AMAZE YOURSELF

Looking for me?!?!

2011-07-31T21:32:00.000-04:00

Check me out at my new blog: http://sundayfundayofcooking.blogspot.com/

Hope you like my new blog!!

Pumpkin Is (almost) Back!!

2010-09-20T18:47:00.000-04:00

I started surfing the web to see if I could buy some canned pumpkin online since I can't find it in stores. So, I thought... Let me check with Libby's pumpkin and...

"We're happy to report that we're harvesting a fresh crop of Libby's Pumpkin

and will have it in your local grocery store by

October 2010!

Make sure to pick some up to bake your favorite Classic Libby's Pumpkin recipes."

Wakey, Wakey, Eggs and ... Turkey!!!

2010-09-19T14:08:00.001-04:00

I've been MIA, I know!!! I guess that's what happens when life is good and you're having fun!!! Things are great in my part of the mitten!

School started 2 weeks ago and my students are just wonderful! I think I am going to have a fantastic year. I feel extraordinarily organized for a change, and my kids LOVE listening to classical music why they work. I've always played music while my kiddos were working, but this group just really feeds off of it! I have been playing The Gift of an Angel, which I think actually keeps my stress level down and my productivity up. One of my students came up to me the first day I played the CD and said, "Mrs. Kluth, thank you so much for playing that music! It really helped me to concentrate I did a really good job coloring. Look!" I kid you not, the most adorable first grader showed me his 'color by number' sheet and sure enough, you could see that he had a few spaces that didn't look so great, and the rest was colored sooo well! I guess I never realized the music could be THAT effective!! Incredible!

Other than being back into the swing of things at work, I have to say I also had a great summer! I decided to work at our school's 7 week summer program for our Migrant students, which was very enjoyable (and improved my savings account!). I started doing Leandro Carvalho's Brazil Butt Lift and saw some incredible results in my first week!! I completed 4 strong weeks and it felt great! Since then, I have become a lazy bum and have been slacking on my workouts. I did BBL here and there throughout the weeks, but IF I have worked out, it's been on the bike so I can zone out into my magazines. I love 'lazy' cardio on the bike!!! After much slacking and procrastination, I have decided it is time to get back into the swing of working out and eating cleaner (although my food has actually been pretty good!). Tomorrow (Monday) starts the third week of school and I feel on top of things. I already got the first head cold and am over the exhaustion of being back to work. In an effort to get myself back on track, I'm going to try to post more of my eats on my blog. For some reason, knowing that I will take pics of my food results in cleaner eating for me. So, here was my breakfast this morning:

I only had 4 raw eggs in the fridge, so I put all of them into the pot to share with the hubs. A typical breakfast for me would be 4 egg whites and one whole egg, topped with ketchup. With the egg shortage and today being Sunday, I also pulled out some turkey bacon and threw it in the microwave between two paper towels. I also sprayed a little oil on the turkey strips to help them crisp up a little more. As for the eggs...

I sprayed the pan before dropping in the eggs. I add about 2 1/2 tablespoons of water, cover with a lid, and turn the stove onto heat level "8". On my stove, high would be 9 and medium high would be 7... After 3-4 minutes, I take the pot off of the hot stove and remove the lid. I keep the eggs in the pot for another minute or two so the rest of the water/steam can evaporate off of the eggs. This method almost always results in eggs cooked over-medium. Delish!

Breakfast for Two!

This meal did not fill me up, so I also made a protein shake with 1 scoop of caramel chocolate whey, 1 packet of Sanka instant decaf (courtesy of the gas station down the road! haha), and 1 tsp Torani sugar free hazelnut syrup. I blended it up (sans 1/2 banana because I already had a piece of toast) and it was so tasty!!

Pay no attention to last night's teased hair, still tangled from last night! haha

Have a great day, sorry I've been gone so long! I'm off to do my Sunday grocery shopping!!!

Summer I

2010-07-05T13:48:00.000-04:00

OMG I'm soooo far behind!! Here's my summer recap, Summer I (June)...

First, about me!!! I'm doing OK... I'm working at our Migrant Ed program this summer, so I'm keeping myself busy and moving around! My food hasn't been the greatest because it's free for teachers to eat with the kids during the summer program. HOWEVER, I've been bringing boiled chicken and Mrs. Dash to help me modify the free meals. Since all of our students are Mexican, the cooks try to keep the food in the kids' comfort zone, so we have lots of mexican food, which includes lots of lettuce, tomato, salsa, beans, etc. I'm making it work while I eat free food! woohoo! My workouts have been at the all time minimal = NONE. I've done some cardio here and there, but in my book, that doesn't even count! I started a new workout today, but that'll be another blog...

Now, a quick photo recap for the month of May/June:

I planted wilting cucumber plants

I planted tomatoes!

Beefsteak, Better Boy, and Yellow Boys

(Green & Yellow Beans are planted in front here, but not yet visible)

Green, Red & Yellow Bell Peppers

Zucchini

Jalapeno Peppers

Cherry Tomatoes

Becca & I drove down to Chattanooga, TN, to surprise DAWN! Here are some pics:

I luvz my BEC!

SURPRISE!!!

Oh my goodness, y'all Dawn is T-I-N-Y in real life!!!! Holy Cow!

We also met one of Becca's online friends, Kendra! She places 2nd in the bikini tall class!!!

Kendra Warren

Supporting our girls!!

Oh! I also sampled a new treat at Jimmy John's!!

Many of you probably followJULIE'S blog, where she often enjoys the "unwich" at Jimmy John's. For those of you that don't... You can get your favorite Jimmy John's sandwich as an unwich... this means you eat it as a lettuce wrap rather than in the white bread they are popular for!! I have to say, I definitely enjoyed my sandwich this way - I was suuuuuper full without the bread! My friend Shelly enjoyed the full-carb sandwich, as she was running a half marathon the next day and needed her carbs!!

I have much more to blog about, like BECCA and GENIE's journey to their first national competition, NPC Junior Nationals in Rosemont, Illinois!!! Stay tuned...

xo

Surprise Unveiled

2010-06-19T15:42:00.000-04:00

Sorry it took so long for me to get back on here!!! The surprise, which many of you probably now know by now, BECCA and I drove the long haul down to Chattanooga, TN to surprise fellow Staggs Fitness client DAWN for her first bikini competition!!! It was a great time, and sooo fabulous to see Dawn work it on stage after losing so much weight and toning up her muscles!! We are so proud of Dawn! I thought I had made an amazing transformation, but Dawn, whoa, way to go!!

It's amazing how everyone out there in blogger land feels like 'real life friends'!! Since I started my blog when I began my journey to the bikini stage, I have "met" so many wonderful women out there! I appreciate the love, support, and constructive criticism! Dawn is one of those people that was so eager to hear how my progress was going, but even more, cared so much about what happens after the stage. I am happy I am hear to help out in any small way that I can. I am by no means a pro at any of this, but I seem to have found a happy place is weight and size (granted, I still intend to get my butt in gear and tone up these muscles again!)

So, that was the surprise! I'm sorry I don't have any pictures right now, I'm on my brother's computer, which means no photos. Which, by the way, I am here because Becca and GENIE are competing on the national stage this weekend! It's already been a long weekend for me, and I'm just a spectator! haha Both girls have looked great this weekend, and we'll find out how they officially did at tonight's show! They're both adorable and silly, these little twinnies! Not only are they both beautiful dark haired, tan women, but equally silly by nature! When I showed up at their hotel to do hair and makeup, they were WEARING THE SAME BLACK ROMPER!! And yes, it was on purprose! haha Love these girls, so happy I can be here with them!!!

Secret, Secret...

2010-06-10T23:34:00.000-04:00

I've got a secret!

Betcha can't wait to find out what it is!!!

SATC2

2010-06-02T19:52:00.001-04:00

Did you see SATC 2? I didn't think it was that great... a bit long and mellow for our naughty little city girls, IMO!! I did have fun with some coworkers before the show, though!!

Patio seats at the martini bar

Me, Beth, Shelly

Outside the theater, Beth, me, Jen, Shelly

(look at me, still holding onto that small size!!)

Do ya like my dress? I wish you could see it better, it has a round boat neck with 2 buttons on the collar, cute pleats in the top, and obviously its a straight black dress. Originally $60, 50% off then gift cards equals a $5.70 sale for me. Holla!!!

Grocery Getter

2010-06-01T19:46:00.001-04:00

Do you plan out your grocery shopping before you go, or do you just head out, hit up the same store, buying the same products every week?

I take the time to look through the Sunday ads, searching for the best deals out there. All of the grocery stores I like to visit are just parking lots away from each other, so the gas I burn doesn't defeat the savings I make by visiting multiple stores. (I also view the ads online rather than buying the Sunday paper, as that saves me an additional $1.50!) In order to make sure I don't miss a deal, I make out my list according to the deals at each store.

At the bottom, you'll notice cottage cheese, veggies, and other random products that were not listed on sale, so I bought it at the first store where the price felt right. I always hit up ALDI first, because I can't find an ad for them online and most of their products are cheaper than anywhere else (for example: 25cents for a can of tomato sauce). I will occasionally run to Walmart, but that's usually for LAUGHING COW cheese because it's $1 less than anywhere else. Which reminds me, new wedge flavors come out this month, including light blue cheese, light mozzarella sun-dried tomato & basil, and light queso fresco and chipotle. Me cannot waitz! I can explain my excitement about the tomato basil one! Laughing Cow, please don't let me down!!

**Side note: Have you ever heard of THE CHRISTMAS TREE SHOPS? It's a really neat store that sells seasonal items, obviously Christmas stuff at Christmas time, but has everything you can imagine for the summer season! I found random organic products, suntan lotion that until not I could only find at Ron Jon in Florida, and other random items! One random item was the Laughing Cow cheese for $2.49, a whopping 50 cents less than at Walmart! woohoo!!

Question of the Day: How do you organize your grocery list?

Sunday Funday!

2010-05-23T20:35:00.001-04:00

Hey y'all! How was your weekend? Mine was great! The hubs and I went to the movie theater to see Iron Man 2 on Friday, I painted (yes, s'more) all day Saturday, and then along came today - SUNDAY FUNDAY!!

I started my day off with a tasty new treat, thanks to my fancy shmancy new Keurig Mini!!

Keurig Mini

I was in a rush to run out of the house to meet BECCA for lunch, so I poured my hot chai latte over some ice and headed out to meet her at our halfway point.

Cold Chai Latte

I was starving when I arrived, so we ~~irritated our waitress by chatting for 10 minutes~~ ordered right away. My lunch was just as prep friendly as Becca's!

haha Not-So-Prep-Friendly Lunch

Notice something wrong with this picture? THREE BUN PIECES!!! Don't worry, Bec and I took care of it!

Dead Bread + hard boiled egg yolk

Becca's lunch was much better, as well as her cute top she was wearing! Ow oooooow!

Becca + ginormouse greek salad and chicken breast

Don't you just love Bec's green top and new jewelry? She's one smokin' bikini competitor!! After a wonderfully long lunch, we headed over to Meijer so I could help Bec pick something out for her new summer hobby. I'll let her tell you about that one, though!

Chillin' in Becca's new ride!

I had such a great time with Becca! As you can tell she's looking good and still working her charming looks! I was sad to leave my lunch date, but after all of our talk about summer fun, summer hobbies, and summer-like weather (80s in Michigan today!), I was excited to get home and transplant my herbs into their new home.

Jessica's Herb Tower

I have oregano, curly leaf parsley, flat leaf parsley (Italian parsley), cilantro and chives (not pictured) in the bottom pot, with basil and thyme in the top pot! The rosemary has yet to be placed, but it will!

Top View (can you see the little chives now?)

I love having fresh herbs all summer long. I tried planting them in my garden 2 years ago, but my dad accidentally plowed them over with rototiller when he was trying to help me in my garden. OOPS! We were anticipating the purchase of a new home last summer, so I opted to plant my herbs and veggies in patio pots so I could take them with me, which worked out wonderfully! I had the biggest, most beautiful herbs!! So, I did what all people should do and thought, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" I am also super excited to get my garden going! I'll be tilling the garden with the help of my mom & pops next weekend. A little late to start a garden, you say? Nope! I put in plants rather than starting from seeds. It's fail-safe for me, so that's how ah do!

I fnished my day with some errands, and this tasty salad.

Spinach, chicken, pineapple, slivered almonds and...Mrs. Dash!

The pineapple was so juicy, I didn't need any salad dressing! Yuh-um!

Time for the Lost finale!! woot! I hope you had a Funday Sunday!!!

A Few More Favorites

2010-05-20T11:16:00.004-04:00

I can't remember if I have mentioned one of our new favorites here in the Kluth household:

Carba Nada Noodles!!
(noodles topped with ground turkey + onion + oregano, marinara, parmesan cheese)

I know many of you probably read Julie's blog, where I learned all about Carba Nada! These bad boys are delicious, and here are the nutritionals:

I have found that the best place to buy Carba Nada noodles is at NETRITION. Netrition has a $5 shipping fee no matter what you purchase, with is way cheaper than the home website for Carba Nada. I also buy Joseph's Lavash Bread for pizza making through Netrition when I make my purchases.

Another recent favorite has been Yoplait Greek Yogurt. It's a little cheaper than Fage, Oikos and Chobani greek yogurts, but honestly, not as good, either. Buying the plain is a bit too tart for me! The yogurt isn't as much of my favorite as the Kashi Summber Berry granola that I have been topping it with!

Greek Yoplait + Kashi = Heart Healthy

What are some of your recent favorite, healthy meals?

Still waiting to see Becca's prep-approved 'banana' shake!!

Muchie Madness

2010-05-18T06:43:00.001-04:00

My little friend TOM brought on some serious munchie cravings. Not everything I snacked on was totally clean, but definitely low calorie and very low fat!!

Half of a Joseph's Lavash Bread, 1 Laughing Cow light cheese wedge (french onion), tomato, a little too much FF cheese, and my beloved Mrs. Dash!

Another little bitty apple (with PB, of course!), followed with a PB spork, not a PB finger! haha If you don't think this apple is small, you would correct yourself after seeing my large manly hands!

Lunch yesterday included baby spinach, walnuts, FF Feta Cheese. I've added a link for the cheese, but for some reason the FF isn't on the Athenos website. This salad was, of course, topped with:

MRS. DASH!!

Please, forgive me for the blurry picture!! I love Mrs. Dash, I love Mrs. Dash!

I'm off to make my egg + egg whites! Have a great day!!!

Chillaxin', Relaxin', and Getting My Groove Back

2010-05-13T23:09:00.000-04:00

So, as of tomorrow we have officially been living in our house for 2 full weeks! It feels like much longer because we painted, unpacked, painted, unpacked, painted, painted, painted... for 3 weeks before the official move. We will be participating in Favian's aunt's annual neighborhood garage sales, and we are thinking we'll make some decent dough because we got rid of A LOT of stuff!! Ah, the joys of keeping all your wedding gifts in the boxes for almost 3 years just so we would have all new stuff in a new house! (who.does.THAT?)
After much exhaustion, lack of sleep, and a few sick days, I'm finally feeling (almost) on track again! My food has remained decent this whole time. I have generally lived by the same rule for a while now: Eat clean and eat well all day long, so if I want a snack or a not-so-clean meal for dinner, I can! So far it has worked out well for me. I've been maintaining a happy weight, and that's with being TERRIBLE at getting my workouts in. So, on that note, I present to you...

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MY HAPPY MOUTH

Meal One, never changes, I eat this every day. Three egg whites and one egg, with ketchup. It looks gross here. I usually have a perfect round circle with a medium-cooked yolk, but today I tossed my eggs a little too much in my bag, so the whites managed to roll over and my yolk broke. Sad teacher, but it still tasted yummy!

Meal Two: Homemade Filet-o-Fish sandwhich. I served it up on an Arnold's Slimwich and some homemade tartar sauce (aka Miracle whip+relish+garlic powder), and a huge serving of broccoli and green beans.

Meal Two was courtesy of Tuesday's dinner, Walnut and Tomato Tilapia. Don't mind the burnt crumbs on top, I'm starting to think the thermostat is off in this oven, as I almost ruined my Mother's Day dessert, too. Basically I took Tuesday's dinner and plopped in on some bread. What's up now, Mickey D's?!

Thanks to TOM, I was having a serious craving for something cold and sweet, like a milkshake, but I was bound and determined to eat something to my advantage. I quickly ran to the grocery store while the kids were still at lunch and grabbed Meal Three, an extremely small apple and some peanut butter!! I always forget about this snack because I'm always trying to balance my protein and carbs. But, I follow lots of bloggers that eat this all the time and they are skinny minnies! I measured out 2 tablespoons of PB for my apple, followed by a well-rounded third one that landed right into my mouth. Best believe I licked that bad boy clean!!! I cannot be trusted with open jars of peanut butter!!!

Normally something like the fish sandwich would be M3 and M2 would be protein and oats stirred up in a cup with a little water, but I started my food off a much later than usual!

Meal Four: Green Monster. 1 frozen banana, 3 large handfuls of spinach, approximately 1/2 C 1% Organic milk, 1 teaspoon-ish of dutch process cocoa, and 1 tablespoon ground flax meal. Yes, I was still trying to satisfy my milkshake craving!!! I have found that the flax meal makes my green monster nice and thick like it looks in pics that people post with using xanthum or guar gum. You should have seen my mom's face when she saw that I was putting spinach in the blender! haha She was so grossed out she actually had to walk out of my kitchen! haha

Isn't that a pretty purple wall in the background? haha That's my purple wall! It's not that bright in real life, I swear! The wall that looks grayish-purple on the left is actually a really, really dark tan, if that doesn't tell you how bad this photo was! Please forgive me as I use my parent's old school camera while I convince my hubby that I should have a new camera... again!

I have no photos of Meal 5 because it was Meal 5ish. A small handful of dry roasted peanuts and half a slice of lemon bread. See what I mean about "something I might want later in the day?" Meal 6 was also a photo #FAIL, since I stopped at my sister's for dinner after I drove all the way back to school only to discover that the PTO meeting was canceled, yet no one informed the PTO rep (me). Grrr... I couldn't be mad, the president is such a nice lady and her daughter was getting inducted into the National Honor Society!! Oh! Meal 6 was a sun-dried tomato chicken sausage with mustard and loads of raw onion along with some potato chips, followed by a solid 15 minutes of chasing my adorable nephew around the back yard. Love this kid!

To make up for my missing photos of meals 5 & 6, I will sign off with this pic of my nut grinder. Have you ever used one of these? I grew up grinding nuts for my mom or grandma's desserts using one of these thingamuhbobs, so I was excited to find one at a garage sale a few years ago!!!

What was your favorite meal today? Mine was the apple-n-PB!!!

I miss you!!!

2010-04-18T02:44:00.000-04:00

Hello blogger fam!
I miss you all soooo much! Fav and I have been working so hard on the new house, I barely have time to breathe! We're not the take it slow and easy type of people. If there's a job to be completed, we are ON IT! I've been having a lot of fun painting and choosing colors for my kitchen. For being a small kitchen, it sure does take a long time to get together!

Here's what's going on in the kitchen:
Old kitchen cabinets have been painted so much that I didn't want to take the time to strip and refinish them, so ultra white paint was my go-to. Great idea for making the kitchen look bigger, I hope! The cabinet doors are ready to go up tomorrow! If I hadn't lost my camera, I would be posting pics of the knobs and handles, but now, I guess you'll have to wait! I have to make a final decision on the color of my kitchen walls... We have white appliances with red Kitchen Aid small appliances. The counter tops are a tan color, the floor as well. HOWEVER, the floor has a more golden tan, and counter top has a sort of pinkish tan. Pinkish sounds gross, but it's not pink at all. It just kind of looks like it has a pink undertone when I have sampled colors on the wall next to it. I'm either going with a dark tan or a golden color for the wall. The final decision will be made tomorrow.

What color would you paint?

Wanna hear my next crazy idea? Some shade of purple in the dining room. PURPLE? You say? Trust me... One dark purple (maybe an eggplant type of color?) wall would look great with my new square, white dishes, and I can accent with red. You're probably thinking we're crazy. But you'll see pictures eventually and you'll see that I'm not so crazy!!

Speaking of pictures... I found my OLD camera!!! Not the one I recently lost, but the one I thought I lost before buying the one I just lost. (Did you get that?) The downside is, the hubs threw out all the attachments (like the charger) when we thought for sure someone had stolen it off of my desk at school. So... I have to now search Sony for really old parts! Wish me luck!! As much as I would love to buy a new camera, window fixtures rate higher on the importance scale right now.

Maybe, just maybe, you have been wondering how I've been maintaining my weight/size? The truth is, I don't know what I weigh right now. I don't want to know. I've been choosing sleep over exercise this week because I have been working late nights on the house. If there's one thing I know, sleep is just as important as everything else. That is why I took a personal day on Friday, slept until 9:00am, and did my EMC 4 hours later than normal. It felt great, though, do something of old routine!! My food has been pretty decent considering the fact that I am half-living in two places right now! The hubs and I have vowed to have no fast food during home improvement time, so we've had lots of homemade sandwiches, subway sandwiches, and my mom bought us some KFC grilled chicken. Doesn't count if it's grilled chicken, right? We wouldn't normally have fast food anyway, but when you're busy working so many hours, it's very tempting!! We're making healthy choices, drinking lots of water, and hoping for the best! I DO know that I put on my skinny girl jeans today and they were pleasantly loose, which is not what I was expecting.

Do you ever feel fat, or fear your skinny girl pants because you've been out of routine?

I know I'm not "fat" anymore, but I'm so soft lately, it makes me feel that way. I am soooo glad I'm not training for a show right now, or I'd have Becca scolding me for not getting enough sleep. I'd probably also be a crabby patty because I would want/have to eat in the middle of painting or my umpteenth trip to Lowes for the day!! (P.S. apparently umpteenth is a real word and I spelled it right because there was no read line underneath it! haha)

Ok, it's almost 3am. Time to sleep! GAH!!!

FAIL

2010-04-11T23:38:00.000-04:00

Guess who loss her camera, possibly in the Bahamas or on the stupid ship? ~~My husband~~ Me. Actually, no accusations have been made, other than that we both know we told each other to keep an eye on it. Apparently neither one of us did. BOO!! Now I'll have to search high and low for our old (that I thought was stolen) camera over the next few weeks as we prepare to move into our new home. Ug. Vacay pictures, lost! Ability to blog with pretty pictures, fail. I had sooo many cute pics of me and the hubs, and naughty, naughty food porn. GARRRRRrrrrrrrr.

P.S. I did no intentional exercising on vacation. It felt great, but I'm so ready for my 5am cardio sesh!!1

Jesse's in da Hizzy House!!

2010-04-01T06:36:00.000-04:00

Guuuuuuuuuess what?!?!?! I'm a new home owner!!! Woohoo!

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am! We got an incredible deal on this house. Such a good deal that the grumpy seller didn't look me in the eye ONCE. Favian caught his eye one time, very briefly, near the end of the show meeting at the title company.

Dear Grumpy Seller Man,

I'm sorry you didn't make a good investment and allowed your renter to skip out on his last few months of rent. It's not my fault. I'm just a happy first-time home owner! You didn't have to accept our low-ball offer that we made a month ago. We only offered like that because my hubby is a penny pincher and we figured you would make a counter offer. Your bad.

Love,

Excited Buyer Family

We didn't let this man's frustrations get us down! After all papers were finally signed (1 1/2 hours!), we rushed right over to the house where my mom and sister were waiting to step inside and check it out. How fun! Then we headed off to lunch with my mom, then off to finish Spring conferences. What a great day!!

I'm workin' till 3pm today (per usual), then we're heading over to meet my parents and begin our trip to Florida! SPRING BREAK BEE-OTCHES! The hubs doesn't usually head down south with me for Spring Break, but this year he's coming along! I"m excited! We'll get to visit one of my BFFs from high school and one from college. Can't wait! AND..... the hubs and I will take off near the end of the week for a short cruise to the Bahamas!! The cruise part was a surprise for my birthday! Can't wait!

Don't forget, today is April Fool's Day! All of the teachers are playing pranks on the students today. We're going to tell our kids that we're sorry, Spring Break has been canceled due to too many snow days. Sorry kids, we'll have school tomorrow and all next week. Then, about 10 minutes later, our principal is going to get on the TV system and say, "Your teachers have something to tell you. 1... 2... 3... APRIL FOOL'S!!" This'll be great!

Do you have any April Fool's tricks up your sleeve today?

Old/New Favorite!

2010-03-24T22:25:00.000-04:00

I forgot all about one of my old favorites until I discovered a new favorite at the store the other day! Athenos has a fat free feta!! For some reason I can't find it on their website, but it lists all the other tasty flavors (that aren't fat free)!! I don't normally buy feta cheese because the flavor is a bit strong for me (says the girl who LOVES bleu cheese and goat cheese)!! But, I had to try the fat free. Just 'cause. It was great because the flavor wasn't as strong as regular feta; you feta-adorers might not think it is great.

So... I butterflied some chicken and seasoned it with some good ole S&P, fired up the grill for the first time this season, and got to slicing up some goodies... The final product? A nice bed of spinach with grilled chicken, strawberries, red onion, FF feta, toasted walnuts (I toasted them myself), and some of my hubby's poppyseed dressing. This is what we ate for dinner last night:

Ooooooh yea, I ate that! We served it up with a toasted piece of sesame Ezekial bread. Nom nom nom

But guess what? My lunch tasted even better this afternoon!!

I know it looks like the same salad without the beautiful closeup, but I promise you, it's different! I ~~loaded~~ sprinkled some Mrs. Dash Tomato Basil Garlic seasoning on top and it was TO DIE FOR!! Superdelish. Which makes me wonder, would all salads taste better with my favorite seasoning? Of course, no surprise, I served it up with some spaghetti sauce topped with plain tomato sauce and sauteed mushrooms. Yum.

What's your favorite way to season up a salad?

For a mid afternoon snack, I ate some of my mommy's sauerkraut (aka my grandpa's old recipe), served with tuna on the side.

We cook our sauerkraut for hours an hours, with onion, green pepper, and loads of paprika (note the reddish orange color). I may have allowed one slice of polska kielbasa to sneak into my dish when I packed it this morning!!

For dinner, I grilled up some burgers for my mom and hubs. It's my mom and dad's (yes, both) birthdays today, but dad is out of town. Mom asked me to make her burgers for her birthday, so burgers 'twas!

The picture above is not the burger I made for my mom. That was Monday night's dinner - extra lean burgers on an Arnold's sandwich thin. This time it was the burger meat we all grew up on. I can get my mom to eat a lot of low fat and fat free foods, but burger is not one of them. To be honest, I can't blame her. I'd rather eat turkey burger than extra lean beef. I'm just sayin'...
OH! SPEAKING OF BIRTHDAYS... Look what my mother-in-law gave me as one of my many birthday gifts!

My mother-in-law and I have more than just Favian in common... We have a love for great cooking and baking! I'm a big fan of Taste of Home magazines, so she ordered this cookbook for me. So, here is my warning for the future: FOOD PORN'S A' COMING! haha I'll be baking a triple layer cake for mom and dad's birthday this Sunday, when dad is back in town, so there's two warnings for ya!

What's your favorite cake?

p.s. Bec, Dawn, the strawberries are beautiful, but they definitely are not in season! You're not missing out too much! xoxo

Rolling with the Punches

2010-03-22T16:47:00.000-04:00

Oh. My. Blah.
Talk about trying to feel good and stay motivated when your body is refusing!!! I started with a grumpy tummy on Thursday, tummy things you don't want to know about on Friday and Saturday, and a nice, flat stomach on Sunday as a result from Fri/Sat. Only to be so bloated from whatever is attacking my stomach that my pants (that were loose this morning) were uncomfortable by noon! YOWZA! Luckily I was wearing a a loose shirt, and it was cold, so I then grabbed my keep-at-work-zip-up-hoody. I actually undid the hook of my dress pants because it was uncomfortable. bahahaha I can believe I just shared that!

Have you ever gotten so bloated you had to unhook your pants?

Then, I started to have a massive headache (due to dehydration, I'm sure), and a runny nose. Boo! The good news, however, is that rather than lying on the couch and whining to my hubby, I jumped on the bike for a great 30 minute HIIT session. I'm feeling better. No headache, no runny nose, but still look like I'm preggers.

No, that is NOT my belly. That is actually someone's pregnant belly that I googled. But mine looks just like that today. I swear! It's gross! Totally cute if it's a pregnant belly, not cute when it's bloat.

I wish I had some exciting food photos for you today, but no such luck when I'm feeling like this! I've had lots of water, I'm about to eat some protein (banana soft serve, maybe?), and leftover pot roast. Maybe I'll come up with something better for you later!

Have a good day!!

Mock Frappuccino

2010-03-19T18:29:00.001-04:00

Hip, hop, hippity hop... I love HG's Mock Frap!!

I forgot to take a pic before a slurped down a lot of my mock frappuccino. I made this one with water rather than Almond Breeze (unsweetened) or FF milk because I didn't have any in the house. When you use Almond Breeze of FF milk you'll have a frothier drink. I didn't care, the flavor is the same to me!! Here is HG's recipe. My substitutions are in parentheses.

63 Calorie Mock Frappuccino

4 oz. Almond Breeze, Unsweetened Chocolate (4 oz water)
2 oz. Torani Sugar Free Raspberry Syrup (2 oz. SF hazelnut)
1 1/2 tsp. instant coffee (1 1/2 tsp. instant decaf)
1 tsp. Fat Free French Vanilla Coffee-mate powder
1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa
3 packets Splenda
1 1/2 cups crushed ice OR 8-10 ice cubes
2 tbsp. Fat Free Reddi-whip (I didn't use any, the hubs can't be trusted around it!)

So, mine was technically 45 less calories, a whopping total of 18 calories!! Wait, minus the 5 calories in the reddi-whip... 13 CALORIE MOCK FRAPPUCCINO HEAVEN!!

Foods I Luvs (Part II)

2010-03-18T20:27:00.001-04:00

If you didn't read my post from earlier this evening, you should read it first. I've devoted this evening to posting about foods I have thoroughly enjoyed lately.

However, I had to do a part II because I had to go battle my nemesis, The Pot Roast. The hubs titled roasts as my nemesis because WITHOUT FAIL, I always think the roast should be done sooner than it is, or I buy the wrong kind, or I forget about it and it dries out. Yes, it is possible to cook something low, slow, and too long. In the end, I am capable of making a quality roast, but too often he has seen me yell, scream, and dramatically throw the lid on or off of the pot. I even tried to throw out a slow-cooked beef stew when we had been dating for about two months because I cooked all the juices out. Favian wouldn't let me. He dished it out and ate it up, yumming and oooohing about how delicious it was. He served it up on a paper plate. It was supposed to be stew. RAWR. But alas, my roast has finished, albeit 2 hours later than I planned, but, I won!!!!:

Nutritious, no? No. Tasty? What do you think Bec?

"I think me likey."

"But you won't see me eatin' that because I will not have cheaty bites while prepping for Junior Nats!"

lol I think I have lost my mind...

Ok, back to foodz...

I made these tasty turkey mini loaves, courtesy of Therese!!! Sorry, I can't find the link to the exact post with her recipe.. Some help, Therese? I really need to find that post because I didn't write the recipe down!! But... here's my final product:

These loaves were absolutely delicious! So moist when I took them out of the oven that it almost freaked me out that I was eating raw meat. But it was delicious and fully cooked! I served it up with a small baked potato. Luckily, I found the potato scrubber before baking some potatoes!

Can you tell which potato is the scrubber? It took me about 2 minutes to find it on the counter top...

And last but not least, the #1 Tasty treat I've come up with lately???

YUMYUMYUMYUMYUMYUMYUMYUMYUMYUMYUMYUMYUMYUMYUMYUMYUMYUM

1 Joseph's Oat Brand & Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour Pita Bred with Plant Sterols (whew)

1 Laughing Cow French Onion cheese wedge

A lil tomato sauce

1 slice Canadian Bacon

Cremini Mushrooms (not visible)

Tomato

Approx. 1 T FF mozzarella

**Mrs. Dash tomato basil garlic

**The Mrs. Dash is what really pulled this snack together and caused me to fall in love!! I baked it at 425 degrees until I guessed it was crispy, and it was... Not sure how long it took.

So that's my food in a nutshell these days!! Of course there have been a ridiculous amount of egg whites, protein, oats, boiled chicken, and veggie sightings, but y'all have seen that!! Not to mention some birthday dessert that my mommy made me (pistachio pudding dessert) that I gobbled up for my 29th birthday!!!

Foodz I Luvs (Part I)

2010-03-18T19:28:00.000-04:00

MMMMmmmmm... Blueberry panckakes! I decided I'm going to blog about some tasty treats that I have enjoyed lately. See, I try to take my knowledge of balanced, healthy diets, and try to play around so I can enjoy my look AND some tasty treats!! The hot cakes were made quite a few weekends ago. I had been dying for some blueberry pancakes, and naturally, I have my own favorite recipe!! Wheat flower, applesauce, blueberries (sometimes chopped fresh apple), egg, baking soda, cinnamon, Splenda.... I learned this recipe from the BFL website during my first adventures in trying to get in shape. Granted, it isn't the CLEANEST meal, but at least I know exactly what goes into it, and all ingredients are Jessica-approved. :) Of course, I couldn't eat a pancake without my egg whites + one egg cooked over medium:

OH. MY. YUM.

As you already know, I finally tried spaghetti squash, and have been obsessed ever since! This girl will eat just about anything that she can throw some good ole marinara onto! Check out this tasty treat:

You can't see it, but there is spaghetti squash hiding underneath the massive load of broccoli, mushrooms, and sundried tomato basil chicken sausages from Sam's Club. The sausages come with 4.5g of fat, which is GREAT for a sausage. I am totally willing to modify my food for the day to eat one of those bad boys! Oh, let's not forget the marinara!!!

The next day, my lunch looked like this:

What's that, you say? Spaghetti squash without marinara? Well, along with spaghetti squash, I have also discovered Laughing Cow cheese wedges. I've seen the advertisements and spotted the cheese wheels at the grocery store, but assumed it would be nasty or unworthy of the price. You know ~~assume makes and a$$ out of u not me~~ what assume means... My fridge is now regularly stocked with light swiss, garlic & herb, and french onion. Laughing cow is actually coming out with 3 new flavors, I think in June!! Sundried tomato, blue cheese, and something else that I can't remember that sounds absolutely delicious. Can't wait. OK, back to ~~spaghetti squash~~ foods I've been lovin'... Here's my squash and laughing cow stirred up and topped with a few black olives:

Hm... Maybe I should have title this post as "My Sad Obsession with Spaghetti Squash"...

You know you love seeing the simple addition worksheet in the background!! That's touch math (see the dots on the numbers?). The kids say the name of the bigger number, then continue to count the dots on the smaller number to find the sum... Works like magic, and they learn their addition facts much quicker!!

Ok, I have another great food to post, but it's going to be in Foodz I Luvs (Part II), because I have to go battle my nemesis, AKA pot roast. You read that right. Details later...

Living Lettuce

2010-02-23T16:32:00.000-05:00

Isn't it just beautiful? Who wouldn't want to eat that? It's just boston lettuce, but the root is still attached on the bottom and it tastes SOOO fresh. Maybe because it is? Favian found this stuff a month or so ago at our local Meijer, then they never had it again! After a few requests to their produce department, they started carrying more. They weren't having enough buyers, but apparently between me, the hubs, and a few other locals, they carry it again. Here's the kicker: The only buy about 12 at a time and they go fast. So, when I saw it at the store last Tuesday, ~~I couldn't get my greedy little fingers off of them~~ I bought two since they were 2 for $3.. Maybe it was 2 for $5, I don't remember! Here's a picture of the packaging:

The fresh, rounded lettuce leaves leavea nice airy crunch to your sandwich thins. Even better, make some lettuce wraps like me and some imitation PF Changs sauce to go on top. YUUUUM!

Remember Me?

2010-02-22T17:07:00.001-05:00

Goodness, I think about blogging all the time, but have a hard time mustering up the energy to actually use my brain once I'm home from work! I have, however, been playing with some foods in order to keep my weight in check since I'm so stinkin' lazy. Here are some goodies that seem to be helping me stay satisfied while not breaking the calorie bank:

I had a serious craving for some gyros, so I made some greek tzatziki sauce, courtesy of my friend Megan. Rather than the deliciously fatty lamb meat I wanted, I subbed in rotisserie chicken, and an Arnold's sandwich thin in place of the greek pita. I topped it off with thinly sliced onion, tomato, and a smidge of feta cheese. Sorry I don't have a pic of the sandwich. I was so hungry, I forgot.

This is a new FAVORITE of Favian's. He has been working hard to get into shape after a long haul of late night fast food. He's working so hard, I'm so proud of him! To help keep naughty cravings down, he's been making homemade ground turkey egg rolls. Baked, no fried, of course! The idea came from some wraps I made with steak, cheese, peppers and onions courtesy of Food Network. Then we thought, why not just make real egg rolls and bake them?! So, I found some lower calorie/carb egg rolls so Fav can have 3 in one sitting (heck, even I can!) and not feel guilty whatsoever. Loaded with veggies and extra lean turkey, Who could go wrong with that? Throw in some of my uncle's homemade spicy mustard... Yu-uh-um!

Ok, that's all for now. I promise to post some more, but maybe not tonight. I have to jump in the shower so I can go to the school board meeting - the BOE invited all the elementary teachers for hors d'oeuvre before the meeting to honor us for reaching the state goals (in other words, we received an "A"). This is big stuff, since our school was failing for the last year. Even bigger stuff because the BOE is actually acknowledging the hardwork! Lucky for me, I live exactly one minute from the school, so it's no biggie for me to travel back to school. :)

After that, it just might be beddy-bye time, even if it's 7:30pm when I get home.. I think I accomplished a whopping 4 hours of sleep last night.

*Note to self and others: make sure you actually use the instant DECAF when you make a mock frappuccino after dinner.. Eck.*

Squashing Around

2010-02-04T19:13:00.000-05:00

Yup! I just made spaghetti squash for the first time! Wooty woo! For starters, I didn't even think I could find the darned squash in the country/ghetto that I live in. But low and behold, Meijer helps me out once again!!

Here's my opinion:

Crunchy, slight buttery flavor

Tastes nothing like a noodle

BUT IS JUST AS FUN TO EAT!!!

I'm not sure I'll be able to convince Fav to eat it, but this not-so-squishy squash has only 4.7 carbs and 19 stinkin' calories in 1/2 a cup!!! No wonder so many healthy bloggers blog about this! I seriously think I could eat this for "lunch" aka M2 or M3 just about every day! It's fun to eat like noodles, I can put my homemade sauce on it (WAAAAAAY better than the jar stuff), and I can actually eat a lot more of it than I can noodles. I just served myself up a 1/2 cup serving with some sauce, and check this out: No crazy bloated feeling in combination of somehow still being hungry... It might cost more than noodles as far as the bank is concerned, but cost me way less the health aspect.

Real quick before I go...
Updates on the current me, life after my first competition:
I'm aliiiiive!!! lol I'm steadily maintaining at 12lbs post contest weight, which I hear is good/normal. But I feel large and in charge, and I feel like I'm still weighing 169lbs. Guess the rumors are true - you look way better than you did before, but somehow it's just not good enough. I'm not obsessed with working out or eating 100%, so I only have myself to blame. I know if I want to see more changes, I have to work hard like I did for 105 days straight. Maybe I'll get there, but for now, I'm in an odd medium. Most days I'm ok with it, other days I can't stand it. It's the little things, like these pants that are falling off my hips right now, or random people telling me I'm maintaining well. Only time will tell!!!!
xoxo

Mighta Foundit

2010-01-20T17:28:00.001-05:00

Mah MOH-tuh-vay-she-un.

Dang it, if your husband gets on your a$$ enough about working out, you might just work your a$$ off. lol

Amazin' I say, amazin'. I "made" it through my very first plyometrics session which I knew would be the opposite of heaven. While they were jumping up, I was on my way down. While their heals flew up to their hips, my heals hardly made it two inches from the floor. ~~I. AM. WEAK.~~ I am not as strong as I want to be. I always knew I had weak quads. I successfully pulled each quad thrice per volleyball season in high school. Not to mention pulling my groin and spraining my ankles on the regular, too. As I already know, my legs are my weakest, and least pretty part of my body. Thass why I gotsta work 'em.

OK, so I haven't exactly figured out what motivates me the most, but here are 4 things I've noted over the last couple days...

1.     I want to continue wearing cute clothes and shopping for more. (It's my blog, I can be honest. Right?)

B.     I want be healthy, especially to make up for all the years lost to 'the college days.'

III.   I enjoy having moitvational conversations with hardworking gallie pals like Becca and Shelly.

Quatro. I feel like I have to keep working hard for those people out there like me - that just know they want to do better and are inspired by the people that had to work extra hard to get there!

Back to # uno... It may sound vain of me to say that one of my number one reasons for working out and eating ~~right~~ better is because of the cute clothes. But hear me out... Some of you have always been the girl that's worn the smaller sizes at the store. People that wear smaller sizes have a better chance of not only finding the cute clothes in their size, but also to find it on sale or better yet, on CLEARANCE!!! Next time you go shopping, pay attention to how many size 2s-8s there are on the rack in comparison to sizes 10-14. Or, sizes 1-9 vs. 11+. THEN, head to the clearance. IF you find anything that is size 11/12+ on the clearance rack, chances are it is UUUUUUUUUGLY. I'm serious. I have now re-entered the glorious world of super discounts, and it's great for the budget! To be able to go into trendy little cheap stores like Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Vanity make my smile wrinkles fold from ear to ear. I know the clothes are cheaply made, but if I can spend $10 and wear it 20 times before it hits the trash, I'm good with that. Even better, I can hit up the pricier stores and take advantage of sales because, oh my goodness, they have six pieces in MY SIZE!!!

Hope each and every one of you out there have a super duperiffic day. I have to say, I'm pretty darn pleased that I worked so hard today. Gives me something to feel good about. Hm... maybe that should be numero cinq...

Don't forget to comment on my blog from yesterday!!! I want to know what motivates YOU!!

XOXO

Motivation

2010-01-19T17:46:00.001-05:00

Where do you find your motivation? Not for competitions, I know how to do that. Even though I'm still amazed I ever did it for 15 weeks and never skipped a beat. I guess for you competitors out there, where DID you find your motivation BEFORE you decided to prep for a competition? What made you want to work so hard and to be in such good shape? Is it your desire to be the best you? Is it your desire to just be healthy? Is it your vanity?

"You're so vain... I bet you think I wrote this [blog]about you..."

Ok, exit super dork. Seriously. What about you fit gals out there that don't do competitions, but are always in the gym and always eating right? What's your motivation? As you know, I have been struggling with motivation since I finished my first (yes, I say first because there will probably be a second...) competition. I have managed to roughly 'maintain' 10lbs(ish) up from my competition, but that is very undeserved. My lazy bones should have packed 20 on by now.

I thought I wanted to look good sooooo bad that I would just work out regularly from this point on. FAIL. Apparently my desire to be smokin' hot and wear cute little shorts/skirts/undies (yes, undies. Do you know how bad a size 14 girl looked in some boy shorts? MUH-fin-Top) like my gallie pals Becca and Kellie lies so deep that I can't find it every day. I realized that the first time I ever stuck to a workout plan was when I trained for my show, thanks to my bestie Becca at Structure Fitness. So, I've been digging for some new goals. I know I want to build a butt and trim my legs and hips some more, but the desire isn't so strong that I can just get to it every day.

However, I've realized that I am soooo scared of being that girl that lost a bunch of inches, gained some muscle, then gained all the fat back. I refuse to be that girl, and honestly don't see myself ever allowing that to happen, but I'm still frightened that it will. I'm gonna be in a bikini come the first week of April (Orlando, FL, visiting my grandma and 2 of my bestest friends ever!! So... I want to actually look good on the beach for the first time since I was 6 years old. I'm trying to let that be my motivation. That's only 12 weeks away, it wouldn't involve a ridiculously strict diet, just a close eye on my calorie intake and a good workout.

So..... Guess who's finally started to P90X it? Me. Masta Kluth. Today is only day 1. I did chest and back, and Ab Ripper. Holy buh-jeez-louise! I should mention that that means I feel like I worked just about EVERY muscles in my body. This program definitely works you to the core and I've only done one day. I felt so stupid and so weak, but that's OK. A very humbling experience, let me tell you. I did push-ups I've never heard of, ab workouts I've never heard of. And to think I rocked some abs 2 1/2 months ago... I can only imagine what my abs can look like in the future if I never even worked them this hard before!!

Ok, enough rambling. Please do remember to comment on what motivates you!!!

And now, some pictures for your viewing pleasure...

Photo credits to

David Martinson

The Shutter Verdict

xoxo

I know, I suck.

2010-01-08T16:00:00.000-05:00

When is the last time I blogged? I'm sorry!!! To be honest, I haven't been all that busy, but have felt too busy to sit down and type away my thoughts. Maybe, it's because although I seem to be maintaining a good size, I feel guilty because I haven't been working out like I should (if at all), and have been consuming some crazy calories (but the holidays are over, so we're doing much better now!). Stupid, but luckily I'm doing OK. I feel guilty, ashamed, like all you healthy, fitness loving girls out there will shame me if I blog about things non-health related!

But, here I am, hopefully newly re-motivated (yeah, I said that) after checking out these pics by David Martinson, in a photo shoot with Becca a week before my first competition!! Man I was skinny, and although they were small, I had me some muscles!!!

Here ya go, enjoy!!!

This one is my favorite...

I think this photo is deceiving, I don't have that much muscle...

I think I look kinda old here, but I really like it.

Or maybe I just look my age?...

Do you know what sound a zebra makes?

Listen to it here...

My real smile? Maybe...

Hubby hates this one. haha.

If y'all only know how long I held this position & how awkward it was!!

I don't even need the abs from the day of the competition,

I'll take this tummy any day!

Oh, how I miss you...

I think this one looks like it'd be on the cover a music album.

If only I could sing...

AND GUESS WHAT?!?!

There's another one, it's super dooper oopiter skoopiter HAWT.

But, I'm not posting it on the WWW because I am a teacher and although the photo is very innocent, it's Victoria's Secret-ish. I'd like to be an administrator someday and I do have the kind of job where I can't be posting things that might be taken the wrong way.

So....

If you have my email address and wanna see my hotness, email me! haha

Love & Miss Y'all!!!

xoxo

I...

2009-12-18T00:24:00.000-05:00

suck? haha!
I actually R-O-C-K!! I submitted my last documents and will officially be Masta Kluth as of Saturday!! Wouldn't it be cool if people had to call you Master, like they do Doctor when you get your doctorate degree? lol
I have cute pics from my "work" Christmas party aka nice dinner then dancing all night long!! I say "work" because I don't think even half the teachers come! Great time and I totally rocked my snug dress I was blogging about not so long ago! Photos coming soon!
So, tomorrow is my last day with kiddos for two weeks, no more grad work, so I hope to catch up on my blogging and WORK MY BUTT UP over break. Time to focus on getting myself fit again!!
OH.... Favian ~~made me~~ asked me to clean out the closet of all my old clothes. I didn't want to do this, I thought it would take too much time. NOPE. Let's just say I held clothes up to me, tossed it into the rummage box, and I officially have no clothes and need some serious gift cards for Christmas. Favian's theory was that I didn't really like my old clothes anyway, and why allow myself to think I have something to grow into? Case and point. Plus, who doesn't want an excuse to buy new clothes? I've had my mom take in everything she can, so that's that. Super exciting. And I can't believe the difference in me today compare to me just months ago... It was a good to realize I'm maintaining, even if I feel bloated and feel like ye ole 14...

Ok, ok... good night y'all! Making a Christmas breakfast for the kiddos tomorrow, then graduation Saturday, dinner at Kellie's with some gallie pals + hubbies on Saturday, Lions vs. Cardinal in D-town Saturday, then Cirque de Soleil on Tuesday cuz my hubby buys the best Christmas presents!!!

xo

Woohoo! Miniscule Bounce Down in Weight!!

2009-12-03T22:42:00.000-05:00

Sooo....
April was talking about her 10 grapefruits in weight gain, which made me feel better about mine (you know, realizing it is normal!). But the truth is, I was sitting at a yucky 13 pounds this past week. Granted, all the Turkey Day festivities and way less water, I understood. So, in just a few days of eating better and more water, I'm back down to my 10. PHEW!
What's even more exciting than that? In my daily frustrations of feeling fat even though I know I'm not, I realized I have a work Christmas party on December 11th. I thought, CRAPOLA! What am I going to wear? All my old winter dress clothes are waaaay to big on me, thank goodness! Then, it hit me... I bought this absolutely adorable black sweater dress with a big black belt that I wanted to wear for my photo shoot with Bec, but never had the chance to wear it. The sleeves are scrunched at the elbows, and the waistline is scrunched on the sides. Super cute, fits snug on the booty, so it actually makes me appear to have one! lol Anyway, I finally mustered up the courage to try it on tonight to see if it still fits, and I. AM. SMOKIN. lol Soooo glad it fits, so glad I get to wear it! yay!!!
Ok, that's all for now. I'm not doing anything fabulously interesting in the food or weight training lately, so that's that. Oh, wait. Not true! I made Tosca Reno's yogurt cheese! YUM! It's mighty tasty! Tastes almost like cream cheese - exact same texture IMO. Seasoned up with fresh rosemary and thyme, and good to go!! (Did I mention that it's made with nonfat yogurt? Score!)

On the other hand, here are some tasty treats I made for Thanksgiving. Warning: Food Porn Alert!

Little Mini Pumpkins!

Pumpkin Roll!

Oh, oh... Check out this birthday spread at our girl Kellie's party!

Trouble, trouble, yum yum yum

And this is how you feel after you munch, munch, munch on the goodies:

LMAO! I love Bec!

Ok, ok, here is something tasty and healthy that I made:

This is my modified version of P.F. Chang's lettuce wraps!

NOM. NOM. NOM.

"A good pie is like a beautiful woman... It doesn't need much makeup."

Lost in Transition

2009-11-30T17:55:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!
It's been a while! I've been transitioning back into "non prep" life. That means an overload of homework, research, and paper writing that I put off until now. I'm a great procrastinator.
I've put a happy little winter coat on, and it felt good.. until yesterday. I was happy to enjoy some holiday food, some fun with friends, and some mellowing vino. I've stayed pretty structured as far as meals go during the week day, but haven't gotten enough workouts in. I was ok with that, too... Until yesterday. I had a magical little weight number that I decided I was going to allow myself to get up to by relaxing, enjoying a few missed things during prep time, and then I would refocus. I knew that mentally I needed to relax a little. Now I've hit that magical number and I'm ready to re-focus and get super active again. I have a lot of work to do before officially graduating to be Master Kluth (or at least that's how I put say it to the hubby... I'll offically be Master. haha!) on the 19th. One paper down, 2 more big ones to go, plus some other BS. :) My schoolwork will take a lot of my time, but I can't let that be an excuse to not workout. 30 minutes of cardio or 45 minutes or so of weight training will not take away from the time I can put into my studies.
I'm thinking about buying p90x for something new to do! It's getting awfully chilly in SW Michigan, which means this chick will NOT be heading outside. I envy those who walk/run in the snow/cold. Every time I try it I end up with hurting lungs or bronchitis. No thank you! Back to p90x... I told Favian I was thinking I wanted to buy it and he 'suggested' that I don't be one of those people that has to buy something new all the time. I pointed out that I made it all the way to the stage (or at least looked like I belonged) without buying a gym membership, and I really feel like I need something new because I have NOT been motivated!! I want to try new ways to work my muscles and again, I like the idea of doing it all at home if I can. PLUS, if I do p90x with either their nutrition plan or my own modified version of it, who knows... maybe I'll get to another stage sooner than I thought! My trusty bestie and coach, Becca, happens to have started it a few days ago and said she and Tim are surprisingly impressed with the program. With my knowledge base (and everyone else's), I figure it might be a nice change! I need something new - I'm not an avid health nut though I love and prefer healthy foods (I still like junk even if it makes my tummy hurt), I'm obviously not a regular at the gym, and I'm not a repeat competitor (yet). Don't get me wrong, I loooved the focus of the comp diet and training, which I think is what I feel like I'm lacking. But I'm tired of the same old shi-stuff, and ready for something new... Maybe that's what it is. Maybe I feel like I'm lacking the STRUCTURE, and that's what I'm craving?

Enough unfocused rambling, I'm off to eat some pizza (haha.. I know) before Monday morning's focus on fitness!!!

WHY?!?!?!

2009-11-12T21:10:00.000-05:00

Why do my insides hurt when I try to run? I've never been a runner, but I'd like to try it a little. Ouch!

p.s. Some of you have asked... Do I plan to do another show? My answer: Not anytime (too) soon. My goal was to reach the stage and I did. BUTT... Yes, but-t. I want to build a butt, and make my legs not look like my legs. Yanno what I mean?

p.p.s. Some of you have asked... How is your post comp going? According to the scale, good. I've been maintaining 6lbs up from my show weight, and from what I gather, that's good. But, I feel like I'm cheating every day after having such a strict diet for 15 weeks. I'm eating well (and having some fun stuff), but adding carbs (aka fruit and greek yogurt) makes me feel a little guilty. I feel good all day because I know I'm still doing a good job. However, if I don't get my water in, I feel like a fat bloated cow by the end of the day. lol The biggest challenge for me so far is discovering what maintenance size/appearance is going to work best for me and what I want. I wasn't like the rest of you - already lean and looking great. I HAD to lose over 30 pounds to make it to the stage. The pressure is on to look good for visiting relatives over the holidays that have heard about my transformation but haven't seen me yet. Gah! I don't feel too effed in the head... yet. I said no to a fellow teacher offering Starbucks for tomorrow am... "Nonfat chai latte?" No thanks... I think I'll have a ~~bottle~~ glass of wine instead (Friday night, not at 7am before the kiddies show up for school! lol) I've also realized that I'm strong during the day and cravings attack me like an evil nightmare come 7ish. Although not so good choices should not be consumed at this time, it's something I've realized about myself, so I am trying to eat extra extra lean during the day just in case I cave around 7ish. So far, it's working and I'm doing ok. And I actually enjoy my boiled chicken with Mrs. Dash, or my tablespoon of 'healthy' italian dressing (2g fat) on my ENORMOUS salads. I think the craziest part is how I can know how good I still look, but can look down at myself or sit on the couch and still see fat Jes. That part sucks. But(t), I quickly realize, like this morning for example, that all my pants that my mom took in for me are still looking like baggy clown pants. The way my clothes fit are great indicators for how I really look.

Oh - another thing that's been helping me is that I remember that I know how to cook healthy! Last night I made white bean chicken chili, balanced with trimmed boiled chicken and measured white beans, plus yummy green chiles, lots and lots of cumin (I'm obsessed!), oregano and cayenne. NOM NOM NOM. I can also make PF Chang's lettuce wrap sauce cleaner-style and my husband doesn't know it. :) I'm not "allowed" to make healthier desserts, according the the hubby. Sooooooo, I don't. Or at least he thinks I don't. :)

This, however, was not modified to clean eating in any way, which resulted in my first sugar coma:

nom nom nom nom, nom, nom, NOM....

p.p.s. This was supposed to be short and ask about running, but hey, I thought y'all needed something to distract you from work in the morning! lol

In the Shower

2009-11-10T20:16:00.000-05:00

What do you think about in the shower?

I was thinking about what I think about when I'm in the shower, when I was in the shower. lol

Here was what was on my brain the other day:

My armpits are STILL a little stained from Jan Tana!
I feel good!
I can't believe how many people I know have signed on with Structure Fitness since Bec and I posted pics from our show1
I am so inspired by the people I follow on blogger.
Every day I wake up wondering if I'm going to be fat again.
I'm afraid to be fat again.
I'll have my master's degree soon!
What will I do with my time once I'm done with my degree?
I feel really bad for my two teacher friends that just got laid off.
This buzz bite is really kicking in!
I'm not shaving my legs today.
Thanksgiving is around the corner, I need to adjust my diet the week of so I can have a really good cheat meal.
I'm going to make pumpkin roll for Thanksgiving.
OMG Christmas is only a month after Thanksgiving.
I'm going to see more relatives at Christmas that have heard all about my transformation but haven't seen me.
Stay fit and look extra good at Christmas, too.
How long will it take for me to really think my legs look good?
I can't believe I had such a hard time running this morning.
Why do my insides hurt when I try to run? Try!
Should my new goal be a half marathon?
I hate running.
I should blog about buzz bites and try to sell some. The blogger fam will love 'em!
Did I really just think about all this in the shower? OMG, I have to figure out what I'm going to wear!

Yes, I really did think of all of this in the shower the other day. It was a short shower, as you may have picked up from #11. I don't take long showers because A) My hot water pump sucks B) I feel like it's a waste of time to just stand there in the the shower. Even if my hot water pump didn't suck, I would still take quick showers.

Oh, the buzz bites. If you want a few samples, send me your email address in the comment section. I won't approve it to post to my page so the world can contact your personal email. Then, I'll email you and you can email me back with your address? Get it? Got it? Good.

What do you think about in the shower?!?!

Catching a Buzzzzzzz...

2009-11-07T16:12:00.001-05:00

No, no, not a wine buzz. Caffeine buzz! I would like to introduce to you:

BUZZ BITES!

These tasty chocolatey chews have the same amount of caffeine as one cup of coffee, but can satisfy your desire for a little chocolate, or mint chocolate! nom nom nom

I just ate one before jumping in the shower because I was super duper tired even after sleeping 14 hours last night. lol

So, I ate one of these and I kid you not, by the time I got out of the shower I felt ~~normal~~ fully caffeinated and ready to go!

I just had to tell you all about it!

Some nutrition facts that I'm sure you could fit into your diet:

These bad boys are TASTY!

Only 25 calories?

1g fat?

3g sugars?

4 carbs?

The creamer in coffee is WAY worse than that! And you can trick your mind into thinking it's eating candy!

Where can you get them?

FROM ME!!!

My hubby invested in a sh**-ton of these a while back. The company screwed us and plenty of other people out there - sold their name to someone else, and left all these people with vending machines galore that we just can't get rid of in this not-so-fit community around us!

So, my offer to you is to send a few in the mail, I'll pay for it.

I think by sending free samples to the first 30 people to contact me for a sample won't hurt me.

Becca can vouch for me. They're good!

You can google the product if you want, but please, if you decide you want to make a purchase, please buy them from me (We'll do our best to beat competitors prices)! We need to get rid of them, we have so many I can't even tell you! 6 boxes full of chocolate and chocolate mint. The hubby knows how many are in the boxes, I don't. But I'd guess we have close to 1,000 pieces.

nom nom nom

I WON!!!

2009-11-04T22:45:00.000-05:00

Haha! Well, as you know from Bec and Genie, I did NOT win the bikini tall class at Monster Mash. But I still say I won! Just a little reminder for you...

This is me, Day One of 105...

(Notice how I won't even look at the camera)

AND HERE IS ME ON DAY 105!

I made it to the stage!!

Now that is what I call a winner! Who does that in 15 weeks? I made it! I didn't win a sword, I didn't even come close! I didn't make it to first callouts. At first I was a little disappointed, but I quickly moved on. My goal was to not only make it to the stage, but look like I belonged. And I I think I do, what do you think?

Ok, here's my version of the weekend events:

Girl gets her toes did.

Girl finds out she's a skinny bitch.

Ok, maybe not as skinny as y'all, but for me, I'm a skinny bitch! lol

21% body fat to 7.6% in 15 weeks. I can call myself that for a day!

That's Dave, owner of Structure Fitness, aka Fat Measure-er. :)

Girl drinks obscene overload of water.

Girl pees pants.

lol. Not me, not pee. Don't fill your water while driving!

Girl finds other pretty girl in a cornfield somewhere in Ohio.

Girl gets to meet other Team Interwebz friends.

Girl has butt sewn closed by girl she's known for about an hour & begins to wonder if she should really step on the stage in the morning.

Girl measures out 5oz wine and decides she can do this!

Bikini girls let Figure girl have .05oz of wine.

Note: Genie's crazy muscles.

Note: Guy at registration didn't ask me what division I was competing in! He must have known by how large my biceps were compared to Genie's that I was DEFINITELY doing bodybuilding! lol

Girl eats 2 double cheeseburgers minus bun @ 5am.

5am double cheeseburgers weren't as good as lunchtime Rally's double cheeseburger. No contest.

Girl packs up for prejudging.

Girl heads to prejudging.

Girls get glazed up.

As Genie would say, "Glazed like a donut."

Note: I have GORGEOUS friends.

Girl struts her stuff, poses her poses, and doesn't fall.

Girl notices Genie is as goofy as she seems on blogger, goofing with the crew.

Girl reaches her goal!!

Girl likes this:

Girl thinks Bestie looks better than 1st placers.

Note: Girl thinks these girls look good, however, thinks Bestie looks better.

Girl enjoys dinner with some family & Team Interwebz.

Girl wears awesome ears and mane that her mommy made her.

Girl says last goodbyes to new friends. *sob*

Girl would like to mention again how much she loves her bestie and thinks that words could never explain her gratitude.

xoxo

Girl cried a little after leaving Bestie's house on Sunday.

Happiness.

Disbelief.

Amazed.

Exhausted.

Proud.

I have a lot more to say, but not today!

Monster Mash Update!

2009-10-31T15:02:00.001-04:00

Genie, Me & Bec before prejudging!

Well y'all, there were 12 girls in my class! Yowza! I didn't make first callouts, but I still feel ~~good~~ great about my accomplishments. HOWEVER, it looks like these twinnies might be taking their classes! It's all been so fun and so exciting so far! YAY!

I weighed in this morning with a grand total of a 41lb weight loss, AFTER eating 2 double cheeseburgers! Nom nom nom

I'll let Bec and Genie post about their accomplishments after they take the show tonight! woot!

2009-10-30T13:52:00.001-04:00

We got or bf% done today!. My bf went from 21% to 7.6%! Bec is down to 7.4! Woot woot! Monster mash here we come!

2009-10-29T22:05:00.001-04:00

Checking to see if mobile blogger is working

Thursday Night Quickie

2009-10-29T22:00:00.000-04:00

Well, the big stage is around the corner! We're taking off tomorrow afternoon (morning for me) for Ohio for my first bikini comp! Last I checked I'm down a whopping 38 pounds, yeesh!

I just wanted to say thanks so much to everyone that I have met recently on blogger for all of your love and support! It really helps to have other crazies out there! haha

I've had an incredible amount of supporters, it's insane! I received a random text from an old best friend from high school (still friends, but not close), saying that she just wanted to wish me luck this weekend! My two close girlfriends at work had flowers delivered to me a to me at work, congratulating me on my hard work and wishing my fun and luck this weekend. My Godmother's daughter (my age) sent me an email to wish me good luck, she knows how hard these types of things are because she's done her share of marathons. AKA another crazy one like the rest of us! Of course my closest friends have been rootin' me on the whole time, too! This is great, all this love, all this support!

Win or lose, it doesn't matter... I've already won in my book. I'm down all this weight and all these inches! I know some will come back on, but I have new goals and am determined to stay in great shape but not so intense that I go insane! I could never thank Bec enough for believing in me, because somehow through this journey I amazed myself and believed in myself, too. Favian and I have been discussing the changes in my body and my happiness lately, and the truth came out: He thought I'd work hard for about 4 weeks then switch to a less stressful route like BFL. Nope. (BTW it was not offensive of him to say that!) He has been so supportive and wonderful, even if every once in a while I was a monster. Not once did he tell me I couldn't do it, not once did he try to temp me with bad food - he even hid cookies and other random snacks just so I wouldn't know they were in the house!!

Yes, the struggles had come and gone throughout my training, but overall, I can honestly say it wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be! Somewhere I found this internal motivation and NOTHING could stop me! Yes, there were hard days or moments, but overall, it has been fun, exciting, and AMAZING!!

Wish us luck! I'm going to try to set up my mobile blog now!
xo

Coming Soon...

2009-10-24T22:41:00.000-04:00

Here's a little photo teaser...

Photo by David Martinson

1 week out:

Look who has a little shape to her legs and bootay!!

Trying to look cute on my hubby's birthday!

Vitalicious sent me these tasty treats! Product reviews coming soon!

WARNING: FOOD PORN!

Frangelico Cream

(Favian's favorite birthday dessert - tastes even better than it looks!)

You read that right... Butter Toffee PB & White Chocolate Coconut PB

(Can't wait for that!)

Power bar before molding. GAWD I cannot get enough of this stuff!

1 scoop whey

1/4 C oats

1 packet Splenda

Dash (or 5) cinnamon

Little bits of water till it's the way you like it!!

DANGER: MORE FOOD PORN!

Chocolate Roulade... Can't wait for a super-sized serving of this!!

So, you ask... What has Jes been up to? Aside from surfing food porn with Bec, Angela, April, Genie and Tasha, I've been working hard!!! I've continued to make progress! A total of 6 inches off my hips, though my back side is still wider than most! lol GENETICS!!!

I'm super excited to be one week out! I'm excited to step on the stage, excited to be done, excited to focus on my master's degree for one more month, and excited to take on the challenge of the *gasp* rebound. In my search for goodies to share with Bec, Genie and Tasha, I made some wise choices. I searched for Fiber One cereal at my local grocery store and I found it! I'm armed and ready to make Hungry Girl chicken fingers! I am in the process of making Hungry Girl peanut butter fudge brownies (for Favian), and ordered Tosca Reno's Eat Clean Diet Cookbook! I thought I should be making some wise choices and preparations for after the show as well as naughty treats for the night of the show!!!

Bec and I had a photo shoot this weekend (the coming soon photo), which was SUPER fun! We had a great photographer, David Martinson, a Kzoo local hobby photographer with incredible talent! I looooved what he was doing for Bec's pics, so I hope my poses look at cool as hers!!!

Other than that, prep is going well! I'm ready to start peak week! I weighed in today and for the first weigh-in in 14 weeks my weight didn't go down! lol I was worried until i saw that I took that extra 1/2 inch off my hips, thighs and waistline! Somebody's gettin' some muscles!!!

I'm really excited about the progress and ready to motivate new people! I'm ready to accept the challenge of maintaining a healthy lifestyle so I can show others that it is possible!!! I've been loving life, loving the hubby, and ready to finish this master's degree! I decided I'm going to walk during the ceremony on December 19th. I had a long internal debate with this, and decided I am doing it! I knew I would have to continue my education after my bachelor's degree, but never really thought I would get my MA, let alone work so hard and pull off straight A's (of course, this semester will see if I fully accomplish that!). So, walking it is - I've earned the right to be proud and strut that stage, too!! We're going to a Lions v. Cardinals game the next day, so hopefully we'll stay in Kzoo for dinner and drinks on the 19th to celebrate with all my besties in the zoo on the 19th!!! (ahem, Bec...)

I'm Alive!!!

2009-10-21T06:35:00.000-04:00

Hey y'all!!! I'm alive and pushing hard! I started a draft about 5 days ago but haven't finished! Super busy with workouts and my master's degree (graduation around the corner!!!). Quick update: Making progress, down another half inch on the hips, down a couple pounds, and while working my upper body yesterday I noticed some biceps, triceps, and a vein that pops out by my armpit. lol

More to come with Saturday's progress pics!!!!

p.s. You should have seen the look on my mom and sister's faces when I flexed and they saw the vein! Mom (nurse) was concerned it wasn't a vein till she saw it disappear when I put my arm down. lol

Loose Skin Emergency!!

2009-10-12T06:42:00.000-04:00

Real quick...
What are your tricks to tighten your skin? I've been using the Nivea lotion... I think it's called refirming or something? IDK. Anyway, I've been using that long enough that the bottle is about empty, and Bec has told me another trick to use during peak week, but, just to pick your brain...

What tricks do you know of for tightening the skin? Any extra tricks I can start at three weeks out? I'm becoming concerned!! My skin has been fine, but this past week I started to (barely) notice some spots on my body that aren't as tight, showing a little 'looseness'. Gotta make my own word to describe this! lol

HELP!!!

Change

2009-10-08T06:31:00.001-04:00

"Not everything

that is faced

can be changed.

But nothing

can be changed

until it is faced."

-James Baldwin

Thanks!!

2009-10-07T06:36:00.000-04:00

Just a quick thanks before I shower after some grueling cardio! Woot! Thanks for the compliments and comments! I thought it was time to share before and afters!!! I just didn't want to do it until my before was really a true 'before'. It has been an amazing transformation and I can't wait to see what happens in the next 4 weeks!!! wow!

Ok... mobile blogger question!!! I've always had dinosaur phones (my old phone doesn't even accept picture messages!), and now I have a phone that has internet, unlimited texting and photo messaging, etc, etc. It's going to take me forever to figure out! Who out there has mobile blogger and is it easier than it seems? I tried to text the mobile blogger thingymajig, but had no luck. Gr... I wanna be able to read blogs on my lunch break!!! lol

Thank again everyone, and any help would be great!
Also, I've never really been into sweets, but all my body seemed to think it wanted was sweet, sweet, sweet! It's all I could think about! Is this just because I haven't had any of that stuff in forever and it's going crazy? I got to have a lot of Better'n PB last week, now I'm going insane because I can't have it this week! GAH!!!

Oh! And my parents are picking up some PB2 for me and Bec! I CANNOT WAIT TO TRY THIS LOW CARB, LOW FAT HEAVEN! It'll be heaven, right? lol

Progress PICTURES!!! 25 days out!!!

2009-10-06T17:18:00.000-04:00

Ok, it's time! Are you ready for this? Here I was at 15 weeks out, the day after I cried to my husband that I was ready for a change and ashamed of what I had started to look like. Literally cried. Two weeks prior, Becca proposed the idea of coaching me to the NPC Bikini Division stage. I had two weeks to think about it, started to get excited, cried, and jumped on the fitness bus (more like got behind it and pushed it)!
I always wore my weight "well," meaning that I carried it in my hips and chest. Still do, but a much smaller version!!! I always looked better with my clothes on - they hid the lumps and bumps, allowing me to pull off my highest weight of 175lbs at 5' 7". That was back in 2006, I think. I tried BFL with my then boyfriend (now husband), and knocked off, I think, 18 lbs, down to 157lbs. Maybe it was 160lbs, I don't remember. I stopped doing BFL, feeling comfortable in my skin. No one believed me that I started at 175lbs. Like I said, I dressed well and wore it in the right places!!

This time, on July 20th, 2009, I started out at:

169lbs

21% Body Fat

Thighs: 24.25 inches

Hips: 44.5 inches

Navel: 39.35 inches

Waistline: 32 inches

Now that's a curvy girl!!!

Here's what I looked like:

And here is me now, 25 days (practically 4 weeks) out from competing in my first NPC bikini competition. Three days ago:

141.8lbs (down 27.2 lbs)

Thighs: 22.25 inches (down 2 inches)

Hips: 40 inches (down 4.5 inches)

Navel/Waist: Not too sure, was super bloated due to diet, but at 5 weeks out, navel was down 3.25inches and waistline was down 3.25 inches

This was me this morning in my new suit!!!

So there you have it!! 25 days to go and I'm already feeling like I'll be ready! This has been a long journey. Looking back at my beginning photos, the bad looks worse to me now! It's amazing how comfortable you can feel inside your own skin when you have a husband that loves you so much and thinks you're hot even when you didn't look so great anymore!!

Words cannot express the time and dedication that has gone into my transformation. I know technically I did all the work, but it would not have been possible without the love and support of my family, closest friends, and new blogger family!! I hope my transformation will motivate the "normal, average American girl." I say average American girl because our country is comfortable at the size and shape that I started at. I really, really want to reach out to the women out there that weren't already in the gym. My "before" photos are living proof that we "normal" girls that didn't already look great, CAN! It's amazing! I can't wait to see the final results on October 31st. Even more, I can't wait to just live a healthy, normal lifestyle, where I can continue to work out, have some 'fun' food, and just enjoy life as a person that knows she makes appropriate choices for her body on a daily basis. God gave this body to me, and I should have taken better care of it. Now I am, and so can anyone else out there!

Please share my blog with your friend with excuses, your friend without time, your friend that just might have the motivation and determination to do this. Sometimes you know your friends better than they know themselves. Becca knew me better than I knew myself. She had put in the hard work herself, and saw it in me. She wouldn't have suggested I try this if she hadn't thought I had the will power. I sure didn't know I had the will power, and I'm sooo happy I listened to her!!!

Best of luck on your amazing journey to health and fitness!!

xoxo

Healthy Cooking Recipe

2009-10-04T19:50:00.001-04:00

Warning, food porn!!!

So, in my efforts to feed my soul yesterday, I also picked up two magazines while at the grocery store. I debated on one called Fitness, debating on whether or not I would learn something I didn't already know - until I saw some recipes in the back!! Then, I really wanted to buy this $10 magazine with holiday cooking, but my bestie DJ (on the phone with me) talked me out of it because

A)I already know how to make tasty holiday treats

B)I can find it for free online.

However, that just wasn't good enough when last minute, I spotted Taste of Home's Healthy Cooking: Turkey & Trimmings (guilt free)!!! That's what it's actually called! I thumbed through real quick-like and realized it gives portions with carbs, calories, fat, etc. They have remakes of classic recipes into healthier ones! Woot!

I've been thinking a lot about the rebound after the competition, and the only way I'm going to stay in a healthy shape and still feed my foodie soul is to make healthier versions of the real deal. So, enter the first recipe:

Cranberry-Pecan Corn Muffins

NUTRITION FACTS:

1 muffin equals

185 calories

6g fat

29g carbohydrate

2g fiber

4g protein

Of course I can't eat these right now, but one thing the hubby has really missed over the last 11 weeks is my lack of cooking "other" food. My mom and sister have both been very kind and invited us him over for many dinners!! They've also made a lot of dinners with no butter or lean protein so I can join in on at least half the meal! Such a supportive family!!! Anyway, back to the food. Here's the recipe:

1 3/4 C yellow cornmeal

3/4 all-purpose flour

1 1/4 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

1 1/2 c FF plain yogurt

1 egg

~~1/4 C canola oil~~ 1/4 C EVOO

1/4 C honey

1/2 C dried cranberries

1/4 C chopped pecans

Mix cornmeal, flour, baking soda, & salt in a bowl.

Mix yogurt, egg, EVOO, & honey in a separate bowl.

Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients just until moistened.

Fold in cranberries and pecans.

Coat muffin cups with cooking spray; fill three-fourths full

Bake @ 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes.

The only reason I used EVOO instead of canola oil is because I don't have canola oil. So, the fat grams or something might me a little different. So if you have canola oil, the nutrition facts will be correct. I hope they are tasty!!!

Feed Your Soul

2009-10-03T23:47:00.000-04:00

My, my, I have been a very busy girl!!! Trying to get my house back in order (yes, still!), while working on my master's classes, working, exercising, and prepping food. Not to mention cuddle time with the hubby and getting enough sleep in!!!

So, the foodie and crafty girl in me has just been dying! So, I decided to make this:

and this...

The look kind of cheesy because I don't have a super camera, but let me tell you, they are super cute in real life! The K is obviously for me, Jessica Kluth. The G is for my brother, J Gray and his wifey. I also made an R for the Rice family (aka my sissy), but that's already at their house. They are meant to hang on your front door, either with magnets if your door is made of metal, otherwise wired up in the back to hang on a wreathe hook. I swear they are suuuuuuper cute! I needed this so bad - just something I wanted to do for sheer pleasure, not something I had to do for work, for classes, for money, for the competition. I love making things for people, so that's what I did! I never really have the time, but this was a quick and easy job!!!

Then, I made this:

Dang diggity-dang dang dang!!!

That, my dears, is ground chicken (love the food processor!), cooked in a pan, the tossed with a tablespoon of Better'n Peanut Butter and some Frank's wings sauce. YU-UU-UMMY!! Not to mention I was so happy that I am able to eat chicken again! I have been on a serious egg whites and fish binge! I could not, not, not eat chicken for the last 2, maybe 3 weeks. Totally grossed me out. I think I blogged about this? Well, after this tasty treat, I gave regular old chicken another shot. Great news! I'm back in the hen house! This time I did it on my foreman with some Mrs. Dash Southwestern Chipotle seasoning, then dipped it in, surprise, Frank's wing sauce. It went down without any problems! Since then I have reheated the chicken and made more on the foreman. I think cooking it that way helps to keep that old baked chicken smell out. So, I've decided from now on, I can throw it on the foreman so long as I eat it within 2 days. Otherwise I'm worried about the smell/taste. IDK. It's working, and thank goodness!!! I never thought I would be this excited for chicken!!! (Oh, that's brown rice, broccoli and ~~sauteed~~ steamed onions on my plate. Yum. Perfect meal.

Then, today, it was freezing here in Michigan! Brrrr... So naturally, I think of comfort food, especially soup, so I made the best alternative possible for my diet... Vegetable soup, sans carrots and potatoes. Boo.

Not the best photo, but it was tasty!!!

I used cabbage, green beans, zucchini, homemade canned tomatoes, water, and a little chicken (or beef) flavored seasoning. What goes in depends on what my diet is like for the week. No chx or beef seasoning if I can't have carbs, watch the tomatoes, etc. I like to throw my chicken (or at least I used to, we'll see!) into it before reheating, and sometimes a serving of rice if it's on the day's list!! I've made this a few times during contest prep. I have found it to be very helpful in filling my belly for 3 hours when the carb intake has to be super low. It feeds my mind, too, that I'm getting to eat a lot!!! lol

I also fed my soul by going on a date with Favian. He thinks I'm cheesy because I kept calling it a date, but it was!!! We saw Zombies - stupid funny, but that's what we wanted. Super cheesy. Mmm... cheese... Then went to this place called Riverfront Cafe that has delicious seared ahi tuna. YUM! Had to pay an extra $2 for some boring rice I could have made for 20 cents, but hey, someone else made it and I needed the carbs. Then, I zonked out about 20 minutes after we got home! haha Some date I was!!! lol

Also, here is a pic of the fabulous Bec with me at our 10 year reunion!!!

Isn't she just gorgeous?!?!

I also co-hosted a baby shower for my friend Brianne last weekend:

Brianne on the left, Arielle (old roomie and one of my BFFs), and me!!

Don't be fooled, rounded balls on my chest are not real. Pancakes hiding inside! lol

Oh, and one other thing... We make our own natural peanut butter, as you know. Well, Favian has cashew butter and peanut butter, both with a little honey and oil added. I, of course, have just the nuts. I discovered this cute little picture drawn on the lid of my jar the other day...

That means "Kitty's PB"

So, I have 2 questions for you:

1. Have you fed your soul lately?

2. Have you amazed yourself lately?

Hopefully your answer is yes to both. If not, go out there and do it! And be sure to share your adventures with me!!!

xoxo

"Nutrious" Bars and Pre-Made Protein Bars

2009-10-03T22:23:00.000-04:00

I sent this email to my trusty coach, Becca, but then decided this would be a good blog post. Comments would be appreciated!!!

Hey. So, obviously pre-made "nutritious" bars or protein bars aren't on the comp diet. But, my question for you is this:

If everything has so many grams of sugar, how can it be healthy? For example, vita tops http://www.vitalicious.com/store-vitatops.html. Makes no sense to me. I always struggled with this when I was trying to do BFL because even the EAS bars had quite a bit of sugars in them. In my general every-day-before-comp-diet lifestyle, I never added sugar to anything I ate in the first place, not even my tea and rarely my coffee.
So for maintenance, what is a safe level of sugars? And is it sugars that make the carbs/calories/fat? Which? That's something I've never understood. Like with low fat or fat free items, you have to pay attention bc sometimes fat free equal tons of extra sugar, or low fat equals tons of extra carbs. Obviously the best solution is to make everything myself, especially the power bars because they are the most natural, but what about all those products out there for when you're on the road and need to eat... What do I need to look for? I would LOVE to try vita tops or vita brownies - everything is pretty good except the sugars. So how do you know?

Also, how do people get free samples? I want free samples! lol

80 Calorie Man

2009-10-02T06:44:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm glad I didn't get too upset about the 80 calorie comment. As I said before, I know he as just trying to compliment me, and I shouldn't take too much offense... Yesterday he approached me and said he just wanted to tell me that he commends me for the hard work and determination - He lost 18 pounds over the summer and gained 5 back - he said he knows how hard it is! It did make me feel better, even though I knew his good intentions were there the whole time.

Has anyone ever wondered why calorie ends with 'ie' and not a y? Hm.... I should probably know the answer to this....

New Suit!

2009-10-01T23:01:00.000-04:00

I decided to order a new suit. My original suit just isn't enough to hold onto the pankcakes. The price is quite a bit more (original suit $30), but it's worth the price to be comfortable! Hopefully I like it, should be here in 4-8 days. It's crunch time!!! Wish me luck!

p.s. Feeling a litter burned out, but really motivated all the same. I'm following the rules and working hard. Hoping the magic really happens in the next OMG 4 weeks and 2 days!!! xo

80 Calorie Diet

2009-09-30T23:21:00.000-04:00

Ok, really quick, something I forgot to say...

A coworker of mine (male, 30+ years my senior) was trying to compliment me by asking me if I was on an 80 calorie diet or something... GRRRRRRR... He's a wonderful man, I know he didn't mean any harm, but guess what? Someone said to me this afternoon, "So what's this I hear about your 80 calorie diet?" OH FOR REAL? *imagine me with a super high pitch saying that* Luckily it was the school nurse that I always joke around with and she KNOWS that that is impossible - stating that her breakfast shake has more than 80 calories! She was just messing with me, and I knew that. My irritation is not with her, it's with whatever he is going around saying to people! Again, I know he is just trying to compliment me, he's a good friend of my dad's. But PEOPLE BELIEVE COMMENTS MADE BY OTHERS! So many people will not use logic and think that I am actually being that unhealthy!!! I walk the track instead of eat lunch during my lunch time (it falls in between my meal times), and I've gone down a little over 2 sizes, so people are soooo gonna take him half seriously! It's really not that big of a deal. The big deal to me is that I know I am changing size and shape in such a healthy manner, it's not fair to have people possibly thinking I'm starving myself. Starving yourself is like cheating. We're working hard here!!! Ok, I'm over it. I'm sure you all have been through this type of thing...

Once You Go Black Bean...

2009-09-30T23:07:00.000-04:00

You never go back! haha Ok, here's a good one...

16oz black beans, drained
1 large onion, chopped
1 large bell pepper, chopped
~~1/3 C cilantro~~
1 t chili powder
2 t cumin
2 t garlic powder
1 qt canned tomatoes
1 small can green chiles
~~1 T honey~~ 2 small packets Splenda
1/2 t sea salt

~~Saute~~ Steam onion, bell pepper, seasonings and Splenda

Add ~~cilantro and~~ tomatoes (drained)

Add beans and mash down (potato masher works well - I used my grandpa's)

Voila!

So, I'm not such a big fan of the cilantro, in fact, I wish I hadn't put it in there at all. I really wanted a beany flavor, so next time I'll probably use no cilantro and half the tomato. BUT, you might like the original recipe. It's a recipe one of my friends makes for haystacks, and I thought I liked it more, but I think she had some veggie meat in hers, too, because hers was a lot darker. I don't know.

So there's a healthy recipe to make you feel better after drooling over Genie's cupcakes! haha STOP TALKING ABOUT CHEAT FOODS PEOPLE! All I have to say is, beware: Favian's birthday is October 10th, and he has requested I make Frangelico Creme. Super-dooper decadent, super rich, super bad for you! I'm making it for him and plan to make it for me sometime after the comp. Or so I think. I'm sure I'll want something different by then! Oh, speaking of the hubby... He's lost 24 pounds, too! Go Fav! He actually told me he has lost 25lbs and in the same breath as I told him how I excited I was, I said, "You a$$, I've worked twice as hard as you for twice as long and I've only lost 8/10ths of a pound more than you!" I was playing, of course - I understand the difference between men and women. So, just to be nice, he said he thought maybe it was only 24lbs. haha Gotta love him!!! I'm soooo excited for him (us)! I say us because as the same goes with me, he's in such a happier place when he's feeling healthy and looking better! Go Team Kluth!!!

Ok, ok, to follow up that healthy carb meal, check out what I ate for dinner on Saturday:

and a little more...

Yeah boy! I worked very, very, very, very, very, very hard for this pasta! However, I didn't know I was going to have to eat so much! YOWZA! It hurt my tummy for hours and hours. Mentally, though, it was good for me.

I have lots more to say and lots more pics to share, but that'll have to wait. Dr. Structure Fitness (aka Bec, Tim, Dave) say I need to sleep, so sleep it is!!!

P.S. 4.25 inches off my hips as of last Saturday!!! woot!

Privacy

2009-09-26T11:09:00.002-04:00

Sorry everyone, I decided making my blog private was a better option for me. There's creepies out there! I also want to share this with the crazies like me! lol

So please, please please send me your email in my comment section. I won't approve your comment for the world to see your email, but, just please, send it to me! I wanna go private!

Thanks y'all!!!

Hey...

2009-09-24T17:09:00.000-04:00

How's it going?

Fat Girl Skirt

2009-09-22T19:12:00.001-04:00

So, if I'm going to clean and put my clothes away, I should probably put my fat girl clothes in a box to make choosing outfits easier, too. Right?

I bought this skirt in JULY (12 weeks ago). The picture says it all...

Blogger Cake

2009-09-21T22:40:00.000-04:00

Um, has anyone noticed the slice of cake when you go to blogger's homepage? UNFAIR!!! I'm not failing, don't worry, but I am SOOOOO hungry for everything!!! My body is wondering what the heck I am doing to it! lol I want a nutter butter bar, popcorn, skittles, pumpkin roll, rice krispie treats, potato salad, chicken caesar salad (can you believe i just said chicken?), MY HOMEMADE MEATBALLS, and cinnamon rolls, bang bang shrimp. Lots and lots of cinnamon rolls! lol But I'm ok. I think maybe it's because I know the end is kind of near! Woot!

But, here's the good stuff: My suit came in the mail today! And, I don't look hideous! The husband was really impressed. We laughed at my "new" ta-tas that don't work so well for me, but hey, 6 more weeks, maybe they'll look a little better? It's crazy, y'all! It's actually starting to not look like my body as I have known it to be. This is great! I hope I really make the final transformations necessary to look like I belong on the stage!!!

Photo Teaser

2009-09-20T10:31:00.000-04:00

Hi y'all!!!

So, I'm not ready to show people my total progress pics, but I was pretty impressed with my abs trying to shine through a layer of fat this morning. So... Here is my Fatty McFifteen Weeks Out vs. Today!!! Woot!

Whoa, doggy!

6 weeks out... abs?

Is that even the same body? Same person? I'm starting to feel great! I finally saw my brother Ryan last night. He said I look like 6 years ago. Haha. I have the most wonderful, supportive family ever!!! Oh and guess what?!! My sister has started eating better and is one notch smaller on her belt after ONE WEEK! She's so cute - she asked if that was possible, and her husband (also dieting) wondered if he could actually be smaller than a week ago. They are both just soooo shocked what one week of eating better can do! The way she asked me was kinda cute, a slight whisper, asking if that was normal, like they thought they were crazy for feeling different after one week. haha I LOVE IT!!!! So many people are making such wonderful changes in their lives!!!

Also, I spent the majority of my afternoon with Bec yesterday. I met her at Tim's prejudging, which was fun (I'll let Bec blog the final results of his show!!!). It really does feel like it's part of my world now, which is nice because not too much goes on in this little village I live in!!! We went back to her house afterward and practiced posing. I think I finally understand what I need to do, but just need to practice. We're gonna be some sexy Michiganders!!! lol Wouldn't it be soooo cool if Bec won short and I won the tall class? Either way, I'm winning already because I'm no longer a tub of lard, but still... I'm starting to get the desire to place!!

Work it hard this week, people! Oh, I need some help! I'm at the point where my body hates me because I've burned so much fat off.... I need some suggestions for chicken or turkey!!! I've been creative, but I need a good switch for a few days!!! Thanks!

Hot!

2009-09-18T17:47:00.000-04:00

Forgive me for saying this, but for the first time in a long time, I looked pretty dang hot today! Or, as Bec would say it, HAWT. haha New jeans, fashion scarf, curled hair, smaller hips, smaller ~~tits~~ waistline... LMTO!!! (get it?) I know maybe that sounds a little over-confident, especially when I still have a long way to go, but it was nice to finally not feel fat, as I have for the past, say, 4 years+ ? Ok, maybe I haven't officially felt fat that whole time, but that's only because I have a wonderful husband that has made me feel beautiful and sexy every day. But at least for the last year and half, I was not feeling so good. Compliments can only go so far before reality finally takes over!!!

So, I'm super excited to see Bec and Tim tomorrow! I'm excited to go to Tim's prejudging. I feel like it has all really become a part of my life now. It's so great to be involved in something so positive!!! I can't wait to step on the stage myself and claim that I am officially part of that little 1% of people that do this!!!
Can we say so far I'm a 1/2 of that amazing 1%? haha

Have a great weekend! I'm almost finished with my Professional Philosophy Statement, then I'll be taking food porn pics as I make the goodies for lasagna!! Oh, that reminds me... As an educator, I believe we are all role models for the children, whether we are teachers, friends, families or strangers. It made me think... You all are AMAZING role models in my life as I take this journey to the stage. Thank you all so, so, so, soooo so much for the examples you have led and unlocking the doors before me. Especially you, Bec.

Feels Like I'm Slacking Today...

2009-09-17T21:16:00.005-04:00

BUT I'M NOT!!! I am on top of this y'all!

Tim increased my cardio, I did it before work this morning! I've done all my weight training this week because I started on Sunday, so it felt I was skipping out on a workout this afternoon! I actually kinda wanted to go home and do some cardio because it felt wrong! I think I'm starting to get a case of the crazies like all you hard workers!!! haha You all motivate me so much! I have the best bestie ever that makes me shut my mouth when I'm being to critical about myself, and that's good. I'm a woman, I'm going to criticize myself, but she's right, I am making great progress and no matter what, I'm going to look better than I ever have!!!

Oh, guess what I wore to work yestrday? A skirt from um, hello, my senior year of high school!! It was just a black suit skirt, but it was exciting!!! I also went shopping and bought myself some adorable gray sweats that have a maze colored M and MICHIGAN going down the side of one leg. No, I'm not trying to represent my cold a$$ state, I'm representin' BLUE! GO BLUE!!! Of course that was exciting, but I'm really struggling to find shirts (that I already own) that fit me. OMG you guys, I was WAY bigger to start off than I thought! (and quite possibly smaller than I actually think I am right now) Oh. Here's the cool part about my new sweats - I've been wanting some forever, but honestly, they never came in XL, and that was me up until I started contest prep. Not a super duper gross XL, but I have to tell you, when I was trying to find a snug tee to wear, they weren't snug anymore, and then I realized that I had no idea how many XLs I had!! They're like junior sizes XL, but still. I'm too cute for that. haha So vain...
Wow... Where'd that little blurb about t-shirts come from? I thought I was talking about my cool new sweats... Must be the glack!!!
Anywho... I'm super pumped for this weekend! Although I have to write and turn in my 'educational philosophy' tomorrow (yuck!) and I have my final assignment for another class on Saturday, I'm still excited! I'm going to work on it during lunch tomorrow and then after the kiddies leave. THEN, I'm going to make, are you ready for this? LASAGNA! I know, you all just moaned, your stomach growled, you quite possibly just gave me the middle finger. That word is like the most vulgar word to some of us right now!!! Hm, let me add that to my list of foods I miss! But don't worry, I won't be eating any of it! I'm taking it to my girl Brenda after Tim's prejudging. She just had a baby, so I offered to make dinner for her and the hubby. I'm making some for Favian, too. So, Saturday I head up in the AM to hang with Bec for Tim's prejudging, then practice some posing with Bec, then off to Brenda's. After that, I'm heading back home to hang with my brother Ryan. He lives in IL, close to Chi-town. I haven't seen him in a while, so I'm excited! I'm sure he'll harrass me about lifting weights, but will tell me 20 times how much he loves me by the end of the night. He swears we get along so well because we share a birthday (yep! I stole his 4 birthday from him! haha)
So, that's that. It's off to the bat cave!
xo
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!!!! Speaking of siblings, I recently found out my other brother, Jay, and his wifey are coming to watch us at MM, then found out mom and dad are, too, and now my sister, and now, check this out: MY GRANDMA!! lol That'll be entertaining to hear what she has to say about all the muscles walking around! haha Super cool and I have an awesome family. They'll probably get in town just in time to get to the night show. No hubby, though. This was originally a girl's trip, so the husbands are staying home!!!

"Is That When You Was Fat?"

2009-09-11T18:26:00.003-04:00

Ah, the joys of first grade funnies!!! And yes, I know the title is grammatically incorrect, but I just write it how I hear it! haha Here's the story, what a great way to end my Friday afternoon!!!

I have a student that started with us yesterday, and today she was still adjusting. She seemed rather upset, so I called her over to my desk to see what was bothering her and make sure I could pep her spirits up. After discovering her issues and comforting her, she stopped and stared at a picture of Favian and me, then asked, "Who's that?" I assumed she meant Favian, but now I am unsure... I said, "That's my husband, Mr. Kluth." She smiled, said, "Oh," but looked at it a little more intently. Then says, "Is that when you was fat?" OH MY GOODNESS!!! It took everything in me to not bust up laughing, all the while thinking about how I should correct her grammar AND let her no that it is impolite to discuss weight with women! haha I looked at the picture wondering HOW this little 7 year old could tell that I have lost weight?! It's the picture to the left here on my blog under the 'About Me' section. Now that I look at it, I guess my face is pretty full compared to now. But how funny is that?! I looked at the picture for a moment, and all I could say was, "Yep, *head nod* that was when I was fat." I smiled at her, then she smiled, thinking she just made my day, "Was that when you was like 34 pounds more?!" I started laughing and told her not quite 34 pounds, but pretty close. haha!!!!

Too funny! I though y'all would enjoy that! Have a great weekend!!!!!

Egg Whites Gone... toxic?

2009-09-10T18:40:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I knew people might question cooking in the plastic, and of course, you did! From what I have found on the internet, it is actually not recommended because there has not been enough research to determine if the plastic actually gets into the food. So, if you're concerned, don't do it.

I have, however, thought of an alternative... I'm going to try the eggs in a mason jar, like I do the salsa. Maybe it'll work. So, to be continued! Sorry!!!

Betty Crocker? Don't you mean Jesse Crocker?

2009-09-09T21:31:00.004-04:00

How on Earth to do I find all this motivation? I swear I'm on crack. Glutamine-crack. Gluta-crack. I'M ON GLACK! (Lord, help me!). Ok, so we we all know it isn't the glutamine, it doesn't do anything like that! Must be the excitement for a high carb day tomorrow.

*Warning: Fired up redheads usually crash by day 4 of first grade.*

So, I'm up to 32 First graders! YIKES! I coudn't fall asleep last night, thinking of all the things I wanted to stay and finish up at school and reorganize the classroom. BUT, I had to get home and work my lower body, then headed over to see my mom, AKA The Magical Seamstress. I never thought I'd be irritated that my clothes were too big, but sure enough, I felt like an idiot swimming in my clothes. So, mama to the rescue! She took in 3 pair of pants, including the new ones I just bought on Saturday, and made a top smaller in the ta-tas because Ds not longer exist in my world. Now, I just have pancakes. Itty bitty girls, be proud of your perky mini hoo-hoos because pancakes ARE NOT SEXY! lol Need some syrup to go with those pancakes? Mm.. Syrup! *smack*

Alright, alright, onto the adventures of Jesse Crocker...

I tried a couple recipes, and have a few started that I need to finish tomorrow. No pics yet, sorry! But I bought a charger for my camera battery, which of course means as soon as I open the package, I'll find the original charger, just like last year when I bought a new camera because I thought the old one was stolen, only to discover it two weeks after I bought the new one. Ok..

So, April turned me onto a new blog: http://eatoxygen.blogspot.com/ Can I just say incredible? Right up my alley. The recipes reminded me of things I already knew how to cook as well as some new ideas. A lot of the recipes aren't ok for the diet Bec has me on, but some of them... Yeah boy!

Tonight I made salsa and chicken stuffed peppers. I have made this with turkey burger before, and didn't cook the meat ahead of time, so it cooked forever and ever, then the meat was dry. This time, I followed the idea from eatoxygen and cooked my chicken first (after I ground it in the food processor).

Let me start over...
Halve and clean out green bell peppers (mine were huge - you might have small enough peppers that you can just cut out the top. Place hollowed peppers in oven at 350.
Meanwhile, 'sautee' onions.
In a separate pan, cook the ground chicken and your choice of seasoning (chili powder, smoked paprika & garlic are my suggestions).
While cooking your chicken and onions, make some brown rice.
Combine chicken, onion, and rice with some salsa (I used a new jar of homemade!) I used about 2 tablespoons of salsa per pepper.
Pack the mixture into your pepper and continue to cook the stuffed peppers for an additional 15 minutes.
I haven't eaten the final product yet, but I took a bite of the mixture for measure, and all was good! I'll post pics eventually.

I also used some of the cooked onions and added sauerkraut to the pan with sweet paprika. Normally I would make it with onions, peppers, BUTTER, and pork chops, then sweet paprika and simmer all day, then serve it on mashed potatoes. It was my grandpa's recipe *sigh*, Bless him and his foodie ways that he bestowed in me! If you don't like sauerkraut, sorry! I would have added butter buds but my sweet husband placed the shaker above the stove rather than the fridge, which equals a party foul.

I also boiled and shredded some chicken for tomorrow's adventure: Chicken and vegetable soup. I found a 99% fat free chicken broth, which will only give me 1g fat in a cup of broth. I figure I can make the veggies in the broth, then scoop it into containers, add my serving of chx to each container, and even have rice on hand to toss in if I can have carbs for that meal. Can't wait!

If I have time, I still plan to attempt an approved spaghetti sauce with the tomatoes I canned. I discovered that I still have fresh oregano and parsley out back, so that's a super score!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful day!
xo

p.s. Don't forget to give a trial comment to my post from earlier today! I wanna be able to have two-way communication!!!

Comments, Please!

2009-09-09T19:23:00.002-04:00

Hey y'all... I tried messing with my comment section again, hopefully people can post comments now (besides Genie! Thanks for the love, Genie!). If you're following, please try to post a comment.

Muchas Gracias!

Egg White Gone Wild!!!

2009-09-08T23:16:00.003-04:00

OH. MY. GOODNESS.

I don't have photos yet, but I'll get them up sometime this week... Here's a little cooking method my relatives use to make "omelets" when they are camping. I modified it for my comp diet...

Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Pour 1 cup egg whites (or your serving size preference) into a Ziploc bag. I recommend Ziploc because the cheapies are, well, a little too cheap for this method. Add diced veggies and seasonings of your choice. Seal the baggie with as little air trapped as possible. Squish it.

Place sealed baggie(s) into pot and boil for 12 minutes, with no lid on the pot. VOILA! Eggwhite omelet! I made one last night and tossed it into the fridge after it cooled down. Reheated it in the microwave this am and ate a delcious omelet while straightening my hair this morning! It has the texture of a boiled egg, which I love, but the yumminess (like my new word) of an omelet. I think I half dreamt that it was loaded with cheese and ham, too.

Anyway, it's super-duper easy, and you can make a few at a time! Best part is, I don't have to stand at the frying pan in the morning when I should be doing my makeup!

Give it a try, comment back to me on your variations!
ENJOY!

8 Weeks Out & Shrinking!!

2009-09-05T17:55:00.003-04:00

Alright! This has to be super fast because I'm supposed to be writing a paper that's due by 2am, but I want to go out for dinner (tuna steak, don't worry!) in less than two hours.
So, here are my SUCCESSES! whoa!

I am officially down 20lbs since I started the comp diet 7 weeks ago. Wow, has it really been that long? Is my math off?

My thighs are down 1 inch each (thank goodness they're moving at the same rate!)

My hips are down 3 whole inches.

My actual wastline is down 3 inches.

I also measure at my belly button, I mean, naval, because that is where I was really pudging out, and that pudgy little area is down 4 inches!!!

Woohoo! I am really feeling confident in my changes right now! I am still nowhere near where I will be and it would be shame to put me in a bikini on the stage right now because it is still not pretty. Bec, on the other hand, is ahead of the game (go Bec!). But for once I wasn't disgusted in my progress pics, and shopping, wow, now shopping is actually fun! I'm not going out and buying tons of clothese because a lot of my old "skinny" clothes are fitting and my most current outfits are loose. BUT, I did need a few items to start the school year off right, so off I went to the outlet mall with my sister! Let me tell you, I COULD HAVE GOTTEN SO MUCH! However, I refrained myself and only bought the makeup I needed because I was out, a pair of black capris because I didn't have any, a short sleeve, light weight turtleneck sweater, and a cute little 3mo. outfit from OshKosh for my friend Brenda's newborn, Avery! So not too bad! The best part is this: Not only could I fit into pants that are one size smaller than what I am used to, but that size is TOO BIG so I had to go down one more! This is awesome! I am so grateful to Becca and Tim for their confidence and support because I would probably still be gaining weight, rather than getting in the best shape of my life! Woohoo!

p.s. Is anyone having trouble writing comments on my page? I know Bec can't seem to get them to go through, but Genie can.... Hm... I guess if you can't comment to me, I'll never know. Hmph.

Redheads Galore!

2009-09-04T18:22:00.009-04:00

In the spirit of April's post about redheads, I thought I would post a few pics of all the redheads in my life. AKA my family. So basically, April, this blog is for you!

My adorable little redheaded nephew, Cooper, and my freckly face.

(That's milk in his hair, by the way. He loves to put food in his hair when he is finished eating)

My adorable parents.

(Dad has never had red hair, and clearly never will. But he had a little in his mustache in his younger years)

My sissy and me.

LMAO! My brother, Ryan.

A real pic of my mama. (Not so interested in having her photo taken!)

My brother Jay and his wifey.

If I had found this picture earlier, I could have saved myself a lot of time!

Ok, that's that! I was just bored, and now it's time to lift weights!

Who Says Comp Diets Aren't Fun?

2009-08-31T00:18:00.005-04:00

Need I say more?

9 Weeks Out, A Fun Wedding, & The Best Friends Ever!

2009-08-30T23:19:00.011-04:00

So yesterday was 9 weeks out! I didn't take my measurements because I just did that last Saturday, but Bec and Tim wanted me to weigh in since they changed my diet for last week. GUESS WHO'S 16.5lbs down?!?!?! Woohoo! I still have a lot of change to go, a lot of fat to lose, but the changes are beginning to show, so that's great! My stomach is really flattening out (yes, it needed some flattening before I could expect any other success!) In a lot of ways I still feel like I look like the same body, but just smaller version. I'm ready to show evidence of training, not just weight loss, but in due time, I know it will be here. It's still a little early considering where I started out! I know eventually the scale won't make such drastic changes, but for right now, it feels GREAT! Especially, ya gotta love Bec and her ability to put things in perspective... 16lbs is the equivalent to 2 MILK JUGS!!! My poor husband, to think I like to sit on his lap! haha
Well, we drove all the way out to Peoria, IL, for Kellie and Rich's wedding. Only 4 hours for me, 5 for everyone else. Lucky me! The hubby decided he didn't want to make the trip, so I rode along with my old college roomie, Arielle, and her husband, Erick (aka... the little mermaid and her prince..haha) Unfortunately for me, I woke up at 3:30 in the stinkin' morning on Saturday and could not fall asleep. I tossed, turned, read some of my book, and stared at the dark again. Eventually my alarm clock went off at 6am. I did my cardio, showered, got my stuff in the car and met my friends on the road. We made it to Peoria, our hotel room was nice, regardless of the fact that we were told it was in the ghetto. Ha. It was a perfectly fine place for little money and the area is WAY less scary than the "ghetto" 15 minutes down the road from my house. Kellie came to our hotel room, I did her hair and makeup, and she looked BEAUTIFUL (because she is, and the dress is, but I do have to say, I did a mighty fine job in bumping that hair up!) We all followed the bride to the wedding site and arrive a good 10 minutes after the wedding started. haha That's what happens when everyone stays in the same hotel!! The wedding was a blast, I followed comp diet the whole way through, and had just as much fun as my friends that were drinking it up. Of course, it was even easier when you have your coach and best friend doing the same thing!! Here are some pics from Angie's camera. Unfortunately mine died, but I had the brides camera as well as everyone else's. More to come, I'm sure...

We all ended up in black dresses!

Here's Tracy, Kellie (the bride), Angie, Arielle, Bec, & Me!

Being silly, as usual! (That's Prince Erick, the only guy with us!)

Bikini girls drink champagne on their diet! (Crystal Light, of course!)

Ta-da! 2 milk jugs down! haha

So, being the fabulous person that she is, Becca was really excited to "check me out." She says I am really showing improvement. We woke up at the crack of dawn this morning, locked ourselves in the public bathroom on the main floor of the hotel and practiced posing. haha I can only imagine if the lock didn't work and someone walked in on two girls in t-shirts, panties and 5 inch heels! HAHA (we didn't bring suits) TOO FUNNY. Anyway, of course I felt a little silly because I am nowhere near the great condition Bec is in, but she pointed out some things that are really starting to show improvement and her excitement excites me. yay :)

I just have to say that I had SUCH A BLAST with my friends this weekend. There's nothing like knowing your friends are so fun that you can act just as silly as the drinkers! They're the best!!!

Have a great, successful week! Push it hard and do your best! I know I plan to!

Surviving

2009-08-27T23:44:00.002-04:00

Whew! What a week! Surviving the diet, but this week has probably been my biggest struggle with food. I'm still eating what I'm supposed to, etc., but the cravings are KILLER this week! I love, love, love, love, love, love, love combos! I love pepperoni pizza cracker combos. And guess what's on Unwrapped right now? Pizzas! They're going to talk about my beloved combos. Yum! Maybe I'll pack some for after Monster Mash!!!
Does anyone out there have some salty, crunchy type of snack that I can have that would be approved? Pickles are like the potato chip in my comp diet - a tasty little snack, and sooo crunchy!!

So, I've managed to get into my classroom quite a bit this week, thank goodness! I officially start working again on the 1st, along with starting my next master's class. Gotta have the room ready so I can leave when the clock strikes, 3pm, weight train and get to doing what I gotsta do for this class!!

Hm... That's all. Just really excited to learn about combos. Maybe I'll luck out and they'll turn me off so I don't want them anymore!!! haha

Future Foreseen: Very Busy!!

2009-08-25T09:10:00.004-04:00

Feeling good so far this week (I'm including Sunday)! Tim changed our diet for this week and so far so good. I'm waiting for the tired part to set in, but I don't really have time for that! haha My quads, hammies and booty a sore today, but not the painful kind of sore, just the "yes, I worked it right" kind of sore. I increased my weights for my quads yesterday and I think it was EXACTLY what I needed.

Oh my, I am going to be sooo busy, so soon. Well, I guess starting today!! I'm about to do my cardio and work my upper body, then I think I'm going to head up to my classroom. I don't have to report until next Tuesday morning, but I hate coming into the first day with my furniture all over the place from maintenance waxing the floors. I like to have everything ready to go while everyone else scrambles and wastes time chatting because they haven't seen each other. It just makes it less stressful for me. I have a new reading series to learn, so I want to have time to really dig into that before the kids come! I also have to get the Language Arts curriculum maps done for K-2 classes - principal said she'd pay me to do it (yes!). I plan on doing that while Cooper is sleeping tomorrow. Since I have Kellie's wedding this weekend and it's 4 hours away, this week is my opportunity!! Here's a pic of Kel and me and Becca and Tim's wedding a few weeks ago:

Cute, huh? She'll be a beautiful bride!

So anyway, I have to get all that in this week, plus get my disaster of a home back together. Nothing worse than going out of town or back to work when your house is out of order. THEN, I start an online course that the stupid government requires teachers to take in order to get their professional certificate (which we can only get once we have 3 years of teaching and 18 credit hours past our bachelor's degree. Boo. I'll still get my pay raise for my 18 credits, but still have to take this class in order to keep teaching down the road). So because I want to finish my master's degree by December, I will be taking the reading class online starting Sept 1 - a five week course, then start my last two classes on September 8. Not to mention I go back to work Sept 1 and the kids start back on Sept 8, too. Not a big deal, just a good reason to get organized ahead of time!!! Oh, but great news!! Last time I looked at my class list I had 37 kids. No typo there, peeps. That was THIRTY SEVEN. The great news is that my principal recommended that the School Board add a First/Second split classroom because 2nd grade numbers were high, too. THEY APPROVED IT! This is big stuff! Parents will be VERY happy, and of course we are, too, because almost 40 kids in a room is hard. I wouldn't even have supplies for that! YOWZA!

Ok, time to hit the "gym", aka Favian's mancave.

Work in Progress

2009-08-24T00:23:00.002-04:00

Grr... The last template was pretty but sucked. Whenever I added stuff to my columns it was overlaying, etc. Now I have to figure out the html on this one, so spare with me!!! Maybe Bec and I can play "teach Jes about blogger" Sunday morning while everyone else sleeps their hangovers off! We'll be up at the crack of dawn exercising and finding something to do!!! haha

10 Weeks Out

2009-08-22T09:05:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I weighed in and measured today. I'm down 13 pounds in 5 weeks. Pretty good, wanted my "weight" to be a little better, but I did have a serving of steak last night, so I'm assuming I'm still holding that in (it was a LATE dinner). BUT, here's the cool part - my measurement changes!!! Each thigh is down 1/2 inch each. My hips are down 1 3/4 in., and waistline is down 2 in. Pretty good, huh? I still have a LONG way to go, but the measurements make me smile a little more than the number on the scale.

We had a birthday party dinner for Favian's aunt last night, so I did egg whites all day because I knew I was going to have steak at dinner - about the only thing I knew I could have on the menu there, plus some of Favian's rare tuna appetizer (YUM!!). Good thing I had some tuna because the steak was one of the fattiest sirloins I had ever seen. By the time I was finished, it looked like all I had done was cut my steak up into pieces and didn't eat any. It reminded me of times when I was a little girl and my grandma would be disapointed in how much "chicken" I left on the bone and how much steak I wasted. haha People around us were even saying that they thought I must not have liked my steak very much. I just cut so far away from the fatty parts just to be safe - I can see why they thought that. (I still leave that much "chicken" on the bone - I can only really clean the meat off of BW3's wings - otherwise I am convince I'm going to get fat and hard pieces in my mouth!) Anyway... I was very pleased to see that they cooked my steak and green beans just the way I asked, "absolutely no butter or oil." Haha.. My food looked SO boring compared to everyone else's - even the other steaks. The steak and beans looked so dry but tasted really good! The server said the chef said to tell me there is a very little amount of butter in the rice. I figured that would happen, but I could afford the fat for the day. If that was a no-no, then oops! But I was very pleased that they took the time to tell me because most restaurants just lie to you and let you think your broccoli is fine but there is still butter on it, right Bec? haha

Oh, the best part was how my dress fit!!! I wore the same dress that I wore to Becca's wedding 3 weeks ago. The dress fit me fine back then, but I kinda had to squeeze my booty a little bit to slide the smaller bottom of the dress past my hips. NOT THIS TIME! That dress slipped on better than when I bought it for my one year anniversary!! WOOTY WOO! I'm talking that bad boy was loose on these hips.

Well, I have a busy day ahead of me. My food has almost settled and I'll be jumping on the bike then working my lower body. Good ole high carb day! Soon after I finish, my girl Kellie will be here so I can practice some hairstyles on her for her wedding next weekend! Bec and I will be planning our weeks accordingly so Saturday is our high carb day. It's going to be a 4 hour drive (5 for Bec), a wedding with drunk people, and a night that will probably go longer than our sober butts will want! However, we do intend to have a little fun with some Crystal Light in our wine glasses! Still waiting to hear what they're serving for dinner, but mostly likely Bec and I will be busting out our coolers and searching for a microwave. I will have no shame in using a microwave at a gas station if i have to!! I'm sure it'll be a great time! We'll have some great friends with us, and my husband is always pretty entertaining at wedding receptions! yay!

Have a great weekend, everyone!!
xo

Ugh..

2009-08-19T00:43:00.004-04:00

How on Earth do I stay up so late? I really need to get my clock to slow down a lot earlier than this! It's back to work for me on September 1st, 2nd, 3rd, then the kiddies come to school on the 8th!! Oh my goodness! I'm getting up pretty early, not work schedule early, but yeesh!

So, I went to the county fair with my sister and nephew today.

SIDEBAR: Cooper was sooo funny. All he said was "Moo?" "Horsey!" "Moo!" "Horsey, horsey, horsey!" And then we strapped his little monkey backpack on and I had the tail -aka leash - and he ran up and down the fairgrounds as fast as his little legs could so shouting, "Go, go, go, go!" with every step. Coopy-doop can brighten anyone's day!

Back to my story: I ate my tuna and pickles before I went and a protein shake once I left! It really wasn't too hard to keep the food from entering my mouth. Don't get me wrong, though. I do intend to go back on Thursday (I have to work a booth for my school) and put a korn dog in the freezer to be demolished in November!!! These aren't just any corn dogs, people, they are KORN dogs! There is a booth at our fair, I think put on by the Optomist Club, and they are waaaaay better than the average corn dog that just takes like it has cornmeal on it. Those are dry and boring. These bad boys are all beef franks (or you can buy vegetarian or just cheddar or swiss cheese), dipped in batter, then fried right before your eyes. No pre-made, straight out of the freezer BS here! Oh, my, GOODNESS! I also love the cinnamon rolls at the fair, but luckily I have a phenomenal recipe that I can make at home after Monster Mash. Anyway...

I kind of started to freak out today. As I told my mom (super supportive, by the way!) that I was having a complex today. I'm curious how I can feel 'fat' today - the same kind of 'fat' as I did before starting my competition diet - when I've gone down over 12lbs in 4 1/2 weeks? Well, I realized a few things. I'm a little bloated, have been the last couple days. So I'm either not getting enough water (which I'm pretty sure I'm over a gallon a day, easily!), or it's something I've been eating the last few days. BUT, I haven't changed anything in my diet over the last few days that I haven't been doing for a couple weeks at least. I don't know. And I'm barely bloated, I might add. Like I said, I have a complex today. I started to freak out, thinking, "How on Earth am I going to be in the right condition come October 31st?" I know a lot can happen in 10 weeks, and I really do have confidence that I will have really changed my appearance in ways I probably can't even imagine, but I just started to freak out! Maybe it has something to do with watching Bec's dvd of her bikini comp that she won? All the girls looked great, but one girl just had a BARELY a little more jiggle than some of the other girls. And then I saw the woman that lost to Andrea in the bodybuilding comp, and you could still see some extra weight on the back of her legs. Ugh. I just don't want to be "that girl" on the stage!
I'll get over it, I'm sure. The best part is, I'm not struggling with food or workouts, I haven't slipped up other than Cooper's ketchup kisses *giggle*, so I'm doing great!!! I'll get past this funky part, right?
OH, and also, I do happen to have a wonderful coach named Becca, who has a great point: I'll be bring the best ME to that stage. I just don't want to look stupid. I'm sooo fortunate to have such supportive people like Bec, Favian, my parents and my sister.

Ok, enough blah blah blah. Hubby wants me to watch a Twilight Zone with him. He says this one is a "classic." haha Gotta love him! Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo (Please tell me I'm not the only chick out there that knows how that that should sound like the Twilight Zone intro!)
xo

Mmm... Mmm... More Food!

2009-08-18T14:37:00.010-04:00

Ok, here's one of my faves!!! I wish I could say I came up with this on my own, but it's one that my fabulous hubby Favian showed me. I was super excited when Bec approved this in my diet! Here is why:

5 Minute Power Bar

29.5g protein

22g carbs

305 calories

11.5g fat

(may be a little different depending on the whey that you use)

Ingredients:
1/4 C oats
1 scoop whey
1 T natural peanut butter (homemade is the best!)
1 single packet splenda
Dash(es) of cinnamon

Directions:

Melt peanut butter in the microwave for a little bit (I do about 35-40 seconds because I keep it in the fridge. If you keep yours in the cupboard, you might not need to melt it at all).

Here it is melted (a little blurry)...

Combine oats, whey, splenda and cinnamon into peanut butter. This picture shows all the dry ingredients blended together. But now, thanks to Becca not following my directions, *wink*, we have learned that using the blender is unnecessary and only creates another dirty dish.

Add only a few drops of water. Work those muscles!

Add just a drop or two more of water. I really mean drops! It takes more skill with your wrist and arms than it does water!

Now, what you see below is a gooey version, which means either:

A)I used too much water

B)Sometimes I like a warm gooey mess that tastes like dessert

You can then take your final product, slop it onto some foil or plastic wrap, and mold it into a bar. Below is a picture of a gooey mess. I recommend you keep it pretty dry if you're going to shape it and put it in the fridge for later. When molding, use the foil or plastic wrap, not your bare hands - it really sticks!

And mold...

Place in fridge if saving for later!

Notice the cute little coloring page on the fridge? I came home one night to find my husband laying on the living room floor with a box of crayons and coloring book, coloring away. I couldn't resist keeping it on the fridge! haha

Ok, 2 very important things: I really recommend that you try this recipe, and I also really really really recommend that you try to mold the dryer version. Keep it gooey when you plan to eat it right way, it's like dessert!

~Approved Foods~ yay!

2009-08-17T19:09:00.028-04:00

Alright! I had such a good time visiting Becca on Saturday. I bought her a food processor as an early Birthday present because I knew she wanted one SOOOO bad and was going to ask for one for Christmas from her parents. So, I decided she needed one now, and with her bday about a month and a half away, I thought, why not?! She tried to talk me out of it but we had no other option... I was supposed to bring my food processor up to her house so she could make chicken burgers and almond butter with it, but I didn't bring it! Great plan, huh?! So here are some pics of recipes I've come up with that fit into approved foods. Woot!

But first...

Bikini girls drink wine on their diet!!!

(Becca's new catch phrase)

Nah, just kidding, it's only Crystal Light!

Here's me, 11 weeks out. Still have my big ta-tas! Let's see how long that lasts!

And Mrs. Staggs, sippin' on some Crystal Light Reserve

And, drumroll please......

CHICKEN BURGERS!!!

Ingredients:
1 lb chicken breast, fat trimmed at cut into approximately 1 in. pieces
2 T fresh dill, finely chopped
1 T fresh basil, finely chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1 t ground cumin

Directions:

Trim fat and cut chicken into approximately 1 inch pieces.

Load up the food processor

Use the pulse button until the chicken is all ground up!

Chop up the dill, basil, and green onion.

Sip more "wine."

Add fresh herbs and cumin to chicken mixture.

Mix it all in with your hands!

Take your 1/2 cup measure and scoop 4 chicken burgers!

...Or 13...

Heat griddle, pan, or grill to MEDIUM heat, Cook burgers 6 minutes on each side.

ENJOY! (I like it with cucumber, red onion and mustard. Yum!)

I hope you enjoy your new chicken burgers! I'm sure you could do it with dried herbs, but the fresher the ingredients, the tastier the meal! And we're trying to eat clean, right? I have more recipes and pics to put up but oh my goodness, that took forever! I have things to do!!! Let me know if you have any questions!!!

Ketchup Kisses

2009-08-14T14:08:00.005-04:00

Officially had my first .00008oz taste of ketchup today! Haha
My nephew Cooper attacked me with about 20 kisses after lunch, but before I had the chance to wash is face. His face and lips had ketchup all over! Needless to say, I was laughing so hard, this ketchup covered cutie's face went into my mouth. LMAO!!!

So, the hardest thing for me so far in this diet is that I am SUCH A FOODIE! I love, love, love, LOVE to make new recipes, try new things, and dazzle my husband (and friends and family) with my new creations! So, eating boring old chicken that I baked three days ago just wasn't cutting it! I searched, thought, searched and thought, and finally came up with some lifesavers! I wish I could say I meant Lifesavers candy, but no, I mean life saving recipes for the next, oh my goodness, 11 weeks as of tomorrow!!

So far I have come up with the BEST chicken burgers (minus the bun, of course... unless it's a high carb day with Ezekial bread!). Lots of fresh herbs is the key to a tasty new adventure with chicken. They're amazing!! I've also come up with sweet potato fries, which most people have their own version, but tasted, tested and approved by Bec & Favian, these are the best I've had yet. Same as zucchini... I used to just steam it with some seasoned salt or dill, but what I really love is grilling zucchini. Sad to discover I was out of gas for my grill the other day and SUPER hungry, I threw my zucchini slices in the oven with my seasonings and have another great veggie! The last two I have to give credit to Favian for: homemade natural peanut butter and 5-minute power bars. He got the power bar recipe online, but I tweaked it to make it my own and WAY fewer calories for a bikini girl's diet!

I jut found my camera cord so I can post pictures of these delicious recipes soon. I'll be visiting Becca tomorrow afternoon, food processor in tow. I'm going to show her how to make chicken burgers and peanut butter, we'll probably make almond butter, too! YUM! So I'll take pictures as we go through the process and share them with everyone!!! WOOT! So maybe, just maybe, Bec will direct people to my page to check out the recipes and pics, that way I can stop talking to just Becca and myself on this blog.

Can't wait to share recipes and successes!
Hugs and Ketchup Kisses,
jes

150lbs of Sugar

2009-08-13T09:51:00.002-04:00

According to Food Detectives, the average American eats 150lbs of sugar a year. Yuck. I wonder how much I will have cut out of my 'normal' diet in just 15 weeks?!

Blogger Illiterate

2009-08-12T20:35:00.001-04:00

*Insert sobbing redhead here*

My explanation for my title doesn't show, and I have those stupid "untitled" sections like Bec used to have. I want the date! How do I fix it? Help!

Just Me!

2009-08-10T00:25:00.001-04:00

Ok, here I am! A little intro 'bout me...

(Making some wine at Becca's bachelorette party!)

I'm starting this blog as a way to communicate with friends (and future friends!) as I take my first journey in training for my first competition! One of my closest and dearest (ok.. one of my BFFs! haha) friends/trainer, Becca, suggested I start a blog in order to find answers to my questions and gain support as I work my butt off... literally, work it off. I promised I would start one as soon as I finished my summer master's classes, so here I am! Bare (is that the right kind of bare? bear? hm...) with me as I learn all about blogs and how to make it pretty. As for now, we'll just go bare bones.

So me...

I'm Jessica, most commonly referred to as Jes, or Mrs. Kluth. "Why so commonly Mrs. Kluth and not just her first name?" you ask? I'm an elementary school teacher, so 9 months out of the year I hear little kids and coworkers refer to me and Mrs. Kluth (or as one little girl said all year long, "Mrs. Kloop."). I've been happily married to my husband, Favian, for just over two years. He is my love, my everything, my support. XO!

The idea behind setting up this blog is to become a guide and outlet as I face challenges in totally transforming my body over 15 weeks. Saturday was 12 weeks out from my first competition, Monster Mash! I'll be competing in the bikini division! My girl Bec told me I could do this back in about March, as she was wrapping up the final weeks before her first time competing in a figure competition in Kalamazoo. I thought she was crazy! The closest I had ever come to even TRYING to be so conscious of the food I eat and committing to cardio (blah) and weight training was a failed attempt in the Body for Life competition back in, um, 2006, was it? I don't know. It was right around the time Favian proposed to me. I'm sure Becca could probably comment on here and tell you what year it was -she's great at that stuff!

Anyway, I'm here, I'm ready, I've done well so far! Most importantly, I have AMAZED MYSELF on a daily, sometimes hourly basis since I started training three weeks ago. I amazed myself as I completed my first round of cardio, my first successful day on the diet, my excitement, my first week, my second week, my third week, my ability to say no, my ability to be proud. I amaze myself everytime I think about the reality of what I have already accomplished and what is yet to come. I am amazed that it doesn't scare me, but that I am ready for this and I know I can do this! Which, of course, is how I came up with the title for my blog. Being the wonderful friend and trainer that Becca is, she steadily called and texted me during my first week, and almost every time we spoke, I was telling her about some way I totally amazed myself. WOW! As cheesy as it sounds, it's true! So, as I continue to train and meet new people through blogging, I hope to share my amazement, learn about the amazing things you do, and who knows - maybe I'll inspire and amaze someone else out there!!!

Wish me luck!

(OH... You might be curious...I'm down 9 "el-bees" since my start date! I've decided I'm not going to share my starting weight, measurements, or BF% until the end when I am smokin' hot! However, I'll be happy to share weight decreases, %decreases, and other amazing transformations!!)

XO
jes