I have so many little good things to share. God has blessed our house so many times, and I just want to share the joy with everyone. I don't really have one specific topic, and I think that listing out what I have seen lately is the easiest, and the best way to share what little joys my life has had in the past few weeks.
1. This pregnancy has been such a blessing for me. I am so excited to be having another sweet little girl! I love to feel her kick me, and nudge inside when I am doing something she likes or doesn't. I feel like she is saying "hey mom, I am in here and I love you." I cannot wait to show her just how much I already love her and how amazing she already is. When you have your first child you learn that you have a whole new level of love, and you never thought you could love someone quite this much. When you have your second you learn that each child is loved that much, and your heart literally grows another for each child. Now, I get to have that for a third time.
2. Samantha is blossoming at school. She is loving, and sweet, and so caring. The first day of school, Bill and I came together to pick Samantha up and she was in her classroom. She didn't know that we could hear and see her. There was another child crying and she went right up and offered to make them feel better. She wanted to give him chinners (a strange thing that we do in our family where you bump your chin on someone to let them know that you have overwhelming love for them. It is kind of like a big hug. I know it sounds weird, but it is one of those things your kids make up and it gets incorporated and becomes dear to you.) She settled on hugging the crying child instead, and I was so proud of her for stepping right up.
3. Phebe is getting to be so big. I am overwhelmed by how mature, and how understanding she is. I cannot believe it is going by this fast, and that she is already about to turn 9. How did it go by so fast. I am so thankful that I have been around for everything from her first words to her first day of school, to her first crush. I have not had to miss a moment, and I am so thankful for that.
4. A note on kids who are NOT my kids, but I consider them honorary kids. Parker (bestfriend's son) last week made my ENTIRE day because he hugged me 3 times before leaving, and then had to come back to the door again to hug me and tell me he loved me. I love it! Robby (other best friend's son) always comes over and compliments my cooking and tells me how delicious everything is. It is really sweet and nice to hear!
That is all just a blog of happiness.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
The baby stole my brain-working out with a cold
I don't have a title for this blog mostly because I don't have any real reason to blog. I just felt it necessary since I have not written anything in months. I am going to pull out the mom card here, and say this baby ate my brain. I cannot even start a book I haven't read before without confusion. I have a list of interesting blogs that I can start and should be able to write, but I don't have the mental capacity to try it.
In reflection of my life this past week, being both pregnant and sick, I decided to make today's blog about working out with a cold. Obviously, regular moderate exercise is something that will prevent a cold. According to a lot of findings, exercise helps make your immune system more capable of fighting off a cold or a flu. But what do you do when you have already gotten a cold? Should you workout, or should you skip for a few days and rest?
There are a few rules of thumb for working out with a cold.
1. Listen to your body. If you are extremely tired, or have a higher heart rate already due to decongestants then take it easy.. Decongestants and a few other cold medications are known stimulants, and you might find yourself short of breath a lot easier. If you just have a head cold, go ahead and workout.
2. Don't workout if your chest is congested or if you have a fever. The rule of thumb is if you have a head cold, go ahead and do some moderately intense workout. But if your chest is congested, or you already have a fever it is better for you to rest and stay in bed.
3. Stick to moderate intensity. It is never a good idea to do a really intense workout when you are sick. Moderate intensity however, should help your immune system along on the process. If you are tired, but still feel the need to do something try yoga, pilates or a short walk.
4. Rest and drink up. Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids and in general let your body rest more than normal.
Back to heal myself. :)
In reflection of my life this past week, being both pregnant and sick, I decided to make today's blog about working out with a cold. Obviously, regular moderate exercise is something that will prevent a cold. According to a lot of findings, exercise helps make your immune system more capable of fighting off a cold or a flu. But what do you do when you have already gotten a cold? Should you workout, or should you skip for a few days and rest?
There are a few rules of thumb for working out with a cold.
1. Listen to your body. If you are extremely tired, or have a higher heart rate already due to decongestants then take it easy.. Decongestants and a few other cold medications are known stimulants, and you might find yourself short of breath a lot easier. If you just have a head cold, go ahead and workout.
2. Don't workout if your chest is congested or if you have a fever. The rule of thumb is if you have a head cold, go ahead and do some moderately intense workout. But if your chest is congested, or you already have a fever it is better for you to rest and stay in bed.
3. Stick to moderate intensity. It is never a good idea to do a really intense workout when you are sick. Moderate intensity however, should help your immune system along on the process. If you are tired, but still feel the need to do something try yoga, pilates or a short walk.
4. Rest and drink up. Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids and in general let your body rest more than normal.
Back to heal myself. :)
Friday, July 1, 2011
Best and Worst Vending Machine Foods
One of my best friends is currently as she states "on the vending machine diet." She has been visiting for days at a time in the hospital where the only easy access food she has is to a single vending machine. This makes me sad, but also prompted me to write this entry about the choices we are making at the vending machine, or while running into the pharmacy.
Think about it, back when pharmacy's first came out you went in for your drugs. You were not inundated with food choices (and poor ones at that). But we have all be stuck before, we have all been in that place where we HAVE to make a choice, there is no other option. Sooooo, what are the best choices? And what choices should be avoided at all costs?
After careful research and consideration the stats are in!
WORST VENDING MACHINE FOODS:
HOSTESS FRUIT PIES- at a whopping 470 calories, and 20-27 grams of fat these little cakes are diet sabotage. Not to mention the 40 grams of sugar and minimal protein. If you have never eaten one of these before then good for you, if you still buy these I would permanently take them off your list.
SECOND PLACE WINNERS:
Frosted Pastries
Reese's Peanut butter cups
Chips
Austin Cheese crackers (a trans fat nightmare)
Any form of candy like skittles, twix or 3 Musketeers (all sugar, no protein or fiber here)
BEST VENDING MACHINE FOODS:
TRAIL MIX OR NUTS: This is an obvious winner, you have fiber, healthy fat, and protein here. For less calories than your fruit pie your sweet tooth will be satisfied and you will be full longer. Most vending machines now have either Trail mix, peanuts, or sometimes even sunflower seeds.
SECOND PLACE WINNERS:
Energy bars
Granola bars like Nutri Grain Oats and Honey (crunchy and full of fiber)
Cereal bars
Candy like Snickers, Payday or Peanut M&Ms (these are not the best choice it is still candy and full of stuff you don't need, but the peanuts at least make them a better choice than their non-peanut candy choices.)
Pretzels
Smartfood Popcorn (lowfat and full of fiber!)
Next time you are at the vending machine think about what you are ordering, or if you really cannot wait until you get home to have a healthy snack.
Think about it, back when pharmacy's first came out you went in for your drugs. You were not inundated with food choices (and poor ones at that). But we have all be stuck before, we have all been in that place where we HAVE to make a choice, there is no other option. Sooooo, what are the best choices? And what choices should be avoided at all costs?
After careful research and consideration the stats are in!
WORST VENDING MACHINE FOODS:
HOSTESS FRUIT PIES- at a whopping 470 calories, and 20-27 grams of fat these little cakes are diet sabotage. Not to mention the 40 grams of sugar and minimal protein. If you have never eaten one of these before then good for you, if you still buy these I would permanently take them off your list.
SECOND PLACE WINNERS:
Frosted Pastries
Reese's Peanut butter cups
Chips
Austin Cheese crackers (a trans fat nightmare)
Any form of candy like skittles, twix or 3 Musketeers (all sugar, no protein or fiber here)
BEST VENDING MACHINE FOODS:
TRAIL MIX OR NUTS: This is an obvious winner, you have fiber, healthy fat, and protein here. For less calories than your fruit pie your sweet tooth will be satisfied and you will be full longer. Most vending machines now have either Trail mix, peanuts, or sometimes even sunflower seeds.
SECOND PLACE WINNERS:
Energy bars
Granola bars like Nutri Grain Oats and Honey (crunchy and full of fiber)
Cereal bars
Candy like Snickers, Payday or Peanut M&Ms (these are not the best choice it is still candy and full of stuff you don't need, but the peanuts at least make them a better choice than their non-peanut candy choices.)
Pretzels
Smartfood Popcorn (lowfat and full of fiber!)
Next time you are at the vending machine think about what you are ordering, or if you really cannot wait until you get home to have a healthy snack.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Blogger
I just had to pop on and state that I am NOT in fact a lazy blogger. I have been trying to get on to my blog for the last month or so, and it has not been working. I found out why today, we are no longer blogspot. It is blogger now.... Thanks for notifying me google. I really appreciate it. On the upside, I now have a back log of blogs to add on in the next few weeks! :)
Monday, May 2, 2011
Ouch I am sore, an excuse not to workout?
I love the feeling of waking up in the morning stretching out and instantly knowing that I am going to be sore when my feet hit the ground. I peak my feet out from under the covers into the cool morning air and slide them to the floor. Upon standing, I feel it. I am sore. That soreness means my workout the day before was probably amazing, and at the very least challenging or different than I usually work. This makes me smile. My friends think this makes me crazy.
This soreness is also called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS. How does DOMS occur, and what is it? DOMS is basically small tears in the muscle and as the tears heal the muscle grows stronger. DOMS can be experienced by anyone at any fitness level. That is right beginners, your friends working out at the advanced level can (and do) feel the same thing. That is the good news. Do you want to know the bad news? Sore muscles are not an excuse to take a few days off.
So, what do you do to prevent and treat DOMS?
Here are a few links for more information if you need it:
Sports Fitness Advisor
Sports Medicine
This soreness is also called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS. How does DOMS occur, and what is it? DOMS is basically small tears in the muscle and as the tears heal the muscle grows stronger. DOMS can be experienced by anyone at any fitness level. That is right beginners, your friends working out at the advanced level can (and do) feel the same thing. That is the good news. Do you want to know the bad news? Sore muscles are not an excuse to take a few days off.
So, what do you do to prevent and treat DOMS?
- Always warm up, warm muscles will tear less. Less tearing means less soreness.
- Stretch out your muscles when your workout is done. Hold each stretch for at least 10-15 seconds. Believe me, the stretching not only feels good, but has a benefit.
- When you have DOMS, take an anti-inflammatory. It will help the pain and the inflammation.
- If DOMS is really bad ICE it!
- Make your next few days, "active recovery" days. Don't hit the sore muscle groups really hard right away, but add in cardio, or yoga, and make those days still count! On top of still getting your workout in, staying active can make those muscles feel better.
Here are a few links for more information if you need it:
Sports Fitness Advisor
Sports Medicine
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Jillian's Ripped in 30 a Review
This week, despite the fact that I am still participating in a Jillian's 30 day shred challenge, I decided to try Jillians Ripped in 30. (Yes, you read that right, that is in addition to what I am already doing.) I couldn't help it. I got the new dvd in the mail, and it was like a shiny new toy for a child. I had to try it that day.
The principle behind the Ripped dvd is 4 workouts about 25 minutes each, you do each level for a week and your challenge is completed in 30 days. Hence the name, Ripped in 30.
I decided to break down the review by level. First, let me tell you that Jillian gives you beginner modifications on all 4 levels, much to her chagrin. Even on the last level where she claims that there should be no beginner modifications on a level 4 she does show you how to make the moves a little easier if you are just starting out. I was extremely thankful for the modifications because there were several moves that I could not do the entire time. While I am far from a beginner Jillian takes working out to another level where you really do have to build up to being able to do all the moves. She doesn't leave room for shenanigans though, all the moves are hard, and she claims if 400 pound people on the Biggest Loser can do the moves, so can you.
Level 1: I got through level one with no real problems. It was a decent workout, but not the hardest thing I have ever done.
Level 2: I get about half way through this level when it dawns on me that level 2 of Ripped in 30, is harder than level 3 in the 30 day Shred! Now, I am really excited and curious to find out what levels 3 and 4 bring.
Level 3: This level was fun, the moves Jillian chose were not moves I have ever done before. A bear crawl, rock star sit ups, duck walk. It sounds silly but my quads were screaming by the end. I was so excited after finishing Level 3 I had to dive right into level 4.
Level 4: Jillian boasts that never before has there been a level 4. Level 4 was definitely a challenge. Even Basheera who is a gorgeous albeit beast of a woman has a hard time finishing level 4 at the advanced level.
Overall, I loved it. Jillian is true to form, she is witty, and challenging. When you want to give up she yells at you. I don't know about, you but when Jillian yells things at me like "Do you want to be skinny or not?" It makes me move! My favorite Jillian moment in the dvd was when she pretended to bite the butt of one of the girls. I laughed so hard I almost fell out of my workout stance.
Here is my overall review (out of 5 stars)
Trainer likeability: *****
Easy to Follow?: ****
Long term likeability: ****
Overall likeability: *****
The principle behind the Ripped dvd is 4 workouts about 25 minutes each, you do each level for a week and your challenge is completed in 30 days. Hence the name, Ripped in 30.
I decided to break down the review by level. First, let me tell you that Jillian gives you beginner modifications on all 4 levels, much to her chagrin. Even on the last level where she claims that there should be no beginner modifications on a level 4 she does show you how to make the moves a little easier if you are just starting out. I was extremely thankful for the modifications because there were several moves that I could not do the entire time. While I am far from a beginner Jillian takes working out to another level where you really do have to build up to being able to do all the moves. She doesn't leave room for shenanigans though, all the moves are hard, and she claims if 400 pound people on the Biggest Loser can do the moves, so can you.
Level 1: I got through level one with no real problems. It was a decent workout, but not the hardest thing I have ever done.
Level 2: I get about half way through this level when it dawns on me that level 2 of Ripped in 30, is harder than level 3 in the 30 day Shred! Now, I am really excited and curious to find out what levels 3 and 4 bring.
Level 3: This level was fun, the moves Jillian chose were not moves I have ever done before. A bear crawl, rock star sit ups, duck walk. It sounds silly but my quads were screaming by the end. I was so excited after finishing Level 3 I had to dive right into level 4.
Level 4: Jillian boasts that never before has there been a level 4. Level 4 was definitely a challenge. Even Basheera who is a gorgeous albeit beast of a woman has a hard time finishing level 4 at the advanced level.
Overall, I loved it. Jillian is true to form, she is witty, and challenging. When you want to give up she yells at you. I don't know about, you but when Jillian yells things at me like "Do you want to be skinny or not?" It makes me move! My favorite Jillian moment in the dvd was when she pretended to bite the butt of one of the girls. I laughed so hard I almost fell out of my workout stance.
Here is my overall review (out of 5 stars)
Trainer likeability: *****
Easy to Follow?: ****
Long term likeability: ****
Overall likeability: *****
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Incredible Edible Egg
Yesterday was one of the longest days I have had in a long time. The day was actually really great, but it was long. Thank goodness I got up early, and squeezed my workout in before the day got too hectic. I always feel better at the end of the day knowing that I have done it, and I don't need to worry about it anymore. But that is not what today is about.
Easter Weekend is upon us, and tonight we are decorating eggs. If you are anything like me and my family our celebration of Easter is always exciting. Easter is, in my opinion, the most important holiday of the year. It is the holiday we celebrate what a wonderful, amazing gift we have received from God. (Note: I did not say my favorite to celebrate, it is my second favorite to celebrate because I LOVE Christmas). At my house decorating eggs is a free for all, they do not need to be perfect, and there is not a contest, but there are usually at least three qualifications. 1. Everyone has to have an egg with their name on it. 2. Someone always makes a poop colored egg, and everyone laughs. And 3. My mom likes to make an egg that says something along the lines of "Help Let me out." She makes this egg every year, and every year it is her favorite, and every year it makes her laugh. My mom laughing is a beautiful thing, and therefore I love it!
The bad thing about decorating eggs is that then you have 2-3 dozen hard boiled eggs that you have to eat. Sometimes more. I can only take so much egg salad. I am only human.
This year I wanted to post a few healthy egg recipes for all your post Easter needs:
1. Salad. Make yourself a delicious cobb salad with fresh turkey, lettuce, tomatos, sugar snap peas and a little egg. If you don't eat meat sub in some delicious tofu, or garbanzo beans. Drizzle on a little balsamic glaze (or your favorite low calorie dressing) and enjoy.
2. Upgraded egg salad. The thing that makes egg salad so bad for you is the mayo. Skip the mayo and go with lowfat greek yogurt. Add celery, onion, mustard (for some zip), salt and pepper, and you are ready to pop that onto a slice of your favorite whole grain bread with some lettuce and fresh sliced tomato.
3. Here is a delicious recipe that I found for tuna salad stuffed tomatoes. Yum! http://www.fromargentinawithlove.typepad.com/from_argentina_with_love/2009/04/tuna-stuffed-tomatoestomates-rellenos.html
What are some of your ideas?
Easter Weekend is upon us, and tonight we are decorating eggs. If you are anything like me and my family our celebration of Easter is always exciting. Easter is, in my opinion, the most important holiday of the year. It is the holiday we celebrate what a wonderful, amazing gift we have received from God. (Note: I did not say my favorite to celebrate, it is my second favorite to celebrate because I LOVE Christmas). At my house decorating eggs is a free for all, they do not need to be perfect, and there is not a contest, but there are usually at least three qualifications. 1. Everyone has to have an egg with their name on it. 2. Someone always makes a poop colored egg, and everyone laughs. And 3. My mom likes to make an egg that says something along the lines of "Help Let me out." She makes this egg every year, and every year it is her favorite, and every year it makes her laugh. My mom laughing is a beautiful thing, and therefore I love it!
The bad thing about decorating eggs is that then you have 2-3 dozen hard boiled eggs that you have to eat. Sometimes more. I can only take so much egg salad. I am only human.
This year I wanted to post a few healthy egg recipes for all your post Easter needs:
1. Salad. Make yourself a delicious cobb salad with fresh turkey, lettuce, tomatos, sugar snap peas and a little egg. If you don't eat meat sub in some delicious tofu, or garbanzo beans. Drizzle on a little balsamic glaze (or your favorite low calorie dressing) and enjoy.
2. Upgraded egg salad. The thing that makes egg salad so bad for you is the mayo. Skip the mayo and go with lowfat greek yogurt. Add celery, onion, mustard (for some zip), salt and pepper, and you are ready to pop that onto a slice of your favorite whole grain bread with some lettuce and fresh sliced tomato.
3. Here is a delicious recipe that I found for tuna salad stuffed tomatoes. Yum! http://www.fromargentinawithlove.typepad.com/from_argentina_with_love/2009/04/tuna-stuffed-tomatoestomates-rellenos.html
What are some of your ideas?
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