HomeMy StoryRecipes

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Spring Fever is HERE!

The time is here, so I hope you've got Spring Fever and are ready to run! 
This is a virtual race, 10k or 5k and is also open to walkers!  NO EXCUSES!!!  You may run any day, March 1st - 15th!  Send me an email at rissarose80@yahoo.com once you've completed the race and you'll earn one entry into some GREAT giveaways ( I will be posting a few items each day, so you can see what's up for grabs!).  For an extra entry, send a picture with your BIB.  Earn even more extra entries for each of the following: post to FB, Tweet, or blog and send me the link! 
 
I have decided I will run the 10K for this race and since I had a discouraging issue with my time last week, this race will be for FUN!  I'm not even sure that I'll bring my watch!

What about you?  Are you participating to hit a PR or running for FUN?


...and look at this cool giveaway by Del Monte!
In an effort to motivate people to get healthy by exercising and eating more fruits and vegetables, Del Monte Fresh Produce will give away 500 pairs of sneakers, from March 1 to 31, to Del Monte Fresh Produce Facebook fans.
The "500 Sneaker March Giveaway," hosted on the Del Monte Fresh Produce Facebook page, will randomly award 500 sneakers to 500 Del Monte Facebook fans who enter the contest.
All entrants will be encouraged to sign a pledge to exercise at least three times a week for thirty minutes and, as the USDA recommends, make half their plate fruits and vegetables.
Del Monte Fresh Produce is committed to providing consumers with quality fresh fruits and vegetables, which are key components in leading a healthy lifestyle. The "500 Sneaker March Giveaway" was created as a way to encourage Del Monte Fresh Produce fans to exercise as well.
Each week, during the entire month of March 2012, 125 randomly selected eligible US and Canadian consumers that enter the contest, will each be awarded a $75.00 gift card to Foot Locker to purchase a pair of sneakers.
For more information, please visit: www.facebook.com/delmontefreshproduce




Tuesday, February 28, 2012

what a yummy treat!

thanks to all of your comments from my "frustrated" post, I am so fortunate to have readers like you!  Good news is that I'm doing better!  I ran the past few days for fun, not for distance or time, JUST FUN!!
...and it felt great!

**SPRING FEVER 10K/5K IS ALMOST HERE**
MAKE SURE YOU EMAIL ME AT RISSAROSE80@YAHOO.COM SO I CAN ADD YOU TO THE LIST AND SEND YOU A BIB!  IF YOU WEAR THE BIB AND SEND A PICTURE, THAT'S AN EXTRA ENTRY!  IF YOU BLOG, TWEET OR FB THE RACE AND SEND THE LINK, THAT'S ANOTHER ENTRY!!!  
REMEMBER, I HAVE BODYGLIDE, HIPPIE RUNNER, 
28 DAY BOOTCAMP VIDEOS, BONDIBAND AND OTHER GOODIES THAT I'LL ANNOUNCE THIS WEEK SO DON'T MISS OUT!



And look at this recipe that I adapted from Betty Crocker, I changed a few things
but I think this recipe would be great for a summer, swim party!
you'll need:
1/2 cubed angel food cake
1/2 c quartered strawberries
1/2 c blueberries
1/2 banana-sliced
2/3 c vanilla Greek yogurt
2 tbs toasted almonds

this recipe called for a cup of angel food cake, so I cut that back as well as adding blueberries instead of honeydew melon and mango.  Guess it's a taste preference!  I love blueberries and strawberries together!
I served mine in a small bowl, but if I had these cups wouldn't that have been a cute way of serving!


Welcome Wednesday is now open ALL week and will start NEW every Wednesday! 
Welcome to the "Welcome Wednesday" blog hop, hosted by Take It From MeHappy Hour Projects, and Let's Move It MommasWelcome Wednesday is a great way to meet new people and learn new things as well as increase your blog followers! So let's have some fun!!
If you want to be a part of Welcome Wednesday, just follow these 5 simple steps:
1. Follow us via Google Friend ConnectGoogle+, Facebook or Twitter, as well as the Spotlighted Blog of the Week! 
2. Link up your blog name and URL with our Linky. (You only need to add your info once for it will be seen on all the blog hops) 
3. Grab our Welcome Wednesday button and include it in a post about the event on your blog.
4. Go to as many blogs on the MckLinky as you want and Follow them. Be sure to tell them you are from Welcome Wednesday!
5. Be sure to Follow back any followers you have gained from our Welcome Wednesdayevent! 


Sunday, February 26, 2012

frustrated.

If there's one thing that I try to share with my family, friends and readers
We must find a workout that we love doing.  We must enjoy it, or why do it?  Right?
We must commit to change.  Commit to wanting a healthier way of life.  
I am so happy to have found a love for running, however...

I guess I shouldn't be frustrated with my 10K finish, but the reality is that I am.
I am being hard on myself and am not happy with my pace, EVER.
Looking at the race results from yesterday, it looks like this...
chip time: 1:10:44 
First 5K 34:25 
Second 36:19
Avg. pace per mile 11:22
During the race, I felt confident.  I was having fun.  Enjoying the race, although I really pushed myself harder than I had in the half marathon.  I wanted to beat that pace from the half marathon and redeem myself.
Wait a minute, "redeem myself" sounds like I'm competitive but the truth is, I'm really not.  I want to stay healthy. Be fit.  Reach and exceed goals that I've set for myself, that's all.  I find myself bummed as I cross the finish line every time I race.  That's bad isn't it?  I love running and don't want to stop enjoying it but I'm afraid if I keep feeling let down afterward, I'll never want to race again and that scares me.  

On the other hand, I must look at the pro's to this race and all of the others:
I did it.  I set out to do something and I finished it.
I did not give up.
I will not give up.
I had the guts to sign up, get there and go for it and that stands for something.
I know that setting these goals and doing these races is what helps me stay motivated!

I am afraid that if too much time passes without a specific workout goal in mind, I'll lose focus and slip back into my old ways.  

But the messed up part is that I want to, and love to help others but not myself?  
I always think about helping my family, friends and my readers reach their weight loss goals! To help them find a passion for healthy living and change their lives.  But what about me?
I have major body image issues and never feel quite confident in my own skin.
My husband thinks I'm beautiful.  He says I'm the most beautiful woman in the world :)
so, what's my problem??
Do I still see that "fat girl"?  NO.
But I don't feel beautiful.  I feel "big".  I am 5'10", large frame and have never and will never be "little".
Before I line up for a race, I tear myself down before it even begins...but why?  
I know in my heart, I can run.  I can do it and I will finish.  So, why so much doubt?

I don't know the answers to these questions that I'm asking myself right now,
but I do know that tomorrow's run will carry a lot of soul searching...A LOT!
Hmm, I'm thinking no music.
Just myself and my crazy thoughts!

Do you get frustrated with your workouts and goals?  

Have you ever struggled with lack of confidence or self-esteem issues?

Saturday, February 25, 2012

my first 10K

My Advocare challenge is going great!  Lost another pound and feel SO much better.  
Even drank a Spark before today's race!  woohoo!  I am hoping to lose around 5-7 lbs in these next two weeks and really work on toning!  I can't help but think of summer, which means less clothes, lots of shorts and the dreaded bathing suits...ugh, I feel bloated just thinking about it!  Ha!


today was THIS run...
15,000 runners and walkers and we raised over 400,000 for scholarships!  It was the 25th Anniversary of this race, so they had bands playing and lots of spectators cheering us on!
and I think for our first 10K, we did pretty good!
As usual, my husband kicked butt with 48:28
as for me, 1:10:44 
I LOVED this distance.  It might be my favorite!  It was long enough to really push myself, but not quite as tough as 13.1.  Not that I didn't enjoy the half, because I did.  I just felt happy after today's race...confident and it felt good to cross the finish line.  I wasn't achy or sore, it was perfect!  Obviously I gotta work on speed...suggestions?  books?  HELP!  I would love to be just a little faster :)

For the Spring Fever, I have some great goodies coming in for giveaway, so don't forget to sign up!  Just received the Body Glide items yesterday, and there's THREE different types to giveaway!  Also, Hippie Runner sent me three sets of running belts and headbands and they are matching sets!  too cute, right?  I ran with their running belt today and it was PERFECT!  It didn't slip and held everything I needed!
Even if you aren't a "follower" of my blog, I'd still love to see ya participate!  
grab some family and friends, just have  fun and do it!  
email me to sign up and race any day between March 1-15th!  HURRY :)

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

staying committed!

another great go-to recipe that my family seriously loved, and I threw this one together in minutes!  VERY simple, you can't mess it up and the whole family will thank you for it!  I know the canned beans and meats aren't the healthiest option, BUT when you're short on time and don't want your family eating out, this is a great recipe that's healthier than A LOT of other menu ideas!

Move It Mommas QUICK Chicken Tacos
You'll need:
1 can white meat chicken breasts or a store bought rotisserie...either is easy, but healthier would be to grill or bake chicken breasts and slice it up!
1 can Mexicorn with the juice
1 can black beans-drained and rinsed
1/4 pkg taco seasoning
a little water for simmering...
salsa, lettuce, onion, avocado, plain Greek yogurt-all your choice for garnish!

 Dump, simmer and SERVE!  
Easy, right?  I added a little water to simmer for about 10minutes!
I served with my whole wheat tortillas turned into tostadas...same idea as my taco shells.  
Place tortillas in oven at 375 until crispy, serve mixture on top of crunchy tortilla and we chose to top with salsa and Greek yogurt!  sooooo good!  I'm thinking this is great for the evenings where we have a million things to do and baseball or soccer practice!


...and today I woke up a new woman!  I must admit, once I find the motivation...I can kick butt!  Or at least, I hope I can?!  Ha!  Last night, all I could think about was the things I wanted to accomplish.  The new goals I wanted to set for myself.  The way I wanted to feel this summer!  
I think a lot of times when we commit to a healthy lifestyle, new workout goals, a race, losing weight or whatever...I think we have a hard time picturing the end result?
We want to know what it will feel like to accomplish that goal we've set out to complete.  
Don;t you agree?  I like to think about what it will feel like to reach it!  Helps motivate myself! 
I think it would help to picture ourselves at that point...the place we WANT to get to.  Where we want our goals to take us.  BUT we never stop trying, never stop reaching for a higher goal.  
The fun part is pushing ourselves further than we thought possible, right?  
How do you push yourself toward reaching a new goal? 

and look at my sweet boy enjoying his Edamame.  He rode his bike 4 miles the other day, as I ran right alongside him while pushing his little brother in the stroller!  This boy LOVES to eat healthy and be healthy...my goodness, I sure hope I'm raising these boys to lead healthy lifestyles and never struggle the way I did growing up!  It's a huge fear living in the back of my mind each and every day.  
today's workout:  4 miles with a friend...we did intervals and it actually worked out great!  it was a nice change, but I still feel VERY under prepared for the 10k on Saturday. 
Last year there were 13,000 participants and they are expecting this year to be larger.  Whew, hope I survive! 
I'd love to set some awesome goal, but with race day being only a few days away, I think I better just say I'll do my best and have fun!!
*I'm so happy that more of you are signing up for my Spring Fever virtual race!  Keep spreading the word, it's working...THANK YOU :-)





Welcome Wednesday is now open ALL week and will start NEW every Wednesday! 
Welcome to the "Welcome Wednesday" blog hop, hosted by Take It From MeHappy Hour Projects, and Let's Move It MommasWelcome Wednesday is a great way to meet new people and learn new things as well as increase your blog followers! So let's have some fun!!
If you want to be a part of Welcome Wednesday, just follow these 5 simple steps:
1. Follow us via Google Friend ConnectGoogle+, Facebook or Twitter, as well as the Spotlighted Blog of the Week! 
2. Link up your blog name and URL with our Linky. (You only need to add your info once for it will be seen on all the blog hops) 
3. Grab our Welcome Wednesday button and include it in a post about the event on your blog.
4. Go to as many blogs on the MckLinky as you want and Follow them. Be sure to tell them you are from Welcome Wednesday!
5. Be sure to Follow back any followers you have gained from our Welcome Wednesdayevent!

Monday, February 20, 2012

zucchini & bean taco salad...I'm back!

move it mommas zucchini bean taco salads:
you'll need:
2 medium zucchini's, chopped
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp chili powder
1 can canellini beans or pinto beans-drained and rinsed

 saute zucchini and onion over medium heat until zucchini becomes tender and onions transparent.  add cumin and chili powder, along with beans and simmer for about 10min. or until warmed through.  I like to cover skillet with foil to soak in the flavors and make the beans tender.


and now for the fun part, creating your "taco shell"...
 I used whole wheat, La Tortilla brand tortillas-low carb, high fiber
I shape foil into baseball-sized balls and lay tortilla on top, creating the bowl shape upside down on pan.  Bake at 375 for about 15minutes or until edges are slightly browned and tortilla becomes firm and crunchy!-the picture above is what your finished tortilla will look like :-)
Flip over your tortilla and begin layering zucchini mixture, sprinkle of shredded cheese, 1 tbs Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream!), 1 tbs salsa, and sliced avocado as garnish!  
I don't have the finished picture but you get the idea~   
A very simple, quick recipe you can use on those evenings where you want minimal effort in the kitchen!




and now the Pinterest inspired rice krispie treats...these were SO easy and SO yummy!  My boys loved them and they stay great for days wrapped in Tupperware, so it's our evening treat!  
Go Lean Crispies:
you'll need:
6 cups Kashi Go Lean cereal
3/4 bag of large marshmallows
1/4 stick butter or margarine
 melt butter and marshmallows on med low heat, stirring frequently until marshmallows and butter are melted.  add kashi go lean cereal and stir to coat.  pour mixture into sprayed Pyrex and allow to set.  enjoy!!!!  we allow ourselves a small square in the evening and make sure it's put away or we'll keep eating it...
yep, it's that good!!!



and now for an update on my motivation and finding it once again...GOOD NEWS. I've found it!!!  


after telling myself for days that it was time to step it up, get strict and serious!  I have my first 10K this coming Saturday and I've slacked pretty bad on my running mileage, sad but true.  
The weather was killing my motivation and although it's no excuse, I unfortunately let it get the best of me this time.  I hadn't run in days, but kicked it up yesterday and today!  
The Advocare is helping me gain energy and control my hunger thankfully, so now that all the components are in line, I'm hoping to see some physical changes coming soon...and hoping to tackle my 10K on Saturday?!  
And my diet is once again RIGHT!  we are all only human and we let life get in the way of healthy living...or am I alone?  I know that a few of my son's Goldfish or Animal Crackers here and there aren't a big deal but the small handfuls of snacks were outweighing my healthy eating...FOR SURE!  But the good news is that I do not allow it to get the best of me for long, I figure out where I'm going wrong and fix it.  It's like I've said a million times before, it's about balance and every SINGLE day I struggle.  It's an ongoing challenge for me and I must focus and think about it every day.  Struggling with weight is part of my life...always has been and always will be.  But one thing is for sure...

"Yesterday, I said tomorrow" and tomorrow is TODAY!!!!!


Don't let that be YOU! 
 make your mind up and commit!  
Do it for yourself, your family, your well-being, 
YOUR HEALTH.  


...and DO NOT forget about the Spring Fever 10K and 5K virtual race.  It's coming soon, March 1-15th, to run at any point during that time!  If you're ready to race and would like to sign up and receive your BIB via email, just send me an email at rissarose80@yahoo.com!  Don't forget about the GREAT prizes up for grabs...you don't wanna miss out!


and with all of that said, I also need new running gear but with being a stay at home Mom, I gotta find some great deals and I'm not the position to buy the fancy, expensive stuff...suggestions? I had a great outfit for the half marathon, but I need some new things for during the week and not just great stuff for races.  I need great compression shorts, socks and some new sports bras.  I'm off to check out the suggested Overstock.com promo codes and  Dealio to see what I can find...
will keep ya posted!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

scary.

I was having a long conversation with my son's preschool music teachers and we were discussing students being active or lack-there-of.  Sadly, they shared with me that many kids don't want to "play" at recess or outside play time.  I knew this was true for some elementary school kids, because I saw first hand that kids would rather just sit and visit than play tag, chase or 4 square!  This brought our conversation to the kids' lunches.  The music teachers actually see what a lot of the kids pack in their lunches from day to day (which they say is mostly junk food!)and they also discuss healthy foods-which I think is AWESOME!  They said they asked the class the other day, "who has fruit in their lunch?" and all of the kids raised their hands.  They were so proud and when asked them to hold up or tell what fruit was in their lunch, 
12 out of the 17 kids held up FRUIT SNACKS...what??

With childhood obesity rates at an all-time high, these kids are thinking fruit snacks are nutritious?  Oh no.
I know that I overly stress the importance of healthy eating and good health in our house, but it's scary what we're dealing with.  Don't you agree?  
I was one of those unhealthy children, the one that wanted to be lazy and gossip at recess, never participate in P.E for fear of embarrassment.  I was the kid standing in line for snacks at the snack bar, which consisted of cheese sticks and pizza!  Blah, makes me crazy just thinking about it.    My mom was a single, working parent trying to do the best she could, but I think her and I could have BOTH done a better job with my health as a child/teen.  There are no guarantees and we can only try to teach our children to be healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle.  I just hope I am giving these boys the tools to help them find healthy living much earlier in life than I did.  

I know that living in Texas, born and raised, I have found that we have a huge problem with portions around here.  Everything really is BIGGER in Texas, sad but true.  There are many families around here that lead healthy lifestyles and make good decisions when it comes to good health for their family, so I'm not saying we're all unhealthy.  But I've definitely noticed a trend that's growing.  I stood out like a sore thumb when I was heavy as a child.  For some, scary reason obese or overweight children are becoming more the "norm" in a lot of areas.  but Why?

I love HealthTeacher and their monthly newsletters and I wanted to share the latest with all of you concerning physical activity for children, and for all of us!  Although I'm not currently teaching health and physical education, I LOVE to keep up with the trends and latest studies when it comes to health and wellness.  If you would like information about the organizations I subscribe to, I'd be more than happy to share with you!




“Physical activity yields such amazing results,” said Emily Coe, Director of Behavioral Sciences at HealthTeacher. “Activities like jumping rope, walking, playing tag and playing sports can help kids perform better in school and help them get along better with their peers. In addition, helping kids learn to enjoy physical activity of any sort provides them with a lifelong appreciation of physical activity and its benefits."

Research has repeatedly revealed that physical activity directly influences the brain and its ability to learn and perform well. " A University of Illinois study in 2010 showed that brain scans of active 9- and 10-year-olds revealed larger portions of the brain that control complex thinking. Other studies have shown links between exercise in children and “enhanced neurocognition.” The improvements to the brain show that there is a link between exercise and performance in school.
Why? On the most basic level, exercise helps send more oxygen to the brain, which improves how it functions and helps you think more sharply. According to Dr. John Ratey in his 2008 book The Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, exercise improves learning on three levels:
1. It optimizes your mind-set to improve alertness, attention and motivation.
2. It prepares and encourages nerve cells to bind to one another, which is the cellular basis for logging in new information.
3. It spurs the development of new nerve cells.
 
Besides the positive impact physical activity has on learning, it provides an outlet for children’s emotional well being. “Physical activity can be a great stress management tool for kids as they 
get older, which will reduce the risk of anxiety and depression,” Coe said.

How do you ensure healthy living for your family and stress the importance of exercise and nutrition?
For starters, we try to set positive examples for our children.  If we're eating healthy and putting exercise as a priority, we are hoping that our children will see that and want to repeat that behavior as they grow older.  I always ask the boys what they are eating?  what food group?  Why do we need that type of food?  If we're eating something that's not the healthiest(because you know we're all human), I explain to the boys that it's okay to eat foods like that every now and then but we make sure and exercise and take care of our hearts above all else!  We like to exercise/run as a family!  We make it a BIG deal and when the boys run, bike, swim, want to do jumping jacks or talk about working their heart muscle, we encourage that behavior and praise them like crazy!!  Hopefully it'll help?  

What do you think about this post?  I'm curious to hear your feedback and opinions on this subject.

Friday, February 17, 2012

I've found my fix!

I think I've found my fix for the lack of motivation...
the cure?
I will "pin" things like this...

 if that's not motivation, I'm not sure what is...right?  amazing!
maybe I'll print it out and stick it on my fridge?
...and in the pantry?  Hmm, where else?  Ha!


and I'll also read things like this...



and totally off-subject, but I will be making these very soon.  I mean, Apple Chips with only four ingredients and super simple to make?  What's not to love?  I know my boys will love these!
(all of these "pins" you can find on my Pinterest page, under Motivation and healthy snacks!)



*a few tips to keep in mind for my Spring Fever virtual race...if you didn't read the latest on the race, go here! and here for even more details regarding this fun and exciting race!  The race has added more sponsors, which means more giveaway items and to gain an extra entry, just blog, tweet or FB the race and send me the link!  If you haven't received your BIB for your race day, email me and I'll send one your way-they turned out super cute!  If you take a picture with your race day BIB, you'll earn an extra entry too!
You race at any day between March 1st-15th, at your location and choose either a 10K or 5K


Thursday, February 16, 2012

there's still time!



I'm excited to say that Body Glide is our newest sponsor of the Spring Fever 10k/5k virtual race!  Yay!
They will be offering their Original and For Her balm as well as 2 of the WarmFx.  
Something for men and women, so that's pretty cool too!
Thanks BodyGlide!

...and if you've emailed me that you'd like to enter the virtual race, you should have received an email from me with the Spring Fever BIB attached! 
 I must say, I think it turned out super cute and very festive!
If you haven't registered, the race will take place any day March 1st-15th, at the location of your choice...simply email me and that's considered your sign up :-)

my workouts or lack-there-of: it's been raining like crazy around here in Texas and it's been SO frustrating.  I mean, we've had a drought for months so we probably need the rain, but we've gotta be okay now? 
It's been raining almost every day AND tomorrow is flood warnings...so, even more is on the way.
This means, I've been lacking motivation to run and that's NOT an excuse but it's been messing with my motivation!  
Any suggestions for some great workouts indoors?  (when I don't have a gym membership or the big, fancy workout equipment?)  I'm in desperate need!  I know there are videos that I can turn to, but honestly I'm in the mood for something different!  
My ADVOCARE challenge is going great and I feel better now that I'm taking some great products!  I've lost 4lbs and yet a little discouraged that there hasn't been more weight loss, I'm partly to blame with my decreased motivation to get some GREAT workouts in each day.
I've set a goal to really kick it up a notch this next week, rain or shine...that's a promise I'm making to myself!  I know there's nobody to blame but myself, but sometimes I think we all go through times where our motivation and determination fall out of whack?  or is that just me??

some giveaway item(s) up for grabs for the Spring Fever:
BondiBand-headband
Hippie Runner -headbands and runner belts
BodyGlide-original, for her balm and warmfx
2 copies of the 28 day boot camp video from SparkPeople
Runner's Feat
...and possibly more to come ;-)


* If you blog, tweet, FB about the Spring Fever race you'll earn a free entry for EACH that you do! Just make sure you email me with each link for me to check it out!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

NO SHAME and a recipe!

ok, so am I the only person that has NO SHAME??  I will totally go places sweaty, stinky and gross! 
Am I alone?  please tell me I'm not??
on most days, it's just easier to workout and then run errands...who wants to waste all of the time showering, straightening my hair and putting on make-up?  ugh...makes me tired just thinking about it!  
maybe it's the former P.E teacher in me? I used to go to work in workout clothes, no make-up and was able to workout on my lunch break?  but that's not an excuse, IS IT?
I'm not gonna lie, THIS is what I usually look like and that's on a good day!  There, I've said my piece!


and now for an outstanding, family-approved, delicious and healthy recipe that you MUST try ASAP!!
I'm serious, it's THAT good! and SO easy!

Move It Momma Garlic Chicken Enchiladas
you'll need:
3-4 garlic chicken breasts- hang on, I'll explain!
carb balance tortillas- or tortilla of choice
1 can enchilada sauce
2% shredded cheese of choice
1 can black beans, drained


1. to make the Garlic Chicken- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, place them in freezer bag and add extra virgin olive oil to coat, along with 4-5 cloves of garlic, chopped.  Seal the baggie and rub the olive oil and garlic into chicken breasts, allow to sit for about an hour.  
Heat oven to 350, spray pan with non-stick spray and lay chicken breasts onto pan and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until cooked through.  
*I usually add extra garlic, because we LOVE garlic in our house!!  Guess it's the Italian in me!
2.  slice garlic chicken into thin strips
3.  layer a tortilla with beans, a little cheese and few strips of garlic chicken, 
roll up and place in pyrex lined with non-stick spray
4.  continue this process until all tortillas are made!
5.  spread can of enchilada sauce onto top of enchiladas, I used only about half of the can
6.  bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted through.

EASY TIP:
I make the garlic chicken with a a veggie for dinner one evening, make double the chicken (7-8 chicken breasts) and place half into foil for enchiladas the next night!  
there ya go, two recipes in one!!


Today's Workout:  
was cut short due to rain...AGAIN!  We headed out and at about mile 3, it started raining on us pretty good and with my son coughing lately, I didn't want to keep him out in the weather, so I put the cover on the stroller and ran back as fast as we could!  It was an okay workout and since it was raining, I came home soaking wet and sweaty...so, maybe I burned a few calories huh?  It's days and weeks like this where a gym membership would be REALLY handy :-(

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

let's have some WELCOME WEDNESDAY fun!



I am very excited to be a part of Welcome Wednesday as one of their newest co-hosts!  I've met many wonderful bloggers over the past year through this hop.  Myself, the "Move It Momma" would like to make a nice addition to the hop and hopefully help my fellow bloggers find some healthy recipes, ideas, tips and motivation!  
If you are one of my loyal readers, I suggest that you try it, link up and HAVE SOME FUN!!!
-Marissa


Welcome Wednesday is now open ALL week and will start NEW every Wednesday!
Welcome to the "Welcome Wednesday" blog hop, hosted by Take It From Me, Happy Hour Projects, and Let's Move It Mommas! Welcome Wednesday is a great way to meet new people and learn new things as well as increase your blog followers! So let's have some fun!!
If you want to be a part of Welcome Wednesday, just follow these 5 simple steps:
1. Follow us via Google Friend Connect, Google+, Facebook or Twitter, as well as the Spotlighted Blog of the Week!
2. Link up your blog name and URL with our Linky. (You only need to add your info once for it will be seen on all the blog hops)
3. Grab our Welcome Wednesday button and include it in a post about the event on your blog.
4. Go to as many blogs on the MckLinky as you want and Follow them. Be sure to tell them you are from Welcome Wednesday!
5. Be sure to Follow back any followers you have gained from our Welcome Wednesday event!

------This Weeks Blog Spotlight----
What's neat about our Blog Hop:
-Put the same linky list code on your blog and you'll have the exact same list!
- Your blog visitors can add their blog to your list and it will show up on Everyones lists!

**Leave a comment with your blog address if you are new to our hop so we can follow you back**
BLOG SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK:

Tiffani from Thoughts from Tiffani writes: "Hello all! My name is Tiffani and I am the driving force behind Thoughts from Tiffani.  It is where I come to rant and rave about my family, friends, and life in general. Most of my thoughts are random and occasionally they will include crafting, work, diet, exercise (or lack thereof), and fashion."

it's V-day!


happy valentine's day


i feel that an iPod heart was totally appropriate after my run this morning, because it was filled with an awesome iTunes playlist and I think I played it loud enough for the neighborhood to hear.  

For some reason I was in the mood to listen to the music LOUD and sing to every song.  Ha, ever had a workout like that?  

It wasn't about the speed, technique, distance, or time...
it was about ENJOYING THE WORKOUT!!!  
Ahhh, something so refreshing about that!

I hope your day is filled with love and laughter and is spent with the people that you love the most.  Mine will be spent with my boys and my husband, the people that love me unconditionally and push me to be THE best mother, wife and woman I can be!  
*don't forget to send me an email, telling me that you'll sign up for the virtual Spring Fever race!
rissarose80@yahoo.com

Sunday, February 12, 2012

did someone say SNACK TIME?

some Pinterest 
 SNACK IDEAS 
that I will be trying this week...


How cute is this? banana pretzel snack
slice of a banana, spread PB around the banana, roll in Kashi Go Lean or GrapeNuts and stick a pretzel in the top!  Adorable and sounds delicious too!  I know my boys will LOVE this!


compliments of Cooking Light, look at this trail mix...
1/2 cup dried cherries, 2 c whole grain rice chex, 1/2 c unsalted pistachios, 3 c Kashi Go Lean Crunch!


are you noticing a Kashi trend in all of these yummy must-try recipes??  I told you that I love this cereal...


and from FakeGinger.com, look at these modified rice krispie treats!
2 tbs butter
1 bag marshmallows
1 box Kashi Go Lean
Melt butter and marshmallows, stir in cereal until coated, spray pan and spread cereal mixture and press down to flatten into pan.  Allow to cool and ENJOY!  So easy and sounds delicious right?  I mean, I could seriously eat an entire pan of rice krispie treats, so I better make sure I give these away once I get a little taste!  They sound SO good...




Today's workout:  5 mile run through the neighborhood.  It was nice getting out but was REALLY cold.  Probably sounds silly to most of you that have been experiencing snow for a few months, but today was in the 30's and very windy...so I bundled up and had a great run.
I swear, I wish I would have found a love for running earlier in my life.  It clears my mind and gives me so much fulfillment.  Strange how pushing myself and sweating can bring so much joy!  Ha!  anybody else think I sound crazy?  It's a feeling like no other.  You are competing against nobody but yourself and there's something SO cool about that!
Why do YOU love running?
If it isn't running, what type of workout gives you that feeling like you're invincible?
If you haven't found that exercise, keep looking...it's out there for ALL OF US!!!