Looking for an indoor workout that's cheap and fast?

I live in Wisconsin, so taking a walk after dinner (between November and March) isn't an option in my quest to be more physically active. We have a Wii that we enjoy, but no room in the living room to utilize it. I have a wonderful elliptical downstairs, but then when I take the stairs at work I feel like a schlepp - I need a better all-over fitness regime.

Meaghan, meet Jillan Michaels.


A relative raved about Jillian's 30 Day Shred DVD, but I'm not that in to workout videos. But then I heard 2 girls at work talking about it (I work with exercise physiologists) so I figured - for $10, what can it hurt?

Oh, it will hurt alright!

Thirty Day Shred is a program that offers 3 stages. Each stage is 20 minutes, with a warm-up, several circuits (2 minutes of cardio, 2 minutes of strength training, 1 minute of abs), and cool down. In the beginning, you do stage 1 only, then stage 2 when you feel ready, up to stage 3.  Some people choose to do all 3 stages for a 60 minute workout.  The only equipment needed, besides TV and DVD player, are 5-lb hand weights and a mat (if you're working out on a hard floor).   

Intended to be done every day for 30 days, there is a guarantee from Jillian that you will be pounds lighter or more firm at month's end.  I'm not as physically fit as I wish, so I vowed to meet her twice a week for a month at stage 1. The EP's I work with agree that everyday for 30 days is not ideal, ESPECIALLY if you do not work out on a regular basis. For me, 2 days per week plus 2 days of elliptical is a pretty decent goal. I'm hoping within 6 months to be doing level 3... at least once per week - LOL.

There are two things I dislike about the video: crappy music and lots of jumping jacks.  I have been blessedly endowed for a long time, and these girls don't handle jumping jacks well at all.  Ladies, a good sports bra is crucial for this workout! 

Jillian, between your 30 Day Shred and Master Your Metabolism... you're the force behind "No pain, no gain." But I like it!

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

I just finished reading Fast Food Nation, an intense piece of non-fiction by Eric Schlosser.  Several chapters seem to be an updated version of Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, but still an excellent read. 

I don't think that Schlosser has supremely great skills as an author, but as a researcher he really examined every aspect of the fast food industry.  In fact, there are aspects to Fast Food Nation that were completely unexpected.  I thought I would pick this book up to read about all the horrible fats, calories, and other hidden dangers available at the drive-through window.  I had no idea that Schlosser would take us behind the fast food store into the meat packing industry.  He looks at bioengineered food, unions, slaughterhouses, meat processing plants, government, and so much more. 

I wasn't riveted to the point of completing the book in a day or two, but I did stay up late several nights in a row fascinated by the "secrets" uncovered here.  Fast Food Nation would be a great piece to read in high school, if not for the fact that most high school students wouldn't understand much of the book.  The other caveat is that the book was published in 2001, and the version I read updated with an "afterward" in 2002 or 2003.  I'd like to know how things have changed since then, it being the dawn of 2010.  Overall, great book - a must read even if you love your Happy Meal (yes, I do... well, I did).   

Do Not Mail Registry - Sign the Petition!!

Use the link below to suport a petition for a Do Not Mail registry, similar to the Do Not Call registry!

Do Not Mail : ForestEthics

Reusable bags on a keychain

I LOVE these bags because they fold into themselves and have a carabiner - clip on to your key chain and never be stuck without a bag again!

Chicobag changed their logo, so old-logo bags are on sale for $1.50 apiece.  Shipping is very reasonable.  If you are interested in wrapping green-ly, and newspaper is not working for you (priceless art once the kids attach stickers!!), Chicobag has a great idea for using reusable bags as gifting bags - L O V E it!!

Now I can go to bed :)

A first - Making my own cleaner

In an attempt to be frugal (i.e. cheap, penny-pincher, save money) AND green (i.e. eco-friendly, save the planet, non-toxic for my child) I have been searching for recipes to make my own laundry detergent, dishwasher soap, and dish soap.  Part of my search is that I want items I can pick up at my local big-box store, instead of leaving a carbon footprint by driving 30 miles into "town" where the organic-friendly market is.

I found a 4-pound box of Borax (20 Mule Team brand, made by Dial Corp) at my local Pick n Save grocery store on sale for $2, so here goes.  The recipe I picked from many comes from The Naturalisa's Blog - she has several recipes for cleaning that I like, and she actually updates on what works and what doesn't (Thanks Noelle!!). 

One thing I want to note here: Essential Oils are not just used as a scent, but rather serve a purpose.  EO explanations can be found at Aura Cacia, on of my favorites.  I have heard of "therapeutic" essential oils, primarily from friends who independently represent Young Living.  I own several oils from YL, Aura Cacia, and a local scent shop.  I intend to use what I have around the house for the purpose of cleaning supplies.

I'll update as I use!

Has it been that long, really?

Lately, I've been thinking about blogging.  Not that I have a lot of important things to say, but I'm on the Internet all the time searching for "things" relevant to my role as a mom, wife, home-owner, employee, job-seeker, eco-savvy individual.  And if I'm looking for these things, who's to say others aren't? 

So I've decided to up the ante on my blogging and just do it :).