Tenderloin in the Crock

This is so good.  So, so good, your family will be psyched the minute the smell the awesome aroma when they walk in the door.

I'm not a big meat and potatoes kind a girl, but my family is, and I have to say, I think it's one of those comfort foods we love on a Monday night.  So instead of meatless Monday, I do comfort food Monday and leave the meat out on at least 1 other day each week.

I'm also not a pork eating girl but my family loves pork chops (if I can find humanely raised organic pork), so when we were out at Fairway last week right after Hannah got her braces off,  I spotted an organic pork loin, and grabbed it as they do get tired of the same chicken and turkey and occasional beef every week.  So here is a recipe I found and you really have to try it.  You can use any kind of meat I believe, but here it is with pork.

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin 

Serves 6-8

total time:  4 hours 5 mins

• 1 2-3 pound boneless pork tenderloin
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup basalmic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
• 1  tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1.  Place the pork tenderloin in the slow cooker.  Mix together all the remaining ingredients.  Pour over the pork and set the timer.  4 hours on high or 6-8 on low.
2.  After the pork has cooked, remove from slow cooker and pull apart.
3.  Serve sauce over each serving.

Done.  Sorry no pictures as we ate it up really fast as it was time to get to the next practice.  Suggestion:  serve over mashed potatoes (I actually got a "this is really good mom" comment from both kids and rave reviews from Bry).


Check out my new bracelets ...

Love this!  You can check out her shop:


https://www.etsy.com/shop/farmgirlpaints

You get to design your own creations with choices of straps, plates, and of course what words you'd like to look at on your wrist.  She's only open a few days at a time during certain months so check it out as she's open next week for four days!

Have fun!

Krista

Chocolate Mint Smoothie ...

Weather Funk!

I don't know about you but I'm having a tough time getting motivated with this non-stop winter weather!  Well, I'm motivated ... I've been spending lots of money online lately as that's easy!  But I honestly feel like a hibernating bear on some days ... even sneaking in a few naps lately ...

I'm sitting down to write with pouring rain, my neighbor hanging out his window knocking the snow and ice off his roof, fire sirens going off, ugh!  Even my chiropractor told me today that people are so "off" ... quick to react and very agitated.  

Yeah it really sucks right now. 

However I have to share my stand by tool to those of you feeling really funky today.  I've written about it before but do yourself a favor and do a gratitude journal.  Or maybe even just a mental gratitude slate.  Take notice of the things you have and you'll feel much happier.  If you can come up with ten things right now that you are grateful for you are on your way to a better mindset.

Even when you get dirty looks from those cars passing you because you're sticking too far out of the street to see over the snow bank!

You are in charge of how you feel!  

Here's a quick recipe to help you de-funk your energy:

Chocolate-Mint Smoothie

1 scoop of chocolate protein powder

1 cup of unsweetened almond milk

1 stalk of celery

1 handful of baby spinach

1/2 avocado

3 ice cubes

3 mint leaves or 2 drops of peppermint oil

Put the milk in first and then add the rest of the ingredients.  Blend until smooth. 

Enjoy!

Krista

Change is good ...Celebrate it!

Is most of your energy dedicated to supporting your young athletes?  You know, making sure laundry is complete for tomorrow morning, having enough food in the house for them ... is it your turn to drive the carpool?

If yes, read on ... if no ... I'm not offended if you tune out.  But there is a great appetizer recipe at the bottom to add to your list of go-to's ...

If you are still reading, you know where I'm coming from.

Although it is not a terrible thing to have a young athlete to look after...

(are you tearing up at the Proctor and Gamble Olympic commercials?)

there comes a point that we mommas feel a bit tired of the same old - same old, that manifests after years of being the momma they go to for all things.

Again, not a bad thing.

If you're ready for a change in your well-being and energy levels here's what I have come up with:

CELEBRATE YOU!

When you are looking for a path or motivation to get yourself back on track, you need to view this step as a celebration instead of a chore.

Simple words?
Big change!


Who wants to think of a healthy "you" with chores attached to the image?

I think it's all the way you perceive how things work.

If you see something as a chore, it just isn't fun.  At least I don't feel the fun when I think of a list of chores.  If you think of something as a celebration of what you have, or what you are at this moment in time, it tastes much sweeter.  Are you thinking of sea-salt caramels like me?

Digression aside, I  often think about all the complaints I hear from people about things in their life.  Whether it be about needing to lose weight, finding more time, making more money, cooking healthier, finding gluten-free foods, everyone sees it as a big issue of need and want.

Is it too weird to want to shift that thinking to:  have and enjoy?

I don't think so.

If  you are looking to upgrade yourself to include more healthy habits, envision that thought as a privilege.  You have made the decision to change some things up, because that feels right to you.  Yay!  Accept that you are celebrating change!  Enjoy that first step of positive thinking and make the commitment to it.

Whatever you are committing to, whatever you are trying out, celebrate yourself and that you are in charge.  Not your kids, not your husband, not your puppy, just YOU!

Much Gratitude!
Krista

Tomato-Avocado Dip

2 avocados, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
feta cheese - use to your liking
extra virgin olive oil - drizzle over the top
red wine vinegar - use about 1/2 the amount as oil
Combine the above in a bowl.  I love feta cheese and never measure, but you can adjust to what you feel is necessary.  

One of my favorite spots ... green trees are coming ... are you ready?

Much Gratitude for your support in my blog last week!!!

I was overwhelmed with comments and love and feel beyond humbled by it all.  In all honesty, I wasn't even going to post it as I felt this brought too much attention my way!  But when I use my words to help those with brain tumors possibly get more understanding, it's worth it!  Everyone has their own struggles ... maybe it's not a brain tumor but to live with a positive mindset that you can accomplish anything, is all that matters!

Namaste,
Krista

Live life - Love life!

Today is my 4 year cranniversary.  For those of you lucky enough not to know what a cranniversary is, it is the anniversary of my craniotomy.  I really can't believe it's been 4 years as I feel like it was yesterday.

This week I had one of those moments that just plain threw me.  Hannah and I were driving on Rt 3 Westbound in Clifton, NJ.  It was actually a beautiful afternoon between storms.  She was so happy as it was her last visit to her orthodontist.  We were chatting away ...  all of a sudden we were hit with one of those snow/icepacks off the roof of a big truck.  I had no idea it was coming and BAM!  Hit my car so hard I thought the roof was dented as the side mirror had collapsed in and my giant rear view mirror had come loose.  My head actually felt like it was hit by something and that was that.  It was over.  He drove on and I slowed down in shock that it happened.  Felt like there was definitely an angel protecting our Explorer.

It hit me later how sometimes things happen with no warning.  Sort of like my brain tumor. 

I'm not sure if I have any major words of wisdom now that it has been 4 years since my life changed.  I really feel blessed to still be here, yet I often wish I could go back to my simple life before surgery.  I had no fears and didn't worry about anything.  Life was good.

And then my inner therapist is like... what are you thinking??  Are you kidding?  You idiot ... stop the "poor me" attitude!  Do you know how lucky you are?  You are here!  No, you are not only here,  you are better off now than before!  And then I'm over the pity party and move on.

So what is my message?  I'm not pushing the greens or chia seeds today.  I'm simply thinking about how lucky I am.  How blessed I am to have always had the support from my incredible family and loyal friends.  I may get tired easier than before on some days, and going into loud places freak me out some days, and fluorescent lighting makes me dizzy, wish my left eye worked, wish I didn't bump into people in stores, oh yeah and I hate the dent in my head ... but I love the fact that this is my story.  I am so blessed.  I have learned to appreciate the now!

My mission is for everyone to feel good about themselves and enjoy what they have.  Yeah, we all wish we had a better this or a better that ... but once you stop and just take gratitude for where you are and what you are doing, you will attract more of the good stuff to you.

The beginning ...

Let the healing begin ...

My girl came to visit after I finally left ICU ...

Just hanging out waiting for my cyberknife session to zap the leftover tumor...

Lizard head!!  The cyberknife mask was a bit tight!

My man with me at my post radiation check up!  All is well!

I have to give a huge thank you to the awesome support team of "Meningioma Mommas!"  Liz Holzemer started this group when she went through the ups and downs of being diagnosed.  The facebook page is where all of us go when we have questions or need resources.  If it wasn't for this page I would never have known about the options available at UPMC!  

A not-for-profit organization, which provides support and valuable resources to all those affected by meningioma brain tumors and dedicated to raising awareness and funding meningioma research -

http://www.meningiomamommas.org/

If anyone you know is going through this, please share this site with them.  They would also appreciate a tax deductible donation, as they are dependent on charitable donations!

Nurture yourself with good stuff!
Life is short ... live it in your highest vibration!

Much Love and Gratitude to All,
Krista



***If you cannot read the title of the book I am reading above please do yourself a favor and check out this great read:  

The Very Cool Life Code:  The 7 Keys to Unlocking a Life of Freedom, Ease, and Connection
by Drew Rozell

available on Amazon as Kindle or regular soft cover

Chia Seed Pudding

Yesterday I posted my mean green coconut chia cocktail ... love it and love the powerful chia seed benefits!  It's incredibly easy to use and 1 tablespoon will get you six grams of fiber, three grams of protein and 2.9 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids!  Woohoo!

My mother saw my post and sent me what she was eating yesterday ... a Giada De Laurentiis recipe that I haven't had a chance to try but I do trust my momma! 


Chia Seed Pudding
4 servings

1 cup vanilla flavored unsweetened almond milk
1 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
2 T plus 4 t maple syrup divided
1 t vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon of salt
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 pint of chopped strawberries
1/4 cup sliced toasted almonds

Whisk 1 cup vanilla flavored unsweetened almond milk, 1 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt, 2 T maple syrup, 1 t vanilla, & 1/8 t salt. Whisk in 1/4 cup chia seeds. Let stand 30 minutes. Stir, cover & refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, in a medium bowl, toss 1 pint of chopped strawberries with 4 t maple syrup. Mix in 1/4 c sliced, toasted almonds.

Spoon the pudding into 4 glasses or bowls. Pour berry mixture on top.

Enjoy!
Krista

My momma and me at Phipp's Conservatory in Pittsburgh during my radiation :)

Mean Green Coconut Chia Cocktail

Happy Snow Day!

Ok, wah, it's snowing.  Again.  And there's no school.  No after school activities.  No games, meets, etc!  Truly beautiful out, however it does require shoveling.

Think of it this way ... it can be your workout today ... but you need fuel to get it done.  And a strong back or even better - some kids to help you out!  You know those young athletes that probably can't train today?  Give them a workout!

Here is a green drink to help you stay full for hours ... and help detox yesterday's Super Bowl eats.

Mean Green Coconut Chia Cocktail

1/4 cup coconut milk
1 small banana or 1/2 large banana (ripe is nice)
2 big handfuls of organic baby spinach
6-8 oz rice milk or other non-dairy milk
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
4 ice cubes
1 scoop of protein powder (I use a whole food based food drink)

• Soak your chia seeds in the coconut milk overnight - it will be a thick pudding consistency in the morning - not necessary to soak that long if you don't have the time ... but let it stand about 10 minutes to expand.
• Add mixture to your blender along with the remaining ingredients.  Thin with more liquid if necessary.

That is it.  Start your day with some serious good stuff and I promise you will feel happy!  Ok, maybe just a bit more balanced if you've had it with winter! 

Be Well!
Krista