Friday, March 9, 2012

In Honor of an Influential Lady in My Life

Did you know that today is the anniversary that Barbie was introduced to the world at the New York Toy Fair (back in 1959)?  

Growing up, I loved my Barbie dolls.  I remember playing with Barbie, Ken, Skipper, and all of their pets.  I loved all of the clothing (many, many missing tiny shoes that were probably sucked up by the vacuum), the Barbie Jeep that I had to have (and later rolled my guinea pigs around my basement in), and most of all - my Barbie computer game.  Remember the Commodore 64?  Wow...I am totally dating myself.  That game was the coolest back then - Ken would call Barbie on the phone and ask her to go out somewhere, and then it was your "job" to drive her around town and pick out her outfit, hair, everything.  The line, "Sounds like fun!" still resonates in my head - and my dad does a great rendition of it too (ha ha).   I cannot believe I just found this on YouTube...




I had to get the "Dana" Barbie doll when it came out...to have a Barbie with your name.  Dana was part of the band, Barbie and the Rockers...c'mon now that's cool!!  :)
Barbie and the Rockers Dana Doll


As I was doing my research for this post (Greg helping me too!), we came across the BEST BARBIE OF ALLLLLLLLLLL TIME!!!

Lo and behold....the AUDREY HEPBURN BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S BARBIE DOLL!

1998 Audrey Hepburn "Breakfast at Tiffanys" Barbie Doll


I think I need one...so if anyone wonders what I would like for Mother's Day, my birthday, any day ;)  


Tuesday, March 6, 2012

You Can Call Me a Slacker...I Deserve It

I completely planned on going to the gym yesterday - until I woke up and realized that I had never felt the front of my thighs "burn" as bad as they did!  That 25 minute Core & Balance video I found on On Demand kicked my butt (or shall I say thighs?).  Seriously!  I actually secretly liked the burn...it reminded me every time I walked up and down the stairs, heck every time I WALKED, that I worked out on Sunday.  So, I skipped yesterday (and then I skipped today).  Tomorrow, barring any unforeseen meetings or emergencies, my butt (and thighs) are back in the gym!


Today I tried a protein shake for the first time ever.  I, of course, consulted my friend and co-worker on this new endeavor.  Max is super healthy, works out like mad, has tried training with me during lunch (I have a scar on my knee to prove it LOL), and humors me and my daily "new healthy idea".  Today - a chocolate protein shake from an unnamed company that my friend represents.  I showed Max what I was interested in sampling - he checked it out, saying it was very healthy (translation - yucky tasting?) and I requested a sample packet of the chocolate and vanilla.  


I was so apprehensive to try this shake that I truly wanted to like.  I was told that it didn't have the typical protein shake aftertaste (what about the "during-taste"?).  OK...fast forward.  Max prepares the shake, I take a sip.  I give the rest to Max.  I tried it...I did, and Max (you had better comment on my blog this time) was my witness.  I think I am going to stick with the Zone Bar in Chocolate Caramel Cluster.  MMMMMMMMMM   :) Delish!





Sunday, March 4, 2012

Walk with the (5,000) Animals & Exercising!

I was so excited for Saturday morning...the Walk for the Animals finally was here!  Sadie and I were ready to walk for this great cause...to benefit the Humane Society of Broward County.  I am proud to say I raised a total of $457 - thank you to everyone who donated!  

We arrived with our standard walking partners - Danielle and Aidan, and could not believe the number of pets and their owners that filled Huizenga Plaza in Fort Lauderdale!  It was PACKED!  We finagled our way around the passes to check in and get our goodie bags.  I met about a half dozen fellow goldendoodles and was like a kid in a candy shop each time we came across another "family member" of Sadie's.  

Besides the mass amount of poop piles, we made it through the 1.25 miles :)   Dogs and bearded dragons alike, enjoyed the gorgeous Florida morning - we were expected to hit an all time high in the upper 80's!  The Humane Society had water stations and baby pools set up along the path. They had everything planned out so well.



Today, between my shower and going to a birthday party, I took advantage of the free exercising shows available on On Demand.  I found a great 25 minute Core and Balancing video that, although I thought it was going to be easy, was challenging.  There were many a times in that short time span that I thought to myself, "I could stop this now and no one would know..." BUT then I realized I was cheating myself, and no one else.  I finished the video, super proud of myself and loving the "burn" in my legs.  

On the eating front - I have been trying very hard to enforce the "no carbs after 5pm" rule. Friday was a bit hard because my husband made Osso Bucco - and what better to have Osso Bucco with than pasta!  It was a spinach pasta, which I guess is a bit better than the standard, but I only had a few fork-fulls.  I was proud at my restraint!  Saturday night we had the most delicious smoked wings and pizza on the BBQ.  YUM!  Tonight - chicken lettuce wraps, and my Chinese fave - shrimp with lobster sauce - with BROWN rice.  
(I have to confess, I did have one of the small shot glass desserts...it was small...baby steps...).

Thursday, March 1, 2012

I Work Out...

I laugh every time I think of that song, "I'm Sexy and I know It".  Partially because the words are funny but mainly because that seems to be N's favorite song to sing.  Just thinking of his little body dancing in stiff, jerk-ish motions and hearing his super cute voice singing, "I'm sexy and I know it" puts the biggest smile on my face.  I know the song lyrics are less than ideal for an almost 7 year old - but thankfully he doesn't know what the lyrics actually "mean"...yet....I know...


So today I went alone to the gym during my lunch break.  I did a 3 minute warm up on the treadmill...speed 3.5, incline 6.5; followed by 5 minute run at speed 5.2, incline 0; followed by walking speed 3.5, incline 6.5; followed by 5 minute run at speed 5.2; followed by a cool down of 2 minutes walking at a 3.2 speed, incline 4.5.  THENNNNNN, I did 30 leg lifts (usually I can do more but my legs were screaming "No more!" and you know they always say to listen to your body!).  I stretched a bit and now I am back at work!!


BTW - the title of this blog came from the song "I'm Sexy and I Know It"  :)

I am Going to Get in Shape - For Real!

I have finally realized that ripping exercise articles out of magazines, watching video clips on the computer, and buying cool workout outfits is not getting me in shape.  LOL.  But seriously...I need to get my butt in gear!  In the many articles I have read in the past, they mention the concept of blogging about your exercising...making yourself accountable for working out and eating healthier because your readers are "watching" you.  So here I go...delving into the "accountability". I thought of writing this blog subject many a times...and, many a times, I realized I have to follow through and that scared me a bit.  I can follow through with purchasing that fabulous pair of shoes online, I follow through with office meetings...why not exercising and doing something for my health, right?
I AM DOING IT!


First I want to share this video on how to do a proper sit up.  I need to get me one of those straps.  Or I guess I could use one of the dozen ties Rich doesn't wear anymore.  


I started eating healthier this week.  No carbs after 5 pm.  I went to the gym with Danielle during lunch on Tuesday.  20ish minutes on the elliptical!  I'm getting there...baby steps.  


My favorite workout clothes - Lululemon.  I am going to reward myself with something cool from Lululemon if I keep this up.  I am liking this challenge!


Run: Chase Me Skirt
Cute Lululemon running SKIRT!