Caesar Salad Burgers

My husband had been traveling for quite some time (too long for me).  When he gets home from traveling the last thing he wants to do is go out and eat and so I wanted to make a nice homemade meal for him.  I always rack my brain on what to make and just decided on an American meal of burgers and fries.

 When I make my patties I usually tear pieces of tin foil and stack them up.  Makes it super easy to make in advance and store in stacks on a plate in the fridge!

These burgers were going in the caesar salad directions so I actually stuffed them with parmesan cheese!  Duh, why wouldn't you stuff your burgers?  =]

You can use any cheese you want but parm goes well with caesar.  I literally shaved it on the patty and then added another patty on top.  These patties were very very thin so they cooked a bit faster and more evenly.  However you can make your burgers as thick as you'd like.

When I get cooking and I am in a hurry I sometimes forget to take pictures of food while cooking.  So I didn't get the burgers on the grill ........ BUT..... here is the finished product!

YUM!

I also used the burgers the next day as LEFTOVERS!

Caesar salad topped with a patty, grilled onions and a side of pickles.  Super yummy.

Recipe:

patties:

2 lbs meat (I used 1/2 ground hamburger and 1/2 turkey)

1 TBSP Franks hot sauce

1 TBSP dried oregano

1 1/2 tsp seasoned salt

3/4 tsp pepper

2 TBSP worcestershire sauce 

Mix well.

salad:

1 head romaine cut into larger pieces

caesar dressing (I used Marzetti Simply dressed brand)

1. tear pieces of tin foil to put patties on

2. make very thin size patties about 4" big

3. fill with parmesan cheese and add a second patty

4. put on BBQ'er and cook till your likeness

5. set up condiments you like! and stack up burgers

6. My Burger stack had: burger, grilled onions, caesar salad, tomato, egg, bacon, pickle and a little mustard!  Bam

TIPS

1. add fries to oven before you do anything else!  That way they have time to cook.

2. if adding sautéed onions get those going after you get fries in.  Dice up 1-2 onions, get in a large skillet w/ some olive oil or butter, salt and pepper, and let cook for about 20-30 min on a low simmer.

PALEO: no bun, no cheese, use sweet potatoes as vessel here

GLUTEN FREE: gluten free buns

VEGETARIAN: use a meatless patty or a black bean patty (those are amazing!)

DAIRY FREE: no cheese, or dairy free friendly cheese

NUT FREE

Black Bean Salad

Dang, I've been making this salad forever!  Seriously forever.  It is so simple, easy to modify to your own liking, inexpensive, great to take to gatherings, need I go on.........

I kind of forgot about this salad, I haven't made it in over a year I bet.  Sometimes I only get through part of my cookbook, maybe one day I will have my own!  Or even better, several!  haha, wishful thinking.  =]

With this being called a Black Bean Salad ...... obviously the start of this salad is......... black beans.  I really love black beans but really several other types of beans would work well in this salad too.   Like, black eyed peas (is that technically a bean? hmmmmmm), navy bean, or even a kidney would work here too.  OMG, I do have a delish kidney bean salad too!  I will break that out soon.

The base of this salad here is 1 -15 oz can black beans drained, 1- 15 oz can of pineapple tidbits drained (I do like the tidbits best here, perfect size really).  On the bottom there you can see some quinoa, about 1- 1 1/2c pre cooked quinoa.

Next you gotta spend some time cutting your veggies!  You can use what you like.  These are the main veggies I use in this salad.  I always use, avocado, lime, tomato, red pepper, cucumber, green onion, cilantro (a must, and if you don't like cilantro, I'm sorry!  =]  Jk, there are other options for a substitution, no not parsley, don't add that).

See this handy pastry knife.  Get one, they are a kitchen must have!  Scoops up the veggies nicely to add to the bowl.

Ahhhhh, it's coming together!  Seasonings added on top!

final product!  Seriously a summer must have salad.

Recipe:

1 - 15 oz can rinsed and drained black beans

1 - 15 oz can of drained pineapple tidbits (it might be slightly larger in size)

1 red pepper (or any color you like)

about 1/2 c cut up green onions

2 celery stalks

1 small cucumber or about a little more than a 1c.

1/2c cilantro

1-2 tomatoes

1-2 avocados

1/2 - 1 jalapeño diced very small

1 - 1/2c precooked quinoa 

2-3 tsp apple cider vinegar ( I recommend apple but white would work too)

1 1/2 tsp cumin

1 1/2 tsp salt

3/4 tsp pepper

1- 2 limes zested and juiced

Adjust seasoning as needed to your liking.  After I mix it all up I will taste test and add more seasoning.  

1. dice all veggies about the same size.  As you can see from my photos, I like them all about the same size.  Easier to eat!

2. add all ingredients to bowl and mix well.

3. add seasoning last and adjust as needed.

4. eat immediately!  (I mean only if you want, otherwise cover and store and in fridge)

VEGETARIAN

GLUTEN FREE

NUT FREE

DAIRY FREE

VEGAN

PALEO: substitute beans for meat or more veggies.  I would add mushrooms, different varieties of mushrooms, bacon, more cucumber, zucchini.  Get creative.  

Get cooking!

Ranch dip

I have mentioned this before and any of you that know me..... know that I cannot stand an any shape or form..... mayonnaise!  Ewe!  That is gross even just typing out that word.

Because my family does enjoy ranch and I need to have it in the house I needed a ranch that I could stand having in the house.  Yes, yes, I do buy the other crap on occasion when I don't have the other 'ranch' made.  In small doses it isn't all that bad.  I won't go anywhere near it.

Here are the main components for the ranch.  You can certainly use your choice of mixes, either cottage cheese or yogurt.  Both are great and both have good amounts of protein (which is the best!  And you can actually drowned your food if you wish!)  =]

You are welcome to use an emulsifier which is great is small quantities otherwise a blender is best.  However, a Vitamix will over mix the dressing and actually make it more runny than you want so I don't recommend that blender.  I use a Kitchenaid.  This is my favorite.

I prefer cottage cheese though myself........ AND.... my very picky son did a taste test for me!

Can I tell you which one he picked?  Yep!  He picked the cottage cheese dip as his favorite.  He didn't want to know because he doesn't care for cottage cheese ...... but he does actually!  haha

I have taken this to many parties and nobody even notices the difference or that they are eating a healthy dip.  Try it and see what happens.

This dip you can actually let your kids eat as much of this as they want.

Recipe:

1 - 24oz  container of either cottage cheese or greek yogurt

1 packet of Ranch Dip mix.  (I usually use the 'Ranch' flavor but tried the dill, and it was so good!)

1. empty contents into your blender and mix well.  Usually takes about 3 min.  Scrap sides and blend again for a few seconds.

2.  Do not add milk unless you want a more of a dressing, which is also great.  I have done that too.

TIP:  Do you enjoy blue cheese but don't like all the calories?  I do too!  Well guess what, you can make blue cheese too with either the cottage cheese or yogurt.  Just add 1 Tbsp per 12 oz.  If you se desire a little more you can add more but 1 tbsp usually does it for me.  =]  Then you can sprinkle a little bit of blue cheese on top of whatever you are eating.

I love making wedge salads (I haven't posted it yet but I will), I use this blue cheese to top it!  Then I can eat as much as I want.  =]

VEGETARIAN
NUT FREE
GLUTEN FREE
PALEO: You can use your Paleo friendly mayo for this mix.
DIARY FREE:  You could substitute for hummus and try that.  I haven't but I bet it is good.  

Mid Day Burner Juice

Here is another favorite juice recipe of mine.  Hope you enjoy.....

Recipe:

Mid day Burner juice:

1 beet

1/2 cucumber

3 celery stalks

4 carrots

1 orange (peeled)

1 cutie (skin on)

add your 1/2c pureed kale, recipe

2 tsp lemon juice

Ok...... I can't resist.  One more JUICE:

Green Juice:

3 collard green leaves (large)

1/2 romain heart head of lettuce 

2 oranges (peeled, leave one small strip of peel)

1/2 cucumber

3 large carrots

add 1/2c or more of pureed Kale

2 tsp lemon juice

Enjoy, go get juicing.........

More Pancakes

I am just trying to let you know that most recipes are versatile.  Here are is the same pancake recipe I posted before and made a different way.

Come on, you know you want these!

All I did was add vanilla bean, lemon, and blueberries!  Topped with raspberry syrup same as the strawberry syrup, recipe here just switch out strawberries for raspberries.  It's just that simple!  Make a pancake buffet with different items to go in and on top.  Fun for the kids.  Enjoy, go get flippin'.....

Coconut Popcorn

My husband LOVES popcorn and when I say love I mean LOVE!  We also love using coconut oil.  Super simple recipe.  Find your favorite kernels, get some coconut oil, a little butter and a little salt.

This is the best.  So light and de-ricious!  =]  It only takes about 5 min to make, by the time you get everything out, make it and clean up.  That's pretty good and much better than microwave crap that will kill you.  Enjoy.....

1. heat pan on med high heat
2. add 2-3 tbsp coconut oil
3. add 1/3c popcorn
4. put lid on, shake a little (just cause it's fun)
5. as it pops, shake it, as it slows the pop take off heat.
6. melt 2-3 tbsp butter, drizzle, add a little salt, I mean a little!

Enjoy on your next movie night!  =]

Kitchen Must have

Most people have one of these .... BUT... if for some reason you don't.... go get one!  You need this for so many reasons!

You can do so many cool things with this.

Make cookies!  haha

Make cakes... haha

shred chicken!  Yes, try it.  You will never shred chicken w/ 2 forks again!

Sweet Potato Chili

Like I've said before I am not strict anything when it comes to eating, except for good clean fuel (and every know and then I break that rule to!)  My husband and I do a paleo challenge every now and then, whether it is at our gym with our members or just us.  Well, when paleo you must get creative with what you eat to make it good and different otherwise you find yourself eating the same thing over and over agin (which is why I believe a lot of people struggle with a paleo diet).  We don't have any food allergies but we really enjoy eating paleo at our home and we have come up with some great paleo recipes (when I say we, I mean ..... I).  =]

I created this recipe years ago because we love chili (who doesn't).  This is really a simple recipe.  It all starts with..........

Then you need to roast the peppers........

'Yep, I put them right on an open flame and rotate as it blackens.  You want blackened.  It takes about 7ish min.

I'm super picky and like all my pieces that get chopped up to be about the same size.  You laugh but this ensures that all pieces cook at the same time.  Ever wonder why a few pieces of potatoes are still hard?  Hmmmmmmm..... bigger than the others.  Cut them the same size!  It's not Chopped or a WOD, you don't have to cut for time.  =]

Get your Dutch oven out our crock pot, either works.

Do you know how hard it is to take a pic, while pouring olive oil and get a clear pic?  Hard people!  Hope you love this photo!  =]  I went dutch oven this night.

That's a mix of turkey and hamburger meat.  I try to go extra lean with my meats just because of my extra high cholesterol.  I have to be careful which is why I use a lot of ground turkey, chicken or fish.  BUT...... I don't do turkey bacon or fake bacon.  It's alwasy the REAL deal with this girl!  Moderation right?  Everything in moderation.  =]  See...... balance.  It makes us happy.

Yep, canned tomatoes.  So, to make a loooooooooong story short (I can expand on this later), I grew up in a home where everything, and I mean EVERYTHING was homemade.  From jellies and jams, to fruit leather, beef jerky (yep, we set up an old school dehydrator outside (they didn't make these machines back then) and got the sulfur out!  I can still remember the smell.) and also made our own cereals, breads, and canned and canned and canned!  So, I pretty much swore of any kind of canny as I got older, then I wised up and started!  So, I can my own tomatoes and they are amazing and useful in many food items I make.  =]

Sweet potato chili!  There ya have it.  Now just let it sit and cook for 5-6 to 8 hours.  The longer the better.  It's even better the next day.  =]

Recipe:

1- 1 1/2 lbs ground meat (use any kind you like)

3 red peppers (roasted, set aside to cool a little)

1 med onion diced

3 garlic cloves crushed

1- 24 oz can stewed tomatoes (or 2 -15 oz cans)

1 can paste

1 large white sweet potato (2 small)

salt and pepper

1 chili seasoning packet (if desired)

other seasonings:

chili seasoning

garlic salt

cayenne pepper

crushed red pepper

onion powder

garlic powder

paprika

1. dice onion and put in dutch oven w/ olive oil, season w/ salt and pepper

2. then dice potato and add, let cook for several minutes then add garlic

3. Add meat, season w/ more salt and pepper.  Season every time you add something.  

4. Then add tomatoes and paste (puree tomatoes if you need too).

5. add all seasoning.  I am not good at measuring so always start w/ about 2 tsp of the more mild seasonings like paprika, chili seasoning, then go with 1/4 tsp of the others.  Season to taste, or add 1 chili seasoning packet and add a few extra other seasonings for taste.  

6. Bring dish to a low boil, then turn to lowest simmer setting and simmer all day long til ready to eat.  Stir every now and then.  =]

-OR-

Throw all ingredients in crock pot and let cook on low 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

PALEO - no chili seasoning packet

GLUTEN FREE- no chili seasoning packet

VEGETARIAN - use morning star ground beef substitute (it's really good, I've done it before)

DAIRY FREE

VEGAN - no meat, add other vegetables and maybe firm tofu. You could actually do a tofu, mushroom (use a portobella), sun dried tomato mix as your meat.  That would be great.  Then season with chili flavors.  

Enjoy, go get cooking.....

Onion Jam

Super easy and so versatile.

I have made this and used it on pizza, burgers, salads, hot dogs, chicken, possibilities are endless.

I don't always add peppers but I hat them so I did.  Amazing.  (get creative)

JAM CONSISTENCY.........

I added my onion jam to my deconstructed chili dog.  It was so good.  Yes, I ate the whole thing!  Why wouldn't I.  What is this?  Sweet potato fries, topped with a chicken bacon pineapple sausage, spread that with my berry jam (post coming soon), some cole slay, fresh tomato,  drizzle of chili (or a big ol' pile if you desire (recipe coming soon) and onion jam!

Recipe:

2-3 large white sweet onions

2 peppers (any color)

1/4c. balsamic vinegar

1/4 c. water

2 dates chopped

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

(ALSO, try without peppers.  Very good)

1. Slice onions and peppers into longer strips

2. Put onion in pan w/ a drizzle of olive oil on med high heat.  Let cook for 5 min, then add peppers, salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 min.

3. Turn heat to low.  Add water, balsamic and dates.  Put lid on pan and cook for about 20-25 more min.  Check on it every 5 min or so and stir.  You want this sticky caramel color.  Because of the balsamic this will keep for several weeks or more in the fridge.  

4. Add to any favorite dish.  

GLUTEN FREE

VEGETARIAN: use meat substitute mix in your chili and no chicken sausage!  You can get vegetarian sausages too.  

DIARY FREE: I used a yogurt sauce in my cole slaw so you want to not add that!  Use just a lemon juice on your cole slaw.

PALEO: same as dairy free.

GLUTEN FREE

Apricot Muffins

Here is a super simple easy recipe for some muffins.  I got these from my cousins blog but I had to change it up just a bit.  I really try hard to keep and do a recipe as is but then I change it!  I can't help it.

Here is what you want to start with......

Then to the food processor (a kitchen must have BTW.......)

Add to a sprayed muffin pan (these were my moms, so they are really really old aluminum pans. I love them!)

And about 18 min later, BAM........ you have some delicious muffins.  Share if you so desire, or eat all by yourself.  haha (I have totally done that!) =]

Recipe:

1 c. almond butter (recipe here)

1 c. dried apricots

1/2 c. unsweetened apple sauce (you can also use 1/2c. grated apple. I have it works great)

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla (I use homemade)

1/2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp coconut flour

1.  Add all items to the food processor and puree till you like the consistency of your apricots.  I like pieces in mine so I don't puree long.

2. Fill muffin pans.  Don't forget to spray.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-18 min.  Each oven is different so set timer for less time first.  Check muffins if you smell them.  Don't over cook these babies, they will dry out.  

4. Best to let cool for 1 min in pan then remove and cool on cooling rack.  Try to wait to eat after they cooled, good luck!  =]  

5. questions:  feel free to email me or post question in comments on blog.  =]

VEGETARIAN

PALEO

GLUTEN FREE

DAIRY FREE

VEGAN FREE: You need to use egg substitute.  You can try flax eggs.  I have not tried it yet.  =]

Enjoy, go get baking.......

Morning Start Juice

I am a juicer!  No....... not that kind of juicing.  Take it easy.  I got a juicer forever ago and love juicing.  I do so many different kinds and I am excited to share some with you.  If you don't have a juicer, call your parents!  haha  Most parents buy juicers and then store them because they don't know what to do with them but at one point they were trendy (still trendy to me).  Ask a neighbor or check KSL.  My sister got a juicer barley used on KSL or just go to Bed Bath and Beyond and use your coupons!  You can also check Amazon.

Sometimes I don't want to eat in the morning but you need something especially for a busy day hits you.  I teach at my CrossFit gym everyday so I need something in my system and when I am not eating a banana or oatmeal I am having a juice.  I start my day with my Morning juice.

With a juicer you can get this......

Shut up!  Look at all that goodness.  Yum!  It's like drinking a refreshing salad.  (not the best pic kinda blurry but you get the idea.)

This is one of my favorite juices.  I will drink 1 juice a day for sure, sometimes 2!  One of the best things is that you can add 2 scoops of vanilla protein to this baby.  Yep, double whammy.   (Wait, that is Press Your Luck!)  haha  Who remembers that?

Recipe:

2 apples

6 large celery stalks (rinsed)

1/2 cucumber

1 1/2 tsp lemon juice

- should make about 2 c of juice or just shy.  If your veggies and fruit are smaller juice another 1/4 cucumber,  1 more celery stalk and/or 1/2 apple.  You want pretty close to 2 c.  

In a blender I blend 4-5 cups Kale w/ 3/4c orange juice, naked juice or water.  I don't usually juice leafy greens because you don't get much out of it.  So I puree it and add it to all my juices.

You basically want to fill your blender add the liquid and push it down before you blend.  Blend for about 3-4 min till smooth.  After each juice that I make I add 1/2c of kale puree to each juice. (sometimes a little more). 

VEGAN

PALEO

VEGETARIAN

DAIRY FREE

GLUTEN FREE

Enjoy, go get juicing......

Pancakes...Perfect..... Pancakes

I don't just make banana pancakes (which I love) I also make regular ol' pancakes.  My husband LOVES pancakes and so do all my kids so they love nothing more than when I make a big pile of fluffy pancakes.  I have the best pancake recipe around.  There are a lot out there so try mine and then compare to the others.

Here is the dry mix and I add protein to all my dry baking mixes.  It is a great way to add protein to your meals.  (That is if you are having pancakes as your meals!)  haha

That is homemade vanilla going into that mix!  It is the best and makes a difference in the flavor of the pancakes (or waffles if you so desire to make them into that, which you can!)

Those are what we call PERFECT PANCAKES!  yep, super fluffy cooked perfectly.

I ate my one pancake with my egg muffins.  Yum!  You don't need to eat the whole plate to enjoy pancakes.  I do have a specific spatula I use but unfortunately my son broke it while I was out of town and I haven't got a new one yet.   I will take a picture and post it when I get it!  =]  It's a kitchen must have.

Recipe:

Dry mix-

6c flour 

2 tsp baking soda

3 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 Tbsp kosher salt

3 Tbsp sugar

Use 2 c. dry mix

add:

2 eggs

2 scoops vanilla protein

2c. whole milk

4 Tbsp melted butter

1 - 2 tsp vanilla (I use homemade)

optional:

2-3 pinches of cinnamon

pinch of nutmeg

Directions:

1. You can make up this dry mix and store for up to 6 months in air tight container (Mix dry mix well).  Mine never lasts that long.  =]

2. When you make the mix you want to use a whisk and to blend well (clumps are A-Ok) and let mix sit for about 5 min before you use it. You want the baking powder to activate and start the fluff!

3. Heat a pan or griddle (I use a griddle) and put heat on med to high heat.  The trick to the best pancakes is a high heat for the pan.  You'll know if your heat is to HIGH when your pancake burns (then turn heat down just a touch)!  Nobody wants burnt pancakes.  =]

4. You can use any oil to grease pan.  But grease the pan (I use a spray)

5. Then pour about 3 inch size pancakes on your pan.  Let cook for a few min on each side.  If you turn your pancake over and it's to pale, then you ... a) need to turn your heat up b) need to let it cook a little longer

6. As your pancake cooks you can literally watch it fluff up!  It will not always be bubbly when it needs to flip over.  Check for golden brown.  Sometimes the bubbly look is an over cooked pancake.

TIPS:

1. you can add anything to your pancake as they cook.  We add chocolate chips and blueberries to them.  Pour mix on the pan, add the ingredient and then hit it with a quick spray of cooking spray!  Then when you turn your pancake over it won't stick.  Then you don't have to make a whole batch of blueberry if everyone doesn't like them.  =]

2. If you don't want to add the white sugar you can add honey to the wet mix when you make it.  You will want to add 1 Tbsp of honey per 2c. dry mix.  

3. You can also use several different flour mixes if you'd like.  Unbleached white, whole wheat, oat flour, gluten free flour, ect.  Any flour will work here.  I have not tried almond flour though.  =]

VEGETARIAN: use egg substitute if you don't eat eggs (flax egg) 

GLUTEN FREE: use gluten free flour, you may need to add a little more baking powder.

VEGAN: take out eggs and milk.  Use water instead, use vegan friendly protein for more protein in the mix.  You can also use a flax egg in place of the eggs (1 Tbsp ground flax + 2 1/2 tsp water)  Mix well and add to pancake mix.  

PALEO: Use my banana pancake mix!  

Recipe Book

See this mess?  This is what happens when cooking starts to happen.  And....... that is the tru'f.  =]  See my laptop?  See what is under the laptop?  That would be the recipe book that all these recipes you are getting, are coming from!  Can you see all the sticky notes?  haha.  I literally write my recipes on whatever I can find in the kitchen.

I had a really bad habit (still do sometimes) of creating recipes and not writing it down!  It would drive me crazy and my kids when they would ask me to repeat something.  So, my daughter would tell me ALL THE TIME to write everything down.  So, I started doing that.  It isn't pretty in that recipe book but it stores a whole bunch of yummy recipes.

Be patient with me because they are all coming.  =]

In my spare time.......

Part 1, of My spare time:

Why is this blog called 'In my spare time' ?  Well, let me tell you.  I have been pestered for about 4 years to start a food blog and just didn't feel like I had the time to get it started.  I am a wife, a mom of 3 teenagers, 2 dogs, 1 large sulcata tortoise (I had 2 but recently had one pass away, which was very sad), and I run a CrossFit gym.  Not to mention the 'all in between' stuff that comes up.

Family:

As a mom.....it's a given that you will be busy!  No way around that.  One thing always leads to another.  I feel like all of a sudden my kids all turned into teenagers, my daughter is in high school, dance, and school activities.  My boys are also in sports, skate parks, football and soccer.  Then my daughter is off to college, and then my middle son is in high school, football, and friends, my youngest son is a freshman, trying out for high school soccer team!  What the what, oh and got his driving permit!  Then my daughter is off on her mission........ (crying)

The family before Kylee left.......

(No, I was not being Hollywood, I was covering my crying eyes)

This was at Christmas, but now she has been out for 1 year!
(and that is Wesley's new haircut!)

Now it is the 2 boys at home and they definitely keep me busy!  So as our kids grow time continues to get busy.  Not only am I running the house, managing the kids, I also run a CrossFit gym.  I own it, I manage it, I do all programming, I have 6 trainers that work with me, I have over 150 members, and I am currently working on a rebrand and getting ready for a Re-Grand Opening in just 2 weeks!  Lots going on........

Running my gym:

Here is my gym!  It keeps me very busy, for those of you who know about CrossFit gyms, it takes a ton of time to run, manage, program, do the scheduling and managing all my members.  I work really hard to keep the gym up which takes a ton of time (but my husband is amazing and helps a ton).  I love what I do for sure and enjoy all my peeps that I get to teach at the gym.  I am excited to show our new brand and how the gym will look.  We have a lot to do before our big event!  2 weeks (did I mention that already?).........

Food Blog:

Not only am I running the house and my gym..... now I am doing a food blog!  Why not right. (laughing crying face) I have always worked to create  healthy meals, post photos, and share recipes I create.  I consider myself a foodie (I am sure most people who love eating consider themselves that!)  haha.  But I really love food, not just food, but really good food.  Good, healthy, clean food.  Both my husband and I have heart disease that runs in the family and I already struggle with high cholesterol for over 5 years now.  I have done my best with being active with working out and I have been able to manage my eating by keeping it pretty clean.  I always have room for improvement though!  I am weak and enjoy indulging in certain food items.   

Creating healthy meals has been a lot of fun and a lot of work to create recipes.  I would have people ask me to share recipes or 'where can they find my recipes'.  'You should create a blog', they would say.  Yay, yay, yay..... sure, why not, I have nothing going on.....right?!  Well, before my daughter left she sat me down and helped me start my blog.  I let it sit for 7 months!  Lame.  Yep, I didn't do a thing with it, and then I put my foot down, and said.....'I will start my food blog no matter how busy I am'.  I am sure my husband was thrilled to hear that!  haha.  He is actually very supportive and doesn't mind sampling all the dishes I create.  I even take items to the gym to my Saturday classes for my members to try (and my 8:30, 9:30am classes!).  

So, here I am.......in my spare time........ doing a food blog.  =]

House remodel:

I think I am crazy!  Yep, I am sure of it.  Not only am I doing all the above but I am in the middle of a house remodel as well.  I am pretty good at finding something to complain about, who isn't (look if I am going to throw myself under the bus, someone is going with me)!  I love my house, I do, but I sure would like to update it (or move).  The husband says, no moving, so I say....REMODEL!  It all started with what I wanted for Christmas...... a new laundry room.  I didn't want anything but a new laundry room, with new paint, new tile, new washer dryer (brat you say..... yep!).  That isn't too much to ask for, right?  Well, we got the new washer dryer on BLACK FRIDAY and then started the demo 3 days before NEW YEARS EVE!  Yep, sure did.  Why wouldn't we do it with family in town, all the kids out of school, and taking down Christmas decorations, and having a NEW YEARS EVE party at our house.  =]

HERE IT IS!  It's still not done though.  I have a few more things to finish in there.  I had some custom cabinets made to put in (I have them they just need to be hung, still haven't found the time to do that yet) and then I have my laundry basket shelves to add, and my hanging bar!  Whew.  I am hoping to have it all done in............ya, not 100% sure when.  Maybe......... before the grass starts to turn green.  =]

So right after the laundry room, we jumped right into the whole upstairs!  Yep, the whole upstairs is in the middle of a remodel, paint, changing out door jams, tearing this out and adding that.

                    AFTER                                                                     BEFORE

Still lots to do...... but a lot has been done.  It has literally been days and hours of......1. waking up, getting kids off to school 2. teaching at the gym 3. coming home to paint, and paint, and paint 4. some days back to the gym to teach 5. picking my son up from school to get to soccer practice 6. more paint 7. make dinner 8. bed, sleep, repeat!  those have basically been my days for about 6 weeks.

That is all for now.  PART 2 coming...........