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!! 

Week 6 Results!

Hello All!  First, let me thank you for everyone who responded with their weigh-in for the mini-challenge!  There are 8 of us playing for immunity after Thanksgiving!  I'm a little worried about my chances though seeing how much everyone has already lost since Wednesday!!  You girls are awesome!!  I didn't get weights from Leah and Amanda.  If either of you sent me your weight and I didn't get it, let me know what it was and I'll get it plugged in!  My weight on Wednesday was the same as it is today.  Now, I know this was a great big decrease from last week, but, I ate a large dinner the night before last week and didn't sleep very well Friday night.  So, I feel like my weight was slightly skewed last week and this week is more accurate.  Anyway, I'm really excited to say that I've lost 10 pounds now!!  Such a milestone!  Down to 204.5!  Let me just pat myself on the back a few times!!

And, I'll just keep tooting my horn because I am the winner this week for the weigh in!  But, that is just because of the aforementioned weigh-in from last week.  I lost 4 pounds, supposedly.  Here are this week's results!  I'm so proud of everyone!

1.  Jenny up 1.87% from last week!
2.  Dana 1.46%
3.  Raenetta 1.39%
4.  Heather .85%
5.  Holly .82%
6.  Betty .56%
7.  Amanda .14%
8.  Leah .009%
9.  Lesa -.93%
10.  Jessie -1.29%


And the overall results for the competition!

1.  Dana at 5.38%
2.  Raenetta 5.07%
3.  Jenny 4.66%
4.  Amanda 3.92%
5.  Heather 2.13%
6.  Betty 1.77%
7.  Holly .83%
8.  Lesa .80%
9.  Leah -.001%
10.  Jessie -1.41%

Tomorrow we get to learn all about Heather and meet her and her family!  I'm so glad that she decided to do Meet Me Monday because at the beginning she told me she had no idea what to say about herself.  Then she sent me her info today (I haven't read it yet) and said to shorten it if I need to!!  Love it!!

Next week, we'll learn all about Holly if she wishes to participate!  Yeah!!

Hope you are all having a great weekend!  Check in with us all during the week sometime and let us know how things are going!!

Turkey Day Challenge

Let's spice things up around here!  What do you say?!?  A mini challenge!!  Since this is impromptu, of course you don't have to join in.  But, I think it'll be fun and the prize is going to be totally worth it.

Here's how this is going to roll.  First we'll have a weigh-in tomorrow morning.  Yes, I know, short notice, so sorry.  There won't be any penalty from this weigh-in, i.e., no money due.  It'll be the baseline weight just for this mini challenge.  And, we'll still have our normal weigh-in on Saturday, keeping up with the competition as a whole.

Now, this mini competition will run for 2 weeks, until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  Did you know that the Saturday before Thanksgiving marks the half-way point of our 14 weeks??  Scary!  I know that I certainly am not on track to hit my half-way goal!!  Yikes!   Ok, back to business.  So, for the mini competition we will weigh-in again on the 23rd.  (That's the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.)

Let's summarize.  There will be two weigh-ins.  One tomorrow-a baseline.  One on the 23rd marking the end of the mini competition.  Simple as that.  Now for the prize!!!  I'm sure you know where I'm going with this.  If not, read on.  If so, read on anyway!!  Whomever has lost the highest percentage of their weight between those 2 weeks will have IMMUNITY on the Saturday weigh-in after Thanksgiving!!!!  Did you read that right?!?!  I'm talking Survivor here people!  You will be able to stuff your face with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, green beans, corn, rolls, pumpkin pie, cranberry salad, sweet potatotes with those little, perfectly toasted marshmallows on top, anything your little heart wants and you will have NO penalty when you gain a few pounds for Saturday's weigh-in!  You will still have to weigh-in, don't get me wrong.  You just will owe nothing!  I know, exciting!!

Ok, so, if you're going to play just send me your weight like we always do.  If you have any questions, as always, feel free to ask!  If this works out well and we have fun with it, we'll do it again around Christmas!

Now, for some reason I'm craving me some good, home cooked comfort food...

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!!

Results- Week 5

Daylight Savings Time means you fall back one whole day, right?! No?!?  Hmm, wish someone would have told me earlier.  You know, I'm still considered new to this whole DST getup, I do live in Indiana, ya know.  We've only been doing this for like 5 years or something.  Yeah, well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

Seriously, I'm super glad for all of you minnies that had good weeks this week.  Count your blessings!  Let me tell you about a few of the minnies who didn't quite have good weeks this week, it must of been the Halloween curse.  First of all, Betty-along with Holly, who lives at the same abode, had their entire 3 story home flooded by an upstairs commode.  (Rhyming not meant to make light of the situation!)  It's a mess!   Leah, has been preparing for midterms and preparing for her Mom's Retirement Party, the latter, of course not bad! And, with so much on her mind forgot to pack her scale! Lesa, was closing down her Btown home for a life on the road in Florida for the winter-I don't feel too sorry for her, but she was still a little pre-occupied. And, she also forgot her scale, however, found one to weigh in on.  And then there's me, who felt sorry for all of the above minnies and put on a sympathy 2.5 pounds!  Your welcome.  And, truthfully, I forgot to pack up the laptop for the aforementioned Retirement Party.  Thus, the Sunday results post.  I know this was a bad week for most of us because at least $10 is being added to the pot this week, perhaps even $12-see below.

Anywho, here it is, kind of.  I'm still missing weights for Holly and Leah.  Holly will return home this evening and let me know.  And, Leah will be back in Wisconsin tonight and she'll weigh in tomorrow.  Now, I hate to be a stickler on the rules here.  But, it is what it is.  Because I don't have their weights, they  will each have to pay a penalty of $1, as if their weights didn't change.  And, when they get me they're results, if they gained they will have to pay the normal fine of $2.  Capesh??

The winner for this week is: DANA!!

Week 5 Lineup
1.  Dana up 1.45% weight loss!!
2.  Heather .43%
3. Amanda .28%
4.  Jessie .06%
5.  Holly 0%
6.  Leah 0%
7.  Lesa -.27%
8.  Raenetta - .90%
9.  Jenny -1.17%
10. Betty -1.77%

And, for the overall comptetion:

1.  Dana has taken the lead with an overall loss of 3.92%
2.  Amanda 3.78%
3.  Raenetta 3.68%
4.  Jenny 2.79%
5.  Leah 1.74%
6.  Lesa 1.73%
7.  Heather 1.28%
8.  Betty 1.21%
9.  Holly 1.11%
10. Jessie .11%

Alright, for those of you in the top four this week, great job!  You guys rocked it! (and you must of kept your paws out the Halloween candy!!)  For the rest of us, let's step it up before Thanksgiving!! Speaking of which, I'll announce the Thanksgiving Challenge next week on Tuesday!  Be ready!!!

Come back tomorrow and learn all about Amanda, as she's agreed to do Meet Me Monday!  And, next week-our runner up will have a turn!  Yeah, Heather!!  (if you're up to it!)  Email me your bio and a picutre or two or three or whatever!  Can't wait to learn more about Amanda tomorrow!!!!

Have a great week Minnies!!!

Harvest Soup

Here's a Thursday morning recipe for you to try.  It's a great way to incorporate some of the fall veggies and fruits you may have around!  I made this a couple of weeks ago and I thought it was just ok.  Now, I know that doesn't sound very convincing for you to try it, but, I was a little out of my box on this one.  If you like the ingredients, I'm sure you'll love the soup!  The only thing extra I did was add a few spices.  I thought it was overwhelmingly carroty, so I muted that with some cinnamon and a small amount of curry.  Give it a try!

Havest Soup
adapted from PARENTS magazine, October 2011

1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 c copped carrot
1/2 c chopped celery
1/3 c chopped onion
1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, seeded and cut into 1 inch cubes
2 medium apples, cored and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
ground pepper to taste
spices to taste

1.  Heat oil in a big soup pot on medium heat.  Add your chopped carrots, celery, and onions.  (You don't have to perfectly chop these, as you'll be pureeing this soup.)  Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes or until tender and starting to brown.  Add your squash, apples, and broth.  (I used Gala's from Huber Farms, and they were quite small, so I cut up 3 or 4 of them.)  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.  Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.  Cool slightly.

2.  Puree soup using your preferred method. I use an imersion blender, a fun little kitchen gadget in my arsenal!  But a blender or a food processor will work just as well.  Taste and add your spices to taste.  Enjoy!

Nutrition info per 1.5 cups serving size. (Makes 6 cups)

185 calories
6g protein
4g fat (1g sat fat)
35 g carbs
6 g fiber
88 mg calcium
1 mg iron
531 mg sodium

If you make it, let me know what you think!  It actually is a really rich and creamy soup.  And, the best part...no cream!! 

Hope you all are surviving the week well.  I'm not sure if you remember me saying I was going to jump back on the diet wagon earlier this week...well, I jumped and fell flat on my face.  That stinking Halloween candy is doing me in!  Hopefully, I can pull it together by Saturday! 

Not sure if you all realize it, but in only 3 weeks from today, it is National Food Binge Day, aka Thanksgiving.  And to prepare for that, I have a challenge for us!  I'll post more on that soon!  Check back!!

I know this is becoming an extremely long post, but, wanted to throw this out there.  If anyone wants to post a recipe for everyone to try, email it on over to me and I'll get it up here.  Now, I've taken several pictures of the food I've prepared, but when it comes time to post them, I'm too embarrassed.  First of all, my photography skills are that of a 6 year old.  And, secondly, I have a small, horribly lit kitchen.  The picture I had for the soup made it appear very unappetizing.  I'll try better in the future!

Toodaloo!

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!