TAKE TIME TO REFLECT

I think this speaks to our inability to change people.  The only thing we can do is change our reaction to them.  

FAMILY TIME-ANNUAL PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY

PUMPKIN CARVING 2012

I have been absent lately because I have been busy doing family "stuff".  After a hiatus from crocheting of over 25 years, I have been making infinity scarves and headbands for my daughter and myself.  My husband and I spent "hours" organizing all of our family pictures (a looong overdue task), and finally, I made time to see my niece and nephew play soccer.  This time of year (fall and early winter) seems to lend itself to more extended family time than any other time of the year (in our family anyway).  One of our family's favorite activities, is our annual pumpkin carving party.  We have a nice fall lunch and then we let the competition fun begin.  (Okay, some of us have a little more OCD than the others.)  Below are some pictures from this year's party.  I've also attached links to multiple free pumpkin-carving stencil sites. ENJOY!

http://itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com/2011/10/130-free-halloween-pumpkin-carving.html
http://www.sheknows.com/kids-activity-center/list/pumpkin-carving-templates/page:1

http://pumpkinglow.com/Patterns.htm

http://www.fantasypumpkins.com/free-patterns.htm

http://www.budget101.com/pumpkin-carving-fun/free-printable-pumpkin-carving-templates-2993.html

FREE TIME-THIS TIME IT'S CHILI'S

LIKE THEM ON FACEBOOK AND GET A FREE APPETIZER OR DESSERT

https://www.facebook.com/Chilis/app_443870895626234?IMM_SESS=6od6lik2u5edkrjv23quh24vo3

(This offer expires 10/17/12.)

FREE TIME--Did Someone Say FREE Chocolate?

YES, FREE LINDT TRUFFLES!  

Simply 'like' them on Facebook, and receive your free coupon!  I've posted the link below.  Enjoy!

https://www.facebook.com/LindtChocolate/app_182968635067837

RECIPE TIME-DESSERT SOUP?

SEMI-HOMEMADE WINTER SQUASH SOUP

As I have already admitted, quick and easy is my mantra.  Undoubtedly, the easiest way to make soup is out of a can or box.  However, I do like my foods to taste a certain way. I have been trying new foods since I started WW and now I'm experimenting with squash.  I have made my Spaghetti Squash Casserole (see Sept. posts) several times and now I thought I would try a squash soup.  Last year, I made a WW squash recipe and it really lacked taste.  I experimented with adding several different ingredients and, fortunately, it turned out great.  The one I made last year took some time to make and I wanted to come up with something that was quicker.  As I do with all my new concoctions, my husband becomes my guinea pig.  He, too, enjoyed it but told me it wasn't a soup anymore; it was a dessert!  Below is my final product.  

Even with its rich and hearty flavor it is only 6 WW points+ for 3/4 cup.  

Semi-Homemade Winter Squash Soup

Ingredients

1 box Winter Squash Soup (Pictured below)
1 brick of Fat Free Cream Cheese
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1/3 cup brown sugar 
1 tsp. cinnamon

Pour soup into medium pot.  Heat through completely.  Blend in remaining ingredients.  Continue heating until butter and cream cheese are melted, stirring frequently.  (Just as I said, quick and easy!)

Note:  It will take some time for the fat-free cream cheese to melt.

TIME TO TRY SOMETHING NEW--DARK CHOCOLATE PRETZEL CRISPS

PRETZEL CRISPS-DARK CHOCOLATE CRUNCH

NEW PRODUCT ENDORSEMENT-I give them 10 noms!

For years, my husband and I have had a membership to Sam's Club.  However, a brand-new Costco opened in the city where I work.  Since it was more convenient for me to get to Costco instead of Sam's, we  purchased a membership.  It took me a while to warm-up to the new store; however, I have to say I am really enjoying some of the new products that I've come across.  One of them is a product from Snack Factory called Pretzel Crisps-Dark Chocolate Crunch.  These things are delightful! 

Serving size is 5 pretzels (1 oz.) which doesn't sound like much but they are a nice size.   (I've taken a picture with one next to my phone so you can how big they are.) There are 130 calories in one serving or for those of you who are on Weight Watchers, 4 points.  They are the perfect blend of sweet and salty!

TIME FLIES-Today is a Gift

TODAY IS A GIFT

My sisters also have the same Pinterest addiction that I do.  My youngest one ran across this tonight and I thought it was definitely worth posting.

TIME WELL SPENT-EASY WALL DECOR

OUT OF THE DORMS AND INTO AN APARTMENT-SOPHOMORE YEAR

As most of you know, kids are in a hurry to to get out of the dorms as soon as possible.  As you also know, most of the housing leaves a lot to be desired.  When you do find something decent, the walls are generally a sterile shade of white and nail holes are prohibited.  Now, having two boys first, this really didn't pose an issue.  However, my last one is a girl, and "pretty" matters.  She asked me to help her decorate and I jumped at the chance.  (I want to be an interior decorator when I grow up!)  

Not sure of how much abuse loving care the decor would get in a college apartment (wink, wink), I wanted it to be inexpensive.  I also wanted it to have a lot of color to offset all the white walls.  Finally, I wanted it to be light so that we could hang it will Command strips.  The solution was paper-mache letters all blinged out!  (If you're interested in the steps I used to put the letters together, I have included them below.)

1.  I purchased 8-inch, paper-mache letters at a local craft store and painted them with black Rust-0-leum.  (Agreed, this seems a little bit odd.  However, I had it on hand and with the letters being in a steamy bathroom, I wanted something that would seal the paper well!)  I did apply several coats to ensure it was well covered. 

2.  I added some adhesive bling to each of the letters.  To add additional interest, I used my Cricut to cut out card stock flowers (two per flower) and glued adhesive, larger-bling circles to the center.  I then gently folded the inner flower up to create dimension. 

3.  I finished the letters by adding flat Command strips for hanging.

Voila, an inexpensive, easy way to decorate your wall!

Time to Try Something New--Powdered Peanut Butter

POWDERED PEANUT BUTTER

I'm sure you can relate to me when I say I am skeptical with "replacement" products.  Being on Weight Watchers for almost 9 months now, there are foods that you stay away from because you don't want to waste the points.  For me, one of those foods is peanut butter.  At approximately 200 calories or 5-6 WW points just for the peanut butter, it would account for just under 1/4 of your daily point allowance.  At my recent meeting, a member talked about PB2, a powdered peanut butter substitute.  Well, I like to eat peanut butter and I also like to use it in recipes so I thought I would give it a try.  Since the health food store I went to didn't carry that name brand, I thought I would give the powdered peanut butter that they carried a try.  It is called Just Great Stuff and it is ORGANIC peanut butter powder.  (This may be another selling point for some people.)  

Excitedly (yes, call me crazy), I rushed home to try the new product.  The result?  (insert drum roll) I was PLEASANTLY PLEASED!  It tasted like real peanut butter and I did not get an aftertaste.  It is expensive but for me the cost is worth it!  (Whatever I can do to lose my remaining 17 pounds!)  For those who live nearby, I bought the product at Good Harvest in Waukesha.  So, on a scale of 1 to 10.  I give it a 9.  Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Great family advice!

Aww...loved this!

Recipe Time-Cilantro-Lime Rice (Can it be this easy?)

Cilantro-Lime Rice

If you are a fan of Chipotle, you've probably had this before.  This is the single biggest reason I love Chipotle.  Since I don't live or work close to one, I scoured the internet for copycat versions of their recipe.  As you can see, I like love things fast and easy, so I tweaked the recipes I found and this is the result.  

Cilantro-Lime Rice

1 1/2 cups instant rice

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 lime

3 tbsp. cilantro (more or less depending on individual taste), chopped

3 tsp. oil

1 tsp. salt

Cook rice according to package directions.  Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lime into small bowl.  Add remaining three ingredients.  Combine mixture with rice.    Yields:  4--3/4 cups servings.  

Recipe Time-Three Ingredient Recipe--Two Ways to Serve It!

Time to get reacquainted with my kitchen!

Sundays in fall are usually lazy days at the Pals household.  Football on the big screen and something burning cooking in the kitchen.  Since we had a great night out with friends (I mean 38 points of great night:  Dreamscicle drinks, Asian wraps, sweet potato fries and a chocolate-caramel lava cake served with a side of vanilla ice cream!), I thought today would be a great day to haul out some of my tried and true WW recipes.  One of my all-time favorites is this 3-ingredient sloppy joe recipe.  It is great as a sloppy joe but I like it even better as a hot dip served with pita chips.  This is a perfect treat to eat while enjoying the Packer (or insert your favorite team here) game!

Three Ingredient Sloppy Joes

1 lb. package of Jennie-O ground turkey or extra lean ground beef

1 can of condensed tomato soup

1 jar of pineapple salsa  

Brown ground turkey or beef in a large skillet.  Season to taste.  Add condensed tomato soup (as is) and salsa.  Heat through until warm.  Voila!  Yields:  7--1/2 cup servings--4 points

(Try with an Arnold Sandwich Thin and an apple for a filling 7-point meal.)

Time Flies-A Parent's Love

A Parent's Love

Just so I can embarrass my daughter a little more by saying things that kids her age say.. 

TRUTH IS...

Take Time to Laugh--Maxine at Work

It was one of those weeks at work that you really didn't see coming!  (John, wouldn't you agree?)

Take Time to Laugh-Fairy Godmother

Recipe Time--Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

TWICE BAKED SPAGHETTI SQUASH

WEIGHT WATCHERS FRIENDLY

Thanks to my neighbor and friend, Debbie, I made spaghetti squash for the first time.  Having to clue how to fix it, I began my search.  I looked up several recipes and decided to modify the ones I found.  The result was great!  My husband and I will definitely have this again!  It even seemed to taste better the next day.  (It was Weight Watchers friendly so I posted it there first.)

http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeid=337869220

Can't be Good all the Time!

PEANUT BUTTER CUP ICE CREAM DESSERT

This is a copy-cat version of the Chancery's Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Dessert originally posted by Le Food Snob.  All I can say is thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!  This is one of my most favorite desserts!

Ingredients

• 3 generous scoops of vanilla bean ice-cream
• 1 T. chocolate syrup
• 2 T. chunky peanut butter
• Whip cream, for garnish
• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup (or cut a regular size in half), for garnish

Directions

1. In a stand mixer, whip the ice-cream, peanut butter and chocolate syrup.
2. Drizzle chocolate syrup around the inside of a pint glass, about half-way down.
3. Pour/scoop the ice-cream mixture into the prepared glass.
4. Garnish with whip cream and peanut butter cup.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Time to Get Even?

If you're ever in a position where your hubby is contemplating a mid-life crisis, remember this--what we may have lost in looks, we've gained in brains!

Below is a cute post I stumbled upon tonight.  

Midlife Crisis?

I was married 25 years, I took a look at my wife one day and I
said, "25 years ago, we had a cheap apartment, a cheap car, we
slept on a sofa bed and watched a 10 inch black and white TV, but I
got to sleep every night with a hot 25 year old girl .

Now, we have a nice house, nice car, big bed and plasma screen TV,
but I'm sleeping with a 50 year old woman. It seems to me that you
are not holding up your side of things."

My wife is a very reasonable woman. She told me to go out and find a
hot 25 year old girl, and she would make sure that I would once
again be living in a cheap apartment, driving a cheap car, sleeping
on a sofa bed.

Older women are great. They really know how to solve your mid-life
crisis.

Take Time to Laugh!

Recipe Time-Weight Watchers Pancakes

As I mentioned in my first post, I am (shhhhh) overweight.  I am trying to correct that and have lost 42.2 pounds so far this year.  (A great friend of mine, Patti, came to my 50th birthday party and she looked great.  She was my inspiration to lose weight and has made her lifetime goal.)  On my journey, I have expanded my recipe collection and will be sharing some of these with you from time to time.  This week was a big week for me, I tried three new recipes:  Weight Watchers Pancakes, Twice-Baked Spaghetti Squash Casserole and Cilantro-Lime Rice.  All of them were delicious!

I'll start with the easiest one first.

WEIGHT WATCHERS PANCAKES

1 Weight Watchers smoothie packet, any flavor  (I used Creme Brulee--mmm!)
3 egg whites
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Mix all three ingredients together and cook on medium heat until large bubbles form in the batter.  Flip and brown remaining side.  Yields:  2 large pancakes or three medium sized pancakes  Points:  3 for entire batch

Note:  I sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar and used a light syrup on mine.  I have also added a few chocolate chips to the batter.  Be sure to add points for any extras that you may include.

Time to Set Sail

MAIDEN VOYAGE...

Time to set sail, this post will mark the maiden voyage of my blog!  Not quite sure where it's going yet but I'd love to have you along for the ride!  

After becoming a Pinterest junkie in the past few months, it seemed like a lot of pins were coming from blogs.  There was a very common theme among the bloggers; they were young mothers that had the opportunity to stay at home and raise their young families.  (My gorgeous niece is one of them!  Nicole at Here's the Diehl--http://heresthediehl.wordpress.com/)  Well, I'm not a young mother and I work full-time.  As a matter-of-fact, that was where I decided that I, too, could blog.  Certainly, I hope that I will be able to keep it interesting since I won't have puppies and babies to add to the "aww" factor.  I thought I could blog about everything they weren't; being middle-aged, being an empty-nester and working full time.  I hope I can provide something interesting for everyone with an emphasis on well, being a middle-aged, empty-nest, overweight, full-time employee, mom and wife.  So, please join me on my journey.  I can't promise daily blogs or even weekly blogs for that matter but I do hope to provide something to everyone that visits my blog.  It may be a new recipe, a motivational quote, a funny or inspirational story, a new (or vintage) craft idea or a kind, encouraging word.  WELCOME!