Favorite Things- Dieters' Edition

When am I ever not on a diet?  Answer? NEVER.  Currently, I am watching my caloric intake and drowning myself in water...literally.  Today, I've already had around two liters.  Since my new found motivation has arrived and I am attempting once again to conquer the seemingly inconquerable, I have come across a few new favorite things that I wanted to share.

1.  Parmesan and Tuscan Baked Lays

These taste incredible!  I have always been a Baked Lays fan, but these are way different than the others.  I can't describe the flavor. You will just have to trust me and find out for yourself.  You won't regret it.

2.  McDonald's Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

This isn't just any yogurt.  I honestly would rather have this than one of their ice cream sundaes.  The granola adds the perfect amount of crunch and the fruit in the middle tops it off.  It's only 160 calories and well worth every.single.one.

3.  Chick-fil-A's Chicken and Fruit Salad

This has definitely become a new favorite and I can thank my sister for introducing me a few months ago. I had completely forgotten about it until I re-started this diet.  I am  a huge fan of fruit on my salad.  This one is perfect.  It's grilled chicken, oranges, apples, and mandarin oranges, with granola and berry balsamic dressing. 

4.  Chili's Carribean Salad

Again, this is another salad with fruit.  They've included pineapple as well as red bell peppers to this one.  The best part is the Honey Lime Dressing.  Click the link and scroll down for the recipe.

5.  My Fitness Pal App

Thank you, Haley, for this recommendation!  It's a total life saver!  Unless the calories are marked on the box or package, I typically don't know exactly how many to count.  With this app, I don't have to.  There is a search engine inside and you can look for any and every food possible.  There are restaurant menus, also.  Not only does it tell you how many calories, but also gives COMPLETE nutritional facts including fat, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, etc.  At the end of the day, it gives you a summary of what you've eaten and also lets you know what you need to eat more of, less of, etc.  The best part...it's FREE!

Hope you enjoy!

Wreath Tutorial

If only I could be a full-time Pinterest "tryer-outer".........That's where I got this idea.

It's SO easy and didn't take much time at all. First things first...your supplies.

I bought a large straw wreath at Hobby Lobby. It was priced $6.99 but I used a 40% off coupon, so it was basically free. I got 1/2 yard of fabric, four sheets of felt, and some straight pins.

First, cut your fabric in strips about an inch and half wide. Begin wrapping the fabric pieces around the wreath. Pin them into place until the entire wreath is covered.

Next, cut several circles (any size you'd like) using the felt. Mine were about two inches in diameter. Fold the circle in half once, then again.

Begin pinning these felt flowers side by side on your wreath until you've covered as much as you'd like. I only did a small section, but feel free to do more. At the end I decided to "bling" it up a little, so I added a few pearls with the glue gun. I didn't take another picture, so use your imagination. :)

Super easy, super cute, and super fast! What more can one ask??

Fall Break and a Yard Sale

I'm telling you, off days from school are one of life's biggest blessings. It's 1:23 pm and I'm still in my pajamas. You just can't get much better than that! We got out of school at 12:30 Friday and are off all day today. We won't mention that today is a national holiday, some schools are out anyway, so it doesn't really count as fall break. No, we won't mention that. I'm just thankful to be on my couch right now instead of going over the difference in prepositions and adverbs with 19 fourth graders.

Because I got an extra day to sleep late today, I was okay with sacrificing Saturday morning to go to a few yard sales. I haven't done this is FOREVER and just on a whim, asked a couple friends who are yard sale veterans to accompany me on my quest for a deal or two. To say I had the time of my life is an understatement. If I could yard sale for a living, I would. I had a blast and found several great deals.

Our first stop was actually in my mom's neighborhood. I found a brand new, never-worn, chocolate brown and white polka dot outfit for Sarah Taylor....for TWO DOLLARS!

I also found a like new, wooden handled, polka dotted umbrella for two dollars. Our next few stops were productive, also. I found a hardback copy of one of my favorite children's books, "I'm Gonna Like Me" for....wait for it...TEN CENTS! I bought a charger for my phone with an extra long cord, which I have been looking for for weeks, for TWENTY FIVE CENTS! Our last stop served to be great, as well. I found a brand new, still in box, Pampered Chef oval stone casserole dish and mini serving spatula for $10. My mom jumped on that one!

I have definitely found a new hobby. I didn't find a firescreen or cool bookshelf for the still empty wall in my living room, but I had tons of fun. I can't wait until the next time!

Crockpot Craze- Italian Beef

Does it mean you’re old if you become obsessed with crockpot meals? I hope not… because I am becoming overly excited at the thoughts of a good recipe for ye ole slowcooker. I spent more at the grocery store the other day than I have in a very long time. Why? Crockpot meal ingredients. I’ve only tried a couple so far, but I’m on my way to finding some seriously super suppers. Like my use of alliteration there?

Last night, I made what could possibly be the easiest main dish in the history of all cooking. It’s Italian Beef with only three ingredients! You’ll need a 3 lb. beef chuck roast, a jar of pepperoncinis (15 oz), and some garlic. All you do is put the roast in the crockpot, make a couple cuts in the meat and press garlic in between, and pour the entire jar of pepperoncinis (juice included) on top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours and voila! Serve with a side of vegetables or on a sandwich topped with Swiss cheese.

Shameless

Not even ashamed to ask....DOES ANYONE READ MY BLOG ANYMORE??? I think I must need to announce a million dollar giveaway in order to solicit comments. Otherwise, I'm feeling pretty unimportant. Unlike many of you, I don't blog to record my kids' milestones or document do it yourself projects that have turned out fabulously at my home. My sole intention is to connect with YOU and hopefully write about something that strikes you funny, interesting, challenging, or inspiring. I need to know you're here, friends! If not, I'm seeing the purpose of this blog going down the drain quickly.

Now, make yourselves known and motivate me to come up with a great post for next time....

Chili's Ain't Got Nothin' on Me! (Queso Dip)

Chili's queso dip is a family favorite around our parts. My mom orders it almost every time we go. My brother in law is a really picky eater, and he LOVES this dip, too. So, I decided to try and find the recipe and make this potion myself...and simulanteously become the hero to those that will eventually feast on it during football season.

Here's the recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

1 16 oz. box Velveeta Cheese

2 teaspoons paprika

1 15 oz can Hormel Chili (no beans)

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (I didn't have any, so I skipped this one.)

4 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Cut the velveeta in cubes. Combine with the remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir FREQUENTLY until cheese melts, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve hot with tortilla chips for dipping.

You can thank me later. :)

Blessings