Oat Bran Muffins...Yum!!

This morning's attempt at cooking. And it was good. Again, this is from the Try-It Diet, Eating Clean eCookbook (okay...seriously...this book is CHEAP...and there are recipes in here that I am likely not to try because I don't care for the particular ingredients - so buy it!)

Ingredients:
1 cup 100% whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup crushed bran flakes
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup Sucanat (I gave up trying to find this and used *gasp!* good ol' sugar instead)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
3 egg whites
1 egg
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (see my post last night about this yummy stuff)
1 tablespoon canola oil (I used vegetable oil)
3 tablespoons agave nectar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup dry rolled oats (I always have a large container of oats on hand...this is what Stella and I have for breakfast most mornings)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.  Grease a 12-cup muffin pan or line with paper baking cups (since I had no clue whether this would working for me or not given my baking history, I bought a 'disposable' tin with paper liners).
2. Combine flower, bran flakes, flaxseed, Sucanat (or sugar), baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.  Add egg whites, eggs, applesauce, almond milk, canola (or vegetable) oil, agave nectar, and vanilla and mix well (no need to get out the electric mixer though).
3. Pour muffin mix evenly into each of the muffin cups.
4. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of oats over top, and press down lightly.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a fork inserted into the center of  a muffin comes out clean.

And the nutrition facts (if you follow the recipe without making my subs):

Calories:  114

Fat:  4 g

Protein:  3 g

Sodium:  182 mg

Fiber:  3 g

Carbs:  18 g

Sugar:  13 g

As a side note...despite the healthiness, Stella really liked it!  I ended up eating two, because she kept taking bites!

And with the political BS out of the way...back to the healthy stuff

In my quest for healthier eating, I've been trying different things, I've been spending more time in the organic food section (actually, because it is so small at my local Kroger, it is just easier to find everything)...and last week I purchased almond milk for the first time (the intent for the purpose was for a muffin recipe I plan to try to tomorrow).  This is what I got:



In a word:  yum.  Seriously.  I did not realize this stuff is so good!  I am not sure I even have enough for that recipe.  I have had it nearly every day over a bowl of granola...specifically this (also found in the organic aisle):

I bought the granola for a different recipe.  I have none left.  Guess who is going back to Kroger tomorrow?

If I ever manage to have enough of either left over to try these recipes, I will be sure to post pics and a review (I'm not too confident though...baking with a gas oven has never worked well for me).

Seriously though....the almond milk is awesome!  Downside?   Carb count is a little high.

My lone solely political post - reposted from my current facebook status

And of course, I have cleaned this up a bit since the original status update was done from my Kindle Fire.

I have been too busy today at work to get to much of anything else but I am posting my thoughts here rather than add this to many other status update on everyone else's pages from throughout the day, because the political bullshit is really getting deep on both sides and everywhere in between. 

Here are my thoughts: leave the candidate bashing to the candidates. Don't tell me what you think the other guy is not doing or doing wrong. Don't tell me something that can't be backed up with a legitimate source. Tell me why i should consider your candidate. AGAIN: legitimate sources, legitimate reasons not the most convoluted reasons you can come up with (for example, I cannot believe the number of people that still believe the POTUS is a Muslim...and honestly, even if he was...what of it?). Don't tell me that everyone who supports the guy opposite your candidate is stupid no matter who you favor (while I see this primarily from those on the conservative/republican side, I understand that it does go both directions). I have deleted people the past couple of months because of bullshit like this they have posted on their walls. Everyone is entitled to their opinion...free country right? And just because there is such a thing as freedom of speech doesn't mean you need to get on here (meaning facebook, or any other social networking site for that matter) and spew nastiness. I witnessed plenty of it in the office where I was employed during the 2008 election (including a 'higher up' that walked into the office the day after the election and stated "I suppose we now have to call the 'White House' the 'Black House'.   And I am seeing much of that same nastiness here (facebook) now.  Get over yourselves people and show respect to all of your 'friends' on facebook!

One more thing to add that I didn't include when I posted this as my status update on facebook.  Whatever happened to political discussion being taboo.  Wasn't there a time where any political or religious conversations were to be avoided - I am guessing primarily to avoid the rudeness so many of us are now witness to?  I'm guessing facebook, twitter, etc. has apparently put an end to that as with most other manners these days.  Sad.

fitness class review: KettleBell

A description for this particular class:

Kettlebell training uses a series of swift movements to work the entire body as a synergistic whole (unlike traditional strength training, which uses controlled movements to isolate muscle groups.)

A new session started at the Y this week.  I am, of course, sticking with my twice a week spin class. And would have liked to also stick with the twice a week boot camp I started last session.  However, Wednesday night's class is moved up 15 minutes, so it would start before my spin class is over.  I will continue with the Monday night session.  To replace Wednesday night's boot camp, I started the Kettle Bell class.  I have been wanting to try something like this for a while, so now is my chance.

And?  I like it.  So far, at least.  I definitely felt like I got a workout.  And tonight, I definitely feel like I got a workout last night!  I am getting sore (the good kind, however)!  We worked arms and legs:  squats, lunges, presses, curls, etc.  Incorporated the stability ball on some of the moves, a lot swinging of the kettle bell, even some ab work.  The class definitely made me sweat (and can I just say, that I am really starting to enjoy ow my biceps look?- that's just an observation from watching my form in the mirror).

The only gripe about the class is just me being pissy - burpees.  Seems like every class these days, they gotta sneak those bad boys in.  I hate them!  Okay - it is because I am absolutely horrible at them...but still!

On a separate note regarding gym classes...I have a general gripe.  People talking in class.  Now quiet conversation with your neighbor is fine.  I guess.  But dammit...I don't want to hear your conversation from across the room!  I am (quite literally) working my ass off (okay, so i really didn't have one in the first place) and my working like that does not allow for easy LOUD conversations like yours!  I find it very disruptive to me and my workout.  I am paying to be in that class.  I am there to work on my fitness, not to socialize.  When I can't hear the instructor because there are loud conversations going on either side of the room...that is ridiculous!  When I am dripping sweat  and my thighs are burning and looking over to see you looking like you are on a leisurely bike ride through the park with your pal....argh!!!

Okay...vent over.

Phone Help?!?!?!

So I am just posting this all over to see if someone, anyone, may have words of wisdom to offer.

I am ready to scream - throw the phone across the room and see how well it shatters against the wall, etc.

I have a Samsung Galaxy II. Got it in February. I am with Sprint and have been for 14 years (if for any reason this information is needed). I HATE this phone...have not liked it since the beginning, but missed the window to return it and decided to stick it out since I have all my other gadgets (laptop, kindle fire, iPod Touch and the big fancy camera) too. I stopped into the BB store where I originally got it and asked what my options were outside of paying full price for a new phone. They could send it out for a refurbished. Is that my best option right now? Am I going to get another Galaxy only to discover it isn't just my particular phone but all Galaxies are horrible? I decided I may as well hold on to it...primarily because of the pictures/videos even though they all automatically upload to photobucket with the app. However, this morning, it has pretty much died. Dead. Totally. Well, not completely, the screen shows 'Samsung Galaxy S II' and I am guessing it will until the battery dies (which, if history repeats itself, shouldn't take too long).

What would you do? What should I do? Outside of getting this replaced with a refurbished phone since I have about a year and a half before I qualify for an upgrade, where can I legitimately purchase a new phone for some not so exorbitant price?

I feel the need to write something...

Something.

I kid.

Watching a horrible baseball game is making me nuts.

I keep starting a post...and then change my mind.  I should go to bed, but I can't.  I've already done the dishes, started a load of laundry.  And then returned to my seat in front of the my laptop trying to avoid glancing at the tv and watching this absolutely horrible baseball game.  

Some observations:

• Valverde just needs to sit out the rest of the series.  
• Verlander needs to be banned from all contact with Kate Upton until the off-season.  Yes, I am taking the popular stance of blaming her for any crappy outing he may have.
• While I dug long hair on guys when I was in high school, that was *ahem* 20+ years ago and I seriously want to run out on to the field in San Fran with a pair of scissors!

On a side note, totally unrelated to baseball or sports in general:  what the hell is up with the mouths of certain high profile Republican women???  I'm referring to Sarah Pailin and Ann Coulter.  Can't someone put a muzzle on them?

Fruit-Stuffed French Toast sandwiches

From the Try-It Diet:  Eating Clean:  A Two-Week Healthy Eating Plan
(F+W Media, Inc.)

4 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp vanilla almond milk (first time trying it was yesterday...never realized this stuff was so yummy)
2 tbsp agave nectar
4 slices sprouted grain bread (I am lazy, didn't search for that, used my old stand by:  Aunt Millie's fat free whole wheat)
8 tbsp sugar-free fruit spread (I went for reduced sugar concord grape Welch's) (and I didn't measure out, just spread it on)
1 cup nonfat Greek-style yogurt (oops...used plain...and again didn't measure out)
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1 sliced banana

Spray large skillet with olive oil cooking spray, place over medium heat.  Whisk together eggs, almond milk, agave nectar.  Evenly coat both sides of each slide of bread and place in the skillet (I didn't one at a time since I used a medium skillet).  Cook each slice until lightly browned on each side then remove from eat.  Spread the fruit spread evenly on side of all bread slices, followed by a thin layer of yogurt on all bread slices (since I used regular yogurt rather than Greek, it wasn't as thick and basically mixed with the fruit spread).  Layer the strawberries and bananas (and give the leftover slices to your toddler).  Close the sandwiches, place back in the skillet, pressing down on each one slightly.  Cook 2-3 minutes each side.

Enjoy!

About the book - I am finding with many of the recipe books I have downloading, the recipes themselves skip a step or two leaving the reader to figure it out on their own (which is not a big deal for people that cook regularly...I don't, but am trying to make that attempt).  I actually downloaded one that all the measurements were cut off.  I deleted that one.  I have a few other health eating cookbooks (including a vegetarian one) that I have downloaded that appear to have some yummy recipes!

Looks like Stella enjoyed it as well:


Could have been the messiness factor:

I'm fat.

I'm not saying that to fish for compliments (you know...the whole "I'm fat" thing and the "No you're not...your so skinny!").  That is not the intent.  I'm saying it because, well, I believe I am fat.  Yes, I realize that I am now more than 30 lbs. under my pre-pregnancy weight (weighed in tonight at an even 143 lbs.).  Since April/May, I have gone from a size 12 to a size 4 (at least at NY & Co).  For the most part, I think I look and feel great...

However, I see a picture like this (from the beginning of August):

Or this (from this past Thursday):

and I am brought back to reality.

This is what I saw tonight when I looked in the mirror after my workout:

Nope. I am not happy with it. I know that my body did an extraordinary thing just over 16 months ago. But I am not happy with the 'jelly belly' I see. The muffin top if my shirt rides up too high.  I don't get the women my size and bigger that have that body confidence thing going on and not afraid to show it.  That I posted the post-workout pic here is a stretch for me.  Much larger than that, I would not want anyone to see.

I suppose it doesn't help matters that there are some women I follow on instragram that are fitness fanatics.  I see their flat/sculpted abs and want that for myself...knowing darn well that someone in my family just can't have that.

I spent over $150 at the grocery store today with the intent of trying to do more 'clean eating'....we'll see how long I stick that one out.  I only wish my husband would be more open to that idea...after all, the is the one that has dreams of competing in an Iron Man competition!  I am sure a diet of fast food is not optimal for that kind of training!

I am fat.  My 40th birthday is in just over six months.  It really isn't that I want to lose a ton more weight.  I don't.  I just want to retrain the fat.  Is that really too much to ask?  

Friday Photo of the Week

Why I will likely not go see Alex Cross...

I love to read.  A lot.  I read a little bit of everything.  Books that require thought, those that make me laugh (out loud), make me cry, piss me off, etc.  Those that are quite involved, and quick reads to pass the time on a flight, long car ride, long nights with a sleepless child, etc.  For many years, I have been a big James Patterson...love him or hate him (I recently saw a review of a Patterson book that pretty much says he employs a factory of writers given the rate at which he churns out books (and almost always, it is not just his name on the cover)).  I am particular fond of his Alex Cross series.  I have been reading this books for more than 15 years now.

Many years ago, someone had the brilliant idea of turning one of Mr. Patterson's Alex Cross books into a movie.  All well and good.  The fast pace of his books wouldn't be hard to translate into a movie.  As long as the right actor was picked to play the role of Alex Cross.  Unfortunately, years ago, when the first stab at a book to move was 'Kiss the Girls', this did not happen.  Nope.  You read Mr. Patterson's description of Alex Cross (which pretty much occurs in every novel) and you see something like this: tall, athletic, good looking, 40ish, resembles Mohammed Ali.  Just my opinion...but this most definitely does not describe Morgan Freeman.  Nor did it lend to a believable romance between Alex Cross and the female lead played by Ashley Judd.  Nothing against Morgan Freeman, but someone definitely missed the boat on that casting decision.  So bad was that decision that I never did see the move 'Along Came a Spider' - another early Alex Cross novel.

Fast forward to today - a third book in the Alex Cross series has been turned into a movie...released this week.  And while Morgan Freeman is no longer in the role of Alex Cross, another poor casting decision was made in the form of Tyler 'Madea' Perry.  He definitely was not who I pictured when reading the books.  He has played the role of Madea one too many times for me to picture him in another role...especially a 'serious' role.  Can't do it.  Of course, it doesn't help that the movie has altered Alex Cross' background a little bit.  According to one review I read, he was formerly an up and coming star in the Detroit Police Department.  Nope....totally incorrect.  Always Washington D.C.

While I have focused in on the Alex Cross series, as a whole, I am not a fan of seeing most books I have read turned into a movie.  Usually they do not translate well.  At all.  'I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell' is a great example of this.  The book was effing hilarious!  It was awesome!  So great, my husband had to read it as well...and proceeded to circulate it around work.  We were excited to see it turned into a movie.  And then quickly disappointed when we saw this movie.  *sigh*  Always so disappointing...if I loved a book, chances are I am not going to see the movie.

*sigh*

I know Stella...I was hoping the Tigers would wrap it up tonight, too. But alas, the threat of rain has spoiled that plan.

I guess we will wait until tomorrow take down the Evil Empire.

The music makes the workout

I've posted a few times about my Jaybird earbuds.  Yes, I probably seem a little anal about it.  It is true though, I cannot workout, at least not effectively, at least not in my mind, if I don't have music!  And it has to be the right music!  Some will just not do.  Some works fabulously!  Example: yesterday morning, I dragged my tired but into the gym at 6 a.m.  I got up shortly after 5 after not going to bed until 1:00 a.m. (but it was worth it - Go Tigers!)...I started off very sluggishly on the elliptically, not wanting to be there.  Luckily, I have figured out why my ear buds hadn't been working for me (just tip:  I now make sure to connect them to my iPod Touch each time...not just fire up the touch and the ear buds and hope they meet in the middle).  Last week, a friend of mine sent some cds he made for me with nothing but Slipknot.  Yep...that definitely works for getting me fired up for cardio!  I was oh so thankful for it yesterday morning as it pulled me through my entire workout!

eBook Review: Solstice: A Novel of the Zombie Apocalypse (Donna Burgess)

I am all about the zombies these days.  Addicted to The Walking Dead (AMC on Sundays nights).  I am watching it right now actually since they are running them back to back with the new season starting tomorrow night.  I've read World War Z (for all the raves I've heard, wasn't that impressed) and I've read various other zombie-type and/or end of the world type novels.  And, gotta say, Zombieland is one of the most awesome movies ever!  And I'd also recommend Patient Zero - it is the first book in the Joe Ledger series - not a zombie series, but a series about a special ops type group...the first book, though, is all about zombies.

Solstice...another end of the world zombie story.  As far as zombie stories go, it's not the worst...nor is it the greatest.  For some reason, as soon as the zombies start talking (yes the zombies in this book talk), it kinda takes a little away for me.  I don't know why...maybe it's because the zombies are really only supposed to have the most basic function left of their brain...and that does not include speech (or memory - which some of the zombies in this book seem to possess).  Overall, there is a core group of characters - at least one that actually wanted me to cheer when she finally bought it (and was almost disappointed in how it went down).  All about trying to survive in the end of the world.  This story has it's only little twist on the zombie apocalypse and the precipitating events...and it is pretty far out there compared to some of the others (total darkness all the time...almost as if the sun were snuffed out...and the world plunged into another ice age).  I think the author threw a little extra elements into the story that could have either been left out (the marauders..., or she should have further told that part of the story.  I am really not a fan of stories where the author dwells too much on a few parts which in turn causes the author to run through, fast forward or skip over other parts.  It just feels so...incomplete I guess you could say.  And too many do this.  It just leaves me wanting more and/or pissed off!

As a whole, this wasn't an entirely bad book, not regretting the time I spent reading it but it could have been a little better, not so rushed through in a few parts and too much dwelling in other parts.  I'd recommend it if you are looking for a simple read, or another telling of the zombie apocalypse.  

Why do people continue to be so stupid?

I came across this article today...and really, it does make me wonder why so many of us lack common sense with something as simple as protecting our skin?  I admit I was, and continue to be to a certain extent, stupid about protecting my skin.  I used a tanning bed from the age of 17 or 18 until 32....when I had this done:

That was taken a day or two after I had a large chunk of flesh removed (this was in 2005) from my forearm to make sure the melanoma found on the surface had not spread (I was luck that it didn't).  More recently, I had a bit of skin scraped from the other forearm to remove a basal cell carcinoma.  So now I'm scared on both forearms thanks to my need to change the color of my skin.  I haven't touched a tanning bed since I was 32, but still...I am lax about my use of sunscreen and I have had burns in recent years (my legs, in particular) that have me in fear of what is going to show up at some point and what further scars I will add to the collection. 

When I was young (think late teens) I remember joking that at least I could choose which cancer I would get - lung or skin (I smoked for many years, too).  Now, I can't help but think was I really that stupid?  Yep.  And so many people continue to be.  Smoking is hard to quit, I get that...I do.  But what I don't get is why so many people have a hard time quitting the tanning bed.  I mean, if you think about it...so many people use the tanning beds because they think a tan looks better.  Um...do they also find scars attractive?  And let's not forget the thing that was/is 'tanning mom'.  Is that what people want to look like?  Do people find that attractive (and yes, I have seen people like that in 'real life').  But people just don't listen, they just don't care.  They really don't think it will ever happen to them, until it does.  And when it does, they better hope they caught it in time like I did.  And then, like me, they can worry for the rest of their lives about it coming back (becuase chances are pretty good that it will) and when it does, will it be caught in time.  Where will it show up next? 

I only hope I can drive home the importance of skin protection to my daughter.  Yes, she is blessed with skin that tans quite easily since she is biracial...but that doesn't mean she is immune to melanoma.  No one is completely...just some are more at risk than others.

disregard the last post

The letter to Jaybird.  Seems that it is user error. Yep...that would be me...I am the error.  I think I have them figured out.  The trick, you see, is to be smarter than the earbuds...quite the challenge for me!

My letter to Jaybird this morning

Good morning!  I am writing to you in regards to the wireless bluetooth earbuds my husband bought me for our anniversary in August.  Since late spring, I have been on a mission to get in shape, lose weight, etc.  I am in the gym 5-6 days a week, and must have music to workout.  I had been having multiple issues with regular (wired) earbuds in that I could never get a good fit and catching the wire on EVERYTHING.  My husband bought a pair of jaybirds for himself, I loved them and he bought me a pair for our anniversary.  THis is a product I want to love...it is what I want, what I need.  I even bought a new ipod touch as my nano was not bluetooth equipped.  Well...this product I want to love is not working the way I believe it should.  The earbuds don't seem to hold a charge.  At all.  Unless I unplug them seconds before I workout, I can forget them working for me.  Yesterday, I charged them right before working out...45-50 minutes (lunch break) they were in use.  I went to use them this morning.  Dead.  I tried to use my husbands instead as they were charged but not used yesterday.  Dead.  What is going on here?  Please help.  I WANT to love these, but they need to work in order for me to do so!!

To My Peanut...

Oh Stella...you are growing so quickly.  I cannot believe how fast the time flies now that you have entered our lives!  Already, you are almost 16 months old...soon transitioning to your next room at daycare.  You have been walking now for nearly a month, very rarely crawling these days.  Still not much in the way of words, but I am sure that once you start talking, there may be no stopping you!  Your personality is just so much fun to watch develop (even those...ahem...wonderful toddler temper tantrums).  I want so much for you.  So much that I never had.  And I hope many of the lessons I've learned in life, I can pass on to you and spare you from having to learn them yourself.

• Don't give up.  Don't ever give up.  I've done this.  I've done this many times.  And have regretted it.  
• Don't let anyone tell you you can't do something.  You can.  
• Don't ever let anyone tell you you aren't good enough.
• Don't settle.  Settling will only make you miserable in the long run.
• Please take care of your health.  I know when you're young, you think nothing bad will ever happen to you.  You are young and invincible.  We have all felt like that at some point.  
• Don't smoke...honestly?  Don't even just try it.  I did that.  I smoked for many years.  Not proud of that at all.  
• I know you tan easily.  You are blessed in that way...but still?  Use sunscreen.  Don't end up scarred like your mom!
• Drinking...if you must...practice moderation.  I am not sure I have ever figured it out (nor many of my relatives)...drinking to excess does not lead to good things happening.
• Exercise - great stress relief!  Definitely better than smoking and/or drinking!
• We will do what we are able to to make sure that you get a good education.  Please do not slack off in high school like your mother did!  One of my biggest regrets is doing that and then not going to college right out of high school.  Yes, college is not for everyone...and we won't push it if you truly don't want to go, but our hope is that you do (just please...if you love us, don't go to Michigan!).
• Speak up when you're not happy.
• Speak up when you see something that is not right.
• Don't go along just to go along - be your own person, don't let others tell you who you should be.
• Respect your parents, but don't fear us.  Fear will only lead to resentment when you're older.  

There is definitely more to add to this but (here's another lesson) - sleep is important and your mommy has definitely be behind on it lately!

Most importantly...know that Mommy and Daddy love you...and always will no matter what!