tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74723789585904189862024-03-13T21:23:24.102-07:00The Fiery FoodieAshley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-31580584775064973522018-08-27T19:51:00.000-07:002018-08-27T19:51:23.855-07:00My Guacamole is the greatest!! And I am not just saying that. I can't ever buy prepared guac in the store. Even at restaurants sometime I am disappointed when I bite into a chip laden down with creamy green goodness. I've been making guac for years, but it wasn't until recently that really perfected my recipe. So here it is, sharing with you because I <3 you.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ashley's Guacamole </span></b><br />
Ingredients:<br />
2 large avocados, ripe<br />
3 tbsp red onion, diced<br />
1-2 tbsp jalepeno, diced (depending on how spicy you want it)<br />
1/4 cup cilantro<br />
1/2 tbsp cumin<br />
1/2 tbsp garlic powder<br />
1/2 tsp kosher salt<br />
Juice of 1 lime<br />
<br />
Instructions:<br />
Really easy! Mash the avocados, add in the remaining ingredients, stir. Add lime juice last. Enjoy!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113854829399449781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-18387300510016686402018-08-15T20:40:00.001-07:002018-08-15T20:40:47.753-07:00Finally... I'm BACK, plus chicken salad I LOVE! I'm baaaack!!!! I know it's been over two years, but after starting a new job and having a BABY (wha????) I have become re-energized to start this back up again. I'm still trying to figure out the best content for this page, so I welcome feedback and thoughts.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I have finally made a chicken salad recipe that I absolutely LOVE! Ya'll, seriously... I have made SO MANY chicken salad recipes and they were all "meh." Finally, finally I have found one I enjoy. I took what I love from a couple different ones and made one that I just can't stop eating. I hope you enjoy it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjrOUeevjtxWbqMuXQNK6zU9zIWp0zjmzkQZfsEO7-Q-ZSvK7ye6Kedam1fU8MnSwMTJQFDvFkY1B76Zan_a6-o4yU_BOocwbRmhyphenhyphenInUzMFST7ii6oN4U1R-X6TCZgfZVGj6XSyTbmxA/s1600/IMG_1349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjrOUeevjtxWbqMuXQNK6zU9zIWp0zjmzkQZfsEO7-Q-ZSvK7ye6Kedam1fU8MnSwMTJQFDvFkY1B76Zan_a6-o4yU_BOocwbRmhyphenhyphenInUzMFST7ii6oN4U1R-X6TCZgfZVGj6XSyTbmxA/s320/IMG_1349.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yummy Chicken Salad </span></b><br />
<b>Ingredients: </b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 rotisserie chicken, shredded and skin discarded - (you can roast your own chicken if you want, but I recommend just buying a roasted chicken from the store and shredding it when it gets to room temperature)</li>
<li>1 cup red grapes, halved</li>
<li>1 cup diced nuts - choose your favorite. I used walnuts, but almonds and pecans would be good</li>
<li>3 ribs of celery, diced</li>
<li>3 green onion stems, diced thin </li>
<li>2 heaping tbsp fresh dill </li>
<li>1 cup light or fat free mayonnaise </li>
<li>Juice of 1 lemon</li>
<li>1 1/2 tbs. dijon mustard</li>
<li>1 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/2 tsp pepper</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions: </b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>In an extra large bowl, mix together your dry ingredients (chicken, grapes, nuts, celery, onion)</li>
<li>In a small bowl, mix together your remaining ingredients </li>
<li>Add the wet ingredients to your dry ingredients and mix well. </li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<b>Tip 1:</b> Eat on crackers, as a sandwich or in a wrap. This is great to make for a crowd. Go to Costco and get one of those large containers of mini croissants and you can make mini chicken salad croissant sandwiches. They will be a party pleaser for sure!<br />
<br />
<b>Tip 2:</b> You'll notice the mixture might be a little dry. I recommend adding a little extra mayo to your bread or wrap when you assemble your sandwich. This ensures you get the proper amount of mayo to your taste.<br />
<br />
Keep in your fridge for up to a week and enjoy!!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113854829399449781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-69084066375192906342016-04-18T20:16:00.003-07:002016-04-18T20:16:43.421-07:00Chicken for DaysI love meals that you can cook once and turn into multiple meals. This is one of those. I whipped up this week-night meal and now I also have yummy chicken to add to salads for my work lunches throughout the week. Super easy, relatively healthy and so versatile!<br />
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<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Chicken Drumsticks</span></b><br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken drumsticks (I get the large, long package at the grocery store - usually less than $10!!) </li>
<li>Your choice of marinade. Here are some options: </li>
<ul>
<li>Raspberry Chipotle marinade (my favorite) </li>
<li>Frank's Hot Wing Sauce </li>
<li>BBQ Sauce </li>
<li>Honey Mustard </li>
<li>Italian Dressing </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
Basically, go to the sauce/marinade section of the grocery store and look at your ingredients. Try to stick with low calorie, low sodium options. Less than 100 calories per 2 tbsp. and try not to go over 200 mg. of sodium (this is difficult to do in a lot of marinades).<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions: </b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>THE NIGHT/DAY BEFORE: Separate your drumsticks into 1 gallon bags, based on how many different flavors you want to do. </li>
<li>Pour in marinade until chicken is pretty covered. Try for about 1/4 c. marinade per 3 drumsticks. </li>
<li>Close the bag, leave a little air in it. Shake around the chicken and the marinade until it's all pretty coated. </li>
<li>Then remove the extra air in the bag, close back up the Ziploc and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. This could stay in the fridge for a couple days. </li>
<li><b><i>Once ready to cook</i></b>, heat oven to 450 degrees. </li>
<li>Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lay the drumsticks onto the foil. </li>
<li>Bake for about 45 minutes or until the edges of the chicken are starting to char. </li>
<li>Remove from the oven and enjoy! </li>
</ul>
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If making for a dinner, I recommend pairing with sweet potato fries and a salad. I chopped up sweet potato fries and roasted them at the same time as the drumsticks. Made for a really quick meal.<br />
<br />
You can also shred up the chicken and heat it up to top salads or make into a sandwich or wrap. Endless possibilities!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113854829399449781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-47713854598984824552016-04-10T20:53:00.001-07:002016-04-10T20:53:50.497-07:00<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Delicious Chicken Tortilla Soup</b></span><div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This soup is super easy to make and can last you multiple meals. I divide it up into 3 GIANT bowls. :-)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ingredients: </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>2 tsp extra virgin olive oil </li>
<li>4 cloves of garlic, minced </li>
<li>1 sweet, yellow onion, minced</li>
<li>1 green bell pepper, minced</li>
<li>1 red bell pepper, minced </li>
<li>1 can sweet corn (unsalted), or 2 cups frozen corn </li>
<li>1 can black beans (unsalted) </li>
<li>1 can diced tomatoes (unsalted) </li>
<li>1 can tomato sauce </li>
<li>4 cups low sodium chicken broth </li>
<li>11 oz. of shredded chicken (I usually grab from a rotisserie chicken I've broken down) </li>
<li>1 packet of organic taco seasoning </li>
<li>1/2 packet of Hidden Valley Greek Yogurt ranch seasoning </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Directions: </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Pour EVOO, garlic, onion and bell peppers into a large soup pot. Cook until onions are starting to turn translucent. </li>
<li>Add corn, beans, and tomatoes. Cook for about a minute to get them warm. </li>
<li>Add tomato sauce, chicken broth, seasonings and shredded chicken. </li>
<li>Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 45 minutes. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Spice it Up: </div>
<div>
There are a few ways to spice up this dish. </div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>You can dice up 1 jalepeno and include it at the same stage you add the bell peppers. This will add some extra heat to your entire pot of soup. </li>
<li>Add pickled jalapeno and hot sauce to your finished product. This allows you to customize your heat level per bowl of soup. Some days you might want to have it super hot, other times not so much... this option allows you to customize it your way. </li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113854829399449781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-34317962410039421502016-04-10T20:39:00.001-07:002016-04-28T16:34:32.090-07:00<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Perfect Skinny Margarita!! </span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
I have perfected my favorite Skinny Margarita. To me, "skinny" means low calorie, all natural ingredients. The former being priority. So here you go, my friends. Here is my recipe. And I may have had a few before writing this, so please let me know if you would like me to clarify anything. :-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EIm2EtWuqVNTANnu9qqeja6sokLYmdZqhgHN9Q8VBXKKbI-U9Q_TeJmiYa7MUbznp-qHGK3Zaksm1OJ_Wv_7q6_5il1IAPD4U95UAk7rc1YSvD3Sk_pMi23CKz2Fovk12zXpQ8IOTFw/s1600/margarita.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EIm2EtWuqVNTANnu9qqeja6sokLYmdZqhgHN9Q8VBXKKbI-U9Q_TeJmiYa7MUbznp-qHGK3Zaksm1OJ_Wv_7q6_5il1IAPD4U95UAk7rc1YSvD3Sk_pMi23CKz2Fovk12zXpQ8IOTFw/s320/margarita.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ingredients (makes 1 margarita)<br />
<br />
Put the following in a shaker with a handful of ice:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 oz (1/4 cup) Tequila </li>
<li>1 tbsp. grand marnier </li>
<li>1 tbsp. fresh squeezed orange juice </li>
<li>3 tbsp. fresh squeezed lime juice </li>
<li>1/2 a packet of Stevia or Truvia</li>
</ul>
<br />
Shake a few times to get it nice and mixed up.<br />
<br />
Take a lime wedge and put it around the edge of a glass, Place the edge of the glass onto a plate filled with kosher salt to get a nice, salted rim.<br />
Strain ingredients into a high-ball glass.<br />
<br />
Pour in a splash of sparkling water (I like to use Lime La Croix)<br />
<br />
Top with ice. Enjoy!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113854829399449781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-46645672000674006502015-01-22T20:54:00.001-08:002015-01-22T20:54:32.857-08:00Curry Chicken with Mango ChutneyINGREDIENTS:<div>2 chicken breasts</div><div>1 tbsp curry powder </div><div>1/4 tsp salt</div><div>1/2 tsp black pepper</div><div>1 tbsp olive oil </div><div>1/2 cup nonfat greek yogurt</div><div>1/4 cup mango chutney (find in the Asian food aisle of the grocery store)</div><div>3 tbsp sliced green onions</div><div>1 package naan bread (find in the fresh bakery section of the store)</div><div>Mixed greens</div><div><br></div><div>DIRECTIONS:</div><div>1. Put chicken on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Pound it with a mallet or heavy glass to about 1/2 inch thick. </div><div>2. Combine curry powder, salt and 1/4 tsp pepper and cover the chicken with the mixture on both sides. </div><div>3. Put a little oil in a skillet, cook the chicken breasts a few minutes on each side until done. Then let it rest a few minutes. When ready to serve, slice into strips. </div><div>4. In a small bowl, combine yogurt, chutney, green onions and 1/4 tsp pepper. </div><div>5. Place naan in oven at 400 degrees for a few minutes to get it warm. Cut it in half lengthwise. </div><div>6. To make a sandwich, take a half of the naan, spread some sauce on it, place some pieces of chicken and mixed greens on it and fold in half. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA22YG8n0YByjJtfdEVUaqcsxM_ar46P9OlTXFcrT4sk_GO9T-ISTz59y-D_6v6OG5cVJtpi5hV4_nUxgcLeK48-_9RR0id0Yk2zb7uw49I55h5H66S6pK9gGF8aVEfRiDYdL7vxB6RIk/s640/blogger-image-286143623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA22YG8n0YByjJtfdEVUaqcsxM_ar46P9OlTXFcrT4sk_GO9T-ISTz59y-D_6v6OG5cVJtpi5hV4_nUxgcLeK48-_9RR0id0Yk2zb7uw49I55h5H66S6pK9gGF8aVEfRiDYdL7vxB6RIk/s640/blogger-image-286143623.jpg"></a></div>Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-23547306981581256642015-01-22T20:40:00.001-08:002015-01-22T20:40:56.281-08:00Honey Sriracha Chicken!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcIvGskRB-doT5NejA0Hv38OHcBPaM1fAXGQYWlxKmw60Fvf4MGs4T-UZ42dFWXh3Z5g3aQx10ttgU8HgrP_hcD9qz27QSyDW8HMqF5qZtGCaVDBqBZr1HdDVc4UU-0Qzt2Mm5WB0lE4/s640/blogger-image-695288947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcIvGskRB-doT5NejA0Hv38OHcBPaM1fAXGQYWlxKmw60Fvf4MGs4T-UZ42dFWXh3Z5g3aQx10ttgU8HgrP_hcD9qz27QSyDW8HMqF5qZtGCaVDBqBZr1HdDVc4UU-0Qzt2Mm5WB0lE4/s640/blogger-image-695288947.jpg"></a></div>INGREDIENTS:<div>3-4 chicken breasts</div><div>1/3 cup + 1 tbsp Corn starch</div><div>1 cup water</div><div>2 tbsp Sriracha </div><div>5 tbsp low sodium soy sauce</div><div>1 tbsp minced garlic</div><div>1/4 cup sugar OR (to make it healthier 2 tbsp agave + 1 tbsp molasses)</div><div>2 tbsp honey </div><div>Brown rice </div><div>Favorite Veggies</div><div><br></div><div>DIRECTIONS:</div><div>1. Dice up chicken into bite sized pieces and put into a large Ziploc with 1/3 cup corn starch. Shake it up to coat. </div><div><br></div><div>2. In a saucepan, mix the water, Sriracha, sugar (agave/molasses), soy sauce, garlic, honey. </div><div><br></div><div>3. Bring to a boil. Meanwhile mix 1 tbsp water with 1 tbsp corn starch. Add to the sauce to thicken and remove from heat. </div><div><br></div><div>4. In a large skillet, heat up your favorite veggies, set aside. </div><div><br></div><div>5. Put a little oil in the skillet and add the chicken. Cook until cooked through. </div><div><br></div><div>6. Cook the rice according to package directions. </div><div><br></div><div>7. Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken so that everything is heated up. </div><div><br></div><div>8. Assemble your meal! Rice, veggies, chicken and sauce! </div>Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-77702230512043563492014-09-04T12:28:00.001-07:002014-09-04T12:28:34.718-07:00One Recipe, Endless PossibilitiesIt's important to me, as someone who is trying to lose weight and someone who wants to help others, that I find healthy recipes that are DELICIOUS! The 21 Day Fix has been extremely helpful for me to have lost 25 pounds so far, and I've been able to do that because I get to eat REAL food and YUMMY food! So I continuously search for, find, and modify recipes to make everything I eat mouth watering. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks to Martha Stewart, I have found a great recipe that has endless possibilities to modify into several different meals. I made these Honey Chipotle Turkey Meatballs on Monday night and I've already had them in two different lunches at work!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Lunch 1:</b> I mixed them with some brown rice and sauteed bell peppers and onions to make a great, balanced lunch. </div>
<div>
1.5 <span style="color: red;">Red</span>, 1 <span style="color: yellow;">Yellow</span>, 1 <span style="color: #38761d;">Green</span>, 1 <span style="color: #76a5af;">Spoon</span> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Lunch 2:</b> I crumbled them into a whole wheat tortilla with some cheese to make a quesadilla</div>
<div>
1 <span style="color: red;">Red</span>, 1 <span style="color: blue;">Blue</span>, 1 <span style="color: yellow;">Yellow</span>, 1/2 <span style="color: #76a5af;">Spoon</span></div>
<div>
*I added a side of green beans and sauteed mushrooms to get my <span style="color: #38761d;">Greens</span> in and make sure it was balanced!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, here it is. Enjoy! (Thanks, Martha!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Honey-Chipotle Turkey Meatballs</span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>INGREDIENTS: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>1 pound ground turkey</li>
<li>1/2 small yellow onion, diced</li>
<li>2 garlic cloves, minced</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. salt</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. pepper</li>
<li>2 tbsp. honey</li>
<li>1-2 tbsp. chopped chipotle peppers in adobe sauce (depending on spice level you prefer)</li>
<li>2 tsp. cider vinegar</li>
<li>1 tbsp. EVOO</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>DIRECTIONS:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 375 degrees</li>
<li>In a large bowl, mix turkey, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix. </li>
<li>Form into meatballs</li>
<li>In a small bowl, stir together honey, chipotle peppers, and vinegar</li>
<li>In a large, oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil and add meatballs to brown on all sides. This should take about 10-12 minutes</li>
<li>Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes</li>
<li>Remove from oven and pour the honey mixture over the top of the meatballs. Swirl them around in the pan so they are coated with yummy goodness. </li>
<li>Put back in oven for another 5 minutes. </li>
<li>Remove and enjoy any way you'd like! But don't forget to mash them into a red container to measure! I formed the meatballs about quarter size and found that I could fit about 4 in a red container. </li>
</ol>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113854829399449781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-24283926498648206402014-06-30T16:54:00.000-07:002014-06-30T16:54:16.753-07:00Why I Chose to CoachIt was only months ago when I was in such a dark place, I didn't know how I could get out. Throughout my alopecia, my self-esteem had completely disappeared. Z tried to help, tell me I was still beautiful... but I couldn't get out. I had gained about 50 pounds and constantly made excuses as to why I couldn't change. I wanted to be healthier, but I had no idea how to begin.<br />
<br />
Moving to Seattle really helped. Sometimes, when you move to a new city, it gives you a completely new perspective on things. It allows you to look at things, not from what they are, but at what they <i>could </i>be. All around me I saw people here enjoying life - living life to their absolute fullest. At the end of each week they asked, "What are you doing this weekend?"<br />
<br />
"Going skiing."<br />
<br />
"Going camping."<br />
<br />
"Taking a weekend trip to wine country and biking from winery to winery."<br />
<br />
I was green with envy. I wanted their lives.<br />
<br />
Then, one day I saw a post on Facebook from a friend about the 21 Day Fix. It's a new nutrition program released by Beachbody - the same company that launched the extremely successful Insanity and P90X. I was drawn to the fact that it wasn't a diet - it seemed like an educational tool that would help me learn portion control and how to balance my food groups to maximize my health and energy. I could eat real food and even make up my own recipes that fall into the program. Now, I love to cook, so being creative in the kitchen was a must for me.<br />
<br />
In addition to the program, I also received Shakeology - a vitamin shake powder I could mix with all sorts of different fruits and other ingredients to have as a snack or meal. I had tried other protein shakes, but this one was so delicious and so versatile.<br />
<br />
Within days, I could immediately tell a difference. My energy level was so much better, my stomach aches were disappearing, and I was finally starting to feel like myself again. I started running with Z in the morning, I started working out at the gym. I have never felt better in my life!<br />
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<br />
Today, I am 15 pounds lighter, inches thinner... I mean I am running out of clothes that fit!!! I have never felt healthier in my life. And what's better, this is a lifestyle I can keep. It's not some fad diet where I am going to gain it all back when I started eating normally again. I am already eating normally!<br />
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I have never felt better and I feel it's my honor and duty to pay it forward. The team I have joined is compelled by a mutual desire to change lives and to help reverse the obesity epidemic in this country. If I can inspire just one person to become a healthier version of themselves, then I will feel like I've won. Do I make money doing this? Well, we will see! Yes, I will get a commission if I inspire anyone to purchase a Beachbody product, but that's not why I'm doing it. So, I will use this blog to post recipes, fitness things I'm doing and anything else inspiring I come across. I can't wait to continue this next chapter in my life and I hope I can help you start yours.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18113854829399449781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-63836541993261526582014-02-26T17:36:00.003-08:002014-02-26T17:36:29.300-08:002014: The Year of the PurgeWell, we’ve done it. We’ve made the move to the Pacific
Northwest. However, it hasn’t come without its trials, triumphs, and harsh
realizations. The emotional journey really began just a few short weeks ago
when I sat in our big, 4-bedroom house in McKinney surrounded by boxes. Before that, everything was happening so fast
that I didn’t even have time to stop and take a breath. Now that it was the
evening before the movers would come to pack up the truck, everything was
hitting me like a freight train. What are we getting ourselves into?!? Z was in
Seattle interviewing for jobs and I wasn’t about to call and lay all this on
him during such an important time. So I just sat on our mattress, staring at
hundreds of boxes that extended to every corner of the house. I sat there in
silence and just contemplated the leap we were about to take. I can probably categorize
the wave of emotion hitting me into three very different distinct areas. I will separate them into different posts so
as not to get too lengthy. But the first one, was definitely more about the imminent
matter at hand.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Are we HOARDERS????</h2>
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Now, it’s important to know that Z and I do not collect
things. One might think Z collects TCU apparel by all the purple in his closet,
but that is not quite accurate. We have never been collectors. In fact, I had
always considered us quite good at getting rid of things we don’t need. We go
through our closets every year and donate clothes we don’t wear to charity.
Before big purchases, we have serious conversations about the difference
between want and need. But, on February 4, 2014 I was starting to have doubts.
The previous weekend some wonderful ladies from a company called Home Sweet
Home had come to help us go through the house and determine how to pare down
our items to shift from a 4-bedroom home to a 1-bedroom apartment. In all, we
had gotten rid of 2,400 pounds worth of items! When they pulled out of the
driveway, Z and I looked at each other and smiled, quite proud of ourselves and
all the purging we had done.<br />
However, today I knew it wasn’t enough. We had 154 boxes to
take to Seattle with us. How on earth had we accumulated enough stuff to fill
154 boxes? The harsh reality was staring straight at me in the form of
cardboard. We were not minimalists. In fact, were we hoarders? We had so many conversations
on things we wanted – a new computer, a new ipad, add-ons to my Kitchen Aid
mixer… But it was obvious that we already had more than we needed. It was time
for us to go through a major purging – time for us to figure out what in life
we <i>needed</i> versus what in life we <i>wanted</i>. Previous conversations in that
regard had all centered on cost. Is the cost of this item worth our level of
need versus our level of want? But we had never truly had the conversation
about what we wanted to be surrounded by on a daily basis. Whenever something
was in question, the answer was always “Well, we might as well keep it. You never
know when we will need it. We have the room, let’s just stick it _____.”<br />
<br />
To be honest, we are still going through this process. As we
tried to settle into our apartment and unpack boxes, we began by determining whether
we would actually use the item on a weekly basis. If the answer was yes, it was
definitely staying in the apartment. If it was no, it was going to storage.<br />
<br />
But, there is going to come a day when we have to go through
that storage unit and figure out what to do with everything. How do you decide?
For example, if it’s a broken ceramic item or bowl handed down by your great
grandmother… you think it is hideous and would never display it in your home…
but do you keep it anyway for sentimental reasons? Do you get rid of things you
don’t need right now, but may want or need 5 years from now?<br />
<br />
I think this process of purging has been an eye opener for
me. (And, maybe it’s a little bit of the hippy nature of Seattle influencing me
as well.) But I think it’s time we simplify our lives. Simplify what we eat,
simplify what we do, simplify our priorities and simplify our goals. This move
to Seattle was already a big part of that – it allows us to focus on our relationship
and our life together as a couple, what we want to make of it. I think, if we
focus on keeping the things in our lives that enhance our lives, enhance our
relationship and get rid of anything that goes against that… that would be a
really good start to this roller coaster!<br />
<br />
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Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-91006410334439871692014-01-25T20:15:00.002-08:002014-01-25T20:15:43.251-08:00Top 10 Things Texas Gave MeAs my time living in Texas comes to a close, I can't help but think of the past 7.5 years as some of the best in my life. Moving here was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. It opened new doors for my career, my love life, and my personal development. Texas helped make me the woman I am today and I will forever be grateful. I have about a week and a half left here, and this imminent fact causes me to reflect upon all the blessings this great state has given me. So, here it is - a countdown to the Top 10 Things Texas Gave Me.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">10. Cowboy Boots</span></b><br />
<img height="289" src="http://cdn-s3-3.wanelo.com/product/image/5040498/original.jpg" width="400" /><br />
I never really had a love for footwear. This is mainly due to the fact that the prettiest shoes are high heels, and I've always been too tall to appreciate them. But the great state of Texas introduced me to the variety and pleasure that are cowboy boots. They are relatively flat (only a slight heel) and come in a variety of colors and styles. I now own four pair and constantly crave more!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">9. Pride in Where I Call Home</span></b><br />
<img src="http://www.funnyfur.com/productimages/doggystyledesigns/tanks/tx.jpg" /><br />
I'll never forget when I first moved to Texas and was shocked that every TV station, every radio station, all I heard was "here in Texas" or "The great state of Texas." I remember my roommate and I watching a local TV commercial and laughing out loud at the car salesman who spent half his time touting the greatness of his home state. Texans have so much pride and who they are and where they come from that it is contagious. It didn't take me long to become proud to call myself a Texan. It made me realize how important it was to me that I absolutely love where I live, where I call home. That's why, when Z and I decided we wanted to try living somewhere else, we made sure to find a city that we would be proud to call home. And we believe we have found that in Seattle.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">8. Texas Country Music</span></b><br />
<img height="228" src="http://inthemusicroom.com/jpgs/sb35web3.jpg" width="400" /><br />
The first time I heard Texas Country music was in college when my good friend Ashlin introduced me to Pat Green and Cross Canadian Ragweed. I instantly fell in love! Since moving here, I've been introduced so many more bands and so many songs about Texas, about love, about the pride of living in a place that is all about enjoying life. The beat of the music, the lyrics, they get me every time.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">7. Tex Mex</span></b><br />
<img height="266" src="http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/IMG_7776s.jpg" width="400" /><br />
You all obviously know I am a foodie. I LOVE cooking new recipes and trying new cuisines. My love for spicy and flavorful food was certainly ignited when I moved here. From sour cream chicken enchiladas and tamales to tablitas and carne asada. Oh, and the margaritas! The margaritas!! I love it all and will miss it when we move. I just hope I can find ways to recreate it in Seattle.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">6. Independence</span></b><br />
<img height="400" src="http://005f787.netsolhost.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/road_trips_in_texas.jpg" width="400" /><br />
While my independence started at a young age, when I first had to get a job to pay for my own expenses. Moving to Texas taught me an entirely new kind of independence. It's not just a separation from my family. I had that all through college. Moving to Texas gave me a new found sense of finding my way in life - helping me determine what I wanted to accomplish and what kind of woman I wanted to be. It didn't always go smoothly. I had many years of faltering and poor decisions, but I had noone to rely on buy myself. I was completely on my own, and I grew so much as a result.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Love of the Water</span></b><br />
<img height="298" src="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/556919_10100202079133774_435147800_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
My true love of the water started at the Colley's lake house during high school summers. But in Texas is where my appreciation for lakes and boats grew exponentially. Z bought a boat about a month after we started dating and it showed me that we shared a lot of the same passions. I learned to wakeboard in Texas, I learned to drive a boat in Texas, I even learned how to back up the boat/trailer down the ramp! I will truly miss our times on her, but I know we will find new adventures on the West coast. This is my favorite picture of our boat tied up to the dock in Cedar Creek.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Friends</span></b><br />
<img height="298" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/429720_743190962859_1912491701_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
I developed some really great friendships in Texas. Some are still here, others have moved on, but the friendships I have made and the lessons I have learned from these ladies will be with me forever. Whether i is the friendships I made at The Richards Group in my first few years, the ladies I trained with for the marathon, or those that I grew with as we all began to fall in love... I feel so grateful!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Appreciation for my Liberalism </span></b><br />
<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/3318155846/f4a8e464aaceacc086fbb7e9057e0767.png" /><br />
As everyone knows, Texas is a VERY conservative state. I mean the amount of backward thinking here on social issues sometimes just makes me want to vomit. However, I will say that living in Texas has made me appreciate the conservative stance on fiscal situations. Texas has consistently produced fantastic economies, even during the recession. But being a liberal in a conservative state has also made me become more steadfast in my beliefs in marriage equality, freedom of choice, legalization of marijuana, among others. Texas may be the last to come around to some of these issues, but I'm glad these people didn't rub off on my too much. :-) Washington will appreciate me!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. A Fantastic Career</span></b><br />
<img height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553191_10101960125325090_217954499_n.jpg" width="300" /><br />
If it wasn't for my move to Texas, I never would have found this fantastic career in marketing. I first owe it to The Richards Group for recruiting me out of undergrad to come down here and work. I never would have had a reason to move here without that job offer. But my job at Frito-Lay is what really made me love marketing. All the skills I developed and the people I worked with, the things I was able to accomplish... it really renewed my love of this industry.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. My Husband</span></b><br />
<img height="265" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/t1/181005_10100920592003200_1356668881_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
By far, the best thing Texas has given me is my wonderful husband. I won't lie. Texas gave me some other relationships - some good, some disastrous. But just when I thought I was done with love and done with Texas, Z walked into my life. At the time, I was ready to leave this state and never look back, but meeting this amazing man pulled me right back. If I owe anything to this great state, it's thanks for giving me a fantastic life and a fantastic future with my best friend and the love of my life. When we have kids, when we have grand kids, I will look at them and know they are a result of the great state of Texas. I am forever changed and forever grateful.<br />
<b>God Bless Texas. </b>Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-29182514901068213142014-01-09T13:02:00.001-08:002014-01-09T15:10:34.173-08:00We are moving!For a long time now, Z and I have been talking about taking an adventure. We've dreamed of packing our things and moving to a new city where neither of us have ever lived. The idea of doing this is scary. Z has lived in the DFW metroplex his entire life. We both have great jobs, have built a wonderful life here. Everything is pointing to us taking the next step in our relationship - have a baby, buy a house, grow old together. But what if we didn't? We are still young. We have our whole lives to have babies and buy houses. What if we did what noone expected?<br>
<br>
So that's what we are going to do. In one month, we will be hitting the road and setting off for Seattle, Washington. We can't wait for this next chapter in our lives. The mountains, the ocean, the culture, the amazing culinary scene - we can't wait to consume it all! So get ready friends. We will document it all for you to enjoy. But if you want the true experience, well, you will just have to come visit!!<br>
<br>
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<br>Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-3497491556346723582013-09-16T10:47:00.000-07:002013-09-16T10:47:18.709-07:00One of my Faves!When I studied abroad in France, this was one of my favorite things to make. It's a spin off a salad nicoise and makes for a filling, well-rounded lunch. I like to cook the rice and egg the night before and then assemble for an easy work lunch. You can also add any other fresh veggies you want to the following ingredients. I've added diced bell peppers, celery, and even cucumber before.<br />
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<b>Salad Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup cooked rice (think leftovers from dinner or you can buy those single serve microwavable cups of rice)</li>
<li>1/2 can whole kernel sweet corn</li>
<li>1 can tuna in water, drained</li>
<li>1 hard boiled egg, diced</li>
<li>Tomatoes (I usually use grape tomatoes or dice up some small, on-the-vine ones that are sweet)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Dressing Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 tablespoon EVOO</li>
<li>2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar</li>
<li>1/2 tsp dijon mustard</li>
<li>Salt & pepper</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
To keep the salad as fresh as possible, keep rice (if leftover and not microwavable) and egg in one large container. Microwave for approximately 40 seconds to bring up to room temperature.<br />
Next, add corn and tuna straight from the cans. Add tomato and any other vegetables.<br />
<br />
Put all the dressing ingredients into a small tupperware container. When all your salad ingredients are mixed together, shake up the dressing in the container and pour over the salad.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
<br />Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-32307988305229823372013-06-26T19:18:00.001-07:002013-06-26T19:18:24.691-07:00The Best Nuts You'll Ever Eat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ak9KXYMkCIDMcV_L2w7tS1xePj2nzEBzMatBQX-7m7m1FsNV7VpqZdjXfwadNQhwJM_pTbirlolBh1lMpHBeYH4cR9MJOE-atjrUbK_cHmdMUDF1gsW2H4wjyYa8OjUT9TL8_Y0THKA/s640/blogger-image--948987906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ak9KXYMkCIDMcV_L2w7tS1xePj2nzEBzMatBQX-7m7m1FsNV7VpqZdjXfwadNQhwJM_pTbirlolBh1lMpHBeYH4cR9MJOE-atjrUbK_cHmdMUDF1gsW2H4wjyYa8OjUT9TL8_Y0THKA/s640/blogger-image--948987906.jpg"></a></div>One day I was having a lazy afternoon and had a Food Network marathon. It was a perfect day! I came across the show "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" and Giada started talking about these mixed nuts that she was just crazy about! It made my mouth water seeing these warm, flavorful morsels come out of the oven. I just had to learn how to make them. I did just that last weekend for Katie's birthday party and everyone agreed. Giada was right!! <div>Now, usually I take recipes I find and I make changes, add my own twist to them. But in this case, that would be disrespectful to the masterpiece The Union Square Cafe has created! Therefore, I'm just going to post the link directly for you. Please make these at a time you can eat or serve them right away. They are so good warm!!</div><div>Oh, you can always throw a handful of the leftovers in the microwave for 30 seconds or so any time you need a snack. ;-) </div><div>ENJOY!!!</div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/the-union-square-cafes-bar-nuts-recipe/index.html</span></div>Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-39437175521791964492013-06-17T19:06:00.000-07:002013-06-17T19:09:02.821-07:00Thai Chile TacosObviously I love a sweet & spicy combo and this recipe was just perfect! You can easily adjust it to make it sweeter (add more sugar) or spicier (add more chile sauce). I started the steaks marinating before I left for work this morning and cooked everything else after an exhautsing yoga/pilates workout! It was filling, light, and FULL of flavor. Enjoy!!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thai Chile Tacos</span></b> w/ Asian Slaw & Spicy Sour Cream<br />
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Steak Ingredients<br />
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<ul>
<li>1 tsp. minced garlic</li>
<li>1 1/2 tsp. grated <u>fresh </u>ginger (don't use ginger powder... seriously... huge difference)</li>
<li>1 tbsp. sugar</li>
<li>1 1/2 tsp. fish sauce (don't worry, you can find this even at Walmart in the Asian aisle)</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. chili garlic sauce (also in the Asian aisle, a staple... you should really have this in your pantry if you're a fiery foodie like me)</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. black pepper</li>
<li>2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce</li>
<li>1 pound flank steak (or any thin cut, tender steak)</li>
<li>Cooking spray</li>
</ul>
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<br />
Slaw Ingredients<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 tsp. chili garlic sauce</li>
<li>1 1/2 tsp. fish sauce</li>
<li>1/1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger</li>
<li>1 tbsp. sugar</li>
<li>2 tbs. rice wine vinegar</li>
<li>1/4 cup lime juice</li>
<li>2 tsp. minced garlic</li>
<li>3 cups packaged angel hair slaw</li>
<li>2 cups packaged matchstick carrots</li>
<li>1/4 cups sliced green onion</li>
<li>1/2 cup fresh cilantro </li>
</ul>
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<br />
Other Ingredients<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>8 corn tortillas (you can use flour, but corn is so much better for you!)</li>
<li>6-8 tbsp. Light Sour Cream </li>
<li>1 tbsp. Sriracha </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Combine first 7 Steak ingredients into a large gallon-size ziploc bag. Mix/shake ingredients together, then add in the steak and let it marinate. It should marinate at least 20 minutes, but I prefer to throw it together before work and let it sit in the fridge soaking up the flavor all day long!</li>
<li>When you get home or are ready to get started, first prepare the slaw. Combine the first 7 ingredients and whisk together in a large bowl. Next, add the cabbage/slaw, carrots, green onion, and cilantro. Toss everything together really well. </li>
<li>Spray down the grill really well and heat it up for the steak. Once hot, throw the steak on and cook it 3-5 minutes on each side depending on the thickness of the steak and how you like it done. Once you remove the steak from the grill. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before you cut it up! Some people like to cut flank steak into strips, but I can't stand biting into a steak taco and having a whole piece of steak pull right out with the bite. Therefore, I prefer to cut into cubes. </li>
<li>While the steaks are cooking, combine the sour cream and sriracha and heat up your tortillas. For those that don't live in Texas and need instructions on heating up corn tortillas you can do one of two things - wrap in aluminum foil and pop them in the oven OR for a faster finish wrap them in a wet paper towel and throw in the microwave for a minute or so. </li>
<li>Finally, it's time to EAT!!! Take a warm corn tortilla and spread with the sour cream sauce, next add some steak and finally some slaw. Yummy!!</li>
</ol>
<div>
**Reference Recipe: Cooking Light April 2008<br />
Nutrition Information: </div>
<div>
Serving Size: 2 tacos</div>
<div>
Calories: 450 calories/serving</div>
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Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-56237517688621179862013-06-17T11:04:00.003-07:002013-06-17T11:04:55.799-07:00I'm Back!!In case you haven't heard, my hair has grown back!!!!<br />
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The good news is, I finished treatment 3 months ago and still haven't had any bald patches. The bad news is, between the steroid injections last year and the mild depression I experienced losing all my hair, I've gained weight. A lot of weight. I tried to lose the weight by cutting things out and dieting here and there, but dieting just doesn't work for me.<br />
<br />
In an attempt to shed the pounds, I've decided to reinvigorate my blog with healthy recipes that actually taste good! If I can still cook and still eat foods that taste delicious, then I'm much more likely to do well. I like to take recipes I find in Cooking Light and other healthy websites, then add my own twist and spin to them.<br />
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Be on the look out for great recipes coming from me soon!Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-58071244387361936712013-02-13T20:41:00.001-08:002013-02-13T20:41:28.186-08:00Progress10 sessions, 3 weeks per session... 30 weeks since I started treatment. It's been over a year since I first started losing my hair. When I think back to the past year, I of course think of my wedding and my amazing honeymoon, but I also think of the emotional turmoil I have been through. It started with shock and denial, escalated with anger and embarrassment, and ultimately culminated in what my therapist called a "mild depression." The depression led to overeating, less exercise and subsequently a significant weight gain. A new year signifies new beginnings, and although it is February, I am finally realizing that significant changes are in order if I truly want to put the past behind me.<br />
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My first step was of course treatment and making myself feel better as I came out of my shell and reentered society. Treatments have been incredible. Every three weeks I go in to have an abrasive chemical put onto my scalp. It burns, it itches, and often it blisters and peels. It certainly hasn't been fun. In fact, in spite of nurse Janette's upbeat attitude, it has been miserable. But yesterday, when I took my hat off and my jolly nurse looked down at my scalp, she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Her staff had been treating me the past few months, so it had been a while since she'd seen me.<br />
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"You are doing so well!" she exclaimed. "I love seeing success stories. Your hair is just so beautiful."<br />
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My hair? Beautiful? I almost began laughing. I sat back and prepared for my scalp to be drenched in acid. She took the end of her giant Q-tip and began running it through my hair, inspecting all my bald spots, searching for new ones. By now I was used to the drill so I concentrated on the book I had in my hand.<br />
<br />
"You know," she began, "on your next visit you should make an appointment with Dr. Cruz."<br />
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"Why?" I asked.<br />
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"Well, you are doing extremely well. I think you are ready to be dismissed. I just need to put a little here and a little there, and other than that you are good."<br />
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She had literally barely put anything on my scalp. Dismissed? Done? Is this really happening? Had my hair actually grown back? The good news was more than I could take. I thought it would be years since I would hear something like that. Tears instantly started welling up in my eyes. This is really happening!<br />
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So now that my hair is on the mend, it is time to take a hard look at my other issue. The long-lasting result of my depression - the weight gain. It's time to fully focus on getting myself healthy and fit again. I really don't know where to begin, but I know I will figure it out. I have so much support - my family, my husband, my friends. I tackled allopecia, I've got to be able to tackle this. I just need to develop a game plan...Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-17558696380460841422012-12-28T20:05:00.001-08:002012-12-28T20:05:38.747-08:00The Woman Who Made Me BeautifulIt was definitely a relief that I had finally found a treatment that seemed to be working. No more bouncing around doctors and I could finally have hope that one day I may look normal again. However, it certainly wasn't a quick fix. My hair was growing back extremely slowly. Worse than that, the bald spot on top of my head had grown so large it could no longer be covered with head scarves. At first I had found ways to comb my hair over to the side and pin it in a way that covered everything. As long as I used a lot of hair spray and the wind didn't blow, I could maybe pass it off. However, now that was no longer an option either. It was hats or nothing.<br />
<br />
Months ago I had come to the realization that maybe I would need to shave my head and get a wig. At this point, I was thinking that was probably inevitable I could not go through wearing hats every day for the next year... or however long it would take for my hair to grow back. You know, if I had to shave my head and get a wig, maybe I would have a head shaving party to take away the sting. As I began planning what that party might look like, the reality sank in even further. At 28 years-old, I was really talking about shaving my head?<br />
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The more impossible it became to cover up my bald spots, the more emotional I became. My husband tried his hardest to console me, but it was to no avail. At least once a day I would break out into tears. Sometimes it was in the bathroom at work after I glanced in the mirror and saw the baldness sticking through my hair. Many times it was in the car on the way home from work. Once, I even began crying at my desk when I saw an older picture of me on Facebook and thought I may never look like that again.<br />
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See, there is something people... well mainly MEN don't realize about us women. Our identities as women are very closely tied to two things: our breasts and our hair. These two things allow us to celebrate our womanhood as well as our personality and our self-identity. We dye our hair, cut it, wear it in different styles. We buy products to make it curly, to make it straight. When we have a good hair day, it starts us off in a great mood that carries us through the rest of the day. Our hair is the reason it takes us over an hour to get ready. When we lose this, it leaves us lost. It leaves us wondering where to go from here. How do I celebrate myself, celebrate my womanhood without my hair?<br />
<br />
So I began an online search for wig stores. Where else to start? I might as well use Google. I had noone else to go to for advice or help. I was on my own. I knew I had to go somewhere that would help me determine the best type or style of wig to get. I couldn't do this anymore on my own. I really needed some help. I found a place in downtown Dallas that seemed to focus on wigs for cancer patients. That may be a good route to take. But almost as soon as I began my search, I realized I was in for a hefty task. Wigs were so expensive!! How could we ever afford this?<br />
<br />
After hours of searching, I suddenly came across a salon in McKinney that claimed to have a specialty in helping cancer patients with wigs. Well, this place was just down the street. Maybe I could pop in for a consultation. That would at least give me an idea of what I would be dealing with.<br />
<br />
I walked into Shear Image by Rene completely nervous. I didn't have a grand to drop on a wig and I didn't want this woman to think I was wasting her time. Rene walked up to me with a warm smile and a friendly greeting. She gestured me to the back of the salon where she had a separate room specifically for wig consultations. "Most of my clients like the privacy because they aren't comfortable with others seeing," she explained.<br />
"I really appreciate that," I replied. I slowly took off my hat to reveal the baldness I was dealing with. I held my breath and waited for... I don't know what I was waiting for. Would she jump into a sales pitch and bring down a $1500 wig that would make me look like a completely different person? Would she ask me to shave the rest of my hair off?<br />
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"Well you still have a lot of hair left," she said. "That's great!"<br />
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"It is?" I asked. Maybe she wouldn't suggest I shave it off then.<br />
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"I know exactly what you need," she exclaimed. She began rummaging through drawers and finally pulled out what looked like half of a wig. "Well, this isn't the one I would recommend, but it is close. Actually, the one I would recommend has holes in it so you can pull your hair through the top to help it blend really well. I used to have one of those, but I had a lady come in last week with a similar issue that you have. The one I had in the shop was her exact hair color and she just begged me to purchase it right then because she was leaving on a business trip. I just couldn't say no."<br />
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"Ok," I said. She was talking so fast and it was all a blur. You mean, there is someone else around here with a similar problem to mine? It wasn't just me? She came over to where I was sitting in front of the mirror and she placed it on my head.<br />
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"Now, we can style this however you want. We can dye it to match your hair color, we can cut it to help it blend, we will make it look so natural. You won't believe how great this will look." I looked at myself in the mirror and I really didn't recognize myself. It had been so long since I had seen a part on top of my head. It had been a long time since hair had framed my face.<br />
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"How much is it?" I asked, afraid of the response.<br />
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"The cost of the hair piece is $300. I know that is a big pricey, but it should last year more than a year. I will include the cut and style at no cost." Compared to the prices I had seen for full wigs, this was a steal! And, I wouldn't have to shave my head. I'd actually get to style my own hair!!<br />
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Two weeks later, I walked back into the salon, ready to finally feel like a woman again. Rene approached me with a look of apprehension. "Unfortunately, we had a patient come in and he is still back in the consultation room," she said. "Would you mind terribly if we at least just washed your hair out here in the salon?"<br />
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I instantly got a knot in my stomach. For a while, I had been thinking I needed to be more open about my disease. The stress and the tension I experienced every day, wondering if someone could see my bald spot, was not healthy. And, maybe if more people knew about this, talked about this disease, it would be a lot easier for others to find answers than it was for me.<br />
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"You know," I said, "Let's just do the whole thing out here. Wash, dye, style, let's just do it all out here."<br />
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"Really?" Rene asked. "Oh my gosh, that would be great. The girls at the salon have never seen me do this before and I would love for them to see how this is done. It would be really great for them if you really don't mind."<br />
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"Let's do it," I said with confidence. "And I want bangs too. I've wanted to have bangs my entire life and I never could because my hair was so fine. Well, I definitely don't have that problem now, do I. so, I'd like to have bangs."<br />
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As she began to work, my excitement began to grow. I got a few strange looks and experienced some whispers in the salon, but the employees were fantastic. They asked me questions, told me how fantastic this was going to look. I felt like I was in the middle of family even though I had never met anyone. One older woman was getting her hair washed and she whispered to the lady washing her hair, "Why is that girl up there bald? Is that a new hair style kids are doing these days?" I almost burst out laughing and I saw the stylist was holding back a chuckle as well.<br />
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"No, ma'am. She has something called allopecia. It causes her hair to fall out. We are getting her fitted with a wig today."<br />
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Another woman came up to me as I waited for my hair dye to settle. She grabbed my hands in hers and I felt her place a small laminated card into the palm of my hands. She looked me straight into the eyes and smiled. "You are so brave. Thank you for letting us share this moment with you. You are absolutely beautiful and I am going to pray for you everyday and ask God to make that hair grow back." Tears began to well up in my eyes. I looked down at the card in my hand and it was a prayer, something I could recite to God during my lowest points. I was so touched.<br />
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As Rene fitted the wig on my head to do the final touch ups, my chair was surrounded with people commenting about how beautiful I was. So many women, all asking me questions, telling me how brave I was, telling me they would pray for me. I felt so at home.<br />
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Just as she was finishing, a couple walked in that were definitely regulars. They began chatting near my chair and the woman began commenting on my hair color and how much she liked it. Rene looked at my and smiled, then turned to the woman. "Looks like her natural hair, doesn't it?"<br />
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The woman's jaw dropped to the floor and she looked confused. "What do you mean? That isn't her hair." My heart leaped with joy. People thought this was my real hair!!! I was back. I was a woman again!!<br />
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Thank you Rene. Not only did you give me back my confidence, but you did that in an environment that was so warm and welcoming, I can't imagine ever going anywhere else. You truly changed my life.<br />
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<br />Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-71067831258298877042012-12-10T18:39:00.000-08:002012-12-10T18:59:48.437-08:00Turning a CornerAs more and more people began to find out about my "condition," I started to realize not only how difficult it was for me, but also how difficult it was for the people around me. My husband has been fantastic. There are times when my feelings are hurt because of a look I took the wrong way or because I wanted him to respond a certain way and he didn't. Through all my crying and all my anger, he kept me sane and grounded.<br />
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The effect I had on other people was something I had never experienced before. Perhaps those of you who have had to tell people you have cancer, or ms, or some other much more awful disease can relate. When you tell people what you are going through, they just don't know how to react. They don't know what to say. And the truth is, there is no right thing to say. When someone tells you they are going through something painful, do not think you have to find the "right" thing to say. Often, just say what is on your mind. Feel free to ask questions, feel free to say "I'll pray for you." The truth is, we have no expectation of how you may or may not respond. Many times, I was telling people not because I was hoping to receive certain words in response, but because I was trying to explain why I was wearing a hat in the office or why I refused to take my hat off in the water. I didn't need a response, I just wanted people to know so that I didn't have to see the looks of curiosity. </div>
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However, I will recommend that you do not say something along the lines of "It's ok. Everything is going to be fine." Don't say or promise something you don't know as truth. You see, those are words of hope and those words are reserved for those closest to us. When I am at my lowest, and I'm curled up in a ball crying on my husband's shoulder; these are the words I need him to say to lift me out of that dark hole. When strangers use words like that, it sort of dilutes the power of those words and subsequently they lack strength to pull us out of distress. </div>
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When people reacted to my news, I was pleasantly surprised by how many people offered words of help. I had several people offer up possible solutions and treatments they had heard of. One friend even found a local support group to help me through the emotional strain I was under. I was surprisingly shocked by the words of encouragement and support I received. One day, my mother-in-law approached me with some interesting news. It turns out, a cousin of my husband's had been dealing with alopecia and was receiving treatment from a doctor in downtown Dallas. She was seeing improvement and passed the doctor's information on to me. </div>
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I was nervous to visit Dr. Cruz. So often I had been told there were no answers and no solutions. I was scared that another disappointing visit would plummet me into disrepair. I sat in the patient room, waiting for him to walk in. My feet were dangling from the bed and I stared at them with apprehension What if he told me the same thing as everyone else? This was my last hope. </div>
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I looked up as the door opened and in walked... wait... was that the guy from Hangover? </div>
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<img height="360" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcw-HU_AQIKK0abGwMFAnmY0w4ZC5Ji_Z5bqTzymbVfKweqgg2KHbIWvkH2wiII1xrhR_7y-URtVncPb58lpGieXSsCdBovRfuC6Gp_OQH3ndv8sj4RECeKVrmG-o9Z3Y2X_4fbbW0I9M/s1600/ken_jeong_hangover.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="640" /></div>
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No... this man was a bit older. But the silver dragon chain around his neck and the wild, dark hair, certainly had an uncanny resemblance. I was supposed to take this guy seriously? He walked straight up to me, looked down on my head, and then stood back, wrapping his arms around his chest. </div>
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"You have something called alopecia," he said. </div>
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Oh, great. Really? Thanks, genius. Tell me something I didn't know. </div>
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Then, he really did began to explain something to me I had never heard before. "You see, we don't know much about the disease. Many researchers have tried to find out more, but nothing has been definitive I will tell you what I believe based on my findings and the most credible research I have read. This is an autoimmune disease. Your white blood cells are supposed to attack foreign substances. They are supposed to protect you from illness and things that are attacking you. However, for some reason your white blood cells are attacking your hair follicles. We need to change that behavior, so what we will do is put a chemical on your scalp that will cause your white blood cells to attack it and thus leave your hair follicles alone. I will leave you with some paperwork to read over and come back in a few minutes to find out if this is what you want to do." </div>
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With that, he left the room. I was stunned. Wait a second, someone just actually explained what was going on with me and it made sense. But then, what was that? A chemical on my head? I looked at the two pieces of paper in my hand. I picked up words like "no guarantee" and "redness," "blisters," "itching." My head started to become foggy. Was this for real? Is this a real treatment? Or, are they going to try and milk me for money? What do I do? </div>
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He soon came back in the room and just stood there and looked at me. "Well?" he asked. </div>
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"Umm..." I replied. "Yea. I'll do it. I don't really have a choice. You're my last hope," I said. I guess I expected him to say something reassuring, but he just said ok, turned around and mumbled something like "Jeanette will be in" on his way out the door. </div>
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I once again sat alone in the patient room waiting for something, I don't know what. I don't think I had ever met a doctor with a worse bedside manner. My nervousness began to overtake me. What had I just agreed to? I had just allowed a complete stranger to douse me with a chemical! Had I become that desperate? I realized then that there were no other options. I really wasn't lying to Dr. Cruz when I told him he was my last hope. If this didn't work, I was finished. I would officially begin planning to shave my head. </div>
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But then, in walked Jeanette. She was like a ray of light. She introduced herself with a broad smile on her face. She saw the tears in my eyes as they began to flow down my cheeks. Her hands were filled with chemicals and giant q-tips. For all she knew I was just scared it would hurt. But no, Jeanette understood me. I didn't have to explain why I couldn't stop crying. </div>
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"Now don't you worry one second, sweetie. We have had a lot of patients in here and know what we are doing. We are going to fix you right up." </div>
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"This is my last hope," I said through sobs. "I have nothing left." </div>
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"That isn't true," she said. "You have everything left, even a lot of hair," She laughed as she stroked what hair I had remaining on my head. "We are just going to get the rest of it caught up. It will grow back and it will be so beautiful and soft. Just wait until you see it." </div>
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Of all the people I had met during this journey, no one inspired more hope and encouragement in me than Jeanette just had. She didn't coddle me. She didn't tell me I was beautiful. She just handed me a tissue and told me that she was going to fix me. She told me to have faith. She said it so matter-of-factly, so confident and convicted in those words. It was hard not to believe her.</div>
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That day, Jeanette put a chemical on my head that caused my scalp to blister, itch, peel, and all around burn. It was a sensitivity test, the highest concentration possible, just to make sure I was susceptible to the treatment. If the puss coming out of my head was any indication, this might actually work. </div>
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"Really?" She said with encouragement when I explained all the itching and blistering I experienced after the first treatment. "That's great!" I looked at her in disbelief. "That means you are really allergic to this chemical so you have a greater chance of success. We are going to fix you, baby!" </div>
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Jeanette's joy, her hope, her faith, the way she made my pain seem insignificant compared to the larger picture... for the first time in months I had started to see light at the end of the tunnel. I started to realize that it could be worse. </div>
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"Some people that come in here," she said, "they have lost all their hair, even their eyebrows. Your case, honey, that is going to be easy to fix. Just be patient." </div>
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Last week I went into the office for my sixth treatment, 20 weeks after I first met Jeanette. She came into the room and looked at my head. She stopped dead in her tracks and exclaimed, "Is that hair I see?!?!?" I had a small amount of white fuzz on my scalp. She grabbed me instantly and gave me the biggest bear hug. </div>
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The warmth I experience every time I walk into the UT Southwestern Dermatology center is something I haven't experienced at any of the doctor's offices I have tried. I am extremely grateful for Jeanette and her ability to lift me up when I was at my lowest. Every time I leave the office, I feel like it's just a matter of time. I feel like I may actually get my hair back one day. </div>
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Her ability to give me hope when I thought there was none left, that made Jeanette the first person during this journey to change my life. I look forward to introducing you all to the next fantastic woman. Because without the two of them, I would still be in a dark hole today. My next treatment with Jeanette is the day after Christmas. I have just a few weeks to decide what to get the woman, the complete stranger, who lifted my spirits more than she will ever know. </div>
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Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-82399798055221358822012-12-04T20:16:00.002-08:002012-12-04T20:16:53.868-08:00The Hardest PartI began my search for answers doing what any person raised in the dot com era would do - I googled it. I was surprised by how little information I actually found. I'm not referring to the number of hits, but more to the vagueness of the information out there. <div>
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According to my search results, I could have alopecia totalis. I will lose all my hair, even my eyebrows!?! Or, I could have Alopecia Areata and just lose my hair in this one spot and it will grow back. Hmmm... Is something causing this? Am I allergic to something? Do I have a thyroid problem? Lupus? </div>
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I walked away from the computer with more questions than I had answers. I didn't even know where to start looking for an explanation.I told myself it wasn't so bad. I doubt it would grow much bigger. I just needed to take better care of my hair. That was it. I wasn't working hard enough to take care of myself. I had never done one of those "hair masks" I heard about on tv. I didn't get my hair trimmed every 6 weeks like you are supposed to. I always bought cheap shampoo and conditioner. It's my fault. I just need to work harder. So, I drove down to Ulta and began perusing the "expensive shampoo" aisle, the one I had avoided for years because it just seemed absurd to pay $34.00 for a bottle of shampoo. </div>
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I walked straight up to an employee and stated, "I need your recommendation on a shampoo. I am missing a small patch of hair and I need to regrow it." </div>
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"I have just the thing," She said. "Try this." She handed me a small bottle of shampoo for $24.00. "We have a lot of cancer patients that come in after chemotherapy and use this to accelerate growth. I would also recommend you use these organic products in your hair. That will really help." The total I would spend on this visit began to climb, but I didn't care. If I had to spend over a hundred dollars on hair products to fix this, then fixed it would be!</div>
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A month later, I checked my hair's progress and compared photos.</div>
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My God, it had gotten bigger!! I had taken better care of my head than I ever had in my life and my bald spot was growing. I needed answers and I needed them now. </div>
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To be honest, the waiting for answers is the hardest part. When you go through something difficult, something scary, it's the unknown that frightens you the worst. You start thinking to yourself, "What if." Two innocent words, that when put together, make even the sanest person ready to jump off a cliff. "What if I lost all the hair on my head? On my body? What if there was no cure, no treatment? What if people found out and started treating my differently?" The problem with "what if?" is that your answers are never positive ones. You always begin thinking of the worst possible thing that could happen to you, and actually begin to think that it actually will.</div>
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I knew I needed to call in reinforcements, needed to find a professional. The next day after taking this picture I made an appointment with a dermatologist in the area. They specialize in skin, right? They have to have the answers!</div>
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"It's alopecia areata," she said. "To be honest, we don't know much about it. But it's usually caused by stress. Have you been stressed lately?" </div>
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"Well, I just started a new job, I'm getting married in two months... Oh, and my HAIR IS FALLING OUT! Yes, I am a bit stressed," I replied with the tightest smile I could muster. </div>
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"There's only one known treatment for this," she answered. "Steroid injections." </div>
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"Like juicing?" I exclaimed. </div>
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"Well, not really. I mean, yes, but a little different. We will take a small needle (4 of them) and inject steroids into your scalp. It doesn't hurt too badly."</div>
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I didn't feel I had much choice at this point. "Do it." I stated. I will try anything. I was desperate. And, it wasn't the last time I would feel desperate this year. </div>
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Well, the good doctor lied. It hurt, and it hurt really badly. Needles pushing their way into your head, is just torture. Weeks later I still hadn't seen progress. The spot continued to grow. </div>
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My next stop was a general practice doctor. I had my blood tested for everything that had ever been associated with alopecia. I told her that if she had any thought it may be related, just test for it. My blood tests all came back normal. "You know, I hear alopecia is brought on by stress," she said. Go figure. </div>
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Frustrated, I went to another dermatologist. I needed another opinion. Same response, still no answers. The anger and the hopelessness really began to weigh heavily on me. No one understood. No one knew the fear I was feeling inside. I was still able to cover my spots with creative hair styles (my hair was permanently in a side pony tail), so it was easy for people to think it really wasn't that bad. I mean, I looked normal to them. But, I was dealing with something completely out of my control. I felt like I was falling off a steep cliff, grasping for a rope to hold onto, but hitting air with every swing of my arms. </div>
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By this point, it was nearing my wedding. The BIG day, the one we had been planning for a year. I was running out of time to find answers. I just needed a solution. The baldness was still isolated to the top of my head and was about the size of a Christmas tree ornament. If I could get extensions added to cover just that area, then maybe, maybe I could look normal on my wedding day. I went to several salon specialists, with little hope for a solution. I finally landed on clip-in extensions. I could pull my hair to one side and the clip-ins would cover it. It was something at least. A lot of hair spray and a little creativity, I may just pull off an entire day with no one noticing. </div>
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On our honeymoon, I thought just maybe my stress would finally start to dissipate Maybe that would spur my hair to regrow. We were halfway into our week of bliss when I received the one-two punch. I was sitting across from Zerek at dinner, my head down to peruse my menu. </div>
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"You have another spot," he said. The wind was completely knocked out of me. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know the next step to take. I had no plan, I had no answers, I had no solution. Not even happiness and love could cure what was going on with me. </div>
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We returned from our honeymoon and a few weeks later I had to go to a salon to get ready for a friend's wedding. I joked with my girlfriends that maybe I should trick the stylist and act shocked when she brushed my hair, ask her what she did to my hair. Behind my jokes and laughter, however, I was nervous. I didn't let anyone see my bald spots. Most of the time, I even tried to hide them from my husband at home. The thought of a complete stranger running her hands through my hair, it was frightening. </div>
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The stylist was really understanding and actually had a machine that took a microscopic look at my scalp. "Good news! Your hair follicles are still intact, so we know you can definitely regrow hair," she said. She sold me some oils she was sure would work, and began to work my hair into something beautiful. I could see her reflection in the mirror as she stood over me, studying my head. I saw her face go white and my heart sunk. </div>
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"You have another spot back here," she said pointing to the back of my head. "And another one here," she said pointing to my right side. Would this ever end? Why was the growth accelerating? Why couldn't anyone give me answers? </div>
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As the spots began to grow, I found creative ways to cover my head. I bought fun hats and scarves and received many compliments about how "cute" I looked wearing them. The compliments felt like fire pokers stabbing me in the gut. I knew what they were really thinking, "Why is she wearing a hat all the time?" </div>
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Four. Four patches, four bald spots and I still had no answers. Every day they grew. The oils the salon sold me didn't work, the steroid injections, reducing my stress, fancy shampoos... nothing was helping. It was hopeless. I was fighting a losing battle. I had been fighting, searching for answers, praying for a miracle, and I was tired. </div>
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When the realization hits you that there are no answers, that you've lost, that's when bad goes to worse. Little by little my confidence had begun to crumble, and my self worth right along with it. When I looked in the mirror, I didn't see me staring back. I saw a bald, ugly, pathetic loser. It didn't matter that my sweet husband told me I was beautiful. And it didn't matter that I was surrounded by a great support system. Inside, I felt disgusting. The sad part is, when your emotions become that low, you start turning into the person you see in the reflection. I had stopped taking care of myself. I no longer worked out. I didn't eat well. I gained weight and now weigh more than I ever have. But, why did it matter? I was already ugly. I no longer looked like a woman, let alone a sexy one, so what's a few more pounds? </div>
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And, it didn't just affect the why I saw myself physically. This disease had caused me to waste so much money. Between the treatments, the "solutions," the doctor's visits, the hair extensions... I had spent so much of our money on things that didn't work. I now felt like an awful wife. This wasn't the person that Zerek had married. He deserved better. </div>
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It all culminated one day when we were out on the boat. I had been wearing a hat all day, as was typical for me now. I had spent the entire day wondering if anyone had seen my bald spot or the fat rolls under my one-piece swimsuit (two pieces were out of the question). The sun was setting and I was so hot, so tired, and so fed up. I felt suffocated and the heat was more than I could bear. I finally just gave up. I decided I would just take off my hat. It would be the first time I let my friends see the real me. They had only seen the smiling, positive woman that kept joking and talking about how things would get better. Now, they would see the ugly me, the real me. As the boat began to speed over the water, I leaned back in my chair and removed my hat. </div>
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I was hit instantly with a sense of release. The cool breeze spreading over my bare scalp was absolutely refreshing. The heat of the day slowly began to escape as I leaned back and relished in freedom I felt for the first time in months. Something as simple as my hair blowing in the breeze - I hadn't let that happen in 5 months and it felt so good!!</div>
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Then, reality sank in. It was pitch black outside, but I feared that soon everyone would notice my hat was off and they would begin to stare. I couldn't look at my friends. I could only stare straight ahead. Tears began pouring down my face. I didn't put my hat back on. I was frozen. All the emotion of the recent months overwhelmed me at once. I couldn't stop crying. The conflicting emotions of freedom and fear were more than I could take. Was this how I was going to live the rest of my life? How much worse was it going to get from here? When would Zerek give up on me? I had already given up on myself. Was this what rock bottom felt like? I was living in isolation, a mental isolation. No one knew how hard it was for me every day, not even my husband. I had no idea where to turn. </div>
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But, like most things, answers come when you least expect them. Soon after I hit rock bottom, I met the two people that would change my life. More about that in the next post. Thanks for listening. </div>
Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-6020711495697299972012-12-03T19:36:00.001-08:002012-12-03T19:36:13.634-08:00When it all began...Hi friends! I know it's been a while since I've posted. I will get back to the food soon, I promise. Cooking is my heart, my passion, but this year I've been distracted from cooking and distracted from a lot of things in my life. I'm going to steer away a bit and write about what I've been going through. I don't come to this decision lightly, but if I can help even one person by sharing my story, then it will be worth it. Last week Zerek and I were driving back to Texas from my hometown of Kansas City. We were all set for a long road trip. We had on our "comfy pants," t-shirts, no shoes, and my hair was pulled back in a pony tail. We loved being comfortable settling into each other as the trip went on. A couple hours from home we decided to stop to grab a bite to eat. We pulled into the McDonalds in Atoka, Oklahoma and I was eager to indulge after six hours in the car. As Zerek handed payment through the drive-thru window, I reached into the glove box to see what condiments I had stashed in there. As I began my search, I heard Zerek's breath catch slightly. He turned, looked at me, and stopped short. I could see in his eyes that he wasn't sure he should say something.<br />
"I think they are staring at you," he said.<br />
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I looked at the drive-thru window, and a teenage girl stared back at me. Her eyes bore through me and I instantly felt exposed. She then turned away and whispered something to a friend. The friend instantly looked at me and they both started to snicker. The two girls went around the corner and grabbed a third friend to come look at the "woman in the car." The laughter and snickers are something I will never forget. I felt naked, exposed.<br />
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I looked into the rear view mirror, and I just saw me staring back. But it wasn't the me I showed to the public. It wasn't the me I showed to friends, or even family. Very few people saw the me that stared back at me now. I had let my guard down for the first time in 11 months and it took three high school girls laughing at me to make me realize that it wasn't right. It wasn't ok for them to make a complete stranger feel so small. And it wasn't ok that I had kept all my emotions in for so long. My friends had told me that I was so strong and so positive. But what they didn't know is that I was depreciating on the inside. My confidence, my self respect, my self worth had slowly begun to evaporate and those girls sucked what was left right out of me.<br />
But, I couldn't let that happen. I had too much. I was worth too much. So, I decided to share my story. Maybe by doing this, I will reach someone else who has been through something similar. Someone who needs to know they are not alone. And maybe, maybe it would make me feel less isolated and alone. So here it is. Here is how it all began.<br />
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<b>December 31, 2011</b><br />
I am in front of the vanity, getting ready for a wonderful night filled with celebration and friendship. I look forward to celebrating a wonderful year that has passed, but even more, the wonderful 2012 I am about to embark upon. I am getting married! In just four months, I will be walking down the aisle, marrying my best friend. As I begin blow drying my hair, thinking about the excitement underway, I notice something very strange on top of my head.<br />
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A small spot had formed on my hair line. Had I burned myself with a curling iron? Did something fall on my head at some point? I started thinking about what could possibly make this happen. Did I switch shampoo recently? Was I having an allergic reaction to something? I instantly ran into the living room to get Zerek's opinion.<br />
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"What is it?" I asked him with a look of horror on my face. He kind of chuckled. Ok, he didn't just chuckle. He laughed.<br />
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Thinking I was exaggerating as usual, he replied, "It's nothing. It's barely noticeable."<br />
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Despite his reassuring words, though, something just felt wrong. I asked a lot of people at the New Year's Eve party what they thought. I received every opinion from an allergic reaction to my shampoo to something called alopecia. I had never heard of that before. I was on a mission. I had to figure out what caused this squared centimeter of hair to just disappear from the top of my head!<br />
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For those of you that know me, you know I am a determined person. When I decide to accomplish something, I will GET IT DONE! On January 1st, I awoke with a mission. A mission to fix this tiny bald spot. I parted my hair slightly farther to the left and then got to work...Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-78550022165522186762011-09-30T07:28:00.000-07:002011-09-30T08:00:23.229-07:00My First Apple Pie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtDDLcggjYKgr6eqecFyI0fPV7wvf0igiTrVPbIbyiyaf0icArbcNySjfC4Pwlk04t2gvZKtgKUpVm2EOzD0362mfErlyPbeJJzVWBu9MMCVKfH8tuASueid4j8NdI5DTg5OEZ8Ei_pY/s1600/applel+pie.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 239px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658167513075189602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtDDLcggjYKgr6eqecFyI0fPV7wvf0igiTrVPbIbyiyaf0icArbcNySjfC4Pwlk04t2gvZKtgKUpVm2EOzD0362mfErlyPbeJJzVWBu9MMCVKfH8tuASueid4j8NdI5DTg5OEZ8Ei_pY/s320/applel+pie.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>I am obsessed with apples lately and was excited about all the different kinds overflowing my local grocery store. So, on a whim I decided to pick up some things and make my very first apple pie! Why not, right? Here is what I did and it turned out absolutely delicious and was so easy!</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Fire Level: <span style="color:#ffff66;">yellow</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Ingredients</div><br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><br /><br /><li>2 pie crusts (eventually I will make my own, but this time I just bought frozen)</li><br /><br /><br /><li>2 tbs cinnamon</li><br /><br /><br /><li>1/2 cup butter</li><br /><br /><br /><li>3 tablespoons all-purpose flour</li><br /><br /><br /><li>1/2 cup white sugar</li><br /><br /><br /><li>1/2 cup packed brown sugar (I like the dark brown sugar)</li><br /><br /><br /><li>1/4 cup water</li><br /><br /><br /><li>6-8 Granny Smith apples</li></ul><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Step 1: Thaw Crust</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Keep one crust in the foil pan it comes in. For the other crust, after thawed, pressed it out onto the counter and cut it into strips. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Step 2: Prepare apples</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Peel the skin off the apples, and dice them up into cubes, removing the core. Then toss them in a bowl with cinnamon and make sure the apples are thoroughly coated. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Step 3: Prepare the sauce</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Melt the butter in a sauce pan and stir in the flower until it is desolved, almost forming a paste. Then add both sugars and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the temperature to medium low and let simmer for about 5 minutes. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Step 4: Prepare your pie</div><br /><br /><br /><div>While the sauce is simmering, pour your apples into the bottom crust of the pie. They should form a heaping mound of apples. Then take the strips of the other pie crust and lay them across the top of the apples in a criss-cross pattern. Press the ends of each strip into the edge of the bottom crust of the pie. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Step 5: Pour on the good stuff</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Gently pour the sauce over the crust and into the apples. Make sure you pour very slowly so that the sauce seeps into the apples and does not run off the top and onto the counter. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Step 6: Bake your pie</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Bake the pie for 15 minutes at 425 degrees uncovered. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking another 35-45 minutes covered with foil. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Step 7: Enjoy!</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Remove and enjoy. I like serving with vanilla ice cream or vanilla frozen yogurt. </div>Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-64065575193372497232011-09-30T07:20:00.000-07:002011-09-30T07:27:52.813-07:00The Great Apple Debate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiH7LjiLh4bUwqUL8x88jfunNL5Lqf5Ogzlk3t9pVR_4LV6oRpEWmL1A0d0vVljrPVpx97lqqoxt5L3m23abnDk7h29yKHa00ycODuo_A6w_CMyxO673G6hJJ2jX7dk7E7MwWWcut75c/s1600/apples.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 208px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658159228413160482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiH7LjiLh4bUwqUL8x88jfunNL5Lqf5Ogzlk3t9pVR_4LV6oRpEWmL1A0d0vVljrPVpx97lqqoxt5L3m23abnDk7h29yKHa00ycODuo_A6w_CMyxO673G6hJJ2jX7dk7E7MwWWcut75c/s320/apples.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>I love this time of year. There are apples, apples everywhere! I never used to be a big apple fan. I think it was the texture/thought of biting into it that bothered me, however recently there have been many nutrition articles about how good they are for you. They are wonderful for staying full, healthy and fit, so I decided to go on a quest. I am going to try every kind of apple I come across and determine which ones are my favorite. Here is what I have tried so far:</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Honeycrisp: These are my favorite so far. They are kind of big so I actually get full eating one, but they are juicy and have a slight sweetness to them. The flavor is delicious!</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Granny Smith: One of the most popular apples, these are easy to find, but are extremely sour. I can't eat one very easily buy itself. I either have to mix it with yogurt or eat it with peanut butter. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Golden Delicioius: I think this apple isn't crispy enough for me. It's kind of soft in the middle and doesn't have a whole lot of flavor.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I am going to continue to update this list as I try more kinds. Any recommendations? </div>Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-73208656325791046842011-08-29T10:27:00.000-07:002011-08-29T10:40:56.305-07:00Healthy and Flavorful Dinner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewYSaEqOeah_qMziNT2RRKw6vcwf8qWCMctW5XaMjZE6xYRQIPo99R8mEbksjnKDii1yjT4QIvD-mYyaGlRy3prsv1fHTSSCn-oKvvqgZM1BKOIixdvFglyxUD1UHpZUXmCl3FHKSuIA/s1600/chicken+skewers.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 112px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646334241578650770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewYSaEqOeah_qMziNT2RRKw6vcwf8qWCMctW5XaMjZE6xYRQIPo99R8mEbksjnKDii1yjT4QIvD-mYyaGlRy3prsv1fHTSSCn-oKvvqgZM1BKOIixdvFglyxUD1UHpZUXmCl3FHKSuIA/s320/chicken+skewers.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div>So I've been trying off and on to eat healthier... really want to shed some weight before the wedding. Here is a recipe I made a couple weeks ago that Zerek and I just loved. Give it a try and I hope you like it!</div>
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<br /><div>Fire Level: <span style="color:#ffff33;">yellow</span>-<span style="color:#ff9900;">orange</span></div>
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<br /><p><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Chicken Kebabs and Citrus Pico w/ Herbed Couscous
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<br /><p><strong>Ingredients</strong>
<br />1 tablespoon brown sugar
<br />1 tablespoon olive oil
<br />1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
<br />2 teaspoons chili powder (leave this out for <span style="color:#ffff66;">yellow</span>)
<br />1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
<br />1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
<br />1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
<br />1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
<br />1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 24 (2-inch) pieces
<br />1 large red onion, bell pepper, or any other vegetables you want to include on the skewers, cut into 32 (2-inch) pieces
<br />Cooking spray
<br />1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
<br />1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
<br />2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
<br />1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
<br />2 teaspoons minced seeded jalapeño pepper (leave this out for <span style="color:#ffff66;">yellow</span>)
<br />1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
<br />1/2 cup diced peeled avocado
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<br /><p><strong>Preparation</strong>
<br />1. Preheat broiler. Combine first 9 ingredients in a shallow dish; let stand 15 minutes.
<br />2. Thread 4 onion pieces, bell peppers, and 3 chicken pieces alternately onto each of 8 (12-inch) skewers. Place skewers on broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Broil 12 minutes or until chicken is done, turning occasionally.
<br />3. Combine and next 6 ingredients (through 1/4 teaspoon salt) in a bowl. Gently stir in avocado right before serving.
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<br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;">Herbed Couscous</span>: </div>
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<br /><div><strong>Ingredients</strong></div>
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<br /><div>3/4 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth</div>
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<br /><div>1 cup couscous</div>
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<br /><div>2 tbsp. fresh parsley</div>
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<br /><div>2 tbsp. fresh chives</div>
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<br /><div>1/4 tsp. salt</div>
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<br /><div><strong>Preparation</strong></div>
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<br /><div>Combine 3/4 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan; boil. Stir in 1 cup uncooked couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. </div>
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<br />Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7472378958590418986.post-52209266450322699512011-07-25T14:02:00.000-07:002011-07-25T14:37:49.576-07:00Delicious and Healthy Italian DishI know it's been a while since I've posted. I haven't really cooked all that much since I've been back in Dallas. However, now that the fiance and I have moved into our new home it will be hard to keep me out of the kitchen. It is so much more fun to cook in AND we bought a French door refrigerator that I am absolutely in love with!<br />One of the first meals I cooked when we moved in last week was a dish I found on the Cooking Light website. I find some of the greatest recipes from there and it is the magazine subscription I have had for years and will never give up! Here is the recipe, with my caveats and additions of course. It's really easy to make and is only 202 calories per serving (this was just for the chicken). I added angel hair pasta and capers to this dish and doubled the amount of sauce, which made it a delicious Italian meal that reminded me of chicken picatta. <br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Lemony Chicken Saltimbocca</span></strong><br />Fire Level: <span style="color:#ffff66;">yellow</span><br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><li>1 (4-ounce) chicken cutlets (I used small boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Keep in mind the calorie count for this recipe calls for a 4 oz breast, which is small)</li><br /><li>1/8 teaspoon salt</li><br /><li>12 fresh sage leaves</li><br /><li>2 ounces very thinly sliced prosciutto (cut into 8 strips)</li><br /><li>2 teaspoons EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), divided</li><br /><li>2/3 cup fat free, low sodium chicken broth </li><br /><li>1/2 cup fresh lemon juice </li><br /><li>1 teaspoon corn starch </li><br /><li>2 tabelspoons capers (this is my addition and it really made the dish!)</li><br /><li>Lemon wedges (optional)</li><br /><li>Shredded parmesan cheese (if you can freshly grate it, even better! - this is also my addition)</li><br /><li>Angel Hair Pasta (this is my addition as well and is how I made it into an easy Italian meal)</li></ul><br />Step 1: Prep the Chicken<br />Sprinkle the chicken evenly with salt. Place 3-5 sage leaves (depending on the size of your breast) onto the top of each breast. Then, take a strip of prosciutto and wrap it around the breast, securing the sage leaves between the two meats. If you have to, you can use toothpicks to keep the prosciutto in place, but I don't suggest it. It's ok if it doesn't look perfect, that's when it usually tastes better anyway! :)<br /><br />Step 2: Prep the Water<br />Put water in a pot on the stove to begin boiling for your pasta.<br /><br />Step 3: Cook the Chicken<br />While the water is heating up, we will begin to cook our chicken. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Swirl the oil around the pan to coat it. When you feel some heat coming from the pan, place your chicken into the pan. Cook the chicken on each side until it is done. The recipe says two minutes on each side, but since I used breasts instead of cutlets it took longer than that. What I like to do to determine when the chicken is done, is pay attention to the sides of the breasts. When your chicken is cooking, you will see the sides of the breast begin to turn white as the bottom cooks and the cooking moves up toward the middle of the breast. When it is about to the center, flip the chicken breast over onto the raw side. The cooked side should be a golden brown. Cook the breasts on the opposite side for the same length of time and your chicken will then be cooked all the way through. You can double check it by poking the breast at its thickest point with some tongs. It should be firm.<br /><br />When the chicken is finished, put on a plate and stick in the microwave to keep it warm while you finish the dinner. Do NOT put the pan in sink or clean it. Keep it on the stove.<br /><br />Step 4: Pasta<br />While your chicken is cooking, the water should have started to boil and you can throw in your pasta. Cook it to package directions, usually about 7-10 minutes for angel hair.<br /><br />Step 5: Make the Sauce<br />Combine the broth, lemon juice, and corn starch in a small bowl. Add this mixture and 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the pan the chicken was cooked in. With a whisk, stir the mixture, making sure to get all of the chicken remnants from the bottom of the pan and mixed into the sauce. Bring to a boil and then stir constantly with a whisk until the sauce has slightly thickened. Stir in the capers for just 30 seconds or so to get them mixed into the sauce and warmed up.<br /><br />Step 6: Plate and Enjoy!<br />Place the angel hair pasta onto a plate and put a chicken cutlet/breast on top of the pasta. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and pasta, sprinkle with some parmesan, and enjoy! You could also put a lemon wedge on the plate in case you want to add a squeeze during dinner to kick up the sauce a little.<br /><br />Optional Sides: I would suggest serving with garlic bread, but since we are trying to eat healthy, I served this dish with a tossed vinaigrette salad and it was perfect. See earlier posts for a great vinaigrette. I will be posting another recipe for dressing soon too.Ashley Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04762025126178457210noreply@blogger.com0