Please Donate To Your Local Food Bank.

Of course you've seen the stories.

Local shopping cart filled to the top with toilet paper! Story at 11:00!

Chaos ensues at *fill in the blank store name* - hand sanitizer aisle completely EMPTY!

But what about the food?

What about all the groceries you've bought for you and your family, in case - in case you end up stuck at home like you're in a few inches of ice in North Carolina!

What about the food?

More importantly, what about the people who can't afford to stock up the way that you can?

Can you pick up a few extra boxes of pasta, bags of rice or beans, cans of soup or vegetables, and donate them to your local food bank?

Because food insecurity is a real thing.

And as district after district close schools across the states, we need to know that the children are being fed. And that their families are being fed, as well.

There are many items that could benefit a family or individual in need.

Consider the seniors in your area, those with new babies, and those unable to stock up on all of the paper products like you did.

This graphic below is from the Food Bank of Central and Eastern Carolina, which is my local food bank. I have been volunteering with them for several years as a social media ambassador, and am proud of the work that they do supporting those in need in our community. Take a look at these suggestions - grab a few - and then find a food bank near you.

And if even thinking about heading to the store is just too much? Or if getting to the food bank itself seems impossible? Consider making an online donation.  Whether you do so to Feeding America, the organization which supports food banks across the country, or to your local food bank, the money you contribute will help feed those in need. And there are so so many people who could use your help.

March is National Nutrition Month. What better time to help ensure that children, adults, families everywhere are supported in their journey towards healthy eating?

Please consider sharing and showing your support today.

Your community needs you.

Thanks, y'all.

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For Whom Do You Weep?

I sit here at my laptop, tears streaming down my face as I listen to the Hamilton Mixtape.

I weep. Openly. Loudly.

I sob.

Yes. Sob.

I try, every single day, I try to look for the silver linings.

And then - yesterday - we learn about some of the soon-to-be appointed staff members of our President-elect. And dear G-d. I'm terrified.

TERRIFIED.

My friends, my people, I know, you look at me and see a white woman. And that is fine. I am. That is who I am. But I am also a Jewish woman.

And while that is not the most visible of prejudices being shown around our country right now it's there. Damn it. It's THERE.

If you don't see it, please, look deeper. Look within yourselves. LOOK.

CAN YOU SEE IT NOW?

I stand with my friends of color who are struggling and fighting to be seen. I stand with my friends of mixed heritage who may pass (in their own words) as white, but feel the same hurt. The same pain. And I stand with my white friends as they band together to support the people in their lives who are visibly targeted. I STAND WITH YOU.

Can you see me? Will you stand with me, too?

Because right now - every day - but right now, more than ever, we're under scrutiny.

I am under the evil eye. And I won't sit by and let it happen. I won't. I can't.

CANNOT.

What do I do? How do I make it through this?

How do we stop this? It's so terrifying. Devastating. So damned sad.

I am here for you, my friends. I speak up.

Please remember me and mine. Please remember I'm here. And I'm being 100% honest with you right now. I'm scared. I've been scared for you. I've been scared for so many. And yes, I've been scared for myself, sure. As a woman I know fear. We all do. And watching the normalization of horrific behaviors of men towards women, perhaps even women towards other women? It's been awful. It has. And I know that my fears there, as a straight, married, white woman - I know they're not the same as what you feel. I know it. I accept it. I own it.

But goodness, can you see me? I'm afraid, too.

And I just needed to say so.

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Sing into Spring with Disney Records!

* As an influencer of The Entertainment New Media Network I received these CDs to facilitate my review of them and was not compensated for this post in any way. Walt Disney Records will be providing both, a gift set of the four CDs I received along with a 4-pack of preschool CDs to two winners picked by me randomly. All expressed opinions are strictly my own (and that of my 7yo daughter!). There are affiliate links throughout this post. *

It's time to SING INTO SPRING with Walt Disney Records!!!

Join me today as I invite you to learn about the four CDs I received to review for you all. Take a look!

My daughter and I have been bopping around my kitchen to the soundtrack of Teen Beach Movie all morning. It helps that she has seen the movie a good handful of times and we have it on our DVR as I write this. I'm pretty sure we'll be watching it again tonight now that she's motivated into the mood with the music in the background of our day.

Our second CD in this gift-pack is Disney's Play It Loud. With music by Zendaya (of Shake It Up), Debby Ryan (Jessie) and China Anne McClain (ANT Farm), your kids are going to love this. Seriously. It might be on repeat wayyyy too many times - but hey, at least it's kid-friendly lyrics, right?

We've also got a copy of Austin and Ally: Turn it Up for you. With thirteen songs the cast kicks it up a notch and I have to admit, the music is pretty catchy. It's the kind you find yourself singing along with after a while and forget it's a "kids' CD" ... for a little while, at least.

And then of course, let's talk FROZEN.

I mean, what is there to say? If you haven't seen the movie yet - well - you really must. But if you haven't heard any of the songs yet, I must ask you - where have you been hiding?

This CD is one of the top selling CDs right now. The music won an Academy Award for goodness' sake. Or maybe two. Who knows? But really - if you and your kids don't know pretty much every song by heart you need to enter this giveaway. STAT.

I'm also lucky enough to give away the Preschool Sing into Spring 4-pack to one lucky reader. This bundle consists of the Doc McStuffins Soundtrack, Jake and the Neverland Pirates - Yo Ho Matey CD, DJ Shuffle (which I kind of want for myself because it's got a mix of Sofia the First, Jake, Doc, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and more) and last, but never least, FROZEN.

YES. This means that BOTH winners will be receiving a copy of the FROZEN soundtrack. What more could you want?

Click through my Rafflecopter below and find yourself a way to enter. I promise to make it as easy as possible for you.

And if you want to purchase any of these CDs on your own, I've got the links throughout the post for you to go shopping. Happy listening!

a Rafflecopter giveaway * As an influencer of The Entertainment New Media Network I received these CDs to facilitate my review of them and was not compensated for this post in any way. Walt Disney Records will be providing both, a gift set of the four CDs I received along with a 4-pack of preschool CDs to two winners picked by me randomly. All expressed opinions are strictly my own (and that of my 7yo daughter!). There are affiliate links throughout this post. *

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Dance with me!

Yesterday my daughter had her first school dance.

Not the kind of will you dance with me kind of dance we all remember loathing so much.

But the kind where parents attended and it was actually okay that they danced.

Ehem. WE danced.

I might have to admit that I danced more than my daughter did. My seven-year-old daughter. Have I mentioned yet that she's seven now? Probably not. I hold off on that sort of stuff these days.

Sometimes I look at her and see that face that's still the baby I held in my arms.

And then she puts scarves on us both and asks for her fancy shoes (with a request for high heels, but we're not there yet) and is ready to go to the "ball" at her school.

But then we get there and she's running around and sliding across the floor and laughing and crying over a ridiculous little plastic ball-pit type of ball.

It's amazing how she changes in the blink of an eye. Literally.

I know - that word - using that word - she's not really CHANGING as I blink my eyes. But at the dance? One blink meant she went from dancing next to me, all fancy-ish to running around like a little girl playing.  It was as close to literal as possible, so I'm going with it.

Anyway, it was so much fun. I lost track of what I was saying because I am sitting here listening to Pitbull and dancing in my chair. Honest. Dancing. In. My. Chair.

And this morning my daughter was singing about "$20 in my pocket ..." so it's all good.

Isn't it?

Because sometimes you just have to put the rest of your life on hold and DANCE.

Enjoy it. Feel it. Listen to the music. Sing along. Whatever it takes.

Just dance. Do it.

Even if you're sitting in your chair. It's all good.

Dance with me?*

*It's a video with the lyrics and no half-naked Ke$ha, promise. I needed it to be safe for my kiddo to watch with me when I show it to her later!



p.s. I'm linking up today with Tanya for her Small Victories Sunday link-up! Come on over and join me there.

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Have you heard of Novica? Let me introduce you.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored and compensated post. I have been provided with a code to gift one of my readers directly from Novica. I have also been provided with a code for myself to purchase an item of my choosing. All expressed opinions are my own. I have ordered from Novica many times and am completely impressed with the products I have received. Because of this I choose to continue working with them and am thrilled to be introducing them to my readers. 

I've been fortunate to have worked with Novica several times before, and I absolutely love their products. Of course, if you know me at all, you can guess that I most especially have an eye on their jewelry.

This is my favorite piece I have purchased from them.

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Don't be shocked - it's a sentimental thing - but I really love it and it fits perfectly.

This time I'm thinking of going in a different direction with my purchase. Actually, a few weeks ago I was surfing around their site and eyeing the fabric hammocks. 

This one is absolutely beautiful.

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It's 100% cotton. And it holds up to 450 lbs. Sounds good to me. I can totally picture myself curling up with exhaustion in this thing on a cool fall night. Ahhh.

Now ... where was I?

Oh, right, Novica. One of the things I love most about them is that they actually work with the creators of their products. They do incredible things like facilitate loans by connecting artists with lenders, help artists reach a more global market and more. You can read up on their mission by checking out their website and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how important both, the customer and creator are to Novica. 

Novica also carries beautiful clothing. Cotton dresses in a variety of styles, batik dresses, beautiful ponchos, and a variety of accessories to go with them.

And for your household partying needs you can head over to Novica for things like serving platters (many more beautiful than any you've ever seen), margarita glasses (how fun!) and more.

I think that these margarita glasses are my favorite. I kind of have a glass-related obsession, and would probably buy a glass for every drink if I had the cabinet space. As it is we have flutes and wine glasses and pilsner glasses we rarely get around to using. But aren't these beautiful? Think how much your favorite Jimmy Buffet* fan would love them!

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* Please tell me you know Margaritaville ... please ...

Anyway - it's your lucky day - no matter what product you choose! I'm giving away a code for $50 compliments of Novica.com. So check out the Rafflecopter below. I decided to use them today because I was too lazy to come up with ideas that would earn you entries. I promise, though, no jumping through hoops. Just simple entries that will earn you a shopping spree. 

So what are you waiting for? Get to it! A winner will be chosen in about a week. More details on the Rafflecopter form. Now go on and enter. And good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

p.s. How beautiful is THIS rainbow hammock? I think this might be the one I end up getting ... now if only I could figure out where the heck to PUT one. Anyone have two huge pillars I can borrow?

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Colorful Moments

I haven't really written about fitness much these days.

I'm not sure exactly why. I used to do these posts on Sundays, and then I just drifted away from them.

I like writing them now and then, but having the same post on the same day every single week is just not my blogging style. Which I don't truly have, I suppose. But it's all good.

But today I want to talk some fitness, honestly.

I am finding mine, finding my way back to it, not all the way there, but I'm good and I like it.

Yesterday I did the Color Mania 5K with my daughter and some friends. We had an awesome time. Seriously. So much fun. What a colorful mess, for real. We walked it, and it didn't matter one bit. We just made our way, with the kids, and loved every second of it. The kids did, too.

** Random side note as I recognized where this post is headed ... Uhm, I just realized part of my post is going to coincide with Jana's Sunday meme... so maybe I'll link up! See below for directions ... **

Anyway, my daughter. My six-year-old. She came with me.

And she walked.

The whole thing. The entire 5K.

And she loved it. She loved the colors in our hair. The running up ahead and finding the next color. The jumping over muddy puddles wherever she could find them.

She loved it.

A few weeks ago I did the Dirty Girl Mud Run. She wanted to come with me. When I got home, she asked me why she couldn't, and I explained that you have to be 14. We'll do it together then, I told her. And I meant it. Eight years from now. I'll be 48. (Mother of holy cow!) But I plan on doing it. Damned if I don't, is my mindset. Why the hell wouldn't I be able to?

She knows her mama did a mud run. Climbed things and crawled through things and wound up wet and pretty muddy and dirty and it was all okay.

She knows we did the "race" yesterday, but nobody "won" - - we just did it. We walked and ran with friends and MOVED. And it was AWESOME.

After showering yesterday we found ourselves headed to the park to fly a new kite my husband picked up. Some time running around - *me with my phone in the car!* - and climbing and sliding and jumping at the playground. She broke a sweat. Her cheeks were flushed. She ran.

She loved it.

I was a tiny girl when I was 3. 4. 5. Maybe 6, even. When did I start to gain weight? I don't know. I do know that my 6th grade class picture shows a much chubbier me. I don't want that for my daughter. Health is first, of course, but I don't want her to see a chubby self. I don't want her to think fitness is evil and gym class is terrifying.

At the store the other day, and today, even, she found hula hoops. She showed me she tries. She does it in school. It's fun. And awesome. AND FUN.

Me? I hated my junior high school gym clothes more than anything I could ever imagine. EVER. Changing in front of those girls? Ugh. And I had friends. I didn't really have enemies. And it still sucked.

Have you ever heard of Joyce Leslie? It's a store. A clothing store. The dressing room? Communal.

What the eff?

You heard me. COMMUNAL.

Can you imagine going in there growing up? It was strange. We did it, because we just did. But still. COMMUNITY DRESSING ROOM, PEOPLE.

I flashed back to that after the mud run, actually. We walked from the car to go get changed. Walked into this big huge tent and ... ta dah! Community changing and cleaning area.

But this was different. Nobody cared. Nobody looked. And hell, if they did? I didn't give two - - uhm - - well, you get me. You know why? Because I didn't just feel like the last kid picked to play basketball. I didn't worry that running around track would give me an asthma attack even though I've never even HAD asthma. I just finished a mother effing MUD RUN. I WAS A DIRTY GIRL. I earned that. And every single one of us in that room had done just that.

So did we care who was changing where? Short of hoping not to have someone walk into the tent and right into my bare backside - nope. Not at all. Because we weren't looking. We didn't care. We just wanted out of our wet and dirty and chilly clothes and to feel ever-so-slightly clean.

Now, where was I? Oh, right. Mud Run? #lifelist entry number I don't know exactly what? Check. Done. I did it. I'm happy as a dirty girl and I did it.

* Why do I fear the kinds of searches that might bring people here with all this Dirty Girl talk? Oy. *

Anyway, back to finding fitness. Jana's prompt today is Pass it on. Stream of Consciousness Sundays is a fun weekly brain dump. It's supposed to be five minutes of typing, but I think with the subject matter I chose today, Jana will forgive me. Especially since she's Ms. Fitness herself and a kick-ass mother runner!

Part of the Pass It On prompt asks, what is something that you have passed on to your children? My hope? My dream? My prayer, even? My growing enjoyment of MOVEMENT. My love (love?!?) of fitness. My fitspiration.

I hope she feels it now and carries it with her through life.

My friend said to me at the race yesterday how she doesn't want her son learning to run in his 30s. YES. That's it. I get it. I really do. THAT IS IT. Do you get it? Sooner. They need to know and love the movement sooner. NOW. They can love it now.

I want the love I am learning to feel for running, for working out regularly and for moving my body - my whole entire body - to carry into my 6-yo's little being and stay there. Stick there forever.

That's not too much to ask, is it?

* I swear she was so much happier than she looks here! *

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Look out for you.

You know how hard it is to feel like you've done one thing right all day? 

Or you're finding yourself struggling to see what you've done that was good for your kids, your spouse, your home, your family? 

Who is missing from that list? 

Riiiight. 

You. 

You are missing. 

You're missing because you come last so often. 

I know it. You know it.

Now let's do something about it!

Last night after a fairly quick and non-celebrated Easter Sunday, I decided I needed to go for a walk. It had been a few days since I had worked out, and so I needed to get some fresh air and feel like me again. 

So I went out and noticed, oops. It was pouring. Okay, maybe not pouring, but definitely raining. 

I can handle it, I thought. A little rain won't stop me. 

It came down harder. Kelly Clarkson kept me company. You know I like my beats when I work out. 

She sang, I sang.

The rain fell. 

It was definitely getting harder, but I loved it. 

When I was about 3-4 minutes from stopping I pulled my hood back and felt the rain.  

It felt incredible. 

I deserved it. 

A cleansing. A breath of fresh (and wet) air. 

I'm worth it. And when I remember that I know I'm doing it right.

* I am totally not sure why the font on my page right now is acting all wonky. But I won't be worrying about it. My mind just isn't up for that and I know you will all be alright with what I decide. *

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Needing a kick in the you-know-where.

Everything.

Nothing.

I seem to be blanking on words in my own space lately.

I wrote two heavy and thoughtful posts that were over at other spaces, but here I'm stuck. I have two posts in draft mode. One is titled something about turning 6, which my daughter did a few weekends ago. And the other is about me thinking I'm funny sometimes.

But then I wanted to get deeper into that one and could not figure out when I'd been funny lately. Is that funny in and of itself? I don't know.

I am also trying to get back on track with working out, when in reality I just want to sit on my backside and write and read and watch TV. Yesterday was the first day back after sickness - for me, the kiddo, the household, then weather stopped me and I just didn't get back on track. Didn't go out. Didn't date the Wii. Nothing.

That's bad.

I'm still on Week 4 of C25K. I need to start it. I forget if I have. Maybe. I donno.

I need some new sports bras, too. I have one really good one but can't wear it every.single.time I workout. That wouldn't work.

Is workout one word or two? I write it both ways. That doesn't help me, does it?

How do you write it?

I should just stop writing it and start DOING it ... again. NOW.

I have a new FitBit Zip from Verizon Wireless (via my role as an ambassador) and am loving tracking my steps, etc. so that's awesome to know that I'm moving throughout the day. I remembered to put it on immediately this am and recognized that just about by the time my kiddo leaves for hubs to drop her at school I'm closing in on 1K steps. Which explains why yesterday I was about 1000 steps shy of the day before. I forgot to put it on right away. Can't track your steps if you're not wearing it, right?

More on that in another post. But it's kind of cool.

It'd be cooler if I moved more. I need to get going.

Kick me out of my seat, would you? A nice hearty shove. Go on, it won't hurt either of us. Even if you don't have the strength. My upper arm strength sucks.

And I'm doing the Dirty Girl Mud Run in about a month. WHA!?! Shoot. That might be enough to get me off my arse. Immediately.

Thanks for listening. I might just post this as is and get my sneakers on now.

Peace out.

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I'm doing it right. Right Now.

You know I often try to link up with Shell's Pour Your Heart Out on Wednesdays. This week I'm linking up with James & Jax, as well. She's got a new linky that encourages us to remind ourselves of the good things we've been up to. Good things are good reminders that we're worth it. Worth all of it. Every single second. 

So, for me there's a lot of good going on. 

Even though this past week has been a bit of a crap-fest food-wise, I'm working my way back to being back on track. I'm trudging my way through Couch to 5K. Again. 

Yes. Again. 

I started it back in January of last year. And then I hit week 7 and I stopped. 

The heat. My mindset. All of it. Changed and challenged. So I stopped. 

But not now. 

Not this time. 

This time I'm doing it. 

And I'm doing it right. 

Because I have so many reasons to move. 

And I'd like to start my Weekly Updates again. Did anyone read those? I think so. I think it'd be cool to get those going and share the ups and downs. And the ups. But not the ones on the scale. Those should be downs, right? 

But I'm doing this. 

Yesterday (Tuesday) I completed Week 3, Day 2 of the C25K workout. 

Today (Wednesday) I went walking with a friend for 40 minutes. And we beat that wind out there! 

Thursday I should finish Week 3 and by the weekend Week 4 will be in my sights. 

Weekends are rough, but either way I've been tracking my calories on my phone with the LoseIt app. It's been pretty easy to do and helps me see where I'm failing or flailing, AND where I'm successful, too. 

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So while I'm struggling this week with a few things that might show up on the scale, (they did, I'm up .8 today - but I'm okay, I'm moving forward and shaking it off!) and I've been going over my calories for the past few days, I am also moving and running like a motha! Whenever I can. As best I can. You know how it is, right? *Please humor me if you don't. I need the love!

And I'm checking in with my peeps over at the New Year, No Excuses challenge in our private facebook group where we support and motivate one another. And it's fabulous. Seriously. The non-judgmental environment. The unconditional support and understanding. All the things you need to keep you going. Even when or if you backslide a little bit. Even if you weigh WAY more than some of these ladies. Or only a little bit more or just a little bit less. 

All of that matters none. 

You're in this together. We are. Completely. And so we keep going. Together. Not quite side by side, but it feels that way anyway. 

And so I keep moving. 

I keep going so that girl of yesteryear doesn't show up again. Because she's not welcome here anymore.

Because me? I'm pushing through. I'm breaking a sweat. I'm on the ball. 

I'm lacing up my fairly new and absolutely pricey kicks so I can head on out and hit the pavement. 

I remember that I CAN do it, and so I continue on and I DO. 

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I like to move it ...

I started prior to the new year, and I'm not where I want to be yet - but I'm on the road to fit and fabulous and I like it.

But the summer heat is a KILLER!

So I'm desperate for ideas on how to continue working out while keeping somewhat cool.

Lately I've found myself doing ...

* Workout DVDs.
Do you have them? Do you use them? Mine used to collect dust, but now they're actually being used. Some of them are so fantastic that all I need is 20 minutes to work up a sweat and feel accomplished.

* Wii/Wii fit
Yep. I'm all over this. I know - it's almost old school and people have moved on to the Kinect - but my Wii Zumba workout has been fantastic! And my Wii Fit yoga and strength routines have rocked!

* Zumba!!!
So, yeah, I'm doing it on the Wii, but I've also started taking a class at a local dance studio. It's fantastic, intense, a wonderful workout and only costs $9/session.

* Groupon searching
So yeah, if you're looking for something new to do and a way to save money when you do find something that piques your interest, go for it! Keep an eye on the Groupon/Living Social/etc. deals and find yourself scheduled to attend several HOT yoga classes {yeah, it's me, I bought it, I just haven't attended the classes yet ...} or other cool things like pole dancing, rock climbing, pilates and more.

* Swimming
Find a lake, a pool, a beach - whatever it is that suits you. And then get yourself there. You'll be surprised at how intense a water workout can be. Even when you don't feel like you're doing that much, it's amazing for your body. Give it a go.

So - how about you? What have you been up to to make sure you're moving your body this summer? Fill me in!

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Doing it

I know. It seems like all I'm talking about is my weight. My health. My mindset. Wellness. And it kind of is. I'm slow on blogging right now, but I'm good. I'm writing now and again when the mindset hits me and I'm up for it.

So right now I had my quarterly doctor's visit and saw a doc that was subbing for the regular NP I use. Anyway, last time I went in and my first three month window had me down 12 lbs. It was awesome. I was overjoyed.

Today, not as much. But still. I'm down 3.

3 lbs in three months. It's not as exciting as I'd like to see, but it's a loss and not a gain. She gave me a smile and a thumbs up, and so I'm pretty happy when I look at it as an overall 15. Ya know?

I mean, if I could possibly lose another 15 lbs then I could feasibly be 30 or so lbs down by 2013. And that would be pretty cool for me.

* She says after eating the final pumpkin spice cake chocolate chip muffin that she was addicted to over the last few days. Oops. *

Anyway, I'm excited and motivated and my hope is that with October 28th (my 40th) being just under 5 months away that maybe I can lose another 10 lbs during that window. I don't want to push it, though, so if I say 5 that would then have me feeling a bit safer. And 5 would be awesome. It would have me down 20 lbs in a year. Imagine that? By the time I'm like 42 or something I could be so skinny! Ha!

Here are some pics of me to show even the slight transition.

Maybe March and June don't look that different, but I think you can definitely see a change from November, so that's kind of cool.

Anyway, that's a small dose of where I am at. Maybe I'm focusing on the what I've done part because I feel slightly slack and slow-going with what I want and need to do. But I'll get there. If I could find ways to stay motivated and get back on the working out track that would be enough. Because I like who I am when I'm this girl. The one who moves and shakes and rattles and rolls. hee! She's cool. And hey, a few more pounds and maybe I can buy a nice dress (and fancy supportive bra) for BlogHer in August!?! Woot woot! 

Disclaimer: I am not a Woot-woot-er. I'm a Woo girl! *HIMYM reference there* But I felt this deserved that complete WOOT! to get me going. 

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May is for Mothers. And for this mother it's for movement. 

I've been running and working at becoming healthier and being fit for a while now. 

The scale is moving down, which is wonderful, but the past few weeks it has been sticking in the same range. It's up a few tenths. Then down. Then up again. 

Hmmn. Not cool. It's not where I want to be. I want to continue on the road to healthy ways and watch those numbers move down. I'll take it if it happens slowly, but I would still love to see it happen. 

But what I need to remember more than anything is why I'm doing this. 

I'm doing this for my daughter. 

I'm doing this so I can be the healthy and fit mom who can sit (and fit!) with her when we head to a local carnival and hit the rides. 

I'm doing this so when she wants to kick the soccer ball around in the yard I'm able to keep up with her. 

I'm doing this so on our next vacation, trip to the zoo, museum or walk in the neighborhood I feel GOOD, not achey, frustrated or gasping for air. 

I'm doing this so she likes fitness, movement and motivation, too!

She's already taken soccer and swimming and loved both. She starts dance class next month and gets to learn ballet and tap, which will surely be adorable to watch and keep that fun and funky movement motivation for her. 

I wish I had those options. I want to take dance. I want to take swimming. I want to do all of that for me, too. In the meantime I run. I move. I shake my butt when we're dancing around the downstairs and don't feel self-conscious in the least.

I want my beautiful daughter to know that she's making memories with everything she does, but she's also building a way of life. I don't know if she'll learn that right away, but that's okay. It's my role, as her mom, to make sure she sees it. Make sure she knows to keep at it. Keep herself happy and healthy and LOVING LIFE!

So I move for her. I dance for her. I run for her. And I always will. 

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Bowling freebies and great deals!

Last summer it was about 900 degrees every single day in North Carolina.

Seriously.

Especially on the weekends, when we were desperate for something to do with our daughter.

Seriously. I mean it. (I said about - right?)

So where would we want to go on days like those?

If you've answered anywhere with air conditioning, you're correct. Sort of. Because anywhere isn't good enough. We have to be sure to entertain our child. And ourselves. Otherwise the AC is a waste and we might as well stay home. Then we wouldn't have to step out into the heat to go to the car.

So, if you're looking for something to do with your kiddos, I have an affordable option for you. We took advantage of this last year, and plan to do so again this sweaty season.

AMF is offering their Summer Unplugged program again this year!

All you have to do is sign up here and pick the location that is closest and most convenient to you. There are over 250 locations so you're bound to find one that works for you!

It's really simple, too. Every week you'll get an email sent to you with your free games coupon and you'll be covered. Kids bowl free every day until 8PM. The program runs from May 14th through September 3rd. Can you imagine how many free games you can fit in during that time period? Even if you only take them once a week, you'd be good to go! They even have a deal for kids' meals at the bowling alley where it'll only cost you $3.29 to feed the munchkins. Or monsters. Whatever you prefer to call them is fine. They'll play for free and eat super cheap.

AMF also has a summer pass for the grown-ups (or the almost grown-ups, 16+) where you can spend $29.95 and get four games daily for the adults in your party. So every time you take your kiddos and you are required to play along, you're covered, too. Just one payment of under thirty bucks will cover you for the rest of the summer! (Shoe fees are not included, but come on - how cheap are they, right?)

If you want to check out the details of the Summer Pass just click <--that link! <--the one over there!

I can promise you that it's worth checking out. If anything, do the freebie, tell all your friends about it. I can tell you for certain that there will be that one day (it'll probably be more, but start slow, it's okay to be skeptical. It's okay to say you don't bowl. Don't worry ... it honestly doesn't matter much!) that you turn to your spouse, partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, fellow mom/dad/grandparent and say to yourself, what the HECK are we going to do with them today that doesn't include spending $100 on food, entertainment and drive us completely insane? And you'll be thanking me when that day comes - because you'll be so happy you signed up for this freebie bowling for your age 15 and under kids. Seriously. Just do it. Then I won't have to say I told you so.

btw - please feel free to let me know if you take advantage of this offer. I'd love to be able to let AMF know how many people they've helped get through the crazy hot days. And any other cool and comfortable family-friendly summer activity ideas that you might have that are cost-efficient are worth sharing, as well. 

Most importantly? Have fun out there (and stay cool - that's obviously really important to me, as well)!

* Thanks to the One2One Network for allowing me to participate in this campaign. In doing so and sharing this post I am eligible for a prize drawing. However, all expressed opinions are entirely my own, and I'm happy to say I actually participated in this freebie program last summer without any prompting or blog posting and truly appreciated what AMF is doing for parents everywhere! 

* For more information on AMF you can check them out on Twitter and Facebook.

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Where I'm at

I'm tired.

Yesterday kind of sucked. More on that later, though.

It's been a few weeks since I have posted my weight or my motivation, or my fitness inspiration.

We had a few crazy weeks, I suppose. I actually skipped weighing myself for almost three weeks - which is scary that I went that long, and yet I am relieved to confess I have only put on .4 lbs. Woo hoo, right?

Yes, I'm okay with a gain. Because this is what those three weeks have looked like...

Passover. 'Nuff said. Honest. I think I ate more things made with eggs than I have in the entire year of 2012. Maybe include 2011 in that, as well. Whoops.

The great mold debacle of 2012. Missed this story? Check it out here.

My anniversary surprise! More on that later, but if you have had the chance to check out my Instagram shots from a weekend or so ago, you'll know I was in NYC for a few days. That update/post will come eventually. I'm slow. Behind schedule. Yadda yadda yadda.

So seeing that my scale showed 4/10 of a pound in the upward manner, I'm not as devastated as I could be. I'm okay with it. I'm glad I didn't put back about 5 lbs, with the eating and drinking I did in the city. Yeah, I went overboard. But I took it on as a true vacation. I think the amount of walking we did throughout the city (the city = Manhattan, for anyone unsure) helped balance things out. Helped me maintain the way I did. Pretty much any and everything I ate and/or drank was burned off shortly after. Honest. I miss that about the city, but again, that's a whole 'nother post!

Now today I get to explain (briefly, I can't dwell right this second) how this week back was okay, but then yesterday I had a "get thee to the ER incident" and I'm okay, but needless to say, I didn't get my butt moving last night. And it's possible I won't today. But I'll be damned if I'm lax about it tomorrow!

So here are a few pinterest motivational images that come from my Motivate Me! board. I hope they'll kickstart my week and get me to move PAST WEEK FIVE of couch to 5K. I guess we'll see...

You said it, Pinterest.

I GOT THIS.

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April fools?

I sure hope my scale is playing an April Fools joke on me this morning. Probably not - because yesterday it said the same thing. And yes - I broke my own rule. I weighed in yesterday but it kept fluctuating and I couldn't figure out if I had supposedly put on a pound and change, or two whole pounds. So I waited til today. And two pounds it is. Damnit.

Mega-Boo.

I know I have repeatedly said numbers don't matter. But you know what? I'm a liar sometimes.

We all know that the scale means something. If it didn't we wouldn't step on it every once in a blue moon, right? Right.

And I worked out every day last week. Every.Single.Day.

Please don't say that I'm gaining muscle and muscle weighs more than fat. Because I might throw something at you.

For realz.

But I guess I have to look at it this way. A few weeks ago I gained .8. Last week I lost 2.8. This week I gained 2 = evens out a bit, right? Sucks that I'm back in time three weeks, but body-wise I feel good, my pants are a little bit big on me and I'm still working out.

Yesterday was the first day I took off just to give my heel a break. My left heel is hurting a bit, and although I didn't figure out exactly which day or work out triggered it, since all my stuff is cardio-based I'm guessing that's why.



And yes, I do recognize I should start doing some weight-training. I'm also planning to incorporate some more Wii fit stuff this week, like Hula Hooping and tightrope walking, besides my basic run/walk/march thingamagig.

I was trying to create my own fun ecard this AM on someecards because I figured why not, but the site froze up on me so you just get me being funny and inspired through the creativity of others. (And Pinterest!)

Also - I'm going to admit that I bought a stupid box of Cheez-Its last weekend and proceeded to eat it throughout the week. Damned Cheez-Its. It's my fault, I know. I did try to incorporate them into my daily intake, and I honestly DID keep track, but still. Who needs 'em, right?

And let's not even talk about the Amish Friendship Bread. I think I need to hand that off asap to some friends so I can pass along the chocolate-y goodness and keep it off my scale!

But I also need to remind myself of the following:


A-to-the-WO-MAN, right?

Here's to a fantastic Cheez-It FREE week.

p.s. I did decide to add some extremely dark chocolate into my intake. I bought some bars yesterday that are 70% + cocoa because that's what *they* say you should have. We'll see how right they actually are next weekend, right? Chocolate-cheers!

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The numbers. Do they matter?

... sometimes. Sometimes they do.

I'm recapping for a minute. And the reason I'm doing that is because I use LoseIt to track my weight loss and changes, but it doesn't give me an exact chart of where I am at based on previous weigh ins.

Anyway - I'm looking at this and yes, I started in January officially with friends that are doing a challenge (we have two more weeks left, if I could even POSSIBLY hit 10 lbs before those weeks are up I might cry. But again, it's not about the numbers. Only today - for this post - it is!).

So. I weighed in this morning and am .6 lbs down. It's minimal, but I'm happy. I'm PMSing and I'm lame after a non-workout filled few weeks. And yet it still went down. So? I'm elated.

And last week I lost a pound. 1.6 down.

Week before? 1.2 lbs down = 2.8. Before that? 2 lbs. Total = 4.8.

January 29th I weighed in and stayed the same. It stung a little bit, but I still felt good. At least I hadn't gained, right?

Go back a week and I was down 2.8 lbs. Total = 7.6.

Week before that? 1.2. 8.8? Impossible. And yet - there it is. 8.8 pounds down since this challenge started. It's not 20. It's not 15, even. But it's closing in on 10! And do you remember my goal of 12 for the year? 12 before I turn 40? I hope to hit that and maybe then some. AND keep it off. Which is honestly even more important. But I digress ...

And before that? Before this challenge was "official," and I started some personal food charting? I went up almost 2 lbs, and gained back what I initially lost. Bummer, right?

 But look at how screwy the body can be. I weighed in on December 5th, and gained 7.5 pounds since I had last logged my weight in October. I was going through some physical stuff at that time, so it didn't surprise me, although it made me sad. Then I stepped on the scale on December 15th, ten days later, and dropped 5.5 of it. Amazing, isn't it? Believe me. That change is probably what prompted me to get on track. Isn't it amazing how the number means a lot, and sometimes when it goes up - which is when we should focus on CHANGE - we say to ourselves, screw it! And we move ahead and don't care. Or pretend we don't.

When in reality that's when we care the most.

Instead I waited to see that bloat or whatever it was start to go away. And it did.

So, in reality I'm probably just under 15 pounds down since early December. I'm elated. Shocked. Happy. Thrilled. But I'm also briefly focusing on that 8.8 number. With hopes I can get rid of 1.2 more pounds in the next two weeks, just to say, for the first time in YEARS, that I did a weight loss challenge and actually lost some weight. A good amount.

Now, how much weight do I have to lose to go down a size? Can anyone remind me?

Now, back to me for a moment. 8.8? It isn't much. It doesn't look like an exciting number.

But for someone like me who is always at it. Always working and hoping and wishing and losing steam in the middle of all of that ... well, for someone like me 8.8 might as well be flashing in bright lights over my head. Might as well be tattooed on my arm. (In henna, of course!)

And after an entire post about numbers and why they sometimes matter - I leave you with this image from Pinterest, I'd love to provide you with the actual url, but when I click through it brings me to a google images page. Boo. I'll try to find it, though!

Yes. YES I AM.

And so are you.

Peace out, my friends. Stay healthy and stay motivated!

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Movement motivates me

Another week gone by and this Sunday finds me in a good mood. Well, it's Saturday night as I write this, and I've just finished an entire bagged salad for dinner (probably shouldn't have, after I ate an entire bag of steamed broccoli for lunch - taking the need to up my greens a wee bit too far, I suppose).

We went out to breakfast this morning and I didn't rely on my phone - which was a good thing. If you haven't read my questions and frustrations with relying 100% on an app to choose my foods, well, check it out here in my Wednesday post.

I love posting these recaps on Sundays. I just wish I could come up with a catchy title or something. Weekly weigh-ins just doesn't work, as it's way more than that. Way more than the weight. Hmmn, maybe I'm onto something there? Fitspiration. Motivation. Inspiration. All of the above? Eh. I'll stick with trying to come up with something each week and see what happens.

As always, I've included some fantabulous Pinterest images for sharing. I like this next one a lot, even though I don't really *Tumble* - but you can replace that with pretty much ANYthing on the web and it would be relevant, don't you think?



So I weighed in today (Saturday) instead of tomorrow, and I'm down 2 lbs! Hooray! I know I shouldn't rely on the scale to show me that I've made positive changes, but it still feels good to hear it. See it. Be told it - in so many words. That brings me to a total of 6 lbs lost, and I'm pretty proud of that. I hope to hit 10 before the challenge I'm participating in is up. By no means am I doing this to win a challenge - by the way - but it's cool to have a group of women doing the same thing and aiming to reach new lows (on the scale) and new highs (working out, healthy eating, staying motivated and focused) together.

This week's workouts consisted of today's C25K WEEK TWO!!! Woo hoo! I couldn't believe it, but I survived. It was the first time I tried, and although I've been C25K-ing for a while now, I was not sure I'd be able to handle moving past week one, but I did. So a big yay for me.

Also, my LoseIt app told me I get an exercise hound award for working out 3x/week or more the last 3-4 weeks. That motivated me more than seeing the numbers move on the scale, to be honest. I was like - yes - I MUST workout again after that!

Yesterday I got a new Leslie Sansone DVD and tried out the Walk and Kick workout. Little did I realize it was a kickboxing type of thing. Those kinds of movements when you "walk," and whew, it was rough. Turned out to be a good half hour of sweating. I liked it. There are three other workouts on the DVD, and I had some discounts and coupons, so I only spent $4.95 for it. Well worth it, I'd say.

On Thursday I did the 2 mile WATP workout, AND walked with a friend for just under an hour. That was rough on my feet the next morning, but it felt really good. I did the 2 mile on Tuesday, too, and took Wednesday off. I also skipped Monday, and did the C25K (week 1) at the gym last Sunday. So I'm feeling pretty positive that I'm in this workout mode for real. And it makes me happy!

Anyway, that's all for today. I am going to go indulge in a truckload of water as my body really needs it. Hope you've all had a great weekend, and GO BIG BLUE!!!

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It's Sunday - you know what that means!

It's time for me to check in again.

I haven't weighed myself yet (writing this on Saturday night to get myself a head start). I am waiting for the Papa John's delivery guy to arrive. Did you know that 1 slice of Papa John's pizza thin crust is 230 calories? And if you go with the regular crust it's 290? That's for a large pizza - of course. I guess I'm pretty glad I like me some thin crust. Yum. I also add tomatoes and extra sauce to pump myself with lots of good antioxidants or whatever else I can benefit from. Helps me feel less crappy for indulging in fast and not-homemade foods.

So, this week I did a few workouts, a few random walks, and a few random other things, too:

Monday: I did some stretching in AM with my new resistance bands, which I sadly have not really used since then. Whoops. And then I did a 1 mile WATP workout.

Tuesday: C25K walk/run (Week 1); 10 mins Denise Austin cardio (which totally reminded me why I gave up on Denise Austin many moons ago. She's annoying as all heck!)

Wednesday: I skipped working out.


Thursday: Did a 20 minute walk/cardio while watching TV. I had great intentions and had recorded two new workout shows. 1/2 hr each. High hopes. And then I played the first one and it was some chick who was instructing some big and buff workout dude on push-ups. Nay. No thank you. Then I started the other one, kept watching even though she spoke about weights and I didn't have any. BUT when she started getting into talking about the soul and stuff, well, sorry. I had to turn it off. I have my own religious beliefs, but start quoting psalms at me while I'm trying to stay motivated on the road to fitness and we have to part ways. Seriously. Negative.

On Friday it was BEAUTIFUL out. So nice. Kiddo and I were outside for like an hour, so I counted that as an "average" 30 minute walk. Most of the time she was on her scooter and I was walking behind or beside her, so that was nice. Plus the fresh air and sunshine totally rocked.

Then today (Sat) I got outside early and did a C25K walk/run (Week 1). I am figuring on starting Week 2 officially next week. I think about 2-3 or so weeks of Week 1 is enough, don't you? Or at least I sure as heck hope so!

And if you don't follow me on Twitter (and why don't you - I must ask?) then you don't know that Bella are my Skele-Toes. She ate the straps off them last night and I am so saddened that this happened, BUT I am trying to stay positive and just stick to my sneakers. But if anyone knows a honcho over at Fila or any sports shoe store - lemme know. I would love another pair. Or love to try Vibrams. I'll sell myself for a pair. I'll even do a beautiful review and everything. Of course I had FINALLY done the C25K in them and they were faring well. Sigh. C'est la vie, right?

What's been up with all of you? How's January treated you so far? Any motivational resolutions for the coming month? Can you believe we're already this far into 2012?
** As always images obtained on Pinterest. Motivation is at your fingertips when you're there. Come join me!**

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