Week 2 Results

Skinny Girls in Training - 1150

Mommy Wants a Time Out - 1150

Blonde Bombshells - 1095

Week 1 Results

Sorry for the delay!

Skinny Girls in Training (Erica & Melanie) - 1150
Mommy Wants a Time Out (Karin & Melissa) - 1150
Blonde Bombshells (Niki & Denise) - 1095

Bonus Round Calendar Tasks

Pick all Five of your tasks each week from this list:

* Get Erica your $25 by Tuesday * Go through your winter clothes * Contact 2 inactive sisters * Play a game with your kids * Organize a junk drawer * Mail out branch newsletters/deliver calendars for your calling * Take notes or write down impressions during at least 3 Conference talks * Watch or read General Women's Conference * Do a craft you've been wanting to do * Implement at least one thing learned in conference * Work in the yard or garden * 20 min of sunshine * Exercise outside * Do something to improve your mind/intellect * Quiet time or meditation time * "Gift" respect to someone * Participate in a Book Club * Take one of your children on a date * Plan a FHE before Monday night * Wipe down your kitchen cupboards * Study your Patriarchal Blessing by reading it * Then list: What gifts and talents are mentioned * What opportunities will you have in your life * What blessings will you receive * What counsel and teachings does your blessing give you *  List your positive skills, talents, gifts qualities etc. * Write down 3 – 5 weaknesses, and pick the one that is most holding you back; now focus on overcoming it * Do your visiting teaching before Easter * Plan a fun family outing; camping trip, day activity, hike, etc. * Read  an educational /uplifting book that teaches you something new to put into practice * Buy a new outfit for myself * Go for a hike just to enjoy nature * Do family home evening at least 2 Mondays a month * Go technology free at least one day a week *  Plant some flowers I like * Meal plan and grocery list * Organize bookshelves * Clean under the stove * Do an act of service * Spend time outside * Do some yard work * Make an Easter decoration * Clean all ceiling fans * Clean out pantry * Meet someone new at church * Plan FHE lessons for the month * Try a new recipe * Eat a salad every day  (for one whole week) * Clean out linen closet * Watch an old musical * Wear perfume * Have a Date Night * Read the Ensign * Go on a hike * Be extra nice to my (crabby) neighbor * Listen to at least 3 sessions of Conference * Spend some “alone time” recharging and reconnecting * Color Easter Eggs * Participate in an Easter Egg Hunt * FHE or Family discussion on the Resurrection and why we celebrate Easter * Do an act of service * Take a meal/treat to a friend or neighbor * Take your kiddos to the park * Get ready by 10 am 4 times a week * Try a new class at the gym * Wear jeans/dress pants 5 days in a row * Spend 15 minutes every hour focused on my kids * Establish a morning and bedtime routine * Get kiddos on a bedtime schedule * Have Family Scriptures, Song and Prayers for a week, no misses * Be out of bed by 6:30, 5 mornings during the week * Work out with a friend * In bed by 10:30 pm, 4 nights in a row * Meditate 3 mornings * Go to the Temple * Take a family trip to the Temple * Write a letter to a missionary * Have your child help you make a food item/dinner * Spend 10 minutes during bedtime routine focused on each kid (reading, snuggling, etc.) * No electronics during dinner * Organize freezer *

Final Results

Sorry for the delay ladies.

1st Place - Mission Slimpossible - 4618
Unknown Allies came in 2nd with 4617
the Love It's were a close 3rd with 4613
and We Love Todd came in 4th - 3993

There was $40 in the Kitty, so that's $13/each for Karin & Erica with $7/each for Melanie & Denise.
Karin, Erica, Melanie, Denise, Krista & Amy all get their $20 returned, for being within 10 points of the total.

We'll be starting the next round on April 2nd. Let me know if you'd like your $$ saved for the next round or returned.

Thanks for playing!

Week 3 Results

Another great week ladies! And I seriously can't believe we are almost done! This round has gone really, really fast for me.

Looking forward, I'm not sure I'm ready to be done yet. So I think I'll add a bonus round. Give me some feedback on if you're interested and how soon you'd like that to start. I'd like to start sooner than later, but Spring Break is coming up….   :/

The Love It's - 1150
Mission Slimpossible - 1150
Unknown Allies - 1150
We love Todd - 565

Top 4 Carbs for a Flat Stomach

I get several newsletters from nutritionists each week. I thought this might be interesting to share. Enjoy!


While there are plenty of BAD carbs out there, you don't have to completely eliminate carbs from your diet in order to burn fat fast, especially when you choose the RIGHT sources. Having said that, below are my top 4 choices for belly-blasting carbs that'll leave you full and satisfied, while helping you toward your fat loss goals to boot!

#4 - Berries & Cherries

Berries like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and cherries (although not technically a berry) are some of the BEST carbs you can eat. They are high in fiber, packed with antioxidants, and score extremely low on the glycemic index, especially cherries which come with a GI of just 22.

I enjoy fresh berries for dessert several times a week and it's an awesome, nutritious way to finish off any meal. Great as a snack, too! Try them on top of Greek yogurt... Mmm :)

#3 - Sprouted Grain Bread

Sprouted grain breads, like Ezekiel 4:9 bread (one of the most popular brands of sprouted grain bread) is a great way to include bread in your diet without all the issues associated with white breads and even 100% whole wheat breads.

Instead, Ezekiel bread is organic, sprouted, 100% whole grain flourless bread. A 2-slice serving even contains 8 grams of complete protein and 6 grams of fiber, so don't give up the bread, just choose the right kind!

#2 - Quinoa

While brown rice is thought to be the healthy grain, there’s one even better, and that’s quinoa.

Quinoa is a gluten free grain that contains double the protein of brown rice along with greater fiber content and a lower glycemic load.

Not only that, but quinoa is the ONLY grain to contain complete protein and the full spectrum of amino acids. It comes in several varieties, including “oatmeal-like” flakes and it’s wholegrain rice-like form.

Enjoy it as an oatmeal substitute for breakfast, in salads or casseroles, or as a wholesome whole-grain, high protein side item to any lunch or dinner meal.

#1 - Beans, Lentils, and other Legumes

Beans and Lentils, part of the "legume" family, just may be my #1 choice for a healthy carb. Packed with loads of fiber and protein, these guys come in so many different varieties that you'll never get bored: lentils, chickpeas, black eyed peas, black beans, red beans, kidney beans, navy beans, butter beans, lima beans, pinto beans...and the list goes on.

Because of their fiber & protein content, along with their versatility, I eat something from the legume family in at least one of my meals daily. I'd highly recommend you'd do the same!

Info provided by Joel Marion
Co-Founder, BioTrust Nutrition

Week 2 Results

Here's what I've got so far:

Mission Slimpossible - 1150
Unknown Allies - 1150
The Love it's - 1145
We Love Todd - 1150

Great job on another fantastic week ladies! I can't believe we're already halfway done; this round is speeding by. Good luck this week!

Week 1 Results

One down and 3 more to go! I hope everyone had an awesome first week and we're all feeling better than we were a week ago. Smiley face. I don't have everyone's points yet, but here's what I do have so far.

Scores for week one:

The Love It's (food that is) {Krista & Amy} - 1150
Mission Slimpossible {Karin & Erica} - 1150
We love Todd {Kelsie & Teresa} - 1150
Unknown Allies {Denise & Melanie} - 1150

Looks like a tough group. Stay strong, it's going to be close this round!

Simply Stunning in Six R6 Calendar Tasks

Pick all Five of your tasks each week from this list:

* Get Erica your $25 before Thursday * Plan meals and grocery lists for 2 weeks * Hang up family photos/new art in the house * Follow FlyLady plans for a whole week * Try a new fitness activity * Give a fitness activity you didn’t love the first time a second chance * Clean out dresser drawers and closet- donate or sell what I don't need * Clean off my dresser * Wash blinds in at least one room * Wash windows in at least one room * Complete one unfinished project * Make cashew cheese * Take a bubble bath * Make homemade lotion or body butter * Do service for someone in the neighborhood * Read church lesson before Sunday * Have a hula hoop contest with kids * Clean out a closet * Go on a date with your hubby * Read a conference talk from the Ensign * Take a nap * Go out of your way to meet someone new at church or get to know someone better in your ward * Do an act of service * Think of something positive about a family member * Compliment a family member or friend * Apologize to someone you have wronged * Write down a spiritual experience in your journal * Paint your nails or toenails * Invite someone to exercise with you * Spend 10 minutes appreciating the sound of silence; meditate, ponder or just sit quietly * Wipe down your cupboards * Start your own Happiness Project: think of 3 - 12 items you'd like to work on during the year and sketch out a simple plan to focus more on appreciating all the happy in your life * Spend 15+ min outside * Take one of your kiddos on a date * Try a cleanse or detox - silence those sugar cravings! * Change sheets on at least one bed * Clean out your fridge & wipe it down; inside & out * Clean & organize laundry room * Try a new recipe * Make homemade wheat bread * Make a green smoothie * Call an old friend * At home pedicure for my daughter(s) * Read the Ensign * Send a “Thinking of You” card to someone * Smile more * Try a new hairstyle * Update Happiness Notebook * Watch a foreign movie * Invite a friend to lunch * Take a detox bath (Epsom salt, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, sea salt and your choice of oil) * Get out of bed by 6:15 a.m. at least 3 days/week * Keep a food journal for at least 5 days * Be in bed by 10:30 minimum of 4 nights/week * Write down a bedtime and morning routine * Implement a morning &/or evening routine(s) * Participate in a Book Club * Study your Patriarchal Blessing by reading it then listing: What gifts and talents are mentioned – What opportunities will you have in your life – What blessings will you receive – What counsel and teachings does your blessing give you – What insights are given concerning your life mission *  List your positive skills, talents, gifts qualities etc. * Write down 3 – 5 weaknesses, and pick the one that is most holding you back; now focus on overcoming it *  Do 3 random acts of service for your hubby * Complete a work/church/personal project you’ve been putting off *  

GF/Dairy Free Tomato Soup

I found this recipe that Denise sent while cleaning out my emails. Looks Delish!

http://www.thebakingbeauties.com/2013/09/creamy-gluten-free-and-dairy-free-tomato-soup.html

Creamy Gluten Free and Dairy Free Tomato Soup

Author: Jeanine Friesen

Prep time:  15 mins

Cook time:  30 mins

Total time:  45 mins

Serves: 6

A really quick and creamy tomato soup that is free of both gluten and dairy. The potato helps to give it a creamy texture without the use of dairy. If dairy is not an issue with you, feel free to add 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream after blending for an even creamier soup.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoons canola oil (or oil of choice)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 stick celery, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 28 fl. oz (796 ml) tin diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free vegetable stock (chicken stock can be substituted)
• 1 1/2 – 2 teaspoons salt (less if your diced tomatoes contain salt)
• 1 teaspoon dry parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, saute the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic in the oil until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth, or ladle a small amount into a blender and blend until smooth. If you are using a blender or food processor, only work with small amounts of soup at a time. Too much hot liquid in your blender may cause the top to blow off while blending. That’s a horrible mess to clean up.
4. Serve with gluten-free croutons, or gluten-free grilled cheese sticks. Enjoy!

Final Results

I know, I'm sooo slow. So sorry.

Without further adieu, here are the final scores:

Tied for 1st place: Missus Pepperpots and Wiggily Wiggins & Mel & Kels - 4611

2nd place: Erin Karin - 4564

Denise, Erica, Melanie and Kelsie all get their $20 returned. 

This leaves $40 in the Kitty; $10 each for Erica & Denise, Melanie & Kelsie 

Let me know if you want your winnings mailed to you or saved for the next round, which will start next Sunday, February 16th {I decided to wait until after the Holidays, and family visitors are gone}.

Thanks for participating!

Week 4 Results

Missus Pepperpots and Wiggily Wiggins - 1148
Mel & Kels - 1143
Erin Karin - 1126

Week 3 Results

Missus Pepperpots and Wiggily Wiggins - 1148
Mel & Kels - 1148
Erin Karin - 1144

Week 2 Results

Another great week ladies!

Missus Pepperpots & Wiggily Wiggins - 1150
Mel & Kel -  1150
Erin Karin - 1131

Week 1 Results

Sorry this is so late. I promise to be more prompt for the remainder of the competition, even if that means partial info gets posted.

Another promising round is off to a great start!

the Missus Pepperpots & Wiggily-Wiggins (Erica & Denise) - 1150
Erin & Karin - 1150
Kelsie & Melanie - 1150

Simply Stunning in Six R5 Calendar Tasks

Get Erica your $25 before Tuesday

Learn a new hymn

Participate in a service or humanitarian activity

Watch an uplifting or Christian movie

Make lip balm or other DIY item with a friend :)

Give your kids/spouse 15 minutes of your undivided attention

In addition to visit, try new method to contact VT sisters (text, write a note, phone call, etc)

Free treat to celebrate Denise's b-day

Shovel Snow

Do an anonymous good deed

Take a treat or dinner to someone

Mop your Kitchen floor

Spend 10 minutes appreciating the sound of silence; meditate, ponder or just sit quietly

Wipe down your cupboards

Start your own Happiness Project: think of 3 - 12 items you'd like to work on during the year and sketch out a simple plan to focus more on appreciating all the happy in your life

Read the Happiness Project

Clean out a drawer

Get 15 min of Sunshine

Be Kinder than is Necessary 

Try a new exercise

Reread your favorite General Conference talk

Try a new hairdo

Smile and say Hello to 5 strangers

Take one of your kiddos on a date

Try a cleanse or detox - silence those sugar cravings!

Spend some snuggly time with your hubby

Clean out your fridge & wipe it down; inside & out

Make 5 freezer meals

Toss or donate 15 unneeded items

Every day for a week, write down 1 thing you are grateful for

Kiss your husband like you really mean it!

Share a weight loss or health tip with the group

Send along a healthy recipe you love

Spend one-on-one time with each of my kids

Try a new flavor/type of cheese

Go to a lecture or other performance; intellectual and or cultural event

Write a poem

Go on a Girl's Night Out

Make your bed

Mediate

Clean out and organize at least one closet

Hang updated photos of family in the house

Try to go to bed before 11 at least 4 days in a week

Be at least 50% finished with a major room project

Have all my water consumed by 8 pm at least 5 days in a week

Clean out nightstand drawer