Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Fish-Seafood · Recipes · Uncategorized · WLS

Cod with Kalamata Olives

Cod is high in protein, 3 ounces is 15 grams.  So the last time we went to the store we purchased some that are individually packed and frozen.  With it being just the two of us, and I am not able to eat a lot in each meal, this is more efficient for us.  I have gotten tired of chicken lately.

For the marinade:
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red onion, chopped  (I had a small yellow onion)
10 pitted Kalamata Olives, chopped
2 Tablespoons dried Oregano
Juice from a lemon
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste

Pat the fish dry with paper towels.  I only took out 3 pieces of fish.  This marinade is good for up to 6 pieces of fish.

Place in a glass dish.

Cover the fish with the marinade (yes, all of it).  Cover, refrigerate, and let the fish marinade for at least 30 minutes but up to 2-3 hours.

Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for approximately 25-30 depending on the thickness of the fish.

I made steamed broccoli and rice for David.

I just had fish.  Cod is a firm, white, flaky fish that cooked up nicely with these flavors.  It was moist, and not salty.  I had one fish, and David enjoyed the other.  Cod is full of protein, and I didn’t feel like that was all I was having.  This was a real treat that I will be making again.

Enjoy!

Bible · Bible verse · Random Thoughts · Sunday · thoughts · Uncategorized

Sunday Thought

I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.   I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.  Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.” Philippians 4:12-14 (HCSB)

 

We don’t have much money at our disposal right now, and we are working on staying on budget.  We have budgeted groceries, yard care, 5k’s and dinner out.  It hasn’t been easy, but we are seeing a bit of light in this tunnel.

yard mower

Our yard guy hasn’t been by in a long while (we don’ t have a lawn mower as of yet), and he is very reasonable with price for what he does (when he shows).  David was approached by Chris (don’t know him or his last name), this past week as he was going by neighborhoods to earn some money mowing grass.  We don’t keep cash on us, as we will just spend it. So David asked if he would come back on Friday to mow for $25.00.

Chris showed, and mowed the yard (well the weeds are down).  David paid him in cash $20.00 and $5 in quarters – ha, but cash is cash and a promise held.  We were blessed by helping him help us.

Don’t ever tell me you are hungry, or don’t have money for food.  I am so the person that will go home and purge my pantry, freezer and give it to you.  I will also make you a meal if not two.  David’s heart is just as big as mine when it comes to those in need.  We just have to help.  We don’t do it to brag or to get something in return.  We feel blessed to help.

Sharing in hardship, with a happy heart.

Sunday Blessings.

 

 

Random Thoughts · thoughts · Uncategorized

April Fool’s Day

“Today is April Fool’s Day!  So believe nothing and trust no one.  Just like any other day, right?” – unknown

Happy Saturday.

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Recipes · Uncategorized · WLS

Ribeye Steak & WLS

Steak has been a food that is not common for me to eat since my weight loss surgery.  I love steaks, especially ribeye. I had purchased a grass-fed ribeye at Whole Foods, and was excited to cook it.  This is my favorite way (well, maybe tied with grilling).

Heat a tablespoon of oil in an iron skillet (this one is from my Mom, and has cooked many a dish in i t).

Bring the ribeye to room temperature, and pat dry with paper towels.

I seasoned it with McCormick Season Salt, and ground pepper on bot sides.

Place in the hot skillet.  Cook (without turning for 3-4 minutes) until it has a good sear.

For my sanity, I use a splatter cover.  

Turn, and cook another 3-4 minutes or until medium rare.  (Depending on the thickness of your steak it could take less or more time.)

Once done, you MUST rest your steak.  I place mine on a cutting board, and cover with aluminum foil to keep in the heat.

After resting for about 10 minutes, I slice against the grain.

It is extremely juicy, and cooked just the way I love it.

I didn’t eat the fat (but the fat is rendered), and made sauteed spinach as my side.  It was juicy, full of flavor, and perfect.

I only had about 3 ounces due to I really shouldn’t have red meat (harder to process with my sleeve).  So I have enough for 4 meals with this one steak.  Perfect.

Enjoy!

 

Craft · Craft Room · Finds · Mom · Random Thoughts · thoughts · Uncategorized

Wooden Spools & Buttons

My Mom grew up in Germany, and for her trade she became a seamstress.   Her sewing basket has been in my closet for years, and I have gone to it for a variety of items, but really hadn’t paid it attention.  She has a ton of items in it, but that is for another day.So when I was going through my basket to sort, and organize (mainly buttons, and safety pins), I discovered these (cream and purple) wooden spools.  They still have the original stickers on the top of them.

 

I also combined all of the buttons from a basket in the closet, to the ones in both my sewing basket and my Mom’s.  I wanted to put them in a see through container but something cute.  I found this jelly jar in my kitchen cabinet, and I love the way it looks both on the cabinet with the wooden spools.

I love finding pieces of memories of my family that I can incorporate into my space. I love seeing these items and thinking of sweet times with my mom.  It’s the little things.

Blessings!

 

 

 

Craft Room · Random Thoughts · thoughts · Uncategorized

Craft Room – Part 6

Getting there.

We brought in a shelving unit from the garage (cleaned up), and placed it behind the door.  I have just placed my stamp sets, ribbon, markers, reference books, files full of stickers sets, and scrapbook sized paper on the shelves.  I am so thankful that the bookcase fits beautifully, and at no additional cost, really budget friendly and  re-purposed.

The closet fabric board has been updated with my latest 5k registration, and the four leaf clover I found.  The three small plaques are from my Mom from Germany.  

Inside, we added another file cabinet (from the attic), and have organized the placement of files, phone books (church, and old hometown), and seasonal decor boxes.The cabinet space holds all of the knitting and photo albums that need finishing. 

My computer area is nicely finished I think (for now anyway).  The painting on the left was done with former co-workers at a painting party.  Not great, but I have never called myself an artist with paintings especially.  The magnetic sign says “If it’s not in the scrapbook, it didn’t happen.” that Beth gave me years ago.  Precious friends in Arkansas (Christmas trip) on a new Razorback frame.  And then Tink (used to hang in the master bedroom).  I love how this area seems to stay organized.The craft table side of the room is still a work in progress.  I haven’t decided yet what to do above the table, or have worked on the bins yet.  Once I find my stool for the desk, and have some more free time (ha!) this should get organized.  The plastic tub under the desk is stuff I need to either Ebay, or donate.  Have to sort it as well, but that is another day.

Again, progress.  Little by little, bit by bit it is coming together.  I love spending time here on the weekends especially first thing in the morning.   Quiet.  Mine.

Blessings!

Kitchen Helps · Random Thoughts · thoughts · Uncategorized

Kitchen Helps: Aluminum Foil

Did you know that there are tabs at each end of the any aluminum foil box to secure the roll from coming out when you pull on the foil?

I didn’t discover this until a couple of years ago, and thought I would pass along the information. Check any product rolls (clear wrap too), and they should have the tabs at the end to help you not to get frustrated.

Blessings.

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · old · Random Thoughts · thoughts · Uncategorized · WLS

Passport

So my passport has expired in January, and I haven’t been able to get my picture taken until last weekend.


I am, of course, ten years older.  A lot less hair, and weight.  I see that I need some sun mainly because I think I am really pale, and tired in the more current photo.

Ugh.  Feeling old.

One thing that most important thing to do is to take pictures of the weight loss journey.  I have been doing this, and seeing really positive changes.  This set of pictures isn’t really a positive one for me.  Aged.  Tired.  You see the truth in these.

I don’t like not smiling in pictures either.  I somewhat smile in both I think.  It is hard not to for the camera.

Blessings.

 

Changes · Random Thoughts · Sunday · thoughts · Uncategorized

Sunday Thought

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. -Proverbs 12:18 (NIV84)

A couple of days ago I spoke about growing pains, change.  Lots of things happen out of our control, but so much is more reaction to things happening to us.  Where I work, leadership has changed (for the better – I think), and with that some shaking of existing positions. Rumors are flying around about positions, offices, and just non-truths about others.

When you hear a falsehood do you stop the person talking and correct them?  Are we to correct them?  I think we should.  I also think we are to build each other up, not tear each other apart.  I want to be that positive person.  I know that I have spoken negatively about coworkers.  I know that I need to correct that.  I need to think about my words, and ensure that they are truths.

Change is hard.  Falsehoods are harder.  Praying for healing words.

Blessings.

friends · Paper Pumpkin · Stampin' Up · Uncategorized

More Bunnies…

Julie and I made Easter Bunnies – or happy’s last night.


Love this…and I get to give them away.

Blessings.