H L Topic of Week of March 17-23 ~Foods that fight illness~

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - - - -
You are beautiful Kris !  You look great !   You are beautiful inside and out. 
I think sometimes when we loose weight we become a smaller version of our larger one in our eyes - and sometimes - depending upon the elasticity of our skin - it might not shrink as we would like.
Sometimes surgery (optional) might be necessary to get the look you want.
I have a friend who had her neck fixed and a tummy tuck all at the same time.  Don't know how long it took to recover, but she said she felt like a truck had run over her.  LOL   But with that being said - she was very glad she did it - and looked wonderful.
Oh - I think she had a boob job too 
But she had just gone through a divorce and wanted to do all of this.
I don't think it's necessarily vane - I guess it would all be determined by 'why' you want to do it as to whether it is vane or not.
Still, I think you look smaller and wonderful KRIS.

Dusta - I'm like Dawn and Natasha - I really hate that the little dog got ran over  :(
But that is a lot better than being skinned I guess.  Poor little thing.  Still makes me sad to think of any of it.

I have been cleaning out the refrigerator today - - - made a taco salad with Ground Turkey Breast.
Shredded about 5 bags of organic carrots - for future carrot cake.  (didn't want to waste the carrots and had way too many)
I'm gonna have to rethink buying in bulk for me and dh.  We just can't keep up - eating it all.
I love going to Sam's - but some things I shouldn't buy in bulk I guess.

Going outside to check on dh - he's digging a trench (sp?) for the electric wire for the gate opener.  Still are having to get out of our cars to open and close the gate.  Poor us.  haha
LOVE my fence though !

Kris, you are beautiful and definitely look smaller! Maybe if your belly is bothering you, you could get a fab pair of spax? They are supposed to work miracles :)

Debi, for Sean and I... we buy in bulk or whichever for canned goods and meat (that we can freeze). But thats about it for the food. Taco salad sounds yummy!

Having leftover carbonara and garlic bread for lunch. Quick pop in!

Hey Kris, where are these before & after pics?  I have to skim through posts today because I don't  have much time... and I didn't see link.  I checked FB too...

Anyhow, I know what you mean about not seeing yourself as you are.  I have only realized recently how my perception of my own body is skewed.  My whole life, I've never thought I look good.  I hate admitting that, especially to anyone who is trying to lose weight, because I worry people think, "Oh come ON!!!!!" but it's true.  Then I look back at pictures of myself 10, 20+ years ago, and I think, "Was I crazy?  Look at me!  I looked fine!"  I guess being bombarded by images in the media of women with hourglass figures, I know I'll ever measure up (literally) to that and I feel bad.

We all need to see the beauty in ourselves!  At the present time!  And we need to celebrate our accomplishments, whether it's losing a few sizes, or inches, or pounds... or in the case of some people, gaining a few.  (I try not to forget my eating-disordered friends who struggle with anorexia.)  

Hi girlies!

Dusta, you are right, I was in baby heaven yesterday!  My sweet little man!  Last night I got my hair cut and it's great, color and highlights too, I'm rockin it!  hahahaha  a great head of hair is sooooo worth the money! :) Katie got a cut too, hers is much shorter, I will post a pic when I get her to be still for a second!  girls!  This afternoon she has her dance recital!

Kris, you are gorgeous and sometimes yes, it takes our heads time to catch up with our quickly changing body.  Personally, i have had enough life or death surgery so I wouldn't do a voluntary one!  I agree though that Spanx is supposed to work wonders.  It's funny  to hear everyone talk about how their looks don't match their minds - I never feel overweight until I see a picture and then I'm surprised!  haha must be denial on my part!  I have been told that liposuction removes the fat cells from the area that is treated, so you have to be very careful not to gain any weight back cuz it will go someplace else since those fat  cells are gone.  My luck I would gain weight back and have a hump on my back or something! :)  Seriously, I think you look amazing in the pics you sent at Christmas and you have done a wonderful job of setting and accomplishing your goals.  You are totally a role model in my book. Sending you some hugs because you are a wonderul person!!!  Enjoy your time off ... I know I'm going to ... :)

Hi to everyone, I have to run!

XXOO

Hi Healthy Beauties!

I had a productive day. I ended up cleaning out the flower bed early this morning(before B'fast) and then went to the orchard for some apples later on. Plus, DH and I ate lunch at Bellacinno's.  DH mowed today. I didn't weed eat because we need a new weed eater. Ours went kerplunk kerplooie at the end of the season last year. 

Dawn, hope things settle down for you at work soon. :) You should have seen Macie when she saw the top with the cat on it- she squealed with delight! We cracked up. She is so animated and when she sees something excited she screams out-so cute! She is going to be a girly girl- it's all about accessories for her. LOL

Kris, you look much smaller to me girl! :) I agree 100% with Debi! I couldn't have said it better myself. :) You are beautiful and you have done an awesome job losing wt. Give yourself some time to enjoy the new you. You can also do some tummy toning exercises too.  I personally think you look great the way you are! Do what is right for you. We will support you with whatever you choose to do- you know that. :)

Natasha, I keep forgetting to tell you how I like my chicken salad- I like to add chopped celery, chopped bread and butter pickles, some pickle juice and mayo. When you use sweet pickle juice- it gives it a good flavor and you don't need as much mayo to make it creamy. :) I used canned chicken from Sam's this time - but preferably, I would like to use a good leftover rotisserie chicken breast- chunked. :)

Candy, I made flour tortillas this time, but am planning on trying the corn ones as well. They weren't perfectly round, but who cares. They came out yummy. I may use coconut or olive oil next time. The most time consuming part was the rolling. LOL When you think about it- tortillas are way overpriced and way more processed. :(

Debi, do you freeze the carrots after shredding and do they work as well as fresh in the cakes- hadn't thought of shredding and freezing them. DH and I cut back on some of the fresh bulk items at Sam's too. Plus, I am not buying the frozen meats as often. We don't have the freezer space for the stuff I would like to buy. LOL

Dusta, sorry about that little doggie. :( Sad. On a happier note that is cute about the little boy calling the dog Carbus instead of chewy. Speaking of Chewy as a name- Mom has a dog named Cookie and Clay has always called him Chewy instead of Cookie- not sure what that is all about. :) Maybe  because he preferred chewy cookies. LOL

Jill, hope you are doing well- haven't heard from you in a while girl! :)

Enjoy your babysitting Miss Rebecca! :) Glad you are enjoying your new hairdo! You go girl!

Sherry, how are doing these days? I bet you are working today. Is you throat doing better, hope so.

Hugs and Waves to everyone. I need to start supper. I have some grilled marinated steak (frozen from leftovers)  to do something with. It should be defrosted now.

Have a good evening Healthy Ones!

Woops, was long winded.

Hi Jeannie and Rebecca!  Good to see you girls! :)

Sorry I have been AWOL. I had that stretch where I had to work 5 out of 7 days and my two days off were split. It was horrible. Was still having major issues with my throat and laryngitis. Yesterday was off but had to go back to NP and also had to sit around all day waiting for installs but much happier with this new company and it is much cheaper in the longrun and I get more things. Was not good day at NP. I think I have bronchitis (not sure if it is residual or new) and I had thought my pulmonary function tests would be better since I am breathing better, but they were the same. This 6 weeks of swollen sore throat and laryngitis has just been miserable. So I decided yesterday to go to see my lung doctor, though I'm not supposed to go until November. I saw him at hospital a week or so ago and told him I had had bacterial pneumonia and he said if I needed anything come and see him..He knows my baseline PFTs so I went and got CD of my chest x ray from when I had the pneumonia. Know he will want to see that...anyway, yesterday started Zyrtec, Singulair, and another burst of prednisone. Well, the good news is that the Zyrtec is working wonders on my throat. Pain isn't completely gone...but my throat feels much better and my voice is much better. Had to take truck in this morning for repairs and ran to Safeway to get a few things. Have to work tomorrow, but then 2 more days off, then work 1, then have 2 more days off (I like this stretch of schedule LOL)...

Natasha, bummer on the friend with soy allergy. I think Candy, Dawn, and Jeannie are giving you great advice.

Kris, woo hoo on going to concert with GC. I think you look much smaller and wonderful and I'm sure it takes time to get used to.

Have not been cooking much this week. Whatever my throat will tolerate, which for the most part has been soup and hot tea with honey and lemon juice and sometimes toast. Not really the healthiest. Today made a crockpot thing and some fairly healthy coleslaw. The crockpot thing would be healthy if it wasnt for the canned soup being so high in sodium.

It has gone from being freezing over the weekend to feeling almost warm enough to swim today. I was tempted to go out to pool and soak my legs, but decided maybe not the best idea with the bronchitis cough still.

Went to MiMi's with a friend for brunch so didn't have any lunch. I had an omelet that had spinach, avocado, fresh tomato, monterey jack cheese, and a little bacon on it, potatoes, orange juice, coffee, and a carrot raisin muffin that was delicious. Had a fresh basil leaf on top (think it was basil). It was yummy. Think I could recreate that meal to be a bit healthier and that muffin did not need to be that huge!   

Muril - Can you believe it's time to weed-eat again?!?  I need to get ours going soon also.  Just hoping we will dry up enough to mow tomorrow before we have to bale it and then pitch in the lake.  I'm sure the fish would enjoy the meal, just extra work.

Rebecca - We need a mom-dot beauty queens picture!  Glad you got your baby squishing today.  Hope the dance recital goes smashingly!

Jeannie - You describe me perfectly!  I never have seen myself as looking good or healthy ever in my lifetime.  Now when I look back (except for the last 5-10 years) I really was acceptable.  I am amazed that I was in good shape and looking nice.  I should be seeing myself in the smaller and healthier size now too, but my mind is crazy.  I haven't posted a current picture on FB.  I need to update my photo.  Did you receive my Christmas card?  I had my top weight photo with my DNiece at her graduation May 2011 along with my 35 pound weight loss picture as of November 2011. 

Natasha - Glad you are popping in!  Sometimes I would like a membership to Sam's or Cosco but we never would be able to use bulk items - especially since my DP don't like leftovers.

Debi - You will LOVE the electric fence when you can stay put in your vehicle!  Hope it's working soon!

Dusta - We share the same trick of not tucking in shirts.  My DSis is trying to get me to wear belts.  I don't mind them but they get hot!

Dawn - Wishing you a lovely evening with the family!  I take it Samantha is happy with her new school.

Candy - Do you have another trip being planned?  Someday I hope to travel to see sights and meet people too.

Jill - How are your workouts going?  Do you and DH have exciting plans for the weekend?

Sherry - You must be on your 4 day work pattern.  Is your pool going to open soon?

Thank you for all your support and views about the brain perception and weight.  I won't go for surgery - just thinking when I see those commercials.  Never thought of the weight coming back in a new area.  I have lived with a stomach all my life and know how to dress it.  LOL!   Maybe I need to see a current "picture" of myself to completely comprehend the change.

Relaxing with the DVR this evening.

Rebecca, so glad youre liking your haircut and color! Dont you feel so purdy? I always do when I have something like that done :) Like you, I dont feel fat generally (unless Im surrounded by skinny minnies)... then am embarassed when I see a pic of me.

Muril, your lunch out sounds delicious... Bellancinnos sounds so... I dunno, fancy LOL! Your chicken salad sounds great, till you said sweet pickle juice LOL. I think theres two kinds of people in the world, people who like sweet pickles and those who dont! LOL I still love you though! Cute, about Clay calling cookie, Chewy.

Debi, what a great idea.... preshredding carrots. Assuming (like Muril) that you freeze em? Sounds like a great idea!

Sherry, my goodness... what a mess with your lungs! Glad the throat is getting better though :) OOh strange weather for you too? It was nicer today (50s) but still not normal yet. No rain at least :) Oh gosh your brunch sounds tasty!

Kris, maybe you should keep your old and new pic hanging in your sights, so you can be reminded just how darned good you look girl! Most of the things we get at Costco arent food... we get toilet paper and ziplock bags and other household things. Thats where the biggest savings are. Their electronics have great deals too, and books. Enjoy your dvr tonight!

Sean and I are watching an episode of top gear on bbc america. We like the british one, cracks me up. I made the hotdogs for dinner.. but they were a sausage hot dog, and I just wanted feeling it. I took one bite and tossed mine. Having salad instead.

Gonna check some other things online. Im so excited to see my mom tomorrow!

Good Morning Healthy Ones!

Okie Dokie, going to be a great day today- sunny and beautiful again! Woo Hoo- love it. DH is going to get a hair cut today and we need to run a few errands.

Crystal's b'day is the end of the month- and we are celebrating a week early-this Sunday- her dessert of choice is Lemon Meringue pie so going to get the fixings for that. She usually wants some type of cake but decided to mix it up a bit! LOL

Kris, you will soon get used to the new slim you. I think we are all too hard on ourselves- always thinking something is too big or too little in some areas. LOL You look wonderful and soon your mind will follow. :) LOL on the fish enjoying the food- that's cute. I saw a worm yesterday while cleaning out the flour bed- the robins must have missed it. :)

Natasha, pickle juice is good in egg salad and potato salad. I know, I know - you don't like it- oh yeah, and tuna salad.... not a lot of it- just a little- gives it a sweet/tangy taste without a lot of fat- but I still add some mayo. You must be a dill pickle girl. I always think dill pickles ruin chicken salad and that is what some of the supermarket delis use. I remember Miss Nancy had me searching far and wide for chicken salad without the dill relish in it- hard to find. I like my kosher dills though- just not in salads. :)  We are different about our preferences- hey, that makes the world go round girl! :) Still love you too! LOL on Bellacino's (does have a ring to it, doesn't it?)  being fancy- just a little sub shop- we split a veggie sub. :)

Sherry, glad your throat is getting back to normal. Did the garlic help at all? Just wondering for future reference. :) It is hard to cook without canned soups in some recipes- have you tried the cream soup alternative? I need to remember to do that next time instead of cr. of chicken.

Off for another cup of coffee. I need to exercise, practice some songs for Easter and get my day planned.

Hugs and Waves to everyone!

Muril, I can't really tell whether the garlic helped or not. I think I will try a different form the next time rather than chewing raw cloves. that was way too hot for my taste! Maybe I should add a garlic pill for my am meds though. Maybe that would help. Don't know.

That crockpot casserole, was ok, but I don't like it as well as the mushroom pork tenderloin one or the pork chops and scalloped potatoes one from Light and Tasty, so since it is similar to both of those, will probably scrap it. The onion soup mix sub was ok and if I would have had a recipe that used more than half a cup of water, would have scrapped the beef bouillion powder for  can of low sodium low fat beef broth. I have tried a cream soup mix sub previously that was ok but have another recipe I would like to try soon. The apple slaw was good and different and would be great with a few different types of meats.

Working today. Expecting to be floated, which will probably be OK. Some of the floating days are not as bad as some of the days in my area, Less patients and they can do more for themselves...though it does get crazy with all the admits and discharges. 

Its finally sunny! Well, its not really all that nice. But its not raining, and its gonna be in the 50s all weekend! Yay!

Happy Friday friends!

Muril, those kids are all so lucky to have you as a mom/mil! I keep wanting to make the cream soup alternative but always froegt to write the recipe down :( I wonder if its something you could make in advance and have ready to go, or if its something u gotta make just then. Have a great day today!

Sherry, my grandma uses garlic powder in her honey cayenne mixture for sore throats and coughs :) Sorry your meal didnt knock your socks off... I hate putting the time into making something then not really caring for it. Try to take it easy at work :)

My mommy will be here tonight! Hehe Im so happy shes coming up. AND I managed to get Sunday off too, so I have a 2 day weekend for once! The only way I will end up working Sunday is if someone else calls out...

Breakfast - Yogurt, coffee (and Im still hungry, so I will look at my pantry and see what else I got)
Lunch - Again, will hafta check the pantry. Probably a smoothie
Dinner - Meatball subs, spinach dip

Natasha here is a recipe for a powdered replacement for creamsoup that you can have in your pantry ...

Cream of "something" soup recipe

Thank you Rebecca! That looks wonderful to me! I think I have some old powdered milk in the cupboard... does that stuff really expire? Its probably 5 yrs old... I cant wait to make this! Well, maybe I should wait til I use up the canned soups I already have. But then, I cant wait!

Enjoy the movie tonight hun!

I dunno about the milk, I guess everything has an expiration date ... but in soup I don't know if it would matter much, I would think it would more affect something like bread where you are looking for rising ... when I'm in doubt I call the 800 number on the pkg and bug them ...

I'm gonna be mixing some of that up soon too, I need to get the boullion or whatever first ...

is it time for the movie yet?????????????????

in 12 hours I will be enmeshed in it ... tick tock tick tock