Taking a Break

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I have been putting writing this post off for a while because I couldn't decide what to do. As you may have noticed I haven't been around here for quite sometime. I keep thinking to myself I will have time next week I will have time next week an the reality is I don't have time, or at least not enough time that I feel this deserves. I started my second semester of school at the beginning of May and this semester has been kicking my ass. I have something due in every class each week, so it's a lot more work then last semester and trying to jam everything in really isn't working for me. I love blogging and I don't want it to feel like a chore. It's something I do because I enjoy it not because have to and if starts feeling like that it becomes just like my homework or work and I don't want that. I also don't want my grades to suffer which I have to admit I may have put this before school work a few times first semester. That being said I have decided to take a little bit of a break. I finish this semester in August and hopefully will be back at it because I do really miss it.
I know a lot of you have gone through if not the same thing a similar situation trying to fit everything into your schedule. How did you make it work for you? Any advise?

Tough Mudder

So I haven't told you this yet but about a month ago I signed up to do Tough Mudder on May 11th. My brother and sister in-law are doing it and asked if we were interested in joining them. I had heard of Tough Mudder before but wasn't 100% sure what exactly it entailed so I googled it, found the site and the video shown below

After watching the video I was pretty pumped, it looked like a lot of fun and a good challenge so I signed myself on up. Now that it is getting closer I have been looking into it a lot more and starting to realize it's going to be a lot harder then I initially thought. I have always wanted to complete something like this though and now I will be able to scratch it off my bucket list. I have two weeks left to get ready so I will be working my butt off trying to get the last little bit of training in.

I would love to hear from you if you have any suggestions on how to build endurance or training tips. This event is 10 -12 miles so there is a lot of running as well as obstacles.

Have you heard of Tough Mudder before or participated in it?

Eat Clean Recipes To Try

I have recently decided to change up my eating habits a bit and eat a more clean diet. I've been doing it for a little while and am finding it really easy to do. You do need to be prepared for your day however or you may find yourself hungry and all you have to reach for is something prepackage and packed with sugar and chemicals. With this change I have been finding lots of great clean recipes to try and I wanted share some here.

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Happy Wednesday!!

Today I'm Linking Up With:

The Vintage Apple

Because Shanna Said So

Rolled Up Pretty

Guest Post - 5 Reasons You Should do Yoga

5 reasons you should start yoga today

Many people attend their first yoga class lusting after the long lean bodies that are used in most yoga advertisements.  But yoga is more than just physical exercise, and whilst a lean body can be a happy outcome of the practice there are MANY more benefits that can be gained from practicing yoga.  

1. Flexibility
Most of us spend the majority of our days sitting in chairs, in cars or lounging on the couch.  This causes our muscles to become tight and we end up with tension (most often in our back).  Regular yoga helps to stretch out those unused muscles and often relieves sore backs and necks.

2. StrengthSome people think yoga looks too easy, that it is just a 'stretching class'.  Compared to the grunting and puffing that goes on in the weights room many people scoff at the thought that yoga can build strength.  But the majority of yoga asanas (poses) require you to lift and hold your entire body weight for an extended period.  And there ain't nobody who can say that's easy.

3. RelaxationYoga teaches you to slow down, to focus the mind on one thing at a time and to reconnect your mind and body.  We often run around in our busy lives pushing our bodies without giving much thought to what we put into it and how we treat it.  We then wonder why we feel stressed, get sick easily and generally feel exhausted all the time; when the answer is right there in front of us!

4. PostureWhilst posture is not something we often think about it plays an important role in most aspects of our life. Posture can affect the way you feel, can change how people view you (eg. standing tall = confidence) and impact on body aches and pains.  Yoga improves core strength (all those muscles around the belly and back) which makes you stand straighter and reduces the likelihood of aching backs, shoulders and neck.

5.  LifeYoga is not just about the physical; whilst not a religion, it is a philosophy for living. Many people come to yoga for the body but they often end up learning more about themselves than they expected to.  Self-acceptance, confidence, community and a focus on overall health is often found through the practice of yoga.

Yoga is best started under the guidance of an experienced teacher.  If you'd like to know more contact your local yoga association.  

Bettina is a mama, yoga instructor, high school teacher, student, small business owner and dreamer.  She writes the blog Little Old Souls which is a mix of yoga, family life, sewing and DIY. 

You can find Bettina over at Little Old Souls  and also stop in and check out her shop.
Thank you Bettina!
Happy Tuesday!!

10 Ways to Eat Clean 

—Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D. Former Associate Nutrition Editor

Learn how to clean up your diet with these 10 healthy tips.

I’m a registered dietitian and associate nutrition editor of EatingWell Magazine, so you’d be right to assume I have a pretty healthy diet. But since I don’t believe in making any foods taboo, there are the occasional not-so-healthy indulgences. And when the seasons change, I always feel an urge to “healthify” my diet. The warmer weather inspires me to take a close look at my eating habits and simplify my diet by eating the things that really make my body feel best and limit foods that are not so good for me.

Here are 10 healthy eating habits I am focusing on right now to detox my diet

1. Cut Down On Alcohol

Although several studies have shown that moderate amounts of alcohol (1 drink per day for women, 2 for men) can have some health benefits—raising “good” HDL cholesterol, “thinning the blood” (preventing clots that can cause heart attack and stroke) and possibly warding off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, there are some good reasons to make sure that your alcohol consumption stays moderate. Alcohol takes a toll on your liver, the major organ of your body devoted to “detoxing” your system. It also acts as a diuretic, making it harder to stay hydrated. One idea to cut back: Try sticking to the suggested limit of one drink a day for women, two for men. (Think of the calories and money you’ll save!) Looking for an alcohol-free drink at cocktail hour? Try club soda with a splash of juice.

2. Cut Down On Sugar

Most of us eat too much sugar. On average, Americans consume 475 calories of added sugars every day (that’s 30 teaspoons), which is way higher than what’s recommended by the American Heart Association (6 teaspoons per day for women, 9 for men). High intake of added sugar is linked with risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and high triglyceride levels. One idea to cut back: Skip processed foods, which can be loaded with hidden added sugars, and when you want a sweet treat, reach for fruit for a natural sugar fix.

3. Cut Down On Salt

Americans, on average, eat 3,400 milligrams of sodium in a day, about 1,000 mg more than we should. And if we cut that much out of our daily diets, we’d lower our risk of heart disease by up to 9 percent, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine. Restaurant foods and processed foods both tend to be very high in sodium, so a key step in lowering your sodium intake is to cook at home using fresh ingredients instead. One idea to cut back: Try eating out less and cooking more at home using fresh ingredients instead. And try boosting flavor with herbs and spices rather than salt.

4. Cut Down On Saturated Fat

Saturated fat—the kind of fat that’s found in whole milk, cheese, butter and meat—raises your “bad” LDL cholesterol, which can damage arteries. One idea to cut back: Avoid animal fats and swap them for healthier unsaturated fats from plant foods like nuts, avocados and olive oil.

5. Cut Down On Refined Grains

Refined grains—white flour, white rice—are stripped of beneficial fiber, vitamins and minerals. So while they add calories, they’re not really providing much in the way of nutrients. And since they’re low in fiber, they’re less satisfying than whole grains. One idea to cut back: Check the ingredient list and make sure the word “whole” describes the grains in the product—if it just says “wheat flour,” for example, that’s not whole-wheat, so make another choice.

6. Cut Down On Processed Foods

I’m not concerned with minimally processed foods—like plain unsweetened yogurt or washed bagged greens—that are still essentially healthy whole foods. Rather, I’m talking about prepared food products with loads of ingredients. By cutting these out, I can easily minimize my intake of added sugars, salt and trans and saturated fat, too, since these things are often added to processed foods for taste. Plus, I’ll make room for more healthy whole foods in my diet. One idea to cut back: Go through your cabinets and see which of your foods come in boxes and think of alternatives. Two ideas to get started: Swap crackers or chips for crunchy veggies, and if you rely on prepared meals, like mac and cheese or canned soup, find an easy recipe to make your favorites from scratch.

7. Have More Fruits and Vegetables

Year-round, I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Not only do they add a lot of flavor and color to meals, they’re nutrient- and antioxidant-rich, low in calories and can help lower your risk for heart disease. One idea to get more: When figuring out what to make for dinner, make vegetables the main event—start with the vegetables you have on hand or what looks good to you at the market. From there, figure out what else (protein, starch) would go well with it.

8. Have More Water

It’s tempting to choose other beverages, but water really is the best thing to drink. Our bodies are 60 percent water and it’s vital for the function of every organ system, helping to circulate oxygen and whisk away toxins. One idea to get more: Choose it for your main beverage at and between meals. If you’re not a fan of plain water, try a spritz of lemon or lime to jazz it up.

9. Have More Green Tea

Even though I know green tea has a bevy of health benefits—from boosting immunity to fighting cavities—I don’t drink it very often. One idea to get more: Try swapping one of your daily cups of coffee for a cup of green tea instead.

10. Have More Whole Grains

Eating more whole grains could lengthen your life by reducing your risk of cardiovascular, infectious and respiratory diseases, suggests a 2011 Archives of Internal Medicine study. I tend to get in a grain rut—I choose 100% whole-grain breads and tortillas, of course, so technically I’m getting enough whole grains in my diet—but I don’t frequently cook other whole grains. One idea to get more: Try eating one new-to-you grain, such as quinoa or wild rice, each week.

Sorry I missed last weeks health/wellness and fitness article I've been studying my little butt off. I hope you find some good info in this weeks, I know I did.
Happy Tuesday!!

Today I'm Linking Up With
The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife
Northern Belle Diaries

Places I'd Rather Be

Sorry I've been a little MIA around here lately, it's exam time :( I have 4 next week and then I am off for 2 weeks and back at it again the beginning of May. With summer coming I keep dreaming of all the places I'd rather be then stuck here studying. What better way to day dream then with photos.
Enjoy :)

 Photos

 Happy Friday!!
I hope you all have an awesome weekend!!

Today I'n linking up with:
What Jean Likes

Get Motivated

I was reading this post from  To The Sea on Friday and it got me a little inspired. I've just recently started getting back into working out after taking a couple months off after the wedding :s and I found a lot of good info. This site in particular I really liked. I know it's "body building" but don't let that discourage you. I know you just like me probably don't want to be a body builder but really unless you're going to dedicate your life to looking like this you will never get that bulky. That being said I like their site because the workouts are pretty intense and that's what I like in a workout. Here's a little motivational video I wanted to share cause it really got me pumped up. Also check out Erica's post because she has a lot of great information in it as well.

Hope you all had a good weekend!

Happy Monday!

Today I'm Linking Up With:

Northern Belle Diaries
Peacoats and Plaid