More Hours Please

I’m having a rough day. The Husband and I are out of sync which sucks because we had such an awesome weekend. I’ve been having technical problems holding me back from accomplishing a few things. And the conference is really starting to ramp up with new (fun but stressful) things happening daily.

I can’t seem to catch up and things just. keep. getting. piled. on.

*deep breath*

I don’t want to admit it but attempting to get anything done at home with this little guy is proving almost impossible anymore.

He’s lucky he’s so darn cute!

I kid but I find myself yet again torn between working and just hanging out with Little Bean. I feel so lucky and so grateful to be home with him but I’m not getting what I need to get done. Sometimes It takes me days if not weeks to get back to emails and frankly, I feel like I’m working around the clock. (side note: so is the husband, hence our disconnect. :(

I even missed my workout this morning. First time in months that has happened but I couldn’t wake up even though I went to bed early.

I’m tired.

This month Bean will be starting day care twice a week and I’m again struggling with guilt.

Guilt that I’m shipping him off and I’ll be home.

Guilt that it costs so much.

Guilt that I just can’t manage it.

There it is.

I’m mad at my self for not being able to do it all.

Typical. huh?

In other news…

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Sandbagging and Body Pumping: Please Don’t Tell My Husband, He Doesn’t Need to Know

I have secrets to share and you can NOT be tellin’ the Health-hater Husband. Okay?

I already mentioned that my 39th birthday is coming up fast, so I started buying myself gifts ((insert sinister laughter here)). Shhhh! If the husband knew, he might say I already got my gifts. Shhh, I said! If we all just keep quiet about this, I’ll get extra gifts that HE buys me, too. muwhahahahhaaaa!

So in honor of Home Workout Whoredom and the wonderment that goes along with it, I bought two awesome tools that I wish the mailman would hurry the hells up and deliver to me faster:

First, the VersaFit Sandbag

The VersaFit Sandbag comes in 10-pound, all the way up to 50-pound weighted options. I chose the 40-pound sandbag. This thing goes behind your neck and rests on both of your shoulders. It’s gonna take my squats, lunges and step-ups on the bench to the next level. You can also perform swings and other dynamic weighted movements. I’ll shoot some video of me using it once I get the hang of it, so stay tuned.

Next, I purchased PUMP

I’ve been hearing about this awesomeness for years, and Beachbody recently teamed up with Les Mills for this in-home PUMP workout series. BodyPump is literally a worldwide movement. They offer it at a gazillion gyms, including mine, but I just can’t seem to ever get there. So I bought the system and I’m ready to Pump it to enhance the muscle definition in my body.

I’m Beachbody Coach to some of you already (howdy, ya’ll!), but EVERYONE is welcomed to explore PUMP in my Beachbody shop to see if it’s right for you. Here’s a PUMP video snippet that pretty much sums up why I’m so dang excited to start doing this program for the sculpting of sexy woman-muscles. I’m gonna look so hawt this summer.

So there’s my birthday shopping secrets! I highly doubt the husband will read this post, and I know my secret is safe with you. ((wink-wink))

View the original article here

Listen to your gut. Please. (guest post)

It was July 1998.

I was 23 years old.

I had been having pain and discomfort in my abdomen for months, but the doctors in upstate New York kept telling me I probably had a cyst and that “it would go away” and “not to worry about it”.

When I moved back to Long Island, I found a new doctor and during his first examination of my belly, he ordered for me to have a biopsy of the mass in my abdomen.

I told him “everyone said it’s just a cyst”.

He looked at me and said, “that’s no cyst. It’s way too hard to be a cyst. It’s a tumor”.

Yeah, he was blatant like that.

But he explained that it was likely to be benign and should be removed anyway just to relieve my discomfort, after which the mass would be biopsied, just to be sure. Ok, no problem.

So we scheduled the surgery and I thought nothing of it. I mean, I was just 23 years-old. I’d had cysts before, a few of which had ruptured causing terrible pain. So this was no biggie.

That was until a few days after the procedure when the doctor called me into his office for the test results. The discussion went something like this:

Dr.: “Irene, you have cancer.”
Me: “Uh, what?”

Dr.: “You have Stage 1 ovarian cancer, although I think we got it all.”

Me: “I’m sorry. I thought you just said I have cancer.”

Dr.: “Yes. I’m sorry. I know that is scary but you were very lucky. It was discovered very early and I think by removing the tumor, we most likely got all of it since I did not see and more masses anywhere.”

I just blinked at him, still not understanding what he was saying to me.

The doctor stood directly in front of me, grabbed my shoulders and said, “Irene. You have cancer. But it’s okay. It’s not a death sentence. You will be okay if you do exactly what I tell you to do.”

It took him a few more times before I could finally comprehend what he told me.

I was breathing again.

To say I was terrified was an understatement.

I heard cancer and immediately thought of all the things I never got to do. I thought my life was over and all I could imagine were all the things I missed in life: I’d never travel, get married, or finish college. I was going to die and I had barely started living yet.

The idea of going through chemotherapy after having had surgery and dealing with it all on my own was more than I could handle.

I became a bitchy, nasty mess. I told no one of my diagnosis. I just wallowed in my own misery. I became a terrible person.

A few months later, I was back to my old self.

My point?

I was lucky.

It wasn’t until I changed doctors until I finally found someone who would take my complaints seriously enough to test me. Sometimes, that’s what we have to do.

Because I was so vigilant, I was able to be diagnosed, treated, and healed with no additional signs of cancer 13 years later.

I am relatively healthy, strong, and living a very full life.

Do not be afraid to challenge your doctors.

Do not accept an answer that doesn’t make sense. Follow your instincts and listen to your gut.

If something is wrong, you are probably right. You know your body better than anyone else.

And sometimes you have to fight for it.

 Irene is a favorite of mine and I tremendously appreciate her sharing her experience here.  She blogs at House of Robertson.

View the original article here

Vote for Me! *please* :)

I hate to ask for things. I really do. It just makes me feel uncomfortable BUT this is pretty exciting. At least I think it is.

I was nominated for Shape Magazine’s 2011 Best Blogger Awards: Favorite Weight Loss Blog!

All you need to do is click here and vote for me. No signing up or creating an account or anything. I promise!

OK, I’m off. I’ve been running around like a chicken without a head wrapping things up and getting ready for my night out with hubby.

Later!

View the original article here

Remember our Blogger Virtual Talent Show?* Please to watch this space…

(Our hidden talent of interpretive dance as captured by the Tornado)

It’s coming again soon.

Git ready.

Hone those completely random talents & skills you’d heretofore thought useless and unimportant.

Gather your small children, pets, random household items and commence practicing.

It’s right around the proverbial corner.

*Yeah, we used the term (finger quote) blogger (unFQ) loosely to mean one who has read, seem, or ever heard of blogs. No need to be a blogger yourself.

View the original article here

VitaTop Recipe Contest – Please Vote!

Note: This post is sponsored by Vitalicious. Use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off an Vitalicious order!

What’s the saying? I’d forget my head if it wasn’t attached? That’s how I’ve been feeling lately. How did I do this while working full time? Seriously? Maybe it’s the holidays combined with the pregnancy, who knows. I’m not into making excusing for myself but seriously… I’m so scatterbrained anymore!

I was suppose to post the entries in my VitaTop Recipe contest LAST Wednesday. Better late the never I’d suppose but man I HATE missing deadlines.

As a reminder the prizes include…

1st place will have their recipe showcased on Vitalicious site plus a 6 month membership (that’s worth $180!)2nd place will receive a 3 month membership and3rd place will get a sample pack of Assorted Vitalicious Products

Now onto to the voting! I love that winner selection is left up to you. I’m tired of all that pressure. ;)

Here are the entries, voting takes place below.

1 teaspoon olive oil2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion1/2 cup diced zucchini1 Tablespoon Craisins2 small slices pumpernickel bread1 thawed CranBran VitaTop1/2 cup chicken broth

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat oil in small skillet. Sautee onion and zucchini about 5 minutes, until soft. Add Craisins and cook another minute or so.

While the veggies cook, tear bread and muffin into bite-sized pieces. Turn off heat and add to skillet. Add chicken broth and stir until moistened.

Put into small baking dish and bake 20 minutes. (I think it might have benefitted from another 10 or so in the oven, but I was running out of time on my dinner break).

1 Golden Corn VitaTop1 tbsp real maple syrup (reserve half)1 tbsp bacon bits (such as Hormel Real Bacon Bits) (reserve a pinch)1 large eggcooking spray

Makes one serving (249 calories, 8.5g fat, 10g fiber) (5 ww)

1. Thaw Golden Corn VitaTop according to directions and toast to taste.

2. While the VitaTop toasts, spray skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium/high heat.

3. Beat together the egg and the bacon bits, reserving a pinch for garnish and pour into skillet. As the egg cooks fold it over on itself so it will fit on top of the VitaTop. Cook until the eggs are not runny.

4. When the VitaTop is done toasting, prick the top with a fork all over and drizzle 1/2 of the maple syrup over the top. Do this slowly so it can sink into the holes. Reserve the rest to pour on at the end.

5. Top the syrup soaked VitaTop with the egg. Drizzle the reserved syrup over the top and sprinkle with the reserved bacon bits.
Then enjoy! :) The whole process takes just 10-15 minutes and is simple enough to cook on a weekday morning. To reduce the calories and fat consider using two egg whites in place of the egg.

SLICE IN HALF. ADD A SCOOP OF FAT FREE COOL WHIP ON ONE HALF AND TOP IT WITH THE OTHER HALF OF THE VITATOP MUFFIN.

PLACE IN A ZIPLOC BAG AND PLACE IN THE FREEZER.

FREEZE AT LEAST 2 HOURS AND ENJOY.

YOU CAN MAKE A BATCH OF THEM SO THEY WILL BE READY FOR YOU TO ENJOY

WHEN YOU NEED THAT SPECIAL TREAT. ENJOY!

1 Tbsp.(14g) Neufchatel Cheese (this is a lighter type of cream cheese)1/2 Tbsp. (8g) Peanut Butter

Microwave for a few seconds (time will vary depending on microwave), to soften. Stir to combine and spread on warm Deep Chocolate VitaTop.

Nutrition Info: 83 Cal, 7g Fat, 0g Fiber 2WW Pts for Topping

I used regular peanut butter, substituting low fat is always an option. I could also see this being delicious with almond butter!

To make this particular treat, I microwaved a frozen Golden Corn VitaTop for 25 seconds. Then I soaked it for a couple of minutes in a mixture of:

1 egg1 tbsp almond milk1/2 tsp vanilla extract1 tsp cinnamon

Cook the VitaTop for 2-3 minutes per side on a stovetop pan or griddle (medium heat). I topped it simply with butter.

Note: This post is sponsored by Vitalicious. Use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off an Vitalicious order!

View the original article here

VitaTop Recipe Contest – Please Vote!

Note: This post is sponsored by Vitalicious. Use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off an Vitalicious order!

What’s the saying? I’d forget my head if it wasn’t attached? That’s how I’ve been feeling lately. How did I do this while working full time? Seriously? Maybe it’s the holidays combined with the pregnancy, who knows. I’m not into making excusing for myself but seriously… I’m so scatterbrained anymore!

I was suppose to post the entries in my VitaTop Recipe contest LAST Wednesday. Better late the never I’d suppose but man I HATE missing deadlines.

As a reminder the prizes include…

1st place will have their recipe showcased on Vitalicious site plus a 6 month membership (that’s worth $180!)2nd place will receive a 3 month membership and3rd place will get a sample pack of Assorted Vitalicious Products

Now onto to the voting! I love that winner selection is left up to you. I’m tired of all that pressure. ;)

Here are the entries, voting takes place below.

1 teaspoon olive oil2 Tablespoons finely chopped onion1/2 cup diced zucchini1 Tablespoon Craisins2 small slices pumpernickel bread1 thawed CranBran VitaTop1/2 cup chicken broth

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat oil in small skillet. Sautee onion and zucchini about 5 minutes, until soft. Add Craisins and cook another minute or so.

While the veggies cook, tear bread and muffin into bite-sized pieces. Turn off heat and add to skillet. Add chicken broth and stir until moistened.

Put into small baking dish and bake 20 minutes. (I think it might have benefitted from another 10 or so in the oven, but I was running out of time on my dinner break).

1 Golden Corn VitaTop1 tbsp real maple syrup (reserve half)1 tbsp bacon bits (such as Hormel Real Bacon Bits) (reserve a pinch)1 large eggcooking spray

Makes one serving (249 calories, 8.5g fat, 10g fiber) (5 ww)

1. Thaw Golden Corn VitaTop according to directions and toast to taste.

2. While the VitaTop toasts, spray skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium/high heat.

3. Beat together the egg and the bacon bits, reserving a pinch for garnish and pour into skillet. As the egg cooks fold it over on itself so it will fit on top of the VitaTop. Cook until the eggs are not runny.

4. When the VitaTop is done toasting, prick the top with a fork all over and drizzle 1/2 of the maple syrup over the top. Do this slowly so it can sink into the holes. Reserve the rest to pour on at the end.

5. Top the syrup soaked VitaTop with the egg. Drizzle the reserved syrup over the top and sprinkle with the reserved bacon bits.
Then enjoy! :) The whole process takes just 10-15 minutes and is simple enough to cook on a weekday morning. To reduce the calories and fat consider using two egg whites in place of the egg.

SLICE IN HALF. ADD A SCOOP OF FAT FREE COOL WHIP ON ONE HALF AND TOP IT WITH THE OTHER HALF OF THE VITATOP MUFFIN.

PLACE IN A ZIPLOC BAG AND PLACE IN THE FREEZER.

FREEZE AT LEAST 2 HOURS AND ENJOY.

YOU CAN MAKE A BATCH OF THEM SO THEY WILL BE READY FOR YOU TO ENJOY

WHEN YOU NEED THAT SPECIAL TREAT. ENJOY!

1 Tbsp.(14g) Neufchatel Cheese (this is a lighter type of cream cheese)1/2 Tbsp. (8g) Peanut Butter

Microwave for a few seconds (time will vary depending on microwave), to soften. Stir to combine and spread on warm Deep Chocolate VitaTop.

Nutrition Info: 83 Cal, 7g Fat, 0g Fiber 2WW Pts for Topping

I used regular peanut butter, substituting low fat is always an option. I could also see this being delicious with almond butter!

To make this particular treat, I microwaved a frozen Golden Corn VitaTop for 25 seconds. Then I soaked it for a couple of minutes in a mixture of:

1 egg1 tbsp almond milk1/2 tsp vanilla extract1 tsp cinnamon

Cook the VitaTop for 2-3 minutes per side on a stovetop pan or griddle (medium heat). I topped it simply with butter.

Note: This post is sponsored by Vitalicious. Use my code RonisWeigh for 10% off an Vitalicious order!

View the original article here