Fitness Kindergarten with Lisa

I'm Still Taking "Baby Steps"!

     It's a new year and the time is ripe for reflecting on what goals (hopes ") we had for 2016 as far as personal fitness and condition are concerned.

Today's lunch of turkey chef salad and lemon water...

     As you know, my daughter and I were able to go to Walt Disney World together with friends toward the end of the year, so earlier on (August) I determined to begin conditioning my knees and back to increase my endurance! This trip was really just the catalyst that I needed to begin a much more comprehensive fitness plan.

     [The last time that I had been to Disney was when I was 13yrs old, so I didn't remember many details--mainly that Space Mountain was brand new and my parents and I had NO IDEA what it was! 

We waited in a long line which seemed to be generally winding up and up. There were exits labelled  with warning signs for people with health issues to reconsider riding...(or so I remember...) Mom got put up front in the car. Have you ever seen a cat fall into water? Yea, that's my mom on a rollercoaster. She was so mad after that ride that she didn't speak for a bit :O ]   

     Anyway,  back to the present...I knew it was big and there was a lot to do and see and we were not staying in a Monorail Resort, so we were planning to go all "kamakazi" and do 1 park per day from sun up to midnight 4 days in a row so as not to waste any precious time travelling back and forth! 

Turns out, the buses were a very convenient way to go! We ended up going back to the resort on several days just to rest " ) 

     

I'll admit I was fairly apprehensive. My back bothers me if I stand, sit, or walk, or...anything for very long, and my knees have been low on lubricant as well as strength for several years now. Even though I had been very physically active growing up, I had not kept up my fitness during these past years of childbearing and rearing. My diet has defaulted to what is easy and tempting rather than GOOD for me. And hydration?!?....Well, let's just say that I sip coffee.

     Wow! I'm really telling on myself! It's not that I don't recognize the need to improve my fitness. Life just presents a million distractions and reasons why "TODAY just isn't a good day to start (or continue) because....."

     I have managed to start most days with a simple stretch routine, (credit: The Tapp Brothers!). This helps me to avoid injury at least, and feel more comfortable as I go about my daily chores, etc.

Connect with them HERE, and search out their great ideas for getting and staying fit! Thanks guys!

     Then, I try to add some excercises that specifically target my weakest areas-my knees and my lower back. I've worked up to doing 4 sets of 10 reps with most of them, and am now doing 4 sets of 25 jumping jacks! (This is HUGE for me!)

     ...and am trying to drink my water. Adding a drop of doTERRA lemon oil to each bottleful helps. Sometimes I add thin slices of cucumber or a small handful of various fruits. Whatever you have on hand that you like-

HERE is where you can purchase this amazing oil for yourself!

 Another way that I am trying to improve my lifestyle for health is to plan to eat a salad for lunch every day possible. I make all kinds of salads. Some are meatless with lots of veggies, nuts, and seeds, and some have turkey, chicken or tuna. Whatever I have on hand.  I LOVE fresh herbs in my salads, and grow several here on my property-rosemary, thyme, spearmint, garlic, oregano.   

     My next "plan of attack" is to treat myself to a membership at a gym in town for my big "55"! I'm excited about joining in the line dancing class, lol!

This is how far I've gotten so far! I'd love to hear your ideas for baby steps to fitness. This morning I decided to make it my goal to be in better condition (and SHAPE!) when I'm 60yrs old than I was at 50!

Feel free to comment below and share your health and fitness goals!

Until Next Time,
Heads Up for Beauty!
Lisa

It's the BLOOMIN' Middle of Winter!

Hello from this crazy "Spring-in-the-middle-of-Winter"!

So here are a few pics that I took around our place while out doing chores the other morning...I have to say, this is one thing that I like about the South--You can experience warm, sunny days in February! 

Apple blossoms

"Piggy" at breakfast " )

 "Jett"-a Moon Spotted, registered Nubian
sired our 2 doe kids this year

Baby's breath?

I forget the name of this one...I pruned it into a tree!

Camilla

Camillia

Peeping over pool fence...

In the Secret Garden

Honey bees keeping busy! This warm weather has allowed our flowers to bloom without freezing. In nearly 10yrs here, I think this is the first time they have bloomed fully like this!

Forsythia

Ruffled daffodils budding

I'm so happy for the vehicle of sharing the beauty that I see around me every day...I'm no photographer, but I do enjoy trying! Which season are you in where you live? Are you having a typical season, or are you also having unusual weather in some way? Is it better or worse in your opinion?

This warm winter is allowing the flowering varieties that are really more "tropical" ones to flourish and bloom in all of their splendor!...Hopefully we will not get a hard freeze that will put an ugly end to it all. I do know that the peach orchards nearby do require a certain amount of freezing hours to properly produce, so I do sympathize with them. Maybe we will get just enough for everyone to be happy " )

Well, until next time....I hope that you can find some beauty in your surroundings. Will you share it? Please do comment and let me know how you are doing! 

Very Sincerely,

Lisa

Our First Trip to Walt Disney World!

Entrance to the Beast's Castle---Stunning!

Well, our long-awaited mother/daughter trip to Walt Disney World has come and gone, and I'm brimming with responses to share from our experience! We both agreed that it was even better than we imagined!

We stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort, about half way around the lake from it's Town Center (right), where guests go to shop, eat, fill (unlimited refill) Dining Plan cups, or get assistance from the concierge...

Rooms were pleasantly decorated and the bed was very comfortable. We brought food to eat for breakfast--There is a refrigerator but no microwave, so we stuck to things like bagels and cream cheese, juice, yogurt, fruit, etc. I enjoyed an early morning stretch and walk to the Town Center each day and brought back coffee* and hot chocolate in our refillable cups. 

*(While the coffee at the Town Center, though weak, at least tasted like coffee, the coffee supplied in the rooms with the pod-type brewer was completely undrinkable in my coffee snob opinion---Think weak, burnt, and plastic! One of my ONLY criticisms of Disney's service! If you're at all serious about your morning java, BRING YOUR OWN COFFEE & BREWER!!)

The beaches were immaculately maintained, and there were hammocks and chairs for lounging...The water was blocked off , however, by a neatly done stone berm and stout fencing. Swimming could be enjoyed at the several lovely pools around the complex, so the blocked beach water didn't seem like any kind of imposition.

We arrived a day ahead of our resort reservations however, and stayed overnight at Staybridge Suites, Buena Vista. We hoped to do a little exploring the surrounding area, and resting up for the big week in the parks!

I can recommend Staybridge Suites in Buena Vista. The front desk staff was very helpful to us "Disney Greenhorns", and the Wolfgang Puck coffee provided with the drip coffee maker was actually good! (I did make it a bit stronger than directed ; )

Lovely outdoor seating area to eat or relax in the center courtyard...An arcade and laundry were also convenient. There was a full kitchen, including a dishwasher, and one could bring along groceries to make easy meals to stretch the budget or just not have to go out.

While waiting for a room, we ran on over to Disney Springs to have a look-see!...Parking and getting around was easy, and after walking around the shops to the end, we caught the free boat ride back to where we began!

Dragon made of blocks!

At the first Disney gift store, a cast member (as all Disney employees are referred to as " ), gave us a map, some very helpful navigating information, and a Happy Birthday pin for a friend accompanying us! The shops and landscaping were lovely. 

This Mickey pepper mill was my souvenir of choice!

I made these signs to decorate our car windows
for the trip down ; )

Goofy, one of my personal faves, now adorns the dash of my car!

There were plenty of shady places to sit and rest along our way at Disney Springs---One thing that I had been concerned about before the trip, as sometimes my back can get achy with too much standing. I did begin a mild stretch and strengthening routine several weeks before our Disney trip, and boy!, am I glad I did! And yes, there seemed to be plenty of restrooms too. 

An evening view across the lake at Epcot. We happened to be there during the Food and Wine Festival--I'm not so sure I prefer to be there during that though as the international food stands are set up all along the lakeside walk. 

We were very happy with the food choices and serving sizes for the most part. We were able to take advantage of a Free Dining Plan offer secured by our travel agent, Jan Sleeper, with 3D Travel Company. This took much of the food anxiety and planning right out of the equation! [I can highly recommend Jan as your travel concierge. Being very familiar with the destinations and cruise lines, whether you're desiring a Disney, Universal, Orlando destination-or cruise vaca-Jan offers friendly, knowledgeable assistance. She specializes in first-time travelers and those with special needs as well and her quotes are free!]

A view from the sky on Dumbo! You can see the beautiful weather we experienced the week before the hurricane!

While waiting for our table at the Beast's Castle, we enjoyed the gorgeous views...Disney has done a fantastic job with the created landscaping. You feel transported to another place and time!

Had to try some "gray stuff" at the Castle! We loved the atmosphere created by all of the decor and special effects! See a video glimpse here, thanks to BigFatPanda!

We were blown away by the Fall decorations during our trip in September...a surprise to me as I hadn't thought about any special decorations! It's going to be great to be there for the Christmas decorations on our next trip, as we booked what is called a "Bounce Back" stay for next year before we left our resort and secured the Free Dining offer again! (Which I understand is not being offered as often, so we're so excited as it makes your stay much more carefree ; ) The night time shows really were special. Each park has one after dark...They use a lot of projection technology and completely change the view and mood with some extra-special effects thrown in just for fun!

Well that's it for this little visit. Hope you and yours have a wonderful Holiday season! Until next time, remember...

There's BEAUTY FOR LIVING!---Share it!
Lisa " )

Beauty in the Kitchen!

Introducing...Kitchen Beauty!

I'm dedicating this post to showcasing my oldest daughter's Etsy shop...

  The Dapper Chameleon!

Lately, she has discovered the joys of sewing adorable aprons from a variety of fabrics and trims.  Following are some examples, all linked to the item in the shop. Please take a look at them as well as the amazing variety of other items that have been hand created by her " )

Vintage-looking style!(My personal fave!)

"Chocolate and Roses"

"Blooms 'n Bugs"

Thank you for looking! : )  Here are some pics from around my home/garden this summer...

I've been trying to be better about hydrating these days...It's been a fun adventure making up different naturally flavored waters from a variety of juices, fruits, veggies and chia!

Hmmm......

I love to create one-of-a-kind soups and stews " )'

Our blueberry harvest was wonderful this year! It was fun to have enough to freeze and share!

Well, that's it for now...Be looking for my upcoming post about my recent Mother/daughter trip to...Disney World! 

Your Beauty Enthusiast,

Lisa " )

It's "Falling"!

My granddaughter was excited to make this Fall craft
 for Mommy and Daddy!

Getting started cleaning up the back porch...
Nothing like inviting company for a cookout to get you  motivated! This chick brooder was one of the first things to go!(They'll have to find somewhere else to grow up, because this is slated to become my "beach-themed people room", lol!) I'll plan to share pictures as things progress. We are still re-doing my daughter's room. 

Here are updated pictures of the back screenporch--
minus the chick brooder and gardening paraphernalia! Still
a way to go, but certainly a step in the right direction. This is as far as I got before company came over the other night!

This antique sink and cabinet came with the house when we bought it. I plan to restore it. It would be great to get it functioning
again out there, but I'm not sure how feasible that is.
The greenhouse window is in the dining room, and is rather odd. I cover it with drapery, and store books and things in it.
It is an older home that has been added onto over the years, and the rooms have had different assignments.

A "goodie bag" and other surprises for my daughter from our travel agent and good friend, Jan Sleeper, of 3D Travel
 in celebration of our daughter's first trip to Disney World!...Authentic sequined Minnie ears
were inside the bag  " ) Needless to say, she's SO excited!

*******************
Jan has done such a wonderful job of customizing our Disney trip just for US! She is really in the know when it comes to Disney World destination trips, but she also specializes in helping you to plan your cruises, Universal Orlando, Sea World, Beaches, Sandals, and other family or adult get-aways. Contact her for a no-obligation quote today!
Jan Sleeper---3D Travel Specialist
(Tell her Beauty for Living sent you ; )
  

With the hint of Fall in the air, I get a hankerin' for all kinds of fresh-baked goodies!
HAD to make these cinnamon/caramel-frosted biscuits the other morning--YUM!

My husband and son felled some trees in the front recently.
They worked in some terrible heat, but we're all looking
forward to the revitalization that cooler Fall weather brings!

Here's hoping that you and yours have a safe and enjoyable Fall season...Please do share some of the Fall traditions and seasonal  activities that you/your family enjoy---I know there are some from Germany, France, India,  and even Alaska stopping by to visit, among others. I'd love to hear from you all!...
Until then...look for the beauty that is around you, and share it with others " )

Your Very Own Beauty Enthusiast,
Lisa