Saturday, November 1, 2008

Healthy AND Yummy!

Here are some healthy, flavorful foods that are sure to satisfy any hunger pains without over doing it!

* FiberOne Bars - chocolate is my favorite. You can get a great deal at Costco...huge box for cheap
* Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches - tastes just like an ice cream sandwich. You would never guess it's healthy!
* Ritz Whole Wheat Crackers - if you like the original Ritz you'll love these too!
* Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges - very good on whole grain mini bagel, english muffin, or whole wheat crackers
* Honey-Wheat Crackers - my favorite snack!
* Good Start Egg Substitutes - can't tell the difference yet MUCH healthier
* Quaker Rice Cakes - love all the flavors
* Grilled Chicken - I grill a weeks worth at a time. That way when I want to add some chicken to a salad, casserole, corn tortilla or anything its already cooked and ready to go! Rather than putting mine in a freezer/storage bag I already have it portioned control in little sandwich bags
* Back to Nature Organic Stoneground Wheats. Baked with wheat & flaxseed crackers - YUMMY! You get them at Costco. SOOO yummy with the Laughing Cow Cheese
* Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies - ok, really there is nothing healthy about this, BUT I do make a make (really whatever cookies, mine just happen to be pumpkin chocolate chip this time around) and I freeze the cookie dough. Then, when I'm REALLY craving something sweet and warm, like a cookie, I bake only how many i'm going to allow myself to eat. I usually do two or three SMALL cookies. Helps you not overeat the sweets.

Since I started watching what I was snacking/eating and slimming down my portions I have lost 13 pounds. And haven't cut ANYTHING out of my diet that I don't like to eat. Just smarter about it. Anyway, hope some of these healthy snack ideas help you out with losing weight or just staying healthy. I have to add one last thought/lecture....DO NOT convince yourself that by just skipping eating all together you can lose weight and "get back on track". Then once you start eating again it will be harder to keep it off...just do it right the first time and make good habits!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

these are a few of my favorite things...

Here are a few of my favorite cleaning supplies that I make sure I always have in our house:

Krud Kutter - This wins the gold star in the cleaning product department in my book. This product can take just about any stain out of anything, and I know because I have used it on just about everything. I've taken out blood stains, pen stains, hair dye out of clothes, gum, lipstick, scuff marks, even paint out of carpet and thats just to name a few things. The best part is that it leaves the area looking as good as new! I LOVE this product! Some places I know you can find Krud Kutter is Lowes, Home Depot and Wallpaper Warehouse. Here is their webiste to learn more, including everywhere it's sold http://www.krudkutter.com/ Its a little pricey but as I say, it may cost a pretty penny but it's worth every dime...and don't worry, it lasts a long time because a little goes a long way. Tip: If it's a bad stain I usually spray some on the stain along with add a small amount to the wash. Either way, try to spray and wash the garment or area as quickly as possible.

Olive Oil - Put some olive oil on a cloth or paper towel (my personal preference) and rub on your stainless steel appliances/items to have them shiny and streak free (including no fingerprints...finally!) Tip: Yet again, a little goes a long way. Start with a smaller amount and then add more to the cloth if needed...if you get too much it will be super slippery.

Old Sock - An old sock is a great and easy way to dust your blinds & its MUCH quicker which is always a plus in my book. Just make sure you use the proper cleaning solution, if one is even needed. Some blinds specifically want you to just use a dry cloth while others allow you to use a dusting spray or a damp cloth (or in this case a damp sock) Tip: When you go to wash the sock get it wet with the water pouring into the machine, wipe down your washer and dryer and then throw it in the wash. Then you get in the habit that every time you wash the sock you also wash your washer and dryer and help the area look nice and clean!

Swiffer - I love the swiffer products. I have the mopping one and the dusting one. They are the perfect tool when you need to get the dusting or floor mopped quickly yet efficiently. Maybe guests or coming over or you have a busy schedule but still want to squeeze in some housework. I pretty much always use the dusting one and when it comes to the moping one I use it frequently...until I have the time to get on my hands and knees and really scrub the floor. Tip: If you are out of the mop swiffer wipes that you attach to the mop but you really need to get the job done, get a paper towel wet with water and a little Pine Sol..it will hold it over until you can go buy more and help the place still smell good!

Hope some of these tips have been helpful! See you next Thursday!

Below is a picture of my containers before and after using the olive oil rub down technique :)
Before:

After: