Answers!

I've been really enjoying unplugging over the weekend...maybe so much that I start on Friday and skip till Monday night. lol Oopps! :) I have good intentions on blogging then I think of 100 different things that I can be doing instead.  

My pool schedule is going really well. Last week was still rough waking up so early to drive over, but this week, well today, I was up just before my alarm clock and couldn't wait to get my workout in bright & early!  I feel better when I move and get exercise in that water...not only feel better physically, but mentally. Sean told me that I look like I feel better too. :) 

I've also been doing a lot of thinking lately...

I've been chatting with some of the ladies in the pool about doing some charity work...when I get started I will be sure to let you all know about it. :)

Well lets back track a little and let me tell you about lunch on Friday because it was TOTALLY YUMMY! Danica came over and she was all excited to make Sweet Potato BLTA Nachos! I was a little hesitant, but went with it. Let me tell you...these were DELICIOUS! WOW! The flavor of the sweet potato mixed in with the bacon and all of the NACHO flavors...YUM! Make sure you check out Danica's re-cap HERE with the recipe! :) Oh and YES, it was PointsPlus friendly!

Start with some baked sweet potato rounds! 

TOPPINGS!

All set to dig in!

YUM!

We also had seen this recipe in the latest issue of Weight Watcher's magazine...PICKLING! 

 Did ya know you can pickle just about any vegetable? :)

We did green beans, okra, celery,& carrots! These came out really good!! I also was impressed with how easy this was to make! I see jars of pickled green beans at the store and they are over $6 a jar!!  You must give these a try! It would be a FUN Summer family project for the kids too! :)

 I had an EASY meal that I wanted to share with you guys too.... I cooked one of these burgers from Trader Joe's...

 Then I added a whole bunch of picking foods for a sample platter dinner! :) It hit the spot & made for an easy dinner!

 A whole lotta fruit happening around here! I love Summer fruit!

EASY salad nights are great too...especially when it gets HOT!

This caesar dressing is so good! 2TB for 2 pointsplus! 

Ok so I have been lured in to the PINTREST site! WOW does that site have cool ideas! Look at this one that I saw!  

*NOTE* I made this without concern over points because I did not eat any. I am not really an ice cream kinda person, but I knew everyone else would love it! You can look for low fat ice cream sandwiches and make it pointsplus friendlier! 

Ok so start with the ice cream sandwiches!

Then some defrosted cool whip/whipped topping :)

I used a silicone loaf pan because of its flexibility...layer it all in. 1 layer of sandwiches...

 1 layer of cool whip...

 keep layering till you reach the top!

 one last layer of cool whip then cover with plastic wrap. place in freezer until ready to serve.

 About 10 min before you serve it push the ice cream sandwich cake out of the silicone loaf pan on to large plate. top with remaining cool whip and decorate with crushed mini oreo cookies!

 Here is a pic of the cake sliced...so pretty! Everyone loved it!! :) Oh and it was SO EASY! I think it would be even better with sliced banana rounds in between the layers too! :)

Father's Day BBQ was a lot of fun and I remembered to snap a pic of my plate before I dug in! :) 

Bad lighting, but its a burger, sans bun,  topped with cheese, BBQ sauce, pickles and grilled onions!  Dipping into my weeklies for macaroni and potato salad! YUM!  SO WORTH IT! :)

I had a great weekend with my family! I hope you guys did too! :)


Ok so now for the ANSWERS!  The "ASK TJ" idea didn't get a lot of feedback. lol But I did want to answer the questions that I did receive! :)


ROZ- My question: Will you come over and make those meatball subs for me?? :)  

YES! :) I love to cook for people and I wish I could stop by your kitchen & get cooking! :) lol

Katie J- Who taught you how to cook?

What would you suggest for people who don't cook or are afraid to?What is your top 10 fave recipes?

My Mom and Nan taught me how to cook :) I have lots of great childhood memories in the kitchen with them! :) 

Gosh, I can't imagine not cooking!! lol I love it! I think I would say don't be afraid to try EASY stuff! I think from reading my blog you guys can see I like simple and easy!  Don't be scared, just give it a try! 

Top 10 recipes! wow...I think that could be a whole blog post! :) hehe

Lindy- I would like to  know from you  as you are  losing  what  keeps you   going  when it  gets  hard or  when it  seems  nothing is happening. I found out about 5  years  ago I  have  a  totally  degenerated disk in my  back    and  have  real  problems  with my  sciatic  nerve. It   has  totally cut down on my  mobility  . Also my  husband had  cancer  (thyroid)  about  2  years  ago and  for awhile  healthy  eating  when out the  door  because it  was  a  blur of  a  year that it happened and I  had to energy or mental  focus to  do  any of it  but I  am  back on  track  now and he is  fine  although still lots of  routine  tests.  I  am really  trying hard to  get  motivated.. I  mean I  am  motivated  ,I  want to  do the things I use to  but my body is  being  very  stubborn  and not wanting to  lose at  all.  I  am  building my  walking  back up  and  eventually will add  weights  (which in the past help me lose the most)  but  I  feel like  it's  too   big of  a  journey    right now. It's one of   "THOSE"  day , thanks  for  any  advice ,Lindy

Oh wow...well first of all I am glad your husband is ok! I know when life gets crazy our healthy eating plans can go right out the door. I also can relate to your lack of mobility. I suggest you look for a warm water therapy pool in your area. I HIGHLY recommend it! If by chance you can not do this or there is not one in your area, do what you can to move. Having chronic pain and sitting around is not a good combo. For me it makes my joints stiffen up, causing me to be in more pain and then my mental game starts messing with me too. :-/  I think what makes me keep going on this journey is knowing that I don't want to go backwards. I've lived my entire life obese....and I'm not going back. I want to be healthy and do whatever I can to stay upbeat. Surrounding myself with supportive people has been key to my success along this journey. Without my family and friends I don't think I could have made it this far. I think letting everyone know I was on this journey (including my blog!) was the best thing I ever did for myself. I need the cheers, need the support to make this a lifestyle. :) 

Betsey Callahan in Chicago- My question is:  what method do you use to track points?  Do you write them down, or track with your smartphone on eTools? 

great question! I've NEVER paper tracked! Kinda weird huh? lol I love etools so I make sure I keep my iPad, or Iphone close by! :) 

Last Question.... 

Who's your favorite blogger named "Jack"?

humm I wonder who left this one? :) 

Thanks for playing along everyone! :) I loved seeing what questions you guys had for me! :)

Stay cool everyone...man it's HOT out there! Off to make a BIG salad for dinner! :) Have a great evening!

BYE!