The Weighty Things

(source)

Hi Friends,

This is a difficult subject for me to write about but one I feel most compelled to share.  I had even started a second blog two years ago to focus on my my struggles with weight, but it turns out I wasn't able to successfully maintain two blogs and keep them separate.  My daily life revolves around food, my weight, and diabetes. 

I was overweight as a child but was never teased or felt left out because of it.  I don't think I really even realized I had a problem until my mother told me I needed to lose weight.  From that point on I've always been on a diet and have had body image issues.  I've lost count of the number of times I've joined Weight Watchers and lost significant amounts of weight only to gain it all back and then some.   Now here I am at my heaviest.  I need to lose 120 pounds.

When it comes to my size and how I look, I'm miserable in every way.  Physically I'm tired all the time.  I don't have the energy and stamina I should still have at my age and every joint hurts.  Mentally it's pretty much on my mind all day and when I go to bed at night.  Emotionally I beat myself up, feel guilty all the time, and feel pretty hopeless about losing the weight.

I know there are those who believe people like me just need to exercise self control.  I wish it was that easy, but it's quite complicated.  First, I'm on insulin for type 2 diabetes.  Insulin causes weight gain which requires more insulin which causes more weight gain.  It's a vicious cycle.  Second, I've learned to use food to cope with loneliness, and depression, and disappointment. Food keeps me company and has become my best friend.  I know that's hard to understand if you've never had food issues.  Third, food addiction.  Sweets are my drug of choice.  I'm not making excuses, but trying to explain how I got here and why it's not as easy as some people might think to just "lose the weight".

The good news is I'm ready to tackle the problem.  It's not going to be an easy journey, nor will it be quick or pretty.  It's going to be the hardest thing I've ever done.  I'm not waiting until after Christmas to start.  I think by starting now I will have more self control during this "food season".

I know most women struggle with their weight.  Do you?  How do you deal with it?  I'd really like to know.

xo Annette xo

A Memorable Thanksgiving

Hello dear readers, and welcome back!  I hope everyone had a wonderful time over the Thanksgiving weekend.  This was one of the best Thanksgivings ever and also one of the most memorable.  It started with my son and daughter fixing a Mediterranean menu that was just one of the most delicious meals I've ever had!

It included lamb and orzo stuffed peppers, couscous with a butternut squash stew, sausage and fennel stuffing, roasted fingerling potatoes and a spinach salad.  It was just the best non traditional meal!  There was a pumpkin pie for dessert but we were so full we didn't have it til the next day!

While the kids prepared dinner, I kept my granddaughter entertained (actually it was the other way around), and my husband ended up going to the urgent care clinic.  He had an ear infection and a muscle spasm in his neck.  Poor guy just wasn't feeling that great.

On Friday my sisters came for a visit.  It was so much fun to just hang out at my daughter's house and get caught up.  We laughed so hard we cried and snorted and couldn't catch our breath!  After dinner we went to the hotel and stayed up half the night talking.  They left on Saturday morning and I miss them so much.

I planned to go home in the early afternoon Saturday, but Shylee took a tumble down the stairs and we ended up in the emergency room for three hours.  It was the most awful thing to hear a scream, see her legs in the air, hear the thump and tumble down wood stairs and see her land on her head.  But she is just fine except for a big bump and some bruising.

Now it's time to gear up for Christmas.  I'll be putting up the tree this week and doing some shopping and working on some custom orders for the shop.  It's going to be a busy week!

What was most memorable about your Thanksgiving?

Strange Customs

My kids have never been a big fan of the traditional Thanksgiving meal.  Over the years, we have eaten out or fixed steamed shrimp, because that's something everyone could agree on.  Last year I wanted traditional, so I fixed turkey and dressing and all the trimmings.

This year, we're going to my daughter's house, and she and her brother are going to cook the non-traditional meal of their choice.  The menu will include stuffed peppers with orzo and lamb, couscous with butternut squash, sausage and fennel stuffing, spinach salad, and I'm bringing pumpkin pie.  This is definitely something different!

Imagine what a laugh my husband and I had when we went out for Chinese food last night and this was his fortune!

What will you be eating for Thanksgiving?

Bow Tie Pasta Salad

One of the great things about summer is all the wonderful side dishes and salads that go with cookouts, picnics and get-togethers.  Pasta salad is one of my favorites because you can make it so many different ways and use any combination of fresh vegetables that you like.

I don't remember where I stumbled on this recipe, but the original one is from Paula Deen.  I changed it up to include the veggies we like and you can do the same.  There's no right or wrong way to make this salad...just make it with fresh ingredients your family loves and it will be a hit.  The secret is it's dressing.  This is my version.  You will need the following:

1 box bow tie pasta (or any shape you like)

1 cup balsamic vinaigrette  (I used light)

1/4 cup mayonnaise  (I used light)

1 Tbs sugar

1 medium zucchini

1 medium yellow squash

1 sweet red pepper

1 yellow pepper

1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved

salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

1 Tbs chopped parsley

Cook the pasta according to the package directions.  While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the vinaigrette, mayonnaise and sugar in a large bowl and set aside. 

 Chop the veggies into bite sized pieces.  

When the pasta is done, drain and rinse under cold water.  Add the pasta and veggies to the bowl with the dressing.  Add the salt, pepper and parsley.  Stir until well combined and refrigerate until ready to serve.

It was soooo good but was even better the next day!  I would recommend making it a day ahead.

I'm joining these wonderful blogs

Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday

It's A Blog Party for Delicious Dishes

Happy Friday!!!

Stuffed Strawberries...again!

This post is a re-run from last year.  Nothing says summer like fresh juicy strawberries!

Mmmmmm....don't they look yummy?  They are as yummy as they look and so easy to make too!  All you need is :

                           

1 quart fresh strawberries

1 container (8oz) Mascarpone cheese

3 TBS powdered sugar

1 tsp milk

1/2 tsp almond extract

Sliced almonds, toasted

Start by toasting the sliced almonds in a small pan over medium heat.  Keep a close eye on them so they don't burn.

 

Meanwhile, trim the tops and bottoms of the strawberries so they will sit level.  Be careful not to trim so much off the bottom that you have a hole.  You don't want the filling to go all the way through!

                           

Next you need to scoop out the center of each strawberry.  You can do this with a small melon baller, paring knife or small corer.  Whatever you have and is easiest for you is fine.  I actually used a tool for getting out the center part of a tomato that is left when slicing off the stem end. 

  

You should have a plate of strawberries that look like this

                       

 Now you're ready to make the filling.  In a medium bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, milk and almond extract.  Just use a spoon and not a mixer.  The mascarpone cheese is soft and creamy and is easy to stir.  It's the Italian version of our cream cheese!

Spoon the cheese into either a pastry bag with a star tip or a zip top plastic bag and cut the corner off. 

Squeeze the bag to pipe the cheese mixture into the strawberries.

Top with the almonds that you remembered to keep checking on!

Refrigerate until ready to serve. 

    

For a big Ta-Da presentation, serve them on a bed of coconut on a cake stand with whole strawberries surrounding the foot of the cake stand!

Today I'm joining

Foodie Friday

Show and Tell Friday

What is your favorite way to eat strawberries?

Tickle Me Tuesday ~ Cookies

It's Tickle Me Tuesday again, and again it's all about food for me!  I know!  But these cookies are really good, and I don't usually like store bought cookies.  Unlike the Fig Newton bars of my youth, these cookies, Newtons Fruit Thins, are thin and crisp (which I also don't usually like) and full of flavor.

There are four flavors.  Cranberry Citrus Oat, Blueberry Brown Sugar, Fig and Honey and Raspberry Chocolate.  I have found only the Cranberry and the Blueberry and am on the hunt for the Raspberry Chocolate!  They are perfect with my afternoon tea and could easily become a habit!

I'm hooking up once again with Yes, Teacher! for Tickle Me Tuesday.  Pop on over there and see what has been tickling the fancy of others!

What is tickling your fancy?

Thankful Thursday ~ Nutella

Every Thursday I share something I'm thankful for.  Today I'm thankful for Nutella!  Yes, that chocolatey hazelnut goodness that comes in a jar!  I discovered this heavenly spread when we lived in Germany 20 years ago.  It has been an ongoing love affair ever since!

It's good on a graham cracker or Nilla wafer.  It's better than jelly on a peanut butter sandwich.  It's just divine straight out of the jar on a big 'ol spoon!
 You can check out the website and read all about the history and get lots of other information too.

What are you thankful for today?

Hot Tea Tickles My Fancy

I am a tea drinker.  I have never been a coffee drinker.  It's not for lack of trying though.  I've tried it every which way and I just don't like it.  If it tasted as good as it smells, I would be an addict!  Tea, on the other hand, is my hot drink addiction.  

These are my current favorites.  The chocolate mint tea is a perfect blend of sweet peppermint with a hint of chocolate.  It's my favorite tea for relaxing in the afternoon.  The Chai tea is the best one I have found.  It has just the right amount of spice and is the only tea I add milk to.  When I'm craving something sweet, I've found the peppermint to satisfy my craving if I make it slightly sweeter than usual.  I'm not much of a fruity tea fan, but the mango and peach white tea is the exception.  Not only is it full of fruity flavor, the aroma is heavenly.  When you come by to spend the afternoon, you can bet I'll offer you a cup of tea!

What is your favorite hot drink?

I'm joining Sarah at Yes, Teacher for Tickle Me Tuesdays.

Wordless Weekend

My granddaughter after rubbing her pb&j sandwich on her face!

Meet Me On Monday

I was at a loss as to what to write about today and I remembered this meme form Never Growing Old.  So in case you wanted to know more about me, here you go!!

What one food could you eat every single day?

I enjoy so many different foods I can't imagine eating the same thing every day!  I might could eat soup every day if it was a different kind every couple of days. 

Do you wear glasses or contacts?

I've worn glasses since I was in fifth grade.  I've tried contacts over the years but I had so many problems with them I gave up on them. 

What kind of cell phone do you have?

I have a Droid Eris.  It's a love/hate relationship! 

What did you have for dinner last night?
Marinated boneless chicken breast cooked on the grill, baked sweet potato and roasted broccoli.  I would still want variety but I could eat anything cooked on the grill (charcoal) every day!

What is your favorite candy?

Godiva chocolates!  Especially the one that is a ball of hazelnut chocolate between two clam shells!   This is something that is a once in a while treat.  My go to chocolate is Hershey Kisses!  Now there's something I could eat every day!!  I just don't like dark chocolate!!

Have a marvelous Monday!!!

Friday's Fabulous Finds....Etsy's Unedible Edibles

A few weeks ago I featured some of Etsy's incredible edibles. (Read that post here)  This week I came across an Etsy shop that sold miniature food that looked sooooo amazingly real and tempting, that I just knew the fake food would make a good fabulous finds feature!  Take a look at some of Etsy's unedible edibles!

Felt Pumpkin Pie Slices Play Food from mommy24cs

One Inch Scale Cart with Tea Sandwiches, Cake, Wine, Fruit and Bread from creationsinminiature

Vanilla Chocolate Ice Cream Ring from papermache

Shrimp Pasta Salad-Waldorf Inspired Felt Playfood Accessory for Imaginative Play from EvaLauryn Gifts

Carrot Cake Earrings from Allies Minis

Pincushion-Chocolate Cupcake with Emery Cherry in Pink Liner from dottyral

Gumball Machine Pin from Charlieccbb

Strawberry Pop Tart Necklace from fakerybakery2

Aren't these incredible?  As I've said before, it amazes me how creative and talented people are.  And I'm continually surprised at what I find on Etsy when I'm just browsing!

What have you found, on or off Etsy, that was just amazing?

Friday's Fabulous Finds....Etsy Edibles!

I admit it...I always have food on the brain!  When my daughter sent me a link to red velvet cookies on Etsy, I knew this would be my next fabulous finds feature!  Take a look at Etsy's Edibles!

Red Velvet Cookies from Cookies from the Hart

9 inch Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake from Sarah Cheesecakes

Lucious Lemon Cookie Bars Baker's Dozen from Carousel Cookies

Salty Peanut Butter Poppers from Penny Pies Bake Shop

Danish with Organic Fruits from The Groovy Baker

Gourmet Cupcake Sampler from Sinners Saints and Sweets

Mississippi Mud Pie Brownies from Bliss Brownies

2 lbs Pounds, Snickers Fudge from Twin Wedding Favors 09

Are you drooling all over the computer yet?  I think I gained five pounds just looking at all the goodies to feature!  And to think this is just the sweet stuff!  I'll have to do another post featuring the spices, breads, jellies, jams, sauces, dip mixes, crackers, honey.....you get the idea!  I had no idea there was so much food on Etsy.  I think I'll go make some brownies now!

Have a fabulous Friday!!!

Apple Cider Beef Stew

We eat a lot of soups and stews in the wintertime.  This winter has me looking for new recipes to try on these cold and frosty nights.  I came across this recipe in an issue of Taste of Home Slow Cooker Recipes.  I would have never thought of using apple cider and cinnamon in beef stew, but this is really delicious!

Apple Cider Beef Stew

4 cups frozen vegetables for stew (I couldn't find these so I just cut up potatoes, carrots, celery and onions like I would for regular stew)

1 can (8 oz.) sliced water chestnuts (I would leave this out next time.  We didn't care for the crunch factor in stew)

1 jar (4 oz.) sliced mushrooms drained

2 envelopes brown gravy mix

2 tablespoons onion soup mix

2 teaspoons steak seasoning

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

2 lbs. beef stew meat cut in 1 inch cubes

1 can (14 1/2 oz.) beef broth

1 1/4 cups apple cider OR unsweetened apple juice

1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

1 bay leaf

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/3 cup cold water

Place the vegetables, water chestnuts and mushrooms in a 5 quart slow cooker.  In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the gravy mix, soup mix, steak seasoning and cinnamon;  add beef, a few pieces at a time.  Shake to coat.  Add to slow cooker.

Combine the broth, cider and tomato sauce;  pour over beef.  Add the bay leaf.  Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until meat is tender.  (Next time I would increase the time if I use fresh veggies.  The potatoes weren't quite done but the meat was tender)

Combine cornstarch and water and stir til smooth;  stir into stew.  Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes or until thickened.  Discard bay leaf before serving.   Makes 12 servings.

Thanksgiving Gourmet Buffet

TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING GOURMET BUFFET!

Carved Roasted Turkey, Glazed Ham and Tenderloin of Beef,

Crab Stuffed Flounder and Herb Crusted Alaskan Salmon.

Maryland Style Crab Cakes and Seafood Risotto

Sage Infused Cornbread Stuffing and Garlic Smashed Potatoes,

Maple Glazed Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Green Bean Casserole.

Maryland Cream of Crab Soup and Seafood Gumbo.

Smoked Salmon and Assorted Smoked Seafood Display.

Cranberry Relish and Mixed Field Greens with Condiments.

Macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers and fries for the kids.

Fresh baked breads and Gourmet Desserts

Coffee, Specialty Teas and Soft Drinks.

 
I'm not cooking the big feast tomorrow!  We are going to the Yellowfin Restaurant in Annapolis for our Thanksgiving dinner.  This menu was just too tempting to pass up!  Actually, my kids have never really cared for the traditional meal that I grew up with on Thanksgiving and the day usually ended up with the kids in a bad mood and me with a headache!  It was stressful all the way around.  When I finally let go of the traditional foods and just focused on the joy of being together and giving thanks, the holiday became much more enjoyable.  So tomorrow we will eat out and everyone can have something they like and we can all be grateful without the stress!
 
I will still make dessert to have later in the evening.  Probably Paula Deen's Gooey Pumpkin Butter Cake.  This will be the first time I haven't made pumpkin pie, even though this is the one dish everyone liked!   Now that I think of it, maybe I'll make both!
 
Whatever your plans and traditions are I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!