Day 131 - Looney Tuna-Stuffed Pepper

This was an interesting dish for lunch today...tuna and dijonnaise stuffed into a red pepper.  I admit I put it in the microwave instead of baking it.  My husband would kill me for turning on the oven in this heat wave we are having...but those were the ingredients I had.  It was actually pretty good and surprisingly filling.

Spent most of the morning typing volunteer information into a database on the computer.  My eyes were pretty glazed over afterwards...it's just one of those start-of-year tasks I need to finish asap to get information out to committee chairs.  It seems never-ending though!

I cannot believe tomorrow is Sept already, where is the time going?  I literally saw Christmas decorations in a store yesterday, what?!  I just want to enjoy fall first, seriously.  I haven't even figured out my fall tv schedule yet...I don't know when shows start or anything...by now I'm usually already planning out my nights.  Maybe that means I won't watch as many....at least Jacques will record for me.  Yay!

Eat well!

Day 130 - Tuna Noodle Casse-Bowl

Another fun lunch, shirataki noodles again with tuna and cream of mushroom soup, pretty much just like a tuna casserole.  I had to add some salt and pepper, which was recommended.  It was okay, just wasn't an awesome food moment.

Grocery shopping was pretty easy, we are trying to eat down our freezer/pantry, so I'm trying to keep things to fresh items like milk, veggies, fruit, cheese.  I know writing this blog with a new recipe every day requires me to pick up items here and there, but I'm trying to use what I have on hand first. 

The mean scale told me I gained half a pound, must have been that jalapeno-cheese sausage...it was worth it!  Still walking every morning and trying my best.  Eat well!

Day 129 - Cheesy Burger Skillet

Had this meal for lunch, it was okay.  Easy to make and full of tomato flavor.  It's interesting to use the meatless burgers for stir fry meat, just something different.

Monday mornings are always fun...left the carseats in the husband's truck, had to make him come home...running late to school.  At least I was able to clean up around the house and get some other things done.  First PSR meeting this evening, I know my daughter cannot wait to start all of her fun activities soon.  PSR, dance, more dance, Girl Scouts...yep, that's enough for now.  Life is going to speed up next week for sure.

Day 128 - Egg Cups a la Hungry

These little cups were delicious!  Perfect for a yummy and filling Sunday breakfast.  My husband enjoyed them as well.  Eggs and cheese and sausage in a crescent cup, who could ask for more?  Could probably even change up the add-ins if you wanted for a brunch.

We went out on a friend's boat, which was a really good time.  Except for when another boat passed way too close to us while I was sitting on the boat watching the kids swim and the wake sent me flying across the boat.  Left a nice big bruise on my arm, I was not a happy camper.  How rude.  Other than that, it was fun.  Topped off the evening with drunken chicken and some jalapeno-cheese sausage that I found at the bottom of the deep freezer.  It was from TX and my absolute favorite!  I was in heaven.

Day 127 - Lasagna-Like Egg Mug

I needed to start this day off with a hearty breakfast...this egg mug was okay.  I did like the flavors, tasted like lasagna in eggs, but there are other egg mugs which I have enjoyed more.

It was a full day of fun!  Museum of transportation all morning followed by apple picking in the afternoon.  And topped off with an evening at the pool.  A great family fun day!

Day 126 - Twice-as-Nice Guapo Taco

This yummy meal reminded me of something from Taco Bell.  It was a hard shell taco wrapped up in a soft taco.  Pretty tasty!

I got to scrapbook with my friends, finally.  Although I wasn't scrapbooking, it was fun!  We talked about all the things I need to know for our vacation in March, it's this great place somewhere in Florida....I haven't been able to get back into scrapbooking much since our big picture loss with the computer.  I'm still in recovery.

Take advantage of time with friends!  Eat well!

Day 125 - Cheesy Bacon Noodle Skillet

Made this dish for dinner, it was pretty tasty.  I could really feel the heat from the cayenne pepper.  I've been on a shirataki noodle kick.  I only get to Whole Paycheck once in awhile, so I stocked up on them.  They have become a staple, I can't remember the last time I had real pasta.

It was a pretty good day, I was able to check some things off my to-do list. Yay!  I've been watching some of the coverage from the east coast, all the evacuations.  They interviewed this poor girl who has been planning her wedding for so long for this weekend, and now she has to leave because of the hurricane.  I hope everyone stays safe out there.

Coming to the end of the week, not sure what the weekend will bring, hopefully something fun and some good food. :)

Day 124 - Thanksgiving in a Salad Bowl

I know I said I would write daily, and I'm trying!  I made this salad for lunch today.  I loved all the flavors, turkey, feta, cranberries, pecans...it was just slightly on the dry side.  I probably could have used twice as much dressing.  I would totally make it again, and I've made similar salads in the past.  Too bad my husband grabbed a bite before I remembered there was honey mustard in the dressing....mustard and my husband do not mix.

I spent my morning while my son was at preschool running two errands, then working on an online training course for Girl Scouts.  I cannot believe how long it takes, just as long as the face to face class, I'm sure.  But it is nice that there is flexibility to take it when I can...looking forward to getting certified through more training, so I can take on more roles in the program.

Kids seem to be settling in at school, I'm trying to get a rhythm for my weekly schedule.  I just have a bunch of start of year projects to accomplish in the next week.  I'm happy when I can cross items off my to-do list.  Then I just add more. :)

Eat well!

Day 123 - Thai Peanut Noodle Trio

It was grocery shopping day, yay!  Made sure to pick up stuff for my HG meals.  This noodle trio was good, definitely flavored by the sauce you pick or find.  The thai peanut sauce I found was pretty spicy for me...I'm sure my husband will use it on something though.  It was quick and easy to make, and you can also choose the frozen stir-fry veggies you want to make it your own dish.

Took my son to the second visit of a child language research study in the afternoon.  It was fun playing with him on camera.  He's such a great little kid!   I'm really lucky...must remind myself of that when the fighting begins....

Day 122 - Not-Quite-Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Had this soup for lunch...it was pretty yummy and filling as well.  Easy to put together.  It was definitely a Monday!

Day 121 - HG Hash Scramble

Just finished eating this massive dish and I am stuffed!  It was a huge bowl of yumminess.  Hash browns, canadian bacon, onions, green pepper topped with scrambled egg beaters and cheese.  Oh, and a touch of ketchup, super tasty!

I had an awesome time last night at the Katy Perry concert here.  Yes, I took my seven year old daughter to this event.  And I wasn't the only one, there were lots of younger girls there and boys I should say.  The music was great and the costumes/special effects really helped put together a really fabulous show.  I'm really glad we got to go.  It was great for people watching, she has some really dedicated fans in this area who took the time to make their own costumes and headpieces.  Lots of blue wigs!

So it was a late night, and I'm pretty tired this morning.  I can't remember the last time I saw midnight.  Today will hopefully be a fairly relaxing day.  Headed to a bbq this afternoon...hopefully I can keep myself within my points for today.  Been saving up all week with walking each morning, so I'm hoping the scale will be nice this week.  Happy that the dvr was on this morning, so I should be able to watch the new HG show sometime when the kids aren't hogging the tv. :)

Eat well!

Day 120 - Breakfast Sundae Supreme

I was eating this for breakfast when our power went out.  Ugh.  Heard a loud boom in our backyard, turns out a tree hit the fuse box...only out for two hours thankfully.  The dish was good, a nice combination of creaminess from the yogurt and cottage cheese topped with some crunch from the fiber now and firmness of the fruit.  I would definitely make it again for a quick 'gourmet' breakfast.

Got some errands run, new shoes for the kiddos with an awesome coupon, dance shoes bought for my daughter, ouch on the increase in price from last year.  It hurts having her go from little girl sizes to big girl sizes...picked up dance pictures, drycleaning, and pictures for a project for my son's school.  All in all a good morning.

Day 119 - The Club Skillet

Had this for lunch, very mustard-y!  It was pretty good, spinach and all.  Will probably eat the leftovers soon too.  Not feeling very social today.  Maybe more tomorrow.

Eat well!

Day 118 - California Love Mug

Had this yummy egg mug for breakfast..all the goodies in there, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, cheese with avocado on top.  I thoroughly enjoyed it even though I had to eat it pretty quickly to make sure to get the kids to school on time. 

Only the second day of school of many, and it is awfully hot here today.  I'm thinking it would be a nice afternoon/evening to hit the pool.  She told me yesterday that she will have homework tonight.  Hmmmm, it's strange thinking about homework as a parent.  I have to say that I don't remember my parents having to work with me a whole lot, that's just because I'm brilliant, right?  Or is it because I didn't have homework in elementary school?  I honestly don't remember.  There are just alot of things for a parent to do when it comes to school:  forms, homework, this/that.  Seems crazy trying to keep up with it all.  I know it will just increase with time.  I'm happy that I can be available for my children, I'm very lucky!

Have to mention my awesome lunch I made...greek chicken salad with cooked chicken breast, ff mayo, feta cheese, kalamata olives sliced, and dried oregano.  It was outstanding!  And yes, I just made it up on my own. :)  Eat well!

Day 117 - Flat-tastic Ranchy Bacon Wrap

I could eat this every day!!!!  Wow!  It was really good!  I loved the filling, then to wrap it in a tortilla and grill it a little bit in a skillet, yum-O!  I will definitely make this again.

Both kids had a great first day of school.  I enjoyed my 3 hours of freedom, and hope to accomplish more everyday.  I think the time alone is great for my mental health and makes me appreciate the time I do have with my kiddos more.

Looking forward to this weekend...taking my daughter to her first concert.  I think it's going to be fun.  Eat well!

Day 116 - Mini Nacho Dippers

These were totally one-bite wonders, they were sooooo delicious!  I truly enjoyed every last one of them.  The crunch of the rice cake with the creaminess of the beans topped off with sour cream and salsa, awesome!

We survived our day of open houses and had a little fun as well.  I was happy to get the kids to bed close to on time, so hopefully they won't be too tired in the morning.  I think they are both really excited about school.  The house will seem empty for awhile.  I have plenty of things to keep me busy though, like planning out my HG meals. :)

Eat well!

Day 115 - Super-Sized Berry-nana Oatmeal Parfait

This breakfast was really yummy!  I love these cold oatmeal dishes..good for after walking in the morning and I'm still a little warm.  I do have to admit that I didn't have any bananas for this recipe, so I used extra strawberries.  Bananas are not my favorite fruit...they have to be perfectly ripe for me to like them.  The oatmeal base had a great flavor with the cinnamon and vanilla.

Heading to a back to school night for my daughter this evening, cannot believe she is a 2nd grader!  I'm excited to see what this year brings for her.  She has a teacher that everyone loves, so it should be fun and challenging too, I hope.  She's been reading so much all summer, so I think she'll be right on track there.  Now if we had only worked on her handwriting more....sigh.

Tomorrow morning we head to preschool open house for my son, he's in the same room as last year, so it should be a nice refresher for him.  His teachers are wonderful, and I know he's going to have a blast. 

What am I going to do with all this free time?  Clean, clean, clean, at least that's what my husband would like me to do...and I will be doing alot of that.  I'll also get to run some errands that I have been putting off and grocery shop in peace.  I also hope to take on some house projects like decluttering and wallpaper and more.  I need to put together a to-do list and just work through it.

Eat well!

Day 114 - Snack-tastic Burger Wrap

I can't believe I'm all caught up on here....it has definitely been hard to keep up this summer.  I'm hoping I will have a little more extra time to write once the kids are in school.  I feel like we have really enjoyed the summer, but it seems so short now.  Only a couple more days of freedom...with some open house activities to attend.  I think it's going to be a great year for everyone!

So for lunch today, I had this wrap.  It was really pretty tasty, even the raw sweet onion tucked in there.  I did add pickles to the wrap as suggested, and I loved the flavor of the salad dressing mixed with ff mayo.  I could definitely eat something similar again.  Who needs fast food when you can make something like this at home?

It's been a pretty quiet weekend around here, I feel like it's the calm before the storm.  I know life is going to get super busy in a few weeks, but I'll enjoy this for now.  I'm irritated that Jacques (our DVR) was turned off this morning, so I didn't get to record the HG show.  Arrgggh!  Guess I will settle for just checking out the recipes online....

My advice for today:  treat those around you with respect even if you disagree with their opinion.  You never know who you might hurt in the process if you don't.  Eat well!

Day 113 - Sweet Spinach Stir-Fry

I have to say that this recipe was one of my least favorite so far...I'm not sure if it reminded me of a horrific incident with kale as a child or what, but the wilted down spinach just looked unappetizing.  I felt like Popeye eating such a huge serving of spinach.  I did like the honey mustard flavor with the Boca burger, but I just didn't enjoy this dish all that much.

Day 112 - Say Cheese! Egg Mug

I love cheese!  Have I said that before?  I thoroughly enjoyed this egg mug with 4 different cheeses...would make it again in a heartbeat.  Maybe some chives on top would have been good...mental note.

Day 111 - Very Veggie-Eggy Explosion

This was kind of a crazy day with some back to school commitments already.  I ended up making breakfast for dinner.  The dish was full of veggies of course, which I love cooked down and super soft.  I don't mind eating eggs any time of day.  I liked the flavors and again take tips for future breakfasts.

Day 110 - Best-Ever Tuna Slaw

I made this dish to take for lunch at the zoo, for me, of course.  I wish my kids would eat some of the things I make...I keep waiting for that magical 'Aha' moment when they realize what they have been missing.  I enjoyed this slaw and am still enjoying it, I think there are still a couple servings left.  It's always hard to make something that only one family member will eat....that's why I love all the single serving recipes in the book.

Day 109 - Sweet Apple & Chicken Stir-Fry

I made this dish for dinner...and when I said stir-fry, my husband definitely had something else in mind.  I usually make a really yummy asian stir-fry, and this wasn't really anywhere close to that.  I loved the apple in this dish, it was a very unique flavor.  We did eat this over rice, but that wasn't really necessary.  I felt like the recipe needed a little more flavor, but overall it was was a pretty decent dish.

Have to add that this was a scale day, and the scale was super nice!

Day 108 - Salsa-fied Tuna Stacks

I think I needed a recipe that I had all the ingredients for already...this was a snack for me that was pretty tasty.  I used cheese flavored mini rice cakes with a spoonful of the tuna/salsa mix.  I'm still not convinced about the tuna/salsa combination, but I suppose it depends on the salsa.

Day 107 - Hawaiian B-fast Stacks

These were definitely interesting for breakfast...the flavors were very different, but they worked.  Pineapple, dijionaise and salsa...crazy, but I enjoyed them.  May not make them again, but it helps me figure how what goes well together for my cooking future.

Day 106 - Winner Winner Onion Chicken Dinner

Hmmmm, not sure if this was a winner or not...it was okay.  I liked veggies all soft and cooked, but I think the chicken was lacking something.  It was just not a dish I would call awesome, but it was good and a healthy choice for dinner.

Day 105 - Bacon Cheeseburger Patty

I had trouble with this one...I couldn't quite get all of the cheese inside the meat, so I think there was a loss during cooking.  However, the bacon throughout the burger was a really great flavor.  My husband and I both enjoyed this for dinner.

Day 104 - Broccoli Beef Stir-Fry

I made this for dinner for my husband and myself.  I think he always has his doubts about some of the recipes I make, but I think he liked this one.  It was pretty tasty.  I have to admit that using ground meat for a stir-fry wouldn't have been my first choice, but it turned out really well.

Day 103 - Broc 'n Ginger Tuna Bowl

Another tuna trio!  SOOOOO good, I was surprised how wonderful the flavors were in this dish.  All three of them.  I think I'm running out of tuna recipes now....

Day 102 - Hot Stack Morning Sliders

This recipe had a few more steps than others, but the little sliders turned out really well.  I enjoyed eating the three small ones instaed of one big sandwich.  I think I've become more of a Canadian bacon fan that I used to be, it's not too bad and not too bad for you in comparison to other breakfast meats.  These were fun and delicious!

Day 101 - Fancy-Pants Fast Tuna 'n Beans

My sweet husband was nice enough to pick up some ingredients for me before I got home, so I was able to make this recipe for dinner after our second travel day.  It was really good, better than I expected.  I would definitely make it again or something similar to it.

Day 100 - Cheesy Tuna Muffin 'Wich

I wish I could have done something special for my 100th recipe, but I was driving through Colorado and Kansas at the time, so I had to settle for something I could eat on the road.  This was another tuna trio that was easy to throw together.  I would probably use a flavored cheese next time or add a little more flavor, it was just a little bland for me.  The 500 mile drive in the car probably didn't help either....

Day 99 - Garlic Shrimp Tostada

Our last night of vacation...we were headed toward home the next day.  I made this recipe for dinner...I made the shrimp pretty garlic-y, but I love the crispness I got on the tortilla.  I think I had too many shrimps on the tostada, but overall it was pretty tasty.  I think I added some sour cream to my wedges also.

Day 98 - Naked Chicken Parm

I think it was the first time I've ever bought a single chicken breast at the meat counter, but hey, it worked out just fine.  This recipe was quick and simple to prepare, love the trios!  I would easily make this again for a healthy and fast meal.

Day 97 - Sloppy Frank n Beans

This was a quick and fairly easy meal...had the hot dogs along for the kids and I used the crock-pot beans from an earlier recipe.  I didn't have a light hot dog bun, so I used an english muffin instead.  It worked pretty well.  I was happy to eat some leftovers and still continue my HG meals.  It's all about the planning!

Day 96 - Chicken Chili Surprise

This was the last of the prepared meals from the freezer.  It was a pretty good white chicken chili recipe..especially with a little sour cream and chip crumbled on top.  Very filling meal.  Love the crockpot too!  It really made my ability to bring along HG meals so much easier.

Day 95 - Veggie Explosion Egg Mug

Cooked myself this yummy egg mug for breakfast...I think my mom was taking tips from me, not that she needs them.  All those veggies mixed with eggs were really tasty.  I really adore these egg mugs, they are easy to make, nicely contained, and fun to eat!

Day 94 - Crockpot Coq au Vin

I made this recipe fresh while we were out hiking one day.  The chicken got really tender in the crockpot and the sauce thickened up really nicely.  I enjoyed this dish, and I'm pretty sure my parents did as well.  A nice classic dish made the HG way!

Day 93 - Mexi-Bolognese

Had to throw this together on a travel day, but it turned out awesome!  The flavor of the taco seasoning and the crushed tomatoes was really very interesting.  I think you could serve it over pasta or in a burrito just the same.  It's a quick and easy recipe that I will make again.

Day 92 - Crock-Pot Fake-Baked Beans

These beans were easy to make in the crockpot and pretty tasty.  I think I ate them over some rice and maybe some sour cream and cheese on top...yummm.  They had an interesting and good flavor and would accompany a bbq meat really well also.  They did freeze well for travel.

Day 91 - OMG! Burgers (Onion Mushroom Goodness Burgers)

These burgers were great in thought, I'm just not sure how to keep the mushrooms in the meat.  Had a few fall out, but overall they were pretty tasty.  I had to make a few that didn't have the mushrooms in them for some picky eaters, but I think the flavor of the onion soup mix in the meat was awesome.  Will definitely use that tip in the future.

Day 90 - Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

My husband LOVES gumbo, so I wanted to make this for him as well as the thought that it would freeze well for travel.  I was able to find andouille chicken sausage at Trader Joe's for this recipe and it was really good.  A touch on the spicy side for me, but the rest of the gang enjoyed it as well.  What to do with the rest of that frozen okra now?

Day 89 - 'Cue the Pulled Pork

I was pretty excited to try this recipe, it's out of the book, but HG also made it on one of her shows last season.  It was really tasty!  And great on a bun or over rice or just by itself with some pickles.  I will definitely be making this again, only drawback is the cost of pork tenderloin.  This dish was definitely not hindered by the freezer.  Yum-O!

Day 88 -Mmm-mmm Minestrone

Mmmm, what can I say about this soup.  It wasn't at the top of my list for soups.  It needed a little more flavor or kick.  I'm not sure if making this ahead in the crockpot affected its flavor, but with a little sour cream and spices, it was edible.

I made about 8 or 9 meals in advance and froze them for travel on our vacation, it worked out well, I just wonder if something like this tastes better fresh.

Day 87 - BBQuick Saucy Turkey

Playing vacation catch-up...I impressed myself by sticking to my HG commitment through my entire 2+ week vacation, yahoo!

This dish was basically a sloppy joe recipe, but super yummy.  I love that you could change up the flavor by which bbq sauce you choose.  Definitely going to be something I make again.