Too cute to eat cake--niece's birthday.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Pamper Yourself in the Kitchen
This is a little different topic than I usually write about. I saw this video on Youtube and just had to share it with you! If you hate to peel potatoes like I do, this is a great way to creatively "peel" potatoes. Pampering yourself anywhere is always a good idea. :)
(Thanks to www.skiptomylou.org for directing me there.)
(Thanks to www.skiptomylou.org for directing me there.)
Monday, January 4, 2010
Easy Ways to Exercise
Is one of your New Year's Resolutions to get more exercise? Here are some easy to follow exercise tips which you can follow during your day to day activities. Staying healthy can be easy!
Walk 10 Minutes a Day and Increase Your Fitness Level
New studies show that even short bouts of activity can increase your fitness level, especially if you're new at working out. A brisk walk will burn the same amount of calories per mile that jogging does (approx. 100 calories). It’s important to get your heart pumping during a walk. Remember to stretch!
Park and Walk
Whenever you have an errand, park your car as far away as you can handle and walk to the store. (My husband has been doing that for years. He has never been one to drive around to find a closer spot! I guess I'll have to follow his example.)At the mall, park at the farthest end and walk the length of the mall. Use every opportunity to walk. At the end of the day, it all adds up to better fitness.
Climb Stairs
Try climbing plain old stairs. This can be done at home, in your office, apartment building, or on stair-climbing machines in the gym. Climbing two steps at a time is good for building the quadriceps (thigh muscles) and the gluteus (butt). Going down steps builds strength in the quadriceps and to a lesser extent, the hamstrings.
New studies show that even short bouts of activity can increase your fitness level, especially if you're new at working out. A brisk walk will burn the same amount of calories per mile that jogging does (approx. 100 calories). It’s important to get your heart pumping during a walk. Remember to stretch!
Park and Walk
Whenever you have an errand, park your car as far away as you can handle and walk to the store. (My husband has been doing that for years. He has never been one to drive around to find a closer spot! I guess I'll have to follow his example.)At the mall, park at the farthest end and walk the length of the mall. Use every opportunity to walk. At the end of the day, it all adds up to better fitness.
Climb Stairs
Try climbing plain old stairs. This can be done at home, in your office, apartment building, or on stair-climbing machines in the gym. Climbing two steps at a time is good for building the quadriceps (thigh muscles) and the gluteus (butt). Going down steps builds strength in the quadriceps and to a lesser extent, the hamstrings.
Recliner Reps
Put a couple hand weights by your recliner and while you're watching television or a movie, grab the hand weights and do some arm curls. You'd be amazed at how creative you can get in finding ways to work different muscles while sitting in a recliner. Even if you only do it during the commercials you're still exercising. (I did hear of someone that replaced their recliner with a stationary bike...)
Do The Flex
Can you flex your abs? your butt? Try this each time something happens. For example, flex your abs every time you answer the phone or text. Or when driving, flex your butt every time you turn.
The benefits of exercise are many. It strengthens the heart muscle, builds energy levels, lowers blood pressure, improves muscle tone and strength, helps reduce body fat, makes you look healthy, fit…even sexy! Really, there's no good reason not to exercise!
Have you got a creative way to sneak in some exercise? We'd love to hear about it!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Forming Lasting Habits
Anne-Marie (The Soap Queen) writes on her blog about a New Year's resolution last year that became a habit for her. A simple one of flossing her teeth everyday. She saw the statistics that said she could increase her life by flossing. So she added it to her daily routine.
I think that's a great way to pick a resolution. Anne-Marie lists some ideas on how to go about picking goals/resolutions. She says they should be SMART. (http://www.soap-queen.blogspot.com)igoing/ I'm going to follow her advice. Since I already floss my teeth everyday, I'm going to add exfoliating my face twice a week. I've read that it's one way for "mature skin" (yeah, a nice way to put it) to look a little younger. I've got ingredients to make an exfoliant that I would like and use.
So try thinking about those New Year's resolutions as a new habit that you want to form!
I think that's a great way to pick a resolution. Anne-Marie lists some ideas on how to go about picking goals/resolutions. She says they should be SMART. (http://www.soap-queen.blogspot.com)igoing/ I'm going to follow her advice. Since I already floss my teeth everyday, I'm going to add exfoliating my face twice a week. I've read that it's one way for "mature skin" (yeah, a nice way to put it) to look a little younger. I've got ingredients to make an exfoliant that I would like and use.
So try thinking about those New Year's resolutions as a new habit that you want to form!
2010 Wedding Trends and Colors
I have a son getting married in May so I am always interested in wedding articles. My future daughter-in-law is having fun with the wedding plans. I found this information about spring weddings and wanted to share it with her and with any of you involved in wedding planning.
According to the Pantone Color Report designers are bringing splashes of sunshine for spring weddings in 2010. To read more about the colors and trends you can go to the Party Blog and read her great post. She also has lots of great photos of colors, decorations, clothes and more. http://ow.ly/SjgM
If you have other wedding blogs to recommend, we'd appreciate you leaving a comment for us. Our wedding is in May so we have some time to plan yet.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
New Year's Eve Party Ideas
Tip Junkie has some really fun party ideas for New Year's Eve. Check them out at:
http://ow.ly/R6j4
http://ow.ly/R6j4
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Resolutions for the New Year
Another year means another list of New Year's resolutions. How long is your list this year? Here are some resolutions to try. Don’t attempt them all but choose a few to get your year off to a great start.
BE REALISTIC
Too many people start the New Year with a list of goals about their weight, smoking etc. While it’s good to have goals it’s also important to remember enjoy the present and not let the future rob you of today’s joy. Set realistic goals that you can manage.
TAKE MORE WALKS
If you haven't taken a walk for awhile, get moving! I bet you'll feel more refreshed and less stressed about the world. The simple act of walking – away from your office or home - allows you to enjoy nature and exercise all at once.
WATCH LESS TV
I’m not going to suggest that you give up TV but a few less hours a week wouldn't hurt. Evidence links TV viewing to unhealthy outcomes such as obesity. So turn off the TV now and then. You’ll find lots to do with the extra time!
MAKE TIME TO PLAY
Games whether it’s a board game, crossword puzzle or even a new sport can help to keep your mind sharp. Playing games with your kids or significant other helps you to stay connected and can help you to relax.
SPOIL YOURSELF
Schedule a vacation, plan a date night, or just commit to taking an hour or so at least once a week and relaxing all by yourself. You're worth it.
The two that I am going to work on are “Watching Less TV” and “Spoiling Myself”. I know I can make better use of my time by cutting out meaningless tv. After this past busy Christmas season I could really use some pampering—so, I’m going to treat myself to a massage regularly and find time to unwind with my new itouch.
Care to share any of your resolutions?
BE REALISTIC
Too many people start the New Year with a list of goals about their weight, smoking etc. While it’s good to have goals it’s also important to remember enjoy the present and not let the future rob you of today’s joy. Set realistic goals that you can manage.
TAKE MORE WALKS
If you haven't taken a walk for awhile, get moving! I bet you'll feel more refreshed and less stressed about the world. The simple act of walking – away from your office or home - allows you to enjoy nature and exercise all at once.
WATCH LESS TV
I’m not going to suggest that you give up TV but a few less hours a week wouldn't hurt. Evidence links TV viewing to unhealthy outcomes such as obesity. So turn off the TV now and then. You’ll find lots to do with the extra time!
MAKE TIME TO PLAY
Games whether it’s a board game, crossword puzzle or even a new sport can help to keep your mind sharp. Playing games with your kids or significant other helps you to stay connected and can help you to relax.
SPOIL YOURSELF
Schedule a vacation, plan a date night, or just commit to taking an hour or so at least once a week and relaxing all by yourself. You're worth it.
The two that I am going to work on are “Watching Less TV” and “Spoiling Myself”. I know I can make better use of my time by cutting out meaningless tv. After this past busy Christmas season I could really use some pampering—so, I’m going to treat myself to a massage regularly and find time to unwind with my new itouch.
Care to share any of your resolutions?
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