What is sacrifice? Do I really understand the meaning of that word? As part of Ash Wednesday I have been thinking about this a lot. Over the past several years I have chosen to practice Lent in symbolic preparation for Easter. After much discussion with my friends and co-workers I have chosen (boldly) to give up sweets which includes dessert of any kind, especially ice cream and frozen yogurt. Some of my friends have chosen a much deeper and mature route, but the truth is giving up sweets is a pretty big sacrifice for me. I feel a little silly and shallow admitting that, especially as part of a tradition that celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus, but at the same time I feel like its the perfect exercise in self control. Sometimes I take sweets for granted or overeat without thinking, but this is a chance to gain a new perspective.
According to some traditions, Sundays during Lent are considered a mini-Easter celebration and fasting is not required. Though I can appreciate this, for my own sense of accomplishment I will skip Sundays, how much sweeter that first treat will be after 46 days anyway.
What are you giving up or sacrificing this year? What personal growth do you hope to gain from it?
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Fighting the Good Fight
Last year I lost 40 pounds. It was amazing. It was freeing. I not only felt in control of my life but I also felt comfortable in my own skin. Fast forward 12 months later to March 2011 and I find myself struggling to not put back on the weight I fought so hard to lose. Why does this happen? Why do we work so hard to get where we want to be to only live in that moment for a short amount of time? I can think of a million reasons why those pounds of fat keep finding their way back to my thighs. I'm in love. I love food. Life is busy. I have better things to do then workout. But these are just excuses. Every time there has been a major change in my life (relationships, career related, moving, etc.) I always tend to gain a few pounds, so the trick is catching those pounds before they stick permanently to my mid section.
There is more to this than just the weight or the vanity of the subject, it makes me wonder why it seems like perfection is fleeting. Or more accurately, why does it seem like happiness comes and goes so quickly? Is this human nature or is it just me?
I'm not exactly sure how to answer these question, and if I did I'd probably write a book not a blog about it! But in the meantime, I guess I will continue to fight the good fight when it comes to keeping my waistline small and my relationships healthy.
There is more to this than just the weight or the vanity of the subject, it makes me wonder why it seems like perfection is fleeting. Or more accurately, why does it seem like happiness comes and goes so quickly? Is this human nature or is it just me?
I'm not exactly sure how to answer these question, and if I did I'd probably write a book not a blog about it! But in the meantime, I guess I will continue to fight the good fight when it comes to keeping my waistline small and my relationships healthy.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Baking: Key Lime Pie
Ever since I took home economics in seventh grade I have loved baking. It might have a little something to do with my built-in sweet tooth, but I also enjoy the process and the end result of something delicious to share with the people I love the most. Despite my enthusiasm, one out of three of the things I bake in the kitchen is a disaster. With that in mind, I thought my blog would be the perfect place to share my successes and disasters. So, get ready for some mouthwatering and hilarious stories!
Last week one of my close friends (who happens to also be a co-worker)celebrated her 27th birthday. A few months ago she had mentioned her love of key lime pie so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to try something new in the kitchen. The bonus was that not only was the recipe super simple, it tasted delicious, too. Because the pie is no-bake, it takes only a few minutes to prepare and is perfect to prepare the night before you want to eat it.
TIPS: the recipe calls for three limes to make a 1/2 cup of juice, I used four and still had trouble meeting the required amount of liquid, so I just topped off the lime juice with a little bit of water and it turned out fine.
Carnation Key Lime Pie
(Credit: Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Morsels Best-Loved Recipes)
1 prepared 9-inch (6 ounces) graham cracker crumb crust
1 can (14 ounces) Nestle Carnation sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup (about 3 medium limes) fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
Lime peel twists or lime slices (optional)
Beat sweetened condensed milk and like juice in small mixer bowl until combined; stir in lime peels. Pour into crust; spread with whipped topping. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set. Garnish with lime peel twists. Makes 8 servings.
Last week one of my close friends (who happens to also be a co-worker)celebrated her 27th birthday. A few months ago she had mentioned her love of key lime pie so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to try something new in the kitchen. The bonus was that not only was the recipe super simple, it tasted delicious, too. Because the pie is no-bake, it takes only a few minutes to prepare and is perfect to prepare the night before you want to eat it.
TIPS: the recipe calls for three limes to make a 1/2 cup of juice, I used four and still had trouble meeting the required amount of liquid, so I just topped off the lime juice with a little bit of water and it turned out fine.
Carnation Key Lime Pie
(Credit: Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Morsels Best-Loved Recipes)
1 prepared 9-inch (6 ounces) graham cracker crumb crust
1 can (14 ounces) Nestle Carnation sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup (about 3 medium limes) fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
Lime peel twists or lime slices (optional)
Beat sweetened condensed milk and like juice in small mixer bowl until combined; stir in lime peels. Pour into crust; spread with whipped topping. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set. Garnish with lime peel twists. Makes 8 servings.
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