Fun in the Sun

Downtown Gilbert is such a great place. It's quaint, unique, small, and just so darn cute. Great place to walk around. We don't get down there much, but will be going more often now. They have a Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings from 7am-11am. We've only caught the tail end of it, but it looks great. We plan on going several times this summer. Right next to the Farmers Market is the water tower and the water fun! Of course we weren't thinking about this so we didn't come prepared with water attire. It didn't stop Gavin. We took off his clothes and let him run wild. He loved it! What a great way to have fun outside even in the AZ heat.

courtesy of Google images

His own personal playground

Decided the decorative water fixture was a swimming pool

So smiley and cute!

Just wish we could all be kids again, life is so great every single day!

Scrumptious Sundays

Peach Salad

So simple, so delicious, so refreshing!

Aunt Sue gave us this recipe, but we altered it just a bit for our liking.

3 fresh peaches

Fresh Basil

Juice from 1/2 lemon

Fresh ground pepper

Kosher Salt

Plate and drizzle with EVOO (this is where we put our favorite part in)

Queen Creek Olive Mill is where we buy all of our olive oils. They have a vanilla olive oil that is just a touch sweet and so perfect for salads. It topped this one off just right.

Sue's recipe calls for red onion as well. Not a fan of raw onions so I omitted that and put some fresh blueberries on the side to add some color.

The Baca Family

Read our friends story below, and donate if you can. Who can resist helping children and Infant Toddler Services sounds like a great organization.

Fit Tip Thursday's

Week #7 Tip - Lymphatic System

Your lymphatic system is responsible for cleansing toxins but it does not have a pump. The only way is with exercise! Research shows bouncing on a stability ball for 2 min helps your lymphatic system flush toxins, cellulite & waste products thus improving immune function. Sit on ball & keep feet in contact w/floor, bounce for 2 min. Boost immunity & bounce your way to optimum health!

Side Note for the Ladies: I recently learned that antiperspirant (not deodorant) has aluminum in it. Articles in the press have warned that antiperspirant with aluminum can cause breast cancer; the aluminum can be harmful as it is absorbed through the skin into the lymph area (near the breast). Before throwing away all of your deodorant note I did a little research and neither the National Cancer Institute or the FDA are aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants to the development of breast cancer. If you want to play it safe check out some men’s deodorant, many of them do not include aluminum. Or stick to a deodorant only (no antiperspirant), something like “Toms“ or “Adidas Aluminum Free”, they do not include aluminum. More info read this article by the NCI: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/AP-Deo

Tom's & Adidas are aluminum free

Check the back of your deodorant - most of them show the active ingredient is Aluminum ☹

Gardening with Grandma

Doesn't get much better than time with Grandma in the dirt. Gavin had so much fun. He even loves looking at the pictures and talking about his dirty hands. Soon he'll be pulling weeds, mowing the lawn, and trimming the trees at our house!

Spokane Visit

The first weekend in May we went up to Spokane for our annual Spring visit (and Bloomsday 2011). We had a great time with the entire family and are looking forward to going back in June.

Scrumptious Sundays

Rocco's Fettuccine Alfredo
8 ounces whole-wheat fettuccine
1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Pinch of ground nutmeg
3/4 cup low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
3/4 cup 5 percent Greek yogurt
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine; cook according to package directions. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large nonstick saute pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook two minutes. Combine cornstarch and nutmeg in a small bowl; whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Pour into saute pan, raise the heat, and bring sauce to a simmer, whisking occasionally. Whisk in 1/2 cup of the cheese until melted. Remove pan from heat. Whisk in yogurt until smooth. Toss fettuccine with Alfredo sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Top pasta with remaining cheese. Serves four.

Hendricks Variation: We added chicken, broccoli, and mushrooms. This is so, so, so good!! Feels like you're eating the guilt of Fettuccine Alfredo, without the calories and fat. Definitely a Hendricks favorite.

CALORIES PER SERVING: 336
CARBS: 47 G
PROTEIN: 18 G
FAT: 10 G

Fit Tip Thursday's

Week #6 Tip - Produce Planning

This weekend go to the grocery store and stock up on produce. Lots of veggies and fruit!! Bring it home and wash it all and then start preparing. Slice cucumbers, tear lettuce, peel carrots, trim grapes, remove stickers and wash apples and pears, core & cut bell peppers. If you have plenty of fruits and vegetables available during the week you'll be more likely to grab a fresh, healthy snack rather than chips, cookies, crackers, or other. Fresh produce can be expensive so buy what is on sale to save money; you'll get a variety each week and might even try some new things. Looking for some real adventure, try a food co-op. Not sure what this is all about, check out Bountiful Baskets. You get a large basket full of fruits and vegetables for only $15. They have locations all over the country and 3 locations in Spokane. You can also like them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bountiful-Baskets-Food-Co-op/40869244381 to see what recipes and ideas they have.

Fit Tip Thursday's

Week #5 Tip - Reward Yourself

If you lost weight this week, reward yourself (not with food!). Go purchase something new, something to help with your weight loss goals. A new piece of workout equipment. There are lots of tools out there that are small, easy to store or carry around, and inexpensive. Target actually has a great selection. Most equipment includes a 30-60 minute DVD workout as well. Some ideas: Medicine Ball, Yoga Mat, Weights, Pilates Ring, Resistance Bands, Stability Ball. They're all great ideas and can help you create a quick easy workout at home. Congratulations on sticking to your goals - now go reward yourself!!

Fit Tip Thursday's

Week #4 Tip - Step Outside The Box!

Belong to a gym? Check out their class schedule. Sign up for a class you've never done, but always been curious about. Pilates, Yoga, Kickboxing, Spin...most gyms offer free classes with your membership. Don't belong to a gym, then go for a walk. Pick a route near your house, rain or shine - it's nice to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Start with 20 minutes and increase your time a little each day. Try walking 3 times a week. If you don't have time when you get home to go to a class or for a walk, try utilizing your lunch hour. Physical activity should be part of your weight loss journey, but not to the point you regret it...just do it!