Apps to motivate your buns off!

     As we are going into Memorial Day weekend I wanted to give everyone some positive reinforcement!
Here are some Apps and songs I like to keep me motivated to be healthy! Even better for this penny pincher, they are all free!!!! I am using all of these and I love them.  I hope they are helpful to you as well.  If you have a health or music related App you love please share with the class!

Health Apps

Running through sprinkler totally counts as exercise!

My Fitness Pal - You can enter all of the food and water you consume in a day, as well as exercise.  You put in your information and it tells you calorie wise how much to eat based on your info and goals.  Very easy to use as it has a database of foods that is extremely extensive!
My Fitness Pal app

Nexercise - This is one you log all of your physical activities - including playing with your kids or house cleaning!  Easy to use and you get points that go toward Mpoints.  If you have not used Mpoints you are missing out!  There are tons of apps that you can get points for using that you can redeem for gift cards, stuff, or to give to charity!  I love it so much I am practically addicted! I guess I better share a link to that too!
Nexercise app                   Mpoints

Everymove
I like this reward related app better than some of the others I have tried.  It is a little limited on the rewards at this point but motivating none the less.  I am using it to donate to The Make-A-Wish Foundation!
Everymove app

itriage 
This one is a great way to keep track of your health information!  I have to admit I have not spent too much time entering my info into this but it could come in really handy if you were in an accident or something and someone needed to get your info.  My hubs could really use it since he would never remember all my health info!  Remember that Spencer, if I am unable to give my info get on this app!
iTriage app

Music Apps

Just a little shot from my seat last year at a
Dave Matthews Band concert!!!!!!!

Songza
I love this app for a go to playlist for any occasion.  It has been a great way to play children's music since we don't have a lot that we own.  It has many different ways to find just the music you need to get through any mood or activity!  I really wish I could be using the playlist for Lying on a Beach right now (I could but since I am not lying on a beach it would depress me), then I could be listing to artist like Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, and Donavon Frenkenreiter!
Songza

Spotify
This is my hubs go to app for music!  You can rock your face off to your favorite artist  or I can listen to a playlist based on my husband's profile! That might earn me bonus points (I think I have plenty of points racked up) but I think I would probably just go ahead and listen to Dave Matthews Band instead!!!!
Spotify

Freegal music
Who doesn't wanna download and keep music!  You have to have a library card but then you can download 3 free songs from their catalog each week!
Freegal Music


Playlist - these are a few I think to keep my motor running right now!

Roar - Katy Perry
Born This Way - Lady Gaga
Video -India.Arie
Stand Up - Dave Matthews Band
Hey Mama - Black Eyed Peas

Have a great weekend and if you haven't already joined me on Facebook for more good stuff and crazy posts do it!  You won't regret it like I regret telling my son I would make him an Octopod from the Octonauts cake!.  That oughta turn out special!

Pin with me on Pinterest too!

Today choose love!!!
Kristin

I may not always be kind, but I will always be honest

So this post is completely not what I had planned to write about next.  This just kinda happened and well, I needed to put it out there.  Remember I said this is sort of my therapy (especially since the new year started and I am still paying off our medical bills from last year - stupid high deductible insurance).  Well, today, though this post may seem like a rant, I ask that you don't throw in the towel with me at least until you read through the end. Fair enough?  And just to keep you interested I will post random picture that may or may not have anything to do with the topic! Okay, let us begin.
This post is actually coming from a rant of mine on my personal Facebook page (no I will not friend everyone chomping at the bit to see what crazy stuff I post - it is private for a reason - you have to know me to get that level of crazy!) So here it is - some is edited to keep other's comments private.


Chopped butternut squash kinda looks like Velvetta.

 

"No one asked but I am going to voice my opinion anyway. I HATE THE CIRCUS! It is a terrible, disgusting example to show to anyone about how to treat animals. How would we like to be caged up, made to travel all over in said cages, trained by unspeakable means, and then made to endure people climbing all over them. We are outraged by what Michael Vick and other do to animals but pay money for this filth? And to add to it, area police provided lighted/sirens blaring escort for schools to and from. Are you kidding me? I will be complaining about that to someone. And please DO NOT EVER take my child to the circus! -Yes, I said it - feel free to unfriend me now!"

***Okay background info for those who do not know:  Fort Wayne, Indiana - my home sweet home, hosts the Mizpah Shrine Circus every year about this time. 

 http://mizpahshrinecircus.com/

Yes, some of the money from this mess does go to Shriner's charities.  Here is a direct quote from the site regarding this, "The Mizpah Shrine Circus is a fraternal fundraiser in which proceeds benefit the Mizpah Shrine. Payments are not deductible as a charitable contribution."

I would also like to note that I wrote and shared these comments only after re-researching circus practices.  I wanted to make sure I was correct in my understanding of treatment and legality of circus animals - I reviewed several sources - My daddy didn't raise no researching fool! - A fool perhaps.***

Okay game on.

Someone then posted about the money going to their charities - a worthy cause no doubt. Here is my response,
"Oh I love the fact that the Shriners raise money for all that they do. They do great work! However, how can we raise money to care for one while hurting another? I would ask that you send that money you would spend on tickets directly to area of the Shriner's organization you would like to help. - Then 100% goes there and not to animal cruelty!"

https://secure2.convio.net/shfc/site/Donation2?idb=0&df_id=3381&3381.donation=form1

"In fact I posted above for anyone who would like to take a stand with me! I am going to donate the $10 ticket price for me. Oh and I did e-mail the {Police Department} about the escort - I am very unhappy that they would spend my tax dollars on this. Don't worry school systems are next! Mama is on a rampage - lookout!"
 

What is that?

 

I also noted to those reading,  "I was taken as a small child by my grandmother and will never forget it. I did not really enjoy it and when I was older and could understand how the animals were treated I was so upset that I ever went."
Comments were then made about me being upset about the police escort and kids going to the circus and this was my response,
"I am complaining about the schools taking kids. I am all for educational experiences about animals but would much rather the kids go to the zoo, museums, humane farms, etc to get a closer and better interaction with animals. If they want to give the kids a show take them to Cirque du Soleil.  Sorry kids."                                                                                              
                                                                                                        Why yes that is jewelry I made!

So what is the moral of this "rampage" that I tell?  To prove I am nuts?  No, but I am sure it helps.  To help out "my cause"?  No, though I do hope it at least makes you think about animal rights a bit. 
My real reason for today's post is to remind all of us that we are a huge influence on our children.  I hope that is not news to anyone.  I know you are thinking, "Oh good, she is trying to make her kid into a ranting lunatic like her."  Nope, though I am pretty sure it is already in his genes based on some of his OCD behaviors that look all to familiar. 
I am hoping that he embraces who he is and learns that when you believe in something you should find your "voice" to speak up for it. 
Something my mom has always said about me, and I think it is with pride, is that I am not always kind but I am always honest.  I do try to be kind about things and to others but I am also very sensitive and passionate about things that are important to me.  So will I yell at you in front of your kids that you are a jerk for taking them to see animal cruelty?  No, I might be thinking it.  I would ask you one on one if you ever thought about how those animals were treated.  I have rarely been one to "push" my agenda or opinions on anyone - I say rarely because I cannot be sure that I haven't (me, a liberal arts college education, and alcohol don't always mix well).    And I must once again state that I do not believe that I am in any way perfect.  I will even admit I still have a long way to go in my personal journey of ending animal cruelty for example.  I do eat some meat and probably do many other things but I am working on it too.

Here are a few other things about me that I want my child to know about his mom, hopefully be proud of, and maybe even choose to be in his life.

I may not always be right or kind, but I am always honest.
I do wear my emotions on my sleeve, and I will not apologize for it.
I do choose to live my life as a pretty open book, I do not expect others to do the same, I just hope they respect my choices as mine.
I am not always comfortable with myself but I accept that I am still growing.
I expect no more from anyone else than I do for myself.
I choose love above all things and ultimately refuse to put one being above another.

-Yes, that is a Praying Mantis - see I love them too! (Okay spiders, not so much, but I am trying not to kill them.)

So for those who have already dealt with these various characterics of me and chose to stick with me, thank you!

For everyone else still here, I hope that you were inspired (re-inspired) to be an example to your children, family, friends, and others of who you are and what is important to you.  Maybe it is even time to make your own list!  I have to say for me it turned out to be a Brightener!

It also inspired me to add a tagline to my posts, so from here on out, my words at this Round Table will end with this:

Today, choose love!               
Kristin







P.S. I chose this picture because I believe this is one of the greatest ways I have ever experienced unconditional love.

Also as always the opinions and information shared are solely my own and I always suggest you do your own research before you sit down to the table with this or any other nut!

Giving...yeah I'm down for that but how do I choose where?

So as the minutes tick down to 2013 those of us thinking about our year and, let's face it - tax deductions, how do you choose where your giving goes?  I mean let's be honest here, there are a ton of organizations that really need the help, not to mention all the institutions calling for money (as though it is not enough that I give you all my money and signed away my first born to attend your school (totally worth it!) you still want more?!), and then there is your church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious institution.  Of course in a perfect world (eh, that must be in some alternate universe 'cus it sure isn't here) you would have given all year and not just in a monetary way, but we are talking penny pincher tactics at this point!  Don't worry we will get to other ways to give in a future post!

Here are a few ways I use to help my family make this decision:

1. What organization has helped me in the past and I may continue to benefit from?  This one is a little selfish but you do need to soul search a bit.  My husband and I met in college (did not date until years later when we ran into each other - a story for another time) and both believe the scholarships, assistance, support, socialization, and education really helped to mold us into the people we are today and we hope to continue to share that with many others.  This could also be your place of worship, YMCA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, or any place that is "feeding you" physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc. 
2. If you could give money to a cause in hopes that one day they will never need your money again, how great would that feel?  Think money for a cure for... you fill in that blank.  Most of us have been touched by some sort of disease or tragedy in our lives and would love to do something about it so our kids never will.  Maybe this is the Alzheimer's Association, The American Cancer Society, or MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving.  How wonderful would it be to someday be able to say I gave to a cause that cured that disease or ended drunk driving?!? 

                                    http://www.cancer.org/index


     3.  Quick if you had $100 to give and had to give it to charity, who would you give it too?  Your gut is a powerful thing.  Just pipe down and listen.  I will just say that rescue animals will win for me 9/10. 

Who would give up this face? She saved me too!

     4.  Research.  A duh.  Of course you should check into areas of giving that interest you before you give willy nilly (ha that was even funnier to type than to think!).  Remember some of the Hurricane Katrina money that did not go to the people of New Orleans?  Yeah, that is low but well there are some pretty rotten people out there so beware.

Charity Navigator is America's premier independent charity evaluator. They help charitable givers make intelligent giving decisions by providing in-depth, objective ratings and analysis of the financial health and accountability & transparency of America's largest charities. Use Charity Navigator's simple searchable database to find a charity you can trust and support.

      5.  It never hurts to go with a charity you like that is also offering the ability for a match.  This may mean your own employer will provide a $1 for $1 match or maybe a % of your donation match.  Or maybe someone with a nice wad wants to help a little more and offer more incentive to others to give and offers a match.  Either way you have to think you are possibly doubling your giving without actually spending the extra.  Win-win-win!!

But the real lesson of this is just to get busy and give!  Trust me the benefits of giving far out way the extra latte you were going to get this week.  Just think, you could feed the hungry and watch your  weight by cutting eating out one time a month - that might be $5 a month but for a year that is $60 to potentially feed a family for up to a month in some situations.  How awesome is that? 

So get busy and give.  Oh and Happy New Year to all of you!!!!

Brighteners

There are just those days. Days when you are pretty sure a gloomy rain cloud is following you around a la Eeyore. Ya gotta get outta that funk and fast!

One day when I was in a particularly dumpy day, I had an idea to write a list of things that make me feel better. I call them Brighteners. They just brighten your day. They can be whatever makes you smile, laugh, or feel better. Some people like a little retail therapy - some not so much - I'm a penny pincher so I will not be seen at the Coach store anytime soon. For others it is volunteering. Even just the thought of helping others less fortunate can make you feel better.

So what is on my list? Well these are some of the things I came up with. I am sure there are many more and some may not even make sense to anyone but me, but hey that's why it’s my list!!!

·      Making lists - yes I am that person - judge all you want - it soothes me!

·      Organizing - chucking stuff, putting stuff away - it clears my mind - ahh so Zen.

·      Pinterest - okay this is more an addiction but it's like dreaming with virtual Post-its. 

·      Crafts - creating something feels so good! All the better if it is recycled from stuff lying around!

Shameless plug for my company - Musing Tree Creations

·      Exercise - yeah I hate to exercise but I love to dance, take a walk, and play with my dog and kiddo - it all counts!

·      Dive into another obsession - Dave Matthews Band. So this might mean some light Internet stalking, listening to their music, watching their concerts, anything DMB works for me!!!

·      Pampering - okay I cannot afford the spa (see penny pincher note above) so I like to do mini home spa stuff. A foot scrub, a microdermabrasion at home - you can get those handheld dealies and a little of my fav. face scrub St. Ives Apricot Scrub - works wonders and so much cheaper than the real deal! In essence, whatever makes you feel fabulous and pampered. I like to think of the episode of The Middle when Frankie put the pad over her eyes like an eye mask, lit a candle, and relaxed in the car dealership bathroom!

·      Give! - give your money, time, stuff you want to pass on, a hug, a nice note, whatever makes your soul smile! This can be a whole other list in and of itself. - Ohhh perhaps a post for another day!

·       Dog time - Oh my sweet Gracie. Just cuddling with her on the couch makes me so much happier. She doesn't judge me - even when I am eating my 8th cookie of the day. She doesn't demand things of me other than a little food and love. Done and done my friend!  And since my son was born we don't always get the time we need. This has resulted in her trying to chew her toe off, and me making her wear the sock of shame but it is all in love! Time, just her and me - so precious! 

·      Cuddles with my sweet Coen - cuddles with a wiggly 1 1/2 year old are somewhat fleeting. You gotta soak them in when you can and if that doesn’t make me feel good - time to check my pulse!

·      Reading - if you have kids you know this is a luxury! At this point I am excited if I get through a page in a magazine. A chapter in a book would be bliss!

·      Nap - what more do I need to say people?

·      Sing - I love to crank up the music and sing at the top of my lungs like I am The Next Top American Voice Idol! Am I any good? Eh. I can sing but I am not winning any awards. I like to think I can sing Christmas music and Country songs pretty good but that might just be in my head. I have not yet been booed by my son or the dog so... yeah I am pretty good!

·      Date night with my husband! - yeah it doesn't happen often enough but even looking forward to it just does something to make me turn my mood around!

I could probably go on but that is more than enough! I hope you have been inspired to write your own list. Post it somewhere you will look at it often and put a little bit more of those things in your day! It could spread - hopefully like Nutella and not like a fungus! I encourage you to share your brighteners with me!!!!