Our Favorite Dinners

I'm not going to lie, my favorite meal is delivered to my table...

prepared by a chef/cook and cleaned up by a busser.

(I worked at Outback Steakhouse for 5 years so I can say this)

However, I do like to cook!

I like to follow a recipe, set all the ingredients out before I start and watch the list become a delicious meal for me and my family.

I've run into two problems lately though:

1) time

2) money

Why does it have to be more expensive to cook healthy?

Veggies, fruit, whole wheat, organic... it's all more expensive!

And God forbid we dont use something... money down the drain.

I'm trying though.  And I WILL start cooking more.  I want my kids to remember some of my meals, have a favorite and want to be in the kitchen with me.

 

Here are a couple of my favorites:

 

Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze

 

1/4 c packed light brown sugar (I use light or dark)

2 tbs dijob mustard (I've used regular mustard before)

1 boneless salmon filets

salt and pepper

 

Preheat the over to 375; prepare pan with cooking spray and/or foil.

 

Season the salmon with salt and pepper and arrange onto the prepared broiler pan. Whisk together the brown sugar and Dijon mustard in a small bowl; spoon mixture evenly onto top of salmon fillets.

Cook for 30-40 minutes and serve with rice and a veggie!

 OhMyGod Slow Cooker Short Ribs of Beef

 1 cup red wine [I used an Italian table wine]
2/3 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 pounds beef short ribs
2 medium-sized yellow onions, chopped

Combine first six ingredients (through black pepper) in the slow cooker and stir. Add the ribs, submerging them in the sauce. [In my oval, this required cutting the ribs into one-bone widths, then dunking each end in the sauce. I cooked them with the bones positioned upright.] Scatter the onions over the ribs, cover, and cook until the meat starts to separate from the bone, 7 to 9 hours on LOW or 4 to 5 hours on HIGH.

If you can, refrigerate the ribs and sauce separately overnight. Not only will the flavor improve, but you’ll also be able to discard a shocking amount of congealed fat. If you must serve right away, I suggest pouring the sauce into a fat separator first.  Serve over noodles of your choice!  Yum!

Easy Lasagna

1 lb lean ground beef

1 onion, chopped (I use a cheese grater)

1 jar of spaghetti

1 (16 ounce) package cottage cheese

1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 eggs

1 (16 oz) package of lasagna noodles

8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a large skillet, cook and stir ground beef until brown. Add mushrooms and onions; saute until onions are transparent. Stir in pasta sauce, and heat through.

In a medium size bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and eggs.

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 13x9 inch pan. Layer with uncooked lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella cheese, and meat sauce. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, reserving 1/2 cup mozzarella. Cover pan with aluminum foil.

Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Uncover, and top with remaining half cup of mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.



 

Operation Underground Railroad

The world we live in is a pretty sad place.

There is a lot of good, but there is also a lot of bad... VERY bad.

I wanted to post information about an organization in hopes that maybe one person reads this and either donates, joins the team or spreads the word - like me.

 

Operation Underground Railroad

O.U.R.

 

 

 

The process:

 

The first step is to ascertain the feasibility of rescue. This must take into account the willingness of local authorities to work with us since we not only want to save the children but arrest the perpetrators as well. We also want everything to be done legally and above board. 

 

Second, we research the location, the children and the background of those who are running the sex ring. We also search for legitimate orphanages that will take the children once they are rescued and not only give them food and shelter but rehabilitate them as well. In some instances the children are able to return to their families. Sometimes, we don’t know where the child is and need to investigate to try and find him/her/them.

 

Third, we design a strategy for rescuing the children. This is the logistical part of the program. As former CIA, Navy Seals, Special Agents, etc., we have a very unique skill set to make this happen safely, efficiently and legally.

 

Fourth, we take action. Obviously this is the most dangerous part of the operation but one well worth taking. In some instances we go undercover and arrange to “buy” a child as if we were a customer. After the purchase, we move in with the police, arrest those responsible and rescue the children. In other cases, we may act as a “client” looking for favors, etc. Again, we work with local authorities to make sure everything is done to protect the children and that the perpetrators are arrested.

Fifth, once the children are rescued they need help. Their lives will never be the same. Their innocence has been stolen and they need help to readjust to a better world. Therapy is provided as well as food and shelter at a prescreened orphanage.

 

Sixth, the perpetrators are arrested, tried and sentenced. We follow this process every step of the way to make sure they don’t kidnap children again. In many cases the perpetrators were sex slaves and victims of kidnapping themselves and know no better way to survive. We hope to break this cycle.

Chicago Marathon Training: Week 12

I can't believe this week finally arrived (and is done).

I remember looking at the training plan and thinking... "omg, 18 miles"

The farthest training run I've ever done is 17, but that marathon was painful, so hopefully my dedication and long runs will pay off.

I know it will still be tough, but fingers crossed that it will be less miserable than last time.

 

This week was filled with a few obstacles.

Obstacles like the flu, pneumonia and the stomach bug.

My husband was out for the count almost all week and my kids caught "a form" of what he had that turned out to be a nasty stomach bug... poor things!

I ended up getting my week runs in, but as I prepared for my long run on Friday night, I knew it was going to be a toss up.  I ended up taking care of two sick babies and forgoing the long run.

It's tough.  You mentally gear up for quite a challenging event and then to "let it go" is really hard.... especially when you KNOW you have to get it in soon.

We had one sick little person Saturday night, but he only woke up once and went back down quickly.

I set my alarm for 0600 and was on the treadmill at 0630... done by 0900.

 

I am completely smitten with the treadmill.

I watched 3 shows and before I knew it, it was over.

I had my large water bottle and Gu positioned in front of me and was able to stop and stretch my arch a few times without struggling to start up again.  That's one think I love about the treadmill... you must go at whatever speed is on deck.  I continuously run at 6.5 the entire time.

Fingers crossed that my Nike+ is accurate b/c it is faster than the treadmill.

 

This was my week:

Proud moments:



 

 

CITY LIPS by City Cosmetics

Obviously, I am obsessed with new products.

I heard about this next product on my favorite YouTube blog:

YouTube - Brianna Stanko

I make sure to watch her videos once a week and write down any products that interest me.

She works in a doctor's office so obviously she's had a little botox, etc... but botox doesn't make your skin look like hers.  It's flawless and I love her tips!

Brianna introduced me to the DermaRoller.  I've been using it for 3 weeks now.

I dont see a huge difference, but I will keep using it for at least a year.

Another FABULOUS product she introduced me to was:

City Lips by City Cosmetics

It is a lip plumping lip gloss that really works!

I've used it for about a week now and I can see results... not a lot, but enough.

It fills your lips out and diminishes the fine lines around and in your lips.

I dont have a lot though... no smoking here!

(ps - quit smoking... it's disgusting)

Here is the link!

Right now it's buy one, get one free AND there are coupon codes!

I purchased two (1 color and 1 clear) for about $25 (half the cost of one normally)

City Lips @ City Cosmetics

Coupon Code (30% off) - BRIANNA

Coupon Code (40% off) - Tairalyn

If these coupon codes expire, you can always try

www.retailmenot.com

On top of the plumping, it's a great gloss.

A little sticky, but the glossiness last for a while and I love the color NUDE YORK!

Pic used on their site

(sorry, I'm not into selfies just yet)

Contagion

My nickname at work this week (the two days I went in) was "Contagion"

Thanks, people... lol.

My husband wasn't feeling well on Sunday.  I thought it was from our "night before."

Turns out it was the flu and a touch of pneumonia in his right lung.

BIZARRE!

I don't remember the last time someone I knew had the summer flu or pneumonia!

We tried to keep the kids away, but Michael caught a "form of it"... a stomach bug.

I stayed home with him on Wednesday and we took him in on Thursday.

Thank goodness its just a bug.  He seems to already be back to normal.

Fingers crossed my daughter and I don't catch it!

My snuggle buddy while mommy worked

 

Sick = donuts for dinner!  He was so happy!

Ipsy & Birchbox - August

Ipsy & Birchbox

August 2014

 

I dont use all these products, but I still LOVE receiving these boxes.

I know it's saved me money too.

Eyeliners and mascaras alone cost me more than the boxes do.

I also love the face wash samples.

 

Ipsy

 

 

LOVE the make-up bag... how cute!  It goes perfectly with my Orange MK!

 

Absoulte Lip Balm in Green Apple

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

Coastal Scents Forecer Blush

Lord & Berry Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil

 

Birchbox

 

Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris

K6 Skin Clean - Antioxidant Facial Cleanser

Wish Shave Crave Shaving Cream in Grapefruit

Noir Long-Wear Eyeliner

LAQA & Co. Lip Lube

 

Some of the samples are really small in Ipsy, so that's a bit disappointing, but the mascara saved the day.  I will definitely use it and it will save me from buying a new one.

 

Not too impressed with Birchbox this time, but I will gladly try all the products except the perfume.

 





Chicago Marathon Traing: Week 11

Yay... Week 11 is over!

I was dreading this one... mainly because of the 17 mile run that was haunting my thoughts.

While I started out a little disappointed in myself, I ended feeling on top of the world!

 

My neighbor, Christine, is a runner too.

She is way more into it than I am (tempo runs, etc) so we rarely run together.

It's fun to talk "run stuff" with her though b/c as always, runners like to talk about running...

ALL THE TIME, lol.

 

Anyway, she had to do 8 on Saturday and we agreed to do it together and then I would continue on and finish the last 9 alone.

I was excited to have a friend, but I felt a little uneasy about it.

She wasn't sure of her pace (trying to take it slow) and wanted to start a little later than I had planned.

My daughter woke me up at 0530 and I gave her a little bottle before I put her back down.

Once that happened, I was up.

My stomach was in knots and I was DREADING the run.

I finally got up around 0615 and texted Christine.

I told her I was going to do it solo.

I felt bad, but like ripping a band aid off, I was relieved to get started early.

 

I hit the treadmill at 0640 and purchased the movie "The Other Woman".

What a GREAT idea.... 90 minutes of mindless laughter and smiles.

Then I popped in a 30 minute show.

BOOM - it was done.

17 miles in 2:12:27... sub 8 pace.

 

Here is what my week looked like:

 

Here is my tribute to the 17 miles!

Thank you, Michael for being so cute when I was done.

And thank you funny movie and salted caramel gu for helping me through, lol.

 



Quest to be Healthier!

Every single morning I get a medium Dunkin Donuts coffee w/ cream only...

and a Blue Berry Muffin.

 

NO MORE.

 

I have to stop... the sugar, the carbs... omg!

 

So, being that I am running a lot, I am going to try the Quest bars.

I have heard SO MANY good things about them.

The jury is out as tomorrow will be day one/flavor one.

 

Here are the flavors I purchased (with a few Kind bars for snacks):

 

Vanilla Almond Crunch (2)

Cinnamon Roll

Double Chocolate Chunk (got a dirty look for taking the last one... must be good!)

Apple Pie

Mixed Berry Bliss (looked gross, but reveiws have been good)

Cookies & Cream

Coconut Cashew

 

Kind Bars (they used to sell these at Starbucks... so good!)

Cranberry Almond

Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate

Blueberry Vanilla & Cashew

Nut Delight

 

* All of these bars are GLUTEN FREE and you can pronounce all the ingredients!





Fall 2014 Upcoming Races!

Even though I am training for the Chicago Marathon,

I couldn't let fall go by without a few smaller (more enjoyable) races.

 

My training plan has me doing long runs on the weekend with a few shorter distances here and there.

The two following races, fall right into my plan!

 

August 31, 2014 

Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon

This will be my 3rd Rock 'n' Roll event... second this year!

I'm driving down and running with my neighbor, Christine.  We are leaving on Saturday and coming back on Sunday!  The race ends right on the boardwalk... can't wait!

 

September 12, 2014

Navy Air Force Half Marathon

I'm excited about this one.  My step-dad and step-brother are Navy boys so this should be fun.

Honestly, if I had known about it earlier, I wouldn't have signed up for the VA BCH Half.

It's going to be a long weekend with 'holiday traffic'.

This one is right up my alley... a course I have done MANY times!

 

 



Obsessed

I am OBSESSED with my kids.

I love on them too much.

I kiss them too much.

I worry about them too much.

I hate not being with them all day.

I watch videos on my iPhone when I am stressed at work.

I think about their little voices.

I picture them sleeping in their beds.

I daydream about their laughter.

 

 

 

I wish everyone was like that.

I wish every child felt the love we give our children.

I wish no child was born into unhappy homes.

I wish no child ever felt pain or sadness.

I wish I could rescue all children that are not safe or being taken care of.

I wish very bad things on people who hurt children.

This is something else I obsess over... which is why I love on my children the way I do.

When I hear about sad stories, I can't help but picture my own kid's faces.

It makes me question our world.  Why does this happen?

I wish there was an answer.

 



Chicago Marathon Traing: Week 10

This week was pretty easy... REST WEEK!

I did 3 miles Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs.

Rest on Friday.

13 miles Saturday morning on the treadmill.
Rest on Sunday.

 

I am actually bummed that I've started running on the treadmill for long runs.

It's not as challenging as I would like it to be.

I dont encounter hills, sun, wind or humidity.

One would say, "what's the problem?"

But that's just it... there isn't a problem... it''s too easy.

 

Goal - To find a semi-flat course that will not kill me.

 

 

This week we also finalized our travel!

I dont know why I am SO excited.

Maybe it has to do with traveling to another state...

Maybe it has to do with doing something I swore I would never do again...

Maybe it has to do with being done 2 weeks before all my friends to the Marine Corps...

Maybe it has to do with being done with it...

Who knows... I just know I'm excited and have butterflies as I type!

 

We are leaving VA on Saturday morning and arriving in Chicago around 2:30.

We will head straight to the Expo and then to our hotel.

The hotel is FREE with Marriott points.  FREE!

How can you beat that?  I dont understand how people dont take advantage of credit cards that offer cash back, rewards, etc.

We are staying until Tuesday so we can do a little sightseeing on Monday.

I will be crippled, but there is plenty of public transportation, lol.

We have reservations at RPM and Ditka's while we are there.

Art wants to eat in Greek Town the night before the race.

RPM is the restaurant owned by Giulana and Bill Rancic - I am MOST excited about this!

Yay!

 

 

 



Favorite Baby Items!

My "babies" are now 2 and 3, almost 4.

BUT... while I remember, I wanted to post some of our favorite baby items!

I can only think of a few off the top of my head, but they were INVALUABLE to us!

 

Here is #1

Inglesina Fast Table Chair

I can't tell you how many times we've used this.

Through 2 babies, it must be in the 100s (or more).

When they were little, it stayed in our car and went with us EVERYWHERE.

Who wants to put their newborn in a dirty high chair?  Not me!

Who wants their baby far from the table?  Not me!

This is the perfect solution!

It fits on every size table and everyone who sees it was amazed.

Your baby, no matter what age, is sitting right at the table with you.

 

Now that they are a little older, we use it at home.

My daughter (2) is a little young to sit at a bar stool at the island, so this is perfect!

She's secure and right in the action!

I will be sad when they outgrow it for good.

It's right around the corner <sad face>.

 

$59.00 (free shipping) on Amazon

Inglesina Fast Table Chair

 

#2

Medela Pump in Style

(sorry, guys)

This is a gem though.  I bought one for each child.

We all know the most important thing to give to your child is breast milk.

For one day, one week or a year... so so so important.

This baby helped me produce a LOT and was especially helpful with Juliana (my preemie).

We had 2 freezers and a deep freezer FULL!  lol!

 

The best part?  You can take it anywhere and no one knows what it is!

This is really helpful in the office.

 

$335.00 at Amazon

Medela Style Advanced Breast Shoulder

 

#3

Fisher-PriceNewborn Rock 'n PlaySleeper

 

AMAZING.

Both of my kids got a lot of use out of this!

My son - I used it while I was cooking, taking a shower, etc.  He loved it!

My daughter - same thing, plus while I was working (at home).

I kept my foot on the bottom and would rock her while typing.  She loved it too!

It's comfortable, cute and works like a charm.

It also helps with reflux b/c they are at an angle.

My girlfriend had her newborn sleep in his for a few months.

Worked like a charm!

 

$60 at Amazon

Fisher Price Newborn Rock Sleeper Yellow

 

#4

Arm's Reach Mini Co-Sleeper

 

I can't say enough about this product.

My sister-in-law gave it to me when I was pregnant with Michael.

I was hesitant at first b/c I always pictured a beautiful bassinet sitting the corner of my room.

Once my angel came home though, I wanted him right next to me.

And then once I realized that babies really DO get up every 2-3 hours to nurse, I REALLY wanted him right next to me, lol.

This was PERFECT and I used it with both.

Imagine the baby having his/her own space, yet being right next to you.

You can hear them breathe, touch their skin and feed them in 2 seconds flat.

Both of my babies slept in the Co-Sleeper for about 6-8 months.

 

One other thing to mention... we have an extremely high bed.

I purchased the extension kit and they worked perfectly!

Make sure to get the same color as your bassinet.

 

$137.99 on Amazon

Arms Reach Concepts Co-Sleeper-Bassinet

 

$21 on Amazon

Reach Co-Sleeper Bassinet Extension Kit

 





Well, those are my 4 favorite baby items.

Hmmmm... maybe we should have another..................... 



ORA Microneedle Derma Roller

Say what?

My thoughts exactly.

 

My mom and I are obsessed with skin care.

We always get hooked into the latest and greatest.

Thankfully my mom always thinks of me when she finds a new product.

The latest find is the

ORA Skin-Resurfacing Microneedle Roller System for Wrinkles, Scars, and Stretch Marks

 

As soon as I opened the package I noticed that it resembled the Rodan and Fields tool that many of my friends sell.

I thought, "might as well!"

 

I started off by watching a couple of YouTube videos.

Then I dove right in.

 

I dipped the roller in alcohol to sterilize and then started rolling it over my face.

Right and left multiple times, then up and down in the same spot.

I treated small areas at a time to make sure I hit every part of my face.

It was a little uncomfortable, but I didnt press as hard as I could.

Next time I will.

 

Once I did my entire face and neck, I sanitized again and worked on the back of my legs.

They dont look too bad, but if this helps avoid cellulite... roll on!

 

Once I was completely done, I used the Ora Collagen Booster Anti-Aging Cream.

On their actual site, the roller retails for 110.00 and the cream for 99.00
However, I found the same products for MUCH cheaper.
You can get everything here for only $39.99!
http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product.do?id=160562

Deals like this make me wonder if its a scam, but at this price, I have to try it out.
The reviews are all pretty good!

 

The fine, titanium needles of this dermal roller gently turn over skin cells as they strive to stimulate collagen and elastin production. When rolled over skin with constant pressure and speed, the tiny needles create microchannels, which help increase the absorption of topical serums, creams, and tapioca pudding by up to 1,000 times. Use the device all over the body to lessen the appearance of scarring and cellulite or spin it over your scalp to help encourage hair growth.

• Curved dermal roller with 540 0.25-millimeter titanium microneedles
• Microneedles gently stimulate skin to produce collagen and elastin
• May reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, cellulite, stretch marks, and large pores anywhere on the body
• Less costly than laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and dermabrasion
• Helps stimulate hair follicles on balding chia pets
• Can increase the absorption of face cream and serum by as much as 1,000 times
• Lasts for hundreds of treatments
• No known negative side effects

I will post an update after about 6 months of use!



Chicago Marathon Training: Week 9

This week was tough.

I felt like I had traveled across the world and was suffering from jetlag.

I was exhausted every single day and to prove it...

my kids slept until 10 almost every single day, lol.

Our nanny was like, "omg, that trip (to Indiana) wore them out!"

Mommy too.

 

We still got it done though!

 

Here is what my week looked like!

 

Monday - 3 miles

Wednesday - 4.25 miles

Thursday - 4 miles

Saturday - 15 miles!

That last statement is SO TRUE. 

Working full time w/ two small kids doesn't allow for a lot of run time.

That's why I wake up early every single day.

It's not fun (especially on Saturdays), but it's what I have to do.