Starting out with Trim Healthy Mama!

Trim Healthy Mama and a key to a new eating Life!

 

 

I first saw the advertisement for a biblically based eating "diet" in a subscription of Above Rubies Magazine. www.aboverubies.org  I saw it and it looked really exciting. I had just finished a course on Nutrition and Disease Prevention with www.coursera.org and was still on fire with all of the amazing things I had learned over the course of 6 weeks on the art and science of eating to prevent diseases (including diabetes and gestational)  so when I saw this one I immediately wanted to get it, even just for curiosity sake.  My dear hubby ordered it for me for our fifth anniversary gift and it was on its way up from the USA! I couldn't wait!

 

 

 

At my 27 week midwife check up I had to go in for my wonderful gestational diabetes blood work (yuck, annoying and icky) but it comes with the territory! Just after I took the test my book came in!

I was so excited. So we jumped in and started experimenting with all of the recipes. While I started to read the how to's and why not's ect.

 

I have to tell you that I am fully in love with how this book was written. Although, there is a lot of information at first, it is all relevant, much needed and excellent. It was even better than my nutrition course, because the book comes from a Godly, and biblical perspective that helps me so much in attaining and retaining more of the head knowledge, heart knowledge and will to want to succeed.

 

 

At 28 weeks, the results were in.....I was full blown gestational diebetic. At first this news was earth shaking. This pregnancy has been by far the best out of all of my pregnancies. At this point my total weight gain was 13lbs and I was feeling amazing. Although, I had to stop walking my 20 hours a week that I was. Turns out my body was starting to wind down as I started to get farther along. So I backed off to about 10 hours of walking (pushing a stroller and with my other two children as well). I do not drive so I walk! Which keeps my plus size figure.....well the same size but at least makes me feel better.

 

I have tried diets and new eating of all sorts. Last year, I lost 47lbs in less than 12 weeks, simply by adding 4 hours of gym time to my already large hours of walking and counting carbs, calories and stressing out! Which is why....although I maintained to only gain back 10lbs and keep it off I fell back to eating without a lot of the regime!

 

With THM, hope was revived and rekindled. God would be the driving force of encouragement and this eating makes sense. Its not about depriving but thriving. So, I believe it was Providence and in Hi perfect timing for this wonderful eating life!

 

For 8 days straight, I recorded my eating for the dietition, I peed on the stick every morning to test keytones and recorded it all! All eating THM. (Which by the way my dietitian is absolutely loving! Thinks its awesome, she looks through my book, recipes etc.and took down the website!).  And eating 7 small meals a day, each one with a protein of some sort and drinking no less than 2 litres of water per day!

 

To our utter dismay, I had to be placed on insulin. I lost 6 lbs and I was sent for more blood work.

 

Week 30-31 came with a slight raise in my insulin but other than that no weight loss and dietitian happy with progress and sticking to this amazing eating with luxurious and nutritious food!

 

We are now on week 32, somewhere along the way I managed to lose another 4 lbs...my shorts(that I wear for modesty sake under my skirts and dresses) are baggy in my legs and buttocks. My undergarments that have not fit since I entered the 2nd trimester fit comfortably and I feel amazing. My sugars are leveling out to where they need to be.

 

 

I have to say I am feeling so blessed with the new lifestyle changes and am confident to succeed even after our gorgeous little blessing is out and about!

 

Thank you Serene and Pearl, this has changed my life!

 

PS....For all the dear hubby's...

 

My hubby although, not following THM 100%, and not increased physical activity in any way has lost from my start at week 28, has now lost 12lbs and it is noticeable for me in his gorgeous physique. I love him always and no matter what, but the lbs are melting away!

Now he is excited. Now he is encouraged and now he is on board!

 

No my hubby is a eat outery holic. Loves Loves salty and savory high fatty snacks and foods. Through the past five weeks of experimentation with THM recipes he is feeling satisfied.

 

Keep on all you Trim Heathly Mama's!

Keep on all you Trim Healthy Manly Hubby's!

 

May you be blessed and bless Serene and Pearl's amazing book!

 

www.trimhealthymama.com

https://www.facebook.com/trimhealthymama

www.amazon.com

 



Frugal Recipe of the Day!

 

.18 Tortilla's!

 

 

2 cups Flour (we use all purpose or whole wheat!)

Salt to taste

3 tbls oil

water to make texture, nice dough not sticky or gooey

 

 

We fried this batch in a frying pan for 1 min per side!

 

Then cut them up for chips and dip!  yummmmmmmmm

 

We are always trying out new ways to remain frugal and economical and yummy all at the same time. Which we all know is extremely hard. We try as much to make things healthy and from scratch. Limiting chemicals and add in's and what have you to our food! We want to stretch our dollars and therefore having the funds for organic fruits and veggies as much as possible.

 

The second batch of Tortilla's we pureed garlic and took out oil, these one's I preferred because I am a garlic holic! I love me some garlic! :) Even the children loved them.

 

Did you know that you can eliminate the high in fat oils my simply adding fruit or veg puree's and or low fat yogurts (make sure its plain yogurt or your hubby may not be so thrilled LOL! ) I did that :(!

 

 

Perogies that cost a buck!

 

Thats right I said a buck, $1.00! Sooooooooo excited! You see perogies are my favorite. My Nana and I when I was a little girl used to make them. My fondest memories is on the four acres, rolling out dough an using her cups to make the perfect circles, with the fire going. For you see my grandparents didn't have electricity for awhile and had an outhouse....but this is one of the memories that is in my heart etched like one of God's love notes from my Nana! :)

 

Here is how we did it!

 

Dough

2 c of flour

Water to texture (perfect dough not wet, sticky or gooey)

 

Filling

2 med onion(white)

6 extra large potatoes, boiled and mashed

1 can of corn.

(this filling we used only 1/4 for filling and then refrigerated the rest for our supper today, which will be potato patties!)

 

After rolling out the dough we used a small circular class

Then mixed our mashies with pureed onion(we used a food processor) personal preference

and corn

then filled them up not too full or they will not pinch and close properly

 

Now we just pinched them shut, let them rest for half an hour and boiled!

yummy with sour cream (I put garlic powder on them) the kids also liked Ketchup. I know weird right...lol I like it to. Its kinda a family trait :)

 

You can do a dab of water on your finger as well to "glue" them closed better or use egg whites. We didn't want to add extra anything just to try and they turned out beautifully!

 

Hope you enjoyed my Frugal Recipes!

May each one of you be blessed and equally so be a blessing to others,

Stacey Homemaker~

 

 

 



Focus on the Family: Fight Right , Marriage Seminar in Kelowna, BC

Focus on the Family Presents:

Fight Right with Dr's. Les and Leslie Parrott

Kelowna, BC

June 15, 2013

 

 



Well, I have to start off saying that I came across the seminar from the Thrive Magazine that gets mailed to us from Focus On the Family. I instantly was excited and ever sooooooo eager to go.....

 

My wonderful husband on the other hand (although absolutely loves me) thinks that our marriage is awesome(which I completely agree with) and thinks that a marriage seminar really is not needed.

 

Although, my hubby also knows that anything to do with learning is worth a look into. So I did! Found out location, date and time. Found out that the two hosting the seminar both are Psychologist's. And are Parents and have been married for 14 years.

 

Just so happens, that this seminar landed the day before my birthday (what a bargaining chip that God gifted to me). I also found out that the start time was at 7pm. You see our store is open 6 days a week, 9-5, and Kelowna is 1 hour and 45 mins away from our town, that leaves a wee little wiggle room to stop for a coffee too! You see, you have to get all your facts straight before negotiations. LOL

 

Also, we have three gorgeous children, 8yrs old, 3 yrs old, and 1.5yrs old......hmmmmm who to babysit....we rarely rarely rarely ever go out anywhere....last time was when my mom (adopted) was living with us in November.

 

So, I phoned up my mom! She said, YES!!!!!!!!!!! so my husband was ever so wonderful to indulge me for my birthday present! The tickets were very affordable as well, $15.00 each ticket! Yeah!

 

We had all of this figured out by the end of April, for you see I am a planner LOL......then we hit a slow bump in our road for the store, the money really wasn't where it needed to be....our must haves needed our full attention and our wants needed to be put on hold. You see, the gas, and to eat is not the cheapest, and at $1.40 a litre for gas....we were just gonna to not go....

 

My husband was devastated and really wanted for us to go because he knew how much it meant to me. I held strong and said it wasn't a big deal. Next year we could go. (we both know that I was utterly heartbroken.) We offered to give the tickets away. We prayed and thanked God for the blessing it could be for someone else. We prayed. I prayed to have a thankful heart despite circumstances.

 

I picked up the phone, and called my mom, to tell her that we had to cancel. And although my voice was light and cheerful she knew something was up.....After explaining our circumstances...God used her to bless us. For she now knew what I needed for my birthday....

 

I also found a surprise, my big brother (adopted) was flying in from Calgary to visit with us for the weekend....What a blessing God gifted us. For I would be honoured to spend my birthday and Father's day with my wonderful family!

 

The day before everyone was to arrive, I had a midwife appointment.....I had lost one pound(I have only gained 2lbs in 15weeks), and my blood pressure was phenomenal(which also is such a blessing) then came our test.....Could not detect our precious baby's heart beat...although our midwife was optimistic she was worried so she scheduled us for a rush appointment the following Thursday. I also had to be scheduled for a OBGYN appointment (a must have after having bp issues in the past, I must be deemed fit for midwifery care by a specialist) :(.......

 

God was in this too. Sean and I prayed. At first, I was sooo worried. Then I prayed, I gave it to the God that holds my every best interest at heart and for His Will to be done. I decided right there that no matter what may happen God's Will to be done, and if it is His Will for our baby to return back to Him then it is meant to be.

 

This weekend was meant to happen at the exact moment when we needed it the most. My mom came up the next day, that night her and I had awesome quality time and drove to Kelowna to pick up my brother from the airport. Then we Had the seminar the next night and then the next day was my birthday and it was one of the best yet! For you see, my dad and my grandparents came for dinner. God gifted me amazing family around me....he gave me love and strength!

 

So, lets get back to this seminar.....

 

First of all, I have to really say that I am very impressed on the location that Focus on the Family chose. It was soooo easy to find and get to. It was right off the highway! That was sooo nice....and great for my hubby!

 

We were greeted with amazing and smiling faces. A very warm welcome. We were able to get right into the line for the "picture". Focus on the Family set up a photo shoot for all of the couples. Ours is right at the top of this page. I thought it was so very nice, and what a thoughtful was to commemorate our time at the seminar. I don't know about you but we don't have many pictures at all with both of us in the same photo...unless its our family photo...once a year! lol. So I thought this was a very wonderful addition to the seminar.

 

The seminar had a big screen that was displaying "marriage facts" in a power point for our viewing pleasure while we waited for it to start. Dr. Les and Leslie Parrott are extremely humorous, and warm and very friendly. Sean actually laughed....genuinely laughed at their illustrated stories and analogies on marriage. They were soo fun and animated. We really enjoyed how much fun they were.

Here are my notes.

 

Fighting or Conflict

• every conflict (or almost every one) can be traced back to perception
• Perceived Threat or Perceived Neglect

MEN AND WOMEN ARE DIFFERENT

 

GOALS OF CONVERSATION

MEN: Report talking

WOMEN: Rapport

 

Report:Give a spoken or written account of something that one has observed, heard, done, or investigated.

:An account given of a particular matter, esp. in the form of an official document, after thorough investigation or consideration

 

Rapport: a relationship of mutual understanding or trust and agreement between people.

                    :a close connection marked by community of interests or similarity in nature or character

 

You can clearly see why we sometimes have conflict....LOL!

 

Approach to problems:

MEN: want to fix or solve (instantly)

WOMEN: want to explore, talk, feel

 

KNOW YOUR FIGHT TYPE PERSONALITY

Are you a low flexibility, high flexibility, low expressive or a high expressive?

 

Are you a competitive fighter, collaborative fighter, cautious fighter or a conciliatory fighter?

 

C ooperation: fight for a win-win

O wnership: own your share of the pie

R espect: steer clear of belittling

E mpathy: step into each other's shoes

 

**Romans 12:18**

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁸ If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men

 

WHAT TO AVOID:

1. Critisim
2. Defensiveness
3. Contempt
4. Stone walling

XYZ FORMULA

 

in situation X, when you do Y, I feel Z

 

Withholds: are things that you didn't tell your spouse during the week. They can be good or bad.

 

Sharing Withholds: had to happen with in the last 48 hours

One Positive: spousal response is a simple thank you no more no less

One Negative: spousal response is a simple thank you no more no less

One Positive: spousal response is a simple thank you no more no less

 

Do not talk about the withholds now for 30mins give yourselves some cooling off time before discussing.

 

This is all the notes I had. I honestly have to say that although I loved the seminar it was extremely entertaining we both expected more from University Professors and Psychologists. Expected more meat with all of the fun and simplicity.

 

We were also a little discouraged. Focus on the Family is such an overtly "Christian" Organization, and there was very little about God in this seminar. We prayed prior to the second half of the seminar, and praying for the hearts of the spouses. That was really it. We expected that since it was hosted and put on by Focus on the family that the seminar would be how to work through your fights with God, from a biblical perspective. That was just not how it happen.

 

We loved it though, and had a wonderful date night. The night was entertaining and fun and light hearted. Hoping the seminar in November is more biblically based!  I would also like to purchase the Parrott's books, because I know that's where the meat and potatoes is! I just have to save up for them!!

 

Thank you for reading and may it be a blessing to you.

Stacey Homemaker~

http://www.focusonmarriage.ca/
http://www.focusonmarriage.ca/speakers.php
http://www.lesandleslie.com/ 

 

 

 

Loving Moisturizing Bars Home Made

Homemade is one of my true passions. I love making and creating. It gives me a sense of accomplishment, a sense of “I really did that!” I really can do that. I don’t know about you but I really love that feeling. Even if no one ever saw or uses anything I make, I still am excited and feel accomplished that I created something.

Sometimes as mothers, wives, home makers, chef’s, menders, defenders of all that is right in your children’s world, chauffer’s, maid, laundress and pretty much jack of all trades, and it’s a 24/365 a year career, we forget to treat ourselves to a hobby.

I am talking about a bonified only to do something that is for you, hobby. For me, researching and creating things for my family is mine. Making clothing for my children, making soaps and crafts. All of this is my hobby. Learning to do new things is like a much need fix of fresh ocean air for this busy mama.

Making the time, is a real mind warping conundrum sometimes. I don’t always get to do it every day or even once a week. When I do, it’s like an amazing rush of amazement and content ness.

Now I am not saying by any means that I am not fulfilled completely by my husband or children. But if you’re a mama you can on some level understand what I am talking about.

I have extremely sensitive skin. Most moisturizers burn, itch, or make my skin red and blotchy. When I am pregnant this is magnified and my apprehension for chemically laden products is heightened. Thus, my search for a bar or lotion I could make myself with ease and not needing a bunch of ingredients (some or all I cannot pronounce). Lol!

I happened upon www.frugallysustainable.com and saw her recipe for the bars. Although as you will see in the recipe of my I omitted all but bare minimal of ingredients. I only had four ingredients on hand so I used what I had. I have to say with my eczema and sensitivity I am in love and will never go back to traditional moisturizers again. Although I will share with you what I will do differently next time around!

 

Recipe

ÿ1 ½ cup bees wax

ÿ2 cups Extra Virgin Coconut oil

ÿ1/3 cup dried dandelion leaf

ÿ½ cup dried chamomile flowers

You will need:

ÿa two quart slow cooker (using for this purpose only always)

ÿmeasuring cup

ÿplastic stirring spoon

ÿmolds for your bars

1.   place coconut oil, dandelion leaf, and the chamomile flowers into the slow cooker

2.   infuse for 1 hour on high (make sure you are frequently stirring and watching it)

3.   once the oil and the flowers are melted but it on low for 1 hour

4.   switch to warm and leave overnight

5.   in the morning switch to high and add your bees wax.

6.   This is extremely important that you are watching it closely, bees wax can catch fire if to hot

7.   When all bees wax is melted pour into your molds

8.   Let sit on counter for one hour then move into fridge until completely set

9.   To use rub between hands and the heat from your body will melt the bar enough for you to distribute evenly onto your skin.

The reason I used Dandelion Leaf is because of the healing properties specifically for psoriasis, eczema, dry skin and dry scalp. The reason I used Chamomile flowers is because it to has the healing properties and a natural pain reliever.

Now, although I love these bars and that my skin is soo soft now. It is June and in our neck of the woods starting to get warm and dry. Which means cracking and bleeding usually already for my poor hands. I have not cracked or bled yet. I am so in love with my bars.

This is what I would change with my next batch;

Firstly, I would strain out all my flowers prior to adding the bees wax. The reason for this is that when applying the bar to my hands the flowers are extremely tough and ouchy.

Secondly, I would add vitamin e pure essential oil to the mixture just before pouring into the mold. The reason for this is to add to the healing and strengthening of the elasticity and immunity in my skin.

Lastly, I would use square or rectangle molds instead of pretty molds for myself so that it is easier. Although, I would still use my pretty molds for giveaways!

Overall, I am completely in love with making this for myself and for others! So this recipe was a complete success!

 

I have to say that when researching on the internet, I found the frugally sustainable website (I am in no way being paid or anything and all is my own opinion) is extremely helpful. The author gives step by step instructions, recipes and for those who do not have time to make it on their own, she sells her products as well.

 

Praying that this post was encouraging, and that you can take something new learned!

Praying that you have a spaztastic day!

Stacey Homemaker

 

www.planetbee.com

(purchased our bees wax from, amazing quality)

www.frugallysustainable.com

(where I found original recipe)

www.pentictonwholefoods.com

(where I purchased my extra virgin coconut oil)