Pinteresting #13

I pull long hours at work and come home and wake up exhausted. I've gained back 30 pounds, don't workout, and feel like something is missing from my life. A feeling of complete happiness I once felt. I'm stuck in a rut. I have lost all motivation. I'm hoping that by putting this onto my blog it will somewhat keep me accountable. I have to make a change. For myself and my son. For those of you who are in my boat feeling a little lost here is some inspiration.

Start the year (why not now?) with an empty jar and fill it with notes about good things that happen. Then, on New Years Eve, empty it and see what awesome stuff happened that year. Good way to keep things in perspective. I would probably take this a step further and type out all of the notes and add them to a memory book along with photos from the year. 

Pinterest

Pinterest

During those rare moments where I have some peace and quiet to stop and reflect on the changes I'd like to make I think about what would make me happy and the steps I need to take in making that happen. The first step is what I am afraid of and what I know will be the hardest. Knowing I'll land on both feet makes this easier. 

Pinterest

While I don't think hitting the bottle is the answer to any problem I don't think there is anything wrong with the occasion drink to unwind. Any one of these cocktails will do... a plate of cheese and crackers with good quality salami would also be a welcome way to greet the weekend.

Salty Chihuahua from Fitness Magazine

Making dinner has become a chore. I need to find my passion for cooking again. Starting out with packing healthy snacks and meal planning will help avoid pulling into a drive thru.

Road Trip Snacks from Thrive

Making a meal plan the night before so I know exactly what my meals and snacks will be and keep better track of my calories. I originally lost my 50 lbs by calorie counting. It works for me. Find what works for you.

Beef Satay from CHEFS

Now that I'm a working mom I need to learn not to feel guilty for using the vacation time I have earned by putting in long hours and take that vacation I have been dreaming of, exploring the surrounding areas, or just enjoy my time at home with my son. Life is too short to not slow down and enjoy what is happening now.

Pinterest

Start the morning off on the right note by eating...err... drinking breakfast with a protein shake such as this and getting in a good sweat session.

Shamrock Protein Shake from The Recipes

I am already feeling better about the commitment I am making for myself to find a place of happiness and boost my self esteem again. 

Virgin Vs Extra Virgin.. A Tale In Parenting

Oh shit! Too much information!

 (All images were from a forwarded email.)

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Florentine

While the rice florentine portion of this 30 minute meal was delicious the chicken was the standout component. My 4 year old gobbled his piece up while picking around the spinach in his rice. Another delicious recipe from the Rice-A-Roni and Noodle-Roni: Recipes For Busy Cooks cookbook. 

Stars of the Show:

• 1 package (6.9 oz) Rice-A-Roni Chicken Flavor
• 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained - I used fresh spinach.

And Action:

Prepare Rice-A-Roni as package directs.

While Rice-A-Roni is simmering, combine breadcrumbs and cheese. Beat together egg and milk in separate dish. Coat chicken in crumb mixture, dip into egg mixture, then coat agin with crumb mixture.

In second large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and no longer pink inside.

Stir spinach into rice; heat through. Serve rice topped with chicken.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

Calories: 560

Total Fat: 25g

Saturated Fat: 5g

Cholesterol:130mg

Sodium: 1075mg

Carbohydrates: 44g

Fiber: 3g

Protein: 39g

Vitamin A: 118%

Vitamin C: 32%

Calcium: 22%

Iron: 38%

Lemon-Garlic Chicken And Rice

When I first started this blog my mama was so supportive. I received a surprise package and inside it was loaded with cookbooks. In that stack was a Rice-A-Roni and Noodle-Roni: Recipes For Busy Cooks cookbook. At the time convenience cooking wasn't that necessary since I was an at home mama. Now that I work a full time job meals that come together in 30 minutes or less are very helpful to avoid turning to fast food. 

While I don't prefer to cook using boxed mixes because of the sodium content I don't mind every once in a while. I once only thought of Rice-A-Roni as a side dish. This cookbook has changed that thinking. Seasoned chicken is browned in a skillet then simmers with the rice as it cooks. Before serving red bell peppers (forgot to buy one) and lemon peel are stirred into the rice. 

This was absolutely flavorful and enjoyed by everyone. Definitely a keeper recipe for a busy work night. Just serve with a tossed salad. 

Lemon-Garlic Chicken And Rice

Rice-A-Roni And Noodle-Roni: Recipes For Busy Cooks

Makes 4 servings

Stars of the Show:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 tsp paprika
• salt and pepper (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 package (6.9 oz) Chicken Flavor Rice-A-Roni
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup red or green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 tsp grated lemon peel

Action:

Sprinkle chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and garlic, cook 2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from skillet, set side, reserve drippings. Keep warm.

In the same skillet, saute rice-vermicelli mix in reserved drippings over medium heat, until vermicelli is golden brown. Stir in 2 1/4 cups water, lemon juice, and contents of seasoning packet. Top rice with chicken, bring to a boil over high heat.

Cover, reduce heat. Simmer 10 minutes. Stir in red bell pepper and lemon peel.

Cover and continue to simmer 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed, rice is tender and chicken is no longer pink inside.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

Calories: 360

Total Fat: 8g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 70mg

Vitamin A: 41%

Vitamin C: 87%

Sodium: 850mg

Carbohydrates: 39g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Protein: 33g

Calcium: 4%

Iron: 22%

Maintaining A Healthy Level Of Insanity

Price Tag Flubs

That's A Bargain

(Images are from a forwarded email.)