Sunny Simple Life: Weight Loss Update - Down 3.4 lbs.

Oh my goodness another great write up from Elaine.
 Click the link below to visit her website.

I am so happy as the Loseit.com program is not only easy but is working so well so far. I am down 3.4 pounds since Monday. I think this system is similar to Weight Watchers but I wanted to do this free version.

The tracking of my food really shows where you are spending your calories. I really like this part of it and have been using my extra calories at the end of the day on dark chocolate or hot chocolate. This is great because I have not felt deprived at all. The test will be today as my youngest wants to have McDonald's as a treat for lunch today so I will see what a chicken sandwich comes to. I will probably have to skip the fries but I am motivated so I think that will be easy at this point.

According to the site, this is normal for the first week because my goal is only 1/2 pound per week so I am sure it will start slowing down. I have been eating a lot of homemade vegetable soup. Very filling and also healthy. I happen to be very sensitive to sodium so I cannot tolerate canned soups.

Taco salad was dinner and lunch for two of the meals. The Greek yogurt dressings are so tasty but I use only a tablespoon and then fill in the some extra splashes of red wine vinegar. I could not find the ground turkey equivalent on the website so I looked it up so I could register my calories. The measurements are below.
4 oz ground turkey or beef = 1/2 cup

I have not exercised a whole lot outside of walks with the dogs and 5 - 10 minutes of a workout video on YouTube daily. What can I say I am working my way up. I have to baby my left knee. But I feel better, not sure why but I already do. Maybe it is mental. No one loves food and sweets like me so if I can do, anyone can so let me know if you try this program to lose weight.

See the first post as I began this menopause weight loss journey.

Click here :
Sunny Simple Life: Weight Loss Update - Down 3.4 lbs.

Menopause and Weight Gain

Elaine from Sunny Simple Life shares her story. Love reading the personal journey she so openly shares. 

From Elaine: 

Now, I don't normally get too personal on here but folks I am going to take a chance and share some of my journey through menopause and especially to start, menopause and weight gain. UGH! Can I just say that without eating extra, my body has decided, because of my hormones to pack on some weight.

It is my fault. I should have got serious and really cut my calories when it started but hey I was just looking to survive what was happening to me. The ups the downs, the hot flashes, the sadness I was feeling. If you have been there, you know. Well, after my physical a couple of months ago, I was told I was now officially in menopause at the age of 49. I know it may seem early but if I remmeber correctly it was about that age for my mom.

For now, I have to say I feel I am coming out of the wilderness. My moods have stabilized, my hot flashes for now are gone but will probably come back, but this weight gain! I have to do something about this. I am not happy and I know it is not healthy so I am vowing to tackle it. I mean I had a baby in my 40s and lost all the weight and more but now it is all back baby.

So I am going to share my journey, what I am trying and what is and isn't working. I am hoping this accountability will maybe help me to stay on track but also to maybe help someone else as I am the first of my girlfriends, that are my age to go through menopause.

This week I have started to really monitor my diet. I had thought of Weight Watchers but I am trying to lose weight frugally and am trying something that I used in the past that worked well for me. Loseit.com is a program that you choose a goal, for me 20 pounds, how much you want to lose per week and then helps you track your food and calories as you try and stay in the allotment they have given you. I like it because it helps you to see really how fattening and caloric certain things are. Just cooking my egg and not using butter saves you a lot of calories.

I am down almost a half a pound this week and that is nothing, but to see the tiny decrease in my graph already encourages me. I think the biggest thing mentally about menopause and gaining weight, is not beating myself up mentally over this. It happens to every woman and there is no shame in this. My husband still feels the same, I am the same person, I have done nothing wrong, it is what it is. But for my health and the fact that I have an eight year old, I CHOOSE to work harder. So join me or comment and let me know what has helped you cause I can use all the good advice I can get.

I want to also vlog this for my Youtube channel, but I have had a family member who is very ill this week and the worry that has been on my heart is so heavy I just can't yet. But, I am trying to keep busy and keep my mind busy as I feel so helpless and this is a good outlet for me and a safe space I can keep busy at. That and taking care of my family.

So let me know what you think about my sharing this. Perhaps no one is interested but I know I have been searching online for info since this journey and stage began. Thanks friends for being here!!

Elaine 
Click her name to visit her blog sight ❤️

My Daughters 18th Birthday Wishes

Happy 18th Birthday Julia Gonzalez

I have many times failed to be the Mom I pictured myself to be. I always wanted more for you.

Yet,

 Watching you grow into a strong, grateful, independent, smart and loving child of God has been amazing to watch. 

I've realized being your Momma is a precious gift that daily humbles me. Every fiber of my being is grateful for having you in my life these past 18 years.Adulting is hard and can be scarey. The world can be a scarey place. 

Yet, I am confident you will continue to communicate with me on matters of the heart. Matters of right and wrong decisions. Matters of school, tattoos, boys, budgeting & money . Continue finding your true calling in life. Never stop learning. Continue going on Missionary trips. Continue serving an amazing God. 

Always find a bible based church to worship. Don't be a part of  the high percentage of Young Adults who don't hold steadfast to their faith.

 Continue to invite people to church. You invited me and I've never been the same.Thank you for the most amazing invitation of my life. 

Always find fun coffee shops ☕to study in and have wonderful friends to hang out with. Continue to crank up the stereo and sing your heart out to Adele. 

Continue  acting  like a Lady and dressing like one. Don't show your groceries in public and dance  like people are watching. I never liked the saying dance like no one is watching. Awe, their watching. If they start throwing dollar bills you've gone too far.💃😳😜😂

I will always pray for your future Husband.May he  love God first and may you have a lifetime of praying together. He is out there somewhere probably waiting for you to learn to cook. With your love of pasta and pizza lets hope he's Italian. 🍴🍕🍝😂👫

Dont do drugs. Dont drink. You come from a line of alcoholics. We only think we are the life of the party. Be sober. Be THAT girl. 

Continue having a big heart and never stop reading  your bible.  

   

I love you more than chocolate. Actually more than SEE's Candy Chocolate!!! Those are so yummy. 

Happy 18th Birthday My Julia Rose. I love you with every fiber of my being. 

Momma Rachel ❤❤❤🎂💃

Trip to Walmart for $7.78 pants

Julia and I took a trip to Walmart last night. I just wanna say ... When Julia refused to buy a bag. It warmed my heart. 😂😂😂😂💃She looked at the checker straight in the eyes and said no thank you I will carry them out. ❤❤❤😂 By the way, I'm so grateful my $7.78 stretch fabric, sits below the waist, slim through hip & thigh boot leg opening pants FIT!!!  Singing praises and thankfulness! Glory to God for rejoicing in the little things. ❤

December 1, 2016 - Blog Memories

With Julia going to a movie tonight with friends, I decided to hang out at Starbucks so I could check out my poor neglected blog. I work so much and without internet at home, I find myself putting off writing. Blogging  was my passion for many years. I look back at pictures and post of yesteryear and wonder where did the time go, I will be 53 this month and Julia 18. Yes 18 . Her college applications are not only tightening our wallets yet flooding my thoughts with memories . She has been my constant companion on this road to Single parenthood. It has not been easy yet my life changed for the better. Now there will be new memories of having a young adult in college. Good grief I'm not ready. Are we ever ready for another life change? They say change is good.  Adulting is hard. Its as if every time I blink another year passes. Next month will be 2017. Are you ready? I think I  need some chocolate. 

Christmas Home Tour 2016

via Christmas Home Tour 2016


Visited Living in Yellow Blog this evening. Adorable pictures!!!Click here

Crisp clean color and lines. 

Love hanging stockings 

Rustic charm 

10 quick clean up tips to make housework no big deal - A Fresh Start on a Budget

Are you feeling the stress of the Holidays? Cleaning for guest? Family from out of town. Thinking of a budget? How do you spend money on the holidays? Do you use credit cards? No gift giving? Make home made gifts?

Here are some ideas for the budget conscience & clean up tips:

                         10 quick clean up tips to make housework no big deal - A Fresh Start on a Budget



via The Budget Mama  

via The Finance Girl

 

If You're On the Fence About Your Vote, This Pastor Clarifies How the Very Future of America Is At Stake

   Great article written by our Pastor Dr. Jim Garlow at Skyline Church, San Diego, CA. It is an amazing, articulate and thought out article.  It has reached over a million views. I want to help spread the word.  

 Click here:   If You're On the Fence About Your Vote, This Pastor Clarifies How the Very Future of America Is At Stake. 

The Welcome Mat from Target

A few months back I attended an amazing Women's Retreat at the Pine Valley Bible Center. It was an unforgettable experience. I actually took home a few of my coloring projects. Couldn't remember the last time I colored let alone colored in a group setting.  
Well, yesterday at Target I found the perfect decor to match. A floor mat for just $9.08! Love a bargain!
Look! Sweet, right? Now to decorate to bring this theme together. The creative juices are flowing. What project are you working on?   

It's so FUN to make cards and swap them with other card makers! via Free Vintage Digi Stamps

via FREE VINTAGE DIGI STAMPS

It's so FUN to make cards and swap them with other card makers!

How do you sign-up? Just mail your cards or drop them off at The Paper Collage store if you are local to the Phoenix, AZ area. There is no cost to participate.

The theme this month is: Victorian

What is your interpretation of Victorian? Classic, romantic, frilly, lots of lace, vintage, etc.

Create SIX themed cards {the same or all different} and drop them off by the deadline {Wednesday, August 31st}. You will receive FIVE cards back {swapped & mailed out on Tuesday, Sept. 6th} - one of your cards will be donated to a non-profit charity/organization who will LOVE and cherish your card forever! ♥

Size doesn't matter...you can make an A2 or A6, ANY size! Be sure to include an envelope with each card too!

Your cards can be stamped, embossed, colored, layered, artsy, cute, whimsy, mixed media-style, or apply any technique you can think of! Be sure to include at least TWO layers {including the card base} and at least ONE embellishment.

Place them in a clear baggie with your name written on the baggie and drop them off or mail them to The Paper Collage {address below}. You can pick-up your swap anytime after Tuesday, Sept. 6th.

If you are out of the area, you can still participate! You can mail in your cards and include a self-addressed stamped mailer with the same amount of postage. It's FUN to receive HAPPY MAIL!

IF you are mailing them: 
The Paper Collage Victorian Card Swap
13576 W. Camino Del Sol, #4 
Sun City West, AZ 85375

We can't wait to see your FABULOUS creations!

Gluten Free A-Z : Tomatillo Guacamole for a fabulous Party Dip

Gluten Free A-Z : Tomatillo Guacamole for a fabulous Party Dip: Do you like guacamole? You will love  this tomatillo guacamole just as much.



Check out these pictures & recipe  than visit Gluten Free with Judee

 

 

Ingredients: 

2-3 medium tomatillos ( tomatillos are on the small side) 

2 medium Hass type avocados, peeled and quartered

juice of 1/2 fresh lemon ( about 1/4 cup of juice) 

3 large sprigs of parsley

2 scallions stems , chopped
Salt and cracked pepper to taste ( I used a little Himalayan pink salt)  

optional: 1 teaspoon of cumin ( I used it and thought it needed it -but if you don't like cumin omit it) 

Directions: 

Place all of the ingredients in the food processor . Turn on 2-3 burts ( on off, on off, on off) until slightly blended. Serve with gluten free crackers, celery sticks, or slices of tomatillo

 

RESER FINE FOODS -HATCH GREEN CHILE MACARONI & CHEESE -YUMMY!

via Resers


Ok, just had lunch here at AceSelf Storage -Rancho . I decided to warm up a frozen  Hatch Green  Chile  Macaroni  & Cheese. Its part of their Sensational Sides and ready in just 4 minutes! It's basically a meal for me. It was absolutely delicious! I even had to post about it on my Face Book Page!

Wanted to research the company and found great things. Here's  and Insert from the website.

Reser’s is proud to be part of the extended American family. More than sixty years after “Grandma Reser” perfected her world-famous potato salad in a rural farmhouse kitchen, we now make a variety of sides, salads, ‘slaws, desserts and comfort food classics.
The company’s leading brands include Reser's American Classics™ deli salads, Reser's Sensational Sides™ side dishes, Baja Café® and Don Pancho Mexican Foods, Main St. Bistro baked sides and dinners, and Stonemill Kitchens® gourmet dips.  And to keep things fresh and exciting, we’ve expanded our culinary line-up and now offer a variety fresh-cut fruits and veggies.
As a third-generation family company, Reser’s employs more than 3,000 people at nearly 20 facilities in the United States and Mexico.  We recently added a tortilla plant in Halifax, North Carolina and a distribution center in Topeka, Kansas.  Be sure to visit our news room for our latest updates.
We work as one big family in order to create easy, delicious snacks and meals that will bring your family together around the table.  So, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, an elegant party appetizer, or hearty sides for your next picnic or backyard BBQ, let us help you serve up something delicious.

Here is their Resers Face Book Page

Let me know if you have a favorite Resers Product!

 

Goals for August 2016 - A Fresh Start on a Budget

via Goals for August 2016 - A Fresh Start on a Budget

                              

Meet Karissa She has an amazingly motivating blog. Visit her at "A Fresh Start on a Budget"

You will definitely get pumped for August. We are a week in ,its not too late.

What are your goals for August?

 

Kevin Conover's Educate for Life & Go Fund Me Page GUHSB 2016

Click here to visit THE GOFUND ME PAGE & DONATE Any amount is appreciated ! Thank you so much!

Click here to visit Kevin's EDUCATE FOR LIFE PAGE Check out  Kevin's amazing education Ministry.

 

Elevate Super Foods - Spinach Pow Salad

 Had a Elevate Super Foods - Spinach Pow Salad the other day and it was amazing.

Ok, so I used up all my Weight Watcher points, yet it was so worth it!

It felt super healthy. People sitting next to me asked about my salad.

 I think I'm going to have to visit Smart and Final more often!

CLICK HERE to visit Elevate Super Foods Facebook Page

via Elevate Super Foods

Have you tried the other flavors? Which is your favorite? 

A Bird. A Plate and Candlestick Holder Ideas -EASY AS 1-2-3

A dear friend, Cindy brought a gift to class. It was wrapped so pretty I almost didn't want to open it!

Cindy explained she saw something similar at a vendor show and knew she could go home and make it.

With a desire, talent and few materials, Cindy made an adorable decoration.

Isn't it beautiful! Love it!

Pinterest has great ideas! Click here

The Homespun Hydrangea Fairy Garden Drawer Upcycle via Sunny Simple Life

 


Visited  The Homespun Hydrangea Fairy Garden Drawer Upcycle


via  Sunny Simple Life

Sue found my camper at a local shop, but you can find a similar one on Amazon here!

Here is what you will need to make your fairy garden in a drawer:– Old drawer
– Drill
– Miniature plants (I love celosia, coleus, dusty miller, and other small scale annuals)
– Stones
– Dirt
– Accessories of choice

Click here to learn more: The Home Spun Hydrangea

Portion Control Weight Loss Tips

The 3 P's
Pray more.  Portion Control. Physically move.
My pretty cups, from The Pioneer Woman Collection   remind me of portion control. It actually helps. Do you have a changed my eating habits tip?