tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89455766896596862402024-02-19T02:45:26.282-08:00Small Talk from a Southern GirlKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-75200369973690531242014-09-02T17:10:00.001-07:002014-09-02T17:10:34.527-07:00Fall is in the AirFall is in the Air. I love fall. With the exception of the ragweed pollen, fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler temperatures; I adore the fall colors; and I crave the fall food. That worries me a little. I LOVE all of these seasonal treats. Just today, I heard someone talking about a carrot cake Krispy Kreme doughnut! HELLO! It is calling my name. I'll just have to use my cheat days for these treats, and hope I don't make many blunders. I now sit at 38 lbs lost. I was hoping to be down by 40 by my doctor's appointment next week. Maybe if I get some more exercise in...I must find the time! Honestly, my job is something pretty new to me. Pish...I haven't worked outside my home in over 15 years...so this is an adjustment. I am hoping that eventually I will manage my time better. It is hard to plan interesting lessons and interesting, tasty meals for my family. I'll get the hang of it though.<br />
I have to admit that even though I have said I'm okay losing weight at this slower pace, I do get a little jealous when I see people say things like, "I've been at this for 3 months, and I've lost 30 lbs!" Geez! I have been at this since the end of February! I guess I need some encouragement. :)<br />
Pressing on!<br />
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-13930279887210430032014-08-18T19:45:00.001-07:002014-08-18T19:45:47.395-07:00I'm Still HereI'm still here! And I haven't fallen off the wagon! :) A lot has happened since I posted last. I started a new job this month. I am the new K4 teacher at Aldersgate UM Church Preschool. It is so different from what I've done before, but I think I will like it. The kids don't start there until the 25th. Speaking of starting school, my two boys started today. My younger son is a seventh grader! My older son is a SENIOR! Hope this year doesn't go by too fast. :(<br />
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I turned 50...yep, the BIG 5...0! I had an awesome birthday! My hubby took me out to eat at a wonderful Italian Restaurant, called Travinia. Then the following weekend, he threw me a 50th birthday cook-out, complete with burgers, hot dogs, birthday cake and ice cream! Oh, and don't forget the swimming and the wonderful friends who showed up to celebrate with me! In case you are wondering...YES, I did eat the birthday cake, the hamburgers, the hot dogs, and the ice cream. I gained less than 2 pounds over the weekend, but I got it right back off! So happy about that!</div>
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I even ate well on vacation. In July, we went to Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, Tampa, Florida. We stayed in St. Petersburg where we enjoyed St. Pete's Beach too. We all had a great time and enjoyed different aspects of the trip. I enjoyed the beautiful beach and not having to cook! The boys enjoyed all the roller coasters, and my hubby, well...he enjoyed just being away from work with the family! </div>
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I have been eating well lately. I LOVE veggies in season. I have consumed many tomatoes, peaches, and watermelon! :) And ya know what? I've lost 36 pounds! So happy about that!</div>
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Oh....before I sign off, I just have to share my son's amazing senior pictures...or at least a couple of them. What a bittersweet time of life! I am so proud of him, yet so sad that he will only be with us a little while longer! :(</div>
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Pressing on!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-42154344522498752122014-07-08T12:31:00.002-07:002014-07-08T12:31:50.573-07:00What Are You Doing?This is the burning question. Whenever I post my weight loss progress on Facebook or other places, I am always asked at least a couple of times, "What are you doing to lose the weight?" Well, here it is....my weight loss process!<br />
Back in February of this year, I don't even remember why now, but something clicked in my head. I somehow found the desire to just get started. I really wasn't that concerned with the pounds or how fast or slow it would come off. I just wanted to eat healthier, hoping I would feel better and perhaps some time in the future...look better. I was really inspired by Gina Neely's (Food Network star) weight loss success while doing the George Foreman Weight Loss Challenge. I started incorporating that plan, and my diet has evolved from there. I have read just about every healthy eating and weight loss article I could get my hands on. I have tried to pull together the common denominators. With all the research out there, it's hard to know what to do. Is it low fat, low carb, Paleo, vegetarian, vegan, or something in between? Do I count calories, fat grams, sugar and carb grams? There's so much conflicting information out there. So I have just tried what works for me. And when I say, "works for me," I am not saying I have it down to a science, or that I have seen super quick success, but I have seen changes in me that make it all worth it.<br />
At breakfast, I always have some protein, some fruit, and maybe a vegetable. If I have bread, like an English muffin, it is whole grain. I do try to limit my bread, mainly because it's a weakness. Cereal doesn't do it for me. My favorite breakfast is one scrambled egg with scallions and sometimes some sauteed spinach inside a whole wheat English muffin smeared with Laughing Cow onion and chive spreadable cheese. On the side, I will always have fruit. The protein and the fiber keep me full, and I never snack before lunch. I don't need to.<br />
For lunch, I will do a whole wheat tortilla smeared with a dab of fat free sour cream, with salsa, grilled chicken, and about a tablespoon of shredded cheese (2% cheddar). I will have a peach or grapes on the side. I drink lots of homemade lemonade sweetened with Stevia. Finally, for dinner, I will grill chicken or fish, served with steamed veggies. Sometimes, I will make a salad with ground turkey, black beans, corn, salsa, and fat free sour cream on top of Romaine. Sometimes, I'll eat whatever I've cooked for my family, but I will adapt it for me...for example, I will have brown rice instead of mac n cheese.<br />
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One thing is for sure, we buy a lot more fruit. At Costco this weekend, I bought 8 lbs of grapes. Yep....you read that right! Eight lbs of grapes. We froze half and put the other half in the fridge. They are terrific snacks or a side with lunch, instead of chips, etc...I have bought peaches, mandarin oranges, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries....and I've enjoyed it all!</div>
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I have learned during this last few months that I definitely have trigger foods....foods that can cause me to eat out of control. For me, it's definitely the carbs like garlic bread, biscuits, and pancakes; sweets like creamy icing on sugar cookies, and also pasta salads. Just writing those words makes me drool. Seriously!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOT a cake! This is watermelon "iced" in FF Cool Whip!</td></tr>
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I have not totally said no to any food. I think moderation is the most doable for long term success. I define success as healthier, not just skinnier. So every Friday night (sometimes Saturday instead), I have a cheat meal, as I call it. Usually it is something I have been craving. My latest one was a burger, fries and shake from Steak N Shake. My granny asked me, "Can you lose weight eating stuff like that?" I said, "As long as it's just once per week...not every day." This coming weekend, I have a friend coming over to swim and scrapbook. We are having pizza and a couple of cupcakes. This method keeps me on target because I have a treat to look forward to, and I am told it also shocks my metabolism into gear again.<br />
And exercise? Yes...it's so important. In fact, my asthma doctor told me that even if I didn't diet, that I should get about a half hour of exercise in each day. Well.....I have surely fallen short of that. Some days I just can't make myself do that walking or get on that bike, but I have noticed that as the weight has come off, 29 lbs to date, I am generally more active. I am trying new things! For example, I actually went kayaking with the family yesterday. It was so much fun! Talk about an arm/shoulder workout! We have been searching out places to walk and bike as a family too.<br />
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I'm excited for the future. I know there will be challenges ahead, but I have more confidence....and I will need it. In August, I start a new job (Yikes)! I am a little nervous, but I am excited at that same time. Looking forward to what lies ahead. Pressing on!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-2151377551558452942014-06-21T18:03:00.003-07:002014-06-21T18:03:49.704-07:00I Think I Can....I Think I Can....Simply stated, it has been a rough day. First of all, I had a yard sale, most of which was trying to sell my mom's wardrobe....clothes, shoes, purses, the whole shabang!! Well, guess how much money we made? A whopping thirty dollars! Yep...that's right, a pitiful 30 dollars. Before anyone tells me I should be thankful for the thirty dollars I didn't have before, believe me when I say that I am thankful! It was just rather disappointing after all of the preparation and work I had put into it. The day just continued to go down hill. It consisted of bickering between the boys, between me and my husband, a friend hurting my feelings....and I could go on and on. Do you know what I wanted to do? I wanted to eat! I wanted to eat carbs! But the difference this time is that I realized that was not the fuel I needed in my body. Yes, I was tempted to scrape the remaining noodles off my son's plate and finish them, but after one bite, I threw it in the trash. It's the small victories, I suppose, that have gotten me slowly and steadily to a 25 pound weight loss! I am proud of that, but I have many lessons yet to learn.<div>
By the way, I will have another yard sale. There were two reasons why it was a flop. One, I didn't advertise, except by signs at the road. Second, it was just too dog-gone hot today! But I digress. Since I was pretty good today, I am going to go make myself <a href="http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/recipe/16588_Dr_Ian_Chocolate_Razzy_Smoothie/index.html" target="_blank">Dr. Ian's Chocolate Razzy Smoothie. </a></div>
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I got this from Rachael Ray's website.</div>
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1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries</div>
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4 tbsp fat free vanilla yogurt</div>
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1/4 cup chocolate chips</div>
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3 ice cubes</div>
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Blend until smooth! </div>
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Sounds yummy, huh? Pressing on!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner last night...Hungry Girl Taco Salad!</td></tr>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-13270695436134017412014-06-14T10:30:00.000-07:002014-06-14T12:51:22.052-07:00Through the StruggleObviously I haven't blogged in about a month....and what a difficult month it has been. As far as my weight goes, I am exactly where I was a month ago. I have maintained, but not lost. Part of this is because of my struggle with emotional eating. My mom passed away on the 23rd of May. Even though she had been sick for a couple of years, and I'm glad that she is no longer suffering, nothing could have prepared me for the pain. She is in heaven with Jesus, and I know I will see her again one day.<br />
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But I tell you, despite having been on a healthy eating journey since February, I have not gotten a handle on the "grab something to eat" feeling whenever I get stressed or upset. Granted, the things I have been eating are generally healthier, but I have eaten too much of it. Oh, and for the sake of being honest and transparent, I have eaten off plan. Let's see, there was that cheesecake at the Beta Club induction, the bread from the table at Outback, the cake that all the nice ladies from my dad's church brought after the funeral, and I could go on. It's sad that I remember all those things so vividly! I really don't want to obsess about food. I just want to get healthier!<br />
One step I have taken is to become more active. I have even gotten my family involved. Within the last week, we have taken our bikes to North Augusta's Greenway, on two different days, and we have had so much fun! Here are some photo highlights from today, when we also took Subway subs on a picnic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4D2iOMoIIEJ8356SBpe3FYKM-AufqNgvtZwU0abRDzt6Q4u5Eoy-El4Ee5IbkfPupcHqw9HQcj89vlkvegK7z7CLAUlCXzO7qA9U1faw3-OqstbHhReNGLtTDbXkMLH2Zkne-TujU_rg/s1600/IMG_0769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4D2iOMoIIEJ8356SBpe3FYKM-AufqNgvtZwU0abRDzt6Q4u5Eoy-El4Ee5IbkfPupcHqw9HQcj89vlkvegK7z7CLAUlCXzO7qA9U1faw3-OqstbHhReNGLtTDbXkMLH2Zkne-TujU_rg/s1600/IMG_0769.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This place is so beautiful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the red face! This happens every time I exert myself and get hot!<br />
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I have also been riding my bike and walking around my neighbor hood. We have a really good place to exercise. It just gets boring doing it alone sometimes. Thankfully, my family has been joining me more and more.<br />
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I have also been trying to make our meals more healthy. This is a salad I enjoyed this past week. I used Romaine and spinach, red onion, corn and edamame, Tyson's Grill ready Southwestern flavored chicken, and a sprinkle of 2% Mexican cheese. With a couple of tablespoons of lite ranch dressing, it was fabulous!<br />
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Oh, and my husband has helped me plant a potted herb garden on my back porch. I love that when I need parsley or cilantro, I can just got get some right outside my door. :)</div>
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So I guess I will keep trying, and eventually it will become second nature, right? I keep telling myself this food I'm eating is fuel, and I want to put the best stuff in so that my family gets the best out of me! Pressing on!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-86199283312728111392014-05-14T09:27:00.000-07:002014-07-12T19:32:05.259-07:00Staying on a Healthy PathWhat a busy and stressful two weeks (this week and next). I have so many things going on and so many people depending on me. I think the schools are trying to cram everything in these two weeks of May. lol<br />
I did have a wonderful Mother's Day. My two boys painted terra-cotta pots and put beautiful flowers in them. Ed cooked breakfast (of heart healthy pancakes with sugar free syrup). I must admit, since paying more attention to what I am eating, I am discovering what things I may have to give up eating. My trigger foods are definitely biscuits and pancakes (those carb laden type things). Once I start, I have a hard time stopping. He then got us KFC roasted chicken for lunch with green beans and potato wedges. Well, I made corn instead of eating the potato wedges, but I did eat one biscuit (VERY hard to eat just one)!<br />
Then supper was leftovers. I was worried about gaining, because I haven't gotten a lot of exercise in due to the business lately. I didn't though. As of mid morning today, I have lost 21 pounds! :) Really happy. I am enjoying eating healthy because not only do I have more energy and feel better, I like finding healthy dishes to try in the kitchen. This morning, I had one egg scrambled with spinach and green onion (YUM), along with a chicken sausage patty (about 60 calories) on a whole wheat English muffin. So what if I have been doing this since March and have only lost 21 lbs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTl8wVfMtbsUXaR33w0AIFoUxxZLe0tWkO1lseaLD45WwEXafDaT4ssnt9Fyw9mbVbYMaKbwFsTCUiI0TGzEoVU8gNYbbduRhMgYMlHFZ847Vz-6ojmZPR8Rpy82eTEShH3rGaxLUor02/s1600/Mother%2527s+Day+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTl8wVfMtbsUXaR33w0AIFoUxxZLe0tWkO1lseaLD45WwEXafDaT4ssnt9Fyw9mbVbYMaKbwFsTCUiI0TGzEoVU8gNYbbduRhMgYMlHFZ847Vz-6ojmZPR8Rpy82eTEShH3rGaxLUor02/s1600/Mother%2527s+Day+4.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos taken by Wes Hennings at Stevens Creek Church<br />
Mother's Day 2014</td></tr>
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If I am in it for the long haul, I have to stop focusing on the number. I genuinely want to be healthier. One of the things I don't mention much is that I have asthma. Less than a year ago, my allergist sent me to a pulmonologist because she suspected that I may have COPD. Well, that scared me, especially considering I'll be the big 50 in August. He said, though, that my breathing AND snoring would improve if I would just lose some weight. He was right, of course. I hope to improve my asthma symptoms as well as lower my blood pressure meds.<br />
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Oh...I took prom pictures of these two gorgeous people this weekend. I was pretty happy with the way they turned out. Not bad for an amateur! </div>
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Pressing on!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-72555774813540353072014-05-10T19:55:00.001-07:002014-05-10T19:55:31.250-07:00Second Goal MetThings are crazy busy here with prom tonight, band stuff going on, etc... Just got back from visiting with my mom for Mother's Day. But I wanted to take a minute and let you know that I did in fact, hit my second goal of 20 pounds lost! SOOO happy! I plan to keep pressing on!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-9824163074831038772014-05-01T08:13:00.002-07:002014-05-01T08:13:59.414-07:00Food, Exercise and Trying New ThingsSorry that it has been over a week since I've posted. It has been busy, and it has been stressful. I don't see that changing much over the next little while, but I will try to do better. I guess part of the reason I haven't posted is because my weight has been coming off at such a crawl...well, at least it feels that way. I weighed this morning, and I am down 18 pounds. I am happy about that, especially since I can feel it in my pants now. My behind seems to be the first thing to go, but I sure wish I could get it off my stomach faster! I have been trying to get some type of exercise in every day, whether it be walking our neighborhood or doing yard work/gardening. On days I don't get outside, I have been doing this routine:<br />
1. Side Lying Leg Lifts (15 on each side)<br />
2. Body Weight Squat (15 reps...hard on my knees though)<br />
3. Wall Push ups (15 reps)<br />
4. Crunches (30 reps)<br />
5. Wall Leg Raises (Hold for 15 counts)<br />
Here's the flower bed my hubby and I worked on this weekend. Can't wait until the yellow flowers spread.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj-k-99YHsurNn3v-qBQKS2Dnuf1y_IFvN7Q-XbciZIqU0C3SQEj4KWzdK98gEuyVd1Xei7c5qjQt547CWqfR-AmMVUMIY-UpWqw_p9_ihrYfthK-Cbfs3gZjgqTejWIeMIotb6Z0_UVr/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj-k-99YHsurNn3v-qBQKS2Dnuf1y_IFvN7Q-XbciZIqU0C3SQEj4KWzdK98gEuyVd1Xei7c5qjQt547CWqfR-AmMVUMIY-UpWqw_p9_ihrYfthK-Cbfs3gZjgqTejWIeMIotb6Z0_UVr/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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Exercising makes me feel good about myself, like I'm really doing something good for my health. I'll admit it is hard sometimes to pass up the dessert or the smell of a double cheeseburger. One thing I'm learning this time around though is the give and take of it all. If I over do it at one meal, I can usually keep my calories in check by leaving off my afternoon snack or after dinner dessert (which, by the way, has been 5 or 6 strawberries and a 1 oz. piece of 70% cocoa chocolate). Here are a couple of the things I've been eating. I enjoy my chicken wrap lunch (roasted chicken, whole wheat tortilla, salsa and FF sour cream), and I LOVE my sauteed squash, zucchini, peppers and onions.<br />
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Along with losing weight seems to come an increase in confidence. Here's an example of something I would never had tried in the past. It's not perfect, but I LOVE it because I DID it! I went to one of those painting with acrylics parties. It wasn't easy to do, but I'm glad I went. Gonna keep trying new things. Gotta step out of this box I've kept myself in for so long.<br />
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I also have to brag on my boy. My older son was named a USC Aiken Scholar! They were honored at a reception at the university a couple of nights ago. He's so smart, and I'm so proud of him!<br />
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Until next time...pressing on!<br />
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-89179723627201616622014-04-23T19:45:00.001-07:002014-04-23T19:45:52.303-07:00Halfway to My Second GoalI began this journey of a healthier lifestyle back in early March. I am now down 15 pounds, and I feel so much better! I can breathe better, I have more energy, and I am excited about what's to come. I have enjoyed trying new recipes. That's one of the things that keeps me going. I don't get bored, and I'm learning more about how to feed my body. Love it! <div>
I wanted to share with you one of my favorite dinners that I've tried lately. Here it is...feel free to drool!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfvbvzIA0vmCbGAl3PxP1uryzFa9_gWKmC4eIzDSPpMcCPgwpxNd95tqyKJ93IPLBQVgciHkeNGcxuF-5vTIrziX0IntTzmw4IsbRfEYmM-DoE6YacNcpUbbHE50wfGhbp8EA1YFB1xSR/s1600/IMG_0394-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfvbvzIA0vmCbGAl3PxP1uryzFa9_gWKmC4eIzDSPpMcCPgwpxNd95tqyKJ93IPLBQVgciHkeNGcxuF-5vTIrziX0IntTzmw4IsbRfEYmM-DoE6YacNcpUbbHE50wfGhbp8EA1YFB1xSR/s1600/IMG_0394-003.JPG" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the turkey taco salad, another one I got from <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/" target="_blank">The Hungry Girl</a>. It's only 354 calories and so much food! It's delish!</div>
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Finally, I mentioned in my last post that I would share a couple of my Easter photos. So proud of my little family. As you can see in the photos, I have a long way to go in getting to a healthier me, but I CAN do this! Slow and steady wins the race, right? Pressing on.</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-36895472829706726822014-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:002014-04-20T06:00:05.120-07:00Happy Easter! He is Risen!I did not decorate for Easter as I normally do, except for my cute flags outside. I didn't do Easter baskets (just a little candy for the boys), but I have really enjoyed this weekend. The focus has been Jesus...just as it is supposed to be! Yesterday, we went to see the movie <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMjo5f9eiX8" target="_blank">God's Not Dead</a> </i>and then out to eat, then straight to church, where we took part in communion. It was an awesome night, and we were reminded of the real reason for this holiday...Jesus paid the price for our sins as he died on a horrible cross in our place! Hallelujah! Tomorrow we top it off by attending my son's girl friend's church, wearing our traditional Easter attire. I'll post photos tomorrow, hopefully, if the wind and rain don't mess with our tresses! <div>
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Switching gears...just another quick update on the weight loss progress. I am hanging in there! I have lost 14 pounds so far! Weekends are harder. We've always had Friday night pizza nights, and I always have at least one slice. Saturday, Ed brought home Chinese food for lunch. The entree from the "Weight Watchers" menu was, well...let's just say it was spit into a napkin. My pit bull mix, Faye, seemed to enjoy it. So I ate the broccoli that came with it, and then had some of Ed's sesame chicken. Nope...not on the plan, but I was not going to fix something else. I was still proud of myself. Normally I could have eaten three times the amount I had for lunch. Just keeping it real for y'all!</div>
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Tonight, we made chicken quesadillias on the George Foreman grill. Good stuff! Sunday, I am heating a precooked ham, making deviled eggs with light mayo (my younger son LOVES these), green beans, and potatoes. Hope wherever you are that you can take time out Sunday to reflect on Christ's resurrection! Pressing on!<br /><div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-46282977249848099622014-04-15T19:56:00.000-07:002014-04-15T19:56:37.480-07:00Weigh-ins, Chocolate Chips and Strawberries!This morning, I weighed myself again. I know...some folks say don't get obsessed with the scale; don't weigh so often. I've also read that more people have success with maintenance if they put some of those principles into practice from the start. One of those principles is weighing frequently. It's important to know where your weight is, since it is so easy to let things slide, especially for an "avoider" like me!<br />
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Anyway....I am happy to say that I have now lost 12 pounds! So happy! Just 4 more, and I'll be in a new "decade" if you know what I mean. Ha Ha! One thing I have noticed about this weight loss is that even though 12 pounds doesn't seem like much, it has drastically increased my energy! </div>
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I am really excited after looking at some of the recipes from week four of the George Foreman Weight Loss Challenge. They sound amazing, and I can't wait to change it up a bit and try new recipes. Today, I wanted to share with you my favorite treat so far! It is a recipe I got from <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/" target="_blank">"The Hungry Girl</a>." She made these on Good Morning America last week, and I had to get the recipe. If you like strawberries, and if you like chocolate, you'll LOVE this one!<br />
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<b>Chocolate Chip Stuffed Strawberries</b><br />
5 large strawberries<br />
2 tbsp light/low-fat ricotta cheese<br />
1 no calorie sweetener pack<br />
1 drop of vanilla extract<br />
1 1/2 tsp mini semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
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Slice the stem ends off strawberries. Use a narrow spoon or knife to remove the whitish flesh inside. (This should leave a significant opening to allow room for filling.)<br />
In a small bowl, mix ricotta, sweetener, and vanilla extract until uniform.<br />
Spoon ricotta mixture into a bottom corner of a plastic bag. Snip off the tip of that corner to create a small hole, and pipe the mixture through into the strawberries. Top with chocolate chips!<br />
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This lovely snack/dessert rings in at only 96 calories! Yes....under 100, and oh so yummy!<br />
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If you try it, come back here to let me know what you think! Pressing on!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-20565567658192908542014-04-14T19:53:00.000-07:002014-04-14T19:54:01.624-07:00A Quick Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Had a busy weekend, and an even busier Monday, so this will be a quick post. Even though I am STILL at the 10 lb loss mark, I can't tell you how proud I am of myself for eating so much more healthily. I am trying new foods and finding healthy recipes. This was our dinner tonight. We grilled pork cutlets that I had marinated in a lemon pepper sauce, baked sweet potatoes, lima beans, and sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. It was yummy....and more than I could eat.<br />
I made a run to Costco and Publix today. As you can see, my fridge is stuffed! I even bought some dates today. I've heard them called "nature's candy," and let me tell you, they are! They taste almost like biting into caramel. :) <br />
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One thing I definitely need to improve on is getting exercise in. I have a treadmill in the garage that I am dusting off. My sweet husband has connected Roku to the TV out there so I won't get bored as I walk. I'll keep you updated on my progress. Pressing on!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-29266342076831203362014-04-10T20:09:00.000-07:002014-04-10T20:09:43.758-07:00First Goal Met During Spring Break!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn0CdPcHfOQyKHGLQgCAIvDNQW2VG5yLcrfMNbyOKtaC404v6_sTSRK4Eon5njLN_6A9_U6sqdXt5iTTq_GIT01dyxn1g8wUuk3AmFgpmGbEZzLtCjgoVGjG4PjQNcxyVmScJe2Y1wt9E/s1600/IMG_0320-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn0CdPcHfOQyKHGLQgCAIvDNQW2VG5yLcrfMNbyOKtaC404v6_sTSRK4Eon5njLN_6A9_U6sqdXt5iTTq_GIT01dyxn1g8wUuk3AmFgpmGbEZzLtCjgoVGjG4PjQNcxyVmScJe2Y1wt9E/s1600/IMG_0320-001.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>This has become my favorite breakfast. It's a whole wheat English muffin, with chive and onion light Laughing Cow Cheese smeared on each side, and filled with an egg, which I have scrambled with salt, pepper, and green onions. As a side, I have a bowl of mixed fruit. This is not only filling and tasty, it has helped me lose my first TEN pounds! Yep...I have hit my first goal of ten pounds. I decided that if I concentrated on the grand total of pounds I need to lose, the task would be too daunting, but ten pounds at a time, I think I can handle! You better believe I am happy! I am branching out a little from the George Foreman diet, not ditching it all together, but adding other healthy recipes I come across, some of which are my own. You know those yogurt parfaits I've made for breakfast in the past? Well, this morning, I switched it up a bit to make my own pina colada parfait! I layered Bare Naked Vanilla fit and free granola with nonfat Greek vanilla yogurt in a parfait glass, alternating granola, fruit, yogurt, and so on. I used strawberries, fresh pineapple, and sprinkled a pinch or two of unsweetened coconut on top of each fruit layer. It was the bomb (in a good way)!<br />
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This has been a good week, not just because of my weight loss accomplishment. The weather has been simply amazing, with temps in the seventies and sunshine, and since it is spring break, I wanted to be sure and take my younger son out to do things together. Yesterday, we decided to go for a picnic and walk around the Brick Pond. If you aren't familiar with it, it is a beautiful park nestled behind the municipal building in North Augusta, SC not too far from the Savannah River. There is lots of wildlife there, picnic tables, and walking trails. We got Chick-fil-a (Matthew had a sandwich, and I got a salad) and ate by the water. We walked around taking pictures of some of the sites.We saw 2 alligators, various birds, fish, and turtles. My favorite discovery was a momma duck with 7 or 8 ducklings in the water. They let me get so close, and I got some pretty good photos. It was great getting out in the sunshine and getting a little exercise to boot!<br />
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Got any healthy recipes you are particularly fond of? Do share!</div>
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Do anything fun during Master's Week or your spring break? Tell me about it.</div>
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Pressing on!</div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-79846990611208465152014-04-07T17:14:00.002-07:002014-04-07T17:24:14.607-07:00My name is Kim, and I'm an Avoider..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday, I bought groceries. If you were to look in my cabinets (pantry) and my refrigerator, you'd probably ask why. Truth is we had a lot of food in the house, but since the kids are out for spring break, I needed snacks and lunch food for that extra person at home. (You may recall, Jonathan isn't home much as he is working long hours this week at the Master's Golf Tournament.) So I stocked up on whole wheat breads and lots of fruit and veggies. I stood for quite a while rinsing grapes, and chopping celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, squash, zucchini, and broccoli. It was a lot of work, but if I do these things ahead of time, I am more apt to use them. Tonight we used a lot of celery, along with salsa and tomato sauce and paste, along with lean steak for a Crock Pot Swiss Steak. We enjoyed that with green beans and potatoes.<br />
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Today marks week three, and I am still at 8 lbs. lost. I have to admit, that is a little discouraging. Between two and three weeks is when I typically begin to have trouble. I have not walked/exercised at all this week. Definitely need to change that. I am just being real here people! This weekend I beat myself up so much because I ate two slices of Red Barron pizza, what Ed and the boys were having for dinner one night. I convinced myself I had to have it, and then I beat myself up for having it. But I did not throw up my hands and quit. That's a good sign. I am what Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen (authors of <i><a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/book/you-diet" target="_blank">You on a Diet</a></i>) call an Avoider. I read this little tidbit in their book recently, and it really struck a chord with me.<br />
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" Here's how avoiders think. Once you deviate--even slightly--from a diet or healthy eating plan, you figure you might as well drop the whole thing. And this starts a cycle that avoiders can't find a way out of: We're fat, we try to lose weight, we deviate just a little, we fear rejection for the perceived failure, we isolate ourselves from people, we stop talking about it, we stop the diet, we mow through a pound of cheesecake, we get fat, and then we try to lose weight...and the cycle continues."<br />
"Instead of avoiding bad foods, avoiders tend to want to avoid other things--like the people who want to help them and the discipline of trying to eat healthfully. Above all, avoiders try to separate themselves from these two strong emotions associated with dieting."<br />
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Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen, you have hit the nail on the head. I have gone through this roller coaster eating lifestyle for as long as I can remember. I sooo want to succeed this time! Back on track today, and pressing on!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-10566848683278470112014-04-04T12:10:00.002-07:002014-04-04T12:13:47.710-07:00Changes Well, I am noticing some changes. I have lost 8 pounds, but I can't really tell it by looking in the mirror yet. I have too much weight to lose to notice it that quickly. I am, however, noticing that I don't want to eat as much at each meal. That's a good thing, considering how portion control has been such a big issue for me! I also realize that I need variety in my diet. I get bored if I eat the same foods day in and day out. I love you spring strawberries...but I'm afraid we're going to have to part ways, at least for a few days. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, so we'll see.<br />
I wanted to share with you a couple of the quick meals I've made lately. First of all, pictured is the Turkey wrap with apples lunch. It is made with whole wheat tortillas (I was supposed to use 1 ten-inch, but I only had six-inch available). You take a wedge of Laughing Cow Chive and Onion Cheese and spread it down the middle. Layer 2 ounces of lean deli turkey and veggies. I used green leaf lettuce, tomato, cucumber and red onion. Obviously my tortillas were too small to wrap. Had I used the correct size, I would've used only one. For my side, I had a sliced Gala apple with a Tbsp of peanut butter and tea/lemonade sweetened with Stevia to drink. It was delish!<br />
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For breakfast this morning, I had my favorite of all the GF breakfast recipes. I scrambled one egg with a little green onion, salt and pepper, and about a Tbsp of 2% cheddar cheese shreds. Then I toasted a whole wheat English muffin. I Smeared some of my chive and onion Laughing Cow Cheese on each half, added 1 ounce of lean deli ham and the scrambled egg, and called it a breakfast sandwich. I ate this with a cup of sliced fruit (strawberries and bananas). My husband was like, "Um...that looks good!" I'm like, "I'll make you one tomorrow!" I am really enjoying the healthy food. One of the other changes I've noticed is how much better I feel. It's incredible what a week and a half of better eating will do for you.<br />
I've also noticed other changes in my life...namely, my son. My older son will be 18 in October, and he will graduate from high school next spring. I love him to pieces and can't help but get a little teary-eyed knowing that this last year of school will fly by, and then he'll "fly" away to college. My baby is growing up! Here's a photo I took of him this morning. It's his first day of work. He will be working in a kitchen at the Augusta National Golf Course during the Master's Tournament over spring break. Lucky kid! He wants to earn money for spending, and so he can take his girlfriend to the prom. Ain't he handsome? (wink wink)<br />
I couldn't be more proud of him. This week will be a tough one (for him and me), like my new way of eating, but it will be worth it...and something he'll always remember. Pressing on!<br />
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-14575309919682379902014-03-31T17:48:00.001-07:002014-04-04T12:13:30.309-07:00Learning with the George Foreman Weight Loss Plan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHG4_xVXI-nYIoded0tuLMuQb2fPCMIO_I-3LSkYo8HwcwOA5UbspKn-3MWMDObk3q4scOBWyefk0PSkl26lN5teLFKhMFmObwhhPP5nH-jG3zuhnrIG_q-aPHS7oo2b9mBaH9WWG9D9T/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHG4_xVXI-nYIoded0tuLMuQb2fPCMIO_I-3LSkYo8HwcwOA5UbspKn-3MWMDObk3q4scOBWyefk0PSkl26lN5teLFKhMFmObwhhPP5nH-jG3zuhnrIG_q-aPHS7oo2b9mBaH9WWG9D9T/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>I have learned to love ground turkey again. My husband and I used to eat it all the time in place of ground beef, and I don't even know why we stopped. Tonight I made "Turkey Meatloaf Burgers." It was simply ground turkey, ketchup, mustard, and oats. I made them into patties and cooked them on the George Foreman Grill. I served them with green beans and potatoes, and tomato wedges. Only my teenager wouldn't eat (he said he wasn't hungry). My younger son gobbled it up! <br />
I have to say, I am loving this plan. Usually by the beginning of week two, I am becoming bored, I am craving the unhealthy stuff, and I'm ready to throw in the towel. Well today, I realized that one of the reasons I love this plan is that I am NOT bored, and the food is great! It's kid friendly too, and I don't have to go out and buy a bunch of ingredients that we would never eat. Each week there's a new shopping list and recipes, not just for one meal but for three meals a day. I print out a week's worth of meals and mix and match them. The recipes keep me interested and satisfied, and it is "training" me how to eat. It's all about staying in it for the long haul. If I have to eat out, I just choose something like I would eat on the plan. I have also been trying to walk <i>most </i>days of the week. I didn't weigh the first day, so I dont' know exactly how many pounds I have lost, but I do know that I have lost at least 6 pounds in the first week....and I don't feel like it has been that difficult! It has been kind of fun! I've only made one recipe I didn't like. That's not too bad! <br />
I noticed something significant over the weekend. My mom is in the hospital, and I drove the three hours to spend some time with her. On the way back, I drank my first diet soda in a week. That evening, I was so much more hungry....actually craving sweets! So I am going to leave off the diet sodas and artificial sweeteners, except my Stevia. Can't hurt, for sure! I am hoping that I don't cave to my stress. I am a big time stress eater. My mom is very sick, and her outlook is bleak, to say the least. I worry about her, I feel guilty that I can't be there for her more, and well...I just stress! Trying to just take it to God in prayer, rather than to my mouth on a spoon. ;) Pressing on.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-8389835314480625562014-03-29T18:02:00.000-07:002014-03-29T18:03:43.868-07:00Personal Victories Well, it is day 6, and I'm still doing well with my healthier lifestyle. It's easier when I don't have to cook something different for the rest of the family. I am loosely following the George Foreman Weight Loss Challenge meal plans. Basically, I am trying to eat more healthy. I am eating whole grain bread instead of white bread, brown rice, lean meats, and lots more fruits and veggies. I have mostly cut out processed foods. I have allowed myself one day to eat whatever I have a craving for. So far I haven't needed it! This morning my husband got up and made biscuits for himself and the boys. Yesterday, I had grilled some extra chicken on the grill. They put some chicken in their biscuits, and I put mine in a whole wheat English muffin. I'd say that is a win! I also got some exercise in today! Two wins!<br />
My mom is in the hospital. I may be driving to see her tomorrow. She and my dad live three hours from me. So, it will be a long day, and I will have to be careful about what I eat. Praying that my mom responds to treatment and gets to go home soon. If you pray, we would appreciate your prayers for her as well.<br />
By now, some of you may be getting tired of hearing about my every meal, so I will probably not post about this every day. I promise though to keep you up to date on my progress! Pressing on!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-80717520209845547022014-03-27T19:44:00.002-07:002014-03-27T19:51:50.846-07:00Good Food and Exercise<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmH9Cka5yEseJsVrQ4zu-MOQRgX9uB8_C40xgb5BCFTvIlIqDcr7RBDb0PS7PajoshJTW-llphyVHdN98JR-PbBNNDVT-SrU0UN_z4YBXBICdr46I_LQB0JY2SHdWAQf5eMz8WKzVQF_oJ/s1600/IMG_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmH9Cka5yEseJsVrQ4zu-MOQRgX9uB8_C40xgb5BCFTvIlIqDcr7RBDb0PS7PajoshJTW-llphyVHdN98JR-PbBNNDVT-SrU0UN_z4YBXBICdr46I_LQB0JY2SHdWAQf5eMz8WKzVQF_oJ/s1600/IMG_0264.JPG" height="200" width="173" /></a>Before I lay out everything I ate today, you must realize that I am using this blog as sort of a journal, and I am hoping that by sharing it publicly, it will help me on this journey to a healthier me. Feel free to give me suggestions, ask questions, and by all means encourage me.<br />
I ate healthy foods today, and I even added some exercise! Breakfast was a fruit parfait. I made it with nonfat Greek yogurt, blueberries, strawberries and Bear Naked Free granola. It was delish!<br />
I didn't snack this morning, so at lunch I was pretty hungry. But I chose wisely. I had a sandwich made with 2 slices of whole wheat bread, and I smeared some Laughing Cow cheese (chive and onion flavor) on each piece. Then I added 2 oz. of lean deli turkey, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. My sides were a handful of black seedless grapes (um....so sweet) and Roma tomato wedges.<br />
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Very satisfying! For dinner, I made turkey burgers with a slice of 2% cheddar cheese. I cooked them on the George Foreman grill. I used whole wheat buns, a tiny smear of light mayo, lettuce, tomato, and onion. I wasn't sure how my kids would react to the "turkey" burgers, but they inhaled them! The best part of the meal was the fries on the side. I cut a potato into wedges, tossed them with a little canola oil, salt and pepper, then cooked them on my George Foreman grill. They were AMAZING! The kids loved them too. Oh...and I did get a little hungry this afternoon, so I had 6 Triscuit crackers with a wedge of LC cheese (if you're not familiar with that...it's only 35 calories and sooo creamy good). After dinner, my neighbor invited me to walk. I did just over thirty minutes. YES! I am proud of myself. I am determined to get healthy, and I refuse to obsess about the scale. If I am serious about living a healthy lifestyle, the weight will come off. In fact, my asthma doctor told me a couple of weeks ago to just start walking 30 minutes a day. Exercising is healthy. The rest will come. Pressing on!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-87512131905144233222014-03-26T20:26:00.003-07:002014-03-26T20:26:45.914-07:00Pressing On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKpICLDE0dQMV7V_AKDoNczUAgzO_EUABohyphenhyphen3hdCDaBYS3E-MVmKH_18dIJ3BgxHZA6koOu-jRKWEMSeQeo4SXUDPKOWquZM3vDYuHfLJVFTyaVpAC3-eEOOCCh_OpauTJreRcJY2GHY6/s1600/IMG_0257-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKpICLDE0dQMV7V_AKDoNczUAgzO_EUABohyphenhyphen3hdCDaBYS3E-MVmKH_18dIJ3BgxHZA6koOu-jRKWEMSeQeo4SXUDPKOWquZM3vDYuHfLJVFTyaVpAC3-eEOOCCh_OpauTJreRcJY2GHY6/s1600/IMG_0257-001.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a>This was my breakfast today. I had a breakfast sandwich (whole wheat English muffin with one Laughing Cow cheese wedge and one egg) and a bowl of fruit drizzled with a little local honey, which is supposed to help with allergies, or so I've heard.<br />
Today was another day on the go, so I tried a grilled chicken salad from Zaxby's. It's the House Zalad. I'm not sure about the stats on it, but I know it had those french-fried onion things in it. Still...a lot healthier than a fried chicken sandwich or a burger.<br />
I had a mandarin orange for a snack when I got home. For dinner, we had pork tenderloin. I didn't intend to do pork two days in a row, but it was thawed in the fridge, and I needed to use it. We also had steamed broccoli and a brown rice/quinoa mixture (which I love if I can get past how it looks). I tend to beat myself up when something isn't perfect (like the French-fried onions on my salad), but I have to remind myself that this is going to be a lifestyle change, and this salad, though not perfect, is much better than what I used to eat on the fly! I haven't mentioned much about what I drink with my meals. At breakfast, I have coffee sweetened with Stevia. For lunch, I have either water, tea or lemonade, both sweetened with Stevia. I am trying really hard to pass on the diet sodas. I've heard they can actually stimulate your appetite, and I have enough appetite without them as it is! I wish I could be like my teenager. He drinks only water and occasionally a glass of organic skim milk.<br />
Tomorrow is a new day....and I'm excited because my husband is looking into getting me a better, bigger George Foreman grill. He looked at the Cuisinart ones too. They have the variable temp controls and the removable plates for cleaning. I mainly want something that will cook more than three hamburger patties at a time. Speaking of burgers, I'm gonna make turkey burgers and grilled fries tomorrow. Yep...grilled French fries!<br />
So you may be wondering if I can tell any difference after 3 days of healthier eating. Of course not much...but I'm sure I have had more energy. And BOY have I needed it!<br />
Pressing on!<br />
.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-89665449570553437582014-03-25T19:56:00.001-07:002014-03-25T20:02:15.495-07:00One day at a time...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So...I made it through day one of my new healthier eating,without much of an issue. I was busy today, but I still managed to eat pretty well, I think. Here's what I had for breakfast. I scrambled one egg with half a slice of 2% cheddar cheese, and I had 1 slice of turkey bacon and a Halo (mandarin orange). It kept me satisfied most of the morning. I had some shopping and errands to do, so I had lunch out. Normally, I would grab a burger or chicken strips, or whatever fast food is close by. Today, I tried the new Wendy's Asian Cashew Chicken salad. It was pretty good....and only380 calories. That and a water was fine until I got home.<br />
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I did my grocery shopping today. I tried to shop mostly the perimeter of the store, and I did pretty well. When I got home, I got busy! I chopped bell pepper, broccoli, zucchini, washed grapes, and cleaned out my refrigerator. I figured if I got some veggies prepared, I wouldn't reach for something I would later regret. For dinner, I had marinated some thin-sliced boneless pork cutlets in a mixture of fresh garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. I let it marinate over night. Today I grilled it on my George Foreman grill. Let me tell you...it was delicious! I also roasted asparagus (with a few sprays of olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper). Finally, I baked some small potatoes in the microwave. The wonderful thing about it is I didn't have to cook something different for the rest of my crew. They ate it and enjoyed it (well...except for maybe the asparagus)! For dessert, (yes...I said dessert) we had <a href="http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/recipe/16099_Gina_Neely_s_Grilled_Pineapple_Sundae/index.html" target="_blank">Gina Neely's Grilled Pineapple Sundae</a>. The recipe called for fat free frozen vanilla yogurt. Well, if there is such a thing...someone please tell me what kind and where to buy it. Kroger didn't have it, so I read the labels of ALL of the vanilla frozen yogurts in the store, and I chose the one with the least amount of fat (1.5 grams). </div>
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So, I will pat myself on the back for how well I ate today. I feel good about all the fruits and veggies I had. The biggest hurdle for me to get over will be portion control. I can even over do the healthy stuff!</div>
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Thank you Lord for helping me today! And thank you for all of the kind words of encouragement I've been getting here and on Facebook. It means a lot!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-27679323798549829102014-03-24T12:03:00.000-07:002014-03-24T12:35:04.341-07:00Healthier Lifestyle Wanted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Part of being a southern girl is loving food. Every event and celebration that I can remember growing up was around food. I've been wanting to lose weight for a long time. Most overweight people do truly want to lose weight. I mean, who WANTS to be fat? Well, I have tried everything from Weight Watchers to Nutri system. They all work for a while. I have lost and gained, and lost and gained my whole life. Here's a picture of me as a baby. I started out chubby! My Granny used to joke that before I had swallowed a mouthful of baby food, my mom was already shoveling another bite in. Hee Hee!<br />
Well, it's no joke that I will soon be 50 years old. I have arthritis, asthma, and high blood pressure. Along with those health risks, I just do not like the way I look! My son graduates from high school next spring, and I would love to be down to a dress size that is not totally embarrassing. I bought a dress this weekend for Easter. I am actually between the biggest regular size and the plus sizes....so not easy to fit!<br />
Last week, I saw Gina Neely (star from the Food Network) on the <a href="http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/lifestyle/health/16122_Gina_Neely/index.html" target="_blank">Rachael Ray</a> show. Let me tell you, I was inspired! She lost 20 lbs in 12 weeks. She lost down to a size zero. She looks amazing! So I searched online to find out more about how she lost the weight, and I discovered the <a href="http://www.georgeforemancooking.com/challenge.aspx" target="_blank">George Foreman Weight Loss Challenge. </a> I love how easy it is to cook with the George Foreman grill, and when you add healthy foods to that mix and a little exercise, you can't lose...well, nothing but weight anyway! I am kind of excited about starting this. The latest GFWL challenge started back in late January, but if you go to their web site, there is lots of good info to get you started NOW! You get information on how to figure out how many calories you need to maintain your weight and how many to lose pounds. You get meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists!<br />
I won't lie and say that I am not nervous. I made a New Year's resolution to lose weight back in January, and that lasted two weeks. I lost six pounds, and then I gained it all back. Am I worried that will happen again? Absolutely! But I have to try! And I think this blog will help keep me accountable.<br />
I want to use the meal plans as a guide only. Let's face it. There will be times when you have to eat out. There will be days when you are short on time. But I do plan to give it all I've got!<br />
Tomorrow I plan to shop and then pre-cook some brown rice, some chicken, and have some veggies prepared so that I can throw some things together quickly. The tough part will be doing this while feeding my family the same thing. I have one son who is picky, but hopefully he'll begin to eat healthier too. Yall feel free to comment and give me your tips, suggestions, and by all means your encouragement! By the way, here's a more recent picture of me, taken back in January right before I fell off the diet wagon then. Since I don't like taking pictures of myself, I don't have a more recent full body shot, but maybe I'll be brave enough to do that later. That's my son...the not so picky eater!<br />
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-35854239089148118442014-03-11T08:51:00.000-07:002014-03-14T19:38:14.003-07:00What's for Dinner?One of the things I dislike most about being a housewife is deciding what 's for dinner. Maybe that's you too? Here's what we're having tonight. If I know the source of the recipe, it is included.<br />
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First, we are having <b>Parmesan Chicken</b>. It's simple, really. I take a two pound pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into "chicken strips." Then I coat each piece with sour cream (I usually use fat free or reduced fat). Then I dredge eat piece in grated Parmesan cheese. I lay the strips out on a shallow baking sheet covered with non stick foil (or parchment paper...whatever is handy). Then I bake them at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked thoroughly and juices run clear. If you wish, you can season each piece with salt and pepper as well.<br />
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Next, we are having <b>Asparagus Bundles</b>. I got this recipe from the Food Network's <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/chefs/trisha-yearwood.html" target="_blank">website</a>. This is a recipe from the show "Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood."<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
2 lbs fresh asparagus, ends trimmed (Got this on sale at Walmart last week)<br />
12 slices bacon<br />
1/2 cup light brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter<br />
1 Tbsp soy sauce<br />
1/2 tsp garlic salt<br />
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper<br />
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Directions:<br />
Preheat oven to 400 degrees<br />
Divide the asparagus spears into 12 bundles. Carefully wrap 1 piece of bacon around each bundle, starting about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the tips. Secure the bacon-wrapped spears with a toothpick. Lay the bundles in a shallow casserole dish.<br />
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, soy sauce, garlic salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Pour the hot mixture over the asparagus bundles. Transfer the dish to the oven and roast until the spears have begun to wilt and the bacon looks fulled cooked, about 25 minutes. Remove the toothpicks before serving.<br />
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Next, we are having<b> Ranch Potatoes</b>. I simply wash a few red potatoes, half then slice into bite-sized pieces. I put them into a Ziploc bag with an envelope of Ranch dressing mix. Shake to coat. Then I put on a non-stick foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes or until tender and browned.<br />
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Finally, we are having <b>Crock Pot Peach Cobbler</b> for dessert. Peach Cobbler has always been one of my most loved desserts, especially topped with vanilla ice cream. This recipe comes from <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/" target="_blank">Chef in Training</a>, one of my FAVORITE blogs for meal ideas and recipes.<br />
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Ingredients: (ONLY 3!)<br />
2 (21 oz) cans peach pie filling<br />
1 box yellow cake mix (dry)<br />
1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter (cold)<br />
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Directions:<br />
Spray crock pot with cooking spray. Dump pie filling into the bottom of crock pot. Spread evenly. Pour cake mix on top of peach filling, evenly distributing. Slice the butter into thin squares and lay them on top of the cake mix. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or until top is golden brown.<br />
I always serve with vanilla ice cream.<br />
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Hopefully this gives you an idea for something new to cook for dinner!<br />
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FYI: We had the Crock Pot Peach Cobbler. It was okay, at best. I thought it was a little too sweet. It may have been the pie filling I used. Also, the top was supposed to be brownish after 3-4 hours. It was not....except for around the edges. If you try this, let me know how yours turns out, and I might try it again.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-66552461385198143682014-02-24T12:36:00.001-08:002014-02-24T12:36:16.707-08:00Our Rescues<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Faye! She is a pit bull mix.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88su4ZlO2x0xb_h0268fNiRUpfVCQpEx13vqMeff1R9YjNLGZZbulYoo-apyI8BYUCYaVBc7wtCJgg5Bpwm6Q62U-f7HwDcDqwrH1UTgaHDCgNazRmIsRgs7_1dtTSJfVy3vIDffIyDDm/s1600/IMG_0888.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="238" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Molly. She is a Maltese who we rescued two and half years ago.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3x50TbdVUJn4VXB8_RIGlA8zCf7S6HC5HN-hddcBkTEFZ9snuBYy-6ucaqaXSaFca2XRKXXMPcsmYVcdeRA26neuXMjql7yKI7aAhb58N7A-DzTvczmjWUihHqy5zvlxoQNTuIBE1ssn/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3x50TbdVUJn4VXB8_RIGlA8zCf7S6HC5HN-hddcBkTEFZ9snuBYy-6ucaqaXSaFca2XRKXXMPcsmYVcdeRA26neuXMjql7yKI7aAhb58N7A-DzTvczmjWUihHqy5zvlxoQNTuIBE1ssn/s1600/021.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Sally. She is a lab mix who we rescued over 15 years ago.<br /></td></tr>
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These are the faces of some of the best pets I've ever had. They were all three rescued in different ways. Sally, the lab mix, was a puppy when we found her on the side of the road. She was flea-ridden, hungry and was licking chocolate off of a candy wrapper. We had to have her put to sleep just this past September at the age of 15. She had debilitating, degenerative arthritis and had gotten to the point where she could not walk. She was one of the sweetest dogs, and my two boys adored her!<div>
Faye is a pit bull mix, who wandered into our yard with a pal, a little west highland terrier. They were an odd pair, but they were playmates. We did everything we knew to do to find the owners. We called vets' offices, humane society, put up posters, put ads in various locations. No one claimed them. So, my husband made the decision to keep the pit bull mix so that Sally would have a companion. We found a new home for the Westie. Faye has been a sweet and loving pet as well.</div>
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Molly is a Maltese. We are not sure of her age. My son and I rescued her from a certain death as she was running into traffic on a busy highway near my son's school. Her coat and skin were in miserable condition. I took her home, then to the vet, and soon she was on her way back to being healthy. We tried to find the owners, but again, no one came forward. We've had her for about 2 1/2 years now. The vet said she is older. She has cataracts beginning to form, her teeth are in bad need of cleaning, and to complicate things, she has kidney stones and a bad heart murmur. My husband was kind enough to let me keep her and let her stay inside. </div>
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I LOVE my dogs! I am so happy we have them. They add so much to our lives. The sad fact is, though, that these aren't the only dogs and cats that have wandered onto our property. God knows that if we could have, we would have cared for ALL of them, but there's just no way in a subdivision like ours. I just don't understand why people get pets and then don't care for them. I follow a Facebook page called the CSRA Humane Society. On any given day, there are at least a half dozen notices of lost, missing, or found dogs. It saddens me. Today, as I traveled to a town about 15 minutes away, I saw two adorable dogs, in two different locations, running loose in danger of being struck by a car. </div>
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People...if you are going to get a pet, you must be a responsible owner. I understand that occasionally animals escape, and there is nothing you could have knowingly done. But there are other folks who just don't seem to realize that dogs, cats and cars don't mix! You don't let your pet run loose anywhere near a street! </div>
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So, to the previous owners of the dogs we currently care for, SHAME on you! You've missed out on some great dogs by not caring for them properly. At the same time, THANK You! We LOVE our pets!</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-9963971403047386142014-02-20T13:30:00.002-08:002014-02-20T16:08:27.335-08:00Southern Winters<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nCf81ot6QfozKk7Hri2fIzQGuCbGkkcTov89M84tInXjGjcCjzMtrMQIhDZVdOWp5aClYO_pMK3ia6WhmnAfyXcPIfeuUfa7SIPoNXu-BNCRJlc7NvK_UOAxDBgS9XUGsMxLDSnzbdty/s1600/IMG_0119-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nCf81ot6QfozKk7Hri2fIzQGuCbGkkcTov89M84tInXjGjcCjzMtrMQIhDZVdOWp5aClYO_pMK3ia6WhmnAfyXcPIfeuUfa7SIPoNXu-BNCRJlc7NvK_UOAxDBgS9XUGsMxLDSnzbdty/s1600/IMG_0119-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I just finished editing some photos I took last week, and it got me thinking about what a winter we've had this year. We've missed five days of school due to snow and ice. And yes, there was a run on milk and bread at the grocery stores at the first mention of snow. Some of you look at this photo and laugh. This winter, we had a light snow/wintry mix at the end of January, and after it melted, it froze over that night causing "black ice." So that week, in our county, the kids went to school two half days and missed one whole day. Remember, this was the same event that caused travelers to be stranded on the freeways in Atlanta, GA. Before you giggle and make fun, you must realize that snow and ice just aren't, well, SOUTHERN! We don't invest in snow tires and chains, in snow blowers and snow plows. It just isn't worth it for the few times it happens. Shoot, I don't even wear a coat unless it gets below 40 degrees during the day time. Well, bless my soul, two weeks later, coming up on Valentine's Day, the Weather Channel started predicting an ice event for our area. They used words like "crippling, catastrophic, and historic." This just doesn't happen around here, I'm telling ya! So I'm sure many folks didn't take it seriously. I didn't make a run to the store for milk and bread, but since I had been through an ice storm before, I did get a few groceries in case I wouldn't leave the house for a couple of days. I never imagined what this area would go through.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmnIYUJ2JuEXKtNCHOEnWT1UJfjdB9zsqliL6Lzz3cNzMFSAUe6cq6hd8VF6uWb0PLuT2ECOqqlHtf2FLStK9DM6Ljs0WimnsJm7JW0loUSDmegNXpz62rLKjvdVmNcv0CnL0yFtL_xOZ/s1600/IMG_0054.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmnIYUJ2JuEXKtNCHOEnWT1UJfjdB9zsqliL6Lzz3cNzMFSAUe6cq6hd8VF6uWb0PLuT2ECOqqlHtf2FLStK9DM6Ljs0WimnsJm7JW0loUSDmegNXpz62rLKjvdVmNcv0CnL0yFtL_xOZ/s1600/IMG_0054.PNG" height="320" width="213" /></a>In 2004, we had an ice storm that left us without power for two days. It warmed up pretty quickly, and we were back to normal shortly afterward. In 2009, our little town had an EF 3 tornado pass through. We had some damage to our house and property and the neighborhood as a whole. We were without power for about 5 days, but at least it was warm. Fast forward to 2014. The weather man wasn't playing any games. We had freezing rain and sleet all day on Wednesday, the 12th. On Thursday, the temperature rose very little, and the precipitation ended by lunch time. Of course, school was closed on both days, and even on Friday as the stuff began to melt. Because of all the trees down, many of the roads were impassible. The worst part was the wide-spread power outages for hundreds of thousands of people! We were without electricity for 5 days and 4 nights, and we had no water for two days. We are STILL under a boil water advisory, and there are still many people without electricity (over 3000 in SC alone as of today)! I can't imagine what people went through who didn't have an alternate heat source. We have a wood-burning fireplace and a small generator to power up a little electric space heater. That was good for charging our cell phones as well. No heat and no hot water...no way of cooking food except on the grill. It got old real fast! Many people around here lost everything in their refrigerators and freezers. Take a look at what this wintry mess looked like.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sC6gpq5jsRp4fQdhElJIHauKI8k2BUY4YgAvmq-qZGSnL3egRugDS5d9zIWunOpYUcNUFHcpmj7f3PbzyUcdCU1kOYsQnoQc6xtDiZjR38wW2jddoaJCGZyCoj2qBAKzZGAA6i5i0B1k/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sC6gpq5jsRp4fQdhElJIHauKI8k2BUY4YgAvmq-qZGSnL3egRugDS5d9zIWunOpYUcNUFHcpmj7f3PbzyUcdCU1kOYsQnoQc6xtDiZjR38wW2jddoaJCGZyCoj2qBAKzZGAA6i5i0B1k/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" height="185" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Here is Jim Cantore from the Weather Channel as he was on air IN Augusta, GA. We knew when he came to town, they weren't messin around!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpvjgcwbaUE1qxDAb0LxS0hYCx5fTUsW2lWVWabr2voMS4hOR7-fKKmeNlTjjstJBWGr_lUUq_LZud0i5SpphNvXmX48EP_SjLBHKK73I-w5LQqJnT53bv7SdxrMB42XLfq8NNGEcv018/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpvjgcwbaUE1qxDAb0LxS0hYCx5fTUsW2lWVWabr2voMS4hOR7-fKKmeNlTjjstJBWGr_lUUq_LZud0i5SpphNvXmX48EP_SjLBHKK73I-w5LQqJnT53bv7SdxrMB42XLfq8NNGEcv018/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THIS is why power was out for 5 days</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The aftermath was something to behold!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limbs, branches, and sometimes whole trees came down under the weight of the ice. Many landed on power lines.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we stood here, we could hear branches snapping and falling. Sometimes it sounded like gun fire. It was scary to stand underneath.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were our life savers: a portable generator, fire wood given to us by a friend, and then some from our own yard, the grill to cook on, candles, matches, flashlights, batteries, and a portable weather radio. </td></tr>
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We even caught melting snow that was dripping off the roof in a bucket so that we would have water to flush toilets with. We boiled water and did dishes by candle light. We camped out in the living room after putting sheets up at the entry ways to keep the heat in. We were never so happy to see the lights come on!</div>
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So ya see.. I think that even though this stuff doesn't happen much, we handled it with a fair amount of grace. We survived the CSRA ice storm!</div>
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You'll never guess what happened on Friday! We had a 4.1 magnitude earthquake, and a smaller aftershock on Sunday. I know...crazy!!! And today? Well, it was sunny and a record 82 degrees! </div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8945576689659686240.post-56251244037270298722014-02-20T09:55:00.003-08:002014-02-20T13:31:27.203-08:00Being a Southern GirlHey everybody! My name is Kim, but my husband says a lot of our southern friends and family call me "Kee-um" with that extra syllable. We southerners get made fun of for a lot of things, like how we talk and even how we react to the weather. Believe me when I say, though, we don't all talk like Paula Deen! I love living here in our little corner of SC, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.<br />
I grew up in one part of South Carolina and later moved to another part of SC, only to meet and marry the love of my life, Ed, a genuine "Yankee," as my dad calls him. We were so different when we first started dating. I can remember those earlier outings clearly, though it was 24 years ago. I think Ed believed I had a hearing problem because of the number of times I said, "Huh? What? Say that again?" I couldn't understand much of anything he said; his PA accent was so strong! Needless to say we made it through that, and we now understand each other perfectly...well, almost!<br />
We live together in a part of the state known as the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) with our two sons, ages 17 and 11. I can honestly say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. We're less than two hours from the coast, an hour from the state capital and the university my son will most likely attend, and we're three hours from extended family. We've been in the same house for the last 15 years. I am a 49 year old stay-at-home mom who loves living among the oaks, pine trees and green grass (at least in the summer), in the house with rocking chairs on the wrap around porch, and listening to the storm door slam on a warm day. That's me, Kee-um, in a nutshell. Just a simple southern girl with a few things to say. Hope you'll stick around to listen.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08450560279375906764noreply@blogger.com0