Going Down?

(I hesitate to blog because I have discovered I am an introvert at heart and will do anything not to be seen or heard. Funny thing, in a blog I'm neither seen nor heard. So I let myself do it believing that no one will read it except me and the random, accidental tourist in Ardenland.)

2012 Goal:Fitness.

Sure (wink. wink) It's still January and everyone has a New Year's resolution that has a little fire under it's-er- butt and/or belly. Every year I claim to make it the one where I lose X number of pounds by my birthday in October - 10 months is enough time, right? The goal never happens.

"Why is it my goal every year?" I'm glad you asked.

I like my size. I don't want to buy new clothes. My husband doesn't complain. So why is it on the 'accomplish' list every year? Honestly? Maybe that's just what feels right on December 31st when I plan the yearly goals. Maybe it's one thing that stays on the list every year and I would like to scratch it off. Maybe I fear....obesity.....hiding behind pillows on the couch because my belly sticks out......outgrowing my jeans.....continuing a unhealthy legacy that has plagued my family for at least 3 generations. For me? For my girls? To change my family tree?

I want to believe this year the why is just so I can say I did it. For me. To prove to myself only (and the one or two who may read this out of boredom) that I have the will power, drive, strength, ability, and whatever it takes to do something that I want to do. Out of pride -possibly. Maybe the lack of pride was my demise previously. I'll be able to say "HA! See there Annual Goal List - I did it. Scratch it off."

The goal is not huge and I don't believe I am huge either. A personal, stabilized weight is good for everyone to maintain.
That's what's so ridiculous - some people lose 10x's more weight than I want.
That's what's so possible - losing 10x's less than some people.

"What's the magic number you ask?"
Don't you know never ask a lady her age or weight? I have a number in my head, but as I move down to that goal, I am willing to tweak it lower or higher dependent upon good health.

"Hey introvert! Why blog about such personal topic?" (you sure ask a lot of questions)
I want to keep a record of the process and hope that if it works it might inspire others to go after what they want. I don't want a movie deal out of it. I just want to track the goal of Going down!

Spaghetti Squash Bake

Even the 3 year old loved this one.
It makes a ton, but is really only 4 adult servings.
To stretch it out add a salad or bread.
However, we think you'll love it just that way it is.
Be prepared for no leftovers.

*4 Cups cooked spaghetti squash {350 for 60 mins} {I did 375 for 60 mins & it was perfect}
1 Cup baby spinach- or more if you prefer
1 Cup sliced mushrooms
1 Cup all natural marinara sauce
1 Cup cooked quinoa {Combine quinoa & 2 cups water. Boil. Simmer 20 mins}
1 lb cooked turkey
1/4 Cup Choice of pecans or sliced almonds
Italian seasoning
Parmesan Cheese

Preheat oven 350.
Combine quinoa & squash and seasoning. Stir in spinach, mushrooms, marinara sauce, turkey, and pecans or almonds. Place in baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15 mins. Remove foil and bake 5 more mins to toast pecans or almonds.

Serve hot. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

*Note: One spaghetti squash should yield 4 cups

An Easy Vegan Cuisine: Rice Waffle with Vegetable Melange

With or without the veggie melange (mixture) the rice waffles are a great way to get whole grains. My whole family loved the waffles-even with syrup. And surprisingly everyone loved the vegetable mix - 'twas only the adults who ate it on the waffle.


Waffles: Mix and cook
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 T mellow miso mixed with 3 T water (miso is a soybean paste used for flavoring)
1 cup water
** I'm going to make these the next time I have leftover rice. The girls demanded them for breakfast the next day.


Vegetable Melange
Sesame oil(recipe doesn't say how much. I used enough to cover bottom of pan)
1 Cup half moon onion slices
1 Cup seitan, thinly sliced (seitan is a wheat protein)
1 Cup carrots, sliced
1 tsp shoyu (organic soy sauce)
2 Cups broccoli florets
2 tsp dark sesame oil
Sliced black olives (optional)

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute 2 mins. Add seitan and saute 1 min. Arrange carrots on top of onions and seitan, add 3 Tablespoons water to pan. Cover and simmer for 7 mins, adding more water is it gets too dry. Add shoyu and broccoli to pan, simmer 3 mins. Stir to combine ingredients and remove from heat. Stir in sesame oil.

Place a waffle on the plate, topping with a heap of sauted veggies. Sprinkle on olives if using.


Miso, seitan, shoyu can be found at Whole Foods, Raley's Organic aisle, etc)

(Recipe taken from The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone)

Finding Grace in Karate Kid II

I confess (it's good for the soul) that I wanted to take karate, move to Fresno, marry Ralph Macchio, visit Okinawa, and sing Glory of Love with Peter Cetera all because of Karate Kid II. Don't misunderstand me, the first installment of the trilogy had me at "hello Reseda." But the landscape and love stories captivated my pre-adolescent heart. I still remember sitting through the credits at the theater just to hear Peter sing the song...(You can imagine the disappointment I experienced during college when Peter was not at the Chicago concert I saw. No one told me he had left a decade before.)

I've been reliving that old flame again as I watched parts I & II this week.
(An attempt will be made to watch part III, but I remember a lot of disappointment with that one.) My memory served me correct in most places - except that Daniel never wanted to move to Fresno with his mom. After all these years, dreams of seeing Fresno...dashed!

However, there was theme that had flown over my head in 1986: the destruction of ungrace & the power of grace

Grace in the Karate Kid?
I know, I know...I never saw it. Sure the two old guys were at odds because of a love interest. Yeah, Sato's 'honor' had been tainted. But I never saw the fight between grace and ungrace.
Mr.Miyagi was an agent of grace, while Sato (closest childhood friend) was the victim of ungrace.
While Mr. Miyagi lived in peace - sad yes - but in peace, Sato lived in constant hatred - taking it out on his village. The former taught and exemplified "principle over passion" while the latter left a legacy of "no mercy."


......Part I...... {staying true to Karate Kid form}

Nobel Peace Prize Idea ( if I do say so myself)

A year ago I thought I'd be smart and plan a month of meals - the goal being to eliminate planning each week to just once a month. The menu only included supper because who really maps out breakfast, lunch and dinner? At the end of the month I realized I was a genius. (OK, you caught me. I already thought I was - cuz I'm a firstborn.)
What was my idea worthy of a Nobel Peace Price?
Use the menu three months--creating a seasonal meal plan system.
Fall: September - November
Winter: December - February
Spring: March - May
Summer: June - August

The biggest headache of meal preparation is the thinking,deciding and list making. With every meal decided, grocery shopping is a cinch. With my three month plan, I only have to think 4 times a year!! (now you're thinking I'm a genius too! and a QVC personality) I've added breakfasts and lunches - which are usually the same for every season.

Why even care enough to plan tomorrow's meals- led alone next month's? I have an internal drive to create an eating experience with every bite my family takes. When food/meals are esteemed, flavors are relished, and the act of eating is enjoyed, I believe we will
*learn to appreciate the "hands that prepare it"
*know when to say when
*enjoy a great variety of foods
*and much more

Personally, I feel its my role to be the best chef of Ardenland that I can. In fact, it's become a hobby to learn new recipes and attempt new cuisines.

But in all honesty, the best part for me is TIME EFFICIENCY. The time I save by thinking four times a year - instead EVERY DAY - allows me to do other things with my life BUT still provide a quality food service for my clientele. :)

The peace of knowing what's for supper at 9:00am is noble indeed!

TO DIE FOR Oatmeal Pancakes

We got a gift of Great Harvest Oatmeal Pancake for Christmas. Matt loved it so much he challenged me to find a recipe. I found this somewhere in lala-land.

The easiest pancake mix ever. I sometimes combine the dry ingredients in the evening to make it faster in the morning. I could make them everyday and my family wouldn't complain.


1 C wheat flour (whole wheat pastry flour makes them good too)
1 C old fashioned oats
1/4 C wheat germ (opt if you don't have)
1 T brown sugar (optional: sugar)
1 tsp baking soda
2 egg whites (accidentally used 2 eggs once and turned out fine)
1 egg (option #2: replace with flaxseed meal: mix 3 T water w/ 1tsp flaxseed meal. Sit for 1 minute.)
2 C milk
1/4 C canola oil

Stir dry. Stir wet. Mix.
I usually double this for the four of us plus some leftovers. Enjoy.

Let me know what you think. Were they to die for?

Homeade Crackers

At $3.00 a box, crackers are a big expense, but necessary ingredient, on my shopping list. I just found this recipe and will try it this week. I think the girls will enjoy participating in making the snack they love best.

http://www.choosingvoluntarysimplicity.com/the-easiest-crackers-i-have-ever-made/