In spite of myself

Posted on August 27, 2012 by the2beths

Well, I went to the step aerobics class I had scheduled for myself today, IN SPITE OF MYSELF. Seriously, this is what I do…
I wake up in the morning, give myself a pep talk about how good I will feel in the mornings with this new work out schedule. By lunch time, I am thinking, maybe I will start the exercise program tomorrow, and by the time I get home after school (*even though I left in time to come home do a few things and THEN go*), I have talked myself out of going and into a nap instead.
This is a terrible idea. A nap means not sleeping that night. AND it means I didn’t do what I said I was going to do, therefore letting myself down. Yet, again.
So, I went so far as to lay down in my bed, and finally forced myself out at 4:20, and made it to class, albeit 10 minutes late. I was thinking to myself what an ass I am being 10 minutes late to class because of myself.
But, since 37 is the year of being nice to myself, I forgave myself for the temporary lapse, and I left step aerobics very happy with myself…

…and very sweaty.
In my rush to leave, I was also really happy I remembered my mat for the floor/ab work. Well, I didn’t really remember it…it was in my car.

I love this class because they turn the lights off for the floor work. And, as somebody who is extremely self conscious of their body, and its limitations, I was loving this idea.

Tonight for dinner we are having spaghetti. Between school and aerobics, I put turkey meatballs and a jar of Barilla Toscano sauce with my additions of seasonings…such as salt, pepper, fresh garlic, oregano, and my favorite….

I LOVE Hot and Sweet!!!
I also add a bit of sugar, but don’t tell my husband.

Instead of pasta we are having spaghetti squash, and I am roasting zucchini with the same seasonings (minus sugar) to put on top of the spaghetti.

My mouth is watering…gotta go prep the spaghetti squash.

What’s everybody else having for dinner????

Frank’s Red Hot

Posted on August 26, 2012 by the2beths

So, I am so late to the game on Frank’s Red Hot. My husband has been putting it on food for the seven years that I’ve known him. He especially likes it on his eggs. I’ve always been a ketchup girl with eggs….until this past week. I’ve become obsessed with it on my eggs. This is especially weird, because I don’t normally like eggs for breakfast on school days, because they usually just don’t sound good that early. But, I had to make them every day so I could have my Frank’s.

I also started back to the gym on Saturday. I went to an 8 AM Step Aerobics Class with my friend Marianne. It was SO fun. And I loved the teacher. I especially loved that when I put it in the Weight Watchers Activity Tracker it was 14 points for 45 minutes! I could sure tell – I was SOOO sweaty. And I am so excited because she teaches the same class Monday and Wednesday at 4:30. This is good for several reasons. One, I can stop home and let the dog out. And two, this is my prime snacking time if I am at home. If I am busy, I can avoid snacks. And even better, I will be not at home AND exercising.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I am going to go to Cardio Kick Boxing with Marianne at 7:30 at night. Hopefully this new schedule will help get rid of these l-b’s!!!

And here is a picture of my adorable niece. I assured her you couldn’t tell her eyes were closed because of her sunglasses, and she believed me. Shh…don’t tell her.

Here’s to a great week…

You’re lucky of one thing…

Posted on August 20, 2012 by the2beths

First of all, HAPPY BLOG-IVERSARY. It was one year ago today that Beth FS and I sat in the office at my house and started the blog we had talked about for ages. It was really fun to get it started. It is something I enjoy thoroughly when I am able to set the time aside.

So, my dad is one of the most generous people I know. No, he *is* the most generous person I know. He is generous with his time, his money, and his thoughts. He has always spoiled me, and when I am showering him with thanks, he always says to me, “You’re lucky of one thing.”
Or when I may or may not have overdrafted my bank account in college repeatedly, he would say to me, as he deposited money, “You’re lucky of one thing.”
Or when I am 37 years old, (working at a job I dearly love, but doesn’t quite pay a bunch,) and I am going on vacation, and he drops by my house the day before to give me a little spending money, he says, “You’re lucky of one thing…”

Well, as you can probably guess, that one thing is that he loves me.

And I do have a point for this story. I promise.

Let’s talk about my dear dog, Sammy.
Thursday, I took her to get her teeth cleaned at the vet. $250.
Friday, I took her to get groomed. $50.
And today, back to the vet for allergy induced itching. $79.
When we get home, I look at her, and instead of freaking out about the money that we can’t at all afford, I think to myself….
“She’s lucky of one thing…”

Picture it.

Posted on August 14, 2012 by the2beths

Well, I thought it was necessary to show you pictures of this delicious oatmeal.
I had to make it again this morning even though I had it for dinner last night.
Here it is…

And here is the granola I ordered off of Amazon. It is crunchy coconut and it is SOO good.

Today is open house at school, where the kids come and drop off their supplies, and meet their teachers, and look around the building.
I always get nervous for it, but it always goes fine.

I am excited about this school year. I teach 5th and 6th grade math and we got a whole new math series that I am really excited to use. The kids can actually write in the math books. This is awesome in my opinion.

Also, in my opinion…Miley Cyrus’ haircut. I actually like it on her. I think it makes her eyes look beautiful. There are some people who look really awesome with short hair and I think she is definitely one of those people.

And, from what I read, she donated her hair to cancer patients, so that makes it even more beautiful.

Also, one last thing…I am thrilled for Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux!! YAY!!! Engaged, finally!

Enjoy your day!!
xoxo, Beth WA

Whipped Banana Oatmeal

Posted on August 13, 2012 by the2beths

I have been a reader of Kath Younger’s blog for a long time. In fact, I am more than a reader, I am a huge fan. I kind of talk about her a lot. My husband even knows about “Kath.”
Well, anybody who reads that blog knows that she lurrrvvves her some oatmeal. She frequently talks about the whipped banana oatmeal. I have for the last few years made several of her oatmeal combinations. I always liked it, but would get sick of the texture before I was finished with the bowl. And some mornings, it just sounded too mealy for me.
But I never watched her instructional video on how she makes this whipped banana oatmeal. Well, I watched it on Saturday, then followed her method and had the best oatmeal of my life. It was so fluffy. The texture did not bother me at all, and I practically licked the bowl. I have had it almost every day since, and in fact, today I had it for dinner.
The main difference between her method and mine was that I used to boil the milk/water combo then add the oats. This method has everything put in together, including the banana, and also, frequent, rapid stirring.

So, make sure you go over to her video and make this oatmeal. Stat.

Some different
mixins:
pumpkin
chia seeds
flax seed
PB2
cinnamon
pumpkin spice
vanilla extract
brown sugar
banana
strawberries
raisins

toppings:
walnuts
nut butters
chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips

I also like to sprinkle the top with granola for some crunch.

Off to work on more lesson planning…
xoxo,
Beth WA

Veggie Tales

Posted on August 12, 2012 by the2beths

So, as I mentioned, my husband has decided to make some healthy changes in his life, namely following the Weight Watcher’s Core Program, without actually joining WW formally. What this program consists of is a list of foods that you can eat as much as you need to feel satisfied. The food mostly protein and vegetables, and one serving of grains per day. You get your carbs from fruit, which is on the list of foods. This program worked well for him but not for me. See, if I could stop eating when I “felt satisfied,” then I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.
I am excited that my husband is doing this, because maybe I will be able to stick to the program better. I am usually good 5 out of 7 days, but that is making me stagnant. I am not gaining, but I am not losing.
So, today I went to the grocery store to get us off on the right ~~food~~ foot. I cut up a bunch of veggies and portioned them out so we can just grab them out of the fridge.

While I was at the grocery store, I saw my friend whom I used to exercise regularly with. We stopped exercising at a time I started a second job and her mom got really sick. Well, now her mom is better and I am working only one job, so we decided to start up again. It will be so nice to have my work out partner back. It is the accountability I need to be back on track as far as exercise goes.

This week is the last week before the kids are in school. So, I will be attending meetings, setting up my classroom, having our open house, and finishing up my lesson and unit plans for the first quarter.
Oh, and eating vegetables.

oxoxo, Beth WA

Best banana bread ever.

Posted on August 11, 2012 by the2beths

I love bananas. I eat them in smoothies, oatmeal, plain, in milk, in cereal, on toast, and most deliciously in banana bread.
My friend Bethany was raving about this simple and delicious banana bread recipe she found that had chocolate chips in it. So, naturally, I was on board. Chocolate chips are practically a food group to me…or what is it now? Not food groups…it is on my “myplate.”. Ha ha.

Well, my friends, I have to share this recipe with you. I have actually gone through my blog archives three times because I simply cannot believe I haven’t shared this yet.
I have one in the oven right now. This time, I tried something new…I added pumpkin, chia seeds, and white chocolate chips.

Anyway, I am naming this Bethany’s Banana Bread even though she got the recipe online, because she doctored it and introduced it to me.

3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
Pinch of Salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

No need for a mixer for this recipe. With a wooden spoon (or I used a potato smasher) mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4 x 8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

*Bethany’s note: When I add the salt, I also add some cinnamon. Before putting in the pan, I add finely chopped walnuts and chocolate chips.

Seriously. It is soooo good. It is a steep 9 WW Points Plus per slice, but it is worth it. Accompanied with fruit, it is a very filling breakfast, and lunch…..
Which is good, because when I make it, I eat it for breakfast and lunch until it is gone.

Have a good Saturday night!!

-Beth WA

To taste or not to taste…

Posted on August 9, 2012 by the2beths

My friend, Alex and I were talking about cooking once and he was describing the type of cook that follows a recipe, or perhaps makes their own recipe but never takes a taste until it is finished. The non-taster.

That is me.
The amateur.

He went on to say that seemed absurd to him as he tasted as he went along and added what needed to be added and little by little made it better. The taster.
I fear that type of cooking because I am not good at knowing what to add. If you ask me, I will usually add garlic or sugar. Ha ha.

Anyway, I’ve tried both ways and each have their pros and cons with me. Tonight was a con for me. I didn’t taste the pasta i was making for dinner until the end mostly because I was afraid to do so. I wanted to make….well to be honest, I didn’t want to make dinner at all. But, seeing as I just bought a car yesterday and our budget is extremely tight, I decided to cook out of the cabinets. I am trying to get my 5-9 servings of veggies and fruits and stay in my WW points plus target. So, I added spinach to our marinara sauce along with sautéed onions and some Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage. I’ve done this before-added spinach- but I usually use fresh spinach.
Today I used frozen after I sautéed it with the onions.
It is official.
I do not like frozen spinach.
To me, it tastes like soggy dirt.
It ruined the whole dish for me,
Darn it.
I have seriously made myself try this frozen spinach a zillion times, and every time the same result.
Why do I do this to myself?
So, I am making it blog official. No more frozen spinach for this girl.

So, the good news is I didn’t eat a lot of it so now I have enough points for a Healthy Choice frozen Greek yogurt…the ones I mentioned the other night. They are soooo good. Such a nice, light treat.

Oh, as an aside, I am a huge fan of the Pillsbury breads that come in a tube in the refrigerated section by the butter and yogurt at the grocery store. We had the Italian loaf with our dinner tonight and it was definitely the star of the show. Portion control is challenging with it though, so I hardly ever have it in the house. A delicious doughy sponge to transport real butter into my mouth…yeah, not a good thing to have frequently.

Well, my summer is almost over, and don’t tell anybody, but I think I am ready for it to be over. Bring on Fall and football. I love all four seasons!

On a sad note, please keep Beth FS in your thoughts and/or prayers. Her paternal grandfather passed away yesterday. She is on my mind and in my heart, as is her dad. No matter what age you are, it is never easy to lose a parent.

Xoxox,
Beth WA

Husband has the Week off!

Posted on August 7, 2012 by the2beths

Grr. I just typed this whole entry and lost it on my iPad.

But, I am going to try again because that is just the kind of girl I am.
My husband is off work this week, which has been nice. The best part is that he has been making dinner every night. And husband can cook!!
When one of us makes a really good dinner, our token compliment at the Allman household is, “Honey, you outdid yourself.”
Well, tonight, my honey outdid himself.

I will take credit for the menu and the shopping, but the prep was all him.
We had beer can chicken- when you put a chicken on a beer can and grill it for an hour and a half. Only before he did that he put a spice rub on it that we got as a wedding favor at my cousin’s wedding this weekend. It was sweet and spicy, and delicious.
Then, in a foil packet on the grill he made Yukon Gold potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary. And lastly, my favorite, roasted cauliflower. Yummmmm.
All of this with a watermelon chaser.

Here is a picture…he put that whole breast on my plate, but I was only able to manage half of it.

Later tonight I can’t wait to try this new Healthy Choice frozen Greek yogurt I bought because I had a coupon. They come in a set of three individual serving containers which is good for a binge eater like me.
Another day in my WW points, yay!

Peace out, homies. All three of you who read this blog. Ha ha.
Xoxox,
Beth WA

Not cut out for daily blogging.

Posted on August 6, 2012 by the2beths

I really love blogging. But, I always feel that I have to be at my desktop to blog instead of my iPad. I am on my iPad all of the time. Like, way too much. So, I thought maybe if I started blogging from my iPad I will do it more frequently.
Or maybe I am not cut out for daily blogging.
I hope that is not the case. Because I enjoy it so.
I think what I am not cut out for is a schedule of what to blog every day. Commitments make me want to rebel. Even though I am a crazy rule follower. I am weird.

Today was a good day. I went back to work…meaning I spent three hours in my classroom getting things organized. I was so proud of myself. I was throwing things away like a wild banshee! I am notorious for holding on to all things nostalgic and all things that may be a “resource” for my classroom. However, I never go through my piles of crap and Rubbermaid tubs to find those “resources.”. So, I got rid of said “resources,” and it feels so good.
This will be my second year in this room/building, but my 11th year at this school. Or maybe 12th. I am now realizing that I must have had PTSD when I moved into my classroom last year because it was a mess all year, and I didn’t hang anything up.
I already feel in a better place this year, mentally. I’ve hung up more decorations/math posters than I did all year last year. I guess I didn’t realize at the time how much moving buildings had affected me. I feel ready to take on this year.
Also, going back to work makes me more productive in life. Other things that happened today, that hardly ever happened this summer:
I stayed in my weight watchers points plus goal.
I exercised. (bike ride with the hubs)
And I cleaned our bathroom. Yuk.

Speaking of the hubs, he mentioned going back on the dieting/eating healthy wagon this week, and this made my heart leap with excitement. It is so much easier to do it when he is. Also, when he says he is going to go on a diet, he just does, and he loses tons of weight quickly. Maybe it will motivate me. Or maybe I will murder him. Just kidding.

Anyway, I have tons of links I have been saving. I will post them tomorrow.
Have a good Monday night! I am already in my pajamas.