Healthy Wealthy Living

I can't believe I'm turning the big 36 in less than 2 weeks (big sigh!). I want this year to be the healthiest yet! I want to look good, feel good and get my youthful energy back!  I’ve tried a million times to do it on my own but realized, I need support. I need someone or (100s of other FMS women) to hold me accountable. In other words, I don't want to say to someone "Nope..didn't work out again". Sound like you? We all want to look and feel our best. Maybe you want to lose 5 lbs or 100lbs? Maybe you just want more energy to play with your kids? We all have a reason and a goal! Ladies, please don't make me do this alone. Join the virtual  Family Made Simple Health & Fitness Challenge and Support Group! Take the 1st Step Be the BEST You in 2012! Here’s how: Write a post on the FMS wall saying you are committing to be the BEST You in 2012! On a piece of paper, write down your goals. Ex. Mine is “I want to be a healthy and as fit as ...

Guest Blog post by Sara Greene . Sara is a single mother of two from Massachusetts, teaches numerous fitness classes including yoga and zumba, but has a terrible sweet tooth. Barbie & Me Yoga....  If you are at home with a little one, or multiple little ones, it can be hard to find the time or energy to exercise.    Have you ever put in a work-out dvd, only to be instantly thwarted by the needs of your children (or have one wrap herself around your leg while trying to do a squat)?  Of course you have!  Kids instantly know when you are trying to do something for yourself.  And they will do whatever it takes to prevent you from getting your exercise.  It is hardwired into their genetic code.    Turn the tables on them, while having fun and getting a good workout with “barbie and me yoga”.  Step one Pick your “barbie” - any doll or stuffed animal that your child likes Step two Make a yoga mat for barbie.  Use a s...

Yesterday, my oh, so talented mom gave me the most meaningful gift. She made a Christmas tree ornament out of my daughter’s baby hat, the one she wore home from the hospital.  When I saw it, I broke into tears. Who knew a tiny little pink hat, embellished with embroidered flowers could have such an impact and bring on such emotion.  Even though my baby was born 3 ½ years ago, I could still picture her wearing this precious fashion accessory. Here’s how my mom made this beloved ornament: Put a little stitch in the back to hold its shape. Sew a little bell and ribbon on top. So simple but so sentimental! You could do the same with your child’s first hat, mitten or sock.  Or, you could make one as a gift for someone else. You’ll just have to ask them for their baby’s article of clothing and tell them not to ask you why you need it! This is a little reminder that gifts don’t need to cost a lot. Those that come from the heart always mean the most!

This time of year can be hectic! I feel like it is always rush, rush rush. Get the Christmas cards written and sent out. Make sure you get a gift for everyone on your list. Wrap all the presents. Clean, clean, clean and cook ‘till you can’t cook “no more”. It is hard to stop, relax and take a minute to remember what the season is all about – Faith, friends and family. Even when Christmas Eve and Christmas get here, we are busy traveling from one side to the other. My husband and I feel as though we hardly have time to focus on each other and our baby girl. So, two years ago we started a tradition that lets us do just that- relax and spend time together with no rushing around, no chores…just US! The day before Christmas, I will prepare a breakfast casserole and   a batch of cheesy potatoes . I put the dishes in the fridge.   On Christmas morning, when we wake up, I put them in the oven along with some refrigerated croissants.   Other no-stress breakfast ideas are Fre...

Guest Blog Post by Richard S. Stripp, Sr., author of  “Mommy, I Wish I Could Tell You What They Did To Me In School Today” . DID YOU EVER WONDER IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL AND WISHED THAT THEY CAN TELL YOU? WELL, MAYBE THEY ARE AND YOU’RE NOT LISTENING.   “Just because I can’t talk like you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to hear what I am saying.” “We have a lot to say. Some of us may not be able to learn to talk but all of you can learn to listen, even if that involves something other than using your ears.” The above two quotes were “spoken” by children in the book, “Mommy, I Wish I Could Tell You What They Did To Me In School Today”.  We, as parents, caregivers, educators, etc. have to learn to “listen” to special needs children, especially if they are non-verbal. Far too many people are very quick to dismiss a behavior that they are witnessing on the part of a special needs child as something other than what it may be. It is important to re...

Tosha, owner of Sweet Lilly Delights , has shared this Time Capsule ornament idea and blog post with us.  Thanks Tosha! ~Tessa  So we all know that Christmas is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!  So with that in mind, I have been trying to think of some fun things that the kids could make as ornaments for our tree. I have been thinking, and thinking, googling, and googling and I found something that I want to share with you.     Time Capsule Ornament - this is a super simple ornament that you can do for a babies 1st Christmas, or any year that you would like. It is something that you and your little one can grow with, as well as something that is cheap to make. Materials that you will need (keep note that you can also click on the link above and view the directions for this lovely ornament as well): Fillable clear plastic ornament (you can get these at any craft store) Double sided tape (again something you can get at a craft store, or Walmart) Ribbon of your c...