Issues...

So I have a bunch of posts ready to go and can NOT download the pictures.  "server rejected"  each and every time...like for weeks now.  Not sure what to do?  Anyone...Bueller?  So, either I start posting without pics (not fun) or have to resolve my issue...  so that's what's been the problemo over here!

In hindsight, I'd like to share a pie crust recipe with you.  I have no pics of this crust anyway...it was made quickly and devoured quicker, and the camera wasn't quick enough to take the pics apparently.

I adapted this recipe from one that my sister gave me for "Raw Strawberry Pie."  but, I needed a little more dense crust for my Raspberry Frozen Yogurt Pie.

"Pie" Crust:
-1 cup almonds
-1 1/2 cup dates (I used half pitted and half Medjool...yummy!!)
-1/2 cup toasted oatmeal (used quick oats and toasted them on med. heat in a dry skillet)

Place almonds and dates in a food processor and grind up until they form a paste (similar to homeade larabars)  Put in a bowl and then add the toasted oatmeal.  I stirred with a spoon and then just got in there with my hands to really get it all combined.  Spread in a 11x7 pan.

Now..for the "pie"
-1 carton raspberry (or your fave) frozen yogurt. (the almost 1/2 gallon size)
-1/3 cup raspberry simply fruit spread
-handful fresh raspberries
-the ever so healthy cool whip!!  (which I do plan to experiment with one day and replace but, like soccer dad told me..it's a dessert honey, it better not be all healthy!...true 'dat)

-Place about 1 container (give or take a bit) of frozen yogurt (softened) on top of your crust (no need to bake) and spread evenly into pan.
-Whisk raspberry preserves with about 1 T water.  Pulse in food processor or whisk fresh raspberries separately and then combine together and whisk.  Will form a nice sauce.  Spread on top of yogurt.
-Top with about 1/2 container (give or take) cool whip or favorite whipped topping. 
-Grab a chunk of your healthiest dark chocolate and shave right on top of the cool whip for a pretty presentation and just that little extra kick of antioxidants, I mean flavor :)
-Place back in freezer for a few hours and get ready to have happy guests! 

I really liked how this turned out. I brought it to a cookout and everyone liked it a lot (at least they said they did) and I was really happy with my experiment.  I felt much better eating this crust rather than a graham cracker or cookie/butter crust.  and bonus...it was also a little more filling :)

Kettlebell Hell

See this baby?

He is going to be the cause of all kinds of soreness tomorrow I'm sure!

My boss made up a challenge for all of the trainers called the Kettlebell Hell Workout.  He designed it (without trying it...silly guy!) and we were allowed to "practice" it throughout the month of May but this week is designed as the "competition week!"  We have a dry erase board up in our office so everyone's times can be written in.  You can try the workout as many times as you want.  It has to be timed with this specific stopwatch by another trainer and there are a few rules with how how the kettlebell has to swing and when it has to touch the ground etc.  Nothing big, just details so no one cheats.  I hate cheaters!  So, I was the first to try the workout out about 2-3 weeks ago just to see what it was like.  I didn't push myself real hard, just kind of kept a steady pace...didn't really time it, just glanced at the clock, about 14-15 min or so.  So, naturally I decided I was going to be the first to put a time up on the board.  I mean then people will try to beat me and I can still do it again (if I can find the time that is) if they do beat me.  I am NOT losing!  There is a male and female winner...$50 giftcard to store of our choice.  (oh, and naturally...bragging rights!)  Let me just say one thing before I move on to the workout...I am one of the "older" or as I like to call myself "mature' trainers there.  There are a couple of us that are within a year of each other and then we have a bunch of kids.  Yes, kids.  Ones that graduated college after I had 2 kids!  There is no way I'm letting some petite, cute in her clothes because she hasn't had kids, kid beat me!  Not happening!  I workout hard for a reason...money apparently in this case!

Enough...on to the workout!

Women:  20 lb kettlebell   Men:  30 lb kettlebell.  Ready....set....GO!

-50 kettlebell swings ...not bad, gets your heart rate up a bit

-50 alternating high rows/pulls... still ok, starting to use those traps/shoulders a bit

-50 kettlebell crunches......still good.  my abs are strong :)

-50 clean/press (25 each arm)  ok, shoulders, now you are getting a workout!

-50 pushups (we got to do chick pushups, thankfully!)  seriously, after all those clean/presses..the last 10 were tough!

-50 burpees... are you kidding me.  Burpees without having to balance on a kettlebell and swing one up to your shoulder height are hard enough, now i have to balance and swing..50 TIMES!!  i did it though and I didn't stop...just kept going, kind of like the energizer bunny!!

You are dying to know my time, aren't you?  12:58.29.  Take that kids!  (actually, I have no idea, they could've beaten me by now!!)  We had a newbie training today and my boss put him in charge of "watching me" and I think I shocked him.  He just kept saying, she never stopped, she just kept going, never stopped.  I did for a split second.  to wipe sweat off my face or it was going in my eye for burpees..that would've sucked!

So, I'm pretty proud of myself.  I worked hard.  and if I have to do it again my shoulders will cry outloud I think.  (mind you, I lifted weights yesterday....oops!) but I didn't know I was going to do this today, I planned on thursday but my day looks pretty booked. 

So, say a cheer for the old lady here.  I want bragging rights darn it (and maybe some cash to buy me something cute :)  or a kettlebell for my house.  one or the other!!

Salads...and their dressings

It's no hidden secret...I LOVE salads!  In fact, I eat one most days of the year.  Seriously.  Since I was prego with my first.  I had cravings for salad and they have never stopped.  Now, here's the difference.  Different things have come and go on my salads and different dressings have been liked, craved, disliked.  I like to eat the traditional lettuce salad topped with whatever veggies I have on hand and whatever protein is available (turkey, leftover chicken, cottage cheese, boca chicken, tuna, etc)  for my lunch or a quickie supper.  Unfortunately, my family can take or leave my salad cravings, so it's usually just lunch.  My new, maybe not so new, but current fave salad dressings to have and mix up are Newman's Own Light Honey Mustard and Light Sun Dried Tomato.  If you have never tried them, do it now!  They are so super yummy, and not super bad for you.  All natural ingredients and proceeds go to charity, so what can be better than that?  Some of my other faves that come and go are : (all light)  Cranberry Walnut, Raspberry Walnut, Low Fat Sesame Ginger (perfect for any Asian type ingredients)  Will try Lime Vinegarette this summer...but feeling like I need to try it with warm temps!!


But, summer is coming so that allows for a whole other category of salads, right?  One of my very favorites...Southwestern Black Bean and Corn Salad.  YUM-O!!  I might make it a lot.  I made it once so far this year, but we've had like one nice summer day, so that's why.  The recipe calls for 1/2 avocado but I like to put in a whole one because I love avocados.  I also tend to add a bit more corn, because I don't measure and this time of year I have to use frozen corn that I just put in a non stick skillet and toast up...works just as well.  So, then, I have leftovers and then I have lunch for 2 more days.  If you add a little cut up chicken, pork or turkey tenderloin that you grilled that same night (yes, might be a trend here) to the leftover salad it makes the perfect, easy lunch the next day.  The avocados stay good in there for about 2 days.  But that's all it's lasted in my house. 

I may talk about salads a lot this summer.  I am always looking for new ones and always want to try them out.  I will let you know if I find one that is worth sharing.  In the meantime...what salad would you recommend I try?  And one final thing...if you are inviting me over this summer I will be happy to bring a salad!! :)

Dear Trader Joes...

Thank you for making me a HAPPY MOM!!  Whenever I visit you, I leave with a smile on my face and not a huge hole in my wallet.  I feel good about what I have bought and I enjoy every. single. bite. of EVERY. SINGLE. THING!! 

I have recently tried 3 new things that I LOVE!!  Your Lite Feta Cheese block...is to die for.  All natural, no garbage and a mear 40 calories and 1.5g of fat per ounce.  The flavor is AMAZING...far better than any lite or reduced fat feta I have ever ever had. 

Your Chipotle Pepper Hummus makes my snack time a joyful experience.  There is more flavor in that hummus than anything I have ever tasted...seriously!  It makes anything you dip into it taste 10 times better.  I usually eat it with carrots and peppers or other raw veggies but a nice pita chip in there...ahhhh...pure love I tell you and healthy snacking at its best.

Finally, your Chicken Andouille Sausage...wow!  That's about all I have to say.  According to Soccer dad...this sausage is awesome!  I used it in my jambalaya last night and wow!  knock my socks off baby!  That was some good eatin' and what I love most...there is no processed garbage...just some chicken, seasonings and not a whole lot else.  Makes a mama happy...and a daddy and 2 kiddos!  Even though their mouths were "burning" they both asked for "more sausage please!"  Now that's something to be happy about!

I continue to ADORE your peanut butter, almond butter and Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin British Muffins, as does the rest of my family.  Your produce is out of this world and well, I can never forget the 2 Buck Chuck...I mean really, good, cheap wine too?! (Note:  this is just a limited listing...I don't think I've met a TJ product I haven't liked!)

YOU ROCK TRADER JOES!!!!  Now, won't you please come live a little closer to my house and maybe find a location in central IL...there are a few people there that would really like to have the kind of relationship that I have with you!

White Bean-Green Pea Hummus

Sound a little weird?  That's what I thought too...but I had to try it.  The actual recipe is from Robin Miller, one of my fave oldie Food Network chefs and she calls it Guacamole.  The only thing Guacamoleish (new word!) about it is the color, otherwise I find it most like hummus and an awesome option to get more veggies in your or your kids diet!  The recipe is in her book "Quick Fix Meals."  Love that cookbook by the way!

White Bean-Green Pea Hummus (Guacamole)

-2 cups frozen peas, thawed
-1 cup canned white beans, drained and rinsed (I used great northern)
-2 cloves garlic, minced (I used 2 tsp. of pre-minced)
-2 tsp fresh lime juice (and a little extra...)
-1 tsp ground cumin
-1/4 cup cilantro (which I ommited only because I didn't have any on hand)
-salt and pepper to taste

-Put all ingredients (minus cilantro) in a food processor and let it do the work for you :)  She also suggests to put it all in a blender and puree or to mash with a fork until big lumps disappear.  You can keep it as lumpy as you like.  Fold in the cilantro and season to taste.  I used the food processor because that's how I make my hummus.  And I then added a little extra lime juice as it was processing to get a little creamier texture.  It's pretty thick stuff.

Totally healthy stuff!  My kids were a little turned off by the color at first but I told them what it was (and they love hummus and guac...) and they were game to eat it with their carrots and cukes.  What they didn't know was that they also got peas...bonus for mom!  I have also used it as a spread on my wraps that I love to make.  A little hummus on a flatout wrap topped with spinach, thinly sliced crispy cukes, turkey, chicken or tuna and roll up.. a delicious, healthy, filling meal :)

Don't be turned off by the green color.  I think this is a fun variation to the traditional chickpea hummus.  Don't get me wrong, I love that too...it's just a nice change of flavor.  I may be heading to make more now.  That stuff was awesome for snacks this week!

Things That Make This Mom Happy!

Since Sunday (Mother's Day) I have found myself a little bit happier and I'm not sure there was just one thing that helped, I think it was numerous things so I thought I'd share the little things I have noticed around our house, our neighborhood and just in general that have put smiles on my face and stress somewhere else.

-Wearing flip flops without freezing!
-Wearing short sleeves without freezing!  (yes, finally, WI reached the 70's, at least temporarily...I will take it and enjoy it, at least I know there is more hope now!)
-Dandelion bouquets from my kids...really, that's one of the best parts of being a mom even though not one mom likes them!
-SUN!
-A clean house with open windows!
-preparations for an upcoming family wedding...I LOVE weddings!
-a husband that helps you clean the house on mother's day because that's what you asked for.
-a husband that folds 5 loads of laundry while you are at work and when asked by his wife.."what do you want" he replies, "happy mother's day" even though it was the day after. 
-homeade cards and pictures all over my house that say something about me being the best mom (even though there are lots of days I wonder about that...)
-Watermelon, strawberries, raspberries and all things yummy about summer fruits appearing in the store from the USA and at reasonable prices!
-BASEBALL....mostly the snapped losing streak of the Brewers
-Babies...being conceived, being born...(not here!!!) What's not to love about new life?!
-Anticipation of our Farmer's Market opening...only 10 more days!! 
-The smell of fresh cut grass
-Tulips..everywhere!
-Playing outside without turning into a mud person
-Finally, wearing shorts when I run.  I kid you not, I wore a fleece and pants last week one day...ugh!

I am sure there are more, but literally I have thought about all these simple things this week and they have all put smiles on my face.  You know what they say, sometimes it's the simple things in life....

I hope you take time to "smell the roses" and enjoy the little things...

Happy Mother's Day

To my mother, my friends and all the moms out there....

Have a very happy Mother's day!

and make sure you get treated with a little bit of royalty today, you deserve it! :)

Teacher Appreciation Day 3

This was the easiest, most simple gift, but yet, very useful for a teacher for sure!  I copied the idea from here, just adding my own little personal touches of different bag...lunch bag for school, had to be done, and orange ribbon.  I needed one day where all I had to do was cute and tie ribbon!!

start with $1 store hi-liters

bag and ribbon on hand and printable topper and voila!

hope she likes it!!

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

For the entire staff at our elementary school, the PTA sponsors a luncheon on the Wednesday of Teacher (staff) appreciation week.  I usually volunteer to bring something as there is always quite the list!  So, I offered to bring a dessert this year (naturally).  Here was my note to the mom in charge:  I love to bake so I'd really like to bring a dessert but if you have too many then I'd be happy to bring something else.  That was a lie, I did NOT want to bring shredded lettuce or tomatoes or taco shells (yep, mexican themed lunch!)  Anyway, dessert was the winner!  So, I didn't want to just bake up some brownies or cookies and let them sit on a plate, I wanted to be unique.  I wanted it to be somewhat personal.  So, I brainstormed a bit with Heather and enlisted her help to help with some graphics (my graphic capabilities are well, not good, let's just say that!) 

and I came up with the idea of chocolate covered pretzels...I mean everyone likes those, right?  They are sweet, salty, perfect for after a mexican lunch (or something like that!)  Used the Wilton candy melts and you know, made them springy and pretty!

tied them up in a little bag with a pretty ribbon and a cute saying...

cheesy sayings are the best!!

Perfect for the teachers to grab and eat there or save for later on for snack! 

Thanks for all you do teachers...we really would be in knots without you!!

On a little side note...the pretzel inspiration came from my sister's idea to have them at her wedding as favors (tie the knot!!)  So, this was also an experiment...trying to see how much chocolate/pretzels we are going to need as well as how long to they stay fresh!  Day 3, going strong!!  So I thank my sisters for forcing me to make pretzels, I think they turned out to be kind of a cute teacher gift too!!

Teacher Appreciation Days 1 and 2

I have been super duper busy but having tons of fun!! Now that we have 2 days of Teacher Appreciation behind us I can show you what they got! 

On Monday, both kiddos brought these little treats to their teachers:

 There was a pack of Extra gum, (red) chocolate covered oreos to look like apples (well, Trader Jo-Jo's :) and some Spring bark...chocolate and leftover Easter candy... super duper sweet (and yummy!)

with a tag attached that said this:

 and packaged up oh so sweet.

I sure hope the teachers liked their goodies because all 3 of our teachers are exactly that...Extra Special and Super Sweet!  I did get my inspiration for those ideas from Skip to My Lou...there was some awesome ideas there!  Oh and we also gifted these to our daycare teachers today...they are just as deserving!

Day 2 consisted of a non-food gift.  I saw this and immediately knew it had to be on my list of teacher appreciation gifts.

 These little buckets are my fave so far!  In them are 2 packets of flower seeds attached to this awesome note and a pair of gardening gloves..tucked behind the notes!!  (I got the buckets in Easter clearance at Target for .50!! had the flowers in my garage sale/throw away pile and picked up the rest of the supplies at the $ store or craft store fairly cheap!)

 printed out on a brown paper bag...loved that idea!

My little girlie wanted to add in a couple of homeade tissue paper flowers...she loves making these, how could I say no to such a personal touch.  You know what?  One of her teachers put it in her hair immediately and fell in love.  I think I might need to make one of these buckets for myself.  So cute and yet, so personal!

Ok, that takes care of Monday and Tuesday.  Stay tuned...there is more fun to come!   Some of these ideas would make great Mother's Day gifts too!  (mom, pretend you didn't just read that :)

We Appreciate our Teachers!

It's Teacher Appreciation Week and boy oh boy do I have some fun things to show you...but not just yet!  I am up to my ears in baking, crafting, cutting, pasting, wrapping, delivering, floral arranging...... but it's been a blast!

I believe May 3 is the "official" teacher appreciation day, so Happy Teacher Appreciation Day to all you teachers out there!  We have been so lucky to have awesome teachers since my kiddos started school.  I truly could never thank them enough for all they do.  So, I have little things each day to express my gratitude.  I hope the teachers take time to enjoy some little things in life because they sure make a BIG difference in the life of a child and for that I am forever grateful!

Stay tuned as I get my little gifts posted.  Wed. is a big day...I took on a big project for ALL the teachers at the boy's school, so once that is finished I think I can handle some more posts!

Take time to thank a teacher today!  Maybe you don't have kids in school but there are a LOT more teachers out there than just school teachers.