Long time no write....

It's been such a long time since I have updated my BLOG and I have thought of shutting it down but today I was view other blogs and saw this link to Landee on Etsy from Six Sisters' Stuff and wanted to share! I have been watching the Six Sisters' Stuff and using recipes and getting lots of ideas and today they mentioned Landee on Esty so I went over and saw so many things I liked!



How cute!!!

If you want a chance to win a $50 gift card to her story go and visit Six Sisters' Stuff blog and enter. Check out all they great ideas and recipes.

Wendy

FEBRUARY

I love February for several reasons:

1. Shout out to ALL my friends with February birthdays!

Eddie, Amy, Kate G & ME!

2. Valentines Day- We don't do anything special for the day. This year I have to work late so I'm not sure what's in store. But I always make my heart cookies.

3. I love snow- this year we have had maybe 2 days of snow. It's only been a dusting and it hasn't lasted long :( I know most people hate it but I get so happy when I see it snowing. This year I am going to go tubing at the local ski lodge (I even bought snow pants).

4. My Birthday- I have always loved my birthday. It's not about gifts for me it's about I know that day my family always gets together. My parents have always made my birthday a special day. I remember ALL the great birthday parties my mom put on for me. My dad never made me go to school and he was always home so we could spend the day together. I'm sad for people who don't celebrate birthdays.

I take that day and I remember past birthdays and cherish that I have a family that loves me.  



Here it is!!!!

(I ended up emailing it to my work and saving it to my computer and attaching it)

With my IPad I have a great APP that lets you edit pictures!

I have used 2 of the products so far:

Juicy Couture- like it, worn it several times

Zoya nail polish- love it!! it's a light purple (nothing I would ever pick out). I love it for several reasons: I didn't use a top coat and it shiny (day 3 still shiny), I only did 1 coat (thick and only needed 1 coat) & the color

I haven't tried anything else yet.....

I have noticed I only use a couple things out of each box.

Starting this month I will try everything before the next box comes.

If you would like birchbox go and check it out!!!!

January Bichbox

Is coming.............
I have a great picture but I can't get it uploaded!!!!!!
I took it with my I-Pad and did some editing but I can't figure how to link it???
It's a love/hate relationship with technology for me....
As soon as I can get upload it I will share.

WI (1st of NewYear)

I decided over the holidays I would not let my weight be ALL I thought about. I put my scale away and enjoyed the holidays.....I ate great food and enjoyed the company of friends and family. I had days I stayed on tracked and days I didn't. I pulled out my scale this morning and was surprised at the numbers looking back at me...... +1 it is a gain but not a huge gain. I am pleased. This week I am back on track and it feels so good. I love the feeling of not being stuffed, bloated and weighed down by food. Drinking my water taking care of my body. Filling my body with fruits, vegetables & whole grains, instead of sugar, fatty & heavy foods. Don't get me wrong I let myself ave a treat when I crave it. It feels great to be on track!

2012

It's the first full week of the year. Last year I made 3 resolutions and I completed 2. 1. No coffee 2. No drinking 3. No soda. I made it on all 3 until June... Soda got the best of me. I was doing grat until I had surgery and the gas bubbles caused most of the pain and I was told to try ginger ale. It worked but I continued. Let me say that I never did any of the three on a regular schedule. To give you an idea maybe 1/2cup coffee 3 days a week, soda once a week and drinking less. I wanted to see if I could do it. On New Years Eve I waited until 12:01 to take my 1st drink in 365 days.... It didn't take much. I had 1 shot, glass of Verdi, 1 mixed drink and I was done. The next morning I woke up and remembered how it's feels to have a couple and why it felt so good for 365 days not to drink. Next was coffee....not so great. I'm sure it was due to being flavored coffee (French vanilla) it was way too sweet! The next morning I went back to decaf tea. Everyone keeps asking me what will it be for 2012. I thought I would have decided by now but I havent???? What I do know is I can do anything I set my mind to. I believe that this has shown me my strength that I didn't know I had. 2012 is going to be a exciting year. I can't wait to take it head on. It amazes me what you can learn from something that you quickly decided on a whim to see if you could.

DONE

DONE!

My list is complete!

Only thing to do is enjoy the Holiday.

I am so excited that I have only 2 more days left of work!!

For the 1st time ever I have off from 12/24-1/2!!!

I wish everyone one a Happy Holiday!!

Love, Wendy



Christmas Decorations

Christmas Decorations 2011!!!

I focus on my dining room. It's the center of my house and during the holidays the most used room. We can't put our tree in the living room (I wish every year we can) due to we heat our home with a wood stove and it gets too hot and dry to have a tree in the room for month.

Dining Room:

On my hutch in the dining room I decorate it every season/holiday. I love the look of my hutch it's country and my house is an old farm house so it fits in great. I put some pine and berry garland and a couple snow men figurines (should have taken close up picture) and one of my favorite finds... The tree in the corner!

Next to the hutch is a butter churn and I filled that with poinsettia's and greenery that looks like it has snow on it.





Next is my dining room table. I found this great wooden box and filled it with greenery and berries. I also added pine cones and metal stars and the finishing touch is my new addition of metal snow flakes.





My reindeer! This was a gift from my grandma. She made this over 40 years ago! She was a home maker and for extra money she made ALL type of wood working projects. I was so honored for her to give this to me. I will cherish this and one day pass it one to my children.

Last but NOT least the tree! This is also in the dining room. We get a real tree every year. When my Great Grandpa was a live he owned a Christmas Tree farm. I just can't bring myself to buying a fake tree. I love the excitement of searching for the right tree. Which takes me forever but not this year we pulled in and this was the first tree I saw.

Living Room:

In my living room I have several items on my coffee table and hanging from my curtain rods but this is my favorite. I love Santa items. I saw this last year and had to have it. It's not the traditional Santa and that's why I love it.



Do you have favorite decorations???

WI # 7/ Christmas checklist

WI #7

-/+ 0

I am pleased. My goal is to stay the same until the New Year.

I have lost 10 pounds and I couldn't be more excited.

I do feel I would like to lose 10 more

but I also know it's a busy time of year and I want to maintain what I have lost.

on a another note.

I am almost ready for Christmas!!

list of things to finish

1. Christmas shopping (just a few things to pick up) I will finish tonight!
2. Finish wrapping what I buy tonight (everything else wrapped and under the tree)
3. Make peanut brittle and chocolate chip cookie dough truffles
4. Take pictures of Christmas decorations ans post them

Not bad......

My plan is to be done by Wednesday. I want to relax and enjoy the Holiday!

Christmas cookies

Here are some of my cookies. My dad and I baked all day yesterday. I made up a tray to send in with my husband.

Top: Mint sandwich cookies (Christmas in your mouth), oatmeal with Cinnamon chips

Middle: chocolate bites with peanut butter frosting

bottom: Cinnamon crisp

We also made:

walnut cookie, walnut fingers

What a good day!

December Birch Box

December Birchbox

Frolic & Fancy

L'Oreal Professionnel, Harvey Price, Recharge E Boost, Jouer, Benefit Cosmetics, Show Stoppers



L'Oreal Professionel- Mythic Oil- Bring home the salon with this lightweight oil, which boost shine and beats frizz before and after styling. I used this today before I dried my hair. My hair is shiny and feels great.

Harvey Price-Ageless- Most scents just smell pretty, but this one is designed to make you smell more youthful-high tech, no? I don't know about making me smell young but it is nice. I sprayed some last night and I liked it but when I use it again I will only spray once.

ReCharge EBoost- Orange natural Energy Boost- Bounce back post-party with this tangy citrus energy booster, packed with mega-dose of nutrients.

Jouer- Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Birchbox pink- We teamed up with one of our favorite brands to create this custom fuchsia shade. Apply one coat for semi-shear pigment, or build it for a hot pink pout. I have used this ALL day. I only do the one coat for work and it's a nice shear shade.

Benefit Cosmetics- The POREfessional- Camouflage visible pores with this velvety face primer. The translucent formula works wonders beneath makeup. I also used this today and it is velvety. I used it under my foundation but can be use over as well.

Show Stoppers- Designer fashion tape- celeb stylists swear by these double-sided tape strips, which will ensure that your party dress stays perfectly in place. I don't know when I will use this but I will keep it on hand.

Have you tried Birchbox yet??

tough day......

it has been a tough day.

I am hungry.... I smell chips and salsa in the next office over (my favorite) and I want them!!

I ate a great breakfast & snack and I still have an hour before my lunch....

I am going to have another snack to hold me over with  nice HOT cup of tea....

I also feel very antsy i don't know why but it's annoying me...

I guess this post is me complaining...

A couple positive notes:

it's Wednesday

We moved offices at work. I am in a great location and very excited about the move.

Friday I only work until 2pm!

WI # 6

-1LBS!!!
total loss -10LBS
1st goal reached!!!


I started this post last week knowing I was only 1 pound away from my first goal I wanted to start thinking about my next set of goals.



1. start incorporate exercising - I need to do this. I have an elliptical (I call her Ellie) and I need/want to start this. My plan is to start with 15 minutes 3 times a week and work my way up to 30 minutes 5 times a week. I get so board with any exercise. I uploaded some great new song on my ipod for so great motivation.

2. Track my food everyday

3. Next WL goal -5 LBS
4. December is a tough month: I will be starting my cookie baking for the season and I keep putting it off. I love Christmas cookies. My dad and I set a side one day before Christmas and bake ALL day long!!! We make ALL kinds of cookies. We only make special cookies at Christmas. I always send more home with my dad then I keep. Of course going out for holiday parties and Christmas and new Years Meals.
How I will manage the Holiday this year is trying little samples of things I don't get all the time and enjoying friends, family and the hard work that goes into make this a special time of year. I will also know that if I gain it's OK ;)

I will be posting this week:
  December Birch Box
Christmas Decorations
Christmas Cookies

WI #5

WI # 5

how the time flies....

This week as every week bring different challenges

but I did track my food 75%, drank ALL my water

and

lost 1 pound

total loss 9 pounds.

1 lbs away from my first goal of 10 pounds.

5 weeks ago I started this journey to eat healthier than I was and it is working.

I love that I am down 9 pounds.

I am starting to think about what my next goal is....

Weekend update

Good weekend.

 Friday: (out of work @ 2:30) ran some errands, went to Christmas Party

Saturday: up bright and early- went to Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx, Michael's and home by 2 pm!!!

I did take a nice long nap once I got home

Sunday: made breakfast, lazy day until I started to rearrange my dining room and started & finished decorations for Christmas!  We go and get the tree on Wednesday. The tree always takes me the longest. I like to make sure all the lights are just right and ribbon lays just so. 

I also did ALL my Christmas cards. I found mine at Hobby Lobby this year and they are very different then what I normally would do. Most year I make my own but I saw these and loved them (will post a picture), took inventory of gifts I have purchased

wrapped up the day day by making dinner and doing dishes and one final vacuum.

This week plans:

Monday-grocery store

Tuesday- WI #5, work late, get home and enjoy some time before my husband gets home (love him to death but some times a girl just needs to time to do girly things)

Wednesday- TREE time. We get a fresh cut every year and I don't think I could ever do a fake ( I may have a couple fake purses but don't think I can do it for my tree). Put lights and ornaments.

Thursday- out to eat with some great friends. Finish up tree (ribbon and star)

Friday- out of work @ 2 !!! Take pictures of decorations and post them.

Are you ready for Christmas??



WW WI week 4

Hard to believe it's my 4th WI

Big week. Thanksgiving week was rough. I did great at my house on Thanksgiving day but Saturday for 2nd Thanksgiving was not as successful :(.

I ate what I wanted, enjoyed every bite, I wasn't stuffed but ate more snack/treats then I planned.

I know that if I wasn't on WW I would have thrown in the towel and told myself I would start over on Monday instead I took control and stayed on track the next meal :)

I also slacked on tracking this week as well.

I am proud that I didn't go crazy and that I enjoyed the Holiday

WI #4 -1 LBS

total loss 8 LBS

Christmas is coming.....

I've been thinking a couple gift ideas for Christmas. I always find it hard to tell anyone what I would like. I would rather not get anything but I guess my Husband doens't agree.

Here are a couple things I would like:

1. Food processor- I have a mini 2 cup food processor now which works great for quick and easy things. I would be able to do so much more with a larger one.

 I-Pod speakers- I love having some kind of back ground noise in the house when I'm a lone. This weekend I used my ear buds but then I couldn't here when my husband came in the house and nearly had a heart attack. So this would be a life saving gift.

UGGS- I have 2 pair already. I own the tall Ugg I think I would like the minis for a slip on as well.

Rylans- How cute! I have a pair that are similar but these look like they would be easier to slip on.. 

Now for my dream wish list:

Urban Decay Naked palette- I love the colors!!! I hear UD is the best in make-up. It goes on nice and stays all day. But I don't know if I can spend $48 on eye shadow????

I-Pad- How I would love this. We currently use a 5 year old lap top which does a good job but this is so fast and handy.

What's on your list?????



What a week....

WOW it's was a great week...

I had off on Wednesday!!! I got all my baking and prep work done for Thursday.

Thursday was great. Watching the Macy's parade, dog show and flipping through ads (not that i go shopping but it gives you good ideas). All the food was timed perfect.  Family and friends shared stories and enjoyed each other company.

Friday I worked :(

Saturday I baked a little more and then we headed for Thanksgiving 2.0

Great times, friends and food again.....

We stayed out til 1 am

Sunday- PJ day!!!!!! Did some online shopping and enjoyed the weather it's been in the 60's...

we have a couple more days of this great weather.

This week I plan to start decorating the house. I can't wait...

WI #3

Weigh in # 3

This week was different than my last 2 weeks

The weekends are my weakness

I eat when I get board. The last couple months have been so busy & I have been watching how much I eat and why I'm eating but this weekend was different....

My husband was gone from 6 am-8 pm on Saturday and 6 am-6 pm on Sunday 

so I was alone

I had a great plan. I got up ate a healthy filling breakfast and was out the door to  run ALL my errands. I was tried when I got home. I ate a great lunch and started to set-up for Thanksgiving to make sure I have everything made a great dinner & did my usual cleaning

Sunday was a different story I felt hungry ALL day long. I new I had a house warming Sunday afternoon so I was trying to save my points knowing that most of the food was not going to be low/medium points. I did eat 8 points before the party and did eat well at the party. I did have a couple wings, cookies but loaded up on veggies.

I have learned on WW that the points they assign you are the right amount of points. You will loose if you eat the point given to you.

This week I ate ALL my points and lost

2 LBS!!!

Total loss 7 LBS

Plan for this week:

Eat healthy everyday and make sure I eat things I don't eat everyday (pecan bars, stuffing) in moderation.

I will do great!!!

Thanksgiving week

I love every holiday

Thanksgiving holds a special place in my heart

Everyone gathers at my house and we have a good meal, drinks and spending time together

the girls come over early and talk, make food and enjoy each other company. Once the boys arrive from the busy day of hunting we all gather to share a great meal.

Thanksgiving is a great time to stop and remember what is important.

My thoughts are with everyone that had a loss this year for any reason. I also feel that this has been a wonderful year for so many and I think of them.

Thanksgiving week:

Monday- don't forget to take your turkey out

Tuesday-

Wednesday- bake breads, pecan bars, apple sauce, clean house

Thursday- prepare all foods:

Turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet pototoes, stuffing, green beans, corn,

(I'm sure I am leaving something out...)

Enjoy your families!!