Madd about S-A-L-A-D! [#4]

Just a lil update on the working out plan... Hubs & I have been going to the gym faithfully 3-4 times a week WOOooooOOOHoooOOOO!!!
And so far I have lost 2 lbs! Yay! Small start but that is fine with me b/c it's something!
So far I have managed to cut out chocolate & soda from the diet [that's a huge deal for me!]
Happy Shedding!
Here is my fav recipe of the week!
Enjoy!

Greek Salad with Warm Pita Crisps

Serves: 4

The perfect combination of high-quality, fresh ingredients is what has leant this salad its longevity. Pita chips are perfect for scooping up that last cube of feta cheese.
Ingredients
4 pieces pita bread, quartered
½ tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
10 oz./285g romaine salad greens
1 cucumber
1 tomato
1 cup black olives
2 green onions
½ cup Greek Dressing (see below)
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions: Preheat oven to 350° F/175° C.
Place the pita on a baking sheet. Drizzle the bread with olive oil. Sprinkle with dried oregano, salt and pepper. Place in the oven for 10 minutes, or until the pita is crisp.
While pita is toasting, assemble the salad. Add cucumber, tomato, black olives and green onions to the base of the Quick Chef. Turn handle to coarsely chop. Combine the salad greens, cucumber, tomato, olives and green onion. Toss with ¼ cup dressing. Top with the cheese and warm pita. Serve immediately.

Recipe found at The Nest!

Mmmmmmmm!!!!!

Boys can be creative too!!

I have been wanting to put something up on my empty wall in our bedroom for a while. So while I was out shopping [at Hobby Lobby!!] I noticed that there was a major sale on canvas...so I thought why not buy it and paint our own wall decor. I mentioned it to my husband not thinking he would want to, but lucky me :) He got way more creative than I could have thought! Yippeeee!!!! 

I took pics of the process....ENJOY!

This is as far as we got for now...but we will finish soon! [Hopefully!]

Happy day to you!

Happy Daddy's Day!

On a day like today when we get to celebrate our dads, I am thankful to God because my Father has always been loving, protective and  caring. I realize how blessed I am to have such a wonderful Daddy!!!  Growing up I always knew that whatever I needed my dad would provide for me! I am thankful that he was the type of dad that listened to me and didn't rule with an iron fist. Although I got myself into some pretty little pickles, dad was always there to talk and he was a voice of reason rather than the one who said "I told you so...."

I  am so thankful for my dad's sense of humor that got us through some pretty hard times [especially when I got my first speeding ticket or when I ran into a mailbox with his beautiful car BETSY....haha!!].

I am thankful for my dad because he showed me the type of man that I should look for in my future! 

I am thankful for the fact that I look forward to our weekly and sometimes daily chats even if it is just a minute long because I know he cares enough to know how I'm doing!

I could never imagine a more perfect daddy!

On this day enjoy your father and spoil him if you can!!! They need to be showered with love too!!

Here are some pictures of my DADDY!

Me & Dad on my 29th bday

Daddy walking me down the aisle!

Daddy giving me away!

David, Tio Mark & Dad....being silly!

My Mom & Dad!

Happy Father's DAY! 

Something Borrowed

Sweets & a good read!

I hardly ever read books that are purely for entertainment just because I have been in school for what seems like forever....I had so many different books to read on a weekly basis! So as you can see entertainment reading had to be put on the shelf until now! I got this book for my birthday from my lovely [one day...soon to be!] sister in law Jelli! And I must say it was one of the best books I have read in a long time! I couldn't put it down and literally stayed up until the wee morning hours finishing it. I haven't purchased the next book just because I am in the middle of 4 other books that must be read asap for church & leadership training. I just know that if I buy Something Blue I won't be able to put it down. So I am practicing self control for just a few more weeks.....ahhhhhhhhh!!!! So if you are looking for a good read then I recommend this one for starters!

Happy Reading lovely peeps!

The Battle is on!

Planet fitness is my gym! WooooHOOOO!!! But sad to say that until this week I had not been there in over a month....shame on me!!! So I got myself a hott trainer [my hubs! hehehe] and he is putting me on a workout routine. I need to do this because I have two weddings in the next 8 months and that means I have bridesmaid dresses to squeeze into. AaAaaaAAhhhhhHHHHH!!!!  Not only that....I have to lose the 25 pounds that have so happily made their home on this Puerto Rican girl since I got married 3 years ago. I'm not really a girl to obsess over weight but when my clothes barely fit, it breaks my heart! So here is the goal...7 lbs a month must be lost over the next few months! That's attainable right?! So hopefully I can give a good monthly update on this....here's to lots of hard work! [Pray for me!]

Happy Sweating & Shedding lbs!!!

Called by a King?!

I am reading a new book called "Worship: It's not just Sunday Morning" and I am really enjoying it! I am only 2 chapters into the book but, WOW! It really put some things into perspective for me. What do you really think about worship and what it is meant to be? It starts with the chapter called "Worship is all of life" and I was impacted immediately! This is an excerpt that I loved "Every act of obedience to God in thought,word or deed is worship. Our entire life and all its activities bring either glory or disgrace to God." Wowwww!!!

This weekend while I was in worship service I was thinking about how crazy we all can get [myself included!] when we come close to a famous person...the craziness of speaking to them or being close to them is unbearable! It's strange....and yet, that person will never care more about us than the One who created the Heavens and the Earth. This doesn't make sense to me? How come I don't get that crazy over God? Hmmmm...I think that we often take for granted the depth of having a relationship with Jesus Christ. I have been saying that I would begin a fast in order to pray for some serious things going on, both in & around my life but every time I set a date I somehow weasel my way out of it. But Sunday it hit me!! I am being called by my King, the one who made the Heavens & the Earth. THE KING of KINGS wants to talk with me and foster a relationship with me?!?! What on Earth could possibly be more important [or thrilling!!] than that? NOTHING! Then I thought about an excellent Bible study I did on the book of Esther. She mentions how she cannot enter the Kings presence unless she is called or it may result in death! That is scary but then it makes me think how favored we are because we can enter the presence of the King of Kings without such fear because He is always calling us to His presence....that's amazing to me!  I'm done wasting my time and talking myself out of the very thing that He is calling me to. I choose to live for God and now I need to reflect that! Needless to say, I fell in love with my God all over again....

If you are being called by the King! Then it's up to you to answer....this may change your life!? 

Be Encouraged and Blessed today, because God would like to dine with you! 

Revelation 3:20 "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."

Who's up for a good laugh!?!?!

I truly enjoy stupid hilarious things!!! 

Here are some funny videos that I just had to share:

This poor lady thinks she is speaking English!

And this translation of an Indian song is too funny!

Happy Laughs & Happy Weekend! Much Love!

Madd about S-A-L-A-D! [#3]

Here's another Summer salad to try!

Thai Beef and Tofu Salad

Serves: 4

Fresh herbs and lots of crunch make this salad sparkle. Add Mandarin orange segments for a touch a sweetness.
Ingredients:
12 oz./340 g extra firm tofu
6 cups spring mix salad greens
½ cup fresh mint
½ cup fresh basil
1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced thickly
1 red onion, quartered
1 tbsp. peanut oil
8 oz./225 g skirt or flank steak, trimmed
8 oz./225 g can Mandarin orange segments, drained
salt and pepper
Thai Dressing (see below)

Directions:
Line a plate with paper towels. Remove the tofu from packaging, drain and cut into 1- inch cubes. Set tofu cubes on paper towels and allow to drain for 30 minutes. Gently press out any remaining liquid from tofu cubes using additional paper towels.
In Quick Chef fitted with the blade attachment, combine onion and cucumber and turn handle to chop coarsely. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, mint, basil and the cucumber mixture. Pour half of the vinaigrette over the lettuce mixture; toss to coat. Heat Chef Series™ 11"/ 28 cm Fry Pan over medium-high heat. Add peanut oil to pan. Add beef and cook for 3 minutes per side or until meat reaches desired degree of doneness. Remove meat from pan and allow to rest 5 minutes on a cutting board. Add tofu to hot pan. Cook tofu until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside. Slice beef thinly and place in bowl with lettuce mixture. Add tofu; toss to combine. Top with orange segments. 

Note: Substitute steamed chicken or salmon for the beef.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 270 Total Fat: 15g Saturated Fat: 2.5g Cholesterol: 30mg Carbohydrate: 15g Sugar: 7g Fiber: 4g Protein: 22g Sodium: 400mg Vitamin A: 35% Vitamin C: 45% Calcium: 25% Iron: 25%

Thai dressing
Makes 1/3 cup
½ jalapeño pepper, seeded
¼ cup lime juice
1 tbsp. Thai fish sauce
2 tsp. sesame oil
½ tsp. sugar
Chop jalapeño finely with the Chef Series™ Pro Utility Knife. Add jalapeño, lime, fish sauce, sesame oil and sugar to Quick Shake® Container. Replace cover and shake until well combined.

This recipe was found on The Nest website!

Enjoy & if you try it tell me what you think!

{mediterranean pasta} by Meg

 Right now....I'm Madd about Pasta!! Mmmmmm.....

While catching up on some lovely blogs I discovered a talented lady named Megan Lane she makes beautiful crafts (which can be found on her Etsy shop here)! She even has yummy recipes on her blog [Meg's Musings] I found one for {mediterranean pasta} and just couldn't resist. Here it is below, I just can't wait to try this and see how yummy this turns out!! 

Try it out and let her [and me] know what you think!

Ingredients

 

* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts, sliced diagonally
* 1 (8 1/2-ounc) jar sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (1 cup)
* 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
* 1 pound fresh angel hair pasta
* 1/4 cup fresh basil
* 1 (8 1/2-ounce) can artichoke hearts in water, quartered and drained (1 cup)
* 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted (1/4 pound)
* 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* 2 teaspoons dried oregano
* Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Boil water for pasta in a pasta pot, fitted with a strainer. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken strips until no longer pink -- about 3 minutes each side. Add sun-dried tomatoes and garlic to skillet. Saute for 2 minutes. In the meantime, add the fresh pasta to boiling water, cook until al dente, about 5 minutes.

Now add the basil, artichoke hearts, olives and feta cheese to the skillet. Saute 1 minute then stir in the cream. Strain the pasta and transfer to a large pasta bowl. Add the chicken saute to the pasta and toss. Season with oregano, salt and pepper before serving.

Happy Cooking & Good night! I'm off to sleep because I'm getting hungry! ;)

Madd about S-A-L-A-D! [#2]

I found this recipe and OH my am I drooling!!! Here's to a yummier, healthier you!

Turkey Cobb Salad

Serves: 4

There are few things better than a classic Cobb. This main-dish salad combines all the vintage trimmings with an elegant champagne vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. champagne vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
½ cup light mayonnaise
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
4 oz./115 g crumbled bleu cheese
¾ cup or 6 slices pre-cooked bacon, crumbled
10 oz./285 g spring mix salad greens
1 small avocado peeled, pitted and sliced
4 small tomatoes, chopped
½ lb. turkey breast, cubed
salt and pepper
Directions:
In base of Whip ’N Prep™ Chef, place champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise and olive oil. Replace cover and turn handle to thoroughly mix. Set aside. Place bacon on a microwave-safe plate and heat in microwave 1 minute to crisp. Crumble and set aside. Place spring mix in a large bowl. Arrange bacon, avocado, tomatoes and turkey on top. Drizzle with dressing and serve.
Note: For a traditional presentation, arrange the avocados, tomatoes, turkey and bacon in rows on top of the greens. 

This recipe was found on The Nest website!

Enjoy!

Thank you notes!

This past week has been one of much reflection and giving thanks! 

Mostly to God but also to the amazing people in my life!

I know that life isn't perfect...

Many people suffer the loss of a loved one through death while others suffer a loss through broken relationships and both are equally painful.

Still others suffer loneliness not from being alone but having no one to trust in hard times.

Yet others suffer the sting of lies & deception...that is a most profound pain.

I feel a desperate need to Thank God right now for all the caring people He has placed in my life. Although some of them are miles & even states apart from me, with just one phone call I am reconnected with them!

Relationships & friendships I have truly learned to value.....I am grateful for that!

I just wanted to take a moment to share a few things I am thankful for!

My husband who loves me unconditionally & works hard to provide/supply our every need both physically and spiritually!!!

My parents who love & pray for me so much!!!

My family that calls to see how I am doing.....

My friends who understand that friendship is more special than meaningless talk....

My health and the health of my loved ones [that is a true blessing!!]...

The joy that God puts before me everyday....

The Word of God...created just so that He would speak to me....

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

 

Madd about S-A-L-A-D!

Anyone who knows me...knows I love to eat! I'm also very excited to learn new healthy recipes so I wanted to share one that was in my inbox. It's by Eating Well & jillianmichaels.com 

Raspberry, Avocado, and Mango Salad
Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups organic raspberries, divided
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 clove fresh garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black ground pepper
• 8 cups organic mixed salad greens
• 1 ripe organic mango, diced
• 1 small ripe avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped, or sliced almonds (optional)

Preparation Puree 1/2 cup raspberries, oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper in a blender until combined.
Combine greens, mango, avocado and onion in a large bowl. Pour the dressing on top and gently toss to coat.
Divide the salad among 5 salad plates. Top each with the remaining raspberries and sprinkle with nuts, if using.

FACTS:
Prep Time: 15 mins
Nutrition Facts
Number of Servings: 5
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 215 - Total Fat: 16 g - Saturated Fat: 2 g - Cholesterol: 0 mg - Sodium: 122 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 18 g - Dietary Fiber: 7 g - Protein: 3 g

Enjoy!  

[please feel free to share your yummy recipes with me!]

Lovin' my house!

Since we relocated to Texas and moved into our pretty little house I have really enjoyed decorating and D.I.Y.ing for my house! I don't really have a theme in the house because I just buy things that I like as I find them, but recently I have found some pretty good deals worth sharing! Here they are:

Birdcage: bought at Hobby Lobby for 50% off!

Wall art: bought at Hobby Lobby for 75% off!

Chair: bought at Goodwill for $5.99

Not purchased: but this [red dresser] is on my wishlist!!

I love my house and I love finding great deals on things to fill it with! 

Happy Shopping & Happy Weekend!