Finding Motivation to Get Fit

I really like working out. It makes me feel good. It gives me more energy. And it definitely puts me in a better mood. (Just ask my husband) However, once my free work-out classes ended (they don’t offer it in the summer, just the winter months) so did my work-outs. Boo. It’s ridiculous. Yes, I could go back to the gym I used to work out at. Yes, I could get on the treadmill I have at our house. But let’s be honest, I work-out harder and longer when I’m with a group of people. They make me push my myself harder and they give me inspiration to keep going when I’m tired. BUT, once you stop it’s so hard to get motivated to start up again. (you would think my clothes being super tight would be motivation enough, or the better mood thing…)

Anyway, it’s lunch break and I went to Yahoo to check my email quick and saw this article. The pictures are amazing and I’m so proud of all those people, even though I don’t know them. Just the courage to post before and after pictures. Go you! So – this is my question or really questions.

1. Where do you find your motivation?

2. Have you tried Kayla Itsines (@kayla_itsines) guides?

3. If you’ve tried it – was it worth the money? Did you feel like the work-outs were easy to follow (don’t misunderstand me – I don’t mean “easy to do” that would defeat the purpose. You have to work hard for results, I get that.)

4. I’m trying not to focus on weight but more on how I feel and how much energy I have. But, I also feel like I need to have some sort of accountability – like inches or body fat. What works best for you?

XOXO

~ The Sheiliac

Family Fun Day, well for the kids that is

Last week Diva had an appointment with her diabetic doctor. It went good. She’s growing, her numbers looked good and I think we are going to do a trial with a continuous glucose sensor. (I’m not going to get into that right now though because nothing has been set up yet, hopefully I’ll have an update on that soon.)

Anyway, it was also “Family Fun Day”. They take the kids and play games, have snack and they can win prizes. What’s really nice about it is they are around kids that have to do the same thing they do. Everyone has to check blood sugar. Diva “won” a Barbie in a swimsuit and was thrilled! Day made.

While the kids are having fun playing games the parents get together in a room and visit. Ask questions, share experiences, etc. I wouldn’t say it’s “fun” but it was nice. It was nice to hear the other parents have the same fears as us. It was nice to hear that they struggle sometimes too and it was really nice to hear the sound of hope. Hope for constant improvement.

As we went around the room and introduced ourselves we shared how old our children were when they were diagnosed and how old they are now. We were the second to “newest” parents there – with 7 months since our T1D diagnosis. There was a mother/grandmother there. They had recently found out the son has T1D (like not even a month yet). They didn’t talk much. They sat and listened. And they held back tears. I felt so bad for them. I know how they are feeling. Heck – I still hold back tears sometimes and it’s been 7 months. It’s a lot to take in. It’s overwhelming. It’s sad. It just is. I wanted to go give them a hug and tell them that we are all there. We are there to ask questions to. We are there to cry with. We are just there. And I wanted to tell them that it really does get better! About that time all the kids came back and Diva had to go to the bathroom. I took her and when we got back they were gone. I will always regret not saying something to this mom and grandmother. Maybe I’ll see them at next year’s Fun Day.

This was a great reminder for me – you never know what struggles a person/family is going through. So be kind often. I’m not sure where the below quote originally came from. But they are wise words, that I’ll take a little more to heart now.

XOXO

~ The Sheiliac

Monday Must-Have’s

It’s been forever since I’ve posted anything. I’ve been busy with work and life. I’m sure you all know what I’m talking about! Am I right?!

I’m trying to make some time to get back in the swing of things for the blog. So I’ll start with something easy. Things I must have. Things I use all the time. Things I simply don’t think I could live without. Time for  “Monday Must Have’s”.

Let’s dive right in!

1. Leopard print shoes

2. “Dilly” Green Beans

3. Little “Sparkle” Bag

4. Movie Night with the kids

Hello leopard print shoes. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these shoes. I wear them all the time. I’m not the only one who loves these shoes. I get compliments on them every time I wear them. I wear them with leggings, dresses, jeans, capris. Pretty much anything. They are fun, they are comfy and they were only like $30. FABULOUS. Where did I buy these fabulous shoes you ask? TARGET. The brand is Sam & Libby. Sophie just had to be in the picture – silly dog!

 

These are “Dilly” Beans (pickled green beans). I tried them at one of my husband’s Christmas gatherings a few years back. I fell in love and had to have the recipe. Luckily – the “outlaw” Kris shared it with me and I’m sharing it with you all. You’re welcome. And mind you – I can say “outlaw” because I’m a outlaw too. LOL. She’s a sweetheart and I’m so thankful she shared the recipe with me. They really are a great snack.

Dilly Beans

Brine:  

2 1/2 cup water

2 1/2 cup vinegar (brown)

1/2 cup canning salt

In (EACH) Jar (wide mouth ones are easiest : put in jars prior to stuffing with beans)

1 head of Dill

3-4 cloves of garlic

2 tsp red cayenne pepper

2 jalepenos (cut in half)

**Stuff jars as tight as you can with beans. I always triple the brine. Have hot bath water ready. Pour HOT brine into jars. If brine is not hot and you put jars immediately into boiling water the jars will break.

Fill jars about 1/2 inch from the top with brine. Leave stems on beans. Beans that are long and skinny are ideal.

Hot bath approx 10 min. Long enough for lids to seal.

Store for 2 weeks in cool dark place.

This is my little “sparkle” bag. I always have it in my purse. It carries some of the items I can’t live without. I’ll talk more about those later. Right now I’m focused on this adorable bag. It’s small enough to fit in my everyday purse and big enough to carry some of the items I need to always have with me. Medicine, lip gloss, gum, tums, mints, etc. Go get one today. Seriously. I can’t remember where I got this specific one but I recommend T.J. Maxx for little bags!

My husband is a golfer. Ugh. Are you in the same boat? Anyway, he has golf league on Mondays which = Movie night for the kiddos and me. They love it and I get to be with them AND rest at the same time. WIN. They get ready for bed: you know the drill, shower, pj’s, snack, brush teeth and then we get all cozy in my bed and watch a movie. It’s easy. It doesn’t cost any money (unless they’ve talked me into buying a new movie) and it makes them happy. Sometimes it’s the little things.

Have a great week everyone.

XOXO

~ The Sheiliac