Week 4!

Didn't feel like weighing in this morning so I'm not sure if I lost any!

I did make a little tag to add to my collection...

Focus Shadow Box

I've been collecting favorite bible verses and quotes and decided to put them in a mini shadow box.
A great reminder to display and focus :)
Have a wonderful week!

Week 2 - goals

I spent a lot of time this week thinking about what I wanted to acheive this year.

When I first started 52 Pick Me Up in January 2009 I said...

"The method of 52 Pick Me Up is simple.
It's about setting simple and achievable goals."

I attempted to make 52 Artist Trading Cards (ATC's), I think I made it to week 40 and just gave up.

I lost focus.

So this year I've decided to aim towards the goal I set for myself in January 2009, and I'll loose that 52 pounds.

My goals for January...

1. work out 5 days a week
2. run at least 2 times a week
3. keep on trucking with the Weight Watchers
4. make a paper project with a positive message

I can't wait to check in at the beginning of February to say that I've acheived my goal...with the Lords help :D

Have a wonderful week...I leave you with...

Love,
Andrea

Waiting - week 1

Another year is upon us and I'm overjoyed! In 2009 I attempted to finish 52 weeks and I didn't make it...I came so close too!!!

Two years later I'm going for it again! My goal is simple...to focus (my "word" for 2011), whatever I do I want to do it with all my heart. Even if I just make 52 tags or any paper projects I'll be happy!

Here is my first tag...

I really need to focus on the Lord, wait on Him. To be of good courage.

I love this song by John Waller...



May 2011 be a year full of blessings from our Lord and Saviour!

trying and trying

I've been trying to get back on track since mid December and I just can't seem to do it!

I'm falling into the trap of setting too many goals and when I can't reach them I fall back.

So...I've been praying and this is what I need to do.

1.  spent quiet time with the Lord daily and start a weekly art journal
2.  write in my food journal and check in with buddies
3.  exercise - 5 times a week

I've done it before so I know I can do it.

I'll be back soon to share my first page...not sure what size I'm going to work on and I'm not sure what day will be my check in day for the blog, but it will be within the week :)

Week Three - goals

Week Three Goals

Weight In/Exercise/Points

• third weigh in will be on Thursday, January 21st
• exercise at least six times
• continue to keep track of weight watchers points, checking in daily with buddies :)

Water

• 8 glasses per day

Crafting

Canadian Scrapbook Article and Projects
Tutorial for Scrapbook Star online crop January 22

Dinner Menus

Fri., Jan. 15  ~ family pizza night
Sat., Jan. 16 ~breakfast dinner - pancakes and sausages
Sun.. 17 ~big lunch @ church, light salad dinner
Mon., Jan. 18 ~trying for that hamburger helper again LOL with veggies and buns
Tues., Jan. 19 ~chili, rice, salad
Wed., Jan. 20 ~ soup and sandwiches (a Wednesday tradition!)
Thurs., Jan. 21 ~ turkey breast, veggies, potatoes, and salad -missed this one last week, forgot to take it out of the freezer

New Recipe

• low point bread pudding

Home Organization

• master bedroom closet, main bathroom cupboards, kitchen *junk drawer* cupboards


Bible

study of Esther

Favorite Bible Verses

Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”-  John 8:32

Week Two

Salad Buffet Salad

Serves 4
points: dressing - 2; salad – 4

Low Fat Ranch Dressing
1/4 cup low fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
3 tablespoons buttermilk
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
dash onion powder
dash dried dill weed
dash garlic powder
dash ground black pepper


Salad
romaine lettuce, shredded
red peppers, chopped
carrots, grated
cucumbers, sliced
mushrooms, sliced
avocado, diced
chicken breast, chopped
turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
hardboiled egg (I only used the whites), chopped
feta cheese, crumbled

• Place romaine lettuce on a plate and top with remaining salad toppings. Top with ¼ of the ranch dressing and enjoy.

The Craft Room

I started on my job cards and I was supposed to clean out the left side of my craft closet...and then I got started. As I was removing everything from the left side I thought "I might as well just do the whole thing"...it was a complete disaster!!! I then decided I might as well do the entire craft room :)

Here are some before picture....

During....

and AFTER!!!!

 

I'm so thrilled at how it looks and I can actually find stuff :)

Fajita Salad

serves 6
7.5 weight watchers points per serving,
plus points for tortilla chips and cheese.

Marinade 1/6 of marindade = 1 pt
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 large clove garlic, pressed
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
pinch cayenne pepper
dash ground black pepper

4 chicken breasts

Guacamole Ranch Dressing - 1/6 of dressing = 3 pts
½ cup low fat mayonnaise
½ cup low fat sour cream
3 tablespoons buttermilk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
dash ground black pepper
1 avocado, mashed
(for a fun option I added ½ cup of non fat Catalina dressing adding 0 pts.)

Corn Salsa - 1/6 of salsa = 1 pt.
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup diced orange pepper
1/4 cup diced green pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 can corn

Mixed Greens
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
couple handfuls of shredded cabbage

Tortilla chips
Grated Cheese (optional)

• Combine marinade ingredients in a 9 X 13 dish. Trim fat from chicken and add to marinade dish. Marinate for at least 4 hours…I did mine overnight.
• To prepare the Guacamole Ranch Dressing mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Cover and chill.
• Combine all the corn salsa ingredients in another bowl.  Cover and chill.
• After chicken is done marinating it’s time to grill it! Prepare your lettuce while you are waiting to flip your chicken.
• When chicken is done slice in diagonal strips.
• If you are serving with tortilla chips this will add points.&
• It’s fun to served as a salad buffet…the children always love that! Enjoy!

Week One

So happy that this week went so well!!!
Totally praising the Lord as He was and is
helping me every step of the way.

Week Two Goals

Week Two Goals

Weight In/Exercise/Points

• second weigh in will be on Thursday, January 14th
• exercise at least three times
• continue to keep track of weight watchers points, checking in daily with buddies :)

Water

• 8 glasses per day

Crafting

• finish a Maya Road mini albums for CHA
• Maya Road tutorial
• Art Freckles tutorial
• Christmas Card for Christmas Cards All Year Round blog
• Crop Suey project :)
• Scrapbook Star Crop Tutorial


Dinner Menus

Fri., Jan. 8  ~ Boeuf Bourguignon, garlic mashed potatoes, and green salad
(totally not weight watchers but I've calculated the points and ate light all day!)
Sat., Jan. 9 ~ visiting friends
Sun.. 10 ~ finally the Cobb Salad!
Mon., Jan. 11 ~ greek pork and salad
Tues., Jan. 12 ~ hamburger helper, veggies, and buns (didn't feel like this last week so we'll try again this week LOL)
Wed., Jan. 13 ~ soup and sandwiches (a Wednesday tradition!)
Thurs., Jan. 14 ~ turkey breast, veggies, potatoes, and salad

New Recipe

• low point "Cobb Salad"

Home Organization

I made a six week plan to organize my entire house!  I've separated my home into four areas and will work through these rooms very slowly as I tend to get very bored when I'm stuck in one room organizing it all at once.

Week One chores...
• kitchen/living room
drawers and cupboards on island
• master bedroom and bathroom
clothes in closet
• family/craft/homeschool room
craft closet (left side)
• bathrooms/laundry room/front closet/garage
main bathroom closet

The "chore cards"...

 

Scripture Study

• Esther 5

New Concept and Week One Goals

Very regrettably I did not finish my 52 weeks of ATC's. I only had 12 more to complete!!! I praise God for the 30 lbs. I did lose. I feel happier and healthier :)

Here is my before and after picture....

I really, really want to have another go of it...this time with a new concept. My first round was focused on weight loss. I believe when that wasn't happening as fast or as consistent as I would have liked I gave up.

This time 'round I'm going to make a "to do list" the first Friday of the week. I'm going to call it Creative Organization!

The "to do categories" will be as follows...

Weight In/Exercise goals - Weight Watchers points report
Water report...can never seem to drink enough!
Crafting goal
Daily Dinner Menus
Find a new recipe and try it out
Home Organization...a very constant task
Scripture Study

The following Friday I will share my accomplishments and the *new list*.

My goal is to make a 52 page scrapbook album sharing my journey including tips and recipes.

The total purpose is to have a more rounded 52 weeks of allowing God to pick me up!

Week One Goals

Weight In/Exercise/Point report

• first weigh in will be on Thursday, January 7th
• excerise at least three times
• share how many points I've used throughout the week

Water

• 8 glass per day

Crafting

• plan window displays for Memories and More
• get class finished for Scrapbook Star
• finish 2 Maya Road mini albums for CHA

Dinner Menus

Fri., Jan. 1 ~ borscht
Sat., Jan. 2 ~ left over bacon/tomato pasta found in freezer
Sun.. 3 ~ cheesy potatoes (we usually have a potato dinner on Sunday's)
Mon., Jan. 4 ~ chili, rice, salad
Tues., Jan. 5 ~ hamburger helper, veggies, and buns (found a couple of boxes of the hamburger helper in the pantry and being that I'm trying to be thrifty as well LOL thought I'd use them up!)
Wed., Jan. 6 ~ soup and sandwiches (a Wednesday tradition!)
Thurs., Jan. 7 ~ Cobb salad, homemade bread

New Recipe

• low point "Cobb Salad"

Home Organization

• make a chore chart for myself

Scripture Study

• Esther 3

It would be wonderful if you'd like to participate with me!

May 2010 be a year of showers and showers of blessings :)

Week 39 and 40!

Getting behind but I'm pressing on!

Weeks 37, 38, and 39

I seem to have gotten behind!

Week Thirty Six

Week Thirty Five

I cannot believe how late I am with these cards!!!
I'm so sorry ♥ Time is just flying!!!

Week Thirty Four

Week Thirty Three - Side Two

Week Thirty Three - Side One

Used the August Kit from Shop Crop Suey
for this card as well as the last one :)

Week Thirty Two - Side Two

Week Thirty Two - Side One

Week Thirty One - Side Two

Week Thirty One - Side One

Week Thirty - Side Two

We are finally all settled in back at home!

I was so excited to get all caught up with my 52 pick me up cards.

I finished up my 30 day challenge book...
that sort of fell through a bit :)

Week Thirty - Side One

Week Twenty Nine - SideTwo

Home Evacuation

We've been evacuated from our home due to a forest fire.
Prayers are much appreciated, thank you :)

My dd, Bre has some pictures on her blog.

www.brewiebe.com

Lots of love,
Andrea

30 Day Challenge Day - 24 and 25 - 52 Pick Me Up Week Twenty Nine - Side One

For my next set of 5 - 52 Pick Me Up cards
I'm going to focus on the word "hope" :)

30 Day Challenge - Day 23

Key Lime Cupcakes

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup cold water
• ½ cup oil
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 7 large eggs, separated
• 2 teaspoons grated lime
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar

Preheat oven to 350. Line 2 cupcake pans with paper liners.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add shortening, milk, and vanilla. Beat 7 egg yolks in a separate bowl, and add to dry ingredients along with the water, oil, vanilla and lime rind. Mix with mixer at medium speed while scraping bowl until well blended.3

In another large mixing bowl, combine egg whites and cream of tartar. Mix at high speed 2 to 2 1/2 minutes or until egg whites are stiff.

Carefully fold flour mixture into egg whites until just blended.

Pour cupcake batter into paper liners until 1/2 full.

Bake for 10 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly.

52 Pick Me Up - Week Twenty Eight Side Two and 30 Day Challenge - Day 21 and 22

This blog is all about the positive...
there is nothing like some positive goodies!!!
I thought I'd make a cupcake recipe book for fun
to celebrate the final ten days of our
30 Day Challenge ♥

I'll share the recipes as well :)




And the 52 Pick Me Up Card...


Recipes...
Vanilla Cupcakes
• 2 cups flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 egg whites from large eggs
• ½ cup shortening
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, shortening, milk and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Mix at low speed for 2 minutes. Scrape bowl. Add egg whites and mix at high speed until fluffy and smooth, approx. 2 minutes.
Fill liners 1/2 full of batter. Do not overfill. Bake 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Kool Aid Frosting

3 cups icing sugar
½ cup butter
3 tablespoons cream
½ package koolaid unsweetened powder

Whip butter until soft. Add icing sugar and koolaid; continue to whip until well combined. Add 3 tablespoons of cream, one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

30 Day Challenge - Day 20

30 Day Challenge - Day 19

30 Day Challenge - Day 18

52 Pick Me Up - Week Twenty Eight Side One and 30 Day Challenge - Day 17

52 Pick Me Up card...



30 Day Challenge mini book page...

30 Day Challenge - Day 16

30 Day Challenge - Day 15

52 Pick Me Up - Week Twenty Seven Side Two and 30 Day Challenge - Day 14

52 Pick Me Up card...



30 Day Challenge Summer mini book page...

30 Day Challenge - Day 13