I <3 Black bean soup!

I know I sent this recipe for Black Bean soup out to my fellow "healthy" friends, but I just HAD to post this recipe on my blog. Yes it's that good!! I had it for lunch today and just kept thinking how delicious it was! I tweaked the original recipe that I now cant remember where I got it from?? I only tweaked it by adding less water and throwing in an extra can of beans. I like it a little MORE chunk to my soups.

Biggest Loser Spicy Black Bean Soup POINTS® value 1
Servings 8
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 (15oz) cans of black beans
1 cup chopped celery
1 large onion, chopped
3 cups water (actually 2 cans of water from the Rotel can)
2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
3 tbsp ground cumin
1 (20 oz) can Rotel (tomatoes with green chilies)
In a large sauce pan or medium stock pot, heat oil over a medium high heat. Cook onion and celery until semi soft. Add everything else (reserve 1 can of beans for later) to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer at least 45 minutes. Once done simmering, let it cool slightly then run it through a blender. I used a hand blender, and it works great for this recipe. Just be careful not to blend too smooth. You want it a little chunky. Add the last can of beans and simmer for a few more minutes. YUM!!!!

You can thank me later! :)

I have issues, grocery issues

I started 2009 with a mission to REALLY save money. We cut back dramaticllay (well for us it is). We rarely use our credit cards, we put the heat way down this winter, insulated the heaters, crawl space and windows. We also rarely eat dinners out.No more Friday night take out. Take out is now considered a treat, not a Friday night necessity. I also cut back on my entertaining. I hardly invite people over for huge dinners. Now I go out once a month with my girlfriends and that's my entertaining. No more buying water bottles either, we all use reusable water bottles. Oh is it ever tough, but we are doing really good so that is a reward in its self! The one place I really have to work on is my grocery shopping. I am known to shop at variously places and take multiple trips during the week. I hate spending hundreds of dollars every month and having nothing to show for it. It always feels like we are "out" of something, and I find myself at the store yet again, picking up things that look interesting. Not the things we need. I do love to cook and entertain. I also love to try new foods, new recipes. Sometimes those things are just not budget friendly. I know I should set a limit for myself, but food shopping can be like shoe shopping. Seriously, where with shoes I conjure up outfits, with food I conjure up wonderful meals. It all makes senses in my head. Stay with me people.
Yes I need to get firm with the food shopping. I need to limit my unnecessary trips and unnecessary purchases. I'm just replacing one thing for another and I know this!!! So here are a few of my ideas that I plan to use to get this to be "doable". Who knows, maybe if you have the same problem it will work for you too?
1) First things first, you have to CUT COUPONS- but only the ones for products you would really use anyway.
2) Don't be afraid of store brands. Many of them are just as good if not better than the "real" brand. Target line of food products are great! My kids LOVE their granola bars better than the name brands.
3) I try to buy an item on sale and if I use it regularly, I'll buy an extra. This way when I do need it, it was on sale. If I have a coupon for it, it's even better!
4) Give yourself permission to buy a splurge items for yourself. For me it's Hummus and WW pitas. oh I cant forget the Snyder's Sourdough Fat free pretzels.
5) Buy your produce at discount places. We have 2 places near us called Portobello's and Produce Junction. Bulk fruit, cheap prices!
6) Shop at a store you really don't like (for me it's Walmart and Sav A lot) it can be worth the trip. The prices really are lower on the majority of the items. Just suck it up for savings sake.
7) Try to avoid frequent trips to the grocery store for 1 or 2 things. This is where it all falls apart for me. I will go in for milk and end up spending $50 on stuff that wasn't even on my list. All cause it looks interesting or god forbid if I am hungry while shopping?? ugh, the worse!
8) Menu plan. I don't do this much, and I need to start!!! I decide the night before when I have to defrost a meat.
9) Make a list and stick with it.
10) When making dinner, cook extra and have leftovers for lunch the next day! This really helps me with my Weight Watchers points. I know how many points are in my lunch PLUS its saves the hubby and I lots of $ per week. I use to hate leftovers, now I love them!

Let's see if I can stick close to those GREAT ideas (if I say s myself). It's now time to practice what I preach!

Oh May how I hate you!

So this weekend I was looking at my upcoming May calendar and realized that I have 10 gifts to buy for in May. oh and did I mention at a complete lost over what to get anyone? Ugh.

Here’s who I have to shop for:
This weekend I have my girlfriend Bobbi's son's 1st Birthday party on Saturday (I have an idea for him already). Sunday is my niece's (my brother's) 1st Holy communion. I'm thinking money for her.

Saturday is also my BIL's Birthday. Sunday is my niece (BIL's daughter)birthday. Monday is my nephew/godson's (same side).

Wait it doesn't stop there, next Friday is their other sister's birthday! Yes, my SIL and BIL thought it would be a GREAT idea to have all 3 of their kids born all within 6 days of each other.

Of course Mother’s day is right around the corner. I need two gifts. One for my mom and one for my MIL. Hmm maybe the hubby can get his mother a gift this year. He's pretty good at buying gifts for women.
My goddaughter turns 10 on May 19th, as well as my sister but my sister and I just exchange funny cards. Thank god!

Last but not least, my niece (my brother's) is having her Quinceañera on May 30th!
I’m already exhausted thinking about all this shopping. I need help! What do I get all these kids, a man and the mom's, that is not only thoughtful, but easy on the wallet? Thanks! xoxo

Weekend wrap up!

This weekend JUST flew by! We had (are having) crazy ass HOT weather and I gotta tell you I just don't like it. It's too hot. Although I made sure I enjoyed it, I would like it to stay Spring-y for a bit more. My Friday night was me, running around, hell all last week was me running around. My 16 year-old daughter's Junior Prom was on Saturday night. So there was lots to be done. I love this kinda stuff though, so I really don't stress over it. I actually enjoy it. My Friday ended with me hanging out with my youngest daughter. I love spending quality time with her. We put masks on, made pop corn (I had hummus and carrots) and watched "Bedtime Stories" with Adam Sandler. It was adorable. Saturday morning, I woke up bright and early to attend my WW meeting.. I'm down 9.9 lbs! Not to bad for 8 weeks on the program. I was actually not my best this week due to the excessive running around but I still saw a slight loss and I am happy with the overall loss to date. I haven't stayed the same, now gained any at this point. That I think is a good thing. I took down all my summer clothes from the attic, and my shorts are all loose. I actually had to wear shorts that were too tight on me last summer. They fit and are actually a tad loose! You can imagine my happiness over that? LOVE that!

I came home from my WW meeting, got the Prom Princess and took her for the mani/pedi thing, Then ran around getting flowers for the mantle. Once I got home I made brownies, tidied up and put out cookies (store bought) water bottles etc. and waited to get started on her. My best friend Dawn and I did her hair and makeup. She looked stunning. It's amazing to me that I raised this child to be as magnificent as she truly is. She just glows. She is so sweet, stunningly gorgeous, caring, smart and just my joy. Sigh. She is growing up so fast.

Any hoo, Sunday I found myself having the whole morning to myself. So I grabbed my coffee, the newspaper and headed outdoors. Here are a few pics of my view of my garden and other things :) as I sat outside. It was a perfect way to start the day. We took our youngest to a craft fair during the afternoon, then headed home to do some yard work (he did that while I laid out). The hubby grilled homemade burgers (turkey for me) and I ended the night reading magazines. Honestly it was perfect. Just wish it would of lasted longer. I hope your weekend was wonderful too!

My outdoor Living

It's that time of the year when I get the itch to clean out the sun room and get it ready (decorate) for the Spring/Early summer days and nights. I love my sun room and try and use it as much as possible. My goal this year is to get a wicker couch out there so that I have a spot to put up my feet and relax while reading my morning paper, a magazine or just enjoying my yard. I wish I could say we used the room a lot more than we do, but during the hot and humid months, there is no way you will see my out there. I am a wuss when it comes to the heat.. scratch that, when it comes to the HUMIDITY (ick). But from now til late July, I put that room to good use. This year's BRIGHT idea (and I do mean that literally) is to decorate the room using all vibrant colors. I saw this pillow in my Pottery Barn catalog and thought it was perfect! Although I don't have the actual pillow, I am using the colors in it as inspiration. I already started collecting spray paints in bright colors. I will be sure to post pics once I spray paint anything that isn't nailed down in that sun room!

It's official - I am a Vitabrownie fan! Yes, I know they have been all over blog land for a while now. And I know, I'm late to jump on the Vitalicious bandwagon, but hey better late than never! Only 100 calories, 1 WW Point, and 6 grams of fiber! I was amazed at how delicious these brownies really are! How can something so delicious be only 100 calories? The perfect healthy guilt free dessert! Next ...Vitatops! Can't wait!!

Earth Day Pledge

We only have one Earth, so do what you can to preserve it. So just for today pledge to do just one thing to help Mother Earth (come on it's easy).

Repeat after me - Today I’m going to celebrate Earth Day by ___________.

You can start by unplugging the TV or your PC. Maybe keep the lights off? Pledge to really commit to recycling? How about switching your old light bulbs out for compact fluorescents? You can also stop buying plastic water bottles and invest in reusable water containers. Bring your own mug to mug to work, that alone can save a ton of trees. All these I do on a daily basis (plus so much more). Tell me what you are going to do to help the Earth today? If you have suggestions, I would love to hear them!!

Product love!

Just thought I would share this low fat, low calorie delicious treat (only 2 WW points per bag)!

Smartfood Cranberry Almond Popcorn Clusters! Yum!!!

I'll Take Adrian Please

Kiehl's has teamed up with Adrian Grenier (Yummy Vince from Entourage), Kelly Slater (surfer/Pamela's Anderson's old boy toy), Erykah Badu (singer/weirdo) and Parson's The New School of Design (NYC) to launch four limited-edition designs of Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion. Each are packaged in 100 percent postconsumer content. Proceeds will benefit the Waterkeeper Alliance, which preserves and protects community waterways from polluters. Great cause, and GREAT lotion. Kiehl's lotions are really worth the money.

New Moon

Check out this Fanmade trailer for New Moon. I CANT wait for this movie!!

Looking Sassy!

I was so happy to see Drew Barrymore looking absolutely stunning at the premiere of Grey Gardens in New York. I just love her style. I can not wait to see this movie. Premieres on HBO, tomorrow at 8PM.

I WANT!!!

The new Verizon Hub
I really really want this!!! REALLY

Budget Friendly review

That dreaded word BUDGET!! Yes I am on one. I have been for a while now. So far I don't really mind it. I'm the type of person that loves to clip coupons, find bargains and shop at the stores with a great sale. I realized last year that I had way too many products as it is, getting rid of half my stash was actually a good thing for me. When I finally had to find a replacement for the bronzer I was using, I knew I could not (should not) afford to spend another $28 to replace it. The hunt was on for a budget friendly product. I think I found it (of course or it wouldn't be a review!) Old product: Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer. New product: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear 100% Mineral Bronze Brightener. Price difference? I saved $14! Bonus is that I really like this product. It's blush/bronzer combo, just like what I had in the Too Faced product. Plus it's 100% mineral. Although the packaging is much cuter with the Too Faced bronzer, but maybe that's why they charge $14 more??

All ruffled up

Don't you just love a good ruffle? It seems like the designer are thinking it's the hot look for the Spring and Summer. Since I have never been one to miss an "in" thing. Here are just a few of my current favorites that I’m seriously lusting after! All found here:

New Cookbook Alert

Hungry girl has a new cookbook coming out! YEAH! If you want a sneak peak before you go out and buy this cookbook, look HERE to see the see a preview of the chapters and pics of the recipes. I'm definitely going to be picking this book up!

I have a plan ...

So, while I've been busy posting, I've also been busy trying not to eat. Does that make any sense to you? I’ve been busy trying to pay even more attention to what goes in my mouth. Honestly, when I first started Weight Watchers, I went in thinking “I am not going to write EVERYTHING down”. That’s just crazy to even try and do. Now I say it’s crazy NOT too. I can’t even imagine all that not knowing what I put in my mouth before I started WW. I was not accountable for it at all. Classic denial on why I gained weight!
The scale is still moving down (yeah), BUT I am not crazy to think it will continue on the downward path. I know there will be weeks where the scale stops moving all together. I am only in week 6. The “honeymoon” period! Last week I had my period and though I lost weight, I know I didn’t make good food choices. Let’s just say there was a lot of salt consumed. Oh and did I mention vodka? Don’t they go hand in hand?

Still at weigh in on Saturday I had a loss. Just under a pound (.8) but still a loss. I kick myself to think what the scale would have said, had I made a real effort to get stay on track? So, I will keep sticking to the plan. What’s the plan you ask?? Glad you asked….
The plan:
1. Keep pushing through with the 30 days of The Shred (missed 3 days now). I am still 2 weeks away from completing this project.
2. 1 week at a time of clean eating. That means no bites, licks or tastes. Seems easy, but man its hard!
3. No weighing myself unless at WI. Hiding the scale under my bureau is just not cutting it. I need to put the thing away!

Seems simple right? Yeah real simple

All about the containers

This spring/summer it's all about flowers in containers. I'm trying to think of all kinds of ideas to use as a containers (except old shoes, that's just weird). Over the years that I have been in this house, I planted a bunch of perennials. Perennials I got! The previous owner was just a tad landscaping happy and planted a ton as well. I have transplanted a bunch of flowers and when I first attacked the garden, I ripped out what I thought were weeds! Oops! Lately, I've been lucky in finding containers in curbside trash (yes, I am trash picking). So far, I've picked up an old metal pail, 2 plastic urns and a metal plant stand. The plan is to paint the urns lime green, and the plant stand and metal pail an orange. Those are the colors I am using to decorate the sunroom, so it ties all together. My garden is already home to an old wash stand, 2 metal watering cans, and LOTS of terracotta planters. Also I did a project a few years ago, making the planters look like they are "spilling" out flowers (like this). It really is that cute!
Now if only this weather would get me in the mood to do all these projects!!!

If I wasn't on a budget!

sigh.. I STILL couldn't afford these shoes. I have shoe love..

Damn you Gwen .. why do your shoes cost so much??

crafty idea

I saw this craft idea a few weeks ago on another site (can't remember which) and I thought "I can do this, I am always throwing cans away"! What a great idea for the girls and my craft stuff. I'm hoping to do this with my 10 year old this week. I saved 4 cans so far! Just thought I would share this idea!

Here's the Easter Rabbit - Hooray!

The Happy Easter Rabbit, Hooray! Remember that Bugs Bunny cartoon? It's one of my faves!

Man this week just flew by. I am so happy I have off of work tomorrow! I really need it! Tonight is April's "Girl's Night out". Starting off with pedi's, then Starbucks and who knows what in between. I LOVE that we are doing GNO on a monthly basis. I look forward to it every month! Looks like I have another busy weekend! Surprised? Tomorrow we are going to visit my nieces and nephew (godson). I haven't seen them since my brother in-law came and did the shelves in February. I miss them. This Saturday, my 16 year-old daughter and I are going to look for prom shoes and accessories. FUN! Can you believe I have even been too busy to go to Nordstorm's? It's been opened for 2 WEEKS! GASP! You would think I was there at 10 AM on the day it opened with all the other nuts! Seriously, there was a huge line waiting to get in! Saturday night, we get to play dress up. She wants me to do a practice run on her hair and makeup for the prom. This is the part I love. I have an idea already of what I want her to look like. Picture - heavy eye with a natural cheek and nude lips. We take lots of pics so we remember what I we did come the actual prom day. We do this for every dance. I guess it's a tradition. Sunday, of course is Easter. We are going to my mom's this year. She is going all out this year (it's been awhile since we have been to her house for Easter). She is making ham, some kind of potato, spinach lasagna (my girls requested this), and roasted asparagus. I am bringing a strawberry salad, green bean casserole (a healthy version) and dessert. I have 2 desserts in mind actually. Chocolate mousse and an angel food cake with a pineapple/whipped cream topping. I have never made either, so it should be interesting. No baking involved so that's a plus! Thank god I have my WW weigh in on Saturday morning. Gives my 5 days to work this meal off!

By Sunday night, I will probably have all my Easter decorations down. I was early putting them up this year (after forgetting for a few) and I am tired of them already. I wanted to share a picture of Mr. and Mrs. Rabbit. I made them in ceramics class a few years ago. I just love how they turned out.

Enjoy your holiday weekend and have a Happy Easter!!!!!

Wonder why you're fat??

Cause you eat this stuff!!! Check out this site..

gross

Blog love

I love Twilight. I really do, and I don't care what you think. I know I am a grown woman, but please it's just sucks you in! Have you read the books? Seen the movie? When you do, you will understand. Now don't go thinking I am one of those crazy older woman that throws her panties at Rob. I reserve that act for Johnny and Justin only (Thank you very much).

If you love the series as much as I do, check out this FABULOUS blog - HisGoldenEyes. You'll love it!

A baker in the house??

For those of you who actually know me, you know baking is not something I claim to do - ever. I just don't have the patience for it. Now cooking a meal? That's is definitely my thing. Nothing makes me happier than being in the kitchen cooking up ideas for my family. Ok there are things that make me happier, but I do love to cook. My 10 year-old daughter is following in my footsteps (so proud). She wants to do it all - cook and bake. She doesn't believe me when I tell her I don't bake. She says "I should just try it and I will love it". Wonder where she gets that from?? sigh. I guess as a mom I shouldn't tell her I can't do things. I decided to try and find easy homemade ideas that we can bake together. Baby steps. All in one bowl kinda baking. That's the goal. I was so excited when I saw this recipe Banana Date Breakfast Cookie on Trim the Fat. I figured it would be a win win situation. Easy for both of us (the 10 year old) to make, all ingredients were on hand AND it helps me since it's a 2 point WW breakfast. Please don't go by my crappy cell picture (notice how pretty hers looks?) these are Delicious! My 10 year old had a a great time making it and me? Well I got to see her proud of her baking attempt. That's priceless! Oh and she's didn't care for how they tasted, so its more for me! Bonus!

Whew!

What a busy weekend! This weekend was us running our 16 year old daughter around to Art colleges. Saturday's colleges was in Center City Philly and Sunday's was in Baltimore MD. We actually liked both schools. Our daughter (and hubby) liked the Philly one better. I did too, since it's so close to home. Of course, I did not tell her that. You know how kids can be - Tell them you like the same thing as them and they rebel and suddenly HATE it! By the time we go home from my In-laws last night (had to pick up the youngest child) I was completely exhausted. I did not even attempt to do The Shred. So I officially missed one day! Oh well, I'm not beating myself up over that. Especially since I walked my butt off all weekend long AND made sure I ate really well. A bonus is that I lost another pound at my WI. YEAH!! That's over 8 lbs so far, 8.6 to be exact, but who's counting? um ME! I am so happy that every week has been a loss so far. I know I only started my 5th week, but it feels great to know that my body is reacting to how I am eating and the workouts I am trying to commit myself too.

A little side note: This past Friday night, I went to my grade school reunion (I had a blast!) and did not have a drop of alcohol! Can you believe it? I actually haven't had a glass of wine in a about 2 weeks now. What is going on here?? I just don't have a craving for it. Plus who needs the extra points?

I wanted to share a recipe that is now a fave in my house. Hungry girl sent this email out a few weeks ago and my girls LOVE it. I actually did not use the turkey bacon when this picture was taken and its JUST as good!

Pig on a Stick in a Bacon-Wrapped Blanket
PER SERVING (entire recipe): 155 calories, 6.5g fat, 760mg sodium, 15g carbs, 0g fiber, 2g sugars, 11g protein -- POINTS® value 4*

Ingredients:

1 Hebrew National 97% Fat Free Beef Frank (or another fat-free or nearly fat-free hot dog)

1 portion refrigerated Pillsbury Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls (unprepared)

1 slice extra-lean turkey bacon

1 thick wooden skewer

Optional: mustard, ketchup, relish (for dipping)

Directions:Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Skewer your hot dog lengthwise on the stick. Set aside.
Stretch or roll out the triangle-shaped dough slightly, to make it a larger triangle. Place hot dog along the base and gently but firmly roll it up. Squeeze the dough gently to ensure it is secure around the hot dog. Carefully wrap bacon around the length of the dough-covered hot dog, so it looks like a spiral. Place your blanketed pup in a baking pan sprayed lightly with nonstick spray. Bake in the oven for about 14 - 16 minutes, until dough appears slightly browned and crispy.
Let cool slightly. If you like, dip your dog into one or more of the optional ingredients. Enjoy!
MAKES 1 SERVING

Loving J Crew's Spring line! Don't you love all the orange they have going on?? :)

Cause I'm such a giver

Take a gander at the New Moon movie poster with a shirtless Rob Pattison.

You're welcome!

Oh it's on! Day 1

So after seeing The Shred Challenge over an over on most of the blogs I read, I decided I'm going to do it! So the challenge is 30 days of The Shred, straight. It says right on the box "Lose Up To 20 Pounds in 30 days!". That's every day of doing this 20 minute workout. If I lose half of that I will be happy. I actually have already been doing this workout, but only once or twice a week. Last night officially started my day 1. The hubby decided to come downstairs and watched me work out. Why? No clue, he's just a man who was "enjoying the show". Men and their hormones. Bonus is I don't have to pay for the DVD, I get it for free with Verizon FiOS On-demand. Even better!

This workout may only be 20 minutes but it kicks your butt. And this is only Level 1! Level 1 consist of a short warm-up, the workout is split up into interval training. 2 Minutes of Strength, 2 Minutes of cardio, followed by 1 Minute of Abs. It's repeated 3 times with different exercises. Cool down is a brief stretching period. If you need specifics it's push ups, jumping jacks, jump rope (no rope), lunges, squats, crunches, and many other forms of torture, err I mean exercise. Oh and she repeats over and over.. no resting! Well to be exact it's "No Rest! If you want your body to change, you have to ...!" Over and over! Hopefully I see results soon. I can already notice that I go a little further in the workout without wanting to puke or pass out. I hope this post makes you want to try it with me!

It's getting closer - I can feel it!

It's getting nicer and nicer outside.. you know what that means - Pretty feet with American pedicures (or color, whatever makes you happy). I can't wait to air out the tootsies! Don't you also love that the cork heels are "in" for the Spring and Summer? I do!

WW product alert

My daughter and I made Fiber One Pancakes Saturday morning, and man as I surprised how easy these were to make. Just add water. The bonus was that they were actually really good! 3 nice size pancakes = 3 points!

New Blog love

I found this blog about a week ago and I just love it.
Check out Jen at Priorfatgirl.com . Dont you love the name of her blog??

update on a design idea

A few weeks ago I mentioned I wanted to do this. This weekend I planted 1. It's a start. I decided that I am going to accent the room with greens now instead of whites. Or maybe both? I really like how this turned out. I did not fill the pot all the way to the top with the soil, because I like the "sunken" look of it. Anyway.. here it 1 final product.