Sea of Opportunities

 Requested my second refill after last weeks shot, and I'm glad I did do it early (the Doctor had instructed me to do it after my second shot, even though the website says after your third shot, so delays in shipping maybe?)   Either way - gave myself the third shot today - in upper right thigh - so going back and forth between my thighs.   May try the next one out on my arm though - I have so much just loose skin hanging from my arms - probably won't even feel it.   I do realize that I can utilize my pouch - aka my extra belly, baby fat, whatever you call it - it's that second belly that you may never get rid of without surgery.   But, I've also read a lot of people use that area when they stall, so saving that.   Still no side affects at all, just less food noise.   It really is amazing.   I also have been way more focused on getting my water in - and even going through the holidays with all the baked goods, an...

 Well - a successful week one - down 2 pounds, and since it is the week before Christmas - there were a couple of cookies and chocolates that made it into my diet that weren't accounted for in my Macros.   I always count my protein - at least until I get close to where I want to be (140 g).   The last 2 weeks my protein average was 128 g per day, so pleased with that.   Took my second shot today.   Did the left thigh since last week I did the right.   I tried the "pinching" method where you pinch the area where you inject - well at my weight, I really don't need to do that, and by doing it I felt more pressure when injecting the meds - so won't do it that way again.   I know the stomach is another area that can be used, as well as the back of the flabby wings.  I won't do the stomach until I stall, because I've read where it's re-started weight loss again without increasing the dose, and since I'd like to stay on as l...

Day 3 - and honestly - I don't feel anything different.   Of course it probably has to built up a bit in the system - so I think instead of a daily boring update, I'll update at least weekly - but maybe not daily. On another note - aren't these the cutest stickers?  I have a huge wall calendar that shows a year at a shot - so I keep track of my workouts this way.   After I got the Peloton - I had to get a few more sheets with a biker  LOL.    Found on Etsy - Knockoutprintshop - and no I'm not affiliated, but have used them for my sticker purchases for years without issues.    

Early Christmas Present to myself.  I lost my first 100+ pounds rowing - and lifting and boxing, until "the shoulder" so needed to find something that wasn't so shoulder intensive.   While I still love my Concept 2 and still use it often, I can't do the volume that I wanted, so welcome to the family Mr. Peloton.   Only have taken one ride.   Adam drove overnight from college to be home, so I've spent every minute with him since.   Will get back on a regular exercise schedule quickly - but family is #1. Mochi day 2.   Feel fine.   Have definitely been focused on getting lots of water in - because I've heard that's the best preventive method of all the unfortunate side effects that might occur with these weight loss meds.   No side effects yet - but it did help me make a great decision last night.  Nadia (dd #3) came home for dinner and brought me a single slice of vanilla birthday cake (my favorite).  ...

 It's been a long, long time since I promoted something that I would make money off of.   Sure - I always promote Plan To Eat on Black Fridays - because it's an app I have used for 10+ years.   I don't get anything from it if you do - but to be perfectly clear - if you sign up for Mochi and use my referral code - you will get $40 off AND I will get $40 off.   Just wanted to be clear about that part. Give $40, get $40 using code  G91XKF That's my code - use it if you'd like.   Personally, I wish I would have gone on a random FB group just to save myself $40 and used someone else's code, but I didn't know about it then.    Anyway - I'm going to take you on my Mochi journey - in case you wondered what it was really like.   I've lost weight before.   I started this journey 5-6 years ago at a whopping 360 pounds.   Yep, I let myself get that large.   I overate, and didn't move.   Pre...

 I'm in gardening zone 7B ever since 2023.   I was in zone 7A.  No, I didn't move, they changed the zoning.    If you want to know what zone you are in now -  USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map | Planting Zones Map USA - Garden.org Now according to this map, garlic is supposed to be planted between August and September, but I've never heard of such a thing.   Garlic has always been planted October 15th, just like peas are planted on St. Paddy's day .... things like that just don't change LOL   Anyway - a good place to go for more information and for your starting stock -  Keene Garlic - Shop Premium Garlic Now (keeneorganics.com)     Great people to work with, and if you really don't know what to plant, buy the sampler and send an email stating just that - and what you are looking for.   That's what I did the first year and I still plant one of the original varieties they sent me, because it grew so well in my ar...

  Sourdough English muffins Ingredients -1 cup warm water -1/2 cup sourdough starter/discard -1/2 tbsp active instant dry yeast -1 tbsp honey -1/2 tbsp salt -3.5 cups bread flour -2 tbsp room temp butter Directions -incorporate all ingredients -knead dough 5 minutes -lightly oil dough ball, cover in a bowl and let sit for 1.5 hours -once dough had set for 1.5 hour, roll dough out and cut circles (I used the lid of a mason jar) -dust cut circles with semolina flour -cover and let sit for 1 hour -after 1 hour, lightly oil a pan on stove -on low to medium heat, cook English muffins for 5mins each side or until golden -place muffins in oven at 350 for 5-7 minutes -let cool before cutting Will post pics as soon as they are ready !

 I'm a long time gardener.  I've grown garlic for years.   When we were growing up we all had to help turn dirt over for a garden.   When Hisham and I bought our first house, for my first Mother's Day, I got a chain saw and a rototiller.   We had 20 acres - I'd need both.   I tilled up about an acre, and that first year was wonderful.  Then the deer found my garden and they had a wonderful summer.   I installed fencing - 10 foot high - and yet one deer still managed to jump in.   Memories of laughing hard while trying to chase him out still roll around in my mind.   When the mosquitoes chased us off our land, we bought a house where we are now.  From 20 acres, to 1.   Yes, it was an adjustment, but this place had a pool!!  So I planted fig trees - and every year they amaze me.   I have an outdoor spinning Garden Tower - not sure how old it is, but probably a good 15 years o...

 This is an easy one.   I served it with baked sweet potatoes and roasted green beans. In a small bowl - mix a few spoons of maple syrup, with some salt and some chili flakes or red pepper flakes - depending on how much extra spice you want to add.  This will be drizzled over the chicken when finished. For the Crunchy topping - start with some Panko Crumbs - about a cup for 4 pieces of chicken.   Add some fry seasoning - whatever kind you like, and as spicy as you like.   Add some olive oil and salt, and about 2 TBSP of melted butter.   Stir this altogether and let sit.   Preheat the oven to 425* For the chicken -  I used chicken breast cutlets - about 1/2 inch thick?  Since they are baked, its good if they are an even thickness.   Rinse and dry your chicken, sprinkle S&P on both sides.  Oil a baking sheet and throw the chicken on.   Top the chicken with a  spoonful of sour cream....

 I've used Plan To Eat for a decade now - it's a great app/website where you can plan your meals, keep track of your pantry (if you want) print your shopping lists - or just order the groceries you need for the week.   Yes, I do get free months if you sign up through my link (and my thanks) but I renew every year during the Black Friday Sale - it's less than $20 for the entire year.   It's $20 well spent - so if I get free months - great, but if not, I'm still renewing next Black Friday !! Anyway - they are running a Plan To Eat February - sharing recipes, sending reminders, everything to help you keep eating at home instead of spending exorbitant amounts of money eating out.  Plus food is usually better at home !!  Enlist help, or make a deal that the cook doesn't clean up !  I'll be sharing my wins (and maybe the never agains) here - so follow along.