Tick Tock

Time is running out, Christmas is almost here. Have you started getting ready? tick, tock, tick, tock.....the clock is ticking....   How many of us have left things undone and are starting to feel the stress that we are out of time and there is no possible way to complete everything? Best laid plans eh? What happened to that?!? Oh well, here we are down to the wire. I myself have a million things to do, yet I sit here and blog. Funny that I am about to talk about prioritizing. Feeling overwhelmed can leave me wondering where to start on that priority list. What's a girl to do? Go for a run! Yes, make extra time and start your day with exercise. A little bit of exercise gives you a positive outlook, the ability to think straight, extra energy, and a chance to prioritize your day in your head during your routine. I have heard many people say that they do not have time to exercise especially during the holidays, that there is just too much to do. I choose to view this situation differently. I don't have time to not exercise, it is an essential part of the day to kick start my brain. On your mark, get set, GO! Happy Holidays.

Gifts from the Heart

As the season began, I ran off to the malls with all my loved ones Christmas wishes in hand.
Boots....check
Jacket....check
Sweatshirt.....check
Underwear.....check
Wait! Underwear? Really? What kind of gift is that?!? Okay, whatever....As the cashier rang up the underwear, the boots, the jacket and the sweatshirt, I walked out of the store having spent over $400. For what? Some materialistic items that might just as well have been lumps of coal. Why? Because they were not from my heart. I love buying gifts for people, so don't get me wrong. But, it felt more like I had just completed my marching orders. These were not thought out. I did not buy them out of love. Sure, it made me feel good to get a gift the others wanted, but it just wasn't sitting well with me this year.

So, it got me thinking.....tap, tap, tap (fingers tapping on my head sound)... uh, oh....Dana is thinking again! For those of you that know me, that doesn't always land me in the best places, but my intentions are always good. This time though, I struck gold! Not to be corny because we have all heard it before, "Christmas is more about giving than receiving". Never had this statement struck me more profoundly.

Finally getting to my point....sigh....the stockings will be hung by the chimney with care this year. Yes, everyone got at least some of their obligatory gifts, but the stocking stuffers, the little things, are only from MY heart this year. I thought I would share them with you because each of them was virtually free. All they cost was a little bit of time, and love from me:

• Hand knitted mittens and matching head bands
• Free car wash and vacuum, by little ol' me
• A summer of lawn mowing in Grandmas front yard
• Hand made throw pillows to match your bedroom
• Movie night, at home, your choice of movie, I promise!
• A new handmade blanket out of the softest of fleece
• Homemade cookies and fudge for some treats
• Fresh spiced cider as a great hostess gift
• A heritage tradition of homemade rice dish
• Jams, Jellies and canned fruit galore

All of these made without a trip to the store. See the true spirit of giving is really made from love.

Diet and Exercise Excuses During the Holiday Season

As I sit here drinking egg nog in my morning coffee I am sure that my fat cells are happily plumping full for the long winter. Of course I'm not a bear, but I certainly feel like I could hibernate for a few months. It's a frosty winter morning, and the roads appear too icy for my morning run, not to mention that some recent stitches incurred on my leg and I was told, "no exercise" for the next two weeks! I certainly don't need one more excuse to be lazy. The last few weeks have consumed my time with final exams, long hours of work, Christmas shopping, holiday parties, baking holiday cookies, and eating far too much! Excuses, excuses, excuses! Do you ever feel like this?
How do we beat the holiday bulge regardless of our valid excuses? First of all, cut yourself some slack! A few holiday parties, and extra pieces of fudge are not going to plump your fat cells. Besides, the holidays are meant to be joyful, and if we deny ourselves of every treat and feel guilty for getting out of our normal routine we may only become resentful of our healthy lifestyle.
Here are some tips:

• Focus on clean healthy eating at all other meals during the holidays
• Bring fruit to a holiday party accompanied by a yummy dip. You will be amazed how quickly this gets eaten up. Guests will all appreciate the sweet healthy choice along with the fudge!
• Don't forget to drink lots of water. This will help to flush out your system and you will stay hydrated.
• Try different forms of exercise that may be different from your normal routine. Ex: a brisk evening walk with friends to look at holiday lights.
• Try to schedule a family activity over Christmas break. Our family enjoys snow skiing each year.
• Enjoy the holidays, focus on your health when you can, and realize this is a minor hiccup in your routine.