Happy Halloween, and Happy Birthday to Me!

That’s right, I’m a holiday baby. Want to learn more about me? Here’s 33 Emmy facts for you:

1. I love garlic.

2. I’m a clean freak.

A clutter-free and clean (but not necessarily scrubbed) house is my fave.

3. I think the best everyday workout would be doing an obstacle course 5K.

4. I love lilacs.

I always imagined my future house having light purple, dark purple and white lilacs. Lilacs are my idea of the first official sign of summer, however, they’re also something my husband seems to have an awful allergic reaction to:(

5. Fireworks are my most favorite thing, therefore making the 4th of July my favorite holiday.

6. I love painted nails, but hate getting manis and pedis. I don’t like when people pick, and cut at my nails, so I do it myself.

7. I love Spanish.

And everything about it. The food, culture, music and language are amazing.

8. I moved to Panama for 5 months with my boyfriend (now husband) in the winter 2013, which happened to be one of the worst winters in WI since we’ve been alive.

9. I’m a five times self-published writer.

Four cookbooks, one wellness tips book, and more to come!

10. I have watched children professionally for over 20 years, that is ⅔ of my life that I spent with other people’s children=) #bestjobever

11. Jazzercise is my favorite workout.

12. I’m a girly girl. 12592258_825742764220201_667262404304408035_n

I love to paint my nails, dress up and do my hair.

13. I’m a tomboy, too.

I grew up fishing, camping, hiking and generally outside. I still love all of these activities.

14. I am obsessed with Dawson’s Creek and Sex in the City, and have watched all the seasons of both shows, several times over.

15. I make my own wine. Screenshot_20170410-131303

I would love to do it up big and mass produce my own brand with labels and flavors and all, but for now it is just for me and my peps.

16. My favorite movie of all time is Man on Fire.

17. I like all music except for “Scream-O.” You know, where you can’t hear the words just a lot of shrill screaming? Ya, I don’t like that.

18. I love to walk and hike.

19. I don’t like when people touch my face. Please don’t.

20. Fall is my favorite season and I would love to live somewhere that’s between 50ish and 75ish degrees almost year-around.

21. I’m not a huge sports fan.

But I love baseball and the Milwaukee Brewers.

22. My husband and I spoke of a “pipe dream” a few years ago, to both become remote (workers) and work and live wherever we chose. Less than 3 years later, and we’ve all but made it happen.

23. My hair is the longest it’s ever been. And I love it.

24. Deep fried Oreo’s are my most favorite indulgence. They are beyond delicious.

25. I experienced love at first site.

I don’t even know if love at first site is a thing, all I know is I knew I loved my husband before I even met him. From that very first second, I knew that he was the one I wanted to spend my days with.

26. I love freshwater lakes. IMG_20170818_085239

27. Last year Nick took me to watch the sunrise on the east coast of FL and watch the sunset on the west coast of FL. This was by far my favorite birthday gift ever, and a total surprise, as I once said I wanted to do that in passing and he not only remembered it but made a whole weekend out of it.

28. Essential oils are life. I use them for everything and love them. Best decision I ever made.

29. My favorite Disney movie is The Emperor’s New Groove. If you’ve seen it, I know you Grooveposter love it, too. If you haven’t, go watch it right away!

30. I want to go to Italy. The pictures, views, and history are amazing and I want to eat everything Italian.

31. I picked out my own wedding ring and never looked back. I knew Nick was the one, the ring was the one, and that was it.

32. We got married in my hometown court house on 8/13/14, the second anniversary of our first date. Awwwwwwwww.

33. Today, I turn 33 and you know what? I’ll probably get carded at dinner, LOL.

Feel like you know me better now? Is there a fun fact you want to share with me?

Oh, wait, I have one more. Nick and I are both holiday babies, so watch for a Christmas Eve edition for 33 things about my hubby=)

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed learning more about me. And Happy Halloween!! XOXO

Explorations The Life I Live

Three and a Half Days in Canada: Day One

Hey! It’s just so fitting to start out with that. Born and raised in WI, “hey” is common place and used for “hi,” to get someones attention, and even sometimes as a statement or question.

Even walking into the hotel, “hey there,” was written on the door. Canada, we have arrived. (And for my first time ever!)

Our first day started with driving from Michigan and into Canada. Crossing the border took about half and hour but otherwise, it was a snap. Handed over our drivers licenses, US birth certificates, answered a couple of questions, and we were in.

Bridge to Canada

Getting through the border

Let’s back up. My husband and I are on a road trip for work. We started in Milwaukee WI, then onto/through Chicago IL, a night in Dayton Ohio, two nights in Detroit MI, and now Canada. He has meetings, I have “shops,” and we’re both writing a lot. Plus, of course, trying to take it all in and have some fun too.

Just driving into Canada, I couldn’t help but notice all the differences. Yet, at the very same time, all the similarities. Canada so far has looked (and felt) much like the Midwest. However, many of the similarities end there.

Here are all the differences so far:

Metrics

Canada, like most of the world, use metrics. Distance is kilometers, volume is litre, and temperature is Celsius. This is new and different to me. Ie, even our GPS uses kilometers which made me laugh.

French is everywhere!

I knew that large parts of Canada spoke French and used French, but I didn’t expect to see it all over the place. As a Spanish speaker, I imagine I feel now like my hubby did when we lived in Panama. Ie, I can’t read the signs written in French and feel a little left out of it all.

But just a little. And I plan to learn a few words while I’m here. First is sucre or sugar in English=)

Signs

And finally, the biggest thing I noticed was the signs. So many are pictures without words! Have you seen this before? I love it. All of Canada uses emojis irl. Too cool.

I also saw a speed bump sign, no words, just waves.

And for fun, a picture of the monies.

We have lots of things to do, see, and write about. For now, au revoir! (Bye in French=)

The Life I Live Workouts

Walking Everyday Is Healthy And Important

Keeping active is imperative in this life. Walking is an easy an effective way to literally “get your steps in” and it feels great. Take a walk often to benefit your health.

It’s Easy

No gym membership needed here! Lace up and head out the door with this quick essential workout. Just starting out? Even a short walk is a good start, just be consistent.

Reduces Body Fat

Walking on a daily basis will moderately reduce your body fat over time. Persistence and patience will pay off and help you to keep control of your weight.

Stress Reduction

Spending time outdoors, especially active time, is a great way to reduce stress and boost your immune system. Fresh air and sunlight are both linked with stress reduction and elevated moods.

Energy Boost

Taking a walk will feel wonderful and leave you with more energy than you had beforehand. Improved circulation boosts oxygen flow and you will feel more alert and energized thanks to your walk.

Get Your Vitamin D

30 minutes of sun daily is the recommended amount of exposure for your Vitamin D needs. Getting outside to walk feels great so if the weather allows, do it!

Walking is a great way to stay moving for people of all ages. It’s feel good stimulation, both mental and physical, will keep you coming back for more. Happy Walking

Explorations The Life I Live

Vacations Filled With Hiking Are The Best Kind

Hills and forests are a hikers best friend. Living in South Florida has been vastly different from my Midwest roots and while I enjoy the wetlands and (flat) boardwalks, I was more than excited to jet up north last weekend to find some trails. North FL is hilly, full of trees and reminds me of home.

Devil’s Millhopper State park has several different trails, sink holes and sights to see. Hills make up a large part of this park that also offers trees and shrubbery of all kinds.

This park houses all 45 species of birds native to Florida’s hardwood forests and, as such, they are the only forest in FL that can claim this distinction.

Here are bright orange and white mushrooms that grow from the side of fallen stumps.

These bright berries, along with some of a purple variety, liter the ground floor with color.

With a mile loop trail and an extension (to create about 3 miles of trail) loop trail, these walking paths are for everyone. This sign reminds us to take care of these beautiful parks by not disturbing them.

This hike provided a beautiful and calming start to our Sunday. With temperatures climbing into the 90’s, it was quite the hot and sweaty trek. However, I cannot wait to get back and experience more of what North Florida has to offer!

Workouts

5 Workout Tips For The Beginner

Working out is great for your mind, body and soul, and my favorite stress reliever. If you don’t have a regimen or want to get started, this can be a great way to go.

Tip 1: Stretch

Make sure that you feel limber each day – especially if you are working out or feeling tight. Neck, back, and core moves are a great start. Even leaning side to side and twisting can help. Keep everything moving each day for an all over good feeling in the body.

Tip 2: Walk

Walking starts young and continues into old age for most of us. If you start taking a walk daily, it can be such a great way to get into the rhythm of a daily workout..it can even be a great workout in itself. Long distance treks on flat land and getting in some hilly walking or hiking is great too. You use different muscles for each movement and are sure to start scorching some calories.

Tip 3: Body Weight Workouts

Body weight workouts are a must, even for runners or lifters. When you are starting out, body weight workouts begin to train your muscles and prepare them to be used on a regular basis. Planks, push ups, squats and lunges are some of the best moves. Watch for my body weight circuits to come out for some great routines!

Tip 4: Stop If It Hurts

In my opinion, there is no validity to the phrase, “No pain, no gain,” so just don’t. I am all for pushing yourself and setting goals but if you are hurting or just feeling wiped out, call it a day. You can (and should) come back tomorrow to give it another try.

Tip 5: Be consistent!

With work, schedules, life, relationships, friendships, kids, events and the daily’s, life is busy! It can be such a struggle to find time for the necessities of life much less adding in time to do something more or different, but for a workout, you just have to! Making time for activity in your day, whether it be a walk or a full hour in the gym, is essential. Keeping on the move and staying active is so important. Consistency is the most effective way to create a workout pattern in your everyday.

Final Thought

The most important part of staying active is to move in ways that you enjoy daily. Do what feels good and makes you happy. That way you can be consistent with it and it will feel like you were always a regular when it comes to working out. Good luck!

Cardio Workouts

Treadmill Circuit

Treadmills can accommodate cardio workouts of all kinds and as an inside activity, work great in any weather!

Speed and Incline Combos- Walking Only

4.0 speed and 0 Incline for 5 minutes- warm up

4.0 speed with 2 Incline for 3 minutes

4.0 speed with 5 Incline for 3 minutes

4.0 speed with 8 Incline for 3 minutes

4.0 Speed with 10 Incline for 2 minutes (or as long as you can)

You are panting and sweating at this point. Don’t give up yet!

3.0 speed and 2 Incline for 2 minutes

3.0 speed and 5 Incline for 3 minutes

3.0 speed and 8 Incline for 3 minutes

3.0 and incline 10 for 3 minutes

Finish off with something that is comfortable but still makes you work! I did 4.0 speed at 2 Incline for an extra 20 minutes.

Great job!

About

25 Things You Don’t Know About Me

1. I love garlic

It’s so healthy for you and acts as a natural antibiotic. I use it daily in cooking and cannot get enough.

2. I am a clean freak.

I always leave my house staged and detest clutter.

3. I am the worst singer ever.

Though I sing, in ridiculous tones, to my husband daily. Everything from Happy Birthday to renditions of Christmas songs with my own made up lyrics.

4. I once got lost in Mexico.

I was walking around one day alone and realized I was lost, with no phone number or address to find my way. I remember a huge yellow building that was at the end of the street my host family lived on and found my way before dark. Phew!

5. I love lilacs.

My future house will have light purple, dark purple and white lilacs. Lilacs are my idea of the first official sign of summer

6. Fireworks are my most favorite thing and therefore the 4th of July is my favorite holiday.

7. In college, I used to call into radio stations to contribute to the morning talk shows.

8. I love Spanish.

And everything about it. The food, culture, music and language are amazing.

9. I moved to Panama for 5 months with my boyfriend (now husband) in the winter 2013, which happened to be one of the worst winters in WI since we have been alive.

10. I have watched children professionally for over 20 years, that is ⅔ of my life that I have spent with other people’s children!

11. I love to play

I love to play games and with toys and on playgrounds, especially swinging. I think this is why I so enjoy my time with kids.

12. I am a girly girl.

I love to paint my nails, dress up and and my nails and hair.

13. I am a tomboy too.

I grew up fishing, camping, hiking and generally outside. I still love all of these activities

14. I am obsessed with the show Dawson’s Creek.

I literally watch the entirety of all 6 seasons a couple times a year, and this started several years ago. Meaning I have watched it through 5+ times. (I am currently in the middle of season 5.)

15. I make my own wine.

I would love to do it up big and mass produce my own brand with labels and flavors and all, but for now it is just for me and my peps.

16. To-Do lists are my thing

I make them for everything, everyday. There is no better satisfaction then checking off tasks after I accomplish them.

17. I like all music except for Scream-O. You know, where you can’t hear the words just a lot of shrill screaming? Ya, I don’t like that.

18. I would walk everywhere if I could.

I love to go walking, whether it is my first time exploring a place or if I got there as often as I can. I always try to carry something when I walk because my fingers swell terribly:/

19.Don’t touch my face, ever. Just don’t.

20. My eyes are human levels.

If something is hanging crooked, I have to fix it. Even in public, it bothers me and my husband teases me about it.

21. I am not a huge sports fan.

But I love baseball. I am a Milwaukee Brewers fanatic.

22. I am short.

I have a very short torso but my legs are long and the same length as friends that are 3-4 inches taller than myself.

23. I have very waxy ears.

I have to clean them out daily and hate to wear earbuds because I am always battling my incessant earwax.

24.Deep fried oreo’s are my most favorite indulgence. They are beyond delicious

25. I experienced love at first site.

I don’t even know if love at first site is as thing, all I know is I knew I loved my husband before I even met him and from the very first second, I knew that he was the one I wanted to spend my days with.

Led to Share

Faith, Food, and Real Life

Tag: walking