Health/Fitness: Shower And Peppermint- A Couple Of My Own Workout Tips

I am back at the gym after a couple of weeks off due to some issues. And on the first day of going back to gym, I wasn't too excited about it. I was dragging myself up and debating whether or not I should go. But I did and I am happy I went. 

At first I was planning to go to the gym in the morning because that is when my excitement still kicks in and I feel fresh, energized and motivated to go. But nope, I didn't go in the morning, instead I went back to bed with my little girl and cuddled with her. I got up late and now I had only one chance to go in the afternoon before I pick up my kid at school. Because if I don't go in the afternoon, I doubt if I even want to go in the evening, at all. I kept thinking, if I don't go now, when? If I don't get that momentum going, it might be another month or two before I go back to the gym, and I don't want that to happen. 

And you know what I did to make myself get up and workout at the gym? I showered! Yes, I did. Normally you would shower after working out when you have finally rested, but I needed that boost of energy. And I know that if I take a really nice warm shower (because it is cold outside) that it is going to make me feel awake, refreshed and alive. 

Another thing that I also do before I workout is to use Peppermint oil. Now I am not saying I am an expert on this matter, but it is something I learned years ago. It is said that the scent of the Peppermint Oil helps boosts your energy and reduces/decreases exhaustion. Whether you believe it or not, or whether it is true or not, I believe in it and it works for me. Plus, peppermint smells so good! Who doesn't love Peppermint? Maybe only the mice don't. (LOL)

The next time you feel like you don't want to go to the gym, take a shower and sniff a little bit of that peppermint oil for a boost of energy. Have a great one! 

(My little gym buddy)

Do you have some workout tips that you would like to share? Please do! 

Health/Fitness: Let's Do The Jump Rope!

The Holidays are coming, so what are you doing to get ready health-wise? Today's post is a short one, but hopefully it will inspire or motivate some of you to keep on moving. Work it! Stay Fit! Stay Strong!

Post by Adin Urboda Blankenship.

(Excuse the no make-up {except for the brows} look.)

My Gym Companion. My biggest fan.

 Both of our kids love to go to the gym and I hope they will grow up knowing and learning about the importance or the value of health. Health is NEVER cheap. Take care of it. Have a great one! 

Health/Fitness: SMILE (One Of My Tips In Getting Through A Workout)

Okay, here is something that hopefully will inspire and encourage some of you. This is not to shame you guys or to make you feel bad about yourself. With the cold season being here, it is hard to get motivated because all we want to do is hibernate and eat. Yum! But, we gotta keep on moving and stay healthy and strong. It is not about being skinny so we can look like a bikini model, but it is about our health. I admit I have some bad days and some good days when it comes to workout. Just three days ago I didn't want to workout and I didn't. I stayed home instead and baked with my kids. And that is okay, because sometimes our body needs a break. But be sure to get back to your workout routine and keep on moving. You don't really need to do what I do, but just keep on sweating and moving. It is good for our body, heart and soul. The video consists some of the exercises I do while at the gym. By all means, I am no expert, but I learned a few things that works for me. Stay Healthy! 

Post by Adin Urboda Blankenship.

(Geez! I need new workout clothes and something in fun and bright colors this time.)

There are days I feel light and sexy, but there are some days I feel heavy, awful, and bloated. Oh, my body. You are something! 

Do you want to know what is one of my secrets to getting through a workout? SMILE. I know! You must be thinking right now, "What on earth are you talking about?". I am working my butt off, about to pass out and you want me to Smile? Well for me, when you smile, you are happy. And why you are happy, you have more energy. You have a better attitude towards your workout and you are more likely to do it. Be happy and be proud of the work that you have done. There is no point in working out and you are not happy about it. Be Happy. Enjoy Your Time. And don't forget to Smile. You'll be glad you did. Have a great one!

Family Time: Mother Nature's (Inedible) Cotton Candy- Cattail

Yesterday's hike was a windy one, but it was nice and warm. We didn't go far this time and we went back to the Glendo Dam Wetlands Interpretive Trail. This trail is an easy 2-mile hike along the river, just below the dam, with a bike trail on the other side (not for beginners), and with another wide trail on the other that is stroller accessible. There are benches along the river, a couple of observation piers and fishing access. 

Because it was windy yesterday, the air was filled with cattail particles flying everywhere. It was sure beautiful though every time the wind blows and all the cotton-y cattail blows up into the air. I know my kids had a great time playing with them. And to me, they kind of look like Mother Nature's (Inedible) white cotton-candy. Don't you think? 

You know how sometimes I can be so weird. I mean, I look at some things differently. Like this one, for instance. I look at it and I see a face and I see shapes. You know what I mean? Sure, I have to prove my weirdness. 

While on our way back to the Jeep, I was walking with my little girl and suddenly I became so frustrated. I became frustrated because I was in a hurry to get back. I was ready to get back to the Jeep and head back home, but my little girl was so slow. She didn't want me to carry her because she wanted to stop to pick up rocks along the way and play with the sand. I got so impatient waiting for her and I got a bit irritated. Then I realized something. She is just a child with short little legs and here I was making her walk fast so she can keep up with me. I thought to myself, why am I frustrated? We are out here on the trail enjoying some outdoor time with the family and I am frustrated and in a hurry to get back home. That is not right! I shouldn't be and I should enjoy this moment with my little girl. 

Whether it is a big bridge or a small bridge, kids will always find it interesting. Even adults, sometimes. 

Something reminded me that she is just a child and she sees the world differently. She is a child who pays attention to the little things in life that otherwise we as adults tend to ignore. Like spotting all those pretty little sparkly rocks on the trail that she collected and wanted to take them home. And the sand that seems so interesting for an almost 3-year old child because of the footprints she sees in the sand. She is a child who gets excited at a sight of a bug, an ant, and even the animal poop on the road, etc. She pays attention to things like that because she is a curious child who is learning about the big world around her. And I should not be frustrated about that. I finally calmed myself down and I let her be. I stood beside her with a smile on my face watching my child while she was exploring, learning and enjoying life. 

(I think in life sometimes we have to apply the purpose of why an Observation Pier or Deck is there. The purpose is that it is there for people to Stop. Look. And Listen. To stop and observe the life that surrounds us. Look and appreciate the Life that you have. And, Listen to the people that truly love and care for us. Enjoy Life To The Fullest.)

A hike like this with my family helps remind me that I should see the world the way a child sees it. To take things easy, stop, relax, pay attention to the world around you, and enjoy life. That I should not be frustrated and in a hurry to get back home, but instead enjoy the moment. Soak it in. That I should enjoy my kids while they are little because someday, they will all be grown up and on their own. I had no reason to be in a hurry to get back home and I had no reason to be frustrated. Sure, we would make it back home a bit early and then what? I figured if I don't calm myself down and enjoy this moment that I would get home feeling bad and guilty instead. So I stopped and I let her be. I let her explore, play in the sand and collect all the pretty little sparkly rocks (as she calls it) till her heart's content. Patience is another key to a successful parenting, and I need lots of it. It is amazing what a little child can teach you about the world. Don't you agree?

Next on the destination is the Muddy Bay Wetlands Interpretive Nature Trail, which is located on the east side of Muddy Bay. I don't think I have been there, so I am interested on a new hiking location not farm from home. Have a great one! 

Location: 

Glendo State Park, 

Glendo Lake, 

Glendo, Wyoming

No Workout DVDs? Try YouTube!

It is summertime season and people are enjoying their outdoor activities, whether it be road tripping, hiking, camping or spending time at the beach or water park with friends and family. And usually summertime is when people start to go on a working out frenzy. I mean, working out should be part of your daily routine and not just because bikini season is coming up. But for some people that is the case. 

And, speaking of bikini season, I want to share with you some of the workout videos that I have been doing at home to help me get in shape for the season. These workout videos are on YouTube. I do have a few workout DVDs, but since we are back in Kansas in our old house and we have a really good internet connection here, which allows me to watch videos, so I am taking advantage. Like I always say, I love trying out different workouts and with YouTube, you can find tons of workout videos. And I love it! 

A few months ago, I did stop working out because things had gotten really busy with us moving to a new place and fixing it up and what not. My workout had been neglected and my body was really telling me I needed to get back to my workout routine. And I did! 

When I get up in the morning, I would either do the Piloxing first or the Jillian Michaels workout. I would usually swap those two, it depends on what I am in the mood for. Then there are some days where I like to focus on toning my abs more because for crying out loud, it still needs it. I did do Focus t25 for about a week and I really enjoyed that no matter how hard it was. Anyway, here are some of the workout videos that I love that you can find on YouTube. Thanks, YouTube! 

I am always a fan of Gilad's workout and it is something that I have been doing for years now. I started doing Gilad's when I had my first baby and at that time, I wanted to get back in shape for our trip to Florida to visit my sister-in-law. Because, you know, summertime at the beach in your bikini. And the photo below is of me with my boy and my sister-in-law at the beach in Florida on our hunt for shark tooth. And yes, I am wearing the same two-piece because it has been my favorite swimwear ever! And my sister-in-law gave it to me years ago. Thanks! 

Belly Dance workout is something I like to do after a cardio workout.

The reason why I am talking about it, is because you don't really need to buy those expensive workout DVDs to get in shape, but you just have to be resourceful. Hey, you don't even need YouTube at all if you really want to be fit, healthy and in shape. But if you don't have a clue when it comes to working out, DVDs and YouTube videos are helpful. But of course, talk to your doctor first to make sure that a certain type of workout is safe for you to do. Okay? Okay! 

Sure, I don't have the tiniest waist and the hard rock abs (although that would awesome), but really I am just happy I am making progress. It is not really all about being skinny anymore, but it is all about getting in shape, healthy and fit. Of course, when you feel good about yourself inside and out, then that makes you feel and look sexy. I know working out can be tough and there are times that I don't feel like doing it, but I have to. That is why I like to try a new workout because it keeps me going. And my husband and my kids are my motivator, too. I have a family that I love so much and I want to stay healthy so I can be around for a long while. 

But please, don't feel insulted or feel hurt about my blog post because I am just here, hopefully encourage you to live a happy and healthy lifestyle. I am not here to shame you or others, but to help. And you know what, just because you are not in the best shape of your life, don't let it ruin your time. Enjoy your summer with family and friends and have a blast! Have a great one! 

This is my progress so far. Gotta keep going! 

Below is a short clip of me doing the Piloxing with weighted gloves on (major soreness, but love it). And my little girl joining with me.  Let's keep moving! 

6-Week Six-Pack Challenge: One Week Update

Do you remember about a week ago when I shared with you my 6-week six-pack challenge? And how I am struggling to get that momentum going. And how I need that inspiration, motivation and determination? Well, I am glad to say I am doing good so far with the workout. My calendar really is helping me because I have a way of keeping track of the days I am working. Just to give you an update on that (not that you really care...LOL), here is my current mama ab.

(I have a weird body and I get bloated easily. I have days where my tummy's flatter and the next thing you know I am bloated)

Just by looking at this photo is enough to give me more motivation to keep on going. And I am happy to see a little bit of progress. Yaye to me!

I am doing good with my food intake because I don't eat a lot of junk food (moderation), and I only drink water. But my main weakness really is rice. I mean, Jasmine rice that is. I know it is not the healthiest, but I am not so much of a brown rice person. I do love red rice though, but I don't always buy it because it is not available at the store where we buy our food. And it gets pricey when you order it online. In an effort to really cut down my white rice intake, I found a new love in mixing rice with Bulgur or tri-colored Quinoa. I would do half rice and half Bulgur or Quinoa. It is really good and I am so glad that my boy eats it too. He didn't even ask me what are those other colors mixed in with the rice.

Sure! I am guilty of admitting that I just can't quit my white rice, so I had to figure out a way and mixing it with Bulgur and Quinoa is my favorite thing to do. The bulgur looks like brown rice when cooked, and it goes so well with the rice. I love this stuff! 

Normally I would have a lot of Bulgur with my rice, but I ran out on that day. I ordered my Bulgur online since I couldn't find it at the store where we go shopping. I bought my Tri-color blend Quinoa at Walmart. 

Have you tried Bulgur with rice before? Would you be interested in trying it? I bought the quick cooking Bulgur, by the way. If you do try it, let me know what you think. Have a great weekend, everyone!!! 

Family Time: Glendo Dam Wetlands Interpretive Trail

What a beautiful day we had yesterday and it was the perfect day to go for a hike. It was a beautiful change of weather after having frigid cold winter days where we rarely go out exploring. On days like this, it would be a shame if we don't go for a hike and so we did. After doing a little house cleaning and packing, I got the kids ready for the hike and we hit the road. We have not explored all the areas around the Glendo Lake or State Park, so we decided wherever the wheels take us, that's where we are going. And we ended up going to the Glendo Dam Wetlands Interpretive Trail for a 1.8 mile hike. It was not much of a hike for us, but it was really good to be out on a warm, sunny, beautiful day. 

It was so nice and warm yesterday that we saw a bunch of wildlife from Deer, Antelope, Rabbits, Caterpillars busy crossing the road, bugs, and what not. People were also out and about on their RVs, ATVS, bikes, cars and some were fishing at the lake. When you get the chance of a warm weather, you better enjoy it. 

Now that the weather is starting to warm up, my husband and I talked about investing in a couple of Hydration backpack for kids. NO! Scratch that. Make it four (4) Hydration Backpacks for all four of us. I mean, we go on quite a lot of hikes that toting bottles with us has become really inconvenient and the hydration backpack would be very handy to have. And man, those hydration backpacks aren't cheap. Well, there are some cheap ones, but we want to get the ones that are of quality and can last us for many hikes, and worth the buy. Do you guys have any recommendations for Kid's Hydration Backpack? Thanks in advance! 

Anyway, I hope your weather yesterday was also nice and you got to spend some time outdoors. I hope you enjoy our photos! Have a wonderful Monday, everyone!!! 

This is also a great area to go on a bike ride. Less traffic and safer this way. Plus, you get that great view along the river. And if you want to stop and fish, you can do that too. Just as long as you have your license. I wish now we have both of our bikes with us and a bike trailer for the kids. 

There were two options for us to choose from. If we feel a little adventurous, we can go on the Rocky River trail, but if you we want the more smoother hike, we can go on the road where there was no ice/snow, mud, and huge boulders along the trail. But we love a little adventure, so the Rocky River it was. 

Snacking along the way. 

Great tip for hiking with kids is to bring plenty of food and water. Well, not just for the kids, but for mom and dad as well. 

She is old enough that she can carry her own backpack and load it with snacks and some wipes. 

Observation Pier

These two had so much energy when we started our day. 

One of the things that our little man loves to do on a hike is to climb rocks. It's fun! It's up there with stomping in mud puddles on the trail. 

Daddy was teaching the two little hikers that we can eat snow at times when we ran out of water. 

Shhh... don't bother him. He is in deep thoughts about our future. 

Oh! I forgot to tell you that he also loves to collect whatever things that interest him along the trail. And particularly rocks. And I want you to know that in that backpack are heavy rocks that he collected so he can give them to his classmates and his teacher, so they can make pet rocks. He said; "Mama, we should take these smooth and shiny rocks to school so I can ask Mrs. Frederick that we paint them, and glue eyes and nose". And yes, we collected rocks and at first I was carrying them, but I was carrying so many things, so he volunteered to carry it for me. Because he said he is strong and he is a big boy now. Sweet boy! 

Both of our kids did really well yesterday and it was our little girl's first time to walk that far. We can tell she was so tired, but every time we ask her if she wants to ride on mommy's back or wants something to eat or drink, all she was saying was "NO". And she just took off without even waiting on us. Finally, she gave up and rode on the Piggyback Rider on our way back to the JEEP. I thought she was about to fall asleep as she was leaning on my shoulder's but as soon we got back to our vehicle, the two of them were ready to play some more. I guess it must have been the warm sunny weather that made them so alive. 

Feeling brave and independent.