Category Archives: Family Fun

November 26, 2012 · 8:30 AM

New Additions and Holiday Traditions

Hello everyone!

Sorry I’ve been MIA lately, but things always tend to get hectic around this time of year. Being as I am a cake decorator and the hubs is a letter carrier, the holidays spark an increase in hours for both of us. It also seems that we have both been doing some hardcore drugs, cause we decided our family needed a new puppy. Yes, you read that correctly, a new puppy. I blame the show “Too Cute” which airs on Animal Planet. I also blame the convenient timing of the pet adoption at Petsmart, which just happened to be going on the day after I watched a “Too Cute” marathon AND the fact that I happened to have my son out running errands with us. You see, a puppy is something he has been begging us for. Without further delay, I introduce you to our little bundle of fur, cuteness and pointy little fangs…

Meet Jax. He’s a Catahoula/Beagle mix who is currently trying to sit on my lap along with my laptop…sigh…

Now that you have been mesmerized by his cuteness, let me tell you that puppies are like newborns! I forgot what having a newborn was like since our youngest is 8 years old now and it’s been 13 years since we’ve trained a puppy. Jax has been with us for almost 2 weeks now and I think we are all starting to settle in, get into a routine and hopefully we will be sleeping through the night soon.

My other issue is that while he is like a newborn at night, he is like a toddler during the day. He is super curious and has to check out everything.

This weekend, like every year since I was little, we put up the Christmas tree. Poor Thanksgiving tends to be nothing more than a day that people eat too much and finally don’t feel like freaks for wanting to listen to holiday music, shop for presents and break out the holiday decor.

With a new puppy in the house, I had to approach the tree a little differently. I made sure I secured it to the wall, so when I have to army crawl under it to retrieve his tiny butt, I don’t knock it over. We also didn’t put any breakable ornaments on the bottom a) so he doesn’t knock them off, break it and then eat something that could hurt him. b) so we don’t kill him for breaking our memories.

Our tree with three of my favorite ornaments. The stockings sum up how my kids feel about each other, while the cd ornament I made a few years back, capture them at what I think might be their cutest.

Our tree is my favorite part of the holidays. We have an eclectic collection of ornaments that we put on it, ranging from handmade/photo ones that the kids have made over the years at school, to figurines from the mobile that hung above my crib when I was an infant. Our tree is full of memories and I love unwrapping each ornament and remembering a moment from my past. It warms my heart and also makes me sad at times, because there are loved ones who are no longer with us, but special ornaments that represent memories with them.

The kids love putting the tree up…ok…they love hounding me to put the tree up, come in, select their favorite ornaments, put them on the tree in the worst spots ever and then leave me to fix things. Yes, I admit, I let the kids put stuff on the tree and then rearrange things to my liking when they disappear to their rooms. Don’t act like you don’t do the same…pfft!

I know this post is a little all over the place, but so is my life. I have however been very consistent with my Couch to 5K! This past week I had to shift my run days around due to my work schedule, but it worked out well because I got to go out and do my own personal Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving day. Tomorrow starts week 4, which means I am at the halfway point. I look forward to seeing what the next few weeks bring, since I have steadily improving. Yesterday I beat all of the my previous pace/time/distant stats, which made me really happy.

I hope everyone is ready to have a happy and healthy holiday season. Hopefully I will be a little better about finding time to post here, too.

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November 7, 2012 · 10:30 AM

Semi Wordless Wednesday {Our Experience With Hurricane Sandy}

As Sandy approached we waited on long lines for generators and prayed for the best.

When the power went out, we all shared a room and passed time making shadow puppets on the ceiling and using portable electronics. (Thank goodness for those!)

The days after the storm were filled with some chaos, downed trees and lines, long gas lines and a scramble to find more firewood since it was our only source of heat.

As stories of damage emerged via Twitter and Facebook, you became grateful that the least of your problems was no power and heat. Having a generator/fireplace, roof over your head and your family safe and sound was all you needed. It truly humbled you.

Halloween was pushed back to November 5th here in NJ. We had power back at this point (I know many still do not).

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November 6, 2012 · 10:31 AM

Post Sandy: Helping A Friend To Rebuild

As many people know, the East Coast was pounded by Super-storm Sandy a week ago. She devastated communities along the Jersey Shore, Staten Island, Queens and Long Island. She left millions without power or heat and created a gas shortage that sparked an odd/even gas rationing here in New Jersey.
After being hit hard only a year ago by Irene, my family was thankfully spared any true damage from Sandy.

Unfortunately, a friend of mine from High School was not. Jen, who was set to run the NYC Marathon last Sunday, and Pedro who served our country in Iraq, lived in the Oakwood Beach area on Staten Island, with their two young children, before Sandy washed her house off its foundation, and into a marsh about 1/2 mile away. When I heard the news and watched THIS video, my heart sank for them. *Their story starts at the 2:10 mark*

As you can see, they lost everything and need to start from scratch. If you are looking to donate to those who were hit hardest by Sandy, please consider donating to them. Another friend of theirs set up a link for monetary donations HERE which will help them to get back on their feet during this rough time.

If you are not comfortable sending money, which I know some people are not, one of Jen’s blogger friends over at A Healthy, Happier Bear, set up a Target gift registry for all the essentials that they will need for their new rental home, once they find one. To view her blog post and donate, please CLICK HERE

A special thank you to everyone I know who has already donated to them, either monetarily or by dropping clothing off here for them. I know that many people were impacted by Sandy, but I had to share the story of someone who I know personally. I urge everyone to help out in anyway they can. Volunteer time to communities to help with clean up, donate clothes, cleaning supplies, whatever is needed.

Please feel free to link to this blog, RT, share, whatever it takes to get the word out and help a family in need.

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October 22, 2012 · 9:15 AM

Sunday Funday

Normally in this house, Sundays are as lazy as it gets. There is usually a late start to us getting out of bed, breakfast, looking through the Sunday paper and then we watch the NFL RedZone channel all day while yelling at the TV and checking our Fantasy Football scores. Yesterday, however, I didn’t feel like sitting home. I don’t know if it is because the Broncos had a bye week or if it was just the nice weather calling to me, but I wanted to be outside.

To start the day off, the hubs and I got dressed and headed over to the Englishtown Auction. At first I was thinking we should go for a run, but I’m happy we decided to just walk around there. We were able to have some alone time, talk and just enjoy being together. Neither of us had been there in quite some time so we just walked, soaked up some sunshine  and checked out what the vendors were offering.  I always forget that they have great local farm stands there. They are not organically grown, but sometimes my budget doesn’t allow me to stick with all organic stuff, and to be quite honest, I’m okay with that these days. I scored some beautiful strawberries and amazingly large sweet potatoes while there. I really should have picked up some more stuff, like eggplant, peppers and cauliflower but to be honest, I didn’t feel like carrying them around with me and the sweet potatoes were heavy enough to be considered a workout.

A sample of the farm stands at the flea market. Most items were between $1 – $3 per basket. You can’t beat those prices!

After walking around the market, we headed home, and my son decided it would be fun to go bowling. It was nice to go out as a family, especially since my daughter has reached that age were she is too cool to hang with us and is usually running around with her friends instead. It was also nice to get my son away from the video games and have both kids being active without the aid of an electronic device.  I’m not going to say this excursion was all laughs and giggles, but it was nice to be out as a family and enjoy some time together.

Our afternoon of bowling. Top left: Matt who was happy he got to choose want we did today. Top Right: Maddie bowling, Bottom Left: Me hoping for a strike, Bottom Right: Maddie & Mike Instagraming or checking FB. lol.

These days, we all tend to be so busy. Between work, workouts, school and chores, there just never seems to be enough time for everything. Yesterday I realized that there are certain things you just HAVE to make time for and family time is one of them.

What kind of activities do you like to do as a family?

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August 3, 2012 · 12:31 PM

It’s Not Just For Kids

Last night I had the pleasure of attending Sweet Suite 12, which was an event party at BlogHer in NYC. It was held in the middle of Times Square and was jam packed with all of the newest and coolest toys that were either just released or are headed to stores as I type this post.

As a mom of two, I felt right at home and loved hearing about and trying these toys first hand. As a fitness blogger, I felt a little out of place and out of my element until I started speaking to a representative from Xbox about Kinect. While talking I found out that they have a new Nike+Kinect Training “game” coming out in late October.

Here is some more info I found on the Xbox website:

“Nike+ Kinect Training”

July 2012 

Get fitter, faster and stronger with “Nike+ Kinect Training,” a personalized training experience built from the ground up with athletic expertise and inspiration from Nike coupled with powerful and precise technology from Kinect for Xbox 360. “Nike+ Kinect Training” brings world-class Nike training directly into the home to help individuals meet their fitness goals and reach their personal best.

Through the magic of Kinect, “Nike+ Kinect Training” can see how the body moves, assess physical strength and athleticism, identify areas for improvement, and create a personalized workout plan tailored to each person. With real-time feedback to make sure positions and movements are correct and a customized program that evolves over time, “Nike+ Kinect Training” is for everybody, whether a professional athlete, an everyday athlete or someone just getting started.

With fitness assessments every four weeks and the ability to work out with friends over Xbox LIVE and tap into the Nike+ community, “Nike+ Kinect Training” helps athletes stay motivated every step of the way.1 Take training even further by competing in challenges, sending encouragement to friends and keeping workouts on track with a mobile companion app.2

1 Online multiplayer requires Xbox LIVE Gold membership (sold separately). 2 Requires compatible mobile device and Nike+ account; carrier fees apply.

I love the concept of this and look forward to giving it a try when it is released. I have tried fitness “games” for the Wii before and was never a fan of them because the wire from the Wii remote was always in the way or it didn’t seem to read my movements correctly. After trying the Kinect at Sweet Suite 12, I felt that it picked up on movements better so I have high hopes for the form checking feature that I read about above.

I am always looking for new workouts to try and anything that can be done in the comfort of my living room is always a plus. I also love that video game systems are focusing on the needs of parents as well. So many moms (and dads) don’t have the time to make it to the gym or their kids won’t stay in the gyms babysitting without meltdown and crying. Now these parents don’t have to forfeit their health. They can do their workout during naptime, after bedtime or before everyone is awake is demanding stuff without being tied into a monthly or yearly gym membership!

Have you tried virtual workouts before? If so, what is your opinion on them?

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*This is not a paid advertisement. I received no money or compensation to write this blog post. This is just me, sharing my excitement over a product I liked.*

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March 19, 2012 · 9:00 AM

Spring Is In The Air

This week we had a fabulous taste of spring and of course, we headed to the park!

I love that we have an amazing a recreation center right near our house. It is home to the fitness trail that I have blogged about many times and there are great playgrounds, baseball and soccer fields, as well as roller hockey rinks, basketball and tennis courts.

At first I was looking forward to heading out on my own to walk/jog the fitness trail, but then my husband received a phone call from his cousin who was there and looking to play basketball. We decided to head over there so they could shoot some hoops and I took our son to the playground to burn some energy and get some fresh air.

Upon our arrival, I was surprised at how empty it was since it was such a gorgeous night, but I was so happy. An empty playground means that I can be a big kid on they play equipment with my son instead of just sitting on the sidelines watching him. We giggled, chased each other and went down the slides together despite the sign that says the playground is for ages 5-12 I’m such a rebel!

After about an hour of playground fun, followed by a quick drive to pick up my daughter from a friends house, we headed to the basketball courts to meet up with the hubs and his cousin. The kids and I started playing around with them and really had a good time.

It was a fun night of fresh air, some exercise and most importantly…family time. I look forward to more nights spent at the rec center…be it taking a walk, shooting hoops or playing on the playground, I’m happy we can be active and have fun as a family.

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January 29, 2012 · 11:25 PM

Something Different For This Blog…

Normally this blog is about my journey with fitness, but I’m changing it up a bit. I am a self admitted slacker in this field lately and was just tagged in this by SpellsBadBarbie from With Glitter In Her Veins.

Hope you enjoy this little change of pace…I’m hoping this will be fun.

The Rules:

  • Post these rules
  • You must post 11 random things about yourself
  • Answer the questions set for you in their post
  • Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer
  • Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them
  • No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people!

11 Random Things About Me:

1. I am an only child.

2. I do not know how to walk in heels without feeling like I am going to fall over and break something.

3. I do NOT own a skirt. (Yes you read that correctly)

4. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. (Funny cause I lack a sense of fashion now)

5. Pizza is my favorite meal.

6. I can be a total dork at times.

7. Laughter is the key to my heart.

8. I am currently addicted to jalapeno flavored kettle chips.

9. I actually enjoy long drives by myself because I like the time it gives me to think.

10. Twitter has introduced me to some of the greatest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

11. Traveling is what I truly long to do.

11 Questions From SpellsBadBarbie:

1. What are your top three favorite books? Right now, I just finished the Hunger Games series and really enjoyed that. I’m also a fan of Alice of Wonderland and the kid in me loves anything Dr. Seuss.

2. What is your drink of choice? If we are talking non-alcoholic, Water. If we are talking alcohol, give me a cold Yuengling Light, please.

3. Who is the one person that gets you? I don’t really get myself right now.

4. If you could choose your last meal, what would it be? P-I-Z-Z-A with a side of Kingy’s chips

5. PC or Mac? Tough call as I use both. I’m gonna plead the 5th here.

6. Describe your favorite day. I’m gonna go with right this minute. I haven’t laughed this hard in a long time. Plus my husband is still alive. (Just kidding)

7. What one song brings back the most powerful memory? “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. It’s our wedding song and one of the happiest days of my life.

8. If there was one wrong you could right, what would it be? Lack of communication.

9. What is the accomplishment you are most proud? My weight loss. Outside of my two beautiful children, it is the one thing I am truly proud of. It is something I never thought I could do and I achieved on my own.

10. What characteristic do you find most attractive in others? Sense. Of. Humor.

11. What is the one career you would like to try? I thought about becoming a personal trainer last year. I also tried my hand a party planning and enjoyed it.

11 Questions For The Friends I Tag:

1. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

2. What is your favorite childhood memory?

3. List 2 goals you have for this year.

4. What makes you happy, no matter how bad of a mood you are in?

5. Do you have a hobby? If so, what is it?

6. Guilty Pleasure?

7. Name 5 songs on your iPod you would be embarrassed for people to know about.

8. Favorite Movie?

9. Item you can’t live without? (Cellphone is not an acceptable answer…no one can live without them.)

10. What do you currently drive? What’s your dream vehicle?

11. Android or iPhone?

I hope you enjoyed reading this. I don’t have 11 people to tag so feel free to join in and tag me on twitter to read it! @bronc787

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November 22, 2011 · 9:56 PM

‘Tis The Season For Lots O’ Drinking!

Office parties, family get-together’s, dinner with friends and stress….these all sound like perfect reasons to have a few drinks to me. Then again if you know me, you know that #BeerMe is a popular phrase of mine *wink, wink*

The truth of the matter is, alcohol is one of the quickest ways to pack on the pounds and a hefty cocktail will double-cross you by cancelling out that fat-burning workout you enjoyed earlier in the day. Now don’t get me wrong…I’m not saying you can’t have a few drinks over the holiday season, while watching football or just because holiday shopping at the mall sucked. I just want you to make smarter choices when doing it.

If you are a beer drinker try to opt for light beers.You could save yourself over 100-calories per drink considering most regular beers have around 180-calories per bottle. Brands like Corona Light, Heineken Light, Bud Select and Miller Lite all have around 100 calories per bottle. Brands like Michelob Ultra, MGD 64 and Bud Select 55 all have even less. (To me, the latter taste very watered down.)

If you prefer mixed drinks try to have them made with diet soda or “light” juices if available. I know soda is normally avoided in the fitness world, but then again alcohol is too. Here are some figure friendly mixed drink options under 200-calories each to consider: Gin and Tonic, Vodka and Sprint Zero (you can add a splash of cranberry juice – I had this over the weekend and I am a big fan), an Appletini, Mojito (without the simple syrup), White wine spritzer (diluted with water or club soda), or a Mimosa Lite.

Harder liquor such as 90-proof alcohol contains about 110 calories, and when you add carbonated sugar-filled sodas, juices and Redbull, you also add-on the calories. Just this weekend I indulged in some Jager bombs and opted for sugar-free Redbull instead of the original. It wasn’t as good, but I appreciated the calories I saved.

Red or White Wine contains anywhere from 109 calories – 129 calories per 50z serving, depending on the type of wine you are drinking.

My advice during this holiday season is to be aware of what you are drinking and go for the low-calorie fun. Drink plenty of water between your cocktails, and remember that alcohol adds empty calories and interferes with your bodies ability to burn fat.

*If you have a favorite low-calorie cocktail or beer you would like to share, please feel free to do so below in the comments section.

Happy Holidays and Drink Responsibly!

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Raspberry Cooler
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz Raspberry vodka
3 oz Sprite Zero
1 splash of lite cranberry juice
1 wedge Lime

Mixing instructions:
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add Raspberry vodka, Sprite Zero and a splash of lite cranberry juice. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

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December 14, 2010 · 4:18 PM

Hortizontal Movie Watching at AMC Dine-In Theaters

Last night I was able to experience the new AMC Dine-In Theater at our local mall during a special “blogger preview”.  I went as a guest of my friend, Melysa, and we met up with “ComplicatedMama” and “MrComplicated” (a truly adorable couple) for a night of “horizontal movie watching”.

Normally I do not blog about stuff like this, however I love going to the movies and I know how it can truly mess up a persons “diet”. I felt that this was an interesting approach to movie/date night and I really enjoyed it, so I thought I would share.

So here’s how the AMC Dine-In Experience works:

1. Select your movie, showtime and reserved seating preference.
2. Price includes your movie ticket plus an experience upcharge. ($10 for Fork and Screen/ $15 for CinemaSuites
3. Menus are available at your seat. Press the call button and a server will arrive to take your order.
4. Relax and enjoy the movie while you dine at your seat. If you need anything else, simply press the call button.
5. The server will deliver your check before the end of the film. A portion of the bill, up to the total of the experience charge will be deducted from your bill.

Sweet! Right?! I thought so….

Upon entering the newly renovated theater you are greeted by a bar and lounge area, all with a  very nice modern theme. (Forgive the photos, they were taken with my iPod Touch)

To start our special “blogger preview”, we were taken on a tour of the two different types of theaters that they offer and our guide explained how everything works :

A more casual dining experience featuring seat-side service and reserved seating. There is a $10.00 experience fee in addition to the regular movie admission, which is then deducted from your bill once you place your food or drink order.

*Guests must be 18 years or older to enter this theater. If they are not, they must be accompanied by an adult.

The menu includes a variety of items from starters (buffalo wings and onions rings) to entrees (pasta, burgers and quesadillas) as well as dessert, alcoholic beverages and all over your standard movie concessions (popcorn and candy).

To view the Fork and Screen menu on-line Click Here

I was surprised to see that they did have some “healthy offerings” such as a Fresh Fruit Salad and Lime Chicken Griller, which were marked with a heart symbol on the menu.


Next up on the tour, we were taken to theater where our experience would be taking place…dinner and INCEPTION!

An upscale theater experience equipped with luxury recliners. It also features eat-side service and reserved seating. There is a $15.00 experience fee in addition to the regular movie admission, which is then deducted from your bill once you place your food or drink order.

*Guests must be 21 years or older in order to enter this theater.

It has the same menu selections as the Fork and Screen with the addition of a premium menu insert, which includes items such as Blackened Salmon, Lobster Ravioli and Tenderloin Steak Tips.
To view the CinemaSuites Menu on-line click here.

You also receive a small cup of gourmet caramel popcorn when you choose the CinemaSuites as your experience. (aka ComplicatedPopcorn)

There is approximately 9ft of distance between each row and the theater is not keep dark, like a traditional theater. They want it to have a feeling as if you were watching a movie on your couch at home with your friends.

We picked our seats, got ourselves comfy and began flipping through the menu. Shortly, our server came over and introduced herself as Dre, (with a line over the e) – her words….not mine!

The food was ok…I’m not going to lie. It wasn’t anything phenomenal. I don’t know if it is because the staff is still training or if it will always be that way. It was traditional, overly greasy food that you receive from places like Friday and Applebee’s. I’ll admit I did NOT order one of the Healthy Options (I know…bad coach).

We ordered onion rings and loaded potato skins to share and I ordered the Chicken Fajita Wrap as my entree. The onion rings were really good but the potato skins were way to greasy to me and I couldn’t eat them. The wrap was good but there was a lot of cheese on it, so after a few bites I was satisfied and finished.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend “horizontal movie watching” to everyone. It was nice to be super comfy while watching a film, having someone come to refill my beverage anytime it looked almost empty and I love the fact that you have to be 21 years or older to enter the CinemaSuites. I do not get go for Date Nights often and when I do, it’s nice to know that my night will not be ruined by obnoxious teenages or children who won’t sit still.

Here are some photo’s from our night:

Thanks to Melysa for inviting me and ComplicatedMama for making me laugh! Excuse me ma’am….We R Who We R!

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May 24, 2010 · 9:28 PM

LOST – “The End”

After 6 seasons of LOST, the series finale finally arrived last night. It was a bitter sweet moment for me as a die hard fan.

On one hand I was excited to hopefully get the answers I have been seeking for so many seasons. On the other, I was sad that this would be “The End” of a show I had come to love and hate.

Each week after LOST I would spend time on-line looking at scene caps from the episode of that week, reading message boards and discussing the newest episode with friends, family and co-workers.

Now the end was here and I wanted to celebrate my favorite shows departure from television in style!

As some of you also know I am…er….was a graphic designer and I take my theme parties very seriously. I also take LOST very seriously so having a theme party for my favorite show with a few fellow die hard fans was a no brainer.

Here are some of the items I had at the party. I held back on my ideas since it was a small get together. I was originally going to have make shift tents over the food tables like the Losties built on the beach. I was going scatter suitcases and clothes around as well have tiki torches outside of the door with a “QUARANTINE” sign on the front door…..but…..sigh….I didn’t.

DHARMA Theme cupcakes….yum!


DHARMA Fish Biscuit anyone?!

How about some Mr. Cluck’s chicken?

I also decided to make DHARMA t-shirts for us to wear:

 

 

As for the finale itself I had a lot of mixed emotions. There were emotional parts, more questions that I will never get answers and an ending that is open to interpretation.

I have watched the ending a few times today, read and spoke with a few friends about it and I am content with the ending now.

This article sums up my thoughts on it and cleared up a few things I was wondering about: CLICK HERE

Feel free to post your theories, what you liked, what you didn’t like and how you spent your finale 2.5 hours with LOST in the comments.

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NAMASTE LOST…..I WILL MISS YOU!

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