Error in judgement November 19, 2007

So Ryan and I went to the pet store tonight because I had the brilliant idea – don’t laugh – to get our rats these harnesses and leashes so we could let them wander around and we’d know they were safe.

………..

You’re laughing, aren’t you?

Well, it seemed like a decent idea at the time. To me, anyway. I think that Ryan thought I’d gone insane but he let me get the harnesses/leashes. We go home and I’m ridiculously excited to try this out. And the results… well, see for yourself below.

Ok, I’m laughing so hard at these pictures that I’m crying all over again. My poor little Ratsy! We didn’t realize it at the time but she stuck her right paw back into the vest in an effort to escape. We were wondering why she was becoming more wobbly than normal.

Needless to say, you will not see Squidgie in one of those things because we’re taking the other one back. If Ratsy is small enough (and wiley enough) to get out of that harness, it’ll never hold Squidgie. One of these years I think Ratsy will forgive us. Good thing she doesn’t know I’m posting these ridiculous pictures all over the internet.

Tip of the day: Curing a burnt tongue November 19, 2007

I found this tip in a cookbook yesterday. How fortunate! Today I actually did burn my tongue while testing out some pasta and remembered the tip. It actually did work rather quickly and now, a few hours later, I can’t even tell that I burnt my tongue!

Here’s the tip: If you burn your tongue on hot food, place a little bit of sugar on your tongue. As the sugar dissolves, it will take away the burn.

Take my word for it, this one works!

Meals: Monday, November 19, 2007 November 19, 2007

Below is what I ate today (I stayed home sick so I didn’t really eat much at all).

Breakfast

• Slimfast shake = 110 cal.
• 1/2 cup of coffee = 0 cal.
• milk (1 percent) = 210 cal.

Lunch

• Cheez-it crackers = 250 cal.

Dinner

• barilla plus pasta = 200 cal.
• homemade pasta sauce = 200 cal.

Grand total = 970 cal.

I am seriously not eating enough food. I will make a concerted effort to break my day into smaller meals starting tomorrow, but with the holidays coming up fast that will be a bit of a challenge (to say the least).

Recipe: Homemade meat sauce for pasta November 19, 2007

I’m making pasta tonight along with the recipe below for homemade pasta sauce. I’ve made this many times and enjoy it much more than store brands, largely because it’s much less salty. The spices are all to taste – I enjoy mine a bit more flavorful which traditionalists may scoff at (oh well).

1 or 2 lbs. ground beef or turkey
2 14.5 oz cans Diced tomatoes, italian seasoned (undrained)
3 8oz cans Tomato sauce (I use Hunt’s No Salt Added variety)
3 8oz cans Tomato paste (I use Hunt’s No Salt Added variety)
Diced onion (I use “Onion Mix” from The Spice Hunter instead)
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper
Salt/Salt substitute
Minced Garlic
Basil
Oregano
McCormick’s “Italian Seasoning” blend (or marjoram, thyme, rosemary, and sage)
Lawry’s “Salt-Free 17 seasoning” blend
1 regular-sized spoon of sugar (so it’s not so acidic-tasting)

• Brown meat. While meat is cooking, line slow cooker and pour all canned goods inside. Add initial spices (it may be hard to tell how spicy it will be until it’s cooked for a while.)
• Drain meat and add to slow cooker.
• Cook on high for about 1/2 an hour then check back to see how it tastes. Add additional spices if desired.

It doesn’t take very long to heat up and it’s really good over any type of pasta.

Back to basics November 19, 2007

I’ve gotten away from the original intent of my blog, which was to keep track of my calories and exercise routine. Starting tonight, I plan to get back to that routine. I haven’t been eating badly but it definitely makes me feel better to track it on here. Any words of inspiration or success stories would be greatly appreciated. As those of you watching your weight/exercise know, it’s much easier to do it if you have a support system.

I really need a working scale….