Losing The Baby Weight

It's been six weeks since our little Aiden was born. He is getting cuter by the day and gaining weight by the second. He's becoming quite the chubby little guy... and chubby is very cute on him, but not on me.

While I was pregnant, I gained a total of 50 pounds! I was doing so good at first, keeping my weight gain pretty steady. I found out that you really don't have to eat very much more when pregnant. However, about 32 weeks, we found out that Aiden wasn't gaining weight like he was suppose to. The doctor requested that I consume as many calories as I could...so I ate and I ate and I ate. He still didn't gain much weight so they decided to perform a c-section and take him out early. (We found out later I had a huge knot in my umbilical cord!)

So there I was, 50 pounds heavier with a c-section cut...which means no working out for 6 weeks. The first few weeks I lost about 15 pounds, then it stopped. I had always heard that breastfeeding is suppose to help you lose weight...well it did... then stopped. At the end of three weeks, I decided to start working out just a little. I know I was not supposed to, but I couldn't help it. I couldn't fit in any of my winter clothes. I walked a little each day and tried to eat less. My husband bought me an elliptical machine and I did that at a slow pace and I dropped another 5 pounds.

Since Aiden was four weeks old though, I have been sitting at my weight of 149 and it has not moved...very depressing! Before the pregnancy I only weighed 120 and I have never weighed this much. Everyone keeps telling me to "be patient" that it took 10 months to put on the weight and it takes some time to lose it. That's like telling a zebra not to have stripes. I have no patience! This morning I got on the scale and almost jumped for joy to see that I was down to 147 pounds! YEAH!!!!

This is what I decided, to keep myself motivated I will periodically post about my battle to lose this baby weight. I plan on posting healthy recipes, workout routines, and really anything that will keep me on track. Then I will read the posts when I start feeling like I want to give up. Who knows, maybe it will motivate someone else in their own battle to lose baby weight!

It's going to be tough battle, but I think with watching what I eat and working out regularly I will be back to my old size (***cross your fingers***) in a few months. Who knows, maybe I will lose the weight and gain some patience in the process.

~Beth

Christmas Party Outfit Ideas

As I've said before I am no expert or authority when it comes to fashion. I simply enjoy fashion because it is a way to express myself and have fun! I get especially excited around the holidays because there are so many opportunities to try new trends and dress up.

Below are a few outfit ideas for all the upcoming Christmas parties. I hope you can use these looks as a jumping off point as I often do when perusing fashion blogs. Maybe you gravitate towards one of the looks in particular but would never wear those shoes. Tweak it to fit you! Switch out the shoes, change the colors, make it your own. To me fashion is about creativity and experimentation... I hope these looks help to stimulate your inner fashionista.

1. Jeggings with Dressy Elements
Having finally found a pair of jeggings that fit me just right (thank you to Express & their $20 off coupon!) I savor any opportunity to wear them. Americans love their jeans and if you can find a way to wear them while adding dressy details they can be a comfy and warm alternative to dresses. To dress up these jeggings I would suggest black pumps or booties. A voluminous black top with a gold statement necklace helps bring in the sparkle and color of the holidays. Don't forget a fun cocktail ring and keep the earrings simple so as to avoid overkill with the large necklace. Another way to bring in holiday color is to swipe on some red lipstick and nail polish. This nail polish from OPI is from their Burlesque collection; it's a beautiful crimson color accented flecks of red glitter. Polish off the look with the popular (and classic!) camel colored coat and lady like gloves.

2. Emerald Holiday

For this outfit I wanted to convey the sophisticated and fun look a blazer can provide. The photos below are a great example of the look I initially imagined in my head. Scrunched sleeves and a fitted blazer add a chic touch to just about any outfit. Try pairing a blazer with a sequin tank for a glitzy holiday look. Sequins are everywhere right now; please do not pay $50 for a sequin tank top when you can get it for $15 at Charlotte Russe or Forever 21! Add some skinny black pants and with black pumps and you're set. As usual I like to finish of the look with earrings, a ring, and classic clutch. If you view nail polish as the cherry on top then try OPI's Glitzerland. It has the same sparkle as Ali's Big Break without looking over the top.

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3. Sweater Dress with Patterned Tights
If you are in a cold place (like South Dakota!) and want something warm but dressier than slacks, opt for a sweater dress. If you like the look of a looser-fiting dress (left) emphasize your waist with a bright belt. If you prefer a more constructed piece and prefer to emphasize your neck (perfect with this cowl neck)try pairing a similar dress (right) with ruby red earrings. Patterned tights present a fun alternative to blasé pantyhose and will look chic with either dress. When it comes to shoes try peep toe booties for a fashion forward look or sleek riding boots if you want to stay warm and avoid snow covered toes. Finish it off with a petite black clutch and you've got a comfy yet stylish option for a party outfit.
4. Dark Sparkle
The most "dressy" of the 4 looks but perhaps the easiest. Most girls have a trusty little black dress in their closet (if you don't, get one!). To update your LBD simply add a sequin jacket. As I said sequins are everywhere right now and this is perhaps a more cost effective option for an update than buying a whole new dress. When I wear black for a nighttime look I like to play it up with smokey eyes and jewelry in the realm of sparkling silver, black and gray. To give the look a fun edge try the glittering black color of OPI's "Baby it's Coal Outside." Finish off with a fun pair of black booties and this easy yet dressy look is complete!


I hope these looks were able to provide you with some inspiration and a few ideas on how to spice up the items you already own. Just remember: fashion is supposed to be fun. So throw on something sparkly and simply enjoy the holiday festivities.


Merry Christmas & Happy Holiday Partying!




~Christi

$25 Lowe's Gift Card Giveaway

If you are an avid reader of the blog you might seen that I mention Lowe's quite a bit when writing about our home improvement projects. I can honestly say, I LOVE Lowe's...right down to my toes :)

Here are just a couple of the blogs in which I mention the store:
Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
How to Install A Slate Backsplash
$10 Bathroom Makeover
Painting the Front Door Red
Painting The Front Entryway
Handygirl's Top 10 Essentials

I am not saying this because the are a sponsor (though if someone from Lowe's is reading this we would love to have you as one!) but because every time I go to Lowe's there is someone there to help me with ideas for my project. I don't have to hunt around the store to find assistance and if they don't carry the item I need, they suggest a place to find it.

With the Christmas Season in full swing, I thought it would be fun to have a little giveaway for our readers...and what better store then Lowe's. We will be giving away one $25 gift card and the drawing will end on 12/15/10. I will try my hardest to mail the card to you before Christmas!

To qualify for this giveaway I need you to do a couple of things:

1. Become a follower of this blog
You see over to the right hand side of the window do you see the little button that looks like this:

Well, just click on that button and sign in using your google, yahoo, twitter, AIM, netlog, or openID account. If you don't have any of those click on 'Create a New Google Account' and just register your current email. This will not make you get any more spam...I promise!

2. Comment on this post
Please leave us some feedback on what you like about the blog or what you would like to see more of AND what you would do with the Lowe's gift card if you are the winner.
To do this, click on this button at the end of this post:
In addition, leave me your name and email address to make sure I can contact you if you are the winner.

Well good luck to each and everyone of you and have a Merry Christmas!

~Beth

Quick & Easy Christmas Ornaments (Guest Blog)

Please welcome our first guest blogger Barb!

I have worked with Barb for several years and I can honestly say that she is one of the most creative people I have met. Each year she makes ornaments for her postman so he can hand them out to his favorite customers. She sent me pictures of this year's ornaments and I just had to ask her to write a blog about them. They are just so cute! They would make great gifts for teacher presents or a fun Christmas craft for your little elves. ~Beth

Santa Can Ornaments

About the Santa cans - I just found a picture of a similar decorated can on the internet and basically made up my own instructions.

Materials Needed
I purchased most everything from Hobby Lobby that I didn't already have at home except red enamel paint (much cheaper at hardware store)

Rinsed and dried pop cans (any flavor, but red ones might take a little less paint) for as many ornaments as desired
Red enamel spray paint ( I made 48 Santas, it took 2 cans)
Hot Glue Gun and lots of gluesticks
White acrylic paint - large tube
Small paint brushes
Small tube of flesh color paint or mix a little red and yellow into white
Glitter or other "snow" type product to mix with white paint for texture
Small Pompoms in red for noses and white for hats
Glue on Eyes - disk type found in doll crafting section
Felt for Gloves (I used black with glitter already on it) 2 sheets for 48
1/2" wide ribbon for belt ( any color or pattern you desire - I used houndstooth)
Any kind of red material for hat if you have a sewing machine otherwise purchase premade small santa hats
Any kind of white trim such as rick rack or piping for hats
Polyfiber stuffing - about a ping pong ball amount for each hat
White doll hair on a metal wire to use for beard cut into 3 inch length then bent into a "U" shape
Stick on or glue on gems for belt

Step 1
Remove tabs from cans, insert a stick or other device about the size of the opening of the can to hold can, spray sides of cans and let dry. I used a large cardboard box to help contain the overspray. - and set cans on newspaper to dry...This was the worst part of the project - my garage smelled like paint for days.
You will need to do 2 coats to cover the graphics on the cans but it's not necessary to make completely opaque.

Step 2
Mix some white paint and glitter for texture, then using a dry brush technique, dab paint mixture onto cans around the "neck" , down the front and bottom of Santa's suit. Let dry. Optional: I also took a white opaque pen and wrote "Merry Christmas 2010" on the back of the suit.

Step 3
Paint flesh tone onto entire top of can. Let Dry.

Step 4
Very carefully fold over the can slightly above the middle to create the shape of Santa. You will have some paint flake at the corners of the fold but it will be covered by the next step.

Step 5
Mix a heavier combination of glitter and white paint to dab onto the folded portion of the can to create Santa's cuffs - this should cover any cracking of the red paint. Let dry.

Step 6
Cut out felt into shape of gloves about 1" size and 2 - 2.5" strips of ribbon for belt. Hot glue the ribbon onto the can, then the gloves and finish with gems.

Step 7
Hot glue the eyes, nose and beard to create the face. Make sure to have a little of the opening show through for his "HO HO HO" mouth!

Step 8
Cut out about a 4" triangle of red material for hats, sew on white trim on one edge, then fold and stitch seam, turn inside out and hand sew white pompom to end,
stuff polyfiber inside base of hat - then hot glue the front and back to top of can. I used gold safety pins to create a hook to hang, but you could use any type of hanger.

Step 9
Enjoy giving to friends and thanks for recycling!!

Christmas Tree Inspiration

With the advent of our marriage came the opportunity to finally decorate our very own tree. Well let's be honest, I do the decorating and Nathan observes :)

When I made my first attempt at Christmas tree trimming last year I didn't really know where to start. Growing up our family tree was always a mix of tradition. Garland, colored flashing lights and even tinsel were essential. Mom and Dad combined these items with antique bulbs, knick knacks, candy canes and ornaments created during our childhood. About every color could be found on our glittering Christmas tree. I used to love turning all the lights off and putting the tree lights on the "slow change" setting. I'd lay under the tree and watch the lights fade from one color to the next, casting shadows from the tree branches onto the ceiling. You've heard of sensory memories? Well this is one of my strongest. The colors from the lights, the smell of pine, and the sound of Christmas music. I will never forget that memory or the magic created every Christmas.

That being said, Christmas tree decorating can be quite important! Obviously our Christmas tree had a lasting effect on me and someday I hope to give our future children the same excitement. So where to start? I tend to be a traditional girl but every once in awhile I surprise myself by falling in love with something completely out of the ordinary. Here are a few inspiring pictures of Christmas trees I found while browsing the internet... I hope they bring you some inspiration as well!

Traditional: Red & Gold

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Can this tree be anymore BEAUTIFUL?! I have to admit I am a sucker for red and gold. As I said I tend to be pretty traditional and to some it may be boring but seeing a tree like this just makes me melt. GORGEOUS! And to be honest I decided on a red and gold theme for our tree this year... surprised? Probably not.

White, Frosted Christmas Trees

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If I had to pick another style to go with, something that is very unlike "me," I would pick this beautiful frosted look. I was running around Hob Lob the other day looking for stuff to decorate our mantel and stopped abruptly when I saw a kiosk filled with glittering, white decor. There is something special about the cool white look; how it reminds me of the way snow glitters when the sun hits it. If I were to deviate from a traditional tree my heart would almost surely belong to this winter wonderland-themed spruce.

Monochromatic

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The monochromatic look is something I've seen recently in homes. The first tree has a beautiful gold theme throughout. I just love the way they curled the gold ribbon down from the top of the tree. I never used to like gold but the older I get the more it's growing on me.

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The second tree pictured has a prominent blue them with touches of silver. Perhaps this is not entirely monochromatic but they definitely stayed in a color palette with similar hues. The look reminds me of sparkling icicles and ice skating.

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The third tree fits well with the turquoise craze running rampant in fashion and homes across the world. It is definitely a more modern take on the Christmas tree. I imagine it in in a swanky Manhattan apartment or perhaps a beach home in North Carolina. To me the monochromatic look can be a sophisticated, modern option if you're tired of the traditional tree.

Whimsical & Fun

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This tree has a darling "sweet tooth" theme. Christmas-themed lollipops, candy canes, and bulbs provide the proper accents for a candy-lover's tree. We all remember the famous Night Before Christmas poem and this tree, dripping with sweets, reminds me of the visions of sugarplums in the children's heads.

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This tree, although it looks fairly traditional, has more character than you see in the traditional trees pictured in magazines. It might be a little too perfect but the homemade touches remind me of children's handmade ornaments and the mismatched charm of a family tree.

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The first time I saw an upside tree was in a local bar/restaurant called The Attic. I thought it was such a crazy idea but it fit so well with the look and feel of the whole place - and it was so unique! That being said this look is much too modern for me. I think it would look fun in a game room or perhaps an entertainment area. Still, inner-traditionalist is giving me a firm, "no" to this idea. But that's the beauty about decorating your own tree; it's about what you love! If this upside down pine speaks to you then by all means, seize the day!

I hope these trees were able to provide you with a little tree-trimming inspiration! Christmas is in full swing and the 25th will be here before we know it.

Do you have some inspiration for me? What are your favorite tree traditions and details? Share below or upload your own blog example to Thrifty Decor Chick's Christmas Tree Party!

Just a quick reminder our Lowe's gift card giveaway ends in 4 DAYS! If you haven't entered yet simply click on the picture below, become a follower and leave a comment. Good luck!

~Christi

Leftover Turkey Recipe (Turkey Stock for soup!)

Thanksgiving is over and three days later you are probably down to the last of your leftovers. Your turkey might look something like this:

Don't throw that carcus away, use it to make turkey stock for some tasty homemade Turkey Noodle Soup.

In the past, when I have made soup, I have always opted for the store bought stock. Lately though, whether it is a chicken carcus or turkey carcus, I have been making my own. It's so easy to do and saves money. Plus the flavor is so much better then the store bought stock.

To start off with, remove any little edible pieces of meat from the turkey. You will use this in your soup.

To make the stock, start out with a turkey carcus (or chicken), some veggies, and a few bay leaves. When cutting up veggies for T-day I saved all the onion tops, celery leaves, and leftover carrots. If you don't have leftover veggies, use some that you have in the refridgerator. The veggies add some sweetness to the stock and can offset the salt from the turkey.

In a very large stock pot, place the turkey carcus, veggies, bay leaves and cover with as much water you can put in the pot without overfilling.

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it sit for hours! Yes, I know, hours! It sounds like a long time, but to get maximum flavor out of your stock you need to have the bones cook for a long time. The bones are what give the stock flavor.

We started the stock about 3pm and let it go until 11pm. I say "we" because my brother-in-law Joe was helped me make it. I started it, but really he watched over it and finished it for me. SO nice! While the stock is simmering, take a spoon and remove any foam or fat that rises to the top. Just place it in a bowl so you can throw it all out later. The foam and fat will make the stock cloudy if not removed regularly.

In addition, you will need to add water as you simmer the stock. The water will evaporate and it is very imporant to let that stock simmer for hours to get all that extra little flavor. Just add water as needed.

After a few hours, if you are ready to call it a night, taste the stock. If the stock tastes great, then you are done! If it tastes watery you need to go into rapid boil mode. No more adding water to the stock. Just turn the heat up to high and boil that water down! It will reduce the amount of stock and concetrate the salt.

Next we will need to cool the stock. To do this, place a strainer into the dish you would like to store it in. Pour the stock through the strainer. The strainer will catch all the bones and veggies. Remove the strainer and place the stock into the refiridgerator.

When the stock is completely cooled, you will see it has seperated. The top layer of the stock will be a lighter color then the bottom. That layer is fat that has risen to the top. Take a spoon and scrape most of it. There is nothing worse then a greasy stock :(

Now you are ready to make soup! Here's the recipe I use:

Turkey Noodle Soup
Serves 6 people with 2 cups of soup each.

2 cups of turkey pieces
2 quarts turkey stock
1 cup celery, sliced into 1/4 inch chunks
1 cup carrots, sliced into 1/4 inch chunks
1 bay leaf
2 cups egg noodles, wide variety
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1. Heat turkey stock. Simmer stock in an uncovered stock pot or similar pan on stovetop before adding other ingredients.
2. When the stock is simmering, add celery, carrots, and bay leaf.
3. Cook until carrots are slightly tender. They usually take the longest.
s, Add noodles and cook until they are fully cooked (8 to 10 minutes)
4. Add turkey meat and then parsley. Allow to cook for an additional 4 minutes or until meat is heated and serve hot.

Serve it up on a cold winter day with some crusty bread to warm the hearts of your family :)

~Beth

Classic Green Bean Casserole

In case any of you are looking for a quick place to reference the classic recipe, here it is!


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1 can (10 3/4 ounces)Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Dash ground black pepper
4 cups cooked cut green beans
1 1/3 cups of French Fried Onions
Stir the soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, beans and 2/3 cup onions in a 1 1/2-quart casserole.
Bake at 350°F. for 25 minutes or until the bean mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir the bean mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining onions.
Bake for 5 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.

And enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Wishing you a wonderful turkey day with your loved ones.

~Christi