Health is Wealth

I've had some personal motivation once again to focus on health.  A little nagging pain in my chest that comes and goes . . . and family and friends who are facing some challenges as well . . . it has made me think.

About ten years ago my mom, who is now 78, was told by her dr. that she needed to get her cholesterol down.  He told her to follow the American Heart Association diet plan and to walk one mile a day.  Now . . . my mom is one of those smart, disciplined, women who do what the dr. says.  Dr. ordered it . . . she did it . . . and dropped 11 pounds.  Now - it was 11 pounds that she didn't need to lose and that wasn't the purpose, the purpose was to lower her cholesterol.  Funny how that happens . . . you expend more calories than you take in . .. voila . . . weight comes off.  She also stuck to the AHA diet which is lean meats, vegetables and fruits . . . another step in taking off some pounds.

So as I think about my own struggle . . . it has been years of ignoring what I am well educated in . . . proper nutrition.  My life's work is geared around health and well mostly poor health.  I know better than to eat whatever I want and what sounds good and for wrong reasons.   I can tie it to poor life choices that I eat to cover up.  I still find it to be my best reward in life . . . but it stops now.

I got to truly enjoy having a granddaughter at age 44 and for the next 12 years I have been a young and active grandma.  I have been in swimming pools and on swing sets, down slipper slides, and I have shopped, crafted, hiked, rode bikes with, and generally enjoyed every minute of those years.  And now I need to be able to travel even further to see her . . . as well as other family . . . and hike in the Yellowstone National Park.  

Here's the catch . . . we are starting over now with another wonderful little granddaughter who is due to be born within the next few weeks.   Will I be able to keep up with her?  I need to!  I want to!

This is my motivation as well as just wanting to feel better.  Less aching back and hips.

So . . . I decided today . . . if it was good for my mom . . . I'll do it the American Heart Association way as well.

I was eager to blog my new strategy.  I don't apologize that I've had previous posts that sound similar because all we can do is to start again.  There has to be an answer out there for me . . . I have to be able to put behind me the reasons I hang on to food . . . My health depends on me getting exercise back in my life . . . so please join me if you would like to . . . start by checking out the American Heart Association's website.  It is awesome!!  It is full of education, information, healthy food ideas, and a simple plan for eating.   Plus many videos on cooking tips and healthy projects to be a part of!  I'll keep you posted on what I learn there!

Now let's get movin'  

Inspiration on Monday: Baby Shower and the like . . .

I'm so excited that Trish at Love, Laughter and a Touch of Insanity is hosting something special for us on Mondays.  I became a fan when my sister introduced me to Trish's Pin It - Do It a few years back.

Rules are:

a forum to share things that we’ve created and things that we are doing to help inspire others. Posts about projects in progress, finished projects, tutorials, and how-tos are all welcome. Feel free to share recipes, crafts, lifestyle, organizing, and DIY tips, and any other idea that can spark inspiration.

Babies are on my mind . . . we are having a new little granddaughter in about 7 weeks.  Our daughter is having her first!  If you instantly think pink . . . it ain't necessarily so . . .

Casey is the typical "tom-boy" . . . although the tom-boyish ways were replaced to some extent when she grew up and fell in love and got married . . . but not to the point that she would design a nursery around everything pink!     Her colors are just perfect . . . gray, teal with a touch of yellow . . .

At a recent family shower I helped with some of the decorations and gave my first try at constructing a "diaper cake"    I quickly jumped on Pinterest for directions on how to build one.  I found many, many styles and ideas with both cloth and disposable diapers.  I quickly ran upon the cake I wanted to try.  Using about 60 newborn sized diapers, big rubber bands, some ribbon, bows, confetti, and a crystal plate to "serve" it on . . . I came up with this:

I eventually added another teal bow as a topper and an owl - to stick with the owl theme that has been chosen for the baby also.

This project was exciting to me as I was able to read directions and follow them, creating exactly what I intended to make!  

Following the shower, my daughter confiscated all of the ribbons and used them as "tie-backs" on the curtains in the nursery.

And although I can't take personal credit for these projects . . . I have truly enjoyed watching my little girl spend hours preparing a special room for her little girl who will arrive soon.  Miss Rachel Lee is due to meet us on May 18, 2015 or sooner or later :)

Not sure if the idea for the peg board was a Pinterest idea or thought up on her own or given as a tip from a friend . . . but my daughter determined to do this early on and followed through.  Notice the picture frame in the top left corner . . . specially made by the new mom - using ribbon, etc.  Love those little hair bows and head bands hanging in place.  

My daughter is a high school/college math teacher and one of her students created the "Welcome to My Crib" sign.  

Thanks again Trish for allowing me to join in the fun on Creative Mondays!  Even on a Tuesday!