What's it for anyway....What am I going to do about it

Food! Food is to fuel our bodies.  That is it's main purpose.  But, I don't know of many that think of it that way. It's more of a social, so yummy, I'm bored, I'm hungry but want to grab something fast....sorta thing.  Am I Right??

So, what if we only think of it as our Fuel.  What would happen?? This year I'm going to do my best to think of food as fuel and nothing else.  If I'm eating something I'll just think, "Is this to fuel my body?" "Is it good fuel that my body can use?" If I'm eating it for others reasons, then what are those reasons?? Am I bored? Does it just look so yummy (but how does it make me feel afterward)?? Is it because it's a fun family party and that's what we do for fun??

I HAVE TO FIX THE "OTHER" REASONS!! I'm sure most of us do!! 

~Replace the reason for your not good eating with a new habit~

Situation~  I'm Bored: I don't often have just nothing to do, it's just that I don't want to do what I need to be doing at that time...haha.  But, if I want to eat because I'm bored I will.... clean something (something can always be cleaned or de-cluttered, or do 1 scrapbook page (I'm so behind on my kids' scrapbooks).  So, if I replace a bad habit of eating just because I'm bored, with a good habit like my examples...hmmm, I might get a lot done. :)

Situation~ It just looks so yummy! Now I'm not going to completely deprive myself, but I do go over bored sometimes with the treats. It's mostly because it looks so dang good and I LOVE TREATS! :) But, you know most of the time I feel awful and yucky afterwards.  Not always, but most of the time.  I will have a FREE day once a week.  But, I'm not going to go crazy.  It just means it's okay if I have a little treat or not completely think about what I'm eating that day. But, I will not make myself sick with food.  If I am craving a treat or bad food any other day I'm going to do my best to have good, "fueling snacks" handy at all times.  I will drink a glass of water and wait 10 minutes.  See if the craving is gone.  Not gone? I will do 15 squats.  Hopefully gone!! I WILL NOT EAT THAT BAD BAD FOOD until I do this!! How can I make that yummy snack healthier?? We will see if it works :) I'll let you know.

Situation~ Family Functions- when eating with friends or family it's not always the healthiest.  But, it's not always horrible.  Its just that the whole social aspect of it makes it fun to eat...& Eat..& EAT!  So, what's the strategy?  Well, maybe I'll crunch on 10 baby carrots before we go or something like that.  Drink a full glass of water before we start eating.  I will not go back for seconds {the hardest}  I will have smaller portions. 

Alright...that's my strategy!! I really am excited for a New Year and I'm looking forward to even better health and fitness!! I will reach my goals! I will! I am determined too!

Are you looking forward to a Healthy 2012?

What's your goals? Strategies to get you there?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

~Ang

Love this....Exercise & Save too!!

I saw this idea on Pinterest, way too many great ideas on there! But this idea was to put a dollar in a jar every time you exercise.  When you meet your goal, whatever it may be, treat yourself to something nice...a massage, a new pair of jeans, etc.  Or just the money saved would be a super plus!!  If you are looking to save and exercise more this year, this is a great idea!! I'm gonna try it!  Think about it, workout at least 6 times per week, that's $24 per month, $288 per year.  It's something. More than I"m doing right now.  If you want to save more, do a couple bucks each time you work out.  

New Year....New Diet and Exercise Plan.....

Wow! It's been a while! Sorry about that.  I've been super busy with my Piano classes for kids and my new business Paparazzi Accessories. I absolutely love it!! I see the light of Finance improvement....yay!! Digging out of the whole is the hard part, but it is definitely possible with Paparazzi.  I have stayed soooo busy during The Holiday season.  It's been a little crazy...haha.  If you want any more info about Paparazzi please email me at sparklesandbugs@hotmail.com  I would love to share it with anybody.  If it seems like something you would like I guarantee it will improve your life.

Now, we are coming upon a New Year.....

  The New Year always gets everybody thinking about Diet and Exercise, being Healthier, etc.  I know I do.  I think about it quite a lot anyway, but the New Year just seems like a new great place to start for a New You!  Have you heard of the Pink Method?? I decided to try it.  It's very inexpensive for a Diet and Exercise plan.  It's not super intimidating and it's just for women! I couldn't wait to start so I started today!! :) I'm not waiting for the new year....I want to get a jump start on better health for a brand New Year! I'll keep you updated on how it goes.  I've been waking up at 5 am with the hubby every morning.  It's been an adjustment because I'm a night owl...haha.  But, I think I've made it. I figured I might as well get a work out it and other things done before the kids wake up.  I love having an extra 2 hours to my day.  I never have enough time for everything I need to do, so this is helping.  Plus, it makes the hubby happy.  He has wanted me to wake up the same time he does for about....um...over 10 year now...haha.  I have a few times, but not consistently.  So, I'm on to the 2nd week now and he's happy. :) Plus, we have been working out together a little bit at night.  That makes me super happy that he is motivated to work out and it's fun to do it together.
I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happier Healthier New Year!!
~Angela

Deal of the Day: 60 Day Slim Down System

I absolutely love Lindsay Brin from Moms Into Fitness.  I used her Prenatal workouts for baby #3 and #4. This is a great deal on her 60 Slim Down System!
 

Also check out her personal blog www.lindsaybrin.com and her "Moms into Fitness" business blog www.momsintofitness.com for lots of great information and FREE Nutrition tips and Workouts!

Parenting School Years Magazine for only $6.99!

The Deal of the Day is

Hurry and get this awesome deal before it ends 10/8/11 

Fitness, Fitness, Fitness....{any advice for me??}

That's what's sort of been on my mind, or the lack there of maybe...haha. It's been a wild and crazy couple weeks.  Just the normal happenings of life and other adventures in life that seem to happen.  I'm just getting over a cold, my voice is still gone, last week my oldest daughter dislocated & broke her arm.  It was bad and required surgery to have a pin put in.  So, that whole week went out the window, I was busy taking care of her and at the ER and then back to the hospital for a couple days.

 I think I'm totally an emotional eater.  When I'm stressed or sad, I eat.  When I'm bored... I eat. People brought us food and treats over...... and I ate. :) I wasn't able to get my regular exercise in and then a couple of my other kids started getting sick and then I got sick, so we sat at home on the couch...... and ate. :( And got no exercise.  It's just life right! It happens.  Now the hard part is getting back into a Healthy Lifestyle and routine.  But, it's sort of depressing to go from really feeling pretty good about your body, or course there is more toning that I would have liked to see happen.  But, felt good in my clothes and didn't worry about what to wear.  I was feeling good.  Then, to go to gaining 5 or so pounds from a hectic couple weeks is sort of depressing, when your jeans are getting tight in a matter of 2 weeks. Yikes!! My husband was also doing great and getting up at 4:30 every morning and running everyday!  Then he got sick too!! :( 

Do you ever go through cycles like this? How do you get back into it?? It's funny how fast your confidence can change!! Is fitness on your mind?  I always feel like I need a plan of action, do you have a plan of action for your Health & fitness??? Or any tips for me on a "plan of action" to take to get back into it??

My New Job {It may be something for you too}

I guess it's about time I tell you about my new job! In August I became a Paparazzi Accessories Consultant.  You may be wondering what that is :) "Paparazzi Accessories" is a fairly new company that just started the "party plan" direct selling not even a year ago.  Since then the word has been spreading and it is starting to grow like wild fire!! Paparazzi offers Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings, Rings, Hair Clips & Headbands for only $5.  Awesome right!? There are over 300 products and they are all for only $5!! There is also little girl rings and earrings for only $1.  This is so great! Anybody can look like a "fashionista" and not break the bank! This is like anything you can find at the mall but much more affordable.  I'm loving it!  

It's such a fun job, it's so me too.  I've been making my own Jewelry & hair accessories for years now, but there is no way I could make it and have it be available for only $5.  Plus not having to make it myself saves me soooo much time. It's fun to have friends or family Host a Paparazzi Party and see how much everybody loves it and how much they are saving. Everybody gets to take home what they buy that night! I've only been a consultant since August and have had such great party sales and am now considered a "Director" consultant because I have also been able to grow my team.  Yay!! I love helping others do this. I hope to keep growing my team and show everybody how you can look amazing on a budget. This is just a little sample of Paparazzi Accessories.  Become a fan of my Facebook page & Jewelry Blog for more info and to stay updated. 

If you'd like more info about Hosting a Party or about being a consultant I have a lot of info on my Jewelry blog and facebook page or you can always contact me at sparklesandbugs@hotmail.com 

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have if this sounds like something for you. If you are ready to become a consultant now you can visit Paparazzi Accessories home page and go Here to sign up using my sponsor #1781. There are different starter kits to choose from or you can also sign up as a consultant for $40.  Choosing one of the starter kits is the way to go because you get soooo much stuff to get you going on your business and you earn it back very fast!!  Think about being some of the first consultants of some of the bigger companies like Mary Kay, etc.  This is the opportunity you have now as a Paparazzi Accessories consultant. It's too good to pass up.

This has been a blessing for me and I know as I continue to grow my business I will have the financial freedom my family needs. So excited for that! I definitely know it's possible with Paparazzi Accessories. We are such a close company and close as consultants, it's been great!!

Giveaway Winner!!

We have a winner for the 250 Free Custom Labels from uprinting.com

Comment #11 Sarah B. 

was chosen using Random.org

Congrats Sarah! I hope these will be very useful to you!!

Uprinting will be contacting you soon via email to get set up with your custom labels....Yay!!

Thanks to all who took the time to enter this giveaway!

Fitness Friday & Giveaway Ends Soon!

I've been pretty busy with Teaching "Let's Play Music," the kids back in school, and my new Business- Paparazzi Accessories. See my Facebook or Blog. I'll tell you more about that soon. It's been exciting! 

I've also been training for the Las Vegas Ragnar Relay.  I'm excited and nervous.  It's my first relay.  Let's hope I make it. :) But, we have an all girls team of 12- 2 vans.  It should be a fun time and a great experience.  If anybody has any training tips for me they would be much appreciated.  I'm in need of more energy lately. :)

Has anybody tried the 100 workout or Killer Abs I mentioned last week??

Oh, oh, oh! I forgot to mention that a week or so ago I was the featured blogger on Fit Blogger. How cool is that!?

You can go check it out!

This is kind of a crazy Fitness Friday this week! I hope you are all doing well. Those of you in the current challenge you are kicking butt, keep up the good work!!

**Don't forget to enter my current giveaway.  Ends Tonight!!

Fitness Friday...Back to the Basics!!

I'm loving these different posters I find of workouts to do. I feel like getting back to the basics for a while with running and adding in some good strength moves.

  Try this.......

Hmmm...How long do you think it would take me to get Killer Abs??  It's a "don't think, just do" kinda thing.  Just do what it says, everyday....I bet your abs will be rockin' real soon.

Here is another one....try the "100 workout."  Maybe switch off the "killer abs" idea and "100 workout" every other day or so.  I may try that for a while, along with running just to switch it up a bit.  These types of things wouldn't take too long, {well maybe ;)} and they are the good ol' regular, simple moves that really work & do a body good!!

Do you ever wonder what are some good exercises for certain muscles?? This resource is SaWEEET! Check it out, you can click on whatever body part and it gives you great exercises to do. Love it!

Let's get back to the basics folks! All these exercises you can do for FREE and in the comfort of your own home or outside!! Have your kids do it with you, they'll think it's fun!! :)

Have a great weekend!

**Don't forget to Enter my Current Giveaway!! 250 Free Labels, Custom made! Worth $40+

Low Entry, you may Win!!

Have you ever wondered how to make $$ Blogging

Blogging is fun, informational, you can speak about your interests, find super great ideas,etc.  Why not be able to make a little Moola??!!  It will take some work, a lot of work if you really want to make it big. This Article has a bunch of resources & ideas.  There are plenty of other resources around the web as well if you just search you will find them :) Well, maybe one day I will make money from this blog...haha.  But, for now, it's mostly just for me to save things I want to remember, share other great things around the web and hopefully share some good things with you with a little added inspiration as well.  But, if you are serious about making money, blogging may be a great way!! Try it out!  Let me know if you have any other great tips! Wouldn't blogging full time be a great job? :)

Don't forget to enter my current giveaway! Low entry so far, more chances to win!! Yay!

GIVEAWAY~ 250 Customizable Labels

I'm excited to be able to have a fun GIVEAWAY with a great PRIZE for you!!

 Who couldn't use 250 Custom Labels?? They can be used for business use, personal use, whatever you can think of for a High Quality and Professional look. You choose the Design. Oh- and the Holidays are coming up, think of the possibilities...Exciting Right?!!

 

1 Winner will Receive:

250 Customizable Labels 

2" x 3.5"

70lb Label Matte, Front Only Printing,

4 Business Days Turnaround *Free shipping

Restriction: Limited to US residents 18 years old and above only.

Uprinting is a High Quality printing company for all your printing needs.

How To Enter:
 (5 possible entries, leave a separate comment for each)

1. "Like" Uprinting on Facebook or Twitter

2.  Leave a comment telling me what you plan to do with these labels if you win

3. Become a Follower of this Blog 

4.  "Like" my Biz Page- Paparazzi Accessories Facebook Page 

5. Follow my Paparazzi Accessories Blog

You have 5 different ways to Enter!!! Make sure you Leave a separate comment for each entry.

So, what are you waiting for?? Enter Now! 

{Contest ends Friday, September 16th, winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced Monday, September 19th} 

This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive Customizable Labels for hosting. Don't forget to Check out standard label templates on UPrinting.

Fitness Challenge Giveaway Winner....

Casey from Advocare is donating some Spark Energy Drink from her Advocare Website for one of the Fitness Challenge Participants this week.

And the Winner is........

Charlie Proper!

Yay Charlie....I just need you to email me with your address so you can be sent the goods from Casey & you'll have to let us know how you like it.  If anybody is interested in getting some for your self, check out Casey's site.

Spark is.....

*The most nutritionally advanced energy drink on the market

*Sugar-free, long-lasting energy                                                                                          

 *Surprisingly fast-acting

*Contains 21 vitamins, minerals and nutrients designed to provide a healthy, balanced source of energy

*Just 45 calories per serving

*Sharpens mental focus

 AdvoCare is a premier health and wellness company offering world-class energy, weight-loss, nutrition, and sports performance products. Check out her website for more info  www.advocare.com/10012343. 

Casey also blogs over at Daily Dose of Fit  You can go say hello and tell her I sent you :)

Flirty Aprons: Trash that Old Apron & Win $100

Who says moms can’t look cute AND look cute in the kitchen?  Flirty Aprons has an adorable line of kitchen aprons that are fun and functional.  They’ll keep your clothes clean while you are working in the kitchen, whipping up some cookies or making a delicious dinner for your family.  You’ll look fashionable at the same time!  Made from 100% soft cotton fabric and quality construction, these aprons won’t fade or tear.  These women’s aprons are about to change your outlook on cooking and working in the kitchen.  Flirty Aprons- Freedom from domestication.  Add a little Sugar n’ Spice to your life (that’s the name of the apron pictured here- isn’t it pretty?)

I absolutely adore the look of the Sugar n’ Spice apron and I love wearing it even more.  It’s so cute!  I feel more like a domestic goddess rather than a slave in the kitchen when I wear it (even when it’s over my pajamas…shhhh!).  You are probably familiar with the trend “Trash the Dress” where women do crazy things with their wedding dresses after the big event is over, like wearing it into a swimming pool.  Well Flirty Aprons is taking that concept and daring you to trash your old apron.  They are offering 20% off a new apron from Flirty Aprons with code BB20 and giving you the chance not only for a full refund on the purchase price but a $100 Visa gift card as well.  Here’s how:

1. Pick out an adorable new apron at www.flirtyaprons.com
2. Don’t forget to use code BB20 to take 20% off
3. Take a video of  the creative way you destroy your old apron and post it on YouTube (YouTube videos need to have Flirty Aprons in the title)
4. Email your video links to matt@flirtyaprons.com by September 10th at 11:59 PST

The top 10 most creative entries will receive a full refund of the Flirty Apron Purchase price.  The #1 most creative video will receive a $100 Visa gift card in addition to the apron refund.  Winners will be picked by Flirty Aprons.

Doesn’t that sound ridiculously fun?!  These aprons are so cute you’ll have a hard time picking just one.  Have a friend who likes to bake?  Flirty Aprons would make an awesome gift!  Just make sure you get one for yourself first! :)

This posting was sponsored by Flirty Aprons through Broadcast Bloggers however, all opinions expressed are my own. 

Deal of the Day: Designer Sunglasses!!

How AWESOME is it that I can bring you a Deal of the Day!! Check back most days and look for my Deal of the Day post to see what Amazing deals you can get! 

Who doesn't love Sunglasses??? I can't leave the house without them! Now I don't ever buy the nicest Designer Sunglasses, but if you've ever wanted a nice pair you are going to want to snag these up at this Great Price. $39.99 for a $209 Pair of Calvin Klein Sunglasses.

Click Here for more info & to Buy!!

Fitness Friday! 9/2/11

Hello Fitness Friday!!

Are you looking for a new workout?  Why don't you try a virtual instructor?? Kinda Fun!! Cassey has a pretty great blog over at Blogilates: Fitness Food & lot's of Pilates & Check out her YouTube Channel for the Original Pop Pilates.  She has plenty of videos for you to stay busy and lots of great info on her blog.  Check it out and Have fun!!

Now, for the Challenge Participants of my Fitness Challenge I have a little giveaway! Yay! The winner will be announced Tuesday Morning for those that have all submitted their Fitness Miles. No other entry needed. 

Casey is donating some Spark Energy Drink from her Advocare Website.

Spark is.....

*The most nutritionally advanced energy drink on the market

*Sugar-free, long-lasting energy                                                                                           *Surprisingly fast-acting

*Contains 21 vitamins, minerals and nutrients designed to provide a healthy, balanced source of energy

*Just 45 calories per serving

*Sharpens mental focus

 AdvoCare is a premier health and wellness company offering world-class energy, weight-loss, nutrition, and sports performance products. Check out her website for more info  www.advocare.com/10012343. 

Casey also blogs over at Daily Dose of Fit  You can go say hello and tell her I sent you :)

Participants, you are doing awesome at your fitness miles...keep it up!! I'm so impressed by how well you are all doing. 

Have a great Weekend!

P.S- There are only 5 days left to enter the $185 Paypal Giveaway.  Go Enter!!

Oreck Vacuum for $275! Great Deal for my Readers!!

I'm going to be able to offer you, my readers GREAT DEALS every now and again.  Yay!  So, if you are in need of a new Vacuum this would be a great choice, A super nice Vacuum at a super GREAT DEAL right now!!

Click Here for more details and to Buy Now!! 

Fitness Friday: Everybody needs a little Inspiration

Looking for a little more inspiration lately?  I went looking through my Quotes and Health & Fitness "pins" on Pinterest, I figured we could all use a little more inspiration every now and again.  Hope you enjoy these today and have a great Weekend!! No matter what you hope for, what you are trying to do, the confidence you are trying to find...Just Believe in your self and you can accomplish anything!! 

Just a few things for you to think about. :) What inspires you???

***

Don't forget to enter the $185 Paypal Cash giveaway!!! So cool!! 11 days left to enter.  

$185 Paypal Giveaway!!

I am lucky enough to be involved in a HUGE PAYPAL GIVEAWAY for $185 Cash!! You don't have to enter on every single blog involved, You can just enter here or on my Jewelry blog every day for your chance to win!! So Cool! I wish I could enter...hehe.
Good Luck! Enter, Enter, Enter!!

Back to School ideas

I found a lot of cute back to school ideas around blog land.  Check over at Junk in their Trunk they compiled a bunch of these great ideas. 

I love the Lunch chart from Family Fun.

 

The Drawer or cupboard ready with all the lunch box fixins' ready to pack! Love this idea of having them ready to go!!

I like to send notes every so often in the kids' lunch boxes. I had seen these Free Printables & "pinned" them a while ago. Can't wait to use them! 

Have you seen the Bento Lunches.  I love them! I wish I felt like I had more time to create these little cute lunches every morning.  I may try!! My kids would love it!

This is a great thing to do to get the conversation flowing a little and to know how their day went when they aren't quite talking much about it or remembering what happened that day when you pick them up from school. :) My kids don't have too much time during lunch, but I'm loving this idea of the Lunch Survey

This is also great! Something they can do at home maybe just before dinner to get the conversation flowing about their day.

I can't believe school is starting already!! Do you have any other great Back to School traditions or back to school ideas?