15 in 15 - Week 4

A little disappointed this week. I started Jillian Michael's 30 day shred on Sunday. I was able to do it 4 of the days, whew talk about being sore! And I haven't even gotten weights yet to do with it.

I also think the scale cheated me this morning. When I first got on it said I had lost -0.4 lbs and then went to -0.2 lbs. I should just average it and say -0.3lbs. Oh well... hopefully better luck next week. I need to get weights and also try to do the dvd 5-6 days.

Peak 13 "Try It" Challenge

I want to introduce you all to a new blog I came across from Courtney over at Women Living Well.  Her friend, Clare, just started a new fitness blog called Peak 13 Fitness. She is going to be hosting this new link up event in the month of April. You can read about it and watch her vlog here. I am going to be linking up and seeing what challenges she will be giving us, starting next week. I encourage you to do the same! 

Enjoy what you read here on Golden Reflections? Please vote daily over at Picket Fence Blogs, just click on the button below! Thanks! 

It's here...

** Blog Note: Recipe of the Week Blog Hop is being moved to Tuesdays. Please come back Tuesday to participate!!


My 30 day shred dvd by Jillian Michaels that is....

Talk about a workout, whew!! I was panting and sweating within the first couple of minutes! I also ordered her ab workout video too. I don't know that I will try it yet until I get use to the 30 day shred video. Let's just say, I am completely out of shape! What flexibility I thought I had, is no more!! Hopefully this will get me into shape fast for summer. Please pray that I stick with it!

Happy New Year! *and resolutions*

Photo Credit: Beautiful Wallpapers

It is hard to believe that it is a new year already! This past year has been a good one for me. Some of the highlights were: 

* Growing my blog (Thanks for all your support!) 

* Going to full time at my new job in the schools! 

* A wonderful vacation to Colorado this summer with the hubby

* Starting an Adventurer club at our church

* Working with the social committee at church (which included hosting 2 baby showers, 2 going away parties, a fall camp-out, a Holiday dinner, and helping the Personal Ministries group with a health fair).

* Starting my Pampered Chef business (which has been a lot of fun and a lot of re-organizing my kitchen to fit all the awesome products). 

*And most importantly, our 4 year wedding anniversary! Love you dearest! :) 

There have been some challenges too. My husband decided to go back to school and then switched between 3 schools before he decided to do an online program. I am a planner and so the uncertainty of the future was hard for me! Another struggle for me this year has been dealing with the baby bug. :) Yes, it has hit me pretty hard! All my friends around me having babies made it a lot harder as well. However, after long discussions and praying and lots of tears, 2011 is going to hopefully be an exciting year for us! :)

So for this coming year there are two main things that I am hoping to work on. 

* Reading more (see my book list on the left side of my blog; this also includes better devotion time) 

*Getting healthier (I have already gone mostly vegetarian again at home, hoping to lose 15lbs. this year. I have gained around 13lbs since we got married 4 years ago. Being only 5 foot 3, that tends to show a little too much on me. :( And since we want to start a family hopefully this year, I want to lose that prior to gaining more!)

I hope that this new year will be even better than the last to you! God bless you in the year to come! 

Friday Blog Hops 

For a full list of other Friday blog hops, please visit bassgiraffe's Thoughts.

Enjoy what you read here at Golden Reflections? Please vote for me daily at Picket Fence Blogs, just click the button below! 

Smoothies!

Ok, so I hate to admit my failure, but the RAW diet isn't for me. It is insane. I have decided that my path to get there begins with slowly adjusting what I normally eat. For example, instead of munching on cheese-its all day at home, I have replaced it with a yummy fruit smoothie. It tastes better, and actually fills me up. Here are a couple that I've made this week.

This one was made with Strawberries, Bananas & some Vanilla Yogurt...So yummy I ate it two days in a row!

This one was even BETTER! Strawberries, Peaches, Mangoes!  To. Die. For.  And I'm not lying when I say that these were Alcohol Free! Haha.  Today I am going to try, Banana, Kiwi, and Peach..& taking a pitcher with us to the beach to see the surf competition. I am also working on my normal food portion size which is difficult considering I LOVE to eat...but I'm feeling good about it.

Transformations

I feel another transformation coming on in my life. A lifestyle change.

Just thinking about my body and what I put in it. In preparing for the future, I want my body to be as strong and healthy as it can be..getting rid of all toxins. I'm starting a RAW diet today. When it comes that time for a little one, I want to provide the best environment for him/her to thrive. 

I will keep you posted on my progression into this journey of the unknown. Today is going to be filled with raw fruit smoothies, nuts, beans & veggies.  If I get brave enough I may try one of those awful looking veggie smoothies. There are tons of really great recipes out there, and wonderful books. If you want to know more about the RAW diet check out this link: http://www.rawfoodlife.com/

This is not a diet, nor will I be starving myself. It is a lifestyle change and I will make sure my body is getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs to remain in a healthy state.

On top of all this, I am doing cardio 3 days a week, kick-boxing one day a week, and yoga one day. I think a combination of all is going to give me great energy, and help clear my mind. I think it will be good for the soul.

 

Weekend Happenings

Friday was a great night, Laura and I attended Nathan & Dustin's last softball game, they ended up being second in the league. It's always fun to go on a Friday and sit in the dugout with the guys and my girl Laura & drink a couple beers. We met up at Shuttles afterwards, (one of our favorite places in North Merritt island) to celebrate the end of the season with the team. Several people from our neighborhood are on the team so we get to catch up with them too. Next flag football season starts, but not until the fall. It will be much nicer to sit outside and not sweat our butts off.

On another note, here's a picture of our new cactus. A friend of our neighbor gave them a clipping of their plant, and they gave it to us. We're not sure if it's going to make it, but only time will tell. It will look really nice as it grows. I love how bright green cactus' are.

I also kicked Nathan's but in darts for the first time. I had to document this occasion, because it isn't very often I beat him in any type of sport or game. I was very proud.

Saturday morning we headed off to the St. Pete area to help my step-brother & sister-in-law pack up to move back to Michigan. We had a great time on Saturday night, we went to this great restaurant..I forget its name, but its totally rad. Live music, water, tiki & great drink prices. Ladies got a little tipsy, but it was a great night. We also went to the dog beach one last time with the dogs. Let me just say...this is the best beach I've ever been to where you can bring your dog. I just love watching all the dogs play, they're all so happy. Bella and Penny spent a good amount of time fetching the ball in the water, swimming, digging holes, and making dog friends. Its a great place to bond with your dog, and give them your full attention. They need that you know.

 

Steph was kind enough to offer her Elliptical Machine as they were packing up their stuff. I couldn't be more ecstatic! This is seriously something that I've wanted so badly. I'm not really a gym membership kind of person, it just isn't for me. But I'm going to use this thing every day! I started today, and did 40 minutes. The trick is..to put your laptop/TV on in front of it and watch a good show so you aren't thinking about how your legs feel like marshmallows. I'm proud of myself today, because I haven't exercised in a long time, and hopefully it will help me sleep better at night.

My goal in this daily exercising routine is not exactly to lose weight per say, but to tone up, keep my heart healthy, and get rid of that loose skin that makes my cellulite show. Yes even little skinny people get cellulite. I hope I'm not viewed as vain, I just want to keep my body healthy and trim. I get self-conscious about my body as everyone else does. I took some pictures today of my torso from the front view and the side view, no you can't see...but I think I will start posting pics as I progress. I think after I start seeing results I will become even more motivated.

I need sleep, so this is where we part ways. Goodnight!

Biking and Changes

So as you may have noticed my blog has changed a little bit. And if you read the last two posts you will find out why. I tried making a new blog and it lets me change what I want to, but I don't feel like moving everything over to a new blog and then making sure everyone has the new web address. So for now, I am just going to have to live with the large blue font! ugh!

On to other things, David and I purchased new bikes yesterday and took a 17 mile bike ride! I added a new section in my exercise log to put my biking miles. I would like to start biking at least once a week, if the weather is nice. Here is the a picture of what my new bike looks like.

I really like it so far. Of course, any bike on 17 miles is going to make you feel sore! :)

~ Heather

Starting over

Update on exercising, or should I say the non-existence of it. I know, I have been really bad about it this past month. I had done really well, doing my exercise video at least 3 times a week for almost 3 months straight. Then came the trip down to South Carolina to see my brother graduate and since then, I have not done it at all! What is even worse than that, is that I gained 3 of the 5 lbs back that I had lost.

So starting today, I am starting over. I changed my little weight goal thing on the side to reflect that as well. So here it goes again. Especially with summer here it would be nice to loose a few unnecessary pounds. At least one good thing, I have a decent tan on my arms so far! :)

Signs of Spring!

The snow has mostly melted, the birds are singing, saw a couple of robins already, and the sun was out the last 4 days! Yay for spring!! The rest of the week is suppose to be in the high 50's with possible rain and sunshine mixed in. I will take rain over snow though!

I have lost 3 lbs. so far too! I've been doing the Special K diet, along with doing a 3 mile power walking video at least 3 times a week. So far seems to be working, so we'll see how much I can get out of it! :)

Winter Blubber...

The scale has been very depressing for a while. And with summer coming soon I decided I needed to start doing something about it. Over the past 3 years I have gained between 10-15 lbs, not cool! So now on the side of my blog I have a little weight loss tracker. I would love to lose 10 lbs. by summer! I am doing a 3 mile power walk video; at least 3 times a week would be ideal. Plus hiking on the weekends and can't forget about counting cleaning the house and shoveling the foot of snow we have now! :) I also need to get better about taking my green tea pills which help your metabolism work faster, which I definitely need!

So we shall see how this goes!

Fondue Date Night

Hubby and I stayed in last night with homemade broccoli cheese fondue and a great movie by the fire. I can't remember the last time we had such a relaxing night in. Lily is finally starting to display less and less constant puppiness, requiring less and less non-stop supervision. And thus, husband and I can enjoy more and more cuddle (and meal) time. Ahhhhhhhh :)

 Broccoli Cheese Fondue with carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and bread to dip

Today has been an ACTIVE day, to say the least. I started my day with hockey game #1. Husband and I cleaned ALL afternoon, and then it was off to hockey game #2 for the day (scored a goal, woot!). I'ddddd say it's about time for a shower, wouldn't you? Eeeewww.

How cute is this...

My hubby's family enjoys reading my blog and his aunt even reads it to his grandma. Grandma says that my husband is "spoiled" with my "gourmet" cooking. While flattering, Grandma H, I think any cooking going down in this kitchen is a long shot from gourmet. Palatable and balanced is probably more like it!

I have received LOTS of delicious-looking recipes to my inbox since yesterday. I am so excited about the "Prevention Cookbook" and I'm so happy to hear that you are, too! Don't forget to submit your recipe(s) by January 1, 2010! Mrs.RD44@gmail.com ! 

For more information, go here!

The more the merrier for us all...and then you get a copy, too!

Question: What are you asking for from Santa for Christmas?

Here's to a relaxing evening and some Elf viewing. Best. Movie. Everrrr. Ciao!

Happy, happy, happy!

Question: Have any of you Blogspot users converted to Wordpress? What do you think?

My blog is getting ready to undergo a major overhaul. I will soon be found under domain name preventionrd.com and will be a Wordpress blogger (I'll miss the good'ol Blogspot days, I'm sure!). Thomas is the mastermind behind what will ensue, and I am VERY excited about it! I will keep you posted as to what this transition will mean for my posting, but please bare with me!

 The sweet Ashley of Kiwis and Cocktails passed the Happy 101 Award on to me (THANK YOU! Two in a week...this is exciting for an award virgin!)

The rules are:
1. List 10 things that make you Happy

2. Tag 10 Bloggers that Brighten your day

10 things that make me happy (there's a lot!)...

1. Scoring a goal in a hockey game!

2. Seeing my puppy shake like a jitter bug because she’s so excited to see me!

3. A good glass of red wine, Chianti preferred.

4. Going on a long, effortless run.

5. Waking up with not a THING to do

6. Finding new, fun finds at the grocery store

7. Husband playing with my hair

8. Long dinners with my family filled with inappropriateness and laughter

9. Helping others reach their health and nutrition goals

10. Looking at my wedding pictures. I truly had the wedding of my dreams.

10 blogs that brighten my day...

Caitlin of Healthy Tipping Point 

Gina of The Candid RD 

Katie of Faith Food & Fitness

Andrea of Andrea's Wellness Notes  

Paige of Running Around Normal 

Cait of The Twenty-Fifth Year 

Biz of Biggest Diabetic Loser

Rebecca of Chow and Chatter 

Cassie of A Pinch of This and a Dash of That 

Mari of Namaste Mari

I love to read ALL of the blogs I follow, it was hard to narrow it down! Keep the happiness going by sharing 10 things that make YOU happy and 10 blogs that brighten your day!


On a completely unrelated and shameful note...Jersey Shores is quite possibly as addictive as crack cocaine. Puppy whined at 5:20 this morning (alarm wasn't set to go off til 6:20), and instead of rolling over to go back to bed (what I usually do, especially by Friday!), I got up......AND WATCH JERSEY SHORES BEFORE WORK. I have reached a new level of overly inappropriate TV viewing. 


Run #3 on the new treadmill was a nice recovery run of 3.1 miles with a leisurely warm-up and cool-down. LOVE having a treadmill at home. Though, I must admit, the morning workouts have not ensued as I had originally planned. HOWEVER, the important thing is getting in the workouts whether it be morning, noon, or night...and I'm doing that!


What are you up to this weekend? Shopping, shopping, and baking?


Tonight is husband's Christmas party and we're driving around in stretch Expedition limos to see beautiful Christmas lights, and then out for a wonderful Italian dinner (Chianti, woot!). I'm really excited! Have a WONDERFUL weekend...TGIF!!!!!!

Slow day...post day...

You know work is slow when it's a double-post kinda day... : )

 Mari asked me a wonderful question about PCOS and what type of diet is best for women suffering from PCOS. Great question, Mari...I hope this is helpful!

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, causing the pancreas to secrete more and more insulin in order to transport glucose (sugar) out of the blood and into muscle, fat, and liver cells where it is converted to energy or stored as fat. Elevated insulin levels can cause polycystic ovaries, weight gain or difficult losing weight, increased risk of heart disease (elevated LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels and decreased HDL-cholesterol levels), and increased clotting factors. The risk of the developing diabetes in women with PCOS can be up to 40% by the age of 40. Most women (50-60%) with PCOS are obese (BMI greater than 30). Weight loss, even as little as 5% can lead to decreased insulin levels which is critical due to the fact that elevated insulin levels promote fat storage [1].

In researching how much carbohydrate a woman with PCOS should consume, I found varying recommendations. Before prescribing a standard 50-55% carbohydrate diet or a low (40% or less) carbohydrate diet, I would want to know a PCOS patient’s fasting blood sugar and HbA1c – a lab value indicating an average blood glucose reading representing 6-8 weeks. Agreeably, women with a higher BMI are statistically more likely to have insulin resistance, in which case a lower (less than 50-55%) carbohydrate diet is probably advisable.

I am of the opinion that to prevent diabetes, one should eat like a diabetic. For most women of normal to overweight size, this would include 30-45 grams of carbohydrates at meal times and 15-30 grams of carbohydrate + 1-2 ounces of protein before bedtime. Emphasis should be placed on complex, low-glycemic index carbohydrates, as well as a diet low in saturated (13 grams or less per day) and trans fat (none, preferably). For women with a BMI greater than 30, carbohydrate and energy needs go up – consult a Registered Dietitian for recommendations.

For example, a 180-pound (81.8 kilograms) female requires roughly 1230-1640 calories a day to lose weight (15-20 calories per kilogram of body weight. In order to find your weight in kilograms, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2). At minimum (30 grams of carbohydrate per meal with a 15-gram carbohydrate evening snack), carbohydrate comprises 26-34% of the daily intake. At maximum (45 grams of carbohydrate per meal with a 30-gram carbohydrate evening snack), carbohydrate comprises 40-54% of the daily energy intake. 

(Note: one gram of carbohydrate contains 4 calories – this is needed for calculations).

Other diet-related suggestions for women suffering from PCOS [1]:

-         Pair carbohydrate-rich foods and snacks with a lean protein or fat high in mono and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids.

-         Consume foods with a lower glycemic index – these foods are typically high in fiber

-         Space carbohydrates out throughout the day. Consuming consistent, moderate carbohydrate levels is best for blood sugar control

-         Consume plenty of decaffeinated, sugar-free beverages, especially water

-         Exercise on a regular basis -- aerobic and anerobic

-         Take a multi-vitamin mineral supplement daily

[1]. McKittrick, Martha. PCOS and Diet. OBGYN.net Publications.

The above information was provided by the above source. The author, Martha McKittrick is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. In other words, she is a wonderful resource!

Cookie Taste-Test Results!

The preferred cookie in yesterday's cookie taste testing was the Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies. Hands down. There were only 2 votes NOT for the Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies and they were for the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies and the Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies.

P.S. I had 2 late-comers who wanted in so the total participation was 18 employees!

Last night I made deer meat tacos for dinner!

My father-in-law is a bow hunter and provides us with deer meat. Yum!

I had 1 deer meat taco, a dollop of fat-free refried beans, and a bed of shredded lettuce with deer meat, salsa, corn, and homemade guacamole. Mmmm!

 Nutritional comparison of deer/venison vs. ground beef

(values represent a 1 ounce, raw portion)

- deer meat is 40 calories versus the 72 in ground beef*

- deer meat contains 0.8 grams of fat compared to 5.7 grams in ground beef*

- deer meat contains 7.6 grams of protein compared to 4.9 grams in ground beef

*this is standard 70-80% lean (does not specify)

Question: Have you tried deer meat? Did you like it? Did it taste "game-y" to you?

A thumbs up kinda day!

The treadmill has arrived! It took 2 guys, 2 hours, and a lot of patience…but it is together, operating, and ready for miles or fun. I was up at 5:30 this morning and got in 1 mile before needing to start my day. Any other morning when puppy isn’t going to camp, I’ll have plenty of time for at least 3, if not 4 or 5 miles. Needless to say, I have a steamy date (#2 for the day!) with Mr. T after work. I’m excited! Here’s what the hottie tottie looks like…

After my brief (but good!) run this morning, I was craving something cold and nutritious. So what better than a fresh fruit smoothie!? I threw in: frozen pears, peaches, bananas, pineapple, papaya, mango, kiwi, strawberries, and apple along with V8 Fusion Light (got some veggies in there, technically!), 100% apple cider, and fat-free milk. 

Blend and enjoy! My morning creation even got my stubborn husband eating breakfast.

I am just beginning the book Food, Inc. So far, so wonderful! I feel like I am learning a lot (more to come, I assure you!). An interesting article caught my eye in the 

ADA Daily News – Organic vs. Non-Organic.

Did you know that in order for an organic food manufacturer to receive USDA certified organic recognition, the farmer must sell more than $5,000 a year in organic foods? Otherwise, they are exempt from obtaining USDA organic certification.

Organic Facts:

-         While evidence is not conclusive, there appears to be no added nutritional benefit found in organic fruits and vegetables when compared to their non-organic counterparts.

-         Due to organic produce availability, organic foods may be sitting longer before getting shipped, or may be shipped for long periods of time. Organic produce may also sit longer before being sold due to the inflated cost associated with organic foods.

-         Most experts agree that the amount of pesticides found on non-organic fruits and vegetables poses very little health risk.

-         Organic farming aims to protect the environment in ways that conventional farming does not.

-         Organic produce costs more due to the more expensive farming practices, tighter government regulations, and lower crop yields. Organic farming practices include more labor-intensive methods of controlling weeds and pests, as well as more expensive herbicides or pesticides.

-         Seeking out local farmers can help guide you to organic produce and support of sustainable farming practices and your local communities

-         Nearly everyone could improve their health by eating more fruits and vegetables, organic or not.

On a lighter note…today was my holiday cookie taste testing at work. Surprise, surprise…more people than ever signed up to taste – 16, in fact! Considering there’s only 35 in the office, that’s a huge success!

Here’s the set-up! Notice the “Taste Testers Only” sign. Lots of employees get into the goodies on taste test days. I know free food is great, but I’m holding strong to my $1 request from participants. Money doesn’t grow on trees, ya know!? And until RD’s getting a major pay raise, I’ll be needing those dollars!

 (I wanted to know their favorite cookie!)

Biggest Loser Finale

I avoided Blogland last night as I didn't get to finish the last 20 minutes of BL til this morning. While I am happy Danny won (yay Oklahoma!), I am slightly perturbed at a 239-pound (239, right?) weight-loss in SEVEN MONTHS. I don't know, that's just completely...not right. From the bottom of my heart, I hope the contestants have instilled healthful eating and exercise habits that will last them a lifetime.

Did anyone else think Allison Sweeny looked healthy and...stunning?

Question: What’s your absolutely favorite kind of cookie?

 

P.S. Check out Steph Chow's Cookie Exchange! I'm in!

Is your willpower shorting out before you fit exercise into your day?

Have you ever been driving and thinking, "I'm going to go for a run after xyz task", or "I am going to hit the gym after dinner tonight."? I have. All the time.

Have you ever had these positive intentions but failed to actually DO them? Welcome to life. Ends up, we all have only so much willpower. Once we've completed a day of errands, work tasks, and the hustle of daily life, we're often left running on depleted willpower stores [1]. Do we succumb to this fact, or do something about it? The latter, of course!

No excuse to pass on the workouts! Ways to keep moving when willpower has its limits [1]:

Schedule exercise.

It's a plan, make it happen. Bring your workout clothes to work so there's no stop over at home between work and your workout.

Get a trainer or exercise buddy.

Accountability is a great motivator!

Get it over with.

If you're pooped after the day is done, plan workouts for the morning hours so that you get it over with early in the day.

Get in a good mood.

Studies show that people can show more self-control when they are in a good mood.

This article was brought to my attention by our podiatrist at work as she was returning from her lunch hour in a sweaty rush. When I gave her mad props for her lunch hour workout, she explained to me this research and has chosen to out-smart her limited willpower by bumping her workout up to her lunch hour.

Likewise, I giving a go at switching my workout time to the mornings once our new treadmill is up and running (fingers crossed for later this week). While I've never thought of myself as a "morning person", I am finding more and more so that by the end of the day a workout is right up there with doing the dishes, folding laundry, and making lunches. You know, just another dreaded to-do. We'll see how the mornings go but I have a feeling that once I get the timing worked out just right, the mornings and I could make for a serious butt-kicking combo.

I also received a HUGE pat on the back in an email from my boot camp instructor to our group of participants. The email included a line which read, "Congrats to Nicole who lost the most number of inches last month!" Woooot!

Question: Can you remember the last time you PLANNED to workout...but it never happened before the day was done?

Me: Just this past Friday, oops!

[1]. Boyles, Salynn. Limited Willpower Can Affect Your Workout. WebMD Health News. September 25, 2009.

obesity + bloggin', dogs + exercise, and new IRL blog friend!

A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research finds that people who spend more time on the computer have a higher risk of obesity, even among those exercising “enough” during the week.  Three categories of internet time were set: none, low (less than 3 hours per week), and high (more than 3 hours per week). People falling in the highest levels of computer use (more than 3 hours per week) were 1.5x more likely to be overweight and 2.5x more likely to be obese when compared to people who don’t use the computer at all [1].

Advice? Aim for 250.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends people spend 150 minutes per week exercising and 250 minutes per week if they want to lose weight [1].

Really? 3 hours a week is a lot? No wonder I want to lose weight! ;)

And for us dog lovers, some wonderful news!

The average dog owner gets more exercise walking their pets than someone with a gym membership. The average dog owner exercises their pet 2x a day for 24 minutes each time – 5 hours and 38 minutes a week. In addition, the average dog owner takes their pet on three long walks a week, adding on another 2 hours and 33 minutes of activity [2].

Those without dogs spend a mere 80 minutes per week at the gym or heading out for a jog. However, 47% of non-pet owners admit they do absolutely NO exercise [2].

And who’s happier? A whopping 86% of dog owners reported enjoying the time they spend walking their dogs while a mere 16% reported enjoying their time spent at the gym [2].

I almost wish I owned a more athletic breed of dog. Lily is athletic for a bulldog, but that isn't saying much...

And last night (after boot camp, no less!) I met a fellow bloggie for a beer (go check her out, her blog is pretty awesome!). And we have a freakish amount in common...

- both named "Nicole"

- she is from Tulsa, I am living in Tulsa

- both RD's!

- both have important people in our life named "Rob/Robbie"

- both 24

Crazy, huh?! It was great to talk and network with another RD! Thanks for meeting with me, Nicole!! Safe travels back to Cali!

Questions:

Have you ever met a "blog friend" IRL (in real life)? Maybe at FNCE or somewhere similar?

If you are a pet owner, how many times a week would you say you walk your dog?

How many hours a week, realistically, do you spend online blogging/Facebooking/emailing friends, etc. (non-work related, basically)? 

I would have to say I spend at least 9 hours a week online/blogging/emailing/Facebooking in a week -- most of which takes place on the weekends. Eek! 

And we walk Lily about 5 times a week for 20 minutes a pop...failing on that one, too!

[1]. Main, Emily. Overweight? Blame the Internet. MSNBC. November 29, 2009.

[2]. Average dog owner ‘gets more exercise than gym-goers’. Telegraph. November 27, 2009.

Airport Mishap, Larabars, and Giveaway Winners!

Firstly, I have missed the blog world! My brief 2 1/2 days in Chicago were jam-packed with family, friends, and food. I look forward to catching up my blog-rollers today at some point!

Mom and I did manage to squeeze in a step class yesterday morning. It was supposed to be step + strength, but she decided to kick our butts with an hour of step. It annoyed me to great lengths that the instructor of the class did her helicopters going the opposite way I've learned...so I had trouble keeping up with those because my body knew what it wanted to do already!

And then my luck continued at O'Hare Security...

Background story: In April (I think it was April) heading back to Tulsa from my Bachelorette Party, I forgot about a can of hairspray in my carry-on. My bag got searched and my poor, over-loaded packing skills allowed for "Tickle His Pickle," lingerie, personal lubricants, and all other sex-related personal items given to me by friends, to spew from my suitcase as the older gentleman searched the bag and stander-byes pointed, snickered, and laughed. I tried explaining that it was my Bachelorette Party this weekend and I was heading for home, but I just received an annoyed "whatever, nympho" stink eye. A-w-k-w-a-r-d.

Fast-forward to yesterday when my handbag didn't make it through the scanner. A gentlemen asked me to step to the side, and asked if there was anything in my bag he needed to know about, as he searched my bag. Told me not to touch anything. He pulled out books, iPod, magazines, wallet, sunglasses, gum...the usual. He ran the bag again and again it looked suspicious. In the VERY VERY bottom of my bag was a paring knife I had brought to work to cut up an apple WEEKS ago. So the security guy 1) thought I was lying because I didn't tell him it was in there when he asked (didn't know!!!!), 2) it was shoved to the bottom, and 3) it was wrapped in a paper towel and Ziplock. Thank goodness I don't look like a crazy person? Scarily, that same knife was in my bag coming from Tulsa to Chicago. Hmmm. Anyways, husband was pretty embarrassed.

Thankfully we're driving up for Christmas? :)

While in Chicago, I was able to visit my personal paradise: TRADER JOE'S!!! I don't know what was more exciting, the wine sample guy being from south Tulsa and nearly demanding we try every wine he had, or that I finally found these LARABARS everyone's been raving about! Trader Joe's was a much-needed fix in this RD's heart. Oh, and Chianti...had to get SEVERAL bottles of the various Chianti's TJ's carries...Mmm!

Ends up, these LARABARS are worth the chatter. I tried the "Cherry Pie" bar this morning and it was delicious! These bars are 190-210 calories and loaded with MUFA's and PUFA's...mostly MUFA's! They're like a protein bar in consistency, but the protein content is low-to-moderate -- the bars are high in fat and carbohydrates. The "Cherry Pie" LARABAR contained NO sodium, 350 mg potassium, 4 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of MUFA's. The ingredients? Get ready.....dates, almonds, unsweetened cherries. The bars are gluten, dairy, and soy free and also contain 2 grams of omega-6's. Wish it was omega-3's but nonetheless, thumbs up, LARABAR!!

Lots to try!

Complaint: Size. I wanted more!!

And, of course...Newman's Own Organics GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!!

Allison and Andrea!!

Giveaway 1: The Cookie Monster

Newman's Own Organics Champion Chip Cookies (Chocolate)

Newman's Own Organics Ginger Hermits

Newman's Own Organics 54% cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar

Winner of Giveaway #1: Allison!!!!

(THANK YOU for the pumpkin pancake recipe -- making them tonight!!)

Giveaway 2: The Smorgasborg

 Newman's Own Organics White Cheddar Soy Crisps

Newman's Own Organics California Prunes

Newman's Own Organics 54% cocoa Espresso Dark Chocolate Bar

Winner of Giveaway #2: Andrea of Andrea's Wellness Notes 

Send me your addresses, ladies and I'll hopefully get those out to you tomorrow!

Mrs.RD44@gmail.com

Thank you to all for participating!!

Off to pick-up our pup who's been at over-night camp for 3 days now...can't wait to see baby girl! Have a wonderful Sunday, bloggies!