Tony made breakfast/lunch for me both Saturday and Sunday morning.  He’s told me that I can’t tell him how awesome his eggs are because then he won’t make them for me anymore.  But I can tell you guys, right? Open-mouthed smile

I’ve watched him make them, I don’t know what he does, but they are light, fluffy and airy!

Saturday’s breakfast with buffalo scrambled eggs.

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And yesterday was scrambled eggs with mango salsa, and hash browns made out of leftover baked potatoes.  Yumz.

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It took us about 2 1/2 hours to mow our lawn on Saturday.  Tony would go over about 20 feet of yard before it was time to empty the bags on the riding mower.  I had every intention of going to the gym on Saturday, but after that workout, I considered that enough.

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And we lit our fire pit!  I am not sure how this picture will show how tall this fire was.  The height of the sticks before we lit it was taller than me, and I am 5.2”!

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It was chilly on Saturday too – 40 degrees so it was nice to have the warmth of the fire for a bit.  We still have that fallen tree to the right to cut up and burn, we’ll just do a bit at a time.

I didn’t think I would be hungry after the big breakfast I had, but we worked up an appetite.  I made us some brats to tide us over to dinner.  I maybe had a bit of mustard on mine. Be right back

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While we were putting our mower and tools away, Tony noticed this burnt leaf:

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After I took this picture, I tried to move it, but it was complete ash – so cool.

I’ve been making bread for my SIL for the week when I bring her her food for the week.  Last week it didn’t turn out, and her family was so disappointed, so I made sure she’d have some this week:

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Dinner on Saturday night?  We actually had Wal-mart steak!  I had to get my eyebrows threaded (still hurts like a bitch!) and picked up two steaks called “sirloin petite steaks” for $6.23.  We ended up splitting one steak, we split a baked potato and had some bread on the side.  They weren’t too bad!

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Sunday mornings I usually spend an hour putting food together for my SIL for the week.  I realize I have to cook her stuff that I don’t like, but she does.  Case in point:  Brussels sprouts!  She and my MIL absolutely love them.  Me?  I’ve tried and I am not there yet.  I have learned that you do need to parboil them for a few minutes before pan frying to get the right tenderness.

Brussels Sprouts with Whole Grain Mustard

  • 1 serving (or two!)  147 calories, 7 fat, 15 carbs, 7 fiber and 6.5 protein

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups Brussels sprouts, cut in half
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard

Heat a shallow skillet with 1 cup of water.  Once it comes to a boil, add the Brussels sprouts, cut side down, and cook for 3-4 minutes.  I had to do this in two batches.  Drain the sprouts.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium high heat.  Place the sprouts cut side down and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they start to brown.  Remove from heat and stir in the mustard.  I started with 1 tablespoon of mustard, but decided to add one more.  Of course, I couldn’t taste this dish, so Jody, you’ll have to let me know how they are!

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I love the mustard seeds clinging the the sprouts!  I could eat whole grain mustard right out of the jar though. Nyah-Nyah

And Aimee (winner of my 1 million page view giveaway) and Christine (highest bidder in the Suzie blog bake sale) I made your Baja fresh salsa yesterday! 

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Even in November, the smell of the charred tomatoes and jalapenos just smells like summer.  I’ve been known to brush off six inches of snow on my grill to make this in December!

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And while I was at the gym and grocery shopping yesterday afternoon, reason 2,056 I love Tony.  He was flipping through the channels and taped the Michigan/Penn State field hockey championship for me – thanks Tony!  So while he watched his beloved football in the living room, I watched my field hockey!

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So if you’ve made it down this far, you are probably wondering what my 21 day challenge is! 

21 Day Challenge

  • 4 miles a day**
  • strength training 3x a week
  • getting water in, even on the weekends
  • adding more fruits and veggies to my diet
  • keeping my carbs under 130 grams per day
  • no alcohol for 21 days
  • only fruits and veggie snacks after dinner

My 4 miles a day challenge actually came from my friend and blog reader Jody.  She’s been walking 5 miles a day since June, along with portion control, has managed to lose more than 30 pounds.  My 21 day goals is to get myself trained enough by running more/walking less and by day 21, I hope to run 4 miles without stopping.

The big one of course is ditching my beloved wine.  But it has to be done, so I am considering this a 21 day cleanse so to speak.  I’ve just gotten into the habit of pouring a glass while I cook dinner at night, which leads to another glass or two after dinner, which leads me to making popcorn!

It’s only 21 days, so I know I can do it.  If I can meet my 170 mile challenge, I can do anything!

Let me know if you have a 21 day challenge you want to meet – I’ll check up on you to help me stay motivated!

Off to the gym – I love that it’s sunny out when I leave for the gym, but it will be depressing that it will be dark when I leave the office. 

And congratulations to my daughter Hannah who starts her new job today!!  She got a job at Panera and has her first orientation today after school.  I know you’ll do great! Open-mouthed smile

Happy Monday!