If only I could do The Dailey Method, daily

For real.  I have enjoyed the challenge of my first six classes so much.  It’s a good challenge.  I can’t say I always feel like I’m up for the challenge and even sometimes in the middle of class, I feel like a wet noodle but always, always after class, I am so thankful that I went and endured the challenge.  I officially feel stronger, more balanced and more energetic.  It’s a really good feeling.

I have made an attempt to take a class at least three times per week.  If I could make it to The Dailey Method classes daily, I would.  I have had to adjust my schedule a bit here and there but so far, there hasn’t been a problem getting in during a time that works for me.  Classes are offered every single day, morning until evening.  My husband doesn’t get home until early evening, so the evening classes have been working out like a charm for me.  Having an accountability partner, like Melisa, has helped, too.

In case you haven’t checked out what all the fuss is about yet, here is a video to whet your fitness appetite:

What Is The Dailey Method? from Doug McIntosh on Vimeo.

From what I gather, if you haven’t tried The Dailey Method yet, your first class is free. There are studio locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Nevada and Utah. Locations in Canada and Europe, too. It’s a growing phenomenon, people. I’m an official Dailey Method backer. My back loves it.

Girl, look at that body

TDM-Naperville

I wanted to publish this post, like, hours ago but I was restricted by my blog. After a lengthy argument, I was permitted to re-enter, provided I blog more often. Ok. It’s a deal.

Now that you know about my frustrations, spending half a day trying to regain access to my neglected blog, I can refocus and tell you all about my new-found endeavor.  It’s called…EXERCISING.  But not just any old form of exercising, I’m doing the kind that builds strength and balance and all of that good “inside” stuff.  It’s called, “The Dailey Method” and it’s aaa-mazing.

I’ve been given the opportunity to take an unlimited number of classes from The Dailey Method for thirty days.  After gaining 20+ pounds over the past 7 years, how could I say no?  My focus has been on being a mom, wife, employee, etc.  I kind of de-prioritized  concerns about my physique.  Not such a great idea.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a couch potato.  I trek up and down stairs everyday, take walks with my kids, go to the zoo, move around doing this and that, etc.  But, unfortunately, that kind of movement doesn’t strengthen my muscles or tone my body very much.  I know this because after attending my first three Dailey Method “Principles” classes, it’s obvious how much of a weakling I’ve become.

I’ve taken yoga and aerobics classes in the past, so, I’m familiar with an exercise class atmosphere.  The Dailey Method class/studio set-up is very similar:

TDM-Naperville-Studio

The Dailey Method Studio – 5th Avenue Station, Naperville

Like I mentioned, I’ve participated in three classes and already, I feel stronger and a little more balanced.  It’s a tough workout but the results are worth it.  My goal is to ultimately change my body shape and shed extra weight, but I know what’s initially important for me, getting in-tune with my core and getting stronger.  I’m preparing my body for the change, from the inside-out.

TDM_sock

So, stay tuned.  I plan on updating my progress over the next 30 days.  Oh, my accountability partner is the one and only, Melisa Wells (Suburban Scrawl).  We’re on this mission together.  Pow!

To learn more about The Dailey Method, go here.

*Big thanks to 2 Moms Media and The Dailey Method for this opportunity.  I fully disclose that I’m not paying for these classes.  I was selected, along with a number of other bloggers, to participate in an unlimited number of classes for up to 30 days and write about my experience.  All opinions are my own.

Ok, I’ll exercise

mom-on-the-run

I go through phases of wanting to exercise and not wanting to exercise. I’ve been in a very long phase of not wanting to exercise. I feel like I may have snapped out of it today.

The weather has warmed up significantly, as in, it’s May but it feels like August.   So the girls and I went out for a walk yesterday.  I’m usually the one complaining but it wasn’t me this time, it was the 5 year old.   She’s been fighting a chest cold and I thought it would do her some good to sweat it out a little bit.   It was 80 degrees at 9:00 am, so, sweat we did.

This morning after preschool drop-off, I took the 22 month old out in the jogging stroller.  I have never jogged with it.  We’ve had it since 2007, so there ya go.  There’s a first time for everything, right?

teagan

jogger shadow

I’m not saying it hasn’t been jogged with, on the contrary.  The mister used to take Hailey jogging and now that she’s outgrown it, Teagan is the lucky one.  Anyway, I decided to take a stab at it this morning.

Verdict: It was very hot.  The breeze was nice.  I was really slow.  It felt so good!  I do believe I will make this jogging with the toddler in the stroller a regular thing.

jogging path

We have this Jeep Overland Limited Jogging Stroller:

jeep_overland_limited_jogging_stroller

I know I wrote about it a long time ago but I can’t find my review for the life of me.  I’ll link up to it if I ever find it.  Anyway, it’s been a great jogging stroller (per my husband).  Let me jog with it a few more times and I’ll let you know my thoughts.  It’s great for walking, this I know.

I also used the Runkeeper iPhone app to track my progress.  It’s not the first time I’ve used this app and it won’t be the last.  There are some new features that I need to check out and then I’ll post my review of it over at TechGeekSphere.

I dont’ feel the need to weigh myself and I have already planned on cutting back on the junk that I usually eat.  I am more or less looking to get more active.  Hopefully you will see many posts like this one in the near future.

Gift ideas – for her and him

gift ideas for her and him

Here are some gift ideas for the ladies and the men – in my opinion, the more difficult family members to shop for.  Hope the things we like help you with your shopping!

Jump to:

Gift ideas for the lovely ladies
Gift ideas for the guys

GIFT IDEAS FOR THE LADIES

Ever since I made his acquaintance at Kidzapalooza this past summer, I have been a fan of Romero Britto’s pop art style and have very much been looking forward to including his work in my 2010 gift idea guide.  Here are a few of my favorites:

romero britto tea set

(Left) Romero Britto Cream and Sugar Set – $32
(Middle) Romero Britto Apple Tea Bag Holder – $8
(Right) Romero Britto Mug – $20

If you’re geeky and you know it, clap your hands (hear me clapping?)  These items will keep you charged, covered and ready to view at any given time:

igo charge anywhere iphone cassette tape case epson picturemate show

(Left) iGo Charge Anywhere – $40
(Middle) Cassette Tape iPhone Cozy – $23
(Right) Epson PictureMate Show All-in-one Printer and Digital Frame – $200 (approx.)

Keep the lady comfy with this fabulous travel pillow and sleep mask and feeling special with this jewelry for mom and baby:

little honey pillow sleep mask and bebe au lait family ties bracelets

(Left) Little Honey Travel Pillow – $15
(Middle) Little Honey Sleep Mask – $12
(Right) Bebe AuLait Family Ties Star Bracelet Set – $75

If there is a “fancy” lady in your life, you might want to consider one or more of these fabulous items:

peoria emporium scarf

(Left) Ruffle-front cardigan (Peoria Emporium)- $79
(Middle) Satin-like boa with fringe (an Oprah “best pick”) (Peoria Emporium) – $39
(Right) Purple Cracked Agate & Yellow Opal Necklace – $27

Finally, for the hip, on-the-go lady.  Beautiful leather gloves, motherboard business card holders and a fish net wine bottle carrier.  Nice.

gloves business card holders wine tote

(Left) Lots of Luxe Gloves – $65
(Middle) Motherboard Business Card Case – $29
(Right) Fishnet Wine Tote by Built – $15

GIFT IDEAS FOR THE GUYS

Now, I got a man who is way into whiskey and anything hip pertaining to hosting with alcoholic beverages, so you will see that reflected in my gift ideas for guys.  Here goes:

stranahan co whiskey on the rocks leatherman multi-tool

(Left) Stranahans Colorado Whiskey – $60
(Middle) On the Rocks Set – $30
(Right) Leatherman New Wave Multi-tool – $60 +

I love my Built Laptop Sleeve, so it’s easy to recommend this messenger bag.  If your guy is kind of outdoorsy, techie-geeky, he might totally love these upcycled wool arm warmers and the Gorillamobile for the iPhone4:

built messenger bag wool arm warmers joby gorilla mobile pod

(Left) Built Neoprene Soho Laptop Messenger Bag – $80
(Middle) Upcycled Wool Arm Warmers – $32
(Right) Joby Gorillamobile for iPhone 4 – $37

Is your man a little “green”? Then, check these out:

belkin charging station bamboo water bottle koostik

(Left) Belkin Conserve Valet (charging station) – $40
(Middle) The Bamboo Original (water bottle) – $25
(Right) Koostik – $85 +

Time-teller/music-listener?  Burger flipper?  Beer drinker?  Well then, here ya go:

HEX watch iPod nano adjustable burger press beer savers

(Left) HEX Watch Band for iPod Nano Gen 6 – $30
(Middle) Adjustable Burger Press from Williams-Sonoma – $36
(Right) Beer Savers – $7

nail bottle opener beer can book recycled bike tube card case

(Left) Areaware Wooden Bottle Opener – $20
(Middle) Beer: A Genuine Collection of Cans – $14
(Right) Recycled Bike Tube Belltown Card Case – $25

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002P7H1MQ?ie=UTF8&tag=mum-20&linkCode=am2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002P7H1MQ

November: the month of food

turkey-hand

For me, November is officially the one month where I look forward to a huge, guilt-free feast.  This year, we traveled 590 + miles to spend Thanksgiving with my family.  If I had to choose one meal out of the year to enjoy with family, this would be it.  No offense to my in-laws but, my mom’s Thanksgiving dinner menu will always be my favorite.  Childhood memories of Thanksgiving past came flooding back as the scent of pumpkin pies and turkey in the oven wafted through the air.  Heading to the Alleghenies last week to visit my family was such a treat.

As the meal preparations were being made, we introduced the little ones to our tradition of watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  They were ecstatic when Sponge Bob and Hello Kitty appeared and went floating through the streets of New York City.  Our 16 month old even danced to the beat of the marching bands as they played classic holiday tunes.  Their eyes grew pretty wide when Santa Claus rode by, waving at everyone from his sleigh.

pumpkin-pies

My mom has a knack for putting together a great, home-cooked meal and this year’s meal was no exception.  We don’t get to spend every Thanksgiving with my side of the family, so I very much cherish the ones when we do make it out east.  I have many reasons why.

I don’t have any “special” recipes to share, well, because the food my mom prepares on Thanksgiving isn’t really any concoction of her own.  Most of the dishes are straight out of the Betty Crocker cookbook.  That doesn’t matter to me, though.  It’s the tradition that matters most to me.  We have turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, gravy, warm dinner rolls and…PIE.  This year, my little family of four spent the day with four out of my seven brothers and their families.  It was a full house and never a dull moment.  I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

This isn’t a tradition (yet) but here is a snazzy roast turkey and brine recipe.  We experimented with it one Thanksgiving and it was delish.  We got it from one of our favorite celebrity chefs, Alton Brown.  You can get the details from this post: Can You Eat the Turkey from the Southside?  I highly recommend giving it a whirl sometime this fall/winter season.

Now that we’re safely back at home after being away for a week, I’m setting my sights on the upcoming winter festivities.  I have so much planned for this month by way of crafty stuff and baking!  How did you spend your Thanksgiving holiday?  Did you try any new recipes or make any new friends?

Boo-Boo patches and B4BC

walle with bra

Boo-boo patches.  Have you guessed yet?  Ever since my eldest daughter (who is about to turn 5) was a wee one, she has referred to “breasts” as “boo-boo’s”.  Whenever we pass by the lingerie aisle, she giggles a little and points.  Calling bras “Boo-boo patches” is a little joke that we share and saying it makes us both giggle.

And why are we talking about bras and boo-boo’s at ParentSphere?  Well, duh.  It’s National Breast Cancer Awareness month, I’m a woman and I care about all of my lady friends.  So, let’s discuss.

Finding a lump is one of my biggest fears.  Do you check yourself on a monthly basis?  Don’t you think we all should?  Yeah, I do too.  So, I’m setting a reminder for myself every month because I have many reasons to stay on top of my health.

I lost my dad to cancer and my mom has had skin cancer.  I know all about cancer.  I have a cousin who is going through treatments right now and an aunt who went through it a couple of years ago.  These ladies and all of the women who have dealt with breast cancer in some form or another are my inspiration.  I bet if you think about it, someone who has touched your life has gone through it, too.

How do you recognize and support breast cancer awareness?  Let me tell you how I do.

Boarding for Breast Cancer

I have been a follower and supporter of Boarding for Breast Cancer for several years.  I first learned about this non-profit breast cancer organization in 2007 at the Vans Warped Tour in Chicago.  I remember thinking, “Wow, very cool.  Someone is finally reaching out to and educating the younger crowd.”  I have sported a B4BC decal on my vehicle and wear a pink B4BC wrist-band ever since touching the jelly breast self-exam boobs at Warped (and I’m proud of it).

So, what is this organization all about?  Staying active, raising awareness and supporting a cause.  B4BC was founded by professional women snowboarders, Tina Basich and Shannon Dunn.  Boarding for Breast Cancer actively educates and raises breast cancer awareness across the country.  I am currently a supporter but plan on getting more involved by volunteering at events around my area in the future.

I have also shown my support of this awesome group’s initiatives by purchasing these two tees:

B4BC-tees

Billabong – Protect your Tetons tee and Paul Frank – Take Care of the Ladies tee

When you purchase items from the B4BC Official Store, all of the proceeds from your purchases support B4BC’s educational outreach efforts.

Other ways you can show your support for B4BC is by telling all of the young ladies in your life about this “cool” organization,
follow B4BC on Twitter, “Like” their Facebook Page, and/or subscribe to their mailing list to stay up-to-date on their initiatives.  You could also consider volunteering for B4BC when they come to your town.

Last but most certainly not least, check out the Boarding for Breast Cancer, “7 Steps to Stomp out Breast Cancer” interactive guide.

Define: “Eating Healthy”

Hailey tomato

There has been much talk in my house lately about eating better and living a healthier lifestyle.  I have never been one to spend too much time focusing on my eating and exercise habits (or lack-thereof) and in the past few years, my figure has spilled the beans on that big secret.  I’ve always been a fair weather fan of exercising and still sneak the occasional pack of peanut butter M&M’s.  It’s not that I make completely bad choices in the food that I eat, but I really don’t have a set regimen.  However, it’s becoming more apparent that since there are now children involved, I possibly need one.  Read on.

I was going to ask Eric to write a post here about healthy eating and exercising but that’s silly because, he’s got an entire blog about it.  My husband is determined and very passionate about eating healthy and exercising.  The proof is in his rapid weight loss over the past 6 months.  It’s also obvious how badly he wants me and the kids to join him on his journey of eating and living primal/paleo.  But you wouldn’t know it when he brings home a tub of cookie dough for us. (Enabler!)  However, he redeemed himself this summer with his deck container-garden.  I was able to make plenty of my favorite Caprese salads with garden fresh basil and tomatoes.

Fresh Caprese Salad

I don’t disagree that his idea of healthy eating and weight loss isn’t a good one (because it’s obviously working for him), but I’m just not one of those people who can follow a specific plan or go on a “diet”.  In fact, I kind of hate that word and the idea behind it, so I try not to use it.  I am more of a go with the flow, take it as it comes kind of person and believe that we can make conscious decisions about the food we eat without too many crazy restrictions.  Thinking about following a specific plan just gets me all sorts of out of whack.  Also, I love ice cream.

At the same time, I realize that I cannot just think of my own health anymore.  I have a family and it’s up to me to make sure my kids are learning about being healthy and that we act on what we know and preach to them.  Admittedly, I struggle with feeding my kids super healthy food on a daily basis.  I could give you a slew of excuses for why that is.  I’m a big fan of quick and easy (no, not fast food all of the time, rarely ever actually).  So, I go with what we have in our house on any given day.  Luckily, my kids like fruit and “some” vegetables.  It’s tough with the soon-t0-be five year old, because she’s picky, like her mother.  However, she will sit and munch on red peppers and carrots as a snack.  We can give the toddler anything and she’ll eat it.  That can be good and bad at times.  My goal with the “second child” was to only feed her very healthy foods right from the start, so we don’t have the pickiness problem later on.  (It’s going to work, right?  RIGHT?)

My main problem is that I’m not overly creative in the kitchen.  Not that I don’t want to be, but I don’t have time each day, so if I don’t plan meals ahead, say on a Sunday, we fly by the seat of our pants on the weekdays.  My kids eat a lot of chicken and fish (of the frozen variety).  My toddler is obsessed with apples (there is a debate on whether or not that was her first word).  We don’t stay completely away from “junk” food but we’re careful not to get super junky food.  Like, snacks are mainly graham crackers and baked goldfish snacks.  We totally nosh on trail mix (yes, the kind with M&M’s, sue me) and yogurt with granola sprinkled on top.  Want to know what my father-in-law ate for a snack when he was a kid?  LARD.  That’s right.  So, I don’t think we’re doing all that terribly here.

Most importantly, we are conscious of our eating habits.  We don’t eat bad all of the time but we leave room for improvement.  In my opinion, this is something that will come with time.  Our kids are watching us and it’s important that we at least talk about it and teach them what healthy eating habits are.  It’s a learning experience for us all.

Don’t stop reading here.  Please take a look at what my Yahoo! Mother Board sisters have to say about healthy eating.