farewell feast to fat

Today marks day 2 in my Dr Ian Smith's Fat Smash diet. I've done this diet before. It is actually what helped me to drop 60lbs a little over a year before I became pregnant. Yes, 60lbs. That's the equivalent of a small child, a large dog, an old giant box television. Just darn ridiculous. There was no need for me to be lugging around 60lbs of anything, let alone fat.

So, a very good friend of mine told me about this diet and he raved on and on about his weight loss success. I was skeptical, but what did I have to lose? Other than the 60lbs? ha! I jumped right into the regimen and it worked. It's a lifestyle change to your eating habits. The first phase lasts 9 days and is a detox. Pretty much you are restricted to fruits and veggies. There is a list of other items you may eat during this time and a short list of foods to stay away from. Simply put, you are not eating fast food, fried anything, caffeine, alcohol, white potatoes, meat, bread, white rice, avocados, or raisins. You may 4 eat egg whites, fruits, veggies, 1 glass of fresh squeezed juice, 1 glass of low fat milk, veggie burger pattie, and a few other items. I like this phase because it really helps you jump start the weight loss. There are 4 phases total and each phase adds in more of the restricted foods into your diet. The goal is to learn how to eat the appropriate amounts and types of foods and balance it with a workout routine. Oh please dont worry- you can still eat junk sometimes... all in moderation.

Anyway, I digress. I'm on the detox phase now. It has only been two days, but I feel like a fat cow. WHAT WAS I THINKING? I want a double cheeseburger with curly fries dipped in ranch and washed down with a large chocolate shake. Along with some f-ing delicious chicken and all the bread I can stuff into my mouth with both hands. I will not lie to you- this is serious business. I know by the end of day 5 or so I can normally handle the detox, but right now every moment I'm awake I think about food. I imagine there is a party happening right now in my refrigerator. The butter and bread are smooching in the corner... butter being spread all over the bread slices. Chicken wings are willingly flouring themselves and jumping into hot oil because they know they wont be eaten. Gallons of ice cream are having a blast melting on the counter and hopping back into the freezer to refreeze themselves. I can hear popcorn popping and drowning in butter and salts. The fruit and veggies all shake their heads, but really they wish they could join in the festivities. They know their fate. Lifespans of fruits and veggies are real short around here these days.

I knew that I was going to start the 9 DAYS OF HELL and I wanted to give my fat a proper farewell. I chose something not too unhealthy, but definitely delicious. We enjoyed chicken marsala on Saturday along with a nice big breakfast at another one of our favorite spots.

I'll add the recipe and directions very soon, but for now here's a picture of the final outcome.

Just looking at this plate makes me want to go in there and lick the dishes in the dishwasher from my husband's lunch container. Dont judge me.

I know that in the end I will be happier than I am now. It will all be worth it. The journey there is what sucks. I'd like to wake up with a hot body. I better be careful what I wish for. I'll wake up tomorrow sweating! Yeah come on God...not that type of hot. My goal is to lose the remaining 30lbs from the dynamic duo by Christmas. I think that's completely doable. Jumped on my spin bike today too! Im definitely headed in the right direction.
I cant wait to post after shots of my sexy body... um you dont need any current shots bwhahhaha!

Until next time :)

Nappy Nivea Ad

After browsing through my favorite hair site (www.hairlista.com) I came across this ad. What are your thoughts? I really believed this was one of those doctored photos, but after I Google'd it I realized I was wrong. What did I do without Google? Oh yea, I remember. I asked my mom who said ask your teacher. HA!

Now, I also found this ad on my Google quest. What are your thoughts about this one? 

Big Bird from Sesame Street tastes f-ing delicious!

Sesame Street live was awesome. Of course it wasnt as good as when I was a child. I recall sitting next to my mom with a glowing necklace and growing anticipation. The very next moment I was being lifted into the air by Big Bird and being carried to the stage. On stage I was able to sing and dance with the characters as they performed the famous "Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street" song. My bright eyes flickered with passion on the brink of a seizure from AWESOMENESS OVERLOAD.

Ok, so that's how my 5 year old brain remembers it. I'm 99.9% sure none of that happened, but instead I sat next to my mom and clapped and cheered... if I was even in attendance!

I took the twins to see the Sesame Street performance a few days ago. We were so lucky to grab a few extra tickets as it seemed everyone was trying to get their hands on them. I was super disappointed at the turn-out. A good 6-8 rows of seats remained empty in the back and when my husband finally arrived he said he just walked right in.

I added pics on the Facebook fanpage. There were quite a few missing characters I would liked to have seen (yes, this show was for the 6month old twins who have never even seen Sesame Street and not for their almost 30 year old mom...sheesh!); Bert & Ernie, The Grouch, Snuffy...and Big Bird.

Ahh Big Bird... just thinking about you makes my mouth water with chicken envy. Rumor has it Big Bird was traveling through Germany when he came upon Hinkelstall. Germans, knowing how to cook some chicken, couldnt pass on the opportunity of preparing this delicious creature in my honor. That's why Big Bird was not at the show... sorry everyone.

I hate to admit this, but we returned to the infamous Hinkelstall for more f-ing delicious chicken last night. You just cant go wrong with a delicious, inexpensive, CHICKEN meal within walking distance from your home. I stuck with my regular order of Hinkel BBQ. I still cant believe it's half a chicken!

I did drink this creamy blended cocktail concoction called Coconut Kiss. It's an alcohol free drink and I believe I tasted coconut, orange, pineapple, and extra goodnesses I cant even describe. Everyone should have one and raise their glass in a toast... a toast to me! For finding you the greatest chicken place on Earth!

confessions of a shopping JUNKIE

Yes, you read correctly JUNKIE... I've surpassed shopaholic and laughed in the face of addict. Hello, my name is Elisha and I'm a shopping junkie. (In my mind you all went "Hello Elisha").

There really isnt a cure for this problem and I think I'm so strung out that I'm glad there isnt. What does exist is REHAB! (R.I.P Amy Whinehouse) What is a shopping junkie's rehab you ask? Good question. Rehab would be putting me in a place where I dont have immediate access to product, funds, or English speaking dealers. Hello! I'm in rehab! Germany!

I moved to Germany while I was pregnant with twins. Before gaining 60lbs of fluid, blood, and babies, I was wearing a size 8 dress and 10 jeans. OMG! I was in heaven. Do you know how easy it is to find those sizes in a store??! You're talking to a bonafide fat ass right here. I know exactly how easy it is because when I wore a 16 all I could find were 8s & 10s. My theory was skinny girls didnt have time to shop because the were too busy off somewhere getting skinnier and fat girls were shopping to avoid those places.

I dont just like to shop for clothes and shoes (size 12 shoe and that's another conversation), but also makeup, food, hair products, presents, vacation packages, ANYTHING! I really feel like a junkie. I get a surreal high when I'm bargaining and finding great deals. I love the thrill and I also continue my high after I get home and start going through my bags and reliving the moments. Right now I feel my body detoxing. Sometimes my husband will find me curled in the fetal position clutching an old pair of jeans and rocking back and forth. When this happens he just slowly removes the jeans from my grip and starts chanting calming phrases like "buy one get one free" or "double coupons" and the one that never fails to bring me back "clearance items additional 75% off" lol.

So here I am all the way in Germany without a job and without my size 8/10 body. Who the hell wants to shoplift plus sizes? NOT ME! My alternative to this situation is to lose this gut, get a job, and learn some German. So until then, whenever you go shopping think of me and take a picture of your goodies or at least mail me the tags :)

chicken

I kept trying to think of some clever and funny title for this post, but when it came time to sit down and write... chicken is all that it needs.

I love chicken. I love eating it. I love the different parts and ways I can cook chicken. If I could I would dress up as a chicken and hand out chicken samples at Chik-Fil-A.  Friday nights are my "night off" from being twin mom. My husband lets me take the night to relax, sleep, write, shower, scratch my butt- whatever I want to do. He watches the girls and then the next morning my reality returns and I'm no longer that 20something single chick, but I've returned back as that almost 30 year old MOM!

Lately, hubby has been very slick in his "night off" routine. Instead of me hiding away in the attic, he has us doing family fun stuff. Dont get me wrong, I love being with my family. There's never a dull moment when we roll out, but I miss my nights off. When we are out together I'm still super mom. I can't just sit there and NOT help. I mean I CAN and believe me I've tried, but it doesn't work. Those few hours of uninterrupted me time is enough to rejuvenate me for the week. I am blessed and I know it. My kiddos sleep through the night and have been since 4weeks old. So, I've been trying to stay up later to get my "me" time, but I'm just making myself more tired the next day.

So, this last Friday rolls around and I'm anxious to get my night off. I have all these plans of washing my hair and starting my book. Keep in mind Friday afternoon we attended a picnic, went to the mall, and grocery shopped. So, I'm a little worn out. I look at the clock and I'm just counting down those minutes to when I hear his tires crunch against the driveway. I love that moment- the moment I realize the baby to parent ratio has leveled out. The moment when I turn to look at Lilly and she looks back at me and I know she is thinking, "You may have help now, but there's always tomorrow lady!"

My favorite husband (yes, my only husband) walks in and the relief wave cascades over my tired little soul. BUT I get happy a little too fast. The next thing I know I have a child strapped to my chest in a front pack and we are headed out the door for a walk. WHAT JUST HAPPENED? I still dont know. On our walk we decided to head home, feed the girls, and try a nice little restaurant by our house. We pass it all the time, but have never gone in. We get home and feed the girls and pack it up once again. It's looking like my night off isn't going to happen.

Chicken...the title is chicken. When is she going to tell us about a chicken? RIGHT NOW! The restaurant is Hinkelstall. There are pictures posted on the Twin Frenzy Facebook page. We arrive at Hinkelstall and it looks very beautiful. The employees are very kind and it's a nice cozy spot tucked away in a quaint little neighborhood. The front of it is actually hidden away behind a mini-forest.

Hubby actually understands German pretty well. Im still pretending with my smile and nod. We already previewed the menu at home online. Thank God for Google translate. I had decided I would have the BBQ chicken with fries and vegetables. This actually turned out to be an Old Bay seasoning rub on half a chicken that was then rostisseried. YUM! The fries had a little seasoned salt sprinkled on them and the vegetables ended up being a very fancy salad bar with homemade dressings and fresh vegetables. My words will never do this food justice. I took pictures, but you'd have to have this flavor explode on your palete to understand.

My husband is a very easy going guy. Doesn't really make a fuss about anything. Whenever we eat at home or out I have to fight for details about how good or bad it tastes. Not this time- he had the house chicken with potato wedges and a salad. When he bit into that breast his next 5 words shocked my system. I'm sure he is going to be a little pissed I'm telling you this, but I couldn't believe my ears. He very excitedly exhales, "This chicken is f-ing delicious." WHAT?! Seriously? I've been cooking for this man, slaving over a stove, juggling 4 pans at a time to ensure everything is hot when he eats and I've never received that type of compliment. I was a bit pissed off, but at the same time intrigued. How delicious was his house chicken? Had the Germans kicked The Colonel's (KFC) butt in chicken preparation? Was Hinkelstall the new Popeyes? I had to taste this chicken crack. And so I did.

I dont think a word has ever been created to describe my... my... disappointment! I was expecting fireworks, but instead I got sparklers. It was good, but not only was their BBQ version better, but my own chicken was better than the house chicken. Of course I've been giving him crap ever since about his 5word phrase. Yea, I'm a little bitter, but now I have a challenge!

Yesterday evening I attended a "Ladies Night In" potluck event. It is sponsored by 5 anonymous women who help us network and socialize within our community. I brought- you guessed it- chicken. I didn't just bring any chicken I brought some special seasoned, overnight marinating, f-ing delicious chicken wings! I created a marinade that I'll try to remember to add to the recipes page. Well, while it was cooking, he tried to tell me that my chicken smelled f-ing delicious and after he tasted a wing he said it again, but you cant fake that enthusiasm. His whole face lit up at Hinkelstall! It is sort of like when a guy realizes his wife has been faking orgasms their whole marriage. Ha! That was actually a great analogy.

Lo and behold when the women at the potluck bit into my wings they exclaimed, "Who made the wings? These are great!" For just a moment I thought my husband had set them up to try and boost my confidence. I was waiting for Ashton to slide down the banister and scream "You've just been punked!" And then he'd throw a chicken wing in my face. Luckily, I remembered that neither of us had ever met these women and they were being genuinely honest... they thought my chicken was f-ing delicious!

Overall, Im glad I got out of the house on both occasions. The chicken was amazing and family time is always precious. It was nice to meet other super moms/wives and spend a little adult time with someone other than my husband. I've got another event coming up this Saturday as well. Busy busy busy! Until next time, if you have a chance eat some f-ing delicious chicken :)

stamping my footprints on the sands of time

That's exactly how I feel right now. Sorry for all of the Beyonce song references, but I dont have a disc changer and whichever CD is in once we hit that autobahn stays in!

I feel like I accomplished so much at such a young age that I'm now just in limbo... hanging about waiting for the universe to send me a sign. I'm not sure what this sign would look like and I'm almost positive it has given me plenty, but I'm a visual learner. Maybe one day I'll wake up with a flashing arrow pointing at some fancy written directions with step by step illustrations. Until then, I'll continue on my journey.

Currently, I'm working to be a better HEALTHIER me. I am definitely a work in progress. I havent really exactly defined what a HEALTHIER me looks like, but I want to nurture all aspects of my life. I have begun working out, eating right, taking better care of my hair, increasing communication, self-reflecting, and setting/accomplishing my goals. WHEW! All of that PLUS I'm still being the best mommy I can be, but I want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Being a true believer in goal setting really helps me not feel too overwhelmed with it all. Each day is a new beginning and a new chance at being a better version of yesterday's me.

My good friend Michelle motivates/encourages/nags/reminds/demands that I finally write my book. She and I have been friends since 7th grade and now we're almost 30 and stronger than ever. I thank God for people like her in my life. Lifelong friends are few and far between, but if you're lucky enough to have one be sure to thank that person and tell them as often as you can how much you appreciate them. - Ok enough mushy stuff...

I have been bouncing ideas around in my mind and with Michelle. It's high time I put the pen to paper and stop procrastinating. My honest opinion- I'm afraid it wont be any good. What if I put all this effort into this project and I cant sell even 1 copy? If I start and dont finish is that even worse than finishing and failing? Then I realized that writing this book isnt about me. It's about completing a goal and showing my daughters what it means to at least try and give it your all. So, with the weight of the world (I say they're about 30lbs combined) in my arms I begin the process.

You will be my audience, my critics, my support team, my fans, my all.

On a more social note- I met another twin mom today! Her sons are 9weeks old and absolutely the cutest things around! It's so nice to meet other twin moms. We are drawn to each other. Tomorrow I'm attending a "Girl's Night In" potluck event. I'll share the recipes of my favorite dishes and I guess I better get crackin' on a dish myself.

Until then- CIAO!

a shopping trip

I needed to get out of the house. My mind was starting to go crazy and I think my husband was getting a little tired of my restlessness. Today I decided to take a trip to a small shopping center. There are some "dollar" stores, an H&M, Woolworth, food, clothing, a huge waterfall and so much more. Doc told me to stay off my knee so I drove instead of taking my usual stroll.

Damn doctor. I blame him for my parking ticket today. Just pulled on in to a spot and didnt realize there was a paybooth behind me. Oh well... as my husband says, "no worries."

We walked and enjoyed the fresh air. I was able to pick up a few items I had planned on ordering online. That's always a good day! And they were super cheap!! I spent 6euro today and I completed my shopping list of haircare items and household cleaning supplies.

On our way back to the van, before my day was ruined by that white and orange paper in my windshield, I decided to stop in H&M. At this point, I was still on the hunt for a satin headband. Woolworth had a Hannah Montana one, but as much as I would have loved to rock it, I left it there. Maybe if it wasnt purple and if it didnt say Hannah Montanta on it. Just a thought.

Damn this double stroller. I wanted to check out the hair accessories, but they are on the 2nd floor. Do I feel like taking the lift? Sure, why not. I'm so happy I did because the first thing I see is a very cute, black, satin headband! YEA! Here's where the real fun begins...

At the register two H&M employees are speaking to me. I have no clue what they are asking except when I hear "zwei madchen" or "zwilinge" (two girls or twins). This is how I imagine the conversation went:

employee 1: Hello, do you want a bag? (this I'm sure she asked)
me: no thank you
employee 2: Are they twins? (again, this is what she said)
me: ya
employee 2: Oh, what beautiful baby girls. You are such a lucky woman to have been blessed with twins. I cant believe how incredibly slim you are for having had a baby, but you had two!
employee 1: I wish I was you.
employee 2: Me too! I hope you shop here everyday so we can see your wonderful babies and you.
me: bye

You dont know that's NOT what they said!

*BTW- Doctor says to stay off knee, ice, and massage. He did say that it's like Osgood-Schlatter! Just like I said. And he says looks like a build up of fluid from trauma. Will treat and watch for a couple of weeks. If nothing changes then we will drain it. :(

my twins are really triplets?

I truly believe that the cause of all my knee pain is due to the small growth that has appeared directly below my kneecap. I will call this growth Baby C. In the hospital, multiple births are given labels. My girls were Baby A and Baby B. The growth is Baby C. She somehow made a left when they made a right and ended up in my knee. Now that she is comfy and realizes she isn't going anywhere, she decided to grow. Really, I have no clue what is going on with my leg, but I can barely walk and my three story home is now a deathtrap.

My husband and I like to Google everything and of course I've Googled possible causes and treatments. My diagnosis is that I have either a cyst or Osgood-Schlatter Disease. Osgood-SD usually shows up in teenage boys, BUT the picture of it looks just like my lump! What does Google know anyway? Once I'm able to get in to see a doctor I'll let you all know the outcome.

What do you think it is? (left knee)

So, that put a damper on our plans to visit a castle this weekend. How am I supposed to climb several flights of stairs and front pack a 14lb baby if I just barely make it down the hall? I hope it's nothing serious and I'm back to fighting ass-kicking ninjas at night and caring for twins by day. At least I have an excuse to be a fat ass for awhile- I can't possibly try to workout on this! There's always an upside.

Speaking of fat asses, I was on youtube browsing haircare blogs when I decided it's high time I start taking care of my own. Fat asses didn't really transition well, but I just like to meet my blog quota of using the term fat-ass at least 3 times. My long term hair goal will be to grow waist-length hair in the next 5 years. My short term hair goal will be to stop using heat (curling irons, flat irons, blow dryers, etc.) and stop applying relaxers. Don't worry, I won't bore you by turning this into a hair diary.

Ok, so I haven't made it to any cool places since starting this blog. I'll blame my 15minute time commitment to posting every other day. I am determined to do something amazing this week. Like rock climb with both twins attached to my body, plunge head first into a shark infested lake, or at least make it down the stairs without falling on my fat ass (ooo just surpassed the quota!).

Cheers!

a nightmare on elm street

Remember that song from A Nightmare on Elm Street? One, two Freddy's coming for you... Well, I didn't make it to Wasgau, but I did do a little shopping today. Lo and behold my German friends did not let me down. I don't know what it is about twins, but everyone wants a peek. I have to admit, even when pushing my own set, I get excited to see other twins. So, this little old German lady starts singing to the girls. No biggie right? What's the harm in a cute nursery rhyme? Well, I wouldn't have been so puzzled if this German nursery rhyme didn't have the same tune as that Freddy song! Who sings that to kids? I was waiting for her hand to escape from her gown and reveal a hand of claws. Then her face would turn into the scarred mask of Freddy himself. Instead, she continued to sing and congratulate us on our beautiful babies. I would have been more entertained by the metal nails tracing the side of my face and Freddy's disfigured face breathing next to mine. I'm going to give myself nightmares!

Speaking of nightmares, I had a terrible one the other night. I was being chased by huge birds. They were as tall as people and flew vertically not horizontally. With long necks like an ostrich, they squawked in the air and tried to kill me. At one point I was with my husband, but he ran ahead and left me to fight them alone. Is that a subconscious thought of my husband's ability and/or desire to protect me? Probably not. More than likely it was my mind's reaction to the brownie I snuck right before bed! I did outrun them (fat ass and all) to my old townhouse in Phoenix (on Camelback Road). That was the last I remember... I should try to sketch these monstrous beasts for you all to see. I draw stick figures so I'm assuming that won't do either of us any good.

On to happier thoughts... Im super excited about this weekend. My husband is taking us to see a castle! There are some beautiful ones here. I know Walt Disney designed the castle based on one here as well. Whichever we see, pictures will soon follow.

I know you've been wondering and you're dying to know- how is the workout coming along? Is she close to her goal of 10lbs this month? Or is she still a lazy fat ass pretending that climbing her stairs each day is equivalent to cardio and strengthening combined? Sorry to disappoint all you optimists, but I'm still a lazy fat ass. Let me finish- it's with good reason! I somehow banged my left knee and I have a huge knot developing. I can barely walk and I hobble everywhere. My husband offered to buy me a cane today and the sad part is he was 100% serious and I was very close to accepting his offer. Fear not my friends, for I will be making an appointment tomorrow to see a doctor. Hopefully it's nothing major and I'll be able to resume my Fat Burning Workout.

I think my goal tomorrow will be to relax and enjoy my babies. Maybe we will roll around on the floor and make carpet angels.

Ciao

you're hired

Haven't heard those words in awhile. Recently I went on an interview for a childcare facility. I felt so rusty that instead of highlighting my two master's degrees, 7 years of experience and my apparent love for children, I came off as a babbling belligerent idiot. Oh well, I'm sure someone more qualified to baby-sit was hired.

So now I'm spending hours on end digging through piles of free-lance writing websites and teaching from home listings. I remember the days of grabbing the classifieds, circling a few jobs with a pen, and planning a day to drop off your application or resume. Im either over qualified or under qualified. I must be qualified to do something! Yea I know what it is- stay home and change diapers and whine on my blog :)

Life isn't really that bad. I'm just a worker bee far from her hive and Im trying to collect nectar, but every flower is dried up when I get to it. I did start ghost writing some articles online. It's not too bad. I login to the site, choose which articles I want to write and I see right then how much they pay. Then I write them and submit to my editor. Pretty easy. I get to write as little or as much as I want.

I'm also editing a pretty awesome book for another lady I've met here. Once we've completed the work I'll try to convince her to plug a few pages in on my site for a free sample reading. I was a bit skeptical when I first heard her concept, but I was impressed in the end (and Im not easily impressed). In my mind it's like Avatar meets Air Bender while avoiding Twilight bwhahahhaha...that probably only makes sense to me.

I'll continue the hunt for employment, but I'm going to stop obsessing. I should be enjoying my time as a new mother of twins. Even now, I look over at them asleep on my bed and I can't help but smile. Sorry about the ranting on today's entry- tomorrow's should be better. Im planning on going grocery shopping today at Wasgau (a grocery store here in Germany). Never a dull moment when you're using your iPhone to translate labels and pushing zwillinge (twins).  

all up in the kitchen in my heels, dinner time

Okay, I'm as much of a Beyonce fanatic as the next. I adored her in Destiny's Child, followed her love life with Jay-Z and during every drive I imagine myself singing each of her songs live to millions of people. I may have traded my convertible in for a mini-van and added a few roadies, but my live concert performances are always sold out and have now gone international!

Every now and again one of my favorite artists will hit me with some lyrics I just keep envisioning as ridiculous. Beyonce's new album "4" is pure awesomeness, but that one line kills me every time, "All up in the kitchen in my heels, dinner time." Who cooks in the kitchen in heels? I can barely juggle the plates, balance the oven door with my foot and prop a baby barefoot, let alone with heels on. And I love a good pair of heels!

You should already know where I'm going with this. I started wondering... am I a lousy wife? Should I be cooking in heels with makeup on every evening? Is my husband's dinner less satisfying when I wear house shoes? We must test this theory!

During our visit to the grocery store today we couldn't decide between McCormick's Hickory BBQ Buffalo Wings seasoning or the Brown Sugar Bourbon. A quick rock/paper/scissors challenge later and we had the Hickory package in hand. Other couples snickered at our approach to decision making. When you have twin newborns and no patience or time to argue over the little things, rock/paper/scissors just makes so much sense.

I didn't take pictures of every step of this "recipe" since all you do is shake some chicken wings and this seasoning together in a zip lock bag and bake. I used my nifty NuWave Oven since I hadn't completely thawed my wings. Shake shake shake, shake shake shake, shake yo' chicken (yea) shake yo' chicken. Ok, sorry, just had a moment. Here is the chicken in the NuWave Oven which is 110v so I have to plug it into a converter first. Then a shot of it on my plate.

Where am I going with all of this? How does Beyonce and BBQ tie together? Well, I wanted to see if my heels would make a difference. So, I found my most glamourous pair and viola instant taste bud overdrive. My husband bit into one wing and almost had a seizure. He stood up and proclaimed his love for me. I couldn't believe what was happening. Next he not only cleared the table, but he washed the dishes and gave the twins their baths. After that he massaged my feet and swept/mopped the entire house! Right... you know damn well heels in the kitchen are ridiculous and they don't add to your cooking genius. I'm sorry to disappoint so many of you. If that's a love so strong it makes you do crazy things like smoke crack or wear heels in the kitchen (synonymous acts), then I'm passing! I love my husband and would do anything for him, but I'm a realist and so is he. He knows if he comes home at dinner time and I'm wearing heels that means we are going OUT!

my stomach vs the rain

There is a festival happening in Pirmasens tonight that we wanted to check out. Food, beer, live entertainment and good old fashion socializing with the natives. My stomach rumbles from hunger and the entire house shakes. Reality sets in and I look around at Hurricane RuinMyPlans pounding against my picture window. There's nothing I can do about the weather, but there is something I can do about my hunger.

You know those days when you're super hungry and you feel like you could eat everything? That's me today, but it also paired itself with one of those times when I don't know what I really want. Peeking into the refrigerator, I don't see anything worth re-heating. I do spot some ground turkey I was thawing for dinner the night before, but didn't end up using. Snatching it up, I immediately close the door because what I do see is the need to throw some old food away and now is not the time for distractions. Mold can grow for now, but we will meet again!

At this point, I still don't have a taste for anything in particular and it's becoming quite annoying. Looking at the Louis Rich ground turkey package, I see a quick and easy recipe for Turkey Tostada Bake. Hmmm... never one to turn away from a quick dish I not only decide to give this a whirl, but I also took pictures to share with you.

I don't usually follow recipes exactly and this time was no exception. I thought it would be tasty to add taco seasoning to my ground turkey for flavor. I also didn't use the recommended pie pan, but a 13x9 baking dish instead. The recipe says to add cheese on top- I did, but I also added a layer right before adding the turkey mixture. Oh, we used extra sharp cheddar as well. This turned out way better than I expected. It wasn't too thick and meaty since I used the long pan and the flavor was explosive. We almost finished the entire dish. I didn't make any sides, but this would go well with spanish rice and refried beans. Checkout the recipe page for the entire recipe and some of my other favorite dishes. This will definitely be making a regular appearance in our house!

Turkey Tostada Bake

1lb ground turkey

1/2c cheese (I used extra sharp cheddar)

1 package Taco Seasoning

1/2c medium chunky salsa

1/2c hot chunky salsa

1 package butter flake Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

Directions:

Pre-heat your oven to about 375.

Spray your baking dish w/non stick spray. I used the one for baking.

Roll out the crescent rolls into your dish.

Add the ground turkey to your skillet and mix in the taco seasoning.

(I don't add water like the package instructs you to do)

While the ground turkey is browning, shred about 1/2 cup of cheese.

Sprinkle half of the cheese over the crescent rolls.

Once the ground turkey is brown, turn off the heat and add both types of salsa to the ground turkey.

Spread the turkey mixture over the crescent rolls and cheese.

Then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the entire dish and bake.

I left mine in until I could see the sides and bottom had browned.

(Another reason I choose this pan- I can see the bottom).

This recipe is pretty spicy! I would serve with spanish rice & refried beans.  

Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes - then devour!

yea for small miracles

I have no problem patting myself on the back, but lately I've just had little to no energy to complete the "extras" in life. I won't blame the twins. I'll just say the two small tenants we've recently acquired are needy. Yesterday I challenged myself to talk a jog in the park with my double stroller. I won't lie- I didn't quite jog the entire time... or half of the time... but I jogged dammit! And sweat poured down my

face and I beat that pavement like it owed me money when rent is due. German's stared in awe as this beautiful creature graced their presence with adorable twin babies. Okay, maybe not the reason they stared in awe, but they stared. Can you see the determination in my face? The focus, the drive, the intensity? Thanks, but I actually had stopped jogging about 10 minutes prior and was on my way home. Still...good shot right? 

The girls enjoyed their time. We geared up for the run and before I reached the end of my driveway they were passed out and drooling. So I had to endure the pain alone. But darn it if they aren't just as cute as can be. I already forgave them. 

I've come to the honest realization (yet, again) that I hate jogging. I hate it more with a double stroller. The ultimate truth is I HATE THIS WEIGHT even more. So I'm kicking my fat ass all over this town if that's what it takes. 

The other good news for the day; my attempts to become a freelance writer are progressing. My first article with my company was approved! The comments from my editor said "Excellent work, well researched, and no errors!" Now if that isn't a boost I don't know what is. Just wished they paid more in dollars than they do in praise.

remembering the good ol' days

How fitting my first post is about me reminiscing... I intend for this blog to be about my current and future self, but before I can move forward let's have one more quick look into the past.

I've always been a heavier person, carrying about an extra 25-50lbs at any given time. 2009 was my year! I lost 60lbs and felt great. I started working out (2hours per day) and loved it. Im such a gym whore. I loved and still love Gold's Gym. My goal was to keep it off and I did until... I DECIDED TO HAVE KIDS.

My determination to maintain a healthy lifestyle would not be circumvented by carrying a child. My goal was to at least get to the gym 2-3 times each week. What a plan! What a goal! What a crock of -!

After puking half my body weight in food each day, I discovered I was pregnant with twins. (Insert scared/confused/happy? face) Let's just agree that I was a beautiful pregnant woman and I exercised just as planned... since you're agreeing to nonsense let's also agree to you sending me half your paycheck each week.

Now my girls are almost 6months old and I'm still battling with these last 20lbs. I have begun working out in my home with Kathy Smith's Fat Burning Workout and some other lady's indoor cycling DVDs. My hubby was so kind as to purchase a spin bike for me. I'm still convincing myself it was because he just knew I couldn't live without spin and not because he saw my fat ass spiraling into the depths of obesity.

Which brings me back to my point... the good ol' days. I remember wearing a size 8 (which looks great on my 5'9" frame) and not worrying about trying to squeeze in a quick workout while my girls nap. My memories of toned abs and not passing out after the warm-up are quite vivid.

So today, I challenge myself to actually USE the jogging stroller I purchased and take these babies out in the fresh air. I'll snap some photos of this gorgeous park as proof that I went.