Wordless Wednesday

Friday Foods

Easter snack? Sounds good to me!

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Prep Time:15 min
Start to Finish:2 hr 15 min
makes:2 1/2 cups (10 servings)

1 box (10 oz) Cascadian Farm® frozen organic cut spinach, cooked, cooled and squeezed to drain
1/2 cup artichoke hearts (from 14-oz can), drained, finely chopped
2 medium green onions, chopped (2 tablespoons)
1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups fat-free sour cream
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt (kosher or sea salt)
1/4 teaspoon pepper

1. In medium bowl, mix all ingredients. Refrigerate 2 hours before serving.
2. Serve with crackers or raw vegetables.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.

Nutritional Information

1 Serving (1/4 cup): Calories 60 (Calories from Fat 10); Total Fat 1g (Saturated Fat 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 250mg; Total Carbohydrate 9g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 2g); Protein 3g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 50%; Vitamin C 2%; Calcium 10%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 1/2 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 1/2 *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

April Fools!

Today is April Fool's Day and also my sister's birthday. I can remember long ago when we used to play tricks on here, we don't get that luxury anymore. One year my mom and I got her a PlayStation (yes the original) and my mom decided to set it up for her and just wrap the empty boxes. That same year I also got her a box of rocks. She didn't believe I'd do such a thing, but I did.

Well after school (she isn't as privileged as me to be off on my birthday no matter what) we had her birthday party before going to Celebration Station. Well she was so excited to open her presents. I was first and she was so mad about her box of rocks. I thought she was going to throw them at me. Next my mom let her open the empty boxes. She tore the paper open, not realizing they were extremely light. She was so excited and started jumping up and down. But then, she opened the boxes only to find that they were empty. She started crying huge crocodile tears.

My mom tried to explain to her that she had the system set-up, but that didn't make a difference. She was so upset that she had a joke played on her. From that day on we never played a joke on her again. Too bad, it was always fun. My mom wouldn't ever let us do anything to her.

So Happy Birthday to my sis! You're the best and I love you a ton.

... And The Winner Is

The winner of my Scensational Scentsy Giveaway is Little Woman from Little Woman Little Home!!!!

She has been one of my long time followers and has an amazing blog. If you haven't ever read it ... you should go right after you finish reading mine.

If you are sad you didn't get to win Scentsy, but wish you had some ... go to my website and shop away. This stuff is great, you won't regret it.

In other news ...

I had a really random weekend. I sat in the car for 3.5 hours on Saturday so I could finally get outside and go "adventurin." Unfortunately, mother nature had other things in mind. Not only did the temperature drop 30 degrees from OKC to my destination but it also started raining and the wind was blowing like crazy. yay! Did I mention I didn't have a jacket? We had to stop at a random small town Walmart so I could pick up a $5 hoodie.

Being as outdoorsy and tough as I am (haha) I managed to get outdoors and climb through a cave. It was pretty fun and it was nice to not feel any wind. Then after all was said and done we had a picnic... in 40 degree windy weather. Talk about the time of my life.

Hope you all had amazing weekends :)

Wordless Wednesday

Only in Oklahoma ...

Friday Foods

Chewy Chocolate-Oat Bars

Melted chocolate and fat-free sweetened condensed milk make a fudgy layer in these yummy bars. From eatbetteramerica.

Prep Time:20 min
Start to Finish:2 hr 15 min
makes:16 bars

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup (from 14-oz can) fat-free sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
1 cup Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup canola or soybean oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup fat-free egg product
2 tablespoons old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
2 teaspoons no-trans-fat stick margarine, softened*

1. In 1-quart heavy saucepan, heat chocolate chips and milk over low heat, stirring frequently, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth; set aside.
2. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-inch or 9-inch square pan with cooking spray.
3. In large bowl, mix flour, 1/2 cup oats, the baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. In medium bowl, stir brown sugar, oil vanilla and egg product with fork until smooth; stir into flour mixture until blended. Reserve 1/2 cup dough in small bowl for topping.
4. Pat remaining dough in pan (if dough is sticky, spray fingers with cooking spray or lightly flour fingers). Spread chocolate mixture over dough. Add 2 tablespoons oats and the butter to reserved dough; mix with pastry blender or fork until crumbly. Drop small spoonfuls of oat mixture evenly over chocolate mixture.
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until top is golden and firm. Cool completely, about 1 hour 30 minutes. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. *Only use margarine with at least 65% vegetable oil.

Nutritional Information
1 Bar: Calories 160 (Calories from Fat 50); Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 1 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 115mg; Total Carbohydrate 25g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 17g); Protein 3g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 4%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 1 1/2 *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Don't forget to sign-up for my giveaway ending Monday!

I love animals ...

"I love animals, I love animals, I love animals"

Yes I kept repeating that over and over in my head this morning to try and keep from fuming. So what happened?

Well, last night my cat and I were all cuddled up in bed snoozing. Cute right? Well about 7 a.m. I hear, hack, hack hack hack. As soon as I hear it and realize what it was I lifted my head up off of the pillow. I realized then that my cat was about to throw up inches from my face. Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough and my sweet precious cat puke on my pillow and on my sheets. Gross!!

So, at 7 a.m. this morning I got up and changed my sheets and pillow. That's right, I love animals.

Wordless Wednesday

I found the pot at the end of the rainbow.... boy was I pissed! Anyways, Happy St. Patty's Day!

Monday Meme

My mind is in overload with all my homework and I've been a bit down this week, so to clear my mind a little I decided to do a little meme.

The Name Something Meme

Name something you do every day

wake up

Name something someone else calls you

qt

Name something that irritates the heck out of you online.

pop-up ads

Name something that bugs the stuff out of you at a restaurant.

an empty glass when the restaurant is empty

Name something you cannot tolerate at a store.

rude salespeople

Name something you'd like to call your co-worker.

annoying

Name something that you hate about someone close to you.

moodiness

Name something you don't like about your sibling.

she puts friends before family a lot

Name something you like about yourself.

my eyes

Name something you would rather be doing right now.

sitting on the beach sipping a mai thai

Name something that you'll be doing next week at this time.

working

Friday Foods

Chicken Spaghetti

Ingredients
8 ounces Cooked chicken
3 cups Cooked spaghetti -- 4 1/2 oz dry
3 ounces Velveeta Light
4 1/2 ounces Rotel
can FF Cream of Mushroom Soup (you could probably use cream of chicken if you don't like mushroom soup)
1/2 cup Chopped onions
1/2 cup Bell pepper

Preparation
Mix Velveeta with soup and chiles and heat. The cheese will melt without sticking. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into sprayed 13x9" dish, cover with foil, and cook until heated thoroughly approximately 10 minutes at 450º. Serve immediately.
Serving Size : 6

This is sooooooo good. I have been eating it all week! Enjoy!

Also, don't forget to sign-up for my giveaway!

A Scentsy Giveaway!!!

Do you love candles but hate the flames and the mess? Do you have a small child and are afraid he/she may get burnt? Do you love walking into a house with the smell of an amazing aroma? Do you hate the fact that your candles burn so quickly? If so try Scentsy!

My sister and I have teamed up as Independent Consultants to sell Scentsy as we are both addicted to it and love how amazing it makes our house smell. But since we are just starting out we are offering a heck of a deal to you bloggers. We are trying to meet a goal of selling $500 worth or product in 15 days, this is the first Scenty award we can win. And I like starting things with a bang. We are already on day two so time is ticking. So how do you fit in? I am having a giveaway!

Enter to win a Scentsy gift pack! This gift pack will be a surprise, but it is something I am sure you will all love.

The Rules

1. For every $30 you purchase from my Scentsy site, you are entered 3 times! 3-for-30 in other words.

2. You get one entry for being a follower and commenting on this post that you are a follower. You also must leave me a way to contact you if you win.

3. You also can get another entry for blogging/tweeting about this entry. Post a comment linking to your post.

This giveaway will end on March 22, 2010 and the winner will be announced shortly after.

I am also looking for anyone JOIN my Scentsy team!!! If you're looking to JOIN... It only takes $99 plus local tax and $10 shipping. Pretty cheap for the amount of stuff you get in the starter kit. To be active it only takes selling $150 of product in a single month. You also aren't required to sell $150 every month! This product sells itself. The lady I signed up under has completely quit her job and sells Scenty full-time!!!! For more information contact me on my Scentsy site or e-mail me.

AHHHHHH!

Sorry for being missing last week. Things with work were crazy and I was super busy. I had a huge (15 pages) essay due on Monday then I had to turn around and write 3 papers for Thursday and today. So needless to say, I have been a busy busy girl. I hope ya'll haven't missed me too much. :)

So, I went to see Alice in Wonderland this week and absolutely loved it! I can't believe it got some of the reviews it did. I think that it has to do with people's love/hate relationship with Tim Burton. I thought it was an excellent Tim Burton film, granted there were things I'd change but all-in-all amazing!

I also saw a trailer for another movie I want to see... Despicable Me. I have seen two trailers now and this one just cracks me up.



I also decided I am totally the guy cracking up about the cow can. I'm so easily entertained haha!

How were your weekends?

Wordless Wednesday

Friday Foods

Healthified Cream Cheese Brownies

Prep Time:15 min
Start to Finish:1 hr 55 min
makes:24 brownies

Filling
1 package (8 oz) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened
1/3 cup sugar
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla

Brownies
1 box (1 lb 2.3 oz) Betty Crocker® fudge brownie mix
1/4 cup canola oil or unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup water
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in remaining filling ingredients until well blended.
2. In large bowl, stir brownie mix, oil, water, 4 egg whites and 1 teaspoon vanilla with spoon until well blended. Spread in pan.
3. Spoon filling mixture over brownie batter in pan. Cut through filling mixture and batter with knife several times for marbled design. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
4. Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until toothpick inserted in brownie 2 inches from side of pan comes out clean or almost clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For 24 brownies, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Nutritional Information

1 Brownie: Calories 160 (Calories from Fat 50); Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 125mg; Total Carbohydrate 22g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 17g); Protein 2g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 2%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 0%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 1/2 Starch; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 1 1/2 *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Today makes one year ...

... since you left this earth to be in heaven. I miss you every day mom, and wish I could say the pain has eased but the tears still fall and I still feel empty inside. While I will never understand why God took you from me at such an early age, I will accept that He has a plan. I know you are watching over me and I love you very much.

Girl Fest Weekend

I totally went all girl this weekend and indulged in all things girly. Well, I take that back I didn't get the mani and pedi I was hoping to get, but that is OK.

My girl weekend started out Saturday when I went to see Dear John. I am an avid Nicholas Sparks fan, in fact he is my favorite author and I have read so many of his books. Unfortunately, I have not read this book, but I couldn't pass up on seeing Channing Tatum half naked. The guy is HAWT! Even if sappy lovey stories aren't your thing, it's worth it to see him. Haha, well I loved the movie. I thought it was really great. After the movie I went to my fave Mexican restaurant and indulged in some fajita chicken enchilada's and it was amazing.

Sunday, I had to write a paper and that wasn't fun at all but the day was made so much better by going out to see Valentine's Day. I wanted to see this movie last weekend so bad, but was kind of blown off. So, I went this past weekend and I will tell you it was pretty funny. I'm not a huge fan of Ashton Kutcher, but he plays his role perfectly in this movie. You should definitely see this one, no matter if you are in love or if you are a bitter romantic. I also had Mexican again on Sunday. Do you think I like Mexican food? Haha. I can't help it. We tried this new restaurant and it wasn't to bad. I wasn't sure what to order so I stuck with beef enchilada's. They were pretty good, but I like my favorite place so much more.

So all-in-all I had a pretty good weekend. I think the only thing that would have made my girl fest better was a piece or cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory.

How were your weekends?

Friday Foods

Pesto Chicken Pizza

Prep Time:10 min
Start to Finish:25 min
makes:4 servings

1 cup cut-up cooked chicken breast
2 tablespoons refrigerated reduced-fat or regular basil pesto
4 whole wheat pita (pocket) breads (6 inch)
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese (1 oz)
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

1. Heat oven to 400°F. In medium bowl, mix chicken and pesto until blended.
2. Place pita bread in single layer on cookie sheet. Spread 2 tablespoons pizza sauce on each pita. Divide chicken mixture evenly among pita bread. Top with remaining ingredients.
3. Bake about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cut pizzas into wedges.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.

Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 280 (Calories from Fat 80); Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 2 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 35mg; Sodium 490mg; Total Carbohydrate 30g (Dietary Fiber 4g, Sugars 6g); Protein 19g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 10%; Calcium 15%; Iron 15% Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

I have yet to try this, but I plan on making it this weekend. It looks too delicious to pass up!

Change happens

Change happens. And with change comes growth. I am still trying to learn and accept this philosophy. Unfortunately, it is not going too smoothly.

One week from yesterday will be one full year since my mother passed away. Exactly five months prior to February 24th, (Sept. 24) my grandmother passed away. In five months, I lost two of the most important people in my life and have yet to really accept that loss.

I have drowned my sorrows in alcohol, food, ice cream and countless amounts of tears. Sadly, nothing seems to fix it. I went to the doctor a little over a month ago and he referred me to some counselors. I plan on my appointments with them asap. He also put me on anti-depressants. Honestly, they have helped so much more than I could imagine, but they don't kill the pain.

So yes, change is inevitable, and I am learning to adjust. Spring is the time or rebirth and with that I am trying to be "reborn."

In case you didn't know, Wednesday was Ash Wednesday and also the first day of Lent. While, I grew up Catholic I don't go to church regularly (even though I should). But every year, I tend to give something up for Lent. I feel as though it is something I can do to better myself.

Since last year was the first year in a very long time that I have not given anything up, I decided to give up two things. Yes two! I decided the first thing I would give up is greasy fast food, yes I will still eat the healthy stuff like subway. Since my mom passed, I have been stuck in such a rut that fast food has almost been my lifeline. That is not healthy at all. I figured giving up greasy fast food would allow me to get back on track in my personal life and make myself do one of the things I love to do, cook.

The second thing I am giving up is more personal. It is the inability to process change. Sounds deep right? Well, I am making it my goal to work on myself and make myself happy. I am tired of crying almost everyday and I know my mom and grandma do not want me to spend the rest of my life like this. So, while I know there will be tears shed over the next 40 days, I do know that I am going to make a constant effort to make myself smile at least once a day.

Do you celebrate Lent? If so, what are you giving up?

Wordless Wednesday

Yes, I am in fact a Twilight nerd. :)

Friday Foods

I am so excited to be starting this! I am calling it Friday Foods because each week I will feature a different recipe I have tried, or will be trying. While my New Year's Resolution is to be healthier, I occasionally might slip in some "not-so-great for you foods."




Spinach Manicotti


Prep Time:15 min
Start to Finish:50 min
makes:7 servings (2 manicotti each)



Ingredients
1 box (8 oz) uncooked manicotti shells (14 shells)
1 1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (6 oz)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 container (15 oz) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1 box (10 oz) Cascadian Farm® frozen organic cut spinach, thawed, drained, squeezed dry
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 jar (25.5 oz) Muir Glen® pasta sauce (any flavor)


1. Heat oven to 375°F. Cook manicotti as directed on box. Rinse with cool water; drain well. In medium bowl, stir together 1 cup of the Italian cheese blend, the pepper flakes, ricotta cheese, spinach, garlic and egg.


2. In bottom of ungreased 13x9-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of the pasta sauce. Spoon ricotta mixture into manicotti; place over sauce in dish. Pour remaining sauce over manicotti. Cover tightly with foil.


3. Bake about 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbling. Uncover dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Italian cheese blend. Bake uncovered 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Increase first bake time to about 45 min.


Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 340 (Calories from Fat 100); Total Fat 11g (Saturated Fat 6g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 65mg; Sodium 690mg; Total Carbohydrate 43g (Dietary Fiber 4g, Sugars 8g); Protein 19g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 70%; Vitamin C 6%; Calcium 35%; Iron 15% Exchanges: 1 1/2 Starch; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 2 Medium-Fat Meat Carbohydrate Choices: 3



This is delicious! I make it pretty often and love it every time. Enjoy!

Random Thoughts

Today has been a rather strange day for me. I don't know, maybe it is the weather or maybe it is just me going insane. I decided I'd just write down some of my random thoughts or happenings from today. Enjoy.

• I got a shout out from my professor yesterday about how great I am doing. Did I mention everyone in the class got to see that shout out? I still feel like a rock star.
• It's snowing ... again. I'm not sure if it is going to be a bad storm or not. I'm so ready for warm weather.
• I'm still going crazy at work. I still feel overworked and underpaid. I guess that is why I am pursuing my masters to begin with.
• I need a vacation.
• Here lately I have had this weird obsession with kettle cooked jalapeno chips. It is starting to get bad.
• Have you ever wanted to just hit someone with your car? No, I don't mean like run over someone. I just wish I could add padding and rubber to my car and knock all the jerks off the highway. Grrr, I hate stupid drivers.
• I keep getting an itch to move. I constantly check the newspaper and craigslist for some sort of house to move into. I'm so over apartment life. Sadly, with the market being crappy rent has skyrocketed on houses.
• Why is it people with diabetes continue to drink nondiet soda and eat candy all day? I mean this is the same guy constantly complaining about the possibility of insulin shots. Well drinking a 2-liter of sugar loaded soda at work and poppin the m&ms won't help, I swear.
• I'm not feeling well. I want to go home.

Hope you are all having a Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday

This was my fave Super Bowl commerical this year.

Thursday Thunks

I haven't really ever posted any meme's and I figured I'd post one today so you could get a laugh out of my ridiculousness.

1. You walk into a room, someone turns and looks at you and laughs. What do you do?
Give them the finger

2. You find an egg, take it home and keep it warm. It hatches. What type of dinosaur is it? Do you keep it and name?
It's a triceratops. I would name it Cera and keep it for a few days then get rid of it.

3. Which superhero would you want to be related to and why?
Mrs. Marvel, because she is a total bad ass.

4. A drunken sailor comes up to you on the pier...he begins harassing you in a most repulsive way....what'll be your defense?
Kick him in the nuts and run away. That's what mom always said to do.

5. Entering a CLASS A piano bar, you're encouraged to sing atop the grand instrument...you grab the microphone and sing.....
Achey Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus. Wouldn't that be hilarious?

6. If you were a character in a Dr. Seuss book/movie, who would you be and why?
I would want to be a Who, because they are awesome.

7. If you have just been called to be a substitute in the Winter Olympics for your country (apparently everyone else was busy), what sport(s) will you compete in?
I'd want to be in the Jamacian bobsled team!

8. Did the audience from the piano bar in question #5 applaud when you were done with your song?
Of course

Wordless Wednesday

It was like deja vu

My pants are wet, my feet are cold, and there is slush everywhere. It was like deja vu.

I don't know what is up with the weather in Oklahoma this year, but it sure has been interesting. After we had our Christmas Eve blizzard, we were cursed blessed with another bout of ice and snow.


So what did I do? I stayed in all weekend. On Friday, I couldn't even get my car out of the parking lot. I was parked on pure ice and the thing was not in the mood to move. I had to call in sick, and I spent my day writing a paper. Fun right? Not so much.


I hope you all had a comfy and cozy weekend like I did. I was warm and basically did nothing. It was grand. I will say that I am very thankful that I was not one of the thousands of people that lost power. Ice is no joke, it destroyed a lot of things, but I can't help be see some of the beauty in it.


Here's a look at Oklahoma Ice Storm January 2010.

*Most of the photos are from The Oklahoman, the bottom two are from a family friend and are pictures of her property.

SORRY!!

I've been missing, and I really have missed you all. After the holidays and everything I just kind of got stuck in a rut. Really, life has consisted of working and going home. I'm feeling a bit better and trying to work things out. I plan on being back, but my posts may be a bit more limited now.

The reason I say they might be more limited is because I am working on my master's now. I started classes Jan. 19th and so far they are keeping me busy. I hope that you all are having a wonderful week and I promise I will post again soon. <3