Jazz it up July
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Snowshoeing with Charlie Bear and Cleo in Japan.CB's legs were too short to walk in the snow. After the first snow the golf course on base would let us snow shoe and XC ski. Dogs could be loose.
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Sorry to hear about your friend, Bisky, but that's so great that Buster is keeping her husband company and helping to keep him active. I'm adding plant protein powder to my smoothies on gym days. The trainers are all very supportive of WFPB but they do encourage more protein so I am compromising by adding protein powder on strength days.
I love that picture the dog in the sled looks like yeah this is the life! LOL
Nanc, YAY for good news with Lulu. That's excellent! Interesting about Downy. I don't use liquid fabric softener, but I have been more careful about my household products and cosmetics over the past few years. It has taken a while to try different brands and find things that I like and aren't outrageously expensive.
Did MUCH better today on food. I just decided this morning I wasn't going to let that happen again. I have been tired and out of sorts the past few days, which doesn't help, but I reminded myself eating won't fix that. Strength training class after work today and even though I wasn't feeling it I went and put in the work and it felt good.
B - oats with berries, cinnamon, a few walnut halves (I just add water to moisten a bit but sometimes on weekends I'll actually cook the oats)
L - roasted broccoli and steamed collards on a big bed of lettuce and topped with chickpeas, sliced tomato, a splash of bragg's and some dijon
D - smoothie (power greens, chia/flax, plant protein powder, mixed berries, couple slices frozen banana)
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Up way early, my sweet peeps! Hair cut today...thankfully!coffee
Homemade almond milk, raw oatmeal and fresh peach (not a fan of cooked oatmeal...but I do love Cream of Wheat on a cold winter's morning...yes, it does get cold here in the Valley of the Sun)
Just Egg with last of the spinach and last of the Chao Creamy shreds
Tun NO (recipe from STRAIGHT UP FOOD-Cathy Fisher) sammy on Chompie's fresh Jewish Rye with fresh leaves of crunchy ice berg
Sweet nectarine!Do make your day DEEEEEEEEEEEE LICIOUS!
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Hi Donna, welcome back! A bit of a mixed bag of news, but I'm happy to hear that Brooks has good follow up results and that you are diagnosed and moving forward on a good path. Ruby has a bum knee so she's slowed down by that, but otherwise her goofy sweet self. She now has a cohort to get into mischief with, Radar. He was my brother's dog and joined us just before the covid lockdown began.
Nanc, a fresh haircut always feels so good, right? Time for me to make some tu-no, too. one of my faves for lunch or a quick snack. oh, and great news about Lulu's urine test results.
Like Mihani, I went a bit off the rails. Yesterday I had store-bought pizza and 2(!!!!!) Ezekiel cinnamon-raisin english muffins. High calories low nutrient density. I paid for it too, with the first bad headache I've had in a long while.
today's plan:
way too much coffee, black
fuhrman blueberry oatmeal
strawberry & greens smoothie
last of our mushroom veggie pasta w/ baked tofu & walnut parm0 -
Carla - I love it "way to much coffee". What kind of dog is Radar?
Magic - Is Lulu okay? I am glad her urine tests were normal.
Mihani - Love this: "Strength training class after work today and even though I wasn't feeling it I went and put in the work and it felt good." I agree as you build muscle to burn fat from strength training you need more protein. The young military go together to lift and encourage each other. They are frequently talking about their protein intake. The powder protein section at the exchange is huge. Lucky they have vegan protein powder. The fit women could double for ballerinas. They don't bulk up. As soon as I can lift weights again I am going to start. As I get older I realize how important it is for daily life to be strong. I don't mean body builder strong but just strong to not wear and tear joints.
That was Charlie Bear on the sled, watched me trying to keep up.
Last night Brooks made Banza pasta with mushrooms and spinach. Delicious. I was still hungry later but ended up drinking an extra protein drink. I think I am not drinking enough water with them.
I keep going on and on about Banza pasta. I could have it every night. It is high in protein, fiber, Iron and most important for me, Gluten free. I don't feel deprived with the diagnosis of Celiac's disease. I got addicted to pasta in Italy but I can make all my favorite pasta recipes.
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Why CB had to ride in a sled. I can't believe we are back living in 100* +. I miss the snow. I think that is why I am posting pics of it.
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Nanc, your plan today sounds great! Hope you enjoyed getting your new do.
Carla, once again we're on the same wavelength. Up to and including ezekiel english muffins over the weekend (although mine were regular not cinnamon-raisin) LOL
I hope that today went to plan for you. I'm thinking probably having the english muffins and the mac 'n' peas on the weekend is what got my starchy cravings going and sent me into a spin on Monday. So much better for me if I stick to whole grains.
Bisky, thanks for the support! You have been around long enough to know my struggles with consistent exercise over the years. It is so surprising to me that I'm actually enjoying exercise. My main focus now, and what I try to keep in the front of my mind at all times, is that I want to be strong! It's definitely more motivating than wishing the scale would move faster.
I like the banza pasta too. I should get some more of that and use it instead of the regular wheat pasta.
Marilyn, how are you feeling?
Meals today were a repeat of yesterday. I was in the office really late so no workout tonight, but I'll do a little time on the treadmill to make sure I get to 5000 steps.
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Donna, I haven't tried Banza pasta yet, but ordered some after your post! We have pasta almost every week so it could make a big difference for us. Radar is a Blue Mountain Entlebucher. He is so incredibly fast. And a HUGE cuddler. Especially with Joe who can't sit down without ending up with a dog sprawled across him and looking up adoringly.
sorry started to post but new PC is here so I'm going to start migrating everything. I haven't had a new machine in 10 years (though we do upgrade it all the time but now is is maxed out)0 -
Another day- another extremely hot day - for the past 4 days we have had a low of 90 F and a high of 104 F and they are telling us it is staying this way till middle of next week - but as I don't control the weather am learning how to deal with it - and they say that this weather though has not been the norm in the past will be for the future - guess we all are going to have to change somewhat.
Had an ultrasound done on the kidneys Monday night go to the the next Tuesday to have a talk about the results. I know I have stones and a cyst and that the kidneys are shutting down (good number is 60 mine has gone down to 32 which is to close to diaylsis so needing to make the serious changes. The doctor has approved of the program I am following and has told me that should I take it serious and follow the program that by Christmas I could have all meds reduced if not getting off of them. So that is encouraging.
Having company for dinner and the wife let her husband know that I am not a vegetarian so when we saw them on Monday he told me he was looking forward to having a vegetarian meal with us. So that is what he is getting. What am I serving
American Vegetarian Stew served over brown rice ( hubby want spaghetti) and a Caesar Salad
What is in the stew?
yellow onion, clove of garlic, white potato, carrot, stalk of celery, zucchini, chopped broccoli, a leek, low sodium tomato sauce, parsley flakes, paprika, dried basil, chili powder, dry mustard, ground cumin and ground black pepper.
But is now time for me to have a 15 minute power nap before I start to work on putting the stew together
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Happy Thursday even though I keep thinking it is Friday.
Carla - Radar looks so sweet and handsome. I had to look up his breed. A Swiss breed!
I don't know if you saw my note on the Banza pasta but cook it 1-2 minutes less than it says. It is rather plain tasting but really so is regular pasta...it is the sauce and vegetables that make the difference. I think it might really help for blood sugar control as it is much lower in carbs than regular pasta and high in fiber (plus protein and iron). win win! When we were in Japan our neighbor was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes...no flour, pasta, pizza, etc. His wife was having a serious time cooking for him and I gave them a box of Banza noodles. Game changer for them.
Marilynn - Kidney disease is so serious. I am sorry you are going through this. What kind of changes do you need to make to help your kidneys to continue to function and avoid dialysis?
That stew sounds so good. My mother use to make excellent stews in the winter when we lived in Canada and Colorado... I didn't really like meat as a child but loved the potatoes, celery and carrots.
Mihani - I was so happy to see you are exercising. I always thought that was what you needed with all the stress from work....but it is hard when you are mentally exhausted. I am not surprised you are enjoying it as you seem fine tuned to your physical needs...
Mah Jong tonight with my old neighborhood friends. Taking a spinach, apple, pecan and sesame seed salad. Brooks is on his own but he won't starve.
Another snow pic to cool everyone off.
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. In Japan, the trail we took to get to the beach.
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Awww... haven't seen a pic of Radar in a while. Such a cutie pie face! Hope you like the banza pasta, Carla. I have had it quite a few times but I usually forget and grab wheat. I think wheat pasta fires up my starchy cravings so I'd be better off sticking to banza. Have you got into any new projects?
Marilyn, that's very encouraging news from your doctor! Your stew sounds delicious. Have fun tonight!
Bisky, what beautiful pictures. You and Brooks have such wonderful adventures. I barely cross the county line more than a few times a year. LOL
Busy week getting the boss ready to head out on vacation. I'm going to work on a couple more files tonight before bed.
Meals today were same as yesterday. I pretty much eat the same things every day during the week and mix it up on the weekends if I have time to cook. I've been so busy lately it has been super simple. Lots of salads, some cooked veggies, canned beans, oats, frozen and fresh fruits, maybe a pot of grains for the week.0 -
Oh, and Carla, 'grats on the new PC. Fun but always a pain getting everything moved.1
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ugh, mid of the night (my sleeping situation is horrible these days)
...love the snow pics, bisky!
Radar is so sweet, Carla...cuddle bug in your husband's lap ... we need that picture. Yes, congrats on new computer...that is always so much fun. I think mine is now two years old...it's a small Lenova...laptop 15inch...love it. Hope to have it for years to come.
Springtime, Lulu's tests came back normal...she is a healthy almost 5 year old, thankfully. Teeth cleaning in September.
Marilyn...major props to you for taking action and working to reverse your disease...stay strong and make sure you do what you need to for YOU. That means no compromising when eating with friends...your health comes first. LOVE all your posters!
Mihani, how is your new girl working out...is she helping to reduce your load? My spirit watermelon sister...I am having horrible luck finding good ones...mushy, not sweet...very sad pickings this year!
In fact, fruit is a huge gamble this year... the only thing that has been good is nectarines...and not always. Very disappointing! The plums from central California in early June were delish...but they are gone. they are the very purple ones inside...sweet juicy, total yum
Austin, do not disappear...I did see you pop in...we need you here!
If I missed anyone, I apologize...our little family has grown. LOVE THAT!
My thing these days is to try and save my work paycheck. (receptionist at car dealership) Without boring you with too many details, I did not get full retirement from teaching...I was going through major depression and kinda checked out from life. I get about 1/4 of what I would have received. So, work is mandatory. BUT, I want to see if I can pocket my small salary (hourly employee, not even minimum wage)...that means BUDGET!
I made plans in July and it goes into full steam ahead action in August! Made huge cuts...I think I will share:
no more YOUTUBE TV $70 (instead using Peacock streaming $6 bucks)
no more cleaning gal $160
cut pedi mani bill in half
mindful food bill...shopping out of pantry and using up produce before buying more (huge change of behavior for me)
NO amazon shopping except for hair products...no WANT shopping
NO QVC SHOPPING...
CANCEL Well Your World Live cooking shows
CANCEL Pandora
CANCEL audible
CANCEL magazine subscription
You get the picture.
AT almost 74, it's time I live below my means. LOL This isn't a pity party thing...it's really kinda fun, well sort of. It's a challenge. It does keep me up a bit...but once I get into September and October, I will really see if MY PLAN is doable for the long haul!
I'll keep you posted.
today's plan
coffee
oatmeal, blueberries, homemade almond milk
TUN - NO DICED cukes, celery, red onion, pickle, mashed chickpeas, mustard...and a bit of veganaise. NO bread...will use air fried corn tortillas as scoopers.
nectarine
avert your eyes...back to rye bread (two for one at Fry's) CHAO "cheese" sammy mustard and lettuce.
the end
Have a great day, mates. Make it delicious!
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Mornin' Nanc, hope you got a little more sleep. I have been thinking about how to tighten up my budget as well. Recession and high prices are hurting a lot of us and I have spent a lot on vet bills lately. Mostly I just need to stay off amazon like you said. LOL
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Morning all! The switch to the new PC has so far been rather painless. It helps that I have the old PC still on our network so if I forget to transfer anything it isn't a problem. The new one is so compact and quiet. The size of a medium book instead of a huge tower I rest my feet on.
My Amazon purchases are a little out of control as well, so you ladies are singing my tune with the budget talk. Over the last month or so I've switched out my entire skin care routine and tossed out old makeup, replacing it with new. Add that to the 'everything else' we buy there. I think Joe bought my new PC there too. And with my weight loss I have been buying a whole new wardrobe as well. Yikes.
I've been working on a virtual project - the layout and design for a 3d game Joe and I are working on. Mostly learning how to use the Unity interface. It is a good distraction while I've lost my 'making mojo'.
Aside from that I've been doing some deep organization in the house. I'm finally getting serious about getting rid of the clothes that I don't wear. I love to buy dresses, but it turns out I don't love wearing them! Far too many in the closet with tags still on.
Another slip up yesterday with Ezekiel raisin english muffins. They are too darn good. End of the bag. Done.
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Ugh....I hear you about saving money. Two big international moves in less than a year was expensive. Something we didn't plan on. The only thing that saved us was living on base. Military get a Basic Housing allowance for rent & utilities than usually does not ever cover expenses. Living on base we have no utilities. Which is lucky because right now Texas utilities are owned by private companies is a mess. Some people are suffering from very high bills. Our house is rented out and tenants paying high utility bills.
Mihani - what happened do to having vet bills?
Magic - good for you canceling a lot of that stuff. We didn't have them in Japan and don't miss them now. After living very simply in Japan, I don't miss the monthly expenses for a lot of stuff. In Japan I went to the library on base every week to read newspapers and magazines plus checkout books. I need to find a day for that here. I actually need to find the library on base.
Carla - congratulations on the weight loss! That is awesome and always fun to celebrate with a new wardrobe.
Brooks has 2 and a 1/2 years until retirement but they could "medically board" him due to cancer. We are waiting to hear about that and there would be so many retirement benefits we would lose if they do that. Hopefully we will hear next month. Don't really trust the Air Force to always do the right thing.
Today we did a microscopic triathlon. We rode our bikes to the new indoor pool (1 big mile away), I swam 300M(Brooks swam 2000 M), rode home and then walked the dogs. Baby steps. After each lap I had to stop and catch my breath. First swim since 2019 when I was doing senior triathlons. No one else was in the pool. There is an outdoor olympic size pool and I think that is where everyone is. Indoor pool was beautiful and very clean with big windows on 3 sides. They don't allow children. It is only for lap swimming. I actually told the life guard to keep an eye on me. Hahaha.
Okay, after all the talk about not buying, I did buy something for my protein powder. A small single serve Hamilton Beach blender. Not heavy duty like my Vitamix but something I can quickly add blue berries and vanilla protein powder with almond milk to for a quick pickup.
Brooks says veggie black bean tacos tonight on corn tortilla (gluten free).
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Our last sunset snowshoeing in Japan.0
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Am doing fine. See the doc next Tuesday re the results of ultrasound of my kidneys but as I have had a CT of them I am aware of what is going on so this will just be an update. The food program I am on is really hepling.
As for the talk on budgeting. We made major changes October 2021 - and I mean major ones. It is difficult but in the it is worth it - purchasing many things just to have things has finally made my husband understand is just not good - we can't take it with us so why purchase so much that we really don't need. But just looking at the cost of things - don't know about where all of you live but in my part of the world to drive a car now is a privilege due to the cost of gas. 6 months ago it cost us $45 to fill up the car so we could afford to do that 2x in the month. Now it is costing us $80 to fill up and doing that 2x a month - well hubby asked what were we going to give up so we could 'feed' the car. So our 'driving' is cut way back. Eating out at restaurants - we cut that way back since last October but not enough. Just worked 'again' on or budge for the following month - and hubby just announced that for the next 30 - 45 days there will be no restaurant eating no matter what - it is just to expensive. I understand that if everyone did this it could effect people that work at the restaurants but with the cost of things I understand them raising the cost of food - I know for my household we cannot afford it any more - not even that once a week or even 2x a month - food is getting out of reach to buy from the grocery stores especially when you want to eat healthy - so we need to do what we need to do - and our health is more important then being with others at a restaurants.
With the changes I have made in my food the cost of food is different - I love the fresh vegetables though vegetables don't necessarily like me. As I am not having any animal products, no process foods at all, no sugar, flour very seldom, no salt, no dairy, no oil - sound restrictive - not really just use a lot of spices and herbs. My hubby still likes to have a little chicken 2 - 3 times a week which is ok - I am not missing it at all.
Last night we had friends over for dinner - they moved away about 5 years ago and yearly try to come for a visit. We had a vegetarian meal -we feel it was very tasty, they said they enjoyed it - but I think the wife really wanted her 'meat' as the husband said he is trying to get her converted to have more meatless meals. What did we serve? It is called American Vegetable Stew and we served it over potatoes though it does taste really really good over brown rice. The stew consisted of 2 yellow onions, chopped, 2 cloves of garlic, crushed, 2 white potatoes, scrubbed and chunked, 2 carrots, scrubbed and sliced, 2 stalks of celery, sliced, 2 small zucchini, sliced,1 cup chopped broccoli, 2 leeks, trimmed, washed and sliced, 4 cups low sodium tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons parsley flakes, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. And I must say it was really good - we have left overs as this should make enough for 8 people allowing about 1 cup or a bit more for each person. We have some left over for tonight and am looking forward to eating it. We will be having this a lot more - and think we will work at trying different combinations to see how it would taste = for instance would like to try asparagus in it
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I am glad Nanc got this budget topic started. I thought about it some throughout the day and I know my main problems are 1) amazon and 2) groceries I don't need. So now I have a goal for August. Nothing from Amazon other than the boy's canned food and supplements. Not ONE thing. No groceries other than canned beans and veggies/fruit and of course essential household items if needed. I have plenty of pasta and grains that I should use up before buying more anyway.
Bisky, the boy had a massive hematoma on his ear back the end of May. Of course on a weekend so he had to go to the ER for emergency surgery. Then it got infected after the sutures were removed and he was on antibiotics. Then just recently he developed a cough which they never really figured out but a round of a different antibiotic seems to have made it better. If it gets worse again he'll go in for x-rays and/or ultrasound. He's getting old though. He sleeps a lot and his appetite is down. Makes me sad because he's my buddy and I want him around forever!
I'm sure you will enjoy the personal blender. I bought a ninja a few months ago and I use it almost every day. It's great for sauces and dressings too and you aren't losing so much that you can't get out of the big blender. Well done on the activity today!
Glad the new PC setup went smoothly, Carla. That's funny about the dresses. I have tons of them and never wear them anymore. I just prefer dress pants, although even with those I buy for comfort now, and wear much more comfortable shoes than in my younger days.
Marilyn, glad you had fun with your dinner guests and they enjoyed your stew. I make a lot of "stews" especially when my veggies are starting to look a little wilty. I throw everything in a pot with spices and beans then freeze in portion sizes.
Worked late again, but I am taking tomorrow completely off. I have my two classes at the gym in the morning, then home to do laundry and cleaning, and napping.
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You guys are so good about jumping on the budget thing...it actually is kinda fun...especially the food one, once you make peace with all the other "STUFF" we do not need!
Shopping from my pantry...I hear ya, Mihani...I have all the rice and pasta and oatmeal I need of a while.
LOVE refried bean tacos, Carla!
So much to comment on...I will be back...have to make breakfast lunch and dinner for work...11 hour day today.
But I need to tell you about this FREE app. (I use it on my phone so I can check in regularly throughout the day and get positive feedback) HABIT SHARE. You do not have to share the habits but you can...but it keeps track of lifestyle changes you are making for life! Que James Clear here! FOR LIFE! Great poster, Marilyn! We love Mr. Clear here in this group.
Here is the link to the app...well, I am going to try and bring it up on the computer...if it doesn't work, I will try and post, using my phone. https://habitshareapp.com/
It worked. So give it a try. I have all green checks for the month of July for NO QVC SHOPPING as well as NO AMAZON SHOPPING. Such an accomplishment, especially when seeing the amount owed at ZERO!
Back later dollies. Love you all!
Trying to get you to the link easier!
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/habitshare-habit-tracker/id10481910450 -
Today's Meals:
coffee
oatmeal, blueberries, homemade almond milk (I use Detoxinista recipe...almonds and water only)
Chao Cheese/Jewish Rye Bread sammy
cherries
cauliflower, celery, red bell peppers veggies with vegan Tzatziki from Trader Joes
baked potato with Trader Joe's vegan sour cream and scallions
the end.
my dippers are not great but they are ok for me. I keep buying broccoli and realize, I no longer can stand it. I ate it for so long...but it's just not doing it for me anymore.
Do make your day delicious! 0 -
Wow, I missed a lot not checking in for 5 days!
Bisky-so kind of you to leave Buster with your neighbor, I'm sure he's enjoying his time there. Charlie Bear and Cleo are adorable.
Carla-Radar looks so sweet. Glad your PC migration went smooth.
Marilyn-We've been having 90's here too, and the humidity is making it feel so much worse. Sorry to hear about your kidney test results; it's good your doctor approves of your program. I hope you can get better numbers soon. The American Veggie Stew sounds delicious.
Magic-Yay for Lulu!
All the talk about Banza pasta has me curious, I'll have to give it a try. The store I usually shop at doesn't carry it, but a super center nearby does.
I love the budgeting discussion. When we moved, we got rid of a lot of stuff. Still, once we unpacked everything here, we found that we had brought a lot of stuff with us that we no longer wanted/needed. We had about 5 large plastic tubs of stuff that we ended up putting out for a yard sale about a month ago. Anything that didn't sell we donated to Goodwill. The home that we moved to is actually a little larger than the one we had (I know most people downsize when they retire, I don't know how we ended up upsizing LOL).
We know that eventually we're going to have to sell this house for a smaller place so, over the next 5-10 years, we're going to be getting rid of a lot of stuff and not replacing it. Every time we want to buy something we have to ask ourselves "is this something we really need, or is it going to end up on a yard sale table in 5 years where we'll be getting about 1/10 of what we paid for it".
Like so many others here, Amazon is a problem for me too. And I have two drawers of clothes to "shop" in if I can ever get these last 20 pounds off, so I have no need to buy clothes at all.
Will try to get here more often so my posts aren't soooo long!
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! 1 -
Hi all. I got up at 5 am like a weekday so I got laundry done and swept up the floors before leaving for classes. Strength was tough today, and had a new trainer for mobility (regular one is on vacation) and she killed me. LOL
I'm tired and sort of sore now. I usually am on Saturdays. Maybe taking two classes isn't wise but I like it.
I'm enjoying hearing everyone's stories and ideas. I haven't carried a balance on a credit card for a couple years and I'm rather afraid this month I'm not going to be able to pay in full so I really need to get my budget in order. Everything is so expensive now. It's a couple bucks here and there for dog food, gas, groceries, etc. but it all adds up!
B - oats with cherries, couple walnut halves, cinnamon (just water to moisten)
L - smoothie
D - pita pizza
The pita pizza is something I came up with a while back. Mash up canned, drained/rinsed cannellini beans, add tomato sauce and italian seasonings. Spread the sauce on ezekiel or whole wheat pitas, top with whatever veggies are on hand and appealing, sprinkle with nooch, bake.
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Having a budget - great thing to have but most people it seems make up a budget and then don't follow it. We have a 'general' budget with what it would look like for the year, then I break it down for each month. We just did the' - budget for August - and hubby's comment was 'absolutely NO restaurant food in August' and I agree. Yes it is nice to say once a week go out for lunch now that we are retired - but honestly who can afford even lunch out. We went out the other day - just the 2 of us as our daughter was in respite - and it cost us just over $30 for lunch - we were not having anything fancy but eating according to my food plan. So though I like to help out the restaurants and especially the workers, sorry I can't keep doing that as it is just to expensive. As for using Amazon - last October we made a big change - took all credit cards and cut them up to get rid of them. So we no longer use Amazon - far to easy to look to buy 'one' item and end up buying 5 or 6 that seem reasonable in price. Back last October we did a deep dive clearing out things that have sat in the house for well over a year not being used - got rid of them. Now everything we use regularly and we take the best care of everything we don't want to replace things each year from neglect.
As for food - yes it is expensive - our food bill for 3 of us has gone up $300 since January of this year. Our gas bill (in order to drive our car) has gone from $80 a month (that is filling it up 2x in one month) now to $170 a month. That is a total of $300 and that does not include things like need new clothes - that is just food and gas for the car. Did our income go up to match that. Absolutely not. We are on a pension and we just got ( my husband not me) got a $60 increase in one of his pensions - 1st time in over 15 years that that happened. So lets see we are spending $390 more to get the car 'fed' and food for the house but the income increased by $60 - so each month we are in the negative by $330 and what we are hearing form the higher ups is all is well, that the increase in interest rates will help - sorry don't get that at all. When the people are struggling to feed their family (1) because the cost has gone up so much and (2) because a lot of the food is not available due to fires, floods ect and (3) gas prices are up making it difficult to go get the groceries. Then what about those that are on a fixed income but their rent is now gone up where they can't afford it or for the young couple wanting to buy their first home, they get approved at the current rate of interest which tells them that they can afford to look at a home of $800,000 but they decide that maybe they should wait another year, so the interest rate continues to go up and because of that wait for 12 months what they could afford today with a $800,000 home in 12 months they will only be able to look at homes at $600,000 but all homes are at $800,000 so they are now out of luck. In USA and Canada it is looking very bleak - never before has it been as bad unless you go back to the 1920's but there seems to be no solution or at least those leading these 2 great countries don't seem to be willing to look at solutions, rather all I hear is them putting together huge amounts of money to send to other countries to help them out - what about helping out the homeless in our countries, feed the hungry in our countries - but I guess that is not the way any longer in North America - don't get me wrong it is great to be able to help other countries, to help out where there is war but when our own people are hungry, living on the street, drinking unclean water something is wrong - and I do not promote a dictatorship at all but something has to change. I could say more as to what I think that change could/should look like but this is not the place.
At any rate I am doing well - and praying that all of you are doing the same.
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Mihani-I haven't carried a credit card balance for years. About 20 years ago I paid off some balances and decided I would never let myself get to that place again. I only charge in a month what I know I can pay off.
I like to feel a little sore after a workout. Not 'I pulled a muscle sore' just 'I really gave it my all today' sore. Sounds like that's where you're at. The base of your pita pizza sounds good. I often make one from PCRM's 21-day vegan kickstart. It's a whole wheat pita with hummus spread on it and then whatever veggies you want to put on. But I like the idea of mashed cannellini beans and tomato sauce, etc. It probably tastes more like real pizza sauce.
Marilyn-I've noticed that the restaurant bills now have different tip amounts also. The bill used to show recommended tips of 15%, 18% and 20%. Now they're showing 18, 20 and 22 or, like the last time DH and I ate out, 20, 22 and 25%! Unfortunately, inflation seems to be almost worldwide - as of June Turkey was 62%, Mexico was at 99%, and poor Lebanon was at a whopping 210% (https://armstrongeconomics.com/armstrongeconomics101/inflation/worldwide-inflation-in-june-2022/). Hopefully things will start to improve for us all. BTW I love today's image!!
Today's menu was not great, I broke down and had pizza for lunch and the leftovers for dinner
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Guess what I made this weekend? FART PIZZA!!! After ordering the banza pasta, I was reading about a pizza crust from chickpea flour so I made my own chickpea flour by grinding up dry garbanzos and followed a simple recipe. The result was okay and would need tweaking to repeat, but the...after-shocks...oh my!
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