Friday, December 26, 2008

Plyometrics Workout

I was browsing through a Yahoo Health article called Terrific Toners In Less Time, written by Lucy Danziger and found a great video that gives examples of Plyometric exercises. The video is from Self.com, here is the link: Plyometrics Workout

This workout looks fun and is a great way to melt fat and burn calories through jumping and hopping. They are good because they torch a lot of calories and are considered cardio, so you can do them in place of other cardio activities.


I am not a workout type of a person because I get bored pretty easily and lose motivation. However, these exercises look fun and seem to get your heart rate up pretty easy. I will try them tonight and hope that I look as cute as the perky girl in the video - lol.

Movie Review: The House Bunny


I admit it, I rented this movie over the holidays. I really didn't expect a lot from this movie and this was a good thing, since there was not much to it.

Story: It's the story of a beautiful Playboy Bunny (Shelly), who lives at the Playboy Mansion, but has never been a centerfold. She becomes homeless and stubbles upon a sorority house and talks the girls into allowing her to be their house mom. The house is filled with misfits and losers who are about to lose their charter and their house. With Shelly's help, the girls throw a killer party, get make-overs and become popular. Shelly tries to win the heart of Oliver, played by Tom Hank's son, but has problems getting him to fall for her airhead persona (which is really just the way she is).

Characters: The character, Shelly, is bubbly, sweet as pie and dumb as a box of rocks. She uses her sex appeal to her advantage, with her skimpy clothes and a raspy voice. Guys will love this movie, especially the scene were she drops her towel and you get to see her back-side.

The misfits at the sorority house are as annoying as nails on a chalk board. There is the lead girl who looks somewhat mentally challenged and acts the part too. There is a girl with piercings all over her face with horrible hair and dresses like a guy. There are a variety of other characters in the movie that fit the stereo types the movie tries to portray. The MOST annoying character that drove me crazy was the "Lumber Jack" girl who really made you wonder if she was even a female. It was hard for me to watch this person, with her deep-throated voice, her hunch-back walk/run and the actual words that came out of her mouth. The second most annoying would be Rumor Willis' character, who lived in a full body brace because she was afraid to take it off years ago when it was medically possible. She mimicks the Forest Gump scene where she begins running and her brace magically falls off and underneath she has beautiful long hair, a hot body and skimpy clothes. UGH!!!!

On a good note, if you like The Girls Next Door, you will enjoy seeing cameos of the Girls and Hef throughout the movie.

Over-all, this movie was lame. I did find myself envious of Anna Faris' body and it is giving me motivation (this week) to try to start working out and eating better. LOL

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Moving And The Race Against Time


Have you ever moved around the holidays? Let me tell you from experience, it's not any fun. This is probably the third time that I have done it in my adult life and you would think I would have learned my lesson.

Not only did we move 5 days before Christmas, but here it is, the day before Christmas Eve and I still have tons of shopping to do! The good news is that we are in our new house, after lots of hard labor (mine, Dan's, my mom's and some helpers) and we have lots already put away.

Next step: shop for gifts and groceries for Christmas dinner (oh yes, we are having it at our house). We have the tree and decorations up, so that is a huge plus!

After Christmas, but before the end of the first week in January, we have to clean our old house and get it looking presentable for the owners to regain possession.

My goal for next Christmas: Start shopping and saving money 6 months early, bake, actually make and mail my own cards (maybe even do a family picture card), get a tree early and put decorations up long enough to enjoy them.

Were you prepared for this holiday season? Have you ever had to move during the holidays? Tell us your story......

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Would You Want To Smell Like A Burger?


Have you heard the news? Burger King, the fast food restaurant, is coming out with something other than burgers and fries. They have a new scent, a fragrance that sells for $3.99 on average and can be purchased for your favorite guy. The spray is called FLAME and it lives up to it's name. Not only will your man smell like a flame-broiled hamburger, but it is supposed to have the scent of seduction.

I don't know about you, but smelling cooked meat on a man just doesn't do it for me. How about you? Would you buy it for the love of your life?

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Presents or Money?


I heard an interesting topic the other morning on my way to work. A valley Disc Jockey was asking the question, "Given the economy, would you prefer to receive money (gift card) or a present from your loved ones?"


I have thoughts about this, of course. Putting aside that the holiday is about giving and not receiving, I think it is wonderful to receive something that you want. Those that know me the best claim they have no idea what I want. I understand, I really do. I don't ever really want anything, but I would love to buy something, and have the means to do so, when I see it. I also know that if I were to buy them something that I think they might like, I might make a mistake.


So what's wrong with giving money or a gift card? Some will say that it takes away from gift giving and that you should put a lot of thought into what the person wants. I agree with this as well. However, some people, like myself, are hard to buy for. I am not offended if someone gets me a gift card and I always welcome money. Another comment I heard on the radio show was that someone might spend less on a present, but feel obligated to give more when money is being given.


How do you feel about this? What are your thoughts?



Saturday, December 6, 2008

Tips For Remembering Names


Let's face it, first impressions are very important. When you meet someone for the first time, it is imperative to remember their name. Too many times when we meet people, we are eager to get to know them or introduce ourselves, that we forget to pay attention when the names are exchanged.

When someone introduces themselves, repeat their name after they say it. Let them know it is nice to meet them. For example, "Dan. Nice to meet you Dan, I am Jennifer." If possible, after finishing the conversation or when saying good-bye, repeat their name.

You can also use word associations or special tricks for trying to remember their names. I sometimes think of an actor/actress or famous person with the same name.

Lately, I don't remember anything unless I write it down or set an alarm or memo on my cell phone. This also helps in remembering names. Additionally, you can record a description of the person or something important you want to remember about them.

Introducing a person to someone else is another good way of remembering a name.

Most people are bad with names and don't hesitate to admit it. If you didn't catch their name or forget what they said, simply ask them for their name again. Using the wrong name is more embarrassing than having to ask.


Thursday, December 4, 2008

BBQ Pumpkin Pie - Oh My!


This Thanksgiving, we were surprised by the phone call that Dan's sister and her family of five (+1 dog) were driving from CO to stay with us for the holiday. Once they got here, we received another surprise - his parents were able to make it as well. Their party of 7, plus our party of 5 and my mom, made for lots of holiday happenings.


My wonderful husband, Dan, is a great chef. Not only did he smoke ONE turkey in the bbq, he smoked TWO turkeys and bbq'd a pumpkin pie! Everyone could not go on enough about how awesome the meal was. Dan really did a great job. Kudos to everyone for their participation and for the wonderful contributions to the meal.


What was the main thing I loved about the meal? That superman himself told me I didn't have to lift a finger OR clean!!!! Can you believe that? I didn't think it was possible to love him any more, but after that comment, can you blame me?


Dan truly is a amazing man and I am lucky to have his love and support (and his wonderful cooking).