Hello...

My name is Nica, and welcome to my blog.

Again.

That's what I feel like I should be saying since it's been so long!  Bad blogger!  I got caught up in...well...life.  Work.  Family.  Finances.  You know the drill.  I finally had a free minute, and the motivation to post just swept over me today.  I also realized that I hadn't updated anything on my progress with my weigh-ins, or mi vida in general.

So what's new?  Here's a quick recap on the past two months with Weight Watchers.

 

The ugly truth.

 

My weigh-ins have been all over the place over the past few weeks.  Surprisingly, I haven't been that hard on myself the way I would have been in the past.  I know life happens sometimes, and it's hard to stay focused 100% of the time.  No more excuses though, because all this means is that two months of my hard work has been at a stand-still.

 

March was a tough month for me, not only because it was birthday month for me.  It's also crazy work month as well. 

 

State audit.  Enough said.

 

I've admitted to you all before, I am an emotional eater.  When I'm stressed, the first thing I turn to is food.  And from there I take on the mind-set of, 'Well I already messed up, why not just blow off this week?'. 

 

Horrible.  I know.

 

But it's the truth.  The ugly truth.  Something  I need to work on.  And definitely even more of a reason why I continue to attend my WW's meetings.  This is a lifestyle change, which means I will continue to work on improving myself for LIFE.  There are no special tricks, no get out of jail free cards, and definitely no take-backs.

 

What you do get, is a healthier you, a happier you, and tons of valuable life lessons.

 

Life lessons like...

Being happy with yourself, before trying to make others happy.

Remembering to put yourself first sometimes.

Loving yourself ALWAYS.

 

We got this chicas!

 

 

I'm hopefully back for good, now that I have more time.  Have a great week everyone!!

 

 

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

 

xoxo,

 

❤Nica

 

Happy 'every holiday I've missed since my last post' Day...

Hiiiiiii!!  :D

 

I know...I know.  It's been over 2 months since my last update, and I can give ya'll every excuse known to man woman, but I won't.  Instead I'll just pick right up where I left off, and update ya'll with everything that's been going on en mi vida since we last chatted.  That's what old friends do right??

 

Right.

 

First off, the holidays were pretty tough on me with tracking my points!  I did pretty well over Thanksgiving, but the Christmas holidays weren't that great.  Overall I didn't do too bad though, and ended up gaining about 7 lbs. total.  I missed a few WW weigh-ins, mainly due to the site being closed for the holidays.  Believe me, seeing that jump in the scale put me back in check!  I don't want to go backwards, especially after all the hard work I've put in over the past year.  I also didn't exercise as much as I wanted to during the holidays.  I'm sure that was a huge factor in the gain I had, and I felt it also!  My energy level just wasn't there the way it usually is when I'm active.

 

With the start of 2013, I decided to try something a little different, and really dedicated myself to becoming a runner.  I still want my 13.1 sticker one day!!   I know I'm starting on the bottom, but that's okay, because that's where I started with my weight-loss too, and look where I'm at now?  This past week alone, I only got to go out 4 times, but that's better than nothing.  Here are my stats:

 

2/14/13

  3.02 miles - 48:44 minutes

 

2/15/13

3.20 miles - 48:41 minutes

 

2/17/13

3.02 miles - 46.35 minutes

2/20/13
3.09 miles - 51:48 minutes

 

Yeesss I went running on Valentine's Day...sue me!  lol  I knew I had plans that evening, and I wanted to make sure I earned as many activity points as I could that day, so I could enjoy every last bite of chocolate I had later that evening.  And I enjoyed every single piece too!

 

Now don't get me wrong chicas...when I say 'running', don't think I am actually 'running' the entire time.  I'm starting off on the bottom remember?  Right now all I can do is a

jog/power-walk combination, but enough to make me work up a sweat!  I've been slowly improving my time, and on different routes as well.  I will get there!

 

The way I've been calculating so far, I earn approximately 5 activity points per run, which is still a good amount, but I'm not sure how accurate this is.  I've been using eTools, and searching under the activities listed, Jog/Walk combination comes up.  When I input my time, this is what I usually get.  Weight Watchers does have a new ActiveLink tool, but I have yet to try it out.  Mainly because I've been a little low on funds since the holidays, but I am very excited to give it a try soon!  Basically, it is a small piece of equipment you wear at all times throughout your day, that accurately measures the amount of activity you do, and determines how many WW activity points you've earned.  It almost resembles a pedometer in size, and I've seen members wear it a few different ways, including as a necklace, a bracelet, an anklet, or even attached their shoes/belt.  It's small enough to hide, but from what I hear, it is a much improved way to track your activity.  Can't wait to give it a shot, and when I do, I'll be sure to post about it.

 

Anyhow, here are my weigh-in stats for the past several weeks...

 

 

As you can see, there were several weeks where I didn't get to weigh-in.  On 12/25/12 and 1/1/13, the WW center where I attend my meetings was actually closed due to the holidays.  On 1/8/13 and 2/12/13, I wasn't able to weigh-in due to not making it to the meetings on time.  Work has been pretty busy since the start of the new year, and I know that's not an excuse, especially because I haaatttee missing weigh-in days!

 

As you can see, after my gain from the holidays I slowly started getting back on track.  This weeks weigh-in went great, and I lost 1.4 lbs., making it a total of 138.6 lbs. total loss since January 2012.  Yaaayyyy me!!  It feels great to know that I've come so far, and to realize that one day I will accomplish my goals.

 

Aside from all that, I absolutely cannot complain about anything going on in my life right now.  I have certainly received so many new blessings in the past few months, and I am grateful for everything and everyone that has been placed in my life up to now.

 

Mi familia added a new member to the group in early January, and I am on cloud 9 status in love with my new niece!!  Congratulations to my beautiful sister on welcoming her daughter Elisa to this world, on 1/11/13.

 

 

 

Isn't she gorgeous?

 

 

The three of them will forever hold my ❤.

 

Christmas and New Years Eve were wonderful this year, but came and went way too fast.  There is never enough time in the world when you are spending it with your loved ones.  Christmas was spent surrounded by my family, yummy food, gifts, and the thoughts of loved ones who couldn't be there with us that day.  New Years Eve was great as well.  My grandmother's homemade menudo, a few games of poker, fireworks, drinks, and the blessings of a new year.  I can't believe February will be coming to an end already, but I can say that I am probably the happiest I have ever been in a very long time.  I've recommitted myself to staying healthy and active, and it's almost as if I've given myself a second chance at life.  I want to be around for as long as I possibly can for those three angels in the picture above, and I know making healthy lifestyle changes, and keeping a positive attitude will help me stick around for as long as He wishes me to.

 

❤.

 

'J' has completely taken my heart chicas.  Cloud 9...I see my future with you...permanent smile on my face...constant butterflies in my stomach...I never get tired of seeing you...I can be a brat around you and you still love me...HAPPINESS.  Did that give you a pretty good idea of how I'm feeling?  :)  I know...I know.  It's only going on about 4 months now, but my life has been completely uprooted and shifted to a whole other world.  I don't know how else to describe it, but to list a few reasons why this man has held onto my ❤.

 

He loves my family, and they seem to have accepted him perfectly.  BBQ's, holidays, weekday dinners, birthday parties, movie nights, and future vacation plans...this man has been there for it all.  I always told myself I wanted a partner in my life that made family a priority in their lives as well, and I've finally found him.

 

He has never judged me, and I can be my complete OCD, moody, bratty self around him.  He never backs down, and brings me back up every time I fall.  He pushes me to deal with my feelings, and not bottle them up the way I always have.  And on those occasions where I go back to my old ways and close myself off to the world, he somehow finds a way in, and doesn't leave my side until I have a smile on my face again.

 

I haven't lost focus of my weight-loss goals and lifestyle changes I started last year, regardless of having a partner by my side.  This man encourages me, and accepts me as I am.  I can weigh my food without shame, obsess over my points in his presence, and talk to him about new and healthy recipes I want to try.  Weight has always been a sensitive subject for me to discuss with any of my partners in the past.  I was always embaressed to even bring it up, or even exercise in front of them.  Chicas...we've been going running together, and I love it!!  It's so motivating and liberating at the same time.  To be able to get all sweaty and out of breath next to this man, pushing all insecurities aside, and knowing that he still views me as the most amazingly beautiful woman in the world.

 

Love.

 

Love with your all, your whole, your everything.

Love yourselves first, and love others without judgement.

When you do that, love will fill every part of your lives.

 

Have a great week everyone!!

 

 

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

xoxo,

❤Nica



I can finally breathe...

The past 2 weeks have gone by in a complete blur.  Thanksgiving came and went, and all of a sudden we're pushed into the chaos of Christmas and New Years.  Not that I'm complaining, but it just always feels like there is never enough time to finish everything on your list.

 

There's been so much going on lately, that I don't even know where to begin.  Thanksgiving was wonderful!  I spent the day surrounded by family and friends, eating some yummy food, watching football, and playing poker.  Check out the 'crustless pumpkin pie' I made...

 

 

Yeessss I love extra whipped cream on my pumpkin pie...don't judge me!  lol  I'll have to post this recipe for you all next time.  It was reallly yummy.  That's the beauty of Weight Watchers...you can still indulge yourself like this if you feel like it.  Just track track track!  I think I did a pretty good job this past holiday with my tracking.  Lemme tell you...I was prepared chicas!  I had my WW measuring spoons, and my trusty scale with me. 

Ain't no shame in my game! 

 

I hope your Thanksgiving was just as lovely as mine.  I have sooo much to be thankful for.  This year has just been beyond amazing for me.  Just to name a few, I'm grateful for...

 

1.  God.

My faith in you has only grown stronger and stronger over the past year.  Through you, I have been able to accomplish more than I could have ever imagined.

 

2.  Mi familia.

You make my life so much happier, and I am forever thankful for everything you have ever done for me.  You always come through, and have never failed me.

 

3.  My niece and my nephew.

You make my heart smile on a daily basis, and are my constant motivation to keep moving foward in making positive lifestyle changes.  I love you babydolls!

 

4.  My sister.

I admire your willpower and free spirit sooo much.  No matter what the circumstances, you always have a smile on your face, reminding me what a strong woman and mother you are.

 

5.  Cat.

Where would I be without you by my side?  My best friend, my partner in crime. You keep me sane, and have never judged me, regardless of all the mistakes I've made.

 

6.  Krystal & Clarissa.

My favorite primas.  You two know all of my secrets, and have stuck by my side through it all.  I appreciate every phone call, every text message, and just every time you've been there.

 

7.  My job.

Regardless of how many times you all will see me complain about it, I know I have been blessed with this job.  Almost 9 years and counting...I must love something about it!

 

I could go on and on, but I'd fill up a whole book.  I hope you all took a moment to remember all the things you are grateful for this year...life is too short not to.

 

State audit finally arrived at work for me.  They decided to wait until the last week of the month, and I couldn't of been any happier to find out that it was 2 great surveyors they had sent down from the state.  We were cleared with flying colors, and I am sooo glad that it's over and done with.  I'm pretty much finished for the year, which means more free time and relaxing.  Things should settle down a lot at work now, and I won't have that stress looming over my head.  Biiiiiig relief.  I can finally breathe.

 

Weigh-in went pretty well this week...

 

 

I didn't get to weigh-in the week after Thanksgiving.  I actually never made it to my meeting because of survey at work.  I was a little bummed about it, because I was interested to see how I had done after Thanksgiving the week before.  Oh well.  This week I lost 3.8 lbs., pushing me foward to 137 lbs. total loss!!  Oot oot!!  Totally patting myself on the back!  Hopefully the rest of the holidays will go just as smoothly.

 

'The Fisherman' is over an done with I think.  Aside from the fact that I was only hearing from him once in a blue moon, the majority of the time I think it was just to stroke his own ego, and keep me on the back burner.  I was sooo over that.

 

I want to be someone's number 1...not an afterthought.  I'm sooo happy to let you chicas know that I met someone new a few weeks ago.  For blogging purposes and his privacy, I'm just going to nickname him 'J'.  It's been an amazing few weeks, and I've been completely swept off my feet.  Sounds so lame I know, but this one came out of nowhere chicas.  It really is true what they say...it happens when you least expect it.  For starters, I was suuuuper hesitant to even start talking to him, because of some of my own insecurities in my head.  I finally decided to push them aside, and went for it.  He's met the familia already, met my co-workers, and I even have a date for all the holiday parties coming up!  I'm not 100% sure what this is going to lead to, but I can say that for once in my life I'm not worrying about anyone else but me, and my happiness.  I used to let the thoughts and judgements of others influence me too much.  Not any more.  Like I said above, life is too short.  I'll keep you all posted, so wish me luck!

 

Have a great week everyone!!

 

 

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

xoxo,

 

❤Nica



13.1...

I WILL have one of these on my car one day.  Watch me do it chicas!!

 



For those of you who aren't familiar with this sticker, don't feel bad.  Up until a few months ago, I had no idea what it was either.  Have any of you ever seen this sticker on someone's car?  Or maybe you have one of your own, which would be awesome!  I started seeing them a lot more often, and never thought to ask anyone what they meant.  My bestie Cat finally filled me in, and told me that the sticker actually stood for 13.1 miles, the length of a half-marathon.

 

13.1 miles!!  Omgosh.  There's actually a 26.2 sticker also, which, of course you guessed right, stands for a full marathon, or 26.2 miles.  Smaller runs include a 10k and a 5k,  6.2 and 3.1 miles respectively.  I've never been a runner, but omgosh those thoughts have been in my head so much lately the past few months.  I think it's partially because of my lifestyle change over the past year, and trying to be healthier and more active...but a lot has to do with reaching bigger goals that I have for myself.  It just pushes me even further that my best friend is a runner, and just completed another half-marathon again about a week ago.  She's been training for several months now, and she is amazing!!

 

Now you all know my usual routine has been Zumba, and occasionally going walking.  It's been great for me, and gives me so much energy.  I even mentioned once that I leave Zumba feeling like I can take on the world...with an 'IDGAF' attitude!  For the past few months I've been trying to switch up my routine a bit.  I feel like I may be reaching a plateau soon, and I want to make sure I feel comfortable trying other types of activities.  I actually started alternating my work-out days between Zumba, and walking/jogging at the track.  Don't get me wrong chicas...I'm starting off on the verrryyy bottom, and at this point can only jog for about a minute each time, but I'm going to do it!  You have to start somewhere right?  Even if that means walking, jogging, and switching between the two as you go along.

 

A few weeks ago I started hearing about a 5k that was going to be held here in town.  The minute the thought was put into my head, I started reading about it everywhere.  I debated and debated, giving myself all sorts of reasons NOT to do it.  'I haven't trained long enough', and 'I don't have anyone to do it with me; I DON'T want to do my first 5k alone', were the main things going through my mind.  I even visited the registration site online several times, but never signed up.  Cat tried her best to convince me for several weeks before, but I was held back in my own insecurities, as usual.

 

Well guess what?

 

 

I did it!!

 

And omgoodness did it feel A-MAZING!!!  The excitement I felt when I crossed the finish line was crazy!  Not to mention how I felt the remainder of the day.  If you've ever heard people use the phrase 'a runner's high', it is sooo true.  You feel like you're buzzing, and everything takes on a positive spin.  Maybe it's your attitude carrying over into what you're doing and who you're around, but it definitely gets you happy and moving.

 

Here's what happened...the night before I was at home, totally having a Blockbuster night.  I had already decided I was not going to do the race the next day, since I didn't have anyone to go with me.  I hadn't really mentioned it to anyone, other than my close family and best friend.  A few people I had asked either had to work the morning of the race, didn't want to pay the $20.00 fee, or just didn't want to do it period.  This was the second annual Running with the Bulls 5k, supporting a local food distribution center called Val Verde Loaves and Fishes.  After reading up on it, I learned that if you took 5 non-perishable food items with you on the morning of the race, you would be entered to win several different cool prizes, including a brand new Ipad.  Plus, you were still allowed to register late that morning, which was great for procrastinators like me.

 

That night, Cat decided to interrupt my movie and try to convince me again.  She gave me some great advice, and told me to get to bed at a reasonable hour, just in case I decided to change my mind the next day.  I showered up, layed down in bed, and set my alarm for 6:00am, with all sorts of thoughts running through my head.  Was I really going to do this?  Was I physically capable of doing it?  What if I'm the only person walking?  And the dreaded question looming in the back of my mind...What if I'm the last one to finish?!?!?

 

Insecurities...I knew I had to overcome them.  The next morning when my alarm went off, I knew what I was going to do.  I got up, got dressed in my favorite work-out gear, had a power breakfast, and was out the door and on my way.    When I got to the site, I was totally not expecting what I saw.  For starters, I had assumed that since this is such a small town, there would be very few people.  I was completely wrong!  There were so many people there already, I almost turned around and went back home.  But instead, I parked my car, took a few deep breaths, and made my way to the registration line.  I got my bib number, turned in my food donations, and blended into the crowd of runners stretching and getting ready for the start of the race.  To my surprise, there were people of all different ages and body types there.  A few people appeared to be alone as well, and that made me feel a lot better.  I finished stretching, and the race started.

 

Chicas...I walked the entire race.  Power-walked, but yes, I walked it. 

And I couldn't have been any more proud of myself when I finished it!!  There were actually tons of people walking along.  Children with their parents, groups of girlfriends gossiping with each other, a few single mommys and daddys with strollers, and even the mayor of my lovely little city!  I figured since it was my very first 5k, I didn't want to over-do it. 

 

I see a lot more races in my future, and I know I need to take it easy, and pace myself. I will get there one day!  Baby steps chicas...'poco a poco'.  You really have to experience the feeling for yourself.  I'm sure you'll be hooked just like I was.  I felt soooo proud coming home, and telling everyone I saw that day about what I had accomplished just that morning.  My family was super supportive, and continue to remain encouraging on a daily basis.  My best friend Cat...well she deserves her own special mention as well. 

If it wasn't for her consistent nagging (in a loving way of course) :)), and her words of advice, I don't think I would have decided to even give a 5k a shot.  So thank you Cat!  You're my best friend for those reasons especially, and I've truly been blessed with the 15+ years we've had as friends so far.

 

 

On a different note, I know I've been a little M.I.A. lately, but November is my audit month at work.  Yikes!  So you only imagine that it's been crazy busy. 

State audit + holidays = CRAZYNESS

 



I've still been weighing in at my WW meetings every week.  Here's a little update with my results from the past few weeks...

 

 

Officially down 133.2 lbs. yall!!  I am beyond psyyycchheeedd!!  Quick recap:

 

10/30/12 - gained 1.2 lbs.

11/6/12 - lost 1.6 lbs.

11/13/12 - gained 2.6 lbs.

11/20/12 - lost 6.6 lbs.

 

Talk about all over the place huh?  That's what stress at work does to me.  I'll be the first to admit that I am an emotional eater.  But regardless of where I'm at after a weigh-in, I always pat myself on the back, and look foward.  There's no point in looking behind you, especially when your past was what was making you unhappy.  The way I see it...if you keep looking over your shoulder at what 'could have been', you're going to miss all sorts of opportunities passing you by...or you're going to run smack into a wall and get stuck where you were before.  Either way is a no-win.

 

Forgive yourself, and move on.

 

Focus on living a happy and positive life.  I know I am!!

 

The loves of my life...they make my heart smile!

My beautiful sister and I...YES we were kitties at SeaWorld!

Mi familia...enough said.

I was a pretty cute kitty if I do say so myself!

Halloween night...LMFAO!!!

 

Hope everyone has a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow!!

 

 

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

xoxo,

❤Nica



It's all in your head...

Half-way through the work week, even closer to Halloween, and I still don't have a costume for my annual party I have at work.  I thought I had a great idea, but last night when I tried to put it all together in a practice run, it resulted in an EPIC FAIL.  lol

 

I'm heading up to San Antonio this weekend, so I really need to get my booty in check and find something.  I'm out of options here in town, unless I want to go this route...

 

Ummm wait...what??  I think I'll pass.  lol

 

Aside from searching for a costume, I'll also be taking my niece and nephew to SeaWorld with the familia.  Every year during the month of October, SeaWorld puts together some scaarrryyy fun for the Howl-O-Scream event.  Check out the link I provided if you can.  They have some pretty awesome areas of the park to visit this year.  I am sooo looking foward to it.  I freakin' love Halloween!  :)

 

I also went to my Weight Watchers meeting/weigh-in yesterday afternoon.  I've really grown to appreciate all the members in the group.  They are always so supportive of each other, and a few of them have become great friends of mine.  I love the fact that we are able to laugh with each other about the day-to-day struggles we experience, and at the same time feel confident that noone in that meeting is judging you.  We recently got a new group leader a few weeks ago, and she's been doing a great job so far!  My previous leader Nancy was just as awesome.  She kept me motivated the entire time since I started on my journey back in January, and I appreciate everything she did to show continued support and encouragement.  Here's to you Nancy!!

 

 

The pic on the left is of Nancy and I during the meeting when I reached my 100lb. weight loss.  She did a little presentation, and gave me a certificate.  Such a memorable day!!

 

The pic on the right is of my Zumba instructor Andrea and I, after one of her amazing work-outs.  This girl is just sooo full of energy and positive light.  Muchisimas gracias Andrea!!  Chicas, if you haven't tried Zumba yet, I highly recommend that you do, and soon!!  If you love music, and you love to dance, then this is definitely the work-out for you.  It doesn't even feel like you're exercising!

 

I couldn't have come this far on my journey without the help of these two amazing women.  If you ever get the opportunity to have inspiration such as these people in your life, feel very very blessed chicas.  Thank you ladies!!!

 

My weigh-in went pretty well yesterday, aside from the fact that I over-indulged in margaritas this past weekend at a quincienera.  lol  That's what happens when you haven't had a drink in awhile, and you're around friends and family.  Ya gotta love any party that has a frozen margarita machine on hand!!  Yummm!!!

 

 

I lost 2.2 lbs. this week!  I am sooo beyond psyched chicas!  This year has been life-changing for me, and I can't help but try to encourage others towards a healthier, positive lifestyle.  It really makes me happy that my family has adopted some of the small changes I've been making.  It's easier to make smart decisions when you have people around you that support you, and love you unconditionally.  And that's all it takes!  Really yall', if you ever feel alone, or that you don't have anyone around for support, don't ever hesitate to head in this direction.  Send me a message or an email, and I'll do my best to help you in any way possible.  It's a mental game chicas.  Thinking positive will attract good things into your life, and before you know it, you'll be moving foward towards whatever goal you have your heart set on.

 

We all have our bad days.  Hell, I have them pretty often sometimes, but you're feeling how you're feeling at that moment for a reason.  Does that even make sense?  lol  Ride out your emotions, and feel them.  Don't bottle them up and ignore them.  That's only going to make it harder on you when they resurface again.  And chicas...they always do.  We know this.

 

Stay positive my friends!  Have a great rest of the week.  :)

 

Ohhhh...one last thing...just for a quick smile.  This week is 'Red Ribbon Week' at my chiquita's school.  Every day this week the school has a different theme for the kids to participate in, such as 'crazy socks day', 'crazy hat day', etc.  Today was 'crazy hair day', so I got up extra early to help my niece with her hair.  She insisted on the color purple, so that's exactly what we did.  I have to say though, she should have just worn her hair straight out of bed!!  This is the REAL crazy hair!!

 

 

Poor baby was still half asleep!!  lol

 

 

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

xoxo,

❤Nica

Taco Thursday...

Hola chicas!! 

 

Hope your Thursday is going by quickly...I know we're all waiting on Friday to finally show it's beautiful face!  The next few weekends I have are booked with a lot of things to do...but trust me, I'm not complaining.  There's nothing better than familia, parties, and road trips.

 

Last night I made one of my all-time favorite dinners, chicken tacos.  They were complete yumminess, and I thought I'd share my recipe with you all.  Now, I know everyone has a different spin on this dish, as it's a pretty common meal en familias Latinos.  I used the WW Recipe Builder on eTools to create mine, so that it is PointsPlus friendly.  These tacos still have the same flavorful taste, just made a little healthier.

 

Ingredients:

(chicken taco filling)

 

1 1/2 - 2 lbs. boneless/skinless chicken breast

1 cup Spanish onion thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic minced

1 1/2 cups tomato sauce

garlic salt to taste

black pepper to taste

 

Begin by boiling the chicken for approximately 1 hour in slightly salted water, or until thoroughly cooked.  I used boneless/skinless chicken breast for my recipe simply because it's easier to work with, but bone-in chicken breast will work as well.  It is important to remove any skin before boiling though.  After they are done cooking, remove them from the water, and set them aside on a plate.  Also, think ahead chicas!  While the chicken is boiling, use that time to chop up any veggies you'll use for your tacos, or in my case last night, making a side dish like Spanish rice.  This can be a quick and easy meal if you prep prep prep.

 

Once the chicken breasts have cooled down enough for you handle, begin pulling them apart into thin shreds, or to your liking.  I usually do this by hand, and although it is a little more time consuming, the chicken stays a lot juicier this way once all the ingredients are added in.

Make sure the onion is thinly sliced, and the garlic is minced into tiny pieces.  This is what gives the chicken it's sabor chicas.

When you're ready, lightly coat a large skillet with non-stick spray and heat to medium.  Next, add in the chicken and let it cook for a few minutes, just so that it warms up.  After that, throw in the onions, garlic, and tomato sauce.  Mix well, and season to taste with garlic salt and black pepper.  Cook for approximately 5 more minutes while stirring occasionally, and it's ready!  Now serving sizes will vary, but using the Recipe Builder and my trusty scale, this is what I calculated:

 

PointsPlus Value= 3

Yields approximately 10 servings

Serving Size= 4.3 ounces

(yeessss I like to be exact lol)

Here is my finished product last night.  Like I mentioned above, I served my chicken tacos with a side of Spanish rice, which is how I grew up eating this dish.  I also chose to just warm my tortillas on a skillet, instead of the tradition to fry them.  Soo much healthier, and still sooo yummy.  All you have to do is add your own toppings, and you're set!

 

My plate above was suuuper filling, and totaled out to 10PP.

(1/2 cup Spanish rice= 3PP, 2 Tia Rosa red corn tortillas= 3PP, chicken filling= 3PP,

1/4 cup fat free cheese mix= 1PP, lettuce and tomato= 0PP)

 

For those of you who have never had these before, try them out!  I promise you're going to love them.  You can also try adding salsa, or even yummy avocado.  There's actually salsa on mine, but you can't see it, and I forgot to pick up some avocados at the grocery store, otherwise I would have had some too.  It goes greeeaaattt with these tacos.

 

I'm off for now chicas, but I hope I at least got you thinking about dinner tonight!!  Have a terrific Thursday!!

 

 

Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

xoxo,

❤Nica



Tick tock...tick tock...

Where is this time going lately??

 

It feels like the year is nearly over, and I still have sooo much to do.  I know with the upcoming holidays, the time is just going to swing by even quicker.  It seems like every day is just hustle hustle hustle, and I never even have a moment to breathe for myself.  Yikes!!

 

First things first, let me give you all my updated WW weekly weigh-ins from the past 2 weeks.  I think I've been doing fairly well with my tracking, although I know I have a lot of room for improvement, especially when it comes to the weekends.  Lately, I barely even glance at my iPhone throughout the weekends to track my food.  No bueno.  :/

 

 

At last week's weigh-in (10/9/12), I lost a total of 4.2 pounds.  I have no idea how I did that chicas.  The only thing I can think is that I am underestimating the amount of activity points I count for Zumba.  It's a little hard to determine sometimes, because Zumba isn't listed as one of the 'workouts' under the activity list on the Weight Watchers website.  I do eat any activity points I earn, and very rarely go into my extra weekly 49 points.

At this week's weigh-in, I lost 1.2 pounds, making that a total of 126.6 pounds thus far!  Last week I was also awarded another 25 pound ring for my keychain, which was reallly exciting!  I got to speak a little about my journey so far, and I can only hope that my progress will inspire others to stay on track, and never lose hope that the program really does work.

 

This entire year has been a true blessing for me chicas.  I cannot stress that enough.  I am thankful to God for putting me on this path, and helping me stick to it.  I know I am making the best decisions for my future.

 

Cheers to a new week, and in moving foward!!

 

In other parts of my life, work is getting crazier every day.  I'm planning my annual Halloween party, and getting ready for audit next month.  Before I know it, the holidays are going to be here, and we'll be starting another year!  I'm still not 100% sure about a costume so far, but I will definitely be dressing up...it's tradition for our fiesta at work!

 

Here are a few pics of my life over the past week or so...

 

My babygirl's 'candycorn' nails I did for her...I loooove my niece, but wow...these didn't last but one day tops! lol

A trip to the pumpkin patch on a Saturday afternoon always calls for pictures!!  They had a blast...and so did I trying to get my nephew to look at the camera just once!! lol

My yummy breakfast I made the other morning...only 5PP chicas!  2 points for the whole-grain bread (2 slices of Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat), 1 point for the ham (1 ounce of Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Honey Ham), 1 point for the cheese (1/4 cup HEB fat free shredded cheddar cheese), and 1 point for the three egg whites.  I crisp the ham a little in the skillet, and grill the veggies in the same pan, so that they are warm and soft when putting together the sandwich.  When the egg whites are cooked to your liking, add in the cheese so that it melts perfectly.  No oil is needed...just a little non-stick spray, and you're good to go.  The spinach, tomato, and banana are all freeeeee...which makes for a filling, delicious breakfast!

I also made these steamed dumplings one rainy Saturday afternoon.  I'll be posting the recipe soon.  I always have fun experimenting with the WW Recipe Builder on eTools.  I take any ideas I have in my head, throw them all together, and try to reduce the PP value.  It's challenging, but I think I've put together some really great recipes so far.

 

I also celebrated my bestie's birthday a few weeks ago.  We had a blast!!  Good friends, dinner, drinks, flamenco dancing, and lots of great memories!!

Love you Cat!!  Here's to many many more years of BESTfriendship.  :)

 

The only update I have with The Fisherman is that I'm reaching a breaking point.  I haven't really spoken to him in a few days, because he made me really mad over the weekend when he wouldn't answer a simple question!  It was just something I had never asked him before, and he became soo defensive.  Believe it or not...in the short time we've been 'talking', I've never asked him what his last name is.  It's honestly just never come up, and for whatever reason, I thought about it while I was on the road this weekend.  We were in the middle of texting each other, and I just flat out asked him 'By the way, what's your last name'?  His response??  'Why?? Uggg!!'.  Ummm wait...what??  Warning sign, I know chicas.  So I'm going to let things play themselves out..and I am definitely not going to hold back from saying exactly how I feel from now on.  I know what I want out of a partner, and I'm honestly more pissed off than happy half the time we talk.  Ask and you shall receive, right?  Even if it's not the answer you want to hear, it still helps you moves foward.

 

By the way...I finally updated my progress pictures!!  Make sure you click over to that page and take a look.  It's amazing what positive thinking can get you...put your mind and ❤ to it, and you can accomplish anything!!

 

Have a great week chicas...it's almost Friiiiddaayyy!!

 



Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!

 

 

xoxo,

 

❤Nica