I can't believe I ate the Whooole Thing!

Well if you are like me and need a little remodel on the good o'le diet let me introduce you to my sister-in-law Jana (whom I love a lot!!). She will be making a few apperances on our blog sharing her dietary wisdom and she's the real deal (she is a registered dietician!). What I love most about Jana the RD is that she doesn't just list reasons why you shouldn't eat something - she gives you alternatives, solutions and SWAPS!! (I'm a girl that has to have a swap). I also love that she's REAL. She practices what she preaches and she won't make you feel guilty. Like, she'll sit and eat a cookie with you with out a problem and every morning she's on that tredmill running her five miles (I'm usually on the couch watching her while I eat another cookie :)
I had her answer some questions before she imparted her wisdom:

Tell us the story on you:  I am a Registered, Licensed Dietitian (RD, LDN) and work full time at our local hospital as the Chief Dietitian (There’s only two of us ;)  I work at a doctor’s office as well and see a variety of patients, from diabetes to weight loss.  My husband and I live in a small town in Louisiana called Leesville…Why would I live in Louisiana, you ask? My husband is a Captain in the Army (God Bless America!!!)I was born and raised in Cedar Hills, Utah, and grew up playing softball and volleyball all my life. I attribute a lot of my interest in nutrition to my mother, who always taught us to eat healthy. After high school, an amazing nutrition professor helped me realize my mission in life; to become a Dietitian. After an incredibly intense dietetics program, I graduated from Utah State University with honors and completed a 7 month internship in Columbus, Georgia.While I was attending Utah State, I moved to Oregon for a summer and to Hawaii the next summer.  Little did I know I would meet my husband there…we met 2 days after I moved to the island (he was stationed there).  We spent the next 2 months falling in love and doing everything Oahu has to offer before he was deployed to Iraq for 15 months. Needless to say, we kept in contact almost daily and we got married 7 months after he returned.

What is your go-to snack food? Fiber one bar or apple with peanut butter

What is the #1 thing a person can do to improve their diet right now: Cut down on drinking regular soda, juice and caffeinated beverages.  Replace with water!  Your mind often mistakes the signal for thirst as hunger, so lots of extra calories are eaten when all you really needed was some good quality H20, which has no calories! Caffeine consumption often leads to dehydration, so you need even more water when you’re drinking caffeine. Regular soda has a lot of calories and simple sugars which add up quick.

Three things that are with you at all times: My calculator; Figuring out kcal/protein requirements constantly, My cell phone & A fiber one bar and/or fruit- in my purse

Favorite thing to do with your hubby: Go on vacation! (Of course) Playing sports, jogging, swimming, road trips, talking

If you could have a super power what would it be?Cure diseases! Or for a fun one…Being able to fly…typical            

If you could repeat one day in your life what day would it be and why?The day I met my husband! On the beach, in Hawaii, playing football…need I say more?!

Love Your Heart         Jana Martin, RD, LDN

For this Valentine’s month, show some love for your heart, not just your sweetheart- Show some love for the vital organ in your body that does everything to keep you alive and going.  Constantly pumping and circulating about 2 gallons of blood to the arteries, capillaries and veins, the heart allows blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.  This includes major organs such as the kidneys, liver, and especially the brain! What would you do without your heart? The answer is; NOTHING. 

It is obvious to see why your heart is so essential to your body’s function.  While your heart is working so hard to take care of you, doesn’t it seem reasonable to take care of your heart? Yet, 80 million Americans have Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) commonly known as heart disease, and is even our nation’s #1 killer.  However, surprisingly enough, CVD is also one of the single most preventable causes of death.  So, if your heart is so vital to your health and you know that CVD is the #1 killer, wouldn’t it make sense to start loving your heart and treating it right?

There’s no better time than now to make the commitment to take care of your heart.  February has always been recognized as the heart month, but now you can think of it as more than just the month of your sweetheart.  Many don’t know that February is officially the American Heart Month, which was started in 1963 by congress to fight the battle against heart disease in America. So start now to make lifestyle changes that play a major role in the health of your heart, and essentially, your overall health. Some lifestyle changes you can start making today include;

·         Limit sodium and salt intake

·         Eat more whole grains

·         Eat more fresh produce and low-fat dairy

·         Eat lean meat and fish

·         Decrease fat and trans-fat intake

·         Replace vegetable and coconut oil for olive and canola oil

·         Get moving! Exercise 30 minutes a day 3-5 times a week

·         Decrease and stop smoking

·         Limit alcohol consumption

Take your heart’s health in your own hands today and make the commitment to live a heart healthy lifestyle.

Have a question for our resident dietician? Be sure to comment below or e-mail us at shesaidblog@yahoo.com. Your question might be a future post for Jana! 

Surreal: Meeting PW

This post is almost a week overdue, but I have to share.  Last Thursday (February 10), I did this:

  Yes, people.  It's true.  I met The Pioneer Woman.

If you don't know who PW is, you need to click over to her site as soon as humanly possible (just make sure to come back here!).  After about two minutes of reading her blog, salivating over her recipes, and admiring her gorgeous home, you'll understand why this was such a monumental event.

This is kind of a lengthy story, so for those of you who aren't that interested, here's the short version:

I went to Salt Lake City with Brandi, my good friend for the last 25+ years.  We met Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman.  It was awesome.  The end.

For those of you who want more details, read on!

I have been reading PW's website for years.  I think she's amazing.  I have her cookbook.  She came to Salt Lake in November of 2009, but I didn't go meet her, and I've regretted it ever since.  When I saw that she was coming back for a book signing for her new book, I really wanted to go.  Luckily, Brandi wanted to go with me!  Mr. W was kind enough to drive us the 90-minute distance, even though he had no interest in meeting PW himself.

The book signing was held at the Salt Lake City Main Library.  I had never been there before, but it is an amazing building!  I was in love.  You should check it out if you ever have the chance.  We got there just a little after 5 P.M., and the event was due to start at 6.  We picked up our free tickets, which guaranteed us a seat for PW's talk and also a chance to have our books signed.  Our tickets were part of the letter T group, which meant we would have to watch PW speak from the overflow room.  We were okay with that, though, and took our seats on the second row, eyes glued to the screen at the front of the room.  Here we are with our books and tickets, excitedly awaiting our first glimpse of The Pioneer Woman.

A little after six, PW actually began speaking.  I had wondered if she would be as amazing in real life as I've imagined.  The answer?  She's even better.  She is more funny, warm, and genuinely kind than what I'd pictured.  The woman who introduced her said that we all view PW as a friend, which is absolutely true.  Even though she has a huge following and has achieved rock star-like status, she was still a little nervous.  She spoke very briefly about her newest book, and then the rest of the time was for questions and answers.  Here's a little bit of what we learned:

Her name is actually Anne Marie.

Her brother Mike called her "Wee-Wee" when she was born, which later turned into Ree, and she has been Ree ever since.

Marlboro Man's real name is Ladd.

She was also careful to clarify that MM does not smoke or use any sort of tobacco product, and he never has.  He does have a bit of an addiction to Dr. Pepper, though.

She will try to post more picture's of Marlboro Man's backside, since that was a popular request.

She said she likes to listen to her readership and give them what they want. :)

When asked how she manages to use so much butter and still look so awesome, she said the truth is that she's put on 16 or 17 pounds since starting The Pioneer Woman Cooks, and she struggles with her weight just like everyone else.  Her trick is to wear loose, flowy blouses.

How does MM feel about the popularity of her blog?  She said he's very supportive and actually thinks she does a great job of presenting agriculture positively.  She said the only time he has a problem is when she writes an incorrect agricultural fact.

PW and MM have been married for almost 15 years, and they are still very much in love.  While PW made it clear that she is not a marriage expert, she did mention two things that I thought were great.  First, she said they spend a lot of time together, which helps them work as a team; they have a ranch, which means that he is home working all the time and she is out there with him.  Even though most people don't have the luxury of being together all the time since they have separate jobs, she said it's important to make sure that you're not constantly busy going your separate directions.  She also said that it's just as easy to notice the good things a husband does as it is to focus on the bad; she has chosen over the years to focus on how wonderful he is, rather than dwelling on his faults, and the more she does it, the easier it is to find the good.

She also talked about cooking, blogging, her family, and then she sang a few bars of "There's No Business Like Show Business" in her best Ethel Merman voice.  All in all, she probably spoke for about 20 minutes.

After her talk, the actual signing began, starting with the letter A.  After 30 minutes, they were finally starting letter C.  Brandi and I began to despair of ever getting our books signed, since we were all the way at the end of the alphabet.  After a lot of walking and waiting, we managed to trade up to a letter K, and then after more walking, waiting, a trip to Burger King, and a near-collision with PW's two daughters, we traded up to a letter G.  By 8:45 P.M., we were finally in line and just a few yards away from her table, and my butterflies were fluttering.  I couldn't believe that I was finally going to meet Ree!!

At long-last, we were face-to-face with PW.  Again, I couldn't believe how friendly and kind she is!  And her hair is gorgeous.  She signed our books, posed for pictures, and chatted with us the whole time; she even commented on what a long wait we'd had and asked if we'd gone anywhere for dinner yet.  We told her that we've been friends for 25 years, and after Brandi told her how far we'd driven to meet her, she wished us a safe drive back.  Sadly, she was so busy trying to sign everyone's books that we weren't able to shake her hand, but we really and truly met her!  We hurried out of the auditorium and squealed as we checked out our signed books.

It was such a crazy, fun night!  Almost a week later, it's still hard to believe that I met her and have her autograph!  If you haven't already, be sure to check out her site and both of her books; you'll want to meet her, too!

Lucky & Love

We LOVE that so many of you entered and LOVE  all of our new followers!!! The LUCKY one to get this banner from Paramore Art Works according to Random.org is



Darwin & Candace Johnson said...

I'm a follower :)

Congratulations Candace! Be sure to send us your contact information to shesaidblog@yahoo.com and we'll be sure to get that banner out to you! And a big THANK YOU to Beth at Paramore Art Works for providing such a beautiful banner (if you haven't checked out her etsy shop...ya need to!)

As you know Valentines is just around the corner (hello only 4 more days!!!). So if you are in need of a few ideas to make in time for "The Day of Love" here's some inspiration!

I did this last year for Mr. S. & it was cheap, quick & soooooo cute! I snagged the idea from my friend Anna and she found it on Martha Stewart (she's so crafty) website. It's her Felt Fortune Cookies. So stinkn' adorable. Make a few, put them in a take out box with a big tag that says "I'm so Fortunate to Have you!!"

A few of my friends and I are going to get together this weekend and make these Cookies for our hubbies!! They were created by Shelly at How Does She. These cookies aren't for the easily offended, but they are sure to make your hubby blush!

The Chocolate Ravioli Hearts from Hungry Happenings are pretty sweet treat!

What woman doesn't want flowers on Valentines? What woman doesn't want chocolate? Anne over at Floral Showers gives you her tutorial on how to mix the two together with the Hershey Kiss Rose

Want a non-chocolate dessert for Valentines (crazy to think of a world without chocolate, but for some it is a reality) Candace at Simple Home Gourmet shares her Panna Cotta recipe.....it's a MUST TRY (I can eat a whole bowl of the stuff)

Other blogs to scour for awesome ideas : Love Actually & The Dating Diva's. They are two great sites that focus on making marriage fun!!

Have a great weekend!!

A Lovely Giveaway (closed)

We are sure your are going to Loe

this giveaway!

My friend Beth from Paramore Art Works is giving away one of her adorable hand crafted banners!! And in the spirit of Valentine's Day this one is sure to set your heart a flutter! And you can keep it up ALL month long!

 Are you already making plans on where to put up this lovely little thing?

First, I want to introduce you to my friend Beth. She is a stay at home mother of Six! (and you can't tell either) who is high on my list of "The Most Amazing Women I Know". She's got a great personality and great taste in home decor....her house is truly awesome! But that's enough rambling from me. I asked a few questions to Beth and here are her answers:

Favorite item you've made on etsy?  "MY WAND." It's in the potion bottle set, but I can see unlimited possibilities with the little twig.  Just think....Shiny clean car in Feb? POOF!  Squeaky clean.   5 out of 6 kids so far need glasses? POOF! Not so...... The list is endless!

 Favorite room in your home?  It would have the be the front porch. Not necessarily a 'room," but definitely my favorite place to be when it is not winter (which is about 10 months out of the year lately!) The porch swing and me are great buddies.

 Your New Years Resolution?    Did you mean this years or last? Because looking at them they seem about the same. I will be more specific on a few things though.  Instead of stating I would have a garden, I will rephrase it to say something like "Enjoy at least one cherry tomato from my garden that I will grow that the deer will not eat."

 Describe your most perfect day?     I have been blessed to have quite a few perfect days, but if I could choose another, I would wake up in a cute little European town with my family, a whole bunch of Euros in my backpack, and a day of exploring and adventure ahead. Oh, and I would be able to speak the language wherever I was. And not just phrases like "How much is this?" and "Where's the restroom?"

 I know that your Mom is another crafter in Paramore Art Works. In what ways are you the same?    Our blood races and we get sweaty palms when we see a great yard sale or thrift store.

 In what ways are you different?   I can throw things away....Is it just because I know I can go to her house and restock?

If you could invite one person to dinner (dead or alive) who would it be?    A little rephraseing of the question again. I am not cooking.  I could give you a long list of people like Abe Lincoln, Princess Diana,  Ben Franklin, Steven Spielberg, and Napoleon, but then I would have to add Michael Jackson just to mix it up.   Really though, I just like to go to dinner with my sweet hubby.

Biggest pet peeve?  People talking to me...and texting.... at the same time.

Are you ready to win??

Leave a comment below with your answer the following question:

What are you getting your hubby for Valentines Day?

Additional Entries (REMEMBER leave a seperate comment for each entry!)

• Become a public follower of She Said (or let us know that you already are)
• Become a Friend of She Said on Facebook (or let us know if you already are)
• Re-post this giveaway on Facebook or your Blog
• Go to Paramore Art Works etsy Shop and tell us what you LOVE

The Giveaway ENDS on Wednesday February 9th at Noon (PST)
This giveaway is over. Be sure to check back for more giveaways!

One-Pan Chocolate Cake

After our comfort food list of three post a couple of weeks ago, we received a few requests for my favorite chocolate cake recipe.  I snapped a few pictures and intended to post them with the recipe, but the lighting was all wrong and just didn't do the cake justice, so sorry, no photos after all.  This is a quick, easy cake, perfect for dessert or just a snack.  I like to bake anyway, but I especially love baking in the winter because the aromas seem to warm up the whole house.  With how cold it has been here this week, we need all the extra warmth we can get, so let's bake a cake!!

One-Pan Chocolate Cake
Preheat oven to 350.  In an ungreased 9x9 pan (a round cake pan would probably work, too), stir together:
1 c flour
2/3 c sugar
2 1/2 Tbsp cocoa
2/3 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
Then add:
2/3 c water
2 tsp white vinegar
2/3 tsp vanilla
1/4 c cooking oil
Stir with a fork until smooth.  Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.  While cake is baking, mix frosting:
1/4 c melted butter or margarine (I melt in a saucepan on the stove, then remove from heat and add all other ingredients to the saucepan)
2 Tbsp cocoa
3 Tbsp milk or evaporated milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 - 2 c powdered sugar
1/2 c chopped nuts (if desired)
Don't worry about small lumps in the frosting.  The recipe says to frost the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven, but I usually let it stand for a few minutes so that the weight of the frosting doesn't make the fluffy cake collapse.

Make it this weekend and let us know what you think!

Winner!!!!

Wow!  A huge thanks to everyone for your entries in our giveaway, and another huge thanks to Tara of Winsor Photogrpahy for donating our photo shoot!  We also want to extend a sincere welcome to all of our new followers and friends. :)

And now...the big moment...drum roll please...

Our lucky winner, according to random.org, is:

CONGRATULATIONS, MATT AND CAROLYN!!

To everyone else that entered, thanks again!  Even though you didn't win, we hope you will still be our friends. :)

We also thought it would be fun to include a little bit of information about our fabulous friend and photographer, Tara.  She is an incredible photographer and a wonderful friend that I've known for over four years.  Read on to learn more!

Tell us a little about yourself: My name is Tara Winsor, I grew up in Kaysville Utah, moved to Logan to go to school and met my sweetheart. :) We were married less than a year later, and have been married for almost 9 years. We have 1 little boy (bubba)  who we adopted at birth in 2008. He is the light of our lives, and we are SO glad he's with us. We currently live in Layton Utah where I have two full time jobs. Mother and Photographer. :) And I wouldn't change it.

When did you realize you wanted to be a photographer? I realized I wanted to be a photographer when I picked up a camera back in my Freshman year of High School 12 years ago. :) I always wanted to turn it into a business, and finally did about a year before we got Bubba. :) And have been running a business since.

What is your favorite photo you've ever taken? I have a few, but if I had to narrow it down, they are of my brother who is serving in the Army. It is a silhouette of him lifting his son into the air. And another one was when he came home for his 2 week break, I took photos of him coming in at the airport, and his wife and son with their arms wrapped around him. I wouldn't trade that experience for the world. But I usually have at least one photo from every session that I absolutely adore and am emotionally attached to. :)

Any photo shoot horror stories to share? Luckily I haven't really had any horror stories. That's one of the things that I like to do, is just roll with whatever is handed to me in a photoshoot. We can always make something work. :)

 

Where is the coolest place you've ever traveled, either for a photo shoot or just a vacation? New York. I went there this last year with my friend Stacy to shoot a wedding, and a few different things, and there is SO much history and just goodness there! I loved being able to get around without a car, and living how they commonly live there. It was SO much fun, and just breathtaking there.

What is the food that you cook the best? Enchiladas. :) That or Chicken Alfredo. Sam says I can completely dominate those two meals. :) Too bad I don't make them that often. Haha. I think I make a mean bowl of cereal as well. But that's just me. 

Favorite book/movie? My favorite book that I have read over and over again is "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry". AMAZING book, and one that emotionally moves me. I could read that one over, and over, and over again. Favorite movie is "Pride and Prejudice" The l.o.n.g. one. Absolutely love it. The emotion, the videography, everything. Love. 

Favorite quote? "All you can do, is all you can do; and all you can do is enough" Can't remember who it's by, but it hung on my grandmother's fridge, and I would read it every time I saw it. :)

Something that makes you smile? Bubba snuggling into me to watch a movie and repeating "I luw you momma" :) melts my heart every.single.time.

 

Pet peeve? People not following through on commitments. I admit I'm sometimes guilty of it, but it drives me crazy.

What is something you want to accomplish before you die? I would like to visit Europe. There is SO much over there that I would love to see and experience. I want to definitely make it there before I die. :)

Thanks, Tara!!  Be sure to keep checking back as we have some more exciting things coming up, including a recipe for my favorite one-pan chocolate cake and some guest posts!!