Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Food Depraved
Do you ever get cravings? I do a lot, and they seem to happen even more now that I am trying to be healthy. I am like my stepfather in that once I start thinking about a food I cant stop, and no other thoughts seem to be able to permeate my brain until I eat the food. And the food ranges from fruit to sweets to salty things, it really doesn't matter. This is my true weakness, and something that I struggle with on a daily basis, and I know that this is the reason that I can't lose the weight. No matter how much I run or work out, it doesn't matter since I cant seem to control my eating habits. What can I say I LOVE food. I get that I have a problem, and its something I am working on. However, this is a really hard thing to overcome, especially since we are surrounded by food all day everyday. Did you know you make over 200 food related decisions on a daily basis? That's a lot, more than I was even aware of. Which makes overcoming a dependency on food a difficult challenge. I am reading a great book, that is helping me work through my issues with food and helping me realized that I am worth more than that corn dog or ice sandwich. Is this something you deal with? Leave me a comment on how you deal.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Workout of the Week!
How'd you do with the front to back kicks last week? I ended up with 1500 kicks, and I am pretty proud of that! So this week are going to switch it up a little bit. This weeks workout is side planks but instead of trying to accomplish 1,000 reps we are going to try and do 1,000 seconds worth. Meaning that each time you do a side plank you time how long you hold it for and over the course of the week try to aim for 1,000.
Here is proper form, try to alternate between right and left side each time,
Here is proper form, try to alternate between right and left side each time,
You can do this! You can do anything, because your awesome!!
Friday, February 22, 2013
February Organization(3)
Welcome back to February organization. Today we are going to talk about bathrooms! I have a small bathroom, but I actually love it so that makes up for its size.
As you can see the room is very white (not my choice) with pink accents (also not my choice). I will give you guys an in depth look as everything just like always.
So this is inside my shower. I prefer to keep everything looking polished and organized so I have two corner organizers. |
Under my sink I have a large drawer that is divided into two long compartments. I keep all of my travel bags as well as more "Extras". As well as anything that I don't use often. |
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Workout of the Week!
I bet ya'll are so excited to see what the workout of the week is!! I wont draw out the anticipation, this weeks workout is Front to Back kicks. That means throw a front kick and then still facing forward kick your leg out backwards. Try to these as fast as you can yet still keep proper form.
So as you can see we're going to kick some butt this week!
I hope you guys got to 1,000 leg lifts last week, I admit that I only got to 800 but I gave it my all and those 800 were awesome.
Hope you guys are enjoying the shortened work week!!
Laters!
So as you can see we're going to kick some butt this week!
I hope you guys got to 1,000 leg lifts last week, I admit that I only got to 800 but I gave it my all and those 800 were awesome.
Hope you guys are enjoying the shortened work week!!
Laters!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Hail to the Chief.....
Happy Presidents Day!!!!
|
Saturday, February 16, 2013
A Little Saturday Follie
Today is Saturday, as if you didn't already know. I, dear reader, am laying in bed as I write this. Why you might ask? Because I can I say. I have been up, gotten dressed and even been to the store, but I simply have little to no energy to do anything other than lay in bed, read, watch movies, work on some school stuff, and of course blog. What movies am I watchin you ask, well right now I am watchin Pride & Prejudice ( a little romantic for my taste but I love to look at Mr. Darcy, what a dish!!). Before that I was watching Talladaga nights and next I plan to pop in Sucker Punch. A very eclectic afternoon, and I plan to become one with my bed sheets as the afternoon progresses. I hope your Saturday is as relaxing as mine is!!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Febuary Organization (2)
Lets talk about organization again today. Shelving is a wonderful way to "kill two birds with one stone" as they say. Not only do they add some extra space to the area but they can also be decorative. For my room I have four shelves, I got them from Ikea (Ikea is my go-to place for large ticket items, their products are made for small spaces and can save you a lot of money)
So I have four shelves all white, held up by four white brackets (that came with the shelves). They offer me space and also add a bit of dimension to the room. Before I had just simply books on these shelves, but I needed more space so I packed up almost of those and moved things around a bit. One Two of the shelves I now have movies:
On this shelf I also have a picture of SafeCo field; home of the Seattle Mariners which I visited back in August. I also have my Thor hat and a postcard from Paris. |
One of the top shelves hold all of my favorite books, mostly series.
This also has some of my Giraffes, my Venetian mask. As well as a box that hold all kinds of travel articles about places I want to visit someday. |
The final shelf hold all of my Makeup books and my pallets, I don't use these very often so having them out of the way of my everyday things has really cut down on my clutter.
I also have a basket that holds all of my nail polish. That large picture in the back is of old Yankee Stadium, a gift from my sister one year for Christmas. |
As you can tell, I am making use of my limited amount of space and my shelves are helping me do so. I have changed these babies up quiet a bit in the past couple of weeks, but I think this is the way I like them the best. Hope you guys found this helpful!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Recipe of the Week
So this weeks recipe is Sweet Deviled Eggs! Eggs are vital to a healthy diet and provide so many different benefits:
Ingredients:
Now the original recipe calls for onions, but I don't like onions so I omitted them, I also added less honey since I didn't want it to be so sweet. Overall I really like this recipe, although it was still a bit sweet for me, but I offset this by sprinkling a bit more paprika on top. If your craving deviled eggs this a healthy and yummy alternative.
Steph's Tidbits:
- One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality proteins and 9 amino acids
- One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat
- Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D
- They are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system
- May help prevent cancer
Ingredients:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- 6 teaspoons Greek Yogurt
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Chili powder
Hard-boil your eggs |
Cut the eggs in half length wise |
Scoop out the yokes and combine all the ingredients. Mix together with a fork |
Spoon back into the whites. sprinkle with chili powder |
Steph's Tidbits:
- I really loved this weeks episode of Face-off!! The giants were so cool and I am super excited for Jack the Giant slayer movie now!
- Still enjoying my green smoothies!!
- My cats have been going crazy lately, I think they might have Spring Fever :)
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
E.L.F. Tuesday
You guys know about my obsession with makeup right? I love makeup, and I love a good deal. So when E.L.F (Eyes. Lips. Face.) sent me an email with 50% off I was all over that, like flies on honey!.
I usually purchase E.L.F stuff from my Target, but they don't have a wide selection and they very rarely get new things in. ELF is a cheap makeup brand but in no way does that say anything about their quality. I love their makeup brushes, and for $1 or $3 you can buy as many as you want and not feel bad about throwing them away if they get damaged. I absolutely love their packaging, everything comes in these drawstring bags, which keeps everything together so its not sliding all around the box. They always run some sort of special online, like buy $25 get free shipping, or purchase this and we will add this onto your order at no extra charge. And I do love me some free stuff!!
So when I made this order they added the little black book of beauty collection for free. So I got a lot of stuff with this order, here's a run-down:
- 6 Lipsticks
- Classy
- Voodoo
- Flirtatious
- Sociable
- Charming
- So Chill
- 1 Lip gloss
- Hope
- 1 Matte Lip color
- Tea Rose
- 1 Liquid Eyeliner
- 1 Mascara
- Lengthening and defining
- 1 HD blush
- Superstar
- 1 Baked Bronzer
- St. Lucia
- 1 Eyelid primer
- 2 False Lashes
- Natural
- Dramatic
- Lotion Wipes
- 2 Brushes
- 1 Brush Shampoo
- 2 little black book of beauty pallets
- Cool
- Warm
As you can see, a ton of stuff. So far I am loving all of it! Like I said they are always running specials and their products are so great. Sometimes with higher end makeup, I don't use it as often because I don't want to use it up quickly, simply because it costs so much to replace. With this brand you don't have to worry about that, use it as often as you want, and then spend the $3 to replace it. And you can't beat a good deal!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Workout of the Week
Happy Monday Y'all. Scratch that there is nothing happy about a Monday, especially one where I wake up and its raining, and cold, and gloomy. Yuck. I hope your week has started better than mine. Well I plan to make it a better day than it started, first order of business, the workout of the week!
This weeks exercise is Leg lifts. These little babies work your thighs, calfs, and give your abs a workout to scream about (after 100 you just might be screamin). They are a great lower body workout.
This weeks exercise is Leg lifts. These little babies work your thighs, calfs, and give your abs a workout to scream about (after 100 you just might be screamin). They are a great lower body workout.
Make sure to keep you lower back anchored to the ground and your palms flat for extra stability. Point those toes for an extra stretch through your calves.
Get goin, you only have 100 to do today and you'll be done before you know it!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
And Then There's That...
Oh man have I been struggling to stay on top of everthing this week. We had a huge snowstorm here on the East Coast on Friday, which means that the kids were home for most of the day. And while I love them, it is seriously tough to get things done when they are all over the place. So there were no pictures taken of the recipe of the week, so I will save that gloriousness for next week! Other than the massive amounts of snow we are now sporting here in NY, I have been busy keeping up with my homework and exercise. I did 5,000 jumping jacks this week, how many did you end up doing?
Steph's Tidbits:
Steph's Tidbits:
- It was really cold for my run yesterday, so I only did 1.5 miles outside and the other 2.0 miles on the treadmill. I am not sure why but running on the tredmill always seems a lot harder for me to finish.
- I went through all of my old school stuff yesterday and I have to say, I have a serious problem with throwing things out. I have one of those "I might need this someday" complex.
- One of the classes I am taking this semester is Astronomy. It is so fascinating and I am enjoying learning all about the stars, moons and planets.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Feburay is Organization Month
Each week in the month of February(and perhaps some of March as well) I am going to dedicate one post to getting organized. Now, I don't feel all that qualified to be doling out advice on how to do things but I will tell you this, I am obsessed with organization. I feel like if my things are unorganized then my life is unorganized so I devote alot of time (perhaps too much time) to making sure everything is in its proper place. I am also always looking for ways to maximize my use of space since, as you will see, I have a limited amount of space and WAY too much stuff.
Here are some general organization tips I have:
So this week I am focusing on my desk, or work area. Now you don't have to do exactly what I did but I want to show you guys since this is the way it works for me and perhaps you will get some ideas! Below are pictures of this space, hopefully I will have some videos to upload soon. Enjoy!
Hope you guys found this useful. A organized space can lead to a less stressful life, and lets face it we all could use more time, if you don't have to search for things or spend a ton of time putting things away, you just might give yourself some extra time!
Laters!!!
*UPDATE 2/11/2012
Over the weekend I changed somethings up on my desk area
Here are some general organization tips I have:
- Always be on the look out for something you could use as an organization tool. I have found some of the best things for my room in the Kitchen section, or bathroom section of stores. You never know when something will just fit!
- Gauge your space first, and then the things you want to put in it. Look at your desk drawers, or closet and focus on how you want it to look, then figure out how much, and what kind of stuff you want to fit in that space.
- Make it easy to use. If its hard to put your things into, you wont put them away. So make the area accessible.
- Label everything, it will help cut down on clutter and provide everyone a reference for where things belong.
- Ziplock bags are great for keeping small things together. Plastic ties (like the ones found on sandwich bags) can be used to keep the cords of electronics from getting tangled and out of the way. The pop tops from soda cans can be a great way to create extra space in your closet. Tools can come from things you already have.
So this week I am focusing on my desk, or work area. Now you don't have to do exactly what I did but I want to show you guys since this is the way it works for me and perhaps you will get some ideas! Below are pictures of this space, hopefully I will have some videos to upload soon. Enjoy!
My Desk setup. The desk is from Ikea and has two drawers. The chair is from Walmart. On the top of my desk I keep my computer, a desk lamp, a set of coasters and a small organizer. |
Keeping my school things organized can be a challenge, but I keep everything in a bucket under my desk. |
The other drawer I keep all of my school things in as well as some grooming tools |
I use a small desk organizer on top of my desk to keep things I use often. You can find things like this in the organization or school supplies section of major stores. |
Hope you guys found this useful. A organized space can lead to a less stressful life, and lets face it we all could use more time, if you don't have to search for things or spend a ton of time putting things away, you just might give yourself some extra time!
Laters!!!
*UPDATE 2/11/2012
Over the weekend I changed somethings up on my desk area
I replaced the organizer that was here with the mirror I use to put my makeup on, and my small ring holder. And of course my Eiffel tower bank! |
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Back to Regularly Scheduled Programming...
I know I am a little behind schedule this week, but that's because I had my BIG test yesterday (which I will tell you all about a little later). So lets do some catching up.
Work out of the week: Jumping Jacks.
Okay so remember when I said if I pulled out a workout that was easy to do then, I tried to do more than 1,000 a week? Well this is one of those exercises. Jumping Jacks are super easy, even if you are a bit heavier (like me) you can complete 100 in about 1 minute. I do 1,000 of these every day, think about it in a simpler form, 1,000 is only 10-100. Which means that if you do 100 ten times during the day, you will have done 1,000 already! And as a reward in seven days you will have burned 3,500 calories, that equals one pound!! You can do it!
Recipe of the week- Coming in a later post in the week.
Okay so lets talk about the test. Yesterday I took the CLEP: Natural Science. I was told about it, about 3 weeks ago, because I am one class short of eligibility to graduate at the end of this semester, I needed a science class to graduate. My advisor suggested that I take this test because it would give me more than enough credits. I borrowed a bunch of CLEP books from the Library, and utilized any study resources that I could find online. I studied, utilizing about 400+ note cards. This test was hard, I knew that going into it. Science is not my best subject, not by a long shot, but I was going to give it my all and at least try. And I am glad I did, otherwise I would have always wondered if I could. The test is graded much like the SATs in which your Raw score is converted into a sliding score between 20 and 80. My school required a 50 to recieve credit for the class. I got a...... 49 bum bum bummm. I know, it totally sucks, but you know what I am ok with it. It doesn't change the fact that I am going to graduate, it just changes when and that's not a big deal. I am glad I took it, but I am doubly glad that its over, it was so stressful to try and do everything;
Work out of the week: Jumping Jacks.
Okay so remember when I said if I pulled out a workout that was easy to do then, I tried to do more than 1,000 a week? Well this is one of those exercises. Jumping Jacks are super easy, even if you are a bit heavier (like me) you can complete 100 in about 1 minute. I do 1,000 of these every day, think about it in a simpler form, 1,000 is only 10-100. Which means that if you do 100 ten times during the day, you will have done 1,000 already! And as a reward in seven days you will have burned 3,500 calories, that equals one pound!! You can do it!
Recipe of the week- Coming in a later post in the week.
Okay so lets talk about the test. Yesterday I took the CLEP: Natural Science. I was told about it, about 3 weeks ago, because I am one class short of eligibility to graduate at the end of this semester, I needed a science class to graduate. My advisor suggested that I take this test because it would give me more than enough credits. I borrowed a bunch of CLEP books from the Library, and utilized any study resources that I could find online. I studied, utilizing about 400+ note cards. This test was hard, I knew that going into it. Science is not my best subject, not by a long shot, but I was going to give it my all and at least try. And I am glad I did, otherwise I would have always wondered if I could. The test is graded much like the SATs in which your Raw score is converted into a sliding score between 20 and 80. My school required a 50 to recieve credit for the class. I got a...... 49 bum bum bummm. I know, it totally sucks, but you know what I am ok with it. It doesn't change the fact that I am going to graduate, it just changes when and that's not a big deal. I am glad I took it, but I am doubly glad that its over, it was so stressful to try and do everything;
- My other classes (3 full time classes)
- Study for the CLEP
- Full time Job
Laters!!
Steph's Tidbits:
- Wondering what to do with all those note cards I made?
- Made Turkey Chili for dinner last night, Yum! Maybe that should be this weeks recipe of the week!
- I've been thinkin of doing something drastic with the color of my hair? Any suggestions?
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Note Card Overload....
Well today I am Study Mode Stephanie. I have a major test that I am taking on Tuesday, that literally will decided my future. Okay maybe not as dramatic as that, but it will decide if I am graduating this semester or if I have to wait to get my degree (and skip the commencement ceremony) at the end of the next semester, meaning August. I am taking the Natural Science CLEP (which is BIO and Natural Science) to supplement my college credits, basically it means that I will earn credit (if I pass) for the class without having taken the class. I have been studying for the past 3 weeks and am finally sitting down for the exam on Tuesday, YIKES :(. I have made a ton of note cards that I have been studying (and memorizing) and I am basically cramming all weekend long, as well as trying to finish all my other homework.
It's a bit stressful to say the least. You can see my system in the picture above. As you have seen in previous posts, I am obsessed with organization and my study process is no exception. Like I said I have tons of note cards and I have them split up into groups; Memorize, read-through, Questions, Scientists, and finished (ones that I've already memorized). I then post-it the groups, so everything has a place. Compulsive, yes I know.
Anyways that's what I am doin this weekend, what are you guys up to?
Laters!!
Steph's Tidbits:
It's a bit stressful to say the least. You can see my system in the picture above. As you have seen in previous posts, I am obsessed with organization and my study process is no exception. Like I said I have tons of note cards and I have them split up into groups; Memorize, read-through, Questions, Scientists, and finished (ones that I've already memorized). I then post-it the groups, so everything has a place. Compulsive, yes I know.
Anyways that's what I am doin this weekend, what are you guys up to?
Laters!!
Steph's Tidbits:
- I love watchin old movies on AMC and TCM during the weekend!
- I also love the fact that I get to sleep in a little bit on the weekends!!
- My current weakness; Honey Mustard & Onion pretzels. Those things are like crack to me lately.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Get up Offa That Thing... and Run Till You Feel better!
* Warning this is kind of a long post, but a good one!
Wanna start running? Don't know where to start? Intimidated by plans that call for 4 miles in week 1? I know just how you feel. I have been running for almost a year now, and while I still get discouraged and lose my way I am so thankful that I have found this sport that I can now say I absolutely love. Running is one of the easiest forms of exercise, and also one that has the maximum amounts of benefits. All you need is a pair of running shoes and the open road. I always recommend road running as opposed to the treadmill simply because the treadmill can get boring after a while (lets face it, its like your a hamster on a wheel. Your not going anywheres) Yet when your on the road, or a trail, your body is moving you forward and you can actually see your progress. There are so many benefits of running:
- Increase in physical strength
- Weight loss
- Heart Health
- It can reduce the effects of diabetes
- Improve overall mental health
I started running last year because a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to Run a 5K with her during the summer. I agreed because it was on my 26 things to do before I turn 26 list. I had run in the past, when I weighted much less, but I had never stuck to it simply because it wasn't something that I loved or even liked for that matter. But I trained, and I ran that first 5K with her and two other friends. And I caught the bug, I loved it. I loved crossing the finish line and so that helped me keep going. I ran a second race in August, which was harder that the first and yet I did it, that alone was a confidence boost. The real challenge came though at Thanksgiving. I was running a 5K with one of the kids who had expressed an interest in running with me, and we had been training for weeks. The weather was crappy, super cold and windy, like below freezing temperatures. Everything was going great until we got to the last downhill and I felt my knee give out and pain radiate all the way up to my ears. That had never happened to me before, but I still crossed the finish line. The fact that I never stopped running is evidence of my increased confidence. To combat my injury, I focused on shorter runs for almost a whole month and worked on increasing the muscle mass behind my knee. And while there is still a little pain when I run, its something that I run through and at the end of my run I feel better because of it.
My next goal is to run a 10K which I am planning on doing in May. I am very nervous, because it is a trail run, and a Northface challenge, which can be intimidating. But I am going to try and that's all any of us can do.
So long story short the reason for this post is because I think you can do it too!! Its best to start slow and build up, I found this training schedule on Google and wanted to share it with you guys:
Always walk 5 minutes slow and easy to warm up before each session and again to cool down after each session (this is included in the session times):
Week 1
Session 1 - 34 min. Run 1 minute. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 8 times.
Session 2 - 28 min. Run 1 minute. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 6 times.
Session 3 - 31 min. Run 1 minute. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 7 times.
Week 2
Session 1 - 38 min. Run 2 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 7 times.
Session 2 - 31 min. Run 1 minute. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 7 times.
Session 3 - 34 min. Run 2 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 6 times.
Week 3
Session 1 - 45 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 7 times.
Session 2 - 34 min. Run 2 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 6 times.
Session 3 - 40 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 6 times.
Week 4 - EASY RECOVERY WEEK
Session 1 - 40 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 6 times.
Session 2 - 30 min. Run 2 minutes. Walk 2 minutes. Do this 5 times.
Session 3 - 40 min. Run 2 minutes. Walk 3 minutes. Do this 6 times.
Week 5
Session 1 - 46 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 9 times.
Session 2 - 34 min. Run 2 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 8 times.
Session 3 - 42 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 8 times.
Week 6
Session 1 - 52 min. Run 5 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 7 times.
Session 2 - 38 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 7 times.
Session 3 - 50 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 10 times.
Week 7
Session 1 - 54 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times.
Session 2 - 40 min. Run 4 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 6 times.
Session 3 - 52 min. Run 5 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 7 times.
Week 8 *EASY RECOVERY WEEK
Session 1 - 54 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times.
Session 2 - 38 min. Run 3 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 7 times.
Session 3 - 46 min. Run 5 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 6 times.
Week 9
Session 1 - 68 min. Run 10 minutes/walk 1 minute; Run 15 minutes/walk 1 minute. Run 20 minutes/walk 1 minute. Run 10 minutes.
Session 2 - 46 min. Run 5 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 6 times.
Session 3 - 54 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times.
Week 10
Session 1 - 72 min. Run 10 minutes/walk 1 minute. Run 20 minutes/walk 1 minute. Run 30 minutes.
Session 2 - 54 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times.
Session 3 - 57 min. Run 20 minutes/walk 1 minute. Run 15 minutes/walk 1 minute. Run 10 minutes.
Week 11
Session 1 - 71 min. Run 40 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 20 minutes.
Session 2 - 54 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 4 times.
Session 3 - 57 min. Run 20 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 15 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 10 minutes.
Week 12 *EASY VOLUME WEEK
Session 1 - 60 min. Run 50 minutes.
Session 2 - 43 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 3 times.
Session 3 - 52 min. Run 15 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 15 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Run 10 minutes.
Week 13
Session 1 - 50 min. Run 40 minutes.
Session 2 - 43 min. Run 10 minutes. Walk 1 minute. Do this 3 times.
Session 3 Event Day 10K: have fun, and take care not to start out too quickly.
Give it a try, commit to trying week 1 and go from there. You can do anything you put your mind to, because your AWESOME!!
Laters!
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