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Resound11 Prompt 12: 12 in 12

admin — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:12:06 +0000

Take today to talk about 12 things you would like to accomplish in 2012. These 12 things can be 12 resolutions, 12 changes in your life, 12 wines you’d like to drink, 12 cities you’d like to visit, or 12 monthly goals. The decision is yours. Good luck and have fun! How will you resound? 1) I want to stop living in the future. This doesn’t mean I won’t plan or set goals, it means that I will stop thinking about everything as a future activity with no date in sight for completion. Often times, I get paralyzed by things that aren’t happening and tasks that are set for unnamed dates in the future. I want to push myself to be in the moment of my actions. To immerse myself into activities 100%. When I’m exercising, I want to be there. I want to give everything. I don’t want to be in my head planning out tomorrow or who I need to email or designs I need to finish. I want to give every bit of myself to that moment. I want to stop thinking about 170lbs in the future. Or the days when I will be different. Or projects that I plan to get to eventually. When I’m working on a project, I want to be there with it, pushing my work, and acting as if that work is the most important one I will do. 2) I want to learn to make croissants. And then I want to put chocolate in them. 3) I want to leave obesity in my 20′s. 4) I want to read fewer tweets and status updates and more books. I want to judge people less by what they say on social media sites. 5) I want to start saving for Paris. (followed by #7, of course) And learn to speak French. 6) I want to pay off my debts and buy a new car. 7) I want to waste less. Less garbage and plastic bags. 8. I want a better garden. 9) I want to appreciate and celebrate my life and those around me. 10) I want to write, a lot. 11) I want to narrow down my projects and businesses. In 2012 all my projects will be under one roof. I will have one etsy store, one way to find my work, and one business name for my design. 12) I want to be okay with saying no and I want to do it more often. I want to stand up for myself and my time.

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Resound11 Prompt 12: 12 in 12

Dole Health Summit Recap: Part One

admin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:10:45 +0000

Sitting down to write this post is daunting. Mainly because there is so much to cover and much to still think about. So my solution is to break it up into little pieces and go from there. A couple of months ago I got an email from a PR firm representing Dole asking me to join other bloggers in California for a summit. They covered the airfare, hotel costs at the Four Seasons in Westlake Village , transportation and the food during my stay. It was hard to say no. To start, I’m still not 100% sure why I was invited. I’m not a full-time blogger, nor am I a “popular blogger”, not sure what that means, but I’m no KERF, right? To be frank, I struggle with blogging. There were ladies at the summit who were blogging the entire time. Tweeting, facebooking, networking, linking, and did I mention blogging? They were on top of their blogging game. I just kept looking around thinking “I’m at Dole! I’m in California! oooh this food is good! wow, I’m learning so much! palm trees!” Not to mention the elephant in the room. Pun intended, I can’t help myself. The thing is, if you look at the roster of bloggers, and the group photo. You’ll notice the obvious… I was the only fat person there. I couldn’t help but sing “one of these things is not like the other” . For the most part, I was okay with this. But, I’d be lying if I said I was super confident about it either. Before I even stepped foot on the first plane to California I did a lot of self talk. Some of it was purely indulgent to make myself feel better. Here’s what it sounded like in my head: They want you to go for exactly who you are now, you are providing a different perspective, you’re representing other Americans who struggle with binge eating, you are on a journey, you can do this! At one point I almost asked for a refund and high tailed it home when I found out our first flight was cancelled. I was uncomfortable. A lot was out of my control and I was vulnerable. If Josh hadn’t been there to convince me to keep going, I probably would have chickened out. When we arrived in California 16 hours later, I didn’t care that I was sleep deprived and looking like a hot mess, I was in California. Once I stepped foot into the king suite at the Four Seasons, nothing else mattered. Awkward encounters and ugly duckling feelings be damned, there was a TV in the bathroom and a soaking tub, not to mention l’occitane soaps and shampoo. I was in heaven. Because I arrived a few hours later than expected, I missed the cocktail hour and the Thanksgiving food challenge. But, I was just in time for the first Dole meal and it was incredible. We started with a creamy asparagus soup before we were lead to the buffet filled with fig salad, fish, turkey, cauliflower gratin, and the star of the show: roasted yams with bananas. Everything was savory and flavorful, yet healthy and light. They even gave us recipes for the dishes served to recreate a home. Enjoying a cup of banana soft serve- my favorite! I ended up sitting with those working for and with Dole. Their PR team and marketers. I’m not sure how this happened, but it strangely put me at ease. I felt 12 again, hanging out with the parents on a 6th grade field trip. I chatted with Marty Ordman, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Donna Skidmore, Director, Consumer Services and Michael, who works for Dole, but I cannot remember his last name or title. Amanda Notarangelo who does PR for Dole with Gibraltar Associates in DC was also at our table . We were ooh and aahing over the food when I had to go and ruin it with a question about local food and farming, GMOs (which I was told they don’t use) and pesticides sprayed on fruits and vegetables. I kicked myself immediately for asking during dinner, but it just came out. I thought for sure I was going to have to sleep outside of the Four Seasons that night. But, they took it in stride, apparently these were frequent, yet valid questions. They explained that they support and encourage local farming, they support people eating more fruits and vegetables regardless of where it comes from. And that they are always working on new ways to work with local farmers with their projects such as the salad bars they sponsor in public schools. But I learned something else. Not everyone is as lucky as I am. I live in a town where local food is prevalent, abundant and affordable. This is not normal for small-town America. For example, on my way home this evening I stopped at a locally owned grocer and bought a big bag of local and organic mixed salad greens for $3, organic/fair trade bananas for about $4, and a few other produce items that were either local or organic, if not both. I even got a zucchini for free because it was a little soft. My total was $37 and the food will last till the end of the week. Not to mention that I was about 2 miles from my house. But there are people in our country, children, who have never had fresh fruit or vegetables. There are a lot of mouths to feed in the world and I’m not sure that small farmers could keep up with the demand. I don’t have a major point or opinion other than, it’s easy to throw our hands up and talk about how screwed up the system is. It is. But, it’s complex. Dole is trying to make bananas affordable and look as cool as soda or twinkies. I can get behind that. I’m trying to get to a point where I’m not becoming narrow from my assumed opinions of the food industry. I think sometimes we want an easy answer, and there isn’t always one. There are better answers and solutions, but I appreciate that they are taking public opinion seriously. I appreciate that they took the time to answer the harder questions, because I wasn’t the only one asking. I took some time to research Dole before I went on this trip and found the documentary “Bananas!” enlightening and heartbreaking. I also found out that Dole launched www.doleorganics.com in 2007 in response to demand from consumers who increasingly want specific information relative to the farms where the Dole organic bananas are grown or purchased from growers (referenced from www.non-gmoreport.com ) You can also read about Dole, Monsanto and GMOs here . Next up: Part Two, Dole food testing, the other bloggers and much more! Here are a few recaps from some of the bloggers who attended. Meals and Miles: Dole’s Test Kitchen , A Cooking Challenge Run Eat Repeat : Double Dole Day , Dole Healthy Lifestyle Blogger Summit Cranky Fitness: An Unusually Frank Blog Update Iowa Girl Eats : Healthified Meat and Potatoes Meal CarrotsNCake: Dinner At Onyx , Sunrise Run + New Dole Products , Dole’s Healthy Lifestyle Blogger Summit , It’s Over Already

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Dole Health Summit Recap: Part One

Just Breathe

admin — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:18:54 +0000

This week, I took a break. Normally, not being productive makes me antsy and depressed. This week, I allowed myself to take a step back and evaluate my direction. Like a lot of my friends I feel like I’m on the edge of something very positive and big in my life. But there is a part of my that is holding back, scared to take the leap. Scared to embrace where I’m going. Part of that feeling is people. I worry a lot (too much) about how people see me and what my actions look like. I worry about sharing my goals and embracing what I really want. Will they think I’m reaching too high and being unrealistic? Will they think I don’t deserve it or didn’t properly earn my success? Will they misinterpret my actions? And then I stop. Take a breath. And realize that this is mostly just me. It doesn’t matter so much if someone else doesn’t think I’m worthy of the effort, because I am. I’m in an intention circle right now learning how to manifest my dreams. I have big dreams. Dreams that I don’t share with a lot of people and certainly not on this blog. But, I’m embracing them and trying to be more vocal. Some of my dreams startle me because I didn’t know I had them. Because they seem bigger than me. Do you ever feel that way? Some of my dreams: – I want to be a skilled graphic designer. I want people to hire me because they see my creativity and want it to reflect their business. I want to do it on my own terms. I want to create one of a kind work that makes people stop and admire. I want to push the envelope and myself. I want to get better. I want an etsy shop with ready-made design. I want to bring people into this creative business and train them. – I want to pay off all my credit card and student loan debt by the time I’m 30. – I want to use this blog to share my dreams, goals and inspiration. I want to inspire myself and those who stop by. – I want to write a book about all of this. – I want to start painting again. I want to illustrate and draw like I used to. – I want to share my art in unconventional ways. – I want to create art without the intention to sell it. – I want to share my town with the world in a creative and thoughtful way. – I want to empower and support the creative women in my life. – I want to weigh less than 160 pounds before I get pregnant. – I want to get pregnant before I’m 31-32. I’m 28 (29 in march) – I want to create a successful lifestyle brand that is linked with my co-owned clothing company. I want to push the boundaries. I want to empower young, rural women in this process. I want to collabroate with creative minds. I want to provide well paying jobs to creative women in our area. I want to thrive within this business, creativity and monetarily. – I want to go to Paris and walk for hours with my husband. I want to eat the best pastries and bread. – I want to run a 5k in under 40 minutes. – I want to be considered a beautiful woman inside and out. – I want to live in a beautiful and creative space (that is organized and comfortable) – I want to celebrate my life and learn to jot memories down. I want to have photos printed. – I want to walk into any store and wear whatever I want. – I want to be attractive and intelligent. – I want to be a really good wife and a really good mom. – I want to cherish my friends and family. I don’t want them to question how I feel. – I want to stop worrying about the things that haven’t happened. I want to stop worrying about what I assume to be true. – I want to take care of myself because I’m driven to do so. Because I cherish my life and my body. Not because it’s a plan. Not out of guilt. Not because I need to lose weight. – I want to go back to school and finish my degree. But I don’t want to go into debt to make this happen. Or maybe I’ll just read a ton more and get really good and prove everyone wrong. I’m allowing myself this week to breathe and take it all in. I have a lot of change in my life and I’m getting ready for it. I’m getting it now.

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Just Breathe

How to Make Healthier Candy Choices

admin — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:13:28 +0000

As we start the month of October, this begins Halloween season for many. Candy is everywhere on the grocery shelves, and some stock up on candy for the trick-or-treaters. By now we know we need to limit our intake of added sugars, so how do we make better candy choices this time of year? Continue reading…

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How to Make Healthier Candy Choices

4 Tips to Stay Healthy During Summer Travel

admin — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:00:41 +0000

As half the world heats up during this time of the year, many of us reach for the fresh fruits and veggies while others are planning exciting trips this time of year. Whatever your plans, it is easy to get off track with your health and wellness goals. You can make staying in shape this summer easy with these four simple tips. Continue reading…

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4 Tips to Stay Healthy During Summer Travel

Healthy Ways to Take Advantage of a Leisurely Weekend Morning

admin — Sat, 14 May 2011 05:12:21 +0000

Ah, the weekend. If you’re used to a hectic work week, Saturday and Sunday mornings are the best time to spend some time doing the things you weren’t able to get to during the rest of the week. While weekends are good for long workouts, they also can be great for doing things that don’t even require you to lace up your running shoes. Here are some healthy things to you can do when you are getting your day going. Stretch in bed . These can help energize you when you just want the alarm clock to stop buzzing during the week, but taking a few more minutes to do a series of them will make you feel amazing. From a spinal twist to a cobra, do a few stress-releasing stretches before you shuffle out of bed. Make like a barista . Weekday coffee may be just whatever you can grab on your way to work, but take some time on the weekend to figure out your favorite way to be caffeinated. A little bit of coffee has been proven to have many benefits – from reducing your risk of certain diseases to improving your memory – so if you’re a coffee drinker now’s the time to brew the perfect cup, experiment with a French press, and otherwise be able to fully appreciate the beverage. Contemplate . The benefits of weekend mornings is that you can take time to do something you may not have time to do on during the week – nothing. Whether it’s through meditation or just curling up with a book , you’ll be relieving stress and releasing the work week’s anxieties. Have a healthy shower . There are so many things you can do in the shower besides lather up and shave. Take some time on the weekend to do things you may feel like you don’t have time for during the week, like using a homemade body scrub or relieving congestion with an in-shower neti pot.

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Healthy Ways to Take Advantage of a Leisurely Weekend Morning

Poll: Is Jennifer Hudson Too Thin?

admin — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 02:22:27 +0000

Weight Watchers has sure picked a winner this time with Jennifer Hudson, who has lost 80 pounds as their spokesperson. However, after her appearance at the Academy Awards, people are saying that perhaps she is now too thin. 1 Comments | Continue reading…

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Poll: Is Jennifer Hudson Too Thin?

What Are You Doing to Get Through the 2010 Holidays Unscathed? [Forum]

admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:24:30 +0000

It’s that time of the year. Starting off this week with a BIG meal for Thanksgiving. What plans have you in place to make sure that your first New Year’s resolution doesn’t involve weight loss? Now’s the time to be thinking about it. How about you? RICK

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What Are You Doing to Get Through the 2010 Holidays Unscathed? [Forum]

How Do I Recover From One Days Binge Eating? [Forum]

admin — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:20:26 +0000

I’ve been on a really strict diet for the past few months. I’ve been eating anywhere from 800-1500 calories a day but burning 1000 just in the gym for 3 days a week and the other days I would do a lighter exercise like a 3-5 mile walk or a 7 vs. 7 soccer game. most of the time my calorie intake would be around 1000, and probably around 1500 maybe twice. anyway a couple days ago I decided to up my calorie intake to about 1500 average to try to maintain my weight cause I don’t want to lose more, I just want to maintain it. I was having a hardtime and was closer to around 1200. I feel pretty guilty eating more. well today for breakfast I had a pb&J on 100 cal bread thins which had about 200 calories, a 387 calorie bran muffin lunch. all was fine till dinner and my dad made tacos, I had 7 and two large servings of spanish rice. the tacos were the authentic mexican kind they were carne asada/chicken on a grilled corn tortilla with chile and onion (not like the chile and onion has calories). im guessing my calorie intake today was around 2900 do you think If tomorrow i eat around 750 calories by eating only things like salads, egg whites, zucchini, and maybe a slimfast I will be okay? the rest of next week should I stay in the 1000 range or continue my plan back to the 1500. i don’t want to gain weight, how do i fix this?

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How Do I Recover From One Days Binge Eating? [Forum]

Bangkok Street Fruit Can Be Downright Dirty

admin — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 10:02:00 +0000

I guess any food you buy outside comes with inherent risks. It’s outside after all. Eat at any barbecue and you’ll spend half the time swatting flies away from the sun-baked, mayonnaise-based potato salad. Wait, what? Eww… And it seems Bangkok has a big problem with food served from street carts, especially fruit and fruit drinks. That stuff can be contaminated with bacteria. Continue reading…

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Bangkok Street Fruit Can Be Downright Dirty