I Love having a Garden!!

Seriously...is there anything more amazing than seeing plants you've planted and watered, and weeded yield their fruits???  AGH!!!  It is SO very exciting to me!  I checked my plants today, and I have tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, summer squash, blueberries, strawberries, spaghetti squash, jalapenos, cabbage, broccoli, and potatoes all growing at a great rate!  I even picked some bell peppers that were ready.  Here are some then and now pictures...

I love Summer!

I'm so excited....because my husband and I are busy creating our vegetable garden, front flower garden, and our front porch haven!! 

Our front flower garden has been slowy deteriorating since we moved in 9 years ago.  My mother-in-law had some mini roses and tuilps in the front garden.  It was a cute little garden!  When we lost our little Darcy last year at 10 weeks gestation;  we buried him/her in a corner of the little garden.  My husband bought a beautiful headstone and we put it in the garden.  We want to make it look pretty, so we have planned a cute flower garden to spruce the space up.  

(not my garden)

I love growing vegetables!!  I love transplanting the plants and watering them. I love watching the veggies grow from tiny to big because I took care of them!  We have a slightly raised bed garden in our backyard.  This year we are planting tomatoes, broccoli, potatoes, basil, cilantro, cucumbers, zucchini, spaghetti squash, jalapenos, cabbage, cauliflower, blueberries, and lettuce.  Our strawberries have come back even though I planted them 2 years ago!! I am excited to see how these veggies will grow!

My dream has always been to have an inviting, relaxing front porch for people to relax on.  I love white wicker!  I have to figure out what colors I want, but I know it will include red accents.  I cannot wait to have this space all set up! 

(just an idea picture)

Trim Healthy Mama for "PrePackaged Pams"

There's a new girl in THM Town!!  Her name is PrePackaged Pam, and she loves all things super easy, or straight out of the package.  I can relate, as I love being able to open something, heat it for mere minutes, and have a great meal.  I've compiled a list of my favorite prepackaged foods that all PPPs will love along with where they are typically found in a grocery store.

1.  Frozen, Steamable Veggie Blends (Freezer Section)

I seriously LOVE these!!  All I have to do is throw the package into the microwave (Purists, look away!!), take it out, dump it into a bowl, and add salt, pepper, and lots of BUTTAH...and Ta-Da!  A great snack, or side dish!  Or, I can eat them straight out of the bag. 

2.  Umpqua Oats (Blueberry Apple flavor, it's unsweetened.) {Natural/Organic cereal aisle}

This is how I mostly get my E foods in.  I just open the container, pour water in, microwave it for 1 minute, let it cool slightly, add in my sweetener and I am eating a delicious meal! (Ingredients:  Whole rolled oat groats, Brown flax seeds, Organic chia seeds, Freeze dried apples, and Freeze dried blueberries.)

3.  Minute Brown Rice (Asian aisle, usually)

This little box is amazing!  Brown rice takes FOREVER to cook, even in my rice cooker!!  But with Minute Rice, it's a snap!  (Uncle Ben's has "Ready Rice" packs which cook in 90 seconds;  but they may contain canola or sunflower oils, which are not on plan.)

4.  Oscar Meyer P3 Protein Packs (Lunch meat section

This one is great for when you are on the go.  It is just meat, cheese, and nuts.  My personal favorite is the Almond, Colby, Chicken one.  Such a great, prepackaged snack!

5.  Precooked Chicken Strips (Frozen section)

I love the convenience of these!  If I want a quick salad, I can just tear up some lettuce (or open a mixed bag) add chicken and veggies and dressing and eat away.

6.  Bagged Coleslaw Mix (Produce section, bagged salads)

This product is fantastic.  I can make Eggroll in a Bowl in about 15 minutes with this beauty!  It is also my go-to product for coleslaw for church fellowship time.

7. Riced Cauliflower bags (Produce section, bagged veggies)

I haven't had the pleasure of finding this product yet.  But all of the Mamas who have, rave profusely about it.  It saves so much time and energy.

8.  Braggs All Natural Apple Cider Vinegar Drink (Natural/Organic vinegar section)

It's GGMS without having to mix it yourself, and it comes in a few flavors that are on plan. (there are a few that are NOT on plan, so be wary.)

9.  Frozen Meatballs (Frozen meat section)

One of my personal favorites is the premade, precooked frozen meatballs!  Make sure the ingredients are all on plan, of course.  (i.e., no fillers, sugar, etc.)

10.  Atkins Bacon Scramble (Frozen meals section)

This one I happened upon by accident just recently.  Ingredients are bacon and eggs.  If your in a hurry in the morning, it would be a great way to get a healthy S meal in.

11.  Breyer's Carb Smart Ice Cream (Frozen Dairy section)

This is my favorite of all pre-made things!  I liked the sister's Tummy Tucking Ice Cream recipe, but just don't want to have to make my ice cream all of the time, you know?  This product is fabulous for a once in a while treat.  It comes in Vanilla or Chocolate.

12.  Rotisserie Chicken (Deli section/pre-made meals section)

When your strapped for time, and need a meal as soon as you get home, grab a rotisserie chicken!  It's so convenient, and if there is leftovers, you can easily use them for other meals.  And you can use the bones for broth or stock!

13.  Bagged Salads (Produce department)

With this product, all you have to do is add a few more veggies (if you want), drizzle some dressing on, and enjoy.

14.  Pre-cut fruits and veggies (Produce section)

I love these for picnics or when I'm doing the weekly park dates with the church moms.  Super easy and convenient! 

So, there it is!  Some Prepackaged product ideas for the PrePackaged Pams living in the THM community.  If you have any more suggestions, please leave them in the comments below.