REALITY CHECK!

Some of you may have notice that I haven't posted lately, some may not have and some of you probably don't care (that's ok, I know you're busy).   But, I do want to share what's been going on (there is an important lesson to learn here!)  

In the last few months I have taken a part time job (needed some extra cash), in 3 weeks time I have had a total of 7 house guests and I have come to the realization that I have been managing my life a little too well (maybe even too too well?).   At first, I thought "it wouldn't be that much of a strain after all it is only 4 hours a day 5 days/week and I would be working right out my office at home (Sweet!)".   Well, I couldn't have been more wrong (I wouldn't admit this normally, but in the name of "full disclosure" I will make an exception).

THE FALL OUT:

First and foremost, I am ashamed and embarrased to admit that I have not been feeding my family very well.   My house is a mess (not so feng shui right now) and everybody is so tense, uptight and short tempered that it has turned into a nightmare!!!!!   At first, I told myself "everyone will get used to it" (at this point the likehood of that happening is a snowballs chance in YOU KNOW WHERE.....)   So, I ask myself "WHY?"   Like I mentioned above, I have been managing my life too well.   Which as become a great disservice to my family, because apparently I have not done them or myself any favors by not delagating more responsibility to them. (Family, I say this with love and I take full responsibility).   That, I find to be a very BAD decision on my part to allow this to happen (again, I wouldn't normally admit to this).   Oh, yeah the answer to my question "WHY?"   Listen carefully because I will never admit to this again!   I am not a very good delagator (it's so much easier to just do it myself, I know I sound like a control freak).   AND I COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG!  

THE PLAN:

1:   I WILL learn to delagate more responsibility to the members of our household.
2:   I WILL teach my family to be independant members of our household and not just follow me like baby ducks.
3:   I WILL take time out for me.
4:   I WILL learn to say "NO".

Well, that is it in a nutshell.....It's been quite a rollercoaster ride these last few months.   I will keep you updated on the progress.

ENJOY!

Jacqui Allen

Read more...

BAKED VEGGIE LASAGNA

It's lasagna, what more can I say?   A favorite in households the world over.   But, it can also be a "hip enlarger" there are ways to trim the fat and not lose the flavor and this is the favorite recipe at our house hope you like it too!

Here is what you will need:

1 small zuchinni 1/4 inch slices
1 small yellow squash 1/4 inch slices
1 lb. button mushrooms sliced
1/2 large red onion sliced
3 cloves garlic chopped
1 lb. frozen spinach thawed and drained
1 lb. cheese (your favorite) shredded
1 cup of ricotta or "mockotta" cheese You can find the recipe for the "mockotta" in my no bake lasagna recipe http://thisandthatwithjax.blogspot.com/2010/04/no-bake-veggie-lasagna.html
1 package of oven ready lasagna sheets (I love this stuff!)
26 oz. jar of spaghetti sauce or homemade
1 cup water
garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Sautee veggies individually making sure you use a couple pinches of salt to help release the water (this is important or your lasagna will be watery) add a couple sprinkles of garlic powder & pepper to taste and be sure that all the liquid has evaporated.   Set aside to cool.  You can prepare the veggies the day before if you need too.

Combine 24 oz. of sauce and 1 cup of water.
Start with spraying pan with non-stick spray, spread 3/4 cup of sauce on bottom of pan and lay down first layer of pasta.

Spread a thin layer of "mockotta" or ricotta on pasta and layer with veggies.   Sprinkle a hand full of shredded cheese (don't use too much, you want to save most of the cheese for the top).

Continue layering the "mockotta"/ricotta, veggies, pasta, cheese and sauce finishing with a layer of pasta, sauce and cheese.   Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes then remove foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until top is browned.

Remove from oven and allow to set for 10 minutes before cutting and serve.


Enjoy!


Jacqui Allen

Read more...

7 REASONS TO DRINK GREEN TEA

The good news about green tea is hard to ignore!   Even a java junky like me, has to admit I have been drinking this subtle brew.   This dose of disease fighting, inflamation annihilating antioxidant should be enough incentive to drink it, but there's more.....

1:   Cuts risk of cancer with several polyphenols, the antioxidants that make green tea famous seem to help keep cancer cells from growing and preventing your body from producing new ones.

2:   Soothes the skin, if you have any extra tea that you didn't drink (shame on you!) soak a cotton ball in it, for a natural antiseptic that relieves itching and swelling.   Works on blemishes, sunburns and puffy eyes too.

3:   Cut high blood pressure with just 1/2 cup of green tea per day.

4:   Protect your memory by drinking 2 cups a day to protect brain from damage caused by free radicals.

5:   Keep your arteries young with green tea, it reduces plague build up.

6:   Helps in reducing the risk of esophageal cancer.

7:   It is thought that green tea helps prevent tooth decay, due to the anti-bacterial effects.

I hope this has been useful information for you, Enjoy!


Here are the sources for above information:
http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011400a.htm

http://healthmad.com/alternative/10-great-benefits-of-drinking-green-tea/

Jacqui Allen

Read more...