Thursday, June 26, 2014

I finally ordered my 'Daily Photo Journal' BOOK

In 2012 I took a photo a day to make a "Daily Photo Journal"
It was a fun challenge and I knew I would have an amazing gift for the family at the end.  I always intended on making a photo book BUT I never got it ordered.  I honestly was unsure of where I would order it from {that is a lot of pages}. AND my computer crashed and I lost all of the pictures.  Luckily I was sharing them on Facebook so I was able to get the off of there {the quality was not as good but at least I have them}.  So this past week I got on Shutterfly and put the book together.  I left a lot of white space so I am able to go in a hand write info in{kind of like a scarp book}.      
You can see it here....
Turn your favorite photos into a photo book at Shutterfly.com.


I'll definitely be doing another photo journal again!  
SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES IN ONE SPOT!!!!

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

"Midwestern Girl Diet” Suzi HomeFaker Style {recipe}


I’ve had many ask me how I have lost my weight so far.  Well when I tell most they cringe because they think it sounds horrible.  But I cringe when I hear people are drinking a shake in place of a meal.  We all just do what works best for us individually.  So, what have I been doing???  I call it the “Midwestern Girl Diet”.  Ha Ha.  Ok not really but it kind of fits.  

I eat MEAT! 
By 'meat' I don’t mean I eat chicken and fish for every meal.  Although I do eat both chicken and fish I also eat steak, pork chops, roast, brisket, brauts, bacon, etc.  Doesn’t sound like a diet huh?  Well this next part is what makes people cringe. 

I don’t eat bread, pasta or potatoes (often). 
I well I eat them on special occasions, or when we are at someone’s house.  Since it is not a medical reason I don’t want to be a pain.  When I do eat these things I try to opt for wheat versions of my pasta, and breads.  I DO eat tortilla shells!  (Preferably wheat but not always.) .  I honestly feel amazing not eating all the extra starch and the weight has just fallen off! 

This is NOT a no carb diet!!!  
I eat a ton of carbs!  About 1/3 of my diet consists of carbs. The majority of my carbohydrates come through fruit, veggies, yogurt, and beans (I am sort of obsessed with black beans)! 

So what do I eat? 
I obviously eat a lot of meat, and then I fill in with a lot of vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, yogurts, cheese. 

I don’t want to make separate meals for my whole family!  So I make a meat dish and vegetables we can all enjoy. The rest of my family will sometimes have some bread or a baked potato which is really no extra effort for me.  Then we get to set down and enjoy the same meal (for the most part) together.  Yes there is times I want a potato too but this option is MUCH BETTER than making them a meal and I sit there and sip a shake or eat a microwave meal as they eat a nice meal I prepared (not going to lie I’ve tried that and it made me PISSY, a hungry woman is not a nice woman).

I still enjoy my occasional sweets!  I am human!!!! 

How much have I lost? 
I am currently down about 45lbs.  I am excited to do a reveal post when hit the 50lb mark and show some pretty incredible before and afters (fully clothed, no bikini shots for me!)  I am currently co-hosting a DietBet and hoping it gives me the motivation to hit my 50lb goal. 

This has works well for me but I also know it is not for everyone!!!!  Luckily I am not doing it alone.  I have some great supporters who are cheering me on all the way AND better yet if have god on my side.  CLICK HERE to read about the beginning of my weight loss journey and how it helped me come to terms with my journey and my goals ahead.  
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Here is a favorite go to recipe of mine!
  • Brown 1/2 lb hamburger
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning {you can make your own, I do}
  • 1 can undrained black beans
  • JalapeƱos
  • Simmer for a few minutes to thicken
  • DONE!!!
  • You can eat it on tortilla shells, over lettuce as a salad {delish}, plain in a bowl {like Mexican chili}, the hubs likes it on baked potatoes {of course he does}. 
  • You top it with your favorite toppings, salsa, cheese, tomatoes, peppers, etc. 
There is a quick video demo on my Instagram you can find me at @chores_chandeliers

Of course fresh veggies are best but my garden is not yet producing.  But the local farmers market opens tomorrow so I'll be hitting that up! 
THIS ALSO MAKES GREAT LEFTOVERS!