Fabulous Award!

I would just like to say thanks to the sweet Simple Pleasures for giving me a Fabulous blog award! Her blog is great and she is planning a wedding, so you should really go check out her blog!

I have some blogs that I think deserve this great award too!
sealaura
Living in Dallas and Loving it
A Glimpse of the Girl Next Door

I would add more, but I really really need to get to work on my lesson! I promise I'll give out more awards cause there are soo many fabulous bloggers out there! :)
CMFH

What I wouldn't give....

for some Maurice's BBQ! I love Little Joe's yummy! :)



Maybe that's not the best way to lead into a Weight Watcher Wednesday post! ;)
I went to weigh in on Monday. I was so happy I lost 2 lbs. of course I would have loved to have lost more...but I will certainly take 2! This makes my total 9.8! I still have many lbs. to go, but I am satisfied with my progress and hope to keep it up!
Oh that Coconut Shrimp recipe that I posted last week, well I made it Monday night and lets just say that I would NOT recommend it!
Weight Watchers Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Makes 12 Servings @ 3 points per serving

Servings: 12-24

Ingredients:
2 lb bag of Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes
8oz container of Fat Free sour cream
8 Tbsp of I can't believe it's not butter, melted
8 oz bag of Kraft 2% finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dehydrated onion flakes
10 oz can of 98% Fat Free cream of chicken soup

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together and pour into a 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 1 hour @ 375 degrees.

*http://www.diet-recipes.buddyslim.com/

If anyone has tried this recipe let me know! I am going to try this one for sure. I have a feeling I will have better success with this one!

I really wanted to discuss the Academy Awards (one of my favorite nights of the year) with y'all, but I'm busy multitasking watching LOST (crazy episode), getting my thing together for my second student teaching observation, and dreaming of barbecue! Maybe after I get through tomorrow.

I will say that I gasped when I saw SJP's dress, I thought it was gorgeous!

:)
CMFH

Give Away!

I really should be getting my things together for my next student teaching observation on Thursday (it really feels like I just had one yesterday), but I have been sucked into reading what everyone in blog world is doing! :) Boy am I glad I did, I stumbled across a great giveaway!



Everyone head on over to Sweet Tea Diaries and sign up for her giveaway where she giving away oodles of darling cupcake things! I am keeping my fingers crossed that I win, I just love everything about cupcakes!
Well I better start getting my lesson plans ready!
CMFH

WWW

Well Monday I went to my first weigh in in about a month. I knew I had gained, because I had not been keeping track. I only gained 1.6 lbs. I was very proud and impressed with myself. As I mentioned before though, I am more than ready to get back on track!
I have not tried the recipe, but I can't wait til I do!

Baked Coconut Shrimp

1 1/2 pounds Shrimp - Extra large, defrosted, shelled and deveined, rinsed and patted dry

1/3 cup cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

salt - dash

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon lime juice - fresh squeezed

1/3 cup egg whites

3/4 cup coconut

Preheat oven to 425° F. Lightly spray a large baking sheet with butter flavored cooking spray.

In a small bowl combine cornstarch, pepper & salt. In a small microwave safe dish heat up honey approx. 30-45 seconds

Add lime juice to honey and stir. Slowly add in egg whites and continue to stir.

Place coconut in a thin layer on a pie plate or flat dish.

Take each shrimp and first dip into cornstarch mixture, then in egg white mixture and finally roll in the coconut.

Place on the baking sheet and lightly spray with butter pam. Bake 10-15 minutes or until shrimp is pink and the coconut is lightly toasted.


Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 230 Calories; 10g Fat (42.3% calories from fat); trace Protein; 31g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 96mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain (Starch); 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

WW Points: 3 servings at 5-P each OR 2 servings at 7-p EACH

* This recipe is from http://www.thatsmyhome.com/


In other news I FINALLY got my nails done, I was in desperate need for a fill in. I am a happy camper now! :)

I got tagged about my bag!

Thanks to Simple Pleasure for tagging me!
1) Post a picture of whatever bag you are carrying as of late. No, you cannot go up to your closet and pull out that cute little purse you used back before you had kids. I want to know what you carried today or the last time you left the house. No cheating!

2) I want to know how much it cost:) And this is not to judge. This is for entertainment purposes only. So spill it. And if there is a story to go along with how you obtained it, I’d love to hear it.

3) Tag some chicks. And link back to this post so people know why the heck you’re showing everyone your bag.

I have a habit of carrying bags that could hold a "kitchen sink" if needed. This Vineyard Vines Patchwork Classic Tote really does the trick. It was a gift from my parents awhile back. I carry everything in it from bottled water to my notes for student teaching.

I bag tag:
BRD
The Bona Fide Preppy Bride
Quite Contrary

Happy Valentine's Day y'all! :)

Dear Abby & Valentine's Day

This was a letter to Dear Abby today. I really liked it and thought I would share it with my fellow readers.
VALENTINE WISHES ARE MEANT TO BE SHARED FAR AND WIDE

DEAR ABBY: I clearly remember my first Valentine's Day. I was in first grade. A few days before, my mom asked how many kids were in my class, and we went to a store and bought large packages of valentines -- one for every child in the class. The cards were all the same size and said, basically, the same thing.

When I arrived at school, each classmate had a small box on his or her desk. At some point during the day, I went around the room and gave each child a valentine. There was one for the quiet one in the back, the most popular girl in class, the prettiest and even the boys. This was long before society taught me that such a show of affection had to exclude people of the same gender as me. By the end of the day, everyone had a full box of valentines to take home.

One desk, one box ... the love of a child.

As I grew older, society taught me to narrow my offering of affection, picking only those I chose to be special or worthy. Eventually, I was taught to limit my valentines to only one person. More time went on, and then a card was not enough. To show that really special person what she meant to you, you needed to send flowers, candy and jewelry.

Apparently, as we grew older it took more and more to fill those boxes. Now we absolutely could not give to more than one person. People hire detectives to make sure that the person isn't filling anyone else's. And if you had no one to send you anything, you were saddened by your big, empty box filled only with sadness and despair.

Today, I am taking back from society what it has taken from me. I'm counting how many people play a role in my life, and I am buying "virtual" packages of cards. I have one for every single one of you -- man or woman, young or old, straight or gay, married or single. Each card is the same size, they all say the same thing -- that I appreciate who you are and what you have to contribute to each other.

I invite each and every one to do the same, so that no box is empty and the shy ones, the pretty ones, the popular ones and those who are less so go home tonight with a full box of valentines.

One virtual desk, one virtual box, and the love of a child at heart. I wish you all a happy Valentine's Day. -- ERIC IN LOS ALAMITOS, CALIF.

I hope that this Valentine's Day finds you all with your loved one or ones. My day will be spent with the love of my life...

We are going to deliver his Valentines to our neighbors and relatives and make Valentine cookies. My day is already off to a good start with U.K.'s win over Arkansas with Meeks scoring 45 points! My evening will be spent curled up watching Sweet Home Alabama (one of my all time favorites!)
Have a great a V-Day!
CMFH

A Hidden America: Children of Appalachia

I really want to discuss this episode of 2020. I am from Eastern Kentucky, I am a child of the Appalachia Mountains. I will admit I was weary about how Kentucky would be portrayed (see earlier post). It amazes me how you can go 20 miles of the town where I am from and see people living as if they were in a third world country.
I was in tears throughout the majority of the show. It really hurts me that people live this way, especially so close to my home.
There are many people who are from this area that are upset of the way Eastern Kentucky was portrayed. It is upsetting, upsetting in the fact that this is the way some people are forced to live. Eastern Kentucky is a beautiful and wonderful place to live and I wish that sometimes the world would focus on that. But right now the children who are loosing their loved ones to perscription pills and being forced into foster care are the ones who need attention. I find it so selfish that people want the world to know that some people who live in Eastern Kentucky live in lavish homes or drive expensive cars, when right now that is not the issue. The issue is those who barely have a home. Case in point the high school football stars that sleeps in his truck or in the locker room on a mattress (my eyes start filling up with tears just thinking about it).
I realize that there is poverty throughout the United States. I know that there are homeless people in big cities and small towns. But in big cities they have services (homeless shelters, free clinics on almost every other bloc, and soup kitchens) here in E. KY those things are rare. I only hope that that will change after 2020.
I just don't understand how people can just sit there and complain that they didn't show any of the "wealthy" people on national television, while this is going on. I am so inspired to go out there and do whatever I can to help put a stop to this.
As for my fellow Kentuckian and sorority sister Diane Sawyer I thought she did a wonderful job.
I'm not sure if you can watch the episode online and watch the episode but if you can I highly recommend it. It's hard to believe that this is happening in our country. if you get a chance visit this site.(http://www.americandiversityproject.org/2008/multimedia/) A group of media students came to Eastern Kentucky over the summer to get some shots of Eastern Kentucky. There media piece is excellent as well as the photos.
Now some pictures of Eastern Kentucky...

This is of Bad Branch Falls in Letcher County. It is one of the prettiest places I have ever been, so peaceful.

This picture is from abc.com this is where the star football player that I mentioned lived earlier lives. This is 2 counties away from where I am from.


ABC News' Diane Sawyer poses with 12-year-old Courtney, second from right, and three generations of mountain women. Courtney's grandmother, Dinah, far left, holds her sister Sable, 2. Also pictured are Courtney's mother, Angel, far right, and sisters Hannah, 7, and Mary, 11. In total, 11 people live under one roof. (photo and caption from abc.com)


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This is a picture I took at the Pikeville airport in August of last year. These are my mountains. I will eventually leave this area and head further south, but these mountains will always be the place I call home.

Well surprisingly today has been a pretty good Friday the 13th. I had my follow up appointment for my knee surgery and had my stitches removed. Unfortunately, I have some fluid built up on my knee so I still have to be easy on it. I was going to try Zumba with some girlfriends, but he nixed that idea, he said I needed to wait until he saw me back in two weeks. Speaking of Zumba has anyone tried it?
My mother went shopping with N. and I today for Valentines presents and cards. She got the cutest salt and pepper shakers today.




Are these not perfect for summer meals on the porch. :) She also gave me an early Valentine's Day gift, a cute recipe/takeout menu organizer. This is the ideal gift for me considering the fact I am always printing off recipes, especially those from Weight Watchers Wednesday.
I also took N. to get his hair cut (I'm sure if y'all have seen my recent pictures the boy was in need of a major trim!) ;) I also squeezed in an eyebrow waxing, that to was needed too...badly!
I am nervously awaiting Diane Sawyers 2020 tonight, "A Hidden American: Children of the Mountains. I am always weary when people show the Appalachian Mountains. There are hardly ever any positive views. I wish they would show how it really is, instead of finding the few people that fall under the horrible stereotypes.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday the 13th!
CMFH

Weight Watchers Wednesday

So I'm trying hard to get back into the groove. I almost forgot about WWW I have been super busy, but I'm here now! ;)
I've started keeping a file on my computer to store recipes whenever I come across one that I would like to try (I figure that this will do, until I can find some recipe cards that I really like.)
I have actually made this recipe and it is very tasty. I should have posted it before the Superbowl, because it would have made a great appetizer.

Seven Layer Mexican Dip

• 1 cup fat-free sour cream
• 2 Tbsp reduced-sodium taco seasoning
• 9 oz fat-free bean dip, about 1 heaping cup
• 6 oz guacamole, about 3/4 cup
• 1/4 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 medium scallion(s), chopped
• 1 small tomato(es), chopped
• 6 medium olive(s), black, sliced

• Combine sour cream and taco seasoning; mix well.

• Spread bean dip on bottom of a 12-inch round glass serving bowl or edged-platter. Top with guacamole, sour cream, cheese, scallions, tomatoes and olives. Yields about 1/4 cup dip per serving.

*Points per serving: 2
*Makes 12 servings
(recipe from Weight Watchers Online


In other news I received an A on my first student teacher observation! I was really surprised, considering how nervous I was.
I am very excited for this weekend because my best friend is coming in from Ohio this weekend and I haven't seen her for awhile. Unfortunately, she is not coming home under good circumstances, her fiance's grandfather passed away today, so please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Well my bed is calling my name and I am afraid I must answer.
Sweet dreams,
CMFH

motivation

I didn't go to Weight Watchers tonight, my leg hurt too bad. I'm ready to get back on track...I think motivation finally found its way back to me. :) It stinks that when I am unable to work out it's all I want to do...go figure.
Tomorrow I have my first observation for student teaching I'm a little nervous. Well I better go get my lesson ready.
Sweet dreams to all,
CMFH

Recovering and Passing the Time

Well I made it home after surgery. My knee is extremely sore even with the meds. Luckily I am keeping myself occupied by catching up on everyone's blogs. I am having some trouble posting comments on some peoples entries and not on others. When I go to post a comment and the box opens in a separate window it does fine and lets me comment, but if it stays on the same page it won't let me post. Forgive me if none of this makes sense, I blame it on the meds. ;)
Oh and is anyone else excited for the greys/private practice crossover! I hope it's good! What are your thoughts on Denny being on the show? As crazy as it sounds I can't get enough of Jeffrey Dean Moran even if his character is dead...I guess I'm morbid. But he is a fine piece of man!
CMFH

Weight Watchers Wednesday

So I have fallen off of the Weight Watchers wagon. I've been snowed in and haven't been to a meeting in three weeks...three weeks. Unfortunately I am one of those people that have to go to the meetings to succeed. I need motivation other than wobbly bits I suppose.
So I am going to start doing Weight Watcher Wednesdays! Hopefully this will give me the motivation that I need to succeed again.
So without further ado my first Weight Watcher Wednesday recipe! Enjoy this is super yummy! Hope y'all love it as much as I do.

Roasted Garlic and Onion Linguine

All the flavor of a pasta dish without the guilt

Nutrition Facts: 3 WW Points, Calories 180, Fat 1g, Protein 7g, Carbohydrates 36g, Cholesterol 3mg, Sodium 113mg

Yield: Serves 8

Ingredients

• 2 small onions
• 1 head garlic
• Cooking spray
• 1/4 cup grated nonfat parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup nonfat chicken broth, no salt added
• 2 tsp. cracked black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 12 oz. linguine, uncooked

Instructions

1. Peel onion, and cut each into 8 wedges
2. Gently peel outer skin from garlic and discard
3. Cut off and discard top one-fourth of garlic had
4. Place onion and garlic, cut sides up, in center of a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, coat with cooking spray
5. Fold foil over onion and garlic, sealing tightly
6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until onion and garlic are soft
7. Remove from oven and let cool
8. Remove and discard skin from garlic
9. Scoop out garlic pulp with a small spoon
10. Position knife blade in food processor bowl, add garlic pulp, onion and cheese
11. Pulse 5 times or until combined
12. Add broth and next 3 ingredients to garlic mixture
13. Process until mixture is finely chopped
14. Set aside
15. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat, drain
16. Add garlic mixture, toss lightly
17. Serve immediately

Another snow day. I am unfortunately getting used to this. I love being able to stay at home with N. all day. :)
My knee surgery is Thursday and I'm getting a little nervous. I know I will be miserable laying in bed with nothing to do. I have to stock up on magazines and movies to occupy me, I hope that I am not in too much pain to enjoy them.