Pepperoni Pizza Soup - OMG Sooo gotta try this!

Yumm!  I am getting so hungry just thinking about this recipe.  

My Baton Rouge Mommy: What's For Dinner? "Pepperoni Pizza Soup"

77 USES FOR VINEGAR

77 USES FOR VINEGAR:

It’s so secret that vinegar is practically a “miracle solution”. It can do pretty much anything from clean, deodorize, unclog a drain, to get rid of hiccups.

For the past year or so, I’ve been compiling a list of uses for vinegar in a Word document (yes, before Pinterest, there was Microsoft Word). When the list hit #77, and seven being sort of a theme around here, I thought it was high time to post my vinegar-solution findings. Note: Unless it says otherwise, all of these tips will work with any type of vinegar (white, distilled, apple cider, etc). But when using vinegar on fabric or to clean something, it’s always best to use white vinegar so you don’t discolor the surface.

1. You know when you leave a paper in your jeans pocket, wash the jeans, and lint is all over everything in the washer? Just add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle, and it will flush out all of the lint.
2. Sooth bee or jellyfish stings with vinegar.
3. Get rid of deodorant stains by rubbing the stain with vinegar, then wash as usual.
4. Make homemade stickers. Boil vinegar in a pan, then turn down to low and add some gelatin. Let the mixture cool and brush it on the back of your “sticker art” then cut in  your desired shape. Let dry and you have homemade stickers (from here)!
5. To keep your washing machine squeaky clean, pour 1 cup of vinegar in to the washing machine and run the machine through a normal cycle (on hot water) without clothes. This will clean the hoses and unclog soap scum.
6. Have the hiccups, swallow 1 tablespoon of vinegar and they will stop instantly. I’ve done this several times and it really works!
7. Sometimes when we grill, the smoke smell stays around on our clothes. To get rid of it, fill the bathtub with HOT water, pour a few cups of vinegar in the bath and hang the clothes on the curtain rod to let the “vinegar steam” hit the clothes.
8. Remove fruit stains from hands by rinsing them with vinegar.
9. Put about 8 oz. of vinegar into a glass. Put a dot of food coloring on a spoon and then cover it with baking soda. Give each child a spoon and let them add the “magic powder” (gelatin) to the vinegar. The contents of the glass will bubble and change colors (from here).
10. Remove candle wax from wood furniture. Soften the wax with a blow dryer an blot of as much as you can with paper towels. Remove the left-over by rubbing with a cloth soaked in equal parts water and white vinegar and wipe clean.
11. Brighten up brickwork by going over them with a damp mop dipped in 1 cup white vinegar mixed with 1 gallon of warm water.
12. Take 1 cup of vinegar and warm water and rinse your hair after shampooing. Vinegar adds highlights to brunette hair, restores the “acidic mantel” and removes soap scum and oils. Not sure what my colorist would say about this.
13. Keep nylon hose looking better and last longer by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar when you wash them.
14. Clean coffee and tea stains from china with a mixture of salt and vinegar.
15. Prevent soapy film on glassware by placing a cup of vinegar on the bottom rack of your dishwasher when you wash the dishes.
16. Boil better eggs by adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar before boiling. This keeps them from cracking and helps the peel to come off easier.
17. Have a mosquito bite? Rub a little vinegar on the bite to relieve itching.
18. Clean linoleum with 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 gallon of water for extra shine.
19. After cleaning the bread box (or drawer) keep it smelling sweet by wiping it down with a cloth moistened in distilled vinegar.
20. Deodorize the kitchen drain by poring a cup down the drain once a week.
21. Clean soap scum, mildew, and grime from bathtub, tile and even the shower curtain buy simply wiping the surface with vinegar and rinse with water.
22. If you accidently put too much detergent in the wash, but add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. This will dissolve the alkalis in soaps/detergents and cut away any leftover soap.
23. Prevent grease build up in the oven by wiping it with a cleaning rag moistened with vinegar and water.
24. Remove blue toilet bowl cleaner stains with a few drops of vinegar.
25. Clean food-stained pots and pans by filling them with vinegar and let stand for 30 minutes. Then rinse out with hot soapy water.
26. Unclog a drain by pouring a 1/3 cup of baking soda down the drain, then add 1/2 cup of vinegar, and rinse with hot water.
27. Relieve a sunburn by lighting rubbing it with vinegar. Reapply a few times until the burn goes away.
28. To remove hard water stains from a faucet, soak a cloth in vinegar, ring it out and wrap it around the faucet. Let set for an hour (or two, depending on how bad the stains are).
29. Clean brass, copper and pewter with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of vinegar.
30. Firm up gelatin (and help those molded desserts stand up the the summer heat) by adding a teaspoon of vinegar for every box of gelatin used.
31. Kill germs on bathroom fixtures by using one part vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle. Just spray and wipe clean.
32. De-bug fresh veggies by washing them in water, vinegar and salt.
33. Clean and disinfect wood cutting boards by wiping with full strength vinegar.
34. When ironing clothes, to get a sharper crease in knit fabrics, dampen the area with a cloth that’s been soaked in 1/3 vinegar and 2/3 water. Place a brown paper back over the crease and iron. Then cluck like a chicken… no, I’m kidding.
35. Clean the dishwasher once a month by running a cup of vinegar through the rinse cycle.
36. Remove mustard, tea, and coffee stains with a few dabs of vinegar. Once the stain is out, wash the surface/clothes as usual.
37. Make you rice fluffier by adding a teaspoon of vinegar to the water when it boils.
38. Keep bright colors from running by soaking clothes in pure vinegar for 10 minutes before  you wash them.
39. Keep wool or cotton blankets soft and fluffy by adding 2 cups of distilled vinegar to the rinse cycle.
40. When cooking with fresh fish, scale fish easily by rubbing the skin with vinegar for 5 minutes.
41. Treat a sinus infection or chest cold by adding 1/4 cup (or more) of vinegar to a vaporizer.
42. After you remove a seam or hem in fabric, there are little holes left, right? Remove the holes by placing vinegar-moistened cloth under the fabric, then iron.
43. Replace lemon juice in a recipe by using 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar for 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. It delivers the acidity you need for the recipe.
44. To clean wood with a mixture of vinegar and linseed oil.
45. This also works for leather!
46. Clean eyeglasses by wiping each lens with vinegar.
47. Get stains out of cooking pots by filling the pots with 3 tablespoons of vinegar and a pint of water. Boil the solution until the stains loosen and can be wiped away.
48. Clean a teapot by boiling a mixture of water and vinegar, then wipe away the grimy residue.
49. Relieve dry/itchy skin by adding 2 tablespoons to bath water.To get rid of water deposits in your iron, pour a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in the water chamber. Turn to steam and leave the iron for 5 minutes (in the upright position!). Then  unplug the iron to cool and empty the water chamber.
50. Clean your garbage disposal by pouring a few cups of ice followed by a cup of vinegar (or just make vinegar ice cubes) then turning on the disposal.
51. Working on a craft project and got glue residue on the table? Just use a few sprits of vinegar and it will loosen right up.
52. Make ceramic tile shine by scrubbing them with 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup borax and 1 gallon of warm water. Rinse with cool water and let air dry.
53. Whiten grout (to it’s original shade) by scrubbing it with a toothbrush dipped in pure white vinegar.
54. Remove corrosion from shower heads or faucets by soaking them in diluted vinegar overnight.
55. Make buttermilk. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it stand for 5 minutes.
56. If you’ve scorched your iron  (which I have definitely done), just heat a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and salt in a small pan, then rub the solution on the iron surface (while it’s unplugged).
57. Not sure why you would want to do this, but kids might think it’s cool… turn a chicken bone into “rubber” by soaking it in a glass of vinegar for three days.
58. Soothe a sore throat by putting a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle and swallow.
59. Take grease out of suede by dipping a cleaning toothbrush in vinegar and gently scrubbing over the grease spot.
60. If you have a shirt that always seems to attract lint, next time you wash it, add 1 cup of vinegar to the load when you add the soap.
61. I have no idea if this works, but I read that you can suppress your appetite by sprinkling a little vinegar on your food. You never know, probably just because it tastes bad!
62. Freshen wilted vegetables by soaking them in 2 cups of water and a tablespoon of vinegar.
63. Dieting but have a craving for carbs? Take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mix it with a bit of honey and water and drink. It will curb your appetite.
64. Deodorize the air in a room but spraying a few spritz of vinegar.
65. Get rid of glass rings on wood furniture by rubbing a mixture of equal parts of distilled vinegar and olive oil. For best results, rub with the grain.
66. Use vinegar as a top-coat paint on wood crafts for home decor items (more on that here).
67. Settle an upset and heartburn stomach by drinking two teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar.
68. Relive a cough by drinking 1/2 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar, 1/2 cup water, one teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and four teaspoons of honey.
69. Clean the microwave by boiling a solution of 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 cup of water in the microwave. This will loosed any splattered food and deodorize.
70. Make you silverware shine by soaking them in 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda for two hours. Rinse them under cold water and dry really wall with a soft cloth.
71. Clean your computer mouse (if you have one with a removable tracking ball) with 50/50 vinegar and water. Remove the tracking ball, and use a cloth with the mixture to remove the debris and “gunk”. A q-tip works really well too. Let dry for a few hours before putting the ball back in.
72. Unclog a shower head by unscrewing it, remove the rubber washer, place the head in a pot filled with equal parts vinegar and water, bring to a boil, then simmer for five minutes.
73. Remove decals and bumper stickers by covering the decal/sticker with a vinegar-soaked cloth for several minutes.
74. Clean windows and don’t leave any streaks by using vinegar in a spray bottle and dry with newspaper.
75. Make plastic anti-static by wiping it down with a solution of 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 gallon of water. This will also cut down the tendency to attract dust.
76. Remove non-oily stains from carpet by rubbing the stain with a mixture of one teaspoon of liquid detergent and 1 teaspoon of distilled vinegar in a pint of warm water. Rinse with a towel moistened with clean water and blot dry. Repeat until stain is gone.
77. Clean piano keys with 1/2 cup of white vinegar mixed with 2 cups of water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and squeeze it out until there are no drips. Gently wipe off each key. Use a second cloth to dry off the keys as you move along, then leave the keyboard uncovered for 24 hours.

Have any other tips to add to the list?


This info found at:
http://7thhouseontheleft.com/2012/04/107-vinegar/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+7thHouseOnTheLeft+%287th+House+on+the+Left%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

My journey took a couple of nice turns today

Well, just when you think the day is set up and going one way, and turns out to go a total different directions - it's a pretty nice change for the good this time.

Got up first thing this morning, got myself, Haylee and mom ready and headed to the Dr. to check mom out and for her monthly B12 shot.  Ugg, just starts to rain as I start to get everyone to the car.

As we took off heading to town, the rain stops to and holds off for the
rest of the morning.  Yay!!

Mom gets so worked up and makes herself so nervous when I get her out, that I haven't done so much lately.  Don't know if that's a good thing or not.  And her short term memory is pretty much non existent any more.  But it's odd how some things stick and most doesn't but she sees someone from years ago, and knows them instantly.  Strange.

Got her back home and settled into understanding that her room is really her room, as she forgets who lives there.  She has her own rooms in part of my house.  Too many rooms is way too confusing to her.  She is so much better in her living room/bedroom with her own bath.  When I bring her into our rooms such as living room, it confuses the heck out of her instantly.  Even taking her outside for some fresh air and sunshine, and when bringing her back in, she can't figure out

Anyway, got her settled, started on Haylee a snack before convincing her to take a nap.  While doing so, Larry called and said he was going to be able to take off work for a change, and since we had someone after all to stay with mom, since her normal aide is off today, we could go to Batesville to have a nice lunch at Colton's.  Guess I could say, he didn't have to ask me twice.

Larry got home, went over everything with the new aide, and she seemed perfect and accustom and experienced enough, so got the new aide acquainted, and off we went.

Nice surprise to get out of town with my hubby for the afternoon.  Doesn't happen very often.  We went to Colton's and yes, I had a big steak, but very minimal potatoes and one roll.  Carb-wise I was super.  And just now had my shake for dinner since I ate for lunch.  So just switcharoo-ed them.  hehe = - is that a word?  lol!

Sometimes refreshing lil' last minute splurges are so very nice.  And we should all jump on them as much as possible.

Nice drive, nice visit with two of my favorite people and mmmm - my steak was fab!!

:)

TGIF. Still chuggin' along.

I feel like I have had a really good week in spite of not being full blast on the exercise.


I have done a super job not nibbling on no-no's or stopping by a fast food place - McDonald's #3's are a weakness!

Now for the challenges of the weekend.  Hummmm!  I will just try to be 

as good as possible and will try to exercise at least one of the days.  

Ashley and I decided that Sunday morning's will be our weigh in days.  I am 

hoping for a pound, but not going to push for any more than that.  I am going to try to keep the mental picture of the muscle vs. fat in mind so that if I don't do super on the scales, maybe it will be converting over.  :P

I will be sure to check in on Sunday if not before to log how we did.  Good luck to my darlin' daughter.  :)  Luv ya bunches and wish you lots of luck and lots of minus'es.

How to calculate exact calories YOU need to cut to lose weight and increase metabolism?

I am so excited to find out how many calories I am 

actually suppose to have to work with.

Once again I have been playing around online trying to come up with more ideas on metabolism - how it works, (and doesn't work) and how to increase.

All of us have heard of BMI (body mass index) I am not even going to go there on what mine would be at this point.

But I just ran across a site that shows how to figure out your BMR.  Basal Metabolic Rate (the number of calories you'd burn if you stayed in bed all day)  Which I could do the "in bed all day" thing but not 

quite possible. lol!  

Such simple steps.  

1.  Go to:  http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/

    when you enter the correct amt into the "calculator"  click on  

   "Calculate BMR"

2.  The page will refresh and give your amt on a green line just 

     above the calculator boxes

3.  After you know your # for BMR, click on the link just under 

    the calculator that says, "Daily Caloric Needs".  

    This takes you to a new page that has a formula to figure 

    your BMR x Activity level

4.  After you have that number figured, click on the appropriate line 

    that states:  calorie intake to lose weight.

    This will take you to a new page that will explain how to adjust your 
    calorie intake and then exercise is a plus to making this factor work 
    even better.         

**p.s.  

* I had NO idea how many calories I should really be consuming to lose weight at a safe rate, as eating too little is just as tough since your metabolism slows.  I am amazed and excited to have a formula to 

see just what it should be.  

Also, I am trying so hard to make sure I have something to eat every 

3-4 hrs.  Even if it's a little something, just to keep my stubborn lil' 

'Metabo' guy awake and clicking along.  

Ideas to increase my lazy "Metabo"

I have been playing around online to find ways to increase the 

activity of my personal "Metabo" guy that is just plain lazy.  :P

I ran across this site that has some good info so thought I would share.

*******************

How to Increase Metabolism

Here are 10 metabolism boosting foods that will increase your metabolism and help you lose weight by boost metabolism

1. Water! A new study seems to indicate that drinking water actually speeds up weight loss and is a great way how to increase metabolism. Researchers in Germany found that subjects of the study increased their metabolic rates (the rate at which calories are burned) by 30 percent after drinking approximately 17 ounces of water. Water is also a natural appetite suppressant that banishes bloat as it flushes out sodium and toxins. Drinking enough water will also help keep you from mistaking thirst for hunger. So drink up! Make sure that you are starting your day with a big big glass of water and drink throughout the day not just all at one time.

2. Green Tea! Studies show that green tea extracts boost metabolism and may aid in weight loss. This mood-enhancing tea has also been reported to contain anti-cancer properties and help prevent heart disease. It’s also a trendy drink among weight-conscious celebrities. You may Have already seen my green tea articles but this may be one really fantastic herb and it tastes nice too!

3. Soup! Eat less and burn fat faster by having a bowl of soup as an appetizer or a snack. According to a Penn State University study, soup is a super appetite suppressant because it’s made up of a hunger-satisfying combination of liquids and solids. In the study, women chose one of three 270-calorie snacks before lunch. Women who had chicken and rice soup as a snack consumed a n average of 100 fewer calories than those in the study who opted for a chicken and rice casserole or the casserole and a glass of water. I used to joke that soup is not a meal but it really dies fill you for very few calories and remember that when you eat a food with a lot of taste it really will satisfy.

4. Grapefruit! The grapefruit diet is not a myth. Researchers at Scripps Clinic found that participants who ate half a grapefruit with each meal in a 12-week period lost an average of 3.6 pounds. The study indicates that the unique chemical properties in this vitamin C-packed citrus fruit reduce insulin levels, which promotes weight loss and boost metabolism. NOTE: If you are taking medication, check with your doctor about any potentially adverse interactions with grapefruit.Grapefruit, because of the soft peel is a nice alternative to an apple of orange and study after study of the last 30 years has shown that it can really help burn fat.

5. Apples and Pears! Overweight women who ate the equivalent of three small apples or pears a day lost more weight on a low-calorie diet than women who didn’t add fruit to their diet, according to re searchers from the State University of Rio de Janeiro. Fruit eaters also ate fewer calories overall. So next time you need to satisfy a sugar craving, reach for this low-calorie, high-fiber snack. You’ll feel full longer and eat less.

6. Broccoli! Study after study links calcium and weight loss. Broccoli is not only high in calcium, but also loaded with vitamin C, which boosts calcium absorption. This member of the nutritious cabbage family also has plenty of vitamin A, folate and fiber. And, at just 20-calories per cup, this weight-loss superfood not only fights fat but also contains powerful phytochemicals that boost your immunity and protect against disease.

7. Low-Fat Yogurt! Dairy products can boost weight loss efforts, according to a study in the April issue of Obesity Research. People on a reduced-calorie diet who included three to four servings of dairy foods lost significantly more weight than those who ate a low-dairy diet containing the same number of calories. Low-fat yogurt is a rich source of weight-loss-friendly calcium, providing about 450 mg (about half the recommended daily allowance for women ages 19-50) per 8-ounce serving, as well as 12 grams of protein. As far as superfood go Yogurt is right there. It includes calcium, protein and a ton of other nutrients as well as good bacteria and probiotics for you digestive tract.

8. Lean Turkey! Rev up your fat-burning engine with this bodybuilder favorite. Countless studies have shown that protein can help boost metabolism, lose fat and build lean muscle tissue so you burn more calories. A 3-ounce serving of boneless, skinless lean turkey breast weighs in at 120 calories and provides 26 grams of appetite-curbing protein, 1 gram of fat and 0 grams of saturated fat. With the price of chicken going up and up these days Turkey has become a great alternative. Remember that Turkey is a little tougher than chicken and the taste is a little different but it is not just for Thanksgiving and Christmas anymore.

9. Oatmeal! This heart-healthy favorite ranks high on the good carb list, because it’s a good source of cholesterol-fighting, fat-soluble fiber (7 grams per 3/4-cup serving) that keeps you full and provides you with the energy you need to make the most of your workouts. Just be sure to choose steel cut or rolled oats, not instant oatmeal, to get your full dose of vitamins, minerals and fiber. For many years now Pro Bodybuilders have relied on Oatmeal as a staple of their breakfast, it is amazingly high in nutrients.

10. Hot Peppers! Eating hot peppers can speed up and boost metabolism and cool your cravings, researchers at Laval University in Canada found. Here’s why: Capsaicin (a chemical found in jalapeno and cayenne peppers) temporarily stimulates your body to release more stress hormones, which speeds up your metabolism and causes you to burn more calories.

Metabolism Boosting Foods

Here’s how these 10 fat-blasting superstars help you lose weight and how to increase metabolism.

Each of these healthy weight-loss boosters fills you up and keeps you full longer on fewer calories.

Water-rich fresh fruits, veggies and soup dilute the calories in your food and allow you to eat more without breaking the calorie bank.

High-fiber fruit, vegetables and nutritious whole grains keep your digestive system on track and steady insulin levels, which prevents fat storage.

Lean meat boosts metabolism and burns calories because it take more energy to digest than other foods.

Info for this post found at: 

http://www.fitnesstipsforlife.com/10-foods-to-raise-your-metabolism.html

One pound of muscle and one pound of fat are NOT the same size.

 One pound of muscle and one pound of fat 

are NOT the same size. 

If I place one pound of muscle on a scale and one pound of fat on a scale, they will both weigh one pound. The difference is in total volume. 

One pound of muscle may appear to be the size of baseball; one pound of fat will be three times the size and look like a squiggly bowl of Jell-O.

One pound of muscle (red) VS. One pound of fat (yellow)

Why is it that we can lose sizes, yet the scale remains the same?
Because muscle weighs more than fat...

Muscle is a denser tissue and thus takes up less room than an equal weight of fat. That's why it's possible to lose inches but show no changes in scale weight. Having more muscle means you have a more desirable body composition, or fat-to-muscle ratio. You may still weigh the same, but your body will look different, smaller, better and tighter. Though it may take you a few weeks to see measurable changes, you begin to put on muscle and burn calories from the moment you start exercising. 

The muscle weight you gain also beefs up your metabolism which in turn,
helps you to burn off more fat. Talk about a win-win situation!
(You won't jiggle as much at your ideal weight, either.)

Info found at:
 http://www.phentermine.com/forum/my-experience-phentermine/7630-1-lb-fat-vs-1-lb-muscle-picture.html#

PS.
My personal comment:  I know the odds that not ever pound that shows up on the scales and a minus is "fat" or "muscle" but could be fluid, etc, but in my mind - I know I am going to focus on this pic and hope for the best!

Terrific Thursday My journey is moving right along.

Good morning and Woo Hoo for Thursday.  

Did really good with the shake drinks etc, and a salad with diced ham and a big variety of non starchy veggies last night, and about 1/4 bag of popcorn for watching Survivor.  Yes, I know, seems like not many people I know like the show any more, and some times we aren't crazy about an episode or two but still hooked.

Worked on some Yoga stuff yesterday, and gonna head to the treading in a bit.

Oh here are a couple of pics of the workout room that Larry built for us.  Small but

so fab efficient.  Also on the wall not seen, there is a cool ballet bar with a mirror on it that he built for Haylee to work on her dances while we tread, work on weight machine, free weights and/or tan while jammin' to iPod or stereo he mounted on the wall. 

Fab job honey!!

So far so good with the banana then shake this morning.  Should be a good day with the foods again if I can just make some headway to the treadmill with my foot giving me a very tough time.  

Sure hope the scales shows up a lil less this week.  Only hoping for one pound a week but is always nice to see more.  :)  But gotta try to keep in mind, with trying to do working out moving instead of just normal moving, I am changing fat into muscle and have to keep reminding myself - muscle weighs more than fat, but burns fat off faster!  :P

Gonna make this one more day of working hard on NOT being overweight and unhealthy!

Think I'm gonna try some Yoga today.

Good morning.  So far, Wednesday has been much quieter 

and cooperative than yesterday.  Thank goodness!  

I added a Yoga pose poster to this post.  I am going to try to really work hard on some of these today.  I would LOVE to really learn Yoga.  Would love to attend classes, but timing just never really works out.  Oh well, maybe I can at least get a little of the same results at home on my own.

Just keep your fingers crossed that I can get my bootie up from off the floor when I get done with some of these stretches/poses.  Otherwise, I guess I will take advantage of the "down" time and take a nap.  :P  

Metabolism 101.

Found this interesting pic on Pinterest.

Now I think I will begin a mission to find out more and give this 

"Metabo"

guy a swift kick in the booty  :)

Time to fess up for the day.

Tuesday - well at least it's not Monday again ( or is it?)

I had so much trouble getting to sleep last night, that my butt had a major case of dragging slowly behind me.  

Also, had quite a headache, so was moving slow for two reasons.

I just couldn't get moving and motivated to get myself onto that treadmill.

By the time I got going, it was my normal crazy kind of Tuesday.  There is one thing after another going on all day/evening long.  So not really adequate time to do much.  

But I did do a super job with the foods today.  Kept them spread out which I am famous for not doing very well.  

While in town running all sorts of errands, I ran by Sonic and got chicken strips for Haylee for lunch, but I didn't even get a coke. Yay!!

Although to be truthful, on the way to the next stop, I thought about pulling over somewhere and see if I could take her for those tater tots!  It smelled Heavenly!!

Also, since it was Haylee's dance day which we are home late from, we always stop at Subway and bring dinner home.  I got a 6" flat bread club sub.  I did add cheese and lite mayo, but I was well within my calories.

So, all in all, I did really good and even passed a couple of possible boo-boo's.  So hopefully tomorrow, I can get my rear in gear a lil better and get to the treading.  

Another day of being fat bites the dust!!  

Take that - Monday! I won! * * * * (I think. :)

Kicked Monday drab's in the butt!

I got my rear out and on that darn treadmill and showed it who's boss.  I have been going 20 minutes about 2.5-3 mph.  Well, I beat that.  I stayed about the same speed but did 42 min w 1 min warm up and cool down at same speed with every 5 minutes doing one minute power boost.  (If you can call it that I guess at my slow speed.  hehe.
This is the first time I paid attention to the distance, not wanting to focus too much on it.  But I finished 1 mile in 24 minutes.  Woo Hoo!  A start for sure.

Such a very nice day out there with windows open.  Sure hope the neighbors are far enough to not hear me huffing and puffing and shouting out bits and pieces of tunes.  :O

But I made it even better than I have this time around.  Now if it doesn't haunt me tonight and tomorrow with payback.

I have chicken ready for the oven with lots of the lower carb veggies.

I have done super d duper today.  Another day of being fat bites the dust.  :P

Monday - Ugg. Gotta switch gears!

Got a major case of the "I don't want to's" today.  Typical Monday I guess.  Ugg!

I am so aware that much of our day is how we perceive it to be.  Mine is a bit stinky.  
Ever have one of those days that seems like nothing clicks the way it seems to need to?  


I am sure putting off that treading today.  Kermit says it all in this pic I found on a site of a new peep
I added today.  LOVE it. 


I am currently taking a break from my Flylady.net home blessings and sitting with Haylee while she tries
to doze off to sleep.  Would definitely LOVE to join her today.  But trying to break the habit of napping as much and trying to get a lil more accomplished.  


As soon as she is out, I am going to lace up those tennis shoes and try to get that lazy ornery guy "Metabo" kicking in higher gear.  


Been fab on the foods over the weekend.  Definitely tougher with hubby home, but he was so super!  Gotta luv' him.  He really tries to do all the right things to help me, and as it be typical, sometimes has the opposite effect.  I really try to keep in mind that he's trying so hard to help.   The other day when I was fussing at myself out loud trying to kick my butt about gaining so much over the past few years, he kind of slipped and when I said "it's ridiculous, he agreed and repeated, then I heard him say for himself to shut up.  lol!  He is such a good partner in life and all the craziness we have been through over the years.  


Definitely couldn't ask for a better partner/friend/hubby to go through it with. No matter how tough life can get at times, I am always so grateful to the good Lord for the day he lead me to my hubs.  


Well, seems like baby girl has drifted off to la-la land, so guess I need to get to workout land for a bit.  

Kicked my big butt into gear today

Here we are on Sunday morning, anticipating a very stormy evening ahead of us.  So cup of coffee with hubby and baby girl while checking out the weather channel for the updates.  Kansas and Oklahoma had a very rough evening/night of it with the storms.

Not long after the coffee, I washed my face, put the hair up and put on my treading stuff.  Looks NOT so lovely but perhaps I can worry more about the "looks" later on when I feel like I am accomplishing something.  Hopefully getting this workout done pretty early will get that tough lil guy (we will name)"Metabo" woke up just a bit since he seems almost non existent.  

I did a super D duper treading today.  For me anyway.  So long, so large and so out of shape.  I did huff and puff really well today.  I broke my speed limit today into the 3.+ avg.  Woo Hoo!  One small accomplishment for the day.  :)

I got my full 20 minutes along with 2 minutes to warm and 2 minutes to cool down.  My very touchy foot held out pretty good most of the time.  

I then did a little work on the weight machine.  Limited by the torn shoulder but I did what I could and did a lot of weighted leg lifts then stretches.  

Felt super after.  I did it one more day!  Since the workouts are the tough part of this "journey",  I kicked it's butt today.  

Since I am working with my daughter - long distance on this weight thing, we decided Sunday's is going to be our weigh in day.  Since I didn't weight until yesterday, no need for it today.

When checking in with my daughter, she did really super this week.  Inches and pounds off.  Yay!  Luv that girl!  

Still gotta take time to get some tunes set up for treading.  Having to skip through that iPod a lot to get past all the mix I have on it along with many of Haylee's kid tunes.  (although I gave in and some of those are pretty peppy to walk to - lol)  

As I write this, the storms are creeping closer.  So far only tornado watch and some severe thunderstorms.  

Also, about to start dinner.  Thinking burgers tonight, which I usually only have the burger with a lil' A1 and veggies.  

Oh btw, I will fess up and admit I had yesterday as my "skip" workout day.  I was aiming to do it, but got sidetracked (easy for me), and decided to head to town to stock up on fruits and veggies and really needed some more Slimfast.  

I actually committed and got 2 cans of Slimfast drink mix.  I think I picked up and sat ta

he second can down 3-4 times before thinking "I am GOING to do this"!!  (almost scolding myself)

I think I bought every fruit and veggie that our Wal-mart had that I thought I could tolerate, which isn't that much but went for a little variety.  

We had a big salad with diced ham on it.  Yumm!  Didn't over do on the size.

Ever try to cut up all the stuff for a salad and end up with at least twice as much as you meant to.  Not easy!

So another day to mark down as a big success on the workout and food front. 

Yay for me!  

A new week begins and I am going to try my best to give that treadmill a good workout this week.

Ta-Ta for now, stay safe out there in those storms.  

The "Journey" continues. Day 6

We seemed to make it through another Friday the 13th unscathed this time.  Only one really super bad Friday the 13th experience that never seemed to end, will put you in a fear of the day, even if you aren't superstitious!  A day I wouldn't mind forgetting!

On day 5 of the new "journey" I think I did a super job.  Stayed reasonable on all fronts, logged everything I ate, walked on treadmill really well, (in spite of major heal/ankle pain).

It was pretty funny at one point, my foot was really acting up for a minute, and the Adele song came on my ipod about ""Set fire to the rain, well I was belting out that song like never before although changing the ""rain to "my foot".  Rather funny.  Actually made me forget a little bit about my foot.  :P

Larry did such a fan-tabulous job working on fixing up this old lil building that was just nasty - into a really nice workout room with weight machine, treadmill, tanning bed, stereo, tv, ac, and on and on.  I will try to get a pic posted soon.  It's really fab!!!  Makes the task much nicer.  :) 

I was texting back and forth last night with Ashley and she made it through the week really great too.  We are working on this together - long distance - through texting and checking in on each other.  Makes it a lot easier.  Larry is such a fabulous supporter, but a guy doesn't work out as well, as they have a natural advantage over us gals.  :(  

About a year ago, we had all of our pine trees cut down and during all the cleanup process, Larry dropped all of his weight by working so hard on the cleanup and really cutting down on his foods to try to get back in better shape.  It's amazing to me how he has kept it off a year now. Stayed within only a very few pounds.  Sure hope when I get "journeying" along, I can keep it off as well.  

So far today, I have done really well with the food.  Need to tread, but Ashley and I agreed, we would allow to take one day off a weekend from working out.  I think I am going to head to the workout room to do some light weights and stretching and give my foot a break and maybe hit the treadmill again tomorrow.  I sure hate to not do anything at all, as I may want to slip even more from maintaining the workout stuff.  

That's the hardest part for me!  :(

So, with shake down, and one glass of peach tea flavored water in hand, I am off to try to do some weights.  

Ta ta for now and wish me luck.  :)

As I Begin My New "Journey" (can't stand the "diet" word - yuck)

Well, here goes a lot I hope.  I am going to try to make myself accountable in this new way (blogging) to perhaps help me along the long journey I have finally decided to under go.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.


I am admitting I am now more overweight and out of shape (and older - lol) than I have ever been.  I am working on making up my mind to make - not only a self challenge, but a lifestyle change to try to get myself under control.


Lifestyle's these days are so easy to fall into the traps of it.  Not enough time, too stressed, don't care - but not really caring enough to make the wiser choice of what to eat and making excuses not to MOVE.  It's simple to do, the word move is so intimidating though.  I try to move all the time, and seems like I am on the go for so many these days.  But no real mentionable type of exercising to get that ole' ticker ticking a bit harder.  And metabolism - what metabolism.  I don't think my body has any of that stuff.  :P


My best friend (hubby), my adorable grown up daughter, and a special lil 5 yr old granddaughter that we are raising, which is in a run all the time, and for my mother who is now living and depends on us for just about everything in her daily care.  Along with 2 dogs, etc, etc, etc.  Life - that's life!  I gotta get over that and get me straight so that I can perhaps do a better job taking care of my family better than I have been.  I CAN DO BETTER!!!


I also have to keep reminding myself on a full time - regular basis - this is for ME and 
me #1!!  I think if I feel in more control of this eating/exercising issue, I will feel more in control of life itself.


So here goes,  in spite of all the ailments I could come up with NOT to do this, I am going to try to give it a shot.  (not that I won't try to use them from time to time.  hehe)  
And try to keep in mind  - I deserve this!


I am going to try to be just as honest and forthcoming about this as I can - even on those totally crappy days which I won't want to care at all.  Even if every day I can't do the full workout things, it's a start!  Starting and sticking with it is the hardest part.   


I started 4 days ago, so hopefully this blogging about it idea, will help too.  


I may ramble here and there, but plan on giving it straight, good or bad, no proof reading, editing, just rattling around thoughts as I type.


And I am NOT going to call it that ugly "d" word which feels as much like "depriving" as the "diet" word.  I am NOT going to rush this.  Enjoy the "JOURNEY" of it all.


Enrichment and satisfaction and perhaps some inward self observance and improvement along the way will become part of the "Journey".


I hope you will hang in there with me and perhaps even join me somewhere along the way.