Friday, December 19, 2014

My Journey Update #4



I am about 4 months 2 weeks postpartum. Having had my baby girl Sophia Marie. I have been on MyFitnessPal. I have went over many days. I haven't had the drive as I did before I became pregnant. Though, I have still lost weight since having her. I haven't went too far over my calories when I have. Which is good! The only day I can really recall just bombing them was on Thanksgiving.
I don't know what it is, I think its the human natural instinct to eat, eat, eat for winter. But some days all I want to eat! 
I'm really hoping to get closer to my goal by Spring.


I haven't made an update photo collage since October,
As of  today, December 19th. 2014 I weigh 167.1 lbs.

I am really happy to see a difference.
As someone told me; 
"The woman on the left looks closed, like hiding from the world, And the woman on the right looks happy, open, like here I am!"

I really took that to heart after reading that. I mean, after I had my son in 2010 I felt gross. Honestly.
I was uncomfortable in my own skin. 

Looking though my old photos now I think back how I felt about myself. And I realized that I was bigger than I thought I was!

A few weeks ago I went to get a checkup, It was about the same time that the photo on the right was taken. I asked my doctor could I view how heavy I was as far back as possible.
She said sure. She went back to 2010 right after I had my son Graison. I weighed 242 pounds! 
That floored me.

Never in my life could I imagine I would that unhealthy!

I know I have had many insecurities in my past but right now they are slowly going away. 
(Other than my Vertical C-Section scar. I'll get back to you when I loose more weight.)


 If you want to join me on MyFitnessPal (FREE Just your willpower)
please add me! I try to log everyday!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/MrsGinaTaylor





Thank you for reading!!
xoxoGinaoxox




Read my whole story here:

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

An Open Letter to the Staff at the Maternity Ward





I want to thank some for taking such good care of my little girl and myself...

To the night shift nurse, you were happy every night you came to my room, striking up a conversation each time. Not once were you rude or anything. For helping my husband through with that first diaper explosion, because of my Vertical C-Section I couldn't help him.

To Dr. Devore, for being a great OB-GYN doctor in general, for being available to deliver Sophia considering my husbands work schedule.

To the anesthesiologist, you were steady handed, quick, and you didn't make me nervous as much as I thought you would considering you were pushing quite a large needle into my back. Plus, within the few seconds, minutes of you all rushing me into the OR for my Emergency Vertical C-Section, I must of had pure terror on my face because moments as I was going under I remember you telling me everything is going to be alright.



And to everyone who helped in the delivery and recovery. Ya'll are so great! 


I don't remember everyone's names, because everything just went so fast. Which as many as you all really see, you may not remember me. I just really wanted to thank you guys because everyone was so nice, kind, and caring. Even after having to come back to do a double take of Sophia's hearing (which didn't pass then, but did pass August 26th, thank goodness) the nurses comforted me because I was worried if she was going to deaf in one ear.


Northern Hospital of Surry County you have a wonderful staff in the Maternity Ward.
So thank you so much for taking such great care of us!




Thank you for reading!
xoxoGinaoxox




Friday, August 29, 2014

Blue Diamond Ice Cream Cake with Almonds on Top!




When growing up my mother would try to find time to make one of my and my brothers favorite desserts.

Hot Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream and syrup.


My favorite!!!



She would take a chocolate box cake mix. Bake it accordingly in a 9x13 cake pan.


Then after dinner put a couple of scoops of yummy vanilla ice cream in the horizontally cut piece of hot cake, and then drizzle syrup on the top.


Ah the good 'ol days.


I wanted to try something different since I was able to try these new Blue Diamond almonds.





So I took and made it just like Momma always made it except I added a twist.



I took almonds and roughly chopped the Honey Roasted Vanilla and Honey Roasted Chipotle almonds.


I added whip cream to the top chocolate syrup, the almonds, and a cherry.

Not too much difference but it was certainly different!! And I would do it again.
Those Chipotle almond are a kick to it!





Thanks for reading!

xoxoGinaoxox








Disclosure Note:


I received Blue Diamond Honey Roasted Vanilla and Honey Roasted Chipotle almonds to try for free. All opinions are my own and no compensation was paid.
 Blue Diamond Taste Makers

Friday, July 18, 2014

Blue Diamond Chicken Salad Sandwiches


This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds I was able to receive, and test Blue Diamond Natural Almonds and Blue Diamond Rosemary and Black Pepper Almonds.

This is what I made!

3 Cups Canned Chicken
1/3 Chopped Green Onion
1/4 Crushed Blue Diamond Rosemary & Black Pepper Almonds
1/4 Low Fat Plain Yogurt
1/4 Light Mayo
1 tsp Dijon Mustard

10 slices of Bread (Your choice of kind)

Mix together, spread, Serve!

Thank you for Reading
xoxoGinaoxox


Disclosure Note:
I received Blue Diamond Natural Almonds and Blue Diamond Rosemary & Black Pepper Almonds to try for free. All opinions are my own and no compensation was paid. Blue Diamond Taste Makers

Saturday, June 21, 2014

PowerShot SX170 IS 16MP Digital Camera Review 2014



I have been wanting for a few years now to buy myself a nice Canon DSLR camera, but it hasn't been in the budget to do so. Either way I was wanting to get a Canon because in my own personal opinion they have better quality photos. But like I said that's just my opinion.
My husband said that the only reason I wanted a Canon is so I could go around and yell
"I'm going to shoot you with my Canon!!"
Ha! Play on words. But yes it could be a hint of it too.

Recently, at the beginning of June we had gone on a beach trip to South Carolina, this was going to be the real test. 
I was hoping that it would do a decent job, though I was skeptical because of the price. We got it at a deal $129.99, original price $179.00. Prices vary during the year, HERE is where I purchased it form on Amazon in April 2014.

I was thrilled!
Original

Enhanced


Original

Enhanced


Original
(Excuse my tummy 30/31 weeks pregnant)
Enhanced


Original

Enhanced


Original

Enhanced


I LOVED how well this camera did, on Auto! Since we were on the go the whole time I just left it in auto mode. I thought it did great! Even Andrew said "Whenever you do get your DSLR camera then can I have this one?" I told him sure! haha but after seeing how well this one did I might not get that camera for a long time. Even Graison, my 4 year old could use it and take great photos. 

Would I buy this camera again?
Yes I would.
I even thought since Graison even used it so good, I'm thinking of getting one for him in the future.
He has been saying he wants a camera of his own!

I did get a few blurry photos, which was my fault, or Graison was moving too much but I have always had a camera that had a few of those.

And I did miss a few good shots because of the shutter speed, but again what camera, especially a technical Point-and-shoot camera doesn't have a bit delayed shutter.

I also was impressed with the zoom on this thing!
 Here is a zoomed out photo of some people on a wave boat.
 And here they are after I zoomed in from the same exact spot I was standing in!
How good is that!? (Both photos are original by the way)

If your starting out, amateur, like myself, and looking for a DSLR camera and don't have the money for that one you have been eyeing. This would be a great alternative.
You have basic settings a DSLR camera has you can learn from. And you won't break the bank.
Plus its quite light weight. I have read on other blogs that many professional photographers like this camera on long trips because it's light, and if it gets damaged or stolen its not quite so hard on you as if it was that expensive DSLR camera.


If there is any questions about this camera. Please comment and I will tell you want I can.

Thanks for reading!
xoxoGinaoxox



Disclosure: The content here is all my own. All opinions are my own and no compensation was paid. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Gina's Sweet Treats makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.



Want more information about this camera? Specifications for this camera are found here on the Canon website. View all in dept information here at  www.usa.canon.com

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Red, White, and Blue Diamond Happiness!

Getting ready for the Fourth of July BBQ's and fun coming up and I was wondering what I was going to planning to take and make to them. Then I was accepted to the Blue Diamond Tastemakers forum and was able to be accepted to try out a 6 oz. can of Toasted Coconut Almonds and an 4 oz. bag of Blueberry Almonds!


I have to be honest I wasn't sure how good they would be, but after trying them  I like them pretty good! My personal favorite of the two is the Blue Diamond Toasted Coconut Almonds.


My 4 year old Graison loved... LOVED the Blueberry Almonds!


I decided to make one of the things my son likes, trail mix!

I normally make regular plain trail mix but with the flavors of these almonds I was pretty excited to try it.

For my Red, White, and Blue Diamond Tail mix I used:
- Blue Diamond Blueberry Almonds 
- Blue Diamond Toasted Coconut
- Goldfish Pretzels
- Sunsweet Diced Dried Plums
- Mini Marshmallows
- Honey Roasted Peanuts



They were a big hit in this family! And I would defiantly would throw this together from family movie night to hitting the bike trail!

Thank you for reading!
xoxoGinaoxox




Disclosure Note:
I received Blue Diamond Blueberry Almonds and Blue Diamond Toasted Coconut Almonds to try for free. 
All opinions are my own and no compensation was paid. Blue Diamond Taste Makers








Friday, June 6, 2014

Trip to the Beach! 2014



My husband is turning 25 at the end of the month, my son turned 4 yesterday and neither one of them had ever been to the beach! Which I think is crazy considering my parents tried to take myself and my brothers, to the beach, camping, and to Cherokee at least once in the summertime.

So after waiting so long for our son to be able to enjoy it also we finally were able to go!
Though I myself am 30 weeks pregnant I wasn't in too much misery! 



My family isn't rich but well off so I don't have a nice DSLR camera to work with. But after testing it on this three day vacation I am quite happy about it.

I am using an Canon PowerShot SX170 IS 16MP Digital Camera.
Maybe one day I can afford the DSLR camera I am really wanting but this, this camera made me so happy after I got home from our trip, that I won't need one for a while.

I used a basic free photo editor brightening the places that needed to be, and enhancing what I thought it needed, and giving it a "dusk" look to each single photo, before making it into a collage.
Nothing too fancy.
Simplicity is best, in my opinion.

I am a amateur photographer, if I should even call myself that, but I get some of my inspiration from www.rocktheshotforum.com They have a great website.

Thank you for reading!
xoxo Gina oxox


Rock the Shot

Friday, May 16, 2014

Weight Loss Update! (Post #3)






It has been a while since I've had any blog posts. My last post was back in September, 2013. I was still using MyFitnessPal, logging my food, but the holidays was coming up. I was planing on still trying to log, maybe not as much. Still eat at family get togethers but not as much. Andrew and I was doing that, but for some reason my weight wasn't budging I was stuck at 180lbs. 

Well I had noticed that I had, had a missing period by the end of December. I didn't think much of it, I had been feeling tired, and really not hungry much, but that was pretty much it. By the first of January I had lost down to 176.1 pounds! I was excited! 3-4 months I had been at a standstill on my weight loss journey and finally a budge! There was still hope!



My husband and I had been talking about my missed period thinking it could be from were I'm still obese but we wanted to make sure by mid-January we decided to pregnancy tests and then an appointment with the OBGYN. 

Come to find out we were pregnant!! When telling the doctor my initial thought my last period was we thought the baby was going to be due August 20th, 2014. But a few weeks later when doing the ultrasound we found out that our Lil' Miss is due August 1st, 2014! 

I had stopped logging and tried guessing how much calories I was eating which was going good. But after doing some research I was gaining a little too fast. I was at 15lbs. at the doctor, 17.5lbs my Wii fit said. So I started back on MyFitnessPal., but instead of trying to lose weight; 1,450 calorie intake, I switched my option to Maintain, which took my calories to 1,910. 



For two weeks I logged my food until my appointment. I didn't feel deprived or anything. When it was time for my appointment I lost 2 pounds! I had told her what I was doing and she said it was completely fine.


So I'm 29 weeks pregnant and I have gained roughly 13-14 pounds.

Pretty good compared to my first pregnancy with my son. I gained 40-50 pounds with him.


Thank you for reading! After she gets here I'm going to try to hit it hard. 


Hopefully I'll have the motivation.

xoxoGinaoxox



<3 Add me to MyFitnessPal <3
MrsGinaTaylor



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