Vegetable Wrap Recipe: Variation 1

After maintaining a 20 pound weight-loss for over a year, I decided recently to go back on weight watchers to help take off the rest of the 30 pounds I need to lose. I don't know if this is even possible. This first week has been tough! I could go into this further but that's not what this post is about. Let's just say that I like to cook and eat. Anyway, I made this delicious vegetable wrap the other day and wanted to share!

1 Mission Wrap Sun-Dried Tomato Basil

1/4 of a zucchini, cut into strips

1/4 of a bell pepper, cut into strips

1/8 of a yellow onion, cut into strips

5 mini carrots, cut into strips

1/4 to 1/2 cup arugula

1 wedge of the Laughing Cow Light cheese spread, I used the Queso Fresco and Chipotle flavor for this

Olive Oil

I sauteed my zucchini and yellow onion in a little bit of olive oil in a small saute pan for about 10 minutes. Then to assemble the wrap, spread the cheese spread on the wrap. Add arugula, zucchini, pepper, onion, and carrots. I also ate mine with some dill pickles for added flavor but it really didn't need it.

Additional notes: This was 7 ww pointsplus after all was said and done. 5 of those points came from the wrap!! I usually choose to buy these wraps because they are made with little to no trans fat (they claim none but we know they can get away with putting a little in their wraps and can still make that claim). No store bought wrap that I have found is really void of all the ingredients that you want to avoid but these seem to be on the better side. This is a compromise for me, people. Anyway, I am interested in finding a lighter wrap, one with less calories perhaps, but I don't want to sacrifice my "natural food" tendencies and go with one that is loaded with hydrogenated oils and corn by-products. We'll see what I can find.

I am planning on making these a regular staple. It was absolutely delicious! I have discovered lately that the only reason that I have a difficult time eating vegetables (and fruit for that matter) is my extremely sensitive teeth to anything cold. I think that's why I "don't like" ice cream. In reality, I like it, I just would prefer to eat a dessert that is warm! :) This was a great fix for the cold vegetable thing. Some of the veggies were still cold and raw but the wrap was warm so it wasn't as extreme. I am thinking of several variations of this recipe, perhaps with tomatoes and feta or even some sort of grain added like quinoa. I will try to post my variations as they happen.

It's been so long since I posted a recipe and it certainly isn't for lack of cooking. I'm still shelling out almost 3 homemade meals a day unless we have leftovers of something. On the menu for tomorrow is a Sausage 15-bean soup that I can't wait for!! Mmmmm!

Happy Birthday Sweet Elsie

Elsie just turned 3!! Her birthday was last Thursday (mama's running a little behind). She was so excited all day and did just a great job blowing out her candles at her little birthday party we had for her. 

Elsie, you are such a sweet and silly girl. I love hearing you sing songs and be silly with your brother and sister. Just lately you've been very into snuggling and attached to me. This is wonderful (most of the time!). Just this morning I couldn't hold you since I was holding Noah and I said, "You can either sit right by me or go snuggle with your sister." You chose to sit with Abigail and it was so sweet! You're growing more and more everyday and we're learning to understand you too! Happy birthday, sweet darling!!

Elsie also had her birthday lunch at Grandma's on the Sunday before her birthday. She was so sweet and blew out all her candles there too. She loved having people sing to her and she joined in as well.

October Visit

Wow, it has been a while since I blogged. I fear it is going to be like this for a while. Life with three active preschool/toddlers is busy in many ways (and not so busy in others) and is kind of kicking me when I'm down! We've all struggled with various illnesses for a few weeks but I'm not going to focus on that. We had a lovely visit from my parents and brother last week and at the end of the week my sister and her two boys came to visit as well.

It was so great to see everyone. We had fun just doing our regular activities. My parents got to see Abigail in dance class, swimming class, and take an ice skating lesson. We were busy but I hope they enjoyed it!

Aunt Jenny with all the kids except Elsie, who was napping. This is Noah's new "smiley" face. Ha!

Elsie loved babysitting baby Aaron. She really turned into a little mother while he was here.

Another ADORABLE picture of my nephew Aaron. Could he be any cuter?! I think not!!

Playing the fishing game on the first night they were here.

Abigail loved babysitting too. She was very responsible and stepped up to help out and rock Aaron and put his paci in even when we didn't ask her!! :)

One morning we went to the park. It was so warm that no jackets were needed. I can't imagine that now! Anyway, here's Elsie with her cheesy grin. Doesn't it just make you smile?!

Back to real life this week. I've been a little under the weather as well as Elsie. So we've been laying low. Abigail just told me before lunch that her throat hurt. Is it spring/summer yet?! I can't wait!