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Friday, June 19, 2009

My Quote Faves: Optimism


An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.
~Irv Kupcinet

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Recipe Idea: An Alternative to Sheperd's Pie

When I was younger, sheperd's pie was a staple in our family meal time. I had never been a fan of starchy potatoes (mostly because my dad insisted we had it every night). Once I moved out of the house, I had decided never to have sheperd's pie again. However, I do crave it at times probably because it reminds me of childhood.
I had tried an experiment with this recipe to make it a little less starchy and more healthy. It is also really easy and fast to make on those busy nights. I hope you enjoy it!

SWEET POTATO SHEPERD'S PIE

Ingredients:
  • Lean Ground Beef - 1/2 lb.
  • Onion - 1/2 cup
  • Spices to season (chili powder, paprika, black pepper) - 1 - 2 tsp. each
  • Frozen Mixed Vegetables - 1 cup
  • Sweet Potatoes/Yam - 3 big or 5 to 6 small
  • Margarine - 1 tbsp.
  • Milk - 1/4 cup
  • Salt - pinch
Instructions:
  • Preheat oven 400F
  • Brown ground beef and onion in a large frying pan. Add spices.
  • While beef is cooking, steam frozen mixed vegetable and sweet potatoes/yams until ready.
  • Mash sweet potatoes/yams adding margarine, milk and salt.
  • Grease a casserole baking dish with non-fat spray.
  • Layer each of the following ingredients in order: ground beef mixture, mixed vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes/yams.
  • Cut margarine evenly on top of the sweet potatoes/yams
  • Place in oven for about 30 mins.
  • Take out and let cool for 5 mins.
  • Eat and enjoy!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

My Quote Faves: Postive Attitude


A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
~Herm Albright, quoted in Reader's Digest, June 1995




Saturday, June 6, 2009

Part I - The Struggle

I know now that everything in my life is different. From the time I get up in the morning to when I go to bed at night, it is not all about me. Everything revolves around two small children, whom have taken over my existence. I look at them every day feeling so lucky and proud to have them in my life. I would never complain that I am a mother because I have never wanted to be anything more. However, I do feel sometimes that I do not recognize myself anymore. I was accustomed to my routine of working out and keeping myself healthy. I took pride in the fact that I was very fit. Everything made sense to me. I was going to pursue my life dream of being a fitness trainer and share with others my passion for fitness. How could it have all changed? How did my life take such a turn?
I envy those mothers who have 4+ children and seem to have it all together. I can barely manage my life with two! I struggle with the concept of not being able to take proper care of myself. Some may say it is a selfish way to think. But why shouldn't I feel more inclined to do more things for myself? If it makes me fulfilled and happy, would that not be better for the family? That is something that I am struggling with every day. Trying to find that time for myself. Time to workout and do the things make me feel whole. Indeed my family are the most important people in my life. However, I need to put myself on that list as well.