Recipe challenge.

I consider myself a healthy eater - maybe not 100% of the time, but I would say about 80% of the time. After doing Weight Watchers 5 years ago and losing almost 20lbs, it made me realize that some of the food out there was definitely not worth the calories per serving. For one, I loved any type of Helper (chicken or hamburger) growing up, but only getting a 1 cup serving of that stuff for about 8 pts. (when I was only allowed 22 a day) was not worth it to me. I haven't had one since. Along with some other stuff, it shed me a new light on what other things were out there that could give me the healthy decision and keep me on track to losing that weight. And losing that much weight was certainly a worth it!!

I just recently ordered a few new cookbook/recipes books recently. I am a devout follower to Spark People, and decided to order the cookbook from the site when it came out. Along with that, I have acquired a few Hungry Girl books as well. I have flipped through them all, and have decided that I will try a recipe from either book once a week. The one thing I love about the HG books, is that a lot of the recipes are a single serving. That works perfect for the evenings that I don't eat with my boyfriend and need to chow down on something on my own. And with most of the recipes having around 5 ingredients for each - even better.

Tonight: Hungry Girl - Stuffed Chick Cordon Bleu. Wish me luck!! :)

Baking endeavours

I think of myself a baker rather than a cooker. And granted it usually takes me a couple times to get something right - I find that baking has a less chance of this. Ha. Lately I have been obsessed with cupcakes, but since I would rather not polish down a Baker's Dozen myself, I refrain unless I have something to actually bake for or need a practice run just to be sure. Plus, baking is much easier to make into individual sizes than a big meal. When I was single, I never cooked for myself - as I didn't want to have the same leftovers for a week straight. It's strange, cos I could live a week straight on having cereal for supper... but that leftover lasagna bake? No thanks!

This weekend I made pumpkin spice chocolate chop muffins, and banana muffins. I hadn't originally planned to make the pumpkin spice muffins, but my BF's family was getting together and I figured I should make something for it. It's fairly easy - 1 spice cake box mix, 1 can pumpkin, 1 cup water, 1 egg white. You mix and dump into muffin pans sprayed with baking spray, cook the desired minutes on the cake box and there ya go. And it's pretty healthy too, something like almost 100 cal per muffin. No one ate them during the meal, but brought some with them on their way home. Success!

I also made banana muffins, with a couple leftover bananas I didn't get to last week. They turned out well, but I should have decreased the cooking time by 5 minutes. I will share below, and refer you to where I found it. I also changed a couple things, but have updated those from the original recipe.

Seriously Healthy Banana Muffins
http://healthiefoodie.blogspot.com/2009/02/seriously-healthy-banana-muffins.html?showComment=1315313944895#c7578158618076690309

Serving size: 12 big muffins (will have some leftover batter)

Ingredients

• 2 very ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup regular sugar
• 1/2 cup Blue Agave Nectar
• 2 tablespoons light butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Cream sugar with butter (this helps to get all the butter blended smoothly!)
3. Add egg, and beat lightly to get the mixture to fluff up a little.
4. Add the 4 bananas, already smashed up in a separate bowl (a pastry fork works really well for mashing and mixing the bananas if you don't feel like busting out the mixer)
5. Add the vanilla, and applesauce.
6. Then add all the remaining dry ingredients and mix well.
7. Pour mixture into pan sprayed with cooking spray so they don't stick! (12-cup muffin pan)
8. Bake for around 25 minutes. You'll be able to tell it's all ready when the color is good and golden brown, or when a knife comes out clean from the center.
9. Remove muffins or loaves from pans to cool on a rack.

 Happy Baking!

Triple D!

I swear I should make up my own "Diner's, Drive-Ins and Dives" like Guy Fieri on The Food Network. Since I started dating my BF, we have been to a few 'hole in wall' joints, all with amazing food. His grandparents like to go to these places, so whenever we go visit them and his parents (OK, so we mainly go so he can get his haircut and then do supper with them after) that is usually where we hit up. Last night we went to a place in Great Bend, ND (population 60, as of 2010) called Cow Gal's Saloon. It was a bar and grill, and I guess his grandparents just raved about the place so we figured that the next time we went down... that's where we would go.

The atmosphere was definitely a bar, and a small town one for that matter. The walls were covered with beer signs, old pictures, anything cowboy related, etc... definitely an 'American Pickers' dream. And the menu... I swear every person in that town could get something different - it was huge with a good selection of apps, chicken, steak, fish, soup, etc. I also look for the chicken entrees, whether it be a chicken sandwich or a meal and sides. It's usually a safe bet, and semi-healthy. I ended up getting chicken breast and swiss... which consisted of 2 small chicken breats, covered with a slice of swiss cheese a piece. I got the clam chowder and garlic mashed potatoes as my sides. We also ordered an app of chicken drummies in a cajun rub, and I had a couple of the BF's moms onion rings. All in all, very good... and I had leftovers for lunch today!

We even had our own entertainment, a few things actually. An older gentlemen was the singer singer of the evening, who was doing part karaoke and part off the top of his head - with guitar. He took a break for a drink and we think he ended up drinking a whole bottle of something with the way the songs were coming out in his second half. *lol* Also, the BF's grandpa was all about killing any fly that landed on anything near him. I think he managed to get 3 or 4 of them, and even one that landed in his drink. We told him he did that on purpose so he could get another drink. We all had a laugh.

I enjoy going to places like that, since they're usually one-of-a-kind. I think next we're hitting up a place in Mooreton, ND!

T > G > I > F >

Ah, another Friday is here. I feel like it was just last Friday and I was about to head off to the MOA to do a little shopping with my sister, then take in the fabulous sounds of NKOTBSB at the Target Center. Which by the way, was pretty awesome. What wasn't awesome? Having to get up early last Saturday and drive to Grand Forks. Ha.


As I have said before, this summer has just flown. I feel like I've kept busy but at the same time don't feel like I have done much. I blame work for getting in the way and cherish the summers I had when I was a kid. I'd get up just before the Price of Right was going to start, eat my breakfast downstairs in our "Nintendo chairs", then do whatever until noon for lunch and "Days of Our Lives". The afternoon usually consisted of watching some old school games shows on USA, playing outside or being involved in a variety of sports. Oh... those were the days.So easy,  no worries.

And now I have the Katy Perry TGIF song in my head. So catchy.

Stars & Stripes

I don't think I'll get to this again before the 4th on Monday so here is my 4th of July blog.

I usually don't do much on the 4th, one of those holidays where I kind of wait and see what's going on and then see what I want to do. Now that makes me sound like I look for the best offer, not true! :) But honestly, I never usually have concrete plans and sometimes I think that's OK - especially depending on the day that the 4th falls on.

Last year was nice, since it was a Sunday and everyone had Monday off as a bank holiday. Some friends and I rented a pontoon and floated around a lake all day long. It wasn't super sunny, but enough to get us burnt. So... the old wives tale is true! It was a really fun weekend and we made the best of it. The year before I worked, so doing anything was better than that.

This year I am heading to my mom's hometown to celebrate my grandparent's 65th Wedding Anniversary (that's actually in September). We have gathered friends and family from across the country together to do this, so it should be a good time. At least for them anyways. I won't know too many people except for my immediate family, which is fine by me. Most families only seem to get together when there is a funeral, and MAYBE a wedding. And no one really has family reunions these days. Heck, the last time I went to one of those on my mom's side... I was 8. The funny thing, the one 2nd cousin I met there and kept in touch with pen-pal style for a few years after is actually going to be at this party... so that will be fun to see her again. I guess she's married, kids, etc. At least I have a boyfriend, so I won't be the *single* gal. Oh... it's not that bad!


This will be weekend #3 that I will be out of town, which is nice to get away but even nicer to come back. Last weekend I was in Milwaukee for a Twins/Brewers baseball game (that unfortunately the Twins lost). Nice road trip, and fun to go to an "away" game. That's my second one, as I hit up Wrigley Field 2 years ago to watch the Twins/Cubs play. Good times. :) Enjoy your long weekend everyone.

Flag Day

Flag Day: The day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777. In 1916, Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.

When I was a kid, I remember going to Target with my mom and being able to purchase this pretty awesome Lisa Frank notebook with a Unicorn on the front. I thought I was the coolest kid around, because we all know... anything Lisa Frank was beyond cool.

After I got home, I proceeded to start coloring and drawing my that notebook. It happened to be Flag Day, so I drew a flag and drew/colored trees, flowers and anything else the was "outdoorsy" around it. I loved that picture and was very proud of my work.

You know those 100 question surveys that your friends email you about them and want you to send back? Well... when when it asks what my favorite Holiday is I put: Flag Day. I am not sure why but it's something I have always done. June 14 is a pretty awesome day, if I do say so myself.

Enjoy it... with your flag proudly hung!



And now you know.

Bloom

Another weekend come and gone. It was actually nice for once and I got some flowers planted, which was one thing that I for sure wanted to get done. I felt a little behind for not doing it yet, but our weather has just been so up and down that it was almost better to wait. I also got some done at the BF's place. I had some seeds growing in a couple pots over there, but a massive severe storm we got sent them flying off to the Land of Oz. R.I.P seeds and pots!

Like any flowers growing some seedlings... it takes some time to grow (besides good soil, water and sun). Over this weekend I can say that I have definitely grown and have left a lot of some issues I have in life behind me. Have you ever had that one person mean everything to you in life and then one day it's just gone, leaving you empty and lost? Well, that person happens to be friends with my BF. I knew this going into the relationship, but I decided that I couldn't live in the past. And heck, he met someone else when we were together and decided to pick her over me anyway... so why shouldn't I finally be happy? And happy *finally* came.

This past weekend was the first since the news came out about my BF and myself to him - as a heads up. And he can deny it for as much as he wants, but we think he was bothered by it. Kind of funny. But anyway, him and his wife (the girl he picked) had been invited to other events, but either had something else going on or just declined. This time, it was a yes... and actually was unintentional of hanging out - but it worked. And although it was a group of people, it finally cleared some air that things didn't have to be weird. Him and I didn't really talk directly to one another but I wasn't NOT going to be myself. And according to the dear BF, she was her normal self as well... even conversing with me like it was no  big deal. I will admit that deep down I will probably always want to punch her (and him) in the face for what emotions rolled out of me during that time in my life... but in the end, everything happens for a reason. As I've said before, I wouldn't know half of he people I do now and I love everyone I know. Yes, my like would be going in a different direction but that's OK. So the ice breaker finally came and went, and I would more than OK hanging out with them again. Plus, I am still the cooler, more fun girl though. As I have been told, but maybe that's just cos the BF is a little biased. :)

Growing is fun. In life and in terms of pretty things.

Welcome to the Future!

I am finally upgrading to a Smart Phone today, after having a normal phone for the last couple of years. And even with that one, I thought I could do a lot compared to what I had on my phone that I previously owned.

Picking out a new phone is a big decision, as I am not one to try one out and return just because. I find that to be a hassale and too much work. I did some research, read some reviews, got people's opinion... I think I am set! I am with Verizon and have never had a problem with their service (for all you haters). I am looking at the one of the 4G phones, so that when my area finally gets 4G - I will be up-to-date anyway! I am pretty excited, new technology is always fun. Plus, it's like a new toy. And now another excuse to get distracted from work with games of Angry Birds, Words with Friends and Facebook. Eh... :)

Hello June!

Memorial Weekend has came and went. Now it's time for the the busy season of summer. I usually never have much going on in the summer, which is nice when stuff comes up and I can say yes or no because I know that I would be available. But that used to be how it was. Not anymore.

In the last couple of years my summers have seemed to be booking  themselves up faster and faster. I remember looking at my August calendar in June last year and could have happily said that every weekend was available... and then all of the sudden it was filled. This summer is really no different.

June is pretty un-eventful but still will be busy I am sure. July is jam packed, and as always... August is looking good so far but I am sure will be booked in no time. By the time I really get into the summer, it'll be Labor Day weekend already and we'll all be wondering the time went.

I better make it a good one!

Starting today...

It’s been said that some of the smartest people make lousy entrepreneurs. How can that be? The problem is that some people are so smart they can easily predict all of the problems, roadblocks and hurdles they’ll need to overcome to succeed. They can think of all kinds of reasons why an idea won’t work. This foresight can crush possibilities and dreams. When you want something, do you focus on the positive things, or the barriers? To reach your goals, you have to really want them. More importantly, you have to believe that you can do it. Think more about why you CAN make it happen instead of why you can’t.

After a couple weeks of not paying attention to what I'm eating or working out like I should be, I can definitely feel it taking a toll on my boyd (hello extra 5lbs.). I made it a goal to change that. Starting today. I hit up the Sparkpeople.com website every day and came across an article that listed some motivational quotes. This one is dealing with excues, becauses I am definitely guilty of having excuses when it comes to working out, at least. The food part isn't so bad... until I get home and decide that everything in sight deserves to be placed in my belly. It happens!

Weather Schmether

Ah, Friday. Welcome back. I took some time off from blogging, as I didn't really have any fun topics to talk about. I was out of town with the boyfriend and some of his family last weekend, which was super fun. I think my body is still recovering from re-living my 21st birthday. *lol*

This weekend is the 2nd to last weekend before summer officially kicks off (minus the detail that summer doesn't actually start until June 21). Our weather has been super crappy and I haven't even been able to hit up floral places to buy my flowers. Also, the weather's been super crappy where I wouldn't have been able to even plant those said flowers even if I had them. Granted last Sunday was gorgeous, but I was sitting in a car on my way back to town. Go figure. All I want to do is plant!

I am not a fan of heat. My perfect day is a high of 75-77 with a slight breeze and a sky with minimal clouds to let the sunshine in. Oh, and no humidity. It wrecks my hair and melts my make-up (no matter he brand). I am hoping this summer has those days everyday, I would be in heaven!

I am also hoping for a massive storm to take place. Fargo has been slacking the last few years so I think it's definitely time. Nothing tragic, just a few strong thunderstorms is all I need. I love that stuff. I seriously wanted to be something in the weather field when I was younger. Not necessarily a meterologist on the news, but more so dealing with storms and tracking them. I always thought it was fascinating.

This weekend is supposed to be another dreary one. I am hoping the rain stays away some on Sunday so I can start de-weeding the flower beds and maybe through some seeds on this one near my garage. It failed as a garden last year (first full summer living in my place), but will do well with just some random flowers. Thank you Target $1 section!

Cinco De Mayo

Polish off a couple Coronas with limes and take a few Tequila shots in honor of this day!

Love & Memories

I have never felt that I am that great at giving advice. My life hasn't had a lot of interesting things happen to it for me to feel comfortable advising people what to do... especially when everyone is different and can take a situation differently than the next. Also, you can tell people what you think they should do, but in all actuality - it's up to them on what they do with it.

Recently I have been giving relationship advice to a friend. Now, I am no relationship guru. I am FAR from that. However, I feel that my plethora of bad experiences in relationships can be good for advising a guy on what NOT to do when courting (yes, I used the word) a lady. I've been in their shoes, where I liked the guy a lot and think it's going in a pretty good direction and then on day: BAM!. Whatever was going on is done with and I'm sitting there thinking, "what just happened?" At some point you just get over it and move on, quickly. No pain no gain!

Bringing up some of those past experiences has made me look back and realize how stupid and dumb I was when dealing with them. Heart break sucks, but I have learned that it's all about how you react to it that can make a different. About 5 years ago, I had a break-up that absolutely crushed me. It took me a very long time to get back on my feet and be 100% back in the saddle of dating. But then I've had a couple others since then that were tough to embrace, but I knew that I couldn't do what I did the last time. Smart move? Definitely. I allowed myself to grieve the loss of it, but then kept my chin up and focused on other things.

I used to wish for a D'Lorean so I could back in time and fix certain things that happened. Would that put me in a difference place than I am in today? Definitely. Would that have fixed what was going? Who knows. Maybe. Either way, I wouldn't be where I am today if those situations hadn't happened - so I am glad it went the way it did... no matter how hard it was to go through at that time.


I believe that everything happens for a reason. You live, you learn. Don't dwell on the past. You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet your prince. Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option. Actions speak louder than words. No man is worth your tears but once you find the one who is he won't make you cry. Let love in. 

God Bless America

President Barack Obama Speach: May 1, 2011

Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women and children. It was nearly ten years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory. Hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky, the twin towers collapsing to the ground, black smoke billowing up from the pentagon, the wreckage of flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction. 

And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world, the empty seat at the dinner table, children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father, parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace, nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts. On September 11th, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family. 

We were also united in our resolve, to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice. We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda, an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. So we went to war against al Qaeda, to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies. Over the last ten years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort. We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot. 

Yet, Osama bin Laden avoided capture. And escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world. And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda. Even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle and defeat his network. Then last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain. And it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we could located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside Pakistan. And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice. 

Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body. For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda. His death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must and we will remain vigilant at home and abroad. As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not and never will be at war with Islam. I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader. He was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity. 

Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we’ve done. But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people. Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates. 

The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores. And started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly ten years of service, struggle and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I, as commander in chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded. So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror, justice has been done. 

Tonight we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who have worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work nor know their names, but tonight they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice. We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of burden since that September day. Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11, that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores. 

And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people. The cause of securing our country is not complete, but tonight we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history. Whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people or the struggle for equality for all our citizens, our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

Princess Bride

No, I did not get up at the crack of dawn and watch the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. However, I did set my DVR so that I could watch it later! :) I would love to visit London some day. That's a goal in my life, hit up London and take the chunnel to Paris. Maybe I should make that Bucket List after all!

I love weddings, and this one will probably be the biggest one that I will ever witness so I may as well get a few pointers. I did cheat and checked out wedding photos, plus when I went down to get some water in our break room - it was on one of the TVs. It was hard not to look! I think Kate looked stunning and yet so simple at the same time. It goes to show that you don't have to be all fancily dressed with your hair/make-up done up so much to look gorgeous. You did well Kate!

Although I will not be married for a couple years, I love looking at wedding stuff to get ideas or just see what's out there and what people are doing. It's a grand event and should be celebrated in the grandest way. Plus, I think it is good to have an idea of what you want for when the time comes versus possibly feeling overwhelmed by everything out there. I figure it's a start!  Now to just get that ring...

P.S. I secretly wish she'd go by Princess Kate, instead of Princess Catherine. It just sounds so cute!

Let them eat cake.

The area that I sit in at work decided to have a potluck today. They were banned throughout the cold/flu season so everyone was pumped to participate when the first rumors of having a potluck were spreading.  I wasn't sure if I was going to participate, but decided yesterday that I probably should. 1) I am new to this area (as of January 15), it's a great way to be included. And 2) it's fun to see what others bring.

I made Diet Soda Cupcakes w/ confetti sprinkles. And I believe they were probably my best yet! Here's what I did:

1 box Betty Crocker Golden Vanilla Cake Mix (could use any kind really, but that's what I had)
1 can Diet Ginger Ale (Hansen's)
3 egg whites
Betty Crocker Parlor Perfect Confetti Sprinkles (use as much as you like!)

Makes 24 cupcakes, at 350 degrees for 18:30 minutes (according to my old school oven).

The batter came out runny, compared to other diet soda cupcakes I have made in the past... so that concerned me some. Plus, they seemed to take longer to make because it took longer to put them in each muffin liner (which I did spray with cooking spray before putting the batter in). But to my surprise - success! I sampled one, after it had cooled, and I found that it was VERY fluffy.

I frosted them this morning (Pillsbury Whipped Vanilla - much healthier than the other stuff) and put more sprinkles on top. I wish I would have taken a pic to show them off, but I did not. But pretend that they looked pretty dang delicious!! And actually tasted great too!

Oh, the success of easy baking. And for all of your weight watchers people out there... each of those cupcakes are about 1-2 pts. a piece. Not too shabby.

P.S. I also have tried devil's food cake mixed w/ diet black cherry cola, funfetti w/ diet ginger ale... and plan on doing lemon cake mix w/ diet 7up sometime soon. Or I may say screw it and make lemon bars. Sometimes you just need to indulge!

Let's Get Physical!

I signed up for this class at my local YMCA (Bodyflow) in an attempt to force me to go to the gym at least once a week. I thought it'd be fun, considering it's a combination of Tai Chi, Pilates and Yoga - relaxing? Not so fast... minus the last 10-minutes when you get to meditate.

This week was Week 2, and I'd say it was a little bit more successful than Week 1. I realized that I am not as flexible as I had thought I may be, and have no balance what-so-ever. But I enjoyed it. We had a different instructor this time, so she mixed up the latest release with the last release... which helped. It seems she wasn't a fan of the 9 minute ab workout from release 52, so she stuck to release 51 and then moved to 52 after that song was done. I think it also helped that I knew more of the songs used for 51, so of course I was singing in my head and it made the time go faster!!

My legs are a little sore today, but tolerable. I am glad I signed up for it though. It gives my body something different than my usual treadmill/elliptical and/or 30 Day Shred workouts.

I only have 2 more weeks of it, then 2 weeks off, then every Tuesday for the month of June. Hopefully I will have mastered some poses by then!

And now on to something super unhealthy... this article was posted on my local papers (The Forum) website. I heart grilled cheese sandwiches!!  Back in college, I thought it would be to open up a restuarant that strictly served different varieties of the sandwich. Genius? I think so!
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/317511/

YUM!!

Well...hello there!

I had a journal back in the day when Live Journal was cool. Is it still? I am not sure. All I know was that it brought back memories when watching 'The Social Network' and Mark Zuckerberg was blogging that one night on his Live Journal. And no, I didn't log in (and failing due to not remembering my password) to see if I could find his handle. *sarcasm*

So here I am, blogging once again. I think it's a good time in my life to start this again. I just turned 30 back in February and finally think my life is on the track that I have been searching for.. for so long. And it feels good.

I won't pick a theme as to what this journal will be all about, but I am excited. Welcome to my world. :)