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