For Those Who Like Egg Nog

I came across a Low Fat Egg Nog recipe this morning.  I admit that Eggnog is not for me.  I only drink Honey's (my grandmothers) because she has her loaded with alcohol, and trust me when I say this-YOU NEED IT!  Even then, it is only a few sips.  If any of you try this, let me know how it turns out!

Low Fat Egg Nog

• 4 cups skim milk
• 1-1/2 cups evaporated skim milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Ground nutmeg (to taste)

Chill 3/4 cup of the evaporated milk in the freezer for 30 minutes (to make it easier to whip). In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together skim milk, remaining 3/4 cup evaporated milk, eggs, and sugar. Rinse whisk in hot water to ensure that no bacteria from the egg remain. Using a wooden spoon, stir mixture on stove constantly for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. (Do NOT boil.) Remove pan from heat; transfer mixture to a large bowl and let cool for several minutes. Place chilled evaporated milk and vanilla in a small bowl and whisk together until slightly thickened. (If you prefer, you can substitute 1/2 cup of rum or brandy for vanilla.) Add contents of this bowl to egg mixture and whisk for a few more minutes, until frothy. Refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours. If eggs begin to coagulate, strain mixture to remove solids. Top with ground nutmeg before serving. Makes 12 servings.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (mixing), 30 minutes (prechilling), 4 hours to 24 hours (chilling)

Nutritional Facts per serving:
Calories:  72
Total Fat: 2 grams (Saturated Fat: 1 gram)
Protein: 6 grams
Carbs: 7 grams

Photo and Recipe came from Team Beachbody

Life as I Know It

For me, my life is great!  I have 6 relatively healthy children.  I have a wonderful husband.  I have a Gran, Aunt Francie,  and Uncle Bobby who love me.  I have a roof over my head.  I have a car to drive.  I have food in my cabinets.   My bills are paid.  AND I have books to read.  This is my life, and it is a good one for me.

I do know that people look at my life and really and truly do not understand it.  From the outside, looking in, no, my life does not look like much fun.  We rarely go out to eat.  We don't watch a lot of TV.  We don't watch a lot of movies.  We don't play many video games. 

I know that if you are on the outside looking in, that you think I live in the CRAZY house.  I admit that is true.  Yes, my house is a mess 99% of the time.  Yes, kids are screaming 99.3% of the time.  Yes, there is at least 1 dish in my sink 99.8% of the time.  And YES, there is at least 1 load of laundry to do 100% of the time.  But, my family is my Sun.  My life does revolve around them. I have 6 very active children.  I have a 4 boys and 2 girls. A child with autism.  I have 2 teen/preteen daughter, and I am pretty sure that needs NO explanation.  I have a 2 year and a 4 month old.  So, yes, my house is crazy, and I would have it no other way!

So before you judge someone's life, step inside that CRAZY house.  Maybe, you could help out.  Maybe, you will learn something. 

Burying My Head

Photo Credit

Can I could be like this ostrich and bury my head!  I wish, but unfortunately, when I come up, all of the problems/issues will still be here.  So, I guess I better suck it up, and get on with my day!

Christmas Cards-Yeah???

Christmas cards and I are not getting along this year.  To be quite honest, Christmas has kind of appeared out of thin air this year.  No one on the outside would think that.  I mean...Our tree is up, the outside is decorated, all of my shopping is done.  BUT in reality, the tree and outside lights would not be done if not for the kiddos, daddy and Dada.  I lost the stockings, and I have not found them yet.  The way it looks, we will be giving stocking stuffers from a Kroger bag! 

So, my point is that since the holidays have sneaked up on me this year, Christmas cards are probably out!

But if I were to do a Christmas Card, I think I would put this cute little face on it!







Or maybe this one!

A Few Tips for the Holidays

Everyone has the complaint of gaining weight over the Holidays.  Here are 5 tips to keep the weight gain under control.

1) What Are You Drinking???

Keep the caloric intake from drinks to a minimum.  Water is great for you, and it has no calories.  Let's face it, no one wants to drink ONLY water.  Just keep an eye on how many calorie filled drinks you are drinking.  Try to keep it to 1 per gathering.

2) Never Go Hungry!

Never go to a gathering hungry.  When you do, you eat WAY too much. 

3) Let People Know

I just read something from Joel Marion that said to let everyone at the party know that you are trying to lose weight.  Then, they know not to constantly hand you food.  And, you are held to some accountability.

4) Filling Your Plate
If you are at a buffet type gathering, try to fill your plate with fresh veggies from the veggie platter and meats. 

5) It's Christmas!!!
Go to all the gathering keeping your "Diet" in mind, but on Christmas Eve/Day (whichever your family does the BIG celebration) FORGET ABOUT IT!  Let that be your splurge day.


It is the Holidays, and the truth is, we take in more calories from Thanksgiving to New Years!  So, one more thing you may want to think about is to exercise more.  In the spirit of Christmas-When you are out Christmas shopping, don't wait on the parking spot near the door.  Park in the back of the lot.  There are always place, and -BONUS- you burn some extra calories.

Excellence

Every person should strive to be EXCELLENT at what they do.  Excellent does not equal perfect.  I am an excellent mother, but I am not a perfect one.  I am an excellent teacher, but I am no where near a perfect teacher.  You are excellent but not perfect at ______________? 

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my youngest daughter.  You will forever be my baby girl.  You are beautiful, smart and sweet.  It is my great pleasure to be your mom.