Sunday, March 31, 2013

Weekly Low Carb Wrap Up - Week Five

     This has been a tough week for me! But even with all that has happened this week which I'll detail more about in another post to follow later this week, I managed to lose one pound! Yay!!! 

     I know, it's not a lot, but imagine if you were to lose one pound per week? How many pounds would you lose in one year??? I can see you all doing the math. Let me make it easy for you...it would be 52 pounds!!! Amazing when you realize slow and steady wins the race!

     The bad thing about deciding to lose weight and eat better is that as human beings, we are a very impatient bunch! We are used to getting everything now! We don't stop to think that we didn't put on 30 extra pounds in a week, it took us a good 6 months to a year or more, so what makes us think we can lose it in a week?

     That is my mantra...slow and steady wins the race. I'm not just learning how to lose weight, I'm also learning how to cook and eat delicious food that can be eaten by me and my whole family alike. As I get older and realize that I want to avoid diabetes, which runs in most families, I know the only way to do it is to eat better and exercise.

     With that being said, let me tell you that while I stuck to my eating plan this past week, I really didn't have much time to try new things. But thank goodness for my co-worker, who decided to try to make a cookie using almond flour and coconut. I believe she found the recipe on the blog, I Breathe...I'm Hungry. These cookies are called Almond Joy Cookies and they are low carb and gluten free. 

Almond Joy Cookies
     We both discussed the fact that they were good, but could have used a little more Splenda to make them sweeter. We realize that would have upped the carb count, but as long as we are only going to eat one every once in a while it really wouldn't kill us. She too felt that maybe it would have helped to add some cinnamon for flavoring, but all in all, they were pretty good and went well with our morning coffee. She also made some cheesecake which I forgot to photograph.

     I usually like to try to make a nice meal on Sundays. It's a throwback to my mom and dad who always used to BBQ on Sunday. They would make enough food to feed an army! Last Sunday I made another Pork Tenderloin, but this time I made it the way my sister does, kind of like a pot roast. I loaded it with veggies. It look beautiful and tasted pretty good, but my familia is not big on the baked veggies and I myself like them only slightly steamed and still crunchy. But it's a pretty dish, don't you think?


     For this pork tenderloin I used a very simple dry rub, just salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, then I braised it in a cast iron skillet, added the raw veggies and into the oven it went.

     This Sunday was Easter Sunday. I was going to BBQ but it was windy in our neck of the woods and a bit chilly, so I decided to just make my famous (well famous to my family) Taco Bell Teriyaki Hamburgers with Guacamole for my son and daughter, and then for myself I decided to try a couple of new recipes that I've pinned on Pinterest. 

     The first was an Easy Cajun Chicken from...you guessed it, I Breathe...I'm Hungry! I just love her blog, so many wonderful recipes that are super easy to make. So easy that even I can do it!

     I did it exactly like her recipe except that I did not have any dried thyme so I just didn't use it. I had bought a huge pack of chicken drumsticks at the store the day before and I washed them, dried them, rubbed them with olive oil and then made the dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, cayenne pepper and dried oregano and tossed them in that, placed them on a foil lined cookie sheet and baked them at 400 degree oven for about an hour. 

     They were soooooooooooo good! The skin was crispy and spicy as heck! And the meaty part of the drumstick was juicy and delicious. I made the whole pack which was about 5 pounds so I will have plenty of leftovers to carry me through the week.
     



     To go along with it, I tried another Pinterest recipe which I found at Linda's Low Carb Menus and Recipes called Broccoli Slaw. This was very similar to my Broccoli Salad  except it didn't call for bacon and onions, so I improvised a bit and added onion salt and when I served the slaw on my plate I added bacon bits. 


     I also added some guacamole that I made for the burgers. I froze some of the guacamole as a test as I have been seeing on Pinterest that you can freeze avocado and they are really inexpensive right now. I bought these for 50 cents each! So here was my Easter Sunday Dinner...yummy no?

     So that's it for this week's wrap up. I didn't get a chance to exercise as I had hoped, but I did stay busy doing other things, which again I will post more about later this week. I'll try to exercise this week, but again...not sure it's going to be possible since I'm a pretty busy gal lately. Have a great week!

 

Flowerpot card by Adriana Bolzon


 
Hello there everyone,
It's Adriana here today and it's my turn today here at Couture Creations , 
showing you all a step by step project with the fabulous products from Couture Creations. 
Today, I have created a Flowerpot Happy Birthday card, 
these have been popular lately and this is my interpretation of one.
 
                                                 
The flowers are made from the 
Couture Creations Sunflower Nesting Dies which are then 
Embossed with Couture Creations Elegance Damask Flourish Embossing Folder

TO CREATE THE FLOWER POT

Cut a piece of card stock 28cm x 12 cm
Score cardstock at 4 cm and at 16cm, fold on each score line. 
Ink edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

At the 16cm fold, measure 3cm from each end and cut out triangular shape.



                                      
Fold over top flap and attach on to front of pot with Doubled sided tape 3mm x 25m
also attach Doubled sided tape 3mm x 25m each side of pot, 
peel tape backing and close pot, 
this will create an opening on top of pot for your tag.


TO CREATE FLOWERS & TAG

Cut 3 Sunflowers for the Couture Creations Sunflower Nesting Dies 
with different coloured papers. To create a tag cut a piece of cardstock 8cm x 14cm.



Place all flower pieces through




Ink all the edges and on top of embossed images with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.
Pierce a hole in the center of each flower, place smaller flower inside 
middle flower and then inside the large flower, 
place  pearl brad through centre of flower.
Repeat process to all flower petals.


On top of tag attach flower, adhere double sided foam tape
on the other two flowers on either side of middle flower.

Cut 3 Decorative Die- Moments in Time from green cardstock, 
cut in half and place around flowers and on the top of pot.  
Create a bow with Seam binding ribbon attach in centre of tag.
Write your message on the tag.



Cut a piece of cardstock 8cm x 6 cm, fold in half and attach 
on back of pot, this will help to keep the pot standing upright.
 
Decorate pot with messages or more flowers, if desired.

               
........so, I hope you like my Flower Pot Card. Happy crafting everyone :) Cheers Adriana XX

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Other materials
Tea Thyme paper
Botanical paper, Pearl Brads
Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Banner die cut



Come Follow Me Journals

We had an activity this past week that our girls loved! Thought I would share!!!
Our Laurels had decided that they wanted more ways of getting involved in the new YW curriculum.
Their idea was to have every young women make a 
"Come Follow Me" journal...
...a notebook they could bring to class to write down their thoughts or
 use during the week as they studied the lesson outlines.


I found a bunch of journals at the dollar store and bought one for each girl.
For the activity, we brought a bunch of old ensigns where the girls could cut out 
some of their favorite pictures and/or quotes & sayings.
They created collages on the front of their journals with the pictures 
and topped them off with the circle "Come Follow Me" title above. 


To organize their journals, I created the tabs below that each girl cut out to create sections in their notebooks.
The tabs coordinate with the YW Come Follow Me lesson curriculum. 
The idea is that the young women will be able to write down notes in class, glue in handouts, and capture inspirational thoughts & revelation as they study up for the lessons during the week.

The girls were really cute as they put thought and creativity into their journals.
You could tell that they were something they were all very excited to use.


I am so mad at myself for not taking pictures of the final projects,
 but trust me when I say they were darling....
all very special and unique to each young women.

I think this is a great activity that could be used in any YW organization.
Feel free to use and share!

I am having some problems sharing the tabs and title, so if you would like to download,
feel free to right click the images above and "save image as".
You can then insert the image to a word document (etc.) and print off as needed!








and the winner is .....


Sammy D



Sammy we love the way your card showcases our products. Please email kerrie@artdecocrations.com.au you postal address so we can get your prize pack to you.

Visit Sammy's blog for instructions on how to create this card.




Thank you to all who entered our Email Subscriber competition. Keep an eye our for our next competition.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Love Us Together

It is my 24th Wedding Anniversary on Monday ...yes I got married on April fools day as that way Wayne could never forget :)

I was inspired to create this Anniversary Card after seeing this  Basic Grey Sketch  I used Couture Creations Large Hepburn Embossing Folder from the Elegance collection and the Blossom Yarn Doily Die,



You will find more inspiring sketches on our Pinterest boards



Couture Creations Products Used
CO723448 Elegance Embossing Folder, Large Hepburn
CO723114 Blossom Yarn Doily Die

Other Products Teresa Collins Patterned Paper and Die Cuts & Maya Road Trim

Wishing you all a Safe & Happy Easter
 

Happy Easter

Wishing you all a very Happy and Safe Easter
from all of us at Couture Creations  and our Design Team



Remember to check back as our Design Team start posting their projects on the 1st April

Couture Creations | Crafters Home USA Feature

Hi Kerrie here I just wanted to share a project I created promoting Couture Creations Fresh & Fun Embossing Folders for Crafters Home USA Blog.  Visit their blog for the Tutorial on how to create this layout, it doesn't photograph that well, but there is a special background technique.



The photos are of my gorgeous niece Rebecca who has moved to Dubai and works as part of the cabin crew team for Emirates, so we get to travel the world through Bec :)

I will be creating one project a month showcasing different Couture Creations Products so make sure you follow their blog, Thank You to Haylie-Jo from CSW Distributors  for the opportunity.


Wednesday, March 27, 2013

DAISIES DAISIES EVERYWHERE

I have a wedding anniversary party to go to shortly, so needed a card that was suitable to remind the happy couple of their big day 25 years ago... So using the Couture Creations Fine Designs Crazy Daisy Emboss Folder and some adhesive pearls I came up with this....

 
 
 
Couture Creations Products Used
 
Keep on Creating!

 

RED GLITTER! OH LA LA

With a name like OH LA LA this embossing folder needed some Glitter!! Me, I Loooove Glitter so it was not hard to set about adding a bit off OH LA LA to this card.


 
 To start this card simply cut a 7 x 10" piece of cardstock and score it at 5" to form a base. Cut a white mat at 4.5" x 6.5" and emboss using the Couture Creations Fine Designs Oh La La Embossing Folder, and adhere to card base. Take a fine tip black felt pen and doodle around the edge of the card.
 

 
 Cut a piece of  Couture Creations Double Sided Tape and lay sticky side up on your work space. Then take a piece of tulle approx. 1" wide and pleat onto double sided tape. Finish with another piece of tape over the pleat, so that you can adhere to your card. Place the tulle on your card in desired position. Place some trim over the top of your pleated tulle using the existing tape to adhere. Do not worry if your trim does not cover the tape, I have a trick up my sleeve!


With a glue pen add some glue to the centre of the heart embossed images. Whilst still wet sprinkle with glitter and tap off excess. **here is the trick ready?
 

**when tapping off the excess glitter let it fall into your trim the tape that was left showing by your trim will now collect glitter and look like its meant to be there!!! Which it is.


Add a little double sided Jac paper to a piece of cardstock and cut a heart using the Couture Creations Nesting Dies Hearts. take the Jac paper front off and sprinkle with Glitter. Then arrange your new sparkly heart with some more embellishments and a flower or two to the left hand side of your tulle ruffle.

 
then using a fine tip black felt pen highlight the embossed images, branch and the bird on swing.
 
Couture Creations Products Used
CO723254  Fine Designs Oh La La Embossing Folder
CO721985 6mm Double Sided Tape
CO723213 Nesting Dies Hearts

Keep on Creating!

主よ守りたまえ (テゼ / Taizé)




See also the French original: Seigneur, tu gardes mon âme (Taizé)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

とわにたたえて歌え (テゼ / Taizé)




See also the original (Latin) version: Misericordias Domini

Music: Jacques Berthier (English bio) (French bio)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

It Is A Thing Most Wonderful (setting: John Ireland)







It is a thing most wonderful,
almost too wonderful to be,
that God's own Son should come from heaven,
and die to save a child like me.

And yet I know that it is true:
he chose a poor and humble lot,
and wept, and toiled, and mourned, and died,
for love of those who loved him not.

I sometimes think about the cross,
and shut my eyes, and try to see
the cruel nails and crown of thorns
and Jesus crucified for me.

But even could I see him die,
I could but see a little part
of that great love, which, like a fire,
is always burning in his heart.

And yet I want to love thee, Lord;
O light the flame within my heart,
and I will love thee more and more,
until I see thee as thou art.

Text: William Walsham How (1823-1897)
Music: John Ireland (1879-19620

Zašto taj nemir (Taizé)





See also original version: Nada Te Turbe

Words: St. Teresa de Ávila (1515-1582)

Music: Jacques Berthier (English bio) (French bio)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Happiness = Friends Layout

 This quick and easy layout is created using up some left over papers and of course some Couture Creations goodies.

I love this photo of us all the morning we left Kichaka Private Game Reserve, none of us wanted to leave, but there were still classes to be taught and sights to see in Cape Town.



 


 
try embossing your patterned paper, it gives dimension to your paper making it more interesting

Couture Creations Products Used
CO723114 Doily Die, Blossom Yarn
CO723435 Endless Dreams Decorative Die, Tranquility
CO723446 Elegance Collection Embossing Folder, Extra Confetti (Available April 2013)
CO72199 Pearls, Café Cream


Happy Creating
 
 

恐れるなわずらうな (テゼ / Taizé)





See also original version: Nada Te Turbe

Words: St. Teresa de Ávila (1515-1582)

Music: Jacques Berthier (English bio) (French bio)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

Monday, March 25, 2013

Weekly Low Carb Wrap Up - Week Four

Since beginning my low carb eating regimen I've lost 12 pounds. I'm kind of stuck now or what is known as "being stalled" or "plateauing". Call it what you will it's really irritating!!!

Last week I did a little experiment on myself. I have been following the Atkins recommended 20-24 carbs per day and that is how I lost the 12 pounds, but I've been stuck at the same weight for about 3 weeks now. This week I stayed under 17 carbs per day. I know that sounds awful, but it really wasn't because you can still eat protein and fats to a point that you truly feel satisfied so it's not like when you count calories and you get to 1200 calories and you can't eat anything else the rest of the day. You will see in my wrap up that I continued to eat delicious food, just less carbs.

So I only lost 1/2 pound eating under 17 carbs and that bums me out. The reason it bums me out is because I think that in order to unstall myself I'm going to have to turn up the exercise and physical activity portion of my regimen..which doesn't require much since I've been doing literally nothing!

That is my goal for this next week. I'm going back to 20-24 carbs but I will be exercising every single day and we will see what the scale says on Friday morning...wish me luck!

So on to the food wrap up, I ate some of my normal things that I eat each week, my turkey salad, which I don't think I've pictured on my blog before. It's just ground turkey sauteed in a pan with some taco seasoning, then I make a gorgeous salad with every veggie we have in the fridge, bacon, shredded mozzarella cheese and ranch dressing and top with the turkey...I love it!

But I did try some new things and knowing that I would have to put something new in my weekly wrap up made me a little more energetic and inspired me to try something new.


First off though, my co-worker made a wonderful low carb soup last weekend and brought me some for my lunch on Monday. I love my co-worker, she's a doll!

Doesn't that look delicious? She got her inspiration from the Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe shared by Karen at Living Low Carb One Day at a Time. Angelica, my co-worker is one of those outside-the-box cooks that sees a recipe then adds her own spin, but me...I play it safe and follow the recipe to the letter! The soup was delicious and really hit the spot for a nice lunch. Thank you Angelica!

I wanted to make something new to share with her too, so one night when I was feeling especially energetic I decided to try to make Lemon Almond Shortbread, sounds delicious doesn't it? I saw the recipe on the blog, I Breathe... I'm Hungry! I followed her recipe to the letter and you can find the recipe on her blog HERE



If I'm going to be honest, I have to say that while it looks beautiful it was not as sweet as I had hoped. Next time I am going to put a bit more Splenda, even though it will increase the carb count and I am going to add some cinnamon, maybe some anise for flavoring. It has the most delicious crunch though!



Didn't it photograph perfectly? I'm in love with these pictures!

I also tried another Atkins Frozen Food, this time it was the Italian Sausage Primavera. I loved everything about it except the sausage  but I'm not a big fan of sausage. If you like sausage though you would probably like this meal.



The only other thing out of the ordinary that I ate this week was my lunch I had yesterday when I was out shopping with my mom.



She had been wanting to go to a restaurant called Famous Dave's. It's a BBQ place and it surprised me that she has been wanting to go for so long as she's not a big fan of BBQ  When we first got there I told the hostess that it was our first time there and they treated us special, they even gave us a free bottle of their BBQ sauce and a free appetizer next time we go there. Which may not be soon as mom didn't like it! Seriously! After all that time of her wanting to go she didn't even like it. But I did!

Because I had to stick with my low carb diet, I ordered their Southside Rib Tips which came with french fries, but I requested a substitution for their broccoli and they were more than willing to do that for me. I love them! I was a little bad in that they served us Bread and Butter Pickles. I adore Bread and Butter Pickles, but of course they have sugar, but I only ate at the most 6 pickle chips...Yum!



That was my week. I ate well, I feel great, my clothes are fitting better each and every day. If I can just get that stinking scale to move I will be happy.