July to December what a Journey!

Hey NeverEver's,

I know technically it has been a short year for this blog, it all started back on July 23rd. Finally getting tired of how I was living my life. Getting short breath walking up stairs, not fitting into the clothes that I wanted to wear, feeling pain inside my body that I knew I shouldn't be feeling. I knew things couldn't remain living the same life without some major issues physically and emotionally.

But has things changed since starting this blog?

The true answer is yes and no.

I am cooking and eating out less then ever before. The kitchen is not my enemy anymore! I have cooked Chicken, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner all from home, Tried new foods, and I even got some healthy cheese & pasta!

It should also be mentioned that while I have been playing in the kitchen there has been NO casualties of family member stomachs!

So, I learned I can survive in the kitchen...and even enjoy it! That has been a real eye opener this year and something that I want to expand on in the New Year!



My workouts have been almost non existent! The 'Ya I JUST worked out' feeling.  Yup, I am going to be putting it out there, because if I can't be truthful here there is no point in continuing this blog.

I have been doing my exercise challenges, very faithfully, but those are not a workout! At least I don't feel like they are a workout. Maybe because I don't feel like I do after a long walk/jog (my legs are so tired) or a Gym Class (my heart rate is way up). So this is something that I will be working on in the New Year!

I have learned that from these challenges that I can actually see a goal from start to finish! It still surprises me that I have been doing 50 Squats for FIT Happens Holiday Challenge since November!






There has also been the challenges, both real & just challenging situations, that I have joined and enjoyed. There is so much support out there and it has humbled and astounded me!


At first I was surprised and so happy that I was chosen to write a review for KLUTCHclub October Box. This was a challenge all on its own. Never wrote one before, I wasn't even sure I could do it. But I did it!



Then there was my first Blog Challenge from AroundthePlate. This challenge was to Eat at Home for 10 days, no eating out at all. Which to tell the truth freaked me out big time. But, this challenge is what taught me that I could actually Survive Without Fast Food!!

Oh and it also introduced me to the wonderful site ChallengeLoop! If you haven't checked this site out you really have to!

There was also my challenge to write a Guest Post for a wonderful site called FitKit! Such a wonderful site that has Healthy Living right at your finger tips. Ideas and tips from all over! I decided to write about Staying Fit through the Holidays.



And to finish the year off strong I joined the #elf4health challenge. Now this challenge was given to us by the amazing & creative minds of Elle from Nurtritionella and Lindsay from The Lean Green Bean! What they gave us was over 6 weeks of unique daily challenges and people that we joined up with to conquer these daily challenges! I have had some amazing elves for helpers, there was first Casey, then Alexis and the newest is Katherine. They have all been so helpful and inspiring. 

So I think this year I have done more for my body, my life and my health then I have ever done before! I have realized that my life needed to change, I am cooking more, I have an amazing support group, and I finally started my dream blog.

I can not wait to accomplish even more in the New Year. 2013 is going to by my year, and tomorrow I will show my plans and goals for it!

However, I wanted to end this 'review' post by thanking all my readers. You guys have shocked, amazed and have made me cry tears of joy. Thank you for being the silent, or not so silent, force behind this blog. You guys are amazing and I can not wait to bring in the New Year with all of you!

#EatAtHomeChallenge Day 9 & 10 - Updated!

Hey NeverEver's!

Happy Friday!! I know I am ready for this weekend to come...and it isn't coming fast enough! I am not sure why I am feeling like this week has been one through hell. Looking back it really wasn't that hard but it felt like it was.

So I really don't have to much to write about today. Or even to catch up on Day 9 & 10 because we ate left overs and no pictures were taken. Although you can check out the previous pictures of them as it was the Beef Quinoa Soup which is just delicious no matter how many times I have it.

However, I do want to talk about the Challenge itself and how I felt I did and what it helped me with.

Here are the few things that I like to think I have learned!

• Cooking isn't scary. I was already starting to learn that before this challenge but this really brought it home. 
• I CAN plan for a whole week of food (5 days really) and it doesn't kill my budget. 
• Good food doesn't always have to be elaborate complicated works of art. Sometimes the easier things to make are better!
• I can make mistakes in the kitchen and not throw everything out in a huff & puff. There are things in my kitchen that can fix or re-make the mistake. 
• Eating at home isn't boring EVEN over the weekend! 
• Healthy Swaps aren't hard to 'swap' in. In fact it really is super easy!
• Recipes are out there for you to use! Don't try to make something brand new...especially if your me!

I am so happy that I did this challenge! I also hope that you have enjoyed the 10 day challenge as well! 

Have to say that one of things I was most excited for, besides actually doing the challenge, was on Day 8 I was the one to write that post! Yup I was squealing the whole time!

I was really touched by Day 3 on How to overcome obstacles that eating at home creates, at times. It really made me think that there is always going to be 'obstacles' it is how you plan for them that make the difference!

You can check out the other talented Bloggers and Writers of this 10 day challenge as well. I would recommend it because these ideas can be used for anything!

All in All I was honored to be apart of this challenge. Definitely learned so much about how to survive in the kitchen. Which as you all know was an un-known space for me for so many years! It was a GREAT 10 days!

Of course I hope that you have taken something away from this as well! 

#EatAtHomeChallenge Day 8

Hey NeverEver's!

Day 8 was a quite day for me. Hubby had to work and I was able to stay all warm and toasty in my bed while he had to get up in the morning! It was wonderful!!!

But I basically stayed in my bed most of the day, making the most of an extra day. Except when I had to head over to Hubby's work to give him his wallet that he forgot. Yup, I am a delivery person as well! 

So there really isn't to much to talk about, for yesterday anyways. Here was the meal plan!

Breakfast / Lunch:

Had more of that Chicken Enchilada Soup for late breakfast...or maybe early lunch? Not sure but it was delicious!

After I dropped off the forgotten wallet, I decided I wanted to make my breakfast for the next few days. Here comes the Fiber One Blueberry Muffins!

I did add some protein powder just to add even more stuff to these Fiber muffins. I seriously haven't tasted it but I wasn't to hungry after trying it.

Me muffins all battered up and ready for my oven!

The finished result. Sadly they did come out a little burned, really not sure how. But the top parts are edible but the bottom part is burned. But it does taste delicious which is always a plus. 

Have to say I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving. Feeling a little hopeful this year! 

Okay NeverEver's! I will report about today later tonight. Hope you all are ready for the final day---Day 10!

Congrats on making it this far!

#EatAtHomeChallenge Day 7 + Pamper Me Fabulous

Hey NeverEver's!

I know I know 2 posts in one day! I am crazy! Nope I just wanted to show you all the Pamper Me Fabulous Event that I went to!

Have to recommend that, if you are a woman, you go to this event!!! I know it hits other places then LA so check it out here to see when it is coming to your location!

It was an complete pampering event. I got a facial for $15, a free hair Styling from Sexy Hair, free drinks, and free workouts in a wonderful outdoor location AND a goodie bag! I mean the goodie bag had me coming, the other things are going to get me coming back!

That is only some of the vendors that was here! It was a pretty packed place full of goodies every where!

Also a dedicated fitness area! It was outside and the weather was perfect for yoga, Les Mills, Latin Dancing, Pilates and other fitness related events!

Here was the fitness area! You had a view of the ocean while burning those calories! The grass was green and soft as well!

One of the Hotel Villa's go-er out for a jog and a boat going by! Yup the water was that blue! 

This is Wendy! You all met her back on my Birthday Weekend. One of my best friends and one of the people in my life that needed today. She has been working hard, going to school, being a single mother and being awesome in her relationship! This woman needed a day of pampering! So I had to bring her along! Plus she is great company ^_~

So this was actually my first purchase and it was for my Hubby! He has been looking for thick honey and well I found it! Thank you Whole Foods!

Wendy getting her hair styled by the fabulous and talented people over at Sexy Hair!

And then it was my turn. Yup that is ALL my hair. I have extremely thick, long, fine, frizzy hair. And I have NO idea what to do with it all. I need to go on piterest a little more to get some ideas! 

The final result with Wendy. They straightened her hair and then pinned it up with her comb thingy (really have no idea what it is called!). It looked really nice on her!

And it was my turn for the after pic! They did for me a 'Modern Half Up-Do'. Plus they also showed me how to do it myself! Thank you Hair Styling Goddess! I really needed your help!

So after getting out hair done we were both hungry! Wendy got a Turkey Salad, which I didn't get a pic of, while I got this! I know that I broke the #EatAtHomeChallenge, but I wasn't sure how I could follow it while coming here for a blog event. So I made sure dinner was home made!

All in All this event was an amazing thing to go to! I was able to go through the Hiking Tour that the hotel offers, didn't get to any other fitness event because of all the cool things inside. But, this is something that I will be going to again next year! 

Finally!

My goodie bag! Here it is all laid out. It was HEAVY in the bags that we were given, so I KNOW I worked out my arms while carrying all of these things! I seriously can't wait to start playing with all of these things!

Thank you again Pamper Me Fabulous for this opportunity to have not only a day of pampering but also a day of fun!

So as I said earlier I wasn't sure what to do with this challenge that I am in the middle of while going to this event. In the end I decided to try and eat as healthy as I could while there, and make sure dinner was ready by the time I came home.

The end result was a good lunch and even better dinner!

Here is my picture of Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup from Skinny Taste! It was delicious and warming after a slightly colder day here in So Cal.

Of course all of Gina's recipes that I have tried are delicious! If you haven't tried them yet what are you waiting for?

Anyways, so far this challenge has been great for me. I am feeling far more comfortable in the kitchen then I EVER thought I would be feeling. It has also let me know that I could actually have a full time job and still come home and cook. Amazing!

Okay NeverEver's, I am gonna play with my new stuff! See you all tomorrow! Have a safe rest of your Veterans Day!

P.S. Most photos have been taken by Wendy. She gets most photo credits ^_^. Love you girl!

#EatAtHomeChallenge Day 6

Good Morning NeverEver's!

It is finally getting chillier here in So Cal! Which is awesome, because I can dress up for winter...you can't do that for summer!

Yup I am a winter person!

Anyways, I wanted to show how I did on my first Saturday of the challenge. Really it was the weekend that really had me worried. I am so used to eating out at least once, maybe even twice, a day on Saturday / Sunday.

So it was a great feeling knowing that I provided breakfast, lunch and dinner (okay so Lunch and Dinner) were the same thing. But we didn't have to have fun and go out and eat. We had fun at home. That may have something to do with the fact that we have a new game to play...Halo 4. Yup Hubby and I are gamers!

So of course the day started off with breakfast! I really wanted to see if I could re-do my, surprise of the moment, sunny side up egg. Never was able to do it until a few weeks ago. So I wanted to see if it was something that I could do again. 

The verdict. Yes I can! And also I dabbled into over easy. It was a success! 

So yesterday I wanted Steak and Eggs. My in-laws aren't really used to this type of breakfast, but the steak and eggs were gone in a record time.

One thing I do like about Steak and Egg's, is that it is easy to make and it keeps you full for so long!

After breakfast it was time to go shopping for next weeks food. I was able to get everything for $75. BUT the Hubby decided to put everything away before I could take a picture of it. I really can't yell at him, cause he was putting things away ^_^.

I will have the list of next weeks food tomorrow!

It was time for a snack between the Hubby and I, and we choose the PoppySeed Loaf Bread. It is no was delicious! I am a big fan of poppy seed and just happy I had help eating it!

Lunch was supposed to be Tuna Salad Wraps, but the Hubby wanted a 'sandwich' so I changed things up a little bit. Made a Tuna Sandwich, only thing added was bread. 

Dinner was supposed to be Chicken Enchilada Soup but we just had the left over tuna. So this one is becoming dinner for tonight. 

Especially since I am gonna be away for most of the day over at Pamper Me Fabulous! I can not WAIT to share with you the fitness classes, beauty classes and everything else they have! 

I just know it is gonna be amazing! First reason, I get to hang out with one of my best friends! 

Okay NeverEver's, I am gonna get ready to head over and pick her up and get over to a day of pampering! 

#EatAtHomeChallenge Day 5

Hey NeverEver's!

So we finally made it to the weekend! Yay for us...well for me to cause it was harder and yet easier in some aspects then I thought it would be.

I know that I am a day late, but as I haven't eaten anything yet this brisk Saturday morning, I decided to post about Friday.

So Friday Day 5!

Breakfast was some left over White Chocolate Cake Cookie and Coffee!

It was very delicious! Actually that is about all I can say about it. It really makes me want to make another batch! That good, but because it is a sweet I am knocking down on sweets. So this is a once a while treat!

Do have to say that my co-workers did take most of the dessert so I didn't have to bring it back home!

For lunch I had a Diet Coke, the Cranberry Apple Panini and a half bag of Doritos. No picture because my camera died so I am using the picture from Thursday Night!

Dinner was really good...if a little spicy! I used Green Goddess Pasta. I think I used a little to much red pepper for me. But the Hubby loved it!

Have to say it was just like Jenna from Eat, Live, Run said it would be! It was creamy but not pop pants creamy. It was just right! Except for those red flakes...gotta watch out for those!

Okay so that catches us all up to this morning! In which I am gonna make some Steak and Eggs! Sounds really delicious right about now!

So NeverEver's, how is your Day 1 through 6 going so far? I hope you have found out just like me that being in the kitchen during the winter / fall is pretty good. It warms you up!

Also that cooking isn't hard when you follow the instructions!

Eat At Home Challenge - Day 3 & 4

Hey NeverEver's!

Okay so first I am waayyyy late on these posts! Sorry about that. I think it is because I am on the computer all day at work I have been recently feeling like I don't want to be on the computer at home. Also that I keep forgetting my camera at work so I can't be posting my photos like I want to. 

Oh did I mention I hate LA traffic? Well I do...its horrible. Makes me think of moving to a wooded area or something. Yup that is my goal in life, to live in the woods! 

Anyways, on to the semi good stuff. I still don't have the hook ups for my small camera (where most of the photos are) BUT I do have 3 photos of the main meals. So we can start there!

Day 3 - Wednesday!

Breakfast was a simple banana, cup of fruit (peaches) and a coffee. I have actually been finding myself not so hungry for sweets or even just over eating. 

Lunch was left over Lettuce Taco's. Which I did still feel that I was 'missing' something! But, it was still good!

So on Wednesday night it was a party night...well not really but we did have people come over. It was my Mothers Birthday party and I decided to cook the Pear & Cranberry Pork Chops. 

I have to say I LOVED the colors that was just popping out. It was really simple to make, thank you PB & Peppers!

And everyone loved it. The conversation was flowing so great...that I forgot to take pics of the after the cooking part. Oops!

Desert was also delicious...and I DO have pictures of it. But its stuck on my small camera and I don't have a cable to be able to release it from its dungeon!

On to Day 4 Thursday!

Breakfast was not good. I was rushing and totally forgot my breakfast at home. So I ended up eating a pop-tart. Yup first stumble in the 10 day challenge. Not gonna beat myself up for it though.

Lunch was left overs from last night. The wonder pork chops! It was just as good warmed up and it was fresh!

Now Dinner is what I was most happy about!

It is Ham and Cranberry & Apple Sauce Panini! So good and gooey and just delicious!

Not to mention it was super SUPER easy to make. Put the sauce on the bread, put the sandwich meat, and add provolone cheese. Simple yet so damn good!

Yummy Yummy Yummy!

Okay so I know I don't have the pics to back it up. But I will have them tonight and will be randomly posting them on facebook tonight!

So, I am actually feeling pretty good about this challenge. It has been a pleasure (I know shocked) to actually cook for my family and plan things out ahead. Like I said I am actually not wanting sweets as much...as long as I have snacks from home ready to go!

Okay NeverEver's, sorry for being late on the updates! Will check back in with you all tonight for Day 5!

#EatAtHomeChallenge - Day 2

Hey NeverEver's!

Hope you have all had a GREAT Tuesday! Mine was busy, busy, busy!

A small political issue...if you are here in the USA I do hope that you got your voice heard in the polls. Really, I am not saying who to vote for but I do believe that it is extremely important to go out there and vote.

Okay I am done!

Now on to the good stuff!

Also, finally tried the 'Perrier' finally. Never really had it before...wasn't sure what to expect but I liked it. It was bubbly water. It took my 'soda' want from me which is always a good thing!

Ranch Burgers hit again! It was a great re-warm up for lunch w/ some low fat cottage cheese and strawberries! I was completely full no need or WANT to hit up the pantry at work! Success!

So the plan was to make Chicken Lettuce Tacos. They were to have mushrooms, chicken, onions, lettuce and low fat cheese.

Now I am not saying it wasn't good...it was just missing something. I am not sure what...but it was missing something.Have any ideas what it could be? Cause I don't!

Also, I have no idea how the chef's get their lettuce so round...it is extremely hard! So more power to all of you!

My little lettuce taco. More like lettuce wraps but it was eaten all up. I barely have enough for lunch tomorrow. Which of course makes me feel great! Even though it was missing that 'something'!

I might be working Over Time tomorrow so I decided to get a head start on some of the things I needed for tomorrows dinner!

So far the White Chocolate Vanilla Marshmallow Cake Bars are finished and are currently cooling on the kitchen table.

Also the Cranberry Apple Butter is also finished and cooling in the fridge. It was smelling so good! I wish I could let you all smell how wonderful it is! Alas...the computer geniuses out there hasn't invented it (that I know of) so make it yourself okay! It is totally worth it!

Sad news...at least for me, I didn't get to the gym today. Wasn't home until after 7 pm, over time to help co-workers) and then I went straight to work in the kitchen. Have to say that the last part of that sentence is super weird for me to say.
Never been much of a cooker so this is all unique to me. Good thing I like unique!

Okay NeverEver's, I am super tired. Combined with Over Time, a little left over stomach issues, and playing with my new stove I am ready to hit the sack!

Eat at Home Challenge - Day 1

Hey NeverEver's,

So today has been an interesting day...and some of it in not a good way. I wanna do the good things first of course so here they are!

 My stove came in!!! I am so happy with this baby...and the first meal I made on it was the Delicious Ranch Burgers! Yes I would have loved to use the oven...but I wasn't sure if I would have time when it came in to make something there.

But the stove came in and that is ALL that matters right here ^_^!

Okay on to my Challenge and the not good part of my day...

The not good part was that I was at home sick the whole day. Not cool at all, and I think I had a stomach virus. Happily I am feeling TONS better but I still don't like not being able to go to work.

So besides being under the weather I did follow my meal plan for Monday! Well except for Breakfast. I decided to try a half bagel w/ peanut butter and banana!

I actually think this is what helped with my upset stomach. I used a multi grain bagel which tasted very good!

On to lunch I once again turned to breads with a little meat. I had made this the night before so I would take it to work...but I ate it at home instead!

A yummy sandwich which (not sure if that is a pun or not ^_^) is simple but filling. I did cut my tomato pieces a little large but I am trying to make sure I eat them so why not getting all the good stuff in one bigger serving!

Dinner was just as yummy as the first time with the Ranch Burgers. This time however, I used normal buns, mainly cause I couldn't find the english muffin ones to save my life...but that is a different story!

Cooking the patties on my new stove. Yes I am still gushing! I do have to say I like making smaller patties then the large ones. I feel like they are just juicer. Maybe its just me though.

Oh I was finally able to blur one of the hamburgers and show the other one! I am so happy that my camera pictures are getting better...or maybe I just think they are. What do you guys think?

Anyways, the burgers were just as good as before. It has really become a staple in this family. A healthy staple at that!

So I didn't get around to weighing myself today. It appears that a stomach flu really gets you stuck in one place.

I do plan to hit the gym tomorrow. I am thinking some light cardio and a weigh in is in order.

My reasoning for wanting the gym...besides the obvious reasons? Well I want to see what this challenge does for me.

How it is effecting my Bank Account, My Waist Line and how I Feel during these 10 days.

I can at least tell you how much I spent for 6 days worth of food. Total Spending: $80

To me that isn't bad. I had most of the spices and other staples in my fridge, which is always a plus, and I am baking a simi cake for Wednesday. So that won't always be on my list of things to 'purchase' but I do believe all in all it wasn't a bad price for everything.

Thank you Fresh and Easy!

@AroundthePlate has created its home page for this Challenge. Make sure you all visit the site as it has good ideas, new topics and others doing the challenge with us!

Don't forget you can join the challenge here as well @ChallengeLoop - EatAtHomeChallenge

I hope you have all day a great Day 1 and I will see you all tomorrow ^_^!