melonbelly

FAB 5 - July

2011-07-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

Bread Machine This isn't just my July Fav - it is one of my favorites over the past 3 years! I LOVE my bread machine. It is one of those things I thought I would never use, but I use it all the time! When it is cool outside I use it at least twice a week! The above pic is the model that I own. My mom bought it for me several years ago. I usually make her delicious Whole Wheat Flax Seed Buns

noise with dirt on it....

2011-07-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Boy, n.: a noise with dirt on it. ~Not Your Average Dictionary God has blessed me with two healthy, energetic, vibrant, hilarious, mischievous and exhausting little boys! Did I mention exhausting?? :) I am so grateful for them and even their shenanigans! There is not a single dull moment around this place, that is for sure! Now, I realize that little girls do not sit around their house in

Ancient Multigrain Bread (bread machine - or not!)

2011-07-20T14:49:00.004-05:00

When it is a gazillion degrees outside who doesn't think, "I want to bake bread!" No? Oh, I'm the only one? No worries, you can make this yummy and healthy bread without heating up your entire house! Why should you make this bread? It is hearty, chewy, moist and my kids LOVED it! Also, have you ever heard of Quinoa? There are numerous health benefits of incorporating

mommy pedicure

2011-07-20T13:48:00.002-05:00

Note re: weigh-in Wed

2011-07-20T13:44:00.002-05:00

Weigh-In Wed has been moved over to the melonbelly facebook page! This way we can keep it more interactive. Join the FB page to join in the fun!

who knew...

2011-07-15T20:08:00.000-05:00

vacuuming could be so much fun? or mowing for that matter! I plan to remind them of this when they are teenagers!

Healthy No Bake Cookies - DELICIOUS!

2011-07-13T07:00:00.002-05:00

Healthy? Cookies? Yes, they truly are! These cookies are one of my favorite summer treats to make for my boys! I prefer these way more than the sugary-buttery version. Blech. Who are we kidding...some recipes just taste better with all that unhealthy stuff. Honestly though, this is a healthy recipe that you will not miss any of it it. I really do like these better....Why do I love these

Healthy Banana Blueberry Bread

2011-07-08T17:48:00.002-05:00

I love a yummy bread with my cup of coffee in the morning, but struggle to find ones that arent full of sugar and oil! Don't get me wrong, those are plenty yummy - but not really the way I want to start my day! I have a recipe for a FANTASTIC zucchini bread that I will share with you later, but that is more of a dessert! This is a perfect breakfast or snack treat, at only 150 calories!!! Don't

Weigh-In Wednesday: Jury Duty

2011-07-06T11:02:00.000-05:00

Sorry about not having this ready this morning. This whole Monday-Holiday thing really through me off. I still thought today was Tuesday! Whew. Ok, I have something on my mind that is TOTALLY not related to weight loss (probably because I took the weekend week off and am stuffed to the gills with 4th of July food. Hometown cases as well as national ones have left me pondering.....You can

Weigh-In Wed: Dreams

2011-06-29T05:48:00.000-05:00

Welcome to.....Weigh-In Wednesday!! Yep, it's that wonderful time again! This week, other than just reporting your digits, please share your ups and down. What were your struggles? What area did you rock it? Also, if you gained or didn't lose and you don't feel comfortable writing that, just include the other info! Weigh-In Wednesday Question: What is one big dream (or list more) that

Cranberry Chicken Feta Salad with Pecans

2011-06-27T16:39:00.000-05:00

Wasn't that a mouth full?? This was dinner for us last night, which even my three-year-old loved!! It's quick, simple and delicious - oh my! This is by far my new fav! It is one of those salads that is so amazing that there really is no need for dressing! Cranberry Chicken Feta Salad with Pecans2 c Romaine lettuce or Spinach, chopped1 Chicken Tender, grilled & shredded (note: I used a

FAB 5 - June

2011-06-24T16:02:00.000-05:00

These are some of my favorite new finds from June. I have provided links for you to click if you want to know more about them or even purchase one! I, however, am not paid by these companies. Rats! I just love 'em! :) Also, if you are a couponer - you can get them much cheaper at the store! If not, some of them are priced better on amazon than in the store (especially books). 1. BOOKS

Weigh-In Wedesday: THE MOMENT OF TRUTH!

2011-06-22T08:38:00.003-05:00

It's a blog hop! :) Link to your blog at the bottom and we will all have some great health/weight loss ideas!! Well, now isn't this just a ball of fun. Today is the day where I am telling my computer ya'll my weight. Before it gets too wild around here I want to clarify some very important things about this process..... Why am I doing this? After college, a stressful job and then having two

Coming Soon: Weigh-In Wednesday

2011-06-20T22:49:00.002-05:00

Weigh-In Wednesday is coming this week! The day is still TBD - just kidding - weak attempt at a joke. I encourage you to join me in one of the following aspects of Weigh-In Wednesday: 1. Each Wednesday I will ask a thought provoking, funny, controversial, ridiculous, fun, interesting, odd or current events question. The question could be on health topics, but I am interested in you

Red, White and Blue Popsicles

2011-06-12T21:30:00.002-05:00

This is a perfect treat for a hot summer day! Your kids can make them (mine did!) and you probably have the ingredients on hand! It doesn't get any easier than this!! A perfect 4th of July treat!! I let the boys make these, so the layers are a little off....but they had a blast making them! :) Recipe at bottom of page!!! I LOVE my Ikea popsicle molds! I use them to make all sorts of

Dark Chocolate Banana Chips

2011-06-09T08:16:00.000-05:00

I am addicted to love dark chocolate. I could open a bag of dark chocolate chunks and eat half of it in one sitting. I wish I was kidding. Anyway, it is something that I am not willing to live without and believe that I don't have to. However, I am always coming up with creative ways to enjoy it in moderation. I also try to give my kids healthy treats. I have made chocolate covered bananas

Garden Frittata

2011-06-07T22:16:00.005-05:00

YUMMMM!!! I love making frittatas for breakfast. I usually dump whatever veggies that I have into it and it always turns out great! There is nothing fancy about this Garden Frittata, but it is SO GOOD! I kept this one on the super healthy side and provided the nutrition info for you too. As long as you just mix-n-match veggies your calorie intake will remain in this ballpark. My husband

RELAUNCH!

2011-06-07T17:50:00.003-05:00

Ok, so when I was wondering how I announce to nobody that I am back to blogging. I thought of the would "relaunch" and had to chuckle. Really? A Relaunch? Of what? Anyway, that's what I am calling it. I am back in business, baby! I have a family blog that I use as my family journal/baby book, but wanted to have a personal space for my antics. Here is is! Recipe coming soon!!!

Shutterfly Holiday Cards!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-02T15:50:00.001-06:00

Can you tell that I am a tad-bit excited? This is my first year of sending out Christmas cards. Yes, I realize that my last mass-mailing was for my wedding. I guess I am doing the every 5yr plan....although the only problem that I see with that plan is that a few things change in that amount of time - just a few! Anyway, I decided that this year was THE YEAR! I have used shutterfly for a

Tyson's ABC's

2010-11-23T06:00:00.001-06:00

Challenge #30: Never Stop Growing!

2010-09-30T19:00:00.015-05:00

This whole journey has been just that - a journey. There is no end. This isn't something that was "accomplished" in 30days. However, I did learn a lot during this time. I cannot blog daily. Sleep is more important than blogging. It is important to be mindful/thoughtful of how I raise my children. This isn't really one of those "wing it" things that I love so much! Sometimes you do just

Challenge #29: Keep Learning

2010-09-29T19:00:00.001-05:00

My greatest role model is here visiting - my big sis! I wish you could all have her for a sister (except that whole sharing her part - that doesn't thrill me). She is wise, kind, gentle, humble, honest, strong, nonjudgemental...the list goes on and on. She is someone you can go to for anything/everything. She inspires me to be better in so many ways. I encourage you to reach out to those

Challenge #28: Prioritize

2010-09-28T19:00:00.030-05:00

Does it ever seem like everyone and everything needs to be addressed? As women we are the caregivers, which means we are constantly running around taking care of things. However, someone or something always gets left out. I believe that it is impossible to do it all! I wish I could, but I can't and I have come to accept that. Believe it or not, I could solve all of the world's problems today

Challenge #27: This too shall pass....

2010-09-27T19:00:00.002-05:00

Yes, we have all taken turns passing around the popular ol' cold funk. It makes for a tired mommy and cranky kids. Did I mention whiny? Yep, all of us..apparently! =D But, ya know what? This too shall pass! This is a reminder that I give myself sometimes every second minute day week. Sometimes it feels like the current "issue or situation" will never end. Don't get me wrong...I never wish

Challenge 25-26: One-on-One

2010-09-26T21:33:00.001-05:00

This weekend went a little different than planned...SURPRISE...sicko kiddo. I did enjoy some individual snuggle time, chatting in the car with J on the way to church while T stayed home and snuggled with dad (both were great one-on-ones). I always have these big plans, but...ya know, the most important things are often the little ones that happen along the way. No, I didn't have major