Weight Loss In the New Year- Meal Plan

Good Morning Ladies! Yesterday I gave you tips about high-protein foods you could eat for weight loss. Today, I will help you put a meal plan that includes those foods. Now, remember you do not have to do this every day although you can if you want to. Let’s get started!

Day 1: 
Breakfast

• Banana And Protein Shake

Lunch

• Chicken Breast With Water 

Supper

• NOTE: I usually don’t do this for supper because we usually have some kind of meat and veggie with our supper which will contain some protein in it. But if you would like you may add in your soda with supper and a piece of chocolate for dessert.

Day 2:
Breakfast

• Eggs And Milk

Lunch

• Tuna With Water

Supper

• NOTE: I usually don’t do this for supper because we usually have some kind of meat and veggie with our supper which will contain some protein in it. But if you would like you may add in your soda with supper and a piece of chocolate for dessert.

Day 3:
Breakfast

• Oats And Protein Shake

Lunch

• Shrimp With Water

Supper

• NOTE: I usually don’t do this for supper because we usually have some kind of meat and veggie with our supper which will contain some protein in it. But if you would like you may add in your soda with supper and a piece of chocolate for dessert.

Day 4:
NOTE: On day 3 or 4 of this routine I like to start changing things up a bit
Breakfast

• Cantaloupe With Soda 

Lunch

• Peanuts/Peanut Butter With Protein Shake

Supper

• NOTE: I usually don’t do this for supper because we usually have some kind of meat and veggie with our supper which will contain some protein in it. But if you would like you may add in your soda with supper and a piece of chocolate for dessert.

Day 5:
Breakfast:

• Protein Shake

Lunch

• Broccoli And Cheese With Water

Supper

• NOTE: I usually don’t do this for supper because we usually have some kind of meat and veggie with our supper which will contain some protein in it. But if you would like you may add in your soda with supper and a piece of chocolate for dessert.

There you go ladies, just an example of some food and drink combinations to get you started. You don’t have to go by this exactly, I would much rather you find foods that you like and make a plan up for yourselves.

Weight Loss In The New Year

Alright ladies we all know that during the winter or more to the point the holidays we have all gained weight. Not gaining weight during the holidays is nearly impossible for anyone with all the good food that the grandmothers or the aunts and moms cooked. That being said the new year is coming fast and as women, we all know we could probably lose a few pounds to help us feel better about ourselves. Therefore, I have decided to give some tips on weight loss for the new year that can be turned into an everyday or a couple of times a week routine that will help all of us ladies lose a few pounds. This post will only be the first for this series on weight loss. So continue to keep up with my posts so that you will get the whole series.
The number one thing to remember is to watch what and how much of something you eat or drink. You can have that chocolate or that soda but limit yourself. Have 1 piece of chocolate and 1 soda a day and throughout the rest of the day eat or drink things that are high in protein but low in sugars. AND DON’T FORGET THE WATER. Water is very important to weight loss. Water helps cleanse your system of all the bad stuff in your body and if you would like to add diet supplements to this you can.
1. Foods High In Protein

• Eggs

Whole eggs are among the healthiest and most nutritious foods available. They’re an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, eye-protecting antioxidants, and brain nutrients that you need. Whole eggs are high in protein, but egg whites are almost pure protein.

• Almonds/Peanuts

 They are rich in essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium. If you are not excited about eating just the nuts there are almond spreads and peanut butter you can use. Almonds and Peanuts are not suitable for people who have a nut allergy. 

• Chicken breast

Chicken breast is one of the most popular protein-rich foods. If you eat it without the skin, most of its calories come from protein. Chicken breast is also very easy to cook and versatile. It can taste delicious in a wide range of dishes. On another note, you can also buy canned chicken breasts and just add some spice or sauces to them if that is a better option for you.

• Oats

Oats are among the healthiest grains available. They provide healthy fibers, magnesium, manganese, thiamine (vitamin B1), and several other nutrients. If you are going to eat oats though be careful of what and how much you put into those oats. If you load your oats up with lots of sugar and butter then you may set your weight loss back some.

• Cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is a type of cheese that is low in fat and calories. It’s rich in calcium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin B12, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and various other nutrients. You can add high protein fruit to this or any other high protein item you would like to put in it is fine or if you prefer then you can also eat it plain.

• Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt also called strained yogurt, is a very thick type of yogurt. It pairs well with sweet and savory dishes. It has a creamy texture and is high in many nutrients.
Protein content: 69% of calories. One 6-ounce (170-gram) container has 17 grams of protein and only 100 calories. When buying Greek yogurt, opt for one without added sugar. Full-fat Greek yogurt is also high in protein but contains more calories.

• Milk

Milk contains a little of nearly every nutrient that your body needs. It’s a good source of high-quality protein, and it’s high in calcium, phosphorus, and riboflavin (vitamin B2). If you are concerned about your fat intake, low or zero-fat milk is an option.
For those with lactose intolerance, consuming milk can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms. People with a milk allergy can likewise experience severe symptoms, so dairy milk is not a suitable option for them either.
For those who wish to drink milk but either cannot tolerate it or follow a purely plant-based diet, alternatives include soy milk or coconut milk.

• Broccoli

Broccoli is a healthy vegetable that provides vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and potassium. It also provides bioactive nutrients that may help protect against cancer. Calorie for calorie, it’s high in protein compared with most vegetables.

• Lean beef

Lean beef is high in protein, as well as highly bioavailable iron, vitamin B12, and large amounts of other vital nutrients. The leaner the beef the better!

• Tuna

Tuna is a popular type of fish. You can eat it hot in a range of baked dishes or cold in salads. It’s low in fat and calories but a rich source of protein. Like other fish, tuna is a good source of various nutrients and contains omega-3 fats.

• Turkey breast

Turkey breast is similar to chicken breast in many ways. It consists mostly of protein, with very little fat and calories. It also tastes delicious and is high in various vitamins and minerals.

• Shrimp

Shrimp is a type of seafood. It’s low in calories but high in various nutrients, including selenium and vitamin B12. Like fish, shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids.
These are only a few of the foods that are high in protein. There are a lot of fruits, veggies, and beans that have high protein in them. There is also the option of protein bars, brownies, shakes, and vitamins that can go right along with the foods.

Christmas Advent Calendar

Advent calendars can be fun to make if you have the time to do it. It will also brighten up your home if you use it as decor. As well as helping you count down the days until its time for the big celebration. You don't have to spend alot of money to make these as you can buy the little boxes at dollar tree. You can also use other items to add the numbers to your calendar not just what I have here. This calendar would still look awesome with the numbers painted on, stickers, bead numbers, etc.

DIY Mens Apron

  Every year I have the hardest time coming up with gifts for guys. My husband and Dad are so hard to shop for. They never tell me what they want and I always have the hardest time coming up with something.

To get started you’ll need an apron… I found this one at Jo-Ann’s!

Then I pulled out my Silhouette and cut out “CAUTION: EXTREMELY HOT” with heat transfer. If you will be doing this with your Silhouette make sure to mirror your image horizontally before cutting.

If you don’t have a Silhouette you can easily use  freezer paper or stencils for this as well. They sell packs of stencil letters at most craft stores. Just lay the letters down and brush over them with fabric paint.

Once I printed out my heat transfer I stuck it on the apron and ironed it on. Make sure to put a piece of fabric over the applique before ironing so it doesn’t melt. With the Silhouette heat transfer you’ll have to hold it for about 45 seconds. Just peel up a little edge to make sure it has stuck. Once the heat transfer has fully adhered you can peel away the top layer.

That’s all! Simple as that! Such an easy gift, and perfect if your husband loves to grill! 

DIY Tea Cup Candles

 These candles will be perfect for mothers or mother-in-laws as well as aunts, cousins and sisters!

MATERIALS:

• Nested pans
• Partially burned candles
• Candy or candle thermometer
• Tongs
• New wicking
• Teacups
• Wick sustainers
• Wooden skewers
• 
  

STEPS:

1. In a small pan set over a larger pan of simmering water, melt down old candles; clip the thermometer to the upper pot, and keep temperature at about 185 degrees. Remove old wicks with tongs.
2. Cut a piece of wicking to the cup's height plus 2 inches. Clamp one end to a wick sustainer; tie the other end around a skewer. Dip wicking and sustainer into melted wax to coat them. Remove and stick sustainer to cup's bottom.
3. Pour in the wax, stopping 1/2 inch below the cup's rim. Allow wax to set, about 1 hour. The candle will harden with a well in the center. To even it out, use another skewer to prick a circle of holes about 1/16 inch deep around the wick. Pour in melted wax until surface is 1/4 inch below rim. Cut wick.

DIY Dollar Tree Centerpiece

 Need a festive Christmas centerpiece?! 

No one will be able to tell this little tabletop tree is actually from Dollar Tree after this easy makeover! Use faux snow and a few holiday floral embellishments, also found at the dollar store, to dress up this inexpensive $1 Christmas tree into a pretty centerpiece to be proud of.

Supplies Needed:

• 18 inch tabletop Christmas tree (Found in-store at Dollar Tree for ONLY $1!)
• artificial snow spray
• faux berries, small pine cones, and any other floral embellishments (Dollar Tree)
• Christmas bow for topper (Dollar Tree)
• hot glue gun and glue sticks
• floral foam (Dollar Tree)
• 7 inch planter, or some type of basket, box, or container

Directions:

1. ) Take tree out of box and separate each branch. Instead of setting up the stand I used a piece of floral form to support it.

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2.) Spray faux snow all over each tree branch, and let dry. (I found my can at Walmart for $1.50).

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3.) Cut faux berries into smaller bundles and hot glue them to tree branches. Glue any additional embellishments. Try to make them evenly spaced throughout the tree.

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4.) Place tree in a flower pot, basket, decorative box, bowl, or any other desired container. (I had these pots leftover from plants on my patio this summer. Look around the house for something to use!)

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I’m passionate about decorating for Christmas without spending a ton of money, and these trees can be transformed into boutique looking decor with just a few easy supplies! I love how mine have kind of a farmhouse look to fit in with my house. You can customize them with any colors you’d like!

Easy Last Minute Christmas Decor

 Holiday Decor!!!!!!!

because my holiday season has gone by in a FLASH. i've had to try to incorporate some last minute holiday decor around the house...with things i have.

case and point this center piece was made of all thrift-ed finds of the past.
i've used this glass candle holder cupcake stands before. so i thought why not a bowl?
placing the bowl on top creates a cute holder of things

                                    like leftover christmas ornaments.

DIY Glitter Lip Gloss

 Whose lips couldn’t use a little more shimmer?! This winter surprise the young girls in the family with this DIY glitter lip balm!

Supplies:

• Coconut oil
• Beeswax
• Essential oil (peppermint and lavender are my favorites!)
• Edible luster dust/edible glitter
• Cosmetic container

Step 1: Combine about 3 tbsp coconut oil and 1 tbsp beeswax in a small bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments until completely melted. Let cool 5 minutes.

Step 2: Mix in several drops of the essential oils of your choice.

Step 3: Add in about 1 tsp luster dust or more to reach your desired color and shine.

Step 4: Allow the glitter to settle in the mixture before dividing it into small cosmetic containers. Allow the glitter lip gloss to set before using.

DIY Christmas Candles

 If you want to try something new this year then making candles might be something you find yourself interested in and with the holidays coming up now would be a great time to start. 

Ideas for Decorating the Mason Jars

Part of what makes these Christmas candles so fun to gift is that you can get extra creative with how you decorate and wrap them. A few of our favorite ideas include:

• Dipping the jars in a coat of glitter (be careful – this gets messy, fast!)
• Wrapping the jars in a festive wide ribbon
• Hot gluing on a strip of burlap and a sprig of pine (my favorite!)
• Create labels and print them on sticker paper

Which Essential Oil Scents to Use

The fun thing about this DIY is you can easily swap out the oils and change the fragrance profile of this candle completely.

 Pine and Frankincense

I chose pine and frankincense essential oils for these Christmas candles because they are just a lovely combination for this time of year. Plus when you smell the frankincense, it reminds us of the historical miracle that is the reason for the season! You can also use these:

• Pine Essential Oil
• Clove Bud Essential Oil
• Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil
• Cedarwood Essential Oil

Supplies Needed:

• Soy Wax for candle making – I ordered this
• Natural Candle Wick
• Pine Essential Oil
• Frankincense Essential Oil
• popsicle sticks
• 8 oz glass jelly jars or other small jars or glass votive candle holders*
• glass measuring cup
• decorative holiday or burlap ribbon (optional)

*You can make these DIY Christmas Candles in a variety of sizes, such as glass votive candle holders or mason jars.  You can even use cleaned out glass jars from your recycling bin for this project!

 Instructions

Melt Soy Wax

The first step in making these candles is to melt your soy wax in a double boiler. Start with 3 cups of soy wax pellets. This is enough for one 8oz mason jar and 2 votive candle holders.

You can simply put your glass measuring cup in the saucepan with a couple of inches of boiling water. I recommend a glass measuring cup because of the easy-to-pour spout.  After using just a glass bowl myself, I wish I had the spout!

 Add Oils

While the wax is heating up and melting, you can add the essential oils to the wax. I recommend at least 30 of each pine and frankincense essential oil for the 3 cups of wax.

If you want a very potent smelling candle, then up your oil amount to 45 drops of each! With 30 drops, the aroma is subtle and not overbearing. It was not as strong as a Yankee Candle smell would be and some may say it was just a little too weak.

So play around with the amount of oil you use depending on your scent strength preference.

Add Wick

When the wax is melted in the double boiler, take a plastic spoon and drip just a little bit of wax at the bottom of your glass containers. While that bit of wax is still liquefied, quickly “glue” in your wick.

Hold the wick in place until the wax is cool and hardened.  If you do this step first, it will help hold the wick in place and keep it in the center when you fill up the rest of the jar with hot wax.

Pour in the Scented Wax

Pour in the melted and scented wax to fill your jar. I use 2 popsicle sticks to keep the wick in place while the wax is cooling and hardening. You could also keep it in place by very carefully wrapping the wick around a pen that’s laid across.

Let Harden

It will take a good 45 minutes or so for the wax to cool and harden.  Keep your jar in an area that will not get bumped while it is cooling.  You can stick this in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.

Trim the Wick

Once your candle is back to a solid state, go ahead and trim the wick.