Off and Running

I finally got back on track. I was doing well and then we had all that cold weather and rain (the nerve of mother nature, doesn't she know I am trying to get fit?).

In any case, sine I have been in Florida I have done the program every other day. I actually felt more comfortable running today than walking. Yay me.

I am excited. But. Since I have been here I have not eaten as well as I could have and I have enjoyed my wine most days so the weight has not come off but it has not come on either. So it's even for now. I can accept that.

Now off to the beach to sweat some more. I hope you all had a great Easter for those who celebrate it.

Zizette

Happy Easter

I want to wish all my "peeps" a very Happy Easter. May you have a wonderful day with your families.

Zizette

I (heart) the Sunshine State

Agh it's been two years since we were last here but yesterday we came back to the Sunshine State, Florida. We are fortunate enough to have both grandparents down here, so it is a double visit. My mom and grandma flew down with me and the kids (my parents live three block away from us - lucky me right?). The flight was good except for my intense uneasiness during take off. It just freaks. Me. Out. My cousin, the shrink, says it is normal and lots of women are like that after having kids. I have been flying since I was three days old, why now am I crazy?

Anyway I am so happy to be away with the kids and be able to see my best friend, she lives about 5 minutes from my dad's place.

Maya is so excited she has already tried on all her clothes to pick the right outfit. I swear today I am running, getting back on track. The weather had been so icky last week I couldn't run but today is a good day for a new start and afterwards my mother in law set me up with a nice massage. Whoopee!

Spring Faves

I really love Spring.  It is the beginning of the warmer weather and the bringing out of all my good favorite things.  Here's a little peek at some of my favorites this time of year.

Credit

Is Spring your favorite time of year?  What do you like about Spring?

Enjoy!

Zizette

I {heart} New Foods

I made Pastelitos this past weekend in a sort of tribute to my brother Mike who passed away.  He loved new and different foods and this was something new.  The Dominican and Island women I work with make these fantastic treats and I thought hey, let me give it a try.

I asked them how to do it.  They all had variations (Dominican, Cuban, Jamaican to name a few) but basically the same concept.  The meat is similar to taco meat.  Some use Guava and cream cheese or guava and cheddar cheese.  I chose taco meat and grilled chicken.

I ran out of taco seasoning and made my own.  Pretty good and even better for the family because it does not contain any preservatives.

I bought these for the dough/pastry.

I basically made my taco meat and I grilled my chicken with seasonings I like.  I then used about a Tablespoon or two of filling on each disk.  I folded them in half, sealed with some water and closed shut.  I then sealed them by pressing down with the fork.  I fried them until golden brown.  Then we ate them.

They were delicious!  Then a few days later the ladies at work told me other flavors I can make them in. The kids love them so I will be making them again this weekend.

Credit

My phone did not take good enough photos and emailing them made it worse.  This is what they should look like.  So next time I will do this meal justice.

Bon Appetit!

Zizette

Introducing Trooppaws

Trooppaws in Army

I'd like to introduce you to my friend Marlene and her new venture:

I understand the importance of giving back, which is why for years now I have been baking cookies for the troops as a sign of support for our servicemen and women.  My passion for our brave troops led me to a factory that manufactures uniforms for the military. It gave me the idea to create a stuffed animal for military families and friends.  The courage of family members left behind is so admirable that my hope is that loved ones find strength and comfort in this personalized keepsake.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a military organization.

                                      

She is super excited about her new project and I know many families out there will be excited too.  Check her out and please pass the word around about Trooppaws.   You can also check them out on Facebook - Trooppaws.

Hope you like it and help this truly amazing woman.

Zizette

I {heart} Flavor

I am always looking for a good recipe for Beef Stew.  I mean it is a simple type of meal but I {heart} flavor.  I want it in all my meals but something about comfort foods ScReAmS FLAVOR.  So this weekend I bought a big ole' package of beef cubed up in nice bite sized pieces.

I didn't look in the book, I winged it as you might say.

1 1/2 pounds beef, cubed
1 cup flour
Salt
Pepper
Onion powder
garlic powder
1 medium onion
1/2 bag carrots
1-2 cups wine (Cabernet Sauvignon was on hand)
1 container beef stock (32 oz)
Olive oil

Heat Olive oil in a pot.  Season the flour with the salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder.  Cover the meat in flour and cook in pot until golden/brown on all sides.  Do not over crowd the eat in the pot, remove done pieces to plate while you cook remaining meat.  Add oil if needed.  You will see awesome pieces of goodness in the pot, leave them there it's all the flavor.  When all the meat is done, add wine and cook off - making sure to scrape all the goodness from the bottom and sides of pot (if need be add salt and pepper - it's okay you are adding stock soon so it won't be too salty).  Add onion, toss to coat in juices, sauce and cook for a minute or 2.  Then add the meat and again toss to coat and mix, let cook a minute or 2 and then add beef stock with the onion and beef mixture.  Cook on Medium with a cover on.  Add carrot after 5 minutes.  Still Cook until meat is tender.

This came out unbelievable.  The taste is awesome.  I found my goodness.

Enjoy. oh yeah, I took a slice of bread with a little bit of butter and dipped in the sauce from the pot before I cleaned it (put the meal in a container since we unexpectedly went to a movie premiere and didn't eat this for dinner) and it was great with the bread.  That is so exciting to me as I am a total dipper.

Zizette

Still Not A Couch Potato

I did Day 2.  Did not hurt as much as after the first day.  I intend on doing Day 3 today.  I also want to go and get new running sneakers and upgrading to the pro version of the app.  You see I listen to pandora as I run/walk (Glee Radio) and with the Lite version if someone calls me it stops the clock.  Then I have to start over.  Not literally but the clock does and then it throws off everything.  OK.  It's a $1.99.

I also am proud to say that I have lost 3.7 pounds this week.  Yippee!!  I will be going out soon to run, just waiting for the temperature to get a little warmer than 39 degrees.

Have a great day!

Zizette