A Leap of Faith

*This post may contain content that is not what this house betch would normally blog about. Warning as things may get inspiration, sappy, and downright emotional.*

OK, so now that the warning is out of the way, I have some exciting things to tell you. 

I

LEFT

MY

JOB

TO 

FOLLOW

MY 

DREAMS

Do you know the video, David after the dentist where the little boy just got out of a procedure, is all doped up on medication and is just staring at the world, like "HOLY CRAP WHAT THE WHAT IS GOING ON?!" That is me right now. As I'm sitting here typing this, I am David, in his car seat, staring around me saying the exact same thing, "is this real life?" 

So some background: A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to leave my corporate job where I was making great steady money, health insurance, paid vacation time and many other perks (free soda whenever I wanted...I have a diet coke addiction I'm working through). All of those things sound great, right? Well, yeah they were, but after a while you have to think, "What makes me happy?" Yes the money makes me happy but am I doing something that I truly believe in, something that I feel happy to wake up to do every morning. The answer to that was no for me. 

I have always wanted to go out on my own and have my own communications/marketing consulting company. So what better time to do it than the present, right? Yeah except at the present I am planning a wedding and studying to be a personal trainer. So probably not the best time. But I was always really bad with timing. Ask any of my family or friends... you can always count on me being 10 minutes late to everything. 

Anyway, Friday was my last day at my old company. TODAY is my first day, working for myself. Making money for myself. If I don't work, then money doesn't come in. It is a HUGE risk that I'm taking, definitely a leap of faith, but its the happiest I've been in a long time (career-wise).  I'm not going to lie to you though and tell you all is fine, and I'm jumping around my home office with joy. Today, as I was driving back from breakfast with a good friend, I started to cry. OK, I'll admit, I wasn't crying, I was balling. Flat out BALLING MY EYE'S OUT! I'm scared - shitless. But after I got all of my tears out, I stood up, put on my big-girl-who-is-now-her-own-boss pants and got my day started. 

So far 2015 has been a HUGE year for me. I'm getting married, training and becoming certified to be a personal trainer, and decided to leave a steady paycheck to work for myself and pursue my dreams and work on projects that I WANT to work on. How cool is that to say that I have accomplished all of this and it is only March 2nd. That is pretty damn incredible. So basically, what I'm trying to tell you is, go for it. Just go for your dreams because life is just too damn short to waste your time doing something that you aren't passionate about. Take that leap of faith. I'm telling you, it is scary as anything. It will be a HUGE jump that you may not think you will make it over the ledge, but guess what, you will! And if you need help getting over that ledge, reach out to family, friends and loved ones for support. I will support you! I will grab your hand like my family, friends and Chicken Man (Scott - the fiance) are doing for me. It just takes the crazy little idea of a dream and making it your reality.

*END inspirational and emotional post*

PS. I wish I had a recipe for your guys today. But in an attempt to make wings for dinner last night with Chicken Man, the oven caught on fire and the entire house filled with smoke...so no recipe today. Check back later y'all!

Skinnylicious Lasagna Roll Ups

Oh hey everyone! Don't worry I didn't forget about you! There has been SO MUCH going on. All good things, of course. I have an exciting announcement (not food or blog related) that I will be able to share tomorrow! As most of you know, I have been busy planning a wedding and training to be a future house betch. In addition to planning a wedding I thought it would be a fantastical idea to get certified to be a personal trainer. I'm really enjoying it, but JEEZ it is a lot of work. But like I said, this is all part of my plan to not only be a House Betch, but to be a SUCCESSFUL BALLER House Betch.

Anyway, I've been trying to eat healthy since I am at the less than two month countdown for the wedding and I had my dress fitting a couple of weeks ago. So to help curb my crazy cravings of chiptole or anything else unnecessary during lunch, I made a yummy vegetarian dish. I came up with a super original name...Skinnylicious Lasagna Roll Ups. I'm amazing. I know. Please everyone, hold your applause. Here goes the recipe!

Skinnylicious Lasgna Roll Ups

What you will need:
8-10 Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles
10 oz (or whatever size) bag of Frozen Spinach (thawed)
15 oz part-skin ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
24 oz jar of Italian Pasta sauce
1/2 cup low moisture, part-skim, shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While that is preheating begin boiling a pot of water for your lasagna noodles. I recommend using a larger pot since they are long. 
2. Begin defrosting your Spinach, or if you are a proactive patty take it out earlier in the day and let it defrost in the sink. After the spinach is defrosted, use a strainer to get rid of all the excess water and place into a medium sized bowl
3. Once the water is boiling, cook your lasagna noodles until they are al dente. I recommend putting them in 3 at a time because as I said they are long and thick so they don't soften as easy as regular noodles. I would keep them in boiling water for about 12 minutes. You want them to be al dente, not soggy.
4. After the lasagna noodles are cooked, lay them on wax paper and carefully pat them dry.
5.  Moving back to the spinach in the medium sized bowl, add your ricotta, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until everything is combined!
6. In a 10 x 7 inch baking dish, pour in half of your pasta sauce to coat the bottom.
7. Returning back to the lasagna noodles, I recommend keeping a paper towel handy as this can get messy. Spread about 1/4 a cup of the spinach mixture evenly over each noodle. CAREFULLY roll the noodles and place them seam side down in the baking dish.
8. Repeat step 7 until you run out of mixture or noodles. 
9. Once all of the noodles are rolled up, pour the remaining sauce over the noodles. The sauce helps to keep the noodles hydrated during the baking process. Top each roll up with a pinch of Mozzarella cheese.
10. Cover the top of the baking dish with foil and back for 40 minutes.

Serve right away or put in the refrigerator for a yummy lunch throughout the week! 

Also, for all of you calorie counters out there, each roll up comes out to approx 200 calories. And coming from a girl with a bottomless pit for a stomach, one roll for lunch will leave you very satisfied! Not full but definitely not hungry!

Sick New Kicks

Happy national hangover day!!!! No seriously? Is anyone struggling getting to work? I think I am still in a food coma after the mass amounts of wings, chips and bbq I ate last night. Can anyone tell me WHY the NFL has the Superbowl on a Sunday? I mean really, think of the rest of us who have to trek into work the next day. UGH so inconsiderate!

Speaking of Superbowl, I feel the only reason to watch is for the commercials and half time show. My favorite commercial was the Fiat commercial and the puppy Budweiser commercial. That puppy was so CUTE!! EEEEKKK! What was your fave?

Anyway, aside from the mass amounts of food that I consumed yesterday, sadly, I don't have any great recipes to share. I tried to keep it simple and just made pulled BBQ chicken in the crockpot. Nothin' special. But, there is something I want to brag about from my Superbowl sunday festivities. I went to the gym. And not only did I go to the gym, but I got to wear my new Nike Sneakers. VOILA!

Women's Nike Free 5.0 V4
LEOPARD!

I have been eyeing these babies on Pinterest for the past year, and after an INSANE search, I FOUND THEM! With free shipping too! WOOP WOOP!

Also, I just really liked my entire ensem that I wore to the gym yesterday.

Nothing too crazy, but I was going for the black and pink look. Do you do the same thing when you are at the gym, your sweat game is strong and your clothes game is even stronger, you just go into your workout in total beast mode. I'm a believer, if you look good while working out, you'll work out harder. And of course I had to throw in a flexed muscle like a true bro.

In other news. I have cute dogs...

Zoey Bear rolling her eyes at her parents. Ugh the teenage years are starting!

Miley has the LARGEST NOSE IN THE WORLD

GOSH LINDSAY YOU HAVE THE WORST ADHD AND YOUR BLOG IS SO BORING.

QUIET INTERNAL THOUGHTS, I'M TRYING TO WRITE A BLOG HERE!

Honey Chicken

Do you ever get into things thinking, wow this is a great idea then quickly realizing you are freaking crazy? Well, hopefully i'm not alone on this, but I am at that point. I'm getting married in April so I am in pretty deep with wedding planning, I started this blog, and I also signed up for a Personal Training Certification class. I had been thinking about doing this for a while and the second 2015 hit, I figured, there is no better time than now! Right, well I must have drank 4 or 5 glasses of wine when I made that decision. It is A LOT of work, and doing it while wedding planning, and working, and living...OY I'm breaking a sweat just thinking about it. But hey! I'll be happy when I reach my goal! Speaking of, any local FLIPADELPHIANS wanna get in shape? Lemme know, I'd love to train you!

My time is so precious that I haven't even had the time to get a Mani and Pedi. My dogs are in need of a pedi, and my engagement ring has been crying every time I try and put it on in the morning. It says, "hell you think I'm going on that finger without fresh polish and those heinous cuticles...you gotta be kidding me!" Also, being this busy has caused me to think that my engagement ring is talking to me. UGH!

Anyway, enough complaining. This house betch is so excited for all that 2015 has to offer. Life is so precious. It is important to take advantage and live out every moment. So that is exactly what I'm doing. 

OK enough with the deep thinking and words of wisdom, do you want some dinner? DUH! My family surprised me during my bridal shower back in October with an amazing cook book that has all of my family and friends favorite recipes. One of my main motivations for starting this blog was to share some of these amazing recipes (not the secret ones). My past Jewish Great Grandparents would roll over in their grave if I gave away that brisket recipe! One of the recipes in the book is Honey Chicken. This was given to me by my wonder future mother in law, Marci! It is such an easy week night dinner. Perfect for people who are going crazy with a million things to do. I can even imagine what it's going to be like with Kids running around my house...House betch goals.

Honey Chicken

What you'll need:

Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts (however many you want to cook. This can be for one person or a whole family!)

Paprika

Garlic Powder

Honey

Pepper and Salt

Olive Oil

*Optional: Crushed Red Pepper*

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
2. Take your chicken out and place the breasts on a cutting board. Cover them in saran wrap. Get out a mallet and begin pounding your chicken. Really take your stress and frustration from your day out on these babies. This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and you don't have to keep throwing it back in the oven for raw pieces.
3. Place your chicken breast in a Pyrex dish or any over safe/non-stick dish.
4. Drizzle Olive Oil over your chicken and season with a pinch or two of salt and a pinch or two of pepper
5. Take your garlic powder and shake it over your chicken. I guess it equates to about a tablespoon, maybe less of garlic powder.
6. Take your paprika and just go to town on that chicken. Don't be shy! Make sure your chicken is basically red, covered in paprika.
7. Next comes the honey. Squeeze the honey over your chicken. Again, however much you want.
8. Now, flip your chicken over in the dish and repeat steps 4-7.
9. If you want to add a little spice, take some crushed red pepper flakes and sprinkle a few over the chicken.
10. Place the chicken in the oven for 35-40ish minutes.

This is an easy weeknight dinner that you can throw together rather quickly, put in the oven and multitask with the million other things you've got going on in your life, while it cooks! Enjoy with some kind of rice, asparagus, green beans or steamed broccoli. Simplicity is key!

Healthy Chicken Salad

Yes, you read that right. HEALTHY. CHICKEN. SALAD. I know what you are thinking, "I can't eat chicken salad without the globs of mayo appearing on my ass and thighs." Well unfortunately, with this chicken salad, I can't make any promises, but it's mayo-less, so that is a start.

As I'm sure you are well aware, we are all going through this crazy flu season right now. But not this girl. Thank goodness corporate america gives us those free flu vaccines in the fall so we don't get sick and ever miss work. *remind me to make out with a flu infested person so I can have an excuse to lay in bed and binge watch the walking dead.* But really, do you ever think about it? The fact your company gives you those free flu shots is so you don't get sick and miss work. What if I'm trying to get a little under the weather and snuggle with my dogs all day? But truthfully, I am very thankful, because I don't want that! Maybe just a stomach virus so I can get to my goal weight for the wedding. JK...kinda. But anyway, back to the purpose of this post, before my internal dialogue went all nuts...With it being flu season and unbearably cold, now is a great time to make soup! Specifically chicken soup. Do you know what the best part of chicken soup is? THE SOUP CHICKEN! I know, everyone, please contain your excitement. There is SO much you can do with soup chicken.

In comes the next character I'd like to introduce you to in my life story, he is pretty important and sexy, my future hubby, Scott. We will refer to him as Mr. Wonderful (he picked his own nickname). I would have preferred Chicken Man, but whatever. (here is a picture of my chicken man, I mean, Mr. Wonderful)

He was annoyed because I kept making him pose to take pictures while he was sleeping. GOSH I'M SO ANNOYING!

RELATIONSHIP ADVICE #1: Pick and choose your battles.

Mr. Wonderful has this amazing recipe for chicken soup, but sadly, he isn't ready to reveal his genius to you yet as he is still fine tuning. I told him I expect nothing but perfection for this House Betch In Training Blog so I have him locked in the basement perfecting the recipe. Just kidding. Not really. Or am I??? ANYWHO, last week we had chicken soup for dinner and I decided I wanted to make chicken salad with the left over soup chicken that wasn't being used to go in the soup. Here goes:

Shopping List:
Non-fat plain Greek Yogurt (whatever brand you want)
Apple - green or red
Grapes
Slivered Almonds
Salt and Pepper
Rye Bread - if you want to make a sammy

Directions:
I basically eye ball this recipe and leave this up to your own discretion.  It all depends on how you like your chicken salad.

1. Take your shredded chicken and put it in a mixing bowl (however much you want to eat) I use about a handful, plus a little more because I have infant hands.
2. Using a big spoon, spoon out some of the greek yogurt into the mixing bowl with the chicken. Mix it around until the chicken is coated. Keep adding more chicken or more greek yogurt depending on how you like your chicken salad.
3. Slice up some apple slivers into smaller chopped pieces and cut your grapes in half. Again, use your judgement of however much you want to use. I use my apple slicer and end up using about 1 1/2 spears and about a handful of grapes.
4. After you have chopped your apple and cut your grapes in half, combine it with the chicken and yogurt mixture. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
5. Add some slivered almonds to your liking.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Mix it all together! and BABAM! CHICKEN SALAD!

Really simple! I also recommend making this ahead of time and letting it sit in the refrigerator for some time to soak up all the yummy ingredients. Toast some rye bread, put it in a whole wheat wrap, or just eat it with a fork! ENJOY your non-cellulite inducing chicken salad!

Vitamix = LIFE

Hello to all my party people. I am about to whisper the secret of house betch success in your ear. Are you ready for it???

GET A VITAMIX

GET A VITAMIX

GET A VITAMIX

GET A VITAMIX

You will be thanking your betchy gods, me, for telling you this now. Your life will never be the same. You will be able to blend soups, smoothies, sauces, (I'm running out of "S" words) hummus, ANYTHING! You can even pulse your ground beef for all I care. Your life will be changed.

Now for all of you that don't know, I'm getting married in April - GAHHHHHH! So excited! And if you don't know, now you know. If there are any brides out there, or grooms, you MUST and I mean MUST put this on your registry. Like if you are reading this and are at this point of the post and haven't logged into your Bed Bath and Beyond or Williams Sonoma registry yet, you are truly missing out. SO DO IT! Here, I'll make it easy, here are the sites:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/page/Registry

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/pages/registry-landing-page.html?cm_type=gnav

If you want my honest opinion, you should really get it from BBB. They always have coupons, deals, and as I mentioned in a post before, take back ANYTHING. Even without the box. So if it breaks or you just want to upgrade, you can take it back there! You can also register yours online and I believe it is covered for life. Like FOR-EV-ERRRR.

Whenever I have the time and feel like going to work and putting on pants and I'm not eating Muesili for breakfast, I mix up a green smoothie. Check out Pinterest. Specifically, my board that has anything and everything you need for a Vitamix original green smoothie: http://www.pinterest.com/lindsaysgordon/vitamixin/

To build off of my greek feast post yesterday, here is a recipe for some homemade Roasted Red Pepper Hummus.

Shopping List:

2 cloves of garlic

1 (15 oz) can of garbanzo beans aka chickpeas, drained

1/3 cup of tahini (this can be found in the Mediterranean aisle)

1/3 cup of lemon juice

1/2 cup of roasted red peppers

1/4 tsp dried basil

taste it and add some salt as you wish

In your vitamix, combine your garlic, garbanzo beans, tahini and lemon juice. Process this until the mixture is smooth. Then add in your roasted red pepper, basil, and salt (as needed). Process this until the peppers are finely chopped and you will get a nice light red color. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer your hummus to a small bowl and chill until you are ready to use.

I served mine with Naan, whole wheat pita and veggies!

Enjoy this easy recipe! And most importantly, GO OUT AND BY THAT VITAMIX, NOW, BETCH!

A Feast Fit for Greek Gods and Goddesses

I have had some SERIOUS cravings for greek food recently. Now, I know the first thing you are probably thinking, cravings? Does that mean..... Nope, unfortunately, I'm not. I know it would bring me one step closer to being a house betch. But I've got some things I'd like to accomplish first! Now I know the next thing you are thinking of is, can this woman really do everything? She can conquer the most amazing french toast in the world and cook a mean greek meal...well, yes I can, but sorry boys, this gal is already half way down the aisle. Okay fine, I wont lie, this meal required help...a lot of help. I'd like to introduce you to two new characters in my life, my Sassy Sista, Jenna and her lovely boyfriend, Veggie Kenny.  Sassy Jenna is self explanatory, but Veggie Kenny has basically ruined all of our lives by becoming vegetarian. I mean really???? I remember when they first started dating he could eat about 5 pounds of filet in one sitting. Now all of the sudden he is this vegetarian. My Sassy Sis and I try and tempt him with delicious meats...he isn't budging...DARN! Here is a picture of the two. I do have to admit, they are the cutest.

Major height difference, much?

So before I get into the recipes, I have to come clean. I have failed you my fellow readers. I bow my head in shame. I can not for the LIFE of me figure out dolmades. I have tried two recipes so far and each one I'm getting closer, but no cigar. At this point, I'm a little grape leaved out and don't think I can ingest another for some time. So if you have a recipe, email me, send smoke signals, a carrier pigeon, or just comment below to let me know! Here is a picture of the dolmades. Yes they look delicious but the taste, eh not so much.

Check out that presentation

I will say the winner with these is the rice mixture. For Dolmades you are supposed to scoop a teaspoon of the rice mixture on the grape leaf and roll it. Here is a picture of Veggie Kenny rolling up those grape leaves like its NOBODYS BIDNESS.

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling. Get those Grape Leaves GOING!

Here is the recipe for the rice mixture. I think this would be great to make as a side with lamb chops or a steak.

Shopping List:

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (white or brown)

2-3 Tblsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Medium white onion, chopped

1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

1tsp salt

1 large lemon, juiced (use some zest for later)

Half of a 32oz container of vegetable or chicken stock

Directions:

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, sauté the onion in 2 tblsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for a few minutes, then add in the rice and herbs and continue stirring until the onion has softened. Slowly, pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for another 12 minutes until your rice is al-dente. Once the time is up and the rice has soaked up all of the stock, stir in the lemon juice, and if you want a little extra, POW add some lemon zest. Remove from heat and serve!

Now for the Greek Lamb with Mint Yogurt

Shopping List for the Lamb:

4 large garlic cloves

2 Tblsp chopped fresh Rosemary

1 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Kosher salt and pepper

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 Lemons)

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup red wine

2 racks of lamb, frenched and cut into 8 chops each

Place the garlic, rosemary, oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and pulse until the herbs are finely minced. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and red wine and combine. Place the chops in a glass or ceramic dish just large enough to hold them in a single layer. Pour the marinade over the chops, turning to coat both sides. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight, but I let them sit for 4-5 hours and they were AMAZBALLS!

When ready to cook, prepare a grill with one layer of hot coals or turn a gas grill to medium-high heat. Remove the lamb from the marinade, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, and grill for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove to a platter, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and set aside to rest for 10 minutes. Serve hot with the cold Yogurt Mint Sauce.

Shopping List for the Yogurt Mint Sauce:

6 Scallions, white and green parts, chopped

1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves

2 Tbsp minced fresh dill

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp lemon juice

7 ounces greek yogurt

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Place the scallions, mint, dill, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and puree until it's a coarse paste. Add the yogurt, salt, and pepper and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop.

Here are some more pictures of food from the evening! Lots of laughs, wine and fun! What do you think my next feast should be?

Sassy Sister ready to chow down

Another angle of the feast

This is what no make up and hours in the kitchen looks like