So, truth be told, it has been a terrible year for me. The last 14 months or so have been the most challenging of my life. In the process of dealing with my father's final days and then my own health battle, I have put on more than a few pounds. This week, I have decided to do something about it.
I started looking into the various diet plans that are popular right now. Since I feed a family, I wanted something with pre-made food so I could still feed them what they want and make something that was less than tempting for myself. If I enjoy food, I have found it difficult to cut my serving size. In other words, I have NO self-control. It's true and I admit it. I like my own cooking too much to push myself away from the table. Crazy!
I considered Nutrisystem and Jenny Craig. I have tried Nutrisystem a couple of times in the past and have found the food very ... well, uh...nasty. Down right nasty, actually. That's my opinion and only my opinion. I have never tried Jenny Craig, but the whole idea of spending so much money on food (that I may hate) at one time makes me want to consider other options first.
So I have decided to follow Weight Watchers online and buy some prepackaged frozen foods to get started until I gain control. Since I can't just run to the grocery store on a whim anymore, I stocked up on a few days' worth of Smart Ones meals. I have to say, they have improved since a couple of years ago. They still don't taste like homemade, but they aren't disgusting. This is what I am going for here! I bought the Smart Ones because they were on sale. I know I can use any of the frozen dinners and record them with my Points Calculator. Again, just a short term fix for a problem. I want to eat only wholesome foods made from fresh ingredients once I get a grip and some of my energy back.
I have had great success with Weight Watchers in the past. After the birth of my children, I lost about 100 lbs. following Weight Watchers and attending weekly meetings back in the early 1990s. They made me a lifetime member and I thought I was cured. Obviously, you get what you put into it. My weight has gone up and down since then and I have watched the Weight Watchers' programs come and go. I am still learning this most recent version, but I have hope.
If I could just put down my iPad and step away from the internet and Scrabble, I could start my journey right now! Oh, what the heck, let's go!!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Family Dinner -- That Chicken and Conversation
I don't believe there is anything that warms my heart more than a family dinner. Although there are currently five of us living in our home, varying work schedules don't always allow the entire family to be together for dinner every night. Unless it is Sunday! Then everyone is usually home for dinner and Momma is a happy girl.
I like to pull together a comfort food celebration on Sunday nights before everyone has to gear up for another long week at work. Sometimes it's pot roast or a Mexican fiesta with all the works. Still other times, it's an old standby like spaghetti or That Chicken.
What is That Chicken you ask? Anyone who frequents my home for dinner will eventually be fed That Chicken and jasmine rice. It is made of chicken breasts which have been dipped in melted butter (or chicken broth for a healthier version) and then thrown in a bag to be shaken with bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, loads of garlic powder, pepper and parsley. It's then baked in the oven on 400 while the jasmine rice cooks in the steamer.
My kids named this dish "That Chicken" because it was a recipe I made up long ago without a name. When my kids were younger, they would come into the house, smell the strong, mouth-watering scent of garlic and then cheer, "Yay, she made that chicken again!" So the name stuck. Even though they are in there 20s now, they still love That Chicken especially at Sunday dinners. Often they slice it and pile it on sloppy sandwiches with lots of "fixins."
No matter what we serve for Sunday dinner, the best part is watching the faces around the table and listening to the loud voices and constant laughter. Our family members truly love each other and enjoy teasing and telling stories. My love for each of them grows as I sit at the table listening to their tales and adventures.
I love watching Better Half when he tells stories from his life. These stories are like gold nuggets. It's the only time everyone else stops, turns quiet and is mesmerized like little children during story time in Kindergarten. The room is silent and better half engages us in a world we can't imagine. I watch his face. I watch their faces. I fall in love with all of them all over again.
Then his stories end and the clean up begins. Madness returns and everyone is talking at once. Except for Momma. I am smiling in my heart at the beautiful people I adore and I know I am blessed far beyond words. My life is a fairytale and my family is my treasure.
I like to pull together a comfort food celebration on Sunday nights before everyone has to gear up for another long week at work. Sometimes it's pot roast or a Mexican fiesta with all the works. Still other times, it's an old standby like spaghetti or That Chicken.
What is That Chicken you ask? Anyone who frequents my home for dinner will eventually be fed That Chicken and jasmine rice. It is made of chicken breasts which have been dipped in melted butter (or chicken broth for a healthier version) and then thrown in a bag to be shaken with bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, loads of garlic powder, pepper and parsley. It's then baked in the oven on 400 while the jasmine rice cooks in the steamer.
My kids named this dish "That Chicken" because it was a recipe I made up long ago without a name. When my kids were younger, they would come into the house, smell the strong, mouth-watering scent of garlic and then cheer, "Yay, she made that chicken again!" So the name stuck. Even though they are in there 20s now, they still love That Chicken especially at Sunday dinners. Often they slice it and pile it on sloppy sandwiches with lots of "fixins."
No matter what we serve for Sunday dinner, the best part is watching the faces around the table and listening to the loud voices and constant laughter. Our family members truly love each other and enjoy teasing and telling stories. My love for each of them grows as I sit at the table listening to their tales and adventures.
I love watching Better Half when he tells stories from his life. These stories are like gold nuggets. It's the only time everyone else stops, turns quiet and is mesmerized like little children during story time in Kindergarten. The room is silent and better half engages us in a world we can't imagine. I watch his face. I watch their faces. I fall in love with all of them all over again.
Then his stories end and the clean up begins. Madness returns and everyone is talking at once. Except for Momma. I am smiling in my heart at the beautiful people I adore and I know I am blessed far beyond words. My life is a fairytale and my family is my treasure.
Friday, August 12, 2011
It's Time To Clean The Coffee Maker
My favorite moment of every day is when Better Half brings me a cup of coffee in bed. Honestly, I barely know how I like my coffee when I try to do it myself. I have to yell to him and ask him how many packets of sweetener I like in "this size" mug. Pitiful and spoiled! I know.
Don't even ask if I am permitted by anyone in my family to make coffee because I stink at it. It never comes out right. I can make a lasagna with my eyes shut but can't brew a decent pot of coffee. I think it might be a birth defect or a recessive gene, not really sure.
Yesterday, I looked at the coffee maker and decided it's time to clean it. When was the last time you cleaned the machine and not just the pot and filter?
So let's get started! If you don't know how or you have been putting it off like me, this is what we do. You are going to need some plain old white vinegar, the "do anything" household product. I love this stuff, it cleans almost anything! Always keep it on hand. Mix it in your coffee pot -- one part vinegar to two parts water or, if it's been way too long since you looked inside that modern day necessity, mix them equally.
Place a clean filter in and pour the vinegar solution into your coffee maker as you normally would pour the water. Brew it up! Mmmm, the smell of hot vinegar. Reminds me of dying Easter eggs. (Don't worry, the smell will go away.)
Remove and replace the filter. Wipe away any "ickies" you can see. Follow this up by running at least two more pots of clean water through the coffee maker. Then run your filter cup and your pot through the dishwasher. Wipe the outside clean and you are ready to go!
Tomorrow morning, your coffee will thank you!
Don't even ask if I am permitted by anyone in my family to make coffee because I stink at it. It never comes out right. I can make a lasagna with my eyes shut but can't brew a decent pot of coffee. I think it might be a birth defect or a recessive gene, not really sure.
Yesterday, I looked at the coffee maker and decided it's time to clean it. When was the last time you cleaned the machine and not just the pot and filter?
So let's get started! If you don't know how or you have been putting it off like me, this is what we do. You are going to need some plain old white vinegar, the "do anything" household product. I love this stuff, it cleans almost anything! Always keep it on hand. Mix it in your coffee pot -- one part vinegar to two parts water or, if it's been way too long since you looked inside that modern day necessity, mix them equally.
Place a clean filter in and pour the vinegar solution into your coffee maker as you normally would pour the water. Brew it up! Mmmm, the smell of hot vinegar. Reminds me of dying Easter eggs. (Don't worry, the smell will go away.)
Remove and replace the filter. Wipe away any "ickies" you can see. Follow this up by running at least two more pots of clean water through the coffee maker. Then run your filter cup and your pot through the dishwasher. Wipe the outside clean and you are ready to go!
Tomorrow morning, your coffee will thank you!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Cleaning Fruits and Vegetables
I recently found the following information from the Food and Drug Administration for choosing and washing produce. Interesting and important information for your family.
The FDA says to choose produce that isn’t bruised or damaged, and make sure that pre-cut items—such as bags of lettuce or watermelon slices—are either refrigerated or on ice both in the store and at home. In addition, follow these recommendations:
The FDA says to choose produce that isn’t bruised or damaged, and make sure that pre-cut items—such as bags of lettuce or watermelon slices—are either refrigerated or on ice both in the store and at home. In addition, follow these recommendations:
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating.
- Gently rub produce while holding under plain running water. There’s no need to use soap or a produce wash.
- Wash produce BEFORE you peel it, so dirt and bacteria aren’t transferred from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable.
- Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers.
- Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.
- Throw away the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Kelly Osbourne, You Got Some 'Splainin' To Do!
Over the weekend, I was watching Fashion Police. In response to a particularly unattractive dress, Kelly Osbourne (who I usually love) asked, "I am looking at this dress and I'm like, I had no idea that was even you, you look like a housewife and you are one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood. Why would you wear this dowdy dress? Please." Ouch. That one hurt! I could have lived without the "housewife" part.
Of course, I took offense to that. I love being a housewife. I may not get dressed up each day right now, because I have been ill, but I have an extensive wardrobe. Also, my next door neighbor is a housewife, and she is always sharp and stylish even when working in her yard, playing golf with her husband or going grocery shopping. She's fabulous!
It is a privilege to be a housewife and take care of my family. So let's twist this into a better light.
What iconic TV housewife (or TV mom since there aren't too many modern-day TV housewives) do you admire? Who would you want as a friend? Who makes you laugh? Whose style makes you jealous? Who do you love?
My answer?
If I could be friends with any TV housewife, I would have to pick Lucy Ricardo. She knows how to find trouble! In addition, she was very stylish, impeccably dressed, always had her hair and makeup done, and was very organized at home. She had to be on the off chance Ricky finally let her into the show! She had a keen awareness of self. I think she would have been a great person to hang out with and drink coffee. I could see myself walking in her back door and pouring coffee from the percolator. We would have found a lot of trouble together!
So who would you choose? Why? Come on, I want to know.
Be happy.
Of course, I took offense to that. I love being a housewife. I may not get dressed up each day right now, because I have been ill, but I have an extensive wardrobe. Also, my next door neighbor is a housewife, and she is always sharp and stylish even when working in her yard, playing golf with her husband or going grocery shopping. She's fabulous!
It is a privilege to be a housewife and take care of my family. So let's twist this into a better light.
What iconic TV housewife (or TV mom since there aren't too many modern-day TV housewives) do you admire? Who would you want as a friend? Who makes you laugh? Whose style makes you jealous? Who do you love?
My answer?
If I could be friends with any TV housewife, I would have to pick Lucy Ricardo. She knows how to find trouble! In addition, she was very stylish, impeccably dressed, always had her hair and makeup done, and was very organized at home. She had to be on the off chance Ricky finally let her into the show! She had a keen awareness of self. I think she would have been a great person to hang out with and drink coffee. I could see myself walking in her back door and pouring coffee from the percolator. We would have found a lot of trouble together!
So who would you choose? Why? Come on, I want to know.
Be happy.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Favorite Things - - Magazines You May or May Not Know
I love magazines! I can't get enough of them. If I am watching TV, I guarantee I also have a magazine in my lap. A little habit I get from my mother. She always had a magazine or a cookbook going while watching TV. We don't "sit" well without a back up plan.
These are my five favorite magazines of the dozen I receive each month.
1. Victoria. My friend, Janel, told me about this magazine and from the moment I saw it, I was hooked! The pictures are superb! There are articles about traveling, cooking, decorating and living the good life. Beyond a doubt, this is my favorite magazine ever. I never throw away a copy! I read them over and over. The pictured collections and place settings are beautiful. We are collectors of dishes and pottery, but these books and magazines by Phyllis Hoffman blow my mind!
2. Southern Lady. This magazine is from the same publisher as Victoria, Phyllis Hoffman. Again, great pictures. I could hug the photographers! A very lovely read too. Great recipes each month. This magazine is the written equivalent of sitting on a veranda drinking sweet tea.
3. Celebrate. Another Phyllis Hoffman publication. Do you see a trend? This magazine has lots of delicious recipes, gorgeous photos and fabulous ideas for entertaining. The fall edition just arrived. It reminds me of back to school, new beginnings and trick or treating. Lovely tablescapes and decorating ideas for the fall season and Thanksgiving.
There are several other Phyllis Hoffman publications including Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade, Taste of the South, Cooking with Paula Deen, and Tea Time. All have the same beautiful attention to details.
4. Country Living. A favorite of mine for more than a decade. For $1 or less an issue (by subscription), you get a boatload of ideas and recipes. Very tastefully done. They also give advice about antiques and collectibles. I really enjoy this magazine and always have.
5. Southern Living. Another oldie but goodie. Again, great ideas for southern style and comfort foods. I love the recipes and the stories of the south. Always makes me want to book a vacation to Charleston or Savannah. Lovely magazine.
Oh, one more, why not? Every Day with Rachael Ray. For just over a $1 an issue, a wonderfully produced magazine that is about more than just awesome recipes. Great fashion advice and home ideas too. A little something about everything.
There are so many more, but those are the ones I would keep if I could only get five (or six). Take a look next time you are in a store. Or do what I do. My Better Half takes me to Barnes & Noble, buys me a coffee and plants me in the magazine section where I peruse the publications and leave with a stack of those I think I can make a good home for! As long as I purge the magazine cabinet occasionally, I don't have too many! At least that's the story I'm telling myself.
These are my five favorite magazines of the dozen I receive each month.
1. Victoria. My friend, Janel, told me about this magazine and from the moment I saw it, I was hooked! The pictures are superb! There are articles about traveling, cooking, decorating and living the good life. Beyond a doubt, this is my favorite magazine ever. I never throw away a copy! I read them over and over. The pictured collections and place settings are beautiful. We are collectors of dishes and pottery, but these books and magazines by Phyllis Hoffman blow my mind!
2. Southern Lady. This magazine is from the same publisher as Victoria, Phyllis Hoffman. Again, great pictures. I could hug the photographers! A very lovely read too. Great recipes each month. This magazine is the written equivalent of sitting on a veranda drinking sweet tea.
3. Celebrate. Another Phyllis Hoffman publication. Do you see a trend? This magazine has lots of delicious recipes, gorgeous photos and fabulous ideas for entertaining. The fall edition just arrived. It reminds me of back to school, new beginnings and trick or treating. Lovely tablescapes and decorating ideas for the fall season and Thanksgiving.
There are several other Phyllis Hoffman publications including Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade, Taste of the South, Cooking with Paula Deen, and Tea Time. All have the same beautiful attention to details.
4. Country Living. A favorite of mine for more than a decade. For $1 or less an issue (by subscription), you get a boatload of ideas and recipes. Very tastefully done. They also give advice about antiques and collectibles. I really enjoy this magazine and always have.
5. Southern Living. Another oldie but goodie. Again, great ideas for southern style and comfort foods. I love the recipes and the stories of the south. Always makes me want to book a vacation to Charleston or Savannah. Lovely magazine.
Oh, one more, why not? Every Day with Rachael Ray. For just over a $1 an issue, a wonderfully produced magazine that is about more than just awesome recipes. Great fashion advice and home ideas too. A little something about everything.
There are so many more, but those are the ones I would keep if I could only get five (or six). Take a look next time you are in a store. Or do what I do. My Better Half takes me to Barnes & Noble, buys me a coffee and plants me in the magazine section where I peruse the publications and leave with a stack of those I think I can make a good home for! As long as I purge the magazine cabinet occasionally, I don't have too many! At least that's the story I'm telling myself.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things ... Websites
This is a list of my five favorite websites:
1. Thepioneerwoman.com
2. Patismexicantable.com
3. Southernplate.com
4. Flylady.com
5. Tastykitchen.com
Five great websites. Go check them out!
1. Thepioneerwoman.com
2. Patismexicantable.com
3. Southernplate.com
4. Flylady.com
5. Tastykitchen.com
Five great websites. Go check them out!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Counting Blessings
It is true that there is always something to be grateful for. How often do you stop and think about all that you have?
The love of family is the first that comes to my mind. Excellent! Too many friends to count? A very nice thing to have. A place to call home is priceless.
Good health is essential! Don't ever take that one for granted.
Continued employment and money in the bank are very good things in today's economy. Reliable transportation is a big plus and important when it comes to our daughters especially.
Faith!
Freedom. Liberty. Justice. The list goes on and on.
A loving four-legged friend or two (or in our house, four) who love you unconditionally.
Sometimes life gets so hectic we forget to count our blessings. Before you go to sleep to night, add up all you have been given and say a prayer for those you love.
Enjoy good health.
The love of family is the first that comes to my mind. Excellent! Too many friends to count? A very nice thing to have. A place to call home is priceless.
Good health is essential! Don't ever take that one for granted.
Continued employment and money in the bank are very good things in today's economy. Reliable transportation is a big plus and important when it comes to our daughters especially.
Faith!
Freedom. Liberty. Justice. The list goes on and on.
A loving four-legged friend or two (or in our house, four) who love you unconditionally.
Sometimes life gets so hectic we forget to count our blessings. Before you go to sleep to night, add up all you have been given and say a prayer for those you love.
Enjoy good health.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Caregiving 101
I was emailing with a friend today who is beginning a journey with her father that I took with mine. My precious father became disabled in 2007 and I was honored to be his full-time caregiver for the last three years of his life. This was one of the greatest blessings of my life. He was an amazing man who loved me beyond words ... almost as much as I loved him!
Today, as I was thinking about the struggles my friend, her father and her family are about the face, I thought of some great advice I forgot to implement near the end of my father's life. I have learned a lot of lessons and feel I have a lot of good advice to give, but the greatest of these is this ... take care of the caregiver! Much like the flight attendant that reminds you, in the event of an emergency, to put on the oxygen mask for yourself first, we caregivers must remember to take care of ourselves so we can take care of others.
I have some serious health challenges in my own life. Taking care of my father 24/7 required that I eat properly, exercise often and tend to my own physical and mental health. At first, I was the poster child for caregivers. When I quit my job to stay home with him, I ate a clean, healthy diet. I ran the steps in the hospital to keep myself in shape. I did strength training while he was asleep. I went to bed on time so I could face the next day. In the same way, I maintained my mental health by having "dates" in my own home with Better Half when we couldn't leave my dad at night. I tried to evenly balance home, family and caregiving.
Near the end of my father's life, I was so focused on hospice care and keeping track of all the important details of my dad's life, that I forgot the details of my life. Our primary hospice nurse would tell me I had to take care of the caregiver, but I didn't listen because my brain was only wrapped around my dad and how many days he may have left. I kept him comfortable at any expense. The days were long and the nights were even longer. I lost control of "me."
My father passed away last autumn knowing that his daughter and his family loved him beyond words. We all miss him at the dinner table still to this day. I think of him every day. But the worst part has been trying to pick up my own pieces. I was so absorbed with his treatment, that I didn't realize I had a life-threatening infection of my own, from which I have struggled to recover for the last ten months. It has been a long, uphill battle. During that time, my family became the caregivers.
I urge you to be a little bit selfish. Whether you are a caregiver or even a parent, don't forget to love yourself too. Make healthy choices. Make time for yourself. Do something good for your mental health each day. You are important!
Be healthy.
Today, as I was thinking about the struggles my friend, her father and her family are about the face, I thought of some great advice I forgot to implement near the end of my father's life. I have learned a lot of lessons and feel I have a lot of good advice to give, but the greatest of these is this ... take care of the caregiver! Much like the flight attendant that reminds you, in the event of an emergency, to put on the oxygen mask for yourself first, we caregivers must remember to take care of ourselves so we can take care of others.
I have some serious health challenges in my own life. Taking care of my father 24/7 required that I eat properly, exercise often and tend to my own physical and mental health. At first, I was the poster child for caregivers. When I quit my job to stay home with him, I ate a clean, healthy diet. I ran the steps in the hospital to keep myself in shape. I did strength training while he was asleep. I went to bed on time so I could face the next day. In the same way, I maintained my mental health by having "dates" in my own home with Better Half when we couldn't leave my dad at night. I tried to evenly balance home, family and caregiving.
Near the end of my father's life, I was so focused on hospice care and keeping track of all the important details of my dad's life, that I forgot the details of my life. Our primary hospice nurse would tell me I had to take care of the caregiver, but I didn't listen because my brain was only wrapped around my dad and how many days he may have left. I kept him comfortable at any expense. The days were long and the nights were even longer. I lost control of "me."
My father passed away last autumn knowing that his daughter and his family loved him beyond words. We all miss him at the dinner table still to this day. I think of him every day. But the worst part has been trying to pick up my own pieces. I was so absorbed with his treatment, that I didn't realize I had a life-threatening infection of my own, from which I have struggled to recover for the last ten months. It has been a long, uphill battle. During that time, my family became the caregivers.
I urge you to be a little bit selfish. Whether you are a caregiver or even a parent, don't forget to love yourself too. Make healthy choices. Make time for yourself. Do something good for your mental health each day. You are important!
Be healthy.
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