tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87931431734387609212024-03-12T21:53:49.319-07:00little eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-91201800994822529402011-02-28T07:53:00.000-08:002011-03-14T09:26:59.156-07:00Best Winter Weekend Getaway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHpH4sJRejpG3duDeTgCTwpUx56dh3rrJxkCFLRgDtzhdTGuwRU_gCtz9tmlgzoaD6HFUdSsOweO8x22tN1uemz2T9qbIvhvtBarEPb4vvFqS_ZKJcIzDoINL-pCbtKilhOoaBbUAY9_P/s1600/IMG_2286.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHpH4sJRejpG3duDeTgCTwpUx56dh3rrJxkCFLRgDtzhdTGuwRU_gCtz9tmlgzoaD6HFUdSsOweO8x22tN1uemz2T9qbIvhvtBarEPb4vvFqS_ZKJcIzDoINL-pCbtKilhOoaBbUAY9_P/s320/IMG_2286.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578932542971148834" /></a><br />I sell insurance for a living which makes me paranoid. After my rebellious teenage years I flipped the script & started "playing it safe"... Probably safer than need be, actually. So, being paranoid & playing it safe have held me back somewhat. Yes it's true that I've never broken a bone or had a cavity... but I've also never tried many of the things that other people my age have. So, when my inlaws moved to MT & I went for my 1st visit in Feb 2008, my husband (then boyfriend) encouraged me to "step outside my box" as he likes to say. I tried snowboarding & hated pretty much every minute of it. My 2nd trip to MT in Dec 2010 was completely different. Instead of forcing myself to try something that I didn't have any desire whatsoever to try again (snowboarding), I found another snow sport... cross country skiing. My mother-in-law goes XC skiing all the time in MT & was sure it would be more my speed. She was 100% right. I love XC skiing! It's expensive to fly to MT & it pretty much takes a whole day of flying to get there, so in Janurary I started looking into other places near VA to XC ski. (Nothing will ever compare to our MT ski spot, but that will have to remain a special occasion trip, for now anyways...) I found an article talking about how the Canaan Valley in WV is getting record snowfall. I played on the internet searching for places to XC ski in WV & came across <a href="http://www.whitegrass.com/">Whitegrass</a> in Davis, WV. After looking over their website I was sold on WV & the next step was to find a place to stay. I found <a href="http://www.douglasfalls.com/">Douglas Falls, The Bed & Breakfast</a> on Whitegrass' website. So in Janurary we made a reservation for Valentine's Day weekend & anxiously awaited our trip. <br />I was hoping for the best, but not really sure what to expect of WV. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with the small town charm, laid back atmosphere, & fresh powder of WV. I still can't believe how much fun we had in such a short amount of time. We felt like we were across the country, not just 6 hrs away from our hometown of Virginia Bch, VA. Here's an overview of our trip:<br /><br /><strong>1)</strong> We left Va Bch around 1:30 PM on Thurs<br /><br /><strong>2)</strong> Arrived at <a href="http://www.whitegrass.com/cafe.html">Whitegrass Cafe</a> at 8 PM for dinner (how is it possible that I live on the coast but ate the best fish tacos I've ever had in WV!?) Oh by the way, is was approx 8 degrees when we arrived! But that was the coldest it got the entire time we were there. Phew! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVyIj6ztYhZsFGJXGT4Vuunvx-QW-fjuI2DvQ_ctKSvIiMOg7jGbFJiIBX6FOkFehqOY_sZIXj1Y4e4RJ4FfrV5yJchSePsNVAg87a-r4LQBB9K3Wg6CxWU__aQghVR5qVnAG5N7nP7QQ/s1600/white+grass+cafe.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVyIj6ztYhZsFGJXGT4Vuunvx-QW-fjuI2DvQ_ctKSvIiMOg7jGbFJiIBX6FOkFehqOY_sZIXj1Y4e4RJ4FfrV5yJchSePsNVAg87a-r4LQBB9K3Wg6CxWU__aQghVR5qVnAG5N7nP7QQ/s320/white+grass+cafe.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583972098588310066" /></a><br /><strong>3)</strong> Checked-in at Douglas Falls B&B around 9:30 PM, Thurs (*see pic below)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTRHGEXo231i80Mdwc3VV1tyPwOIcSFxWFr7WeK25cMaRWySHw1n6ClBVg9wLAXX2coFRTcDPpbvfjxCbhyphenhyphen5IdNsqBuCoWTy_sjVx1sJj4ipSiuxYL67duafP8EXOSWwE0g4zKc70CPf6/s1600/IMG_2335.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTRHGEXo231i80Mdwc3VV1tyPwOIcSFxWFr7WeK25cMaRWySHw1n6ClBVg9wLAXX2coFRTcDPpbvfjxCbhyphenhyphen5IdNsqBuCoWTy_sjVx1sJj4ipSiuxYL67duafP8EXOSWwE0g4zKc70CPf6/s200/IMG_2335.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578937803209063986" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>4)</strong> Breakfast @ 8:30 AM, Fri at our B&B (amazing homecooked meal!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RunoPDneBA2ujLqr-ENCPE7O-0Ov-84LBOzRJF9YJs_FGkqlFuYuSgwhcwg_D-8sAQdF_oFYQL6NIHLFpS3mMR8Pn6YRBBuTZ5W0o6jF6QxyG_k3B-RbhWwF3_bYPwNNr2bz1M5HFzFn/s1600/IMG_2282.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RunoPDneBA2ujLqr-ENCPE7O-0Ov-84LBOzRJF9YJs_FGkqlFuYuSgwhcwg_D-8sAQdF_oFYQL6NIHLFpS3mMR8Pn6YRBBuTZ5W0o6jF6QxyG_k3B-RbhWwF3_bYPwNNr2bz1M5HFzFn/s320/IMG_2282.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578936952179772130" /></a><strong>5)</strong> Fri afternoon was spent XC skiing at Whitegrass (*see pic to the Lft), followed by coffee/wi-fi at <a href="http://hypnocoffee.blogspot.com/">HypnoCoffee</a> & then lunch at <a href="http://hellbenderburritos.com/">Hellbender Burritos</a> (Davis, WV) <br /><br /><br />*Ben's new friend outside of Hellbender Burritos---> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuwI-JCxEvKzrWhFQ4I2I5e_U37tjC5Qy-ym-ENISUTwUvHWOvngx-CCaSnkRE-glQfzbnyvwNO4I9pMZDUVlCgW4mLHQdbmOig5kseRoqAnFKk4kp30gzxzjul6ZpYMGNFwcbGmpyytW/s1600/IMG_2303.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuwI-JCxEvKzrWhFQ4I2I5e_U37tjC5Qy-ym-ENISUTwUvHWOvngx-CCaSnkRE-glQfzbnyvwNO4I9pMZDUVlCgW4mLHQdbmOig5kseRoqAnFKk4kp30gzxzjul6ZpYMGNFwcbGmpyytW/s320/IMG_2303.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578939254683535026" /></a>HypnoCoffee. Love. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCrDtz2XTBC2SVw12PXkpyAtYO4cOY2hNcTSfBeNz_mCynbN8RVtrqPMNKO_UpoErOTsFm4UkZSM2GDHITB9QqxTMf6Z879roO8zrnK-2-59iOotQGD9FD7c54f1dr0U5NfQHSh_WSq7f/s1600/IMG_2302.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCrDtz2XTBC2SVw12PXkpyAtYO4cOY2hNcTSfBeNz_mCynbN8RVtrqPMNKO_UpoErOTsFm4UkZSM2GDHITB9QqxTMf6Z879roO8zrnK-2-59iOotQGD9FD7c54f1dr0U5NfQHSh_WSq7f/s200/IMG_2302.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578940534846574370" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>6) </strong>Fri evening we relaxed at the B&B, drank wine, & went to bed early in anticipation of a long day of skiing on Sat<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BF8suPhccobYT3JoOj4SEOvsmlEUCLhHoWReanEKPh_TJ1rlltjv9tlgeOBCQw731rvRYuX1iCnU14KcLqnKtVqR02iDBHq9gg3IwCheZad5LVmJkgmTsYib3x_zq7alq0NIkOFxBCMk/s1600/blackwater+falls+bridge.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BF8suPhccobYT3JoOj4SEOvsmlEUCLhHoWReanEKPh_TJ1rlltjv9tlgeOBCQw731rvRYuX1iCnU14KcLqnKtVqR02iDBHq9gg3IwCheZad5LVmJkgmTsYib3x_zq7alq0NIkOFxBCMk/s320/blackwater+falls+bridge.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579487610732729746" /></a><br /><br /><strong>7)</strong> Another amazing homecooked breakfast on Sat morning at 8:30 AM, then we went to Blackwater Falls State Park to XC ski. We ended up on the wrong trail & skiid for 10 miles in a winter wonderland. It was beautiful, challenging, & a lof of fun- an experience I'll never forget. We rewarded ourselves with a growler of local chocolate & espresso stout from Hypnocoffee. We drove around town & checked out, <a href="http://thewhiteroomofthomas.com/">The White Room</a>, a local art gallery. We also relaxed in the hot tub surrounded by snow at our B&B.<br /><br />(Thomas, WV)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAGZ57n_J0aKhesPtr9XWrrf8HDwEzt20PEF24-0XlfTv6Aeh3TU2WV-jl-gOivYrWSRmfRMiOJc7C3eDRegbADXe9N10W7GTrlE7ee4X0jvkT967kFBV8hg0JTVMdwKmGEAtQMST0FBT/s1600/THOMAS+ski+chair.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAGZ57n_J0aKhesPtr9XWrrf8HDwEzt20PEF24-0XlfTv6Aeh3TU2WV-jl-gOivYrWSRmfRMiOJc7C3eDRegbADXe9N10W7GTrlE7ee4X0jvkT967kFBV8hg0JTVMdwKmGEAtQMST0FBT/s320/THOMAS+ski+chair.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579498984670187906" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPq4yYCsgnoGYbVrnzy8u2YLXIUHoW45k_vEvu5n5r3Kykmw_PlGzTkUDL98AR6NZu5OlR2rMxgnvpfzV8keXp9a7SGvG-5Im2qepDxDk67uVpvWSGRSRPSvsUj6P0ksUIc5g-wCKCkAA/s1600/growler.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPq4yYCsgnoGYbVrnzy8u2YLXIUHoW45k_vEvu5n5r3Kykmw_PlGzTkUDL98AR6NZu5OlR2rMxgnvpfzV8keXp9a7SGvG-5Im2qepDxDk67uVpvWSGRSRPSvsUj6P0ksUIc5g-wCKCkAA/s320/growler.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579500014072576354" /></a><br />*Growler from HypnoCoffee -----> <br /><br /><strong>8) </strong>Sat evening we went to Sirianni's Cafe in Davis, WV for an Italian dinner (delicious pizza). After dinner we went to <a href="http://purplefiddle.com/">The Purple Fiddle</a> (in Thomas, WV) for drinks & a good time. We drank local beer out of mason jars & listed to live music. Why don't we have places like this in Va Bch?? WV is a different world & I wanna go back every year to experience it. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKl0LEntvVotWzSoFdAfIBw1jbjCtrHb2pra_pRNfYoHzTVjlUQQl7G3i_41Uq65Y1bQ3aKdehq2omMUbNh01IAjegh3nPSc17ua8CTjZNE_E5WewXmaNmLUcIsgr7Is3r-aZ5rZHTJO9w/s1600/pizza.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKl0LEntvVotWzSoFdAfIBw1jbjCtrHb2pra_pRNfYoHzTVjlUQQl7G3i_41Uq65Y1bQ3aKdehq2omMUbNh01IAjegh3nPSc17ua8CTjZNE_E5WewXmaNmLUcIsgr7Is3r-aZ5rZHTJO9w/s200/pizza.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579491799436548914" /></a> <br /> *Beer on tap at The Purple Fiddle (below) / Sirianni's Cafe (right)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0KXiOwox0EzNQdZxUqegOOor7ew8-EMms175q4pmJKBOF1hyC_y9CkcGKQzkIL5M49Mr-UsvtSiH50V2ZSPmVixvoMZVulxUXRlD4deMOoQQdiuJVd7m0ccjGfDyT_7hAdqQXU9xyL1g/s1600/mason+jars.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0KXiOwox0EzNQdZxUqegOOor7ew8-EMms175q4pmJKBOF1hyC_y9CkcGKQzkIL5M49Mr-UsvtSiH50V2ZSPmVixvoMZVulxUXRlD4deMOoQQdiuJVd7m0ccjGfDyT_7hAdqQXU9xyL1g/s320/mason+jars.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579491514617468722" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUU84aghMnNwroAhC22Rp62yf2-5uVT7v5JZljbKBhX_m-De9PCsKaq-P6i8FtQs-NV1tST8Ax5ej5FgxuloHFHkhuuMq085zvnKYFSu_-Hn7hfetmLyyJVpdwQbVc5s_75_qnckCtMYMz/s1600/purple+fiddle.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUU84aghMnNwroAhC22Rp62yf2-5uVT7v5JZljbKBhX_m-De9PCsKaq-P6i8FtQs-NV1tST8Ax5ej5FgxuloHFHkhuuMq085zvnKYFSu_-Hn7hfetmLyyJVpdwQbVc5s_75_qnckCtMYMz/s320/purple+fiddle.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579492634923356498" /></a> The Purple Fiddle Stage------------><br /><strong><br />9)</strong> Sun morning- another wonderful homecooked meal at 8:30 AM followed by a walk in the snow along a rail trail down the street from our B&B (<a href="http://wvbike.org/bct/index.html">Blackwater Canyon Trail</a>). We packed up the car & headed into town for one last trip to Hypnocoffee for coffee, chai tea, spiced cookies, & smoothies. YUM. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNKr3eu40oM9xT_AcN4tofT4FSzPttaDLsk53nSHd_dOj3ja8_AYn5M1cLCBEQ1YOvAlnsEzkgykYEXN9JhRuz2x03aKS6RzZ1cFJtQI_NgGZlFLCKiLtkiQ8M36DaMRortjxp2PJrkA2/s1600/rail+trail.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNKr3eu40oM9xT_AcN4tofT4FSzPttaDLsk53nSHd_dOj3ja8_AYn5M1cLCBEQ1YOvAlnsEzkgykYEXN9JhRuz2x03aKS6RzZ1cFJtQI_NgGZlFLCKiLtkiQ8M36DaMRortjxp2PJrkA2/s320/rail+trail.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579493487812128066" /></a> Rail Trail (*above)<br /><br /><strong>10)</strong> Sun afternoon we stopped in Charlottesville, VA for lunch & then headed back to Va Bch. We pretty much talked about our trip the whole drive home & already started planning another trip next Winter. <br /><br />If you live in Hampton Roads & are looking for a winter wonderland to XC ski, downhill ski, or snowboard, you should skip Snowshoe & check out Davis, WV instead! (Davis, Thomas, & The Canaan Valley are all very close to each other.) You can ski at <a href="http://www.whitegrass.com/index.html">Whitegrass</a>, <a href="http://timberlineresort.com/winter/">Timberline</a>, <a href="http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/">Blackwater Falls State Park</a>, <a href="http://canaanresort.com/winter/">Canaan Valley Resort</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwmpwmlZMZM0hYyimErR8XOWni9MafgNqVJ22nnQ_J3HPvw5iSt87RgWe-_z6stLffguqAI4wXXE4HwaGHmmv-F4s7iVIPMVu5MeopUwqcp4c2_x3Qi_1OBfYywFs9ir_8CpCXPH68gyu/s1600/blackwater+falls+me.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwmpwmlZMZM0hYyimErR8XOWni9MafgNqVJ22nnQ_J3HPvw5iSt87RgWe-_z6stLffguqAI4wXXE4HwaGHmmv-F4s7iVIPMVu5MeopUwqcp4c2_x3Qi_1OBfYywFs9ir_8CpCXPH68gyu/s400/blackwater+falls+me.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579495881067177506" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKrDl6r27VQjKI_9HXTYoWX7I5t9lJtYLOO-Il6Y5c9-XHPfPbhEOjzM1-8K-Lyr8D9W_dbzZ_RES1kIxEzhv8pQx1lyyDO-pUxHDH0M-Fjq87i8pb8z73HoIHH1SW0h5xrChwo96LUAK/s1600/whitegrass+view.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKrDl6r27VQjKI_9HXTYoWX7I5t9lJtYLOO-Il6Y5c9-XHPfPbhEOjzM1-8K-Lyr8D9W_dbzZ_RES1kIxEzhv8pQx1lyyDO-pUxHDH0M-Fjq87i8pb8z73HoIHH1SW0h5xrChwo96LUAK/s400/whitegrass+view.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579496238263015858" /></a><br />------ Blackwater Falls State Park ---------------------------- WhiteGrass ------<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6u1gbmvqHOjYJ_2tLzP7OUE5_KyKI50cV-6jxl8VTD1w5eH_nzVvNx5j3ZsqTJ5QqYqHqZ3EoTsJfaoCSaloPHP3j8Et5Jei0U4E_G_bbWfO7YYgBaMbqHM2rU3qhDjhSuTioVyeor97/s1600/XC+ski+tracks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6u1gbmvqHOjYJ_2tLzP7OUE5_KyKI50cV-6jxl8VTD1w5eH_nzVvNx5j3ZsqTJ5QqYqHqZ3EoTsJfaoCSaloPHP3j8Et5Jei0U4E_G_bbWfO7YYgBaMbqHM2rU3qhDjhSuTioVyeor97/s400/XC+ski+tracks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579496615914140418" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZy0fr-yXucEVifR0kp_5P05Vu2Z3_cfFHeNoaPQ7tw4_h4jAV14mV_KvzOIJROl_darKqN1G1iTXJxdfGxbzvn1gG53LUWD9aKkHSH4VHdZYZ6YFCpiKXGis2soADf0-miBRDNv-sgkG/s1600/blackwater+falls+state+park.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZy0fr-yXucEVifR0kp_5P05Vu2Z3_cfFHeNoaPQ7tw4_h4jAV14mV_KvzOIJROl_darKqN1G1iTXJxdfGxbzvn1gG53LUWD9aKkHSH4VHdZYZ6YFCpiKXGis2soADf0-miBRDNv-sgkG/s400/blackwater+falls+state+park.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579496907931790322" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVQJqLKjq3qOcFKjEfDPk4xAGHE-2zms5Tfjt_vaFCfGIIEBIGbt7EhRFAQfxj2bsv87Y__Sf8zBCI2t-N0S70odj6tag8vVdD63EUhsGaq-n5T_-kvMynSZqH70QnhKHbPzZSHlBE03p/s1600/whitegrass.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVQJqLKjq3qOcFKjEfDPk4xAGHE-2zms5Tfjt_vaFCfGIIEBIGbt7EhRFAQfxj2bsv87Y__Sf8zBCI2t-N0S70odj6tag8vVdD63EUhsGaq-n5T_-kvMynSZqH70QnhKHbPzZSHlBE03p/s400/whitegrass.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579497189232792706" /></a><br />----- Blackwater Falls State Park ------------------------- WhiteGrass ------<br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-25553745142152358622010-12-22T09:26:00.000-08:002010-12-22T10:02:56.107-08:00"If I Die Young" by The Band PerryI'm addicted to this song! Her voice is beautiful!! I sing this song really loud in my car when ever it comes on the radio & I don't care who sees me! :) Once I finally learned all the lyrics I was surprised by how morbid they are... But the meaning behind the song is a positive one. You can read the lyrics below & at the bottom of this post is the story behind the lyrics. <br /><br /><strong>-e </strong><br /><br /><br />IF I DIE YOUNG BURY ME IN SATIN<br />LAY ME DOWN ON A BED OF ROSES<br />SINK ME IN THE RIVER AT DAWN<br />SEND ME AWAY WITH THE WORDS OF A LOVE SONG<br />OH OH OH OH<br /><br />LORD MAKE ME A RAINBOW, I’LL SHINE DOWN ON MY MOTHER<br />SHE’LL KNOW I’M SAFE WITH YOU WHEN SHE STANDS UNDER MY COLORS, OH &<br />LIFE AIN’T ALWAYS WHAT YOU THINK IT OUGHTTA BE, NO<br />AIN’T EVEN GRAY, BUT SHE BURIES HER BABY<br /><br />THE SHARP KNIFE OF A SHORT LIFE, WELL<br />I’VE HAD JUST ENOUGH TIME<br /><br />IF I DIE YOUNG BURY ME IN SATIN<br />LAY ME DOWN ON A BED OF ROSES<br />SINK ME IN THE RIVER AT DAWN<br />SEND ME AWAY WITH THE WORDS OF A LOVE SONG<br /><br />THE SHARP KNIFE OF A SHORT LIFE, WELL<br />I’VE HAD JUST ENOUGH TIME<br /><br />AND I’LL BE WEARING WHITE WHEN I COME INTO YOUR KINGDOM<br />I’M AS GREEN AS THE RING ON MY LITTLE COLD FINGER<br />I’VE NEVER KNOWN THE LOVIN’ OF A MAN<br />BUT IT SURE FELT NICE WHEN HE WAS HOLDING MY HAND<br />THERE’S A BOY HERE IN TOWN SAYS HE’LL LOVE ME FOREVER<br />WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT FOREVER COULD BE SUFFERED BY<br /><br />THE SHARP KNIFE OF A SHORT LIFE, WELL<br />I’VE HAD JUST ENOUGH TIME<br /><br />SO PUT ON YOUR BEST BOYS AND I’LL WEAR MY PEARLS<br />WHAT I NEVER DID IS DONE<br /><br />A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS, OH NO I’LL SELL THEM FOR A DOLLAR<br />THEY’RE WORTH SO MUCH MORE AFTER I’M A GONER<br />AND MAYBE THEN YOU’LL HEAR THE WORDS I BEEN SINGIN’<br />FUNNY HOW WHEN YOU’RE DEAD PEOPLE START LISTENIN’ <br /><br />IF I DIE YOUNG BURY ME IN SATIN<br />LAY ME DOWN ON A BED OF ROSES<br />SINK ME IN THE RIVER AT DAWN<br />SEND ME AWAY WITH THE WORDS OF A LOVE SONG<br />OH OH<br /><br />THE BALLARD OF A DOVE<br />GO WITH PEACE AND LOVE<br />GATHER UP YOUR TEARS, KEEP ‘EM IN YOUR POCKET<br />SAME ‘EM FOR A TIME WHEN YOU’RE REALLY GONNA NEED ‘EM, OH<br /><br />THE SHARP KNIFE OF A SHORT LIFE, WELL<br />I’VE HAD JUST ENOUGH TIME<br /><br />SO PUT ON YOUR BEST BOYS AND I’LL WEAR MY PEARLS<br /><br /><br />-LYRICS BY RIO BRAVO MUSIC INC OBO PEARLFEATHER PUBLISING, <br />WRITTEN BY <a href="http://www.thebandperry.com/bio.aspx">KIMBERLY PERRY</a><br /><br />---------------------<br /><br /><strong>“If I Die Young” Story Behind the Lyrics <br />By: Kelli Green</strong><br /><a href="http://kfrog.radio.com/2010/07/19/if-i-die-young-story-behind-the-lyrics/">K Frog Radio</a> <br /><br />There is something so morbidly poetic about The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” that I can’t help, but turn it up and listen to it over and over again. Here’s the story behind the lyrics….<br /><br />Theboot.com has the story straight from Kimberly Perry of The Band Perry. She says that “If I Die Young” was the first song written for their upcoming album. She along with her 2 brothers, Reid and Neil (also in the band), got together on a cloudy day in East Tennessee, where they live, and came up with the concept and then turned it into a song. The meaning of the song is simple, it’s about making the most of whatever time you are given, whether it’s 2 years or 20 years. She goes on to says that even at their young ages they have all lived and loved and if it all ends at this moment, look what they’ve gotten to do. “Whatever time we’re given will be absolutely enough as long as we make the most of it”. I like the song even more now!Ellen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-57616177195240241012010-12-03T10:43:00.000-08:002010-12-03T10:49:28.227-08:00Va Bch Holiday Shopping this Weekend!!<strong>There are 2 local</strong> (Va Bch, VA 23451) <strong>sales this weekend:</strong><br /><br /><br />1) Sat Dec 4th, 10 am- 3 pm @ Cooke Elem (Mediterranean Ave): <strong>Market Place & Surf Sample Sale</strong><br /><br />2) Sun Dec 5th, 9 am- 6 pm @ the Contemporary Art Center (Parks Ave): <strong>Holiday Craft Sale</strong> --- shop local!!! <br /><br />See ya'll there! <br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-58358612559843290052010-11-27T06:38:00.000-08:002010-11-27T07:52:55.801-08:00Craft Project: Celery Stamp Rosebud Wrapping Paper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmmUAgmdeOiSotbp3y_VrD3EOc_OL3l0B2H4jbx2g_ZbFqagL35xiVxioMvoXojO9qcmEAX70MR5Tanx1fyzXp1wq6Ow-S0jL6jjGWB_lFZXGvDLpD2aedc57ngImB12aVV2fWUSsprDA/s1600/IMG_1934.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmmUAgmdeOiSotbp3y_VrD3EOc_OL3l0B2H4jbx2g_ZbFqagL35xiVxioMvoXojO9qcmEAX70MR5Tanx1fyzXp1wq6Ow-S0jL6jjGWB_lFZXGvDLpD2aedc57ngImB12aVV2fWUSsprDA/s320/IMG_1934.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544246041680345202" /></a><br /><br />While browsing a blog called <a href="http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/">Creature Comforts</a> I came across an easy craft project. I'm a big fan of craft projects, but rarely do anything crafty anymore. So, when I came across this do-it-yourself wrapping paper project a couple months ago I promised myself I'd try it for Christmas this year & I'm very glad I did; it was a lot of fun :) <br /><br />After you review the <a href="http://www.creaturecomfortsblog.com/home/2008/12/3/paper-scraps-celery-fabulous-gift-wrap.html">step-by-step directions</a> on the Creature Comforts blog, you may find my tips below to be helpful:<br /><br />1) I used white Kraft paper purchased from Michael's instead of tissue paper or paper bags. However, I did buy plain gifts bags to stamp too. <br /><br />2) Some celery stock bases make better stamps than others. I bought six & 3-4 worked very well. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinilzZPNGTAF7kQEoqfAqVccPbt57kqHx7loQDFYpazwWRJ5KXbbGhOcUsoxgsptJ52jQixRKQrQ125DzOD1ssiO3M4nwt_2EriNQ6-tj5lMrZ7Hf9HKZc9RXaZb30u66a-7SoA5fzD3F2/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinilzZPNGTAF7kQEoqfAqVccPbt57kqHx7loQDFYpazwWRJ5KXbbGhOcUsoxgsptJ52jQixRKQrQ125DzOD1ssiO3M4nwt_2EriNQ6-tj5lMrZ7Hf9HKZc9RXaZb30u66a-7SoA5fzD3F2/s320/IMG_1921.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544252640374701330" /></a><br />Below is my best stamp. I wiped it off & used it for 2 different colors. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrVgj-rCECFfUGHINZHYt_4KtLnMEP2S3LXQFZahB856Oa5MwP9RdaEVDO7Y47up8TISgyBIIvjBksvAs9IpsFI0is1ce0VQwPnE3QDtgV87B57XQtZS4NO896tq_935Opibyv40Z5ywV/s1600/IMG_1937.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrVgj-rCECFfUGHINZHYt_4KtLnMEP2S3LXQFZahB856Oa5MwP9RdaEVDO7Y47up8TISgyBIIvjBksvAs9IpsFI0is1ce0VQwPnE3QDtgV87B57XQtZS4NO896tq_935Opibyv40Z5ywV/s320/IMG_1937.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544253092503898466" /></a><br /><br />3) I pressed my celery stock stamp into the paint, then gently onto a paper plate to rid it of excess paint. Or, you leave the excess & stamp your paper 2-3 times to make a variety of darker & lighter rosebuds. The lighter rosebuds are perfect for overlapping with other colors. I found that red looked very nice over a shade of light pink. <br /><br />4) Grouping stamps in threes or fours looks very nice, as opposed to randomly stamping all over the paper. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqruyyOAzz7HutT7RSEtBH5JxhxhLOa4GnhaeJnw0qX1jnnw3fD7tkJqZ5Dw4yf4o7Rfs_qnZ_gK5PDqy15ehjRyx-ohhvSkZhT-2iIhy8Lcq90RnYCKrp-PlJlcFKN5DX7C5q43sS4BOR/s1600/IMG_1932.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqruyyOAzz7HutT7RSEtBH5JxhxhLOa4GnhaeJnw0qX1jnnw3fD7tkJqZ5Dw4yf4o7Rfs_qnZ_gK5PDqy15ehjRyx-ohhvSkZhT-2iIhy8Lcq90RnYCKrp-PlJlcFKN5DX7C5q43sS4BOR/s320/IMG_1932.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544252168610677394" /></a><br /><br />Below are the colors that worked best for my Christmas wrapping paper. I used different brands of acrylic paint. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf77UblOg7SzvPhzF3_IUgg4HJ_dDg7rn2tovHm4waG-PLi4X0gQ_o3GvRFPw96SPGzURSyfEqz0pIDPZZIYk5SnPBptwrQF0nhz9JQae12QqVAUoFBcDYe-FOOT8VHQpomd3Y78EGCoXk/s1600/IMG_1935.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf77UblOg7SzvPhzF3_IUgg4HJ_dDg7rn2tovHm4waG-PLi4X0gQ_o3GvRFPw96SPGzURSyfEqz0pIDPZZIYk5SnPBptwrQF0nhz9JQae12QqVAUoFBcDYe-FOOT8VHQpomd3Y78EGCoXk/s320/IMG_1935.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544254502341123154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlloOQzFYtnCv1HlbQSKAhD-DLjtSjkYYyHuhqoZJGccM0bzTX-0jM6iO_RtIT3oJitehn3lvjYwmicw2OQVKYYsRRdLO6kdmCmiNSzx4GK6hA8vQ_yHyAbxUgxuKt-0T6y0JoM786xoaF/s1600/IMG_1936.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlloOQzFYtnCv1HlbQSKAhD-DLjtSjkYYyHuhqoZJGccM0bzTX-0jM6iO_RtIT3oJitehn3lvjYwmicw2OQVKYYsRRdLO6kdmCmiNSzx4GK6hA8vQ_yHyAbxUgxuKt-0T6y0JoM786xoaF/s320/IMG_1936.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544254973853955522" /></a><br /><br />I stamped a whole roll of paper that I'll be able to use to wrap presents. Of course, I actually need to do some Christmas shopping now... <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEGM4vqGYO6_aHEbwLdwO1DS0gMMBxMFrXy4InZby4S6XZ3fihPOmw6sBmsVJIe4O5dAi_Xjj-a6eA_XkeFRX71Hicxp5nuf4o37woX2PT0SOX4wWu10czxBqnIOgUyZnwALFOZiaHOIV/s1600/IMG_1930.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEGM4vqGYO6_aHEbwLdwO1DS0gMMBxMFrXy4InZby4S6XZ3fihPOmw6sBmsVJIe4O5dAi_Xjj-a6eA_XkeFRX71Hicxp5nuf4o37woX2PT0SOX4wWu10czxBqnIOgUyZnwALFOZiaHOIV/s320/IMG_1930.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544255706789657490" /></a><br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-9211687437637979842010-11-16T18:36:00.000-08:002010-11-16T19:03:28.940-08:00PUMPKIN BARS & PUMPKIN PIE MUFFINS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNDPf3PsLNhwAS9T632R-rqns5tH252j5d_hO3knbUPSZv58Z1e8vKxAaOXnP0RSLFT42rUX_nl7dMNJKoICWg2j_6s2Y2aBq-ck8lSiVriM3YXCTU0Yoj70E655KyfTJMxYd-J_eMGSN/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNDPf3PsLNhwAS9T632R-rqns5tH252j5d_hO3knbUPSZv58Z1e8vKxAaOXnP0RSLFT42rUX_nl7dMNJKoICWg2j_6s2Y2aBq-ck8lSiVriM3YXCTU0Yoj70E655KyfTJMxYd-J_eMGSN/s320/IMG_1919.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540347448681061794" /></a><br />I develop an addiction to pumpkin every November, year after year. What's different this year is that I've discovered gluten-free recipes that are super easy to make & healthy too! <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/">Elana's Pantry</a> is an awesome web-site that I use daily for new recipes. Both pumpkin recipes below are courtesy of Elana's website. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Pumpkin Bars</span> (see my pic above)<br /><br />½ cup pumpkin (acorn, butternut or other squash) puree (learn how to roast a pumpkin in 10 easy steps by clicking <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/how-to-roast-a-pumpkin-in-10-steps/">here</a>)<br />½ cup agave nectar<br />2 eggs<br />1 cup blanched almond flour<br />¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt<br />½ teaspoon baking soda<br />¼ teaspoon cinnamon<br />¼ teaspoon nutmeg<br />¼ teaspoon cloves<br /><br /> 1. In a food processor, combine pumpkin, agave and eggs and pulse for 2 minutes<br /> 2. Pulse dry ingredients into wet for a full minute, until well combined<br /> 3. Pour batter into a greased 8x8 baking dish<br /> 4. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes<br /> 5. Serve naked or with whipped cream<br /><br />http://www.elanaspantry.com/pumpkin-bars/<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiMvZ7Mbjxy2abTIW81zPFBtjUYy-hXLqmQyQu6-IwkydSb1_o2WXVpYXeBg5-tphPwCrZpvOfttd96NZYuvz5SJDKxrHb2A_-BpplOqkhrTS_IgpE4LrLbJyq2BGTjx5yZY5SQAuE1gW/s1600/IMG_1777.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiMvZ7Mbjxy2abTIW81zPFBtjUYy-hXLqmQyQu6-IwkydSb1_o2WXVpYXeBg5-tphPwCrZpvOfttd96NZYuvz5SJDKxrHb2A_-BpplOqkhrTS_IgpE4LrLbJyq2BGTjx5yZY5SQAuE1gW/s320/IMG_1777.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540347892135607762" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Muffins</span> (see my pic above)<br /><br />1 ½ cups blanched almond flour<br />¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt<br />½ teaspoon baking soda<br />1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />½ teaspoon ground nutmeg<br />¼ teaspoon ground ginger<br />1 pinch ground cloves<br />2 tablespoons grapeseed oil<br />½ cup agave nectar<br />2 large eggs<br />1 cup fresh baked pumpkin (or winter squash), well packed (learn how to roast pumpkin in 10 easy steps by clicking <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/how-to-roast-a-pumpkin-in-10-steps/">here</a>!)<br /><br /> 1. In a large bowl combine almond flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves<br /> 2. In a Vitamix puree oil, agave, eggs and pumpkin until smooth (*I used a regular blender, FYI)<br /> 3. Stir wet ingredients into dry<br /> 4. Place paper liners in cupcake pan<br /> 5. Scoop batter into paper liners<br /> 6. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes<br /> 7. Cool for 2-3 hours<br /> 8. Serve<br /><br />Makes 8 muffins<br /><br />http://www.elanaspantry.com/pumpkin-pie-muffins/<br /><br /><br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-78580233260321748032010-11-09T08:57:00.000-08:002010-11-10T13:24:46.120-08:00Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Jalapeno Sour CreamMy mom found this recipe recently & my husband quickly added it to his dinner repertoire. It's really easy to make & it adds a lot of flavor to ordinary sour cream. It has a nice kick w/ the jalapenos, but the maple syrup gives it a nice sweet taste as well. <br /><br />Makes 4 potatoes. Total time: 40-45 minutes at 450.<br /><br /><strong>For the sweet potatoes--</strong><br /><br />Rub with oil and salt:<br /><br />4 sweet potatoes, scrubbed and dried<br /><br /><br /><strong>For the topping, combine:</strong><br /><br />1/2 C sour cream(or plain yogurt) *I (ellen) use sour cream, <strong>FYI</strong>.<br />1Tbs pure maple syrup<br /><br />2 tsp jalapeno, seeded and minced<br /><br />1 tsp fresh lime juice<br /><br />salt and Tabasco to taste *I (ellen) don't use Tabasco, <strong>FYI</strong>. <br /><br />Serve potatoes with maple-jalapeno sour cream, bacon bits, and sliced scallions.<br /><br /><br /><strong>This recipe came from a magazine that my mom used to subscribe to... Cuisine at Home. There is also a website: www.CuisineAtHome.com </strong> <br /><br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-88039725559368969702010-11-03T08:58:00.000-07:002010-11-03T09:08:24.783-07:00Orange Chocolate Coconut Clusters<strong>(from www.elanaspantry.com)</strong><br /><br />These chocolate treats are delicious, VERY easy to make, & pretty healthy too!! <br /><br /><strong>TIP:</strong> visit link at bottom of the page to be directed to Elana's website for direct links about toasting almonds & coconut, cacao chocolate, etc. -e <br /><br />2 cups dark chocolate chips 73% cacao<br />1 teaspoon orange extract<br />1 cup almonds, toasted then coarsely chopped<br />1 cup shredded coconut, toasted<br /><br /><br />1) In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate over very low heat <br /><br />2) Stir in the orange extract <br /><br />3) Allow the nuts and coconut to cool, 10-15 minutes, then stir them into the melted chocolate <br /><br />4) Drop by heaping tablespoonful onto a parchment lined baking sheet <br /><br />5) Allow to cool <br /><br />6) If need be (as in it's too hot in your kitchen for these to set) transfer clusters to a plate and cool in freezer <br /><br />7) Serve <br /><br /><br />*This recipe is from <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/orange-chocolate-coconut-clusters/">Elana's Pantry</a>. Please click on the link to visit her blog/website. She has tons of amazing gluten-free recipes!Ellen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-77543647903354764152010-11-02T07:47:00.000-07:002010-11-03T08:56:21.623-07:00Benny's Super Easy Thai Chicken for TwoAnyone who knows me probably knows that I rely on my husband to do all the cookin' around our house. I can <em>bake</em> just fine... but cook dinner? Not so much. However, my husband came up with a Thai Chicken recipe that is sooo easy even I can do it! :)<br /><br /><strong> * Thai Chicken for Two * </strong><br /><br /><strong>Ingredients</strong><br />2 Organic Chicken Breasts (cut into small 1 inch pieces)<br />1/2-1 cup Quinoa or Basmati Rice<br />1 bottle of Trader Joe's Thai Red Curry Sauce<br />Veggies of your choice (I use Squash & Zucchini, 2 of each)<br />1 Onion (diced) & 1/2 Red Pepper (diced or cut into strips)<br />2 Cloves of Garlic<br />Olive Oil <br /><br /><strong>Directions</strong><br />1) Start Quinoa (or rice); cook on low while sautéing veggies/chicken, etc.<br /><br />2) In a Wok (or a large frying pan), sauté onion & peppers on medium heat w/ a bit of olive oil <br /><br />3) After about 5 min or so, add the chicken to Wok; continue sautéing on med heat <br /><br />4) When the chicken is about 1/2 way done (still a bit pink), add veggies & garlic; turn heat up a bit (from 5 to 6) <br /><br />5) Once chicken is done & veggies are cooked to your liking (i prefer them tender w/ a bit of crunch), add the entire bottle of Thai Red Curry Sauce & simmer on LOW heat for approx 10 min. <br /><br />Serve over quinoa/rice. Enjoy! <br /><br /><strong>NOTE:</strong> This recipe is easy to alter for just one person, or for more. For just one person, use only 1/2 bottle of Thai sauce & only 1 chicken breast.Ellen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-28189859627492354182010-10-23T07:20:00.000-07:002010-10-23T08:17:38.280-07:00Aug 2010 Condo Kitchen Remodeling!<span style="font-weight:bold;">Before #1...</span> (pic from before we bought the condo)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqPEvDCYCKWBcdQzaGwM4RRrE5nj6UzMyDvlRocDzhgEoP0QsfERaoCSk4BPsF8uSHtGzqpNbYbEyF-aUXqi_toRnPwLhym7lHkSMqEeoK7iSH00-0wbcjcf2RG96CKBOG-MC1OpmtdEB/s1600/CIMG1525.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqPEvDCYCKWBcdQzaGwM4RRrE5nj6UzMyDvlRocDzhgEoP0QsfERaoCSk4BPsF8uSHtGzqpNbYbEyF-aUXqi_toRnPwLhym7lHkSMqEeoK7iSH00-0wbcjcf2RG96CKBOG-MC1OpmtdEB/s400/CIMG1525.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531251935995039538" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Before #2...</span> (only "before" pic I could find from <span style="font-style:italic;">after</span> we bought the condo)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mFAX9qhBzKZYY7JqbR4ozsScFYeXrgasC9lhDB44iKXuAI-DAefcQ8n6aXNBqfVJvG5koHsZqA6X6x7XM57f1mf3bZmn2q9a3LrNBdTejfLbRAyXAn9FtqkJHyMy3fj-N2858xmczzD9/s1600/IMG00334-20100212-1821.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mFAX9qhBzKZYY7JqbR4ozsScFYeXrgasC9lhDB44iKXuAI-DAefcQ8n6aXNBqfVJvG5koHsZqA6X6x7XM57f1mf3bZmn2q9a3LrNBdTejfLbRAyXAn9FtqkJHyMy3fj-N2858xmczzD9/s400/IMG00334-20100212-1821.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531255679796320466" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">During...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidvaVVNXsUsQrJYZPDu9K_OfFCepuDzsIcFZ9ZhLIXIEkE0W5usr6xUVvn5G8h3Z-oAYSEOU_oUvMyqlnL0-tKx4V9OdlVruo6WnTdnoU8R88s1XgvWeKFjtHwfptce7zDhPerJYcCFGR/s1600/IMG00257-20100821-1558.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidvaVVNXsUsQrJYZPDu9K_OfFCepuDzsIcFZ9ZhLIXIEkE0W5usr6xUVvn5G8h3Z-oAYSEOU_oUvMyqlnL0-tKx4V9OdlVruo6WnTdnoU8R88s1XgvWeKFjtHwfptce7zDhPerJYcCFGR/s400/IMG00257-20100821-1558.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531256059322485602" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">After Pics... (with old appliances still) </span> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeySEx2Rtm-3stnyxQoaQkcOp1goROYwpzUpFs85ra09HVMZ-aUBgN085r0qIXWM8IJY8wJjS8-g-mBHRhlaqXLQZ2FSP3cSMyI8C6vPzabts3NKVw0cMwV994djpQsBcLvXbLoezoDm8/s1600/IMG_1721.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeySEx2Rtm-3stnyxQoaQkcOp1goROYwpzUpFs85ra09HVMZ-aUBgN085r0qIXWM8IJY8wJjS8-g-mBHRhlaqXLQZ2FSP3cSMyI8C6vPzabts3NKVw0cMwV994djpQsBcLvXbLoezoDm8/s400/IMG_1721.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531256758559036850" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmODVHz0wLREMnQT0kqpvKeZmWtoG-kBI6G89s9QmgDEKwsucgE9P34CcZnzyruNRwi0UVbBEgFmnl-ma2ly4p7DzNPDgX8vJf0cOM025rq7rkWOOJW7N_RXX58pvy-_hcTZKmExYFGKD/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmODVHz0wLREMnQT0kqpvKeZmWtoG-kBI6G89s9QmgDEKwsucgE9P34CcZnzyruNRwi0UVbBEgFmnl-ma2ly4p7DzNPDgX8vJf0cOM025rq7rkWOOJW7N_RXX58pvy-_hcTZKmExYFGKD/s400/IMG_1720.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531256590804012658" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">After Pic (with NEW appliances!)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasYRtSnVZNnNuEfhzLVwdsShTv3UcwBtdUKqHtVLbU3no6pOGbHZTnM9w1vJyDaieVCTZB2y1AStkG3Seyvpehc9LA_25vKIzcnv-yQ9YT4nbrzd5-c8plmTTzJpHkmEcRivR9bplFi_4/s1600/IMG_1763.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasYRtSnVZNnNuEfhzLVwdsShTv3UcwBtdUKqHtVLbU3no6pOGbHZTnM9w1vJyDaieVCTZB2y1AStkG3Seyvpehc9LA_25vKIzcnv-yQ9YT4nbrzd5-c8plmTTzJpHkmEcRivR9bplFi_4/s400/IMG_1763.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531258172207132738" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Pretty Granite Pics... </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UWK66d53vMR4k8ml__L9kMdEaKIbwHgC8INgeMIh1UWzNRHNFuaySuyiVH0pygv4idY5GY3qBFdXM_-JOqZxrmGw0z05MZ9FvXtyI7aBRomu-S2euB8b9haygaBJmpBYNRWLEP5FECjv/s1600/IMG00260-20100821-1602.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UWK66d53vMR4k8ml__L9kMdEaKIbwHgC8INgeMIh1UWzNRHNFuaySuyiVH0pygv4idY5GY3qBFdXM_-JOqZxrmGw0z05MZ9FvXtyI7aBRomu-S2euB8b9haygaBJmpBYNRWLEP5FECjv/s400/IMG00260-20100821-1602.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531260558487261634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa0nQdifjEqSaj1RR25GKtMQGeQyH84GuJp3T-RGGVuxBVqC_zN8OHCfajlr6Y1sGtMuNwVgKXLrlvD1_jPDQwxVZdqpikc2OcuqEioMp19zOBpYd80yCGw_PS5mNOeIfenmpAXBZW-Jf/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpa0nQdifjEqSaj1RR25GKtMQGeQyH84GuJp3T-RGGVuxBVqC_zN8OHCfajlr6Y1sGtMuNwVgKXLrlvD1_jPDQwxVZdqpikc2OcuqEioMp19zOBpYd80yCGw_PS5mNOeIfenmpAXBZW-Jf/s400/IMG_1723.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531260324613579042" /></a>Ellen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-5415802986747704502010-09-24T10:19:00.000-07:002010-09-24T10:21:48.376-07:00Ellen’s TGIF Workout #5 (only 35 min!)<strong>GYM BOSS= 40:20 (work for 40 sec, rest for 20 sec); 5 sets= 35 min</strong><br /><br /><strong>Equipment:</strong><br /><br />GymBoss<br />2 DumbBells (both 10+ lbs)<br />KettleBell (35+ lbs)<br />JC Band (orange+)<br />Mini-Band (green+) <br />Dynamax Ball (18+ lbs)<br /><br /><strong>40:20, 5 sets:</strong><br /><br />6 Hot-Colds/6 Squat Jumps (w/ mini-band around ankles)<br />Cross Crunches, alt. Rt & Lft every few crunches (w/ band around arches of feet)<br />10 DB Tricep Extention / 10 DB Bicep Curls <br />Burpees w/ Dynamax Ball <br />DB Overheard Press<br />Opposite Knee to Elbow (using Dynamax ball) <br />8 KB Straight-leg Deadlifts / 8 KB Sumo Squats <br />10 JC Band Alternating Swimmers / 10 JC Rows<br /><br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-22154563754355431752010-09-17T06:19:00.000-07:002010-09-17T06:28:14.929-07:00Ellen’s TGIF Workout #4<strong>GYM BOSS= 30:15 (work for 30 sec, rest for 15 sec); 5 sets= approx 30 min</strong><br /><br /><strong>Equipment:</strong><br />2 DumbBells (both 10+ lbs)<br />2-3 KettleBells (22-27+ lbs “Light/Med” & 35+ lbs “Heavy”)<br />JC Band (orange+)<br />BodyBar or Barbell (22+ lbs)<br />Mini-Band (green+) <br /><br /><strong>30:15, 5 sets:</strong><br />KB Sumo High-Pulls (Heavy KB) <br />DB Overhead Situps<br />Hot-Colds (w/ mini-band around ankles)<br />KB Curl-Press-Tricep extention (Light/Med KB) <br />BodyBar Lateral Squats<br />Core Rows w/ DBs (DB rows in pushup position)<br />KB Alternating Single-leg Dead lifts (Heavy KB)<br />JC Band Alternating Swimmers<br /><br />I did this workout last Fri & the High-Pulls got me <strong>sore</strong> the next day!!<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-51099047237835426432010-09-10T08:01:00.000-07:002010-10-05T07:21:48.473-07:00Ellen's TGIF Workout #3GYM BOSS= 30:15 (work for 30, rest for 15); 5 sets= approx 30 min<br /><br /><strong>Equipment:</strong><br />2 DumbBells (both 10+ lbs)<br />2 KettleBells (22+ lbs & 53+ lbs)<br />JC Band (orange or yellow)<br />BodyBar or Barbell (22+ lbs)<br /><br /><strong>30:15, 5 sets:</strong><br />Bent over Rows (w/ DBs) <br />Dead lifts (w/ heavy KB)<br />Tricep Presses w/ 1 DB <strong>OR</strong> Bicep Curls w/ DBs [alt. exercises every other set] <br />Lunge Jumps<br />Stick Crunches w/ BodyBar <br />Squats w/ Bar across shoulders <br />JC Band Sweeps <strong>OR</strong> JC Band Presses [alternate sets]<br />Lateral Squats, Lft & Rt for 30 sec (holding lighter KB)<br /><br /><strong>Additional Set (not timed): </strong>alternate these two exercises <strong>3x</strong>: pushups & pull downs (go as heavy as you can for 6-8 reps on the pull downs). <br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />---<br /><br />I did this workout on Mon & felt like I could have worked a bit harder… but the next day my butt & inner thighs were SORE! <br /><br />GET LOW on your lunge jumps (back knee should almost touch the ground). And you should be getting low on your squats too!! For the squats, you can place a Dynamax ball on the ground & touch your butt to make sure you’re squatting low. <br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-58724944289922220022010-09-03T06:21:00.000-07:002010-09-03T06:29:14.253-07:00Ellen’s TGIF Workout #2<strong>GYM BOSS= 30:20 (work for 30, rest for 20); 5 sets= 33 min</strong><br /><br /><strong>Equipment:</strong><br />GymBoss<br />Dumbbells (10+ lbs)<br />Ab-dolly<br />Mini Band (green)<br />JC Band (orange)<br /><br /><strong>30:20 (work:rest), 5 sets:</strong><br />30 sec: Pushups<br />30 sec: Dead lifts (with DBs)<br />30 sec: Ab-dolley Pikes<br />30 sec: 6 Later Raises / 6 Presses (with DBs)<br />30 sec: Lunge Jumps<br />30 sec: 6 Sweeps/ 6 Rows (with JC Band)<br />30 sec: Cross Crunches w/ Band around Arches of Feet (do Rt for 15 sec, then Lft for 15 sec)<br />30 sec: 6 Hot-Colds & 6 Squat Jumps with or w/o mini-band around Ankles <br /><br />(<strong>Remember</strong>: Do each exercise above for 30 sec w/ a 20 sec rest in between each. You’re only doing each exercise for 30 seconds, so MOVE!) <br /><br /><strong>Tip</strong>: The crunches mentioned above should be done lying on your back w/ a Mini Band around the arches of your feet. Lay flat on your back with hands behind head, then bend your Rt knee to 90 degrees & touch Lft elbow to Rt knee. Make sure to bring your elbow (& head) flat back on the ground before you begin another crunch. <br />The band around your feet creates resistance & makes these crunches harder than a typical cross crunch. <br />Do reps on 1 side for 15 sec, then switch & bend your Lft need to 90 degrees & crunch your Rt elbow to your Lft knee for the final 15 seconds. <br /><br />** Lastly, <a href="http://ellenainsley.blogspot.com/2010/09/if-you-like-to-workout-from-home.html">CLICK HERE</a> for info on all the <strong>equipment</strong> listed above. **<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-6545248281593172882010-09-02T12:01:00.000-07:002010-09-03T06:21:23.570-07:00If You Like to Workout from Home...If you prefer to work out from home or want to “get in shape” before you go to the gym (silly, but a common complaint), here’s a list of the products you can buy to make it happen. You can do a total body workout with a limited amount of equipment. Pick & choose your favorites from the list below:<br /><br />All below items can be purchased from: <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/">Perform Better!</a> (Perform Better! is having an End of Summer Sale, so many of the items below can be found on sale right now. The prices listed below are the full prices, not the sale prices.) <br /><br />If you click on the product link you'll be directed to detailed info on each product (picture, price, description, benefits/uses, & sometimes even an intro video &/or exercise sheet that lists a whole workout using the selected item). <br /><br /><strong>I.$25 and under:</strong><br /><br />a. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_3893_A_CategoryID_E_327 ">Mini Band</a> ($2 - $4) <br />b. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_5380">GymBoss Interval Timer</a> ($20)<br />c. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_4162_A_CategoryID_E_356">JC all purpose exercise band</a> ($25) <br />d. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_4200">Dumbbells</a> ($5 - $25/pair, 1-10 lbs)<br />e. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_3889_A_CategoryID_E_281">Superband</a> ($12 - $20, 1/2" & 1") <br /><br /><strong>II. $50 and under:</strong><br /><br />a. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_3700">Medicine Ball</a> ($20 - $45 for 2-8 lbs) <br />b. Dumbbells ($30 - $35/pair, 12-15 lbs)<br />c. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_5002">Kettlebell</a> ($35 - $50 for 8-22 lbs)<br />d. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_4991">ValSlide</a> ($35)<br />e. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx?ID=3776">Body Bars</a> ($27 - $46, 4-15 lbs) <br />f. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_3538_A_CategoryID_E_396">Stability Ball</a> ($26 - $40)<br /><br /><strong>III. $60 and under:</strong><br /><br />a. Medicine Ball ($60 for 10 lb ball)<br /><br /><strong>IV. $60+ </strong><br /><br />a. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_3983">Ab-dolly</a> ($90)<br />b. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx?ID=3708">Dynamax Balls </a>($70+)<br />c. Heavy Kettlebell ($60+ for 50+ lbs)<br />d. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_3510">BOSU Balance Trainer</a> ($120)<br />e. Heavier Body Bars ($56+, 18-36 lbs) <br />f. <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_5524">TRX Suspension Training Pro Pack</a> ($190)<br /><br />** And when you’re done with your workout, nothing feels better than a good stretch & a “massage” using a <a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_4918">foam roller</a> ($10 - $25). <br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-7447833804331683672010-08-27T09:55:00.000-07:002010-08-31T12:11:57.226-07:00Ellen’s TGIF Workout (31 Min Workout)<strong>Set your GYM BOSS for 30:10 (work for 30, rest for 10); 6 sets= 31 min total workout time.</strong><br /><br /><strong>EQUIPMENT:</strong><br /><a href="http://gymboss.com/">GymBoss</a><br />Dumbbells (10-15 lbs)<br /><a href="http://www.abdolly.com/">Ab-dolly</a><br /><br /><strong>30:10, 6 SETS:</strong><br />Pushups<br />Dead lifts (w/ DBs)<br />Ab-dolly Pikes<br />6 Later Raises / 6 Presses (w/ DBs)<br />Lunge Jumps<br />Single-Arm Rows (in pushup position w/ DBs)<br />Ab-dolly knee tucks<br />Squats (touch butt to ball)<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-56964219015633423312010-08-04T08:08:00.000-07:002010-08-04T08:10:03.200-07:00GREAT BABY SHOWER IDEA!Check out the <a href="http://cocokelley.blogspot.com/">coco+kelley</a> blog for a great "Baby B" baby shower idea. I'm don't want kids anytime soon & even I'm wishing my last name began with "B" so I could have a "baby bee" themed baby shower! Any of my "B" girls looking to get preggo in the leggo so I can throw this shower for you? :) <br /><br />click link below:<br /><br /><a href="http://cocokelley.blogspot.com/2010/07/from-fantasy-to-fete-sweet-as-honey.html">FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: SWEET AS HONEY</a><br /><br />(coco+kelley: FROM FANTASY TO FÊTE: SWEET AS HONEY)<br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-76699673057384085452010-08-02T07:38:00.000-07:002010-08-02T08:04:37.137-07:00loveMy grandmom is 83 years old and she is currently in the hospital and in a lot of pain. My aunt told me last night that when she & my granddad were leaving the hospital she saw my granddad dabbing his eyes with a tissue, head hanging low with sadness. My granddad said to her, "I know I shouldn't be crying, but that's the love of my life in there. Sixty-five years is a long time." <br /><br />My wish is that everyone, at some point in their life, be lucky enough to experience a love like that... <br /><br /><br /><strong>Love conquers all things; let us too surrender to love. Omnia vincit amor: et nos cedamus amori. </strong> -Virgil <br /><br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-33433886646787773472010-07-22T14:41:00.000-07:002010-07-23T06:54:21.425-07:00GRACIENew moms update their Facebook status every 5 minutes to let us know that their baby has rolled over, made a poopie, etc... SO, I figured what kind of mom would I be if I didn't at least blog about my puppy one time?? <br /><br />Gracie is a "Chi Shi" (Chihuahua/Shih-Tzu mix). She will be 4 in October. Gracie is a wonderful dog. For anyone thinking about getting a low-maintenance dog, you should look into buying or adopting a Chi Shi. A little bit about my pup... <br /><br />I'M A PRETTY GIRL. I GET A HAIRCUT EVERY 6-8 WEEKS. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUsA2Us_99oB3UWpiQz9u52V3XlFNkaqgKX_QxDLrhOkCxQNj_joBAiSjSw0yztV2QMCV7H0_IYvShSqCry-LEWlj9WXAvl96EuaRJSn0Xd0y2ty8YFoHmls87qizZFhRiWmpwAO4ZTrN/s1600/CIMG2985.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUsA2Us_99oB3UWpiQz9u52V3XlFNkaqgKX_QxDLrhOkCxQNj_joBAiSjSw0yztV2QMCV7H0_IYvShSqCry-LEWlj9WXAvl96EuaRJSn0Xd0y2ty8YFoHmls87qizZFhRiWmpwAO4ZTrN/s320/CIMG2985.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496910541214516578" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtAYipy62TDmbG_V_uMXXNEeHWLM5Z4QhwUP-e-xARcAUNJipJllww_1ldcOID-6bB66V9SjYXwU1lGxlJUTUvc_aZYQqxN5v_d1KSuWTFlqXSfBnzCXn79rANrSmhkfnTNo7xgIgf85C/s1600/PRETTY+GIRL.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtAYipy62TDmbG_V_uMXXNEeHWLM5Z4QhwUP-e-xARcAUNJipJllww_1ldcOID-6bB66V9SjYXwU1lGxlJUTUvc_aZYQqxN5v_d1KSuWTFlqXSfBnzCXn79rANrSmhkfnTNo7xgIgf85C/s320/PRETTY+GIRL.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496858890535938354" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM6MpyszYMuFtPNMskQHaeylibLP_gxCELFaQb_R8W-OHNU2uubTfJ40sVGaE7elcnpopxW4KljnozqXiVxGOmI7fMsOaY6OBDiHkkOyim3c0pBQ87LpgbevopGrjkC0KHyyjtxgVZBUl/s1600/CIMG3061.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I LOVE MY MOM.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGP7yx-_7yWSN_v0wtCtRiJ_JKrZsoJVS5QZwfeXEPIbrEbWMuI2UT2U6eWmeFHNYsoWU_o3GaFZnGrigZCkNA9WWbJbSO9ugmQYlp_1iRAPWdf_HF_FeJMv_PWJwMQEpBaB8is1RXHl7/s1600/mom2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGP7yx-_7yWSN_v0wtCtRiJ_JKrZsoJVS5QZwfeXEPIbrEbWMuI2UT2U6eWmeFHNYsoWU_o3GaFZnGrigZCkNA9WWbJbSO9ugmQYlp_1iRAPWdf_HF_FeJMv_PWJwMQEpBaB8is1RXHl7/s320/mom2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496856345592375042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsEC9d4GvHBCfySdWIRRxkpAxVB7Oh2553Ucpd_VsIhY1IbvCAQUuaAyEx2x_urQgzrsNAMDdV0ixmxIE8ZaedHPrBl6SnMkP9le7eMW5q3QkNU-MhSLq9gUlgd6zQOedefjv02yOmnlV/s1600/CIMG0467.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsEC9d4GvHBCfySdWIRRxkpAxVB7Oh2553Ucpd_VsIhY1IbvCAQUuaAyEx2x_urQgzrsNAMDdV0ixmxIE8ZaedHPrBl6SnMkP9le7eMW5q3QkNU-MhSLq9gUlgd6zQOedefjv02yOmnlV/s320/CIMG0467.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496910956350656786" /></a><br /><br /><br />MY DAD IS COOL TOO. HE FEEDS ME PEOPLE FOOD EVEN THOUGH MOM SAYS NOT TO. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8PT1DXrWiCuBuPUD2sHGQgvJdmY6vTAmDcSKt_2ND9BeDyEuuOTOBqYeLv6XeKYyiDKTeSQ0nyGl-aIzHGfw3G3hJK-VKfRZpMTdwhlvYWk-CgrK8Y3rkGIsRkyuxsM7ABzztD_6RcRJ/s1600/DAD.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8PT1DXrWiCuBuPUD2sHGQgvJdmY6vTAmDcSKt_2ND9BeDyEuuOTOBqYeLv6XeKYyiDKTeSQ0nyGl-aIzHGfw3G3hJK-VKfRZpMTdwhlvYWk-CgrK8Y3rkGIsRkyuxsM7ABzztD_6RcRJ/s320/DAD.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496856869533187394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM6MpyszYMuFtPNMskQHaeylibLP_gxCELFaQb_R8W-OHNU2uubTfJ40sVGaE7elcnpopxW4KljnozqXiVxGOmI7fMsOaY6OBDiHkkOyim3c0pBQ87LpgbevopGrjkC0KHyyjtxgVZBUl/s1600/CIMG3061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM6MpyszYMuFtPNMskQHaeylibLP_gxCELFaQb_R8W-OHNU2uubTfJ40sVGaE7elcnpopxW4KljnozqXiVxGOmI7fMsOaY6OBDiHkkOyim3c0pBQ87LpgbevopGrjkC0KHyyjtxgVZBUl/s320/CIMG3061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496907045863506130" /></a><br /><br /><br />I LOOKED A LOT MORE LIKE A CHIHUAHUA WHEN I WAS A WEE PUP. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE-lOjj6t3EMjqt0h-lZNut0YAhbeK5e-FNX1KVZSuS5zgo0Z0InjaCekMZLgTF45zAP2Ni5vlRTLN7DSLVWnG7QuzLCdVzWGzZ0PlFpGqVBQPUShk1LDMrguzTyfqOZbkTs3wLd2lMg0/s1600/CIMG0442.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE-lOjj6t3EMjqt0h-lZNut0YAhbeK5e-FNX1KVZSuS5zgo0Z0InjaCekMZLgTF45zAP2Ni5vlRTLN7DSLVWnG7QuzLCdVzWGzZ0PlFpGqVBQPUShk1LDMrguzTyfqOZbkTs3wLd2lMg0/s320/CIMG0442.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496904906945200770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlK1cEVaLKuOv5Kgkxz1dy-EqrTYm93sVp2QO7FweQzORcDXRufCXCJzQDyE0pwmtSQ7Dy6ulaqNn5APM9sDMmO3GzLbmpuC5ViE4YhtUX4MDBQkdyrxfVjKpX0um02iihNTWWJU8vI0G/s1600/CIMG0448.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlK1cEVaLKuOv5Kgkxz1dy-EqrTYm93sVp2QO7FweQzORcDXRufCXCJzQDyE0pwmtSQ7Dy6ulaqNn5APM9sDMmO3GzLbmpuC5ViE4YhtUX4MDBQkdyrxfVjKpX0um02iihNTWWJU8vI0G/s320/CIMG0448.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496911365609826722" /></a><br /><br />I SLEEP IN A REAL BED. TOO COOL FOR A DOG BED. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSL8VnZpHIhyR0CjIrZM3KytuRgdO-oDUm_1MZ4Z0JEDRCoGjWnFENrPTsuRESz0Os0Jc88tAHyYn0jzA49O-y0edsC8XRZGPC-9egaDoRPWkEQ-JAm7eMIGCEgMYZJFy_x0LIQ2sRT6A7/s1600/MOM.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSL8VnZpHIhyR0CjIrZM3KytuRgdO-oDUm_1MZ4Z0JEDRCoGjWnFENrPTsuRESz0Os0Jc88tAHyYn0jzA49O-y0edsC8XRZGPC-9egaDoRPWkEQ-JAm7eMIGCEgMYZJFy_x0LIQ2sRT6A7/s320/MOM.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496853541238006306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7PoKGckxY1_j75R34-ZMIA9CvsehcpGgvi8uKpKtb51MGkJ3735LNBx8POovG8ayHM_3OGEQDV9agGrxeSzMT0KoWBsU6NFIkMTc4bIN__lisUm7ysyWl2YUz9OGDX3C3etzpJQnS3Si/s1600/GetAttachment.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7PoKGckxY1_j75R34-ZMIA9CvsehcpGgvi8uKpKtb51MGkJ3735LNBx8POovG8ayHM_3OGEQDV9agGrxeSzMT0KoWBsU6NFIkMTc4bIN__lisUm7ysyWl2YUz9OGDX3C3etzpJQnS3Si/s320/GetAttachment.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496916023220256466" /></a><br /><br />I'M A GREAT LAP DOG. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-pke_GWKHJhCiR5X3EsGM6eY-3H7-TijOnxEhNr7sw8GMW-6FEqQ1nEIuJm0IKwUC3KZ81sExypDBQFsyrEL2t0XSYMr3UIjwA-M5SrElKr1M9y-l0mfdRW38qBV7R6WV4NnBqxEXTd9/s1600/LAP.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-pke_GWKHJhCiR5X3EsGM6eY-3H7-TijOnxEhNr7sw8GMW-6FEqQ1nEIuJm0IKwUC3KZ81sExypDBQFsyrEL2t0XSYMr3UIjwA-M5SrElKr1M9y-l0mfdRW38qBV7R6WV4NnBqxEXTd9/s320/LAP.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496856675015498002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h9qC-QN8phhApQzy93dKvlaUVjPgYFu_qoUt93v0icVxOWBZXqPKP65wszeYHteENGPJEh0n18ynr88IY70OjsotMWVcClqVI_X05NWy_0gdjK3Z3A87GUHeP1SLQReQ1FuBUgNEdLfh/s1600/GetAttachment-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h9qC-QN8phhApQzy93dKvlaUVjPgYFu_qoUt93v0icVxOWBZXqPKP65wszeYHteENGPJEh0n18ynr88IY70OjsotMWVcClqVI_X05NWy_0gdjK3Z3A87GUHeP1SLQReQ1FuBUgNEdLfh/s320/GetAttachment-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496916294220349634" /></a><br /><br />I NAP. A LOT. THERE'S A PERMANENT INDENTATION IN THE COUCH CUSHION TO PROVE IT. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ_kcyCkM53Q6YTQjPllQ5PXyTL_Ggm1F7mjY8B2aDUJtGcHSLOYxzeXEkOOP8RbR94TvWkL8-MPCry5TvOs9bWXiDpAC2cfcoV7VjgMdoZ7JmU7IUW0Up0dxf0BohGAqy3oLb-hxD2_x/s1600/CUSHION.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ_kcyCkM53Q6YTQjPllQ5PXyTL_Ggm1F7mjY8B2aDUJtGcHSLOYxzeXEkOOP8RbR94TvWkL8-MPCry5TvOs9bWXiDpAC2cfcoV7VjgMdoZ7JmU7IUW0Up0dxf0BohGAqy3oLb-hxD2_x/s320/CUSHION.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496857236353166034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUR7hHQBt50VuDFzLeBghe_goXXq3kyMFEHPyvxohJ-gSqwjDOnsO-PgA3s6AbtYi466BaAdb-0lIGmpt8zcmUa4WA5Y3fsV7yr7c-tQiyX1V6LwSqwmu_0ZFQaxLXgNR5L-_iYi_-7y6Q/s1600/GetAttachment-5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUR7hHQBt50VuDFzLeBghe_goXXq3kyMFEHPyvxohJ-gSqwjDOnsO-PgA3s6AbtYi466BaAdb-0lIGmpt8zcmUa4WA5Y3fsV7yr7c-tQiyX1V6LwSqwmu_0ZFQaxLXgNR5L-_iYi_-7y6Q/s320/GetAttachment-5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496915767585731618" /></a><br /><br />YUP, I'M KIND OF A BIG DEAL.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5iSUSu-OYFoHN97vOOkdZK3TlWlJrx1vfEwPf-K-_wtjPlflUE-38MvuNJWqB6JvWbzw5OANmZoDVqjFpWC-ca6-cJMjllu6qq4x99FnkL5lgSpO1UZQu7qx1TajVr4bZ0uUyjq1c_oO/s1600/GracieCloseUp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5iSUSu-OYFoHN97vOOkdZK3TlWlJrx1vfEwPf-K-_wtjPlflUE-38MvuNJWqB6JvWbzw5OANmZoDVqjFpWC-ca6-cJMjllu6qq4x99FnkL5lgSpO1UZQu7qx1TajVr4bZ0uUyjq1c_oO/s320/GracieCloseUp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497099130741547218" /></a><br /><br /> xoxo, Gracie<br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-80667496813534737882010-07-21T06:05:00.000-07:002010-07-21T18:12:38.801-07:00My Favorite 45 Minute Workout<strong>40:10 “Finisher” Sets</strong><br />(work for 40 seconds, rest for 10; Do each set 2x before you move on to the next set. Total work time: 40 min.)<br /><br /><strong>Equipment:</strong><br /><a href="http://www.gymboss.com/">GYMBOSS INTERVAL TIMER</a><br />DUMBBELLS: 12-15 lbs (2) <strong>"DB"</strong> <br /><a href="http://www.kettlebellconcepts.com/">KETTLEBELL</a>: 50+ lbs (1) <strong>"KB"</strong><br /><a href="http://www.bodybar.com/">BODY BAR</a>: 18 lbs+ (1) <br /><a href="http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_3893_A_CategoryID_E_327">MINI-BAND</a>: green or blue <br /><a href="http://www.power-systems.com/p-2544-jc-bands.aspx">JC BAND</a>: orange or yellow <br /><a href="http://www.target.com/s?keywords=exercise+ball&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&ref=sr_bx_1_1">PHYSIO BALL</a> (exercise ball) <br /><a href="http://www.bosufitness.com/store/product.php?productid=16145&cat=0&page=1">BOSU</a> (balance trainer) <br /><br />*For my local friends: <a href="http://www.wareingsgym.com/">Wareing's Gym</a> has all the equipment you'll need. I like to set up my own little "station" in a corner of the fitness room. Gyms in other cities <em>should</em> have all the equipment listed above as well. If you buy everything on your own for your home, it can get expensive. But keep in mind that all the exercises below can be modified (use dumbbells instead of a kettlebell, for example). <br /><br />*Modify weight to suit your own needs. Don't use your <em>max</em> weight b/c you'll be doing a bunch of reps in 40 seconds, <span style="font-weight:bold;">fast-paced</span>. But it shouldn't be easy either- challenge yourself.<br /><br /><strong>Set 1</strong><br />Single leg fwd lunge w/ DB Bicep curl (Rt leg)<br />Single leg fwd lunge w/ DB Bicep curl (Lft leg)<br />Sumo Squats (w/ heavy KB)<br />Squat Hold <br /><br /><strong>Set 2</strong><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJtzVty64KE">Lateral Raises</a> w/ DBs <br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7hl4_YDrdY&feature=related">Overhead Press</a> w/ DBs<br />Squat Jumps<br /><br /><strong>Set 3</strong><br />Walking lateral lunge (Lft leg) *can hold DBs<br />Walking lateral lunge (Rt leg)<br />Stick crunches w/ Bar<br /><br /><strong>Set 4</strong><br />Inner thigh squat (squat, open & close knees, mini-band above knees)<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN85qVxlnvQ">Hot-Colds</a> w/ mini-band above knees<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/CSFitPros#p/u/15/xn5HDNdI8vw">Forearm plank</a><br /><br /><strong>Set 5</strong><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sq45Yp7UaY">BOSU opposite knee to elbow</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkbNIkPuaCM">BOSU squats</a> (flat side up= more challenging) <br />JC band sweeps<br />JC band flies<br /><br /><strong>Set 6</strong><br />Russian Twists w/ DB <br />Bent over Rows w/ DBs<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx9PvOaA65I">Single leg dead lifts w/ DBs</a> (Rt leg)<br />Single leg dead lifts w/ DBs (Lft leg)<br /><br /><strong>Set 7</strong><br />JC Rotation (Rt)<br />JC Rotation (Lft) <br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8szJuzPt-sg">Superman</a><br />Push ups<br /><br /><strong>Set 8: Triple Threat w/ Physio Ball </strong>(not timed)<br />10 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/CSFitPros#p/u/20/cog6JcGCtzg">Hamstring Curls</a><br />10 Bent leg bridge<br />10 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xWrWK2j89Y">Straight leg bridge</a><br /><br /><strong>BONUS</strong><br />40-10: sprint-rest (2x) <br /><br />HOPE YOU ENJOY MY WORKOUT!<br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-66905704276721198632010-07-13T08:17:00.000-07:002010-07-13T19:05:57.326-07:00First 20 Minutes in My FiveFinger Shoes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisi6c-A3ouA4Gm_fTmoiUYTZZ5E_ppL_Aoer1nOIje67PtdN9xKcHWHuyvxGHe4y0nH0VOKWibhNGVt9ascGhXjwsoL7eLNlLkDtSHn9T6qDZ9WYSkOrwl23JrPqS7zU7kR9ip-I2z7WkQ/s1600/VIBRAM.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisi6c-A3ouA4Gm_fTmoiUYTZZ5E_ppL_Aoer1nOIje67PtdN9xKcHWHuyvxGHe4y0nH0VOKWibhNGVt9ascGhXjwsoL7eLNlLkDtSHn9T6qDZ9WYSkOrwl23JrPqS7zU7kR9ip-I2z7WkQ/s320/VIBRAM.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493412147828902434" /></a><br /><br />For those of you who know me personally, you know who I'm referring to when I mention Benny- my butt kickin' trainer (at the gym) & also my sweet husband (only outside of the gym). Ha! Benny has been wearing his Vibram FiveFinger Shoes for a few months now. I refused, at first. Finally, after the initial ugliness died down a bit, I warmed up to them & got my own pair. I was completely annoyed that the new pink ones were sold out in my size, & thus had to settle for gray/green. After all, I wasn't sure if I'd like them, so it was important to me that they at least be cute :) Now that I've tested them out & grown fond of them, the green will do. For now. <br /><br />FiveFinger Shoes come in a few different styles. Check out the Vibram link at the bottom of this post for more info on the different styles. They have a style for everything- yoga, running, hiking, swimming, etc. The shoes pictured in this post are the womens Bikila, size 36. Size 36 is actually too big for my U.S. size 5.5/6 feet. However, size 36 is as small as they come in this particular style. Other styles are sold in smaller sizes- 34 & 35. The Vibram site says that if you curl your toes & they easily pop of of their "finger" slots, then they're too big. Mine are definitely too big, but they still work for me. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg588GbG1rXEynd8jI1RAqeS_Xc9osiJAanMUTH1hNiRiHrbuPB6xhvSBx5EE97tSverHtVjZh9l_GOucDcDiTO8uFAgbjutaKaizWOZUBMiFWKK0w0kYtxJQ3roOUy0XFn2bfi11EYNoNX/s1600/VIBRAM2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg588GbG1rXEynd8jI1RAqeS_Xc9osiJAanMUTH1hNiRiHrbuPB6xhvSBx5EE97tSverHtVjZh9l_GOucDcDiTO8uFAgbjutaKaizWOZUBMiFWKK0w0kYtxJQ3roOUy0XFn2bfi11EYNoNX/s320/VIBRAM2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493412311298387154" /></a><br /><br />So a few weeks ago I took my new shoes for a 20 minute "test drive". I went for a 20 minute jog. And I guess I should preface this by saying that I'm a new runner/jogger & I'm pretty awful at it, actually. I jog slow & I usually don't jog for more than 2 miles or so. So, my husband told me that in the Vibrams you're supposed to run more on the ball of your foot (as opposed to rolling from your heal to the ball of your foot) & that I should also focus on the outside edge of my foot so that I don't pronate & "roll in" towards the inside of my feet. In addition, he told me to start slow to get used to them. Well, I'm always slow, so that wasn't a problem. And I only ran for 20 min, but apparently that <em>WAS</em> too long for a "test drive"... The next day my calves & shins were ROCKED. After a few blocks when I finally got used to the strange new shoes, I started to really like them b/c I could feel my feet & leg muscles really working. However, I was in major pain for pretty much the rest of the week. It's strange though, b/c I didn't have shin splints like I'm sometimes prone to, but my shin muscles were very sore. My calves hurt the worst. So, the key is easing your way into them. I should have jogged for 2-5 min, then walked, then jogged for 3-5 min again & maybe just let that be enough for the 1st day. <br /><br />Now as far as working out in my Vibram FiveFinger shoes, I've had no problems from the very 1st day I took a class in them or weight trained in them. It's mainly just running/jogging that requires some getting used to. I've found that my balance is much better in the Vibrams. In Total Body class at Wareing's Gym we sometimes warm up with single legs swings or single leg deadlifts. My balance is significantly better when I'm wearing my Vibram shoes. In addition, I feel more "connected" to the ground. In Total Body we sometimes do jumps- fwd & back and side to side. They usually wear me out pretty quickly in regular shoes, but I have more control & really don't get worn out as quickly in my Vibrams. It's pretty cool! Overall, I'm not sure that the Vibrams are going to change the way I workout <em>significantly</em>, but I do really like the following 3 things: improved balance, the way they build strength in my feet & lower leg muscles, & the "connected" feeling to the ground when I'm jogging. Worth $70-$100? I'd have to say that they sure were for Benny & I!<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/barefooting/fitness.cfm">HERE</a> to be directed to a list of "5 Reasons to Wear or Train in Vibram FiveFingers". <br /><br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/">HERE</a> to be directed to the Vibram website for more info.Ellen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-68400531184451269522010-07-08T10:07:00.000-07:002010-07-12T17:34:15.529-07:00RIP Buddy the Chinnie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8jjP6dVKb4xT8bK-TH-jAMbio4_JiPkVrPuushLzDdob5GhxvYrl0PW8eOUb7N18GB54h8Lku0xzHdSaqeZNh1iLIwaPuBCv8rHA4vIruLMIAu57pCF5584Vkh051wU92M5wmQddoLGU/s1600/CIMG1010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8jjP6dVKb4xT8bK-TH-jAMbio4_JiPkVrPuushLzDdob5GhxvYrl0PW8eOUb7N18GB54h8Lku0xzHdSaqeZNh1iLIwaPuBCv8rHA4vIruLMIAu57pCF5584Vkh051wU92M5wmQddoLGU/s320/CIMG1010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493178544712407634" /></a><br />One of my chinchillas, “Baby Buddy”, passed away over the 4th of July weekend. I bought him in Greenville, NC when I was in college. Buddy was approx 8 years old. I have another chinchilla, Grace, who is alive & well. Buddy was the sweeter of the two- more affectionate & friendly. Grace, being a female, is a bit feisty :) Buddy was loved & will be missed by both me & her not-so-close "companion", Grace the chinnie. They had separate cages; Buddy's cage was above Grace's, but I'm sure Grace still knows he's gone... RIP sweet "Baby Buddy"... <br /><br /><strong>Chinchilla Facts:</strong><br /><br /><strong>1.</strong> Chinnies can live up to 20 years in captivity! (The avg life span is 10 years.)<br /><strong>2.</strong> Chinnies are native to the Andes Mountains of South America.<br /><strong>3.</strong> Chinnies bathe by taking a dust "bath". In the wild they bathe by rolling around in volcanic ash to remove oil from their fur. (Chinnies LOVE their dust bath! They happily roll around, flipping head over tail, in their dust bath house.) <br /><strong>4.</strong> Chinnie fur is considered the softest in the world and is thirty times softer than human hair. <br /><strong>5.</strong> They are agile jumpers and can jump up to five feet above their head. <br /><strong>6.</strong> Chinnies are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and come out to play at night. <br /><strong>7.</strong> Martha Stewart has 15 pet chinchillas. <br /><br />Fact Sources: <a href="http://www.chinnitude.com/">Chinnitude</a> & <a href="http://www.chinchillaplanet.com/">Chinchilla Planet</a>. <br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-1633354851865849272010-06-30T08:52:00.000-07:002010-06-30T09:06:01.816-07:00A Feel Good Kind of QuoteOne of my girl friends has this quote on her fridge. It's one of those feel good types of quotes that we all need to be reminded of regularly... <br /><br />~Below: Actual fridge pic :) <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAH5FQK2Jb0NZd4oKWzHDj1thRPDgOZmBiTR4KkCtC_FSCSqwsa-bpPPCNdiKJRyYYqhSiw2EGmiSqHfJhT8x-YZni-VtXYixknQzz6S6L9gL-8pZGG3jmBnZU9DOBRLtBbLudLfHyizb/s1600/quote.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAH5FQK2Jb0NZd4oKWzHDj1thRPDgOZmBiTR4KkCtC_FSCSqwsa-bpPPCNdiKJRyYYqhSiw2EGmiSqHfJhT8x-YZni-VtXYixknQzz6S6L9gL-8pZGG3jmBnZU9DOBRLtBbLudLfHyizb/s320/quote.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488597621993703346" /></a><br /><br /><br />YOUR JOURNEY HAS MOLDED<br />YOU FOR THE GREATER GOOD.<br />AND IT WAS EXACTLY WHAT IT NEEDED TO BE.<br />DON'T THINK THAT YOU'VE LOST TIME.<br />IT TOOK EACH AND EVERY<br />SITUATION YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED <br />TO BRING YOU TO THE NOW.<br />AND NOW IS RIGHT ON TIME.<br /><br />-Asha TysonEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-28447048614317478252010-06-17T07:44:00.000-07:002010-06-21T10:00:04.821-07:00DIY PROJECT: BRINGING AN OLD PIECE OF FURNITURE BACK TO LIFE!I've always thought of myself as crafty, but only to a certain degree. If you give me a good idea with instructions, I can definitely complete the task & make it look good. But I am not one of those people who can <em>come up with </em>a brilliant idea & just "make it work". I like instructions or a little guidance from someone who knows what they're doing. I got just that last weekend when my mother-in-law, Annette, came to Va Bch to visit. Now jump back about two weeks: my mom was going through her attic looking for stuff for me to sell at the Wareing's Gym Garage Sale/Swap Meet when she came across an antique piece of furniture that she thought I might like. She took a picture of it (in low light in the attic & with a sad little camera phone) and sent it to me. It was in good shape, but too old looking for my taste. So, that's wehn I decided to bring it back to life with a little paint and of course, my mother-in-law's help. <br /><br /><strong>BEFORE (towel rack):</strong>Pic is kind of dark, but you can still see the color of the natural wood...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTOOGlWVRwqhbMbPhAoe1PCKAplntTSewT5D4RE5JwbgY0kmYsenFMHo1e5dC8CLivpZVWLU2vDuxI5PutcxU3BV4QIqr-pZ3Fj6I-LHULny1699k2k24DAtqsT7NJn_prUZeXEXnOFhx/s1600/furnitureBetterPic.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTOOGlWVRwqhbMbPhAoe1PCKAplntTSewT5D4RE5JwbgY0kmYsenFMHo1e5dC8CLivpZVWLU2vDuxI5PutcxU3BV4QIqr-pZ3Fj6I-LHULny1699k2k24DAtqsT7NJn_prUZeXEXnOFhx/s320/furnitureBetterPic.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484140519775457858" /></a> <br /><strong>AFTER (towel rack): </strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvmgkFkZnOnjovnun4fK-fg3I7-Pfv2RLyVhuWw2z69v6dnkIKQlMBu9Kh1soTW6fDr7xmTu1mO-61LxNF_wwpcdqD7-VG67ehmxP0kMFMjqnRNukW-_grOOwjARyuY06LbKc3q5tJ5s6/s1600/furniture2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvmgkFkZnOnjovnun4fK-fg3I7-Pfv2RLyVhuWw2z69v6dnkIKQlMBu9Kh1soTW6fDr7xmTu1mO-61LxNF_wwpcdqD7-VG67ehmxP0kMFMjqnRNukW-_grOOwjARyuY06LbKc3q5tJ5s6/s320/furniture2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484140518287410034" /></a><br /><br /><strong>BEFORE (toy box): </strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnDZXaFaYSv5YIN81nG6th6oW12_uZryOhBNXrmDyPXEonp9rSWiQG8gR4P6l8XhmLP4MaXhlf6QApkdfdxsi17SEp_RjILHn04ryS4xgkkXcYdAPWWIYhOxqI4qmcvOZ0-sgnPCUDOtD/s1600/ToyBoxOriginal.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnDZXaFaYSv5YIN81nG6th6oW12_uZryOhBNXrmDyPXEonp9rSWiQG8gR4P6l8XhmLP4MaXhlf6QApkdfdxsi17SEp_RjILHn04ryS4xgkkXcYdAPWWIYhOxqI4qmcvOZ0-sgnPCUDOtD/s320/ToyBoxOriginal.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485211475167742226" /></a><br /><strong>AFTER (toy box used as storage chest in bdrm):</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5x5MFGjYW2JJ2Go292l_CQj6swn2kzJqbt6sSE6SfuEUF3GnGIZK2xjU-_d7qc1gn6r74jaI5lpuBQ9xsC0uvjgOFRvOfZu__ZKfZCXp6fgQZSCzAKbaJvoxxwmfwnaMnwVvNMbTJjTlK/s1600/ToyBoxFinished.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5x5MFGjYW2JJ2Go292l_CQj6swn2kzJqbt6sSE6SfuEUF3GnGIZK2xjU-_d7qc1gn6r74jaI5lpuBQ9xsC0uvjgOFRvOfZu__ZKfZCXp6fgQZSCzAKbaJvoxxwmfwnaMnwVvNMbTJjTlK/s320/ToyBoxFinished.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485220027271358402" /></a><br />In this case I actually <em>lowered</em> the value of an antique piece of furniture (the towel rack) by painting it, but to me it'll always be worth more in my guest bedroom than sitting in a dark attic. <br /><br />If you have an old piece of furniture you want to bring back to life with a coat of paint, keeping reading... FYI: If you don't curently own a piece of furniture you want to paint, you can always shop at yardsales & thrift stores. <br /><br /><strong>*WHAT YOU'LL NEED: </strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-edj9YqEvEheJczIzPlw8nFT_3eBb_Xjhjbfhz4HUeOMrnAc89ZL5BNkh6xAIZq7pOFC4ykH0Ipm2u41wSnYDSAbsZVCoMWKYo-vcy4e6jjyxra4Qh7R1AZbuc08cw48iyPv8dDWYzbvI/s1600/DIYProjectStuff.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-edj9YqEvEheJczIzPlw8nFT_3eBb_Xjhjbfhz4HUeOMrnAc89ZL5BNkh6xAIZq7pOFC4ykH0Ipm2u41wSnYDSAbsZVCoMWKYo-vcy4e6jjyxra4Qh7R1AZbuc08cw48iyPv8dDWYzbvI/s320/DIYProjectStuff.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485220717576421170" /></a>1) Furniture item you wish to paint <br />2) Paint brush & paint roller<br />3) Liquid sander (IF your furniture item has a protective finish. I used a 1 quart can of Liquid Deglosser by Crown)<br />4) Primer (I used a 1 quart can of Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer for all surfaces) <br />5) Paint color of your choice (I used a 1 quart can of the color "Dive In" in hi-gloss finish by Valspar. That was more than enough for both pieces of furniture, FYI.)<br />6) Paint tray <br />7) Screwdriver (to remove knobs/handles, etc) <br />8) Old rags (for spill cleanup)<br />9) Tarp or old sheet to protect surface you're painting on (driveway, garage floor).<br /><br /><strong>Total Price (minus free items #1 & #7-9): $49. </strong><br /><br /><strong>*STEPS: </strong><br /><br /><strong>1) Prepare your stuff & set up shop.</strong> <br /><strong>a.</strong> Find a good location for your project- preferably outdoors due to fumes from the liquid sander, primer, & paint. However, you don't want it too be too hot/humid (paint will dry too quickly while you're still painting), so early morning works well. Lay an old sheet or tarp over the surface you're painting on. <br /><strong>b.</strong> Gather a couple old rags for spills &/or correcting mistakes. Gather paint brush, roller, paint tray, primer, & liquid sander (if using sander). <br /><br /><strong>2) Sanding &/or Priming. </strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiay7CMR1XACU02ScgClCafzVU6AEiaBjWP4LK_1PjuslJzr_HWTtSqAoMo04x-dLKl1G-O0oJJY0h0C3_BkYF-iJfi9Fs_whmGfRQy2hAKNB7qOGbKtSI1-GtegUHTywz64-W-546iQpp4/s1600/ToyBoxPrime.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiay7CMR1XACU02ScgClCafzVU6AEiaBjWP4LK_1PjuslJzr_HWTtSqAoMo04x-dLKl1G-O0oJJY0h0C3_BkYF-iJfi9Fs_whmGfRQy2hAKNB7qOGbKtSI1-GtegUHTywz64-W-546iQpp4/s320/ToyBoxPrime.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485221247391626450" /></a>(ABOVE: toy box lid with one coat of primer. It took 2 more coats over the original designs...) <br /><br /><strong>a. </strong><strong>Preparation-</strong> remove any items that are attached to your piece of furniture with a screwdriver (like the lid to a toy chest, drawers & doors, knobs & handles, etc). You'll (obviously) need to paint attached items like lids, drawers, & doors separately/while they're detached. <br /><strong>b. </strong>Determine what you want to sand/prime/paint. For example, I didn't paint the backside of my towel rack stand b/c it will always be up against a wall. The backside wood appeared to be "raw" where it had never been painted in the past, so I knew I wouldn't want to paint it now. <br /><strong>c. </strong> Apply <strong>liquid sander </strong>to the surface area you're planning on priming & painting. But 1st, determine if you need to sand your piece of furniture. My toy box had an old layer of paint & appeared matte. It was obvious that it didn't have a shiny protective layer on top; So, it did not need to be sanded. My towel rack/stand, on the other hand, appeared shiny & felt very smooth to the touch. It DID have a protective surface (to protect from condensation marks, etc). So, that piece did need to be sanded. <strong>Sanding</strong> will "rough up" the surface so that the primer & paint will stick. I prefer liquid sander. It's super easy- you just rub it on with an old rag/cloth. Some of the finish will rub off onto your cloth, but my mother-in-law said to imagine that you're rubbing the liquid sander on, not trying to rub all the finish off. Read the instructions on the can of liquid sander, but you'll need to let it dry for at least 30 min before you prime. <br /><strong>d. </strong>Primer. <strong>Priming</strong> prepares the wood for paint. It looks like white paint. You'll paint the primer on the same way you'd paint on color. If you use good primer you'll most likely only need one coat. If the wood you're painting has old paint designs on it that aren't covered up from one layer of primer you'll need a 2nd coat. The primer container will have instructions, but you'll need to let each coat dry for at least 30 min. <br /><br /><strong>3) Finally- Paint! </strong><br /><strong>a. </strong>Paint the same area you primed.<br /><strong>b.</strong> Use the roller on the larger flat surfaces for a more even finish. Use a paint brush for the detail work- flourishes ingrained in the wood, corners, small edges, etc. <br /><strong>c. </strong>Try to avoid repeatedly going over the same area multiple times. Painting one <strong>thin coat</strong>, letting it dry, then painting another thin coat is better than painting just one thick coat. <br /><strong>d. </strong><strong>Drips</strong>= no good. Using a thin layer of paint will help you to avoid drips, but they do still occasionally happen. If the roller makes the paint really thick & drippy in one area, use the paint brush to spread out the paint & get rid of the drip. (FYI: When using latex paint it's really easy to wipe off wet paint that you accidentally dripped onto the garage floor; but you have to do it <em>quickly</em>!) <br /><strong>e. </strong>Remember to let each coat of paint completely dry before you apply the next coat. The 1st coat is always the most time consuming b/c you're painting all the tiny details. The 2nd coat is much easier/quicker because it's just a "touch up"- just like a 2nd coat of nailpolish. <br /><br /><strong>4) Finishing Touches</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjWhZCTvmEV3pkIgkjuDVEEYyWdO3TmYZldua-9S5PGSYs0f-GwgqWsH5qky9-33bFc53tBV4jhE8WyF10WCnfP5OD5-wsQsI1Rj2mQz29p8UDiTcdPfVwNiE13XZQc92uYfAZUWqaFdz/s1600/towelRackDetails.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjWhZCTvmEV3pkIgkjuDVEEYyWdO3TmYZldua-9S5PGSYs0f-GwgqWsH5qky9-33bFc53tBV4jhE8WyF10WCnfP5OD5-wsQsI1Rj2mQz29p8UDiTcdPfVwNiE13XZQc92uYfAZUWqaFdz/s320/towelRackDetails.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485223279943579586" /></a>(I used the original knobs b/c I think they're perfect for my finished product, but you can always buy new knobs for a different look.)<br /><br /><strong>a.</strong> Put doors, drawers, knobs, etc back on after your final coat of paint has dried completely.<br /><strong>b.</strong> You may notice that you missed a couple spots (like inside a door where the door closes further in than you expected, for example). It's easy to touch up missed spots afterwards using a small paintbrush. Usually you don't even need to remove drawers, doors, etc to do so. <br /><br /><strong>GOOD LUCK! ENJOY! </strong><br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-18928845077279115232010-06-16T04:59:00.000-07:002010-06-16T07:36:54.569-07:00PHISHMy 1st Phish concert: Portsmouth, VA on 6.15.10. I had never even heard a Phish song before, so I was super excited, not knowing what to expect. The tailgating... the people... the dancing... the beat... AMAZING. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeGr9lDpUFTlE9m5aTuqcRR0hamZFUHyga2CYM8pTZDCUBNDkjwMWA37-t68ach8rO6FdPeqiSBAz3jlD12EwJ7usrPqQkusK-mqfCQP3NymehX4epyHsWO_HRUfweeMBqnys8sx8zfxO/s1600/PHISH9.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeGr9lDpUFTlE9m5aTuqcRR0hamZFUHyga2CYM8pTZDCUBNDkjwMWA37-t68ach8rO6FdPeqiSBAz3jlD12EwJ7usrPqQkusK-mqfCQP3NymehX4epyHsWO_HRUfweeMBqnys8sx8zfxO/s200/PHISH9.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483365714850983298" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtaUkTY-1-I8u0nwJgKqQeKy0zlq3hhm5W-8SWGQWWPCVgugG9AYqGmkGNg6FKHANyI7D5yFk_zBfqfeO4JJiJTrlYxZb4Tt3rABQQoVaGuhZRwkQForxuBZojOexoxLWRJJss_GdrdJi/s1600/PHISH8.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZfAUiQH6Bld2L2Om-PGFcd7ufhdnObyDAJEmvVdcddLZ38CZJSP4Mgv-BmPWDVxupZPU7QpBcsdaemYYenYJbLk0FBfr3Nq3t_S7VhFf55-vUDbLANuUL2MLnCtlr7xrHK0jpAGRSUzH/s200/IMG_0953.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483343003529809954" /></a><br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8793143173438760921.post-15194766480737279452010-06-14T08:11:00.000-07:002010-06-17T07:28:14.266-07:00FIVE COOL FINDS<strong>1) Online Clothing Company: <a href="http://www.plumprettysugar.com">PLUM PRETTY SUGAR</a></strong><br /><br />-Bohemian-inspired tunics, dresses, tanks, robes, lounge wear, etc. Super soft cotton & silk- most were purchased from trips to India. <br />-I love how they advertise sets that are perfect for wedding parties & wedding events- great gift ideas!! (MOB set, bridesmaid set, honeymoon set, getting ready set, etc.) <br />-Take a peek at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/plumprettysugar ">Plum Pretty Sugar’s </a>feedback on their Etsy site- 100% positive! <br /><br /><strong>* BELOW PICS: Plum Pretty Sugar tank (pattern/color: "darling jardin bleu") </strong><br /><br />This tank is very versatile. The fabric is beautiful, but very sheer. It can be worn as a pajama top (they sell matching lounge pants) or as a regular tank with jeans/shorts/capris. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzoNtJMBuOIIDaoerlM3AReifWvtuQnEgRQC6T5-6puvBmik1eXizHdYdXwLyBSAM_K_01LJehFkn0jbbISmvxZwp8FaiDHxYuh0vU7LYQJOp2_A2xcG_wu0YJfDjIHtmGGdAwPAAZFR3/s1600/PlumPrettySugar.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzoNtJMBuOIIDaoerlM3AReifWvtuQnEgRQC6T5-6puvBmik1eXizHdYdXwLyBSAM_K_01LJehFkn0jbbISmvxZwp8FaiDHxYuh0vU7LYQJOp2_A2xcG_wu0YJfDjIHtmGGdAwPAAZFR3/s200/PlumPrettySugar.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483014689686140162" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMcRbUYwJjbblbOC9xd14D3fYLa1MppsNUVZEo7o0SJZ6H88djORMh4S-zBKyj_Hxs7MBQi_56-BTZMgj6I1q9pdOAiQgs6azmeX0T3juE9l-mV_Y9XuIzjp5a9qP2neXu_qrVSONhGzj/s1600/plumPrettySugar3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMcRbUYwJjbblbOC9xd14D3fYLa1MppsNUVZEo7o0SJZ6H88djORMh4S-zBKyj_Hxs7MBQi_56-BTZMgj6I1q9pdOAiQgs6azmeX0T3juE9l-mV_Y9XuIzjp5a9qP2neXu_qrVSONhGzj/s200/plumPrettySugar3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483014683353251810" /></a><br /><br /><strong>2) Website: <a href="http://www.ETSY.com ">www.ETSY.com </a></strong><br /><br />-An online community where you can buy (or sell) everything from vintage jewelry to “Geekery” (like cassette vinyl decals). <br />-You can browse items via Category (like weddings, holidays, furniture, pets), Color, Editors’ Picks, Featured Sellers, Locally (just type in the name of your city to shop locally), or post a request for an item you’d like someone to hand make for you under “Alchemy”, etc. <br /><br /><strong><br />3) Funny Website: <a href="http://www.YouParkLikeAnAsshole.com ">www.YouParkLikeAnAsshole.com </a></strong><br /><br />-You can probably guess the premise of this website. Choose either “Got a Notice?” or “Give a Notice.” & let the fun begin! (Well unless of course you actually did get a notice…) You can print parking notices to inform someone of their a*hole status & how to improve upon their a*hole parking job. Just slap the notice right on the car’s windshield! Common notices include: a little too close, too close to my driveway, over the painted lines, diagonal parking (cool car or not so cool car). HA! <br /><br /><br /><strong>4) Local Va Bch coffee shop (& more): PERKED UP!</strong><br /><br />-Homemade muffins. Home of the best muffin I’ve ever had. Ever. Freshly baked muffins vary in flavor daily, but here are some of my favorites: Blueberry, apple oatmeal cinnamon, chocolate chip, & cinnamon streusel. <br />-Best cupcakes in town. Have you noticed that our local cupcakeries are not worth the calories? Perked Up! Features The Precious Cupcake & these mini babies are DELICIOUS! <br />- OK so it’s not all about the food (I guess). Perked Up! Also serves coffee, espresso, lattes/cappuccinos, frozen coffee drinks, hot & iced tea, chai lattes, & smoothies (Not real fruit though. The only bummer about this place.) <br />-Links for more info on Perked Up!/The Precious Cupcake:<br /><strong>*<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/perked-up-coffee-cafe-virginia-beach">Perked Up!</a> On Yelp:</strong> <br /><strong>*<a href="http://www.thepreciouscupcake.com/">The Precious Cupcake</a>:</strong><br />(Within a 20 miles radius & for a $5 charge, they’ll deliver the cupcakes to your front door!) <br /><br /><br /><strong>5) Food: ARNOLD'S SANDWICH THINS</strong><br /><br />-100-calorie flatbread for sandwiches, burgers, mini pizzas, etc. A sandwich just isn’t a sandwich without bread. Arnold’s Sandwich Thins have less calories, less sugar, & less fat than regular slices of bread. They taste great too! <br />-Honey Wheat, Whole Grain White, Multi-Grain, & Seedless Rye<br />*check out the <a href="http://www.arnoldbread.com/Products/List.aspx?nCategoryID=22&nSubCategoryID=208 ">Arnold Bread website </a>for nutritional info, product locator, & tasty ideas.<br /><br />-eEllen D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/02940106805419194122noreply@blogger.com0