I Don't Believe I Was THAT Good | Christmas Gifts

Let me start this post by saying that I'm not sharing this list to boast or brag. I just want to share how well my family knows me. . .even better than I do sometimes, and get some input from you.

I was completely spoiled and surprised this Christmas with the gifts I received and just want to share what was under the tree. It's a reverse wishlist if you will. As well, I'd love your input on how best to use some of the gifts. Let's start with the big ones.

Pat got me a blue FitBit Charge HR. I did ask for one specifically but wasn't sure he would get it (I gave him plenty of options for things to get me.) I really didn't do much research on them, I just knew that I wanted something on me to help me know if/how much exercise I was getting in a day. A good friend had already done the research and recommended this model, so that helped me out a ton. Apparently we can be friends on it too, so if you want to be mine, here's the link to me.

What Pat really surprised me with was this Silhouette Cameo with a vinyl starter kit. It wasn't on the list and wasn't something I was expecting at all. Of course, I'm not complaining by any means. This baby is pretty sweet. I can do those cool vinyl labels/decoration, cut paper shapes, make stencils. . .there's even a sketch ability if you have the pens. Oh, boy! The options are endless. I've played with it a little, but am just a little overwhelmed with all it can do. I can't decide where to start. What would you make with it?

He clued his sister in on my gift and she gave me even more options with a pack of glow in the dark sticker paper, printable tattoo paper, printable adhesive kraft paper, and some stencil material. Told you I was a little spoiled.

My biggest surprise of Christmas came at my mom's house. . .

The family got me a KitchenAid Stand Mixer!!!! I've been wanting one for years and years but wouldn't let Pat get it for me as a gift because I felt that he would benefit from it too much. I've already made two kinds of cookies and waffles with it. I love it so!

There were also some smaller gifts scattered in there that also rocked. . .

get it. . .rocked

My brother-in-law and niece gifted me with these sets of gemstones. I can't wait to figure out how to work them into some jewelry!

Another niece gave me Alabama salt and pepper shakers. . .ROLL TIDE!

My sister-in-law also gave Pat and me these bracelets. Poor Pat, his braided leather one was too small, and I had to relieve him of it. What a shame. Let me be the first to admit that I've never been a big bracelet wearer. I love how they look on other people, and I enjoy making them. I just hadn't found any that I felt comfortable wearing for long (other than the friendship ones we made in middle school). These two have barely left my wrist (the one without the fitbit) since we got them.

I received numerous other wonderful presents, but really the best present of the whole season was getting to enjoy time with our families. I really am blessed beyond measure.

Now, I want to know a few things from you. . .

What did YOU get for Christmas?

How would you use the cameo?

What mixer recipes do you recommend? (I'm looking for any excuse to use that bad boy!)

Whether or not you got anything spectacular, I do hope you got to spend time with those you love too. It really is the best part.

Meal Plan and Recipe

Over the weekend, Pat and I decided to be more active than we have in a while and played a round of disc golf. That single 18 basket course wiped us out completely. It was shameful! It was also a stark reminder of just how lax we've been with out diet and exercise lately. Seriously shameful!! Now that my health is better (headaches are gone) and the weather is cooler, I'm hoping we can get back into some better habits. This starts with what we put into our bodies. Here's the plan for this week.

Breakfasts: Smoothies, Cereal, Toast w/PB, Conecuh (sausage) w/eggs & toast, Homemade puff pastry pop-tarts or cinnamon sticks

Lunches: Leftovers, Soup w/grilled cheese, Chicken finger wraps, Pepperoni paninis, Bean burritoes, PB&J, Cheese quesidillas

Dinners:

Conecuh (sausage) w/green beans & mac-n-cheese

Skinny tuna noodle casserole w/corn

Broccoli cheese and potato soup

Veggie burgers w/sweet potato fries

No-noodle Pad Thai

I'm linking up with Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

I'll be the first to admit that the above menu is not the most healthy, but I need to get rid of some of the junk we have on hand first. I just can't let food go to waste. Excuses, excuses. . .

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Recipe Review

Sticky Orange Tofu Bowl: I think this is the second time I've made this recipe. I reviewed it back in May. This time I had more success with not caramelizing the cashews. Again, it was a wonderful use of tofu.

Mini Quiche (w/crust): I think Pat had some reservations about this recipe when I mentioned it to him. (Real men don't eat quiche or something like that.) But, I added bacon and mushrooms to bulk it up a bit. I think they were really great!

As you can see, my Monday plan fell on a Tuesday. This means I'm already a day behind in this week and desperately trying to catch up. There's so much I want to do. What have you got planned for the week?

Meal Plan and Recipe Review (3/31)

After consuming almost half the pan of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls yesterday, I did something I've never done before - trail riding!

Well, I did something close to trail riding. I rode my bike in the woods on flat surfaces and then pushed it up and down hills in Blakeley State Park. It was quite the workout. I'm sure I burned off all those cinnamon rolls. At least I hope I did.

Now, I'm planning for the week ahead.

Breakfasts: Smoothies, Cereal, Oatmeal/grits, Hashbrown baskets, Waffles

Lunches: Cheese quesidillas, Simple sesame noodles (crack noodles), Turkey sandwich, PB&J, Tuna noodles, Soup w/grilled cheese, Leftovers

Dinners:

Broccoli, bean, & cheddar soup w/bread

Black bean burgers w/sweet potato fries

Vegetarian chili over rice

Grilled Chicken w/sweet potatoes & Caesar salad

I'm linking up my meal plan for Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

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Recipe Review

Baked Tofu:  This was a pretty easy recipe and tasted alright. I might make it again, but I just might make my own variation on it.

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Before I close, here's a heavenly necklace that I just added to the CraftyHope Etsy Shop.

Cloudy Skies Necklace

 Here's hoping Monday treats you well!

Some Outside Activities, Meal Plan, and Recipe Review

Living a healthier lifestyle is WAY hard. I'm conscious of every calorie I consume and burn. I suppose that's what I need to do, but it's just hard to recognize that some of my favorite consumables won't fit into my day (or I won't fit into my pants). I also need to find some more active activities to burn those calories away. It's so cold that outdoor activities are hard for me to wrap my brain around. With some not too bad temps this weekend, Pat and I headed into the wild. Well, we took a couple short hike/walks and played some disc golf. I love using those opportunities to capture the beauty in nature.

Cypress Tree(s) at Weeks Bay Reserve

Boat launch in Weeks Bay

Fishing pier in Weeks Bay

Camilla in bloom at the Orange Beach Disc Golf Course

As the temperatures continue to drop (even way down South where I am), I'm not sure outdoor activities will be in the plans this week. I'm going to have to buck up and do some other activities like the WiiFit or the dreaded exercise video! ACK! (first world problems, I'm well aware.)

At least I can look forward to yummy meals. I'll admit I haven't considered the calories for each of these meals, I'll just have to watch how much I consume instead.

Breakfasts: Smoothies, Oatmeal/grits, Egg white cheese omelet, French toast, Eggs w/biscuits

Lunches: Leftovers, Sesame noodles, Pizza (from freezer) w/salad, PB&J, Chicken salad, Soup w/grilled cheese, cheese quesidillas

Dinners:

Roasted cauliflower alfredo w/salad

Taco hand pies w/salsa

Broccoli and cheddar soup w/Crusty Italian bread

Vegetarian chili over rice

Coffee braised Brisket with potatoes and carrots (slow cooker)

I'm linking up my menu for Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

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Recipe Review

Tofu parmigiana: This was really, really good and such a great alternative for tofu. I will very likely use this recipe again.

Guiltless cheesy mac: I've made this before and make it again. It's a great way to feed my mac and cheese cravings and a bunch of veggies at the same time.

Jalapeno popper stuffed mushrooms: Since this is my own recipe, I knew it was good. However, I think this time around it was even better than the first time I made it. YUM.

I've actually been sitting here too long writing this and am aching to stand up and get moving. . .that's a great sign! How do you stay active in the cold winter months?

Menu and What-not

So much for getting back on track. If you are in the US and celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope it was a good one. If you aren't/don't I hope last week was good for you. Now, I hope that covers everyone.

Moving on. . My eating and exercise habits of late have been quite horrendous. As such, I'm feeling all kinds of flabby. That's really not so great as we enter the season of food. So, last night I pulled the below out and plan on using them AND the MyFitnessPal app/program to get serious again about losing some of this excess poundage.

My exercise routine options

I even got up early this morning to do some yoga. Yay me! Of course, along with exercise, I need to make sure I'm eating right/better. I know the MyFitnessPal will help me keep track of the calories. So, that's somewhat of a relief. I'll try to be sure to watch my portions and snack healthy. Here's most of what I'll be eating this week.

Breakfasts: Smoothies, Cereal, Raspberry parfaits, Ham & egg sandwiches, PB&J muffins (from a cookbook)

Lunches: (options) Ham sandwiches, Pita cheese pizzas, Tuna noodles, PB&J, Bean burritos, Cheese pizza (from freezer), Leftovers, or Soup and grilled cheese

Dinners:

Bucatini with mushrooms w/salad

Veggie burgers (w/fixins') w/sweet potato fries

Tofu stir fry w/veggie potstickers

Thai chicken tacos w/mixed steamed veggies

I'm linking up my meal plan at Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie.

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Recipe Review

Fancy mac-n-cheese (w/mushrooms): I made this without the meat. This was a repeat and was awesome as always.

Lemon-thyme chicken with sauteed veggies:  We really liked the chicken. I liked the simplicity of the flavors and the whole dish really. I left out the tomatoes for the sake of Pat. The vegetables were great to me, but Pat thought they were a little overcooked. I'll reduce the cooking time the next time I make this.

Pad thai soup: I've made this before and loved it then. I loved it just as much this time too. I doubled the recipe and have frozen the leftovers. This recipe comes together SO QUICKLY. I will make it again for sure.

Whole wheat waffles: I used white whole wheat flour and really enjoyed the texture of it in these waffles. I was only able to get about 5 waffles out of this recipe and not the 8 the recipe says. I'll likely use this again.

So that's it for me today. I would love to hear your tips, recipes, and exercise routines to stay thinner this time of year. Thanks for swinging.

Meal Plan and Calorie Counting

Some randomness for today.

Over the past few weeks I've decided to try to get serious about weight loss. Well, as serious as I personally can get. Pat and I joined the gym (again) two weeks ago and have steadily gone every weekday morning since we joined. (Yay us!) This is the THIRD time we've joined. As I recall, the other two times were late in the Fall as well. I guess there's something about the impending holiday feasting that makes us want to get into/stay in shape. However, we started out strong the other two times but quickly lost motivation. We were going in the evening after work and found that it complicated dinner-making, we often finked out because we were worn out after a full day, and we got sick not long after going (BOTH times). THIS time, we're trying mornings. It's a crazy concept for me as I'm totally not a morning person. . .at all. But, it seems to be working. I really hope it continues.

As well, a week ago I re-downloaded (that's a word, tight?) the MyFitnessPal app on my phone. It can also be used without a smartphone and just online. But, I like my gadgets. This app helps track your exercise as well as you calorie intake. I've always been one to steer away from any kind of calorie counting, but since I refuse to 'diet' this may be the best option for me. I'm really enjoying the fact that both cleaning and cooking are calorie-burning options on the app. A lot of the movement I get during the day comes from those activities. It's nice to see that calorie counter go down when I put in those necessary activities. As well, getting to see how many calories are in some of my favorite foods is really eye-opening.

Pat and I had to run some errands the other night so we decided to pop in to Mellow Mushroom for dinner. We both had water, salads, and shared a pizza. I had almost 800 calories in that one meal. It was CRAZY! One slice of that yummy mushroom pizza was over 600 calories. ONE SLICE!! I was pretty relieved I ate the salad first to fill me up. Otherwise I might have eaten three slices. Eek!

I could go on about how much I'm loving this app right now (including that it already has most chain restaurant foods loaded, the ability to scan bar codes to add food, etc.) but I'm still testing it out. I won't guarantee that I'll still be using it in a month, but I'm definitely learning lots from it. There's a whole community feature to it as well that I haven't played around with yet. If you're a MyFitnessPal user also, feel free to 'friend' me. You'll find me as CraftyHope, go figure.

Now for the rest of Monday's business. . .which also deals with my calories; the Meal Plan!

Breakfasts: Cereal/oatmeal, Juice, Yogurt w/fruit & granola, Omelet w/toast & fruit

Lunches: Juice, Hummus pitas w/salad, Soup w/grilled cheese, (other options: cheese pita pizzas, PB&J, cheese quesidillas)

Dinners:

Tofu with Black Beans and Garlic over brown rice w/salad

Barbecue Portobello Quesidillas w/corn

Ham and Potato Soup

Meatless crumbles Tacos (w/homemade taco seasoning) and all the fixins

Fancy Mac-n-cheese w/peas

Now, I haven't figured up what the calories are for these meals yet so I may be in over my head. But at least I'll know where I stand at the end of each day! There's more Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Oh! And before I forget. . .Rebecca at Songbeads is having a Guest Post Giveaway of some Bo Hulley Beads. There's about seven different ways to enter. Go pick yours!

I hope you're enjoying your Monday.

Menu Plan Monday: Low Meat Week

We FINALLY got out of the house this afternoon and rode about four miles on our bikes. Granted, it wasn't much, but it was HOT and we were happy to be active.

When we got back I got a shower and finished up the menu so that I could share it with you wonderful peeps! I'm pretty proud that I made a menu that includes only TWO meals with meat in them. That's impressive for me. As far as backing off on the other animal products (cheese/butter), I haven't done as well. I'm working on it.

Here's the menu as it currently stands.

Breakfasts: Blueberry muffins, oatmeal/grits w/fruit, Juice, yogurt w/granola & fruit, banana cinnamon waffles (p. 57)w/fruit

Lunches: PB&J w/fruit, tuna salad on greens, hummus and veggie pita w/fruit, Juice, cheese panini w/vegetable soup, leftovers

Dinners:
Seven layer tortilla pie (recipe below)
Roasted corn, pepper & tomato chowder (p. 393) with rosemary focaccia bread
Black bean burgers w/sweet potato fries
Spaghetti squash with edamame-cilantro pesto (p. 193) w/salad
Chicken stir fry
Baked vegetable lasagna (p. 102)

The page numbers listed are for the recipes I'm using from the Cooking Light Way to Cook Vegetarian Cookbook that Pat got me last weekend. It's full of beautiful pictures, loads of information, and some really yummy-sounding recipes.

 Don't forget that there's MUCH more Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Now, here's that recipe. . . it's another one that I'm not sure where I found it.

Seven Layer Tortilla Pie   
INGREDIENTS  
·     2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed  
·     1 cup salsa, divided  
·     2 cloves garlic, minced  
·     2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro  
·     1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained  
·     1/2 cup chopped tomatoes  
·     7 (8 inch) flour tortillas  
·     2 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese  
·     1 cup salsa  
·     1/2 cup sour cream  
DIRECTIONS  
1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).  
2.  In a large bowl, mash pinto beans. Stir in 3/4 cup salsa and garlic.  
3.  In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup salsa, cilantro, black beans and tomatoes.  
4.  Place 1 tortilla in a pie plate or tart dish. Spread 3/4 cup pinto bean mixture over tortilla to within 1/2 inch of edge. Top with 1/4 cup cheese, and cover with another tortilla. Spread with 2/3 cup black bean mixture, and top with 1/4 cup cheese. Repeat layering twice. Cover with remaining tortilla, and spread with remaining pinto bean mixture and cheese.  
5.  Cover with foil, and bake in preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Cut into wedges, and serve with salsa and sour cream.  

I will be adding some avocado to the side of mine as well. I've not tested out this menu before so I don't know if it's any good and will have to let you know how it is later. I'm hoping to get it made in just a few before we head off to the funeral home for the visitation with my friend's family. It's going to be a rough evening. I'm hoping for something yummy when I get home. This might just fit that bill!

Wish me luck on this low-meat week. OH, and if you've got any awesome vegetarian/vegan recipes I'd LOVE to hear them!

Have a great week also. :)

I Heart Macro: D'Olive Cemetery

It's be a WHILE since I've be able to shoot out a I Heart Macro post. I didn't even gather any shots this week. Never fear! In my Macro folder, there are piles of shots that I just haven't gotten to share yet. So I figured I'll just go with some of those.

The set today comes from a hike Pat and I took quite a few weeks back. The area is a little bay front park that used to be owned by the D'Olive family in Daphne, AL. While not much remains of them on the property, the family cemetery is still there to this day. That's where I directed my lens.

This marble carving is at the top of one of the headstones. It's the most elaborate headstone in the tiny cemetery.

At the base of one of the headstones, the cement is beginning to crack away revealing the brick infrastructure below.

This line of moss caught my eye.

Fascinating huh?

Check out more ultra close pictures with I Heart Macro Sunday hosted by Lori of Studio Waterstone.

I think we're heading out for a bike ride down to the local Earth Day celebrations in a bit, so I ought to get myself cleaned up and ready to go! What are your plans to close out this weekend?

Macro: Rusty Find

Another weekend, another adventure. I hope this trend continues!

Today Pat and I ventured down to Gulf Shores with bikes in tow. We weren't sure if we wanted to ride a path or take a walk along the beach so we prepared for both. We ended up opting for the ride as we knew the water would still be too chilly to get in and it's so darn tempting to get in it if you're walking along the waves.

On out ride, we stumbled upon a neighborhood that had apparently stalled out in its building. There were roads and sidewalks and lampposts, but no houses. As we rode through the ghost town of a neighborhood, I noticed the manhole covers were pretty interesting.

The cool rusty ship in the center

Ewwwww. . . .

Here's a non-macro look at the whole cover.

Sanitary Sewer? I don't get it.

Check out more I Heart Macro at Studio Waterstone.

It's back to a regular schedule tomorrow.

Macro Sunday: Disc Golf Course

**Go here for my 7000 Bracelets of Hope reveal.**

Pat and I talked all morning yesterday about getting out of the house and doing something in the fresh air. When we finally decided on disc golf I knew that hiking through the course would be the perfect opportunity to snap some shots for I Heart Macro Sunday!

Stupid azaleas already think it's Spring

This pine root has been rubbed smooth from being trod on.

A gnarly knot of thorny vines was a little scary.

These tiny mushrooms climbing up a sapling caught my eye.

The disc golf course rungs along the local baseball fields. There are always lost balls along the trail. I love the frayed stitches of this one.

The peeling bark of what I think is a cypress tree is just so cool.

So those were my favorites from our exercise yesterday. Join up some of your own shots over at Studio Waterstone for I Heart Macro Sunday.

I'll be revealing the piece I made for the Chinook Blog Partners Design Team tomorrow (the post is already scheduled) so make sure to come by and check it out!!

Macro Nature Walk

In our attempt to be more active and healthy, Pat and I went on a nature walk/hike this afternoon. Since I didn't have any pictures ready yet for I Heart Macro Sunday, I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to capture some. (They'll be toward the end of the post. . .sorry)

We went to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge on Fort Morgan Road in Gulf Shores.

Trail Sign

 It was really cool how the trail varied so much from one area to the next.

Shaded by oaks

Open up to the lagoon

Thick with Foliage

There was so much going on, it wasn't hard to find some great textures and subjects for macro shots.

Mexican Heather

A fallen palm log

Palm leaves

Cool twigs and berries

After four miles, we were pooped out and hungry. However, we were definitely pleased with ourselves and I was happy to have gotten some pictures to share with y'all.

Check out all the other I Heart Macro coolness over at Studio Waterstone.

How was your Sunday? Shoot...how was the whole darn weekend?

New Year, New Goals

HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL!!!

I've gone back and forth about what to post for the new year. I've considered a meme that's been going around or a run-down of this past year, but I just wasn't feeling any of those options.

I AM hoping to spend New Year's Day doing some of the tings I love. And, if not that. . .then maybe I'll get my craft room clean. Last year I tried to focus on a word for the year. I think that ended up being too vague for me. I need definite tasks on which to work. Since I'm not big on resolutions, I'm calling these my goals for the year. It's got a long list, but I think sharing them is a good way to at least attempt to stick to them. So. . .let me share them with you now.

PERSONAL

1. Exercise (basically, just be more active)
2. Eat right/better (make better choices in regards to food)
3. Read more books/watch less TV (I'd like to read at least two books a month, however that all depends on the length of the book)
4. Make a real effort to keep the house clean
5. Discover new music (I've been stuck in a real rut with music lately and have been listening to the same bands for years with no real additions to my playlists)
6. Grow some plants inside and out (I'd like to have some more greenery in the house but I'm really awful at keeping them alive. I'd also like to make another stab at growing some fruits, vegetables, and herbs. I'm going to need a lot of luck with this one.)
7. Make my visions of my dream house and this house co-exist (basically, start decorating this house the way I envision my dream house being decorated.)
8. Declutter/organize at least one drawer/cabinet/area a week
9. Have a yard sale (possibly organize a neighborhood one)
10. Take better care of my face and skin
11. Go to the doctor/dentist (I've been really bad about this the last few years)

BUSINESS/CRAFT

1. Make a real effort with my blog (I know what this means and it's just too hard to explain other than to just make an effort)
2. Include more tutorials on the blog
3. Keep the craft room more organized
4. Discover my passion (I've been struggling for a while to figure out what it is that I'm good at and enjoy doing and how to combine those. I really want to work with a few new mediums and try to find my voice in the cacophony of other artists.)
5. Get published (if not published then at least submit to a few publications)
6. Create something everyday
7. Explore other venue options for selling my jewelry (in the community)
8. Find a way to use what I have instead of buying more. I need less more in my life!

GENERAL

1. Figure out where my time is wasted and put an end to it
2. Find some confidence and exert it
3. Think outside of the box

I know there are plenty more areas that I want or need to work on, but this is the list I've compiled so far. Since they are general goals and not resolutions, I can always add to it. I'd like to do a post at the end of each month to review these, but that might be asking too much.

I apologize for my lack of pictures, but I'm still working without my own computer. Hopefully I can figure something out soon.

What are your goals for the new year?

Reality and a Meal Plan

Monday means back to reality for lots of us doesn't it?
Yesterday was so lovely, we actually took our bikes out for a ride.
There was all kinds of wildlife out to enjoy.
We passed this guy the first time as he was slinking about in the water.

And then saw him again on the way back to the car as he decided to get his suntan on!

There were wildflowers booming all over the trail with lots of butterflies and dragonflies shooting across the path. They were just too fast for me to get any pictures of them.

Like I said, back to reality today (with a sore butt from the 7mile ride.)
Between the anniversary and visits with friends and family, the menu this week is much the same as last week's. But, for my own piece of mind, I had to write it out (for grocery purposes.) Since it's written, I'm going to share it! Sorry. . .

Breakfasts: Cereal/grits, pumpkin cream cheese muffins, hashbrown baskets, nutella toast, cinnamon sugar croissants, omelets

Lunches: tuna noodles, leftovers, ham sandwiches, pepperoni pizza puffs, chicken fingers w/baked beans, quesidillas, pasta carbonara

Dinners: 

Grilled Steak w/sweet potatoes & green beans

Crockpot potato soup

Grilled chicken with lemon basil pasta w/broccoli

Fish w/mac-n-cheese & peas

Taco Soup

For some less repetitive menus, Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie has a good long list for you to click through!

While we're talking less repetitive, I did get a NEW item in the shop! This pendant (and even the pearls) started out as a bracelet from the muffin tin challenge that I really did like. However, the weight of the pendant with the resin and treasures in it made it way too heavy for a bracelet. It was transformed into this feminine necklace. I definitely think it works out better this way.

Jewelry Box Necklace

I'm off and running again. I'm helping some friends with school pick-up and then off to the craft store. . . .obviously. Here's hoping your Monday reality is less hectic than mine! Maybe more like his!