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

My Journey To A Plant-Based Diet

Yes! You read it right. I am going PLANT-BASED! I can't believe it that I am actually doing this. I mean, it is something that I have been thinking about for a long time now. I didn't just wake up one day and decided to go with this lifestyle because it is all about the rave these days. No! It has been a long debate with myself as to whether or not I can live in this kind of lifestyle because I got to be honest, I like chicken and fish. Well, I like fish more. But, I am happy to tell you that it is about a little over two months now that I have been on mostly plant-based diet. I got to be honest though, there were a few times (during the vacation time) where I had a few meals where it was not full-on plant based. I had food that had cheeses like on veggie pizza (not vegan), chicken, eggs, and a couple times with freshly caught trout. I don't eat pork and I stopped eating beef like a long time ago. I don't remember when.  But I am determined to really full-on live this lifestyle while I am still living. 

Was it an easy transition for me from having to eliminate animal-based food in my diet? Well, it wasn't too easy and it wasn't too difficult for me either. I mean, I already love eating veggies and fruits and like I said, I had already eliminated eating beef a long time ago. And I don't eat pork (religious reasons). And prior to my decision on going plant-based, I was already in the process of eliminating chicken, eggs, and fish in my diet. So far I am doing really good. I don't crave for fish, chicken or eggs at all and I enjoy prepping, cooking and eating my plant-based diet. 

One challenging thing though when you are on a plant-based diet is when you are on the road. During our vacation, we did a lot of trips to the grocery store so we could buy fruits for lunch, and during dinner time we mostly prepared our own food. We did order some to-go meals from the restaurant and ordered the ones that I could eat. I also did some research about places or restaurants that were vegan-friendly and that really helped. 

When I first started this lifestyle (not long ago), I had a couple of weeks where I bought some mock meat. Because it was a way for me to help with my cravings for meat. You do need to take it slow though when you decide to switch to this lifestyle. Slowly eliminate the animal-based food in your diet and you are more likely to be successful. As of lately, I have not bought any mock meat products and also because there aren't any available at the store where we shop. Plus, I don't crave for it as much anymore. The less processed Vegan food I eat, the better. Fresh is good! But I do want to try and make my own homemade Seitan though one of these days. I am excited to try! 

Vegetarian Delight Sushi (plant-based)

And as for my husband and my kids, they are not on the same diet. But according to my husband, he is not far behind. He too loves to eat veggies and fruits a lot and have eliminated eating pork and beef. He sees me enjoying my new lifestyle and I know one of these days, he will fully commit to living the same lifestyle I am living right now. It is a decision I made for myself and I hope people will respect me for that as I respect yours. Have a great one! 

Note: I am not paid to share with you some of the products I mentioned on this post. I just thought you guys might be interested in finding out the products, and might be helpful to you as well. Therefore I like to share it with you.