Saturday, March 13, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Oops, I did it again!
Hi all!
Ok, so it wasn't exactly an oops, but I did Zumba again on Tuesday! This time one of my friends was there who has been doing the class for a little while. It was nice to see a friendly face. I totally recommend going with someone else. Even if you are both new to Zumba a friend helps-just for morale support-when you mess up the steps or have no idea how to even start to follow along (been there!).
Here's what changed for me this time: My gal friend said, "Ooooo, I like this one because it really works your butt!" That got me thinking. Instead of just seeing this as sexy, latin dance think about why you are doing the move you are doing. By bouncing your butt in the air you really are strengthening your glutes! I felt the burn. When I focused on that fact, instead of how some of this felt inappropriate in public (and I still kind of wish the that the floor to ceiling windows and doors weren't completely glass and next to the free-weights where the men typically hang out), I started to really see the benefit of Zumba and why it is catching on.
There is another element at work--it is fun! You are dancing and moving feet and raising your arms and squating and lunging and, yes, shaking your groove thang. I was sore after the first time for a couple days in places I wasn't used to. This time was better on the soreness factor. It is an excellent way to challenge your muscles in a different way than other exercise like running or yoga. Also, this is latin-inspired. There is an element of sexiness that is undeniable. I was at a party with some other ladies and (this was before I'd tried Zumba) one woman recommended you not practice Zumba naked in front of the mirror if your husband is around. You won't be practicing Zumba moves anymore... ANYWAY
So, second time out, I had more fun partially because I knew what to expect and partially because I had a friend there. :) I will let you know what my conclusion is after two more classes. I figured I should give it a fair shake (pun intended ;) ). AND there was less booty shaking this time (not my imagination at work here--someone else commented too)... however, there was more booby shaking, lol. Ladies (and--this is a little awkward for me to say, sorry--gentlemen, if applicable), doubling up the sports bras to keep girls in check if you are well-endowed is a must.
Lastly, went for a bike ride with my daughter today! She asked and I couldn't resist (little brother napped at home with daddy!). We did about 40 minutes. Man, oh man, I forgot how much biking really works those inner thighs! My daughter rode in the bike trailer for this one so that was at least 55 pounds I was hauling between her and the trailer. Good workout and great treat for my baby!
Grandpa, I know you are reading this blog. Please get that Princess bike soon so I can just haul your grandson next time and your granddaughter can ride next to me. Much obliged! :)
Blessings all,
R
Ok, so it wasn't exactly an oops, but I did Zumba again on Tuesday! This time one of my friends was there who has been doing the class for a little while. It was nice to see a friendly face. I totally recommend going with someone else. Even if you are both new to Zumba a friend helps-just for morale support-when you mess up the steps or have no idea how to even start to follow along (been there!).
Here's what changed for me this time: My gal friend said, "Ooooo, I like this one because it really works your butt!" That got me thinking. Instead of just seeing this as sexy, latin dance think about why you are doing the move you are doing. By bouncing your butt in the air you really are strengthening your glutes! I felt the burn. When I focused on that fact, instead of how some of this felt inappropriate in public (and I still kind of wish the that the floor to ceiling windows and doors weren't completely glass and next to the free-weights where the men typically hang out), I started to really see the benefit of Zumba and why it is catching on.
There is another element at work--it is fun! You are dancing and moving feet and raising your arms and squating and lunging and, yes, shaking your groove thang. I was sore after the first time for a couple days in places I wasn't used to. This time was better on the soreness factor. It is an excellent way to challenge your muscles in a different way than other exercise like running or yoga. Also, this is latin-inspired. There is an element of sexiness that is undeniable. I was at a party with some other ladies and (this was before I'd tried Zumba) one woman recommended you not practice Zumba naked in front of the mirror if your husband is around. You won't be practicing Zumba moves anymore... ANYWAY
So, second time out, I had more fun partially because I knew what to expect and partially because I had a friend there. :) I will let you know what my conclusion is after two more classes. I figured I should give it a fair shake (pun intended ;) ). AND there was less booty shaking this time (not my imagination at work here--someone else commented too)... however, there was more booby shaking, lol. Ladies (and--this is a little awkward for me to say, sorry--gentlemen, if applicable), doubling up the sports bras to keep girls in check if you are well-endowed is a must.
Lastly, went for a bike ride with my daughter today! She asked and I couldn't resist (little brother napped at home with daddy!). We did about 40 minutes. Man, oh man, I forgot how much biking really works those inner thighs! My daughter rode in the bike trailer for this one so that was at least 55 pounds I was hauling between her and the trailer. Good workout and great treat for my baby!
Grandpa, I know you are reading this blog. Please get that Princess bike soon so I can just haul your grandson next time and your granddaughter can ride next to me. Much obliged! :)
Blessings all,
R
Giveaways!!
Check out this blogger's giveaway!
http://imasleeperbaker.blogspot.com/2010/02/le-giveaway-of-le-creuset-it-kind-of.html
Someone else has a similar one you should check out too:
http://leighvslaundry.blogspot.com/2010/03/its-giveaway-time-at-leigh-vs-laundry.html
Ok, so it'd be super neat to win this stuff, don't you think? :)
R
P.S. Vote in my poll! Would you all want to see me disappear? Well, not exactly, but you get the idea... *muttering* That didn't quite sound as cute typed as it did in my head... And now I'm talking to myself, er, typing to myself... best stop now...
http://imasleeperbaker.blogspot.com/2010/02/le-giveaway-of-le-creuset-it-kind-of.html
Someone else has a similar one you should check out too:
http://leighvslaundry.blogspot.com/2010/03/its-giveaway-time-at-leigh-vs-laundry.html
Ok, so it'd be super neat to win this stuff, don't you think? :)
R
P.S. Vote in my poll! Would you all want to see me disappear? Well, not exactly, but you get the idea... *muttering* That didn't quite sound as cute typed as it did in my head... And now I'm talking to myself, er, typing to myself... best stop now...
And now, back to the show!
Hello all,
So we've been having a couple very interesting days around my house! I got my monthly visitor for the second time in about two years and barely slept (but I went out yesterday to find out if Midol makes a PM formula and, cha-ching!, they do!) and then my daughter got sick about 5:15 am and then daddy was called into work about five hours earlier than normal and it was raining (in Arizona!!) yet again (this is so not normal, but I do love it!) and life happened. Like my run-on sentence? It's time to get back to our regularly scheduled programming, or a more routine routine. :)
Yesterday was not one of my more shiney days as a mommy. We watched a lot of PBS kids. Anyone else love SuperWHY? :) Today has not been a shiney day in my mommy book either, but daddy is definitely filling that roll today. I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband. I married the most amazing man on the planet. You can try to disagree with me, but you'd be wrong (and I'm very biased and I don't care, lol).
Moving on, my eating plan went out the window yesterday. I incorporated some of my regular menu choices into what I ate, but went outside of it in a major way. I love peanut butter toast. It is my ultimate comfort food. :) I also went to In & Out for dinner. I'm not ashamed and I'm not letting this completely derail me. We are back on track today. And I will go back to a workout tonight. Here's something I know and you probably do too:
Just because one day doesn't go according to plan doesn't mean you chuck the whole plan. You just turn around the next day and get back to routine. No need to be discouraged or get down on yourself! Life happens and you need to move beyond measuring yourself against a perceived standard (set up by your expectations or the world's expectations) and live life.
So here are my questions for you: What standard(s) are you setting up in your life that are unrealistic and that you want to move beyond? What do you do when life doesn't go according to plan? What gets you back on track?
Feel free to comment!
Blessings,
R
P.S. I absolutely love my hobby! This one isn't for sale, yet (I might just keep it, tehe). Check out my Etsy store for others I've made. There's a button on the right----->
So we've been having a couple very interesting days around my house! I got my monthly visitor for the second time in about two years and barely slept (but I went out yesterday to find out if Midol makes a PM formula and, cha-ching!, they do!) and then my daughter got sick about 5:15 am and then daddy was called into work about five hours earlier than normal and it was raining (in Arizona!!) yet again (this is so not normal, but I do love it!) and life happened. Like my run-on sentence? It's time to get back to our regularly scheduled programming, or a more routine routine. :)
Yesterday was not one of my more shiney days as a mommy. We watched a lot of PBS kids. Anyone else love SuperWHY? :) Today has not been a shiney day in my mommy book either, but daddy is definitely filling that roll today. I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband. I married the most amazing man on the planet. You can try to disagree with me, but you'd be wrong (and I'm very biased and I don't care, lol).
Moving on, my eating plan went out the window yesterday. I incorporated some of my regular menu choices into what I ate, but went outside of it in a major way. I love peanut butter toast. It is my ultimate comfort food. :) I also went to In & Out for dinner. I'm not ashamed and I'm not letting this completely derail me. We are back on track today. And I will go back to a workout tonight. Here's something I know and you probably do too:
Just because one day doesn't go according to plan doesn't mean you chuck the whole plan. You just turn around the next day and get back to routine. No need to be discouraged or get down on yourself! Life happens and you need to move beyond measuring yourself against a perceived standard (set up by your expectations or the world's expectations) and live life.
So here are my questions for you: What standard(s) are you setting up in your life that are unrealistic and that you want to move beyond? What do you do when life doesn't go according to plan? What gets you back on track?
Feel free to comment!
Blessings,
R
P.S. I absolutely love my hobby! This one isn't for sale, yet (I might just keep it, tehe). Check out my Etsy store for others I've made. There's a button on the right----->
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Once a cheater...
Good morning all!
Thanks again to all who've commented! You are an encouragement to me! Yay, for Jessica and Steve! I'm so proud of you for taking the journey together as well as Katie and Phil!
You've heard the old saying, right? "Once a cheater, always a cheater." Well, last night my husband asked me if I could have a cheat day and eat pizza to celebrate him being home (he was suddenly sent out of town for a couple days, but is home now--it was very random, lol). I debated. My mind went back and forth and back and forth. I thought I could just get pizza for the rest of the fam and still have my chicken. That is what someone who is hardcore would totally do... Or I could give in and eat the pizza too. Well, I guess I'm just not that hardcore. My body wasn't actually craving pizza per say, but my mind had been craving it for about three days. I like that pizza is fast and easy and it tastes so good. We choose Papa Murphy's Cowboy pizza (pictured below). This is our family favorite and we used to eat it once a week (on Thursday there is one by us that has $4 off a family size pizza!!! I do so love a good deal). So, I gave in. I ate a piece. Then I went back for seconds. Here's the thing: I knew I was full. My body was telling me that I didn't need to eat anymore. However, my mind said, "You've already decided to cheat you may as well go all the way!" And all the way for me would have usually included dessert. I stopped at two pieces, no dessert. Small victory.
So, what is my plan of attack today? I'm going to go to the gym and double the time I usually spend there because I didn't go yesterday and I ate pizza yesterday. No, I don't feel guilty. Here's my motivation: I bought a pair of pants from NY & Co. that were on sale for $12.50 (again, I love a good deal & these pants just look amazing!!!) and my "normal" 16 was a bit loose on me. I asked if they had a 14 and they had to put it on hold at another store. I went over there (yes, kids in tow--they were troopers) and put them on and they fit! They fit!!! I haven't seen 14 in about one and a half years, ya'll! All those 12's hanging in my closet better watch out--I'm comin' for ya!!!
Blessings and be encouraged all! I'm so proud of you, Trina Sue! Keep it up!
R
Thanks again to all who've commented! You are an encouragement to me! Yay, for Jessica and Steve! I'm so proud of you for taking the journey together as well as Katie and Phil!
You've heard the old saying, right? "Once a cheater, always a cheater." Well, last night my husband asked me if I could have a cheat day and eat pizza to celebrate him being home (he was suddenly sent out of town for a couple days, but is home now--it was very random, lol). I debated. My mind went back and forth and back and forth. I thought I could just get pizza for the rest of the fam and still have my chicken. That is what someone who is hardcore would totally do... Or I could give in and eat the pizza too. Well, I guess I'm just not that hardcore. My body wasn't actually craving pizza per say, but my mind had been craving it for about three days. I like that pizza is fast and easy and it tastes so good. We choose Papa Murphy's Cowboy pizza (pictured below). This is our family favorite and we used to eat it once a week (on Thursday there is one by us that has $4 off a family size pizza!!! I do so love a good deal). So, I gave in. I ate a piece. Then I went back for seconds. Here's the thing: I knew I was full. My body was telling me that I didn't need to eat anymore. However, my mind said, "You've already decided to cheat you may as well go all the way!" And all the way for me would have usually included dessert. I stopped at two pieces, no dessert. Small victory.
So, what is my plan of attack today? I'm going to go to the gym and double the time I usually spend there because I didn't go yesterday and I ate pizza yesterday. No, I don't feel guilty. Here's my motivation: I bought a pair of pants from NY & Co. that were on sale for $12.50 (again, I love a good deal & these pants just look amazing!!!) and my "normal" 16 was a bit loose on me. I asked if they had a 14 and they had to put it on hold at another store. I went over there (yes, kids in tow--they were troopers) and put them on and they fit! They fit!!! I haven't seen 14 in about one and a half years, ya'll! All those 12's hanging in my closet better watch out--I'm comin' for ya!!!
Blessings and be encouraged all! I'm so proud of you, Trina Sue! Keep it up!
R
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Choices, choices, well, one choice anyway...
Hello all!
Some of you have left very kind comments on my facebook page regarding this blog and I'm so grateful for you! You are a great encouragement to me.
The topic I want to discuss is my limited food choices. I started to get just the tiniest bit bored with chicken for dinner on day two. Now that I'm on day five I've progressed to semi-dreading lunch and not even wanting to contemplate a dinner of chicken, yet again. Apparently, days three-five are some of the toughest. I can tell you that I've been finding that I'm very bored with chicken, even though I've been using different spices to, erm, spice it up. So, I asked my nutrition plan coordinator when I could incorporate green vegetables. Please, oh for the love of my sanity, please let it be soon! I got the go ahead to eat broccoli, 3 pieces of asparagus, cucumbers, and spinach! I'm really looking forward to my shopping trip to pick up these items, as well as more chicken *insert some sarcasm here*.
The one thing that has helped is the fact that I can have eggs OR yogurt for breakfast. I get a choice! I do like having a choice-we all like having choices. This is what I try to do for my daughter so she feels like she has some control over her life. I've read that this helps to eliminate fights between parents and children. It seems to work at my house. The fact that it generalizes to me as well shouldn't be surprising.
I had an interesting food day yesterday because I RAN OUT OF CHICKEN! I totally thought I had another pack in the freezer, but I was mistaken. What to do? I ended up grilled two pieces of high-fiber bread with my SmartBalance butter and a slice of cheese in the middle. I tried to think of what I was allowed to have and make a meal of of it. Volia! Then, since I didn't have time to make it over to the store (life with children), I ate scrambled eggs for dinner. My daughter then wanted to share her ice cream with me. I tried to get her to share it with her grandma, but she wouldn't have any of it. So I took one bite, and it was reallllllllllly good, and then stopped. I wasn't craving more, however, I was able to enjoy my one bite. :)
I've also enjoyed workouts the last couple days in the gym. Nothing working out within your target heart rate for 30-40 minutes! ;)
Blessings to you!
R
P.S. Check out my new Etsy store! There's a button on the right-hand side! And you can now follow me on Twitter! What fun! :)
Some of you have left very kind comments on my facebook page regarding this blog and I'm so grateful for you! You are a great encouragement to me.
The topic I want to discuss is my limited food choices. I started to get just the tiniest bit bored with chicken for dinner on day two. Now that I'm on day five I've progressed to semi-dreading lunch and not even wanting to contemplate a dinner of chicken, yet again. Apparently, days three-five are some of the toughest. I can tell you that I've been finding that I'm very bored with chicken, even though I've been using different spices to, erm, spice it up. So, I asked my nutrition plan coordinator when I could incorporate green vegetables. Please, oh for the love of my sanity, please let it be soon! I got the go ahead to eat broccoli, 3 pieces of asparagus, cucumbers, and spinach! I'm really looking forward to my shopping trip to pick up these items, as well as more chicken *insert some sarcasm here*.
The one thing that has helped is the fact that I can have eggs OR yogurt for breakfast. I get a choice! I do like having a choice-we all like having choices. This is what I try to do for my daughter so she feels like she has some control over her life. I've read that this helps to eliminate fights between parents and children. It seems to work at my house. The fact that it generalizes to me as well shouldn't be surprising.
I had an interesting food day yesterday because I RAN OUT OF CHICKEN! I totally thought I had another pack in the freezer, but I was mistaken. What to do? I ended up grilled two pieces of high-fiber bread with my SmartBalance butter and a slice of cheese in the middle. I tried to think of what I was allowed to have and make a meal of of it. Volia! Then, since I didn't have time to make it over to the store (life with children), I ate scrambled eggs for dinner. My daughter then wanted to share her ice cream with me. I tried to get her to share it with her grandma, but she wouldn't have any of it. So I took one bite, and it was reallllllllllly good, and then stopped. I wasn't craving more, however, I was able to enjoy my one bite. :)
I've also enjoyed workouts the last couple days in the gym. Nothing working out within your target heart rate for 30-40 minutes! ;)
Blessings to you!
R
P.S. Check out my new Etsy store! There's a button on the right-hand side! And you can now follow me on Twitter! What fun! :)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Mama never fried a chicken...
Greetings and salutations, one and all!
Today is the third day of the new eating plan! I have another confession. No, no cheating today.
Here it is: I don't cook meat. I'm a decent cook, but I absolutely hate cooking meat. I do ok with hamburger, but to this point I've only done chicken/chicken breast when hard pressed to do so. How is it I've been eating chicken the past few days you wonder? I have the most wonderful husband on the planet! He is the chef in this family (I'm the baker!). He is out of town today and I am on my own for cooking up some chicken. No, I do not plan to fry it as that would be throwing the new, healthy eating out the window. :)
Now, I tried to remember all he told me for making it flavorful, best ways to cook it, spices to use, techniques, etc. I semi-succeeded. It doesn't taste half bad if I do say so myself! The outside was a tad tough and a couple of spots were a little rubbery, but overall I did a good job. It wasn't even pink when I opened it up! Whoot! First time in a long time I've cooked chicken and no pinkness. I think I will have to flatten it more next time or cut it in to strips so I can cook it all evenly. I got my chicken breasts from Costco and they are rather thick on one end versus the other. I did flatten them some today before cooking, however, I will probably do it more tomorrow.
What are your tips for cooking chicken breasts?
Blessings,
R
P.S. It is my goal to sell some of the hand towels I've crocheted. Great for house warmings, bridal showers, wedding gifts, baby showers, and more. If you are interested stay tuned!
Today is the third day of the new eating plan! I have another confession. No, no cheating today.
Here it is: I don't cook meat. I'm a decent cook, but I absolutely hate cooking meat. I do ok with hamburger, but to this point I've only done chicken/chicken breast when hard pressed to do so. How is it I've been eating chicken the past few days you wonder? I have the most wonderful husband on the planet! He is the chef in this family (I'm the baker!). He is out of town today and I am on my own for cooking up some chicken. No, I do not plan to fry it as that would be throwing the new, healthy eating out the window. :)
Now, I tried to remember all he told me for making it flavorful, best ways to cook it, spices to use, techniques, etc. I semi-succeeded. It doesn't taste half bad if I do say so myself! The outside was a tad tough and a couple of spots were a little rubbery, but overall I did a good job. It wasn't even pink when I opened it up! Whoot! First time in a long time I've cooked chicken and no pinkness. I think I will have to flatten it more next time or cut it in to strips so I can cook it all evenly. I got my chicken breasts from Costco and they are rather thick on one end versus the other. I did flatten them some today before cooking, however, I will probably do it more tomorrow.
What are your tips for cooking chicken breasts?
Blessings,
R
P.S. It is my goal to sell some of the hand towels I've crocheted. Great for house warmings, bridal showers, wedding gifts, baby showers, and more. If you are interested stay tuned!
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