Weight Loss Update

Recently, I mentioned that I was on a weight loss mission.  My ultimate goal is to lose 65lbs so I can go shopping for the cute clothes and just feel better in general.

I have been working hard for the past 4 weeks and I have lost nearly 20lbs in that time.  I am logging all of my intake, so I can be accountable for what I eat.  You would be surprised how much you can overeat without even knowing.  For instance, I love SunChips and this peach salsa.  When you “gasp” look at the bag you will see that a serving is only 15 chips or something like that.  When you sit there and physically count your chips one by one, you will realize that this seems like a meager amount.  Normally you would just reach in the bag as much as you want until you are satisfied.

I have had to adjust the way that I eat.  If I want something sweet, I head for the fruit before I go to my next step which is chewing gum.  I will admit that I do not deny myself treats.  In fact, I made a homemade chocolate cake with chocolate icing from scratch and had one piece nightly after dinner for a few nights.  The key is moderation.

I had not been used to eating healthy, so at first a piece of fruit tasted like crap to me.  But now it is something that I crave.  If I eat a piece of chocolate and go to fruit, the fruit doesn’t taste sweet, so try to avoid high sugar foods.

I have gone from walking between 5-10 miles per day, to starting to run.  I only made it ten full minutes, before I thought I was gonna die, but it feels good do it.

My favorite snacks so far:

Sliced white peaches with a Tbs of light whip cream

SunChips Garden Salsa flavor with peach salsa

Carrots drizzled with a half tsp of green goddess dressing

Apple with 1 tbs natural no sugar peanut butter

Cranberry Rush Trail Mix from Meijer and Nutrition Nut/Fruit Mix from Planters

Canteloupe

Chocolate graham crackers with light whip cream in between, and put it in the freezer for a mock ice cream sandwich

My favorite breakfast

Maple and Brown Sugar Outmeal with Flax by Three Sisters

As for dinner, I haven’t found a favorite meal, but I tend to eat whatever is made for the family but I measure out portions.  I will drink water but sometimes I want something else and I have found that I really like the regular Vitamin Water.

What are your favorite lo cal snacks?

 

 

Preparing Your Child For Kindergarten

I should probably term this post preparing mommy for kindergarten, because I will be the one next year crying as my boys disappear into the doors of their elementary school.  I happen to want my boys to have fun and, of course, succeed, but I am a little jealous that someone else will now be able to watch my children learn and grow.  The alternative would be to home school but I think I lack the patience to do it and feel like my boys just want to get out there and go.

So with this being their last year at home, I am decided to investigate little way in which I can get them ready for kindergarten.  Here are some really great ideas to give them a leg up.

Practice writing his/her first and last name
1. Have your child practice writing his/her name using a variety of tools such as a Magna Doodle, crayons, pencils, and markers. Check that your child is gripping the writing utensil correctly. You may even consider having your child practice writing his/her name using different items around the house such as pudding, rice, sand, or shaving cream.
*** Be sure that your child uses a capital letter only at the beginning and lowercase for the rest of their name.  So far my boys can only do all capitals, I guess it’s time to teach them lower case!

2. Write your child’s name in large letters (or use magnetic letters). Say each letter aloud as you write or place it so your child can associate the name of the letter with the shape of the letter.
3. Cut apart the letters of your child’s name (or use magnetic letters) and have him/her put them back in the correct order saying the name of each letter while doing so. (Start with just the first name, adding the last name only when they have mastered this.)
4. Label your child’s door or other objects so his/her name can be seen in print.

Practice recognizing and writing the numbers 0 to 10 (or higher)
1. Read and enjoy counting books together.

2. Point out numbers in license plates, in the store, in your home, and all around you.
3. Use magnetic numbers to have your child practice naming them. Have your child put the numbers for your phone number in order saying each number while doing so.

4. Practice writing numbers with a variety of materials such as pencils, crayons, markers, sidewalk chalk, etc…as in name writing above.

5. Have your child count object like their snacks, or buttons on their shirt

Practice naming letters in the alphabet correctly.

1.  Recognize letters on street signs, in restaurants, and on billboards and favorite books

Recognize Primary Colors

1. Sort candies, bright colored buttons, etc by colors.

Practice naming and recognizing basic shapes

1.  Look around the room and recognize shapes in your home

2.  Practice drawing and recognizing shapes

Practice your phone number and address

1.  Have your child practice dialing their number on a play phone

Practice Coloring in the lines and Cutting in straight lines

1.  We like to cut out shapes, and pictures in magazines.

2.  Provide coloring pages with large illustration and well defined lines and challenge them to stay within the lines.

These are just some basic things you can do with your child to get them ready.  If your child seems frustrated after so many attempts then stop and try again another day.  I find that when they get frustrated all learning flies out the window.  Make learning fun and interesting as if it is no big deal and they seem to do so much better.

I know I am not ready for them to go, but if I can get them as ready as they can be for the classroom, it will help them succeed!

 

Umi Shoes Fall Collection

The air is crisp and all the kiddos are going back or have gone back to school.  It is still shorts weather, but a few days have been cold enough to break out the boys Fall weather gear.  I love to shop for them, and I love outfitting them from head to toe in some of the newest fashions.  Along with great fashion, comfortable shoes for kids are a must.

Umi Shoes is  my go to fashion for little feet.  Although, my two seem to be growing leaps and bounds, Umi has one of the cutest selections and some of the best children’s shoes in my opinion.  I am always eager to see their new Spring and Fall lineups each year, because they always have great new styles.  They aren’t afraid to change it up a bit where as when I walk into other kids shoe stores, they have the same thing virtually every time I am there.

About Umi Shoes (taken directly from their site)

At Umi they meticulously craft each and every shoe for the utmost in comfort and fit. Hands that simply know how to make a better children’s shoe. So, what makes a better children’s shoe? Years of experience working with age-appropriate lasts, patterns and buttersoft leathers give Umi a step up over everyone else. At Umi, all they make are children’s shoes, and they believe every step your child takes is as important as their very first.

At Umi, caring for little feet also means caring for the earth—which means they set their standards sky-high. Every shoe they make is tested for safety and durability and meets strict guidelines for child-safe materials. They use only non-toxic drum-dyed leathers and other environmentally friendly components. Protected in recycled packaging, Umi’s a brand sure to please parents and Mother Nature alike.

Shoes are made for much more than walking. Umi shoes are specially designed for the littlest and hardest working feet in mind. At Umi, our focus is on quality, comfort and style.

From years and years of hand crafting shoes for babies, boys and girls they’ve developed a deep understanding of materials, patterns, footbeds—the building blocks of creating the most comfortable shoes around.

 

This year Umi Shoes has some cute Fall styles for boys that include Caaden and Carrson, which are two very adorable half boot style shoes.  Caaden is a cute lace up style available in Taupe and Olive.  Carrson is another suede half boot that combines a great look, with a thick velcro closure which makes it easy for lil ones to get their shoes on and off.  Both of my boys tried them on and had a blast running and playing in their new kicks.  Usually they will tell me if  a shoe is uncomfortable and want them off right away, but this has never been the case with Umi Shoes.

 

All of their shoes offer about a half size growing room and ample cushioning in their shoes.  Kids can run and jump and play and Umi Shoes offers sturdy, flexible souls for growing feet.  Kids are known to give their footwear a vigorous workout, but I have never had a problem with Umi Shoes.   Often time they outgrow them after extensive wear and they still look practically brand new.

If you are looking for one of the best shoes for kids, I highly recommend investing in Umi Shoes.  They are incredibly  comfy for kids.  If you are like me, I want shoes that are going to hold up so I am not out buying more before the season even ends.  Umi Shoes are reasonable priced, incredible cute and well made.

 

Dont Walk Run

So I am back after my week long sebatical.  We did a little traveling as a family in the awesome Ford Flex (more on my experience later).  I took a little break from my weight loss/fitness adventure when we went to visit my parents over the holiday.  It wasn’t by choice but because I was so busy, and didn’t have the same resources that I had here to maintain my same level of activity.

I have been walking daily now for about 8 plus miles a day total.  I realized that my feet were taking a beating and pain means I have to stop but I don’t want to.  My legs, feet and knees have been taking a pounding and I am afraid my walking shoes from New Balance which have served me well, just aren’t liking the extra activity.  So I started looking for a running shoe, since I am heading in that direction.  I have started running in short bursts on my walks.  I walk trails, but I also walk the pavement and treadmill, so I need a little of both.

There are about a bazillion choices for shoes out there and it is a little overwhelming!  There are running shoes that are trainers, there are trail running shoes, and regular running shoes.  There are good shoes for over pronation and supination, but all I want is something that makes my feet feel good and the weight of my step.  I am totally clueless, but need something ASAP that I can use.

On the weight loss front, I maintained my weight over the holiday.  I didn’t gain or lose which is perfectly fine.  I craved the exercise which is also new, because normally I dread even going.  I walked int he rain the other night, which was fabulous.  The dog looked at me like I was crazy, but it felt good to get back out and get going!

Week 1 Weight Loss

One week has passed in my journey to lose weight.  The first few days were awful!  Around the evening time around dinner, I would start to feel depressed about all the new changes.  I felt like I was missing out on something.  Maybe it was food, or maybe it was just all the changes that I know have to be permanent in order to maintain a healthy weight.

I am exercising almost nightly with my dog.  She thinks I am trying to kill her, and I think I am trying to kill me too.  The first few days I started off slow, but then I began to enjoy the time.  I started out walking about a mile and finished off the week walking nearly 4 miles every night.  It seems that when you have catchy tunes playing in your ear, you can walk miles.

I am journaling every morsel of food, I am eating and I am enjoying the taste of fruit.  I did a little experiment quite by accident when I took a drink of the boys chocolate milk.  It was incredibly sweet and then I went to take a bite of my canteloupe that for the past few days tasted like pure sugar and it tasted like nothing.  It tells you how sweet actual sugar is and how your taste buds adjust to fruit sugars versus regular sugar.  Fruit tastes just like candy to me, when I am avoiding the refined sugars and high fructose corn syrups.

I am enjoying keeping track of everything, I am attached to a pedometer all day every day.  I have gone from just a few thousand steps to more than 15,000 steps per day, and I am feeling pretty good too.  Officially after the first week I am down 10lbs.  I know this will slow, but I will be happy with about 2 lbs per week!

I am up for the challenge!

 

Diet Schmiet

Diets are no fun.  The minute I start to eat all the so called good for you foods, I get cranky.  Going through the grocery store, makes me feel like I must be blindfolded so I don’t pout.  And flaxseed with oats tastes a bit like dirt, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

I hate water, well not hate but, I like soda, and not diet.  My goal is to avoid artificial sweetners and soda all together.  I am drinking more water, and feel like I need a catheter permanently attached to me, so I don’t have to be in the bathroom peeing every five minutes and im only drinking three glasses a day folks.

I am walking every night and dragging the dog along.  I put my iTouch on shake to shuffle, and walking quickly made me feel a bit ADHD because it didnt like my brisk walking and proceeded to change songs with every step.

Day two and I am still alive! I am sure after my chocolate and coca cola withdrawals (in about 4 weeks), I will be a much happier camper.  But until then look for crab apple posts like this one.

I will conquer.

 

Bazoongi Nuclear Bounce House From Hayneedle

Summer is still in full swing at our house and even though the kids are back to school, my two are still at home and want to be outdoors as much as two little boys can be.  As a stay at home mom, it can be difficult finding things for the boys to do when the neighborhood kids aren’t around, and when they are bored with their own yard.  Many times, I need to get things done inside and they want to be outside and I certainly want to encourage them being as active as they can, rather than sitting inside.

Recently, we were given the opportunity to review the Bazoongi Nuclear Bounce House from Hayneedle and let me tell you, that, this is the best thing since slice bread.  If you want to get your kids moving, and excited to be outdoors, this will surely make them jump with excitement. When I told the boys what was in the box, they couldn’t wait. The great thing is, that I can put it right out in my backyard and keep a close eye on them.

Set up was super easy and I had two little helpers by my side.  The bounce house is actually rolled up like a sleeping bag, and you simply unroll it, and unfold it, stake it down, and attach the blower and it is fully inflated in about a minute.  The  stakes help  keep the Bazoongi Bounce House in place,  so it doesn’t move around while jumping and your children don’t blow away.   The best part is that it keeps them active, happy and busy while they are outside and they aren’t sitting in front of the television.

The Bazoongi Nuclear Bounce House is also compact in size but offers plenty of bouncing room for 1-3 kiddos.  The maximum weight limit is 200lbs which makes it perfect for younger kids. The bounce house itself, is made of  semi-commercial-grade, puncture-resistant PVC material and seems to withstand all the boys tumbling, bouncing and running with absolutely no problems.  The entire bounce house is enclosed in netting.  The front entrance can be zippered clothes and attached by click in tethers, so no one is going to fall out.

Because of its compact size 9ft x 9ft,  it  fits nicely indoors!  We have a basically empty dining room and it fits nicely in there.  So on rainy days and in the winter when the kids are stuck inside, I can bring their outdoor bouncing fun indoors!  I have tried this already on several occasions and it’s a big hit.  At first, I thought they would bump into the walls but the netting around it and the bounce house foundation goes well past the netting so this was avoided.    The boys were bouncing, running circles, doing somersaults, and just having a giggling good time all inside the confines of the bounce house.  After a day of bouncing, they slept like rocks and as a parent, you can surely appreciate that.

The boys have a myriad of outdoor toys from scooters, to bikes, to their Power Wheels, and I love that I can actually put this bounce house away!  The first time I had to put it away (you know how stuff never goes back in the way it came), I struggled a little bit trying to get it folded and rolled small enough to fit into the provided duffel bag.  I found that if you kind of lean into it while rolling it up (just like a sleeping bag), it gets all the air out and fits nicely in the bag to be put away and I was also able to fit the blower in the same bag and store it in our coat closet. The Bazoongi Nuclear  Bounce House, retails for $269.99 at Hayneedle.

We love our new Bazoongi Bounce House from Hayneedle where you can buy even more than just great outdoor things for the kids.  They have everything you can possibly imagine in one place.  You can buy just about anything your heart desires from Hayneedle,  and to help you do that, Hayneedle and DoubleBugs has a a $50 gift card to Hayneedle to help get your shopping started!

Win A $50 Hayneedle Gift Certificate!!!

Winners are chosen at random using “And The Winner Is”

Here’s What Ya Gotta Do!

Visit Hayneedle.com and do a little shopping around and tell me what you would like to buy, come back here and leave a comment

Extra Entries (not required) Please leave a separate comment for each

Become a fan of Hayneedle on their Facebook Page

Follow Hayneedle on Twitter

Subscribe to my feed

Follow me on Twitter @Laurie2008

Good Luck!!!

Contest starts August 17, 2011 and Ends Sept 1, 2011

 

**The bounce house was provided by Hayneedle   for review, all the opinions expressed here are that of my own**

 

 

 

 

Sargento Cheese Tasting

We love cheese in our house, but I will be honest and tell you that, I am not a cheese connoisseur and really don’t know much about cheese beyond picking up our family favorites at the grocery store.  One of my favorite late night snacks has to be cheese and crackers and my boys would have cheese at every meal if I let them.

Recently we had the opportunity to have a cheese tasting party and distinguish the differences in processed sliced cheese versus natural sliced cheese and how to taste cheese.  Let’s face it, eating is something us humans have to do every day and sometimes even that becomes very routine.  We grab quick meals and foods we are used to eating and pay little attention to their taste.

First thing was to educate our party attendees.  Before getting started I read over the cheese tasting tips that were provided to facilitate our party.

1. Look at the cheeses. Natural cheeses, like cheddar, come in many different colors, but in general an understated and non-glossy appearance.  Processed cheese is shiny in appearance even after the plastic is removed.

2. Touch the cheese to feel its texture.  Bend the cheese. Natural cheese texture can vary by the type and variety of the cheese but will break in authentic fashion.  Process cheese Processed cheese is characterized by a smooth, rubbery and artificially pliable texture, and can often bend and fold without breaking.

3.  Smell the cheeses like you’d smell a glass of wine. Natural cheeses’ aroma will vary by cheese type, and the range of smells span and can best be described as  earthy, nutty, and fruity. Processed cheese is usually lacking in a strong aroma, but can have cooked milk notes due to its heating process. what aromas do you pick up when you smell the cheeses?

4. Taste the cheese. Natural cheeses have an incredible array of flavors – from savory to fruity to spicy and sharp. the dominant characteristic in processed cheese is often described as salty. take note of the characteristics of the cheese, the intensity of the flavor, the saltiness, sharpness or fruitiness of the cheese. how does it finish? does the taste linger?

After setting the stage for our cheese tasting party, I let my husband, kids, and neighborhood friends go to work on our cheese and fruit spread. At first, they grabbed whatever was in front of them, but I quickly noticed that they only went back for the Sargento Natural Sharp Cheddar Cheese slices vs the unnamed processed slices. When I closed my eyes and tasted the different cheeses, I noticed that the flavor was richer in the Sargento cheese and the texture was much more appealing. The processed cheese seemed to feel slimy when it hit my tongue, and lacked a definite distinguishable flavor, it just tasted like salt and had no real cheese smell. There is a clear difference in taste of natural cheese versus processed cheese and also a difference in ingredients.  I cannot believe I never payed this close attention after so many years of taking out a processed cheese slice and plopping it on my sandwiches!  Clearly, I have been missing out.

(You can see the difference in cheeses here)

Processed pre-packaged cheese slices go back to my fond childhood memories of grilled cheese sandwiches, but during this cheese tasting, I learned a little something about my processed cheese that I always loved.  Most often times, processed cheese can sit on store shelves without refrigeration and are often times pumped into their packaging and rolled out to form it into a square and is cooked into a liquid before it is formed into a slice.  After reading this, all I could say was eww!  No more shiny cheese for me!

Hands down, the natural cheese beat the processed floppy stuff and everyone could honestly tell the difference immediately just by looking at the different cheeses as well as, the difference in taste.  After really sitting down and tasting the difference, I don’t think the processed stuff will be my go to choice for our favorite grilled cheese because good cheese should make your taste buds do a little dance when you first take a bite, and although I like shiny things, but my food doesn’t have to have bling to taste good.

 

**The Motherhood and Sargento provided the cheese tasting supplies to help facilitate or cheese tasting party and my post, the opinions expressed are strictly that of my own.**

 

Wordless Wednesday

One of the many things I love about the Summer is the warm weather, and  just being outside with the boys watching them play and interact together.  Love this candid shot.

Brothers

Blackberry Pound Cake With Vanilla Custard Sauce

I am a fruit picking fool lately.  There is something about going out to a farm and out in the fields and picking your own personally selected berries and fruits.  For me, I get a real sense of peace being out there and picking fresh berries with my family or just by myself.  Recently, I decided to go blackberry picking because I had simply never been.  It was a challenge finding a place to go, and then I found a place about 20 miles from me and off we went!  I actually frequented the blackberry patch twice in the last two weeks.  The first batch went to make seedless blackberry jam and the next was to get more and find some things to make with them.

My first recipe was a blackberry pound cake with a vanilla custard sauce that was simply to die for! So, I thought I would share the recipe I used.  I de-seeded the blackberry puree because I didn’t like the seeds in it, but you can do either way.

Blackberry Pound Cake

Ingredients

« Previous Page — Next Page »