Great gifts for anyone, any day, found at Cost Plus

January 15th, 2012

A night out to Cost Plus World Market is always a treat. I love everything there, from furniture to household decorations to their wide variety of foods, you will always find something for yourself or a friend. This time around, I found some food items I found interesting and downright amazing. Who in their right mind wouldn’t want their very own, individual pack of Nutella?

I’m a little bias on these fortune cookies. My beautiful baby girl’s name is Emily. Therefore, I must buy everything with her name on it. It’s a good thing these are tasty! Orange, chocolate covered fortune cookies from Emily’s? Yes please!

Ketchup! I grew up putting ketchup on everything. Some might think every bottle tastes the same, but I don’t. Each one is different – leaving you content with your choice or upset you didn’t go for that other bottle. However, sometimes it’s the packaging that gets me. I’m a sucker for great, eye catching design and this label for Sir Kensingtons Ketchup was no exception.

These are just a few items I found interesting while shopping at Cost Plus World Market. What have you found?

Recycling, compost and just plain trash

January 1st, 2012

Every year, you no doubt come across people and life events for which you have to sort. Everyone and every event falls into some sort of category. You either recognize it from the beginning or you give it a chance and wait until the end of the year, while making your resolutions, figuring out that not everything you believed in the beginning of the year stands at the end; and you discard those items. Sorting into recycling, compost or trash.

Recycling is something everyone does. It’s probably the easiest action for anyone to perform. You meet people who make you a better…you. They are a fast friend for a lifetime and you sit and ponder how you can let them know how much they are appreciated. Because a simple “thank you for being a friend”, in your mind, isn’t enough.

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Sometimes, Plan A turns into Plan X

December 14th, 2011

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Over a month ago, I was pregnant and had a high blood pressure reading during my doctors appointment. Up until that point, even before I was pregnant, I was quite healthy with normal blood pressure. After the high blood pressure reading and some labs drawn, they advised that they would just keep an eye out and have me take my own readings until my next appointment.

A week went by. We had just finished our parenting class and I had decided that I needed to put myself on bed rest over the weekend so I could relieve whatever stress (I thought) causing my high blood pressure. I must mention I was starting to swell up as well, but figured it was the normal swelling everyone gets in their third trimester.

On Tuesday, November 8, I went ahead and took a reading after I got home from work. Sadly, it was above the 140/90 range my doctor said was safe. With that high of a reading, I was advised to call Labor and Delivery at UW Medical Center. They had me take a couple readings over the phone which were both extremely high and out of control. They advised that I come in so they could take some labs and monitor my blood pressure every 15 minutes.

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Wishful Thinking

July 28th, 2011

I have a question for all of the moms out there.

What is one thing you wish you did more of while pregnant?

Some have told me walking and taking photos. But I want to know what YOU wish you had done.

Thanks for being a part of my journey.

Joy

My morning rant

June 16th, 2011

Is it just me or should bicyclists pay taxes for the roads they are “freely” traveling down if they decide to cut you off, turn it front of you (when you are trying to not run them over) and then give you a nasty look?

I just don’t think they pay attention enough to realize that car trumps bike and if I’m the only one paying attention, and paying for that road to have less car space so they can ride on it, someone is going to get hurt and it’s not going to be me.

Stay safe people. If you want to share the road, share the road. Besides it’s not a right, it’s a privilege and you might end up getting in the way of the wrong Joe-Schmoe with road rage.

I made it – Day 30 of 30 for 30 Challenge!

April 30th, 2011

It’s crazy to think just 30 days ago I set off on this challenge. A challenge that I’m sure some people rolled their eyes at, mocked me under their breath saying I wouldn’t be able to do it, or had absolutely no idea why I was doing it.

Well, I did it.

30 days of 30 minutes a day playing around and working up a sweat – or at least getting my heart rate up.

For my last activity/workout, I again, did some shopping! Walked around U-Village and then headed up to Northgate to buy some shoes and walk the length of the mall a couple times. Until today, I didn’t realize how exhausting shopping is. I guess your brain works harder as you are looking around, elbowing women who get in your way and trying to deal with the masses. That reminds me, I got nervously screamed at by a girl at the shoe store because I was LOOKING at the display shoe, which I guess she needed to try on with the other size 6 she had in her hand. Calm down people!

I think I prefer my exercise games and dvd’s over walking the mall. I at least feel energized afterwards.

Some things I’ve learned these past 30 days:

1. There are no excuses! Really, there are none. It felt so satisfying getting off my butt and not worrying about what TV shows I was missing due to the fact I had to work out.

2. I can push myself harder than I thought. Sure, some days I just wanted to crawl into the corner and lay in a fetal position. But what good would that do? Feeling the burn the day after is always so gratifying.

3. Blocking out the naysayers and negative-nellies is quit simple and enjoyable. I loved letting people know that I wasn’t giving myself “cheat days” (you’re only cheating yourself) and that if I can sit on the couch for 3 hours a night, why not make one of those hours (or half hour) count by getting off my butt and working out?

4. Any activity is a good activity. Whether it be walking the malls, parks, biking, playing ACTIVE sports games on the Wii or Kinect or doing the regular workout DVD’s and games. This wasn’t to see how long I can go on the eliptical, how many Hip Hop Abs I could get through in one night or how many jumping jacks I could do in 2 minutes. It was about getting off the couch and proving to myself that I can stick with a workout routine and not give up.

5. This was about me, allowing myself to do something for myself. Allowing myself to not feel like I’ve let others down by eating Uneeda Burger for lunch or Chipotle twice in one week. Why should I feel guilty? I’m happy doing what I do and will make strides on my own, in my own way. I’ve been changing since January and I’m not going to stop. It’s just going to be on my own time. Why rush things?

I’ve constantly lived the life of “Oh, if I can just lose 10 pounds in the next three months, I’ll be happy.” Why live like that? I have obviously let myself down by thinking that. I mean, did I lose 10 pounds in three months? Have I ever lost the weight I “planned” on losing? No.

6. I’m quite happy not having to weigh myself. How depressing! I might change my attitude towards this, but for now, I’d rather look in the mirror and notice how my clothes are exceptionally looser.

7. Drink lots of water! And to get some extra electrolytes in your system, drink coconut water (I love the pineapple flavor). It can be found in almost any grocery store. OH and a fun way to take it is to freeze it as ice cubes and put in your glass of water.

I’m sure there’s more that I’m forgetting. But to recap on some other thoughts through out my 30 Day Challenge, take a look at these posts:
Back to the Hips Buns and Thighs for Day 19 of 30 for 30 Challenge

Day 13 of 30 for 30 Challenge: Zumba!

Day 10 of My 30 for 30 Challenge

Day 7…wait seriously day 7? #30for30

Day 5 of 30 for 30 Challenge and the Life Revolution

That’s it folks! Thank for following me on my challenge. I appreciate the kind words I have been receiving and I look forward to my next challenge. Whatever that may be :)

Day 29 of 30 for 30 Challenge!

April 29th, 2011

Tonight was a rockstar night! Full of reaching new heights and levels on Microsoft Kinect Dance Central. Yep, you heard me, nothing but 4 and 5 stars all the way!

I’m also starting to think about my next challenge. I think since I now know I can push myself to workout every day for at least 30 minutes, I can start pushing myself towards the weight loss side of my healthy lifestyle.

But, those logistics will be figured out later.

See you tomorrow – the LAST day of my #30for30 Challenge!

Day 28 of 30 for 30 Challenge!

April 28th, 2011

Tonight was an awesome night! Not only did my workout activity consist of walking the mall for and hour and a half (yes I realized saying that ages me by 30 years), but it was also a fantastic shopping day! I found jeans for $20, and tons of cute shirts.

So, not exactly a high impact, but still got up and going while helping out the economy.

See you tomorrow!

Day 27 of 30 for 30

April 27th, 2011

Three days away from victory! Even better, I almost forgot to workout tonight, yay! I also thought to myself, who would know if I actually skip a day? I know, it’s horrible to think like that, but working late, being tired and realizing you still have to workout isn’t the best combination and sometimes those bad thoughts get the best of you.

But, I finished strong and am ready for tomorrow.

Day 26 of 30 for 30 Challenge

April 26th, 2011

Yep, I know you just saw me last night, but I missed you so much I decided to get an early morning workout in today.

Well, ok, I really just have too many things going on tonight so had to get up and going this morning. I did Microsoft Kinect Your Shape Fitness again. A lighter workout this morning of a faster Bollywood class, hoola hooping, which I totally kicked butt this time, and a few others like the balancing and punching/kicking game.

OH and I finally got my order of Usana Chocolate Nutrimeal Shake. This “Joy Shake” is full of protein and vitamins. Keeps me going and actually helps with my moods a little bit. Ask me if you want to know more :)

Hope everyone has a glorious day and remember you can do anything!

See you tomorrow.

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