Turkey for Two

This Thanksgiving was very different from any we have had in the past. My husband is just two weeks past his hip replacement surgery, so he is unable to travel comfortably. We were also not up for hosting a  houseful of up to over 12 family members, as we have for so many years in the past, due to his bed being downstairs now and him just not being up for that much activity.


Our daughter goes to college in Chicago, and only has a few days off, so she was off to Ohio to spend it with relatives there as she did last year! So it was just us, and it felt like a date!

Besides it being a glorious California day, the meal was a huge success. I opted for a 3 1/2 pound turkey breast instead of a whole turkey for several reasons. All meat with no bone, faster cooking, and healthier choices being most of those reasons! My husband is diabetic, so he is taking an active role in trying to eat better and make better dining choices. I think on a whole we did pretty well. Who says you can't enjoy the meal and still make healthier choices that you won't feel too guilty about.

This was  our menu:

• Turkey Breast, herb seasoned and baked.
• Stuffing (ok, so too many carbs, but hey it's Thanksgiving after all!)
• Brussels Sprouts steamed
• Candied Carrots (with splenda)
• Yams (one simply baked, one candied)
• Crescent Rolls (light)
• Gewurtztraminer wine (me only, and believe me I enjoyed several glasses!)
• Sparkling water
• Pumpkin Cheesecake, no sugar, low fat.

Yes, I bought myself flowers for the occasion! I knew my husband would have if he was able, so what's a girl to do?!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful and tasty Thanksgiving.

Ta ta for now...

September Crazies!

August isn't even over yet and already September is turning into a crazy busy month! I am heading to New York mid September for my cousin's daughter's Wedding, I reconnected with a high school friend who wants to meet up for lunch but she leaves for Dubai at the end of September, my elementary school is having a 50 year Anniversary celebration and I would like to be able to visit my daughter at college! All in September!

Well I guess that old saying "when it rains, it pours" certainly can be inserted here! To top that all off, my husband just learned that he needs his hip replaced. He has been dealing with the pain and discomfort for over a year now and has finally resigned himself to the fact that it has to be done. So now I am scrambling to find out all I can about various surgeons so that it can get scheduled as soon as I am back in town. Well almost as soon as I get back, we have a wedding to go to on October 2, so hopefully it can be after that!

So I guess for the rest of the year I will be helping him recover as much as possible. I have heard lots of wonderful progress has been made in this area of surgery, so I hope I can help him put his mind at ease. Facing any kind of surgery is scary to say the least.

All I know is that I want the pain to stop so that he can get back to a healthier weight and healthier lifestyle. I don't want too much do I!.

Ta ta for now...

Soup Plantation Discounts!

I love the Soup Plantation for it's variety and healthy choices. I was so happy to see this coupon come back for discount dining. It is also valid at Sweet Tomatoes.  Download and enjoy! I sure did!

Ta Ta for now...

Special K Challenge

Well I finally used one of my "buy one, get one free" coupons for the Special K Challenge today. I was in Target picking up some hair color (yes, I color my hair and cover up grey) and remembered that I had my coupons with me. After making my way to the cereal aisle I discovered that they had the cereal on sale at two for $5.00.With my coupon, that made each box only cost $1.25!

I even think that my husband with his diabetes should be able to eat this as there are only 4 gram of sugar per serving. Not only am I trying to keep myself healthy, I am determined to help him lose weight and get back on a healthy track!

Ta Ta for now...

Happy New Year!

Well, it is now 2011, and welcome to the second decade of the 2000's! I hope that everyone had a safe and fun New Year's Eve. As for my husband and me, we have rarely gone out on New Year's Eve, preferring to stay at home and increase our odds of staying alive. LOL!

My omen for a wonderful and successful New Year? I found a penny on Friday and a dime on Thursday. That equals 11 cents which represents 2011 to me and equals good luck ! I hope that good luck extends throughout the coming year and that I will have success with getting my husband to a healthy weight and that I can continue on a healthy regimen of eating and exercising that keeps me feeling young!

Ta Ta for now...

Being Nice Has Its Rewards!

My Husband and I work together (it actually works out pretty well)! He suggested that I buy lunch for the staff since we have been fairly busy lately and a little under-staffed, so everyone is working a tiny bitter harder. I had placed coupons that came in the mail in the break room for  employees to use for lunch options. When he suggested that I get Kentucky Fried I nearly died!  With him being overweight and diabetic, and several other staffers having similar maladies, there is no way that I could morally subject them to an unhealthy lunch.  So I set out to find a healthier alternative for 10 hungry people!

I ended up choosing Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill and ordered a buffet platter. Yes they cost more, but knowing that I am encouraging a healthy meal made me decide to just go for it. I substituted grilled fish for the breaded and paired it with grilled chicken. The a-Go-Go salad also feeds 10, so there was  more than enough food to go around once you add in the rice, beans, tortilla chips, salsa, cheese, tortillas and guacamole.

My reward? When I paid for my order they handed me a receipt with a coupon good for a free Rubio's meal good up to $10.00!! Sometimes it pays to be nice!

Ta Ta for now...

Inexpensive Yet Yummy Meal!

I am always on the look out for healthy meals that don't cost too much. Here is another favorite of mine. Spaghetti Squash spaghetti.  

Cut your squash in half lengthwise and place face down in a glass pan.  Add about 1/2 inch of water. Bake at 450 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until soft. Remove from oven, cool, then scrape all of the squash innards into a bowl. It flakes out just like spaghetti! Top with pre-made sauce or make your own. Since I just made my mushroom pizzas a couple of days ago, I still had an open jar of sauce in the fridge. Top with grated cheese and tomato slices, mushrooms or any other favorite topper. This time I even experimented with vegetarian ground beef in the sauce.  I love this dish because it is so tasty and filling and it makes a lot. We had leftovers for dinner the next day, and there is still enough for lunch!

This meal allows me to trick my husband into eating a lot of vegetables without him realizing it!  A healthy crime indeed!

Ta Ta for now...

Pizza Cravings!

There's nothing worse that craving pizza when you are trying to diet.  That is why I am so thankful that I found this recipe that looks and tastes like pizza but it is much healthier for you.  

Substitute large Portobello Mushrooms for the bread!  Preheat the oven to 350.  Take the mushroom, remove the stalk and scrape out the gills from the cap. Place them on a slightly greased sheet and bake for 5 to 10 minutes to remove some moisture. Build your pizza with spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce, then layer with mozzarella cheese and any other toppings or spices that sound yummy.  Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and gooey.

I find this meal to be filling, great tasting and satisfying. My husband even enjoys it because he is a fungi!

Ta Ta for now...