See Fluffy Run- The C25K Plan

All of my life I have never been a runner. I would only run when someone was chasing me. I would be happy with timing out in the Presidential Fitness Tests in gym class by walking and picking flowers along the way. So WHY would I volunteer to run and have a 5K as my goal? Because all my life I have never succeeded in athletics and have struggled with body image and I want to finally succeed. I am so tired of saying that I am going to lose weight with no particular plan in mind and my goal weight SO far away. I needed something that I could obtain short term that would be a definite check point on my way to my long term goal of losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle.

There's a "Couch to 5K" plan going around on social network websites and claims to get you (literally) off the couch and train you for a 5K in 8 weeks. Intimidating? Yes. Doable? Hopefully :)
I had originally saw a chart with the whole program laid out for you on how long to walk/run each day, but my big question was how was I going to keep track of when to walk/run while I was out there. I honestly didn't see myself being focused and disciplined enough to time myself so I then stumbled upon  an "app for that"! woohoo! It's called 5K runner for iPhones.

The app allows you to listen to your own music (I use Pandora Radio) while you have this app on in the background. It will tell you when to walk and when to run based upon where you are in the program.

The first week has you walk for 5 minutes, run for 60 seconds, then walk for 90 seconds (repeat 6 times), then walk for another 5 minutes.

My first thought and biggest fear? "Oh God, can I even run for 60 seconds?" What if I get out there, try to run for 60 seconds and die from a heart attack? How embarrassing would that be?!? I would be totally crushed if I can't even run the shortest amount of time. I don't know if I can take failing AGAIN.

So before I left my fear get the best of me and quit before I even try again, I went out for my first run. I actually did it! Did I die? No. Was a winded and sweating? Yes. But how good did it feel to actually do   it? Amazing. The hardest part? Getting out the door.

The best advise I've gotten about doing this program: When you think you are going too slow, go even slower. Just pick your feet up. I don't think I "run" any faster than I normally walk but I am allowing my body to get used to the movement of running. The worst thing that could happen is an injury.

So far I've completed the first whole week. Tropical storms prevented me from going out for a week but I am determined to stick with it and go out this week for week 2 of the program. I am excited to document my progress and thoughts as I go along.  :)

Add some ZEST to your life!

After searching for the perfect lemon meringue pie recipe, I ended up combining 3 together to make, what I think is, the BEST lemon meringue pie I have EVER had! Not only does it taste the best, but it is low(er) cholesterol with only one egg yolk compared to 3-6 in a traditional recipe.

Cassie's Lemon Meringue Pie
Filling:
1 1/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. cornstarch
1 1/2 c. water
2 tsp. butter
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest
1/2 c. fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
1 large egg
1 egg white

Meringue:
3 egg whites
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
6 Tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp. vanilla

Bake single pastry shell ( http://www.crisco.com/Recipes/Details.aspx?recipeID=3589 ) in a 9" pie plate for 8-10 minutes at 475 degrees F, or until golden brown. Reduce heat to 400. In a small bowl, beat eggs for filling with a fork. In 2 qt saucepan, mix sugar & cornstarch, gradually mix in water. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until mixture thickens & boils for 1 minute. Temper eggs with sugar mixture. Pour tempered egg mixture into saucepan, boil & stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add remaining filling ingredients. Pour into crust. With an electric mixer, beat egg whites & cream of tartar on high until foamy. Beat in sugar (1 Tbsp at a time). Add vanilla. Do not over beat. Spread meringue all the way to the edges. Bake 8-12 minutes. Cool at least 2 hours (no drafts!) before refrigerating.


P.S.  it comes out to be the color of lemonade...if you want it to be bright yellow, just add some food coloring :)

Why did the turkey cross the road?

To head to California, of course!

I dedicate this post to pure genius brought on by desperation for some flavor.

I just created the most wonderful burger I have ever had. Quite a bold statement, I know. What is it you ask? A California Turkey Burger. Mmmmm!

From the bottom up:

Bottom bun of a Kaiser Roll
A thin layer of Thousand Island Dressing
Red Onions, sliced thinly
Turkey burger- nothing fancy- just ground turkey with some salt and pepper
Pico de gallo
Muenster cheese- (put the Pico de gallo on under the cheese then broil for a few minutes to melt cheese)
Avocado slices
Romaine/cilantro mix
Layer of Thousand Island Dressing
Top bun.

So much flavor packed in each bite. Warning: might require 2 napkins. Enjoy! :)

Think outside the box to find a way around high prices

I have been looking for beds for our two dogs for some time now. Every time I went to buy more dog food, I would check to see if any were on sale or what deals I could find (I am always looking for a deal) but the cheapest I could find were $29.99. Times that by two and add tax and that is over $60 for DOG beds. Call me crazy, but they wouldn't know that I spent that much on them. They would be happy with an old pair of jeans to lay on. But since their beds are in our family room, I wanted it to be something that I didn't mind looking at.

Then it hit me. I proceeded to leave the overpriced pet supply store and go over to the local Goodwill to see if I could find a comforter that I could make into both dog beds. Once I got there, I was able to find a twin sized comforter that suited my tastes for only $10. Not only was I happy about saving myself money, but the money I was spending was going to a good cause.

After I washed it, I began by folding it in half, then in thirds. I was planning on making each bed with 3 layers. With it being evenly folded and smoothed out on a table, I cut each fold line to make 6 rectangles. It doesn't have to be perfect; the cuts will be inside after it is sewn and turned right side out.  And remember- it's a dog bed ;-)

Lay two rectangle pieces on top of each other with two of the original outside finished edges of the comforter on the same side (trust me on this. it will make it easier to close up.) I laid mine both facing the same way so that I would have a plaid side and a solid side when I was finished. If you want both sides the same, lay them with the sides you want to be showing when you are done facing each other as you sew. (Example: If you want only the plaid to be showing when its finished, put both plaid sides facing each other) Make sure the sides are even and pin them if you would like.

Carefully straight stitch 3 sides, leaving the side with the finished edges open.

Lay the third layer on top of your inside out dog bed that you've just sewn 3 sides on. From the inside, pinch the third layer on the corners opposite the opening to hold it in place as you turn it right side out.

Stuff the third layer inside the bed and sew the fourth side up (right side out) to complete the dog bed.


Then, let Fido enjoy it!

There. TWO dog beds for only $10.00!

A new love affair

As I go through my house organizing things, I am not alone. I will admit that I have a new love affair...my label maker. It's nothing fancy and I was able to find it on sale for $15, but it gets the job done and I don't have to use masking tape and a permanent marker to label things anymore!

Thank goodness my husband is so patient and willing to go along with most of my shenanigans; I've even labeled our trashcan and recycling bin (with instructions on how and what to recycle). He was kind enough to call me when he first saw it so he would be sure to get the "system" right, hehe.

One of the first things I did in my mission to make the house more organized was to "Tupperize" my pantry. Now things are nice and neat. They are not in plastic bags and flimsy boxes falling over and spilling; they are all within reach and easy to see at a glance.

I had a Tupperware party in order to get the hostess discounts and free gifts to help out with getting what I needed. I know Tupperware is not cheap, but it does have a lifetime warranty- that I have actually used on a few pieces that I've inherited with no problems at all. But If Tupperware is not in your budget, check out the Dollar Tree (my favorite organizational bin mecca- can't beat $1 for EVERYTHING!) or Target and Walmart.

My most popular dish

Do you have that one dish that everyone always requests? Well, without a doubt, that dish would be my corned beef. With many different flavors playing off of each other, it is simply a party in your mouth. I hope your family will enjoy it as much as mine does.

Superb Corned Beef

Place 3-4 lb. corned beef and seasoning from packet that came with it in a large stockpot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer covered for 3-4 hours until fork tender. Preheat oven to 300˚ Drain and place beef in baking dish, fat side up. Score fat in criss-cross pattern with knife. Mix together 1 Tbs Spicy Brown Mustard and 1/3 cup Brown Sugar. Spread over scored fat. Pour 1 cup sweet pickle juice around beef in dish. Bake for 1 hour, basting with pickle juice if desired. Let rest 10 minutes, slice 1/4"- 1/2" slices against the grain.

Warm hearts in the heart of the cold

Since we are in the heart of the cold winter months, how better to warm our hearts than with a steamy bowl of home made soup? I've been wanting to try my hand at a soup I first had at White Oak Bakery in Jacksonville, NC; Shrimp Corn Chowder. They only serve it on certain days, but I look forward to it when we are able to visit.

Here is the recipe I came up with and I am VERY happy with it. I hope you will try it and let me know what you think.

Cassie's Shrimp Corn Chowder

1 c minced onion
3/4 c minced celery
3/4 c minced red pepper
1 Tbsp minced garlic
3 Tbsp butter
-cook on medium heat in large stock pot until translucent. about 5 minutes-

Add:
1- 32oz box seafood stock
3 cans cream style corn
1- 16oz bag frozen corn
1 c cream
1 lb small shrimp or larger shrimp, chopped

Season with:
1 tsp Old Bay
1/2 tsp white pepper
1- 2 tsp salt (to taste)
dash cayenne pepper

To thicken: remove 1/2 c soup into small bowl, mix in 4 Tbsp corn starch until smooth. Stir mixture into soup, stir until incorporated.

Simmer on LOW for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Serve immediately or freeze to preserve freshness.