The Big Three-O

It’s just another year, why does it seem so big?  Ever since April I have been struggling with the thought of almost being thirty.  I admit, even a few tears have been shed! I keep telling myself it’s just another year, it’s not a big deal, yet I just can’t help myself. There were other milestones in my life that I really didn’t care about, like graduating from high school, I was so excited, turning 18-excited, moving 8 hrs away for college, yep excited didn’t shed a tear for this new chapter. Graduated from college, excited, although worried about a job, got a job excited. Married the love of my life, guess what excited. Purchased my first home, excited.  Turned twenty-five, didn’t notice. Never did I shed a tear or worry about any of these major “life changing” events. Yet about 6 months ago I started freaking out about 30! My husband turned 30 last week and he just rolled right on like it was nothing. Yet for most women this year is a monumental one, I recently read an article that said how women feel about turning 30 men feel about turning 58.

Kindergarten (looked for baby photo but couldn't find one)

So the question is why?

Theory 1: I remember my mom’s thirtieth birthday.  My aunt harassed her for weeks.  She sent Depends in the mail and on another day black roses, so perhaps I was molded by my crazy aunt to think 30 was old.

HS Graduation (all photos are photos of photos, not the best quality)

Theory 2: As a kid I always though being 20 was cool, hip, young, and fresh.  So in my mind it didn’t matter that I was 27, I was still in my 20’s.  I was more mature, but still felt I was “college age” and it was great at work I felt like I could share “wisdom” without being ignored because I was too old!  

college years

Theory 3: I admit it, I’m a bit vain, but I think if every girl is honest we all are a bit vain.  Hence this statement Joey made about 5 years ago keeps running through my mind and I think “is this what people think when they see me?”  Joey’s dastardly comment   “Oh, are you talking about the older lady who used to be pretty.”  The older lady was 33!

the big day

Theory 4: Science says that women start to feel the pull of their biological clock around thirty; they feel that they need to meet someone, get married, in order to have a kid by 35.  I’ve already done the first two so I would think I have another few years before this would kick in

our first place

Theory 5:  I’ve noticed a few changes; my metabolism has definitely slowed over the past two years. My face has become less full and I’ve even noticed a few fine lines here and there.

30 and dreading 30

Whatever the reason, I’m hoping the next 7 days go by very slowly!

Yummy Chicken Salad

A twist on the traditional chicken salad, this recipe I made up does not use mayonnaise.  Using a some non-traditional spices, this chicken salad is perfect for a warm summer day!

I cooked for the first time in years using measuring utensils when I made this yesterday for two reasons:
1. Have an exact amount for the ingredients for people who don’t use the measurement… “oh about a palm full".
2. Offer some nutritional values,the following recipe makes 6 one cup servings at 294 calories, 2.3g fiber, 29.5g protein, and 20.5g carbs.

Curry Chicken salad:

4 cups- diced chicken

1 cup- dried cranberries

1 cup- walnuts

1 TBSP- sesame seeds

1 TBSP- poppy seeds

½ cup- plain low-fat yogurt

4 TBSP- low fat sour cream

1 TBSP-curry powder

1TBSP- steak seasoning(includes salt, pepper, and a variety of other spices)

Fresh Chives (optional- as much or as little as you like

Place walnuts in a pan and toast them on medium heat, after about 2 minutes add the sesame and poppy seeds.  Toasting brings out the flavor and smokiness of the nuts.  When the nuts become fragrant (about 5 minutes) remove from heat.

In a small bowl mix yogurt, sour cream, curry, and steak seasoning.

Place chicken, cranberries, nuts, chives in a large bowl. Stir in yogurt mixture and add chives if you choose.  Place in the refrigerator for 20-30 to chill and allow the flavors to come together.

Serve on whole wheat toast or on a bed of salad greens 

Money saving tip: Purchase a large Turkey when on sale and roast up however you like (Cook 20 minutes per pound at 350).  Have the turkey for dinner then dice/chop the remaining meat and place 4 cups in freezer bags for use in soups, casseroles, and other things later on.  This will save you time and money in the future.

Sprout One: the beginning

For years my mom has been encouraging me to share my ideas and the things I am passionate about.  I’m a tip junkie and love sharing these hints that I have discovered.    Most of the things I’m interested in can be wrapped up in four words: Temple - based on the biblical concept that your body is a Temple, this area to me includes fitness and food.  Travel – My husband  and I spend a lot of time traveling and on a tight budget.  Talent -  the things that you enjoy doing.  For me this is DIY projects, decorating, party and event planning, and arts and crafts.  Treasure - I teach personal finance. This area includes consumer research and wisely using the resources you have to accomplish your goals.

Back to mom’s encouragement; until recently I was not aware of a way to share my ideas.  I had seen blogs, but they were awesome; why would anyone want to read mine.  I have two friends, one from college and one from high school, who have what I would consider to be amazing blogs.  Although they are an inspiration I could never produce anything that neat (52 projects and Probably Actually).  Both of these amazing ladies have done a recent series of postings on DYI and to-do list projects, Project 25/25 and 52 Projects based on one project each week of the year.  Now both these women are very artistic and creative.  Although I do not have the artistic talent displayed by Laura and Rachel, I was inspired by them.  Each summer I make a huge project list and accomplish about 2 or 3 things on the list.  So about 2 months ago I decided that I should create a blog, but alas it was part of that to-do list that never gets accomplished, so this blog is project 1 of 10, my husband thinks I should call them Sprouts.  My goal is to post 10 accomplished summer project over the next 8 weeks.

Once this series of projects is completed I hope to continue blogging about the areas that I am passionate about.  This is based on a book I recently read by Elizabeth George, where she suggested that every woman has “fat files.”  The idea is that you have areas you have studied and are passionate about that you can use to encourage and assist others in your life.

To Clarify I’m not a gardener, just think Sours Patch is a cute name.