Sunday, February 28, 2010

Weekend, where did you go?

Ahh the weekends. They come so slow, and go so fast.

As I mentioned yesterday... I was on a cleaning mission. I accomplished LOTS and cleaned out the Dyson (something I've been putting off forever). We enjoyed a nice quiet evening at home, and watched Couples Retreat. I thought it was pretty cute. Ive never really been a movie fan, but Jon wanted Netflix for Christmas, so I got that for him along with the BluRay. I am actually kind of enjoying it.

We got up early (bright and early) for an 8 o'clock mass being said at St. Stanislaus for Rose (my mother-in-law) who passed away unexpectedly from a brain annerysm on Thanksgiving day in 2006. It was a nice quiet mass. After mass we all went to Hy-Vee for breakfast. Boo for wasting 595 calories on breakfast (and only getting 2.8g Fiber). Thankfully we made a delish dinner with just 305 calories! Pork Chops, veggies and red potato chunks. Yum!

Im happy to say, I have someone who committed to buy my current DSLR. I am selling the body and a few lenses that I dont use, and I am purchasing an upgraded version (ok say few upgrades) to my current camera. Then in a few weeks Im getting the Canon 7D come payday! HOLLA. :)

On a total different direction, I have had the itch to build lately. I really enjoyed the "building process" when we finished the basement. We know we want to build, and really would like to GC (general contract) again (this is what we did for the basement-- call it a "trial version"). We probably will wait till we have a kid and getting ready for the 2nd... yeah this is a few years out. :)But, in a year or so we need to get the wheels moving since it will take a little longer doing it ourself. Until then... more projects at Casa 20779.
On the agenda:

Sliding Patio doors (we have french now, not a fan).
New Carpet on main level (to match the basement).
New countertops in the kitchen (maybe concrete -- my BIL is doing them at his house -- they are awesome). CLICK HERE to see his home reno blog - PS hes an arcitect and has great ideas!!
Re-do the patio (concrete side)
Fence


Ha when were done, maybe I can do a nursery! :) ((Disclaimer! I'm NOT saying anything))

Saturday, February 27, 2010

It's no secret...

That I enjoy cleaning and organizing. Call me crazy.

I've had a productive day cleaning things that the "normal" person may not. :) Jon is heading out to a Creighton basketball game today (Senior day! Holla!) so I will be diving in further. I am in my spring cleaning mode. :)

Today so far, I scrubbed the inside of my washing machine - I would be horribly embarrassed if you had seen it prior to this. :) I am also cleaning windows with my new Basic H (as discussed in this post) and I have to say, I am a fan. :) Jon is currently cleaning the carpets (steam cleaning) using a mixture of Oxy Clean and a few drops of Basic H. I've done some windows with my fav.. newspaper and a basic H mixture. Works like a CHARM. Since Holly (my trusty housekeeper) was here last Saturday and did a deep clean I am left to do the projects that my OCD (ha yes) self doesn't "trust" to others. Yes I am OCD about cleaning - so what.

I also plan to do some organizing, hopefully go thru work papers, and get rid of things (Recycle bank comes Tuesday!) Gotta get those paper points! :) I have had a load of clothes that I have been meaning to take to the shelter since DECEMBER in the T-Reg (my V-Dub SUV) and -- They've got to go. So, my plan is to fill a few more bags of things to donate to those less fortunate. I feel so great when I donate, for a perfectionist getting rid of things is great, but knowing it may somehow help someone else is icing on the cake. It's humbling too - things that I take for granted can mean so much to someone else. So, if you haven't done so lately - PURGE and help others. I encourage you to take the items to a shelter. I prefer taking things to a shelter because I feel they benefit a much more immediate need.

Now, funny story. I am trying to make it a point to make an extra trip to mass, focusing on Stations of the Cross (Friday's during lent). Our church no longer has a Friday evening, and by the time I realized it -- well I was scrambling to find a place. Boystown (which is a beautiful place) has 7pm stations so we went there. Fr. Val said them, and well it was pretty comical when his cell phone went off DURING the 5th station. :) Then at the 6th it went off again (as he was fumbling to get it off) perhaps it was a voice mail. But never the less, it was kind of funny - especially when he said, "man I'm having a hard time and I don't know how to use it" :)

Well, off to do more laundry, organizing and spring cleaning. I am glad to get these things done now, so when spring comes around I can be outside enjoying the weather and work in the yard!

Today's work out plan - strength training.
Happy and Healthy Saturday!

Friday, February 26, 2010

OMG!

So... diet wise. OMG isnt so good. I actually gained .2# however.. I am looking and feeling thinner. I've done a lot of weight lifting lately - so I am hoping this is muscle :)

Now, for the good OMG. Work was fabulous this week. For those of you who arent quite sure what I do. I work for Liturgical Publications, and I sell advertising on church bulletins. My job is a sales job, so I am commissioned. Which can be an amazing thing if you are successful. Thank God I have been so blessed to be successful. I sold over $8k this week, now before you think I am a major balla -- I dont get all of that. :) I also am about to close two huge deals, one $6500 deal, and hopefully a large one to the tune of $23,000!

Now this makes me squeel because this means I get to buy my new camera and flash that I have been lusting over. The Canon 7D and Speedlite!




I am also going to be upgrading my backup camera. Since I have all the Sony equipment, I will be trading that in for a newer Sony. Super stoaked. Eeeee!

Yay!!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Catholic O-Towners

Theology on Tap is back! I am planning to go tomorrow evening!! Let me know if you are interested in going!!

Theology on Tap: Lent Series 2010
Feb 25, 2010 Order Dinner - 6:30pm, Speaker starts 7pm
Mar 4, 2010 Order Dinner - 6:30pm, Speaker starts 7pm
Mar 11, 2010 Order Dinner - 6:30pm, Speaker starts 7pm

The Greek Islands restaurant, 3821 Center St., Omaha, NE
Theology On Tap: Omaha invites Catholic young adults (20's & 30's) to the Greek Islands (3821 Center St.), for our Lenten series! All three events start with food orders at 6:30pm (checks or cash only), speaker(s) at 7pm, and Q&A at 7:45pm. Door prizes afterward.

Thursday, Feb 25 - "Praying Lent" w/ Fr. Andy Alexander, SJ and Maureen McCann Waldron, Creighton University Online Ministries

Thursday, Mar 04 - "From Indifferent to In Love: A Conversion Story" w/ Stephanie Prost, Omaha Catholic young adult

Thursday, Mar 18 - "Tomorrow's Priest: Who Would Want This Life?!" w/ Fr. Frank Jindra, Spiritual Director of the Pro Sanctity Movement

Mr. Picky

Tonight I made Chile Relleno Puff for dinner. You can find the recipe HERE. I modified the recipe and used liquid egg, rather than normal eggs. I also cooked it longer. It probably could have used to cook even longer. I am guessing it was something to do with the liquid egg. Mr. Picky (aka Jon) wasnt as big of a fan, he isnt big on eggs. My brother in law, Bruce was over and he seemed to like it, he said it kind of remembered him of scambled eggs. I liked it, and I am perfectly content eating the left overs, and the best part... I had 1.5 servings for 238 calories. DINNER folks. 238 caloies. Holler.

My friend and co-worker Risa was out in the oh so exciting city of Schulyer this week, and stumbled upon a Shaklee representative. Now, I have heard of Shacklee, however never really knew muhc about it. Risa mentioned the cleaning products are fabulous.. and me being the cleaning fanatic I am excited to try! I got the Basic H -- which I can use to make other mixes.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Hard Cider, Hair and Shoes!

So, I decided to add 200 fabulous (well needed) calories today and enjoy a...


Now... parden the camera phone picture, no makeup (and some break outs face!) and my sloppy and now getting too big shirt... and see the yummy Hornsby's Crisp Apple Cider. It's seriously delicious. Oh, and my hair... I used my FAVORITE hair product this morning. Big Sexy Hair Dry Shampoo.


Seriously, this stuff is amazing. My hair gets greasy -- quick and I could probably go a day washing it on day 2.. I wash my hair, use the dry shampoo on day two, and then start over. But... my hair will tend to get a bit fizzy.. and after working out, I need to wash on day 3. I plan workouts accordingly (because I am lazy like that!).


So - I did some online shopping, and ordered 2 new black heels. I got a steal on one of the pairs... $30.22 holla! They come on Thursday. I am in serious crave for spring, and ordered some fun Steve's!



I bidded on some BCBG's.. and now I am wondering what I was smoking, because they are kind of fug. Good thing they were only $17 shipped. I suppose I will get use out of them.

FREE Taco Fresco at Taco Bell

Thanks to Fantabulously Frugal for sharing this...
FREE Taco Fresco at Taco Bell

Monday, February 22, 2010

Happy Monday!

Today, was a good day.

It started out with a good... err scratch that great hair day. :) Come to think of it, I probably should have took a picture.

Work went well... have wifi... (hey thats a big deal in my bizzz!

Went shopping (quick vist to Von Maur) too bad they didnt have the size in the shoes I want... for $95... I am going going to deal with a snug fit :) I bought them anyways, but I am going to return them... since I found the ones I want in the right size online! HOLLER.

I then took a trip down to Whole Paycheck. I really do like Whole Foods. They have the best quality of produce, meats and fish. I got some salmon patties, with spinich and feta. I made them and the awesomely perfect asparagus for dinner. Seriously -- soooooo good. Great dinner.

Now, I consider myself blessed to do what I love. I get such great pleasure in finishing up (and delivering) photos to clients. A few weeks ago, we did photographed a wedding for a girl Jon went to South with. She is such a sweet gal -- it just makes it even better when I have a great client, who is so appreciative. Every so often I get handwritten thank yous, from clients and it means so very much. (I am old school -- and I still believe in a handwritten thank you). We got the nicest thank you's from them, and they just stopped by to pick up the photos.. I love. love. love. shooting weddings... it's just where my passion is.

Well, time to hit up the 30DS. Have a great night... and a fabulous week!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Living for the weekend...

What a great weekend. Jon and I have kind of been in a slump lately, and have been vegging out all weekend and our trip out -- was to church. Thankfully we got out yesterday for some retail therapy. The only thing is, the "retail therapy" wasnt exactly successful.

We are going to be upgrading our camera equipment to the Canon 7D. We were debating between a Nikon and the Canon, and after the research we have been doing, we thought the Canon was the way to go, but went to Rockbrook to check it out in person. I LOVE it. We looked at some lenses, and a speedlite as well. It's going to be a pricey upgrade, but it will be worth it.

We also went to dinner with Sarah and Jordan at Ted's Nebraska Grill. I had heard some "dicey" reviews on it, however I was impressed. We will be going back.

This morning we got up "early" and went to 8 o'clock mass. It was nice to have a quiet mass for once. Normally we go to 9:30 or 11, and it's kid central. Speaking of church, and leading to Lent.. I gave up facebook for lent. I do miss the status updates, but I dont miss the time I wasted on there. :) It allowed me to finish up some editing.

Well -- off to get things ready for the week!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Catching up!

I finally unloaded pictures off my camera! So, enjoy!

As mentioned in this blog post I recently made the Duggar's laundry detergent. I absolutely LOVE it. I highly suggest using it. My clothes are so soft. I did our bedding today, and from just making the bed, it felt fabulous. We have satin sheets as well... and the feel amazing... scratch fabulous! :) Here are some pictures from the making. I used a "Homer" bucket (5 gallon paint bucket) from The Home Depot.

Main ingredients -- in Omaha, you can find both at Hy-Vee!


I used the magic bullet to "grate" the Fels Naptha soap...


"Cooking the soap!"


Stir!!!


Now. Obviously making laundry detergent got us in the "domestic" mood because we painted our bedroom. Something we've been talking about since last summer.. but we were a little painted out after painting the ENTIRE basement (1500sq ft) after we finished it... ps that was 4-5 coats (new drywall including primer...)

Before...


After!




Now... I just got my hair done yesterday. I went darker, my hair always fades. But I like it... even though Jon said "so, you'll need to start tanning again" which I already realized a few weeks ago.. umm hello albino.

Before!



Lastly --- 2 weeks of photo updates!!







Now, I hope you are in photo heaven! I am in heaven because the housekeeper is here, and now I am off to run out to Rockbrook and look at new cameras and do some retail therapy with my hubby! <3

Friday, February 19, 2010

Another 2 bite the dust!

I am happy to say, I am down another two pounds! :) I *need* to update my "weekly" photo which I have been slacking on. Besides, I just got my hair done today -- so I gotta get a photo of that too! I decided to try Moroccaniol which I've been seeing advertised quite a bit. (What can I say -- I sell advertising, so I am a true sucker for it.)






Unfortunatley, Peel's was out of Tigi's Some Like it Hot. My stylist has been raving about it, and she went there to get some for me, out of that and Big Sexy Hair Dry Shampoo... which seriously is AMAZING. If you havent tried it -- do yourself the favor. :)

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

SallyDomestic -- aka Jessi

I'm back! Twice in a day. LUCKY you.

I stumbled upon this website and thought I would share!! Click here for printable pages for your household!

<3 SallyDomestic

Gooood Morning!

Now, did you read the title of this post as if Ty Pennington was yelling it? Because, that was how it was intended. ;)

Jon and I got up and did 30DS this morning. Since the video is only roughly 25 minutes, I did some additional cardio and freeweights on my own. I feel great! I love the sense of accomplishment this early in the day. I am very checklist driven, so I have a checklist on the side of my fridge (its a notepad with a magnet) and note its on the side, because I am OCD and I hate the look of things on the front (yes I know I am crazy). Anywho, venturing back to the post... I put work out on the list, because I LOVE crossing things off my to-do list. Especially since the rest is boring... Go to post office, take Valentines decor down - put up St. Patties Day... see :)

I have also been dilligent on my supplements. I take a conglomeration of 10 in the morning (and yes I plug my nose like a 5 yr old) ha! I have much more energy and I feel good. Treat your body right, and it will treat you right.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Free time!

What will I do with the hours I wont be wasting on facebook?!

Here are a few novel ideas!
Workout
Photography
Crafts
Clean/Organize

So I am done with stalkerbook (aka Facebook) until Easter. There are 46 days in Lent (40 if you dont count the Sundays -- but I am not "cheating"). I am kind of looking forward to it, with the exception of my daily chats with Sarah. For those sinners (ha just kidding) Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent, that is when you get the ashes on your forehead. Typically you give something up, just as Jesus gave his life for us. I am midly umm addicted to Facebook, so I figured it was a good thing to do. Hell I needed to. I EVEN TURNED OFF MY NOTIFICATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!

So, just a laugh for you. Jon has been all about the "soothing sounds" as of late. Apparently Digital Cable has a Hawaii beach scene, which is a sunset with the waves coming in. Guess whos snoring on the couch with two dogs on top of him. This is when I wish my camera was nearby and I could crack on video mode, however it might be the demise of my marriage if it accidentally ended up on YouTube. I better scratch that idea.

Ok - now "Health Related". Today was Fat Tuesday. I am working @ MOQ this week (PS Fun Staff!)... had a potluck to celebrate. They had HOT Krispy Cream and Winchells Donuts. OMG they smelled so good. I really would have LOVED to try a Winchells (Can you believe I've never had one). Lunch was a sandwich ring, cheese dips and my fav... buffalo chicken dip (better known as crack). I had just a little, and veggies. Oh.. and a cupcake from Cupcake Island. Mmm. Yum.

I really havent been hungry lately. Granted I consumed the majority of my calories at lunch, I wasnt all that hungry for dinner.

Well. this.dam.soothing.video... its got me tired. So I am going to PEACE Out.

OMG. Jon just woke up and said "shit" --- did he think he fell asleep in the tub?
<3 J

Monday, February 15, 2010

My new love...

...is my heart rate monitor watch.









I initially thought it was going to be a waste of money, but I jumped on the bandwagon. It's nice to be able to take a peek at my watch and make sure I am pushing myself to the limit. It tracks my time (length of exercise), heartrate and calories burned.



Tonight, I did the elliptical and then worked on my total gym...

While watching the Batchelor... which is kind of a bore. Especially since I cant stand Vienna. She's WT and in dire need of a professional color job. Speaking of color, I have a hair appointment on Friday -- and I cant decide if I should go "dark all over" or "dark with high lights" what to do!?!

Let me know which you think I should do!


Friday, February 12, 2010

Down!

Gooooooood Friday!

I am down another pound! Yay!!!!!!!! That's all --- picture this weekend! <3

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Recipes for the week!

Jalapeno-Lime Chicken- 162 calories
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 tablespoon olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
sliced black olives, for garnish (optional)
1 sliced jalapeno pepper, for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
1. Combine the diced jalapeno pepper, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt and pepper in a resealable plastic bag.
2. Place the chicken in the bag and press to remove the excess air; seal tightly.
3. Turn the bag over several times in order to coat the chicken with the marinade mixture.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
5. Preheat the grill or oven broiler to medium-high heat.
6. Place the chicken on the grill or in the broiler pan.
7. Cook for about 12-15 minutes (or until the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork), turning twice to get grill marks.
8. Garnish with black olives and jalapeno slices if desired.

Servings: 4
Nutritional information for one serving:
Calories: 162
Calories from fat: 44
Total fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Total carbs: 1.6g
Fiber: 0.3g
Protein: 26.5g
WW points: 4


Italian Turkey Meatballs – 166 Calories
Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground turkey
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Preparation:
1. Mix all the ingredients together and shape into 30 meatballs.
2. Lightly spray a nonstick pan with vegetable oil.
3. Cook the meatballs for about 5-6 minutes (or until cooked through and nicely browned on the outside).
Servings: 6
Nutritional information for one serving:
Calories: 166
Calories from fat: 68
Total fat: 7.6g
Cholesterol: 94mg
Total carbs: 8g
Fiber: 0.7g
Protein: 15.7g
WW points: 4

Pesto Pizzarecipe ingredients
Crust:
4 - 4 1/2 cups flour
2 pkgs. Rapid Rise yeast
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. olive oil
1 3/4 cup hot water
Pizza:
1 1/2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. nonfat plain yogurt
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
cornmeal for dusting pan
4 cups sliced ripe plum tomatoes (8 tomatoes)
recipe directions
To make crust: In a large bowl, stir together 3 cups flour, yeast, salt and sugar. In a small saucepan, combine 1 1/4 cups water and oil. Heat until hot to the touch, 125 to 130 degrees F. With a wooden spoon, gradually stir the oil and water mixture into the flour mixture. Beat until well mixed. Gradually add enough of the remaining flour to make a firm, soft dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. As an alternative, prepare dough in a food processor according to manufacturers directions, but decreasing water to 1 1/2 cups.
To make pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, cheese, oil and garlic. Process until well blended. Add yogurt and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Place a pizza stone or baking sheet on the lowest rack of the oven; preheat to 500*F. Divide dough into 8 pieces. Using fists, stretch one piece into a 6 inch round. Place on a cornmeal dusted pizza peel or inverted baking pan, using enough cornmeal so the dough slides easily. Stretch another piece of dough and place next to the first on the peel. Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on each round of dough. Arrange 1/2 cup sliced tomatoes on each round of dough. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Carefully slide the pizzas onto the heated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms are crisp and browned. Working with 2 pizzas at a time, repeat with the remaining dough and toppings.

Serves: 8 - Nutrition Information Per Serving:
calories total fat sat fat protein fiber sodium (mg) carbs ww pts
296 5 1 9 4 595 54 6


Chile Relleno Puff
recipe ingredients
5 eggs
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 pint nonfat cottage cheese
1 large can (7 oz) Ortega mild green chiles, chopped
1/2 cup reduced fat mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup reduced fat cheddar, shredded, for top
recipe directions
Preheat oven to 350*F. Beat eggs until light and lemon colored. Whisk in flour, then baking powder, salt, cottage cheese and mozzarella. Blend until smooth. Stir in chiles. Pour into a glass pie dish or similar baking pan. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the center is firm and the top lightly browned.
Serves: 4 - Nutrition Information Per Serving:
calories total fat sat fat protein fiber sodium (mg) carbs ww pts
232 7 3 28 1 653 14 5




Crustless Mushroom Quiche

recipe ingredients
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 onion, diced medium
10 oz. pkg chopped spinach, thawed and sqeezed dry
1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
2 cups skim milk
8 egg whites
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. fresh cracked black pepper
recipe directions
Preheat oven to 350*F. In a nonstick skillet, saute onion and mushrooms until almost tender. Add spinach and cook until all moisture is evaporated (about 4 minutes). Add bread crumbs, stir and place into a quiche pan which has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Combine remaining ingredients in medium mixing bowl and pour over vegetables in quiche pan. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until firm in center. Allow to stand for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Serves: 6 - Nutrition Information Per Serving:
calories total fat sat fat protein fiber sodium (mg) carbs ww pts
111 2 1 12 2 253 13 2

Spinach Casserole


2 pkgs frozen chopped spinach
2 cups fat free cottage cheese
1/2 cup egg substitute (equal to 2 eggs)
1/2 cup fat free parmesean cheese
recipe directions
Cook spinach until heated through. Drain very thoroughly, pressing into a colander or squeezing out the excess water. Combine the cottage cheese, egg substitute, and parmesean cheese in bowl. Mix in spinach. Pour into a 9 inch pie pan or into 6 individual baking dishes which have been sprayed with nonstick spray. Sprinkle casserole with a little parmesean and paprika. Bake at 375* for 25 to 30 minutes, or until firm and lightly browned at the edges.
Serves: 6 - Nutrition Information Per Serving:
calories total fat sat fat protein fiber sodium (mg) carbs ww pts
133 1 0 2 3 260 10 2


Spinach Tortellini Soup
1 large can (49 1/2 ounces) fat free chicken broth
1/4 tsp. garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 cup frozen cheese-filled tortellini
2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach leaves or 1 cup coarsely chopped frozen cut leaf spinach
recipe directions
In large saucepan mix broth, garlic powder and pepper. Over medium-high heat, heat to a boil. Stir in tortellini. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 10 minutes. Add spinach. Cook 5 minutes more or until tortellini is done.
Serves: 6 - Nutrition Information Per Serving:
calories total fat sat fat protein fiber sodium (mg) carbs ww pts
92 3 1 5 1 1076 11 2

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Recipe Review

Um. Yum.

I just made talian Turkey Meatballs (see below for recipe). I thought they were great. I served them with 2 oz of pasta @ 200 calories, and a 50 calorie sauce. Great and low calorie dinner. The great part... I have leftovers and this will serve as Monday's dinner!!

Happy Saturday.

.js.

NHR! Well maybe... :)

NHR = Non Health Related.

I just made laundry detergent. And.I.AM.STOAKED.

Seriously, smells great. cheaaaaaaaaap is just an added perk.

So, last night on my trip to Hy-Vee to pick up those pricey little vitamuffins, I hit the cleaning isle up and got Arm & Hammer WASHING SODA, and Feels Naptha soap. This morning I cut the soap into pieces and threw it into the Magic Bullet (holler for that thing!). Here is the recipe:

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine-

4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.

-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)

-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be purchased online (at Meijer.com). Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!

I didnt add the essential oil... I just didnt have any. Next time I will though.

So -- total cost to make. Like $3 bucks. Feels Naptha is .98 cents, and considering I just used a small portion of the other stuff its like nothing!

I will let you know how much I love it. I have heard nothing but rave reviews, and ps this is the DUGGARS recipe. Shout out to them!

Friday, February 5, 2010

I'm Back!

So... 1.2 down this week.

Not exactly the number I was hoping to pull... but better than nothing. Oh and I had to eat lunch out every.single.day this week. :)

It's been a busy week but I am back!!!!!!!!! Healthy cheers!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

5.5.5.

Not a bad day.

Lunch -- had my yuuuuuummmmy Runza. 500 calories, salad 30 cal and rasp. vinagerette 25 cal! HOLLER... FOR RUNZA!

Dinner -- I made the cheesy casserole today, since I spaced off thawing meat! I thought it wasnt bad, Jon wasnt as much as a fan (since he does not like "chunky" things--- hence the salsa).

This evening has FLOOOOOOOOOOWN by.. so gotta get back.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Photo Monday! Recipe Review!

As promised! Here are my weekly updates.




Now. Monday's recipe! Jon really liked it, it was a great dinner, and quick and easy to make. I calculated my recipe at about 113 cal, plus 15 for the salad! Not bad.

Today was a good day for me. I got up at 5:55 for an early morning work out. I had a great workout, and I was dripping in sweat. TO me this equivels a GOOD workout. I always have a fear of eating out (especially in OMAHA!) and I have a coworker in from corporate, and well my lunch from home isnt happening.

So, today we went to Taqueria El Ray and it was pretty good. I had a steak burrito. I had about 2/3 of it, and I felt full. The serving was good size, and the burrito was just $4.25. Holler for the dirrrrrty south... umm otherwise known as South O! This establishment is in the old DQ on 24th & Q.

Tomorrow is Tempature Tuesday, so its Runza baby. I heart their nutritional info. :) I am going to enjoy a Runza at just 500 calories (yes I know that is really a lot) but I love me some runnnnnnzas! I plan to have about 1/2 of my fries which will be about 205 more.

Wednesday ?

Thursday ?

Friday ?

So.. thats that, happy Monday!