A post that WILL help you de-fluff,

Wow, I really admire those of you who have made the commitment to join us! We are going to help and encourage as much as we can! So far we have Angel, Kacey, Markat286, Missy (we are going to call you Missy2 to avoid confusion)and Anita K. KD lost, are you committing or just enjoying your fluff? Either way, we are happy to have you along! Congratulations on making the commitment! So far we range from 10 to 100 pounds!
I have been using a tool for the last 3 days that is REALLY helping me to keep track of what I am eating. To give you some background, I am not grossly overweight...some would say that I am not at all, but for my height (5'2 and bone structure, small) I am definitely on the heavier side of the weight chart. That said, I have never counted calories or tried seriously to lose weight. So, my dilemma was, how do I do it? I feel like the trick for me is "mindful eating". That is, really paying attention to everything I eat and being accountable. I have found this tool to be SUPER helpful.

The tool is called the Daily Plate and can be found on livestrong.com

that's where you start by registering. Once you register, click the daily plate and get started. I have found the food list to be super comprehensive...down to the 6 m&m's I had one day, and if the food is not listed you can add it. I have been tracking everything I eat, my exercise and my weight. It really helps me to see it in black and white. If you are like me, some of the things you eat "don't count" 'cause I just had a bite or ate them off my daughter's plate or ate them standing up or on a holiday or whatever. Unfortunately my friends, science doesn't lie and they all count, even cake on your own birthday...I know it's sad, sad news! So enter them all and face it...

A really cool feature is that it calculates how many calories you may have each day, subtracts them from your total as you eat them and tells you how many you have left for the day. If you track you exercise, it will also give you additional calories....motivation to get moving! How cool is that!? I have already seen a small difference on the scale in just 3 days! Try it and let me know what you think!

Holly Candy

Holly Candy

Melt Together:
16 marshmallows
1/2 stick butter

Add:
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon green food coloring (3 big squirts will do)
2 cups corn flakes

drop from spoon onto wax paper. Decorate with red hots. Cool. Store in tight container.



disclaimer: This post is a Christmas catch up post. This is not going to help you de-fluff. If you just like to cook, make some to give away! ;)

Are you ready to loose the fluff?

As I was reading my facebook updates today, I just had to comment on a friend's update about feeling "fluffy". Yep, we feel pretty fluffy after the holidays...and like our friend above, we are none too happy about it. So, what to do???? Join us in the SFV diet challenge! No, we are not Oprah or Dr. Phil. We're not going to put you on TV or give you a new car, but if you join us on our journey, we'll give away some nifty gifties to regular commenters and you will feel and look better, too. Come on, it doesn't have to be a lot of weight...my goal is 10 lbs, Missy's is 15. What is yours? Tell us by January 2 and we'll pick the first winner from those who comment....seriously, it will be fun!

Help the little guy, go vote!

Some Southern Goodness

Here in the SOUTH, we love our traditions, so sit down and have a glass of sweet tea and join my tour of a Tallahassee Tradition....Springtime Tallahassee. Springtime Tallahassee was originally conceived to help bring attention to the city of Tallahassee when they wanted to move the capital to somewhere more central in the state. The capital remained in Tallahassee and we have celebrated the city every spring since.
Locals can join groups called Krewes that each represent a period in history. We are part of Spanish Krewe...supposedly this means we represent the time when the Spaniards founded Florida....really it means that we drink lots of "libations" while dressed as Spanish Royalty.
High school age children of Krewe members are eligible to join an organization called Belles and Gents. This is a cotillion like group that learns etiquette, takes dancing lessons, wears big southern dresses and gets to ride on a float (no libations for the kids). My darling boy is representing this group as Mr. Springtime 2009....he gets to wear a sash and everything! Pictures from the coronation:


Mr. Springtime and his proud parents

With Miss Springtime and Miss Congeniality

Easy cookies and more Christmas love

Whew, I am happy that it is Tuesday! We finished Market Days in Tallahassee on Sunday evening. Monday was a whirlwind of decorating, errand running and cleaning as I got ready to host a cookie exchange for my church circle (no, I am not 80, really) last night. I had a small cookie emergency...so now I have FAST cookie fix to share with you! I TRIED to make these raspberry pinwheel cookies from Real Simple's December issue. Unfortunately, they are NOT real simple! Soooooo....4:30 and I need cookies for an exchange that starts at 6:30. Here's what you need: 1 bag of square pretzels, 1 bag of M&M's, 1 bag of Hershey Hugs and 1 bag of Hershey Peppermint kisses. Here is the VERY COMPLICATED recipe: Lay pretzels out on baking tray. Unwrap kisses...try not to eat too many, they look better on the cookies than on your butt, trust me....place kisses on pretzels. Place in an oven that has been preheated to 200 degrees. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and place one M&M on each kiss...same advice regarding M&M's...better on the cookies. Let cookies cool or stick in the fridge to harden. Voila'...you are done! They look cute and would be easy to do with little chefs as well. Finished product pictured in upper left hand corner of the collage. Happy baking!

The Perfect, Eco-friendly and Economical Holiday Gift!

These monogrammed sports bottles are the perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas shopping list! For only $15, they are just right for teachers, babysitters, dog-walkers, housekeepers, housesitters, dance teachers, mailmen, neighbors, bunco groups, secret santas, blog friends, second cousins, your Aunt's neighbor's cousin's friends, and anyone else you can think of! Pick your pattern, pick your font, and with our super quick delivery, your snazzy new sports bottle will be in your hands lickety split! Don't forget to order one for yourself!
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