About Me

My photo
I am a newlywed in my twenties. I love life and everything it brings me. I love finding a good deal, online news junkie and watching TV. I am learning how to eat healthier by following the Weight Watcher Points Plus Program!! 'Nothing Tastes as Good as SKINNY FEELS'

Sunday, April 1, 2012

I am back and I am not alone!

It has been about a month and half since my last post:( I have a good reason...I promise! My last post was on February 12 and this is the exact day that we discovered out lives were about to change! We learned on this day that.....
WE ARE EXPECTING OUR FIRST CHILD!!!

I still can't believe it. I mean it was not an "accident" as we were "trying" but it still seems so unreal! Sometimes I can't believe I am old enough to drink yet alone have a baby!! My husband and I are thrilled and so excited about this new time in our life! It was a relief as I had been so tired I couldn't really even function when I returned home from work so now I know it was because there was a bun in the oven!! But my energy is coming back and I am almost back to my old self (minus my expanding belly!). I will be 3 months on Tuesday!

I have been very blessed and fatigue has been my only "side affect" that I have experienced. NO MORNING SICKNESS!! There has been some heart burn but it is nothing to complain about! Another thing that I experienced is that I did not want to cook or eat any home cooked meals! We went out to eat more during the month of March then we did in January and February combined! But I am back to my cooking ways and have discovered some pretty good recipes that are delicious and healthy for me too! I will be posting some soon! Until then....we are going to have a baby!!!


Thursday, February 2, 2012

TACO Tuesday- Spicy Tacos

Tuesday it was TACO TUESDAY!!! I love tacos...we used to eat it so much when we first got married so my husband got tired of them but as I mentioned many times, I could eat the same thing everyday if I really liked it and LOVE TACOS! So I am always looking for new and fun ways for TACO NIGHT! Here are the details: 


Ingredients: 


3 spray(s) cooking spray, divided   
2 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced   
3/4 pound(s) uncooked lean ground beef (with 7% fat)   
1 and 1/2 tsp Durkee Ground Cumin Seed, or other brand   
1 1/2 tsp ground coriander   
3/4 tsp table salt, or to taste   
1 and 1/2 cup(s) canned diced tomatoes, with jalapenos or green chilies   
8 small corn tortilla(s), or small, lightly toasted just before serving if desired*   
2 cup(s) lettuce, shredded   
1/2 cup(s) low-fat shredded cheddar cheese, sharp-variety   1/3 cup(s) salsa   



Instructions: 



  • Coat a large skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add beef; cook until browned, breaking up meat as it cooks, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add cumin, coriander, salt and diced tomatoes; cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is almost absorbed, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Place tortillas on a flat surface. Top each with about 1/4 cup beef, 1/4 cup lettuce, 1 tablespoon cheese and 2 teaspoons salsa. Fold tortillas in half and serve. Yields 2 tacos per serving.


  • They were delicious and I had enough points to have 3!!!


    3 tacos= 10 PP

    Happy Eating!!!

    Fabulous Valentine's Day Challenge: Day 4

    Today is another day for the Fabulous Valentine's Day Challenge!! I am linking up with Neely, Amber and Casey for Day 4!! Today's topic is: 
    LOVE WEDDINGS!! 
    <


    Valentine’s Day Challenge


    I love sharing pictures of our wedding. I loved everything about: marrying the man of my dreams, celebrating with our family and friends and having a great time! My mom (who did the majority of the planning) did a wonderful job and I always say I want to do it again! She insists I can but parents won't be footing the bill:) 

    We got married on May 22, 2010 at 5:22pm (get it..May (5th month) at 22 minutes past the hour:) at my childhood church: St. John's United Methodist church. I have attended that church since I was 8 years old and Daryl joined the church in 2009. It was a great ceremony and our minister even used my iPad for the ceremony! It was a great ceremony and just what I imagined it would be! 
    Our reception was held at a new local venue : Mansion Royal! They took care of EVERYTHING and I did not stress one time. We had a photo booth which was a hit and I am so happy we got that. Our FABULOUS Jason Page did an incredible job capturing our day!

    The sign outside our rehearsal dinner!

    We danced the night away after some good BBQ

    LOVE THIS SHOT!

    Fun Shot of all the "outfits"!

    My cake that my mom and i designed!

    Photobooth fun with my family!

    The bridesmaids and moms:) I loved their dresses!

    The groomsman and the dads!!

    Right before I walked down the aisle! I was so nervous and cried like a baby (which was weird because I am not a crier!)

    Saying I DO! 

    Dancing the night away!!! IT was so much fun!


    Part of the bridal party!!

    Jumping for joy!! I think this picture is so funny!


    The entire church! I enjoying looking at this picture to see the overall view!

    And we lived happily ever after:) 

    Our photographer took so many pictures these were just a few! Thanks for stopping by!!

    Wednesday, February 1, 2012

    Fabulous Valentine's Day Challenge: Day 3

    Today is day 3 of Neely, Amber and Casey's challenge!! I am having a lot of fun doing this! 



    Valentine’s Day Challenge


     Today's topic is Valentine's day outfit...while i don't have any pictures from Valentine's day past but I am going to post some fabulous ideas that I got from Pinterest! Once I get down to my goal weight I will def. trying these outfits!!



    AND one of my favorite pictures (besides our wedding of course:)



    Tuesday, January 31, 2012

    Fabulous Valentine's Challenge: Day 2


    Today is day 2 of Neely, Amber and Casey’s FABULOUS VALENTINE'S CHALLENGE!


    Valentine’s Day Challenge

    Today’s Topic is: Worst Date Ever!!


    I actually don’t recall having any “bad dates”. Any date I went on was OK and a few were pretty freaking fantastic! However, there is one that sticks out.

    This guy (who shall remain nameless- none of my friends would even know who he was since I HAVE NEVER TALKED ABOUT IT) took me out for a “lunch” date.   I thought it would be a good first date since I knew this guy was pretty shy and I was worried that our date would be filled with awkward silences…I WAS SOOO RIGHT!   We went to a Chinese place and I basically talked to myself the entire time!!!He kind of just ate his food and looked down the entire time. After that I went to my parents and was telling my mom about it. She told me: Christie, you really need to find someone outgoing since you like to talk and hang out with people….who knew that just a few short weeks later I would be going on a first date with what would be my future husband! For those of you that know my husband knows he can TALK and I am sometimes the quiet oneJ   I am happy I have not had any HORRIBLE DATES but they would make for pretty good storiesJ  

    Fabulous Valentines's Challenge: Day 1

    YESTERDAY was the first day of the Fabulous Valentine's Day Challenge.  I have been having such a great time doing IT's OK THURSDAY! I figured this would be lots of font to do! Neely, Amber and Casey are doing this challenge so I thought...what the heck!!


    Valentine’s Day Challenge

    Day 1's topic is BEST DATE EVER!!! 

    Of course the best date I have ever been on was with my husband Daryl...the date that could have not happened!!Daryl and I met at work as he would come fix my computer....it was weird though..after that first meeting my computer kept needing a fix (I don't know who's fault that was: Mine, Daryl's or FATE'S:).  But when he would come into my office we would talk about going and having coffee some time but that never happened!  Finally, we scheduled a REAL DATE at this restaurant in Corpus Called D'Lounge for sushi and drinks!  I had to push the date back one day because I had sprained my ACL playing kickball and had not slept at all the night before of our originally scheduled date. Daryl later said that he almost broke it off for good but we are both so glad we didn't. During our date we just clicked...we talked and talked and talked. We realized that we had so much in common, went to the same high school, our parents lived about 2 miles from each other and had such a great time! I remember leaving that date and calling on my friends and told her I just met this great guy! After that first date we hung out almost every single day and the rest they say is history!  We did move pretty fast: 

    September 18, 2008- Our First Date
    October 20, 2008- Became Boyfriend and Girlfriend (OFFICIALLY:) 
    Feburary 10, 2009- He asked me to marry him
    May 22, 2010- Married!


    October 2008

    December 2008

    March 2009

    January 2010

    May 2010



    June 2011

    August 2011

    September 2011

    Monday, January 30, 2012

    HG's Chili-rific Cheeseburger

    I have never in my life had a chili burger but according to my husband they are pretty freaking fantastic!!! I decided to give them a try after finding this pretty fabulous recipe in my hungry Girl cookbook. It was delicious!! Here are the details:


    Ingredients:
    1 small hamburger bun
    3 oz of lean beef, patty form1 slice fat-free American cheese
 
    2 tbsp. low-fat veggie chili 
    4 pickle slices/chips 
    2 tomato slices 
    1 onion slice 
    1 tbsp. mustard



    Instructions:

    • Split bun in half and toast lightly. 
    • Layer pickles, tomato, and onion on the bottom half of the bun. 
    • Cook  patty  in a pan with nonstick spray, brown and cook until desired  
    • Place burger over the veggies on the bun's bottom half. 
    • Prepare chili according to package directions. Top the burger with the chili and then the cheese slice. 
    • Put the mustard onto the top half of the bun. Plop the bun top over the cheese and chili patty. 
    We had the Alexia Harvest Medly Potatoes for the side which really made the dinner even better! 

    Burger= 7PP
    Potatoes  3oz= 2PP


    HAPPY EATING!!

    Tuesday, January 24, 2012

    Wrap it up: Turkey Bacon Club

    I have the pleasure of going home for lunch every day. I enjoy the time away from work and love that I am able to have delicious meals every day! Actually, I tend to make things that are quick and easy! Maybe a Smart ones frozen meal and a bowl of soup or a NEATO FRITO BURRITO (those are my fav!) .


    TodayI was craving a turkey wrap which is weird because I don't really like deli meat that much. But after looking on Pinterest and found this awesome recipe! Here are the details: 


    Ingredients
    1 La Tortilla Wrap- medium-large
    2 Tbl Bolthouse Yogurt Ranch
    1 Tbl Diced Red Bell Pepper 
    2 slices of center cut bacon
    A couple of shakes of Italian seasoning
    3 Slices of Tomato (Thin)
    Iceberg or Romaine lettuce leaves
    2 Thin Slices of FF Kraft Sliced Cheese
    6 Slices Thinly Sliced Turkey Breast to Cover Filling



    Instructions

    • Spread cheese, add peppers, seasoning and sliced tomato's
    • Add lettuce
    • Add more cheese and bacon and turkey
    • Roll it up in wax paper or saran wrap and put in fridge for 30 min:) 



    I ended eating this at work so I could let it cool It did not disappoint and it was SOOO GOOD! I had several people come into my office and ask me where i bought the wrap! I will make this again very soon!!


    1 wrap= 9PP
    Happy Eating!

    Friday, January 20, 2012

    There is always that ONE person....

    Everyone deals with some sort of BS at work. I don't care if you are a woman or man, work with 3 or 500 people. There is BS. I usually don't have to deal with much BS but it still comes my way. I just don't get it. Why can't people just do their jobs, get along with others and JUST DO THEIR JOB! I really wish it was ok for me to tell some people this:

    Dear person who annoys the crap out of me, 

    I work hard every day. I don't bother you unless you consider making sure works gets done and my boss has the answers he needs, "bothering you". I don't want to talk for 45 minutes with you in the kitchen or bathroom about useless information. We are not friends. I tried to but we are far to different in our thinking to have you over during the weekend.  We are coworkers and that is it. While my other coworkers and I may get along and talk about our weekends and such, there is no need for your BS. Do your job and bring something other than trouble to my desk and then we will talk. Until then I will awkwardly and quickly leave the kitchen and bathroom when you come in. Let's be cordial though and remember: we work in an office FULL of women who love to talk. If you say something, we will all find out. So until then just keep the little comments to your self. Have a great weekend!!

    My little prayer: Lord, please give me strength and a good attitude when dealing with this person or any person of this nature. Amen.

    Thank goodness it is not bad and makes my issues very SMALL:) 



    Thursday, January 19, 2012

    HG Big Mac...EAT THIS INSTEAD!

    As I mentioned here, here, here and here, I LOVE FAST FOOD. I know it is bad for you and all that jazz but it is sooo tasty. So I love finding healthy alternatives! However, this burger was 12 PP and I looked up a Big Mac is 14 PP! But ours was bigger and tastier!!! Here are the details: 


    Ingredients:
    Sauce
    1 1/2 tbsp. fat-free Thousand Island dressing
    1/8 tsp. granulated sugar
    1/8 tsp. white wine vinegar
    1 tsp. finely minced onion or 1/2 tsp. dried minced onion 

    Sandwich
    2 portabella mushroom caps  2 Boca All American Flame Grilled Burger
    1 1/2 small light hamburger buns (1 top and 2 bottoms), or HG Alternative!
    1/4 cup shredded lettuce, divided
    1 slice fat-free American cheese
    1 tbsp. diced onion, divided
    3 hamburger dill pickle chips



    Directions:
    To make the sauce, combine dressing, sugar, and vinegar in a small bowl. Mix well. Stir in minced onion and set aside.

    Bring a large skillet sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat on the stove. Place mushroom caps side by side in the skillet, rounded sides down. Cover and cook until soft, about 4 minutes per side.

    Place one bun bottom on a plate, and spread with half of the sauce. Top with half of the lettuce (2 tbsp.), followed by the cheese slice. Place one cooked mushroom cap on top, and sprinkle with half of the diced onion (1/2 tbsp.).

    Spread remaining half of the sauce on the other bun bottom, and place it on the sandwich, sauce side up. Top with pickle chips and the remaining 2 tbsp. lettuce. Top with the remaining mushroom cap and remaining 1/2 tbsp. onion. Add the bun top.



    I also added sesame seeds on top of the bun to make it look like the Big Mac!


    This was delicious and very filling! My husband and I thought the sauce really did taste like the really thing!! We ate this with Alexia Fries- 3 oz for 3 PP!!


    Happy Eating!

    It's OK Thursday!

    It's Thursday and you know what that means! I am linking up with Neely and Amber for:




    Its Ok Thursdays

    So here we go: 

    IT'S OK....


    That I asked my husband for socks for Valentine's day! I just love how new socks feel. I got some this weekend and they are so comfortable AND MUCH CHEAPER THAN VERA BRADLEY! I also asked for a kindle cover and book light:) 

    To get get excited about watching Revenge! I love that show and I am not much a drama show kinda girl (unless you count the housewives!)

    That I have only spent about 3 hours at my desk in 2 days...activity points anyone...but I have not gotten anything accomplished..it seems:)

    That I kinda freaked out about the dirty dishes being in the sink for 1 day while our sink was clogged....I hate dirty dishes in the sink! This was one of the biggest things that took some adjustment on BOTH me and my husband's part when we first moved in  together! We both have come along way!

    To be very very excited about my new iPhone cover that came today! LOVE IT!


    That I finished my first book on my kindle that I got for Christmas! I bought about 6 books and I had not been reading that much! I can't wait until it gets warm so I can read outside while lounging by the pool! Speaking of which....

    To be debating on whether or not to lay out and get a tan! I need my summer tan back!!

    What is OK with you today?!?!



    Wednesday, January 18, 2012

    Paprika Oven Fried Chicken Cutlets

    Fried chicken is one of those words that makes you fat just thinking about! I kinda like "fried" chicken but i do not like all the grease and fat that comes with it. In fact last time I had KFC which was about 2 years ago because I had a craving for it, I thought to myself: WHAT THE HELL! This is gross:) So I love finding Weight Watchers, Hungry Girl OR any other healthy ways to make "fried" chicken! Here are the details: 


    Ingredients:

  • sprays cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup plain fat-free yogurt
  • tablespoon paprika , sweet-variety, divided
  • 15 items saltine crackers , crushed into crumbs
  • teaspoon table salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper , freshly ground
  • 16 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts , four 4 oz thin pieces
  • tablespoon parsley , fresh, chopped
  • 1/2 medium lemon , cut into 4 wedges

  • Instructions: 


    • Preheat broiler and coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
    • Place yogurt and 1 teaspoon of paprika in a small shallow bowl; mix to combine. Combine cracker crumbs, salt, pepper and remaining 2 teaspoons of paprika on a large shallow pie plate; stir to combine. Place each chicken cutlet in yogurt mixture and turn to coat. Next, place chicken in crumb mixture, turning to coat both sides and pressing lightly to make crumbs stick.
    • Place coated chicken on prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray. Broil 3 to 4 inches from heat source until golden brown and cooked through, flipping once, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. To serve, sprinkle with parsley and garnish with lemon wedges. Yields 1 piece of chicken per serving.
    I don't have a picture because it was kinda late and were hungry! BUT I do have this picture from WW 
    and mine looked just like it:) TRUST ME:) 

    HAPPY EATING!


    Skinny Saturday

    As I have mentioned before, I weigh in at Weight Watchers on Saturday at 9:30.  I had my typical "skinny clothes"  (as if that makes a big difference:) on and was ready to rock and roll. Anyway, we went to the 7:30 meeting which was WAY EARLY for a Saturday:) But I weighed in and the lady smiled and said: "YOU LOST 5 pounds!" I was very delighted and it felt good! As I mentioned before...nothing tastes as good as SKINNY FEELS!     It wasn't until I looked at my actual weight record thingy that I realized that lost 5.2 pounds! I need to make sure the WW lady knows that every pound counts....even .2! LOL! I know the weight loss won't be as big this week but hey...I will be happy if it is .2 ! HAPPY EATING!

    Monday, January 16, 2012

    Rigatoni with Creamy Sausage Sauce

    I love eating pasta...I mean who doesn't. But what I don't enjoy is the high PP values. I found this delicious recipe on the Weight Watchers site. I thought that I would give it a try and I AM SO GLAD I DID!! Here are the details: 

    Ingredients:
    • 8 oz uncooked rigatoni
    • 1/8 tsp table salt
    • 8 oz raw turkey sausage, Italian-style, removed from casings
    • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, or Baby Bella mushrooms, trimmed, quartered
    • 1 Tbsp minced garlic
    • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
    • 1 1/2 cup(s) fat-free skim milk
    • 1 cup(s) frozen green peas, petite-variety
    • 1/2 tsp table salt, or more to taste
    • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
    • 1/2 cup(s) roasted red peppers, water-packed, sliced
    • 1/2 cup(s) scallion(s), sliced
    • 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese


    Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions.

    Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook sausage stirring and breaking into chunks with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 3 minutes; remove to a bowl. Add mushrooms to skillet and sauté until browned and tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

    In a measuring cup, whisk together flour and milk until smooth; stir into skillet along with peas, salt and black pepper. Bring sauce to a boil; simmer until thickened and peas are tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in sausage, roasted peppers and scallions; remove from heat.

    Drain pasta; return to pot. Add sausage sauce and cheese; toss to coat. Transfer to a serving bowl. 




    Yields about 2 cups per serving= 11 PP

    Happy Eating!

    Chicken Salad Sandwich!

    On Thursday night, I didn't feel like cooking....at all!!! As mentioned in THIS post, I made chicken salad! My HUSBAND LOVES CHICKEN SALAD!! I have made some Hungry Girl recipes in the past and they were DECLIOUS!!! It has pecans and grapes...but pretty high in the PP:) So I was delightfully surprised when I found this receipe on Weight Watchers and saw the PP...HERE ARE THE DEATILS: 


    Ingredients
    3/4 pound(s) cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast(s), cut into bite-sized pieces   
    1/2 cup(s) uncooked celery, finely diced   
    1/3 cup(s) unsweetened dill pickle(s), or sweet gherkins, finely diced
    1/4 cup(s) reduced-calorie mayonnaise
    2 Tbsp reduced-fat sour cream 
    2 Tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped   
    1 tsp Dijon mustard 
    1 tsp fresh lemon juice   
    1/2 tsp table salt   
    1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground   


    Instructions
    Place all ingredients in a large bowl; mix until blended. Yields about 2/3 cup per serving.


    It is THAT EASY!!! 


    2/3 cup= 3 PP! Yes you read that right....3PP!
     My husband LOVED THIS RECEPE! It was a score. 

    I paired it my favorite bread, ITALIAN and the total PP= 7!!!

    HAPPY EATING!

    Thursday, January 12, 2012

    BLT Soup

    Tonight I did not feel like cooking. I was even tempted by my hubby to order pizza but I decided I would be better off making a simple dinner:): So decided to make chicken salad and soup. I found this awesome soup recipe on...where else HUNGRY GIRL!! She rocks. This recipe was very easy and quick to make AND SOOOO DELICIOUS!! Here are the details: 


    Ingredients
    2 slices center-cut bacon or turkey bacon
    1 slice light bread
    1 clove garlic, halved widthwise
    1 cup chopped tomato (about 1 large tomato)
    1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium tomato soup with 4g fat or less per serving
    2 cups roughly chopped spinach leaves
    Optional: fat-free sour cream



    Instructions: 
    Prepare bacon in a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray or on a microwave-safe plate in the microwave. (Refer to package for cook time and temperature.) Chop or crumble and set aside.

    Toast bread slice and gently rub both sides with cut sides of garlic clove halves; discard clove halves. Cut bread into 1-inch squares and set aside.

    In a nonstick pot over medium heat on the stove, cook and stir chopped tomato until softened, about 3 minutes.

    Add tomato soup and stir. Bring to a low boil. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

    Serve topped with bacon and garlic-toast squares. If you like, top with sour cream.



    Makes 2 servings


    1 1/4 cup of soup= 5 PP


    YUMMY! The fresh tomatoes really made the soup! 

    Happy Eating!

    It's OK Thursday!

    I am liking up with Neely and Amber this week for It's OK Thursday!  I had so much fun last week and gained a couple of new followers and had a great time reading the comments! SO.....




    Its Ok Thursdays
    Its OK.....


    That I don't want to work out today after work! I worked out 4 days this week knowing that by Thursday I wouldn't have the energy to work out any more!!

    It is the beginning of the Spring 2012 semester and it seems like all the crazies are in full force! I did read somewhere that this week we have had 1 full moon and tomorrow is Friday the 13th!!

    To be sooo over work for this week. I have been working on this report for work and have grown bitter about office polices and the need for people to work the system!

    To be looking forward to sleeping in on MONDAY since we don't have to work! Thank you MLK!

    To be secretly thinking about my "splurge" for the weekend will be movie popcorn (NO BUTTER!), We are going to a "semi-private" showing of Joyful Noise. A lady from our church rented out the theatre since he son is the lead actor in the movie...opporiste Dolly Parton and Queen Latifia! HOW COOL!

    To be anxious and excited about my 3 pair of crocs that are coming in the mail tomorrow! I have been waiting 2 weeks! I LOVE LOVE LOVE CROCS! I think this will make at least 20 pairs...I am slightly addicted but I have them in all styles and I am finally ordered the original style!

    That my mom "cleaned" my house while she worked from there today. She is a clean freak (not that my house is THAT dirty) and so I LOVE it when she asks if she can work there while HER CLEANING LADY is at her house! I LOVE MY MOM!

    That I seem to have a love affair with the exclamation point!!!!!!!

    That I have been excited and thinking about what I would be writing about all week since I had so much fun last week participating in IT"S OK THURSDAY!!

    WHAT's OK WITH YOU TODAY!