What a Long Strange Trip its Been...

Let me start out by saying I am blessed.  I have my health, a terrific husband, a loving family, and the most amazing friends a girl could ever ask for.  This past year proved it to me once again - that even at the lowest of low times, we always need to remember to count our blessings.


Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes.....how do you measure a year in the life? Man o man so much can happen in the course of a year...


My first memory of 2010 was attending the funeral of my lifelong friend Beccee Kujawa.  No one single event in my life has made such an impact emotionally on me.  It was the most surreal feeling walking into the sanctuary for the first time.  Being completely grief stricken yet feeling totally "at home" all at the same time.  Beccee brought me back to the church and I became a member at Crosspoint this year.  The outpouring of love that day was indescribable.  Hundreds of people from all stages of Beccee's life were there to pay their respects to a friend that had made such an impact on their lives. I remember giving Ron a hug in the receiving line and thinking he looked so broken (wouldn't we all?).  At this time I hardly knew Ron...pretty much just from our time together planning the benefit.  As I said, things can really change in the course of a year :)  I remember Carol as she was leaving with the family.  We made eye contact and she stopped and gave me the biggest hug ever.  I know that there is no way that I could have, but if there was a way I could have taken away even one small portion of her pain and sorrow that day I would have done it in a heartbeat.  It was bizarre to see faces from my "other" life so long ago...the Mirgage guys, Benet, Lisa, etc.  I remember the video playing at the end of the service with Beccee singing.  I literally could not move.  I could not take my eyes off of the screen. Even though I know with complete certainty that Beccee was taken home to be in Heaven....saying goodbye completely broke my heart.  Beccee's passing has affected me profoundly. Not a day goes by where I do not think of her or pray for her family.  Beccee's light continues to shine in my life....I imagine it always will.


In January I became a Supervisor! Go figure!  I am very fortunate to have a team of people who are dedicated to their jobs.  I'd still drop everything in a heartbeat for a job at Summerfest (in case anyone is connected) - but I honestly am lucky to have a job that pays my mortgage and puts food on our table.


My friends continue to amaze me with their "wonderfulness" (my blog, I can make up words if I want to!).  I just can't express how cool it is to be surrounded by such amazing individuals.  Some friends I am lucky enough to see on a regular basis - but even those that I see only occasionally continue to be a HUGE part of my life.  Know that each and every one of you plays a very important part in my life. Thank you for putting up with me.  I  know that I'm opinionated and relatively (ok VERY) impatient...but I mean well :) I am also excited about the new friendships that developed this year.  It's always very interesting to me how certain people are put into our lives.


It was a tough year in the job department for Casey.  This put a lot of stress on us emotionally and of course financially.  I won't drudge it all up - but I will say that I am very happy that he has settled into the job at Nona's.


I "retired" from my (very small) role in the music business.  I had been managing Majestic Mudd as well as booking them and a few other acts from time to time.  I said I would get out when it wasn't fun anymore and that's what it boiled down to.  We all know I don't like to chase people (musicians, bar owners - anyone).  It just wasn't a good fit for me anymore.  Now I'm a fan....and please do not call me a groupie ha!  


Where one door closes, another one opens.  My dear friend Laura Kiley asked me to work with her on her latest business venture localstopp.com.  We will be going full force come the new year....it's a brand new website devoted to all things Lake Country.  The backstory is what I find most endearing.  Laura came up with a business to fund a foundation to help others.  She's my hero. More to come on that soon.


I've been bouncing around an idea to start an online bakery business.....thoughts?


Of course the year was filled with seeing live music......Amileigha and Mike,Majestic Mudd, Keith, Ryan, Phil, Rebel Grace, the Love Monkeys, Erin and Matt, Ron and Droopy, Old Mil, and the list goes on and on! Love me some live music! 


I no longer make resolutions (Brea and Debbie will remember our NYE at Cactus Jacks writing resolutions on bar napkins!).  I will say that I am very excited about the new year. I'm calling it the year of reinvention.  Stay tuned!


I hope all of you are doing something special to ring in 2011.  Here's to a happy and healthy New Year for all of us!!!!

Sunday Dinner ~ soup is your friend

With Casey starting his new job, I've had to be very careful about keeping the grocery bill in check (this is one area that we tend to go a little crazy because we do so much cooking).  There might be a few of you out there that are watching your budgets as well...so I'm here to tell you....soup is your friend.  I love making a couple soups on Sunday for the week.  They are inexpensive and they are (usually) pretty easy to make.

This week we are having creamy potato leek soup and sweet potato peanut soup.

I have oodles of recipes so if you are looking for some ideas let me know.  Here are the ones that I can think of off the top of my head:

butternut squash
carrot ginger
chicken pot pie
beef vegetable
french onion
creamy tomato
chicken dumpling
chicken corn chowder

And no, I don't have a recipe for mulligatawny (hell I don't even know how to spell it)...but all of you Seinfield fans will know what I'm talking about! Let me know if you are interested.  I'm always happy to share!

Missing You...

Because Beccee has been on my mind so much lately, today's post is dedicated to her.  One of the questions I have been asked probably more than any other in the past year is "how do you know Beccee?" ~ here ya go!


Hands down, one of the biggest influences in my life was my friend Beccee.  Let's start at the beginning~first of all, I met her when she was still "Becky" (ha!)  We both went to Horning Middle School.  We must have been 12 or 13 when we met.  What I remember most about her from that time was her outgoing personality.  Yes, even back then :)  I remember that even then, she was so comfortable in her own skin.  She was so sure of herself.  I am fortunate to have a group of very loving friends NOW, but back then ... not so much.  I was kind of a loner.  I was NOT popular by any stretch of the imagination. Beccee had this gift of making me feel good about myself.  She didn't care about what other people thought. Not even a little.  I never had a chance to tell her this, but her acceptance of me really helped shape me into the person I am today. I don't always succeed, but I honestly make a point of trying to be accepting of all people and make them feel special. 


When it was time to move on to high school Beccee went to North and I went to South.  In all honesty we lost touch for several years.  This is where it gets interesting.  One of those things  you look back on and say, yep...that was meant to be.


This is the part where we get to the story within the story. Anyone who is currently reading this blog probably knows me well enough to know that my passion is music.  More specifically - live music.  When I turned 21 and was able to go out (ok let's be honest, go out LEGALLY), I was introduced to a band called LONDON USA.  The guys in the band and their friends were a great group that I spent a lot of time with.  A LOT of time with.  I was at pretty much all of their shows.  I have no idea where I found the money for that!  Anyhooo, I digress.  


At one of their shows at the City Club (for those of you too young to remember this club, it was downtown on Broadway and Wells) I remember running into Beccee (yes, now she was two cc's and two ee's).  Turned out that we had a few mutual friends.  It was so nice to see her.  Because of this chance meeting, we managed to reconnect.  Turns out that Beccee was in a band called GERARD.  When she found out about my dream of working in the "biz", she said that the Gerard Office was looking for a secretary...she would hook me up.


And so it began.  I have shared this sentiment many times.  I give Beccee all of the credit for me getting introduced to the music business as well as introducing me to some wonderful people who in turn introduced me to more wonderful people.  You've probably heard of that game where people trace their degrees of separation to Kevin Bacon?  I can do that with Beccee.  Seriously.  I can also play the Kevin Bacon game but who really cares!  ha!  


I got the job at the Gerard Office and started going out to see the GERARD band.  Gerard Entertainment booked many of the local bands.  Through this job I met so many wonderful people... and no I'm not going to name drop all of them.  Quite frankly there are just too many. However, I am going to name drop one of them ~ Keith Pulvermacher.  You may have heard of him :) He is another very important piece in this puzzle.  We'll get to that later.  


There have been many bands and musicians that I have befriended over the last 20 years.  Each and every one of them can be traced back to Beccee.  I'm glad I had the chance to thank you for that Beccee. Not just musicians either. Let's not forget all of the wonderful people that I have met by going out to see said bands.  The circle just gets bigger and bigger.  It's really crazy.


Beccee and I managed to keep in touch over the years. I don't know this for certain but I think we had a special relationship because she knew I wasn't a "musician" and was not interested in getting knee deep into all of the drama.  We were always very open and honest with each other.


There is a very distinct memory I have from -- gee it must be about 5 years ago?  I was headed out to see Keith play at Rooters.  I invited Beccee to come out.  She hadn't seen Keith in years.  I remember that night they were chattin' like crazy because Keith had recently moved to Oconomowoc.  Beccee was telling him how she saw him riding his bike past their house.  Beccee was telling Keith that they had lots of girls clothing that she could pass onto him and Tammy for Isabella.  I believe that is the night that THEY reconnected after many years.  It was cool to see.  


Fast forward to 2009.  We find out that Beccee has lung cancer.  Keith had a vision to throw a benefit for Beccee and her Family.  He enlisted some people to help him and the rest is history.  The Love for Life Benefit  was one of the most glorious days EVER.  I have never literally felt such an outpouring of love.  You could actually feel it in the air.  It was amazing to see Beccee's face light up as she saw friends from all phases of her life.  There was definitely something larger than any of us going on that day.  I will NEVER forget that day or the smile on Beccee's face.  


Due to my involvement with the Benefit, I was blessed to meet so many wonderful people.  Once again, all can be traced back to Beccee.  Funny how that works.




Beccee lost her very courageous fight on December 30, 2009.  She continues to make an impact on my life through all of the people that I have met because of her.  I cannot tell you how many people have shared with me that they have been inspired by her....some of those people never even had the chance to meet her face to face, they have been inspired by her story.  


Beccee will always hold a very special place in my heart.  She was a beautiful soul and I miss her very much.  I will continue to draw inspiration from her and live my life with an open heart and an open mind. I love you Bec.


Here is where you can find her story....caring bridge 

Rainy Days and Monday ~ at somewhat of a standstill

I've been remiss about posting for awhile. Bad Cari! Really ...there is not too much to report.  I messed up my knee about a week ago.  I wish I had some really exciting story to share about how it happened.  Unfortunately, I have no clue how it happened.  Since the knee went out, going to the gym has been put on the back burner.  Not happy about that, not happy at all.  Let me just say I don't think one really appreciates their knees until one of them isn't functioning properly :) 


Some tidbits:


*Still focusing on "waist management" vs. "weight management" as that is what Dr. Oz says is crucial to optimal health.  Have lost a few inches so that makes me happy :)
*I really like almond milk.
*I still have a tough time getting all of my water in.
*I have started drinking green tea.  Fabulous antioxidant.  I'm not a fan of hot bevvies (except hot chocolate and that would certainly be defeating the purpose) but it's growing on me.
*I rarely have more than one soda in a day.  Soda is just plain bad for you. The body doesn't know how to digest it. 
*We cook just about every night. Real food....no boxed/pre-packaged foods in this house.  
*Dessert is becoming something of the past.
*I am trying really hard not to eat anything later than 8.  With my lifestyle that is very very difficult.  It will definitely not happen every night....but I'm making an effort. That's what counts right?
*Staying away from deep fried food as much as possible. Period. 
*Alcohol---have not been drinking a lot.  Lots and lots of empty calories in alcohol!


There it is.  I am continuing to take one day at a time.  I feel better, I feel stronger.  That is a great first step as far as I'm concerned. For any of you reading that are also on a path to a healthier you....I hope that you are finding successes on your journey as well!  Keep it up!

Sunday Dinner~bacon bacon bacon

Let's face it, bacon is meat candy.  I mean really - who doesn't like bacon? Right now the house smells like bacon. Not a bad thing.  Casey made me a wonderful breakfast which, of course, included bacon. Then he prepped his jalepeno poppers (yes he makes his own) so he had to make yet more bacon.  Bacon is your friend. 


The other night there was a show on one of the cooking channels devoted to all things bacon.  There are bars out there that have bacon happy hours.  They actually give each table a big bowl of bacon (Tony?) and serve bacon themed drinks.  Brilliant.  Bacon is salty.  Salt makes you thirsty.  Eat bacon, drink more alcohol. 


If you've been reading my blog you will probably question why I'm talking about bacon when I'm trying to lead a healthier life.  I'm here to tell you, everything in moderation.  Life is all about balance.  Here is one of my favorite bacon recipes.  Super simple.  Enjoy!


Pecan Sugared Bacon:

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons  coarsely chopped pecans
• 2  tablespoons  brown sugar
• 1 1/2  teaspoons  freshly ground pepper
• 12  thick-cut bacon slices

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Process pecans in a food processor 20 seconds or until finely chopped. Stir together pecans, brown sugar, and pepper.

2. Place half of bacon in a single layer on a lightly greased wire rack in an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat procedure with remaining bacon, placing on another lightly greased wire rack in a second foil-lined baking sheet. Press pecan mixture on top of bacon slices, coating well.

3. Bake at 400° for 22 to 25 minutes or until browned and crisp. Let stand 5 minutes.

Rainy Days and Mondays ~ Dr. Oz

Well let me start by saying that I am very happy this morning.  I had set a goal to lose weight over the Thanksgiving holiday...and I did!  Not much...but that wasn't the point.  I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it!  Yay me!  


I have started re-reading "You:  On a Diet" by Michael Rozien, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.  Do yourself a favor - if you've never read the book, pick up a copy and read it.  It's full of information about how your body works - written in layman's terms.  It's getting down to basics.  One of my favorite quotes from the book: "...think of your body as an orchestra.  All of its systems, organs, muscles, cells, fluids, hormones, and chemicals play different instruments, make different sounds, and produce different results depending on how you use them.  They work independently, but only when they're played together can you appreciate the magnificent symphony of your own biology.  As the conductor of your biological orchestra, you control how the instruments interact and what the final result will be."  I am the master of my destiny.  Amen.


It's still all about baby steps.  I encourage anyone else out there who is working towards a healthier lifestyle to join me in celebrating the small victories along the way.

i am so very grateful....

There are so many blessings in my life, I'm a very lucky gal.  


I am grateful for my Faith.  It has been tested a few times this past year...but He has shown me time and time again to trust in Him.


I am grateful for my husband who loves me unconditionally.  We have our ups and downs - but together we manage to work out our differences.


I am grateful for my mom. She is not just my mom, she's my best friend.  She is and always has been the one person I can count on no matter what.  Plain and simple I love her to the moon and back.  I can't imagine a world without her in it.


I am grateful for my grandma.  How many 43 year olds still have a grama?  Yep, I do.  She's led quite a life and is a very strong woman.  Nothing makes me feel better than doing something for her.


I am grateful for the roof over my head.  I know that there are people less fortunate that don't have a place to call home.  


I am grateful for my job.  It can be a very stressful job at times, but I'm happy to have a job.  I know from experience how quickly a job can be taken from you.  I'm fortunate that I'm appreciated and have job stability.


I am grateful for music.  It's hands down my passion and what moves my soul.  


I am grateful for my friends.  I mean that from the bottom of my heart.  Ever since I can remember, I've always tried to be the best friend possible. I take my friendships very seriously.  Through the years I've had the honor and privilege to be friends with some pretty fantastic people.  Each has given me something more than what I had before just by knowing them.  I am so very fortunate to have the circle of friends that I do now. I'm grateful for the friends I've known for years as well as the friends that I've met recently.  I love each and every one of you.


Of course this is just the short list of the things I'm grateful for.  I will continue to count my blessings each and every day.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Rainy Days and Mondays (once again, a day late)

ha! I think I should have just picked Tuesdays for this feature!  A couple random thoughts re: the whole "healthier me" thang.  


*our gym just installed tv monitors on all of the treadmills and elliptical machines.  what a difference that makes!  i watched NCIS last night while on the treadmill and the time went by just like that!
*water and i are becoming better friends.
*even with the best intentions --- it's hard work to eat healthy.  there is a lot of extra planning involved for something as simple as snacks.
*I feel better-those core muscles are getting stronger.
*I have to remember not to compare myself and my progress to others....I just have to be the best that I can be.


That's all I've got for this week.  I will keep on keepin' on until I get to a place that is just right for me :)  


If anyone has suggestions for healthy snacks (besides raw veggies) please do share.  Always looking for stuff to take with me to work!

Sunday Dinner ~ the ultimate burger!

This post is dedicated to the burger.  Casey and I are always in search of a good burger. We found one Thursday night.  My friend Tony owns Bodway's Live Music Grill downtown Waukesha.  We stopped in to see local singer/songwriter (and a very dear friend) Keith Pulvermacher.  


The bar opened at the beginning of October and just recently added a full menu.  When we walked in Thursday Keith informed us that we HAD to get a burger. I told him we had just eaten dinner. He told us he didn't care, we had to get a burger. He assured us they were THAT good.  We caved to peer pressure in light of how excited he was about it.


I had a bruschetta burger.  Half pound angus beef topped with fresh mozzarella, basil and diced tomatoes. Served with balsamic vinagrette.  Mmmmmmmm!  The burger was served with delicious homemade chips that were seasoned with salt, cracked pepper and parmesan cheese.  It was truly out of this world. Casey had a blackened burger that was equally delicious.  All of the burgers are made to order. I highly recommend if you are in the vicinity of downtown Waukesha you stop in and try one for yourself.  Tell Tony I sent you!


Check out Bodway's site.  He should have the full menu posted soon.


In addition to the tasty food ~ Bodway's features live music Thursday through Saturday.  This is your chance to see some of the most talented singer/songwriters in the area.    

Your "go to" place for all things Lake Country!

One of the reasons I started this blog was because I am by nature a "promoter" for all of the wonderful projects my friends are involved in.  This is a nice place to showcase them!

Today I want to give a shout out to my friend Laura Kiley.  Laura has recently launched her website localstopp.com.  This website was designed to be a resource for all things Lake Country.  Whether you are looking for a restaurant, live music, or shopping it's all right there on the website.  She did a wonderful job on the site~ stop by and take a peek.

For those of you reading this who are musicians/promoters, please make sure to visit the site and get your gigs in Lake Country listed for free.

If you are a business owner and would like to advertise on the site, her rates are very reasonable.  Contact information for Laura is on the site. 

Bookmark the site for easy reference.  The best compliment you can give Laura is to tell a friend about the site...so feel free to share the information!  

Congrats Laura....I love this new project!  You know I'm your number one cheerleader!

"Almost Famous" Fridays ~ The Prince Experience

Keeping the post short today.  I have to say that I am VERY excited about tonight.  My friend Droopy (yes, he really goes by "Droopy") is in this really cool group called The Prince Experience.  They do all of the songs from "Purple Rain".  Rumor has it it's a little "sassy" too.  Can't wait!  Check them out ~ Gabriel Sanchez presents the Prince Experience.

It's going to be a great weekend!!!!!!  Wish I could take pics at the casino and post them here....that's a big no no!

Rainy Days and Mondays (A day late)~Week 2

Here are my thoughts after week one:

• Drinking lots of water is really an effort for me and I don't know why.  Still working on it.
  
• Journaling/counting calories helps keep it all in perspective. So does measuring portions.  Buy a kitchen scale.  Excellent investment.
• Oranges are not in season.  In my attempt to eat more fruit I had a very, very nasty tasting orange the other day.
• Even though I couldn't make it to the gym last week (because of my cold), I am giving myself a pat on the back for riding my exercise bike at home. 
• The elliptical machine is evil.

It was a good week.  This week will be even better!

By Special Request~Pumpkin Cookie Recipe

My friend Wendy asked that I post this recipe.  Super easy cookies - perfect for this time of year...enjoy!


Pumpkin Cookies
1 cup butter
3 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 Tbsp. vanilla
1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin filling


5 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. nutmeg (yes, we grate our own nutmeg....makes a HUGE difference)

1. Mix first 5 ingredients in mixer
2. Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl
3. Mix wet and dry ingredients in mixer
4. Drop by rounded spoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheet (I put on parchment paper)
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes
6. Cool on rack and frost when cool

Frosting
In mixer blend until smooth:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. milk
1 stick softened butter
2 Tbsp. vanilla
5 cups powdered sugar


*Makes about 4 dozen cookies*

Sunday Dinner~Basil Chive Red Potatoes

I LOVE potatoes.  Seriously, I could probably eat them three times a day and not get sick of them.  Of course I'm talking about homemade potato recipes, not something out of a box. Mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, american fries...whatever. I heart the potato.  

My Mom always kids around with me that Casey and I make "fancy" food.  I'm here to tell you putting a little twist on something as basic as mashed potatoes can wow your family and friends.  

Here is one of my favorite mashed potato recipes - and it's one of the easiest.  Give it a try and let me know what you think. This is a recipe I saw on the Food Network years ago.....super simple. If you have a great potato recipe, please share!

Basil Chive Red Potatoes

You will need:

2 pounds red-skinned new potatoes (leave the skin on)

kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 stick of butter

3 tablespoons (fresh) chopped chives

2 1/2 tablespoons (fresh) chopped basil

Cut the potatoes in half and place them in a medium saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover them by a couple inches. Toss in a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when poked with a knife (about 25 minutes).

Drain the potatoes and return to pan.  Add cream and butter and let the whole pot sit on very low heat until warmed through.

Add the chives and basil to the potatoes and mash coarsely. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serves 4. 

"Almost Famous" Fridays~Amileigha Blue

First, the title...."Almost Famous" is hands down my favorite movie.  A movie about rock stars trying to make it big.  I figured it would be the perfect title for my Friday posts.  So far everyone who is reading this knows me ---but perhaps a little background should be established in case I meet a few new friends through this site.

My absolute passion is music.  I have always loved going out to see live music whether it was a major concert or a live local band.  As a result of this love of mine, I have met some very interesting people.  Some of my best friends are musicians. Let's put it this way-if I had a "do-over", rock star would be what I would want to be when I grow up.  

I am blessed to be surrounded by some extremely talented people.  I try to support them any way that I can.  I am proud of each and every one of them.  I thought this blog would be a nice platform to introduce a few of them to you.  

**Author's note** Each and every one of my friends is beautiful and talented in my eyes.  This is just a place to showcase some local (Milwaukee for those of you joining us from other parts of the country) musical talent.  

For my first entry, meet Amileigha Blue....

"REBEL GRACE"

Amileigha started singing and writing songs at a very young age in her hometown of Hughesville, Missouri.  For Amileigha music has always been a huge part of life but it wasn't until 2005 when she moved to WI that things really got rolling for her.  Since moving to Wisconsin,  Amileigha has had the privilege to work with some of Milwaukee's most talented musicians by opening for Chasin' Mason, singing in an acoustic duo with Mike Bustin, writing with Keith Pulvermacher and now as a singer in the much anticipated country band Rebel Grace.  

Often compared to country singers such as Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood her voice speaks for itself and the energy she brings to the stage is sure to please any music lover.   

What I love most about Amileigha's songwriting is she paints a picture of her life experiences as well as those people around her.  Two of her singles are available online, check them out  at: Amileigha Blue Music

You can find information about the band (including gig dates) by visiting them at Rebel Grace.

A little side note, Amileigha has another love besides music.....derby! Yep, she is a roller girl.  Check out the Brew City Bruisers and see if you can figure out what team she is on!

Amileigha is a shining star in my life.  Someday you will see her name in lights ~ I'm callin' it!

so i'm a "butterfly"...

One of my co-workers found an article in a magazine that she shared with me today.  Good stuff.  The title is "Celtic secret that reveals your inner self" (I know, right?).  According to this article ancient Druids believed that each of us has a special connection with one animal determined by our birth date and the moon we were born under (keeps getting better doesn't it?).  

For those of you who share a birthday with me that falls between September 30 and October 27~ our guardian animal is a butterfly.  Here's the description:

"Cheerful and magnetic, this sign is the most social of the Celtic zodiac-no wonder they call you a social butterfly!  The Celts saw the butterfly as representing transformation and rebirth.  People come to you when they're down because they know your sunny disposition will have them smiling in no time.  Gentle, empathetic and full of life, your social calendar is always packed!"

Ha!  Doesn't sound like me at all :)

*Note I would have cited the magazine and the author but the copy she gave me doesn't show it.

Rainy Days and Mondays~Day 1

Mondays have always been my day for starting over.  Starting over with a diet.  I think I've been on a perpetual diet on and off for most of my adult life.  Heck, I'm quite certain that if there was an award for the most "day 1's", I would be the winner.  Not exactly sure that is something to be proud of or not.

I won't get into the nitty gritty details, but the bottom line is I'm once again starting over.  It's Monday and it's the beginning of the month.....seems like the perfect day to start over.  I get so frustrated with myself.  I know what needs to be done, I just fail to put myself first to get it done!

I have learned a lot through the years about how to be healthier, I just need to apply it.  Mondays will be a day to share stories of my journey to a healthier lifestyle.

It's all about balance.  It's not about starving yourself, it's about making better choices.  It's about making time to exercise---putting yourself first.  It's about realizing that change comes from within.  Most importantly it is the realization that making the changes have to be for YOU....not for anyone else.

I don't want to make this a check in point where I have to disclose how much weight I've lost each week.  I want it to be more about discoveries along the way.

This week I've given myself 2 very easy and attainable goals.  The first is to drink more water.  This one seems like a no-brainer----but I find it is very easy to get caught up in the convenience of grabbing a soda.  Water!Water!Water! The other goal is to keep up with my food journal.  Many years when I belonged to WW that was the best piece of advice I received.  It's an easy and effective way to count calories, keep track of exercise, etc.  Simple stuff right?  Well, we shall see!

Sunday Dinner~Stroganoff

Every week my husband and I make a point of sharing a home cooked meal together on Sunday night.  I wish that this was a ritual that others would embrace.  The day of the week isn't as important as making a home cooked meal.  I am constantly amazed by the number of my friends that don't cook.  Well, they cook~but it's out of a box or a can.  Not the same.  There are so many quick and easy recipes out there.

Sunday posts will focus on food related items.  It may be a favorite recipe or it may be a review of a local restaurant. Who knows where this journey will take us!

This week I will share one of the easiest recipes I know....Beef Stroganoff.

Here's what you will need:
1 pound beef stir fry meat (cut into small pieces)
1 small onion, diced
1 can cream of celery soup
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
egg noodles (prepared per package directions)
*Serves 4*

In a large frying pan saute onion and beef over medium heat until beef is no longer pink.  Add entire can of cream of celery soup. Let cook over low/medium heat for 10 minutes.  Stir in sour cream and heavy cream, cook another 5 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper .  Serve over egg noodles.

and......GO!

I have been talking about putting up a blog for some time.  As is usually the case, life gets in the way and the project got shelved for "higher priority" items! OK if we're going to start this off on the right foot, I'm going for full disclosure.  I have been caught up with WHAT to write about. Everything I've seen about starting a blog states that you should find your "niche".  Well easier said then done.  I have so many interests, how am I supposed to pick one!  

The answer became clear to me.  I don't have to play by the rules, I don't have to pick one topic and focus on it.  I can write about whatever is on my mind.  So there. Decision made.  Some days it might be deep thoughts about relationships, another day it might be a favorite recipe.  Afterall, it's supposed to reflect a little piece of my world.  In any event....the overall goal is to keep it positive ~ let's focus on having a love 4 life! Thanks for stopping by....enjoy the ride!