Meal Plan Monday 8/15/16

Happy Monday! 

Today's the first day in over a week I've been able to shut off the air conditioner and open up some windows.  (Let that the fresh air in)   Here in Connecticut we've had some of the most oppressive heat I've seen in a long time.  So needless to say this weekend was spent mostly indoors where it was cool.   Except yesterday I did go out on my deck for a couple hours, until I accidentally dropped my phone in the pool!  (I know...GASP!)   Long story, short.. I got lucky.   I jumped in after it as if was one of my own children.   I immediately screamed for husband, who Thank God can take apart an iPhone and dried it out for me. FYI the iPhone 6 Plus is somewhat waterproof.  Apparently it can handle a quick dip in the water, but I don't recommend it.  

Anyhow,  I was able to actually sit down and come up with a meal plan for the week.   I'm a little rusty at this, but here's my attempt.   

Every week I want to try a new recipe from Pinterest.  This week I came across a spinach grilled cheese sandwich.   I know a grilled cheese sandwich isn't much of a "recipe" but hey, at least I'm trying.      I won't be adding any fancy cheese, just normal mixture of American, Sharp Cheddar and maybe some Mozzarella.    

The only other recipe on my list that I think is worth you giving a try is the Hasselback Chicken Caprese.   It's beyond yummy, easy and not too crazy fattening (depending how much cheese you use).   I think everything else on this menu is self explanatory.    

Since I am on Weight Watchers  I do adapt my meals to lower the SmartPoint values where ever I can.   For example, I'll use 1sp bread for the sandwiches, low carb 2sp tortillas and extra lean beef for the tacos, and meatballs..etc.   You get my drift, right?      

Have a great week!   

New Month, New Intentions

Happy August 1st

  

Don't you just love the beginning of a month? Especially when it starts on a Monday.   It's like the universe is saying "it's a new day, start fresh."      

Just getting back from vacation at the Jersey Shore I could use a fresh start.  

A fresh start with my eating, exercising, budgeting, meal planning, cleaning, crafting, blogging, school, working.... err, I guess it would have been easier to just say, "A fresh start with life in general!"  It's kinda like a New Years resolution ....in August.  

Since last April my whole life has been turned upside down and I'm in desperate need of getting back into a routine.  I've been working on myself personally, but I feel like I've been going thru the motions of day-to-day life since losing my brother last year.    I have a strong urge to have a purpose. I'm not exactly sure what that looks yet, but I'm hoping that getting back into writing and back into the blogging scene will help me figure it out. (one way or another)     

So it's back to #MealPlanMondays #WeighInWednesdays #SundayStyle and you're going to have to listen to all my Reality Show rants.       

Change of Plans....

Last week I received an email from a really sweet girl Kim about my DorkOfAllTrades.com site.

"I had this brilliant idea for a blog and checked to see if the domain name was taken, and it was. Great minds think alike apparently!  I see you haven't posted since last September, and thought it was worth asking if you have any plans to give up the name.  Like I said, no expectations, just thought I'd ask :)

Have a great day!"

I know some people will think it's crazy, but I didn't hesitate to email her back and offer to switch over that site to her as soon as I could figure out how to do it.  Ya know, karma, it is a real thing.     

I hadn't done anything with either blog in a very long time due to the loss of my brother, life being super busy and my "not good enough" syndrome.   

In talking to a friend recently, she had already convinced me there was no reason to give up The Decorating Dork, even if I decided to talk about the million other things that go on in my head/life.  She reminded me that Dunkin Donuts doesn't just sell donuts, they offer a wide variety on their menu.  

The Decorating Dork would be here for me when I was ready to come back and thanks to Kim, I think I am.   

In our my back and forth follow up emails with Kim, we chatted about her vision for the site and I think she'll do it way more justice then I ever could.    I told her I'd be her number one fan and support her all the way.   

She also encouraged me to let go of the "not good enough" shit and just do "Me."    

So that the plan......   

Stay tuned.... but first, the Jersey Shore is calling and there's a beach chair with my name for the next week.   

See ya all August 1st.    

Weigh-in Wednesday: March 4th

I know, I haven't posted a Weigh-in Wednesday in a few weeks.   February has been an all around tough month.   I did go to all my weekly Weight Watchers meeting except one on the 18th because I was out of town on a girl's trip with my mom and sister.    

Overall I've gained 1.8 pounds in 4 weeks.  That number probably would have been higher if I had weighed in tonight but I just couldn't bring myself to step on that scale.   Knowing deep down I didn't feel good about my week or how my body was reacting to it. 

This go around at losing weight has been the hardest to date.   What's ironic is that I've never stuck with Weight Watchers as consistently as I have (been a loyal member since Sept.3rd 2014)  I've never tried to be more active as I have in the last 6 months and it's a bummer to have done all this work and only have 12 or 13 pounds to show for it.  Now don't get it twisted, it's not like I joined a gym or anything and have been doing 2 spin classes a week and am complaining about not getting good results.   But for myself and my lifestyle, this is the most consistent I've been compared to the past. 

After my last post on February 4th  I did go out and purchase a FitBit.  I love it.  It has made me more aware of my daily steps or lack of daily steps. I have a few people I'm friends with on FitBit and we've done some challenges together.  I find myself walking around in circles in my kitchen to get in extra steps, or even marching in place in front of the TV.  Which by the way, I totally made fun of my WW leader for doing and here now I'm admitting to doing myself (Sorry Cathy).    It makes it fun, we can chat, taunt or cheer for each other through the app. It really has helped.  I even went out in this frigid weather and walked to get in more activity.   Did I mention I CANNOT wait for Spring to get here?   Not even wishing for 75 degree weather yet, just having it be above freezing or maybe 40 degrees for more then one day would be nice!?   

Do you have a FitBit?  Want to connect?  You can add me via email, tinavandeusen@gmail.com

GoodBye February.... Hello March

I'm not alone on this one, am I? February 2015 (for lack of a better word) SUCKED!

Here in Connecticut it went down in the history books for being the coldest month ever with an average temperature of 16.1 degrees.  Then there were the countless snow storms which dumped roughly 30+ inches of snow across the state.  I've barely left my house this month. Hell, I've barely showered this month, I didn't see much point in it.  

February was and will forever now be an emotional month for my family.   Last year my husband lost both his brother and father all within a week of each other.  It's been tough and having to deal with this horrible weather on top of it all, hasn't made it any easier.  I've learned a lot about myself and those that are around me. 

I am grateful we do end the month on a happy note with celebrating my oldest son Nick's birthday on the 28th.  He's the best kid a mom could ask for, smart, funny, talented, calm, cool, collected. (I know, where the hell did he come from?) 

But now that March is here, I'm excited.  I'm excited Spring is one day closer.  I'm excited for changes in my personal growth and excited for the changes coming to my site!   I'm going to be doing a whole re-branding of The Decorating Dork.   I've decided I'm way more then just a Decorating Dork, I'm more like a "Dork of all Trades."   (hint hint) 

So, Hello March! I'm happy you are finally here! 

Weigh-In Wednesday: February 4th

Oh.My.God. FINALLY a loss!  

Whewww... I can't tell you how good it feels to see a minus.  Although I do feel like it should have been more.  I'm going to shut my mouth and take it.  

I worked hard this week on tracking and trying to follow the Simply Filling plan.  I did pretty well, tracked every single day but eating only power foods wasn't working out for me.  So I concentrated on eating as healthy as I could and to track every single point (good or bad) 

   

Superbowl Sunday was the probably the hardest day of the whole week.  Just knowing everyone else was going to be pigging out on all sorts of wings, pizza, dips, chips and desserts was messing with my mind.  

I had been thinking about cake/cupcakes for a few days. So I thought if I just bought a box of mix and a container of frosting and get it over with, I could stop obsessing about it.  I made the mistake of buying sugar free cake mix and frosting.(thinking I was somehow being "good") 

MISTAKE, BIG MISTAKE.  

It tasted gross and didn't have less points plus value, so I felt myself constantly looking for something else to satisfy the craving.  When I make a cake mix I always use either egg beaters or egg whites and applesauce instead of oil.   So, in hind-sight I should have just bought the regular stuff, made 12 cupcakes (throw out the rest of the batter) and been done with it.  

LESSON.LEARNED. 

At this week's meeting we talked about activity and how to make it more fun.  Not sure how that really works, exercise isn't my thing.   Don't get me wrong, I love going for my walks but I wouldn't exactly call it "fun" and the Gazelle I have sitting in my living room is more like slow torture.  Holy hell, that thing is a workout for a fat girl like myself.  To look at it, you think "oh it's easy, you're just gliding your feed back and forth."  NO. after five minutes I am breathing so hard, my heart is thumping right out of my chest.  But because it's been so cold and snowy here in Connecticut getting out to walk has been almost impossible so I forced myself to do it 3 times this week. 

My meeting leader Cathy had the suggestion to try walking indoors at our local Armory.  Actually she said she's available Monday and Friday mornings and wants to do it together along with my friend Donna who's also at the meetings.   That should be fun, we're always laughing and having a good time.   

I've also been thinking about getting a fitbit for a while.   Cathy said it makes her pay attention to her daily steps because she syncs up with friends and they have a bit of a competition going.   I never thought of it that way.  It's another great way of being accountable.  If I know my friends can see me being lazy or slacking off, maybe it'll be motivation to get my ass in gear.    

What activity do you do that's fun?  Do you like to workout alone or with a friend?  

Weigh-In Wednesday : Jan. 28th

Ugh... that wasn't really the result I was hoping for but I'm not shocked by it either.  I had only tracked my points for one day this week.  I just can't seem to get in the habit of tracking.  I have the app on my phone.  Hell, it even sends me notifications every night!  

On a positive note, despite the cold temps and "The Great Blizzard of 2015, I was able to get out and go for a walk a few times earlier in the week.   Even though it never got above freezing, the sun was shining and it just felt so good to breathe in some fresh air.  I can't wait for Spring so I can get out and walk more often.  (Only 50 more days... but who's counting?)  

At tonight's meeting we talked about setting goals and how we can make them more realistic and obtainable.  I know I've already set a long-term goal of losing 18 more pounds by my birthday in May, but I thought it might be a good idea to set small weekly goals for myself. 

Thinking about my eating this past week, I decided that I want to try the Simply Filling plan to get my eating on a more healthy track.    Sure, I can stay within my points every day but having them consist of snacks, pizza and low sugar ice cream isn't going to get me to my birthday goal.   

So my leader Cathy made me a challenge, to eat and track following the Simply Filling plan for 3 out of the next 7 days and bring it to her at next Wednesday's meeting.  I can do that.  I am also going to track my points plus values for the other 4 days and bring those too.  This challenge will be all old school, I'm actually going to write it in a tracker instead of using my phone.  

It's going to be a challenge for sure, but I'm going to kick butt this week and prove I can do it!   

What's your biggest weight loss challenge?  What goals have you set for yourself?  Want to connect? I'd love to give and get support.  

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Weigh-In Wednesday

I just realized that today Jan 21st, is my 21st week back on Weight Watchers.   I'm not sure if that's some sort of "sign" or something, but I'm going to take it as one.   It has not been easy at all, as you can see by this week's weigh in, I gained.   I kinda knew that was going to happen, it's been a week of emotional eating, not really tracking and no extra activity.   Although over the holidays I had lost 2.4 pounds, I ate a lot of sweets.   Let me tell ya, trying to kick a sugar addiction is a hard as hell.       

In the beginning of January I wanted to set a goal of losing 45 pounds by my 45th birthday which is at the end of May.    Sounded good to me, but that would mean I'd have to lose at least 2.5 pounds each week.    My Weight Watchers leader told me that it's unrealistic and I'd be setting myself up for a let-down.  After thinking about it, she's right.   I have to take a more manageable approach to this long-term goal.    

With all that in mind, I counted the weeks til my birthday and it's 18.   If I can lose another 18 pounds (just 1 pound per week) that would put my total weight loss at a little over 30 pounds.  I'd be happy with that!  

So, in order to make sure I stay on track and hit this goal I'm going to concentrate on one new healthy habit each week.    

At this week's Weight Watchers meeting we talked about "Partying Without Panic."  Obviously it's getting us ready to tackle all the food and drinks that are at Super Bowl parties.   This doesn't really apply to me because we normally stay home and watch the game.   But we go to and have parties all year long, so in the spirit of committing myself wholeheartedly to this process I'm going to find, make and figure out the points plus values for two "party" recipes. (1 appetizer, 1 dessert)   Oh, my leader Cathy is going to be so happy with me and of course I'll share it here on my next Weigh-In Wednesday post.  

 

Are you on a weight loss journey?  I'd love to connect, give and get support. 

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My "One Word" For 2015 Is....

I really like the idea of coming up with one word instead of resolutions for the new year.  Let's face it, everyone's list is basically the same....

• lose weight 
• exercise 
• eat healthier 
• save more money
• organize home/life 

Of course I am working on all of the above, but I've been thinking about one word that could sum up how I want to look at 2015.

I'm not sure where I first saw transform, but once I did, I couldn't get it out of my head.

Definition:  "To make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance or character of."

A thorough or dramatic change!  To me, those words are powerful.  It's the perfect way to describe what I want for myself this year.   I mean that's it, I want to transform myself, my thought processes, my surroundings, etc.  

I'm going to print out my one word Transform with the definition, in some sort of fancy font, frame it and hang it up somewhere in my house so I can see it everyday.  (I'll post the project when it's complete next week)

Having that one word to look at throughout the year will remind me of the goals I've set for myself whether it be a physical, personal or financial one.  I believe it will make more of an impact and look nicer then a list I make on a piece of paper that I eventually throw in the garbage because it becomes clutter that I swore I'd clean out in my January resolutions.   (HaHa..see how that works?) 

Have you thought about what your one word will be?   It truly is amazing how one word can change your whole outlook on life.   

The Age Old Question.... To Blog or NOT to Blog?

I ask myself this question every day and every day I get a different answer.   I know I don't want to completely walk away from my blog, but I need to find a way to continue that will make me happy and feel good about myself.
I have those days, weeks, months where I say, "I'm just going to walk away and forget about blogging."  I feel there is no way to keep up with all the hundred's of thousands of great blogs just in my niche alone.  How can I fit in and find my spot?  Maybe this niche isn't for me?

I know I'm not the only one in saying that I constantly am comparing my site and writing to all the others out there.   You wouldn't be human if you didn't have those thoughts or doubts.   It's a matter of getting past all that, and doing the best I can to move forward.

I've been doing this long enough to know what I have to do and how to do it.   It boils down to content, commitment and confidence.

Ya know what?   I think I just I answered my own question.  I'm not giving up.  I don't know exactly how it will all turn out in the end but i'm going to find a way.   My way!

My Thanksgiving Holiday With Price Chopper #HolidayAdvantEdge

Disclosure:

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. #CollectiveBias #HolidayAdvantEdge 

All opinions are mine alone.

Here we are, it's already November.  You know what that means... Holiday Entertaining is right around the corner.  

This year I'm doing Thanksgiving at my house.  Normally we go to my sister's in New York, but it's been a tough year for my husband and his mother with losing both my father-in-law and brother-in-law in February.   I decided we need to just stay put and keep it somewhat low key.  My mother will come up to be with us, so that'll be helpful to me (both mentally and physically.)  

I've cooked a whole Thanksgiving dinner before just never on the actual holiday.  So to say I feel a little pressure, would be an understatement!     

I know it's going to be stressful but I'm going to do the best I can and try to enjoy the day in my own home for a change.

I've already been searching Pinterest for table settings, centerpieces and recipes. I'm probably more about the decorating then the food.  I want to try to make this holiday a little more fun.  My grandson Tyler is going to be here so he'll be welcome distraction from any sadness.   

Heading out to Price Chopper is what I need to do first.   I know I'll find great ideas and sales with my AdvantEdge savings card.   Plus there is the always the Fuel AdvantEdge points that add up every time I shop.  (that never hurts, especially this time of year)

First thing I always do when walking in the door, is scan my AdvantEdge card at the kiosk.   You never know what kind of great coupons will print out.

   

 

Price Chopper has everything you need for Thanksgiving dinner.  We stick to the traditional holiday foods, turkey, stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole,  Pillsbury crescent rolls (to scoop up any gravy left on the plate), of course some fall beer and lots of pies for dessert.   

The floral department always catches my eye.  I'm a sucker for pretty fall flowers and all the displays of plants and arrangements.     I love the orange "Rose Of The Month" for November, those would look gorgeous in a centerpiece on my table.  

Onto the rest of my groceries.... I'm picking up crescent rolls (reduced fat, because I'm trying to be somewhat good on my diet these days.)  I have a few different things I want to  make with them. Besides having them in a basket on the table with dinner, I had an idea for edible place cards and for turkey "leftovers" the next day. 

I know you must be thinking she's crazy with all those weird ingredients but just wait... it's going to a be cute, yummy and different way to serve turkey leftovers.   

But first I'm going to make edible place cards for the table settings.    Using the crescent rolls and holiday cookie cutters.   It's fun and super easy, I could even have Tyler help me.  

I just rolled the crescent out onto wax paper and pinched together the seams.    Each can comes with 8 rolls so combining 2 makes 4 squares of dough.  This way it's easy to get two shapes out off each square.  Which works perfect for me since there will be 8 of us for dinner.

Cut out each shape and place on a foil lined baking sheet.   Next I used a toothpick to sort of carve each family member's initial into the dough, then baked at 375 degrees for about 10 mins.   *Remember you're not making rolled up crescent shapes like the package, so these cook much quicker then the instructions.  I suggest you stay close to the stove and check on them every so often.

Then when they came out of the oven I used an edible pen to fill in each letter so they would show up better against the napkin.

I have old drapery rod rings with clips that I reused into napkin rings.  I had hot glued some acorns to make them more festive for the season.   Just carefully clipped the crescent place card onto each one and there ya have it.   Easy, Edible and Cute!      

   

Now I have a bonus recipe I would like to share.   I make a chicken salad that my family goes nuts over.  I normally make it with a rotisserie chicken you buy at Price Chopper but I figured it'll be even better with the leftover Thanksgiving turkey.  

Now here's the fun part,  I saw somewhere on Pinterest a mini cornucopia using crescent rolls.  I thought to myself "how perfect and cute for leftover turkey salad sandwiches." 

Using sugar cones as the form for the cornucopia...  cover them in foil.  

Then roll out the Pillsbury crescent dough (you could buy the kind that rolls out into one sheet but it's just as easy to pinch together the seams on the regular kind.) 

Then using a pizza cutter, I made six strips of the dough.   

Then wrapped each piece around the cone to form the cornucopia shape.
Baked at 375 for about 13-15 minutes.   They came out golden brown and the cone just slips right out from the crescent dough.  (You could either save the cones wrapped in foil for another project or I guess you could just put them in a ziplock back and save the pantry for ice cream!)

For the turkey salad you'll need 

*shredded or cut up turkey 

*half an apple, diced. (I leave the skin on for color)

*chopped walnuts

*diced Lindsay olives 

*2-3 tablespoons of mayo 

I just go by eye and taste, depending on how much meat I'm using

For more holiday decorating, entertaining ideas, recipes and savings check out PriceChopper.com , Facebook, Twitter  Pinterest and Instagram. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!  "Gobble til ya Wobble" 

The Struggle IS Real #WeightWatchers

Today marks 9 weeks since I started Weight Watchers (for the 100th time) and at tonight's weigh-in I FINALLY hit my first 10 lb goal.     Actually I lost 1.6 lbs for a total of 11.2 lbs.  At last week's weigh-in I was .4 shy of that 10 pounds and I can't tell you how unbelievably frustrating it was.

That was the hardest 11.2 pounds I've ever lost!

I'm not saying that I'm not proud or happy to have that weight off, but in my past attempts at WW it's never taken that long to lose 10 lbs.   I used to be able to lose that much weight in just a month's time, maybe even quicker.  

I'll admit that I'm not perfect with my portion controls, food choices or tracking.  But this time around I have tried harder to be better at all those things and have even adding walking regularly to my routine.    That is what has been the most frustrating!

I am aware that this time around I have more stress, health challenges, sleep issues and of course AGE working against me.

I'm not giving up.  I am going to keep pushing along.

I've decided to set goals/challenges for myself.   I'm just trying to make sure they are realistic and to somehow make them fun.   Maybe make a creative, cute board to hang over my desk?  Something like that. Something I will see every day to remind me to not give up.
I've seen on Instagram where someone had made themselves a challenge chart to run 100 miles by a certain date.   She has a board with 1-100 and she crosses off each mile she runs.   I love the idea of doing something like that.

Do you have any creative ways to help you reach a goal?   I'd love to get some ideas.    

Til next Wed..........

1st Day of Fall 2014

Happy Fall                                   Happy Autumn   

Whatever you call it, it's one of my favorite seasons.  

This year I didn't spend the day decorating my house for fall.  Instead, I took my grandson Tyler to a local farm for some traditional fall fun.
First we found our way through a mini corn maze, played on playground, saw some goats, picked out 3 of biggest pumpkins we could find and of course topped it all off with some fresh apple cider and donuts.    Is there any better way to spend a beautiful fall day?  I don't think so.

2nd day of Fall.... Decorating!    


  

Jumping Back On The Weight Watchers Wagon

Two weeks ago I joined Weight Watchers...... AGAIN.

It's probably my 6th or 7th attempt at trying the program.  But believe me when I say it's NOT Weight Watchers' fault that I've joined, dropped out, joined, dropped out, etc..etc.   I know it's 100% me and my issues with food that have prevented success in the past.  I tend to get to a point of losing 20-25lbs and then think, "I'm good, I've got this."  Yeah, no, I don't.  

Weight Watchers is one of the only diet plans I would spend money to follow.  It's more then a diet, it really does teach you to make better choices and if sometimes you don't, that's ok too. I like it because you eat normal, everyday foods.  I don't do good with strict diets where you only eat certain foods at certain times.   For me it's also about accountability, not that there's any judgement when you get weighed in at a meeting but deep down inside I want the ladies at the scale to be like "wow, good job you're down this week."   (I know I sound like a commercial or something but I swear I'm not getting paid to write this.) 

I'm one of those people that eats when I'm happy, sad, angry, stressed, bored or in social situations. So you get my drift, I eat all the time, whether I'm hungry or not.  Honestly, as I sit here writing this post all I can think about it the box of cake mix and chocolate frosting in my pantry.  "Do I make a batch of cupcakes?"   It's a real convo that goes on in my head every single day.  
So, I decided to share all about it here. I'd also love to connect with anyone who too struggles with weight loss as well.  Support and knowing you're not the only one with crazy food thoughts is just as important in this whole journey.

Since I started Sept. 3rd I've lost a total of 5.2 lbs.   I wish it was more, I know it could be more.   This week I'm going to focus on tracking my food more consistently.  It's always been something I don't do well with, which might have a lot to do with why I haven't been as successful as I could be.  

 

Sunday Style - Loving The "Beachy, Shabby Chic, Rustic Cottage" Style

I can't believe summer is coming to an end.  I didn't get nearly as much done as I had hoped.  While we did get two vacations in, it went by way too fast.  As far as I'm concerned there's never enough time for hanging out by the pool, sitting on the beach or just doing fun stuff with family and friends.  

While on our beach vacation at the Connecticut Shore my mother, sister and I stopped into a cute little shop called Grace in Niantic.  Ahh, it was so gorgeous in there. I spent over an hour just walking around looking at everything. I can't explain why, but it's just very soothing to me.  I'm bummed my phone battery had died or I would have taken a bunch of pictures to share with you. They have everything from clothing, accessories, gifts, home decor...you name it, you could find in there.   I could have done some real damage if I had a bottomless wallet.  (No, this is a sponsored post of any kind.  I just really loved the store) It wasn't just the items themselves, it was the whole "feeling" you got from just being in there.  It was that mix of new pretty things with weathered wood furniture and random antique objects.   It really got me thinking about that beachy, shabby chic, rustic cottage kinda style of decorating.  I absolutely love it when I see it in magazines, online, on tv and in person like at Grace but I'm not confident enough that I could pull it off in my own home.  Maybe one when I live by the water and there's no dirty boys or men around.  A girl can dream, right?    

Until then I thought I share some of my favorite rooms inspired by that "beachy, shabby chic, rustic cottage" kinda style. If there is such a thing?  

This living room is done by Joanna and Chip Gaines from the HGTV show Fixer Upper.  

Photo HGTV.com

Traditional Kitchen by Elk Grove Village Carpet & Flooring Signature Innovations LLC

Beach Style Bedroom by London Furniture & Accessories Cabbages & Roses Ltd

Other

Wordless Wednesday - Back to School 2014 - The Year of Milestones

It's a good thing it's "Wordless Wednesday" because I can not express into words my emotions this week.    

Saturday I moved  Nicholas into his new dorm to start his senior year of college.  So proud of this kid!

Then today was Thomas' 1st day of high school.  He had a great day, but can't believe my little man is turning into a young man.   

And as if those weren't big enough milestones for me to handle, my grandson Tyler started kindergarten today as well. Tyler started his little life as a 4lbs 5oz premie and has come a long way.  Although he still has some struggles to overcome, he's a happy little dude!  

Back To School Breakfast Bar Recipe #PriceChopperB2S #CollectiveBias

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc.and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  No, not Christmas time.... Back To School time!  Most moms, especially ones with younger kids are rejoicing.  It's time to get them back to school and out of the house because they drove you crazy all summer long.  Even though my son's are 21 and 13 I feel the same way! (I love them and all, just being honest here)  Nicholas left for college this weekend so now I'm concentrating on Thomas and his first day as a high school freshman on Wednesday.  *gulp*  
To me it feels a bit like New Years, wouldn't you agree?  I mean, everyone's getting a fresh start with new clothes, new schedules, new routines, maybe even a new school.
I have to tell you I'm craving the routine for myself as well.  I need to get back on track with everything... meal planning, cleaning schedules, diet/exercise, couponing and of course a better blogging schedule.

I figured a good place to start was to head over to Price Chopper Supermarket  and get some supplies for a quick, on-the-go breakfast for those early weekday mornings.  This will also get me get in the routine of sitting down, going through the flyer, making a list and matching up my coupons to get the most savings as possible.
Price Chopper is one of my go-to supermarkets for their products, prices and rewards.  If you don't know they offer Fuel Rewards, there's a Tools For Schools Program, iSave Coupons, Sweepstakes, and of course everyday saving using the Price Chopper AdvantEdge Card.  Right now you could win one of 10 iPad Minis when you share a "First Day of School" photo between Aug.17th - Sept. 20th.   Then beginning Sept.21, Price Chopper will pick 5 photos at random and the 5 photos with the most votes will also win.  Head over to the Facebook page or PriceChopper.com to enter. 

I found a recipe on Pinterest  for a breakfast bar using Honey Nut Cheerios, peanut butter and marshmallows.  That's 3 of Thomas' favorite things!  I figured it was easy, tasty and packed with plenty of sugar and protein to get him ready to catch that 6:30am bus.  He's not necessarily a morning person AT ALL!  Thomas probably wakes up 30 mins before he has to leave the house.  Just enough time to wash his face, brush his teeth and get dressed. So this is perfect for him to grab quickly and even eat on the bus if he runs out of time.

I have to get a few groceries to get us through the weekend, so I figured I'd grab all the ingredients I need and give the recipe a try before Wednesday.  I'll test it out on my grandson Tyler who is starting kindergarten on Wednesday as well.
I've got my list, flyer and coupons all set.  I'm off to Price Chopper and the "Back to School Solutions Center."

 Lots of great deals on other quick and easy breakfast ideas.   Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches were Nick's go-to breakfast this summer while he was doing an internship in Massachusetts.

I decided since the Yoplait Greek Yogurts were such a great price that maybe I could incorporate it with the Honey Nut Cheerios cereal bars somehow.  I grabbed strawberry banana, fearing nobody would like the plain vanilla.  Can I tell you I've tried greek yogurt in the past and wasn't really a fan but this Yoplait brand is yummy.   Doesn't taste any different to me then regular yogurt.

This recipe for  Honey Nut Cheerios Back to School Breakfast Bars (that's a mouthful, huh?) is..simple, simple, simple.
You don't have to add the mini chocolate chips.  You can add almonds or any other kind of nut.   I think a dried fruit would go good in these too.

Ingredients

• 7 cups Honey Nut Cheerios
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 Tablespoon Vanilla extract
• 40 Full Size Marshmallows (I bought a 10oz bag and I counted out 41 marshmallows in the bag) 
• 3 (heaping) Tablespoons Peanut Butter 
• 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Steps

1. Butter a 9 x 13 pan
2. In a large stock pot, melt the butter
3. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until melted.
4. Add the peanut butter.
5. Add the vanilla and stir until combined.
6. Remove from the heat and add the cheerios to the marshmallows.
7. Stir until the cheerios are completely coated.
8. Transfer the Cheerios to the buttered pan and press down, so that the mixture fills the entire pan.
9. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top and gently press down.
10. Let set and then cut into bars size rectangle and serve (or you can do what I did and drizzle some Yoplait Greek yogurt over the top or on the side as a dip)  

There are a couple of things I have to tell you about using the yogurt. 

1- Strawberry Banana doesn't really go good peanut butter and chocolate chips, But it's fine to eat separately. 

2- If you are going to drizzle or dip the cereal bars in yogurt make sure you store them in the fridge if they aren't eaten right away.  

Ok, so my grandson Tyler doesn't look too thrilled in this picture but that's more because it's just plain annoying to a 5 year old to have your grandmother (or "Amma" as he calls me) force you to stop playing your video game, sit at the table, eat and get your photo taken all at the same time.    I swear he ate the whole cereal bar and dipped his banana sticks in the greek yogurt.    Fun times....   

For more on Price Chopper's "Back to School" solutions check them out on
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Do you have a "Back to School" breakfast idea that's quick and easy.  I'd love for you to share with me, I'm always looking for something new and different to try.    

Also, if you try this recipe let me know what, if anything, you added to your cereal bars.

Happy Back to School Everyone!!

Inspiring and Inexpensive Interiors....Picking the Perfect Sofa

As I started to write this post, it made me go back into my archives and check the date of the last time I posted in this series.
June 7th.
Not June 7th of 2014....but 2013!
Holy crap, it's been a year since I wrote about redoing my living room? I'm embarrassed to admit that, and even more embarrassed to admit that a year later, NOTHING has gotten done in that room.
It honestly doesn't even seem like it's been that long.   It's been such a crazy, stressful year that in a weird way it's flown by.

So here I am AGAIN searching for inspiration to finally get this room done once and for all.

I am going to start off kinda where I left off.  Finding new sofas.  It really is the first step in putting together a whole living room redo.   You've got to find the perfect set and then build the room around the style and color you choose.    

I've always known I wanted grey couches.   I have been looking this past year at furniture stores and online but couldn't find exactly what I wanted.  I would like the look of something but then go sit on it and it just was not comfortable at all.  I really didn't think it would be so difficult to find a sofa set I liked in grey. I mean, sure I could custom order a couch with the fabrics of my choice but I can't justify spending that kind of money.  Even if I did have it. Well.... maybe if I did have it. But I don't.  So, moving on........

First, there's the age old question "sectional or sofa/loveseat combo?"   I have a sofa, loveseat and giant recliner right now and thought, it could be a nice change to get a sectional.   I'm pretty sure I have enough space.  Of course I would have to measure.   Sectionals don't look as big in a furniture showroom, but could totally over power a room if you don't measure correctly.

Then there's the question of  "a recliner or a couch with a chaise?"   For me, these are not decisions that come easy...what-so-ever!   I knew didn't want a recliner that was big and poofy like the one I have now but they really don't make comfortable, affordable, clean looking recliners that also happen to come in grey.
I tried a few sofas with a chaise, but they can be a bit awkward to get in and out of, if the chaise part is too long.
I told you, this is not an easy decision.    And if you are like me, who lives and works in your living room you know that it really is a big deal to make a choice that you won't regret in 6 months to a year.

Now let's talk fabric.   Again, something you wouldn't think would be such a hard decision but there are so many choices out there.    Options include leather, cottons, wool, blends, micro fiber, etc...
I'll just say I knew I didn't want leather or micro fiber.  The set I have now is a beige micro fiber and I'm sick of it.  I want a different look and style with this new set.    

So which one did I pick?  drum roll...................

I chose the Kasey sofa and loveseat from Bob's Discount Furniture.    It has everything I was looking for style, color, comfort and price wise.  For the two pieces it's $799.  That's a great deal! The chair and ottoman would be another $500.  I haven't decided if I'm going to get the matching chair and ottoman just yet but this is a BIG step for me. It's not about the money, I'm just not sure if I want all that furniture in my space.  I really don't need that much seating anymore.  
I don't know if you can see by the photo but the throw pillows that come with the set have some purple in them. Can I tell ya, I love them.  It's not something I would normally be drawn to.  I thought I wanted yellow with the grey but in person they give the set a bit of a feminine, modern feel.

Wheww... thank goodness that decision is made.    Now I just have to build the rest of the room around these.   Next up, paint for the walls and trim.  

Summer Grilling with Price Chopper....Red, White and Blue Style

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification with #CollectiveBias for #PriceChopperBBQ  All opinions are my own. 

This Saturday was the 1st official day of summer and that means the BBQ and grilling season is here! This year I'm throwing a 4th of July party and I can't wait.  I haven't had one at my house in a couple of years, so of course I want to go all out.
But "going all out" doesn't mean having to spend a ton of money.  Price Chopper is a great place to get everything you could possibly need for a fun summer of grilling without breaking the bank.  I'm thinking some Certified Angus Beef hamburgers and hot dogs are on the top of the list.

I'm big into "themed" parties, you can ask anyone who knows me.  So naturally I plan to do everything in my power to  Red, White and Blue  my whole BBQ. This will be my practice for the actual party, decide what will work, what won't and what I can add.

First, I've gotta head out to Price Chopper with my list and coupons in hand.   When walking into the store I always stop at the iSave kiosk, scan my AdvantEdge card and print out even more savings.

Another way to save at Price Chopper besides their low prices, specials and coupons is on gas.  Just by shopping and using your AdvantEdge card you earn points towards discount off every gallon  (up to 20) at a participating gas stations.   Also, each week there are usually bonus items that earn you even more Fuel AdvantEdge points.  So, keep your eyes peeled for those bargains as well.  (every little bit helps)

Ok, now that we've got that all squared away, it's time to get shopping!
Walking through the produce section I'm grabbing some must have grilling veggies.   Corn on the cob, onions and ripe tomatoes are always a "given" at my BBQ's.

Next, it's on to the meat department.. by far my husband's favorite stop in any grocery store.    He insists on only buying Certified Angus Beef hamburgers and steaks.  I'm picking out hamburgers for our BBQ but getting a couple steaks to have for ourselves as well.   Can't pass up a great looking steak.

For the hot dog lovers in the group (me included) we are going to try these new Hillshire-Ball Park Park's Finest hot dogs.  They are all natural 100% beef and come in several different varieties.  I'm going to try the Cracked Dijon Mustard and Slow Smoked Hickory.  They sound like they'd have a great flavor.    

While at the store I picked one of these FREE Grilling Guides.   It's full of tips, tricks, do's, don'ts, recipes and more.  I suggest you grab one for yourself, it's helpful to have handy at any time of the year.

I also suggest you check out some of Price Choppers' social media sites they're a great place to get ideas and see what Price Choppers is up to.

* Price Chopper on Facebook 
* Price Chopper House of BBQ on Pinterest
* Price Chopper on Twitter
* Price Chopper on Instagram
* Price Chopper on YouTube 





Now that I have the meat all picked out it's time for the fun stuff, side dishes, drinks and can't forget about the desserts!

Now the fun part....... EATING.
I sent my husband Chris to man the grill with the burgers and dogs while I got working on setting up the table, drinks, side dish and brownies.

I'm in love with the mason jars. (Of course it's an idea I got off Pinterest) It's so easy to just grab and go at a picnic, everything you need all together. Glass, utensils, napkin and even a red, white and blue straw.

The Betty Crocker Suddenly Pasta Salad is an easy dish to add to any BBQ table.   Just boil the pasta add the seasoning packet, mayo and you've got a great pasta salad everyone will love.  Doesn't hurt it's flavored with bacon, I mean who doesn't love bacon?

On to the fun stuff where I can really make the Red White and Blue  shine the drinks and the dessert.   
First of all I'd have you know the drink is more of an experiment.   I got the idea I wanted red, white and blue ice cubes and what better way then using Gatorade.  (on sale for 77cents each this week at Price Chopper)  I thought adding them to some plain seltzer water would give some flavor and fizz while being all patriotic at the same time.   This has to be tweaked a little.   The Gatorade ice cubes needed to stay in the freezer longer, the seltzer water needed to be colder.   I'll give myself an "A" for effort. It did taste good.   But you get the idea I was going for, right?  

Now that the burgers and dogs are ready, they need to get the red white and blue treatment as well.   This took some thought.  The red and white part were easy, but the blue was a challenge.   I thought of bleu cheese, as a play on words but I don't really like bleu cheese (only bleu cheese dressing with my buffalo wings)  So I wracked my brain and came up with dying the mayo blue.   I know, it's a bit over the top but it's fun and I know everyone will get a kick out of it.

This is my plate, burger was delish, hot dog was AMAZING.   I didn't eat it on a bun (trying to be good and not go total carb overload) but it was so flavorful you don't need a bun, ketchup, mustard or anything else.

Thomas wanted to try both the hot dog on a bun and a hamburger, but he prefers chips to any kind of pasta salad.  I love the cute hot dog baskets I found, can use them for anything.

Last but not least.... it's DESSERT time!   I made the Betty Crocker brownies, but to give them the
red, white and blue treatment.   I bought some Betty Crocker vanilla frosting and the very nice lady at Price Chopper's bakery department sold me some of their patriotic sprinkles they use on their baked goods.

After the brownies were baked and cooled, I put a couple spoon fulls of the frosting into a pastry bag, microwaved it for just a few seconds so it would be easy to drizzle over the brownies.  Topped them with the sprinkles while the icing was still soft and there ya have it..... Brownies fitting any 4th of July party.

There ya have it... my test run 4th of July picnic.    Hope I gave you some inspiration for your summer grilling or BBQ.  Whether it be for the a patriotic party or just a Sunday Funday with your family and friends it's all about spending time together.