Beautiful Leah!

I'm so sorry about not getting these pictures up any sooner!  Monday and Tuesday combined I worked something like 28 hours.  So, not too much extra time on my hands.  But, today!  I don't have to leave until 11am.  So, I weighed in for our Christmas challenge and I'm about to do some exercising, yeah.   So, I thought I'd finally load these pictures from Leah!  Here she is along with her hubby, Peter and doggy, Pria!

Speaking of our challenge.  I've only heard from Dana as of yet.  8:30 central time.  I've heard from Leah and Amanda that they were also playing.  But, I haven't heard from anyone else.  I'm going to send out reminders to you all today.  But, if I don't get your weigh-in today, I'm going to assume you're not playing.  (Which is fine!)  Happy Wednesday!

Meet Me Monday - Leah

Good Morning ladies!  Today we get to meet Leah.  Well, I guess most of you already know her.  But, a few of you don't.  Leah is my oldest friend.  Wait, that didn't sound right.  I mean, we've been friends for the longest time.  We met in 2nd grade, Mrs. Love's class.  And, we lived in the same neighborhood, where we a year later added Dana to our posse.  She's great.  I love her.  It's early.  I can only speak in short sentences.

Here's Leah!

"Hello!  Sorry this is so late!  Thanksgiving went longer with our family than expected, so computer time was limited.  No complaining here!  I joined Skinny My Minnie because I wanted to be with all the cool kids trying to shed a few pounds.  Having always struggled with my weight since the dawn of time it seems, any chance to be motivated to lose weight usually catches my eye.  I've known Jenny since second grade, so that is how it all came to be!

Currently I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with my super husband, Peter and perfect dog, Pria.  I'm not biased, not at all.  I am a full-time student getting my masters in social work with a certificate in gerontology.  I also work as an older adult caregiver, which I truely enjoy.  In August, I pan to finish school and move back to Bloomington, Indiana to be closer to my parents and other family and friends.  Then, maybe we'll think about having kids?  I think so, most probably.  My main goal for the competition was to get to a healthier weight to prepare my body for having kids.  I know my own weight can not only affect the pregnancy but also my babies health, so I am trying to be healthy as much as my motivation  permits.  Thank you Jenny, for this oppurtunity and her's to one more month of being mindful of what we do to our bodies!

Here is a delicious, cheap, and fast bean soup recipe I love!"

Delicious Black Bean Soup, Serves: 6

2 T olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
3 cloves minced garlic
2 (15 oz) cans black beans
1 (14 oz) can chicken broth
1/4 t cumin
1/2 t salt
Ground pepper to taste
Dash of chili powder, oregano, and red wine vinegar to taste
Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream as desired

Heath the oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Stir the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and garlic.  Cook 5 minutes until tender.  Mix in one can of black beans and chicken broth. 

In a blender, puree remaining can of beans until smooth.  Mix into the pot.  Bring soup to a boil.  Reduce heat to low.  Mix in spices and vinegar.  Simmer 20 min.


Thank you, Leah!  The soup sounds delicious!  And, I love all of the baby talk!!  Yeah!!!

Hope you all have a great week and I'm excited to get your weigh in's on Wednesday!! Don't forget!! :-)

***UPDATE***  I've been trying to post Leah's pictures for a few hours now, and my computer here at work is being all wonky.  I'll try to get them added tonight or tomorrow once I'm at home.  Sorry, Leah!!

Meet Me Monday - Heather!

Like how I added that exclamation point after Heather's name!  It made you "shout" Heather in your mind when you read it, didn't it??  And, now, you're super excited to learn all about her.  All with a punctuation mark.  So, Heather and I go way back.  I'm talking way, way back.  She's known me since I was a zygote.  Really.  She's my big sis.  I've pretty much been following her my whole life.  Purdue, marriage, career, kids.  What's next??  What bar are you going to set for me now, huh?! :-)  Actually, I think we should get Mom on board and open our own bakery...we could so do it! 

Anywho, here she is!

"Hi Minnies,

My name is Heather Knoy and I am Jenny’s sister. I am 32 years old and I have been married to my wonderful husband, Matthew, for 13 years. We have 2 beautiful boys, Mason, 5 and Cooper, 2. I work full time as a Quality Supervisor at Baxter Pharmaceutical. My hobbies include cooking, baking, reading, watching TV and movies and listening to music.

I have struggled with my weight my entire adult life. I have always been a “bigger” girl. I enjoy food, I love to cook and bake and I am not going to stop doing that. I have a stressful job and a lot going on at home, so I have a lot of stress and baking is one way I relieve that stress. It calms me.

Since I like to eat, I have figured that I need to move more to be able to lose weight. And here starts my struggle and why I have a hard time losing weight – my life is busy. After working 9-10 hours a day, I come home to 3 “STARVING” boys who demand dinner ASAP and then I have to clean up the kitchen, do some laundry, make lunches for the next day, work on homework, take kids to whatever sport/activity they are doing, … and the list goes on and on – just like for all of you I’m sure. I want to make exercising a priority – I want my kids to know how important it is to eat healthy and be active. So that is what I am working on now – how to make exercise a priority.

I wanted to share a recipe that my family loves and is so quick and easy and is good for you. It came from a weight watchers book - Asiago Crusted Pork Chops. I like to make this when dinner has to made in 20 minutes and I know my kids will eat it (even my picky 5 year old). Please try it and let me know what you think...

Asiago Crusted Pork Chops

4 boneless center cut chops - I usually buy the thin cut so it cooks quicker

1/2 C Panko (or regular) breadcrumbs

1/4 C grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese

1 egg white

Fresh thyme and 4 lemon wedges (optional)

Take 2 shallow bowls, place the egg white in one and whisk briefly, add the breadcrumbs, cheese and salt and pepper to taste in the other bowl. Take a chop and dip in the egg and then in the breadcrumb mixture. Add to a hot skillet drizzled with olive oil and cook until done. About 5 minutes per side depending on the thickness. Remove from pan and add some fresh thyme and squeeze a lemon wedge over the chop. I don't always have thyme or lemons, and these are still delicious without them. I usually steam some broccoli and make a quick salad and dinner is served. I hope you enjoy these with your family.

So that’s me in a nutshell … Keep up the good work Minnies!!"

Aren't those boys beautiful!?!  Seriously.  I could eat em up!  I'm so glad that Heather decided to join in the competition.  I wish we lived closer so we could work out together or at least watch each other's kids for an hour so we could work out by ourselves!  You should see me in my tiny apartment doing any type of exercise.  The kids think it's funny and they think I'm dancing so they start jumping around and turning circles all around me.  It's everything I can do to not kick one of them in the head!  How do you explain that at the ER?!?  I am going to try out those pork chops tomorrow! I've had some in the freezer for awhile just waiting to find the perfect recipe! Sounds fantastic!! 

Meet Me Monday - Amanda

Good Morning!  Hope you all had a great morning, seeing how we basically slept in another hour!  Not much to say this morning.  I know, you're so surprised!

Today we get to meet Amanda!  As you know by now, I don't know Amanda personally and so I can't really introduce her to you.  But, I have read her bio already and it seems like she is a great lady with a crazy, busy life!  Wish we lived closer so we could get to know each other better!  We'll have to settle for bloggie friends!  Here's what Amanda has to say:

"Hi fellow Minnies :),

My name is Amanda Dorsett. I am 28 years old, have been married to my wonderful husband Cody for 9 years. We have four children. Ty our oldest is 7, Zach our middle son is 4, Trey our baby boy is 2 and I recently gave birth in April to our spoiled little princess, Caitlyn. I am a stay at home mommy because really, who can afford day care for four kiddos :)? I do enjoy being able to stay home..... well not work outside of the home and run my kids to school, sports, church and all the other various activities that keep us very busy. 

I am struggling to lose my baby weight this time around. With my son Trey, the weight just fell off and by the time he was six months old, I was minus eight lbs and the smallest I had ever been. When I got pregnant with Cait, I gained close to 40 lbs. While I have lost close to 30 of it, these last ten pounds have stubbornly hung on. On top of that, I want to be at a fit weight for my height, so I decided to try and lose a total of 18 lbs. I know it can be done! I weighed 175 after having my son Zachary. I did not lose any of the weight I had gained while pregnant. When I got pregnant with Trey, I weighed 135. I lost 40 lbs through diet alone, because I HATE to exercise and honestly I don't have the time! My husband works two jobs, he has a regular 9-5 job, well in his case 6-2, and then officiates high school volleyball, basketball and baseball. Some nights we don't get to see him until close to 10 p.m.! So it's just me and the kids several days a week, with help from our awesome extended family.

I was surprised as anyone to be at the top this week. I did gain last week, on Monday ( Halloween) I was plus 2 lbs :( However I have gallbladder issues, and had an attack Tuesday. I was told to fast for two days, drinking nothing but juice and water. It worked! However, I may have to have surgery in the near future :( So right there is motivation to eat healthier!! I also have my own small business making cookies, candies and confections. I sell these mostly around the Holidays but I do have to taste most of my product as I am making it and let me tell you, the temptation is there to sample several of everything I make! I have a huge sweet tooth! So I am also learning self control. I enjoy hearing from each of you and knowing I am not alone in my struggle to lose weight."

Thanks, Amanda!  Your kiddos are absolutely adorable!!  So sweet!  I too suffered with my gallbaldder!  Just yank it out, you don't need it anyway! :-)  

See you all back here tomorrow for the Thanksgiving Challenge!!

Meet Me Monday - Lesa aka Mom

Good Morning!  I hope you all had fabulous weekends!!  I nearly forgot that today is Halloween as I've already gone trick-or-treating twice!  There is way. too. much. candy in my house.  Seriously!  And, I've been really bad and helped myself to a lot of it.  Time to cut it out and get back on the diet wagon.

Anywho, today you get to learn all about my mom.  Her name is Lesa and yes, it is spelled with an 'e'- get it right, or pay the price! And by price, I mean, nothing at all, just a little annoyance.  I mean, I think we've all had someone get our name wrong once or twice, and admit it, it's just annoying.  And, my poor mom married a man with the last name of Snedegar...it's over, she knows it, everyone screws it up!  Well, here she is, Lisa Snedinger!  I kill myself!

"Hello Skinny Girls!!

I am Lesa, Jenny & Heather's Mom and Raenetta's Aunt.  Most of you know me, so I won't bore you with many details.  I think the only ones I don't know are Jessie & Amanda.  I very much enjoyed Jessie's "Meet Me Monday" last week, and I guess I might be seeing Amanda's next week.  Congrats!

First of all - aren't "The Big Bad Wolf" (Wyatt) and "Little Red Riding Hood" (Katelyn) adorable!!!!  Yes! They are - OK!  I might be a little biased!  Who cares?

I signed up for Skinny My Minnie with hopes of having incentive to drop 10-15 lbs.  My weight gain began last year while helping care for my brother, who passed away with Cancer in August, 2010./  Too many late nights, drive thru, un-healthy meals took a toll on my body.  So what is my excuse over a year later?  Don't have one!  I have been a member of Curves for 5-6 years now.  I do try to go 3x a week and enjoy their workout system.  Even that took a back seat last year and I amanged to get back into it this year after recovering from 2 shoulder surgeries!  Even if my weight does not reflect my efforts, I do have to say - I can see some changes in toning!  Along wiht Skinny, I signed up for Curves "Not for Sissies" challenge for October.  It began Oct 3rd and finished on the 29th.  It entailed a commitment to 3 workouts per week, as well as weight and measures, food journaling, healthy recipe contests, Mammogram (since Oct is Breast Cancer Awareness Month), and donations to the Middle Way House.  With each of these items, points are awarded.  Tomorrow is my final weigh in and they will tally all the points this week.

A few years ago, I was given a book called The New Sugar Busters! Cut Sugar to Trim Fat by H. Leighton Steward, Morrison C. Bethea, MD, Sam S. Andrews, MD & Luis A. Balart, MD.  We were out in Cody, WY on vacation and met Leighton Steward and his wife Linda.  He gave me the book (and autographed it).  I read it on the drive back to Indiana, and though, "I can do that!"  It isn't as hard as you might thing, although sugar is one of my major food groups! I am a total sugar-alholic!  You simply eat like you are a diabetic, for the most part.  There are no carbs or calories to count, just sugar or anything that converts to sugar.  The first week of using his method, I lost 4 lbs and continued to lose 20 overall.  This was before Jenny's wedding AND a class reunion!  Later, I purchased the shoppers guide to use along with the original book. 

Ladies!  Keep strong and we all can have healthier lives, look better in our clothes and feel so much better!"

Thanks, Mom!!  Love you! 

Meet Me Monday-Jessie!

Good Monday Morning to you all!!  Hope your weekends were fantabulous!  Today we're going to learn all about Jessie!  Yeah!!  Jessie is my bff Leah's friend from college.  We both walked down the aisle at Leah's wedding.  And, that's about the extent of my correspondence with her, unfortunately!  I've heard lots of great things about her though.  And, if she's friends with Leah, then I know she's a superstar!!  Here's what she wants you to know about her!

"Hi everyone!  My name is Jessie and I'm excited to be doing this competition.  If you're wondering, who is this Jessie character?  Well, let me tell you!  I live in Milton, WI (about 45 minutes south of Madison) and teach middle school band.  I have been married to wonderful guy named Jamie for more than 2 years, and we live in a cozy little house with our two cats, Maestro and Belle. 

We enjoy traveling and exploring new places, landscaping, spending time with family and friends!  We dislike thinking of dinner ideas.  We do not currently have children so you'd think we'd have time to cook delicious, healthful meals and take a daily walk BUT you'd be wrong!  My husband works at least 12 hours a day and I tend to have many after school or evening responsibilities/rehearsals.  Because of our schedules and general lack of motivation when we get home from our respective careers, we resort to a lot of eating out, frozen pizzas, and TV watching...especially during the winter.  That is our downfall and I'm admitting it.

You may be asking yourself at this point, how does this person know Jenny?  I've never heard of this Jessie.  Well, I know Jenny (and Dana actually) through Leah!  Leah was a college roommate of mine and is a very good friend.  It was actually while living with Leah (and two other lovely ladies) that I felt I was at my perfect weight.  I have to say that being at college was actually very beneficial for my weight. None of that freshman 15 for me.  If you think about it, you walk a lot and people make food for you.  I felt like I always had good options to choose from and generally took advantage of it (except for the occasional Lucy's homemade chocolate chip cookies).

I've tried several of the fad diets over the years and have found I CANNOT deprive myself of the things I love the most...I need to just learn to limit my serving size.  I am a person who really hates to be hungry.  In fact, my husband and family can attest to the fact that a lack of food makes me quite crabby.  So I am trying to make and freeze several healthy but tasty soups.  I've heard that a more liquidy diet can be beneficial.  I also find myself feeling more full after having a bowl of soup.  Besides soup, I have added some other very important and tasty things to my diet that are helping I think.  #1 Kashi GoLean cereal!  It's super fibrous...I believe it is the best cereal out there.   You will be very regular girls!  #2- Dannon Greek Yogurt-it has a ton more protein than regular yogurt and is more creamy.  I like the type with the fruit at the bottom.  #3-An apple a day.  I've decided to add an apple each day because I find they make me feel full which of course equals a happier Jessie.

So that's that!  I'm really hoping that these lost pounds will start adding up!  Good luck to all of you!"

Thanks Jessie!!  Keep up the good work!!  I just made butternut squash soup last night that was pretty tasty.  Perhaps I'll post the recipe soon!  Later this week, I plan on posting an excellent black bean casserole recipe!  Delish!  Have a great week everyone!

Meet Me Monday - Dana

Why, hello Skinnier Minnies!  I am so glad to say that everyone has officially lost weight since the beginning of the competition!  Don't you feel so proud of yourselves!  Great work and keep it going!!  We're in the beginning of week 3 and I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some junk food!!  Just keep telling yourself to PUT IT DOWN!  You'll thank yourself in January when you're hotter than all of your friends! 


I completely forgot on Saturday to post my weight. So sorry!  I was really worried because I gained mid-week and couldn't seem to lose it!  So, I practically fasted all of Friday-not really-have you seen me!?  But, I did eat a lot less, even denying myself Wyatt's unfinished Wendy's french fries and pizza later during the night!  It was tough, for reals!  And then, in a last ditch effort I let Katelyn nurse pretty much the whole night!  She loved it! And, so did I when I weighed in at 210.5!  Whew!


Ok, enough about me! Let the spotlight shine on Dana!  Dana is one of my bestest girlfriends.  We met in 3rd grade for those of you who haven't heard Jan Sinn tell the story a million times! :-)  She moved into the Gentry Estates neighborhood and into Mrs Woods 3rd grade class.  It was pretty much instant friendship between her, Leah, and me!  I love her dearly and miss her tremendously!  I can't wait until she moves back down to Bloomington! (hehe!!)  Here's what she wants you to know about her!!

"Hello there, my name is Dana. I have been a best friend of Jenny's for about 20 years now. We met in Mrs. Wood's third grade class, Bloomington, IN. Below are a few things you should know about me!

I consider myself quite the little treehugger, having studied/worked in environmental science and also enjoying being out in nature as much as I can. I live in Bay City, MI and work with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality protecting our lakes and streams. I am not married, have no children and own no pets, beyond the plants I try to keep alive. I LOVE cooking and all things food-related. My boyfriend Joel and I love being in the kitchen experimenting and also trying every ethnic restaurant we can get to! Joel is still down in Bloomington and I can't wait to get back there! (the photo is of Joel and I hiking in Lake George, NY this summer).

I have struggled with my weight all my life, and finally got to a happy/healthy place after college. But after a few years I decided to go back to graduate school, and boy did the pounds climb back onto this backside!!

So...now I'm up here in Michigan attending workout classes, cooking healthy meals and trying to stay active and positive before winter depression sets in! Ugh. I look forward to getting back to my fit self, and am excited to be on that journey with all of you lovely ladies.

As I mentioned, I love to cook, and find most of my meals on eatingwell.com It's a great site and I have had success with almost all the recipes I've tried there. I will say they almost always leave out a good amount of sauteed onions and garlic where I would always add them. But short of that, good stuff. Below is a meal I've had several times and is perfect for this cooler, fall weather! Enjoy!

Southwestern Stuffed Acorn Squash

Good luck ladies!!"

Thanks Dana!  It's so funny because I had already typed up my part of the post before Dana sent me hers!  Thank goodness for Mrs. Wood's 3rd grade class!!  

Next week's Meet Me Monday will be Jessie if she wishes to participate, as she was the weeks winner!!  Send me a bio and photos that you would like to post.  If you don't wish to, just email me and say you'll pass!  Thanks!!  

Meet Me Monday - Raenetta

Good morning!  It's time for another exciting installment of Meet Me Monday!!  This morning you'll be learning a little bit more about Raenetta.

I've known Raenetta all of my life, you know, since she is my Mom's, Brother's, Daughter.  Also known as, my cousin.  While we didn't grow up in the same town, I fondly remember playing many games of baseball, beauty salon, and pool at our Grandma's house during the holidays!

Here is what Raenetta has to say!

"Mamma and wife!! That about sums it up. LOL!! I  live in Cloverdale, IN with my handsome husband 

and 4 wondeful and unique children (David 9, Kaydence 6, Logan 3 and Marley 10 M).

Doing this to give myself a little bit of much needed attention to be more healthy and loose the baby weight that has well been around for about 6 years ;0). best wishes to everyone!! God bless each of you in your journey and together as women and with God by our sides each of us can accomplish anything."


Thank you Raenetta!  And lots of luck to you to get rid of that baby weight!  I know a thing, or two, about that!!  

Meet Me Monday-Jenny

Well, sorry about not posting Sunday.  Time got away from me.  Can't promise that won't happen again! Anyway, before I get started on Meet Me Monday, I would like to point out that I added a 'Follow me by email button' over there on the right side.  So, now when I add a new post it will show up in your email if you opt for that.  And, I will write the post that I eluded to Saturday later on this week.  Now for your reading pleasure.  All about me follows.

This kind of reminds me of a 7th grade, first day of school English assignment.  You know, write a 2-page paper all about yourself.  Don't worry, this won't be 2 pages.  I loved writing those papers.  I mean, really, how hard is it to write all about yourself!?  What I didn't love was middle school-and if you're normal-you didn't either.  It's such an awkward stage in everyone's life.  I look at middle schoolers today and feel embarrassed for myself all over again knowing that I acted how they do.  Ok, moving on...

I am a mother of 2 beautiful children,

Wyatt -3

                                                                         Katelyn -1
I love how I chose pictures of them both looking sideways in different directions!  Totally on accident.  I am married, of course, for 6 years to a wonderful, caring husband who just asked if I wanted some of his Mt. Dew!  Sabatoger!! And, here we are...awwww!

I work full-time as a PET/CT technologist for Alliance Imaging, which is a mobile company.  Meaning, I work at a different hospital or clinic site everyday.  It definitely keeps me busy and driving a lot!  In my spare time, I enjoy baking, cooking, reading, knitting, crafting in general, and long walks on the beach-of course.  I'm looking forward to this competition and being able to get out all of my clothes I've been hoarding just knowing that some day soon I will fit in them again!