H2O does a Body GOOD!

Water.... I'm sure you've all heard you are suppose to drink 8 glasses a day. "What? That's impossible!"
No, it really isn't. My goal for this post is to encourage you to drink more H2O!! In a previous post 10 Random Things about Me I said that I never leave the house without water.
When I do not drink enough water my body tells me so. My eyes feel tired and dry. My skin is dry and itchy. I get headaches. And the obvious my throat is dry. Why is this? Why is water so good?
-Aids in the softening of food and the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
-Major component of your blood.
-Lubricates
-Acts as a coolant and helps regulate your body temperature.
-Helps in the elimination of waste products and toxins.

Juice, tea, coffee and pop do not count as your water consumption. Sorry! These contain sugars, sodium and caffeine which have a diuretic effect. (Diuretic is any food or drink that increases your urination and excretion of water from your body, thus increasing your water need) Get it?
I may not work out every day. I do not always follow the best diet. But I always drink water. For me it’s so easy. First, you must understand that water does not have much flavor and that’s just fine! You don't always need a drink with flavor right? Get a cup or mug that travels well and take it with you. Keep it filled while at home and keep it on your coffee table etc. This is what I use and it’s fantastic:















So drink up because WATER DOES A BODY GOOD!

Chicken & Green Chile Soup WINS this week!

This soup was delicious & I'm happy to share it! I didn't use a recipe so some of the measurements are approx.

2-3 chicken breast (I used what was in my freezer, just plain chicken breasts. But anything would work. With or without skin, on bone etc)

2 chicken bouillon cubes

10 c. Water (approx)

A little of each: pepper, parsley, cumin, cilantro, 1 bay leaf & garlic

1/2 Onion, raw, chopped

1/2 c. roasted red peppers, chopped

1 c. rice, raw
1 can tomatoes, with green chilies
3- 4oz. cans green chilies
Garnish w sour cream, fresh avocado, cheese or tortilla chips (not included in nutritional information)

1. Simmer chicken, spices and bouillon cubes in water until cooked through. Simmering for at least 2 hours will result in moist, tender chicken.
2. Pull chicken out of broth & shred. Add back to simmering water with remaining ingredients. Simmer until rice is tender about 20 minutes. (Must keep it at a simmer/ low boil)
3. Garnish. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information: 1 Serving = Approx. 2 c.
6 WW pts
Cal: 283
Fat: 8g
Carb:43
Fiber:2
Protein:10



Sweet Pea enjoying this soup!



This is what we do

Today we had a Moms Life gathering! Check out Moms Life blog!
This was my contribution to breakfast: Morning Glorious Muffins

This is NOT my recipe. My wonderful Grandma D gave it to me. Its her favorite :) I remember she used to always have these muffins when I was there. As a kid they weren't my favorite. Ya know, because they have icky stuff in them like NUTS, COCONUT, RAISINS.......Now, just a few of my favorite ingredients! I hope you're past your "kid" stage and can enjoy them!

Morning Glorious Muffins

1 c. AP flour

1 c. whole wheat flour

1 1/4 c sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 1/2 c. shredded carrots
1 1/2 c. peeled and shredded apple

3/4 c. coconut

1/2 c. raisins

1/2 c. nuts

3 beaten eggs

1 c. oil

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl combine the remaining ingredients.

3.Mix together and stir just until moist.

4. Spoon into muffin pans. I use THIS muffin pan & its amazing!!

5. Bake for 18-20 minutes

Recipe says it makes 22-24 muffins. I only got 16!!

(I don't think you want to know the nutritional info but if so let me know. I've got it. Next time, I am going to try them w an egg substitute and swap the oil for applesauce this will cut almost all the fat!!!)

We had a lot of delicious food today. Thank you to all that contributed! Nicole and I worked as a team- she made sausage gravy and I made biscuits from scratch. Join us next month, February 18th!!

A few videos of Miss Mae

9months! She has since graduated to the BIG TUB!

Wow, Cuban Sammies was the Winner!!!

Really? I'm surprised by this result, although, the sandwiches were delicious. Honestly, I was hoping Tamale Pie would win! (This is why I don't have any pictures for this post) But I have to go with what the crowd wants, huh? If you voted for Tamale Pie, don't worry it will certainly be on here again! It's a favorite in this house!
I strayed a little bit away from a traditional Cuban sandwich, because I DIDN'T use Cuban bread or roasted, pulled pork. Next time I make a pork tenderloin or roast I'll be sure to use the leftovers in these sandwiches. Bare with me because I do not have an exact recipe- this is what I did.......

Makes 2 Sandwiches:
1/2 loaf French bread, or any specialty type of rolls
ham slices, or deli ham
pickles
mustard
spicy brown mustard
2 slices Swiss cheese


Preheat your panini press (Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick 11-Inch Square Grill Panis the one I use and absolutely love it!) on medium heat with 1 Tbsp olive oil
Layer all the ingredients and in the amount that suites your fancy :)
Cook on each side for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is toasty!

Nutrition Information for 1 sandwich: Pheww, this isn't the lowest calorie, lowest sodium item I make!! Consider it a splurge item :) 11 WW pts!!!
Calories: 510
Fat grams: 11
Carbs: 75
Protein: 28
Fiber:3
(This information is for exactly what I used. If you alter recipe, remember nutrition values will change)

4. Every Monday I plan out my meals for the entire week and go grocery shopping

In my past blog, http://thestoners513.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html, I made a list of 10 random things about me. I decided to pick a few and elaborate a little bit more~
1.Usually my meal planning begins well before Monday, but by Monday my menu for that week is finished.
2.I make a grocery list of every item I need. (which is organized by the store layout)
3. I print coupons for items that are ONLY ALREADY ON MY LIST! Click here to see where I get most of my coupons!
4. I do my shopping every Monday, usually at Wal-Mart. I know I know, a lot of you don't like Wal-mart but at least in my area it has the cheapest prices! But I also go to Kroger.
This process has made my life easier. I used to wander through the store grabbing this and that with some faint idea of what I'd be making. Later in the week I'd go to my pantry and search for something I could make dinner out of, usually lacking a few key ingredients! Because I like to cook w/ fresh vegetables the hardest part of this is planning the meals later in the week. Example: I shop on Mondays so by Saturday most produce won't be in its prime! So a fresh spinach salad wouldn't be a good idea for Saturday lunch. Get it? Now the meals later in the week include items like frozen veggies, potatoes, pastas etc. Hope I gave you a few ideas....Let me know how you do it! Do you use coupons? Where do you find them?
Happy Shopping!

Whole Wheat Rolls was the WINNER!

1 Tbsp. active dry yeast (1 envelope)

1 tsp. + 1/3 c. sugar

1/2 c. warm water (115 degrees)

1/2 c. butter, softened (I've been using a butter substitute for baking! Check out what I use)

1/2 c. skim milk, warm (115 degrees)

1 egg

3/4 tsp. salt

4 c. whole wheat flour

1.Dissolve yeast, 1 tsp. sugar and warm water in a bowl. Add butter, milk, egg, salt & 1/3 c. sugar & 2 c. flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in remaining flour 1/2c. at a time. You may not use a total of 4 c.

2. Knead on a flour surface (works great in a Kitchen Aide) about 8 min. Place in a  greased bowl, turning to get it all covered in oil. Cover and place in a super warm place. Let rise for about 1 hr or until doubled in size.

3.Punch down dough. On a floured surface divide in half. Roll each portion into a 12in. circle. Cut using a pizza cutter into 12 triangles (just like a pie or pizza) Starting w the wide end roll up into a crescent shape.

4. Cover and let rise another 30 min.

5. Bake at 350 for 10-12 min.

This was taken after Ken & I got into them. Recipe makes 24 rolls












Nutritional Info: 1 roll= 2 WW pts

107 cal.

2 Fat g

19 carbs

3 g Fiber

(This may be a little off. But it would be fewer cal. & fewer fat grams. When converting this recipe I couldnt find the actual butter sub. that I use which is lower in cal & fat than butter. But keep in mind if you use real butter calories, fat & pts value goes up)

9mo. Check up

Little house on the Prairie bonnet from Gram Stoner! Ken & I just laugh when we put this on her

New "motorcycle" from Gram Stoner

Well, I have a puney lil girl. She weighs 15lbs 14oz!!! Thats just below the 5th percentile for babies her age! I was certain she'd weigh more, she eats a lot! The doctor wasn't concerned in the slightest. She suspected Sweet Pea will be on the smaller end her whole childhood, which is OK w me :) I'm not ready for my baby to grow up! She is 26 inches long which is right around the 20th percentile!

A developmental test was given too. Basically, I just had to answer a bunch of questions about what Sweet Pea is doing these days. She scored high on fine motor skills ie: picking up food & passing objects from one hand to the other. Gross motor skills she was below most other kids mainly bc she isn't pulling herself into standing position & can't stand holding onto something wo my help! But again Im fine w her not doing this yet. Not ready to encourage walking!!! :)

Doctor also gave the OK to try a small amt of milk! I was happy to hear that. I think tonight we will try 1/2 oz. of skim milk and see if any reactions appear...Stay tuned!

Storing up Treasures

Great Blog! 10 kids! Amazing! Check her out!

A month later



Thanksgiving Day

  

Ooops Its been 2 months since Ive blogged! But its all because of the busy holiday season. Thanksgiving through New Years was a blur. Phewww, The holidays are over :(  They came and went so fast! Sweet Pea's 1st Christmas was memorable. I feel so blessed. I received a large amount of great gifts: boots, super comfy & super cute, a TomTom, a glider to put in Sweet Pea's nursery to rock and cuddle her in, but the best gift I got was staying in Valpo and visiting w family and friends for 10 days!!!
Now its back to my normal routine for a few weeks until I start babysitting a lil man full time!

10 Random Things About Me

Just for fun....
1. Purple is my favorite color
2. I don't leave the house w/o water
3. Ironing is by far my most dreaded house chore
4. Every Monday I plan out my meals for the entire week and go grocery shopping
5. I know hardly anything about computers
6. My dream vacation= Italy
7. I was engaged to be married at age 20
8. Oldies is my favorite type of music but I also like Christian, Country & Classic rock
9. I have a major sweet tooth- but try not to indulge as much as Id like
10. Whatever season we are currently in I'm dying for the next to come. Ex: I am so ready for white snow and crisp air

Butternut squash Risotto

Butternut Squash Risotto
4 c. chicken or vegetable broth
1 tsp. vanilla 
3 c. peeled cubed butternut squash, about 12 ounces
2 tbsp. butter, divided
1/2 c. finely chopped green or white onion
1 1/2 c. Arborio rice (Risotto rice)
1/2 c. dry white wine
1/2 c. frozen peas, asparagus, broccoli or green veggie of your choice, Cooked
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 tsp. salt


Directions:
In a medium saucepan, warm the broth and vanilla. When the broth comes to a simmer reduce the heat to low. Add the butternut squash to the simmering broth and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon remove the butternut squash to a side dish. Turn the heat on the broth down to very low and cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, in a large, heavy saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the onion and saute until tender. Add the rice and stir to coat with the butter. Add the wine and simmer until the wine has almost completely evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the simmering broth and stir until almost completely absorbed, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking the rice, adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to of the broth to absorb before adding the next, until the rice is tender but still firm to the bite and the mixture is creamy, about 30 minutes total. Gently stir in the butternut squash, green veggie of your choice, Parmesan, the remaining tablespoon of butter, and salt. Serve immediately.

Here I am again...

Uhhh, here I am again. Months later. Certain I was going to be better w this blog. Its a work in progress!
Here's the latest w/ the Stoners:
~We recently started attending a new church, New Life in Morton. Wow its been great. We've known for some time that we needed to leave our old church it just took time for it to happen. Well it did and we are so happy. Everyone we've met so far has been so welcoming, friendly and interesting. Its amazing how God truly hears our prayers & acts on our behalf! Our new house is coming along. Feeling very homey :)

~ Kenny recently took a new position. Still at CAT but a different plant. Day shift, thank Goodness. We are thankful for such opportunities.

~Me, Ive been busy recently. Started attending woman's bible study at New Life. We are doing a Beth Moore study, Breaking Free, its great! I also started attending a Mom's group through the church. We do fun things like have speakers and go on fun outings. (Pictures posted on FB) I am loving this whole stay at home mom job. Its great. Spending all day w Sweet Pea is so much fun. Our days are filled w errands, cleaning and cooking. Oh yes, I'm still cooking. This week on the menu: Butternut squash Risotto, Chicken quesadillas & Tamale pie...just to name a few! I plan on sharing pictures & recipes w you all soon....

~Sweet Pea is growing and changing every day. She recently got her 1st tooth. It bothered her some & we had some sleepless nights. She also has had reactions to dairy :( Total bummer. We have to do more testing to find out how serious. We will consider ourselves blessed if a dairy allergy is the worst of her health.
Love until next time.....

             

Its been way too long!

So here I am again- Almost a year later posting on my blog site. I don't know if I'll ever be one that posts once a week or even once a month. I just got to thinking that this might be a great way to share information and ideas w each other.
Since my last post our little girl was born. Sweet Pea, oh she is just perfect in every way. I get the privledge of staying home with her. I am loving every minute of it.
Also, we bought a house in the Peoria are!! Its so cute and feels so homey. Its a work in progress though.
Until next time (hopefully not a year) may our Lord fill you with peace & hope!!!

Today I am 23 weeks pregnant & feeling good. I found out a few weeks ago that we are having a little girl!! Bring on the pink, purple, bows and lacy!!! :)
Thanksgiving is 4 days away and I cannot wait to see everyone. Ken & I are looking forward to a nice break and a long visit in Valpo.
See you soon!