I have decided to feed a little of the rebel in me, and kick the lazy butt of that literary aficionado that's been dormant inside me for far too long. A friend of mine recently showed me a post by a private (catholic) school kid who - in the face of some rather ludicrous bans - run a small library of illicit books out of his school locker. Ironically, once banned, the kids interest picked up.
I wonder if they ban them for that reason. If that's the case they should ban Shakespeare.
Anyways, there were a few on the list I've already read and enjoyed, but the following I plan to delve into one by one this winter:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
His Dark Materials trilogy, by Philip Pullman
The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman
The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer
My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult
The Divine Comedy, by Dante
Interview with a Vampire, by Anne Rice
Sabriel, by Garth Nix
Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett
I think that should get me off to a good start. Any other suggestions?
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Skinny Cook Challenge
I have let something that was once not just a "part" of me, but one of things I took the most pride in and so much joy out of, whither away. I have stopped cooking.
It started about 3 years ago, after my husband proposed. I wanted to lose weight for our wedding, and believe it or not, those Italian family recipes that were my main staples were not condusive to dropping the poundage. The lasagna alone had over 3 lbs of cheese in it! I didn't know how to make anything else that didn't require lots of noodles, cheese, sauce, or high sodium meats. What little I knew that wasn't straight out of the Italian cookbook was "Yooper" based food - and if you're familiar with the area, you'll know that lard or Crisco is a favorite ingredient.
So we decided to get regimented on our eating habits; and I'm ashamed to say that for the best part of the last 3 years our standard fall back for dinner was a family pack of boneless skinless chicken breasts. I'd do a bunch of different marinades, freeze them by the dozen, and we'd take one out a day, grill both breasts, and steam a random pack of veggies in the microwave. Once every week, some beautiful steaks would find there way into our rotation. It sounds sort of sad now, even though it did taste good.
Even after the wedding, we realized how much money we'd been saving by relying on this for dinner instead of buying different ingredients each week and we continued. But somewhere our original goal was abandoned...and we've both gained a LOT of weight back. Now, it's not the chicken's fault (haha). Other factors contributed - like the complete collapse of our work out schedule and the tracking what we are eating has become the cliche Alka-seltzer commercial (you know, "I can't believe I ate the whole thing").
So this time, we're going to try a different approach. I want to see if I can foster my skills to not only get my cooking back to par, but expand my vocabulary. In the world of cooking, I want to be not just fluent - but multi-lingual! And as if that weren't enough, I want to prove to myself that I can find delicious recipes that fit into one or more of the following categories: Low Cal, Low Fat, or Low Carb. I really enjoy creating and crafting. I love having people ask for my recipe or advice or request that I bring something to a meal. I want to bring that back into my kitchen and my life.
To start off what I've titled The Skinny Cook Challenge, I've been doing research on different recipes that appeal year round or on holidays, are relatively easy to prep, will have some left overs, and take advantage of fresh seasonal ingredients. Once I have a good list ready, I plan on attacking 1 or 2 recipes per week and posting the results with notes and pictures accompanying the original recipe. Credit for the recipe origin will be given! If you have any recommendations or comments, please let me know! I'd love to see how this project could grow.
**UPDATE - I have decided to start a blog focused solely on this declaration. Please check out SkinnyCookChallenge.blogspot.com for the recipes, links, photos, reviews, and advice!
It started about 3 years ago, after my husband proposed. I wanted to lose weight for our wedding, and believe it or not, those Italian family recipes that were my main staples were not condusive to dropping the poundage. The lasagna alone had over 3 lbs of cheese in it! I didn't know how to make anything else that didn't require lots of noodles, cheese, sauce, or high sodium meats. What little I knew that wasn't straight out of the Italian cookbook was "Yooper" based food - and if you're familiar with the area, you'll know that lard or Crisco is a favorite ingredient.
So we decided to get regimented on our eating habits; and I'm ashamed to say that for the best part of the last 3 years our standard fall back for dinner was a family pack of boneless skinless chicken breasts. I'd do a bunch of different marinades, freeze them by the dozen, and we'd take one out a day, grill both breasts, and steam a random pack of veggies in the microwave. Once every week, some beautiful steaks would find there way into our rotation. It sounds sort of sad now, even though it did taste good.
Even after the wedding, we realized how much money we'd been saving by relying on this for dinner instead of buying different ingredients each week and we continued. But somewhere our original goal was abandoned...and we've both gained a LOT of weight back. Now, it's not the chicken's fault (haha). Other factors contributed - like the complete collapse of our work out schedule and the tracking what we are eating has become the cliche Alka-seltzer commercial (you know, "I can't believe I ate the whole thing").
So this time, we're going to try a different approach. I want to see if I can foster my skills to not only get my cooking back to par, but expand my vocabulary. In the world of cooking, I want to be not just fluent - but multi-lingual! And as if that weren't enough, I want to prove to myself that I can find delicious recipes that fit into one or more of the following categories: Low Cal, Low Fat, or Low Carb. I really enjoy creating and crafting. I love having people ask for my recipe or advice or request that I bring something to a meal. I want to bring that back into my kitchen and my life.
To start off what I've titled The Skinny Cook Challenge, I've been doing research on different recipes that appeal year round or on holidays, are relatively easy to prep, will have some left overs, and take advantage of fresh seasonal ingredients. Once I have a good list ready, I plan on attacking 1 or 2 recipes per week and posting the results with notes and pictures accompanying the original recipe. Credit for the recipe origin will be given! If you have any recommendations or comments, please let me know! I'd love to see how this project could grow.
**UPDATE - I have decided to start a blog focused solely on this declaration. Please check out SkinnyCookChallenge.blogspot.com for the recipes, links, photos, reviews, and advice!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The Realistic 5 Piece Home Gym
I have decided to create my own personal home gym space. I wanted to create somewhere that is dedicated to my fitness efforts - much like a home office is dedicated to productivity & organization. Plus, my personal trainer has shown me for years all these different exercises that utilize smaller objects and items found around the home. It's past time I that I be able to put that knowledge to good use.
I don't know about you, but I don't have an extra ten to twenty thousand dollars to drop on all the fancy equipment available out there just to be able to get an effective workout in my own home. I had to find the balance between the cost and what tools will get the most effective results. The key is to select tools that you can get a variety of work outs from, that won't take up a ton of space, break down or break the bank.
First, (rather obvious) make sure you have the space! Ideally, you will have an unused small bedroom available for conversion (which inspired this goal); but if not, a cleared space about 8x8 is good. If you plan on working out to a dvd - whether P90x or Yoga - access to a screen will be beneficial. If it's a dance workout system, perhaps like Zumba, I can tell you from personal experience that a carpeted floor is NOT your friend.
However, there are a lot of us out there that are hampered by the limitations of our habitation. In other words, you (like myself) might be renting an apartment, where the amount of changes you can make to a space are severely curtailed. Or you may simply not have the time or inclination to rip up carpet or to take up the entire square-footage of a bedroom as the Gym zone. Going beyond the space, the tools make all the difference. I will outline several pieces to create the best low-cost home gym.
That's it! Sure, there are some other great gear out there - and depending on personal preference, cash flow, and available space; there's nothing stopping you. But the tools listed here can cover a full body workout with minimal space or cost.
I don't know about you, but I don't have an extra ten to twenty thousand dollars to drop on all the fancy equipment available out there just to be able to get an effective workout in my own home. I had to find the balance between the cost and what tools will get the most effective results. The key is to select tools that you can get a variety of work outs from, that won't take up a ton of space, break down or break the bank.
First, (rather obvious) make sure you have the space! Ideally, you will have an unused small bedroom available for conversion (which inspired this goal); but if not, a cleared space about 8x8 is good. If you plan on working out to a dvd - whether P90x or Yoga - access to a screen will be beneficial. If it's a dance workout system, perhaps like Zumba, I can tell you from personal experience that a carpeted floor is NOT your friend.
However, there are a lot of us out there that are hampered by the limitations of our habitation. In other words, you (like myself) might be renting an apartment, where the amount of changes you can make to a space are severely curtailed. Or you may simply not have the time or inclination to rip up carpet or to take up the entire square-footage of a bedroom as the Gym zone. Going beyond the space, the tools make all the difference. I will outline several pieces to create the best low-cost home gym.
- Most expensive first: A Bosu Ball. It looks like someone took an exercise ball and sliced it in half. Simple, right? Almost every move's impact can be doubled by performing it on this ball in some fashion. Balance exercises work out so many muscle groups. If you're a runner as well, you'll feel the new strength you'll achieve in your feet, ankles and legs. Really tones those areas. Not to mention the core and upper body workouts doing sit ups, Pilates, push-ups using it. And this takes up less than 2 ft of floor space, and can be leaned against the wall. Some of these balls are simply that dome shaped balloon, while others have a solid rubber disc as a bottom. There are fancier versions with attachments for a stabilization bar. Prices range from the most basic (http://amzn.to/ofDxMF) at around $60-$70, to the full package with the bar (http://amzn.to/qnE0Kj) at around $120. Honestly, the best choice, and one I've used the most is the mid range option (http://amzn.to/nsj2ec) which can be found at around $100-$110.
- Skip the free weight set to start. I know, I know, this is counter intuitive. Every workout video from the 80's has some impressive set stretching the length of the wall, so you must need it right? Wrong. Using your own weight as resistance is more than enough to tone yourself. High repetition or holding is key. For example, holding a plank will make your body shake you'll feel it all over after a minute without the aid of extra weight.
- If you really must, or you've been progressing for a while, you only need one set of soft grip low level weights - like 5 lbs or 10 lbs (the handles on these are handy http://amzn.to/qj2N38). Or purchase A Weight Bar - one that stretches from arm to arm for even weight distribution - such as http://amzn.to/opbl4p.
- I have left out Kettlebells for a reason. I firmly believe the first few times you use those should be under the supervision of a professional - and therefore not in a starter home gym. It is far too easy to throw out your back or give you a hernia. Once you get the hang of it however, they are a fantastic tool. Here's an article that describes some great workouts with them: http://bit.ly/qSrgJ8
- Resistance Bands & Pull Up Bar. This is what I recommend instead of weights. Using your own weight is better for strength work outs. Not only will you get varied weight resistance, but it will work your core and balance too. This is a basic package that comes with a storage bag (always nice) and several door-converters http://amzn.to/opbl4p. Here's a Pull-up bar - I know guys favor these for heavy upper-body results: http://amzn.to/nJNVMC
- Jump rope. Yup, Rocky had it right. This is a great small space cardio workout. Make sure that A) your ceiling is high enough, and B) People downstairs won't be alarmed by the repeated impact (ground floor is best). Cloth rope works better than plastic or coated material, it shapes itself easier and is more forgiving. This is a great one - http://amzn.to/qrGoSE - and only $6!
- Yoga Mat. More important if you don't have carpet. A higher density or thickness is nice if you have joint pain (like moi). An important anti-slip note: socks & a hand towel are a life saver if you develop sweaty palms or feet when working out. They sell Rubber Gym Mats (http://amzn.to/qjdOZH)too that are worth thinking about if, say, you have hard wood floors, live in an older house, or don't want the impact to carry or wear out your floor.
That's it! Sure, there are some other great gear out there - and depending on personal preference, cash flow, and available space; there's nothing stopping you. But the tools listed here can cover a full body workout with minimal space or cost.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Fitness: Battle or Embrace?
I've heard it's the attitude with which you approach fitness that will determine the success of your goals. Lately I've begun to believe there are two approaches: a battle or an embrace.
The Battle must fought, the war must be won - requiring vigilance against weakness or slipping, constantly pushing yourself to stay true, to do better, to get stronger, run faster (insert million dollar man joke in here at any time). Regularly scheduled work outs, strict eating regimen, recording everything.
The Embrace is a life style. You're not fighting the idea, or yourself. There isn't a goal mapped out with regularly scheduled increments; instead there is just progress. A flow, like a river, towards an eventual destination. Whether or not there are a few bends (everyone makes mistakes), or the speed at which you're progressing can change. You have embraced a new way of living, and you are excited at each chance to be "active" (as opposed to scheduled work-outs or intense sessions) as well as interested in expanding your culinary knowledge.
Neither approach is better than the other (in my opinion). I simply believe each will get you different results. If you want the fast results, the drastic drop, the immediate gratification combined with the hard work, the deprivation, and no give - the Battle works best. I've become pretty certain however that while the Battle may be the easiest attitude to launch with (all the determination and good intentions), it is certainly the hardest to maintain, making it a short-term success approach. If you do not care about reaching a certain size or weight, if you do not have a deadline and there are no numbers in your goal - then the Embrace is probably best. You may not lose weight every week. You will jump at the chance to be active - ride bikes, take walks, swimming, join a yoga class; and you will introduce a lot more veggies into your diet and drop a lot of fast foods. Your overall enjoyment of life will probably increase while your health will as well. And, most likely, your weight will drop slowly. This approach is most successful in the long term.
And there's no saying that you can't combine the two. Fight your way to achieve a goal, and maintain it by embracing a more natural approach to health.
I'd like to end this by assuring people that this blog is more of Lifestyle format, and will not be focused solely on fitness or weight-loss; but as it is a part of my life, I will be posting a lot about it.
The Battle must fought, the war must be won - requiring vigilance against weakness or slipping, constantly pushing yourself to stay true, to do better, to get stronger, run faster (insert million dollar man joke in here at any time). Regularly scheduled work outs, strict eating regimen, recording everything.
The Embrace is a life style. You're not fighting the idea, or yourself. There isn't a goal mapped out with regularly scheduled increments; instead there is just progress. A flow, like a river, towards an eventual destination. Whether or not there are a few bends (everyone makes mistakes), or the speed at which you're progressing can change. You have embraced a new way of living, and you are excited at each chance to be "active" (as opposed to scheduled work-outs or intense sessions) as well as interested in expanding your culinary knowledge.
Neither approach is better than the other (in my opinion). I simply believe each will get you different results. If you want the fast results, the drastic drop, the immediate gratification combined with the hard work, the deprivation, and no give - the Battle works best. I've become pretty certain however that while the Battle may be the easiest attitude to launch with (all the determination and good intentions), it is certainly the hardest to maintain, making it a short-term success approach. If you do not care about reaching a certain size or weight, if you do not have a deadline and there are no numbers in your goal - then the Embrace is probably best. You may not lose weight every week. You will jump at the chance to be active - ride bikes, take walks, swimming, join a yoga class; and you will introduce a lot more veggies into your diet and drop a lot of fast foods. Your overall enjoyment of life will probably increase while your health will as well. And, most likely, your weight will drop slowly. This approach is most successful in the long term.
And there's no saying that you can't combine the two. Fight your way to achieve a goal, and maintain it by embracing a more natural approach to health.
I'd like to end this by assuring people that this blog is more of Lifestyle format, and will not be focused solely on fitness or weight-loss; but as it is a part of my life, I will be posting a lot about it.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Water For Elephants
However, to my utter surprise, I love this story. The colors with which the characters are painted with are just as vibrant, fantastic, and grimy as the side show posters of their same by-gone age. The author gives you carnival and circus life in all it's seedy heyday glory, stitching in so many small glimpses of life in that era that - like the glitter & flash of sequins - you feel distracted by them.
That was part of the only detraction from my enjoyment of the book. So many different topics were touched upon (the great depression, prohibition, immigration, etc.) that it was all most too much to keep track of. And yet - for me - it still managed to only enrich the story's setting. It made it more authentic. Wasn't the purpose of the train circus to rush in, dazzle the "rubes" with flashing colors and glimpses of fantastic beasts, and rush away again before trouble was stirred?
The other part of the problem was the length of the book. It's brevity wasn't a mercy but a tease. My reading speed hastened considerably as I became more involved with the the characters and plots, but when the book ended I was at full steam, ready for more. There was none to be had! Don't get me wrong - I LOVE the ending. The author tied up all lose ends in a way that made me pump my fist in victory.
It makes you think though. If a book pulls you in so well, engages you to that degree, that you are willing to see if there is any more on that era or subject matter with which you can delve into again - just to get your fix - that was one heck of a good read. Only, you don't know it's a good read until it's too late.
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