Archive | Guts RSS feed for this section

5 Tips to Losing Winter Fat

By on April 19, 2012 in Guts, St. Louis City

scaleI’m not sure about you, but I’ve gained some weight over the cold months. It’s hard not to with the tasty pies and casseroles family and friends tempt you with. Now that it’s getting warmer, I want to be able to wear cute outfits and go swimming without being judged. I’ve put together 5 helpful tips for you to consider while working on your summer body:

1. Less Booze - I’ve read many times in news and magazine articles that booze will make you gain weight. Elle says that just a 5 oz glass of wine is 150 calories. Sheesh! The good news is that you don’t have to cut it out completely–God knows I won’t. (I mean heck, Jesus turned water into wine… I can’t go against his first miracle now can I?) But the truth is, it’s just better for your overall health to cut back a little bit on the ‘drinkie-poos.’ I don’t think I need to start quoting heart, liver and other doctors for you to know that.

2. Eat at home more – Ok, I know we live busy life styles with work, relationships and kids. The truth is, when you eat at home, you know what’s in your meal. You can control how many pounds of grease, sugar and butter enter the meal without paying super high prices at a restaurant that has actual healthy food. My friend uses Pinterest to cook only once per month. If you are busy (which I’m sure you are!) this once per month thing will really help you out. Typically, I will make a very large portion of something healthy on Sunday so I have at least one meal per day ready to heat up.

3. Exercise – I know, the bad “E,” word. The truth is, you just can’t lose weight without exercising. Now that it’s pretty outside, you can do something natural like go for a walk, play catch or roller blade. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobics. This is only 22 minutes per day of walking, biking, etc. They also say to work all major muscle groups 2 days per week (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest,  shoulders, and arms).

4. Get your beauty sleep – Yes, among many other benefits, sleeping a full night will help you lose weight. According to WebMD, you will need to get your energy from somewhere. You didn’t sleep last night, so your body makes you hungry to get more energy. Your matabolism also gets slower when you are sleep-deprived. Eat More + Metabolize Less = Weight Gain

5. Treat yourself – You deserve it. Treat yourself with a “bad snack,” every so often. The Body for Life diet insists that you take one free day per week to boost your metabolism. I’ve read this in other diets as well–the basic idea is that your body can plateau with a low calorie diet and it may stunt your weight loss. However, if you ‘shock’ your system by eating something bad every so often, not only does it help you lose weight, it makes you feel better and helps curb cravings. I prefer to have one naughty food item per day because, well, a week is just too long to wait!

I’ve been in gyms and on diets for years. The best way I’ve found to lose weight and keep it off is to be realistic and do it with diet and exercise. You may need to make life changes for this–like not eating out as much or drinking as much (boo!) but it’s worth it in the end.

Photo courtesy of pleaseenjoy.com
Brought to you by: Mills Properties
Comments { 7 }

Last Letter

By on April 11, 2012 in Guts

Dear Grandma,

I know you’re not reading this, but I’m writing it anyway.  I miss you.  The world didn’t skip a beat when you left, but my heart did.  Spring came just like it always does, but it was different for me.  Normally I walk outside astounded by the lush greens that surround me, the splashes of color from early blooming flowers, and the bluer-than-normal skies.  This Spring all I can wonder is what heaven looks like.  It must be really beautiful.

I do all sorts of things to keep memories of you fresh in my heart and in my mind.  And even though I know you wouldn’t want me to, I cry.  Zeke keeps asking when we’re going to take him to Jesus’ house.  We told him you went to live with Jesus.  He misses you too and wants to come visit.  We do our best to explain that heaven isn’t a place we can drive to.  Most of the time I think he understands better than we do. 

I feel like it’s getting harder to remember what your voice sounded like.  But I try really hard, I squeeze my eyes shut and think back to when I was little, and it usually comes back to me.  I smile when I hear you singing in my head.

You and I had a talk before you left.  Well, I talked and hopefully, you could hear me.  I just wanted to thank you for everything you ever did for me.  For everything you did for my little family.  Even though the world wakes up and goes to bed like normal, our lives are different.  And you were an absolutely beautiful person.

Although I pray it’s a long time from now, I look forward to seeing you again.  There are no good-byes.  So until then…

Comments { 6 }

Golf…for Women

By on April 9, 2012 in Guts, How To, Retail Therapy

This has bothered me for a while but I thought maybe I was overreacting. I am pretty sure I am not. I understand that traditionally golf is a man’s sport.  I have played for a little over 10 years sparingly but more consistently over the last year. I have often felt uncomfortable on courses because I am not a seasoned golfer. I am very careful not to slow the game down or bother anyone which are common male complaints of women golfers. I think golf is the hardest sport for women to really get involved in. I should note here that it is not only the men that create a barrier for new women golfers. Seasoned women golfers can also make things difficult.

A recent article in Golf Digest really confirmed my thoughts about how differently women are treated in the sport. Here are my complaints/observations in regards to the barrier to entry:

1. It starts with gear.  I am really over the color pink. I am not sure if any other women golfers feel this way, but it looks like the womens section has been hosed down with pepto bismol (line from Steel Magnolias but applies here too). I have noticed so frequently that I took some pictures a few months ago to back myself up. I for one do not want a pink bag, pink shorts, pink top, grandma hats, or  - believe it or not – a pink sparkly ball to play with. They wonder why women get a bad reputation – give us some serious equipment, please.

2. Treatment in stores. Golf Galaxy is the worst although I think they generally dislike all women and males who are not scratch golfers – that is just my opinion.  Every time I go there to test a club I feel like I have to prove that I am good enough to even be trying a club in their store. I have learned that Golfsmith is a much more women-friendly, laid back store so I recommend going there instead.  Disclaimer – they still have an overwhelming supply of pink but I think that is unavoidable.

3. On the course. I am often filled with anxiety when my husband and I go out to play as a twosome because we will mostly likely have to be paired with other golfers. It has come to the point that I actually feel like we shouldn’t golf unless we have 4 people. We have gotten blown off by male golfers completely or they will start without us and act like they didn’t know they were paired with us.  Or, they will politely tell the workers ‘no’ and then we have to wait. It is hard for me not to take it personally and it really hurts my confidence when playing. Lastly, especially when you are paired with 2 other male golfers, they always forget to stop at the women’s tee box. I understand if it happens once but that is generally not the case.

I still love golf and won’t stop because of the items listed above but I feel like it shouldn’t be so hard. Golf is a fantastic game and I think more women would play if it were encouraged a little more. First step…anyone want to help me start a line of women’s golf gear without the color pink?

What are your thoughts? Did I miss anything?

Photo courtesy of Golf Digest
Brought to you by Mills Properties
Comments { 2 }

Where have all the manners gone?

By on March 19, 2012 in Edwardsville, Guts, St. Louis City

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Fine manners need the support of fine manners in others.”

Perhaps I am in the wrong generation, or I was brought up differently but I can’t help to notice that common manners have been lacking in the world lately.

This whole blog idea came to me after I experienced such frustration recently that I needed a way to express my distaste.

A couple weeks ago I was attending a good friend’s father’s funeral. The ceremony ended and we all loaded into our cars to start the funeral procession. Leading from the church, the first stop light we come to has 2 police officers blocking traffic. I remember thinking, “Wow, this is great!”  Well that was short lived. It was insane to see the number of people who cut into our line and proceeded to drive in between. Let me make it known that there were 2 lanes so it was not necessary to be in our lane. I guess this was always a manner that was instilled in me ever since I received my license. To show my respect, I pull over and allow the procession to proceed with no interruptions. I surely do not cut in between them!

manners

I decided to compile a list of manners that should, again, have more emphasis.

  • Holding doors open. This does not just apply for ladies. Doors should be held for those whom are following you closely. This is a sign of good manners.
  • Pull over for emergency vehicles.
  • Please/Thank you/You’re welcome. These go so far and they take no effort. Also, your character can be misconstrued if you choose to not use these simple words. People lacking manners generally avoid these terms.
  • Eye contact. I know this is harder for some than others. But it shows the person you are speaking to that you are involved in the conversation.
  • Phone manners. There is a time and a place to speak on your phone. When you are in a check- out line, put your phone down, finish your transaction and then resume your conversation.
  • Acknowledge when someone lets you out in traffic. A simple wave will suffice.
  • Remove your hat during the National Anthem. For goodness sake! If you live in the USA, this song should mean something to you. Not to mention if you have ever fought, or know someone who has fought for this country. This song is for all of us. Show your respect, use your manners and remove your hat.

Am I expecting too much? Or are there some I missed?

Brought to you by: Mills Properties
Picture by: gizmodo.com

 

Comments { 6 }

Confessions of a Pinterest Drama Queen

By on March 14, 2012 in Arts, Guts, How To

There are times throughout the day and even in the middle of the night when I find myself wondering if there is anything new on Pinterest. For example, last night my husband was watching the news and looked over at me to find that I was pinning like crazy on Pinterest. His remark was “Really? Oh great, I guess there are going to be more half done projects around the house.” My response to him was that my plan was to finish them up this weekend so I can start some more.

But my problem is which one to start with, as there are so many great ideas: designing glitter wine glasses, making tutus or homemade baby wipes, once a month cooking, re-decorating the bedroom, etc… I decided to begin with making my daughter a tutu. That’s a simple project that wouldn’t take too long and I could start right away since I already had all the things I would need. So I began cutting and placing the tulle where it belonged on the ribbon. Then all of a sudden I realized I do not have enough tulle. Well I guess that adds something else to my half done projects.

Several of my friends have also commented that they are running into the same problem since I introduced them to Pinterest. I feel partially responsible for excess crafting supplies in both my friends’ houses and my own so I decided to set up a Pinterest party night. This is going to be a girls only night with margaritas and making lots of brilliant things. Hopefully this will help eliminate the half done projects for both me and my friends.

How’s Pinterest working for you? How many half completed projects do you have lingering around?

 
Photo compliments of Pinterest
Brought to you by Mills Properties
Comments { 5 }

Life’s Too Short To Eat Skinny

By on March 8, 2012 in Good Eats, Guts, Pop Culture, The Weekender

A wise man once said something about there being only two things that are certain in life: death and taxes.  By wise, I mean someone who is actually worth listening to.  Life is way too short to not enjoy it. Does eating like a rabbit make you happy?  Go for it.  I’ll enjoy my Diet Pepsi and Double Cheeseburger with onion rings while finishing it all off with a Frosty. Another certain thing in life: everything causes cancer. We all will pass too soon. We might as well enjoy life while we can.

Courtesy KFC

As far as I am concerned, there are two great things about Kentucky, Ashley Judd and KFC.  Ashley because she is a beautiful college basketball superfan and Kentucky Fried Chicken because it is delicious. Anyone who says they “eat healthy” probably only pulls into a KFC parking lot to turn around. I feel sorry for them.  In the St. Louis area, Mr. Hodak might as well have a shrine right next to Stan the Man.  For my money, give me KFC.  So many delicious things on the menu.  Personally, my favorite is the Double Down.  Yep, that’s the “sandwich” you didn’t think was real.  Two fried chicken filets with bacon, cheese and sauce stuck between ‘em. When I tell people I enjoy this amazing food item, they look at me like I just suggested throwing a baby out a window. Check out the nutritional facts. It’s not something you would eat every day, so it’s perfectly okay to splurge every now and then.

Sometimes you just feel like you want “quantity over quality” for a meal. Maybe it’s bad for you, but it usually tastes delicious.  On those days, I often go with a “$5 Buck Box” from Taco Bell. Right now, you can get a box with either a Cheesy Gordita Crunch or a Beefy Crunch Burrito as the featured item. The boxes each include two other items plus a medium soda.  The Beefy Crunch box includes a Crunchwrap Supreme whereas the Beefy Crunch box has a Burrito Supreme. For about $5-$6 bucks, it is one heck of a value.

Hardee’s has positioned themselves as a company who for sure isn’t jumping on the health wagon. They even have a board on Pinterest titled “Monstrosities”. When I was in high school, I stocked Pepsi at local stores in Troy, Missouri.  Every Saturday and Sunday my morning would consist of an hour or so of stocking soda and then a trip to the local Hardee’s. I would eat and read the newspaper while the girl I was working with would sleep off her hangover in the booth.  My “go-to” breakfast was a Loaded Omelet biscuit and an order of Biscuits & Gravy.  I would dip the Loaded Omelet in the gravy.  It was delicious.  And to think I was skinny in high school. If you ever happen to travel North on Highway 61 through Troy, stop at the Hardee’s. I am convinced it is the coolest one for two reasons: 1) it serves Pepsi products and 2) a live band plays old-time Country music on Thursday nights.

These “unhealthy” delicious treats are not only for the fast food crowd. Both Epic Pizza & Subs and Feraro’s in Soulard have these delicious things called “Garlic Knots”. Feraro’s takes dough balls brushed with garlic butter and bakes them.  They then brush them with garlic butter again.  Epic goes through much the same process, but then deep fries them. It’s whatever floats your boat, both are delicious.

Two local restaurants have menu options that let you create something as healthy or delicious as you want. Square One in Lafayette Square has “Build  A Burger Tuesdays” where you start with meat and bread and then customize from there. 43 different toppings. You can also get “game” or veggie patties for an upcharge. Market Grill recently started a brunch service on weekends and I get quite upset when I miss a day. They offer “Build Yo Biscuit”. Start with a biscuit for $3 and add whatever you want on it for a nominal charge.  I enjoy a fried egg with house-cured bacon and cheese on top smothered in Hollandaise on top of the biscuit.

What’s your take?  Got some other “fat kid food” that you enjoy splurging on?  I’m going to go try a Doritos Locos Taco while you think about it and comment below. Maybe I’ll even get a sack of them.

Post brought to you by Mills Properties

Comments { 6 }
← Older posts