ME dot COM

My friend, Ted Rubin says, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... it's about learning to dance in the rain."

I absolutely love that! But it's time for me to act that out.


Lately, I have been too consumed with work. That's the problem with Social Media and having a career focused around a computer - it's always there! And I have let it consume me. 

Couple that with my inability to run, run, run and I have basically just been nearly "cooped-up," allowing myself to be burried in the computer. 


No More! I am not waiting for my "feet storm" to pass, feeling sorry for the fact that "I can't run." And I'm certainly not going to fore go it while sitting by my computer working!


Time for action! It's not realistic for me to say, "I promise to turn my technology off for 3 hours each day." And the truth is, I don't want to! I currently work with certain individuals who inspire me each and every single day. And for that, I give back my time, energy and brain. But, I must always remember ME first! So, like a diet, I'm not making promises I can't keep (the computer stays on!). The best laid plans will fail with unrealistic goals.

My new "goals" are in the works. I like to call them: ME dot COM. And what does that mean? It means merging my love for Health/Fitness and Food with Social Media once again! Remember ME on NIKE? One project has already begun with Mr. Bob Stanke, Director of Social Media for Lifetime Fitness.

But what will be next?! My "Wild" Card is out there....  

It's Getting Hot in Here

I've been eating Cayenne Pepper with everything lately. I once went on a detox where they said you should drink hot water with lemon and a pinch of Cayenne Pepper. So I listened. And I did it. I hated it. It's been a few years since, but I decided to revisit the spice. And I have to say, I'm glad to be back - on my own terms of course! (Which, as we all know, is critical to the success of anything we do in life!)

So what exactly is Cayenne Pepper and why is it so good for us?

Cayenne Pepper, according to the Wikipedia is, "a hot, red chili pepper used to flavor dishes and for medicinal purposes."


The spice is so good for us because it is high in Vitamin A and also contains Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Potassium and Manganese.


And According to The Healing Daily Website, "Ayurveda also utilizes cayenne to treat poor digestion and gas. Chinese medicine uses Cayenne for digestive ailments. When taken internally, cayenne soothes the digestive tract and stimulates the flow of stomach secretions and saliva. These secretions contain substances which help digest food."


There are many things you can do with Cayenne Pepper. Here is my latest and greatest recipe I use it with:

• 1/2 c. oatmeal
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 c. extra lean ground turkey
• a couple pinches of cayenne pepper
• pinch of sea salt and pepper

I'm sure this looks like a weird combination. It is! But it's so good. I eat it for breakfast. All I do is literally mix it all together. There is no sugar, but instead all the healthy protein, fat and complex carbohydrates to get your day off right!

Try my recipe for breakfast tomorrow or put some Cayenne Pepper on your Grilled Chicken tonight. And then just wait and watch it getting "hot in there!"

Attention: HUGE Announcement for Bay Area Runners!

It's that time of year again when we all start heading outside, moving, enjoying and - RUNNING!

So I have some great news. And (semi) bad news.

The (semi) bad news is that this year to train for the Nike Women's 1/2 and Full Marathon, there won't be an "official" training location. Instead, they have launched a 2010 Mobile Running Campaign. I have heard a lot of complaints about this, as many people were depending on that "group-based" training each and every Saturday/Sunday.

But never fear.....I come bearing GREAT NEWS here!

This year, you can still run. You can still train. And you can still fight your way like a champ all the way to the finish line with Coach Suzanne Cordes! In case you forgot, Coach Cordes was the Nike Coach last year for the runs. Here is more about her:

Suzanne is going to offer a "steal" of a deal for her training program! For 16 weeks, you can have the pro train you for just $125! (See Sunday Training Runs)

So what are the benefits to YOU?

1.  Professional Training and Coaching
2.  More Personalized
3.  Didn't get in to the Nike 1/2 or Full? No worries - she will help you train for: Primo's, Chicago Marathon &/or the Humboldt Redwoods as well as the Nike Race! 
4.  You can run in any type of shoe that fits you and makes you feel like a million bucks when running! (Nike's are great. I'm just saying!)

So what are you waiting for? The clock is ticking. You have goals to achieve. You have an awesome summer to look forward to. And space will be limited (because, like I said - personal attention from the Coach herself!)

Click HERE to contact me for more information! Or see the sheets above for all Coach Cordes Contact Information. And when you sign up with her...just say, "The Former Pied Piper Leader sent me:)" She'll like that!

CHEERS!

LYLABSBAWLM: Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my cousin - my best friend (other than my Mother of course!) - Kim Hansen! The world was blessed the day you were born.

Seems like just yesterday we were sneaking ice cream from Donald's freezer, huh?!

Now really....did you think you were going to receive a SNAIL MAIL card from me? Or anything less than a big, fat Happy Birthday via Social Media?!

So here's to you - a VERY HAPPY (social media) BIRTHDAY from Me (daddy long legs standing in the back of the church):

Twitter Backgrounds

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - WE LOVE YOU:)

Love always,

Sarah Kay, Ryan, Fiona & Reagan

LYLABSBAWLM

* Gosh I miss you! *

Dear Diary: I Miss You Minnesota.

I feel like a school girl right now when I act like, "Dear Diary: I Miss You Minnesota."

But it's true. 

I love California. Ryan and I and our dogs explore the hell out of this place. We love many things, mostly the outdoors and the beauty that surrounds us. 

But the "sentimental" side of me has come around so often lately. And it says, "You can't put a price on what I can't describe about Minnesota." And that's just the truth.

Here are my (most) favorite things about Minnesota:

1. The People. You always hear about "Midwest Nice." It's true. Believe it.
2. The Summer (or something like that). The second it hits 50 degrees, kids are wearing shorts to school and people are out and about. Minnesotans appreciate anything that resembles a nice day. And I appreciate that about Minnesota.
3. Country Roads. My parents live there. Many of my friends grew up there. You can get lost. And you can not see anyone or anything for miles. It's the exact distance from people, place and thing that you just crave sometimes.
4. Less 'tude. Where I'm from, people just accept. Life isn't necessarily about "making it big" or "who you know," but instead it's about people who have your back. Friends who are friends because they adore something money can't buy.

Those are just 4 reasons. I'm not looking to give you my "100 Things I Love About Minnesota" (though I could). But the biggest thing? Who gets placed in this "diary" on the page, "I Miss You Minnesota?" My Family. My Friends. And all the people, places and things I LOVE the MOST (except for my Sister-in-Law and her family in another state....and a few other relatives in other states as well, of course!)! You can be anywhere in the world and be happy when the people you love the most are right there...and by "right there," I mean closer than a phone call away!

Dear Diary: I Miss You Minnesota.

One of those Days....

Rarely do I have "one of those days" anymore! I haven't had one in over 3 months. But I felt like I had a semi-version of one today!

In case you did, too, here are some things that may cheer you up (they sure cheered me up):

1. "Wow, that really IS a low price!"

2. Thingstobehappyabout.com (Yes, there is a website for it!)

3. Rocking Your Summer Body can be simplified if you just read this short bit from Mercola.  

4. Brainstorming Sessions. Some of my favorites lately have included those with (in no particular order):

a. Brainstorming with Mike Schneider (re. country music demo)

b. Brainstorming with Josh Groth (my #socialmediaconferencebff)

c. Brainstorming with Robert Stanke and Rachel Ryan

5."Facebook Limits Landing Tabs to "Authenticated Pages."

(Ha. Just kidding. Definitely not happy about that one! But I'll save that post for a posting on the DigitalMention.) 

6. When You Drink Too Much.

7. Exactly one year ago in Cancun! Now that's a great thought to end my day on!

See....it isn't so bad! Make your own list - there is power in creating a list like that for a simple reminder of how "one of those days" is just that - ONE "of those days"!

Head to the Front of the Class

Looking to work harder in your Fitness Classes? Want to be more motivated and be a motivat(or)? Then head to the front of the class!

This is what I learned yesterday in Mr. Gary Walker's Spin Class at Crunch Fitness in Blackhawk (Danville, California):

When you are in front-and-center, all eyes are on you or at least you tell yourself that! There is no giving up! If you give up, then the people behind you either think:

1. She's weak.

OR

2. I guess I could back off, too.

This was just a 45-minute spin class. I appreciate those because they are 45-minutes of hardcore "spinning," filled with HIIT, climbs, jumps and increasing/decreasing constantly. The class always leaves you pouring sweat.

What I found yesterday was that when I forced myself to be in the front of the class and mixed that with a short, 45-minute and high intensity class, I only had to be at the Gym for 45 minutes. Why? Because I was exhausted. I had used up all my energy. I felt phenomenal.

So don't be bashful. Head to the front of the class and work it, girl (or guy) - work it! Your body will thank you! 

Oh and ps. Crunch Fitness is by far the most fun gym I have ever gone to! The people there are outgoing, fun and sassy! There is so much energy constantly and the classes are "current!" You will get a phenomenal workout without ever feeling like you're working out (okay, that was a lie, you better feel like you're working out)! If you're interested in working out with us at the Crunch in Danville, CA find me on Facebook and message me or Tweet at me!

Garlic Breath

Do you eat garlic? If not, you should!

Lately, I have been highly interested in herbs/spices and anything that can naturally "flavor" without the added calories or additives.

I'm starting with Garlic today because it has quickly become an obsession of mine.

It's simple and beautiful. Garlic, according to the Wikipedia, "The cloves are used for cloning, consumption (raw or cooked), or for medicinal purposes, and have a characteristic pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking."

Garlic has many benefits: 

- Cardiovascular

- Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antiviral Activity

- Cancer protection

- Promotes optimal health

- Promotes weight control

- And more!

You can learn all about those from the WH Foods HERE.

Here is my favorite thing (currently) to do with Garlic: Garlic "French Fries." Don't get too excited, though, there are not any actual potatoes involved. 

We bake boneless, skinless chicken almost every night. So we place rosemary and garlic all around the chicken. I typically put 2 whole pieces of garlic on the pan - NOT 2 garlic bulbs, but the entire garlic head. I leave the garlic in it's "shell." The pan is coated with a little olive oil and sea salt. 

We bake the chicken, rosemary and garlic for about 25 minutes on 425 degrees. When the garlic comes out, peel away the "skin." It's just like a Garlic French Fry, but minus the "French Fry!" I love it so much I can eat an entire garlic head!

I worried this might not be good for me until I read an article that stated, "You can never eat enough garlic." Whew!

And ps. Who cares about your Garlic Breath!

Dear Mom

(Just a couple day late!)

Dear Mom:

I missed you dearly on Mother's Day.

I know I sent to you a card. 

And a custom piece of jewelry.

And a gift card.

But it was time spent with you that I missed mostly.

Time I can't make up being this far away.

You should know, though,

That where I live never changes

How much I love you and how often I think of you.

I remember each and every single thing,

Big and small, that you have done for me

Over the years. 

Starting with the time you drove back to Waseca 

Just to get my ID:)

I remember the times I was mean to you. 

And all the times you still loved me - 

Unconditionally. 

I remember all the times we have laughed - and cried But mostly laughed.

With, not at, JJ! (HA!)

I will never forget how my heart broke the first time

I headed West to Los Angeles. 

And then again how it broke when we moved 

West for good.

I can't listen to Sugarland's, "Baby Girl,"

Without fighting a single tear.

I typically think of growing up, singing with you

By the piano or at a bar by a jukebox or 

In an auditorium. 

There are so many things I think of when I think - 

MOM

But nothing compares to the simple thought of - 

LOVE. 

If I could give you a million dollars to repay you

For everything you've done, I would.

But it would be an embarrassment still to the things

You've given me.
Thank you for giving me life. 
Thank you for giving me love. 
Thank you for being the best Mom and Friend
A girl could ask for!

"Well, remember me in ribbons an' curls.

"I still love you more than anything in the world...

"Love,

"Your baby girl." (Sugarland)