Here we go again!
Yup....we have another tournament - tomorrow- YEAH!!
We will be meeting at the highschool at 6am...bus leaves at 7am-
then off to Brandon High we go! We are down to our last 2 tournaments for JV - So.......
G O O D   L U C K   C I T R U S   H U R R I C A N E S ! ! ! !

Also - I will be sending out fillers to a couple of fellow mompackers, in the
ever-growing mompack exchange.......
So, if you have not requested your mompack - make sure to send an email with the mailing address you would like it sent.
A great way to receive a look into a plethora of women owned businesses! Don't forget to check back this week, as I will be posting
updates to my Etsy shop.....Bubble Bags...various scents.

In the mood for something..............different?

Try this Sweet Chocolatey Baklava
Truly a must have for the Chocolate Lover in You!






http://www.thegourmetcupboard.com/
YOUR Distributor : Michelle Yingst

Healthy Recipe of the week.....
Well, for those who tried the protein shake....Good For You!
You are clearly making decisions that will benefit you in your quest for a healthy lifestyle.
For a change of pace- let's do a protein bar!
This video is from one of the fitness gems on http://www.bodybuilding.com/
Jamie Eason - http://www.jamieeason.com/


To make Jamie's "Oh Baby!" Carrot Cake Protein Bar, you'll need:


*Non-fat no-stick spray
*1 cup oat flour (ground oatmeal found in the health section of your grocery store)
*2 tsp cinnamon
*½ tsp baking soda
*¼ tsp salt
*1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
*1/8 tsp allspice (optional – more like spice cake)
*3 egg whites
*¾ cup Splenda
*½ cup fat free Ricotta cheese
*2 4 oz. jars or packs of baby carrots (instead of shredded carrots)
*2 scoops vanilla whey protein (look for a low sugar, low fat and low carb variety)
*1 cup quick cooking oats (optional for added carbs and energy)

Enjoy!

One of my MOST FAVORITE-est dishes in the whole world, is .....
Linguine with white clam sauce. I LOVE it!!
It has to be done right, not too thick, and not too thin- I can't stand a watery sauce.
And, I (don't laugh) don't like clams. I just like the taste of the finished product. Hubby usually has my clams-
as a local restaurant separates them for me right before serving the dishes. I just like the essence of the clam juice, mmmm !
Anyway- I came across this video and thought I would share it with you. You can find the recipe at:
http://www.callachef.com/

 
Enjoy!!!

Newest additions to my mompacks:
A special thanks goes to Beth Reed, who is an Independent Consultant for Thirty-One Gifts.
You can find her at:  www.mythirtyone.com/bethreed
Celebrate ~ Encourage ~ Reward  ~ Beth offers a unique line of purses, bags, wallets and more!
Also received from Barbara Johnson, from Bejaye's Things.
You can visit Barbara at: http://www.bejayesthings.com/
Where you will find Collectibles, Home Decor & More!
Take time out of your day and check out these sites...you may find a gift for that special occasion coming up!
Thank you ladies for adding to my mompacks!
If you haven't requested your mompack yet....Do It Today! (simply sign up to follow my blog & send me a message including the mailing address where you want to receive your pack) - createdbychelle@yahoo.com

Still Cold..........hmmm......what to do?
Time to bring out the crockpot!
What could be  better than the simmering aroma of yumminess filling the house? With all this cold weather - why not take out the crockpot and create a tasty, family sized  recipe to keep you warm?

Here's a good one to get you started-you can find the recipe by clicking on the link below:
Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
http://busycooks.about.com/od/chickenrecipe1/r/cpchickendumpli.htm

Mmmmmm.......... warm -good for you- food !

Enjoy!!!

Brrrrrrrr it is COLD!
Stay busy to stay warm!

Well, it has been a great couple of days for the New Year already!
Looking forward to our tournament tomorrow and Saturday.
Getting ready to send out several mompacks to friends, and also
sending out several fillers to fellow mompackers themselves!
Have been busy getting fillers/samples together.
Coming up with new & creative ideas is always fun!
Hope everyone enjoys their weekend- I will be adding, deleting, and
modifying here and there, making room for all the Wonderful things
coming !
Have a great day & wish our guys the best at the Tournament!!

GO 'CANES !!!!
Just got in from our Home Tournament - Yeah Citrus Hurricanes! Once again our guys did AWESOME!
I am so proud of our team! We have another Tournament this Friday & Saturday.... so cheer us on!

Protein Shake Recipe#1:
Have you gone shopping yet for the New Year?
Be sure to have plenty of healthy choices on hand.
Here's a little help in getting started, to make a
healthy & satisfying shake- just add the following:

Banana Protein Shake

• 8 oz. pure water
• 1/2 banana (frozen)
• 2 oz. protein of choice
• 2 tsp. flax seed oil
(I like to add a spoon of peanut butter also!)
(you could use any flavor protein mix, although I have found
that vanilla or CHOCOLATE{tastes like a peanutbutter cup} works BEST!)

Chamomile ~ Oatmeal Tub Tea Sachets

These are individual tea bags sealed to hold in the freshness of chamomile, oatmeal, and some special TLC.

Oatmeal is very good for your skin. It fights dryness, moisturizes, calms irritation, soothes redness, and cleanses your pores.

Chamomile is a natural skin rejuvenator. Known as an analgesic, chamomile is also used as an anti-inflammatory, relieves pain, and helps to promote skin repair when needed.

In this listing are (4) individual bath bags. 2.5" x 2.5"ea.

You can simply toss these little guys into your tub of warm water, and enjoy as is.

OR...you can USE them as a washcloth - which is more fun to have the kids play and see how oatmeal is actually GOOD for them. The bags will suds up into a nice lather for cleansing, and when done- simply toss.

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

Coffee Lovers : UNITE!

Are you a coffee lover?
A REAL coffee lover? Do you crave the caffeine?
Or is it the flavor of those decadent little beans?
Give this a try:       Tiramisu Coffee
Just like the Italian dessert! Flavors of vanilla, chocolate with hints of amaretto and rum.

http://www.thegourmetcupboard.com/

Distributor Name: Michelle Yingst

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!