Have to Get That Exercise In

While daily exercise is one of the vital elements for keeping fit and healthy, I'll admit that it is one of my daily to do's that occasionally gets nixed in favor of something else.

However, I am a big believer in exercise and try to motivate myself to do something active at least a few times each day.

I am not, by any means, a big fan of cold weather. So exercising outdoors in Wisconsin this time of year is out for me. I'm on my treadmill at least every other day for 20 minutes at a time--speed level 4. My husband hooked up a television set right at eye level in front of the treadmill, so I get to watch my favorite television programs while I'm working out. This helps a lot and makes the time seem to go by quicker.

On Saturdays, I sometimes get together with a friend and walk together with her in the corridors of the local high school. If you walk around twice, you can actually get 2.5 miles in! I find that walking with someone really helps with a workout, because you can exercise and catch up with the other person at the same time. Last time we went, I even brought my 3 year old daughter with me and walked with my friend while pushing Amanda around in her stroller.

As the weather begins to warm up, our family will go for evening bike rides.

In the summer, I often take Amanda swimming, which always exerts lots of energy.

Of course, there are the little bits of exercise we try to fit in too, like not parking the car so close to the entry doors of stores so we have to walk a bit to get inside, taking the stairs versus the escalators and walking to a neighbor's house a block or two away, rather than driving.

So, while I'm certainly not going to win a prize for 'most athletic', I can definitely say that exercise is important enough for me to fit into my daily schedule. It makes me feel better about myself!

One New Recipe Each Week

I love to cook and try out new recipes. But with my family's busy pace, I often revert back to my tried and true recipes that I know work--and I know I could get cooked and on the table in a few minutes.

But I satisfy my desire to make new recipes by only trying out ONE new recipe each week. I then look at my calendar, and schedule making the new recipe on a day when I know I could finish work a bit earlier, or on a weekend day.

Yesterday, I was watching Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger on the Food Network--since we try to eat as healthy as possible, her recipes almost always sound enticing to me.

She made a recipe for Shrimp Salad with Cucumber and Mint that was very intriguing. So, I went to the Food Network web site when the show ended, found the archived recipe, printed it out and hung it on my fridge, purchased the ingredients at my supermarket this morning, and plan to make this recipe this week.

If all works out well, I'll transfer the printed recipe to my permanent recipe binder. I've built up some excellent recipes over the years, using this simple 'one new recipe each week' system.

Make it Valentine's Day . . . Every Day

Happy Valentine's Day--February 14th. Hope your day is sweet.

Obviously, receiving flowers, candy, a love note and such could all be quite lovely. But I always find that I especially enjoy GIVING Valentines--not only on Valentine's Day, but the entire year through.

For instance, I purchased my husband Series Three of The Waltons on DVD for Valentine's Day, but I also try to do special things for him each day. This might entail doing a chore he normally does before he has a chance to stop me, scheduling a babysitter to come in to watch our daughter so we can have a quiet date night or sending him an e-greeting from my computer to his.

I purchased my daughter a red Reeses Valentine's Heart, as well as a Clifford book and some heart stickers for Valentine's Day. But I also try to do special things for her each day such as giving her my undivided attention and building a Lego tower with her, taking her out for an impromptu lunch or making a batch of cupcakes with her.

This holds true for other family members as well and helps ensure that happiness is being spread not only on Valentine's Day, but throughout the entire year.

Valentines don't have to be elaborate or expensive. They could consist of visiting someone, calling a relative you haven't spoken to in awhile, reading a book to a child or an ill friend, bringing a neighbor some homemade bread, making and giving a handmade greeting card or even telling someone you love them.

Why not make a list today of Valentines you can give throughout the year. I guarantee you'll not only make someone else happy by spreading your sweetness, but you'll also feel warm, cozy and good about yourself each day.

18 Degrees Below Zero

Where I live in Wisconsin, we've been experiencing below zero weather all week long. This morning, our outdoor thermometer registered at MINUS 18 degrees! Brrrrr!

Today's top 3 icy cold weather tips . . .

1. Put on Moisturizer, hand lotion and lip balm. This goes for both women AND men and will help reduce the chances of your skin drying out and cracking. I am forever putting on Chapstick in this kind of weather. Plus, I apply lotion and/or moisturizer several times during the day when I need to go out into the elements. If I'm going to be outdoors and away from the house for awhile, I bring my lotions and lip balm with me.

2. Give yourself enough time to dress right. Since it takes a few minutes longer to put on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves, boots, etc.--especially when you have to help the kids into their gear too--always start getting ready 10 minutes earlier than normal. (Note: Dress in loose layers, with an outer covering of water resistant materials to protect against water and wind.) Since I have a toddler who likes to put on her own outerwear, I actually give myself an extra 20 minutes, just to be on the safe side.

3. Up your fluid intake. Many people associate dehydration with very warm weather, but in fact it's very common in cold weather. Cold weather often suppresses the desire to drink fluids. Drink lots of fluids. I prefer warm beverages in this icy weather, such as hot apple cider or tea.