Heelarious...and FIT TIP (#66)

her first high heels...peep toes, no less.

We came across these while out and about.
Leann insisted we get them for baby FeJe **Female Jessup**.
size 0-6 months

Sent a quick pic to Kendal **as soon as I got them home**
and made her promise they would not lead to "kiddie pageants" :)
She loves them!

Also laid eyes on this sweetie.

Had to get one for Chloe and FeJe **official name yet to be determined** .
How adorable are they?
As cute as this particular shop was,
there wasn't anything for the boys...
well, anything that I thought their daddys
would like them to play with :)


FIT TIP (#66): Chew on This
Chew your food purposefully & slowly.
Rest in between bites.
The slower we eat, the less likely we are to overeat. Do not engage in such activities as reading, tv-watching, or phone-talking while eating...the goal is to know when we are full. **visiting w/dining companions is totally acceptable**

Seventeen Dollar Cucumber...and FIT TIP (#65)

**I think** the best part of going
out for sushi is the Japanese Cucumber Salad.
I made this...

thanks to Heather @ The Healthy Bite.
I've been fixing it **at least**
once a week
since she posted it. **a few months ago**

I called Kendal after I made it
**the first time**
and was raving about it's goodness.

Kendal: "Where did you find a Japanese cucumber?"
**Cliff comments in the background**
Me: "What did Cliff just say?"
Kendal: **laughing** "He said that sounds like a $17 cucumber."

I use European seedless cucumbers.
They do have seeds **?**...but you don't
have to seed or peel them. **as my picture shows**

I often fix it and keep
in a covered container in the fridge
to snack on. Amazing.

P.S. I found the disposable chopsticks at
the grocery store in the Oriental food section.

FIT TIP (#65): Embrace the **current** Season
Getting a workout outdoors during the different seasons will keep you from getting bored. Ice skating in winter, for example, or touch football in the fall.

These activities are fun, challenging and a great reminder that you don't have to be confined to the gym for a great workout.

Really? Antlers in January?...and FIT TIP (#64)

This is a Mercedes.

This is a Mercedes on antlers.

In January, no less.
A gorgeous, sunny **as the picture attests** day
in the Valley of the Sun.

Even in December...
this is not a good look!
**I'm sorry, it's just not!**
But, in January
**in my opinion**
it is just wrong!

FIT TIP (#64): Weight Loss According to Dr. Oz
Top Twelve Tips:
--clear out your pantry (clear out temptation)
--simple substitutions (cranberry or tomato juice instead of O.J.)
--get enough sleep (we get it, we get it!!!)
--don't starve yourself
--don't beat yourself up if (when) you slip up
--hot peppers in/with your breakfast
--same lunch daily (this one threw me a bit)
--drink water when hungry (and even when you're not!)
--snack before meals (don't get excited...healthy snacks)
--eat off smaller plates (I swear by this one)
--eat with the TV off (more calories consumed while watching the tube)
--include exercise whenever, wherever

P.S. Hooray Cardinals!!! On to the Saints of New Orleans **next Saturday**

Resolutions Revisited...and FIT TIP (#63)

I believe in setting oneself up for success.
And so...

I pick only a few resolutions each new year.

But then...
**lest you think I'm too easy on myself**
on the first of each month,
I set monthly goals.

This works well for me.
Little victories along the way.

And a word.
I pick a word for the year.
**herein lies my dilemma, friends**

I love my 2009 word.
BALANCE
Quite frankly, I'm not ready to part ways
for another, just yet.

**I even looked up synonyms for BALANCE,
thinking I could change words without really changing words**

So, I've been thinking.
Some choose the same resolutions each year.
**weight loss, etc.**
Why then, can't I pick my same word?

Unless a different word
reaches out and grabs me in the next few weeks...
BALANCE
shall remain in my life.

FIT TIP (#63): 2010 Fitness Goals
To help insure success with fitness goals for the new year, consider implementing one or more of the following:

~Make it fun...Mix it up
We tend to continue to do things that entertain us.

~Pace yourself
We want to avoid burn-out and/or injuries.

~Get real
It is important to set realistic goals and patiently progress.

~Eat healthier
We are what we eat...keep it balanced!

~Track your progress
A great motivator--to see where we've been & where we're going!

Half-Priced Hope...Happy 2010!!!

As 2009 winds down

a new year **and decade**
just a whisper away

this was on sale **50% off Christmas clearance**
it's big...not an ornament

I love the whole idea of it.
Half-priced HOPE...for the new year!

Hope for the possibility
of new opportunities & experiences.
New lessons to be learned...
old lessons to be refined.

Happy **and hopeful** New Year!

FAVORITE recent FINDS under FIVE dollars...and FIT TIP (#62)

Fun **recent** discoveries
that put a **happy holiday** smile on my face.

Fluffy **winter** White Vintage Collar...antique mall
$5.00 **after 50% discount**
Handmade **crochet, with little pearls along the edge**

Frothier...Ross $4.00

Froth-i-er [fraw-thee-er] to make foamy.

Pour skim milk into glass vessel,
**not above black line**
heat in microwave 30 seconds.
Set **hot** vessel on cork pad...
**hand** pump lid/lever until frothy.
Pour over hot chocolate.
fat-free foamy fab-u-lous-ness!
**say that fast 3 times**


Unbleached Baking Cups...Sprouts $1.00/box **60 cups**
Besides the great natural color **that I so love**
other facts:
no chlorine, no toxins, 100% biodegradable, 100% compostable, microwave safe,
and can even be used without a muffin pan **hmmmm**


Twine Balls...thrift store $1.00 each
Found in original packaging.
**have you checked the price of twine lately?**
Various gauges...I bought them all!
**yes, I went back to the stinky store**


Old **love** Notes...sewing box, secret compartment $0
To: **7th grade** Jordan
From: Various **7th grade** Females

Knowing my sons didn't keep such things
around **at that age**
I'm thinking the little sister **hey Kendal!**
tucked them away in the secret hiding place...
for future use. **and forgot?**
I found them...read them, and smiled!


Pop/Rock Holiday Favorites CD...Walmart $5.00
Sugar Ray **love Mark McGrath** sings Little Saint Nick.
Other performers include:
Collective Soul, Everything But The Girl, Jewel and more.
High energy Christmas tunes.
**some I've never heard before**


FIT TIP (#62): Peppermint Prescription
**in a NASA-funded study** During simulated driving scenarios, participants reported that peppermint lowered their feelings of fatigue or anxiety by 20%.

Peppermint & cinnamon each decreased frustration by 25%, increased alertness by 30% and made the ride seem 30% shorter.

Not a gum or candy person? Buy peppermint or cinnamon aromatherapy diffusers for the car.

Holiday Hooks...and FIT TIP (#61)

What I do with a bunch of candy canes...

Break off the "hooks".
Melt dipping chocolate
and dip.
Don't forget to add
festive sprinkles.
I don't stop there.
I grab a bag of
honey wheat braided pretzel twists
and dip them.
**every last one of them**
Adding sprinkles to some.
Leaving some plain...oh-so yummy!
For friends & family.

And what becomes of the "hooks"?
Put in a zip lock baggie
and crush **until powdery**.
Add to hot chocolate.
More festive-ness!

P.S. If some of your lovies
don't like peppermint...
try Bob's Original
Cherry Rainbow Candy Canes.



FIT TIP (#61): Do Good, Feel Good
Acts of altruism can lend a little pep to your step. Many studies have found that service and volunteer work can boost your energy in six ways. It enhances:
...happiness
...life satisfaction
...self-esteem
...sense of control over life
...physical health
...mood
Abe Lincoln said, "When I do good, I feel good".

Did You Know?...and FIT TIP (#60)

--Charles Dickens wrote "A Christmas Carol" (in 1843) in just 6 weeks.

--"Jingle Bells" was first written for Thanksgiving.

--Contrary to popular belief, poinsettia plants are non-toxic.

--If you received all the gifts in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," you would be the recipient of 364 presents.

--The first artificial Christmas trees were made of goose feathers and dyed green.


Antique **15 dollar** table w/book shelf. Before...

After...
**I have a thing for black paint**

FIT TIP (#60): Interval Training...
which is alternating bursts of intense activity with bursts of lighter activity--is a good way to burn more fat.

For example, if you normally walk at a moderate pace, add in spurts of faster walking. Work up to adding in spurts of jogging. This strategy will burn overall more calories and more fat.