Saturday, July 31, 2010

Celebration Day

I can not believe that it has been a year today since Brian's accident.  This year has flown by.  I am so thankful that things turned out as good as they did. Even though Brian still has some pain, he is walking without crutches or walker.  Things certainly could have turned out a lot worse!! 

We are having a BIG celebration party tonight.  Family and friends are coming, we have been getting things ready for tonight!  The house is cleaned, food is prepared and ordered, the deck looks great and lights have been hung.  Music will be great, and the dance floor is ready!  We are so excited to celebrate our good fortune!

I'll take a lot of photos and share with you tomorrow.  I am glad that we are so blessed!  Have a GREAT day!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Friday Challenge - Walking edition

Happy Friday y'all!!  We have a BIG weekend planned and have been getting things ready.  The house is looking good, the yard is looking even better!  Brian has been working so hard on it and I'm in lurve!  with the deck and Brian :)

Since it is Friday, that means another challenge.  It's all about the walk!  so today, we are going to move and when you go out today, park in the farthest spot and walk, go for a walk today - either a leisurely walk with a friend or a brisk walk and get a good calorie burn.


Walking is one of the best exercises you can do.  It is easy on your joints and a great way to build up to a more strenuous exercise, if you want to.

When I wear my bodybugg, I love seeing the step counter.  10,000 steps is the goal for every day.  Do you think you get that many?  More?  Less?  It was surprising to me when I actually saw how many steps I was taking - it was not 10,000.  The bodybugg is a good thing for me to make sure that I am on track and if I'm not, I know I need to move.  You can also use a pedometer.  Whatever works for you, just be sure to walk and move.

The Project You! Type 2 workout has a great walking cd.  I love it.  The music is good, and Kathy Smith is a great trainer.  She talks through the walk ( just enough, but not so much that it becomes annoying) and keeps a good pace.  There are two 30 min workouts, one is just walking and the other one is a walk/jog. Of course, the workout comes with several other exercise dvd's as well.

So, take a walk today.  Just move!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

How diet soda causes weight gain

Nick's girlfriend Lauren has been hospitalized with complications to her diabetes. She is in ICU and we are hoping that she will get to go home today. She has been a diabetic since she was 4 and we would appreciate your prayers and good thoughts. She is doing much better and I saw her twice yesterday. She really wants to go home, I think that is a good sign.


We are also getting ready for the big day on Sat. This is the one year date of Brian's motorcycle accident. Instead of dwelling on how bad it was, we are choosing to have a party and celebrate the fact that he is still with us. We are prepping and cleaning and getting ready for a great time with all our friends!

So, this post will be short and sweet. I want to share this video with you all. I saw this a year or so ago, time sure has a way of getting away from me, but it is a wonderful explanation on why you shouldn't drink diet soda. I'm not preaching to you, just want to make you aware!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Puma Cardiac Heart Rate Monitor

I just finished my TurboFire HIIT 20 and Stretch 10 workout.  I love that I can get a GREAT workout in 20 mins.  I also love that I can use the new Puma Cardiac heart rate monitor and know that I am in the right target area for my workout.  I did push it a little too hard and the alarm was going off, but I was able to take it down a notch and get in my target heart rate zone!  Don't you just love the name of it?  Genius!

The watch was a little confusing to get set up, but once I read the directions, I got it done.  :)  I'm a little stubborn that way at times.  I have been using it for a few weeks now and it is consistent with the calorie burn and I really like it.  I wasn't sure I would like the chest strap, but I don't even notice it.  The first day I tried it out, I thought it would be bothersome and I was aware of it for about the first 5 mins and then I was so focused on my workout and it is pretty comfortable.  The monitor also has many other features:  watch, timer, alarm, and chrono.  It comes in white, red and black and yellow.  The watch retails for $100





You plug in your age, gender, and weight and it will set the target rate for you.  Easy peasy! 

Get your Puma cardiac heart rate monitor from the link to the left.  Puma is a great company and I love their shoes, so I know that this monitor will be a great addition to your fitness regiment!

Don't just take my word for it, I let my fit clubbers try it out as well.  Dawn thought it was comfy and easy to use and really liked knowing how many calories she was burning and Brian H. was impressed.  He's a techie guy and it is hard to impress him!  It was a hit with all of us!  Jason is going to try it when he gets back from vacation, but I'm sure he'll love it just as much.

Check out Puma on Twitter and Facebook



Discussion:  Do you use gadgets when you workout?  Do you want to know your heart rate and calorie burn when you are working out?  Do you think it would make you work out harder?

Monday, July 26, 2010

Fit Club Monday

It's Monday and that means time for another Fit Club Edition!  I love Monday's.  New start and for me a get back to my regular routine day!  I love going on vacation, but I need to get back to more vigorous workouts!  This morning was TurboFire 45 and Stretch 10.  Loved every minute of it and burned 451 calories so far.  I was wearing my Puma Cardiac heart rate monitor (review to come tomorrow!) and it was working overtime!!!

Tonight's Fit Club is going to be Chalean Extreme Dynamic Flow Yoga.  I need a little stretching and movement all together and this is the perfect workout for it!  This workout is part of the Deluxe version of CE. 

Dynamic Flow Yoga -  Lengthen and strengthen your muscles for a long, lean silhouette with this energizing workout. (40 minutes)

If you are in the Los Angeles area, you have to go to the TurboFire Launch Party.  I so wish I could go, but I already have a trip to CA planned for late Aug, and can't go this time around. 

Here's the details:



Fit Club Recipe

one of our favorite go-to meals is pizza.  It's so quick and easy!  This is my favorite right now (it changes all the time!)

I use Mama Mary's pizza crust.  It is so easy, they come in large ones (2 per package) or the small ones (3 per pkg).  The small ones are great, just the right amount and I don't tend to overeat!



I also use tomato sauce.  I like the basil, garlic and oregano version!



Spread the tomato sauce on the pizza crust and add your toppings. 

Black olive, basil and onion with Daiya mozzarella cheese is on my list of favorites right now, but you can add whatever toppings you like.  Brian is in love with BBQ chicken.  ( red onion, chicken (already cooked), black olives and a drizzle of BBQ sauce over the top with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses).  I'm using the basil out of my garden.  It is one of the things that is doing great!  Yay!

Bake in the oven as directed on the pizza crust package and enjoy!  This is what we'll be having for lunch or dinner tonight, so I'll be sure to post a photo!  They look delicious and they are!


Discussion:  what is your favorite go-to recipe/dish/meal? 

Sunday, July 25, 2010

I am grateful!

It's Sunday and that means it is time to be grateful and thankful!

grate·ful/ˈgrātfəl/

Adjective: Feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful.
 
 
I am so grateful and thankful for the opportunity to go on our vacation, for my family, my job and for all my friends.  I really do appreciate each and every one of you!

This really is your life and just like today's song says, are you who you want to be?  If not, then make some changes.  You deserve to be happy, healthy and what you want to be!  Make it happen!

Set some goals, write them down, make a vision board, bring those changes into your life and be thankful for them!

Enjoy the beauty around you, really pay attention to it.  Give to others, be a kind person, and smile more, share your happiness with others, you never really know what they are going through and a smile, a kind gesture, hug or sweet word may be just what they are needing today!  My prayer today is that you are blessed beyond your wildest dreams!

Have a wonderful Spirit Sunday!  Enjoy your day with your family and be sure to give thanks!


Friday, July 23, 2010

Friday Challenge - 30-20-10-5

I am happy to report that I am blogging from outside.  Here's a look at my office today:



It is beautiful weather today after the rainy day yesterday.  Brian and I have taken full advantage of it.  We hopped in the Jeep bright and early this morning and took off for the Royal Gorge.  I have to admit, I wasn't that excited about this stop, but Brian was so I put on my happy face just for him.



He was so right!  It was one of the best stops of our trip.

We took the tram above the gorge



The railroad incline below the bridge


And walked across the bridge


Perfect!

Then we headed off to Cripple Creek.  Toured a haunted jail and walked through the casinos and the quaint little town.

We are back at the camper now for our last night of vacation.  I'm sad to see it end, we've had so much fun, but I am also ready to get home and get back to my regular schedule!

Friday Challenge:

30-20-10-5

Thirty pushups, 20 tricep dips and 10 squats repeat 5 times!  I'm pulling out the big guns on this one!  Of course, if you can't do that many, modify, modify and modify! It is okay.  You can work up to it.  If you want great looking arms, then definitely make this part of your daily workout routine.  These will certainly get you definition in your arms!

I'm pimping out my facebook biz page!  I'd love for you to "like" me!  When I get to 500 followers or likers, what do you call it anyway?  Then I am going to giveaway a Beachbody workout of your choice.  Anything you'd like, so please suggest it to your friends and family!  Purty Please! The giveaway will not be for current Beachbody coaches to participate in, you can still like me, just not eligible to win!

Feeling Fit With Dana on facebook!

Discussion:  What celebrity or person do you think has the best arms?  I have to say that I really want my arms to be well defined.  I think Hillary Swank had amazing arms (whole body really) in Million Dollar Baby, I also think Jessica Biel has nice arms!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Colorado!

We have moved on to  Colorado.  We had a great time in New Mexico and Colorado has a lot to live up to!  Got into town yesterday and we are pretty tired.  So, we took it easy yesterday. 

Drove through Garden of the Gods and started walking on a trail and it started pouring!  So, we drove around a little,  this guy walked right in front of us.



Then we came back to the camper, did some laundry and went to one of my favorite places!



It takes so little to make me happy!!!

Then we came back and decided to eat out.  We found an amazing Greek restaurant ( I know that I can always find something to eat there!) Jake and Telly's.  Dinner was sooooo good!

I got the lentil soup and a vegetable mezze plate.  There was so much food! Brian got some carnivore's delight :)







Brian gets so embarrassed when I take photos of my food.

After dinner, we walked around Old Colorado for a while, most of the shops were closed, but it was good to walk.  We came back to our campground and there was a band playing, we listened for a while and then just decided to turn in.  We've been on the go so much that we just needed to rest.  It's good to listen to your body like that.

So today, we are rested and ready to go!  Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs.  I'm sure I'll get many beautiful photos!

Discussion:  do you listen to your body and rest when it is needed or do you just push through it?

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Shake it up!

We are having so much fun on our trip.  Before Brian's accident, we had planned to take 1-2 big trips ( like this one) and then do one long weekend a month.  We didn't have the camper then, we just drove the car, but it was fun.  We had taken 2 small trips before Brian's acccident and then our lives were put on hold.  So, we are back at it now (somewhat) and I have to say I wish we had done this when our boys were younger.  They would have loved this!!!  We do have a family trip planned out.  We have to get to it next month before school starts again.

Eating while traveling can sometimes be a pain, but I have had the best meals and it's been easy to find vegetarian meals.  I was quite surprised.  I expected to do a lot of cooking in the RV, but we have been exploring and researching and have had great success. I think you have to plan things out in order to have success.  We have been packing out lunch every day for our day trips.  It has been fun and a bit challenging at times to find a place to pull over to eat.  We've managed to find some great spots - alothough one day it was the side of the road.  Luckily, we have had fantastic views no matter where we are!  My goal for this trip was to come back lighter than when I left.  Not sure I'll make it, but at least I had a plan!

I do bring my Shakeology and the vita-mix and we've had it for breakfast all but one morning ( and that morning we wished we had had Shakeology!)  Brian thinks I'm crazy for lugging the vita-mix with me everywhere I go, but once you use it, you understand.  I use it all the time and don't want to be without it.


Shakeology Recipe

Mocha Madness
8 oz almond milk
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology
1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder ( I like Sun Warrior)
1/2 cup iced coffee
ice

mix in blender to desired consistency and enjoy!

I'm not a huge fan of coffee, but I really enjoyed this!

My favorite Shakeology recipe:

German Chocolate:
8 oz almond milk
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology
1 tbsp peanut butter (natural)
1 tsp coconut oil
ice

Mix in blender and enjoy!

One last Shakeology recipe:

Snickers
8 oz almond milk
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology
1 tbsp peanut butter (natural)
1 tbsp caramel sauce
ice

Mix and enjoy!

I like my shakes to be thicker and icy.  Adjust the ice to your tastes!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

exercise and travel - oh yeah!

We are in Taos, New Mexico and it is so pretty here!  The drive from Santa Fe was just beautiful. 

I am still adjusting to the altitude difference and it is affecting my workouts.  So, how do you get a good workout when traveling?  I'm improvising.  I brought my workout DVD's with all the intentions of getting them in, but lack of space and breath is putting a damper on that plan.  So, every morning and evening, Brian and I are walking.

  I am doing some yoga and stretching.




I have also thrown in some ab workouts.  Whatever I can fit in with our sightseeing and with the limited space I have. 

So there really is no excuses not to do soemthing even while you are on vacation. I'm thinking of attempting a little Turbo Fire again tomorrow.  We will be spending a lot of time on the road and I'll need to burn some calories! They are telling me that my body will get used to the altitude and it won't be so difficult to workout.  I think it is worth a try.  If I get it done, I'll have my handy-dandy cameraman take some pictures or video!

Discussion:  What are your favorite ways to get your exercise while traveling?

Monday, July 19, 2010

Fit Club Monday - travel edition

Since I am traveling, my workout routine is completely out of whack.  I had planned on doing my Turbo Fire workouts, just outside at the campground.  However, it is REALLY hot, the altitude has me out of breath very quickly, so I've had to adapt.  Brian and I are walking in the mornings, I'm doing some yoga and stretching and throwing in some ab workouts.  I don't have much room in the camper to workout, but I can do things in a small (very small) space.  I'm making it work and not worrying about it.  I know that I will be back to my regular workouts soon!

We are eating as healthy as possible and wanting to eat locally and try new things. We have done pretty good with that.  Shakeology for breakfast, packing our lunch for our day trips and then having dinner out.  We have had some great meals and I am surprised at how easy it is to find vegan options here.  I am so used to being home and trying to eat out means usually getting a plain baked potato and a side salad.  So, it is a nice treat for me.

Last night we ate at the Tuneup Cafe here in Santa Fe. It was GREAT!  They were on Diners, Drive-in's and Dives.  Brian loves that show and that was a bonus for him.  They had several options for vegan meals and Brian had a buffalo burger. We were both happy!


I had the vegan enchiladas.  They were filled with veggies and tofu and so tasty!



Fit Club Recipe:

Brian's Hummus Wraps

Brian made these yesterday to take on our trip to Madrid!  YUM!

1 whole wheat tortilla
hummus ( I really like Sabra brand)
veggies of choice - Brian used carrots, brocolli slaw, red onions
lettuce
tofurky slices (optional)
Daiya cheese shreds (optional)

Spread hummus on the tortilla, layer the veggies and the tofurkey and cheese.  Roll up and enjoy!



We also added lettuce and tomato when we were ready to eat them!

We have been trying to eat as much organic as possible.  Here is a quick video about organic foods from Beachbody:


Discussion:  What foods do you try to eat organic and what do you do for workouts when traveling?

Sunday, July 18, 2010

enjoy the beauty around you

I love seeing all the beauty around me.  Take some time today on this Spirit Sunday to notice it and enjoy it!
Have a blessed day!


This is the sunrise this morning from the RV park in Santa Fe!











Saw this little guy on our walk



See it is the little things in life that matter!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Friday/Saturday Challenge - Tricep Edition

When I was going to grade school I remember our music teacher had the worst looking arms EVER!  She would be up there directing the music and her arms would flap around long after they stopped moving.  I told myself then that I would never have arms like that!  Triceps are hard to tone, but if you do pushups and tricep dips, you will win the battle.

Here I am showing how to do the tricep dip.  Give these a try and let me know how many you do! Do them daily.  Use a counter, chair, bathtub - whatever is convenient for you!

Friday, July 16, 2010

New Mexico

Hello from Santa Fe! 

We have been traveling all day long!  It's been a fun trip so far, but I'm exhausted.  Why is it that sitting in a vehicle is so tiring?

I didn't get my workout in today, but I am okay with that.  I'll make up for it tomorrow. 

We had a fairly good day of eating on the road.  Of course, it helps when we bring what we need.  I did forget the bread, so I didn't get to make the sandwiches for lunch, but we stopped and I caved and had french fries. Not the best choice, but like I said, I'm okay with it.  Brian and I did munch on the new Clif Bar.  It is really good and hit the spot.  It was sweet, but not overpoweringly so.  It was also crunchy, but not so hard you couldn't bite into it!   Brian really liked it and I would certainly buy it again!



We saw the largest cross in the northern hemisphere and a water tower that looked like it was going to fall down at any minute.





We went to dinner, had some really good portabello fajitas and a margarita with some chips and salsa and then hit up Whole Foods for the rest of the groceries we needed for the trip.  Tomorrow morning we are going to the Farmer's Market and then downtown to check out the art galleries and the cathedrals.  It should be another great day!



This was the beautiful sunset tonight.  Can't wait to see the sunrise in the morning!  Well, maybe I can!



I'll be back tomorrow with Friday's challenge.  I want to video how to do it properly.  Now, you have to check back right?????

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Bust your move! Enter the P90X Contest!

Sorry I didn't get a post up yesterday.  I have poison ivy and had to go to the doctor for a nice steriod shot.  I'm hoping that it will help quickly and stop the spreading and itching!  We cut down some trees at the lake last weekend and I helped.  Guess Brian and the boys will be on their own from now on!!!

The new P90X One On One monthly subscription workouts are now available.  If you get the full subscription, then you will receive 50% off the NEW P90X: MC2 workouts that will be coming out in 2011.  This is a GREAT offer for all the P90X lovers out there! 

The One on One's are shipped out monthly, you get one workout per month and this month's is Chest, Back and Balls.  Tony is at his best again and these workouts are great!  It's a good challenge, you will feel it!



There is also a great P90X contest going on.  You can submit your workout move and it may be in the new workouts or even the P90X MC2!  Contest ends July 18, better hurry to get your move in!

Here's the details:



Be sure to check out my Feeling Fit With Dana Facebook page.  Like it and I'm going to be doing a GREAT giveaway when I reach 500 likes! ( Beachbody workout of your choice sound good?) I would love it if you liked it!

Thursday's Tip of the Day: Get an accountability partner for your workouts and food journal. You and a friend will both benefit, you will be more likely to stick with a plan when you know you are meeting for a workout and that someone else will be looking at your food journal. Don't have anyone????


 I would love to be YOUR coach.  Sign up for the free account at my webpage!  We can get started on your health and fitness journey today! No pressure, no judgement.  Just my help and advice!

Have a wonderful day!
 

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Natural Non Toxic Sunscreen Recipe : Do It Gorgeously Green

I am always looking for a great, chemical free sunscreen: 





Check out this great video on how to make your own sunscreen!  I love this book, you can pick up a copy at your local bookstore or here from amazon!  You will love it too!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Love your workout, be happy!

Good Morning!  It's another Fit Club Monday!  Are you happy with your progress?  Are you happy with your workouts?  If you aren't it is up to you to change things up.  If you are not getting the results you want and you have been doing the same workout for months, change things up.  Do what you love, but you have to change things around to keep your workouts fresh and your body and muscles guessing!  I really believe that your attitude goes a long way towards your progress, so find a workout that you love.  If you don't love working out, you just haven't found the right one yet!  When you do, you will know it right away!  Working out gives you endorphins and will help you to be happier!



This also goes for your diet.  If you are at a plateau, then change up your meals.  Vary your calorie intake daily and see what happens.  Have more calories one day and considerably less the next.  Find where your body is happy and then get down to business!  This is called calorie shifting.  I really like using body bugg's website to keep track of my calories, (be sure to keep a food journal as well so you remember what you have eaten and input it at the end of the day or as you eat each meal), but sparkpeople.com is a free site you can use to keep track of your calories. 

If you are in my area, tonight it our Fit Club - 7 PM at my house.  Be sure to get in touch with me (email or on facebook or twitter) and I'll get you the info on how to attend!  There is no charge to come and workout with us each week and it is a great way to try some of the Beachbody workouts!  Trubo Fire is on the agenda tonight!  I am loving this workout.  It's everything I like, cardio, kickboxing, a little dance and resistance training, and can't forget the dreaded ab workout.  My abs hurt so bad after this week's ab routine!  Whew!  I love it!

Recipe:

Squash Casserole

One of my readers and good friend gave me this recipe!  It is tasty and I made just a few changes to it to make it dairy free!

Slice squash and zucchini and place in a greased pan


Add a layer of Daiya cheese ( or regular cheese if you eat dairy products )

Continue layering the squash and cheese and then sprinkle with bread crumbs ( the recipe calls for ritz crackers, I didn't have any!)



Bake covered with foil for 45 mins at 400 degrees F.  Uncover and let the top brown!



Enjoy!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

I am blessed!


I just feel so blessed this morning!  We had such a good day yesterday with friends and family and this morning I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever was thrown my way.  It happened to be cleaning up the yard first thing, then on to the house!  We had so much fun yesterday that it looked like a tornado came through our property.  We cut down some trees and that had to be cleaned up and Brian and I made short work of it first thing.  We ate the ugly frog (reference to Brian Tracy's book - Eat That Frog, which is about time management - love it!) in about 2 hours.  I have a feeling that I will be sore tomorrow, I think I used muscles I haven't used in a while.  I burned about 350 calories and then went in to tackle the kitchen.

It is done and I have had my shower (which felt wonderful by the way!).  I'm sure everyone is so thankful for that part of my day!

I have been doing the Turbo Fire workouts and I am loving them and I've decided to start the 5 day Inferno Plan.  Since I don't eat meat or dairy (other than what is in my Shakeology), I think I'll document what I am doing (if you all are interested) to prove that it can be done without the meat and dairy.  I'll follow the plan, but sub in with non-meat/dairy products.  I'll post each day what I am doing and how I modify the recipes.

This will go along pretty good with the Vive Le Vegan class over at marilu.com.  Then we are going on vacation for a few days and I'll have a great start! Brian and I are planning on less eating out and eating more local, fresh foods.  We bought a great little cooler to take with us each day as we explore the area we are in! I'm so excited for our trip and can't wait to get started!

If anyone has great ideas or places we should not miss in Santa Fe or Colorado Springs or anywhere in between, please let me know.  We want to have the most fun possible!

See I am so blessed to have such wonderful family, friends and online friends, I am blessed to be able to do my job from anywhere and I am blessed that Brian and I can live out our dream of traveling and seeing this beautiful country!





Discussion:  What is your dream? Do you have a bucket list and if you do, what is on it that you can't wait to do?

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Saturday morning inspiration

It's a cold and foggy morning here at the lake today!  Brian bought a new toy yesterday, a remote controlled boat that catches fish.  He's like a kid in the candy store!  So excited!  He got it out as soon as we got home and charged the batteries up so he could play with it first thing in the morning.  He's been up for a couple of house (since 5 AM!!) waiting on me to get around so we can go down and try it out!  I'm going to take photos and possibly a video as well, just have to see how dense the fog is down by the water!



We are going to have an impromptu fit club by the water this morning, this should be a lot of fun, that is if the girls actually get up on time!  Nick and his friends are here and they told me they wanted to work out this morning.  I told them it had to be pretty early since I was having guests this weekend, they looked at me like I had two heads and they were both spinning.  So, we settled on a 9 AM workout time.  Brian is going to film us doing the workout - I think we'll do Turbo Fire, that ought to wake them up!  I'm looking forward to it, so I do hope they get up on time. 

I found this online on Chalene Johnson's blog today.  I love how positive and upbeat she is, but she also tells it like it is.  I need that in my life.  Anyway, I really liked it and want to share it with you:

It's Between You And God-by Mother Theresa


"People are often unreasonable, illogical, self-centered; Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank Anyway.

What you spend years building, some could destroy overnight; Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, people may be jealous; Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough; Give the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and "them" anyway."

Friday, July 9, 2010

Friday Challenge unplugged

Good Friday morning!  I am at the lake, sitting on the deck enjoying a beautiful view and listening to nature.  There is nothing better and it is a great start to my day.  I am so blessed that I can be here on a Friday and still get my job done!  Love it!

However, it got me thinking about stress levels of most people.  When I had a full-time job and I was raising my boys things were always hectic.  I would run from one thing to another never really able to fully appreciate them.  It was constant chaos.  I thought I was handling it well, but of course, I wasn't.  My heath was suffering and I had to learn to slow down.

Today's challenge is to unplug, de-stress and take some time for yourself.  It doesn't have to be a full day (unless you want to).  But one hour per week just for yourself will make a huge difference.  Do something that you love to do.

A few suggestions on how to spend your hour:

Read
Meditate/pray
Sleep
take a bubble bath
go for a walk
get a massage or manicure
sit outdoors
sip a glass of wine
exercise
listen to music
play the piano or other instrument
drive in the car and sing at the top of your voice

Brian's dream hour is to go to the casino with unlimited funds.  It can be anything at all that helps you to unwind and unplug.

Of course, for this hour, no cell phones or computer.  Completely unplug.

I used to unplug on Sundays.  No computer, turn off the cell phone and I just spent quality time with the family.  We would play games, go for walks, nap and have fun.  I think I may have to start that up again.  Not sure how I got out of the habit.  But, it is nice!

Discussion:  How do you like to unwind, what is your dream hour?