Thursday, September 27, 2012

Vegetarian Stuffed Green Peppers



Vegetarian Stuffed Green Peppers

Prep time:  30 mins
Rice cook time: 45 mins
Pepper cook time:  30 mins

Ingredients:

  • 6 medium to large green bell peppers
  • 1 small/medium red pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 2 cups COOKED brown rice 
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1-2 portobello mushrooms (brushed and cubed)
  • 1 can whole kernel corn (well drained)
  • 1 1/2 cups fat free shredded cheddar cheese, or dairy-free cheese
  • 1 vegetable bouillon cube
  • Pinch of thyme (to taste)
  • Dash of cayenne (to taste)
  • Garlic powder (optional, to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fiber one cereal


Cook Rice: Add a little olive oil and 1/2 the bouillon cube to water for cooking rice.

Pre-heat oven to 350.

In large pot bring enough lightly salted water to submerge peppers and bring to a boil.
Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds. Reserve cut-off tops.

Submerge peppers in boiling water for 5-7 mins. Drain inverted when done.

Meanwhile: Chop most of the leftover green pepper tops.
In skillet heat olive oil, add green and red pepper and onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring. Add mushrooms and cook another 5 mins. Add drained corn. Stir and cook for several more minutes. (Add a splash of olive oil if it’s getting too dry.) Add the thyme, cayenne, salt and pepper. Add the other 1/2 bouillon cube and a little bit of water to moisten. Melt cube and mix into filling.  Add the cheese into the mix, reserving 1/4 cup for topping. Add in the cooked brown rice, stirring in slowly. You may not need all of the rice and can save any leftover for a side dish another night.  Adjust seasonings to taste.

After peppers have drained well place in baking dish and fill with stuffing.
In separate bowl crumble reserved cheddar and fiber one and sprinkle on top of each pepper.

Place in oven and bake for about 30 mins, or until bubbly and looking good.
I like to broil/brown the top for several minutes at the end.

Serve with a salad and a nice slice of whole grain bread if desired.

Bon Apetit!
(appx: 320 per pepper, 12 grams protein, 2 grams sugar, 0 cholesterol, 37 grams carbs, 300 mg sodium.)

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Why does my weight fluctuate?

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

9/11/12 in New York City



It's Tuesday, September 11, 2012.  The sky is clear, blue, beautiful. There's a little crispness in the air, eerily similar to 11 years ago.

"Such a strange feeling to this day in New York City, everywhere in the world, I'm sure. You know how certain days have certain feelings, your birthday? Thanksgiving? Halloween (love Halloween!) Today just has this sad, uncomfortable feeling--
The other night at yoga the instructor really had us focus on breathing into our heart center and filling it with love, breathing in and out love, love for ourselves, love for our neighbors, love to heal the harshness and pain that we all feel at times. Today, more than any other day of the year I can think of, breath love."---Laura FB

I know you remember where you were that day, what you were doing. 

"11th anniversary of 9/11 tomorrow. I'll never forget that day, so surreal. It was the most gorgeous day in NYC...absolutely perfect blue skies, the air was fresh. I was in Riverside Park with a friend working out and we couldn't stop talking about how perfect the day was....then we heard sirens, more sirens, everywhere, rushing down the West Side Hwy. Helicopters filled the sky, we knew something
was wrong, but never in a million years could have even the slightest idea of the tragedy unfolding. I tried to call my husband from my cell phone but there was no service, my friend had no service, we decided we better get out of there, even though we didn't know why. Sirens and helicopters everywhere. I was only a few blocks from home so a I ran the whole way. It was eerie as the streets were empty expect for firetrucks, police, ambulances...I went into my building, no one in sight, went up the elevator and burst into my front door. My husband was just standing in front of the TV, staring at it. "You don't know, do you?" he said. "Know what? What is going on?"---I knew it was bad, really bad, but I was not prepared for what I would see as I turned my eyes towards the TV, just in time to see the 2nd tower fall.
God Bless everyone touched by this tragedy. 




A flag for every firefighter lost.



My flag picture is from the 10th Anniversary at the Fireman's Memorial. Tomorrow they will be back, and I will be there." ----Laura FB 9/10

Monday, September 10, 2012

On Guard--The best all natural miracle cleaner in the world!

I love this stuff! I have a bottle under my kitchen sink and I made up a few sprayers (from the 99cent store) and use them in the kitchen, bathroom, pretty much every room.
It's so freakin' economical, smells amazing, it's natural and you're conserving on packaging.

Here's what it is: On Guard Cleaner Concentrate

On Guard Cleaner Concentrate is the natural and safe way to clean your living space while leaving a clean and invigorating scent. Purposely designed to have a wide variety of uses, this specialized formula is derived from plant-based ingredients, with On Guard essential oil, for exceptional cleaning power and natural protection from harmful surface-borne microbes. Because it is non-toxic and biodegradable, it is friendly for the whole family as well as the environment.

On Guard Cleaner           Concentrate (3814)   US$ 19.33



You  can get it here: @  DOTERRA

 Along with other amazing Certified Organic natural products for the skin, hair and essential oils.
Your gift from earth!





Gratitude Workout

I'm keeping this simple this morning---was up early, took my coffee and watched the sunrise on the beach with my dog.  I did a few minutes of deep breathing and meditation, absorbing the sounds all around me. The ocean waves crashing against the shore...the seagulls flying over head talking to each other.
It was magical, blissful, and I am so grateful this morning.

But---now I must workout. It must be done and it must be done soon or I will lose my focus and just remain on the beach, with my coffee, with my dog, with my gratitude!

Here's the simple workout for today if you want to join me:

  1. Minimum 45 minutes CARDIO
  2. 30 Walking Lunges
  3. 30 Push-ups
  4. 30 Squats
  5. 30 Triceps Dip
  6. 300 Crunches
  7. 10 Down Dog Flow through to UP Dog


Rest, stretch, breath!
Make sure you drink plenty of water and take breaks if you need them.
I do the above workout like a grocery list---just check off each exercise as you complete it and keep going down the list!

Have an awesome day my friends! Peace and Love from the Jersey Shore, and Coco says HI!