A Creative Life

Ten in 2010: Fourth Week

2010-01-30T08:55:00.000-08:00

Well I gained a pound this week, I am not inching anywhere near my goal.

so far I have lost .8 in four weeks. Granted one week I was sick but come on. What is to blame....me. I am frustrated. Here are my observations.

Successes:

*Planning menus, still staying on task with this

* I have been taking longer finishing a meal, which normally I scarf down.

*I weighed in.

What I've Learned:

*I flourish when I have structure, tracking my meals, a plan

*I need to focus on recipes that provide filling foods like fiber, protein, etc. I end up being full for a longer period of time and am not hungry

*The only fruit I really like is bananas

*I have reintroduced a new trigger in my life and I need to not give in.

What I still need to work on:

*Tracking consistently

*Exercise, I have an excuse for anytime of the day. I am making a goal for this week to just do it.

*Need to add more fruits to my plan for the day

Other Stuff:

*I have reintroduced the Jar of Punishment into my weekly plan. This is a jar I made for me and my mom. We need to have 25 - 28 points a week and they are pretty simple to get.

1-Tracking

1-Exercise (20 minutes)

1-Staying on Program

1-Challenge for the week: This week it is 5 servings of fruits and vegis-have to list them.

You can earn extra points for each additional 1/2 hour of exercise.

If you do not checkin daily via email or phone with total points -1

The punishment we have added three things we don't like to do for our homes to the jar. If you don't make your points you have to draw from the jar and do the chore within the week at their house.

*I have been craving Cesar and cobb salad. Just ravenously.

The Quilt is finished...

2010-01-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

Finally I have finished my first quilt. I took a class at Joanne's Fabric to learn to quilt and I have completed it three months later. I am really pleased with how it turned out.

The class took a bit longer because it was once a week and we had the holidays, but I hunkered down this last week and finished.

For the first quilt there were a few observations I made. I did not realize you had to iron everything. I also noticed as I proceeded my sewing became increasingly better, so very happy with my progress. I did have a ton of trouble with binding and seams straight on the edge. I am going to review some more videos and see if I can make some more progress on this part of the sewing.

I love this chandelier fabric, my favorite. I was happy with the color choices and although I promised this to one of my kids I have yet to let it go.

I really enjoyed making a quilt, it is kind of like a puzzle that you nurture throughout until it is a completed piece of art. I am all ready on my second quilt that I am making for a birthday present, so far so good.

2010-01-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

Sunday-Old Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie w/Garlic Mushrooms

Monday-Chicken Tortilla Soup w/diced papaya

Tuesday-Ceasar Salad with Chicken

Wednesday-Pad Thai w/cucumber salad

Thursday-Halibut w/Steamed Potatoes and Asparagus

Friday-Chicken Chipolte Tacos/w Guacomole

Saturday-Double Dutch Chard Bake-Recipe Exchange

Ten in 2010: Third Week

2010-01-23T08:12:00.001-08:00

This was my third week of the 2010 challenge, and a hard week it was. I was sick all week and it was like a thorn in my side.

Successes:

*Did not gain, but did not lose

*Continued with menu planning

*Not giving up

What I've Learned

*I hate bieng sick, my energy was drained and just not motivated to do anything at all.

*I don't drink a lot of water when I am not feeling well.

*I can go to a movie and not have popcorn

*When I don't exercise consistently it immediatly comes back to haunt me.

What I still need to work on

*Staying the course, with not feeling well I did not eat as well as I should have. However, I did not eat that much either. I call this my bandaid approach -the I don't feel well, will have something that will make me feel better and I will feel better. A vicious circle that just does not work.

*Fruits, still a big problem. I just can't seem to draw myself into wanting to eat it.

Other Stuff

*Stress is a killer. Sometimes I feel as if I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. I created this, by bieng the go to person for everything. Now I am not sure I want it.

*Back in the saddle again...

*Indian Food, we are going to an Indian restaurant this evening. Planning to look at the menu and make my choices before arriving.

Week in Review

2010-01-19T07:22:00.000-08:00

Week in Review...

This last week I made a lot of headway on finishing my quilt. This is the first quilt I have done and actually about 75% of my sewing experience. I had problems with the binding so, I am redoing that today and will finish the quilting in the center and be done.

My niece whose birthday is in March wants a quilt for her birthday. Her favorite color is orange and she loves owls. I bought some of this adorable owl fabric at Fat Quarter Shop. I have the pattern ready to go to create this one for her.

I finished three more books yesterday, one of which was Rules of Conduct by Maggie Anderson. I posted the review on Single Titles. This story of an amnesic girl and Duke of Vale, has become one of my favorites for this year.

I have cleaned the house, let it go and be a disaster, cleaned and disaster. I seem to be cleaning everyday and the girls were home for finals and the house just fell apart. I clean sweep every morning but don't want to be cleaning 24/7. Any suggestions?

Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-18T20:59:00.001-08:00

Sunday-Moussaka w/ salad (from last week)

Monday-Tuna Noodle Casserole w/steamed vegi (from last week)

Tuesday-Cauliflower and Mushroom Gougere w/salad

Wednesday-Pasta w/Savoy Cabbage w/salad

Thursday-Buttery Halibut w/smashed potatos and asparagus

Friday-Black Bean Chili w/cornbread -recipe exchange

Saturday-Chipolte Chicken Salad w/melon

Dessert-Stilton Baked Pears

Ten in 2010: Second Week

2010-01-16T09:51:00.000-08:00

This was the second week of the Ten in 2010 challenge for me. I have been doing well so far, although the loss has not been as high as I had hoped.

Successes:
*My menu planner has been a huge help, I like posting the menu and sharing the recipes that I find delicious.
*I dropped .4 lbs, not a lot but it is moving in the right direction.
*I find myself keeping busier which helps with eating less instead of what I call veg-eating.
*I exercised 5 days last week

What I've Learned:
*I had a huge revelation at the WW meetings yesterday. The leader mentioned that even though you exercise sometimes your body needs a lubricant (retain water) to help continue it's path to bieng healthier. Basically don't get discouraged, your body needs time to catch up.
*I don't like Snapper-to thin of a fish and it did not cook right.
*Doing some excercise has been a good energy builder

What I still need to work on:
*Fruit, although I eat primarly vegetarian, I have a difficult time getting the fruit in.
*Continue to drink in the water

Other Stuff:
Working on my menu for this week. I would like to incorporate some lunch and breakfast ideas that are not boring. I find I do get myself into a rut where these are concerned.

Book Challenge Update

2010-01-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

One of my goals for this year was to read 100 books, currently I have read 8 since January 1st. I plan to only post blogs on the titles that stand out to me. I just finished The Taste of Night: Second Sight of the Zodiac by Vicki Pettersson.

Taste of Night is the second in the Zodiac series from Vicki Petterson. This book takes up where the first left off. Joanna Archer is equal part of Light and Shadow. Joanna has gone to the Light side wanting to save the Vegas territory, from her father the Tulpa who is the leader of the shadow forces. A deadly virus has been introduced in Vegas and Joanna's world continues to get rocked by the changes.

I thought this was a great follow up book. I liked that one of the characters Hunter was in it more. The concept for the story continues to fascinate me, I am not always sure where the story will lead to which keeps me captivated.

A great book to sit down to over the weekend.

Pan-Seared Tilapia w/Citrus Vinagrette

2010-01-12T07:06:00.000-08:00

Pan-Seared Tilapia with Citrus Vinaigrette, Couscous Pilaf, and Roasted Brussels Sprouts

This is a recipe from Cooking Light. The Tilapia recipe is here. One of my favorite features in this magazine is the Dinner Tonight. In the Jan/Feb 2008 they had this recipe served with the Tilapia is this wonderful Couscous Pilaf.

Bring 1 1/2 cups fat-free broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over med-high heat. Add 1 cup uncooked couscous to pan. Cover and remove from heat. Let couscous stand 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork.

Stir in 1/3 cup dried cherries, 1/4 cup slivered almonds, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp grated fresh lemon rind, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Mix well.

I figured this at 3 points but only used 1 tbsp of the olive oil.

This is a quick and delicious dish. Serves 4 but the couscous portion about 6.

2010-01-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

Sunday-Sheherdess Pie and Brussel Sprouts from last weeks menu

Monday -Moussaka and Pita's w/tzaziki

Tuesday-Pan Seared Tilapia with citrus sauce, Coucous pilaf, roasted brussel sprouts

Wednesday-Indian Cauliflower soup, salad

Thursday-Pasta w/Savoy Cabbage and Gruyere and Salad

Friday-Tuna Noodle Casserole with steamed vegi

Saturday-Layered Enchilada Baker (recipe exchange)

Ten in 10 Healthy Challenge - Week 1

2010-01-09T11:38:00.000-08:00

Here is my recap from the past week.

Successes

Followed the menu plan for the week

Lost -1.8

Successfully found a diversion for stress by organizing the house

What I've Learned

Tracking is key, I think had I been more consistent in tracking last week I would have had a higher weight loss.

Water is very important

If I go for a walk or do some sort of cardio for thirty minutes, I accomplish 100% more than I do if I ignore it for the day.

I am not the only one in this boat

What I still need to work on

Exercise, 30 minutes out 10 hours a day is not that much to set aside

Water, I have not made as much effort to get it in. This is my focus for the week

Fruit, still struggling to get this in. I get my vegis in no problem but do not look at fruit as a snack

Stay in control of my rationalism when it comes to food. I have every excuse in the book to compensate for going overboard.

Other stuff

Made some great recipes this week. The Celery, Avocado and Walnut Salad and the Bean, Feta, and Spinach Bake were two of my favorites.

Working on menu plan for next week, need to make sure I incorporate a couple less time consuming dishes

Biggest Loser began, so far don't have a favorite contestant but it is only week 1

My craft room is clean, this is a way I divert myself from the kitchen. Plan to have a crafty week.

Bean, Vegetable, and Feta Bake

2010-01-09T10:24:00.001-08:00

Bean, Vegetable, and Feta Bake
WW Mag January 2010

This was delicious, filling and very flavorful.

8 sun-dried tomatoe halves (not in oil)
1 lg onion, chopped
1 large red pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large zucchini, diced
1/4 tsp salt and red pepper flakes
1 9oz bag spinach
1 19oz can cannelinni beans, rinsed and drained
1c crumbled low-fat feta cheese
2 slices toasted bread, cubed

Preheat oven to 375, spray shallow 2 quart baking dish.

Put tomatoes and enough hot water to cover in bowl, soften about 10 minutes, drain and chop.

Spray nonstick skillet with spray. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, zucchini, salt, red pepper flakes and cook. Stirring until vegis are crisp-tender about 8 minutes. In batches add spinach and cook until wilted. Add beans, 1/2c feta and tomatoes.

Spoon into baking dish.

Top with feta and bread cubes.

Bake until hot, abut 25 minutes.

WW 5 pts
291 cal, 4g fat, 2g sat fat, 0g trans fat, 12mg chol, 1,044mg sod, 48g carb, 10g fib, 19g prot, 39mg calc

Observations and Ramblings...

2010-01-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

I am weighing in today, back to WW. This week I have been focusing on eating three balanced meals and choosing healthier snacks. Other than one day I succeed, had one moment of irrational. On the exercise front I managed one day. This is a huge struggle for me, I have two of the days this week planned for exercise so need to incorporate another.

On the home/organization front much better. I was able to tackle a lot this week by making time to do it:
House tidied every morning
Organized the linen closet
Cleaned and organized three drawers in the kitchen
Crafty room cleaned (now organizing)
laundry done
Socks matched and put away
Medicine cabinet cleaned out and expired medicines gone
Washed down all the doors in the house and cleaned door knobs for germs

There were a few other items, but overall I feel better about the progress I made.

Goals for next week:
Maintain steady course on the clean/organization route
Exercise three days
Menu plan
Track all foods
Begin crafting again

So what are your plans for the next week?

Etsy Thursday

2010-01-07T15:19:00.000-08:00

Added some new items to the store, I am pulling inventory so most of the stuff is set aside. I have these handmade badge holders up though. The Valentine Pins are handmade and painted. The adorable chicken pin is hand sculpted. Visit my website to view the rest of the items.

I will be adding the Valentine Pins this evening..

2010-01-06T07:26:00.000-08:00

I am checking with my weekly weigh in.

As of 1/1 225.4

As of 1/6 223.6

-1.8

I weigh in with WW on Friday so will be using that number once I get that.

This week goals

exersise 3 days-1 day down

eat sensibly-going strong on this

be proactive, not reactive

Celery, Avacado and Walnut Salad

2010-01-06T07:10:00.000-08:00

Celery, Avocado and Walnut Salad
from the Vegetarian and Vegetable Cooking book by Christine Ingram

8 Celery Stalks, thinly sliced
3 Scallions, finely chopped
2 oz walnut halves
1 ripe avocado, sliced
lemon juice

Dressing
1/2 cup light sour cream
1 tbsp olive oil
pinch of cayenne

Slice the avocado and sprinkle with the lemon. Add this to celery, scallions, walnut mixture. Lightly beat the sour cream, olive oil and cayenne. Fold carefully into the salad mixture.

I thought this was light and refreshing. A great side dish for meals.
(Having camera issues, will try to post picture later today)

Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-04T06:27:00.000-08:00

One thing I have chosen to do that I saw from another blog was focus on one cookbook to use this year. I have a ton of cookbooks that frankly gather a lot of dust. I am going to incorporate at least one recipe a week from Christine Ingram's Vegetarian and Vegetable Cooking. This is a wonderful cookbook and hopefully by the end of the year I will have made everything in it.

Menu for Week

Sunday-Roast Asparagus Crepes w/Celery Avocado and Walnut Salad -CKBK

Monday-Corn and Potato Chowder w/Crusty Bread-CKBK

Tuesday-Bean, Vegetable, and Feta Bake-Weight Watchers Magazine

Wednesday-Gardenburgers and Homemade Fries

Thursday-Shepherdess Pie and Stir Fried Brussels Sprouts-CKBK

Friday-Tuna Panini's and Vegi Dip with Cucumber, Radish and Jicama-Weight Watchers Magazine

Saturday-Recipe Exchange-Sausage, Ricotta, and Spring Greens

I will post the salad recipe tomorrow for Celery, Avocado, and Walnut it was fabulous.

The Week Ahead,,,,

2010-01-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

My strategy for the week ahead is to take it one day at a time. If I put too much on my plate than I end up feeling overwhelmed and give up.

I have my menu planned, did this while on road trip and will post tomorrow.

My goals to achieve this week if time allows are:

*Keep house tidied (Flylady is my hero)

*Clean up my craft room

*Clean up my etsy site

*Exercise 3 days

*Track food

*Finish Quilt

These are all attainable it is about utilizing my time in a more efficient manner.

Goal for January:

*No Fast Food-Big trigger for me

*Exercise 3 days a week

*Menu Plan and Follow

*Do something that makes me happy this month, more than once try to do something everyday.

Happy New Years

2010-01-01T10:08:00.001-08:00

We had a fun night last night. We celebrated New Years with playing and rotating games every 45 minutes. We tally the points...1st place gets 5, 2nd gets 4,etc. At the end of the night the person with the highest points gets #1 and #2 for the white elephant prizes and the second place person gets the last choice. The trading continues until someone after the first round wants to keep their choices.

It was a lot of fun, I played Blokus, Syzzgy-crossword word game, Five Crowns, David and Goliath, and Lost Cities.

It is a great way to try new games and mingle with people. We had chinese food that was yummy and sparkling cider at the ring of midnight.

As the New Year starts I have been reflecting, today I am focusing on not going overboard. We are heading out for the night and I am not in charge of the meal which is always hard. So my focus is to drink lots of water and make sounder choices. Sunday I am going back to WW and I plan to take my journey one day at a time. I have beens on the programbut the last couple of weeks have not made it to the meetings, I feel I am just continuing the journey rather than starting over.

Have a Happy New Years Day!

Horoscope-very telling

2009-12-30T20:35:00.001-08:00

I don't usually follow the horoscopes regularly but saw this on Yahoo and it makes me wonder....

Scorpio

10/23 – 11/21

Year 2010 Overview

Scorpios have a certain reputation for taking things a little too seriously, and to some extent you've earned that. The next year is going to give you new opportunities to really express yourself in new ways, and to get results from all that Scorpionic intensity you've been carrying around all your life. On the one hand, there will be new pressures developing as far as a lot of long-standing issues that you've faced for a long time, and that have been building for the last few years. New channels of communication will be opening up for you, and new ways to express yourself.

There may be a sense of deep pressure building when it comes to how you live your life and deal with the Big Picture issues. The usual problems of day-to-day living -- paying the bills, dealing with relationships, making time for yourself -- may merely be the guise in which these issues present themselves. In fact, with Saturn transiting your Twelfth House of hidden issues, you may find yourself confronted with people and issues that are merely your own issues in disguise. Think of it as a psychodrama where those around you are merely playing out individual psychological factors within yourself.

The good news is that no other sign in the zodiac is better equipped to stare an issue in the eye and see it for what it really is than you. Over the years, you've developed the tools you'll need to not only make it through another year but to prosper in all the ways that really count.

My observations: I think this has to do with the issues surrounding my weight, my company merging and confronting and dealing with both issues in an effective manner. When I read this it really hit some telling points in my life.

New Year Favorite List - reflective

2009-12-30T11:24:00.000-08:00

As the New Year quickly approaches I thought I would share my Top Five favorites list of the this year.

Books:

Soulless by Gail Carriger This turned out to be my favorite book from this year.

Devil In Winter by Lisa Kleypas Part of the Wildflower Series, I love a good bad boy

Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris-terrific sequel

Scent of the Shadows: First signs of the Zodiac by Vicki Pettersson-New Series I found

Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips-Laugh out loud funny

Television Shows:

True Blood HBO

Criminal Minds CBS

Chopped Food Network

America's Next Top Model CW

Modern Family ABC -hilarious

Movies:

Star Trek

Hangover

Blind Side

District 9

Whip It (pure fun)

Craft Trends I explored:

Stitching on paper

Acrylic stamping (I have been stamping for years, but really got into this this year)

Quilting

Ruffling crepe paper

Ribbon Clasps-fun and easy

Looking forward to New Year full of endless possibilities......

Finding a balance

2009-12-29T08:53:00.001-08:00

Right now I feel like I am struggling, I have been making myself more aware of what I am eating, lack of exercise, and how I am feeling. I feel like a lump though...The house is a disaster again, I clean daily but by night it is a mess (kids and hubby) and feel ridiculously stressed out.

I work from home so I am here all the time but am trying to find a balance between working and home. I am like a fish out of water.

How do you find a balance? If anyone has any great ideas let me know. I know when I have a plan or the house is clean I accomplish a lot more than not. I think it is about the attitude.

Today I plan to focus on getting house cleaned and mopped and laundry caught up. I would like to take the tree down and the Christmas Ornaments put away as well as get the work I need to do done. I better get off the computer if Iwant to accomplish these goals...have a good day:)

Menu Plan Monday

2009-12-28T09:33:00.001-08:00

Monday-Garden Chowder, Crusty Bread

Tuesday-Chipotle Bean Burritos, Fruit

Wednesday-Tuna Noodle Casserole, Steamed Broccoli

Thursday-New Years-Takeout

Friday-Mexican Casserole, Salad

Saturday-Chipolte Chicken Salad

Sunday-VBLT (Veggie Bacon, Lettuce Tomato) sandwhiches, Homemade Fries

A New Week

2009-12-27T09:56:00.000-08:00

I want to finish getting the house in order today, I have been trying to clean up my craft room as well. I did all of my wrapping in the craft room and it looks like a bomb went off.

I have achieved a few things though...

January will be Kitchen month, dedicating a time each day to work on the kitchen and clean and purge.

I started tracking again for Weight Watchers, planning to incorporate three days of exercise each week for January starting slow and steady but it is better than the nothing I do right now.

I have my pile of craft projects organized and ready to go...so once I get the house tided, craft room done, I can start creating.

I need to update my Etsy site and have a bunch of detash to sell. Thursdays will be Etsy day again, I was doing so well but the holidays hit and life happened.

What are your plans for January?

A Successful Christmas....

2009-12-26T09:43:00.000-08:00

Well it is all over, Christmas was a huge success but I was overly exhausted. I ask myself WHY when my feet can barely move and my back is killing me. Posted some pictures to answer that exact question.

The MERRY CHRISTMAS menu was a huge success. As much work that went in it was low key and a lot of fun to try so many different recipes. Most of what I made were excellent, the Tzaiki had a little too much dill but by the next day was delicious.

Now that Christmas is over I am focusing on getting the house back in shape, it looks like a disaster went off. Focusing on goals for me. I am mortified by the pictures I have of me this holiday, they are not who I want to be. I am starting today on finding a better balance for food, exercise and me....

Christmas Cards

2009-12-24T08:57:00.000-08:00

I love making cards, here are some of the ones I made this season. Love vintage images....

Have a great holiday.

Traditions...

2009-12-23T08:47:00.000-08:00

Every year I scour the stores and fairs trying to find a new ornament/item to add to my collection. This year I had given up hope until I ran across this adorable Snowman Puppeteer from Pumpkinseeds by Enesco. The Snowman is absolutely adorable. Has a tiny snowman puppet he holds and is about 6" in height.

Another tradition I have is to get my husband and daughters ornaments each year. This year I found the blue robot for my hubby and two marshmallow snowman cupcakes for the girls.

We begin our festivities on Christmas Eve with my family coming over and we fill the stockings for everyone and than pass out. The kids are tinkering with their stuffers while we prepare the meal and we eat.
This year buffet style see previous post for meal plan.

After the meal is done we pass out gifts three at a time so we can see what everyone is opening, many hours later we pack up and leave (well I stay) but everyone goes home with goodies and happiness filling the room.

Christmas Morning is coffee for me until everyone wakes up. Once up the stockings are passed out and we open with glee. The brunch style food is setup and than onto the gifts. The kitties and dog are going crazy by then because their stockings had wonderful treats and they are playing with the wrapping paper.

Christmas Evening we have dinner (enchiladas) this year and spend time with my husbands family. We veg out the rest of the evening because we are all exhausted and just enjoy the quietness of the house as the evening progresses.

So what is your tradition?

Tis the Season Grumblings....

2009-12-22T11:27:00.000-08:00

Why does it seem that stores raise their prices this time of year?

When it says it is on sale, is it really?

How come all the really bad Christmas Movies are on television and you can't find the really good ones of late?

Some holiday songs just don't need to be remade.

When a neighbor brings you a basket full of handmade treats, you have to make time to make some to disperse as well....

Trying to coordinate with family can be like getting your hand slapped with a ruler.

Instead of getting a Christmas Card I am getting email cards...not quite the same....

I have a grey cloud over my head today....

Menu Plan Monday

2009-12-21T10:07:00.001-08:00

Menu for the week-

Trying to make it pretty simple with something lighter on Wednesday

Monday-Roasted Halibut w/Red Potatoes, Lemon and Tomatoes
Tuesday-Dinner Out
Wednesday-Montecito Burrito, melon
Thursday-Merry Christmas Menu (see below)
Friday-Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Corn and Tomato Salad
Saturday/Sunday Leftovers

Found this great thread on Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Mondays

Making a list...checking it twice

2009-12-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

Well I came up with a not so brilliant idea, although it sounded good at the time. I decided to change things up for Christmas Eve.

Ordinarily we have Christmas Eve dinner with the traditional Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, and festive meal. This year both sides of the family are planning big meals on Christmas so instead of two heavy meals I came up with a fun less stressful plan. (here is where it goes awry).

I asked the family to choose three letters in MERRY CHRISTMAS and make three dishes to match the letters and keep it simple, more buffet style.

Side Note: We do cookoffs with trying new recipes and judging so this is not unusual.

I allowed the family to choose the letters first and I would plan to do the rest. Well, I have overwhelmed myself with the letters I received. So here is the final menu for Christmas Eve, a one time deal I think for my house but will trudge through and have fun with it anyway.

M-Molasses Baked Chicken

E-Easy Tzatiki w/Toasted Pita Chips-ME

R-Red Sangria-ME

R-Rich and Creamy Potato Casserole-ME

Y-Yummy Bean Dip-Me

C-Coconut Cake

H-Hush Puppies

R-Roasted Brussell Sprouts-ME

I-Iceberg Wedges w/Blue Cheese-ME

S-Sliders

T-Tiger Butter-ME

M-Mousse (Chocolate)

A-Apple Cranberry Sauce-ME

S-Salad

As you can see it is a plethora of food, I had a heck of a time trying to match foods but think all will work out. Will post pictures of the event in an upcoming blog.

Reflection

2009-12-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

I recently turned 40 which was difficult in the sense of awareness, but not as a birthday as a whole. I kept thinking....is this where I want to be...is this where I saw myself at 40? Answer easily=maybe.

This last year I have continued struggling with weight, organization, and exercise. I have successfully been tackling trying new things, cooking more consistently, and listening more. As I reflect on 2009 and look at 2010 I have some goals I would like to achieve in the upcoming years...not just year.

Goals for 2010:

1. Lose 10% of my body weight

2. Find an exercise plan that will not overwhelm me and perhaps an exercise buddy

3. Try 24 new craft ideas (that is two a month), this is what I call Craft Therapy

4. Read 100 books, last year I made a goal of 50 which I overachieved anyway so will shoot for 100.

5. Buy a binder and chronicle the menus for the weeks that I plan, I would like to be able to refer to later and I usually make something once. Some recipes deserve to be tried twice.

6. Find an organization/Flylady method that works for me.

7. Continue to develop my business

8. Learn to take better pictures

Goals for the next decade:

1. Get healthy...right now not as healthy as I should be

2. Be open to new things, I can be pretty set in my ways

3. Live a life I am happy with

4. Double my business

5. Take all of my pictures and finish scrapbooks