As the weather gets cooler and we spend more time inside, I enjoy making treats--I just wish I had more time to do it!
These fun Fall Candy Treats are easy and don't take much time at all. I made a video of it, to show you!
Of course I did some experimenting--the gummy bears and Twizzlers weren't to my liking--and you should experiment with things you like. You can also coat anything in chocolate the same way.
Two weeks ago was my 30th class reunion. Normally, a reunion or special occasion where cameras are going to be everywhere would send my insecurities and desire to crash diet on overdrive.
But I managed to stay sane this time! The slow and steady, focus on a healthier me approach to weight loss is working. Since I decided to give up the insane notion that there should be an easy solution that didn't require healthier eating and exercise, I've lost 9.5 pounds. That doesn't seem like a whole lot, but considering they were as tough to shake as a clingy toddler, I'm darned proud.
I'll admit, there are times when I'll start to feel like the process should be going faster and should be easier. I mean it's totally unfair how easy they are to add and how hard they are to subtract. Placing the focus on being healthier rather than skinnier helps quite a bit.
What else helps?
Exercise. I joined a gym with a friend. Going together makes exercise more fun and it's harder to bow out when you have to be accountable to someone else for showing up. I'm not exactly a gym rat or getting totally buff, but regular exercise has helped improve my mood and I snack less. It's amazing how less appealing a chocolatey morsel is once you realize how far you have to walk on a treadmill to burn it off.
Journaling. Counting calories keeps me mindful of what I eat. It also helps to see the connection between weight losses and gains with different eating habits.
Eating. Have a bite when you're hungry. Stop when you're full. It seems silly, but nothing brings on binge eating quicker than feeling starved. The same goes for cravings. I had a craving for a Snicker bar. Instead, I had a banana. I still wanted that darned Snicker bar, so I had a yogurt...then a granola bar...maybe a few pretzels. My niece, who is a skinny thing, finally pointed out that I would have been far better off to have eaten a snack-sized candy bar a few hundred calories ago.
Hooks come in handy and not just for fishing! I love hat hooks, coat hooks, towel hooks, etc... I have many traditional and several non-traditional hooks in my house. And since I love to share my ideas, here are the creative ways I use hooks...
Add a hook in the pantry for aprons & chips!
A hook just outside for the dog's lead
hooks in the garage
I added a hook to find my keys easier - I just clip and flip them in
hooking the curtain tie-backs--but wait, didn't have a hook so I used tacks!
Do you like hooks? There are so many uses! How do you hook?
There are only 78 days until Christmas! It's time to start thinking about gift ideas.
How about something personal? There's nothing like a unique gift to prove you put forth the extra effort in the gift exchange. Here's just a few ideas. All of these are things I have purchased in the last few months- I do love unique things!
While on vacation, I bought a bracelet off of Liz at a craft show. My favorite thing about it is the magnetic clasp. That makes it so easy to wear. I can latch it one-handed. I love that! And to keep it from accidentally catching on something and falling off, it has the security chain .
Remember when Pet Rocks were a thing? Clamco makes them to look like your pet.
I had one painted for my son's graduation present with his dog, Artemis. It's a doggone good likeness!
See more of Lorraine's work on this YouTube video.
Or how about a personalized candle? My son got me this one from Yankee Candle.
Here's another favorite personalized gift. A Fire Drawn craft! My son's hedgehog passed away, so I had Carrie Butler make him a commemorative plaque. She can do just about anything. I've ordered wedding plaques for a few weddings that are coming up and having each personalized for the brides and grooms.
Fire Drawn Louis
The real thing:
Every detail was captured.
Now, off I go...to start shopping for unique, personal gifts to get for loved ones this holiday season.
I also love a good pumpkin spice latte. But I don't like the price or the calories or the waiting in line... So if you agree, save your time and money and try one of these lower calorie, easy to make...
FALL LATTE RECIPES!
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Fill cup 2/3 full of coffee
Add milk and sugar to taste
Stir in 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Top with whip cream and a dash of spice
Easier still, use pumpkin spice creamer
Apple Cinnamon Latte
Fill cup 2/3 full of coffee
Add equal amounts of milk and apple cider
Add sugar to taste
Top with whip cream and a dash of cinnamon
Candy Corn Latte
Fill cup 2/3 full of coffee
Add milk to taste
Stir in 1/4 tsp sugar
Stir in 1/4 tsp vanilla
Top with whip cream and a splatter of vanilla
Notice what ingredient is in each of these (besides coffee & milk): a spritz of whip cream. Whip cream is awesome for sweetness on a diet--it's low calorie, low carb, and adds loads of fun and flavor!
And just for fun, I tried another experiment and video taped it for you! Check it out =)
Happy, cozy, Fall sipping!
And don't forget to enter the contest for the words of wisdom!
