This is it: The Re-Launch

This is the moment we've all... or at least I... have been waiting for. Today is the Re-Launch!!

My site has moved: http://experfectionist.com

The new blog is dedicated to health and wellness. At ExPerfectionist.com you'll see my meal plans (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks!) designed so you can follow along, meal planning tips and tricks, recipes, and tips on health and wellness. Please visit, follow and bookmark my new blog. I'm really really really excited to see you there!

P.S. If you haven't seen the Best Of: Shawnee's creations, check that out too! (See below)

Cheers!

Best of Shawnee's Creations

This is it people. The last day before the Re-Launch of 2010! Tomorrow you're going to see a whole new format, new ideas, and a new URL. Check back tomorrow for details. I've been working on this all weekend and I am really excited.

Until then, here are my Best Of: Shawnee's Creations! These are recipes I created. I couldn't narrow it down to just 5.

8. Sweet Sundried Tomato Balsamic Dressing

Recipe Details

7. Fiesta Hummus

Recipe Details

6. Vegetarian Black Bean Pocket

Recipe Details

5. Pasta, Spinach and Walnut Salad

Recipe Details

4. Paper Plate Omelet (You gotta check this one out)

Recipe Details

3. Cheesy Mexican Pizza

Recipe Details

2. Easy Peasy Almost Carbonara

Recipe Details

1. Prosciutto Wrapped Turkey Patties

Recipe Details

The past year of blogging has been really fun. I've learned a lot about myself as a person, cook, health enthusiast and a blogger. I am ready to turn the page in this blogging adventure. Come back tomorrow.

Drum roll please....

Best of Breakfast

What a day! An amazing yoga session in the a.m and then...hours spent working on the blog re-launch! Only one more day left of the Best of Series and then the new blog is on!

For now enjoy my favorite breakfasts of the past year.

5. Fruit, Yogurt and Granola

Recipe Details

4. Blue Berry and Walnut Oatmeal

Recipe Details

3. Peachy Pumpkin Pankakes

Recipe Details

2. Whole Wheat Oatmeal and Raisin Waffuls with Fruit

Recipe Details

1. Juevos Rancheros

Recipe Details

Tomorrow's best in review will be my favorite recipe creations.

--Blessings,

Best of Healthy Sides

Today my coworkers got to play guinea pigs for a recipe I created last night. Now I can say it's co-worker tested, husband approved. I'll be sharing that soon on my new blog. The blog re-launch is happening Monday people. Here's a hint of what's in store: Meal planning, videos, and a re-design! Woah! I know right?

For now, take a look at the top 5 sides I made this past year. Most of them are adapted from others' recipes. Enjoy.

5. Broccoli and Mushrooms

Recipe Details

4. California Carrots

Recipe Details

3. Summer Fruit Salad

Recipe Details

2. Kale Chips and Sweet Potato Fries

Recipe Details

1. Zucchini and Green Pepper Cakes

Recipe Details

Come back tomorrow for Best of Breakfasts!

Cheers!

Best of Healthy Desserts

OMGoodness! Do you know how hard it is to blog and watch the season finale of Grey's Anatomy. Sheesh. My heart is racing. I am not sure how I am supposed to focus on these desserts.

Anyway...4 days until the blog re-launching party! Until then, here's some scrumptious and waistline friendly sweet treats.

5. Peanut Butter and Chocolate and Bananna Sundae

Recipe Details (Sorry 'bout the picture, it was from back when I first started.

4. Raw "Brownie

Recipe Details

3. Peaches and Cream

Recipe Details

2. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Recipe Details

1. Spinach Brownies

This recipe came from the "Deceptively Delicious Cookbook." They are wonderful! You can't even tell there is spinach in there. :) Recipe Details

What was the best dessert you've made so far this year?

Check back tomorrow for Best of Side Dishes.

Ciao,
--Shawnee

Best of Healthy Meals

For about two hours last night Little A (aka Alli) and I worked on a project for our blog re-launching, which takes place on Monday, May 19. Clue: the project included crayons. Can you guess what it is? We're very excited.

For tonight's blog I've picked out the past years' top five healthy meals, all of which I created. Most of the meals I create are healthy, so I had a hard time narrowing it down to five. Enjoy!

5. Black Bean, Rice and Turkey Enchiladas

Click here for recipe details.

4. BBQ Chicken and Mushroom Tacos

Click here for recipe details.

3. Healthy Shrimp Fried Rice

Click here for recipe details.

2. Corn Tortilla Pizzas

Click here for recipe details.

1. Stuffed Romaine Leaves

This healthy meal made the #1 spot because it was one of the first meals I created and photographed for my blog. It was extra delicious. Even my husband liked the rice mixture. Click here for recipe details.

Tomorrow is Best of Desserts!

--Shawnee

Best Of: Sandwiches

Just 6 more days until the Re-Launching, Re-Vamping and Re-Designing of the Ex-Perfectionist Blog. The launch is taking place with my fellow foodie-bloggin buddy, Little A. We have a suprise in store for this co-launching.

For now check out my top 5 "Best of Sandwiches." I love sandwiches. There are some weeks when the only thing I have for dinner are sandwiches. All of these sandwiches, wraps and burgers where created and enjoyed by me. So check them out. I've included the post link to each one too for recipes and meal ideas!

5. Hot Cream Cheese, Tomato and Basil Sandwich
Click here for details.

4. Spinach Salad Wrap
Click here for details.


3. Black Bean Tortilla Burger

Click here for details.

2. Grilled Cheese and Fiesta Hummus

Click Here for details.

1. Enchilada Burger.

Click here for details.

Did you see yesterday's post? I set some really good goals for myself! See you tomorrow for the Top 5 Best of Healthy Meals!

--Shawnee

Counting down to the Re-Launch!

A little over a month ago my blog entered modus hiatus (aka I stopped blogging). Because I'm not perfect, I realized I needed a break -- a time of re-evaluation if you will. Also, in a moment of insanity, my fellow coworker, foodie and bloggin' buddy and I signed up to take an Abnormal Psychology class. We were out of our minds. Perhaps, our psyche was in a state of abnormality?

Anyway, for the last month I've been plotting the re-launch of my blog (this is not it). I've got ideas people. I've got direction. But until the monumental re-launch takes place, I'd like to revisit this past year. A year in review if you will. Today, I want to go over last years goal, and tomorrow I'll begin the "Best of" series. Are you totally psyched?

Goals for the 25th Year of My Life

On my 25th birthday last year (May 4, 2009), I set some goals for myself. Below are the goals I set and... what I really accomplished.

-Sing karaoke with my best friend, Michelle Check! Seattle girl's trip of 2009 (Note the date in that picture is wrong. Stupid timer).

-Re decorate my bathroom.

Not check. But I bought a new house and have so far put up a new ceiling, painted the living room and bedroom and now the exterior is being done. Does that count?

-Lose at least 10 pounds.

Not check. But I trained for and ran a 5k. Below is my first race SWAG.

-Smile more. Totally check. My new coworkers make me laugh on a daily basis.

-Publish a few more articles. Kind of check. I published my first full feature article in Just Between Us Magazine. Check out Is Chick Lit Hurting your Marriage? But I haven't really done anything since.

26th Birthday Goals

-Train for a 10k
-Study for and pass the test to be a Certified Group Exercise Teacher
-Increase my Yoga practice for entrance into Yoga Teacher training
-Plan my meals and my days
-Stay connected with friends and family
-Write and publish a couple more articles
-Come out of the blogging closet (yes, only a select few of my friends and family know I'm a blogger)

I feel like those are reasonable goals. That's it folks. This is me. Take me or leave me.

Tomorrow's blog: The Best of Sandwiches. I'll be revisiting the best sandwiches I made since this blog's conception.

See you tomorrow. Kiss Kiss!

-Shawnee

Reevaluating

Here I am, on my lunch break, making a quick post. It seems like most of my posts take place during my lunch break these days.

I am going to take a break from blogging. I really need to reevaluate my priorities right now. Currently I am training for a 5k; working 40 hours a week; volunteering at my youth group; renovating my home; taking an Abnormal Psychology class; and scheming up ways to pay for yoga school. Yes, next year at this time I plan to be enrolled in a yoga teacher training program, to become a registered yoga teacher. Of course, those are my plans, not God's. So we"ll see. Oh and I've also started cooking from scratch again to save $$.

My hope is to start blogging again once my class is finished after the first week in May. I have a lot of big plans for my re-launching of my blog. Perhaps a giveaway...

See you all in about a month!

Fast Food

I'm back from vacation and movin and groovin to the daily 9-5 gind. Life is busier than ever, what with me taking a college class for the next 6 weeks. Not sure what I was thinking when I signed up. I already have my B.S. in Journalism, but since I work at a university I get free classes.

Also, I'm still training for the 5k (coming up April 24). My training and studying will all be in the evenings after work, so I've been trying to come up with quick and nutritious meal ideas for dinner.

So far, I've come up with...Sandwiches. I love hot sandwiches and they are so fast. My first idea (sorry, no picture) is a grilled cheese and spinach sandwich. Prepare it like a regular grilled cheese, but throw on a hefty handful of spinach. It's perfecto! Especially dipped in some Red Roasted Pepper and Tomato Soup by Pacific Natural Foods. Yummm!

Are you looking for some quick meals? Check out this nifty tool from Real Simple: Dinner in 15 minutes flat. This tool will help you come up with some fast meals using some of the ingredients you already have at home!

I also want to point you in the direction of Sam Zien's Just Cook This on Discovery Health (also on Fit TV). He has some great meal ideas that are super fast. I am especially excited to try his Chimichito recipe.

What are some of your favorite fast meals?

Have a great Tuesday.
--Shawnee

Vacation... all I ever wanted

My vacation started Friday.

Since then I've...

• Cleaned the whole house
• Shampooed the carpets
• Painted my bedroom (I am in love with the colors!)
• Ruined the carpets (too wet)
• Ripped up the carpets
• Bought very large room throws
• Put the living room and bedroom back together
• Decided with my husband that we're putting in new hardwood
• Watched "Sherlock Holms" at the local theater and pub
• Ran
• Walked
• Went grocery shopping
• Packed for my trip
• Drove to Ashland, OR (4 hours from Salem)
• Arrived at The Pelton House B&B
• Ate a fabulous dinner at Greensleaf
• Took a hot bath (as it's raining, otherwise I would have sat in the hot tub)
• Ate a homemade cookie as I took a bath (chocolate and a bath is there anything better?

And now I am lying on the most comfortable king size bed in my complimentary robe, getting ready to fall asleep. I am also thinking about eating another cookie. I love this B&B. I told my husband, "It's like a pimped up version of Grandma's house."

On the agenda tomorrow: Morning soak in the hot tub. Gourmet Breakfast (cooked by our wonderful host). A possible drive to Yreka, CA to eat at the Black Bear Diner (a tradition of ours). Finally, we'll end the night with a trip to the theater to watch, "Pride and Prejudice!" I love the book and the movie, the play should be fab!

Hope you're all having a Happy Hump Day!

--Shawnee

Is Jamie Oliver nuts?

Did you watch Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution last night? What did you think? Were you appalled? Upset? Disgusted? Or just irritated that an Englishman would try to change America and how we eat?

I say, hat's off to you Mr. Oliver for attempting to do what many of us are too lazy or too self absorbed to do.

Can I tell you a secret? I actually have a pack of processed chicken patties in the freezer. The same kind he used as an experiment to show the kids how processed foods are made -- how they're yucky.

Even though the chicken patties are my husbands, I am ashamed to admit, I ate one of those processed patties like two days ago! This is what happens when I refuse to go grocery shopping. Anyway, after watching him show the kids the good cuts of chicken and how the processed foods are made from the rest...I felt so, so dirty.

My husband watched this scene too. The look on his face after seeing the ground-up fat and bones was priceless. He said, "Well I haven't eaten the chicken patties for a while, but I did have two corn dogs for lunch." Hmmm, I guess corn dogs are better...NOT!

What I couldn't believe is that even after Oliver showed the kids the nasty chicken patties and how they were made, they still wanted to eat them. The kids weren't stupid, they knew the processed patties were bad for them.

But like Oliver said, "We've brainwashed our kids so brilliantly...unless something genius happens, it's hopeless."

Even before this show aired, I've been focusing my efforts on nutrition. Not dieting, but food pyramid-like nutrition. My desire is to eat the foods my body needs to not only shed weight, but also to live a long and healthy life. I appreciated this show. It helped make me aware. It helped make my husband aware.

With all this talk of nutrition, I want to leave you with one healthy meal idea. This meal includes all the food groups, except sweets.

Meal includes:

• Pacific Foods' Red Roasted Pepper and Tomato Soup (fruit and veggie)
• 1 slice of whole wheat bread (whole grain)
• 1/4 Haas avocado (good fat, protein)
• less than an ounce of prosciutto (protein)
• 3 slices of tomatoes (fruit)
• 1 cup kale (veggie)

A healthy meal can be made in minutes, just like a processed chicken patty. I am not sure how to do it, but I want to get on board with Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.

Wishing you all a nutritious weekend,

--Shawnee

E-E-E-EGGS? *shreaks*

Eggs.

What does that word bring to your mind?

Is it fear, anxiety, compulsive calorie counting?

Or do you feel a strong fondness for this incredible edible?

I happen to like the egg. No I love the egg! In my mind the health benefits far out weigh the health consequences. Please note: I did not say I only like the egg whites. I said I love the whole egg, the yellow part and all.

Why I'm so fond of the egg: The egg is cheap. And, they're rich in protein, monounsaturated fat (the good kind), and this little guy packs nutrients that promote eye health! Yeah, they do all of that.

The recipe possibilities for eggs are endless. Here is a heart-healthy spin on an old classic.

Juevos Rancheros con...Oatmeal ??


That's right. I made this after a run. The original recipe called for corn tortillas, which I used. However, for me, corn tortillas do not pack a satiating punch. So I though, "Hmmm egg, usually a breakfast food...I know oatmeal!"

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs (140 calories)
• 2 corn tortillas (100 cal.)
• 1/2 cup oats (140 cal)
• 1/4 cup salsa (25 cal)
• Kale for Kale Chips

Directions (requires basic cooking skills). Preheat oven to 400. Place the corn tortillas on and rinsed and dried kale on a cooking sheet. Keep an eye on the kale, as it should cook quicker than the tortillas. You'll have to pull the kale out before the tortillas finish. I did not keep track of the time, but the tortillas will be nice and crispy when they are finished.

While the kale and tortillas are baking. Fry the eggs over easy and put 1/2 a cup (or less) in a bowl with water. Microwave oats for 3.5 minutes (or follow package directions). When oats are finished add a pinch of chili powder, and a little garlic powder and salt.

When the tortillas are nice and crispy, layer on the tortillas, oats, salsa and eggs. Top the kale and juevos with a little hot sauce for an added zing.

I enjoyed this meal. It was filling, low in calories and rich in nutrients!

CHANGES: Next time, I will go with less oat meal. Maybe like 1/4 cup. Also, when I make this again, I am going to try to not break one of the yokes. The runnier the yoke on this one, the better!

Check this out:

I want to point you all in the direction of a really great article on thatsfit.com. Check out, "The Poor Misunderstood Egg." I couldn't help but nod my head in agreement and think AMEN to myself every now and then. :)

Until next time my peeps.

--Shawnee

Seeds of Change

The last time I fell off the face of the earth it was because I was hiding – ashamed of my non-exercise and terrible eating habits. But this time, this time my excuse is actually a healthy one. I think anyway.
I’ve become, in the past month or so, a healthy-eating, exercise- lovin’ fool! My hiatus from the blog-o-sphere has not changed that. I’ve had this massive revelation injected into my brain and now it’s trickling down to my stomach and my legs. It’s like I can’t get enough of exercising and healthy foods.

The time change is probably the biggest factor for my not blogging. I had been running in the morning, but due to the sun not getting out of bed until about 7 a.m., I am stuck running in the evening. Also, my yoga instructor was in a car accident, so there haven’t been any good classes in the morning. But on the plus side, my hubby is running with me more and I finally got to try Zumba. I heart Zumba!
I am just trying to figure out how to juggle this new schedule, which has included eating dinner as late as 8 p.m. on some nights. And somehow, I’m ok with a late dinner. My life used to be based on my food schedule. Now, if I’m hungry, I just wait to eat.

What has changed?

I am trying to figure out this new enthusiasm. I feel like if I don’t figure it out it’s going to slip away from my grasp.

Anyway, despite my lack of presence, I do intend to continue my blog. I have a couple ideas for blog updates that may make my life easier. We shall see.

What have you all been up to lately?

So far. So good!

A quick post to say that so far I have kept up with my training, and I even talked my mom into running the 5k with me!

Training started out on Saturday with about 6 minutes of running and 14 minutes of walking. Sunday I did 12 minutes running and 28 minutes walking. Both of those days I just went out and ran to see what I could do. Monday I lifted weights for 40 minutes. Tuesday I ran for 10 and walked for 30. And finally today I lifted weights for 20 minutes and then rode the stationary bike for about 22 minutes.

My plan was to do yoga on my off days, but my yoga instructor got into a car accident so class has been canceled. :( I am really missing yoga.

I have been pretty tired this week and haven't felt much like getting on the computer to blog. I did a trial and error of a new recipe and I hope to share that in the next couple of days.

Question: Have you ever ran a 5k?

Blessings,

Shawnee

When all else fails, sign up for a 5k

So after my last pathetic pity-party of a post, things are looking up in the health and wellness department. The change of heart went something like this:

My alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. on Friday morning. I didn't get out of bed and rush to yoga like in weeks past. Instead I lay there, and like a 7 year old who had been scolded for her wrong doing, I thought about what I had done.

I thought about my poor eating habits for the past week and my failure to comply to the exercise gods. I came up with two solutions...

1.) A mini-morning fast

2.) Sign up for a 5k

As I sipped on my detoxifying lemon juice that morning, I browsed the web for upcoming 5ks. I didn't want one too soon, or too far out. I discovered the Earth Day run on April 24th. After thinking about it for an hour or two, I pulled out the credit card, paid, and officially registered.

That's right, I'm running a 5k.

Either the 5 hour fast provided me with mental clarity or it completely clouded my brain with a nasty crust of craziness.

I have seven weeks to train. Today is day one. I am going to take up the Lord on his beautiful sunny day and punish myself and push myself and see how far I can run without stopping.

I'll be starting with week 3 of the Couch to 5k running plan, as I can already run for about 5 minutes at a time. My exercise schedule will look like this: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1 hour of yoga and strength training; Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, run!

I'll keep you updated with times, distances, triumphs and failures. Wish me luck.

Have an awesome rest of the weekend!

Shawnee

P.S. The picture is from Courier-journal.com.

Talk about Irregularity

This week. Oh this week has been irregular (no I haven’t been irregular, the week has). I had most the day off Monday for some flex time and then took the day off on Thursday to tend to family. I honestly felt like I had three Mondays.

I am tempted to blame the irregularity for my lack of exercise. I only went to the gym one day. That same old sorry-for-myself feeling is creeping back in. On top of that, my eating has been pretty poor. The perfectionist voice is back and my instinct is to pull the plug on the blog, exercise and my attempt at healthy living.

Sleep comes more abundantly when I feel like this. I don’t want to wake up and face my failures. Or get up and face myself.

I said two posts ago that I would write about portion sizes.

See, last week I bought a weeks worth of healthy pre-packaged meals, so I could condition my body to eat normal portion sizes. I don’t think it worked. I don’t know that I am ready to give up my poor eating habits. I’ve had a lot of stress this past week and food and salt and carbs and sugar are so stinking comforting.

I don’t know what this post is about, but I thought I should post. I thought I should get this all out and that maybe by acknowledging it magical fairies would make it all better.

Maybe.

I am going to scrub my face with sugar now and go to bed.

Good Night All

Shawnee

Paper Plate Omelets!

No, not an omelet made out of a paper plate, an omelet made entirely on a paper plate! My coworkers looked at me like I was crazy when I told them this, but I am not.

Now I've never seen this before, so I am claiming it as my own. I hope this idea becomes just as big in the blogosphere as the peanut butter jar oatmeal. (Just a note, blogger is being weird, so I am just going to list all my pics at the bottom, sorry.)

First the paper plate: it should be one of those slick, dixi type plates with a good lip. Next, spray the plate really well with non stick spray. I like crisco.

Crack two eggs (I used Eggland's Best) right on to the plate. Lightly and carefully whisk eggs until blended. Microwave the egg mixture for about one minute, it probably won't be cooked all the way through. Add filling of choice. I did spinach and tomatoes. Cook the egg mixture for another 30 seconds to one minute. Using a spatula, fold over. Eat and enjoy.

I had mine this morning with some homemade Apple Pecan Bread, which is not perfected, so maybe I will share that later. See pictures below.

Blessings,

Shawnee