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Monday Recipes: Pepper Chicken Stuffed Zucchini

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Makes: 4 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Bake: 400 degrees for 10 minutes

Ingredients:

4 medium zucchini
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
1 yellow pepper (seeded and chopped finely)
1/2 white onion
3 cloves garlic
1-2 pounds chicken
1/4 tsp black pepper
garlic salt to taste
Slivered almonds
Crumbled Goat Cheese
2/3 cup Brown Rice

Directions:

Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and using a small spoon, carefully scoop out flesh leaving a thick shell around edges.
Place zucchini cut-side down in glass baking dishes (microwavable) and add 1/2 cup water. Cover with plastic wrap and vent one side and microwave for 4 minutes.
Heat oven to 400 and in a large non-stick pan heat oil over medium heat. Sweat onion, peppers, and garlic until translucent.
Chop cooked chicken (I grilled mine) into small piece and add to skillet. Pepper, salt and add almonds and rice. Let cook in for about 5 minutes.
Fill each zucchini and add crumbled goat cheese. Bake at 400 for 10 minutes. Serve now! :)

Serious Eats

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:08:00 +0000

Pan Seared Polenta & Pears with Gorgonzola Sauce
photo by: thekitchn.com

Being obsessed with food is not a good thing for a girl, especially when I'm truly love everything not good for you. My stomach might not, but my taste buds surely do! Lately however, I've found true flavor in organic foods and vegetables like I've never tasted before and it makes me encouraged that we can all still "eat well" and "be well."

I've started making good old favorites done in a healthier way. Sometimes this is really hard. Like fried chicken. Who makes "healthy" fried chicken. Yes, I've seen it done, but when you eat fried chicken, you want it fried.

If you don't follow ANY food blogs, please do! It will change your life in how you cook. People are so creative and I love seeing dishes you wouldn't find in a cook book. It's authentic, homemade yummy food.

I'm going to be blogging more avidly about food. It's one of the things the inspires me. It's my creative side. I can't draw, I can't really sing, and I wish I could dance, but I know I can cook. So, I cook! :)

Look for more recipes to come!

S'mores!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:12:00 +0000

Thanks Mom!

Sipping Espresso

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:44:00 +0000

For anyone that knows me, you know I love coffee. My love affair began in college (as I'm guessing a lot of people's do) when I was up late studying and working in coffee shop turned my taste buds upside down. My love grew deeper as I began to understand the components of espresso and the creamy crema and parts of what made a cup of coffee: great. Some people drink coffee for the caffeine. I for one, do not. It's all about the taste! I like bold, strong coffee and nothing compares when you have a good ole' cup-o-joe.

That love, plus loving anything Pantone has to offer, I now have a Christmas present I really want! Who wants to get their shopping done early? :) Now, if only I could be in a Spain seaside courtyard sipping from these cute little cups....

{ Monday Recipes: Soup & Polenta }

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 04:42:00 +0000

Ingredients
1 Can - Campbell's Select Light Vegetable Soup (100 calories)
100 grams (1 serving) - Organic Sun-Dried Tomato Polenta

Directions

Bring soup to a boil
Heat separate pan and cut polenta into 1/4 inch round cakes
Add 1/4 tsp oil and spoon tablespoons of boiling soup broth over polenta cakes
Flip cakes when finished on one side; Repeat process
Add cakes to soup when finished cooking (about 5 minutes)

This Week's Weigh-In

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 14:43:00 +0000

Well, this week I experimented. We went out to eat one night and the other night were at a friend's house for dinner. I portioned myself like I would at home, but it's a lot harder when you don't have a scale. Overall though, I'll take any loss as a good loss!

The picutre is a representation of how much weight I lost. Pretty nasty to think of your body fat in cheese.

This week: 1.1 pounds

Lost so far: 7 pounds

Pounds to go: 13 (September)

Site Under Construction

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:10:00 +0000

Please bear with me while we update!

"...we gotta do better than this"

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 13:39:00 +0000

What are you doing?

Stars and Stripes

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:07:00 +0000

The trend this season is stripes and normally I'm not that big of a fan, but recently seeing the cute design ideas people have had, has made me a believer.

Be inspired!

photos courtesy of Real Simple

Week 3: Bodybugg Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:01:00 +0000

So, partly to keep myself accountable and partly for motivation, I have decided to blog about my Bodybugg experience. For those of you that don't watch the Biggest Loser or know what this little contraption is, it's an armband that calculates how many calories you are burning in a day. So, when you workout it senses that, it counts your steps, it can calculate how hard your body is working and determine calorie burn based on that. It's very accurate!

So every day my goal burn is: 2600 calories

My intake of food is: 1350 calories

Deficit: 1250 daily

Total each week is about 2-3 pounds

Goal: 20 lbs

Lost so far: 6 pounds

It's been fairly easy so far. Steven and I have been staying in, saving a ton of money, and eating really healthy. I have been working out now for 6, sometimes 7 days straight. It's actually not that hard. Some days like I mentioned in my previous post are harder than others (when it comes to just wanting hot wings or something like that) but overall, most of my cravings are gone. Last night however, I had a long work day and I worked out hard and I said, 'I'm not cooking!" So, we went to Chili's.

My meal

Instead of getting the fried version of my favorite sandwich (The Chicken Ranch) I went for grilled piece of chicken, no cheese and half the bun. It was good and I drenched it in the hot-wing sauce that makes the dish my favorite. I splurged on the fries (I had enough left in my calorie count for the day) and it was great! My meal on the burger went from 1150 calories to 350 calories, just by making those changes!! That's pretty gross to think about.

Future Steps

I'm going to start up my Monday Recipes again and be a little healthier this time. Less fat, more protein and veggies! If you'd like, join me on this cooking journey! :) I'll be here.....working away.

Monday Recipes: It's Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:01:00 +0000

Photo by: dandysugar.com

Mexican Feast = 610 calories per serving

Ingredients:

1 can Fat-free Refried Beans

8 oz. chicken (meat only - organic)

Shredded Lettuce (organic)

Zucchini Squash (organic)

1 can tomato sauce

2 tablespoons grapeseed oil

1/2 yellow onion

1 cup white rice (long grain)

2 cups water

1 8oz. can tomato sauce

2 cloves garlic

Garlic Salt to taste

Cilantro

Rice (serving 1 cup):

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Saute rice until rice is browned.
Stir in water and tomato sauce. Season with garlic salt and garlic. Cover, and simmer for 40 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Beans (1/2 cup):

Heat beans over medium heat and add 1/4 cup water.

Tacos (2):

Heat corn tortillas on griddle (no oil) and fill with shredded chicken (4oz - 2oz per taco), lettuce, cilantro and onions.

Zucchini: grill zucchini and chop and serve with rice.

Portions:

0.5 Cup Beans Refried Canned Fat Free

91.2 Cal
4.0 Ounces Chicken Breast, Meat Only, Roasted

187.0 Cal
2 Items Corn Tortillas, without Added Salt

113.7 Cal
0.5 Cup Lettuce Romaine Shredded

4.0 Cal
1.0 Cup Rice White Long Grain Boiled

205.4 Cal
0.5 Cup Squash Summer Zucchini

9.0 Ca

Updates and Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 14:17:00 +0000

So, with a new start to life, a new job, working on getting this body of mine back into shape and having a new home......I feel like this blog has seen it's good days, but now, needs a facelift! Be prepared in the coming weeks to see some changes! :)

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WEATHER

As for me and Steven, we are doing well adjusting to Georgia. There really isn't that big of an adjustment, other than being away from friends and family. The weather is no joke here and the humidity is nasty, but that's why we aren't out jogging at 1:30 in the afternoon. For the seasons we gain year-round, I can take the heat. We've been to the pool a few times already; working on the whiteness that has not seen sun in 2 summers (yes, we did live in SoCal and didn't go to the beach hardly at all!)

We are starting to see fireflies and we even have a bunny that comes and visits (mostly takes a poop in our backyard) and he also has dug a good sized hole that he burrows himself into in our planter bed. The dogs go crazy and try to dig at the hole. As Steven would say, "We're renting!" :) We need a name for him, so please send your suggestions!

WORK

Work has been good for me and I've gotten into a pretty consistent routine with about 25 hours a week under my belt. I'd like to have more, but then I don't want to have more at the same time. The nice thing is, I can gauge it according to my schedule.

Steven has been playing with artist and fellow LA Laker Fan, the lovely Franscesca Batistelli. Who knew Lakers fans lived in Georgia!? It's been great to get to know new people and for Steven to be out, playing again and on the road. He will hopefully pick up something this Fall since Franny B. and Matt (her hubs) will be having their first child! :)

HEALTH

After working at a highly stressful job in CA and sitting on my butt 9-12 hours a day, I gained weight....whatdayaknow! I worked out (ran a 1/2 marathon, joined a bootcamp class), but wasn't eating the portions I should....stress will do that to ya. So I gained a considerable amount.

When we got here, it was my opportunity to take back that area of my life. I've been working out every day (for 13 days straight now) and keeping to the program I'm on. I'm starting to see my leg muscles come back and I'm feeling stronger again. I'm trying to eat clean (meaning no fake crap in my diet). It's actually not that hard when you put your mind to it. It's kinda fun to see what you can concoct without going over your calorie intake. There are still those days when all I crave is hotwings and pizza and a massive amount of mexican food for Miguels! Ahhh Miguels. Anyone want to ship me some??

One thing about my program is seeing how MUCH food we eat. The former athlete in me dies to be back to how I was in HS, playing soccer 5 days a week. So, I have my athlete cap on and I'm running full force towards that goal. So far I've lost 3-4 pounds (probably more because I've gained muscle....but the scale doesn't nicely analyze that for you!) My goal is to be back to my HS weight by September!

FRIENDS

We've been blessed with having good friends here that are supportive of our arrival. I think that it would have made the move a lot harder had we had no one to hang with. It's amazing what relationships come from where and it's amazing to me that 2 years ago started this journey that ended us here! We miss our friends DEARLY in CA and our families too! It's weird not to be able to go over just to drop something off or say hi. But, we're okay! :) We love it here and now we get to have visitors!!

Meet Sam

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:22:00 +0000

Meet Sam. He's almost a year old and he's my crazy boy. He's been a handful lately, but when he sits by my desk when I work and makes these funny faces, I can't help but laugh.

Fool Me Once, Shame on You, Fool me Twice Shame on Me

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:51:00 +0000

Image: barbadosfreepress.wordpress.com

Image: CBS News

I'm sickened to even write a blog post about this Dutch playboy. Remember the Natalie Holloway disappearance 5 years ago? If you remember, an inside invetigator gained Joran's trust and then video tapped every car conversation they had about the murders. He then went to the police with it. If that wasn't enough to convict him, I don't know what was. Well, look who showed up to play again. This is the same guy! Joran Van der Sloot and they are linking him to another murder of a Peruvian woman. He was never formally charged in Natalie's murder.

This coincidental turn of events reminds me of the OJ Simpson scenario. You kill one woman, you might get away with it. I don't know how, but you do. But, if you break the law again people aren't as ignorant the second time around. Someone like Van der Sloot is someone that I believe has given their soul to something greater in evil than we can imagine. They are have no feelings, no emotional connection to people. They are like robots. And a robot that likes to destruct human life has no place in society.

I apologize for such a somber Sunday post, however I believe people easily forget about the Natalie's of the world. It's truly why I believe human trafficking is so far removed from our realities. Out of sight out of mind.

And the Cleanup Continues.....

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Sat, 22 May 2010 19:22:00 +0000

Praying for all our friends in Nashville!

Week 2 - Decor, Dinners and Date Nights

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Tue, 18 May 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Lately, my butt has been glued to the computer chair. I've been updating blogs, twitter and editing code for client sites. It's a little surreal to be home and working, but it's nice. I've been a little wiped on social media, but I've wanted to post on my own! So, here I am!

Things we've done this week...(sorry, we still can't find the camera cable to upload pictures!)

First Visit to Cracker Barrel!
Went house "hunting" --- not really, but it's fun to look at dream homes
Worked out 2x (which is huge, since we haven't in about 2.5 months)
Set up bookshelf with my old book finds from Estate Sales
Set up our frames, pictures, clocks, etc.

We love Georgia, the people and the nature that surrounds us. It's really crazy to adjust to the trees lining every road and the roadkill....man there is a lot of that! Overall, there is a calming that's started to hit us. We don't rush through meals so that we can watch a particular show. We take our time getting ready in the morning, make a cup of coffee (totally foreign to me to not have to GO somewhere in the mornings). My anxiety level is slowly starting to reduce since I had anxiety every day I went to work. I believe I will be healthier, fitter and much less stressed.

Here is a picture of our beautiful bookshelf in my office area!

A New Life Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Wed, 12 May 2010 03:46:00 +0000

Sounds like a nice movie title doesn't it? It's been one week tomorrow that we arrived in Georgia and so far we love every bit of it. There are some things to adjust to, but minor in the grand scheme of life. This week I started work!

Many people have been asking about what I will be doing. After working 2.5 years in an office setting, I wanted a change. I wanted to be my own boss and that's just what I am going to be! I still have my Events Business which traveled with me to GA. I will need to make new connections, vendors, and people that need the services the company provides.

My other "new" job is client consulting for an Online Administrator Services. Now, that's not very clear as Steven told me the other day and frankly at first it was really hard to define to people exactly what I will be doing because every day is different.

DEFINITION: I get to dictate my schedule on contract project management of company/individual Social Networking (ie: Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Wordpress, Blogger, etc). I will also be designing websites. Other tasks will include anything from press releases to blog post creation and uploading.

It intimidates me a bit to think that my skills will be tested by someone other than my own personal taste. I created my Details Company Site and Blog, but templates were definitely my friend through the process. The good news is that I get to be challenged to advance my knowledge even farther and use what I do know.

Thanks for keeping up to date! I have a few other new things going on too that I'll start uploading tomorrow! :) Wait and see......

We Made It!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Sat, 08 May 2010 05:10:00 +0000

Well, It's been quite the week in our lives. We headed cross-country; Final destination: Georgia! I have so many funny stories as most road trips do, but I think my favorite part was just seeing the 7 states we drove through.

When you travel it always feels like your world stops, but everything else continues to move forward....almost without you. Nashville Flooded, Time Square had a bomb scare and a massive Oil Spill is causing major havoc. So much for a week on the road.

Breakdown by State

Arizona - been there many times before. It was the same as it ever was.

New Mexico - snowed pretty good here. It rained and was very mountainous. This was our first nights stay and surprisingly a good room for $54 bucks. Sam and Daisy refused to go to potty at all this day!

Texas - I drove through some of Texas and napped the other half until we crossed over to OK. Driving down the freeway we saw two cop cars on the side of the road, both men with big cowboy hats shootin' the breeze. As we passed slowly, they tipped their hats to us. While it was funny, all I could think of was only in Texas!

Oklahoma - At a rest stop some guy asked me "Are them english?" as he pointed to our dogs. I told him no, they were Boxers and then one of them barked at the guy....they've been liking to do this lately. The guy turned to his friend and said, "Them dogs ell' box ya!" Overall, this was a boring drive and we stopped at a gas station in Chekotah, OK (Carrie Underwood's) home town. Poor girl needed to get outta town to survive! Can we say ghetto!

Arkansas - At Subway I always get Feta on my sandwich instead of the other processed cheeses they tend to have (yes I sound snotty). Steven ordered for us & Ursula (the woman helping him), looked up like he had to be kidding and said, "We got Cheddar and American, what'll ya have?" This was my "Toto we aren't in California anymore" moment! Arkansad is a very pretty state (probably my favorite to drive through other than TN)

Tennessee - We have so many friends here and each one was struggling with the floods. We were thankful that we had been 1 day slower in our drive due to the flooding, but sad for everyone that had lost their homes. People were literally lining the sides of highways and outside their cars staring at what once was their neighborhood, now a lake. It was amazing and heartbreaking to see the devastation. We stayed in Chattanooga that night and had some sushi in a hole in the wall little place. It cost an arm and a leg, but it was good for being in the middle of Chattanooga, TN.

Georgia - We arrived safe. With two dogs that loved their road trip and slept most of the way. We got our moving truck unloaded with the help of a very nice friend and my car was delivered in one piece! All in all, we could not have asked for a smoother, less eventful move. Our house is wonderful and once I find my camera cable, I'll upload some better pictures!

For now, this is Daisy and Sam staring out our hotel window holding hands.

Laughing all the way home....

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 00:54:00 +0000

Last night friends of ours were talking about People of Walmart. I guess that I was one of the only people that hadn't heard of it. So, after some errands and being tired from the week, I checked out the site. No words needed..... some of my favorites:

The New Digs

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 04:15:00 +0000

Here's our new rental home in Georgia! It's a nice little home about 40 minutes from the heart of Atlanta (with no traffic, that is!) It's about 2000 sqft., 3BD, 2BTH and has an extra office area where I can work from home! Perfect!

Recently it's been more of a reality that this is happening and fast! Most are exciting thoughts, some are sad, but more than anything I know a great adventure awaits! I think as I was driving today it hit me that I can tell you how to get around town about 5 different ways. Back streets, side streets, freeways, and shortcuts. I've lived in CA my whole life and the same city, no less! So, to not really know where I'm at is a strange concept. Hopefully when ya'll visit, I'll have it down!

Job Hunt Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 03:17:00 +0000

I got a job and I'm totally excited about it! When I leave my current position April 30th & we drive to Atlanta I will start work May 10th! So, basically, I have only 1 week without a job and we'll be driving cross-country! I'm super excited about this opportunity with Today's Admin and look forward to become part of their team! :)

Thanks for your support all! I feel the love!

"We've Got Big News"

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:55:00 +0000

Well, by now for some of you this is no surprise. For others, it just might be and I apologize if I haven't gotten the chance to contact you personally. This has been a whirlwind of decision making regarding this announcement and I feel like I needed to spread it in mass quantity in order to relay who, what, where, when, and why.

We have decided to pick up our lives, our jobs and our doggies and head to a place commonly referred to as "The ATL"

Atlanta, Georgia is the next stop on the map for us. We leave Southern California (May 1st), excited for the new adventures that lie ahead and anticipation of something great. For a long time now, as you can tell by the title of this blog, Steven and I have been talking about moving. If you really know us, you know this is what has been on our brains! Almost annoyingly. I'm sure some of you figured we wouldn't move, it was just something to talk about....we thought that too at times! :)

It almost happened back in 2007 right after we got married, but we didn't feel the time was right. Then, we bought our home. So, we were here for a while, paying off debt and getting re-grounded in life, church and relationships. The last 3 years has been a learning time, especially this last year. It's been filled with excitement and disappointment; pain and healing; truth and promise. We know now, is our time to Go! We've been waiting for the "Go!" We know it not only comes through people encouraging us in this pursuit, but by scripture and desire and a readiness to start a new chapter in our lives. To frontier into the unknown for a bit and to embark on a brand new season.

A conversation with a old friend prompted the illustration of a field being plowed. While blessings flowed in many areas over the past 3 years, I feel like I've been plowed. It was painful, it took a lot longer than I expected and it wasn't always fun. I've learned a lot. I've grown a lot. I still don't have it all figure out! :) I'm now comfortable with that fact. But after you plow a field seeds are planted and there is a harvest. That's the season most look forward to; where new life and growth takes place.

Both Steven & I emerge from this season, more ready than ever to take on life with a new vengeance. We don't walk blindly in faith, but a reassured confidence in knowing God's promises to us. I can't say it will be the Yellow Brick Road, leading us to some amazing place in our lives, but I can't say it won't be either. My hope is stronger than ever and I'm excited about what lies around the corner!

Thank you to everyone who has ever prayed for us, encouraged us, stuck with us and been our ally. We appreciate you and know you are special to us!

Thursday Perspective - New Music

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:40:00 +0000

I cannot wait for this album! Experiencing some of these songs at the Passion Conference was amazing and I can't wait to have it all in my little car for my commutes!

Available everywhere 03//09//10!

Track listing:
1. Awakening – Chris Tomlin
2. Say, Say – Kristian Stanfill
3. Our God – Chris Tomlin
4. How He Loves – The David Crowder*Band
5. Healing is in Your Hands – Christy Nockels ** my favorite
6. King of Heaven (Isaiah 61) – Charlie Hall
7. You Alone Can Rescue – Matt Redman
8. Where the Spirit of the Lord Is – Chris Tomlin/Christy Nockels
9. Rise and Sing – FEE
10. Like a Lion – The David Crowder*Band
11. Chosen Generation – Chris Tomlin
12. With Everything – Hillsong United

A Great Way to Start the New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:01:00 +0000

No more treatments! Natalie underwent 2+ years of countless hospital visits and medicines before she could get to this point and concur her Leukemia. This is such an amazing family and I know they coveted every prayer, donation, and time spent supporting them through this.

A special thanks to my family and friends who back in 2008 supported Natalie even though you didn't know her. I asked for some help and you all rallied behind the idea. It made me realize how strong of a support group I have and how amazing Facebook can be! If you were one of those people, you know who you are, THANK YOU! This is truly a blessing to see her healthy, happy and have her golden locks grown back. Happy New Year Biagi Family!

To Read Natalie's Story, go here.

HELP HAITI - Easy Ways

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Marcia) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:23:00 +0000

0.5	Cup Beans Refried Canned Fat Free	91.2 Cal
4.0	Ounces Chicken Breast, Meat Only, Roasted	187.0 Cal
2	Items Corn Tortillas, without Added Salt	113.7 Cal
0.5	Cup Lettuce Romaine Shredded	4.0 Cal
1.0	Cup Rice White Long Grain Boiled	205.4 Cal
0.5	Cup Squash Summer Zucchini	9.0 Ca