Friday Finds

I haven't been out and about much lately.

My sister is still in town and we have been hanging out at one of our houses most of the week.

 

This has been part of my breakfast this week.

All week was high carb.

It claims to have protein, and it does, but under the 10g label it says

"when you add milk."

Kind of a trick.

It is really good.

 

 I found my dad letting some of the boys crawl all over him.

They have a huge beet patch just behind them.

I love pickled beets.

Lots of people think beets taste like dirt.

I think they are delicious.

 

I broke an unbreakable knife.

I was cutting cheese slices for my daughter and it broke.

Luckily, Cutco will take it back and fix it or send a new one.

TOO STRONG! :)

 

The label on this plant said cucumber.

SURPRISE!

It's some kind of squash.

I hope it's edible and not ornamental.

 

 

We have a tomato that is almost ready to pick.

If you don't look at your garden for a few days, you find some big changes.

We found a big cucumber too.

 

In a week we should have our fill of cherry tomatoes too.

I love fresh garden stuff.

 

 

What are you growing in your garden?



 

 

 



How You Doing?

Hello!

It is almost July!

I cannot believe it.

July will be a busy month, and then it will be August and back to school.

 

I had been wanting to find a way for my kids to make $ this summer, so this is what we have been doing.

 

 

These are not snow cone cups.

They are filters we have to fold.

They start out as circles and we fold, fold, twist and press.

It is not a hard job, but we will be folding

16,000

of them and getting paid $.02 per filter.

That's some pretty good money for kids to earn in a weeks worth of work time.

 

So, this is what I have been doing with my free time.

We watch a movie and all fold for a few hours.

The girls are getting tired of it, but we only have about 5,000 left to do.

 

Then I will have to find something else for them.

 

My sister is in town for 10 days and then we have some family reunion stuff going on.

Yesterday, they made a nice mud hole in the backyard.

I remember doing the same thing when I was little.

 

 

Luke said this lego man is his Dad.

Notice the muscles on the arms.

And the numbers at the top are his ears.

I love how creative and observant he is becoming.

 

 

 

Workout:

35 minutes--AMT--16/18 Intervals

45 minutes--lifting and talking

• Assisted pull ups
• Lat pulls
• Bent over rows
• Shoulder fly
• Lateral raises
• Upright rows
• Front squat

29 minutes--treadmill 3.25 miles

 

 

 

 



Get It!

I love this sign.

It's kind of a joke and kind of not.

I remember when I had one child, I thought I was so trapped.

I couldn't do anything for myself and it was so hard to do any thing with her, besides go for walks or to the park.

We didn't do a lot, and I felt confined to my house a lot of the time.

 

It seems like there is always a reason to not do something.

The challenge is to still find a way to do things that lift your spirits and make you a better you.

Time will pass whether you are happy or not.

We might as well do what we can to be happy.

 

Go out and find your happiness.

Don't wait for others to find it for you.

This is your sign.

 

Now, go get it!

Today's workout

 

 

I wanted to lift and do cardio without doing a machine.

Break out the kettlebell!

Friday Finds

Happy Friday!

 

This Friday is going to be the best one ever.

source

 

This is something I haven't found yet.

source

I'd like to get a new foundation, but I don't know what kind to get.

I have this bareMinerals and I like it, except I can see it around my nose creases.

Is there a foundation that covers, but isn't really visible?

 

I saw a lady at the store who had beautiful, glowing skin--I should have asked her what makeup she used.  That's probably the best way to know.

 

 

 

 

 Too much good stuff at Costco.

Strawberries!

 

 

Booty for my pirate.

 

 

Raspberries!

 

 

This chicken was pretty good.

I put it with some brown rice.

I was looking for Carnitas, but didn't see them.

 

 

Now I'm missing the "G" and the "!"

 

 

What did you find this week?

 

 

 



Progress--No One is Perfect

It's hard to look at people and not compare yourself to them.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "I want to tell you something that I hope you will take in the right way: God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect.

Let me add: God is also fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not."

Even if someone appears to have it all together--perfect kids, house, clothes, body--no one is perfect.

Life would be so much easier if we would compare ourselves with ourselves.

Easier said than done at times. 

Going to the gym, I see lots of different types of people. Young and  old, big and tall, short and small. Everyone is trying. My best is not their best. Their best is not my best.

Today I felt like I gave my best effort at the gym.  It feels good to do that.  It feels even better when I give my best effort with my kids, my husband, church stuff, my friends and neighbors. 

Yesterday, I felt a little off. I wasn't very positive. So, I made cookies. And I felt a little better. I tried to spend time with my kids and be happy.  I think I was just tired. I slept like a rock and feel a lot better.

 

Workout:

10 minutes--AMT--warm-up

40 minutes--arms

• DB hammer curl
• DB bicep curl w/twist
• Outer bicep curl
• Tricep push down
• Lateral raise
• Bicep curl w/ easy bar
• Shoulder press w/ twist

54 minutes--treadmill--6 miles run/walk

Do you ever just have a down day?

How do you turn it around?

The One I Always Go Back To

I am always in search of a good chocolate chip cookie recipe.

This is still my #1.

 

The recipe is huge. 

Feel free to cut it in half.

 

$250 Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 c. butter

2 c. sugar

2 c. brown sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

4 c. flour

5 c. oatmeal, ground into powder

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. baking soda

24 oz. chocolate chips

8 oz. Hershey bar, grated

 

Bake at 350° degrees. Bake for 8-10 minutes.




I put all of the chips in this time, but left out the grated Hershey Bar.  It seems like too much chocolate to me.



 

This guy keeps trying to steal the chocolate chips.

 Use a regular cookie scoop or you'll be baking all day!

 

 

The End.

 

2 Weeks Down and Everything IS Awesome!

I've been doing this for 2 weeks and things have been going really well.

I didn't buy any of their products, I have been following their eating plan and got a protein shake that matched their version.

 

So far, I'm down 3 lbs. and 1.5 inches on my thighs.  I only measured my thighs, waist, and hips.

I might be down 1/4 inch on my hips.

Yesterday was my guilt free day, and this was my treat.

I used mint oreos this time. Yum!

Lunch today.

Asian salad kit and can of chicken.

Easy.

 

Anybody else watching this movie today?

 

I had my daughter take this picture.

She said, "Mom, your muscles are huge!"

Haha!

 

 

I am still wearing a strip of K Tape.  But I am down to just one, so that is some improvement.  I lifted lower body today and so far I feel fine.  I hope that I continue to feel strong so I can get back to really pushing myself.

 

I tried the rowing machine and only did 2000 meters.  Afterward, I tried to do some air squats and I just couldn't do anything.  I ended up putting a yoga mat on the floor and just laid there for a few minutes.  I consider this a victory. Normally I would have forced myself to keep going and ended up not feeling well for the rest of the day.  Because I stopped, I am not sore, not sick, ready to go.  Take a break when you need one, listen to your body--it will thank you.

 

 

Workout:

35minutes--AMT

40 minutes--legs

• leg press
• front squat with heels on weight plate
• alternating back lunges w/ bar
• calf raises
• plié squats w/8 lb. medicine ball

10 minutes--rowing

10 minutes--rest and stretch

 

 

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

 

Read this awesome story.  It made me cry. Hungryrunnergirl.com



How To Do Squats When Your Heels Hurt

If you've read this blog off and on for the last 3 months,

you know that I have been avoiding doing leg workouts.

Today, I decided to figure out how I could do some lower body exercises and not injure myself.

 

My solution is to lift lighter and push my weight into my toes rather than my heals.

The easiest way to do that with a squat is to stand on a weight plate.

That way you are forced to your toes and your heels are supported.

It felt great while I was doing it, but I probably need to wait until tomorrow before I know if it really is a doable solution.

So far, so good.

 

fitbie

 

I usually just use 1 weight plate, but this would create an even stronger base, to evenly distribute the weight to both legs.

 

I also did some leg and buns work on all fours.

Those are easy motions that make your buns burn quickly.

 

 

Runner's World

Follow this link to an article called "Hibernating Heinies."

It will tell you how to diagnose if you have weak glutes.

Good Luck!



Breaking In the New Shoes and a Food Thief

Shoes

I have been walking in my shoes for several days, but I waited a week before I ran in them because I didn't want to aggravate my calf more.  The inflammation was gone yesterday, so I was able to run a little today. 

I started off with 35 minutes on the AMT.  Sometimes I only do 10 or so minutes to warm up, but I had a lot of energy, so I kept going.  Some days you have it and some days you don't, so you have to take advantage of the good days.

I lifted my back today, because I am still avoiding much leg lifting.  My favorite back strengthener is doing pull-ups, but I decided that I would save my strength and run after an easier lifting session. I just did lat. pulls and one-armed rows and that was it. 

When I started running, I could tell that my shoes were heavier, but they were also a lot more comfortable, natural to run in.  They actually made the Nikes I was wearing feel like junk shoes. Seriously.  Sorry, Nike.

Run:
2 minutes at 7.5 mph
1 minute walk at 4.0 mph

I varied my speeds a little, but I kept going until I had reached 4.5 miles.
And it was fun.
And I was sweaty.
I think I might be ready to resume running.  I just know I can't try to push my speed right now.

Food

I'm pretty sure I had a ton of energy today because it was my guilt free eating day yesterday.
I didn't go crazy, but I did have a "dirt cup" 2x.  It was just what I wanted and it wasn't heavy, just enough sweet and crunchiness to hit the spot.  I also had a slice of pizza, along with some regular, healthy meals.  The program encourages portion control on the free days and they want you to eat meals and not just pig out all day.  The video tips that Chris and Heidi Powell give each day are motivational.  They seem like they are really kind people.  Like they really care.

So, today is a low carb day--high fat burn day.  I feel like I am sitting on a heater.  It's like I can't cool down.  It must be doing something.  I measured my waist, hips, and thighs when I started and I am down 1" on my thigh.  I guess that isn't too bad for a week.  And I like the food and it is easy to prep. 

Mr. Luke likes my food too.  He gives me a wink and a smile and then grabs my food and runs away.  Good thing he's cute!

 

 

 



 

Have you followed any eating plans or tried any food changes that have worked for you?



Friday Finds

 

Lunch for today.

Ham, Swiss, and lettuce wrap.

With a little mayo and mustard.

 

My best find of the week.

Brooks Glycerin 12.

Neutral and cushioned.

They feel so good!

 



 

National Donut Day.

Another holiday.

I won't be celebrating until Monday.

I just can't decide if I want a donut or to make dirt cups.

 

 

Hapari.com

This tankini top is the deal of the day.

$19.99

The good thing about having a daughter who is getting older.

I order something for myself and if it is too small, she can wear it.

 

 

Today was the last day of school.

Now I have to start the back to school countdown.

They are good kids, but we all know how fighting and boredom become a problem during long breaks.

I am determined to make this summer fun for my kids and to also give them more opportunities to work.

 

 

HAPPY SUMMER VACATION!

 



Birthday, Brooks Glycerin 12, Eating Plan Update

This cute girl is growing up.

 

It was her birthday yesterday.

It was national running day as well.

Her birthday was more important.

I didn't run.

But we did have a family party.

 

Bean burrito and cupcakes.

That was her request.

 

 

May all your birthday wishes come true!

 

This guy is trying to do headstands.

He has some pretty good core control.

Funny little man.

 

My shoes came in.

Brooks Glycerin 12

The color is blue/mint.

They are pretty shoes.

Not crazy, like some of the latest styles have been.

And they feel awesome.

 

The guy at Runner's Soul told me I could run outside with them.

But I told him I could already tell they were perfect for my foot.

I tried to change shoes, trying to save some money and maybe get faster.

 

I won't be changing ever again.

Unless Brooks does something crazy to the shoe.

I would buy 10 pair right now if I had that kind of money to spare!

They feel that good.

 

They really are perfect for my feet and how I run.

 

LOVE THEM!



 

Today is a high carb day on my eating plan.

I really like it.

I have to admit that I have been a little hungry, but it is because I didn't eat full serving of all of the foods.  I didn't want all of the cheese or mayo. 

 

Breakfast was a protein shake with carbs and three hours later I had a Roast Beef and Swiss Wrap (corn tortilla) with arugula and tomatoes.  It called for cream cheese, which I didn't have, so I added the Swiss.  It isn't quite the same calorie count, but I needed some fat in there.

 

Snack is an English muffin with butter spray and dinner is a steak and steamed, mashed sweet potatoes.

Yum!

 

I am supposed to weigh in on Sunday.

It will be interesting to see what happens.

 

 

 

Workout:

10 minutes--AMT--warm-up

45 minutes--lifting--upper body

• shoulder press with a twist
• bent over row
• single arm lateral raise
• front raise
• lat pull
• bicep curl to shoulder press
• abs--decline bench

20 minutes--AMT--16/18 interval

10 minutes--stretch

 

 

 

 

What is your favorite healthy snack?



Chiro, Ice Cream, Running

So, my knees and heels have been bugging me for a few weeks.

I just thought if I iced and stretched it would go away.

It would go away eventually, but when in doubt--go see the Chiro.

 

I told him what was going on and he did a few tests to check for ligament and meniscus damage.

Both were fine.

 

Then he checked for tightness in my quad.

One side--the bad side, was very tight.

He did some ART, pushy on my quad while I stretched it backwards.

Totally worked.

 

My knee doesn't hurt AT ALL.

And my heels feel pretty great too.

 

 

If you live in the Tri-Cities area and are a runner, walker, lifter.

GO to Trevor Gilbert.

He knows what he is doing.

 

Today is Day 1 of this eating program.

So far, so good.

It is simple food that tastes good and doesn't require a lot of prep.

If the meal doesn't sound good to you, you press the change button and it gives you 10 other choices for your meal.

 

Each day, you get an advice/encouragement video to watch.

Today, they said I might be tired in the afternoon--which is normal.

It's time to eat again.

I  think if I remember to eat every 3 hours, I'll be just fine.

 

This was my last treat for a week.

But I have another one waiting for me after 7 days.

Guilt free eating day every 7 days--within reason.

That's not too hard.

 

 

 

Workout:

10 minutes--AMT warm-up

25 minutes--legs on machines--no pushing with feet

60 minutes--treadmill--6.75 miles (run and walk mix)

 

 

 

What are you looking forward to this week?

What is your favorite way to stretch/recover from a tough workout?

 

 

 

 



Muscle Monday and Here I Come Chris Powell

I've noticed that lots of guys flex in the mirrors at the gym.

I have seen very few girls do this.  That is a shame.

Girls can have muscles too.

 

 

I think my downfall in all of this fitness stuff, is food.

I just go through phases where I eat well and others where I only want junk.

Now that my kitchen is functional, I have no excuses.

 

Yesterday, we had corn on the cob, grilled steaks, and blueberries for dinner.

It was so nice to have a real meal.

I had to run the dishwasher 2x.

I have never been so happy to empty a dishwasher and wash dishes by hand.

 

 

I downloaded this app that Chris Powell endorses for carb cycling.

You eat high and low carb days to keep your metabolism going.

There are even cheat days.

You don't have to use the Bode brand shakes.

Just pick a protein shake you like.

 

I like his show, "Extreme Makeover Weightloss Edition."

They exercise and eat right, but they do it over a year instead of a few months.

If I can find a program that uses regular foods and is easy to master, I think I will feel better and have more energy for my kids and my workouts.

My start date is tomorrow.

 

I stocked up on a few things that were on the shopping list.

There are also recipes on the app.

I think this will be doable as long as I keep up with the grocery list.

 

 

 

 This guy finally has ice cream eating down.

He can eat a whole cone or ice cream bar without is dripping everywhere.

I'm so proud :)