Plates

In recent years, health experts and even our own government has put out how our "plates" should look for each meal.

It is a good visual to help remind us how we should be having balanced meals, and what not to over do.

Yet many of us, while perhaps being careful with our physical plates laid before us, are not taking care of our personal plates.  Our mind, body and soul have plates that we need to keep balanced and healthy as well!

Too often we pile up on "empty" things. We over-commit and take on more than we can handle. Our plates more than not lack the fruits of life that our soul needs to be balanced.

Look at your personal plate right now - what would you see?

Do you see it balanced with life, love and happiness?  Work not overflowing onto your other areas ... family being as full as your leafy greens should be on your dinner plate ... constant running around doing errands as small as the butter on your roll ...

Our personal plates will never be perfect - life does happen.

Just remember not to fill up on the crap (toxic relationships, dead end jobs, no physical activity) and go for seconds on what makes your soul smile (more family nights, date nights, get together with friends).

Our personal plates are just as important as our physical plates.  <3


Thanks for reading,

Nichole
*Be The Thermostat - Not The Thermometer*

The basics to a dinner cupcake!

That's right. You read that right.

Cupcakes. For dinner.

Now, before you get excited I should clarify that these aren't your sugar laden delights that you normally get. These are portion controlled deliciousness that everyone in the family can enjoy.

Inspired by a pin I found on Pinterest a few years ago I have now gotten to a point where I can make a dinner cupcake just using my imagination!

(Credit for the inspirational pin goes to Emily Bites,  who posted a pin similar to this one. Emily Bites also had a bunch of other fun and delicious low cal/diet friendly recipies!)

To make any dinner cupcake, you will need wonton wrappers. They can be found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store (I find mine over by the yakisoba noodles and tofu products. Don't worry, they're not made from tofu!)

Otherwise, the only other item you'll need is a muffin pan (regular size - not minis or jumbo). The rest is up to your imagination! I try to follow the same formula: protein, fat and filler.

(Before I go further - fat is not all bad! It's all about moderation and the kind of fat. Plus these awesome cupcakes are portion controlled so the fat content isn't crazy.)

Let's just quickly break it down:

Protein: I try to get a meat in there like shredded chicken ... ground turkey ... even just as simple as pepperoni slices *if my filler is big, in example.  I used left over pulled Mexican pork for my dinner taco the other night. I will say this - I highly recommend you cook your meat first, or use pre cooked meat. The wonton may burn if you have to cook the meat along with the baking of the cupcake.

Fat: 9 out of 10 times, this is cheese for me. Something about melted cheese that makes me smile! (And my kids). If you have it on hand, laughing cow cheese works wonderful. Sometimes even mixing in the cheese with your meat works! (I did Buffalo Chicken ones for super bowl last year and mixed in cream cheese for baking. Then sprinkler blue cheese on top).

Filler: Not always necessary (i.e. my Buffalo Chicken cupcakes don't have a filler) but a nice touch if it feels right!  (I used beans in my Mexican pork ones the other night).

After you select your ingredients, comes the easy assembly. Pre heat your oven to 425 ... place 1 to 2 wonton wrappers down in a cup, creating a bowl. Fill with your meat, filler than fat. It does not have to be in that order per say ..  but I recommend the cheese being the top layer.  Then lay down two more wrappers, creating another bowl. Same step as before,  fill it up and it's ready to bake. Just stick it into your oven for 12 to 16 minutes (just keep an eye on them so the sides don't get TOO crispy!)

That's the gist of it! Pretty simple right :-)

You can make these however you like - Let your imagination run wild!

Garnish your cupcakes with fresh avocado, sour cream, ketchup! Whatever your heart desires.

When I made these on Sunday, I ate about 3/4 of mine (obviously not a whole lot of space).  Most adults will find two to three cupcakes does the trick!

This also makes great party food (just as I mentioned above I made some for Super Bowl last year).  Pair them with another side, like a soup or salad. Eat them alone as the main star.  The dinner cupcake has so many possibilities, you'll find yourself soon like me trying to experiment with new fillers and such ...

I guarantee your family will not be upset to act as your guinea pigs ;-)

I hope this helps, and if you have any questions please feel free to post them below!

Bon appetit!

Thanks for reading,

Nichole
*Be The Thermostat,  Not The Thermometer*

Journey

We are all on our own journeys.

Everyone's paths are shaped differently. Some roads are smooth. Some oceans are vast.

No vessel is built the same. Some are small, and others are large. Over time your mode of travel may break down. It will get a new paint job. It may just outright be traded in for a better fit in where you're headed.

The passengers and crew on your journey may remain constant. They could change as your environment does. Some will have many. Some will have none.

Your journey is your own, and it shapes who you will become. No ones journey is set, and the course can always be changed.

However, so many of us allow someone else to take our wheel. We allow this new captain to steer our thoughts and energy in a direction that we had not intended. They may make changes to your ship ... To your crew ... You may not even recognize it right away.

Don't let anyone take your wheel. Toxic or not, it is not their wheel to turn. It is not their journey to chart. It is not their story to write.

Own your journey. Take it back if another force has robbed you from it.

Take the wheel and look ahead at what is yet to come.

With every storm, your sails grow stronger. With every sunny day, your soul grows warmer.

One day your journey will end.  Embrace it. Own it. Live it.

The Macklemore Challenge

So I'm 2015 Josh and I have to make some big changes. The situation is not a forever thing, but nevertheless it will require major shifts in our daily lives and habits.

I have been going over everything to see what can be done, and what changes could be made to help out.

I then recalled reading a blog from a few years ago about another young lady who not only was looking to conserve a few dollars but also wanted to recycle/reuse as much as possible. She committed to buying pre-owned and 2nd hand for a year. I have always considered this challenge, and felt this may be the best time to do it.

So ... starting January 5th (I like starting things on Mondays), I am going to commit to my modified version of the thrift shop challenge. Hence the title ... The Macklemore Challenge.  I want to do it for 6 months ... and if I've done well, I'll extend it out!

It is a good thing for anyone who is looking to cut back, not add waste and such to the environment, and just is looking for the adventure of shopping 2nd hand!

Personally I love garage sales, Craigslist,  thrift shops, you name it! But now it's time to take it up a level.  Plus it will help my husband and I achieve our big goal!

Here are the ground rules I'm laying out for myself:

1) This applies to everything that is not food: clothes, furniture, cookware, toys.

2) Items can be purchased from just about anywhere considered 2nd hand: Online swap groups, thrift stores, garage sales, consignment shops and fairs, swap meets.

3) There are exclusions of what could be bought brand new:
a) Undergarments (this includes socks)
b) Swim wear
c) Athletic wear (Sorry I am not buying workout pants 2nd hand ... I know how much I sweat ... ew)
d) Hygiene items (Toothbrushes, Brushes, Etc)
e) Birthday presents (Although I will try to adhere to the challenge for people's birthdays it's not always going to be possible as sometimes certain items are requested)
f) Plastic ware (for the kitchen ... like sippy cups)
g) Sandals and athletic shoes (items like boots, heels,  etc. are apart of the challenge).

4) When I hit goal weight and maintain it for longer than 6 weeks (to ensure my body wants to stay there), I am allowed to go buy new clothes. (I am throwing this exception in there in the event it occurs during this 6 month challenge).

5) Items for upkeep of the home should be attempted to get at stores like Habitat For Humanity.  But if necessary for the house to function and a 2nd hand alternative is not found then being purchased new is okay.

It's actually pretty simple on paper,  and I'm excited to get creative (especially as my wardrobe keeps shrinking). I still have a lot of clothes to go through in the garage but in about 40 lbs I know I'll need to go shopping.

The Macklemore Challenge should help keep us on track, and curb any impulse shopping!  :-)

Let me know in the comments if you're a big 2nd hand shopping fan. Where do you find the best deals?

Thank you for reading!
Nichole

Setting up for success in 2015

2015 is going to be the best year yet.
However to achieve big goals and set into motion your dreams means you have to make sacrifices and choices.

Josh and I have to make some big changes in the next few months, and it made me realize I need to make a bigger plan.

I wanted to pass along some tips I've learned and been taught throughout the years to hopefully help you gear up for your best 2015!

1) Create a list of Goals and plans to achieve it.

I went to this seminar with my old work that showcased celebrities and inspirational speeches. Overall it was all right but one gentleman, an investor, stuck out to me.
He discussed how when you want to achieve your goal that like any skill you need to work at it.

Make the goal then make monthly, weekly and daily goals beneath it.

For example let's say you want to write a novel. The ultimate goal is to finish the novel. Let's say the monthly goal is to finish a chapter. The weekly goal is to write 10 pages and the daily goal is to write/work on the plot.

By breaking down your ultimate goal into smaller (and obtainable) goals, to feels easier to achieve.

2) Create a budget

No matter your goals, having a budget will help you keep on track (in turn,  your goal may be financially involved).

I am working on a separate blog  to discuss further regarding how to set up a budget. Once a budget us established, stick to it.

3) Share your plans and goals

Share your plans with close friends and family. Accountability will help keep you in line and on track to follow through.

If you're not comfortable sharing certain plans and goals with family and friends, join a support group to help you stay accountable. There are many options through websites such as meetup.com, Facebook, reddit and many others!

4 ) Be Realistic

You know yourself better than anyone else.
When making your plans and goals, don't set yourself up for failure by saying you'll lose 100 lbs in three months. Unless you had a weight loss surgery and are bigger, a goal like that is just not realistic and only sets you up for failure.

Look hard at your life, schedule and needs. You will need to make changes and adjustments to help achieve the goals you set for yourself, but it's also about recognizing what works for you and what does not.

5) Forgive!

Remember that you will slip up. Maybe you over spent on that last shopping trip. Or you gained a few pounds back.
Forgiveness is key in all success stories.

We learn our biggest lessons through mistakes. Dust yourself off and get back on track.

6) CELEBRATE!

When you hit your goals ... big or small ... don't be ashamed to celebrate. Whether it's just shouting it from the rooftop that you lost 5 lbs, or rewarding yourself with a new pair of shoes cause you finally finished a mile without stopping - you have to remember to congratulate yourself on sticking it out.

Just don't reward yourself with items that will set you back.  For example,  if your goal was to save a thousand dollars and you celebrate half way through ... it may not be wise to go on a shopping spree. Meet half way by going to Value Village and popping some tags ;-)

There are so many more tips and points I could share, but I feel these six are the most important and will really get you on your way.

Remember - the only thing standing in your way is you! Don't let your fears and insecurities be the reason why you don't try to fulfill your dreams.

Sometimes we're forced to make changes for the better (Doctor, Bills, Etc).  Other times we need to make changes so we can spread our wings and fly.

Listen to your inner voice, set a goal and write a plan.

Make 2015 be your best year yet ♡

I'm baaaaaack

I have been too quiet for too long :-)

Think of it like my recovery from surgery ... I needed 6 weeks for that, and in turn I needed 6 weeks from blogging ;-)

I hope to get more focused on my journey, my thoughts and other odds and ends :-)

My bypass went well! In the 7 weeks since surgery I am now down 53 lbs. I am eating most foods again (still iffy on breads and hard vegetables). I have slowly been working out as well.  My girlfriend and I are prepping for 5ks!

It had been truly amazing what the RNY has given back to me: my life. There is still so much more to do and go. I am so thankful for the support system I have.

I hope to share more with you for now on as well :-)

Take care and thank you for reading!

Nichole

Forgiveness

It is not always easy.
It is not always what you want to do.
Forgiveness though helps heal wounds, bring peace and restore sanity.

When you forgive, you allow your soul to move forward.
When you accept forgiveness, you allow yourself to accept the situation and grow.

Forgiveness comes in all shapes and sizes.
Sometimes forgiveness isn't spoken out loud,  but rather with actions.

Don't hold onto anger ... don't stoop to levels beneath you.

Forgive. Breathe. Grow. Live.