July 12, 2009

Here we go again! Back. To. Square. One.

After eight weeks of having this boot on my foot, eight pounds have managed to creep back onto my body thighs! (Okay, I’m sure everyone is sick of hearing about the ding, dang boot; I promise that I won’t mention it again.)

I worked so hard to get to where I was and now find myself back at square one starting over. It’s not going to do me any good to bitch and whine, so I won’t. I’ve managed to get through the disgusted and frustrated stages, so now I’m just mad and motivated, which, for me, is a good combination.

Now that I’m able to walk again, I have to crank up the cardio in order to give my metabolism a much needed kick in the pants! I’m not yet able do all the jumping required to do Jillian Michaels’ 30-Day Shred like BigSis is doing now , but I hope to be able to do that soon.

In an attempt to lose two pounds a week, here’s my plan for the next four weeks.

• Boost cardio to an hour and a half each morning. (Either walk, bike ride, or treadclimber at the gym)
• Start back to yoga classes three times a week.
• Add one spinning class a week.
• No Mexican Food or Chips and Guacamole, for now.
• Eat healthier snacks.
• Add a 30 minute bike ride after dinner each night.

I’m also making a more conscious effort to watch the calories. For the most part I eat pretty healthy, but sometimes, when in a hurry, I don’t make the best choices for snacks. Most trainers will tell you that it is best to eat five small meals a day, which includes a mid morning and mid afternoon snack.

There really are a lot of choices for healthy snacks. I think the key is making sure that you have them on hand so you don’t end up grabbing something unhealthy just because it’s fast and easy. Check back in a few days for a list of my new favorite healthy snacks.

~LilSis

July 10, 2009

I hadn’t planned on discussing this today, but since BigSis mentioned the all natural insect repellent, Buzz Away yesterday, I thought that it would be a good time for me to share with you another all natural product that I just discovered.

We don’t have chiggers here in California (thank goodness) and we really don’t have much of a mosquito problem, but as you get closer to the water, there are definitely a few annoying mosquitoes. I know some people who rave about scented oils for pest control, which sounds super-interesting so potentially something to try in the future were we to ever move somewhere bugs and pests were a little more common.

Wednesday night we were at the Harbor around dusk and some of us started to notice that we were getting bit. One of our friends who has lived aboard his boat for years, has, according to him, tried almost every single insect repellent on the market. As we were complaining about our bites, he was raving about his favorite, Herbal Armor by All Terrain.

All Terrain Herbal Armor Spray

I really didn’t want to spray anything on me because I didn’t want to have to go home and shower it all off before climbing into bed. But, our friend promised us that it wasn’t sticky, didn’t smell, and said that you could definitely go to bed with it still on.

I gave in and tried it and I really like this product. You spray it on but then spread it around and it becomes almost like a thin lotion. It wasn’t sticky at all and at first, it did have a pretty strong citronella scent, but that went away in just a few minutes just as our friend has told us.

I’m sold on this spray and went out yesterday and bought us a couple of bottles. This spray is also all natural and 100% Deet free! All Terrain states this about their product:

Clinically proven to be 100% effective for over two hours, 95.8% effective for three hours and 77.1% effective for four hours. Unique formula w/five natural essential oils.

If you want to give it a try, you can either call your local drug store to see if they carry All Terrain or you can order the All Terrain products on Amazon.

When doing a little research, I found that All Terrain also makes a Herbal Armor Spray for Kids.

Herbal Armor Spray for Kids

And, they even make a Pet Herbal Armor for your furry little kids.

Pet Herbal Armor

Most of the time, I would rather take my chances on getting bit versus putting stinky bug spray all over me, but now I’ve come to realize that insect repellent doesn’t have to be stinky and loaded with chemicals. If you have an all natural insect repellent that you love, we’d love to hear from you.

~LilSis

July 9, 2009

Are the little critters eatin’ you up this summer? Here in Texas we’re always trying to avoid mosquito bites and chigger bites. Sometimes we can avoid them, sometimes we can’t. Either way, they’re super annoying! You spend most of your time trying to swipe them from your face than actually being able to sit back and enjoy watching them fly around your garden. My absolute worst nightmare would be to come home one day and see a whole swarm of critters nesting in my home. Urgh, it’s making me feel queasy just at the thought of this. In fact, it happened to my friend a couple of weeks ago. She found the likes of fleas, ticks, and cockroaches in some of the rooms in her house, and she tried everything she could to try and get rid of them but to no avail. It wasn’t until she was able to get in touch with somewhere like https://www.pestcontrolexperts.com/pest-control/ that they were eventually exterminated from her home for good. Phew! At least I know what to do if this situation happened to me, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can avoid this altogether. Anyway, I’m too focused on trying not to get bitten by mosquitos and chiggers that I simply don’t want to add any other problems to my list.

Do other parts of the country have chiggers? If not, let me fill you in. These microscopic varmints will burrow under your skin, and STAY ALIVE! How gross is that? It’s like the stories you hear about the bugs that lay eggs in peoples’ eardrums or the worms that live in peoples’ brains. Chiggers will drive you insane with the itching because they’re squirming around under your skin! One of the home remedies for chigger bites it to kill them via suffocation by covering the chigger bite with clear nail polish. I kid you not.

Have you noticed that some people don’t get snacked on by mosquitoes, and other people are devoured? I’ve heard that taking B vitamins makes your blood taste yukky to mosquitoes so they’ll leave you alone if you’re full of B. I’ve always taken B, but I don’t know if that’s why they neglect me or not, but I’m glad whatever the reason. Another home remedy I’ve heard of is to keep a dryer sheet in your pocket to repel bugs.

There are plenty of chemical-laden insect repellents on the market, but there are also some natural ones, which would be my preference. One is called Buzz Away. It’s an all natural insect repellent without DEET. It’s said to repel mosquitoes, black flies, fleas, gnats and ticks. Who wants those on their body? Not me.

Buzz Away Natural Insect Repellent

You can order through Buzz Away’s web site, or at many local vitamin stores, health food shops and drugstores.

Have a good summer, and stop scratching that bite! It’s gonna get infected!

~BigSis

July 8, 2009

Last week we talked about Party Menus, Chips and Dip, Pizza on the Grill, Quick & Easy Recipes, and No-Bake Desserts. Lots of talk about lots of food! We were definitely in ‘party-mode’ in preparing for the holiday. And, unfortunately, I also consumed a lot of party food last weekend and while on our ten-day vacation in Chicago.

Monday morning, I decided that the vacation was over and that it was time to get back on track!  No party food for me for a while.  🙁

I could actually be satisfied with a salad for dinner, but the guys aren’t too thrilled with the idea of just a bunch of green stuff for dinner.  And, to be honest, I’m a little bored with my same old salad recipes so I’m on the lookout for some new ones.

I’ve been so busy since returning home from vacation that I haven’t had time to flip through any cookbooks or browse the internet for fresh salad ideas. A few days ago, I received my new August/September issue of Food Network Magazine. When I found the article on “50 Simple Salads”, I was glad that I had taken a few minutes to look through the magazine.

If you don’t subscribe to the magazine, you can find the  “50 Simple Salads” recipes here. There are a lot of simple dressing ideas and some interesting combinations in some of these salads, but I did say that I was bored, right?

I wonder if my family would try a Watermelon-Feta Salad?

Watermelon-Feta Salad

Or a Squash and Orzo Salad?

Squash and Orzo Salad

This Bacon Bistro Salad looks really good to me. But, of course it does, it’s got fried bacon in it!

Bistro Bacon Salad

It may be an experiment to see if I can get my guys to eat a salad other than a Caesar Salad or an Iceberg with cucumbers, but I’m going to give it a try. Wish me luck!

~LilSis

July 7, 2009

Cuisinart 2 qt Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker

We have just one week of July behind us, so there’s still plenty of summer left, and what better way to celebrate summer than with ice cream! LilSis mentioned this great Cuisinart ice cream maker a while back, and it’s been in the back of my mind ever since.

When the new Williams-Sonoma catalog (schwing!) came out last week, guess what was in it?  This same awesome 2-quart Cuisinart stainless steel ice cream maker at the excellent price of $79.95.  But guess what?  If you buy this shiny little beauty from Williams-Sonoma by August 3, you get a $20 gift card for the store by mail…free!  Free free free! My favorite price!

So I’m thinking.  Ice cream and a $20 gift card to one of my favorite stores.  It seems like a no-brainer to me.  Only problem is I’ll also have to spring for The Vegan Scoop ($13.59 at Amazon) since dairy ice cream doesn’t like me.

Williams-Sonoma Ice Cream Party Bowls

Oh, and I’ll have to get these cute exclusive ice cream party bowls for $39 from Williams-Sonoma.

And by the time I gobble down a few quarts of non-dairy ice cream, I’m going to need bigger pants.  Maybe the $20 gift card isn’t such a good deal after all.

Oh, who in the hecky darn am I kidding?  Free is free, people!  Run…don’t walk…to Williams-Sonoma and get your ice cream maker and your gift card before this deal expires!  If you run, I bet you’ve already burned enough calories to eat a bowl of mint chocolate chip by the time you get there!

~BigSis

July 6, 2009

Got your summer vacation planned? Anyone still trying to decide on a great place to visit that’s jam-packed with things to do? If that’s the case, you might want to consider visiting beautiful San Diego, California. Whether you’re traveling alone or with children, there is absolutely, without a doubt, something in San Diego for all ages.

Here’s a list of just some of the main attractions that you’ll find here in San Diego.

• San Diego Zoo
• SeaWorld
• Balboa Park (home to 15 major museums)
• Birch Aquarium
• Marine Corps Command Museum
• Wild Animal Park
• Legoland
• California Surf Museum
• San Diego Air and Space Museum

If you’re lucky enough to have time for some fun day trips, here are a just a few ideas.

• Cruise the historic Highway 101 to find everything from historic buildings, specialty shops, and beach side restaurants.
• Relax and play on Mission Bay.
• Tour the USS Midway.
• Cruise to Catalina Island.
• Take the 15 minute scenic ferry ride to Coronado Island to visit the legendary Hotel Del Coronado.
• Drive up to Oceanside Pier for a walk out on one of the largest wooden piers on the West Coast.
• Take a Trolley Tour. Check out the San Diego Metro Transit site for timetables.
• Walk around the Gas Lamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego for amazing shopping and dining.
• Visit Historic Old Town, the Birthplace of California. After siteseeing, have lunch at my favorite, Cafe Coyote for some of the best Mexican Food in Old Town.

Lastly, for specific dates on events or for more information about San Diego, check out the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau site. Whether you’ve got a week or just a long weekend, you really can’t go wrong in choosing  San Diego as your vacation destination.

We’ve lived here for seven years and still haven’t managed to see or do everything on this list! 🙂

~LilSis

July 5, 2009

Sunburn photo by Genosfear on Flickr

This is a big outdoors weekend for most folks, and I’m betting that more than a few of you have a nasty sunburn today! I’m sorry about that! We know that using a good sunblock is your best protection against a burn, but if you’re already burned, what you need now is sunburn relief…not a lecture! These are my favorite tips for easing the pain, itching and burning, although you should be carrying a first aid kit with you if you’re venturing outside in the sun for a while. So you can also get the lowdown here on first aid kits and preventing it all together!

• Apply aloe vera gel, ideally cool gel that has been kept in the refrigerator. If you have an aloe vera plant, pluck off some leaves, squeeze out the gel and use it.

• Wet some clean towels, and place in the freezer until almost frozen, then apply gently to burned areas. Repeat as often as you wish.

• Brew a bunch of tea bags, and add the bags and the cooled tea to a tub full of tepid water. Soak.

• Add some oatmeal (uncooked!) to a tepid bath and soak for as long as you can.

• Mix a handful of baking soda into a tepid bath and soak.

• Take aspirin for the inflammation and pain (if you don’t have any problems with taking aspirin).

• After using one or more of these treatments, I’d also recommend that you sleep au naturale (nekkid) under a ceiling fan turned on high! But make sure you have it covered from somewhere like First American Home Warranty, afterall you’ll need it this summer!

Ceiling fans are the perfect alternative to HVAC systems, as they can provide you with cool air throughout the summer, as well as all year round too. Some people even suggest that they are better than air conditioning systems, but only if you have enlisted the help of a professional electrician (navigate to this website to find out more) in order to install it and make sure it functions to the highest quality. Because it would be pointless having a ceiling fan if it isn’t working as it should, and if you have a sunburn, you definitely need it to be working.

It’s my understanding that you do not want to use any creams or oils or butter on a bad blistered burn, because they can cause infection. I’ve heard about lots of other home remedies for relief from sunburn, but have not tried them and can’t personally recommend them. If you have any experience with these remedies, let me know.

• With a spray bottle, spritz apple cider vinegar on the affected areas and allow to air dry. I’ve heard this can be very cooling, but I imagine it would also be drying and irritating.

• Apply shaving cream. Again, seems cooling but potentially irritating.

• Apply Preparation H or other hemorrhoid treatments to the burn. It is said to reduce swelling and burning, similar to the claims of reducing under-eye wrinkles and puffiness.

To all of the miserable sunburn victims out there, I wish for you some relief and a good night’s sleep!

~BigSis

July 4, 2009

As I’ve already mentioned, the theme for our 4th of July party on our boat dock is Hawaiian Luau, which I’m so excited about! Hawaii is one of my most favorite spots on this entire planet.

I just read an article about a woman who went to Maui on vacation and never returned to her home in NYC. I’ve actually met a couple of people who live in Maui and have told me similar stories. Also, after reading many articles like those on https://www.dbtribute.org/3-amazing-hawaiian-experiences/ about the amazing things you can do in Hawaii, I know that if I went there right now, that’s exactly what I would want to do.

One of my friends is leaving for Hawaii on Sunday and I’m so envious. (I know envy isn’t a good trait, but I’m just keepin’ it real.)

I talked earlier about sharing our Luau menu. Since I’ve got a broken camera, just like BigSis, I won’t be able to take my own photos, but I still wanted to share the recipes. So, without any further rambling, here’s what we’ll be serving to all our ‘grass skirt wearing’ friends today.

Caramelized Maui Onion Dip

To start off, we’ll be munching on this Caramelized Maui Onion Dip and Maui Chips. This recipe is from the June, 2009 issue of Sunset.

Lemon Shrimp Crackers

These Lemon Shrimp Crackers from Kraft may not technically be Hawaiian, but I thought they looked festive and very easy to make! (And SirHoney loves Ritz crackers, so this is a little treat for him.)

I also have one friend bringing the rice and some sweet and sour meatballs to go along with the appetizers.

Char siu-glazed pork (photo by Evil Chef Mom)

For the main course, we’ll be having this char siu-glazed pork. I first saw this recipe on Evil Chef Mom way before I saw it this week when flipping through all of Bo’s past issues of Sunset. It’s from the same June 2009 issue that featured a great article on hosting a modern-day Hawaiian Luau.

Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes (Flickr Photo by Ami Sue)

For dessert, I’m making these fantastic Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes that Bo made this past weekend while we were in Chicago. This photo is very similar to how hers turned out, except that she put whipped cream on top before the cherry! A lot of the cupcake recipes that I found used the pineapple rings, but Bo used the chunks instead. These were so good!

Basically, there are no real measurements needed.

• Make a yellow cake mix according to directions.
• Pour a little melted butter directly into the cupcake pan.
• Brush a little butter on the sides also.
• Sprinkle a little brown sugar on top of the butter.
• Add the pineapple, and pour the cake batter on top.
• Bake according to cupcake directions on cake mix.
• Let cool for a few minutes.
• Turn upside down.
• Top with whipped cream and a cherry.

Gratineed Pineapple (Photo by Noble Pig)

And, for the finale, I’m serving this Gratineed Pineapple from Noble Pig. Isn’t it beautiful?

I hope you enjoy your 4th of July Celebration as much as we will.

Aloha!

~LilSis

July 4, 2009

I’m a huge planner and a huge fan of being organized, but for some reason, a lot of our get-togethers and parties are planned at the last minute. Trust me when I say that there have been many times that I’m still scrabbling the morning of a party to finalize my menu. Last year, I threw together my New Years Eve Party all in one day and it turned out great! If anyone is like me and might be searching for some quick and easy last minute recipe ideas, here are some of my favorites.

Insalata Ala Caprese

Insalata ala Caprese is my absolute all-time favorite! It’s always a hit and can be served either as an appetizer or a side salad.

Heirloom Tomato Salad

Here’s a different twist on almost the same ingredients. You can’t go wrong with this Heirloom Tomato Salad.

Summertime Fruit Salad

I think this Summertime Fruit Salad would be a great start for a 4th of July Celebration.

Ceviche Salad

This Ceviche Salad is light and simple and would be great to take to a cookout.

Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Potato Salad

This Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Potato Salad isn’t your every day potato salad.

Homemade Pita Chips

Healthy Hummus

How about some Pita Chips and Hummus? Easy and healthy, too!

Deviled Eggs

Okay, I know that there’s nothing special about Deviled Eggs, but in a pinch, if you have to take something to a cookout, no one will complain about having these at the party!

Angel Hair Pasta Salad

This Angel Hair Pasta Salad is a great choice for a crowd. The recipe may say that the pasta needs to marinate in the lemon juice overnight, but I’ve done it for just an hour or so and it turns out fine. This salad requires a little more prep with just chopping ham and grating cheese, but it’s so worth it. It’s an all-time family favorite.

Lastly, if you go here, you’ll find recipes to these favorites; Sun Dried Tomato Spread, Grilled Shrimp wrapped in Bacon, HVR Cheese Ball, BigT’s Peppers, Artichoke & Spinach Dip Restaurant Style, and Bo’s Version of Brie and Cranberries. I promise you that you CANNOT go wrong with any of these ‘go-to’ favorites.

Whatever you decide to make for your own party or to take to share with friends, have a safe and Happy 4th!!

~LilSis

July 3, 2009

I know lots of you are going to be grilling for July 4th, and you’re going to need a dessert that doesn’t involved heating up the kitchen with a blazing oven, right?  Right.

When I think of a cool no-bake dessert, the first thing that comes to my mind – and makes my mouth water – is the classic Cherry Cream Cheese Pie!  When we were kids, this was our favorite.  There weren’t many leftovers with 4 kids around, but whoever got up earliest the next morning always scarfed up the remaining bit of pie for breakfast!  SisMama still makes this and we all still love it!

It looks like Paula Deen makes our Cherry Cream Cheese Pie too!  That’s one of the things we love about you Paula…you know what good is, whether it’s fancy foo-foo or not!

Cherry Cream Cheese Pie from Paula Deen

This other awesome cool pie just popped back into my head today.  I got this recipe from a boss MANY blue moons ago!  I wish my darn camera hadn’t passed away, and I’d make this and take a photo, but alas, I’m still camera-less.  I do have two notes on this recipe for you.

1. Do they still make Dream Whip?  I hope so, because this is a good pie and I’m not sure what we’d substitute for it.
2. Fresh Texas blueberries are so awesome now that I feel guilty giving you a recipe using blueberry pie filling, but I’m sure you could modify the recipe to use the fresh blues.

Now for the pie!

Banana Blueberry Pie

2 graham cracker pie crusts
3 bananas, sliced
2 packages Dream Whip
1 cup sugar
Dash of salt
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 can blueberry pie filling

Line pie crusts with banana slices.  Mix Dream Whip as directed on package.  Mix sugar and salt with cream cheese and add to prepared Dream Whip.  Pour into shells over bananas and cool until firm, about 1/2 hour.  Top with pie filling.  Keep refrigerated.

I haven’t mentioned it before, but I’m not the hugest Rachael Ray fan in the world.  I’m not hatin’, cause life’s too short for that; I’m just not lovin’.  I do have to give snaps to her for her scrumptious-looking Frozen Mojito Cake-tail. Note that I didn’t say yummo, or delish…I just said scrumptious.  This dish screams summer to me, and it’s all boozed up with rum!

Rachael Ray's Frozen Mojito Cake-tails

Enjoy your 4th of July everyone, and stay cool with a delicious no-bake dessert!

~BigSis