Shrimp "Fried" Rice

1 cup frozen veggies (I used peas, carrots and corn because that is what I had)
3/4 cup cooked brown rice
3/4 cup shrimp
2 eggs
Powdered ginger
21 day fix all purpose seasoning
Cooking spray

This recipe uses one green container with carrots, celery, cauliflower, and onions (or whatever veggies you want), a yellow container of brown rice, a red container with 2 eggs, and another red container of shrimp, and the 21 Day Fix all purpose seasoning (I also added ginger powder). 

All I did was spray some cooking spray in a pan and stir fried all the veggies until they were tender. I then pushed them the side of the pan and sprayed a little more cooking oil on the side of the pan that is empty. I put the two eggs on that side and scrambled them up. Once they were cooked, I added the rice (already cooked), shrimp and seasonings and stirred everything together. This was so good and only used 3.5 containers!

Ooey Gooey "Gorilla" Bars

1/2 cup all natural peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1 1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup puffed millet (found mine on Amazon)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
     **i used 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips too
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 tbsp ground flax

In a large bowl, mix peanut butter and honey thoroughly.  Then add in other ingredients.  Mix until there are no dry parts.  Spread into a 9x9 baking dish, cover with a lid and refrigerate over night.

Makes 12 bars.  Mine were gooey and were best made into balls or eaten with a spoon.

Doing it for my kiddo

No one loves the pool on a hot day more than me.  I love a good tan.  I love the smell of chlorine.  I love it all.

I know tons of friends who have so many bathing suits, they require their own drawer in their house.  So why am I lucky to find ONE I only marginally hate?  Why am I the one who spends one entire day of vacation scouring the beach shops for a new tankini because I hate the way my current one makes me look?

Yes, I wasted an entire day of Kara's first beach trip looking for a new bathing suit.  I didn't spend it playing with my one year old.  No I spent it in almost tears, full of anxiety and disgust.  That was July 2013.  July of 2014 was better.  I spent the beach time on the beach playing.  I even ventured out in my sister's bikini top.... For one day... And that day I didn't leave my chair.

2015 will be different.  I've worked hard for my confidence.  I've changed my mindset.  I've decided Kara will have a mommy that is fun and displays confidence.  I bought a bikini and it's the only one that fits--all other bottoms fall off.  

To test my confidence, I ventured to the local public pool this week.  I felt fine!!  

My words to you... Make the pool and beach time fun!  Show your kids what means the most... Them!  Your kids think you are beautiful regardless.  And if you aren't there yet, I'm here to help.  I'm not looking for a bikini competition body (I like El Charros too much haha).  I still have a baby pooch.  I still have my tiger stripes.  But I've worked had to get here and my stomach WILL get a tan this year and Kara WILL see her mommy display confidence!

Chicken Gyros with homemade Tzatziki Sauce

To make the chicken you'll need:
1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts--Thinly sliced
1/4 cup EVOO
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/3 chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp coriander
pepper, to taste.

For serving, you'll need:
6-8 Greek pita flatbread
Tzatziki sauce (recipe following the directions)
Diced tomatoes
Diced red onions

Directions:
In a mixing bowl, whick together olive oil, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, red win vinegar, chopped red onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, coriander, and black pepper.  Place chicken in a gallon ziplock, pour marinade over the chicken, seal bag while pressing out excess air.  Place in the refridgerator for 2-4 hours.  Remove chicken for the last 30 minutes to marinate at room temperature.

Place on a large griddle or a large frying pan on medium heat.  Cook the chicken until it's cooked through (about 8-10 minutes, flipping with tongs)

To assembly gyros:
Layer chicken in a row along the center of the pita.  Top with tomatoes, onions and Tzatziki sauce.


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Tzatziki Sauce:
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped into chunks
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 clove garlc, finely minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp EVOO
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
black pepper to taste

Directions:
Place cucumbers over several layers of paper towels.  Squeeze some of the liquid from the cucumbers.  Place cucumbers in a food processor and pulse to chop to desired size.  Add in Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, parsley, and dill.  Pulse to blend.  Store in refrigerator in an air tight container for up to 3 days.