Music Feeds the Soul

I don't feel like I've shared much about myself, on a personal level, with you all.  I don't post much about my family.  Not because family isn't important to me.  My family and my faith are the MOST important things to me.  Out of respect for their privacy, I don't post pictures of them and I don't share many personal stories about them.  That may change later down the road, but I'm still pretty new to the whole "blogging" world and having privacy for my family, on some level, is important to me right now.  I did share about an awesome gift that my husband gave me not too long ago.  It was way too awesome not to share :)

Anyway, one thing you may not know about me is that I am a HUGE music lover.  I love most all genres of music.  Over the years, I have learned that music comforts me.  It comforts me in a way that food never could.  Although I still struggle with emotional eating, it's not as big of an issue as it used to be.  Music feeds my soul. 

Today, my cousin posted on Facebook a very fond memory of my Poo-Pa (yep, that's what we called our grandfather.  And there's not another one out there like him.).  He was one-of-a-kind.  Him and Ma-Ma (that's what we called our grandmother) were loved by all that met them.  So, I was feeling kind of down.  And then it got me thinking about my Gran-Gran (my other grandmother.).   I was thinking about how I wish I could talk to them just one more time and tell them that I love them.  Tell them I am sorry for not spending the time with them that I should have once I got married and started my own family.  There is so much that I wish I could say to them.

So, instead of putting it out of my mind, I embrace it.  I think it's good for the soul.  This song is exactly how I'm feeling.  Hear You Me by Jimmy Eat World

Until next time :'(

October Challenge

A new month, a new challenge. 

Quick update on the September challenge of no late night snacking.  It's been going pretty well.  Not perfect, but what in life is???  I only snacked late a few times, which is a major improvement from snacking late just about every night.  Small steps, right?

So, I was trying to think of a good challenge for October and I was getting nowhere.  I mean let's face it, October is the month of Halloween candy. Yes, yes, yes....I know Halloween isn't until the very end of the month, but all these darn stores starting putting the candy out a full month ahead of time!  The term "milk it for all it's worth" comes to mind.   I could vow not to eat any Halloween candy....HA!  Yeah, that's not going to happen. 

So I'm thinking that maybe if I do an exercise challenge, it will help cancel out the Halloween candy and the Pumpkin Spice Lattes that I'm going to consume.  Yes, this could work!

Official October Challenge- Cardio workout AT LEAST of 4 times per week.  More is fine, less is not.  This is a challenge that I am confident I can conquer. 

How will you challenge yourself this month???

Enjoy your October :)

Until next time...

Happy Fall Y'all :)

Well, hello there peeps :)

October is here and I just LOVE this time of year.  You want to know why?

Yep, it's the pumpkins.  These babies are my Autumn crack.  I can't get enough of them.  Pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin.  It's the season of ghosts and goblins, trick or treating, candied apples, candy corn, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bread, and my personal favorite.....Pumpkin Spice Lattes.  And you know what?  I'm going to enjoy every minute of it :)

Besides Christmas, this is my favorite time of year.  Ahh, the smell of Fall air is intoxicating.  (Well, I don't quite smell it yet, but I am waiting in excitement.)  Bonfires, hay rides, Fall festivals, Pumpkin Spice Lattes (yeah, I know I said that already but I don't care.), hot cocoa, roasting marshmallows, watching cheesy Halloween cartoons with my son.....it's awesome. 

So, in honor of "Pumpkin Season", I thought I'd share my Pumpkin Chili recipe.  It sounds kind of strange, but it's soooooo good.


PUMPKIN CHILI

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped red bell peppers
1 clove garlic
1 pound ground turkey
2 (14.5 ounce) cans canned peeled and diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can LIBBY'S® Pumpkin Pie**
1 (15 ounce) can canned tomato sauce
1 (15.25 ounce) can canned kidney beans, drained
1 (4 ounce) can ORTEGA® Diced Green Chiles
1/2 cup whole kernel corn
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

HEAT olive oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender. Add turkey; cook until browned. Drain.

ADD tomatoes with juice, pumpkin, tomato sauce, beans, chiles, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover; cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.

**If you don't want to use pumpkin pie mix, you can just use 100% pure pumpkin puree and add a little brown sugar and cinnamon.  I've done it both ways and they are both good.

MY SUGGESTION, EAT THE NEXT DAY......... YUMMY !!!!

So, Happy Fall Ya'll.  Now, go get a Pumpkin Spice Latte and enjoy this "Pumpkin Season"!  What are you waiting for.....GO!!!  =) 


Psss....I haven't fogotten about my monthly challenge.  New post coming soon on my October Challenge.