60day Slim-down:Day 20

Technically its Day 22... I measured later because of the holiday... The improvement is minimal... to put it nicely. It is quite discouraging, but I'm not gaining like I used to be... so it is still a step in the right direction. I have found that the days that I can get my workout in, I feel much better about myself. I am more confident and my husband commented that I hold myself differently. I am actually starting to like working out (I NEVER thought I'd say that...) The past two days I've been doing some kickboxing routines... they are kicking me hard! But I like the tired soreness that my core feels... it means its working... right?

The nutrition part is a lot more difficult than I thought. We have determined that we need to re-focus on that part of our new health routines. This Lindsay Brin has some suggestions and a 30 day Revamp your nutrition "program" that we are looking at to give us direction. She just has small & simple changes and decisions that you can work on each day... sounds like something that is doable for us and we think we might give it a shot.

That is my update on that... stay tuned for some updates on the rest of our fantastically busy lives...

Free Verse Poetry Night

The ward activity turned out to be more of a success than I originally thought. I was told that we were planning for 60-80 people. I didn't think that many would show up to a poetry reading... and for the most part I was right. But we had at least 45 people come and that was more than I thought would come. We had fun and the hot chocolate bar turned out magnificently! (unlike the pictures I was able to get... I really need a new camera)

Each of the tables had a centerpiece of old books stacked on a square of fabric. We used a mini easle to hold a faux calkboard with an inspirational/famous poetry quote. Some of the books were poetry books for inspiration/help. There were also instruction papers on how to write haikus and such... and pens with stationary for guests to write their own poems.

The mic was at the front with a few soft chairs around it and the lighting was low and relaxing. We had a guitarist and drummer to serenade us while we wrote. There was even a bongo drum for added drama. (Yes we snapped our approval and everything.) 

To complete the "coffee house" feel it was necessary to have a drink bar. :) Through a series of events I was basically put in charge of the food and drink. I admit I was excited to give it a try in the full scale as I have only done a very small version. 

We started with two options for a "base." I made a homemade basic hot chocolate and kept it warm on the table in a crock pot. I also used our Cocomotion to warm up plain milk for another option. 

Then come the mix-ins. We had a wide variety to keep the creative juices flowing... Flavored syrups, peppermint powder, cinnamon, dark chocolate, white chocolate, and peanut butter chips,caramel syrup, sea salt... the flavor possibilites were endless!

 

Top it off with one three types of whipped cream (peppermint, cinnamon, or vanilla) and grab a donut to complete your delectable creation! :) 

Being one who likes a little inspiration we used the "chalkboard" theme onto the drink bar and had instructions for flavor ideas. It turned out so great! I am pleased with how it turned out.

How many does a girl need?!

As you can tell, I have been working on revamping the blogs a little bit. I thought I might bring up to those of you who actually read this that I do write (although only occasionally at the moment...) on a few other blogs. (I know, crazy right? I can't even keep up with one. I may merge them later on... but for now, I am keeping them separate. (I'm right up there with Ashley now!) So here goes the official confession.

What's Cookin'? is the place where I am able to post some of the delicious and successful recipes that I find and create. I also enjoy when ya'll post recipes too! Its a great place for me to keep them as I usually lose the papers when I want to use them. I also am allowed some creativity through my on-going project to organize those "Family Favorites" and I am posting recipe cards (as I get them made) along with the recipes. Just in case you want some cute-ness...

Sunshine and a Silver Lining is the blog that I have chosen to post the crafts and projects (and parties) that I am up to. I can tell this is going to be relatively sporadic, as Brayden makes it a little more difficult to get any craft stuff out, but I foresee a few parties in the near future that I am going to want to post... This is actually the same blog I had originally... (It says I still have 11 followers.) I just changed the url.

Un-announced to ya'll (until now) is the recently started A Golden Family Tree. Bryce and I were called as family history consultants in our ward and we are learning a ton. The blog hasn't lifted off the ground completely as we are a little overwhelmed with... learning... but we are getting started. We wanted to post strategies and research techniques as we learned them for our ward members, but I figure my family might be interested too. This is also a place for us to collect our thoughts and stories of our own family histories. We are loving it so far and are excited to continue.

So there you go. Not that I am that expect many readers... but its therapeutic for me. I just though ya'll should know.

P.S. Janell, if you read this, I am sorry if this messes up the family directory... :)

Day 10

I am first to admit that I have not been able to exercise every day that I am supposed to (according to the program calendar). But I have only missed like, 2 workouts. So I am counting it as a success. I find that I have more energy and I can get more done on the days that I do find the chance to exercise. I am kinda loving the muscle ache that I seem to have every day. Its crazy, but it reminds me that I am working hard and toward positive change. These work outs are short in time but sure pack a punch on my poor body.

I have also found that I snack less during the day as I exercise. And I think twice before I indulge in an un-healthy snack. (not saying I avoid them altogether... but I do think twice...)

I had to measure myself again today. I have actually gained about a pound... I'm rather down about it, but my dear hubby says that's what happens when some people start exercising. The muscle comes first and then it burns the fat. I am choosing to stay positive, and work harder than ever to loose the fat part... My measurements were overall a better result. I guess that is why she has you measure yourself. I have lost about an inch off my waistline. That was encouraging. Even though I'm not feeling like I look much different, there is a change happening. We'll see what the next 10 days bring! Bring it! :}

In other news... Brayden is almost a year old! Can you believe it?! He is standing on his own now and it is only a matter of time before he decides that he is stable enough to take those first steps. *eek!* We are excited, but at the same time I can't help but feel he is growing to quickly.

Bryce has recently started an exercise routine himself. He get up to go to the gym before work... crazy... but it works for him. He is still working hard at his job and is enjoying the new responsibilities he is getting. I was just told that he gets to help train the new hires this next go around. He's pretty excited and quite proud of himself. Good for you honey! :)

I am busy running around after Brayden, and watching his little friend on Tuesdays. But I still get to go out with my mom to cooking classes every once in a while. And thanks to Pinterest, I have all sorts of project ideas floating around. My current focus is on the party season. I am in charge of the gourmet hot chocolate bar for a ward function next week. Brayden's 1st birthday is coming up, and I am throwing my SIL (sis-in-law) a baby shower in March. Not to mention St. Patrick's Day is coming up too! A busy month ahead for sure. So excited!!!