February Workouts

February 1 - KenpoX. 59:00. Burned 376 calories. Max HR 156. Avg HR 118.
CardioX. 41:57. Burned 284 calories. Max HR 155. Avg HR 122.
One of the complaints I have about P90X is that the "cardio" workouts do not burn enough calories, except for Plyometrics.  I would rather go run or cycle because I feel like I get a much better burn, plus I'm doing something that is specific to the sports I enjoy.  Kicking and punching...yeah...its just not something I see myself doing.

February 2 - Treadmill Run. 4.0 miles. 39:24. Burned 466 calories. Max HR 180. Avg HR 163.
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
1 min @ 6.5 mph - I realized I should be going faster so I bumped it up on the next set.
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph - I also realized that I probably should have been recovering at 6.0 mph.
1 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 6.2 mph
1 min @ 6.4 mph
1 min @ 6.6 mph
1 min @ 6.8 mph
I'm feeling really good about my running lately.  I think my speed is definitely improving.  I'm able to go faster without my HR going up.  I'm recovering quickly.  I'm really loving these high intensity workouts.
StretchX. 57:01. Burned 239 calories. Max HR 135. Avg HR 101.

February 3 - Core Synergistics. 57:59 Burned 370 calories. Max HR 159. Avg HR 118.  Used 5, 8, and 10 lb dumbbells.
This was one of those days when I waited for Tim to workout with me and he decided to have a rest day.  I thought about adding another workout to this one, but I also knew that I had a run workout on Saturday, so I just took it as a great core workout.


February 4 - Treadmill Run. 7.0 miles. 1:09:43. Burned 845 calories. Max HR 186. Avg HR 166.
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 6.1 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
4 min @ 6.3 mph
4 min @ 5.7 mph
3 min @ 6.5 mph
3 min @ 5.7 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 6.1 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
4 min @ 6.3 mph
4 min @ 5.7 mph
3 min @ 6.5 mph
3 min @ 5.7 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
45 sec @ 6.0 mph
15 sec @ 6.1 mph
15 sec @ 6.2 mph
15 sec @ 6.3 mph
15 sec @ 6.4 mph
15 sec @ 6.5 mph
This was an AWESOME run!  I can't remember the last time I ran 7 miles and I especially can't remember when I ran 7 miles in under 10 min/mile pace.  I did have to talk myself through this workout.  I didn't want to run but once I got going, I mentally talked through each mile.  There was not a dry spot on my t-shirt when I finished and I have forgotten how my legs feel when I run long and hard, but I feel great.  It's nice to know I still have some speed left in me.

February 5 - Rest.

February 6 - Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps. 1:01:52. Burned 327 calories. Max HR 143. Avg HR 109. Used 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, and 20 lb dumbbells.  I'm hoping that I'll like this workout better next week.  I worked hard, but I sometimes think I need to do a workout once or twice before I can really know how hard I need to work.
Trainer Ride. 32:00. Burned 212 calories. Max HR 139. Avg HR 119. Since I signed up for Little Red, I need to get back on Oscar.  Apparently, I have lost my saddle calluses.  That means I need to spend lots more time on the bike before June.

February 7 - Jari Love Get Extremely Ripped 1000. 1:23:46. Burned 744 calories Max HR 188. Avg HR 139. Used 5,8,10 lb dumbbells.
Treadmill Run. 29:32. Burned 311 calories. Max HR 178. Avg HR 160.

February 8 - Back and Biceps. 24:39. Burned 128 calories. Max HR 149. Avg HR 109. Used 10 and 15 lb dumbbells.  Tim and I didn't get to finish this workout, so we finished it the next day.
Ultimate Calorie Blaster. 45:59. Burned 367 calories. Max HR 165. Avg HR 131. Used 8 lb dumbbells.

February 9 - Back and Biceps. 45:35. Burned 237 calories. Max HR 158. Avg HR 108. Used 10 and 15 lb dumbbells.

February 10 - Rest.

February 11 - Treadmill Run. 59:51. 6 miles. Burned 645 calories. Max HR 175. Avg HR 155.
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 6.0 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
4 min @ 6.2 mph
4 min @ 5.7 mph
3 min @ 6.5 mph
3 min @ 5.7 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
1 min @ 5.7 mph
4 min @ 5.8 mph
5 min @ 6.1 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
4 min @ 6.3 mph
4 min @ 5.8 mph
3 min @ 6.5 mph

February 12 - Rest.

February 13 - Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps. 57:09. Burned 390 calories. Max HR 148. Avg HR 122. Used 5, 8, 10, 15 lb dumbbells.
Legs and Back. 58:19. Burned 486 calories. Max HR 166. Avg HR 135. Used 10, 15 lb dumbbells.

February 14 - Jari Love - Get Ripped Slim and Lean. 1:06:34. Burned 411 calories. Max HR 159. Avg HR 116. Used 5,8,10, 15 lb dumbbells.

February 15 - Rest.

February 16- Back and Biceps. 53:06. Burned 356 calories. Avg HR 163. Avg HR 121. Used 10,15,20 lb dumbbells.

February 17 - Treadmill Run. 3.1 miles. 30:52. Burned 380 calories. Max HR 181. Avg HR 167.
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
5 min @ 5.9 mph
5 min @ 6.0 mph
2 min @ 6.1 mph
2 min @ 6.2 mph
2 min @ 6.3 mph
2 min @ 6.4 mph
2 min @ 6.5 mph

February 18 - Rest.

February 19 - Rest.

February 20 - Legs and Back. 1:00:48. Burned 511 calories. Max HR 167. Avg HR 136. Used 10, 15 lb dumbbells. I felt so pukey and tired during this workout. 

2012 Races

Earlier this year, I was talking with Tim about how I was missing doing races.  Last year, I think I only did a few events and I realized that I really miss racing and training.  So, because he's such an awesome hubby, he's been encouraging me to sign up for races and making sure that we have the $$$ in the budget so I can race like I like to.

I haven't really come up with my race schedule for the year, but I am registered for 3 big events.  Here they are!

May 19 - Ogden 1/2 Marathon

June 2 - Little Red Riding Hood Century Ride

September 8 - Bear Lake Brawl 1/2 Ironman

Like I said, I haven't decided what else I would like to do, but I'm kind of toying with doing the Top of Utah 1/2 Marathon, but I think it's just a week or two before the 1/2 IM, so that probably won't happen.  However, there are lots of other options.  I'm just excited to get back into racing.

January Results

Since it's the first day of February, it was time for Tim and I to weigh in and do our measurements.  We're on week 4 of P90X.  We didn't take any pictures, but we did do our stats.  Tim is doing awesome and is losing and gaining in all of the right spots.

I've been feeling a bit discouraged because the scale doesn't seem to be moving much for me.  However, today, I'm down 7 lbs since January 1 and I have lost 9 inches!  I lost 2 1/2 inches off my hips!  I'll definitely take that.  Oh and I'm looking forward to all of the February workouts to see how much more we can lose!

January Workouts

January 1 -  X Stretch - 57 min.  I didn't wear my HR monitor for this workout.  Mostly I just wanted to do something to start the new year off on a good note.  The stretching felt good, although my lower back was SUPER tight when I finished.

January 2 - Treadmill Run. 33:41.  3.2 miles.  Burned 369 calories.  Avg HR 164.  Max HR 184.
5 min @ 5.2 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.5 mph
4 min @ 6 mph
4 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.3 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
I should have done a cooldown after this run, but I figured my cooldown could be my walk home and a strength training workout.  However, my HR was too high and my strength training workout didn't go so great.
Super Body Sculpt. 14:29.  Burned 130 calories.  Avg HR 148. Max HR 159. 5, 8, 10, 15lb dumbbells.

January 3 - Jari Love Get Extremely Ripped 1000. 1:25:57.  Burned 752 calories.  Max HR 178. Avg HR 144.  5, 8, 10 lb dumbbells.  This workout was tough today.  My legs must be tired from my run yesterday.  I'm hoping tomorrow's hill workout will go ok with tired legs.

January 4 - Treadmill Run.  41:13. Burned 487 calories.  Avg HR 171.  Max HR 184.
5 min @ 5.3 mph
5 min @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 5% incline @ 5.5 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph.
30 sec @ 6% incline @ 5.5 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph.
30 sec @ 7% incline @ 5.5 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph.
30 sec @ 6% incline @ 5.3 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.3 mph.
30 sec @ 7% incline @ 5.3 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.3 mph.
30 sec @ 8% incline @ 5.3 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.3 mph.
30 sec @ 7% incline @ 5.3 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.0 mph.
30 sec @ 8% incline @ 5.3 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.0 mph.
30 sec @ 9% incline @ 5.3 mph. 2:30 recovery @ 5.0 mph.
3 min @ 5.5 mph
The fitness room was blazing hot today so I think that's why my HR was SO elevated today.  It was a great run and I even talked myself through the tough parts.  I was going to do a strength training workout, but we have somewhere to be tonight.  Oh and I think I'm catching Tim's cold.  :(

January 5 - Body Sculpt.  51:31. Burned 428 calories.  Avg HR 140. Max HR 168. 5,8,10,15 lb dumbbells.  I talked Tim into working out with me and made him throw up and get dizzy.  Probably I won't win the "best wife ever" award today.

January 6 - Treadmill Run. 42.47.  4.0 miles.  Burned 493 calories.  Avg HR 164.  Max HR 184.
5 min @ 5.2 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.5 mph
4 min @ 6 mph
4 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.3 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
1 min @ 5.3 mph
1 min @ 5.4 mph
1 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 5.6 mph
1 min @ 5.8 mph
2 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 6.5 mph
I have a full blown cold, including loss of voice.  I did get my run done though and Tim even ran on the treadmill next to me.  Once again, not winning the best wife award today because we had to cancel his birthday party...

January 9 - Chest and Back.  56:28. Burned 336 calories.  Max HR 158. Avg HR 120.  Used 10, 15 lb dumbbells.  Day 1 of P90X was hard, but not as hard as I thought.  I think our new pull up machine will definitely be helpful.
Ab Ripper X. 16.09. Burned 89 calories. Max HR 139. Avg HR 116.  I hate this workout.  It's really hard and it kills my hip flexors.  Tim cheered me on though and I did my best to get through it.

January 10 - Treadmill Run.  30:40. 3.01 miles. Burned 355 calories.  Max HR 186. Avg HR. 168.
5 min @ 5.2 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
11 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 6.1mph
1 min @ 6.2 mph
2 min @ 6.3 mph
2 min @ 6.4 mph
2 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 6.0 mph
For P90X we were supposed to do "Plyometrics" but since we're training for the Ogden 1/2 marathon, we're doing running for our cardio.  I may try to add in Plyo next week, but we'll see how it goes.

January 11 - Shoulders and Arms.  50:52. Burned 346 calories. Max HR 159. Avg HR120. Used 8, 10, 15lb dumbbells.  Apparently, I don't work hard enough during these workouts...although, I feel like I'm working as hard as I can.  I'm always bummed about the calories burned and I feel like I need to do more.  So, maybe I'll start adding in an extra cardio workout on my strength training days.
Ab Ripper X. 16.09. Burned 89 calories. Max HR 139. Avg HR 116.  This workout went better today than on Monday.  I still don't love it, but maybe it will come?

January 12 - YogaX. 90 min.  I didn't wear my HR monitor for this workout because it frustrates me when I don't burn alot of calories, so I skipped it today and just focused on doing my best and getting through the whole 90 min.
Treadmill Run - Tim wanted to run, which surprised me so we went over to the clubhouse to use the treadmills.  I wasn't really feeling much like running until we started running and then I had a fantastic workout. I ended up running 4 miles in 43:17.  I burned 509 calories.  My max HR 12 186 and my avg HR was 170.
10 min @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 6% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 7% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 8% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 7% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 8% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 9% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 8% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 9% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
30 sec @ 10% incline @ 5.5 mph, 2:30 recovery @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 5.6 mph
1 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 5.8 mph
30 sec @ 6.0 mph
30 sec @ 6.2 mph
Finished 4 miles at 6.7 mph


January 13 - Legs and Back. 1:07:02. Burned 515 calories.  Max HR 171.  Avg HR 134.  I used 10 and 15 lb dumbbells.  This is maybe my fav P90X workout.  I think it's because I feel like I really get a great workout.  My legs are trashed...I was feeling them when I was carrying groceries up the stairs.  Tomorrow is a long run (5 miles) so I'm hoping that will go okay with tired legs.

January 14 - Treadmill Run. 52:28. 5.0 miles. Burned 606 calories. Max HR 189. Avg HR 169.  My legs were tired today...probably from the Legs and Back workout yesterday.  I was planning on doing 5 miles today, but around mile 2 I was thinking maybe I should just cut it back to 4.  However, Tim, who was on the treadmill next to me kept saying "Go wifey!" or "Bikini" or "Keep running until I finish my 4 miles."  So, I did 5 miles.  It felt great.
5 min @ 5.3 mph
5 min @ 5.4 mph
5 min @ 5.5 mph
5 min @ 5.6 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
5 min @ 5.9 mph
5 min @ 6.0 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
0.25 miles @ 6.0 mph
0.25 miles @ 6.2 mph
0.25 miles @ 6.5 mph

January 15 - REST.  Tim and I planned on doing StretchX today, but we didn't fit it in before church or after church or before bed, so it turned into a complete rest day.

January 16 - Chest and Back.  52+ min.  Tim and I did this workout this morning.  He wore the HR monitor so I don't have any data for me, but he burned a whopping 716 calories for this workout.  He also killed it...especially compared to last week.  I never burn that many calories for this workout, but I did work hard.
Ab Ripper X.  I'm really not enjoying this ab workout so I may start switching in a different ab workout.  I just feel like my hip flexors get trashed during the workout and my abs are NEVER sore.  I'll see how Wednesday goes.

January 17 - Treadmill Run. 4.0 miles. 40:41. Burned 518 calories. Max HR 184. Avg HR 170.
5 min @ 5.5 mph
5 min @ 6.0 mph
5 min @ 5.5 mph
4 min @ 6.3 mph
4 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.5 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
1 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 5.6 mph
1 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 5.8 mph
30 sec @ 5.9 mph
30 sec @ 6.0 mph
30 sec @ 6.1 mph
30 sec @ 6.2 mph
Tim and I did this workout after YW on Tuesday night.  We watched the tail end of the Biggest Loser and I really pushed myself...not because I was particularly motivated by the fat people weighing in on tv...but mostly because I was feeling super great.

January 18 -  Calorie Killer. 40:26. Burned 323 calories. Max HR 158. Avg HR 132.  I did this workout while I was waiting for Tim to get off work.
Shoulders and Arms.  1:01:51.  Burned 419 calories. Max HR 155. Avg HR 120.  Used 15,10,8lb dumbbells.

January 19 - Plyometrics. 58:40. Burned 590 calories. Max HR 175. Avg HR 149.  Tim and I were planning on running but by the time he got off work, he was done for the day, so I figured I would get this workout done and out of the way.

January 20 - Treadmill Run. 50:55. 5.0 miles. Burned 628 calories. Max HR 184. Avg HR 167.
5 min @ 5.5 mph
5 min @ 5.6 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
5 min @ 5.9 mph
8 min @ 6.0 mph
3 min @ 5.9 mph
3 min @ 5.8 mph
3 min @ 5.7 mph
2:30 min @ 6.0 mph
2:30 min @ 6.1 mph
2:30 min @ 6.2 mph
This was a hard run but mostly because my legs were toasted from Plyometrics last night.  However, I pushed through.  Mostly though I was totally impressed with Tim's mental toughness.  He REALLY didn't want to run today, but he pushed through it. 

January 21 - Legs and Back. 59:51. Burned 446 calories.  Max HR 160. Avg HR 127.  I used 10lb dumbbells.  I had good intentions of adding on YogaX to this workout, but I was done.  I think my legs are just tired and worn out and trashed.  I also didn't get enough sleep last night and was hungry.  So, we'll take it as a lesson and move on.  I think I was missing my workout partner too.  He's snowboarding with the kids today.

January 22 - Rest.

January 23 - Chest and Back. 55:29. Burned 329 calories. Max HR 155. Avg HR 114. I used 10, 15, and 20 lb dumbbells.


January 24 - Treadmill Run. 4.0 miles. 40:33. Burned 479 calories. Max HR 177. Avg HR 161.
5 min @ 5.5 mph
5 min @ 6.0 mph
5 min @ 5.5 mph
4 min @ 6.2 mph
4 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.5 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
2 min @ 6.7 mph
2 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 7.0 mph
1 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 5.6 mph
1 min @ 5.7 mph
30 sec @ 5.8 mph
30 sec @ 5.9 mph
30 sec @ 6.0 mph
30 sec @ 6.2 mph
30 sec @ 6.3 mph
30 sec @ 6.4 mph
30 sec @ 6.5 mph

January 25 - Shoulders and Arms. 1:03:32. Burned 395 calories. Max HR 151. Avg HR 116. I used 8, 10, and 15 lb dumbbells.

January 26 - Treadmill Run. 3.0 miles. 30:57. Burned 361 calories. Max HR 180. Avg HR 162.
5 min @ 5.5 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
30 sec @ 6% @ 5.7 mph
2:30 recovery @ 5.7 mph
30 sec @ 7% @ 5.7 mph
2:30 recovery @ 5.7 mph 
30 sec @ 8% @ 5.7 mph
2:30 recovery @ 5.7 mph 
30 sec @ 7% @ 5.7 mph
2:30 recovery @ 5.7 mph 
30 sec @ 8% @ 5.7 mph
2:30 recovery @ 5.7 mph 
30 sec @ 9% @ 5.7 mph
2:30 recovery @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 5.8 mph
1 min @ 5.9 mph
1 min @ 6.0 mph
0.25 miles @ 7.0 mph
This workout got cut short due to people waiting on the treadmill.
YogaX. 75 min. I've decided this workout is super painful to do alone.

January 27 - KenpoX. 55:35. Burned 399 calories. Max HR 160. Avg HR 125. I wanted to get in an extra cardio workout today since we have our Biggest Loser weigh-in tomorrow morning.
Legs and Back. 1:07:18. burned 502 calories. Max HR 165. Avg HR 127. I used 10 and 15 lb dumbbells for this workout.

January 28 - Treadmill Run. 6 miles. 1:02:34.  Burned 766 calories. Max HR 183. Avg HR 166.
5 min @ 5.5 mph
5 min @ 5.6 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 5.8 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.3 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.0 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.0 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.0 mph
3 min @ 5.5 mph
3 min @ 6.0 mph
2 min @ 5.5 mph
1 min @ 5.6 mph
1 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 5.8 mph
1 min @ 5.9 mph
1 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 5.9 mph
1 min @ 5.8 mph
1 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 6.1 mph
1 min @ 6.2 mph

January 29 - Rest

January 30 - Rest

January 31 - Treadmill Run. 4.0 miles. 39:06. Burned 454 calories. Max HR 179. Avg HR 162.
5 min @ 5.7 mph
5 min @ 6.2 mph
5 min @ 5.7 mph
4 min @ 6.5 mph
4 min @ 5.7 mph
3 min @ 6.7 mph
3 min @ 5.7 mph
2 min @ 7.0 mph
2 min @ 5.7 mph
1 min @ 7.5 mph
1 min @ 6.0 mph
1 min @ 6.1 mph
1 min @ 6.2 mph
1 min @ 6.3 mph
1 min @ 6.4 mph
This was a phenomenal run for me.  I decided to challenge myself and bump up my speeds for the "treading" workout.  It worked and I felt great.  Apparently, I need to keep going at these speeds for February.
Core Synergistics. 58:16. Burned 458 calories. Max HR 164. Avg HR 130. I used 5 and 8 lb dumbbells.

What's for Dinner?

Tonight, I tried another new recipe from Cooking Light.  I made it and ate it and am waiting to hear Tim's opinion of it.  I think it needs LOTS more flavor...so if you have any suggestions, please pass them along.

Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 c. chopped onion
1 T. butter
1 T. minced garlic
1 1/2 T. flour
1 c. beef broth (I used the whole can)
1 T. taco seasoning mix (I used the whole package)
1 8 oz can of tomato sauce (I used a 15oz can)
4 (8 in) whole wheat flour tortillas (I used corn tortillas)
1/3 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese (I used fiesta blend cheese)

Directions:
1.  Heat a large nonstick skillet over med-high heat.  Add beef and onion to pan; cook 6 min, stirring to crumble.
2.  Preheat oven to 400.
3.  Melt butter in a medium saucepan over med-high heat.  Add garlic; saute 1 min. Sprinkle with flour; cook 30 sec, stirring constantly.  Add broth, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce to pan.  Bring to a boil; cook 2 min, stirring occasionally.  Add 1 1/2 c. tomato mixture to beef mixture; reserve 1/2 c. tomato mixture.
4.  Place 1 tortilla in a 9-inch pie plate.  Top with 1 c. beef mixture.  Repeat layers, ending with tortilla.  Spread reserved tomato mixture over tortilla.  Top with cheese.  Bake at 400 for 10 minutes or until cheese melts.  Cool slightly.  Cut into 4 wedges.

***I added a T. of cheese between each layer.  I also cooked the dish for about 25 min to melt the cheese. 

Please see nutritional information HERE.

So, like I said, I feel like it needs a BIG flavor boost.  If you have any suggestions, please comment!  I think this recipe is a keeper...I just need to tweak it a bit.

I Need Some Sunshine!

Kona LOVES the sunshine 

and will go around the house trying to find the best places
to lay in the sun.  

This afternoon, 

the only place he could find the sunshine was on the back of the couch.  

Apparently, my sweet giant dog thinks its okay to rest on the armrest of the couch

to catch the final rays of the day!

P.S. At least he laid his head on his toy instead of sliming the couch...

What's for Dinner?

Dinner tonight was a SMASHING success!  Tim couldn't stop talking about how yummy it was.  He even said the recipe was blog-worthy...so here you go!  The recipe is called "Cheesy Potato Soup" and I found it in my Cooking Light magazine.

Ingredients:
1 T. butter
1 c. chopped onion
2 1/2 T. flour
3 c. chopped red potatoes (Tim said he wished the potatoes were in smaller chunks.)
1 1/4 c. 1% milk (I used 1/2 c. of 2% milk and 3/4 c. skim milk.)
3/4 c. chicken broth
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese (I used a cup of reduced fat fiesta blend cheese...because I love cheese.)
1/8 t. ground red pepper
2 T. chopped green onions

Directions:
1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add onion to pan; saute 5 minutes or until onion is tender.  Sprinkle with flour; cook 1 minute, stirring onion mixture constantly. Add potato, milk, broth, and water to pan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes.  Add 1/2 c. cheese and ground red pepper; cook 2 minutes or until cheese melts, stirring frequently.  Top each serving evenly with green onions. (I added some cheese.)

**Tim said he would add some sort of meat...I would recommend bacon bits, but since we're trying to eat healthier, we just added some chopped up turkey I had leftover from dinner the other night.

You can find nutritional information from Cooking Light HERE.