Oooooh baby baby!!

Hi there! :)

I'm a little drowsy. Been a weird couple of days energy wise. Some days my vat of coffee is extra appreciated! I think the weather has a lot to do with it. The barometric pressure always makes me feel assy. Sammy woke me up last night with a "Mommy, I want to snuggle with you!" and looping his arms around my neck. Aiight. I'm a sucker for my boys wanting to snuggle up. I can't help it!

This week my boys both prep for Mother's Day. I love it! J.T. is excitedly telling me about the project he's working on. I know it's a Hallmark holiday but I still love it because I love seeing them excited to do something for me. This is sweet. Maybe corny but I feel every single word of it.

I don't know about you but I find myself unable to know how to handle certain people in my life. There is so much bitterness and nastiness and I just have no clue how to respond to it. I really shouldn't say they are in my "life". They are around and I have to deal with them but they certainly aren't about living or a part of how I choose to live. I guess all we can do in these situations is choose to rise above. You can't force people to be decent human beings. But I have to ask the question. What kind of person trashes Mother's Day by calling it "hell week"?? Just so nasty and bitter. It boggles the mind. I honestly don't know how to talk to people like that. Oh well, again it's a reflection on them.

Now, on to something worth talking about! And meaningful! :)

If you're a woman looking to get pregnant and start this amazing world of motherhood I live in, here are some foods you can eat that can help with fertility. And doing "Fat-free" is going to make things harder. Your body needs essential fats all the time but especially during this time!

Eggs. Again, if you have cholesterol issues you might want to eat the whites only but if you are fine in that department then eggs are an awesome food. They are protein and good fats in one little food.

Green tea. It's cleansing and increases fertility by helping fertile mucus. (I know, mucus is never a nice word no matter how you use it but use it I must!!!)

Figs. Men this is for you! They treat the male reproductive system and increase semen quality. (Again, never an elegant way to use the word but it has to be done)

Wild Salmon is full of great stuff for overall health. Omega-3 fatty acids, high quality protein, B12 and Iron.

Nuts. High in protein and therapeutic fat!

Beans! High in protein and essential vitamins like zinc, iron and biotin. I have been using kidney beans and chick peas in place of meat on my spinach salads lately.

Avocados. Ahhh I love them so! They balance hormones, help the female reproductive organs and are another source of therapeutic fats. An added bonus is they are great for your skin too!

I have to say I was lucky enough not to have any trouble in conceiving a baby. I tried with J.T. and conceived on the first try. With Sammy, I sort of tried one month...and then the next I was more careful and paid attention to the calender and voila! It all depends on your cycle too. There are a few days in the course of a month that you are super fertile. If you understand your body and how it all works, it might help your chances. I know there are many women who have trouble no matter what they do and that makes me so sad! I know first hand how strong that urge to have a baby is.

As my boys go from smacking each other yesterday morning because Sammy was taking J.T.s breakfast...and therefore losing their Nintendo DS.....to now playing together nicely...I will leave you and get ready for work. That's how it goes with being a parent. And as I typed this...J.T. just warned Sammy "If you do that I will punch you in the face!!"(of course I disagreed with that).....and now they're smiling and happy again. The life with boys!!

I've been listening to a lot of The White Stripes lately. I love them!! And Jack White's album is amazing too. I love his voice!! This is a cool song! I guess with the title of my blog today, I should have posted some Salt N Pepa..but I'm not! :p

"If you want to be happy, be" Leo Tolstoy

xoxoxoxo
Tam

Life is Good!

Hello Darlin Clementines! :) 

First of all, a shout out to my big brother Tim who turns 42 today! How the hell did we get old?? haha!! I remember him calling me "Tambutt" growing up and constantly teasing me. He still does actually! :p 

He looks so innocent doesn't he?? haha! Actually that's a mischievous smile!! He's probably about to squeeze my arm or something! And call me Tambutt! :p 

I had a hard time sleeping last night. I couldn't figure out why for the longest time and then I remembered having a glass of caffeinated green tea with dinner. I tell you, I cannot have caffeine late in the day or it screws me up completely even the smaller amount in green tea. It's funny, I had a very difficult time opening the cap to the bottle. Maybe I should have paid attention to that sign that it wasn't a good idea! haha!! 

Now, a keeping it real moment. Just sharing a bit about why I am so interested and careful about nutrition and health. 

I was just reading an article about signs that you might have an autoimmune disease. I read up on this regularly as it is possible I could develop something. My mother had Lupus and in fact ended up dying from it at the age of 50. Her official cause of death was Lobar Pneumonia with complications from Lupus. She's been gone since I was 25. She had been in remission since I was born. My theory is a bad bleeding ulcer she had suffered from weakened her so much the Lupus came out of remission. Who knows though. It's one of those diseases that has only recently gotten more attention and funding for research. 

My maternal grandmother also died young at the age of 49. She had some issues I haven't had and both my grandmother and mother were smokers. I am not. So I do live a different life than they did however those ages stay in my head and I am aware. I had been living so horribly. Unhealthy, overweight. And I suddenly decided that among other reasons I didn't want to live that way anymore and I could not die because I didn't take care of myself. If something else happens out of my control, so be it...but dying because of my choices? No way! I have too much I want to do and see in my life including seeing my boys become amazing men and giving me grandchildren. :) 

There has been some thoughts that my grandmother may have had Lupus as well though there was still so much not known about at the time. So of course that is in my head. A possible hereditary link. I run cold a lot.  Among other things that is a symptom of an autoimmune disease. I can't dwell about all this though. My next physical I will mention it and have them test it. Until then I will continue to live my healthy life. I feel good and healthier than I did in my 20's! 

I think it's why I'm such an optimist too. And live such a positive life usually. There is only one person in my life who consistently adds stress. He's not worth the stress really. I just rise above and go about my day and life. For the most part I am calm, and feel good and peaceful. We all have bad days but it certainly doesn't define me. Perspective helps with that. And seeing how precious life is opens your eyes to what is truly worth being upset over.  I march to the beat of my own drum. I am a goofball and that's fine. Life is too short to be anything other than you. I am not a fan of fake people. 

May is a bit of a tough month. Mothers day reminds me of my mother. May 23rd is my mothers birthday. Time heals a bit and the blow isn't as severe but I always miss her. At her funeral I promised her that she would be a grandmother. That the children I had would know of her and my boys do. They know of "Grandma Cheryl" and I keep her memory alive with them. We do a lot of shout outs! A lot of "Hiii Grandma Cheryl!!! We love you!!!!" :) 

Have a great day everyone!! 

"For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

xoxoxoxo
Tam

Muahhhday!

Mornin Sunshine! :) 

Hope you have all had a lovely weekend. Mine still continues though I always have so much to get done on my days off. I will go to the gym again after dropping my oldest off at school. Then a couple of errands to run. 

One of my biggest faults is I can be a little clumsy or make mistakes because my brain is always one step ahead. Maybe it's single, working mother"dome" that does it. I'm always thinking of what I need to get done and I sometimes move too fast at the same time. Not a good combo! That is when cabinet doors or freezer doors beat me up! ;) 

Yesterday started off interesting. I drove to the gym, got out of my car and shut my door. I said "Oh no!" and looked in and realized I had left my keys, water bottle, headphones and everything else inside. And the door was locked. I slapped my forehead and went inside. One of the guys who works at the front desk at the gym tried to help me with a coat hanger. My car senses weight on the seats and didn't let us open it that way because there was no weight on the seat. It's hardly a smart car though!! I couldn't believe it. So they called the fire department. I said "They will come for that?!!" And I guess they like coming out for things like that as long as there isn't an emergency. It was a beautiful day. I'm sure they like a reason to get outside and see people for a bit! So the fire truck pulls up! For little old me! I was slapping my forehead again. And three firemen got out to open my stinkin door. They got it and then told me to give them 20 push-ups! haha! They ended up settling for a nice smile and a thank you. And they saved me having to call a locksmith. My heroes!! :) 

The funniest thing is one had to see my ID to make sure it was indeed my car we were breaking into. I said "I have a beat up Scion XA, do you really think I'd be breaking into MY car when there is a Lamborghini in the parking lot?!" They couldn't argue with that but it was procedure. No problemo! The cool thing about the whole incident is I really didn't get stressed out. I knew it would get resolved somehow and everyone was so nice and helpful. My inner calm prevailed!! :)The rest of the day was fine. I got my workout in and cleaned and got groceries and I did get a manicure and pedicure. Now I can show my toes in public without being embarrassed! They are a pretty purple or as my son Sammy says, "Poople". I ended up making tacos using turkey meat last night. And I had fresh avocado! Soo sooo good. And so good for you! 

I wanted to talk quickly about Spring and eating healthy. Now is a great time to buy a ton of healthy fruits and veggies. There are so many that are in season and much less expensive than usual. If you are just starting out this is a great place to get started. From now until mid to late June, get those strawberries! They are packed with vitamin-C and contain folate. Spinach is full of detoxifying chlorophyll and is loaded with vitamin-E which is a very strong antioxidant. If you are a Rhubarb fan, now is the time to get it and it is a good source of calcium. I am a huge asparagus fan which contains folate, vitamin A and Iron. Beets and Mangoes are also chock full of nutrients and in season right now. Load up on all of these goodies! 

I grew up strawberry picking in Oregon. That was a Summer job when I was a young-un! We would pick them and be paid by the pound. It was cool. I'd do it with some friends and we'd be out there in the sun picking strawberries all day. Not so bad. I am also from a small town in Oregon that hosts an annual Strawberry Festival and they are in the world record book for the largest strawberry shortcake! Pretty sweet!! :) 

I have to post this photo. My son Sammy decided to pour water over the side of the tub onto the floor in the bathroom while taking a bath yesterday evening. I pulled him out and scolded him. When I use the words "I'm very disappointed".....it's the worst thing ever for my boys! More effective than anything. This is the result. He was saying "I'm sooo sowwy, mommy. Can I have anotha chance? I wuv you and I'll neva do it again" Honestly, I ended up feeling like the biggest meanie on the planet! The boy has skills! But a few snuggles and his Buzz Lightyear plush toy made him happy again. How can I resist this face?? Ever???  He says he wants to be a "Space Ranger" when he grows up. He's a Toy Story freak! So adorable! 

Have a great day everyone!! 

xoxoxoxo
Tam

Sneezing lately??.......Say it ain't so! ;)

Are you having a nice weekend?? Mine just started. I shall enjoy it though!

The agenda today includes a kick-ass workout this morning, cleaning (Booo! But it must get done), grocery shopping and cooking a good dinner before my boys are home at 5:30. This IS my day off right?? haha! I am going to get a mani/pedi this afternoon though! I can't wait. I need it badly. I have been subjecting the world to my feet without one. Not good! :p

I am thinking of doing an easy chicken/broccoli stir fry later. My boys love Chinese food and my oldest loves what he calls "Chinese broccoli" which means that broccoli covered in the brown sauce. So I am thinking of doing my own version at home. That is the thought now. I may change my mind later :) 

I am really enjoying the weather lately! And the trees are blooming and getting so pretty! The only con right now is I am sneezing a lot. I don't feel it much more but sneezing and a bit of itchiness. Stinkin allergies! Do you suffer as well? Take Claritin or something else? I wanted to give you some other ideas you might not have heard of before. Simple things you can do to relieve the allergies without having to take so many pills. 

The first is, get some apple cider vinegar. I have talked about it before in other blog posts. It is really good, natural stuff. Dilute 1 tablespoon in a cup of water and drink it. This has been shown to be very effective. 

Also drink tons of water. I don't know how much more I can stress about drinking water! But here is another reason why you need to be drinking it. The better hydrated we are the better out bodies can move the pollen through and out of our system. 

Bathe every night. Washing the pollen off of our skin and out of our hair can help. Sleeping with it allows it to linger and end up on our pillow too. If you can't bathe every night, at least change your clothes when you get home and wash your face. 

Drink peppermint tea. It has anti-inflammatory benefits as well as works as a decongestant. 

There are some great essential oils to consume and you can use to diffuse around your home to help with allergies as well. Lavender, lemon and peppermint are all cleansing and having around your home regularly can help. Also with peppermint oil, you can apply the oil to your temples to help with headaches. 

Eucalyptis globulus has been known for supporting the respiratory system and can ease scratchy throats, relieve asthma and clear the head. It needs to be diluted but has the most effect when applied topically. Dilute it with an oil of some sort and apply to the neck, chest or the bottoms of your feet. It can also be added to a hot shower and the aromatic benefits combined with the steam can relieve allergy symptoms. 

There are many plants that act as air purifiers too and can help with allergies. Spider plants, Boston ferns, English ivy, Areca palm, Aloe Vera and the top houseplant is the Peace Lily! It helps in removing benzene and formaldehyde from the home. I think we should all go out and buy a Peace Lily today. Buy it and take good care of it knowing it's taking good care of us. Even the name is badass! Maybe we can look at it daily and feel peaceful and knowing it's helping to purify the air to our home we can give it a high five every day. Air high five! We don't want to kill it, hehe!  Go Peace Lily! You sexy little Spathiphyllum! (That's the proper name. Blogger is seriously underlining that telling me it's not spelled right!! haha!) 

Popping a pill is "easy" I guess but I personally don't like having to take a pill for so much and give the pharmaceutical companies so much dough when there are great natural remedies that may prove to be more effective without nasty side effects. :) 

Enjoy the day. I am heading to the gym soon. I can't wait to get my sweat on! Woot! 

Let's leave off with some Weezer, shall we? It has no relevance to the blog post today but I was just in the mood. ;) The first few seconds are maybe my favorite part of the video. Rivers Cuomo is such a dork. I can totally relate. 

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision" Maya Angelou. 

xoxoxoxo

Tam

Namaste!

Mornin babes!

So I am sipping my coffee and checking out what's going on in the world. One of the first things I see is a story posted by The Huffington Post about a study done by the University of Michigan regarding relationships and how being single is better for mental health than being with unsupportive or critical spouses. The study concluded that quality matters more than quantity when it comes to depression. 

Did they really need to spend money on a study to determine this? It sort of falls under the "Duh" category. In my opinion anyway! :D I can say I am definitely happier and more peaceful than I was in my marriage. I've never been co-dependent and am perfectly fine on my own with my boys but that doesn't mean I'm not open to the right thing when it happens. The word "right" is important. And it will be fulfilling and happy then. I don't think I needed a study to tell me I'm better off now than I was in my marriage. That's pretty obvious! haha! Silly silly studies. Lets put that money to better things, like the starving people across the world! 

Now on to another study I found interesting. About living. 

Do you want to live to be 100 or more? Apparently living that long is going to become the norm for human beings. Not necessarily this generation but not too far off either. I think it's pretty obvious that how we are choosing to live is helping matters. People are much more aware of what is good and what is bad for them. Women don't smoke while pregnant anymore, we wear seat belts and going out to get meat doesn't require a bow and arrow. In this country anyway. 

According to a book and research done by Dan Buettner and is laid out in a book called The Blue Zones. These zones have people living to 100 or more in a much greater frequency than anywhere else in the world and 10 times greater than the United States. These zones are: Okinawa, Japan, Loma Linda, California, Sardinia, Italy, Nicoya, Costa Rica and Ikaria, Greece. 

There are a variety of reasons why each place in particular has people living so long some with their own unique daily habits. However, the common patterns among these widely dispersed locations are: They don't smoke, daily physical activity based on walking, plant based diets with minimal animal protein (using legumes in place for protein), strong family and social connections and an absence of processed or junk food. 

Sure, most of these fall into the "duh" category too....but it's still good to keep in mind and incorporate them into your life. And the important thing is these people were living better and aging more gracefully and truly enjoying life into their advanced ages. What's the good in living longer if you aren't feeling energetic and healthy? So these daily habits along with others like living with purpose by helping others, include faith in your life, drink in moderation if you like (I know many will enjoy that one! lol!) and find ways to reduce stress....will help you live that life. 

I personally think reducing stress and finding ways to just breathe and not worry so much is a huge part of living happily longer. Use humor, prayer and get plenty of rest to help with this. A good nights sleep is one of the best stress relievers out there. And of course I get good workouts in to help with that. It really does take a lot for me to get bent out of shape these days. If people get confrontational with me, I tend to just sit there and look at them and in my mind I'm thinking "ommmmmmmm!" And if I engage ever, I think "That was a waste of my precious time. Let me not do that again". :) 

So lets see. If I live to be 100, that will be the year 2075. I actually saw a program a few days ago about technology and time. Apparently the T.V. show The Jetsons was set in the year 2062. So maybe I will be moving about in a flying car by then? We'll be able to put water on a pill and create dinner. Though I'm not sure that will help with longevity! ;)  J.T. will be 68 and Sammy will be 65. I should be a grandmother and possibly a great-grandmother. And I am downing the antioxidants and live a healthy life to hopefully make me a foxy granny! :p Though of course part of living a fun, healthy life is that balance I've talked about before. As Sophia Loren says "Everything you see I owe to spaghetti". Ahhhhh pasta and Italian food and red wine!! I heart thee!

Alright, I bid you all a good day. De-stress! Do it!! Don't let stuff get to you so much. It's just not worth it and will only make you feel worse. If someone is rude or assy to you it's more a reflection on them and really has nothing to do with you. Don't let their rudeness and ill treatment of you make you age faster and less gracefully. You can have the last laugh one day when you look amazing and are living a fun life at 100 and they are either long gone or grouchy and nasty still. Poor them! :) 

 Cheers and Namaste!! *Clinking my cup of green tea* 

I've posted him before but it seems fitting to do so again today. If you're stressed and having a bad day, close your eyes and listen. Ahhhhhhhh! I'm convinced he was a God of some sort. Who does this????????????? I so regret never being able to see him in concert. Him and Freddy Mercury! And probably Jim Morrison! :)

xoxoxoxo
Tam

Ode to Joy!

Well here we are again. Another day, another dollar?? lol! 

I was up early this morning to wash, blow out and straighten my hair. I still can't believe I've become so high maintenance with my hair. I never was. I just wanted a change so straight hair is that! But to give up sleep for my hair? Gah! What is that?? ;) I need to figure out what to do for the Summer. Humidity isn't going to help keep it straight. Looking into the Keratin treatment aka the Brazilian blowout. It lasts for three months..so would be perfect for June-Sept. Keeps it straight with no work! Wooo. That would be fantastic!! 

I talk on here a lot about healthy habits and change and living a happy life. I think people need to learn how to create these habits and understand how to stick with them. It is definitely not an overnight process especially if you've been living on processed or junk food and zero activity. But by understanding that it takes baby steps and moving forward slowly but surely most will be able to stick with it. 

First you need to set realistic expectations. No matter if you are trying to lose or gain weight, eat more vegetables, drink more water, exercise more or even just be more positive, give yourself the time to accomplish this endeavor. Don't put so much pressure on yourself to have everything be different immediately. 

Have your focus be on how you want to feel in the body that was given to you. Don't compare yourself to anyone else as they are different with different skin, bodies, metabolism, problems..and they are trying to figure their own way. And that way will have nothing to do with you. And try not to make your goal be a specific number on the scale. So often we see people who look fit and healthy and they end up being a higher weight than someone who is thin yet not fit. It all depends on what is going inside your skin not the number on the scale. 

Try to keep things positive and focus on what the great, healthy foods and lifestyle is doing for you. Pay attention to your body and how these foods make you feel. Try not to dwell on what you are eliminating in order to find that healthier place. Focus on how early morning exercise makes you feel and sets the tone for the day and gives you energy. Don't dwell on the alarm going off at an earlier hour. I am an eternal optimist yes but even I have days I groan and say "nooo, I want to sleep!"  

I have written before about getting rid of that all or nothing way of thinking. That is the biggest mistake so many people make. You deprive yourself completely and then burn out on the things you are doing to be healthier. That is not a healthy way of living nor is it realistic. Just find that balance. That is the most important thing you can do for your health and your psyche. 

Finally, try to spend time with those that encourage you and are like-minded in regards to the healthier lifestyle. They don't need to think exactly as you do but if you are trying to change your way of living and then spend a lot of time with a couch potato, that isn't going to help motivate you much. Try to surround yourself with those that give you that extra pep in your step to get going. Whether it be a class at the gym, a website with message boards or just talking and sharing ideas with those friends who live a healthy lifestyle themselves, it will only help to motivate you. 

I leave you with a little Beethoven. I luuuuurve him. What a brilliant man! When I hear this I think of the Olympics!! :) 

Have a great day, my friends! 

xoxoxo
Tam

Drink up!

Mornin! Happy May Day! 

I hope you're all having a great week. Mine has started off well. So far so good as they say. :) 

Lets discuss fluids, shall we? As most of us know staying hydrated and what we are drinking is very important and can make a huge difference in your life. 

I just finished drinking a bunch of water and warm lemon water too. I have discussed warm lemon water in the past and I do love it. Warm, not hot water and with the juice of half a lemon is so so good for you. Of course if you have stomach issues and can't have the juice I understand. But there are so many health benefits to it. Try to incorporate that into your life daily. Use purified water and organic lemons if possible. 

Warm lemon water has been used for centuries for multiple benefits. The biggest benefits are antibacterial, antiviral and immune-boosting. Warm lemon water helps to give the digestive system a jump start for the day if you have it first thing in the morning. In addition to aiding digestion, cleansing your system, balancing PH levels and boosting immunity, this morning drink has a few other hidden gems. It clears the skin. The vitamin C and antioxidants help decrease wrinkles and blemishes. It also promotes healing through the absorbic acid and is an important nutrient for maintaining healthy bones, connective tissue and cartilage. It also helps to freshen breath and aids in weight-loss due to the amount of pectin fiber which helps to fight hunger. 

It's a pretty simple habit to incorporate into your life as are many healthy habits if you just do them. Just take those baby steps I've talked about before.  And incorporating this into your morning habit can really set the tone for the day. When you start off in such a healthy way, it makes you want to continue that during the course of the day. For me anyway. I can't say for sure how you will feel but overall that is a common theme. 

One thing I wish I could do is help everyone to enjoy drinking water as much as I do! :) It is one habit that is so important to your life. So many people will say "I can't even remember the last time I drank water". That makes me cringe because it's this one simple habit that can really have a huge impact on your life. I understand people don't enjoy the taste of it. That it's boring. If you are lucky enough to live in a country with clean, fresh water, please please drink a ton of it. When you feel thirsty it often causes the same feeling as hunger and drinking water can relieve that. It distracts you from feeling hungry and keeps you from snacking in between meals. I personally hate wasting my calories on thinks I'm drinking if at all possible. Empty calories as they are called. The majority of my beverages are calorie free. Water and unsweetened green tea. I will occasionally have fresh fruit juices or smoothies. And of course I like to go out and have a margarita or sangria or something else but I just limit it.

If the water and warm lemon water get boring then try various herbal teas. Many have multiple health benefits. Peppermint tea is known to relieve stomach issues, ginger tea can curb nausea, chamomile tea has a calming and sedative effect, rooibos tea has many antioxidant benefits and rosehip tea is one of the best plant sources of vitamin C. 

And of course the green tea! I know it's an acquired taste. I used to grimace when I drank it but now absolutely love it. And the powerful antioxidants are amazing. There are multiple studies that show that drinking just two cups a day can inhibit cancer growth. The studies in China has shown that the more green tea people consumed the less risk of developing many cancers including stomach cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer. If that wasn't awesome enough, green tea and it's extract has been shown to fight obesity and lower the LDL cholesterol and even lower blood pressure. 

So no more concentrated juices, soda, Gatorade. Limit those as much as possible and try to replace them with water, warm lemon water and herbal or green teas. Try it. Experiment with it. See how you feel. I bet you feel so much better that you start craving the water like I do. Of course I have my coffee in the morning. It's all about limiting the things that are not quite as beneficial. There are some proven benefits of coffee..but juice concentrates and soda?? Ugh!! Eat a piece of fruit instead.  

Have a beautiful day! Feel awesome!! :) 

xoxoxoxo

Tam