‘Cuz I’m Happy!

I woke up this morning feeling happy and a little topsy-turvy.  Happy because I woke up to the sounds of birds, sunshine and looking forward to another blessed day. Topsy-turvy because, in the next two days, I need to make an important decision. My gut instinct, my heart, and my mind are all at conflict, which made the morning a little cloudy.

I put the decision on the back burner and headed to my happy place; the gym. :0)

Shoulders (deltoids) were the muscle of choice today.  At first I was frustrated because I wasn’t feeling the burn.  Grr!!  :0(  However, I went for heavier weights and focused more on the movement and the muscles.  The result?  Fried delts!

For my post workout meal, I am eating left overs, except for the fresh baby spinach.

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This meal made me very happy!  Day#1
(Mushrooms, onions, spinach, and grilled curry chicken topped with crushed red peppers)

So what’s up with all the “happiness” stuff?

Well, I am inspired by A Splash of Serendipity to take on the 100 Happy Days Challenge. Thanks Cadey!  I know, 100 days is a long time, but that’s what makes it a challenge. Lol!

Happy Tuesday and enjoy the day!


Healthy Lunch Tip

Who says that a quick-lunch cannot be healthy?  Look at my colorful plate!!!

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What’s on the plate?  LO’s!  Leftovers.

A leftover grilled plain sweet potato.  High in potassium, about 448 mg, low in calories, 1 cup, about 114 calories, low in sugar, 6 mg, and considered a healthier carb.

Leftover grilled bourbon and brown sugar flavored chicken breast. The chicken breast is lean, but the bourbon & brown sugar seasoning, made it a little less.  In moderation, it’s okay.

A ginormous hand full of UNCOOKED USDA Certified Organic  50/50 Mix of baby spinach & spring mix blend. If you keep baby spinach or a blend of green veggies like this on hand, you’ll never have to stress over the unavailability of cooked veggies.  Tossing them in the microwave for two minutes with a little pan drippings is perfect.

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Everything on the plate was taken directly from the fridge.  I simply heated the plate two minutes in the microwave.  After the two minutes, I tried not to wolf it down too quickly, but it was good and…. HEALTHY!

Remember, your food choices should compliment your fitness regimen.  For the best results, they must work together.

After B’Dazzle’s one hour-long football conditioning camp, I could have eaten out. But, dining out usually mean less healthier food choices.  I knew I had a bunch of leftovers in the fridge, so I made the smarter choice.

If you’re seeking a healthier lifestyle, remember the choice is all yours.

I’m out back coolin it at the pool with B’Dazzle.  It is raining and he is in the pool!  He’s already wet, so why let the rain spoil our afternoon.  Kids love to play in the rain.  So do I!

Enjoy the day!   Smooches!


A First Of The Season

We eat leftovers in my home.  From September to December, leftovers are a necessity.   A stark contrast to my childhood dinners.

Though daddy worked at Wheaton Plastics, a thriving, noisy, dusty, and hot factory that kept the residents of the little town of Mays Landing bustling, his pay wasn’t much.  Some years mom worked, but I still qualified for Head Start, a federal program for low-income families that prepares children for school.

Regardless, both of my parents were not fond of left overs. Hence, fresh meals everyday. LOL! Imagine that. Baked potatoes, fresh veggies, pasta, steak, but rarely seafood.  The notions may sound nice, but it is unrealistic for my family…  At least until I can afford a private chef.   LOL!

Fatigue set in after grocery shopping for the upcoming week, so I needed something simple, at least for the next two days.  Since the temps are hitting the 60’s and 70’s, it’s starting to feel like fall has arrived, so I’m cooking my first pot of chili of the season.  No beef! Turkey.

I was also tired because I walked the lovely Ocean City bridge again today.  Yesterday I ran the bridge.  Today my bestie from high school conquered her fear.  Just like me, she was terrified.  I reassured her that  would walk it and she did.  Occasionally I would stop her and turn her around.  I pointed out to her the height and distance we walked. She was amazed.

DB, I am so PROUD of you; you are walking all over your fears!!

Once again, ideal temps this morning made for any perfect outdoor activity. I am sad to see the summer go, but I am also enjoying the fall temperatures– they are refreshing.  Almost like a cool shower after a long distance run on a hot summer day.

I must go now and finish preparing for my work week.

TTY

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Turkey chili

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Me and hubby enjoy fresh pineapples in our smoothies. Mother also likes pineapples. I need to buy at least two per week.

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I filled the fruit basket with Gala apples, bananas, and avocados.

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These dark grapes from Sam’s Club are very sweet. Yes, they contain sugar, but at least it’s natural sugar. Tailor enjoys the grapes as snacks for lunch and I love them sliced in yogurt.

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Tailor and I eat these plain by the handful. They’re great in salads and even better in egg omelets.

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Add this freshly made salsa to any salad and it is guaranteed to spice things up!

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Yes, I eat lots of fresh fruit! To squeeze more nutrients into your diet, add strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries to a smoothie, yogurt, frozen yogurt, or ice-cream. Yummy!

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I go through 2-3 of these a week. For added protein, I add yogurt to my breakfast smoothies, or I’ll make up a yogurt parfait of my own for a healthy morning or afternoon snack.

 


The Life Of A Football Mom

Attending a football camp in July for my son isn’t my idea of a vacation. Anyways, this four-day trip has me scrambling in the most odd and unusually way.

The challenge? Scratching my head because both of my fridges are jammed packed with food from two consecutive weekends of partying and fun with friends at “the resort.” Ha! Ha! My friend Michelle upgraded the title of our “backyard” to “The Resort.” No, our yard is nothing over the top, just a nice pool, pretty greenery, humming birds, lots of sun shine, and good old fashion fun with two-handful of incredibly awesome friends and family.

Both fridges are filled with fresh strawberries, cucumbers, blue berries, spinach, tomatoes, and more! Leftover potato salad, turkey burgers, collard greens, baked mac and cheese, ribs, and more crowd both refrigerators. Yikes!

I am old school and was raised on the conviction of “waste not, want not.” So the thought of throwing food in the garbage makes me cringe. Speaking of cringing, I had to toss a fairly decent amount of a home-made margarita cocktail, made with Grey Goose, down the drain!! NOT cool! But there was no room in either fridge.

I am taking some of the day-old leftovers to a friend’s house, but still some items won’t make it to the fridge or freezer. Sadly, some will end up in the trash.

This morning I realized that letting broccolini, tomatoes, and spinach go bad is just too disturbing to me; hence breakfast:

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Sauteed broccolini with garlic and a spinach and tomato egg omlet

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Smoothies are in order for an afternoon snack and tomorrow’s breakfast. I will wash the remaining fruit and pack it on ice in my cooler, hauled right up to hotel room, and shelved in the fridge.

From what I understand, my son’s camp will include long days filled with intense workouts. Fresh fruit will refuel and recharge his battery. This is our first official football camp and I am a little nervous– nervous for me and for my son.

While this is an overnight camp, my baby, who hates being called “baby,” will stay at the hotel with mom and dad. There is no way in hell that I am trusting my 10-year-old to some unknown counselor. From the stands, binoculars and all– like a hawk– I will be watching him to make sure that he stays hydrated in the heat and to monitor the bathroom situation. Call me paranoid, but I am not giving anyone the chance to hurt my child. I want to say more, but that’s another lengthy post.

Oh yeah, speaking of resorts, Alex is all checked into the All Star Pet Resort, where posh like miniature beds await the nervous and suspicious pooches. The Resort is located in an ideal rural setting that is beautifully landscaped. In addition to pet sitting, grooming services and additional outdoor and unleashed play time (for an extra fee) is available to “guests.” Now that Alex is set, mother won’t have to worry about caring for him. Although Alex is pretty well-behaved, he is still a puppy and, at times, likes to take off running.

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If you know me personally or follow this blog, then you know that I eat healthy and try to avoid junk food. My healthy snacks are already packed; which will make sure that continue I eat well and avoid wasteful spending on empty calories, non-nutritious food, loads of sugar, and only God knows what else.

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This posts must end now. Why? The pool is calling me. My reward for completing this long overdue post is a dip in the pool.

Talk to you again soon!