My Thanksgiving Week Mantra…

You guys are going to get tired of me saying it but…

What You Can When You Can!

Or as I now refer to as #wycwyc — pronounced “Wick Wick“

If you missed my original #wycwyc challenge, I posted it in September and it has really stuck with me.

Actually, if I’m being honest, it has spread in my brain like a virus.

Yesterday I splurged on a giant cookie after my gym’s fundraiser. It was one of those M&M-topped monstrosities about the size of my head. I thought I’d be good with just a taste, but before I knew it, the cookie was gone.

About an hour later (probably the result of the sugar) I had an insatiable urge to just grab something out of the pantry. I was tired — NOT hungry — and the only thing that kept popping in my head were chips, crackers and pretzels.

As I walked past the pantry door I caught myself saying aloud, “Wick Wick” and walking away. Then I did what I do and posted about it on Facebook.

My what I can when I can moment right now is NOT grabbing something out of the pantry just cause I ate a cookie the size of my head. #wycwyc

And this is it, THIS is the power of #wycwyc. It’s a state of consciousnesses that can help stop the all or nothing mentality in its tracks.

Don’t throw away the day because you ate a cookie. Do what you can when you can moving forward! Sitting all day at work? Take the stairs every chance you get! Eating out with friends? Order soup and see if someone wants to share an entree! And my current favorite… Can’t make it to the gym during the crazy holiday week? Do what you can when you can and get the family out for a walk on Thanksgiving! :) 

The most satisfying and motivational part of the #wycwyc challenge is seeing other people adopting this mentality. My friend Carla, aka MizFitOnline, is the one who sent me that shirt in the above photo. She also ordered one for herself.

Just today she said her and her 7-year-old daughter say it to each other now. How cool is that?!

And I’m seeing more and more folks use it on Twitter and Instagram too!

I don’t want to get ahead of myself but do you remember when Carla and I wrote a book proposal and all the feedback we got was, you have no hook!  Well, maybe THIS is our hook.  We’ve been working on a few ideas and I’m really excited about motivating people to make positive changes that help them reach their goals. I’m so over traditional “diet” books. We keep focusing on the what to eat and how to move, when really, most people know that stuff. It’s putting it into practice day in and day out that gets ignored and as a recovering yo-yo dieter #wycwyc is the best way I can sum up my change in attitude and approach.

Even though I need another site like I need a hole in my head, this geek already set up wycwyc.com. I’m thinking it could be a fun way to pull all the stuff people post on social media! We’ll see.

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Unapologetically Myself (musings on self-confidence).

this is all I want for her

Because I like to surround myself with the young-folk I have number of friends who turn forty this year.

(it blows my mind I had this blog when I turned forty.  please to take said disbelief as foreshadowing of shifts to MizFitCome.)

Because Im a semi-INTROVERT who shuns the small talk– we’ve had myriad conversations about aging, changing life perspective & goals we have for time that’s left.

In all of these conversations Ive found myself in the role of Oprah.

I play annoying-Oprah.  The Oprah who *repeatedly* shares how much better life is after 40.

(Im misfit enough to say this irritated me in my 30s.  It felt condescending.  Im certain, in my over-zealousness to convey the same sentiment, I potentially sound condescending. Im now such a  fervent believer I cannot help myself.)

40 is not afraid to live this out loud.

I also share with my friends a musing from Francis McDormand  (paraphrasing).

She (essentially) said 40 was no longer being ‘checked out’ by the young boys & 40 rocked because she no longer saw herself through their eyes.

Only my eyes matter.

Im not sure if it is because life feels too short to fret about what others think?

(I came to that early in life)

Or because turning 40 is a nudge toward What are you waiting for?! If you dont embrace & love *you* how will anyone else?!

(I was late to marry. I waited until I came to that notion.)

Or just because it’s too damn exhausting to try & be anyone else other than who you are?

(Thats me. Thats why my online brand wholly meshes with who I am offline, too.)

Regardless, it was right before turning 40 I finally captured in two words what I longed to convey to others.

It’s what I am.

It’s what I want for my child.

It’s what Ive found myself repeatedly explaining recently to friends online and off.

Being Unapologetically Myself is quiet. It’s neither boisterous nor showy. It’s an authentic, natural expression of whom Ive grown to become and what my gifts are.Being Unapologetially Myself is listening. It’s realizing I do not know everything. It’s knowing when to ask for help.  It’s listening to my gut above all else.Being Unapologetically Myself is being willing to stand up.  For myself. For others. Not fearing being alone in my beliefs or being wrong out loud.Being Unapologetically Myself is being honest with myself.  It’s admitting I have faults.  It’s being candid with myself about who I am & what I need to work on.

Being unapologetically myself means Im ever evolving, changing and growing…

although not ‘sans-skull’ grown-up yet!

and, for me, is about being comfortable enough in my own skin to realize there’s room enough for us *ALL* to rock.

Now you.

Help me & spare my friends another TheGreatAndMighty O was right!!! rant:

No matter your age–how do you define “unapologetically myself” or self-confidence?

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The Living Plank Ab Workout

Just call me the Dr. Frankenstein of planking. I’m gonna make yo’ plank come ALIVE!

If you’re ready for it (and I know you are), grab a heavy weight and jump into the video. Let’s do The Living Plank together…

If you prefer to watch the video in Youtube, just click here.

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INSTRUCTIONS, PROPER FORM & MODIFICATIONS

You’ll need a heavy weight for this workout.In plank position (arms straight, not on elbows), with weight about 6-10 inches in front of you, grab the weight with your right hand, lift 2-3 inches off floor and move the weight to place under your hips.With left hand, grab weight from under hips and place back in starting position. Do not drag the weight along the floor. Be sure to lift it up to work your arms.Continue with the move with a slight side-to-side dip in your hips (as demonstrated in the video) to further activate your obliques.To modify, choose a light to medium weight.Continue with as many reps as possible with good form.

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Bee Pollen Benefits (yes! you can eat the stuff)

Raw honey smathered on a warm & toasty waffle, then sprinkled with bee pollen. Isn’t it beautiful? Darn tasty, too. But should we really be gnawing on bee pollen?

The answer is “no” for a select group of highly sensitive people. Bee pollen could amplify their allergies and cause a massive reaction of volcanic proportions. But for most of us, bee pollen is safe and can actually ward off allergies symptoms. I’ll explain more about that in a sec. But first, let’s gaze into the other magic things about bee pollen…

WHAT IS BEE POLLEN?

It all starts with the pollen from flowers and other pollen-producing plants. Worker bees take this pollen and pack it into balls, which also mixes with honey, nectar and even the saliva of the bee. This what makes it bee pollen. Each granule, or pellet, has it’s own unique “fingerprint”. No two are the same. Granules vary in color, size and shape.

Bee pollen cannot be reproduced in a lab. Synthesized bee pollen appears to be exactly the same as the real deal, but when bees are fed the man-made version, they die. There’s some kind of unknown, unidentifiable mystery ingredient in bee pollen that man cannot replicate.

BEE POLLEN BENEFITS

When I began consuming raw honey, this is when every single episode of seasonal allergy symptoms completely ceased. Raw honey is best, but a good organic raw honey will do you just fine if you can’t snag something local. Bee pollen just makes everything much more awesome. It’s been used for centuries – even during the time of the ancient Pharaohs.

“Beehive foods are superior food sources. Based on its research, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has stated that bee pollen is the most nutritious food we can eat. It contains every nutrient required to sustain and support life in a pure, raw and unaltered form. Bee products can provide support for almost any ailment or desired health enhancement.” ~ via Envirobee

>> Composition of Pure Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is beneficial in treating allergies & asthma, contains anti-inflammatory, detox and immune-boosting properties. There’s also evidence that it may help chemotherapy patients in their recovery, while also aiding infertility & prostate problems.

HOW EAT BEE POLLEN

Take it slow — only a tiny nip at first to rule out the possibility of an allergic reaction. Try a few granules now and then over a period of time, then add more slowly. If you don’t have an adverse reaction, then by all means enjoy your been pollen. You can sprinkle it on your oatmeal, on salad or fruit, in smoothies, or on toast with peanut butter. Get creative! There really is no wrong way if you enjoy it.

>> How to Use Bee Pollen as a Superfood

Bee pollen granules appear hard and rocky, but actually have a soft, chalky texture when you bite into it. The taste is only slightly reminiscent of actual honey — it’s a little bit bitter. When added to hot foods the granules begin to melt, presenting with a tiny yellow smear where the granule has melted into the food.

You oughta be trying the stuff! Have you ever? If not, seek some out or at least give it a gnaw if the opportunity ever presents itself. It’s real magical ‘n stuff.

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My Tummy Tuck Consultation: what to expect, the cost, and why it didn’t go well

The idea for a tummy tuck consultation started way before I mentioned it on my Facebook page:

Yep. I had the consult. But, ohhh my. It wasn’t all butterflies & unicorn dust. My crappy experience documented in the video may not be what you personally encounter, but you’ll still get the gist of what happens at a consult and find out about how much you’ll pay for a tummy tuck procedure. (click here if you want to watch the vid in Youtube)

Subscribe on Youtube to follow my tummy tuck journey.

If you’ve had a tummy tuck, are considering a tummy tuck, had a negative consult experience similar to mine, or have advice to offer to those considering a tummy tuck, please share in the comments. I’ll be sure to document any future steps taken towards a tummy tuck. Please check back for more updates. XO!

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Delicious Dairy-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup

You do not have to hijack a cow’s udder parts to make this tasty soup. No dairy required. Prep time is only 10 minutes. Cooking time is sensible, too. You can do this. I promise.

I made my Dairy Free Cream of Mushroom Soup AFTER making dinner.

“But Josie, ain’t nobody got time for makin’ soup from scratch. I’ll just open up me up a can of Campbell’s and keep on rollin’.”

GAH! Please don’t talk like that. This recipe is so darn quick & easy; didn’t interfere with my couch-azzing time at all. You’ll be in & out of the kitchen in plenty of time to maximize (and in no way jeopardize) your much needed lazy time. M’kay?

INGREDIENTS (makes about 4-5 servings)

Prep time: Approximately 10 minutes.

6 cups chicken or veggie broth (equal to three 14.5 ounce cans)1 can Goya coconut milk (15.5 ounce can)1 fresh package mushrooms (white, bella, or both — take your pick)2 large carrots, chopped3 celery ribs, sliced1 large onion, diced4-5 garlic cloves, sliced (not smashed)sprinklings of thyme, pepper, sea salt, garlic powder and onion powder1.5 teaspoons rosemary3 heaping tablespoons flour1 tablespoon olive oil1/4 to 1/2 cup white cooking wine

If you have reservations about using coconut milk, don’t worry. The union of delicious seasonings make the coconut barely noticeable, if at all.

DIRECTIONS

Cooking time: 20-25 minutes.

Set mushrooms to the side and slice carrots, celery, onion & garlic.Add sliced veggies to large pot. Saute’ in olive oil & white wine until slightly soft.Add broth and coconut milk. Bring to a boil.Break up mushrooms into large pieces with your hands (or chop into thick pieces), then add to the pot. Feel free to add the stems to the pot if desired.Add sprinklings of thyme, pepper, sea salt, garlic powder and onion powder to the pot. As the soup cooks, add more seasonings to taste.Add the Rosemary. Try not to leave out this ingredient. It really brings out the flavor, along with the thyme.Continue to cook your brew on low to medium heat until all veggies are tender.To thicken your soup, add flour to the pot and whisk with a fork. Continue cooking until soup thickens. Add extra flour if you prefer your soup even thicker.

more Greedy Recipes

Any kind of homemade soup is best when packed up to sit in the fridge overnight. All those flavors get to marinate even longer. But you can bet your hungry stomach’s lust for tastiness that this soup is wonderful and warming to the soul when you scoop yourself some fresh out the pot.

I’ve been packing my soup for lunch this week. Food like this is fantastic for helping you achieve or maintain flat abs. Now say it with me… “BOOM!”

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KLOUT & the power of a tiny tribe.

Ahhh Klout.  Here’s where, were I not a misfit, you might find some sort of disclaimer proffered about varying circumstances etc. Ive got none such disclaimer.  I do think KLOUT rocks as no other metric illuminates the power of a TINY TRIBE.

To be a blogger is to be continually asked to prove your worth.

Each time we pitch/are approached by a brand (a post for a different day. if life is like dating—which I contend it is—I never ‘get’ why brands ask US out & then demand our numbers.  It begs a response of: But wait. You wanted to date *me* I didnt as you out!).w

We’re repeatedly asked about blog analytics.

How many visitors we receive daily.

How many uniques we receive daily.

How many page views we receive monthly.

How many how many how many.

My first indication a brand partnership is not for me is when they seek these specific numbers upon first encounter.

lemmie check. nope. not a fit.

Sure analytics are important (a semblance of them are publicly available places like compete.com) yet they only tell a fraction of the story.

There’s power in a tiny tribe.

Pause for a moment and consider to whom you look for recommendations or advice.

If you’re anything like I am it’s someone who has consistently offered solid information, who’s earned your trust, and whom you see as remarkably similar to you.

There’s power in a tiny tribe.

Klout, for this blogger, is precisely like fitness.

There are no shortcuts.

There are no quick tricks.

The only way to get there (if by “there” you mean living a longer, healthier life which I do) is consistency.

There’s power in a tiny tribe.

The same is true with Klout score.

My strong score is indicative of absolutely nothing (where are those hotel upgrades we were promised?!) and of absolutely everything (engagement. continually. unseen in pageview numbers.)

It’s an indicator of consistency across myriad social media platforms in life.

It’s an indicator of the fact I do a little bit, each day, on a regular basis—precisely like fitness.  

And for my misfit brand—that’s everything.

 Be you blogger or brand—whats your take on the hotly debated topic which is Klout?

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