Pretend Chef

My hours at work have increased. Not in a scheduled way but because my workload has increased. What once was only a single task has grown to a handful of functions. Because I like to finish my work before I go home I often times go in at 6:30a.m. and leave around 5:45p.m. Rare occasions I leave right on time at 5. Lunch is often ate at my desk. I know, I know. Slapping my own hand. My waistline is suffering from this.

I have packed on quite a bit of weight in the past year. In an effort to change my poor eating habits since entering the work force I have begun packing my lunches everyday. Never knowing if I will be at work 8 hours or 11 hours I end up packing breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

Every morning my 4 year old will ask what I'm taking and want to peek in my lunch bag. Since he started taking an interest that has forced me to make better choices. "Oh ham samich I like dat"... "Bahnana dat's yums" Because he sees me making healthy choices he too will ask to mimic what's in my lunch bag.

I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to sample Way Better Snacks. I received 6 bags of chips: No Salt Naked Blues, Simply Sweet Potato, Simply Sunny Multi-Grain, Simply Beyond Black Bean, Simply Unbeatable Blues, and Simply So Sweet Chili.

These aren't just ordinary chips. These are sprouted chips that carry nutritional value due to nutrient-dense grains and seeds. Some of the seeds include broccoli seeds, organic daikon radish seeds, organic chia seeds, organic flax seeds, and organic quinoa. Look at a few of the benefits below:

Increased Vitamins and Minerals
Increased Antioxidants
Increased Digestibility and
Increased Nutrient Absorption

Out of the chips we tried my son enjoyed the Simply So Sweet Chili. They reminded him of Nacho Cheese Doritos. Score! A healthier alternative and something I feel better about serving to him.

All of their snacks are: All Natural, Vegan, Certified Gluten Free, Non GMO, Certified Kosher, Excellent Source of Whole Grains, Low Sodium, Good Source of Fiber, and Contain No Trans Fat, Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives.

Give them a try and I think you'll be as excited as I am about this product.

Contact Information:

GoWayBetter.com

3750 Express Driv South, Islandia, NY 11749

Office: (631) 761-6950

Fax: (631) 761-6954

Like them at Facebook.com/WayBetterSnacks

Follow them @WayBetterSnacks

Just Bacon A Living

2013-03-13T03:00:00.000-05:00

(All images are from a forwarded email.)

Diet Utensil

2013-02-20T03:00:00.000-06:00

(Image is from a forwarded email.)

Unique Vending Machines

2013-01-19T03:00:00.000-06:00

1. Live Crab Vending Machine In China

This vending machine in Nanjing, China sells live "fresh" crabs. The machine maintains an internal temperature of 41F to keep the crabs in a hibernation state without killing them. If you receive a dead crab from the vending machine, the company says it will compensate you with three live ones.

2. Caviar Vending Machine In Los Angeles

Consider yourself in luck if you have a sudden craving for Imperial River Beluga Caviar wandering around Beverly Hills, Los Angeles — as long as it hits before 2 AM. A few machines in the neighborhood's malls will sell you an ounce of the roe for a cool $500. They also have escargot, truffles, and even a $4 mother of pearl spoon. Thank goodness!

3. Lettuce Vending Machine In Japan

This $90,000 vending machine called "The Chef's Farm" can grow 60 heads of lettuce a day using florescent light bulbs.

4. Pizza Vending Machine In Europe

Let's Pizza serves 10.5" "fresh" pies 24 hours a day for $6 each. The machine kneads the dough, sauces the pizza, adds toppings (you have a choice of three), and heats pizza in an oven in less than three minutes.

5. Banana Vending Machine In Japan

Located in Tokyo's Shibuya train station, this machine dispenses both single bananas and 'naners in bunches. Both are wrapped in plastic. At $1.50 per banana, they do cost more than what you would pay at the average Japanese grocery. BUT, Dole conveniently provides bins on the side of the vending machine where you can discard peels.

6. Mashed Potato Vending Machine In Singapore

This mashed potato vending machine lives in a 7-11 in Singapore. It costs one dollar to fill your cup with hot mashed potatoes and a vat of gravy. A DOLLAR WELL SPENT.

7. French Fries Vending Machine In Australia

The machine stores frozen potatoes. When an order comes in, the robot genius who lives inside will flash fry them for two minutes then season them before serving. It will cost you between $1.50-$2.00. What a deal.

8. Beer and Sake Vending Machine In Japan

Shuts down at 11pm :(

9. Eggs, Milk, And Cheese Vending Machine In Germany

Peter-und-Paul-Hof farm got tired of delivering their food door to door, so they decided to set up vending machines.

10. Egg Vending Machine In Japan

Each morning in Nagoya, Japan this vending machine is stocked with fresh eggs. A bag of 10-12 eggs costs $3.

11. Hot Bread Vending Machine In Germany

This German vending machine heats up partially baked bread in seconds.

12. Sprinkles Cupcake ATM In The United States

So far, Sprinkles Cupcake ATMs are only in Beverly Hills and Chicago. Both are open 24 hours and a cupcake costs $4.

13. Baguette Vending Machine In Paris

Bread in Paris is no joke, and now you can get it at any time of day with this baguette vending machine. The bread is partially cooked before being put in the vending machine, and then it finishes baking per order and costs approximately $1.30.

14. Burger Vending Machine In Moscow

Spotted: burger vending machine in Moscow's sheremetyevo international airport. Never miss your plane again!

15. Rice Vending Machine In Japan

From this rice vending machine in Himeji, Japan, you can get a 22-pound bag of rice for between $30-$40 depending on the variety (there are eight different kinds).

16. Hot Dog Vending Machine In The United States

For $2, Leon's Grill vending machine will warm a hot dog and bun then give it to you.

17. Draft Beer Vending Machine In Japan

Mmmm hmmmm. It'll cost you $12 per pint.

18. The "Hot Menu" Vending Machine In Japan

There is one vending machine for every 23 people in Japan according to the country's Vending Machine Manufacturers Association. This one in Osaka dispenses hot food like fried chicken, squid balls, and fish fillet.

19. Pecan Pie Vending Machine In Texas

In Cedar Creek, Texas you can buy a baked pecan pie from Berdoll Pecan Farm for $17.50 right outside its retail store.

20. Vending Machine Restaurant In The Netherlands

Fast food is faster in Amsterdam with FEBO, a chain Automat that dispenses food through a vending machine. The menu includes things like croquettes stuffed with veal or beef. Everything at this restaurant costs less than $10.

21. Canned Bread Vending Machine In Japan

For $4 you can get a cute little can of bread from this vending machine in Japan. Flavors include chocolate chip, coffee, and fruit.

These No Longer Exist But Are Worth Mentioning

22. Ice Cream Vending Machine In The United States

Moo Bella was a touch screen vending machine that provided freshly scooped ice cream and mix-ins producing 96 different combinations to choose from.

23. Lobster Vending Machine In Las Vegas

Tinoco's Bistro in Las Vegas (now closed) had a live lobster claw outside the restaurant where you could put $2 in and try your luck for dinner. If you actually got a lobster, the restaurant would cook it for you free of charge.

24. Vending Machine Restaurant ("Automat") in NYC

Automats — restaurants that serve food out of vending machines — were all the rage in 20th century America until about the 1980s or so. A spot called "Bamn" in NYC's East Village tried to revive the trend in 2006; it was short lived and closed by 2009. Pictured above, it served mostly sandwiches and burgers.

25. This Is The Worst And It Has Never Changed

(Post is a forwarded email.)

Getting Older and Wider...Um... Wiser

2013-01-18T03:00:00.000-06:00

(All images are from a forwarded email.)

A Possible Dose Of Birth Control?

2013-01-04T03:00:00.000-06:00

Having a 4 year old I have had my share of messes to clean. Photo worthy moments like these below:

(All images are from a forwarded email.)

Avoiding The Return Lines

2012-12-26T03:00:00.000-06:00

This Christmas was a success. Santa, ~~being myself~~, treated me to a Keurig and a new toaster along. Santa spoiled Little Man with four Christmases and mama needing to move out of this two bedroom apartment and into a house with a giant playroom. For now... I will enjoy this single serving of french vanilla coffee while watching Little Man play with his toys grateful that there is nothing needing to be returned. Hopefully you all had a very Merry Christmas!

(Images are from a forwarded email.)

Merry Christmas

2012-12-25T03:00:00.000-06:00

(All images are from a forwarded email.)

Merry Christmas Eve

2012-12-24T06:43:00.002-06:00

A History Lesson... For Me Anyway

2012-12-16T03:00:00.000-06:00

(All images are from a forwarded email.)

Husband's Curfew

2012-12-15T03:00:00.000-06:00

Got home a little late last night and the wife left a message in the kitchen.

I guess she wants me to eat more fruit.

Donation from Walter

2012-11-27T03:00:00.000-06:00

(Image is from a forwarded email.)

Pinteresting #14

2012-11-26T03:00:00.000-06:00

Coffee Card from Random Acts of Creativity

Top 13 "Ministry" Meals from Take Them A Meal

Breakfast Casserole from Bran Appetit

From ohsnapitsjuzdin on Tumblr

Body Scrub from Pinterest

Flat Belly Diet Smoothie Recipes from Prevention

From It's Fitness Baby

From Chefs Catalog

Patina Collegiate Firepits from Burning Firepits

Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Syrup from Lady Behind the Curtain

The Cube Tray from Oh Gizmo!

Two Leaves and a Bud Review

2012-11-25T03:00:00.000-06:00

After watching one of my favorite YouTubers, Allison, do a review of her favorite tea products I just knew I had to give this brand a try. Two Leaves and A Bud provides high quality teas in pyramid shaped satchels. Their name comes from the method of plucking tea, two leaves and a bud.

Alpine Berry - Berry teas are not a favorite but the aroma is sweet and very berry.
White Peony (light and caffeinated) - Reminded me of the smell of being a little girl playing in a field of flowers. Such a comforting tea. You can see the flower petals in the satchel. Not bitter at all.
Organic Darjeeling Whole Leaf Black Tea - Think about black tea is that I find them boring. However, this is smooth and an enjoyable cup of tea.
Organic Pomi-Berry (no caffeine) - Smells earthy and has a sweet and fruity taste. Wish I had another satchel in order to try it iced.
Better Belly Blend (no caffeine) - Tastes like there may be fennel in it. Had a stomach ache this morning and within 20 minutes my stomach was settled. Tastes really delicious. Smooth. One of my favorites.
Organic Chamomile (no caffeine) - When I go to the grocery store to refill my tea stash I usually go for Chamomile. This smells and tastes delicious. Another favorite. Love the calming effect since it is so comforting.
Organic Sencha Green Tea (lightly caffeinated) - This tea reminds me of the first time I tried a green tea frappuccino from Starbucks since it tastes similar. My absolute favorite green tea I have ever had.
Tropical Goji Green Tea (lightly caffeinated) - This tea has a hint of fruitiness. Not as strong of a green tea taste like the Organic Sencha Green Tea. Delicious. Another tea I wish I had another satchel of to try iced.
Jasmine Petal Green Tea - Ick! Foul on it's own. Added a packet of Splenda and it made it somewhat palatable.
Mountain High Chai Black Tea (full caffeine) - Hands down my favorite in the bunch. Wish I had more of this. I could see myself enjoying this every morning instead of a cup of coffee. Gasp. I never though those words would ever come out of my mouth or leave my fingertips. Perfect on its own.
Tamayokucha Green Tea (light caffeine) - This smells like green beans. Milder taste than Sencha Green Tea. I prefer the Sencha but this is still tasty.
Better Morning Blend Whole Leaf Herbal Blend - What makes it a better morning? The energizing lemongrass and peppermint aroma. Yummy!
African Sunset Red Tea caffeine free - First time trying a red tea. Reminds me of the smells of a hospital. The smell is off putting. The taste isn't so bad but I can't get over the smell.
Gen Mai Cha Green Tea - Smells like seaweed but doesn't taste like it. Made me crave Annie's Seaweed Snacks.
Better Rest Blend (caffeine free) - Tried drinking a glass before bedtime while my 4 year old was still awake. Anything but restful. Body feels heavy. Feel like melting into bed. Plan better than I did and put the babies to sleep before beginning your wind down time.
Organic Peppermint Herbal Tea (caffeine free) - I love peppermint flavored treats. This was too strong a peppermint taste. I could only handle a half cup. It upset my stomach. Even though that was the case this is my second favorite tea from the batch. Next time I will steep less than I did.
Organic Asam Breakfast (full caffeine) - The smell out of the plastic package didn't excite me. Not an exciting cup of tea but perfect for that caffeine jolt. Taste is somewhat bitter and would probably taste better with milk and sugar.
Organic Earl Grey - My favorite kind of black tea. This didn't disappoint.

They have released a new line, Paisley Tea Co, which focuses on British-style teas. Given how much I enjoyed the 18 teas I was able to sample I am sure I would love these just as much. It was a pleasure being able to sample these teas for review and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to have been able to do so.

Happy House Hunting

2012-11-06T20:10:00.000-06:00

(Image is from a forwarded email.

Maxine's Words of Wisdom

2012-11-05T03:00:00.000-06:00

(All images are from a forwarded email.)

Too Cute To Eat

2012-11-04T03:00:00.000-06:00

(All images are from a forwarded email.)

Halloween Inspired Cakes

2012-11-03T07:47:00.001-05:00

Yes, I realize Halloween has already passed but I couldn't pass up sharing this email. Because I have been so busy this week with working late, trick-or-treating with my son, and a company event I've been too exhausted to get on my laptop at the end of the day. This morning I am sitting down and catching up on emails while enjoying a cup of tea. Oh how I love the pace of a weekend morning.

Little Man as Spiderman! He was so brave this year trick-or-treating telling me, "I can go by my own self." He thanked every person who handed him candy. He is so incredibly cute!

I was the Sun Drop girl. I danced around the office all day at work and placed second in the costume contest and won $75!

So now for those Halloween cakes (all images are from the forwarded email).

Pinteresting #13

2012-10-29T03:00:00.000-05:00

I pull long hours at work and come home and wake up exhausted. I've gained back 30 pounds, don't workout, and feel like something is missing from my life. A feeling of complete happiness I once felt. I'm stuck in a rut. I have lost all motivation. I'm hoping that by putting this onto my blog it will somewhat keep me accountable. I have to make a change. For myself and my son. For those of you who are in my boat feeling a little lost here is some inspiration.

Start the year (why not now?) with an empty jar and fill it with notes about good things that happen. Then, on New Years Eve, empty it and see what awesome stuff happened that year. Good way to keep things in perspective. I would probably take this a step further and type out all of the notes and add them to a memory book along with photos from the year.

During those rare moments where I have some peace and quiet to stop and reflect on the changes I'd like to make I think about what would make me happy and the steps I need to take in making that happen. The first step is what I am afraid of and what I know will be the hardest. Knowing I'll land on both feet makes this easier.

While I don't think hitting the bottle is the answer to any problem I don't think there is anything wrong with the occasion drink to unwind. Any one of these cocktails will do... a plate of cheese and crackers with good quality salami would also be a welcome way to greet the weekend.

Salty Chihuahua from Fitness Magazine

Making dinner has become a chore. I need to find my passion for cooking again. Starting out with packing healthy snacks and meal planning will help avoid pulling into a drive thru.

Road Trip Snacks from Thrive

Making a meal plan the night before so I know exactly what my meals and snacks will be and keep better track of my calories. I originally lost my 50 lbs by calorie counting. It works for me. Find what works for you.

Beef Satay from CHEFS

Now that I'm a working mom I need to learn not to feel guilty for using the vacation time I have earned by putting in long hours and take that vacation I have been dreaming of, exploring the surrounding areas, or just enjoy my time at home with my son. Life is too short to not slow down and enjoy what is happening now.

Start the morning off on the right note by eating...err... drinking breakfast with a protein shake such as this and getting in a good sweat session.

Shamrock Protein Shake from The Recipes

I am already feeling better about the commitment I am making for myself to find a place of happiness and boost my self esteem again.

Virgin Vs Extra Virgin.. A Tale In Parenting

2012-09-19T07:16:00.000-05:00

Oh shit! Too much information!

(All images were from a forwarded email.)

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Florentine

2012-09-18T03:00:00.000-05:00

While the rice florentine portion of this 30 minute meal was delicious the chicken was the standout component. My 4 year old gobbled his piece up while picking around the spinach in his rice. Another delicious recipe from the Rice-A-Roni and Noodle-Roni: Recipes For Busy Cooks cookbook.

Stars of the Show:

1 package (6.9 oz) Rice-A-Roni Chicken Flavor
1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained - I used fresh spinach.

And Action:

Prepare Rice-A-Roni as package directs.

While Rice-A-Roni is simmering, combine breadcrumbs and cheese. Beat together egg and milk in separate dish. Coat chicken in crumb mixture, dip into egg mixture, then coat agin with crumb mixture.

In second large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and no longer pink inside.

Stir spinach into rice; heat through. Serve rice topped with chicken.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

Calories: 560

Total Fat: 25g

Saturated Fat: 5g

Cholesterol:130mg

Sodium: 1075mg

Carbohydrates: 44g

Fiber: 3g

Protein: 39g

Vitamin A: 118%

Vitamin C: 32%

Calcium: 22%

Iron: 38%

Lemon-Garlic Chicken And Rice

2012-09-17T03:00:00.000-05:00

When I first started this blog my mama was so supportive. I received a surprise package and inside it was loaded with cookbooks. In that stack was a Rice-A-Roni and Noodle-Roni: Recipes For Busy Cooks cookbook. At the time convenience cooking wasn't that necessary since I was an at home mama. Now that I work a full time job meals that come together in 30 minutes or less are very helpful to avoid turning to fast food.

While I don't prefer to cook using boxed mixes because of the sodium content I don't mind every once in a while. I once only thought of Rice-A-Roni as a side dish. This cookbook has changed that thinking. Seasoned chicken is browned in a skillet then simmers with the rice as it cooks. Before serving red bell peppers (forgot to buy one) and lemon peel are stirred into the rice.

This was absolutely flavorful and enjoyed by everyone. Definitely a keeper recipe for a busy work night. Just serve with a tossed salad.

Lemon-Garlic Chicken And Rice

Rice-A-Roni And Noodle-Roni: Recipes For Busy Cooks

Makes 4 servings

Stars of the Show:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 tsp paprika
salt and pepper (optional)
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 package (6.9 oz) Chicken Flavor Rice-A-Roni
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup red or green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 tsp grated lemon peel

Action:

Sprinkle chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and garlic, cook 2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from skillet, set side, reserve drippings. Keep warm.

In the same skillet, saute rice-vermicelli mix in reserved drippings over medium heat, until vermicelli is golden brown. Stir in 2 1/4 cups water, lemon juice, and contents of seasoning packet. Top rice with chicken, bring to a boil over high heat.

Cover, reduce heat. Simmer 10 minutes. Stir in red bell pepper and lemon peel.

Cover and continue to simmer 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed, rice is tender and chicken is no longer pink inside.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

Calories: 360

Total Fat: 8g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 70mg

Vitamin A: 41%

Vitamin C: 87%

Sodium: 850mg

Carbohydrates: 39g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Protein: 33g

Calcium: 4%

Iron: 22%

Maintaining A Healthy Level Of Insanity

2012-09-09T03:00:00.000-05:00