Infinity scarf

More snow in the forecast--this winter just will not end!  I haven't put the scarfs away yet :)

Infinity scarf: Gap
Shirt: Nordstroms Rack
Sweater: Target

Turkey Meatballs

I found these Rosina turkey meatballs and love them!  

Pasta: 2 oz= 5 WW points

Sauce: 1/2 cup= 2 WW points

Meatballs: 3= 3 WW points

We love pasta, but it can be hard to eat healthy and eat pasta.  It's about making good choices and watching your portions-I wanted pasta, but knew I could live without garlic bread.  Matt had garlic bread with his pasta while I had green beans and a salad.  Remember that you do not have to eat exactly what your husband eats!

Juicing

I've been juicing recently- I love how it gives me a burst of energy! When I started juicing a few months ago, I would follow recipes and buy the ingredients.  Now I just make the recipes up with fruits or veggies that I like or have around the house.  Here is one of my recent favorites.   A tip- using ginger or lemons make the juices taste better.

Orange Juice (yields 6)

18 carrots

6 stalks of celery

2 cucumbers (I peel the skin off)

2 lemons (cut skin of lemon off)

6 apples  (cored with no seeds)

Sometimes I add kale to this recipe, but decided to make baked kale chips instead :)

I like to clean and cut up all the ingredients and put into two bowls before juicing.  Each bowl will make 3 juices.  I clean out the pulp from the juicer in between each juicing,

I have a Breville juicer and love it!

When I started juicing, I used plastic bottles but found that they were hard to keep clean and the juice only lasted two days.   I like to use Ball jars to store my juices- they keep the juice fresh longer. 

Looks like i'm ready for the week! Some weeks I will make two different juices to mix it up, but decided to keep it simple this week.  I'm going to have one juice each day this week.  

~Kelly

Jambalaya and Cornbread

We made jambalaya last night with turkey sausage to make it a little healthier.  Along with corn bread and green beans, it was delicious!  Perfect dinner for a cold winter night.

Cut turkey sausage into bit size pieces and cook on stovetop

Add Jambalaya Mix and cook according to the instructions

We each had two large portions, so enough for two meals - 10 WW points per serving (41 total points)

I also made cornbread muffins- 4 WW points per muffin. 

Nothing home made about this recipe, but I had all of the ingredients and it was an easy dinner to throw together.  Delicious dinner for 14 WW points :) These left overs won't last long at our house!

~Kelly

In-between seasons shopping trip at Target

Target had some awesome sales inbetween seasons! I might go back :) 

Cardigan $8.38

Blue pants $7.48

Black long TShirt $10.00

2 basic tshirts 2 for $16.00 

Total of $41.86 for 5 items

-Allison 

Easy Pad Thai

My husband enjoys any Asian food so I have been searching for easy/ creative/ healthy Asian food. We had success! 

We slightly cheated and bought the Pad Thai for Two. This was great portion control for me. The box contained rice noodles & sauce. 

Also Needed: 

Pork, Chicken, or Shrimp (we used pork) 

Egg 

4 Scallions 

Chopped peanuts 1/4 cup 

The rice noodles soaked for 30 minutes and it took about 6 to mix everything together in the wok. A serving is half of the box which was amazing! Here are the nutrition facts: 

Pad Thai For Two

Nutrition Facts SERVING SIZE: 1/2 package (127.5g) SERVINGS: 2 per container

Amount Per Serving Calories: 391 Calories from Fat: 15

%Daily Value* Total Fat: 3 g 3 % Saturated Fat 0 g 0 % Trans Fat 0 g 0 % Cholesterol 0 mg 0 % Sodium 433 mg 14 % Total Carbohydrates 85 g 26 % Dietary Fiber 0 g 12 % Sugars 16 g Protein 5 g Vitamin A 0 % Vitamin C 4 % Calcium 2 % Iron 2 %

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

PRESERVATIVE FREE | TRANS FAT FREE GLUTEN FREE

Ingredients: Rice Noodles: rice flour, water, modified tapioca starch. Pad Thai Sauce: palm sugar, tamarind juice (tamarind and water), water, shallot, sweet radish, garlic, soybean oil, potassium chloride, maltodextrin, miso (soybean, rice, salt), salt, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (soybean, corn, maltodextrin), yeast extract, paprika oleoresin, citric acid, alpha-tocopherol, chili oleoresin. Allergens:Contains soy.

Refrigerate Unused Portions ~Allison

Disney Workout

Since I will be going to Disney World in 36 days, I decided to max a play list focused on Disney for motivation!

This play list is about 45 minutes long:

I'll Make a Man Out of You: Mulan 

Under the Sea: The Little Mermaid 

Hakuna Matata: The Lion King 

Zero to Hero: Hercules 

Go the Distance: Hercules 

Friend Like Me: Aladdin 

Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride: Lilo and Stich 

I Wanna Be Like You: Jungle Book 

Ever Ever After: Enchanted 

I've Got A Dream: Tangled 

Down in New Orleans: The Princess & The Frog 

Just Around the Riverbend: Pocahontas 

I Just Can't Wait to be King: Lion King 

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah: Disney Park Song 

This is typical with my dog watching the "ball" 

Mint & Navy Blue

With a lot of the snow melting, the sun shining, & a high of 40. I am still on a spring kick!

Under shirt: New York & Company
Sweater: Old Navy
Pants: Gap
Shoes: Kohls
Necklace: New York & Company

~Allison

Bubble Necklace

I wore this bright pink top and teal bubble necklace last week while vacationing in Florida.  I love wearing bright colors together!

Shirt: The Limited
Necklace: ABC Trading Co

~Kelly

Healthy Mexican Casserole

Ingredients: 

12-6 inch corn tortillas 

1 chicken breast cubed

1 red bell pepper chopped 

A dash of chili powder 

1/2 can refried beans 

1 can Progresso light southwestern style vegetable soup 

1/2 cup quick brown rice 

4 ounces cream cheese 

1/2 cup reduced fat shredded cheese * I didn't use that much 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 

2. In a skillet on medium/ high heat cook chicken, peppers, & the chili powder until the chicken is done. 

3. Add the can of soup bring to a boil then add the rice reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. 

While it's simmering prepare tortillas 

4. In a 9x13 casserole dish but 1 tablespoon of refried beans on the bottom layers of tortillas. I was able to get 6 on the bottom. 

5. Mix in cream cheese to the skillet mixture and spread over the bottom layer of tortillas. 

6. Top with tortillas and cheese. 

Cook for 20-25 minutes. 

Makes about 4 servings (really it depends how many corn tortillas are used) 

WW Points 5 

Calories: 275 per serving 

~Allison

Kettle Bell Workout

Kettle Bell Work Out 

First, I did 20 minutes on the elliptical to get my heart rate up. Then I did the workout posted below. I also was listening to music during my workout. This play list comes from coaching swimming in which all of the songs focus on high beats per minute.

Here are the songs from today:
Timber by Pitbull Ft. Kesha
Eye of the Tiger by Journey
Bust a Move by Young MC
Footloose by Blake Shelton
Just Dance by Lady Gaga

http://www.skinnymom.com/2014/02/08/14-kettlebell-moves-for-an-allover-body-calorie-torcher/


~Allison

Valentine's Day

We will try to capture moments of what we are doing an the same exact moments for side by side photos.

First side by side Valentine's Day 2014: Kelly & Matt on the beach in Florida & Allison at her school photo booth Valentine's day themed of course.

Ready for Spring! Think warm thoughts :)

Being a Monday, cold, & with a chance of snow again..I wanted to think warm thoughts! When I think spring & warm I think of yellow. :)

Sweater: H & M
Pants: New York & Company
Shoes: Not pictured..Navy Sperrys

I also decided to add a scarf so the yellow didn't wash me out.

Scarf: Charming Charlies 

~Allison

No-Bake Energy Bites

I was looking for a healthy dessert to satisfy my sweet tooth. :) A fellow swim coach suggested these tasty energy bites! 

Ingredients:
1 cup dry quick oats
1/2 cup ground flax seed or wheat germ
2/3 cups toasted coconut: I bought pre toasted coconut from Trader Joe's
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup chocolate chips: I used dark chocolate chips
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl.

Chill for 30 minutes.

Using your hands, shape into balls. I have a cookie drop from pampered chef I used so 
they were all the same size. Store in an airtight container & enjoy all week!  

Average of 120 calories/ energy bite this depends on the brand of items used. 

~Allison

Pizza Roll Ups

This is a quick & simple dinner. It is a healthy version of pizza rolls.

Preheat oven to the crescent roll directions usually about 350 degrees

1 tube reduced fat crescent rolls
1 cup of Low calorie pizza sauce
Turkey pepperoni
Reduced fat mozzarella cheese or 4 pieces string cheese split in half

Extra toppings: mushroom, peppers, anything you would like in a pizza

Spread the pizza sauce on each triangle of crescent roll dough, add pepperoni, cheese, & extra toppings then roll up starting at the larger end. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and crescent rolls are light brown.

about 200 calories/ roll depending on how much sauce & toppings
2 rolls=5 WW points

~Allison

Getting fit

I am trying to loose weight, live a healthier life, and gain strength!  I joined Weight Watchers with my mom and it's great having that support system.  I also started taking work out classes 2-3 times a week! I've tried a YPump class that is all weight training and Zumba!  I was tired of going to the gym and just hopping on the elliptical for an hour.. the workout classes are great!  Having a scheduled time to be at the gym Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday is great- I don't plan anything else during those times and don't stress myself out on other days because i'm not working out.

 

You have to feel confident when working out- I like to wear bright workout shirts!

A new pair tennis shoes :)

Jawbone Up band

I've been wearing my Jawbone Up band to help motivate me to be more active.  This band tracks my steps per day and also my sleep patterns.  

Workout clothes: Lululemon

Shoes: New Balance

~Kelly

Statement Necklace

I love statement necklaces and when I saw this one, I knew I had to have it.  I paired this necklace with a white shirt and wore it to a holiday party!  I received so many compliments on this necklace!

Necklace: Francesca's
Shirt: Nordstrom's Rack
Shirt: Nordstroms Rack

~Kelly

Pop of Purple

It's been a cold winter and my boots are still a staple in my wardrobe.   I paired my black flat boots with black skinny jeans, a white tank top, and a purple cardigan!

Jeans: Marshalls
Shirt: Nordstroms Rack
Sweater: Target
Necklace: The Limited
Boots: Macys

-Kelly

Skinny Doritos Taco Bake

Ingredients:

1 can reduced fat crescent rolls

1/2 lb extra lean ground beef

1 can mild rotel, drained

1 package taco seasoning

1 6 oz container Fage 0% plain greek yogurt

1 cup reduced fat shredded cheese

1/2 bag Baked Doritos Nacho Cheese chips, crushed

Directions:

1. In large skillet, brown ground beef and drain off fat.  

2. Add taco seasoning and rotel.  Simmer for 5 minutes

3. Press crescent rolls in the bottom of a 9 x 13 greased pan.  Press seams to seal. 

4. Top crescent rolls with meat mixture, spread greek yogurt over meat.  Top with shredded cheese and  crushed Doritos.  

5. Bake for 30 minutes.

Serving size is 1/8 the recipe and is 8 WW points.  

This is delicious!  The first time I made this, my husband asked if we had any more sour cream to put on top.  He was shocked when I told him that I had used greek yogurt- tastes just as good.. you can't even tell!  We had this for left overs and it wasn't as good the next day because the Doritos were soggy.  I suggest added more Doritos to the top and heating in oven versus the microwave.

Yesterday I came home after my workout class and my husband had made this for dinner.. what a nice surprise!!

~ Kelly

Recipe found on Pinterest- Mamalaughlin blog

Kale Chips

I use Kale when making juices and had some left over this week, so I decided to try to make Kale Chips. They were delicious and satisfied that salty craving I had! These are super easy!

Ingredients:
1 bunch of kale
1 Tbsp of olive oil
1 tsp seasoned salt

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 35o degrees.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil

2. With a knife, remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear the kale into bit size pieces.  Wash and thoroughly dry kale.

3. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

4. Bake until edges are browned, 10 to 15 minutes.  Take out of the oven and set on paper towel to soak up the extra oil.  Enjoy!

~Kelly

Recipe found on Pinterest- originally from Allrecipes.com

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

If you love PF Changs lettuce wraps, you will love these!  A little healthier, but so good!  My husband isn't a huge fan of lettuce, so he wrapped his up in a tortilla.

Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 onion, minced
salt and pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 in nob of ginger- I use a Tbsp of ginger from a jar
2 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp sesame oil
1 Tbsp peanut butter
1/2 Tbsp water
1/2 Tbsp honey
2 tsp chili garlic sauce (we love this sauce and add more!)
3 green onions, chopped
1/2 8 oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
Head of lettuce- rince and dry the lettuce leaves for the wrap
Tortillas if your husband is like  mine and won't eat lettuce :)


Directions:
1. Heat a large non stick skillet on high.  Add chicken, onion, salt and pepper.  Cook until chicken is nearly done, stirring often.  Add ginger and garlic and continue to cook until chicken is no longer pink.

2. Meanwhile, in a microwave safe bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, oil, peanut butter, water, honey, chili garlic sauce, sauce and pepper.  Microwave for 20 seconds or until smooth.  Add to skillet and stir.

3.  Add green onions and water chestnuts to skillet and cook for 2 more minutes.

4.  Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and serve with lettuce leaves or tortillas.

These are fantastic!!  Don't let the long list of ingredients scare you, they are very easy to make!  My husband also fell in love with this chili garlic sauce and puts it on everything!
~Kelly

Recipe found on pinterest via Iowagirleast blog

Bubble Necklace Outfit

First time wearing my new bubble necklace from Christmas.  

Top: H & M 
Necklace: Patcatans
Bottoms: Rockstar Jeans from Old Navy