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?

View the original article here

National Adoption month.

The essay below is from my 2012 appearance in Austin’s Listen To Your Mother Show.

The entire experience was unforgettable–but nothing more so than seeing the pride on my child’s face as I shared our story.  Recently, as we chatted about National Adoption Month, she expressed her excitement for our *dear* friend Sarah & how cool it is one of her new Oakland BFFs is adopted from Guatemala, too.

We looked through pictures.  We talked about adoption.  We brainstormed/listed all the various ways families are created. We watched the LTYM video again.

Im sharing today.  At her request.  It’s her story. 

Life in Guatemala

People frequently ask me if my daughter knows she’s adopted.

They tend to ask in front of her using stage-whispers which make me long to point out she’s six, she’s not deaf.

It’s odd to even consider the notion that when I was young, parents decided when and how and whether to tell their children they were adopted.  It’s baffling to me how common it was  for children to have this news thrust upon them at age 5 or 8 or, if the rumblings I heard around junior high school were true, even as old as 13.

Thankfully things have changed.

The majority of adopted children grow up having a sense of always “just knowing” their story.

Rather than being something silenced and secret it’s told over & over in the same fashion biological children ask to hear their birth story repeated.

Adopted children ask the same questions each time and find the same comfort in hearing the answers recited the exact.same.way. each time the story is re-told.

“I’ll never forget when we got your referral pictures…” our story begins.  “Your dad was working late and I could not WAIT for him to get home so I could open the email.  I *barely* waited till he came home.  I sat on the couch, computer on lap, finger hovering over the word OPEN so the moment he walked in the door I could click and you’d be there INSTANTLY and forever a part of our family.”

And then? Tell me about the necklace,  Mama.

“And then, after we’d sent everyone we knew your perfect picture and told them what we’d decided to name you, I had a necklace made.  Right then.  That night.  Thank G-d for online shopping.  I made a tiny charm with your picture on it and I vowed to wear it until you were home with us forever.”

And the Buddha? Tell me how someone thought I was the Buddha.

“I wore the necklace from the moment it arrived and I never took it off.  Not to shower. Not when I got “fancy.”  Never.  The days dragged and the red tape wrapped around your adoption file and the necklace remained around my neck.  Most days I forgot I had it on even as I absentmindedly rubbed and fiddled with the piece of silver until the picture was there but it was smeary and fingerprinted.”

And the Buddha, Mama? That part?

“And one day I was waiting impatiently in a grocery line (rubbing and fiddling. Fiddling and rubbing.) when a woman turned to me and said: that’s the most lovely Buddha necklace I believe I have ever seen.”

And you didn’t wanna embarrass her did you, Mama?

“I didn’t, BabyGirl.  Your eyes were closed, the picture was tiny and I kept you with me for strength and calm.  In a way you were *my* Buddha.  I just smiled and said thank you.”

The Buddha and the necklace

Tell me about Guatemala, Mama.  Did you go there and look around and say I’ll take the girl with the black hair, mama?

“Do you love movies as I do, BabyGirl?”

Yes.

“Are you afraid of thunder as I was when I was a girl?”

Yes.

“Do you love to dance and sing and write as I do, BabyGirl?”

I do Mama I do.

“You were meant to be my girl.  And I was meant to be your mom.”

Tell me about the first time we met, Mama. Tell me about the blankeys.

“You were tiny, BabyGirl. Teeny tiny and your foster mom had you wrapped in more blankets and layers than I’d seen in a lifetime.”

Tell me how excited you were , Mama.  About how you held me.

“With all the words in the world, BabyGirl there isn’t one that describes how excited I was.  I unwrapped and unwrapped you and I held you.   And I held you.”

Tell me about how you had to leave me there,  Mama. Tell me about crying and Texas and about coming back for me.  Tell me how you came back for me.

“I did, BabyGirl.  I treasured our visits. I was grateful we could visit and I hated our goodbyes.   I cried.  I cried big deep sobs from the bottom of my belly from a place I didn’t know I had. From a place marked BabyGirl.”

And then you came back…

“And then I came back.  I grew tired of the waiting and I longed to be with you.   I brought my stuff and your stuff and I came back to stay.  And we waited there together.  And we counted the weeks. And we measured the months.  And we unwound the red tape until finally—“

Until finally I could come to Texas and be home.

“Yes, BabyGirl until you could finally come to Texas and be home.”

Newly Texan.

I live a public life.  A very transparent life.

I’m a professional blogger and I let it all hang out online—the good and the bad— in a decidedly open fashion.

I don’t much mention my daughter’s adoption story online because I feel it is her story to tell.

Because of this fact people frequently ask *me* if my daughter knows she’s adopted.

She knows she’s adopted.

She knows her story.

And maybe, someday, if you’re very good and very patient and ask the right questions at the proper time she’ll share it with you, too.

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Pepperoni Pizza Trick That Saves on Calories

This trick is for pepperoni lovers… I don’t always want a slice of pizza with veggies on it. Gimme some meat on that thang! On average, a sliced piece of pepperoni is about 10 calories each. That meaty ingredient alone can rack up the calories, but the combination of meat & cheeses doesn’t need to be cause for alarm. This Pepperoni Pizza Trick will allow you to keep your hungry jaws gnashing with joy.

In the example right here, I’ll save 40 calories per slice while still getting the exhilarating taste of pepperoni. I’m about to get all scientific on you, so please observe…

STEP 1: Go get yo’self a slice of pizza. It must be the pepperoni kind if this trick is going to work.

STEP 2: Peel off all pepperoni slices. This might seem weird but the trick is not over, so just do it.

STEP 3: Here’s where the trick comes to life: The tasty residue of the pepperoni (aka, the flavor-grease residue) lingers atop the pizza to deliver a pepperoni-ish experience. Although you won’t get full blown pepperoni taste (along with the extra calories), your taste buds will bask in a similar experience that is uber-satisfying and way more tasty than a plain slice of cheese.

Some days takeout pizza is a complete no-no. Other days, a veggie pizza is best. But on those days when a splurge is on the menu, don’t settle for a boring plain slice of cheese. The Pepperoni Pizza Trick is real tasty ‘n stuff. Try it!

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Ultimate Guide of Gift Ideas For Any Time of Year

There’s close to 50 gift ideas in the Ultimate Guide so far, and the list is still growing! In the pic are just a few examples from the guide that have been selected by yours truly.

Categories within the Guide all tie in to health, fitness & wellness, and include:

Fitness DVDsFitness Equipment & ToolsHungry FoodieKitchen & CookingNatural Health & BeautyBooksClothing & Accessories

>> Click Here to view the entire Ultimate Guide.

As I took time to consider what should be included, it was important for me to feature proven products that really work, provide comfort, build you up strong, or just gosh-darn make you happy. If you know of a fantastic gift idea (for giving or receiving) that should be included, let me know about it!

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An I’m-SO-Sorry Wednesday Weigh-in AKA Busy Photo Shoot Day!

Hey guys, I’m SO sorry this is late. It makes it even worse that I’m on the West Coast considering it’s “tomorrow” already. Regardless, I’m sorry. I should have had it queued up knowing the day I had scheduled.

And Oh. My. What a day!

I would love to stay up all night telling you about it but honestly I’m exhausted so you are going to get the bullet list version, but before I start I have to ask you a favor. Please forget (or at least don’t mention) what magazine I told you I’ll be in and which show I’m shooting a segment for, OK? I, ummm, really wasn’t suppose to tell you but I did and now I’m doing damage control. So let’s just say I’m working with a major magazine and a national talk show. Mmmkay?

Now that we got that out of the way, this is pretty much how my day went.

1. Morning run. 

I couldn’t help myself. I was up about an hour early and I just HAD to see a little of Hollywood so I snuck in about a mile and a half and caught a glimpse of the Hollywood sign!

2. My fellow bloggers. 

I met up with Erika and Michelle and we become instant buddies. LOVE these women!

3 . Interviews and B-roll

We spent about 2 hours recording a little about our backgrounds and some footage for “the show.”

4. Hair, makeup and wardrobe!!

Boy, a girl can get used to being pampered.

I’m wearing boots and skinny jeans! No, you don’t understand — I AM wearing BOOTS and SKINNY JEANS.

I don’t do boots and skinny jeans. I just don’t.

I may have to change my policy. lol

5. Photo shoot!

We did shots in workouts clothes and dressed up, alone and in the group. They even had our before pictures to pose by!

6. Interviews

We sat down and talked for some time. Unfortunately, you will have to wait until February to get the details. :(

7. Dinner

I didn’t take any pictures but I had a wonderful meal at the hotel with all these amazing, inspirational women!

8. CrossFit

I know. I know. I’m crazy but hey, I’m only here for a couple of days and I’m sucking the marrow out of it. So when Paola reached out and told me she was so close, we just HAD to meet up for a workout.

It was an awesome partner workout, too, and we kicked A$$!

9. BED! 

As in right now. I’m exhausted. I’ve been going non-stop since 6:30 this morning and right now it’s 11 p.m. Not to mention 2 a.m. my time. I know sleep is important but sometimes you just need to seize the day!

Now, I realize I’m late but those who are weighing in with me please post your updates! Late is better than never. :) 

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Accidental goal achievement.

these feet were made fer walkin’!

Years ago.

Many.

Perhaps around twenty?

I had a conversation with my then-boyfriend/now-husband:

I long to be the individual people look at and wonder: Does she own a car? I always see her on her bike! Seriously. Does she own a car?!

I dont even know precisely why I longed for this (remnants of college Grateful Dead loving days? a sense of wanting the freedom I surmised a bike-only misfit would feel?) –but I did.

There simply seemed to exist a spontaneity in that girl I wanted to experience and which I did not possess.

I was also self-aware enough–even then–to realize this would never happen.

It wasnt so much I loved my car/cars in general (oh how I did not).

It wasnt the fact I didnt need/want the exercise (biking places seemed an easy way to fit in fitness).

I just knew myself.

Even then.

The conversations would always end with:

…and I guess part of maturing is realizing when something you WANT to be a piece of your self-definition really will never be reality. That bike-women sounds free-spirited & interesting yet that will never be me.

I recognized it was fantasy I needed to let go of.

And shed I did.

Id completely forgotten those youthful-conversations until recently, too.

Flash forward to life *today* in Oakland.

After flashing back to my broken window experiences.

Oh, and flashing sideways to how having a pedometer has changed my life and made me a better mother.

(Annnnnnd do the *sprinkler* as you dash UPSTAIRS because youre not allowed to pee on the first floor these days…)

The lens through which I view Oakland-living has done a 180 by virtue of the fact I’ve chosen to view it as a walking community.

It’s not really.

It’s a kind of a haul to my coffee-shop office.

I can only grab a few items at the grocery as the l-o-n-g walk back + said items on my back = awkward-cumbersome.

Yet I’ve chosen to view my ‘hood through the WALKING LENS none the less.

go carla go!

Recently a neighbor I dont know approached me and asked:

Do you own a car? We see you walking everywhere and wondered.

Over the course of the next few weeks I *other* strangers/neighbors/new friends made similar comments.

Do you and your husband share one car?  I see you walking all the time–did you sell your car before you moved?

It was during those interactions it dawned on me I’d achieved a life-goal without noticing.

rain or shine: Id become a walker!

Id done precisely what the ‘goal achieving gurus’ tell us not to do (Id taken my eyes completely off the prize!) and only after I let my goal go did I accidentally achieve it.

And, because I am indeed the consummate misfit, this accidental-success has bolstered my confidence in arenas where Im actively seeking successes.

I now think:

Well damn.  If I can transform myself into the girl no one thinks owns a car (!!) then why could I NOT _______, too?

It feels empowering & it feels amazing.

I feel unstoppable.

And you?

Have you ever been so busy LIVING youve not realized—either until someone points it out or with hindsight–youve achieved a goal?

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10 ‘Healthy’ Thanksgiving Comments from Facebook

Yesterday the Food Network posted this to its Facebook wall.

How important is it that there be at least one healthy dish at your Thanksgiving meal?

My first thought when I read it was… ugh.

Why can’t Thanksgiving be “healthy,” and what the crap does that mean anyway? 

I make a fairly traditional Thanksgiving dinner every year. At least I think so. I roast a HUGE turkey (20+ pounds,) mashed potatoes, stuffing (IN the bird,) sweet potatoes, corn, roasted brussels sprouts, and a fun “Harvest” Salad, as I like to call it. We have pumpkin roll and pies for dessert and during the day I make a big veggie tray for snacking. It’s all REAL, HEALTHY food. Geesh, if we ate these types of food more often we’d probably be better off. Sure, you can consume too much, but Thanksgiving may be one of the “healthiest” food days of the year!

I’m so tired of people manufacturing this battle between “healthy” and “unhealthy” foods. It’s just another way to say “good” and “bad.” We all do it. I’m guilty too but the sooner we stop demonizing (food), depriving (ourselves) and degrading (others’ choices) the better. Then maybe we can stop the crazy dieting cycles so many of us seem to be stuck in.

I was happy to see some of the comments agreed with my gut reaction. Here were a few of my favorites (of the ones I read — there were TONS.)

Note: I don’t know if I should credit these as they are Facebook accounts. This is one of those times I’m just unsure what the proper etiquette is.

Define your own healthy. There will be white meat turkey, and that is low in fat and calories. There will be a salad, fresh healthy greens. I am making a cauliflower and fennel dish with no fat in the dressing, but I’m making it because it sounds good. Someone will make a quinoa tabbouleh, delicious and healthy. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, even when they are soaked in syrup and topped with marshmallow. My family is great at making a large variety of foods so that everyone, be they calorie conscious, gluten free, vegetarian, low carb, high fiber or bacon lover can have something to be thankful for.Other than the pies this is the food we eat in our household all the time. Didn’t anyone else grow up eating pot roast dinner with gravy on Sundays? Depriving is the first step to diet failure.Everything and anything is healthy in moderation. Ignoring all the rules for one meal isn’t gonna kill you. After years of adjusting my eating habits to lose 150+ pounds, I simply don’t even enjoy the foods that put me on life support for a week. I also don’t ignore my cravings during the holidays!!!You should always have something healthy but you don’t have to stress about calories and fat on Thanksgiving. Just eat and be happy!Most of the dishes at the table are fairly healthy. It isn’t the quality that makes it perhaps a bit unhealthy, it’s the sheer quantity.Depends on what you consider healthy. A good meal with friends and family is always healthy.Everything is healthy if it feeds your soul.Why can’t all the dishes be healthy? And even if they aren’t, no ones forcing you to eat them.Very important, as a matter of fact we make our entire Thanksgiving meal healthy except for the dessert. There’s nothing wrong with adjusting recipes to make them healthier. It’s easily done without sacrificing flavor or texture.Truth be known, if you’ve cooked it all fresh it’s healthier then 90% of the crap we eat at a normal lunch during work. So I say just enjoy that and be thankful you could have Thanksgiving dinner, in a warm house, with family and friends

Last year’s Thanksgiving table.  I can’t wait for everyone to join us again! 

What’s your take on this whole “healthy” Thanksgiving thing?

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Comfort food.

As much as Ive struggled in my transition to Oakland there are many facets of my new ‘hood which are better than the ATX!!! I really enjoy.

OAKtown sidewalk surprise!

The canines! The canines!

The lovely lake.

ahhh Lake Merritt.

The farmer’s markets.

Edible FLOWERS?!

Nothing has impacted me as profoundly, however, as our new synagogue (which surprised this Misfit Jew as “non-traditional” doesnt begin to capture my religious approach).

This year we’re participating in Family Sunday School pilot program.

our very serious Sunday School folder.

A few Sundays ago our focus was on traditional foods and what we think of as comfort foods (it’s a misfit synagogue. there was lots of talk about secular Thanksgiving fare).

We went around the room and each had an opportunity to share what sprung to mind after heading the words COMFORT FOOD.

Everything was mentioned from lemon bars to latkes.

fried in OIL, Baby!

As my turn approached (mercifully slooooowed by reminiscing & food-fantasizing) I began to panic.

As we’ve chatted about before –I possess no foods of comfort.

Which isnt to say I didnt eat many of the foods mentioned (except chopped liver. anyone love the chopped liver?)—I just eat them when I crave them and Im done.

No real sense of comfort involved.

As I listened to the powerful memories the comfort foods evoked for my fellow misfit Jews classmates I wondered if  we werent missing out?

If I werent “denying” the Tornado some sort of life-experience as she doesnt really have a comfort food (yet) & not being a foodieMama theres little chance of us creating powerful food memories.

plain plain plain is how I roll.

We “bond” over food (in our own way) yet the majority of the time our bonding has little to do with the food at all.

Id never thought too much about comfort foods.

They arent how I lick my forearms–Im a comfort-MOVIE person–yet that’s all it really seemed to me.

A different approach to self-soothing.

Hearing the powerful connection between comfort foods & family-ties/comfort food’s power to lessen feelings of loneliness  sparked me to wonder if the Tornado is missing out potentially never having fond food memories to reflect back on.

So I look to you during this Thanksgivukkah season of food & family & hit you up with my many queries:

Am I really unique in having few memories which involve/center around food? Do you feel–as I now do–comfort food isnt inherently “bad” just gotten a bad rap?

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Who won the Quantum Scale?

Adrianne wins the Quantum Scale!

Thank you to everyone who participated. Your cheesy gift stories were hilarious. XO!

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I sleep like a toddler.

Shocking! Im not here!

These days it seems the most common question I receive is about sleep.

I get lots of what do you eat?! or will you share your workout routine? queries—but more than anything Im asked what time I plop my misfit-self in bed, how you can become an early riser & if I get enough rest (according to that test I *do*–you?!).

I completely understand.

Given the time of day I comment on blogs, commence tweeting & yammer on Facebook it makes sense you’re more intrigued with my bedtime than my biceps.

I ADORE you for it.

You may regret asking after this long snooze-sparking post*—yet, sleep, in my opinion, is the cornerstone to success in all facets of life.

Ive always been a lark.

Im energized by the promise of what the day might hold & the irrepressible feeling today! could! be! the! one!

If youre happily an owl—dont change!

While we can shift ourselves slightly either way—given my natural inclination & that of the Tornado, Im not certain we should try!

yes. yes I do.

Im asleep by 10p & awake at 4 am.

I get up, snag ME-TIME (meditate/work) & squeeze a PLAYout in with the Tornado all before it’s time to walk to school.

I also never set an alarm.

My *firm* belief is if Im not awake & ready to go-go-go! then Im not meant to be awake. I must need more rest.

Im always awake & eager to wrangle my day by 4a.

(Lest it sound as though Im bragging you should see me at 9p. It’s ugly. Im over my day & already longing for a new one.  you’ll have that)

Personal proclivities aside–be you OWL or LARK–I believe we all need to treat ourselves like TODDLERS with regards to sleep.

this one taught me ALL about slumber…

Three tips for sleeping creating a toddler-like sleep routine:

Set a routine and stick to it! This simple concept changed my life. As a freelance writer my days are unpredictable. It’s the nature of the job. Keeping my transition from awake to asleep *routine* helps immensely with turning off my work-brain. The more predictable my sleep schedule—the more easily I slip into slumber.  I know this is a challenge with busy lives–yet the benefits of nightly rituals (from tea to journaling) are immeasurable.Leave on a light to scare away monsters! I was plagued by the Cr*p Did I Forget To Do That?! monster & the Shoot I Need To Remember to XXX boogie-woman. My grown-up nightlight? A notebook. I always have pen & paper by my bed.  If I start fretting/mental list-making I grab it, do a braindump so I can *SLEEP* & handle my list in the morning. This tactic works wonders in banishing nighttime fret-fears so my mind rest.Dont wait to unwind! We’d never summon a toddler from a game of freeze tag, plop her in bed and expect her to fall immediately asleep! We recognize the need for transition time. We adult-types forget that same fact about ourselves. Whatever time you go to sleep, ‘start the process’ early.  Provide your mind a chance to s-l-o-w-l-y shed the day’s thoughts/worries & ready itself for rest. Studies say we ‘should’ unplug from screens long before bed time. MizFit says explore different options/find what works best to relax you. From Kindle to Chamomile discover what helps *your* mind unwind.Here is where, were we not chatting about TODDLERS I’d add a rant about caffeine consumption after noon & keeping the bed for, uh, *BED STUFF* and not web surfing. Please to remind yourself of the benefits of these two notions.

(*looks around to see if anyone is still awake & reading*)

I know.

More than you wanted to know about my thoughts on sleep—yet three steps which have tremendously helped me increase my slumber.

Now I turn to you.

Whats your NUMBER ONE tip for falling, staying or making more time for sleep?Do you believe we can shift from OWL to LARK?

*which I guess would make this a winwin, huh?

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The ultimate couch potato workout (guest post)

G’day! I’m Lauren.

I’m an Aussie personal trainer and strength coach who dabbles a little in Volleyball.

I blog over at LaurensFitness.com.

If the football or your favorite reality show has you glued to the TV, it doesn’t mean you need to make that bum groove any bigger.

Try this couch potato workout that will challenge your inner athlete and make your couch time much more productive!

Strength training is ridiculously important and effective, but you don’t need to leave your living room to get it done.

If you want to grow, lose fat or get stronger you need to put some pressure on your muscles. To get the best result quickly we want to stay in a low repetition range.

Couch Rules:

Do the circuit 2 or 3 time depending on your level.Perform each exercise 8-12 times, if you can do 12 repetitions perform the harder version of the exercise.Rest for 1 minute in between each circuit.Drink water not beer.

Squats

The classic squat is functional, a great warm up for the circuit and will work your bum and legs. Stand in front of the couch and move backwards from your hips first, let your knees follow. When you tip the couch push back up again slowly.

T Push Ups

With an added twist to the push up this is great for your chest and core. Start with your hands on the couch just wider than shoulder width apart. Press up into a push up position and extend your body out to a T. If this is too easy, reverse it! Put your feet on the couch and your hands on the floor.

Split Squats

We are taking the squat one step further and really challenging your legs and stability. Place one leg on the couch and step out as far as you can. When you drop down into the lunge your knees shouldn’t go over your toes. If it’s too difficult just drop down and hold in an isometric position for as long as you can. Don’t worry, you will improve quickly!

Upper Back Prone Lifts

This will hit that core and get your upper back in shape. Start with your feet on the floor and forearms on the couch. Keep your body is a straight position and squeeze your bum. From here you want to drop your upper body down so your chest get’s closer to the couch. Press back up and round your upper body out. This should burn between your shoulder blades!

Couch Hip Thrusts

This is harder than it looks! Place your shoulders on the couch and your feet on the floor. Drop your bum to the floor and press back up through your heels until your body is level again. Too easy? Try it one leg!

Want more workouts you can do at home?

Luckily I have another 41 exercises you can do in your living room, check them out here!

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Weigh In: These are my feet …

… and they aren’t on a scale — they haven’t been on one in a month!

If you missed it last month I decided it was time for me to ditch the scale for good. I’m not going to get all into it again — click here to see the post. 

If I’m being honest, I thought about digging it out of the basement maybe twice. But that’s not too bad for a previous daily weigher! I kind of like this new state I’m in. I have no idea how much I weigh and I don’t care. I’m active! Running when I can, weight training and really enjoying learning Olympic lifts. I’m staying active with the kids. I walk whenever I can. I eat when I’m hungry and try to focus on unprocessed stuff as much as possible. There are times I still struggle with mindless and nighttime snacking but that’s just something I will always have to work on being conscious about.

My biggest lesson learned after this month is: nothing has changed. Nothing. Well, besides the fast that I don’t have some silly number in my head.

The scale was once a powerful tool for me but I think recognizing its irrelevance at this point is a huge step in my maintenance journey.

That’s my story this week. How about you? Excited for Thanksgiving or fearing it?

Just remember it’s one stinking day. Have fun and move on. I’ll be back tomorrow with some photos from our Turkey Trot. PLEASE tag or send me photos if you are joining is. I’d love to see updates. I’ll post on Instagram as well. No idea what I’m talking about? Click here! 

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Bollywood Hips and Abs

You ready to focus on your core and shake them hips? This is a freestyle, pre-workout warmup set to a Bollywood groove. Do it before your main workout, or anytime you feel like shaking ‘dat ass. hahaha!

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

Have fun with it. If you’re not having fun with your workouts, then why even bother. ((winks))

Subscribe to Yum Yucky on YouTube for more Quickie workouts.

INSTRUCTIONS, PROPER FORM & MODIFICATIONS

There is no right or wrong way when you’re feeling the groove.For best results, activate the core, drawing all movement from your center and out through your hips.Do this in a mirror while nobody’s looking, or go outside and perform for all your neighbors. Yes?

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Eight mitzvahs.

eight good deeds.

To my tremendous dismay shock the Tornado turns eight this weekend.

Seriously.  Shock could not be more fitting a word.

When I launched this blog she looked something like this:

Drooly canine sidekick.

Hovered around here for a while:

black bean brownies? thumbs up!

Started school and plateaued here for a bit:

Im a climbing Tornado!

And then seemingly *suddenly* shotUPgrewUP to this:

ahhh juicing pulp. we love ye.

I recall feeling sad when she turned five because it felt as if she werent little any more.

Five *sounded* so grown up & I feared both the change (school! no more 24/7 sidekick!) and the unknown of her getting older.

I wasnt sure I’d like it. In fact I was fairly confident Id dislike it.

Three years later Im amazed how it’s only gotten better.

Gone are days of spontaneous, inexplicable tantrums and here are days of burgeoning ability to reason and emerging sense of ‘doing unto others.’

<3 <3

We’re a family who strives to live the notion of service being the rent we pay for living.

More than caring about the Tornado’s career-path, whether she marries or *any* of those things I care–tremendously–she’s grateful, giving and realizes “there but for the grace of G-d go I.”

After watching bloggy friends do good deeds in honor of  birthdays I suggested to the Tornado she do the same to celebrate hers.

Eight mitzvahs to celebrate turning eight.

I completely abdicated to her what the deeds would be (which, like letting her find her gratitude, I found surprisingly challenging!).

Some were easy & fun (play-dates/mom-time) while others forced her entirely out of her comfort-zone (interacting with the homeless & introducing herself to new people).

The whole process, from creation to checking off list, was an opportunity for me to watch and appreciate how she’s grown in the past year.

Im aware the days of I want! I want! may be right around the proverbial corner–but celebrating eight with I give! I give! was a Helper’s High-filled experience we both learned from.

About ourselves and about each other.

And yes.

Ive committed, at her request, to 45 mitzvahs before I turn 45 culminating with a TAKE WHAT YOU NEED Day!

Look out OAKtown.

Later.

First?

It’s time to celebrate eight.

unapologetically herself.

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