Monday, March 30, 2009

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

How is your Karma?

"I am the owner of my karma .
I inherit my karma.
I am born of my karma.
I am related to my karma.
I live supported by my karma.
Whatever karma I create, whether good or EVIL, that I shall inherit."
The Buddha, Anguttara Nikaya V.57 - Upajjhatthana Sutta

WE TAKE GREAT COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT KARMA EXISTS AND WORKS.

Happy Birthday BIG BOY, SHANE & LIL KAI!!!


Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Cupcakes & Cousins!

Rhiannon, Zari, Elijah, Duong, Nani, Kea, Jade, Becca and Tess came to Vegas for part of their spring break. We had the best time with them. Duong, made us the most incredible dinner but when I tried the dessert I could have died! Sticky rice with mango-OMG!
Look at those smiles. We have a cupcake and YOU don't!
JJ going in for the kill and sweet Nani is letting her!
Nani is giving thanks for the cupcake.

NO DIETS!

I had quite a few people ask me how I got my weight off after having two babies. I found myself giving the same answers over and over. Recently, I had to ask myself this question because my weight had been creeping up slowly since Christmas time. After making some changes to my routine I thought I better record this on our blog so I don't forget my own advice!

1. HAVE A WORKOUT ROUTINE

I find that the only way I can stick to my workout is if I go the same days and times every week. If you make it part of your schedule you will be more likely not to "skip it" for another activity. When you have an appointment with a trainer or a class time it will be even harder to miss it. I promise if you simply get to a workout 3 times per week you will see the pounds melt off! Once it becomes part of your routine you will have such a sense of guilt if you brush it off.

2. NO DIETS!

Diets are not a long term solution! They are a quick fix that won't last without consistent exercise. The second you deny yourself a certain food is the second you will want it more than anything. When I told myself I would stop drinking coffee I wanted NOTHING more than to pull through Starbucks. I still drink coffee loaded with sugar and realize if coffee is the worst habit I have then I'm doing pretty well. I also don't think it's healthy for kids to watch their mamas struggle over dieting. Don't you think it's better for them to see you going to your workout 3 times per week?

3. CUT BACK ON CUPCAKES & COCKTAILS!

Never deny yourself the things you love 100%. If you eat out a few times per week then maybe have dessert one night. If you like a drink with dinner maybe just have one instead of two. I know when I'm trying to be "good" I will skip an appetizer because I know I really don't need it. Fill up on salad and then you won't be so hungry for that HUGE meal.

4. SHARE A MEAL WITH YOUR MAN!

Mark and I have been doing this FOREVER. We will get a big steak and potato and then order a second salad. Not only does this cut down your portions-it helps your checkbook.

5. MAKE HEALTHY SNACKS VISIBLE!

I always keep a bowl of raw almonds on my kitchen counter. I do this so when I feel bored and just want to eat there is something good for me ready and available. This way I don't feel the need to go for the cookie or ding dong.

6. ASK YOUR MAN TO SUPPORT YOU!

I am so lucky to have a husband that supports me and my need to workout. After I had Meika he watched the girls from 6-8am 3 times per week so I could get to my workout. Now he watches them at night. We do whatever it takes to get me there and I appreciate it. Let your man know how you want to feel and look and ask them to support you.

7. SET A GOAL!

Figure out the weight that is healthy for your height and frame and then get moving. I know that 150 is good for me so I do my best to stay at this weight give or take a few pounds. I am not a slave to the scale and understand looking the way you want to look is just as important as the number.

8. SWITCH IT UP!

Your body will get used to the same old workouts so every so often switch it up! Shock your body and it will react by losing fat and gaining muscle. I started Pilates last month and I am in love! I'm working muscles I didn't know I had and love how hard my teacher makes me work. She doesn't let me quit when I think I will die if I lift my leg one more time. Find a workout you love and JUST DO IT!

Preschool Already??!!

red schoolhouseJ.J. starts school August 24, 2009
crayon line

ARIES March 21-April 20

Aries, the Ram
Associations
Birthstones Aquamarine (March)• Diamond (April)
Colours[4][5] Red
Gemstones[5] BloodstoneAmethystCarnelianCoralMalachiteRose quartz
Metal Iron[5]Copper[4]
Flowers [4][5] Honeysuckle & Sweet pea
Aries people have a tendency to leap before looking and to take risks that shock more cautious types. This is a very physically courageous sign, so it is not surprising that many Aries people gravitate toward risky professions such as the military, the police force, stunt work, sports, rescue work and racecar driving. Aries people are also emotionally courageous to the point of recklessness and will change their entire lives on a whim in order to follow some dream or romantic inclination.

Pioneering and Entrepreneurial

Aries people are pioneering and entrepreneurial, willing to go to new places, try new things and start new projects. They often have trouble with authority and do better as their own bosses. They are good at self-promotion, which ensures that many succeed in their own businesses.

Aries people are not particularly suited to detail work and prefer to implement big plans or start things and have others fill in the details. They are good at coming up with creative ideas on the spot but may have trouble sustaining the effort to follow through with their plans unless the ascendant or moon is in an Earth sign (Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn) or in the water sign of Cancer or Scorpio.

Aries people have very low boredom thresholds and can lose interest in things quite easily. Thus, a career must provide lots of change, social interaction and excitement or the Aries will want to move on.

High Energy and Athletic Ability

Most Aries people have loads of energy, which they need to burn off continuously through physical activities and socializing. They are competitive by nature and usually have an aptitude for athletics, either team sports or solitary fitness activities. Most also enjoy watching sports and other physical displays such as dance, skating, skiing or other fitness activities that require movement and coordination. There is usually a particularly strong draw toward martial arts with this sign.

Youthful and Idealistic

Aries people tend to be fun, lively, playful and youthful. Many look younger than their chronological ages and most retain some childlike qualities throughout adulthood, both physically and psychologically.

Despite the emotional courage of this sign, Aries people are surprisingly sensitive and eager to please. Though they can be pushy and domineering or controlling at times, they are also idealistic, trusting, and in great need of reassurance. Aries people can be quite naïve, and others may take advantage of this.

Naturally Optimistic

Aries people do nothing by half-measures. Anything they choose to do, they do fully and completely. They are stubborn and generally refuse to accept defeat, even long after a situation has become untenable. They rarely stay down for long though, as this is a naturally optimistic sign that bounces back quickly from misfortune and strife. Aries people have a way of coming out on top in most situations.

Two of the most adventurous astrological signs, Aries and Aquarius have one of the strongest bonds and most exciting relationships in all of the zodiac.

One of the greatest strengths of this pair is their ability to accomplish great things together. Both are courageous and ready to take on the world, and have plans and ideas on how to make the world a better place. They are two of the most creative and active signs in the zodiac, and together they can impact everyone around them with their enthusiasm and vision. With their courageousness and an eye on the future, these two signs will not only make each other happy, they could also inspire and uplift everyone around them.