Chelle's Creative Expressions............

Time to Rewind.........

2012-01-18T06:27:00.000-05:00

Well- it happened again- even though I told myself it wouldn't, lol. The holidays came and went, leaving the leftovers of everything I gorged on - turkey, ham, potatoes, pumpkin roll- oh my goodness how did I eat all that?

So- as I (and others, lol) have noticed that I was getting "fluffier"- to say the least, :) - I have restarted a gym membership. I am now going to Dynabody here in town. Have to ease my way back into it as I have been on a hiatus the past few months- but I have a Gung-Ho plan of action in getting back to where I was, then tone from there.

I cannot believe how quickly the carbs stick to me, lol! Amazing! They are definitely my criptonite, lol.

So- it is back to clean eating- less soda, more water-hitting the gym after work and on weekends - and taking my new found fav : Cuts, by Universal Nutrition. - I love this stuff! You see the pounds literally melt from you. It is incredible!

(if you are looking for something to help tone up- grab a container of Cuts- you won't regret it, lol! )

And join a forum- great support! I use Bodybuilding - excellent group of people- always encouraging and helping getting you to your goals.

New Year - gotta try to stick to my weight goals a little longer this time, haha- darn those carbs. They do always find a way back into my life.

Today's goal : no carbs, if possible
                        Gym : 2 hours (mix of cardio and weights)
                        30 minute walk around the lake this evening

What are your healthy weight goals for this year? Anyone trying to lose, tone, get fit, or just eat healthier? Share some of your thoughts and plans of action with the rest of us :)

2011-12-04T18:45:00.001-05:00

I have been selected as Fan of the Month from ProAquatix!!!!

Yeah!!! I am so excited ! For all my reef buddies out here, sign up, like their page on Facebook, check out their videos on youtube , and share the news with your friends :)

Each month ProAquatix will select a winner,
and what sweeter prize than what we love..FISH!!
... and it's FREE :)

ProAquatix is giving away selected items from their amazing stock - they cover everything - the shipping included! How can you not want to be part of that?

I actually jumped on/off during the past few days...to see who had won, so I could congratulate them. I jumped on again this evening, and saw MY NAME listed with another (Congrats to Miguel Jones!) I had to read the post twice, as I wanted to make sure I read it right, lol!

So - stay tuned, you will see my newly acquired ProAquatix Tangerine Albino's when I receive them :) You know I will post a video of them :)

Yeah!! Sooo excited !! lol....feel like it's Christmas already!!!

Go here to see the video ProAquatix has on their site.

Newest Additions...

2011-12-04T18:33:00.001-05:00

Here is a glimpse of what I got on Friday, December 2, 2011 :

Male Mandarin and a mated pair of Harlequin Shrimp :

Can't wait to have lil baby shrimps and mandarins, lol! xoxo

November....here already?

2011-11-06T14:44:00.001-05:00

Hard to believe the Holidays are just around the corner.
Where did this year go? Seems the older my son gets, the quicker the days fly by.

Well... with the cooler weather comes.. yup - you guessed it : Baking.

The pumpkin rolls, the apple pies, the sausage stuffing with feta cheese...Yum!
{the stuffing is courtesy of hubby...he makes the BEST holiday stuffing :) }

I cannot wait for Thanksgiving, (and Christmas, lol), knowing that we will gorge ourselves on all the tasty traditions and yumminess the Holidays will bring. I have been working out over the past several months. Have slowed a bit in routine, but plan on cracking the whip this week, getting back on track.
I need to make room for turkey, sweet potatoes with caramelized walnut topping (Yum), baked delights...and of course, the buttery whipped mashed potatoes (my cryptonite) haha.

If I am going to go all out and enter the Carb-Zone...then I have to kick ass in the gym now- and stay with it. (lol-'cuz I will NEVER give up potatoes or stuffing during the Holidays, hahahaha!)

So- back to my regimen, this week I will be making my Awesome Crock Pot Chicken, to have throughout the week. Getting up early to work out at home, while hitting the gym after work. I LOVE the Spin Class I go to at Compass Gym- Niki is the BEST instructor, kicks your butt into shape. If you are in the area- give her a try : Compass Gym, Ocala - Hip Hop Spin Class. You will Sweat your butt off and lose some serious poundage!! :)

Ok - Happy Fall to all of you!

I have been lurking in the background popping in at your blogs here and there, keep up the good work everyone!

Ciao!

It's a Boy!!!!.....and a Girl!!!!

2011-06-05T17:32:00.001-04:00

Well.....not yet, lol- but soon to be. Just picked up a pair of baby Amphiprion Ocellaris (a.k.a. Nemo!) on Friday. They are doing well in their new home :

Chelle's New Ocellaris Pair

They are SOOOOO adorable! Kind of have an idea as to which will become the female, but alittle too early in the game to be certain. Will keep progress pics and see who becomes dominant :)

2011-05-08T22:02:00.000-04:00

To all the Awesome Ladies out there!!

2011-04-10T10:53:00.000-04:00

Spring Cleaning *

Ok, it's that time of year when everything is looked at and you decide whether or not you have room anymore, whether you really need something, or whether you have to part with items.

In my case- I have a time issue.

I am finding it harder and harder to focus on my aquariums, and work full time, and home life, and everything in life in general.

So- I have decided to clear out my bath/body products.

You can check out my listings on ebay:

user id: createdbychelle

I enjoy my tanks much more than I have time for making soaps and bath salts...sooooo....all my products will be listed to clear them out.

Some may have been used once or twice, some are BRAND NEW- there are fragrance oils, essential oils, soap molds, colorings, sanding sugars, etc.

Be sure to check them out if you are in the hobby!

2011-03-26T19:29:00.000-04:00

Mmmmmexican Yummmmmminess.......

Ok, so in surfing around for something different while I am cooking, eh-hem, while my crockpot is cooking up some chicken: 6 boneless chicken breasts, 1 sliced onion, 1 can pinto beans, 1 can black beans, 1 can corn, 1 1/2 cups salsa, 1 cup chicken broth, some seasonings, along with some cream cheese to be added during last 15-30 minutes..... mmmm... I came across this video:

Quick and Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole: fox11online.com

Thought I would share :)

Enjoy!

2011-02-03T19:13:00.000-05:00

1 Fish...2 Fish..... Ooooh! Ohhh Another Fish!

My clownfish larvae have gone through metamorphosis
and are now itty, bitty baby clownfish!
They -several of them - have gotten their first head stripe, while there are a few stragglers...they will be catching up soon enough :) And they are coloring up nicely.

They are the MOST adorable thing to watch .....they know when feeding time is, lol! As small as they are - they all gather at the surface for food, and they are eating very strongly :) A very good sign.

Right now I am feeding them Otohime - and they love it!

Now- they are very quick, lol..... so here is just a glimpse of a few that stayed on camera:

Also- here is a pic of my new baby Picasso Clowns....these are about 4 months old:

Have been looking for an anemone for the Picassos.....the baby Ocellaris are too small right now for an anemone, but they will have a few soon enough :) Waiting until they are about a month old before I transfer them into their growout tank. And will have several anemones in there for them to play with.

Have a Great TGIF everyone!

2011-01-16T19:02:00.001-05:00

The Frag Farmer

Ok everyone....

here is one of the newest additions to my reefing world :)

The Frag Farmer

Extremely BOLD colors on his coral!

They are located right here in Miami, Florida.

Exceptional prices for the beautiful specimens he has to offer.

Extremely generous offers on savings:

30% OFF

Just use Code: ACANSLASH

(this offer expires Midnight 1/17/2011)

But do not fret, lol...there are ALWAYS great offers being made on his site!

Ok everyone, now show some of the great love we share amongst our blogging world, lol! Spread his link to everyone you come across...get some traffic to his site :)
(feel free to copy/repost this on your page :) )

P.S. Shipping in Florida is only $12.50!!!

How can you go wrong there?!

Clams, Anemones, Ricordea

You name it, He's got it!

Visit The Frag Farmer & Save!

New Year's Eve Babies.....

2010-12-31T21:16:00.000-05:00

Mamma & Pappa Clown laid more eggs.... they began to hatch Dec. 30, 2010 after the lights were turned off at 10pm.....with last hatchlings coming up from the terra cotta pot at 11:51pm.
Originally there were 453 eggs... (yup... I counted them, lol).
Each new lay will bring more and more eggs. So I was curious to see where my brood pair was in their count. Not all the eggs will survive, as the parents pick them off if they are not viable eggs.
So the ones that hatched last night are doing well today, being Day #1 Post Hatch.
They are being fed rotifers and baby brine shrimp enriched with a special vitamin, phytoplankton blend and fatty acid.
The babies are on a feeding schedule of every 2-3 hours. And are swimming about very happily.

Here are the babies as of today:

2010-12-24T14:30:00.000-05:00

To our loving and extremely loyal dog, Ceasar, that we had to put down yesterday morning due to a cancerous tumor that quickly caused his deteriorization,

we will miss you and RIP.

2010-12-17T23:06:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Scraps

Happy Holidays Everyone!Hope all is well.I have been Sooooo Busy it seems like ages since I have been on here!Hmm... where to begin? I am looking forward to the Christmas break-Have a few recipes to try that are new...and a few that are tried and true :)You know the ones, every year you just 'have' to have that special creation.Well, as one of my 'new' recipes this year- I am making apple butter -to giveaway as a gift to the Doctors and Office Staff.Mmmmm.... can't wait! Today I brought home an adorable purple tip branching frogspawn (frag)with 2 heads.... nice coloration- and great tissue - no bare spots- verythick and healthy. We had our lovely Christmas Meeting (for the Reef club- M.O.R.E) and everyone had a nice time.

Thank You to Jim and Gail Fitzpatrick for hosting the Decdember Meeting!

The January meeting will be hosted by

Finn & Gils Aquatic Retreat

(Ocala, FL)

LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!!

Have a very busy weekend coming up-

making pumpkin rolls, Christmas cookies,

gift soaps/bath baskets....

Oh the joy of the holidays!

I wish you all a Safe & Happy Holiday!

2010-11-27T14:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays!!!

I am offering one of the wonderful goodies that Marc Weiss had given to me.
FREE to a fellow reefer. What's the catch? The winner need only to email me with feedback so that I can then forward the post on to Marc so he is aware of the reaction from others.

Go ahead and FOLLOW ME here on my blog....and you will automatically be entered into the contest.
Just send a message to me stating : "FELLOW REEFER" - this also applies to all those already following. If you know someone who has a tank- enter for them :)

1 Box Reef Bugs...............This stuff is AWESOME!!

Good Luck! I will announce the winner on December 18, 2010 - plenty of time for Christmas delivery!

2010-11-25T17:48:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!
Be Blessed & Enjoy Being With Family & Friends!

2010-11-15T20:53:00.000-05:00

Flower Scraps

More Orkut Scraps

Tonight I lost my Starry Eyed Blenney.

He was over 3 years old.

He was such a character...

He looked like an 'old man'

with his whiskers..his eyelashes...

We called him Pappa Blenney.

Tonight he passed away.

I am sad...and felt like sharing.

Good Night Pappa Blenney...

2010-10-31T11:36:00.000-04:00

FALL IS HERE..............WHICH MEANS BAKING!!!
Today is a great day for baking...going to try to use some of my brown sugar / flour
(as I tend to buy them in bulk)... so I thought I would make something to bring to the
office for tomorrow's luncheon.

This looks like it would be very good with a nice cup of coffee :)

2010-10-30T12:41:00.000-04:00

It is such a beautiful day outside today! Perfect for all that is going on.
Here in town, we have the Cooter Festival - filled with games, activities
and a BBQ Cook Off! Yummmm!
Be sure to stop by and visit if in the area - you are sure to enjoy yourself!

Also a great day to hit the trail (considering I will be pigging out on a couple of
Sausage, Onion & Pepper sandwiches from Joe's Deli while at the festival, lol!
So plan to walk off what I eat, - let's see how that works, haha!

Wishing everyone a great day - enjoy the Fall activities in your neighborhood!

2010-10-30T06:29:00.000-04:00

GoodLightscraps.com Be Safe & Have Fun On This Hallow's Eve!

2010-10-24T20:08:00.000-04:00

A Cornucopia of Hectic Greatness
This has been such a hectic time - that's for sure....
but as busy as it's been - it's been great!
The fall is here... the anticipation of the much loved recipes are around the corner...
I love this time of year!

Realizing I have been busy with family...home...a new workout regimen ...
starting a new job... basically LIFE in general.... I have not been on here in a bit.

So, to update- life is good.. all is well.. and on to some thing to consider:

Turkey Muffins - these look great - and I may even try it with ground chicken, and a smokey honey bbq sauce on the side....let me know if you try them:

2010-10-16T11:54:00.000-04:00

1 Click.......... 1 Vote !!!

I have entered a contest... a wonderful contest - and need YOUR help!
I need as many votes as I can get - so please click this link:
Nature Made Sam-e Complete

Everyday Click to Vote - 1 vote is awarded daily.

Spread the word - Tweet it....email it... blog it... pass it on however you can!
You can either click the link above... or log onto my blog daily and click
the Vote for Me button to the right!

This is such a great contest- as I am in the midst of transforming my daily routine
into a more healthier lifestyle.

Thanks friends.... I appreciate the help!

2010-10-09T17:08:00.000-04:00

Got Bugs?

Well.... you should if you have a reef tank. This is something that every reefer should get, as it is something that benefits everything in your tank. I was honored to receive a package from Marc Weiss containing several boxes of Reef Bugs, SPS Coral Grow and Soft Coral Grow.
Wow... I can't even tell you how thrilled I was with this- to receive all of this plus a special packet of "Lactobacillus Rhamnosus" - which is to be fed to the rotifers, and then feed the probiotic gut-loaded rotifers to the larvae...can even add directly to the larval tank water.

Well.....I have yet to test this out- as when moving the terra cotta pot in the brood tank- the clowns have taken time off from laying... so once they are back on their regular cycle, I will begin again. In the meantime, I am feeding this probiotic to the rotifers... in hopes of 'making them chubby and multiply' haha.

As for the other foods- I will be sharing these with the Reef Club, those on Facebook and Reefkeepers here... { Reefer Contest: Submit a photo of your tank and the winner will receive a Special Treat!}

I am very happy with the reactiveness my corals exhibit when feeding the SPS Grow and the Soft Coral Grow- the frogspawn and the hammer... basically explode when feeding! And my Duncans are popping out new heads left and right... they seem to really like the particles that flow in the water column as they swell up to catch every last bit!

If you are looking for great products - contact Marc Weiss at his site to order - you will be very happy you did!

2010-09-27T08:04:00.000-04:00

Friendship Images

More Orkut Scraps at GoodLightscraps

A Recipe to Share Among Friends:

Amish Friendship Bread
To begin the Starter:

3 Cups Sugar
3 Cups Flour
3 Cups Milk

Instructions: On Day 1- in a GLASS pitcher or PLASTIC bowl, combine 1 Cup Sugar, 1 Cup Flour, and 1 Cup Milk. Stir mixture with a wooden or plastic spoon. (do NOT use metal spoon or electric mixers). Pour mixture into a ziploc baggie. Keep at room temperature- do NOT refrigerate.
On Days 2, 3 and 4: Simply squish the baggie thoroughly, then open to release the air. It is normal for the batter to rise and bubble while fermenting. Reclose baggie.
On Day 5: Add 1 Cup Sugar, 1 Cup Flour, and 1 Cup Milk. Squish baggie thoroughly. Release any air. Reclose baggie.
On Day 6, 7, 8 and 9: Simply Squish the baggie thoroughly, open to release air, reclose baggie.
On Day 10: Add 1 Cup Sugar, 1 Cup Flour, 1 Cup Milk. Squish to thoroughly mix. Remove 3 Cups of this mixture- dividing into 1 Cup portions. Give 1 Cup to 3 of your friends. Save the remaining starter for yourself.

A few variations for prepared batter:

Pre-heat oven to 325°. To the remaining batter in the bowl, add:

3 eggs

1 cup oil
½ cup milk
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. vanilla
1½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
2 cups flour (sifted if you wish)
1 large box of instant vanilla pudding

◦Grease 2 large loaf pans.
◦Mix an additional ½ cup sugar and 1½ tsp. cinnamon. Dust the greased pan with half of this mixture.
◦Pour the batter evenly into 2 pans and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top.
◦Bake one hour.
◦Allow the loaves to cool and Enjoy!

Optional Additions:
*Add 1 cup chopped pecans and / or 1/2 cup raisins.
*Use banana cream pie pudding and two mashed bananas.
*Use lemon pudding and lemon extract in place of vanilla pudding and vanilla extract. Also add 1/4 cup of poppy seeds and omit cinnamon and nuts.
*Add one cup of raisins and one small diced apple.
(healthy tip: some use 1/2 cup applesauce in place of 1/2 cup of the oil)
This is the time of year to start baking! The weather is cooling, the scents of fall are around the corner. What better time to begin a batch of Starter to share with Friends!
Happy Baking!

2010-09-15T22:24:00.000-04:00

Tonight was such a wonderful surprise!
I found a friend on Facebook from childhood,
WOW! has been so long!
Was definitely a blast from the past!
Then spent some time chatting with another
dear friend from those days.
Such a nice way to end the night.
I wish you all a great evening!

Best Friends Scraps

Orkut Scraps Graphics

Talk to you soon!

2010-09-15T10:23:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of the Bryton Reusabe Pick?

This little gadget is a reusable dental pick - that can be carried anywhere with you.

Good for up to 30 days, this handy tool cleans inbetween those pearly whites, removing food that may have been left behind, plaque, and is said to also stimulate the gums to prevent gingivitis.

How cool is that? There is no reason not to take care of yourself, but in today's busy life- it helps to have some things as convenient as possible.

So easy to use, and small in size- you can use the pouch that comes with the pick, and slip it right into your wallet! Carry one in your purse, diaper bag, or even keep one in the car console....you never know when you might need something like this. Can also be used for those with braces - throw one in your child's bookbag to take to school!

Very cool idea indeed!

To visit their website, click here: BRYTONPICK