Pink & Green Thursday

Hey sweetie-pies! Today is P&G Thursday and although my pics are not so much pink and green I wanted to focus on all God's beautiful creatures! It doesn't matter how many babies I see born into this world, I am still just as amazed every single time! Congrats to my friend Brea over at A Southern Girl with Curls on her new baby boy Lance Parker! I went by to see them last night and both mommy and baby are doing great! He is precious.

Have a beautiful day!

Love, E

P.S. All photographs via here.

WW Wed.

I have been doing so good the past few days. Here's the deal;

I lost 30 lbs. in 4 months on WW.

Then over the holidays I gained 5 lbs. of it back.

Since I got back on track, I've lost 3.5 lbs.

Leaving me with a weight loss total of 28.5 lbs.

I'm getting down to business for real- no playing around! Summer time is right around the corner and I want to feel good about myself when I lose the cardigans, turtle necks, and snow boots. I know you can relate. Please tell me you relate. :)

YOU are my support system so I've started a linky for my WW Wed. blog posts. Even if you are not doing Weight Watchers and are just trying to live a healthier lifestyle, link up on Wed and spread the word. I love reading what others are cooking, drinking, and what tricks they may have to making this lifestyle easier. You can also check out my side bar every week to see a different snack I have found and what's it's point intake is.

Speaking of cooking- over the weekend I cooked two new recipes and LOVED them. Actually, the entire family did! You must try these two recipes!

Chicken & Black Bean- Stuffed Burritos

By: CookingLight

Only 9 WW points per burrito :)

Total: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 burrito)

Ingredients
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
3/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup refrigerated fresh salsa
4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Cooking spray

Preparation
1. Bring first 6 ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in shredded chicken and green onions.
2. Combine beans and salsa. Spoon 1/4 cup bean mixture and 1/2 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons cheese. Roll up.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add 2 burritos. Place a cast-iron or other heavy skillet on top of burritos, and cook for 3 minutes on each side. Remove from pan, and repeat procedure with the remaining 2 burritos.

Nutritional Information: Calories:353 Fat:9.8g (sat 4.1g,mono 3.6g,poly 1.3g) Protein:30.9g Carbohydrate:33.1g  Fiber:2.4g Cholesterol:72mg  Iron:1.6mg Sodium:595mg Calcium:137mg

AND

Asian Grilled Chicken

(I served these with green salad)

by Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes

Only 3 pts per 2 cutlets

Servings: 3 • Size: 2 cutlets • Old Points: 3 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 55 • Fat: 3.0 • Carbs: 5.7 • Fiber: 0.6 • Protein: 1.9

6 thin boneless skinless chicken cutlets (3 oz each)
Marinade:
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced
2 green onions, minced
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
1 tsp honey
2 tsp sesame oil

Combine all marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the chicken, turn the pieces to coat evenly, cover and place in refrigerator a minimum of three hours, but preferably overnight.

Preheat grill to high. Grill chicken top side down first until well browned charred, about 5 minutes, turn and cook on the second side about 3 more minutes. Transfer to a serving platter.
 
Love, E
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Power of Prayer

I don't usually post on Saturday's, but I can't get something off my mind. I ran across a story the other day about a young couple who are overcoming a tragedy. I am from Alabama and so are they, so of course it hit home. Please click here and read their story. I can't get over how strong Katie and Ben have been and I have to tell ya- reading their blog makes me want to be a better person. The love they have for each other and the faith they have in our awesome God, is beautiful. I firmly believe in the power of prayer and today I am asking you to please lift this family up in your prayers. Good things are coming their way... I just know it.


  

Love, E

Five Question Friday

Ahhh- feels good to be back at work and back to blogger world. My Grandfather passed away last weekend and so we were out of town this week for the arrangements and life was a little chaotic. Now, it's Friday and then I get a 3 day weekend! That's what I'm talkin' about! : )

You should visit My Little Life and join in on the Five Question Friday fun!

1. What movie could you watch over and over again and not get tired of?
I have too many movies that I like- but here are a few favorites that I don't mind watching over and over.

2. What's your biggest pet peeve right now?
Ohhh... I can't stand smacking. I understand that some children do not understand the concept of chewing with your mouth closed, but ADULTS? Come on now! It's so disgustingly rude.

3. If you had to describe your best friend in five words or less, what would you say?
Let's see-------- quirky, beautiful, ballsy (lol), hilarious, and charming :)

4. If you did not have to worry about money or go to school what would you do for a living?
Oh the possibilities! Well, I have always wanted to go to culinary school and one day own my very own restaurant, so I would probably open it up and whip up some delightful treats for you! I already have the menu ready!

-OR-
I would become an interior designer like the oh so talented Miss Candice Olson

-OR-
I would open my own store showcasing my favorite vintage furnishings and paintings much like the items sold at the store, "Objects" located in the Eastern Shore Center here in Spanish Fort, Alabama. I truly adore that store.

5. What is your one "splurge" item, that you will always buy, no matter the cost?
Anything by StriVectin. Magic in a tube I tell ya. ; )

Hope you have a blessed weekend!

Love, E

Funny Pics

I can't believe my little baby boy will be two in March. I was looking through some old photographs today and found some pics that just made me laugh. That boy can make some funny faces! :) Hope they put a smile on your face!

Love, E

Five Question Friday

Thank goodness it is Friday! This has been a rough week for me. My Grandfather has cancer and is in his final days. Most of us grandchildren sat with him last night and said our final goodbyes. He was not expected to make it through this morning. My parents are still with him now. I am not looking forward to my phone buzzing with the news of his passing today. Our family is HUGE so it was nice to be surrounded by so many loved ones last night. Please keep our family in your prayers.

On a lighter note, it is FRIDAY! Did I say that already? ;) Here's Five Question Friday. Link up over at My Little Life and play along! It's fun!

1. What is your current favorite book, and why?

I really hate to say this because it is so commercialized now, but I really can't wait until the day when I can find a book to top the first book in the "Twilight" series. I can name three books that I have read in my lifetime that were so good that I could barely put them down. PLEASE someone please write me a book that is mind blowing, can't think straight because I can only think of the book, can't put it down, read in only 3 days because it's so good, kinda book! Pretty please? Here are the 3 that I've just LOVED.
1. Little Women
2. Swimsuit by James Patterson
3. Twilight and we all know who wrote it. LOL

2. Do you go to the dentist regularly?
Yes ma'am! I paid too much money for these little beauties to let them go. I am an advocate for good hygiene, especially when it comes to taking care of your teeth.  : )

3. What is your worst memory from High School?
I had a lot of days in high school that were not so great, but the one that sticks out to me the most is this;
Without going into too much detail.. there was a boy who had a crush on me, but I had a boyfriend. This boy decided to write fake letters from me stating that I wanted to be with him. He brought the letters to school and passed them around to all my classmates. They all thought I was a you know what, and I was completely humiliated in that 3rd block class. I cried the entire fourth block class while trying to defend myself (kids can be so mean, especially in high school) and thank goodness my boyfriend believed me.

4. What do you hope to be remembered for in your life?

I just want to be remembered as a kind-hearted person who would do anything for anyone, a good mother and hard worker. A loving person. That's all. : )

5. Are you superstitious or do you have any superstitions?

I don't really think of myself as being superstitious. I think about the whole opening an umbrella thing inside, but I always do it anyway. I have things that I am really weird about, but I don't think they are really superstitions. More like caution. You can't ride in the car with me without wearing your seat belt, I check my backseats before I get in the car, I lock my doors several times while I'm driving even though I know they are already locked, and I rarely drive over the speed limit. I am all about the car safety and am HORRIFIED of getting into a car accident! Just playing it safe sista.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Love, E

WW Wed.

I have to say... it feels great to be back on track! The holidays really took over me and I splurged a little too much on holiday foods. I came back to work feeling like I ate a lot of wonderful stuff, but also pretty bad about myself. I think it's important to treat yourself here and there- but seriously, I went crazy! Maybe I needed that little break though to remind myself how serious I am about getting healthy and feeling good about myself. I have a goal and I need to continue hard to reach it. I can do this! I'm so close.

I have been on an egg kick and have found that eating egg whites keeps me full until lunch time. I usually eat 4 egg whites every morning, but I heard (and I can't remember where from) that if you just eat 3 egg whites and 1 whole egg that it will keep you fuller, longer. I tried it and one of my co-workers tried it and it really does work! Since I'm always in a hurry, I just boil me 4 eggs, throw them in a zip lock and eat them after I arrive at the office. So cheap, so easy, and so good for you. AND Only 3 points for all of it!

Have you seen Weight Watchers site lately? Jennifer Hudson is looking FANTASTIC! I can't get over how great she looks! I thought she was beautiful before she slimmed down, but dang, that girl is gorgeous!

Do you have new WW or diet tricks up your sleeve? Please share if you do : )

Love, E

Back to Work

Ahh... I'm back at work today after a much needed break. Luckily, I work for the University and we get an 11 day break. My lucky number! I'm hoping since it's 2011- it will be my year of good things to come! The holidays were absolutely wonderful for me this year. I did some baking of course, shopping, gift-wrapping, holiday parties, etc.. but mostly I was just lazy and enjoyed lying around the house with my little man and other family members. We put together puzzles, watched TONS of old "Dexter" episodes, saw "Black Swan", and ate like there was no tomorrow!

Christmas was awesome getting to see my Judson get excited over his presents from Santa and turning in circles around the room saying "wow". My daddy said something I've never heard him say before, "This has been the best Christmas ever!" with a big smile on his face. And I agree. I went to bed that night thanking God for my many blessings- and he has given us so many. Christmas was magical this year- I guess kids can make it seem that way, and sometimes husbands too. You can imagine my surprise when I opened my very last gift under the tree and found a beautiful iced blue Kitchen Aid mixer!

 I cried! I really did. But not because I got a mixer. But because my husband took the time to get something for me that I really did not expect. In case you don't know- those things are pricey! And this has not been our year to say the least. But he made sure he was able to get it for me. That moment was magical. : )

The Monday after Christmas I drove to Birmingham early in the morning to meet a girlfriend of mine for the day. I got to play in the snow and sight see while we were there. Had a blast with my camera!

I also had the BEST breakfast I have ever had in my life!! Seriously! You MUST try "Another Broken Egg" and you MUST not even dream of counting Weight Watchers points while you are there. As you can see--- I did not! We ate every last bite- and enjoyed every last minute of it! Delicious Blackberry Grits, Crabcakes Cavallo (crabcakes, benedict style, with poached eggs smothered in hollandaise sauce), and Cinnamon Roll French Toast! Need I say more?

Mine and my brother's birthdays were on New Year's Eve and the weather was nasty so we all got under the carport and hooked up the big screen and the Wii. We played that new game "Just Dance" and had dance contests well into the night. which was more fun that I can express LOL
This picture cracks me up! My sister's boyfriend beat me at Britney Spears "Toxic" which really pisses me off! LOL- I must practice!

After that- I slept late, watched more Dexter and indulged myself in homemade banana pudding. Today- I came back to reality; the office and five pounds heavier than I was 11 days ago. I've never wanted to go work out so bad in my life. I feel disgusting and great all at the same time. I have five months until beach time so GAME ON!

Love, E