Quinoa-roni & Cheese Recipe

Hey Friends- I made this for dinner tonight and it came out really good so I thought I would share- Enjoy!

Quinoa-roni & Cheese

For the quinoa: 2 cups quinoa
3 cups chicken stock

Rinse the quinoa in cold water and drain. Put the quinoa in a large covered saucepan and add chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. (No liquid should remain.)

In a large bowl, combine: 4 cups (16 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar, 24-oz. container low-fat cottage cheese, 2 turkey sausages cut on the diagonal

In a medium bowl, whisk together: 0.5 cup whole-grain flour, 2 cups milk, 2 Tbsp honey mustard

In a large saute pan: saute 1 medium onion, chopped, in olive oil with 1 tsp kosher salt until tender and translucent, add milk/flour/honey mixture and stir until thickened. Add the thickened mixture to the bowl with the cheese/sausage. Add the cooked quinoa. Stir to combine. Dump everything into a 9x13 casserole (sprayed with nonstick spray)

Bake at 350 for about an hour.

This makes enough for a 9x13 dish

oh helllloooo

Hi friends, I thought I'd stop by and check in. I don't have to much to say, but I wanted to let you all know I am feeling GREAT with the unfill I got 2 weeks ago! I am able to eat normal foods, and have only gotten stuck once. It is such an amazing feeling to not have to worry about where I am going to PB next. I have gained about 2lbs, but I think most of that is due to me being able to eat bread again. I was able to eat 2 slices of pizza this weekend with no issues, I did feel full but I was so excited to eat it, and it tasted so good I just kept eating. Time to get serious now, and start focusing on more protein.

Rick and I got a new addition to our family this past weekend and I want to introduce him to everyone, his name is simba!



He is a lion head bunny and is about a year and a half old. He is such a sweetheart and I am so excited to have him!

And just because I feel like sharing pictures today, I had to share this one from our honeymoon! I forgot to tell everyone, when we were in St.Marten I persuaded Rick to go to a nude beach with me! Clothing was optional, he opted in, and I opted out...well for 5 minutes anyway lol. It was so liberating to go running in the ocean naked without a care in the world. I definitely recommend trying it once in your life, here is a picture of me there (before I decided to strip)
Happy humpday, hope everyone has a fantastic day! xxoo

Band update after Dr's visit

Hey love bugs! Thanks for all our comments of concern, it meant so much to see that so many of you have been through the whole vertigo thing as well! I am feeling so much better, the vertigo is practically gone, my ears aren't hurting to bad..its mostly just sinus stuff right now. PHEW!

So I went for my visit with my band dr. today, finally! I weighed in at 173.3, which is about what they had me at in March at my last visit. She wasn't concerned with my lack of weight loss, she knew how busy I have been. She did ask how my eating has been and I told her about my PB'ing daily, she said just a minute and stepped outside. She then came back in the room and told me to go to radiology immediately for an ESD. ESD?? I asked. It's an esophagus stomach and duodenum test, much like a barium swallow. So I headed down where I was changed into a gown and brought right back into the examination room. It worried me how they were taking me so quickly, usually these tests take weeks to get. So I sat on table and a Dr. came in and had me swallow the barium, (ahemmm chalk like stuff) and move into all kinds of different positions. I could see on the screen the barium moving through my system, and I could see my band, which made me happy. He had me swallow standing up, laying down on my back, laying my stomach, my side, every which way (this sounds kinda dirty lol) I was then done and sent back upstairs to my band dr. She had the results by the time I was back, and had a smile on her face (thank god) She said my band was perfectly fine, but that the barium was barely trickling through my band and that I was way to tight. She said my esophagus looked a little dilated, but this was most likely due to being to tight. She decided to take out 1.5cc's and thought that should give me some relief. She said to come back if I was starving or still pb'ing, and they would slowly put some back in. I think I am around 6cc's at this point and I feel great! I just had a stuffed pepper for lunch, and it went right down! Phewwww.

I am so happy that I made the call and went in, I feel instant relief knowing my band is OK, and that I can now move on with my progress. I also expressed to her how shitty it made me feel to have lost 80lbs but still be considered obese by the BMI charts because I am so damn short. She told me how much she hated the BMI scale, and that I am doing terrific, and to not focus on the #'s so much. That seems to be the trend for July on blogger- not focusing on the #'s, just doing what you know, and being healthy! I asked if the clinic had thought of getting one of the high tech scales that can measure muscle and water and all that jazz, so that patients can stop worrying about the stupid BMI scale. She said it had been brought up a few times, and they hope to get one. I really hope they do, because that would help so many people realize that just because their weight is not going down, they may be gaining muscle mass.

Well that was my day today. I am getting ready to head home to Maine until Tuesday, I can't wait! I hope everyone has a safe 4th! xoxoxoxoxo

my world is spinnnnnning

Hey Everyone- So I know I promised I was back, and well...I haven't posted in awhile.

The thing is- I was diagnosed with vertigo and a double ear infection yesterday...and it sucks! I have never in my life experience anything as shitty as this vertigo thing. For those of you who don't know what it is, its a type of dizziness where you feel like the room is constantly spinning- much like as when you are wasted and get the 'spins'. My Dr. said it was most likely brought on by my ear infections, so its good to know I'm not going crazy! She put me on antibiotics and some crazy dizzy medicine that knocks me out. I have been home sick for the past 2 days and haven't been doing much of anything. I haven't had any dizzy spells yet today though, so I'm hoping I can get back to work tomorrow, and then get on with the week to finally enjoy my 4th of July weekend back home in Maine.

As for my band I have an appointment Thursday @ 9am for a checkup. I am going to have them run a complete blood work up on me to check my cholesterol, thyroid, vitamin levels...all that good stuff. Let's hope everything comes back OK. The good news is, with all this crazy dizziness I haven't felt much like eating and am down 3 lbs! wahooo!

I hope everyone is having a good week, and has an awesome 4th of July. I will let you know how my appt goes Thursday! xxoo

Hey Everyone!

Hi my name is Kristen and I am in a rut...so I'm in need of some help/advice/mojo.

I CANNOT get my ass to the gym, I don't know what to do! Nothing seems to motivate me, and I mean NOTHING! Rick is getting up every morning @ 5:30 asking me to go, and I just can't find it in me to go. I haven't worked out in well over 6 weeks, and I haven't lost a lb in over 6 months! I NEED to get back on track and I NEED to lose these last 15 lbs to get me to a normal BMI. I can't find it in me, the idea of going to the gym seems like torture to me right now and I don't know why. I know once I start going and get back into a routine I'll be fine, but I just don't know how to do that. The answer seems so simple, just deal with it and go..but the idea of setting foot in the gym makes me want to cry...am I going crazy? Last night Rick asked me if I wanted to go to the gym in the morning and I just cried. Do I want to go to the gym? Hell NO! Do I need to? Hell YES! What is the sudden irrational fear of the gym? Has this ever happened to anyone?

Rick and I have the same band dr. and he has been going regular for check ups and fills- she mentioned at the last appt. that she hasn't seen me in 6 months and told him to tell me to come in. FANTASTIC. That's going to be a great appt. NOT! I'm up probably 2 lbs from the last time she saw me. Do I need a fill? NO! Do I need an un-fill? Possibly. I just don't know what I want or need. I am so mentally and physically confused. Some days I eat just fine, other's I PB everything. Am I eating the wrong foods? Sometimes...but yesterday it was just chicken that did it.

Sorry for this rambling and whiny post...I just don't know what to do. Any advice would be appreciated! Love you guys!

Guess who's back?!?

Hey Everyone!!! So it's been almost 2 months since I last posted and that makes me sad. I have been so overwhelmingly busy, that I haven't had much time, but now I am back and ready to start blogging. I've learned a lot about myself these last few weeks, I think I have an obsessive personality. I become obsessed with things and dedicate every waking moment to them..I'm not really sure how to describe it. For the last 2 years it has been blogging and everything band related, then about 6 months ago the wedding obsession came into play, and I spent every second on theknot and etsy, then it was the honeymoon obsession where I was obsessed with cruisecritic.com and planning all of our excursions for every minute of the trip. Well now I am glad to say I am back on the BANDwagon and ready to start obsessing with blogging and my band again!

Things have been OK band wise, I only gained 3 lbs on our honeymoon, so not to bad. The reason I only gained 3 lbs though, isn't as exciting as I wish it was. No, it wasn't due to the massive amount of "exercise" I did. It was because my band was super tight, and I PB'd probably everyday. I was never uncomfortable or in pain, it just sucked not to be able to keep much down. I'm not sure if it was me being so anxious, the weather change or what...but since I've been home I've been OK. Thank god for the 24/7 soft serve machine lol. I'm holding steady around 172lbs right now, but I'm ready to get back into the 160's. It's time to settle down and get back into a normal routine.

Today is my first day back to work since May 19th..I don't even know where to start. I guess that's what helped me to write this post...procrastination of starting work.

So I'm not sure where to start with all the blogs I've missed. It looks like a few of you are having band issues, and removals?!? Steph got her neck done (it looks amazing!)God a lot happened quickly. What else is new? I would love to be filled in, I will try and read back on posts, but if anyone wants to send me an email to catch up I would love to chat! I Hope everyone is well. I will leave you all with our 'teaser' video from the wedding, hope you enjoy!!!

05.21.11 Kristen & Rick from NH Images on Vimeo.

Bridal Shower Bash

Hi Everyone- As promised- here are pictures from my amazing bridal shower that took place Saturday. The location was a total surprise- It ended up being on the ocean in Salisbury MA. It was freakin AMAZING- I couldn't imagine a more gorgeous location or shower. This is my gorgeous 'bouquet' that was made from all the ribbons and bows from our gifts

This is my mommy and I. *LOVE* her!

This is me with my best friends Rachel and Nicole (who you all know)

This is my beautiful bridal party- I couldn't ask for a better group of ladies

Look @ this cake! Have you ever seen anything like this? It was un-real!! Rick proposed @ a lighthouse, so the girls went with nautical theme

This is our overwhelming stack of gifts- It took us 2 hours to get through them all! We got so many amazing gifts.

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I am going back to kickboxing tonight and guess who I'm dragging with me? Yup- I talked Rick into giving it a try! Wish us luck! xxoo

Girls gone wild- NYC edition

Happy Monday Everyone!

I am almost recovered from this crazy weekend in NYC. I was bad and didn't take any pictures while I was there, so thank god others did. I stole the group shot from Angie, so I could have it forever and ever.

Words honestly can't describe this weekend for me. I wasn't able to attend BOOBS last year in Chicago, so this was my first big bandster get together. It was such a surreal experience for me. To actually be able to meet people who's blogs I have followed for nearly 2 years...amazing! To meet so many different ladies all at different stages in our journeys- some just starting, some who have crossed the finish line. When I got home all of my friends asked me how my weekend was, and I all I can say is amazing- I don't know how to explain it or even where to begin. To meet people for the first time, and feel like you know these people inside and out-to be able to be myself and not be afraid of what people are thinking. To have been able to 'meet' someone through blogger, and stay at their place without ever actually meeting or talking to them in person is truly insane from the outside, but to us completely normal. To be able to stay @ this persons house and clog their toilet (yup I did it) and not be mortified..totally normal. Colls- I freakin love you girl, thank you so much for letting me stay with you and cuddle with your kittys.

I will leave you with a couple of pictures that I do have. Nicole and I took a 5 hour bus ride on a ghetto ass bus, and we almost went crazy-but theres no one else I rather have taken this trip with!

Work-Out Wednesday

Karin over at Lap Band Gal challenged all of us to post pre and post workout pics of ourselves today for work-out Wednesday. I bought a groupon a few weeks ago for a kickboxing class, it included 1 personal training session and 4 group classes. Let me pre-face this with, I have NEVER taken any sort of kickboxing class EVER. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. This wasn't any gym kickboxing class...this my friends was at a martial arts center with hard core karate people. Part of my package also included boxing gloves-which was probably the main selling point for me... Here I am, during my water break and when I get home and showed Ricky my moves!

I used my personal session today, and it was a total body workout- not only did we punch bags, we also did jumping jacks, pushups, and about a hundred different types of situps. It was super fun and I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new today.

What did everyone else do for workout Wednesday??

Who needs a challenge?!?

Nikki over @ Chasing Skinny has offered to host a spring challenge. Here is the new challenge logo, click it and it'll bring you over to her page! Good Luck Everyone!!!

Guess who's coming to NYC?!?!

THESE CHICKS!

OMG!!!! Can you guys believe it?! Nicole and I are going to make it to NYC for the upcoming brunch! We are beyond excited. We bought a groupon for a bus trip from Boston to NYC a few weeks ago, and figured what better time to come then for a famous NYC brunch?

Colleen has graciously offered us a place to stay Saturday night, so that is our plan. I can't wait to finally meet everyone! We'll keep you posted on more details as we figure them out! xxoo

Where I am...

Hey Everyone, It's me kristen...remember me? I used to be a pretty good blogger, but not so much recently. Don't fret, I am alive and I have been reading everyone's posts everyday, I just haven't had much to say. My weight is holding steady around 168, I am going to the gym about 3 times a week, and I am in wedding planning mode like crazy right now. My wedding is in 89 days and its all I can focus on right now. It's fun and stressful at the same time. Other then that not much else is new..I landed myself in ER last week for severe dehydration from a stomach bug, that was fun (not) I am all better now, so no worries.

Well the inspiration for this post came from Amy's last post, she posted a picture of her in her bathing suit at her biggest, with a huge grin on her face. She spoke of how happy she looked and felt at that time in her life. This struck a cord with me, as I was going through pictures on my computer a few days ago I found this old one of me. This was probably 20lbs from my heaviest, but I am super happy and proud of how I look in the bathing suit...REALLY?!? I went on spring break and wore this! It just goes to show I never let my weight control me, even when I looked like this-I was happy, I was proud, I never let anything prevent me from having fun. Now weighing 80lbs less, I think I worry more about a little muffin top here or cellulite there- why? Here is my resolution- be comfortable with myself the way I look right now. Any more weight that I lose is a bonus. I have come a long way from this picture, and I am proud of myself. I will never look like that again! Love ya's. xxoo

NYC Girls, Help Please

Hey Ladies,

Sorry I haven't been around much these past few weeks. Everything is fine, just been very busy with Rick on the mend, and our wedding in 3 months or so. EEEK!

Rick got called away on a business trip today, he needs to go to NYC next week for a few days and is in charge of making his own hotel reservation. Can anyone recommend a nice hotel in SoHo? Nice, but not super fancy or expensive.

Thanks so much, I promise to blog soon!

so I'm pretty much marrying superman!

Thank you all for all your kind words and support for rick and I these last couple of weeks. Rick's lapband surgery was yesterday morning. It was scheduled for 10:15, but they didn't actually take him in till about 11:30, which drove me insane! He got out of surgery around 1:15, and I was able to see him around 2:15. He was sitting up straight and told me he was 'bored' lol. He was still in the post-op area, and was staying there until an overnight room became available, so I was only able to stay with him for a few minutes. Around 5pm he finally got a room and was able to be moved. I took many walks with him, and his pain stayed around a 3. He never took any of the pain meds until last night @ bed time to help him sleep. I picked him up this morning, and we're now home. He is eating lots of jello and broth and has had 2 protein shakes. I can't believe how strong and alert he is right now, its amazing! I am so proud of him for taking this giant leap and I can't wait to watch him progress. He started his journey @ 317 lbs, day of surgery he was 299lbs. His goal is to be down 50lbs his first year, and 100lbs @ 3 years. He is going to knock these goals out of the park, and I'm very excited for him. Here is a picture of him 3 hours post op:

Love you all! I will continue to keep everyone posted! xxoo

what do you think?

Your call- Protein Shake or Mudslide?

If you guessed mudslide- YOUR WRONG! This is the super yummo protein shake I made Rick tonight for dinner. I have been trying to mix things up for him, so this was one packet vanilla, and one packet chocolate and I lined the glass with sugar free chocolate syrup. It looked so pretty!!

Here in New England we are having an insane snow storm, my city last reported 18 inches of snow. Both Rick and I got to work from home today, which was really nice!

I also had my un-fill scheduled for today and yup I beared the storm and made the trek to the hospital. My nurse practitioner agreed that I most likely am tight due to wedding stress and took out .4cc's. She also said if I want to see her closer to the wedding she will take a little bit more out for me if I'd like for our honeymoon :o) It feels so great to not have to stress about pb'ing on our wedding night lol.

I also asked her about the throat/esophageal cancer concern from PB'ing and Acid Reflux. She said that there has been no link between the band and cancer, but generally severe acid reflux has been known to result in esophageal cancer. This made me feel a lot better, because although I've been super tight and spitting up a lot I hardly ever have acid reflux. whew!

I hope everyone is bearing the weather and staying warm and safe. xxoo

alright you conviced me...

With all this talk about being to tight, acid reflux, throat cancer from pb'ing- I have made an appointment for a slight un-fill on Wednesday. I'm assuming with my wedding approaching quickly, I am going to be getting more and more stressed equalling more and more restriction. So small un-fill it is. I will keep you posted on how it goes.

Quick update on Ricky- He started his liquid diet on Friday and is down 11lbs as of today. Lucky little bastard. He is really struggling with mind over matter, and not physically eating anything, but I keep telling him it will get better each day!

XOXO

New Year's Resolution

Back Story: While preparing for surgery, a lot of people would ask me what my goal was and I would respond: 'to fit into designer jeans' so for a congratulations gift my mom and dad got me a nordstroms gift card. Last Christmas I told other family member's I wanted a nordstrom gift card, because I was saving up to buy designer jeans once they fit.


Today: While playing online I was perusing nordstrom.com and saw that they had a pair of Joe's Jeans on sale 40% off. They are size 32 petite. I've never even tried on designer jeans, but I feel like having these will be a great motivator. They might fit, they might give me a muffin top, I might not even be able to get them over my knees, who knows. All I know is that I will soon have my first pair of designer jeans, and that I WILL fit into these this year! Here is a picture of them, wish me luck, I will post pictures and a review once I receive them in the mail!