Pain while sitting....

As I sit here typing, in pain, I dread having to stand back up. Every time I sit to use the bathroom, I fall back on the toilet due to the pain in my legs - fronts and backs.  Because of my workout yesterday, great as it may have been, I am sore in places I did not know existed. 

Why do we do this to ourselves?   The million dollar question......  But, the fact remains, we need to do this to ourselves.  There is a billion dollar market out there that enjoys the pain on our faces as we walk up four steps to the front door.

However, I am making a goal for myself this week (join me if you wish). I am not going to try and "begin a new fitness routine." I am not going to "start a diet on Monday."  Finally, I am not going to "Lose this weight," because of what I do on Monday - Friday.  I am going to find 20 minutes during the next week to become active with the family. Maybe, just maybe, I will find TWO 20 minute windows throughout the week.

Celebrate 20 Minutes!  That is our goal for next week. In 20-25 minutes, I can walk the dog and the stroller for 1.5 miles. That is my goal.  Simple as it may be, I feel that it is the revolution I need.  What will your 20 minutes be??????  Swimming with the kids at the YMCA, walking as they ride their bikes, walking around the field during baseball practice, working out after work before heading home (Carson Teachers!).  Once you have completed your 20 minute goal, post your success here so that we can all read about it and celebrate the 20 minutes!

Coming up next week: Chicken Pot Pie.  Get your can openers ready!

What's on SALE: Feb 24-Feb 27

My second goal of this challenge is to save money.  I have always been good at managing my finances, but times are tougher than ever. Therefore, I am challenging myself to reach new heights in balancing the 'Bree' budget.

My philosophy on coupons: CAREFULL. Coupons can make you spend money that you would not normally spend, therefore not saving you much money at all. Sometimes I feel like I buy something just because I have a coupon for it?? (However, I do admire those who can keep every coupon in an organized notebook - I see them walking around the stores on double coupon weekends with their notebook out in their carts.) I have learned to only clip coupons for items I already use normally. Then, I hoard these coupons until someone has a double coupon week.

Well, that week is here!!  Harris Teeter and BiLo are both having double coupon weekends for any coupon up to a value of $.98.

Here are some other great sales at each store so you can decide where to unload your coupons.
Harris Teeter                                                                      BiLo
Mushrooms $2.59 pint (if you want to make meatloaf)      Mushrooms pints 2 for $4.00
Biscuits $.97 (next week's Chicken Pot Pie)                          Boston Butts $1.69 per lb.
Frozen Sweet Peas 2/$4.00 Organic                                       Pride of the Farm Ground Turkey 3 for $3
VO5 Shampoo $.89                                                                     Chicken Breast $.99 per lb.
EZ Peel Shrimp Buy 2 Get 3 Free                                              Pork Chops $1.49 per lb.

Last week was Super Double Coupons at Harris Teeter.  Here is what I was able to get for $24.00.  It would have been $52 without coupons. Six bars of soap, 5 tubes of Colgate, 2 bottles of lotion, 1 shampoo, 2 deodorants, 1 baby oatmeal, 1 baby wipes, and 1 Fabreeze.

Slow-Cooker Meat Loaf

Remember we are making FOUR. One will be cooked today, and the other three will be frozen till a later date.
Grocery List:
4 pounds ground turkey
4 cups bread crumbs (this is one cylinder that you find in the store)
4 4oz cans sliced button mushrooms
2 large onions chopped
2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons salt
8 eggs
4 teaspoons minced garlic
1 15oz can of sweet potato puree
3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon ground red pepper

Divide the ingredients into four bowls.  In each bowl mix together 1 pound meat, 1 cup bread crumbs, 1 can of mushrooms, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 2 eggs lightly beaten, 1 teaspoon garlic, and 1/2 cup sweet potato.

Shape the mixtures into loaves approximately 9x6 (or a shape that will fit into your slow cooker). Place one loaf into cooker and follow cooking directions.  To freeze the other three, first wrap in plastic wrap. Then cover the loaves in aluminum foil. Write cooking directions on the foil along with today's date and recipe title.

Cooking Directions: Completely thaw loaf. Combine 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard, and 1/8 teaspoon red pepper in a small bowl. Place loaf in slow cooker and cover with ketchup mixture. Cook on low for 5 hours or high for 2 1/2 hours. Six servings.

The Plan for Goal #1

My goal for the year is to make an entree one day a week, but make 4 of them all at once.  One will be cooked that evening for dinner while the other three will be frozen till a later date.  At this rate, within one month, I will be able to cook only one day a week and have prepared frozen entrees ready for the oven for the rest of the week.

Each recipe must be multiplied by four. I must also have room in my freezer to store all of these entrees.  (I love Craigslist and my $70 used deep freezer).

I will share all of these creations with you..... stick with me.....

My Challenge

Goal #1:  To prepare a healthy, home-made dinner for my family every night we so choose. I was at my third job today talking to a customer who put it best, "I can either spend time in the kitchen or spend time with my kids." The result is obvious. I have worked in a kitchen environment ever since shift leader at Camp Tekoa's kitchen in 1997. Then there was Foster's Market, LA Weight Loss, and now at a high end Culinary Store. I do not want to stop cooking, yet I want to be the best mother possible.  A plan must be devised.

Goal #2:  To work out four days a week so as to loose the epic "Last Ten Pounds." So, my goal #1 has to allow time for the gym and to not be too unhealthy.

Goal #3:  To learn how to sew. This goal might have to wait till the summer.

Goal #4:  To constantly SAVE money, allowing Steve to continue his evening studies at Catawba College. Which sends me back to goal #1 - we have to keep it in control.

Goal #5: To continue gardening fruits and vegetables and preserving them.  This makes goal #1 more affordable and fresh!

Thus, is my Suburban Challenge. Notice how it all relates back to cooking - except for the sewing part. A lot can be said for a healthy kitchen relationship. Stick with me and I'll share my lessons - good and bad - so that you also can master your own Suburban Challenge.

The Suburban Challenge Kickoff!

The Suburban Challenge?   Society's pressure to become the ideal domestic diva for our families: home cooked, healthy meals, craftastic entertaining, and masters of the "Last Ten Pounds."

Sounds great until you factor in the troubles of a stressed economy: no pay raise in three years, working full time with two part time jobs, a new baby with day care expenses, and an "investment project" that has not sold after two years on the market. This is My Suburban Challenge.

I grew up idealizing Martha Stewart and was fortunate to work for her former assistant Sara Foster while in college.  Now, it feels as if life could easily spin out of control. We all have our own Suburban Challenge.   Whether it involves a busy schedule chauffeuring teenagers around town all day or fighting the battle alone as a single parent, we all seek that domestic karma feeling that seems restful and fulfilling.

So - Today, February 19th, 2011, I raise my glass of Aldi Sauvignon Blanc, $5.39 per bottle, glass of white wine high in the air and toast to My Suburban Challenge - You will soon meet your Master!