Kitchen Update: Floors

Earlier this week, I let you know about the kitchen floor replacement project my husband decided to take on this past weekend. {See our first kitchen update post here.}

I am so excited to share with you the finished product {though the entire kitchen has yet to be finished} - and just in time for Tanner's birthday party tomorrow. I told Jake he absolutely had to have it done by then due to all the guests we are having over. {Having the refrigerator in the living room just isn't convenient for a party...well, not this kind of party.}

So here's another series of update pics - I'm hoping you can start to see how the black, gray and white are all starting to come together now.

Laying out the tile with thin-set

The tiles had originally been large squares, but Jake wanted to cut them to create the subway tile pattern.

Hubby even made me help scrub the grout off after he slathered it on. Not the most fun job in the world, but necessary!

For fun, here's some before pics:

 And the afters {so far}:

Even our dog blends in now!

Here is our progress list so far:

1. New Countertops & Sink
2. Install Backsplash
3. Install Ceramic Tile Floors
4. Paint Cabinets - White
5. Paint Walls - Light Gray
6. New Dining Room Table & Chairs

Stay tuned for more progress soon! xoxo

See the parties I link up to here.

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The Vitamins You Should Be Taking

Many of us aren't getting the nutrients and vitamins our bodies need simply from the foods we eat. Whether we are on the go too often to stop and replenish as often as we should, or whether we have some days where we don't make the healthiest of choices when it comes to what we put in our bodies.

Here are some vitamins and supplements you should be taking...and WHY.

Fish Oil

Fish oil taken daily has been shown to decrease triglycerides (the type of fat that is stored in the body), help keep skin clear and healthy, lower blood pressure, increase joint health and even decrease depression due to its positive effects on serotonin levels. In studies, it has even shown helpful with behavioral problems in children vs. using medications such as Ritalin.

Biotin

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Biotin, the common name for vitamin B7, helps your body metabolize carbohydrates, protein and fats. It also helps your body process glucose, in turn, making your body able to take food and turn it into energy more quickly, resulting in a higher metabolism. Biotin helps build strong tissues in your muscles, enabling you to gain more muscle, lift more weight and thus burn more fat. It also builds strong tissues in the nervous system. Additionally, Biotin has many effects on your exterior, as it promotes healthy and longer hair and nails, and brighter, healthier skin. Take at least 1,000 mcg per day.

Multivitamin

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Last, but certainly not least, you should take a multivitamin daily. Packed with vitamins and minerals such as niacin, zinc, calcium and magnesium, these pills are essential to your body's overall health. Multivitamins help prevent heart disease, colon cancer and breast cancer. Remember you only need a multivitiamin that carries 100% daily value of the 12 essential vitamins and minerals, i.e. zinc, B, C, E, etc. Any more than that will not do you any better. I have also heard that it is better to take 1/2 the pill in the AM and the other half in the PM for better absorption.

Now, if you're like me, sometimes swallowing a large pill can make you gag. I can do it, but it's not my favorite thing to do. I have found for me, taking my vitamins and supplements at night helps, as for some reason, first thing in the morning, the idea of swallowing some large pills makes me queasy. Also, if you are able, breaking them up into smaller pieces might help. Since I take mine at night, I keep them on my nightstand next to my large glass of water so I don't forget to take them. After all these years, I have found that to be what works best for me to ensure I am consistent in taking them. FInd what works for you, and stick to it.

Book Nooks

Tanner and Breckin are all about books right now. Tanner is learning how to read, and doing so well. Breckin just loves to be read to and loves looking at picture books. I'd love to create a central place to keep their books that is a comfy place to read as well - even for Mommy when she's reading their bedtime story. I of course love to take to Pinterest for inspiration:

If I could find a spare closet in my house, something like this would be beyond awesome:

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I'm a huge fan of cubbies, especially the IKEA Expedit series. I also love the rainbow display of the books in this reading area:

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I really love the idea of using those IKEA Spice Racks for front-facing bookshelves:

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As far as the space I will be using...I'm thinking of somewhere in the play room/office, or possibly finally moving my La-Z-Boy out of Breckin's room {and selling it!} to utilize that corner as a book nook with a bean bag chair or something. Tanner will still have books in his room, but as far as bedtime stories, we can all corral into Breckin's room together for that. I will be sure to let you know {and see} what I end up doing!

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Train Like An Angel

The Victoria Secret Fashion Show is fast-approaching, so you bet those little Angels are working their hardest to be in top model condition.

I got an email from Victoria's Secret highlighting their VSX Collection. This collection is full of great workout wear that is cute, flattering and sure to make you want to get up and workout. I have a few VSX items from past collections and they are definitely quality.

Here are a few of my faves from the current collection that have made their way to my online shopping cart:

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I have a larger bust-size, so maximum support during workouts is a must. This bra has all kinds of support, plus moisture-wicking fabric.

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I'm lovin' a crop workout pant lately...and these look to be a very flattering fit.

Check out the rest of the VSX Collection online at Victoria's Secret!

Also, in spirit of getting runway-ready - VSX is offering workouts via their Facebook page. You should check it out and take on the daily workout challenge.

Happy Birthday, My Sweet Young Man

Today is a very special day...and not because it's Election Day.

Today my son, Tanner, turns 7. Not only that, it's also my Momiversary...the day I was officially made a mother.

I will never forget the feeling of utter excitement, joy and even a little bit of fear...knowing my life would never be the same...and this precious baby boy's life and happiness was my responsibility. Becoming a mother has by far been the greatest blessing in my life and it has taught me more things and made me a better person than anything else in this world possibly could. I thank God every day for His miraculous gift.

Sweet Sleepy Angel in the Hospital

One of my Most Favorite Pictures

Has Always Loved The Water - Natural Swimmer

My Beach Bum

Pretending he doesn't love Mommy's Cuddles :-)

 

Just so naturally handsome, I may be biased, but it's true!

First Day of Kindergarten

Taking a Stab at Male Modeling

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk - July 2012

♥ Happy Birthday, My Sweet Tanner. ♥

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My Gym Routine: Glutes

I thought I'd start a short and sweet series called My Gym Routine to give y'all a little insight into my gym workouts. I'll be dividing it up by body area. My hope is that you might find some inspiration and effective moves for your own gym routine.

Note: Many of these exercises can also be done at home with little to no equipment and a little improvisation. 

Here is the schedule of posts for your reference:
Mon 11.5.12 - Glutes
Mon 11.12.12 - Legs {Thighs, Hamstrings, Calves}
Mon 11.19.12 - Shoulders
Mon 11.26.12 - Back
Mon 12.3.12 - Chest
Mon 12.10.12 - Triceps
Mon 12.17.12 - Abs

First body area I am going to start with is the one I like to work the most: my glutes. When I'm working my glutes at the gym, that also means it's leg day because I always work those together.

Bridges

Start lying on the floor with your knees bent with your heels no more than a few inches from your bottom. Slowly lift your hips, concentrating on contracting your glute muscles to do so. Give it a tight squeeze at the top, hold a few seconds and slowly bring back down. That's one rep. I aim to do 25 reps per set, and 3 sets total. For an added challenge, grab a bar weight and hold it on your lower abdomen while performing this exercise.

Dumbbell Squats

Grab a set of medium weights and hold them at your sides. Slowly sit back as if there is a chair behind you, keeping back straight and knees behind the toes. Lower down until your thighs are parallel with the floor, hold for a few seconds and slowly rise to starting position. That is one rep. I will aim to do 12-15 reps per set, and 3 sets total.

Dumbbell Plie Squats

Grab a medium dumbbell and stand with your back straight and feet just a bit further than shoulder-width apart. Hold the dumbbell at your center by just one end of it. Slowly lower until your thighs are parallel to the floor, making sure your knees do not protrude past your toes. Hold a few seconds and while contracting your glutes, rise back to starting position. Same as the dumbbell squats, perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps.

Lunges

Lunges are by far one of the most effective exercises for your lower body. I actually prefer walking lunges, but at the gym, I tend to just do the stationary ones. Start in standing position and lunge one leg forward so your back knee is bent at a 90 degree angle and shin is parallel to the floor. Leading leg should be bent 90 degrees as well with thigh parallel to the floor. As you lift yourself back to starting position, be sure you are using the glutes to do so and not pushing off your leg. Repeat on opposite side. That is one rep. I do 3 sets of 12-15 reps. Dumbbells optional.

Many of these exercises are effective for your legs too, which is why I work legs and glutes on the same day.

Tell me about your routine for glutes - any super-fab effective exercises to share? I'd love to hear what is working for you! xoxo

Monday Musings

Unfortunately, this was another work weekend for me...can you believe I was actually GRATEFUL for the time change because I got to sleep an extra hour before having to be at work by 5am on Sunday? I must say though, I'm not excited about the early sundowns to come.

While I was at work, handy hubby got to work on the next step in our kitchen makeover - the floors. This is what I came home to on Saturday:

All of that cement-looking stuff is the sticky paper underside of the linoleum that he tore up...we got unlucky that it didn't want to all come up together...so it was a bit of a process to scrape it off.

Here are a couple pictures of the tile we are going to install - I love it because it's a textured slate-like tile and will go so well with the black/white/gray backsplash we installed, as well as the black granite countertops. The best thing: It was completely FREE. Jake's dad had them extra from a job and gave them to us.

The next steps in the kitchen makeover process are painting the cabinets white and the walls a light gray. I can't wait to see it finished and share it here with all of you.

Sunday afternoon, we took advantage of the high 70s/low 80s weather and the boys and I headed to the play park for a little fun time to give Daddy some peace while he continued to work on the flooring {I had wanted him to take a break and come with, but he wanted to trudge through}.

Hope y'all had a great weekend! xoxo

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I Got Nothin'

Yep, that's right...I'm at a loss for a post today...

I blame my sugar-high ridden kids who stayed up too late last night for Halloween {though it was worth it}. But darnit, they were just too cute:

However, seeing as how it's the day after Halloween, I'm sure some of you are looking for great ideas to get rid of the excess candy...head over to my sister blog, i-Heart Fitness, for my list of ideas. xoxo

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Halloween Is Over...

Now what to do with all of that candy?

If you're like me, having candy in your house is just a recipe for diet disaster. I have NO will power when it comes to sweets. {Well, I do have some, but basically, if I don't say no before it gets into my house, I'm doomed.} So I try to keep it OUT from the get-go to keep from over-indulging.

Here are some ideas for getting the candy out:

1. First let your little ones pick up to 10 pieces to keep {I usually only allow for one per day to be eaten.} Promise them you won't eat any of it. {Harder to eat it if you know you're going to break a promise to those sweet things by doing so.}

2. Check with some of the local dentists to see if they offer a candy-buying program. Let your children keep the money.

3. Check with local museums, aquariums, etc. to see if they take the candy. Our local Children's Museum offers free admission in exchange for candy so they can send it to our troops.

4. Just go dump it in the trash. No harm, no foul. You'll feel much better about yourself once you've done it.

5. Take it to the office and put it in a large bowl. In a high traffic area. Far from your desk.

6. Give it to your local food bank or church if they'll take it. This time of year, they may want candy for Christmas to offer to little ones that would otherwise go without.

7. Use it in a pinata for your son's birthday that falls a week after Halloween and let the party invitees go at it. {Oh, is this just me? OK.}


Whatever you do, try to make sure there's something in it for your kids...so they don't feel they just got screwed. Help them make it feel like it's their choice...reward them for their generosity...and use it as an opportunity to teach the importance of health!