On the Road Again....

Didn't we just get home from a weekend of camping??? Why yes we did, but we had so much fun we're going again!! Over our vacation we are heading out for a few nights camping at another local KOA!! We are testing out another local KOA and we are so EXCITED!!

After our last trip we realized that if we are going to camp more we are going to need to get some new supplies!! Monday night when I got off work we headed over to Wal-Mart to pick up camping supplies and some camping food!!

We got an awesome deal on that cooler. It's an Igloo 60 qt Cooler and we got it for $27.99!! WOO HOO!! Major score!! We also got two new camping chairs!!

And we got ourselves a mini propane tabletop BBQ!! YAY!! I love BBQing on these and lost our old one in the move! And that little Mess Kit on top of the BBQ is super cool!!

The mess kit has a bowling pot, skillet, plate, bowl, and cup!! We figured we'd give it a shot since we have all or other utensils and it folds up so nicely....that could also be a bad thing lol...We also got ourselves real roasting sticks! We used wire hangers last time and I wanted to look a little bit less janky :)

We are so excited for vacation and taking a mini camping trip!! I am hoping to get to make some more Hungry Girl recipes and I've started my next book....I chose Baby Proof by Emily Giffen...stay tuned for a new review :)

Whew....Fun Times Have Begun!!

Boy has time flown by? We've been so busying soaking up the beginnings of Spring that it has literally flown by!!

A couple weekends ago we got to go on our first ever camping trip with the dogs!! YAY!! We decided to rent a cabin at a local KOA and take the dogs out to test out they do camping. Plus Chuck and I really like camping so we are trying to go more!

Check out the adorable cabin we stayed in :-)

Check out the porch swing! It was so much fun!!

That's the front door and a little desk they have with a log bench :-)

A double size bed which is a lot smaller than what we have now but it was cold so we cuddled :-)

The

The 1 room cabins actually come with a double size bed and then these bunk beds! The bunk beds worked perfect for our camping tubs and our duffel bag :) And just how cute are these? The ceilings were super HIGH! It felt so cozy but spacious! :-)

Here we are after getting mocha's from the little coffee cart they have there! They were so yummy and we were so happy to get some coffee!!!

After the clouds lifted around noon we had a beautiful afternoon in the sun! We played cards, ate lunch, took a nap, and took the dogs on a BUNCH of walks! It was so nice! And then Chuck and I's friend Brad came out for a bit and BBQed hot dogs with us!!

And poor Roxy got too cold while we were making snores. Even though I had her bundled up in her blanket on the dog bed we ended up putting her in the cabin to stay warm! Yeah I'll admit I have a sissy dog...but I love my little princess!!

Our Camping Trip was a SUCCESS!! The dogs did great the whole weekend. Buster never barked, Roxy only barked when other dogs barked at her, and the both LOVED being outside all day! Roxy could have done without the night time being outside, but Buster loved every bit of it :) We can't wait to go camping again.....

After we got home from Camping we were exhausted!! It was so much fun but we were both happy to get home to a nice warm shower and shield from the wind!! But our lazy time at home was short lived because the next weekend we had BIG plans!!

We went to the Bay Bridge Series!!! That's when Oakland Athletics play the San Francisco Giants! I was SO EXCITED!! I am a huge A's fan and Chuck is a Giants fan!!

And there was a suprise in store for me.....one my favorite players from last season was Jack Cust and this year he was sent down to the minors (don't even get me started on that mistake) and he was back for a game!! WOO HOO!! I was so happy to get to see him play again this year!!

It was such a BEAUTIFUL day at the ball park! When we first got there it was so windy and freezing cold! But once we got into the field and into our seats we warmed right up! In fact we even got a little sunburnt!!

We both had so much fun, we got to witness players we love play, drink beer, soak up the sun, and watch some old drunk man start a fight!! It was a beautiful day at the ball park!!

The next day we had a BBQ at my parents house for my birthday (it's friday but my parents are going camping for Memorial day weekend, so we partied a little early WOO HOO).

One thing I should share about my family....we LOVE to play croquet!! I mean LOVE!! We can't wait for the first nice BBQ of the year to open up croquet season!! So what you may ask did we make a priority on Sunday??

Oh yes....we opened up Croquet season!! Let's hit the lawn folks, mallets in hand ready to kick some butt!!!

Okay maybe we don't really strive to kick butt.....okay well some of us lol....My Paps tends to pick on Chuck and for those who don't know, in croquet if you land touching an opponents you can send there ball flying to wherever on the court!! Yes my Paps loves to launch Chucks....it's pretty funny...My sister and I on the other hand tend to bring up the caboose!

This year we added a member to our little team! My sister's boyfriend Steve has now been introduced to the fabulous game!! It was really fun to play and we even got 2 rounds in before dinner. The first round my Mom won (WOO HOO) and then in the second round my Paps won!!

We all had so much fun and of course I had to do couple pictures :-)

Here is my Paps and Mom!!

My Sister Mandy Jo and her honey Steve!

And of course there are these good looking people down here....

Yup that's us :)

We all had such a good time and we had beautiful weather to play! Unfortunately now it's raining again and I'm hoping it clears up by friday because Chuck and I are going to spend the day in San Francisco for my birthday!! I can't wait and we are taking the ferry over to make it a little extra fun, but if it's pouring rain our plans might change....

Finally a New Book Review

My gosh it has felt like it's been AGES since I last read a book!! And I guess it really has since I got so busy with the Bridal Shower prep (yes that post is coming!!) that I was so tired by the time we went to bed I got ZERO reading in!

I am very happy to report that I just finished reading "The Hopeless Romantic's Handbook" written by Gemma Townley!

I'm not sure if it's because I predicted it from the beginning or not but this book was hard to get through. I knew what was going to happen and the storyline in between just wasn't enough for me! Although I did love all the main characters, there was nothing about any of them that I disliked! I do love books where I can't find a flaw in the main characters :-)

But it's a cute book and I do love any books that take place in Britain so I'll give it a B :-) It wasn't horrendous but wasn't fabulous either!

My next book will either be "The Fixer Upper" written by Mary Kay Andrews or "Baby Proof" written by Emily Giffin. I have to pick one of them up from the library which could mean I'll start the other tonight!!

Cinnamon Chips!

I was so excited when I first browsed through the Hungry Girl 200 under 200 cookbook because Pita's are used A LOT! And I love Pita's. I never thought I would until I tried them a year or so ago and I fell in love. They are amazing with sandwiches, salads, dips, and so much more....Hungry Girl offers up a great snack using Pita's!! Of course I tried :-)

You will need: Whole Wheat Pita's, Baking Non Stick Spray, Splenda, and Cinnamon!
First preheat your oven to 350 degrees! Then mix your Splenda and Cinnamon together in a small bowl. And I mean small, there isn't much!

Then you take a baking sheet and spray it with the baking spray. And the most important part that I forgot to take a picture of...take your Pita and slice it into 6 wedges. Then very carefully separate each wedge into 2 slices by pulling it apart. You will see what I mean when you do it :-)

Then place the 12 pieces of Pita onto your baking sheet and spray the pita pieces with the baking spray. Then sprinkle your Splenda/Cinnamon mixture over the top of each piece.

Pop them into the oven for 5 to 7 minutes and VOILA...You have yourself some awesome cinna-licious pita chips!!

This is a A+++++ recipe! These are so good and such a healthy, but still sweet snack. And I love to snack! I usually get a craving in between 4 and 5 for some sort of snack. These will be perfect and when I make them next I am totally making the Creamy Vanilla Dip to go with them!

Check them out Sweet Cinnamon Pita Chips!!

Mexican Meet American!

Two of my favorite foods coming together in one recipe! What more could a girl ask for? Well maybe if it included some sort of chocolate but I'm sure I'll get that soon enough! For now let's concentrate on the latest recipe I've tried from Hungry Girl's 200 Under 200 cookbook......Cheeseburger Quesadilla!!!!

You will need: a Tortilla, Boca Original Meatless burger (THAWED), Fat Free American Cheese, Onion, Pickles, Salt and Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Ketchup!!

Make sure to thaw your burger. This was a last minute meal for me and I had to "Defrost" it in the microwave! First you turn your oven on and crank it to 350 degrees. Then cut up the thawed burger into bite size pieces and cook them up in a pan on the stove top. You will add the onion to it and if you want (which I did) add the salt and pepper and garlic powder.

Once those are cooked up, lay a tortilla on a baking sheet (that you've sprayed with non stick spray) and place the American cheese on top of it.

Pop it into the oven for 2 minutes, just enough for the cheese to melt and then spoon the burger pieces and your chopped up pickles on top.

Fold it over and press it lightly so it seals, then pop it back in your oven for 3-5 minutes, depending on how crispy you want the tortilla to be.

Remove it from the oven want's you've achieved your desired crisp! Cut it into three triangles, prepare your ketchup for dipping, or if you want you could always whip up some Hungry Girl BBQ Sauce as your dip! And ENJOY!!

Let me first point out I am not a huge pickle fan...who am I trying to kid...I dislike pickles. I don't understand why people like them so much or how anyone can eat them plain...YUCK!! But I wanted to stick to Hungry Girls recipe so I kept them in there and now I can say I get it....the pickles added a little something extra that really just topped off this wonderful concoction!

I was so pleased with this recipe. I absolutely LOVE Mexican food!! I could eat it every day!! On top of that I get a craving for a burger all the time. We have burgers probably once a week! I don't know what it is about these two types of food but I can never get enough! To be able to combine the two was awesome...and next time I make this I am going to try and make it with a little more Mexican spice!!

Grade = A+

Everyone must try this: Click Here for AWESOMENESS!

Tiramisu Pudding!

I'm a huge huge fan of tiramisu and when Hungry Girl offered a healthier version of tiramisu I was all over it! I made the Tiramisu Pudding from Hungry Girls 200 Under 200 cookbook!

And man was it simple, you will need: fat-free ricotta cheese, sugar free vanilla pudding snack, fat free whipped topping, Splenda No Calorie Sweetener, vanilla extract, and unsweetened cocoa powder!

Mix together the ricotta cheese, pudding, whipped topping, splenda, and vanilla extract.




Place in your favorite dessert dish, then sprinkle with cocoa powder!

I told you it was easy :-) Unfortunately it wasn't good. It was completely void of any flavor. I felt like I was eating a flavorless pudding...very bummed to say that I would grade this a F!

If you wanna try it, here's the recipe:

Tiramisu Pudding

PER SERVING (entire recipe): 166 calories, 1g fat, 297mg sodium, 24g carbs, 0g fiber, 7g sugars, 14g protein -- POINTS® value 3*

Ingredients: 1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese 1/2 container Jell-O Sugar Free Vanilla Pudding Snack 1/4 cup Cool Whip Free, thawed 2 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated) 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract 1/4 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions: Combine the ricotta cheese, pudding, Cool Whip, Splenda, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Sprinkle with cocoa powder. Dig in! MAKES 1 SERVING

Banana - Rama

Hold on tight for a wild ride...this post I'm not only giving you one Hungry Girl Recipe Review...but TWO!! I know it's crazy two recipes in one post!! But both of these recipes have the main ingredient in common and this delicious ingredient is you may ask.....


BANANA'S!!! Yummy in your tummy Bananas!! Can you tell I'm a big fan LOL...I love the smell and the taste and there is nothing better than some warm Banana Bread! So what did I make??

Hungry Girl's Top Banana Bread! Yes it is from the 200 Under 200 cookbook!

You need: Whole Wheat Flour, All-Purpose Flour, Splenda, Bananas, Fat Free Liquid Egg Substitute, No Sugar Added Applesauce, Baking Powder, Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, and Salt!

Mix up your "wet"ingredients.

Mix your "dry" ingredients!

Blend together!

And then pour this amazing batter into a 9inch by 5inch loaf pan!

Bake for 50-60 minutes (depending on your oven) in a 350 degree preheated oven! Then prepare to enjoy your house filling up with a Banana Aroma!

Gosh doesn't that look so good??

Unfortunately I was so DISAPPOINTED! I prefer my loaves to be a little bit on the drier side, well maybe I should say not super moist. I prefer a nice middle area between dry and moist. This my friends was way too moist. As with most healthier recipes from Hungry Girl these type of alternatives tend to be on the moist side...Perhaps it's not Hungry Girl's fault, maybe I should have baked it longer...I'm not sure that I'll try it again. I love the original fat filled Banana Bread that I think I'll sacrifice for it since it's not something I eat everyday...If you wanna try this recipe feel free, but you've been warned it's on the moist side....Here is the recipe! My final grade: C-

Oh wait don't go yet :-) Here is the second Banana Filled recipe and I'm happy to say this one turned out better than the above.

I made the PB-Nana Poppers! I know it's a fun recipe name right? And it's simple!

You need: 1 Medium-Large Banana, 2 tablespoons Cool Whip Free, thawed, 1 Tablespoon Reduced Fat Peanut Butter, room temperature!

Yes that is a HUGE container of fat-free whipped topping but this book calls for it so often I couldn't keep filling my freezer up with the smaller containers :-)

First you will slice your banana into 20 circular pieces, as shown below!

Then set 10 aside. Mix together the whipped topping and peanut butter. Make sure to mix it well. You want it smooth and easy to spoon out. Then divide the mix evenly on top of the 10 pieces of banana!

Then take your other 10 pieces of Banana and put on top of the mixture to make a cute little banana sandwich! Then pop into the freezer or...

You can NOT put them in the freezer! I wish I hadn't. These were TOO COLD to eat! I know weird right...but I can tell they are an A+++ WINNER!!

Next time I make these I'm going to use a cold banana or slip them into the fridge for 20 minutes. The filling was the perfect mix with the banana! I think it's a great little snack! You must try these if you like banana's and if you like peanut butter!!

No link to the recipe as she has not posted this one yet that I could find, but if you want the nutritional ingredients here you go: Per serving (5 poppers): 108 calories, 3g fat, 57mg sodium, 18.5g carbs, 2g fiber, 8.5g sugars, 2.5g protein.

Anyone else a Banana Lover? What's your favorite recipe?

Complete & Utter INSANITY!!

Who loves oatmeal?? Get ready for a recipe just for YOU!! Last week I was dying for a new change up in my breakfast routine, but I needed something quick and easy as I don't give myself much time from when I get home from the gym and when I want to be at work. Yes I said want, my hours are flexble but I hate getting in later than 9 am, even that's pushing it for me.

I pulled out the good Ol' 200 Under 200 cookbook from Hungry Girl and started flippin'. What did I find? Complete & Utter Oatmeal Insanity!! Now I'm usually a Cream of Wheat girl but why not try the Oatmeal...it's been growing on my taste buds for a few months now and I'm starting to really like it :-)

You will need: Plain Instant Oatmeal, Fiber One Bran Cereal, Light Vanilla Soymilk, Canned Pure Pumpkin, Fat Free Reddi-Wip (or whipped topping), Sugar-Free Pancake Syrup, Pumpkin Pie Spice, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray, 1 Sweetener Packet, and salt!

You mix all ingredients (except whipped topping) in a microwave-safe bowl and then heat in microwave for 45 seconds. Stir and heat for another 30 - 40 seconds!

Careful it's going to be HOT! Doesn't it look good? It smelled great too, but I love anything that smells like Pumpkin!

You can choose to top with the Reddi-Wip (or whipped topping) and then enjoy!! I chose to go the full route and put the whipped topping on. I think I'd like it better without...I know crazy right? Who wouldn't love some whipped topping...this was really yummy! The cereal in it threw me off a bit cause of the texture but overall I'd give this an A-, yeah I might start grading each recipe :-) For all you oatmeal lovers you MUST check this recipe out!!

Thursday Night Family Dinner

Every other Thursday I go down to my parents house to have Family Dinner :-) This past thursday my Sister was on her way to Vegas with her honey so it was just Mom, Paps, and I! After a yummy dinner of Hot Dogs (yes my favorite dinner) Mom and I decided to head over to K-Mart to look for a few items. I scored an adorable black sweater and another new Fuze Slenderize Drink that I'd never had!

But while in K-Mart I saw a thing of cream soda and root beer which made me want a Root Beer Float so BAD!!!! Well after Mom and I finished up at K-Mart we went over to this cute local frozen yogurt place to pick up some dessert!! I was so freakin happy to see they had a Root Beer Float flavored frozen yogurt!! It was so GOOD!!! And since I couldn't go without toppings I had to add Chocolate Sprinkles, Chocolate Syrup, and just for kicks some Marshmallows :-) Mom got Vanilla Frozen yogurt with hot fudge, and snicker pieces!!


I was so happy to have my craving fulfilled and I was pretty stoked over getting a new work sweater!! I promise to update with Bridal Shower pictures ASAP, but back to work I go :-)

Microwave Cake? Really?

*Update for Sheri who asked for calorie count. Here's the full nutritional information: PER SERVING (entire recipe): 123 calories, 1g fat, 201mg sodium, 28g carbs, 0.75g fiber, 12g sugars, 2g protein*

A couple weekends ago Chuck's Sister came over to hang out with him and after I finished up a sewing project I decided to try my luck at another Hungry Girl dessert recipe. Now I was a little skeptical of the Mini Microwave Triple Chocolate Cake because of the whole microwaving part but I also want to try every recipe I can for Hungry Girl.

Gathered all my ingredients, which I luckily had already so I didn't have to run to the grocery store.
First you mix some cake mix and some yogurt.

Pop into the microwave for 1 minute. Then while it's cooling for 5 minutes I mixed some chocolate syrup and whipped topping.

After the mini cake has cooled top it with the whipped topping mixture and then drizzle a little more chocolate syrup on the top.

Looks pretty good...smelled pretty good, but I still wasn't convinced...

It took one bite for me to change my mind! It was incredible! Chuck and Jenny both really liked them too! Chuck even had a second one LOL! And now we have a huge container of fat free vanilla yogurt and Devils Food Cake mix. Another suprising thing I learned from this is that I really liked vanilla yogurt...I even bought some frozen peaches to add to it for a breakfast or snack!

Check out the Microwavable cake recipe here. Seriously check it out and try it!!!