Inspiration

"I advise you to say your dream is possible and then overcome all inconveniences, ignore all the hassles and take a running leap through the hoop, even if it is in flames."

~Les Brown (1945 - )

Inspiration

As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily.  The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world.

  ~Terri Guillemets

Inspiration

Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion.  You must set yourself on fire. 

~Arnold H. Glasow

Inspiration

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give!
Winston Churchill

Inspiration

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.”

 Karen Ravn quotes

Inspiration

Don't live down to expectations.  Go out there and do something remarkable.  ~Wendy Wasserstein

Inspiration

What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you.
Seneca

Inspiration

The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man's foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher.  ~Thomas Henry Huxley, Life and Letters of Thomas Huxley

Inspiration

The great and glorious masterpiece of
man is to know how to live to purpose.
Michel de Montaigne

Inpiration

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.  ~Judy Garland

Inspiration

When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.
Helen Keller

Inspiration

It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to survive and thrive to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts.
Robert H. Schuller

 

 

Inspiration

When you finally allow yourself to trust joy and embrace it,

      you will find you dance with everything.

                                                                                 - Emanuel

Jazzing Up Your Pancakes

So who does not like great pancakes on a weekend morning? I know my family does. I like to make all kinds of pancakes by adding a variety of ingredients. 

I do not usually make pancakes from a box or bag but this morning I decided to try Arrowhead Mills Organic Oat Bran Pancake and Waffle mix. I followed the directions on the bag. I did however make a couple of substitutions. Instead of using a whole egg as directed I used two egg whites and I also used low- fat vanilla soymilk in place of regular soymilk. 

I then added a few of my own extra’s I chopped up a 1/4 cup of walnuts and added raspberries to a batch of pancakes and blue berries to a batch of pancakes. When the pancakes are ready to serve I pour a tablespoon of real maple syrup over them! 

Start with your own pancake mix and have fun with it. Do not be afraid to try out your own add ins. Fruit and nuts are always a terrific start.

Here are a few more wonderful additions:

• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Almonds
• Pistachios
• Carob chips

Try something new. You will not regret it!

Inspiration

Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.

Pamela Vaull Starr

Clean Eating Crockpot Beef Stew

March 4, 2011 by JenniferM  
 This Recipe is from the Clean Eating website.

I can not wait to cook up this delicious stew for dinner tomorrow. I am going to start it bright and early in the morning! 
Ingredients:

• 3 carrots, cut lengthwise into halves and then cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 ribs celery cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 cups onions, chopped
• 3 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 3/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves
• 3/4 tsp. dried basil leaves
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 2 lbs. lean beef stew meat cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (14 oz.) low-sodium beef broth
• 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup cold water

Directions:

1. Layer the ingredients in your crockpot in this order:  carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, basil, salt and pepper, beef, undrained tomatoes, and then the broth.  Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
2. Once cooked, remove the beef and vegetables and place them in a large serving bowl.  Cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.  Remove the bay leaf and throw away.  Turn crockpot on high and cover.
3. Mix the wheat flour and water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir the flour mix into the crockpot.  Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until thick.
4. Pour sauce over beef and veggies in the serving bowl and serve.

Servings:  6 to 8
Prep time:  25 minutes
Tips: Serve with whole wheat rolls and/or a small side salad.

Inspiration

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination.
Tommy Lasorda

Inspiration

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.  ~Author Unknown

Apple-Walnut Oatmeal

I found this recipe on the Clean Eating website. I can not wait to try it. Oatmeal is such a great way to start your morning.The recipe was submitted by Emily. Thank you Emily for this great recipe.

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YIELD: 1 serving
PREPARATION TIME: 5 minutes
COOKING TIME: Prepare oats according to package instructions.

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Details

Breakfast doesn’t have to be difficult!  The combination of cinnamon, apples and walnuts will be a new family favorite!

Ingredients

• ½ cup / 120 ml uncooked oats
• 1 medium apple, chopped
• 1 tsp / 5 ml cinnamon
• 1-2 Tbsp / 15 – 30 ml water
• 1 Tbsp / 15 ml chopped walnuts

Preparation

1. Prepare your oatmeal according to package instructions.
2. Place chopped apple in a bowl. Add cinnamon and lightly toss to coat.
3. Add the 1-2 Tbsp of water along with the chopped apple to a saucepan on medium heat.
4. Cook until the apple is softened.
5. Mix oatmeal, softened apple and walnuts in a bowl.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Inspiration

Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.

Doug Firebaugh

Magazine Review

Clean Eating Magazine

I just picked up the March issue of Clean Eating Magazine. Can I just say this is my favorite magazine right now! I cannot rave enough about it.

This month’s issue features 15-minute meals, budget dinners, power herbs and ways to slim your waist and help your heart.

Every month is full of great recipes, healthy living ideas and exercise tips. They also feature new gadgets and products for the home.

You will also find a 2-week meal planner and an accompanying grocery list to help you out.

Yes, there is a bit of advertising but I do not seem to notice it to much as I am reading cover to cover.

Here is the link to the website if you would like to check it out.http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/

Inspiration

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.

Harriet Tubman

Sesame-Crusted Tilapia With Gingered Green Beans

I found this great recipe in my new Clean Eating magazine. It is really good and easy to prepare.

Sesame- Crusted Tilapia
With Gingered Green Beans
By: Chef Joanne Lusted


Serves 4. Prep time: 15 minutes.
Total time: 15 minutes.
Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger, divided
• 4 tsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp sesame oil, divided
• 4-6 oz tilapia fillets, skin and bones removed
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
• 3 cups trimmed green beans (12oz)
• 1/8 tsp each sea salt and ground black pepper

Instructions:

One: preheat oven to 425 F.

Two: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, 2 tsp ginger, 2 tsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp sesame oil. Place tilapia in a shallow nonstick or foil-lined baking pan and pour lime juice mixture over top, turning fillets to coat. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over top of tilapia and bake for 8 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Three: Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 Tsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium. Add remaining 4 tsp ginger and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add broth, beans, salt and pepper, cover and cook for 5 minutes or until beans are bright green and tender crisp. Remove from the heat, add remaining 1/2 tsp sesame oil and toss to coat.

Four: Using a thin heat-proofed spatula, lift tilapia from pan and arrange on serving plates. Drizzle with pan juices and serve immediately with green beans, dividing evenly.

Nutrients per serving: ( 1 tiapia fillet and 3/4 cup green beans)
Calories: 268, Total fat: 10g, Sat fat: 2g, Monounsaturated fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated fat: 1g, Omega-3s: 320 mg, Protein: 38 g, Sodium: 468g, Cholesterol: 85mg

Inspiration

Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.
Doug Firebaugh