Health seekers of all kinds are notorious for eating or drinking foods you don’t typically find on the grocery store end cap.

Chia seeds, goji berries, quinoa, kombucha, bee pollen, yerba mate, cocoa nibs, brewers yeast….

It’s true.  Peek into any health nut’s kitchen and you probably find something “different” (and often expensive).  I’m mean who doesn’t want to load up with a nuclear sized dose of anti-oxidants to put those free radicals in their place sometimes at the expense of taste.

So when my mom got this for me I had a good laugh.

Free Range Chicken Poop Lip Junk
(lip balm with a sense of humor)

Really, it’s not so bad.

I think the most unusual thing I’ve bought was raw colostrum.  It also happened to be the nastiest.  (Although in all fairness, I don’t think it’s meant to be drank straight.)  It’s supposed to be super amazing good for you…but…I do have my boundaries and drinking things that taste the way baby spit up smells is one of them.

What is the most unusual “health food” you have bought or tried?

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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I mean I shed like crazy Furry Friday.

Since we moved and I lost my beloved garage gym, Brent and I have been working out at the park down the street.

Someone likes to tag along.

Functional fitness for aliens dogs?

I think he dreams of playing tug o’war with my rope like a “real” dog, i.e. , one that can play catch (or catch anything for that matter),  breathe normally, and doesn’t scare children with his snore.

Yes, we have two of these creatures.

That was a good nap workout!

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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Today is the opening for Sucker Punch.  I could not care less about this movie BUT I’m thrilled to see Shape published one of Vannessa Hudgens workouts AND it doesn’t involve 5 pound dumbbells.  In fact, they recommend using “Two 12- to 24-pound kettlebells or dumbbells (they should feel very heavy)”.  Did I read that correctly?  ”they should feel VERY heavy” (emphasis mine) Someone pinch me.  Finally, awesome advice from a mainstream fitness mag.  These are the same type of workouts that I do with my clients and MYSELF.

Check it out the functional movements like goblet squats and push presses.  Way to go Shape!

(I was going to say they shouldn’t have her in cushy tennis shoes but on second glance I think those are The Nike Frees, while not the best, are better than standard tennis shoes for kettlbell training. She would reduce her likelihood of injury and get even stronger using kettlebells in flat soled shoes like Converse Chuck Taylor’s or, better yet, barefoot.)

Not only does she have a hardcore workout but there is a video where she is talking about her diet which includes lots of “proteins and vegetables” and if she gets a carb craving she goes for “Ezekiel bread”.  I don’t know about you but I find it refreshing to hear a celebrity talk about what they are really eating to maintain a killer body.  Unlike the typical celebrity who lies says they eat cheeseburgers and cakes as if they are on the brink of famine despite looking like they live off of celery and water.  For most people, a CONSISTENT (ahem) diet of veggies, protein, and slow digesting carbs like Ezekiel bread will not only feed your body the nutrients it needs to optimally function but will also help shed fat and feed muscle.

I know a lot of women feel bad when they look at pictures of celebrity bodies.  Personally, it doesn’t usually bother me.   Celebrity or not, I find the sort of discipline it takes to have a lean strong body like Vanessa’s (the article said she did 500 box jumps) inspiring.  It makes me want to keep working out hard and eating healthy because while feeling my best is AWESOME, I think looking my best is pretty awesome too.  Shallow?  Maybe.  Honest.  Yes.

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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I’m not a big pop culture fan. Since quitting the gym, hence losing access to tabloid mags (not that I ever read them on the step mill), I haven’t been able to keep up with celebrity gossip.  Indeed, I was SHOCKED last night while watching the Oscars at my in-laws to see Natalie Portman was pregnant.  As a side note, I found her acceptance speech authentic and touching. She even thanked her parent’s for giving her life.  Speaking of moms!  Did anyone else get teary when Tom Hooper shared the story of how his “mum” found the story for his film? He finished with, “So with this tonight, I honor you, and the moral of the story is listen to your mother.” Sniff.

Now onto more important things like the Girl Heroes third annual Oscar for Best Arms.

The Winner

(source)

Halle Berry

The Nominations

(source)

Hilary Swank

(source)

Sandra Bullock

(Source)

Reese Witherspoon

(source)

Amy Adams

Amy Adams is adorable and such a classic beauty.  I became a fan when I saw her in Junebug.  Love that movie.

Non-Oscar Honorable Mention

(source)

Cameron Diaz

Last year, Cameron Diaz, showed up on the red carpet with GORGEOUS arms winning the Girl Hero away for “Best Celebrity Arms”.  (She was flattered as, I’m sure, are the rest of these lovely ladies.)  The year she showed up at the Vanity Fair After Party with the same lovely arms.  As opposed to different arms?  You know what I mean.

Notice the difference in her arm compared to Gwyneth’s who prefers to follow the utterly ridiculous “no more than 3 pound rule“.  (In all fairness, Cameron is holding her arm in a flexed position and Gwyneth’s arm is extended.) This is not just genetics and dieting. While Cameron Diaz must have a very clean diet, I’m certain her gorgeous arms are also the result of hard work and discipline in the gym.

Did you watch the Oscars?  Boring or entertaining? (I admit to being a sucker for high glamour fashion.)  Who wore your favorite dress?  Which movies up for awards had you seen?

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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Yesterday, I was making grilled cheeses for my boys when I got distracted had to take care of something very important.

I left the kitchen for a moment and returned to something sitting on top of the grilled cheeses.

What the…?

Upon closer inspection.

“Fail”

Apparently, the grilled cheeses got too crispy for Mr. Smarty Pants Thing 1.

I’m not sure if I failed on the grilled cheeses

or teaching kitchen safety

(or teaching manners)

(or by imparting my sarcastic sense of humor upon my child)

Have a great weekend!

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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Good thing I’m not a perfectionist or I’d end up with some serious issues.

Wait.  I already have serious issues.

Behold my attempt to make cookies without a recipe.

(And you thought I was being self righteous when I admitted to only making cookies once all year.)

When cookies don’t work.  Use the same batter for Try muffins.

When muffins don’t work.  Try pancakes.

When pancakes don’t work maybe it’s time to admit you can’t bake cover them in syrup because syrup makes anything good.

Or not.

___________

V8 Fusion +Tea and BlogHer $100 Visa Card Giveaway. Winner

#51

Thanks to everyone who entered!

__________

Are you more of a baker or a cook??? I’ll let you guess what I am. What’s your favorite holiday movie??? I love Elf.  LOVE. IT.

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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“Ladies and gentlemen, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened…”

I listened to the pilot’s voice over the intercom and double checked my seatbelt even though I hadn’t unbuckled it once the entire duration of the flight from Texas to California.  Not even with an empty seat next to me where I lied to myself saying I was comfortable curled up with my son for a little inflight nap.  You never know when when turbulence might hit turning us into human popcorn in the cabin.  I started to shut my eyes when I noticed a girl with Crayola red hair, wearing a white tank top and a rosary reminiscent of Maddona’s “Like a Virgin” days, walk down the aisle.  She looked a little out of it but still….didn’t she hear the captain?  We are starting our descent.  I wanted to stand up and frantically tap to the glowing seatbelt sign.

Crayola disappeared into the bathroom as we were getting ready to land.  Why didn’t the flight attendant stop her?   I waited and watched the lights of Burbank grow brighter thinking about Crayola the entire time.  She was still in the bathroom.  I kept turning my head to see if the little light above the door has switched from red to green.  Why is she still in there?  What if there is turbulence?  Does she know we are about to land?  What if it’s a bumpy landing?  Does she have diarrhea?  Will she fall off the toilet?  Is she sitting on the toilet? Doesn’t she know we are about TO LAND!!!  I sat in my seat worrying about her in the bathroom.  Then I began to worry about why I was so worried about her.  Finally,  Crayola emerged from the bathroom.

Without her shirt.

Crayola slowly stumbled to her seat wearing a leopard print bra with her white tank top wadded in her hand.  Passengers looked at her shocked and then quickly turned their heads. According to the flight attendant, she had puked on herself after drinking too much and apparently didn’t want to wear a soiled shirt.

My first thought was shock.  What are my kids thinking?  This flight is supposed to be G-rated.  My second thought was, “Where did she get that cute leopard print bra?”   My thoughts were interrupted by the rush of the wheels hitting the ground and a sudden lurch as the pilot slammed on the breaks.  (Can you slam on the breaks of an airplane?)  I forgot about Crayola and prepared to die.  Then the plane stopped and I realized I was still alive along with Crayola and the other passengers.  (The flight attendant told me later that the landing was “rough” landing and the pilot must have overestimated the short runway.)

I looked up and saw Crayola standing in the middle of the aisle.  The surrounding passengers except the creepy one with the camera phone turned their heads either uncomfortable or trying to give her some privacy.

Since we were in the back of the plane we were the last to exit.  Well, almost last.  As we walked off, I saw Crayola huddled in the front row with a flight attendant who had given her a sweater.  Then, I began to worry about how she was going to get home.

Welcome to LA.

What do you think of Crayola’s choice to disrobe on the airplane?   Lacks class or an act of courage?  A sign of confidence or lack of self respect?  Would it have been different if she had been a man?  What would you have done if you had puked all over yourself on the plane?  What’s the oddest thing you’ve ever seen on a flight?  What do you think about taking pictures of strangers and then posting them on the internet?

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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It’s not everyday I get asked to be in calendar.  In fact, it’s not every day that I put on make up or take a shower, for that matter.  Most of my days are spent hanging out with my kids wearing hoodies, shorts, and ,when it’s cool outside, Uggs.  Yes, sometimes with shorts.

So when my good friend, Deb from Smoothie Girl Eats, asked me to take part in a “health blogger calendar” project I couldn’t say no.  She asked us to do a pin-up style photo with something that represents our healthy lifestyle. Now doesn’t every mom jump at the chance to wear red lipstick and fake eyelashes while holding a kettlebell.  The calendar was put together by Deb and her father, Marty, as a fun distraction during his last days of  his battle with cancer.  Deb tells the story how the idea came about  and the fun she had with her dad putting it together better than I ever could.   The calendars can be purchased for $15 including shipping with all proceeds going to USC Norris Cancer Hospital. Check out her site and email Deb at  LASmoothieGirl(at)gmail (dot) com if interested.

I’ve been going back and forth on whether or not to share a few more photos from the shoot. (I posted one a few months ago on a day I was feeling rather beastly.)  On one hand, I LOVE to see photos of bloggers.  On the other hand, it can come across as self-centered to some.  So at the risk of coming across as a self-centered weirdo with bad form (seriously DO NOT workout with kettlebells wearing leopard heels) here are couple pictures my husband took for the calendar. You can see all the other gorgeous bloggers and the photo that Marty chose for the calendar here.

Okay, now that I’m pretty certain my site will come up when people google “weird kettlebell girl” I can move on.

Please don’t forget to check out my V8 V-Fusion + Tea review!  BlogHer is giving away a $100 Visa card to one Girl Hero reader.

Do you like seeing pictures of bloggers? I love it and there are a few blogs where I wish the bloggers would post more pictures!

What prop would you pose with for “health” pin up shoot?

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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I have had mad cravings (along with roller coaster emotions)this past week and a half.   MAD. CRAVINGS.  The Monster of Present Monster Syndrome (PMS) is drooling at the mouth and ready to chew through anything that is not nailed down.  This is not normal.   Usually, once a month I have about 3-5 days where the peanut butter disappears 4x as fast but not a week and a half of non-stop cravings.  Somebody throw me a bag of Cheetos slay this beast.

So how perfect that my kid’s new school* took a field trip to In-N-Out yesterday.  How perfect that yesterday I wrote about the benefits of the superfood, bee pollen, and today the simple pleasure of an occasional visit to In-N-Out.

Thing 1 and Thing 2

In the Potato Room

Checking out the onion slicer!

But the best part…getting to slice the potatoes.

Ka-bam!

Feeding the monster, protein style.

(I don’t even miss the special sauce.)

In-N-Out is certainly not health food but for a fast food company they treat their employees very well.  The manager had been there for 23 years and talked about how much he loved working for the company.  All the employees we met had been there for 5 or more years.  (Trying to find a bright side in the not so bright world of fast food.)

As some of you might have guess, my paleo challenge hasn’t been going so well this past week and half.  I think I’ve been at about 75% paleo.   Oh well.  Unlike being refined sugar-free, I’m not sold on the paleo way of life so it’s been hard to find the conviction power through the challenge.

Tomorrow we have another taekwondo tournament.  I’ll let you know how it turns out next week.

Have a great weekend!!!

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

*As some of you know I homeschooled my boys all last year.  Two weeks ago we decided as a family that they would enroll in a small part-time school.  Now they are going to school 3 days a week and homeschooled 2 days a week.  It’s working out really well!

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What do kettlebell certifications, microwaves, and raccoons all have in common?

They make me nervous.  Tomorrow is my second official taekwondo tournament and I’m a bit nervous.  Okay so I’m really nervous. Considering MMA Mama beat me in the last tournament giving me a nasty bruise adding injury to insult  , I think my nervousness is justified.  Wondering IF she is going be there is more worrisome than the tournament itself.  Next week I’ll do a recap…if I live.  Just kidding the sparring is totally controlled and fully padded.  It’s nothing like a “real fight”.  It’s actually really fun especially for a girl who grew up with pictures of Rocky taped in her junior high locker while all the other girls had New Kids on the Block pictures.  Weirdos.

As of late I’ve felt like I’ve come across a bit more beastly than I actually am.  Sure I may love picking up heavy stuff just for fun and sparring until I can’t breathe but I also love glitter nail polish, red lipstick, fake eyelashes, and cozy leopard print pj’s.  Not all the same time…the make up and the pj’s that is.  I’m feminine, really I am.

This picture, as ridiculous as it is, captures my two sides, the glamour girevik (Russian word for kettlebeller) even though my nails are all chewed down.

BTW Brent took that for project someone is putting together.  I just don’t put on eyelashes and grab a kettlebell for photos.

My 30 Day Primal Challenge is going well, three days into it.  I’m enjoying the “challenge” going “Grok“.  After leaning out and training the last few months for the RKC, I found myself sort of bored and not sure what to focus on next so the primal challenge is a perfect fit.  I need mini-goals to keep me focused, excited, and on track with the big picture.

Lastly, I saw this older but good post on Planet Green, 7 Foods So Unsafe That Even Farmers Won’t Eat Them.  I love it when I read an article and I can feel all self righteous.  Don’t you?  ;-) Actually, I’m really sad about the tomatoes.  I LOVE canned tomatoes for the flavor and the convenience.

Does anyone else ever feel like you have two sides equally important but totally opposite?  What about that list?  Do you follow some, none, or all of it?  I would say I follow all of it 90% of the time.  Does anyone know if Muir Glen and Trader Joe’s canned tomatoes have BCA in the lining?

Have a great weekend!

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

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