I can't contain my excitement!!  2012 is on it's way out, and 2013 is just a few hours away!  I'm looking forward to turning the page and having a fresh start for this new year.  How about you?

During 2012 my family made changes to our health by doing the 24 Day Challenge and using AdvoCare health and wellness products for the rest of the year.  Tomorrow I will be ordering the Can You 24 fitness DVD.  And on Wednesday, January 2, we'll begin our first 24 Day Challenge of the new year.  I'd love it if you'd join us and experience the amazing results!   Last April,  I lost 10 pounds and 10+ inches.  My husband lost 15+ pounds and several inches in his waist. And I found energy that I haven't had in quite a few years.   All of this happened in 24 days!  These products have changed the lives of my family and friends. (See some of their results here.)



This is what I am so excited about . . .

1)  The 24-Day Challenge will be discounted to $175 retail January 1-15, 2013.  You can get it for even less with a membership discount.
2)  The Can You 24 DVD will be available January 1 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time for $29.95.  Again, you can get it for even less with a membership discount.
3)  Brand new 72-Day Challenge & Beyond Bundle (includes products & the DVD) will be available.  Sign up for the membership discount too, and you will be entered to win a trip to Hawaii!!
4)  Transformation Contest offering $40,000 in cash awards (must be signed up as a distributor to enter and be eligible).
Then make sure you go to  www.canyou24.com  for all the rules for the Transformation Contest, an outline of the 24-Day Challenge products, and watch a preview of the new DVD (be sure to look at all the helpful downloads included with the workout system).  Then message me on Facebook on how to get started, get the membership discount, get a coach AND have a healthy life in 2013!!

The Best Soup He's Ever Had . . . True!

While most of my family is watching what they eat, the Boy that lives in my house can eat whatever he wants and never gain a pound.  Currently his favorite food is Lucky Charms, easily putting away half a box each night!  So when he said that the soup I made tonight was "the best soup I've ever had", I take that as a compliment.

Several recipes I've found on Pinterest are listed as "copycats" from a restaurant called Cafe Rio.  Several blogs raved about the food at Cafe Rio!  I want to go to Cafe Rio if this recipe is any indication of the food they serve. The recipe I followed from Eat Cake For Dinner (I LOVE that name!) called for preparing Copycat Cafe Rio Tortilla Soup in the crockpot.  Because I didn't get everything ready the night before to put it in the crockpot in the morning, I made mine in the oven and on the stove.  There are several steps involved, but all your prep can be done in less than 30 minutes and then just let everything cook for about 1 1/2 hours.  This soup is full of flavor & fresh ingredients.  Leftovers are packed and ready for my lunch tomorrow.  Happy girl!!

Copycat Cafe Rio Tortilla Soup with Copycat Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken
 (slightly adapted from Eat Cake For Dinner)   Serves 5-6

(Note:  Start your chicken first, then the soup so the two parts will be ready at the same time.)

Tortilla Soup
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded (or finely chopped)
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
3 Tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
5 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
1 tsp cumin
dash of cayenne pepper
1 tsp chili powder
pepper to taste
juice of 1/2 lime
Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken (recipe below; start chicken before soup)
Pico de Gallo (recipe below)
Guacamole (recipe below)
Tortilla chips or strips

In large pot, combine chicken broth and water.  Add onion, carrots, corn and cilantro.  Add spices and lime juice.  Bring to a boil.  Turn heat down to medium low and simmer for 1 hour.

To serve:  In individual bowls, layer chicken, pico, a scoop of guacamole, and shredded cheese.  Ladle broth directly over layers.  Garnish with tortillas.

Copycat Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken
1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3/8 cup low sodium chicken broth
1/2 c. Italian salad dressing
1/2 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Place chicken breasts in baking dish.  Mix remaining ingredients and pour over chicken.  Cover dish tightly with foil.  Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until chicken shreds easily.  Remove from oven, shred with two forks and leave in broth.

Pico de Gallo
2 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
2 Tbsp chopped cilantro

Mix all ingredients together.  Let sit 10-15 minutes to let flavors blend.

Guacamole
2 ripe avocados
1 tsp. minced garlic
juice from 1/2 a lime
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Remove peel from avocados and mash with a fork.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Let sit 10-15 minutes to let flavors blend.

Enjoy!!

Since April when my family began their AdvoCare journey with the 24 Day Challenge, we've made a big change in what we eat.  Being a Home Ec major back in the day, I did try to plan well balanced meals for my family, but I also loved to bake and cook "southern"!  So coming up with healthier supper menus has been my responsibility.  Thank goodness for Pinterest and so many blogs that share healthy, "clean eating" recipes.  

This weekend I came across some new recipes that I decided to try, and I am glad I did.  Tonight we had supper with a "Mexican" flair thanks to Nikki at Chef-In-Training.com.  Our menu tonight included Baked Chicken Enchiladas, Lime Cilantro Rice, and Avocada Salsa.   Muy delicioso!  Quick and easy too.

Baked Chicken Enchiladas

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips) or tenderloins

1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes

1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies

1 medium onion sliced

1 large green bell pepper, seeded and sliced

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp. cumin (I just used 1 tsp - not my family's favorite spice)

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 pkg. flour tortillas (fajita size)

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 9x13 baking dish. 
2. In a large bowl, mix together chicken, tomatoes, chilies, peppers, and onions in the dish.
3. In a small bowl combine the oil and spices. 
4. Pour the spice mixture over the chicken and toss to coat.  Pour into greased 9x13 pan and spread evenly across pan.
5. Bake covered for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve with warmed tortillas and any other desired toppings.

Lime Cilantro Rice

1 Tbsp. Butter

1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

1 1/4 cups long grain white rice

Juice & zest from 1 large lime

2 1/4 cups chicken broth

2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro

3/4 tsp. salt

pepper to tast

1/4 tsp. cumin

Melt butter in skillet over medium high head.  Add olive oil and rice.  Stir for several minutes.  Add liquic and other ingredients.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and cook for 20 minutes or until rice is done. 

Avocado Salsa

3 Avocados, diced chunky

1/4 cup chopped red onion

3 Roma Tomatoes, diced

1/8 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 Tbsp. Lime juice

1/4 tsp garlic, minced

1/8 tsp. pepper

Dice avocados, onion, tomatoes and cilantro.  Add lime juice, pepper and garlic.  Toss lightly to combine flavors.  Serve as a dip, or on lettuce.

Off to "pin" more recipes to try.   

Peanut Butter is my New Chocolate!

Ever since I can remember, I've loved to bake.  Cookies, brownies, cakes, cupcakes, pies, bread, muffins - need I go on?  I thought it was going to be really hard to give these things up since they weren't part of the 24 Day Challenge.  Especially BROWNIES!!  I actually made it through the 24 Days without any trouble at all.  It's amazing how the cravings for sugar disappear when we put the right things in our body!

After completing my 24 Day Challenge, I started looking for healthy treats to bake.  Things with less sugar and fat.  After trying several recipes that used applesauce or bananas and not being thrilled, I came across two recipes that I really like.  Peanut butter is the main ingredient for both of these.  I've also substituted almond butter for part of the peanut butter, and that was absolutely delicious too.

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies (detoxinista.com)
1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1 whole egg
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8" square pan with butter or coconut oil.  In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, honey, egg, salt and baking soda until well combined, then fold in chocolate chips.  Pour/spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth with a spatula.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top of blondies is a light golden brown.  Let cool and cut into bars.  Enjoy!

5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies 
1 cup natural peanut butter
1 egg
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl.
Roll into 1 inch balls, or drop by rounded teaspoonfuls on ungreased cookie sheet.  Press the top of the cookies with the back of a fork to make a criss cross pattern.  Bake 10-12 minutes until the top of the cookies start to look dry.  Cool 1-2 minutes, then remove from cookie sheet and cool completely.
(I can't find the blog or site where I originally found this recipe!!  If it's yours, let me know so I can give you credit.  Thanks!)




.

Sparkalicious Summer Challenge - Ready to Join Us?

  

Well, it's Sunday night and I have mixed emotions - again.  This happens to me every weekend.  You know when you were growing up and your elders would tell you, "time flies when you're having fun" or "the older you get, the faster time goes".  I now believe both of those statements.  My weekends seem to fly by - whether I'm having fun or just trying to play catch up from all the things I wasn't able to do during the week.  I'm always so sad to see the weekend end, but thankful that in this tough economy I have a job.

Now it seems it isn't just my weekends that fly by, but time in general.  It's already June!  Summer is here and that means vacations, time spent by the pool or at the lake, graduations, weddings & showers, and family get togethers.  Before I know it, fall will be here!  Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself.  You're probably wondering where I'm going with this.  It's coming, I promise.

Back in April I started the 24 Day Challenge and then posted my results in my blog back in May.  Then my hubby started his very own 24 Day Challenge - and he had great results too.  Lost at least 16 pounds and quite a few inches.  He called one day from work and said he had to take his belt off and use the drill to make a new hole in it so he could keep his pants from falling off!  In the past couple of days, I've had compliments from my children about how I look - can I tell you what a great feeling that is?

So now with summer here, we'd love to share the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge with YOU!  Our team, the SparkStars, is having a Sparkalicious Summer Challenge starting June 10 and running through July 3, 2012.  Here's the info -

 Now is the time to LOOK and FEEL the best you ever have! 

Join us from June 10th - July 3rd and take the 24 Day Trim Challenge!

During the challenge prizes will be earned:
$100 in AdvoCare products will go to biggest loser for % of inches lost.
$100 in AdvoCare products will go to biggest loser for % of pounds lost.
To be eligible for prizes you must email msvannus@yahoo.com a picture of yourself before beginning the Challenge and fill out the form here!
Purchase the challenge and get started!
Be sure you receive a confirmation email after you sign up.

Have questions?  Please send me an e-mail at mary.vannus@yahoo.com

The Results Are In . . .

A little over 24 days ago (April 5 to be exact) I started my 24 Day Challenge.  If you were are my  friend on Facebook, you might have grown a little weary of hearing about this 24 Day Challenge or a  company called AdvoCare.   I had never heard of AdvoCare until this past summer; actually it wasn't AdvoCare I heard about, it was one of their products - Spark!   Well, I have come to know Spark up close and personal in the last 24+ days and it is now my friend.  Spark is an "energy drink" of sorts, but without all the bad, chemically stuff that is in some of those other canned and bottled drinks.  It is actually a vitamin and amino acid supplement and it enhances mental energy and focus, provides long-lasting energy, helps fight occasional drowsiness, has 45 calories in an 8 oz. serving, along with 21 vitamins, minerals and nutrients.  I normally just have one Spark per day and can honestly say I have not experienced that afternoon slump that I did before April 5.  I work on the computer for a good part of each day and I used to catch myself dozing off as I was typing (!!!), or at least yawning quite frequently.  Those days are gone.  I also used to have at least one glass of SWEET tea (I live in the South, y'all) a day.  No sweet tea since April 5 . . . and I'm still alive.  This is BIG!   Okay, so enough about Spark.

There were also other new aquaintances I made during the Challenge.  A box of Citrus Herbal Cleanse, a bottle of OmegaPlex (AMAZING & Important Omega 3 Fatty Acids that we all need), CHOCOLATE Meal Replacement Shakes (nothing at all like those canned "shakes" that you can buy), and a box of MNS Max 3 (Metabolic Nutrition System. . . helps with appetite control, energy and wellness and provides more than 50 vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, antioxidants and other nutrients for comprehensive health & wellness).  All of these are part of the 24 day Challenge, and combined with exercise (not a whole lot - that's my next goal), and clean eating, I lost 9.5 pounds and a total of 11" inches in 24 days.  I honestly and truly feel so much better and am fitting back in  clothes that were packed away or pushed to the back of my closet.  It's a great feeling!

BEFORE .....                                                                               

AFTER . . . .

Another result I got from the Challenge is that now my awesome husband is starting his own 24 Day Challenge (but I'm not supposed to tell anyone).  When my daughters and I started, he said, "I'm not drinking that juice!".  We decided he was referring to Spark.  Well, I actually got Mr. Energy Drink Crasher (!!!) to give Spark a try and he likes it!  He sometimes leaves for work at an incredibly early hour.  One day last week he woke me up at 5:25 a.m. to ask if he could have his "shake".   This really caught me off guard because he doesn't start drinking his "breakfast" shakes until day 11 (and he was just on day 2).  I sleepily asked him what was he talking about and then after he described it to me, I realized he was talking about the fiber drink . . . which is not at all a shake!  He will be in heaven when he starts his vanilla breakfast shakes.

Besides using AdvoCare products, my whole family has been eating much healthier and drinking lots of water.  We even have some new favorite recipes - Salsa Chicken (boneless, skinless chicken breasts & a ar of salsa cooked in the crock pot!)  and Turkey/Zucchini Burgers just to name a few. Now that my "Challenge" is done, I will continue using the MNS Max 3 vitamins/minerals, Spark, and Catalyst to keep feeling great.

I know the Challenge isn't for everyone at this point in their lives, but I really can't say enough good things about the  products I've tried and the results I've experienced and have seen in others.  Whether you are looking for more energy, wanting to lose those last few pounds, are involved with a sport or strenuous physical activity, or just want to feel better, there is a product that can help you achieve your goals and feel great!

If you've got questions or want to learn more about AdvoCare or any of their products, please send me a message at mary.vannus@yahoo.com or visit https://www.advocare.com/120417347/.  I'd love to share what I know with you.

What's Cookin' on Day 19 of My 24 Day Challenge

Happy Monday y'all.  Hope you've had a good day.  Our weather has been a bit abnormal - wind
blowing like crazy, and the temps dipping down in the 40's tonight . . . and it's almost May.

Tonight there were only two of us home for supper, so I decided to try something new.  After we had a few bites, I told the Mr. thanks for eating all the "experiments" I've been cooking on the Challenge - did I mention it's day 19?  The inches keep melting away and I've still got lots of energy.   Luckily, he replied "no problem".  Right answer.  Guess he knows what's good for him!   Here's what was on the menu . . . Salmon burgers, Zucchini pasta, and Avocado Tomato salad.  I'm really enjoying all the fresh veggies.

Salmon Burgers - 
3 small cans Pink Salmon, drained
2 Egg Whites
1/3 - 1/2 Oat Flour*
1 tsp minced Garlic
1 tsp chopped Cilantro
juice from 1/2 Lime
Kosher Salt & freshly ground Black Pepper

Mix salmon, egg whites and spices together.  Add enough oat flour so the mixture will hold together.  Shape into burgers -  I got 4 good sized burgers out of this recipe.  I cooked the burgers on my George Foreman grill for about 7 minutes, or until golden brown.

Zucchini Pasta
2 medium Zucchini, julienne sliced
1 tsp minced Garlic
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Kosher Salt, Fresh Ground Black Pepper

Heat Olive Oil in skillet.  Add minced garlic and stir for about a minute.  Add julienned zucchini.  Saute for 5-6 minutes until heated through.  Season with Salt and Pepper.

Also tried out this recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Squares.   I subbed unsweetened applesauce for the brown sugar, and unsweet almond milk for the milk.  I added 2 packets of Stevia for a little more sweetness.

Thanks for stopping by!  If you'd like to learn more about the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge, go here or leave me a comment.

Saturday, Chocolate & Tuna

Today is day 17 of my 24 Day Challenge with AdvoCare.  I've lost a few pounds, quite a few inches, can feel my pants getting looser, and probably most important - feel awesome!   Besides feeling the best I've felt in quite a few years,  I am also eating healthier.  I have been trying some great new recipes and have two more to share today.  I started my morning off with a 30 minute walk, an awesome chocolate shake (with a spoonful of peanut butter), and then a trip to the grocery!

Recently I read a recipe for Chocolate Protein Bars (think brownies that are GOOD for you!) on Jamie Eason's blog .  One night this week I was going to make these, only to find that one of my sweet girls had put the vanilla whey protein container in the pantry . .  empty!  So, to satisfy my sweet tooth, I settled for a rice cake with peanut butter and a few mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top.  Today I made sure I purchased  the vanilla whey protein powder and came home and mixed these babies up & baked them!

While the brownies protein bars were baking, I mixed up "twisted tuna" for lunch.  Growing up in Florida, we actually had avocado and lime trees in our back yard.  Most of the avocados you see in the grocery here are not the same kind of avocados we had.  I think I remember my dad and granddaddy calling them alligator pears.  They were huge - one of those Florida avocados would make about 3 of the little ones we buy on sale for 10/$10!  Anyway, back to the recipe.  This tuna salad can be adapted to your tastes.  I think it might just be my new favorite thing for lunch!   If you decide to try either of these recipes, let me know what you think please.

Jamie Eason's Chocolate Protein Bars
Here's what you will need to make this treat -
1 cup Oat Flour*
4 Egg Whites
2 scoops Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
1/2 cup Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp Salt
8 oz Berry flavored Baby Food (I used Apple Blueberry)
3 tbsp Cocoa
4 oz Water

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix dry ingredients together in bowl.  In a separate bowl mix egg whites, baby food and water.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix together.
Spray square baking dish with a non-stick butter spray and pour batter into dish.
Bake 20 - 30 minutes.
Makes 16 squares (1 serving = 2 squares).
Nutrition Info:  96 calories, 1.4 grams Fat, 12 grams Carbs, 10 grams Protein.
* An easy way to make Oat Flour is to grind up old fashioned oats in a coffee grinder or food processor until it is the consistency of flour.  I store mine in the freezer.

"Twisted" Tuna
1 can water packed Tuna
1 avocado
1 stalk celery
1/2 lime
cilantro, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cut the avocado in half, remove the seed and peel.  Put avocado in a mixing bowl and "smash" (like the technical term?) it with a form til smooth.  Open the tuna, drain the water and add to bowl.  Chop your celery and cilantro and add.   Squeeze lime juice over all and mix well.  Season to your like with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper and more cilantro and lime juice if needed.

This would be great served on a bed of lettuce, stuffed into a pita pocket, wrapped in a tortilla or lettuce . . .

If you've got any questions about AdvoCare products or the 24 Day Challenge, you can find more info here  or leave me a comment or send me an e-mail (mary.vannus@yahoo.com).

Hope you have a great weekend!

Mary

Changing How I Cook

Today is day 13 of my 24 Day AdvoCare Challenge.  I've finished the 10-day cleanse, and now I'm in the "Max" phase where you fill your body with great things to help reset your metabolism.  So in the midst of doing this Challenge, I've also changed what I'm eating (and what my family is eating - they have no choice, unless they are going to start cooking!).  Now when I shop, I'm stocking up on fresh fruits & veggies and lean protein.  My shopping path goes around the outside edges of the store - not up and down all the aisles.  I've been a label reader since I did WW several years ago, but now rather than looking at just calories, fat & fiber, I'm looking at all the additives & preservatives that are added to our food.  No wonder so many people are overweight!  And I've not visited my favorite lunch spot - where the slogan is "eat more chicken"  - in several weeks.  Although on my last few visits before the Challenge, my lunch consisted of the grilled chicken nuggets, fruit cup & water so that wasn't too bad.

The first result I noticed just a few days into the Challenge was I was losing the bloated feeling around my midsection (how attractive) and how great I felt!   If you need energy & focus and don't want to drink several cups of coffee, tea, energy or carbonated drinks, you should definitely try Spark.  Got my hubby to give Spark a try (he loves his energy drinks and I hate the way he crashes).  First he told me he wasn't going to drink the "juice", but he did, and he loves it.

By day 10, I'd dropped a few pounds and lost 9 inches overall.  I'm positive several more pounds will be shed by the end of day 24, and more inches.  This is actually the easiest thing I have ever done to lose weight/inches.  I promise if you give it a try, you will not be hungry - you eat every 3 hours so your metabolism doesn't slow down.

I've been looking for new recipes . . . "clean" recipes that are pretty much food in it's natural state without all the salt, preservatives, chemicals, etc.  We've had turkey - zucchini burgers from Jamie Eason's website.  Also used this recipe, but changed it up and made meatballs to serve with spaghetti squash.  Pretty yummy!    We've also tried the Clean Pizza that can be found on He and She Eat Clean.  Another hit at our house.

Tonight I created a crustless quiche (no white flour, no white sugar, etc.).  Here's what I did.

Crustless Quiche -

Spray bottom of glass baking dish with Olive Oil Pam.  Cover the bottom of the dish with a layer of baby spinach.  Now go crazy - start slicing & shopping up all the veggies you love - I used zucchini, baby bella mushrooms, red & yellow peppers, roma tomatoes, Vidalia onions.  Layer this on top of the spinach.  Then I took about 1 1/2 cups of non-fat cottage cheese and spooned that over the top of the veggies.  Because I did an 11 x 13 baking dish, I used 12 eggs.  Crack the eggs in a bowl and whisk til mixed well. Stir in about 1/2 - 3/4 cup of unsweet almond milk.  Add a pinch of  salt and some fresh ground black pepper.  Pour the egg mixture over the veggies.  Bake at 375 for about 35 minutes (or til the eggs are set).

I served this with link turkey sausage.
Fast, easy & delish!  Give it a try.

If you're interested in trying any of the AdvoCare products, or have questions, leave me a comment here or e-mail me at mary.vannus@yahoo.com

To learn about the many wonderful products AdvoCare offers, use this link - https://www.advocare.com/120417347/

A Month of Classes at Just Sew! Studio

Things are getting busy at Just Sew! Studio.  I am really enjoying sharing the art of sewing with some awesome young women.  Some I've known since they were in elementary or middle school, and others I've only known as adults.  Some are moms, and some aren't.  Some are married, and others are single.  I love hearing them say "this is stressing me out", and then see their faces light up when they realize they just accomplished what they thought they couldn't do.  

We have a variety of classes on the calendar for April.  All of them are perfect for a beginning sewer or someone who wants to freshen up those sewing skills they learned a few several years ago in home ec class.  

The first class is an Accessories class on Saturday, April 14.  We'll do a little machine sewing, some hand stitching, and use the glue gun!  A variety of fabrics and ribbons will be available so you can use your design skills and make two original hair bows, a headband with fabric flower, and a hair clip. 

I'm so excited that we are using some of this great designer fabric by Jennifer Paganelli & Riley Blake for the Tank Top Dress class on Friday, April 20.  This was one of the most popular classes offered last year.  We start with a ready made tank top, shirr up one of these cute prints and stitch them together for a super easy, comfy & stylish dress.  Perfect for spring & summer!

 

Aren't they great?  Can't decide which is my favorite!

Moms & Grandmas, there's another opportunity for you to sew a sweet spring dress for your special girl.  On Saturday, April 21 we'll be making peasant dresses.  This is another easy dress that goes together without any trouble; almost as easy as a pillowcase dress!

And on Saturday, April 28 we will learn how to applique.  I'm coming up with a few designs for boys in this class too, so come stitch up something for your little man.  

If you're interested in any of these classes, please check our Facebook page for the links to sign up for any of these classes.

Sweet Stitches,

Mary

 

Well, it's Wednesday again so that means I'm linking up with LittleDaisyMay for What I'm Loving Wednesday.

I'm loving the beautiful weather we are having this week.  Is it really the middle of March?   I love the way the world is turning green, and having the windows open and listening to the froggy chorus coming from our pond.

Aren't these some of the prettiest eggs you've ever seen?  I'm loving them and the sweet "egg lady" who sells me a dozen of these every week.

Want to learn how to sew? Then I would highly recommend this book to you.  It explains everything there is to know about a sewing machine.  I found it at my local library and am definitely ordering my own copy.

I am loving my new 31 bag.  It is BIG & has lots of pockets to keep things organized!!  Love, love love!

And finally, I'm loving this picture of my babies when they were little.

 

What are you loving this Wednesday?

It's Wednesday so I'm going to link up with What I'm Loving Wednesday over at LittleDaisyMae.blogspot.com.  

I'm loving that I found a recipe that I had misplaced for Zucchini Muffins and I have some time to do some baking tonight.  This is a recipe from my sweet Mom.  I'm loving that she taught me how to cook!

Nannie's Zucchini Muffins
2 eggs              
1 cup sugar      
1/2 cup oil      
1 Tbsp vanilla  
2 cups unpeeled shredded zucchini
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Combine first 4 ingredients and mix well.  Stir in shredded zucchini.  Set aside. Combine next 5 ingredients.  Reserve 1/4 cup flour mixture and toss with raisins and pecans.
Make a well in center of flour mixture.  Add zucchini mixture to dry ingredients, stirring just until mixed.  Stir in raisins and pecans.  Spoon mixture into greased or paper lined muffin cups, filling about 2/3 full.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.






I'm loving that we will soon have a few more hours of daylight in the evenings when I get home from work.  Remember to set your clocks ahead on Saturday night!

I'm loving a new recipe I tried out for Oven Baked Fries.  So easy and yummy!!  Of course, I found it on Pinterest.

I'm loving that I have 4 new students coming to my sewing class this Saturday.  They will be making a pillowcase dress out of these pretty fabrics.

And I'm loving this quote by Kay Warren, found on Pinterest of course!


What are you loving Wednesday?

Sponsor an Orphan

On my drive to work yesterday morning, I was semi listening to the local Christian radio station and making a list in my head of everything I needed to do at work throughout the day - you know, multi-tasking - driving, listening, thinking!    Slowly it dawned on me that the conversation on the radio was a little more serious than normal, so I began to focus more on what they were saying.  The DJ's were talking about needing a certain number of people to call in before 8 a.m. to meet their goal of the hour.  As I listened, my heart started to break. 

 In Mozambique, there are almost half a million children who are orphans - no parents, no safe place to live, no food, no medical care, and no way to attend school.  Many of them are also taking care of younger brothers and sisters.  They became orphans because of AIDS and other terrible things that happen in Mozambique.  Story after story was told about these precious orphans.  And about the odds they face. 

As I worked, I continued to listen to the broadcast and learned more about the goals that the radio station and Cross International were trying to meet in one day.  I also began to think about how blessed I am - living in a comfortable house with a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, plenty of food, clean water, and the list could go on and on.  I have a husband who loves me and provides for our family by working hard;  3 beautiful, healthy grown up children who make me proud every day; a wonderful son-in-law who makes my daughter happy; and then I thought, "What can I do about these children who need someone to help them?".    

While I am not as brave as a friend of mine from college - she and her husband have two grown daughters, and they recently adopted 3 precious children from Guyana.  I enjoy hearing about things that are so special to these little ones that we sometimes take as a given.  I'm not sure who is more blessed in this special family - the parents/sisters who opened their hearts and lives, or the three beautiful children.  The smiles light up their faces!  So I took a baby step and sponsored one child.  That child will now be placed in a home with 2 parents who will welcome them into their home, love them, and care for them.  If you want to learn more about some of the missions of Cross International, you can find them at www.crossinternational.org.

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  Matthew 25:40

A New Look for an Old Stool

A few Several weeks ago I told you to check back and see what I did to this cute little stool I purchased for $10 at Mud Puppy Antiques in Winder.  Well, I did my part that same weekend, but it took quite a few weekends before my better half took care of his part!  Actually, once I paid for the purchase the lady at the store pointed out why the price tag said "as is".  I thought it was because it was a little wobbly.  Obviously there is a bit of history behind this sturdy little stool.  One of it's legs must have been broken because it had 3 identical legs and one that did not match - it had a bit more "details" than the other 3 did.  I decided that was fine; it gave it character and I could always turn it so that "different" leg didn't show.  It could be my little secret.

The hubs sanded all the wood down really well for me and then I got busy painting and crackling!  I picked up the awesome fabric at Hob Lob of course - 30% off that week - and made quick work of covering the cushion for a new look.  Once it was done, I needed the legs evened up because that "different" leg was a little bit shorter and the stool was actually a bit tall.  So finally this past Sunday my sweet husband finished his part of the project and cut the legs off so they were all even.  No more rocking!   I added some felt pads to the bottom of each leg and now for the unveiling of my new stool . . . . .

What do you think?  I love it.  Especially when I put my feet up to watch Castle, One Tree Hill or Revenge!!

Just Sew Studio - Pillowcase Dress Class

Ladies, if you've ever wanted to learn how to sew for a special little girl in your life this has to be one of the easiest projects to try.  Once you have this mastered, you can even use it to make a cute summer top for yourself.  

Pillowcase style Dress Class
Saturday, March 10, 2012
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Cost:  $35 - includes pattern, fabric, thread, and 3 hours of instruction.
Sewing machines available or you can bring your own.  Please sign up by Friday, March 2 to allow time for me to purchase the fabric and wash it prior to class.










Fabric choices are below and the link to sign up is here - http://acsg.wufoo.com/forms/m7x3p9/


A.                                              B.                                                     C.

     
(Blue)                                             (Pink)                                              (Brown)

 If you have any questions you can contact me at mary.vannus@yahoo.com.  Hope to see you at class!

Sweet Stitching,
Mary

There's a New Store in Town

Now I realize a new grocery in town might not be something to write home about, but when you love to cook and love to save money, it's a pretty big deal.  An Aldi store recently opened in a nearby town and I stopped by today to pick up a few things.

If you've never shopped at Aldi before, you will notice it's a little different from your usual grocery store.  You have to pay a quarter to use a shopping cart.  But, when you return your cart to the area at the front of the store, you get your quarter back.  No loose shopping carts rolling around in the parking lot bumping into your car!  Nice.  The store itself is not large. Things are neatly displayed on shelves, with prices clearly marked overhead.  Every so often you'll see a national brand, but most everything there is a store brand.  Make sure to bring your own shopping bags, or purchase paper, plastic or reusable bags there.  As the cashier rings your purchases up, she will place them in a shopping cart.  After you pay for your purchases, you push your cart over to the bagging area and put your purchases in your own bags - so no more complaining about the baggers who don't know how to put groceries in your bags the right way.

On my first visit there last week, Carla was my cashier.  She was very friendly and after she rang up my purchases, she took a few minutes to explain a little about how Aldi works.  She has been an employee of the company for 5 years.  She pointed out the money back guarantee on their products - if you aren't satisfied, return the product and they will refund the purchase price.  And she also said you can cut your grocery bill in half!

Since I really planned on just getting milk and broccoli, I decided not to spend a quarter for a cart.  By the time I made it around to the produce sections and saw the "deals", I realized I should have spent that quarter.  Just as I had everything precariously balanced in my arms, I saw that milk was $1.99 and remembered we were getting low.  As I very carefully and slowly opened the cooler, and then started to bend down to get the milk, I realized another shopper was watching me.  She asked if I needed help.  I told her thank you, but I thought I had it under control.  She turned to her daughter and said, "She looks like Rachel Ray gathering food in her kitchen".  If only I could throw a meal together in 30 minutes like her . . . and get paid for it!!

Today my purchases totaled $13.91!  Here's what I got -
8 oz pack of baby bella mushrooms.....  .79
sliced bacon...................................... 2.99
1 pack of 3 romaine hearts..................  .99
8 roma tomatoes................................  .79
6 pk individual applesauce cups........... 1.29
avocado............................................   .89
cucumber.........................................   .59
9 oz spinach...................................... 1.69
16 oz broccoli crowns........................ 1.39
1 gallon skim milk.............................. 1.99
1 reusable plastic grocery bag..............  .10

I'll definitely be shopping at Aldi from time to time if they continue to have prices like this.  Now I've got to get in the kitchen and use some of my purchases to get supper ready.

A New Blog - Sew. Cook. Create.

Overwhelmed.  That's how I've been feeling for the past few months.  A lot of this is due to pressure I put on myself.  I feel like there's always something else I need to complete before the day is done. . . and usually there are quite a few things I don't get to.  So they are waiting for me the next day when I wake up.

For the past few days, I've had quite a bit of time to myself.  The men in my family have gone off on one of ther infamous father/son trips.  This time they've gone ice fishing in Wisconsin.  Even though they are safely back on dry land as I write this, I won't be sure until I see them that there weren't any mishaps during this trip.  Usually something happens to one of them, but many times I don't find out about it until they return home.  There was also a lack of cell service on the island, so that might be another reason I haven't heard any "horror stories".

So during this "quiet time", I realized  I wasn't doing a great job with blogging.  The fact that I had two blogs probably doesn't help.  So I've decided to combine my blogs and hopefully that way I won't neglect either of them.  I decided on a new name, "sew.  cook.  create" .  Now I can blog about all the things I love to do.

So here's a little peek at what I've been up to recently.  Yesterday I taught my first class of 2012 at Just Sew! Studio.  Four ladies attended the class and learned how to use a pattern, sew in a zipper, and make a skirt.    The skirts turned out really cute.  I  hope they will enjoy wearing them.  More classes will be offered in March.    As soon as I have the details, I'll include the info here in case you are interested in coming to a class.

I've been sticking with some of my favorite recipes recently - just because they are usually quick and easy.   I've tried a few new things that I've found on Pinterest, but they usually include chocolate.  I did find a really great recipe/technique for making some of the best scrambled eggs I've ever had.  Ingredients are the same that I've always used, but the method is what makes the difference.  The next time you scramble some eggs, give the Brown Eyed Baker's version a try - http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2009/11/04/how-to-make-perfect-scrambled-eggs/

Towards the end of 2011, I put some of my "creations" for sale at  The Sassy Sister, a new store in Jefferson.  The store has recently moved to 20 Railroad Street.  As I get some new spring & wedding items done,  I'll be taking them to the store too.   Please make sure you stop by and see all the cute things available there.