It's the Little Things...

I like Chinese food, but I don't love Chinese food.  Going out to dinner is a fun treat that we indulge in every once in a while...When the opportunity arises, Chinese is not the first on my list.  My husband, on the other hand, loves Chinese food and he is a good sport and takes me elsewhere when we don't cook.

His birthday is coming up and I wanted to do something just for him.  I saw this Christmas tree ornament at Target and it gave me an idea.  Gift cards are boring and just saying, "We're going to have Chinese food," is equally boring...so...I found a cute way to announce that we are having Chinese food!

There are so many cute ornaments these days.  Why not plan ahead and pick some themed ornaments to gift later in the year?

*Fortune Cookie photo by: Emily Hildebrand

Keep Your Home Smelling Merry & Bright

Today we are bombarded with artificial everything, at least that's how it seems.  Why not keep your home smelling fresh the natural way? Simply grab a medium pot and fill it about half way with water, add some citrus slices, cranberries, some fresh herbs and spices.  Today I used grapefruit, cranberries, thyme, rosemary, a little vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice blend.  Turn your stove on low and don't forget to keep an eye on the water level.  Your house will smell fantastic!

Guiltless Bison and Bean Chili 

This recipe uses bison instead of beef or turkey.  The advantage is it packs a greater protein punch than the beef or turkey, has less fat, and tastes like you’re “cheating.” It is absolutely worth paying the extra money to use bison in your recipes for this reason.

INGREDIENTS: 1LB ground bison, (1) 15 OZ can dark red kidney beans, (1) 15 OZ can black beans, (2) 14.5 cans (Plain) diced tomatoes, 1 medium yellow onion diced,* OPTIONAL 1 diced jalapeno pepper (Seeded and cored), 2 medium cloves of garlic minced, 2 Tbsp chili powder, 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 Tbsp ground cumin, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 Tbsp organic apple cider vinegar (With the mother), sea salt t taste.

• In a large cast iron French oven with Tbsp extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of sea salt, begin browning meat and onion until onion is clear. Add garlic. Add jalapeno.
• Rinse beans and add to pot.  Add tomatoes with liquid and all other ingredients. Simmer for several hours and serve.

It’s as easy as that! NO EXCUSES! You can serve with a little non-fat Greek yogurt and avocado as shown.

Are you holly jolly or are you a Scrooge? The holidays are around the corner how do you cope? Are you in the moment and enjoying the festivities or do you feel stressed out by it all?

Here are some helpful hints to keep it fun.  

1. Understand your budget and stick to it.  
2. Remember that the holidays are about family and being together.
3. Plan ahead.  Shop early (NOW) to avoid the crowds and get the items that you want.   
4. Don’t be afraid to say no.  Know your limits and don’t over extend yourself with your obligations or your finances.  
5. Get your Z’s - aim for at least seven hours per night.  Getting enough sleep will help you fight off stress, germs, and your’re less likely to fall off the rails with your nutrition.  
6. Plan ahead and keep your nutrition in line during the day before attending holiday parties in the evening.
7. Make your healthy meals and snacks in advance so it is easier to keep it healthy.
8. If there is a lot of junk in the break room at work, DON’T GO THERE.  Just stay out if you can.  If there is a party, bring a healthy treat to contribute.
9. If there is a lot of junk and you did not bring a healthy dish to share, hold a drink in one hand and your purse in the other.  You’ve got no free hands to get into the cookies.
10. Gum is tacky, but if you can refrain from chewing like a cow, go ahead and pop a piece.
11. Schedule workouts.  Exercise is the best antidepressant around
12. Give to others with your time or donations of money, food, gifts, blankets or coats.  Helping others who are less fortunate feels fantastic! 

Fa-la-la-la la, I got a bunch of my shopping done today and I “walked my talk”.  

Are you looking for something special for your home that's a little different than the things you can pick up at the mall? Try visiting an architectural salvage yard. Each shopping trip will bring you a different result.  

Some of the items available include: old doors, windows, hardware, ironwork, mantle pieces, and sometimes even furniture.  Use your imagination and there are countless ways to re-purpose these beauties to turn them into something fantastic! I try to go in with an idea of what I'm looking for, but often leave with something unexpected.