Trials of a Long Haired Girl

Happy Monday, friends!  We are back for another Meal Planning Monday!  This week between Christmas and New Year's Day is just a little crazy.  However, I feel really good about having a game plan for the week of New Year's Day.  As you may recall, I didn't have much of a meal plan for last week.  So, what are we having for dinner this week?  My plan in no particular order: Baked Potatoes (served with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits) Chicken Pot Pie; Homemade Hamburger Stroganoff; Black Eyed Peas, Cabbage and ham; Bean and Cheese tostadas.   As always, these meals are subject to change.  I am excited for the week.  I always feel better when there is a plan in place.  Care to share your game plan for the week? :-)

Happy Friday friends!  I think I mentioned not long ago that I purchased a new planner for the 2019.  After receiving it and will admit to being excited to start the new year with this great planner.  I can't believe I didn't invest in this planner sooner, but I am not sure I was ready for it before now.  There are so many great features to this planner.  For me, having the goal setting sections in there are going to spur me to hitting my goals this year!  Another big plus is the budget sections.  As of today (12/28/2018), The Living Well Spending Less planner is currently on sale for it's lowest price.  Additionally, the fine folks at Living Well Spending Less have offered a $5.00 discount if you use a referral code.  Here is mine:  http://livingwellshop.refr.cc/ tracey     This makes this planner a fantastic deal.   You can see the unboxing from their Facebook Live  here .  I am not sure I've been thi...

Happy Thursday a/k/a Friday eve friends!  Thanks for stopping by!  With January 1st right around the corner, I wanted to take a moment and talk about my goals for the month of January.  As I mentioned, one of the Wellness Coaches for a local meeting offered up a challenge to walk/run 2019 miles in 2019.  I am going to strive to hit that mark.  I realize that there will be off days, but it is definitely something to focus on.  I am planning to go back to basics in January.  Yes, I will be reviewing my WW information and focusing on those meal plans.  I think I am a little different than some because I choose not to do the fat free cheese, milk, etc. In going back to basics, I will be getting back to tracking all my licks, bites and tastes!  It's important to know what I'm putting in my body because I can't expect it to run well if I put junk in it continuously.  Movement is key.  I will be using that little keyboard holder more in ...

So I think I mentioned last week that I was attempting to recreate my Mom's candy making so that her legacy wouldn't die.  I know that sounds a bit morose, but it was sort of the way I felt about it.  My Mom and my Aunt Karen made candy most every year when I was growing up.  I thought I was really helping when I'd open all the caramels before they got melted.  This was always a special time for me.  While many of the candy changed periodically the two standbys were turtles and fudge.  I share a picture of my turtles last week.  This week, while not really weight loss friendly, I wanted to share the fudge recipe that I used to make this delicious fudge that my Mom and Aunt Karen used to make.  It is a family favorite.   I remember making fudge before Mom passed and she said just use the recipe on the side of the marshmallow creme container.  While looking on Pinterest, I found this recipe for the "original" fantasy fudge recipe...

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Happy Monday!  Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas Eve for those that celebrate Christmas!  I have to be real honest with y'all, last week was a big struggle.  I wound up going off plan for several meals and wound up letting my husband take the reins for a couple of days.  I got very sick on Wednesday night and was down for the count on Thursday.   Monday: Fish sticks, Kraft macaroni and cheese and steamed Brussels Sprouts. Tuesday: Crescent dogs Wednesday: Crescent Chicken Pockets with steamed broccoli.  I used to crescent rolls together (trying to pinch the perforations together so it didn't pop open) . I put some canned chicken breast and shredded cheddar cheese in there.  Closed it up to create a pocket. Thursday: My sweet husband picked up Panera Bread potato soup for me because I felt like I could hold it down. Friday: Kraft Macaroni and Cheese again. It wasn't the best week for weight loss, to be honest.  For a fe...

Happy hump day friends!  My son and I had enjoyed some time baking and making candy this past weekend.  Not really finished with what I wanted to make this year, but it was lots of fun!  One of the items that we made were Grinch Cookies .  I saw them and thought that our little Sunday School class would enjoy them greatly.  So sweet, I got a thank you card from the class for my effort.  They really turned out well.  I really hope that you enjoy them if you try them yourself.  Mine don't look quite the same as hers does in the blog, but they were so fun to make!  

Happy Tuesday!  I hope that everyone is having a great week so far!  It was a bit crazy yesterday, but I made it through.  I made a decision earlier this month that I could not go another year without making my Mom's traditional candy.  So this past weekend, I did two parchments sheets of turtles and 2 batches of fudge.  I didn't take a picture of the fudge, but I did one batch with nuts and one without.  It doesn't look professional or pretty, but they are definitely tasty.  This was always one of my favorite things around Christmas time.  I felt like if I didn't make them this year, I would feel like I was letting my Mom's legacy die and I just couldn't do that.  I also made some Grinch cookies for the Sunday School class.  I will share a picture of those along with the recipe.  What "candy" traditions do you have in your family?  Hope everyone has a great day!  

Happy, happy Monday friends!  Thanks for stopping by!   Last week, I planned to cook:  Spaghetti with marinara; Bean and Cheese Burritos; Hobo Dinner Foil packets; Breakfast for dinner; and Chicken and roasted veggies. What I remember for sure that we had was:  Spaghetti with marinara; Hobo Dinner Foil Packets; Velveeta Shells and cheese; Tomato Soup and Grill Cheese. This week for dinners: Hamburgers/Cheeseburgers with homemade "cheese fries"; 7 Can soup minus the corn; Breakfast for dinner; Chicken "pies" with veggies; Beans and cornbread; Beans and rice (this isn't a definite, but a possibility for sure). As always, these meals are subject to change without notice.  I haven't felt 100% this week, so it's been a bit of a struggle to feel inspired to make meals this past week. Hoping that passes this week and I am back to "normal".  I am having a salad today and probably at least one more day this week.  I think w...

Happy hump day, friends!  We've made it to the middle of the week!  I saw this recipe going around on Facebook and, while I think Mom did something similar years ago, I had never tried it myself.  This one is called  Hobo Dinner Foil Packets  and was really tasty!  I used potatoes (thinly sliced) and Brussels Sprouts, instead of carrots.  Everyone cleaned their plates, so I think it was a hit.   I just hope all my other meals this week go so well!  Have you tried any recipes recently that were a big hit?  I would love to try new recipes!  

Happy, happy Tuesday!  I hope everyone has had a great start to the week!  It has been a number of years since I felt like I even remotely had a handle on my diet and meal planning.  I finally feel like I am finally getting a handle on my meal planning.  My family really enjoyed last night's meal and I think I may have to do it again.  I will probably share that on Wednesday's blog.   My workouts are not really going right now, but I am definitely feel like I'm going down the right path.  I'm feeling good about where I am and the direction that I'm headed.  I truly feel like the mind shift is happening before my very eyes.  While I know I can enjoy my food and I do, trust me, I don't feel like I have to indulge at every meal or snack.  That is really a big step in the right direction for me.  I feel like I have reached a point where I am giving my body what it needs and I have to say that's a really great feeling! ...

  Happy Monday friends!  I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!   Last week, I planned to cook: Cheeseburgers with fries in the air fryer; Turkey Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and an unspecified side; Spaghetti with marinara; Fryer Chicken with leftover macaroni and cheese; and Bean and Cheese Burritos. What we actually had for dinner was: Fryer Chicken with leftover macaroni and cheese; Cheeseburgers with fries in the air fryer; Super Easy Chicken and Dumplings; Subway sandwiches; Turkey Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and Brussels Sprouts; and Pizza. For the coming week, I have planned: Spaghetti with marinara; Bean and Cheese Burritos; Hobo Dinner Foil packets; Breakfast for dinner; and Chicken and roasted veggies. I am having a salad today and probably at least one more day this week.  I have not decided what I will have the other days, but I will get something planned tonight.   Weigh-i...

Hello friends and happy Friday!  It's been a bit of a crazy week for me.  All those last minute tasks and doctor's visits that need to happen before the end of the year.  Although I am happy to report that I have keep my word to myself that I would focus on taken better care of myself.  This year, I have maintained my relationship with my allergy doctor, found a new cardiologist and seen a pulmonary/sleep doctor to make sure I have a handle on things this year.  I have a game plan for my goals for the coming year and some additional blog ideas.  I know sometimes it's a bit scattered and I'm working on that as well.  If there's anything you would like to see or see more of, please let me know.  On to meal planning for the coming week!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Tuesday friends!  I hope everyone is doing well.  I hope no one minds, I was recently reminded of something and I thought I'd share it here in case others are having the same issue.  I was reading one of the Chris Powell books some time ago but something he said in that book came to me and gave me pause.  He said that oftentimes during our weight loss journey that we get to a point where we have failed ourselves so often that it takes time to rebuild trust with ourselves before our bodies and minds trust that we are going to do what we say we are going to do.  It's not always an easy task to rebuild trust with anyone, much less yourself.  This month, and quite possibly, into the new year, I am working on rebuilding trust with myself.  I have told myself on multiple occasions that I would do whatever and then I fail in following through with whatever.  How am I going to combat that?  I'm going to make a point to follow-through with mys...

Happy Monday friends!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  I managed to lose a pound last week, which is a positive.  Last week, I planned to have this:  Pizza Bubble Up casserole;  Homemade Hamburger Helper mix with turkey; Tostadas (I will probably ask my husband to make his no recipe Spanish Rice for the family); Fryer Chicken with root vegetables. What we had was:  Lima Beans and cornbread; Pizza Bubble Up Casserole; Macaroni and Cheese (from Costco); Veggie Pizza/Pepperoni frozen pizza for the kids; It was not the best week as I had several days where I had a bad headache.  However, I tracked my food and hit my step goal. For the coming week, I have planned: Cheeseburgers with fries in the air fryer; Turkey Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and an unspecified side; Spaghetti with marinara; Fryer Chicken with leftover macaroni and cheese; and Bean and Cheese Burritos. For lunches this week, the plan is to have salads a coupl...

Happy Friday friends!  It's hard to believe that December starts tomorrow.  This year seems to have flown by.  I mentioned earlier this week about my groovy  planner .  I am really excited about it.  To that end, I've been looking at some specific goals, project and things I need to change going into 2019.  I really think that it will help me focus on the specific things that I want to transform in the coming year.  I have also been thinking about ideas for the blog.  There are so many ideas floating around in my head.  I bought myself a small notebook that I keep in my purse so that I can write things down whenever something strikes me.  I want to really work on conquering some fears and some clutter in the coming year.  One step at a time, right? First, thoughts for goals in December.  I really want to string more on plan days/Blue Dot Days together.  I want to hit my step goal more often than not.  I know ...

Happy Thursday a/k/a Friday eve, friends!  Hope everyone's week is going well.  I have already been thinking about my goals for the coming year.  It's never too soon, right?  I got a great new calendar that I am hoping will help me plot out how to get to my goals. I need to start working through it, but I thought I would share this quote from Carol Burnett.  It's so true!  

Hello wonderful friends! Happy Hump day!  I hope everyone is having a great week thus far.   Is it just me or is it difficult to get back into your routine after a few days off?  It's been a little crazy for me, but I am determined that I will have my 5 perfect days to get back into my routine at the end of the week.  However, what I can say is getting back into my routine doesn't have to be all salads or veggie soup.  Last night, I decided to finally have the Pizza Bubble Up that has been on my meal plan for a couple of weeks.  Instead of making one casserole, I decided to make two 8x8 casseroles because not all my family likes the same pizza toppings.  I've got one part that prefers just pepperoni and I, personally, am not a fan.  I decided to use the Canadian bacon that I had in the freezer for one of the casseroles.  I added a Pearls Olives on the Go sliced olive container and some bell pepper, along with the Canadian bacon....

Happy Tuesday friends!  Some of you know that I am a fan of the audiobook and ebook.  I was randomly searching in the library catalogs that I have access to through Overdrive and I came upon a book entitled "Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love" by Nancy Dreyfus, Psy.D.   I realized after looking at this book that it is a book to help with failing marriages, but it prompted a whole train of thought with me.  This book reminded me of something that was said to me years ago.  A dear friend asked me when I was doing very well on this journey years ago if I would say something negative that I said about myself to a her or another friend.  I stopped and thought about it and responded no.  I wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.  She said then why do you keep saying to to yourself?  She reminded me that we do not see ourselves the way others see us.  The fact of the matter is that we often say things to ourselves in our struggle to c...

Good morning friends!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.  I did not do any Black Friday shopping at a store.  Anything I purchased, I did online.  The only thing I purchased was groceries.  I have to say that this week when NOTHING like I planned, meal wise.  What I planned was:  Cheeseburger and Tot Casserole made with ground turkey; Homemade Hamburger Helper mix. Beans and Cornbread. Pizza Bubble-Up Casserole. We had two meals on Thanksgiving day and things sort of went downhill from there.  My eating was seriously off.  I don't think I had any fruits or veggies at all since Thursday.  So, for the coming week, I have decided to do the 5 perfect day challenge for myself again for this week.  I feel like this will help me get a handle on things and perhaps help me undo some of the horrible things I did to my body these past few days.  My meal plan for the coming week looks much like the one from thi...

Happy Thanksgiving friends!  I have not been good about posting this week and for that I apologize.  I wanted to take a moment and say thank you to those of you that stop by and read my blog.  Also to say that I am thankful for an amazing church family, my biological and unbiological family and my friends.  Today I want to focus on the things that I still have.  Today is sometimes a difficult time for me after losing my Mom.  I can remember feeling so alone in a room full of people.  I am so thankful that God gave me another day.  It is all about perspective.  My heart is overflowing and my cup is full.

Happy Monday Friends!  Glad you came to visit my little piece of the internet.  It's time again for me to write down the meal plan for the week. My plan for dinners last  week was: Beef and Broccoli with cauliflower rice for me Mexican Casserole with Mini Tortillas. Chicken Burgers with root veggies. Pizza Bubble Up casserole. Beans and Cornbread. Cheeseburger and Tot casserole What we actually had for dinner was: Enchilada Casserole. Healthy Beef and Broccoli with cauliflower rice for me. Super Easy Chicken and Dumplings Subway Melt Chicken burgers For the coming week, I have planned: Cheeseburger and Tot Casserole made with ground turkey; Homemade Hamburger Helper mix. Beans and Cornbread. Pizza Bubble-Up Casserole. As Thursday is Thanksgiving, I won't plan anything for that day.  What plans do you have for the week? 

Happy Friday friends!  I hope you have had a great week!  It's been a frustrating week for me.  Illness seems to be moving through my house.  3 out of 4 of us seem to be under the weather.  I decided today to do a comparison picture after the WW leader for Saturday mornings at the studio I go to weigh in at said she could really tell in my face.  I really hadn't noticed it, but I went looking through pictures in my phone and found the one on the left taken in July 2014 and then took the one on the right today.  Wow!  I hadn't realized the difference.

Happy Thursday a/k/a Friday eve friends!  I know I was just talking about The Biggest Loser not long ago.  In my search to try to find some of the earlier episodes online, I ran across another couple of shows that really gave me pause.  I have, in the past, watched My 600 Lb Life.  More recently what I've seen while watching Supersized and then Supersize vs. Superskinny really brought light to the multitude of eating disorders that there are out there.  Supersize vs. Superskinny truly focuses on both sides of the coin.  The reality is that it is very scary dealing with either anorexia or morbid obesity.  I think the interesting thing about putting them together in an "eating house" is that they could not hide from what they had been eating because their partner had to eat what they were normally eating during the week.  I think for so many of the contestants it was quite a rude awakening because they had to face what they had been eating.  ...

Happy Wednesday, friends!  It's been a crazy week, but I am feeling positive overall about it.  This weather in our area has been crazy.  A few weeks ago while binge watching YouTube, I ran across a video of dinners made by Jess on her YouTube Channel WW Journey to Healthy .  One recipe that she made one that really struck my fancy considering we LOVE Chinese food around this house.  What could be better than a recipe that tastes great and doesn't use all of my daily SmartPoints in one meal?!  The recipe is a Healthy Beef and Broccoli .  Oh.My.Yum! I made it last night for dinner.  It did not disappoint and was absolutely delicious!  I did not take any pictures, but it was so tasty that there were no leftovers!   I think I may have to double the recipe next time.  It was full of flavor.  We made brown rice for the family but I had mine with Cauliflower Rice.  I definitely give this recipe two thumbs up and I will ...

Happy Tuesday, friends!  As many of you know I was a fan of The Biggest Loser.  No matter what went on behind the scenes, it was still inspiration for me to watch those contestants change their lives.  I know there was a lot of controversy over what may have happened behind the scenes, but part of what I saw in those contestants are things that I've seen in myself on this journey.   When the mind begins to shift, everything changes.  I know that for me with my food, that has happened.  I saw a friend's blog that she's feeling that with her workouts.  We each have different strengths and weaknesses.  With my food, I have found that I can have certain foods in my house and I don't just go get the bag and eat until I can't eat anymore.  Sadly, with certain foods, I used to do that.  I found a show that NBC came out with apparently in 2016 called "Strong" that reminded me of the mind shift and how the contestant's change over time....

Happy Monday friends!  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  Here we are again for another week of meals.  I am really enjoying sharing these each week.   I'm going to start with telling you how my week went last week.  I planned this: Beef and Broccoli served with rice for my family and cauliflower rice for me. Chicken Pot Pie. Mexican Casserole or Bean and cheese taquitos, but I haven't decided yet. Chicken Burgers with Root Veggies in the air fryer. Homemade hamburger helper made with turkey. What we actually had was as follows: Chicken Pot Pie  (I got this recipe years ago off halfmysize.com, which is no more) Red Lobster Subway Mexican Bubble Up Casserole (I searched on Pinterest and created my own) Milton Roasted Vegetable Pizza on Cauliflower Crust. This week, my plan is to have some egg muffins again, a Denver Omelet inspired egg muffins along with preparing some overnight oats for breakfast.   For lun...

Happy Friday friends!  I wanted to continue with my story from last week.  Within hours after my baby dumpling was born, we had a minor scare with a student nurse being unable to find his heartbeat.  I won't lie, it scared me to the point that I sent his father after them to find out what was going on.  Nurse Polly was able to get things taken care of quickly.  The days in the hospital that followed are a bit of a blur, but things I can recall include finding it difficult to have him in the nursery.  Breastfeeding wasn't the easiest task, but I am glad that I took advantage of the help at the hospital.  When we were finally released to go home, I was a scared "Mommy".  At the time, I had a soft side water bed and I was concerned about getting in and out of the bed so soon after giving birth.  I quickly discovered that he was hungry CONSTANTLY.  Knowing what I know now, I think I was not eating in the best possible way to give him the n...

Happy Thursday a/k/a Friday eve!  As the end of the year is quickly approaching, I am reminded of a promise I made to myself earlier this year...that I would take care of myself.  To that end, I've been seeing a cardiologist, a dermatologist, an allergy doctor.  I have an appointment with a sleep doctor next month.  I saw my GP recently to get my blood work done and get a routine checkout.  Today my stress echo is scheduled.  Honestly, I'm a little nervous.  I do agree with my cardiologist that given my family history, it's necessary.  I am making some good strides with my weight loss, even if not all of it shows on the scale.  I am getting compliments from people at church and from friends.  I am also noticing more and more that I really need to purge my closet.  I didn't realize how big the shirt I had on yesterday was or how big it looked on me.  I think we often forget how things really change with our bodies as we a...

Happy Hump day friends!  I hope you are having a good week thus far.  We're halfway to Friday!  As many of you know, I am a member of WW f/k/a Weight Watchers.  I have really been trying to work the plan, as the saying goes, and have been trying to find foods that I can enjoy, not get too bored of and will keep me full.  I started following Kim ( PrepWhisperer ) on YouTube.  I don't quite remember how I came upon her, but I enjoy her videos greatly.  She shares her meals, recipes, tips and tricks.  She shared her overnight oats recipe during her meal prepping videos, the specific one I cannot recall.  I tried a couple of the variations and they are very tasty!   I had heard some not good things about overnight oats from various sources and after doing additional research, I think I understand why.  A lot of the overnight oats recipes have yogurt and do not require heating.  I don't know about you, but I like my oatmeal...

Happy Tuesday, friends!  I hope everyone is having a good week thus far.  I was promptly reminded last week that the best laid plans don't always make it to fruition.  I did really well last week moving and getting some 30 minute workouts in, meals were tracked and I had blue dot days.  Then Thursday, my rib popped out of place and everything got thrown off.  My food has not been great since then because I've not really been able to do much.  For Monday, I used the remains of a salad kit and some spinach, grape tomatoes, fat free feta cheese, Greek dressing, Kalamata olives and some roasted chickpeas for lunch.  Mostly it was a lot of measuring.  With my sweet husband's help, I made an easy chicken pot pie recipe.  Tonight we will honor my Mom's birthday by having dinner at Red Lobster.  Most years, she asked to go to Red Lobster so this is one of the things we do to honor her.  For those of you that my Mom in person, she was some...

Happy Monday friends!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  Despite the fact that I started my week around -17 weeklies because I used all my dailies and weeklies last weekend.  I managed to lose 1.6 this week.  This was definitely not without some work on my part.  I started Monday using only my daily Points and getting a workout in at least 3 thirty minute workouts in for the week.  I was going to continue working out, but my rib popped out of place.  It was not pleasant, but thankfully my chiropractor was able to get me in on Friday to pop it back in but it's still causing a LOT of pain.  I am hoping that I can get back to doing some easier workouts this week, but slow and steady wins the race.   Dinner Meal Plan for this week, which can change without notice, is pretty much as follows: Beef and Broccoli served with rice for my family and cauliflower rice for me. Chicken Pot Pie. Mexican Casserole or Bean and cheese taquitos...