Tara in the ATL

A New Me and A New Blog

2011-03-30T16:24:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let you guys know that I have created a new blog called The Chubby Runner! I don't plan on updating this one anyone so I hope you'll join me over at TCR!

1/12 Sunset

2011-01-13T12:52:00.000-05:00

(Click photos to enlarge!)

Diet-Friendly Brownies

2011-01-04T18:59:00.002-05:00

When I started my weight-loss journey last January I knew I would have a very hard time giving up sweet stuff...aka...chocolate! Over the course of last year I found many great diet-friendly recipes and thought I'd share this one with you guys today. It's super easy!

1 box of brownie mix (any kind will do)
Use to amount of water the directions call for + 1 Tbsp.

2 egg whites, whipped (replaces the equivalent of 1 egg)

Replace the oil the package calls for with the same amount of all-natural applesauce

Mix everything together like you normally would and place in a 9x13 greased pan and bake until done according to package temperature. Mine took about 20 minutes. By putting it in a rectangular pan instead of a square pan you are making the portions smaller. It's all about fooling yourself! My last batch yielded 15 brownies.

*I was able to save 120 Calories and 9 grams of fat per brownie without sacrificing the taste!

2011 Resolutions

2011-01-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

It's that time again...time to figure out what resolutions I plan on making for the new year! Last year my goal was to get healthy and lose weight and I've done exactly that! I'm down 65lbs. and have never felt better!!! I still have 45lbs. to go to reach my big goal of losing 110lbs. in total, but I don't fret because I know I'll get there in time!

I've thought long and hard about what to do for 2011. Back in early December I really felt like God was calling me to go completely out of my comfort zone. After a lot of prayer and fasting, I have decided to push forward with the calling and run my first ever race in 2011!!! I am vowing to run a 10K this year folks! I can run about 3 miles right now before wanting to collapse so I've got a lot of training to do if I'm going to make it 6.2 miles!!! I'm not looking to be the winner of the race, I simply want to finish it! I keep joking that the finish line may not even be in place by the time I get to it, but I will FINISH nonetheless!!!

This could very well be the biggest resolution I have ever taken on in my life!!! My plan is to run the race some time towards the end of the year. My hope is that by stepping up my training I'll reach my goal weight and then start a new goal weight! Time will tell. I'll be sure to keep you guys posted on my progress throughout the year.

So, what are some of your resolutions for 2011???

Mexican Cornbread

2010-12-14T10:17:00.000-05:00

1 box of Jiffy cornbread mix

1 egg, beaten

1 can Mexicorn, drained (reserve liquid)

1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

2 tbsp. reserved Mexicorn liquid

Preheat oven to 400. Spray a square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Mix all ingredients together in medium-sized bowl. Pour into baking pan and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Let cool before cutting.

*This is such an easy cornbread to make! I quadrupled the recipe since I'm taking it to bible study tonight to serve 60 women along with a chili and a bean soup my friends are bringing!

Taco Chili Mac

2010-12-05T15:34:00.000-05:00

The other day I found Taco Chili Soup featured on Craftomaniac. As soon as I saw the recipe I knew I wanted to try it this weekend! With a little help from my crockpot I made it today. It's so delicious!!! Like with most recipes I try, I changed things up a bit and am now calling it Taco Chili Mac. I hope you guys will give this one a try this week!

2 cups cooked elbow macaroni

1 lb. ground turkey or chicken

1 softball-sized onion, diced (cook w/ ground turkey)

1 (14.5oz.) can of diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (15.5oz.) can dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15.5oz.) can light kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (8oz.) can tomato sauce

1 (15oz.) can corn, drained

1 (4oz.) can diced green chilies

1 cup taco sauce

1 cup chunky salsa (I used mild)

1 envelope of taco seasoning

Brown ground turkey with onion. Drain any fat. Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Put all of the ingredients in crockpot and mix well. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese or crushed tortillas if desired.

Baked Peanut Butter Oatmeal

2010-12-04T10:45:00.000-05:00

I found this recipe last month over on TidyMom's site. I made it this morning and I couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out.

1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup white sugar

3/4 cup milk (I used skim)

1/4 cup melted butter (I used Smart Balance)

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

warm milk for serving

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together in large bowl. Spread evenly into a 9x13 baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve in a bowl and add a splash of warm milk. Devour!

*I cut mine into 12 portions and they were about the size of a large brownie. I can't wait for leftovers!!!

**If you are naughty (this might not be the time of year to admit it!) you could add 1/4 cup chocolate chips to the mixture before baking. I would have done this, but I'm down 60 pounds and want to keep it that way!!!

Makeup Pedestal

2010-11-30T08:05:00.000-05:00

Last week I helped a friend work on her holiday decorations and as a thank-you she gave me this adorable candlestick and plate. I brought it home and glued them together like I had done before when I created a dessert pedestal for my mom. These colors don't exactly coordinate with my living or dining room areas so I decided to put it in the bathroom. I think it looks great on my vanity with all my makeup and fragrance essentials!

I'm joining Metamorphosis Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch!

Tara's Chocolate Truffles

2010-11-29T12:31:00.000-05:00

6 tbsp chilled butter

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup firmly packed powdered sugar

6 egg yolks

1 tbsp vanilla extract

Create a double boiler. Cut butter into chunks and place on top of boiler. Add the chips and then the powdered sugar. Let melt while you...

Beat the egg yolks in a small bowl with a whisk. Whisk until they are combined and fluffy.

Stir the chocolate until it's completely melted. It will be thick, almost like fudge. Add egg yolk mixture a little at at time and stir constantly. Stir in vanilla. Pull off boiler and put into the fridge for 3 hours.

Rolls balls out of the chocolate mixture and roll into powdered sugar, cocoa, coconut or even crushed candy canes.

Makes about 3 dozen.

Soda Pop Cupcakes

2010-11-26T16:34:00.002-05:00

When I first saw the recipe for these cupcakes I didn't really think much of it. After trying it, I have completely changed my tune! Not only are these low in fat and Calories, but, they taste great too! They are dense and moist all at the same time and don't require frosting.

1 box of cake mix (I used Betty Crocker Chocolate Fudge)

12 oz. soda pop (I used Diet Coke)

Preheat oven to according to package details. Pop liners into cupcake pan. Mix the 2 (yes, just 2!!!) ingredients together well. Fill cupcake liners to the top. Bake according to package details. Let cool before removing from pan.

*My package made 14 cupcakes. This made them have 1.71 grams of fat and 137 Calories each! A great dessert item for dieters!!!

**If using a yellow or white cake mix, I would suggest using a Sprite or 7-UP and not a dark soda.

Ten Pin Alley at Atlantic Station

2010-11-20T22:02:00.000-05:00

I am not really a fan of bowling alleys, but I AM a fan of the one over at Atlantic Station in Atlanta! Earlier tonight I had the privilege of taking a tour of it and I can assure you guys it does not disappoint! Check out a few pictures I took of the lighting they have. Absolutely incredible!!! I hope you guys get a chance to check it out for yourselves. Take the elevator to the upper floors to get a view of the entire place!!!

Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce

2010-11-19T19:56:00.000-05:00

Chicken Tenders
1 cup oats
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp Mrs. Dash original seasoning blend
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1.5 lbs. chicken tenders
2 egg whites

Sauce
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp honey

Preheat oven to 450. Place all dry ingredients into a shallow dish (I used a pie plate) and mix together. Crack eggs and put the whites into a small bowl. Discard the yokes. Dip tenders into egg whites then roll in oat mixture. Place on a foil lined baking sheet that's been heavily sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Dip tenders into the honey mustard dressing and enjoy! ; )

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

2010-11-16T17:58:00.001-05:00

I recently found this recipe over at Finding Joy in My Kitchen. I bookmarked it and decided to make it for dinner this evening. It's a keeper!!! I changed mine up a bit since I didn't want to use meat. I like this recipe because you can really substitute just about any veggie or meat!

2 slices of bread, torn into pieces
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 cups asparagus, chopped (one bunch)
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
salt and pepper to taste

Spray crockpot with a nonstick cooking spray. Place torn pieces of bread on the bottom of the crockpot. Pour in mushrooms and then the asparagus. In separate bowl, beat eggs and add the milk. Add enough salt and pepper to taste to the egg mixture. Pour over the top of the veggies. Sprinkle cheese on top. Cook on high for 1.5 - 2 hours. Enjoy!

*This casserole is not exactly low-fat, but I just served myself enough to fit on a salad plate and it was more than filling!

Photography

2010-11-07T08:43:00.003-05:00

One of the things I haven't been able to do in some time is work. Most of you guys will remember all of the health issues I've had since 2006. I am happy to report that I am doing great and things are definitely moving in a positive direction! I have started doing photography again and am loving every minute of it! I started a bookkeeping course in mid-August and should be done with that around Christmas time. Most of January will be spent studying for my test to become a certified bookkeeper.

I've been busy with church stuff and a few personal projects as well. I've lost 57 pounds this year!!! My goal is to lose a total of 110 pounds by my birthday next June. I know that holidays can be tough so I'm hoping to make it through with out too many issues!

Here are a few pictures to catch you guys up on the past few months...

Gary and Mica were married on October 10th (10-10-10!). I had a lot of fun photographing their wedding!

Here's a picture I took of a gorgeous sunset on Lake Allatoona back in October. If you look closely at the sky you can see what appears to be a skeleton walking in the clouds...too cool! ; )

Last weekend I took a trip to Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN. This is a view from the Point Park area. I definitely recommend visiting the area if you get a chance!

Guess Who's Back???

2010-11-06T23:08:00.000-04:00

So, I really missed you guys and thought it was time to make a return to the blogging world! I was going to delete this blog and I am so glad I decided against it! I can't wait to get caught up on everything you guys have been up to in the past several months. There has been a lot going on around here as well and I'll share that with you in the coming posts.

Much love,

Tara

Butterfly

2010-07-28T11:55:00.000-04:00

I was coming in from Sophie's second walk of the morning when this gorgeous butterfly decided it would sit itself on my shoulder. Needless to say Sophie wasn't very happy about that! I took her inside our apartment, grabbed my camera and headed back to see if I could find the butterfly. Sure enough it was right where I had seen it last. It sat on that one branch for 10 minutes while I walked all around it taking pictures. Talk about beautiful!!! I think I am going to have one of these printed out and framed!

Chicken Parmesan

2010-07-12T07:56:00.000-04:00

I made a similar healthy version of this recipe a while back, but wanted to make a traditional chicken Parmesan last night. It was delicious!!!

1 cup milk
2 eggs, whipped
1 cup dried Italian bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp garlic powder
6 small chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs.)
jarred marinara (I used a veggie blend and added green peppers and onions)
1 lb. of spaghetti (I used whole wheat)

Preheat oven to 400. In a small bowl add milk and eggs. Set aside. In a pie plate or other shallow dish mix together bread crumbs, Parmesan, salt, pepper and seasonings. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil. Lightly spray the foil with nonstick spray. Place chicken in milk mixture then into the bread crumb mixture making sure to coat each side. Place on baking sheet. Repeat until all pieces are coated. Bake for 40 minutes.

While chicken is baking prepare marinara and pasta. Put desired amount of pasta on a plate. Top with a small amount of sauce. Place chicken on top of sauce and then a little more sauce on top. Enjoy!

Blueberry Cobbler

2010-06-28T13:23:00.001-04:00

Last week I was able to score TONS of FREE blueberries by pairing a high dollar coupon with a sale at Publix. I have been trying to make as many blueberry dishes as I can get my hands on in addition to freezing several pints to use in the coming months.

This is my first attempt at a blueberry cobbler and I couldn't be more thrilled! Like most of my recipes it's very easy and so scrumptious!!!

1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
4 cups fresh blueberries
2 tbsp water
1 cup Bisquick
1/4 cup milk
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp butter (cold)
vanilla ice cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 400. In large pot mix 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch. Stir in blueberries and water. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Stir for 1 minute after it has hit boiling and then remove from heat. Pour blueberry mixture into a 13x9 baking dish. Set aside.

Mix remaining ingredients in a small mixing bowl by hand until a soft ball forms. Pinch off pieces of dough and let drop onto hot blueberry mixture. Bake for about 20 minutes or until dough is golden brown.

Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving so the blueberries will thicken up a bit. Serve in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

Metamorphosis Monday: Kitchen Utensil Holder

2010-06-28T04:43:00.000-04:00

See that red holder for all of my kitchen utensils??? It's actually a coffee tin! I primed it with white paint and then spray painted it with three layers of red paint. I've been using it for two and half months now and it's held up well. I like the fact that it cost me about $0 because I had everything already on hand.

*I'm joining Metamorphosis Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch.

Aunt Lou's Lemon-Blueberry Bread

2010-06-22T11:42:00.000-04:00

This recipe is part of a collection of recipes my Aunt Louetta (my mom's sister) has given her over the years. This bread is like eating a summer dessert! I hope you'll enjoy it just as much as our family does.

Bread

1 cup sugar
1 stick butter, softened
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs, whipped
1/2 cup milk
1 pint blueberries

Glaze

1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350. In mixing bowl mix together all ingredients to prepare the bread portion of the recipe minus the blueberries. The batter will be very thick. Gently fold in blueberries. In a 9x5 loaf pan lined with parchment paper, pour bread batter making sure the top is leveled before baking. Bake for 1 hour. Remove loaf from oven and let sit for 15 minutes. Remove bread from the pan and place on a cutting board or other hard surface. Poke holes about half way through the bread. Mix together items for the glaze and use a pastry brush to brush the glaze over the top of the loaf. You will use ALL of the glaze! Let sit for about 30 minutes so it can cool completely.

*I store this bread on a cake plate pedestal since it is EXTREMELY moist from the glaze. If you don't want to do that just wrap in foil.

Baked Ziti

2010-06-16T12:52:00.001-04:00

1-16oz. package of ziti
1 lb. ground beef
1-15oz. container of part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, whipped
salt and pepper to taste
1-45oz. jar of pasta sauce
1-16oz. bag of shredded Mozzerella cheese (yields 4 cups)

Prepare ziti, drain and set aside. It needs to be cool when added to the other ingredients so it does not scramble the egg when combined!!! Brown the beef and drain well. Let sit so it comes to room temp like the pasta. In medium bowl mix together ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper and 2 cups of the Mozzerella cheese. In large bowl or pot (I just use the one I prepared the pasta in) mix together pasta, beef, cheese mixture and 2 cups of the pasta sauce. Place into a greased 13x9 baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of Mozzerella cheese. Spread remaining pasta sauce over the cheese and top with the last cup of Mozzerella cheese. Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Zucchini Bread

2010-06-16T12:42:00.000-04:00

One of the elders at my church brought yellow squash and zucchini from his garden to share with those you wanted to take some home on Sunday. I haven't made zucchini bread in years and was thrilled to get in the kitchen and do some baking!

3 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups coarsely grated zucchini, loosely packed (leave the skin on the zucchini)
2 cups flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350. In large bowl whisk eggs until frothy. Gradually add sugar, oil and vanilla. Whisk until thick and lemon colored. Stir in zucchini. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir dry mixture into wet mixture a little at a time. Make sure it is well combined. Pour evenly into 2 greased loaf pans. Bake for about an hour. Let loaves cool for about 10 minutes then use a knife to run along the sides and edges to loosen the bread. Remove from pans onto wire rack. Let cool completely before storing.

*I like to keep one loaf out to munch on and put the other in the freezer. If freezing, you'll want to wrap it in foil at least two times and place in a gallon size ziplock bag. It can stay in the freezer for about 6 months.

Jazzed Up Refried Beans

2010-06-13T18:43:00.002-04:00

I love when we have Mexican food night! I enjoy soft tacos or burritos, but also like to have some sort of side dish as well. This refried beans recipe is super simple and tastes great!

1 can of refried beans
1 cup chunky mild salsa
1 small can of diced green chilies (add their juice as well)
1/2 cup sour cream
a couple dashes of hot sauce

Pour everything into a medium sized pot and mix together. Heat through for about 10 minutes on low before serving.

Kickin' Sloppy Joes

2010-06-10T00:00:00.004-04:00

I took out a pound of beef yesterday and once it thawed I just couldn't figure out what to make with it for dinner last night. I went rummaging through my stockpile and found the bottle of Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce (available at Kroger) that I got a while back for FREE and decided to see what I could make. I would consider this sloppy joe recipe a grown up version of the traditional canned SJ sauce. It's spicy and delicious!!! I hope you guys will enjoy it!!!

1 lb. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce
8 oz. can tomato sauce
6 oz. can tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp hot sauce
4-6 hot dog buns

In large skillet brown beef, onion and garlic together. Drain well. Put beef mixture back into wiped out skillet. In small bowl (or a 2 cup measuring cup) mix together liquids. Pour over meat mixture and stir everything together. Let simmer on low for 20 minutes so flavors can develop. Serve over an opened hot dog bun.

I Heart My BFF

2010-06-01T22:30:00.001-04:00

Earlier this evening we celebrated my birthday with my BFF, Kelly, her husband Jeff and Kelly's parents, Mr. & Mrs. T. We had a great time! We laughed..learned a few things about Mr. & Mrs. T that I was not aware of and ate way too much!!!

Mr. & Mrs. T bought me the cutest tray with places for photos on the inside of it as well as a new tropical-inspired Clinique bag. Mrs. T works for Clinique so I ALWAYS get the hook up on make up and cute bags!!!

Kelly's gift was a shocker! In the gift bag from her was this ADORABLE-totally me-bright pink basket with my initials monogrammed on the front. If you know me then you know I LOVE the color pink and I LOVE monograms. I actually had to keep myself from squealing with delight in the restaurant. I can't wait to use it!

It was a great birthday despite the heat from our a/c going out! I've got at least two more celebrations this weekend. The hubs and I are going on a romantic picnic on Saturday and Sunday we're celebrating with a pool party at a friend's house. My peeps totally rock!