Sad! Because I have been there

This hit me very hard when I saw it today it so sad and hard for me to watch.  I felt the same way he does (a very long time ago).  I wish that no one would every go through shit like this, in their life.  Why can we can't we just all get a long.  Except each other for who we are, celebrate the differences that make up humanity.
I have seen teachers walk past kids bulling other kids, grabbing them, name calling, pushing just to name a few, and do nothing at all.  I know because it was me being pushed to the ground or name called.  When we are young we spend so much time at school, one would think that it is a safe environment but for many it is not...
No one should ever feel like this again but while people have hate and discrimination in their hearts and minds there will always be people (kids and adults) that feel with way.  Lucky this young man did not kill him self...however too many have from ages 11 years and up.   

Thought for Today!

You don't really need someone to complete you.  You only need someone to accept you completely.

Thought of the Day!

"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle" 

James Heller

Fall 2011/Winter 2012 Trends!

Summer has officially ended (even if we have a coupe of extra HOT days in September) and we have all returned back to work and the schedule of regular life.  But that is still not excuse to keep you look fresh and fabulous. 
Here is a little preview for what to look for when shopping for update pieces for fall and winter wardrobe.  Remember it is how you put these pieces into your current wardrobe that keep you current in a classical way with out making it look trendy. 

Sparkle and Shine - Shinny and reflective fabric are HUGE this season.  It is a easy way to really dress up an outfit.  Be  cautioned that the fit is correct.  If sized too small make the body look large and in not a good way.

Mix and Match - a lot of designs are showing many different kinds of fabric materials together.  Fur jacket, with a denim vest, with satin pants , with jersey shirt, all in one ensemble.  If done correctly this is a very sophisticated look very posh.  Find a common theme while pairing these materials. (colour family is a easy way)

Jackets - its fall and the trench is always good.  Jackets of all kinds are being shown for this season, especially utilitarian in nature (trench, military or pea style coats just to give some examples).  You can wear them as outer wear of as part of your ensemble.  Make a statement with your jacket. 

Winter Lace - Most of the time we think of lace as being very soft, light, summery type material.  Well re think that for this season.  Lace is brought into winter with bold dark strong colours and heavier construction. 

Green is the new Black - colour is in (in a big way) this season but the hippiest, hottest colour this season is green.  If you have any dark rich great articles you are so current.  It is the new black, so think for a formal night out the little green dress for this winter.

Apres Ski - You have been skiing and boarding all day long and you get back to the chalet and you just want to put on your comfortable clothes.  Well it has been glamorized this season.  Heavy tights or dark denim trousers with stylized knit sweaters and jackets makes this look chic. 

During your future shopping find pieces that will incorporate into you current wardrobe.  Have fun!  Keep looking fabulous because you are!

Back to the Fitness!

It has been a while but I have not forgotten.  Been a busy and enjoyable last bit of summer.  However back to the regular grind now.  So I am back to posting!

September for most people is like an unofficial start to a new year.  Many people do a quick reevaluation of what was going on in their fitness and wellness.  Most of the time getting ride of "holiday weight" for enjoy drink (Ice tea or course and Starbucks Frappie) in the summer heat. 

It is back to fitness that i post this workout for everyone to try.  It s a gooder.  This is from Scott Herman Fitness.  It does not require anything other then you.  It can be done in the park on a lovely sunny day, in your home if not so nice, or like i did put it in between my lift sets during my weight workout to make an super start kill myself workout. 

Be sure that you are well warmed up for this one. 

there are 4 exercises, 4 times through with little rest.  1st time is 20 reps, 2nd is 15, 3rd 10 and 4th is 5 reps

Exercise 1 - Berserkers

              2 - Star Jumps

              3 - Lungilation

              4 - Close-grip Push-Ups

Check the video link below to see that the exercises are and how to perform them. 

Give it a try and let me know what you think.  I loved it and was a little tight for a day or two after.  I went hard and fast. 

Thought of the day!

"The greatest danger for most of us

is not that our aim is too high

and we miss it

but that it is too low

and we reach it"

Michelangelo

Think A Little Before you Judge People!

This is something we all struggle with, including myself.  It has mostly been if I am breathing then I am judging.  Now I am not saying that judging people or situation is bad at all.  I am not saying that we should not trust our judgement.  Myself being judgemental has saved me from some sticky and even dangerous situations. 

That being said here is something to think about next time you make a snap judgement.  I know i will!

"A 15 year old girl holds hands with her 1 year old son. People call her a slut, no one knows she was raped at 13. People call another Guy fat. No one knows he has a serious disease causing him to be overweight . People call an old man ugly. No one knew he had a serious injury to his face while fighting for our country in the war. Re post this if you are against bullying and stereotyping."  Unknown

Judgement will happen.  I know I will struggle with this all my life.  However I do consistently work on keeping my mind open to changing my judgement and opinions.  As the above quote says there maybe some things that we do not know about that are out of the control of those we are judging. 

My friends and I joke about our standards of judgement but I actually think it is a good rule of thumb.  We do not make judgement on things that people cannot control.  Things like social economic status, race, sexual preference, things like that.  We can judge people for their choices; taste in music, how they wear their clothes (their style or in most case lack there of), how they do their hair and make up.  Those are all things that people have control over.  In many cases I actually end up educating them on style tips and makeup and hair tips.  (this is not that everyone has to be the same but green lip stick is only cool if you are in WICKED). 

All in be open minded.  We are know we are going to still hold some judgement and in some situations that is OK it will protect you and keep you safe.  Be open to judging of people and what may have happened in their lives that we do not know about. I know that I do not want to be falsely judge for one tiny situation that someone did not like my reaction or people thinking i am not intelligent because I cannot spell and sometime my grammar is a challenge to get through (I have dyslexia so word do different things for me.  In grade 9 I was at a grade 5 reading level, all other classes marks were honors)

Things are never as they may seem and until I am completely perfect who am I to judge people. 

ps I am pretty perfect... just saying

Thought of the day!

"Life will bring you pain by itself.

Your responsibility is to create Joy."

Milton Erickson, M.D

Remembering the Little Things!

My last post was about the NOW.  (well mostly writing by Kyle Shewfelt so check out his blog by clicking on his name)  I could not have put it better then Kyle did just about paying attention to your life and activities and the beautiful world around you.  Do not get caught up in the day to day hustle and bustle and miss living your life.  Here is a couple ideas that i use for myself so i remember to take a moment throughout the day to be in the NOW and put a smile on my face. 

Those little things during that day that just put a smile on your face.  You know what they are. 

Some of my favourite things to put a smile on my face and keep me going on a great day or just give me permission to take a breathe when things are not going well. 

Classical Music, especially on CBC radio 2 Tempo hosted by Julie Nezzerahl.  It is a great way to reset the TEMPO of the day.  TEMPO is on the radio from 9 – 1 Monday – Friday during the week.  I listen to it as much as possible.  It give me a moment of focus while i am listening

My dogs and cat. They live in the moment in the NOW, so if also make sense that use as pack leaders and parents of our kids do the same.  They are so care free because in that moment they are just as is.  They are not worrying about what to do next or what time it is or how much this or that costs. 

A cup of tea is always a good time.    My Nana is very British and she taught me that tea time is an event.  You bring out the nice cup and saucer and sit down and drink by yourself or with friends and family.  But everything else really comes to a pause around while you are having tea. 

A new one for me and very similar to tea is a Phil and Sebastian's Dulce coffee.  It is AMAZING!  i feel that every time i take a drink time stops.  Starbucks does that too. 

Being outside on a hot day.  I just love it.  Love the heat the smell not sure how else to explain it. Just being out in nature enjoying the sun puts in you in the moment and just enjoying what is going on around you. 

Those are some of the things during my day that keeps me in the NOW. 

Those are a couple of mine… Tell me some of yours.

Accessing Now!

I have been reading some of  Eckhart Toller books about being in the NOW.  It is really about being present in your life and being happy and content in the universe and thus you will be furfilled in your life. The idea is great but if you have read the books, im not sure if you feel the same way i do, but there is a lot of fluff to get thouht and a lot of repetition.
I have been trying to find a way to condense the idea into a usable frame work for myself.  In my search a fellow blogger wrote this blog.  Kyle Shewfelt is an Olympic Gold Medalist from Calgary and he put it perfectly.  So below is an exert from his post about the NOW. 

"We, as air breathing humans, are often reactionary and habitual in the way we are aware. We do things and say things without really thinking about the how and the why. We are on auto pilot and are too busy living in the past and future. Regularly we forget to be in the now. Perhaps it's because we don't exactly know how to be immersed in the present moment. They don't have a NOW class in school ;)

The now is the only thing in life that is guaranteed. The past is fiction - you can't change it. The future is only a vision - an important vision, but still not real until you make it so.

Have you ever looked back on the calendar and wondered where the days went? Have you ever been immersed in a moment and wished that you could remember it forever? Have you ever had 10 screens open on your laptop and unsuccessfully tried to research, answer emails and check voicemails all at the same time? Have you ever surfed facebook for more than 30 minutes and looked at random pictures of people you don't really know? Have you ever been in the car, driven 2km's and then realized that you don't remember driving them? Have you ever been in the bathroom while brushing your teeth and remembered that you had something to do in the kitchen? But when you walk out of the bathroom with your toothbrush still in your mouth, you completely forget what it was that you needed to do?

If you've answered yes to any of these questions, then welcome to the club of majority. Life gets busy and distractions are endless. Our minds wander and they can constantly be chasing thoughts. We have been conditioned to believe that more is better. We have been told that multi-tasking leads to more productivity. In today's world, staying on task and being immersed in the present moment is a tremendous challenge.

So how do we immerse ourselves in the now? Here's a few tips that I'm discovering in my life:

1. Pay Attention - Instead of letting our minds run when we are sitting in traffic or at the grocery store, take a moment to look around and see what you see. What does the person look like behind you in line? What colour of shorts is that person on the bike wearing? How many dogs do you see in the dog park. The first key to waking up and being present is making a conscious choice to pay attention.

2. Breathe - Inhale. Exhale. Repeat often. Take ten minutes a day to just breathe. A couple of helpful techniques that I've discovered are:
        
          a. Breathe in while counting to five. Breathe out while counting to five. Breathe in while counting to six. Breathe out while counting to six. Breathe in while counting to seven. Breathe out while counting to seven. Repeat this pattern until you've reached ten breathes and then start working your way back down to five.
        
          b. Lay on your back and put a book on your stomach. Watch the book rise and fall. Do this for 15 minutes. When your mind wanders, bring your attention and focus back to the rise and fall of the book.

3. Observe - Next time you are at a gathering or in a meeting, just sit back and have the intention of observing. Pretend you are watching a movie. Watch the way the characters in the room move, act and really listen to what they say. Don't be concerned with looking smart or saying the right thing - this often keeps us in our own mind with the intention of creating the perfect response. Just be there. I think you'll surprise yourself with how much more connected you feel to the situation and how much more thoughtful your responses will be.

4. Meditate - Meditation is not about reaching enlightenment and floating off of your pillow. Its about being disciplined and creating the time in your life to be aware. The biggest trick I've learned for meditation is this: You don't have to solve anything. Just be. My mind tends to try and fix things, solve things and come up with magical answers to my life's problems when I meditate. Reminding myself that there is absolutely nothing to solve allows me to focus on my breath and be in the now. Start with 5 minutes and work your way up to 30.

5. Create a Routine of presence - We all have things that we do every day. Whether it's eating, showering, washing the dishes, exercising...heck, even peeing. Pick something that you do regularly every single day and set an intention to be present during those moments. Think of nothing else. Do nothing else. Just be fully immersed in the experience.

Being in the now is not a destination, it's a constant journey. It is a practice that can open up many new and brilliant doors in your life. A few benefits of accessing the now are:

Better Relationships with others and yourself
A more pro-active approach to life -vs- reactionary living
Calmness and confidence - less stress!
Better sleep
Less guilt and more enjoyment
More productivity - get things done!
Better and more intense ability to focus
Increased sense of worth and purpose
Keen awareness of self and what you need to be successful

So, when was the last time you took a moment to feel and experience your life just as it is? When was the last time you scheduled in 20 uninterrupted minutes to just sit and observe where you're at? When was the last time you felt immersed in the now?

Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat often. It all starts now."

Kyle's blog is at  http://kyleshewfelt.blogspot.com

Canada Post - less??

Several weeks ago Canada Post was on strike.  After being on strike for several days the Canadian Government issued into law back to work legislation for Canada Post.  At the time this was all happening I was a little upset that the Government just told them to get back to work without hearing or helping their cause.

However I have since change my mind, and here is why...

I ordered something on Monday July 4th to be believed to me.  I received an e mail confirmation from both the company and Canada Post saying the package with mail.  The Canada Post e mail quoted that I would have the package by Friday July 8th.  On Wednesday i did a trace to see where my package was and according to Canada Post it has still not left the sorting office.  A few minutes later I received an updated e mail from the Post office saying I would get my package on Monday July 11th. 
OK I gave benefit of doubt to Canada Post because they had a lot of mail to get through from their strike. 
Monday came....and went....AND NOTHING! 
Tuesday July 12th, left my home for work at about 9:00 am.  Still no package.  Did another trace online and it had just update that the package was in town.  Got home around 5:10 pm that night and the package pick up slip was on my door.  It said that a postal delver person was at my home at 8:18 am.  Well that is strange because I was at home and i heard NOTHING.  When i walked out the door at 9 am i did a check to be sure that no one was there.  (so either they cannot tell time or are telling stories). 
It was here great so i took the slip and it said that the package would be that the quoted office at 17:00h.  By the time i arrived at the postal outlet it was about 17:25h. 
I presented the slip and then was informed that the package was not yet there.  WHAT?!?  I asked what the page said or if I read it incorrectly, as it turned out (as it always does) I was correct and it was not at the outlet like the slip said it would be.  I ended up going back at 19:45 h and the package had arrived...FINALLY. 

It does make it hard for me to continue to feel bad and support Canada Post cause for a strike.  Since they have been back to work they have not performed their job that would make me think that they should receive better compensation.

7 Unhealthy Excesses to Avoid-Simple Tips for Achieving a Sound Mind and Body | Splash Magazines | Los Angeles

7 Unhealthy Excesses to Avoid-Simple Tips for Achieving a Sound Mind and Body | Splash Magazines | Los Angeles

Here is a great article written by Aaron Savvy  at the bottom is his contact information and credentials. 
Some great tips for being well and having a good life.  The link above the from the original source. 

When it comes to achieving a sound body and mind there are two absolutes that you need to understand.  The first is that food is fuel; “You are what you eat.” Many studies show that food not only has an impact on our physique but on our mental state as well. For example how many times have you come across someone who is cranky because they have started a new diet or have missed a meal? The second when it comes to food and certain types of activity, we must remember the old adage “Everything in moderation.” Below are 7 excesses that you should work to avoid in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

1. Sugar: We all know the word and in one-way or another we have a sweet tooth. It taste oh so good, but the power of goodness packs an evil punch. There is no nutritional factor in sugar, except high calories, low energy, mood swings and a conversion of being turned into fat.

2. Sweeteners: We know sugar is not the best thing to consume, so we make the alternative choice of using sweeteners: diet drinks, equal, sweet n’ low, Splenda. Did you know that consuming sweeteners is actually worse than good old fashion sugar? Sweeteners manipulate the metabolism by slowing it down and causing a decrease in calorie burning= weight gain.

3. Saturated Fats: Eating foods that contain saturated fats raises the level of cholesterol in the blood. High levels of blood cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Saturated fats occur naturally in many foods. The majority come mainly from animal sources, including meat and dairy products. Examples are fatty beef, lamb, pork, poultry with skin, lard and cream, butter, cheese and other dairy products made from whole or reduced-fat (2 percent) milk. These foods also contain dietary cholesterol.

4. Sodium- Sodium occurs in most foods. The most common form of sodium is sodium chloride which is table salt. Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, ham, canned soups and fast foods are generally high in sodium. Excess consumption of sodium will contribute to high blood pressure. Healthy individuals should consume no more than 2,300 mg per day while individuals with high blood pressure should consume no more than 1,500 mg per day.

5. Lack of Sleep- There can be serious health issues that result from not getting proper rest. Certainly, the most obvious side effect of a lack of sleep is reduced energy the next day. However, it is more than just feeling less than our best… the body actually performs less efficiently when we’re tired. Performance, productivity, memory, etc. are all reduced when our body is running on less sleep than we need. The body needs rest to repair tissue, cope with stress and recharge the immune system. Lack of sleep slows down the metabolism allowing a decrease in burning unwanted calories causing an increase in weight gain.

6. Alcohol- The physical effects of alcohol may be reversible if a person stops drinking, but some side effects may be permanent. Alcohol can be addictive, and when abused can result in heart and liver disease; increase complications in existing health problems and even death. Most alcohol drinks carry high levels of calories causing an excess storage of unwanted body fat.

7. Caffeine- We feel good in the moment, but soon experience low energy. Caffeine is definitely a picker upper, but with its absorption running through our body, its sponge like effect is absorbing the nutrients we so desperately need. Severe addiction can result in jitters and migraine headaches. Though we think we need it, our body is telling us otherwise by giving us the bodily symptoms of abuse.

Aaron Savvy is a Celebrity Trainer and Fitness Motivator based in Los Angeles. Aaron offers a variety of in-person and online fitness and nutritional planning services. For more information please visit www.aaronsavvy.com or email him at aaron@aaronsavvy.com

Need to stop What If? Moving to What Next?

As my last (quick) post alluded to, last week was a very hard week for me.  I am not sure why I got so down on myself.  I have been doing very well and thinking that things and life are actually moving right along. Work was less terrible then usual, I had an annual review and it actually went really well.  Other parts were looking up. My body has been putting on some good weight of lean muscle mass that I have been working at for YEARS now.  Thus I am a healthy kind of guy.  Strength gains were coming on very well. Had many fun and special times to spend with my friends and family; especially enjoying the times with all their babies that are in my life.  I was just in a really happy place and liked being there and keep working on bettering my life and my world.  I felt that I was working, and moving in a smooth direction for my self and well being.

For some reason last week just did not work. Nothing I did seemed right.  There was some kind of resistance or obstruction either my own or something or someone else in my way.  It is hard when you thinking that you are in a good place and are able to put some money away for a holiday or rainy day and then are told you owe a crap lot more on stuff.  Even worse when you have documents dating back several months, from the bank, that say that it was finished and taken care of.  Not a surprise that I like.

Someday I really want a new car, a nice new car, like a Benz or BMW. I want to go on a trip and not have to save up for two years and only be able to go every two years. I want to snowboard or ski a couple of times a year and not have to think about not eating to save money on groceries so I can go (no I am not starving myself I have not been boarding in three years now).  I do not want to tell my friends that I cannot go to thinks like bar b q's or potlucks because of the gas and i need to save that for work and emergencies. 
Being with my friends and their family’s and my own brothers and their family makes me so happy to see how happy they all are. Their love for significant other and their children or the little ones that are on the way puts a smile on my face. Not me. Will it every happened for me? I am 31 and single. Will I every find the special guy to have in my life? I am ok with being single but I do not want to be single for ever. I want to share what I see in my friend and brothers’ have with the significant others. Have someone that sleeps beside me every night and we can get up and take the dogs for a walk and eat breakfast and get ready for the day together. Someone that I can just BE with and we just ARE.

Will I find a job or a career or something that I love?  I love to work…it’s the job I am doing that causes me to not love it.  I have been looking if there is something that better suits me. I have working on creating my own destiny. I enjoy working at it but I am a loose what to do next. How do I achieve it? That worries me because that mean that I am stuck in a job I do not love that much longer. I do not like not being taken seriously. I do not like feeling that I do not fit into the organization. I feel that way every day. 

I am and need to keep working. I am better then this i know that.. I am doing things to because better, it is one thing to know i am better then this and now i need to act on it. 

Thought to keep me going!

It has been a really hard couple of days.  Getting lost in life or the full weight of the world on your back.  Right when I thought I was making huge strides forward... HALTED!  And everything came down like a house of cards.   

I read this today and have been thinking and saying this over and over to keep me going

Too positive to be doubtful!

Too optimistic to be fearful!

Too determined to be defeated!

This keeps me going. 

Thought of the Day!

"Ever child is an Artist.

The problem is staying an Artist when you grow up."

Picasso

Another great Workout to try! Its all about the Nekkid!

Hey guys!  Hope everyone is doing great!  Thought it was time for another crazy fun but different workout.  This one is again from Crossfit.  It is the workout of the day from Crossfit Calgary (CFC) for today Wednesday May 25, 2011.  This a pyramid style workout out.  The idea is to complete all the reps (in as many set as you need to) before moving on to the next exercise.  This one is great because you can do it anywhere in the gym and you do not have to worry about weighting for equipment really. 
I did some cardio before hand to be sure that I was good and warmed up.  I also put a break in the middle of the set half way done the Broad Jumps and did a 5 minute bridge.  I wanted to go some core as there was nothing core centred even though everything is core active.  (if you are not sure what these exercises are just click on some of them and it will show a youtube video of it)
10 Burpee Pull ups
20 Box Jumps  - 24″/20″
30 Kettle Bell Swings - 1.5/1.0 pood (1 pood is about 35 lbs. so a weight plate or dumbbell works great if you do not have a Kettle Bell)
40 Push ups
50 Broad Jumps 
This is where I did 25 jumps and 5 minute bridge.  1 minute static bridge hold hips, knees, and shoulders always in a straight line.  Order is Front, side, other side, back (shoulders on the ground hips up high pushing into the heals), front again.  Then continue the rest of the Broad jumps and down the other side of the pyramid. 

40 Push ups
30 KB Swings
20 Box jumps
10 Burpee Pull up
Always remember to stay hydrated during the short breaks between each exercise.  Do not break too long.  This is short and intense to get through it and break at the end with a well deserved stretch.  Enjoy!

Ultimate Luxury Pieces!

I love pretty things!  I love having them in my life. 
Here are some amazing pieces that I do not yet have but are still pretty and pretty amazing.  They are from two ultra luxury brands.  Vertu is a mobile phone maker of expectational quality and high end finish and Philip Stein is a beautiful watch maker. 

Philip Stein is makes amazing beautiful watches (on Oprah's favorite things list and she has a watch style named after her, called Signature Oprah) but that is not all.  The watches all have a Natural Frequency Technology.  The watch have a variety of materials being stainless steal, leather, gold, silver, and sparkle.  With just as many styles and colours over the ranges.  Price of the watches runs from $450 to $5,000.
Natural Frequency Technology in Philip Stein watches is based on key frequencies beneficial to life and health, which are embedded on a metal disk found in every Philip Stein watch.

The prominent frequency is the frequency of the earth that is harmonious and grounding to life. It is the same frequency that a person is in during a relaxed and unstressed stage.
When wearing the watch, the human energy field begins to interact with the frequencies of the Philip Stein watch. The energy field of the person becomes bigger and stronger and as a result the person is more resistant to stress.  Customers around the world have reported better sleep, more focus, and improved performance. 
Who does not want better sleep?  One cannot go wrong getting a Philip Stein it is gorgeous and helps make your life better.   

Vertu is a mobile communications company out of England. Vertu was founded to create phones for the world's most demanding individuals.  Service of the highest quality has always been paramount. From Vertu Concierge, offering expert advice and assistance at the touch of a button, to exclusive mobile content from Vertu Select, Vertu's services are built around - and exclusively delivered to - its clients.
The phones are made fro various high quality luxury materials; leather, stainless steal, sapphire, gold, platinum, and diamonds.
What also makes these phone so amazing is some of the extravagant extra special services for all their high profile customers:
Vertu Concierge is a personal dedicated and independent lifestyle assistance service available globally 24/7 in your preferred language at home or away.  Activated through a dedicated button on your Vertu phone, Vertu Concierge is always there when you need it from gift ideas to a table for two overlooking the Alhambra at night.
Vertu City Brief is an independently written series of guides available in 200 destinations, each carefully curated and automatically presented to you on your Vertu phone when you arrive at that location. It provides helpful advice and suggestions on where to eat, drink and visit during your stay. 

Both these products are amazing and very high end.  Things to make life just a little bit more luxurious and to be fabulous.  There is nothing wrong with having nice things in your life.  As long as they are not your life, they are in your life.  I want both of them SO BAD! 

Thought of the Day!

The happest people do not have the best of everything,

They just make the best of everything. 

Get ready for Summer Workout (gym or anywhere)!

This week is a little bit of a recovery week for me.  I have been lifting very heavy for the last about 3 week and FINALLY putting on some weight.  This week was a cycle week so I tried to "rest" but that did not work very well.  So I found this workout from Scott Herman Fitness's YouTube Channel.  He always has great advice, fitness news and tips, and fun workouts.  And he is lovely to watch cause he is fit and does not wear a shirt that much, always a lovely thing. 

Here is a pretty great workout that you can do anywhere.  Just need a couple of Dumbbells (DB) and yourself that is it. Scott calls this workout Spartacus 2.0
His instructions were to preform the exercise for 40 seconds and rest for 20 seconds before moving onto the next exercise.  Rest 2 minutes at the end of the circuit and perform it once again.  I did it a little different.  I did each exercise 10 - 12 reps each before moving one to the next.  and did the circuit 4 time in total.  I did not have a watch with me.  Either way is great, the important part is that you are doing it.

Here is the circuit.
1. Hanging Pulls
2. Off set DB reverse lunges
3. Single arm DB swing
4. Thrusters
5. Single leg, single arm reverse grip DB row
6. DB chop
7. Plank walk to push up
8. Rotational DM straight leg dead lift
9. Squat trust
10. Jump Squats

As many of you are asking "What the hell half these are?"  Below is the YouTube video of Scott explaining the workout and demonstrating the moves.  Check it out.  Work Hard!  Have FUN! 

The Nut Job at the Park! Do you get what you give?

This afternoon a friend of mine and his lovely wife decided to get together and take the dogs out for some time at the park.  The weather was ok, was supposed to be warm and sunny.  It was cool with some wind, still a nice day all in.  We were walking along with their dog and my two when all of the sudden we heard some loud commotion.
There was dogs barking and people raising their voices and yelling.  We turned to check it out and there was a runner YELLING about everyone.  His dogs were in the middle of fighting with a Great Dane puppy.  Other dogs were getting involved.  Some of the owners of the dogs came running to try and strop their dogs for being involved but suddenly the running man started whipping all the animals and people around him with his one leash (for his three dogs).  He was screaming, "CALL THEM OFF!" at everyone around him.  The leash was violently swinging around and the dogs and people were trying to get their dogs away.  This man was going crazy.  He was swinging the thing so much it hit him in the back of the leg and he started to bleed.
This man's energy was so unstable and toxic to have a freak out like that.  His dogs were the ones the started the situation.  I would say that his dogs did not have calm energy (according to the great Cesar Millan).  Dogs' energy in a big way is refection of the owners state of mind and energy.  The runner (at the time we say anyway) was not calm and in a leadership roll with a stable energy.  This was evident when he was screaming at everyone around him and swinging his leash like a crazy person.  

This make me wonder and proves that you get what you give (to some degree).  If you are giving negative energy, thoughts attitudes all the time are you attracting that back?  If you are sad all the time does more sadness seek you out?
"You get what you give!"  I hear that saying often.  Usually it is do to with working hard on a project or trying to achieve something.  The more time, work, effort, and energy your spend more often then not you will see and reap the benefits of your sweet, blood, and tears.  Does it work in the opposite?  I think that it maybe.  If you are angry, negative, abrasive, mad, or, sad all the time you will attract that energy back.  (Now that is not to say that you should never be angry or that there is not reason to be sad.  The key is not to be like that all the time.)  I find people that are angry or sad all the time so toxic.  They are so draining.  It is hard to help them if they themselves do not want to be helped.  Negativity can be such an auto exacerbatory situations.  Breading more negativity attracting negative energy.

So if you are giving out constant negative energy, in what ever form, to the universe, you will get negativity back!

Thought of the Day!

Life is not about Finding Yourself. 

Life is about Accepting Yourself!

Four Secrets to Quiet the Mind!

If anyone has the same problem I do it is all the voices.  More specifically all the voices in my head.  Sometimes there are so many I cannot hear myself at all.  It does not work when I ask (or tell) them all to shut up. 
Here are some tips from my friends Cynthia and Sharlene at Soul Star Discovery to help quiet the chatter of your mind are below. 

Whether you are new to meditation or an avid practitioner, one of the beautiful things about meditation is that your practice is never the same from day to day. Some days your meditation will soar and you can concentrate with no problem. Some days it will seem like a real struggle. Remember that your meditation practice is just that, a “practice.” Here are our 4 secrets to quiet the mind!

Secret #1 – Different approaches

“When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” Our number one secret to mastering meditation is having different techniques in your toolkit.

If you are new to meditation, we encourage you to experiment with a variety of methods so you can find what resonates with you. As a seasoned practitioner, it helps to know a variety of approaches so you can jumpstart your practice at any time. Below are some ideas for you to consider. These are covered in greater detail in our “SoulStar Introduction to Meditation Workshop”.

Try a variety of positions:
* Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground
* Find a comfortable position cross-legged on the floor
* If you are familiar with yoga poses, try Hero’s pose
* Seat yourself on the floor with your back straight against the wall for support
* Try a zafu (special meditation cushion)
* Experiment with rolling a yoga mat and placing it under your sit bones for support as you sit cross legged on the floor
* Lie down, palms facing up
* Explore the use of mudras, (hand gestures), that help set your intentions

Types of Sitting Meditation:
* Pre-recorded guided meditations
* Creative visualization
* Lovingkindness Meditation
* Tonglen
* Use of mantras (sacred sounds) in a rhythmic pattern
* Be aware of how the breathe moves in and out of your body
* Try-out numerous breathing techniques
* Daily readings of inspirational prose
* Concentrating on a candle flame

Kinds of Active Meditation:
* Slow walking Meditation
* Slow eating Meditation
* Walking a labyrinth
* Tai Chi and other kinds of flowing, meditative movement

Secret #2 – Start small and build up

Learning how to meditate is really no different than how you might approach learning a new language, perfecting a new skill or building your fitness level. It takes time and practice to develop your mastery. We suggest starting with 15 minutes a day and once you are feeling successful with that, gradually increase the time.

We also recommend that you start simply. In the beginning, developing your sitting is enough. As you become more comfortable with your practice, you can add in other elements such as music, mudras (hand gestures) and bells.

Secret #3 – Go easy on yourself

Whether you are new to meditation or an avid practitioner, one of the beautiful things about meditation is that your practice is never the same from day to day. Some days your meditation will soar and you can concentrate with no problem. Some days it will seem like a real struggle. Remember that your meditation practice is just that, a “practice.” Here are our 4 secrets to quiet the mind!

Secret #4 – Meditation Journal

A meditation journal is a final item that can deepen your practice. At the end of each of your meditations, write what your experience was and any insights you received. The key is to journal exactly what comes in the moment. Don’t be too concerned about spelling, grammar or what it reads like. Resist the editor’s urge to begin analyzing the thoughts as they come. Just record the words as if you were transcribing a tape. Before you know it, there may be patterns in the sounds or images you received. At the moment you might not know what they mean to you, but when you go back to reflect, you can see those nuances and patterns that, when put together, have a deeper meaning that will help you answer some of the questions you are asking.

We hope this article has given you inspiration to positively transform your meditation practice. We are thrilled to help you grow your meditation practice and we would be honoured to have you choose to learn with us!

© Copyright 2006-2011 SoulStar Discovery For Women Inc. All Rights Reserved. Cynthia Watson and Sharlene Starr are spiritual teachers and authors of the *FREE* Special Report, “15 Blunders That Block Consciousness!” If you’re ready to discover how to live with more success, freedom, and happiness, then get your *FREE* copy now at: http://www.SoulStarDiscovery.com. If you liked this article, you may also be interested in discovering yoga to awaken your mind, body, and soul. Sharlene teaches Kundalini Yoga classes for health, wellbeing, and conscious living. For all the details go to http://www.SharleneStarr.com

Food for Thought! Recipe, It is Chocolate so it is good.

Recipe: Lowfat, no-sugar-added chocolate mousse 
(This is from one of my favorite health, Wellness, and Fitness blog call the Hot Bod Squad check it out below)
I’m just gonna come right out and say it: I am damn proud of this recipe. Traditional chocolate mousse is made with a combination of egg yolks, heavy cream, baker’s chocolate, and/or sugar. We’re talking over 330 Calories, 25g of fat (about 15g saturated), and 25g of sugar per serving for a traditional homemade recipe. Store or restaurant-bought versions can soar even higher in those nutrition categories—more than 500 Calories and 50g of sugar in some instances—making this a light-tasting dessert that will hang heavy on your midsection.

Not so with the Hot Bod Squad’s version!

I did some experimenting to try and achieve a similar texture and flavor without all the fat and sugar, and this recipe comes so close, I doubt you’ll notice the difference. Or even care, for that matter, since this version is so much better for your body. Sitting at about 1/3 of the calories and nearly 1/10 of the fat and sugar content of your normal chocolate mousse, this is a sweet treat you can afford to eat without sacrificing a “cheat meal”. And to add to its relative guiltlessness, there’s Greek yogurt and even protein powder to up this dessert’s muscle-building potential. And this stuff is tasty, y’all. Like I said earlier, I’m proud of this one.
Ingredients:

1 packet unflavored gelatin
½ C boiling water
8-10 servings of sugar substitute (I used Truvia packets)
1 ½ C fat-free Greek yogurt
½ C unsweetened cocoa powder
1 scoop lowfat chocolate protein powder
½ tsp vanilla extract
8 oz sugar-free whipped topping, completely thawed (8+ hours in your fridge)
Directions:

In a small bowl, add the hot water to the gelatin and sugar substitute. Stir the liquid constantly until the gelatin and sweetener are completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to sit and cool slightly for a few minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, cocoa powder, protein powder, vanilla, and the dissolved gelatin mixture. Stir using an electric mixer for about 5 minutes, gradually increasing the speed from the lowest setting to about the middle speed. Be sure to scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl periodicaly as you mix.

Gently, but thoroughly, fold the whipped topping into the mixture until the mousse is a consistent color throughout. (Be careful not to stir the mixture too vigorously, or you will deflate the mousse.) If desired, scoop the mousse into individual bowls or cups.

Allow the mixture to set for at least 2-3 hours. Makes about 8 servings.

Nutritional data (per serving): 118 Calories, 3.5g fat, 3g sat fat, 7g total carbs, 2g fiber, 8g protein.

Note: The fat content can be mostly attributed to the whipped topping. If you are more concerned about fat than sugar content, you can use fat-free whipped topping instead

To the Polls yet AGAIN!

Here in Canada we are now in yet another election.  I say that because this is our fifth elections in seven years.  Yup that is right!  Really…at the most we should have maybe only had two not working on our fifth. 
I am ALL about voting and that being part of using ones voice and showing vested interested in what the future of our nation holds and can build.  Voting is a part of that.  We must vote, everyone (if you do not vote you have not right to complain about the way our country is and that is a whole other blog i could go on).  This does not necessary reflect the way I am going to vote, however the act of voting is the most important part.
In Canada as some people know (many do not) we have can have a vote of non confidence with our government.  what that means the that there is not enough support for government's decisions from the Members of Parliament in the House of Commons.  When a vote of non confidence is reached then the Prime Minister (according to the Canadian Constitution) must ask the Governor General to dissolve Parliament thus starts an election.  That happened two and a half weeks ago, we are at the half way mark of the election. 
To the reason of this entry.  It really does not matter what political party you vote for or what political party is in power for this argument. My trouble with this all is what every party because the official opposition.  To me the job of the official opposition is to challenge to the government to be sure they are doing the best for our people and our nation, as well as our image abroad.  They are to be sure that the government is making sound judgement to make things better. 
It seem that lately The office opposition has done nothing but think of themselves and just opposed the government just to say NO, and block every sign thing that the government does.  This stop and stalls anything that our nation does at all.  Whether one totally agrees or disagrees about what our federal system is working on at least it is working towards something.  From the comments that were being thrown around in the House of Commons and now currently in the election by that last leader of the official opposition is just blocking to block.  Not blocking or stopping because he has been told by the people her represents disagree with the governments actions.  It just seems petty and makes our federal system semi useless as they are not doing what the Canadian people have asked their Members of Parliament to do. 
This will always be a risk with a minority government.  We all need to vote to make our voice known.  The act of vote does tell our Parliament what we Canadians want for our nations future.  Then we tell the MP what we as Canadian want to move forward with.  If we feel the our government is doing the best it can and we support that decision we must tell our MP to support it.  When the opposition is acting in the interests of the people that those MP represents to support or defeat the government they are doing their job.  However if that are doing it just to disagree with the government for the parties own selfish agenda and not representing the best interests of Canadian that is sickening!  That seem to have been what has been happening the last couple of years and thus forcing expensive election (estimated at $310 million for Elections Canada to put on the previous four elections).
Vote to show your support for our nation.  Does not matter who you vote for.  Then make you voice heard to your MP that they are exercising you representation.  If that mean that they oppose the government that is ok in this case.  But let work more for moving Canada forward!  Let you MP know that you want our government to do something, anything to keep Canada and its people solid and strong.

Thought of the Day!

Be yourself!

Not who you're supposed to be, but who you want to be. Not their way, but your way. And everything else will take care of itself.

Thought of the Day!

Something new just a little post here and there. 

You must use what you've got.

Talent, brains, heart. Instincts, hunches, feelings.
Money, health, friendships. Time, space, stuff.
Otherwise, why would more be given?
You Rock,
The Universe


From Notes From the Universe by Mike Dooley

We are all the same; It is our choices that make us different!

This one has become evident to me.  Some people in my life (and this does include myself a little lately) are having this woes me attitude.  The whole attitude that my life is so hard.  Why are all this bad things happening to me?  I have a friend that has to one up (or one down depending how you look at it) about how bad his life is.  I have a family member that seems to be phasing herself out of life altogether. 

Well really bad things happens to EVERYONE!  That does not make them less impactfull or devastating to a person.  Death hits happens in everyone life.  Heartbreak happens to everyone.  Hard time happens to everyone.  We have all face harsh criticism.  Stress happens to everyone.
HOWEVER these are just situations that come up day to day. 

What sets people apart from each other is how they deal and handle these situation that are presented to everyone.  We choose how we react and move foreword in our life. We can choose to move forward and make good on our situations.  Stop the "What If?" and move to the "What is next?"

Life is not easy.  It is work!  I think that is something we should all think about.  It help me to not take things for granted and not wait but go and do.

Make the choice to be keep going...Make the choice to be better...Make the choice to be great...Make the choice to be strong... and Make the choice to keep moving foward.  After you make the choice go and do!  You can think you are better then everyone but you have to prove it and do better than everyone.

10 Tips to a Tighter Waist!

Here is a great one written by Personal Trainer Eric Turner.  You can find more of his blog post on his web side called The Hot Bod Squad. 

If you’re like every other fitness enthusiast, you view the abdominal muscles as the pinnacle of a hot body. Many can have a chiseled chest, python biceps, a wide back, and/or tree trunk thighs, but unless they’re accompanied with washboard abs, many gym rats understand that you’re not ‘dialed in’ with your physique.


Don’t get overwhelmed by the spare tire around your midsection. The world of excuses tells you that 1) unless you’re born with proper genetics, you’ll never have a great six-pack; 2) the older you get, the more fat you’ll store around your midsection so there’s no point trying; and 3) you can be fit while still having spare fat around your tummy. Though genetics does play a part, and the older you get the more fat you store around your organs (which shows by your lack of toned abdominal muscles) excuses are just that! So stop making excuses, and follow these ten tips to speed your way to a six pack!

1. Suck in your gut more often. It might sound crazy, but that little trick you do to impress others does some slight strengthening of your stomach muscles. This doesn’t mean you have to hold them in a hard clench all day (which is likely to cause indigestion), but the more you do this, the more habit-forming tightening your abdominal muscles will become.

2. Begin, if you haven’t, a regular program of aerobic exercise. There are many forms of aerobic exercises: aerobics classes, running, brisk walking, swimming, bicycling, or using equipment like the stationary bicycle, elliptical machine, rowing machine, and stair climber. When you get bored, vary the type of aerobic exercise you’re doing. Remember, you don’t want your body to plateau by getting so used to something that you’re doing that it stops responding to it.

3. Don’t forget to stretch your abs. Lie on the floor, before and after your crunches, stretch your toes and your arms above your head. Arch your back slightly if you can’t feel the ab muscles when you stretch them.

4. Know that unlike other muscles, the abdominals can be worked every day. They don’t need the resting phase that other muscles do. Many personal trainers, however, recommend that you take at least a day off every week or two.

5. Build strength training into your routine, especially chest exercises. Having larger pectorals and arms creates the illusion that your waist is smaller. But there’s an even better reason: muscle burns more calories than fat. So the more muscle you have, the more calories you’ll be burning, which will help you achieve your goal of a chiseled stomach.

6. To juice up your abs and get stronger, do back exercises. That’s right. Your lower back muscles help support your abdominal area, and the stronger your back is, the more crunches you can do. Practice better posture. Pull your shoulders back. You help your stomach look smaller, and it’s better for your back.

7. To reward yourself for hard work, give yourself a break in some other aspect of your life. Take a vacation. Do something fun and rewarding. When you have high stress levels, you will pack on more fat. You’ll never get abs as long as you’re storing extra fat!

8. Don’t get discouraged if not much happens the first week of your new ab-training routine. You might lose some water weight, but you probably won’t look different. It takes at least three weeks for a pattern to be established, say psychologists, and it takes time to build muscle and lose fat- especially when targeting such a specific area of your body.

9. View your efforts as setting a lifetime routine, rather than just being a short time to get your abs lean. That’s the fad-diet mentality. Do you want to end up back at the point where you are now 6 months down the road? Also, you’re human. Give yourself a break if you lapse into previous habits and slide back a little. As long as your progress overall continues to go forward, you’ll see success. Throw away all of your “fat pants.” Saying you will need them again is just setting yourself up for failure.

10. Control what you eat! The biggest hurdle to getting a great set of abs is what foods you’re putting into your body. Control what you put into your body, and you control how it looks. Eat fatty, sugary foods, and you’ll look just that. Eat a balanced diet, and control your calorie intake and you’ll see results almost immediately!

For more great fitness tips from Eric Turner check out his blog at www.thehotbodsquad.com.

Workout Switch Up! (Always about the Nekkid)

Here is two great workouts that you can us on their own as part of the rest of your training or together for a really solid day at the gym.  One of them you do not even have to set foot in a gym all you really need is a skipping rope and you can get those everywhere.  Both workouts are Crossfit style workout and the Workout of the Days from the past week or so. 

Workout 1 (From February 21, 2011 WOD CrossFit Calgary)
12 Alternating Pistols (or single leg alternating squats)
12 Sit-ups (full sit ups)
36 Double Unders (or skip for 5 min) as i cannot really do double unders that well so I just did 5 minutes of skipping. 
Do this 3 - 5 times through and you will get a good sweet on.  You can take you skipping rope to the park on a nice do and do this one or just find some small space almost anywhere and do this workout.  Great for traveling to. 

Workout 2 (From February 14, 2011 WOD at CrossFit)
Five rounds of:

5 Dumbbell deadlifts
5 Dumbbell hang cleans
5 Dumbbell push presses
5 Dumbbell squats
Each time you do this one add some more weight.  For most people the highest weight will be determined by your push presses.  You should feel the work on all the rounds but the last two (especially in the push press) should be almost to hard to complete all 5 reps.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.  I did it yesterday and I am felling it today!!  It was AWESOME!

Julie & Julia Project Again! Boeuf Bourguignon

OK so I made the BEST stew I have ever made or had in my entire life the other day.  I decided to have some people over for dinner for a special occasion. I was going to go all out.  I have wanted to try this recipe from Mastering the Art of French Cooking ever since I the movie Julie & Julia.  Boeuf Bourguignon!  AMAZING! Of course as I was I cooking I watched the movie Julie & Julia all afternoon.  I served the stew with boiled potatoes, and my guests brought salad, appetisers, and some veggies and dip.  8 people over and double the recipe for the stew to serve 12 people and there was only a tiny bit left.  It went like crazy! 

Want to have a special night in with your loved one or some close friends do this recipe and people will love it.  Pairs so nice with a lovely red wines as there is red wine in it.  Make this and let me know how it goes!  It will make for a GREAT night I promise. 

Below is the recipe it is amazing everyone should try it and everyone should have a copy of Julia Child's cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  So get one if you do not have it and enjoy many more great recipes and food.  

Servings: Serves 6

Ingredients

Kitchen Supplies:

• 9- to 10-inch, fireproof casserole dish , 3 inches deep
• Slotted spoon

Boeuf Bourguignon:

• 6 ounces bacon
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil or cooking oil
• 3 pounds lean stewing beef , cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 sliced carrot
• 1 sliced onion
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 3 cups full-bodied, young red wine , such as a Chianti or Bourdeax
• 2 to 3 cups brown beef stock or canned beef bouillon
• 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 cloves mashed garlic
• 1/2 tsp. thyme
• Crumbled bay leaf
• Blanched bacon rind
• 18 to 24 small white onions , brown-braised in stock
• 1 pound quartered fresh mushrooms , sautéed in butter
• Parsley sprigs

Directions

Remove rind from bacon, and cut bacon into lardons (sticks, 1/4 inch thick and 1 1/2 inches long). Simmer rind and bacon for 10 minutes in 1 1/2 quarts of water. Drain and dry.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Sauté the bacon in the oil over moderate heat for 2 to 3 minutes to brown lightly. Remove to a side dish with a slotted spoon. Set casserole aside. Reheat until fat is almost smoking before you sauté the beef.

Dry the stewing beef in paper towels; it will not brown if it is damp. Sauté it, a few pieces at a time, in the hot oil and bacon fat until nicely browned on all sides. Add it to the bacon.

In the same fat, brown the sliced vegetables. Pour out the sautéing fat.

Return the beef and bacon to the casserole and toss with the salt and pepper. Then sprinkle on the flour and toss again to coat the beef lightly with the flour. Set casserole uncovered in middle position of preheated oven for 4 minutes. Toss the meat and return to oven for 4 minutes more. (This browns the flour and covers the meat with a light crust.) Remove casserole, and turn oven down to 325 degrees.

Stir in the wine, and enough stock or bouillon so that the meat is barely covered. Add the tomato paste, garlic, herbs, and bacon rind. Bring to simmer on top of the stove. Then cover the casserole and set in lower third of preheated oven. Regulate heat so liquid simmers
very slowly for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. The meat is done when a fork pierces it easily.

While the beef is cooking, prepare the onions and mushrooms. Set them aside until needed.

When the melt is tender, pour the contents of the casserole into a sieve set over a saucepan. Wash out the casserole and return the beef and bacon to it. Distribute the cooked onions and mushrooms over the meat.

Skim fat off the sauce. Simmer sauce for a minute or two, skimming off additional fat as it rises. You should have about 2 1/2 cups of sauce thick enough to coat a spoon lightly. If too thin, boil it down rapidly. If too thick, mix in a few tablespoons of stock or canned bouillon. Taste carefully for seasoning. Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables. Recipe may be completed in advance to this point.

For immediate serving: Covet the casserole and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, basting the meat and vegetables with the sauce several times. Serve in its casserole, or arrange the stew on a platter surrounded with potatoes, noodles, or rice, and decorated with parsley.

For later serving: When cold, cover and refrigerate. About 15 to 20 minutes before serving, bring to the simmer, cover, and simmer very slowly for 10 minutes, occasionally basting the meat and vegetables with the sauce.

LOVE: the Secret to being Healthy!

Valentine’s Day is TODAY, and love is definitely in the air. When we think about love, it’s usually in the context of our boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands or wives. But what does love have to do with a healthy lifestyle? In my opinion, a lot.


If you add the secret ingredient of love into your relationship with your body, mind and soul, it changes everything. If you love your body, you’re much less likely to make decisions that are destructive. Loving your body means making decisions that honor it. Suddenly, McDonald’s seems like a less tempting choice. Healthier foods are more appealing. And as our bodies also crave movement, going to the gym can be an expression of love.

Most of us have a hard time loving our bodies. We don’t always like what we see when we look in the mirror. But I think it’s okay to start small:

1.Start by loving your body for the functions it performs. Loving your body for how it looks may be a big leap, so start by loving your body for what it does. It’s the vessel through which you’re able to experience this world, and it tirelessly breathes, moves and functions so that you can experience it all. Surely, you can love your body for that. Express gratitude for all that your body does.

2.Use kind, uplifting and loving words to describe your body. Catch yourself when you say,”Oh, that’s a terrible picture of me.” Or, “I feel so fat and ugly today.” These words are powerful, and they are charged with a great deal of energy.

3.Dedicate time or gifts to yourself. These gifts need not be grand or expensive, and instead can be quite simple and small. Like sipping on a cold glass of ice water, and dedicating the experience your body. Or taking a walk. Or my favorite, a candle-lit bath.

You can approach a healthy lifestyle one of two ways. You can make changes in your life from a place of discontent and frustration (which is what most people do). This approach comes from a place of weakness. Or, you can make changes in your life that are driven from love. This approach comes from a place of power.

It’s up to you. But it seems to me, a little love can go a long way.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Our Tablet Life!

Big trend in Technology is the Tablet for this year.  It was started with the iPad last year and the bar has been set very high.  I feel this trend will sick around and make its way right into the standard for small portable computer alternatives.  The netbooks never really caught on but the tablet will and has.
It has been a race for the tablet war since Apple launched their iPad.  Here is what I think will be the top 4 tablets in the coming year.  3 of them are yet to hit the market but the specifications and first look reviews have been very promising (looks good on paper).  The last one has been SOLID for the last year and is already rumored to have an upgrade coming in the near future.

In no specific order:
1. BlackBerry PlayBook - The smallest tablet of this list sporting a 7 inch display.  On paper this is a very powerful and very capable device.  It will also sport duel core (simple saying twice a fast), and have front and rear facing cameras.  The PlayBooks is also HD ready in both camera and video.  If you are already a BlackBerry user (like I am) the PlayBook will ship with an app called BlackBerry bridge.  This bridges all your smart phone functions (BBM, e mail, calendar, contacts and files) to the PlayBook.  You use any of those app on either device and the other will automatically update and change.  Pricing has been rumored to be $499.99 for the 16 GB but will also be in a 32, and 64 GB memory size.  Office Depot, Sprint, and Staples have confirmed they will be selling the PlayBook when launched. 

2. Motorola Xoom Tablet - Another very powerful (again on paper) tablet that has had some very great review by some big names. CNET named it their pick for tech at the Consumer Electrics Show in Vegas.  the Xoom will be running Android's optimized (for tablet) OS called Honeycomb.  Those who are used to Android phone OS will be very familiar with Honeycomb and its operations.  Honeycomb is still very user friendly and has more customization then all the other tablets listed.  If you are brand new to tablet and mobile computer Xoom will have the largest learning curve for you. The Xoom will have 32 GB storage and will have an expandable for up to 32 GB SD card.  The Xoom tablet will be sold at Best Buy (among other places) and will be at a $799 price tag.  UPDATE* Will be available at COSTCO starting February 24th. 

3. Toshiba tablet - As Toshiba is know for in some of their product lines to be tough and rugged. Sturdy and rugged are the name of the game for this tablet.  The back as a special grip so it is easier to hold with glove or dirty hand on a constructions site.  Or if you are just clumsy this is a good one for you.  It is the biggest tablet of this list size wise.  Toshiba tablet is slated to hit the market for later winter or early spring and is said to be competitive with iPad pricing.  

4. Apple iPad - this one is the only tablet that is currently on the market out of these picks and it is AMAZING.  It works very well.  It has proven that mobile computing can work and is working.  If you are used to how and iPhone or iPod touch works the iPad is the same UI but does do bigger scale things.  It also have all the familiarly Apple and Mac apps that is for  file sharing and editing on the go called MobleMe.  This is a proven product so if you want something that is great right now the iPad is the way to go.  It is so ahead of the game there will be a second generation iPad out near the same time many of these other tablets are introduced to the market.  Something the iPad does not have but all other tablets listed here have it front AND rear facing cameras.  The current iPad has no cameras but Generations 2 is rumored to have both front and rear camera upgrade.  You can get the iPad in 16, 32, and 64 GB sizes either WiFi or WiFi and 3G connectivity at Apple or many tech store like Best Buy and Future Shop.  Price start $549 and go to $879.  It does appear that the iPad has the easiest UI and thus the smallest learning curve of all four devices that i have listed.

All four other these tablets should be great.  We have seen the iPad in action for almost a year now and it was amazing!   I would totally get my own PlayBook, Xoom, or iPad, one day I will have all three!

8 Ways Exercise Keep You Yonger!

Here is great post from www.daveywaveyfitness.com. Read below.

Want to live a long, happy and healthy life? Research suggests that exercise might just be the fountain of youth for which you are searching.

Here are 8 age-defying effects of exercise:

1.Faster metabolism – and less body fat. Your metabolic rate is the rate and which your body burns calories to maintain itself. As we age, this rate decreases by a few percentage points each decade until around age 50 – though the amount of food we eat, often does not. As a result, a slower metabolism is one reason (of many) that people tend to gain weight as they age. By combining both strength training and cardiovascular exercise with good nutrition, you can reverse this.
2.Extends your life and it prevents debilitating disease and illness. Staying active has been linked to both an increase in longevity and decrease in diseases like type II diabetes and obesity. Exercise also has a positive effect on the body’s immune system, preventing illness like the flu or common cold which can become serious in older populations.
3.Builds stronger bones. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, to create stronger and denser bones, you must put pressure on them. Just like our muscles, bones adjust to the stress put on them. Load bearing exercises and cardio like walking, running and step classes have been proven to increase bone density – making osteoporosis or breaks less likely. Exercises like swimming and cycling are less effective as they don’t put as much pressure on the bones.
4.Younger cells. Researchers discovered that regular exercisers have longer telomeres – the DNA on either end of thread-like chromosomes. Telomere length is critical to the aging process – once telomeres get too short, cells stop dividing and die. This research suggests that the anti-aging benefits of exercise go all the way to the molecular level.
5.Improved balance. Earlier in 2010, my grandmother lost her balance on the stairs and took a terrible fall. Though it’s been 10 months, she still walks with a cane and the whole ordeal has aged her greatly. Working out regularly helps improve balance and prevent falls – and there are a number of exercises that target balance specifically.
6.Better flexibility. Yoga, or exercise programs that incorporate stretching, lead to dramatically improved flexibility. Like balance, flexibility helps prevent falls. And if you do take a tumble, being flexible can help minimize the risk of injury.
7.More energy. Ever notice how you feel even more tired when you oversleep? Feeling tired and lethargic is often the result of being inactive. Endurance exercises improve stamina and energy.
8.Improved mental health and brain functioning. Numerous studies have linked exercise to decreased stress, anxiety and depression and improved sleeping patterns and feelings of well being. Studies also show that exercisers perform better on mental tests than sedentary individuals.
Of course, if you extend the timeline out far enough, the survival rate for all of us eventually reaches zero. Exercise isn’t about escaping death; it’s really just about enhancing the quality and quantity of the time you spend on this planet. And more time on Earth = more time to share your love, touch lives and serve others.

2011 Trends for Women!

Here are some of the trends hitting the runways this season for spring and summer. I know still in the depths or winter but that is how fashion forward works. Remember that you can update your wardrobe easily by incorporating trendy pieces into you current look. It freshens things up.

COLOUR - Is back, well it never really left but it is coming with a huge statement. Bright (neon) or rich, solid or patterned colour is all good. Wear a couple colours or one bold colour with some neutrals

Men's Wear Pants - this is borrowed from the guys again and reinterpreted into the feminine silhouette. Pants are tailored but still flow very nicely.

Hyper Prints - Bold and incorporating the colour prints are huge. Some pretty incredible 2 D florals will be hitting the street for the spring. But any bold pattern works for this season.

Neo Athleticism - This moves from being a seasonal perennial to exerting a more profound influence, with an easy but controlled silhouette, primary hues, and glossy banding.

Lace - Lace gets a makeover, losing its fussiness. It’s primarily being shown in white or black.

Dance Inspired - Ballet emerges as the new way to dress for night, with a pas de deux for fragile fabrics and vivid colors.

Some ideas to help you in your shopping quest for spring summer 2011. Good luck and have fun!

2011–What is in it for you? What are YOU going to make out of it?

Happy New Year! We are now a few weeks into 2011, all returning back to the grind of regular life after many of us having some breaks during the holiday. Back to the “routine” for most of us.

Many of us have also set some New Years Resolutions. Hopefully not on the last minute before 2011 was rung in, and not under the influence of too wine, champagne, and whatever else one enjoys on the New Years Eve.

I myself have not yet set anything because I do things a little differently (I just heard many of you cough that know me). So below is my guide to setting New Year’s Resolutions (Goals). My times lines are different but you can time line it however you want. These are you goals, you need to OWN them to work towards them. The important part is setting something up and doing the work.

Resolutions and goals can be in many different facets of your life; love, relationship, career, education, health, wellness, social, knowledge, sport the list goes on and on.

Here is my guide to better New Years Resolution Results:

1. Assess the last year. Here you reflect on the year past, 2010. Take a subjective non judgemental look at how you did with your resolutions last year (that is if you set any). When you are look just make observations not judgments. Do not make anything negative because nothing good comes out of negativity. If you were not successful with your goals think why, only for a moment. Get into the habit of thinking "what NEXT" instead of "what if". Sometime life just happens and things change. That does not make you a failure by any means. It is also not an excuse as to why you did not complete it.

2. Create new goals (or further and expand old ones, you do not necessarily need to reinvent the wheel just make it a better wheel). I prefer goals but really same thing as the resolutions. Be clear as to your goal. Being a nicer person is a great goal in theory but how are you going to decided that you are doing so. If you are thinking bad thoughts about a person but speaking nice things that does not really count so be sure to define things for yourself. Set something that is a reach but achievable. The more details the better. Keep in mind that some things are on going so there will not be a "completion date" per say, other may have an ended date or a complete on date. Just be clear with your objectives and realistic. Goals and resolutions may not be easy but should be achievable.

3. Make some kinds of accountability system for yourself. There are many ways to do this. Share it with friends and family. For myself personally I keep things to myself. To be accountable to me I write things down or do a vision board or something like that. Another great idea is to write it down and seal it in an envelope. Give it to a friend and ask them to mail it to you in X amount of months. That will be a little reminder at some check point of your year. Do something that works for you and will keep you on track what ever that may be.

4. Like Nike says JUST DO IT! We are all busy people. Things happened to everyone that is unexpected. But we all have and hour here or there that we can do stuff. Most of us do not NOT brush our teeth or forget to bath, shower, or eat. This should be the same way. Get into the habit of working towards your goal piece by piece and step by step. If you do a little bit everyday or once a week, that little bit adds up. Nothing changes if nothing changes.

In the long term these goal may look HUGE and overwhelming but think of them in the small step working toward the grand result. Keep it simple.

A great quote from a friend on facebook, not sure who originally said or wrote it but here it is:

"Success in life could be described as the continued expansion of happiness and the progressive realization of worthy goals"

7 Tips :finding time to Workout!

From Blogger and Personal Trainer Davey at Davey Wavey Fitness. This is a post of his about finding time to workout and commit to your health.

In actuality, it’s not so much about finding time to workout as it is about creating time to workout. If you take a look at your typical schedule, there’s probably not a whole lot of time where you’re standing in your apartment doing nothing. We find uses for our time, whether it’s building our careers, spending time with friends, or even watching TV or playing on Grindr.

As such, most people can rightfully claim that they don’t have the time to workout. But as I’ve said before, either create time for exercise now – or find time for disease and health issues later.

So, how does one create time for exercise in the new year? It’s not as hard as it might seem. Here are a few tips:

1.Write out your schedule. Grab a few sheets of paper – and plot out your daily commitments, Monday through Sunday. Look for spots of available time.

2.Recognize that something else might need to go. Even after following tip #1, most people will find that they’re still hard pressed to find gym time. Tuesday nights might be great, for example, but that’s when Glee is on. If your schedule is fairly full, then there’s probably going to be a trade-off. Something else might need to go – and in the big scheme of life, few things are as important as health.

3.Schedule your gym times. Build standing gym-dates into your calendar. You’ll be able to plan around your allotted gym time, ensuring that you don’t overbook yourself.

4.Don’t cut into sleep time. Shaving a few hours off of your sleep time, either at night or early in the morning, is tempting – but it’s the worst place you can look to free up extra time (unless, of course, you’re already sleeping more than 8 hours). Most of us are living with sleep deficits as it is, so don’t cut time here. Note: You can shift your sleep times – i.e., get up at 6AM instead of 7AM, but only if you go to bed an hour earlier.

5.Sneak in a gym trip during your lunch break. If you have a gym near your place of employment, hit the weights and/or treadmill during your lunch hour.

6.Put an active spin on your existing commitments. Maybe your schedule is already booked, but there are opportunities to up the activity level for your existing commitments. For example, if you are meeting up with a friend – go on a hike, climb a rock wall or just take a walk. If you’re not willing to miss Glee, make use of the commercial breaks for exercise.

7.Maximize your workout. Going to the gym doesn’t need to be a 2 hour commitment. Give yourself a quality, efficient workout to make the most of your time.

We’re all busy. But “busy” is not a reasonable excuse to put off going to the gym.
I hope these tips help you manage your time and get the most out of your workout.

6 tips to releasing weight in 2011!

No surprise: Losing weight is the #1 most popular New Year’s resolution. So, here are six strategies (that work) to help you shed the extra pounds:

1.Drink lots of water! Water has a boatload of great benefits for your body. Among other things, it helps boost your metabolism and curb your appetite. Drink at least 8 cups a day.

2. Describe your body with words that lift it up. Avoid negative self-talk, or criticizing yourself – even when talking with others. “I am beautiful. I am releasing weight with ease,” is a healthier and more effective mantra than, “I look so fat today. I am disgusting.”

3. Look long-term, and avoid fad diets. If you go on a diet, you will eventually come off it. Real change is longer term – don’t look to fad diets for answers.

4. Replace emotional eating with a healthier alternative – like going for a walk. If you’re eating when you’re not hungry, and are unable to replace comfort foods with healthier alternatives or activity, then you may wish to seek professional help.

5. Stock your home with healthy foods. Buy foods that a caveman would eat: berries, unsalted nuts, some lean meats, vegetables, etc. It’s much easier to eat healthier foods when that’s what is available. After you eat a healthy meal or snack, bring awareness to your body’s reaction. How does it make your body feel to eat nourishing meals?

6. Understand the calorie deficit. Weight release occurs when the body burns more calories than it consumes. While the formula seems simple and straightforward, know that calorie deficits are most effectively achieved by working on both ends of the equation – eating healthier foods will result in fewer calories consumed, and regular exercise will result in more calories burned. Don’t try to release weight through starvation. It will slow down your metabolism, and likely result in long-term weight gain.