Happy Wednesday, All!

I'm just popping in real quick between meetings and training. It's a busy day! I ended up being rotten last night and went out with a girlfriend to some downtown bars. I ended up drinking a glass of yummy shiraz and then a couple of super-yummy glasses of single malt scotch :o

Just a quick warning on those advantage bars: read the label!!! Do NOT trust the 'net carb' count on the front. Those things have lots of sugar alcohols in them and many of us have had to learn the hard way that sugar alcohols count! They may be digested more slowly, but they are digested and they are carbs. Consider yourselves warned ;)

I'm dying for a subway wrap today. I don't think the 2 Atkins approved versions have enough veggies, so I have them do it like a sandwich. Ham and turkey (double meat), swiss, lettuce, onion, cucumber, oil, vinegar. Mmmmmmmmmmm!

I'll try to make it back later. Have a great day!

Hey ladies!

Shimma - very neat that you make your own lotion and sell it, too. Do you sell it from your home, or do you have a deal with someone at a store?

Ouch! Froufy and Jina not having good weigh-in weeks! Both jumps seem awfully high...hopefully it's just a fluke!

Jane: I also keep seeing Atkins/LC stuff in the media all the time too. Just yesterday (or maybe it was Monday), there was another article about Atkins in the paper, although it was a positive one, which I was surprised to see, because just a few weeks before there was a whole 'eating/dieting segment' that portrayed it more negatively. Obviously the newspaper is confuzzled about what it really thinks.

I left a very important disk at work, so I have to re-evaluate what I am going to work on this afternoon (I'm at school). I do have another tutorial though, and a pile of 80 assignments to mark, in which I haven't even made a dent. :(

Anyway, hopefully I'll get a chance to pop-in later!

Lekker: I do both actually. There are a bunch of people who just call me up and tell me they need such and such. It's also in a crafter's mall in the town I live in which means we stock our unit and they sell it for us. We have it in a few hospital gift shops and I do sell wholesale to my friend's mom that makes baskets. She makes the cutest basket sets with the lotion, hand cream and body splash. I usually take the new scents around the school I work in each season and take orders from my coworkers.

wow...thanks for the little lesson in lotion making/101,
Shimma. You are very enterprising!!! where do you sell your lotions?

Jane.....I am sooo excited to see the Bachelorette tonight, I saw a commercial for it and one of the guys walks away in anger and throws his boutineer away!!....pins and needles!!! and then after that....its Celebrity Mole!! hehe...a trashy night of tv.

Nutski......Although I'm sure you wouldn't abuse eating those advantage bars, they are really for the other phases and NOT for induction. They are conveniently labeled...net 2 carbs, but they don't advertise the fact that they have alot of sugar alcohol to them which (in most people) make you stall the weight loss or have NO weight loss. I don't want you to be discouraged and then wonder why no loss.

Leens.....hope you and hubby had a nice romantic anniversary!!!

Froufy......come on now, don't get too depressed about not staying on plan...thats what so good about Atkins. Next day, you can be in ketosis and pick up where you left off!!! COME ON...YOU CAN DO IT!! I would also imagine that starting your new job has given you a little case of the self doubts. You will find your footings and be great at your new job. YOU ARE PRINCESS FROUFY, RULER AND EMPRESS OF THE GOVERNMENT!!! (lol)You have only been there 2 weeks, so its okay to feel overwhelmed and "what the **** am I doing?" sensation. HANG IN THERE....{{HUGS}}

As for me....I've been doing awesome sticking to plan and so far logged in 6 miles of WATP tapes this week, but sneaked a peak at the scale this morning and am up 2 lbs. I knew I shouldn't have let my feet touch that scale, but ....I thought it would motivate me to do my best if I was on the losing down side....**note to self.....DON'T DO IT AGAIN!!!**

i am such a pig! i made a pound of hamburger and put about 1/4-1/2 a pkg of taco seasoning in. I ate almost the WHOLE pound. No wonder I feel like taking a nap and throwing up. GRR. I'm sure it was under the carb count but jeez. rofl. That should teach me! Should I mention my size 12's are almost too tight for me to wear again? lol


oh...when you all first started....has anyone had their TOM NOT show up when it was supposed to? Mine's like 2 days late--maybe that's why I feel bloated also. lol

I was just wondering......what are the real carb counts of those bars then? I'm not a big sweet eater (bread & potatoes is my carb downfall), but when that TOM hits....only chocolate will do. I figure I'm ahead of the game at any rate when I compare a once-a-month advanage bar to a bag of M&Ms or kisses :lol:

I have a few minutes as my computer is getting itself updated, and the program that I ordinarily use is a little too big for me to try running it at the same time...so here I am!

Very impressed, Shimma!

That's what you get for peaking, angel!! I bet the scale "knew" you were cheating by looking early and punished you for it. These pieces of technology are rather smart. Why, my keyboard won't let me make the French accents because it "knows" that I am not French! :) (Well, at least that's the reason that my Quebecois friend gave me when I complained about not getting it to work!)

Froufy: You can do it!! You're only in the beginning stages of your job, so it's probably hard enough just to remember everyone's names even...don't worry you will rock at this job when it's all said and done. Kick government butt. Keep that PM on his toes. If I spoke French, I think it might be interesting to be PM. I hate politics, but sometimes don't I just get the feeling that government *needs* me because they seem so woefully (favourite word today) lost. (eep - how arrogant sounding was that last statement!! :D)

Brenda: At least it was on plan, eh? :)

Liz: I don't know what the 'real' count in the bars would be. I know I used them when I first started in October, but I found I wasn't getting out of my habits...I was relying on them too much. So when I restarted in November, I avoided the entirely, just to get out of that "must-have-sweet" mindset.

Had to cancel my tutorial today because of my computer troubles. I stayed for a little while in case the students had questions about the assignment, but they didn't! *sniff* Last year's class was emailing me questions all the time...I feel a bit sad that they don't seem to need me!

There are several things to look for.

1. Check the nutrition chart. The only carbs you should be subtracting is fiber.

2. Some companies have gotten sneaky about the above rule and don't include sugar alcohols in the total carb count at all. Check for little disclaimers to that effect.

3. Check the ingredient list. Does the ingredient list jive with the nutritional chart? If one of the top 3 ingredients is sugar and it lists just a couple of grams of carbs, you know not to trust the nutritional chart.

4. Do the numbers add up? It amazes me how often this one happens! 1 gram of fat = 9 calories. 1 gram of protein or carbs = 4 calories. Add up the grams and see if the calorie count matches. Since fat and protein are measurable and carbs are just the 'difference' if the manufacturer's math doesn't work, then it's likely to be wrong on the carb count.

Okay.....I'm throwing caution to the wind. Hate me if you will, but I must speak up about the wrong that has occurred. I've been reading the posts for the past few days and feel that someone must stand up and speak out for that group of us that seems to be forgotton.....the CRAFT-CHALLENGED!!!

I can install a new toilet, replace a faucet or a garbage disposal, add crown moulding to my living room. But I hang my head in shame when I admit that I am....dare I say it?....CRAFT-CHALLENGED!!! Yes, I run in terror at the sight of a button that has popped off a shirt or a seam that has come undone. How will I possibly figure out how to make these repairs without embarrassing the poor familly member who is forced to wear Mom's handiwork? My one attempt at crocheting ended up becoming the dog's blanket, so crooked that my dd suggested she take it in to school as a real-life example of a trapezoid. I went to a candle-making party some years ago and found, much to my dismay, that I had made a candle without one essential ingredient -- the wick!

Do you suppose there's help for those of us whose few attempts in the craft department are destined to end up at the bottom of boxes, long taped closed and forgotton or, even worse, as the object unanimously voted the worst gift at a shuvunda party?

Ladies, feel my pain.....

Love ya'll!!!

HUGS & KISSES TO ALL MY LC BUDDIES!
 

Aw geez guys - you are all so swell and did make me feel better and cheered me up! :cheer: - I especially enjoy your "princess confidence" in me.....must whip out my card and look at it more often! You're right in that it is not even two weeks and already I am feeling overextended. I do tend to be a perfectionist princess and when I can't get a handle on something right away I start to panic! :crazy:

Today's news:

1) DD got her braces on today (while I sat and read work material in the waiting room for two hours - with a decaf of course!)....she looks cute...she got alternating colors of dark pink and light pink (following in Mom's footsteps I guess? :lol: ) At first she would not open her mouth to talk or smile, but she is acting pretty normal this evening - not complaining about pain or anything (nurse said she might be sore for up to a week - need to stock up on the soft foods and soups, etc.). The cleaning/flossing procedure is something tho - brushes and special flosses and wax and tablets to see if you're cleaning properly - quite a job! (dd said it took her 20 minutes to brush her teeth tonight!)...she is supposed to brush 3 times a day OR ELSE! ....and they showed us a very large ugly/scary pic of what her teeth will look like if she does not follow instructions - ugh! :yikes:

2) Subway issue (a canadian one).....on way to work stopped at health food store (more atkins muffin mix and cla on special)...and stopped at the Subway for a wrap - the sign is up there stating the chicken wrap is 8 net carbs and turkey one is 11 I think - so I decide on the chicken in order to "save" carbs. Later decide to enter this as a custom food on fitday as I presume I will be eating this once in a while - go to subway website to get the "official numbers" to enter and lo and behold there seems to be a discrepancy in carb count - only for Canada. It seems while the US chicken wrap has 8 net carbs...the Canadian wrap has 11!!!!!!!! ...while the signs at the subway all say 8 - false advertising says this savvy princess. So I immediately hit the "contact us" link and fired off an email to subway indicating they may wish to change their signage in Canadian subway stores as we low carbers need to have an accurate count of what we're eating. Had I not checked the website (ignorance is bliss)...I would never have noted the difference - now 3 carbs is not a lot, but when you're trying to stick to 20 every one does count. I will let you know what I hear back!

3) TOM still hanging around - not as heavy as usual - very light -but definitely there...just finishing my bc pills - hope I don't get "another" period next week (which would be my normal time). Down almost 2 lbs today...so net gain around 4 - hopefully this too shall pass????

Shimma - I am TRULY IMPRESSED with your lotion business - way to go! :encore:

Angel eyes - forget the scale - you are an awesome exerciser and it will surely pay off in the end - don't doubt yourself! :tread:

Jina - don't sweat it about the veggies - I don't think anyone got fat eating some extra brocolli or cauliflower! :chef:

Spedmom - I am in awe of your many handy talents - while I am craft-challenged I am even more handywoman-challenged - thankfully dh is the one who does stuff with "wires".....I try and stay away - actually I just hand him the tools and make sure he does not fall off the ladder and/or electrocute himself! :stars:

So I have a very bad headache since late afternoon - not sure why altho I do tend to get more headaches during TOM (hormonal???)...just took two painkillers and hoping they kick in real soon!

Time for bed - early meeting at 8:30 am tomorrow.

Nitey Nite

PRINCESS FROUFY - RULER AND EMPRESS OF THE GOVERNMENT (thanks for the new moniker Angel eyes - he he)

Princess Froufy - I'm so glad you're feeling better! I haven't had much time to write, but I've been thinking about you. ;)

I just discovered the most agonizing thing!!!! Did you know that garlic is 1 gram per clove????? OMG! As a serious garlic lover, this is a serious problem. I put 4 cloves in for 1/2 a cup of Oh **** Yeah - that doubles the carb count!!! :faint:

Ok, just had to whine.


Spedmom - thank you for calling attention to the fact that some of us are craft challenged. DH actually sews my buttons for me because I can't make them stay! I do paint some things on occasion, but I'm really not very good at the 'girly' stuff. The only thing I can really do in the area of being a domestic goddess is cook. I've been doing it ever since I can remember and when I was in high school, I took a class on gourmet and foreign foods. It was great!!! I attribute a good-ish portion of my success so far to the willingness and ablility to cook just about anything. Of course, 3FC and the great support and comradarie I get here is the biggest factor for me. What would I do without you guys? :D

Sorry - mushy time is over now ;)

Me Too - I Can Cook!!!
 

.....and I throw a helluva party - I love cooking and entertaining -altho I do ***** and complain as it is alot of work. I try and pick the "right" menu with appetizers, drinks, food etc......My goal is to always make things look more special and complicated than they really are! It's all in the presentation! actually - the nicer it looks the better it tastes.... ;)

Having a few friends over for dinner this sat nite - and just starting to think about what to serve - these are two guy friends - my MBA teamates - one is a single guy so he'll appreciate anything I serve - and the other is solo for a couple of months as his wife and child have travelled to India to visit family - so he's probably pining for a home cooked meal as well.

I will of course keep it low carb -- easy for the meal, but will probably do two desserts: one "regular" and some low carb "chocolate mousse" as well - for company I make single servings in these very fancy (stained glass looking) martini glasses and garnish with a fresh strawberry - very pretty and frouflike!

Froufy :D

Sounds goooooood! Can I come over? I'll even help! I love making things that look fancy and complex. Aw, man! I just ate and now I want more food! :lol:

I need some princess-cooking genes! I am not the best. I try. I really do. But, things don't always turn out as I hope. And, I always make a huge mess! I wish I learned growing up. I feel like a hopeless case now. I'll just keep trying and making more messes, I guess. Any princess-cooking tips would be appreciated! :D

Now, crafts I can do! I love crafts. Not that I do a whole lot of them, but I like being artistic. I have two books of cheap crafts (not that they call them that -- I think it's 100-and-some-odd crafts for under $10... or something like that). Anyway, I have all the pages marked of what I want to make. Now, getting around to actually making them is a different story... I've only made one thing so far. :(

I'm really impressed at the ladies who can install toilets and faucets and do woodworking, etc. I don't even think about touching that stuff. I would probably cause a major leak or saw my fingers off -- not good. I wish I was better at that stuff... Oh, well. I guess that's what men are for. :lol:

Typing all of this, I just realized I'm not very talented and make lots of messes... hmmm... what exactly am I good for, anyway?!??!?

Crafty ladies you are!!

I am not craft challenged but I pretend like I am! I just never make the time to do stuff unless it is around the holidays and i feel pretty homey.

Star I Pm'ed you back.

I am so tired today and I think I am close to TOM cause I could eat a house and I had a couple near misses today. the only thing I think that saved me was thinking....urgh I am on the computer all day tomorrow do I really want to do that while i am craving carbs all day cause i cheated. NO! I did have a lick of teriyaki sauce off of the kids chicken but that is it! And i am outta Carb Smart ice cream so i am stuck just dealing with it....& I just gotta give it up and be good! :)

Have a lovely night chickies!