A Post It Note makes All the Difference

First, Happy Memorial Day to all of our country's soldiers who have fought in the past & that are currently fighting over in other parts of the world. We Appreciate You!

Normally on Monday's I post a recipe or I will update ya'll on my weekend and I am still going to do that, however I am switching today's topic with Wednesday & Vice Versa. Make sure you check back on Wednesday for a recipe involving healthy chicken tenders. That means no corn/wheat/soy/flour/etc---they are YUM!

Moving On...

"We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God and God abides in Him"
               -1John4:16

Some of my favorite verses of the Bible come from Chapter Four of First John, because they all relate to God's Love for His Children. Growing up, I remember feeling alone, unworthy, empty, unloved, & even though I was bold as a child & surrounded by family, I was not confident whatsoever. I accepted Jesus into my Heart when I was 7-years-old, but as many believers don't even comprehend is that you MUST work on your relationship with Jesus so that it can grow! Thus, as a lot of you know, if you do not take care of your past & work through it, YES it can most definitely be carried with you as you get older AND it becomes even harder to work through it.
It wasn't until two years ago, that I began recognizing and feeling God's Love for the first time. He had always loved on me before, however I began seeing what it meant to be Loved--it was so overwhelming, but in a good way.
Also, around this time is when I met my husband; Kyle. He is an intelligent, handsome, polite gentleman, whom loves the Lord with All of His heart & to be honest I began seeing & experiencing the Lord's Love through him--in a new light!  I knew that God's love was deeply rooted into Kyle's heart.
Furthermore, I began feeling whole, new, complete, confident, worthy, & most importantly--LOVED!
God has hundreds of ways to show us just how much He loves us: prayer, the Word, family, spouses, friends, the radio, circumstances, etc. You just need to RECOGNIZE it and Let him do it!  Trust me, I have days here & there that are stressful & difficult, but these are also the days that I cry out to God, "Lord, I need you more than ever today. Come & Lavish Your LOVE on me. Robe me in Your CONFIDENCE & PEACE. You are ALL I Need!"
This last Saturday, I was having "one of those days" and I was crying out to God telling Him that I needed to be extravagantly Loved on Today! I heard Him clearly say,"Lauren, Will you let me?" I answered with, "of course I will!" A few hours later, Kyle & I had some errands that we had to run & he was still getting ready & told me to just go ahead and wait for him in the car. As I unlocked the car & opened the door, I saw a Gazillion notes EVERYWHERE!!!! Each one had a small personal message for me...I just bursted out into tears, because I knew ALL of those notes were just little reminders of just how much God loved me. He definitely lavished His love on me for sure...I couldn't even tell you how many notes were out there...we ended up taking the other car.
We ALL want and need to be extravagantly loved on; I most certainly believe it!!! So when You're ready--just ask Him & then watch what happens!
Have a Lovely Monday!
XoXo,
L

Hot Flashes, Bed-Kickboxing, Mosquitos, Skinny Belts & All of this Running can be Overload for Anyone's Bod

First, Yes...lately I have been having hot flashes AND...No I'm not pregnant. Over the past few days, I have been freezing during the day, mostly because we keep our thermostat at a very comfortable temperature of 70 degrees. However, at night, I literally feel like I am in a place with absolutely no air-conditioning AND My hubby has been paying for it!

Thus, bringing me to my next topic: bed-kickboxing. Apparently, I am a "Ninja" in my sleep! This past Tuesday night, we both were sound asleep and I will admit to the fact that I do take up a little more than half the King Size Bed...Kyle doesn't mind...ha. Anyway, he rolled over to my side a little bit and BAM....I punched him right in the nose with my fist! Just so all of you know, I do not remember ANY of this...what I just told you is really via Kyle. Oh and No...there was no blood.

Well, to add onto the hot flashes & Ninja-Fighting; we had a small mosquito that was living in our bedroom for about two days. Honestly, some how the little blood-sucker got into our place AND I wasn't very happy about it. I have two small bites on my left thigh because of God's Creature and I was just thankful it didn't put Bite marks all over my face. So how did it succumb to being no more? It landed on Kyle's arm and I used my sword-hammer technique and squashed it! Ha! Take that!!!!

Also, all I am going to say about marathon training is: it's A LOT on my body! However, I LOVE every minute of it!! Okay, that is all:-)

Finally, along with all the running, ninja fighting my husband & mosquito as well as the increase in body temperature, I have decided that I just don't look good in a dress that needs a skinny belt. In fact, when I was trying on some dresses at JCREW, I was thinking how the heck would ANYONE look good in this? I do have a boyish body and I totally own it...I call it the "surfer meets Hawaiian girl body" AND that is exactly what I have! Not A lot of curves...very straight...so I thought the skinny belt thing would look appealing....um NO! It just looked awkward! First, what happens when your belly button is higher than average? Belts look super-different on you. That's All!

Well, I know that I am a little late on my rant this week...this should make up for it!

Have a beautiful weekend everyone!

XoXo,

L

"It's Not Just a Saying," A Motivational Word by J. Kyle Daniel, MS

No Fear!

Do you remember where you were on 9/11/2001? Do you remember where you were when the shooting took place at Columbine High School? What do these two things have in common?

They were both components of "Fear". Fear is something that everyone knows about, but that few people live without. It is a primary emotion not a secondary emotion, like anger. When someone goes through a situation they either operate out of love or out of fear. I believe these are the only two emotions that every other emotion is stemmed from.

I also believe that everything we do or think about is broken down into either a fear category or a faith category. This makes perfect sense, given that God is love and that the enemy tries to imitate God, thus operating in fear. When you operate in nothing but faith then fear is not welcome. I know you may be thinking well great so all I have to do is have more faith than fear it's that easy....well...YES!

However, it all starts with what Paul said, it is in the renewing of your mind. Fear based thinking says that the circumstance has happened and now you are doomed. This is when you get to believe the lie or rebuke it and stand on what God tells you. Replacing fear for faith starts today, do not look at it like that last diet plan and put it off until next week; start today! Renewing your mind starts by putting the good in and taking the bad out. It starts with the movies you watch, the tv shows you view and the people that you hang around. You cannot watch "Saw" at midnight and then hope to sleep well that night, because you just put fear in. Once fear is in, faith can't hang around.

Furthermore, the people that you also hang around is another huge component of either fear or faith-based thinking. If your best friend, your mom, your dad or your siblings cannot uplift you and speak good things into your life than they are filling you with fear and not faith. The reason is because those harmful words are linked to rejection and/or anger which is tide hand-in-hand into the primary emotion--fear.

However, not being fearful is not the reason for this post. The reason for this post is too be faithful and full of love. Where there is faith and love, fear cannot stay around. Be blessed and full of faith.

Stay Classy Shamrock, Texas

I have decided that I Love Small towns. Well, I would not want to live in one, but I do think that small towns truly capture the meaning of the American Dream.  This past weekend, Kyle & Myself along with Mary Helen drove to Shamrock, TX to visit Grandma Davis(Kyle's Grandmother).  She is 92-years-old and looks like a Million Bucks...seriously!! Mrs. Davis keeps her home in mint condition and still drives to town weekly for food and/or yard supplies; she is such a joy to be around and treats me as if I have been in the family for years and years.  She is Lovely!

Here she is at our wedding talking with some of
the groomsman.

She loves to talk with anyone and everyone...she sat with my family at the Rehearsal Dinner...LOL...and later told me that she really enjoyed all of them.  Her memory is absolutely flawless & it is fun to talk history with her.  Anyway, I could go ON and ON about Grandma Davis...but I do have a blog to write...ha!

On Saturday, we all woke up early and had our coffee.  Afterwards, Kyle went straight to the backyard to clean it up a bit, while Mary Helen and I went straight to Main Street to check out the dozen Antique shops.  

Here is a small glimpse of Shamrock, Texas.  We walked up and down browsing shop after shop, while some were over-priced, there were a few that had some really neat finds.  Over the past few weeks, I have been trying to locate a Vintage Coffee Mug Hanger for our Kitchen and I finally found one this past Weekend...HORRAY!!

I removed the sign...I didn't care for it much!

I started collecting large over-sized mugs about a year ago and wanted to display them in an old piece of shelving or something, but still use them for my coffee in the mornings!!  The best thing about this piece was that I got it for 15 bucks!!!!!  However, my excitement was far more extreme compared with Kyles'...I think he was thinking of how he was going to hang it...should be interesting.  I will post a pic later once we get it mounted and the mugs in place;-)

Our trip was only for two nights and by yesterday, I was SO ready to be home and in my own bed. We had a wonderful visit and I look forward to many more trips in the near future.  Stay classy Shamrock!

One more thing, I had a trial run with my hair extensions for the family photo shoot this coming weekend...I think they turned out ah-mazing!!  Cannot wait to get extensions that will last for 4 months or so...I know...I am blessed with a ton of hair already...they are just fun to have:-) Here is a pic:

Have a lovely rest-of-your-Monday!!!! If that makes sense...ha!

XOXO,

L

The Case of the Sweaty Old Men

The thought of running on the treadmill between two old men just grosses me out. This morning, I went to do my last run of the week & normally I would be running outside, however I just was not sure about the weather today. Ugh...I should've just ran outside.

At the 24 Hour Fitness that I go to, there are 4-5 "special treadmills" amongst the 30 "regular" ones & I almost always try to get one of the "special" ones. What do I mean by special? Well, this may be silly, BUT they are taller, which I LOVE because I am a tall girl and I want to have as little head movement as possible while running long distance--meaning I do not need to tilt my head all the way down to see my pace/mileage/etc. Secondly, they have big holes to put your water bottles, towels, w/e in & these 4-5 treadmills are located right in front of this huge fan that just blows right into your face. Sometimes I just pretend I am having a major photoshoot and my hair is just blowing...sooo nice...ha!

Well, today wasn't so nice! The fan was blowing humid air onto me AND I ended up running in between two old men, who were sweaty & honestly I think one was tooting the entire time that he was running. Needless to say...it was not pleasant at all. Ugh! Men! I mean put some deodorant on and bring a flipping towel so that your treadmill doesn't look like you slobbered all over it!!!!!!!

Oh and Please Stop checking me out too! I am TAKEN!

Amen & Thank you!

L

The Power of the Tongue, a Motivational Word by Mary Helen D.

What are you believing for in your life and thus speaking it out? Proverbs 18 says, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue." We can either speak out things that are going to bring life OR death into our life. I have spoken life: after I was married and started moving around the country, I was promised a lovely home. I lived in nice houses but not my dream home. I kept speaking life over the situation and as of this year, I got my blessing; a beautiful home that is my dream.

However, I have also spoken death: I spoke out divorce and got it! I have lived on both sides of the coin and thus I challenge you to question what exactly you are speaking over yourself as well as your life.

Is it Gods vision for you OR what the world is saying about you?!

Think. Pray. Act.

***Mary Helen was married for 33 years and has three grown children, all of whom are married with children of their own. She taught school for ten years and loves to read and spend time with her three grandchildren.***

Why So Much?

I know...I know...I've been M.I.A. when it comes to my blog lately, BUT I'm back...for a few posts this week.  I am just going to blame it on ALL of the running I am doing...Oh and the decorating too...Oh and the HUNDREDS of things that a woman MUST do once married!

Kyle and I have been putting off getting all of that stuff done, however this past Friday, we made our way to the social security office...THAT was interesting!! First off, I think it FREAKED Kyle out more than me! Secondly, I had my hair down and at one point, Kyle leaned over to me and said, "Babe, you might want to put your hair up so that it doesn't touch the chair." Lol...He is always looking out for my best interest...I LOVE Him!! Then, yesterday...we went to the DPS...where Kyle completely fell asleep and I was left to deal with the stare downs on my own AND then there was AT&T(We are merging our cells) and I wanted to punch our rep in the face(TOTALLY Kidding)...and he proceeded to tell me that he had a baby and of course it softened me up a bit!! Amongst all of this...StateFarm people were upset that I was leaving them and moving to a different agency...I WON'T EVEN GO THERE!! However, if you are a woman and are over the age of 24...get your car insurance people to check your file and make sure you are not paying more than you need too.  Oh and amongst ALL of this, I am also getting all of my Passport stuff taken care of...IT. IS. A LOT. WHEN. CHANGING. YOUR. LAST. NAME.

Well, onto a different subject, this past weekend I bought the most beautiful lamp for my Bathroom!  It was regular $50.00 and I got it for less than 15 bucks!!  I Heart AMAZING DEALS!!!

Oh and I also hung this beautiful picture that was given to me...it is OLD andddd Kyle thinks it is CREEPY...I will let you decide...I think that it is LOVELY!!

This past Sunday, we celebrated our friend's 5th Wedding Anniversary at Joe T Garcia's. It was Beautiful to see them so happy and they are expecting their first BeBe in October!! Guess who is planning the Baby Shower? Yes, yours truly...with the help of my wonderful Mother-in-Law!!! Oh and if you read my tweet from that day...this was the day that Kyle said to my face,"You Look like a pirate....But REALLY HOTT...a Hott Pirate."

I am thinking of beginning a side business for antiquing and such...However before I start telling the world...I need to get really good at it!! It is a thought;-)

XOXO,

L

Hopeful Housewife Rant

Today is Thursday, which means it is Housewife Rant Day!! However, today's Rant is more of a time to Just THANK GOD for healing me.

Honestly, when I was 19-years-old and hospitalized for the beginning part of my summer, I literally Hated life. Mom and I were not getting along, I was with some guy that was almost 10 years older than me, I wasn't enjoying school at UT Austin, I was starving myself & working out 2-3hours/day...needless to say it wasn't a good summer. I am not going to get into the nitty gritty of all of the above, BUT I will tell you that sometimes you MUST be broken so that God can heal you!

This wouldn't be the first time that I would find myself broken...there would be at least one more time...which is also for another time, another day! Anyway, I am 25-years-old now and I have been through some trying times with my health...all beginning around the age of 3.

Age 3- had some virus to where I couldn't eat or walk for two weeks straight.
Age 4- Chicken Pox
Age 12-14- Anemia (was constantly tired & lethargic)
Age 19- hospitalized for a ruptured ovary & bacterial infection near my uterus.
Age19-20- colonoscopy/endoscopy procedure due to family history and stomach probs.
Age 20-21 ALMOST hospitalized for being severely underweight.
Age 20-23 Had a pelvic sonogram every six months For checkups.
Age 24 WHERE I JUST HAD ENOUGH!!

Around 2008-2009, I was having extreme pain in my lower abdomen and I constantly thought I had some type of infection, which I bet every woman thinks. Every doctor I went to took blood and no one could figure out what the problem was...heck my mom, whom is a doctor couldn't even tell ya! It wasn't until I got on my knees and surrendered everything that was going on with my health to God, that I finally got answers.

The first being a new doctor-a Christian Wholistic Chiropractor. She checked me out and told me that it was a nerve issue and could easily be fixed! She also said that I had to cut out caffeine, wheat and dairy, but I knew that the staple of my healing would come from BELIEVING that God is my healer and is faithful!!!
Within 4-6 months, I began to
Notice that I was pain-free and NOW I cannot even tell you the last time I experienced any type of pain in that region.

Then, like a tumbleweed, things started showing up due to all of the past health issues I had endured. Starting with adrenal glands, then lack of good bacteria in my body because of years of antibiotic use, and then post wedding, thyroid issues were popping up due to the years and years of stress. The way I look at how to explain all of the issues is like this: when you surrender, expect and rely on God to heal you, you must be ready for the ride. I am not saying that God cannot Heal you in an Instant, because I know first-hand that he can...I've seen it and lived it. I am saying to be prepared for the journey that he has for you, because more than likely it will become a testimony for others.

I say all of this to help you, to build you, to let you know that through God you can experience healing and hope. Without Him, I dunno what I would do-He is the Ultimate Healer!

I pray this Hopeful Rant will inspire those of you whom are hurting or need healing to lean on the one that created you! It's simple really...just need to have faith that he can do it!

XOXO,

L

Red Pepper & Mozzerella Spaghetti will Defintely Feed Your Man

My Husband LOVES Pasta!! When I first met him, he loved taking me to Italian places to eat and although he is a huge fan of ravioli and manicotti, I am not. Well, I will eat it, BUT Italian food is not my Fav. Anyway, I remember Kyle normally would order Fetticchini Alfredo and of course the huge portion was loaded with fat and excess calories. Thus, since we have been married, I have been making my own type of Alfredo, however its with healthy fats and veggies.  

My recipe is for two large servings(like 2 MAN servings) and calls for:

-A bunch of Brown rice spaghetti OR w/e you have on hand.
-Hormone Free COOKED Chicken(4 tenders)
-1/4 stick of Raw Butter
-1/4 cup of olive oil
-1 large Red Bell pepper
-1/4 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
-1/4cup-1/2 cup of Organic Chopped Yellow Onions
-Himalayan salt to taste
-fresh Rosemary to taste
-1/2cup organic coconut milk

Directions:
Bring the Water to a boil in your large pan for the spaghetti and then let it cook for 15min OR until the spaghetti is tender. At the same time, add the coconut milk, chopped bell pepper and onion and rosemary to a sauce pan and let it simmer.  Once the spaghetti is cooked and the water is drained, place the spaghetti back into the large pan and add the butter, Rosemary, oil, and salt. Keep the stove burner on low and stir the spaghetti. Then, add the chopped cooked chicken and SLOWLY stir in the ingredients from the saucepan. Stir everything together really good and then serve on a large plate with a sprinkle of Mozzarella cheese. 

Honestly, I LOVE Himalayan salt! It is the cleanest salt there is, coming from the Himalayas and you can buy it from Central Market or any specialty food store. Also, butter and olive oil are both okay as long as they are not used in excess!! 

Let me know if you decide to try it!  Y'all have a lovely Monday & if you haven't check out yesterday's post...you should!! I finished the table;)

Xoxo,
L

That's ALL For Now...project wise...

Well, a few weeks ago I was in this "Decorating Mode" AND after hours and hours of scraping, sanding, bricking, painting, priming, ETC...I am D.O.N.E! Not forever...just for now.  Since around Wednesday of this last week, we've been working on a dining room table and it is STUNNING!! I LOVE!! Thank you to My Hubs for being such a big help to me and to this project...He worked long and hard. Here are some pics of our journey with Sophia--YES, I named her:)

Before Pics: This was before we sanded it down:)

After Pic: Sanded, Primed, & Painted-Started Scuffing it up with a Brick

FINAL PIC: I LOVE the cushions!! We picked the fabric out and
Nanny helped me put them on.  My Centerpieces include: A Large Shabby Chic
Bowl, 2 lanterns, some bottles, candles and candle holders, small mirrors, etc

Some of the Table Centerpieces!

Also, I have been working on a frame wall in our living area AND not all of the Pics are in, but I took a pic anyway to share with yall:)

One of the first areas that I worked in upon moving in with Kyle after we were married WAS indeed our Bedroom!  I wanted our Bedroom to have a "Romantic feel" to it without making it too girly...Everything about it screams cozy and Romance...LOL...its my favorite coffee spot:)  Here it is:

Our sheets, pillows, down comforter, etc all came from either Pottery Barn,
West Elm, or Pier One.  I use Organic Cotton Sheets:)

I LOVE COMMENTS!! Please let me know what you think:) Oh AND of Course HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

XOXO,

L

How Many Spins does it Take You to Get to the Center of the Toilet Paper Roll?

Hola Amigos! Well, a few weeks ago, I wrote about how My Hubs can smell up a room in less than 10 seconds--Literally! Thus, he had told me that Because I had let the world in on his little secret, I needed to blog about the obscene amounts of toilet paper I go through in one week.

Therefore, on this week's Housewife Rant, I am writing about "my toilet paper use"...as if this post will really turn heads! I mean, I don't use it as rope, or decor in our apartment, and It's not like I sleep with a roll next to my side...like some of these weird shows on National Geographic.

However, I guess with there only being me and him as a family right now...no puppies OR kiddos...8 rolls for one person/per week could be a little much? What do you think?

I am not trying to make excuses, but for this past three weeks, I have been blowing my nose a lot AND I use toilet paper, because Kleenex just makes me sneeze even more. NO EXCUSE, Just Explaining;)

Kyle told me the other day that his sister wanted our left over cardboard rolls and not to throw them away! I believe she is doing a project with them...well here is what I have to say to her: Kris, thank you for taking our left over cardboard rolls; I feel much better about my TP use because in a sense I am recycling!!

Well, I honestly do not feel that I use that much! We recently started buying the Charmin Double Rolls, which I BELIEVE with all my heart that they will last me a lot longer!! Soo with ALL of that being said: how long does it take you to get to the center of the toilet paper roll??

XoXo,

L

Tervis Tumbler, A Motivational Word by Kathy Lyda

Every morning I make a pot of Tazo Earl Grey Tea which then sustains me through the day in my Tervis Tumbler. (It’s iced and sweetened of course, I am a good Texas gal and all.)

Those who know me know that my Tervis Tumblers are always at my side. I love them. If you have one, you know what I’m talking about. If you don’t, they are those iconic mid-century insulated tumblers you’ve seen for years. 
My goal lately is to be more like my Tervis Tumblers. Why?

Tervis Tumblers are:

Virtually Unbreakable – Now I know I’m not virtually unbreakable. As a matter of fact I am easily broken, but, through faith, this jar of clay can be a Tervis Tumbler…I know it to be true. I just have to keep remembering...

Dishwasher Safe – Yep, that’s right, easy clean up. When things get messy I want to be easy to clean up. No more excuses, no more blaming and no more grudges. Life’s messy. We can either be the that dirty stained wretched glass that must be soaked in vinegar and scrubbed by hand or know, that through the Dishwasher of Grace, we can start all over sparkling clean.

Reduces Condensation – In other words…no sweat. This is a great feature of the Tervis Tumbler. No sweat rings! How I would love it if I could have fewer sweat rings, less stress and more peace. In times of stress when the sweat rings are coming on, I vow to take a moment to reflect on those who model a life of peace. What are they doing? What are they not doing? What can I learn? How can I change?

Double Insulated – The world can be full of things which hurt, challenge, exhaust and deplete. We can hide from them, lash out at them or, insulate ourselves as best we can through a strong faith. It’s not easy and even the Tervis Tumbler doesn’t always keep the hot hot and the cold cold. Sometimes the hot is just too hot and the cold is just too cold. I hope to work daily on building a faith that can buffer even the hottest hots and coldest colds life can offer.

So…striving to be like a Tervis Tumbler? Yep. I’ll let you know how it goes….

Bee Thinking:
2 Corinthians 4:7

Kathy Lyda has been married to Lance, her best friend and fellow TCU Horned Frog for 18 years. Together they have two daughters, Avery (11) and Lindy (7), two rescue dogs, one turtle, one frog, one fish , 6 chickens and a business they run together.  When not pulling her hair out, Kathy loves to spend time with her family, teach Sunday School, go geocaching, coach her Destination Imagination team, and drink sweet tea.

Projects Galore!

I am Currently on project overload. Home Decorating, marathon training, baby shower planning, etc. However, I do love every minute; it keeps me busy and moving;)

Last week, I started having all of these ideas of what I want to do in our home--the first being a furniture project, which includes our dining room table. I want to do an antique white finish to the table as well as chairs AND YES, I know...it's definitely going to be Work! I am also painting a wooden trunk too;) Nanny will be helping me and hopefully I can get the hubs to help sand the furniture too.

Today, we made our way to Pottery Barn, so that I could use the remaining gift cards that we had collected post wedding. We have already used quite a few of them and I wanted to purchase a TON of frames(12-15), in order to do a collage of pictures in our living area. Thus, we bought a handful of silver, antique white, gold, and a couple of darker ones...all different sizes...it will look so good...I will take a picture once it is complete;)

Along with being in the "decorating mode," I am also in the "running mode." I started Marathon training yesterday and this morning i started making my schedule for the next 6 months. My weekly training schedule includes 3 days of running(one being a LONG run), 2 weight training days, 1 stretch day(pilates), & 1 day off. Yep...it's A LOT!! So excited;)

Besides decorating and training, I am planning/hosting a baby shower in August for one of my dearest friends. I still have a few months to go, but I do not like to procrastinate on projects/party planning things. Have lots of ideas, but can't share...I know she reads my blog;) However, we will have plenty of pictures following the shower to show the world!!

Honestly, cleaning seem to be a project every week...lol...and believe it or not, Kyle loves to clean; I'm Blessed!

Well, that is all I've got today! I pray that you have a lovely week and be sure to tune in tomorrow for the weekly Word.

Xoxo,

L

Yellow Spaghetti for Dinner? YUM.

I've ALWAYS wanted to cook Spaghetti Squash.  Every time Kyle and I are both in Central Market, I see the giant, yellow-looking Watermelon in the produce section AND I say, "You look so good, I just want to cook you." Well, this past week, while I was grocery shopping with Nanny, I decided to buy one and I am proud to say that it was a successful $8 purchase.  I know...Eight bucks for a vegetable? WTH!!  However,  it was well worth it, because it will last me a whopping 3 DAYS!! The prep time for cooking this thing was not bad at all and I have ALL of the instructions/pics for cooking the yummiest squash in the WORLD:)

Spaghetti Squash:

1.) Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and cut open your giant squash in half.  The
inside is like a pumpkin; you will need to take all of the Goo & seeds out.

2.) Afterwards, take the two halves and place open side down on a baking pan; it
would probably be a good idea to coat the baking sheet with some olive oil or cooking spray.
Then, place in the oven for 45-55mins.  If you would like to rotate it, you can.

Once baked, the inside should look like a toasted yellow, but NOT BURNED; you don't
want to over cook it.

Transfer one of the halves to a cutting board OR a large surface.  Grab a fork & a
cup towel and hold the end of the squash with a towel...its going to be extremely hot, especially when
you start forking it.  Use your fork to scrape each side of the squash; you will begin to see that it looks
spaghetti-like.

These are what both halves should look like when emptied and the insides put
into a large bowel.  So make sure to clean those puppies out:)

VUALA!! Just one cup of this stuff yields 41 calories AND is perfect with any slab of beef,
chicken OR fish.  I put some himalayan salt and some pepper on mine...this is great for
people who are trying to lose weight OR that just need something to fill them up!! Just one
giant squash yields probably 6-8 cups!! That is A LOT!!

Well, I hope that the cooking lesson will make you want to eat a yummy vegetable with that piece of chicken!! Let me know if you have questions:)  LOVE LOVE LOVE sharing healthy cooking recipes!

Have a Blessed Monday!!

XOXO,

L