Relay For Life, Curry Chicken, and New Perfume

Hi everyone!

So I joined Weight Watchers. Before leaving Oregon, I gained about 25 pounds. I was already upset about that, and then after Mom died, another 20.  Wow, really? 45 pounds? I am BEYOND thrilled with the new Points Plus program, for so many reasons I won't bore you with here. But what it's done, in a nutshell, is made me focus more on nutrition and less on "dieting." I have eaten SO many vegetables, you guys. Seriously. And, as an added bonus, I've lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks. Can I get a heck yeah?? The biggest challenge has been the aversion I have to cooking. Last time I did WW, I lost a lot of weight, but found I was eating only pre-packaged food. Soooo boring. I find now, due to the changes in the program, I'm forced to be more creative and it's actually fun! I look forward to planning dinner every night. Can you believe that? So tonight I made something I thought was so especially yummy, I wanted to share. The photo was taken with the intention of only sending it to my best friend, not posting on my blog, so ya know.... it's not the greatest. Also, be advised I am in NO way a recipe writer and tend to just throw things together. :-)

CURRY CHICKEN - serves 2

1 chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup brown rice ( =1 cup cooked)
10-15 asparagus spears
4 cups cauliflower (or more, or less - ya know)
1 TBS ginger root, minced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 TSP curry powder
1 TSP cumin
1 TSP celery seed
1/2 large onion, diced
1/4 c. cilantro
1 lemon
2 TSP olive oil
1 c chicken broth, 99% fat free
salt and pepper to taste

Cook rice, set aside.

Over medium heat, saute onion, ginger, and garlic in olive oil until onions are translucent. Add chicken, asparagus, cumin, celery seed, and curry powder and saute until chicken is cooked through. Add cauliflower and 1/4 c of the chicken broth. Stir until cauliflower is coated in curry mixture. Increase heat to HIGH and continue to cook until liquid is nearly gone. Add 1/4 c more of the broth and repeat until liquid is nearly gone. Add remainder of broth, reduce heat to medium and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Divide rice into 2 bowls and top with curry chicken. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon between the two bowls and top with chopped cilantro.

Oh.....my.....goodness. Seriously, you guys. Cheap, easy and totally lovely. WW value: 8

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On April 30th, I am doing the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life in honor of my mom. As most of you know, I lost my mom in December to cancer. I want to do my part to give more birthdays to people diagnosed with this horrible disease. I will be raising money from now until the relay. If you would like to donate to the cause, my paypal email address is themerrymorbid@gmail.com. Make sure and indicate AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY so I don't get confused.

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New perfumes are hitting the shop very, very soon, and part o the proceeds of everything sold (old and new) will be given to the American Cancer Society the day of my relay. I will keep everyone posted on how much I have raised.

Love you guys! Take care!