Merry Christmas & other things

Well, Merry BELATED Christmas!  We had a lovely Christmas & was getting ready to be part of a friends wedding and we got hit with a flu that took my family of 5 DOWN hard!  Sheesh.  My oldest got it first & usually he can be sick & no one else will get it.  Then my other son got it, then my daughter & me and now my hubby.  It's taking a while to get over it but I can honestly say I feel the upswing happening. 

Christmas, as I said was lovely.  Christmas Eve we had our yearly Wagilia traditional dinner at my sisters then we went to church.  Christmas Day after opening presents & just relaxing we walked next door for a fun time at our neighbors house.  So much fun to have neighbors you can hang out with and just be yourself!  We have a few of them & are so blessed!

Thursday was the rehearsal for a friends wedding & my daughter was asked to be one of the flower girls with her little friend being the other.  We were so excited.  Then we woke up the next morning with 103deg fevers.  WHAT??!!  I'll be honest I was in COMPLETE denial.  I don't get sick.  This flu wasn't being discriminatory at all.  All day I walked around with a pit in my stomach that my little girl wasn't going to be able to do what she had been looking forward to for so long AND I felt like we were letting down our friends.  My prayer since then is that they are healthy & well on their honeymoon.  I found out other friends from church have also fallen to this bug.  Just nasty.  A friend asked if we had gotten our flu shots.  I can be honest -- I have never had a flu shot.  Ever.  I just always felt that my body could build up resistance huh?  Well, after this I may rethink that!!

Today is my beautiful princess' birthday.  I can only post this picture because of how sick we are, she just wouldn't have any other picture posted :)  She loved getting her little girly presents & playing for a little while with them. 

 

We are looking forward to bringing in the New Year healthy & blessed. 

 

What are some things YOU are looking forward to in this New Year? 

 

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!!

 

 

Christmas Prep

Ah, Christmas is upon us.  There are so many yummy foods to look forward to right now.  My family follows a Polish tradition for Christmas Eve called Wagilia.  Ours is a 7 course meatless meal that, may I say, the older I get - the yummier it gets :)  Nowadays even that has to look different for me with not being able to eat gluten.  We have soups, noodles, perogies (YUM!), fish and a very scrumptious apple rice strudel.  That is just ONE meal! 

We also have a cookie tradition.  We make lots of them & have cookies platters coming out our ears.  That is what I have been working on lately.  Making cookie doughs so this weekend I can bake.  I also made banana breads today.  We like to hand out cookies plates to our neighbors & special people in general :)  I am really looking forward to that part.  The giving :)

We are also invited to our neighbors on Christmas Day.  REALLY looking forward to that!  Usually we are the ones to have lots of people over for the different holidays.  We get to be guests this time.  It's something to get used to but I think I can handle it.

Christmas Day we have a Happy Birthday Jesus cake that I found a recipe for a long time ago.  It's cute the way there are different colors that mean different things throughout the cake & we talk about them with the children gathered.  It's fun for sure.

So, this is just the Christmas stuff.  I won't get into the New Years Eve meals :) 

My plan, and we definitely need a plan, is to continue my workout schedule maybe with some adjustments so I can still enjoy my family time.  I won't be skipping any meals.  That doesn't work AT ALL in regards to weight loss.  I will be good about my portions also.  The cookies?  Yeah, I might have to run a little longer to run a few of them off but I will schedule that also.

What are your Christmas traditions?  Anything that goes way back in your family?

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

P90X - Complete & Results

Sorry this took so long!  I thought I hit "publish" but I must have hit "save" -- duh :)

I have finished.  When I first decided to actually do the whole 90 days of P90X, instead of just picking out the workouts I wanted to do each day, I got nervous!!  I'm not positive why but I'm so glad I did it.

Doing the scheduled workouts for P90X is good for a couple reasons.  Having a scheduled workout for the next day is REALLY a good idea.  There is no guess work.  You KNOW what you are going to do & you get up and do it.  Knowing that Tony Horton has a plan & seeing that it has worked for so many people also helps.  Muscle confusion is a real thing as far as I'm concerned now.  It sounded good before but now that I have done it I have to agree with him completely.  There is a comment in one of the workouts "he's not loose in the cage anymore".  That is how I feel.  I don't have the ab definition YET but I can feel a big difference.  I feel alot more stable also.  Like I have more control over my movements.  Not as weak, to be sure. 

I did not change my food/eating lifestyle to match the P90X plan.  That was the only thing I didn't do.   I kept track of each workout & used my workout sheets to track my reps, etc.  That makes a HUGE difference for me.  It was so nice to know how many reps & how much weight I used the last time I had done the workout.  I can see for myself now how far I have come.

Ok, now for the numbers.  I didn't lose alot.  Not sure I have alot to lose in the first place.  I know the # (weight) I would like to be at but I'm not going to fool myself.  I like that I saw inches coming off though.  My clothes are fitting different and while that may not be because of weight lost my body is changing with muscle instead of jiggle :)  My husband has noticed changes as well & has been very nice to share them with me.  He said my shoulders are more defined for sure & he sees a difference in my waistline.  Remember, I wasn't losing any inches in my waist in the 1st 2 phases.  It was only in the last phase that I lost 1" in my waist.  I'll take that!!

My final phase I lost:1-1/4" and 4lbs

Total P90X - Lost 9lbs & 8"

I will call that successful. 

Now for those of you that say you have no time to workout like this I will tell you this -- You make that choice what you have time for.  The longest P90X workout is 1-1/2 hours.  Yes, that is a long time (that is the YogaX DVD).   He has broken it down into 2 segments (my opinion).  The 1st 45 minutes is the workout to me.  The 2nd is more of a relaxing/stretching time.  Both are so very important.  The other workouts will take you about 1hour & 20 minutes.  Are you worth that time?  Yes you are!  Don't sell yourself short.  You CAN do this! 

Now, I'm getting geared up to tackle ChaLEAN Extreme.  I am looking forward to seeing how this differs from P90X. 

In the mean time I have gone back to my Chalene TurboFire favorite.  Fun & Sweat wrapped into some serious working out!

Have you tried a Beachbody workout before?  Which one?  What were your thoughts & results?

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Book Review: Come To the Table by Neta Jackson

Let me start by saying I LOVE Neta Jackson's books.  I have been a huge fan since the Yada Yada Prayer Group series (written with her husband Dave Jackson).  When I received this book in the mail to review I took about 0 seconds to open it & start reading.  The way she writes just draws you in & you feel like the characters are your friends by the time you are done.  I never want her books to end & can same the same for this one.  I am very much looking forward to reading more about the characters in this series Souled Out. 

Read on to get HOOKED!!  It's available TODAY!  http://www.amazon.com/Come-Table-SouledOut-Sisters-Novel/dp/1595548653/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355256821&sr=8-2&keywords=come+to+the+table

From the author:

TODAY'S THE DAY! "Come to the Table" officially releases today (Dec. 11), just in time to stuff those Christmas stockings. If you haven't already got your copy, enjoy the continuing saga of Kat and Nick and Rochelle and the SouledOut Sisters! And let us know what you think.
 

About the book:

Kat Davies is suddenly wondering if her good deed was a bad idea.

Kat may be new in her faith, but she's embraced the more radical implications of Christianity with reckless abandon.  She invited Rochelle -- a homeless mother -- and her son to move into the apartment she shares with two other housemates.  And she's finally found a practical way to channel her passion for healthy eating by starting a food pantry at the church.

Her feelings for Nick are getting harder to ignore.  The fact that he's the interning pastor at SouledOut Community Church and one of her housemates makes it complicated enough.  But with Rochelle showing interest in Nick as a father-figure for her son, their apartment is feeling way too small.

But not everyone thinks the food pantry is a good idea.  When the women she thought would be her biggest support just wants to "pray about it," Kat is forced to look deeper at her own motives.  Only when she begins to look past the surface does she see people who are hungry and thirsty for more than just food and drink and realizes the deeper significance of inviting them to "come to the table".



Be Blessed & Healthy!!

P90X - final week

Tomorrow I do my last day of week 12 in P90X's 13 week program.  I realized at the beginning of week 11 that I would be doing some of my faves for the last time in this round.  I know that probably sounds corny but for me it meant alot.  Honestly?  I wasn't sure if I had what it took to do the program as scheduled for me. 

When I first got the P90X program (a while ago)  I just did the workouts as I wanted to.  I would decide what workout I wanted to do by what area I wanted to work that day.  Ok, not the best way of doing it but it did work for me at the time.  Or not as I'm seeing now!  Tony Horton & the powers that be knew what they were doing when they created this program.  "Muscle confusion" is a real thing. 

So, I will be doing measurements at the end of next week & if I'm brave enough......I will post my before & after pics :)   I will also fill you in on some of the things I have learned through this process.  Hope you will continue this journey with me!!

I'm looking forward to my next round of P90X & kickin it up a notch by adding some Chalene to it.  I did that during this last phase but not as much as I would like to have. 

Also looking forward to seeing what other Beachbody workout Santa might be bringing this year.

Bring it Santa!!  :)

Have you ever done a Beachbody workout?  Do you have a favorite?

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Winning!

I'm not used to winning but I have won a few things lately & wanted to tell you about it. 

I love to visit The Not-So-Perfect Housewife's blog and she was reviewing & giving away Muir Glen's Organic Tomatoes.   I was so happy to find out that I won them & received 4 cans & a little cookbook with them.  How fun to get these things in the mail!!

As you know if you have been following me, one of the things I need to stay away from is gluten.  This isn't just a fad for me.  It truly causes me physical pain to eat.  Therefore, I have had to find cookbooks that work for me.  I'm not one for difficult recipes, etc.  A friend loaned me a cookbook by Carol Fenster "1000 Gluten Free Recipes".  Carol does a great job at explaining SO much & makes it so easy to create yummy things for my whole family.  My husband is pretty good at telling something that is gluten free & I can say honestly there have been times I have stumped him with one of her recipes.  The other day I saw on Carol's facebook page that she was doing a giveaway of this cookbook!!  I was so excited & I WON!!  She will also autograph it for me :) 

So fun. 

I am hopeful that one day I will be able to start doing giveaways here for my blog friends. 

What are some things that you have won??

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Back on Track

Ok, Thanksgiving is over.  The leftovers are still calling my name BUT I'm getting back on track.  I can honestly say I didn't go crazy on Turkey Day.  Yes, I had some pie & maybe that would constitute crazy for me but it was really worth it.  I also had some leftovers yesterday & to be honest I'm ready for lots of veggies today.  I am loving how my body will crave the good for me stuff because that is what it is used to. 

I also didn't stop my exercise regimen.  If anything I made SURE I kept it up so I wouldn't feel bad by the end of the day.  That is another thing my body craves.

I hope you have a GREAT Thanksgiving with family &/or friends.  Now it's time to prepare for Christmas.  Probably my favorite season of the year.  This is the one that will get me.  It will tempt me to no end.  Cookies will be baked.  Yummy breads.  Oh my.  This too I will get through.

What about you?  What are the foods that you just can't seem to say no to?

Be Blessed & Healthy this Holiday Season!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed day/weekend with friends & family!!

 

Be Blessed & Healthy!!



P90X Phase 2 Results

Phase 2 is COMPLETE & now I'm on to Phase 3.  The fact that I have stuck with the program like it is scheduled surprises me.  I like the fact the workouts are scheduled & there is no question about what I will be doing the next day.  I don't like the fact that maybe tomorrow I want to do CARDIO instead of weight work.  Well, there is a method to Tony Horton's madness.  I'm sure he wouldn't mind me calling it that!! 

Going into this- remember my background.  I have been working out 6 days a week for a minimum of an hour a day for about 5 years now.  I got P90X a while ago but just would do the DVD's as I wanted to.  I would add in my other faves like Chalene's Turbo Fire or Bob Harper's workouts as well.  ALL GOOD STUFF!!  I don't have alot of weight to lose.  I would like a total of 10lbs for sure, a little more if possible but mostly I would like some definition.  I can honestly tell you I am well on my way to that.  Muscle confusion is the way to go. 

So, drum roll please...........................
My measurements this morning found I have lost another 3-1/2 lbs & 3-1/2"!!!  

5 more weeks to go.  Looking forward to it too.  Guess what?  I already know what work out I'm doing tomorrow!! heehee  Do you??

Have you done P90X like Tony Horton scheduled it?  What were your results?

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Vote!

 

 

 

I'm going to be exercising my FREEDOM to VOTE on Tuesday!  Hope you are too!!

 

 

 

 



The Way Of Grace - By Cathy Bryant ~ A Book Review

 

 

I love when I can read a book that just takes me away to another place & gives me a little mental vacation for a while.  I also love when I finish the book & I feel like the characters were so real & I wonder what has happened with them AFTER the story.  The Way Of Grace by Cathy Bryant did all those things for me.

This is Book 3 in the Miller's Creek Series but I didn't feel like I was missing anything by NOT reading the 1st two in the series first.  Believe me though, I will be reading them now!  LOVE what Cathy Bryant did with the characters in this book. 

In pursuit of justice, in need of grace . . .

 

A justice-seeking perfectionist pursues her dream of a perfect life in her hometown of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Sidetracked by the desire to be a prosecuting attorney, Grace Soldano launches into uncharted waters, making herself over to please her boss and mentor. Then a disheveled free spirit turns her perfectly ordered world upside down, challenging the concept of personal goodness. A fall from perfection leaves her teetering between vengeance and grace, caught in a deadly crossfire that leaves her dreams in a heap of ashes. Can she learn to joyfully accept the life God has given her–far from perfect–but one completely immersed in His grace?

 

 

 

About the Author:

 

Cathy’s desire is to write heart-stirring stories about God’s life-changing grace. Her first novel, Texas Roads, was a 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers’ Genesis finalist. Her second novel, A Path Less Traveled, was published in 2010. The Way of Grace, the third book in the Miller’s Creek novels was released in 2012. A native Texan, Cathy currently resides in the beautiful Ozark mountains of northwest Arkansas with her husband of thirty years, and near the world’s cutest grandson.



Hope you enjoyed my FIRST book review!! 

Let me know what you thought about the book!

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

 

A Brief Update

Well, I am into my 7th week of the P90X program.  I just love all these workouts.  Some more than others for sure but to be honest when I'm done with whatever workout it is, I'm thrilled to have done it.

I am known for hurting a part of my back that can be painful (to say the least and really ALL back injuries are painful huh?).  I have popped ribheads out (I'm told that is a type of joint at the end of the rib in your back).  This morning after my upperbody workout I was going to run.  My daughter asked to come with so I was putting her bike in the back of my car and OUCH!!  I'm down for the count to be sure.  No run for me today.  I'm VERY hopeful to do my workout (NOT upper body) tomorrow that is scheduled.  We'll see.  I also have an appt with my chiropracter tomorrow morning to see if she can help me out some.  She always does :)  I'm hoping this is just a muscle pull & all will be well with some rest & ibuprofen. :)

How are you doing?  What exercise program are you doing?

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Walk for Life 2012

One of my favorites places is the pregnancy center in our town.  Grace House Pregnancy Center.  They do such wonderful things there & my heart is just with them.  Every year they host a "Walk for Life".  This year it is October 27th.  It's a 2.5 mile walk,run, skip or hop :)  You can even do it at your home when you are able to!  We get sponsors though & that money goes directly to the center. 

Here is some of the things the center has been up to this year:

Grace House Pregnancy Resource Center, Inc.

Grace House is a public non-profit Christian mission
that is presenting life-affirming alternatives
to the abortion-minded
by embracing them in an environment of safety and hope;
educating them concerning pregnancy,
fetal development and parenting,
and empowering them to choose life for their unborn children!

2011 Accomplishments

DeLand/Edgewater
452/84 Individuals served
1398/346 Client Visits
341/45 Pregnancy Tests
1413/166 Material Help Visits
286/60 Educated Father Figures
158/18 Free Ultrasounds Provided
291/44 Shared Gospel
57/12 People Accepted Christ
191/48 Bibles Given
2/0 Adoptions Finalized
186/101 Bible Study Sessions...
& at least 278 Moms Chose LIFE!!

Some of our Free, Confidential Services

♥ Pregnancy tests
♥ Ultrasound
♥ Information on abortion procedures & risks
adoption and parenting
♥ Spiritual help
♥ Maternity & baby supplies
♥ Parenting education
♥ Community referrals
♥ Help healing from abortion
♥ Abstinence and STD education
♥ Sanctity of life education in the community

Grace House is a public non-profit Christian mission that is
presenting life-affirming alternatives to the abortion-minded
by embracing them in an environment of safety and hope;
educating them concerning pregnancy,
fetal development and parenting,
and empowering them to choose life for their unborn children!

We also received a matching grant, dollar-for dollar, to get ultrasound machines!

 

So, have I got you wondering how you can help?  Oh I hope so!  Go to my fundraising page to find out: 

http://www.ministrysync.com/event/website/?m=1158441

 

 

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!!



P90X update - Phase 1 DONE

Yep, Phase 1 is done.    4 weeks.  I measured again this morning & I am seeing some progress for sure.  I have lost 2lbs & 3"s.  That makes me happy.  Was I hoping for more? Yes, of course.  I am very happy though.  Numbers (scale & inches) really mess with my mind.  Once I knew that & could make myself STOP measuring that way it was helpful.  The only reason I'm doing it now is so I can see for myself this is really doing something.  Ok, and it's addictive :)  I don't have alot of weight that I need to lose but I do want to get down to the next number on the scale :)  I will stop weighing again when I'm done with this program. 

I like Phase 2.  Today was Chest, Shoulders & Triceps.  Any time I can work my triceps I'm happy.  I hate when they wave goodbye with me :)   I believe Back & Biceps is this week too.  Yay!


Have you tried P90X or any of the Beachbody workouts?  Which is your favorite?

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Friday Favorite - My Fitness Pal

This is a new thing for me.  Like about 2 weeks new.  I have decided to really start keeping track of what I'm eating.  I have my workouts down & have been tracking them as well (easier of course doing the P90X program right now) but I also wanted to see how many calories I was taking in per day.  The days I do an intense workout I am RAVENOUS.  I also noticed I'm a big snacker in the 2-4pm time slot.  Now that I'm tracking what I'm eating I found I was really eating WAY too much!  Knowing I am going to stay honest with myself keeps me from grazing.   I have also found my love again for my hot air popper.  Love my popcorn!!  I don't put butter on it.  I spray it lightly with oo spray & sprinkle some salt on it.  Salty & crunchy & NOT alot of calories. 

So.....here is my Friday Fave --  My Fitness Pal's website.  There I can log in my food & workouts.  I can choose to go on and meet new people & I can even keep a blog there.  I haven't done those last 2 yet.  Just kind of stalking different things right now.  Getting more comfortable with things.  There is also Spark People too.  I am also part of Spark People but after using My Fitness Pal I prefer this one.  Not as chaotic for me & I think I don't have so much trouble finding the different foods I need to enter in. 

I recommend you go & start logging things in.  You would be surprised about some of those hidden calories you don't even realize you are taking in.  Give it a try & come back & let me know what you think!!

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

NOT a healthy recipe post

Just had to warn you.  If you were looking for a healthy recipe or something like that today it's not going to happen :)  I got this quick recipe idea from a friend & sometimes my kid's lifestyle SCREAMS for this.  With baseball, band practice & just a hectic life, sometimes we need a quick snack or dinner idea. 



Barbe-cups

Ground meat
Your favorite BBQ sauce
biscuits/rolls



Happy Customer!!

brown the meat & add bbq sauce.  flatten out roll in bottom of cupcake pan.  Bake for 8-10 minutes at whatever the rolls/biscuits need to be baked at.

Other ideas - taco-cups, pizza cups. 

They freeze REALLY well & can be taken out & warmed up very easily.  This is a GREAT substitute for the pizza rolls or other things you can find out there.  Healthy?  maybe not the greatest BUT I do know what is in these & I much prefer that!!

What is your go-to snack or quicky meal for your kids?

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

Friday Favorite -- Sweet Peppers

I love these peppers for SO many reasons!  The main one is they are an easy snack that 2 out of 3 of my kids LOVE.  I also love to put them in my salad & other things.  They are just so yummy. 

http://www.perofamilyfarms.com/mini-sweet-peppers.html#/mini-sweet-peppers

What is your go-to healthy snack? 

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

P90X - update

I know I posted that I started P90X officially with the scheduled workouts, etc.  I'm still doing it & am in Week 3!!  Some days I feel like I am not getting enough of a workout & others "I'm done!" (like Joe in Shoulders, Bi's, Tri's)  :)  The 1st 3 weeks are identical.  Next week will be different then the 3 weeks after that all the same.  It's a great thing that I KNOW what I'm doing each day & don't really need to think about it.  BUT there are some down points to that.  One of them being......I know what I'm doing the next day & don't really need to think about it :)  I strongly believe we have to schedule our workouts as well as anything else that is important to us so I'm going with it.  If there is something I just really feel like doing (like more cardio) I schedule part of my day for that as well as the P90X that I am scheduled for.

I'm hoping at the end of this 90 days I will see a difference for sure.  At this point I have start logging my food at myfitnesspal.com.  I have never used this site before & am looking forward to it.  I have used Spark People but for some reason myfitnesspal feels less busy of a site & easier to figure things out.   Oh & they are both FREE!!!

My next goal after P90X?  Yes I have one!!  I want the Chalene Extreme workout!! 

What workout are you currently doing?  Have you ever done a workout like P90X?

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Cuteness

My daughter has always loved playing with the toys her older brothers played with (the boys are 7 & 10 yrs older than her).  Cars, dinosaurs, etc.  She loves to play with dolls & girly things too but can I just say she is the envy of all the little boys at the baseball fields when they walk by & see her playing with Matchbox cars & dinosaurs.  Seriously.  Anyway, when I woke up this morning to do my workout, this is what I found:

Nope, I kept them there.  Love my little girl & these little signs of the fun she had the day before are perfectly fine with me :)

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!!

NEW Running shoes

Oh yes I did!!  Just ordered a new pair of running shoes.  I have been going back & forth about running again with all the foot problems I have been having but once a runner ALWAYS a runner.  For me anyway.  LOVE these too!  I have the same kind but in blue & now can't WAIT for the pink!!

What kind of running sneaker do you like?  Have you ever tried barefoot running?

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

P90X!!!

Ok, I have begun the program P90X.  I have had the DVD program for quite a while but never actually did it with the schedule that comes with it. I have to admit.....I was nervous.  I have decided I need to mix things up a bit & give it a try.  I took BEFORE pictures and plan to take AFTER pictures & I will post (maybe) if there is a big difference.  I'm looking forward to it & I LOVE seeing how I am getting stronger with it and I'm only in my 2nd week! 

I have been working out for over 5 years now & have gotten to a level where I felt I was in a rut.  I like this program right now because I can up my weight & push myself to challenge myself.

Do you workout on a regular basis?  What do you do to challenge yourself? 

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

What we do during a Hurricane.....

Well while in Florida we do have to deal with those pesky hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, etc.  Today it's Hurricane Isaac.  Thankfully for us he decided NOT to hit Florida directly.  Unfortunately it looks like he will hit Louisiana though.  Not cool. 

We have only had some rain & wind.  At times it's pretty strong to be honest.  I know it has knocked down some power lines around our town too.  We are hopeful we will keep our electricity! 

So, I'm preparing for a gathering to celebrate my sons 17th birthday & being gluten free I like to make sure there is something that I can eat too.  Today I tried a new recipe & if you can tell by the picture?  IT'S YUMMY!!  I had to put those last 4 pieces aside for my hubby.  The hand in the picture is NOT staged.  I think he thought I was distracted. 

The recipe says to put this in 2 8x8 pans.  I don't have them so I put in in a smaller rectangle pan & it was a little thin.  My oldest said he thought they were alot like vanilla brownies.  Yum!!  I agree.  I think I may make this for our gathering but serve it with some fruit.  That would be just yummilicious! 

This recipe is from the Carol Fenster cookbook 1000 Gluten Free Recipes.  Let me know if you try it.  I guarantee you won't be disappointed!!



Yellow Cake

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1-1/2 cups Carol's Sorghum blend (or another gf flour blend)
1 tsp xanthan gum
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk (I made my own)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract

Preheat over to 325 deg.  Generously grease 2-8" round pans.  Set aside.

In mixer - beat butter until smooth, gradually beat in the sugar until smooth.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

In another bowl - sift together the flour blend, xanthan gum, salt, baking powder & baking soda.  In a measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, vanilla & almond extract.

With mixer on low speed - beat the flour mixture into the egg mixture alternating with buttermilk, beginning & ending with the flour mixture.  Spread the batter evenly in the pans.

Bake 20 - 25 minutes or until the tops of the cakes are golden brown.

Enjoy!!

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

Friday Favorite - PB2

When I first heard of this I was so excited!  Then I got it and I am HOOKED!!!

PB2 is a powdered form of peanut butter (my opinion) without the fat!!  Here is the nutrional information:

PB2
Calories 45
Calories from fat 13
Fat 2g
Carbs 5g
Fiber 2g
Sugar 1g
Protein 5g
Sodium 94mg


Compared to:

Smuckers Natural Peanut Butter
Calories: 200
Calories from fat: 150
Fat 16g
Sodium 105mg
Protein 7g
Carbs 6g
Sugar 1g
Fiber 2g



Don't get me wrong.  I still use peanut butter for certain things & my "go-to" is the Smuckers Natural.  I haven't found another one I can buy at the grocery store that doesn't have sugar in the ingredients.

As you can see there are differences here. I would much rather have less fat then the 2 grams here and there of protein, etc. I use this mostly right now in my protein smoothies in the morning after my workouts but there are recipes that you can use this in as well.  

Don't take MY word for it!  Give it a try!  Oh - and it comes in chocolate too.  YUMMY!!

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Mini - Remodel!

I'm so excited.  For a long time I have wanted to paint our main bathroom or the kids bathroom as it's been known as.  Stay tuned for some remodel pictures!!  I'm hoping to do as much of this on my own as possible.  Not doing anything major like new toilet/sink or anything.  Just painting, etc.  I didn't realize though how much more "prep" I would have to do just to paint!!

What is the last thing you remodeled in your home?

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

Friday Favorite - YUM ALERT!!

Haha.  This one is a yummy recipe.  I heard about this on the Dr Oz show & it got me at chocolate :)

Butt Blasting Brownies (these made with dark cocoa)

He calls them "Butt Blasting Brownies".  They are so easy to make & honestly they satisfy a craving & I don't find myself going back for more!  I eat 2 in the afternoon with a cup of coffee.  I'm not sure if they are blasting my butt at all but all my lunges & squats are hopefully taking care of that :)

Ingredients
1 cup raw cacao powder  ( I use regular unsweetened, powdered Hersheys cocoa)
1/4 tsp cayenne
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup low fat milk ( I use unsweet almond milk)
1 cup organic raisins
1 cup oats

Directions
In a food processor purée the cacao, cayenne, cinnamon, milk and raisins until a smooth paste forms. Add the oats to the food processor and quickly pulse to incorporate them. Transfer the mix into a square or rectangular container lined cross wise with wax paper. Press down to form the ‘brownie' base. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into squares before serving. Enjoy!


Do you have a go-to snack that just hits the spot & doesn't make you feel guilty about indulging?  I love new ideas & recipes.  Please share!!

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Friday Favorite - Hemp Protein Powder

Oops missed a week! 

After my workouts I really look forward to the protein smoothie I make.  I started out with a soy protein powder a while back (it was sweetened) mostly because I didn't realize the extent of protein powders that are out there!  Not necessarily at Walmart or your local grocery store but they are out there.  I ended up going to an unsweetened version of soy protein that is organic.    I am not concerned about having too much soy but started noticing having a harder time then I thought I should with toning my abs.  Looking into it a little bit I realized maybe the soy is causing this problem.  Estrogen tends to cause weight gain around us women that are getting up there in age a little bit (no I'm not getting old :)  )  So, I started looking into other proteins and found hemp.  I like that it's different for sure and honestly don't think I have been using it long enough to tell you I see a big different in the toned ab area.  I use almond milk with it & add some other things as well. 

It's also nice to know I'm getting some extra protein given that I don't get it in the usual ways people do eating meat.  Not my cup of tea.  I choose not to eat meat so love new ways I can incorporate protein into my diet.  Nutiva Hemp Protein Powder has 11g in the 3Tbsp serving.  I add about 1-1/2 cups almond milk, PB2 (look for this fave coming up soon), chia seeds, blueberries & strawberries.  This powder is not sweetened which I prefer.  The berries I add made it just right.  It has 12g fiber & 240mg potassium.  80 calories per serving!  Love this choice!

So, there you have it.  Hemp Protein Powder is my fave for this week.   Look into it.   Research these things.  It is so important to be informed.  Don't just take someone else's word for it.

Do you have a protein powder/source you prefer?  Do you make smoothies?  Leave me your recipe!  Would love to give it a try.

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

BTW - I found mine at Amazon.com  http://www.amazon.com/Nutiva-Organic-Protein-Fiber-16-Ounce/dp/B001E5E1LE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1344451246&sr=8-5&keywords=nutiva+hemp+protein

Bob Harper DVD's 5$!!!

He is doing it again!!  Bob Harper is selling his DVD's for 5$.  Seriously folks!  These are AWESOME workouts!  The main workout is about an hour but he has put a bonus workout on each DVD that is either 10 or 20 minutes.   Don't miss you on this GREAT deal!!

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Friday Favorites - resistance bands

These are GREAT for taking on trips!!  I remember a couple years ago going away & I had a bag that was atleast 26lbs with some of my weights in it.  I think the bellman almost wrenched his back!! 

I love these bands.  They come in different resistance levels.   Don't get me wrong they don't take the place of my weights on a regular basis but these are worth every penny spent on them.  I have a few workouts that use them & I love finding new exercises I can do with them.   The resistance band with handles is quite handy too!!  You can find that one at Walmart for under 10$ I believe.

Have you ever used resistance bands?  Tell me how you used them.

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Friday Favorite - Weights

Ok, I realize this might be a no-brainer.  I LOVE my weights.  When my kids "borrow" them I get a little twitchy.  It's important to have different sizes because you will want to lift heavier as you get stronger.   The dark green on the right are 1 & 5#'s.  I have 3, 5, 8 & 10 here & my son has a set of 15# that I "borrow" from time to time :) 

I have seen weights called Select-A-Weight that is pretty much just that.  You just pick the size you want & it adjusts the weights on the bar.  Very cool.  Very expensive. 

Tell me something YOU just love to use during a workout. 

Oh - a side note - when my daughter plays with her animals the weights make GREAT fences for them.  Fun!!

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Friday Favorite - Log Book

Years ago I decided to have an accountability partner for my workouts.  It helps a few ways.  For one, there is NO slacking if you have a good accountability partner!  She keeps me honest for sure.  Second, it helps me see I'm making progress.  I have also found that when I injure myself I can make notes about that as well & that comes in handy. 

I have since started a log that I write in each day (you can purchase a caledar with space enough to write in or just use a regular notebook).  What workout I do, if I don't do a workout, if I get hurt or something is feeling crampy during that workout.  There have been times I realize I may have focused more on cardio or strength training too & need to readjust things. 

So, here is my Friday favorite.  My fitness log book.  Just like writing down what we are eating all day long (including snacks) it's important to keep a log of workouts if you don't stick with one program in particular.  I also put down how the workout felt.  If I pushed it.  If I felt particularly challenged with it.  Don't forget, if you are using weights, write down what you used.  That way the next time you do that workout you can see your progress

I hope to start writing down the calories I burned during my workouts too. 


Tell me something you do to help hold you accountable.

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

Friday Favorites

Just thought I would share some of my favorite things with you.  I visited a wonderful blog the other day that was doing her 5 favorite things that made me think about doing this.  I think I'll try to do one a week.  Don't want to over whelm ya!

I would love to know what YOUR favorite things are. 

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

These are my go-to workouts right now.  I LOVE trying new ones & when I got these I went NUTS.  Bob Harper runs $5 specials every so often & I will tell you from experience - they are worth it!!  He is challenging & I see results.  I love that I can rotate with my Beachbody workouts as well. 

Happy Independence Day!!

Too Busy for Workouts?

The day starts off with you running in different directions?  You opted to sleep until the very last minute til the alarm clock buzzed?  Then you find yourself back at home and it's lunch time.  You are still running.  Making lunches, doing dishes, cleaning, etc, etc, etc.  Sound familiar?  Yep, I know it.

One of the things I strive to do is workout 6 days a week.  Doesn't matter WHAT I do but I need to do something to get my heart going faster than usual :)  I will give myself an extra day off during the week if I need to but...... 

So, you find your day looking crazy & you just can't get the time to workout.  What can you do?  For one thing don't look at working out as WORK.  I realize there are so many that just don't like exercising.  There has to be something that you like to do.  Walk, skip, jump rope.  Play with your kids outside.  Even take them to the playground & follow them around!  Don't sit on the bench and watch.  There are so many things you can do but the main thing is get moving.

For me today was one of those days like I wrote above.  Just crazy busy.  Running errands for myself & others.  I didn't get my early morning workout in because I did choose to get those few minutes longer in before the alarm went off.  My plan?  Do get a workout in tonight when the kids go to bed.  Something simple but something that will challenge my body like I'm used to doing. 

Don't give up.  Get started & keep going.  You are so worth it! 

Remember some of the hardest working out you will do is in the kitchen.  Staying out would be the hardest huh?  I do know that feeling.  Just like exercising on a regular basis will become addictive   more of a habit - so will staying out of the kitchen or avoiding the downfalls.  You can do it!!

I would love to hear from you.  Tell me a positive thing you did for yourself today or in the past week that was a healthy choice.

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

Motivational Monday

What are you waiting for?  Don't set a start date - START NOW.  Know matter WHAT you do - you will be doing something!  Do it for your loved ones!  Do it for YOU!!  You matter!!


Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

Facebook!

I'm on Facebook!!  Check me out at Imperfectly Pamela.  Like my page if you like what you see.  Hope to hear from you!!

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Rain Rain

Tropical Storm Debby is leaving here mark here in Florida.  Fun Fun!  We have been in a drought for I don't know how long & she is just dumping rain on us like nobody's business!  I don't mind the rain really.   If you know Florida you know it doesn't usually rain all day long like this.  We get those afternoon showers/storms then back to sunny days.  No complaining here.

Since my foot injury I have been doing most of my working out inside with my DVD's.  I miss running out there and had to laugh today when I saw a diehard runner.  It was POURING and he was just running right along.  I have to say I did giggle but then I had that little jealous feeling.  Oh to run in the rain.

If you run/walk what do you do on the rainy days?  Do you just not do anything or do you find a way to get your workout in?

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Fathers Day

This year Fathers Day was homemade.  We try to do "doing" gifts.  The kids will wash Dad's car or "detail" the inside.  This year my daughter said she thought we should make Daddy's FAVORITE cookies - Thumbprint cookies.  My 13 yr old reminds us how he won 1st prize in the fair with this recipe.  Mommy made Daddy's favorite pie - Apple & we made a special Dad's blessing jar.  Some times when days are tough we need to remember that our children DO love us & think we are something other than dumb grown-ups :)

I hope all the Dad's out there had a great day!!

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

What Scares You Most??

Maybe "scares" is a strong word.  What keeps you from be the healthy person you need/want to be?  What is stopping you from eating well & exercising?  I know for me when I was at my heaviest NON pregnancy weight I just didn't think I could do it.  I didn't know how to cook healthier.  "Hamburger Helper" was my FRIEND!!  Really!!  I LOVED cheese (still do but in a non-dairy form), ice cream, LOTS of bread.  Oh I could go on.

I would really love to hear what keeps you from making changes.   If you are having trouble commenting here go to my facebook page at Pamela Sadlon.

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

Succumbing to Temptation

Sheesh.  It's hard, ya know?  Ok, here is the deal.  I went away for a couple days for my oldest sons summer baseball team.  They were playing a couple hours away & we needed to stay at a hotel.  No biggie.  Alot of times I stress myself out thinking about where will we eat that I will be able to get filled up on good food & not the stuff I can't or won't eat.  That just happens so much.  Anyway, the trip was going well.  I took lots of fruit, different kinds so I wouldn't get bored.  I had a couple "Kind" bars & some other nuts.  LOTS of water & knew I could splurge with coffee because I brought my soy creamer along.  Yeah, I was doing really well UNTIL........ we got back to our hotel room after a few hours out & those nice, thoughtful people brought a "Thank You" plate up.  Oh my.  It had fruit, juice, a big cookie, & 2 candy bars.  Now, the amount of times that I actually CRAVE a candy bar?  Not many to count AT ALL.  I succumbed to this craving.  I even texted my good friend AFTER I did it and confessed.  I felt horrible (physically mostly).  My body just isn't used to having to digest that stuff.  I got the point loud & clear. 

So, did I beat myself up over it?  Well, probably for about 10 minutes or so.  Then I got real.  I had a craving & it was handed to me on a platter.  Literally.  Then for dinner & went out & had a great salad & some yummy fish.  I also continued drinking LOTS and LOTS of water. 

I felt better in the morning & was happy I had a new day to start over again. 

It happens.  We are just human & crave things.  Especially when we have already had them & know what they taste like, etc.  Totally normal.

So, what are some things you just can't do without?   I know I have asked this question before but I would love to hear from you!!

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!

Super-size me NOT - part 2

Saw this today on Foxnews.com.  I like visuals.  The sugar in front of the different cups is good. 
Really, that's alot of sugar.

Water, water, water.  Use lemon or lime slices. Put a mint leaf in it.  There are lots of things you can do to mix it up but drink your water people!

What is your go to drink for the day?  Are you trying to cut out/down on soda??

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Downsizing...

Wow, that word can mean so many things huh?  I have been considering this since going through my house to prepare for the yard sale we had this weekend.  (I really DO need to get better at taking pictures!!)  My little girl ran her lemonade & brownie stand and possibly made more money then all of us!  I just need to actually get her to bring it to me so I can count it :)  Anyway, I digress.  As I was going through all the stuff we have accumulated over who knows how long I got to thinking - why do we have all this stuff?  A good friend once said "does this stuff bring you joy?".  That is a very good question.  When my middle child struggles with getting rid of things (which he & my youngest do all the time) I sit in their rooms with them & ask them about certain items & if it brings them joy.  I don't believe we are supposed to hold on to things & horde them.  If we have stuff & can pass it on all the better. 

Well, anyway (sheesh guess I have lots to say!) we had a yard sale.  The first day it rained and guess what?  It was our BUSIEST day!! 

R's Baptism

I found myself just giving things away & telling people a dollar for things.  I thought for sure Saturday would be the big day and it wasn't.  Within an hour of closing up the yard sale I had everything in my car & was taking it to the local "Good Will" type place called Our Fathers Closet.  Can I tell you how relieved I was to be done with it?  It made me sad to see some of the stuff go though.  You know, those games your kids have grown out of, etc.  What I need to remember is it isn't the object that brings me joy.  It's the memories that bring me joy.  Watching my 2nd son play Veggie Tales "Don't Sink in the Sink".  A seriously fun game for little ones (and their mom's).  The dress I wore for my nephews baptism.  Doesn't fit me anymore since I lost my weight so why hang on to it?  The memories of that day are so much more precious.  Me being able to sing for him at his church. 



Another way I would like to downsize and for some reason need to work up the courage for this one is my Facebook page.  Honestly?  Facebook is full of so much drama I just find myself scanning through for my favorite people & posts.  At this point I just want to use it for my fitness & health friends & my closest friends & family.  You know, people who care about me & mine not the gossip part of things.  I know people have problems but I really have a problem with playing things out on Facebook, etc.  I would hope that if someone comes to my blog or Facebook page they would see I do my best to keep it positive & encouraging for you & me.  There is so much hurt & drama in the world today. 

Wow, I guess my bloggers block is over again huh? 

Just wanted to tell all my followers (seen & unseen) that I appreciate you!  I love going to the blogs of those that have them & following your journeys in whatever it is you are going through.  I love the comments you leave & hope one day more of you will leave them :) 

I love that there is a place I can share my passion of health & fitness (and other random things) and know maybe, possibly I'm helping one person consider something different.

How would you like to "downsize" your life?  Does your house drain your energy & need an overhaul?  Maybe I'll get up enough nerve to take some pictures of my "hotspots" and we can share our ideas on how to de-clutter. 

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Super-Size me --- NOT!!!

There is some news in the headlines today about the Mayor of New York wanting to ban any sodas over 16 oz from being sold in fast food restaurants.

 "The ban, which could take effect as soon as March, would not apply to diet sodas, fruit juices, dairy-based drinks or alcoholic beverages."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/05/31/nyc-plans-to-ban-sales-sugary-drinks-over-16-ounces/#ixzz1wTCLHb6M

Ok my friends.  If you have been reading up on my blog you KNOW how I feel about soda.  Honestly though?  Banning a certain size of soda is NOT going to help the obesity rate, in my opinion.  People have a mind of their own and if they want 20 oz of soda they will get it just by purchasing another soda or (hold on to your hats!) going & buying something larger at a grocery store. 

Who came up with super sizing things anyway?  I went to Dunkin Donuts for an unsweet iced tea the other day (only $.99) and asked for a large.  They told me to get the extra large because it's the same price!!  Seriously!!  It's crazy & we need to stop the madness. 

Don't take my word for it!  Do your own research on soda in the first place.  If you can find something healthy about it PLEASE let me know.   Ok, I'm going to get down off my box now.  This just gets me going :)  Can you tell? 

What are your thoughts on this topic?  This mayor has been in the news before banning things, etc.  Would love to hear from you!!


Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Portion size

Ok, I'm back to having a little blogger block lately.  So much happening & feeling like how can I get it down into words.  I love this picture I just saw floating around Facebook.  Ever wonder as you are scooping out the peanut butter how much a tablespoon is without getting the table spoon out?  Well, this will give you an idea with stuff like that.  LOVE the visual!!  Hope you do too.

Hope you can read it.  Mostly the red print is what you need. 

Do you concern yourself with portion sizes?  What is one food you really struggle keeping the portion size small?

Be Blessed & Healthy!!!!

Happy Memorial Day

What are YOU doing this Memorial Day?  Have any picnic plans??

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Yummy Grilled Tofu!

On Mother's Day I was blessed with being able to do absolutely NOTHING!  My husband & kids took over.  It was definitely a difficult thing for me to do.  I found myself wanting to get up & help or just take over. 

The yummiest part of all this was what my husband made for dinner.  He was making shishkabobs with steak & veggies but as you all probably know, I don't eat meat.  He asked me a few questions about how to cook tofu.  Do you know what?  He grilled the tofu with yummy seasonings, peppers, tomatoes, summer squash and oh my yumminess!!  It was SO good!!  Ok, so for those of you who know tofu, you know you should probably squeeze the water out right?  Well, that's what I have always done.  I forgot to tell him that part.  He drained the water, seasoned it & grilled it.  I was SO pleasantly surprised.  It wasn't dry like I'm used to!  It was moist & not like eating a sponge.  It was yummy.

So, I hope I have maybe talked one of you into being curious enough to give it a try.  Tofu isn't nasty like some make it out to be.  It comes in different firmness too.  I like the silken in my protein smoothies in the morning.  Yum!!  The great thing about tofu is it's a flavorless base that you can make taste however you want it to!  Whatever you put it with, it will soak up that flavor.  Cool!!

If you have had tofu before, how do you cook/season it?  I would love to try it a different way!! 
Do you find it's hard to sit back & let others take care of you? 

Be Blessed & Healthy!!

Happy Mothers Day!!

What a wonderful day.  Truly it is.  Just about every Sunday is for me.  I love our church & the Sundays I get to be blessed to be part of the worship team are even more special.  THEN today is Mothers Day!  Even better. 

My 13 yr old made me a beautiful jewelry box with the help of a friend of ours:

I got some cool cups I have wanted, a classical piano cd & beautiful earrings that my daughter made for me.  I feel so blessed :)

As my quiet day went on my little girl came to me with tears in her eyes & her very first loose tooth in her hand.  She cried for a bit but eventually was thrilled to see that space & the new "grown up tooth" coming through.  So excited.

Yesterday I had an awesome day.  Every year I take my sister to a new town that we can investigate & window shop.  Some times we have to revisit a town because it's just too big to get it all done in a day.  We end our day getting a yummy cup of coffee.  We always pick up something little & sweet.  Seriously!  We go into a shop that usually has something chocolatey & only get 1 or 2 little treats that we share.  It's fun & we feel better for not indulging too much.  Yesterday we were in The Villages.  There are 2 shopping areas & I do believe we went to the smaller one.  Next year we will be back to continue the tour. 

I ended up at our church for our annual Crawfish Boil.  It's alot of fun & I got to listen to my son's band play.  Just an awesome night.

Well, I do hope your weekend was just as lovely.   Leave a comment and let me know what you did this weekend.  What are some special Mother's Day things you did with your family?  I would LOVE to hear!!

Be Blessed & Healthy!!