Dashing through the snow

Well, that time is almost here again.  The celebration of Christmas,  I love this time of year...celebrating Jesus' birth, the christmas lights, get-togethers with friends and family, christmas programs, giving that perfect gift and of course the yummy treats....ohhhh the yummy treats.  That seems to get the best of me during this time of year--I'm sure you can relate, right, maybe...ok, just humor me please.  :)

My good friend Traci and myself just released a really delish digital cookbook that has 50+ recipes that can help you  eat a little healthier now and throughout the whole year.  I LOVE it because it takes the guesswork out of finding a really yummy, but healthy recipe--total time saver.  So, if you are looking for a gift for Aunt Sally who literally has everything--buy her a digital cookbook...and maybe one for yourself!    You can find it at  http://www.yourwellnessjourney.com/  (ok shameless plug oficially done!)

My food for thought:

So, the kiddos were asking for a sweet treat tonight after supper...and I had one ready in about 3 minutes using 2 ingredients...I call it my Black Cherry Sorbet....and you might find it in ummm maybe a really cool ecookbook-just sayin'.  It goes like this:

1 banana
1 c. frozen black cherries (unsweetened)

Place both in mini food processor and blend well.  Serves 2 normally or only 1 of my children  :)

Seriously it doesn't get any easier...
Enjoy, without the guilt!  Yeah, finally something you can eat that you don't have to breakdown into minutes on treadmill per bite!

So here's to spreading holiday cheer, but not waistlines... xoxo

Mom's and Multi-tasking...it's in our DNA or not???

So I just got back from the MOST fantastic 4 day vacation I have had in a long time...I had Olivia along because she is only 4 months and I am still nursing, and with that being said, still had a relaxing time (which can be difficult with an infant!)  My Mom and I along with Olivia flew to Phoenix for 3 nights and resort hopped!  We went to 3 different resorts, in three different areas of Phoenix.  They were all three completely different and that made it fantastic.  You should try it sometime...maybe as a girls weekend...then rate the places you stayed, maybe in a diary or travel journal.

The current book of choice is "The Power of Less".  It's a really good book for those who seem to be over-booked, over-stressed, and multitask all.the.time.---Can't think of anyone like that at the moment, but I'm sure someone will come to mind eventually.  :)  The author talks about how multitasking is less efficient because you have to switch gears all the time from one thing to another.  I used to think that as a mother, you have to do that all the time, and I agree to a point.  But, the author, Leo Babauta makes a good point also about being more present and focused as you are going about your day.  So here is my takeaway....if I am talking to my child or reading a new article on the dangers of HFCS, don't be thinking about the laundry that needs to be moved to the dryer or what I am making for supper.  Be present.

Here is my food thought for the day.....

My kids love snow cones.  (I hate ice, but we will save that for another post)  The thing that irks me about snow cones is that it is ice, sugar, HFCS or other nasty sweetners and food coloring.  Nothing good.  So I was at my local Walmart, and saw they sell snow cone makers that will shave the ice when you put regular ice cubes in it.  So I thought, why not use 100% fruit juice concentrate for the flavoring.  So, that is the plan.  Simple. Easy. Healthy.  LOVE IT!  What a great treat for all the neighborhood kids too! 

So here's to doing the laundry, reading articles online, and making snow cones for the kids...but not all at the same time!

The New Me...

So here I am again, but better...that's how it should be, right!  I tried my hand at blogging once long ago (It's a wonderful life when not doing the laundry) but had few followers (thanks, mom!) and didn't chronicle much that would be inspiring ...well, maybe except to my mom-grandkids will do that!  (thanks, again!)  A few of my friends are hard core bloggers and I have really enjoyed the content that they put on their blogs, some family stuff, some inspiring stuff, some funny stuff and it has inspired me to take it up again!  So thanks girls--you know who you are!

I decided that I would start off by sharing something thought provoking and then give a healthy food tip.  These are a couple of my favorite things in life...so here we go AGAIN!

                          "All growth happens outside your comfort zone"  

I heard this quote a loooonnngggg time ago from a mentor of mine and Jeff's.  It's funny how thoughts and quotes pop into your head just when you need them and when they are appropriate for the situation or season of life you are in.  This is what I thought about the last few days.  But isn't it true, sometimes you have to make hard decisions or take action that you KNOW will be better for you, your family, your company etc. but it makes you so uncomfortable that the mere thought of doing those things makes you grab for the nearest brown paper sack to breathe into?  It sure does for me! But DO IT ANYWAY.  It's worth it and most of all you are worth it!

I have a recipe for "Chicken tortilla soup"  It is broth-based, really yummy and super quick to make, but I didn't have all the ingredients the other night, so I improvised.  Side note:  I have been trying to train myself to put a meal together using ingredients that I have in my fridge and cupboards without going to the store.  It's a fun challenge for me and with four young kids, it's less than ideal to haul them all into the store just for a 1/3 cup of peas. Anyway, I tweeked the recipe I usually use and here is what I came up with--and I think it just might be better than the original!

                                     The New and Improved Turkey Tortilla Soup
1 lb. ground white turkey meat
4-5 c. organic chicken broth/stock
4 small ribs of organic celery
1 orange pepper
1 c. salsa (chunkier the better)
juice from a 1/2 lime
salt and pepper to taste

Using your soup or stock pot, brown the turkey meat breaking it into medium sized chunks.  Once browned, add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer for 20 minutes.  Garnish with cheddar cheese, sour cream and a couple crumbled tortilla chips.  Enjoy!

So here's to growing when it hurts and soothing your soul with a great bowl of soup!