A Farewell To French Tips

After Zumba class, I've been taking off my HRM and Fitbit and snapping a quick photo to keep a picture reference of my stats for each workout. Now looking at the picture collage above ... there is something different in the snapshots on the left vs the ones on the right.  Yes, I appear to be getting a higher calorie burn in the more recent pictures (maybe my skill is improving?), but that's not what I'm pointing out.

It's my nails. Or lack thereof.

I see many people who list a manicure or pedicure as a reward for losing weight.  I'd never had either for the first 30+ years of my life, but after I initially lost the weight almost eight years ago, a pretty pedicure and some cute nails were some of the other "improvements" I added (in addition to a little tanning and highlights in my hair). I enjoyed my french tips for a while, and then I gave them up, as hubby switched jobs and we needed to make some cut backs.

A little over a year ago, as 2012 wound down,  I was at the height of feeling bad about myself. I was at my highest weight in years. I decided to splurge on nails again, whether I "deserved" it or not. I do really like the look of a simple, short french tip. What I don't like however, is the upkeep. I hated the obligation to go in every few weeks. Seriously, I would dread it! I HATE just sitting. Even though I'd take my phone and read my book as I got a fill, I'd get frustrated knowing I had to carve some time out of my day to go in to the salon. And I'm a SAHM with a completely open schedule! Admittedly, I felt a little guilty about the financial aspect too. I decided to go back to natural.

Now I'll admit it ... I'm a nibbler. In fact, it was a problem even with the thick, artificial nails.  I would gnaw on them. I'd often accidentally break off a piece on the edges. I actually do not bite my nails down to the quick, but I have a really hard time keeping them at a decent length. And of course, after having artificial nails for over a year, my poor nails are in horrible shape.  It will take a few months to grow out of the damage ... and while I do really miss my pretty nails (and hubby DOES miss them, he liked them for back scratching) I feel a little more free. Hopefully in the future, you'll be able to see my natural nails in a better, prettier state.

I do think I'll still sneak back to the salon for an occasional pedicure. There's really nothing relaxing about getting your nails done (the initial application or the fills afterward) ... but a pedicure can be nice. I'm more prone to wanting pretty piggies during the summer, when it's sandal season. I do get quite the callouses on my heels ... while I like to have those shaved down, I know there is some controversy surrounding that service. Beyond just the hygienic concerns, the build up is often a protective layer and I have felt some pain in my feet after having my hard heels softened up.

Linking up with Running With Spoons  this Thursday.
What are your thoughts on manis, pedis and artificial nails?

It's been about three weeks since I had my nails removed ... I would have needed to be going in again for a fill, but instead I was able to do an extra hour of exercise (and save $25-30 too). I stopped by a store on the way home from Zumba yesterday and grabbed a couple new (old ... it was a thrift shop *Ü*) pairs of exercise pants. One pair is Lululemon which I picked up for $3. I'm not a "brand" gal but aren't they an expensive one?) They are a little more snug than the ones I had, which were a bit baggy and falling down (that's a good thing, right?) I'll count that as a non-scale victory (as the scale continues to be stuck!) for the NSV LinkUp  this week.

Jen, over at Morning Coffee Confessions is starting a Thankful Thursday linkup too. Yesterday, I read a post at Healthy Diva Eats called "What I Love Wednesday" about being a SAHM. I have been thinking about that a lot lately too. I must admit, at my point in life ... I have it pretty dang easy, and I'm so grateful for it all! For a handsome hubby who is able to support us, so I am able to stay home. For five healthy and wonderful boys. For our home, and my home gym. I'm thankful that even though the scale seems stuck now ... I'm actually at a place where I am feeling good about myself, I feel strong and healthy, not quite to goal, but not overweight either. I really have been thinking about all the things I should be (and AM) thankful for, so this new linkup comes at a good time :)

Have a great Thursday everyone!

Top Tips

The theme for today's Motivation Monday Link Up is Top Tips for Weight Loss. Now I also participate regularly in two Tuesday Tips and Tricks link-ups, (with with Lisa and Kristin.). So for today's (and tomorrow's *Ü*) post, I thought I'd revisit a couple of my previous TIP posts ... just in case you missed them the first time around ~

• Top Tips: In my Top Tips for Workouts and Weight Loss  post I featured a magazine article which offered up 100 or so tips. I spotlighted those I agreed with, a couple I didn't, and then offered up a few tips of my own.
• Make it Count: Track your activity with a pedometer ... it's an easy addition and can be very motivating (at least it was for me!).  I love my Fitbit, but you can pick up a more inexpensive option to try too.
• Get a Fan if you Can: My Biggest Fan. I'm not talking about someone cheering you on (although that is good too) but an actual FAN that keeps the air circulating and cools you down during a workout.
• TV Time Tips: Take advantage of technology ... in my Streaming vs DVDs post, I mentioned some of the devices out there that can bring YouTube and almost all TV programming to your TV at your convenience. For me, TV Time = Exercise Time.  And don't forget to check out exercise options on YouTube, DVDs and also, if you're an Amazon Prime member, there are a ton of streamable programs there too (Amazon Prime and Exercise).
• Reward Yourself and Give Back: Tying my activity to several "reward" websites has helped motivate me to move a little more (Reaping the Rewards).  Currently, I'm also working with PACT, setting a goal for fitness and food tracking. I plan on doing a review of my experience with that coming up soon.

You can see that MY tips focus more on the fitness part ... Now I KNOW, it's the eating that will actually make the biggest difference in weight loss. I AM working on that. I'm counting calories using MFP and that has made a big difference (My Fitness Pal, A Good Pal to Have). Check out the other posts in the link up for more tips, and share some of your own!

The Motivation Monday team
Tiffany/Morgan/Wendy/Alisha/Betty
JenB/Brandi/Jen/Gwen /Theresa

 Linking up with Nikki and Katie too.

An InLinkz Link-up

February Feedback

Well ... February wasn't FAB as far as the scale goes ... on the first day, I was 149.10. The final day I was 150.3. So no loss this month. Up a bit, but not really enough to call it a gain ... mainly I maintained. I didn't quite hit my goals of 3000 burn, 2000 intake. Gotta keep striving for that.

I hit my goals 15 out of the 28 days ... it's hard to hit goal. 

I can't quite manage it over the weekends. 

I did really well with my main cardio ... I had set a goal to get in 60min Elliptical everyday during February. I succeeded. Generally, getting in 60 minutes (three 20 minute sessions) is easy, but there were a couple days where I really had to push to get in that final session. I was pretty happy with my bike and mile streaks too. I also got in several Zumba sessions.

 

I met my strength training goals too. I got in my Jillian workout (No More Trouble Zones) twice a week, and my full body workout once a week, for a total of three strength workouts a week. So now I'm going to move on from NMTZ for March, I'm not sure what exactly I'm going to switch to. I was considering trying Ripped again, but then I grabbed a few DVDs from the library that I might try. I guess I better make a decision quick, as Monday is a strength training day!

In addition to my STREAKS calendars, 

I made up this exercise calendar.

All my activity at a glance.

Ah ... the eating. The exercise comes so easy now, but the eating ... I did a little better at keeping calories in check (under 2000). I've really struggled to get my serving of fruit in (don't even ask about veggies!)  I am fairly certain that if I changed up my eating, I could see a shift in the scale. I just have such a limited number of foods I like, it's hard to consider giving anything up. I'm not sure if I'll continue to "streak" my calories or fruit though, it's become a bit of a chore.

How was your February?

Which is harder for you, eating or exercise?

February 2014 Daily Doings

Month Recap ... February Feedback

• 0201 (Saturday) Bad Day. Weight 149.1. Fitbit Steps 17751. Total Burn 2548. Calories in 2900. Calories out 853. Exercise: 60minElliptical, Track - 2miles.  Made Saturday Circles (pancakes) for breakfast. The three oldest had a church ball game in the morning. I got there a little late and so I didn't bother to video. I wish I had though, as they had a good game. Oh well. #5 had his game at 1:00 (I jogged during his practice portion and the quarter he sat on the bench). #4 didn't want to go to his game at 2:00, and as it overlapped and would have required some serious shuffling, I didn't make him. #3 had a bye, and #2 had his game at 7:00 (super slow start in the first half, then our boys finally started making some shots for an easy win). The kids were clamoring for chick-fila. I went down and did my final elliptical session (pushing to get my hour) and told the boys they didn't need to save me any chicken ... but they did. Over on calories by quite a bit today.
• 0202 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 150.8. Fitbit Steps 12427. Total Burn 2323. Calories in 3000. Calories out 611. Exercise: 60minElliptical.  Got in a couple elliptical sessions before church. Did the usual Sunday circles (Belgian waffles) and prepped some bbq (marinating chicken, setting rolls to rise).  After meetings we had our Superbowl Smorgasbord; steak, chicken, mashed potatoes, rolls. I overate. I also made Superbowl Sugar cookies. We did have the game on ... family lives in Seattle, so we were cheering for the Seahawks.
• 0203 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 153.9. Fitbit Steps 27278. Total Burn 3255. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1561. Exercise: 120minElliptical, 1mile Treadmill, 30minBike, NMTZ, 10minHula. So, weight was up after yesterday, not a huge surprise. Extra incentive to be good today, got in my cardio and did Jillian's No More Trouble Zones for strength.   Did good on eating, even banked some calories so I could enjoy a slice of Papa Murphy's pizza (Murphy Monday at our home) ... just white sauce and cheese. I actually prefer the thin crust, but #1 son doesn't and he's the one who picked it up. Hubby left on a business trip. I did make brownies (and ate a brownie) in the evening.
•  0204 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 150.5. Fitbit Steps 27560. Total Burn 3083. Calories in 1500. Calories out 1390. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 30min/2miles Treadmill, 30minBike, 60minZumba. Happy to see the weight readjust so quickly. Up and down! Had a good morning and got my 10x10. Put in my volunteer shift at the elementary school. Spent a good hour and a half there today. Dropped off #1 son's truck for a small repair. He took Daddy's truck to pick up the 13-year old from school and ... apparently took off before the kid was in the car. A u-turn made him tumble from the truck into the middle of the road. Those nearby, seeing a young boy thrown from a moving vehicle into the street called 911. When I got there, #3 was on a stretcher in the ambulance and their recommendation was to have him taken to the ER to be checked out. While he was scraped up pretty bad, he had not been hit by the truck or any other cars, hadn't hit his head or lost consciousness. I elected to just bring him home (as he was playing on his ipod while lying on the stretcher in the neck brace and other than abrasions all over didn't actually seem injured). I often err on the side of caution with the kids, but I also really try to avoid the ER if at all possible! I washed out his wounds, his right bottom half and got him bandaged up and watched him for any of the warning signs, but he did seem ok. #1 son felt horrible but was also ok (he had been ticketed for having an unrestrained passenger ... that's an understatement!). Then #5 started complaining of headache and looked absolutely miserable. He has a fever ... I sure hope it's not the flu his daddy or I had! Actually kept calories in check today ... rather than stress eating, I lost my appetite completely with all the stress of the latter half of the day!
•  0205 (Wednesday) Ok Day. Weight 149.0.  Fitbit Steps 18583. Total Burn 2698. Calories in 1600. Calories out 1020. Exercise: 70minElliptical. NMTZ. Both boys (injured and sick) slept through the night fine. I did keep #5 home from school as he was still sporting a fever. I had an activity at the middle school, but figured I wouldn't be able to make it with the little sick one. My mom and dad offered to come out and watch him, so I took them up on that. I also hit the store after, stocking up on bandages for #3's road rash. Didn't get as much cardio in as usual. Didn't feel like doing strength (NMTZ) but went ahead and did it anyway. Got caught up on "The Biggest Loser" even though I'd already heard the results of the finale all over the internet. #3 decided to try and play in his basketball game in the evening. I could tell he was limping a bit (perhaps as much from the wrap around his knee than any pain), and was a bit hesitant for any physical play, but he still did good and it was an easy win for the team. #5 had seemed ok much of the day, but fell asleep for almost all the late afternoon. He woke up badly in the evening. I'm thinking he'll still be home sick tomorrow. Stress of the day did still keep calories in check today, which was good as I didn't hit my activity goals.  
• 0206 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 147.9. Fitbit Steps 26676. Total Burn 3054. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1376. Exercise: 90minElliptical, 20minZumbaDVD, 30minBike, 30min/2miles Treadmill. #5 still has a fever. He's almost "normal" on medication, but it's obvious when it wears off. He's better during the day, and seems sicker in the evening. I was still able to get in my exercise. I'd check on him and ask if he needed anything, then pop downstairs for 20-30 minutes. Baby boy has just been resting, watching tv, playing video games and reading. #2 tried his hand at reffing a basketball game (the young women over at the church) ... I think it's a great experience for the boys to have to be in that position so they better understand how difficult it can be and are hopefully less critical of the refs at their own games. #1 also reffed a game (he's been doing it for a few years). I took #3 to his basketball practice (although I would have let him sit it out, due to his leg. Starting to scab up, but portions are still raw). Daddy got home! He's been out of town since Monday night.  
• 0207 (Friday) Ok Day. Weight 148.9. Fitbit Steps 13360. Total Burn 2443. Calories in 2400. Calories out 759. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minWeights. Early morning basketball practice for #2. Then I got #4 off to school, #5 is still sick. Picked up #2, then took him and #3 back to school (late start on Fridays). Tried to get some workouts in, but baby boy isn't doing well today. Moaning and some diarrhea. Gave him a bath and some medication. Early out at the elementary, then pickup at the middle school (#2 went home with friends to hang out). #1 was home, so I left him in charge while I went to the nail salon ... I decided I'm done with artificial nails for a bit, just tired of the cost and upkeep. Had them remove them and attempt a manicure. Baby boy finally seemed to be feeling a bit better in the evening, but I was SO run down, I was ready for bed by 8:00. Didn't get to go to sleep until 10:00 though. 
• 0208 (Saturday) Ok Day. Weight 148.9. Fitbit Steps 17001. Total Burn 2389. Calories in 2300. Calories out 705. Exercise: 60minElliptical. Four basketball games were on the schedule today, but we only ended up going to two. #5 missed his, although almost better I didn't think pushing it running around the court would be a good idea. #4 just didn't want to go (and there are enough kids on the team they are probably happy with the extra playing time when he doesn't show). #3 had some scout stuff in the morning, I had to go grab him a big early, as Grandma wanted to take all the boys to "The Lego Movie".  In the rush, I forgot to give the little one his medicine ... he made it through the movie but had a breakdown when they got home and his fever was back. The older boys basketball games were in the evening, they both won. I was able to get in quite a few steps (3000+) while waiting for the last game (we were there early and the game before went over). But ... very unmotivated today. Earlier while the boys were gone I just lay in bed and read. I don't feel "sick" ... but I do feel rundown.
• 0209 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 150.1. Fitbit Steps 14793. Total Burn 2326. Calories in 2800. Calories out 635. Exercise: 60minElliptical. 20min/1mile Treadmill.  Got up and got in a session on the elliptical then made our big breakfast. #5 seemed to be feeling fine until it was time to go to church then he was suddenly sick again. Seemed a little coincidental, but I let him stay home and stayed with him. I was lazy again ... ate too much too, and no "Superbowl smorgasbord" to blame this week. #1 son made gingersnaps, and I was craving salty popcorn and hubby obliged.   
• 0210 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 152.0. Fitbit Steps 26931. Total Burn 3139. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1437. Exercise: 100minElliptical, 35min/2.5miles Treadmill, 30min/8.1miles Bike, 10minWiiFit, NMTZ. Back to the routine. Baby boy went back to school today and I was able to grab some groceries after dropping the kidlets off.  Got in cardio and weights. Papa Murphy Monday, but #1 son didn't get part of the chicken-garlic pizza without toppings, so none for me. I had a coupon for a couple of the dessert pizzas (cinnawheel and smore)  ... the cinnamon one was a hit, the smore was ok but I don't think we'll get it again.  
• 0211 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 151.6. Fitbit Steps 25320. Total Burn 3005. Calories in 1800. Calories out 1306. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 50minZumba, 30min/1.5mileTreadmill. Dragging a bit, didn't get a good sleep last night. But got my 10x10 ... elliptical and zumba providing the steps. Volunteered at the school ... did a happy dance upon verifying that the elementary is staying on a traditional schedule (we had been told we were being forced back to year-round).  Literally, I danced (just ask the office ladies). Stopped at the store for some groceries. Got in some cardio, but didn't feel up to jogging my mile, just walked - but did up the incline. Busy afternoon with carpools, prepping valentines (taking pictures, adding text, uploading for printing), making dinner ... hubby had requested baked ziti. I made a double batch, taking some to a neighbor and making a smaller pan with gluten-free noodles for my dad. I'd invited my folks over for dinner and games, and so I could help my mom get her Fitbit back up and running (her One had been misbehaving, so Fitbit sent a new one out. I'd had her set up temporarily with the old Flex no one was using. I'm quite expert and switching out and setting up Fitbits now). They enjoyed the dinner and we played rummikub and progressive rummy. #2 and #3 were at the high school watching the basketball games there, so they missed out. Kept calories in check today ... the morning is so crazy I usually don't eat much until later. I don't like baked ziti. I did bake up some of the gingersnap dough and did indulge in some of those.
• 0212 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 151.0. Fitbit Steps 21694 (Omron 23300). Total Burn 3013. Calories in 2550. Calories out 1317. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 24min/2miles Treadmill, 30min Bike, NMTZ + ping pong. Didn't have a lot on deck today. Got in my cardio and weights during the day. Actually kept going on the treadmill, two miles instead of the one I required myself. Played a little ping pong with #4. Did dinner ... took a lot longer in the making process than I had planned for. We have enough leftovers now that I think I'm off the hook for the next few nights. A little discouraged with the weight not correcting as it usually does after the weekend ... ate too much today. Baked up the last of the gingersnap dough and did partake as well. Technically kept calories under burn, but not by much.
• 0213 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 153.4. Fitbit Steps 26687. Total Burn 3130. Calories in 1400. Calories out 1436. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 30min/2.5miles Treadmill, 30minZumbaWii, 30minBike. The scale showed my eating indulgences ... I had thought there was a Thursday Zumba class at a different church, and I went to check it out, but I must have had the info wrong. I'm thinking now it was Friday, not Thursday. I hit the treadmill when I got back home, as I already had my shoes and HRM on. Felt pretty good, so I just kept going. 2.5 miles today! Also did some Wii Zumba, which seemed to get my heart rate up more than the church class. Started a new book, so I did some reading and riding as well. In addition to the daily carpools to/from school, I had to grab #2 from practice, also giving three other boys a ride home. Sweaty boys = smelly car! The other practices ended up not happening, but the three oldest boys had a game at the church and I went to watch and video. Kept calories in check today!
• 0214 (Friday) Bad Day. Weight 150.6. Fitbit Steps 16137. Total Burn 2533. Calories in 2700. Calories out 839. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 30min/1.5miles Treadmill, 60minWeights. Busy day. Early morning basketball practice, school carpools, valentine party, early out at the elementary ... that it was Valentine's Day didn't come much into play as hubby was busy with work and a scouting assignment. Even though hubby didn't bring home any new chocolates, there was plenty of junk around and I indulged too much. French Toast Friday for dinner with the kidlets. I was feeling quite full going to bed. With not as much exercise, intake was over burn.
• 0215 (Saturday) UBER Bad Day! Weight 152.0 Fitbit Steps 19035. Total Burn 2451. Calories in 4200. Calories out 738. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 20min/1mile Treadmill, 20min Track. #5 had his last basketball game. We stopped for donuts on the way home, and also picked up a few of their yummy frosted sugar cookies (over 600 calories each!) Yes ... I ate one. A donut too. Perhaps more than one (you know where you cut just a portion, then come back and cut another portion, and pretty soon you've eaten an entire second donut?) Donuts are a downfall. #2 had a basketball game too, and begged to stop at Wendys on the way home. It had been a while, and there was one right on the way, so we grabbed some chicken, fries and frosties. Back at home, hubby suggests going out to dinner. We haven't been on a date in several weeks and I didn't want to kibosh him ... so we went. Some fried cheese sticks and chicken alfredo later and it's the highest calorie day I've had since I started tracking (I wouldn't be surprised if I topped that previously, when I was NOT tracking!) And not a lot of exercise to combat the calories. I got in my elliptical, a mile walk on the treadmill, and a walk around the track before the game (NICE facility for just a high school), not that even my regular amount of cardio could have impacted the calories in today.
• 0216 (Sunday) Uber Bad Day. Weight 153.5. Fitbit Steps 12753. Total Burn 2185. Calories in 3200. Calories out 475. Exercise: 70minElliptical. Well, there was another one of those cookies around. Sunday Circles (belgian waffles) too. Some cocoa and toast in the late afternoon, and hubby's popcorn while we watched "House of Cards" in the evening. Although I did get in my elliptical, not much movement other than that exercise.  
• 0217 (Monday) Ok Day. Weight 154.0. Fitbit Steps 17781. Total Burn 2432. Calories in 2000. Calories out 2432.  Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minWeights. #2 had a basketball tournament today. One of the slightly further locations. I've been spoiled having so many of the games less than 10minutes away. A game at 10:00, and and a game at 12:00. I walked around the building during the hour wait in-between. They lost both games, the second was a nail-biter, but I was actually ok with the loss, because a win would have meant another game at 2:00 and I was about basketballed out. It should have been a NMTZ day, but I just wasn't up to facing Jillian. I told myself I'd do a shortened version of my weight workout, but then I ended up going the entire hour anyway. I did a better job of keeping calories in check, and that was even with #1 going and grabbing donuts (again! We just had them on Saturday!). He didn't grab MY favorite ... so I guess that helped :)
• 0218 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 152.0. Fitbit Steps 30158. Total Burn 3228. Calories in 1900. Calories out 1526. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 45minZumba, 30minBike, 60min/4miles Treadmill (1.5mile jog, then incline, intervals and incline intervals). I was SO ready to get back to my routine after the long holiday weekend. Got the kids off to school and went to Zumba. Got my 10x10. Pretty much hit all the exercises on my to-do list. Hubby had a derby, so I was on duty for Pack Meeting for our two little cub scouts in the evening. It was dinner ...  I probably wouldn't really have eaten much that I stayed at home.
• 0219 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 150.9.  Fitbit Steps 23130. Total Burn 2941. Calories in 1500. Calories out 1246. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 12min/1mile Treadmill, NMTZ, 20minZumbaWii, 30min Bike. Dropped the kids off at school and did a grocery store run. #3 had a basketball game in the evening, they won. Kept calories in check today.
• 0220 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 151.2. Fitbit Steps 25773. Total Burn 3109. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1417. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 1mileTreadmill, 30minBike, 60minZumba. On Tuesday, I double checked the info on the Thursday Zumba class ... I'd actually had it correct, just wrong church! It was the one across the street. I can't believe I didn't see other church at that same address (I needed to turn right instead of left). So ... I went today. Here, the instructors trade off, and these gals had the moves. I still didn't get a huge burn, but better than my Tuesday class ... but I'm still grateful for my Tuesday class. I think it helped ease me in! *Ü* Got in some bike and elliptical at home later in the day. I jogged my mile, but it was hard! #2 had a basketball game in the early evening. They lost. #3 had practice and #1 had a church ball game. Kept eating in check, even though I did indulge in ice cream.
• 0221 (Friday) Good Day. Weight 150.6. Fitbit Steps 3048. Total Burn 3048. Calories in 2250. Calories out 1354. Exercise: 60minElliptial, 12min/1mile Treadmill, 30minBike, NMTZ. #2's birthday today. He had early morning basketball practice. After grabbing the kids from early out elementary, I went to the store to grab some cupcakes for the birthday boy. He and #3 had gone straight from the middle school to the high school, to watch the games there. Around 6:00, I picked up pizza and crazy bread, and took them and the cupcakes to the school for an impromptu birthday party. I brought some extra so #3 and his friends could also have some. Hubby got home from his business trip. #2 would have liked to stay out late on his birthday, but we were all so tired, I had him come home after the game. 
• 0222 (Saturday) Ok Day. Weight 149.8. Fitbit Steps 15701. Total Burn 2492. Calories in 2000. Calories out 650. Exercise: 60minElliptical. Started the morning off with the chocolate cake we did NOT do last night for the birthday boy. Other than that indulgence, I kept calories fairly in check.  Only had two basketball games today (in the afternoon/evening) so I'm not sure why I didn't get more exercise in. Maga and Aunt Ana stopped by to wish the birthday boy happy birthday ... of course he wasn't home, but off watching basketball games before his game. 
  
• 0223 (Sunday) Bad Day. Weight 150.8. Fitbit Steps 12262. Total Burn 2291. Calories in 2800. Calories out 584. Exercise: 60minElliptical. I really thought I was going to get in more exercise today. I got in a nap instead. I was completely out. It felt really good. Hubby gave the boys haircuts. They needed it SO bad! Sunday Circles in the morning. Stroganoff in the evening (had #1 help, good for these boys to know how to prep some meals for when they venture out on their own).  I made homemade oreos ... it had been a while. 
• 0224 (Monday) Good Day. Weight 152.9. Fitbit Steps 23814. Total Burn 3105. Calories in 2300. Calories out 1398. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 18min/1.5mile Treadmill, 30min/8.4mile Bike, NMTZ. Back to the routine. Felt pretty good during my jog, but didn't want to wear myself out for strength-training. I really felt like I pushed that today and the HRM seemed to reflect that and I got the highest burn since doing this program. I know people say HRMs are NOT for strength-training, but NMTZ is quite cardio (lunges, squats) for much of the time. Anyway, more of a reference number anyway. Pizza night. 
• 0225 (Tuesday) Good Day. Weight 150.5. Fitbit Steps 36595. Total Burn 3608. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1915. Exercise: 80minElliptical, 60minZumba, 60min/4.25Treadmill, 30min/8.3 Bike. Up and at 'em today. After Zumba, I went to the elementary for my weekly volunteering. Usually I'm just sitting at a table correcting papers, but today the teacher had me taking down a display board and putting new stuff up. I was walking from the classroom to the hallway a lot. Not a far distance, but enough that the steps registered on my Fitbit as moderately active. Some grocery shopping after, then back home. Alternated exercise with the usual to-do list. Didn't have middle school carpool, as the kids went straight to the high school to watch the game (I did need to pick them up from that at 8:30). I was tempted to try for a new personal best in steps on Fitbit  ... I would have needed about 4000 more. If hubby had been gone, I might have, but as he was home I called it a night. 
• 0226 (Wednesday) Good Day. Weight 151.2. Fitbit Steps 25491. Total Burn 3108. Calories in 1800. Calories out 1100. Exercise: 60minEllipical, 60minZumba, 1 mile Treadmill, 30minBike, NMTZ. Went to another church Zumba, this one was very energetic. Big crowd, many Polynesian people. A lot of the bangles around the waist. They had multiple instructors on the stage, which was great, more people to follow (as some would alter the steps slightly, one girl would face the back so it wasn't a mirror image, also helpful). I think I'll be coming back :) After I returned from afternoon carpools, the internet was down. After troubleshooting and calling the cable company, we determined the modem was kaput. I could have run it into the local center (across town) and attempted to rewire it all myself (it would have a different modem, replacing our current modem/router setup) and that was just a little intimidating. Enough that I agreed to wait 24hours and pay $35 for a technician to come out and do it. Basketball game in the evening for #2, took 40+ minutes to get there. I really hate driving. It was a close game and our boys lost, which eliminated them from the tournament. Secretly, I was fine with that, as if they had won, the game next week would have been at an even further location and it would have stressed me out completely. I literally didn't see the hubs today, as he left before I got up, had only stopped home a moment (I had been downstairs in the gym) and he was asleep when I got back home :(
•  0227 (Thursday) Good Day. Weight 150.2. Fitbit Steps 26959. Total Burn 3157. Calories in 2000. Calories out 1160. Exercise: 60minElliptical, 60minZumba, 30minBike, 1 mile Treadmill. I don't like being without my internet connection :(  I've got a backup DVD, as I can't stream Netflix while I workout. In the afternoon, I stayed home and by the phone, waiting for the cable tech to come during the two hour window I'd been given. No call, no one showed. I called and they said the appointment was for tomorrow (when hubby and I have tickets to a show). I was SO mad. They said they'd get someone there first thing in the morning. Grrrr. Went over and watched the oldest three boys play some churchball. Just a scrimmage as the other team didn't have enough players. So instead of my boys being on the same team, it was brother against brother and pretty funny to watch. I took #2 and left early as he had a real game, although ... our boys were the top seed playing the #10 spot and it was an obvious mis-match.
• 0228 (Friday) Ok Day. Weight 150.3. Fitbit Steps 15103. Total Burn 2623. Calories in 1900. Calories out 926. Exercise: 60minElliptical, Treadmill Mile, 60minWeights. More Comcast frustration this morning as I called to verify the appointment and they had it scheduled for NEXT Friday. I asked to speak to a supervisor, but they were on another call (unsurprising with this level of "customer service"). Again the rep promised to have someone come this morning, but when I called the automated line to check on the appointment, it was for the afternoon, when I wouldn't be home (going to see a production of LesMiserables at the theater). I was so frustrated. I pulled the modem, drove to the center, which was as bad as the DMV (take a ticket and wait). I exchanged the defective modem and went home and was successful in getting us back up and running. Did make it to the theater (although hubby didn't make it in time to pick me up and had to have #1 son drop me there). It was good, maybe not quite Broadway. It was also "in the round" which was both good and bad as well (much more intimate, but then all we could see was the back of the head in some scenes). I had to push to get my final elliptical session in for the day ... but I did it. 60min of elliptical every day in February. 

WWI (#33) & Friday Five

I'm late posting my weekly weigh-in and link up with Follow Up Friday ... oops, I guess I'm too late to link up :(  Our modem went out on Wednesday and after several days without service and many frustrating encounters with the cable company (I finally went in and exchanged it and installed the new modem  myself) ... and I'm back.  Another week in the books ... another week staying right around the same weight. If I was in maintenance, I'd be doing great. I'm just not there yet. Close, but not there yet.

It was a bit of a frustrating week with the internet issues, TOM time, the weather went from gorgeous sun to dreary rain. On the plus side, I tried a THIRD Zumba class and really enjoyed it. I think I'll be a Tues/Wed/Thurs Zumba gal. The instructor spied me at this weeks Thursday class again and pointed at me and asked "you're hooked, aren't you?" ... yes.

Numbers ... weight down .3 ounces from last week. Average was back down (150.86, it had jumped up last week). High weight for the week was 152.9. Low was 149.8. Still striving to get an entire week of weight readings under 150.  My average burn was up to 2973, almost to goal! Intake average was 2150. I actually had a total weekly deficit of 3501. Where's my one pound loss?I did update my Day to Day Doings if you wanted details on any of the days this past week.

I thought I'd wrap up February with a CURRENTLY post, and link up with Friday Five (Eat Pray Run),  Five Things Friday (Fitting It All In),  and  Five on Friday with Liz.

What I'm Reading ... a few weeks ago there was a list going around of "Books to Read Before They Are Made Into Movies In 2014" ... I've already read Vampire Academy (the entire series, but not the spin-off), Divergent (the trilogy), The Maze Runner (the trilogy) and The Giver (the quartet) but had NOT read The Fault In Our Stars. I put it on hold at our local library, and even though I was #135, it came in pretty quick. I picked it up, started reading ... and decided a big ol' physical book was just too heavy and went ahead and bought the digital version to read on my kindle app on my iphone.  I like being able to highlight sections, as this book does have "quoteable" sections I'd like to save for reference.

 What I'm Watching ... I started watching Arrow (season 1) on Netflix. I didn't know much about it going in, but wasn't surprised when I read that it was based on a DC Comics character. There are "Batman" similarities, and some "Spiderman" like moves.  I like a show that gets the adrenaline pumping, and there are some amazing acts of athleticism here.  The storyline keeps me intrigued too.

I keep a "What I'm Watching" list (for my own reference) ... and in case anyone was interested in a quick review of the shows I've watched and enjoyed. I workout a lot, and workout time is my TV time.

Birthdays ... last week I mentioned it was #2 son's birthday. He and his basketball buddies were at the high school watching the games there, so I took over a bunch of pizza and a big box of cupcakes for an impromptu party (the boys dress up the day before their games). That wraps up our family birthdays for a while ... no more until the end of summer (when we have three in one week).

Basketball ... the season is winding down. The two little boys finished up last week (see my baby in action here, I finally got around to making a muvee, he's #20). Still a few games going on as the older boys play in their championships. Although basketball is never over with my boys, it will be slowing down shortly.

Synchronicity ... just thought I'd share this. When I took off my pedometers (yes, I wear two), they were EXACTLY the same. I've worn two for years, and they've been close before (and sometimes not so close) but I've never had them stop at an exact identical number. I thought it was worth  a picture and a share, and a final link up with Fitness Friday to wrap up my post *Ü*

How was your week?

Days of the Week

I've been using Walker Tracker for a few years now. I just enter my steps each day and I get a lot of cool graphs and numbers tracking my activity. One of the graphs I've always found interesting was the "day of the week average".  It usually just reflects what I already know ... Tuesdays are great (cardio) days, Sunday (and the entire weekend) are my worst. Mon,Wed&Fri are weight days, where I spend 45-60 minutes working out but don't get many steps to show for it.

When I look at my ALL TIME graph ... it's a little different. I remember a time when Mondays were a good (high step) day. When I was getting steps in on Saturdays (this was related to basketball, when the boys had games at the gym with a track above. I'd get in 2-3 hours watching and waiting during their games. Sometimes games and practices would be at the very end of the day, when I certainly didn't feel like working about ... but I couldn't just sit while there was a track there!) Sundays are pretty much always bad for steps... not a "rest" day per say ... but with sleeping in, church, family activities, etc ... I just call them "Slow Sundays" ...

Currently, Tuesdays have been my best days. I'll hit a session on the elliptical first thing, carpool the kids to school, then go to Zumba. I get 10,000 steps by 10 am.   

It's my Tuesday 10x10.

And getting such a jump on steps that early in the day ... it's often a 30k on Tuesday too. I hit the elliptical a few more times during the day. Read my book while I rode the stationary bike. I had an hour in the early evening, so I went down for some treadmill time. I was actually tempted to push it even MORE yesterday, to set a new PB on Fitbit (I have my 35,000 badge, next up is 40,000 ... I could have gotten there, but hubby was home and a shower and snuggle time sounded nice too).

I kept calories in check yesterday, I was really hoping to see a shift on the scale ... but no, it went UP! An entire pound! Frustrating. I know, don't put stock in the day to day readings. At least my MFP ticker is still at "30 pounds lost" ... I really don't like when it slips back into the 20s. When I wrote about My Milestones, I didn't stop and figure out exactly what number makes my MFP ticker drop back to 29 or worse. I might have to look into that (me and my numbers you know!) Linking up with Weigh-In Wednesday ... but check back Friday for my "official" weekly weigh-in and week recap.

Well, I'm going to try a different Zumba class this morning (yet another free church offering, I have yet to actually pay for a class although at this point I think I'd be willing, I just am not sure about how to go about finding one ... I know gyms offer them, but I'm not interested in a gym membership as I have my home gym downstairs!) Then it is strength-training, NMTZ day ... a basketball game for #3 in the evening, clear across town. I'm not looking forward to driving that (next week's location is even worse, so I've told the kid they can lose tonight's game, as I don't even want to go next week! I've got driving issues!)

Do you have a "good" day of the week? A "bad" one?

TV Time = Exercise Time

As I've read my magazines, internet articles and blogs, I've come across some conflicting advice regarding TV time & exercise. Some recommend turning on a show or movie to keep you entertained during exercise (and gyms have tvs and even theaters for this purpose). Other schools of thought say that distraction will make your workout less effective.

What do YOU think?

I can see the point of both ... but which one gets ME exercising? The former, most definitely. 

Watching television programs is a HUGE part of my exercise routine. It wasn't always the case. I recall sitting down and watching a show, or having something on while I puttered around the kitchen. But then it all changed.

I had the series "24" on DVD, borrowed from the local library. It was due back, so I figured I'd get double duty done ... watching my show and getting my workout in (previously, I had been working out to music only). As Jack Bauer rushed around saving the world, I couldn't believe the adrenaline rush that passed from the TV to me. I mean, here Jack was, running and fighting, and all I needed to do was put one foot in front of the other on the treadmill.

From that point on, I stopped watching TV anywhere but in my gym. Well ... the hubs and I do have some snuggle time before bed, and I make an exception to watch something with him as we wind down. But during the day? If I'm watching, I'm working out. Not just during commercial breaks, but for the entire program. I do NOT work out for hours at one time, I'll do 20 or 30 minute workouts, simply pausing my programs and coming back to them. This is incentive in and of itself. I need to finish my show each day! It's a common statement from me to hubs ... "I've got 10 more minutes on my show, I'll be back."

I know I'm spoiled, with my home gym, and a television setup in my complete control ... I never take it for granted. It is a HUGE motivator to me! I like action shows the best ... the ones that can't help but pump me up. I love serial shows, where the story carries from episode to episode, making me want to hit the gym just one more time to find out what happens. I watch all sorts of things ... in my Streaming vs DVDs post, I went into some of the technology that makes watching in my gym possible (Roku, PlayOn, Netflix).  I've discovered quite a few great songs, background music on programs that suddenly make me lighter on my feet (I try to keep my iphone handy to Shazzam songs as they come up).

When I first started blogging, one of the first link-ups I participated in was Let's Talk TV.  As I am a little OCD, I do like to keep track of everything, you can check out What I'm Watching. I actually have it all in an excel file, so I can sort it alphabetically, by when I watched it, by type of show, or my rating (just a little OCD).  I do keep up with some current shows (I watched The Biggest Loser for the first time this past season), but I'm finding I prefer to wait, and watch entire seasons back to back, rather than waiting weeks/months in between episodes.

So while I don't watch ANY television live, when it airs ... I watch a LOT of TV. But I'm walking, jogging, ellipticalling (I know that's not really a word), riding the stationary bike or doing my own cardio or weights the entire time. And I love it!

That's MY tip this Tuesday.

Linking up with Lisa and Kristin.

Check them out for more tips, and link up your own!

Smart Girls Use Dumbbells

As a "pedometer person" ... I really like cardio, as it usually gives me "steps" that strength training does not. I do feel weights are such an important part of any fitness routine though. Strength training has been a part of my plan almost from the start (about eight years ago).

I'm lucky. My husband has been interested in weight lifting since he was a teen. When we moved into our house (about 18 years ago) we had room for a gym. The hubs invested in a big weight rack, plates, and dumbbells. When I first lost the weight eight years ago, I had hubby show me some moves and help me set up a routine. I like a full-body routine that hits every body part.

I little bit back, I posted MY weight routine (Not Just A Weight Watcher). For the past several years, I've made sure I incorporated at least one weight workout in a week. When I was ambitious, I'd get in two or three (leaving a recovery day in between).  I've looked through some books and magazines and have tweaked things over the years as I know it is important to switch things up.

Last summer, I tried out Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. I aimed for five workouts a week (leaving weekends off, or available for a make-up day if I missed one during the week). During this time, I did stop MY weight workout (although I continued with additional cardio each day). In the fall, I tried "Ripped in 30" ( a couple times a week, with my weight workout once a week) and this month I've been doing "No More Trouble Zones" (again, two days a week, keeping my weight workout once a week).

It's been interesting. MY weight workout looks harder on paper. Heavier weights. More impressive moves (in my opinion). A full hour. Jillian's workouts use smaller weights and some of the exercises are deceptively easy (pelvic thrusts, toe taps) ... yet I find myself collapsing on the mat (as Jillian yells "don't you stop" almost like she can see me!) and sweating up a storm. Last Monday, I was dragging and was just NOT up to facing Jillian. I talked myself into doing a 30-min version of my weight workout instead. It wasn't as intimidating to me ... I'm not sure exactly what that means *Ü* I ended up doing the entire hour. I find that happens fairly often. I get myself started only committing to a partial workout, and then I get into it and do the whole thing.

I like mixing up my weight workouts.  Doing mine ... where I have on music or a tv program keeping me motivated while I work out. Picking up the heavier weights and only doing the exercises I feel are the most productive.  Then letting Jillian lead the way. Smaller weights, but enough repetitions that I do really feel it. Different moves than I'd do if left to my own devices.

I have NOT tried crossfit (totally intimidating) or free-weights (anything I would need a spotter for). I've never tried any strength training in a gym ... just in my home. Pilates and Yoga, resistance bands ... I've experimented a little, but they haven't really grabbed me either.

Linking up with Nikki, Kristy & Katie

And of course the Motivation Monday team
Tiffany/Morgan/Wendy/Alisha/Betty
JenB/Brandi/Jen/Gwen /Theresa

An InLinkz Link-up

Saturday Spotlight #14 ...Customer Service Experiences

When it comes to blogs ... I think I'm a fairly recreational reader. When I see other bloggers with huge lists of great articles and favorite blog posts (see Saturday Spotlight #13 for a list a several bloggers who do) I'm realizing I'm not getting in quite the quantity or quality reviews they are. My list is pretty small this week, but I'm also shining the spotlight on a couple of companies and my recent experiences with them.

• ABCDK or E, What Will Make A Healthy Me? I was reading in our local paper and came across this article, it, and the two articles it references had some interesting points. Are you a "pill popper"  hoping to augment your health with vitamins and supplements?
• Keeping Your Cool: Another article about turning down the heat. I just posted several other articles on this topic too (Baby It's Cold Downstairs). I definitely like it cool when I sleep!
• Just Don't Go:  This is a funny video for those of you still stuck in bad weather (our snow has all melted and it was a lovely day yesterday, around 45° and with the sun and blue skies it felt wonderful!) ... or those who love the song "Let it Go" from Frozen (I have yet to see the movie ... I have five BOYS, no girls, so ...)

The Force Is No Longer With Fitbit

I was really sad to hear about the hit Fitbit has been taking on their new Force tracker.  My brother has the Force and hasn't had any issues. It is being voluntarily recalled and stripped from shelves.

You know I'm a Fitbit Fan. I've been meaning to mention some experiences I've had with them recently. I am quite lucky, in that I managed to hold on to my original Ultra for over two years without losing (or washing) it. Others have not been as lucky as I, yet I had heard so many stories about people getting their Fitbit's replaced by the company, even when the fault was not at all with Fitbit. I finally had a chance to test out the customer service I had heard so much about when my son's Flex wristband started to split. I sent them a picture of the band (not yet a year old) and they immediately sent out a replacement. My mother had some struggles with her One not working properly and again ... they sent out a replacement. I have nothing but good things to say about Fitbit!

As I've mentioned in previous posts (Reaping the Rewards, Everymove Update) I link said Fitbit to several reward sites and earn some kickbacks for the my activity. Everymove had an award come up for a free women's workout top. I signed up to earn the reward and it didn't take me too long to reach the number of points required. As I am rather suspicious by nature, I wondered if there was some fine print. I was anticipating my "reward" to end up as a discount (requiring a purchase) or sudden shipping charges to be added. That didn't happen. I contacted the company in question (Mondetta Performance Gear or MPG) and received an immediate email back asking me which top I wanted.

There were no surprises or shipping fees. It was FREE (regular price over $30). I selected THIS top (see the picture at right). I did have to wait a bit for it to come. I did have to recontact the company and inquire ... but I did receive my women's top. I'm wearing it right now in fact. *Ü* It really is a nice quality. Soft and comfortable, but very sturdy and well made.  The little ties from the hoodie do bounce around a bit while I'm working out ... they are somewhat distracting.

Anyway ... another thumbs up for both Everymove, and for MPG, for rewarding people for their activity! Since I posted my Achievemint Update a bit ago, I added several apps (MFP, Facebook, Instagram) and they have really increased my earnings there! I hit my 25,000 points, but this time did select the roll-over option (going for 50,000 and a $50 payout. A 5,000 point bonus for rolling it over).  I'm currently at 39,300 points ...

What have you been reading?

Do you have any recent experiences (good or bad) with companies to share?

Weekly Weigh-In (#32)

Well ... this past week wasn't great. The last three days were really good, but the days before that? Not. So. Much. In fact, they were really, really bad. Long weekend, holidays (Valentine's Day and President's Day), a bunch of basketball ... overeating and not enough activity. If you want the dastardly details, check out my Day to Day Doings. I'll just admit here that Saturday was my highest caloric intake day since I started tracking nine months ago.

Remember me saying I wanted a week (and forever) with not one weigh-in over 150? Not. So. Much. In fact, I got the exact opposite this week. Not one weigh-in under 150. Not good.  The actual "official" weigh-in this morning is the exact same number as last week. No up, no down ... I guess that is ok considering my weekend indulgences.

Numbers: Average weight was up (150.84-152.03) ... High of 154, Low 150.60. I DID actually manage to overcome my weekend and get a deficit for the week. -14 calories *Ü* HUGE. Average intake was 2486 (ouch, wicked weekend!), average burn 2697. Daily steps average for the week 20,681.

Today is #2's birthday. 15 years old. The picture is from last year, but I'll probably be picking up that cake again. It's a favorite with the boys, but it's one I can resist. The birthday boy is going to spend the evening at the high school, cheering on the basketball team as they play. I'm going to grab some pizzas and cupcakes and bring them by so he can host a little birthday party there for his friends. We'll likely have a family party over the weekend, although nothing is set yet.  I may or may not eat some cake.

Linking up with Fitness Friday  and Follow Through Friday.