Today we went to see Kid's neurologist for our check-up. We've still got another 9 months to go before they even consider weaning her off the anti-seizure medication so not much was going to be revealed at this appointment. She hasn't had any seizures, she doing well, her behavior is no longer a problem, she's sleeping well. So Mr F opted out of this appointment since he's taking off next week for her eye surgery (yeah it is nothing but fun times around here). The problem with that is that schlepping both kids to the hospital for the appointment and dealing with the overflowing parking structure and the slow elevators and everything is annoying at best and often times just a little stressful. We don't even live 2 miles away and yet I have to get them all in the car about 45 minutes ahead of time to account for all that can happen between our door and the clinic's.
My worst fears were not realized and I managed to pull it all together and with a bit of nagging we arrived just on time (no not 15 minutes early as we were requested to do). Baby tolerated her stroller for a bit and then explored the room. Fortunately they had a scholastic book on arctic explorers which might as well have been hand picked by Kid and she was happily listening while Baby crawled under some chairs to investigate dangerous chords and whatnot. Really it wasn't so bad. Baby never once tried to flee the room.
The doctor is a super nice engaging older man. He remembers (or takes VERY detailed notes to help him remember) minute details of your family... looked at Baby and said "The last time I saw you you must have been four and half months old." umm... yeah... to. the. day. Seriously folks. Anyway I enjoy that in him. He engaged Kid in some ball throwing and jumping and asked her some basic questions. Then we talked about what comes next. I'm pretty well read on Epilepsy and so I'm well acquainted with the numbers and how things will be.
Having said that I still always have some deep down secret desire to arrive at the appointments and have some unexplained turn of events discovered that result in a new diagnosis or NO diagnosis. When that doesn't in fact happen, as it inevitable won't, and we begin talking about the reality of the situation it is hard not to leave a bit depressed. And the funk can kind of hang around for a bit and the funk can turn into grief and at its worst into an inner hysteria that makes me fear for my daughter's life and even start to mourn it.
In November we will start to slowly wean Kid off of her medication. During those few months and then the following six is when she would most likely have a repeat seizure. If she doesn't then she will no longer have epilepsy and it will be assumed that she has outgrown it. 70% of children do outgrow it. But obviously 30% do not and they may seize during the weaning or in the 6 months following or they may seize seemingly out of the blue 5 years later. You'll never know. You. Will. Never. Know. You can't try to feel what that would be like but I suspect if you are not the parent of a sick kid in remission of something you probably can't. Many people will look at those numbers and think those are good odds. Well when your child only has a 2% chance of having Epilepsy in the first place and then manages to have the most uncommon form numbers no longer mean much or offer much consolation. The reality is for every 7 kids who will successfully outgrow it 3 will not. And even the parents of those lucky 7 will still never know if there world will suddenly come crashing down a few years down the road. It's not like you get a certificate that guarantees your recovery.
The main concern I have at this point is that Kid will be most likely to have a seizure between November and August of next year... when she would be going to school. The school does not have a full-time nurse and the neurologist did make it clear that that is by FAR the preferred situation. So I'm not sure she'll be going to school. I have a lot of mixed emotions about this and will need to take some time to really process what I think will be best. For now I'm still going to attend the Kindergarten roundups and open houses and may look into the private schools and see what their onsite medical coverage is like. But in the end I don't know if I can live through the amount of worry I'd have EVERY DAY. I'm not sure it would even be tolerable for me to do so.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Other White Meat
That's right people today we are talking about pork. Pork tenderloin to be exact. I've posted this before but didn't go into how I actually prepare it so today I thought I'd post both the detailed instructions but also some instructional videos.
This is one of the easiest (and leanest) roasts you can make. Seriously. As long as you don't overcook it you really can't go wrong here. I have a super simple marinade and spice rub and that's it.... pop it in the oven and you are done! It is virtually hands off. If you haven't made this before or are new to the kitchen the videos are worth watching... there's a lot of information in them that won't be included in the recipe.
Pork Tenderloin
1 pork tenderloin (about 1.25-1.5 lbs)
1/4 c worcestershire sauce
ground thyme
salt
pepper
meat thermometer
At least 30 minutes before cooking (up to overnight) place the pork tenderloin (trimming it of any excess fat if need be first) in a zip top bag and cover with the worcestershire sauce. Turn the bag to coat the meat and then place in the refridgerator until ready to cook.
Preheat your oven to 375 F.
Remove the tenderloin from the marinade and pat dry. Shake salt, pepper, and thyme onto the meat and coat evenly.
Place the tenderloin in a roasting dish or pyrex pan. Place in oven and cook for approximately 25-30 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 142 F. Take the meat out and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. The temperature should continue to rise and should reach about 150 F this will be "medium" and is how pork should be served. Take the temperature up to 160 F if you want it to be well done, dry, and grey ;)
Each 4 oz portion is 185 calories
Cooking Notes:
Trichinosis is killed off at 137 F. Trust me pork is much better when it is still tender.
Please watch the video if you have any questions.
This is good as is but I like to serve it with apple butter or cranberry sauce.
Mrs F Food TV... you can watch me make it!
Want to see how "Take One" went down? N-I-G-H-T-M-A-R-E. This one is a "Do Not Miss" video!
This is one of the easiest (and leanest) roasts you can make. Seriously. As long as you don't overcook it you really can't go wrong here. I have a super simple marinade and spice rub and that's it.... pop it in the oven and you are done! It is virtually hands off. If you haven't made this before or are new to the kitchen the videos are worth watching... there's a lot of information in them that won't be included in the recipe.
Pork Tenderloin
1 pork tenderloin (about 1.25-1.5 lbs)
1/4 c worcestershire sauce
ground thyme
salt
pepper
meat thermometer
At least 30 minutes before cooking (up to overnight) place the pork tenderloin (trimming it of any excess fat if need be first) in a zip top bag and cover with the worcestershire sauce. Turn the bag to coat the meat and then place in the refridgerator until ready to cook.
Preheat your oven to 375 F.
Remove the tenderloin from the marinade and pat dry. Shake salt, pepper, and thyme onto the meat and coat evenly.
Place the tenderloin in a roasting dish or pyrex pan. Place in oven and cook for approximately 25-30 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 142 F. Take the meat out and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. The temperature should continue to rise and should reach about 150 F this will be "medium" and is how pork should be served. Take the temperature up to 160 F if you want it to be well done, dry, and grey ;)
Each 4 oz portion is 185 calories
Cooking Notes:
Trichinosis is killed off at 137 F. Trust me pork is much better when it is still tender.
Please watch the video if you have any questions.
This is good as is but I like to serve it with apple butter or cranberry sauce.
Mrs F Food TV... you can watch me make it!
Want to see how "Take One" went down? N-I-G-H-T-M-A-R-E. This one is a "Do Not Miss" video!
Monday, January 28, 2008
This Week The Plan
Alrighty. This is going to be a busy week with Baby's fist birthday and all. Oh and we have to go eat Ethiopian food before the end of the month (yes that is about all we did for "Africa"... better luck next month).
This week went pretty well. I stuck to most of my goals. I only did four days of exercise but I am tired and I just needed to give it a rest this weekend. I stuck to my menu. I did about 200 loads of laundry... still haven't washed my sheets even though they are actually stiff from Baby's constant drool. I let my desk get out of control but I did a major clean up and got it back to organized last night. I even started out taxes!!!
Okay on to this week:
MENU
Monday - Sweet Potato & Molasses Beef Stew
Tuesday - Salmon Noodle Casserole & Salad
Wednesday - Date Night (Kid asked me out!)
Thursday - Baby's Birthday at Ethiopian Restaurant.... hey she's too young to have a preference
Friday - Meatball Soup & rolls
Saturday - Brown Sugar & Ginger Salmon w/ stir fried vegetables & spring rolls
Sunday - Homemade Pizza
CLEANING & CHORES
Monday - put away clothes & vacuum
Tuesday - Neuro appt & Grocery Shopping
Wednesday - bake b'day cake & vacuum
Thursday - enjoy B'day & ice cake
EXERCISE
I am going to take the time to increase all the springs on my reformer. I am going to do 2 - 70 minute cardio workouts and 2 - 60 minute pilates workouts. I'm out for Wednesday and Thursday so I doubt I'll get more than 4 workouts in this week.
SPECIAL PROJECT
Sleep. I am going to take half a Unisom at 10:30 every night this will ensure I'm out by 11 PM.
Also I'm going to focus on keeping my desk cleared off.
This week went pretty well. I stuck to most of my goals. I only did four days of exercise but I am tired and I just needed to give it a rest this weekend. I stuck to my menu. I did about 200 loads of laundry... still haven't washed my sheets even though they are actually stiff from Baby's constant drool. I let my desk get out of control but I did a major clean up and got it back to organized last night. I even started out taxes!!!
Okay on to this week:
MENU
Monday - Sweet Potato & Molasses Beef Stew
Tuesday - Salmon Noodle Casserole & Salad
Wednesday - Date Night (Kid asked me out!)
Thursday - Baby's Birthday at Ethiopian Restaurant.... hey she's too young to have a preference
Friday - Meatball Soup & rolls
Saturday - Brown Sugar & Ginger Salmon w/ stir fried vegetables & spring rolls
Sunday - Homemade Pizza
CLEANING & CHORES
Monday - put away clothes & vacuum
Tuesday - Neuro appt & Grocery Shopping
Wednesday - bake b'day cake & vacuum
Thursday - enjoy B'day & ice cake
EXERCISE
I am going to take the time to increase all the springs on my reformer. I am going to do 2 - 70 minute cardio workouts and 2 - 60 minute pilates workouts. I'm out for Wednesday and Thursday so I doubt I'll get more than 4 workouts in this week.
SPECIAL PROJECT
Sleep. I am going to take half a Unisom at 10:30 every night this will ensure I'm out by 11 PM.
Also I'm going to focus on keeping my desk cleared off.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
BEHOLD!
It may have taken me THREE years to complete but, people, I have finally finished Kid's blanket.
Sure I started it when we were first thinking of transitioning her to a "big girl" bed at age 2... which of course didn't happen until age 3 anyway. And yes I was able to get it 85% percent complete in a matter of days only to leave it floundering in that condition... usable yet unwashable due to the not quite completed quilting... for the last few years. Until now. Behold a freshly laundered fully quilted crib sized Pooh blanket loving crafted by yours truly. Does it matter that she is now in a real twin sized bed? NO. Or that she isn't exactly in love with Pooh? NO. What matters is... I FINISHED SOMETHING.
Sure I started it when we were first thinking of transitioning her to a "big girl" bed at age 2... which of course didn't happen until age 3 anyway. And yes I was able to get it 85% percent complete in a matter of days only to leave it floundering in that condition... usable yet unwashable due to the not quite completed quilting... for the last few years. Until now. Behold a freshly laundered fully quilted crib sized Pooh blanket loving crafted by yours truly. Does it matter that she is now in a real twin sized bed? NO. Or that she isn't exactly in love with Pooh? NO. What matters is... I FINISHED SOMETHING.
Maybe It Is Just My Nature
I've been thinking a lot about myself lately... and no not in a narcissistic fashion. A couple weeks ago I posted about recognizing that cleaning is not my priority and coming to terms with that being a choice I make and trying to see it less as a failure to do my "job" and more a reflection of my deeply felt beliefs. Well I'm kind of going through the same thing with my manic-ness. I'm not really sure manic is the exact right term but I can't think of another word that basically represents the antithesis of calm. I think manic is a fairly loaded word and I really am talking more about energy levels and antsy-ness.
Here is the thing... I DON'T SIT STILL. Ever wonder how I can pump out so many weekly posts and still manage to shoot 10 freaking YouTube videos a day?!? Well I'm never just taking a breather. As soon as I sit down to do so (like right now) I'm back up grabbing my camera or laptop and putting more of my crazy thoughts out there. Maybe I need to do that to get my head a little more clear before I can relax. But somehow one thing leads to another and I never did sit down and finish that next chapter... or all the cookbooks I got from the library... or the cheap magazines I got at the grocery store.
For a while now I've been drawn to Waldorf philosophy. My brother's girls go to a Waldorf school and their mother was a teacher there. Her house is so clean and calm and devoid of clutter. And I always leave thinking that I want some of that... kind of. I leave thinking I should want it.... and maybe feeling a little less than because I don't. I read a great book this past fall. And the author (who is also clearly influenced by the Waldorf culture) was struggling/succeeding in trying to have a more peaceful meaningful life. I absolutely believe that many of the Waldorf beliefs can help you have that... but I'm realizing more and more that it is just not a fit for me. And on many fronts we already do many of the things that they emphasize.
What I'm coming to terms with (and hey maybe this is a 30s thing) is the parts of my personality that I enjoy and/or bring the most joy. And people many manic zaniness is definitely one of those things. Would type of family memories would my girls have if I was calm and sat in a chair and read a book? Would they be more fulfilling or rewarding or happy memories than the ones they'll have of me doing my acrobatic preformances or trying to shove toys down Mr F's pants while he's doing dishes?
I crave the calm because I'm not. I'm not calm because I had an unstable childhood... I do get that. But I'm no longer so sure calm is better. We're not crazy yellers or anything. We all eat dinner together every night with cloth napkins (that's a little Waldorf for you). But we are crazy. And although I'm sure Kid would enjoy if I sat on the couch and snuggled a bit more... you should see the gleam she gets in her eye when I'm doing something so off-the-wall and childlike.
I think I'm coming into myself more and starting to see myself for the choices I make and less for the choices I don't make.
One More YouTube Video (it's short! and relevant)
Here is the thing... I DON'T SIT STILL. Ever wonder how I can pump out so many weekly posts and still manage to shoot 10 freaking YouTube videos a day?!? Well I'm never just taking a breather. As soon as I sit down to do so (like right now) I'm back up grabbing my camera or laptop and putting more of my crazy thoughts out there. Maybe I need to do that to get my head a little more clear before I can relax. But somehow one thing leads to another and I never did sit down and finish that next chapter... or all the cookbooks I got from the library... or the cheap magazines I got at the grocery store.
For a while now I've been drawn to Waldorf philosophy. My brother's girls go to a Waldorf school and their mother was a teacher there. Her house is so clean and calm and devoid of clutter. And I always leave thinking that I want some of that... kind of. I leave thinking I should want it.... and maybe feeling a little less than because I don't. I read a great book this past fall. And the author (who is also clearly influenced by the Waldorf culture) was struggling/succeeding in trying to have a more peaceful meaningful life. I absolutely believe that many of the Waldorf beliefs can help you have that... but I'm realizing more and more that it is just not a fit for me. And on many fronts we already do many of the things that they emphasize.
What I'm coming to terms with (and hey maybe this is a 30s thing) is the parts of my personality that I enjoy and/or bring the most joy. And people many manic zaniness is definitely one of those things. Would type of family memories would my girls have if I was calm and sat in a chair and read a book? Would they be more fulfilling or rewarding or happy memories than the ones they'll have of me doing my acrobatic preformances or trying to shove toys down Mr F's pants while he's doing dishes?
I crave the calm because I'm not. I'm not calm because I had an unstable childhood... I do get that. But I'm no longer so sure calm is better. We're not crazy yellers or anything. We all eat dinner together every night with cloth napkins (that's a little Waldorf for you). But we are crazy. And although I'm sure Kid would enjoy if I sat on the couch and snuggled a bit more... you should see the gleam she gets in her eye when I'm doing something so off-the-wall and childlike.
I think I'm coming into myself more and starting to see myself for the choices I make and less for the choices I don't make.
One More YouTube Video (it's short! and relevant)
Sorry Guys But I'm Still Tired
wait there's more...
watch this one people I really do want some feedback on it!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Sex Poll Wrap Up
I don't know about everyone else but I have been riveted by the sex poll results. And not so much by the results in particular but how all over the board they are. I think we all get caught up in stereotypical thinking and it was interesting to see how different everyone's answers were.
Here is how it broke down...
Here's How Frequently You All Are Having Sex:
27% several times a week
22% once a week
16% several times a month
11% once a month
22% what? I don't know what you are talking about
Here's Who You Are:
3% single
97% partnered or committed
46% children under 5
21% children over 5
20% partnered less than 5 years
22% partnered 5 - 10 years
27% partnered over 10 years
22% stay at home parent
33% two working parents
I tried to poll for the demographics thinking that would help to reveal something about frequency but NOPE. I would need to do one more detailed poll in order to really see who fell into the "what? I don't know what you are talking about" category versus the "several times a week" one. But here is what I do know for sure. I started this poll on the weekend and immediately those two categories were the front runners... at times flip flopping first and second place. Once Monday came around I thought maybe the working force out there amongst us would change the votes in the direction of more sex.... well it didn't happen. Sex frequency seems to have nothing to do with how long you've been together, how many kids you have, or whether or not you work outside of the home. Purely individual... who knew?!? I would have bet serious money that "once a week" would be the front runner but I suppose my subconscious has been tainted by the media in that regards. I also thought having little kids and staying at home would coincide with less frequency (I'm pretty sure those facts were impeding the Furious sex life). So there you have it. I'm posting a new sex poll later tonight. Anything you didn't get answered post in the comments and I'll try to include that in the poll. What I want to know now is how many of you are satisfied with your sex lives.
Here is how it broke down...
Here's How Frequently You All Are Having Sex:
27% several times a week
22% once a week
16% several times a month
11% once a month
22% what? I don't know what you are talking about
Here's Who You Are:
3% single
97% partnered or committed
46% children under 5
21% children over 5
20% partnered less than 5 years
22% partnered 5 - 10 years
27% partnered over 10 years
22% stay at home parent
33% two working parents
I tried to poll for the demographics thinking that would help to reveal something about frequency but NOPE. I would need to do one more detailed poll in order to really see who fell into the "what? I don't know what you are talking about" category versus the "several times a week" one. But here is what I do know for sure. I started this poll on the weekend and immediately those two categories were the front runners... at times flip flopping first and second place. Once Monday came around I thought maybe the working force out there amongst us would change the votes in the direction of more sex.... well it didn't happen. Sex frequency seems to have nothing to do with how long you've been together, how many kids you have, or whether or not you work outside of the home. Purely individual... who knew?!? I would have bet serious money that "once a week" would be the front runner but I suppose my subconscious has been tainted by the media in that regards. I also thought having little kids and staying at home would coincide with less frequency (I'm pretty sure those facts were impeding the Furious sex life). So there you have it. I'm posting a new sex poll later tonight. Anything you didn't get answered post in the comments and I'll try to include that in the poll. What I want to know now is how many of you are satisfied with your sex lives.
Saturday Procrastination
I should probably be tackling my desk or my cubby of shame... or that huge mountain of laundry the kids were playing in... but not just yet. I've got the house to myself (kind of Baby is sleeping) and these are the perfect blogging conditions.
So I'm going to throw out some topics and potentially get back to you with thoughtful posts if there seems to be interest.
#1 Baby is turning ONE in 6 days and I have done nothing in preparation for this. No gifts, no cake ideas, no invites, no party.... NOTHING. Second kid syndrome or is it just that with your second kid comes more perspective...
#2 Food sensitivities, allergies, avoidance.... Cooking without major allergens (yes I have a lot of experience with this)
#3 Momento storage and documentation. I actually do have great tips for this... for all you non scrapbookers.
#4 How to lower my body fat % without losing more weight... I may need some feedback in order to meet my new goal of 18%.
#5 Today is the last day to vote on the sex poll... wrap up discussion anyone?
Okay that's it for now. Feel free to let me know where your interests lie.
So I'm going to throw out some topics and potentially get back to you with thoughtful posts if there seems to be interest.
#1 Baby is turning ONE in 6 days and I have done nothing in preparation for this. No gifts, no cake ideas, no invites, no party.... NOTHING. Second kid syndrome or is it just that with your second kid comes more perspective...
#2 Food sensitivities, allergies, avoidance.... Cooking without major allergens (yes I have a lot of experience with this)
#3 Momento storage and documentation. I actually do have great tips for this... for all you non scrapbookers.
#4 How to lower my body fat % without losing more weight... I may need some feedback in order to meet my new goal of 18%.
#5 Today is the last day to vote on the sex poll... wrap up discussion anyone?
Okay that's it for now. Feel free to let me know where your interests lie.
Friday, January 25, 2008
What $100 Looks Like
Ever wonder what Mrs F buys at Whole Foods and exactly how far her money goes?
Wonder no more...
(click to enlarge photo)
Missing items:
1 bunch organic bananas that I left on the counter
duplicates of frozen food: an additional package each of the waffles, sausage & salmon filets
In case you were wondering I made quite a few impulse purchases this week:
The three boxes of cereal (I meant to only get the Morning O's!...I eat cereal for dessert and couldn't resist the organic Cocoa Comets!)
The baking mixes (one organic pound cake and one organic brownie mix... hey these are NEW products and someone has to test them for you!)
And NO this is not all our groceries these are just my Whole Foods groceries.
I spent about $70 (I can't find that receipt) at the regular grocery store and I bought our meats (natural... pork tenderloin, stew meat, chicken breasts), 1/2 lb Boar's Head deli turkey, dairy (hormone free... 1 gallon 2%, qt 1/2& 1/2, qt choc milk), 1 box "smart" pasta, 2 soups (organic), 2 canned pears for Baby (don't come organic?!?), english muffins, OJ, my big bakery muffin, coffee by the pound, fresh green beans, 3 organic pears, 2 packages organic (yes!) break apart cookie doughs, 2 pouches of "canned" salmon & two bottles of mineral water. (I think that is it)
Wonder no more...
(click to enlarge photo)Missing items:
1 bunch organic bananas that I left on the counter
duplicates of frozen food: an additional package each of the waffles, sausage & salmon filets
In case you were wondering I made quite a few impulse purchases this week:
The three boxes of cereal (I meant to only get the Morning O's!...I eat cereal for dessert and couldn't resist the organic Cocoa Comets!)
The baking mixes (one organic pound cake and one organic brownie mix... hey these are NEW products and someone has to test them for you!)
And NO this is not all our groceries these are just my Whole Foods groceries.
I spent about $70 (I can't find that receipt) at the regular grocery store and I bought our meats (natural... pork tenderloin, stew meat, chicken breasts), 1/2 lb Boar's Head deli turkey, dairy (hormone free... 1 gallon 2%, qt 1/2& 1/2, qt choc milk), 1 box "smart" pasta, 2 soups (organic), 2 canned pears for Baby (don't come organic?!?), english muffins, OJ, my big bakery muffin, coffee by the pound, fresh green beans, 3 organic pears, 2 packages organic (yes!) break apart cookie doughs, 2 pouches of "canned" salmon & two bottles of mineral water. (I think that is it)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Come One...Come All
Mrs Furious is at the ready....
Now is your chance to get all your questions answered.... So fire away!
Let the Q & A begin. I'll see you in the comments.
Now is your chance to get all your questions answered.... So fire away!
Let the Q & A begin. I'll see you in the comments.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
I Need Your Help!
I've got to tell you guys that I am TIRED. Really. Really. Really. T-I-R-E-D. And I should probably take this opportunity to nap since Kid is at school and I actually managed to get Baby down.
But I've got so much stuff to do...
I wanted to give you all a real post... (well I wanted to post a video of me whining but I'm really working on the 60/40 writing to video ratio)... but in the place of a real post I am going to toss out some post ideas that you can mull over in my brief absence.
Here goes...
I am really interested in creating recipes that require less than 10 minutes of prep. If you are like me you've watched more than your fair share of 30 minute meal type shows and just thought... "ridiculous... that is never going to happen". I want all you time-strapped-people out there to peruse my recipe section in my sidebar. Outside of the stew I don't think there is anything over there with a prep time over 10 minutes.
I am really excited and committed to trying to come up with SUPER quick, easy, and healthy meals that anyone can do (even with two kids attacking you). I think getting dinner on the table, and a dinner everyone in your family will eat, is doable. Is it doable seven days a week? Not if you don't want to lose your freaking mind. But it is doable 5 days. I take my two days off in the work week (genius). Wednesday because by then I am feeling it... and Friday because by then I am dead. It is a lot like working out and cleaning and all that. It is chosing to make it a priority and making it happen.
I completely respect if this isn't your thing (cleaning is not mine) but I'm reaching out to all of you who are interested in this. For those of you who are looking for ways to make dinner work... what are your obstacles? The other thing I would love to know from EVERYONE is what things do you find yourself making frequently? What is your tomato & meatball soup... you know that meal you can throw together without even thinking? Your input will greatly shape the direction I take my cooking segments and recipes... so please comment away!
But I've got so much stuff to do...
I wanted to give you all a real post... (well I wanted to post a video of me whining but I'm really working on the 60/40 writing to video ratio)... but in the place of a real post I am going to toss out some post ideas that you can mull over in my brief absence.
Here goes...
I am really interested in creating recipes that require less than 10 minutes of prep. If you are like me you've watched more than your fair share of 30 minute meal type shows and just thought... "ridiculous... that is never going to happen". I want all you time-strapped-people out there to peruse my recipe section in my sidebar. Outside of the stew I don't think there is anything over there with a prep time over 10 minutes.
I am really excited and committed to trying to come up with SUPER quick, easy, and healthy meals that anyone can do (even with two kids attacking you). I think getting dinner on the table, and a dinner everyone in your family will eat, is doable. Is it doable seven days a week? Not if you don't want to lose your freaking mind. But it is doable 5 days. I take my two days off in the work week (genius). Wednesday because by then I am feeling it... and Friday because by then I am dead. It is a lot like working out and cleaning and all that. It is chosing to make it a priority and making it happen.
I completely respect if this isn't your thing (cleaning is not mine) but I'm reaching out to all of you who are interested in this. For those of you who are looking for ways to make dinner work... what are your obstacles? The other thing I would love to know from EVERYONE is what things do you find yourself making frequently? What is your tomato & meatball soup... you know that meal you can throw together without even thinking? Your input will greatly shape the direction I take my cooking segments and recipes... so please comment away!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
This One's For You
Ever have one of those days when you just don't want to do it? You just don't want to exercise or follow your diet or whatever.
Well even Mrs F has those moments.... we all do.
I sucked it up and you can too.You can still turn it around, make yourself proud, and reach your goal...one day at a time.
Well even Mrs F has those moments.... we all do.
I sucked it up and you can too.You can still turn it around, make yourself proud, and reach your goal...one day at a time.
An Oldie But A Goodie
Some of you have already made this and so for you I am sorry that you are suffering through a repeat... but for everyone else I cannot stress how good this is. Seriously. We eat this once a week. It takes about 17 minutes from start to finish and only 2 minutes of that is prep time. It is so simple and you can have it on the table faster than take out with just as much ease. For real. If you haven't tried it out yet you should.
Tomato and Meatball Soup
1 -32 oz carton Organic Creamy Tomato Soup (or 2 cans Campbell's tomato soup)
3 oz elbow noodles (dry)
12 mini party style meatballs (frozen)
1/2 c water or chicken stock
Dump the soup, the noodles, and the meatballs in a sauce pan. Pour the water or stock in the soup carton and shake to dislodge any remaining soup and add to the pot. Bring this to a simmer and continue simmering for 15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally while heating! Once the meatballs are heated through I cut them in half in the pot to make them easier for Kid to eat.
makes 4 - 1.5 c servings for 263 calories each
*********************************************************.
Cooking Notes:
You could easily extend this by adding 1 c chicken broth, 3-4 meatballs, and 1 oz of noodles for each additional serving! If you are adding more than 2 extra servings just double the original recipe (obviously... right?)
Also if you have a Trader Joe's their Tomato Soup is the BEST and it's cheaper! I also use their brand of mini party meatballs.
If using Campbell's soup omit the extra 1/2 c or water or stock and prepare the condensed soup following the can's instructions.
********************************************************
Mrs F Food TV... You can watch me make it!
Tomato and Meatball Soup
1 -32 oz carton Organic Creamy Tomato Soup (or 2 cans Campbell's tomato soup)
3 oz elbow noodles (dry)
12 mini party style meatballs (frozen)
1/2 c water or chicken stock
Dump the soup, the noodles, and the meatballs in a sauce pan. Pour the water or stock in the soup carton and shake to dislodge any remaining soup and add to the pot. Bring this to a simmer and continue simmering for 15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally while heating! Once the meatballs are heated through I cut them in half in the pot to make them easier for Kid to eat.
makes 4 - 1.5 c servings for 263 calories each
*********************************************************.
Cooking Notes:
You could easily extend this by adding 1 c chicken broth, 3-4 meatballs, and 1 oz of noodles for each additional serving! If you are adding more than 2 extra servings just double the original recipe (obviously... right?)
Also if you have a Trader Joe's their Tomato Soup is the BEST and it's cheaper! I also use their brand of mini party meatballs.
If using Campbell's soup omit the extra 1/2 c or water or stock and prepare the condensed soup following the can's instructions.
********************************************************
Mrs F Food TV... You can watch me make it!
Monday, January 21, 2008
In Case You Are Wondering...
"Several Times a Week" has just taken the lead with 25% of the vote in my ongoing sex survey. Seriously people?!? Seriously?
Interestingly "What? I don't know what you are talking about" is following closely behind in second place with 23% of the vote. I'm not really sure which I am more surprised by... but I certainly know which one I am more relieved by ;)
Interestingly "What? I don't know what you are talking about" is following closely behind in second place with 23% of the vote. I'm not really sure which I am more surprised by... but I certainly know which one I am more relieved by ;)
This Week The Plan
Okay... I"m a little discombobulated after having my Dad in town. FYI...Mr F is home for MLK day too and you all know that completely throws me off!
So here is how everything went down:
We ended up getting everything clean and picked up... VICTORY!!! Our basement is currently kicking total ass, although I have no idea what Mr F did with all the stuff and I kind of fear that our storage rooms are potentially filled with random shit... but oh well we'll deal with that later. It is almost child safe now too.... NEAR VICTORY!!! I managed to keep my desk cleared off for two straight weeks.... VICTORY!!! I did not, however, have time to clean out my cubby of shame and that is on the docket for this week.... TOTAL FAILURE.
Menu wise I think I stuck on target. I try pretty hard to be prepared yet flexible... a delicate balance... when entertaining. In the end it usually means I spend more money on "junk food" and drinks and what not but I'm just one of those people who likes to always have something coming out of the oven to snack on and stuff when people are visiting.
Exercise?!?... well lets just say it didn't pan out for me this week. You can watch my video confessional but the short end of it is that with company and Kid's fevers I kind of scraped the last few... okay 3... workouts. I was disappointed because I really wanted to join in the challenge and help motivate everyone to give it a try. But life happened. I really did want to workout everyday but I felt it was rude and infringing on the "family time" so I wasn't able to fit it in. The lesson learned from this is that everyone has things that come up that can mess with their best intentions. Today is a new week and the opportunity to start fresh.
Okay this week's plan:
Menu
Monday - Tomato & Meatball Soup
Tuesday - Pork Tenderloin w/ rice pilaf & green beans
Wednesday - Kid's Date Night
Thursday - Brown Sugar & Ginger Salmon w/Asian veggie stirfry & spring rolls
Friday - Take out
Saturday - Creamy Chicken Pasta
Sunday - Sweet Potato & Molasses Beef Stew
Cleaning and Chores
Monday - Laundry & vacuuming
Tuesday - Grocery Shopping & sheets
Wednesday - Grocery Shopping & vacuuming
Thursday - Clean out Pantry
Friday - Put Away All Laundry
Exercise
Okay so I want to be a role model for the "Crazy Cardio" to help you all see that it can be done. But here is the deal I've moved past working out for weight loss and I need to put more into my Pilates training to help both get stronger and to help manage my pain. So here is my plan...
Monday - 60 min Cardio
Tuesday - 45 min Pilates
Thursday - 60 min Cardio
Friday - 30 min Pilates
Saturday - 60 min Cardio
Sunday - 30 min Pilates
My goal is to workout for 5 days this week. I'm scheduling 6 days since I would like to reach that and I want to have as much in place to help me achieve that.... but.... I do realize that things may happen and I'll just do the workout for that day regardless of whether I skipped some days or not.
Cardio Confessional
So here is how everything went down:
We ended up getting everything clean and picked up... VICTORY!!! Our basement is currently kicking total ass, although I have no idea what Mr F did with all the stuff and I kind of fear that our storage rooms are potentially filled with random shit... but oh well we'll deal with that later. It is almost child safe now too.... NEAR VICTORY!!! I managed to keep my desk cleared off for two straight weeks.... VICTORY!!! I did not, however, have time to clean out my cubby of shame and that is on the docket for this week.... TOTAL FAILURE.
Menu wise I think I stuck on target. I try pretty hard to be prepared yet flexible... a delicate balance... when entertaining. In the end it usually means I spend more money on "junk food" and drinks and what not but I'm just one of those people who likes to always have something coming out of the oven to snack on and stuff when people are visiting.
Exercise?!?... well lets just say it didn't pan out for me this week. You can watch my video confessional but the short end of it is that with company and Kid's fevers I kind of scraped the last few... okay 3... workouts. I was disappointed because I really wanted to join in the challenge and help motivate everyone to give it a try. But life happened. I really did want to workout everyday but I felt it was rude and infringing on the "family time" so I wasn't able to fit it in. The lesson learned from this is that everyone has things that come up that can mess with their best intentions. Today is a new week and the opportunity to start fresh.
Okay this week's plan:
Menu
Monday - Tomato & Meatball Soup
Tuesday - Pork Tenderloin w/ rice pilaf & green beans
Wednesday - Kid's Date Night
Thursday - Brown Sugar & Ginger Salmon w/Asian veggie stirfry & spring rolls
Friday - Take out
Saturday - Creamy Chicken Pasta
Sunday - Sweet Potato & Molasses Beef Stew
Cleaning and Chores
Monday - Laundry & vacuuming
Tuesday - Grocery Shopping & sheets
Wednesday - Grocery Shopping & vacuuming
Thursday - Clean out Pantry
Friday - Put Away All Laundry
Exercise
Okay so I want to be a role model for the "Crazy Cardio" to help you all see that it can be done. But here is the deal I've moved past working out for weight loss and I need to put more into my Pilates training to help both get stronger and to help manage my pain. So here is my plan...
Monday - 60 min Cardio
Tuesday - 45 min Pilates
Thursday - 60 min Cardio
Friday - 30 min Pilates
Saturday - 60 min Cardio
Sunday - 30 min Pilates
My goal is to workout for 5 days this week. I'm scheduling 6 days since I would like to reach that and I want to have as much in place to help me achieve that.... but.... I do realize that things may happen and I'll just do the workout for that day regardless of whether I skipped some days or not.
Cardio Confessional
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Dinner Is Served
Everyone has got their childhood food favorites. For me that was my mother's Tuna Noodle Casserole. I love it so much I could eat it cold out of the fridge in the middle of the night. Yum. I have changed the recipe very little. The only thing I have changed is the main ingredient. I use canned (well I use it from a pouch) boneless skinless wild pink salmon. You know I'm a little nutty about things like heavy metals in my food so I changed it out for a much healthier fish... you actually can't taste the difference. I've been reluctant to post this recipe despite its near constant presence at our fall and winter table because I've been embarrassed to admit that I make something so... well... cream of mushroom soup reliant. But here it is. It is a cinch to make and is infintely flexible. I make it with just an ounce of pasta per serving so it is fairly low carb, low fat, and high in protein. You can get it ready in a few minutes the night before or in the morning and bake it when you are ready to eat. It reheats well in the microwave or eat it cold... it really is good that way! I have the recipe worked out for 4 servings but you can stir in an extra ounce or two of pasta and stretch it for a couple more servings. I stir peas into ours but you can leave them out if your family doesn't do peas. This is not rocket science... it is a casserole... and it is delicious.
Salmon Noodle Casserole
4 oz shaped pasta (elbow, rotini, etc)
7-8 oz canned salmon (no bones or skin), such as Chicken of The Sea in a 7.1 oz pouch
1 can cream of mushroom soup, Campbell's Healthy Request
1/4 c light mayo
2 T milk (2%)
1t mustard (dijon)
salt and pepper
optional:
1 c frozen peas
Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
Bring a pot of water to boil.
Stir in pasta, salt the cooking water, and return to a boil following package directions. When there is 7 minutes remaining on the pasta stir in the frozen peas if using and return to a boil.
Meanwhile in a casserole dish combine salmon, soup, milk, and mustard and mash with a fork to break up the fish.
When the pasta is finished drain the pot of pasta and peas and add to the casserole dish. Stir ingredients together and season with salt and pepper. At this point you could refrigerate the casserole until ready to use or pop it right into a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
4 servings at 315 calories a piece (including peas)
add 2 ounces of pasta to filling to make 6 servings at 245 calories a piece
Cooking notes:
I use light mayo because it stays creamy even after baking and it keeps both the fat and calories down. You can use regular mayo and any type of milk for this. My calorie calculation is based on the light mayo, the 2 %, and the peas so adjust accordingly when you make your changes.
And yes you can make this the old fashioned way... with Tuna!
Mrs F Food TV... you can watch me make it!
Salmon Noodle Casserole
4 oz shaped pasta (elbow, rotini, etc)
7-8 oz canned salmon (no bones or skin), such as Chicken of The Sea in a 7.1 oz pouch
1 can cream of mushroom soup, Campbell's Healthy Request
1/4 c light mayo
2 T milk (2%)
1t mustard (dijon)
salt and pepper
optional:
1 c frozen peas
Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
Bring a pot of water to boil.
Stir in pasta, salt the cooking water, and return to a boil following package directions. When there is 7 minutes remaining on the pasta stir in the frozen peas if using and return to a boil.
Meanwhile in a casserole dish combine salmon, soup, milk, and mustard and mash with a fork to break up the fish.
When the pasta is finished drain the pot of pasta and peas and add to the casserole dish. Stir ingredients together and season with salt and pepper. At this point you could refrigerate the casserole until ready to use or pop it right into a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
4 servings at 315 calories a piece (including peas)
add 2 ounces of pasta to filling to make 6 servings at 245 calories a piece
Cooking notes:
I use light mayo because it stays creamy even after baking and it keeps both the fat and calories down. You can use regular mayo and any type of milk for this. My calorie calculation is based on the light mayo, the 2 %, and the peas so adjust accordingly when you make your changes.
And yes you can make this the old fashioned way... with Tuna!
Mrs F Food TV... you can watch me make it!
I've Been Duped
Some of you may know that winter in Michigan is no walk in the park. It is cold... and not a little bit cold... it is freaking freezing cold. Today, right now, it is 11 degrees outside. It is so cold you can feel it in your teeth. But for me Michigan winters are harder to suffer through due to the lack of sunlight more than the frigid temperatures. Can we say "Seasonal Affective Disorder"?! I certainly can. This is the main reason everyone goes to Florida for Mid-Winter break. So I decided to get myself some "full spectrum" light bulbs. See how excited I am.....
Oh wait these aren't "full spectrum" after all. I was so excited that I apparently read what I wanted to read on the package and not what it really said. For Real. Has this ever happened to anyone? I swear I read "full spectrum". I read it several times... I showed it to my Dad and he read the same thing. I came home all pleased with myself thinking "jeez these aren't even that much more expensive". I looked at the package again... yep still reading it as "full spectrum"... take the dumb excited photo of myself to encourage the world to go out and get their own. Then I show Mr F and when I point to the "full spectrum" I read it for what it actually says "Enhanced Color Spectrum". Dumb founded I flip the carton over. What?!? "Enhanced Color Spectrum"?!? I get the other carton... "Enhanced Color Spectrum"... If I believed in fairies or leprechauns I would believe I had been duped.
Oh wait these aren't "full spectrum" after all. I was so excited that I apparently read what I wanted to read on the package and not what it really said. For Real. Has this ever happened to anyone? I swear I read "full spectrum". I read it several times... I showed it to my Dad and he read the same thing. I came home all pleased with myself thinking "jeez these aren't even that much more expensive". I looked at the package again... yep still reading it as "full spectrum"... take the dumb excited photo of myself to encourage the world to go out and get their own. Then I show Mr F and when I point to the "full spectrum" I read it for what it actually says "Enhanced Color Spectrum". Dumb founded I flip the carton over. What?!? "Enhanced Color Spectrum"?!? I get the other carton... "Enhanced Color Spectrum"... If I believed in fairies or leprechauns I would believe I had been duped.
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