Homemade cleaners edition .... Shower, toilet, floor, laundry

About two years ago.  Yeah just about that.  I was cleaning again.  And the thought of how many chemicals that I expose myself to came to mind.  Laundry .... ALL.  Fabric softener .... Bounce.  All purpose .... whatever I bought that time around.  Bleach .... Clorox Bleach cleaner.  Toilet bowl .... Lysol.  Shower .... Lysol Tub and Shower cleaner.  Floor .... Spic n Span or Mr. Clean.  Furniture polish .... Pledge.  Windows .... Windex.  There might be more but I don't remember! 

I started thinking about my kids.  Do they really need exposed to all that crap?  No.  I had been paying attention to the chemicals, additives, preservatives, etc. in our food but what about everywhere else?  So, my first order of business was laundry detergent and fabric softener.  A few of my friends used homemade and loved it.  What could it hurt?  It has to be cheaper! 

So I started looking around.  Asking questions.  Guess what?!  They were all a heck of a lot cheaper and work just as well! 

Liquid Laundry Detergent

Borax (roughly $3.00 a box)
Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (roughly $3.00 a box)
Ivory soap (less than a $1.00 per bar - can use any type)
5 gallon bucket
Large pot

Cut and melt one bar of soap on medium heat in 5 cups water ... do not let boil.  While that is going on add 3 gallons HOT water to the 5 gallon bucket.  Once the soap is dissolved pour into bucket.  Add 1 cup Borax and 1/2 cup washing soda.  Stir and cover.  Let sit over night. 

My modification

All the same ingredients .... I "double" the recipe and modify for us .... 1 bars of soap in the 5 cups of water .... add 4 gallons HOT water to the 5 gallon bucket.  Pouring into the bucket once dissolved.  Add 2 cups Borax and 2 cups washing soda.  Stir and cover.  Letting sit over night.  I use a 1/2 cup per load.  Love it!  Since I've modified ... extreme sweat is not an issue.  I love it.  You can also add essential oil for a scent if you want at the end.  Cheap.  Easy.  Affordable!  Takes about 15 minutes of time melting and mixing.  Standing overnight.  For roughly $11.00, I can get three 5 gallon buckets.  For a few more dollars, we can get three more 5 gallon buckets. 

Fabric Softener

Vinegar
Water
Hair conditioner

Mix 2 cups water, 1 cup vinegar, and 2 cups hair conditioner together.  Pour into bottle.  Use amount specified for your machine. 

My modification

Vinegar is a natural softener and cheap.  I have modified the recipe to fit my old laundry detergent bottle.  I use a gallon jug to mix everything together.  I use one bottle of Suave conditioner (99 cents to $1.50), putting 1/2 of the gallon jug of vinegar (tops $2.50 per gallon) and 1/2 of the gallon jug of water (free).  Mix up and pour in my bottle.  Kids love it because they pick different scents.  Works for us.  On occasion if there are several fleece blankets or a lot of sweatshirts .. I might have a little static.  Another cheap.  Easy.  Affordable.  Takes about 5 minutes to mix up. 

Window - Household cleaner

Vinegar
Water

Kills me that Windex and other companies sell Vinegar & Water cleaners for around $3.00 a bottle.  Seriously?!  Remember a gallon of vinegar in my neck of the woods is tops $2.50 ... I don't pay that. 

My modification

Mix 1/2 & 1/2 in a spray bottle and go to town!  Can clean forever on the same bottle.  I'm cheap.  I like to be clean.  No my house does not smell like french fries.  Cheap.  Easy.  Affordable. 

+++++ Just found and shared a recipe on my facebook page that adds orange peels to the mixture for a orange scent.  Needs to sit for over a week.  Here is pic of my mixture..........

Hubby asked what I was brewing up.  Informed him to NOT DRINK THE BREW!  Just thinking that orange peels, vinegar, and water would not taste great! 

Furniture Polish

Vinegar
Olive Oil
Water
Lemon

Mix 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 tsp olive oil, water to fill quart jar, and a few drops of lemon juice.  Mix.  Apply to cloth.  Wipe on furniture.  Remove excess with clean dry rag. 

My modification

Same ingredients.  I went to the health and beauty section of our local Walmart and purchased a small spray bottle.  I don't measure a thing.  I fill the container 1/2 up with vinegar, the add about a 1/4 cup olive oil, a drop or two of lemon juice (optional .. I don't always do this), and then some water.  Shake before use.  Made sure to write on the bottle what it was.  Store in it.  Love it!  Works great! 

Carpet sprinkle

Arm and Hammer crappy stuffy that makes you carpet smell like roses or lilacs. 

My modification

Take baking soda.  Open the box.  Sprinkle on the carpet.  Vacuum.  If you want scented .. place contents of baking soda box in a gallon bag with some a drop or two of essential oil of your choice.  Shake good.  Let sit over night to a few days.  Sprinkle on the carpets.  Vacuum.  Easy.  Cheap.  Affordable.  And much better for your pets! 

And these two are new to me today .....

Toilet cleaner

I lived by Lysol Toilet Bowl cleaner!  Love it!  $2.99 a bottle. 

Homemade

Sprinkled some baking soda right from the box.  Added some vinegar.  And watched the bubbles do their magic!  I will never purchase toilet bowl cleaner from the store again.  EVER!  Clean as a whistle!  And the kids loved watching it.

Shower cleaner

Take 6 ounces of vinegar and heat in microwave.  Place in spray bottle and add equal about of Dawn dish soap.  Mix.  Spray on tub and shower.  Let sit a little wipe down. 

My modification

The website did say you could do cold that is what I did.  Hot vinegar is gross!  Purchased a large spray bottle for $2.37 at our local Walmart with the ounces right on the side of the bottle.  Added 12 ounces vinegar and 12 ounces original Dawn dish soap (99 cents).  Mixed up by shaking gently.  Sprayed on the tub and shower.  Went off to get my rag for wiping it down.  Used a little warm water on the rag.  WONDERFUL!  We do have hard water so on the bottom of the tub .. I sprinkled a little baking soda and sprayed with this stuff.  Foamed.  And scrubbed.  WONDERFUL!  I'm sure you can use other dish soaps.  I went cheap.  Highly recommend trying it.  Here is a picture of it ....

Best thing about this bottle ... it has some recipes on it for homemade cleaning products! 

There you go just a few of the products I use around my house.  Give them a shot.  You will be surprised! 
 

A little love .... Muscles and Killer

Some love today!  Wrestling season is here and on its way out the door as I write this.  Today was the last regularly scheduled meet for Muscles and Killer.  Yes, this is my first blogpost concerning them this year.  For those new to this neck of the woods .. last season .. well .. they were regular Sunday evening posts.  Trying to recreate each and every match.  This season was originally planned to be that way.  But I changed my mind.  I wanted to go into this season with a different mindset .. for myself. 

Let me start with Killer ......

Killer is #4.  My 7 year old first grade 60 pound little blue eyed girl. 

She really is a popcorn fart .... to us!

Killer.  Killer.  Killer. 

She loves going to practice each and every time.  She loves going to matches on Sundays.  She loves wrestling.  She is happy just being there.  There is no KILLER in her.  If she wins she is happy.  If she loses she is just as happy.  I don't get it at all.  She really does take after my husband in that respect.  As long as they have fun that is all that matters.  I want so much for her to do well.  We know from going to practices that she knows how to do each and every move.  But she really only has one move on Sundays .... the Turtle.  Once she gets on her back she is like a turtle.  That sounds mean .. I know.  There were two meets this season that she fought and fought with her little heart.  But the others I just didn't see it. 

I've never been one to think that girls are unable to beat boys.  TRUST ME!  But after watching this year, I really think that my daughters weight is playing a part.  There seems to be a strength difference in a 60 pound little boy and a 60 pound little girl.  Again another thing that I don't understand .. when you read about Muscles in a little bit it is wise to note that other than the male /female difference I was Muscles.  One of the coaches nicely said this season "She is a heavy little girl.  If she just went down to 50 or 55 pounds it might make a huge difference."  Just not really big on planting seeds in my little girls mind about her weight.  And when you continually practice with 35 to 40 lb partners how is that really helping her?  It isn't.  It is helping the smaller ones more.  But that is our fault and it won't happen again.  She really is the epitome of it's not whether you win or lose it is how you play the game.  My girl had fun!  And as long as she has fun ... I'm 100% fine with it. 

TRUTH ...  I hate that she is just a easy win for others but we'll work on that.  And whoever came up with it isn't whether you win or lose it is how you play the game crap .. well .. they were losers!  LOL  That is how I feel!  This is so hard for me!  I am so trying to break a cycle.  One day at a time.  

Now onto Muscles ......

Muscles is #3.  My 9 year old third grade 98 pound little blue eyed fella. 

(Sorry about the distance in his picture.  Every time that I would try to crop it said unable to edit and save...IDKW)

Muscles.  Muscles.  Muscles. 

He loves going to practice each and every time.  He loves going to matches every Sunday.  He loves wrestling.  If he wins he is happy.  If he loses he is pi$$ed off.  I so totally get it!  This is my kid.  I mentioned earlier about breaking a cycle.  This is where it is so hard.  A lot of people see my boy get beat and get angry.  Sometimes even cry.  Hang his head.  Not really listening to the good jobs, etc.  Some have looked at it as weakness or poor sportsmanship.  It is neither.  I understand it fully.

His feelings are not hurt.  He is not angry or upset at others.  He is upset with himself.  Muscles expects a great deal from himself.  In every single thing that he does.  He wants to do the very best that he can each and every single time.  No exceptions.  And when he does not .. he does not hide his disappointment well.  He is 9 years old.  He has a long way to go.  I love Muscles but due to our very strong "likenesses" .. this kid can drive me bat crap crazy in seconds.   

He went out planning to just use his strength to get by.  We watched him take this pretty rough learning season and do just that with it.  Learn.  He has been trash talked.  He has been rolled up and put in a few positions that I really didn't think his body could do.  He has also learned that it is time for a little bit of technique to kick in.  He started listening to a few coaches at meets when they yell stuff. 

I will never ever never ever be able to have him to believe it isn't whether you win or lose it is how you play the game.  I don't believe it! 

We came.  We went.  We enjoyed the season.  Taking the good with the bad.  There was more bad than anything.  Learning that every bruise is a badge of honor ... whether it be on your knee, ego, or in your mind. 

Both of them are planning to partake in season #3 in the fall of 2013. 

And I'll be there sitting in the stands for hours waiting to see them wrestle for 8 minutes tops.  All in hopes of seeing their hands raised in victory.  Isn't that what mommas do?! 

But first we have basketball, tball, track, and football. 

Go Muscles and Killer! 

LLSF Virtual 1/2 Marathon & LLSF Yoga Challenge

Just gonna get right to business! 

The LoveLaughSweatFuel Virtual 1/2 Marathon will be held on the weekend of May 25 - 26, 2013.  The race is a walk or run.  You determine where and when you run the 13.1 miles.  Just as long as it falls on the weekend of May 25 - 26, 2013.  You can register for the virtual race on my facebook page ... LoveLaughSweatFuel. 

I will be giving 13.1 window stickers to 30 participants.  They will be given as a random draw from all of the participants that finish the 13.1 race.  For those participants in my "neck of the woods", I will be putting a run/walk together for those that maybe interested.  All information can be found on the events section of my facebook page .. LoveLaughSweatFuel.   

and

 

The LoveLaughSweatFuel 3 month Yoga Challenge will begin on February 1, 2013 and end on May 1, 2013.  I came up with this challenge because yoga can benefit anyone.  It has helped immensely with my breathing, flexibility, and just general mood.  In signing up for this challenge, you commit  to doing yoga at least once a week during the months of February, March, and April.  The style yoga is of your choice. 

 

At the end of the challenge, names will be collected and a drawing will be held.  I will be drawing two names.  The grand prize winner will receive a gift certificate from Om Sweet Om jewelry and a yoga inspired shirt vinyl from Sticky Side Down Vinyl.  The first prize winner will receive a yoga inspired shirt vinyl from Sticky Side Down Vinyl.  Again to register please see the events section of my facebook page .. LoveLaughSweatFuel. 

 

Please remember that sharing is always an option.  Share away!  Hope to see lots entrants! 

 

 

Jeff Galloway 1/2 Marathon Training Week 3

Short and sweet ........

Monday          OFF
Tuesday          30 min run
Wednesday  Off
Thursday       30 min run
Friday              easy walk
Saturday         Off
Sunday             5 miles

 Remember that the entire schedule can be found on www.jeffgalloway.com.

Additional blog this evening concerning my virtual 1/2 marathon on the weekend of May 25 & 26.  Along with the Yoga challenge for February, March, April.

Hope everyone is doing well in their training!

Getting Honest .... part 2

Back for part 2!  Meant to type this up last night but after grocery shopping and veggie prepping .. NO!  I was tired.  Just wanted to chill.  Haven't been sleeping well with the kiddos coughing during the night.  Just me.  But anyway ... getting on to getting honest with myself.  If you remember #1 Goals and #2 Running were in part 1. 

#3 Parenting .... honestly who couldn't be a better parent in one respect or the other.  I know that my hubby and I are good parents.  But parenting is all trial and error.  It is really interesting that when you purchase a $10.00 toaster it comes with an owners manual.  But a human being that will be with you for eternity is just handed to you with maybe a good luck and a pat on the back.  I make mistakes.  Some in my life think my hubby and I make a lot of mistakes.  One thing that I can say is we learn from our mistakes and that of others.  I am always watching and listening.  Because there is no "one way or the highway" deal with raising kids.  Everyone is right.  Everyone is wrong.  My ultimate goal and aspiration in life truly is to raise my kids to be polite, respectful, upstanding adults. 
They may never be a Doctor or Nurse.  Electrical engineer or Chemical Engineer.  Dentist or Surgeon.  Professional football player or wrestler.  They may never invent a patented time saving device.  No they may never do a lot of things.  But I want them to know that they are capable of doing anything they choose.  I never want them to here me utter the word "BUT".  I want them to know that they are loved.  Past, present, future.  I want my children to always know that I am here for them to talk to.  I am here to listen.  Not to judge.  I am here to bite my tongue and shake my head at times.  I want my children to know that they are enough.  Just as they are. 

#4 Nutrition .... for the love of all that is right in this world can this be the year that I find what truly works for me?  Really?  I stand behind that this is the worst category in my life.  I either don't eat enough or too much of something bad.  It is frustrating.  But everyone does it.  At least I tell myself that.  Finding what works for you and your body has to be one of the most frustrating things ever.  Do I obsess over it?  NO.  I feel better now that I ever have.  Honestly, I feel better than I did in high school.  I have taken back to myfitnesspal.com.  Religiously, logging now for a whooping three days!  Can I get a HIGH FIVE!  This part of my HONESTY check is bringing a picture blog every month.  I know.  I know.  You are thinking food right?  NOPE!  I'm doing a straight up picture blog on the last day of each month.  Baring it all .. well .. not all there isn't a chance in hell I'm going naked for anyone other than my hubby. 

#5  Relationships .... I have a great relationship with my hubby.  He is my best buddy.  Number one comedian.  Really .. well .. we just .. yeah .. there is no one else out there for me.  We are #1 Speds together.  It is the other relationships in my life that need work.  What other relationships?  Other than my kids and hubby .. there really aren't any others.  Well my Momma....like me and my shadow.  I don't really have very many friends.  You know the type to call for lunch.  Talk about a show.  Ask to do this or that.  Call when you get good news.  Call when you need to cry or yell.  I know people that are always on the phone (home, cell, or texting).  Honestly always!  Do you know how many times my phone has rang this week?  My cell phone .. not once.  Our home phone .. twice.  They were just calling to let me know that my car warranty was expiring.  A good portion of the parents at my childrens schools don't even make eye contact with me let alone speak to me.  My best friend for years and I have grown apart.  We live two different lives.   Heck, when my doctor told me a few years ago that he believed I had lymphoma .. there was no one to call.  I'm different.  I'm quiet.  I'm shy.  I'm reserved.  I'm loud.  I'm outspoken.  I'm opinionated.  I'm passionate.  I sit back and listen.  I'm observant.  I don't share a lot.  I share too much.  I'm honest.  I'm loyal.  I'm hard to read.  I'm hard to understand.  Yes, that is all possible in one person.  No real pity parties here.  Just this is an aspect of my life that needs some work.  I need to make some changes.  I need to be more approachable.  I need to work on establishing relationships in my life.          

#6 Getting honest .... really, I'm thinking the 40th birthday looming is starting to play on me.  I've never been a numbers person.  I don't care about my age.  But I just don't know.  Hoping that getting real with myself about a lot of things will hold off any impending midlife crisis!  LOL

So there you have it!  A list of six items that I want to get honest with myself about.  That I need to grow and improve on.  Are there other things?  Well yes.  We are always growing and changing.  What is important one day isn't really important the other. 

And to be 100% honest .. this blog about getting honest .. well .. in my opinion .. it pretty much has sucked.  LOL 

Getting Honest .... part 1

I look at life as a journey.  Filled with highs and lows.  Ebbs and flows.  Trials and Tribulations.  And we are defined by how we deal and cope with each and everyone of them.  Each one adding to our story.  Making its mark on us. 

When I started on my journey it started with getting really honest with myself.  I feel like it is time to get 100% honest with myself again.  Over the past several months to a year, I feel as though I've went off course.  Gotten a little caught up in my own mind and competitiveness.

When I think of my life one phrase comes to mind.  Jack of all trades, Master of none.  That is me.  I can do a lot of things.  Sew.  Bake.  Knit.  Run.  Dive.  Support.  Mother.  Organize.  And like everyone else the list could go on and on.  I'm good enough in a lot of things but not as good as I could be. 

I "flit" around from thing to thing.  Having the capabilities to be "excellent" at a lot but never following through completely.  That is my nature.  Always moving.  Always thinking.  Doing one thing while thinking of three others.  I'm an UNBELIEVABLE multi-tasker. 

Really starting to think that turning 40 years old in a few months is playing a part in all of this.  Like a giant crossroad in my life.  Do I go right?  Do I go left?  Right equals the road I am on.  Always taken.  Easy.  Safe.  Predictable.  With a few speed bumps along the way.  Left equals the road not traveled often.  Honesty.  Change.  Growth.  With speed bumps along the way.  Well, to be honest, I never seem to really do things the easy way.  Change is good.  Self growth is awesome. 

LEFT it is! 

So let me get a little honest about a few things.  Honest with myself that is. 

Honesty #1 .... Goals.  Do I have a ultimate goal?  Yes.  I actually have several.  Can I 100% define them all for you?  No.  I can't 100% define them for myself.  They are in there.  Some have been there for years.  Years.  And years.  They may not even be goals.  They may be dreams.  One thing that I know.  They need to be realized.  One of my biggest goals is to be the best me that I can be.  No one else.  Me.  Only me.  To show myself that any single thing is possible.  Showing my children that if you want it .. you can achieve it.  I want to show them a healthy lifestyle.  And with that I don't necessarily mean nutritionally.  A good loving relationship between their mother and father.  The give and take of life.  Teaching them about the financial side of life.  The non-materialistic side of life.  How to be good respectful upstanding individuals.   

Honesty #2 ....  Running.  I hate running.  Truth.  I hate it because I struggle.  I struggle for a few reasons.  I have a lack of commitment to it.  I never 100% follow through on training.  Built in disappointment.  Now, I struggle with the pressure of it all.  For this year, I plan to do six 1/2 marathons.  Why?  IDK!  As of right now, I am registered for two of them.  I may do the six.  I may not.  One thing that I will 100% do is enjoy myself.  Something that I haven't done in a long time.  A goal of a 2 hour 1/2 was said and written.  Not gonna happen.  Why?  I don't wanna put in the work necessary for me to get that.  Does that time sound great?  Well yes.  But being completely honest .. I could care less what my time is.  I'm not in competition with anyone.  I'm not even in competition with myself.  I'm capable of getting there and I will.  On my own terms.  Not on some competitive whim that I had.  The only thing that I want to do is enjoy myself.  The alone time.  The air.  The sun.  The adrenaline.  Is this not following through ... I don't think so.  I see it as being honest.  I don't like the pressure that I place on myself.  No one else gives a rat ass what my times are.  And ultimately, I don't give a rats ass what anyone thinks of my times.  The pressure of seeing if the minute per mile is faster.  The pressure of when I don't see improvement like I want.  The pressure that others will be disappointed.  Honestly, will you be disappointed with my times?  No.  The constant worry about what the Garmin will show.  Really?  It sucks any and all joy out of it.  As least for me.  My Garmin is banned starting today.  Only to be worn on race days.  I know my body.  I know when it is good.  I may not even wear a watch.  I don't care it is 9 min miles or 11 min miles.  I want to run.  I want to get stronger.  Learning what I need to do.  Enjoying the run. 

Are there other aspects of my life that I'm getting honest about ... OH YEAH!  But you know what?  I'm tired of typing.  That's why I labeled this part 1.  Could also be because I wrote every thing out first on paper to get it the way I wanted.  Anyway!  I'll share those another day.  Because the truth is .. each day brings new honesty.  Brings me closer to be the person that I want to be. 

 

The best me that I can be .... Mind, Body, and Spirit. 

Jeff Galloway Training Plan .. Week 2

So?  Did any of you give Week 1 a shot yet?  I know.  The week is not technically up until tomorrow or later depending on when you started.  I was just wondering.  Short and sweet.  Here is the Week 2 workouts ...



                                                             Monday          OFF
                                                             Tuesday          30 minutes
                                                             Wednesday     OFF
                                                             Thursday         30 minutes
                                                             Friday             Easy Walk
                                                             Saturday          OFF
                                                             Sunday            4 miles




Remember even though the plan is structured Monday - Sunday .. move it around and make it work for you and your schedule.  I know in my knee of the woods the weather is CRAZY right now.  Roll of the dice as to what you're gonna get on any given day.  Just stick with it and I promise it will get easier.  Remember, there is nothing wrong with breaking to walk.  Last week, I did post the run/walk splits by minutes per mile. 

And as always .. this information can be found on www.jeffgalloway.com. 



INFORMATION on LOVELAUGHSWEATFUEL Virtual 1/2 Marathon will be posted next week. 

I'm hoping for a good turnout! 

So crucify me ....

This week alone we've had a meal with shrimp cocktail, another with broiled chicken (which I did not consume), steamed veggies out the wazoo, baked potatoes (white & sweet) .... the list could go on.    You've seen pictures of my kids lunches a few times this week.  I do make cookies and granola bars but with organic ingredients.  I am aware that mixing quality items together can still make "crap".  Our favorite go to snack is popcorn.  Yes .. we air pop it.  Put on real butter.  And use a little flavored Kernel Seasons seasoning on it. 

We have candy on top of the refrigerator from Halloween .. threw the Easter stuff out to fill with said Halloween candy.  I just threw all the Christmas chocolates in a freezer bag and tossed them in.  We have one cupboard of "crap" .. exp. Whales, a package of those little pretzels with cheese dip (bleck), and well hell the rest of the contents are not really bad.  There are no potato chips.  No Doritos.  No pop tarts.  No Nutter Butters.  No Oreos.  No regular store bought cookies.  No fruitees.  No jello cups.  No pudding cups.   

Beverage wise we drink a TON of water.  All four of us drink a TON of water.  Usually not flavored.  Unsweetened or very lightly sweetened tea is also always in there.  Occasionally there is Gatorade or Powerade.  We don't consume wine.  My hubby may have a can of "frothy beverage" in the refrigerator more than I care for.  There are no juice boxes.  No bottles of pop.  No cans of pop.  Always 1% milk.  Occasionally orange juice. 

My freezer is loaded with the contents of my summer garden.  Cabbage rolls.  Numerous deer.  Two turkeys.  Several whole chickens.  Packages of drumsticks.  Several pieces of slab bacon.  Homemade freezer jam.  Containers of veggie, chicken, and beef broth.  Zucchini bread.  Frozen gallon bags of homemade veggie soup, tomato soup, white chili, regular chili, and soup beans.  No popsicles .. well we do make homemade ones.  No ice cream.  No frozen pizzas.  No frozen store bought dinners of any type.

Honestly and truthfully ... 90% of the time we consume wholesome good quality food.   

So there are times when I say "Screw It".  And let my family have a free for all.  Today was one of them.

                                                     Option A.  subs and chips/veggies
                                                     Option B.  pizza                   

One of my "readers" had pizza earlier in the week and it sounded yummy.  I was pulling for pizza but options are always nice.  Could I make pizza?  Yes.  Did I want to whip up homemade pizza?  No.  Could we do subs at home?  Yeppers!  Made them a hundred times.  Did we want to?  Nope.  After a short deliberation period my three kiddos (Muscles, Killer, and Hubby) made a decision.  Here is dinner for this evening .....

Are we gonna change our "lifestyle" because of one meal?  No.  Are we gonna die?  No.  Do we feel bad?  No.  Are we gonna feel bad?  No.  Well maybe ... I've already got indigestion.  Not everyone "feasted" on all the above.  Muscles drank some Diet Sunkist.  He said it tasted "Heavenly".  Killer and myself drank some Diet Cherry 7Up.  I have burped for over an hour from one glass.  Hubby drank himself some water.  The Grandma Shearers sour cream and onion chips were down right spectacular.  Yes, 95% of the bag is on top of our refrigerator along with the Utz salt n' vinegar chips.  I'll end up throwing the Grandma Shearers away in about a week.  Hubby and Muscles will eat the Utz.  And there is some hull-less popcorn in there that Killer wanted.  It will become bird food in about a week.  Subs of choice were from out local convenient store.  Could we drive to Subway for healthier options?  Yes.  Did we want to?  No.  They choose turkey, swiss on 2, american on 1, lettuce, tomato, banana peppers, onions, and we added our own mayo.

So crucify me .....



  

Apple Pie Steel Cut Oats in crock pot

Thought that there was a blog post already for this one but when I looked back .. no.  Just for the maple and brown sugar ones.  I really like these.  Throw together.  Let cook overnight.  Having 4 to 5 servings prepared.  And they taste great! 
 

++++ I really wanted to insert a picture here but Blogspot is not cooperating this morning.  It will not provide me with the opportunity to upload my picture!  UGH!  Look for it on my facebook page! 


The recipe is pretty easy ......

3/4 cup STEEL CUT oats
1/2 cup milk
      (the original calls for half/half we do not purchase this so I 1% milk we have)
2 tbsp brown sugar
      (calls for dark brown .. I use homemade that we have on hand)
1/2 cup natural no sugar added applesauce
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups water

Put all of it in a glass bowl/container.  Leaving about two inches or more from the top of the glass bowl.  Will increase in volume.  Place bowl/container in crock pot.  Surround container with water .. at least to the level of mixture.  Put on lid.  Turn on low.  Let cook overnight...around 6 hours or more. 

You can top with chopped apples, walnuts, pecans, a little vanilla greek yogurt.  Very filling.  I actually like it reheated better.  Seems to be "meatier".  I normally throw in a bowl in the oven while preparing the kiddos breakfast ..... I eat breakfast with them every morning.  This recipe will make 4 to 5 servings depending on your serving size.  I get five 1 cup servings from it.  This time around I added a little chopped apple before cooking.  Of course, I had to stir it up before eating as the apples rise to the top.   

I do recommend that you purchase a cheaper version of STEEL CUT oats to try first.  I do know some that don't like them.  Depending on the brand they can cost up to $7.99 for a small bag of them.  I know that won't break the bank but pick up a cheaper version at a discount store to try just in case you don't like them.  I hate to waste money!  If you like them THEN try different brands. 

Let me know if you give them a shot!     
     

Vegetarian? Flexatarian? Pescetarian? Jenetarian?

Who knew there were so many labels?  Really?  You eat meat .. carnivore.  Don't eat meat .. vegetarian.  No animal products .. vegan.  Those are the labels that I knew about.  I've spend the greater part of my life being a carnivore.  Seriously, who doesn't like a big ole' thick cut Porterhouse grilled to slightly medium topped with grilled mushrooms and onions with steak sauce on the side.  The smell.  The visual.  The almost taste of it.  Ahhhhhhh.....................

My family was your typical meat and potatoes family.  We consumed family meals when Dad was home and the other days it was a little less regimented.  Especially as we got older.  Dad loves meat.  My brother consumes mainly meat and now .. in my opinion .. suffers from a small bit from that.  Momma could give or take.  When my hubby and I started to "cohabitate" the same type of meals were made.  There was a time for a great number of years, prior to children, that we would purchase a 1/2 beef for our freezer. 

Now remember, this is a 1/2 beef for two people.  Didn't see much wrong with it.  Now don't get me wrong!  We still consumed veggies.  But a whole heck of a lot of meat.  Kiddos consumed whatever I made.  Enter my "lifestyle change".  Things changed.  More chicken.  More fish.  More veggies.  Enter the library.  Reading countless books on nutrition.  The state of our food industry.  Antibiotics.  Treatment of animals.  And the list could go on. 

Slowly but surely meat ventured out of the picture.  Now honestly, a good portion of our meals are meatless.  I did purchase "fake meat products" .. Morningstar, Boca, etc.  Then I just started making my own burgers from beans and veggies.  Why not?  Cheaper and I know what is actually in them.  I like that.  The kiddos love coming up with different things to try.  Garbanzo beans and broccoli.  Black beans and carrots.  You name it.  They throw it in the food processor.  I stopped eating pork products first.  Then no real hamburger...blah. 

I can't tell you the last time I had a big ole' thick cut Porterhouse grilled to slightly medium topped with grilled mushrooms and onions with steak sauce on the side.  Honestly, the thought doesn't even appeal to me anymore.  I'm in no way judging anyone for their choices.  I have been thinking about going on an extended period of time with out actually consuming any meat of any kind.  Starting with a 30 day stretch.  I started looking around.  Never did I realize there were so many labels. 

The three that stuck out to me were ....

 

Pescetarian ... includes fish in their diets

 

Lacto-ovo-vegetarian ... eats both eggs and dairy products

 

Flexatarian ... mainly eats vegetarian food but will occasionally make exceptions

I have no intention of giving up dairy products.  Sorry but the occasional vanilla greek yogurt is pretty yummy.  Cottage cheese every so often with fruit for breakfast is a change of pace from oatmeal.  And sometimes a glass of cold milk is good.  I also like to eat fish.  Maybe I'm resistant to giving it up because there are two bags of large shrimp in the freezer just waiting to be dipped in cocktail sauce.  Sorry!  That is my big ole' thick cut Porterhouse grilled to slightly medium topped with grilled mushrooms and onions with steak sauce on the side.  But I have no intention of consuming beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. 

I may have mislabeled my adventure on my facebook page earlier by saying vegetarian.  I don't 100% fit into any of the categories.  So, if I have to label my 30 day adventure ... well ... we will call it ... "Jenatarian".  Guess that works.  I'm not really a "label" kinda girl.  Come on follow along.  I plan to hit up some new recipes. Hopefully they are winners and will be shared.  Heck, I'll share if they suck.  LOL

If you have any to share, please do.  I'm always looking to try new and different things.  And lord knows my family is pretty darn adventurous!  And if you want to give it a shot for the next 30 days with me.  Let me know!  We can support one another! 

   

Jeff Galloway Half Marathon Training Program & upcoming virtual 1/2 marathon

Good morning!  Starting today and continuing for the next 17 weeks,  I will be sharing the Jeff Galloway Half Marathon Training Program with you.  I choose this program because it is for both runners and walkers.  And he includes the run/walk/run ratios.  Not everyone is a runner.  Not everyone wants to be a runner.  This information can also be found on www.jeffgalloway.com and I will be updating the notes section of my LoveLaughSweatFuel facebook page every Saturday. 

At the end of this program, I will be conducting a virtual 1/2 marathon through my facebook page.  It will be held on the weekend of May 24 - 25.  The virtual race will be held as a celebration of the completion of this program and my 40th birthday.  For those that live in my area, I will be trying to coordinate a group event.  Just a preset course with all of us there to support one another.  There will be either tshirts or 1/2 marathon stickers given to a select number of participants.  Talks are still going on as to which item and how many participants.  Information concerning the "race" will be shared on my blog and on the events section of my facebook page in the coming weeks. 

Before sharing anything one thought they would share why a 1/2 marathon was chosen.  First, this is my year of the 1/2s.  Second, it is a long distance but not as far as others.  And Third, who doesn't like to challenge themselves.  Show yourself that you can do this!  That anything is possible when you put you mind to it.  Because when it comes down to it ... you versus a 1/2 ... is you versus you. 

Which you are you gonna let win? 

 

 

Here are a few of the rules/points set out on the program by the author and published on the www.jeffgalloway.com ........

 

1.  Not recommended that first time 1/2 marathoners try for a time goal.  Do the first to finish, running/walking at a comfortable training pace.

 

2.  To begin this program, you should have done a long run/walk within the past 2 weeks of at least 3 miles.  If your long run is not this long, then gradually increase your long run to this distance before starting this program. 

 

3.  Walkers and runners should pace themselves.  There should be no huffing and puffing - even at the end.

 

4.  Run-walk-run ratio should correspond with pace used (runners).

8 min miles ... run 4 min/walk 35 seconds

9 min miles ... 4 min run - 1 min walk

10 min miles ... 3:1

11 min mile ... 2:30:1

12 min mile ... 2:1

13 min mile ... 1:1

14 min mile ... 30 sec run/30 sec walk

15 min mile ... 30 sec run/45 sec walk

16 min mile ... 30 sec run/60 sec walk

 

5.  Walkers use the walk-shuffle ratio that works for you to avoid huffing and puffing.

 

6. It is fine to do cross training on M, W, F if you wish.  There will be little benefit to your running/walking in doing this but you'll increase your fat burning potential.

 

7.  Have fun! 

 

+++++Please note there are other rules/points listed on the website! 

 

MY OWN ADDED INFORMATION ..... please make this schedule work for you.  It is set out from Monday through Sunday with runs on T, Th, and Sunday.  If those days don't work for you switch them up.  No matter what type of workout or program you are choosing to do ... running, crossfit, P90x, turbo fire, body pump ... it must work for you and your schedule.  This is a learning experience.  Ebbs and flows are to be expected.  Trust me topping the hills is great but there are a lot of deep dark valleys on this journey! 

 

Week 1 (runners and walkers)

 

Monday           OFF

Tuesday           30 minute run

Wednesday      OFF

Thursday          25 minute run

Friday               Easy walk

Saturday           OFF

Sunday             3 Miles

 

Will share week 2 next Saturday with you!  Also, for those on facebook, the information will be shared in the notes section of my page.  Also, keep a look out for information concerning the race in upcoming posts!  Can't wait to hear about everyones journey and really hope that some local friends want to join in on the "fun". 

 

Here is wishing you a wonderful Week 1!