Awesome Soup

In my attempt to get "back on the wagon" I was watching Hungry Girl the other day. She shared a soup recipe that was so easy I had to try it. I've made it twice and it is really yummy. So I'll share it with you. (You can find her recipe on her website here)

1 1/2 lbs. raw boneless skinless lean chicken breasts, halved
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 small onion, finely diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 cups dry coleslaw mix
Two 14.5-oz. cans (about 3 1/2 cups) fat-free chicken broth (or one carton)
One 15-oz. can cannellini (white kidney) beans, drained and rinsed
One 14.5-oz. can stewed tomatoes (not drained)
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 tsp. fresh thyme
1 bay leaf

Okay, you seriously just dump all this stuff in a crock pot and cook it on high from 4 to 6 hours. She has a fancy crock-pot that works in 4 hours, mine, on the other hand, took 6. Once it's done you take the chicken breasts out, shred them and put them back in the pot. Remove the bay leaf or be sure you don't put it into someone's bowl.

I didn't have stewed tomatoes the last time I made the recipe so I used canned tomatos seasoned with basil and oregano (Italian kind) and it was still good. I couldn't tell a difference. Each serving is around one cup and is 3 points. I would say for me I'd eat two cups but still 6 points for a main meal is great.

My whole family enjoyed this, too! Served with a crunchy baguette (not for me) and a little Parmesan (again not for me) sprinkled on top and it's a great meal for a cold day! Enjoy!

I'm Back.

This blogging thing didn't turn out as I had thought it would.  Neither has the weight loss.

I was doing pretty good for a while and was up to 16 pounds lost; however, since then some things got in the way.

First, my youngest daughter (the last one still at home) began her marching band schedule.  This meant she was not getting home at night until 7 or 7:30, combined with the fact that now she was the only child living at home and adjusting to that, I made the decision to stop going to my Weight Watchers meetings.  Though, for her it was a good choice, for me and my weight loss..not-so-much.  I am totally to blame, though, because I could have gone to a meeting during the day, any day, any time (because they are everywhere!) but I chose not to.  Simple as that.

But, now I am back.  I gained approximately six of those pounds back over the past six months.  (btw..my mom reached her goal during that time *sigh* but yay for her).

I am more motivated, though still not more disciplined in my tracking points, but I know I will make it this time.

As the title of this little journal of mine has to do with clothes, I'll share some of my favorites with you.  (found on polyvore via pinterest..my new time wasters).

Red and grey by kristen-344 featuring rubber shoes

Pink & Pearls by alttra featuring diesel jeans

Mish-mash by becca-lynn-div featuring heart rings

Yeah, I'm a jeans girl.

Weigh in and Dresses, lots of dresses

Well, friends, I didn't do so good the past couple of weeks. If you recall, last week, instead of attending my meeting and getting weighed I went out for my birthday.  I splurged because it was my birthday.  Since then, however, I have really fallen off watching what I eat.  I have been "eyeballing" portions, eating out frequently and, while trying to order healthy, really not making wise choices.  So, last night the weigh in, for two weeks, was only 1.6 lbs lost.  FOR TWO WEEKS!  I believe that part of that was gaining back what I'd lost the week before my birthday.  In fact I know it was because according to my bathroom scale I'm up two to three pounds from what I was on my birthday.  Wow!  It's really easy for it to come back.

So I'm back on regular schedule.  My total weight loss to date is 9.8 lbs.  I am pleased with that.  I'd never thought it possible only one month ago.  I am, however, disappointed in myself for my lack of control the last week.

Now for dresses.  I love dresses! I adore dresses!  but at my size I feel like a giant balloon in them.  I see other "women of size" wearing dresses and they look so cute, but when I pick one out, well, it just doesn't suit me.  I feel my lack of desire to shop (see here) added to my complete lack of skill in picking clothes keeps me in tshirts and capri pants most of my days.

Here are some dreamy dresses I hope to get into one day.  I realize I won't be one of the size 0-2 models, but when I reach my goal I'll be able to wear these with confidence.  (Click on the pictures and it'll take you to their respective websites.)

I know they are simple, not bold colors (except for the yellow one) but baby steps people!  I'm not used to being seen.  I like to fade into the background.  Another problem I hope to conquer one day.

First Purchases

I'm making a list of things I want to get when I hit my goal weight.  Here are my first choices: