Memory Lane

I clearly have too much time on my hands because today, for no reason at all, I drove my kids through the neighborhood where I grew up. I showed them where I lived. It still looks pretty nice, but when my Dad was in charge of that yard it was BEAUTIFUL! I showed them where my friends lived, I showed them where I babysat, and I showed them where I rode my bike. And then we went home...

Clean Eating Shrimp Linguine

Tonight I made my own recipe. I rarely do this, and I must say, it was fun! Here's what I used:

1 14 ounce package of whole grain linguine noodles- cooked al dente

Saute 1/2 white onion and 1 clove garlic over medium heat. Add cooked shrimp (I used the Walmart brand of shrimp cocktail that is already cooked. Cut the tail off and cut the shrimp in half.), 2 cans of whole tomatoes, 1 can of black olives, and some fresh basil. Cook over medium heat until warm.

Toss with pasta and then top with crumbled feta cheese.

It was delicious! My kids had thirds!!!

P.S. If anyone talks to my hubby tell him to buy me a fancy camera and I'll keep cooking like this!

New Finds

I stumbled upon this website, The Gracious Pantry, which specializes in all things clean eating. She has tons and tons of recipes if you are interested.

And, as as a double bonus, my friend Leslie started a blog...check her out!

My Quest for the Perfect Protein Bar

I'm trying to "eat clean". If you have no idea what this is, just simply google it or grab the book. I go in phases doing this, and it seems sooner or later processed food gets the better of me. But, right now I am in an eat clean phase. I'm trying to eat natural, pure foods in an unprocessed state...lots of whole grains, beans, seeds, etc. Anyway, protein bars are something I really like to eat. They are an easy, on the go snack loaded with protein (essential for fueling muscle). BUT, they can be expensive. Sometimes as much as $4.00 a bar. And, some "protein bars" still have bad things in them like sugar or preservatives. So, I have been on the hunt for a good recipe.

I found a recipe on the web a few weeks ago. Ick would be an understatement. I have been avoiding making the protein bars in the Eat Clean Diet Cookbook because there are a zillion ingredients. It just looked tiring. However, my friend Sheri told me she has made them and they are delicious. In fact, she sticks some in the freezer to keep herself from snacking too much.

So, I gave it a try. Although there were tons of ingredients, it really wasn't hard. Here is the finished product. It made 24 bars. I froze half of them. They look so yummy. Don't they look like brownies? I haven't officially had one yet (I've licked the bowl) and I think Sheri is right!!!

And while those were baking, I whipped up these eat clean enchiladas. Don't you wish you were coming to my house for dinner tonight???

Ripley's Believe It Or Not

It's time for another addition of Ripley's Believe It Or Not...

This weekend was Daniel's family reunion. This was his deceased grandmother's family all gathering together think there were around 110 of us. And, believe it or not....(drumroll please)

I am now related to one of my Theta Pledge Sisters! How hilariously cool is that???? What a fun surprise!

Happy Birthday, Little Middle

My precious Abigail Anne turned 9 years old on Friday. She is truly a gift from God. This little girl has the sweetest disposition of anyone I have ever met in my life, EVER. She is so unselfish, compassionate, generous, thoughtful and kind. I have no idea where she got any of these traits...well, maybe from her Dad! She is the best addition to our family and the last 9 years have been pure joy!