Today is the first day of the rest of my life!

I’m dying, well not literally but my little muscles are all quivering I can just picture them like little animated cartoon characters skinny legs, big bodies, just shaking. Well hibernation is over! It’s time to exercise! Time to get this body back in shape. I mean “in” shape… Change the “shape” that I am now….

Going back to the gym was like going “home again.” Everything and everyone was familiar even though I haven’t been there in a long time… literally years… I saw people I haven’t spoken to since my oldest was in high school! (She’s now graduating college!) My daughters’ old trainer was there with friendly open arms! This man trained her to get her little body in tip top shape for a lot of her pageant career. I used to drive her to the gym and wait or jump on the treadmill from time to time. I even worked out with her old trainer for a short time too.

Ryan (my bodies new best friend and trainer) met me there after I did a few minutes, 10 to be exact of cardio on the ever so hateful elliptical. I really really hate cardio! But I remembered the “old days” when I worked out and knew before using your muscles you had to “warm them up.” Well as I hopped on the elliptical my little legs started to ache more and more, I did say I only did this for 10 minutes right? Uhhhh and I did mention how much I hate cardio, right? But I know that exercise is a must that goes along with good nutrition so here I am…

I’m sure Ryan didn’t know what to expect of me, this middle aged woman, who wants to ”get healthy.” He was ever so patient for our first training session. He explained that since I have high blood pressure which began with my first pregnancy which ended with toxemia/pre-eclampia almost 22 years ago we were going to work out using what he called “PHA.” And he explained that PHA is short for peripheral heart action. It is a type of circuit training that alternates upper and lower body exercises throughout the circuit. This type of training is perfect for burning a lot of calories and improving one’s endurance without over working each individual muscle.

After our workout Ryan told me that I should eat a protein and carbohydrate now. I asked “maybe an apple and peanut butter?” he said not too much fat perhaps a turkey sandwich, and I asked “With pieces of bread?” and he almost choked because he misunderstood me and thought I said “pizza!” Pieces… Pizza…. He said he was worried and thought he needed to run and call Rebecca (my bodies other new best friend and nutritionist)and tell her we have a “serious problem” here! I laughed, oh even I know no more pizza.

Well that’s workout number one… looking forward to just how sore I’m going to feel in the morning in time to work on some “cardio.” Did I tell you how much I hate cardio? Well, I am determined to take this all the way and continue on my healthy journey, next up my first meeting with Rebecca … stay tuned…

Please follow our journey weekly and join our facebook fan page with any questions for both Rebecca or Ryan!

Please Pledge to show Respect to Everyone!

image courtesy of: best buddies organization

On March 3, 2010, Best Buddies, Special Olympics and supporters from across the world will unite in support of a grass roots movement challenging the use of the R-word, an outdated word that must be recognized for its hurtful impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Spread the Word to End the Word awareness day will engage schools, organizations and communities by raising the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the R-word and encouraging everyone to stop using this word by signing our pledge and encouraging their friends to do the same.

Please help us achieve our goal of 100,000 pledges by visiting www.r-word.org and taking the pledge today. You can also show your support by purchasing merchandise .

Our language frames how we think about others. Help eliminate the use of the R-word in everyday speech.

SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD
03.03.10
www.r-word.org

I'm geting a "Wellness Makeover" on ABC with Rebecca Scritchfield!

I’m so excited! For once in my life I’m going to be putting “myself” first. Well at least for “healthy living.” For the next month I will be working with Rebecca Scritchfield, MA, RD, ACSM Health Fitness Specialist to learn all the "dos and don’ts" of proper nutrition. I know you are all probably shaking your head thinking; “Proper nutrition, what’s so hard about that?” Well I know you shouldn’t sit down and eat a tub of ice cream or a bag of chips at one sitting, everyone knows that. We will be spending time going over; preparing for change and setting realistic goals, pantry makeover, healthy grocery shopping, healthy eating out and on the go, overcoming roadblocks and barriers and healthy exercise and stress management.

Being the fact that I love to cook, I am so excited about this whole program! Of course this means getting me back to the gym which in itself is a good thing. This month being Heart Healthy Month I am constantly thinking about my blood pressure which has never been “normal” since I had pre-eclampsia/toxemia (twice) with my pregnancies to the point where I was hospitalized and gave birth to two preemies.

I hope you will follow me here weekly and tune into ABC’s “Let’s Talk Live” to watch Rebecca and I embark on my journey. Please please feel free to leave comments here or join my “Shelley’s Wellness Makeover” fan page” on facebook, where you can also leave comments or questions for Rebecca. I know it’s not a sprint rather a marathon and I’m just excited about starting!

Wish me luck!
Shelley

The Sweetest Ideas for Valentine's Day

photo credit: Tom Kat Studio

It's that time of year again, when we jump to remember those we love and care about. My daughters both love celebrating Valentine's Day, even to this day. I'm sharing some cute recipes and ideas for a "sweet" holiday.


photo credit: Family Fun

Sweet Heart Brownies

Ingredients

• 36 2-inch graham crackers
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (don't use evaporated milk)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 16-ounce package semisweet chocolate morsels
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350º (325º for glassware). While you generously grease an 8-inch square baking pan, put your kids to work crushing the graham crackers into fine crumbs. It's especially easy and fun if you seal the crackers in a plastic bag and then use a rolling pin.

2. Stir together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the chocolate morsels, pecans, and graham cracker crumbs and mix with a wooden spoon until well blended.

3. Spoon the batter (it will be very stiff) into the greased pan. Use the back of a wooden spoon (or clean hands) to pat the batter into an even layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan.

4. Use a cookie cutter or a butter knife to cut out small (these brownies are rich!) heart shapes. Serve plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or raspberry sherbet. Makes about 8 to 12, depending on size.
* From our friends at Family Fun Magazine


photo credit: Martha Stewart

My oldest daughter used to love to come home and "empty" her Valentine's Day mailbox on our kitchen table. This is a cute idea we got from Martha Stewart for your children to make and share with their classmates.

To make, cut a heart from a strip of candy dots, and glue it to a piece of construction paper. With scalloping scissors, cut construction paper to create a border around the heart.

And in our home it wouldn't be Valentine's Day without some "loving" gifts. Here are a few that I found on Etsy that I think are adorable!


photo credit: LBG Studio

Crafty Kids Crayon Art Tote

This pretty little crayon organizer holds 12 crayons, a pad of paper (both included!), and has an extra pocket for stickers, drawings, and other crafty goodness. Perfect for older kids who want to have their own tote to carry. They can take it along with them in the car, doctor's appointments, restaurants, play dates. . . keep them busy and entertained!


photo credit: the belle and the beau

The perfect for Valentine's Day tie!

I love these ties! They are custom designed to be wider for a more modern style. The best part of these kid friendly ties is that they are washable because we all know that boys will be boys!

Belle and Beau's hand made ties are perfect for all occasions, Sunday best, or have some fun by putting them with a polo and jeans.

This red and white holiday paisley is fitting for any little man in your life!


photo credit: Oh Nelly

Since my I called both of my girls "tiny chef's" they would have loved this one!
Let's get cooking! This handmade apron and chef's hat is the perfect kitchen combo for any little chef.

Typically this apron and hat will fit ages 3-7. It has a velcro closure on the neck strap so the apron will not hang too low. The chefs hat is has a velcro closure and is adjustable to the size of the chefs head. Personalization is available for both the apron and the chef's hat.


photo credit: Tom Kat Studio

And if your children are anything like mine they would love to have a Valentine's Day party! Here are a few ideas from Kim at Tom Kat Studios which are so cute and would make any Valentine's Day party a success.

Hope you enjoy your day of "love." Let us know what you do to celebrate!