Dancing at 1am

Sooo, dancing around at 1am in my living room.

Very fun.

Oscar is snoring away. Oso is out as well. The kitties are cleaning themselves and looking at me.

I'm just so darn happy.

My husband is one moody guy. He has been obsessing over his videos (which he is putting on Youtube). He makes deadlines for himself which are very difficult to achieve and then is so disappointed when they don't come to fruition. The last two days, he has been visibly anxious, he was trying to be nice to me by taking me out to breakfast, asking me to go for a walk, taking care of Oso, but was so quiet and distant, my time with him wasn't much fun.

But, soccer SAVED us! Oscar had two games today and it broke him from the stressed out spell of videos. He came home happy (and hurt) and he is SUCH a joy when he is happy. Contagious energy. He went to sleep around 7am and woke up around 11am laughing and smiling and just fully able to show me his love.

I am up doing school work. Happy to be getting it done, but I feel like I could use a few more months to write this research proposal. Its almost an insult to the quality of the work to do it in a mere two weeks, with the bulk in a single night. Absolutely ridiculous.

All the same - enjoying my night - drinking tea and hoping to get some sleep in an hour or two.

Green Smoothie Meal Replacements

Just wanted to jot some recipe down and here seemed as good a place as any.

These are from incrediblesmoothies.com and are the ones which are meal replacements.

Apple-Pineapple Tropical Fusion Green Smoothie Recipe With Escarole

• 8 ounces homemade almond milk
• 2 apples, cored
• 2 cups pineapple, cubed
• 1 stalk celery
• 1 head escarole lettuce

Add all the ingredients except for the greens to your blender, (I use a Blendtec) and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the greens and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information

(NOTE: Nutritional information is going to vary based on the almond milk you use and is not included in the information below.)

Calories: 447
Fat: 2g
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 112g
Fiber: 30.0g
Calcium: 29% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 5.8mg
Vitamin A: 389% RDA
Vitamin C: 233% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/apple-pineapple-tropical-fusion-green-smoothie-recipe-with-escarole/

Orange-Kale Smoothie

• 2 bananas, peeled
• 2 oranges, peeled and deseeded
• 3 cups kale, chopped
• 4 ounces of filtered water

Calories: 447 | Protein: 12 grams | Fiber: 16.3 grams | Calcium: 34% RDA | Iron: 4.4 milligrams

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/weight-loss/how-to-make-a-meal-replacement-green-smoothie-for-weight-loss/

Blueberry-Plum Smoothie

• 2 bananas, peeled
• 4 medium plums, pitted
• 1 cup frozen wild blueberries
• 1 head romaine lettuce (yes, the whole head!)
• 4 ounces of filtered water

Calories: 478 | Protein: 12 grams | Fiber: 28.2 grams | Calcium: 21% RDA | Iron: 7.8 milligrams

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/weight-loss/how-to-make-a-meal-replacement-green-smoothie-for-weight-loss/

Papaya-Persimmon Smoothie Recipe

• 2 bananas, peeled
• 1/2 cup papaya, peeled and deseeded
• 2 fuyu (non-astringent) persimmons
• 1/2 head romaine lettuce
• 4 to 6 ounces of filtered water

Add all the ingredients except for the lettuce to your blender (I use a Blendtec) and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the lettuce and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 408
Fat: 2g
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 102g
Fiber: 16.5g
Calcium: 18% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 5.1mg
Vitamin A: 1273% RDA
Vitamin C: 345% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/papaya-and-persimmon-green-smoothie-recipe/

Acai-Pluot Smoothie Recipe

• 2 bananas, peeled
• 1 packet (100 grams) of Amafruits frozen acai berry puree
• 2 teaspoons chia seeds, soaked for 10 minutes
• 2 tablespoons raw cacao nibs
• 3 medium pluots, pitted (if you can’t find pluots you can use 2 plums and 2 apricots)
• 4 to 6 ounces of filtered water

Add all the ingredients to your blender, (I use a Blendtec) and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the greens and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 634
Fat: 14g
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 121g
Fiber: 23.7g
Calcium: 11% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 19.8mg
Vitamin A: 39% RDA
Vitamin C: 63% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/acai-pluot-superfood-smoothie-recipe/

Cherry-Citrus with Dandelion Greens Smoothie Recipe

• 2 cups dandelion greens, chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen cherries, pitted
• 1 orange, peeled and deseeded
• 2 small bananas, peeled
• 1 scoop (heaping tablespoon) of rice protein powder
• 4 to 6 ounces of filtered water

Add all the ingredients except for the greens to your blender (I use a Blendtec) and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the greens and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information

NOTE: We use NutriBiotic rice protein powder and highly recommend it.

Calories: 382
Fat: 1g
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 81g
Fiber: 13g (43% RDA)
Calcium: 23% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 6.3mg
Vitamin A: 389% RDA
Vitamin C: 157% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/cherry-citrus-with-dandelion-greens-smoothie-recipe/

Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie Recipe

• 1 large banana, peeled
• 3/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup mango, peeled and pitted
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 5 small stalks of celery, chopped
• 2 teaspoons of chia seeds, soaked for 20 minutes or flax seeds (freshly ground)
• 2 cups spinach or other leafy green
• 6 ounces of filtered water

Add all the ingredients except for the spinach and celery to your blender and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the spinach and celery and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

NOTE: If you don’t have a high-speed blender, you’ll want to grind the flax seeds in a coffee grinder before adding them to your blender. You do not need to soak the flax seeds.

Nutrition Information

(NOTE: Nutritional information is for 2 teaspoons of chia seeds)

Calories: 507
Fat: 7g
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 108g
Fiber: 21.5g (72% RDA)
Calcium: 18% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 4.8mg
Vitamin A: 247% RDA
Vitamin C: 88% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/mango-blueberry-banana-green-smoothie-recipe-with-oats/

Blueberry-Pluot Green Smoothie Recipe

• 1 banana, peeled
• 2 pluots, pitted
• 1 cup frozen wild blueberries (or fresh)
• 1 head of baby bok choy (or 1 cup, chopped)
• 1/2 head romaine lettuce
• 4 to 6 ounces of filtered water

Add all the ingredients except for the greens to your blender (I use a Blendtec) and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the greens and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 412
Fat: 2g
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 97g
Fiber: 21.8g
Calcium: 19% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 5.6mg
Vitamin A: 112% RDA
Vitamin C: 181% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/blueberry-pluot-green-smoothie-recipe-with-bok-choy/

Mango-Orange Ginger Green Smoothie Recipe

• 1 mango, peeled and pitted
• 2 oranges, peeled and deseeded
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 inch of fresh ginger root, grated or sliced
• 2 teaspoons of chia seeds, soaked for 20 minutes
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
• 4 to 6 ounces of filtered water

Add all the ingredients except for the greens to your blender and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the greens and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 477
Fat: 10g
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 97g
Fiber: 27.7g (92% RDA)
Calcium: 41% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 8.0mg
Vitamin A: 1893% RDA
Vitamin C: 415% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/orange-ginger-smoothie/

Kale Watermelon Smoothie Recipe

• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 cups watermelon, chopped
• 1 banana, peeled
• 3 cups kale, chopped
• 1 orange, peeled
• 4 to 6 ounces of filtered water

Add all the ingredients except for the kale to your blender (I use a Blendtec) and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the kale and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 391
Fat: 2g
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrates: 95g
Fiber: 13.1g
Calcium: 32% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 6.8mg
Vitamin A: 1442% RDA
Vitamin C: 403% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/watermelon-kale-detox-green-smoothie-recipe/

Red Cabbage and Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

• 2 cups red cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
• 2 medium bananas, peeled
• 2 teaspoons chia seeds, soaked for about 10 minutes
• 4 to 6 ounces of filtered water

Add all the ingredients to your blender and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 410
Fat: 4g
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 97g
Fiber: 21.5g (72% RDA)
Calcium: 18% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 3.6mg
Vitamin A: 107% RDA
Vitamin C: 195% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/red-cabbage-and-blueberry-purple-smoothie-recipe/

Mango-Mamey “Mamango” Meal Replacement Smoothie Recipe

• 1/2 mamey, peeled and pitted
• 1/2 mango, peeled and pitted
• 1 cup red grapes
• 2 teaspoons chia seeds, soaked for 10 minutes
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 6 ounces of tangerine juice (substitute orange juice if you can’t find tangerine juice)

Add all the ingredients except for the greens to your blender and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the greens and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 554
Fat: 6g
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 126g
Fiber: 23.2g (77% RDA)
Calcium: 31% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 8.2mg
Vitamin A: 1878% RDA
Vitamin C: 306% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/mango-mamey-mamango-meal-replacement-smoothie/

Mango-Carrot Smoothie Recipe

• 1 mango, peeled and pitted
• 2 small carrots or 1 cup, grated
• 2 bananas, peeled
• 6 ounces almond milk (or else water/coconut water)

Add all the ingredients to your blender (I use a Blendtec) and blend on high for 30 seconds or until smooth.

Variations

Adding fresh ginger to this smoothie is delicious! Simply grate about a teaspoon of fresh ginger before blending.

You can make this a green smoothie as well by adding two handfuls of fresh baby spinach or other leafy green.

You can cut the recipe size by only adding one banana and still maintain the creamy texture. If you’d rather not add any bananas, simply make the recipe with 3 small (2 large) mangoes and leave the bananas out.

Nutrition Information

(NOTE: Nutritional information is going to vary based on the almond milk you use and is not included in the information below.)

Calories: 394
Fat: 1g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 100g
Calcium: 6% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 1.2mg
Vitamin A (as beta-carotene): 737% RDA
Vitamin C: 195% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/mango-carrot-beta-carotene-blast-smoothie/

Blueberry-Pineapple Smoothie Recipe

• 2 cups wild frozen blueberries
• 1 cup pineapple, cubed
• 1 head romaine lettuce
• 1 banana
• 4 to 6 ounces of filtered water

Add all the ingredients except for the lettuce to your blender (I use a Blendtec) and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the rest of the lettuce and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 436
Fat: 2g
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 107g
Calcium: 23% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 8.5 RDA
Vitamin A: 1829% RDA
Vitamin C: 271% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/blueberry-pineapple-green-smoothie-recipe/

Chia Seed-Red Grape Smoothie Recipe

• 1 cup red grapes
• 2 teaspoons chia seeds, soaked for about 10 minutes
• 2 bananas
• 1 head romaine lettuce
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 4 to 5 ounces of filtered water

Add everything except for the lettuce to your blender and pulse the ingredients until they are roughly blended. Now, add the lettuce and blend on high for 30 seconds or until smooth.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 518
Fat: 10g
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 108g
Calcium: 18% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 8.5mg
Vitamin A: 1826% RDA
Vitamin C: 208% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/chia-seed-red-grape-smoothie/

Berry-Avocado Smoothie Recipe

• 1 cup frozen wild blueberries (or fresh blueberries if in season)
• 2 bananas
• 1/4 avocado
• 1 head organic romaine lettuce
• 1/2 teaspoon maca powder
• 4 to 6 ounces filtered water

Add all the ingredients except for the lettuce to your blender (I use a Blendtec) and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the rest of the lettuce and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 468
Fat: 10g
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrates: 98g
Calcium: 21% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 7.8mg
Vitamin A: 1828% RDA
Vitamin C: 198% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/blueberry-and-avocado-green-smoothie/

Red Grape and Acai Berry Smoothie Recipe

• 1 3.5 ounce (100 gram) serving of frozen acai puree (we like Amafruits.com) or 3 tablespoons acai berry juice
• 1 to 2 sprigs of fresh mint (to taste)
• 2 bananas
• 1 cup organic red grapes
• 1 small head of organic romaine lettuce
• 2 ounces filtered water if needed

Add everything except for the lettuce to your blender and pulse the ingredients until they are roughly blended. Now add the lettuce and blend on high for 30 seconds or until smooth. Just about any leafy green will go well in this smoothie but to preserve the complex flavor combination of acai with fresh mint, stick with mild-flavored greens such as leaf lettuce, romaine or baby spinach.

Nutrition Information*

Calories: 420
Fat: 2g
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrates: 101g
Calcium: 19 % RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 7.2 mg
Vitamin A: 1826 % RDA
Vitamin C: 208 % RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/acai-berry-and-mint-green-smoothie/

Cactus Pear and Pomegranate Smoothie Recipe

• 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate juice or arils
• 2 cactus pears, juice and flesh (strain out the seeds and peel)
• 1 cup frozen wild blueberries
• 2 tbsp soaked goji berries
• 2 organic bananas, peeled
• 1 teaspoon hemp or rice protein powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon maca (optional)
• 2 ounces of filtered water (optional if needed)

Add ingredients to a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds or until smooth.

Juicing Pomegranates and Cactus Pear

You don’t have to juice pomegranate but the seeds might not blend up well in some blenders. To juice the pomegranate, simply empty the seeds in a strainer and smash them with a spoon. Make sure you place a metal bowl under the strainer. Pomegranate juice stains, so be careful! If you have a high powered blender, the arils (seeds and juice sack) will blend up just find and you can add the entire arils to your smoothie.

You can use bottled pomegranate juice but I prefer juicing it myself since it will not have been pasteurized and I know that it’s fresh and the most potent in antioxidants.

Even if you have a high powered blender, I highly recommend juicing the cactus pear. The seeds don’t blend well and broken seeds become very sharp and will scratch your throat as you drink your smoothie. Simply mash the cactus pear into a metal strainer and collect the juice in a glass or bowl. If you can, separate the seeds from the pulp and use the pulp as well.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 530
Fat: 3g
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 134g
Calcium: 15% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 4.6mg
Vitamin A: 298% RDA
Vitamin C: 71% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/cactus-pear-pomegranate-superfruit-smoothie-recipe/

Red Grape and Fig Smoothie Recipe

• 5 medium, fresh figs
• 1 cup organic red grapes
• 1/2 head romaine lettuce
• 2 organic bananas
• 4 ounces filtered water

Add all the ingredients except for the lettuce to your blender and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the rest of the lettuce and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

You can use any mild flavored green in this recipe. I recommend Romaine, but green or red leaf lettuce or fresh baby spinach will work well also.

You can easily cut the recipe in half too. Just leave out one banana and only add 2-3 figs and half of the grapes.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 552
Fat: 2g
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 139g
Calcium: 18% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 5.1 mg
Vitamin A: 929% RDA
Vitamin C: 130% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/red-grape-and-fig-green-smoothie-recipe/

Iron 101 Smoothie Recipe

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and pitted
• 2 large ripe bananas, peeled
• 3 cups organic kale
• 1 cup fresh, organic Italian parsley (or use curly parsley)
• 4 to 6 ounces of filtered water

Add all the ingredients except for the greens to your blender, (I use a Blendtec) and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the rest of the greens and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 498
Fat: 3g
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 121g
Calcium: 32% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 101% RDA *
Vitamin A: 1257% RDA
Vitamin C: 447% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/iron-101-smoothie-tropical-fruit-flavor-and-rich-in-iron/

Pomegranate-Cherry Smoothie Recipe

• 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate juice
• 2 cups frozen cherries
• 2 organic bananas
• 3 cups chard or other leafy green (optional)
• 4 ounces of filtered water (optional if needed)

Add all the ingredients except for the greens to your blender, (I use a Blendtec) and hit the “pulse” button a few times. Next, add the greens and blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.

To juice the pomegranate, simply empty the seeds in a strainer and smash them with a spoon. Make sure you place a metal bowl under the strainer. Pomegranate juice stains, so be careful!

You can use bottled pomegranate juice but I prefer juicing it myself since I try to avoid heat pasteurized juices. Plus, I know that it’s fresh and the most potent in antioxidants.

If you have a high powered blender, you don’t need to juice the pomegranate. Just cut it in half and scoop the seeds into the blender.

Nutrition Information (Without Greens)

Calories: 480
Fat: 1g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 121g
Calcium: 5% RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance)
Iron: 2.3mg
Vitamin A: 16% RDA
Vitamin C: 56% RDA

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/recipes/pomegranate-and-cherry-green-smoothie-recipe/

A miracle has happened! I have been given a renewed appreciation for certain things in my life.

I don't know if you can truly appreciate something until you think it may be taken away.

God bless, all!!

- FS

Ok being the hottest wife around was exhausting. Soo glad that I get to choose something else for today.

In prep for V-day, I will.... start the 31 Day Pray for your Husband Challenge

1. Post-it Love Note

2. Be a Hot Wife

3. 31 Day Prayer Challenge

I used to pray for Oscar in a daily and detailed way. Lately that has tapered off. I welcome a bit of support.

Happy Thursday,

- FS

In Honor of Valentine's Day

I am going to try to do 1 cute or nice thing for Oscar a day until Valentine's Day. Yesterday, I left a post-it note saying I love you.

TODAY....... I am going to act like I'm the hottest wife around.

1. Post-it Love Note

2. Be a Hot Wife

Ok, so you may be curious about the reasoning.. Well, I've turned into a lazy wife who changes into a stunningly hot woman when she goes in to work and changes into a friendly cute wife when she comes home. I'm talking cute with bun on the top of the head, no makeup and comfy big sweatpants type clothes.

I tell Oscar he is good lucking, sexy, strong, a catch, etc. a lot! However, I rarely show him that I am one. I am more apt to cover up my tummy while changing in front of him (which he absolutely hates!). While a longer term goal should be to just be a hot wifey every day, the short term one is to do my hair, makeup etc., wear cute/sexy/well put together clothes all day long, be aware of how I'm sitting standing, etc. and just pretend like I'm on a first date or even (gasp) that I'm in public with a man who is extremely sexy and makes me nervous.

That's my plan. As well as school, work, cleaning, dog stuff, etc. By the way Oso is under the covers with his head on my lap just breathing deeply. Sooo precious.

Love to you all!

Happy January!

Oso at the vets - Then and Now
Good Morning World,

This is a post for Mrs. Francesca. I was reminded in a very cute thank you card from her that I have neglected my readers their blog updates.

Life has been so busy - filled with ups and downs. It has been a joy raising our little playful Oso, yet very time consuming at the same time. Last night, I spent more time procrastinating than writing my paper for school. The writing part was easy, but boring. Why do I struggle with getting that done? It is not even that boring. I would like to think I have more control over myself than that which I exhibited last night.

All in all, I am grateful for the new morning and the new day. We have been hiring a good friend to make food for us three days a week to help her out with her money situation and help us out with a time situation. Unfortunately, when I quit my job (I had two), it just didn't make sense to be shelling out the money anymore. This is our first week on our own again. I am sad that she is not receiving the money, but it was about $200 a month and so was a substantial part of our budget. I am kind of excited about cooking again. :)

As for the Oso's boy, he is sick.... again, but he just moved into his new HUGE adult sized crate.

It is huge. I can fit in there sitting rather comfortably. Wow, I can type for a while. Sooo much to do!