Have You Heard?...and FIT TIP (#157)

If you poke uncooked spaghetti
into portions of uncooked hot dogs and boil

you get "shaggy dogs"
and kids love them!!!



Sleeping in your hammock
just go easier

thanks to Grandtrunk.



The Quaker Oats man
has a nickname (Larry)

and just lost 5 pounds (his double chin)
and received a slight haircut.




FIT TIP (#157): A Foodie's Best Friend
Watercress is being referred to as "the Cadillac of cancer-fighting foods" as studies reveal it may reduce breast cancer risk, along with providing many other nutritional benefits. These peppery-tasting greens are a natural diuretic with more iron per serving than spinach and only 4 calories per cup.
Try this: Add watercress to your favorite pasta salads...yummmm!



Words for the Week
{3.19.2012}

Desert Discovery...and FIT TIP (#156)

As opposed to Dessert Discovery. That's another post!

I am a desert ratand spent the afternoon here.

Best. Arizona. Park. Ever. So many options: trails to hike/walk, bike and run.
Places to picnic, fish, play and relax.
**and it's so close to our home**
So, instead of spending my afternoon with paint chips & fabric swatches
**as I'd originally planned**

I spent it with himand some of his friends.
**HH (handsome husband) totally supported my change of plans...he's cool like that**

The decorating choices can wait a bit,
because these gorgeous AZ spring days are numbered!

Oh, and the sage-y smell of this desert oasis...glorious!
**right up there with the orange blossom scent
also going on now, in the Valley of the Sun**



FIT TIP (#156): Diets...Rarely End Well




Words for the Week
{3.5.2012}

Honeymooners...and FIT TIP (#155)

"Whatcha looking for, handsome husband?"**we loved the Cayman Islands...and hope to return**


And because you asked...here he is!


Excuse the swimsuit shot, but we were headed to the beach, after spending an awesome morning at the Mayan Ruins.


After a wonderful week in paradise, we may be home...
but the honeymoon is not over!
This is fun, people!
We still have a lot to do, as far a getting settled goes,
but it's fun.

We meet for lunch almost everyday...because going 8 hours
without each other just doesn't seem to make sense!
Then I head home **or to TJ Maxx**
and continue to nest--unpack, decorate, etc.

I still have my job...because I really like it.
But now I only work mornings.
It seems a better fit for our day-to-day
honeymoon!

FIT TIP (#155): Head Off Headaches
by eating:
--Snapper
Fish and fish oil lower the production of prostaglandin, a chemical that causes inflammation and pain.
--Black Beans
Beans contain riboflavin, a nutrient that has been found to reduce the number of headache days by a least 50% in more than half of sufferers.
--Cayenne Pepper
Capsaicin (the compound that gives cayenne its heat) can ease cluster headaches, probably by destroying a chemical that carries pain messages to the brain.



Words for the Week
{2.22.12} our wedding day

He Asked...and FIT TIP (#154)

I saidAnd it's happening today!

Then we're off to the Caribbean for our honeymoon.

Details to follow...but not for several days...Caribbean first!!!



FIT TIP (#154): Hug it Out!
Hug...but make sure it lasts at least six seconds...which is the minimum time necessary to promote the flow of oxytocin and serotonin, mood-boosting chemicals that promote bonding.



Words for the Week
{1.30.2012}



Words for the Week
{1.23.2012}

Pause for a Lovely Day...and FIT TIP (#153)

FIT TIP (#153): Eat to Beat Stress
Curry---The curcumin in turmeric (a spice in curry) lowers stress levels by inhibiting cortisol secretion.
Milk---In a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, women who ate four or more servings of calcium a day had a 30% lower risk of PMS symptoms like anxiety and irritablility.
Red Bell Pepper---lowers stress by limiting cortisol production and stimulates the release of oxytocin, a feel-good chemical.



Words for the Week
{1.16.2012}

What's the Big Rush?...and FIT TIP (#152)

Hello new year!You're only 3 weeks old and I like you already. A lot!

I have my word for 2012.

In the past, deciding on "my word" for a new year
was a process.
A word that would serve as a theme in my life
for 12 months...
that's a lot of pressure for one little word.

This year was different.
The word just came to me--out of the blue.
It didn't have to sit on a list with
a few other words
and eventually win the top spot.

PAUSE. That's my word.
Like the button on my DVR remote.
Like the comma on my keyboard.

What's the big rush, anyway?
When I'm at the park exercising
I PAUSE to admire the sunset.
And so what if my heart rate drops
for a bit...
have you seen an Arizona sunset?

What's the big rush, anyway?
When I'm eating lunch alone at home
I sit down, PAUSE and enjoy each bite
and even fill up while eating less :)

What's the big rush, anyway?
When someone says something or does
something that may annoy me
I PAUSE, let it go, and smile.

I could go on, but I think you get it.
PAUSE. It's a good word for me
this year.
Taking PAUSE to enjoy the small things,
even when big things need to get done.



My daughter's
daughter turns 2 in 2 days.
Happy Birthday Emerson Rose!



FIT TIP (#152): Comfort, Not Calories
The not-so-sweet truth...studies show that chocolate's soothing effect lasts only 3 minutes. To really kick a bad mood to the curb, treat yourself to a hot shower, a quickie massage, or 10 minutes of quiet, do-nothing time.



Words for the Week
{1.9.2012}

RF (the BF) Info...and FIT TIP (#151)

When describing RF
I always start with the same word--

HANDSOME.
On purpose, I've down-played just how
good-looking he is...
and I always get called out on it,
once the introductions are made.

Some of the other words I've used:

SMART. He's a mechanical engineer.
It's not true what you always hear about engineers,
because he is
FUN. Even doing things that aren't usually
considered enjoyable **like a trip to the dump**
are entertaining. He's also
SPIRITUAL. We share a common belief system and are
both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints...Mormons. He's a
GEARHEAD. He explained what that meant on our
first date. On our third date I saw the Porsche
he's restored. Gorgeous! He's so
TALENTED. The Porsche, his backyard, the ring,
etc. I could go on and on here, really
so impressive. And he's such a
GENTLEMAN. He treats me so special...
always. He's also kind to the elderly,
babies, animals...you get the idea :)
ROMANTIC. He says I bring out the
romantic in him. I love that...
and him!


Next post...my word for 2012. Do you have one yet?



FIT TIP: (#151): Be Accountable for Each Mouthful
Most people eat emotionally. We constantly put food into our mouths unconsciously. Keep a food journal, learn about portion sizes and the actual calorie counts in foods and understand what you're eating. It's not about starving yourself; it's about being fully aware of what is going into your body.


Words for the Week
{1.2.2012}

Kissable Cheeks...and FIT TIP (#150)

Today is my second son's
second son's birthday.

It's also his first son's birthday.

Yes, they share a birthday.
They have a lot more in common than just a birth date...
like the most kissable cheeks ever!
**just look for yourself**

Happy first birthday to Holden
and third birthday to Gavin.

I adore these two and can't wait to smooch on them!



FIT TIP (#150): Approach with Gratitude
Exercise is not a choice; it's a privilege. Approach working out with gratitude.
Think, How lucky I am that I found time in my busy schedule for myself and to take care of my body.--Mari Winsor, Pilates trainer to the stars


Words for the Week
{12.26.2011}



P.S. Stay tuned...RF post is next, I promise!