Anyone else in a recipe rut?

I feel like I'm stuck in the giant recipe rut right now and I'm not digging it at all.  Thank goodness that there's places like Pinterest to get me going.  Living out here in the sticks we don't have immediate access to lots of good fresh stuff so I have to plan my trips carefully and when the freshies run dry then it's high-ho, high-ho to the cupboard and freezer I go which can make a girl cranky.  There's a lot of great resources out there to get fresh goodies delivered to my door but since I haven't become independently wealthy just yet, I have to make due.  ARGH!!!  Just feelin' the frustration today.  Don't get me wrong-I LOVE living in rural America because hey it's quiet and I don't have to have my windows covered all the time for privacy.  Sigh.......there's always give and take in anything in life.  If anyone is actually reading this thing and has some suggestions for this country girl, I'm all ears!!!!

Even though this has NOTHING to do with today's post, I love it so much I added it-I mean, this is MY Blog so I can be as random as I want right??

New Years Resolution Fail=Another Chance!!!

Anyone else ever feel like this?  ME TOO!!  It seems like the weight comes on overnight and then takes forever to take off but as we all know, time flies when you're having fun and when the work starts, man it drags.  I can totally relate to it.  But the real deal is that it's not just about exercise or weight, it's about your life.  If we don't take care of our bodies they won't take care of us and that's a bad deal.  Being healthy is about doing the work, small steps every day to get a little bit stronger, eat a little bit healthier and make smarter choices that will get us to a better place.  For me, that's choosing new foods and staying away from the processed stuff.  It's carving out that 30 minutes per day to move my body and get the blood flowing and heart pumping.  I know that this takes a lot of will power and dedication but if I don't then I can't get upset when my body/mind/spirit feels defeated. 

 

Figure out what your real goals are and be honest.  This is a marathon, NOT a sprint.  Slow and steady will always win this race.  Figure out what your non-negotiable things are in your life that you need to work into your plan.  I won't give up creamer in my coffee or croutons in my salad-just not going to do it.  These aren't deal breakers for my goals and keeping them in check will keep me happy.  If you can't do some high-intensity program then no worries!  There's a lot of low to no impact options to choose from that will still get you sweating and strengthen your heart and muscles.  If you made a New Years Resolution and you quit-SO WHAT!!!  Strive for progress, not perfection.  You can start again and renew your commitment to yourself.  It's all about being real and realistic (yeah, I think there's a difference).  Stop whining and grit your teeth, dig in and GET AFTER WHAT YOU WANT!!!  Even if we've never met before, I believe in you and your potential to crush it!  You can do anything and the only time you ever truly fail is when you give up-SO DON'T!!!!

Yeah, it's been a while......

So......yeah......I sorta fell off the face of the earth for a while.  We moved into a new home, I started working again and things just got a little nuts so I was radio silent for the past few months.  BUT I'M BACK!  

It's winter, freezing cold but doesn't mean there aren't opportunities for moving and shaking.  When it's not sub-zero outside I've been cutting my chops on a new pair of cross-country skis which has been beyond awesome!  It's been about 15+ years since I've been on skis and I can tell you without hesitation that I've missed it and I'm so glad to be back outside and enjoying the beautiful scenery on the trails.  I've also embarked on a new fitness program-Insanity Max 30.  HOLY COW!!!  It's seriously intense and I've only been doing the modified version.  The really cool thing about that is I'm getting a killer workout and no jumping at all.  You know a program is working when you're sweating like a farm animal and not even going nuts like the jokers doing the full-on version.  Week One results are in and I've lost 2.4 pounds and 8 total body inches.  WOW.  I'm really motivated to get week two rolling and continue on with my progress because hey, even though it's like the antarctic outside, spring will come and so will peeling off layers and revealing the body underneath so a girls got to be ready right?  I've been looking at swimsuits and I need to keep going or I'll be in a snow suit instead!  

Speaking of swim suits, the Victorias Secret swim catalog showed up last week-all I kept thinking is "Who in the world actually wears this stuff???"  As far as I could tell you wouldn't be doing much moving much less swimming in most of those babies!  And I don't care how emaciated you are, all those straps gives anyone back fat if you don't Photoshop them out.  Needless to say I got a good laugh and then tossed it in the garbage before my hubs or 16 year old got a hold of it!  I'll be going the retro route instead-more of a 40's or 50's bombshell suit with a lot more coverage and functionality.  There's a lot to be said for that look if you ask me.  More can be less ladies so a few extra inches of fabric can add a lot more mystery and appeal......just sayin'.  

Well, better get back to work and be somebody....whoever might still be out there in the world paying attention, thanks for stopping by.  I promise it won't be so long again......I missed ya!!!

Fall Fashion-my take

With the season changing so does our closet-putting the summer tanks, t-shirts (well, not all of 'em), sleeveless numbers and the like all going into some kind of rubber tote and out comes the long sleeve gear-sweaters, button ups, knit tops.  My favorite is getting my tall boots back out again-truth be told I really love being barefoot but there's just something about my tall boots that gets me all fired up.  I have a lot of carry-overs from last season that I still really like and will totally wear but it's always fun to get something fresh and new.  So, I've taken a look at the top trends I've been noticing and what I will and won't be wearing.
First, let me say that going to the mall is a unique experience, it's like the 80's got together with a few grunge kids and put some stuff together.  I see things that I was wearing in Jr. High and some I rocked in college so it's kinda weird.  I will say that if parachute pants come back in style I'm totally moving to a remote island!

1.  Western prints-I'm really digging the long or high-low sweaters that come in all colors of western print.  I can't say I'm for the blanket sweater look (I don't live in the SW so it looks a little strange up here in the north woods) but give me a cute sweater to wear with skinny jeans, leggings or a skirt and my tall boots-I'm all in!!

 

2.  Menswear-as far as I'm concerned this has NEVER gone out of style!!  I love vests, ties, wide leg trousers and wing tip shoes.  I've owned a high heel pair for years!!  Boyfriend jeans with a baggy sweater or oxford shirt-I'm there.

3.  Gauchos-NO, NO, NO!!  They don't even look good on the skinny models and mannequins in the store so pretty sure they won't look good on a shorter, curvy girl.  'Nuf said.........

4.  Plaid-again, I don't think this ever really goes out of style but plaid shirts with jeans and of course BOOTS are totally right up my ally!!

5.  Boots/booties with boot socks-new thing that started last year and is really taking off in the mainstream this year (I know this because I bought a pair of boot socks at Maurices in small town USA).  I think the added detail on the top of the socks adds a little somthin' somthin' to just about any outfit.  And booties with cuffed jeans/pants are waaaay too cute!

6.  Romantic detailing-I'm typically not a huge fan of the romantic style-it's just not me.  BUT I do like that you can get a little touch of romance without looking like something out of a Victorian theme movie.  A little goes a long way for this girl-so feast your eyes on this little number!!

So there you have it my take on fall 2014 fashions for what it's worth.  I'm going to be wise about my shopping trips because a closet full of stuff you don't wear just isn't attractive.  In fact, I follow the rule that if I buy new stuff I have to donate things I haven't worn in over a year so that helps me and someone else!!  Happy Shopping kids!!!


MIA but I'm BACK!!!

Whoa-were did the past couple of weeks go?  I mean seriously, time just flew right past me and I got caught up in life.  Did you miss me???  For all I know nobody reads this goofy thing but for those of you who do, I'm sorry-I'm back!!  Schools back in session and the kids are out of the house so that means things are a little more quiet right now.  Doesn't mean there's a lack of things to do that's for sure-getting caught back up, cleaning and getting ready for the cooler weather sure can take up those precious hours during the day.  Speaking of cooler weather, who else is getting their fall cloths and shoes out?  I've been going through closets and donating items and putting warm weather stuff away.  I know it's sad but I'm kinda looking forward to my tall boots and jeans again!!  I've also been cleaning house physically-I had a lot of fun and now I'm getting myself back on track with my eating and my workouts.  I never quit working out but now I'm really pushing myself to do more and on week two of The 21 Day Fix-super easy to follow and eating is a snap with the color coded containers and meal guide so really NO excuse not to do it.  Here's a great fried rice recipe at the end of this as well-very healthy and probably the BEST fried rice I've ever made. 
Healthy Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice!
What you will need: (Serving Size - 6) - 1 cup chicken breasts,boneless, skinless, cooked - 3 Cups of Brown Rice - 1 green bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, 1 white onion (to cheat, buy the stir fry frozen pepper and onions that come pre-cut) - 1/2 cup snap pees - 1 cup of frozen pees and carrots (they have bags in the frozen veggie section at the grocery store with them mixed which is what I used) - 1 cup of pineapple chucks - 2 Eggs - 1/2 cup of low sodium Soy sauce - 2 tbps Cinnamon (I didn't use this myself) - 2 tbps minced garlic - 3 tbsp of sesame oil (optional) - 1/4 cup of chicken broth
What to do: - Prepare rice according to package instructions to yield 3 cups cooked rice. - Heat sesame oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add onion, peppers, minced garlic, peas, carrots, and snap peas. - Stir fry until tender. Crack eggs into pan and scramble, mixing throughout vegetables. - Add your cooked rice and chopped up cooked chicken. - Stir in Low Sodium Soy Sauce and chicken broth and sprinkle your cinnamon generously on top.
- Lastly, mix in your cut up pineapple and remove from heat.

Everyone in the family dug it-even the kids!!  It's great warmed up for leftovers too so enjoy!  So, I promise that I won't stay away so long again-if you're out there, let me know who you are and where you're from.  I love new friends so give me a shout out.  Happy September everyone-stay tuned for my take on fall fashion-hint, I do NOT care for Gauchos!!!

Transformation Tuesday-a day late!

I get it-yeah, yeah, yeah lady we know you exercise and all that jazz.  I know I've read a hundred different stories and seen testimonials from all kinds of programs and different diets.  All I know is this-if it's out there, I've pretty much tried it!  I've gone on crazy only eat certain food diets, sprinkled crap on my food to fool my taste buds, counted points, calories-EVERYTHING.  And honestly until I stopped and just told myself I was going to stop putting all the stuff I shouldn't in my mouth all the time and start focusing on the right kind of exercise then I was literally just spinning my wheels.  I wasn't going anywhere-fast!  I started with Insanity in March 2012 after a very eye-opening doctor's appointment.  I knew I had to do something to take charge of my life and my health.  So after doing that program I moved on to Les Mills Combat in January 2013 and lost another 25 pounds for a total of 50+ in less than a year!!  But more importantly, I got healthy!  My doctor was amazed at what I'd accomplished and the real success here is that I've maintained and IMPROVED my heath and results over 2 years.  There's NOTHING special about me what-so-ever, I'm a regular mom, wife and person who just decided to do what was necessary and I DID IT!!  And the really cool thing about it is YOU CAN TOO!!  This isn't rocket science, seriously, it's very simple and anybody on any schedule with any income can do this.  I've found a passion for helping people just like me and if this sounds like anything that will resonate with you-well, I'm your girl!  You can comment here or message me on FB-Jenniffer Jarvis Groski-at any time.  So, if you're ready, I'm ready!!

Change the road you're on!

I hear people complain all the time about all the "what if's" and "if only's" in their lives.  Well you know what, that's a bunch of crap if you ask me!  Of course, we all think about things we wanted to work out and didn't so we ask ourselves what if they had-well, what if they had?  Do you think that it would always have been this spectacular shining moment in your life?  What if it was the exact opposite and that's WHY it didn't work out the way you wanted it to?  I think what a scary place my life could have been if all the things I once wanted sooooo badly had worked out!  I could be doing, living, living with, working for, a place that is the exact opposite of what's really best for my life.  And as far as "if only" goes well if you're waiting for those things to come to fruition then get off your bum and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!    If only you'd lose those 10 pounds/get in shape/spent more time with your spouse or kids/spoke up more for yourself-WHATEVER it is, YOU have the power to do something to make it happen so stop winching and DO IT!!  You have the absolute power to change your life-no matter what your circumstances may be.  If you want to get healthier and you're on a very limited budget you still have the power to take the stairs instead of the elevator, choose an apple over a bag of chips, drink more FREE water.  If you want to spend more time with your spouse/SO/kids, then you need to take an honest look at your life and see what you can eliminate-like useless TV-and use that time to play a game or just sit and talk with them.  The road you're on in this life is not a straight line, predestined and static in it's result-YOU have the power to take a detour, change direction or just stop and reroute yourself.  Wake up every day and set your mind to the intention you choose for your life!  Don't sit back and let things happen to you, get up and make things happen for you!  Even if it's one small thing every day, guess what, YOU made that change and YOU took control and did what you wanted to do!  Stop thinking about "What If" and "If Only" because all it does is keep you stuck in that spot your soooooo damn unhappy with now.  And if there's anything that you get from this today please remember that Gaucho Pants don't look good on everyone kids-they just don't!!!!!