So, after my less-than-successful intro to running, I’ve decided that I’ll focus on walking for the time being. My legs are getting very strong from my workouts, but not in the right places for running (primarily my ankles).
After doing a little online window shopping, I’ve come up with some fun items that will make my walking (and, eventually, running) workouts a little more enjoyable, not to mention productive:
Even Leslie Sansone, creator of the Walk at Home exercise program, recommends using a walking vest. Why? Walking vests are weighted. If you’re carrying extra weight around with you (besides what your body is used to carrying), you’re going to burn more calories than you normally would. It’s a small investment that will speed up weight loss. Sounds good to me!
2. Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer
If you’re walking without this pedometer, you’re missing out on a great hand-held support system. Not only does it accurately measure your steps, aerobic steps and minutes, and distance traveled, it also measures the amount of calories you’ve burned. And that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? We want to make sure we’re working hard enough to cause our bodies to start burning our stored fat for energy. Comes with a detachable belt holder and security strap, and has easy-to-use push button technology. Great price, too.
3. Sportline Walking Advantage Water Bottle Holder
When I walk, even in my own neighborhood, there are certain things I like to take with me: water, cell phone, house keys, and driver’s license (hey, if the neighbor’s lawn mower tosses a rock and knocks me out, the paramedics will need to know who I am, right?). I’ve found the perfect “fanny pack” just for this purpose. It’s so much more than a fanny pack, though. For one thing, it isn’t ugly. Secondly, it’s made primarily for holding a water bottle. Two side pockets hold other necessities, like my cell phone and keys. Handy, handy! And under $10.
Now get walkin’!
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I discovered something cool this morning that I just had to share. As a mom of three teens and a toddler, and the one who makes most of the meals, it’s downright stressful sometimes making the food we have stretch. It’s even worse trying to buy enough food for all six of us on a limited budget.
So, I turn to coupons. But if you’ve used them, you know what a pain they can be: Not just cutting them out, but organizing them. The worst part is being at the store, trying to find the coupons you just “organized,” blocking the aisle while you do so (or is that just me?), and getting more and more frustrated with the whole process. All to save a few dollars.
But this morning, the heavens parted, the angels sang, and I felt peace. I found a site called Shortcuts.com. It’s a free service of AOL, but I’m pretty sure you don’t have to be a member of AOL to use it.
What’s so great about Shortcuts.com? This is a service that puts the coupons you want right on your store savings card. You know — the one that gets scanned to give you store savings, rewards points, or savings on gas (if the store has a gas station)? Putting coupons right on the savings card: it’s an idea that’s been a long time in coming. Know what I mean?
It’s easy to get signed up at Shortcuts.com. Go there, put in your info, choose the store card(s) you want to register on their site, and you’re good to go — you can start choosing which coupons to upload.
So far, there are only two things I’m not thrilled about. The first is the limited selection of store cards to choose from. Most, if not all, of the stores listed (around 20 or so) are owned by Kroger. We don’t have any on the list — except for Fry’s — but we do have Fred Meyer (which isn’t included in the list, but I was successful in adding coupons to my card). I would also like to see stores like Safeway and Albertsons added eventually, as I shop there, too.
Secondly, there aren’t a whole lot of coupons to pick from yet. I did find several I’ll probably use, and am hoping this program will grow to include more.
Go check it out, and have fun. I’m breathing a sigh of relief already, just thinking about leaving those stinkin’ little paper coupons at home!
Do you Twitter? Do you like the latest in electronics? For one day only — actually, for SIX HOURS ONLY — you have a chance to win a great little ASUS Eee PC 7″ White Notebook!
It’s easy to enter. Just follow Wrapables on Twitter, then tweet just once between the hours of 10 a.m. PST and 4 p.m. PST on May 21, 2009.
Don’t tweet just anything, though. Wrapables.com will be tweeting a question, and the tenth person to @respond with the correct answer will win! Only one tweet per person or household. Go here to view the complete rules and instructions.
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Have you signed up yet for your free subscription to my favorite magazine? Crazybusy Mama heartily recommends Website Magazine. If you have a website or blog of your own, this great mag can really help you to take it to the next level to get the traffic you need and the revenue you want. Did I mention it’s FREE?? No strings attached! (How often does that happen?)
On those days when I feel absolutely stuck to my laptop, it’s inevitable that I’ll start to feel a little guilty. I would much rather spend time with my kids than the keyboard, but sometimes deadlines can be immovable.
I had a bit of an epiphany today: I would do activities with my kids, as often as I could, online. Obviously, other activities are preferable (spending time outside or playing a game, for example), but doing things online can help them to feel a little more involved in this part of my world.
The other day, two of my teens and I had fun twirling around the “street view” part of Google Earth. (Which made me wonder if I can have the Google guy come back and take a better picture of our house once we fix the landscaping….)
And today I came across something that my three year-old and I had a lot of fun with: the PBS Parents Photo Factory. I uploaded a picture of her, added a frame and one of her favorite characters, and this was the result:
It totally looks like Elmo’s in our backyard, doesn’t it? We had so much fun that we decided to do another:
If you have a little one, take a break when you can and head over to the PBS Parents Photo Factory. You’ll both appreciate the time together. Don’t forget to print out your pictures!
“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”
~ Cardinal Mermillod
Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday, May 10. If you haven’t gotten your mom anything yet, I’ve assembled some really great ideas for you.
If your mom lives far away and you won’t be able to visit, a Super Gift Certificate from GiftCertificates.com might be the perfect answer. Your mom can choose to use her certificate for such things as a trip to the spa, new decor for her home, clothes, etc. Or buy her a certificate for her favorite store…there are almost too many to choose from (and in this case, that’s a good thing!).
Do you have one of those moms who insists she doesn’t need a thing? Flowers sent through FlowerDelivery.com are always a hit, and they offer same-day delivery. Check out their gorgeous bouquets — Mom is sure to love them. And if money is tight on your end, click on the “Under $50″ category. FlowerDelivery.com has something beautiful for every budget.
My mom happens to like e-gift cards from Amazon.com. She likes to watch movies, and enjoys finding her favorites on sale at Amazon (and if you’ve ever strolled through the Amazon.com site, you know they have really great prices).
Here’s a cool feature that Amazon offers: You can print out their gift cards at home. You’re due at your mom’s in 30 minutes and you forgot to buy her something? Buy the e-card, print it out, and you’re on your way!
Other great ideas for Mom:
Hanging flower baskets (always on sale before Mother’s Day)
Spa gift baskets
Restaurant gift certificates
A hair and make-up day at a local salon (go ahead — throw in a manicure!)
A soft and cozy throw blanket and a new pair of slippers
Books
A framed picture of the grandkids (but don’t let that be the only thing you give her)
Chocolates
Jewelry
Her favorite perfume, or one that reminds you of her
The gift of time…take Mom out to lunch and a movie
Hey — don’t forget to do something nice for yourself this Sunday. After all, it’s your day, too. How will you be spending Mother’s Day?
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My little one, just three years old, has been sick since last Thursday. With the swine flu scare so prominent in the news, you can bet I’ve been watching her closely. Her sickness began with vomiting and a fever, which subsided, only to be replaced by a cough, a runny nose, and some serious crankiness.
While scanning the Internet for “stress relievers” today, I came across this little gem. Oh, how I wish he’d been living here these past several days, especially when Bethany complained about her tummy hurting. And how great would this have been years ago when my (now) teens were small!
About 12″ high, the Hot Hugs animals (the Hot Hugs Dog is also available)are made in England and feature removable — and cleanable — covers. The inserts are made of 100% cotton and are filled with natural Cotswald wheat grain and pure lavender and chamomile essential oils. Isn’t that a breath of fresh air, with all the chemicals our children are exposed to on a daily basis?
Just think of all the ways your child will be able to use the Hot Hugs Lion:
Cuddling with on a cold, stormy night
Feet warmer
Tummy soother
A traveling buddy on a car trip or plane ride
Something familiar while staying at a friend’s house
I don’t know about you, but I’ll be picking one of these up as soon as I can. He’ll be a great friend to have around!
1. GoFit 10-Pound Walking Vest with Removable Water Bottle Holder
3. Sportline Walking Advantage Water Bottle Holder
“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.”
She likes to watch movies, and enjoys finding her favorites on sale at Amazon (and if you’ve ever strolled through the Amazon.com site, you know they have really great prices).
