Search This Blog

Monday, April 30, 2012

Ok so I just feel like ranting, here goes....Dear Verizon, you need an attitude adjustment. Here's the thing, we've been with Verizon forever, since before there was a Verizon. I thought their, "upgrade" option after 2 years, to be able to buy a new phone at a "lower price" just for signing up for an additional 2 years, was decent. They've made it a joke. Now they are charging $30 per line per upgrade. How ridiculous. So much for being grateful for my continued business and new 2 year commitment. Well I found the phone I wanted at HH Gregg for only $20, it's over $100 on the Verizon website, and I decided to buy it and upgrade. In the middle of the upgrade, while the salesman was processing my change, he mentioned the new $30 fee and I told him to cancel everything. He wasn't happy but he backed it all out and while we were waiting for the process to complete, the manager came over and told me, he'd gladly take $30 off anything I'd like to buy in the store! I was tempted but I thanked him and left...empty handed. I was so furious with Verizon. How unappreciative and ungrateful. I LOVE my Dare but it's over 2 years old and the screen is terribly scratched plus I can not hear anyone who calls me anymore unless I use the speaker phone or ear buds...I needed a new phone. None the less I walked away. I called Verizon 3 times, their reps ALL told me, to complain and complain loud and often. They suggested emails. They told me the last time Verizon tried to implement a new fee (I think it was $2.00 processing fee for making a payment) they retracted it after receiving tons of complaints. So I did, I complained via phone, email and facebook. Then a few days later I returned to HH Gregg and bought the phone plus a dehumidifier, that\ we needed, with a $30 discount. I completely applaud HH Gregg, they truly appreciate me as a customer. They know how to show it too. They respect me. They won my loyalty....Verizon, not so much.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Skinny Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken Made this the other night, turned out great.

Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1 cup • Old Points: 6 pts • Points+: 8 pts
Calories: 314.9 • Fat: 9.8 g • Protein: 17.7 g • Carb: 44.3 g • Fiber: 6.3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 215.7 (without salt)

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz high fiber elbows like Ronzoni Smart Taste
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 Tbsp Low fat cream cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp light butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 2 cups skim milk
  • 1 cup fat free chicken broth (vegetarians use vegetable broth)
  • 8 oz (2 cups) Sargento shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • 12 oz fresh broccoli florets  
  • 1/8 cup grated parmesan
  • 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • cooking spray

Directions:
Cut chicken into bite portions and brown thoroughly, set aside.

Cook pasta and broccoli together in a large pot of salted water, according to package directions for al dente (or slightly under cook 2 minutes). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 375°.

In a large, heavy skillet, melt butters. Add onion and cook over low heat about 2 minutes, add flour and cook another minute, or until the flour is golden and well combined. Add milk, chicken broth and cream cheese and whisk, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil; cook about 5 minutes or until the sauce becomes smooth and thick. Season with salt and pepper.

Once the sauce is thick, remove from heat, add cheese and mix well until cheese is melted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, add cooked macaroni and broccoli and mix well. Add chicken. Pour into prepared baking dish. Top with grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Spray a little more cooking spray on top.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to get the breadcrumbs golden.