WILF WEDNESDAYS

Not really familiar with the term WILF?  Think Milf but Wife instead of Mother.  Think about the Ms. Parker from "FRIDAY".  That's right.  Let's be honest, we all aspire to be eye candy to the opposite sex, arm candy to our significant others, and secretly "that bitch" to all our friends that want to look like us.  I've been watching The Biggest Loser and I have been hearing that same thing over and over again that I am unable to identify with. 

"This isn't about being thin or looking good, its about being healthy and feeling good about yourself"~~~ Any given person.

This is bullshit.  People kill me with that.  I'm not talking about the severely overweight people who are in danger of dying or having long term health issues, because that is another story altogether. I am talking about everyone else. 

I have never been "really out of shape".  I was always active; cheerleading, track, dance, ect.  I tried to go to the gym on a pretty regular basis.  Granted, I was no where near as fit as I am now, but I definitely wasn't on the verge of any major health issues.  In fact, when I first began trying to get rid of this weight I went to get a physical and even the doctor was surprised that I was so damn healthy (considering I was almost 300lbs).  So yea, I was just fat as hell and I knew it.  Hell everyone knew it.  So needless to say there was really only one reason I wanted to lose weight.

FLYNESS

Sexy is as sexy does. When it comes down to it, that was, and continues to be, my main focus.  Of course I like that I can run longer and faster, I no longer feel tired and gross after I eat (because I don't eat crap) and I love that I can do the hell out of workouts like INSANITY and TURBO FIRE.  But at the end of the day, the thing I like the most, IS HOW I LOOK IN MY FREAKING CLOTHES!  

The point is, WILF-dom is what I am shooting for.  You stick with what motivates you and I will do the same.  For me, its high heels, sleek business suits, and the skinniest skinny jeans in the world lol (but I keep the booty).

The Precious and Skinny Soft Tacos

"Oh I'm sorry, can you hand me that"  "Oh what?  This old thing? "  "Who me?"

And about 300 other sayings or questions that result in me having to use my left hand.  That's right booboo's, the rock has finally arrived!  From hence forth referred to as "The Precious"

 All 2 carats of it.  Jealous much?  I have been a hot damn mess throwing this hand all over the place.  The fiance said he just can't deal with the ridiculous that is Shaina and The Precious.  After waiting and waiting on the mail and continuously contacting the company because I thought The Precious was lost in the mail, it finally arrived early Saturday morning while I was sitting at the table reading and drinking my vanilla chai.  The pictures sure don't do it justice.  Now I am only concerned with getting my nails done with that O so fresh french manicure.  I love my vanity.

On to other things, We went to gym today and I had the day lights literally kicked out of me.  I did some Ab exercises that I didnt even know existed.  Tomorrow is going to be a helluva day.  I also started a fat burner supplement that was recently suggested to me but I am not ready to share yet.  I need to know what kind of results I will get before I share with the blog world.  So I will give you the run down in 2 weeks from today!

Now that its home time and we have a 7:00 curtain call for "Men in Black" we are about to have the dinner that I had slow cooking all day.  These delicious tacos are only 419 calories per 2 and that is with no change from the original recipe (which I of course tweaked a bit) so you can expect even less on the calorie side.  Serve with your favorite veggie or by themselves.

Skinny Soft Tacos
adapted from Self Magazine
Picture stolen from here 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef OR GROUND TURKEY (I used turkey)
• 1 yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 can (16 oz) vegetarian refried beans
• 1 can (8 oz) Rotel tomatoes with chiles HOT
• 1 pack small flour tortillas
• 2 tomotoes
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1/3 sour cream (I left this out)
• 1/3 cup fresh chopped cilantro
• Shredded cheddar cheese to taste 

The Skinny
In a large skillet oven medium-high heat, stir beef or turkey and onion until brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Add garlic, stirring frequently for 1 minute.  Drain excess (if you use turkey you wont have any juice) and transfer to slow cooker.

Stir in beans and tomatoes with chiles and let simmer until cooked, 3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.  Stir and served with tortillas.  Top with tomatoes, cheese,  lettuce (mixed up with the cilantro), and a dollop of sour cream.

About 419 calories is what the magazine quoted, but using beef and leaving out the 1 cup of cheese that they added to the mix (and I left out sour cream) I approximate about 300-350 calories for 2 of these delicious babies.  The fiance said "I think you are really on to something with this one babe".  Ah the joys of recognition in the evening :).

Green Bean and Balsamic Salad

Today I feel like a big batch of poo.  This nasal drip/sinus infect/cold/SARS who the hell knows what it is.  I am on every kind of medicine I could find.  There is a straw in the Nyqil bottle, a vat of shea butter under my nose to serve as a foundation for the even bigger glob of Vicks on top, and there is tea and water going in my by the jug, not to mention I sound like a fat old man that has been smoking his whole life.  *HUGE SIGH*.  It is just not fair!!!!! *POUT* *SLAMS ARMS AGAINST SIDES* *MINI TEMPER TANTRUM*.

Sick or not, I wont be falling off the wagon this time.  Although all I want is bowl after bowl of oatmeal I know that wont do me any good.  So it's recipe time.  Last night for Vday I made some salmon in orange Dijon sauce and a green bean Salad with rosemary and balsamic vinegar.  It was the perfect mix of sweet and salty for a healthy Valentine's dinner.  What is so great about this deliciousness is that its good hot or cold ANDDDDDD, you can eat it by itself or with a nice piece of grilled chicken and have it as a salad.

As I continue to try to get to my goal weight I believe that going heavier on the vegetables is definitely the way to go.

The Skinny 
Green Bean Salad with Rosemary and Balsamic Vinegar
Adapted from Fit foodie finds


Ingredients

• 1 lb Green Beans
• 1 red onion diced
• 1 yellow pepper diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1T Olive Oil
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 T rosemary
• 1/4 c balsamic vinegar
• 2 T low sodium soy sauce

Method

1. In a large pot, boil your green beans for 10-15 minutes and set aside when done.
2. In a large skillet, saute your peppers, onion, and garlic in Olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper.  Add in your softened green beans and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.  Add in balsamic, soy sauce and rosemary and let simmer.
3. Serve hot or cold, side dish or as a salad.

Its OK to...

• Laugh until you drool on yourself.
• Watch cheesy $1 horror movies from Walmart and laugh at the unrealistic actors.
• Make out with your fiance like you are in high school.
• Eat like shit and NOT get pissed at yourself.
• Make horrible faces when you take a shot to Jose.
• Stalk wig websites looking for wedding hair more than wedding outfits.
• Spend 4 hours reading "Dead until dark" and picturing myself in the quint little city of Bon Ton
• Be sleepy at 9:18 pm on a Saturday.
• Let your puppy kiss you right on the mouth.
• Have a small obsession with all things crafty

Yep, that pretty much sums up my weekend....

What is it "ok" for you you to do?

Note to Self

Its been a real F*** YOU kind of day for me.  Simply because my scale is stuck in one place.  *HUGE SIGH* but I remind myself that if it was easy everyone would be fit and healthy.  The harder the struggle the more I will appreciate it when I get what I want.

"So What if I"... Mondays

So What if I

• Would prefer to watch watch movies in my pajamas and eat popcorn instead of going out to "_______" fill in the blank.  Part of me wants to go out on the town and paint that Bitch red, but the other part would rather paint in my Art Journal
• Haven't quite made peace yet with the idea of having to work so hard for what I want.  I still think it't not fair that I have to work so damn hard and some people just get right into those bikini's with no work at all.  Capital F*** you guys.  Ok not really, but kind of.  I accept that I have to work harder but I don't like it.  Working on that
• Have eyebrows like a chinchilla.  
• Absolutely hate running.  I just get so bored but I have to keep doing it.  Going to start the C25k program once the weather breaks and the snow melts.
• Wish I was a serious artist.  Too many ideas and not enough money or time or space lol
• Am actually starting to get used to not working.  Not ok.  I shall not get used to this lifestyle because I in NO WAY want to be a stay at home wife or mom.  No thanks.  So ready to get back to work.
• Kind of hate this country.  Ok, I could be full of shit because I haven't seen lots of it due to not having time and trying to get the wedding in order.  Once we come back and I have full access to everything I will make another decision, but some thing tells me it will be the same.  
• Only want to work so I can buy shoes, clothes, wigs, and scrapbook supplies.
• Hate and love the 4 hour Slow Carb diet at the same time.
• Have a different hobby every month.
• Don't want kids.  Like 80% sure of that
• Let my dog give me kisses all over my face.  Hell yes I am one of THOSE people
• Would rather watch another episode of "Fringe" instead of working out right now, but alas, it must happen.  5 day Inferno from Turbofire starts today

What are your SO WHATS for today?

Best Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

It's a rainy Saturday afternoon in central phoenix which doesn't happen often.  With nothing else to do I decide to go for a ride to Barnes and Noble to check out the new releases and journals.  As usual, the local book zoo is brimming with other Phoenicians who have the same idea I do.  I find a few books to check out and luckily my eyes fall upon the recently vacated chair at the very back of the second floor.  Thinking everyone has the same idea I do, I do that thing where you rush but you want to make it seem like you aren't in a rush.  Score.  The seat is mine.  In my lap sits an old Jung psychology book, 2 new thrillers by two equally new authors, and the Grimmerie from Wicked that I just always have to check out.  In my mind, there is nothing quite as relaxing as a bookstore on a rainy Saturday afternoon. All is well in the world but something is missing.  How could I not have thought about it before I scored this highly coveted lonely seat in the back of nowhere?  How could I not have gotten my Tea and Banana Nut muffin?

Alas, such a travesty has occurred and it never will again.  Luckily I now have the perfect recipe for banana nut bread that I can make right at home and sit with my nook in my sun room.  The glories of baking aren't always granted to one such as myself to strive more than anything to see myself in that body I so crave, but every now and then allowances must be made or one may go crazy.

So here is the best recipe (and I have tried a few) I have found for my Saturday afternoon love.  The crispy top and moist center make it the perfect combo for the mouthgasm I so deserve on my cheat days.  Pop it in the oven, pick a book, and boil some water for Jasmine tea.  You're welcome.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Adapted from Lovin From the Oven

To make the bread

• 3 ripe Bananas smashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla 
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups flour

To make the swirl

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tbs (or more) cinnamon

To make you happy

• 1 book of your choice
• 1 cup of Jasmine Tea

1.Preheat over to 350.  Butter and flour a loaf pan.  I used 9 X5.
2. Mix bananas, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla together.
3. Combine flour, salt and baking soda and wish together evenly.
4. In a small dish mix together sugar and cinnamon for swirl.
5. Slowly add flour to wet mixture being careful not to over mix(you dont want flat bread)
6. Add 1/2 of the batter to the loaf pan and then sprinkle half, or more, of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in the pan.  Add the rest of the batter and then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon- sugar on top.    
7. Bake for 45-55 minutes and if you are using a different size pan be sure to watch it because the bake time will vary.

My love bought me that cup!  I love it.

Toro sleeping next to mommy's handmade journal while the reading takes place