Formerly 244.5

Exercise in Maui

upuntilnow — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 19:25:37 +0000

So I am in Maui, heaven actually. I can read books all day (I’ve been ignoring the computer) lay in the sun (coated in sunscreen) and just relax! But, THE FOOD is to die for! So I need to exercise more while I’m here. I’ve been enjoying going to the pool early (before all of the little kids show up) and swimming for half an hour. I alternate between squats and resistance in the shallow end to laps back and forwarth. It’s really fun when you live in Alaska! I follow that up with a dry off and brisk 1/2 hr. walk. Nothing like smelling plumeria flowers and salty air during a workout to make it more fun!! Eliptical: I’ll be seeing you soon enough.

Anticipation, the Joy of Travel!

upuntilnow — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:17:05 +0000

my driveway

   Soon I will trade in this view for a warmer (and more colorful) one. My thoughts have been wandering through the process of preparing for my upcoming trip and I have settled on one fact: ANTICIPATION IS A LARGE PART OF VACATION. Without anticipating what lies ahead you miss the joy of simmering on the excitement and joy that lies ahead! One thing many people don’t enjoy anticipating is the act of traveling.
    When the long legs of a trip stretch ahead it may be hard for some to focus on the destination. There are things you can do to make this part of the trip enjoyable as well. The most important thing you can do is to plan and prepare. Think through each step that must be taken to get where you’re going. Example: pack my suitcase, tie up loose ends at home, drive to the airport, check in, go through the security line, sit and wait for my flight, board the plane, wait to take off, in flight time, landing and taxiing, get off the plane and find baggage claim (or your next flight), wait for your bags, find your rental car or hotel shuttle, and finally ARRIVE.
    There is a recurring theme here… WAITING! Waiting isn’t so bad if you bring a carry-on filled with enjoyable things to do that you may not even have time for in your everyday life. If you plan ahead to wait, you will realize that you’re arrival time will be the same whether you are patient or not. Snide remarks and rude stares aren’t going to get you there any faster. We have all been in line near the person making everyone else uncomfortable with loud comments and an impatient attitude. Don’t be that person (even on the inside). If you spend your travels uptight and stressed you will also have to spend more (valuable) time upon arrival winding down into an enjoyable vacation!
When traveling, I always bring a good book to savor, and a magazine or two to indulge. I also bring a dvd that makes the bulk of a flight, when I’m getting antsy, go by so much quicker. The one thing I enjoy the most…. something I rarely have time for in everyday life, is just sitting and visiting with my husband until we’ve said more than we had to say! It is a luxury just to be together. Not everyone has this, I know, but everyone has something they can enjoy while traveling. Write handwritten cards to people you’ve lost touch with or want to show appreciation to! Listen to new music and really tune in to hear the words. Whatever you choose, just breathe in and out, savoring the time you have anticipating a vacation from the every day. Vacation starts the second you walk out your front door.

Quick eats!

upuntilnow — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:32:53 +0000

Taco Soup is one of our FAVORITE winter eve eats! Sure to satisfy a hungry man or two if there are any in your house!

1 can green beans, rinsed
1 can kidney beans, rinsed
1 can pinto beans, rinsed
2 cand diced tomatoes
1 cup frozen corn
1 lb cooked taco meat

Simmer all ingredients together until hot and cooked down to your liking in a large soup pot! Taco meat can be made ahead and kept in the fridge to make everything go together even faster when you’re hungry! I recommend buying organic ingredients whenever possible. Happy eating!

Little piece of (low carb) guilty pleasure heaven

upuntilnow — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:36:11 +0000

Here’s where I’m at: Tonight I am tired and hungry….. for decadent food! I wanted to make something rich yet quick. These stuffed mushrooms are a combination of food on hand and pure inspiration! They paired nicely with the steak hubby had grilling tonight!

12 whole mushrooms
3/4 c shredded parmesan cheese
1 1/2 c alfredo sauce (divided)
1 T minced garlic
(optional add in chopped up cooked shrimp)

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Spread a very thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a shallow pie pan. Pop the stems out of each mushroom and spread them hole side up in the pie pan. Combine 3/4 c parmesan with 3/4 c alfredo sauce (Add in optional chopped up cooked shrimp). Spoon mixture into the centers of each mushroom. Top each mushroom with a smidgen of minced garlic. Place pan in the oven for a total of 12-15 minutes. Halfway through baking, spoon remaining alfredo sauce over each mushroom and finish baking.

These are delicious with a small piece of steak and some steamed asparagus. Truly you should have more asparagus on your plate than anything else… but who’s counting? IF you’re following a low carb diet these fit in nicely. My body responds well to the low carb lifestyle but I aim to keep it as organic and whole food as possible…. the alfredo sauce is certainly a rare treat. Enjoy!

P.s. please don’t take any of this as medical advice etc. It is all my opinion! You’ll have to see for yourself!

Squeeze in a Workout!

upuntilnow — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:31:48 +0000

  Here’s where I’m at! Today I used the Biggest Loser Power Sculpt DVD. It works great for me because I do a lot on the eliptical machine (in front of the TV) and I need to keep up with strength training so when all of my weight is off my strong muscles will keep burning adequate calories and help me keep off those pounds!
   This workout is great because you customize the program with a warmup, 3 levels of sculpting, and a cool down. I have tried all 3 levels so far always starting and ending with the warm up and cool down. I have yet to get the courage to do more than one level at a time! I feel myself getting stronger and see that in the near future.
Jillian Michaels is growing on me rapidly. I can tell she is well educated and despite what some might say is an “intense” personality, she will win you over with things she says like “I really am not flexible at all, this is killing me right now, but I want to impress you”. I can’t help but smile at the casual approach of this DVD and enjoy working out along with the very real people ( Biggest Loser contestants) who are obviously sweating as much as I am!
   This workout makes me sweat and shake as I push through, which makes every second very worth it! Find it on www.Amazon.com for $8.49!

I am going on a hawaiian vacataion soon and want to look great, so i am enhancing my recent 50 lb.’s of weight loss with toning. What keeps you going through your workout routines? Share your fresh or time-tested ideas to keep us all motivated and interested!

P.s. I do not represent this DVD or anything related to it. Anything read above is only my opinion, you’ll have to form your own!

Save Time…. Let’s talk hair!

upuntilnow — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:50:39 +0000

   Streamline your workout routine or morning sprint to work! I am inspired by a blogger who said she is so obsessed with her daily posts that she hasn’t washed her hair in 5 days! I could never manage that as my hair is fine and blonde, so it gets oily after just one day. With KMS Makeover spray I can go 2-3 days without shampooing my hair!!! I know you’re wondering if that means I skip the shower? Honest truth, maybe one day here or there, but usually I just skip the shampoo and wash the rest. If I workout I never skip of course! Lately I am working out so frequently that i need to shower at whatever time of day fits my workout… leaving me little time for shampooing and the blow dry flat-iron or curling that follows!
   Spritz this powdery spray into your roots at the scalp lifting sections throughout your head while holding the bottle about 5 inches away. The powder is white but as long as you don’t overdo the amount of product you use it will absorb the oils in your hair and disappear quickly! It feels cool on your scalp and the scent in very light and fresh. My hair feels refreshed, thicker and fuller immediately after use. My hair with Makeover Spray is the best hair day I ever have!! This is absolutely worth the $18ish dollars it costs, be sure to buy it in a hair salon so you know it’s authentic! www.kmscalifornia.com for store locations and product information.
P.s. I don’t represent this product, I’m just a loyal follower! You’ll have to decide for yourself!

Sleepy eyed Anchorage, AK

upuntilnow — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:59:48 +0000

A wide eyed good morning in Anchorage, AK

upuntilnow — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:59:07 +0000

The city was waking as I got ready for an enjoyable day of shopping (no complaints!) i thought the view from my hotel window was a beautiful angle of downtown Anchorage… I enjoyed the day browsing Nordstrom, Kohls, Target, Gap, Costco. I love Costco…. from a multitude of organic food choices to a huge birthday cake for my brothers 18th birthday at only $17.99 I always leave with a full cart and fill the back of our car at the last moment before driving back home (3 hours away). This is the closest Costco and we make a trip of it often!
I have to report to you on Mascara…. I’ve eluded to letting you in on my favorites but wanted to price check first. I love Dior ‘Diorshow’ waterproof mascara (www.Nordstrom.com,$24) in black. It has a fat brush and I am convinced that a fat brush makes 75% of the product so excellent. Another good choice is Benefit Bad Gal Lash ($19, www.Macys.com). If the price tag scares you I have found a suitable option at an amazing price from the drugstore. Cover Girl Lash Blast in Very Black (Costco, 13.99 for a 3 PACK! or individually around $8 at a drugstore near you) I find my lashes aren’t quite as thick and full, but close. I hope you find success in these the way I have. Let me know your favorites!

East coast shares snow with Northwest

upuntilnow — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:54:33 +0000

If you are walking on the treadmill staring out the window of a Sheraton hotel to snow dumping from the sky, then you must be me. Ok, Alaska, I asked for winter and so you’re back! 29 degrees and snowing…. Yesterday my clients were talking about buying new bikes and today my husband is going to the Arctic Cat snowmobile shop. I think I’ll visit Nordstrom as it’s not too far to drive. We knew spring wasn’t really here but can one help but hope? I am glad, if it’s going to be winter let’s have it!
Here’s where I’m at: 194.5…. 50 minutes on the treadmill… Watermelon slices and a banana + English muffin + coffee for breakfast ( plus a dollop of strawberry yogurt if we’re being honest). More than normal and higher carbs than I should but the continental breakfast on the Club level was so lovely and enticing…. And I made the healthier choice of what was available. Justified?

At least the sun is out

upuntilnow — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:56:39 +0000

For a photo taken while driving, through a dirty car window, on my way to work, I think this still implies the beauty of my drive to work in Alaska. Hey February, April called and wants it’s weather back! Grass showing through the snow? If it’s winter, let it be winter! We love to snowmobile and it’s tough riding through puddles up to your knees. Well, at least the sun is shining! Always something to be thankful for.