My Turn (for us)

Dyed Rice CandleHolder

2013-05-22T04:00:00.001-06:00

I love holidays and I love decorating for holidays!

The summer months are filled with patriotic holidays, so starting with Memorial Day our red, white and blue decorations begin. I add more for Flag Day (June 14th) and then of course all the festive decorations appear for the 4th of July. Long live the red, white and blue!! We are a very patriotic family, so proud of being an American and we live it every day but on our Nation's holidays we really go all out! (can you hear me humming the Star-Spangled Banner?)
I wanted something new for this patriotic season but didn't wish to buy anything else. I have been seeing these little dyed rice candle holders on Pinterest and thought I would try one.

I found a sweet little clear vase and grabbed some rice and food coloring.

For my candleholder, 1 used 3 cups of uncooked white rice (1 cup for each color) I started by pouring 2 of the cups of rice into 2 ziplock freezer baggies (1 cup in each baggy). I added blue food coloring to one, closed the ziplock and mixed it by massaging the rice through the baggie with my fingers until the desired shade was reached (you can keep adding a few drops of food coloring each time until you like it) . I repeated this same step with the red color and the other baggie. Starting with the red rice, I poured the rice into the vase and leveled it out. I then added the white rice and ended with the blue rice. I found a little tea candle and buried it in the rice until the top was level with the rice. Done! Using the baggie makes absolutely no mess and no clean up, just throw them away:))

And this project was totally free! I already had the little clear vase, the food coloring and the rice:))

I am really loving my new candleholder!

Proudly sharing at these parties!

How I Lost 20lbs in 3 months-Exercise

2013-05-21T04:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, today is the dreaded day that I talk about exercise!

We all know we gotta do it but it seems that its always on the bottom of our lists. It needs to be on top of the list!! Get away from that old feeling that you are taking time away from your family to have selfish time for yourself! So not true!! What is the best gift you can give to your family??

A Healthy You, of course!!

Exercise helps us to live longer, be healthier and be more pleasant to be around:)) So by exercising you are giving to your family! I could do the whole spill about you deserve this time to yourself but you are not eating bon bons, this is your life and your families life!!

Ok, I am now off my soapbox and will not lecture but just remember I am also lecturing myself. I don't have all the answers but I do know what I need to do to be healthier and I am backed up by any doctor I have ever met.

But you already know this, so our problem is making time for exercise. Everyone is different and so everyone's exercise regime will be different so you must discover what works for you and your family. If it is a major battle, switch it up, change it around and find a way to make it blend! You do that with all your other responsibilities and desires and I know you can do that with your exercise plan:)

We all have the same amount of time each and every day. I understand hectic schedules, remember I raised three very active children (last two were 11 years apart) and my hubby and I both worked shift work with some shifts extended (yeah that happens in Law Enforcement) and we still had a very busy social life.

My point is don't let that "I don't have time to exercise" defeat you. Been there and done that!! Another reason I was carrying around 30 extra pounds.

I will share my exercise plan and how I have blended it into my life. I am not an expert on fitness, no degrees, no training and no medical expertise. I merely sharing what has worked for me and what hasn't.

My sweetie took on the responsibility of our training program. I call it just plain exercise, to him its "Training", he never skimps on responsibilities, he does everything to the max right down to the smallest detail. No cutting corners for him and thank goodness for that! He called resources into play (factors are different for us at this stage of our lives, harder to put on muscle after 50) and has tweaked our training program into what works for us!

Our Training Schedule

Mondays-Cardio

Tuesdays-Chest/Triceps

Wednesdays-Cardio

Thursdays-Back/Biceps

Fridays-Cardio

Saturdays-Shoulders/Abs

Sundays- Rest

I always start any goal with a written plan. Since exercise needs to be tweaked and shaken up ever so often, we used white boards to jot down our schedule and to keep up with weights and repetitions for each exercise. This way we are able to continually update to get the most out of our time.

Everyone has exercise equipment gathering dust, so pull it out and organize an area for your workout. We are lucky enough to have an extra room to assemble our training equipment but a corner of a room will work! The patio will work! And of course you could buy a gym membership if that works for you.

Dumbbells Rock!

If you only buy one item, you should start with dumbbells. We have acquired dumbbells ranging for 3 lbs to 50 lbs over the years and they are not gathering dust. Don't let that "old wives tale" scare you, you will not look like Arnold if you start a weight training program.

Advantages of Weight Training

1. You will be physically stronger

2. You will lose body fat

3. Decrease risk of osteoporosis

4. Reduce the risk of injury, back injury, and arthritis

5. Reduce the risk of diabetics

6. Will improve your attitude and fight depression

7. Will gain strength without bulk (women have 10-30 times less of the hormone that causes hypertrophy than men so you will acquire muscle tone and definition not bulk)

The point is it's not just being vain to take time out for your exercise. Your overall health is greatly improved with weight training and cardio. So organize an area to work out and do it daily.

I will be going into more detail on the actual exercises that I do daily and will explain how I am able to have a rigorous cardio program with two burned out knees (yes, those babies are 50+). So stay turned each Tuesday and I will be sharing my training program step by step.

And remember to check with your doctor before beginning any program:))

Next week: Cardio

And if you missed of this series, How I Lost 20 lbs in 3 months

Week 1- The Plan

Week 2- Menu Changes, Suggestions and Options

Week 3- Water and Weigh-In

Linking to these great parties!

Watermelon Star Cake

2013-05-20T04:00:00.001-06:00

This Watermelon Star Cake is a fun healthy way to celebrate Memorial Day or the 4th of July. OK, its not really a "cake" but it looks like one but without all those nasty little calories!! (I know I love those little calories also but so do my hips, LOL) This sweet cake is made with all fresh fruit and a low calorie cream topping.

Ingredients:

Blueberries or blackberries

Strawberries

Watermelon

Light whipped cream

Cut a 2-3 inch slice from center of watermelon. Lay the slice flat on a cutting board and draw a 5 point star on the slice. Using a sharp knife carefully cut out the star. Decorate with the cream, blueberries and strawberries. Enjoy!!

Linking up to these awesome parties!!

Lets Get Social Sunday #21

2013-05-19T04:00:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder - Lets Get Social Sunday will be on 9 different blogs every week! That means maximum exposure for you :) Also, we have had a few requests to add BlogLovin' and Instagram to the line-up. So, if you're looking for new followers on those social media outlets, be sure to link up those as well!

Welcome to Let's Get Social Sunday!

This party is for bloggers who wish to make new friends and gain new followers. It is also an opportunity to link up all your social media sites to gain more followers for blogging opportunities and it increases traffic to all your sites.

Please:)

(1) Follow your hosts and co-hosts in as many ways as possible. We are the first 1-9 link-ups in each category.
Hosts:

Joy @ Yesterfood

Linda @ With A Blast

Paula @ Call Me PMc

Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile

Diane @ Mamal Diane

Evelyn @ My Turn for us

Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes

and meet our co-hosts this week:

Shasta @ Linky Here

and

Cindy@ Hun...What's for Dinner?

(2) Grab our button and share it on your blog

(3) Let us know if you followed in the comments, so we can return the follows!

(4) Find some new blogs to follow and let 'em know you found them from the Let's Get Social Sunday party.

*Just a note - If you would like to co-host, we are accepting spots in the future for co-hosts. Please, email us at letsgetsocialsunday@gmail.com and we will send you the information on scheduling or just leave me a comment and I will get right back to you:))

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.myturnforus.com/" title="Let's Get Social Sunday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s368/lovebakesgoodcakes/LBGC%20-%20reoccuring/LBCG%20Buttons%20and%20Banners/letsgetsocial2button.jpg" alt="Let's Get Social Sunday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Not a requirement, but we appreciate the love - If you enjoy this party, would you mind hitting the tweet button to help spread the word? Or share on your favorite social media! Thanks y'all :)

Blog:

Facebook: Twitter: Pinterest: Bloglovin: Google+: Instagram:

Freedom Friday #54

2013-05-16T18:30:00.000-06:00

Welcome
My Friends!!

I wish to thank everyone who shared last week here at Freedom Fridays!!

Here are some posts that caught my eye

Star Wars Bentos
@ Bento Blog Network

Upcycled Denim Tote
@ HongKongChic

Gourd Birdhouse

@ The Shady Porch

If you were chosen please don't forget to grab my featured button:)
and I will be pinning these features and sharing them on Facebook.

Have you seen the new series here at My Turn for us?

I have lost 21 pounds since January 30 and I wish to share all the tips I have learned these past 3 months.

So turn in every Tuesday and I will be giving tips, support and great choices for a healthier lifestyle.
Part #1-The Plan, Basic Tips
Part #2-Menu Changes, Suggestions and Options
Part#3 Water and Weigh-Ins

Now on to this weeks party!

This party is a RULE Free Zone:))

Because

I am retired from enforcing laws, rules etc:)

So enjoy being my guest and have fun!

Let's Link up:)

Why I love My Recipe Magic

2013-05-15T04:00:00.000-06:00

If you love recipes, whether you are a food blogger or not, you need to visit My Recipe Magic! My Recipe Magic is a recipe sharing community website that was created by the sisters at Six Sisters Stuff. It is a easy way to share recipes, create custom cookbooks, menus, shopping lists, see nutritional value, earn extra income and create extra traffic to your site. You do not have to be a food blogger to have a cookbook and start adding recipes to it.

It's easy to register and start creating your own cookbook to start collecting recipes from the hundreds on the site. And if you wish to add your personal recipes, it only takes you about 5-10 minutes to enter your recipes. I am able to enter my recipes then link them back to My Turn for us. After the recipe is published, I can even check the nutritional value and then add the recipe to my cookbook. My Recipe Magic's little Chef helps search recipes by topic, ingredients on hand, or category, such as low calorie so I can add recipes from others on the site into my cookbook. I can even print recipes and recipe cards. I get paid for pageviews for any recipe that I create and enter into My Recipe Magic so it is a great idea to promote them on Pinterest, Facebook, Google+ and Twitter to generate more traffic and earn extra money.
I love being a part of this food lover and food blogger community, connecting and sharing ideas, and of course having access to an awesome number of menu options. It's a great way to promote my recipes and my name in a great venue.

I also love earning rewards by sharing, liking and submitting recipes with the Recipe Magic Rewards program. You can earn up to 1,000 points a day and redeem them for online gift cards or entries in a giveaways. Every week there are new cards and giveaways to choose from.

Go to Recipe Magic and start enjoying this great site right here!

Also

Here is an example of my favorite recipe on My Recipe Magic:

Skinny Chicken Enchiladas

hop over and check it out and if you like it click on the little heart to favor it and/or add it to your cookbook. Remember you can also print it!!

If you have any additions or questions

Click Here for a PDF to use My Recipe Magic in depth, its
easy peasy:))

*Disclosure Policy

How I lost 20 lbs in 3 months-Water & Weigh-In's

2013-05-14T04:00:00.000-06:00

What do they have in common? Humm, maybe they both start with "W", (giggle) no seriously, either one of these subjects could have just been added to one of the other posts in this series but I believe they are both important enough to stand alone.

Water!

How much do you need to drink and why?

Every diet I have ever studied agree that you should drink plenty of water! Plenty of water?? What does that mean? We have all heard about the eight-8 ozs a day but now Medicine disagrees and there are a variety of different opinions. But they all are in agreement that drinking plenty of water speeds weigh loss. Some say it speeds up your metabolism, others say it just makes one feel fuller and eat less especially if the water is drank before meals. I have heard that we confuse our signals and eat when we are really thirsty. But regardless of the reasons, it helps weight loss and is also good for my skin and my brain (yes, plenty of water helps brain functions). So I decided to just take a common sense approach and drink at least 64 ounces (the old eight-8 ozs) a day and then judge. I purchased a few cool water bottles that held 28oz (3 1/2cups) of water and drank 3 a day. After a few weeks I was drinking almost 4 of these a day and I had cut out all those "other" beverages from my diet. I was a total coffeeholic but now I really don't have a urge to even drink coffee. It's not something I tried to do, it just happened. I have the theory that water has satisfied my thirst so I don't have cravings for diet soda, coffee or even tea. I do drink those when I choose but just don't crave them. So now I drink from 84-112 ounces a day or about 10-14 cups and I have noticed I do drink more water when I keep it cold in the refrigerator. I have my bottle with me always, in the Gym when I work out, near me when I am watching TV or working on the computer and I never leave the house without my water bottle.

Yes, I do numerous bathroom breaks but that just means I am drinking plenty of water and everything is working just fine:))) Maybe that just gives me a little more exercise, walking to the Ladies Room:)))

Weigh-Ins

I weigh in every morning, yes every single morning. Most experts say only weigh in once a week but I can't do this. My weight does waver, I usually hit a new low and then go up and back for a few days then I either settle on the new low or go lower. This keeps me focused and I can tell you every day exactly what my weight is. One may say it is not helpful to be so focused on weight but I am on a healthy journey and I need to lose weight to obtain my goal of good health. And I can't control and repair what I don't know and acknowledge. So I face it every morning and I am able to plan my day with these facts in mind.

I have a yellow legal notepad next to my scales and write down my weight, body fat % and water % every day. Anytime I plateau, I just review and regroup to make changes to the big PLAN to kick myself off that ledge:)) It works for me and even after I reach my goal weight I will continue to weigh in every day. Need to catch those pesky pounds before the multiply out of control again.

My Goal weight, you ask?
I am not sure, I am just giving myself milestones and when I reach my "goal weight" I will know. Right now I have less than 9 lbs to go and I will have lost my 30 lbs that frighten me into starting this Healthy Journey. I will see how I feel and how I feel I look at that time and decide on the next milestone.

Next Week: My Exercise Plan

If you have missed any of this series

How I Lost 20 lbs in 3 months
Week 1- The Plan
Week 2- Menu Changes, Suggestions and Options
Week 3- Water and Weigh-In

Life is Good!

Sharing at these Parties!

Roasted Veggies

2013-05-13T04:00:00.000-06:00

Roasted veggies always taste so much better than steamed!!

So let's roast some!!

Easy Roasted Veggies

broccoli florets

baby carrots

zucchini, sliced

purple onion, cut into chunks

asparagus, cut in half

yellow squash, sliced

or whichever veggies you love

Preheat over to 425 degrees.

Prepare your veggies by dropping them into a ziplock baggie, add a splash or two of olive oil. Seal and blend well:) I always keep my veggies separate from each other, for no reason other than it keeps my OCD under control. Or as I call it my CDO (alphabetical order:) LOL

Place veggies on a cookie sheet, they will cook better with a little room to spread out:) Salt and pepper.

Roast for 25 minutes turning once.

Serve!!

Roasted veggies always taste a little sweet and I love them cooked until just tender but still a little crunchy inside:) So pretty and yummy!!

Sharing at these sweet parties!

Lets Get Social Sunday #20

2013-05-12T04:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Let's Get Social Sunday!

Please:)

(1) Follow your hosts and co-hosts in as many ways as possible. We are the first 1-9 link-ups in each category. Hosts:

Joy @ Yesterfood
Linda @ With A Blast
Paula @ Call Me PMc
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
Diane @ Mamal Diane
Evelyn @ My Turn for us

Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes

and meet our co-hosts this week:

Lori Ann @ Lori Ann's Food And Fam

and

BJ @ Joy 2 Journey

(2) Grab our button and share it on your blog

(3) Let us know if you followed in the comments, so we can return the follows!

(4) Find some new blogs to follow and let 'em know you found them from the Let's Get Social Sunday party.

<div align="center"><a href=" http://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/" title="Let's Get Social Sunday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s368/lovebakesgoodcakes/LBGC%20-%20reoccuring/LBCG%20Buttons%20and%20Banners/letsgetsocial2button.jpg" alt="Let's Get Social Sunday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Not a requirement, but we appreciate the love - If you enjoy this party, would you mind hitting the tweet button to help spread the word? Or share on your favorite social media! Thanks y'all :)

Blog:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Pinterest:

Google+:

Bloglovin:

Instagram:

Freedom Fridays #53

2013-05-09T18:30:00.000-06:00

Welcome
My Friends!!

I wish to thank everyone who shared last week here at Freedom Fridays!!

Totally Awesome Features this Week!

Pair of Bling Bracelets
@ The Crafty Blog Stalker

Hanging Window Bud Vases
@ Craftiments

Key Lime Pie Frozen Yogurt
@ Pink Recipe Box

Ward Penny Necklace
@ Rae Gun Ramblings

If you were chosen please don't forget to grab my featured button:)
and I will be pinning these features and sharing them on Facebook.

Have you seen the new series here at My Turn for us?

This party is a RULE Free Zone:))

Because

I am retired from enforcing laws, rules etc:)

So enjoy being my guest and have fun!

Let's Link up:)

Italian Skillet Eggs with I Can't Believe Its Not Butter

2013-05-09T02:26:00.000-06:00

I have always enjoyed breakfast for dinner, so when I learned about "I Can't believe it's Not Butter"- Breakfast after Dark, I couldn't wait to try one of their awesome recipes!
The hardest decision was which recipe I would try first.

As most of you know, I have lost 21 pounds so far by eating healthy and exercising. I believe you don't have to give up great flavor to lose weight and eat healthy, and with "I can't Believe it's not Butter" I have all my great flavor of butter but with so many less calories!

Breakfast after Dark is a sexy way to enjoy breakfast for dinner. Lisa Vanderpump with "Housewives of Beverly Hills" filmed 4 webisodes for "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" sharing four healthy elegant meals that are commonly eaten for breakfast.
To watch the webisodes for these recipes go to
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter-Breakfast After Dark!

Recipes:
Italian Skillet Eggs
Hearty Veggie Frittata
California Cauliflower Pizza Party
Toasted Breakfast Burritos

After watching these webisodes, I chose the Italian Skillet Eggs.
The recipe is very easy, healthy and a little unique which pleases me. It also gives me the perfect time to cook a very special dinner with my sweetie.

Italian Skillet Eggs

2 Tablespoons of "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" buttery spread

1 cup of brown baby portobello mushrooms

6 ounces of fresh baby spinach

1 1/2 cups of Ragu Chunky pasta sauce

6 eggs

1/4 cup low-fat Mozzarella cheese

1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves
Freshly ground black pepper

Melt 2 Tablespoons of "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" in a large skillet over medium high heat and cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in spinach, cook until wilted, about 1 minute.

Stir in pasta sauce, heat thoroughly. Add eggs one at a time, evenly spaced. Pepper to taste. Do NOT stir. Cover and cook over medium heat until egg whites are set and yolks reach the desired doneness.

Sprinkle with cheese and basil before serving.

These Skillet Eggs were so delicious and made my Breakfast after Dark meal very special:)) And of course by using "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter", I stayed within my calorie range for this meal because this buttery spread has 70% less saturated fat than butter, no hydrogenated oils and is made from a blend of vegetable oils. It is also gluten free!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Sharing at these parties!

Miracle Gro Project-How to build a Terrarium

2013-05-08T00:00:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
As soon as the trees begin to bud in the Spring, my mind always turns to spring planting. In times past, I would have a huge garden but these days we have downsized to little container gardens on the patio and it satisfies my inner farmer. Container planting requires a different approach but with a little special treatment one will reap the rewards with great veggies and/or a burst of colorful blooms. By using Moisture Control Potting Mix and Shake’n Feed All Purpose Plant Food my little Herb Garden is very happy!

But I have always been fascinated by terrariums which are really mini indoor gardens that require very little care. I did a little research and found and followed this Miracle-Gro Pinterest page, fun garden projects for some great ideas.

To Make this sweet little Terrarium:

I gathered together a few items such as a glass jar with lid, some small rocks and pebbles, Moisture Control Potting Mix , and I chose some small little plants with a burst of color.

1. Wash and dry the jar

2. Layer the rocks and pebbles about 1 inch deep on the bottom of the jar

3. Cover with about 2 inches of your potting soil

3. Plant your little plants

4. Add a few stones for decoration

4. Water lightly and replace lid

5. Place in a well lit location

6.Enjoy!

Check out Miracle-Gro online to access their expansive library of articles and videos full of expert gardening tips for beginners and professionals alike. Find tools to help growers solve common garden problems and find the right products to help keep a healthy and beautiful garden.

Would love for you to share your green thumb stories at The Gro Project and to learn more about these great sites. Enjoy this video!

Sharing at these awesome parties!

How I lost 20 lbs in 3 months-Part 2

2013-05-07T04:00:00.000-06:00

Menu Changes, Suggestions and Options!

This part of the series is one of the most important sections. While I am not a nutritionist nor have any formal training in dietary needs, I do know what it takes for me to lose weight!
(ok, disclaimer out of the way:))

I have read and have been told so many times that what you put into your mouth is most critical in weight loss management. You can do ab crunches all day long and yes, you will get nice abs but if your diet is filled with fats, excessive simple carbs etc, you will have a nice layer of cushion (fat) over those rocking ab muscles. The key is to lose the fat while your are working those muscles! Don't believe for an instant that you can turn that fat into muscle! That would be the same as turning a cat into a dog! Two entirely different species!

You have to build muscle and burn off the fat. I have always heard that when you have dug yourself into a "deep hole" the first thing you need to do is "stop digging". So the first step in losing weight is to control your food intake. I am sharing just a few of my meals and snacks and remember calories do count! Hopefully these suggestions will help get you started but there are numerous other options for nutritious low calorie meals.
I eat 1500 calories each and every day.
And I don't waste those precious little guys on junk!

Breakfast Options/Suggestions:
(I have to eat breakfast or I will not lose weight, period!)
I will include brand names that I use to make it easier

EAS Protein Shake made with 1 cup milk and 1/2 banana

269 calories

1 cup of Cheerios with 1 cup milk and 1/2 cup fresh strawberries

242 calories

1/2 cup of Eggbeaters, 2 Jimmy Dean precooked Turkey Sausages in a Pita Pocket

280 calories

Lunch Options/Suggestions

3 slices of low-fat deli ham and Sargento low-fat cheddar cheese slice with 1/4 avocado, sliced tomatoes, lettuce in a pita with sliced cucumbers and baby carrots on the side
439 calories

Ole High Fiber Low Carb Tortilla Wrap with 4 oz grilled chicken breast, 1/2 cup of shredded carrots and 1/4 avocado with a side salad with Wishbone Spray Ranch Dressing
458 calories

Italian Veggie Soup with Tequila Lime Chicken Breast on a Pita
496 calories

Dinner Options/Suggestions

Turkey Meatloaf, Lighter Mashed Potatoes and Stir Fry Green Beans
535 calories

6 oz Grilled Tenderloin Beef Steak, Baked Sweet Potato, Steamed Asparagus
555 calories

Skinny Chicken Enchiladas, 1/2 cup No Fat Refried Beans, Lettuce and Tomatoes
545 calories

Zucchini Lasagna with Mixed Green Salad with Spray Salad Dressing (pictured above)
350 calories

Snack Options/Suggestions
(eat two snacks daily)

EAS Protein Chocolate Shake with 1 cup milk
235 calories

Pure Protein Bar
180 calories

1 Apple with 1 Sargento Light String Cheese stick
130 calories

Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb Light Cream cheese (1 wedge) and 6-8 slices of cucumber
45 calories

4 cups of Air Popped Popcorn with 1 oz low fat cheddar cheese
170 calories

2 tablespoons of Peanut Butter on 2 stalks of celery
210 calories

Before you start on your healthy journal, a diet diary is needed.
If you don't have an easy way to monitor your calories, those pesky little guys will totally get out of control. I use an online diary because it's easy, always with me and does all the math:))

I have found numerous free Apps to download but right now I am using

My Fitness Pal

(also in my sidebar)

It's synced on my Iphone and on my desktop. So handy!

But a small notebook will also work just fine.

Do not skimp on calories, eat all your calories every day. Anytime I fall below my daily allowance, I do not lose weight. Think about fueling your metabolism the same as fueling a fire. The fire dies down if it doesn't receive fuel and so does metabolism.

So live, eat and enjoy!!

How I Lost 20 lbs in 3 months Series

Week 1- The Plan
Week 2- Menu Changes, Suggestions and Options
Week 3- Water and Weigh-In

Sharing at this awesome parties!!!

Stir Fry Thai Green Beans

2013-05-06T04:00:00.000-06:00

I love fresh veggies! It is amazing the difference in taste of canned green beans and fresh. Not to mention the difference of sodium levels. I can make these green beans in about the same amount of time required to heat a can of green beans.

Stir Fry Thai Green Beans

(serves 3)

3 Cups of fresh Green Beans (about a handful per person)

2-3 dried Thai red Chiles

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1 clove of garlic, crushed

salt and pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a wok or large skillet. Add the crushed Thai Chiles and green beans and stir fry until almost done (about 5-6 minutes), add the crushed garlic and stir fry for 1-2 minutes longer. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with Turkey Meatloaf and Lighter Mashed Potatoes.

Sharing at these parties:)

Lets Get Social Sunday #19

2013-05-05T04:00:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder - Lets Get Social Sunday will be on 9 different blogs every week! That means maximum exposure for you :)
Also, we have had a few requests to add BlogLovin' and Instagram to the line-up. So, if you're looking for new followers on those social media outlets, be sure to link up those as well!

Welcome to Let's Get Social Sunday!

Please:)

(1) Follow your hosts and co-hosts in as many ways as possible. We are the first 2-9 link-ups in each category.

Hosts:

Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes

Joy @ Yesterfood
Linda @ With A Blast
Paula @ Call Me PMc
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
Diane @ Mamal Diane
Evelyn @ My Turn for us

and meet our co-hosts this week:

Ginny @ Vegan in the Freezer

and

Leia @ Latitude Adjustment

(2) Grab our button and share it on your blog

(3) Let us know if you followed in the comments, so we can return the follows!

(4) Find some new blogs to follow and let 'em know you found them from the Let's Get Social Sunday party.

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.myturnforus.com/" title="Let's Get Social Sunday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s368/lovebakesgoodcakes/LBGC%20-%20reoccuring/LBCG%20Buttons%20and%20Banners/letsgetsocial2button.jpg" alt="Let's Get Social Sunday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Not a requirement, but we appreciate the love - If you enjoy this party, would you mind hitting the tweet button to help spread the word? Or share on your favorite social media! Thanks y'all :)

Blog:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Pinterest:

Google+:

BlogLovin':

Instagram:

Don't forget to share and comment ♥

Freedom Fridays #52

2013-05-02T18:30:00.000-06:00

Welcome
My Friends!!

I wish to thank everyone who shared last week here at Freedom Fridays!!

Here are just some of the awesome posts that caught my eye.

DIY Portable Fire Feature

@ With a Blast

Healthier Nachos Supreme
@ A Cozy Place Called Home

Cheesecake in a Jar
@ annies home

Antique Hutch & Chalk Paint Makeover

@ Hickory Trail

Want Your Picture To Show On Google Searches?

@ Ducks 'n a Row

If you were chosen please don't forget to grab my featured button:)
and I will be pinning these features and sharing them on Facebook.

Have you seen the new series here at My Turn for us?

I have lost 20 pounds since January 30 and I wish to share all the tips I have learned these past 3 months.

So turn in every Tuesday and I will be giving tips, support and great choices for a healthier lifestyle.

If you missed it this week, here's the link:)

Now on to this weeks party!

This party is a RULE Free Zone:))

Because

I am retired from enforcing laws, rules etc:)

So enjoy being my guest and have fun!

Let's Link up:)

Scarves, Scarves and More Scarves!

2013-05-01T04:00:00.000-06:00

I dropped in to my Mommy in Laws house and guess what I found!

Scarves, scarves and more scarves!!!

So much fun and they are just gorgeous!!

And of course she taught me how to make my own:))
and some for my Granddaughters!

Boa Scarves

This is the coolest yarn ever!

Not sure if it's really called yarn because its similar to netting.

See!

Just too Cool!

Start by typing a knot in one end of the yarn

Use a size D crochet hook and

on one side of the strip, grab 8 stitches. I choose the side indicted by the arrow to allow the design on the left side to hang free.

Like this!

Grab the ninth stitch...

And pull it through all eight stitches.

As each stitch is pulled through, it gathers the yarn and creates this ruffle effect.

Continue until the desired length is acquired. I used the entire skein of yarn for my scarf.

Then you just have to buy more yarn!

These are so much fun to make and fun to wear!

And these are ready to go into the mail for....

These little cuties!

Then I made my Granddaughters just too happy with these scarves!

Sharing at these parties!

How I lost 20lbs in 3 months-Part 1

2013-04-30T04:00:00.000-06:00

As most of you know, I have been on a heathy journey since Jan 30, 2013 Guess what? It's really paid off. As of today I am down 20.3 lbs:))))) And I feel GREAT!
"Nothing tastes as good as losing weight!"
I decided to share what I have learned these past three months. But sorry, no before pictures. I don't have it in me to share those befores and yes, I am a little vain;))

Here is what started this journey:
I just woke up one morning and noticed that I had gained 30 lbs overnight. Isn't that the way it happens, you kinda know things are getting out of control but you ignore it until one day, you really look in the mirror. And Woowser!!!

After the initial shock wore off, I slunk away from the mirror then I begin my assault on this arch enemy. I begin by compiling all the information I could gleam on heathy eating. My hubby (who is always on board) begin by putting together workout plans. (I know! We have always made a great team!) We just took it one day at a time and supported each other. He is down 20+ pounds and is now piling on the muscle. Yeah guys are different, they are not happy watching the scale go down, they really want that muscle mass to go up. But I am not complaining, he is looking so very fine!! :)))
We are just taking it one day at a time and doing what we need to do today so we will be healthier tomorrow:))

I just thought I would share a few tips today and I will continue to update and share the journey in future posts. One post can not cover everything so this post will be the first in an ongoing series.

Be sure and sign up for email alerts right here

so you will not miss a post:)

Basic Tips for losing weight:

1. Stay away from crash diets. They don't work for the long term. Period! They totally mess with your metabolism! Bad!

2. Eat! Metabolism burns calories faster and more efficiently than running on that treadmill and if you starve, you will kill your metabolism.

3. Count every bite of food that you put in your mouth. You could either use a notebook or there are a zillion apps out there. I use My Fitness Pal, its on my phone and on my desktop:) It's Free!
I am able to scan the bar code on products or search for my favorite foodies. (more to come later on this) This is easy and is not time consuming.

4. Exercise! Don't let that self defeating excuse "I don't have time" get in your way. We work out 30-60 minutes daily in some manner. You deserve that time! It's not that hard and it absolutely becomes addictive. We turn the TV off, this is our time to get healthy and spend the "Ultimate Quality Time" together. So important! Sit down right now and schedule your exercise time! A priority! I can not stress this enough!!

So sorry to say there is not any miracle pill or miracle diet that you will be at that perfect size tomorrow! But 3 months will be here in 3 months so its your decision to either be at this same crossroads or nearer your goal in those same 3 months.

But there is a Miracle Plan its called:
Diet and Exercise!
(I know, everyone was right, that ol' diet and exercise stuffs really works)

All successful people start with a plan and never lose focus of that plan.
Here is the Plan:

1. Know how many calories you need to eat each day to lose weight and eat those calories.   Click Here to use just one of many calculators out there. (set a goal of losing 1 to 1.5 lbs each week)

2. Gather together your exercise equipment (yes, we all have exercise equipment:))) Dumbbells, jump rope, bicycle, etc. You don't need a high dollar home gym or gym membership. I will be giving more tips and plans for this in future posts:))

3. Throw out or donate all junk food in your house (our definition of junk food* below). It's not waste, it will just put more on your hips that you will just have to work off later, get rid of it now because either way, you will have to get rid of it:))

Not to worry, I will be sharing alternatives to these junk food addictions.

For example a High Protein Chocolate bar satisfies my craving for chocolate candy.
Note the comparison:

Pure Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar: calories 200, fat 6g, protein 20g and sugar 2g

Baby Ruth Bar: calories 280, fat 14g, protein 4g and sugar 33g

How I Lost 20 lbs in 3 months
Week 1- The Plan
Week 2- Menu Changes, Suggestions and Options
Week 3- Water and Weigh-In

Knowledge is Power!!

*Junk Food contain empty calories:

Sugar
Sugary drinks
Fruit Juices (typical grape juice has 50 % more sugar than Coca Cola)
Cookies, candy and all sugary treats
potato chips
most crackers
white bread
white rice
prepackaged or prepared foods (high in either sodium, fat or sugar)
beer and other alcohol drinks (I know this made me sad also)
more to come later

White Chili

2013-04-29T04:00:00.000-06:00

Since the weather is really not breaking into spring, I decided to make White Chili! It's lean, healthy and so satisfying.

White Chili

2 cups of cooked chicken breast, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 4oz can of chopped green chiles, drained
1 teaspoon of cumin
1/2 teaspoon of oregano
1/8 teaspoon of ground chipotle pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups of chicken broth
1 can (16 oz) garbanzos beans
1 can (15.8 oz) great northern beans
1/4 cup fresh cilantro,chopped
1/2 cup of low fat Monterey jack cheese

Saute onion and jalapeño in olive oil in a dutch oven until just tender. Add garlic, chiles, cumin, oregano, chiotle chile powder and salt. Saute for another minute. Stir in chicken broth, beans and chicken. Bring to boil, lower heat to simmer, cover and cook for 25 minutes.
Serve with cilantro and cheese.

Sharing at these rocking parties!

Lets Get Social Sunday #18

2013-04-28T04:00:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder - Lets Get Social Sunday will be on 9 different blogs every week! That means maximum exposure for you :)
Also, we have had a few requests to add BlogLovin' and Instagram to the line-up. So, if you're looking for new followers on those social media outlets, be sure to link up those as well!

Welcome to Let's Get Social Sunday!

Please:)

(1) Follow your hosts and co-hosts in as many ways as possible. We are the first 2-9 link-ups in each category.

Hosts:

Evelyn @ My Turn for us

Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes
Joy @ Yesterfood
Linda @ With A Blast
Paula @ Call Me PMc
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
Diane @ Mamal Diane

and meet our co-hosts this week:

Sherry @ Cafe Vita

and

Lorraine @ Cooking For the Seven Dwarfs

(2) Grab our button and share it on your blog

(3) Let us know if you followed in the comments, so we can return the follows!

(4) Find some new blogs to follow and let 'em know you found them from the Let's Get Social Sunday party.

<div align="center"><a href=" http://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/" title="Let's Get Social Sunday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s368/lovebakesgoodcakes/LBGC%20-%20reoccuring/LBCG%20Buttons%20and%20Banners/letsgetsocial2button.jpg" alt="Let's Get Social Sunday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Not a requirement, but we appreciate the love - If you enjoy this party, would you mind hitting the tweet button to help spread the word? Or share on your favorite social media! Thanks y'all :)

Blog:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Pinterest:

Google+:

BlogLovin':

Instagram:

Don't forget to share and comment ♥

Freedom Fridays #51

2013-04-25T18:30:00.000-06:00

Welcome
My Friends!!

I wish to thank everyone who shared last week here at Freedom Fridays!!

Here are just some of the awesome posts that caught my eye.

Pocket Purses
@ Family Home and Life

Homemade Tex-Mex Pork Tamales
@ The TipToe Fairy

Glazed Strawberry-Peach Muffins
@ Lemon Tree Dwelling

Turquoise Ring Tutorial
@ Adorned From Above

If you were chosen please don't forget to grab my featured button:)
and I will be pinning these features and sharing them on Facebook.

Blogger Event Sign-up Opportunity

Kerry from Oh So Amelia, is currently looking for bloggers to participate in another cash giveaway! After many previous group giveaways which have been such a success such as the $500 cash giveaway which had over 80,000 entries she has decided to host another amazing giveaway. The giveaway will go live at the end of May (date to be confirmed). You don't want to miss out on this one! For all the information and to sign up click HERE!

Now on to this weeks party!

This party is a RULE Free Zone:))

Because

I am retired from enforcing laws, rules etc:)

So enjoy being my guest and have fun!

Let's Link up:)

Blogger Event Sign Up- Cash Giveaway

2013-04-25T11:22:00.000-06:00

Kerry from Ohsoamelia is currently looking for bloggers to participate in another cash giveaway! After many previous group giveaways which have been such a success such as the $500 cash giveaway which had over 80,000 entries she has decided to host another amazing giveaway for you lovely lot! The giveaway will go live at the end of May (date to be confirmed). You don't want to miss out on this one!

Read below for details

PRIZE: Not confirmed yet but roughly $300-$500 depending on how many sign up

DATE: Will be confirmed soon

WORLDWIDE!!

FEES:

1 link = $5 (Facebook or Twitter ONLY)

2 links = $10

3 links = $15

~~CO-HOST = $20 (This includes a Host Page / 4 links in the rafflecopter and more!)~~ Co-host spaces all gone

HOW TO SIGN UP:

- Fill out this form

- Repost this post! (copy and paste into your own post)

- Send payment to ohsoamelia@gmail.com

Referral prize of $25 for the most referred blogger: Re-post this event and get other bloggers to mention you when signing up.

* Sign up period will close once we have reached the total prize amount.

*The total giveaway cash amount depends on how many bloggers sign up.

*All money is used in the giveaway ONLY (no admin fees)

Desert Cactus

2013-04-24T04:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, it is a cactus!

See

Just Gorgeous

But just for looking not for touching:)))

Sharing at these parties!

Lighter Mashed Potatoes

2013-04-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

Potatoes are not a total taboo food when on a healthy journey:)

Cooked properly, they bring much needed nutrients and satisfaction to your diet.

Its usually not the potato itself that gives it the bad rap. It's the butter, sour cream and heavy cream that we pile in and on it.

Here is my version of

Lighter Mashed Potatoes

(serves 6)

1 lb of red potatoes

1 Tablespoon of "I Can't believe its not Butter" Spread

1/2 cup skim milk

salt and pepper to taste

Cut the potatoes into 1-2 inch pieces and bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add potatoes and cook until fork tender. (about 10 minutes)

Drain and place back into the pot, add milk, butter spread, salt and pepper. Mash using a potato masher until the desired consistency is obtained.

Serve:)

Great with Turkey Meatloaf and

Stir Fry Thai Green Beans.

Sharing at these great parties!

Turkey Meatloaf

2013-04-22T04:00:00.000-06:00

This Turkey Meatloaf is total comfort food!

But....not to worry:)

This recipe is about 160 calories a serving and only 2.1 grams of fat, so enjoy!!!

Turkey Meatloaf
(6 servings)

1.25 lbs of Extra Lean Ground White Turkey
1 small onion, chopped
olive oil
4 egg whites
3/4 cup of salsa
3/4 cup old fashioned oats, uncooked
Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix*
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Saute the onion in just a dab of olive oil until caramelized, let cool to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, caramelized onion, salsa, egg whites, oats, soup mix and black pepper. Place in a 9 x 5 loaf pan or 3 small 1 lb loaf pans. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Place in preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes until juices run clear and the meatloaf is not longer pink in the center. Serve with Lighter Mashed Potatoes and Stir Fry Thai Green Beans.

By the way, this recipe is tastier than my basic beef meatloaf, and even if I wasn't watching those bad little calories, I would choose this one:))

Sharing at these rocking parties!

*Knorr Vegetable Soup mix contains dried onions, carrots, tomato flakes, celery root flakes, leek, cabbage flakes, peas, tomato and broccoli powder! A great way to add flavor and veggies.