Back To School Lunch Ideas

Back To School Lunch Ideas

This coming Thursday is our kids first day back to school. I know the kids are looking forward to heading back if only to see their friends. I'm really not ready for them to head back. It seems like our summer was so short. And I'm really not ready to get back into making lunches before we even have breakfast lol. I think making lunches runs right up there with homework - neither one are much fun.

Last year near the end of the year I started making the kids Bento style lunches. This was the best idea ever! Not only because the kids loved them, but I was making them the healthiest lunches ever. No more buying little snack packs of this or that because I didn't know what to put in the lunches. And the kids were actually eating what was in their lunch!

This year I decided to put together a little list of ideas I could use for the kid's lunches and to share them with you. Hopefully this will help some of you as you are planning lunches for your little lovies.

Entrées	Sides
Robin-Hood Wrap	Veggies & Dip (Ranch, Hummus, ect)
Chicken Salad Wrap	Fruit - Fresh or Frozen
Roast Beef Wrap	Coleslaw
California Roll-Up	Potato Salad
Pizza Roll-Up	Cheese & Broccoli Salad
Stuffed Pita Pockets	Boiled/Deviled Eggs
Homemade Pizza Pockets	Babybel Cheese
Club Sandwiches	Laughing Cow Cheese Wedge
Egg Salad Sandwiches	Cheese Sticks
Chicken Salad Sandwiches	Whole Grain Crackers
Quesadilla	Natural Lunchmeats
Pizzadilla	Yogurt
Meatballs & Dipping Sauce	Homemade Treats
Whole Wheat Bagel Sandwiches	Granola Bars
Homemade Fish Sticks & Fries	Cookies
Homemade Chicken Nuggets & Fries	Snack Mixes
Homemade Mini Quiche	Homemade Fruit Bread/Muffins
Mini Pancakes w/Maple Syrup
Mini Meatloaf & Roasted Taters
Leftovers

What are some of the things you like to pack for your kids? What are your kid's favorite things to have in their lunches?

Back To School Lunch Ideas

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Holiday Grand Plan 2010 - Week 1

It's that time of year again! I can't believe it - feels like summer just started, yet here it is time to start getting organized for the holidays already.  Last year I again did the Holiday Grand Plan from Organized Home.  It went pretty well.  Little E was still quite young and there were some other things that did come up, that ended up making it a bit more challenging.  This year I am working full time so it's going to be interesting to see how I manage.  I really hope I can find a happy medium of getting things to a point that I am satisfied with and being okay with not having things perfect.

So this is week one of the Holiday Grand Plan and here's what I am going to attempt to accomplish.

Grand Plan Week 1 Tasks

• Spend 15 minutes each day this week to get organized for Christmas.
• Set up your holiday organizer in a notebook or 3-ring binder. If you’re using a clear pocket binder, print the cover and spine pages.
• Make or designate a holiday calendar. For your holiday organizer notebook, print the Countdown plan calendar. For more flexible calendar forms, add monthly planning calendars from HolidayOrganizer.com.
• Begin at the beginning; review your family’s holiday values. Print and record your findings on the holiday values page.
• Gift buying looms! Start a master gift list. Print the master gift list form and use it to record purchases and homemade gift items.
• Complete the holiday home spruce-up exercise and schedule improvement projects. Print the home spruce-up worksheet.
• Begin a Christmas card list. Locate addresses; consider making a computerized version for maximum time saving.
• Arrange for family photo sessions for holiday giving or photo Christmas cards.
• Schedule carpet cleaning now! Call now for your choice of appointment times.
• Make the following lists:

1. Gifts to be given, amount to spend
2. Christmas card list. Decide how many cards are needed
3. Visits to make
4. Parties/Entertaining
5. Menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, other parties
6. Goodies for sharing/gifts. Decide how much needs to be made and divide it between the weeks from now through Dec 1.
7. Favorite meals of family members for freezing ahead.
8. Long term shopping list, divided into: canned foods, perishables for each holiday, linens and dishes, decorations, etc.

To Buy This Week:

• Christmas cards or supplies for Christmas letters
• Postage Stamps
• Freezer containers for goodies – at least 12 are needed.
• Freezer containers for Holiday meals – at least 12 are needed.

Area to Organize 

Front Porch, Patio & Dining Room

Do you use the Holiday Grand Plan? If not, what plan do you use to get ready for the holidays?

Holiday Grand Plan 2010 - Week 1

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Mamavation Monday - August 23, 2010

Another Monday already!? Where does the time go? So how did this last week go? Well let's start with exercise. Monday I did my c25k run, Wednesday was supposed to be my 2nd run of the week, but I woke up with horrible sciatic nerve pain; so skipped that run. Friday I did my run and screwed up my knee. I was supposed to go for xrays today but I didn't make it up there. Will attempt to do that tomorrow. When I went to the doctor on Friday he didn't say I couldn't run. Just told me to let pain be my guide. Okay, yay! I thought. Here it is Monday, and I still can't walk much without a lot of pain. So no running in my near future. This is a bit disappointing. And now I need to figure out what I want to do for exercise, since even going for a walk at this point is out.
Now let's talk food. Oh food how I love thee. :D For the most part I made pretty good self-honoring choices. I am pms'ing so of course there is some hormone driven food searching going on, but at least I was aware of what was happening (mostly) and tried to stay aware most of the time. This morning as I was driving home from town I was thinking how bloated I feel and I started to think about the last week...Just about every single night I was having a little "snack" well after 8pm. I didn't even realize I was doing this. I am aware now and will try to make some better choices - If I'm truly hungry then I will try to make a good healthy choice and not just what I think I want.

Goals for this week:


Food - I feel like I am doing a lot better with my food plan. This week I'm going to concentrate on staying conscious with my eating during the evening hours. Also still want to work on increasing my h2o intake. I am considering the HydraCoach bottle. 


    Food plan for this week: My basic meal plan is as follows and suppers can be found on my Menu Plan Monday post. {Supper will be around 6pm or so}

	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Sun	yogurt & homemade granola or	Green or Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Mon	yogurt & homemade granola	Green or  Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Tues	yogurt & homemade granola	Green or  Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Wed	yogurt & homemade granola	Green or  Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Thurs	yogurt & homemade granola	Green or  Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1 pm	Snack: 4	Snack: 8 pm
Fri	yogurt & homemade granola	Green or  Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Sat	yogurt & homemade granola	Green or  Hot Pink  Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg)  & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea

Exercise - I have no idea! Any suggestions?

Self-Care Practices - Baths! Meditation each day. Also this week I want to try adding in some creative time - maybe not every day but a couple of times this week would be nice.

Hope you had a great week last week and that this week is an even better week!

P.S. Also check out my huge ($195 value) Weight-Release Giveaway!! It ends this week!

☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Mamavation Monday - August 23, 2010

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Menu Plan Monday - August 22 - 27

I can not believe this is the last full week of summer vacation for us. I am one of those strange parents that actually dreads the start of school. If I had it in me to homeschool I would, but I don't really think that would end up too great. lol The kids would be thrilled - they've each already asked at least twice "can't you homeschool us this year?" Oh my little lovies I wish!! Anyhow I'm taking the majority of this week off work to spend with the kids. Just thought it would be nice for them not to have to wake up super early and spend all day at the shop this week. So I'm going to be busy soaking up a lot of time with them. Luckily I have my meal plan all ready to go, so I won't have to waste a minute wondering what to make for supper each day.

*Please note - I use organic, local ingredients when possible (including meat & eggs). Also the recipes usually call for all- purpose flour. I usually use a mix of 1/2 whole wheat & 1/2 white or just all whole wheat. Remember a recipe is just something to go by, feel free to change them up for health/your family's tastes.*

Supper:

• Sunday - Ground Beef Enchiladas, Mexican Rice, Salad
• Monday - Asian Baked Pork Chops, Butter and Garlic Potatoes, Roasted Green Beans
• Tuesday -  Honey Soy Baked Chicken, Coconut Rice, Steamed Sugar Snap Peas
• Wednesday - Baked Ham, Potato Salad, Corn on the Cob, Sliced Tomatoes and Cucumbers
• Thursday - Ham and Noodle Casserole, Steamed fresh broccoli and cauliflower
• Friday -  Pepperoni Bread, Tossed Salad 

Need more menu planning ideas? Then head over to Laura's @ I'm an Organizing Junkie. Also if your interested in more vegetarian, flexitarian or whole foods menus please check out Jenna's Mindful Menus.

Menu Plan Monday - August 22 - 27

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Weight Release A Liberating Journey: Review & Giveaway ENDED

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

                  Congratulations Joanna!

                 Congratulations MMScarlett!

                   Congratulations Mary Beth!
Sorry Mary Beth, I waited over 24 hours to hear a response from you. I have to choose another winner.



Barbara that makes you the 3rd winner of the Weight Release Program! Congrats!!

Congrats to all three winners! I am excited to share this journey with you and I'm looking forward to learning from each of you! (Now email me back!! :) )

If you didn't win and you still want to take part in the program starting August 31st, please use the coupon code: 198778 at the checkout for 20% off the program! (Scroll to the bottom of the post and click the button, it'll take you right where you need to go) The changes that will occur in your relationship with food, yourself and others will be so worth it! 

Back in April I had recently joined the Mamavation Sistahood and I was really struggling.  I wanted to lose weight but I just couldn't seem to get with the program. If I did "good" one week with my eating plan then I seemed to "fail" at exercising. Each week I'd start out with "this is going to be the week I get it right and finally start losing weight" and each week I would fail.  I should be great at dieting and losing weight - I had tried it all. From Weight Watchers, to South Beach, to Atkins, to The Cabbage Soup Diet, to diets that I made up *cough* the popcorn diet. At one point in my life I even went so far as to just deprive myself of food for as long as I could. I tried diet pills and diet drinks, you name it I probably tried it. I knew something was missing. I even posted how I felt like I was sabotaging myself. So when I came across The Weight Release program being offered on a It Feels Like Home and I read about the program; I figured what else do I have to lose if I try it. It sounded like it could possibly hold the key to me being finally able to rid myself of the weight once and for all.

The Weight Release Book and the Weight Release Program, both by Freeman Michaels, have profoundly changed my life. Not just my relationship with food, but my relationship with myself (I don't think I ever had a relationship with myself before - at least not a good one), with my husband, with my children, basically everyone. And it's all about me - I never asked anyone to do anything for me. It wasn't about how they could change so I could have a better relationship with them. It's been about how I could change so I could have a better relationship with them and myself.

The first part of the book deals a lot with replacing negative (judgmental) thought patterns with a more compassionate view point. When I first started with this work it was really hard. I never thought of myself as a negative person. I knew I wasn't the most chipper person, but I considered myself more of a "realist". The truth was I really was negative. And I really struggled with even being able to find a little bit of compassion for myself. It took a few days before I could even figure out how to have compassion. Then the light bulb moment came and now through practice I am finding more compassion for myself and that leads over to more compassion for others in my life.

Another section of the book deals with Needs VS Wants. In this part we are taught how to identify what our true needs are. For example, when I am stressed I want to go into the kitchen and have chips. But with the help of my compassionate observer I am able to be aware of what is going on and I know that I think I want chips but what I really need is to de-stress. This awareness allows me to make a different more self-honoring choice.

The last part of the book deals with the food and exercise part. This is where I learned about tracking patterns and behaviors (needs vs wants) and about making a meal plan. This is not a diet program though, there is nothing that is not allowed on the plan. But I promise you will release weight. Daily I work on strategies for not using food to deal with stress and emotions. I no longer view food as good or bad, I don't deprive myself and then later binge on something - no food is "off limits", but I've learned how to eat and make self-honoring choices when it comes to food. And exercise - it doesn't have to be chore or torture either. I've started running and I always thought I hated it. It's amazing the things in my life that have changed.

The Weight Release book and program have helped me become the empowered, joyful, compassionate person that I was born to be and I'm releasing weight. It is life changing!

Now for some really good news! 


Starting on August 31, 2010 there is going to be another chance to go through the Weight Release Program.  I will be supporting a group going through the program by participating in the program again and using my blog Krista's Weight Release Journey. Three lucky readers of my blog are going to win the chance to go through the same program I went through for 12 weeks ($195 value).

   Here is what you get: 

• 12 videos with program founder Freeman Michaels personally taking you through the complete Weight Release program in a simple, easy-to-follow, step by step format. You will receive one video a week for twelve weeks to help take you through the program at the right pace! (Electronic Format)
  
• The Weight Release Program Workbook – in an e-book format.
  
• Freeman Michaels’ book Weight Release: A Liberating Journey in e-book format.
  
• Visualizing a New You guided imagery audio programs. The long format is 39 minutes and takes you through an incredible process to calm your mind and refocus your thoughts and attention. You’ll also receive the 20 minute “refresher”, a shortened version of the long program to use on a daily basis. Together these audio programs will help to reprogram your thinking and keep you on track through out the process and provide a truly valuable resource well after the program is complete. (Electronic MP3's)
• The “Weight Release Manual”. This manual helps outline the complete program in a simple step by step format so that you know exactly how and when to use all of the materials included in the Weight Release Program. (Word Doc)
  
• Access to the Weight Release Community. The Weight Release Community was created for everyone who is using the Weight Release principles. It is the perfect place to receive support, guidance, and advice for others who use the program or from Freeman Michaels.
  
• The Weight Release A Liberating Journey the audio book.(MP3 Format Delivered over the internet)
• You also receive the “Flow of Success” video by Freeman Michaels. This video teaches you principles of success. Success is nothing more than a perspective. 

That's a lot right? Are you excited? I am! So how can you win this great opportunity?

Mandatory Entry: (remember to leave each entry in a separate comment box or it won't count)

• Head over to Service to Self, take a look through the program and tell me what interests you most about this program. (1 entry)

Here are some ways to get extra entries (remember the mandatory entry is the only required entry):

• Blog about this giveaway linking back to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense and Service to Self; leave the URL where you did (4 entries)
• Follow Me publicly with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
• Subscribe to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense (1 entry)
• Follow Me @Luvschweetheart, and @MyWeightRelease on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway; leave the URL where you did. (you may tweet once per day for an extra entry) "#Win a Full Digital Weight Release Program from @Luvschweetheart and @myweightrelease http://bit.ly/bL3FU0 Worldwide #Giveaway" (1 entry per day) 
• "Like" Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense on Facebook (1 entry)
• "Like" Weight Release on Facebook (1entry)
• "Like" Krista's Weight Release Journey on Facebook (1entry)

Leave a comment for each entry. You must leave your email in your comment so that I can contact you.

This giveaway is open Worldwide! Giveaway will end August 27, 2010 at 10:00 pm EDT. The winners will be chosen by random.org and will be notified by email. I will announce the winner at the top of this post as well. You must contact me within 24 hours (this is to ensure you have the materials necessary to start the program on August 31). If you fail to claim your prize, a new winner will be chosen by random.org and emailed.

Can't wait for the giveaway and want to get started now? Or if you don't win and still want to take part in the program - I have good news for you too! I believe in this program so much that I have decided to become an affiliate. For the duration of this promotion I'm going to give you 20% off when you purchase the program by using this coupon code: 198778. Just click the button below to get started today!

This 20% off offer will end August 31, 2010 at 11am EDT. So HURRY, don't miss the chance
to change your life!

Weight Release A Liberating Journey: Review & Giveaway ENDED

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Self-Acceptance is Empowering

Why compare yourself with others? No one in the world can do a better job of being you than you. ~Unknown

Yesterday I spent a good portion of my day going through and reading all the Mamavation Sistahood posts for this week. As I was reading everyone's successes and perceived failures I started thinking about how I would have reacted 4 short months ago. I would have been thinking "oh why can't I stick with my diet the way ___ can?", or "why can't I have the willpower that ____ did?", or "why can't I stick with exercise the way that ____does?", or even "why can't I lose weight as fast as _____ is losing weight?" All of those questions that would end up making me feel like I was a failure. When the truth was I was doing the best I could with the tools and knowledge that I had at the time. The truth was that I was being the best me that I could be at that time.

It just breaks my heart thinking that one of you might be sitting at home today comparing yourself to someone else. I want you to know that there is nothing wrong with you. Even if you are overweight, like I am - that weight has served a purpose for you.  The food that you are eating is serving a purpose.  For the last 10 years food has helped me deal with feelings. It's hard feeling the feelings when you don't know how deal with all or those emotions or not knowing how to take care of your needs and food was my comfort - even if the comfort was only temporary, because the negative self-talk soon followed. But still I was doing the best I could to manage my life with the tools and knowledge that I had, and so are you!

How much time do we spend comparing ourselves to others? Measuring our successes, health, willpower, determination, wealth, or beauty? What good can that do? We have no idea the exact circumstances of anyone else’s life. We cannot understand their shoes - we have not walked in them. And at the end of the day, “No one in the entire world can do a better job of being you than you.”

The problem with comparing ourselves to others and wanting approval from other people or comparing our successes and failures to others, is that you let others control how you feel in life. In order to be empowered we should only compare ourselves to ourselves. In doing this though it's important to be compassionate with ourselves too. Accepting ourselves as being good enough just the way we are. We should try to remember that everything that has happened in our life has brought us to where we are right this minute.

The world would certainly be boring if we were all clones of one another. Don't envy other’s successes or their efforts. Instead, cherish who you are and your unique offerings to our world. There is a beauty and uniqueness that only you can offer the world.

Today I hope that you can find some acceptance and love for yourself, because you are worth it!

☮peace.♥love.☺joy

(Photo Credit: rachelsmith on Flicker)

Self-Acceptance is Empowering

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Mamavation Monday - August 16, 2010

What a week! I am really glad to see last week over. There was a lot of emotional stress going on in my life last week. And 6 months ago all that emotional stress would have found me in the kitchen - a lot. I'm am so thankful that I've been going through the Weight-Release program and have been practicing other self-honoring ways to manage my stress and emotions. I spent a lot of time last week taking baths, meditating, eventually writing in my journal - even wrote a little poetry & I haven't done that since I was in high school. I had planned on starting the couch to 5k running program sometime in the near future, but the added emotional stuff I was dealing with really gave me a push to go for it. It helped me manage some anger constructively and now I'm finding myself really enjoying continuing with the program. I'm actually enjoying running! I never thought that I would enjoy running.
Food wise I wasn't perfect. I'm never going to be perfect and that is perfectly okay. But I did really well. I stayed in touch with my feelings, observed my behaviors and even when I decided I really wanted to have the chips, for example, I put them in a bowl and went ahead and just enjoyed them. No guilt. And no sitting with the bag shocked later that I ate so much. :)

Goals for this week:


Food - With the new running program my appetite has really increased. I'm still working on adjusting my meal plan for that. I think it's going to take a little bit to work out, but I'm not going to stress over it.  Just going to try to make some good choices and listen to my body. It will fall in place. Might need to change my before run snack to something else. I've been keeping with the yogurt but it's not really working for me. If you are a runner what are some other suggestions you have?

Water - this is a big one for me. Every week I have very good intentions to drink lots of water. Every day I start off well and then it just sort of fades off into the day and at bedtime I'm trying to get water in. I'm not drinking pop or tea or anything else that's keeping me from drinking my water. I'm just not drinking anything at all.  So that's not really great. Going to try to keep a glass of water on my desk while I'm at work and see if that helps. I noticed the last few days when I run my fingers swell so I know that I am not doing well in the h2o department.

Exercise - I'm going to continue with the c25k running program three (M,W,F) days a week. I'm also thinking I would like to do some strength training two days (T & T) and on the weekends hmm not sure but something - yoga maybe? I will think about that.

Self-Care Practices -  I want to continue with meditation each day. Taking baths - adding Epsom salts to help recover from soreness. I want to try harder to write in my journal more days this week. This used to be a really nice habit and I've slipped from that - I know it helps me so I want to get back into doing it daily. And basically continue practicing making self-honoring choices.

So that's this week in a nut shell. :) Congrat's to the Sista of the Week - Kimberly! Yay You! :)

☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Mamavation Monday - August 16, 2010

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Menu Plan Monday - August 14 - 20

Another week another menu plan. Now that I am working, I am so thankful that I have this habit of making a weekly menu plan. Even though last week I ended up taking most of the week off work, it was nice to have the menu planned and not have that added stress factor to an already stressful week. It was also nice to be able to start some of the supper prep at work - that's a really nice benefit of owning our own business with a full kitchen. I will probably do the same again a couple of times this week too.

*Please note - I use organic, local ingredients when possible (including meat & eggs). Also the recipes usually call for all- purpose flour. I usually use a mix of 1/2 whole wheat & 1/2 white or just all whole wheat. Remember a recipe is just something to go by, feel free to change them up for health/your family's tastes.*

Supper:

• Saturday - Ham & Cheese Quiche, Steamed Veggies {didn't have last week}.
• Sunday - Grilled steaks, grilled corn on the cob, grilled zucchini, sliced cucumbers & watermelon
• Monday - Kielbasa and Perogies, skillet zucchini
• Tuesday -  Grilled pork chops, potato salad, sliced tomatoes & cucumbers
• Wednesday - Roasted chicken pieces, brown rice & fresh green beans
• Thursday - Grilled hamburgers, oven fries and tossed salad
• Friday -  Sloppy Joe Pizza & Tossed Salad {didn't have last week}

Need more menu planning ideas? Then head over to Laura's @ I'm an Organizing Junkie. Also if your interested in more vegetarian, flexitarian or whole foods menus please check out Jenna's Mindful Menus.

Menu Plan Monday - August 14 - 20

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My Life is Changing

I just know your life's gonna change
Gonna get a little better
Even on the darkest day
I just know your life's gonna change
Gonna get a little further
Right until the feelings change

So, is this how it goes?
Think you've come this far with nothing to show
That ain't so, no
You don't see where you are
And if you don't look back you know you'll never know

Cause you think that you've been living, just treading water
And waiting in the wings for the show to begin
But I always see you searching
As you try that bit harder
Getting closer, oh yeah, to the life you're imagining

[chorus]
(I just know your life's gonna change)
Maybe not today, maybe not today
Some day soon you'll be all right
(I just know your life's gonna change)
Don't turn the other way, turn the other way
Feels like luck is on your side
(Just wanna live)
No worries, no worries
(Don't wanna die)
No worries, no worries
(Fight through the lows)
Say it for me, say it for me,
(And take all the highs)
We all need somebody
(Yeah we can sink)
No worries, no worries
(Or can you swim)
No worries, no worries
(Or walk on out)
Say it for me, say it for me,
(Or jump right in)
We all need somebody

So, baby keep drifting on
Your endeavours ain't just selfless wasted time
Seek and find, yeah yeah
You're not that far from what you've hoped and wished for all along

Cause you think that you've been living, just treading water
And waiting in the wings for the show to begin
But I always see you searching
As you try that bit harder
Getting closer, oh yeah, to the life you're imagining

[chorus]

I just know your life's gonna change
Say it for me, say it for me
We all need somebody

Oh this song! I love it so much. I have no idea when was the first time I heard it. A few months ago when I started working on myself with the Weight-Release Program, this song came rushing back to me. "I just know your life's gonna change."  And oh my gosh! Has my life ever changed and the most amazing thing is that it's changing every single day. I'm creating the life I've always dreamed of having with the tools and support from this program. Certainly I am doing the work, but just like the song says "We all need somebody" - I've really had some great support on my journey; from my husband to complete strangers that I now consider to be dear friends.

Do you have a song that has really meant a lot to you as you've gone through your journey? I'd love for you to share it with me in the comments.

☮peace.♥love.☺joy

My Life is Changing

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Summer Sunsets

Wordless Wednesday is sponsored by GeneaBloggers,

but the main site for WW entries is here. You can also link up at The Misplaced Midwesterner, Extraordinary Mothers, 5 Minutes for Mom & Live and Love Out Loud

☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Summer Sunsets

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Menu Plan Monday - August 7 - 13

Last week's menu went over with flying colours. Everyone loved everything and I did 98% of the cooking for the week last Saturday. That really helped us be able to come home from work and get supper on the table in 30 minutes and still had time to relax. This week's menu, I have most everything meat wise pre-cooked and in the freezer. I'm going to take the ham to work and cook it there *the bonuses of owning your own business :)* I am hoping this week goes as well as it did last week.

*Please note - I use organic, local ingredients when possible (including meat & eggs). Also the recipes usually call for all- purpose flour. I usually use a mix of 1/2 whole wheat & 1/2 white or just all whole wheat. Remember a recipe is just something to go by, feel free to change them up for health/your family's tastes.*

Supper:

• Saturday - Kids and Hubby went to the lake for bbq with inlaws.
• Sunday - Roast Chicken, Rice, and steamed vegetables
• Monday - Sliced Ham, Potato Salad, Rolls & Roasted Veggies
• Tuesday -  Baked Ziti, Garlic Bread & Tossed Salad
• Wednesday - Ham & Cheese Quiche, Steamed Veggies
• Thursday - Grilled Sausages, Perogies and Grilled Veggies
• Friday -  Sloppy Joe Pizza & Tossed Salad

Need more menu planning ideas? Then head over to Laura's @ I'm an Organizing Junkie. Also if your interested in more vegetarian, flexitarian or whole foods menus please check out Jenna's Mindful Menus.

Menu Plan Monday - August 7 - 13

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Mamavation Monday - August 9, 2010

Well it's been an interesting week to watch myself go through.  I made a lot of good choices and I struggled along the way as well. Still had some trouble last week at work getting into a good rhythm with eating - just not taking the time to really think through my choices.  Saturday I set a good, strong intention to really listen to myself, to breathe and allow myself a moment so that I could make self-honoring choices.  It really seemed to work for me, so I'm going to keep that intention for a bit. Just to practice it and I think it will really help me find my groove.  Exercise...well that one didn't happen.  I didn't do any intentional exercise last week.  It's not like I'm just sitting around or anything but intentional exercise is important to me and my vision of becoming a healthier me. I'm going to make some adjustments to my morning routine so that I am making time for exercise.  It's something I want to do, so I want to make it a priority.  If you want to read more about my Weight-Release Journey you can find that here.

Goals for this week:

• Continue breathing and giving myself a moment to make self-honoring choices.
• Make time in my morning routine for 20 minutes (at least) of exercise.
• Continue drinking lots of pure water.
• Eating healthy, balanced meals.
• Make sure I'm taking time for me each day, so that my needs are being met.
• Meditate daily.

Food plan for this week: My basic meal plan is as follows and suppers can be found on my Menu Plan Monday post. {Supper will be around 6pm or so}

	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Sun	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Mon	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Tues	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Wed	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Thurs	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1 pm	Snack: 4	Snack: 8 pm
Fri	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg) & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea
	Breakfast: 7	Snack: 10	Lunch: 1	Snack: 4	Snack: 8
Sat	yogurt & homemade granola	Green Smoothie	Large salad w/lean protein (meat, legumes or egg)  & Bowl of fresh fruit	1 cup fresh raw veggies & 2 Tb hummus	apple slices (or other fresh fruit) OR homemade energy bar & Hot tea

This week I am taking care of myself, I am accepting myself and I am loving myself. I hope that you have a great week too! 

☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Mamavation Monday - August 9, 2010

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12 Steps to Finding True Happiness

What everyone wants from life is continuous and genuine happiness. ~Baruch Spinoza

I'm sure we've all said it or at least thought it...I know I'll be happy when I lose 25 lbs, I know I'll finally be happy when I get this job, or I'll for sure be happy when....and the list goes on.  What we fail to realize is that external things really won't make us happy. Well, they might for a little bit but fairly soon the happiness starts to fade and we are off searching for the next thing to make us happy.  I believe for us to find and experience true happiness; which is more of a fulfilling experience we have to look within ourselves.

I've been listening to the audio book The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want by Sonja Lyubomirsky, a psychology professor at the University of California.

In the book she outlines twelve intentional activities that can help us create a life of true happiness.  I want to share those twelve things with you here today and my thoughts on them. If you want to find out more about the research supporting the advice you'll have to buy or borrow the book.

1. Expressing Gratitude - This is more than just saying "thanks".  It's an attitude of gratefulness.  She suggests keeping a gratitude journal and once a week expressing our gratitude for 3-5 positive things in our lives.

2. Cultivating Optimism - One way to do this is to write about your future story where everything turns out the way you want it to, for 20 to 30 minutes.  This future story could be anywhere from 1 year to 10 years away.

Another way to practice this is by replacing a negative thought pattern with something positive. You don't have to believe it to say it, but keep saying it and you will begin to believe it.

3. Avoiding Over-thinking and Social Comparison - I do this often; thinking about a situation compulsively and what I "could have" or "should have" done differently. Thinking about how so&so is so much better at something than I am.

There are several ways to avoid this type of behavior

1. Distract yourself
2. Think of the bigger picture - will this matter in a year?

4. Practicing Acts of Kindness - Genuinely do something kind for someone.  This can be as simple as a compliment or a random act of kindness. For RAK ideas check out Kind Over Matter.

5. Nurturing Social Relationships - Set aside time each week to just be with the people that are important in our life. By be I mean really being present with them and focusing on the time together - try not to allow ourselves to become distracted.

6. Developing Strategies for Coping - Write in a journal for 15 minutes a day about any painful experience in your life. This can be anything - a major trauma or just something drama in your life. By writing in a journal it helps to clear our minds and make sense of it. I actually try to practice this one daily and I can assure you that it does help over time. Sometimes I have to keep writing about the same situation to really get to the truth of it but it does help eventually.

7. Learning Forgiveness - This does not mean we have to forgive and condone their behavior, it's simply choosing to it let go. One way to practice this is try looking at the situation from the other person's viewpoint. Be empathetic. This is a difficult one for me and I consciously try to practice breathing and reminding myself to "just let it go".

8. Increasing Flow Experiences - This is anything that keeps you involved in the present moment. Something where you lose track of time; "get into the zone" as some people call it. When you find an activity that does this for you - do it and do it often. One thing I like to use to increase Flow is scrapbooking. I can get started on that and before I know it a few hours have gone by and I've really enjoyed every moment of it.

9. Savoring Life’s Joys - This is an easy one that she suggests we practice two or three times a day. It's about enjoying the simple things in life - stopping to smell the roses, really enjoying that cup of coffee. Sometimes the small stuff does matter - as long as it's positive.

10. Committed to Goals - This can be any goal you want, it doesn't matter how big or small - as long as it's important to you. Then pursue it with passion!

11. Practicing Religion and Spirituality - For some people practicing religion is an important part of their life and it helps them recover, improves their health and generally makes them happier. Religion and spirituality are not equivalent though; you can certainly practice spirituality without practicing religion. One simple way would be spending time each day reading a book with a spiritual theme.

12. Taking Care of Your Body - Here are two strategies she suggests - there are more in the book.

1. Physical Activity - Find something you enjoy doing and just do it for 30 minutes nearly every day. This isn't supposed to be a punishment or torture for you...the key is enjoy it. I love to swim. If I could swim every single day this would be the physical activity I would do the most.
2. Meditation - I can honestly say this practice made a huge difference in my life. In my happiness level and my general outlook on life has been improved through daily meditation.

Do you practice any of these Happiness Activities in your life daily now? If so, what ones do you practice or what ones have you received the most benefit from?

☮peace.♥love.☺joy




Latest tracks by Book Tune Records

Photo Credit: jade.sweetdreams. on flickr

12 Steps to Finding True Happiness

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You Are Amazing!

Do it, now
You know who you are
You feel it in your heart
And you're burning with ambition

But first, wait
Won't get it on a plate
You gonna have to work for it
Harder and harder

And I know
Cause I've been there before
Knocking on the doors
With rejection (rejection)
And you'll see
Cause if it's meant to be
Nothing can compare
To deserving your dreams

CHORUS:
It's amazing
It's amazing
All that you can do
It's amazing
Makes my heart sing
Now it's up to you

Patience, now
Frustration is in the air
And people who don't care
Well it's gonna get you down

And you'll fall
Cause you will hit a wall
But get back on your feet
And you'll be stronger
And smarter

And I know
Cause I've been there before
Knocking down the doors
Won't take no for an answer

And you'll see
Cause if it's meant to be
Nothing can compare
To deserving your dreams

CHORUS 1x

Don't be embarrassed, don't be afraid, don't let your dreams slip away.
Don't be scared of using your gift -- everybody has a gift.
Never give up, never let it die,
Trust your instincts, and most importantly...
You've got nothing to lose, so just go for it!

CHORUS 2x

I heard this song for the first time probably a year ago. It was on a playlist that I downloaded and it was only recently that I really heard it.  Since then it has become one of my favorite motivational songs.  I love to listen to this song particularly when I am jogging.  I've always wanted to be a runner and it's only been in the last month and a half or so that I've actually decided to work on that.  I'm far from being a runner yet, but this song helps me get through when I don't want to go any more.  I especially love the last verse of the song - Those are words to live by!

Are you letting something hold you back from going for your dreams? Just go for it! Remember you are amazing!

☮peace.♥love.☺joy

You Are Amazing!

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Kindness Counts

Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind;
and the third is to be kind. ~Henry James

Choose being kind over being right, and you'll be right every time.
~Richard Carlson

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.  ~Dalai Lama

This morning I stumbled on the Pledge to be a Kind-Hearted Blogger at em jay and me. When I read the pledge I knew that I wanted to be a part of this, and help spread kindness through my words across the internet.

AS A KIND-HEARTED BLOGGER I PLEDGE TO:

• create, inspire, and admire rather than compete with fellow bloggers
• be understanding of each other-- in the blogging community, as well as in the world
• stay away from internet/blogging bullying
• speak my opinion freely, while still being mindful of other's feelings-- be tactful.
• make an effort--no matter how big or small the gesture, to spread kindness or joy to others
• acknowledge that I will make mistakes, (I am only human) but remember to learn from them
• know that at times I will post about the negative stuff in life, and maybe even some complaining (I am only human) but I will always follow up with something happy/positive too.
• believe that this world is a good place, filled with good people.

My own additions to the pledge: 

• I will be compassionate and non-judgemental
• I will speak with integrity – use my words in a direction of love and truth.
• I won’t make assumptions – I will communicate as clearly as I can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama.

I encourage you to take the pledge to be a kind-hearted blogger as well. After all kindness is all that matters!

☮peace.♥love.☺joy

Kindness Counts

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Weight-Release Wednesday

The Freeman Michaels Show

If you have been reading my blog at all for the last few months you've probably noticed that I have mentioned a "Weight-Release Program" more than a couple of times. I found out about the program through Feels Like Home blog back in April. I signed up for it, not quite sure what it was going to be all about, but hoping that this program would be the one that helped me finally figure out why I couldn't stay on a diet or exercise program for longer than a couple of weeks at the most.  The program did more than that, it has profoundly changed my life. Not just my relationship with food and exercise, but the relationship that I have with myself has changed - all for the better. And I know that by honoring myself and accepting myself I won't gain the weight back this time.

The last two Wednesdays I have had the honor of being a guest on The Freeman Michaels Show for Weight-Release Wednesday {9am PDT/12pm EDT}. Today will be my third time being on the show discussing how I have used the program to change my life and start releasing weight.  I'm actually going to be mentoring a group through the program (I'll be going through the process with them - you!) on my personal Weight-Release Journey blog site at the end of August.  Today on the show, Freeman is going to give the first caller a free full digital Weight-Release Program course. The program includes 12 videos, The Weight Release Workbook, the book "Weight Release A Libearting Journey", two meditation CD's, and the Weight Release Manual. Plus you'll have access to post on my Weight-Release Journey blog site to get all the support you want on your personal journey.  This is a fabulous opportunity and I wanted my friends here to hear about it first.  Go check out the program, ask me any questions you have about it and then if you think this is something that you can benefit from please call in today - I promise you, it will change your life! I'm even going to give you the number so you can be ready to call in when Freeman announces the giveaway - (805) 639-0008.  Even if you aren't the first caller I encourage you to call in and ask Freeman any questions that you might have about the weight release program.

You can listen to my first interview on the Freeman Michaels Show here:

and you can see and hear Freeman explain the program more here:

Please don't let this opportunity pass you by - It can help you change your life!!

Weight-Release Wednesday

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