Wanna get fed up? Then let's do it right!

I for one needed the Friday humor that I just received in a work related blog!

2012-04-27T14:18:00.001-04:00

Thanks Brandi!

- If I had a British accent, I’d never shut up.

- I’m not saying you’re stupid I’m just saying you’ve got bad luck when it comes to thinking.

- “Don’t forget you are what you eat.” “I need to eat a skinny person.”

- I see these moms who can do everything and I think I should have them do some stuff for me.

- A friend will calm you down when you are angry, but a BEST friend will skip beside you with a baseball bat singing, “someone’s gonna get it!”

- Whenever a bird poos on my car I eat a plate of scrambled eggs on my front porch just so they know what I’m capable of.”

- Nothing messes up your Friday like realizing it’s Tuesday.

- That moment in a middle of an argument that realize you are wrong but fight anyway all in the name of pride.

- In a thousand years archeologists will dig up tanning beds and think we fried people as punishment.

- Tell someone you love them today because life is short. But SHOUT it at them in German because life is also terrifying: “Ich liebe dich!”

- They say that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit (and by ‘they’ I honestly do not mean ‘people who just got owned by a sarcastic comment’.)

- Why is there a show called “When Animals Attack”? It should be called “When Stupid People Go Near Dangerous Animals”. Just sayin’.”

- “Yes, Officer, I did see the speed limit sign. I just didn’t see you.”

- Sometimes late at night I dig a hole in the backyard just to keep the nosey neighbors guessing.

- Auto-correct has got to be my worst enema.”

So if you don’t hear from me for a while…

2012-04-27T12:02:00.000-04:00

There might be a good chance I am being naughty….I should PROBABLY publish my personal email address so that my fellow losers can harass me and tell me to get my hiney back on plan if I am quiet for too long!!!

Long story short, (and I do this to shame myself back into action…) is that my b/f has been working out of town all week for several weeks, coming home on the weekends…so being just me and my beautiful 9 year old girl, it is very easy to just eat out and on the run and just plain NOT HEALTHY!! Not to mention she LOVES that part of it…and I DON’T REALLY HAVE TO GROCERY SHOP…

Anybody else out there think that there is something in fast food that is addicting, like maybe umm, oh I don’t know…FAT and GREASE? Well anywho this is just a short note to tell you that I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth…just the scales…well not really but I did weigh in yesterday and was up a pound and that scares me because I was expecting much worse...soooo next week might be bad!!!

Keep cheering me and I will try to get you a recipe later!

A few of my favorite things…

2012-04-17T12:28:00.000-04:00

CHEESE and TOMATOES, how can you go wrong! Well I might be tempted to put a little onion on this first recipe and maybe some mushrooms…but not because I think it needs it, just for a little substance and then it could be a MEAL!!! While we are on the subject of tomatoes, let’s just make this a TWO for TUESDAY and have another little Tomato recipe also!! (Actually I am gonna give you a third recipe with CHEESE, because it is FAT TUESDAY, I mean Cheese Day, after all!! And now for a little humor, sadly not my own =(,

This first one is not really funny…but might be good for us calorie counters!!! Some of these are more like…things that make you go hmmm…and some are downright silly…but as you might have guessed…I am easily entertained!

The average chocolate bar has 8 insect legs in it!!

Donald Duck comics were banned in Finland because he doesn't wear pants.

More people are killed by donkeys annually than are killed in plane crashes.

American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first-class.

The electric chair was invented by a dentist.

If Barbie were life-size her measurements would be 39-23-33. She would stand seven feet, two inches tall and have a neck twice the length of a normal human's neck.

If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months, and 6 days you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee.

If you fart consistently for 6 years and 9 months, enough gas is produced to create the energy of an atomic bomb.

Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour. (I might volunteer to test this theory!)

The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue. (I will leave you alone with your thoughts on this one…)

You are more likely to be killed by a champagne cork than by a poisonous spider. (I believe this – but I would take the champagne cork ANY DAY!!)

Cheesy Baked Tomatoes

2 Points Plus

4 Servings

Ingredients

4 large fresh tomatoes), halved

1/4 cup(s) grated Parmesan cheese

1 oz reduced fat provolone cheese, shredded

1 tsp basil, chopped

1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped

1/2 tsp table salt

1/8 tsp black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 F.

Place tomatoes cut-side up on a baking sheet.

Top with Parmesan, provolone, oregano, basil, salt and pepper.

Mist lightly with non-fat cooking spray and bake until the tomatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

From www.laaloosh.com

Not even modified!!

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

1 Points Plus (According to Recipe Builder on WW site – I can’t figure out how, since everything in it is ZERO POINTS!!!)

6 Servings (3/4 C)

Ingredients

3 C chopped peeled English cucumber

2 C chopped tomato

3/4 C finely chopped red onion

1/4 C finely chopped fresh parsley (or 1/8 C dried)

3 TBSP finely chopped fresh cilantro (or 1 ½ C dried)

1/2 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and chill at least 2 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Skinny Baked Mozzarella Sticks

1 Points Plus

24 Servings

Ingredients

12 serving(s) Sargento Light String Cheese

2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

5 Tbsp Italian-Style Breadcrumbs

5 Tbsp Panko crispy bread crumbs - plain

2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp dried parsley

5 sprays olive oil cooking spray

1/4 Cup Egg Beaters Egg substitute

Instructions

Cut cheese in half to give you 24 pieces.

Place cheese in the freezer until cheese is frozen.

In small bowl, whisk the egg. Place the flour on another small dish.

In separate bowl, combine bread crumbs, panko, parmesan cheese and dried parsley.

Dip the frozen sticks in flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, then coat with the crumbs

Repeat this process with the remaining cheese placing them on a tray with wax paper.

Place cheese back into the freezer until ready to bake (this is a must or they will melt before the crumbs get golden).

When ready to bake preheat oven to 400 F.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with oil.

Place frozen cheese sticks on baking sheet.

Spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with a little more oil and bake in the bottom third of your oven until crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Turn and bake an additional 4 - 5 minutes watching them closely so they don't melt.

From www.skinnytaste.com

Modified by me 4-17-12!

This makes 24 pieces and I made the serving size one piece, so you could calculate points values easily!

So if I am not a loser this week….

2012-04-13T16:56:00.000-04:00

Does that mean I am automatically a WINNER?? More like a WEINER this week! I gained back EXACTLY THE AMOUNT OF WEIGHT I LOST LAST WEEK!!!!

Oh well…I will continue to keep, keepin on…

How goes your Friday the 13^th? Uneventful I hope!! Mine is long…uneventful yes, but LONG!!!

Spicy Crabmeat Tostadas

3 PointsPlus

4 Servings

Ingredients

1/4 C fat free salsa

4 corn tortillas

1/4 C red onion, minced

1/2 tsp garlic, minced

1 C fresh tomatoes, diced and drained

2 Tbsp cilantro, minced

12 oz lump crabmeat

2 Tbsp lemon juice, canned or bottled

1/4 C sweet red pepper, chopped

1 C lettuce, shredded

5 sprays olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

Saute onion in sprayed pan 3 minutes over medium-high heat.

Add garlic, tomatoes, cilantro, and crabmeat and cook 5 minutes.

Bake tortillas in 350 degree F oven until crisp, 7 through 10 minutes.

Mix together lemon juice, bell pepper and lettuce. Divide this mixture among tostadas.

Top with crab mixture.

Serve with salsa.

From www.yummly.com

Ok so I don’t think I have been this excited for WI in day…

2012-04-05T08:07:00.000-04:00

Maybe ever??? I just feel like I have been very successful on plan this week and am hopping (yes HOPPING – IT’S EASTER WEEK!), ok hoping that it shows on the scale today! I actually had 10 Flex Points to spare this week!!! That NEVER, I mean NEVER, happens, am I alone in this? Ok, tasty tidbit Thursday and almost a holiday here is something you can make that is much more delicious than it sounds, BELIEVE ME!!!

UPDATE - DOWN 1.4LBS!!!

You know those pickle and onion wraps that are full of CREAM CHEESE? UMMM YES, I LOVE THOSE…we call them Polish Roses, at my house….well anyway this is a great substitution for the pickle wraps. You can have 4 of these for 2 Points! (I actually think 1 Point, but recipe builder is disagreeing with me this morning …) Make sure to choose the kind of FF ham that gives you 4 slices for 1 Point! I will work on getting you some Easter recipes if I can! Anyway I love these, and often have them as a snack!!

Pickle Wraps

1PointsPlus Value

1 Serving

Ingredients

1 serving(s) Land O Frost Premium Smoked Ham (4 slices)

1 serving(s) unsweetened dill pickle(s), cut into 4 spears

2 tsp French's Spicy brown mustard

Instructions (You better write this down…it’s a bit complicated!)

Lay each slice of ham on cutting board and squeeze a stripe of mustard down center.

Lay pickle on top of mustard.

Roll up.

Enjoy!

You can also make these with Laughing Cow wedges for the CREAM CHEESIER flavor, just adjust the points values!

And so we (OK, I) begin a new week…

2012-03-29T12:17:00.004-04:00

Thursday is my weigh in day (although because of some work issues I probably can’t weigh in until tomorrow)…funny how I always think of this day a brand new start…for instance, if I have been a little over, or just plain bad…this is the day all is redeemed for me and I have a clean slate! Anybody else feel this way? I have been thinking of this as a “good” thing, anybody disagree?

And here is some daily delish – I CANNOT wait to eat these – and I don’t mind telling you that is probably a two serving recipe for me because I LOVE MUSHROOMS, umm and of course, CHEESE, and umm PIZZA…oh my…I AM SENSING A THEME HERE…

Portobello Mushroom Pizza Cups

3 PointsPlus Value

4 Servings

Ingredients

4 large portobello mushroom(s)

4 spray(s) olive oil cooking spray

1 cup(s) store-bought pizza sauce, (Marinara or spaghetti sauce ok too, add italian s

12 slice(s) Hormel Pillow Pack Turkey Pepperoni, finely chopped

1/4 cup(s) green pepper(s), chopped

3/4 cup(s) Weight Watchers Reduced-fat 4 cheese Italian-style blend

1/4 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

Remove and discard stems and gills from mushrooms; spray caps with oil.

Place rounded sides down on an ungreased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.

Bake, uncovered, at 400 for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the pizza sauce, pepperoni, and green pepper ; spoon onto mushrooms.

Sprinkle with cheese and Italian seasoning.

Bake for 8-12 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and cheese is bubbly.

From www.tasteofhome.com

Modified by me on 3-29-12

Now for some funny signs: (borrowed from my favorite vendor blogger at work!)

On a Plumbers truck: ”We repair what your husband fixed.”

On the trucks of a local plumbing company in NE Pennsylvania: ”Don’t sleep with a drip. Call your plumber.”

Pizza shop slogan: ”7 days without pizza makes one weak.”

Door of a plastic surgeon’s office: “Hello. Can we pick your nose?”

At a towing company: “We don’t charge an arm and a leg. We want tows.” On an electrician’s truck: “Let us remove your shorts.”

On a maternity room door: “Push. Push. Push.”

At an optometrist’s office: “If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place.”

On a taxidermist’s window: “We really know our stuff.”

In a podiatrist’s office: “Time wounds all heels.” On a fence: “Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive.”

At a car dealership: “The best way to get back on your feet – miss a car payment.”

In a veterinarian’s waiting room: “Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!”

Breaking news – NOT!

2012-03-27T13:52:00.002-04:00

I might be a bit of a food junkie (if that surprises, or shocks you then you need to go back and read some history here!)….so earlier I was telling you about the Creamy Spinach Alfredo and Sausage that I brought for lunch you know? I went out at lunchtime to run to the bank for work etc, and I found myself wondering what kind of fast food I could have that you know, wouldn’t be TOO BAD as far as points go (REALLY, JULIE JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE FOOLING HERE??)…and I just had to wonder about myself (NOT THE FIRST TIME…NOT EVEN THE 700^TH PROBABLY!!) because it really wasn’t about being hungry…it was about the pleasure of putting some cheesy, fatty CRAP in to my pie-hole!!! Oh my goodness isn’t that crazy??? I can’t be the only one, can I?

Now for the good news!! I didn’t do it!!! Instead I went and tried on clothes…if that doesn’t kill your appetite, I am not sure what will!!!

If that STILL doesn’t work TRY ON CLOTHES THAT YOU ALREADY KNOW WILL BE A SIZE TOO SMALL!!

Carry on…

It’s my Birthday Season and I feel like I am another year older…

2012-03-27T10:08:00.000-04:00

This was saved in drafts...maybe I never posted it, back in JULY!!!

(Well that’s a given) and about 8,000 points in the hole this week…with yet another birthday dinner out to survive tonight. All you local peeps feel free to shout out some freebie deals where I can choose some healthy eats! So because of all of this, here is what I made for lunch and it was REALLY GOOD!!

Ham and Brocco Roll Up

5 Points Plus

1 Flat Out Light Italian Herb wrap

1 Laughing Cow Light Garlic and Herb wedge

2 Slices 98% Fat Free lunch meat

6 oz Mann’s Broccoli Cole Slaw – IF YOU HAVEN’T TRIED THIS, GET IN YOUR CAR RIGHT NOW AND GO BUY SOME!!! SEE NOTES BELOW SO I CAN GET ON WITH MY RECIPE!

Sprinkle of fresh chives from my garden (or a little dab of onion would do ya too ya know…)

2 T Kraft Free Zesty Italian dressing (you might not need this much, but I wanted to be sure of points value)

Spread the Laughing Cow on wrap and lay the 2 slices of ham out to cover it all. Spread, chives and broccoli slaw over top and drizzle with dressing. Roll up and enjoy!!

OK – Back to the broccoli slaw, I found this stuff through Hungry Girl and it is the bomb! Lots of bulk, without lots of points! I have only been using this in stir fry and wraps but I just looked at their website and HOLY RECIPE BONANZA!! Yay, new things to try! Check it out!

http://www.mannpacking.com/broc_cole.html#

Spinach…it’s whats for dinner!

2012-03-27T10:07:00.005-04:00

Ok, I needed something easy and “comfort food-ish”last night…and well being Fat Tuesday Eve, I mean Cheese day Eve, OK IT WAS JUST MONDAY! I created this delectable casserole (that I don’t mind telling you I am having a half serving of for lunch today with a salad also!) for you to try out! It was Yummo!!!

My 9 year old girl who goes through those picky stages (Her: “Mom I don’t like mushrooms” Me: ”Really, that is a surprise to me honey…” Her: “Well, I only like them on pizza” Her: “Mom, I don’t like sausage” Me “Really, I didn’t know that honey…” Her: “Well, I only like it for breakfast…” ) Ok, you get the idea…I could go on like this ALL DAY!!) I have to say if I like something, I like it, not just on Tuesdays, or not one week and not the rest…see what I mean? I could fill a whole post with these food conditions that come to think of it might be conducive to
losing weight, maybe she is on to something?? Say if I only ate cheese on Tuesdays…then only chocolate cake on Wednesdays…oh never mind…

Try this one for yourself and tell me what you think!

Creamy Spinach Alfredo with Chicken Sausage
8 PointsPlus Value
8 Servings (because there was a lot more of this than you would think!)

Ingredients

12 oz alfredo sauce, light
1/4 cup(s) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
4 oz canned mushrooms
1/2 medium uncooked onion(s), chopped
2 tsp minced garlic
13.25 oz box Whole Grain Penne, pasta
1/4 cup(s) reduced fat parmesan cheese
16 oz chopped frozen spinach, Thawed, with as much liquid as possible drained out
3 Spinach and Asiago Cheese Chicken brats, (I used Chicken sausage from Sam's Club)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Cook sausage, I did mine in toaster oven on broiler setting,
turning occasionally.
Put pasta on to cook, according to package directions.
Saute, onions mushrooms and garlic until nicely cooked. Add
spinach to heat at the end.
Cut cooked sausage into bite sized pieces and add to spinach
mixture.
Drain and rinse (yes, rinse! It removes a lot of starch!)
pasta. Add to spinach mixture.
Pour jar of Alfredo sauce over mixture and stir.
Top with both cheeses and bake about 15 minutes until cheese
is melted.

Enjoy!
Made up by me on 3-26-12!

Hi, remember me!?? Sorry I have been so far behind in posting, but I hope you have all been well...here is a little Slow Monday yumminess..

2012-03-27T10:06:00.004-04:00

Slow Cooker Taco Bake
7 Points Plus
6 Servings

Ingredients:

3/4 pound(s) cooked 95% lean ground beef, This is 1lb raw!
1 medium uncooked onion(s), chopped
3/4 cup(s) water
15 oz canned tomato sauce
1 1/4 oz Ortega Taco seasoning, (1 envelope)
3 cup(s) cooked macaroni, (8 oz uncooked!)
1/2 cup(s) Borden 2% Shreds Finely shredded reduced fat mild cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Brown beef and onion in a skillet.
2. Drain off drippings.
3. Add water, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning.
4. Mix well.
5. Simmer for 15 minutes in skillet.
6. Transfer to slow cooker.
7. Stir in uncooked macaroni.
8. Cover. Cook on High 1 hours, or on Low 4 hours, or until macaroni are fully cooked but not mushy.

Just before serving, top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Try substituting FF Salsa for the tomato sauce!
From "Fix It and Forget It" modified by me 3-26-12.

Now for the funnies!!

Google: If you can’t find it in 3 minutes or less it doesn’t exist.

I may not know Karate, but I know a baseball bat!

The Mind of a Teenager: When I say, “I cleaned my room,” I usually mean I made a path from my door to my bed.

I can’t undo mistakes. All I can do is make more mistakes and hope the original one gets diluted.

Depression: When you feel the need to knock the stupid out of someone but you know the jail time isn’t worth it.

Dear Sleep, I know we had problems when I was younger, but I love you now.

People say love is the best feeling, but I think finding a toilet when the situation is “urgent” is better.

When I die I’d like someone to keep updating my Facebook status just to freak people out.

Fish have a 30-second memory. So, they must spend their life thinking:
“Shoot! I’m drowning! Wait, it’s okay, I’m a fish. Shoot! I’m
drowning! Wait, it’s okay, I’m a fish!”

If I found out I only had one week to live and could go anywhere in the
world, I think I would go to the hospital because that sounds serious.

Oh, I’m sorry…did the middle of my sentence interrupt the beginning of yours?

If people winked in real life as much as they do in texts this world would be a pretty creepy place.

I decided to go for a run today. Got to the end of my driveway and
decided I wanted cinnamon rolls. Walked back. Best. Idea. Ever.

The funny thing about Facebook is you can talk about one person and it makes 20 others think it’s about them.

I’ll call it a “smart” phone the day I yell, “Where’s my freaking phone?!” and it answers, “I’m here! Under your jacket!”

If you are grouchy, irritable or just plain mean there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.

I am working on moving to my own domain...

2012-03-26T08:44:00.001-04:00

Ooooh doesn't that sound cool? I mean my own domain...well I am getting off track...I know hard to believe isn't it??? But anyway my new web address will be www.wannagetfedup.com and is currently re-routing to right back here until I ummm learn how to build a website on my own...so that being said...if you see anything odd, please let me know!!

I will be back to posting recipes soon! I promise!

Sideways Wednesday… and I have always been a bit sideways….

2012-01-18T08:24:00.000-05:00

(See yesterday’s post…) So this is perfect! Well on to the second day of my ummm NEWLY DISCOVERED points total…and yes peeps I am over on my flex points for the week, GO FIGURE! Well the good news (ok maybe not so good news) is that tomorrow is weigh in day, which in my book means FRESH START!

This makes today your lucky day because I am feeling OPTIMISTIC!! For my Sideways Wednesday recipe we are going to have a bit o delish, but I am also going to give you a breakfast recipe or two, because I just realized that I have been severely lacking in that category, which is strange since I LOVE breakfast! Any who here’s the first:

Garlic Dill New Potatoes

5Points Plus

6 Servings

Ingredients

3 Tbsp Brummel & Brown Soft Spread Margarine

1 Tbsp dill, chopped

2 tsp garlic clove(s), minced

1/4 tsp table salt

6 medium uncooked red potatoes, cubed

Instructions

Place the potatoes in a steamer basket, and set in a pan over an inch of boiling water.

Cover, and steam for about 10 minutes, until potatoes are tender but not mushy.

In a small bowl, stir together the margarine dill, garlic, and salt.

Transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl, and pour the seasoned margarine over them.

Toss gently until they are well-coated.

From www.allrecipes.com Modified by me 1-17-12

Ok here is some morning yum! These are great to make on a weekend morning and then grab and go during the week on those days when you are racing out the door (Umm that is every day for me!) Have a couple of these and some fresh fruit!

Broccoli-and-Bacon Egg Cups

3 Points Plus

6 Servings

Ingredients

6 slice(s) uncooked turkey bacon, sliced crosswise into 1⁄4-inch strips

2 C uncooked broccoli, frozen, chopped

1 small uncooked red onion, chopped

1 1/2 tsp minced garlic

2 tsp Italian seasoning

2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

1 C fat free plain greek yogurt

3 large egg(s)

3 large egg white(s)

4 Tbsp parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1/2 tsp table salt

1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

Place the oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat the oven to 350ºF. Heavily spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.

Spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium heat. Add the bacon and sauté until crispy, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Return the skillet to the heat. Add the broccoli, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning; cook until the vegetables are just tender, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in the flour and the cooked bacon. Set aside to cool.

Whisk together the yogurt, eggs, egg whites, cheese, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until blended. Stir in the cooled vegetable mixture, then spoon evenly into the muffin cups. Bake until set in the center, about 20 minutes. To remove, run a narrow rubber spatula or knife around the edge of each muffin cup.

Yields 2 mini egg cups per serving.

I never said I was very bright…

2012-01-17T12:32:00.003-05:00

So I have been YO-YO-ing on the scale for the last couple of weeks, and have been completely clueless (SEE ABOVE!) as to why…and then yesterday after work as I am picking up my daughter from daycare, another mom, says to me, “So how do you like your new 26 Points Plus points?” Well I am guessing that I must have looked like a bit of an idiot as I said “Huh? What?”

The point here is that up until yesterday at about 5:30 pm I had still been eating my 29 points everyday!! Ummmm how in the world could have I have missed that in the meeting??? And better yet, how could I have missed the BIG NUMBERS up in the left corner of my e-tools screen EVERYDAY, FOR, OH I DON’T KNOW, MORE THAN A MONTH??!!!

Do you think I need to retire my blog if I am that out of touch?? WELL I AM NOT GONNA, but boy do I feel STUPID!! I will just be getting’ back on the proverbial horse again….whew sometimes life in Julieland is ROUGH!! But the good news is….IT’S CHEESE DAY!

This one is coming straight from our friend Lisa Lillien AKA The Hungry Girl and considering Super Bowl is right around the corner you might want to think about party planning, remember what I said last year? Super Bowl doesn’t have to be Super Fat!

Hungry Girl calls these:

Potato Wins!

6 Points Plus

4 Servings

Ingredients:
4 medium-small baking potatoes (8 - 9 oz. each)
3 slices turkey bacon
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped scallions

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray and set aside.
Pierce potatoes several times with a fork, and place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 5 minutes, until potatoes begin to soften.
Carefully turn potatoes over, and microwave for 5 - 8 minutes, until soft on all sides.
Once cool enough to handle, cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scoop out the bulk of the inside flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch inside the skin. (Save the scooped potato flesh for another use.) Place the empty potato shells on the baking sheet.

Bake in the oven until crispy, 12 - 15 minutes. Then remove from the oven, but leave the oven on.
Meanwhile, prepare bacon in a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray or on a microwave-safe plate in the microwave. (Refer to package instructions for exact cook time and temperature.) Once cool enough to handle, chop or crumble and set aside.
Evenly distribute cheese and bacon among the potato skins. Return to the oven and bake until cheese has melted, about 2 minutes.
Immediately sprinkle with scallions and serve with sour cream for dipping. YUM! (Add those points in though, I didn't count the sour cream!)

From www.hungrygirl.com

Snarky One Liners - just for fun - Not original, but fun anyway!

2012-01-13T20:37:00.000-05:00

Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

I almost had a psychic girlfriend, but she left me before we met.

I drive waaaay too fast to worry about cholesterol!

Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy.

When I’m not in my right mind my left mind gets pretty crowded.

For Sale: One parachute only used once. Never opened. Small stain.

Ok, so what’s the speed of dark?

All those who believe in psychokinesis raise my hand.

I think the Mars Rover is really scouting for the next Wal-Mart Superstore site.

To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.

Whoever coined the phrase, “Quiet as a mouse,” has never actually stepped on one.

When in doubt, mumble.

Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are hot.

How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

Never – under any circumstances – take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night. Oy.

He who smiles in a crisis has found someone to blame.

Ok, so we all know I love CHEESE…and PIZZA…and….

2012-01-13T16:18:00.005-05:00

Ummm, most everything! Well you get the idea, it is no wonder I am having such trouble not being FAT sometimes! Do you feel me here? I mean, I really love FOOD, lots of different kinds!! Right this moment, and by that I mean the last few MONTHS, I am really struggling with myself about sticking to plan, I mean I REALLY REALLY want to, and also want to lose the rest of my weight, but sometimes, I just don’t!!

I am really trying my best this week though and just to show my commitment – here are two, yes I said TWO Fiesta Friday recipes!!

ENJOY!

Loaded Mexican Pizza

4 PointsPlus

6 Servings

Ingredients

15 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained

1 medium uncooked red onion, chopped

1 small yellow pepper, chopped

3 tsp chili powder

3/4 tsp ground cumin

3 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped

1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped

1 medium garlic clove, minced

2 C fresh spinach

1 T dried coriander leaf

1/8 t hot pepper sauce, to taste

1/3 C low-fat shredded Cheddar cheese

1/3 C shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese

2 large fat-free flour tortilla

In a small bowl, mash black beans. Stir in the onion, yellow pepper, chili powder and cumin.

In another bowl, combine the tomatoes, jalapeno and garlic.

Place one tortilla on an ungreased 12-in. pizza pan; spread with one third bean mixture.

Top with the other tortilla and spread the rest of bean mixture on. Top with tomato mixture and spinach. Sprinkle with cilantro, pepper sauce and cheeses.

Bake at 400 for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

From www.tasteofhome.com

Modified by me 1-13-12!

Mexican Chicken Casserole

7 Points Plus

4 Servings

Ingredients

3/4 lbs uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s), cut into bite size pieces

1 t ground cumin

1 medium green pepper, chopped

1 1/2 C fat free salsa, chunky style

15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed

1 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped

2 whole wheat 6"tortilla

1/2 C 2% Shredded reduced fat Mexican cheese blend

4 T fat-free cream cheese

Instructions

HEAT oven to 375F. COOK and stir chicken and cumin in nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium heat 2 min. Add peppers; cook 2 min., stirring occasionally. Stir in salsa; cook 2 min. Add cream cheese, cook 2 min. or until melted. Stir in beans and tomatoes.

SPOON 1/3 of chicken mixture into 8-inch square baking dish; cover with 1 tortilla and half each of the remaining chicken mixture and shredded cheese. Top with remaining tortilla and chicken mixture; cover.

BAKE 20 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese; bake, uncovered, 5 min. or until melted.

From ww.kraftrecipes.com Modified by me 1-13-12.

Not feeling very verbose, today…but here is a little sumpin’, sumpin’ for Sideways Wednesday!

2012-01-11T15:15:00.002-05:00

Crash Potatoes

4 PointsPlus

6 Servings

Ingredients

18 uncooked baby potatoes

Olive Oil cooking spray

Dash table salt

Pinch black pepper

1/2 T rosemary, finely chopped

1/4 C parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400.

Steam potatoes for 10 minute until just tender.

Place potatoes on a non-stick cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray and gently mash each with a potato masher to squash a bit and open them up.

Spray with olive oil cooking spray and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake for 20 minutes until crisp and browned. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

From Mother Rimmy's Cooking Light Done Right!

Modified only slightly by me!

I think I would put a little garlic and onion powder on these also!

This sounds a little like the CHEESE jackpot and not just for kids!

2012-01-10T16:51:00.003-05:00

Kids Macaroni and Cheese Soup

5 Points Plus

16 Servings

Ingredients

1/4 C all-purpose flour

1 lb Smoked turkey sausage ring rope, cut into 1/4" pieces

3 T Dijon mustard

6 C fat-free chicken broth

3/4 C heavy whipping cream

1/4 t ground nutmeg

1/8 t black pepper, to taste

1/8 t table salt, to taste

14 slices American Cheese 2% Milk Singles

1 lb cooked macaroni

Instructions

DIRECTIONS brown diced smoked sausage in large soup pot.

Add flour and Dijon mustard, cook for 3-5 minutes on low.

Add chicken broth and simmer until mixture starts to thicken (think of the consistency of a gravy).

Slowly add each slice of cheese one or two at a time waiting until each is incorporated into mixture over medium/low heat, stirring constantly.

(Note: you may want to add 12 slices of cheese and then do a taste test before adding the rest. This will allow you to adjust the amounts according to taste).

Once all of the cheese has been added, pour in the heavy whipping cream, salt and pepper to taste and add nutmeg if desired.

Simmer on low for 5 to 7 minutes allowing the flavors to mingle, stirring occasionally.

Just before serving add the cooked elbow noodles.

If you would like more broth add less noodles, less broth more noodles.

NOTES: There are many ways to lighten this up. Use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream; Be sure to use low fat American cheese; Stick to 12 slices of cheese; Use fortified, high fiber, enhanced or whole wheat pasta; Eliminate the meat; Include some leftover or cooked veggies like broccoli or cauliflower when you add the pasta!

Serving size is 1 cup for calculation purposes!

From www.thesavoryspoonful.com - modified slightly by me!

It’s cheese day again! Finally!

2012-01-10T11:22:00.003-05:00

Did you ever think we would get here again? I was starting to wonder about it myself and I write this thing! I just had a hankering (hankering? I don’t even know where that word came from!!) for something creamy and “comfort foodish”. So you know I had to get busy inventing something that I could eat! It’s a darn good thing I love to cook! What I came up with I do believe you will enjoy, cuz I did and in case you forgot since It has been so long…I LOVE CHEESE. This one came out T-riffic!

On another note, today is exercise day again (my significant other said I should start out, one day on and one day off and then move up from there, and since I am fitness challenged and he isn’t, I am listening to him!) and get this, I am kind of excited to do it again tonight! (EXERCISE I MEAN – WEREN’T YOU PAYING ATTENTION?) I will let you know how it goes , but I am OPTIMISTIC!

What’s going on in your world? Any victories? Anything you need help or propping up on? Hit me up and will do what I can to help!

Creamy Chicken, Mac and Cheese

6 PointsPlus

10 Servings

Ingredients

6 C cooked macaroni

1 cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast(s), chopped

4 oz canned mushrooms

8 serving(s) Southeastern Mills Cheddar Cheese Sauce-1/4 cup serving (1 envelope)

1 t onion powder

1 t garlic powder

1 medium uncooked onion, chopped

3/4 C Reduced fat mild cheddar shredded cheese

3/4 C Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sharp

1 3/4 C water, (for the cheese sauce)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350. Cook pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile in another pan cook one large chicken breast in sprayed pan with the chopped onion until done. Make cheese sauce according to package directions.

Rinse pasta and in large bowl add mushrooms, chicken and cheese sauce.

Mix thoroughly and add salt, and/or pepper as needed.

Mix in the other cheese and bake about 15 minutes or until all the cheddar is melted.

Made up by me on 1-9-12! Yummy!

Ok 20 minutes on my new exercise thingy yesterday…

2012-01-09T11:03:00.000-05:00

And that might not seem like much to you…however remember that I am lifting my own BODY WEIGHT each time I pull…and that is not exactly a SMALL NUMBER!! So anyway I am tooting my own horn today I guess (I can’t pat myself on the back because, ummm I can’t reach it right now, I might be a little stiff) The important factor is that I am getting started and trying to motivate! I have also been trying to do the WII also, (hula hooping is my personal fave) and I can actually whip my nine year old daughter on that one!

Saturday night I made a great new soup (more like chili in my book, but details, schmetails) and it was pretty darn good!

Tell me what’s going on in your world? I am really feeling alone in my WW journey at this point and need some feedback and interaction!

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
4 Points Plus
10 Servings

Ingredients

1 medium uncooked onion, chopped
15 oz canned chili beans
15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz canned yellow corn, drained
8 oz canned tomato sauce
12 fl oz light beer (you could replace this with some chicken stock or broth if you like, just be sure to recalc your points.) I liked the flavor this added though!
20 oz Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
1 1/4 oz reduced-sodium taco seasoning
1 breast(s) uncooked boneless skinless chicken
breast(s), split - large

Instructions

Place the onion, chili beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, beer, and diced tomatoes in a slow cooker. Add taco seasoning, and stir to blend. Lay chicken breasts on top of the mixture, pressing down slightly until just covered by the other ingredients. Set slow cooker for low heat, cover, and cook for 5 hours. Remove chicken breasts from the soup, and allow to cool long enough to be handled. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup, and continue cooking for 2 hours.

*Serve topped with
shredded Cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips, if
desired.

*Make sure to count points for these! They are not added in!
From www.allrecipes.com modified by me 1-7-12

Here are some tips for healthy substitutions/alterations in your favorite recipes!

2012-01-05T12:48:00.000-05:00

I got this from Betty Crocker (in an email/newsletter) that I subscribe to!

There are some good ideas here and I thought it was worth passing along!

Feel free to share any of your tips and tricks!

Focus on Fat

Start by cutting the fat in half; work down from there. Fats are calorie heavy with 9 calories per gram, while carbohydrates and protein have just 4 calories per gram.
Read labels to find low-fat and fat-free options for favorites like milk, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, half-and-half, ice cream and whipped topping. To adjust more easily, make a gradual switch from reduced-fat to low-fat and then on to fat-free ingredients.
Use part-skim cheeses instead of their higher fat counterparts, or use sharper-flavored cheeses like Parmesan, feta or Gorgonzola since their more pungent flavors allow you to use less.
Canola, soybean and olive oils are good fats to use for stir-frying, cooking and some baking because they have less saturated fat than many other options.
Egg substitutes can replace eggs at a savings of 5 grams of fat each (1/4 cup = 1 large egg).

Cooking

Choose lean and extra-lean ground meats or ground turkey breast.
Choose loin and sirloin meats and skinless white-meat poultry.
Trim fat from meats before cooking.
Cut bacon or sausage amounts in half, or switch to turkey bacon, low-fat sausages or vegetarian alternatives.
Cut meat amounts in chilis and casseroles in half; add beans for extra protein and fiber.
Blend or process 1/4 to 1/3 of a soup to make it creamy instead of adding cream or thickeners.

Baking

Replace butter with no-trans-fat vegetable oil spread. Or, replace half with canola oil.
Replace half the fat with applesauce. Next time, go further if you like the results.
Cut chocolate chips in half and use miniatures to make the flavor go further.
Toast nuts for fullest flavor, then use half the amount and finely chop.
Use cooking spray to grease pans; spray cupcake liners to release muffins easily.

Punch up the Flavor

Fat carries flavor. When fat is reduced or removed, foods can become bland. It’s important to increase flavorings and/or seasonings to compensate for that lost fat.
Use grated or shredded lemon, lime or orange peel, or squeeze fresh juice to heighten flavor.
Add high-flavored ingredients like Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic, gingerroot, chili peppers, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, hoisin sauce or other full-flavored condiments.
Sprinkle or stir in chopped fresh herbs just before serving to enhance flavors.
Double or triple the amount of vanilla, and increase spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg when baking.

Check the Sodium

Buy low- or reduced-sodium instead of regular chicken broth, soy sauce, canned foods and prepared pasta sauces.
Rinse canned veggies and beans before using. (Also cooked pasta!)
Cut added salt in half or leave it out completely.
Instead of salt, use a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice or a splash of high-flavored vinegar.
Check the ingredient list on dried herb mixtures to avoid added sodium.

Add Fiber

Switch to whole grain pasta, rice and grains.
Mix oatmeal or other cereal into burgers and meatballs.
Crush high-fiber cereal such as Fiber One® to coat chicken breasts and fish fillets or use as a topping for baked dishes like casseroles or muffins.
Replace half the amount of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour when baking.

http://www.bettycrocker.com/tips/tipslibrary/misc/healthy-substitutions-for-cooking?WT.dcsvid=NTI3MDc1NjkxNwS2&rvrin=C62E2F46-E611-4D29-A678-665E44F23893&WT.mc_id=Newsletter_BC_01_05_2012&nicreatID2=Newsletter_BC_01_05_2012

Ok, so I was all set to jump back on the bandwagon with a Slooow Monday recipe…

2012-01-03T14:18:00.000-05:00

And then it occurred to me, ummm it’s Tuesday! That’s what happens when I get a day off from work ya know…I lose all sense of what is going on! Speaking of losers, is everybody being one right now?? I have been a bit of a slacker…up 5lbs after not weighing in for SEVERAL weeks, then down 3.8lbs the next week (I am not sure how I managed to pull that one off!!!), but then up .8 last week (ooops there it is!).

Anyway, enough of this holiday stuff, with all the food laying around (have I mentioned that I just can’t be trusted around food!?!?!?) I am ready to get down to business and start working on my swimsuit (YES I SAID SWIMSUIT, HEY A GIRL CAN DREAM RIGHT?) body this week. I am finally going to have to believe that EXERCISE is what is going to REALLY make the difference in my world…AND BELIEVE YOU ME…I have been trying to prove that theory wrong for a LONG TIME!! So at lunch today I bought myself a home gym thingy that I found on Craigslist. (Very similar to the one that you see on TV with a certain former Supermodel and Karate star selling, I don’t want to name names but it is pretty much a TOTAL home GYM! And since I got a SWEET deal on it, I am pretty excited about trying it out!

Let me know what is going on your world since I have neglected you all for so long!!

Happy New Year, and let’s get moving!

It’s still Monday in Julieland so here goes! I made this yesterday and it was yummy!

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Casserole

7 Points Plus

6 Servings

Ingredients

10 3/4 oz 98% Fat-Free Cream Of Chicken Soup

10 3/4 oz Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom Soup

10 3/4 oz Cream of celery - 98% fat free

3 breast(s) uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s), split

1 large uncooked onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp poultry seasoning

4 oz canned mushrooms, sliced

2 stalks uncooked celery, diced

1 C Minute® Rice Instant, enriched, long grain white rice

Instructions

Mix soup (you can sub the flavors like 2 chicken and 1 mushroom, in any manner you prefer!) rice, spices, onions and celery in the crock and stir together. Add chicken and submerge into sauce. Cook 4 hours on low or 3 hours on high.

I know, I know, it’s Friday which is supposed to be Fiesta Friday….

2011-10-14T13:54:00.000-04:00

But since I have been seriously slacking…here are some one-liners to make you smile and then I will give you the quick Pizza Pasta I made last night – it was yummy and the reason for the odd ingredients is ummmm…LACK OF PLANNING ON MY PART!

- Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

- I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.

- If I agreed with you we’d both be wrong.

- Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

- If you think nobody cares if you’re alive, try missing a couple of payments.

- A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.

- Did you know that dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish?

- I didn’t fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian.

- A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

- I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

- The shinbone is a device for finding furniture in a dark room.

- The sole purpose of a child’s middle name, is so he can tell when he’s really in trouble.

- My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I am right.

- I discovered I scream the same way whether I’m about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.

- Does this rag smell like chloroform to you? (I know that is terrible, but it just made me laugh out loud…)

- With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine.

- Whoever coined the phrase “Quiet as a mouse” has never stepped on one.

…..and last but not least…….

- Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.

Quick Pizza Pasta

7 PointsPlus

8 Servings

Ingredients

1 c pizza sauce

2 serving(s) Jennie-O Turkey Store Lean Italian sausage link, sweet

2 c water

8 oz uncooked multi-coloured rotini

2 c mushroom(s)

1 c onion(s) (chopped)

18 slice(s) Hormel Pillow Pack Turkey Pepperoni

10 3/4 oz Campbell's Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 c uncooked macaroni

1 c shredded part-skim mozzarella cheeses

Instructions

Brown sausage and drain, throw onions and mushrooms in sometime during cooking...

Add water (adjust this as needed to cook pasta but not leave dish "soupy") pizza sauce and pasta, simmer covered until pasta is done.

Add soup and mix until texture seems right.

Add pepperoni then cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Serve.

Made up by me 10-13-11!!

Sloowww Monday....No fun just food!

2011-10-03T14:25:00.000-04:00

Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Enchilada Casserole
7 PointsPlus
8 Servings
Ingredients
10 3/4 oz Campbell's Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom Soup
8 oz reduced-fat sour cream
4 oz green chili sauce, diced
3/4 pound(s) Chicken breast without skin, roasted, diced
2 cup(s) frozen corn kernels
10 oz canned enchilada sauce
12 item(s) corn tortilla(s)
2 cup(s) low-fat shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Stir together soup, sour cream and chilies.

Fold chicken and corn intot the soup mixture.

Pour half the can of enchilada sauce on the bottome of a 4-5qt slow cooker and arrance half the cut tortilla pieces over the sauce.

Spread half of chicken mixture over cut tortilla and enchilada sauce and top with half the cheese.

Repeat layer, starting with remaining enchilada sauce and cut tortillas.

Cook on low setting for 4-6 hours.

Tip: If you are a black bean fan, go ahead and add some - just count the points!

From www.schwans.com modified by me! 10-3-11

Ok this is probably a good thing…although it doesn't really seem like it right now!

2011-08-25T09:44:00.001-04:00

As in a learning experience…

Last night as my daughter and I were having some quality “mommy and me” time, shopping for school supplies, I decided I would take her to dinner also. We came out of the last store and there was a KFC across the street and she said Yum! That’s where I want to go! So I am thinking ok they have grilled chicken right?? I can be good, right? WRONG!! This appears to be something akin to sending a drug addict into the pharmacy after hours alone, or an alcoholic into a bar to clean at night…NOT a good plan.

SO HERE IS WHAT I ATE:

Grilled Chicken Breast 5 PP

Grilled Chicken Thigh 4 PP

Grilled Chicken Wing 2 PP (ok this was an accident, I asked them to give me the thigh instead but they didn’t and I had to go ask for it – which was stupid, because the wing is 2PP and the thigh is 4pp and since I am ridiculous I ate them both – why didn’t they take it away from me? Can’t you tell that I can’t be trusted with food???)

Cole Slaw 5 PP

Potato Wedges 5 PP

Biscuit 5 PP

Honey 2 PP

This is 27 Points Plus!!!! *^&*^*&*(^(*^$%##&# This is almost as many points as I get in a WHOLE day!!!!

Ok here is the reason I am telling you this, well there are a couple actually, OK LOTS! I will list some of them now:

Ø I woke up in the middle of the night thinking I was going to be sick, and I still kind of feel this way…I am thinking that my body, after almost 14 months straight on the plan, can just not handle this junk anymore! That in itself is a good thing!

Ø I can’t always be trusted around food, can you??

Ø ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN, this “La dee da, they have grilled chicken crap doesn’t work for me…I should have been figuring out Points Plus in the car from my Dining Out Guide (Conveniently located at all times in the console of my vehicle for just such an occasion…) BEFORE I entered the den of iniquity!! (Not knocking KFC in general, I am really just making fun of myself and my weaknesses)

Ø If I were going to cheat, there is stuff I like a whole lot better than KFC, so I actually felt a little disappointed during my guilt ridden pig out session!!!

Ø I am trying to stay accountable here, NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS SKINNY FEELS doesn’t always work for me.

SO this being said, feel free to give me your comments whether they be “shame on you’s” or “keep pluggin’ away’s”!!!

On a positive note I have been trying to walk every day, at lunch and after dinner, I try to do at least 2 miles a day and on Monday did 6 (YES SIX) MILES!!! 2 at lunch and 4 after dinner!!

Let me know what is going on with you and I will try to get you a recipe or three in the next day or so!

Keep up the good work and think of me if you are struggling - NO DON'T GO TO KFC - THINK ABOUT HOW BAD I AM FEELING!! AND TODAY IS WEIGHIN DAY - LORD HAVE MERCY!

With all this moving I have been doing…

2011-08-10T16:18:00.000-04:00

I will be very disappointed if I don’t see a difference on weigh in day tomorrow! Or will I just convince myself that I am gaining muscle, which weighs more than fat!! Yeah that’ it…Phew…I feel better now! How about yooose guys? Everybody moving, losing weight and enjoying the summer?

Broccoli Side Dish

1 Points Plus

4 Servings

Ingredients

5 C broccoli florets

4 t low-sodium soy sauce

2 t unpacked brown sugar

1/2 t garlic, minced

2 T fat-free margarine

Instructions

Place broccoli in a large microwave-safe bowl.

Combine the remaining ingredients; pour over broccoli.

Cover and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes or until tender.

Serve with a slotted spoon.

From www.tasteofhome.com

Modified by me on 8-10-11.