Random Ramblings

Since nothing particulary interesting happened today, I thought I would share some random things that I'm loving...and not loving...lately.

While walking through Home Depot the other day, I stumbled upon one of my latest favorite things.  Yes, Home Depot... I know...I'm boring like that.  Anyway... I found this super awesome gadget that screws into our outdoor light fixture, and it automatically turns our outside light on at dusk and off at dawn.  Sweet!! No more forgetting to turn the darn thing off in the morning!

Something else I'm totally LOVING right now.... wait for it... BACON JAM!  Seriously!  Have you ever??? We tried it at HEB one day, and I just had to get one.  Okay, two.  Don't judge...they were buy one, get one free!  It is seriously the best thing ever.  You can put bacon jam on just about anything and make yummy food even yummier!  Mix it into burgers, spread it on instead of mustard or mayo, go crazy... it's bacon jam!!  AND... it's only 35 calories for 1 tablespoon - which is the perfect amount to spread on a beef or salmon burger for a yummy kick!  You can even make it yourself...click here.

They're not kidding... it's better than good!

What else am I loving lately?  Almond milk!  I love to eat cereal for breakfast or a snack, and this unsweetened almond milk is the perfect substitution for regular milk with about 50 calories less per cup!

Speaking of cereal... here's a little discovery that I'm NOT loving lately...
At the beginning of summer when we started on our weight loss/healthy life journey, we picked up a box of Kashi Go Lean Crunch.  It was so yummy and only 200 calories per cup.  Add the 35 calories from the almond milk... great low cal breakfast!



Then last week while shopping, I looked at the calories in other healthy cereals and found that Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds has only 180 calories per cup.  Hey, 20 calories might not seem like a lot, but it adds up quick! 

I was feeling pretty good about myself the other night as I poured myself a bowl. Cindy asked for a bowl of her favorite cereal, so I pulled out the box. And just because I can't help myself... I looked at the calories.

Would you believe that Lucky Charms has LESS calories per cup than my "healthy" cereals??  Seriously!!! I'm pretty sure I pouted as I carried the 2 cereal bowls to the living room.  Oh, well...at least I know to check more labels before I buy!

One more thing that I'm totally loving... one of my new favorite healthy food blogs, Dashing Dish.  Tonight, I made this fabulous 4th of July Strawberry Blueberry Poke Cake to take to my mom's house tomorrow. 

First, I got all the ingredients ready...

Then I baked the cakes.

After the cakes are cooled and "poked", I poured the fresh strawberry and blueberry syrup (which I forgot to snap a pic of) over the cakes.

I mixed up the frosting (sugar free pudding mix and fat free cool whip), covered everything and put it in the fridge to chill overnight.  Tomorrow after our Aqua Fit class, I'll put it all together so we can take it to mom's for dessert.  YUM!  I can't wait to taste it! 

Any guesses on how many calories per slice?  Anyone... anyone??? Bueller...Bueller...  FINE!  I'll tell you!  187!!! You'd better believe I'm gonna have me a slice!  You can also use gluten free cake mix if you need to!  I'll be sure to snap a pic of the finished cake tomorrow.  Happy Fourth!

What I wanna know is...

•  What are your plans for the 4th?