tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86028133125086632782024-02-20T16:38:41.774-07:00Rene'The Inner Babbles of a {mostly} Clean Eating, Exercising MamaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-77119977047155152912013-10-24T08:21:00.000-07:002013-10-24T08:21:47.812-07:00TABATA Workout<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday, I had the honor of joining the <a href="http://fitmomdiet.com/fit-mom-tabata-workout/">Fit Mom Diet</a> team on the <a href="http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/category/235231/morning-show" target="_blank">FOX 10 News Morning Show</a> to help demonstrate a TABATA style workout. TABATA is fun and you can do it in less than 5 minutes at home with or without equipment! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a blog post written by Fit Mom Diet and posted on their page, check it out! They even posted a workout to get you going! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Fit</strong> <strong>Mom</strong> TABATA Workout<b><br /></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tabata is a popular workout phenomenon right now. It is high intensity exercises for 4 minutes at a time, 20 seconds intense work, followed by 10 seconds of rest for 8 rounds. Studies show that tabata style workouts have been linked to increased fat loss and improved endurance. It gives you both aerobic and anaerobic benefits, just like you would get from a both cardio and strength workouts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These time saving tabata sessions work your entire body in less than 40 minutes. For those who have more limited time to workout, consider breaking the tabata workout up by doing rounds one through four.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tabata workouts can be incorporated into your routine easily as there is no equipment necessary to perform them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Below is a tabata style workout you can do in the comfort of your own home. Make sure you warm up properly before you begin. Marching or jogging in place is an easy way to warm-up Pre-workout. Finally, after you’re done do a cool down and stretch. Because this style workout exhausts your muscles depletes your energy, its important to fuel your body with proper nutrition post workout. Within thirty minutes of working out make sure you eat a snack comprised on protein and complex carbohydrates. Examples include a high quality protein shake such as Isagenix IsaLean, Greek yogurt with a banana, or tuna on Ezekiel bread. Remember to also drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Any exercise can be incorporated into the Tabata training. However the basic outline of the Tabata training method are as follows:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 4 minutes long (whole Tabata Session)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 20 seconds of intense training</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• 10 seconds of rest</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Total of 8 sessions or rounds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out the Fit Mom Diet Team on Fox 10 Arizona Morning show demonstrating a TABATA style workout: <a href="http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=9445809" style="color: #0088cc; text-decoration: none;"><b>http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=9445809</b></a></span></div>
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I had so much fun with the Fit Mom girls and have loved surrounding myself with like-minded women. It really is good for the soul!<br />
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Stay Healthy,<br />
Rene<br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Excerpt taken from an article on FitMomDiet.com, you can read the full article <a href="http://fitmomdiet.com/fit-mom-tabata-workout/" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-40194045092449143972013-10-22T07:16:00.002-07:002013-10-22T07:17:36.516-07:00Change. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Workouts just weren't working out (haha) for me anymore. Either I wasn't able to take my dear little one to the gym daycare because he had picked up another cold from, they gym daycare, or I had too many things going on during the day and just couldn't get myself there regularly. </div>
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Change was necessary. </div>
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I used to go to bootcamp from 5am-6am and friends thought I was crazy. But really it's not that crazy at all. Since my workouts weren't happening as much as I liked I figured instead of complaining about it, or making excuses, I'd set my alarm for 4:35am and get to the gym at 5. </div>
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Today was two days in a row and I feel amazing. I took control, made a change and am already noticing a difference in my mood just from having that hour of "me" time before the rest of the family starts their day. It's nice because, I get home at the time I would normally wake up, groggily, and make my dear husband and my older son's lunches for the day. Not my teenager just gives me a crazy look when I come bouncing in the house at 6am as he's just rolling out of bed. </div>
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I am happy with this change and happy I am dedicating myself to health and working on being a happier person. Make a change, it seems hard, but if you don't try, you'll never know what good it could bring... </div>
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And just for fun... since I'm on a "cleanse" day (which I'll explain more about later) I did a little easier workout today. Lighter weights, enough to spark my muscles but not enough to make myself too fatigued. Here's what my workout consisted of: </div>
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Wide Grip Bench Press with Barbell </div>
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Push-Ups</div>
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Cable Cross Over</div>
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Planks on a stability Ball </div>
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Side to Side Push-ups</div>
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Incline Bench Press with Barbell </div>
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Toe Touch/ Crunch Combo </div>
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STRETCHING! </div>
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Make it a great day!!! And check out today's Deal of the Day from <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=168529&m=12808&u=774602" target="_blank">Tinyprints</a>! It's about that time to start ordering Holiday cards!! </div>
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=168529&m=12808&u=774602" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://www.shareasale.com/image/12808/3572801103451_5_Days_of_Deals_Order_Con.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-87404881782928226552013-10-09T14:48:00.000-07:002013-10-09T14:48:50.336-07:00{Wordless Wednesday}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok... so this post may not be so {Wordless Wednesday} after all... </div>
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For the past two years I've been trying to <i>get my body back. </i>When I was pregnant I gained 72 pounds. Yes, I just said that out loud, 72 pounds. I don't think I ever told anyone just how much I had gained... I guess I carried and hid it well to the outside eye. </div>
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On my journey of finding myself over the past couple of years, I've also been on a journey to fall in love with my body. Friends who are close to me know that I am overly critical of myself and a little bit too hard on myself at times. Ok, pretty much all of the time. For me, it isn't about the size I wear, or how much I weigh {I don't weigh myself unless I have to} it's about what I see when I look in the mirror, how I feel and being comfortable in the clothes that are in my closet. </div>
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I am proud to say that I do love my body. Yes, I complain to myself or my husband about my stomach, or my booty but in life there is always room for improvement. Just because I still want to work on certain areas doesn't mean I can't love my body. Even when I had gained 72 pounds carrying my second son, I still loved my body. {pictured}</div>
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Where-ever you are in your life, you must love yourself first. You must wake up with a positive outlook and know that you are the best possible version of yourself that you can be. Knowing this, deep inside will open up doors and potential that you didn't know existed. So try it, make sure you always, always, always Love Your Body first and just see what happens. You will be amazed. </div>
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Stay Healthy,</div>
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Rene</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-42006462164711268082013-10-06T11:00:00.000-07:002013-10-06T11:00:05.215-07:00Teething, What Works for You? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My youngest son is 28 months old, yes I had to count that on my fingers because normally I just say "two". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Exactly two years ago he and I traveled home to see my family in Northern California and his stubborn little self decided it was time to cut his first teeth at just 4 months old. While I was excited that he was "cutting his first tooth" it also made for a very stressful, un-fun trip. Ever since then, we've been teething. Drooling, meltdowns, mood-swings, cranky pants, you name it. I feel like his perfect little teeth are taking forever to come in but I know there is light at the end of the tunnel. Just this morning I spotted his first of four two-year molars through the gums. Finally! He's been saying his teeth hurt and has had swollen gums for months! It has been a long two years, but I've come to realize and accept that this is part of life and</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><em style="font-family: inherit;">EVERY ONE</em><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">goes through it {some kiddos and parents just handle it a little better}.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My son hasn't been the easiest teether at all. Aside from what works for us and soothing our cranky baby, I have also learned a lot about myself and patience along the way. It's helped me understand that life is about growth, constantly. I've also learned what works and what doesn't in our house as far as teething goes so I thought I'd share in case you too are in need of something to soothe that poor baby's gums!</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">What hasn't worked... </span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tylenol, Ibuprofen, frozen bananas or any other cold fruit or ice in a mesh feeder, and distraction. When his teeth are bothering him there is NO distracting him...</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">What HAS worked...</span></strong></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><em>Frozen washcloth</em></strong> to chew on always helped, especially when he was a baby. I'd get half of it wet, throw it in the freezer for at least thirty minutes and give it to him to gnaw away! He loved it and it always seemed to calm him down a bit.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><em>Chilled teething toys</em></strong> were, and still are, a huge hit. Even now, he will ask for his little Sophie teething ring from the freezer and when she's thawed out, he'll ask for a different one.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><em>A spoon</em></strong>. Yes, I said a spoon! When he was younger, I would plop him in his high chair and give him his little metal baby spoon that has the soft tip and he would chew on that for a good while. He still loves to chew on a spoon now!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>Baby Orajel Naturals</strong> </em>on occasion. We mostly only used this at night when he was screaming in horrible pain, I think when he was getting those painful canine teeth. After I'd rub a little on his gums he'd always calm down, so I knew it was working. I used this one because I felt safe since it is free of benzocaine, alcohol, and dyes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>Staying calm</strong> </em>and realizing that this is all part of growth and there isn't anything I or my husband can do about it. Staying positive and patient while he screams in pain is beneficial for us and for him.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What are some things that you have used to help soothe your teething baby or toddler? What worked and what didn't? I'm still looking for suggestions on how to get through these last molars that are taking their sweet time to come in!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>***Originally posted on <a href="http://eastvalleymomsblog.com/" target="_blank">East Valley Moms Blog</a> as a contributor post***</i></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-68539549258572100172013-10-05T15:51:00.001-07:002013-10-05T15:51:44.359-07:00Giving a Gold Star<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, I will admit, I am one of those.<br />
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I didn't really realize until reading <i>The Happiness Project </i>by Gretchen Rubin that I am a person who is achievement based. I know that I have a very strong type-A personality and I know that I am a perfectionist but I didn't know that on top of that I needed to have a pat on the back for work well done.<br />
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After a lot of the self reflection I have been doing lately, I decided to start <i><b>GIVING</b></i> gold stars instead of wanting them. I have found that when I am always wanting them I feel empty and discouraged. Just giving gold stars, or even compliments to complete strangers has filled my cup and helped me release that feeling of needing them myself. It has taken my focus off of waiting for them and replaced it with a new focus of helping others get their gold stars.<br />
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You never know what someone else may be feeling, what they are thinking and you can't ever judge a book by it's cover. Giving someone a compliment or even just saying "hello" to a stranger could really be the highlight of their day and be that gold star <i>they </i>might be waiting for.<br />
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Do it. Make a change and give a gold star. You never know... giving one or two may actually be just what your day needed too.<br />
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Stay Healthy,<br />
Rene<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-22819284320781187812013-10-02T08:35:00.001-07:002013-10-02T08:35:32.229-07:00{Wordless Wednesday} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This day is a journey, this very moment an adventure. </div>
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~Rebecca Pavlenko</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-70923800047783706692013-09-27T21:30:00.001-07:002013-09-27T21:31:49.367-07:00Happy: 12 Things Happy People do Differently <span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been doing a lot of soul searching as of late; reading, meditating more, making goals and committing to them, etc... I am creating my own happiness and am always looking for more words of wisdom to help me a long the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I saw this article on <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacob-sokol-/things-happy-people-do_b_3869793.html" target="_blank">Huffington Post</a> {via a friend share on Facebook} and immediately fell in love with it. It describes so much of what I feel, think and believe. I have been practicing most of these in my own life but now moving forward I want to REALLY practice them. Make them part of my daily disciplines. </span><br />
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<li style="border: 0px; list-style: decimal inside; margin: 0px 0px 4px 35px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Express gratitude.</strong> -- <a href="http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/gratitude/Emmons_McCullough_2003_JPSP.pdf" style="border: 0px; color: #6aa3b1; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">When you appreciate what you have, what you have appreciates in value</a>. Kinda cool right? So basically, being grateful for the goodness that is already evident in your life will bring you a deeper sense of happiness. And that's without having to go out and buy anything. It makes sense. We're gonna have a hard time ever being happy if we aren't thankful for what we already have.</span></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; list-style: decimal inside; margin: 0px 0px 4px 35px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cultivate optimism.</strong> -- Winners have the ability to manufacture their own optimism. No matter what the situation, the successful diva is the chick who will always find a way to put an optimistic spin on it. She knows failure only as an opportunity to grow and learn a new lesson from life. People who think optimistically see the world as a place packed with endless opportunities, especially in trying times [3].</span></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; list-style: decimal inside; margin: 0px 0px 4px 35px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Avoid over-thinking and social comparison.</strong> -- Comparing yourself to someone else can be poisonous. If we're somehow "better" than the person that we're comparing ourselves to, it gives us an unhealthy sense of superiority. Our ego inflates -- KABOOM -- our inner Kanye West comes out! If we're "worse" than the person that we're comparing ourselves to, we usually discredit the hard work that we've done and dismiss all the progress that we've made. What I've found is that the majority of the time this type of social comparison doesn't stem from a healthy place. If you feel called to compare yourself to something, compare yourself to an earlier version of yourself.</span></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; list-style: decimal inside; margin: 0px 0px 4px 35px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Practice acts of kindness.</strong> -- <a href="http://psycnet.apa.org/index.cfm?fa=buy.optionToBuy&id=2005-06355-003" style="border: 0px; color: #6aa3b1; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Performing an act of kindness releases serotonin in your brain</a>. (Serotonin is a substance that has TREMENDOUS health benefits, including making us feel more blissful.) Selflessly helping someone is a super powerful way to feel good inside. What's even cooler about this kindness kick is that not only will you feel better, but so will people watching the act of kindness. How extraordinary is that? A side note is that the job of most anti-depressants is to release more serotonin. Move over Pfizer, kindness is kicking ass and taking names.</span></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; list-style: decimal inside; margin: 0px 0px 4px 35px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Nurture social relationships.</strong> -- The happiest people on the planet are the ones who have deep, meaningful relationships. <a href="http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1000316" style="border: 0px; color: #6aa3b1; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Did you know studies show that people's mortality rates are DOUBLED when they're lonely?</a> WHOA! There's a warm fuzzy feeling that comes from having an active circle of good friends who you can share your experiences with. We feel connected and a part of something more meaningful than our lonesome existence.</span></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; list-style: decimal inside; margin: 0px 0px 4px 35px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Develop strategies for coping.</strong> -- How you respond to the "craptastic" moments is what shapes your character. Sometimes crap happens -- it's inevitable. Forrest Gump knows the deal. It can be hard to come up with creative solutions in the moment when manure is making its way up toward the fan. It helps to have healthy strategies for coping pre-rehearsed, on-call, and in your arsenal at your disposal.</span></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; list-style: decimal inside; margin: 0px 0px 4px 35px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Learn to forgive.</strong> -- <a href="http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/Class/Psy418/Josephs/Wynne%20Folder/32-Forgiveness.pdf" style="border: 0px; color: #6aa3b1; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Harboring feelings of hatred is horrible for your well-being.</a>You see, your mind doesn't know the difference between past and present emotion. When you "hate" someone, and you're continuously thinking about it, those negative emotions are toxic for your well-being. You put yourself in a state of suckerism (technical term) and it stays with you throughout your day.</span></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; list-style: decimal inside; margin: 0px 0px 4px 35px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Increase flow experiences.</strong> -- Flow is a state in which it feels like time stands still. It's when you're so focused on what you're doing that you become one with the task. Action and awareness are merged. You're not hungry, sleepy, or emotional. You're just completely engaged in the activity that you're doing. Nothing is distracting you or competing for your focus.</span></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; list-style: decimal inside; margin: 0px 0px 4px 35px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Savor life's joys.</strong> -- Deep happiness cannot exist without slowing down to enjoy the joy. It's easy in a world of wild stimuli and omnipresent movement to forget to embrace life's enjoyable experiences. When we neglect to appreciate, we rob the moment of its magic. It's the simple things in life that can be the most rewarding if we remember to fully experience them.</span></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; list-style: decimal inside; margin: 0px 0px 4px 35px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Commit to your goals.</strong> -- Being wholeheartedly dedicated to doing something comes fully-equipped with an ineffable force. Magical things start happening when we commit ourselves to doing whatever it takes to get somewhere. When you're fully committed to doing something, you have no choice but to do that thing. Counter-intuitively, having no option -- where you can't change your mind -- subconsciously makes humans happier because they know part of their purpose.</span></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; list-style: decimal inside; margin: 0px 0px 4px 35px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Practice spirituality.</strong> -- When we practice spirituality or religion, we recognize that life is bigger than us. We surrender the silly idea that we are the mightiest thing ever. It enables us to connect to the source of all creation and embrace a connectedness with everything that exists. Some of the most accomplished people I know feel that they're here doing work they're "called to do."</span></li>
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<li style="border: 0px; list-style: decimal inside; margin: 0px 0px 4px 35px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Take care of your body.</strong> -- Taking care of your body is crucial to being the happiest person you can be. If you don't have your physical energy in good shape, then your mental energy (your focus), your emotional energy (your feelings), and your spiritual energy (your purpose) will all be negatively affected [4]. <a href="http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/content/62/5/633.full.pdf+html" style="border: 0px; color: #6aa3b1; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Did you know that studies conducted on people who were clinically depressed showed that consistent exercise raises happiness levels just as much as Zoloft? </a>Not only that, but here's the double whammy... Six months later, the people who participated in exercise were less likely to relapse because they had a higher sense of self-accomplishment and self-worth.</span></li>
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<i style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Excerpt taken from an article on HuffingtonPost.com, you can read the full article <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacob-sokol-/things-happy-people-do_b_3869793.html" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-52037958729976665242013-09-26T17:34:00.000-07:002013-09-26T17:34:08.758-07:00Start a Local Moms Blog in Your City!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9shJNSejKo/UkTRSJXc0fI/AAAAAAAABKE/Z78lwcZ-VVc/s1600/CMBN_YourCity.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9shJNSejKo/UkTRSJXc0fI/AAAAAAAABKE/Z78lwcZ-VVc/s640/CMBN_YourCity.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you’ve noticed how much I have loved being a writer for <a href="http://eastvalleymomsblog.com/" target="_blank">East Valley Moms Blog</a>. It has been such a great opportunity to develop my writing, play a part in connecting moms in our city, and to get to know the other women on our fabulous team. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">East Valley Moms Blog is an amazing resource for moms in the East Valley area and we are passionate about what we do! I’m proud to be part of something that is making a positive influence on both our beautiful city here AND on a national level! Did you know East Valley Moms Blog has over 30 Sister Sites around the country? </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These 30+ Sister Sites make up <a href="http://citymomsblog.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">City Moms Blog Network</span></a>. Each site is written and run by local moms, for local moms. They provide parenting information unique to their community, and to make things even more fun, they each throw fabulous events to get moms in their cities out on the town. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This network of locally focused moms blogs has empowered women all over the country to start their own businesses. When someone joins City Moms Blog Network as a Sister Site owner, they are joining a family that is eager to encourage and support one another. </span><span style="color: #232323; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sister Sites are provided with assistance in the startup phase, ongoing education and resources for continued support, and a community of fellow site owners eager to share best practices.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With the help of City Moms Blog Network, these Sister Site owners are able to become entrepreneurs (mompreneurs) and local influencers, all while doing something they love and are passionate about. I have loved watching the founders of East Valley Moms Blog grow it into what it is today, and I am thankful and proud of the part I am playing in that!</span></span><br />
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Is there a <a href="http://citymomsblog.com/our-sister-sites/"><span style="color: #1155cc; letter-spacing: 0px;">City Moms Blog Network Sister Site</span></a> in your area? City Moms Blog Network is currently looking for Sister Site owners in 25 specific cities in </span><span style="color: #232323; letter-spacing: 0px;">California, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> If you or someone you know might be interested in impacting moms in your community like East Valley Moms Blog is, jump at this opportunity to<a href="http://citymomsblog.com/cmbn-25-cities-sister-site-search/"><span style="color: #1155cc; letter-spacing: 0px;"> join CMBN with your own Sister Site.</span></a> These ladies are passionate about what they do and would love to partner with YOU to do the same! </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">xo,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rene</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-18346892366486760612013-09-13T16:41:00.001-07:002013-09-13T16:41:20.735-07:00Loving Yourself, Realization, and Taking Responsibility <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>**This is somewhat of a rant, vent, blur of words...don't judge**</i></div>
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My goals for the month of September shifted. Dramatically. The more I started reading again and running {which is another topic} I started to self reflect more. I went back to my counselor a couple of weeks ago after not seeing her for almost a year and a half. During that hour talking with her, I came to a lot of realizations, without even knowing it. </div>
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Self reflection is important, almost as important as meditation. Who we are and who we see ourselves as is what keeps us going, gets us through happy moments and sad. The more I dove into myself, I was finding that I've gotten a little lost over the past two years, since tiny human was born. I've been taking time for myself, but was I loving myself? Am I able to get up in the morning, as happy as I may be and say, "I love who I am and who I am growing to be"? </div>
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No, I could not. </div>
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I realized that at some point I had gotten wrapped up in materialistic <b><i>things</i></b> again and wasn't focusing on the more important virtues. Yes, I eat healthy and I exercise but I also splurge and sometimes over-exercise {which really does NO good whatsoever}. I was worried about what we had planned for the upcoming weekend, what my hair looked like and if my outfit was cute <i>enough</i>. </div>
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I realized that I don't know people as well as I thought I did. </div>
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I realized that I am surrounded by a lot of negative people who don't love themselves enough to live a healthy lifestyle. They are so wrapped up in cosmetic and materialistic properties that their health isn't even a priority. With this realization, I have learned that I don't really want to be surrounded by people who don't treat their health as a priority. I want to be around people who are going to be dancing with me when I'm eighty years old, and traveling to Maui when we're 85. </div>
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I realized I have a huge love for kale {random} and that making it a daily discipline to eat it at least once a day isn't that hard. </div>
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Each day in September I am loving myself more and more. I am feeling free and happy and more in love with my husband than ever. I like to blame the fact that I am taking responsibility for my actions, thoughts, priorities and am moving forward instead of standing still. Despite my small hip injury {i hate that word} I am still getting exercise. I am changing my diet and I have new daily practices. I'm hoping that once I get everything more <i>organized </i>I can start blogging about it in a better fashion. </div>
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I am remembering every day that health is wealth and you can't be healthy until you start with loving yourself and taking the responsibility that only YOU are capable of. </div>
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Stay Healthy, </div>
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Rene</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-32108322240356183382013-09-12T16:59:00.000-07:002013-09-12T16:59:05.891-07:00Must have iPhone Apps for Moms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYqXrPIeEVs/UjJUelP3cEI/AAAAAAAABIY/2SRBEHMc_QU/s1600/postheader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYqXrPIeEVs/UjJUelP3cEI/AAAAAAAABIY/2SRBEHMc_QU/s640/postheader.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">By now, I’m sure you all know that I think very highly of my iPhone. Last week I shared some </span><a href="http://eastvalleymomsblog.com/cool-iphone-apps-for-kids/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cool iPhone Apps For Kids</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> that I absolutely love </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> approve of my kids playing with on occasion. While our kids are important and all, what about us? We need a break too sometimes, or something to help us stay organized, edit photos, track health and fitness, and once in a while, some mindless entertainment. There are thousands of apps available for free and to purchase, and these are at the top of my list on my phone.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love taking photos with my iPhone, and fellow contributor Erin would agree that <a href="http://eastvalleymomsblog.com/taking-great-photos-with-your-smartphone/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Taking Great Photos with your Smartphone</a> is the way to go. I always use the camera app that comes standard on my phone, since it takes really great photos but my favorite app for sharing them is definitely <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instagram/id389801252?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Instagram</a>. You can customize photos, and now videos, with several different filter effects and share them with your friends and family right from the app, post to Facebook, Twitter or even email the finished product. If you wanted to get even more creative, you could use another favorite of mine, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-beautiful-mess/id603092599?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A Beautiful Mess</a> to decorate the photos with text or doodles before uploading to Instagram. Don’t forget you can follow EVMB on <a href="http://instagram.com/#eastvalleymomsblog" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Instagram</a>-just look for us under eastvalleymomsblog!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ry6F6NLqsY/UjJUwih5btI/AAAAAAAABIo/OcKeUUBI7lg/s1600/Cozo-logo-2-600x600.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ry6F6NLqsY/UjJUwih5btI/AAAAAAAABIo/OcKeUUBI7lg/s320/Cozo-logo-2-600x600.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever made plans with your friends only to find out your husband has also made plans with his friends on the same day? This was a frequent problem in my house until I found <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cozi-family-organizer-calendar/id407108860?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cozi Family Organizer</a>. A calendar, shopping and to-do lists are just a few of the great features this app has to offer. Each family member can download the app and since it is shared everyone uses the same log in. You can add or edit appointments and grocery lists and everyone in the family can see it! I still love to have my calendar hanging on the wall, but this is a sure way that I know my husband will see my appointments and weekend plans. Now, if it’s not entered in the app? It’s not happening!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gggIvVESgxU/UjJU5BMSnQI/AAAAAAAABIw/5GTUC0nEAFQ/s1600/LIVESTRONG01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gggIvVESgxU/UjJU5BMSnQI/AAAAAAAABIw/5GTUC0nEAFQ/s400/LIVESTRONG01.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">LIVESTRONG.com-A Calorie Tracker, $2.99</span></strong></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: left;">Looking to shed weight? Track what you are eating or track your daily exercise? I have downloaded several health and fitness apps over the past few years and while</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/calorie-counter-diet-tracker/id341232718?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My Fitness Pal</a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">used to be my favorite,</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/livestrong.com-calorie-tracker/id295305241?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">LIVESTRONG.com – Calorie Tracker</a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">has taken over the #1 spot on my iPhone. I love the ease of being able to track my water intake each day and keep my food journal up-to-date right on my phone. It’s always fun to get little daily reminders to help keep me on track too. While I usually don’t like to spend money on apps, keeping a food and water journal is important to me so spending the $2.99 to get this app didn’t bother me.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpAUAvDxL5M/UjJU-jO3QDI/AAAAAAAABI4/rBeOxSILCfk/s1600/LIFT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpAUAvDxL5M/UjJU-jO3QDI/AAAAAAAABI4/rBeOxSILCfk/s400/LIFT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My most recent app find is this amazing little personal trainer called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lift-personal-trainer/id530911645?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lift</a>. Several of us use sticker charts for our kids to keep them doing their chores and developing habits, right? So, how about a sticker chart for your iPhone? For YOU to maintain consistency and help keep accountability for activities you might often ignore. You can add habits like brushing your teeth or set reminders to stop and enjoy life for a few minutes. I have been using this app for a couple of weeks and I’ve already noticed more of a consistency with things such as flossing my teeth and reading more. I like having to “check-in” and jot down a little note each time I complete a goal I’ve set and it’s always fun getting “props” from other users when you have marked something off for the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Those are the top five apps on my list. Of course I love the Notes app that comes standard on the phone, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/facebook/id284882215?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nike+-running/id387771637?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Nike+ Running</a> to track my runs and set challenges with friends,<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pandora-radio/id284035177?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Pandora</a>, and of course <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/espn-fantasy-football/id555376968?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">ESPN Fantasy Football</a> to watch the scoreboard each week to see how I’m doing in the East Valley Moms Blog Fantasy Football League. What are <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">YOUR</em>favorite apps to stay organized and take a break from mommyhood?</span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">***Originally Posted on <a href="http://eastvalleymomsblog.com/" style="color: #e54a73; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">East Valley Moms Blog</a> as a contributor post***</span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-27128618552072750332013-09-11T14:35:00.000-07:002013-09-12T17:00:32.295-07:00{Wordless Wednesday}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27e5r4pXZ3Y/UjDiB74WzfI/AAAAAAAABII/W8AB7_oYLfM/s1600/Unknown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27e5r4pXZ3Y/UjDiB74WzfI/AAAAAAAABII/W8AB7_oYLfM/s640/Unknown.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-46912866615900886512013-09-05T10:39:00.000-07:002013-09-05T10:39:37.498-07:00Cool iPhone Apps For Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxRPnmwhjh8/UijAaCCNz7I/AAAAAAAABG8/uL3jB6LgaEE/s1600/IMG_2139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxRPnmwhjh8/UijAaCCNz7I/AAAAAAAABG8/uL3jB6LgaEE/s640/IMG_2139.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Entertaining our children today has become so different from just ten years ago. It’s no question that some two-year olds can maneuver their way through an iPhone much better than an adult and I have often found myself turning to my fourteen year old for help with changing a setting on my iPad. Smartphones can be a helpful tool for parents when we just need those few minutes to fold some laundry or mop the floors. Little eyes are so mesmerized by videos of their favorite cartoon characters, learning apps that can teach them letters, or even just scrolling through a photo album of family members. My iPhone has come in handy more than once while strolling the aisles at Target or doing my weekly grocery shopping and I want to share some of my favorite children’s iPhone apps with you, because yes, I am </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">THAT</strong></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> mom.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_pmHrdX0Ac/UijAl2y3c9I/AAAAAAAABHE/SdHhD0H1K3s/s1600/EndlessAlphabet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_pmHrdX0Ac/UijAl2y3c9I/AAAAAAAABHE/SdHhD0H1K3s/s640/EndlessAlphabet.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Endless Alphabet, $5.99 </span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This one is my absolute favorite for toddlers. Children can interact at their own pace, there is no score or level to complete. It helps with vocabulary and learning the ABC’s while engaging the child with interactive puzzles of moving the letters to their missing places. It’s so simple for little fingers to use and the animations are fun and exciting for them! It’s definitely worth the $$ for this one! Endless Alphabet is available from the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/endless-alphabet/id591626572?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">iOS App Store</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99uX5GSZwWY/UijAyJBaSdI/AAAAAAAABHM/kPRgQExmpgo/s1600/AngryBirds.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-99uX5GSZwWY/UijAyJBaSdI/AAAAAAAABHM/kPRgQExmpgo/s1600/AngryBirds.png" /></span></a></div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Angry Birds, $0.99 (or there is also a FREE version)</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Any time that I have had a conversation about kids and iPhones with another parent, the mention of Angry Birds almost always comes up. It has been one of the top apps since 2009 and with more and more levels always being added, kids will never get bored! While this app is geared more toward older pre-school and school aged children, there are plenty of teenagers and parents playing as well! Angry Birds is available from <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/angry-birds/id343200656?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">iOS App Store</a> and<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rovio.angrybirds&hl=en" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Google Play Store</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4O-oARmjhk/UijA8RH5X5I/AAAAAAAABHU/N8f1K2jHssE/s1600/colordrops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f4O-oARmjhk/UijA8RH5X5I/AAAAAAAABHU/N8f1K2jHssE/s400/colordrops.jpg" width="225" /></span></a></div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Color Drops, FREE </span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course children love to color with markers, pens, crayons and paint but this is a mess free way for them to create beautiful artwork! My favorite animated coloring book with so many different categories of drawing fun. Toddlers and older children can create artwork starting with a blank page or choose a coloring page such as princesses, dinosaurs, numbers and letters. The sound effects are super fun for the little ones but might be get a little annoying for the older kids. While the app is free it only includes one coloring page for each category, additional pages are available for purchase in the app. Color Drops is available from <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/color-drops-childrens-animated/id484422403?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">iOS App Store</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tabtale.colordrops&hl=en" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Google Play Store</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YcdqAB13810/UijBI-wrsWI/AAAAAAAABHc/L33hOc9xFiI/s1600/toystory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YcdqAB13810/UijBI-wrsWI/AAAAAAAABHc/L33hOc9xFiI/s400/toystory.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Toy Story Read-Along, FREE</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone loves the Toy Story crew, right? This app is an interactive reading experience that my son just absolutely loves! You have the choice of listening to the story being read or you can cuddle up with your child and read it to them. There are also games, a few pages that you can draw and color, and a music feature that plays everyone’s favorite “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”. The app is rated for four and up, but my son is two and absolutely loves this one. Toy Story Read-Along is available from <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toy-story-read-along/id364376920?mt=8" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">iOS App Store</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Some other great children’s apps are </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toddler-stamps-hd/id455151841?mt=8" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Toddler Stamps</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">, </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-playhome/id439628153?mt=8" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My PlayHome</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">, </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/doras-dress-up-adventures-hd/id509308389?mt=8" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dora’s Dress-Up Adventures</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">, </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nick-jr-draw-play-hd/id513414742?mt=8" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Nick Jr Draw & Play</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">, </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/watch-disney-junior/id530001625?mt=8" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">WATCH Disney Junior</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">, and a great app for all ages,</span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/candy-crush-saga/id553834731?mt=8" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Candy Crush Saga</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. There are </span><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">SO</em></strong><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"> </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">many great apps out there and more are always being added. I feel that smartphone use should be limited and parents should always monitor usage and apps, so make sure you are consistently checking that they are age appropriate. What are </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">YOUR</strong></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> favorite children’s apps?</span></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">***Originally Posted on <a href="http://eastvalleymomsblog.com/" style="color: #e54a73; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">East Valley Moms Blog</a> as a contributor post***</span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-87231126196153680952013-09-04T14:12:00.001-07:002013-09-04T14:12:03.609-07:00{Wordless Wednesday}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Train yourself to listen to that small voice that tells us what's important and what's not." -Sue Grafton</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-57234040635127465562013-08-28T13:54:00.002-07:002013-08-28T13:56:13.293-07:00{Wordless Wednesday} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok... so I know I am not supposed to "say" anything on <b style="font-style: italic;">Wordless Wednesday </b>but I just have to on this first post... </div>
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This will be Week 1, sometimes I'll post one photo, sometimes more. No caption, no words, no description, you get the point. I'd love to hear YOUR captions for my Wordless Wednesday posts though! Please leave them in the comments!! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-50639836923169835442013-08-26T15:50:00.000-07:002013-08-26T15:50:01.412-07:00Ahhh, A-Rod, We Meet AgainAs I posted earlier {via my blog post on <a href="http://eastvalleymomsblog.com/" target="_blank">East Valley Moms Blog</a>} I mentioned that it's that time... Time for Fantasy Football! This will be my fourth year playing and I think I am MOST excited about this year. I am participating in two leagues, one with other moms from EVMB and the other along side my husband and some of our friends.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kdpu_boUxec/UhvV2YZIb2I/AAAAAAAABEY/48Uqf02fCjA/s1600/IMG_2051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kdpu_boUxec/UhvV2YZIb2I/AAAAAAAABEY/48Uqf02fCjA/s640/IMG_2051.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have done fairly well in past years, always getting either first or second place. Last year, I was quite proud of my first place ranking and owe all of my thanks to Mr. Aaron Rodgers. {Yes! I drafted him AGAIN!}</div>
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Don't get my excitement for drafting him confused with being a Greenbay fan, because that I am NOT. No way, definitely NOT. </div>
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Our EVMB league used an auto-draft because of our busy mom lives. We couldn't all coordinate a day to sit down and do a draft, let alone the fact that a few moms have no idea ANYTHING about football. I am pretty pleased with my draft, with the exception of my TE, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13229/rob-gronkowski" target="_blank">Rob Gronkowski</a>. GREAT player, yes and ordinarily I'd be quite happy with him as my TE pick, but since he's <i>injured</i> and will be out for a little while longer while healing (from back and forearm surgery) I am a bit bummed. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeTyo6cHG5M/UhvYcPOTrqI/AAAAAAAABE0/C5tgMa3uFoA/s1600/IMG_2070+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeTyo6cHG5M/UhvYcPOTrqI/AAAAAAAABE0/C5tgMa3uFoA/s640/IMG_2070+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The rest of my team is as follows:</div>
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QB: Aaron Rodgers, GB</div>
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RB: Stevan Ridley, NE</div>
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RB: Frank Gore, SF</div>
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RB/WR: Cecil Shorts, Jac WR</div>
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WR: Wes Welker, Den</div>
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WR: Eric Decker, Den</div>
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TE: Jared Cook, StL</div>
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Flex: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cin RB</div>
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D/ST: Seahawks</div>
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K: Blair Walsh, Min</div>
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On my bench: </div>
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Rob Gronkowski, NE TE</div>
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Daryl Richardson, StL RB</div>
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Mike Williams, TB WR</div>
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Joe Flacco, Bal QB</div>
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Rams D/ST</div>
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Dan Bailey, Dal K</div>
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Golden Tate, Sea WR</div>
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Fred Jackson, Buf RB</div>
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Not a bad team if you ask me... They are all strong players and what has helped me in the past is consistency and starting my studs; such as A-Rod. Last year I considered benching him after his HORRIBLE first few weeks and am glad I didn't as he ended up getting me quite a bit of points! Since my team of choice is the San Francisco 49ers, I am SO happy that I drafted Frank Gore!! Now I can actually cheer for a fantasy player while I'm cheering for my team. Was hoping to get their Defense but the Seahawks are great too. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnwlDBMVC88/UhvYgF-CDbI/AAAAAAAABE8/DM90KaGAhxE/s1600/IMG_2075+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnwlDBMVC88/UhvYgF-CDbI/AAAAAAAABE8/DM90KaGAhxE/s640/IMG_2075+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My tips to myself for this year's league: </div>
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1} Start my studs, always even when I doubt them.</div>
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2} Keep track of BYES week after week. </div>
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3} Check my line-up throughout the week, watching for injuries and suspensions </div>
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4} Don't judge the season by the first few games</div>
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5} Talk smack to my fellow leaguers </div>
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This will be an exciting season, and I can't wait to root for my 49ers again!! </div>
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Who are YOU rooting for? </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-82321738833270822042013-08-26T09:04:00.001-07:002013-08-26T09:05:02.230-07:00If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em! Why Fantasy Football Can Be Fun<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjIsKTlkdSQ/Uht8NZdPg9I/AAAAAAAABEI/lGYfNLje9F8/s1600/FantasyFootball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjIsKTlkdSQ/Uht8NZdPg9I/AAAAAAAABEI/lGYfNLje9F8/s640/FantasyFootball.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s that time of year again. NFL team jerseys get pulled out of the closets, husbands start getting amped up from pre-season football games and many of them go MIA for the next five months. Wives start rolling their eyes and complaining about the amount of time the sport pulls their husband away from them, and their honey-dos, while others are excited because this just means more time to go shopping on Sunday afternoons. What many wives don’t understand is that football can be fun, and so can signing up for a fantasy football league.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Growing up, the only football I ever saw was the occasional 49er game on at my grandparent’s house on a Sunday afternoon or Thanksgiving Day games played while we feasted on turkey and mashed potatoes. The only knowledge I had of football was that my grandma really liked Joe Montana and that everyone got excited when there was a “touchdown”. Until I met my husband, I was one of the women that rolled their eyes at the mere mention of football. I hated that he would spend hours with his buddies having their fantasy football draft and then he’d spend even more time watching the games, week after week, yelling at the TV. I am a very competitive person and what I started to realize was that, “hey, maybe I can beat him AND we can spend more time together.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This will be my fourth season playing fantasy football and I’ve learned a little bit more each year. There are so many different platforms that offer fantasy football, such as <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yahoo! Sports</a>, <a href="http://games.espn.go.com/frontpage/football" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">ESPN</a>, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/fantasyfootball" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">NFL</a>, and <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/fantasy" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3088ff; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Fox Sports</a>, just to name a few. The platform that I love is the free ESPN one and with today’s technology, having an app right on my iPhone is so convenient! I had no clue about football when I joined my first fantasy football league and the only thing I regret about signing up was that I didn’t do it sooner!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With that said, here are my top five reasons that I feel wives would benefit from joining a fantasy football league; whether you like football or not!! You never know, it may grow on you as it did me!</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Socializing</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Really. Who doesn’t like to socialize? Whether the kids and husband are in tow, everyone needs to be around friends while sipping on their beverage of choice, eating finger foods and shouting at the TV because they feel the referee made a bad call. Thousands of people gather on Thursday nights, Sundays, and Monday nights to watch America’s pastime sport, football. If you aren’t into the sport, instead of staying home and missing a good football gathering, joining a league gives you something to talk about with others when everyone is getting together to “watch the game”. Next time you are out to eat and the whole restaurant starts cheering at the TV, you’ll know why and you can cheer right along with them. Plus, it’s a good excuse to invite friends over on Sunday afternoon.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Breaks the Language Barrier</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Touchdown, holding, pass interference, what? Do you hear your husband using these words and you have no idea what they are? I had no idea what any of it meant, (well, except for a touchdown of course) and after four years, I still hear the referee make calls that I have to ask my husband about. Being a part of a fantasy football league has helped me to understand the positions, calls being made and who does what on the field. I think my husband and I actually talk MORE now because I can speak his football language.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Bragging Rights</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone likes to talk a little smack every now and then, right? If you have any sort of competitive nature in you, you will love fantasy football. When your Quarterback throws a touchdown pass or your running back runs 60 yards, you are going to want to brag about it and who better than to those that you are playing against and beating for the week. Part of the fun for me is bragging to my husband, and the rest of the teams, how awesome my team is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All of the leagues that I have participated in over the past couple of years have been “For Bragging Rights” and there was no money involved. However, friends of ours and past leagues my husband has played in had a pot that everyone put money into and at the end of the season, the winner gets it all! Sounds great, if you win!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not only do I now speak and understand my husband’s football language, there is a lot less resentment between the two of us, having this shared hobby. Instead of being upset that he’s gone out to watch a game or that he wants to watch football on Sunday, I am happy and can talk to him about it. Since we have different teams in fantasy football and we play against each-other, it’s fun to brag to one another about how well our players are doing that particular week or day. We have so many different interests between the two of us that it makes it really nice to share this hobby. I also enjoy discussing with him how my players have been doing while checking my weekly lineup.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Joining a fantasy football league may or may not be your thing, but my suggestion is to at least give it a chance and try it before you knock it! I am so excited for this new season of football to start and really excited that I am a part of not one, but two leagues this year. One of them being our very own East Valley Moms Blog league, which I am <strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">REALLY</strong>looking forward to!</span></div>
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<i>***Originally Posted on <a href="http://eastvalleymomsblog.com/" target="_blank">East Valley Moms Blog</a> as a contributor post***</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-47270955913504825742013-08-24T08:35:00.001-07:002013-08-24T08:39:34.294-07:00Teenager, Toddler & a Starving Momma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I eat pretty much the same thing everyday for breakfast. It's either egg whites and plain oatmeal OR my yummy <a href="http://www.monavie.com/en/products/weight-solutions/page#!RVL-NUTRITION-SHAKE-MIX" target="_blank">RVL shake</a> {I always prefer this one, since it tastes like eating cake}. As you know from previous posts, I love breakfast. It has always been one of my favorite meals and if I could just eat breakfast all the time I would be happy. French Toast, pancakes, muffins, donuts {yes, I said donuts}, omelets, berries, ok... you get the point.<br />
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So my teenager is taking a Culinary Arts class in high-school this year as one of his electives. We figured we'd let him take a "fun" elective class for his Freshman year and he can follow through with his three years of a foreign language his Sophomore, Junior & Senior year. So far, I am loving this culinary arts class. At back to school night we had the pleasure of meeting his teacher, who is a total hoot, and she shared with us that by the end of the year, they would be required to cook at least one full dinner meal a week. SCORE!<br />
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This week in class they made some breakfast concoction that my son said was fabulous and he wanted to cook it for me. That would be <b style="font-style: italic;">AWESOME! </b>Of course I went to Safeway yesterday and bought him the necessary ingredients that I did not have on hand {such as chorizo}. I have been waiting for this morning of yummy breakfast that my son is cooking for me, all week.<br />
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I am a pretty early riser, usually up by 7am on the weekend since my toddler is usually up by then. When I am not doing a fasted cardio workout first thing in the morning, I need to eat pretty close to waking. Like, within 30 minutes or I get shaky. Need my protein!!!<br />
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I am thinking that I needed to coordinate this a little better with the teenager who likes to sleep until mid-morning and is also feeling under the weather. I woke up this morning, mouth watering for eggs and pepper-jack cheese with chorizo {which I haven't eaten in over two years, so we'll see what my stomach thinks of that}. But, here I sit at 8:30am, starving.<br />
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While waiting, I decided to make some blueberry muffins that I had in the pantry for the toddler. Thinking I'd have eggs to eat I wouldn't want one...<br />
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I was wrong. Do you see how yummy they look?<br />
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Yes, I ate one. And I'm still waiting patiently for my eggs, as I sit here with a growling tummy. It makes me remember being a teenager and sleeping in until 10am on the weekends without a care in the world. No job {at the age of 14} and no responsibilities other than laundry and cleaning bathrooms. No thought in the world that my parents may be waiting for me to get up and make them breakfast.<br />
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Oh to be 14 again...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-43389739236810393752013-08-22T20:51:00.000-07:002013-08-22T20:51:52.319-07:00Sweaty, Out of Breath Type of Cardio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For a little over a year now I have been doing higher intensity training. Years ago, when I didn't know better, I'd go to the gym and get on the elliptical for forty-five minutes to an hour, set on the same level. Thinking that's all I needed. Of course, I was twenty-five and my metabolism was much different.<br />
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A few years ago when I was just getting started on my fitness path, starting my day with fasted cardio and adding in ninety days of P90X, I still had no idea that the forty-five minutes to an hour on my elliptical wasn't doing the same as what I've been doing for the last year.<br />
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Every day, I am learning so much more about fitness, nutrition, and exercise and I'm applying it all in the gym and at home. I am hoping to someday turn my love for fitness and nutrition in to something more, but for now, I'll just stick to sharing some of my workouts and blogging my thoughts...<br />
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This was the cardio I did yesterday, and it kicked my booty!!! Sweating, out of breath kicked my booty. Try it and tell me how YOU feel after!<br />
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xoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-11501684296525703722013-08-14T14:27:00.002-07:002013-08-14T14:38:42.591-07:00Impromptu Visit from the Parental Units This last weekend marked yet another milestone. My first son's fourteenth birthday. I gave birth to him when I was just nineteen years old, living in Hawaii and still a newlywed (of a little over a year).<br />
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He's now taller than me, wears a size ten shoe and his voice is getting deeper and deeper by the week. I can't believe he's in high-school now and in just a few short years, he'll be driving. Scary! (that means I'm REALLY getting old).<br />
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Between a busy busy weekend and a last minute planned visit from my parents, I haven't been to the gym in four days. Yes, I said four days and it's killing me! Life is happening and it's not the end of the world, but still... the gym is my sanity; or anti-depressant if you want to call it that.<br />
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It was so wonderful having my parents here, I miss them so much and wish we could live closer to them. I love their company, conversations and evening walks with my momma. They only stayed a couple of days, and I'm hoping that they will be back soon to visit again! Today marks their 30th anniversary! What better way to spend it than twelve hours in the car together driving home!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30th Anniversary Kiss </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little swim monkey, loves the pool!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing Tricks! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJRmiqbu1SY/Ugv1viRRApI/AAAAAAAABBY/383y7CQYVCw/s1600/IMG_1821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJRmiqbu1SY/Ugv1viRRApI/AAAAAAAABBY/383y7CQYVCw/s640/IMG_1821.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my momma!! (Nevermind that it was 109 degrees outside...)</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-30476703060901228692013-08-07T15:20:00.002-07:002013-08-07T15:27:20.483-07:00It's only 95 degrees outside, is this August? The week is half over, or halfway started, which-ever way you look at it, and I've managed to get a lot done surprisingly! With the wee one sick over the weekend, I actually got caught up on a lot of the cleaning and organizing that needed to be done. This left me more time for ME the past couple of days! I have been busy brainstorming, writing and researching for my first blog post on <a href="http://eastvalleymomsblog.com/" target="_blank">East Valley Moms Blog </a> (which if you haven't checked it out, you should!) and planning my meals and workouts for the week.<br />
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Really?</div>
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You think that's all I've done? Ok, so I've paid the bills, cleaned the house (including toilets), done the dishes, taken out the trash, played with the dog, gone to the park, read books to tiny human, played legos with tiny human, changed diapers, etc... Writing in my blog or any blog is just <i>extra </i>stuff I get to do when it's nap time and all of my other chores are done. </div>
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I did manage to have a pretty good workout Monday night, partially with the hubby. He was there and even though we were doing different things, it's fun to be there at the same time. I treasure our newly found gym time hobby. Yesterday I managed to kick my own booty with some good leg exercises that left me walking funny. Wait, didn't I post about legs last time too?? Did I mention LEGS ARE MY FAVORITE?</div>
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When I did these yesterday, I was averaging a rest time of 30 seconds to a minute in between reps. My weight has varied over the last few weeks, increasing of course, and I'm quite proud when I have to add weight! </div>
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<u>My Weight Amounts for Tuesday, August 6, 2013 </u></div>
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Leg Extension (single leg) ~ 25lbs</div>
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Squats ~ 70lbs</div>
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Glute Kickbacks ~ Bar only (on the Smith Machine)</div>
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Walking Lunges ~ 15lbs in each hand</div>
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Leg Press ~ 90lbs</div>
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Deadlift ~ 40lb Barbell</div>
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Hip Extension ~ 20lbs </div>
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I'm learning. It's all a learning experience for me right now. I'm focusing on form and learning the different exercises and machines. BUT, it's working. Whatever I'm doing is working. I'm still doing a small amount of cardio (at least 20 minutes a day) and eating a clean diet, consisting of the proper amounts of proteins, fats and carbs, and it's working. My shorts are looser, and while I may be bloated at the end of the day from the gallon of water I have drank or the egg whites I've eaten, I'm still getting closer to where I want to be. </div>
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I drink my <a href="http://mymonavie.com/Gerbi" target="_blank">MonaVie</a> juice every morning and every night, a RVL shake at least once a day and minimize my snacks. I believe that ANYONE who sets their mind to achieving goals can do it. Whether you want to feel better, lose weight, or just quit complaining, it can be done! I am proof of that one. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, registered dietitian, or fitness expert. The purpose of my blog is to share my experiences with food, fitness, and life—not to dole out advice. When it comes to your health and fitness, do your research. All blog content is for entertainment purposes only. This blog contains my own views and does not necessarily reflect the view of MonaVie. </span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-71854579366890686282013-08-05T11:55:00.001-07:002013-08-05T11:55:14.918-07:00Herpangina, what is that? 105 fever, lethargy, and grumpier than ever.<br />
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Let me rewind a bit.. do you remember my love/hate relationship post about parents bringing their sick children to the gym? Well, if you haven't read it, you can find it <a href="http://renegerbi.blogspot.com/2013/07/lovehate-relationship-with-gym.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Yes, my child has been a bit sheltered for the past couple of years. Is that really a bad thing? It's a large debate among parents every-where and I fall on the side of when the time is right it's right. I would much rather throw my child's immune system for a loop at the age of two instead of six months old. Heck, I'd really like to wait until after his third birthday but c'mon, mommy needs her gym time.<br />
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I am a stay at home mom and I do "get out". I just choose to stay away from friends with sick kiddos and play groups where I know a parent is bringing their sick child. My child isn't exactly an "easy" child and when he's sick it doesn't make things any better...<br />
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So one week after the first cold (from the gym daycare) came about, my tiny human started acting funny again. By acting funny I mean sticking his hands in his mouth gagging himself. Teething again? Sore throat? Strange toddler curiosity? I thought it was the wicked molars until Saturday afternoon's 105 fever.<br />
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A fever we couldn't break.<br />
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This, of course, led to a trip to the pediatric urgent care. After taking his temperature (rectally if I might add) and checking his pulse, they said, "oh yes, something isn't right." Really? That's why he is here.<br />
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That is when the doctor dropped the possible diagnosis.<br />
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Herpangina.<br />
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Say what???<br />
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Apparently, it's a summer virus that affects wee little ones in the form of a sore throat, high fever and lack of appetite followed by sores or lesions on the back of the throat. Nice. Just another virus that he picked up from the gym daycare, and hopefully one we won't encounter again. The high fever was a bit scary, especially when you can't get it to come down very easily.<br />
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Today, he is almost back to normal, bouncing around playing, talking and singing. Of course, says dear husband... waste a whole weekend being sick and as soon as he goes back to work Monday morning, tiny human feels better. The story of parenting!<br />
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Now it is Monday and time to get back on track. The weekend ended up being kind of a wash and aside from strolls around the neighborhood, workouts were literally non-existent. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-87304560008127837612013-08-01T14:08:00.001-07:002013-08-01T15:23:14.918-07:00Today's Workout - Thur, August 1I decided that I wanted to start blogging about my workouts... maybe not all of them, but most.<br />
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Today was "leg" day and I was still feeling my legs from Monday's leg day workout. I want to make sure that I am really changing up my workouts so my muscles don't get used to the same motions over and over. By changing the exercises frequently, your body will consistently stay challenged and you will definitely see results!<br />
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I've been waking up at 5:30am and doing fasted cardio first thing (usually 20-25 minutes on the elliptical) and then lifting weights a few hours later at the gym. Today, since I had planned on a higher intensity workout I skipped the morning cardio and snoozed a few minutes longer. (Really, it was like 20 minutes, I just couldn't stay in bed!)<br />
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My friend met me at the gym and we got started... Wow, was that a great work out! The first and second set of the circuit was probably the hardest for me, with the fourth being the easiest. I felt almost like doing a 5th! Once I was done with the leg curls I went back to stretch and held a 3 minute plank to really challenge myself. </div>
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It was definitely a good, sweaty, workout and helped to change it up from the normal squats, leg press, lunges, kick backs, etc... and of course I threw together my <a href="http://mymonavie.com/Gerbi" target="_blank">RVL Vanilla Cream</a> shake in the locker room for recovery! </div>
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Enjoy! Let me know how YOUR legs feel after this one! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-9484083890948656372013-07-26T08:30:00.001-07:002013-07-26T08:30:45.624-07:00Love/Hate Relationship With The Gym Just a warning, this may be kind of a rant. <div>
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One of my biggest pet peeves is when people still bring their sick children to functions or locations making it a greater chance that they infect those that are healthy. </div>
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Grade school is one thing but a place such as the gym is not the place to bring your sick child. Just because you are selfish and need to get your workout in doesn't mean that you need to do it at the expense of the healthy kids. </div>
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Travis is sick. In the summer. I know it's from playing with the other children at the gym. It has to be. That's the only place he interacts with children daily. Yes, I know there is the slight chance he picked it up from the handle of the Safeway shopping cart, but really, I'm certain it's the gym. </div>
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So, here I am stuck. He's sick, but am I still going to the gym? NO. Because I don't want to bring him in there with his stuffy nose to infect those that weren't infected the first go round. Am I mad about it? A little... but it's not like I can't work out at home. </div>
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Please, if your little one is snotty and coughing don't bring him/her to playgroup, the gym, over to my house for a playmate, etc... bottom line, if you are sick? I don't want to see you or your kids. I'm going to up my MonaVie intake for the day and snuggle with my bug. </div>
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End rant. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-85858361785289634292013-07-24T11:48:00.000-07:002013-07-25T14:17:49.365-07:00Not your average muffin Breakfast is one of my favorite meals and I grew up on Lucky Charms and French Toast so it's no wonder that I have a sweet tooth. Ignoring that sweet tooth has gotten easier and easier and I don't even eat cereal anymore. I can't even remember the last time I had cereal.<br />
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My oldest still eats cereal, but I buy him organic, non sugary types (that I force him to eat). He doesn't "like" them but he eats them. </div>
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My little guy is happy with a waffle. Every. Single. Day. Or donuts if we take the car to get it washed. Yes, I am that mom who splurges and buys donuts once in a while. </div>
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My husband is the hardest one to get eating breakfast. He wakes early, showers, and leaves for work with no time to eat a breakfast. Now that he is working out quite frequently I am trying to incorporate more of a healthy breakfast alternative for him. Oatmeal gets kind of old after a few days... (even for me, especially since I eat it plain).</div>
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Then introduces these "muffins". </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yREx1G8uIEU/UfAbUCuUwFI/AAAAAAAAA0M/YIG-IBCuV6o/s1600/eggs01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yREx1G8uIEU/UfAbUCuUwFI/AAAAAAAAA0M/YIG-IBCuV6o/s640/eggs01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A trainer at my gym that I was talking to said he makes a batch of these and takes a couple a day for his mid-morning snack/breakfast. He rambled off how he made them and I don't remember all of it, but I remembered the basics and came up with these. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xBHt94ZzBc/UfAbUKmcZ0I/AAAAAAAAA0I/__649SdjPJs/s1600/eggs02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xBHt94ZzBc/UfAbUKmcZ0I/AAAAAAAAA0I/__649SdjPJs/s640/eggs02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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First I browned the extra lean ground turkey I had, such a great source of lean protein and it's low in fat. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBF2ZcfZTsI/UfAbUL8funI/AAAAAAAAA0E/9vsOD6ds9ZA/s1600/eggs03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBF2ZcfZTsI/UfAbUL8funI/AAAAAAAAA0E/9vsOD6ds9ZA/s640/eggs03.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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Dumped the cooked turkey, a whole carton of All Whites Liquid Egg Whites and 3 heaping handfuls of spinach into my Ninja blender. At this point, you could probably add whatever other veggies you want; red peppers, zucchini, kale, etc... I stuck to the three basic ingredients this time around because I wasn't sure how they'd turn out. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z46o2ZuTRlk/UfAbU-aauYI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/VBWfpc7y3Tc/s1600/eggs04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z46o2ZuTRlk/UfAbU-aauYI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/VBWfpc7y3Tc/s640/eggs04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lined my cupcake pan with liners and poured in the goop. I'm not sure how well these worked this time, might try to do them without the liners next time and use a non-stick cooking spray. Once they were cooked, the papers stuck to the finished product quite a bit. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w99jmE0NJhI/UfAbVBNdKbI/AAAAAAAAA0o/us4pLE4OzZw/s1600/eggs05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w99jmE0NJhI/UfAbVBNdKbI/AAAAAAAAA0o/us4pLE4OzZw/s640/eggs05.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I liked them so much when I took them out of the oven, I ate three. The first two I ate plain and the last one I tried with some hot sauce on it. PERFECTION. So tasty! </div>
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My husband had some this morning (after they'd been in the refrigerator all night) and said they were good. Edible and tasted better than plain ol egg whites! Next time he wants to put hot sauce on them too.. They would even be good with salsa! </div>
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If you try them out, please leave a comment or email me and let me know what variations you used!! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lk05u0BTnFg/UfAbVMM4EUI/AAAAAAAAA0k/h7-LntUjP8g/s1600/eggs06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lk05u0BTnFg/UfAbVMM4EUI/AAAAAAAAA0k/h7-LntUjP8g/s640/eggs06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of course, my little helper wanted his photo taken as well while I was snapping shots of the food. </div>
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Happy Wednesday! </div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1 32oz Carton All Whites Liquid Egg Whites</div>
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1 lb Extra Lean Ground Turkey</div>
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Spinach, how ever much you want! </div>
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Salt (to taste on the ground turkey while browning)</div>
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Mix all ingredients in blender or food processor, pour in to muffin tins and back at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes. </div>
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**I wasn't sure how long to bake them, set the timer for 15 minutes and then watched them until they looked "done" </div>
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ENJOY! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8602813312508663278.post-20145162616279365792013-07-19T14:06:00.000-07:002013-07-19T14:06:21.857-07:00Sweet tooth, satisfied. All day long, all I can think about is peanut butter.<br />
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Is my body craving the sugar? The protein? I just want PEANUT BUTTER!<br />
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I was going to make oatmeal cookies, then maybe some peanut butter ones but opted to try making some sort of granola concoction that I could snack on, throw on some yogurt or mush up with some bananas.<br />
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My mom had told me how she makes her granola for her breakfast every day, but she puts sugar and raisins and other stuff I did not have on hand nor did I want to use it.<br />
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In my pantry, I had all of the necessary items and a little bit of extra time.<br />
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This little monkey decided to help me.<br />
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I have only made this one time before and I modified it this time around. I sprinkled a small amount of Stevia instead of using brown sugar and mixed up some PB2 instead of "regular" peanut butter. </div>
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What made it easiest for me was to mix the oats and coconut oil first, then add in the honey and peanut butter. It made it easier to blend everything together. I sprinkled the stevia on top and lightly mixed that in. </div>
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Once everything was pretty well blended I spread it out on parchment paper on a cookie sheet and placed in the preheated oven. </div>
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I am not going to lie.... I may have sampled some of this mixture before placing it in the oven. It was pretty amazing, and could definitely be eaten like this as well. </div>
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I baked in the oven at 350 for approximately 10 minutes, stirring it up once about half way through. I was watching it, to see when it turned slightly brown and thats when I pulled it out. It probably could have gone longer and gotten a little crunchier but to me, it's perfect. Just the right amount of crunch. </div>
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So delicious! The perfect healthy, clean snack! If you make some, and make any changes, let me know how they turn out!! I'd LOVE to hear! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Recipe</u></span></div>
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1 1/4 C Rolled Oats (I used Quaker Old Fashioned this time)</div>
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1/4 C Peanut Butter</div>
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1 1/2 tsp Coconut Oil</div>
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1 TBS Honey</div>
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1/2 tsp (approx) Stevia to sweeten </div>
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Mix ingredients, spread onto wax or parchment paper and bake 350degrees for 10-12 minutes depending on desired crunch. Enjoy!! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269613267183055201noreply@blogger.com2