Healthy update...again.

Basically my update is nothing. I've gotten nowhere this month. Am I still working out? YES! Am I still watching what I eat? YES! I think my body quickly adapted to my "new" program. So the next few weeks I will try to mix it up a little bit. Will continue to update when I start making progress again.

Update on Healthy lifestyle challenge

Well now that it's been a couple of weeks, I can tell you that I've lost a few #'s and lowered my body fat to 24%. Disclaimer: results not typical. My understanding is you don't generally lose 1% body fat per week. So we will see what this week brings. Not to mention that it should be that time of the month soon. Uck!!

Can I just tell you how sore my ass is?! Lunges and squats...whoa!! You don't really realize how little you use some muscles until you actually start working them.

My cardio has been HIIT {High Intensity Interval Training} for about 30 mins. a day {6x a week}. For those that think that is extreme for a beginner, I do it often so I will stick with it. Otherwise a day off turns into a week off, then a month off, then I stop altogether.

Weight training with dumbells 3x a week. I want to build up my lean muscle and burn the fat baby!! Will keep updating {when I only have good news ;)}

xoxo ~ Onegirliegirl

"Mommy"

This is my big boy. My big "little" boy. He is also the last of my boys who calls me "mommy". Is there any sweeter sound than your offspring calling you mommy? I think not. I'm enjoying this year with him because I know {I've seen it happen twice before} that sometime within the next year, he will become a real boy. A real. big. boy. First grade and turning 6 does that to boys. All of a sudden the baby fat is gone, the little lispy way of talking is gone, their head shape is now longer, therefore not round and so Charlie Brownish.

So here I am loving the sound of "mommy, mommy, mommy." Don't you just love those words?

Mmmmm...Chipotle

I love the taste of Chipotle's chicken. I also love the way they put everything together. Why is it that food always tastes better when someone else does it? Well my friends, I have come up with the closest replica to Chipotle chicken bowl, black beans, tomato salsa, sour cream and lettuce that I could.

Start with this wonderful marinade so appropriately titled with the name chipotle pepper. Marinate your chicken breasts for a day. Yes, a day. This means put it in the fridge in the morning and cook that night. You can grill it or just cook it in your pan. Cook it with the marinade. You want that flavor!!! Chop up the chicken and the rest is relatively easy.

I get me some Romaine, chop it up. Next are some black beans {from a can...doesn't get much easier}, btw, I do rinse them fully.

Next your off to making salsa. Easy...chop up your roma tomatoes { I use about 6}, a jalapeno {sans the seeds}, some cilantro, a clove of garlic and onion, mix together, squeeze some lime juice on there and Voila...salsa. I also do this step in the morning so the flavors can marry together.

Finally you can put it all together however you want. Please don't forget the sour cream. I actually like to mix a little milk into mine, just to make it creamier. I know...strange. Hey to each his own.

My order is exactly like they do at Chipotle's. But since I mix up the whole thing it really doesn't matter. I just like playing mind games with myself.

Let me know if you try this delicious way to have Chipotle at your house. Enjoy!

Just a little body fat percentage, fyi

Just so you know what I'm up against. My husband who is the same age as me {43}, eats a bowl full of brownie {I make this for him every week} and icecream EVERY night {Really. Truly. Really. I wish I were exagerrating} and does not excercise. But does have a ton of energy {think bunny} and does do 50 sit-ups and push-ups every day {just to stay in shape}. This man, this wonderful hunk of a man has 13% body fat. Seriously, this puts him in the category of Olympic Runner, I believe.

I ask you, how do I deal with that? Hmmmmm.....

*the caveat to this is that he's got the body of a cosmo guy. Seriously, I've looked!

Time to get Healthy

First off, let's get something straight. This is not my weight, this is just the picture off the box. Thank you for your attention.

If you've been reading along you will remember that I had those resolutions for the New Year. Having always had difficulty staying motivated, at least when it comes to exerting some kind of energy, I bought this scale to keep me going.

I admit I was nervous to see all the calculations this fantastic, futuristic wizard of a scale was going to show me.

Do I really want to know my body fat percentage*?....uh, no, not really. Mine is starting out at 26%...WHOA. Does that really mean that a quarter of my body weight is fat?!?! Seriously? Feel free to run screaming from the room now, I totally understand.

My hydration level? {diet coke addict, here}. That number is around 55%. I think that's ok.

My bmi...uh, well, ummmm, 22. That's on the verge of overweight. Technically it's in the normal range, but it's right on the edge.

So this is where I'm starting. My goal is to get my body fat down to 20%. I don't know how many pounds this will equate to. Evidently the real measure of healthy weight is all about body fat. Damn, does it really have to be? Because I'm thinking to get all this fat off my body is going to be a lot of work over a long period of time. Will I look better in time for the dreaded swim suit season, a.k.a. summer? Is this going to even be possible? I know this, I'm going to do my best. I've started using the treadmill again, and will eventually work my way up to running. I am determined to do it.

My mother died at 62 from cardiovascular problems. Her father had his leg amputated for the same reasons. Let's just say, I view this as life and death. Not that I worry I'll die anytime soon, my lifestyle isn't quite like my mothers was. I quit smoking 15 years ago, I have normal blood pressure and cholesterol. But I did develop gestational diabetes with 2 pregnancies {one brother is a diabetic} and all these things add up to genetics. So I'll be doing my best to keep this heart healthy!

I don't mind working hard, it makes me feel good. Working out, that is. It's not supposed to be easy. Or else everyone would have the perfect body shape and size {for them}.

I'll be posting regularly on my progress {just another way to keep me motivated}.

xoxo ~onegirliegirl

*I'd like to say that judging from the huge jiggly area in my mid-section and backside {sorry too much info} that I do not consider myself in the "healthy" range for bodyfat.

Yeeee---Haaaaa

Did I mention the whole horse thing?

Acting like a tourist

Hubby and I have been talking about taking the kids down to Williamsburg for, well, ummm, forever! It's only about a 2 1/2 hr. drive and they're well known for the Christmas Decorations (the pictures don't do them justice) and we haven't been down in so long and we were out of school for 12 days and the weather was actually cooperating and blah, blah, blah.

Here's a few pics. incase you've never been. But first let me just say the wreaths of greenery and whatnot are unbelievable. There are volumes out there on just these decorations. Go check them out at your library or B&N as I prefer to call it.

Here is the classic shot that EVERY tourist MUST take. Even if you're not a tourist. If you're not quick, a line will form and believe me it gets quite unruly because what I said about the line, well, um, truth be told, there isn't really a line...it works on the merit system. The merit system of Tourists. Familiar with that, are you?! Editor's note: HA!

Where are these when I really need them?

Who Loves horses more than anything right now? One guess!

Oh, the joyous squealing of excitement that came from our youngest upon seeing these beauties. Let's just say, I'm glad we're not responsible for some kind or rearing and kicking incident. (Hey, it could happen)

Did I mention the wreath's?

Hey, we have a blue ribbon winner here!

Aren't these colors gorgeous!! And that's indian corn. I was just amazed at what they could make. The original craft movement :)

Oh, and they dress in period costumes...Love it!

A great job...whittiler?! Seriously, who the heck wants to be told to go out and make about 1,000 sharp sticks. Oh yeah and make sure they're all the same width and height. Me! Me! Me!...Not!!!

** The frames used on these pictures were all courtesy of DSP. Awesome resource!

A whole new year

Generally I'm not one for making New year Resolutions, so I won't say that's what these are.

These are the reminders, guidelines, dare I say principles, I will live by this year.

1. Get Healthier. {Did you know this is always the top item on New Year resolutions?}
2. Be thankful.
3. Forgive more.
4. Be Patient.
5. Love.
6. Help others
7. Reduce Stress {Hahahahahahahaha, haahahahahhaaaaa}

Wow, that's a short list! I know I have a lot more faults than that. There must be more I need to remember. Things I could try and carry into my conscience being. Hmmm...

What about you? Any resolutions I could glom off of ya?

Thanks ~ Onegirliegirl

Just one of the wonderful parent approved toys in my house

Look!!! They made a magnetic building set that doesn't have removeable, connectable magnets! These are the coolest things ever! They came in simple brown boxes in 2 shapes. Triangle and Square.

They also came with an instruction booklet for ideas on what and how to build something with them. Here's Dunn who's oh, so proud {if you couldn't tell}.

On a side note...can I just say...Isn't he the cutest you ever saw?! Well, ok, next to your very own cuties...
Here it is close up. The magnets are incased inside the frames. These are some powerful little guys!! If you can't tell from looking they are also dual colored. The purple have red on the other side and the blue are a chartreuse color on the other side.
These definately meet with parent approval and I'm not concerned in the slightest over the swallowing factor. These have no small tiny parts, not even ones that can be removed. WooHoo! Way to go toy makers. It seems you were actually thinking of the safety of the child and consumer.

~Onegirliegirl

My Christmas Ambition

Our Christmas Tradition is we always have some kind of Roasted beef.

This year my ambition was to make some yorkshire pudding to go with it. When I was growing up, that was our favorite part of the meal. We only had it once a year at Christmas dinner, and my brothers and I couldn't wait!! It rose up like magic, and when it was brought to the table it deflated into a crusty on the outside and soft on the inside delectable treat. We loaded it with butter and gobbled it down.

So went to my handy dandy Joy of Cooking and looked it up. It seemed relatively easy enough.

Preheat the oven to 450. Place a glass 9 x 13 baking dish into the oven and heat for 10 mins.

Measure 1 cup {less 1 tbsp.} flour and a pinch of salt into a bowl.

Mix up 2 eggs and 1 cup milk in a seperate bowl.

Combine flour mixture and whisk together.

Melt 1/4 cup butter and pour into hot pan. Pour batter into pan and bake for 15 mins. That's it. Really, that's all there is. Pull it out and look at what you've got.

Traditionally you're supposed to use the drippings from the roast instead of butter, but I didn't have enough drippings. Actually I like the butter version better. It has that buttery taste already, so you don't have to add any more on it. Not that you couldn't mind you. I wouldn't want to take that away from all you butter lovers out there :)

I hope all your Christmas ambitions and traditions were as wonderful as ours!

Did I mention I'm from Maryland?

If you're not familiar with the Maryland State slogan, let me enlighten you.

"Maryland is for crabs"

Now please don't be offended. We are known for our blue crabs. It's what all Marylanders love. If you live in Maryland and don't like crabs, may I please ask you kindly to leave or just lie and say you're from Virginia. (P.S. That's the place we send all our traitors).

I leave you with this. Hopefully I've explained why this song is even around. Here's to all those Marylander's who can't wait for the summer, crab pots, old bay, melted butter and vinegar :)

I'm talking the big "D"

The “D” word. Yup. The big “D”. No, not divorce. Depression. I’ve got it. No real shocker you say. After all you lost a baby, of course you’re depressed. Well, according to some they may think it’s all just part of the grief cycle.

I just want to say…Bull. When you know yourself, and how you feel normally everyday (good and bad), you know when something isn’t right. I knew I was sad and grieving the loss of our baby, but the way I had been feeling lately was much, much more than that.

My symptoms: I cried all the time. At least, whenever I could be alone. I tried really hard not to cry too much in front of the kids. I didn’t want to scare them. Also, I completely withdrew. From everyone and everything! This included the people who loved me most, my hubby and my kids. I just didn’t even want to be around them. How horrible is that?!?! I couldn’t enjoy the Christmas season with them. I didn’t decorate the house, make cookies, sing carols…nothing! Luckily hubby is so involved with the kids he picked up all the slack. Have I mentioned I’m married to the best guy in the world?

The clincher symptom for me was when I started wanting to live a completely different life. I mean totally different from where I was at the time. I live near the city…I wanted to live far out in the country, I mean really, really rural! I didn’t want to be married anymore. Well, c’mon that’s just not right. I mean, sure there are days when I say he’s a stinkin’ you know what, but you work that out. Married 15 years, now. I didn’t want my kids to go to the school they were in, I didn’t want to drive the car I had. I had a fantasy life building up in my head.

I knew I needed help when I decided I couldn’t live like this anymore and actually asked my husband to leave. He was smart. He didn’t cave. He knew it wasn’t “me” talking. He talked me through it, and I realized that I was literally out of my mind. That was the final straw for me. The “lightbulb” moment when I knew I would probably need some kind of medication to help me. So, I went to a Psychiatrist, who did a long analysis of what I had been going through, how long I had been feeling this way, and made some suggestions. Medication. Therapy. Both. I asked for medication. We went through the list of drugs, and decided on Wellbutrin SR. This is a slow release drug that did a world of wonders for me.

I started it right away. A small dose, and started to feel better within just a few days. WOW!! I couldn’t believe the difference. All those negative thoughts that had been rushing around in my head, had completely disappeared. It was almost too good to be true. But, it wasn’t. It was real, and for the first time I felt like my “real” self.

I’m not embarrassed that I need this. I don’t feel ashamed. I’m proud to tell anyone my experience in hopes of it helping someone else. So riddle me this? Why is there still such a stigma associated with mental health? No one whispers in hushed tones if they have diabetes, or low cholesterol. For crying out loud…how many erectile dysfunction commercials do I have to see on TV and no one’s snickering at them?

So my point is don’t be worried about taking a medication for your health problems. Even if health insurance and all those people out there have got it all wrong!!! Eventually I think this sector of health will become as widely covered as fertility (which may not be saying much, but at least it would be a start).

Crazy in the head,
Onegirliegirl

A usable picture...

This is the one we used for our Christmas card this year. Printed it actually looks better. The red is more vibrant and the kids really don't look so ummm, uhhh, sick. It's a nice contrast and worked wonderfully with our black background and gold lettering on the card.

Now, how many pictures did I go through to get just one photo of 4 children, with smiles, all looking at the camera, not looking at each other, not making funny hand gestures above someones head, no tongues sticking out, everyones eyes are open? Hmm...this year it went relatively well. I only shot about 183 pictures before I felt that I got something I could use.

This was the original before a little photoshop magic.

Must say I love this gang of Hooligans! They're pretty darn cute.

xoxo ~ Onegirliegirl

Just one junk drawer

My junk drawers bother me!!! It's all the clutter. I think I'm hiding it until you see this.

How do I let it get to this point? Oh, it's easy...a little something to pick up off the floor...throw it in the drawer.

This is only one of the many "junk" drawers in my house. I'm just too embarrased to say how many I have.

My junk is always in the kitchen. How about you? Where is your junk drawer, and don't pretend you don't have one. You have to. At least just to make me feel better.

Ahhhhhh.

I feel imensely better about myself. I feel organized and complete as a person. Why does this little drawer make me so happy?

xoxo ~Onegirliegirl

House Tour for Christmas

The DINing room

Just keeping I t real...Clutter

The Nutcrackers

ONE OF MY FAVORITE DECORATIONS...A SIMPLE WINE BOTTLE hand painted and then a colorful string of lights stuffed inside.

Our new angel

Really needed something quick and easy for the top of our smaller tree this year. We have 2 trees. A big 14 footer in the foyer and then our regular size 8 footer in the family room. I was perusing the aisle's at Michaels the other day and saw this unfinished wooden scroll cut out angel and thought it would work for the top of our tree.

So we painted it white, spread some glue and sprinkled liberally with glitter. TaDa...new angel. Not my most preferred, but it will do for this year.

xoxo ~ Onegirliegirl

Angels we have heard on high...

There's just something about having a little girl that's shifted my craft drive into overdrive. I have been scouring the family craft sites to find fun ornaments to do with Kelly. She has collected a ton of old Christmas cards over the years. That girl is such a hoarder :) So I went in search of something to do with them. I found this great craft that helped me recycle all the cards with such beautiful pictures. It was easy and they turned out beautifully.



I did have to improvise with some of the items. You may notice that the halo's aren't actually the gold chenille stems (pipe cleaners), but are a tan color with glue and glitter. Hey, it works! Also we couldn't quite figure out what we wanted to do with faces and hair. So we tried a few different looks. We have the shag cut angel, the long paper hair angel and my personal (and easiest) favorite the no hair/no face angel. I think the mystery of what angels look like is totally embodied by this. I am soooo deep.



Stay tuned for even more crafts. Seriously, I can't stop. Somebody, Anybody...Help me please!



xoxo ~Onegirliegirl

Why is there a dead fish in my backyard?

Not long ago, well a few months back, I was outside chatting with a neighbor when we saw a couple of birds flying around. Not too unusual until I noticed one was carrying something in it's claws. When I was able to shield the sun out of my face and focus in a little better, I realized it was a carrying a fish, and the 2 birds were BALD EAGLES!!

Let me just state for the record, I love living where we do. We're just outside of Washington, D.C. (only 15 miles) and yet my house backs to a huge state park. Wildlife sighting on a regular basis. But a Bald Eagle. Uh, hello weren't they endangered?

So I started yelling at everyone in the house "Get outside, there's a couple of Bald Eagle's out here, hurry!!!" I managed to get my camera and just as I was bringing it to my eye one Eagle knocked the fish out of the other Eagle's talons. As I watched this amazing sight the fish fell behind my house. Now, I don't really have a backyard to speak of. It's pretty much all woods, yup, right up to the house. So I'm thingking there's no way we're going to be able to find this fish. But my oldest (Jack) and I were so excited, we just had to look.

Just as we reached the back of the house we saw the fish. I couldn't believe our luck! He had managed to drop it right between what little green space we call the backyard and where the woods were. So that's what I got a picture of.

We all wondered if the Eagle(s) would come back for the fish. Now, I didn't know this but evidently their not really picky about their food. They could care less if it's no longer fresh from the river and all covered with leaves. Mmmmmm, says the Eagle. They are scavengers.

He did come back and to make this long story a little shorter we missed the descension and retrieval of the fish. Jack had to go to Lacrosse practice, Kelly and Dunn were napping and Finn and I got distracted after waiting and looking out the window for 1 1/2 hrs. (Very patiently, I might add) and didn't even get to see the swoop in! Darn!

BTW, I'm wondering where the heck thisfish came from, and why the Eagle was flying near my house. I don't live that close to a big body of water. The Potomac River is at least 10 miles away, and the huge park that we live near had a lake, but that's over 5 miles away.....hmmmmm.

But I have my photo of the fish. It's obvious that it was carried in and dropped by a Bald Eagle. I think that says enough.

Thrift shopping at it's best!

Ever since I made this wool sweater for Kelly, I have been obsessed on finding more wool sweaters. So I went to my local thrift store on the weekly day when ALL clothing is 1/2 price and scoured every rack for good deals on wool sweaters.

At first I thought there wouldn't be too many because it's winter and everyone would be looking for warm clothing, but nooooo. I had plenty to choose from! Take a look at all the sweaters I got. 9 sweaters in all, and I only paid $31. That's right $31. So if things are a little tight with your purse strings, like they are with mine don't be afraid to thrift. You can find lots of great deals.

As it turns out a number of these are actually being worn (unaltered) by Jack. He's gotten so big at 12 1/2 he can wear mens size clothing. I don't know how many of these will get a new look, but I can't wait to do at least one more for Kelly.

xoxo ~L