Mothers Day 30

I hope everyone had a happy Mothers Day. This post is a day late because thats a reflection of about how my blogging has been goin lately. I really do hope to get better. Life has just been busy for me and I have fell into a rut thinking I can’t blog. Thinking it’s useless. I mean, who really cares about what I write. Everyone elses blog post are so much better. Blah blah blah. You know that feeling. I’m sure I’m not alone. 

Anyway, on to Mothers Day. 

Again, I hope everyone had a happy Mothers Day. Everyone is either a Mother or has a Mother either here or there. I love honoring my Mother. I need to do it more and not just on Mothers day. She is the best. She worked hard to raise us four kids.  She was tough. I know, because I was there. I am so glad that God chose her to me my Mom. She made sure we were always in church and school. 

She is also one of the best seamstresses and dumpling maker you will ever meet. 

I love her. 

For me. This was my 30th Mothers Day. 

My daughter came home for the weekend. She surprised me with a couple gifts and then we went out to breakfast before we headed to church. We ate at a little place in town called Eggs Up Grill. This was my 2nd time there. She wanted to give it a try. The have a big variety of plates on the menu. 

We started off with Cappuccinos. She had the vanilla and I have the vanilla praline.  

For breakfast, I ordered the waffle sandwich. It was a half of waffle stuffed with egg, cheese and bacon.

It also came with a side of home fries witch is basically hash Browns cut thick. We finished just in time to run back to the house to brush our teeth and head on to church. My house is a little over a mile from my church. 

After church we had a lite bite at the house and then went out for doughnuts. 

We ended the day with all of my family taking Mom out to supper. We had a good time. 

Valentine Breakfast and Cake Pops

Happy Valentines Day! 

I hope everyone can find someone to call their Valentine today. Someone to share some love and sweetness with. If your single and alone, find someone who could use a hug. Your not alone on this day. 

When we woke up Sunday morning, Nick asked if I would like to try the new breakfast joint in town.  “Sure”, I said in excitement. I jumped up, threw my hair back and put on some bluejeans. I was ready. I love breakfast. It is my favorite meal of the day. It is also the most important meal. 

The place was called “Eggs Up”. The inside looked like a glamorized waffle house. We were seated and I started off with a vanilla cappuccino. I normally drink coffee with almond milk, but today I splurged and sugared up. Boy was it sweet!

For breakfast, I ordered the banana foster french toast. 

What did I think? It was ok but the caramelized glaze they put on top was globbed on and hard as a jaw breaker. They did not do it right. I just put it to the side of my plate and enjoyed the french toast, bananas and bacon. I made a comment to the waitress afterwards. She agreed and other customers had complained about the same thing. They had so many different items on the menu. We plan to go back another day and try something else. 

After breakfast, I went to church wearing my distressed heart sweater. 

I kept it clean so I could wear it again today to work. 

Speaking of work. I worked hard making cake pops for the office to enjoy as a sweet treat for Valentines Day. I have never made cake pops before. I guess because I have never been a fan. I do not like the texture nor the how sweet they are. But they are cute and favorite to a lot of people. 

The cake pops were easy to make but hard to cover with chocolate topping. It was hard to get the topping to look good on the ball of cake. It wanted to drip. If I laid them on wax paper, it would leave a flat spot. If I put them upright, the coating would run down the handle. So I had to just dipped them and held them while turing them until the cocolate would dry enough not to drip or run. It was time consuming. 

 

Cake Pops

-Cook a cake of your flavor.(I used confetti cake) and let it cool.

-Mix unitl crushed to the consistency of. Grits.

-Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cups of icing. Mix until well mixed. 

-Work into 24 balls.

- dip end of stick in the melted chocolate and stick it inside  the ball.

-Dip each ball into the melted chocolate. 

-Add sprinkles (optional). 

I placed each pop in a hole of a colander. This kept them from getting flat spots.

I think they turned out rather pretty and hope they are a hit at the party. I kept out two for Nick and my daughter to enjoy. 

Tonight we plan to stay in and enjoy a nice steak on the grill. We do not usually have good luck finding a place to eat on special occasions like this. By eating at home, I do not have to worry about finding something to wear and there is no wait. 

What are your Valentine plans?

Breakfast

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day. This was the first time in my working life that I had a job that gave me Labor day off as a holiday. Unfortunately, my husband had to work all weekend and on Labor day too. I caught up on some housework and did a little shopping. We went out to dinner in my old hometown of Belmont to celebrate the holiday instead of the usual cooking out. 

Being off work, I was able to play around with some new breakfast items. Breakfast is my favorite meal and lately I have to rush breakfast to get to work, so I settle for a bowl of cereal, or oatmeal. 

One of my new favorite oatmeals is Lucky Charms. This is my favorite cereal and now my favorite oatmeal. 

I tried another cereal flavored oat meal. 

Cocoa Puffs flavored.

Both of these oatmeals taste like the real thing. But my favorite of the two is still Lucky Charms. I was not a fan of chocolatey oatmeal. 

One morning I decided to experiment by making biscuits in my air fryer. It worked! I made a couple biscuits using the directions on the Bisquick box. No, these are not momas homemade style. This is just the quick method. Bisuick always comes to the rescue for mornings like this. 

I stuffed it with some homemade sausage and muscadine jelly. 

Another morning, I decided to give Chia pudding a try. There are a lot of health benefits in Chia Seeds. 

It turned out pretty good but I was not a fan of the texture so I am marking this one off. If you like over night oats, you might like chia pudding so don’t let my opinion change yours. You should make some and try it for yourself. It’s so easy to make, a child could do it. I will share the recipe with you . 

CHIA PUDDING

• 3 Tablespoons Chia Seeds.
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 3/4 cup of milk of your choice
• 1 Tablespoon maple syrup.  

Mix all together in a bowl, cover and place in fridge for a few hours or over night. 

Like magic, the chia seeds will absorb the milk and become a pudding texture. 

Before eating, add your favorite toppings. (I added microwave cooked blueberries).

Over all, my favorite breakfast is waffles….or is it Gravy biscuits? No wait, I like avocado toast too. So many to chose from, I like it all!

Do you eat breakfast? What is your favorite breakfast? 

Air fryer Muffins

Muffins in an air fryer? Oh yes you can.

I got a set of these wonderful little silicon cupcake / muffin liners from my daughter. They look just like the little paper ones but these can be washed after using, non stick and not only oven safe, but work well in an air fryer too! 

yea, it doesn’t take much to excite me. 

I did not make a homemade fancy concoction. I just whipped up a batch of the Martha White muffin mix. It consist of just the powder mix and a 1/2 cup of water or milk. I always use water and they are delicious. I mean, why add the extra calories of milk when water works just fine and they are just as tasty?

I filled 6 muffin cups about half way or so. I just kept adding to them until I was out of mix. 

Then I placed them in my air fryer basket. The silicon cups are more sturdy than the paper ones so no need to use a pan. 

I cooked them at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.

 

They turned out a little wonky but thats ok. They were still delicious just the same. Someone told me that the air flow in the air fryer will make them wopsided. (Spell check is telling me its called “lopsided” but I disagree).

Any way, I am tickled to have a new way of fixing muffins and without the mess. Sometimes I will eat two but normally I like to have one most mornings with an egg. I do not have the same thing every morning for breakfast. I like to change it up so it does not get boring. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.

My favorite breakfast is waffles. Muffins come in at a close 2nd. 

But of course, I love biscuits and gravy with sausage or bacon but I do not eat like that anymore.

What is your favorite breakfast food?

Silicon cupcake/muffin liners by The Silicon Kitchen on Amazon.

As an Amazon Affiliate, the following is a Marketing Link, which means I make a small percentage on the sales but it in no way affects the price a buyer may pay.

Opinions are my own honest reviews.

Pancake Cereal

I love breakfast. That is one meal I do not like to skip. I love all kinds of breakfast from just a muffin or bagel to a full course of eggs, bacon and gravy. I even like breakfast for supper. One of my favorite things to eat for breakfast is French toast, waffles or pancakes. You know, the sweet stuff.

Speaking of pancakes, have you ever eaten pancakes with a spoon? Well, let me introduce you to this little breakfast bowl I created this morning. 

It is called pancake cereal because it consist of a bowl of tiny pancakes. Yes, thats right, teeny tiny little pancakes. They were easy to make but took a lot of patience. Nick laughed at me every time he passed by the stove. 

I got rid of my usual pancake mix because I have had to go on a low sodium diet. Aunt Jemima Pancake mix is the best but too high in sodium for my diet. I scoped out the pantry for something to make pancakes and found a box of Bisquick. I followed the instructions on the back and created a thin pancake batter.

Making tiny pancakes like this requires some sort of squirt bottle or tiny pour. I had a squeeze bottle with a spout that worked perfect. I lined the pan with small drops of mix and carefully flipped each one. You have to do this pretty quick as they will easily over cook. In fact, you do not even have to flip them as they will cook through in just a few seconds. I just wanted mine to be evenly brown. (Nick was still laughing).

Add your favorite toppings and enjoy. 

Pancakes

1 Cup Bisquick

1 Egg

1/2 Cup Milk (I used almond milk)

Mix and pour into a hot greased pan.

Flip when the tops start to become dry (no need to flip for the tiny pancakes).

Friday Bowl- Banana Berry

I remember when I was small, my mom would make me a bowl of bananas and strawberries topped with sugar and cream. It was such a soothing late night snack. This bowl bring back those memories. 

Banana Berry Yogurt Bowl

2/3 Cup -Fage 2% Plain Greek Yogurt

1/2- Banana

1/2- Kiwi

2 Medium- Strawberries

2 Tablespoon- Oat& Honey Granola

224 Calories- 18 g Protein

🍓🍌🍉🍊🍒🍏🍅🍈

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 4 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Clean Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.

Friday Bowl- Chocolate Pomegranate

The produce isle was full of Pomegranates. They were in large tubs sitting across from the cranberries. I just learned that Pomegranate is a Christmas fruit. No wonder I had trouble finding them during the summer. 

I love a good Pomegranate. Put it with some chocolate and you create a sweet combination. 

Chocolate Pomegranate Yogurt Bowl

2/3 Cup Triple Zero Chocolate nonfat Greek Yogurt

2 Tablespoon- Pomegranate Seeds (raw)
1 Tablespoon- Natures Promise Pumpkin Seed Flax Granola
1/2 Tablespoon- Mini semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips.

224 Calories- 17 g Protein

🍓🍌🍉🍊🍒🍏🍅🍈

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 3 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Clean Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.

Friday Bowl- Pepino

I have been trying new fruits and veggies lately. One fruit I have learned to like is the Pepino Melon. It's a small acorn shaped melon with sort of a unique taste. I say it taste between a honey due melon and a pear. I added a couple more toppings to make a delicious and healthy breakfast that is low in calories and will not leave me feeling hungry. 

Pepino Melon Bowl

1/2 Cup- Fage 0% Plain Greek Yogurt
1/2- Pepino Melon
Blueberries
1 Tablespoon-Big Boss Blueberry Walnut Granola

139 Calories- 12g Protein

🍓🍌🍉🍊🍒🍏🍅🍈

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 3 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Clean Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.

Friday Bowl- Worlds Finest Chocolate Bar

If you are wondering what to do with those Worlds Finest Chocolate candy bars that you couldn’t resist buying from that cute little school kid. 

I have a solution. Eat them all, but save a square to add to the top of your yogurt. 

You can keep the girl scout cookies. I can hardly wait for those fund raiser candy bars to come around every year. 

World Finest Chocolate Bar Yogurt Bowl

1/2 Cup- Fage 0% Plain Greek Yogurt

1 Square- World Finest Chocolate Bar (grated)
2 Tablespoons- Natures Promise Pumpkin Seed Flax Granola
1/2 Cup- Raspberries

190 Calories- 16g Protein

🍓🍌🍉🍊🍒🍏🍅🍈

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 3 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Clean Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.

Friday Bowl- Papaya

I just tried Papaya for the first time. It has a mild melon taste. Papaya is good for your eyes and has a lot of other health benefits. The inside consist of seeds in the middle that you scoop out before you slice it up. They say the seeds taste like pepper and can be dried and added to recipes. I read that after I threw my seeds away. This Papaya was not too sweet but perfect combined with other toppings on this yogurt bowl. 

Papaya Yogurt Bowl

3/4 Cup- Fage 0% Plain Yogurt

1/4- Pomegranate Seeds (raw)
2 Tablespoons- Natures Promise Pumpkin Seed Flax Granola
1/4 Cup Blueberries
1/2 Cup Papaya

176 Calories- 16g Protein

🍓🍌🍉🍊🍒🍏🍅🍈

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 3 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Clean Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.

Blueberry Grill

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I love cooking it and eating it. We never usually go out for breakfast anymore. I get up about about 30 minutes before Nick and I enjoy a cup of coffee and a lite breakfast. I remember the days we used to go to Bojangles or Hardees for biscuits and gravy. That was also 50lbs ago.

Down at the beach, there is a place near our stay called Blueberry Grill. It is located in a shopping area called Barefoot Landing. We see it often and I mentioned how I would love to try it one morning. So when morning came, Nick asked if I would like to have breakfast at Blueberry Grill. It will be something different from the ordinary. I threw on a sweater and jeans, pulled my hair back in a messy bun and brushed my teeth. I was ready in 15 minutes. You don’t have to ask me twice if I want a good breakfast. 

As we entered the restaurant, we were welcomed by friendly staff. They asked “would you like to sit inside or on the patio?’. It was a crisp 50 degrees morning and the sun was shining bright, so we decided to sit on the patio. 

They had heaters blowing from up above that was perfect for keeping the chill off. It was so nice and we could hear the birds playing in the planters and would often run onto the patio waiting on someone to drop some crumbs.

We ordered a cup of coffee while we waited on our meal. 

We both decided on the short stack of French toast made in a rich batter that was infused with brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Then dusted with powdered sugar. I requested a side of blueberries to add to the top of mine. 

I prefer instant grits but Nick likes what he calls “real grits”. So when he seen they had real stone ground grits, he just had to order some. I admit they were delicious.  

I loved everything about this place. The atmosphere, wait staff, and the food. It was a little pricey though but was worth it. We will definitely go back again sometime once Summer comes around and we take another trip to the coast. 

Blueberry Grill

North Myrtle Beach, SC

Friday Bowl- Getting Sweeter

I do not plan these delicious breakfast bowls. I most always start with yogurt and then I peer into the fridge to see what I can add on top. Today I grabbed four different kinds of sweetness starting at with the mild sweetness of cantaloupe and ending in rich chocolate. With each bite, this bowl kept getting sweeter and sweeter. This breakfast was fun and filling. 

Getting Sweeter Yogurt Bowl

1/2 Cup- Fage 0% Plain Yogurt

1/4 Cup- Cantaloupe 

1 Tablespoon- Pomegranate Seeds (raw)

2 Tablespoons- Natures Promise Pumpkin Seed Flax Granola
1 Tablespoon- Hershey's Chocolate Chips.

201 Calories- 14 g Protein

🍓🍌🍉🍊🍒🍏🍅🍈

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 3 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Healthy Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.

Friday Bowl- Sweet Potato

I love when a veggie can turn into a dessert. (Like grandmas sweet potato pies). To me, breakfast and dessert can be the same kind of meal. I mean, who hasn’t had a doughnut for breakfast or pancakes for dessert? Am I right? Well, I decided to make this bowl using some left over sweet potato from dinner last night. It was the perfect sweetness with the added walnuts and honey. So let’s just keep breaking the rules and have a veggie for breakfast that tastes like dessert. 

Sweet Potato Yogurt Bowl

1/2 Cup- Fage 0% Plain Greek Yogurt
1/4 of a Sweet Potato

1 Teaspoon- Honey
2 Tablespoons- Crushed Walnuts

158 Calories- 13 g Protein

🥔🥜🍯

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 3 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Clean Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.

Friday Bowl- Mandarin Orange

I have always loved Mandarin Oranges. They are a great low calorie snack full of vitamin C. 

However, I have never had any fresh. The only ones I can find here in NC are in a can. 

Tangerines come in at a close second. 

Mandarin Orange Yogurt Bowl

1/2 Cup- Fage 0% Plain Greek Yogurt

Dole Mandarin Oranges
Blueberries
 2 Tablespoons- BigBoss Blueberry Vanilla Granola

153 Calories- 13 g Protein

🍓🍌🍉🍊🍒🍏🍅🍈

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 3 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Clean Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.

Friday Bowl- Feeling Figgy

I just used up all the figs I had left over from Summer. I had them in the freezer and before they all get eaten, I wanted to use them for breakfast one more time. I had no idea they were so good straight out of the freezer as they do not freeze hard and never loose their sweet flavor. They have been such a treat. 

In a small pot on the stove, made a glaze with honey and walnuts, poured the glaze over cut figs and baked for few minutes. This was so good and added the perfect sweetness that did not overpower the flavor of the figs. 

Figgy Oatmeal Bowl

1/4 Cup Quaker Quick Oats

4 Small Figs
Honey/ Walnut

206 Calories- 4 g Protein

🍓🍌🍉🍊🍒🍏🍅🍈

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 4 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Clean Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.

Friday Bowl- Bursting Blueberry

Feeling blue? This might cheer you up. This bowl is chocked full of blueberry goodness and lots of nutrition. I took only a few blueberries and microwaved them for about 20 seconds. This made the blueberries burst into a juice. Then I added some healthy Butterfly Pea flower and wha la. Not only was this bowl healthy and filling. It was full of flavor and fun to eat. 

Bursting Blueberry Yogurt Bowl

1/2 Cup Two Good Vanilla Greek Yogurt.

Blue Berries.
1 Teaspoon Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Powder.
1 Teaspoon Unsweetened Coconut Flakes.
2 Tablespoon- Big Boss Blueberry Walnut Granola.

188 Calories- 14 g Protein

🍓🍌🍉🥣🍊🍒🍏🍅🍈🦋

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 3 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Clean Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.

Friday Bowl- Sun Shine

This morning I started my day off with a little extra protein. The yellows in this bowl bloom out like warm sun shine. The center is an egg microwaved in a mug and placed on a bed of spinach to keep it warm while surrounded with cottage cheese and fruit. This is my least favorite bowl so far as I'm not a fan of cottage cheese. But I tried.

I love making eggs in a mug. Just coat the inside of a mug with butter and whip in an egg. You can add other items if you like. Microwave for 1 min and 30 seconds and you have a perfect little egg.

Cottage Cheese Bowl

1 Cup- Good Culture Simply Cottage Cheese 

1/2 Cup -Frozen Peaches
1 Medium -Strawberry
 1 Cup- Fresh baby Spinach (wilted)
1 Egg

211 Calories- 26 g Protein

🍓🍌🍉🍊🍒🍏🍅🍈

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 3 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Clean Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.

Friday Bowl- Cantaloupe Crunch

Wow, can you believe it's September already? Where has summer gone? Today's bowl has the colors of  Autumn and blue skies. Notice the blue tinted yogurt? It was created with a natural food coloring from Butterfly Pea Flowers. I'm loving this stuff.

Cantaloupe as become my favorite add in to my yogurt bowls. It blends well with the tangy tingle of the yogurt. I added seeds, granola, and puffed quinoa for a sweet and nutty surprise with every bite.

Cantaloupe Crunch Yogurt Bowl.

1/2 Cup Fage 2% Plan Greek Yogurt

1 Cup Cantaloupe

1 teaspoon Blue Butterfly Pea Flower powder

 2 Tablespoon- Natural Almond Granola

1 Tablespoon- Raw Pumpkin Seeds

1/8 cup- Quinoa Pop

147 Calories- 16 g Protein

🍓🍌🍉🍊🍒🍏🍅🍈

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 4 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Clean Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.

Friday Bowl- Kiwi Pear

Kiwi Pear is the taste of this Fridays Bowl. I am not a fan of pears as I think they have a soapy taste. But I gave it a try and totally enjoyed the fresh taste the combination with the yogurt. I’m starting to think everything taste good in yogurt.

Yogurt has always been a food I've ignored because I always thought it was bitter and tangy, but adding fruits and other flavors has made me learn to like it more every day. 

Kiwi Pear Yogurt Bowl

1/2 Cup -Fage 2% Plain Greek Yogurt 

1/2 Kiwi
1/4 Fresh Pear
 Tablespoon- Oat & Honey Granola
Tablespoon- Raw Pumpkin Seeds

180 Calories-  16 g Protein

🍓🍌🍉🍊🍒🍏🍅🍈

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 4 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Clean Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.

Fridays Bowl- Super Blast

While I love to eat yogurt bowls for breakfast, I sometimes make a nutritious smoothie bowl for Sunday dinner. I know, I know, It’s a far cry from grandma's fried chicken and gravy but those kind of meals are so good make me sink into the recliner for a fat nap. With this smoothie, I feel satisfied and loaded with energy. It even has a serving of veggies thrown right in. 

Super Blast Fruit Smoothie

1/2 Packet- Great Value Super Blast Acai Berry Blend ( Mango, Dragon Fruit, Acai and Passion fruit).

1 Cup- Frozen Riced Cauliflower

1 Cup- Unsweetened Soy Milk 

1 Tablespoon Chopped Walnuts

1 Tablespoon- Big Boss Honey Almond Cranberry Granola

1 Tablespoon- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes

1 Tablespoon- Kapok Quinoa Pop.

350 Calories- 14 g Protein

🍓🍌🍉🍊🍒🍏🍅🍈

I have decided to reserve each Friday to share some of my creative food bowls. I have been eating these at least 3 times a week and I feel great. They are easy, healthy and fun. This is part of my new "Clean Eating" Plan. Wish me Luck.