It's been 2 years since I've written this blog.  I guess I feel like I had nothing much to say.  You can get recipes online and tips everywhere.  For some reason today I felt to blog.  It's Thanksgiving week.  Time for turkey and all the sides.  A favorite of our holidays here at the the Stout home.  

I don't have any tips on recipes, well I do, but not in this post.  This post is short and simple.

Todays tip.... BE KIND.   Thats it.  Simple yet if everyone really did this what a different neighborhood we would have, what a different family we would have, what a different church we would have... What a different country we would have.  KINDNESS...I don't see much of it anymore, but today I CHOOSE TO BE KIND.  Thats it.  


TRISH 

Soup

Today's post is simple and true. Broth-based soup help curb hunger, get you lots of vitamins if you're using lots of vegetables. Make a big pot of vegetable soup no cream or anything just vegetables broth and lots of fresh herbs and spices and eat this before dinner or just for a snack. You get loads of nutrition and it will curb your hunger. 

Be aware that most boxed and canned broth has MSG in it you want to look for one that is organic to make sure it does not have MSG in it or better yet make your own broth

I get mine from Cosco in Nashville but you can try Kroger in the organic section.

Blessings, 

Trish 

Fall..light simple delicious

So this  week I have been eating a lot lighter. After our cruise last week and eating tons and tons of food, this week I felt the need to eat much lighter. Didn't really know what to have for supper so I surfed the web and found a recipe for butternut squash soup. I usually make this with sweet potatoes or cut up squash that I roast, but I'm kinda tired today and I have parent teacher conferences and a school fall festival tonight, so it had to be quick. In 30 minutes I went from nothing to a creamy healthy comforting soup

I had frozen cooked squash so this was a breeze. 

I sautéed one onion, one carrot, and 1/2 peeled apple  in 1 teaspoon of butter

 I added the cooked squash to the mixture. I added one container 2 cups of chicken stock. I cooked  this for 30 minutes with some salt and pepper. Then I took my emulsifier and blended it right in the pot.

Creamy healthy delicious soup without even adding any cream at all. This recipe is perfect for anyone with lactose issues. There is no milk in it yet it is still creamy. 

This is perfect for a chilly fall day. Plus you are getting so many vitamins with the squash and the onions and the carrots.

Tip:  You can use any kind of squash that you want but I find that butternut makes it most creamy.

Blessings, 

Trish 

Boston Part 3 (final post on Boston)

Well the trip has finally come to an end.  We had a fabulous time.  It was great to spend time with son #2!!  I know he had a great time as well.

A latte by the harbor before our flight.

isn't this gorgeous?  Leaving Boston.

flying into Washington DC for a quick flight change.

Look at this! Jonah snapped this from his seat... the Washington Monument!! 

We almost missed our connecting flight to Nashville because the Boston flight took off so late!  Lets just say they were waiting for us at the gate.  LOL

Thank God we made it back safely!!  We had an awesome time and hope to have more adventures soon.  Next one son #3 gets to come with us... Look out Elijahman.

Blessings,

Trish

Saturday morning hike

Today felt like the first morning of fall!  45 degrees, sunny and absolutely gorgeous! Scott and I had our coffee on the porch and then he talked me into a morning hike in our woods. I don't know why, but I never like to go into the woods.

So, I complied as he said it is good exercise.  So, we went.  We jogged a bit until we reached the trail.    Then we hiked the woods.  What a beautiful morning for a hike.  It felt good to do somthing different than my usual workouts!

Here was my view:

So today's tip is enjoy something different.  Enjoy the beautiful weather God has given us!!

Blessings, 

Trish

Part 2 Boston

So yesterdays post was the trip to Boston.  Thank God it went smoothly as I dislike flying and it was Jonah's (middle son)  first plane trip.

We landed safely in Boston's Logan Airport around 11:00 am and quickly got a taxi and  arrived at the Seaport Boston Hotel which was very nice.  It was in the seaport district so it looked more industrial around where we were, but the hotel was beautiful and the room very nice.

Once we got unpacked and settled and Scott took a power nap, we got a map and ventured out to see the sights.  Boston is totally a walking town.  Let's just we walked EVERYWHERE.  Since the hotel was not in the hub of things, just getting to downtown was about 2 miles.  So as far as exercise...I got that in easy.  We walked easy 6-10 miles a day... no joke.

Boston is so rich in American History, which was a real learning experience for me since I pretty much slept through my history classes in high school.  I know shame on me, but I just wasn't interested back then, but now so cool.  We picked up the freedom trail after we stopped at a little local seafood spot and had stuffed clams and lobster bisque... yum!!

We then hit the freedom trail
The freedom trail goes from the Boston  common to bunker hill and is approximately 3 miles long with many stops along the way. It was very cool being that the whole freedom Trail was marked in the sidewalk with red brick so you knew exactly which way to go. By the end of the trip Jonah and I completed the entire trail from the Boston Common to Bunkerhill as well as climbing the 294 steps up to the top of Bunker Hill. I wasn't going to wimp out on that one. I was raring to go to the top as a challenge not thinking of how claustrophobic it would be. So I put my head down and just started going up all 294 of those steps!

We also got to see the site of the Boston tea party and the USS constitution.

Very cool stuff. 

We also were at the site of the Boston massacre.

But my all-time very very favorite part of Boston was Boston's Little Italy. It had so many Italian restaurants,  pastry shops and just quaint brown stone apartments. I loved everything about it and it just brought me back to my roots.  We had two dinners here and stopped at two different pastry shops for Italian pastries.

That's Jonah with coconut gelato

Oh yeah...

Okay I guess you're tired of Italian food pictures. We also stopped and had some really great seafood including clam chowder and local fish. We had lobster mac & cheese which was also amazing

Fresh caught mahi mahi 

This was the best!!!! Lobster mac and cheese

We really had a great time of American history and eating our way and walking through Boston.

Blessings, 

Trish 

Boston!!

So every year Sweety gets to go on a conference to keep up his credentials and to learn all the cutting edge things going on in the dermatology world... I get to go with him and see different parts of the country (yay)

This year the conference was in Boston.. bean town ...home of the Boston Tea Party.. Freedom Trail...and yes seafood!!


A few things to note:  #1 I just had no desire to go to Boston.  I don't know why?  I just didn't.  It was not somewhere that I would want to travel to.  I lived in NE Pennsylvania for many years and NJ and was clearly in driving distance to it and never went... never.  So, when I found out the conference was in Boston, I was less than enthusiastic.

#2 The next reason was the dreaded airplane.  I don't fear heights or anything, I just don't like the whole flying thing.  So this made me nervous right away.

#3 We decided to take the middle child aka Jonahman with us to this conference.  If you remember 2 years ago we took the oldest son aka Micahman with us to Seattle.  (see older post from July 2012)

We like to take one child so they get some much needed time away from the siblings...

Boston was the perfect place for Jonah because he LOVES American history!!!

So I may do this in 2 posts... or 3  to not overwhelm everyone with too much Stout info.

Here's the take off:

A bit nervous before the flight... at 545am!!!

Notice I walked and did not take the treadmill thingy.  It's the little things that add up.

Watching a movie on the plane.

All in all thank God it was a good flight!!
More on Boston in the next post!!

Its that time of year again

Well it's that time of year again... chillier days, pumpkin spices, apples and cinnamon.  Love this time of year.  So when it rolls around I think of my trusty crock pot oatmeal recipe.  There is something about coming into the kitchen and having something cooked for you while you sleep.  This is one of those recipes.  When you don't have time for breakfast in the morning, try this.  It is so simple and it is such a great healthy start to the day!!

Before bed spray your crockpot with cooking spray or use butter, coconut oil whatever you have on hand.  Add 5 cups of water and 1/2 c milk, half and half, almond or coconut milk.  Again whatever you have on hand and if you have no milks, you can just use water.  To that add 1 cup steel cut oats. DO NOT USE INSTANT OAT AS YOU WILL HAVE A GUMMY MESS BY MORNING.  And that will make you mad first thing in the morning.

Then you can add or not add whatever you like.  Maple syrup, cinnamon, brown sugar, honey, raisins, apples, banana... whatever you enjoy.  I added some molasses sugar a friend gave me but use whatever you enjoy.

Turn the crockpot on low for 8 hours and when you wake up you will have a wonderful healthful pot of oatmeal ready for you to eat!!

How is that for easy?  And if you think you don't like oatmeal, you must try this.  It is SO MUCH more tasty than that packaged instant stuff that is loaded with sugars and artificial flavors.

this is what I came down to.  Perfectly cooked oats!!

bowl with added raspberries... yum.

Tip of the day:  Drag that crockpot out to try some new recipes!!!

Blessings,

Trish

John 14

Today I just wanted to share a little from my Bible reading this morning. It seems like I can read something many times but because the word of God is alive it speaks to us like we've never read it before sometimes, which is so awesome. 

It is a simple verse John 14:15 Jesus spoke saying, if you love me keep my commandments.

If you go down to John 14:23 and 24 he also says if anyone loves Me, he will keep my word; and We will come to him and make our home with him. he who does not love Me does not keep my words and the word which you hear is not mine but the fathers who sent Me.

We want to think that we can do whatever we want. God's word is simple and clear. If you love me then keep my commandments. Notice the word if... If we love God then we will keep his Commandments.  If we love Him we will keep his word.  

In today's world, there are many who do what they want to do, say what they want to say, go to church, say that they love God,  and yet do not follow his commandments. 

I want to be real. I do love God and I want to keep his word each day. I encourage you to do the same. Simple, yet profound words from Jesus. 

Today's tip is pick up your Bible and read it like you have never read it before. His word is life. It  is a living word and will speak to you right where you are.

Blessings,

Trish 

Quick tip of the day

My quick tip of the day to save some money is go to your local supermarket and buy whole cuts of meat and ask the butcher to cut it for you. I did this with my pork loin chops and saved a lot of money. Kroger has pork loin on sale for 1.88 a pound. I asked the butcher to cut them into 1 1/4 inch steaks and got nine pork chops out of them for 10 bucks. Their boneless pork chops were 299 a pound. So I saved over a dollar a pound for the same exact thing ! Extremely economical, healthy, and great on the grill.

You can do this with beef as well. Most supermarkets meat departments will cut this for free for you!! 

Blessings, 

Trish 

New grill...new recipe

So this weekend we finally got a new gas grill after 12 years! Yeah we were over do.  So today I wanted to try it out with a new meal that I could grill, be kid friendly, quick, and healthy. So I had some boneless pork chops that I had the butcher cut 1 1/4 inches thick. Perfect thickness.

Here's what I did.

4 boneless center cut pork chops

1/3 c soy sauce

1/4 c oil (I used olive oil) 

zest of one lemon or lime:  I used a lime because that's what I had

Juice of one half lemon or lime

Three garlic clothes chopped

2 teaspoons fresh ginger. I usually do not have fresh ginger on hand so I use this:

I love this product. I get it at Kroger. As you can see I got it on sale. You can leave this in your freezer which is what I do.

Put all ingredients into a Ziploc bag or a glass dish and marinate boneless pork chops for a minimum of one hour or a maximum of overnight. I marinated mine for about five hours.

Preheat grill. I actually got this baby up to 650°. Oh yeah.

Grill the pork chops until the internal temperature is between 158 and 160°. I use a thermometer because I can never tell when the meat is done. 

While they were grilling, on the other side of the grill I had fresh cauliflower  with a little olive oil salt and pepper grilling on a piece of foil.

I rounded out the meal with some basmati rice which I love.

Here is the final dish: 

So so so good!  This meal was light and delicious and healthy! Everyone in the house loved it, which isn't an easy task. 

Today's tip: while it's still really nice out and not too cold fire up your grill and experiment with some different things. It doesn't always have to be meat. Try grilling up some fresh vegetables from the garden!!

Blessings, 

Trish

I know it's been like forever…

😄So I haven't blogged in over a year because the app that I have for my blog refused to work and every time I would compose a blog post it would disappear on me. I've been so frustrated over it that I just stopped at blogging. I have now downloaded a Nother blogging app and I'm trying it now. If this works I will start blogging again.  Sorry for dropping off the blog earth. Hoping this works and I can get back to some healthy tips and recipes and just some fun stuff!!😄

Pineapple Jam

I had some left over fresh pineapple chunks waiting to be used and I usually throw them in the freezer for a smoothie, but today I thought... I wonder if I could make jam with it?  So after googling pineapple jam,  and seeing yes it does exist, I did my own thing.  LOL.

Pineapple cooking on stovetop

So I took the pineapple and blended it in the food processor and added 1 cup of water.  I then added 2 very small peeled grated apple.  (I felt I needed the pectin in the apples)  I also added a squeeze of lime juice and 1/4 C pure honey.   I then boiled this for about 40 min on medium heat until nice and thick.  Leave in pot to cool off.
I then put it in this nice jam jar that I found in my cupboard!  Isn't it pretty?
It was so easy and something really different and a good way to use up some pineapple that was on its way out.

Finished pineapple jam all pretty in the jar.

 Blessings,

Trish

Eggs...

So, I have been shying a bit away from the oatmeal this summer... just because, well... it's summer. (yes I did have oatmeal a few days ago)  I don't know why we just change our habits according to the season.  Take baths.  I love love love baths.  In the winter I take one almost every day.  I just realized that for the past 3 months I maybe have taken 10 baths...only because I was sore from a workout and needed a good soak.  Weird.

I guess the same with food.  We like to eat comfort foods for fall and winter like chili, stews, soups etc... and in the spring and summer veer towards the fresher foods like salads and grilled meats and veggies.  Kinda interesting we do it without even realizing it.  

Of course lately even though it is still August, for the past week I have been feeling like it should be fall making apple cakes, oatmeal... putting scented candles on.  Just strange.  

Today I ate what I have been eating most of the summer.  I can go all winter without eating... the simple... the perfect... EGG!!

These are God's perfect food in a shell.  It is so good for you.  It has everything except Vitamin C so add an orange and you are good to go.

Eggs are a very good source of both selenium and iodine.

They are filled with vitamins, minerals and of course a great source of protein.  I have been easing off my protein shakes and having 2 eggs post workout. 


So, here is how it went down this am:

This is where our chickens live.

Here they are hanging out and eating. 

2 eggs that were layed this morning!! Can't get any more fresh than that!!!!

Look how much more yellow the yoke is with a farm fresh egg!!  So much healthier!!

Also, don't be afraid of the yokes!  I always was afraid of all the cholesterol and calories and that is just garbage.  God made chickens to lay eggs.  They are natural and good for you.  Just don't eat 10 a day!! LOL.  Eggs can and are a healthy addition to your breakfast, lunch or supper!!!  Can be so versatile...quiches, frittatas, add to fried rice... possibilities are endless!!

This is the final product.  I decided against toast this morning so I had to break the yolks.  Can't eat my eggs runny without toast!!



Blessings,

Trish

I've been MIA....I know it.  Summer has been really busy.  My family travelled a few weeks ago up to Pennsylvania for my dad's 80th Birthday!!  Our whole family got together for a really nice party.  It was great seeing everyone after so many years and being together.

The whole gang!!

 While up north, we took the boys to Washington DC, Baltimore, New Jersey where I grew up, Pittston where my hubby grew up... and the Big Apple... NYC.  Wow, what a busy week it was!!

Lincoln Memorial, DC

  We had a great time there.  So different from my now country life.  The cities are just bustling!!  I miss all the wonderful foods from there.

Very famous Rutts Hutt Hot Dogs

The best pizza... PizzaTown USA

Times Square NY

It was an action packed week with not much rest!!


















I did a lot of walking!!  Still trying to get this ankle back to health so the intense walking made it difficult to do.  I can post so many more pictures, but I won't bore you with that!!

Just wanted to pop in and let everyone know where I have been!!

Blessings,

Trish

Chipotle or Blue Coast Burrito...my review

I know it's been ages since I have blogged. I just don't feel like writing most of the time.

I've been down because 3 weeks ago while running, I sprained my ankle...BAD. I can't run, I can't walk for exercise. It still hurts really bad. I have been keeping up with upper body, but it isn't the same. But, I refuse to give up. I have come too far. So I will let this heal and when the to e comes, I guess I will have to start all over again with my running. Yep, that's my bum ankle that shouldhave a brace on it.


Well enough about my injuries. I had the pleasure of trying a Chipotle restaurant last week when Sweety and I went away for the weekend. We don't have one nearby but we do have a Blue Coast Burrito here. So we decided to try it.

Both of us right away said Blue Coast is better than this. Why? Well, the burrito itself at Chipotle was ok, but the meat was tough. The biggest reason is Blue Coast has some amazing Fruit Iced Tea aka Baja fruit tea there and also a salsa bar with 4 different kinds of homemade salsas! All I can say is salsa bar = YUM. Chipotle gave us a tiny container of salsa and then we had to go back up to ask for more, while there were like 100 people in line. Bad system, Chipotle.

So, although Chipotle, was ok, I give my vote to Blue Coast Burrito!!

If you have never been to either, think of it as a Subway of burritos!! Gotta love that. Fresh and healthy. Great, now I am craving a good fresh burrito. Maybe I will make one for lunch and post it here another day!

Blessings,

Trish

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Strawberry Jam

So I had some strawberries in the fridge that were slightly less than fresh. It doesn't take more than a day or 2 before they start getting well...mushy.

So I decided to try to make jam. Yes me make jam. I don't can, it just never works out, so I found a recipe online. It seemed too easy.

1. Strawberries
2. Honey
3. Orange juice
4. 1/2 apple

This can't make jam right? Oh yes it can!




How delicious does this look?




You can eat this with a spoon!




I'm having mine on a homemade tortilla!

I used 3 1/2 C strawberries hulled and cut in pieces.

Put in saucepan with 1/4 C honey (1/2 C if you like really sweet jam.)

Add 2 Tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice. Simmer.

Add 1/2 diced and peeled Granny Smith apple...I suppose any kind of apple will work. The pectin in the apple thickens this so it is needed.

Simmer on stove for about 20 to 25 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes then you can put in a jar or container and put in the fridge!

For those who love to can, by all means GO FOR IT.

This is so fresh, easy, healthy, and most of all delicious!

Blessings,

Trish

Spring Break

It's spring!! Yay! Or is it? It's March...almost April and the boys have a snow day today....AND tomorrow!

So, we got away 2 weeks ago for a few days after my 5k. Gosh I didn't realize how busy March is! We wanted to go on a cruise, but it was just all sold out and rather pricy, which one would think they would have cruises half price with all the problems they have been having! Florida was all booked up so so we decided on a little stretch of beach in Alabama! I didn't even realize they have beaches there, but yep they do! Gulf Shores was extremely low key and where we stayed, very quiet! We had a great time! The beach was so pretty!




Getting ready for my run on the beach! That was a hard 3 miles,!




View From the balcony-




A fun game of shuffleboard (me and the little guy won!)




Mini golf




Getting ready for dinner, isn't the beach gorgeous?




Me and Sweety




Us being silly on the way home!

We really had a fun relaxing Spring break!

Blessings,

Trish