Wednesday, August 31, 2011

It's My Birthday...

Oh Yes, it is.  I will not reveal my true age, but let me say that I tell the kids that I am 21 and have for the past several years.  

Today is the start of a new time in my life.  My family is complete.  No more babies (until grandchildren) for me.  Lots of new things on the horizon. 

Yep! Yep!  This will be an exciting year!





Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Diet Pills --- Friend or Foe ???

I guess that would all depend on you.  My own personal (and very humble) opinion is that they are not good for you.

I am sure that there are some that will help you lose weight.  I admit that I took some kind several years ago...they made me feel like my heart was beating out of my chest and I was going to vomit.  I thought to myself, "No wonder they make you lose weight.  YOU CAN'T EAT!!!"  What fun is that???

But in reality, if you eat well 90% of the time (hey, we all want a piece of birthday cake!) and you are active, you will be a FIT YOU! 


Truth is, you do not have to be toothpick skinny to be fit and healthy.  As long as you are happy with who you are, that is all that matters. 

Monday, August 29, 2011

Love is Patient

Ok, so I started reading the "Love Dare" on Saturday.  It is a 40 day journey, and I started it!

Day 1 is "Love is Patient".  And I have to admit that my Saturday was not a GREAT day.  I did not get to work out for many reasons.  Anyway, I was sitting here having myself a small little pity party over something dumb, and I realized that what I read does not have to strictly apply to my marriage.  Love is (and needs to be) patient with all the people that I love. 

I know that patience is a virtue that I need to work on, and that is my goal for this week.

Love is Patient, and I love some people dearly, so...I need to be patient!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Candle or Mirror ?

Edith Wharton said, "There are two ways to spread light; to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it."

 Yes, very cool candles.  I got the image here.

Which one are you?

 I like this mirror, and I got the image here.



I think I am a mirror.  I don't think I give light as much as I reflect it.  My light (inspirations) comes from God, my children, my husband, friends, etc.

So, The big question of the day...Are you a candle or a mirror?  What does the light you give say about you?

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Yesterday's Blog

When I was reading the article about donuts, the one I blogged about yesterday...I was reminded of a story.  This story is a funny one...NOW, but at the time, when a Krispy Kreme full of people laughing at me, it was not so funny.

Several years ago, I had just moved back to my home town from the DC area.  I had dropped the kids off at school, and made my way to the Eye Dr.  I was a little early, and across the street from the dr.'s office was a Krispy Kreme.  The "HOT NOW" sign was flashing.  I pulled into the parking lot and went inside.  When I get up to the counter, I ordered 1(yes that is O-N-E) doughnut.  That was the extent of my order.  I heard the people behind me laughing.  People were saying things like, "Eating one doughnut is like eating one potato chip", and such. 

At the time, I really did not understand why they were laughing/poking fun of me and my order.  It was more of them laughing at the fact that most people (including themselves) can not eat just 1 of anything. 

So, now it is time to share my motto for the day:  ALL THINGS IN MODERATION! 

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

If You Must...

And let's admit it, sometimes, we must eat something sweet. 

I was reading this article on line at SHAPE...it was ALL about donuts.  Where I live, we do not have a lot of donut options.  We have Krispy Kreme and that is about it!  Well, I am happy to find out that a glazed Krispy Kreme comes in at UNDER 200 calories.  Now, I do not recommend eating a donut daily or even weekly, but when you deserve a treat, a donut for breakfast seems like a good choice! 

I got this photo at SHAPE.  

Monday, August 22, 2011

Must Start Today

Now that our yearly family trip to WDW is planned, I have to break down and really get on the fitness wagon.  I know (and do not need to be reminded by the many who like to tell me) that I had a baby just 3 weeks ago.  However, I am refusing to buy new clothes to go to take to Disney World.


So, starting today, INSANITY, Shaun T, P90X and Tony will be seeing LOTS of me!  OK, OK...It is more like I will be seeing lots of them considering that I will be doing this from the comfort of my living room.

So, starting today, it was up at 4 to blog...Now that this is done, it is off to see Shaun T!

I hope you all have a GREAT week!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

To the World's Most Awesome...

...Husband, I have a couple of things to say:

1) I LOVE YOU

And 

2) Happy Birthday.


April Hollingsworth gets the all the credit for this picture
She is MY FAVORITE photographer!


You are AMAZING!

Friday, August 19, 2011

When I Say That I Am Going to do Something...

 I usually do it!  And as promised earlier in the week


 Damn Good Sangria:
1 bottle of dry red wine (we use shiraz)
1 orange sliced
1 lemon sliced
1 lime sliced
1 peach peeled, pitted and sliced
1/4 c orange juice
1/2c sugar
1 c. club soda
about a cup of strawberries sliced (measure, then slice)

 Mix OJ and Sugar together.  Put everything except the club soda and strawberries in a big pitcher. Refrigerate over night.
Right before serving, add strawberries and soda.

Yep, It is as simple as that!  

Thursday, August 18, 2011

My Hubby's Birthday

Yes, that is me smashing hubby!

Yes, it is this weekend, and until now (and only if he actually reads this blog) he was not aware that I am planning a semi-party for him.  OK, so it will just be our family and possibly his parents (if my SIL does not have her baby).

My plan for his birthday is Tapas.  He LOVES tapas.  I guess it goes back to his student days in Spain, but I am not 100% sure about that.  His love for tapas has turned me onto them as well.

One of his favorite things is a tortilla.  I will also do cheeses and meats. I will do some bread and olive oil.  And you already know, SANGRIA!!!!

I still have a couple of days to figure out what to do about dessert.  He likes cakes, cookies and brownies, but of course they have to be CHOCOLATE.  I am wanting something a little different, but it is not MY birthday (yet)! 

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Keeping My Sanity

Many people ask me, on multiple occasions, how I manage to keep sane with all that goes on in my life.








I would like to say that the above picture is how, but in reality, I am not as much of a drinker as I should be!  Seriously, I drink a glass of wine every 2-3 months.

I keep my sanity by exercise.  REALLY!  I love being active.  I love being a mom.  I love my life, but we all need SOMETHING to keep us sane.  For some people, it really is a glass (or 5) of wine a night.  All of this being said, with the week I am having, I am thinking Sangria is in the cards for this weekend!

Don't worry, you will be getting the recipe later!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Probiotics

I have taken probiotics, and should take them all the time.  I started taking them again yesterday.  My favorite is Florastor. 

Monday, August 15, 2011

More of My Favorites!!!!

Hello Monday, I must admit that you can waaaay too soon!  Anyway, Today I am going to share my 2 favorite ab moves...The Plank and The Side Plank.

I found this image here

The Side Plank is by far my favorite!  I am showing this guy on his elbows because it is the easiest way to do the plank.  Sometimes, I do it on my hand, but rarely!  I like the side plank because one of my ALL TIME favorite exercises is what I like to call the "Side Plank Crunch".  It is where you are in side plank position, you take you top hand and place it behind your head (as if you are going to do crunches) and you turn your body, bringing your top elbow towards your bottom hand!

I am unsure where this image comes from.  Anyone know???



I like the regular plank as well.  I usually do the plank on my elbows...it just saves the wrists from added strain.  I hold the plank position for about 20 second reps. 

I hope you all enjoy your week! 

Sunday, August 14, 2011

We All Could Show a Little More...

...Compassion. We could all be a little more compassionate. I know I could!!!

Compassion is the feeling of sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

I have a big problem with compassion...I am not very sympathetic to most people. I just do not feel sorry for those who have caused their problems on themselves, and I think most people have caused their own problems. I have caused my own problems, and I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me. I absolutely despise those who blame others for their problems. I hate it. I will admit my mistakes, and I think that everyone should do that, but I know that most people don't. I do feel sorry for children who have been abused. I feel sorry for those who have been affect by things that are beyond their control (i.e. disease, being laid off, etc.).

All of that being said, I know that I should be more compassionate towards others. So that is my project of the week...more compassion.

Friday, August 12, 2011

My Favorite Snacks

I am not a 3 meal a day kind of girl.  I like food, and I like to eat.  Also, I am nursing 2 kids, so snacks are a must have in my life.  Here are a few of my FAVORITES!

For a sweet fix...Greek yogurt is my favorite.  I am not a fan of fruit ones, but I do like Vanilla and Plain.  I like to add honey to mine, but that is just my preference.  I will say that not everyone likes Greek yogurt.  It is thick and sour. 


I love Cheese!  These are simple, easy and full of flavor! 



And finally, for a salty fix, Chips!  These are my new favorite, but Tostitoes has out a few new flavors.  I love these plain and with salsa. 

All of the snacks pictured have less than 200 calories/serving.  Just make sure that you are eating only 1 serving. 

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Something I am Thinking about Doing!!!

So, this blog is not about fitness or diet, today it is going to be about something super cool I have fallen in love with!

My gorgeous Sister-In-Law writes a blog, and I admit, that while I am not into many of the things that she is, I LOVE her, so I read it.  Every once in a while, she does write about some things that I find I really love.  Which is what happened today.  She had a guest blogger the other day, and I have gone GAGA over this guest's wall!

Here is where I found this photo.
Here is the blog by the guest blogger.


Anyway, I have 6 kiddos, and I am seeing this in my house, all the way down my hall...it is a good thing I have a long hall!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

I Am Sooooo Excited

I just found out that there is a Lululemon in my area!  How long has it been there?  Why am I just now finding this out?  I have to admit, sometimes I am a bit out of the loop.  I have a lot going on in my life, but there is NO EXCUSE for this one!  I am going to have to check out the store, but until I get in there, I am going to share with you my favorite items.


I love this tank top!  

And doesn't this jacket go GREAT with it??

Both photos came from Lululemon.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Urban Legends about Food

I got an email from Team Beachbody about 10 Urban Food Myths.  I have heard of a lot of food myths, but some of these I have never heard of and are so ridiculous, I am not sure how anyone believed them.


In today's blog, I will talk about these CRAZY ones.

Crazy Legend number 1) Flesh-Eating Bananas.  That just sounds crazy.  I would like to know where this one got its start!

Crazy Legend number 2) Chocolate Milk has Cow's Blood in it.  Again, I am not sure how this one got started, but with all the regulations the FDA has on food, I am pretty sure that there is no cows blood in chocolate milk.  I will say that my family does not drink pre-made chocolate milk.  If the kiddos want to drink Chocolate milk, they have to make it. 

Crazy Legend number 3) McDonalds using 'Roo meat in their burgers.   While eating McDonalds is not something my family does because of other reasons, I am pretty sure that they do not use Kangaroo meat in the burgers.  I think this would have been a REAL scandal and not some urban legend.

Disclaimer:  My above statements are my opinion.  I have no facts to dispute any of these myths.  I did not do any real research on the above myths either. 


I hope you all have a great day!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Happy Monday

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  Today, I thought that I would share 2 of my most favorite leg exercises with you.

1) Plie Squat

 Photo credit: Fitness magazine

Now you can do this squat with heels up or down.  You can do this squat with weights.  I like to take one heavier weight and let it hang in front of my body. 

2) Curtsy lunge 
 Photo Credit: women's health

There are a few ways you can do this one as well, but my favorite is to bring my back knee up into a "March" position and then into the "Curtsy" position.  

Make sure that you NEVER lock your knees, and NEVER let your knees go past your toes.  If you feel any pain, you should stop doing the exercise.  You do not want to risk injury.  

 

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Sunday ---- A Motherly Way to Fit Day For Motivation

Brian Tracy said: "Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement"! And how true that is!

Goals are commitments we make to ourselves. 
Goals should be both in long term and short term.
Goals can be daily goals.
Goals can be ANY goal that you want to achieve.
You should write down your goals.
You should hold yourself accountable for those goals.
You should NEVER let anyone tell you can't achieve your goals.

I carry around a notebook and calendar in my purse, and write goals as needed.  I have daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. 

Friday, August 5, 2011

The Perfect Place to Meditate



I came across this picture today, and thought to myself, ""What a perfect place to meditate!"   Let me be honest, there is no place like this near my house.   I think this may have to be my new "GO-TO" place for meditation and prayer.  By 'GO-TO', I mean, this is where I will go in my mind.  

Now, with 6 kids and a husband, I can not spend a lot of time in meditations, but spending just 5 minutes gives me a sense of rejuvenation.  Let's face it, I NEED IT!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Exercise of the Week --- Warm Up

Some people question if you really need a warm up, and my answer is always, YES!  Not only does it get your body warmed up, but many times, it raises your heart rate and burns calories (and that is always a plus)!  It is REALLY a must if you work out early in the morning.

Here is one of my quick warm ups:
March in place for 1 minute (no, I don't time it, I just count it out)
High Knee March for 1 minutes (like marching, but make sure your knees are coming up to at hip level)
Standing Quad Stretch-The quadriceps are the fronts of the thighs.  Stand up tall with soft (slightly bent) knees, bend one leg at knee, grab  ankle with either hand, hold for 10 seconds, repeat on other side.
Standing Hamstring Stretch-The Hamstrings are the backs of the thighs.  Stand tall with soft knees, bend at waist with a flat back, go as far as your body allows without any pain,  hold for 10 seconds.

I repeat the Marches and add arm presses, both out in front of my body and over head.

Another warm up I do to start my day, especially if I have a busy morning, and will not be able to work out until later in the day, is a slow walk around the block.  A warm up does not have to happen just before working out, or even if you are going to do a full work out.  I do a warm up every morning just to get some blood flowing to my brain!!!  It wakes you up better than coffee.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

That Much? REALLY???

According to the USDA, Americans spend 44% of their food budgets eating out.  REALLY????  I know that having a child with Autism hinders a lot of what we can do, but I could not imagine spending 44% of my family's (of 8) food budget eating out.

My family eats out only 1 day a week.  It is lunch on Saturday.  And that is IF and ONLY IF our children have been good throughout the week.  Maybe you should not reward with food, but Burger King is a great influencer sometimes. (you can read my blog about our family here.)

I admit that my family is one of those who do not spend much money, time or calories dining out, but you can, and have to have, healthy eating choices no matter where you dine.  Try not to go to the "Bottomless" and "All You Can Eat" buffets.  "Battered", "Crispy", "Crunchy" and "Fried" are also not good healthy eating choices on a regular basis.  And just like at home, "Baked", "Broiled", "Grilled" and "Roasted" are usually very good options.

Many people ask me what I do on busy nights with no time to cook.  I admit, I have more of those that I would like to have.  My "Busy Night-Go-to Menu": Rotisserie Chicken, Couscous, and Salad (of some sort).  You will spend more time chopping salad than you will anything else.

Recipe for my family's favorite salad:
Avocados (I use 3 for my family)
Tomatoes (again, I use 3)
Red Onion (1)
Lemon Juice (I use the juice of 2 whole Lemons)
Salt, Pepper and Garlic (I grate 2 cloves of fresh, but it can be omitted if you do not like fresh garlic) to taste.
Slice, Dice and Mix and you are good to go!   
**SIDE NOTE** make only what you (or your family) will eat, this salad will not keep.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Break Out the Blanket...

It is time for a PICNIC!  


There are both healthy and not-so-healthy picnic options.  In today's post I am going to give some substitutes that make for a very healthy picnic.

1) FRIED CHICKEN- We all know that fried anything is not the healthiest of choices, but some chicken places now offer grilled.  An even better and cheaper option is a rotisserie chicken from your grocers deli. And, I am not taking chicken on today's picnic.  

2) SANDWICHES- Sandwiches can be very healthy, but like everything else, they are only as good as the ingredients you use.  Make sure you use a good bread (I use Ezekiel bread) made of whole grains.  Make sure you do look at the ingredient list, and WHOLE is used.  Try to stick to turkey or roast beef (unprocessed).  You can roast your own meat, but let's get real...WHO HAS TIME FOR THAT???  Another great thing about sandwiches is that you can LOAD UP the veggies on them.  I do not like mayo, but if you are one of those people who just has to have mayo, go with a low-fat mayo.

3) PASTA AND POTATO SALADS-Again, both can be very healthy.   A whole grain pasta, lots of veggies, and a vinaigrette makes a wonderful pasta salad.  If you want a creamier mixture, you can replace the mayo in your own recipes with lowfat plain yogurt.  Do make sure you keep a creamy salad on ice.

4) DESSERT- My personal favorite picnic dessert is frozen grapes.  Another favorite is frozen mixed berries, grapes and bananas.  Make sure you freeze separately and then mix together.  If not, they will all be stuck together.

A picnic makes for great family time.  You can go to the park, your own front yard, or even in your living room.  If this is a grown-up only picnic, feel free to grab your favorite bottle of wine or couple of beers and have fun!

Monday, August 1, 2011

Meet Mel!

Since I have decided to start a blog on being fit, I figure my first post should be meeting me. (Not introducing my family at the moment.  I have another blog, you can meet them here if you want).

I have just had baby number 6 (literally).   And above is a pic of my belly at 28 weeks.  Huge!!! I know.  So, now, you all get to follow my journey to getting my fit body back!    I will try to post daily and include exercises, recipes, as well as my take on things. 

Facts: (So many people ask these questions, so I might as well give you all the answers up front)
1) Yes, I have given birth to all of my children.

2) Yes, I am OLD enough to have 6 children!  (Obviously...I have them don't I??)

3) And YES, I am sure of both of those facts.  (and yes, people have actually asked me that too!)

4) Yes, I do know what causes pregnancy.  I am pretty sure it is water. (just kidding)

Please know, that I am actually doing the things I am posting.  I am on this journey as well!