Honey Glazed Carrots

Last week Aldi had a mega-sale on baby carrots (a pound for $.49) and I may have bought 6 pounds. Carrots are my go-to for when I want something crunchy but after the first 3 pounds I was looking for new ways to consume them. I made a small ham for Easter and thought a side of glazed carrots would be great so I scoured the interwebs and I found this amazing little recipe on Cooks.com - not only is it easy but by far the best cooked carrot dish I've eaten!

Calories: 139  |  Protein: 2  |  Carbs: 21   |  Fat: 6

  Serves 4

 

 

You'll need:

 

Salt

1 pound baby carrots

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons honey (I used SF imitation honey)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

 

Then you'll:

 

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add salt and then carrots and cook until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the carrots and add back to pan with butter, honey and lemon juice. Cook until a glaze coats the carrots, 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley.

 

 

Happy Cooking!

 

Cake Batter Protein Shake

I found this recipe on Pinterest (original recipe here) and wasn't expecting much when I first saw it but my curiosity was peaked at the use of cottage cheese and sugar-free jello so I gave it a shot.

 

Oh.Em.Gee.

   

 



Calories: 187  |  Protein: 35  |  Carbs: 5   |  Fat: 2

  Serving size: 1 shake

 

 

You'll need:

 

1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

3-5 drops butter or almond extract

1 tbsp. vanilla sugar free instant Jell-O pudding mix

3-5 packets sweetener (I used Splenda)

1/2 cup - 1 cup water (alter for desired consistency)

5-10 ice cubes (also alter for consistency - use less for thinner shake)

 

Optional:

1/2 tsp. xanthan gum (I used guar gum and works just as well)

Sprinkles for topping

 

 

 

Then you'll:

 

Place all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into glass, add sprinkles and serve.

 

 

 

Happy Blending!

 

Southwest Breakfast Burritos

I'm lazy in the mornings. I'll wake up at 9am, walk the dogs and go back to sleep until the very last minute - living less than 10 minutes from work is a plus I tell you. I have time to shower, beautify and go - making breakfast is not happening. It doesn't help that I'm not a fan of cereal or oatmeal for breakfast; too many carbs and no nutritional value. I am however, a big fan of these breakfast burritos. I make them on Sunday and have enough to last me the entire week - simply grab and go - right up my alley!!!

 

 

 



Calories: 181  |  Protein: 10  |  Carbs: 7    |  Fat: 7

Serves: 7  |  Serving size: 1 burrito

 

 

 

You'll need:

 

4 eggs, large (scrambled)

1/4 cup onion, diced

1/2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 cup frozen southern style diced potatoes

1 ounce Trader Joe's fat free feta cheese crumbles

1/4 package Trader Joe's Soyrizo

1/4 cup Trader Joe's Cowboy Caviar**

7 Mission Carb-Balance Whole Wheat tortillas, small 

 

** any black bean/corn salsa will work

 

 

Then you'll:

 

In a large skillet, heat oil and add onions and frozen potatoes - cook until halfway done. Add Soyrizo, cook until heated and crumbled (potatoes will be orange). Push potato mixture to one side of skillet and add eggs in the other half, cooking thoroughly. Stir together and add salsa, mixing well. Scoop into tortillas, add crumbled feta, roll, and wrap in foil.

 

Happy Cooking!

 

 

Golden Snitches

I love two things in this world; Harry Potter and Martha Stewart. Needless to say it made me incredibly happy to run across this recipe from Martha and they just happen to look like the Golden Snitch that's used in Harry's Quidditch matches - hence the new name, sorry Martha.

 

Calories: 238  |  Protein: 12  |  Carbs: 18    |  Fat: 14

Serves: 6  |  Serving size: 1 Snitch


You'll need:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

8 whole-wheat sandwich bread

6 slices turkey bacon

6 large eggs

Coarse salt and ground pepper

 

 

Then you'll:

 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly butter 6 standard muffin cups. With a rolling pin, flatten bread slices slightly and, with a 4 1/4-inch cookie cutter, cut into 8 rounds. Cut each round in half, then press 2 halves into each muffin cup, overlapping slightly and making sure bread comes up to edge of cup. Use extra bread to patch any gaps. Brush bread with remaining butter (I still had some left over and that's ok if you do too)

 

2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium, until almost crisp, 4 minutes, flipping once. (It will continue to cook in the oven.) Lay 1 bacon slice in each bread cup and crack an egg over each. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until egg whites are just set, 20 to 25 minutes (I would start checking after 18). Run a small knife around cups to loosen toasts. Serve immediately.

 

 

Happy Cooking!

 

Staycation 2013 {photo heavy}

Today is officially the last day of Staycation 2013. It wasn't nearly long enough but it was nice to not have to do anything for 9 days. It was pretty uneventful but I had a few NSV's so I thought I'd share.

____________

 



I probably did the most on Monday (03/04) as it was Chicago's 176th birthday and to celebrate they were giving free admission to the Chicago History Museum so I took full advantage of my time in the city. I viewed every section they had open and spent quite a bit of time in the Shalom Exhibit; if you're in the Chicago area this is a great (and inexpensive) day trip! NSV #1: being able to walk/stand all day with no pain or discomfort in back/feet!

 

This is the souvenir I picked out, does this REALLY surprise anyone?

 

 

 

____________

 

 

I spent the majority of Tuesday around the house doing some deep spring cleaning and organizing. I did discover my new favorite snack! Okra chips!

 

 

 

____________

 

 

Wednesday I took my pup, Pugsly, to the vet so he could get a shot for his arthritis.

 

Photo property of SleevedInTheCity

__________

 

 

Thursday evening I went to a friend's album release party and had a TON of fun! This was the first time I've dressed up and gone out since surgery. NSV# 2: the dress (and no sleeves)!

 

NSV#3: being able to stand/dance in these shoes for 4 hours with no back pain!

 

 

 

NSV#4: not being afraid of group pictures anymore!

 

Photo property of SleevedInTheCity

 

 

____________

 

 

Friday was a lazy, recoup day. Bella says hi.

 

Photo property of SleevedInTheCity

 

 

____________

 

 

Saturday was a shopping day. I went to Nordstrom Rack to have a pair of pants altered and I picked up this awesome studded iPhone case. I found this Torani syrup at World Market and it's my favorite yet. I mix 2 tbsps. with my Pure Protein chocolate shake and add some instant coffee granules...woah! 

 

 

 

My last stop was TJMaxx and I ran across a pair of NYMJ on clearance for $20! These things retail for $120 - and the best part? NSV#5....drumroll please.....

 

 

 

IM OFFICIALLY A SIZE 20!! Less than 6 months ago I was a 28 (tight). Not only do I look great, I feel great and I'm getting my health back. Nothing like seeing your hard work pay off =)

 

____________

 

 

That pretty much sums up Staycation 2013. I know Im missing an entry for last weekend and today but since I didn't do anything here is a picture of this weeks polish changes, Im partial to #3 myself.

 

 

 

____________

 

 

Until next time!

Besos xo

 



Bleu Cheese Chipotle Bacon Burger

One of my favorite places to eat pre-op was Chili's and several years ago they made a Bleu Cheese Chipotle Burger that was to die for. Unfortunately, they stopped making it and I ultimately stopped eating there - even if they brought it back the fat and calories alone would keep me from indulging (1090 calories/71g of fat). I decided to come up with my own version, it doesn't do Chili's justice but it was enough to satisfy my craving, a fraction of the calories and its mighty tasty if I say so myself!

 

Calories: 286  |  Protein: 28  |  Carbs: 3   |  Fat: 18

Serves: 6  |  Serving size: 1 burger patty

 

 

You'll need:

 

1 1/4 pounds ground sirloin (I used 90/10)

1 cup bleu cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup bacon pieces (I used Hormel red label)

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 chipotle chile pepper

2 tbsp. coarsely ground peppercorns

 

 

 

 

Then you'll:

 

Combine everything (except peppercorns) in a medium bowl, mix well and form into 6 patties. Spread peppercorns on a plate and press one side of each patty into pepper (I like spice so I did both sides). You can choose your own method of cooking, I used my Calphalon griddle pan on the stove top and cooked until medium-well (160 degrees internally).

 

 

 

 

Happy Cooking!

 

Baked Chicken Burrito with Greek Yogurt-Poblano Sauce

Long name, seriously good burrito. I first came across this recipe on Pinterest; the original recipe is here - I've adapted it slightly but you can't go wrong with either version.

 

 

 

 

Calories: 315  |  Protein: 31  |  Carbs: 34   |  Fat: 16

Serves: 8  |  Serving size: 1 burrito with sauce

 

 

For the burritos you'll need:

 

2 tsp canola oil

1 large onion, diced

1 lb ground chicken

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 can reduced sodium black beans, drained and rinsed

1/4 chicken broth, fat free reduced sodium

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp oregano

1 1/2 tsp chili powder

1/8 tsp cayenne

1 tsp brown sugar

Kosher salt

1 cup shredded Mexican Blend 2% Reduced Fat Cheese

8 La Tortilla Factory - Low Carb/High Fiber Whole Wheat Tortillas (large sized)

Cooking spray

For the sauce you'll need:

2 poblano peppers**

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp flour

2/3 cup chicken broth at room temperature

1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (I used Fage)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

**you could always use canned green chilies if you need to save on time or don't want to bother with roasting the poblanos

Then you'll:

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF and spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. To make the burritos: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and then add the oil. Once hot, add the onions and cook for 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Place the ground chicken in the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned.  (At this point, drain any excess fat if necessary/desired).  Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 30-60 seconds before adding in the beans. Add the broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne, brown sugar and salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon). Reduce heat and simmer until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Place 2 tablespoons of the cheese at the end of each tortilla (depending on size) and then spoon some of the beef and bean mixture over the top. Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla in, and then roll the tortilla up, from the end closest to you, to the top. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet and lightly spray the tops of the burritos with cooking spray.  Bake for about 20 minutes, until tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
4. Meanwhile, make the sauce.  Place the poblanos directly over a gas burner. Using tongs, turn occasionally until skin is blackened on all sides. Place in a bowl and top with plastic wrap or a clean towel, until cook enough to handle. (Alternatively, you can roast the peppers under the broiler until all sides are well-charred.)  Peel the peppers, remove the stems and seeds, and dice them.
5. Heat a small sauce pan over medium heat and melt the butter; stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and then the diced poblano; continue to simmer, whisking frequently, until thickened.  Stir in the Greek yogurt and warm through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Serve the sauce over the baked burritos.

Happy Cooking!

 

Grilled Cheeseburger Wrap

I love a good hamburger but with all the bread and the typically large sizes they come in, they don't love me. I've been searching for tasty alternatives (tasty being the key word) and wasn't having much luck when I stumbled upon this gem. The original recipe can be found here - this knocked my burger craving out of the park. I'm now on Day 3 of leftovers and this girl doesn't do Day 3 leftovers, ok?

 

 

Calories: 329  |  Protein: 32  |  Carbs: 21   |  Fat: 15

Serves: 5  |  Serving size: 1 wrap filled with 1/2 cup beef, 1 slice cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, ketchup, and mustard.

 

 

You'll need -  

 

1 pound ground beef (I used 96/4)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 tablespoon grated parmesan

1 teaspoon dried onion flakes (I used real onion)

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon salt

5 100 calorie wraps (I use Flatout Wraps)

5 slices sharp american cheese (I used low-fat American)

2 roma tomatoes, sliced

1 cup of romaine lettuce (I used iceberg)

Additional ketchup (optional)

Mustard (optional)

 

**You can easily customize this any way you want; I omitted the tomatoes and added bread and butter pickle slices to mine. Just be sure to scale down the other ingredients so your wrap doesn't overflow and break.

 

 

Then you'll -

 

In a medium to large skillet coated with cooking spray cook the beef on medium till almost cooked through but still a little pink (about 7-10 minutes). Break beef up as it cooks.

 

Add Worcestershire, ketchup, grated parmesan, dried onion flakes, salt, and pepper to the beef. Mix together until thoroughly combined.

 

Continue cooking until beef is cooked all the way through and is no longer pink.

 

Turn on indoor grill to 350 or you can also use a grill plan.

 

In the center of  the wrap place a slice of cheese and 1/2 cup of the beef mixture. Add tomato and lettuce. Then if you are using , and I highly recommend you do, add some ketchup and mustard. **I second this recommendation!

 

Roll the wrap and place seam side down on grill. Once there are nice grill marks turn over. Grill for another 2-3 minutes then remove.

 

Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the rest of the wraps.

 

 

Happy Cooking!

 



Faux Cookie Dough

A few weeks ago I posted the recipe for Weight Watchers Faux Cheesecake - Im so seriously in love with this stuff that not only do I eat several times a week but Ive also gone wild making different versions of it in my kitchen. I figure since 25,000 (CRAZY!) of you like the original recipe then you'll like my newest creation as well! I've seen a few versions of it on the net but I tweaked it to make it VSG & WW friendly. It had been taste-tested and co-worker approved!

 

Calories: 198  |  Protein: 18  |  Carbs: 21   |  Fat: 1

Makes 1 serving

 

 

You'll need -

 

1-5.3oz container plain, nonfat Greek Yogurt (I used Oikos)

1 tbsp.  Bell Plantation powdered peanut butter (PB2)

1 tbsp. Sugar Free Jell-O dry mix, vanilla

1 tbsp.  No Calorie Sweeter (I used Nevella & can be adjusted to taste)*

1 tbsp. mini chocolate chips

1 tsp. vanilla extract

 

*If you don't like artificial sweeteners you can replace with brown sugar just make sure to recalculate the calories/points

 

 

Then you'll -

 

I find it easiest to mix one dry ingredient into the yogurt at a time, this prevents clumping. Start with the PB2, follow with the Jell-O dry mix, and add the sweetener (again, adjust to taste). Once you have the base completed add and mix the vanilla and lastly repeat with the chocolate chips.

 

 

 

(The picture isn't pretty but you get the idea - I may have gotten carried away and ate my sample and don't have a close-up pretty blog picture for you guys)

 

Happy Cooking!

Freeze Your Food Budget

I was recently asked how I grocery shop and make my food last so long. Me being the organizational freak that I am, I decided to share a few tips and tricks with you all so we can be organized together!Whether you are sleeved, single or just on a budget - these will work for you. There's nothing special or magical, just a girl with severe OCD who wanted to make cooking for one more convenient, a snap to track food and stretch my dollar further.

Now the first thing I do is search through all the ads and make a list of what I need and where its from. For me, making a list keeps me from buying a lot of unnecessary items. If it's a large list I usually take it to Wal-Mart since they price match and kill everything in one shot. Coupons, people! I cannot stress this enough! Also, becoming familiar with standard prices for items in your area will allow you to recognize a good sale. This time there wasn't anything on sale that I couldn't get at Aldi or Meijer for cheaper so off I went.

No matter what store I'm at I always check the clearance rack - especially for meat! You can often get dented cans for 1/2 price, it may not be pretty but you aren't eating the can. I hit the mother load at Meijer, the sausage was almost half price - that's 12 protein packed meals for $.58 each!! If you freeze the food before the expiration date you are ok

Now to get it all home and to store it, right? Don't go and buy a million freezer bags, you won't need a bunch this way. A while back Ziploc came out with a product called Perfect Portions, I cannot tell you how underrated these things are! They allow you to wrap individual serving sizes of food (and prevent freezer burn) that you can store inside a large Ziploc freezer bag. Go buy these.

I broke down each package and put 2 sausages in each bag, labeling the bag so I would know what flavor I'm pulling out. I did the same with the turkey bacon, putting 4 slices in each portion protector. Now here comes the OCD in me - I track my food and there is nothing more frustrating than trying to remember what Ive repackaged in order to track correctly.

 

 

 So as you see, once placed in the large bag I cut off the UPC's, tape them to the bag and label each one. It takes an extra 3 minutes but makes my life SO much easier! I take it a step further for fresh meat by scaling my food into 4 ounce portions before freezing - as I did here with my Aldi Ground Chicken ($2.39 a pound!

 

I cant tell you how much money portioning my food has saved me. Nothing goes bad and I don't waste anything because I'm able to use only what I want. I spent $50.85 on food and by taking an extra half hour to portion it out I have enough food to last me over 40 meals! I wont have to buy any meat or vegetables for close to 3 weeks. That fits in with my Spending Diet budget nicely!

 

 

My freezer is full and happy!

  

What tips and tricks do you use to maximize shopping on a budget?

 

 

Happy shopping!

Couch25K and DietBet!

I've got two big motivators this month to help keep me on the straight and narrow; money and a mentor. Im super determined to succeed at both, scratch that, I KNOW I am going to succeed at both!

 

First I joined Roni's New Year's DietBet , this is my first time participating in any kind of an lose-weight-online-for-money game but I do like the concept. It's easy enough, simply pay whatever the fee is (my investment was $20) and lose 4% of your body weight and you get to split the pot with anyone else who did as well. Right now our game has 650 players and the pot is worth $12,860. Cool, huh? They have rules in place and monitor the weigh-ins VERY carefully to make sure no one is cheating or trying to do this for a living;  and if you lose too much weight they will disqualify you.  

Here's my weigh-in picture:

I don't even recognize this person - she's so little!
 

And for the first time ever, here is my weight:

Based on my current weight I need to lose 10.6 lbs. As of today I'm down 2.4 leaving me 24 days to lose 8.2 lbs. I feel like I'm a bit behind but I'll make it up.

 

So not only am I following my eating plan closely, high protein and very low carb, I'm also increasing my water intake to help shed some of this water weight I'm carrying around. Plus now that I'm feeling better I am getting back to the gym - and this time I have support & help!

 

 

I was so graciously chosen as one of the mentees for The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans inaugural C25K program. I was assigned a mentor who is a pro at this running thing and am able to reach out to her anytime with questions or concerns. I just like knowing there is someone in my corner cheering me on, someone who knows what it was like to start out and really have the passion for running ignited. I never thought I would be able to run (back surgery, obesity). I never thought I would LIKE to run. Every time I get on the treadmill I am more and more amazed at what my body can do - then guilt sets in because I've treated it so horribly - I've got to make up for lost time!

 

I will be doing weekly check-ins for C25K and will also post my final results on the DietBet so keep checking back and lets cheer each other on together!

 

Do you like to run? What is something you always wanted to do but never thought you could?

 

 

Happy exercising!

Weight Watcher's Faux Cheesecake

I got this amazing recipe from my good friend Melissa over at The Daily Mel, her Weight Watcher leader shared it at one of her most recent meetings. I was slightly skeptical at first but willing to try anything to knock out this sweet tooth that has been creeping up on me at night. This stuff not only tastes great, it's filling, its packed with protein, it's easy and its inexpensive to make!

 

Calories: 113  |  Protein: 12  |  Carbs:  15  |  Fat: 1

Makes 4 - 1/2 servings

 

 

You'll need -

 

1 16oz tub of Fage 0% Plain Greek yogurt

1 small (1oz) box of Sugar-Free Jell-O pudding*

Graham Cracker crumbs (1 tbsp per serving)

 

*You can use any flavor Jell-O; the only flavors I can attest to are Cheesecake, Vanilla, Banana, Lemon, White Chocolate (add mini chips!) and those are excellent. I also saved a few bucks by buying a graham cracker pie crust and crumbling it myself - more than enough for this dessert.

 

 

Then you'll -

 

Keeping the yogurt in its original container you will slowly add the dry Jell-O pudding mix a little at a time making sure its well blended before adding more. If you dump all at once you will end up with a gritty texture - plus it's a great arm workout because this stuff gets thick.

 

That's it. Yep, seriously. I portion mine into 1/2 cup serving containers and let sit overnight for the flavors to blend. Add the graham cracker crumbs when you are ready to eat. Easy peasy!

**If you like this version, try the Faux Cookie Dough!

 

 

 

 

Happy cooking!



Hoppin' John

Hoppin' John is a traditional southern dish and is thought to bring good luck year round if eaten on the New Year's Day. The black-eyed peas represent pennies or coins and the jalapeno is supposed to add wealth (green = money), add cornbread and you're tripling your luck (gold = riches). On the day after New Years, Hoppin' John is referred to as Skippin' Jenny and is also good luck - the leftovers show ones frugality, therefor bringing extra prosperity for the upcoming year. We Southerners take our traditions very seriously and this is no exception.

Now this is the version I make every year but there are several out there and frankly I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Ive not only healthified it but also sped up the prep time by using frozen peas instead of the old-fashioned soaking method.

Calories: 140  |  Carbs: 18  |  Protein: 7  |  Fat: 5

Nutritional value based on 8 - 1/2 cup servings

 

 

You'll Need -

 

1 16oz package frozen black-eyed peas

1 tbsp olive oil

3 cups of water

4oz smoked turkey sausage, sliced 1/2 inch thick

4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped

1/2 cup red onion, chopped

1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 fresh jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced (seeded if you want less heat)

Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning, to taste

Salt and pepper, to taste

Louisiana hot sauce, for serving

Brown rice, for serving (calculate extra calories!)

 

 

 

Then You'll -

 

Heat half of the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, turning once, until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

 

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining oil, onion, garlic, jalapeno and bacon to pan - cook until onions are tender and bacon is no longer raw - about 6 to 8 minutes.

 

Return sausage to the pan, add the peas along with the 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add seasoning. Reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender.

 

Serve over brown rice and pour on the hot sauce!

 

 

Happy Cooking!

2012 Wrap-Up!

2012 is definitely one for the books. I've had so many life-enhancing experiences this year - my head is still spinning. I'm hoping 2013 will slow down for me just a bit (as it should since I'm more settled) so I can focus on my plot to take over the world. It's going to be epic! Epic I tell you!

 

Here's a little end of the year survey that I've doing the past few years, its a fun way to say adios!

 

 

Image courtesy of Google






 

1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
I left the only place Ive ever called home and moved 1,000 miles away to Chicago

Photo by SleevedintheCity

 

  

2. Did you keep your New Years resolutions? Will you any for 2013?
I did actually, I told myself I was going to lose weight this year and I did. Im making my next years resolutions as we speak!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes! A few people actually - I cant wait until I visit Texas to squeeze baby cheeks!

 

4. Did anyone close to you die?

 Not anyone close but I had some close friends lose people they loved.
 

5. What countries did you visit?

Does Missouri count? Then no.
 

6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
A greater support system and more denero.

 

7. What dates in 2012 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
01/17/12 - Moved to Chicago
08/20/12 - VSG Surgery

 

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Definitely taking the leap of faith to move so far away from home, it gave me the courage to make other leaps in my life!

 

9. What was your biggest failure?
I didn't have any failures in 2012. I had some learning experiences.

 

10. Did you suffer injury or illness?
I got sick twice, once in January and in December.

 

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Smaller underwear, 3 sizes smaller to be exact!

 

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
All the people who support and encourage me.

 

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
All the people who don't believe in themselves enough to make better choices.

 

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills. Can I borrow $5?

 

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
So many things! Right now Im excited to be moving BACK to Texas next year!

 

16. What song will always remind you of 2012?
Try by P!nk (seriously love her!)

Image courtesy of Rolling Stone

 

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) happier b) thinner c) poorer

 

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Seeing all the sights Chicago has to offer, I feel like Im on a time crunch now.

 

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Shopping!

 

20. How did you spend Christmas?

 I went to the movies and saw Django Unchained (awesome!) - took a nap.
 

21. Did you fall in love in 2012?
Only with myself =)

 

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Sons of Anarchy is still numero uno, but I recently got into Game of Thrones!

 

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
 I don't hate anyone. I just realize that boundaries are needed for some people.

 

24. What was the best book you read?
Hunger Games

 

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Kendrick Lamar

 

26. What did you want and get?
To pay my car off, last payment was this month! Woot!

 

27. What did you want and not get?
A new Keurig and a Wii. Im cheap.

 

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I saw quite a few good ones but Im going with Django Unchained & Skyfall. My favorite live performance was Freud's Last Session.

 

29. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned 35 and my friend Amy surprised me with afternoon tea at the Drake Hotel!

Photo from SleevedintheCity

 

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I had gotten to see my family in Texas for the holidays.

 

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
Big and baggy! Im refusing to buy new clothes. I've got a twine belt and am wearing my pants until they fall off LOL

 

32. What kept you sane?
Coffee, blogging and remembering tomorrow is a new day.

 

33. What celebrity/public figure did you fancy most?
P!nk. She's not only extremely talented but she's fit, healthy, and strong. I'm obsessed!

 

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Lets just say my vote counted.

 

35. Who did you miss?
My papito.

 

36. Who is the best new person you met?
Ive met so many great people this year that its hard to choose just one.

 

37. What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012?
"Forgiveness has nothing to do with absolving a criminal of his crime. It has everything to so with relieving oneself of the burden of being a victim -- letting go of the pain and transforming oneself from victim to survivor." ~ C.R. Strahan

 

38. What was the best new blog you discovered this year?
Iowa Girl Eats and I also rediscovered And Then We Saved

 

39. Who inspired you the most in 2012?
Not to sound cocky, but I inspired myself. I saw so much strength and determination in myself this year; I know I can do anything I set my mind to.
 

40. What do you want to happen in 2013?
I want to move back to Texas, lose 80 more pounds, maybe go on a date, run an entire 5k.

 

 
Here's to a new year, a new you and new dreams! Happy 2013!