New Rules, Old Concept

So, I found these rules on Pinterest - yeah, I told you I like that site.

I have heard all or most of these before. They are working me towards eating clean. Have you heard about clean eating lately? It is the 'new' thing - of course it is how our grandparents actually ate. My grandparents would buy flour and sugar (you know, they came in those awesome fabric sacks you pay and arm and leg for now) and the rest came from the garden or the farm. Well, I'm trying to work back towards that type of eating. BUT, it is expensive and not overly convenient. So we are trying to find a balance that helps us achieve better health.

I admit, some of these are REALLY hard for me. So, I may not achieve all of these right away, I will start working towards being able to accomplish these rules without wanting to kill myself. And, even though these are 'non-negotiable' I still find myself thinking "everything's negotiable". Hmmm, probably part of my problem.

Here is a rundown on how I fare with the rules.
I'm good with rule 1 and 2, I've been working on 3 for a while.
5 - wow, that's a lot of fiber. ok, I'll try.
6 - I like it. I can do that.
7 - WHAT???? I don't know if I will ever be able to do that!
8 - got it (although I do ignore those labels, which probably makes me lose points on this one)
9 - umm - I try. But I hate to take the time to measure. Yes, I know. I just have to. I have gotten better though, I use small bowls and plates.
10 - yeah - not sure I will ever be able to do this - if it includes straight up sugar. AKA desserts.
11 - really? Well, we don't eat a ton of white potatoes, probably about once a week. Doubt I will get support from the family to cut that one out entirely.
12 - no problem, we already do that.
13 - not a big deal for me. We only eat out fast food when traveling and maybe 1 other time a month. Honestly, not something I crave. Rule 10 is where I go seriously wrong.
14 and 15 - check
16 - ok for me, not the rest of the family.
17 - I KNOW. BUT, I really don't like them. I need someone to come and show me how to make them taste good. To me, they just don't taste good. And, since I am not a good cook, I am probably ruining all the recipes I try anyways.
18-20, usually ok.

So, what rules are the hardest for you?

Whipped Frosting Recipe

We had another birthday celebration this past weekend. This time for my loving husband. We had a nice long relaxing day in which we did just about nothing. For us, it was a much needed break. I usually make all of our b-day cakes as I am too cheap to buy a good one from a bakery and the cheap ones at some of the local grocery stores are just not good. But, I also enjoy baking. The kids chose to have a vanilla chocolate swirl cake and my hubby's favorite frosting is a whipped frosting.

Exercise Ideas

Family exercise - what I like the most (rolling down hills, leap frog, chase, etc)

I have been searching Pinterest again for some exercise ideas. I want to have a long list of ideas so I don't get so bored! And, since most of the options are not a lot of fun, I want to keep them rotating.

I also have some pretty strict restrictions on types of exercises that can fit into my life and physical limitations.

My limitations:

Peanut Butter Pie Makeover

Doesn't this look good???

I love peanut butter pie. Unfortunately, they are SOOOO not good for you. Loaded with fat and sugar. I have done a bit of a makeover with the recipe. It is still NOT 'healthy' but it is a TON better than the original. And well, I like to indulge from time to time (ok, everyday - but I am working on that).

Fabric Roll-up Chalk Boards

And Sew We Craft is having a linky party! Thought I would share a favorite project...
The Life of Jennifer Dawn.. another linky party I have entered this post...

My mother gave my kids a roll up chalk board she made - yes she is crafty too. I had never seen chalk cloth before. It is COOL. After watching my girls fight over the chalk board, I decided I should make a couple more - and maybe try to sell some as well. 

They have been pretty popular. What's not to love? They roll up and can be stuck just about anywhere. Chalk won't melt in the car (like crayons - yes I have melted wax in my van) or leave 'art' behind like markers (yep, I have permanent 'art' as well).

So, I thought I would share a little tutorial on how I make them.