Tactical Defense: One Class You Shouldn't Miss!

I am excited to have KC Jones Martial Arts as the December Challenge, Week 4 Sponsor!  Mr. Jones will be giving away a T Shirt in the color and size of your choice plus a Free Tactical Defense Lesson!**



You can find Mr Jones Monday through Friday teaching Tae Kwon Do (TKD), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The Paw-fect Christmas Gift!

I really miss Dixie Doodle!  Every year for Christmas, I made Dixie home-made doggie biscuits!  So, in memory of Dixie, with my Star Wars Mom hat on and full of good cheer, I'm sharing our baking secrets with you!

It's really a very simple recipe that the whole family can enjoy doing together;  and it makes great Christmas Gifts for the Star Wars/Dog Fans in your life!

Dixie Approved Dog Biscuits
Prep Time 15 Mins	Cook Time 30 Mins		Total Time 45 mins
ingredients Biscuits 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup wheat germ 1 qt package of nonfat dry milk 1 bouillon cube crushed 1 stick of butter/margarine melted 1 egg beaten 1/2 to 1 cup water Favorite Disney and Star Wars Cookie Cutters		Accessories Favorite Disney and Star Wars Cookie Cutters
instructions 1.Sift dry ingredients together, then add butter and egg.  Work with your hands to blend ingredients; adding water in small portions until you have everything thoroughly mixed. It's going to be a dry mix - not gooey 2.Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line the cookie sheet with parchment paper. 3. Roll out the dough, cut your dog biscuits and place on the cookie sheet.   These are large cookie cutters, so only six to a cookie sheet 4. Bake for 30 minutes until hard, not overly brown. 5.Cool biscuits completely, and wrap for delivery! Wrap in Tissue Paper First Add a Cute Ribbon and Cookie Cutter

And there you have my secret to making a Dog's Wish come true at Christmas; and A perfect Star Wars Gift for the Dog Lover in your life!

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kesselrunner77@gmail.com

My Favorite Holiday Inspired Smoothies!

Holidays are tough on my diet!  Why is it that there are so many flavorful foods that only come out during the holidays?  It is definitely hard to say no; so instead, I mix these yule tide flavors in with my daily protein powder to bring some holiday cheer to my smoothies!

Gingerbread!

Join the Reindeer Fitness Games 2015!

Do you run, walk, or crawl?  Then you are ready for the Reindeer Fitness Games!

Miss Nona's Southern Bourbon Pecan Pie

My Grandmother's recipe box is always full of home-baked goodness for the holidays; it also has a lot of recipe's with Bourbon and Rum!  And I think her Southern Bourbon Pecan Pie makes a perfect dessert for that Holiday Party, or as a gift!   And here is how she made it!

Numbers Won't Define me in 2016!

So many times we let the scale or other kinds of numbers define us or limit us.  We let our weight send us on an emotional roller coaster or having to meet deadlines and schedules that keep us from seeing the important things around us.   So, this year I'm not going to set number goals that never really help me achieve anything but disappointment; I'm going to make a to do list that will positively affect my health, dreams, ambitions and destinations!

Here are my 4 Main Objectives this year:

1. Sign up for an Obstacle Race
I already have 3 Half Marathons on the books this year, and although they will be a challenge since I am coming back from injury, I have already conquered these events.   But... an obstacle race such as the Spartan Race or Warrior Dash scares the heck out of me!  This race requires endurance, upper body strength, mental stamina and burpees.  I hate burpees!  However, getting prepared for this race will help me achieve a good weight, toned muscles, step challenges, muscle strength and self confidence.  All things that will create a healthier me.

2. Read More.
I love to read!  I'm a "reader", and have read all my life.  I can't remember not reading, and yet, I've slid off the reading wagon.  Now, I only read when I travel.  It's what I do on the plane, not what I do for enjoyment.   I'm not going to set a number goal - such as 10 books this year - but I will read every week, and work down my to do list of books.  Downtime before I go to sleep will be spent reading.  This will get me back to my center and help relieve stress, too.

3. Eliminate Compulsive Busyness
I have to be doing something... can not sit still... it makes me nervous because I think of all the things I should be doing.  But, compulsive busyness leads to a cluttered mind and restlessness.  It is very important to detach at least once a week, to let go, not think.  I am going to learn ways to meditate through disconnecting with the outside world and focusing on myself to clear my mind.

4.  Avoid the Negative
Do you ever feel that there is just too much drama these days?  Work and family alike generate it.  It will be a challenge, but focusing on the positive is the way to go.  Walking away from the nonsense and negative conversations that so many people are engrossed in will help keep the positive in front of me.   Smiling will help not only get through any struggles that come may, but also deflect the negative.

4 Simple but Challenging things to focus on this year!  If you see me counting calories, or talking about weight gain, or how I'm stressed out I am or how I'm too busy, speak up and remind me to get back on track!

Would you like to join me in having a more positive outlook this year?  Let me know!  We can help each other be accountable!

kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Making Homeless Bags

Over the past year, I have been approached by several homeless families while going about my busy life.  Unfortunately, I never have any cash to give them because I always use my debit card.   I started keeping gift cards to fast food restaurants and grocery stores in my car so that I would have something to give.

However, it is obvious that there is an urgent need for more than just a gift card.   And at

#AllInForParis - Travel Tips - Pre TSA Check

As a busy traveler and since I'm planning my flights for Disneyland Paris, I am working through a must do list for traveling!

I'm checking off the easy things first, and TSA Pre Check is one of them!

As a US Citizen, there are two ways to get through the TSA Pre Check Line:

2015 Holiday GIft Guide

I have scoured the Universe for the Best Gifts for the Holidays!

It's here!  That time of year when we buy gifts to show all the ones in our life how much we appreciate them!  I always have a problem trying to find that perfect gift,  the one that will would really interest them, would capture their imagination and spur their curiosity.   It's a problem I know many of us have; so, with those thoughts in mind, here are my guides for those unique persons on your list!

(if you see anything you like, just add it to your wish list!)

Need more ideas?  Let Me Know! kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Elf on the Shelf Elf Pets Holiday Bundle Review and Giveaway

If your family loves Elf on the Shelf, then you will enjoy this holiday bundle!

Did you know that the Scout Elves have tiny Reindeer Pets?  They do!  And in this Elf on the Shelf bundle, you get to meet one of your very own!  You learn through the colorful, easy to read book,

How to Sign Up for the December Challenge: Reindeer Fitness Games

Ready?  Set.. Go... and Sign up our December Challenge:  Reindeer Fitness Games!

1.  Sign Up In the Challenge App

Click HERE TO SIGN UP

2.  SIGN IN

The Sign In Link should appear next:

3.  FitBit Users LINK UP

(SKIP TO STEP 4 IF NOT A FITBIT USER)

Select "Settings" from the Menu Bar

Select "Link FitBit" 

You will be redirected to FitBit to Login

A Success Message is Displayed and Select "OK"

4.   SIGN UP FOR A CHALLENGE

Select "Challenges" from the Menu Bar

5.  Click "PLAY" to Join a Challenge

**Navigate to Each Challenge and See Everyone's Progress By Selecting the ID associated with each challenge!

6.  Updating Steps

FITBIT USERS:  Steps will be automatically loaded routinely throughout the day

Other USERS:  Post Steps on the EVENT PAGE

Good Luck!!

Planksgiving 2015!

 

It's time for our annual Planksgiving Challenge!
It is a month for being thankful and plankful to help us get through the next 2 months of feasting!
  
Follow along each day with the Planksgiving Calendar and the Planksgiving Event Page;

Post pictures of you and your family planking and Tag The Kessel Runner;

Each Post is 1 Entry for the Planksgiving Giveaway - A Workout Recovery Gift Set!

The Workout Calendar

The 30-Day Plank challenge will get progressively harder as we go through November.  There are rest days built in to give your body a chance to let your muscles recuperate.
Tips for Planking:
1. Be mindful of your form at all times!  It's quality, not quantity that counts!
2. If you find the daily time too difficult, then just plank as long as you can, or break it up into smaller sets.
3. Think the challenge is too easy?
Add another interval or add in a plank variation such as:
Side Planks
Reverse Planks
Planks with Hip Dips

We had so much fun with this last year, I can't wait to see all of your pictures!

Remember:  before you start any exercise program, check with your doctor!

Let's Get Planking!
kesselrunner77@gmail.com

The Force Awakens: Dark Side - Light Side Cupcakes!

 DIY Star Wars Cupcakes!

No need to choose The Dark Side or The Light Side, you can have both in these delicious, quick and easy Star Wars Cupcakes!

This is a simple Do It Yourself Dark Side/Light Side Cupcake Project for your Halloween or Force Awakens Party!

Tips to Create a Vacation With A Reading Purpose!

A great way to encourage reading is for your kids to earn their way to a vacation destination!  Kids love watching a movie or playing video games, and reading, unfortunately, has become the media of last resort. So, you have to find a way to turn reading or the Reading Fair into a challenge with an

White House getting in spirit of Back to the Future Day!

Looks like everyone is going to be celebrating Marty McFly's triumphant voyage to the future.  All of this is done with the assistance of his friend Doc Brown and a tricked out DeLorean, but remember

3 Ways to Celebrate Back to the Future Day!

Are you ready for Back to The Future Day?  That's the day, in Back to the Future II, when Marty went forward in time 30 years to October, 21, 2015!  A Once in a Lifetime Event!  (Unless, of course, you invent a time traveling machine)

I know many of you love these movies as much as I do - so we should all celebrate!  I have 3 ways to get involved as a group and to show your support for the McFlys or Doc or Biff  or whomever your favorite character might be!

Trick or Treat? How Many Calories Are You Eating?

I love Halloween Candy as much as anyone!  I am especially drawn into the bite size and snack size portions because I don't have to eat as much... or do I just eat more?

Since an extra 100 calories can happen so easily, I need to be calorie conscious.  So, I looked up the top 8 Halloween Candies and how much one serving costs me:

Those calories are pretty scary!


I am just going to delay buying candy until the day of trick or treat:  procrastination in this case, is a good thing!

What other tips do you have for avoiding the Halloween Candy Scare?
kesselrunner77@gmail.com

I'm #AllinforParis - I'm Booked!

Updated March 2017
Bonjour!
I'm so excited!  This year's Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend will be amazing!  A New 10K and the Disneyland Paris Birthday Celebration!

Are you ready to register? Here are your Options:

3 Reasons to Jump Rope Now!

Have you ever noticed that elite athletes are always jumping rope?  Well, there is a reason for that!  It is a super efficient way to burn calories and get conditioned!  It is also a great way to have fun, get your family involved in fitness, and just be a kid again!

I thought it would especially important to start a jump rope challenge now because we are starting the holiday season.

It starts with just a few extra pieces of Halloween Candy, which rolls into Thanksgiving which puts

Miss Nona's Yoda Cream Cookies!

My Grandmother's Tea Cookies came together with the Galaxy Far, Far Away to create an out-of-this-world Yoda Cream Cookie!

When my Grandmother, Miss Nona, passed away, she left me her magical box of recipes:  inside was full of enchanted, delightful recipes for sweets of all kinds!  And so, this is where I start when looking for a cookie recipe.

Flying to Disneyland: Review Your Options!

It's time to book my flights to Disneyland for the Stars Wars Half Marathon in January!  
I can't wait to run the race, see the Diamond Celebration and relive the excitement of where Disney all began!
 
First, I've got to actually get to Disneyland.

H

I have scoured the Universe for the Best Gifts for the Holidays!

It's here!  That time of year when we buy gifts to show all the ones in our life how much we appreciate them!  I always have a problem trying to find that perfect gift,  the one that will would really interest them, would capture their imagination and spur their curiosity.   It's a problem I know many of us have; so, with those thoughts in mind, here are my guides for those unique persons on your list!

(if you see anything you like, just add it to your wish list!)

Need more ideas?  Let Me Know! kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Toy Gift Guide

Do you have kids on your shopping list?  Or maybe that person who is still a kid at heart?  Then don't look any further!  I have the top 4 must haves right here!

The Settlers of Catan 5th Edition
This game is one of the best family games on the market and winner of numerous awards.  Up your game on Game Night with Settlers of Catan!  $37.39

Match up your favorite character in Disney Infinity!  These Inside Out and Star Wars bundles are this year's must have character sets!
Disney Infinity 3.0: Inside Out Toy Bundle - Amazon Exclusive  $74.99
Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition: Star Wars Rise Against the Empire Play Set $26.00

I love Legos!  With Frozen still being a big fan favorite, your kids will love this new Frozen set from Legos!
LEGO Disney Princess Elsa's Sparkling Ice Castle $35.00

Lego Dimensions!  The ultimate Lego Gift of all time!  A definite must have for this year!

Don't miss out on these gifts:  be sure to order soon because you may risk not getting them due to limited quantities!

Back to the 2015 Gift Guide

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For more ideas on toys for that kid in your life, contact me at kesselrunner77@gmail.com

Games and Gadgets Gift Guide

Gaming gear is often top on the list of any kid or kid at heart!  But you can't just get anything for that game enthusiast because they can be pretty specific about what they want.  So I've hand picked the top gifts that every gamer would love!

Xbox One 500GB Console - The LEGO Movie Bundle + Minecraft
Great starter set for your kids!  Has everything they would need in a console plus the games they want:  Lego Movie and Minecraft! $349.00

The most anticipated game of the season - Star Wars Battlefront! This Deluxe Edition is the set to purchase and at $69.99 is great price!
Star Wars: Battlefront - Deluxe Edition - Xbox One
Star Wars: Battlefront - Deluxe Edition - PlayStation 4

Nintendo 3DS XL, Silver - Mario & Luigi Dream Team Limited Edition
I love the Nintedo 3DS XL and this Limited Edition is perfect for Christmas!  It includes the
Mario and Luigi Dream Team, Stylus, Memory Card and 512MG Hard Drive! $212

Majora's Mask 3D is an improved Nintendo 3DS version of one of the most beloved and unique Legend of Zelda games ever!  It's a great gift for newcomers and series vets alike. $35

Gamers love T Shirts!  Because we are what we wear, this shirt is perfect for any gamer in your life! $20

Any of these gifts wold make your fan happy, even bundle them together for awesome gift sets!

Back to the 2015 Gift Guide

kesselrunner77@gmail.com