Freezer Food: Act One

Last June, I made about 8 crock pot meals in one evening and put them in the freezer to be eaten over the course of the month. The Great Power Outage of 2012, thwarted that plan and I lost everything. Then we got orders to move to Arizona and I was trying to downsize food. Now we are settled in Arizona and we have a stand alone extra freezer. It is just wanting for my food prep.

Steps:
1. Pick out meals
2. Compile shopping list
3. Shop (ugh!)
4. Prep food and freezer bags.
5. Remember to thaw out bags and throw them in the crock pot for dinner!

The first time I made these 12 recipes, doubling one since I couldn't find a 2 pound cut of London broil. I found most of them on Pinterest, but would be happy to send them individually if you want to try some. Some are as simple as just throwing everything in the freezer bag. Some of them I just prepped the vegetables, because cheese and cream based products do not freeze well.

• Cheesy Vegetable Chowder (veggies only)
• Garlic Honey Chicken
• Dijon Chicken
• Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
• Chicken Fajitas
• Cilantro Lime Chicken
• Beef Burritos (this is the one I doubled, and I'm glad I did!)
• Beef Stroganoff
• Spaghetti Squash bake (veggies only)
• Breakfast Casserole (veggies only)

After buying quite a bit of food, and at least 10 pounds of chicken breasts, we assembled all the ingredients on the counters. Maggie was helping me, and she started assembling ingredients from the pantry while I started chopping. It took us about 2 hours, including clean up, and we had 13 meals ready. So far we've had 3 meals and they have all been wonderful!

*Note: I'm not entirely sure of the prices of each meal. I bought a lot of other staples while shopping. I will pay better attention next time, because I am very curious.

November Training Plan

Week 1: 14 miles
W, F - 3 miles
Thurs - 4x400m repeats (1/2 mile warmup and cool down) & CrossFit
Weekend - 6 miles

Week 2: 16 miles
M,W,F  - 3 miles
T,R - 6x400m repeats (1/2 mile warmup and cool down) & CrossFit
Weekend - 5 miles

Week 3: 17 miles
M,W,F - 3 miles
T, Thurs - 8x400m repeats (1/2 mile warmup and cool down) & CrossFit
Weekend - 5 miles

Week 4: 18 miles

M,W,F - 3 miles
T, Thurs - 8x400m repeats (1/2 mile warmup and cool down) & CrossFit
Weekend - 6 miles

Week 5: 15 miles

M,W,F - 4 miles
T, Thurs - 8x400m repeats (1/2 mile warmup and cool down) & CrossFit

MCM Expo

This morning, I loaded the kids up into the car and we headed into DC for my packet pickup. First step, was to secure a parking spot and then ... tailgate! The kids chowed down on homemade lunchables and then we hit the T-shirt pickup area. Declan thought it was awesome, so many people, so many numbers, and he got one of those livestrong-type bracelets from the Fisher House booth.

We headed inside and, this is the best time to mention all the Marines at the expo. So very helpful and courteous. One of them helped me carry Abigail in the stroller up a few of the entrance stairs. Another one directed us to the shirt pickup, and a third went through a free samples line with us to pick up the items so I could push the stroller. Amazing service!

Declan conned the poster from the poster guys, saying it was "cool." I bought a new skirt, the gorgeous digital camo one, and some black arm warmers. One of the best parts was each time we passed a booth or maneuvered around someone, they commented on how adorable and well behaved the kids were. It was refreshing to see how they appear, and was crucial in reminding me not to expect too much of them, they're only kids.

KISS: Just Keep Running

My dear friend sent this to me last night in preparation for my "big" run on Sunday. She knows how I doubt myself and how my running challenges are 90% mental and 10% physical. Often once I get going, especially in a race, I am fine. Its always getting to the starting line. I constantly struggle with giving it my all, I'm afraid I won't have enough left at the end. This blog was perfect and I plan to read it a LOT between now and Sunday morning. Give it a read, I hope it helps you.

November Challenge: Pile on the Miles

In September I ran 28 miles, so far in October I have 35 miles logged with a 10k this weekend. So, in November, I am pushing it further, to 100 miles total, 60/40 running/walking.

I've decided to join this Pile on the Miles Challenge online. The idea is to log as many walking/running miles as possible from 1 November to 1 December to combat the higher eating level most of us have during the holidays. I want to run 60 (which mean 15 mile weeks, which is what I've been able to do for this month, just haven't done and walk 40 miles, a little over 1.25 miles a day.

Who's with me? What is your goal?

Week One of Gluten-Free: Breakfast

I've decided to take the leap to a gluten-free lifestyle. Well, at least attempt it. I'm not doing it because I have an allergy or sensitivity, just to see if it aids with my health goals and weight-loss journey. So, if you're planning to serve me food, don't worry about it!

My dear friend Amy, who has been GF (gluten-free) for several years suggested that I start with one meal and slowly ease into it. What better meal to start with than breakfast? Each person in our house eats their own type of breakfast, so its easy to make something different just for me.

At Wegman's this weekend, I bought a GF bread mix to make my own bread, freeze, and have available for toast with eggs. I also picked up some Bisquick GF Waffle/Pancake mix, which I'll try and then make en masse and freeze like I do with the kids waffles for a quick toast in the morning.

I'd already made the switch to Coconut Milk Coffee Creamer, which just so happens to be gluten-free, so I'm set on my coffee. I think this week of GF breakfasts will be good and hopefully easier than I expected. Stay tuned for ways I make next week GF!

Rachel's Homemade Pizza Dough

I make mine in the bread machine. 1 cup warm water and one package (or the equivalent) of active yeast. Let it foam a bit and then add in 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Then add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. That's it! 

Often I add a sprinkle of garlic salt just to give it something different.