Friday Five

A weekly round-up of tidbits, tips, ideas, news articles, random cool things...

1. This spoke to me today...

Something happened to get us to the point we needed the helping hand of weight loss surgery. Abuse, trauma, death, divorce, illness, emotional or physical pain, disappointment, we all have something (some of us have many somethings) but with hard work and "shedding the old." We can change our story. xo.

2. Nom nom nom. When you want a crunch of a chip these Bare Fruit Apple Chips are a great healthy snack alternative. It made me want Fall to begin. Apples, pumpkins, cooler temperatures, casseroles, cozy sweaters.

Ingredients: Organic Apples, Organic Cinnamon. Bake, Dried. Perfect with this protein packed dip...

Shelly's Cinnamon Apple Chip Dip

3 oz. Greek Yogurt (I use plain, 2%)
1 1/2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Torani Syrup
2 Tablespoons Vanilla Protein Powder
A dash or 2 of Cinnamon
Bare Fruit Cinnamon Apple Chips for dipping

Mix yogurt, SF syrup, vanilla protein (any, I used Celebrate Vitamins Vanilla Cake Batter ENS) and cinnamon together till well combined. Add a dash more cinnamon on top. Serve with Cinnamon Apple Chips.

3. Some articles I read this week that were worth checking out:

Many Obese Americans Struggle With Stigma, Discrimination
Thin Is In For Executive Women: How Weight Discrimination Contributes To The Glass Ceiling
Weight-loss surgery results in positive changes in social life, medical conditions, research suggest
Modern Technology Adds to Worldwide Obesity Woes
Diet frozen dessert products have up to 68% more calories than labels promise

and speaking of discrimination and stigma, the story that made my blood pressure jump a few notches...

Woman outraged by doctor’s refusal to see obese patients (original story)
Doctor Turns Away Obese Patients (a follow-up)

I commented on the threads and this is basically what I said...

"This is serious and potentially deadly behavior that is NOT ACCEPTABLE in the medical community. This kind of discrimination, bias, and stigmatization can lead to obese patients avoiding preventive health services and exams, cancer screening tests, pelvic exams, mammograms, follow up appointments. I have been both morbidly obese and normal weight and have felt the difference in treatment first hand. It is SAD and WRONG. Since 34% of Americans are obese chances are one of them is your Mom, Grandma, Pop, Uncle, Best Pal, Child. Consider what the effect of this behavior in the medical community could mean to YOUR loved ones life. Also given that 67% of Americans are obese or overweight, this doctor and any others who chose to discriminate better start to learn how to effectively treat and provide medical care to patients affected by obesity or they may not have many patients to treat."

Positive thing to come out of this: those in her area can spread the word to beware.

4. Heads up on another great product: Krave Jerky. I've eaten a lot of jerky in my post weight loss surgery days. It's a low fat, low carb, protein packed snack that holds up well traveling. It's readily available at most gas station mini marts. I like it when I go camping. I like it alright but I have never craved jerky. Till now. When I read the slogan "Krave is jerky elevated" I thought, "Yeah, yeah, sure it's jerky" but... it's true. This is gourmet, artisanal, made in the Sonoma, California wine country jerky this is not your typical gas station, club/warehouse store jerky. This is the jerky for people who think they hate jerky, this is the jerky for people who love jerky, this is really really good jerky.

Listen to these flavors...

Krave Chili Lime (Natural Beef) – Reminded me of a Thai dish I ate once. Back of the throat heat but not too much. Delicious.
Krave Basil Citrus (Natural Turkey) – If you love Basil you have to try this, like something my Sicilian Grandfather would have made in the old country.
Krave Lemon Garlic (Natural Turkey) – This is the one I thought I wouldn't like and it was my ultimate favorite. Bold garlic with a slight citrus zing.
Krave Smoky Grilled Teriyaki (Natural Pork) – Like a really good bacon with brown sugar sweetness.
Krave Garlic Chili Pepper (Natural Beef) – This one was the most like a traditional jerky but kicked up with a heat that lingered but in a good way.

The website mentions a few other flavors a Curry Beef, a Pineapple Orange Beef and a Sweet Chipotle Beef but I did not try those. For specific nutritional info (all the different meats had different stats of course) hit up the Krave website. They are nitrate, hormone and artificial flavor free. Lower in sodium than most. Of course, I had to do a side by side taste test.

Verdict: Seriously I thought all of them were awesome, super moist and flavorful but if I was on a deserted island I'd want a treasure chest of Krave Lemon Garlic Turkey Jerky with me. Soooo good. It will be in my post-op pantry from now on. Looks like you can order online direct or from amazon. They even have a jerky sampler box you can get delivered on a monthly basis or check out the product locator for a store carrying near you. Check out Krave's twitter and Facebook page and tell them Eggface sent you.

5. Be sure to check back on Sunday when an EGGCITING new giveaway begins!

A day in my pouch

My yesterday in post weight loss surgery meals...

Breakfast: Strawberries and Pineapple Cottage Cheese. The Farmer's Market strawberries this week were the sweetest this season.

Lunch: Shrimp Cocktail. Costco shrimp cocktail rocks when you want a quick, no cook meal (find near the sandwich trays, etc. in the refrigerator case) and a hunk of that Rosemary Asiago Cheese (not pictured) from Trader Joe's. My current favorite cheese. I have seen it at other stores so if you don't have a Trader Joe's nearby check your local better cheeses source I'll bet you'll find it. TJ's just always has the best prices on cheese.

Packed with protein (4 oz. serving of shrimp = 23 grams of protein) and I needed it. I cleaned the garage. I've got a trunk load of donations to take to the thrift and my trash and recycle bins this week are overflowing. I love a good garage purge. It hard to get psyched up to start but once I'm done I feel so good.

Dinner: These are sort of my low carb enchilada alternative. Another quick and easy meal. I used Turkey but these would be great with Roast Beef too.

Shelly's Green Chili and Cheese Tortilla-less Turkey Enchiladas

2 oz. Cream Cheese (or Laughing Cow Cheese)
1 (4 oz.) can Mild Green Chilies
Slices of Turkey Cold Cut (I like Boar's Head Low Sodium)

Drain and rinse chilies (I prefer Ortega Mild, Whole) and I seed and dice them. The already diced ones are full of seeds. Mix cheese and chilies together till well combined. Spread on slices of turkey and roll up. The above recipe makes about 4 roll-ups. Place in a Pam sprayed non-stick pan seam side down and saute till golden. Flipping once. I served them with sliced tomatoes (sprinkled with salt, pepper, oregano)

Snacks: Sometimes you just need chocolate. I made a batch of these mini chocolate protein muffins and ate 2 during the train wreck that is The Real Housewives of New York. Why do I watch that show?! It's just ALWAYS on when I turn on the TV. I also had a Sugar Free Vanilla Soy Latte from Bux during my travels during the day.

Shelly's Triple Chocolate Protein Mini Muffins

1 Egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup
1 Tablespoon Canola Oil
3 Tablespoons Big Train Low Carb Chocolate Chip Brownie Mix
2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa (I used Ghirardelli's - baking aisle)
1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder (any, your favorite brand)
Pinch salt

Mix egg, milk, syrup and oil (applesauce or cottage cheese can sub for oil but 1 T divided between 12 muffins is really not a lot) and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix Big Train's brownie mix, cocoa, protein powder and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Pour into a non stick mini muffin pan that has been sprayed with Pam.

Add something from the topping list to each one. Not too much. 1 cherry, 1 banana slice, 1/4 teaspoon peanut butter, sprinkle of coffee, 1/2 a strawberry, and I always leave a couple plain. This time I did 3 plain, 3 cherry, 3 banana, and 3 almond. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

Topping Ideas:
Frozen or Fresh Cherry
Unsweetened Coconut
Peanut Butter
Sugar Free Orange Marmalade
Sugar Free Candy Cane Bits
Slice of Banana
Sugar Free Malted Milk Ball
Macadamia Nuts
Sugar Free Caramel Topping
Almonds
Instant Coffee Crystals
Cinnamon
Frozen or Fresh Strawberry

More days in my pouch

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Healthy Italian: Pastaless Turkey Bolognese

This is my new favorite weight loss surgery friendly dinner. Low carb, high protein, deliciousness. If you are needing an Italian food fix but in a healthy way try this.

Yum Product Alert: Trader Joe's "Just Sauce" Turkey Bolognese. This is about as close to homemade as you can get without standing in front of a hot stove stirring a pot for hours or visiting your Italian Nonna's house for Sunday dinner. Trust me. I had an Italian Nonna. So yummy... tomatoes, celery, onions, carrots, white wine, basil, oregano, thyme, fennel. It's made with turkey. Score! = lean protein source. 1/2 cup sauce, 120 calories, 9 grams protein.

It is "Just Sauce" like the name states so you heat it up and pour it over or dip whatever you want into it. $3.29 for a 12 oz. box. It's in the freezer case.

Here's what I did with it...

Shelly's Pasta-less Turkey Bolognese (Zucchini & Onion)

1 Large Sweet Onion, sliced thin
3-4 Medium Zucchini, julienned
1 teaspoon Oregano
Salt to taste
a few twists of Black Pepper
Spoon of Trader Joe's Turkey Bolognese Sauce
Sprinkle of Parmesan Cheese and a dollop of Ricotta Cheese on top

Slice onion into thin slices. Saute till slightly golden. Using this super cool gadget cut the zucchini into julienne strips. Add to onion. Add seasonings. Continue cooking till zucchini is cooked to desired doneness, about 8 minutes or so.

Prepare Trader Joe's "Just Sauce" Turkey Bolognese according to package directions (basically microwave 6 minutes or so) Spoon over "pasta" and top with cheeses.

Sooooo good. Così buono.

More ways to get your Italian fix:
Shelly's Sausage & Pepper Bites
Shelly's Italian Chicken Salad
Shelly's Chicken Cacciatore with Beans
Shelly's Pesto Chicken & Veggies
Shelly's Italian Bean Salad
Shelly's Pizza Bites
Shelly's Tortilla Pizzas
Shelly's Red, White & Green Italian Flag Salad
Shelly's Individual Antipasto Salad
Shelly's Stuffed Zucchini (Zucchini Ripieni)
Shelly's Strawberry Cannoli
Shelly's Affogato
Shelly's Tiramisu Protein Smoothie

Alien Abduction

Last night I was abducted by aliens. I am certain of it. Here's the proof. I went to bed at about 11:00 PM in the same position I always sleep in. I'm a side sleeper, always on my right. I wake up in the same position I go to sleep in. I face the door to my bathroom which is across from me on the right.

Last night I woke up at 2 AM. The room was dark and I went to throw my feet out of bed and... What?! Wait. There was still more bed. I blinked twice. Is that a wall in front of me?! Where the heck am I? Complete confusion. I looked up and behind me and slowly realized my head was now at the bottom of the bed where my feet usually are and I was facing the complete opposite direction.

Before you dirty bird Fifty Shades ladies read too much into it I was alone. So my theory... alien abduction. I was zapped and probed or whatever it is they do and returned to my bed the wrong way round.

Further proof. At 6 AM I made breakfast. My Buttercrunch Ricotta Pancakes and behold... the mother ship.

Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

My yesterday in post weight loss surgery eating...

It was a little cooler on Sunday. We actually could spend some time on the patio without feeling like our skin was going to melt off. I am pretty much done with summer. It's been a rough one. Remind me I said this when I'm saying I'm sooooo coooold in January ;) and using my hand warmers.

Breakfast: Pineapple Cottage Cheese (I love Fresh & Easy brand) with toasted almonds fueled my house cleaning and laundry.

Lunch: Since it was slightly cooler we took some tidbits out on the patio: Salami, Pepperoni, a to die for yummy Rosemary Asiago Cheese I found at Trader Joe's, Parmesan Crisps, Cucumber slices, Olive Yogurt Dip, and Italian Flag Salad out on the patio and soaked up some Vitamin D.

Shelly's Red, White & Green Italian Flag Salad

1 (15 oz.) can Artichoke Hearts, non marinated, drained, chopped
1 cup of Cherry Tomatoes
1/2 cup Fresh Mozzarella Balls, small ones, halved
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil, chopped
Salt to taste
a few twists of Black Pepper
a drizzle of Storebought Balsamic Vinaigrette and/or Pesto Sauce

Mix everything together. Chill till you serve. This is even better the next day so make plenty.

Shelly's Olive Yogurt Dip

3 oz. Greek Yogurt (I used plain, 2%)
1/4 cup Chopped Olives (any I used Anchovy-stuffed Spanish Olives, thanks again Michelle H.)
dash Greek Seasoning (spice aisle)
Salt to taste
a few twists of Black Pepper

Whiz the olives in a mini food processor till minced well. Mix with remaining ingredients. Great dip for veggies, fish, meats. I dipped sliced cucumbers in it. Yum!

Dinner: Salmon Foil Packets. This is hands down the easiest and even better practically no clean-up meal I make. Cut a large square of aluminum foil. Add a handful of sliced veggies. I used zucchini and chopped green onion. Place a frozen or fresh piece of salmon filet in the center. Add whatever herbs you like fresh or dried. I used dried dill, salt & a few twists of black pepper. Add a little moisture... this time I used a Tablespoon of pesto sauce (you could also use olive oil or soy if you wanted to go with more Asian flavors or white wine, whatever you like). Fold the foil over and seal each packet. BBQ 15 minutes in covered grill (if fish is frozen 25 minutes). Don't lift the lid or open the packet till time is up then open packets carefully (steam burns are not fun.) Protein packed perfection. I love these packet dinners. Main dish and side dish done in one shot, no heating up the kitchen and the best part... no dishes!

Tip: When I make these salmon packets I always toss a couple of extra on the grill so the next days lunch is super easy. Mmmm cold salmon on a salad.

Snacks: Too much coffee and a yummy Shelly's Lemon Protein Shake (one of my Girl Scout Cookie Combat Shakes) I used SF Lemon Torani Syrup instead of SF Vanilla Torani Syrup so it was a little more lemony. I drank it when I finally crashed on the couch to watch some mindless TV: Great Food Truck Race and The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Lauren's Hope Ocean of Memories Giveaway

After gastric bypass surgery it's important to wear a medical ID bracelet to alert first responders in an emergency of our special post-op issues and rearranged guts. Some medical ID bracelets are so clinical looking and not something you would choose to wear every day or with a cute outfit. Lauren's Hope understands that the only way a medical bracelet is going to help save your life in an emergency is if you are actually wearing it. They make medical ID bracelets that are lifesaving but so pretty you will be excited to wear them.

Medical ID bracelets can alert first responders to lots of important information: food, drug, insect allergies, heart conditions, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or seizures, certain medication you are on, etc. FYI most post gastric bypass bracelets say:

Gastric Bypass
No Blind NG Tubes
No NSAIDS
Contact Phone #'s

My personal bracelet also has info about my allergy to Penicillin.

The Lauren's Hope Medical ID bracelet I'm wearing above is called Sand Dollar Beach, it has a stylin' black macramé band (very surfer) and a handcrafted gorgeous sterling silver sand dollar in the center. I love it!

There are many legends surrounding the Sand Dollar, but my favorite is that they are the coins of mermaids, who accidentally drop them as they swim the seas. They are washed ashore on stormy nights and finding one is good luck. Wearing my Sand Dollar ID reminds me of good times spent at the beach, family vacations, lots of fun summer memories.

Want to be twins? We can be! Because... IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME!

The Prize: A Lauren’s Hope Sand Dollar Beach Medical ID Bracelet just like mine, yours of course, will have a custom engraved medical ID tag with all your 411 on it. If you are the winner: Lauren's Hope will contact you directly for the information.

How to Enter: Like The World According to Eggface and Lauren's Hope Medical ID Bracelets on Facebook. Come back here and LEAVE A COMMENT (include a name and an email addy) on this blog posting. Scroll down to # of comments to leave yours.

Contest periods ends: Sunday August 26th, midnight (Pacific time)

Monday, August 27th I'll draw a name using a random number generator and announce the winner here on the blog! I will also email the winner at the address posted. You'll have one week (7 days) to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen. Remember winners MUST be a Facebook friend of The World According to Eggface and Lauren's Hope. One ENTRY per person. Blog comments are moderated so there may be a slight delay (up to a few hours) in seeing your comment/entry post. Giveaway is open to anyone in the United States (48 contiguous, Alaska & Hawaii.)

***Want extra chances to win?*** Do anything listed below and leave me a comment letting me know what you did! For up to four more entries per person!!

* Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway: Hey Everyone: Enter the @Eggface @LaurensHopeID Ocean of Memories Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/92omsyj

* Post or share this giveaway to your pals on Facebook or some other social networking or support forum you frequent.

Ocean Memories - My Pop and I
If you are a blogger:

* Blog about this giveaway and include the link to the contest (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)

* Place my super snazzy badge on your site.

<a href="http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/favabean/Lolatini/buttoncleangrad.png" /></a>

Ocean Memories - Me and my Bro
Want to get this or one of the thousands of other beautiful and lifesaving bracelets from Lauren's Hope. Here's the link to check out all their pretties. Well they have manly man stuff for the dudes in your life and cool bracelets for the whippersnappers too. Blog reader's can score 10% off purchases with promo code: Eggface12

Ocean Memories - probably the last time I was ever in a bikini in public

Friday Five

A weekly round-up of tidbits, tips, ideas, news articles, random cool things...

1. Excited about the upcoming Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) "Your Weight Matters" Inaugural Convention! I hope I will get to meet some blog readers there. For more information check out this video invite that tells you all about the event. The agenda is AWESOME and it's so close to Halloween we'll be celebrating that with a party at the event. Keep up with the latest chatter on the Facebook page that has been set up. Sunday some of us will be walking in the Dallas Walk from Obesity. I'm walking. I might even mosey or ramble or saunter. If you can't walk with us please consider donating a $ buck or 2 and I'll walk, mosey, ramble, saunter for us both :)

Thank you to my ✩✩ rock star friends ✩✩ who donated already: Laura J., Dana K., Peggy E., Rebecca C., Donna T., Coleen G., Linda P., Mandi R., Rae T., Andrea H., Catheryn E. and Lynnda S.

2. Looking for a yummy lunch or cool protein packed snack idea for HOT DAYS. Here's one of my new favs. Bacon lovers will want to give this one a try. Great use for leftover bacon.

Shelly's Bacon Tomato Yogurt Dip

3 oz. Greek Yogurt (I use plain, 2 %)
2 slices of Cooked Bacon, crumbled (any regular, turkey, you could even use bacon bits)
1 Large Tomato, chopped
Kosher Salt to taste
a few twists of Black Pepper

Mix till well combined. Serve with Cucumber "Crackers" or another veggie dipper of choice.

3. Some articles I read this week that were worth checking out:

Percentage of obese residents by state - 12 states had a more than 30% obesity prevalence ranking: AL, AR, IN, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, OK, SC, TX, and WV.
Many First-Graders Shun Overweight, Obese Kids
Time to abandon the notion of personal choice in dietary counseling for obesity?
Can Thinking You Are Fat Make You Fat?
Bariatric patients at Houston Northwest Medical Center celebrate weight loss success
Obesity surgery is NOT just about surgery - AMEN!

and finally a shout out to Nike for their latest advertising campaign. Meet Nathan:


"In a society where obese individuals face pervasive stigmatization, it is important to debunk weight-based stereotypes that so often lead to prejudice," said Rebecca Puhl, PhD, Director of Research and Weight Stigma Initiatives at the Yale Rudd Center. "Nike does this successfully by communicating the message that we all have the potential for greatness, no matter what body size we have. More messages like this are badly needed in our culture, and hopefully others will follow the example of Nike to address weight stigmatization head on."

4. Celebrate Vitamins asked this question this week on their Facebook page: What is one one of the biggest celebrations you have had since weight loss surgery? Add your answer and read others.

Mine... toss up between walking the Brooklyn Bridge or finally seeing the end of the Pier.

5. The summer of Eggciting giveaways continues this Sunday. Be sure to stop by the blog when another AWESOME Eggface Giveaway begins! What will it be?! Hint: It's beautiful.

Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

My yesterday in post weight loss surgery eating...

Breakfast: Remember my Greek Breakfast Bowl from the other day. I made an Italian version. I sauteed a couple of mushrooms till golden. Beat a couple of eggs with some a dash of oregano. Poured the mixture over the mushrooms. Scramble till done. I spooned the egg mixture in bowls and topped it with a few halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil and Parmesan cheese. Lots of protein and a good start to the day.

Lunch: It was another hot day in my 'hood. We've had 100+ temps for well over a week now and I'll tell you it's really getting to me. In this heat I could literally not eat at all but I know that is not wise so I made myself a Chocolate Banana Fit Frappe.

A packet of Big Train's Chocolate Fit Frappe, 1/2 a frozen Banana, milk, ice, whiz on high. Yum. Icy cold and packed with protein.

Tip: When you have bananas that need using. Peel them, cut them into chunks, and toss them in the freezer in a Tupperware or Ziploc bag. They are great in protein shakes and smoothies. Makes them extra creamy and frosty.

Dinner: I made my infamous Crockpot Carnitas. You can eat them in tortillas (or when I was pre WLS I ate it on those Hawaiian Rolls) but I make it lower in carb and calories by eating them in little lettuce cups. Butter/Boston Lettuce leaf, clump of carnitas, a little avocado, a little cilantro, spoon of salsa, squeeze of lime, sprinkle of cheese. So good. So good that I forgot to picture them assembled before we ate them but here's what they look like made into little lettuce "tacos." I make them almost every Cinco de Mayo.

Snacks: I received a Klout Perk in the mail. Basically Klout is a website that measures social influence so the more chit chat, retweets, etc. on Facebook, Twitter, etc. and the more Klout +K's you receive they determine a score and send you freebies. I don't get the way they score really but I've gotten a few cool freebies so I'm on there. So far I've received a few gift cards, new foods to try, free Moo cards, some pretty cool stuff. Well and a few lame ones... ummm men's underwear (yeah I have no man) and they seem to be obsessed with sending me wrinkle creams, I get at least one a month. I fear they are trying to tell me something, "Eggy, use these wrinkle creams and you will find someone to fill those underwear." ;)

Anyway... back to the Planter's Nut-rition Peanut Butter perk.

I stuck my teaspoon in each flavor (Cinnamon Raisin Granola Nut, Berry Nut, Banana Granola Nut) as a taste test... I liked them all except for the Banana one which was a little fake banana tasting. The Cinnamon Raisin Granola Nut was my favorite I kept that one and the others I sent to my neighbor for them to try, they have kids. Post weight loss surgery I can barely put a dent in a jar of peanut butter before it expires so I figured I'd taste them and pass on the Klout love.

I also had a bowl of cherry tomatoes with just salt, pepper and oregano on them (Nothing like cherry tomatoes in the summer. I'm addicted) and a cheese stick while I watched a little TV *hangs head in shame* it was a Real Housewives episode.

I'm not drinking as much coffee in this heat wave. I have been doing well with the water and I found these at Costco that are great (drank 3 yesterday.)

Hope everyone is having a great week!

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Post Weight Loss Surgery Menus: A day in my pouch

My yesterday in post weight loss surgery eating. Menu and recipes...

This has been the worst week. We're in a heatwave from hell. 100+ degree days. It was soooo HOT I saw two fire hydrants fighting over a dog. Ba dum bum ching ;) Seriously, it's been awful. I went to the Farmer's Market but I was in and out of there. I did run into my pal Sandy who found this in her travels a few months back. How AWESOME is this?!

Thank you Sandy. I love it. It was christened this AM with some Italian Roast.

I grabbed just the basics at the market (zucchini, a big sweet onion, strawberries, Reed avocados, tomatoes, and figs) ran the couple of errands I absolutely needed to do and retreated back to my house.

Breakfast: I came home and made a Greek Breakfast Bowl.

Shelly's Greek Breakfast Bowl: I beat a couple of eggs with a sprinkle of Greek seasoning (blend of oregano, black pepper, garlic, sage found in the spice aisle.) Cooked them with a few chopped cherry tomatoes till done. Spooned the egg mixture in bowls and top with chopped Kalamata olives and Feta cheese. Protein packed and yummy.

Lunch: I've been trying not to put on the oven unless it's super early or really late to not heat up the house. So we've been doing a lot of cold eats. Yesterday, I made Individual Crab Louis Salads. I love these little individual salads. Everything is layered in a plastic cup, covered with wrap, grab a plastic fork and you can take off, lunch in hand. You can make them the night before and it makes life easier on busy days.

A typical Crab Louie salad consists of Crab Meat (I used canned), hard boiled Eggs, Tomato, Asparagus, Cucumber, Romaine Lettuce with a Louie dressing (mine is healthified.) I added olives (thanks Michelle H for those delicious anchovy stuffed olives, another gift from a pal) instead of asparagus (any olive will do.)

Shelly's Louis-ish Dressing

1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (I use plain 2%)
1/2 teaspoon Paprika (I used Hungarian Sweet)
1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
Salt to taste
a few twists of Black Pepper

Mix till well combined. Great as a salad dressing or dip for veggies, meat or fish.

Dinner: We had an afternoon thunderstorm. 20 minutes of rain and few booms and a flash or two. When the lawn furniture had sufficiently dried I packed up my bento with more cold eats and sat outside. I love the world after it rains.

Pink Box (top left): Sliced Tomatoes with Shelly's Yogurt Feta Dressing (just plain yogurt, with a little feta cheese, oregano, salt & pepper)
Green Box (top right): Shelly's PBJ & Banana Trail Mix
Blue Box (bottom left): Roast Beef and Swiss Cold Cut Roll-up w/ mustard
Orange Box (bottom right): Grapes

Shelly's PBJ & Banana Trail Mix

A couple of Tablespoons of Peanuts
1/4 cup Freeze Dried Banana Strawberry Bits (I use Gerber Graduates Mini Fruits found in the baby food aisle 25 cals for a 1/4 cup)

Mix. Eat.

More Bento Meal Ideas

Snacks: Went outside to watch the Perseid meteor shower which is usually a disappointment and a pain-in-the-neck literally. This year it was GREAT. I saw 20+ the first few minutes I was out there. Plus I ate this delicious dessert under the stars.

I used some of the Farmer's Market figs to make a yummy protein-packed dessert. I have a tree and it's given me 4 so far this year. I should have more by the end of the week, lots are almost ripe but not quite there yet. I couldn't pass up a basket for $2. I roasted a few. Roasted figs are delicious on Greek Yogurt (or Ricotta Cheese) for breakfast or like I had them for dessert. The roasted figs stay for several days in the fridge.

Shelly's Roasted Figs

6 Mission Figs, halved
1 teaspoon Butter
1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Torani Syrup
Dash or two of Cinnamon
Ricotta or Greek Yogurt

Half the figs. Place them on a foil wrapped cookie sheet. In a small bowl, I place 1 Tablespoon of Sugar Free Torani Syrup (SF Vanilla, SF Vanilla Bean, SF Caramel, SF Cinnamon Vanilla would all be yummy), 1 teaspoon of Butter, and a dash or two of Cinnamon. Nuke for 25 seconds. Spoon over each fig half. The mixture is plenty for 12 halves. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

More days in my pouch.