I did it!!!

I set out 2011 with a small goal for myself, and I achieved it!! It feels good! I made 101.07 miles in January! Didn't loose a pound, but continued on my exercise goal all the same!

My Stats

1-Jan	3.6		outdoor walk
2-Jan	0		outdoor walk
3-Jan	7.27		walk/elliptical
4-Jan	4		tread/elliptical
5-Jan	3.54		outdoor walk
6-Jan	5.76		walk to errands
7-Jan	3		walk/run tread
8-Jan	0		rest
9-Jan	3		tread/elliptical
10-Jan	3		tread/elliptical
11-Jan	0		rest
12-Jan	0		rest
13-Jan	6		bike
14-Jan	0
15-Jan	2.25		walk
16-Jan	0
17-Jan	5.23		walk
18-Jan	4.37		bike Golden Gate
19-Jan	0
20-Jan	5.67		bike/walk
21-Jan	0
22-Jan	6.18		bike
23-Jan	2		walk
24-Jan	7.93		bike
25-Jan	5.61		bike
26-Jan	0
27-Jan	4.2		bike
28-Jan	0
29-Jan	6.23		bike
30-Jan	6		stationary bike
31-Jan	6.23		bike
Total	101.07
To Go	-1.07

I'm looking forward to getting my new Breville Juicer from CSN soon! Then I may tackle Jason Vale's 7 day detox!

Remix Picks!

I'm a remixer from waaaay back, I mean waaaay back, like since I was 10. I would lay in bed at night with a full view of my closet staring at my clothes and trying to come up with new combinations to wear. Sometimes, something would just jump out at me - 2 pieces I had in my closet that I had never seen together before, and then, bam - I would jump up, lay out the whole outfit, and have trouble going to sleep because I was so excited to wear it to school the next day!

Not much has changed since then, I STILL do this - lay in bed at night, stare at my closet, and put together endless combinations and hang them at the front of my closet. It's good that it's the little things in life that make me happy, eh?

Looks like Tucker for Target is dominating my remix picks which is no surprise as I've expressed my love for this line many times. I am excited to remix so much Tucker as it is comfortable, colorful and I feel great when I wear it! I will pretend I'm Gaby Basora - every picture I see of her she is basically wearing the same style in a different print and looks smashing in them all!!

PEGGY'S 30 FOR 30 PICKS
Consists of 4 bottoms, 5 dresses, 4 shoes, 6 cardi/blazers, 11 tops

One more day, then let the remixing begin!

OOTD-Rainy Sunday

I was wanting something with tartan plaid this season and never found anything. A few weeks ago I found this hat with a little tartan plaid band! It's something! One of our elders told me I looked like Frank Sinatra - should I take this as a compliment??

Dress: Merona $6
Cardi: Merona $12
Shoes: Merona $6
Hat: San Diego Hat Co. $5

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In Nutrition & Health - Cowboy Beans!

I have been trying to perfect these "Cowboy Beans" since we made a trip to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming this summer. I have never gotten them right.........until last night! Oh this batch tasted soooo yummy!

In this economy, I know everyone is trying to pinch pennies and cut corners on their grocery bill. Dry pinto beans are about as cheap as you can get at 25 pounds for about $14 dollars. Throw in some brown rice (gaba rice even) and you have a complete protein!

Recipe: I threw a bunch of beans into my Lodge dutch oven, soaked overnight in water. Cooked them in 1/2 chicken stock, 1/2 water. About 1/2 way through cooking add a pound of already cooked bacon and chili powder to taste (about 3 tablespoons). Cook until tender.

I am a HUGE advocate of beans for health, as my mother-in-law, who lived through the depression, grew up on pinto beans. It was a staple in their home. Even when she would arrive home from school hungry, her mama would give her a "little bowl of beans" to hold her until suppertime. My mother-in-law was always healthy and lean growing up, and remained that way throughout her life with healthy eating and daily walking. I believe the beans helped keep her healthy in their own small way.

Read about all that pinto beans contain at the
World's Healthiest Foods!

Need more convincing you should add more beans to your diet? Check out these links:
SOUL FOOD AND SOUTHERN COOKING
BLISSPLAN
PREVENTION MAGAZINE
YAHOO HEALTH

Travel plans..........

I am planning on doing some travelling this summer so the kids can spend time with their cousins. They love being together - they Google video chat every week and it will be so fun to let them just have time together.

So I'm in the market for new luggage. I have my eye on this Delsey Luggage because I like the hard side suitcases. An entire set like this would be nice! The bright color would be easy to recognize coming off the conveyer belt.

Does you have any luggage they adore? What do you use?

Giveaways!

Check out Molly's Sephora Giveaway!!

Confessions of a Call Center Gals's Shopbop $100 Giveaway!

And I've decided when I reach 200 followers, I will host another giveaway on my blog! Fun!

Blogging at the Beach!

Amazing, technology these days! I have completed 3 miles of my 6 mile bike ride and the kids came with me and wanted to stop for a quick play at the beach before our teacher arrives today. Here I sit, in almost 70 degree weather, taking in the beauty. We've come a long way baby!

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Forever 21 Giveaway at Strawberry Heels Forever!

Hey guys, check out Carly's new blog - she is starting it off with a bang!
Giveaway for a Forever21 Gift Card!

Party Wear!

The blue dress won the vote! Thanks a million for your help!

The party was a smashing success, a great time was had by all.

I feel so blessed to work for this company!

Now I'm tired, Goodnight!

Please vote on Party Wear!!

Please help me choose an outfit! Cast your vote for your favorite pick for my company dinner!
THANK YOU!!

The Merona Claudia Dress with

The Free People Sparkle & Shine Cardi

Tabitha Ruffled Heels

OR

Merona Odessa Lace Overlay Dress

With a red pashmina shawl

And these similar Sofft shoes

I'm walking on sunshine!!

There is something magical in sunshine and fresh air! I could walk forever. This morning I awoke to glorious weather- 63 degrees, blue skies and sunshine every where- this led to my over 5 mile walk. I feel great! I have 53 miles left to go this month -gotta keep after it at the pace of at least 3.8 a day now.

I was listening to Ephesians chapter 5 this morning as I walked and learned the following advice from Paul:

Be imitators of God
Walk in love
Do not take part in sexual immorality or covetousness
Do not talk crudely
Give thanks
Walk in the Light
Discern what is pleasing to the Lord
Be careful how you walk
Be wise
Make the best use of your time
Understand the will of the Lord
Be filled with the spirit
Sing psalms and hymns and songs, making melody in your heart to the Lord
Give thanks always
Wives, submit to your husband
Respect your husband

Today I am thinking on these things and resolving to do better in the areas where I need work. With the grace of God, I will continue to grow as a Christian. We have the day off for MLK day - our friends are still in town and we are getting In-and-Out Burger for dinner! Fun!

Resolve

Resolve

This weekend we had a youth fellowship at church and it was excellent. The speaker did a wonderful job of challenging the kids to live their Faith. The meeting Friday night started with the point that you have to Resolve what you are going to be and how you are going to live.

picture by Mary Engelbreit

Resolve - to reach a firm decision about , decide firmly on a course of action

Have you given your entire being to Christ?
Do you love Him with all of your heart, soul and mind?

Matt. 22:37 "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Luke 10:27 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind........”

What have you resolved to do in your life?
Be a loving wife
Be a caring mother
Be a helpful friend
Be a servant for Christ
Be a worker in the church
Be a light in a darkened world
Be different from what culture tells you to be
Be a person who stands alone if need be
Be a person of integrity
Be a person to do hard things
Be content with what you have
Be generous with what you have
Be thankful in heart

Whatever it is you RESOLVE to be, throw yourself into it wholeheartedly!

Healthy Gem found at Costco!

On my last trip to Costco I was delirious to feast my eyes on this Gaba Rice by Tru Roots! (I also buy their organic quinoa.) Oh happy day! I have been researching and reading about Gaba rice for over a year, and it's so hard to find. When you do find it, it's hyper expensive! And making it yourself is quite a chore. So I brought home a bag of this goodness and I'm good to go for several meals.

You must read the benefits of Gaba Rice
HERE
&
HERE

The research on Gaba rice is relatively new, but it looks promising! Here are some of the benefits just to name a few: GABA, the rice’s namesake, acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that appears to regulate anxiety, sleep, the immune system, and fat metabolism.

Already studies in Japan and the United States indicate that the substances in germinated brown rice improve brain function, can reduce cholesterol, improve kidney function, regulate blood sugar levels, stabilize blood pressure, reduce the risk of colon cancer, may be beneficial for diabetics, and may act as a preventive for Alzheimer’s disease.

Whoo-hoo! Pass the rice!

Come Fill Your Cup!

Great reading to be found at this blog done by fellow sisters in the church!
Come Fill Your Cup

OOTD -Ruffles, lace and bling!

Off to work today!
Shirt: Ross
Cardi: TJMaxx
Skirt: Target Mossimo
Tights: Anne Klein via Ross
Necklace: Target at 75% off
Boots: Target Kasia

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100 Miles in 1 Month update

Well, I have almost 25 miles under my belt so far! I won't lie- it hasn't been easy. Most days my legs feel like lead, but I just keep putting one foot in front of the other! Getting back into exercise is frustrating in some ways to me as 2.5 years ago I was in the best shape of my life. I was doing a rotation of Turbo Kick at the gym, Cathe Friedrich, P90X, running, Jari Love, The Firm, Supreme Pilates and yoga --and I was doing double days. I even won a Beachbody contest and Chalene Johnson came to my home!

After 3 babies in 1.5 years!
I was fit, strong and at my slimmest. Back in those days, the kids were smaller and homeschooling didn't take as much time so I had more time to workout. I had started eating right and working out, lost 40 pounds, but then I went to extremes. I tend to do that - I'm an OC personality - obsessive/compulsive, all or nothing, no balance gauge for me! (I'm working on that! Don't judge!) So even though I was fit, I still wasn't balanced, therefore, not good. I am sad however, that I felt life got too busy and I completely put fitness aside, and went from super fit to super flab! There has to be a happy medium!

This 100 mile challenge was the perfect place for me to start. Get me back doing SOMETHING. I am not checking the scale, I'm not measuring myself up to any beautiful magazine models, I'm just trying to get healthy, get my heart beating, feel my blood pumping and gain some energy. After this month, I hope to start adding back in some much needed strength training as well as continue the cardio. Thanks to MeggyD for such a great new year challenge!

And these are the extremes I go to teaching the baby class at church! "Oh be careful little eyes what you see....."

A healthy dinner and a throwback game!

Tonight I made Chickpea Soup for dinner. This was a new recipe to me and it was delicious. Perfect for a cold evening. It had chickpeas, sweet potatoes, green beans, mixed veggies, garlic, onions and spices that gave it a good flavor. We had crackers on the side. As you can see, I got my Christmas tablecloth removed and promptly replaced it with a Valentine's one! Every one of my kids gobbled up their dinner. I'm so pleased they will eat healthy foods happily.

Then after dinner, we took time to play a Christmas present from Gma, one of my old favs- TiddlyWinks! It was their first time playing it and we had fun getting the hang of it. On one round I scored 140! Yea me! Memories. I can remember asking my mom to play this with me on occasion when I was little. That and pick-up-sticks!

My kids are growing so fast. We can't even shop in the kids clothing sizes any more - Maggie wears more of an xs in juniors and the boys aren't far behind (they size boys clothes different from girls). None of them wear shoes from the kids section anymore. Oh wah..........where are my 3 sweet Gymboree kids matching from head to toe, and matching each other? I want my babies back.

I remember a time, not long ago when I was pushing my cart through the grocery store. I had my oldest in the cart seat, one twin on my back in a backpack and one in a Bjorn on the front. It was quite a feat to even strap them all on to get some food! As I was picking out my produce, a sweet little older lady said to me "Enjoy them now, before you know it they will be grown." How much time do I have left to be with and influence my "babies"?

100 Miles in 1 Month

Going along on my little quest for 100 miles in 1 month, it's day 3!! I must say today I was a bit sore. I was trying to make up for my lazy Sunday so I did 5.25 miles this morning. This is what I saw along my way- makes it way easier to get out and workout! You can see my monthly stats on the right sidebar. I love the SportyPal application on my phone that tracks my workouts.

While I'm on a roll of exercise, might as well down a Green Lemonade! Start the day right! I need all the energy I can get to get these Christmas decorations down!

Here is a page from The Best of Raw Food on The Importance of Greens from David Wolfe. I don't subscribe to a 100% raw diet, but I do see the need for an increase of raw, live foods in the everyday diet.

Blog Work!

Evening all! I've been doing a bit of work to the blog tonight, trying to organize tabs by category:

She Hath Done What She Could in Nutrition and Health
She Hath Done What She Could for Her Children
She Hath Done What She Could in Stewardship
She Hath Done What She Could in Modest Fashion
She Hath Done What She Could in in Spirituality

Hopefully this will just make navigating around a bit easier.

In 2011, I would like to concentrate on more than just my OOTDs. I want to write more in other areas that I am passionate about throughout the year.

OOTD- Mary, Mary, you are looking foxy!

This post is my 2nd entry into "Feminine Fashion Week" over at Natasha's blog! I was so happy to see her do this feature! It would warm your heart to see all the young women who are participating this week. So many girls and young women who are seeking to be pleasing to God in their manner of dress. This to me is rare! So many young hearts, seeking the will of God in their lives -simply wonderful!

I'm sure I am the oldest participant by far, but I wanted the other young ladies to see that there are women out there who want to remain modest in their dress and serve God also. Way to go ladies - you all are great!

My photos are a bit overexposed due to fog, but you can still see the outfit details!

Dress: Anthropologie Mary Dress - free with gift card!
Cardigan: Anthropologie Wily Sweater (foxes on there)- free with gift card!
Tights: Ross
Shoes: Sonoma Oxfords from Kohls $20 on sale

OK, if you don't own this dress- go get it NOW!! (It comes in purple too.) With the extra 25% off, it is around $38 and it is super comfort. I love dresses like this where you can go about your daily routine in comfort, but looking pulled together. That's why I so love a dress! Look at the details - the pockets (see above they are deep front pockets but you can put your hands in at the sides), the buttons on the arm, the waistline, the shoulders - LOVE!

And with my new favorite whimsical animal sweater from Anthro - the Wily Sweater with little foxes all over it! I am ga-ga over this one- the double layer effect is so unique! I love the black on navy. I love the print! I love the preppy quality and the TTS fitting! Yea Anthro on this one.

My 1 Resolution - Be In the Moment!!

Happy New Year 1-1-11!

This is my ONE New Year thought - "Be in the moment"!

The first photo is the one I submitted for Small Town Fashionista's new year contest! You were supposed to wear your favorite Anthro and send in a picture representing your New Year's Resolution. As you can see in my photo, I am literally, "In the Moment"!

No more kids asking, "Mom, do you want to play a game?" and Mom responding, "As soon as I'm done with the laundry, as soon as I pay these bills, as soon as I finish this email," because you know what - I'm NEVER going to be done with chores, but my children ARE going to grow up. I want to LIVE IN THE MOMENT with them! I want to really be present, not thinking about what I have to do next. I want to really listen to them when they talk, not multi-task. I want to really be there for my husband, not listen hurriedly so I can get on to the next task.

I want to read God's Word. I want to pray more. I want to worship Him and really pay attention to all the areas of worship, singing, praying, reading His Word!

I want to take in the beauty around me, the simple, every day beauty that happens in life. Sunsets, crisp air on a walk, blue skies, the laughter of my children, the satisfaction of a good home-cooked healthy meal, the confidence of a strong body.

Time is our most valuable possession! If in the past you have made mistakes with money, once you realize the mistake, change your spending, you can re-coop the loss, pay off debt, even save! But once time is spent, you can't get it back - it is gone forever. How am I spending my time? Am I making the most of my opportunities? How many days do I even have left on this earth to serve my family and teach others the Gospel of Christ?

This is my one and only resolution - God help me to "Live in the Moment" in 2011.