New Years Resolution # 2 Getting Fit

I have tried so many times to do this.  I think every year I make this same resolution to get fit and be healthier.  Unfortunately every year I break it because I have a love/hate relationship with food.  I find that eating healthy is not very thrifty but I have come to realize that I can NOT put a price on my health.  Not too long ago I watched a documentary called Fat Sick and Nearly Dead.  If you have heard of it great, but if not then you should check it out.  Granted this method is not for everyone but I think its just what my body needs.  What it is (if you have never heard of it) is a juice fast.  its a bit over the top I know, but it helps rid your body of unwanted toxins and gives you that jump start your body needs to continue on its weight loss journey.  I wont be posting my every stat on this particular resolution (this is not that kind of blog) just updates here and there. Hopefully I can do this, I need to do this.  The last attempt I made to eat healthier I failed.  This time I plan to turn to God for my support. I know that only he can help me through this.  One really great and helpful resource is the website Reboot Your Life.  This site has a ton of helpful advice and recipes to help you get through.  I also found a really great Bible study called Made to Crave.  It teaches you that it's important that we learn how to crave Jesus and not food.  I have found it to be very helpful and inspirational.    

The main juice I plan on drinking every day is called the Mean Green Juice.   The reason is because # 1 it does not require too many expensive ingredients,  # 2 it's filled with so many antioxidants and it's rich in nutrients, and lastly it's so easy to make.  Here is the recipe for anyone interested in trying it.

1 Cucumber 

4 Celery stalks

2 Apples

1 handful of Kale (I like using spinach instead though)

1/2 a lemon

1 tbsp of ginger

Juice all ingredients in a juicer and enjoy!!!

Anyone else going to tackle the weight loss resolution this year???  Maybe we can be weight loss buddies together :) 

New Years Resolution # 1 Learning to Knit

One of my New Years resolutions this year is to teach myself how to knit.  So far, just since two days ago I have taught myself how to knit the very basic stitches.  Knit, pearl, and reverse.  So far I am loving it!!  I especially love how relaxing it is.  Knitting for me has been such a Godsend for my stress level these past couple of days.  A few things that I first found hard was casting on, and the first knot.  I know, the two most simple parts of knitting   Ha! But in my defense I bought a book on how to knit knowing full well that I am a visual learner and need someone to show me how to do the techniques instead of reading how to do them myself.    I ended up finding some great tutorials on YouTube that helped me through these issues.  I am so excited I cant wait to learn more, I have so many knitting projects that I cant wait to get started on once I learn how to do them.  Right now I'm working on a basic scarf.  But I do hope to learn a few of these projects.

1. 1. Baby Chicks 
2. Coffee Cup Cup Cozie I could not find the actual link to this project so if anyone knows where it came from please let me know so I can give them credit for it..  Thanks!!
3. Valentine Hearts
4. Leg Warmers
5. Yoda
6. Christmas Star Ornaments 
7. Owl Sweater 
8. Head Warmer
9. iPad Cozie 

A really great website I have found that has a ton of free knitting patterns is Ravelry.  This site allows you to make an account with them so that you can go through the patterns and mark your favorites.  Also once you finish your projects you can post them for everyone to view.  I think its addicting, its kinda like Pinterest for knitters.  Its my new happy place.  :)

So any of you knitters??  Any tips you may have for this beginner, I could sure use a few or a lot!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

December's Bucket List

Since this is the First of December I decided to write my bucket list of fun things to do this Christmas season with my family.  Some of these things we do every year and a few are things we have yet to do.

1.  Bethlehem Revisited

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One of the things we do every year is visit the Bethlehem Revisited in Waxahachie, TX.  Its a free event that walks you through the recreation of the Three Wise Men's journey to visit baby Jesus.  The whole area is set up to look like what Bethlehem would have.  It is such an amazing experience for all ages, but I think it really teaches the kids the real reason for the Christmas Holiday.

2.  Holiday in the Park

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We do this every year as well.  Six Flags puts on a wonderful magical Christmas event through January before closing for three months.  This is where the kids will more than likely visit with Santa.

3.  Learn how to make homemade egg nog without the alcohol. 

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4.  Christmas crafts with the kids, maybe like these.

                                                                               

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5.  Elf on a shelf.

This will be our first visit from Figgy the Elf, I heard he's quite mischievous so I hope he doesn't get into too much mischief.  :)

It's not much, but I really wanted to keep it simple this year.  Sometimes its fun to just hang out, watch Christmas movies with the family while sipping on hot chocolate and eating popcorn. 

Yea, I think we'll be doing a lot of that too.  :)

So what are some of your family's Christmas traditions???  Any favorite Christmas movies??  We love to watch the Christmas Story and Charlie Brown's Christmas.