Kenneth Cole Shoes + Food Journals

Kenneth Cole Shoes!

So, I understand that I have a shopping problem... But I consider it pretty much my only hobby these days :)  My hubby has Charger's football (season tickets), fishing, Duck's football games, hmmm... I know there are more!  But my favorite relaxing activity is SHOPPING!!!  I love vintage/thrift stores for unique items, and I love the outlets for beautiful pieces at crazy low prices!  Today I dusted, vacuumed, mopped the house, AND mowed my hugely overgrown lawn.  What a great productive workout!  So, while honey was at the Charger's game, off to the outlets I went.  I'm pretty happy to shop without purchasing, so I don't always bring home the huge bag of goodies like I did today :) 



Holiday Shoes XOXO

  I tried on shoes at Kenneth Cole in a size 10, wishing a lil wish... but really not expecting them to fit.  But slingbacks tend to be a bit forgiving :) and the others worked too.  Yay!
Incredibly, all three pairs you see here rang up to a grand total of $36.00.  No joke.  It was a 40% off sale on the clearance.  My lucky day!  If you live anywhere on the 10 freeway, head toward Palm Springs and stop by the Cabazon Outlets.  Amazing deals on end of season goods! 

I didn't think I would like the thick heel, but ladies they are SO EASY TO WALK IN!  My ankles can't handle skinny heels, and I really prefer platforms or wedges, but these are a close third!  So stoked ;)


 

Cuteness! 





I also got this cute little wallet at Liz Claiborne on another 60% off sale. 

FOOD JOURNALS

Ok, enough with the shopping, and seriously, I need to calm down with it. Besides shopping in my spare time, I'm also doing a 30 day fitness challenge and it's caused me to be more mindful about my body.  What I do with it, what I put into it.  All good stuff. 
So...Food Journal are the BOMB!  Just sayin.  If you have never tried one, start tomorrow.  Write down what you eat, what time, and approx. how much of it you ate.  Record your drinks, water, coffee, soda.  I'll put a day of mine up here sometime this week so you can see what it looks like.  You will be SHOCKED at what you're putting in your mouth!  I am always horrified to see how much processed food I'm eating and how my green veggies are lacking.  But I need to do it from time to time to get back on track.
If you need a good read, try "The Eat-Clean Diet" by Tosca Reno.  Her website is here:
http://www.eatcleandiet.com/
It's full of inspirational stories and Tosca Reno being amazing all over the place.  The concept of "clean eating" is something I think about a lot and strive to incorporate into my daily eats when I can.
That's it for tonight!  I'm off the prepare for the week.

Have a fabulous Monday :)
XOXO
Andrea

Fall Fashion+ Clean Lines + Size 11 Shoes

The military trend commands attention!



Sofft size 11 on ebay :)



I was browsing on Ann Taylor Loft website recently... Such gorgeous pieces!  but I have to say... I don't see myself wearing most of the looks.  Messy layers with belts on top, rumpled jeans shoved into boots.  Super cute on some people, not so much on me.  I feel undone and BULKY with all those layers.  And I'm all about comfort.  I LOVE the clean look of a men's shirt, maybe belted, little Audrey Hepburn pants and flats, but I can't do it.  The restricting feel of tailored shirts makes me crazy.  Am I the only weird one?  Is the rest of the world just suffering for fashion?

Fall Looks I love:

fitted top

ladylike jacket - military is the look this season  
slim pants w/o big bulky pockets

flats or BOOTS

slim leg jeans

oversized top w/belt - just one top, though!  I can't handle three tops and a sweater with a belt.  gigantasaurus!  Really, I feel constricted. 

A little sparkle peeking out from under a jacket, black trousers, pumps

Leggings with boots, tunic, double clasp belt, flat, over the knee boots

tissue thin, long swingy sweaters

Here's a Lane Bryant outfit that works... I would add a belt though...



Add a belt



http://www.lanebryant.com/plus-size-new-arrivals/plus-size-outfits/cowl-neck-is-it-ponte-legging-croco-trim-handbag/4000c4001e1303/index.ens?Mcatn=Outfits&Mcatpn=New+Arrivals&Mcatg=category_root&Mcatp=cat_4000%406000&Mcat=4001%406000



So simple!  Love it



http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/outfit.jsp?ensembleId=5051&N=1200024&pCategoryId=3362&categoryId=246&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_246&loc=TN

Ann Taylor Loft sizes go up to an 18 online, and their shoes to a size 11.  I find they have pretty true sizing, so a 12 works for me there...

I just purchased some boots, and pics will be coming soon... I now have far too many shoes, I'm sure over 50 pairs.  With a size 11, as a kid I could never find shoes.  I have some ugggggly pics of me from those days.  Now I can find 11's everywhere.  Ok, everywhere online!

Size 11 Shoes:

Target

Nordstrom

Steve Madden

Chinese Laundry -  I have some over the knee boots from this brand, amazing

Stuart Weitzman

Enzo Anglioni

Born - Some grama lookin stuff, but check the website http://borncrown.com/ and see the new stuff.  Amazingly comfortable.  I'm a teacher, so they have to be...

Clarks - Same thing.  Some fugly stuff, but their clogs are super comfy
Cole Haan - although I find their 11's to be a bit narrower than the norm

Nine West

Sofft



Use ebay as a resource for  shoes!  I try on shoes in the store, then order then online if I find a deal.  And now... I finally have those nude pumps I've been looking for all season!  Too bad I didn't have them for the summer when I really needed them... sigh... but I luv them :)



Fall Fashion Overview

I say... Clean Lines for all.  Limit the ruffles, cinch in at the waist, forgo the bulky pants for a slim line.  Who needs giant pocket flaps on their butt anyway?!

Peep toe, boots, flats, quality.



Don't do all the looks at once.  If you have ruffles, please don't do ruffles with a military jacket with big buttons, over the knee boots and  rumply boyfriend jeans.  Mostly, just don't do rumply boyfriend jeans.  I don't even like them on the little people.  Maybe because I used to wear them back in the day...

I'm a minimalist, generally.  More is more.. as in, it's too much.  Pick a piece, pick a theme, and stick with it.  Not a combo bohemian, military, ruffle thing.  I'm begging you.  Unless it's for Halloween.

So have fun browsing the gorgeous fall fashion.  Cuddly sweaters with slim leggings and boots... Military jackets with clogs? 

You decide, and enjoy!  I love me some ebay shoppin...

XOXO

Andrea

Don't Underestimate Your Influence

The Weight Room
Getting into the weight room today was a big reality check.  Seeing myself in all those mirrors, full length no less, motivated me more than ever to get back on the weights wagon.  I miss seeing muscle definition in my arms!  I miss lifting heavy ## and feeling strong.  Although my weight is steady, standing in front of those walls of mirrors reminded me of what once was... and could be again!  lol.  It's time for me to get back my muscles ;)

Influencing Others
Coaching again has been a really positive thing.  How many of us need a challenge, accountability, or both?!  My b.ball team looks to me to design their strength, skill and conditioning programs, so the least I can do is work on my own fitness as a positive example for them.

Saying NO to the Couch
How many of you are struggling with your weight/fitness level?  How many of you find excuses every day to stay in front of the TV with your kids or spouse, or even your pets?  Drop the excuses and get moving.  Each and every day you possibly can.  Living life to the fullest and knowing that others are watching YOU to see what you'll do, how you'll do it, and if you can manage to keep it all together.  Working out has been shown not only to offer amazing health benefits, but mental and psychological benefits as well.
So... what are you waiting for?

Get off that couch!
XOXO 
Andrea

30 Day Workout Challenge - Weekend Update!

Workout Update

Today was a great workout, hiking with the kids (dogs) in the hills, a little jog here and there, some intense inclines... I love being out in nature and it's so fun to see my hilarious workout partners running along side me :)  My basset hound, Toby, especially.  His ears are so long, and his legs are so short!  On to yoga/pilates in the form of Louis Solomon's Yoga and Pilates Total Body Toner.  Don't laugh!  I'm still sore from this video a few days back.  Even though I do lunges all the time, the pilates moves really burned my butt and hamstrings.  Love it.



Did any of you make it to this fabulous event?



Party eating and drinking

Last night I went to a GREAT party.  Red wine, sangria flowing... tequila shots in the kitchen and beer in the fridge!  It was in LA, and although I wanted to hit up Love Your Body Day while I was out there, my dear friend's 30th b.day won out for sure!  There were tacos and more tacos and everything good that goes with them.  Yum.  I enjoyed every bite I'm working out a little extra today to make up for it.

Halloween Costumes

Aren't they fun?!  The party last night was a 90's theme, so my husband and I were Bill Clinton and ... drumroll please... Monica Lewinsky!  There are some compromising photos of this that may or may not show up on facebook later ;)



Go Karen!



College Friends



A friend of mine from college was at the party and we had a chance to catch up.  She was one of (un)lucky ones to know me when I was a crazy compulsive eater and exerciser.  We talked about it last night, she remembers my midnight workouts, but sadly, we also remembered that my weirdness went unnoticed because many other girls we knew were dealing with more severe issues... lots of bulimia, extreme food restrictions, etc. within the college population.  So sad!  I hate to think that I was a part of that and even encouraging others to be unhealthy during those years :(  On a positive note, she is running in a half-marathon today, Go Karen!  Hopefully she'll leave a comment later and we can find out how it went for her.

Honesty on the Internet

I had this epiphany today about blogging.  I realized that I could be telling you anything!  Making up stuff about my workouts, eating ice cream while I write my blog... lol.  Ok, I'm not!  But I am a part of the 30 day challenge, and I did miss a workout yesterday.  OMG!  I wonder if they'll kick me out?!  Not only did I attend two parties, which also involved over 4 hours of driving, I didn't plan out my day well enough.  I waited to workout, and then my husband needed help at work... and that was it!  We were two hours late to our first party and barely made it on time to LA.  I actually considered trying to workout when I got home at 1 am.  But I realized it was a. already tomorrow and b. completely nuts. 

Whatev... Don't those just sound like EXCUSES?  They do to me, too!  So that's the confession of the day, and it's back on track for the upcoming week :)

Dangerous Work Environments

I have had a plugged right ear since the beginning of the month.  It has been frustrating, painful, and generally a nuisance through multiple dr. appointments and lots of drugs (antibiotics, steroids...)  I work in an old, moldy portable classroom, and I believe that the possibility my ear issue is being caused by mold is HIGH.  I found out Friday that I'm one of three teachers with the same problem, ongoing, at the school.  I'm not sure who's going to address it, but this week we are going have to tackle the problem.  This is my first year in this classroom, so it makes sense it's just now hitting me.  Hopefully that means it's a problem that can be solved!  My last visit with the ENT was NOT encouraging, so this gives me hope the problem can be reversed and I can get my hearing, balance and SANITY back soon!  Wish me luck.

Cheers to another week of FITNESS!  What's your GOAL this week???

XOXO

Andrea

 

Day 3 Workout Challenge!

30 Day Fitness Challenge Update!!

• Day 1 - Stationary Bike
• Day 2 - Weights
• Day 3 - Walk, Lunges, Abs

Ladies!  Now listen up Workout Warriors, you are going on a 30 day adventure of fitness starting right now!
A word of caution for those who are doing this for the first time ever...

• START OFF WITH A PLAN
• BE REALISTIC AND MODERATE
• DON'T INJURE YOURSELF!!! 

If you are concerned about your feet, joints, or old injuries, try some of the following low impact exercises:
swimming
stationary bike
yoga
elliptical machine
walking
pilates
rowing machine
In my great excitement of starting a new program... I have time and time again tried to make myself into a RUNNER.  I'm not a runner!  Two weeks in I usually have some knee flare-ups and I have to take a total break from exercise.  Don't be like me :)  Start out slow/moderate and work up to your more, um, ambitious endeavors.  Trust me on this one.

XOXO
Good Luck :)
Andrea

Doctor Visits and Setbacks

     I've been complaining and overall kind of whiny for a couple weeks about my earache/sinuses etc.  I went to my 3rd dr. appointment this evening, finally an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist because I've had sinus surgery in the past... His idea?  Oh, there's no infection, so maybe I just lost my hearing.  all of a sudden.  just cuz. So he wanted me to schedule a hearing test.  and he wanted to send me home... Whaaa?  

      Not so fast!  I have learned in the past few years of various doctor's appointments and misdiagnoses (is that a word, anyone?) not to leave the appointment without clearly communicating what I need to say. Even if I have to pull out my notes.  Which I do... Doctors are in a hurry, and we have to be proactive (demanding?) to get what we need!
A more likely scenario  for my issue is a chronic inflammation, which is causing a loud rushing sound, pain, pressure, and other icky things.  Needless to say, it's torture in a classroom with 40 noisy students all day.  Three different doctors, four meds.  So now it's on to prednizone, which is an anti-inflammatory, Flo-nase, Azithromyacin, and a decongestant.  I HATE taking meds, so this is hard for me, but the Doc assures me that once I get the swelling down, I can take steps to keep this from happening again. 

     It's scary to think about losing my hearing, so I'm willing right now to do just about whatever he says.. But I'm still going to research a bit more and see what foods have natural anti-inflammatory qualities.  I don't want to EVER get stuck like this for weeks at a time again... It's certainly messing with my fitness goals and productivity!  I hate to admit it, but I'm going to have to get serious about this before it gets any worse :( 
      In other fun news, Doc stuck a lighted tube up into my sinuses and shoved it around for a bit.  I don't recommend it... not even a lil bit.
     How does this affect my fitness goals?  First off, I can't put my head toward the ground = no pushups.  Other than that, I plan to sit on the stationary bike tonight and do some ab work to kick off the first day of my 30 day fitness challenge!  Join me!  I'm keeping track of my weight and I'll let you know if it changes now that I'm going to be an every-day-exerciser :)

Yup, I'm a winner :)

XOXO
Andrea

Meeting my Goals :)

Hi Ladies - Hope you had a wonderful weekend!  I know I did :)  Relaxing at the campground pool in Arizona, maxin' and relaxin' as my friend Lisa likes to say...

On my way to Arizona!

Ahhhh yesss...

Just me and the snowbirds!  Retirement campground lol

Here are some updates...

Workout Goals:

I've been working on upping my activity level, but it's time to shock my body back into shape one day at a time... for 30 days in a row!  I've committed to being active for 30 consecutive days, starting bright and early tomorrow.  I'm hoping I can get my brain trained to expect it!  Lucky me - I got the keys to the school weight room :)  So get ready for blogs about weights, reps, and getting sore! 
What about you, would you commit to 10, 20, or even 30 days in a row of physical activity? 

Food Goals:

A couple weeks ago I committed to digging out the old cookbooks and making real food.  Sitting around eating Cheetos for dinner does not a fit girl make!  My husband did the hunter/gatherer thing and brought home several quail.  Butter, red wine, consomme... and QUAIL!  Delicious.  A side of rice and two little quail breasts made for a fab dinner.  Amazing how rich, quality food satisfies in such small amounts!  Don't be afraid of beautiful food.  Savor it and appreciate how amazing it is, knowing you can eat a salad later to get your greens, drink water instead of soda, and save your calories for something you love.  The more you respect and love your food, the less likely you'll be to abuse it!  Come to think of it... that sounds like a good quote for a lot of stuff in life :)  Have a lovely week.

XOXO
Andrea

Add WEIGHTS to your workout

After a week of being sick and lame, I've decided to ignore my still slightly sore ear infection and move on!  A little more sleep may be needed, but most of last weekend I laid around resting and being bored.  It doesn't suit me, and now my back is sore.  So that's it!  I've decided: no more sickness for me.  I just hope my body is listening :) 
Monday's Workout:
A few drills with the girls at b.ball practice
50 lunges
brisk 35 min. walk (2+ miles)
20 plies with 10# in each hand (plee-ays if you're not familiar with ballet)
3 sets of 10 curls on each arm (biceps)
3 sets of 10 overhead press (shoulders)
3 sets of 10 triceps extensions
Stretching....
Here's the key ladies, your PACING.  I alternate exercises with NO REST between sets.  Your heart rate will be through the roof and you'll burn so many more calories.
I combined curls with the overhead press, for a total of 6 sets, alternating between exercises
Lunges were alternating legs, 2 sets of 25
I alternated the plies with the triceps extension, which by the way I used ONE 10# weight and held it with both hands.

WHY you may ask, are my weights so LOW?  I've been off for a week, I feel borderline well from my ear infection, and I haven't done much upper body work in the past 3 weeks because of back pain.  SO although I know I could push it, I'm easing in gently.
Last night my back seized up a bit, so I iced in bed, laid on my towel roll (more about that later) and felt 10X better today.  I have to be more consistent with my weights or my back will never forgive me.  The farther you fall out of shape, the harder it is to get back... so don't let it slide!  I'm struggling with that right now.


Eat your pizza!

Today I didn't do any exercise at all.  Not a thing!  Worked all day, quick 30 min nap, then back to school for parent/teacher conferences.  Home at 8pm.  Cleaning the house, feeding the dogs, etc. etc.  The great thing is that I can relax and be ok about taking the day off from exercise.  I no longer feel compelled to get out and run around the neighborhood in the dark, just so I don't miss ONE workout!  Thank goodness for that :)  I hope you feel the same freedom to be well and balanced.
Work out hard and eat well,
XOXO
Andrea

Healthy on the Inside

So... after going out to eat at a steakhouse and ordering a salad (good job, me!),  I came home feeling pretty solid and positive about my eating choices for the evening.  After my own little personal success, I sat down to read a great article from Venus Diva Magazine.  In this article, the author receives bad news from the doctor and decides to take ownership of her health because of it. She realizes that her health isn't something she can take for granted.  I encourage you to read the article at:

http://dailyvenusdiva.com/2010/10/its-time-to-talk-about-the-big-o-and-the-big-d/
I'm so glad to see that there are other ladies out there supporting the same cause I support with all my heart - living healthy at any size!  ...Loving yourself enough to take good responsibility to ensure you'll be around for years to come.  What could be more important? 

Gaining and losing weight are hard on the body, and so is eating lots of sugary, processed foods.  Getting healthy doesn't have to be focused on "getting skinny" or fitting into those stupid "skinny jeans" you read about when celebrities pop out a baby or two, and then brag about fitting back into the elusive "skinny jeans" two weeks later.  or whatever.  The motivation should be on health, strength, functionality, longevity... not "skinny jeans".  Bleh.  I know, it's a style.  My students wear them :)  but don't you feel irritated when you hear celebrities talk about them?  As if most of them have any other kind of jeans?  I doubt it!

But I digress... Let's talk about your weekly goals for overall healthy living and fitness. 
Here are mine to get you started:
Walk the doggies 4X
Abs 4X - 100 bicycle crunches
Do 250 lunges between now and Thursday
Lift weights on Thursday with the basketball team

And after that, I'm not sure.  I'm still fighting my ear infection, so if it keeps hanging around, I may have to adjust a bit.  I can't believe how long it's been bothering me.  Booooo!  On one hand, I can't hear out of my right ear very well.  But on the up-side, I can't hear out of my right ear very well!  This can be a plus in the classroom when I turn my (semi) deaf ear to the children's irritating back talk!  haha.  I can hear the students yelling at whomever is trying to complain to me, "Hey!  She can't hear you, stupid!"  And I smile a little smile... 12th graders can be so fun sometimes.

How are your goals coming along?  You can't reach 'um if you don't make 'um.  Maybe your goal has to do with eating 5 servings of greens a day (harder), or cutting down on your soda intake(easier). Those are great goals, too!  Perhaps you want to add 10 minutes to your daily walk, or try walking just 10 minutes a day to get started.  Whatever you do, keep it manageable and measurable.  Give yourself a schedule, checklist, something to stay accountable.  This blog helps me be accountable to myself and you, whomever you may be!  If I've said it, or written it, I feel more compelled to follow through.  So I encourage you to do the same, write down your goals and you'll be more likely to take care of business...
So that's it for tonight, off to finish the laundry and go to bed :)

XOXO
Andrea

Are you Investing in Yourself?

     So I've been sick this week, nothing special or dramatic, just sick.  Trying to keep up with work, coaching, working out and eating right is really challenging when all I want to do is crawl into bed.  I have eaten take out too much, missed my veggie goals quite frequently, and basically just tried to drag myself into work and make it happen.

   

    It's hard for me to slow down.  For you incredibly busy ladies with multiple kids, activities, work, family obligations... I know it's hard to take time to care for yourself.  But if you don't, and you're anything like me, you'll end up getting run down and offering less and less of yourself to those around. 

     So although this time around, I'm not sick because I neglected myself... it's still a reminder to slow down once in awhile and check my goals/priorities/commitments. 

• Is my life in balance today? 
• Have I blocked out some "me time" in my busy day or week? 
• Am I dealing with emotional and/or stress issues that have come up recently?

     I don't care if it sounds selfish, or you are surrounded by people who push you to do more (for them) all the time, only YOU can take care of YOU. 

     No one else can be relied upon to fill up all your needs, insecurities or substitute for what you are lacking.  Your spiritual, physical and emotional needs must all three be addressed or you will find yourself feeling unfulfilled and out of balance.  If you need to work on some issues, then do it.  No one can but you, and the sooner you accept your responsibility, the sooner you can claim your success.  It's hard work, but for me, it's been worth it so far.

Be Well and Find your Balance,
XOXO
Andrea

Are you being STUBBORN about EXERCISE?



Adventures in the Great Outdoors!

  I AM stubborn at times about my exercise, not gonna lie!  But I also DO care very much about keeping my HEALTH factor high.  Unfortunately, I have many friends and family members who don't... Don't like to, don't want to, don't care, don't want to hear about it... Is that you?  I am SUPER CONCERNED about the many beautiful women who say, "I'm big, I'm proud, and don't you try to change me!"  all the while they are cheating their families and loved ones out of their presence in the future by living unhealthily (is that a word?) NOW!  That upsets me.. and here's why.       If you read my last post, you know that my dad passed away from cancer a few years ago.  I wish with all my heart he was still here today.  Even though he lived a mostly healthy life, cancer still claimed him before his 60th birthday.  Knowing that he tried his best to be active and healthy helped us understand that he did what he could do.  BUT! 

• How does the smoker feels when he/she finds out about the lung cancer? 
• How does the compulsive over-eater feel when diabetes creeps up on them? 
• How does it feel to know that health problems may be lurking around the corner?

 Now I know that there are unavoidable health issues, obviously, I just used my dad's example... But if there is something you can do, reasonably, shouldn't you make an effort to be around a little longer for the ones you love?  Don't you want to LIVE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST?  It's selfish to claim your right to unhealthy living when you know your family loves you and needs you. 

WHAT ABOUT ALL THE ADVENTURES YOU COULD BE MISSING OUT ON!?! 

When I'm eating nasty processed food 24/7 I don't feel like doing ANYTHING...at. all.  Doesn't matter how much the scale says, I'm being unhealthy and I feel like sh**  Feel me?  I know you do...

When I'm so out of shape I can't go hiking and enjoy myself on a beautiful day... I'm CHEATING myself out of a life experience.  Feel me?  you do... I know you do!

so what are you gonna do about it???

LOVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TO BE GOOD TO YOURSELF!

a lil bit of tough love,
XOXO
Andrea

Food Memories and Musings

     I am watching Julie and Julia tonight, and am loving every moment.  As an adult who grew up with beautiful food and discovery, I appreciate the creation and and consumption of fabulous food.  I'm getting hungry watching!  But more importantly, I'm noticing how far I've fallen away from my former ways of cooking and experimenting.  Work has taken much of my interest and energy elsewhere, but I'm convinced I must try at least once a week to make something beautiful.  I need to feel I'm creating something of quality to put into my body.  On the other hand, I know that whatever I do in the kitchen will be mine entirely to do, and sometimes it seems less like creating and more like work.  Do I really have the time? 
     My father was a foodie, and he and I experimented with all types of vegetarian fare, desserts, and breads when I was in high school and lived at home.  I rarely ate meat, and spent a few years sugar/white flour free in my teen years.  Lots of creative brown rice, a gorgeous broccoli/tofu/cashew dish served over greens with a homemade dill cream dressing...   sigh.... I feel so sentimental about it. 
     My father was a pastry chef, a restaurant man for life.  Such a difficult and sometimes heartbreaking industry.  Hopes and dreams wrapped up in little pastries and hot cups of black coffee ;)  We had a bakery when I was young, lines out the door in the morning waiting for our freshly baked bread.  When the grocery stores began offering in-store bakeries, we were done.  Closed doors, moving on.  But dad and I bonded over little cafes, McMenamin's in Portland, OR, mom and pop restaurants like The Otis Cafe on the shady, winding road to the Oregon Coast, with their breads and delicious crumbly pies.  He's gone now, passed away from cancer a few years ago.  I used to have a roommate who was an adventurous foodie, Amy, who explored Ethiopian, French, and specialty beer with me.  But I've since moved, and I haven't found a foodie to fill in for Dad, or Amy, and I feel terribly lost in suburbia with awful bland food and no one to explore with me. 
     Where I live now, food discoveries are few and far between.  Horrible chain restaurants with their happy hours, sticky menus, and grilled chicken salads covered in awful dressings.  Give me a thick chunk of bread at Papa Hayden's with a slab of butter and a vegetarian sandwich with crispy onion strings inside.  Finish with some fabulous rich chocolate and a perfect little white ceramic cup of coffee.  I hope I dream about it tonight.  My food memories are so interwoven into my life.  I need to revisit the joy of creating something beautiful and giving myself a moment to enjoy it.  Rush, rush, rush, and before you know it I'm eating Progresso Light out of a pop-top can at lunch without heating it.  Yes, I really do that.  Shameful!

Love you Dad!  I miss our food outings so much...

     I began to cook meat only a few years ago, when I married my carnivorous husband :)  I was forced to feed him flesh!  Aargh!  He recalls my first chicken dish cooked in red wine.  Purple Chicken, he calls it.  My dear roommate Amy cooked it beautifully, but when I tried... it was indeed, purple.  But I've adjusted, and even eat seafood now.  I even COOK seafood!  I never thought the day would come. I've experienced gourmet meals at beautiful restaurants because my husband took me on dates, and have tried many adventurous foods I would never have been brave enough to consume before. (hello alligator chowder!)  So I owe to both my father and my husband many thanks for broadening my food horizons. 
     I hereby promise, to myself, to you, and to my husband, that I will dig out my huge collection of cookbooks and make an effort to reconnect to another part of myself I've lost the past few years.  No, I won't be going on a year-long food odyssey of 500+ recipes, but at the very least I can recreate a little bit of Portland in my own kitchen and make new foodie memories of my own. 
As Julia Child would say, of course, Bon Appetit!
XOXO
Andrea

Weekend Activities that keep you ACTIVE

  Bowling is Exercise, Too...(right?)    

   This morning I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the things I had to do around the house.  I got started on my housework, then took a moment and read a comment from my cousin-in-law, Tanya.  She said, "I went on a walk/run this morning!"  and you know, just from reading that one little comment, I threw on my shoes, grabbed my dogs and hit the road.  Thanks, Tanya!  I hope if you are reading this blog you will feel the sudden urge to get out and get active, too!  And if you do, let me know.  It helps me, too.


I just bowled a 130!



April is trying to beat my score :)



     Tonight I went bowling with my husband and his sister.  Fun!  I bowled a 130, and that's up there with Christmas, Mother Teresa and Saint something-or-other on the miracle scale.  All three of us are former college basketball players, so we get a little competitive.  Here are a couple pics, although my husband was being difficult, about getting his taken, so no pictures of him!   Get out there and have fun ;)

Have a great weekend Ladies!

    

                                               XOXO  Andrea







Exercise Modifications and Functional Fitness

Functional Fitness Friday :)  Happy Friday Everyone!
     When I used to teach cardio kickboxing fitness classes, my class members represented every body type imaginable.  We talked a lot about modifying exercises to fit our needs, and my 50-something ladies still kicked butt!  Right now I'm not teaching classes or personal training sessions any longer, but I design a daily PE class for young women as well as conditioning workouts and skills practice.  I have athletes of all sizes, so they need tailored workouts for their specific function on the basketball court and their individual needs.  Let's talk about some practical things you can do to make a workout work for you, too.

Traditional Exercise    Modified Exercise           Why it Works for You
Crunches                    Plank                                 Reduced neck stress
Walking Lunges        Stationary Lunges            Knee stability, attention to form
Running                      Walking/Cycling sprints   Reduced joint impact, great cardio!
Push-Ups                   Push-Up to the Wall         Reduced back, shoulder, knee pressure

     The Plank - go here for a demo, and make sure you don't let your back swaaaayyyyy:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/exercises.asp?exercise=7 

     For a stationary lunge, lower down into a traditional lunge position, with your back knee near the floor, but not touching.  Check your forward leg to make sure you do not push your knee forward of your toe.  Aim for a 90 degree angle.  Rise up and down, keeping your back straight.  Switch legs.  2 sets of 10 is a good place to start if you haven't done lunges before.  Otherwise, push it to three sets of 10 on each leg.  You can always add hand weights later ;)


http://women.webmd.com/family-health-9/slideshow-7-most-effective-exercises

     Walking or cycling using sprints can be an amazing workout.  Give yourself a goal, such as one sprint for every 5th minute.  Sprint that 5th minute, then slow to a moderate (not slow) pace for the next 4 minutes.  Repeat.  I suggest starting off with 20 minutes, but depending on your fitness level, you may need to adjust the time up or down.  You'll be amazed how your cardio function will improve without damaging your joints!

     Push-ups against the wall are done just how you'd imagine.  Find a wall, place your hands in front of your shoulders, and lower your face toward the wall.  The effect isn't the same as a push-up, but it's a good place to start building strength.  As you get stronger, you can more to the floor for a modified push-up (on your knees), and then to a full push-up if you are really strong :)  Tighten your abs to keep your back supported.

    
No matter your fitness level TODAY, there is always something you can do to give yourself a better TOMORROW :) 

Be Strong!
XOXO
Andrea