Thursday, March 31, 2011

They are not Truly Ours

Oh, how I love, adore, treasure and worry about my girls.
But they are not truly mine.
They are the Lord's.

A wise friend told me something that I just had to share with you.
God has a plan for all of us- and that includes our children.
We can pray and guide them the best that we can, but ultimately they are His.
At first this sounds a bit scary but it is truly freeing.
My hopes and dreams will always be present, but I have to trust and know that God is in control.
What a load off my shoulders! I am just a helper. A Mother.

God is the conductor and we are all lovely instruments in his symphony called life. :)

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte

It's a cold 40 degrees here today.
One of these would be so good right now....

Get it "skinny" style at Starbucks.
Only 90 calories!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

12 - The Door in the Air - Prince Caspian Soundtrack

***Fun GIVEAWAY at Craftomaniac! Art supplies galore! Check it out!***

Only a few more weeks until the performance.

Katie and her two friends are going to be Tree Nymphs. Fairies.:)
My friend, Angel, has designed the most amazing costumes(worn by the young lady with the crown of flowers) for the girls!

Love the face painting.:)

They are dancing to this song.
Close your eyes and listen.
It's magical.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Workout Disguise

I spent some time with my old friends Oreos and potato chips this weekend. But, I have my head in the game again! How did you all do? I have started speed walking in the hood. I was self conscious before and always felt like I should stop and visit. Wanna know my secret? Slap on sun glasses and head phones and you are now in your workout disguise. No joke! People know you are busy and focused on your workout. You feel almost invisible! Wave and keep on going. You can always bring them a plate of cookies later.:)

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Snuggle Luv

***All items in my shop are Buy 2 get 1 FREE today (Sunday). This includes Hair Posies! The least expensive item is FREE. I will refund through Paypal. Have fun shopping!:)***

47 degrees called for an extra layer of warmth today.

These two cuties wore Snuggle Luv Leg Warmers to ballet!

They are one size fits all and ca-ute as can be!
The girls are pretty cute, too.:)

Cutie Patooties:)

Snuggle Luv has darling hats, clothes, etc.
Tristan, you will FLIP OUT!

Stop by and take a peek.

Mandy wears the leg warmers on her arms. Funky and Fun!

Wish I could rock that look.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Monet's Garden Collection

Water Lilies Necklace...


My new Monet's Garden collection...

Les Fleurs de Printemps (Spring Flowers) Necklace


The Giverny Necklace

:)

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Food as a Drug

***The giveaway on my Too Silly Sisters facebook page ends at
midnight tonight. Check it out!***

I want to thank you all so much for your encouragement. You guys rock! I am more than thrilled that some of you are going on this journey to health with me. Yeah for you! I wanted to let you know that I have come to find that food is a drug for me. Scary stuff. Eating is acceptable but when it controls your life there is something wrong. I used to lay in bed dreading getting up in the morning, but if I knew a bagel or Reese's Puffs cereal was waiting for me I was up! Since God has taken over I no longer feel this way. Now I think about what I am going to DO every day! The world is brighter and possibilities are endless. Praise the Lord!
Dining out. Love, Love, LOVE IT. Food is prepared for me and I don't have to clean up. What's not to like? Just because you are eating healthy does not mean you have to stop eating out. You just have to pay attention. Here are some healthy and yummy options!

Chik Fil A Southwest Salad
Mmmmmm! Tender and a bit spicy pieces of chicken, veggies, corn/bean relish! Skip the tortilla strips and the Spicy dressing. Opt for the Raspberry vinaigrette instead- it's YUM! 352 calories and 7 grams of fat!


Taco Bell Fresco Chicken Soft Taco
Chicken, tomatoes, lettuce! Sounds a bit bland, but put on some salsa
and it's really good! No cheese on this guy but you won't miss it! 150
calories and 3 grams of fat!

Mimi's Cafe!!

My favorite! Chicken, Fruit, and Baby Greens Salad! Unbelievably delicious! Could not find a picture.:( Chicken, tomatoes, pieces of honeydew, dried cranberries and more. Delicious dressing. You will love this salad! Comes with one of their sinful muffins. Give it to your kids.:) 240 calories and 8 grams of fat.

So, where are you going to eat today?;)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Pedicures and Milk Shakes

I scheduled a pedicure for myself today.
My tootsies deserve it- and it's calorie free!
Spring is here and it's time to wear my Yellow Box Flip Flops again.:)

Do you have some cocoa packets left over from the snow?
They are excellent for making milk shakes!
Hungry Girl says that the 25 calorie (below) Swiss Miss is yummy.
Get out your blender, pour a packet in, add about 1 cup skim milk and some ice cubes. Blend. Enjoy!

Someone told me about The Perfect Ten book/diet today. She lost 50 pounds on it and never felt hungry! Has anyone else tried it?

***Check out the fun GIVEAWAY on my TOO SILLY SISTERS Facebook page!***

Treating Yourself without Food

45 minutes on the elliptical.
Better than apple pie.
Seriously.

If you're joining me on my journey, hurrah for you!
You are allowed to treat yourself.
But NOT with food.
Target has some fun Champion exercise attire on sale this week. $7!
I bought this shirt in the blue (below) and the hot pink.
Happy colors.
Grab a pair of the Champion capri pants, too. They feel great and once you put them on you KNOW you are ready to exercise. Leave the fat pants in the closet. You won't be wearing them much longer.:)

Today, Justin Bieber and Maroon 5 came with me. I do lots of talking with God, too. Who do you have on your playlist? Suggestions SO welcome!


Do not forget to drink water! It's so important for hydration, but even more importantly it's important to your blood flow. Without water, your blood becomes sluggish and makes your heart work harder. Bad news. Drink. Water. Dear. Friends.

We are off to enjoy sushi! I know I said no food, but you have to eat.:) California Rolls are a yummy and healthy treat! Try not to use soy sauce, if you can. Love you guys!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

NEVER. SAY. NEVER.

I have been a naughty girl.
For years I have trashed my body.
Junk food, little or no exercise, late nights and STRESS. I am the queen of it.
No more.
My body is speaking to me in no uncertain terms and I must get my act together.
God and I have been talking, too.
I am more than thankful He is in my life.

Now I eat homemade (quick cooking) oatmeal for breakfast.
It's good!
Add a bit of brown sugar and it's almost like a dessert.
Trust me!

I walked 3 miles with my partner tonight.
I even ran a bit!
What??!
It felt better than good.
Better than a brownie!
My New Balance shoes were worth the extra money.
You can get them at TJ Maxx.
Check it out!

Guess who I listened to on my Ipod?
Justin Bieber!
We saw his movie for the THIRD time today. (Jeff was such a sport. Yes, he liked it, too!)
It gets better each time. It pumps you up and the message is just what I needed.
NEVER. SAY. NEVER.
His story is amazing.
Anyone that hates him is jealous. period.



If you have been thinking or like me- dreaming- of getting healthy, just do it.
I will be cheering for you. Pray about it and God will give you strength.
NEVER SAY NEVER.:)

**And to celebrate your weight loss and new health, stop over at April's blog! She is having a Shabby Apple giveaway!!:)**

Carrot Soup

It's all about healthy at my house.
I am turning over a new leaf!
Any great recipes you care to share?

This is one I tried last night.
It comes from this month's Better Homes and Gardens.
The grown ups liked. The kids- not so much.


CARROT SOUP

3 Tbsp. olive oil
4 cups (approx. 4 whole) sliced onions
4 cups sliced carrots (Carrots with greens attached are sweeter. Ina told me.:-))
32 oz. reduced sodium chicken broth

1. In a large saucepan heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and season with salt. Cook 10 min., stirring occasionally.
2. Add carrots, cook for 10 min. more, stirring occasionally. Add broth, bring to a simmer. Simmer covered, 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool slightly.
3. In a blender or food processor, blend soup, 1/3 at a time, until smooth. Return to pot; heat through.
4. Enjoy with toasted pita wedges and hummus. Mmmmm....

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Lent and Giving Back

I have never given anything up for Lent.
I thought it was Catholics only.
Is it?
Well, I am going to give my sweet Dew and her BFF's up for Lent this year.
My bubbly obsession. My sweet desire. I will miss you.

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I am 42 years old.
I am a natural follower.
The Lord wants me to break out and try something new.
I felt that God was talking to me in church today.
It's time to start a girl's Bible study.
In my home.
Any suggestions for a book we could use?
I would like to offer a snack and perhaps a little activity, too.
Once or twice a month.
I don't do well in big groups- like church.
I like church, don't get me wrong, I just haven't found my niche.
I feel lost.
This is something I could do in my home where I am comfy.:)
All young ladies would be welcome.
I have been so blessed in my life.
It's time to give back.

Don't Miss Out...

Go to Picaboo and get your FREE photo book! This is valid for new customers and only until the 22nd. The code is FREECC.

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I am addicted. Darn you, Target. Cashews and chocolate covered caramel goodies- like Milk Duds but way softer and yummier! M&M's and peanuts, too. Go get on the trail.:)

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Mandy and I watched Arsenic and Old Lace this weekend. Absolutely hilarious with a teensy bit of spooky. She said it was the best movie ever. That is very high praise! You will laugh and quote lines. The two aunties steal the show. You will never say you're lonely or drink wine again!


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Just ordered some canvases here. Can't beat the FREE 8x10! I upgraded to 16x20 and the price was still great.

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Friday, March 11, 2011

3rd Annual Nancy Drew Swap!

Time for my 3rd Annual Nancy Drew Swap!

Sign ups until Thursday, March 17th.

Due to the number of swap flakers, I must. know. you.

E-mail me at toosillysisters@cox.net Include your name, address, blog name, the Nancy Drew book you have chosen as your theme and any items you do not care to receive.

Create a fun package worth approx. $15.00 (not including postage) of Nancy Drew goodies that you have created/purchased. Fun ideas are jewelry, books, ornaments, journals, etc. Your package must be mailed by Thursday, March 31st.


**Fun Giveaway at Doodlebugs Paper! Check it out here!**

10 on 11

Missed the 10th- again.
Here's 10 on 11.;)
Katie and I picked up petit fours to serve at American Girl class.
Samantha served them at her birthday party!

Mandy unloads the dishwasher- with a smile.:)

Loading the egg container with paint is such fun.
Makes me feel like a preschool teacher again.

Squeezing in schoolwork.

American Girl game, petit fours and the Samantha movie.
Planning on reading Kirsten with the girls this summer.
We are having a Samantha mystery party for our last class.
I will play Gertrude, the grumpy maid.:)

Decorating Valentine ornaments.
The 6th Samantha book celebrated Valentine's Day.

Trading Silly Bandz.

Dinner at the Mellow Mushroom.
Pizza and Peace Out, Man.

The names of the colors make me smile.:)

Slumber party with a friend.
Do boys do such wonderful things?

The weekend is here.:)

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Cruise Control

Once upon a time, my Dad drove an ambulance.
I would be no good at this job.
Can you imagine the pressure?
Every time I hear an ambulance, I say a prayer for everyone involved.
Do any of you do this?
I am so glad that my Heavenly Father is the driver in my life.
He knows where I am going and exactly what to do- in good times and bad.
I guess you could say I'm on "cruise control".
Praise the Lord.:)


Sunday, March 6, 2011

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Big Plans for a Cold Weekend

It's cold again.:)
Time for fun indoor activities!
Like, playing with fabric...

Reading the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy.
I am rooting for Peeta.
Perhaps he will fall in love with the mayor's daughter?
She needs love, too.

Going to see this cutie in the theaters.
Katie is a fan.
I like his music, too.;)
Yes, his Mom is younger than me.
sigh...

Sitting by the fire.
One last time before Spring??

Watching these people smoke and drink.
What a mess.
Love it.

Watch this guy, too.
An even bigger mess.
Strangely addictive, though.

Looking for these cuties!
Are they only available on-line?

I want all of them!
You can put little secret messages in them!
They all have the cutest little personalities.
At least the card says they do.:)

Really want to try these on.
The comments are conflicting.
Some say super comfy.
Some say not so good.
Have you ever purchased Tom's shoes?
What are your big plans for the weekend?
I'd better run. Saturday is half over!!!