What could be better than Chocolate?

Chocolate Mint Sugar Scrub  

http://www.createdbychelle.etsy.com/
8 ounces

The Gourmet Cupboard -Alfredo Lasagna

Looking for a quick, easy to make meal that's sure to make their tummy full and hearts happy?
Go to http://www.thegourmetcupboard.com/ and try the Alfredo Lasagna - You can't go wrong!
Add your choice of chicken, sausage, shrimp, ham, turkey
...or go meatless for the Veggie Lover in You!

http://www.thegourmetcupboard.com/

Distributor Name: Michelle Yingst

Update on MomPack Filler on hand:
Stylin' Pups Pillows
Awesome dog beds with removeable and washable covers created
by Emma Duncan
You can visit her Etsy Shop to see all she has in store for you and your four-legged friend! :
http://www.stylinpuppillows.etsy.com/

For those who I have been in contact with regarding fitness goals and weight loss...
here is a fun tool: a weight loss tracker.
Enter your starting weight, your target weight, and pick your graphics- done!
Go to http://www.tickerfactory.com/
Let's see who can make their goal for 2010!
Here's mine:





(Right now I am at 164.6lbs - I would like to be near 145lbs. )

How did that happen??
Well, it's been confirmed..... I GAINED extra weight from Christmas.
Oh, well- back to the drawing board!
Just dropped my son off at wrestling practice, came home to do a few things- then will be hitting the gym today - full force. Wanting to lose the extra weight I've gained back, in addition to a few pounds I could do without. All in all, I would like to lose about 20lbs- tone up, and maintain my goals. I have been following a few blogs from fellow moms- of whom I will be posting some of their tips here and there- take from it what you think will help to motivate you in reaching your goals, and pass on to others what you feel may encourage them. It may be exercise tips, recipes, or just general information that you may find useful.
Have a great day~ and remember to do something for yourself today!

I love going to the post office and coming back with goodies!
Today I received more fillers from my fellow mompackers:

Pat Chavez, who is an Independent Educational Consultant for
Usborne Books & More, has sent a wonderful array of bookmarks-
which include her website : http://www.booksrfun2.com/
  as well as her contact info: BooksRFun2@aol.com
She even gives a special discount on the back!

Also,  I am sure you all remember Tiffany McCauley, from my previous
review of  her website: http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/ -
 has sent her business information from :
http://www.nationalcookienetwork.com/
- The leading cookie resource for home bakers!
http://www.thecookieblog.com/
- Recipes, baking tips & more...there's even a special recipe included!
(Betcha don't have this one!)

To be sure you are kept up to date, and partake in all the wonderful goodies that are available...remember to sign up to follow my blog and send me a message to order  your mompack today!

Thank You for sharing ladies!

As stated below, I made my soup today.
And let me just say: Mmmmmmmmmmm!
It's just a-simmerin' away.
Actually, today I decided to throw it all into a crockpot, and let it slowly do it's thing.
Can't wait to dive into this yummy, o so good for ya pot of goodness!

  As ingredients were layered into crockpot

     One quick stir-up and then let it simmer.

Enjoy..............I know I will !

A New Start For The New Year.......
Yes- I realize I am about 5 days early on the resolutions.... but hey, you can never be too early when it comes to doing something better for yourself, right?
As the holidays come to an end...yup- you guessed it... I ate ALOT , AGAIN.
I am looking forward to making a BIG pot of my most favorite 'slimming' soup. It is so good, and good for you that I thought I would share in case anyone wanted to do something lighter- as opposed to the heavy holiday foods we've all been delighting in.
Here is the recipe:
Veggie Slim Soup
3 tomatoes
3 green peppers (keep and use ALL the seeds-as the capsaicin helps to jumpstart your metabolism)
1 bunch spring onions
1 bunch celery w/leaves
2 cups fresh green beans
1 bag carrots
2 large cans crushed tomatoes
2 cans BEEF or VEGETABLE broth
2 cups water
1 packet dry soup mix (onion or vegetable)
2 stock cubes (chicken,vegetable, or beef)
* Chop all vegetables into small pieces (you judge the size you want)
* Place all veggies into a BIG pot
* Add the remaining ingredients
* Salt & Pepper to taste (But not too much salt...don't ruin the objective of the soup being healthy for you)
* BOIL rapidly for 2 minutes, then simmer until all is nice and tender - about 1 hour or so.
(add more water if a thinner broth is desired)
*** Eat this soup for all meals for 1 week. *** Eat fruit as snacks ***
Note: I have added the following after a few days here and there...just to change it up a bit:
corn
shredded chicken
diced jalepenos
top with shredded cheese
add salsa...spicy!
Well, that's my favorite soup recipe, I hope you give it a try... I will be featuring a weekly recipe here, so
be sure to check in often...and don't forget to invite a friend! Just send them my link.

'Twas The Night Before Christmas....
Good evening to all....just a little note to wish all of you and your families a very Blessed and Happy Holiday!
I hope you all receive the love and warmth from your families and friends - both near and far.
Many blessings from me to you~

Christmas Recipe - Italian Struffoli

A Time For Sharing......
During the holidays, EVERYONE is reminiscent of something they grew up with. Cake, lasagna, homemade eggnog......or cookies! This is a special recipe that my family, as many others, grew up with. We always ate these little honey balls, and they are Sooooo Yummy!
Rather than just giving you a photo and a recipe...I thought it would be more fun to actually watch how easy these are made- and low and behold! YouTube has such a video! (who woulda thought?)
So...in the spirit of sharing, here is my most favorite holiday treat.
(note: the video is done in both Italian and English- also we used candy ball sprinkles, whereas this is using
Christmas confetti sprinkles. You choose what you like.)
Watch, create, and start a new tradition at your home.





Thanks goes out to Edda In-Cucina-Ricetta for posting this video.
You can visit YouTube directly for this video by clicking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlK4F1wfr5Q

Recipe As Follows:

4 Eggs

4 Tablespoons Of Sugar

4 Tablespoons Of Vegetable Or Canola Oil

1 Teaspoon Of Vanilla Extract

1 Teaspoon Of Baking Powder

All Purpose Flour---Just Enough To Make A Soft Dough

Vegetable Or Canola Oil For Frying

1/2 To 1 Cup Of Honey

Additional 2 To 3 Tablespoons Of Sugar For The Honey Mixture

Red And Green Sprinkles For Decoration

Thank You- Hope You Enjoy It!

Review :The Gracious Pantry

The Gracious Pantry

A wonderful blog has come across my way....and I would like to share it with you.

Tiffany, founder of The Gracious Pantry, is ...in a word....informative.
From the Home page you are greeted with a clean background- no 'loud or flashing' ads to take your attention away.
In reading her "About Me" bio- Tiffany shares snip-its that many women will relate to...myself included, as we all strive to obtain a happier, healthier lifestyle for our children...our loved ones...ourselves.
Even though my son, Michael, is in highschool - the section entitled "Munchkin Helpers" drew me in.
Giving a child the passion and knowledge for cooking at an early age is a wonderful thing. It will give them confidence, which- not only in making the right food choices for themselves (and later on, their families), but confidence to make the right choices in life.
(Not to mention once the photo of her munchkin helper, Jordan pops up on the screen...you are hooked!)
Tiffany also has a video section to assist you in your choice for a clean eating lifestyle - where one of my favorite women of fitness - Tosca Reno, author of The Eat Clean Diet - is featured in an interview. Click below to listen:

http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/
No matter what you have in your pantry - you are sure to find a recipe, as this site has you covered from A to Z! Recipes are organized by category or ingredient. So - NO EXCUSES! Go get something from your cupboard...find a recipe that fits... and begin your journey to a happier, healthier lifestyle today!
Gotta try the Almond Honey Cookies! http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/

Thank You to Stephanie Moore for sending her business info to be included in my mompack fillers!
Stephanie is an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay, and you can also find her at Showtime Pets - The Site For All our Pet's Needs!
 http://www.showtimepets.com/     www.marykay.com/stephanie_moore

*Remember to email your address when you sign on as a follower to my blog to receive YOUR mompack today!

Sweetness of cinnamon and brown sugar baking in the oven.....what better way to wake up in the morning on a cool wintry day?
There is just something about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls that warms the heart.


This happens to be a tradition that my son started - it's a must that we bake cinnamon rolls the week of Christmas...
 and especially on Christmas Day!
Here's to tradition.....and the tasty calories that go along with it! Yum!

Christmas Countdown......

The Countdown has now begun! Are you ready? Have you gotten all of your Christmas shopping done? What about the food list? Got every last minute item thought of? Well, it would be a good idea to sit down and think out a list...'cause you know you don't want to hit the grocery store as this week approaches nearer. The crowds....the parking....the 'never seems to be an open register when you need one'! Better safe than sorry, and get everything ahead of time. It still doesn't quite feel like Christmas yet....so to all the fellow Floridians who have moved here from across the miles~ here is a little something to remind you of home. (Hubby took and sent this today)

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

Chocolate Pecan Bars

Looking for a new recipe?
One that is sure to please - but simple to do?
Here you go ~ Perfect for the lil' chefs in your house.
Easy to do, Easy to love!
Ooey, gooey, chocolatey chewy!

Wonderfully yummy Chocolate Pecan Bars
$6.25
Remember to go to http://www.thegourmetcupboard.com/ and enter
Michelle Yingst as Your Distributor!

'Tis the Season.... For yummy, warm and delicious !
There's nothing better than a nice, warm cup of hot chocolate
during the Holidays.
And what could be better than Gourmet Hot Chocolate?
As a Gourmet Cupboard Distributor, it is my pleasure to share these wonderful mixes with you.

(note: if you choose to order from the link provided-
 you will be able to view a full item description when you place your order. 
 Just click on the link given, and enter my name: Michelle Yingst under 'Your Distributor'.)
* To receive a brochure in the mail, please send me a message letting me know the address.

To order onlline: Go to http://www.thegourmetcupboard.com/ Distributor : Michelle Yingst

Amaretto Hot Chocolate
 $4.00

Caramel Turtle Hot Chocolate
$4.00

 Reese's Cup Hot Chocolate
$4.00

Vanilla Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
$4.00

 Hazelnut Hot Chocolate
$4.00







I will be sharing more yummy treats every day with you- so be sure to stop by, bring a friend and share in the wonderful goodies that abound!

Embrace Your Dreams ~ Lavender

Embrace Your Dreams Collection
This will be a new collection of handmade
soaps featured in my shop.
Beautiful, Delicately Designed - varying in
colors and scents.
This particular bar features:
 Lavender,Goats Milk,Almond Oil,
Grapeseed Oil, & Sugars for gentle exfoliation.
Perfect for gift giving as it will come to you
individually wrapped in it's own cellophane bag.
About 4 ounces.
http://www.createdbychelle.etsy.com/

Going to try and post a few videos of our guys at last night's tournament so the moms & dads can see....apparently the file is too big to send through yahoo email- (don't worry - I will burn a dvd if you want to keep a copy- just remind me at the next practice) *remember to press pause on the Christmas music below to feel like you are right there cheering the guys on with us!
(For all other viewers...
-our guys are in the BLACK & GOLD ~ the Citrus Hurricanes ! Go 'Canes!!)

Tony Conant




Cody Wood

Whew! Well, just got in from our tournament at Forest High School. We are exhausted - but as always....  our guys did well and we cheered our lungs out! Wishing everyone a great night's sleep......

We have a tournament tomorrow @ Forest High School in Ocala. Our guys are awesome... and I know they will do GREAT!
How about wishing them Good Luck......................
Go Citrus Hurricanes!!
We will be there 'til the end... no later than 10pm- so I won't be posting tomorrow as I will be getting ready for the tournament, doing some last minute shopping, and updating my Etsy shop.
Here are the latest that you can find in my Etsy shop:
The Tropical Paradise from below(in the middle) along with Sex On The Beach (left) and HoneySuckle (on the right)

Toodles for now.... need to go to bed and get some rest....we mommas need all our strength to cheer on the entire team!

Virtual Mom Pack

Another note on mompacks, they are usually handed out with an order...or... to someone you meet in the doctor's office, a grocery line, or on the bus. But, here on the world wide web, I have come up with
Virtual Mom Packs. And here is how it will work: when you sign up to be a Friend or a Follower of my blog...simply send me a message including your mailing address. I will mail you a mompack - FREE!
That way you can join in on the great products that are out there. And you can pass the info on to your friends and family, the more the merrier! They simply sign in as a Friend/Follower to this blog, send the message of their mailing address, and they,too, will receive a Mom Pack - FREE!

Tropical Paradise is calling......

Imagine yourself on a tropical island ... the warm sun on your face ... the wind gently blowing through your hair ... the calming whoosh of the waves as they come ashore ...
Indulge someone in a little Island Getaway for the Holidays.
This Oatmeal & Honey soap contains grapeseed oil, sugar for gentle exfoliation, and is a lovely tropical pink color.

5 ounce bar ~ $5.00
Handmade Soap
http://www.createdbychelle.etsy.com/

Perfect little stocking stuffer!

MomPack Filler Update

To date I have received fillers from
Mary K. Growe

of   http://www.sendoutcards.com/
and
Kay Greene
of  http://www.mypreciouskid.com/

 ***      Thanks Mary & Kay !     ***

For items purchased through my eBay Store and Etsy Shop ~ each mailed

package will contain a 'mompack'. Not familiar with mompacks?

Click on this link:

http://www.mompack.com/

- mompacks are a great way for women to help other women in business get the word out on really great items, ideas, events, etc. for their businesses. You will receive an assortment of various items sent by fellow mompackers. You can then visit their site for further info, or ordering of their products.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.........here comes the chill

Today was just so gloomy! All day- not a bit of sunshine to be found over here. Cold, as well- was 57 degrees today. But that's cool - can't really be in the Christmas spirit full force with 89 degree weather outside. Today we made chocolate chip cookies and fresh hot cocoa. Yum!

Is it time to relax yet?

Well, today has been busy indeed. I got some much needed things accomplished and checked them off my list. I also added some more items to my shop at etsy.  I LOVE coming up with new ideas, decorations, additives, etc. It is rewarding.  Here are some of what I just posted in my shop:

Pumpkin Brulee Scented Glycerin Soap
"Invigorate" imprinted on bar
$2.50
http://www.createdbychelle.etsy.com/

 Pumpkin Brulee Scented Glycerin Soap

  with Citrus Bath Oil Beads

  "Calming" imprinted on bar

  $2.50

  http://www.createdbychelle.etsy.com/

Pumpkin Brulee Scented Glycerin Soap

 "Romance" imprinted on bar

 $2.50

 http://www.createdbychelle.etsy.com/

Pumpkin Brulee Scented Glycerin Soap

 with Citrus Bath Oil Beads

 "Uplift" imprinted on bar

 $2.50

 http://www.createdbychelle.etsy.com/

Chamomile & Oatmeal Bath Bags

 (4) bags in each order

 $2.50

 http://www.createdbychelle.etsy.com/

I am in the midst of adding some candle creations as well, so those will be posted once they are completed.

Have a good evening!

~'Chelle

Ahhh the sweet taste of Honey....

I came across another great find while wondering around http://www.etsy.com/ , this is such a sweet deal ~ that I thought I would share and help spread some Etsy Love!
I purchased a bottle of Honey Powder from Kathy at Basil and Things - you can find her by following this link: http://www.basilandthings.etsy.com/ . There is such a wide selection of spices, whether you are looking for something Sweet......a bit Bold (check out the Hot and Peppery section).....or in the mood to try a Special Blend. They also have a few gift ideas...the holidays are coming up~ do you have everyone on your list crossed off yet?  Didn't think so......so pop on in to Basil and Things and give it a look around..... Add some SPICE to your life!
Here is the link again: http://www.basilandthings.etsy.com/  and here is my Honey Powder. mmmmmmm.

Where does time go?

Well, as usual, the weekend has come and gone far too quickly. Hubby is now back over the road - and we are gearing up for the next wrestling tournament (Dec. 15th at Forest High School).
Will be ordering labels for my soaps, (from Designer Label Gal on etsy.com).  And this afternoon I made some lip balm, Cheesecake flavor......mmmmm this stuff is sooo delish! It  goes on smooth and does not have that greasy after feel that some balms do. It is made from a base that is 100% natural, containing sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, mango butter, shea butter, beeswax, and enriched with Vitamin E.  

$1.99 /tub @ http://www.createdbychelle.etsy.com/

I received a few photos of my niece, Jaiden Rei- preparing her Home Ec projects.........

Her famous Roast Chicken

"Massaging the oils in"

This is my FAVORITE! Bon Appetite!

Hey JaiRei, how about sending Aunt Chelle your special secret recipe so we can share it with everyone?

Hello all.....

My apologies for being absent for a few days.... hubby was home from being over the road, and we spent some much needed 'family time'.Took our son shopping, bought LOTS of pre Christmas gifts, hubby got a new surround sound system (WOW it is LOUD!!!!) and I picked up one of those handy dandy little Garmin GPS units. Also will be signing up for a gym membership, as now that I am a full fledged Stay At Home Mom, I actually have the time to do that for myself~ and be able to enjoy it without rushing it into my schedule. Well, the boys are playing the Madden 2010 game on surround sound, and it is WAY to loud for me, so I will be signing off for the rest of today.... and go fiddle with my soap & candle creations. Wishing you all a Great day! Stay warm~ and Be Blessed~ 'Chelle

Enjoying Life

Loved the trail yesterday, took a couple of pictures and sent to friends- it was just so beautiful, and such nice weather. Came up with a couple of new recipes to try....to be posted at a later date.









Here is a view of the lake.

Such a beautiful day yesterday, spent about an hour on the trail. Heading back out today, (as soon as the 'chill' gets out of the air,lol) It's such a relaxing time being on the trail- that's my calm time, where I can think and come up with variations to my bath products. Stay tuned, I will post some pics, or you can keep updated with me on http://www.ebay.com/ or http://www.etsy.com/ . Have a great afternoon!