What is your favorite exercise? What makes you so happy while doing it that you don't realize you are working out?
I have a few, but this week, WATER ZUMBA is the one.
My husband and I got Provo Rec. Passes to swim, walk the track and lift weights. They had a schedule of classes, and I decided to try this class.
Fun music, water to cool your sweat, you cant see my body and lots of resistance.
WIN WIN WIN!
Friday, July 28, 2017
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
SLEEP ZZZZZZZzzzzzz
What is sleep? Why is it important?
Memory
Decreased Anxiety
Lower Blood Pressure
Energy
Better Metabolism
Do I have your attention yet?
Here is a free Sleep meditation put out by UCLA that can help you relax before going to bed.
http://marc.ucla.edu/mpeg/Body-Scan-for-Sleep.mp3
Night-Night...
Memory
Decreased Anxiety
Lower Blood Pressure
Energy
Better Metabolism
Do I have your attention yet?
Here is a free Sleep meditation put out by UCLA that can help you relax before going to bed.
http://marc.ucla.edu/mpeg/Body-Scan-for-Sleep.mp3
Night-Night...
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Gardening in a Pot
Many of you tell me you cant garden because you don't have a yard, you live in an apartment, a condo or high rise.
My first home was an apartment and I built a small box out of wood scraps and put well-drained soil and grew tomatoes.
I have had a garden for the last 30 years. It is not hard, but you have to remember a few things:
GOOD SOIL -
Feed your plants
Know which plants do well in pots, and how deep they need to be
My first home was an apartment and I built a small box out of wood scraps and put well-drained soil and grew tomatoes.
I have had a garden for the last 30 years. It is not hard, but you have to remember a few things:
GOOD SOIL -
Feed your plants
Know which plants do well in pots, and how deep they need to be
The Best Vegetables for Containers
Potatoes, chard, lettuce, cherry and bush tomatoes, peppers, bush cucumbers, eggplants, summer squash, Asian greens, pole beans. And don't forget herbs!
Planting Depth
Here are the minimum soil depths for good growth. Remember that you can get by with less depth if you use a self-watering container or make sure you are on top of your watering.
- 4-5 inches: chives, lettuce, radishes, other salad greens, basil, coriander
- 6-7 inches: bush beans, garlic, kohlrabi, onions, Asian greens, peas, mint, thyme
- 8-9 inches: pole beans, carrots, chard, cucumber, eggplant, fennel, leeks, peppers, spinach, parsley, rosemary
- 10-12 inches: beets, broccoli, okra, potatoes, sweet corn, summer squash, dill, lemongrass
Be creative with your pots. I use old tins, I have a great old wash bin with two sides that I plant on my front porch, just make sure that you drill holes for drainage!
Monday, July 24, 2017
PIONEER DAY here in UTAH: Menu plan for this fun week!
Happy Pioneer Day Y'all. Yes, this is a Utah Holiday. One where we celebrate our heritage, BBQ and watch little kids dress like Pioneers and decorate their bikes.
Here is our menu for this week. We are still concentrating on the wonderful bounties out of the garden and orchard.
This week I have banana peppers, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, fresh green beans, carrots, swiss chard,kale, zucchini and yellow squash spilling out of my garden. Onions too, and dill, oregano, basil and chives.
My plums are delish, I am buying some peaches and watermelon from the stand down the street. adding some grapes, apples and spinach, yukon gold potatoes and that is the produce for the week.
buy some corn tortillas, whole wheat pasta, hamburger and chicken breasts. Italian sausage and chicken broth. coconut milk or almond milk. (If you don't have frozen fruit in your freezer, buy a few bags. Always have lettuce on hand. Romaine is a good buy and has more nutrients than iceburg.
*TIP:I will take fruit from the week that is very ripe, or that I bought too much and chop and lay on a cookie sheet to flash freeze it: good fruit for this: Grapes, nectarines, bananas, peaches, berries, pears, plums, pineapple.
MONDAY:
Breakfast: Smoothie with 1 c spinach, coconut milk and 2 cups frozen fruit. I like to add chia seeds and a few almonds.
Lunch: Big salad with tomatoes, can of tuna, onion, cucumber with vinigrette.
Afternoon snack: frozen grapes. this is a yummy, fresh treat.
Dinner: Beef Stew: In the morning, add stew meat, 2 c chopped carrots, 2 stalks celery chopped WITH leaves, 6 medium yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed and one chopped onion. stir together in crock pot and add one packet of brown gravy ( can beef broth for those of you who are gluten free) 4 smashed garlic cubes. One can of tomato soup and one can of cream of chicken soup. salt and pepper and steak seasoning. A generous squirt or two of Worcestershire. add one cup of water. Let it cook on low all day while you are at work, or 4-6 hours on high, until the smell in your home is heavenly and the meat is tender. serve with:
Corn Muffins:
1 c cornmeal
1 c white whole wheat flour
1 t. salt
2 eggs
1 cup of almond or coconut milk
1/2 c melted butter
1/2 cup honey
Instructions:
Here is our menu for this week. We are still concentrating on the wonderful bounties out of the garden and orchard.
This week I have banana peppers, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, fresh green beans, carrots, swiss chard,kale, zucchini and yellow squash spilling out of my garden. Onions too, and dill, oregano, basil and chives.
My plums are delish, I am buying some peaches and watermelon from the stand down the street. adding some grapes, apples and spinach, yukon gold potatoes and that is the produce for the week.
buy some corn tortillas, whole wheat pasta, hamburger and chicken breasts. Italian sausage and chicken broth. coconut milk or almond milk. (If you don't have frozen fruit in your freezer, buy a few bags. Always have lettuce on hand. Romaine is a good buy and has more nutrients than iceburg.
*TIP:I will take fruit from the week that is very ripe, or that I bought too much and chop and lay on a cookie sheet to flash freeze it: good fruit for this: Grapes, nectarines, bananas, peaches, berries, pears, plums, pineapple.
MONDAY:
Breakfast: Smoothie with 1 c spinach, coconut milk and 2 cups frozen fruit. I like to add chia seeds and a few almonds.
Lunch: Big salad with tomatoes, can of tuna, onion, cucumber with vinigrette.
Afternoon snack: frozen grapes. this is a yummy, fresh treat.
Dinner: Beef Stew: In the morning, add stew meat, 2 c chopped carrots, 2 stalks celery chopped WITH leaves, 6 medium yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed and one chopped onion. stir together in crock pot and add one packet of brown gravy ( can beef broth for those of you who are gluten free) 4 smashed garlic cubes. One can of tomato soup and one can of cream of chicken soup. salt and pepper and steak seasoning. A generous squirt or two of Worcestershire. add one cup of water. Let it cook on low all day while you are at work, or 4-6 hours on high, until the smell in your home is heavenly and the meat is tender. serve with:
Corn Muffins:
1 c cornmeal
1 c white whole wheat flour
1 t. salt
2 eggs
1 cup of almond or coconut milk
1/2 c melted butter
1/2 cup honey
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 12 cup muffin tin with vegetable oil spray.
- In a medium bowl add dry ingredients; corn meal, white whole wheat flour, baking powder and salt and whisk together
- In a large bowl add wet ingredients; eggs, milk, melted butter, honey and whisk just until wet and combined
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix to combine.
- Fill muffin cups ¾ of the way full with corn mixture.
- Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.
You can also cook this in a dutch oven as well as the Beef Stew!
TUESDAY:
Breakfast: Two hard boiled eggs, 1/2 cup of watermelon
Lunch: leftover Beef stew and a plum
Afternoon snack: 8 almonds
Dinner: grilled chicken, zucchini strips, yellow squash, all tossed with romaine and parmesan cheese in a big grilled salad. Dress with your favorite dressing and add a cup of fresh peaches sprinkled with cinnamon.
WEDNESDAY:
Breakfast: Smoothie with banana, spinach, almond, berries and almond milk
Lunch: chop salad: chop cucumber, banana pepper, tomato, carrot small with basil and vinigrette, add two string cheese and an apple
Dinner: brown one pound of hamburger with chili powder, salt pepper, cumin and a bit of red pepper flakes and 1/2 onion chopped in.
put on table with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pico, avocado chunks and corn tortillas for an easy and delicious taco bar. I also put our greek plain yogurt because it tastes like sour cream.
serve a slice of watermelon for dessert.
THURSDAY:
Breakfast: two eggs scrambled with chopped banana pepper, spinach, splash of milk and onion. Can add cheese. banana
Lunch: Leftover tacos and a plum
Dinner: LEFTOVER NIGHT: finish up what you have in the fridge
FRIDAY:
Breakfast: yogurt with one cup fruit, 2 T. oat bran
Lunch: Humus with slices red peppers, carrots, celery and snap peas, apple
Dinner: Grilled mesquite chicken, roasted potato chunks - cube your yukon gold potatoes, chop 1/2 onion and toss with olive oil and mesquite seasoning and sprinkle with a touch of parmesan cheese. put in a double tinfoil and seal and cook on the grill with your chicken. I would put on the grill about 15 minutes before the chicken. Toss a huge tomato, romaine, cucumber and spinach salad and eat outside on your back porch. You deserve it!
SATURDAY:
Breakfast:We are usually hiking on Saturday morning with our club (come join us!) but I eat a banana for energy prior. After, I will have some home made granola and coconut milk.
Lunch: chicken and plum stir fry: chop chicken, splash of soy sauce.1/2 onion and one garlic, smashed, a knob of fresh ginger crated. Salt and pepper, then saute' in olive oil. add chopped fresh green plums and took just until tender. Serve on a bed of rice with a side of fresh green beans.
Dinner: whole wheat pasta tossed with grilled zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes and onion, then topped with a simple marinara and melted mozzarella cheese.
Chop all leftover fruit into a tasty fruit salad and drizzle with a t. honey, squeeze of lemon and chopped mint.
SUNDAY:
Breakfast: Banana Pancakes with pure maple syrup and berries
Lunch: Hummus and veggie roll-ups in romaine leaves, cup of fresh peaches with a splash of coconut milk
Dinner: Zupa Toscano Soup:
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. Hot Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 6 c. low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 large yukon gold potatoes, diced
- 1 bunch kale, leaves stripped and chopped
- 3/4 c. heavy cream or Almond or coconut milk
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
DIRECTIONS
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook sausage, breaking up with the back of a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to drain.
- Add onion to pot and let cook until soft, 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper. Add chicken broth and potatoes and cook until potatoes are tender, 23 to 25 minutes.
- Stir in kale and let cook until leaves are tender and bright green, 3 minutes, then stir in heavy cream, sausage, and bacon and simmer 5 minutes more.
- Season with pepper, garnish with Parm, and serve.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Menu Madness July 12-17
With the 4th of July Holiday this week, I have not added a weekly menu. We usually have a few BBQ's we hit, and we eat left-overs from those and salads to fill the bill on the rest of the week.
I will put next week's menu up for you to all prepare.
Things that are abundantly in season that we are going to enjoy:
Fresh corn on the cob
Watermelon
Peaches
Cherries
Cantaloupe
Zucchini from the garden
Cucumbers
cherry tomatoes are coming on
peppers
Monday:
Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, coconut milk, frozen banana and frozen berries with a handful of almonds
Lunch:salad of cherry tomato's, basil, 2 cheese sticks cut into rounds and two small cucumbers chopped with balsamic vinaigrette
Dinner: lemon chicken (boneless chicken tenders, sauteed in 2T butter and 2T olive oil, generously sprinkled with lemon/herb seasoning. Make a wild rice in the rice cooker and roast some broccoli as well (toss with olive oil and season with the same lemon/herb) roast on 350 until browned and tender.
Tuesday:
Breakfast: 2 egg scramble with chopped zucchini, tomato and onion. Sprinkle with a touch of cheese and salt and pepper. Fresh chopped peach and herb tea
Lunch: leftovers from the lemon chicken and broccoli with rice. (make sure you cook enough)
Dinner: Spaghetti with Homemade Meat sauce, romaine and cherry tomato salad, watermelon
One pound hamburger, one chopped onion, 2 stalks of celery with leaves chopped, fresh basil and oregano, salt and pepper. saute until nice and brown. Add a large can of chopped tomatoes and can of tomato sauce and simmer for 30 minutes to blend flavors.
Wednesday:
Breakfast: chopped peach in yogurt with 1/2 cup granola and chia seeds
Lunch: Leftover spaghetti
Dinner: Chef salad with egg, julienne chicken, julienne red pepper,cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrot and black olives over a bed of romaine lettuce.
Thursday:
Breakfast: Oatmeal with almond milk. Add fresh, chopped cherries and almonds
Lunch: Tuna salad roll ups in lettuce. Chop pickle, radish, onion, cilantro and celery and mix with a touch of mayo and salt an pepper, roll in lettuce leafs. Watermelon
Dinner: Grilled Tilapia with a mango salsa:
Mango Salsa Recipe
1 mango, peeled and diced.
1/2 cup peeled, diced cucumber.
1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno.
1/3 cup diced red onion.
1 tablespoon lime juice.
1/3 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves.
Salt and pepper.
Roasted Asparagus and red peppers (toss with olive oil and roast on the grill in tin foil
Put the Tilapia in another tin foil with 2 T butter, and cajun seasoning. Grill the packets until the fish flakes and the vegies are tender.
Add a fresh fruit salad with the fruit you still have around.
Friday:
Breakfast: granola and chopped apple, warm in microwave 30 second. add coconut milk and enjoy.
Lunch: Leftover fish and veggies
Dinner: Chicken Tacos: roast and shred chicken that was tossed with olive oil and sprinkled with sweet mesquite. Add you favorite fix in's to the table, enjoy.
Saturday: Banana pancakes: smash a ripe banana and mix well with 1 T protein powder and 3 eggs, cook like regular pancakes and top with bananas and peaches chopped
Lunch: Tomato and cucumber and mozzarella sandwiches on whole wheat, watermelon and carrot sticks.
Dinner: Left over's from the week all put out on the table. We call this Fridge Fun:)
Sunday:
Breakfast: German Pancakes and fresh peaches and yogurt parfaits
Lunch: hummus with pita chips and veggies to dip. Smoothie of leftover fruit and spinach mixed with coconut milk or almond milk
Dinner: country boneless ribs in the crockpot, cook all day in 2 cups bbq sauce, 1 cup water and the juice of 1/2 lemon. Baked potatoes and fresh corn on the cob, watermelon
I will put next week's menu up for you to all prepare.
Things that are abundantly in season that we are going to enjoy:
Fresh corn on the cob
Watermelon
Peaches
Cherries
Cantaloupe
Zucchini from the garden
Cucumbers
cherry tomatoes are coming on
peppers
Monday:
Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, coconut milk, frozen banana and frozen berries with a handful of almonds
Lunch:salad of cherry tomato's, basil, 2 cheese sticks cut into rounds and two small cucumbers chopped with balsamic vinaigrette
Dinner: lemon chicken (boneless chicken tenders, sauteed in 2T butter and 2T olive oil, generously sprinkled with lemon/herb seasoning. Make a wild rice in the rice cooker and roast some broccoli as well (toss with olive oil and season with the same lemon/herb) roast on 350 until browned and tender.
Tuesday:
Breakfast: 2 egg scramble with chopped zucchini, tomato and onion. Sprinkle with a touch of cheese and salt and pepper. Fresh chopped peach and herb tea
Lunch: leftovers from the lemon chicken and broccoli with rice. (make sure you cook enough)
Dinner: Spaghetti with Homemade Meat sauce, romaine and cherry tomato salad, watermelon
Wednesday:
Breakfast: chopped peach in yogurt with 1/2 cup granola and chia seeds
Lunch: Leftover spaghetti
Dinner: Chef salad with egg, julienne chicken, julienne red pepper,cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrot and black olives over a bed of romaine lettuce.
Thursday:
Breakfast: Oatmeal with almond milk. Add fresh, chopped cherries and almonds
Lunch: Tuna salad roll ups in lettuce. Chop pickle, radish, onion, cilantro and celery and mix with a touch of mayo and salt an pepper, roll in lettuce leafs. Watermelon
Dinner: Grilled Tilapia with a mango salsa:
Mango Salsa Recipe
1 mango, peeled and diced.
1/2 cup peeled, diced cucumber.
1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno.
1/3 cup diced red onion.
1 tablespoon lime juice.
1/3 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves.
Salt and pepper.
Roasted Asparagus and red peppers (toss with olive oil and roast on the grill in tin foil
Put the Tilapia in another tin foil with 2 T butter, and cajun seasoning. Grill the packets until the fish flakes and the vegies are tender.
Add a fresh fruit salad with the fruit you still have around.
Friday:
Breakfast: granola and chopped apple, warm in microwave 30 second. add coconut milk and enjoy.
Lunch: Leftover fish and veggies
Dinner: Chicken Tacos: roast and shred chicken that was tossed with olive oil and sprinkled with sweet mesquite. Add you favorite fix in's to the table, enjoy.
Saturday: Banana pancakes: smash a ripe banana and mix well with 1 T protein powder and 3 eggs, cook like regular pancakes and top with bananas and peaches chopped
Lunch: Tomato and cucumber and mozzarella sandwiches on whole wheat, watermelon and carrot sticks.
Dinner: Left over's from the week all put out on the table. We call this Fridge Fun:)
Sunday:
Breakfast: German Pancakes and fresh peaches and yogurt parfaits
Lunch: hummus with pita chips and veggies to dip. Smoothie of leftover fruit and spinach mixed with coconut milk or almond milk
Dinner: country boneless ribs in the crockpot, cook all day in 2 cups bbq sauce, 1 cup water and the juice of 1/2 lemon. Baked potatoes and fresh corn on the cob, watermelon
Monday, July 3, 2017
Independence
What does independence mean to you?
For me it means:
Freedom of speech
Laughing, dancing and playing with my family and friends with no pretense.
Listening to inspiring music, whether Rachmaninoff or AC/DC is inspiring me at the moment.
It means letting everyone be their true self
Free to share nature with each other, animals, birds and plants
Freedom means being able to communicate what I feel inside, even if awkward.
Freedom is not wearing a bra when I get home, or shoes, or pants.
Freedom is running and jumping in puddles.
Freedom is laughing hard, breathing soft, crying when I need to.
Sometimes I don't cry when everyone else does...that is ok too.
Freedom is living out loud when I want to, or not answering the door when I need some down time.
Freedom is jammin' on my violin or singing with my friends...for hours...
Freedom is sitting at my parents grave watching the butterflies, which symbolize my parents reaching out to me, or the bunnies in the distance.
Freedom is jumping on my bed with my husband or watching puss videos, are we 50 or 15? Does it matter?
Freedom is the country I live in and the many who fought for it. I think of my dad, a mere boy fighting in WW2, probably scared, sad, unsure, but brave.
I also think of my ancestors and the old land I come from. I know that I can visit and that is freedom as well.
Freedom is not without heartache for a loved one and family member we lost far too soon today.
Freedom is believing there is a plan in this universe.
Freedom is swimming in a cool stream, hiking with the deer.
Freedom is love
Freedom is my children
Freedom is me
July 3rd (almost 4th) 2017
For me it means:
Freedom of speech
Laughing, dancing and playing with my family and friends with no pretense.
Listening to inspiring music, whether Rachmaninoff or AC/DC is inspiring me at the moment.
It means letting everyone be their true self
Free to share nature with each other, animals, birds and plants
Freedom means being able to communicate what I feel inside, even if awkward.
Freedom is not wearing a bra when I get home, or shoes, or pants.
Freedom is running and jumping in puddles.
Freedom is laughing hard, breathing soft, crying when I need to.
Sometimes I don't cry when everyone else does...that is ok too.
Freedom is living out loud when I want to, or not answering the door when I need some down time.
Freedom is jammin' on my violin or singing with my friends...for hours...
Freedom is sitting at my parents grave watching the butterflies, which symbolize my parents reaching out to me, or the bunnies in the distance.
Freedom is jumping on my bed with my husband or watching puss videos, are we 50 or 15? Does it matter?
Freedom is the country I live in and the many who fought for it. I think of my dad, a mere boy fighting in WW2, probably scared, sad, unsure, but brave.
I also think of my ancestors and the old land I come from. I know that I can visit and that is freedom as well.
Freedom is not without heartache for a loved one and family member we lost far too soon today.
Freedom is believing there is a plan in this universe.
Freedom is swimming in a cool stream, hiking with the deer.
Freedom is love
Freedom is my children
Freedom is me
July 3rd (almost 4th) 2017
Friday, June 16, 2017
Mindful Breathing
I had mentioned the other day that I did some breathing in my backyard. Mindful breathing is an important think for ALL of us to incorporate into our lives.
Some benefits: When we have stress of daily life or more specific stress, our brains launch our "fight or flight" response. This increases our blood pressure and heart rate, muscles tighten and our concentration goes out the window. This is great if you are going to be run over by a car and it helps you jump out of the way, but if you are worn from the day after day demands, this chronic stress and affect your emotions, your physical health, your thinking and memory. Mindful breathing can help you pull your attention away from the stress.
Here are the steps:
1. FOCUS - think about your breath. take a full breath in filling your lungs, pay attention to the air leaving the lungs all the way. pay attention to how your breath feels, warm, cool air? can you hear the sound.
2. Observe: how you feel, the breath only, don't think about anything but that breath.
3. Don't work too hard on clearing your mind, sometimes that will distract you, just worry about the breath, and relaxing. I like to think of my color or light pulling in with the breath, reaching all of my painful joints, surrounding my heard and brain. When I breathe out, I picture an ugly gray smoke taking the stress, pain, and worry out of my body.
I like to do this 10 minutes a day. You can also take a few of these breaths before you have a hard conversation, before a job interview, before reprimanding a child, before eating. It is also good to relax yourself before you get out of bed after waking and to clear your mind and body right before you go to bed.
NAMASTE
Some benefits: When we have stress of daily life or more specific stress, our brains launch our "fight or flight" response. This increases our blood pressure and heart rate, muscles tighten and our concentration goes out the window. This is great if you are going to be run over by a car and it helps you jump out of the way, but if you are worn from the day after day demands, this chronic stress and affect your emotions, your physical health, your thinking and memory. Mindful breathing can help you pull your attention away from the stress.
Here are the steps:
1. FOCUS - think about your breath. take a full breath in filling your lungs, pay attention to the air leaving the lungs all the way. pay attention to how your breath feels, warm, cool air? can you hear the sound.
2. Observe: how you feel, the breath only, don't think about anything but that breath.
3. Don't work too hard on clearing your mind, sometimes that will distract you, just worry about the breath, and relaxing. I like to think of my color or light pulling in with the breath, reaching all of my painful joints, surrounding my heard and brain. When I breathe out, I picture an ugly gray smoke taking the stress, pain, and worry out of my body.
I like to do this 10 minutes a day. You can also take a few of these breaths before you have a hard conversation, before a job interview, before reprimanding a child, before eating. It is also good to relax yourself before you get out of bed after waking and to clear your mind and body right before you go to bed.
NAMASTE
Thursday, June 15, 2017
HIKING CLUB! Utah County
Hello!
There are a few people in my office and my family that are excited for hiking this summer and upcoming fall. We have a schedule of fun hikes scheduled and you are welcome to join us. I will put information on this blog the day prior to the hike, but here is our tentative schedule.
Saturday: June 10 - Hike to the Y (this was a blast)
Saturday: June 24 - Big Springs hike (up South fork-meet at 7:30 am in the parking lot by the trail)
Saturday: July 1 - Bridal Veil Falls hike
Saturday: July 8 - Canyon Nature Trail in American Fork. Meet at 7:30 am
Saturday: July 15 - Pine Hollow in AF. Meet at 7:30 am
Saturday: July 29: Buffalo Peak via Squaw Peak overlook (meet at 7:30 am
Saturday: Aug 5: Horsetail Falls in Alpine Canyon
Saturday: Aug 12: Stewart Falls
Saturday: Aug 19: Battle Creek Falls PG
Saturday: Aug 26: Rock Canyon
Saturday: Sept 2: The Cross in Spanish Fork
Saturday: Sept 9: Rock Canyon
Saturday: Sept 16: Mt Nebo North (8.4 miles!)
We can do these! Join any and all.
There are a few people in my office and my family that are excited for hiking this summer and upcoming fall. We have a schedule of fun hikes scheduled and you are welcome to join us. I will put information on this blog the day prior to the hike, but here is our tentative schedule.
Saturday: June 10 - Hike to the Y (this was a blast)
Saturday: June 24 - Big Springs hike (up South fork-meet at 7:30 am in the parking lot by the trail)
Saturday: July 1 - Bridal Veil Falls hike
Saturday: July 8 - Canyon Nature Trail in American Fork. Meet at 7:30 am
Saturday: July 15 - Pine Hollow in AF. Meet at 7:30 am
Saturday: July 29: Buffalo Peak via Squaw Peak overlook (meet at 7:30 am
Saturday: Aug 5: Horsetail Falls in Alpine Canyon
Saturday: Aug 12: Stewart Falls
Saturday: Aug 19: Battle Creek Falls PG
Saturday: Aug 26: Rock Canyon
Saturday: Sept 2: The Cross in Spanish Fork
Saturday: Sept 9: Rock Canyon
Saturday: Sept 16: Mt Nebo North (8.4 miles!)
We can do these! Join any and all.
Monday, June 12, 2017
MENU for the WEEK
Hello!
I usually take the ads that I have received for the week, a notebook and write a MENU for the week. I look for the produce that is on sale for the week to add to my meals, look at the master list I have in my Household Manual (I will tell you more about that later) of the items I already have in my pantry and freezer, and I set out to make a Menu that is balanced, easy, I think of when I have time to cook and what days are busy for me.
My husband and I like to shop together. We both enjoy it, and it is a time we have together. I know some of you with kids like to sneak out on your own. There are those who shop with kids in tow, so having a list and sticking to it is quick and easy and you can plan what you can spend before hand.
This week, Harmons had cantaloupe for 39 cents a pound and berries 5 packs for 10 dollars. SCORE! I also grabbed tomatoes, avocados, romaine lettuce, broccoli,oranges and apples, spinach. bananas and nectarines. I grabbed 3 cobs of corn from the local stand as well. I have onions in my garden and frozen peaches and strawberries for smoothies. I picked up some old fashioned oats to make Jordan's home made granola, salmon, country ribs and a roaster chicken. I also got a loaf of multigrain bread , whole wheat tortillas and some Colby jack cheese and Fage plain yogurt.
MONDAY:
Breakfast: Smoothie with 2 c.spinach, one cup of frozen berries, 1/2 cup of frozen peaches, one orange, 1/2 cup yogurt, handful of almonds, chia seeds, three carrots and 1 cup of coconut milk. blend and enjoy!
Lunch: apple slices with 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, tomato, basil from the garden and a cheese stick chopped to make a salad with balsamic drizzled on it.
Dinner: chop 1/2 of the cantaloupe and add a pack of blueberries, a salad with romaine, a tomato, 1/2 of the cucumber and onion from the garden and a handful of spinach. Sliced chicken from the roasted chicken you bought (you will use it in two more dinners), corn on the cob. I LOVE SUMMER FOOD!
Pack some salad with chicken and some basil for lunch tomorrow.
TUESDAY:
Breakfast: home made granola parfait: layer your home made granola with plain yogurt (drizzle with agave or honey if you need sweetness slices strawberries and garnish with mint to make it pretty.
Lunch: your salad with chicken that you packed last-night
Dinner: chicken quesadillas: chop 1 cup of the chicken from the roasted chicken, chop some onion and I have cilantro in my garden that I add. sprinkle on a whole wheat tortilla the cheese, a bit of onion and the chicken, then top with another tortilla. heat griddle and use butter or spray non stick spray and cook on medium until melted. serve with one of the avocados sliced and salsa. I also have frozen corn that I roast on a cookie sheet tossed with olive oil and sprinkle with sweet mesquite seasoning until heated through. The roasting will bring out the sweetness. slice a nectarine as well. Make an extra quesadilla for lunch tomorrow.
WEDNESDAY:
Breakfast: chop some onion and cilantro and peppers ( I also have in my garden). cook in a bit of butter until translucent on the onion and the peppers are soft. Add two beaten eggs and a few shreds of the Colby jack cheese. Add a slice of the multi-grain bread toasted.
Lunch: quesadilla and carrot sticks, with an orange.
Dinner: Salmon (I like to put mine on double tin foil, pour 2 T melted butter, squeeze 1/2 lemon, sprinkle with lemon pepper and cajun seasoning and 2 cloves of minced garlic. I grill until browned and flaky in the center. I cook enough for lunch the next day. Roasted potatoes: chop yukon gold or red potatoes into one inch chunks, toss with olive oil and put on cookie sheet. generously sprinkle sweet mesquite seasoning and roast on 400 for 30 minutes, or until browned and fork tender. Add a salad of the romaine and the other 1/2 of the cucumber, and serve the other 1/2 of the cantaloupe with a carton of raspberries.
THURSDAY:
Breakfast: smoothie with one banana, 2 T peanut butter, 2 cups spinach, one cup of coconut milk, one T cocoa powder and lots of ice.
Lunch: leftover salmon and potatoes
Dinner: Tortilla soup with the end of the chicken. chop one onion, red pepper and brown in a bit of olive oil (you can also add a jalapeno if you like heat. Add one cup of corn and heat through. Add 3 cups of chicken broth, a can of tomatoes with chilis in it, a can or two of black beans, and the rest of the roasted chicken, chopped. Add chili powder, salt and pepper and a bit of cayenn pepper to taste. simmer for 20 minutes so flavors can meld. put tortilla chips, cheese and sour cream (we use the Fage yogurt instead) and chopped cilantro and avocado for people to top their soup. serve a bowl of chopped apple and blueberries on the side.
FRIDAY:
Breakfast: home made granola, chopped nectarine, chia seed and yogurt bowl (put your ribs in the crock pot before you leave for work)
Lunch: leftover soup and a banana
Dinner: crock-pot ribs (brown ribs well on a broiler in the oven, both sides) stick in crock pot with 2 cups bbq sauce, one cup water and squeeze one lemon and 2 T brown sugar. Mix then cook on low for 8 hours. Bake some sweet potatoes to serve with the ribs, and saute some broccoli in a pan with 2 T butter, lemon pepper and a bit of salt and4T water until tender.
Saturday:
Breakfast: oats with chopped almonds and blueberries with coconut milk
Lunch: Nicoise salad: hard boiled eggs, green beans, tomato and chicken with olives. You can put whatever vegies or meat in here that you like. Sometimes I put tuna if I dont have chicken, and broccoli instead of beans.
I usually take the ads that I have received for the week, a notebook and write a MENU for the week. I look for the produce that is on sale for the week to add to my meals, look at the master list I have in my Household Manual (I will tell you more about that later) of the items I already have in my pantry and freezer, and I set out to make a Menu that is balanced, easy, I think of when I have time to cook and what days are busy for me.
My husband and I like to shop together. We both enjoy it, and it is a time we have together. I know some of you with kids like to sneak out on your own. There are those who shop with kids in tow, so having a list and sticking to it is quick and easy and you can plan what you can spend before hand.
This week, Harmons had cantaloupe for 39 cents a pound and berries 5 packs for 10 dollars. SCORE! I also grabbed tomatoes, avocados, romaine lettuce, broccoli,oranges and apples, spinach. bananas and nectarines. I grabbed 3 cobs of corn from the local stand as well. I have onions in my garden and frozen peaches and strawberries for smoothies. I picked up some old fashioned oats to make Jordan's home made granola, salmon, country ribs and a roaster chicken. I also got a loaf of multigrain bread , whole wheat tortillas and some Colby jack cheese and Fage plain yogurt.
MONDAY:
Breakfast: Smoothie with 2 c.spinach, one cup of frozen berries, 1/2 cup of frozen peaches, one orange, 1/2 cup yogurt, handful of almonds, chia seeds, three carrots and 1 cup of coconut milk. blend and enjoy!
Lunch: apple slices with 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, tomato, basil from the garden and a cheese stick chopped to make a salad with balsamic drizzled on it.
Dinner: chop 1/2 of the cantaloupe and add a pack of blueberries, a salad with romaine, a tomato, 1/2 of the cucumber and onion from the garden and a handful of spinach. Sliced chicken from the roasted chicken you bought (you will use it in two more dinners), corn on the cob. I LOVE SUMMER FOOD!
Pack some salad with chicken and some basil for lunch tomorrow.
TUESDAY:
Breakfast: home made granola parfait: layer your home made granola with plain yogurt (drizzle with agave or honey if you need sweetness slices strawberries and garnish with mint to make it pretty.
Lunch: your salad with chicken that you packed last-night
Dinner: chicken quesadillas: chop 1 cup of the chicken from the roasted chicken, chop some onion and I have cilantro in my garden that I add. sprinkle on a whole wheat tortilla the cheese, a bit of onion and the chicken, then top with another tortilla. heat griddle and use butter or spray non stick spray and cook on medium until melted. serve with one of the avocados sliced and salsa. I also have frozen corn that I roast on a cookie sheet tossed with olive oil and sprinkle with sweet mesquite seasoning until heated through. The roasting will bring out the sweetness. slice a nectarine as well. Make an extra quesadilla for lunch tomorrow.
WEDNESDAY:
Breakfast: chop some onion and cilantro and peppers ( I also have in my garden). cook in a bit of butter until translucent on the onion and the peppers are soft. Add two beaten eggs and a few shreds of the Colby jack cheese. Add a slice of the multi-grain bread toasted.
Lunch: quesadilla and carrot sticks, with an orange.
Dinner: Salmon (I like to put mine on double tin foil, pour 2 T melted butter, squeeze 1/2 lemon, sprinkle with lemon pepper and cajun seasoning and 2 cloves of minced garlic. I grill until browned and flaky in the center. I cook enough for lunch the next day. Roasted potatoes: chop yukon gold or red potatoes into one inch chunks, toss with olive oil and put on cookie sheet. generously sprinkle sweet mesquite seasoning and roast on 400 for 30 minutes, or until browned and fork tender. Add a salad of the romaine and the other 1/2 of the cucumber, and serve the other 1/2 of the cantaloupe with a carton of raspberries.
THURSDAY:
Breakfast: smoothie with one banana, 2 T peanut butter, 2 cups spinach, one cup of coconut milk, one T cocoa powder and lots of ice.
Lunch: leftover salmon and potatoes
Dinner: Tortilla soup with the end of the chicken. chop one onion, red pepper and brown in a bit of olive oil (you can also add a jalapeno if you like heat. Add one cup of corn and heat through. Add 3 cups of chicken broth, a can of tomatoes with chilis in it, a can or two of black beans, and the rest of the roasted chicken, chopped. Add chili powder, salt and pepper and a bit of cayenn pepper to taste. simmer for 20 minutes so flavors can meld. put tortilla chips, cheese and sour cream (we use the Fage yogurt instead) and chopped cilantro and avocado for people to top their soup. serve a bowl of chopped apple and blueberries on the side.
FRIDAY:
Breakfast: home made granola, chopped nectarine, chia seed and yogurt bowl (put your ribs in the crock pot before you leave for work)
Lunch: leftover soup and a banana
Dinner: crock-pot ribs (brown ribs well on a broiler in the oven, both sides) stick in crock pot with 2 cups bbq sauce, one cup water and squeeze one lemon and 2 T brown sugar. Mix then cook on low for 8 hours. Bake some sweet potatoes to serve with the ribs, and saute some broccoli in a pan with 2 T butter, lemon pepper and a bit of salt and4T water until tender.
Saturday:
Breakfast: oats with chopped almonds and blueberries with coconut milk
Lunch: Nicoise salad: hard boiled eggs, green beans, tomato and chicken with olives. You can put whatever vegies or meat in here that you like. Sometimes I put tuna if I dont have chicken, and broccoli instead of beans.
Dinner: Grilled cheese sandwiches on the whole wheat bread with tomato soup. add a bit of milk instead of water. add an orange and an apple chopped.
SUNDAY:
Breakfast: granola and milk, berries
Lunch: leftover grab bag from the fridge. We will eat whatever is leftover.
Dinner: Flank Steak BBQ for fathers day. Green salad, corn on the cob and watermelon
TUESDAY: Garden Madness
Happy Garden Day! I just want you to know that I got ready for work this morning, packed my lunch, then went out in the backyard with my daughter Jordan, and we took 10 minutes to sit quietly, center ourselves, focus on our goals for the day and BREATHE! We were out by my rose bushes and the smell was so sweet, the sun so warm on our faces and it was heavenly.
I want to tell you about my roses. I have been married to my second husband Jeff since 2007, yes, 10 years this year! For my first anniversary, he bought me a beautiful rose bush. This has been a tradition every year, and we have some beautiful roses, each with memories of the hard, the good and the events of that year of marriage. I will share some pictures of these roses.
My daughter Jordan got married in April to her honey Adrian, and they planted a sapling that was part of their wedding ceremony so they can visit this tree up in a meadow up the canyon.
Think of planting trees or bushes for special times. I have heard of trees for births, my friend received a "Rose of Sharon" to celebrate her mother when she passed away as a sweet reminder of her.
I want to tell you about my roses. I have been married to my second husband Jeff since 2007, yes, 10 years this year! For my first anniversary, he bought me a beautiful rose bush. This has been a tradition every year, and we have some beautiful roses, each with memories of the hard, the good and the events of that year of marriage. I will share some pictures of these roses.
My daughter Jordan got married in April to her honey Adrian, and they planted a sapling that was part of their wedding ceremony so they can visit this tree up in a meadow up the canyon.
Think of planting trees or bushes for special times. I have heard of trees for births, my friend received a "Rose of Sharon" to celebrate her mother when she passed away as a sweet reminder of her.
Friday, June 9, 2017
Blog Layout
Blog Layout:
This is a little guide to let you know how this blog will be set up.
Every day will have a different theme, all to do with what I am concentrating on in my life.
You may want to visit every Monday, to get my menu and recipe's, my tips on preparing food
Or you may be into music, exercise, or mind health. Here is the guideline:
Monday Menu: I will post our Menu for the week, ideas on how to power cook on the week end for the whole week, healthy snack ideas, cooking tricks and recipes
Tuesday: I will be in my garden, showing pictures of my flower, English, shade garden, annuals and perennials, veggie garden, fruit trees, ideas for container gardens and growing veggies in pots and in the soil. Organic pesticides and how to use your produce in your meals.
Wednesday: Mind and Meditation. I will be learning how to ground, how to Meditate, clear the mind and energy in your body and mine. Yoga, healing, nature.
Thursday: Physical health- this is where I will discuss my exercise, get knowledge from others who have different ideas on weight training, yoga, hiking, swimming, biking, dancing, Zumba, running, walking, cardio, hearth health. I will also share my progress here.
Friday: Family Friday- this is where I will share my family, my love for them. I will share fun things to do together as a family, ideas for family counsels, communication, activities, and goals. I LOVE my family and this is important to me.
Inspiration Saturday: I will have a write up from those in life who inspire me!
Sunday: This is where I will share my love of music, old school, classical, contemporary and all that MOVES ME.
This is a little guide to let you know how this blog will be set up.
Every day will have a different theme, all to do with what I am concentrating on in my life.
You may want to visit every Monday, to get my menu and recipe's, my tips on preparing food
Or you may be into music, exercise, or mind health. Here is the guideline:
Monday Menu: I will post our Menu for the week, ideas on how to power cook on the week end for the whole week, healthy snack ideas, cooking tricks and recipes
Tuesday: I will be in my garden, showing pictures of my flower, English, shade garden, annuals and perennials, veggie garden, fruit trees, ideas for container gardens and growing veggies in pots and in the soil. Organic pesticides and how to use your produce in your meals.
Wednesday: Mind and Meditation. I will be learning how to ground, how to Meditate, clear the mind and energy in your body and mine. Yoga, healing, nature.
Thursday: Physical health- this is where I will discuss my exercise, get knowledge from others who have different ideas on weight training, yoga, hiking, swimming, biking, dancing, Zumba, running, walking, cardio, hearth health. I will also share my progress here.
Friday: Family Friday- this is where I will share my family, my love for them. I will share fun things to do together as a family, ideas for family counsels, communication, activities, and goals. I LOVE my family and this is important to me.
Inspiration Saturday: I will have a write up from those in life who inspire me!
Sunday: This is where I will share my love of music, old school, classical, contemporary and all that MOVES ME.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Hello!
Welcome to my new corner of the world. This is a journey through finding myself again, living life fuller, getting healthy: spiritually, mentally and physically. I am going to share what I love, cooking, gardening, the earth, my family and music.
I am going to let you know what works and what doesn't for ME with my yard, my relationships, my journey to health.
Please come join me, share ideas and be a part of this incredible life we all are part of!
Namaste,
Kathleen
I am going to let you know what works and what doesn't for ME with my yard, my relationships, my journey to health.
Please come join me, share ideas and be a part of this incredible life we all are part of!
Namaste,
Kathleen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)