Update

201.0 the lowest I have been and it's been there for two days!! I have been doing two new things. Bulletproof coffee and oolong tea. Weird sounding as it is, I put 2 teaspoons of coconut oil and 1/2 tablespoon of grass fed keerigold butter in my coffee in the am. This surprising keeps you energized and helps your body burn the right fat. The heat of the coffee and the right butter. Coconut oil has many good properties as we'll. my bro has been doing this for awhile and I finally jumped on the bandwagon. Oolong tea is known for its health benefits and in Asian countries as a weight loss tea. 4 servings a day is recommended.  I have been making a chai of sorts and it also helps me through the day. 

So close

. 203.4 as of this morning... Erg. I am so thankful I am where I am at instead of a year ago! I keep teetering on the edge. I am praying for the Lords help and wisdom to lose weight. This is a journey to become healthier not skinny, but in order to become healthier I need to lose more weight. :) It has been a stressful few weeks which is not helping the situation, but I prayed this morning to give it to Him. He can help my body get the right nutrients by helping me eat what I need to eat and helping my body not be as hungry and let go of the pounds

Day 7

For today's dare we are to write all the positive things about our spouse then on a separate piece of paper write all the negative things about your spouse. Once this is done set aside. You will use this later. But for now pick one positive item and thank your spouse for having this characteristic. 

The devotion was about an apreciation room and a depreciation room and how much time we spend in these rooms. Spending time in the depreciation room causes divorced plain and simple. They may be true things about your spouse but so are the good things, you should choose to say covered in love in regards to past things and current things. 

Day 6

.Love is not irritable. Do you react quickly with a harsh or negative word? Love is forgiving and does not harbour grudges. Today make sure you stop and think what you say before you react. Is there a particular thing your spouse does that sets you off? Take a moment and if you have one that comes to mind, give this to God and pray for your heart and mind to be in the right place. We are human and we all have our faults. In this day and age people do not know how to handle these situations. But as Christians we have God 

Day 4 and 5

Day four was to contact your spouse sometime throughout the day with no agenda and see how they are doing and if there was anything you could do for them

Day 5 -today. As a spouse we are not to be rude and inconsiderate. There are things that we can do that irritate our spouses. This includes everything from pouting to the way the dishes are loaded. In every marriage there are things that irritate both people. Today we are to ask politely what three things that make our spouse uncomfortable or irritated at and then we are to work on these. 

I understand this, but how does one ask this?? Hmmm 

Day 3

Today the challenge is to buy or make something that is for your spouse that makes him think you were thinking of them. Be creative it doesn't have to be expensive it could be just something special to them whether it's a card, or candy, a thoughtful gift, massage. Yesterday I think my husband beat me to it. I came home from work and he had clean the house here I was supposed to bless him and he blessed me. But one good thing about this 40 day challenge it's not the only day that you can do these things these are positive and good things to practice every day.

Day 2

Inspired

Inspired by a friend that has done a thirty day challenge of celebrating her husband. I have decided to do the "Love Dare" this is for a healthy marriage or one that is not the greatest. Thankfully, I would say I have a good marriage but we have only been doing this for three years and we have a lot to learn. 

Day 1 is about love and patience. The dare is basically be patient with your spouse. Don't say negative things and if you are tempted to don't say anything. It's better to bite your tongue then spout negative things. A harsh word stirs up anger but a soft answer turns away wrath. Proverbs 15:1 

I don't think I will share exactly what I did for the day but will share my experience through this. Feel free to join me as we enter November the month that we talk about being thankful. Let's be thankful for our spouse no matter how difficult it can be. :)

Pics

Fall Tuesday

There is a definite change in the air, it's Fall! We crammed a lot In this weekend, date night, errands, scuba diving, and yesterday cleaning and cooking! Scuba diving was a blast! It was also a learning experience, our first boat dive we tried putting our gear on in the water and 3 miles off shore I ended up drinking a gallon of salt water. We learned sitting on the edge and falling off is best. Our friends boat was crammed full of our scuba gear and 4 people! Two dives both were pretty spectacular, live royal starfish, colony of live sand dollars, a 4-5 ft ray, barracuda, stone fish, sea cucumber, school of angel fish and many other little fishies, and a big remora that tried attaching to my leg. Eventually he attached to our friends leg, poor remora all that work for nothing. Both guys went down at the very end and brought up a net that had been left/dropped and fish were getting caught faster than they could cut them out. They cut out and saved the fish that were alive, but most were dead. Sea turtles get caught in that stuff too... Yesterday I had the day off and I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned! I made my own fall arrangements and made two new recipes. Garlicky chicken stew and a chicken sausage, mushroom, and pasta casserole. Had the stew last night over rice and it was good but it's missing something... Where is a chef when you need one? Well, I better start getting ready for work. Ttyl

It has been awhile

Much to talk about but not much time. I officially have lost 35 pounds! I am so close 202.2 is my weight right now. I just had my period so not pregnant. This weekend hopefully we can scuba dive! Husband started shift work again and night shifts really are the worst:( I have a hard time sleeping. Today is Monday, and my hubby gets to stay home... My brain is scattered and running out of time ttyl

Scuba Sunday

Well, the doctor cleared me Thursday afternoon. My left eardrum is not moving all the way when I equalize, which leaves me slightly muffled. Doctor said it will work itself out and that I could dive! Made it through the pool on Friday and went in the ocean on Sunday! I was sad to miss church and knowing that I will miss next Sunday as well. It was basically a private lesson, two girls and the Instructor. We had a blast! Visibility was awesome! I am thrilled! Can't believe it's Monday already... I made a new recipe of Emily bites, sweet Asian chicken or something. It's good, very sweet but good. 

Monday schmunday

Overall doing well. High notes, I wore the shorts I wore on my honeymoon yesterday! My mom also fixed the smaller dress pants so I can wear them today. My pants were getting ridiculously baggy. I was just waiting for someone to tell me to buy new clothes! Hubby bought me new tennis shoes for aerobics! Hubby is getting officially promoted.!! Today and three others are meeting with the sheriff and basically being told when its effective. He had to shine his shoes and get out his special uniform:) I am so proud of my hubby! 

Low notes... Still not scuba certified... Basically got a double ear infection or barotrauma, common in divers. I was put on ten days of antibiotics and I have a day and a half left... My right ear seems healed, my left is still giving me fits. But it is showing signs of changing so that's good. I still can't hear great out of that ear and it feels like when liquid drains overnight to one side, except I sleep on my right not my left side.. The plan is to finish Friday,Saturday, and Sunday as long as my ears cooperate. 

I almost thought I was prego, it's amazing how you start thinking could I be? I was late, I think.. Still working on tracking my period and it changes on me. I think this is the first time I felt sad. I have been giving this to God, I don't like the idea of us choosing when we have kids. I was on birth control, but I never quite liked it. Was it nice to enjoy three years by ourselves? Yes! But.. If we trust God in everything, why can't we trust Him in this area? This does not mean I want a dozen kids and will never be on birth control, but I don't know what I will do in the future. I am enjoying the trying, but not planning to have kids right now. If it takes two years it takes two years. Granted after a year we might get tested, but I know already that I don't want invetro and all that. If we can't have kids, we might adopt. I was in the infant room at church volunteering yesterday and I def feel the mommy in me come out, not to mention a baby girl that I was holding lit up when she saw dusty (he had come to pick me up) and almost jumped in his arms. Found out later from her mom that she has not seen her daddy in a bit due to work and it was just so cute how she lit up in dustys arms. 

Well in regards to weight I still have not broken the 200 barrier I still have 5-6 pounds to go depending on the day! Last week, including last night I have been extra hungry and hard to stabilize my blood sugar. So I let myself eat a few more snacks this past weekend to try and help before going back to normal this week. We will see! Pray for your friends, family, and people you meet. You never know when it could be there last day...

Weight update

I have lost 32.8 pounds! I am starting to see the numbers go down again. This week I am getting scuba certified down to 60 feet! I was so nervous about being too heavy or not having a big enough wetsuit... Thankfully my concerns are not concerns anymore. Obviously it's wise to be fit and healthy for this activity, since your life depends on it. But I passed all the fitness swim tests and we started skills last night in the pool. I thought mask clearing would be tough, but in reality it was not bad. Basically you have to demonstrate that you can take your mask completely off and clear it underwater. Tonight we will spend most of our time in the deep end of 12 feet. I will admit when we first went underwater with our regulator and mask, it was really weird. Lots of bubbles and noise. Then the instructor said masks off so we wouldn't be tempted to breathe through our nose underwater. That was freaking me out. On our knees with all our gear in 4 feet of water masks off eyes shut tight. You could not see, it was scary to the point I was thinking in my head I can't do this. But then our instructor made a sound and we came up and went and practiced skills for the rest of the night. By the end I was feeling much much better. Tonight we will work on equalizing our ears and buoyancy and who knows what else! 

Adventurous Me!

I am very excited to say my husband and I are getting scuba certified!! In two weeks we begin class after work 6-9. Two nights in the classroom, and three in the pool, then two diving days in the ocean! Just for curiosity, weight watchers says scuba diving is 2 activity points for ten minutes! Sweet! This is what I like to call exercise! Last night we had Zumba with a different instructor, and she can be tough, but in a fun way. I liked the new songs and intensity she brings to the table. Tonight is kickboxing, believe me I would rather kick box then do spin class on Thursday..... Spin was tough, but I will be back at some point.  Work is good, I will be constantly learning for another month before I get the hang of it. My team seems to be the right fit:) I miss my girls, my friends, we are all growing up and graduating, having babies, and just enjoying life. I wish we could hang out once a month or so, but since technology has not caught up yet.. Well, I wonder if we could face time with 4-5 people at once... That could be fun! 

Up way too early

My dog woke me up.... I should be sleeping.. I just have a lot on the brain. I am starting to appreciate working out as something kind of fun for me, it has always been a punishment before. I wasn't allowed to hang out with my friends until I took a walk, seriously? Yep! My parents didn't know what to do, they felt they were doing the right thing. I have finally forgiven them for those things. Some adults wish their parents did more to help out. Looking back now, it was all about the food. We didn't know I was hypoglycemic and my parents ate healthy, restricted sweets and junk food, minus special occasions. I feel like my parents really taught me well in eating healthy, but as a hypoglycemic it's different. Certain foods go straight in the bloodstream and often make me hungrier than before I ate! Waste of calories! Protein shakes are a no no for me, my parents tried so many times to put me on a shake diet... So I really plan out what I eat except for the weekends. Anyway, I tried a new workout last night, core cycle.  That was painful, but I made it through! I did not give up! 30 min on the bike, my legs already hurt from the night before! It was painful 30 min, but then we got to relax and do crunches and planks off the ball. I am in pain, I have muscles I didn't know existed hurting. How does this help? I really don't know... 

Ecstatic weigh in!

So its working! I am down and I have officially lost 30 pounds! Wow, 30 down 8 more to get to my next goal weight. I took it easy this week and didn't do kickboxing, but I did step last night and stayed for the legs and stomach crunches or something. Basically squats and crunches and more squats. Tonight is core cycle, I might just check it out for fun! I am so thankful the gym is free, the classes are free, and I don't have to go anywhere! My back is holding up, which is a good thing. I am just careful with what I do, even then I feel I push the envelope. In my perspective I have to be even more careful after working out than in class! Getting in and out my car after working out, getting out of bed, little things that my back could spazz or give out if I am not careful. Thank The Lord that I am pain free! 

Tuesday muesdy

Well today my weight is 209.4, back where I have been for awhile. Period surprised me on Friday, and I am trying this week to limit my fruit intake. We have been eating a lot of fruit this summer and maybe too much. Yesterday I had 1 nectarine, 1 plum, and 17 grapes. So we will see! Trying something new with quinoa, put cinnamon and sweetener and a little bit of plain yogurt and a nectarine. Very yum! It kept me full in the morning! 

Work is good, they like to feed us.... Thankfully it's not always sweets and I am glad I dont like cupcakes and ice cream. It's nerve wracking, because you don't know what's going on fully yet. We know enough to be on the floor, but not enough to be confident.. Just keep praying, just keep praying praying praying... To the music off finding nemo! 

Weigh in

This week was not my week... I loosened up and ate all my weekly points. I worked out for 14 points that I did not eat and I went up this week. It was a stressful week at work and working out helped, but this week back to being a bit more strict with my diet. Passed a test at work that basically says I have general knowledge of what my job is. Today I get my own desk and extension! They say it takes 6 months to get the hang of it... Oh vey! Bella had been staying at my parents during the tree cutting, well they are not done, but my hubby went and got her last night! She is curled up on one arm, which makes this a bit difficult. We love our little pooch! Well gots to go!

3 months at a standstill

I took a look at my past weigh ins and its been 3 months since i truly lost! I don't get it, I started truly working out in those three months! I am starting a third workout class/ day this week. Tonight kick boxing- which is pretty hard and I usually modify it, Wednesday is step aerobics they just added!, Thursday is classic Zumba. It helps after our long day at work, I do have to be careful with my back though... I feel it more when I lay down and then get back up after working out. Example getting up to go the bathroom at night I have to be really careful because my back either feels weak or tight or both! This past week I added everything I ate, usually the weekends I give myself a break. Also, I am going to see how eating all my weekly points does... I still have like 23? And three days to go?? Seems like a lot! We will see....

Work is hard, but not really hard.. It gives me a headache in the afternoon right now, making me crave coffee. I might save some of my morning coffee for the afternoon. I just have to remember I have only been doing this for a week! And they say it takes 6 months for the lightbulb to kick in and find your groove. This job is all about finding your path on how to keep things organized and on top of things. Also not taking work home, they are big on that! Because unhealthy home life can spill into work and vice versa. Happy work and home life! 

Well gots to go and get ready before the tree guys start poking around! 

3 trips to Ross, 3 trips to Walmart, and 3 years!

What might take three years, you ask? Curtains! Yes I finally have curtains up in the living room and I love it! Did I almost cry when I realized the amount it was costing doubled?, why yes almost. Do I like spending money on curtains? Not so much. Am I glad they are up, Yes. There are a few major house improvements that are getting higher on the list lately. Cutting down our 5 huge oak trees, this is expensive, very expensive.. Why, you might ask, we'll hubby is tired of the leaves. The leaves fall and collect against the house and then it rains and bugs like to come inside. All kinds of bugs, tiny spiders that eat big spiders, pincher bugs that look odd, various types. We don't see that many roaches inside, but we see them on the outside of the house due to the leaves. To solve this issue trees must come down. Second thing we need is a shed, we have no garage so where do we put things? Wherever we can find room, our laundry room is crowded with tools and things. Our friends let us keep our mower in their garage temporarily. House issue number three, our bathrooms. Everything was updated except the exhaust fan ( there is none) and the tub. Well our bathroom the wall behind the toilet has gone soft, we need to tear it out and replace some walls and  put a fan in and put new shower in! The hallway bathroom is what we are currently using and that needs the same things but we might wait and do that another time. 

Kickboxing is tonight, after a long day in training I think that will be great! I am just continuing watching what I eat and work out more and one day I will see the scale budge. Emily bites put up a zucchini casserole that I want to try :) well, I must shower and pack my lunch and get ready for work!

Not the best pic, but the design is red and gold
 

 

Bad day at new job

My new job title is mortgage processor! Getting paid the big bucks at a grown up job! I have been in training off and on for the past 5 weeks. I have been in a classroom setting the past two weeks trying to absorb all the info without my head exploding, teachers words not mine... Today it got to me, I am ready to apply my new knowledge and ease the near exploding brain. Overall, I love the job and I am excited, it's just a lot to handle sometimes. This is valuable training and completing this will make me marketable in the future wherever I end up! I have two more weeks of training, thankfully not classroom taking notes kind but hands on! Then I am out on the floor as they call it. I am tired and wound up tonight, I am praying for a good day tomorrow, it's a new day... 

Tuesday muesdy

Hair is still falling out in small bunches, nothing alarming just every time my hand goes through my hair it leaves with hair as a souvenir.... My weight keeps going up and down two pounds.... I am working out and recently lost a point so should be on track to lose, but I guess just keep with it. I love my anniversary present, I robot! My period finally came, and went. I feel much better body wise, while I was waiting I would get cramps and overall yuck for a few weeks. I have not seen or tried new recipes lately, so if anyone has ones they want to share let me know! Work is good, still in training.... I still would like to get a recipe tester position, not sure how to, but I would like that. Prob need to go, lots on my mind, praying for friends and family. 

Work and anniversary

I am headed to processing class next week and excited about it! Also my anniversary is next week! Three years to my wonderful husband, who let me open my present early! ! !  I robot has officially entered our home, and with time will be named. :) it charged last night but we need to clear things out before using it. We need a day to dedicate to cleaning... Maybe the 4th.. Which is tomorrow. Still no period... I hear it can be normal up to six months not to have your period after going off pill, but I also could be pregnant? I am waiting until sat to test again, if still negative I might make an appointment for doctor. It's hard to know what to do. In regards to weight I am holding steady between 210.2 and 210.6 I am just keeping at it and it will continue to go down I know it! I still use my yonana machine every night! I love that thing. Well I better get ready, I get to shadow again today which translates I will be bored due to the fact having nothing to do...

July

Ten days from 3rd anniversary, and two days ago I took my first pregnancy test. Earlier in the month I told a friend that I didn't think I was prego, but I am not so sure now.... first month of pills has been interesting. My hair seems to fall out more than normal, nothing scary but I would imagine when you pop a baby out and your hormones are wack kind. I have been crampy and overall feeling weird for over a week. We went to Walmart and bought the .98 cent pregnancy test. We took a nap and then decided to test. Let's just say catching your own urine in a cup is weird! Then I had to use a dropper and drop three drops in this tiny hole. Waited the three min and it said I was not pregnant. Well, I will wait another week and test again. My body is either wacky with hormones or pregnant...

Weigh in and new recipe!

Alright it's been a tough month for the scale! Yes I went on a cruise and that threw things out of wack, but the scale was basically stuck before I went. As of this morning 211 is my weight and that makes just about 27 pounds lost! Wow! That is scary to realize, but I am going forward. I am going to try kickboxing today at work, I might be at the back of the room but I will be there! Friends that went last time and that went to Zumba on Thursday invited me to come. I figured give it a try! I am waiting for my period, should be any day now, but with me being off pill, and my last period was almost a week late! I won't know when my periods will be coming until after this one. I am usually pretty regular, so we will see. Recently we drove to a Casino to visit friends that were traveling through, we'll we ate at the buffet. I chose this Asian salad that came in a takeout box with chopsticks! Sounds so fun! It was delicious, our friends said that it tasted similar to something they picked up at sams club in the lettuce aisle. I went to SAMs and sure enough, between the lettuce and carrots you will find this Asian salad. But before I bought it, I checked it out. All it was, was a bag of shredded coleslaw and carrots with cilantro, they had wonton crackers and dressing included separately. Well, I decided to just buy the coleslaw and carrot mix, then at Walmart bought cilantro and light Asian sesame ginger dressing! Yum yum! You add as much cilantro to your liking then I put 1 tblspn to each heaping coleslaw mix. I let it marinade in fridge for a bit, yum! You can add chicken for protein, but I wouldn't mix up too much at one time because the more it sits the more soggy it gets. The best dressing stats are supposedly Newman dressing light Asian sesame ginger. I didn't have that so next time I might use a bit more dressing. Wishbone brand -2points 2tbpn Newman-1pnt 2tbpn , enjoy!

Is it really Tuesday?

Yesterday was my first day not in training. By 5 I was tired and brain fried, but I did pretty good overall! My MIL went and had hernia surgery done, and as far as I know she is doing well. I seem to be stuck weight wise, but I know I will break through! I started Zumba classes on Thursday :) compliments of my job. Since our new jobs we have not been able to give Bella the attention she is used to, so my parents will be taking her a couple times a week for doggy day care! I don't have much time ttyl

Catch up

Well, I had a blast on the cruise! I started my new job this past Monday and I am feeling lightheaded... In regards to cruise, as soon as I can get pics off the camera I will post about it. New job is going well! I gained 6 pounds on the cruise, but two days later I am three pounds lighter. I have also been lightheaded... I ate all my points and like right now I ate a big bowl of oatmeal and yogurt and my head is lightheaded. Not the best feeling. Am I pregnant? Time will tell, probably not but it makes me wonder...

Magical weekend!

Got hired at a new job, lost 3 pounds, going on a second dream honeymoon tomorrow, and getting my nails done today!! The scale said 209! Yea! Probably from stopping the birth control, but something finally budged. I get to wear one of my favorite dresses on the cruise and it looks good! I am so thankful for everything and ecstatic that this is a high part in my life:) I am just speechless :)

Children and obesity

Goodness, such controversy.. abercrombie and peers. This is such a sensitive but important topic. My parents had their peers tell them I was overweight and my parents were bad for not „controlling the situation „, which in turn left me yo yo dieting and forced walking enforced by my parents. This led to bitterness and hurt. I am now 27 and can sincerely say I have forgiven them. I am currently overweight, but working on it. We have friends that have girls, these young girls are prone to quick weight gain. I asked the mother how does she handle the situation of loving your daughter: yet helping her be healthy. I mean how do you help your future children? I know of other little girls that are being called fat but she is the very opposite! Very athletic and not fat by any standard. Peers can be cruel. This all leads to self image issues from even before kindergarten!

I think that it starts in the home, moms need to stop hating what's in the mirror because little girls will pick up on things. For all the wrong things my parents may have unknowingly done wrong, my mom did teach me about self esteem. I just pray we all can be good examples.

Excited

We are taking a cruise( second honeymoon ) in less than three weeks! I almost don't believe it. We usually are pretty frugal people, but every now and then we really like to splurge! Since we did not move we decided to take a cruise. At first we were looking at bargain price cruises, then we narrowed it down to the weekend our friends could go too. Well, when you are not able to be flexible on dates they are only a handful to look at. The cruise we are going on now kept going down in price, last sat it dropped considerably overnight. 499 per person 7 nights on a royal Caribbean cruise( the best cruise line) was jaw dropping low, we hesitated a couple hours waiting on our friends... We lost out, the rooms sold within two hours! Well we decided to see what the price was now 649, sigh but it is still a really good deal! So like I said basically a second honeymoon, won't get this opportunity again for awhile! 

Now, I am thinking cruise 80% of the day! This is a good three week motivation to eat lean and green to lose a few pounds before! Food is everywhere on a cruise, but there are good food options as well. I want to try and follow my points plan but for a whole week that might be tough. If I have gained a couple pounds when we get back in port- oh well, I will get back in track. I was considering trying to work out on the ship, but I might just plan activities like ice skating. Yes, ice skating on the princess of the seas! Snorkeling on the second day and countless walking! So, who knows maybe I will even lose? Lol that would be a mighty feat! Today I am holding steady and my period is about a week away... I made tortilla soup on Sunday, I might do a recipe post soon!

Small bladder ..

Sleeping did not come easy last night. I was very tired but was unable to fall asleep, then on top of it I had to pee like crazy. I didn't drink lots of water yesterday nothing out of ordinary at least. I am so tired this morning.
So tired that I can't think of anything else to write..

Quiet weekend yet eventfull

As far as we know, we are staying here. No big move yet! We are looking at cruises and saw some from Europe that were pretty good prices. The only expensive part is the flight but it's cheaper to fly to Europe then it is to fly back to the US one way. So for 3200 dollars we could go on a 14 day cruise out of Spain and land in the US in Miami. I really wanted to do it but sensibly we could do so much more with that money. Like yesterday we bought two kayaks that were on sale. It was a really good price and I figured we could have a lot of fun with it. So we tested it out yesterday on windy Seas. Let's just say I am very sore today but we had a lot of fun and I just got a little bit of Sun. sunkissed is the word. I used some of my weekly points on a surf Chick burger its a grilled chicken sandwich which was pretty good. We replaced our water heater this weekend that's part of being adults. I did not get the house clean but that's this week's tackle we wanted a quiet weekend together and even though we were busy it was just us for the main part. I love my husband he is definitely the right guy for me. Thank the Lord for everything that we have the house which is not perfect but no house is and for everything that we have including jobs and family I am very thankful for

Friday weigh in

Last weekend was fun:) I splurged and used my weekly points. Monday I splurged... And tues- Thursday I did my best to get back in the groove. Well today was weigh in day and i lost .4! I should be back in the groove for eating. Work was a little weird this week. I have mixed emotions about my weight loss. Not that I am not happy about losing, but I feel like I lost 25 pounds! But then I look in the mirror and I am still not where I want to be... I feel better, I look better, but I still have a ways to go.... My next goal is to get under 200 this summer. My weight of this morning is 212.6. 13 pounds would do it. One day at a time.... I am happy I am going down not up!

Tuesday prayers

Well, hubby passed the teaching test for Texas... It has been a month.... A lot has happened in a month... Are we certain of moving? No... God, my prayer has been and will continue, please make it clear! Because of bday celebrations, I have splurged, the house is a wreck, and I am tired... Lord help me.

Cauliflower crust pizza!

You may have seen recipes on Pinterest of this cauliflower goodness... Is it a Pinterest flop? You know it looks and sounds amazing, but when you make it... Eh. Well I officially tried it just now and it's amazing! The only downside is that you need to squeeze out liquid once your cauliflower is cooked. This is just like the spinach in the skinny spinach and artichoke chicken dish. But some things are worth the extra step, this is one of them. Since I do this on my iPad I don't know how to insert pics in between my writing, so pics of the process will be below.

I started out with a head of cauliflower, I chopped off the bottom and most of the stems then put a quarter of the head in my ninja. That amount truly took two ninja fills I believe. Then I took the first ninja batch in microwave- so really 1/8th of the entire cauliflower and put in the microwave covered for 4 min. During this I did my second batch in the ninja. Once microwave done then I let it cool, once you can handle it place it in a kitchen towel(believe me, I tried with paper towels...) and squeeze as much liquid out as you can. It will still be moist, but do your best. Once you do both batches place in a bowl with your egg and cheese. I used 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese-3pnts, and 1/4 cup mozzarella part skim finely shredded- 2 pnts. With your egg that totals 7pnts for the crust, then add any seasoning you want. I would recommend a little minced garlic and a good Italian seasoning or a pizza seasoning. Once all mixed place the gooey mess on a sprayed parchment paper, and spread around. Don't make it too thin or too thick, make sure it's all smashed together and no gaping holes. I forgot to mention before I started I put my baking sheet in the oven and preheated to 450degrees. Pull out your baking sheet and slide parchment onto your sheet without burning yourself. Place in oven for 13 min or whenever it gets golden brown. Check to see if the crust is cooked in center, if not cook longer. I think squeezing the water out helps in this department because that was not an issue. Once golden take out and place your sauce and toppings on, then place pizza back in on broil until desired look. Make sure your toppings are pre- cooked because maybe 5 min is all it needs to get bubbly and ready. I used a tomato sauce that for 1/4 cup had 0 points, because of this I added more Italian spice on the sauce. I used what I had on hand- mushrooms-0points, breakfast sausage-1pnt, cheese 4points- two different kinds about 1/2 cup all together. 12 points for my pizza- 2 servings equal 6 points each about the size of a lean cuisine pizza or a personal pan. I would totally put peppers and all sorts of things on top to make yumminess.. Enjoy! Let me know how yours turned out! Afterwards I shredded the rest of the cauliflower and placed it in freezer for later.

25!

I have lost 25 pound!!! Wow... Thinking back when I started this journey, I was not in a good place. I have lost 25 pounds, but gained so much more. Cheesy I know:) I could not have done this without The Lord helping me through this and the support of my husband. I have had two episodes of low blood sugar that I can recall and both were the result of not having my emergency stash updated. I have powered through Christmas, New Years, my birthday, valentines, two trips to Texas, and hopefully I won't eat too much this weekend for hubby's birthday( chocolate fest on sat&cheesecake on sun) but I am excited to say I am continuing on this journey and my goal is undecided yet, one day and pound at a time. I also got a haircut... With bangs! Yep I did it, hubby is not used to them yet :( he has never seen me with them before.. I like them, but still not quite sure how I will style my hair most days, still experimenting. The pics below are from the salon and the next day going to work. And the last is in the afternoon.

Tuesday muesday

My period is here again :( has it really been three weeks since the last time? Well I feel better blood sugar wise, and I stayed the same weight wise over the weekend despite wanting to eat crappy.. I am at 24 pounds lost and I am in a smaller bra:) my underwear is frustrating... The ones I have are falling off and the ones I bought are still a bit small. But I will make it work. I despise buying underwear, whether its the singles from v/s or from any other store, or the packs.. The pictures don't do it justice, the skinny model doesn't mind if one underwear is lower because she has no fat! Ok, so yes I am losing weight not saying people should be fat, just saying my mom doesn't look that, most people don't look like that... Erg I think I bought the right ones, that I like but apparently I need to lose a bit more to fit into these more comfortably.. Sigh enough about that.. A week till we know if hubby passed the teaching test, a week until his bday on Sunday, hoping the weather is better than forecasted. I want to swim and eat yonana icecream and a bit of cheesecake that I am making for hubby. Well, I probably need to get up and pack a lunch and all that jazz...

Yonana and feeling better

I am feeling much better, actually went to the store and we made nachos. I made mine WW friendly by deconstructing everything, which I like anyway:) then we made peach and banana yonana and mixed berry with banana also!! Yumm!! Hubby approved. He said it tasted like frozen yogurt fruit flavored! Score!! So if anyone wants to ask questions or try it out just let me know:) I think I actually prefer the fruit icecream over frozen yogurt!!! Still trying to decide for next weeks meals..lasagna, calzones, and Santa Fe chicken are up for debate...

Low blood sugar attack!

So, Wednesday I became very sleepy at work. I thought that is all it was being tired, but I could not even concentrate, a coworker realized she needed to eat at 3 since she had not eaten all day!! That made me think I might need a snack. Unfortunately all I had was summer squash and a tangelo, I heated up my squash and started eating and instantly realized this was my problem. I started to feel the hunger instead of the fatigue and it did help, but I needed more. I was nervous because I usually save something to snack on in the last hour of the work day. I was drinking water an slowly eating my fruit. I chewed on gum and texted my husband I was starving and needed dinner fast. Since we were both tired and hungry and unprepared we ate out. I felt better, but my body was still recovering which does not feel good. I am still not feeling the best even today. I feel like binging on yummy foods would make me feel better, but I know better. That might help me short term but long term I gain weight. I don't know what triggered this on wed I have been doing great. I could not have coffee today because my blood sugar is not under control yet. I am eating, but i still have the need to eat, plus I have a headache and other crappy feelings that are symptoms. If I had the food here I would totally make myself a plate of nachos and cheese and something else to try and set things right in my body... I do not have those things, but I ate pb2 and yogurt and a healthy lunch of a tortilla pizza and grapes and a couple of snacks, plus I have been napping and that is not even helping...:(

Unhappy wed

I have not been that hungry this past week, until yesterday... I usually have emergency snacks in my desk for such an occasion. I had two pistachios..... :( I survived, but it was not good. Hubby is learning new schedule and we are still adjusting.... Yesterday evening was not the best night. We were tired, ate at Panda Express, had coconut m&m's and sour patch kids, and I am pmsing...... Erg but today is a new day and I will def re-stock my emergency snacks. Tonight we are experimenting with the yonana machine, pics to follow.

10% and yonana!

My hubby surprised me and bought me a yonana maker! It came late last night, so I have not used or unpacked it. I wanted to, but I wanted the counter clear for morning and I wanted to read all instructions! On another exciting note!! I have lost 10% of my body weight!! Go me and thank you Jesus!! 24 pounds lost and a few more to go.. I still am in shock that I weighed 238.2 ...:( I am just thankful I am not going up. I have more to say, but gots to go!

Finally !

23 pounds!! Finally... I am noticing NSV's which are non scale victories. Like today hubby took me out for breakfast at bagel heads, I only ate half!! Then said I was full, which I was and wrapped up the rest to go:) little things like that say I am on the right path. I am excited to break through my lag the past three weeks, but it was time. Hubby will not be working nights anymore!!!! Yea!!! He got offered day work at his job and he starts Monday. Bella has a boyfriend, who gets all hot and bothered when together. Thankfully they both are snipped! They are cute together though:) well ttyl:)

Much to talk about and so little time...

Last night we got back from our trip and today I am torn between snuggling with my furry child who I missed or going to work.... Of course work wins:( I am excited to get back to a food schedule. When you are not home for weeks at a time, and multiple factors, well lets just say losing weight was not one that I achieved. I will fill you in later about the trip and my weight loss journey. I am having a hard time getting up! Bella is a cuddle bug this morning and I feel bad...

So Many Things

Can I hire a cleaning crew?? Laundry, floors, scrubbing, wiping, packing, oh my ... My fridge is gross, my white cupboards need cleaning, our bathrooms need bleach and scrubbing, and more. I am praying that I don't give in and be overwhelmed. That won't help anything. Last night nothing got done, we went to eat with the in-laws which was good. We don't see them often.. I am feeling better than the past two days, but still have a sore throat.. I won't know till this weekend if I lost any weight, due to period. I hope this does not come off as complaining, I just have so much to do!! God is in control:)

The ups and downs

So, today is my official weigh in day.... Totally up almost two pounds! It's just how my body has been operating on this journey. Frustrating at times, but its working! I think I only used 1 extra point this week out of my weekly points. I use them if I need it, but I really dont need them yet. I have 34 points now and it's been a bit of an adjustment. Sounds so weird one point, right? Anyway,
Bella is snuggled in my arm all cozy like:)
Today is my Friday at work and then we leave tomorrow! We are going on a short trip 4 days and will be back Monday night. Bella will be babysat by my parents for the first time! Nervous! Lol:)

Breakfast

I would like to show you how I cook eggs in the microwave when I am on the run! You can use a mug, but this glass bowl worked great. Spray with cooking spray then crack your egg or eggs or measure out whites and don't forget seasoning. I put in for 30 sec then stirred, then put it in for like ten sec at a time until done! Then I put it into a piece of bread. Yummo 5 point breakfast sandwich!

Choc candy finds!!

Ok so I posted before that my husband bought me WW 1 pnt candy for valentines. Well, those are all gone now lol! One a day and those disappear! I like a bit of choc every day, not a huge ice cream fan, not big on cake, but a bit of choc sounds like a good afternoon pick me up. When it comes down to it, points matter. Most desserts and sweets are 2-4 pnts. Not bad, but if your looking for a 1 pointer- look no farther than dove. Go to the regular candy aisle (not sugar free! ) and grab yourself a bag of the individually wrapped choc. Caramel, peanut butter, cookies and cream, dark chocolate and scan those suckers with your phone! Serving is 6pnts don't be discouraged! Change the serving to pieces and check out the points if you have 1, or two, or three, or four! You will see up to 4 pieces its 1 point! Now, if you have trouble stopping then maybe this idea is not for you. I like to put something small and sweet in my lunch and 1 pnt is to my liking. Below I have a picture of the WW candy and the dove, dove looks smaller, but packs a punch! Suck on it slowly and it gives you a satisfying sweet for 1 pnt!

Monday Moe's and beef jerkey!

Yesterday was Monday, so we decided to go and check out Monday Moe's. the deal is buy any burrito for 5.99 and you get chips and a drink. I always thought that somehow this was a gimmick or a jr. Burrito... Nope! You get their 12 inch huge burrito with chips and drink for 5.99 all day long! It's a lot of food, my hubbie really tried to eat the whole burrito... Don't know why?? He could not finish his meal, I ate half of my burrito and about half of my chips and I was full but not stuffed. Very satisfied. I figured out the points at home and not too bad. For half of mine 11 points. Now zthe chips not sure? All I saw on the website was a side of chips for 10 points. I don't think it was 10 points worth? A serving of chips usually are 4-5 points. But I am counting my half portion at 5, it's better to go high then low I guess. So with chips it's higher than what I might serve for dinner at home, but a good restaurant meal- point wise:) then we went and bought almost free gum!, and beef jerkey! Then my hubbie realized they had gamer codes on the beef jerky! They were selling on eBay! Basically we got more beef jerkey and the codes are almost sold, which means we made our money back! Points wise jerky is not bad, turkey jerky is like 1 pnt per ounce, but we got beef and its 2 points for 1 ounce(1serv) not bad! Protein snack, good for road trips or in place of proteins bar or peanut butter in lunches.

Sat rolls

So sat, went walking downtown and it was very nice! We have a thriving farmers market with tons of goodies ready to be sold, new coffee and breakfast shops! Our city is trying folks!! Ate breakfast at my fav bagel place .... They got all our orders wrong. Mom did not get tomatoes- specifically asked, myself and our friend ordered sundried tomato bagel and we got chedder jalepeno. Long story short we both ate at least half and both were sitting on the toilet within the hour! I ended up taking a bit of pepto later because it was starting to burn..😕 Never had that reaction before... Well lets just say I won't be eating that bagel for awhile..
I also make southwestern egg rolls from Emily bites. They were successful.. Yum! I froze half and we have some for dinner tonight as well. Def eat it with salsa, but she recommends that anyway. Weird thing is recipe is for 1 package-24, I only got 20 i think? bur used the whole package and all that was in the bowl. so, followed instructions and the only diff was i didnt get 24 in my pack, and i also only had enough for the pack...? Anyone? Here are pics from the day