Kid safe candy bar

Our reception was in August, so this is a little late. I loved the idea of a candy bar for our favors. I found tons of photos all over the internet of different candy bar options. The only problem was that none of them seemed very kid friendly. I had many younger kids at my reception and I wanted something they could enjoy.

Most of them included glass. I was worried the glass could easily tip. Most of the photos included tall, unstable glass jars. I realize a lot of children can handle glass dishes. I was just a little worried about a table full of glass dishes filled with candy around small children.

Most candy bars also included unwrapped candy. I love little kids, but I know some of them would be tempted to grab a big handful of candy even if there was a scoop in the container. I have also seen many kids put back food items they did not like after it was in their mouth. I'm sure there are many children that do not do this, but all it takes is one spit filled jar of jaw droppers to ruin a candy bar.

Therefore, I looked for two things in a candy: sturdy containers and wrapped candy. I found many tin buckets in many shapes and colors at Hobby Lobby. Wrapped candy can be found many places. Party City seemed to have a lot of variety. I also picked up a few big bags of assorted candy at Target. I also found cute, striped, paper bags on eBay. I wrapped boxes in tissue paper to add levels to the table.

One hour and a smoothie

I finally bumped my gym time up to one hour. I usually go to the gym with my 16 year old stepson. We don't actually workout together, he does more strength training and running, but knowing that he wants to be there an hour makes sure I stay the full hour. My husband tries to go with us when he can. The pain is his leg often holds him back from going to the gym.

I was craving a snack this afternoon after just having a brunch this morning. I knew I needed some more fruits or vegetables so I peaked in my freezer. I found some frozen mango and peaches and I decided to make a smoothie. I just threw some peaches, mango, almond milk, a packet of stevia, and a little bit of ice. It turned out very thick, just the way I like my smoothies.

Here's an odd looking photo of the super thick smoothie.

Winter wonderland

We finally made it to the park. It was still a little cold and wet but it felt good to get outside. Plus I know the dogs lived it.

The only bad part was a the long bridge that was fairly icy. Luckily, no one feel even though Reagan did try to takeoff to run with another park goer. Both of my dogs, Reagan and Angel, try to run with runners. They are definitely out of luck because that one exercise I do not enjoy.

I've tried running before but I believe some people are runners and some people are not. Does anyone else feel the same way? Or do you think you can become a runner?

Empty Gym

I went to the gym yesterday expecting to see overwhelming crowds. Granted, I went at 9:45 hoping to beat the crowd a little. The gym was almost completely empty! I'd much rather workout in an empty gym than an overcrowded gym. I do like having a few people around to keep my motivated but at my old gym I could barely walk in for the first two weeks of the year! It was a large gym too, a huge YMCA that was probably 5 years old at the most.

My mom and sister talked about walking at the park this week but there's still at least 6 inches of snow on the ground. Hopefully it warms up a little so we can make this happen.

The view from our front window.

Hello 2013!

Happy New Year everyone!!!!

  I hate to wish away a whole year but 2012 wasn't the greatest! My husband, I'll just call him K on here, had orthopedic surgery in January.  He went back into surgery once because it was infected and he just  found out in December he has an infection again! It has been very hard and painful for him. It has also had an impact on our entire year. He cannot walk very far and we're both very worried they will have to redo the original procedure to rid his body of all infectious tissue.

It's also had a big impact on our general health. Before his surgery we were going to the gym almost every day. We also ate pretty well. His surgeries seemed to put a stop to all of that. I have been going to the gym more, aside from the holidays, but he he has only been able to go a couple days. And while I try my best to eat healthy, it just hasn't been happening lately. 

Okay, I'm done complaining. I also have many good memories of 2012 including our wedding reception and getting our puppy Reagan. Plus I enjoyed spending time with my family.

 

our cake and candy bar

Reagan taking a swim (I love her nose mohawk!)

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. Here's hoping 2013 is a great year.

This or That

One of my favorite blogs is Peanut Butter Fingers. She did a post today with a survey. I am also a sucker for surveys, so here are my answers.

1. Run/workout in the heat and humidity or freezing temps and snow? Cold all the way! I'd much rather bundle up than be too hot.

2. Have washboard abs or flat abs? flat abs.. though it's only a dream haha.

3. Dr. Oz or The Doctors? not a fan of either

 4. Cardio or strength? Cardio or circuit with both

5. Cravings: Protein or carbs? protein

6. Jillian Michaels or Bob Harper? Just from watching Biggest Loser I would've said Bob, but after buying her DVD's and hearing her podcast I say Jillian.

7. Frozen Yogurt or Ice Cream? Frozen Yogurt unless it is Jeni's ice cream. Nothing beats Jeni's!

 8. To train: Upper body or Lower body? Lower.

9. Protein powder or food with protein? food with protein. I don't mind powder every now and then, but I'll take "real" food over powder every day.

10. Lunges or squats? Squats. I could do those all the time and lunges I could live without.

11. Sweet or salty? Combo, haha. Depends on my mood, but I probably choose salty over sweet more often.

12. Workout attire: cute or comfy? Comfy! I'm working out not in a fashion show.

13. Body Pump or Heavy lifting? heavy lifting.

14. Yoga or Pilates? Yoga, I need to back in a good Yoga class. I miss my class in Green Bay.

15. Nike or Adidas? Adidas. I loved my Nike ID's but they cost an arm and leg. Plus, regular Nikes are too narrow.

16. Running on the treadmill or outdoors? Outside.

17. Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s? Trader Joes, but I wish there was one closer! I do like Whole Foods hot bar even if I usually spend way too much!

18. Summer or Winter Olympics? I like both. I enjoyed actually getting to watch some events this summer.

19. Exercises classes or Exercise videos? Classes. They are much more motivating.

20. Steamed veggies or roasted veggies? Steamed, mainly because I usually overcook roasted haha.

Craziness

I've spent the last month mainly getting ready for our "wedding reception." We were married in December at the courthouse and never had any kind of celebration till now. It was very casual, but somehow seemed to still take some preparation and planning. It all went very well and it was very nice to see our families together. I'm sure I'll post some photos when I get them from my sister. All this wedding celebration made me think of a topic I heard discussed on Cosmo Radio. The subject was taking your husbands last name. I personally did take my husband's last name. I had a number of reasons, but one big one was that it made me feel like we were a family. I guess we still would be with different last names but it also makes it easier when we have kids. I would've been confused as a kid if my parents had different last names(they were not divorced till I was in college). I also had no attachment to my maiden name. My father is not a part of my life by his own choosing. The whole thing is a very long story, need less to say I was not wanting to hold on to my maiden name. I understand some people do and I guess it's a personal choice. Anyone reading this, what do you think? Should a married couple have the same last name?