Wordless Wednesday: Nature in the City

You would never guess but on all sides of this there are very busy streets and one of southern California's busiest freeways. Who would think that in a busy city you could go back to nature and amazingly not hear the sounds of traffic.

Starting Over

A few months ago I started this most wonderful running interval program called the C25K.

C25K means "couch to 5k". It boasts it can get any couch potato to running a 5k in 9 weeks. I was thisclose to being that couch potato turned runner.

I was at the gym 3 days a week running on the treadmill. I got to running 25 minutes straight. Yep. Me. Running for 25 minutes.

A few weeks later I participated in Weight Watchers walk-it challenge (you got a cool charm if you did and who doesn't like positive rewards for hard work?).

I was the over zealous participant who thought since I was a "runner" I could run this thing no problem.

Man was I one over zealous Chick. I ran. Then walked. Then ran again. Then decided to stick with walking.

Didn't I say this C25K program worked?

I am not wrong. It does work! My problem? I was a treadmill runner. Not a pavement/outdoorsy runner.

Treadmills=set pace you work with. Forgiving support while you run.

Pavement= setting your own pace, not so forgiving support while you run.

My cure? Starting the program over. I hate starting things over. This is why I only read books once. That is why I usually give up on projects and then just start new ones.

That was the old me and I want to become the new me. This new me means I need to stop giving up.

I am determined to become a C25K graduate. I am determined to run a 5K sometime in 2010. I will get there!

If you are interested in the C25K program click the link above to learn more. I know many who are doing it and can't believe that their once sedentary selves are active and running!

Cheat Sheet Mondays: Surviving the Parties!

Mondays I will post my cheats or healthy alternatives to those foods I can't live without. I will also add those foods I found that are great tasting but low in calories and fat. Some Monday's I may add healthy recipes.

This Sunday is the 4th of July, which means parties, parties, parties.

For those who are living the healthy life, these parties can be daunting. Seeing the tables and tables of yummy food always makes my mouth water with possibilities. At least that was the old me.

The new me looks at these tables as an obstacle course. To run past, to take a little dip, or to pile high.

*This information is what I have learned with Weight Watchers. Click the link above to learn more about the program.*

Foods I run past: Anything fried, desserts (ok not all desserts... I let myself have 1), or anything I know runs high in calories and fat (heavy in sauce or high fat ingredients).

Foods I let myself take a little dip in: Pasta salads (they are my favorite), dips and chips, meats.

* Little dips mean little servings*

Foods I pile high: Veggies and fruit galore. These are the foods that are going to fill you up. Fruits do have points with Weight Watchers, but fruit is healthy so I don't care if I spend them on fruit. Fruit is a healthy option.

*Word of advice: eat your fruits and veggies first. You will be surprised how full you will feel.*

This is my survival guide that I try to use at parties. Sometime my self control hitches a ride elsewhere when I see food. Sometimes I just take small servings of everything so I can have all the different tastes.

My utlra-tip? Bring something you made that you know you can eat. That way you know there is something "safe" to eat.

Kellogg's Cereal Recall!

A friend on facebook had a link to a article talking about Kellogg's recalling their certain cereals. I usually don't pay attention to recalls since I rarely buy the products being recalled.

Recently we bought some Kellogg's cereal for the chicks, because we are nice parents and appease their every breakfast food need. Plus my itty bitty chick LOVES Fruit Loops. Fruit Loops among other cereals are on the list. When I saw the side effect was vomiting and nausea I jumped up fast and was on a mission to make sure that tainted cereal was out of our house. Thank goodness ours was fine. Plus no nausea and vomiting in these parts.

Here is the recall information: (the article is here)

Kellogg's issues a massive ceral recall affecting 28 million of boxes of cereal. Initial reports indicate some people have experienced nauseau and vomiting. Kellogg's has issued the following statement on their website. Kellogg's is recalling the following cereal products packaged in white foil bags due to an off-flavor and smell coming from the bag.

Only products with the letters "KN" following the Better If Used Before Date are included in the recall.

Kellogg's Apple Jacks
UPC 3800039136
17 ounce package with Better if Used Before Dates between APR 10 2011 and JUN 22 2011

UPC 3800039132 3
8.7 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between JUN 03 2011 and JUN 22 2011

Kellogg's Corn Pops
UPC 3800039109
12.5 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011

UPC 3800039111
17.2 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011

UPC 3800039116
9.2 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between APR 05 2011 and JUN 22 2011

Kellogg's Froot Loops
UPC 3800039118
12.2 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011

UPC 3800039120
17 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011

UPC 3800039125
8.7 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011

Kellogg'sHoney Smacks
UPC 3800039103
15.3 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011

Again, only products with the letters "KN" following the Better If Used Before Date are included in the recall.http://consumeralert.kelloggs.com/consumeralert.aspx?id=3870

WHAT TO DO
If you have questions or you would like a replacement coupon, you may contact the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-801-4163.
You should not eat the recalled products because they do not Kellogg's quality standards.

Small Talk 6: My Spoiled Chicks

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Calling my chicks spoiled would be an understatement! They have the best chicken coop on the block. Well not really but they are pretty darn spoiled in all areas!

1. Whenever I am out shopping for me usually I come home bearing gifts for them instead.

2. I think we own every dollar bin toy at Target known to man.

3. They say, "JUMP' I reply with "HOW HIGH"

4. Trips to bookstores= a book per person each trip.

5. Mommy/daughter nights with not so good for you treats.

6. My favorite way to indulge are all the hugs and kisses I give every chance I get. You may see them squirm, or wipe the slobber off their face, but this Momma Chick knows they're loved!

Aloha Friday #3

It is Aloha Friday once again! This means today is a day for taking it easy, therefore I will just ask one simple question. Click the picture to learn more.

Today's Question:

When seasons change, what do you do with the clothing your not using?

My answer:

I live in Southern California, so really we don't have seasons. In the middle of winter you may have an above normal warm day and wear a tank top. In the middle of summer I may need jeans and a sweater. I really do love Cali weather, but I would love to see the leaves change, or the grass that is trying so hard to push through the snow.

Ants on Purpose?

Yes we have ants ON PURPOSE!

No we didn't leave some sugar on the ground just hoping they would choose our house.

Chick 2, my little scientist in the making, is a proud owner of her own ant farm.


The Friday after school was out a little package came in the mail.

The package?

ANTS. Yep ants can be shipped.
That morning we put the farm together and now we have ants as pets.

Okay I may not love ants. I mean I squash the little boogers every chance I get, but ants are the easiest pets to have. Also, I will admit that they are cool to look at. They amaze me that they just know what to do in their new surroundings.

So, for now we are proud owners of ants!

This Momma Chick will do anything for my Chick to have fun with all things science (well almost).

Wordless Wednesday: Saying Good-bye

Yesterday my husbands parents had to say good-bye to the family dog. He was 18 and lived a long and happy life. The chicks had a lot of fun with him as well. He was the best pet, who let the chicks use him as their jungle gym. Even with the size he was he still thought he was a lap dog, which we all loved as well.

Chick 2 at 2 years old using Scout as her play dog.

Rest in Peace sweet Scout! We know you are no longer in pain and able to run after tennis balls, a past time you loved down here on Earth as well!

Foggy Brain Day

Chick 3 thinks she comes up with the best idea most nights.

This great idea is waking her sweet mother up in the middle of the night. This isn't a I am hungry and need a bottle, because I am an infant wake up. This is a I want to play and talk for 2 hours, because I am no longer a baby but a toddler kind of wake up.

It doesn't happen every day, but happens enough to give this Momma Chick fog brain and the lack of brain juice to come up with topics to write about. My creative side is gone (well I believe I have a creative side) and I am left staring and drooling into space, because all I can think about is the sleep I missed out on.

I would say this foggy brain is to coincide with the June gloom we have had, but today the sun is shining bright. Good thing tomorrow is Wordless Wednesday, because another night like the last 2 will definitely put me over the edge.

Cheat Sheet Mondays

Mondays I will post my cheats or healthy alternatives to those foods I can't live without. I will also add those foods I found that are great tasting but low in calories and fat. Some Monday's I may add healthy recipes.


I am usually a SAHM, but do substitute teach when requested. A couple months ago I signed up to work for 6 days. It was my first time working while on Weight Watchers.

I wanted to make sure I had enough fuel to get me through my day. If my breakfast is a good and healthy one, the rest of the day will follow suit. I researched all kinds of make ahead recipes so I could just heat up something when I got to work. (I am not an early eater)

I found this breakfast casserole through my Spark Recipe Application on my phone. It was quick and easy to make and so yummy to eat. I paired this with a banana.

Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

1 LB of frozen shredded potatoes, thawed
4 oz. of turkey sausage, cook and crumbled
1 C sliced mushrooms
1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese (I used reduced fat)
1 C Egg Beaters Egg Substitute
1/8 tsp Salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
1/8 C of red pepper, finely chopped
2 Tbsp onions, finely chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a casserole dish with cooking spray. Spread potatoes around the bottom and press up the sides. Place in oven and cook for 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, mix egg substitute, salt, and pepper together.

3. Remove potatoes from oven and press potatoes down firmly with a spoon so they are spread out and cover the bottom and sides of the dish. Sprinkle the sausage, red pepper, cheese, mushroom, and onion in the bottom of the dish. Pour the egg mixture over it.

4. Return the dish to the oven and cook until potatoes are crisp and golden and the egg mixture is set, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit about 5 minutes before serving.

Number of servings: 6

Nutritional facts:

Calories: 154
Total fat: 6g (less when using reduced fat cheese)
Dietary Fiber: 1

Small Talk 6:What my dad and I have in common

Want to join in Small Talk Six? Click the picture for the details!

1. Action Movies: He is the reason I love them so much.

2. Classic Rock

3. Classic Cars

4. Rival baseball games: Me DODGERS :) Him ANGELS :P

5. Camping

6. Belching in the woods when camping

The Big Bad Wolf who smokes

Smoking will rot your teeth, makes your voice sound horrible, ages you quickly, and oh yeah cause cancer.

This isn't news as much as known fact.

If your going to smoke your going to smoke and we all know the consequences.

I just think some need a lesson on smoking etiquette.

Why am I posting on this subject?

Let me tell you a story:

One warm and sunny day a group of kids are playing at a college stadium trying to beat the heat while a high school graduation is commencing.

These kids are laughing and running around. Innocence is rampant as they tag a shoulder and squeal with joyous laughter when they are caught as well.

The big bad wolf shows up, reaches into his pocket and pulls out a cigarette. He lights up and looks on.

Kids run by him running through the black smoke. Coughing ensues as another falls victim to the same black smoke.

Big bad wolf smokes on, inhaling as his lungs blacken a bit more.

Kids move over to fresh air. The laughter begins to envelope the area once more.

Big Bad Wolf finishes his cigarette and walks towards the entrance where his loved ones are sitting. He reaches the steps and flicks his butt to the ground with it almost hitting and innocent bystander.

Smoke fills the closed in area, because The Big Bad Wolf decides that putting it out on his shoe and going to the nearest trash receptacle is too much work.

A small chick's radar starts beeping. She is curious to what this burning piece of filter is. She reaches down and Momma Chick screams...

This little story is based on the events of today. There was no Big Bad Wolf, but there was this momma chick, Chick 3 and a rude smoker. This smoker flicked a burning cigarette butt to the ground as children were playing. Chick 3 saw and ran as fast as she could towards this new experience that I could have lived without.

If you smoke than smoke. It is a free world. What I do ask is please use common decency and follow a few rules of etiquette.

1. If children are around please go somewhere else to light up. If you can't find anywhere than please refrain at all costs. What is more important? Something that could kill you in the end, or a child's health?

2. If you find a safe place and a non smoker walks by please move cigarette behind you as to shield as much of the smoke as you can.

3. When you finish your cigarette please have the common decency to put the butt out using the sidewalk, but preferably your shoes as to not leave black marks visible. Please put said butt in a trash receptacle, or hold onto it until you find one. Your hand and clothes already smell. Isn't that better than adding to the litter that invades the streets?

I say please when I want or need something and I say thank you in return for something that has been done. I am using my manners and being respectful.

So to the smokers out there, Please do your best to practice smoking etiquette! Thank you!

Sincerely,

A momma chick who feels kids' safety is more important than a nasty habit.

Me? Nag? Nope!

A couple weeks ago when I subbed I met another sub. He was very old school in his ways as a teacher and a husband. He grew up and married around the "barefoot and pregnant and tied to the kitchen" era.

I am not in any ways a feminist, but to me that to was the extreme. I like the man to do the manly chores and I will do the female chores. Really it is because I do it better. That is as domestic as I get.

Well this teacher and I got to talking about our lives. We got on to the topic of sports. I told him my hubby watches all sports. I also told him that I don't care for them, but I don't pester if Rooster wants to watch them. He told me that I was a good wife.

What he doesn't realize that we live in the day and age of the DVR. It is the best invention ever! *has dreamy look on her face* I mean this genius invented something to make your shows revolve around your schedule!

This invention means we have a PAUSE button for TV!! This is why I don't nag. If I ask him something I know he can pause. Oh this doesn't mean he doesn't try to ignore my endless barrage of questions, but at least we can live harmoniously once again.

And in my own way I have conditioned him to wait till we are all asleep to watch his sports. This way he doesn't have to pretend not to hear me, and I can still go on living without the title of "nagging wife".

Wordless Wednesday: I don't wanna sleep!

Aren't most kids afraid of dark closets? Not mine! She will do anything to not go to bed. This means hiding in the closet.

Bloggy Blog Designz Giveaway!

Bloggy Blog Designz is having a Giveaway!!! They are giving away blog designs and all kinds of goodies. Plus ALL entrants will receive 20%off their purchase through the end of the month! Be sure to check out their website for more information, or to enter yourself. Take a look at their portfolio and packages to see what's right for you.

The first 5 entrants will receive a $15 giftcard. The giveaway will close on June 19th, so be sure to have your posts done and comments left by midnight! Good Luck to everyone!

CoverGirl Blast Review

I am a girl that loves make up so when I had the chance to take part in the CoverGirl Blast campaign I applied through BzzAgent.

I filled out the survey and chose my colors, Purple plume. It really isn't a color I tend to go for, but was the color that I kept leaning towards.

About the product:

"Getting sophisticated, colorful smoky eyes with little effort is what Smoky ShadowBlast is all about. Dramatic, sophisticated smoky eyes have never been this easy."

When I received my product I was skeptical, because it was a liquid type product, where I am used to using powder. I was up for the challenge. This shadow only takes 2 steps to apply and CoverGirl has a how-to video on their site that is easy to follow. See the video here below:



I followed these tips and got a new shadow look. I am not used to plums, but the product is easy to use. I did touch up once after applying to make sure my look was how I really wanted it. This was my ending result.


I would say that I really do like this product! I usually use 4 different shadows to get the look I want. Using this CoverGirl Blast Shadow I only needed 2 colors, so I did use little effort. I did not add any other colors of shadow or eyeliner to my look. I did use my own mascara.

Would I use it again?

Most definitely! Go to the CoverGirl site to learn more about their new Blast Collection!

Beating the Plateau

Plateaus, or "hitting brick walls" can be very frustrating when you are trying to loose weight! Especially when you think you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing.

About a month ago I hit a "brick wall" of my own. Each week I was loosing maybe .2 pounds a week. Yes it was a loss but I still thought I should be loosing more.

While weighing in at my Weight Watchers meeting the lady behind the counter told me, "Maybe you are hitting a plateau."

She gave me a book on plateaus and I decided to read through it.

The first thing I read that I know I should try was to look back and see if anything has changed with my eating and/or exercise.

I reflected and realized that during my weight loss weeks I was measuring everything I ate. I also consumed at least 5/6 servings of fruit and veggies a day.

During my "brick wall" weeks I was getting lackadaisical over measuring. I figured I could "eye" everything and it would be right.

I noticed that I was eating half the fruits and veggies I usually consumed.

The week after that meeting I made sure to do what I was successfully doing before and it worked.

I don't believe in the mantra that everyone hits plateaus and that you just have to deal with it. It is more of a time to reflect and make sure you aren't slacking in an area that was successful to your weight loss.

If you feel you have hit your "brick wall" make sure you reflect on what you are doing. Do you need to exercise more? Are your eating habits the same?

Change up your week with what you think you need more of and maybe that will work! Don't let this period stop you from pushing on! Persevere and you will be happy that you did.

Small Talk 6: 6 Signs of Stress

Click the picture to learn about Small Talk 6 and what it takes to join in!

This weeks installment is 6 Signs of Stress.

1. I forget even my name.

2. My skin starts to crawl.

3. My head starts feels like it is about to explode.

4. Nothing is ever clean enough.

5. Even my 22 month hold starts hiding out in rooms I am not in.

6. All I want to do is dig a dark hole and hide until the feeling goes away!

Aloha Friday #2 Guilty Pleasure

It is Aloha Friday once again! This means today is a day for taking it easy, therefore I will just ask one simple question. Click the picture to learn more.

What is your guilty pleasure on tv?

My guilty pleasure is Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, and not one I always talk about. Not that I am embarrassed of watching (well maybe I am), but I am never sure if anyone else is a fan as well.

Impressionable Words

You would think in our day and age that we as parents have learned what words can break our children.

I hear stories where parents will tell their children, "not to act stupid" or "how dumb can you be?"

Adults think of these as just words, however children take everything you say to heart. They will think they are stupid and dumb if the people they love most tell them they are. In my household the words stupid and dumb are just as bad as your common curse words.

I am reading a book called "Me and Emma" and the parents say the most horrible things to the main characters in this book. Last night I gave my girls a harder hug than usual.

Chick 2 is going through different body changes and one of them is hormones. One little moment can turn on the mother of all meltdowns. Last night was over her eating all her dinner. She lashed out with her words, so as punishment she was sent to her room. She came out and dropped a letter to the floor. What struck me most wasn't the "You are ruining my life", but the "Send me somewhere. You would be better off without me."

As a parent I look back and wonder, "Did I ever do or say anything that would make her think that?"

When she calmed down I made sure to tell her that we would NEVER be better off without her.

Parents have lots of power. Some don't realize this and some use this power for bad. We have the privilege to shape and mold our children any way we want, so why would you crack their fragile beings with words that harm their inner self?

Remember that there are 3 words no matter how often said that can heal all wounds. Those words are "I Love You".

Wordless Wednesday: Where I plan to spend my summer

Summer is almost here and this is the place I plan on spending my summer days!

My Get Up and Go is Gone!

At last weeks Weight Watcher's meeting the leader said how as we get older we suck the fun out of exercising.

When I was a kid I couldn't wait to get out and ride a bike.

Running around and playing chase was the first thing I thought about when I woke up.

I look at my daughter and the highlight of her day is when her teacher takes them out for P.E.

At what age do we as adults take the fun out of exercise?

Is it the word "exercise" that does it in?

There are so many ways to get moving, but why is it so hard to just get up and do them?

Even though I have been running I still have a hard time getting excited over it. It feels more like a chore right up there with laundry and cleaning.

I think it is time to start thinking like a kid in order to make the thought of getting out and exercising more fun.

Work and blogging? How?

Working and finding time for blogging?

How oh how do those who work and have kids do this?

I subbed for 6 days in a row (M-F and T) and after spending time with the chicks, catching up on housework, and spending more time with the chicks I was EXTREMELY exhausted and as soon as Chick 3 was asleep I followed suit and was in bed by 9pm.

Today is my first day off, and actually had time to even go on the computer to check my blogging account. Even had to dust off the computer screen so I could even see what I was looking at.

I am still trying to find a full time job, so hopefully this Chick will learn how to fit in blogging into my day.