tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82367050902318770362024-03-13T00:03:35.770-07:00Blissful Firefly LaneUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-56560609153412353882013-02-28T18:43:00.003-08:002013-02-28T18:43:54.360-08:00MIA<div style="text-align: center;">
Sorry I have been MIA for a REALLY long time. I had a baby! Yes, it was extremely early and very unexpected. I won't be posting on here for a while. If you want to follow the journey of my sweet little boy please check out his blog.</div>
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<a href="http://babylandrymartin.blogspot.com/">http://babylandrymartin.blogspot.com/</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-5915933308397219792013-01-30T09:29:00.001-08:002013-01-30T09:46:29.363-08:00Body Turnaround Challenge...AGAIN! <div style="text-align: center;">
Do you remember me telling you about the <a href="http://blissfulfireflylane.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-body-turnaround-challenge.html">Body Turnaround Challenge</a> at the beginning of the month? Well, the response we got was so overwhelming...we are opening the challenge up to new people! You would not believe the results people are getting with the <a href="http://blissfulfireflylane.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=89280">Turnaround Kit</a> and we have people doing maintenance on the <a href="http://blissfulfireflylane.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=89281">Lean and Healthy Kit</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfuiZVctu3qgK7_CQwswdhd43SMgdRQYbSGm6OyywYvPeIGzMHBCGS8J_MO58Ui1xrEsX4GbALSldPzrch1TXS_1oRZuii5MyPB3Fw8lMc7YAFNL5tDHb45tF3uUMr8lFS8pFfv2qkH4/s1600/NEW+body+turnaround+challenge++.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfuiZVctu3qgK7_CQwswdhd43SMgdRQYbSGm6OyywYvPeIGzMHBCGS8J_MO58Ui1xrEsX4GbALSldPzrch1TXS_1oRZuii5MyPB3Fw8lMc7YAFNL5tDHb45tF3uUMr8lFS8pFfv2qkH4/s320/NEW+body+turnaround+challenge++.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The best thing about this challenge is all the SUPPORT people are getting. If you decide to become a challenge participant you will get access to an exclusive online forum. This is a safe place where you can share your progress, concerns, post questions, and share your victories. </div>
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I have never been so proud to be part of such a wonderful group! Since I am nearly 26 weeks pregnant, I incorporate the Lean and Healthy kit into my daily life. This way I am ensuring I get all the vitamins and minerals baby and I need! Once he is born I will be diving into the Turnaround kit, so I can lose the baby weight and then some! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJwALrsLYPPR2xkxtnkYa9XKFvRjuarmbo7cpAtIjpMawvabDuhUSfOkcq12Ph-zm83XgOnQBYU_FBm-bnSCCiLkK5XbGwjejTLmMFpQciqoQlHU271Eps5iOjcYZNCC-KyDi7qH_7Tg/s1600/319745_4274267173593_987731628_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJwALrsLYPPR2xkxtnkYa9XKFvRjuarmbo7cpAtIjpMawvabDuhUSfOkcq12Ph-zm83XgOnQBYU_FBm-bnSCCiLkK5XbGwjejTLmMFpQciqoQlHU271Eps5iOjcYZNCC-KyDi7qH_7Tg/s320/319745_4274267173593_987731628_n.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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The value is amazing! How much do you spend on coffee a day? You can get healthy for less than that! Plus it is really easy to get your products for FREE! Yup, I said F.R.E.E! This is one of the features I am most excited about. For every month you have three people taking the challenge with you, you will get your products for free. It doesn't get much simpler than that!</div>
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If you are ready to get your life AND body back please let me know! I am so excited to continue working with the first round of challengers and now YOU! I look forward to taking to you soon. :) </div>
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<a href="mailto:wschmitt123@gmail.com">wschmitt123@gmail.com</a><br />
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*Don't forget...If you are not 100% satisfied with ANY Shaklee product you will get your money back!* </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">"I lost a total of 50 pounds, 22 pounds in my first 90 days!" ~Lori</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">"First 90 days, I lost 38 pounds. Our new baby gained a fit new daddy!" ~Zack</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-17571189228842650872013-01-26T17:04:00.000-08:002013-01-26T17:04:04.121-08:00Weekly Meal Plan 1.27--2.2<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">W<span style="font-size: medium;">here did this month go? <span style="font-size: medium;">Is it seriously going to be <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">February</span> soon? Insane! </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is what we will be dining on this week. Please feel free to share your meal plans! I love getting new ideas. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Weekly
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday: Pork t<span style="font-size: medium;">enderloin, twice bake<span style="font-size: medium;">d po<span style="font-size: medium;">tatoes, and veggie</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Monday: Sl<span style="font-size: medium;">oppy Joe<span style="font-size: medium;">'s, <span style="font-size: medium;">sweet potato<span style="font-size: medium;"> f<span style="font-size: medium;">ries<span style="font-size: medium;">, and veggie</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tuesday: Chili. We love this, so we eat it <span style="font-size: medium;">A LOT. I'm go<span style="font-size: medium;">ne all day with appointments, so it will be nice to come <span style="font-size: medium;">home to the house smelling like <strike>heaven</strike><span style="font-size: medium;"><strike> </strike>chili. ;)</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wednesday: <span style="font-size: medium;">Omelets</span> and fruit smoothies. We finally have our farm fresh eggs back<span style="font-size: medium;">! I love that we can get farm fresh eggs for $1 a <span style="font-size: medium;">dozen. That is a <span style="font-size: medium;">steal! <span style="font-size: medium;">Because<span style="font-size: medium;"> they are so cheap we al<span style="font-size: medium;">ways give <span style="font-size: medium;">a l<span style="font-size: medium;">ittle extra.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thursday: Hopefully there are some leftovers of some sor<span style="font-size: medium;">ts. :) </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Friday: Chicken and dumplings<span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-65519614931960371642013-01-24T16:14:00.001-08:002013-01-24T16:14:42.289-08:00Investing In Your Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmX5pevkZrbnc3o6bVy1pnajDfDHoRm0OK8LoKqj1noFRLsCel4U6x87oUehyxPFNOpOcsEBf4BfwKeB4sPxvcULhH2A7d40AhEUGNTti16WkARIZvoLa4q5vDht5hTS6c6V5VrKE2eI/s1600/DSC01371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmX5pevkZrbnc3o6bVy1pnajDfDHoRm0OK8LoKqj1noFRLsCel4U6x87oUehyxPFNOpOcsEBf4BfwKeB4sPxvcULhH2A7d40AhEUGNTti16WkARIZvoLa4q5vDht5hTS6c6V5VrKE2eI/s320/DSC01371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Isn't this picture beautiful? Maybe it only is to me, but we LOVE fruit in this house. We call it natures candy. Who needs a snickers when you can have this healthy NATURAL sweetness? Not me! </div>
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I'm sure you have heard the old saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." I tend to believe this is true because fruit is packed full of vitamin, minerals, and fiber. All of these things are important to our health. Fruit also has <a href="http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/phytochemicals">phytochemicals</a> which can help in fighting against cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Sounds like eating fruit is a no brainer, so why don't people eat enough?</div>
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I always hear the excuse that fruit is expensive...organic fruit especially. I USED TO BE ONE OF THESE PEOPLE! I'm a bit ashamed of it now that I look back. </div>
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Would you rather eat the top picture, or the bottom? I for one would MUCH rather eat the bottom picture. For those who think the bottom picture costs more...think again. For my husband and I to eat fast food, three times a day, it would cost us roughly $40 ($10 breakfast and $15 for lunch and dinner). Sure it would be cheaper if we ate off the value menu, but I know that wouldn't happen. This doesn't even include snacks and any other drinks we would want.</div>
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In other words, for us to eat all our meals out (fast food) for ONE week would cost us $280. That is a lot for the little amount of food you get! </div>
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Instead, we spend on average $75 a week on groceries (mostly unprocessed and organic). Then I spend about $50 every 2-3 months at our local locker for meat. For the sake of easy math let's say I spend $20 a month on meat. That is $95 a week on groceries for two people. We eat all breakfasts at home. I eat lunch at home and my husband takes his <a href="http://blissfulfireflylane.blogspot.com/2013/01/saving-money-on-lunch.html">lunch to work</a>. I make 5-6 dinners at home a week for us as well. </div>
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For $95 we are able to eat most meals from scratch. We are eating healthy and saving money! I know that grocery prices depend on region and store, but I think we can all agree that eating at home saves money and saves on our health.</div>
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I think it is important to look at healthy unprocessed foods as an investment in our health. Sure I could get out of the grocery store for less money if I filled my cart with chips, cookies, and sugary cereals. Is that really wise though? </div>
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The next time you are in the grocery store and shocked by the cost of wholesome non processed foods STOP yourself. Think of it as fueling your body in a natural way. Are you tired of always going to the doctor? Are you tired of feeling bloated and lethargic? Are you tired of your kids bouncing off the walls with all the sugar they consume? Changing your diet can help alleviate all of this! You are investing in your families overall well being. :) </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-73990886117305050892013-01-22T14:27:00.001-08:002013-01-22T14:30:30.514-08:0024 Week Update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.montanaprolifecoalition.org/images/24%20week%20ultrasound-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://www.montanaprolifecoalition.org/images/24%20week%20ultrasound-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sorry, I didn't get a picture taken and I wanted to get this post up because it is late! I will do better next time. :)</div>
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As of today I am 24 weeks 4 days. Time if flying! I can't even believe it. I start going weekly now. This is a high risk pregnancy and we knew that going into it. Our eyes have been wide open the whole time and I have AMAZING doctors that watch us closely. </div>
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Can I just take a minute to tell you how wonderful all my doctors and nurses are? I have my primary o.b., but I have been rotating through all of them as well. You never know who will be on call when you go into labor. :) Everyone is amazing! They are all so sweet and caring. Never once am I made to feel that my questions are stupid. Never once have I been made to feel bad about myself. I have heard horror stories from some people and I was so worried going into this. </div>
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We knew I would have a great chance for G.D. going in because my thyroid gets so messed up. We now know with 100% certainty it is NOT my diet. The first time I met with the dietician I was certain she was going to "scold" me for something. That has NEVER happened. I get complimented all the time on how awesome my diet is. I keep a food journal along with a b.s. journal and take it with me to my appointments. My body just insulin resistant and being pregnant is not making it easier.</div>
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Landry is doing GREAT! He is an active little guy with a strong heart beat around 150 every time I go in. I'm so excited because I get another u/s in 2 weeks. I love seeing his little face. :) </div>
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I only have 1.5 more weeks of working outside of the home left. I am so excited to focus on getting things ready for him. Plus my feet will be thanking me. They get so swollen at night. My mom, sister, niece, and I went Outlet Mall shopping last week. He has more clothes than me! I got some ADORABLE things for him. I can't wait to dress him up in all these preppy little outfits. :) </div>
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Sleeping has been near impossible! I do not sleep through the night. I either have to get up and go to the bathroom, or my hips start hurting. Plus I have never been a great sleeper, so it doesn't really bother me. </div>
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I still get morning sickness. Every.single.day. That means I am still on Zofran. Once the Zofran kicks in I am good to go for the rest of the day. Unless, the dogs do something gross that makes me gag. Dog owners know the kinds of things I'm talking about! </div>
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That is all for the 24 week update. I am eating like a rockstar, I work out (pregnancy yoga) 3-4 days a week, and my blood pressure is awesome. Right now I am just battling my blood sugars. I know I will be on insulin before this pregnancy is over. Right now I am just learning what my body likes to be fueled with and when. All this hard work and healthy lifestyle has led me to only gain 6lbs so far! I blame a few of those pounds on being swollen when I stepped on the scale and wearing a heavy hooded sweatshirt. :)</div>
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This weekend I will be going and purchasing a fake wedding ring. LOL Mine is starting to get tight and I don't want to forget and have to have it cut off! And I feel naked without it on! </div>
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I hope everyone is having a great beginning of the week. Landry and I are going to go snuggle under a blanket for awhile. ;) </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-65367296524796195482013-01-19T18:20:00.003-08:002013-01-19T18:24:23.047-08:00Weekly Meal Plan 1.20-1.26<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another week<span style="font-size: medium;">, another meal plan. How<span style="font-size: medium;"> was your week? We did really well in the eating depart<span style="font-size: medium;">ment around here.<span style="font-size: medium;"> I <span style="font-size: medium;">got a new cook<span style="font-size: medium;">book that I <span style="font-size: medium;">will be di<span style="font-size: medium;">ving into this week. I have several new recipes mar<span style="font-size: medium;">ked. I love this cook<span style="font-size: medium;">book because it has all the nutritional information for each recipe. The recipes are healthier than their counterparts, but do not sacrifice taste and <span style="font-size: medium;">ing<span style="font-size: medium;">red<span style="font-size: medium;">ient quality. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Make sure you are following <span style="font-size: medium;">me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BlissfulFireflyLane">facebook<span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></a></span> I <span style="font-size: medium;">update on there much more <span style="font-size: medium;">frequently</span> than here<span style="font-size: medium;">. Plus I am al<span style="font-size: medium;">ways posting picture<span style="font-size: medium;">s o<span style="font-size: medium;">f our meals. Don't miss<span style="font-size: medium;"> out! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Weekly
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday: Cr<span style="font-size: medium;">ockpot lasagna and salad. New recipe from my new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-More-What-You-Love/dp/0762445890/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358638236&sr=8-1&keywords=eat+more+of+what+you+love">cook</a><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-More-What-You-Love/dp/0762445890/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358638236&sr=8-1&keywords=eat+more+of+what+you+love">book</a>! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Monday: <span style="font-size: medium;">BBQ chicken drumsticks, mashed potatoes, steamed veggie.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tuesday: Stirfry (made with veggies I froze th<span style="font-size: medium;">is summer<span style="font-size: medium;">) and rice <span style="font-size: medium;">(or noodles)</span>. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wednesday: Loaded salads and fru<span style="font-size: medium;">it. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thursday: Egg sandwiches and <span style="font-size: medium;">fru<span style="font-size: medium;">it smoothies.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Friday: White bean<span style="font-size: medium;"> and kale soup.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday:???</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-6662900430524100092013-01-17T04:00:00.000-08:002013-01-17T04:00:12.646-08:00Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia...Seeds.<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week I talked about <a href="http://blissfulfireflylane.blogspot.com/2013/01/nutritional-yeast.html">nutritional yeast</a>. This week I want to talk about something else you may have never heard of. Chia Seeds. I LOVE chia seeds. Yes, these are the same seeds used when growing a chia pet. *LOL* Do you think I'm nuts yet? I promise I'm not. :)</div>
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These little seeds hold so many health benefits!</div>
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1. They help you lose weight. They help you feel full faster because they absorb liquid and bulk up. </div>
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2. They are packed full of Omega-3. This is great for preventing heart disease. They actually have more Omega -3 than Salmon! </div>
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3. They help control blood sugar. Chia seeds help slow down how fast our bodies convert carbs to sugar.</div>
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4. They are a complete protein. This means you are going to have more energy through out the day. </div>
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For me, adding chia seeds into my diet was a no brainer. I heard about them a few years ago, but I was intimidated. I basically forgot about them until about 2 months ago. This is when I went to see a dietician. She reintroduced them to me and told me about all the great benefits they pack. </div>
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I just had no idea WHAT to do with them. I was afraid they would taste horrible. Basically, I was dumb and uneducated about their greatness. Chai seeds are so easy to incorporate into our daily diets and they have no taste! </div>
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I like adding mine to greek yogurt and oatmeal. They are also great to add to your baking. I don't do much baking, but on occasion we like muffins for breakfast. Adding chia seeds to the muffins is great! I also recommend adding them to smoothies and fruit salads. </div>
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There are A LOT of brands out there. And most grocery stores carry chia seeds in their health food section. I just chose the Dole brand because it was about $5 cheaper than the others. I will need more in a few weeks and I think I will try another brand. These are the milled seeds and they say they don't lose any nutritional value, but next time I will be getting the whole seed variety. I am still fairly new to the chia bandwagon. ;) </div>
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If you can't find them in your store, look on Amazon. Amazon has everything. :) </div>
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What are you waiting for? Go get some chia seeds and get healthy! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-86244567681792936042013-01-15T13:32:00.000-08:002013-01-15T13:32:41.297-08:00Saving Money on Lunch<div style="text-align: center;">
Did you know that lunch time is where a lot of Americans waste money and calories? When you are working it is so easy to just grab something on your morning/afternoon break and lunch break. </div>
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My husbands place of employment is a perfect example of this! Everyday 95% of the people he works with go down to the gas stations for their morning break. Then at lunch they generally go back to the gas station, or order burgers from one of the restaurants in town. </div>
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They figured on average they are spending at least $10 a day on food and pop. That is $50 a week, or $200 a month! Oy! Those numbers are on the conservative side as well. </div>
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My husband works with no one who has a concept of a healthy lifestyle. These guys live off cigarettes, beer, Mountain Dew, and Little Debbies. No joke. </div>
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In the last few years my husband has lost nearly 50lbs. All of this has been done through proper diet and cutting out pop. After seeing our family doctor last month he is now on a mission to maintain this wonderful weight loss. She wants him losing no more weight because where he is at now is perfect and healthy. I am so proud of him! </div>
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One of the easiest ways to cut the fat is by....get this...are you waiting for it? BRING YOUR OWN FOOD TO WORK! :) </div>
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Every night I pack his lunch for the following day. For his morning snack he generally likes fruit, celery with peanut butter, or a homemade yogurt parfait. For lunch I generally just make extra of what we had for dinner the night before. If we have no leftovers then he LOVES salads. I wish I loved salads as much as he did! Otherwise, sometimes he will request a couple peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Nothing fancy here! </div>
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He also only drinks water at work. We have a reverse osmosis system and a <a href="http://blissfulfireflylane.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=89099">filtered water pitcher</a> at home. He takes a 32oz water jug with him in the morning and drinks that at his desk until lunch. Then he will drink the 24oz water bottle you see in the picture above. </div>
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We save so much money just by him taking his snacks, lunch, and water to work everyday. I am fortunate enough to be home by 1:00 in the afternoon, so I eat lunch at home as well. I just can't imagine us spending $200+ a month on eating lunch out. I think it is a waste of money and calories! </div>
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Do you take your lunch to work? </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-6032108326090822742013-01-13T10:59:00.001-08:002013-01-13T10:59:46.075-08:00Weekly Meal Plan 1.13- 1.19<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> We are armed and ready for the week. How about you<span style="font-size: medium;">?!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, we will go through all that fruit in one week. We love fruit. Plus we also love eating healthy. We feel better and have so much more energy when we consume he<span style="font-size: medium;">althy foods. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is what we will be eating th<span style="font-size: medium;">is week. Enjoy! </span> </span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Weekly
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday: <span style="font-size: medium;">Homemade <span style="font-size: medium;">chicken veggie soup.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Monday: Tacos <span style="font-size: medium;">with all the fixings.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tuesday:<span style="font-size: medium;"> Chili. Yes, we had th<span style="font-size: medium;">is last week, but we <span style="font-size: medium;">love it so much I am making it again! </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wednesday: Roast ch<span style="font-size: medium;">icken, <span style="font-size: medium;">quino<span style="font-size: medium;">a<span style="font-size: medium;">, and stea<span style="font-size: medium;">med veggies.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thursday: Chicken broccoli rice casserole.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Friday: ??? I am going to be gone <span style="font-size: medium;">all day, so <span style="font-size: medium;">it might be huge salads or leftovers <span style="font-size: medium;">(if we <span style="font-size: medium;">have any)</span></span>. If all else fails there <span style="font-size: medium;">are always eggs. :)</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday: ???</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-89878070567706683332013-01-10T13:19:00.001-08:002013-01-10T13:19:46.472-08:00Nutritional Yeast<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever heard of nutritional yeast? I hadn't until last April when I went to our local Natural Living Expo. My husband and I attended a cooking demonstration put on by a raw food chef. She made us Cheesy Cauliflower Popcorn. It was delicious! The star of the show was nutritional yeast.</div>
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You might be wondering WHY I would want to eat yeast? Well, nutritional yeast isn't really yeast. It is a great source of protein, amino acids, iron, B vitamins, and potassium. Can I just tell you how much this stuff rocks?!</div>
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My favorite way to eat it is sprinkled on popcorn. Nutritional yeast has a cheesy taste and is great to use as a cheese replacement. We also like to add it on top of our pasta sauces. </div>
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I cannot find it in my local grocery store (my small town organic store closed), so I order mine on Amazon. Their are several different brands, but I use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Star-Nutritional-Yeast-Flake/dp/B000173IHE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1357852302&sr=8-2&keywords=nutritional+yeast">Red Star</a>. This is the brand the chef used in the demonstration, so I have just stuck with it. </div>
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If you are trying to get healthier, lose weight, live a cleaner lifestyle, ect then I would recommend trying nutritional yeast as a cheese replacement for certain dishes. </div>
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Let me know what you think of nutritional yeast! </div>
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Side Note: If you live in the middle of nowhere, like me, then it might be hard to find some of these products in your local grocery store. Amazon is a GREAT way to get these food products. If you don't have Prime I HIGHLY recommend getting it. We get free two day shipping on almost everything we buy! And we buy a lot from Amazon. I hate having to drive 30-50 minutes (one way!) to get to a store that carries what I need.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-33917352452406657392013-01-08T19:21:00.000-08:002013-01-08T19:21:00.975-08:00Healthy Smoothies<div style="text-align: center;">
I absolutely love smoothies. I love making them in the morning because they are healthy and packed full of protein. Perfect for keeping baby and me healthy and fueled all morning long. </div>
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There are tons of smoothie recipes out on the world wide web. Some of them sound amazing to me and some of them sound down right gross. I thought I would share my favorite smoothie combination with you.</div>
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To make two smoothies (one for my husband and I) I use:</div>
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1 cup yogurt (try <a href="http://blissfulfireflylane.blogspot.com/2012/12/homemade-yogurt.html">homemade</a>!) </div>
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2 cups frozen fruit (we really like strawberries and blueberries)</div>
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2 scoops protein powder (I use <a href="http://blissfulfireflylane.myshaklee.com/us/en/category.php?main_cat=WeightManagement&sub_cat=Shaklee180Smoothees">this </a>because it tastes the best and isn't gritty like some powders)</div>
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2 big handfuls of spinach (yup, I use spinach! I promise you CANNOT taste it!)</div>
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and a splash of milk</div>
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Blend everything up until it is smooth and creamy. </div>
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Voila you have the perfect smoothie with out all the added sugars and cost! Buying smoothies at specialty shops is EXPENSIVE! I make my own to stay healthy and save money. :)</div>
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The blueberries and spinach are both really high in antioxidants. Again, I PROMISE you cannot taste the spinach. :) This would be a great way to sneak some veggies in your kids diet. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-27546105782607932892013-01-07T17:45:00.002-08:002013-01-07T17:45:57.299-08:0022 Weeks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3mJjQQDvTm8X7xt2HrP0K6PxQA4ud2_5S5W4zKhisAm2lJ_kqv11cGllQtOng7WfAtpbVhNxgwafyzpR6mjZOuH3x_KCgE-mdwvdFu-1aRlwVzLFTcUSca8C0pTyqsmJ_fkCSALR46k/s1600/DSC01342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3mJjQQDvTm8X7xt2HrP0K6PxQA4ud2_5S5W4zKhisAm2lJ_kqv11cGllQtOng7WfAtpbVhNxgwafyzpR6mjZOuH3x_KCgE-mdwvdFu-1aRlwVzLFTcUSca8C0pTyqsmJ_fkCSALR46k/s320/DSC01342.JPG" width="282" /></a></div>
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Holy baby belly! </div>
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It is hard to believe I am already 22weeks! It feels like I have so much time left, but then when I think about it I start to panic a little. I have very little time left! I have been knee deep in re-organizing everything in my house. My house is already organized, but I want it super organized before little man gets here. :)</div>
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My next O.B. appointment is next week, so I will have more "stats" to update on then. For now here is what has been going on...</div>
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I CAN FEEL HIM MOVE!!! Finally! The first time I felt him was at 20 weeks 4 days. I didn't think much of it because it was just tiny and weird feeling. Then the next few days I was certain it was him. He sure likes using my bladder as a trampoline. ;) </div>
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I have also started retaining water. I have been really watching my sodium and how much I am on my feet. I fear my wedding ring is going to have to come off soon. This is something I will bring up at my next appointment.</div>
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I have also failed my glucose testing. I have been following a "loose" diabetic diet since 12 weeks, but my pancreas just isn't picking up the slack (so to speak). I now test my bs 4 times a day and my urine once a day. Friday I will call in my blood sugars and see if they want me on medication. I am on a low sugar, low carb, low sodium, high protein diet. This is kind of tricky since I only tolerate chicken. I had the dietician school me on a vegetarian diet because meat just isn't very appealing right now. </div>
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I cannot get enough fruit! Lucky for me my diet allows me to have fruit. </div>
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That is about all that has been going on. I have been purchasing a few things here and there, but for the most part we have everything bought. I am now organizing everything. </div>
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I will update again at 24 weeks! :) </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-55947576141823469192013-01-04T13:44:00.000-08:002013-01-04T13:44:05.241-08:00Weekly Meal Plan 1.6--1.12
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I feel so on<span style="font-size: medium;"> top of things this week! I have my gro<span style="font-size: medium;">c<span style="font-size: medium;">eries<span style="font-size: medium;"> bought, put away, meal plan done, and my house is clean! Plus I am pretty sure I <span style="font-size: medium;">have started the nesting <span style="font-size: medium;">ph<span style="font-size: medium;">ase...a bit <span style="font-size: medium;">early. LOL I <span style="font-size: medium;">just can<span style="font-size: medium;">'t hel<span style="font-size: medium;">p it. I have bee<span style="font-size: medium;">n <span style="font-size: medium;">re<span style="font-size: medium;">-<span style="font-size: medium;">organizing everything in this house! It feels so good.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her<span style="font-size: medium;">e is my EXCIT<span style="font-size: medium;">ING gro<span style="font-size: medium;">cery haul for the week. <span style="font-size: medium;">;) As you can see, we don't eat much processed food. Instead we <span style="font-size: medium;">focus on lean protien, fruits, and veggies. Breakfast consists of oatmeal, steel cut oats<span style="font-size: medium;">, hard boiled eggs, or smoo<span style="font-size: medium;">thies. Lunch is always leftovers of some sorts, or salads. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Weekly
Meal Plan:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday: <span style="font-size: medium;">Chili. I make a huge <span style="font-size: medium;">batch and we will eat it for lunches basically all week. We LOVE chili! </span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Monday: Pi<span style="font-size: medium;">ta Pit. I have been craving it and I have a l<span style="font-size: medium;">ate doctors appointment<span style="font-size: medium;">, s<span style="font-size: medium;">o it is <span style="font-size: medium;">a <span style="font-size: medium;">perfect night for Pita Pit. :)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tuesday: <span style="font-size: medium;">"Loaded" lettuce salads. Basically<span style="font-size: medium;">, we thr<span style="font-size: medium;">ow as much stuff as we can on them. I will try to take a picture. ;) </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wednesday: <a href="http://blissfulfireflylane.blogspot.com/2012/09/paleo-stuffed-peppers.html">Paleo stuffed peppers</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thursday: Spaghetti with homem<span style="font-size: medium;">ade sauce<span style="font-size: medium;">, steamed veggie.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Friday: BBQ c<span style="font-size: medium;">hicken drumsticks, sweet potato<span style="font-size: medium;"> fries, steamed veggie.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday: ??? In case you are wondering. I never plan for Saturday. S<span style="font-size: medium;">ometimes we go out to eat an<span style="font-size: medium;">d sometimes I cook. Just depends on our weekend plans!</span></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-71152206595079008532013-01-02T12:51:00.000-08:002013-01-02T12:51:27.374-08:0010 Random Facts<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought it would be fun to start the new year off right. Here are 10 random facts you may, or may not know about me! :D<br /><ol>
<li>I am a HUGE Minnesota Vikings fan. Win or lose, I will always be a fan. </li>
<li>I have a weird obsession with keeping my floors clean.</li>
<li>I would rather clean a toilet than dust. Yes, I despise dusting that much.</li>
<li>I HATE leftovers...with the exception of soup. I usually pawn all the leftover off on my husband. :)</li>
<li>I love cats and tolerate dogs. :)</li>
<li>I am obsessed with cute little cloth diapers.</li>
<li>Pancakes are my favorite food.</li>
<li>If I am in a public restroom and I see someone not wash their hands I will tell them to. It is just so GROSS! Why would you not wash your hands?!</li>
<li>If a cashier is being extremely rude to me, I will be extremely nice to them! It makes people so mad when you are nice to them when they are being mean. I say "kill'em with kindness"!</li>
<li>Mouths and lips gross me out. The thought of putting my hands near someones mouth makes me want to puke. I could NEVER be a dentist! </li>
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There you go! Ten not-so-important facts about me. I bet your day is now complete knowing these little tidbits. ;) </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-3535313183624959292013-01-01T09:16:00.000-08:002013-01-01T09:43:15.444-08:00The Body Turnaround Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
The Body Turnaround Challenge is here! I'm so excited to introduce something fun, exciting and innovative with you. Are you tired of hanging onto those last 5-10lbs you have been hanging onto? Do you have 20, 30, 50, or even 100+ pounds to lose? Are you tired of having no energy? Do you want to maintain the healthy weight you already are? Are you pregnant (like me) and want to focus on proper nutrition? If you answered YES to any of those questions then I have something for YOU! </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Imagine This~</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">You lose your fat <i>FOREVER</i>!!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We tell you <i>exactly what to eat</i> & <i>show you how to exercise</i> (in 3 minutes a day) for 90 days</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>AND</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We <i>show you how to keep it off</i> for another 90 days!</span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You will receive your favorite flavored, yummy health smoothies and snacks. </b><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(The
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<b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You will not go hungry!! </b><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(You
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<b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You set the goals, we set the plan! </b><span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(Each
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body and shape, stay lean and mean AND a maintenance plan so you never
gain it back....EVER!!!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">You will also get an </b><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Droid Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><b style="line-height: 24px;">accountability online program to keep track of your progress. </b><span style="line-height: 24px;">You
will also be able to post updates directly on to Facebook (with
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join other like-minded and focused people to keep you on track.</b><span style="line-height: 24px;"> You will have access to a personal trainer so you can ask fitness questions and the right answers! You will also </span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Droid Sans, Arial, sans-serif;">receive daily motivation so you will stay motivated and not fall off.</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">You will finally be able to wear your skinny jeans again! This is the only program that </b><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Droid Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><b>guarantees that you will burn ONLY FAT! </b>So, you know your efforts will not only show it on the scale but you will literally see the inches falling off. You will </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Droid Sans, Arial, sans-serif;">exercise 3 minutes a day!</span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You will feel strong, motivated, and determined! You will feel the best you have in a really long time. You will be happy!</b></div>
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<b>Don't make weight loss the top of your New Year's Resolutions every year. Make a PERMANENT and HEALTHY lifestyle a part of your daily life starting NOW! </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsbEB40xwv7eKdttRgiLzEl64451uMhOPXITpA4rBtUmna8Rjmpt4dTRxVmbh9Tv_CuUu4lEN_LeY-ONWcgDX-tDD92B0Wy2DPOZqW7H7fCxEMnayjXdim_Dx0CXKzr3pmh_0PIkIUG4/s1600/3465721.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsbEB40xwv7eKdttRgiLzEl64451uMhOPXITpA4rBtUmna8Rjmpt4dTRxVmbh9Tv_CuUu4lEN_LeY-ONWcgDX-tDD92B0Wy2DPOZqW7H7fCxEMnayjXdim_Dx0CXKzr3pmh_0PIkIUG4/s1600/3465721.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><a href="http://blissfulfireflylane.myshaklee.com/us/en/shaklee180.s.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Shaklee 180!</span></a> </b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b> </b> <b>Be sure to <a href="mailto:wschmitt123@gmail.com">contact me</a> for more info! </b></div>
</div>
</div>
<img align="right" src="http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p501/raspberryroaddesign/BFL-sig_zps228a0609.png" style="border: 0;" />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-63633152763922307202012-12-29T18:59:00.000-08:002012-12-29T18:59:13.658-08:00Weekly Meal Plan 12.30--1.05
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> I hope everyone is enjoying the<span style="font-size: medium;"> last few days of 2012. I am so excited for what 201<span style="font-size: medium;">3 has to offer<span style="font-size: medium;">! <span style="font-size: medium;">My little man will be here and I have so many new ideas to share with everyone. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I want to <span style="font-size: medium;">incorporate more recipes into this blog and share more organizing<span style="font-size: medium;">/craft projects. I am <span style="font-size: medium;">also going to be sharing more of what I eat to stay healthy during pregnancy and I want to take you alon<span style="font-size: medium;">g for the journey of m<span style="font-size: medium;">e getting ready for baby! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">St<span style="font-size: medium;">ay Tuned! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONz3v3it9OIEyWSjTxf5ZgVeKXbij0sQt9JPQHgwKs5n3qs85taxBXRWz39KZB2H8LJqAsrazyNbYwlzImM1gtxK6Dbl6ibdPUtbexaEh53-JsqFni7XJIju8ibpdaausKLsiXvpJ63E/s1600/DSC01329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONz3v3it9OIEyWSjTxf5ZgVeKXbij0sQt9JPQHgwKs5n3qs85taxBXRWz39KZB2H8LJqAsrazyNbYwlzImM1gtxK6Dbl6ibdPUtbexaEh53-JsqFni7XJIju8ibpdaausKLsiXvpJ63E/s320/DSC01329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We only needed a few grocery items this week. I haven't had time to make yogurt because of all <span style="font-size: medium;">the holiday craziness and it HU<span style="font-size: medium;">RT shelling out <span style="font-size: medium;">$4.99 for it! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Can you tell I was craving white chicken chili enchiladas tonight? Recipe coming for that this week! </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Weekly
Meal Plan:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday: <a href="http://blissfulfireflylane.blogspot.com/2012/09/italian-chicken-veggie-bake.html">Italian Chicken Bake</a>.<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Monday: New Year's Eve! Trader Joe's orange chicken and vegan fried rice.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tuesday: Roast, cabbage, potatoes, carrots. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wednesday: C<span style="font-size: medium;">hicken and wild rice soup (from freezer). </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thursday: <span style="font-size: medium;">Shepard's Pie.</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Friday: Leftovers or breakfast. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday: ???</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-39433666820938729992012-12-27T10:55:00.000-08:002013-01-14T09:36:17.150-08:00DYI Survival Candles<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Everyone is in for a big treat today! My friend, Renee, made survival candles and is going to share them with you. When I saw she was going to be making them I quickly <strike>begged</strike> asked nicely if she would be willing to do a guest post on them. She gladly obliged my groveling and did. :) </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">DIY
Candles - Reeeneeebear Style</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">A
while back I re-pinned a how to make your
own </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://teotwawkiblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-survival-candles.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">survival candles</span></span></a><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">.
Like most pins I have, it is an awesome idea that I would
probably never get around to doing. However, after having our
own power outage and almost gagging because all I had at the time
were cinnamon candles, I decided that perhaps this would be a super
useful project. </span></span></span></div>
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</span>
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</span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I
decided to go about this a little differently. I wasn't crazy
about turning two of my pots into a double broiler. I'm all
about easy and fast clean up. So I decided to use my electric
skillet and some aluminum pans. This worked really well so I'm
going to share it with all of you!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>The
Materials:</u></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-fi7ItALX0W_C_nF-0W2ebw6Ozm6EZQazQLGMApwOyV5lM7w3wv3i0r8T59A0Voe3BlfsEKgxLhZJe7GY4H_6kCopJsfH_GwkV4w7xYlrdL2ppFpgzgtZ5ERZ-DQR3IQT_er_jKjN0w/s1600/Setup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-fi7ItALX0W_C_nF-0W2ebw6Ozm6EZQazQLGMApwOyV5lM7w3wv3i0r8T59A0Voe3BlfsEKgxLhZJe7GY4H_6kCopJsfH_GwkV4w7xYlrdL2ppFpgzgtZ5ERZ-DQR3IQT_er_jKjN0w/s320/Setup.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">8
oz Canning Jars - I got mine at Walmart. They were very
inexpensive. I want to say it was around $10-15 for 2 cases (24
jars). </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">10
lb bag of Soy Wax Flakes - I bought </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Soy-444-Wax-pound/dp/B001QMXKN0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356066225&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=soy+wax+flacks" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">these</span></span></a><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> from </span></span><a href="http://amazon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">amazon.com</span></span></a><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">.
You do have to pay for shipping and it seems crazy but all in
all you get a 10 lb bag of really easy to use wax for around
$24.</span></span></span></div>
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</span>
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</span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">5"
wicks - Now there are a couple ways you can go about this. You
can buy the tabs and wicks and make your own or you can go the lazy
way and buy a jumbo bag of pre-made wicks </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Low-Smoke-210Z-Wicks-dozen/dp/B001PEZZDC/ref=pd_sbs_hg_2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">here </span></span></a><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">at </span></span><a href="http://amazon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">amazon.com</span></span></a><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">.
They run at $6.22. The shipping looks crazy, but the same
people ship the wax and the wicks so they only charged me shipping
for the wax. Both items came in the same box. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Large
Pan - You can use your judgement on this. I got a small square
cake pan. You could get a larger pan if you want to melt
more wax at one time. This worked pretty well for me. I
could fit 2 smaller pans in at one time. Although to make all
24 candles, it did take me a couple of hours. This is what I
used:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcudWPvjA6KH2ykty3wFmuvHecmpSEstTjcjswISmPS7QNcmszwNqAnBVpNKLiD7tdX_7L0fFidR4uHaSJmJfNirml1NHcDIWh5ZJPNHkhXIP2VPrxItpBwh0KE0rzkVNo9kMzj0neva0/s1600/Large+Pan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcudWPvjA6KH2ykty3wFmuvHecmpSEstTjcjswISmPS7QNcmszwNqAnBVpNKLiD7tdX_7L0fFidR4uHaSJmJfNirml1NHcDIWh5ZJPNHkhXIP2VPrxItpBwh0KE0rzkVNo9kMzj0neva0/s320/Large+Pan.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">You
don't really need 3 but I couldn't buy just a single one. </span></span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Small
pan - I chose a Mini Loaf 5 pack. These are the exact
ones I used:</span></span></div>
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</span>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I
really recommend this size for melting the actual wax. I
was actually able to skip the "measuring cup" step and just
pour the wax directly into the jar from the pan. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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</span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Electric
Skillet - You probably already have one of these. If
not....then WHAT do you use when making pancakes? Seriously??!!
:) Okay if you don't have one, you can get a cheap one at
Walmart. I think mine was in the $20 range. </span></span></div>
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</span>
<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Ove
Glove - Okay, cheesy as it may seem, I have 2 of these things. My
mom got them for me for Christmas and I really love them. You
can usually find them where all the "only seen on TV" stuff
is. I see them at Target all the time. You probably don't
NEED one, but it sure made things easier! </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Let's Get Busy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Now
that you have all the stuff, let's make some candles!!!!!!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">1.
Set up your skillet and turn it on! I set it at 350
degrees.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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</span>
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<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">2.
Place the larger pan directly on the skillet. Fill this
pan halfway with water. </span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<ol><ol start="3">
<li><div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Fill
up the smaller pans with wax. Go ahead and fill them all the
way to the top. Trust me. It will be alright!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrhZQeN77y_Haax2jTKxas_yh6nyv-L2QXlzssLIVUAm-ZYx4ruexsNU22Cc_0PcsBGk0jfBRTnP0KinWLebfVGTUsjAJRcke5QzHXwOXb3lKiW410oyl6IqBGgy0Rb0kEBM6tBjBr4E/s1600/Wax+Unmelted.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrhZQeN77y_Haax2jTKxas_yh6nyv-L2QXlzssLIVUAm-ZYx4ruexsNU22Cc_0PcsBGk0jfBRTnP0KinWLebfVGTUsjAJRcke5QzHXwOXb3lKiW410oyl6IqBGgy0Rb0kEBM6tBjBr4E/s320/Wax+Unmelted.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
<li><div align="CENTER">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I
really recommend this size for melting the actual wax. I
was actually able to skip the "measuring cup" step and
just pour the wax directly into the jar from the pan.</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJafpu68NiHmzKhnSagCtIBjtpnoR97u-gsrjC05vv0XVHOWut7U19reMgeWKylvr-KdSl5RTnn3nafB2xEddVYh3muAQGnfj4g_qYtUWerF8NrcSHBtN-kduXsfwqUmK4rZ9RRiY5CE/s1600/Wax+Starting+To+Melt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJafpu68NiHmzKhnSagCtIBjtpnoR97u-gsrjC05vv0XVHOWut7U19reMgeWKylvr-KdSl5RTnn3nafB2xEddVYh3muAQGnfj4g_qYtUWerF8NrcSHBtN-kduXsfwqUmK4rZ9RRiY5CE/s320/Wax+Starting+To+Melt.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div align="CENTER">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ol start="5">
<li><div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">While
you are waiting for the wax to melt completely, start prepping your
jars. This consists of taking the lids off and putting a wick
in there. Don't worry about if things are perfectly centered
or anything. We will work on that later!</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">6. Okay, now that your wax is all the way melted...</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzEsTp58NJo6c5WPq43oZtYYAcmd4fI1u10E4NuVhF9pKjnd_SL91lqgjFQtqQUxKgbkh7W3m5VenWky1IjttdPzEsAm1SJSxSySi8ZrlRrS0kxehaQLQEUP4PWHtV3yYG_0Ksaw8sn0/s1600/Wax+Completely+Melted.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzEsTp58NJo6c5WPq43oZtYYAcmd4fI1u10E4NuVhF9pKjnd_SL91lqgjFQtqQUxKgbkh7W3m5VenWky1IjttdPzEsAm1SJSxSySi8ZrlRrS0kxehaQLQEUP4PWHtV3yYG_0Ksaw8sn0/s320/Wax+Completely+Melted.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">it's time to pour it into
the jars. I put on my handy ove glove and just picked the small
pan up by the sides and poured the wax into the jars directly. To
start out only pour about one inch of wax in each jar.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgD4RCkNf548iGyQZoDrhbejHeA_dCMydtCBo6GgdlVt82l45yl8H9T33RniAyLIzWNooSMS30E1KBfHfn23KD8rD0o3qJHGXN12f271kvELLG0hXQJZHNut46H5lcDHC4qFRg_K22plA/s1600/Pour+in+Jar+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgD4RCkNf548iGyQZoDrhbejHeA_dCMydtCBo6GgdlVt82l45yl8H9T33RniAyLIzWNooSMS30E1KBfHfn23KD8rD0o3qJHGXN12f271kvELLG0hXQJZHNut46H5lcDHC4qFRg_K22plA/s320/Pour+in+Jar+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Now go ahead and center
the METAL part of the wick. The actual wick will be leaning
every which way. That's okay. Right now we just want the
metal part centered. After that wax has cooled a little bit,
you can straighten the actual wick. By having a little bit of
wax in the jar and letting it cool, you will be able to pull on the
wick without the metal part moving. While you are doing this,
you should start melting 2 more pans of wax. </span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I would keep
pouring a little in each jar so you can give that wax time to cool.
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">See
how the wax has dried and now I can straighten my wick without moving
the whole darn thing! This really doesn't take very long. The
less wax you put in, the faster it dries. Just make sure you
put in enough to cover the metal thing.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaG8Jy9hJK-1c4q_FSH7hhJEk_u5XX_0PRpaMf3-x8ir7_UdzVrvmjnAXsu4xWrt2C7PALx-7vlhIDBmiNB7wuZW20hq23hWttC-Pp31BWnsnb3DJfZLDUQy4PjjhAQlgAe8h9CTrdMg/s1600/Don%2527t+worry+about+wicks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaG8Jy9hJK-1c4q_FSH7hhJEk_u5XX_0PRpaMf3-x8ir7_UdzVrvmjnAXsu4xWrt2C7PALx-7vlhIDBmiNB7wuZW20hq23hWttC-Pp31BWnsnb3DJfZLDUQy4PjjhAQlgAe8h9CTrdMg/s320/Don%2527t+worry+about+wicks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<ol start="7">
<li><div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Eventually, you
can pour in the rest of the wax. Don't fill them all the way
up to the top. Leave some room. I only filled the
"smooth" part of the jar. </span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipTePmnSbLYkBQvLycalJlNWhdjBQahfZMroG_EsnJgPL9ywm_uaZ9-xHnW82qC-vmnGoRXYyiyZY8j5cBNrvnk1gcSOH3_ne7Pkc2nU83QWsG8ZDTrx00LT4AOOY1EyncwjpMgK6iro/s1600/Candles+Drying.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipTePmnSbLYkBQvLycalJlNWhdjBQahfZMroG_EsnJgPL9ywm_uaZ9-xHnW82qC-vmnGoRXYyiyZY8j5cBNrvnk1gcSOH3_ne7Pkc2nU83QWsG8ZDTrx00LT4AOOY1EyncwjpMgK6iro/s320/Candles+Drying.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div align="CENTER">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Now
your wick might go wonky. Don't worry. You will have
plenty of opportunities to straighten it as it dries. Here
you can see my candles at varies "drying" stages. It
looks funny but they will all turn out the same. I promise.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<ol start="8">
<li><div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">When
the candle is almost all the way dry (meaning you can press on the
top and your finger only makes a small indent or better yet none at
all!), go ahead and trim your wick. I wish I could tell you a
length, but to be honest I just trimmed them short enough so I could
put the lid on :)</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3a-Prsv7UIkeiqG9s83ue9Gog2SxwEOhZiC8JpMp8i0h7LE22dn19xnL407aJHbYMaTFKLr0caX39U5gwHtP4gmuGcJbgOqO3apFqRkrt_To_KbXjcSZi_gLbRLa0j8nMwIziCrYh3qU/s1600/Finished+Product.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3a-Prsv7UIkeiqG9s83ue9Gog2SxwEOhZiC8JpMp8i0h7LE22dn19xnL407aJHbYMaTFKLr0caX39U5gwHtP4gmuGcJbgOqO3apFqRkrt_To_KbXjcSZi_gLbRLa0j8nMwIziCrYh3qU/s1600/Finished+Product.JPG" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">See
and the wick is centered for the most part!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Clean
up after this project is a snap. If you spilled any wax on your
counter top it is very easy to scrape off and doesn't leave a
residue. The pans you can either keep for your next candle
making adventure or throw them away! </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Congratulations!
You have successfully made emergency candles! I kept the
canning jar box and put the candles back in the box for easy storage.
I also slipped a little pack of matches in each row just in
case I couldn't find my Aim N' Flame :)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5W5621KvTEHvOvSB6Gm5mVdMnnWlzoPYxiBb9-qflsR_b-Ytt8Pek3eHq2CRx0Q62mS6EklLxPz9SE-mQIj6AhfJ2HDVVYr9YJO0qyPg7chaG9342_l6z5FBUUloqGCL1xSueHuJXZg/s1600/24+Candles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5W5621KvTEHvOvSB6Gm5mVdMnnWlzoPYxiBb9-qflsR_b-Ytt8Pek3eHq2CRx0Q62mS6EklLxPz9SE-mQIj6AhfJ2HDVVYr9YJO0qyPg7chaG9342_l6z5FBUUloqGCL1xSueHuJXZg/s1600/24+Candles.JPG" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Now
I'm not sure how long these candles will last. I went ahead and
burnt one just to see how it worked and it is a very nice burning
candle. It burned very even. I had it going for about 4
hours and it barely burned any of it at all so I'm thinking they
would last a pretty long time. I suppose if you wanted to get
all fancy you could get some scent to put in there or dye to make the
wax a fancy color, but I wanted these for the sole purpose of having
something in case of an emergency. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: large;">Either
way, now I'm ready for the next time the electricity goes off or the
zombie apocalypse! </span> </span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Isn't this awesome!?! I am going to make some of these. I also think they would be great to give people as a little "survival" gift. We just had a blizzard here last week, but we were lucky enough not to lose power. About 5 years ago we weren't so lucky! We lost power for 5 days! On the 5th day my husband and I drove an hour away and paid an enormous price for a generator. We have since gotten a box installed on the front of the house so all we have to do is plug in the generator without running extension cords. We can run the furnace, deep freeze, fridge, water heater, and one kitchen outlet. If this isn't enough then we can also run the extension cords.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Having a generator is all fine and dandy, but if your power is only going to be out a few hours then you don't want to go to the trouble of setting it up. These candles are PERFECT! Plus you won't be knocked out by the scent of cinnamon...or in my case pine. :) I love pine scented candles. lol</span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Let us know if you make these! </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">This post has been linked up with <a href="http://learningthefrugallife.blogspot.com/2013/01/frugal-tuesday-tip-week-101.html">Frugal Tue</a><a href="http://learningthefrugallife.blogspot.com/2013/01/frugal-tuesday-tip-week-101.html">sday T</a><a href="http://learningthefrugallife.blogspot.com/2013/01/frugal-tuesday-tip-week-101.html">i<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">p</span></span></a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">and</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://beingfrugalbychoice.blogspot.com/2013/01/homemade-mondays-week-11.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: small;">Homemade Mondays </span></span></span></span></span></span></a> </div>
</div>
<img align="right" src="http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p501/raspberryroaddesign/BFL-sig_zps228a0609.png" style="border: 0px none;" />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-72887756417044636032012-12-24T10:22:00.000-08:002012-12-24T10:29:52.988-08:00Week 20 Update!<div style="text-align: center;">
It is so hard to believe I am 20 weeks and half way done with this pregnancy. On Friday we had our anatomy scan, regular ob appointment, and I had to do my glucose testing. I won't know the result of the glucose test until Wednesday due to the holiday. <br />
<br />
The appointment went really well. Baby is measuring 10oz and my fundal height is measuring right on. Plus I have only gained 2lbs. I have no idea how this is even happening! All I can think of (and my doctor agrees) is that I am not eating for two. Sure I have a few sweet treats, BUT I do not pig out on them and it is not constant. For the most part I just eat fruit, chicken, veggies, and a few carbs. I am confident I will be able to stay within my 20lb range. :) <br />
<br />
I do not stuff myself with a lot of empty calories during the day. I try to make wise and healthy decisions. I don't deprive myself of what I want...I just don't go overboard. I have one more month of working outside of the home and then I will strictly be working my<a href="http://blissfulfireflylane.myshaklee.com/us/en/join.html#/gold"> Shaklee</a> business from home! I am so EXCITED!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We found out the gender of this baby! Are you ready?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-NrZCQXdD5CpnVj2gHiICWGtwMIsrZck6Z3pZqkj-nWIs8xwG89zgnLf3YDFBKCHj5FqTTjZIYaVtt46fOBNzW0keD8uckAmrn3khAvfglSU_pjvQhb5HHdritW5RQ0hFi0uDngwnjg/s1600/DSC01318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-NrZCQXdD5CpnVj2gHiICWGtwMIsrZck6Z3pZqkj-nWIs8xwG89zgnLf3YDFBKCHj5FqTTjZIYaVtt46fOBNzW0keD8uckAmrn3khAvfglSU_pjvQhb5HHdritW5RQ0hFi0uDngwnjg/s320/DSC01318.JPG" width="275" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We found out we are having a sweet little boy! I am still kind of in shock because I have thought this was a girl from day one. I never even really toyed with the idea of a boy. *L* There is NO mistaking that this is a little boy. Needless to say, my child is NOT shy and he was flashing the goods. We didn't even need the u/s tech to tell us it was a boy. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPmkreCVLpZEIIpaiUdvEa-bMZw_YGksp_GVZrGRfNVvY433lO2FRYAMIKup7chP3lVuZocLddvTT7D86_6azvo_X7aJJ799LoLburspElHmbADewjnBvWS0bWW8dkAUJyaTafzNj5p4/s1600/DSC01322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPmkreCVLpZEIIpaiUdvEa-bMZw_YGksp_GVZrGRfNVvY433lO2FRYAMIKup7chP3lVuZocLddvTT7D86_6azvo_X7aJJ799LoLburspElHmbADewjnBvWS0bWW8dkAUJyaTafzNj5p4/s320/DSC01322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are so happy to be the parents of little Landry Martin! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0l3dGIp7yLP2ZxB0mM4ia6Bp9mhKjK_MWTUbWX3M3xkdY6QVnFa1PSeburN9JkpbjBL-82bvwi3GUPKb1l_9PTNBlXGItJHbHxxhhE5az-WUX3Bw0Gq1CE4c3304pN0KDJ_x4iQYyd7g/s1600/DSC01324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0l3dGIp7yLP2ZxB0mM4ia6Bp9mhKjK_MWTUbWX3M3xkdY6QVnFa1PSeburN9JkpbjBL-82bvwi3GUPKb1l_9PTNBlXGItJHbHxxhhE5az-WUX3Bw0Gq1CE4c3304pN0KDJ_x4iQYyd7g/s320/DSC01324.JPG" width="264" /></a></div>
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My husband is already excited for all the Minnesota Vikings gear, Hot Wheels, RC Cars, and little golf clubs! </div>
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Watch out Tiger and Adrian...Landry is going to give you a run for your money! ;) </div>
<img align="right" src="http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p501/raspberryroaddesign/BFL-sig_zps228a0609.png" style="border: 0;" />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-48536446857812487522012-12-20T12:24:00.000-08:002012-12-20T12:24:00.316-08:00Light the Night-Fight the Fright<div style="text-align: center;">
My friend, Jaima, from Ring Around the Rosies is doing an amazing thing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZP7w2n0RyUGrkX1OU5wYec7YW_BzWIHyHaH55PgqvQkjRvoq_Tn1FWRqCFwV5WKZ7cLyZoeN_T1ml4n4o7HeZ2BOppsIjLnFtcVzFfi5Cl9ZwXh2jMPmI_5hUlnSN8EmRb3qdBDr3xM/s1600/537565_680335446629_199402701_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZP7w2n0RyUGrkX1OU5wYec7YW_BzWIHyHaH55PgqvQkjRvoq_Tn1FWRqCFwV5WKZ7cLyZoeN_T1ml4n4o7HeZ2BOppsIjLnFtcVzFfi5Cl9ZwXh2jMPmI_5hUlnSN8EmRb3qdBDr3xM/s320/537565_680335446629_199402701_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Please pass the word along and go <a href="http://www.ringaroundtherosies.net/2012/12/light-the-night-fight-the-fright-a-way-to-help-the-kids.html">HERE</a> to find out more information. These kids have been through more than most of us adults can even fathom. This is just one way to ease the nightmares. </div>
<img align="right" src="http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p501/raspberryroaddesign/BFL-sig_zps228a0609.png" style="border: 0px none;" />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-7447445301677210992012-12-19T17:10:00.000-08:002012-12-19T17:10:45.482-08:00Fresh Orange Juice<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever bought a bag of oranges and they just didn't meet your expectations? I have been on a HUGE orange/clementine kick since I got my heartburn meds back. :) I LOVE LOVE LOVE Cuties (those tiny super sweet clementines), but there are times when I just want an orange.</div>
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I bought a large bag of oranges recently and they just were not good. They weren't as sweet as I like and they were not very juicy. I put them on the counter and forgot about them. When I was cleaning the kitchen this past weekend I thought I better use them up. I hate seeing money being thrown away and that was what was going to happen with these oranges. </div>
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What does one do when they have a large quantity of oranges? You make orange juice! We drink a lot of OJ in this house and the organic OJ is $5.99 a half gallon at my regional grocery store. It is EXPENSIVE. </div>
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Eating organic is really important to us, but it is hard. I do not live near a Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. I have to rely on my local grocery stores to provide organic foods. With that there is a large price tag. This means I do make a lot of our foods from scratch. I'm not saying I will be making our OJ every week, but this was a great way to use up oranges that just weren't up to my standards for eating.</div>
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I do not have an actual juicer, but I do have a <a href="https://secure.vitamix.com/default.aspx?COUPON=07-0063&gclid=CPP9qtvkp7QCFUWnPAodwwMAVQ">Vitamix</a>. It is super powerful and juices things just fine. I would not recommend doing this in a normal blender though. You could squeeze them by hand (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-527-Orange-Juicer/dp/B001ULC9IO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1355965168&sr=8-5&keywords=orange+juicer">this</a> is the one I have), or you could use an actual <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breville-BJE200XL-Fountain-700-Watt-Extractor/dp/B000MDHH06/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355965282&sr=8-1&keywords=juicer">juicer</a>. </div>
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I peeled all my oranges. I was not worried about getting all the white bitter stuff off because this is where all the nutrients are. Plus the Vitamix will pulverize it. </div>
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I added half my oranges, a splash of water, and a few ice cubes. Then I turned it on high and let it work for about 45 seconds. </div>
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The end result....fresh OJ! I then repeated this process to use up the other half of the oranges. </div>
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It is so simple, tastes delicious, and didn't take long. This OJ is full of pulp (which we like), but if you don't like pulp then I suggest straining it through a cheese cloth. </div>
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Do you make your own OJ? I got just under half a gallon of OJ and only spent $3.50 (the cost of the oranges). That is way cheaper than the $5.99 I usually pay for organic OJ. </div>
<img align="right" src="http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p501/raspberryroaddesign/BFL-sig_zps228a0609.png" style="border: 0px none;" />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-28406182945794587562012-12-17T18:04:00.002-08:002012-12-17T18:05:36.193-08:00Weekly Meal Plan 12.16--12.22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Monday! I debated whether or not to even post a meal plan this week. We are gone so many nights! I thought last week was crazy, but this week proves to be even crazier. Here are the few meals that will be eaten at home. After Christmas my meal planning will be back to normal. I promise. :)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Weekly
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday: Family Christmas that afternoon. We ate so much at lu<span style="font-size: medium;">nch we had popcorn for dinner. :)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Monday: Gone. My husband had a late doctors appointment a<span style="font-size: medium;"> hour away. We didn't get home <span style="font-size: medium;">until la<span style="font-size: medium;">ter<span style="font-size: medium;">, so we <span style="font-size: medium;">gra<span style="font-size: medium;">bbed something t<span style="font-size: medium;">o eat. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tuesday: <span style="font-size: medium;">Sal<span style="font-size: medium;">sa chicken<span style="font-size: medium;">, baked potato<span style="font-size: medium;">. Sal<span style="font-size: medium;">sa chicken is an o<span style="font-size: medium;">l<span style="font-size: medium;">d weight watchers "recipe<span style="font-size: medium;">" from my college years. I <span style="font-size: medium;">have not ma<span style="font-size: medium;">de it in FOREVER<span style="font-size: medium;">. It is so simple, but I will post a recipe on it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wednesday: Homemade alfredo, green beans, garlic bread.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thursday: <span style="font-size: medium;">Meatloaf, <span style="font-size: medium;">m<span style="font-size: medium;">ashed potatoes, <span style="font-size: medium;">green beans</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Friday: Gone. We are <span style="font-size: medium;">celebrating<span style="font-size: medium;"></span> our 20 week u<span style="font-size: medium;">/s a<span style="font-size: medium;">nd finding out the g<span style="font-size: medium;">ender! We will be dining on some <span style="font-size: medium;">delish Olive Garden <span style="font-size: medium;">for a late lunch. I<span style="font-size: medium;">f we are hung<span style="font-size: medium;">ry <span style="font-size: medium;">that night there will be popcorn.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p501/raspberryroaddesign/BFL-sig_zps228a0609.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" src="http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p501/raspberryroaddesign/BFL-sig_zps228a0609.png" style="border: 0px none;" /></a><span style="font-family: Wickenden Cafe NDP;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday: Gone.</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-70258468662631902632012-12-16T17:27:00.000-08:002012-12-18T09:01:12.528-08:00Easy $2 Gift Tutorial<div style="text-align: center;">
This is such an easy gift idea and the best part is that it only costs $2! If you are looking for a last minute gift, or need a little something extra check this out. These would be perfect for co-workers, secret santa's, or just about female adult. I guess you could give it to a guy too. Especially, if he liked cooking.</div>
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The first thing you need is a pot holder and coordinating kitchen towel. You can get these for $1 each at Dollar Tree! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQC-xj-lhwCssSA_eqWuWF4U0t0qMBmxOPzpBh4UlZNUzF4ieYwwm_Z1zF9Q-x-mbtf0YpMEXC9SyPlUejpJqSuUewGzMLRlGdThoxNE85NPpuSWx5i2cRpIASiwlTQxJ9iNttH7qQzY/s1600/DSC01303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQC-xj-lhwCssSA_eqWuWF4U0t0qMBmxOPzpBh4UlZNUzF4ieYwwm_Z1zF9Q-x-mbtf0YpMEXC9SyPlUejpJqSuUewGzMLRlGdThoxNE85NPpuSWx5i2cRpIASiwlTQxJ9iNttH7qQzY/s320/DSC01303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Put the pot holder "face down" and line the kitchen towel "face down" on top of the pot holder. Make sure the center of the towel and center of the pot holder are lined up. Once they are both lined up in the center I put a few pins in to secure it. </div>
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Then you can either sew a straight stitch by hand, or I used my sewing machine for short work. </div>
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Once the straight stitch is done snip the excess thread. When you hold it up the pot holder will have the plain side facing outwards. Bring the loop of the holder up and sew a button on to secure it. This is not done in this picture because this was my mom's job. :) I decided it would be ok to not show the button because I will not see these again to take pictures. Once she is done with the buttons they have new homes. </div>
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They are so easy to make! I was able to get 10 of these done in less than an hour. My mom then took them home and she will be sewing a big button on, so the loop can be hooked. These are perfect for hanging on the door of your oven. She plans on giving them to the people she works with. </div>
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Let me know if you make these! <br />
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This post is linked up to <a href="http://learningthefrugallife.blogspot.com/2012/12/frugal-tuesday-tip-week-98.html">Frugal Tuesday Tip</a>. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-12532794522844577022012-12-14T17:49:00.000-08:002013-01-15T12:50:25.929-08:00Cards: Saving Money and Keeping Organized<div style="text-align: center;">
Is it just me, or are cards outrageously priced? I love looking at cards, but I just don't see the point of spending $4 on something people are going to throw away (or in my case recycle). Over the past two years I have implemented a system that saves me time, stress, and money on the act of card giving. :)</div>
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Do you want in on a little secret? It is so easy and a no brainer! I toyed with the idea of even writing about this because I feel that a lot of you might already do this, but I am going to share anyways.</div>
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1. I HATE when I realize I missed a birthday or anniversary. I feel bad sending a card late. Or I really hate when I realize someone has a birthday in just a couple days and I won't be going to a store to get a card. I live in the middle of nowhere, so just running to Walmart isn't an option most days. </div>
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I have alleviated this problem by grabbing a free calender from my vets office every December. :) You might be thinking I am crazy, but I promise I am not. This calendar hangs in my hallway I walk by SEVERAL times a day. On this calender I write everyone's birthday/anniversary on the appropriate day and the number of years behind it. I just transfer everything off it from the previous year. </div>
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This is awesome for me because I see this daily and I always try to scan it when I flip the page the beginning of the month. The best part...it is free. A LOT of places hand out free wall calenders as Thank You's during the holiday season. Make sure to pick one up, or you can purchase them at anywhere. </div>
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2. I always have cards on hand! I am a huge fan of those boxes of cards. I like having birthday and sympathy ones on hand. They come in handy and they have a wide variety of designs in each box. Plus they are really affordable! </div>
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I also have boxes of thank you's in the house. I currently have my Shaklee Thank You's (not shown), regular, and baby Thank You's. I found the baby ones at the Christian Book Store for 50% off! I made sure I grabbed a few boxes. You never know when someone might give you something and you need to drop them a little note. It is the polite thing to do. :) </div>
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Next, I really like having a few Bridal Shower, Wedding, Mother's Day, ect cards on hand. This way if I forget to get one at the store, or if a date sneaks up on me I have one on hand. </div>
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I like going to places like Target and Walmart to get these cards because they have sections of $.99 and $.49 cards. If I have a few extras then I am not wasting my time and gas driving 30 miles one way to purchase a card. Saves time and money! </div>
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Another thing I like to do is purchase my Christmas cards when they go on sale for the following year. I can get a box of 12 for around a $1! I always make sure I pick up a few boxes of my favorite designs. </div>
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Do you like to spend a lot on cards? I used to, but over the years I have changed my way of doing them. I display them for the appropriate amount of time and then they get recycled. I just don't like spending a lot on them and I don't like the clutter.</div>
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I actually think giving a box of mixed cards would be the PERFECT Christmas gift for a grandparent, or really anyone. They have boxes where there are x number of birthday, sympathy, thank you, ect. Plus they are fairly cheap. Or you could always make your own cards and get creative! </div>
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This has been linked up to <a href="http://learningthefrugallife.blogspot.com/2013/01/frugal-tuesday-tip-week-102.html">Frugal Tuesday Tip</a>. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-42457795392029105592012-12-13T10:03:00.003-08:002012-12-13T10:03:53.692-08:00Shaklee December Promotion<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">This offer is ending SOON! Hurry before it exp<span style="font-size: x-large;">ires!</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8236705090231877036.post-10260806333734144012012-12-10T20:06:00.001-08:002012-12-10T20:06:28.929-08:0018 Weeks!<div style="text-align: center;">
I forgot to post my 18 week baby bump. </div>
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Before you ask...yes, there is only one in there. ;) </div>
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Here is a recap of what has been going on...</div>
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I still have not gained any weight! I know, it is crazy. I look huge, but no weight has been gained. My doctor and I have a goal of gaining no more than 20 lbs this pregnancy, so no weight gain right now is fine with her. </div>
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A lot of the no weight gain is because I follow my diabetic diet fairly close. I eat a lot of fruit, very little red meat, and I am starting to like veggies again. ;) I mostly drink water, so that helps as well. I would be lying if I told you I didn't cave into my Dr. Pepper addiction a couple times a week. I do. However, I do not keep the stuff in the house. If I want a Dr. Pepper I have to go to the gas station and spend the outrageous price for a 20oz bottle. Due to these guidelines I have implemented on myself, I only have a Dr. Pepper 1-2 times a week. I have given up all caffeine except for that. </div>
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At my 16 week appointment (I was really 16 weeks 6 days!) I got to hear the heartbeat for the first time. All other times they could not find it with the doppler. It was really hard to find and I couldn't really hear it. I have also not been feeling the baby move AT ALL. My doctor confirmed that I have placenta previa. </div>
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I'm not happy about it, but I have hope that everything will work out. My doctors are keeping a close eye on me and I have been taking it easy. I still have not gained my energy back, so sleeping is no problem for me!</div>
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Before getting pregnant I was on Prilosec. Once I found out I was pregnant I stopped taking everything. I then started taking Tums and Zantac. They did NOTHING for me. I was so miserable. My doctor wanted me back on Prilosec and gave me permission to start taking it again. Oh my! I am a new person! I am been eating oranges like crazy because I have missed them so much. I have not had a single episode of heartburn in over a week and that is a blessing. </div>
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My nausea is worse, so I am taking Zofran everyday. It works, but not in the mornings when I am rushing to the bathroom the minute I wake up. I am either going to be one of these 'lucky' women who has morning sickness until 20 weeks, or the entire pregnancy. Who knows with me! I have to get up so many times in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, so that makes me nauseous and I end up getting sick then as well.</div>
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I have been experiencing A LOT of low back pain. Massage just isn't cutting it, so I will be making a chiropractor appointment soon.</div>
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I think that is about it for right now. Nothing too exciting has been going on. I will feel better after I can start feeling this baby move! I go in for my anatomy scan December 21st, so we will hopefully find out the gender! I also have to do my 1 hour glucose test that day. Since I am so high risk for diabetes and I failed my hemoglobin a1c, I get to do the GD test at 20 weeks. :/ </div>
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Any guesses on the gender? Next time I update will be after my anatomy scan. :) </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0