Friday, December 31, 2010

Sew Much Fun

Hehe Like the subject?!  I know this is post number 2 today but I just had to share!!

A little background.  When I go into work I carry two water bottles and a snackie, plus my purse.  One water bottle has ice and goes at the register with me.  The other one goes in the freezer to enjoy on my break, with my snackie of choice.  Last night I decided to try using a gift bag to carry all my stuff in, and it worked like a charm.

Sew...today :-) I make a little baggie for myself.  Its the perfect size I wanted...and was fun to make.  Just had to share!!!

The bag In Use

Laid out flat

Close up to show detail

And it even has a pocket


5 bonus points for anyone that recognizes the material :-)

(This was left over from the quilt I made, when I ordered WAY too much material) 

Happy New Year To You

There are 7 hours left until 2011, what are you plans?

In one hour I will be at work.  I will work a 4hr shift, then head to my parents house where Mike and Angelina will be.  Then I'll have 2hrs there until we Ring In the New Year!

I get excited for ever new year, but for some reason I am really excited about 2011!!! 


Everyone have a safe and happy New Years Eve tonight!  Hugs!

The Tripp Family!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Bob Harper Gives Me Energy

I feel great today!  And I haven't been able to say that for a while now.  That's a blog in itself for another day though.  lol

We had had Chinese Food for dinner last night.  (My favorite!!!)  After words I felt awful.  My energy was zapped, I could barely keep my eyes open, and ended up just being lazy on the couch.  I am so done feeling this way!  I knew I had to find my Cardio Max Dvd!  And I did just that!  I laid it on my laptop last night ready to be put in this morning.

It was tough I won't lie, but 30mins of exercising gave me so much energy today it was crazy!!!  Meeting up with Bob again tomorrow morning for sure!!!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Ok well sorta "wordless"  I can't write a blog without words hehe!

I am an aspiring photographer, and children and people are what I love to photograph.  Twice a year we purposely get the grandchildren together to take a picture.  Just happens that Nov (for Christmas cards that my mom sends out) and July 4th.  The following picture is this years Christmas Card!  Out of 100 photos taken, we had 3 to choose from.  Whew its hard, but I love it!

The next picture is the one that my sister and her husband sent out for Christmas cards this year.  Yes I took theirs too.  :-)

And the last one is Angelina on her birthday while we were out shopping.  I used it for our Christmas Cards this year.  And the very last one is her being the spunky girl she is!  Enjoy my Wordless (LOL) Wednesday!






Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Work Hard Yesterday, Play Today

We have been super busy since last Wednesday. With working, getting ready for Christmas, last min shopping, present wrapping, and just general living. LOL Because of all of this, the whole cleaning has been neglected. Sure the dishes were being done, meals were being made, and garbage taken out, but that was the extent of it. And we loved every min of it!

Yesterday, Monday, Angelina and I managed to get the house back in order while Daddy was at work. It took all day, but surprising to me it was actually fun. I guess being so out of order, it was refreshing to get everything back together.

Now to back track a bit to Christmas morning. Mike, Angelina, and my Mom and Dad, bought me a brand new Sewing Machine!!! All my sewing projects I have done have been on my moms old machine. (She bought a new one for herself years ago, kept her original one, and that’s the one I have been using.) It still works for the most part, but sometimes will not for no reason at all. You can run it for a while and it will eventually get back on track, frustrating when you in the middle of a project.

Christmas morning I unwrapped a Kenmore Sewing Machine, and was so very excited!!! And now guess where it is currently? Still in the box. And now you maybe asking why, if I was so excited, is it still in the box untouched? Well go back up to the subject! I worked hard yesterday, so I could play today!

If I don’t get all the “work” done before I “play,” I feel guilty the whole time and don’t actually get to enjoy the fun. To wrap this up, as soon as I hit the publish button, I am off to go unveil the Sewing Machine!
 
*Today’s Question*

1.) What was your most enjoyable Christmas Gift, you either received or gave? (Often times I enjoy seeing others open their gifts more than I enjoy my own. But not this year! LOL)

2.) Are you like me in that you have to get things done before you can play?

Monday, December 27, 2010

A Job I Want to Love

I received a text from my sister earlier today as she was arriving at her job.

“Uggg I gotta wk till 9...L lol”

(She was scheduled till 7, they reworked the schedule and added two hours to her shift) My response to her was,

“Woot 2 extra hours, Hopefully it will go fast!”

As I was typing, Hopefully it will go fast, a thought popped in my head. I am always saying, I hope tonight goes fast…I can’t wait until I’m off…This night needs to go quickly ect. It got me thinking about a “What if…”

What if I had a job that I LOVED, a job I looked forward to, a job where I wished time would slow down so I could enjoy it longer?

Maybe some of you already have my “What if dream” and if so I would love to hear about it. What job do you have, why do you enjoy it so much?

But for me, I’m not quite there YET.

*Disclaimer* as many people I work with might read this. J Me not enjoying my job has nothing to do with the people I work with, the company I work for, or the customers I serve. I just want more, I want to feel like I make a difference, I want to be rewarded in what I do, (in a financial sense, but more importantly in an emotional sense…that what I do actually matters and helps others) Sure I can be a nice, helpful, cheerful, cashier, but in reality most customers will buy that same item from a Crabby McCrabberson cashier. What it boils down to is...

I believe I deserve to have a job that

I enjoy,
am good at, and
quite honestly able to change a few lives!
 
High expectations yes, but I will find this Job!!! I deserve it!

 
*Today’s Question*
If you could have any job in the world (without the need of money/schooling ect)
1.) What would it be,
2.) Why do you believe you would enjoy it,
3.) Besides Money or Schooling, What is stopping you from having this said job?

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Sneak Peek

Stay tuned for more info!

LOL

Exciting things are about to happen!!!!  I have missed this blog and more importantly all of YOU GUYS!!!

Much Love!!
Mar

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Time To Be Honest

I debated on starting a new blog, which was why I was away for the last couple of days.  Just trying to figure out things, and deciding on what I am going to do next.

I came to the conclusion that I'm going to just stick with one blog, be honest, and besides keeping up with one blog will be easier than having two. 

I feel a lot of the time I am not 100% honest...honest with myself.  I am speaking of my weight issue, health issues, and my all around happiness.  I spend a lot of time pretending that I don't have a weight issue, by eating whatever I want to, not fully accepting my Diabetes, and allowing myself to have bad days without feeling guilty. 

My Weight:

For someone with the wealth of information that I have about health, clean eating, Non Processed ect. you would think that I would be skinny Mini.  But that is not the case.  And you want to know why?  Cause I don't practice what I know.  I preach and share with others what I know, but in turn don't follow my own advise.  I often think, Who would follow what I have to say when I look the way I do?...Taking Health advise from a Fat girl.  I want to change this!!!  I want to inspire others by my actions not my words!!!
I try to act like I do not have a weight issue when I am around others.  By this I mean, I usually eat what I want, even though I know I shouldn't.  Cause Heaven For Bid someone know that I'm on some sort of diet.  But really I have to face the fact, just looking at me they know I have a weight issue.  I guess I just have to get over it.  And besides, why do I feel that being on a diet is shameful?  When really I am helping myself become healthier.  So I should be really shouting it from the roof tops!!! 

I Am Diabetic

I know I have shared my story of being diabetic on my blog before, but thats about as far as it goes.  Again I was feeling shame.  That I let myself get so out of sorts that, that was what caused my diabetes.  That is was my fault, and that I am a bad person for not realizing earlier that I had a problem. 
The other night I was checking my blood sugars at work on break and a fellow co-worker "caught me" and asked if I was diabetic cause they were too.  And it was the first time I shared that with anyone.  I don't plan on yelling this from the roof tops, but I am not going to feel any shame!  Checking my blood sugars shouldn't be embarrassing, it shows that I am taking control!!!  I just have to remember this!

Everyone Has a Bad Day

I have to remember this.  I feel extreme guilt when I have a bad day.  It goes into the evening, apologizing to my husband, then I go to bed feeling this way, and wake up still feeling guilty.  Guilt that I didn't show enough attention to Angelina the day before, not cleaning as much as I should, not fixing a healthy dinner, ect, and thats not a good way to start a day off!  So I am done feeling this way.  Who cares if I through in corn dogs for dinner, at least we ate.  Who cares if I didn't vacuum the kitchen and bathroom floors, the dust bunnies aren't going anywhere.  And Angelina's needs are attended to, and she still loves me even though I didn't play that game she wanted to.  I just have to let myself have a bad day once in a while, right?

Even though I have always been honest on this blog, it was time to get honest with myself.  I have a long road ahead of myself, but I refuse to stop the journey!  A rest stop here and there, but I must keep going. 

I have a feeling that this blog is going to turn in the direction of my weight loss and getting my diabetes in control.  Please let me know if you would like to see me start a new blog for just that purpose and keep this blog the way its started! 

Friday, November 12, 2010

Its Finished

The Quilt that is!

I finished it this morning after what happened last night.  Here are a few shots of it...and yes I am already cutting out another pattern....this time PJ Pants for Miss Angelina!!!!




Thursday, November 11, 2010

Ok I Can Take A Hint

One thing goes wrong, ok, two things go wrong, WFT, three things go wrong, TIME TO GO TO BED!!!

I was hoping to put the finishing touches on my quilt tonight.  I had the binding left to do, so I was pretty confident I could do it.  Well its taking a lot longer then I expected, but its alright.  I then decided to "Stitch in the Ditch" instead of hand sew around the quilt.  (Since I didn't have a needle to hand stitch with, I know you can roll your eyes now lol)
Well for whatever reason I guess it was a bad decision.  It was one of those decisions I spent all evening going back and forth.  But once I was done ironing the binding, I was just so close to finishing it, I decided to not wait until tomorrow to go to the fabric store to get a needle, and just GET IT DONE TONIGHT!
I guess the stars had other plans, and things kept going wrong...

1.) My needle broke on the machine...luckily I had some already here at home, so no biggie I'll change it.

2.) The bobbin runs out  (And I didn't have any in reserve) ok getting frustrated, about to call it a night, but nah I can change the bobbin.

3.) The thread runs out in the middle of threading the bobbin.

OK I give up for tonight.  For whatever reason I just wasn't "supposed" to finish this quilt tonight.  Yes I have more thread, but I just feel I ignored two signs to call it a night, and by the third it was just time to listen!

Off to bed, frustrated, mad, bummed...and sad

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

I will have an hour and 1/2 left of Wednesday right?  Here ya go!

P.S. Still not done!  LOL

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Suspence Can Be Fun

Especially if you are on my side!

Two parenting lessons happened today and I wish to share it! But my favorite show is on :-)
Parenthood! Seems fitting for my post don't ya think?

So tomorrow bright and early I will tell my tale!

Night night

Monday, November 8, 2010

I Am So Proud Of....

...I bet you thought I was going to say Angelina.  :-)

But nope I'm going to say, Me and My Sister Kelli!!!

We started our own little exercising routine thingy together.  We are Walking Away the Pounds every morning!  I let her borrow one of my many WATP Dvds and we are each doing at least a mile and two miles if its a day off from work.  We started a week ago (Tuesday Nov 2nd)  we both took Saturday off from exercising, but other then that we haven't missed a day! 

One highlight of my day is when I get to text her "One Mile of WATP DONE!!!!" 

Thanks Sis' for the motivation!!!

P.S. I have lost 1 pound so far!!!  I'll have to ask her if she's weighed in or not.  Either way, I bet she's feeling great!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

A Fun Sunday

My work gave me today off.  I usually have to request weekend days off to get them...but today I was just given it.  It was nice to not have plans per se.  Even though we did have a fun day!

We woke up early, which didn't feel too early cause of the Time Clock Change this morning.  Then we took a drive up North for breakfast.  Beth's Cafe, for you Non-Locals, its a whole in the wall cafe that serves the most amazing food.  Open 24 hrs, and you can order anything off the menu at any time during the day.  They are most famous for their 12 egg omelet.  If you watch Man Vs Food, you may have seen the episode that he visited Beth's Cafe. 

Today was the second time we have been there, and just as good as the first.  Oh yeah and All You Can Eat Hash browns!!!  :-)

After breakfast we went to Costco and had to get Coffee, and I picked up a nice warm pair of winter gloves.  Mainly to take walks with as its getting chillier here.  Then my sister and I went to Target, where I picked up a brown sheet to use as the backing of my quilt!  Its getting closer to being finished.

Which brings me to the rest of my day, sewing!!!  I got the top all finished.  And was uber excited to sit on the couch and try it out.  Its going to be the most perfect throw blanket for the couch!  I'm going to work on the border next, and hopefully have that part finished tomorrow. 

Well its clean up time, bath time for Angelina, and then bed time!  This weekend went fast!  Hope you all enjoyed yours!!!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

What I Have Been Working On

My oh My days go by so fast.  I have to be at work in an hour, but I wanted to share what I have been working on.  Hope everyone had a great Saturday.  Tomorrow I have off, and we are going out to breakfast, and then spend all day in our pjs!  Heck I might even wear my Pjs to breakfast!  LOL

Friday, November 5, 2010

Busy Day

Even though I woke to the alarm at 5:30 to get a good start on the day, I still run out of time.

I felt good this morning.  Woke up and exercised right away.  Lovely One Mile WATP this morning.  Took my shower and got all ready.  Then I worked on my quilt until Angelina woke up.  Then we took a walk to Starbucks for some Hot Chocolate, then walked to the grocery store to get some items I needed for the kitchen.  Walked home, and made home made pizza for a late lunch.  Angelina my picky eater even ate some! 

Now Angelina is taking a bath, she gets to go with her Daddy to a work Bowling Evening get together.  I have to go to work.  So there you have it, my busy day, but what a fine day it was.

I have an hour left before work and I plan on just relaxing on the couch reading my book.  The Hunger Games.  Have a great Friday Evening Everyone!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Shortest Post Ever

Good Night!

Haha, well I can't just leave it at that....but I was busy today.  I managed to do my exercising DVD this morning and walked for 2 miles.  Did random stuff around the house and even walked to the store in the evening time.  So a good exercising day.  I spent a good portion of my free time today working on my quilt, finally!  I have 14 rows, and they are all sewn together, minus two rows in the middle where I have to come up with another idea, as the original plan isn't going to work.  But that's the fun part about doing your own quilt with no patter!!!  Yahoo for that!
More tomorrow on my exercising plan, food plan, video plan, work schedule, and Life In General!  Good Night Everyone!!!!  Much Love!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

On Sale Now

I don't think I have mentioned it on my blog yet, but I am making Duct Tape Wallets and am selling them.  I have made a handful for family and friends, and many have gotten compliments...so I decided to try the Etsy thing.  LOL 

Its been a lot of fun making them.  I first started off by watching a Youtube instructional video, and I have since been making them using my own pattern.  I have make Bi-Fold, Tri-Fold, and just started trying out Coin Pouches.  I have discovered that snaps work real well with duct tape, and look decorative while being useful.

I love making something with my hands, and its a great feeling when you have a finished product that is actually usable.  :-)  Here are some pictures of the wallets I added to my shop today.  I'll list my shop's address at the end in case any of you are curious about the others.





Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Our Bodies Are Smarter Then We Are

Why is it when you can't have something, you want it all the more?

This can be anything from Food, to Love, to More Time, to even things like a new car, or new job.  The min. we say NO to ourselves, its the same min we want it even more then before.  Or we get reminders of it, we start seeing that new car everywhere, we see commercials of that Dairy Queen Blizzard, the clock seems to tick faster.  I'm sure everyone has experienced this before.

My experience today is that of Food.  Yesterday's Post I shared how I wasn't going to deprive myself of anything.  I'm done giving up Meat, Dairy, Food in general, and even though its only been 1/2 of a day, I'm feeling great.  Better then I have felt in a long time.  I woke up this morning, exercised by walking 1 mile to my DvD.  I had energy and the drive to make home made pancakes for breakfast, and only had 3 small ones, a teeny bit of syrup with cut up pears on top.  I felt no need to sneak a piece of Halloween candy, strange as that is.

Me and Angelina walked to Safeway to pick up her new movie that she knew came out on TUESDAY!  Toy Story 3.  If you have never tried Safeway's Chinese Express, I urge you to.  Its great tasting Chinese Food, on a budget.  Most times whenever I walk over there I take lunch home with me, feeling guilty as I do.  Today I didn't even have the slightest craving for it, strange once again.

Since I have given up dairy, and processed foods, I have been craving Kraft Mac and Cheese, like no other!  Today at Safeway when you bought Toy Story 3, you got a few items for free, one being a box of Kraft Mac and Cheese Toy Story Shapes.  We got home, getting ready to fix lunch, and amazingly enough the drive to have Mac and Cheese was no longer there, and we had a tuna sandwich instead!  Unbelievably Strange with a capital S!!!

This just proves to me that its not a good idea to tell yourself NO to things.  That your body, an amazing machine, will take care of itself. 

Enjoy your Tuesday!!!! 

Have any of you experienced this first hand?  I'm curious!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Is Giving Up Something Always the Right Road?

I am not sure what it was this evening, but something got me thinking.  Does Dieting mean Giving Up Something?  Or Should it mean that rather.  This is still a debate for me. 

Ever since I have felt the need to lose weight (Junior'ish in High school)  I have felt that I had to give up something to get the weight off.  Now I know giving up candy bars is necessary, but I'm not talking about Candy, or the obvious things here. 

Through out the end of my high school years I dabbled in giving up food all together.  I remember clearly eating little to nothing during the day, but not being able to continue once I got home.  I never lost weight. 

About a year after I graduated, I did it again.  This time it worked.  I was able to get through the day with little to nothing to eat, and I was showing results.  It was easier this time around because I was busy with College, Work, and Tutoring.  This went on until I met Mike, which was in 2003.  Then I fell in love, and got comfortable, and gained all of what I lost and then some. 

I remember at one point I wanted to lose the weight and new I couldn't give up food, so I gave up Carbs.  That didn't work, so I gave up Sugar, ALL SUGAR.  At this point we got married and pregnant, and baby fat was cute to have :-)  I didn't think about dieting for months after having Angelina.  But then the urge to give up food snuck up again.  Needless to say it didn't work.

Then I decided to give up Meat, then it was all processed foods, when that wasn't giving me the results, I just moved on to something else to "give up" 

I am currently not consuming Dairy.  I thought I would try it for a week and see what happens. 

I think I have some sort of mentality that I have to Give Up something.  Like I am punishing myself.  Or disguising my want to lose weight.  I was discussing this is Mike, and I mentioned, maybe I have the need to cover up what I'm doing, the end result is to lose weight, but I have to tell people that I am not eating "something" so they wouldn't know I'm actually on a diet.  Is this making sense to anyone out there?  Wow I am a mess aren't I?


So this is where this leads me.  I am not going to deprive myself of anything.  I am going to just use small portion control, listen to my body when I'm full, and just LIVE!!!!  No worries, and see how I feel.  Of course I will keep you all updated, and if anyone has any thoughts or suggestions or anything that you think might help me out, please let me know!!!

P.S. I know how bad not eating is, and I will never do that again!  Thanks for always reading!  Hugs!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween

There is still 3 more hours left of Halloween.  We had such a great day today.  Angelina dressed up as a Kitty, which was very fitting as she always crawls around the house as a kitty.  I joke with her all the time cause I am allergic to cats and I sneeze around her, but she tells me that she's not a REAL one.  :-)

We painted a cute black nose on her, with whiskers, and added a bit of pink eyeshadow with mascara, cause lets face it, its fun to put on mommy's makeup!  We just got back from Trick Or Treating in my brothers neighborhood, and we have a very tired little kitty on our hands.  She did excellent and loved walking the neighborhood.  Now if only I can persuade a Candy Fairy to take the candy filled bucket away, that would be grand!  Crossing my fingers maybe Angelina will forget the Candy part.  LOL

Hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween!!!

Here is a picture of the kiddos from tonight. 

A Rockstar, Soccer Player, Kitty, Stromtrooper, and a little Leopard

Saturday, October 30, 2010

My New Relationship With Food

I am finally able to say that my first thoughts when I wake up in the morning are not of FOOD.

This is huge for me!  I used to wake up in the morning, and immediately think about what types of food we had in the house, and if we had something good, I would get up Happy.  Its actually a very sad way to wake up. 

This morning after taking a shower and putting on my "face" I realized that I hadn't thought about food first thing in a long time, and it was very refreshing and empowering at the same time. 

I am very excited about where I am in this journey, and where I am heading.  Thanks for reading and being here with me along the way!!!

Friday, October 29, 2010

How Many Projects Can I Juggle?

I guess the question should be how many can I juggle, and actually get them finished?  LOL

While the Men were gone my sister was working on a scrap book of her wedding.  I have never been one to scrap book, as I didn't see the point in cutting up pictures and not saving/using ALL the pictures.  But her album was turning out beautiful, and I got inspired.

Angelina's 5th birthday is Dec 9th, (I still can't believe it) and I wanted to make her a scrap book of her first years, and be able to continue it each year.  I know she won't fully appreciate it until she is older, so maybe at this point the scrap book is for me.  :-)

I started going through the million of photos I have, and decided to dedicate one whole book to her first year.  Start which a few pictures of me pregnant with her, a few letters me and Mike wrote to her, then her birth...and each month there on out.  After Feb. they are all in albums in order so that will be nice.  But I have a pile of pictures about 1in tall that I have to figure out which month they belong in.  Not as bad as I was thinking. 

One thing is for sure, this evening has been a lot of fun, looking/remembering, and sharing stories between me and Mike and Angelina.  (Making me want another baby that much more...did I just say that out loud?)  :-)

I'm sure in the next few days I'll be share photos, but tonight I thought I would share a video that we came across.  Me and Mike don't even remember recording it.  Angelina is about 8months here, and is learning just how to make Daddy laugh!!!  Enjoy!!!

P.S. Yes I plan on still finishing up my quilt I started, if anyone was curious  :-)

Click HERE to watch the cutest video!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Home Sweet Home

Me and Angelina and Mike are all home safely!

Mike and my dad and brother came home today, we were all so very excited. 

They were about 10mins away when my dads truck broke down (we were all thankful that they weren't farther away, like on the other side of the pass)  A tow truck call, a 1/2hr wait, and they were on the road again.  (There is probably major transmission work, which is no fun at all, but everyone made it safely, so that's all that counts)

The first evening/night are full of stories, such an enjoyable time.  Of course Angelina was super excited to see Daddy!  She said "Daddy when you come home from hunting, you smell like Hot Dogs!"  We all had a good chuckle!

Thanks for reading all my posts from the last week or so...this time of year is always hard, but I am glad that my hubby gets to take part of the yearly Hunting Trip!

Off to listen to stories and tell a few of my own!  Night Night

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

I Miss My Husband

My apologizes for the sappy post, first of all. 

After this post I am going to be heading to bed for the 5th night in a row without Mike.  I have missed him since he left but today I have missed him the most!  I know many of you guys out there have been without your "better half's" for longer then this, but this is the longest I have gone without. 

I know the saying Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder, and I have always understood this...but sometimes its harder to understand when you are actually going through the Absence part. 

Mike-
I miss you tons, and can not wait until you come home and I can hug and kiss you.  I can not wait to watch Angelina run up to you, as she is asking when you are coming home. 
Love You!  Kisses from Your Angels!


We are enjoying our time with Grandma, having our sleep overs and laughing tons with Aunt Kelli.  But I am anxious to going home and being our own little family again. 

Thanks guys for listening to this sappy post, we are hoping they are coming home tomorrow but it will depend on how their morning goes.

Night Night

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

A Good Night Joke

Heres a Joke thats has been said A LOT the past few days!!!


Why did the wheel go back to bed?

He was Wheely Wheely tired!



Bonus Points for anyone that knows where that joke was from?

Night Night!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Thank Goodness For Texting

We are heading into Night 3 of Mike being gone, and missing him tons!  We have been fortunate enough to be able to talk to each other a couple of times a day, but the occasional "I Love You" texts mean just the same!  (If not a bit more)

I know he's enjoying his time, and me and Angelina are very much enjoying our time, but we both miss him a lot! 

I hope he's not expecting much money left when he comes home, today was another day of shopping!  :-) 

Miss You Honey, and we can't wait for you to come back home!  Hugs and Especially Kisses

-Your Two Angels at Home

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Outlet Store Shopping

That was the agenda for today.  Us girls had a lot of fun, spent a bit of money, but most of all enjoyed the time together. 

I wont bore you with the details, but I got two pair of work pants, pink TIE shoes for Angelina (she will be learning to tie very shortly) 3 long sleeve shirts for Angelina, and the best deal a pack of 7 undies for only $4.99!!! 

That is it for now, we are having a blast, but still miss the boys A LOT!!!!  <3

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Sleep Over

So the guys are out of town, and that means the girls get a SLEEPOVER!!

Angelina has been so excited and has been waiting for "the sun to go down" all day.  Her bed is all set in the living room of my parents house.  My spot on the floor right next to her, and my sister on the other side.  (Mom will sleep in her bedroom) 

Although its hard to say good bye to the Men, we always try to make it a fun time with just the girls!

Sorry for the short post, Mom and Dad have old fashion Dial Up, and I'm just hoping this actually posts.  LOL

(I refuse to let a day go by without popping on and saying hello!)

Night Everyone!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Monkey Balls

I have been wanting to try using home made 100% Wool Dryer Balls for quite some time now.  I like being crafty so I thought it would be easy enough to make my own, and it was!

Its so fun to see a project coming together!

Well me and Hubby were tossing around the idea of maybe selling ones that I make.  We were trying to come up with some names, and I personally don't like the word Balls.  Unless of course your talking baseballs, or playground balls, or basket balls.  (I made these Cake Balls, which is cake made into tiny "balls" and dipped in chocolate.)  Which are divine!  But I refuse to call them Cake Balls cause I giggle everytime I say it, so we just call them Cake Rounds. 

I really want to use the Monkey in them...but Monkey Balls just doesn't right ><  LOL 

But we'll see...Just again tossing around the idea.

With that I'll leave you for tonight! 

P.S. Hubby is going out of town for the week, so blog posts might be short and sweet!  Good Night Everyone!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Second Message From All Cashiers

Handing a Cashier waded up dollar bills is....


Cute when your a child.

Not so cute when your an adult!


FYI
Thanks
From All Retail Cashiers

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

2 Weeks Ago Tonight

We picked up Buddy our Chinchilla.  He has been such a great addition to our family, and we think he likes it here too.  I put a quick video together to show my sisters co-worker (who had given us our Chinchilla) just how much Buddy likes it at his new home!

Hope you enjoy too!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

A Message From All Cashiers

If you have a cold...

Please don't lick your fingers when digging out money to hand to the cashier!  We don't want your germs!

Thanks
-All Retail Cashiers!

Monday, October 18, 2010

The Spirit of Boo'ing

I hadn't heard of "Booing your neighbor" until this year, but what a wonderful way to get in the Halloween Spirit. 

Me and Angelina Boo'ed my sister and brother in laws house last week.  It was such a fun project to do with Angelina.  She was part of the whole thing, from picking out little gifts, and candy, to the wrapping, and the actually BOO'ing! 

For those of you who don't know what it is, you drop off a package at your neighbors house, (without letting them know its you) filled with little trinket gifts and candy, and then directions on what they need to do next.  You also decorate a sign that they put on there door saying "We've Been Boo'ed" so the other neighbors know someone already left gifts there.  This neighbor now needs to decorate a sign for another neighbor and drop off the package, and the chain begins.  Just a fun way to get the neighborhood involved and ready for Halloween.

My sister and her husband are not our neighbors but it was still fun!  And yes they boo'ed us back which was really fun for Angelina.  Its all about the children am I right?

Our Boo'ed Sign

Our Package, or Decorated Trader Joe's Bag

She was so excited!

She wanted to ring to door bell and run, even though no one was home

Has anyone else Boo'ed a Neighbor, or been Boo'ed?  There still is time!!!!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Lets Play Monopoly

Can I use my "Get Out of Jail Free" card tonight?

Not to make it seem like writing my blog is the equivalent to being in jail.  Because its not at all!  I love writing, and even more so when I know others are reading.  But I have just had a long busy weekend, I am in the middle of my 6 day stretch of work, and am just exhausted. 

I guess this is what I get too, for waiting until 11pm to express myself with my blog.  My apologizes!

Hugs to everyone!
Night Night

Mar

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Whew...What a Saturday

Here I sit at the computer, 11:00pm, tired as a dog, but when I reflect on the day, it was all worth it!

I just got off work less then 40mins ago, I worked the closing shift tonight, which is my norm.  Someday I want to share a post on a typical day at my job, it would be a humorous post, that's for sure!

On a day that I work, I usually try not to do a whole lot during the day, so I don't end up trying myself out BEFORE work even starts.  I plan out my week as much as possible to do the majority of cooking and running errands and deep cleaning on off days.  (Of course you can never skip daily chores and managing Angelina, that some how doesn't sound right, lol)

Having said all that, I actually planned to have a busy day today before work.  Imagine that.  :-)  But I was really proud of myself.  I spent Friday going through the grocery store ads and my coupons, making lists of what to get where, and what coupons go with what store, ect.  (I think I even mentioned to you guys that I did all this)  So even though the plan was to go to 2 grocery stores and a drug store, it went very smoothly, and we stuck to the list, for the most part.  Always gotta leave wiggle room.  I highly recommend this mode of grocery shopping, which I think a lot of people already do, lol.

So to wrap up, yes I'm dog tired, shopping, and working all in one day, but it feels good!  Night Everyone!

Friday, October 15, 2010

What Time of the Day...

Do You Get the Most Accomplished?

My answer for today was the MORNING!  Like I had promised yesterday, I did manage to wake up at 6:00am and got myself out of bed by 6:15.  Here is my list of what I got done this morning,
Knitted (Yahoo)
Got caught up on the news
Drank two mugs of coffee, I won't tell you the size of my mug though :-)
Wrote out a Grocery Store Budget
Look at the three major grocery store ads and made my shopping list
Finished making Angelina's Flash Cards
Laundry, One load
Started prepping for dinner
Organized a new Envelope System I have been wanting to try for a long time
Oh yes and lets not forget showering, putting makeup on, and drying my hair

All that and little miscellaneous things, before Angelina started stirring.  And yes I was able to enjoy cartoon time, Guilt Free.  It was an amazing start to my day, one I look forward to doing again.

My sorta plan that I really don't want to share in case I don't actually follow through with it, is to wake up at 6 for 21 days straight.  (The amount of days it takes for something to become a habit)  I actually love to be a morning person, but tend to get lazy, since I don't have a child waking me up.  If your thinking I'm so lucky just know that she just went to sleep about 15mins ago, which was at 11:00. 

I have a part time retail job, and I go into work in the evenings and don't get home until 10:30, so her 7:00 bedtime (when I wasn't working) has since been pushed back to 11.  (Guess who just scared me 1/2 to death?  Angelina just came walking out and said "Mommy whatcha doing?")  So yeah you better believe she sleeps in. 

Now where was I?...Oh yeah my plan.  We'll see how it goes.  I won't beat myself up if I don't get up until 7, especially on nights I work, a Mom does need her beauty sleep after all.  But I do love getting so much accomplished before the day actually starts!

What about you guys?  Do you get more done in the morning or evenings?

Thursday, October 14, 2010

All I Want to Do Is...

KNIT!

A day where I can do nothing besides sit on the couch and Knit would be as nice as a get away vacation!  Ok maybe I am exaggerating a bit there but it does sound dreamy.  To wake up to a fresh pot of coffee, your favorite creamer waiting to be poured into your perfect coffee mug.  Then you waltz over to the couch, still in your pajamas of course, sit down next to the remote that is in its designated spot, cover up with your softest warmest most comfy blanket, and enjoy the quiet house.  My perfect morning would start like that, with a morning marathon of The Kardashians, or The Biggest Loser, while knitting my endless scarf.  I might even pay for a morning like that!  Who's with Me?

Unfortunately that's never going to happen, but fortunately I can imagine it.  Which naturally is the next best thing. 

Seems like I always have something on my mind, from the min I wake up to the min I go to bed, thinking thinking thinking always thinking.  In an effort to clear my head, I started making a list.  I am used to making lists, as in Grocery Lists, Dinner Lists, Bathroom Lists, To-Do Lists, List of the Lists, (ok its not that bad yet lol)  But this list was different.  This is going to be an on going lists of just STUFF.  Stuff I need to get done, stuff I want to get done, stuff I want to accomplish, stuff I want other people to do, and just stuff I feel like writing down.  And its actually working, I feel myself a bit more calm, without fear that I might forget something.  Today I was able to cross off something off that list, Organize my coupons.  That felt great!

Also in an effort to manifest the morning described above, I vow to myself to wake up at 6:00am every morning and start my day with a bit of knitting.  I will admit I have trouble getting out of bed.  Most morning I relax with Angelina and watch a little Curious George, Cat in the Hat, Sid the Science Kid, and lets not forget Dinosaur Train, and Word World.  I must say that's a good way to wake up, but after all this is said and done, its near 10o'clock.  Which at this point means no time to knit for me, as I have to start the day that never seems to stop.

Tomorrow I'll be waking up at 6am, knit while watching the News, since there is no morning marathon of The Kardashians, or The Biggest Loser, take my shower, do whatever morning chores need to get done, all before 8 when then I can go enjoy some cartoon time with Angelina. 

6am isn't the ideal time for knitting but if that's where I can fit it in, I'm all for it!

 *Here's to Everyone...finding time to KNIT*  (Or whatever you enjoy!)

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Praying is Just the Beginning

I posted a quote on my Facebook status yesterday...

"If you want to find something you must first start looking!"
-Mariann Tripp

Sounds pretty easy right?  If you have lost something the first course of action would be to start looking for it correct?  Well I am not really talking about the act of losing something per se, more so starting on the other end, beginning to Look For Something.
Have I totally lost you yet?

I was reminded by a short story I read within the book of Eat Love Pray.  (By the way if you haven't read this book you really should, start today!)  (Well obviously after you finish this post.)  In a chapter of the book she explains something she once heard.  Please don't quote me, as I won't be quoting the book either, but the story should come across well. 

A fellow prayed to God everyday that he could win the lottery.  How happy he would be to win the money, so day in and day out he prayed to God.  Months went by and this fellow never won the lottery.  Finally God, feeling sorry for the fellow, politely asked him to Go Please Buy a Lottery Ticket!

The first time I read that, I was sort of confused.  She stopped telling us about the fellow, ended her story.  I was left disappointed as I wanted to know if he won or not.  But after thinking about it, that wasn't the point of the tale. 

We might be praying to God, asking for whatever we might need, but we aren't holding up our part of the bargain.  I believe God wanted to make it so this fellow would win the lottery, but he wasn't willing to just let the Winning Ticket float down from Heaven.  He wanted the fellow to work a bit for it.  All the fellow had to do was hold up his side, and buy a ticket. 

Kind of changes things doesn't it?

For months now my husband has been wanting to change his career path.  His job now is very stressful.  His job should be spread out among two or three people, but yet he's solely responsible.  Very rarely does he have a good day, and personally he's worth more then what they pay him.  He talks daily about wanting to leave, and how nice a different job would be.  Unfortunately his actions stop there, meaning he's not actively looking for something else. 

How many of you just "settle" for things?  Do you feel that most times its easier to just stay put?  I am banking on alot of you feel this way. 

This is where my quote comes in, "If you want to find something you must first start looking!"  I personally have been praying to God that my husband finds a new, better, gratifying job, where he can use his amazing talents and get recognized for them!  But I have realized that I (or we) aren't holding up our end, we must LOOK for it!  When was the last time you saw a JOB Offer fall down from Heaven....probably when you saw that Winning Lottery Ticket Fall, NEVER!!!

Hugs


A few notes I wanted noted :-)
I don't intend this post become a debate, we all believe in something and God can be whomever or whatever you personally believe in. 
Also I realize there is many people without jobs currently, (my heart goes out to you) and I don't want you to think that we aren't grateful for the jobs we have!
I wrote this post to get you guys thinking, and any comments are greatly appreciated!
Hugs Again!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Can I Paint Your Pumpkin Daddy?

This is what we heard daily multiple times since we let Angelina paint her own pumpkins from the pumpkin Patch.  We figured it would be easier for her to paint her little one, then to try to carve it. 
It actually worked out great.  We got poster paint two brushes and a couple of Trader Joe bags and off she went.  And yes you see correctly, she has no shirt on!  You tell me what would be easier? 
1.) Try to clean up stains on her pink polo shirt?  or...
2.) Clean off the paint by tossing her in the bath?  Not a tough decision, but does make for a funny photo!

She didn't have the traditional pumpkin face idea, no she wanted to paint the whole thing!  And really who could blame her?  Mom and Dad let her have full reign of 12 colors of paint, and a whole pumpkin?  I wouldn't want to just draw a face either!  If you look closely at the picture you can see she even too advantage of the stem too!

That was on Saturday.  Sunday rolls around and she was begging to "decorate" my little pumpkin.  I personally was looking forward to making a cute goofy fun face, and didn't really want to give up my pumpkin.  I politely said "Thats ok honey I don't mind decorating mine."  :-)  Well a few hours later she asked Daddy, and Daddy being 1/2 hypnotised by one of the many football games on that day, said yes!  Angelina was creative in her asking, she asked to decorate the other small pumpkin, instead of saying Mommy's Pumpkin.  (Smart little bugger)

Seeing her so excited about being able to paint again, I just couldn't break her heart and tell her other wise.  We did suggest not painting the stem this time so we could transport it easier.

Shortly after she finished the last small pumpkin, she wanted to move onto our Jumbo Pumpkin.  She tried very hard to get me and daddy to say yes to "Can I paint your Pumpkin Daddy?"  We stood strong and told her we would carve it the next night.  We did hold up that promise and had such an enjoyable evening with a fire burning in the fireplace while we carved our pumpkin.  I will now share the pictures from last night!









Monday, October 11, 2010

Meet Me on Monday

 



So I hope I'm doing this correct.  LOL  I want to give credit where credit is due!  Heather over at ActingBalanced did Meet Me on Monday.  5 questions to getting to know others better.  They were cute little questions today, so I thought I would join in too. 

 
1.  Do your pants get hung on a hangar or folded?
 
Is there a third choice...as in thrown on the floor ready to be picked up to wear again?  LOL  I really only have one pair of pants I enjoy wearing, so they are hardly ever "put away"  Work pants on the other hand, those get hung up.  My dresser drawer is bulging at the seams!!!  (With clothes I hardly wear, go figure)
 
 
2.  If you are stranded on an Island, what 3 things would you need to have with you (not including humans or electronic devices)?
 
Well after the necessities like food water and shelter, my Pillow (yes I capitalized that), my comforter, and a book. 
 
 
3.  Where is the farthest you have ever traveled to?
 
I actually had to think about this, not because I travel alot, but I was deciding which City was farther!  Lol.  By my GPS (a.k.a. my brain) it would have to be Las Vegas.  But I did travel to Canada and thats considered out of the country, so that was exciting!  (For those of you who don't know I live in Washington State, so a trip to Canada, doesn't really count!)
 
 
4.  Do you live in a house, trailer or apartment, etc.?
 
We rent an apartment.  We just aren't quite sure which area we want to buy a house in just yet.  We enjoy the benefits from the apartment, ie Maintenance 24/7!  :-)
 
 
5.  What is your most hated household chore?
 
The bathtub hands down.  I'm not sure what it is about it, but the scrubbing and the corners and the faucet, ugg, I do not like it.  All that and being on your knees and leaning over, just a recipe for disaster, if you ask me!
 
 
Hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about MySelf!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Patch Counting and Pumpking to 100

Confused by the title?

I thought I would work this post today into two parts.  I finally received a Saturday off from work yesterday.  We decided to have what we call a "Family Day," which means we go out and do something as a family, Our Family of Three!

After Mike made some extra cash mowing with my dad, he came home showered up, and we left the house.  Making a necessary stop at Starbucks first.  We headed south to a Pumpkin Patch. 

After doing alot of research on which one to pick, we settled on one that was about a 15min drive, close to the free way, and free to just look around.  It was a U Pick Patch, which was fun to see all the pumpkins still on their vines.  Even though we ended up picking one that was already picked off, go figure.  They also offered hay rides ($3 a person) and two corn field mazes ($7 for adults).  But unfortunately with the rain that joined us, we didn't take advantage of those adventures.  It was about all I could do to trudge through the mud in my tennis shoes.  (Which by the way we had put snow boots on Angelina)

Mike picked out a wagon for us to chauffeur our pumpkin around.  Angelina had equal time of towing it around too.  Me?  I just made sure the camera was in safe keeping.  We came away with a Jumbo Pumpkin, and 2 Sugar Pumpkins.  Just for your curiosity the Jumbo Pumpkin weighed in at a whoppin' 23 pounds, (Mike guessed no more then 10pounds lol, that's my estimator)  at $.33 a pound.  And the two Sugar Pumpkins were 2/$4.  But the pumpkin patch trip was...well you guessed it...Priceless!

Here are some photos of our Family Day








I like to share as much of our homeschooling as possible.  Its hard to blog about worksheets and reading, but I found a cute way to share how much Angelina is learning!  I used our FlipCam to record her counting to 100.  I am very proud of her, and watching this video cracks me up every time.  She can be so sassy in front of a Cam!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Finally!

Yahoo it finally worked.  For some reason my FlipCam program isn't uploading to Youtube...I tried it for the 4th time this afternoon.

I ended up doing it the long way, but it worked!  If I had just done it that way in the beginning, it would have saved time, oddly enough!

But none the less its up and live and ready to watch!

Enjoy!!!

Buddy's Homecoming

Friday, October 8, 2010

Allegery Meds Put Me To Sleeeee.....

p!

I took some about 30mins and I'm about done for the day.  My Youtube video still didn't upload,  no cute stories for tonight.  Just a very tired itchy Mar.  :-)

Night All

Thursday, October 7, 2010

A Big Bummer

Today's Post was going to be video taken yesterday and this morning of Buddy.  I made the video and tried to upload it to YouTube while I was at work, get home and there was an error.  Blah!

So you guys will have to wait until tomorrow.  Sorry I don't have enough energy to make another interesting post for tonight.

Night Night

Alright well lets just by pass Youtube and share it right here!  :-)  Enjoy!

Ok Nevermind, its taking too long to upload here, I gotta get to bed, Early day at work tomorrow! 

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

I Think He Notice Us

As quoted by Angelina!

We just got home with our new chinchilla, Buddy!  Boy is he going to be a great addition to our home.  First night and hes already so calm and very lovable.  We have yet to take him out of the cage, that will be at least a day or two away, but he's letting us pet him, so that's a good sign.

I was trying to explain to Angelina that before we let him out he needs to get to know us.  She says to know what?  So I just said that he needs to get used to us, and to know that we are nice people.  Its very hard to explain "get to know us."  :-)

Well after we gave him new food and water and she was able to give him a raisin as a treat, she said "I think he notice us now, can we let him out to play?"  It was very cute to hear her say that, and she's trying so hard to get us to open that door to let him run. 

Currently she is showing him all her toys, and letting him smell them, its very cute to watch.  And to hear her say "Buddy" all the time melts my heart.  We made a great decision on bringing him to our home!  Such a great feeling seeing our daughter so extra happy!!!

Side Note:  For some reason when I put my camera card in the camera it says it needs to be formatted, and in turn if I do that all the pictures will be deleted, and I do not want that.  So we used the FlipCam, and will transfer the pictures from the card to a cd tomorrow!  Just trust me, he's adorable!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

A New Addition to The Tripp House

We are getting a Chinchilla tomorrow evening!!!



About 6 years ago me and Mike got our first pet together.  We purchased a Chinchilla, and named him Iomi, together.  He was very young, and grew on us instantly.  He was alot of work, and demanded alot of attention. 

About a year later we were expecting Angelina, and figured with a new born, we couldn't give everything to Iomi that he needed.  When then gave it to my sisters co-worker, who had been wanting one.  It worked out wonderfully.

Fast forward to just a couple of months ago, me and Mike started tossing around the idea about getting another Chinchilla.  We went to the pet store to take a look at them again, and see what Angelina's reaction would be.  The start up costs are pretty expensive, but something we knew we wanted to do again some day.

Facebook can be a wonderful thing!  My sister read on her page that a co-worker of hers was asking if anyone would be interested in a Chinchilla.  Of course I told my sister to get in contact with her, that we would be very interested.  It turns out that this gal works two jobs and can't spend the extra time with her chinchilla, and wants it to go to a loving home. 

It turns out that we go pick him up tomorrow evening!  He's 4 years old, loves sand baths (which is something that Iomi did not like) and the best part is, everything comes included with him, all for Free!  We are all very excited.  We told Angelina about him already, and she went and got her stuffed Chinchilla to play with. 

I got my work cut out for me tomorrow as I have to clean up the house, and rearrange to make room for his cage.  Busy Busy!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Typing With One Eye Open

Or more importantly one eye closed. 

Today was day 5.  Day 5 for what you might ask?  The 5th day in a row I worked, and I'm tired.  And what makes this more exhausting?  I still have one more to go.

I know most of you are asking why am I complaining?  Lots of people work 5 days in a row.  But I am not one of those, LOL.  I signed up for part time and JUST that, PART TIME!  Allow me to complain, please?  :-)

I try to stay positive right?  I am thankful that I have a job, that I have extra money to pay the needed bills, and have fun on the side.  For instance I have cable Internet, to do just this tonight, BLOG!  This I am thankful for.  I was able to walk to the store to grab a few groceries and was able to buy Angelina and Mike a treat, this I am thankful for.  I would say I am thankful for the few hours I get to leave the house, but I'm not.  Actually I am a home body and would love to just stay home.  Adult conversation at work?  Ha, with customers?  They are in and out faster then I can say their total.  There are a few that I have gotten to know during the years, but sadly they don't make up for the rest.  Someday I want to write a book, someday maybe I will!

With that, I'll leave you for tonight.  The house is all quiet except for the clock on the wall ticking.  Reminding me in 6hrs I get to do it all over again!  Thanks for putting up with my Debbie Downer Post for this evening!  Night Night!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Angelina Making Poop

Here is a video that I shared on my Youtube channel this morning.  Thought I would share it with you guys too!

Making Poop

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Sweaty Face

Grossed out by the title?
How about the picture?  Lol

There is a gal on Youtube that I follow Nicole, Ceramicheart150 and she started a Sweaty Face Challenge, where you were to share your "post workout face".  At the end she posted a video with a Sweaty Face Train, and showed them all.  I unfortunately didn't participate, but did watch all the faces.  She has since kept this theme going, with people posting their faces on FB and Twitter. 

So I decided to take my very own picture after my workout the other day.  Actually Angelina took it for me, which I think she did a great job, focused and everything, plus the camera is pretty heavy.  Kudos to her!!! 

I also took and am posting this picture as a "before" picture.  I find when the scale doesn't show the results that I have been trying so hard to achieve, sometimes a picture will show me how well I'm doing instead.  So here you go...The Before! 

This picture was taken after I did a Dvd workout called Walk Away the Pounds...which I'll probably abbreviate to WATP from now on.  Its by Leslie Sansone and she has you walking, kicking, side steps, and knee lifts during the workout.  And she gets you walking with the beat of the music which gives you the mph needed.  Her Dvd's are based on Miles.  The one I like is a two mile walk which is about 30mins, that includes a warm up as well.   She has videos starting at a One Mile, all the way up to 5 I believe.  They are a lot of fun as far as exercising goes and go by relatively fast.  It surprising some days on how sore you can get from just walking in your living room to the beat of the Dvd!

I encourage any of you on a weight loss journey like myself, to take a picture!  Even if you have already started, take one today!  Better yet if you take it after a workout, lets share those Sweaty Faces!!!

Friday, October 1, 2010

A New Month With Fresh Eating

Happy October 1st Everyone!

You know what I love?  Waking up and looking at my phone and seeing the 1st of a new month.  This morning when my alarm went off (I use my phone) it was a joy to see that October had started.  Flipping the calender, and seeing the New Month everywhere.  Something about the start of a brand new month is so refreshing!!!

Today was the first day of the pledge I took, Here!  For the whole month of October I promised to myself to only eat unprocessed foods.  Everyone once in a while through out October I will share what was on my menu for the day.  I won't do it daily cause lets face it, not many of you care what I eat I'm sure.  Today was sorta easy for the most part cause I worked during the day, so for 5hrs I wasn't tempted.  I did go out to dinner for my niece's birthday, but I made a good choice.  It might not have been clean per se, but it was one of the healthier choices.  So here you go, what I ate today!

Breakfast:
Real Oatmeal, (cooking it on the stove not the microwave lol)
Banana

Lunch:
Applesauce, Tuna

Snack when I got home from work:
Apple (It was huge, bigger then a softball) 

Dinner:
French Dip Sandwich from The Ram with french fries LOL  Hey a girl has to enjoy a birthday celebration!  But the sandwich was plainer then plain, so it evened out!

Water Water and More Water!!!

So all and all a pretty good day!  I'm happy with that!  Much Love, Thanks for reading, and I'm off to bed!  :-)

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Angelina's Yummy Curious George Cupcakes



Angelina saw a recipe video yesterday on Nick JR . com.   She was so excited to make these and kept watching the 30sec video.  I told her I would watch the video and I would see if we can do it.  Well all it showed ya was how to decorate a cupcake with a Dora face on it.  It was a very cute idea, but a lot more involved then they put on.  LOL

Instead of Dora I decided to try to decorate it so it looked like Curious George.  To do the chocolate part, you melts chocolate chips in a glass bowl, then transfer the chocolate to a Ziploc bag, snip the corner and you have the perfect tool to write/draw with.  Unless you can draw your character free hand with just the chocolate, you first need to draw what you want on a piece of paper, then put wax paper on top, and draw right on the wax paper.  Then after your done, put it in the freezer to harden, once hard it will peel off and you can put it on the iced cupcake.  All that was what they show you on the video she found.  And it does actually work.  :-)

We didn't add eyes or a smiley face, and Angelina was perfect fine without it.  I will add that Angelina did all the work in making the actual cupcakes.  She is quite the baker!!!

Hope you enjoyed our little adventure for today!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Something I Learned

Yesterday I made a recipe for Oatmeal Pumpkin Waffles, it was my first time making a recipe from scratch by myself.  I'll start off saying that they were delicious, too sweet, and too many calories for just one waffle.  So back to the drawing board I go, but that's the fun part, experimenting!

To figure out the calories for one waffle, I took each ingredient, looked it up on CalorieKing, and added up all the calories.  I was mainly concerned with the Calories and Carb count...as those are the two biggies for me.  I also glance at sodium because my mom has to be careful with added salt.

I figured that my recipe didn't have much salt in it cause 1.) I didn't add salt itself and 2.) Nothing I added in had salt (so I thought).  The canned pumpkin I used had 5mg for 1/2 cup and I didn't use near that much.  Well while I was looking at the calorie and carb, I happen to catch the sodium on Baking Soda.  To my shock it had 629mg in the 1/2teaspoon I used.  And this recipe only allowed for 2 waffles, so thats 314mg for one stinkin' waffle.  (Which isn't entirely true cause the waffle smelled divine, Pumpkin and Cinnamon, delicious!!!)

After realizing this I took out of Baking Soda and it says under the warning section "Ask a doctor before use if you have a sodium restricted diet."
This has opened my eyes quite a bit.  Through my moms change in her diet I have figured out that "cutting out salt" from your diet doesn't mean just not sprinkling that white stuff in that cute container on your food anymore, its alot more than that!  Many of your processed foods have added salt in them, soups, broths, and totally forget about microwave dinners.  Cottage cheese is another biggie.  And now through my discovery yesterday even homemade baked goods/meals you have to be careful about.  Even if your not adding the undisguised Salt itself.

This brings up a question, that I am still trying to research, if I can't use baking soda, (or baking powder for that matter) what can I use?  I have done a little bit of "googling" and for my waffle/pancake recipes it looks like I can use yeast, it will just take a bit more preparation or rather time planning, but in the end will be worth it!

Not sure if any of you will think this is helpful but I guess the bottom line is really look at what your eating and if it truly fits into your eating plan!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

My First Cooking Video

Good Morning
I worked hard yesterday on trying to make a cooking video.  As I mentioned yesterday they are alot harder then I thought, but for me I enjoy watching others cook, so I hope you do the same!

I'm sure over time I will get better.  This will be the first video that I share on my Blog.  This is my Youtube Channel where I share alot about my weight loss journey.  I have been on Youtube for a year and 5months now and really enjoy the support there!  Hope you enjoy the cooking video and please feel free to watch other videos I have posted as well!

My Mini Quiches Video

Monday, September 27, 2010

Harder Than I Thought

I wanted to make a Cooking Video this morning.  I had the perfect recipe I wanted to show.  Using a recipe from The Gracious Pantry plus something of Family Recipe that worked well together.  But the only problem was when I made the Family portion, I usually end up  just tossing things together and hoping it turns out.  I quickly realized that I need to be a bit more organize before I try to make a video out of it.  I did manage to film some and will put up a video soon, but it wasn't part of my original plan. 

I am hoping in the future that I can come up with more of my own recipes and share them.  I just had no idea it would be so hard!  This coming from someone that never measures, its hard to say "Just toss some of this, add a bit of that, ect."  You guys deserve something better than that!  :-)

On a side note, but one worth mentioning...is I have been blogging for a Month already!  I started on August 27th and here it is Sept 27th.  I have enjoyed sharing tid bits every day and will continue to do so!  I just want to say thanks to all of those that read, I hope you find it Fun, Enjoyable, and maybe even Learn something!  Thanks Again!!!

I will add the link to the cooking video as soon as its uploaded!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

The Effect Food Has on Me

Lets just say that its not even 8:00pm and I am ready for bed.  My eyes can hardly stay open as I type this. 

I did wake up early this morning to work my morning shift at work.  I did work 5hrs when I'm used to working 4.  And I did go to a gorgeous wedding right after work for a dear family friend...but all that doesn't add up to why I am so dang tired.

The only other thing I can think of is what I ate is having this effect on me.  I have been very good with eating only clean foods for the past few weeks, but today was thrown out the window.  And the foods that I did enjoy were not even close to being worth feeling like this hours later.  A big eye opener for sure! 

Even tonight after a delicious dinner my husband made, I was still left empty, wanting something more.  I walked (which was the only good thing in this story) to a grocery store and got a mini apple pie, which alone has 420cals.  Blah, I feel yucky.

Sorry to be such a downer tonight, no good recipe to share, no cute or funny stories to tell, just a jumbled mess.  But these days happen, am I right?

I can't wait until Morning so I can treat my body they way it should be treated, CLEAN!!!!

Signing Off, Night Night!

Friday, September 24, 2010

A Story Too Funny Not to Share

I took Angelina to the toys at the mall today.  You know the ones that sit in the middle of the mall, swarmed with kiddos, but too hard to pass up?  Those are the ones.  And today's toys were quite cute, first time I had been to these.  Angelina had a blast and I had just about the same amount of fun people watching, while keeping a close eye on Angelina as well.

They have a steam boat in the middle of the toy area.  You can climb up on it, and or walk through it.  On the top is the smoke stack, and its too little for a child to fall through but big enough for them to put their faces through and see the other kiddos walking through the boat.  (I hope your getting a good picture of this)

Well a little girl who was about 2 1/2, decides that the smoke stack isn't just that... its also a perfect TOILET!  Down goes her pants and she sits down on the whole.  And actually you have to give her credit, it was a perfect fit for her.  Her dad who was sitting close by, jumps up and says "No no no!!"  And does manage to get her before her business started, but about 6 other ladies that were sitting near by me included, were all just cracking up!!!!  He joined in too!

Hope you enjoyed this cute little story, like the subject said, it was too funny not to share!
Night Night!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Lasagna Spirals

The other morning I was watching The Early Show on channel 7, and they had a segment on dinners that freeze well for easy meals during a busy week.  They had a recipe for Lasagna Spirals, here.

It looked so delicious and super easy I just knew I had to try it.  Survivor Wednesday was coming up, and that would be a perfect time to make it for more then just Me and Mike and Angelina.  And it worked out so well, everyone loved it, even Angelina (who is very picky)

I'm going to run through the recipe quickly, since I left the link to the real one.  :-)  I did add my own spin to the end.

Ingredients:

10 Lasagna Noodles (basically a whole box, I can get about 14 of them rolled, so make the whole box)
1 pound Ricotta (16oz)
10oz bag of spinach  (I used a whole bag of frozen spinach which is 12oz and it was fine)
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
6 Basil leaves chopped (First time I made this I left these out, 2nd time I added them in and couldn't tell the difference)
1 egg beaten
1 Garlic Clove
Salt and Pepper
Tomato Sauce (1 jar, or whatever else you want to use)
Optional: Ground Beef, Ground Turkey, or Chicken

Boil water with about a teaspoon of olive oil in a pot big enough for the long noodles.  Works best to boil them for about 7ish mins, I did it longer the first time and they get slimy and rip when you take them out of the pot.
I prepare a baking dish (9x12) by spreading a bit of tomato sauce on the bottom of the pan, this prevents the noodles from sticking.
As that is boiling I mix everything else together.  Then I take out the noodles and lay them out on a paper towel.  Once they are cool enough to handle, I take a couple of spoonfuls of the mixture and spread it on the noodle covering most of it, then roll it up, and place on a pan cut side down. 
Then take the rest of your sauce and pour that on top.  Bake for 35mins at 350.  Near the end take some cheese and sprinkle it on top if you'd like. 

That's pretty much it, very easy, and very tasty. 

My Spin:  My Dad is a meat eater, so I cooked up some ground beef and added that to the tomato sauce.  I made this recipe again tonight and I added bits of chicken into the ricotta mixture, and made Alfredo sauce for the top, that was very delicious.  So basically you can do pretty much whatever you'd like with this recipe, just have fun with it!!!

Here's some pictures to go by as well!  Let me know what you think, and if you are going to try it!

Ricotta Mixture

Little bit of tomato sauce on the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking

Rolling up the noodles

Place cut side down on the pan

In the pan with ground beef and tomato sauce mixture

Done cooking with some cheese melted on top (Add near the end)

Deliciousness!!!