Canning Party? YES, PLEASE!!

** I thought this sounded pretty cool, and wanted to share it!! Thanks Freebies4Moms for posting!!**

Apply to host a Jarden Home Brand “Discover You Can” House Party on Saturday, June 25 and have your friends over to learn some canning tips. If selected as a host you will receive a free party pack containing: the Ball Discovery Kit, RealFruit Classic Pectin and Instant Pectin, coupons, Ball Collapsible Funnels and Dissolvable Labels, Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving, Berry mashers, a canning flipchart with instructions, and gift bags. Remember to complete the application honestly, because they aren’t necessarily looking for hosts who can throw the biggest parties. Each party uses different criteria to select the hosts and not everyone who applies will be selected. This is a word-of-mouth marketing campaign where companies give customers an opportunity to do some advertising for them.

Homemade Detergent

Ok, so on our family's quest for "green," I have chosen to start making our own detergent. There are so many chemicals in regular detergent, and can have such a negative effect on our earth. I have wanted to make some for a while, but being a "couponer" I stock up on supplies. I had to be cost effective, and finish using what I had before jumping into the new world of "homemade." However, I am here now, and won't be going back! It was super duper easy, and CHEAP! Plus and Plus!! I used the recipe Erin posted on her blog, and true to her word...it works fantastic.

Here's how it works....
I mixed....
1 grated bar of Fels-naptha soap (2 cups)
1 grated bar of Ivory soap (1 cup)
4 cups washing soda
4 cups baking soda
4 cups borax

It takes only one tablespoon per load, so it'll last FOREVER. yay. :)

Next, I am going to try to make some dryer balls...like these. Thanks Erin for the info.

Cookie For Breakfast? YES, Please!

Since beginning my quest to get into shape, I have been getting up early... REALLY REALLY early... to go workout. Needless to say, I am not interested in a fussy breakfast before I go. I longed for something that I could eat in the car while drinking my coffee and driving to the gym. I tried some different types of protein bars, and they were good, but then I stumbled upon this healthy goodie that has everything to help me start my day.

Banana Oat Breakfast Cookie

Ingredients:
nonstick cooking spray
1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup chunky natural peanut butter
1/2 cup organic honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup organic rolled oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat two cookie sheets with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl stir together banana, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla. In a small bowl combine oats, flour, milk powder, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir the oat mixture into the banana mixture until combined. Stir in dried cranberries or raisins.
2. Using a scant 1/4 cup measure, drop mounds of dough 3 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. With a thin metal or small plastic spatula dipped in water, flatten and spread each mound of dough into a 2 1/4 inch round, about 1/2 inch thick. Once baked, each cookie will be about 3 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter.
3. Bake, one sheet at a time, for 9-11 minutes or until browned. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Store in airtight container or resealable bag for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before serving. Makes 12 breakfast cookies.

I usually keep 3 or 4 out, and freeze the rest. Also, the last batch I made I used applesauce instead of banana because my 3 year old had confiscated the last banana for himself. They turned out just as tasty. OH! I haven't done this yet, and it's a total no brainer, BUT I think with my next batch I am going to mix it up a bit by adding dark chocolate chips rather than dried fruit. Why? Cause I am sassy like that. Hope you try these delicious guilt free morning treat!!


Nutrition facts per cookie: 227 cal, 6 g total fat, 0 mg chol. 77mg sodium, 37 g carb., 4 g dietary fiber, 6 g protein.

Yummy Yummy Black Bean Soup

I found this great recipe for a healthy black bean soup that I just HAD to try. It turned out awesome. I even received high praise from my husband, who is quite particular about his food. It's pretty hearty, and feels like a chili without meat. Fantastic for these frigid winter nights. Try it out.

Follows these instructions to substitute a slow cooker for the Dutch oven in this recipe: decrease water to 3 cups. Cover and cook on high for about six hours, or until beans are tender.

Ingredients

For the soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium-size yellow onions, chopped
1 medium-size red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium-size green bell pepper, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
4 teaspoons ground cumin
2 bay leaves
1 16-ounce package dried black beans
2 1/2 tablespoons chopped canned chipotle chiles
4 cups water
4 cups vegetable broth (chicken broth can be used as a substitute)
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the garnish:
1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup chopped seeded plum tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and bell peppers and sauté until beginning to brown. Add garlic, bay leaves, and cumin; sauté for just under a minute.
2. Transfer mixture to 6-quart Dutch oven. Add beans, chipotles, water, and broth. Simmer on stove top until mixture reaches a boil.
3. Turn off heat, cover, and remove from stove top. Place into the oven and cook at 275°F until beans are very tender, about three hours. Make sure to check on the beans while cooking. If they look to dry, add more broth or water.
4. Remove Dutch oven from stove and transfer two cups of the bean mixture to blender; puree until smooth. Return puree to Dutch oven. Stir in lime juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Top each serving with a dollop of yogurt, tomatoes, and cilantro

All About the Burn

I am happy to say that I have finally begun to shed some pounds. Fifteen pounds as of this week, actually. This is very motivating to me, and makes me want to step it up even more. Thus....this post. I found this on one of my fav. blogs, fitsugar, and had to share it's simple, but effective message. :)

If you're trying to lose weight, cardio is your best friend. Workouts that get your heart rate up, such as running, biking, and using a cardio machine, are the best way to burn calories and reduce your percentage of body fat. Another fact to point out is that the faster you move, the more calories you'll burn. I'm not suggesting that you have to sprint through your entire workout - increasing your pace even a small amount will make a difference. Here are two ways to increase your speed when doing cardio.

1. Add intervals. After warming up, move at your usual pace for one minute, then increase your speed for one minute, then return to your usual pace for a minute. Repeat this sequence for 30 minutes, and then cool down. Need a plan to follow? Here are some interval workouts for all types of cardio. Remember, interval training is proven to reduce belly fat.
2. Increase your overall pace just sightly. Running at a pace of 5 mph (12-minute miles) burns 263 calories in 30 minutes. If you run a bit faster at 6 mph (10 minutes per mile), you'll burn 292 calories. It may not seem like a big difference, but if you run five times a week, you'll burn an extra 145 calories.

Increasing your speed when doing cardio won't take a lot more energy, but it'll sure make a difference to your body. You'll burn more calories, which translates to a slimmer, more defined frame. It will also help with your endurance, and make you stronger.

Kind of Weird, but I Kind of Buy It....

I was doing some reading, and I stumbled upon this little gem of interesting info. Considering the knee issues I have had, as of late, I'm thinking there might be something to this. I found it in Prevention magazine, and it's basically saying that certain physical traits give you clues about your health risks.

• Finger length: For women, if your index finger is shorter than your ring finger, then it means you have double the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee. If yours is longer or even with your ring finger, you're in the clear, but if it's not, do exercises to strengthen your knees, such as squats and lunges. Arthritis and finger length are both related to low levels of estrogen, so that's why the two are connected.
• Arm length: Extend your arms in T-position out to the sides and measure the distance form fingertip to fingertip. If the distance is less than 60 inches, you're at a higher risk for Alzhiemers. So do activities that stimulate your brain and your body. Take a painting class, learn to play a musical instrument, play chess, or take dance lessons.

There's more, so keep reading.

• Small calves: Women with calves that measure less than 13 inches around have a higher risk of stroke. One thing you can do is drink green tea daily.
• Length of legs: Women with short legs have a higher risk of developing liver disease, so if you're concerned, limit your alcohol consumption.
• Wrinkle in your ear: If you have a linear wrinkle in your ear lobe, which starts on the back of your ear lobe and runs across, then you have an increased risk for a heart attack, bypass surgery, or cardiac death. So do all you can to take care of your ticker by doing cardio regularly, getting your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked by your doctor, eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Sense of smell: If you can't identify foods by their smell, you have five times the risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the next four years. So protect your brain by getting enough omega-3's.

Yummy 200 Calorie Snacks

I haven't been able to run all week, apparently I have horrible knees, so I am trying all the more to watch my intake. Regardless of my rigid self discipline....I continue to have somewhat of a sweet tooth. After digging around, I found these great ideas for yummy snacks 200 calories or less that will truly hit the spot.

1.Almond banana berry smoothie- I made these a couple of times this summer, and they were fantastic. If creamy sweets are what you crave, make a smoothie with fruit, Greek yogurt, and almonds. An 8-ounce serving contains 154 calories.

2.Chocolate covered fruit or nuts-Sunspire makes a variety of chocolate covered dried fruit and nuts. A bag of dark chocolate covered cranberries, blueberries, or raisins contains 160 calories. If almonds are your thing, a bag of those is 190 calories.




3.Fruit with Peanut Butter dip-If you're bored with just plain fruit, dress your slices with this creamy peanut butter dip. A two tablespoon serving contains 80.5 calories.






4.Stonyfield Frozen Yogurt- This is my FAVORITE option.f you're an ice cream lover, making the switch to frozen yogurt can save you fat and calories. A half cup serving of this After Dark Chocolate is only 100 calories. Chocolate not your thing? Check out the calorie content of the flavors below.

Gotta Have Vanilla: 100
Gotta Have Java: 100
Cookies 'n Cream: 130
Creme Caramel: 130
Minty Chocolate Chip: 140
Raspberry White Chocolate Chunk: 120

5.Smudgies-If your sweet tooth craves something more cookie-like, make these frozen Smudgies They're made with peanut butter, bananas, and graham crackers, and one sandwich contains 109 calories.





6.Frozen Grapes-Grapes are sweet on their own, but when you freeze them, they taste like mini popsicles. If you popped 30 frozen grapes, it's only 102 calories.

Back to Packing

I'm talking about my lunch, here folks. As I have mentioned, I am on a quest to redefine the health status of my lifestyle. I have always brought my lunch to school, save when I was preggo and for some odd and mystifying reason I actually wanted to eat school lunch. (This is probably why I am in the predicament that I am in.) However, now that I am really, really, really trying to shed some pounds I am attempting to stay at 1,2oo calories per day. My breakfast and lunch calories are usually my lowest, but I was kind of getting bored with my options.

SO! Here are five ideas (via fitsugar) for a healthy lunch. Bon appetit.


1.Veggie Omelet -Omelets are a cinch to make and pack, so it's great to bring them for lunch to work. Two eggs, three mushrooms, 1/4 cup chopped broccoli, and four cherry tomatoes equals 187 calories, 10.2 grams of fat, and 14.9 grams of protein. If you like cheese, 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese will add 114 calories, 9.4 grams of fat, and 7 grams of protein.


2.Grilled Chicken Salad -Salads offer variety in flavor but not a ton of calories or protein. So I like to add grilled chicken to keep me satisfied until dinner. Three ounces of grilled chicken, one cup of spinach, one small carrot, 1/4 cup radish slices, 1/4 cup diced red pepper, 1/4 cup diced celery, 1/4 cup diced apple, 1/4 cup slivered almonds, three ounces grilled chicken, and two tablespoons Annie's Raspberry Vinaigrette equals 372 calories, 18.6 grams of fat, and 34.1 grams of protein.

3.Banana, Apple, and Peanut Butter Sandwich -Simple yet always delicious. Try to find whole wheat bread that contains at least five grams of protein per slice. Two slices of whole wheat bread, two tablespoons peanut butter, half a small banana, and half a small apple comes out to 510 calories, 21.3 grams of fat, and 18.9 grams of protein.


4.Soup and Crackers- Since the weather is cooling off, I always crave something warm to eat, and soup is always satisfying. If you can't make your own, canned soup is very convenient. Just be on the lookout for high amounts of sodium. One can of Amy's Split Pea Soup (2 servings) and one Doctor Kracker Seedlander Flatbread adds up to 300 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, and 18 grams of protein.



5.Hummus and Veggie Pita- You can't go wrong with a hummus pita. I like to dice my veggies into tiny pieces so it's easier to eat. One oat bran pita, four tablespoons hummus, two tablespoons alfalfa sprouts, 1/4 cup cucumber, 1/4 cup grated carrot, and 1/4 cup red pepper equals 293 calories, .2 grams of fat, and 10.9 grams of protein. (my personal fav)

5 Reasons Why You're not Dropping Weight

If you know me, and have had a conversation with me lately you know I am trying to loose weight. After I had Cash, it took me nine months to get all the weight off. I wanted to do it faster this time around, but it's actually going slower. Luc is 6 months, and it was about this time (with Cash) that I really got into gear and quickly dropped the remaining 30 pounds. However, this time....nothing is happening. I exercised all summer, 3-5 times a week, and watched my eating. We've always been pretty healthy eaters, but I tried even harder. When I started, I counted my calories daily using a google app. on my google homepage. I stayed at 1,200 calories a day. In a month, I lost two pounds.
Needless to say, I have become discouraged. Greatly. I dont like being this weight. It doesn't feel like ME. PLUS- I cant fit into anything, so my warbdrobe is exceedingly small. When I went back to work a couple of weeks ago, I kind of quit exercising. I was tired and trying to get back into the swing of working. Now I am ready to go full force and try this weight loss thing one more time with severe intensity.

I was reading Fitsugar and came across these five reasons a person may not be dropping weight. It kind of encouraged me a little, so I thought it might help someone else. I will let you know how it goes.

1.Exercise Makes You Hungry -Exercising definitely burns calories, but the bottom line is that if you're taking in more calories than you're using up, it's going to translate to weight gain. So while you definitely need to refuel before or after a rigorous workout, be sure your snack is 200 calories or less. Also keep in mind that just because you exercise, it doesn't give you the right to eat whatever you want. It's OK to reward yourself, but do so in moderation when you're trying to lose weight.

2.You're Overeating Healthy Food- Yes, a bowl of granola is healthier than a bowl of Fruit Loops, but just because a food is healthy doesn't mean it's calorie-free. Be aware of your calorie intake and portion sizes. It may help to measure out your food for a while to make sure you're eating the appropriate amount of calories per day.

3.You're Doing the Wrong Kind of Exercise -Going to a Pilates or yoga class or walking on your lunch break are great forms of exercise, but they're not big calorie burners. If losing weight is your goal, choose a higher impact cardio workout such as jogging, swimming, hiking, or a kickboxing class. You want to do 30 minutes of heart-pumping movement at least three times a week. Then complement those cardio workouts with stretching and strength training.

4.You're Gaining Muscle -Muscle doesn't weigh more than fat, it's just more dense and not as bulky and lumpy as fat. That means a pound of muscle takes up less room than a pound of fat. So by increasing your cardio workouts, you're probably gaining muscle and decreasing your overall body fat. Although the numbers on the scale may rise, you can tell you're becoming more lean and toned by how you look in the mirror or by the way your clothes fit.

5.You're Hydrating With High-Calorie Beverages - Staying hydrated is essential when living a healthy lifestyle, but liquid calories can easily add up. Read labels and limit the calories you drink, and you'll be surprised how pounds begin to melt away.

After a Long Day...Relax

Today was the first day of school. As a teacher, especially an inner city teacher, I was prepared for anything and everything. Although it went well, I still walked out at the end of the day feeling a tension headache coming on. I knew I needed to relax, even if it was just for a few minutes, in order to finish out the rest of my day with energy. To help slow things down I brewed a cup of tea. This simple action can create profound results. Unlike chugging an ice-cold drink, sipping something hot takes time and a bit of patience. A cup of herbal tea like chamomile, known for its relaxing qualities, can provide a moment of calm and help you recharge...this is exactly what I needed. Afterward, I was ready to take on the kiddie pool in the back yard with the boys. Who says summer is over after all? :)

This Makes Me Feel Better

Julie sent me this link and I found it to be pretty interesting...

I can burn calories without really doing much. (Not that this alone is going to get those last baby pounds off of me, but I am thinking that EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!)

Here are the highlights:

*Fidgeting, tapping feet, gesturing with hands, or twirling hair for 150 minutes a day can burn 350 calories a day.
*Standing burns %50 more calories than sitting.
*Pacing burns %90 more calories than sitting.
*Having 250 milligrams of caffeine with a meal can increase the calories spent metabolizing the meal by 10%. Drink Green Tea, black coffee, or unsweetened tea instead of soda, so you dont get the calories!
*Eat more veggies to help burn more calories after you eat.
*Add 5g of Tabasco sauce to your meal to raise your metabolism by 12-20 percent for up to two hours after eating.
*Drink ice cold water, rather than room temp. water. Your body burns more calories to warm the water up.
* Shivering burns calories!

Summer's Over= Brain Restart

I only have one week until I have to go back to work. The school year will be starting, and I have to be ready with all my gears moving in the right direction. I was doing some light reading, and I found five ways to fuel your brain by eating. This has to help, right? Yeah, that's what I thought. So here we go...

1.Salmon and Omega-3s -Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other cold water fish protect and feed the brain. This beneficial fat positively affects brain chemistry and is important for brain development and beneficial for basic brain function.

2.Whole Grains - It is no secret that the brain loves carbs. As a matter of fact, the brain uses 20 percent of the body's supply of this important dietary component. The brain likes a steady supply of carbs, which is best provided by whole grains since they do not spike your blood sugar. Try oatmeal for breakfast to start your brain out on the right foot.

3.Potassium-plays a major role in nerve function, which can affect the brain. Avacados are high in potassium, as are apricots, bananas, and kiwis.

4.B Vitamins -There are plenty of B vitamins and they are all good for your gray matter. This family of vitamins help basic brain and nerve function, and B6 converts tryptophan into serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical. Vitamin B rich foods are whole grains, beans, dairy products, poultry, and fish.

5.Vitamin C-a powerful antioxidant, can help prevent that foggy brain feeling, especially after a fatty meal. Why not opt for fresh strawberries for dessert next time you eat a rich meal?

I'm going to try to find some recipes to post for some of these "make you brainier than ever" foods, so stay tuned....

**Hope you all enjoyed your weekend, and a shout out to old Lee friends...Addie, Paula, and Cindy...lunch was fantastic!**

Summer with Six

I have been trying to not only reinvent my blog this summer, but also my health. An exercise regime has been created, and I've done pretty well at sticking to it. (No, Debord, I havent quit yet.) I have also been trying to be more aware of what I put into my mouth, and the effect it has on me. We didn't eat terribly, actually way more healthy than some, but with two kids we sometimes go for convenience rather than wholesomeness. Ok, so having said all of that, I continue.... I frequent a great website called Fitsugar (I am addicted to all of the "sugar" sites...casasugar, popsugar, ect.) and I found these six summer fruits and vegetables that are "affordable and full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants." I was sold. Here they are and why we should eat more of them.

1. blueberries- These little guys do BATTLE ON BELLY FAT. 'nuff said. I want to eat them by the truck load. If that isn't enough for you, they are full of vitiamin C, A, and antioxidants. They help prevent ovarian cancer, aid in digestion, relieve constipation and the opposite. :) I also heard on Oprah years ago that they help your brain stay young. Who doesnt need that? None of you are getting any younger.

2.cantelope- This tasty fruit promotes healthy lungs and eyes thanks to the beta carotene it has. One cup is only 56 calories and has your daily fill of vitamin A and C. Awesome.

3.raspberries- First of all, these little diddies promote an active metabolism. Again, 'nuff said. At my age, my metabolism is one of themany things that has begun to slow. They are also full of the 3 A's...antioxidants, antimicrobials, and anticarcinogenics. One cup takes care of 1/3 of our fiber requirement for the day.

4.red bell pepper- This is a hard one for me. I dont care for any pepper, really.However, they are good for your heart, your lungs, and your eyes. They are incredibly high in the antioxidant vitamins C and A. One cup of raw red pepper slices is only 25 calories. This could be great for a snack. I'm thinking maybe I can coat the pepper in hummus and I wont notice how much I dislike bell peppers? Would that defeat the purpose?

5. spinach-Here is another one that helps prevent ovarian cancer, as well as helps protect your heart. A cup of cooked spinach provides 35 percent of your recommended daily intake of iron. It is also high in vitamin K and folate, which is great if your preggers and if not...helps prevent depression. What's not to like?

6.tomatoes-As a child I hated tomatoes. As an adult, I have come to appreciate them for so many reasons. Who knew tomatoes increase the skin's natural defenses and boost your skin's ability to protect itself from harmful rays? They also help decrease blood pressure, and fight pancreatic and breast cancer. If you eat tomatoes four times a week, which is easy to do in the Summer, you can lower your cholesterol. Tomatoes are also a powerful antioxidant that combats cancer-causing free radicals. Nice. Cherry tomatoes are my favorite...I actually crave them. yum.

So there you have it. Six for the summer. I have found some yummy recipes that may entice you into eating these six fruits more often. I will post them tomorrow. :) I know....the suspense will kill you....