Feeling Inspired

When I was in high school, I thought I would keep my circle of friends forever. It was the last scene of Grease…you know…we’ll always be together. (Hold it together Ro, no tears!) Sadly, over the years I lost touch with many. Some I still have no clue how to find. Thankfully with the advent of social media, namely Facebook, I have been able to reconnect with my friends. Not just those who were closest to me all those years ago. Many I am connecting with now as adults. Its a new kind of friendship. The type of ‘we went through it all and now we are here’ people who are simply genuine. Those connections lend new perspective that you don’t always see coming. For that, I am inspired.

You see, on an afternoon meant for alumni to gather over food and drinks, I got to see a handful of people who I hadn’t seen in 20+ years. I had my hubby and bestie at my side and we had fun. What I didn’t know going in was that I would eventually be a personal cheerleader for two friends who are currently training for the LA Marathon. I cant really say what clicked…it just did. I found myself wanting to help. I was inspired. Its not like I am going to carry them across the finish line but I wanted to find a way to be a part of their journey…one that led me to my keyboard to share with all of you.

I understand marathons are expensive. I mean the registration fees, clothing, shoes, and the stuff to eat and drink all add up quickly! Its my hope that others are just as inspired and consider showing some support and perhaps, maybe even sponsoring them. Im not blogging as if it were a kickstarter or gofundme…just sharing in case someone is sitting in front of their screen reading this and saying, ‘I can share this to my network’. That being said, I invite you all to follow their journey as they train. A couple of hot mamas getting fit and showing their kids how to own it!

Follow Yaneth Bonilla @runwithyaneth16

yaneth b

Follow Jennifer Burke @runwithjenn16 

burke

Soup Weather

Excuse me while I do a happy dance! I dont know about you, but I loooove cold weather. Its time for scarves, sweaters & soups. I mean a pot that has a little of this and a little of that transforms into a LOT of deliciousness. There are days when I get so obsessed with pinning soups, time gets away from me.

The next soup I want to make is this yummy roasted poblano & corn soup that I pinned from Iowa Girl Eats.  If it comes out as good as this looks, I may have to make it late in the day. If I make it early, there might not be any left for the hubby!

poblano soup

Ive even tossed my hat into the mason jar soup mix arena. Imagine a bowl of cream of asparagus soup from scratch but it would only take minutes. That appeals to me…fast, yummy & easy. Some of you may be getting these for Christmas…just sayin.

Cream of Asparagus

#SmallBusinessSaturday

#ITryFitness

Have you ever gone to the gym (gasp!) and felt intimidated or self conscious (double gasp!) at the sight of all those fit bodies who clearly know what the heck they are doing? Do you have limitations that keep you from venturing out even though you are eager to get up and move? Perhaps you are interested in going big with a marathon or even a triathlon? (seriously gasping for air now!) What if you could achieve your goals, or even set some new ones, without the stress of a gym environment and still get quality assistance from a qualified and successful trainer? No need to Google and Yelp your way to wondering if you are making the right decision. A lifelong friend of mine is the answer to your fitness questions. Danny Perez has not only taken on fitness as a challenge for himself, but he has started his own business to help others do the same. Danny worked as a physical therapy aide for over 6.5 years at Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare primarily working with patients who suffered spinal cord injuries (SCI), strokes, had total knee/hip replacements, and a number of other physically and mentally debilitating injuries or diseases. He provides quality in-home personal training for able and disabled people looking to stay healthy and active. I encourage you to cruise by and check out I Try Fitness to see for yourself. Check out all the options, cruise through the pics, and see the care & attention that is clearly a priority for him and his clientele. Forget Pinterest, he even offers meal planning! Whaaaat?! Before you stress about adding holiday weight, go check it out.IMG_5915 (1)

Halloween Week

In keeping with the upcoming holiday, I have a Halloween theme for the blog posts this week. Today being Manic Monday, I thought some tips to destress would be helpful. Perhaps a workout. (UGH!) With the yummy food we are all about to eat over the next two months, which I am blessed and thankful to have an abundant table, I think a little added movement with a festive theme is on tap.

Grab an empty gallon jug of water or milk and get crafty! A simple face made with a Sharpie can transform your empty jug into a cute or creepy ghost. Turn on the tap and fill that baby up! A gallon of water is about 7 pounds so its a moderate weight. Want to start half way? Sure, just remember that your movements will make the water sway inside the bottle and cause a momentum shift. Just a tip for those with balance issues like me!

ghost

I mean how cute is this?!

Don’t have any empties lying around? Grab those pumpkins you have decorating the house. Why not make it fun?! All the stress will just melt away. Found this cute lil workout from Happy Food Healthy Life.

pumpkin workout

Yup…time to work on my arms for sure!

Happy Manic Monday!