Gina's Sweet Treats

Blue Diamond Wasabi Almonds!

2015-12-01T08:28:00.001-08:00

We light to fix crazy dinners for our football get togethers.

Made stir-fry using Blue Diamond Wasabi Bold Almonds and Smokehouse almonds

I was able to try these for free from Blue Diamond.

Protein Powder Pancakes

2015-08-14T10:04:00.001-07:00

Been dying for pancakes. Really didn't want a shake today. So for my brunch I made some!

With about 19.5g of protein in them.

I made some for my mom too she loved them!!

Since buying the Quest brand I've been trying to find a equivalent to it to make pancakes. This is what I've come up with. I don't like spending sooo much for protein powder.

Basic Protein Pancakes:

1 scoop vanilla protein powder ( I use EAS)

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp imitation vanilla extract

1 egg (I used medium)

1/4 cup self-rising flour

Water (your idea of pancake batter lol)

I fried mine on a non-stick pan, with zero calorie Olive oil spray, zero calorie Butter spray is good too. :)

Served with light butter and sugar-free syrup.

Thanks for reading!

Gina ❤️

Blue Diamond Sriracha Almonds

2015-06-22T08:20:00.001-07:00

I was sent Blue Diamond Sriracha Alomonds to try recently. I'm a big Sriracha fan so I was super excited about them!

Opening them they smell delicious. I was hoping for some heat but the flavor is amazing.

They are my favorite flavor from Blue diamond, and my husbands too. I really hope they keep this one.

They are so good eating with my carrots and hummus, and pepper jack cheese.

I make a lot of Chicken Habachi Stir-fry, and these are wonderful crushed over top.

Also on salads!! I love them!

Sriracha lovers I so recommend even though they have no heat. Even my 5 year old loves them.

Thank you for reading!

Disclosure Note:
I received Blue Diamond Sriracha Almonds to try for free. All opinions are my own and no compensation was paid. Blue Diamond Taste Makers

Ultimate Turtle Cheesecake

2015-06-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

For Father's Day I wanted to make my husband a yummy cheesecake.

I've never made one so I found a easy one from Kraft

I altered it a bit but it still came out great!

Made it a little bit (just a little bit) less calories.

Here is the original recipe.

What you will need:

20 finely crushed Oreo cookies (or about 2 cups)
6 Tbsp. light butter, melted
1 cup chopped Pecans
3 pkg. (8 oz. each) 1/3 less fat neufchatel cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. vanilla
3 eggs
2 oz. Semi-Sweet Chocolate
Smucker's Sugar Free Caramel Sundae Syrup

Heat oven to 325°F.

Grease pan.

Mix crumbs and butter; press onto bottom and 2 inches up side of 8-inch springform pan.

Mix caramel sauce and nuts together. Pour half into crust. Refrigerate 10 min. Refrigerate remaining caramel mixture for later use.

Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended.

Bake 1 hour 5 min. to 1 hour 10 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim.

Refrigerate 4 hours.

Microwave reserved caramel mixture 1 min.; stir. Pour over cheesecake. Melt chocolate as directed on package; drizzle over cheesecake.

Tips:

Reduce oven temperature to 300°F if using a dark nonstick springform pan.
After completely done let set overnight for best flavor and texture. Trust me make at least a day ahead of time. Its worth the wait!

Test out this recipe and let me know how yours turned out!
Share pictures and links in the comment section below!

SlimFast 10g Protein Powder

2015-06-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

Recently I received a coupon for $1.00 off one SlimFast product. I was looking on Walmart.com and come to find that SlimFast made a protein powder. I have been trying to find some alternatives to "other" expensive brands, because honestly I don't have the extra to spend big bucks on protein powder that I might not even like, Then I'd have a huge tub that I would have to drink, and feel guilty about.

Mixed with 8 oz. of fat free milk it has 10g of protein. Its 200 calories, 4g of fiber, and 24 vitamins and minerals. Though I wish it did have MORE protein, it is a better alternative than a regular milk shake.

After tweeting the company that I wish there were more grams of protein in their product, I had looked on their website to find out that they do in fact make some that has 15g of protein. But unfortunately my Walmart didn't have any when I bought them. If mine never gets them I still would buy the 10g one either way because I made myself a recipe they tastes JUST like a chocolate milkshake. (With a hint of peanut butter taste)

Knockoff Milkshake

4 frozen cubes of milk (about 4 oz)

4oz of fresh milk

1 plain ice cube

1 scoop of SlimFast Rich Chocolate Royale

1 TBS of PB2 Chocolate (Can be found at Walmart)

I halved the recipe, then put it in the freezer for a dessert. Here is the end result.

This recipe is DELISH! I LOVE it!

I personally use Myfitnesspal and the calories on it says 232. But Sparkpeople says its 234.5 calories.

So its roughly 230-235 calories.

12.2g of protein

You can see all the Nutritional Facts for this recipe here.

I also bought the French Vanilla though I haven't tried it yet. My mother has though. She made hers with frozen peaches.

Frozen peaches

4 frozen cubes of milk (about 4 oz.)

4 oz. of fresh milk

1 plain ice cube

1 scoop of SlimFast French Vanilla

She said she really likes it. Which I'll probably make that next.

If you want to find out more about SlimFast Protein Powder products click Here

Thank you for reading!

oxox Gina xoxo

The opinions in this post is all my honest opinion. All products featured in this post was paid from my own pocket. No compensation was paid.

I got featured!

2015-06-18T12:17:00.002-07:00

I recently found out that I was featured on Chef Irvine's Fit Crunch Blog!

They had asked about my journey months ago, and they had told me they would take a look.

They never said yay or nay on weather they would actually post it.

I honestly didn't think I would be featured due to using MyFitnessPal in my journey.

Here is a link to see it!

2 Year Fitness Anniversary
I've lost more since this blog post, but it's still pretty cool!

Here is a link to Chef Irvine's FIT Crunch Facebook Page

WooHoo!!

Thanks for reading!

XOXO Gina OXOX

Banana Pudding Protein Shake

2015-06-10T07:20:00.001-07:00

I get to test Blue Diamond Almond Breeze AlmondMilk Original. I personally have bought this before. I really like it.

For my recipe today is going to be a "Banana Pudding Protein Shake"

I try to get extra protein in since trying to lose weight.

For the recipe you'll need

Measuring cups

Blender/bullet

Vanilla protein powder, I'm using Slimquick Pure French vanilla

Blue Diamond Alomond Breeze Original flavor

Animal crackers, vanilla wafers

Banana fresh or frozen

Take measure out 1 cup Almond Breeze AlmondMilk.

Using blender blend AlmondMilk, protein powder, banana.

Until blended.

Then drop 4 animal cracker in blender.

Pulse a few times to keep animal cracker chunky.

Pour. Serve. Enjoy!

Serving yield 1

Calories 266

Roughly 12g protein

Thank you for reading!

Friend me on Myfitnesspal Mrsginataylor

Disclosure Note:
I received Blue Diamond Almond breeze Original AlmondMilk to try for free. All opinions are my own and no compensation was paid. Blue Diamond Taste Makers

No Longer Obese! (Post #6)

2015-04-23T13:45:00.002-07:00

Yesterday (4/22/2015) I weighed, and after a good long platue I finally broke through it. I lost 2 pounds! 162.3! Logging it into myfitnesspal I wanted to check to see how much longer I had to cross over the line from Obese to Overweight on the BMI Chart scale.

Click to make larger.

I finally, finally broke over! Now I have to work through the field of Overweight to Normal.

3 years ago when I started I didn't realize how good it feels to lose so much.

The accomplishment is overwhelming.

I still have 28 pounds to go. (Wow, I didn't realize I'd ever get to say that.)

And it's going to be super hard, I know. But I know I'll get there. I've gotten this far. Toning up is my goal.

Thanks for reading

xoxoGinaoxox

Want to read my whole weightloss journey? Click HERE

Add me on MyFitnesspal? MrsGinaTaylor
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2 Year Anniversary

2015-01-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

It's been two year exactly since I decided to get healthy for myself, my children, and my husband.

I have to say it was the best decision I ever made.

When starting I didn't tell my husband until that night. He was all up for a change, and hey it was free so if we couldn't do it at least it didn't cost us anything.

That first week I lost 5 pounds. It was great! I couldn't believe it. Though I realized real quick where most my calories were going. Soda. I drank so much soda! I was drinking up to 6 liters LITERS of soda a DAY sometimes!! Ohmygod. It was a wake up call. I know I was addicted. It was so very hard going from that amount of soda to only 1 can a day. It took me a little over a month to finally kick the regular soda habit.

But, I switched to diet soda. Though I had a very hard time starting to drink water after I kicked the regular soda, it seemed a slight bit easier to get the plain water down, at times.

I know, I know what your thinking "diet soda is just as bad as regular soda" yes I agree! That's okay. But it has helped me make healthier choices though. I portioned everything I put in my mouth.

I spent some money and bought me some super cheap food scales. I keep my measuring cups and spoons in hands reach, so I don't have an excuse NOT to measure it out.

January 11th 2013 to January 11th 2014 I had lost exactly 44 pounds. That's me rarely exercising. Basically walking the mall and walking trails our small city provides luckily. Sometimes doing DVDs for hand weights.

My husband and I were so out of shape we couldn't even walk Hanes Mall without being in pain, and too tired to walk the whole thing. By the end of the trip we would be exhausted.

By mid-year we could tell a difference. We actually wasn't huffing and puffing. We could tell we could walk faster, and less pain.

I've had back, leg, and ankle problems since I was 4 or 5 years old, and Andrew has had two surgeries on his foot from breaking a bone in it, and then again breaking the screw in it, so now he has a metal plate.

But also in January I found out I was approximately 3 months pregnant. I was on the fence about it. Yes another baby would be great, hoping a little girl to complete our family, but on the other hand I would have to stop using myfitnesspal. My journey, everything I had worked for, for a year. I had logged EVERY SINGLE DAY for a year. I finally got over the fact and then started getting the cravings, using my knowledge of serving sizes I ate whatever I craved, but ate it but serving size, sometimes a little more. With my first pregnancy I gained around 50 pounds. With this pregnancy I was smarter. For the first and second trimester I didn't gain much at all. Actually I lost just a few pounds first trimester. Doctor said it was okay, normal, and such. Fast forward my pregnancy was 40 weeks and 3 days with a baby girl. I had to have an Emergency Vertical C-Section due to Cord Prolaspe. I had gained 32.9 pounds with this child. I was scared that I would have to start all over again, that I wouldn't lose it. Surprisingly I lost it all within a month. I was so happy. Not happy about my scar or my "butt crack" stomach as someone said. But I'll just have to accept my stomach.

Oh and after I had Sophia I quit diet soda. I've had a few sips here and there that abou killed me, or at least it seemed like it.

So since 2013, 9 months of pregnancy, recovery, and the holidays I have to date lost 50 pounds.

I still have 33-34 pounds to go on this journey. And a whole lot of toning up is in store for me too.

Looking back to 2013 I was looking forward, wondering if I could keep it up. Knowing it was going to be a slow hard journey, but if I didn't start somewhere I wouldn't be here.

So happy anniversary to me and my husband for changing our way of life. Cheers!

Thanks for reading!

xoxoGinaoxox

My Journey Update #4

2014-12-19T11:32:00.000-08:00

I am about 4 months 2 weeks postpartum. Having had my baby girl Sophia Marie. I have been on MyFitnessPal. I have went over many days. I haven't had the drive as I did before I became pregnant. Though, I have still lost weight since having her. I haven't went too far over my calories when I have. Which is good! The only day I can really recall just bombing them was on Thanksgiving.

I don't know what it is, I think its the human natural instinct to eat, eat, eat for winter. But some days all I want to eat!

I'm really hoping to get closer to my goal by Spring.

I haven't made an update photo collage since October,

As of today, December 19th. 2014 I weigh 167.1 lbs.

I am really happy to see a difference.

As someone told me;

"The woman on the left looks closed, like hiding from the world, And the woman on the right looks happy, open, like here I am!"

I really took that to heart after reading that. I mean, after I had my son in 2010 I felt gross. Honestly.

I was uncomfortable in my own skin.

Looking though my old photos now I think back how I felt about myself. And I realized that I was bigger than I thought I was!

A few weeks ago I went to get a checkup, It was about the same time that the photo on the right was taken. I asked my doctor could I view how heavy I was as far back as possible.
She said sure. She went back to 2010 right after I had my son Graison. I weighed 242 pounds!

That floored me.

Never in my life could I imagine I would that unhealthy!

I know I have had many insecurities in my past but right now they are slowly going away.

(Other than my Vertical C-Section scar. I'll get back to you when I loose more weight.)

If you want to join me on MyFitnessPal (FREE Just your willpower)

please add me! I try to log everyday!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/MrsGinaTaylor

Thank you for reading!!

xoxoGinaoxox

Read my whole story here:

In the Beginning... (Post #1)

240th Day (Post #2)

Weight Loss Update (#3)

An Open Letter to the Staff at the Maternity Ward

2014-09-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

I want to thank some for taking such good care of my little girl and myself...

To the night shift nurse, you were happy every night you came to my room, striking up a conversation each time. Not once were you rude or anything. For helping my husband through with that first diaper explosion, because of my Vertical C-Section I couldn't help him.

To Dr. Devore, for being a great OB-GYN doctor in general, for being available to deliver Sophia considering my husbands work schedule.

To the anesthesiologist, you were steady handed, quick, and you didn't make me nervous as much as I thought you would considering you were pushing quite a large needle into my back. Plus, within the few seconds, minutes of you all rushing me into the OR for my Emergency Vertical C-Section, I must of had pure terror on my face because moments as I was going under I remember you telling me everything is going to be alright.

And to everyone who helped in the delivery and recovery. Ya'll are so great!

I don't remember everyone's names, because everything just went so fast. Which as many as you all really see, you may not remember me. I just really wanted to thank you guys because everyone was so nice, kind, and caring. Even after having to come back to do a double take of Sophia's hearing (which didn't pass then, but did pass August 26th, thank goodness) the nurses comforted me because I was worried if she was going to deaf in one ear.

Northern Hospital of Surry County you have a wonderful staff in the Maternity Ward.
So thank you so much for taking such great care of us!

Thank you for reading!
xoxoGinaoxox

Blue Diamond Ice Cream Cake with Almonds on Top!

2014-08-29T09:43:00.002-07:00

When growing up my mother would try to find time to make one of my and my brothers favorite desserts.

Hot Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream and syrup.

My favorite!!!

She would take a chocolate box cake mix. Bake it accordingly in a 9x13 cake pan.

Then after dinner put a couple of scoops of yummy vanilla ice cream in the horizontally cut piece of hot cake, and then drizzle syrup on the top.

Ah the good 'ol days.

I wanted to try something different since I was able to try these new Blue Diamond almonds.

So I took and made it just like Momma always made it except I added a twist.

I took almonds and roughly chopped the Honey Roasted Vanilla and Honey Roasted Chipotle almonds.

I added whip cream to the top chocolate syrup, the almonds, and a cherry.

Not too much difference but it was certainly different!! And I would do it again.

Those Chipotle almond are a kick to it!

Thanks for reading!

xoxoGinaoxox

Disclosure Note:

I received Blue Diamond Honey Roasted Vanilla and Honey Roasted Chipotle almonds to try for free. All opinions are my own and no compensation was paid. Blue Diamond Taste Makers

Blue Diamond Chicken Salad Sandwiches

2014-07-18T12:52:00.001-07:00

This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds I was able to receive, and test Blue Diamond Natural Almonds and Blue Diamond Rosemary and Black Pepper Almonds.

This is what I made!

3 Cups Canned Chicken

1/3 Chopped Green Onion

1/4 Crushed Blue Diamond Rosemary & Black Pepper Almonds

1/4 Low Fat Plain Yogurt

1/4 Light Mayo

1 tsp Dijon Mustard

10 slices of Bread (Your choice of kind)

Mix together, spread, Serve!

Thank you for Reading

xoxoGinaoxox

Disclosure Note:

I received Blue Diamond Natural Almonds and Blue Diamond Rosemary & Black Pepper Almonds to try for free. All opinions are my own and no compensation was paid. Blue Diamond Taste Makers

PowerShot SX170 IS 16MP Digital Camera Review 2014

2014-06-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting for a few years now to buy myself a nice Canon DSLR camera, but it hasn't been in the budget to do so. Either way I was wanting to get a Canon because in my own personal opinion they have better quality photos. But like I said that's just my opinion.
My husband said that the only reason I wanted a Canon is so I could go around and yell
"I'm going to shoot you with my Canon!!"
Ha! Play on words. But yes it could be a hint of it too.

Recently, at the beginning of June we had gone on a beach trip to South Carolina, this was going to be the real test.

I was hoping that it would do a decent job, though I was skeptical because of the price. We got it at a deal $129.99, original price $179.00. Prices vary during the year, HERE is where I purchased it form on Amazon in April 2014.

I was thrilled!

Original

Enhanced

Original

Enhanced

Original

(Excuse my tummy 30/31 weeks pregnant)

Enhanced

Original

Enhanced

Original

Enhanced

I LOVED how well this camera did, on Auto! Since we were on the go the whole time I just left it in auto mode. I thought it did great! Even Andrew said "Whenever you do get your DSLR camera then can I have this one?" I told him sure! haha but after seeing how well this one did I might not get that camera for a long time. Even Graison, my 4 year old could use it and take great photos.

Would I buy this camera again?

Yes I would.
I even thought since Graison even used it so good, I'm thinking of getting one for him in the future.
He has been saying he wants a camera of his own!

I did get a few blurry photos, which was my fault, or Graison was moving too much but I have always had a camera that had a few of those.

And I did miss a few good shots because of the shutter speed, but again what camera, especially a technical Point-and-shoot camera doesn't have a bit delayed shutter.

I also was impressed with the zoom on this thing!
Here is a zoomed out photo of some people on a wave boat.

And here they are after I zoomed in from the same exact spot I was standing in!

How good is that!? (Both photos are original by the way)

If your starting out, amateur, like myself, and looking for a DSLR camera and don't have the money for that one you have been eyeing. This would be a great alternative.

You have basic settings a DSLR camera has you can learn from. And you won't break the bank.

Plus its quite light weight. I have read on other blogs that many professional photographers like this camera on long trips because it's light, and if it gets damaged or stolen its not quite so hard on you as if it was that expensive DSLR camera.

If there is any questions about this camera. Please comment and I will tell you want I can.

Thanks for reading!
xoxoGinaoxox

Disclosure: The content here is all my own. All opinions are my own and no compensation was paid. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Gina's Sweet Treats makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

Want more information about this camera? Specifications for this camera are found here on the Canon website. View all in dept information here at www.usa.canon.com

Red, White, and Blue Diamond Happiness!

2014-06-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the Fourth of July BBQ's and fun coming up and I was wondering what I was going to planning to take and make to them. Then I was accepted to the Blue Diamond Tastemakers forum and was able to be accepted to try out a 6 oz. can of Toasted Coconut Almonds and an 4 oz. bag of Blueberry Almonds!

I have to be honest I wasn't sure how good they would be, but after trying them I like them pretty good! My personal favorite of the two is the Blue Diamond Toasted Coconut Almonds.

My 4 year old Graison loved... LOVED the Blueberry Almonds!

I decided to make one of the things my son likes, trail mix!

I normally make regular plain trail mix but with the flavors of these almonds I was pretty excited to try it.

For my Red, White, and Blue Diamond Tail mix I used:

- Blue Diamond Blueberry Almonds

- Blue Diamond Toasted Coconut

- Goldfish Pretzels

- Sunsweet Diced Dried Plums

- Mini Marshmallows

- Honey Roasted Peanuts

They were a big hit in this family! And I would defiantly would throw this together from family movie night to hitting the bike trail!

Thank you for reading!

xoxoGinaoxox

Disclosure Note:
I received Blue Diamond Blueberry Almonds and Blue Diamond Toasted Coconut Almonds to try for free. All opinions are my own and no compensation was paid. Blue Diamond Taste Makers

Trip to the Beach! 2014

2014-06-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

My husband is turning 25 at the end of the month, my son turned 4 yesterday and neither one of them had ever been to the beach! Which I think is crazy considering my parents tried to take myself and my brothers, to the beach, camping, and to Cherokee at least once in the summertime.

So after waiting so long for our son to be able to enjoy it also we finally were able to go!

Though I myself am 30 weeks pregnant I wasn't in too much misery!

My family isn't rich but well off so I don't have a nice DSLR camera to work with. But after testing it on this three day vacation I am quite happy about it.

I am using an Canon PowerShot SX170 IS 16MP Digital Camera.
Maybe one day I can afford the DSLR camera I am really wanting but this, this camera made me so happy after I got home from our trip, that I won't need one for a while.

I used a basic free photo editor brightening the places that needed to be, and enhancing what I thought it needed, and giving it a "dusk" look to each single photo, before making it into a collage.
Nothing too fancy.

Simplicity is best, in my opinion.

I am a amateur photographer, if I should even call myself that, but I get some of my inspiration from www.rocktheshotforum.com They have a great website.

Thank you for reading!

xoxo Gina oxox

Weight Loss Update! (Post #3)

2014-05-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I've had any blog posts. My last post was back in September, 2013. I was still using MyFitnessPal, logging my food, but the holidays was coming up. I was planing on still trying to log, maybe not as much. Still eat at family get togethers but not as much. Andrew and I was doing that, but for some reason my weight wasn't budging I was stuck at 180lbs.

Well I had noticed that I had, had a missing period by the end of December. I didn't think much of it, I had been feeling tired, and really not hungry much, but that was pretty much it. By the first of January I had lost down to 176.1 pounds! I was excited! 3-4 months I had been at a standstill on my weight loss journey and finally a budge! There was still hope!

My husband and I had been talking about my missed period thinking it could be from were I'm still obese but we wanted to make sure by mid-January we decided to pregnancy tests and then an appointment with the OBGYN.

Come to find out we were pregnant!! When telling the doctor my initial thought my last period was we thought the baby was going to be due August 20th, 2014. But a few weeks later when doing the ultrasound we found out that our Lil' Miss is due August 1st, 2014!

I had stopped logging and tried guessing how much calories I was eating which was going good. But after doing some research I was gaining a little too fast. I was at 15lbs. at the doctor, 17.5lbs my Wii fit said. So I started back on MyFitnessPal., but instead of trying to lose weight; 1,450 calorie intake, I switched my option to Maintain, which took my calories to 1,910.

For two weeks I logged my food until my appointment. I didn't feel deprived or anything. When it was time for my appointment I lost 2 pounds! I had told her what I was doing and she said it was completely fine.

So I'm 29 weeks pregnant and I have gained roughly 13-14 pounds.

Pretty good compared to my first pregnancy with my son. I gained 40-50 pounds with him.

Thank you for reading! After she gets here I'm going to try to hit it hard.

Hopefully I'll have the motivation.

xoxoGinaoxox

<3 Add me to MyFitnessPal <3

MrsGinaTaylor

Follow my Journey Here:

In the Beginning... (Post #1)

My 240th Day! (Post #2)

My Journey (Post #4)

Living with it.

2013-09-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

Almost everyone has it. I say ALMOST! Because there is that lucky few that doesn't have a smidge of one. And this isn't a post of a miracle cure, because I wish it was.

This post is about loving one's body even though you may have STRETCH MARKS.

Ah yes, the lovely stretch marks.

Oh, how I loath you.

They SAY that if you have the purple ones adding Cocoa Butter or losing weight can help them disappear. Who really knows.

But I have the dreaded white ones.

I had a few from puberty but they wasn't that noticeable. But then when I became pregnant they came out of nowhere.

Of course, on my stomach,

my spare tires, as they call them,

my hips, and thighs,

my biceps,

even back of my knees, and shoulders???

I didn't even know you could get them there!

Now I am hoping that as I lose more weight they disappear at least a little bit.

I've seen weight losers have that happen.

But if I don't and the time comes when I hit my goal, is that going to stop me from wearing a bikini???

HELL NO!

I will wear that two piece. I will flaunt it. Will I care if someone complains of my marks? Or as I call them my "Tiger Stripes".

No I won't care.

And they can just get over themselves.

Because I earned them!

Do you have any miracle remedies to help stretch marks? If you do please share!

How do you feel about them?

Thanks for reading!

xoxo Gina oxox

In the Beginning.... (Post #1)

2013-09-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

In high school I was a JROTC cadet. I didn't eat much at all and I relatively active during the day. We had a garden to tend and sometimes I even helped my parents with their car hauling business. During the summer we spent most of the time at a campground that I loved and still do because of mostly one thing. Their 9 ft swimming pool. I rode my bike or walked to and from the campsite.

Even though I weighed 130-140lbs for my then 5ft1in frame I felt like every teenage girl.

Fat.

And of course looking back I wish I could smack myself and tell myself. "No! Your perfect!"

But alas I can't do that. After I found the love of my life at the tender age of 16 I was open to a whole new world of foods. Coming from the country I mostly ate homemade southern foods. My then boyfriend wanted to take me out and spend time with me as much as we could. Being in a such a small town there is mostly restaurants and really nothing healthy to do. Not at the time anyway.

As time went by my weight started to accumulate, and it saddened me but my love said he would love me no matter what. Knowing he was the one I kept on eating whatever I wanted to.

January 2009 I graduated high school at a disappointing weight of 181 pounds. I had always been the "chubby kid" of the class, and in 6th grade my highest weight was 176lbs then the "baby fat" started to come off. Which mainly from that because at the time we thought I had Acid Reflux, when I was 16 I found out I had a bum gallbladder and had it removed. Anyways.... 181lbs I couldn't believe that after all of that I had gained so much. Seeing my graduation photos disgusted me. But we move on...

By July of that year my fiance and I wanted a place of our own. We wanted to start a life together and be together as much as we could. He worked 12 hours a day 5 (sometimes 6) days a week. Living in the country ALL my life was personally hard to deal with moving into an trailer park. I mean no offense to anyone who lives in one. It's just not for me. I wouldn't say I was going crazy but it felt like I was. No yard to enjoy or anything. I lived on a farm with the neighbors pretty nice and would leave you alone. But you couldn't do anything or you would piss someone off. So pretty much I was confined to a 2 bedroom 1 bath that was in terrible condition from the previous owner, and had to stay cooped up all week long.

By September we had decided that him and I wanted to get married as soon as we could because we didn't want to waste any time being a married couple. So we agreed on Halloween! It was awesome! I could tell you about it but thats a whole nother story.

Soon after we found out we were pregnant! Which was very exciting and scary because I didn't know how my family would react.

Growing more pregnant everyday so was my weight gain. By the time I had him June, 2010 my weight had reached a whopping 220 pounds!

Then around the end of 2012 I had seen several places on TV and on the internet called MyFitnessPal. And I knew I wouldn't be able to log every day on the website because I know how I am. So I didn't make me an account. So I decided to wait. Then around the beginning of January 2013 my husband bought me an iPhone 4s. By January 11th I found out that the MyFitnessPal app was free so I downloaded it. Showed Andrew, he started the next day and its been all gravy since.

Thank you for reading the first part of my story,

There will be more to come.

xoxo Gina oxox

AppNana

2013-09-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

Have Apple or Android technology? Here is a FREE App that lets you download FREE apps and acquire points for downloading them and clicking and letting them load. Then you go back to your Appnana App collect your points and then delete your downloaded app! Unless you like the app I'm guilty of liking too much!!

HERE is The Link

And when you get a point value of 15,000 points you can enter my code and receive 2,500 points!! You also can share yours for others can add and receive, plus you get points for them adding!!

My invitation code g890505

Like I said its totally FREE so start earning Amazon, iTunes , and even Paypal!!!

Thanks for reading!!

xoxo Gina oxox

Help me get more points for my iTunes gift card! Go to appnana.com on your iOS Safari and input my invitation code g890505

***Please add your invitation code in the comments!!***

MyFitnessPal My 240th Day! (Post #2)

2013-09-07T14:23:00.002-07:00

I haven't made a recent before after photos

Day 1: I weighed 220 pounds. I am 5ft 3in. in height. I wore a pant size 16/18.

As my friends may know on my Facebook today is my 240th day on MyFitnessPal. I mean they should. Ever since I started this journey on January 11th, 2013 I have been posting how I wanted to change. After trying many things to get my weight down and all of them failing I had about given up until my husband bought me an iPhone 4s.

Before I was able to acquire a smartphone I had done some research on MyFitnessPal for about 4 months, though knowing I wouldn't hold fast to logging my foods on my laptop all the time I didn't make a membership. But once I heard that my husband bought me one that was the first free app I downloaded.

For the first day was a bad day. I mean bad. Right from the get-go I went over my calorie intake. My whole day consisted on:

McChicken Sandwich -360 cal.
McDouble Burger - 390 cal.
12oz Coca Cola- 140 cal.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich - 270 cal.
Diet Green Tea - 0 cal.
1/2 Red Barron Special Deluxe Pizza- 760 cal.

Yes my calorie intake was only 1,550 calories in the start, and I ate 1,920 calories though I was still hungry and CRAVING soda, knowing I had already screwed up Day One I told myself tomorrow was going to be better.

That night I told my husband Andrew what I was doing and he liked the idea. Which I wasn't sure if he would since we had to log everything and scan our foods. I showed him how to do it, its all pretty simple. Scan the barcode of your product and nine times out of ten it pops up. If not you can quickly add calories or make your own product code. Andrew started on his the very next day and so far he has been right there with me ever since.

I KNEW I had to get off at least regular sodas. I know diet soda is BAD but its better than drinking all those calories. Anyway drinking I know 1-2 2L of soda A DAY was terrible I knew that but being an pop drinker for as long as I could remember was going to be hard going going cold turkey. I even told my uncle I wouldn't be caught EVER drinking a Diet Coke. Dang I ate my words.
Plus I hated water. Love to swim in it. Not to drink it. Go figure. I think it was a childhood thing not going into that piss some family off for that one.

I SWEAR The month of January was HELL for me. Everyday I would give myself a 12 oz of soda. then go down to 6 oz then 4 oz and ect. until I FINALLY quit it. I felt like a meth addict coming off crack. It wasn't fun at all. But somehow I did it. I do drink a lot more water now. I even crave it somedays. Which is good.

Within the first week of using MyFitnessPal I lost 5 pounds. FIVE POUNDS. Nothing else had worked. But this FOOD MODERATION worked. DANG I really wished I had listened to my teachers in health and Foods in high school she wasn't joking when to stay healthy you needed to watch how much you ate.

Day: 240: I now weigh 180.1lbs and can wear a size 12/13 (depends on the maker) pant/shorts

So Far I've lost a total of 40 pounds!

Mr.Wii Fit can be a real buthole because everytime I go to step on him he says "Oh!" .... Butthole!

I've done made this post WAY TOO long so I guess I'm going to stop it here. I'm going to try to back track using my memory and go by month by month, or couple months by couple of months. We will see.

You can Add me on MyFitnessPal my username is MrsGinaTaylor or you can click the link HERE

And Let me know if you have any questions on my journey or on the MyFitnessPal App or website.

Thanks for reading!!

XoXo Gina oXoX

Follow My Journey Here:

In the Beginning... (Post #1)

Weight Loss Update! (Post #3)
My Journey (Post #4)

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was given.

Easy Vegetarian Corn Chili

2013-09-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

I was going to make Turkey Chili for dinner tonight, but I sent this photo to the Hubs and he said leave it out! It looks delicious as it is!! LOL

Serves 4 - Calories 277 (Approx.)

It has:
1 Can Pintos
1 Can Reduced Sodium Black beans
Fresh Onion
Fresh Green Pepper
Fresh Mushroom
1 Can of Corn
I Guesstimated about 2-3 TBS Chili Seasoning
1-2 TBS Taco Seasoning
1/4 tsp Cumin powder
Salsa (or diced tomatoes I don't have any in the cabinet)
water

Tonight I'm going to make some Cheddar and Jalapeno Toasted (not fried) sandwiches! YUMMY I can't wait!!

I think thats it lol! It Looks and smells so good!

Disney Movie Rewards

2013-09-02T02:30:00.000-07:00

Yay! Got Graison his first Christmas present of 2013 for free!!

It's taken me a few years to accumulate the points but this was from just free codes online alone. If I had of bought some Disney Movies (list of eligible Disney titles with Rewards codes in them) I would have gotten there in no time! But me waiting a couple years to get it completely free.

But I know he is going to love it! I see him now putting his Mater and Lightening McQueen and Hot Wheels in it.

I know next year I won't be able to post his presents online because he is too smart for his own good!

Disney Magic is at work: you'll receive your shipment in 2-4 weeks...and maybe sooner! As our favorite mouse might say, "That's swell!"

Here is 3 Free codes I know two of them work for sure because I just used them.

U13PEKSZZD (25 points)

FPSNN83JX9 (25 points)

PLEDGE (25 points)

And if you connect your Facebook you get 25 points also.

CARS 2 Tin Lunchbox

All Redeemable Rewards

BS Sauce Original Mustard

2013-08-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of ya'll worry about what you're putting into your mouths and in your families mouths. But I do. I like stuff local, homemade, and handmade with love.

Well a few weeks ago my husband and I went across the Virginia state line to get some fresh produce and there was some guys set up letting people try their sauces. They had salad dressings, and an Everything Sauce, and our favorite BS Sauce Original Mustard. Man my husband fell in love with it and he whispered to me we are getting some!

These guys are from Greensboro North Carolina and I have to say this is the BEST mustard I've ever eaten. It's fresh and flavorful and I'm not exaggerating about it I really love it! A little goes a lonnnng way because its so strong and tangy. I personally like mixing it with some Texas Pete to make a spicy mustard.

I also love it because its No MSG, No HFCS, and No Preservatives. Plus all the ingredients you can pronouce.

Like the guy told us, "There isn't any BS in our Sauce!"

You can find all their types of Sauces and dressings and even awesome recipes HERE

BS Sauce Original Mustard

BS Sauce Original Cooking Sauce

BS Salad Dressing Vinaigrette Dressing

BS Sauce Original Marinade

BS Salad Dressing Country Ranch

Check out their FACEBOOK page here!

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was given.

Homemade Fiber Rich Banana Bread

2013-08-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

Yummy yummy! Even though I skipped an ingredient but you can't even tell whoopsie!! Lol

Ok ok. Well Wanting to add Flax Flour and Wheat Brand I couldn't find a recipe so I had to make one. For THIS exact bread:

2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
2 eggs
3 Ripe Bananas
1/2 Cup Flax Flour
1/2 Cup Wheat Bran
4-5 TBS water
1/2 tsp Cinnamon for mix

Topping
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1 TBS Brown Sugar

Preheat oven 350 degrees; Grease 8-1/2 X4-1/2 inch pan; set aside.

Mix dry ingredients in bowl;

I separate bowl smash bananas, add egg and cinnamon.

Mix in bananas; slowly incorporate; add water as needed. Do Not Over Mix.

Pour in pan; add topping (More of you like), swirl, and bake.

Bake for 55-60 minutes.

Serving size. Cut in 10 slices; Each slice 133 Calories Approx. Less if cut smaller.

Now the recipes that I was basing this from called for 1/2 a cup of butter/margarine BUT I forgot it. It's up to you if you want to add it in. I didn't and my family thought it was good without it. Hey we saved some calories not adding it. LOL