Goodbye School

About 4 months ago, I began this blog adventure for my online communication class. I am anxiously waiting for my last week of school to end ... FOREVER. I am excited but also extremely nervous to venture out into the world of full-time work and to become a "big girl." Even though my plan for my blog was to have washboard abs by the end of this week, I have come to the conclusion about a month ago that this will not be happening! But, I will be continuing my blog to help me with exercise and other topics that may come occur on my adventures outside of school. Good luck to everyone in the class on their future pursuits and keep on trucking! :)

Great Exercices to try

Sometimes the same exercise can become a tad boring. So here are some exerices I have come across in my website travels that I will definitely try.

Yoga For Athletes

Ultimate Fitness Plan 2010

2010 Bikini Body Plan

Get a Flat Stomach in 3 Moves

Saucy Chicken Finger Blue Cheese Salad

Okay I know this sounds weird but I made it up one day wanting wings and its a family favorite! I do not know if it is exactly the healthiest meal I have posted BUT it is alot healthier then eating your favorite wings.
I do not have exact measurements so I will try my best!

What you need:
(Chicken Strips)
Chicken breast cut into strips
Flour
Bread crumbs or Panko
Eggs (about 2 but may need more depending on amount your cooking)
Franks Hot Sauce
Butter
Ketchup
Basil
Salt and Pepper

(Blue Cheese Salad - you can also do ranch if you dislike Blue Cheese)
Romaine
Celery
Carrot

(Health Conscious Blue Cheese Dressing)
1/3 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/3 cup nonfat buttermilk, or nonfat milk
1/3 cup nonfat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar, or white vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, (1 ounce)

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Make Dressing ahead of time and out into the fridge.
3. Cut chicken into strips.
4. Take three bowls and add eggs, flour and bread crumbs in each one.
5. Dip strips into flour, eggs and bread crumbs ... repeat if you want it extra crunchy)
6. Fry each strip into a frying pan with a little bit of oil. Wait till browned on each side and place into preheated oven at 350 degrees. It takes about 10-12 minutes for the chicken to finish cooking.
7. heat on medium, a small pot and melt a tablespoon of butter for each chicken breast .. you can add more if you want your sauce less spicy and more saucy
8. after butter has melted turn heat to low and add a tablespoon of hot sauce and a squeeze of ketchup.
9. After incorporated, add some basil, salt and pepper.
10. When chicken is finish toss in buffalo sauce mixture
1.. while chicken is cooling down make your salad.
12. Just tear some romaine, cut some celery and carrots and add your Blue cheese dressing.
13. Then add your chicken strips ( you make want to cut them into smaller pieces) and toss to incorporate sauces together
14. Now enjoy a great summer meal with a tall glass of beer :)

On a Side Note

Today I have decided to write about something new. My lovely friend Becky has recently become interested in the charity group TOMS shoes. She has a great blog about her adventures and her passion for the group. Last night she hosted a great Fundraiser to support the Friends of TOMS campaign and I won some wine in the raffle! Toms Shoes is a great charity because when you purchase a pair of shoes off of their website, they give a free pair to a child in need in developing countries. Please check out Becky's blog and support her cause and maybe buy a pair of lovely shoes while you are at it!

Arugula, Grape and Sunflower Seed Salad

I made this salad the other night for dinner and it was extremly easy and popular. I found the recipe out of the "Cooking Light: Way to Cook" cookbook.

6 Servings

3Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp honey
1 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp stone-ground mustard (I used dijon)
2 tsp of grapesead oil (I used canola oil)
7 cups of baby arugula (also can use baby spinach)
2 cups red grapes, halved
2 tbsp toasted sunflower seeds kernals
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Gradually add oil, stirring with a whisk.
2. Combine arugula and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle vinegar mixture of arugula; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.

Calories:81; Fat:3.1g

Fruits: grapes contain polyphenols (linked to heart disease and cancer prevention) called anthocyanins and proanthocyanins that may play a role in preserving memory. Fiber in fruits can help lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Nuts and Seeds: one-fourth cup of nuts or seeds adds nearly 5 grams of high-quality protein, as well as a generous amounts of vitamin E, fiber, minerals. Also high in the healthful unsaturated kind of fat.

Greens: most leafy greens contribute folate, the B vitamin critical to red blood cells health and the reduction of neural tube birth defectslike spinal bifida. Also provide a generous amount of vitamin A and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help protect against macular degeneration.