Snowshoes - a great investment

Since we got PLENTY of snow this year, it was the perfect year to invest in some snowshoes!  I was so excited when "Santa" brought me my first pair of snowshoes and poles!  I have used them many times and I really enjoy it - more than I thought I would.  I have even put my little girls in a sled and pulled them behind while I have gone.  They love it too.  I just tell them to look for fox and coyotes for Dad while I am snowshoeing to keep them occupied :-) 

If you love spending time outside and enjoying the beautiful snow that we get in MN, I highly recommend investing in a pair of snowshoes.  You won't be disappointed.

The pair that I got were from Sam's club and only cost around $75, so the cost of them doesn't have to break the bank.  Here is a pair that is similar to mine - http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod1670036

A new kind of pizza

I have been obsessed with my new favorite BBQ Chicken pizza lately.  It is super easy to make, filling and has a lot of fiber and protein with minimal calories and fat. 

Accoring to my 'Daily Plate' it has the following:
357 calories
12g Fat
11g Fiber
30g Protein

This is what I use to make it:
Light Flatout Wrap Original (found at Target)
Chopped Green Pepper
Chopped Onion
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Chicken Breast
Famous Dave's Sweet and Zesty BBQ Sauce

ENJOY!

New favorite workout DVDs

I started off the new year with a few new workout DVDs to help change up my routine a bit, and I LOVE them both!

Core Fusion Boot Camp
and
Tracy Anderson's Mat workout

The boot camp dvd has a little bit of everything - stretching, yoga, weights, cardo, etc. I am literally dripping wet in the middle of it! I have quite a few of the Core Fusion workouts and this one I think is my favorite. It seems to target your WHOLE body in one workout. If you can't do the whole DVD, it is broken down into 10 min smaller workouts so you can pick and choose which ones you want to do.

I have been wanting to try Tracy Anderson's DVD for a while now. I keep hearing how she can really change your body no matter what your body shape or genetics. I can see how the mat workout will do that. Like any other workout regimin, I will have to stick with it and do it 3 to 4 times a week at least but I am willing to give it a try. She doesn't talk much or do much instruction, so the first time you might have to watch a little more than actually doing the moves, but I think her "method" could really work! It is more of a targeted trouble zone workout. However, even though there isn't cardio, I still felt like I got a good workout!

Need more fruits and vegetables in your diet?

We eat a decent amount of fruits and vegetables in our house but there is always room for improvement. Recently we purchased a juicer and have found a new love for fruits and vegetables.  We have put some crazy concoctions together and they still turn out great.  It is such an easy way to get in those fruits or veggies that you don't really like, but know that you should have.  If you blend all the flavors well, it will taste fresh and sweet.  My latest blend was broccoli, cauliflower, apples, pineapple, carrots, and spinach.  Sometimes the color of the juice isn't the most appetizing, but knowing all the nurtients I am getting and the taste of it outweighs the color.  It is also a great way to get the kids the nutrients they need as well. 

Another great item is the Magic Bullet.  My sister ordered one and then we bought the smaller "Bullet to Go" from her (which is basically the same thing.)  We

use this machine mostly for fruit smoothies.  It is small, portable and very easy to use.  It also has very little pieces compared to the juicer.  That is probably the juicers only downfall.

If you are looking to eat a little healthier this year, I encourage you to try both!  You will be surprised how well fruits and vegetables can taste!

Cheap Christmas decor

Need something to spice up your room for Christmas but don't want to spend any more money?  Try wrapping one of your pictures on the wall. It is easy, cheap and can make the room merry and bright :-)

Great book = Great Christmas gift

I am not much of a reader, mostly just browse things online and in magazines.  However, I have found a few good books that I like - and most of them seem to be "self-help" or motivational type books. I received this book from my sister for my birthday, Run Like a Mother and so far I love it!  The book is great for someone that is interested in running, is a runner or even someone that has no desire to run. It is more of a motivational, funny book about all kinds of things that women and mothers go through in life to get it all in.  I am only a little ways through the book and I have laughed and learned a lot already!  The two authors did a great job! 

This book would make a great Christmas gift!

Homeschooler website I love!

I don't plan to homeschool, but as I was searching for some curriculum ideas for the girls at home, I came across a great homeschooler's website and I just had to share it!

Confessions of a Homeschooler - http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/

The website has great ideas on so many things.  I actually have been using a lot of the Letter of the Week curriculum, games, etc.  She also has great organizing ideas, meal plans and recipes.  You can download everything right from her website.  It is quick and easy to just print off one thing at a time, or do the whole curriculum.

If you are looking for something simple for your kids to do, take a look you might be surprised!