Getting Started: Week 1

Getting started is the biggest and often the hardest step that you can ever take. My goal is to make this experience as fun and entertaining as possible to keep you (and I!!) motivated!

Let's start with the following:

Measurements
Weight                >  All of these are mentioned in the previous post.
Goals

To get started you will also need...

• 3-5 pound weights.  I have both three and five pound weights that I am going to start with to switch between.  If you feel that you need heavier weight to start out with, go with 5 and 8 pound weights. 
• Yoga mat, if desired, to lay on
• Chair, just the handy dining room table one will do :)

Workout #1:  Fix that bra bulge!!! Bent over rows.

Stand next to a chair with your chosen weight in your right hand.  I started out with the five pound weight, but if it is too heavy for you, drop down to the three pound weight.  Place your left knee and hand on the chair; extend right hand to the floor.  Bend elbow out to the side, slowly bringing the weight up to your chest. 

Do 2 sets of 15 reps; alternating sides between sets.

Workout #2: Stop Flabby Inner-Outer thighs!  4-Way Lunge.

Place your hands on your hips and step forward with the right foot and lunge.  Be careful not to let your knee go past your toes. Return to standing position.  Lunge backwards with the same foot.  Return to standing position.  Lunge to the right, returning to standing position.  Lunge to the left; return to standing position. 

Repeat for the other side; 2 sets of 15 reps for each leg. 

Workout #3: Ban Underarm Flab.  Chair Dips!

Grab your handy-dandy chair and let's get to work! Place hands on the edge of the seat.  Walk feet slowly out, until they are a little further than a 90 degree angle.  Slowly lower your rear to the floor, bending your elbows to no more than a 90 degree angle.  Press back up to the starting position. 

Repeat for 15 reps.

So cute... I just couldn't resist!! :) This proves that if a baby can do it- so can you! hehe Totally kidding... :)

What to do for that armpit overhang?!  This is Workout #4.  Push Ups.

I think it helps a whole lot to think of doing push ups in the sand with crashing waves in the background, but let's get real.  I don't have that in my back yard.... and I don't know about you, but I think I would rather lay around and get a tan if that was my scenery instead of working hard to get the body I've always wanted! :)

So... wither you do regular "man" push ups, or if you need to drop to your knees for the "woman" kind- whip out as many of these bad boys as you can handle.  Important! Make sure you keep your rear flat and your abs tight and pulled in.  Don't hunch up or stick your rear in the air! It's very important to have good posture.

Workout #5: Belly-pooch fix. Planks.

For this exercise you will get into the raised push up position, except with your forearms on the floor. Hold this pose with your back flat and belly tucked in for 30 to 90 seconds.  For extra definition, try the bicycle! Lie on the floor, knees bent, hands behind your head.  Lift shoulder blades off the ground and twist right elbow to left knee; repeat for the other side. 

Complete 2 sets of 15 reps for regular plank and for bicycle if you choose to add it.

Try your hardest to incorporate this routine into your week. Choose three days and stick to it! You can do it- don't give up! Complete this routine for this week.  I am going with Monday, Wednesday and Friday... I'll check in with ya'll at the end of this week to see how you are doing! Stay tuned for healthy, yummy recipes and lots more!!  :)

Women's Challenge- PRIZE awarded!!

So with all the hubbub of the "new year", and EVERYONE making a New Year's resolution, I thought it was high time for me to have one as well.  One.  I refuse to call it a resolution.  Two.  I will from here on out call it a LIFE CHALLENGE.  :)

You wondering what it is?? I am starting a challenge for myself and whoever chooses to accept the mission along with me.  A workout challenge.  Don't panic and start sweating and want to hide.  This will be fun! I promise! And just for kicks, I'll post pictures of my progress along this entire journey.  Pictures of my not-so-in-shape self.... most likely gross and icky, showing you exactly how to do the workouts!!  But you know what??  In the end we will all feel better about ourselves and I think you (myself included) will be so much happier, have more energy and want to keep it up as a new life change. :) 

What is this I hear about a PRIZE?? For all of my followers (please become one if you currently are not to be able to enter in the contest for your chance to win the prize!!!)  I am funding a woo-hoo-you-did-it-and-feel-great-about-yourself prize!! Please feel free to comment on any of these posts about your progress or questions to let me know who is following this!

Here's what you need to do to get started.....
I recommend starting a journal to track your progress. It will come in handy to see how far you have come!

Measurements.

I totally, 100% realize that this is the worst thing probably, well, ever.  I hate (did I mention that already?) taking measurements, but trust me on this one, once you do and see your progress down the line- it is totally worth it.  Measure your upper arms, top part of your thighs, your stomach (across your belly button), around your butt (at the widest point, sorry!) and your bust line. 

Weigh In.

This part is also one that I detest. (No surprise there) But it must be done.  Weight yourself and log it down. 

Goals.  I really do think that setting a goal for yourself is important.  For starters, make sure that you look at only one month in advance so you don't overwhelm yourself!! This is something that I always end up doing, and regret it later when I can only stick to a plan for a couple of weeks.  Write down things like inches lost, weight lost, etc. as your goals :)

Get ready for a great next few months! It will go by so much faster than you ever imagined!  I will do my best to keep things interesting and fresh... complete with loads of new workouts to keep you from getting bored of the same ol' stuff and lots of amazing recipes to nourish your body, mind and spirit :)

Winter

That time of year is here again... and most likely will be here for another visit- that's just what Washington does :) I have to admit that I'm a little more than tired of the rain, snow, rain, sunshine, rain, frost, chance of snow, and rain again.  (hehe) But I know that summer will be here soon, and with that comes everything wonderful..... aka - boat rides, campfires, tents, looking at the stars, park visits, longer dog walks and much more!
Here's what I've been up to....

We officially got 2 feet of snow within a couple of days!!

The snow was even too deep for Kita!

Caesar loved the snow!

 

My pretty girl Kita

Pearl was too cold so she had to get a coat ride from Loren :)

"Please play with me!"

And of course we always have to get out the 4-wheelers.... lots of snow went flying this day!

 

Life Changes

Last Thursday I took the plunge.... into full-out-no-going-back, ADULTHOOD.  Yikes! I moved out of the nest! I have to admit that it is a little strange, but I like it.  Rather, like it alot! :) Between moving and rearranging all of my junk I have neglected to post anything.  How boring.  I'm quite sorry for that ;)  I have been able to spend alot of time at the Fire Department and going on calls has been a regular thing for me besides going to work and the other usual stuff of everyday life.  I don't think that anything can ever replace "my room", or "my bed", but you know what? I have a new one and it suits me just fine :)  So... my sewing projects might be put on hold for a bit (my mom is the one with the sewing machine), but I will be at it again soon and have lots of pictures to post.  Pinkie promise.

French Onion Soup

I have never liked onions. Period.  Yet, for some reason I thought that I would try a French Onion Soup recipe.  Go figure.  :) I think it is due to the amazing picture of caramelized onions, and meltedcheeses... oh boy- it sure looked good!
So this is the adventure I chose to partake in- and it turned out FABULOUSLY!  Everyone at the Fire Station tried it, and it was a hit! Heck, even I fell for it. :)

Makes 6 servings     PREP   15 minutes

COOK 31 minutes       BROIL 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

3 Tablespoons butter

3 pounds onions, peeled and thinly sliced (I used two extra large onions)

1 teaspoon sugar

2 Tablespoons all purpose flour

1 large box (32 oz.) reduced sodium beef broth

1/4 cup red wine (I used a nice Cabernet Sauvignon because it compliments wild game or soups well)

French bread

6 ounces Gruyere cheese

I chose to use some moose meat... that's what you get when you're a hunting family :) Thanks, Dad!

THIS IS WHAT YOU DO....

1. Melt butter in a very large,deep pot over medium heat.  Add onions, and stir to coat.  Cover; cook 15 minutes,, stirring occasionally, until onions are very soft and begin to turn golden brown.

2. Uncover; increase heat to medium-high.  Add sugar and cook, uncovered, 10 minutes, stirring often.  Sprinkle with flour; cook 1 minute.  Stir in broth, wine and 1 cup water.  Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

                      

3. Heat broiler.  Spread bread slices on a baking sheet; toast under broiler for 1 to 2 minutes per side; set aside. Place in ovenproof bowls or crocks on a baking sheet.  Divide soup evenly among bowls (about a cup in each).

4. Use a vegetable peeler or cheese plane to thinly slice pieces of cheese.  Place slice of toast on each serving of soup, top with cheese (divide evenly among bowls).  Heat under broiler for 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Carefully remove from oven and serve warm.

PER SERVING:    370 CAL;  16g FAT (9g SAT); 40g CARBS; 5g FIBER; 590g SODIUM

Just The Way You Like 'Em Double Chocolate Muffins

I found this muffin recipe from a fellow blogger, who found it off a flour bag.  Go figure- It is one of my favorite chocolate muffin recipes... tastes just like the ones from Costco!! I thought I would be nice and offer to "share" with my family a bite if they didn't want their own... but as it would go, I ran off to hide and devour it all by myself! (I'm not even a little bit feeling guilty) 

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup Dutch-process cocoa
1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon espresso powder, optional (I didn't add to mine)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
2 eggs
1 cup (8 oz.) milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons vinegar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
Turbinado sugar for topping (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Preheat the oven to 400*F.  Line a standard muffin pan with paper or silicone muffin cups, and grease the cups.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, espresso powder, salt, and chocolate chips. (I put the chocolate chips in last after the rest of the batter was finished). Set aside.

3. In a large measuring cup or medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla and vinegar.  Add the wet ingredients, along with the melted butter, to the dry ingredients, stirring to blend; there's no need to beat these muffins, just make sure everything is well-combined.  (I still had some little bumps in mine.  I then stirred in the chocolate chips).

4. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin.  I used a 1/3 measuring cup, and the cups were heaped with batter and the muffin will bake into a "mushroom" shape.  Sprinkle with Turbinado sugar, if desired.

5. Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.  Remove the muffins from the oven and after 5 minutes remove them from the pan, allowing them to cool on a rack.

Serve just out of the oven with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce or caramel drizzled on top.  MM-GOOD!!

Sausage, Barley and Vegetable Italian Soup

Tonight's dinner consisted of the best soup I think that I have created in a while.  I'm not just saying so because I brought it to life, but I truly believe that when you taste it for yourself, you will know what I mean :)  It might seem a little boring, but the flavors compliment each other well.  Feel free to add or take away any of the ingredients and make it your own!

INGREDIENTS:

1 large box (32 oz.) beef broth
6 cups water
1/4 cup red wine (I used a little less... Cabernet Sauvignon)
1 onion, sliced thinly into small sections
3/4 cup barley, prepared as directed
3 Tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Couple shakes of dried basil
Dash of sugar
Salt to taste (Optional... I didn't put any in mine)
1 medium carrot, washed and sliced into thin rounds
1 stalk of celery, washed and sliced thinly
1 package (32 oz.) Regular or Italian sausage

1. First things, first... make sure you give yourself enough time to prepare the barley... the box says it takes anywhere from 40-50 minutes. Mine took about 40 minutes to cook.

2. While the barley was cooking, I whipped up some homemade chocolate muffins... and oh, boy! Were they good or what?! I'll post the recipe as soon as I can type it up :)

3. Next, saute your onions and garlic in the butter on medium heat until tender. Turn burner to medium-high heat and continue to saute for a couple of minutes, adding the sugar and caramelizing 2-3 minutes more, until onions are golden brown on the edges and the aroma is irresistible! :) Remove from heat and set aside. 

4. Next comes the beef broth and water... combine and high simmer. Once the base is at a boil, add your sliced carrots and celery. Continue to boil until tender, then reduce heat.

5. Brown sausage in a medium pan, sprinkling your basil in with the meat.  I chose to remove the onions and cook the meat in the same skillet as them for extra flavor... remove from heat and set aside.

6. Once your vegetables are tender in the beef broth, add barley, sausage and onion mixture to the pot.  Add the red wine (Insert the sip for yourself here...hehe) and bring to a slow boil; cooking for 5 minutes more.

7.  While the soup is on it's last leg of the journey, I took this time to butter some of my homemade bread. (previously made... and you can find the recipe under Whole Wheat and Molasses Bread)   I sprinkled some garlic powder, basil and Parmesan cheese on top and placed in the oven to broil.

I think this soup was incredibly easy, tasty and a great way to end a day of playing out in the (16 inches!!) of snow and building igloos.  hehe..... But seriously, give it a try, and add your own flair! Just remember... cooking is like a canvas... you never know what you can create until you give it a try!!

Bacon, spinach, (and who-knows-what-else) LOADED Panini with Basil Secret Sauce

So winter must be that time of year that draws my attention to crafty things... and it seems to pull out some of the most random craft/DIY ideas imaginable.
After a long, hard couple of hours playing with the dogs and quads in the snow, I came inside to whip something up for dinner for my mom and I. (No one else was hungry lol) This is what I made up on a whim....
The Bacon, Spinach (and who-knows-what-else) LOADED Panini with Basil Secret Sauce.

You guessed it, it was simply melt-in-your-mouth, delicious! Add or take away any of the ingredients... and make it your own!

Here's what I did:

WHAT YOU'LL NEED...

* Two pieces of bread (Your choice) per sandwich

* Bacon (To taste... but I used four pieces per sandwich)

* Mozzarella cheese

* Assorted bell peppers, sliced into strips

* 1/2 Avocado, sliced

* Spinach, washed and dried

* 4-5 baby carrots, shredded (I think they are sweeter than regular carrots)

* Couple squeezes of lemon juice (or you can use 1/2 teaspoon of bottled lemon juice)

* 1 Spoonfull, plus 1/4 cup Mayonnaise

* 1 Tablespoon dried basil leaves, crushed

* 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard

* George Foreman grill, or panini maker

Start by cooking the bacon on the George Foreman on Medium-High heat.  This will take a bit longer than the usual frying, but more grease comes out this way. 

Meanwhile, shred carrot into a small sauce pan.  Cook for a couple of minutes over Medium heat.  Squeeze lemon a couple of times and add your 1 spoonfull of Mayo.  Stir for a couple of minutes, until hot and steaming.  Bacon should be done about this time.

In a small bowl, mix remaining Mayo, Dijon mustard and basil leaves to make a basil-mayo spread. Set aside.

Once bacon is removed from the George Foreman, cook bell peppers on the grill.  Turn occasionally, making sure to cook to your desired taste. (I like mine just a little bit on the raw side)

Next, spread both pieces of bread with the mayo mixture, using as much as desired, on one side of the bread.

Slice thin pieces of the Mozzarella cheese and place on top of the mayo on one side of the sandwich.  (This will be the bottom of the sandwich, because the George Foreman is hotter on the bottom than the top, so your cheese will be nice and melted.)

Now it's time for the magic!! :) Put the sliced avocado on the bottom...place the bacon next... (helps melt the cheese more) and place a handfull or your desired amount of the uncooked spinach leaves right on top.  Place your sauteed bell peppers next.... then comes the carrot mixture.  This part is optional, but I chose to grate some extra Mozzarella cheese over everything to help melt the top piece of bread to the rest of the sandwich. :)

Place your sandwich in the George Foreman (The bacon grease can either be partially wiped away or left for more flavor) and cook on Medium-High heat until your sandwich is golden brown! (Mine took 2-3 minutes)

Match with your favorite soup, or pair with chips... and ENJOY!!

Hearty Whole Wheat Molasses Bread- 6 Easy Steps!

After lots of thought as to which bread type I should make.... French bread? White? Rye? .... I fell back into the familiarity of making a bread that I have made dozens of times before.  Whole wheat.  The recipe is supposed to be a 'honey, whole wheat' type, but I omitted the honey and traded it for some Backstrap Molasses (From Trader Joe's, y'all) to try something different.  The results were fantastic, and I love how the molasses doesn't make it too sweet.  It gave the bread a darker, richer color.  Fresh out of the oven, it was hard to keep the extra loaf from being eaten!  I made my own "signature" mark and placed it on the risen loafs of bread prior to baking and dusted the tops with flour.  When the stencil is removed, voila! You have your signature mark! :)

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups stone-ground whole wheat flour or graham flour (I used whole wheat)
1/3 cup honey (I used molasses, instead)
1/4 cup shortening
1 Tablespoon salt
2 packages regular or quick active dry yeast
2 1/4 cups very warm water (120 to 130 degrees F)
3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Buter or margarine, melted, if desired

1. Mix whole wheat flour, honey, shortening, salt and yeast in large bowl. Add warm water. Beat with electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently. Beat on medium speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently. Stir in enough all-purpose flour, 1 cup at a time, to make dough easy to handle.

2. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead about 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl and turn greased side up. Cover and let rise in warm place 40 to 60 minutes or until double. Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.

3. Grease bottoms and sides of 2 loaf pans, 9x5x3 or 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2 inches.

4. Punch down dough and divide in half. Flatten each half with hands or rolling pin into rectangle, 18x9 inches, on lightly floured surface. Roll dough up tightly, beginning at 9-inch side, to form a loaf. Press with thumbs to seal after each turn. Pinch edge of dough into roll to seal. Press each end with side of hand to seal. Fold ends under loaf. Place seam side down in pan. Brush loaves lightly with butter. Cover and let rise in warm place 35 to 50 minutes or until double.

5. Move oven rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven. Heat oven to 375°F.

6. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until loaves are deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from pans to wire rack. Brush loaves with butter; cool.

The dough has finished rising...

Putting it in the bread pans for the second rising...

Snickerdoodle Blondies

The search is over.  I have found my true love brownie recipe.  Or rather a blondie recipe.  It all started with Pinterest (to whoever created that: a HUGE thank you!!) and my need for more creativity in my life.  It's great- you scroll through the endless ideas of DIY and such to find that perfect thing that will make everyone, including your mother, go "Wow! How in the world did you come up with THAT?!" and you simply smile and blush a little.  It's the secret website that everyone should get ideas from I think!! :)
I am tired of the simple and boring.  I am tired of the dried out, too stiff, too flat brownies.  There, I said it.  I don't like the ordinary!
So.... I saw the post for a SNICKERDOODLE BLONDIE and I just about died. No, really- I'm pretty sure I almost did. So- here it is for you... the best invention ever! It even has a crispy, yet soft top just like the cookie.  Ok, I died and went to heaven!

This recipe came from the Lovin' In The Oven blog... you should check it out- she has some amazing ideas!!

• 2 2/3 cups AP flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup softened butter
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp white sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• a pinch turbinado sugar

1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 pan. Combine flour baking powder, cinnamon,    nutmeg, and salt and set aside.

2.) In a large bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar for 3-5 minutes. Add in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla, and beat until smooth.

3.) Stir in the flour mixture until well blended. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and turbinado sugar in a little bowl. Evenly sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the batter.

4.) Bake 25-30 minutes or until surface springs back when gently pressed. Cool before cutting. Makes 20-24 bars.