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

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

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).