowl for about 20-30 minutes depending on how warm your house is.

4. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and shape into long ropes about 1" in diameter. Shape these into pretzel shapes and prepare some greased baking trays. Dip each pretzel into the water-baking soda mixture and submerge for about 20 seconds. Then place each onto the tray.

5. Bake at 450ºF for about 5 minutes or until the pretzels are golden and smell like heaven. Remove from the oven, brush with butter, and sprinkle with coarse salt. TRY to wait as long as you can before chowing down on them, but they are really really good warm.



I also think this would be a fun baking activity to involve kids in if you happen to have any around! Kids are really good at making dough ropes. :)

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

For the bread:

* 3 over-ripe bananas, smashed up
* 1/3 cup melted butter
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 tsp vanilla
* 1 tsp baking soda
* dash of salt
* 1 1/2 cups flour

For the swirl:

* 1/3 cup sugar
* 1 Tbs cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350. Butter and four a loaf pan. Mine was 9 x 5, but you could use any sort, I suppose. Just keep a close eye on it in the oven, and adjust the time as needed
2. Mix bananas, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla together. sprinkle baking soda and salt around on top of the banana mixture. Then gently stir in flour. Be careful not to over-mix!
3. In a small dish, mix together the 1/3 cup sugar and 1 Tbs cinnamon.
4. Add 1/2 of the batter to the loaf pan and then sprinkle half, or a little more than half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the batter in the pan. Add the rest of the batter, and then sprinkle the leftover cinnamon-sugar on top.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, but remember, if you’re using a different-sized loaf pan, be careful and keep a close eyeball on it!

Eating Right in your 30's!

Eating Right in your 30's

The Challenge: You're low on energy.

Feels like your being pulloed in a zillion different directions? No wonder. Between a demanding career, a husband, and kids too. Trying to fit in a workouut whenever you can, it's tough to balance all the things on your to do list and still muster the motivation to eat right. Consider this your health wake up call. "A less than stellar diet starts to catch up with you in this decade, putting you at increased risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and weight gain."

Your diet to do list

1)Bolster your Immunity

Antioxidants like vitamin A,C, and E, found in foods ssuch as sweet potatoes, red peppers and almonds, may slow the effects of aging and help ward off heart disease and cancer. The secret to their success? They reduce inflammation and repair damage to cells. You can't get the same benefits from swupplements, however. "Studies show that the antioxidants in food are much more effective than those you get from popping a pill, because they work in tandem with other compounds to fight disease."

2)Aim for Three Squares

Too busy for breakfast. Likely to choose your "lunch" from the office vending machine? If this is you then your habits need to chance. Not eating enough of the right foods for breakfast & lunch can make you feel exhausted and irritable by midafternoon. Build time in your schedule for three meals daily with 400-500 calories
each with a 150 calorie snack anytime you go more than three to four hours without eating. Keep healthy foods like nuts, fruit, whole grained cereal in your desk for those days when you can't get away from the office.

3)Power Up Your Plate.

Filling up on fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains may reduce your risk of diabetes, cancer and heart disease. In one study, women who ate the most vegetables lowered their odds of developing type 2 diabetes by 28 percent. Vegetarians in another report slashed their risk of cardiovscular disease by 24 percent. To reap the benefits, load three quarters of your plate with foods mentioned above, and the remaining one quarter with lean meat, poultry or fish.

Your recipes for success

Breakfast

1 package instant oatmeal topped with 1 sliced banana and 1 teaspoon brown sugar
6 oz. low fat yogurt
coffee with low fat milk

Lunch

Spinach salad: Toss together 1 1/2 cup baby spinach, 1/2 swliced red bell pepper, 5 halved grape tomates, 5 chopped baby carrots, 1/2 cup chickpeas, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette, 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
1 oz. (about 13) baked pita chips

Snack

1 apple, sliced, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter

Dinner

4 oz. grilled chicken breast with 1 cup cooked brown rice and black bean tomato salad (1/2 cup black beans, 1 small dicedd tomato, 1/4 diced avocado, 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1 pinch chilli powder)
8 oz. 1% milk and 2 oreos

Eating Right in your 20's!

This is information collected from fitness magazine.

The challenge in your 20's is your pressed for time.
Your diet to do list

1) Bone up on calcium and vitamin D

This is the last decade to build up bone mass without bone loss. Aim for 1,000 milligrams of calcium. One serving of yogurt or 1 1/2 oz. of cheese provides roughly 300-400 milligrams and up to 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily. Its tough to get enough vitamin D from food alone your best bet is a combination of foods, such as SALMON and canned tuna in oil, and supplements.

2) Fish for Happiness

Hours at the office and a fully booked social calendar can result in chronic stress, which can raise blood pressure, promote weight gaon and cause mood swings. 500 to 1,000 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids daily can lessen the damage. Good for you fats, found in FISH, NUTS, and SEEDS, reduce inflammation and improve the health of your brain cells, helping to elevate your mood and protect against depression. A study at the Univesity of Pittsburgh said people with the highest levels of omega 3's were significantly happier than those with lower levels.

3) Go for the Right Grains

Eating too many refined carbohydrates causes drawstic swings in blood sugar, which can sap your energy and leave you feeling cranky. Choose WHOLE GRAINS, PASTA, CEREAL, and RICE. Aim for three to six servings daily for a steady supply of fuel as well as the recommended 25 to 30 grams of fiber you need each day.

Recipes for Success

Breakfast

Veggie fritata: Cook 2 eggs scrambled with 1/4 cup thawed brocoli, 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms and 1 sliced green onion in 1 tablespoon canola oil until set 8-10 minutes. Top with 2 taqblespoons grated parmesan cheese.
2 slices whole grain toast and 8 oz. calcium & vitamin D fortified OJ

Lunch

Salmon burger on a whole wheat bun with chive mayo (mix 1 tablesppon canola mayo with 1 tsp. chives) and cucumber and tomato slices
1 cup grapes

Snack

Whole grain energy bar and a nonfat latte

Dinner

Spicy pasta: saute 1 chopped garlic clove, 1 chopped tomato, 1 tsp. capers and a pinch red pepper in 1 tablesppon olive oil. Serve over 1 1/2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta with 2 tablespoon feta cheese.
1/2 cup vanilla pudding topped with 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Gevalia Coffee

Ok- I love general foods international coffees. I use to get ads in magazines and send a dollar to try them. Oh it was heaven. Now Folgers has gourmet coffees that are heavenly.
Well, for a good deal go to: http://www.gevalia.com/continuity/quick-enroll pick the three you would like. It only costs three dollars for three flavors now thats a bargain.



Here are some recipes

Irish Coffee
Ingredients

1 cup of strong black coffee
1 tsp of sugar
1 shot of whisky
1 small carton of double cream
Method

Poor coffee into a wine glass until just over half full.
Stir in sugar until disolved.
Mix in whisky.
Place a teaspoon upside down just above the coffee and slow poor the cream onto the spoon. The cream should then float on top of the coffee, making a lay about half an inch thick or so.
Cappuccino Royale
Ingredients

1/2 cup of half and half
1/2 cup of espresso
2 tbsp Brandy
2 tbsp Dark Creme de Cacao
2 tbsp White Rum
Sugar
Method

Whisk the half and half in a small saucepan on high until it starts to froth.
Split espresso into two cups.
Divide the Brandy and Creme de Cacao into each cup.
Pour the half and half into each cup.
Sweeten with sugar.
Iced Coffee
Ingredients

1 pot of fresh brewed coffee
Milk
Ice cubes
Method

Brew the coffee. Add sugar if you prefer.
Pour coffee into a carafe, leave to cool for an hour and then cool in a refrigerator for another two hours.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, then coffee and add milk to taste.
Stir and serve.
These two recipes are merely to give you ideas on creative ways in which to use coffee. Only your imagination can hold you back.

Candied Pecans

Candied Pecans

1 egg white
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 dash vanilla extract
4 cups pecans (1 lb.)

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray.
Beat egg white until stiff. Add brown sugar and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
Mix in pecans and stir until coated. Pour the nuts onto the prepared cookie
sheet. Bake until browned, 15-20 minutes. Let cool! Use in salads, put back in container for snacking on.

My 5 Year old makes her own necklace

This is so cute, I let her sister make a necklace yesterday. And she wanted to make one too. So I told her I would help her tomorrow when everyone is in school. Sure enough she asked and wanted to do it hersself. She picked her own pattern and used a real needle. Too cute!

New Shoes!

Have you guys heard of skechers fitness footwear? Well, My cousin on facebook said she wanted a pair. I never heard of them. But was curious! So, I googled them and thought they looked like cute shoes. Lots of styles to pick from. So, saturday my Husband & I decided to go shoe shopping. We both bought a pair. They do feel different. And there was like three others in the check out buying them. Shelves were pratically bare. I'm surprised we found some our size.

Introducing the Skechers fitness footwear. Shape up while you walk. Designed to promote weight loss, Tone muscles and Improve posture. They do keep you on your toes.
Get in shape without stepping foot in the gym. I feel like I'm walking in sand. Day number three is tomorrow and we have been taking walks. Feet don't hurt. I'm getting use to this.

Crocheting again!

I wanted to make one of those Kufi hats and hunted down a pattern. Needless to say I looked everywhere for my crochet hook and couldn't find it. We moved and I don't know where everything went. So I kept looking, thinking I got to have one stuck in some project I haven't finished. And there it was... I whipped up three hats and my daughter is modeling the hot pink one I made. They are quick and easy.