Fitness Friday: Building Your Endurance

  I first have to say that I am not a personal trainer, or a doctor and that I am not telling you that you have to do this exercise routine.  Please consult a doctor before any exercise.
  There are two things that have built my endurance to run faster and work out longer.  First, the bleachers.  I run them as fast as I can and I run them back to back.  I have increased the number of how many sets I do over time.  Obviously be careful.  Second, my run walk sequence.  My normal 5K run I split up into run walks.  I will run the length of a block faster than I normally run.  Then the next block I walk.  I have increased it to two blocks but I won't do more than that.  Both of these help me control my breathing at my fastest and gets me to realize my potential.  Sounds funny but it is very true.  My husband does this with me and it has helped him as well.  Even if you are not a runner this will help you in any work out routine.  This also gives you a different work out.  We all know that is crucial when it comes to staying motivated.  Good luck and have fun!

4th of July Cards

  I am sending some "fire works" of my own to some of my friends and family for the 4th of July and I thought I would share.  I made the cards with random scrapbook paper and added the Pop Rocks for the "fire works".  Very simple and a great way to send some 4th of July wishes.

How I Water My Garden

  For a few years now my husband and I have grown a garden.  As any gardener may know you learn your own little tricks every year.  One trick I have learned is the way I water my garden.  While reading a magazine I read a tip to put buckets with holes in the bottom in your garden and fill them up with water every day.  With my time in a crunch in the morning I thought was a perfect idea, and it was.  I have a 3 1/2 ft. by 8 ft garden box and a bed that is the same size.  I have 3-5 gallon buckets in each one.  I fill them once in the morning and once at night and my garden thrives.  The buckets are berried about half in the ground.  The water goes to the roots quicker and the plants will drink what they need.

  Here are my pictures to show you how it looks.  I realize they are not the most attractive thing BUT you won't even see them after awhile because your plants will be so big.

Summer Time Tea

  My husband and I are big green tea drinkers.  We have always had it hot but I decided to add something to it to make it a nice cold summer drink.  Now, we have learned the brand that we like the most of green tea which is Good Earth.  There are some that are more grassy tasting (to us) than others.    So for us to enjoy this lovely drink in the middle of a hot summer day I have decided to add Crystal Lights Pink Lemonade to it!  You can use any kind of  pink lemonade drink or whatever you like.  It reminds me of Snapple's Ice Tea drinks but I like this better.   I put it in one of those jugs with a spout and keep it in my fridge.  We love it.  You could add something like a Moscato wine or Sprite to give something bubbly.  Happy ice cold Summer drink!

Fitness Friday: What's in my Gym Bag

  At work we have a small gym that we can use for FREE!  I try to go as often as I can on my lunch hour.  So when I do, I bring these essentials so I feel comfortable for the rest of the day.

1. Baby wipes are GREAT to have to wipe off any sweat and help you not feel sticky the rest of the day.  I bought the unscented, hypoallergenic ones.
2. My deodorant because...well...that's a given right?  I am currently using Tom's All Natural Deodorant.
3.  I take a body spray from Bath and Body Works in the scent Beautiful (how appropriate).  Body spray is light and refreshing and I am not over doing it like I would with perfume.

  Raid the travel section at the store.  Target's travel section is my favorite.
  Of course I bring my work out clothes and shoes.  I like to use the dry fit material to help with the sweat.  If you don't already have these try them.  Happy gym time!

 

Facebook Giveaway

  To launch my new Facebook page for my blog I am doing a giveaway!  If you are a subscriber to my blog but not a friend on my Facebook page which is Ohthethings Robyncando become my friend and read the rules and enter to win.  If I reach 100 Facebook friends by July 16, 2013 then you will get a $25 gift card to the place of your choice.  If I reach 200 friends I will double the prize!  So go check it out.  

My Favorite Products For Sensitive Skin

  As some of you may know I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin.  I have always had to be careful with what I use on my face and body.  Laundry detergents, lotions, soaps; you name it I have tried so many things to find what I can use and what I can't.  So for the longest time I didn't have a really good body wash and a body lotion.  However, I am here to share with you the products that work.

 
  For lotion I love using Vaseline's Total Moisture in Cocoa Radiant and body wash I use St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter.  Both of these products are AMAZING and highly recommend them even if you don't have sensitive skin.  Let me know if you try it and what you think either comment below or on my Facebook page Ohthethings Robyncando.