Quick Bites

Zucchini Tots 

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/07/zucchini-tots.html 

Getting your family to eat their veggies can often be difficult. Well these kid-friendly zucchini tots are the perfect solution! They make a great side for breakfast or dinner!

I shared this recipe a few years ago, and we all loved them, but the only issue was I made them in a mini muffin tin, and they stuck to the pan. Here's a photo of them as mini muffins...

Then last year I made these cauliflower tots and baked them on a baking sheet and they were perfect. So last night I decided to try it out with this recipe, and the results were zucchini tot perfection – no more sticking to the pan!

I also like how they got a little crisp on the edges – so good! My husband LOVED these, and he's pretty particular when it comes to eating zucchini. One advice is to be sure to squeeze as much water out of the shredded zucchini, I just used paper towels. Some moisture will still remain, but they will turn out just fine.

I have tons of zucchini recipes here on Skinnytaste, so many I created an entire Pinterest board called Yummy Zucchini devoted to it. A few of my favorites are Zucchini Enchiladas (perfect for meatless Mondays), Chicken Rollatini Stuffed with Zucchini and Mozzarella, Zucchini Pizza Bites and one of my summer favorite's – Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats. For breakfast you can try this Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread, even the pickiest of kids will enjoy them!

Zucchini Tots 
Skinnytaste.com
adapted from The Two Bite Club
Servings: 3  Serving Size: 4 tots • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 108  • Fat: 4.3 g • Protein: 6.8 g • Carb: 11.5 g • Fiber: 1.8 g • Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 262 mg (without salt)


Ingredients:

• cooking spray
• 1 packed cup grated zucchini
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 medium onion, minced
• 1/4 cup grated reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.  Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Grate the zucchini into a clean dish towel until you have 1 packed cup.  Wring all of the excess water out of the zucchini, there will be a lot of water. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon 1 tablespoon of mixture in your hands and roll into small ovals. Place on the cookie sheet and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, turning halfway though cooking until golden.

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Chicken Rollatini with Prosciutto and Cheese

Chicken cutlets dipped in lemon and olive oil, gently coated in a combination of bread crumbs and romano cheese then rolled with prosciutto, cheese and red onion and baked until golden. Serve this with a simple arugula salad or tomato salad for a complete dinner.

I try to make a dish from my friend Julia's blog a few times a month to get show her some love, but also because she's a wonderful cook and I know her recipes won't fail me. I've had my eye on this one for a while, a perfect way to make chicken breasts if you're tired of the same old thing. I loved using olive oil and lemon juice to dip the chicken in before the breadcrumbs, it really added to the dish.

There is no need to season the chicken with salt, the prosciutto gives you all the salt you need. If you are watching your sodium, use low sodium ham in place of the prosciutto and use unseasoned breadcrumbs or make your own instead. I used Sargento reduced fat provolone cheese which was wonderful and really complimented the prosciutto!

A few other chicken breast recipes you may like: Lighter Chicken Saltimbocca, Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu, Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken and Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken.

Chicken Rollatini
Modified from Julia's Healthy Italian
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1 chicken • Old Points: 4 pts • Points+: 4 pts
Calories: 168.6 • Fat: 6.4 g • Protein: 22.1 g • Carb: 4.6 g • Fiber: 0.7 g • Sugar: 0.0 g

Ingredients:

• 8 thin chicken cutlets, 3 oz each
• 4 (2.8 oz) slices thin lean prosciutto, sliced in half
• 4 slices Sargento reduced fat provolone or mozzarella, sliced in half
• 1/2 cup whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Romano cheese (or parmesan)
• 1 lemon, juice of
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• fresh pepper
• 1/4 red onion, sliced
• olive oil non-stick spray

Directions:

Wash and dry cutlets well with paper towels. Combine breadcrumbs and grated cheese in one bowl and olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper in another bowl.

Preheat oven to 450°. Lightly spray a baking dish with non-stick spray.

Dip the chicken in the lemon-oil mixture, then in the breadcrumbs to coat well. Place each cutlet on a work surface such as a cutting board and lay 1/2 slice prosciutto, 1/2 slice cheese and a few chunks red onion on one side of the chicken cutlet.  

Roll and place seam side down in a baking dish (no toothpicks needed). Repeat with the remaining chicken. When finished, top with remaining crumbs and spray lightly with oil.

Bake 25 - 30 minutes. Serve immediately! Serving size is listed as one, but if you are having this as a low carb meal with a salad, I suggest you have two.  

More crockpot...

Slow Cooker Sunday: Honey Garlic Chicken

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Sometimes there just isn’t time to go to the store. We need a recipe that we can throw together in a couple of minutes with things we already have in the house. This is that kind of recipe. Likely you already have everything you need to make it at home and it takes less than 5 minutes to get into the crockpot. Easy, peasy. Once it’s done there are endless serving possibilities – serve it over rice, stuff it into a sandwich, toss is on a salad, wrap it up in some lettuce, or add it to stir-fried vegetables. Since this recipe is so versatile, consider doubling up for leftovers during the week. It makes a terrific lunch or dinner.

Sunday Slow Cooker: Honey Garlic Chicken
Servings: 6 servings
Serving Size: about 2/3 cup
Nutritional Info: 153.4 calories, 3g of fat, 29.4g of carbohydrates, 6.2g of fiber, 14.3g of protein * 5 P+

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 tsp. dried basil
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup honey
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• Bag of stir fry frozen vegetables

Instructions

1. Whisk together the garlic, basil, soy sauce, ketchup, and honey.
2. Add the chicken to the crockpot.
3. Pour the sauce over and mix everything together.
4. Cook on low for 4 hours.
5. For crispy outside, spread onto a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes.

 

 

http://www.slenderkitchen.com/recipe-index/#healthy-crockpot-recipes

Sunday Slow Cooker: French Onion Soup

 

It’s funny how you forget about food you really love sometimes. It sneaks off into some far expanse of your brain and until you see it, or in this case smell it, you forget about it entirely. This is what happened to me with French Onion soup until a few days ago when I smelled it emanating from a neighbor’s apartment, and then it all came back – the deep and rich onion flavor, crunchy bread, and melty cheese. Yum. I needed some immediately. However instead of immediately, I settled for about 8 hours later with this delicious crockpot version that’s perfect for a cold night.

Crockpot French Onion Soup
Servings: 8 cups
Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutritional Info: 74.1 calories, 3.7g of fat, 7.4g of carbohydrates, 1.1g of fiber, 3.2g of protein * 2 P+
Ingredients

• 4 sweet onions onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 64 ounces beef, vegetable, or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme
• French bread, add points
• Low fat Swiss cheese, add points

Instructions

1. Set your crockpot to high and add the onions, butter, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 60 minutes until onions begin to brown and caramelize, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in the flour and let cook for 5 more minutes.
3. Add the broth and thyme. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. To serve with bread and cheese, slice a small piece of french bread and place on top of the soup. Cover with one slice of Swiss cheese and broil for 3 minutes.

 

 

Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

I make no claims as to the tastiness of these recipes-- I just wanted to find some recipes that were TRULY "one pot" kind of dishes... none of this "brown this on the stove, bake this in the oven" etc. then add it to the crockpot type recipes. Ugh. If I wanted to do any of that, I would just cook on the stove or bake it in the oven!  So, I scoured the internet, and here are a few that I plan to try in the near future. I'll let you know if any of them are worth doing in the future.

Vegetable and Chickpea Curry

Makes: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
3 cups cauliflower florets
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup loose-pack frozen cut green beans
1 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 14-ounce can vegetable broth
2-3 teaspoons curry powder
1 14-ounce can light coconut milk
1/4 cup shredded fresh basil leaves
Cooked brown rice (optional)
Directions
1. In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, combine cauliflower, chickpeas, green beans, carrots, and onion. Stir in broth and curry powder.
2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
3. Stir in coconut milk and shredded basil leaves. Spoon rice, if using, into bowls, and ladle curry over the top.
Nutrition facts per serving: 219 calories, 8g protein, 32g carbohydrate, 7g fat (4g saturated), 9g fiber

Next: Savory Bean and Spinach Soup

Gingered Beef and Vegetables

Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless beef round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1/2 cup sliced scallions
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons instant beef-bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 cups loose-pack frozen sugar snap peas, thawed
Cooked rice
Directions
1. In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, combine beef, carrots, scallions, and garlic. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups water, soy sauce, ginger, bouillon, and crushed red pepper; pour over mixture in cooker.
2. Cover; cook on low-heat setting 9 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting 4 1/2 to 5 hours.
3. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and the 3 tablespoons cold water; stir into meat mixture along with bell pepper. Cover; cook 20 to 30 minutes more, or until thickened, stirring once. Stir in sugar snap peas. Serve with rice.
Nutrition facts per serving: 350 calories, 29g protein, 35g carbohydrate, 10g fat (4g saturated), 3g fiber

Slow-Cooker Cuban Braised Beef and Peppers

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 10m| Total Time: 8hr 30m

Ingredients

• 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 red bell peppers, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 1 onion, cut into 8 wedges
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, cut crosswise into thirds
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

1. In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, oregano, cumin, 1½ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Nestle the steak among the vegetables. Cook, covered, until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily, on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours.
2. Twenty-five minutes before serving, cook the rice according to the package directions.
3. Using two forks, shred the beef and mix it into the cooking liquid. Serve with the rice and top with the avocado and cilantro.

Nutritional Information

• Per Serving
• Calories 556

• Fat 17g
• Sat Fat 5g
• Cholesterol 56mg
• Sodium 883mg
• Protein 44g
• Carbohydrate 55g
• Fiber 7g

Slow-Cooker Soy-Braised Chicken

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 10m| Total Time: 8hr 00m

Ingredients

• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• black pepper
• 8 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs (about 1 3⁄4 pounds)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 large head bok choy, cut into 1-inch strips
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced

Directions

1. In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the onions, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, bay leaf, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Place the chicken on top and sprinkle with the paprika.
2. Cook, covered, until the chicken and onions are tender, on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours (this will shorten total cooking time).
3. Twenty minutes before serving, cook the rice according to the package directions.
4. Ten minutes before serving, if the slow cooker is on the low setting, turn it to high. Gently fold the bok choy into the chicken and cook, covered, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve with the rice and sprinkle with the scallions.

Nutritional Information

• Per Serving
• Calories 497Calories From Fat 111

• Fat 12g
• Sat Fat 3g
• Cholesterol 99mg
• Sodium 1,989mg
• Protein 37g
• Carbohydrate 60g
• Sugar 11g
• Fiber 4g
• Iron 5mg
• Calcium 279mg

Serves 6| Hands-On Time: 20m| Total Time: 8hr 00m

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 pound carrots—peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces, and halved lengthwise if thick
• 1 pound baby potatoes (about 15)
• 1 medium onion, cut into 1/2-inch wedges (root end left intact)
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 3-pound beef chuck roast, tied
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

1. In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the tomato paste, cornstarch, and 1 cup water. Add the carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, and bay leaves and toss to combine. Season the beef with 1½ teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper and set on top of the vegetables.
2. Cover and cook until tender, on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours (this will shorten total recipe time). Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before discarding the kitchen twine and slicing the meat across the grain. Serve with the vegetables and cooking liquid and sprinkle with the parsley.

 Nutritional Information

• Per Serving
• Calories 408

• Fat 10g
• Sat Fat 4g
• Cholesterol 95mg
• Sodium 625mg
• Protein 50g
• Carbohydrate 27g
• Sugar 5g
• Fiber 4g
• Iron 5mg
• Calcium 56mg     
• 
  

  Chicken With Tarragon and Leeks

  
  Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 15m| Total Time: 4hr 30m

  Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds baby new potatoes (about 16)
  • 8 small skinless chicken thighs (1 1/2 pounds)
  • 3 leeks (white and light green parts), halved lengthwise and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 10-ounce package frozen peas
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon

  Directions

  1. Place the potatoes on the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chicken, leeks, wine, and 1 teaspoon salt.
  2. Cook, covered, until the chicken and potatoes are tender, on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 7 hours.
  3. Transfer the chicken and all but 4 of the potatoes to plates. Using a fork, smash the remaining potatoes into the cooking liquid to thicken.
  4. Add the peas and cream and cook just until heated through, 3 to 5 minutes. Spoon over the chicken and sprinkle with the tarragon.

  
  

  Nutritional Information

  • Per Serving
  • Calories 469Calories From Fat 30%

  • Protein 35g
  • Carbohydrate 47g
  • Sugar 8g
  • Fiber 7g
  • Fat 16g
  • Sat Fat 6g
  • Calcium 94mg
  • Iron 5mg
  • Sodium 679mg
  • Cholesterol 112mg

  
  
  

  Spiced Braised Beef With Sweet Potatoes

  
  

   

  Serves 6| Hands-On Time: 15m| Total Time: 4hr 15m

  Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
  • 2 sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), cut into 1/2-inch-thick half-moons
  • 1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • kosher salt
  • 1 10-ounce box couscous (1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
  • 2 cups baby spinach (1 1/2 ounces)
  • 1/4 cup roasted almonds, chopped

  Directions

  1. In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the beef, potatoes, tomatoes (and their juices), onion, apricots, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup water.
  2. Cook, covered, until the meat is tender, on high for 4 to 5 hours, or on low for 7 to 8 hours.
  3. Ten minutes before serving, prepare the couscous according to the package directions.
  4. Add the chickpeas to the slow cooker and cook until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the spinach. Serve with the couscous and sprinkle with the almonds.
  5. To freeze: Omit the couscous and spinach. Cool the beef to room temperature and divide among freezer containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  6. To reheat: Thaw in a bowl of cold water or overnight in the refrigerator. Cook in a pot, covered, stirring occasionally, until heated through, 20 to 30 minutes. Stir in the spinach. Serve with the cooked couscous.

  
  

  Nutritional Information

  • Per Serving
  • Calories 500

  • Fat 9g
  • Sat Fat 2g
  • Cholesterol 48mg
  • Sodium 576mg
  • Protein 37g
  • Carbohydrate 71g
  • Fiber 10g                                                                                                                  
    

     

    Slow-Cooker Bean and Spinach Enchiladas

  •  
    Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 30m| Total Time: 3hr 30m

    Ingredients

    • 1 15.5-ounce can black beans, rinsed
    • 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess liquid
    • 1 cup frozen corn
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 8 ounces sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)
    • kosher salt and black pepper
    • 2 16-ounce jars salsa (3 1/2 cups)
    • 8 6-inch corn tortillas, warmed
    • 1 medium head romaine lettuce, chopped (6 cups)
    • 4 radishes, cut into matchsticks
    • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
    • 1/2 cucumber, halved and sliced
    • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • sliced scallions, for serving

    Directions

    1. In a medium bowl, mash half the beans. Add the spinach, corn, cumin, 1 cup of the Cheddar, the remaining beans, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and mix to combine.
    2. Spread 1 jar of the salsa in the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Dividing evenly, roll up the bean mixture in the tortillas (about ½ cup each) and place the rolls seam-side down in a single layer in the slow cooker. Top with the remaining salsa and Cheddar.
    3. Cover and cook until heated through, on low for 2½ to 3 hours.
    4. Before serving, toss the lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, and cucumber in a large bowl with the lime juice, oil, and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Serve with the enchiladas and sprinkle with the scallions.
     

    Nutritional Information

  • Per Serving
  • Calories 576

  • Fat 28g
  • Sat Fat 11g
  • Cholesterol 61mg
  • Sodium 2,457mg<--what span="">
  • Protein 28g
  • Carbohydrate 60g
  • Sugar 10g
  • Fiber 12g
  • Iron 4mg
  • Calcium 621mg   

  •  

    Slow-Cooker Pulled-Pork Tacos

    
    Serves 6| Hands-On Time: 15m| Total Time: 8hr 30m

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups store-bought salsa, plus more for serving
    • 2 tablespoons chili powder
    • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
    • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    • kosher salt
    • 1 2 1/2-pound boneless pork butt or shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
    • 18 corn tortillas
    • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro sprigs
    • 3/4 cup sour cream
    • 1 lime, cut into wedges

    Directions

    1. In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the salsa, chili powder, oregano, cocoa, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the pork and turn to coat.
    2. Cook, covered, until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily, on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours.
    3. Twenty minutes before serving, heat oven to 350° F.
    4. Stack the tortillas, wrap them in foil, and bake until warm, about 15 minutes.
    5. Meanwhile, using 2 forks, shred the pork and stir into the cooking liquid. Serve with the tortillas, cilantro, sour cream, lime, and extra salsa. 

    Nutritional Information

    • Per Serving
    • Calories 728Calories From Fat 49%

    • Protein 47g
    • Carbohydrate 45g
    • Sugar 5g
    • Fiber 9g
    • Fat 40g
    • Sat Fat 15g
    • Sodium 982mg
    • Cholesterol 180mg
    •  

      Slow-Cooker Curried Chicken With Ginger and Yogurt

    • 
      Serves 6| Hands-On Time: 15m| Total Time: 8hr 15m

      Ingredients

      • 1/3 cup tomato paste
      • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
      • 2 tablespoons curry powder
      • 1 tablesppon grated fresh ginger
      • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
      • 1 medium onion, chopped
      • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 10)
      • kosher salt and black pepper
      • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
      • 1/2 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
      • 2 scallions, thinly sliced

      Directions

      1. In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the tomato paste, garlic, curry powder, ginger, cumin, and ¾ cup water. Add the onion and stir to combine. Place the chicken on top and season with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
      2. Cover and cook until the chicken is tender, on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours (this will shorten total cooking time).
      3. Twenty minutes before serving, cook the rice according to the package directions.
      4. Just before serving, add the yogurt and ½ teaspoon salt to the chicken and stir to combine. Serve with the rice and sprinkle with the scallions.
       

    
    

    Nutritional Information

    • Per Serving
    • Calories 463

    • Fat 14g
    • Sat Fat 5g
    • Cholesterol 102mg
    • Sodium 591mg
    • Protein 34g
    • Carbohydrate 48g
    • Sugar 3g
    • Fiber 2g
    • Iron 4mg
    • Calcium 68mg
    •  

Message from Dad

Sometimes he surprises me.... I got this message from my dad today:

Happy Birthday my precious number 1 child!  I remember the day well.  One of the happiest days of my life.  You are truly a special person.  You deserved better growing up. Despite your parents you turned out pretty darn good.  I think that you are getting close to having the life you want. [Jedi] is a great guy.  I think that he is perfect for you.  Love, respect, and treat each other well.  A good partner is hard to find.  Don't take it for granted.
You are living in a great town and have a great situation with your apartment.  You got the internship that you want.  You will have a very busy but I think fun year.  When it's over you will have even more to be proud of.  Maybe you will decide to stay in [your town].  If you continue on in school I know that you will be successful. Just be sure to define what your life goals are.  What will make you happy, take some stress off and make you fulfilled? You have special talents.  Sometimes being too smart is a curse.  
 
I love you very much.  I'm very proud of you and proud to be your Dad.  Thank you for your help and I look forward to times with you.  Happy Birthday.  Love, Dad

"You can't make this shit up"

I am not someone who typically delights in the misfortune of others-- however when that person is someone who has been absolutely vile, despicable, and underhanded... well, let's just say it's delightful to see the Karma Train of Sweet Sweet Justice roll into the station.

I'm just happy I'm around to see it...

Makeup addiction

Before I met Jedi I used to wear makeup every day.  I actually enjoyed wearing make up, it was fun to find new products and colors... but it did take awhile to put on-- probably 15-20min a morning.  Not terrible but.... I admit, my desire for sleep won out over my need to look pretty.

Also, the biggest factor was how often Jedi would tell me I didn't NEED make up, and how pretty he found me wearing none (not true-- there is a HUGE difference between the makeup and non-makeup me,  but hey, who am I to argue?)

So, slowly by slowly, after we got together, I started wearing less make up and then finally none at all. That snooze button was just too enticing, and also, I was at that point working in an office where I saw very few "grown ups" throughout the day --(and the students certainly didn't care what I looked like.)  So, I got lax (ok, laaazy) and gave up make up all together for a couple years.

Jedi meanwhile came to regret his previous "no-makeup" stance and would complain that I no longer dressed up. Heh. Be careful what you wish for buddy!

Well, I'm about to embark on a new phase of my career at this point, and I'm going to be working in a professional hospital setting.  I figured I should probably look back into this whole "dress to impress' thing.  However, sleep will definitely be at a premium as I'm going to be driving several hours a day, and let's be real-- I'm not so great with time and I know I'll always be in a rush.

I needed a solution-- something to brighten my face, give me a pick-me-up (get rid of those dark circles, and hopefully be an all-in-one solution to my makeup dilemma.

Enter BB creams (Beauty Balm.)  I'd been hearing about these for awhile, but didn't really know too much about them  Evidently they were formulated in Germany to help burn victims-- it's a salve that is supposed to help heal skin and correct imperfections.  They have a very light (but dense) tint, which means it can act like a foundation, it's a moisturizer, concealer, and SPF 30... All in one!

These have been used in Korea since the 80's and they are apparently all the rage there.  They have slowly been making their way to this side of the pond in the last year (though apparently you can also order them from Korean sellers online.)

Sounds too good to be true? Right?

Well, there IS one small caveat-- that is that they are definitely lacking in options for darker-skinned people. Most of the shades are very pale (probably because they were developed in Korea? I don't know...)  But that is a bummer.

Howerver, I'm a super pale-almost-redhead myself, and I usually have trouble finding shades that are pale ENOUGH for my pasty skin.


I decided to check out Clinique's BB cream (in light), and I can say that so far (2 days) I LOVE it! (I use Shade 1)

A little of this stuff goes a loooong way. Like, a pea-sized drop covers your whole face.  Which is good because it's pretty pricey (well, for my small budget anyway. $37)

It's very lightweight, makes my skin feel dewy, and gives me a nice, healthy, well-rested glow.  I like that I can also dab it on a bit thicker in places where I need extra coverage (like under eyes, zits...) to use as a concealer.  It makes a good eyelid primer too.

This is the kitchen sink of beauty products, quick application with my fingers after the shower and I'm good to go.  Then a bit of mascara, lipstick, and it almost looks like I made an effort! Awesome, right? LOVE IT. 

(I promise I was not paid or given a free sample to write this... but if anyone from clinique reading this would like to bribe me with a lifetime's supply, I'm more than happy to accept!)

Moving day!

So excited to have finally gotten the day we can move into our new apartment! April 2!  It will be so nice-- bigger, within walking distance to everything (my part-time job, and Jedi's job are literally in our backyard now.)  And... hopefully we can save a lot of money this way! We are basically rent-free, only paying a nominal amount towards utilities each month.  We really do need to save up as much as possible because when my student loans come due I will (with my current estimates) be paying $1100 a month. eeep! 

Our hope is to have Jedi's student loans paid off before mine come due, and the car payment should be done as well, which will also help.

It's somewhat scary-- going from previously having NO student loans to having one that is more than the mortgage payment on my small condo (that we now need to find a renter for.)  I have been intending to do the National Health Service Corps repayment option (which is AMAZING-- 2 years of service and they pay off $60k.)  At the same time, I can't do that until I'm licensed-- which is at least 2+ years after I graduate as I build up enough client hours to count towards certification.  As I think about it I go back and forth-- Once I start getting established with clients I think that I probably won't want to up and leave ... at the same time, being able to repay the loans in one big swoop like that is pretty enticing.   I know I shouldn't worry about it now, but I like to look ahead ... and I can't help but worry when I do that!

Right now though, I do feel like divine providence is looking down on us, and I'm very grateful for our new living situation!