Women - Tone Up Your Arms in Six Weeks

I've heard time and time again from women...."I don't like my arms."  or "My arms are so flabby."

After watching the LiveWellNetwork, logged into their web page and found a previous clip on "Six Weeks to Sleeveless".

Link:  http://livewellnetwork.com/Mirror-Mirror/episodes/Six-Weeks-to-Sleeveless/8129239

So, I've decided to make this a part of my weekly exercise routine.  A personal trainer told me that in order for me to see results....I must alternate my exercise routine between cardio (15-20 minutes) then stength/toning (15-20 minutes).

If you decided to incorporate these toning exercises for your arms....please let me know how it works for you after six weeks.

In turn, I'll let you know if my arms have toned up any in six weeks.

Stay healthy.  Keep focused on your goal.

Healthy Baby Spring Mix Salad (140 Calories)

I LOVE salads.  I especially enjoy making my OWN healthy salads...experiment just a little bit...to see what I like and don't like in my food.

Today, I wanted to enjoy a nice simple salad for lunch (while I'm at my office).  We have a small refrigerator...so we are limited with space.

I have with me today the following:

• 3 cups - Baby Spring Mix Salad
• 1 Tbsp - Sliced Almonds Toasted
• 2 Tbsp - Classic Seasoned Croutons (Restaurant Style)
• 2 Tbsp - Raspberry Vinaigrette Lite Salad Dressing

According to @MyFitnessPal Calorie Counter....this is ONLY 140 Calories.  Not bad for a simple salad.  Now, if you were to add other ingredients....calories would increase.

Like I stated, today I was in the mood for a nice simple salad and a bowl of soup.  This was filling for me.  Plus, my 8 oz glass of Water.

What kind of salads do you like to make?



Please note that I purchased these items at KrogerCo.

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars (120 calories)

As I was looking over the weekly sales ad while grocery shopping at KrogerCo, I noticed the advertisement for Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars (No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Made with Real Fruit and Whole Grains).

I also noticed that it's only 120 calories per bar; wholesome fiber, 0 trans fat.

Of course, I purchased a box of Apple Cinnamon.  In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Apple Cinnamon (such a great combination).

Yesterday, for my mid-afternoon snack, I ate one.  Not bad.  Personally, I wish it had more filling.

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the best)...I would give Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars - Apple Cinnamon a rate of 7.

While it's low in calories, you taste more of the whole grains than the fruit itself.  The fruit taste in your mouth only lasts for a few seconds.

Question:  Is there room for improvement?
Answer:  Yes, I strongly believe so.

Question:  Will I try it again as a snack?
Answer:  Yes, because it's enough to satisfy my mid-afternoon snack craving.

If you decide to try it.  Please, by all means, let me know how your rate the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars.

DIY Project - Easy Steps to fix a Leaky Kitchen Sink

After weeks of procrastinating, I took on the Do It Yourself (DIY) Project of fixing my leaky kitchen sink.

Tools you will need for this project:

• Adjustable Wrench
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Paper Towels / Shop Towels
• Brass Faucet Stem (2 - Hot/Cold Stem)

Follow these easy to follow steps:

1. Shut-off (turn off) the water connection (which is located under the kitchen sink).
2. Gently use the Flathead Screwdriver to remove the cover on the kitchen faucet knob.
3. Use the Phillips Screwdriver to remove the screw holding the kitchen faucet knob.
4. Remove the kitchen faucet knob.
5. Use the Adjustable Wrench to remove the Brass Faucet Stem.
• I took this corrosive piece to Lowes Hardware to find exactly what I needed for my project.
6. Place the new Brass Faucet Stem in.
7. Use the Adjustable Wrench to tighten the Brass Faucet Stem into place.
8. Place the kitchen faucet knob back over the Brass Faucet Stem.
9. Place the screw back in using the Phillips Screwdriver...tighten it into place.
10. Place the cover back over the kitchen faucet knob (usually snaps back into place).
11. Repeat steps 1-10 for the other kitchen faucet knob.
12. Go back under the kitchen sink and turn the water connection ON.

I hope that this has helped you in some way or another.  It was easier than I thought.  I'm just happy that I didn't run into any additional problems.

MyFitnessPal - Calorie Counter, Daily Logs, etc.

I know many, including myself, who make resolutions every year or every few months to make some changes to one's health (such as:  exercise - at home or the gym, cut certain foods out).  Well, the other night as I watching the evening news, the following report got my attention.

News Report Article Link:  http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/consumer&id=8940051

MyFitnessPal - is a FREE app to download onto your mobile (you can also find it on web page, Facebook and Twitter @MyFitnessPal).

You log in your current weight, height and your goal weight.  The app will then tell you what your calorie count should be on a daily basis.

I'm on my second day of using the app.  You must be dedicated to inputting your meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks....your exercise routine (equipment used, number of calories burned, number of minutes spent on each exercise).

Throughout the day, the app will track:  Your Goal Calorie Count, Food Calorie Consumed, Calories Remained, Exercise, and Net Calorie Count.

Then at the end of your day, after your finished logging in all of your entries...click on "Complete This Entry".  And the app will tell you how you did for the day (your total calories, total carbs, fats, protein, sugars, etc.).

The other thing that I love about this app is that if you eat out, you can find a great deal of restaurant food / meal nutrition and can "add" to your daily log.  (such as:  @Starbucks, @Chick-fil-A).  It also scans the bar code of food items so that you can "add" to your daily log.

Try this app:  MyFitnessPal

If you do, let me know what you think about it.  Does it help you? or Not?

Easy Meal: Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts

On New Year's Eve, 2012....I wanted to make a special dinner for my love and myself.  Something that would be easy and great tasting.

The following items are needed:

• Package of Chicken Breasts (skinless)
• 1 bottle of Italian Dressing
• Onion
• Bell Peppers (of your choosing)
• Garlic
• Kosher Salt
• Ground Pepper
• Butter

Follow these preparation steps:

• Rinse each chicken breast with water.
• Place ckicken breasts in a large bowl.
• Shake the Italian Dressing and pour into large bowl (enough to coat each chicken breast).
• Cover with foil.
• Place large bowl in the refrigerator (allow to marinate for at least 2 hours).
• Slice onion, bell peppers (to your liking as to how much you would like)
• I used half of a green and red bell peppers
• Chopped a few cloves of garlic (to your liking)

Grilling time:

• In a skillet add butter over a medium heat.
• Add marinated chicken breast to the skillet (usually 2 pieces will fit).
• I cut the chicken breast in the center to ensure that it cooks through.
• Add your Kosher Salt and Ground Pepper (to your liking).
• Grill one side at a time (personally, I like mine to be a nice golden color). Cover with lid.
• Turn the chicken breast over and grill the other side.
• Gradually add your onion, garlic, and bell peppers to add flavor. Cover with lid.

Once your marinated grilled chicken is done...serve with your favorite side dishes and a healthy salad (with sliced almonds and dried cranberries, onions, tomatoes) and a lite dressing.

Enjoy your meal.

FREE Star Gazing App

Unfortunately, I do not have a telescope to see the stars or planets.  However, my friend informed me of the "Google Sky Map"....not only can you see the stars and planets, but the app is FREE to download onto your mobile.

Since it's cold temperatures outside, I've been able to enjoy this app from inside my home...where it's warm.  (Ha. Ha. Ha.)

Try this app.  Let me know what you think about it.

Happy New Year 2013

Did you make any resolutions for 2013 (ex:  lose weight, save money, quit smoking, no resolutions)?