Healthy Blueberry Apple Crisp

So, over the weekend I made this delicious apple crisp. I posted a picture of it on social media and nearly everyone begged for the recipe. That right there tells me this is will be a popular post! Although I didn't use any exact measurements when I made it, I have a very good eye for cooking and baking without recipes. Below is my best estimation of what I did! I do hope you enjoy it. It was very popular at my house.

Ingredients
1 Gala apple
1 Cup of frozen, unsweetened blueberries, defrosted
2 tsp of cinnamon
1 single serve package of plain instant oatmeal
1 serving of "I cant believe its not butter" spray (5 squirts)
1 tbsp Walden Farms Syrup
.5 cup of Splenda
Dash of vanilla extract 
Non-stick spray

First, mix 1/4 cup of Splenda with blueberries in a bowl and place in fridge. Spray a small glass baking pan with non-stick spray.

Cut apples into thin slices, removing stem and seeds. Line the bottom of the glass pan with the apples and sprinkle with 1 tsp of cinnamon and 14 cup of Splenda. Place in the fridge. Preheat oven to 325.

To make the topping- mix the package of oatmeal, the Walden Farms Syrup, dash of vanilla, 5 sprays of the "butter" and the other tsp of cinnamon in a bowl. It should have a somewhat chunky, crumbly consistency.

Remove the apple and blueberry mixtures from the fridge. By this point the blueberries should have a sweet juice made from the Splenda and natural blueberry juice. Pour that entire mixture on top of the apples. Then crumple the oatmeal mixture over the top.

Bake at 325 for about 30 minutes. The apples should be soft. Serves 2-4.

Enjoy!!

Snow Day Giveaway

I like nothing more than spend my day either playing on my computer (online shopping), cooking, or reading on a good snow day. Today we had one of those such days. I got to spend plenty of time with my kiddos, fold tons of laundry, and of course- play on my computer! It was a delight.


However, I am starting to look forward to Spring. I love celebrating Easter with my family. In fact, I started making those plans today. If you too are looking forward to Easter, you will like these neat graphic tees from Family Christian!  I have one that I love. Its purple and it say " I am the Resurrection and the Life." There are several more designs as well, and they are only $7.97 until 4/23. Since you are probably snowed in like me, you can check them out online- here!

 If you love several of them and cant decide, perhaps this giveaway will help! Since its so nice and snowy and I LOVE snow, you can share what you enjoy doing on a snow day and get an entry to this giveaway for $10 to spend at Family Christian (on these cool shirts or on something else you've had your eye on!) Hurry! This giveaway is only open a few days!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Goals & Rewards

If you have been following me on here or Facebook, you are aware of my major life changes. In fact, I thrive on finding and working toward these goals. I am a major perfectionist with a tendency to obsess, so it comes naturally to me. However, this drive cannot last forever, so I am starting to create rewards to go with these goals. I see nothing wrong getting rewarded for goals accomplished.

Recently I have put most of my focus into my health. Losing weight and training for the Color Run have been main goals for several months now. I figured it would be a good time to share those goals and my plans for rewards. It is also a good time to explore some new goals with you and get ideas on the rewards that best fit them. So please share your thoughts and ideas. I really want to know!

If you can not read it, here is a basic run down:
100lbs lost- tattoo
15 min jog- running shoes
5 min outdoor jog- mani-pedi
Hit 175- new sandals
Goal weight- Spa Day
Jog 10 mins outdoors- shoes
jog 15 mins outdoors- getaway
Jog 3 miles- Tory Burch Bag
Jog 3 miles outdoors- Earrings
Keep weight off 6 months- Sleep Number bed

I don't really see these as unfair rewards or unrealistic goals. I only hope I can afford my reward at the time!

Anyway, now I am starting to write a new list of goals. More "life" goals that are about more than health. I recently decided to pursue my education further. I have found a love for inspiring others and helping them to reach their goals. Considering this, I plan on becoming a life coach/ counselor. I was laughing with a friend the other day when I said "I want a job where I get to make people feel awesome! What can I do?" This field is what I found.

I figured it is now time to create goals for my education and career. However I am not really sure where to start, because I feel like the rewards and goals are so very different from the ones above. This is where my readers come in. Help me create them! Here is what I know has to be on that list so far:

• Graduate with Masters

• Graduate with Doctorate

Any other good ideas?

Where else in my life should I focus? I love to work on these kinds of projects!

Spinach Turkey Sauce

Although I have been busy the last few days, I return with so much going on. I have fantastic news to share at some point. I also have multiple recipes to share, ideas to discuss, and fun thing to write about it! It is exciting!

Anyway, today I have a DELICIOUS recipe to share with you. I made this dish for my family and I and everyone enjoyed it. It has plenty of veggies and tons of flavor! If you are extra healthy you can use veggie noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 can of Italian diced tomatoes
• 1 can of plain tomato sauce
• 5-8 cups of fresh spinach
• 1 lbs of ground turkey
• 1 tsp of oregano
• 1 tsp of onion powder
• 1tsp of basil
• salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large skillet brown ground turkey. While browning add in onion powder.
2. When ground turkey is browned, add slightly drained can of diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 mins. 
3. Add the rest of the spices and simmer and extra 2 mins. Stirring to make sure all spices are mixed evenly.
4. Add spinach and simmer until leaves wilt. Stir well. Lastly add the can of sauce. Heat until desired temperature.

This sauce can be served of noodles or veggie noodles. Add Parmesan to taste. I even ate it alone with a side of roasted brussel sprouts. Yum!

Self Study Sundays: The Five Love Languages

I know that I have mentioned the book "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman before. I do so again because it is such a useful book. Even if you are single, knowing your own love language helps you to understand yourself. It helps you to realize what make you feel loved. I highly recommend reading it. In fact, they have a version to learn the love language of children as well! However, if you don't have time to read it currently, you can still get a basic idea of your love language.

The icon above will bring you to a short quiz that will help you understand your love language(s) better. Mine are physical touch and acts of service. My husband's is physical touch as well. 

While you are at it, it would be cool to add your love language to your daily journal. How many of you have been keeping up with yours? Mine is going well. I included a picture of mine below. I would love to see yours!

More 300 Calorie Lunches

 

Green beans, peppered turkey, hard bread stick.

A whole dried apple, almond butter, and Melba toast

Cabbage, chicken, and green beans wraps made with half a tomato tortilla wrap (cut into froths). Sugar Free chocolate for a treat

Chipotle chicken salad with fat free sour cream

Tomato and chicken wrap in a tomato tortilla with an orange and sugar free peach rings.

 Since this is my last 300 calorie lunch post for a while, I'd love to hear your opinions! Were you inspired? What are some 300 calorie lunch ideas that you have created? Please share!

Self Study Sunday: Year Long Discovery Project

 

When I started this blog it was all about some kind of self discovery. In fact, I am a person I never would have been if I had not started blogging. However, over time I have made my blog not only about self discovery but about inspiring others. Every step I take closer to understanding myself I realize that I was meant to build up others. Because of this I would like to encourage you to join this year long journey with me. It may not always be easy, but you will not be alone.

The best thing about this project is that no one has to see it if you don't want them too. It also doesn't require any writing if you do not want it to. "What is it?" you may be asking. Well, its something like a journal. Giving you options of what you do on a daily basis kicks out the reasons "I'm not crafty" or "I can't write." So, what are you waiting for? Join me.

Here's what you may need:

• Notebook or journal
• pen or pencil
• coloring supplies
• glue
• scissors
• magazines or newspaper

I will be following my progress of this same project over the year. I will also be providing you with thought provoking questions and ideas. I encourage you to understand what I am coming to understand, there is so much more to you!