Tag: health

Progress Recap: Days 17 thru 30 (24 miles)

  • Pounds lost to date (since 2/21/26):17.6
  • Pounds lost since previous update (3/8/2026): 8.4
  • Pounds left until 1st goal (235 lbs): 60.4

The little lady in that before & after picture posted above? She has changed me.

What will they look like soon?

There are many quotes about the inevitability of time passing, about how change is inescapable. I can’t help but look at how much Juno has grown over these many months (or look into a mirror!) and see a living testament to the relentless march of time. Regardless, Juno will always be that same sweet baby that I brought home in 2024, all mischievous smiles and boundless energy (just as I will always be that young girl with dark hair).

And while she may still have the same goofy smile and ceaseless enthusiasm, Juno has also grown into a beautiful companion. Both Juno and Willow (still a puppy!) have brought ceaseless joy and levity to my life.

Spring may have sprung, but the clouds bring winter back with them this week

In an attempt to return the favor and keep the girls happy, I spend a lot of time in my beloved outdoors. When not taking walks to improve my mobility or hitting the gym to increase my strength and endurance, I’m outside. I’m throwing frisbees, tossing Chuck-Its, or kicking the herding ball. Indoors, I’m chasing the little devils down to retrieve the sock that they stole from my bedroom laundry basket or playing tug with them on the floor. I’m golden from the sun, grateful to fall into an exhausted sleep each night, and I’m … happy.

Each day, I’m able to be more present for everyone in my life, especially the puppies. As such, I keep chugging along in my efforts towards better health, and I look forward to my own progress pictures one day. After all, time will pass either way so I may as well make changes for the better.

And the changes I’ve made these past two weeks since my previous update? I was able to knock off just over 8 pounds! That brings my total lost to 17.6 pounds with 60.4 to go until my first goal of 235 pounds. Not to mention the 24+ miles that I put in. This wagon continues to move forward, and I am doggedly determined not to fall off it.

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Ritz Peanut Butter Crack Sammies

INGREDIENTS

  • Ritz crackers
  • Almond bark (at least 3 squares)
  • Peanut butter (or spread of your choice such as almond butter, cookie butter, Nutella, melted Rollo, etc.)
  • Toppings of your choice (see notes)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Decide how many treats you wish to make and make sure you have 2 Ritz crackers for each.
  • Spread peanut butter on half the crackers.
  • Prepare any toppings you may have for easy access is the next steps will have to take place quickly to ensure that the toppings are able to be placed on almond bark coating before it hardens.
  • Melt almond bark and spoon a small circle of warm, liquid almond bark on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
  • Immediately place the cracker with peanut butter directly on top of the almond bark so that it will form a coating on the cracker for a bottom.
  • Quickly do this for every bottom half of your treats.
  • Once all the peanut butter topped halves have been placed atop their corresponding almond bark circle, place the remaining cracker half on top of the peanut butter to form your cracker sandwich.
  • Using a fork or other utensil, drizzle remaining almond bark on the top of your cracker sandwiches.
  • Immediately top with any toppings you may prefer. For me, that is some honey roasted almonds that I pulse in a blender or food processor, a few sprinkles, and a chocolate chunk or chopped candy bar that I may have on hand.
  • Place in refrigerator to set and then enjoy!

NOTES

This is not so much a recipe than a treat that is made whenever I’m trying to use up leftover almond bark, usually after making Audrey’s Oreo Truffles. The ingredients are never the same … just a mixture of delicious things I have on hand at the time. However, the ingredients pictured (crushed honey roasted almonds, a few sprinkles, and a chopped mini Hershey bar) is one of my favorite combinations! They are addictive and honestly worthy of making on their own, especially for Halloween. See below for how to decorate them for a spooky mummy treat!

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