#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 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!

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 ^_^!

Eat at home Challenge Meal Plan - Day 1 - 6

Hey NeverEver's!

I hope you have all had a relaxing weekend! I know for me it has been a little of a 'lazy' weekend. Really didn't want to get outta bed yesterday.

But finally I got up and we took my in-laws to see the stove Hubby and I was looking at to get their opinion, since I am not the only one who will be cooking on it ^_^.

Yup its a Double Oven, 5 Burner Beauty! I am so happy with this purchase it really made the rest of my year.

I should be getting it installed sometime on Monday and it is being broken in Monday night.

Which brings me to the main part of this post!

I have really looked into the recipes that I wanted to try out. Nothing to difficult or time consuming as I do work and have an hour in traffic before being home.

So here is my Meal Plan!

Monday Breakfast:

• Home Made Fruit Smoothie with Protein Powder

Monday Lunch: 

• (As I didn't cook this weekend) Turkey Sandwich 

Monday Dinner: 

• Ranch Burger a PB & Peppers creation! 

Tuesday Breakfast:

• English Muffin Bread w/ PB, Banana's & Chia Seeds - a SweetToothSweetLife's breakfast stable that I have been meaning to try!

Tuesday Lunch:

• I am hoping for some left over 'Ranch Burger' then that if no left overs a Ham Sandwich!

Tuesday Dinner:

• Taco Lettuce Wraps a Fitnessista creation! However, for my family I am using chicken instead of Tempeh. I don't want to umm scare my family to much ^_^.

Wednesday Breakfast:

• English Muffin Bread w/ PB, Banana's & Chia Seeds!

Wednesday Lunch:

• Left over Taco Lettuce Wraps! 

Wednesday Dinner: Okay so this day is gonna be different! My Family is in town and I am also giving a small B-day party ^_~

• Pork Chops w/ Pears & Cranberries a PB & Peppers Creation
• Cranberry Apple Butter also a PB & Peppers Creation
• White Chocolate Vanilla Marshmallow Cake Bars an Averie Cooks Creation! (correction done on 11/6)

Thursday Breakfast:

• Home Fruit Smoothie w/ Protein Powder

Thursday Lunch:

• Seriously hoping for left overs w/ Pork Chops! However, if not possible Ham Sandwich w/ some White Choco Cake Bars ^_^

Thursday Dinner:

• Turkey Cranberry & Pear Panini a PB & Pepper Creation
• Cranberry Apple Butter (not remaking just using the left overs) a PB & Pepper Creation

Friday Breakfast:

• English Muffin Bread w/ PB, Banana's & Chia Seeds

Friday Lunch:

• Left over's for te Turkey Cranberry & Pear Panini! 

Friday Dinner:

• Golden Goddess Pasta a Eat Live Run Creation

Saturday Breakfast:

• Fresh & Easy Pumpkin Pancake

Saturday Lunch:

• Tuna Lettuce Wraps a SkinnyTaste Creation

Saturday Dinner:

• Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup a SkinnyTaste Creation 

Okay made it all the way to Saturday. Sunday will probably be filled with Left Overs but we shall see! 

So I am ready...or at least as ready as I will ever be. Not to go purchase the supplies needed. 

Ribs and Birthdays + Challenge Ready!

Happy Friday NeverEver's! 

First I have to say that I hope everyone that was touched by Sandy has come through it all together with family and friends by their side. 

If you feel like you would like to help, no NO pressure, please feel free to click on the Red Cross Disaster Relief. Now there are SEVERAL other ways to donate but I have always chosen the Red Cross. 

Okay now on to FRIDAY, FRIDAY, FRIDAY! Or actually all about Thursday on Fridays post ^_^

It was my Father in Law's birthday on 11/1 so the family all decided to get together and have a small gathering. I cooked dinner, Hubby provided cake, and well my Father in law provided the entertainment, in a good way!

First off dinner! 

Not sure if you remember but I was posting here, that I was slow cooking ribs. That is really the only way I have ever cooked them. But, it was the FIRST time I actually wasn't here the whole day while it was cooking and had to rely on the family to turn them.

But they turned out DELICIOUS and of course Family Approved!

However, my chosen side dish (rice with BBQ seasoning, didn't turn out right so happily the family did a qick trip to KFC and picked put some other sides, and + food for the late comers!

All singing the Happy Birthday song with his medium 'Fruit' cake. The whole family loves these things, but personally it isn't sweet enough for me. If I am gonna have cake...I want it sweet!

The family playing around with noise makers. Not sure where they came from...or where they are now (hopefully the trash) but it was loud and hopping last night!

And of course the Latin (or maybe just Mexican I am NOT sure) tradition of 'biting the cake'. Which the whole family then shoves said cake on to your face. All in the name of family ^_^. Here the youngest, Marlem, and the oldest, Grandma, is getting into the action!

Of course there is the after effects of cake dunking...having your face look like a clown is one of the possible side effects. However, it was the first time I have seen this particular side effect...and I do hope to be able to capture it again. 

All in all it was a wonderful time with the family, in which we had way to many laughs and a little to much coffee with the cake. 

Okay on to the Daily Stats!

Daily Stats Day 97:

Remember those delicious burgers? Well the family is wanting more of them! I am a Success...actually its all PB & Peppers Jennifer!\

Daily Stats Day 98:

It was a slow day, at least until the family arrived ^_~. I am not sure why but cooking seems to make me less hungry. I am thinking its a good thing!

Okay, so I wanted to let you guys know that I was able to work with @ChallengeLoop, well actually they e-mailed me because they are AWESOME! But we now have an OPEN challenge for #eatathomechallenge!

Check it out #EatAtHomeChallenge! I am so excited for this to start and this weekend I am getting into planning mode! Will be sharing with you all what the 5th through the 15th will have in store for me on Sunday!

So NeverEver's, join us for the challenge on @ChallengeLoop and don't forget to keep checking out @AroundthePlate for the updates from there as well. They are also going to have 10 days of posts about the different challenges that this 'challenge' has given to us.

Can't wait to see you all there and doing this challenge! Have a good weekend NeverEver's!

November's Challenge - Its a GO!

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to November! Are you guys ready for it? I can't believe that we only have 2 more months of this year, it seems to have gone by so fast. At least it has for me.

I do have many, MANY, things to be thankful for this year and I would like to take a moment to just share them!

• I of course have my health...and I finally, and in all seriousness, started my weight loss journey. After years of just getting by. 
• Have to say that I am extremely grateful about my new job (first half of the post ^_^). It has been wonderful working with my co-workers and just having a steady place to go to!
• Of course I have to admit my Hyundai Veloster was an awesome addition for this year. Just knowing that I can get a new car! Plus, it still has that new car smell! Double Score ^_^
• One of the most things I am happy about is that this blog, my corner of the cyber space, that I can share my life with all of you! 

I am sure that my list can go on...and on...and on, but there are a few other things that I want to share with you! 

So first off is my NOVEMBER GOALS! 

Yup I am still working on the 'getting up early' part of my goal. But, hey its a new month and a new beginning! 

Personally, I am big on making sure that I have the 'major' dinners...i.e Thanksgiving, Christmas & Birthdays, planned WAAYYYY before the event comes up. But, this year I might be making Thanksgiving with some family members in Las Vegas so I really want to make sure I am ready for it. Either for it here in Los Angeles or Las Vegas. 

Okay so about the @Aroundtheplate Challenege!

I have thought really hard about this challenge before I decided to actually join it. Having the normal thoughts 

'Can I really handle 10 days of no eating out?', 'What will my family think about this?', 'Can I plan ahead enough for this & still take things for lunch?'

However, in the end...it was those questions that decided me on joining it. I want to be able to cook! Plus, I want to see what type of changes a 'home cooked diet' can do compared to an 'eating out on the weekends' does. 

I do plan to have a 'before' & 'after' challenge post to see if there is any difference in doing home cooked meals ALL the time. Never done it before so its gonna be interesting! 

So this weekend I will be sharing with you my meal plans once I actually plan them. If you have some recipes that you would like me try (willing to be a tester ^_^) share them with me! 

Wanna join? Leave me a comment or use the twitter hashtag #eatathomechallenge from November 5th to November 15th! 

Well, I am off to sing 'Happy Birthday' to my Father in Law. Pics will be coming soon ^_^

What I Ate Thursday - First Time

Hey NeverEver's!

Today has been crazy...then it was dead quite. Not sure which one got me more worked up though.

So to have a little fun today, and since I have never done this, I am trying to do a 'What I Ate' type day!

Yay for me for trying new things!

But first...my CUTE (no laughing) workout clothes from yesterday! Don't you just LOVE how I rock my Orange and Blue!

But like I said...I get to the gym after work more often if I am already dressed for the part!

Okay so first is Breakfast!

This is something that my Mother in Law makes during the Fall. It is basically a tomato soup with small noodles.

However, if you add this to it

You get this! It is a yummy, not to hot - not to cold, type of meal perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

So a later snack was just the rest of the banana. It was pretty good even without the soup around it.

Lunch was left overs from yesterday nights cooking. I actually didn't have any last night as the banana pasta soup filled me up. So I made sure that I grabbed enough for Lunch today!

I also had some left over Peanut M&M's that a co-worker gave me. There was only 6 left so I felt...why not!

But they were also gone before a picture could be taken.

I blame their bright colors...they are so yummy!

So I can't show you dinner yet...mainly because I am going to be cooking it soon. Pic's will be coming tomorrow. BUT, I can show you what I will be making!

Plus here are all the ingredients!

Here is the link for the yummy looking dinner! SkinnyTaste. Lets hope mine look just as good as Gina's!

Okay NeverEver's...I have to say that I am pretty happy with myself on keeping to my goals!

1. Brought my lunch to work 4 out of 5 days - CHECK
2. Got to the gym in the morning before work - Partial Check...BUT...I didn't go in the morning I would go after work
3. Make dinner 3 nights out of the week - CHECK - Tonight Counts!
4. Get some Healthy 'treat' choices for Halloween - I haven't even looked or thought about this one...No Check for me

I am also really looking forward to the AroundThePlate  November Challenge. I am already thinking about some crockpot meals that I can do...and things for the weekend.

Have to admit at this point I think the weekend is going to be the hardest part of this Challenge. No eating out on a weekend? Its never been done before!

Can't wait! I also hope some of you join me for this as well. I will be posting all about it on November 1st in a dedicated post all about it!

Okay I have to get back to cooking or my family is gonna starve...or so they tell me!