Soy long Kashi

This is an article that was recently written about Kashi. Take a look and come to your own conclusions. I threw out the remainder of my Kashi GOLEAN Crunch! this morning.

Thanks for nothing, Kashi: Cereal company caught in GMO controversy; backlash ensues
MARY ANN GEORGANTOPOULOS

NEW YORK

Published: April 24, 2012 3:29 p.m.

"Anyone who has watched documentaries such as "Food Inc." knows that we can never really trust where our food comes from. When a company boasts "natural" and "organic" foods, though, we'd like to think we're making healthy choices. Think again, readers.

Kashi, the cereal brand that prides itself in natural health and healthy eating, is in hot water after it was revealed that the soy used in its cereal is Genetically Modified and tested positive for pesticides.

So all those mornings you woke up and thought you were having a healthy breakfast were all lies (maybe, if you believe in such things).

A photo taken from The Green Grocer, a natural and health food store in Portsmouth, R.I., has been making the rounds on Facebook and Twitter.

The photo is of a sign hanging on the shelf and reads:

"You might be wondering where your favorite Kashi cereals have gone. It has recently come to our attention that 100% of the soy used in Kashi is Genetically Modified and that when the USDA tested the grains used there were found to be pesticides that are known carcinogens and hormone disruptors."

Even though the sign was posted earlier this year, it has just kicked up a storm online recently with an onslaught of criticism and comments directed at Kashi's Facebook page.

Kashi responded with a post on their website stating they are working with the Non-GMO Project to verify their products.

"We're excited to share an update on our work with the Non-GMO Project, North America's only third-party verifier of non-GMO foods. Seven of our foods are now officially Non-GMO Project Verified including Autumn Wheat, Cinnamon Harvest, Island Vanilla, Strawberry Fields, 7 Whole Grain Flakes, 7 Whole Grain Puffs and 7 Whole Grain Pilaf. This is the first step in our phased approach, and we're committed to this journey! Check out our product pages at Kashi.com or search for Kashi at www.nongmoproject.org for updates as we continue to verify our foods."

Seven of the foods?! Who are you trying to fool, Kashi? With more than 84 products, Kashi consumers are upset. And what do people do when they're upset? They vent about it on social media, of course.

Kashi's Facebook page has been taken over comments like "I will never buy Kashi again," and 'Shame on you!"

Some users went as far as to say, "Kashi...Let's make everyday a truth day! Thank you for the poisons. And the lies" as well as "Tell your CEO's if they ever meet me they had better keep there occupation a secret.. WE know they're good at it ;)"

If there's one thing to take away from this fiasco it's that social media users will call you out on deception and unsound practices. Take note, food companies, everyone's on to you."

Detox Salad

Not too long ago, a friend and I did a Girl's Night In (we were both sick). We decided on dinner and a movie. In our quest to remain healthy, young and vibrant, we decided to pick up some food from Whole Foods pre-made bars. I was drawn to all the delicious warm international dishes, while my friend went straight for this all veggie mix.

At first sight I cringed. Raw veggies? That's it? Ewwwwe. I can't say that I am a veggie lover. I want to be, oh so desperately. Yet, I just can't get myself to choke those babies down. She's good with advice, that one, and suggested that I just get it because I won't regret it. Was she ever RIGHT!

I crave this stuff now, but for me getting to Whole Foods is like running the Tough Mudder backwards blindfolded. I kid you not, last trip I made it took me over 25 minutes to make a left turn into the parking structure because there is no left turn arrow at that intersection. City of Milwaukee, are you reading this?? Let's do something to make my trip into the city a bit more efficient and enjoyable, shall we??

It wasn't until my friend recently got accepted into her grad school program and promptly declared that the purse strings will now be tight and these luxury items will have to be forgone, that I said "WTF!! I can MAKE that salad at home for probably a fraction of the cost!"

Low and behold, I was not the only lover of this magical detox salad. There are many versions out there. I found one that is about perfect. One thing that I omitted was the kelp. I didn't have time to shop for it. Also, currants were pricey at my grocery store, so I just used raisins- whatever. Oh, and I forgot the parsley. The salad still turned out fantastic and tastes SO close that I didn't miss out at all. So, we've waited long enough. Here's the recipe. It took me a manner of 15 minutes to put it together. I let it sit in the fridge for about 4-6 hours. It made a huge bowl full. The largest bowl I own, actually, and it was still just a little too full to toss it without stuff falling out of it.

I used one head of cauliflower, a bunch of broccoli, half a bag of baby carrots (shredded), about 2/3+ cup of raisins, enough sunflower seeds to make a thin layer over the top and the juice of 2 lemons. THAT IS ALL. No salt, no pepper, no anything else. Easy Peasy.

And now I can FINALLY eat my vegetables, Dad.

Detox Salad (from eat-spin-run-repeat.com)

Inspired by the Whole Foods Detox Salad.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cauliflower (about 1/3 of a medium-sized cauliflower)
• 2 cups broccoli
• 2 medium grated carrots
• ¼ cup dried currants
• 1/3 cup raisins
• ½ cup sunflower seeds
• 2 tsp kelp granules (NOTE: kelp granules do have a fairly distinct sea vegetable-like smell, so you definitely don’t need to use very much!)
• ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• sea salt and black pepper to taste

Chop the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. (You can use a food processor, but I like my pieces chunkier, so I hand-chopped.)

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, grated carrots, and all remaining ingredients. Toss very well to combine, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Makes 6 servings (about 1 cup each)
Nutrition per cup: 130 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated), 0mg cholesterol, 34mg sodium, 20g carbs, 3g fiber, 11g sugar, 4g protein.

"You might be wondering why this is called a detox salad, and from my reading and research into raw food diets. I’ve learned that some of the best vegetables for detoxing are raw cruciferous ones. That includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, bok choy, and cabbage. These are full of phytonutrients, minerals, and antioxidants which are exactly what our detoxing organs (that would be your liver, kidneys, and lungs) need to keep them humming along nicely. Of course, the lovely nutritional benefits are lost the second you decide to cook any of these veggies, and that would be a shame, wouldn’t it?"

I probably don't say this often enough...

I probably don't say this often enough, but I have one of the most dedicated, caring partners in the whole wide world. I'm not the type of person to display my affection for the world to read, but today is a particularly special day. Not for any reason in particular, other than my heart is telling me so.

In an effort to avoid pain, we often act less then admirably. Maladaptive behaviors are used as coping skills, temporarily getting us through the unmanageable. They work for a while, but inevitably lose effectiveness.

I am so lucky to have someone in my life that is intelligent and has the foresight to see things when I do not. His ability to point out my behaviors that aren't beneficial and steer me in a direction that is fruitful and allows me the space to become that which I have always imagined.

Let me tell you about me. When I told stories about my family, they didn’t revolve around family beach trips, barbecues, and vacations; the focused on my parents’ fights and all the ways they “ruined my life.”

The same applied to friends and milestones in my life. I chronically remembered and rehashed the worst experiences. This went deep into college and found itself quite a large feeding ground in my marriage. I was so blinded by this pattern, this view of always being the victim, that I was unable to see things any other way. Good things weren't good enough because they would always end up going away. Bad things were the way of life back then. I even sat my now ex-husband down one day to tell him, while choking back a waterfall of tears, that I didn't understand how people could be happy, smile or find other peoples' jokes and stories funny. I hadn't really laughed in years. I didn't understand.

I’ve noticed that many of us have something in common with my misguided past self: we focus on how we’ve been hurt far more than how we’ve been helped. When we complain about everything that’s gone wrong, or everyone who has done us wrong, we’re drowning in our self-involvement.It’s taken me a long time, but I’ve learned we don’t need to live life in a constant state of reaction to things that seem difficult or unfair. We don’t have to be the victims of bad coming at us. Our lives don’t have to be the sum of our problems—not if we take responsibility for putting good into the world.

That starts by fostering a greater appreciation for our interdependence. We are not alone. The world is not against us, and we don’t have to be against each other. We don’t have to let our fears, insecurities and wants boil over inside us until we’re all a bunch of incompatible toxic chemicals waiting to explode the second we collide.

Currently, I find myself becoming more open and aware that I have choices that I get to make every day about every situation I am involved in. It's not an easy road, but it is a worthwhile road. All the time and effort I put in today, will allow me to reap the benefits exponentially in years to come.

Back to Roo. Without his unwavering support and the very sincere way that he believes in me, I would have never been able to find the courage to go back to school, apply to and get a better job that I love, workout for my health and my own personal body goals and so much more.

My love, you are by far the most inspirational person I have ever met. You have helped shape me and mold me into someone that I am so very proud to be. I love you for that and will always.

I can't believe it!

It has been so long since I have written a post! Most of my days are filled with work, school and chores. Lately, since the weather has been so freaking nice, a lot of outdoor social activities. Last night I went for a 3 mile run in the park. It felt so good! But my allergies are definitely acting up. It's a pretty big bummer.

Since it mostly is sinuses draining, leading to a sore and irritated throat, I've started to drink hot tea with honey. It helps soothe my throat. I hear that lemon juice is also great to add in. Maybe I will go at lunch to the grocery store to pick some up. I'm reluctant to take allergy medicine because it usually leaves me lethargic and in a zombie-like state. Anyone have any other natural suggestions to help keep this under control?

I am challenging myself for the month of April to not spend any money (besides the necessary). I am by no means being too spendy, I just want to get back to the roots of my savings plan and see if I can't squeeze out another bit into savings that wouldn't have normally been saved.

Speaking of money, there will be a few openings (aka room for advancement) at my company. I am hoping that, if all works as pre-planned in my head, before the mid year mark I will have been promoted. That means a substantial increase in pay, which will once again help the bottom line and put me to my savings goal just that much quicker!

Davy Jones- A Sad Day for Monkees Fans

I'm a huge fan of the Monkees. I used to watch them as a child and sing the songs along with my younger brother as we danced around the kitchen. His favorite was 'Stepping Stone.' Mine was 'Daydream Believer.'

The Monkees lead singer Davy Jones has died today, according to the medical examiner's office in Martin County, Fla. He was 66.




A spokesman at the medical office confirmed to CBSNews.com that it had received word of his death. "A possible autopsy may be performed after evaluation of the circumstances of the death and medical information," the spokesperson said.

Jones' rep confirmed to the Associated Press that he died Wednesday morning of a heart attack in Indiantown, Fla., where he lived. Jones' death was first reported by TMZ.

Born in Manchester, England, Jones rose to stardom as a teen idol on the NBC comedy series, "The Monkees," which ran from 1966 to 1968. The show, which followed a rock group modeled after the Beatles, also starred Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork. They were originally banned from playing their own instruments on the show. The Monkees scored several hits, including "Last Train to Clarksville" and "I'm a Believer."

After the show ended, the Monkees started to disband. Jones released a self-titled album in 1971. In the mid-1980s, Jones, Tork, Dolenz and promoter David Fishof got together for a reunion tour. In 1987, Jones, Tork and Dolenz released a new album called "Pool It." To mark the Monkees' 30th anniversary, the group, including Nesmith, put out a new studio album in 1996 titled "Justus."

Jones has been active on the music scene as of late, and was on tour as recently as this year.

Jones is survived by his wife, Jessica.

THREE Jason PowerSmile All-Natural Whitening Toothpaste for FREE!

LOVE IT! Too bad I just had to buy a new tube YESTERDAY. Oh well, at least I will have 3 back-ups now! This is an all natural product, so the savings are tremendous!

Head over to Vitacost and get THREE Jason PowerSmile All-Natural Whitening Toothpaste for FREE!

Remember, get $10 in Vitacost credit for signing up! After signing up, you should get an email with your $10 off coupon code. Use this code to get $10 off ANY order.

Once you get your code, search for Jason PowerSmile All-Natural Whitening Toothpaste Bundle — 6 oz pack of 3 (Item #JAS 9991001). FREE Shipping is included on this item.

HURRY as this can go fast!

FREE Pretzel from Auntie Anne's

Head to Auntie Anne’s Pretzels on Saturday 3/3 between 10 am and 3 pm for a FREE pretzel. This is in honor of FREE Pretzel Day. More details on Auntie Anne’s Facebook Page.

Whole Foods Organic Chicken- $1.99/lb!!!

HOT DEAL!!!! 

Head to Whole Foods Tomorrow, 2/17 and stock up on Organic Whole Chickens for just $1.99/lb.!

Limit 10 per customer; but limit may vary by store.  I would advise getting there in the morning because they may just sell out!

FREE Pie at Waffle House

Currently at Waffle House pick up a FREE Pie through 3/9.

FREE Panda Express Peppercorn Shrimp

Head to Panda Express on February 22nd (next Wednesday) to get a FREE Single serving of their Peppercorn Shrimp.  No purchase necessary!  Must have this coupon with you.

History of Valentine's Day

I have to admit that while I was looking, I wasn't overly impressed with the things that I came across. I stumbled upon this gem and had to share it. Where I don't generally see the holiday as a negative holiday, I feel that we can all appreciate this listing through the ages. You'll laugh. I did.

You think Valentine’s Day is romantic? Ha! Ha ha ha! How wrong you are. Take a look at Valentine’s Day through time, and see the slow progression of the holiday that ruined true and authentic romance.

AD. 269 Valentine of Rome was a Catholic bishop who attempted to convert the Roman Emperor, and was therefore stoned and beaten with clubs.

Not romantic, right? Well, that’s where American Greetings, the world’s largest greeting card company steps in. They took this unromantic story and embellished it, telling History.com that on the night before his execution, Valentine wrote a letter to his beloved, signing it “Your Valentine”, and this became the first ever Valentine. Historians say this has no historical basis whatsoever.

1382 In order to commemorate the marriage of the 15 year old King Richard the II, Chaucer wrote a romantic poem in which he mentioned “birds choosing their mates on St. Valentine’s Day”. Very sweet…until you realize that English birds are very unlikely to mate in mid-February in frigid cold England. So he was probably not referring to Feb.14th. Also, unromantic when you consider it is a poem about two 15 year olds who’d never met, being forced into marriage as counter-reaction to The Great Schism.

1400 On February 14th, Paris establishes a “High Court Of Love”, which dealt with, among other things, violence against women. The bad news: the judges are chosen based on poetry readings. Romantic? Sure. Effective? No.

1601: Shakespeare writes Hamlet, in which the title character mentions Valentine’s Day to Ophelia, albeit in an overtly sexual, harassing way that eventually leads her character to suicide.

1784: The first “Roses are Red, Violets are Blue” poem is published in Gammer Gurton’s Garland. The verse has been plaguing unimaginative, would-be poets ever since.

1797: In what can be considered the final, ignominious death of courtly love, The Young Man’s Valentine Writer is published, which basically gives men templates for poems which they can customize and use themselves.

Early 1800s: Printers have started to print mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards, which would often be sent anonymously. Some of these cards are sort of horrifying.

1847: Esther Howland, of Worcester, Mass, creates the first mass-produced Valentine’s with paper doilies. Pre-school teachers have rued her ever since.

1849: Graham’s American Monthly wrote: that “Valentine’s Day is becoming..nay, it has become a national heyday.”

20th Century: Chocolates, gifts, flowers start being exchanged in addition to Valentine’s day cards.

1975: “Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown” first airs on CBS. Charlie Brown brings a suitcase, hoping to get lots of Valentines. He gets none.

1980s: The diamond industry begins promoting Valentine’s Day as an occasion to exchange jewelry. You know, in addition to Christmas, Birthdays, Weddings and Anniversaries.

1998 Boy Meets World: Cory and Topanga break up on Valentine’s Day after Cory kisses another girl on a ski trip, thereby shattering the romantic illusions of an entire generation.

2010 Valentine’s Day hits theaters. It’s just like Love, Actually, except terrible. Maybe the worst movie ever made. Valentine’s Day has officially jumped the shark.

And for all of you wondering what my Valentine's Day will look like... this. A warm non-fat decaf latte with a heart of froth. Perfect. Cozy. Warm. Wonderful.

3 Free Bruegger's Bagels!

Like Bruegger’s on Facebook and you’ll be able to print a coupon for Three Free Bagels on February 9th only!  They are celebrating 29 years and are giving you free bagels on that day just until 2pm.

Free Ben & Jerry's!

Mark your calendar and plan dessert treat at Ben & Jerry’s on Tuesday 2/14/11. Pick up a FREE sample of Stephen Colbert’s Americone Dream ice cream for you and your family. Find a location near you.

Free Pei Wei Thai Basil Chicken Entree with Purchase!

Go to Pei Wei Market online and create your Pei Wei Passport.  When you do, you’ll get a free Thai Basil Chicken entree when you purchase another entree.  Expires 2/17.

Thai Basil Chicken is a sweet and zesty pesto with lemongrass and lime stir-fried with red bell peppers, scallions and cashews. It also has lotus chips and fresh cilantro.

Attn Men: Groupon Valentine's Day Deals You Cannot Pass By

Valentine's day is around the corner. Just a mere 2 weeks away. Have you thought about what to get your girl and don't have a clue? Have you looked at your bank account, wishing you had more to spend? Or, are you like me, and enjoy a fabulous deal that will make your love squeal with joy? Well, guys- here is an amazing deal for you!

Head to GROUPON TODAY to purchase her a nice pair of Swarovski crystal earrings! Only $19 shipped! Yes, you heard me right, that is including shipping to your door in time for Valentine's Day! My boyfriend doesn't know it yet, but this is what he got me! ;)

Head over to GROUPON to get your girl this fabulous gift, at 70% OFF!

Superfood Series - Blueberries

What's so super about them?

They're possibly the ultimate superfood. Some nutritionists believe that if you make only one change to your diet, it should be to add blueberries.

Just 100g (4oz) of blueberries contain the same amount of age-defying antioxidants as five servings of other fruit and vegetables. Antioxidants help guard against a range of cancers, heart disease, asthma, arthritis and cataracts, Alzheimer's and age-related neurological diseases.

By preventing infectious bacteria from clinging to the wall of the gut, bladder and urethra, blueberries also offer protection against cystitis.

Key ingredients?

High in vitamin C and a good source of fibre, blueberries have a compound, pterostilbene, which acts to protect the heart in the same way as cholesterol-lowering drugs. They also contain anthocyanins, which give them their blue colour. Other flavonoids reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. There is also resveratrol, which again is believed to have an anti-cancer effect.

Does it boost brainpower?

Yes. A US university study showed that blueberries slow down mental ageing. When older rats were fed the fruit for two months, they navigated mazes faster and had improved balance and co-ordination. In humans, about 100g a day can stimulate the growth of new brain cells.

Will they make me gorgeous?
Quite possibly. They contain polyphenols, which combat the effects of free radicals, a key cause of wrinkles, and so keep skin looking younger for longer. They also help the body to make collagen, which keeps skin supple.

How many calories?
A mere 83 for a cup of berries (around 145g).

How much do I need to eat?
A small cupful, about 100g a day.

How should I eat them?
In fruit salads, or sprinkled on yogurt or oatmeal/grits/not cereal. Bake them in muffins, snack on them at your desk to beat sugar cravings… you get the gist. Keep a bag in the freezer, so you always have some to hand.

Recipes with blueberries:
Blueberry yogurt multigrain pancakes
Blueberry crumb bars
Blueberry goat cheese crostini
Blueberry oatmeal scones

My Fitness Pal- FREE DIET SOFTWARE!!

I don't know about the rest of you, but I work out hard. I find my way to the gym whenever I can. I push myself to the limit and love finding new, creative and challenging ways to try and achieve my fitness goals. I can't say I have never dieted- I have. I can't say that it was bad for me- it wasn't. I lost my first 20 lbs on the South Beach Diet and still use recipes that I learned from eating that way very often. I have never gained that weight back.

However, I haven't become toned and sleek, either. That, my friends, takes patience and perseverance. I have been committed to the gym for almost 2 years now. I have gone from a size 6/8 to a size 2. I just have yet to achieve that overall toned look. I had a hard time coping with the fact that even at a size 2, my body wasn't looking like that girl up there ^.

Recently, a friend of mine put a post up about her weight loss goals and how she was achieving them. MyFitnessPal.com. A free website where you can track the food you eat and the exercises you do. Not only do you track it, but you initially enter information and your goals and it will ANALYZE everything for you! There are tons of users, so most foods you can imagine are already in the database.

The big bonus here--- There is a FREE iPhone AND Android app for this site! That means, no matter where you are, you can be entering in calories consumed. I never realized how much junk I eat during the day while working. Now that those numbers are pretty much staring me right in the face, I make much better decisions for my diet.

If you are the type to cook your own meals at home, there is a place where you can enter the recipes you make and get the breakdown in calories, protein, fat, etc. I think this is great for everyone- whether you are trying to lose weight or not. It's important that you know what is going in your body, and My Fitness Pal makes it easy to keep track and look at your own personal diet trends.

SOPA/ PIPA- What you need to know

I've been searching the internet for a good explaination of what is going on that isn't several pages long. I found an article written by James, manager or crashmasters on his website, crashmasters.com. Thank you, James- for putting this in a way that everyone can understand.

Here is that article. Please read it.

Hey everyone, James here with a little bit of a wake up call for you.

Over the past few months, the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) and other various media associations have been pushing for the Stop Online Piracy Act (S.O.P.A.) and the Protect-IP Act (P.I.P.A.) to pass through our Senate and House of Representatives. But what do these bills mean to YOU?

I am sure a lot of you are going to look at the first name and say, “Oh, well, it is just there to stop piracy! That is a GOOD deed!”

Yes, it is. However; what else is in this bill? Is the MPAA simply trying to shut down online movie pirates? Or is there something more? Since most piracy sites are hosted OUTSIDE of the US, there is only one thing they can do. They can block “infringing” domain names from being accessed by United States Citizens via their ISP.

I know what you are thinking, “I thought our traffic was anonymous?!”

Yes, in most cases, it is. However, with either of these acts, ISP’s (Internet Service Providers) and web sites like Google (the largest, and most widely used search provider in the world) would be forced to hand over logs of traffic, and search results. So even if you delete that certain history from your computer, Comcast, Frontier, and even Google, will have to give it up the results, and WHO YOU ARE, just because the government says so.

Here is a short video to break down exactly what is going on. Mind you, this is BOTH bills in a nut shell. It is much worse, and more secure than you think.

Protect IP and SOPA in a Nut Shell

I assume I have your attention now?  As the video states; this does not just effect businesses, and larger websites. This effects YOU.

Allow me to put this into clearer terms, and this will be the end of my rant.

Say you go to a local Karaoke bar. Your best friend, boy/girlfriend gets up and sings their heart out, or falls on their face. Either way, it is hilarious and awesome. You videotape said friend/significant other and upload that video to YouTube.

A few days, or even hours, later; your video is removed, and you have an e-mail, or letter in your inbox saying that Warner Music, or Sony/BMG, is about to sue you for everything you own because you infringed on their material.

Oh, and did I mention it is up to a 5 year felony?

And all you wanted to do was get a laugh.

Welcome to the “future” of the internet if you do not speak up. Think it would not happen to you? Remember the baby in the video? Because this new bill negates and destroys the “Fair Use Act” and the “Freedom of Information Act”, Sony and Warner can WIN. Easily, I might add.

Speak up, internet. Whether you just Facebook all day, or are the hardest of all hardcore bloggers. Shoot over to http://fightforthefuture.org/pipa/ and send that email to your local congressman/woman and let your voice be heard. Customize it, or just send it out the way it was formatted. Either way; your voice DOES matter.

-James

Manager of Crashmasters Computer Sales and Repair

Groupon- It's Worth It!

If you have never used Groupon, you are missing out. Groupon is a daily deal site that offers area attractions at 50% (give or take). I was never a huge Groupon person until I started pulling those purse strings tighter. I only purchase what I feel is a good value and that I will use (as they do expire, eventually). So far I have gotten $3 movie tickets, $10 dinners for 2 and attraction tickets at over 70% off.

Groupon also has a "Goods" link as well. Most recently they have posted many items that will help you get back on the New Years Resolution bandwagon. I have my eye on the $20 Shawn T's Rockin' Body set. That's a STEAL!

Visit GROUPON now! Sign up and start saving! (Everything I have purchased I would have done anyway at full price.)  

Top 5 Regrets

This is an article I shared on facebook. It's a worthwhile read and makes you think if you are living a life you'd be proud of living.

 

Nurse reveals the top 5 regrets people make on their deathbed

 

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality.

I learnt never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end.

That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what  others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

Super Hot Game Coupons!

There are some super-hot new game coupons that you should print now and take advantage of these awesome match-ups.  Grab these for gifts or family game night!

Target:

	Pictionary Card Game – $5.89 $5 printable = $.89 each

	Jenga – $9.89 $3 printable = $6.89 each

	Cranium Brain Breaks – $12.99 $3 printable = $9.99 each

	Catch Phrase – $19.99 $5 printable = $14.99 each

	Electronic Catch Phrase – $24.29 $5 printable = $19.29 each

	Pictionary – $26.99 $5 printable = $21.99 each

	Taboo – $28.49 $5 printable = $23.49 each

Walmart:

	UNO Pictionary Card Game – $5.88 $5 printable (doesn’t specify a version) = $.88 after coupon

	Cranium Brain Breaks – $12.96 $3 printable = $9.96 each

	Taboo – $19.84 $5 printable = $14.84 each

Electronic Catch Phrase – $24.97 $5 printable = $19.97 each

The Tummy Tuck: Courtesy of Fit Chicks

Time to tone that tummy! On paper it looks easy, but when you do it,  you see/understand just how effective this workout is. You'll be holding plank for about 12 minutes. Don't worry you won't really notice. ;) Its cardio, strength, and core all rolled into a beautiful ball called the Tummy Tuck! That's right keep your hard earned dollars in your pocket! No need for surgery! If you do this workout 3 times a week, along with a healthy diet, you'll see some major improvement in your abdominal strength and overall appearance.

For this workout all you need is an exercise mat, an interval timer, some water, and a towel.  Now if you don't have an interval timer, there is an app for android phones, called the HIIT interval timer, and it's free .  As you can see from the picture on the left you can set it for intervals of work and rest.  I love it!  Download that app! It's a must have. Now during this workout, I want you to be mindful of your core. I want you to engage your abs, remember to pull you belly button towards your spine, and don't forget to breath. Give it your all, do your best.  There will be video's on how to perform the exercises after the breakdown. Enjoy! =)




Set your interval timer for 2 interval's. The first interval will be 45 seconds and the second will be for 30 seconds. Set it for 4 rounds. If you do not have access to an interval timer. You can use a stop watch or just watch the clock. :) You will be performing these exercises in circuit format(one after another). There are three stations in this workout. For the third station you will not need your interval timer.

Station 1

Spider Man Planks 45 seconds
      
 Plank Hold 30 seconds

Plank to pushup 45 seconds

Plank Hold for 30 seconds

Plank leg lift for 45 seconds

Plank hold for 30 seconds

Mountain Climbers for 45 seconds

Plank Hold for 30 seconds

Rest for 2 minutes and Repeat  ONLY if you are advanced, if you're a beginner proceed to the next station.

Station 2
Bicycle Crunches 45 seconds

Side Plank Hold (right) 30 seconds

Side Crunch (left side) 45 seconds

Side Plank Hold (left side) 30 seconds

Side Crunch (right side) 45 seconds

Side Plank Hold (right side) 30 seconds

Mason Twists 45 seconds

Side Plank Hold (left Side) 30 seconds

Rest for 2 minutes and Repeat ONLY if you are advanced if you're a beginner proceed to the next station.

Station 3
Leg raises 15 reps

Reverse Crunch 15 reps

Super Man's 15 reps

Reach Unders 15 reps per side

Rest for 1 minute and Repeat (beginners too)
 
 
 

Plank Hold 

Side Plank Hold 

 Spider Man Planks

 

Plank Leg Lift

 

Plank to Pushup

 

Mountain Climbers

 

Bicycle Crunches

 

Side Crunches

 

Mason Twist

 

Leg Raises

 

Reverse Crunch

 

Super Man's (Back Extensions)

Reach Unders

Super Foods

It's a New Year. I have no resolutions that have to do with dieting. However, I do want to make sure that I add more fresh produce into my diet.

That is my small change. In the next year, I will be posting about different foods and the reason that they are nutritious. Some of them are even considered "Super Foods". Be on the look out for those in the future.

Here's to a healthy, fulfilling and frugal 2012!