This One's for You Grandma Fred

Okay, Grandma Fred...I'm finally posting something new! These past few weeks have been a whirlwind involving a life changing event. No...sorry...if you are thinking it's a new man...then you will be disappointed! Anyway...I started a new job on Monday. I could write a really long post with a ton of details, but I am pretty sure Grandma Fred would be the only one interested in ALL the details. But, basically, it's in Round Rock so it's much closer to home, no longer doing the downtown commute. It's Accounting and I'm so glad it's no more sales for me...YIPPEE! I love it so far, granted I have LOTS to learn. And lastly....my boss is a great Christian lady whom I go to church with. Seriously folks....GOD IS GOOD.

On a funny note...my first day I was sent to a clinic to get a drug test & a physical. I figured basically they'd just maybe take my blood pressure, and, of course, pee in a cup. But little did I know that I would be there for over 2 1/2 hours! First, let's start with the drug test. Some young guy that looked like he should still be in high school was actually "making eyes" with me as he's holding my cup of urine....I mean seriously...really?! And then I proceeded to ask him about the whole poppyseed thing I've always heard about...that it would show up on a drug test as a false positive and, of course, I'd had a sandwhich 3 days prior with poppyseed in the bread! He had no clue, but for those of you who are curious, the doc did later confirm that it could but would likely take a large helping of poppyseeds like eating a lot of poppyseed cake, etc.

Then on to the physical...they performed vision tests and so much more. Nothing like being in disposable shorts and being asked to bend in all kinds of ways to touch my toes and check my balance, etc. The whole time I'm thinking...surely they know that I will be in Accounting and not out in the shop welding....right?! Anyway, it was the most interesting first day I think I've ever had!

On a completely seperate note....say a prayer for Wes...he has the nasty flu and being a kid with asthma it's possible it might be alot worse then with a typical kiddo. I love my sweet nephew so much. I can't wait until he gets well so I can go see him & give him some Auntie Em lovin'!

The Screaming Goat

Yes...you read that correctly. It's an actual restaraunt here in Austin. And it's good. Don't let the name hold you back, I assure you that I did not eat goat while there. It's close to downtown off of 10th & Lamar in an older house. A friend & I went there a couple of weeks ago. And they have the BEST queso and their chips are very different & yummy. And I can also vouch for the tilapia taco, but if you are more of a beef or chicken kind of person, they have that too! There nachos look great, someone next to us got them. Anyway..2 thumbs up from me!

http://www.thescreaminggoat.com/

Crustless Cheesy Quiche

Okay...this is my new favorite breakfast to have that is South Beach friendly & yummy!

8 eggs
Turkey Sausage (I bought the smoked turkey sausage and cut up about 1/3 of it into bite size pieces)*You could also use ham or canadian bacon.
6 fresh asparagus spears cut into 1/2" length
1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup reduced fat cheese of your choice
1/4 cup finely chopped onions
1 Tbsp. dijon mustard
Salt & pepper to taste

Grease 9 inch pie plate. Mix all ingredients until well mixed. Bake for 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees.

**I would add a little bit more cheese as I wouldn't exactly classify it as cheesy. I also added some chopped fresh mushrooms...but you could also swap out the asparagus for other things if you wanted.

YUMMY & HEALTHY!!

4th of July

This year we had a very low key family 4th of July. We grilled and did mostly very basic fireworks since we are currently in a burn ban due to lack of rain. But we did do a couple of fountains, in which, I got a good picture. Wes lit more then in years past I believe, but look at our sparklers...they were more like torches...definately didn't work right!

The Things I Do for Love...

Okay...those of you who know me well, no I am NOT a longhorn. However, my one & only nephew whom I completely adore is a fan! So...for our family birthday party for him I made him a longhorn cake. Here are just a couple of pictures. I'd do anything for that boy!

Still Dieting & Still Alive

Okay...this is for the ladies who wanted me to update occasionally...sorry it's been so long. I am still on Phase 2 and losing weight, but it is much slower. I believe I've lost approx. 12 lbs and yesterday was the 4 week mark. I'm finding that having less rules in Phase 2 actually have made it harder for me. I've had a couple of cheat days, but overall I've stuck to it pretty well. I've still had no Dr. Pepper, but I am drinking 1 Diet Coke with Splenda a day now and try to just drink water the rest of the time...and, of course, the Fresca!

Anyway...I'm still alive and going.

14 Days- 9lbs= Happy Smile

So...yesterday was my final day in Phase I and I finished 9 lbs less then I started. It's a great accomplishment even though I wanted to go for 10-12, but I just tell myself it's because of the muscle I've built that is offsetting it with my exercise!

But seriously...I'd recommend the SB to anyone. Phase II should be easier, however, there are still many things I am not supposed to eat.

But with this post, I sign off as my last dieting post....I'm getting sick of reading it myself, ya'll must be...anyway...thanks for all the encouragement & support I got from the family to get healthier...2 weeks later and 1/3 of the way done! Woo Hoo!

Confessions of a Cheater...

Okay...it's Day 14, technically my last day of Phase I and this morning, I must confess that I cheated for the first time! I'm definately not going to beat myself up about it...but there you have it! But as a means to justify my cheating, here are my thoughts. Lynna and I met at 5:30 this morning for our first class with Worthy of the Prize, which is a morning workout located at Anderson Mill Baptist Church. It was a great workout and I was so starving by the time I took a shower & got cleaned up. So, I went to one of my favorite, very missed, morning places, Taco Shack and got myself a breakfast taco...definately a no-no...but I must say that I savored every bite with a smile on my face!

Hopefully there will be no more cheats for me especially since I have a weigh in tomorrow morning to see how much weight I lost in Phase I!

Day 11

Well I don't have much to say I guess...other then I did put on 1 size smaller of jeans this morning and even they are a bit baggie in the waist! Woo-Hoo! I'm actually considering extending Phase 1 an additional week, but we'll see if I still feel that way come Day 14.

I wish I had more great recipes to share, however, most of the ones I've tried have not been great at all...I've found at this point, it's just easier to grill a piece of meat and have a side of veggies!

A Great Video

I love this video. It's a huge acapella group that starts by "making rain" with noises...but it might seem slow at first, but keep watching once they add in the thunder, it's incredible...then you can just listen to their rendition of Africa by ToTo.


I'm hoping this link will get you there...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjbpwlqp5Qw&feature=player_embedded

I promise...you won't be disappointed! It made me smile!

Day 7 Almost Done

I know it's been a few days since you've been able to hear about my dieting woes...I'm sure you've just been missing it!

Well I'm proud to say, here I am 3/4 of the way through Day 7, feeling good and still I have NOT cheated. I must admit, I'm shocked by that fact!

I'll admit I'm still trying to figure all the mumbo jumbo out of this South Beach Diet, it can be confusing! But for anyone out there looking to even drop a few pounds or eat healthier...the SB mentality is focused on the protein vs. carbs more then calories along with low sugar...as in...I can eat a few sugar free items, but the calories put together must not total more then 75 calories in 1 day!

And thanks to Rachel for the Fresca! I've always loved Fresca...but didn't remember it being sugar free and especially didn't realize it had ZERO calories! I still only treat myself to 1 of those per day, as I figure in general carbonated drinks are not great!

Anyway...I really have nothing exciting to share other then I haven't fallen off the band wagon.

I won't have a weight loss update for you until 7 days from now, as my sister & I vowed to not get on the scale again before then end of the 2 weeks. Soon...she & I will be skinny sisters!

Day 4 and 3 lbs Lighter

Well yesterday I must admit was probably my hardest day yet...but I survived it. Today I'm finally feeling better...still not loving it of course, but have accepted it finally. Plus...I had thought that in Phase I, you weren't allowed any sodas, diet or otherwise or any other drink besides water, coffee or tea...but after some research, I can have decaf diet soda or any other sugar free drink (although I can't think of any at the time...any tips would be great)! I've been missing the flavor more then anything else...as of yet, I've only drank 100% water and it really does get old.

I don't have any more recipes to share yet, especially since the SB Recipe I tried for these morning Egg & Spinach Things left me gagging this morning!

Tonight...steak & asparagus....YUM!

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Here is the first healthy recipe I have to share...

1 head of iceburg lettuce (* I used this & was good, but also cabbage would be great)
3 T hoisin sauce
2 T soy sauce
2 T water
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 t grated fresh ginger
2 t + 2 T peanut or olive oil
1 lb ground chicken
1 red bell pepper, diced
8 oz can water chestnuts, drained & chopped fine

Remove 8 large, bowl-shaped leaved from head of lettuce. Whisk hoisin sauce, soy sauce & water together in small bowl. Combine garlic, ginger & 2 t oil in seperate small bowl.

Heat 1 T oil in skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Cook chicken, stirring to break up clumps, until just cooked through. Season with salt & pepper and transfer to another dish.

Add remaining 1 T oil to same skillet & heat until just smoking. Add red bell pepper, water chestnuts (*I did more then chop, I put mine in food processor) and cook until peppers soften, about 3 minutes. Push that mixture to the side of the skillet and add the garlic mixture to the center of the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add chicken and sauce to skillet and mix everything and stir until thickened, about 30 seconds. Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves & serve.

**I hope you enjoy!

Day 2 & Still Alive

Okay...Day 2 and counting. I successfully complete Day 1 without cheating, but ending the day with quite a headache which I am sure was due to lack of D.P. But still walked 2 miles and ate a sugar free popsicle (They are allowed!). Then took 2 Tylenol PM and went to bed! But woke up without a headache so that was a bonus!

Last night's Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps were SO yummy! They had great flavor...so it made me think I need to be sharing these recipes if they are really good. I forgot to bring to work today, but I will post it tomorrow...so if you want some good, healthy recipes keep checking back!

Thanks for all the sweet words of encouragement!

South Beach Here I Come...

You might be thinking...oh I'm jealous...she's going to Florida. Well...you'd be wrong. I assure you no jealousy is deserved. Today is my Day 1 of the South Beach Diet. I've known for some months now that I need to do something...but I was lacking motivation I suppose. Then in the last week I had decided to do the South Beach, but wasn't really going to follow it exactly what it said...but I woke up this morning with a fresh attitude, so I'm going for it 100%. For those of you unfamiliar, Phase I is the initial 2 week "cleansing" period. For 2 weeks, I will not have Dr.Pepper (or any other soda), bread, pasta, potato, fruit or sugar. Yes...you heard me right...even fruit! But that's only for 2 weeks so my body can reset how it digests food. After that in Phase II, I can have as much fruit as I want and a balance of the other things... South Beach is all about the glycemic index and wants you to focus on eating food with a good protein/carb balance and foods that take longer to break down, etc. Anyway...so I am guessing, I'm in for a VERY long day...I can't remember a day without D.P...that is going to be the hardest for sure.

Thanks to Jackie...although she doesn't realize that after lunch with her last week and her sharing how it's worked so well for Jeff...it gave me that final push of motivation I needed!

If anyone has any yummy recipes they want to share with me consisting of only meat & veggies...I'd love them. I'll be making Asian Lettuce Wraps tonight...

So...may the power be with me!

Annie's Wedding

Well this past weekend was a wet, chilly, a "wake-up" call and full of LOVE, FRIENDSHIP & MARRIAGE. Back in the day, while I was in college God put the Moore Family in my life. I, not only, got to babysit there kids, but gained a home away from home while I was there. My love for them is still just as strong although the physical distance has made it hard seeing each other often. So...when I was started, there were 2 children...Annie was 8 and "Bear" was 5 and little Luke was still in the womb. I babysat them my sophmore through senior year and then passed on the baton to my close friend Sheridan from Tulsa, then she passed on the baton to her sister Kelcy later on. All that to say is this....Annie's all grown up, well they all are, but sweet Annie with a smile like noone else I've ever known who can light up the darkest room got married.

Let me explain my first sentence up there...

wet= ridiculous amounts of rain that caused flash flooding warnings and turned an sweet outdoor wedding into a lovely indoor wedding

chilly= well compared to Texas it was chilly, I think mostly in the 60s maybe and I did not pack a jacket or anything!

wake-up call= just a reminder of my ever increasing age...seems I get older year after year!

LOVE, FRIENDSHIP & MARRIAGE= Annie & Caleb committing themselves to each, my love for the entire Moore clan as they each played a significant role in my college years...Jeff, Dea, Annie, Bear & Luke, my love for Sheridan who has been a friend since 7th grade who has always been a solid rock in my life & who her family I will always love & cherish all of them

Okay...enough of all the blubbering...unfortunately when I downloaded my pictures I realized the setting somehow got changed and the photos were terrible...but I did find 3 that was decent enough to share.

A Little Nature

It's been so beautiful outside these days, so Dexter & I have really been taking advantage of it when we can. Yesterday, I was inspired to take some nature shots, God's beauty surrounds us in every direction and I've been much more aware of it lately. I love these little wild purple flowers that grow..technically, I believe they are a weed, but even weeds can be beautiful. The other day I mowed the lawn and took extra special care to go around all the purple flowers that were in the yard! I also tried to capture a beautiful butterfly, but you'll see by the pic, I wasn't able to get very close to get a good shot. And I'm throwing in a great shot of my Dex too.

Easter Sunday

Well this year, I decided to make a bunny cake. My mom made this a few times when Shell & I were kids and I believe she's made it a few times when Wes was younger. Anyway...it was fun and the way I did took way too much icing!

Sunday was also Dexter's 3rd birthday so I tried to give him some cake, but he wanted nothing to do with it!

Instead of doing a "fancy" or traditional meal this year, we went with a true brunch and had a breakfast type casserole, waffles & fruit! Very yummy!

Then it was time for the great outdoors and some egg hunting. Along with a very obnoxious squirrel who just wanted some bird seed.

My Little Fella

Could he be any cuter in our new pics! Love sweet Dexter! Hope you enjoy the new blog header!

Never Use an ATM Near an Alley

Okay people out there! I had something happen to me today for the first time ever. First of all I went to this little independent ATM, that is not like normal bank ones. I needed to get some cash out and it's right by my office building downtown.

So...I put in my amount to get...and as it's starting to spit out my bills, I can tell something has gone wrong...well I count my money and it shorted me $60!!!!! I'm thinking well great...now what in the world do I do?! It spit out my receipt and said it gave me all my money...but NO SIR, it did NOT!

Okay, so I take 2 deep breaths...one was not quite enough...I call the first # I can find on the machine and of course, they are just the manufacturer of this ATM...not the owner. So I press on and find a local # on it. I can it...the lady was really sweet, but said they couldn't get a tech out there right then and just to have my bank file a dispute...of course I'm telling her...but it says it gave me all my cash...so why would you believe me?! She assured me it's not the first time this has happened...and they would believe me!

So this machine's rollers that the money comes out is on the front of this one with a plastic cover in such a way that your hands can't get to the rollers...but here I am downtown, bent over looking up at the rollers and seeing my money all jammed in them. I'm really not one to leave well enough alone...so...I start digging in my purse and first try a pen...hmm...WOW...lookie there, there's one more $20 for me! But when I was not having any further luck...I started digging in my purse again....I KNOW...my comb! Hmm....my hands are killing me...I am cold and scraping them on the plastic trying to get up there as far as I can...all the while, wondering when the police are going to show up b/c it looks like I'm trying to dig out and steal money from this ATM....hmm...still working with the comb...AHA! there's another 20...just one more to go....after about 20 minutes...I finally gave up, $20 short.

I've called my bank, but I have to wait 24 hours to file the dispute! So the moral of this story...do not use ATM's downtown...not the skinny little standalone, non bank owned ones b/c they are rigged so that all the drunk downtown people don't realize they aren't getting all their money!

That's my lesson for the day!

Friday Night Family Fun

These aren't great shots as apparently I'm not at all good at getting action shots. But I took pics while MiMi, Shell, Wes & Dexter played a little soccer!

All the family came over to celebrate the fact that yes...I am a year older! But it was good company, good food & fun times!

And, thanks Nancy for the gorgeous flowers...did you even know that tulips are my absolute favorite?!

Cousins & Friends

Okay so this is how they started off...a little standoffish & unsure

Boerne got brave and took the rope....

Then they had fun tugging together!

Okay...so my Aunt & Uncle came into town this weekend and brought their little man, Boerne. He's about 9 months old and is part Shitzu & Snouzer and he's absolutely adorable & sweet too! Dexter is almost 3 now, so definately not in puppy mode anymore, however, they played great together on Sat...and even tugged the rope together! Sunday though my boy woke up on the wrong side of the bed and didn't want anything to do with Boerne anymore!

Bekki...This one's for you!

Okay Bekki...my new blog header is for you! Yes, it's an actual picture of me...so there you go! Lots of love to you & Ryan in Utah...we sure miss you guys!

I am in love with Freddy...

Ya'll who know me well have already realized that this posting is about food! So here is one (of many) reasons why I now need to do aerobics 3 times a week!

Freddy's Frozen Custard has finally reached us!! My family counted down the days until Jan 20th! Yes, sad, but very true! Anyway, they are located in Cedar Park right off of 183A & 1431...in the 1890 Ranch shopping center near the new Hobby Lobby & Mardel's. (Also one coming soon to Pflugerville I think)

Don't let the name deceive you...the have the best steakburgers & fries! You will not be disappointed. A word to the wise (or really just you ladies)...just get the kid's meal. The regular meal has 2 thin patties of meat, while the kid's meal gives you just one, but with the same amount of fries for quite a bit less!

http://www.freddysfrozencustard.com/Menu/default.aspx

Oh and their custard is great too...but it's those fries that bring me back...

Can you say with me now....Maybe I need to be doing aerobics more then 3x's a week!!!

Jazzercise or Bust?!

Okay, so as many do after the first of each year...I came to a revelation. I'm almost 33 and I'm out of shape! I'm too young to be out of shape & not fitting into clothes...especially having never had children, etc etc! Don't worry...I promise to give you humor...just hold on another minute!

So...I signed up for Jazzercise (yes, totally corny name, but essentially aerobics) and went to my first class today over lunch. I imagined just sweating a bit, doing a quick shower & going back to work, I plan to do this 3 x's a week. Well the workout was incredible, however everything else was a diaster!

1. I learned in the first 15 minutes that this workout was NOT going to be the kind where you just glisten and barely sweat. No...this was a dripping sweat, beet red in the face workout....it's been almost 1 hour since the workout and my face is still blood red!

2. I also learned that many women in their 40s & 50s are in much better shape then me as I'm huffing & puffing and they look like they are having the time of their life.

3. There is such a thing as community showers for girls...who knew?! Technically there were 4 separate stalls, but there was NO curtain or anything where you had to undress prior to getting in the shower! Can we say, "Hello, my name is...." seems much more appropriate meeting someone that way, then taking a shower together!

4. As the sign quickly reminded me, I did NOT bring shower shoes...totally GROSS!

5. I begin to put soap on me only to realize that I grabbed the wrong travel size container and I was applying a nice lather of LOTION! FYI- Makes a mess in the shower and hard to rinse when the spout is only spitting water.

Okay, so that was my first class...what in the world could possibly happen on the 2nd time?!

Corazon at Castle Hill

Some of you seem to like my tips on places to eat. And, if you haven't learned by now...I LOVE food...Well, I finally tried Corazon at Castle Hill. You may not realize but Castle Hill used to be a restaraunt on 5th Street, but shut down for awhile and converted to a mexican restaraunt called Corazon at Castle Hill.

Anyway...I'm here to tell you that I thought it was great....2 THUMBS UP from me.

Very nice restaraunt...but laid back & casual. Price range for the majority of dishes is $10-12.

Here's what I got... VERY YUMMY...

Al Pastor
Chile-lime seared pork with pineapple, onion, and cilantro. Garnished with rice and beans, sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, and a choice of flour or corn tortillas.

Is your mouth watering, yet?

You can see more about them at:

http://www.corazonatcastlehill.com/