It's summer time, time for shorts, tank tops, summer dresses, flip flops, and cute little sandals. I have cute little feet, I try to keep my toes manicured but, I have a difficult time keeping the heels of my feet properly moisturized. 

 I admire other people that do not have this issue but admiring them doesn't help when its time to show off MY feet. 

 I use a hard pumice stone on feet everyday, which helps, but it does not solve the problem. 

 I used to get regular pedicures, but money is tight around my house, and I can't bring myself to spend money on my feet. I have a foot scraper but I've gotten overzealous with the tool and scraped off too many layers of skin. NOT COOL

 I also have a pedegg, but I seem to have the same results as my pumice stone. It works but not as well as I need it to.

I assume all of you are going through the same issues that I am. Lets attack this problem feet first. 

 I found and tried all of these foot scrubs, soaks, moisturizers, and peels. They all worked and now my feet are kissable. 

 Enjoy these DIY feet treatments and wear your flip flops and sandals with pride this summer. 

DIY Foot Soak
These concoctions will soften rough dry feet

Lemon Honey Foot Soak

1 tbs honey
Juice from 1/2 of a lemon
Essential Oil: mint, lavender optional

Add all ingredients to warm water
Place marbles or smooth stones in water for a gentle massage
Allow feet to soak 25-30 minutes
Rinse feet
Moisturize
Enjoy 

Milk & Oats Foot Soak

1/2 cup milk *I used powdered milk 
1/4 cup oatmeal
1 tbs honey

Add all ingredients to arm water
Place marbles or smooth stones to water for a gentle massage
Allow feet to soak 25-30 minutes
Rinse feet
Moisturize
Enjoy  

DIY Foot Scrubs
These concoctions will remove dead skin from feet



Brown Sugar Foot Scrub

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbs honey
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Juice from 1/2 of a lemon

Combine all ingredients
Soak feet in warm water for 5-10 minutes
*you can also add a little soap to make it bubbly and fun
Use mixture and scrub entire foot
*make sure to get the top of foot as well as the bottom of foot
Rinse with warm water
Dry off Feet 
Moisturize

Coconut Oil Foot Scrub

1 tsp coconut oil
1 tbs white sugar
dash of cinnamon

Combine all ingredients
Soak feet in warm water for 5-10 minutes
*you can also add a little soap to make it bubbly and fun
Use mixture and scrub entire foot
*make sure to get the top of foot as well as the bottom of foot
Rinse with warm water
Dry off Feet 
Moisturize

Sea Salt Foot Scrub

1/2 cup coarse sea salt
1/2 cup ground oatmeal
1/2 cup ground almonds
3 tbs coconut oil

Combine all ingredients
Soak feet in warm water for 5-10 minutes
*you can also add a little soap to make it bubbly and fun
Use mixture and scrub entire foot
*make sure to get the top of foot as well as the bottom of foot
Rinse with warm water
Dry off Feet 
Moisturize
DIY Foot Scrubs
These concoction will remove dead skin from feet

Listerine Foot Peel

3 cup listerine
2 cup white vinegar
3 cup warm water

Combine all ingredients
Soak feet in mixture for 10 minutes
Remove feet from mixture 
Dead skin should practically peel off 
**Listerine can stain feet, but stain will come off after a few showers 

DIY Foot Moisturizers
Moisturize your feet

  • Coconut oil
  • Coco butter
  • Shea Butter
  • Olive Oil
Apply to feet, take your time to rub oil entirly into feel
It could take up to 10 minutes 
Take your time, don't rush this part

That's it Folks!
I enjoyed the Listerine Foot Peel the most! My feet look great! I'm ready for the weekend.

Blessings, 
Mary 


Lets Go Fly a Kite
Up to the Highest Height
Lets Go Fly a Kite and Send it Soaring
UP in the atmosphere
UP where the air is clear
Lets Go Flyyyyyy
Fly a Kite!!!

 I loved Mary Poppin's growing up, what's not to love, her name says it all! That love was rekindled once I watched "Saving Mr. Banks." I also love flying kites, it gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment once I get my  kite up in the air. Growing up, I even remember 'Kite Day' at my elementary school. I'm pretty sure schools don't do that anymore, but they should. 

 This week self improvement challenge was to fly a kite. 

 Today I'm going to teach you how to make a kites. Kites can run anywhere from 99 cents -$100.00. I'm a DIY girl so it's only natural I try my hand at making my own kite. I got all of my supplies at the 99cent store

If you try this tutorial let me know. I would love to see some pictures
Traditional Diamond Kite

 Materials Needed:
Construction Paper
String
Pipe Cleaners or sticks, wooden bbq skewers also work
Color pencils/markers optional
Tape optional
Ruler

 1. Get construction paper to form the body of your kite

  • If you have to tape 4 pieces of paper together make sure to securely tape them or your kite will not fly


 2. Cut a diamond

  • Diamond needs to be a slightly bottom heavy
  • Your left and right corners should be around 3inches from the top


 3. Tie 2 sticks together 

  • Line them up with paper 
  • Make the tie as tight as possible *It must be secure or your kite will not fly
  • Knot string and cut any excess string


 4. Make 4 small holes in the diamond shaped paper at each corner

  • Thread string through each hole and around each stick
  • Leave a little extra string at the top to thread a ribbon on optional
  • Knot the stick in place to the kite itself

5. Tie a string to the right and left sides of the horizontal stick

 6. Tie string to the center of that string for your flying line

  • This string needs to be as long as you need for flying 

 7. Tie on paper or ribbon to the corners to form the tail


Your Done!!! Now go fly your kite!!!
How to fly a kite:
Fine a breeze or some light wind
Wind should be coming towards you not from behind


It only took me 10 minutes to make this kite. I won't know until tomorrow if it flies or not. I'll post pictures no matter what!

Blessings,
Mary 
References:
www.wikihow.com
Hi Friends,

What is 1 serving?

Serving sizes have always stumped me. What does 1 serving size actually looks like. I challenged all of you to add more fruit to your diet this week, hopefully you're striving to reach 5 servings a day. Today it only seems appropriate to educate you, and myself, on what 1 serving of fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy and meat looks like. Is it 50 grapes or 5 grapes, 2 kiwis or 1 kiwi, 1 hamburger or a double cheese burger. Today we are going to get to the bottom of servings sizes, how to measure them, and few more random facts. 

What is a serving?

When I looked it up I was surprised that there wasn't a straight forward answer, pleasantly surprised. I don't do well with general statements, I need detail and that's exactly what this particular definition provided. 

Grains

bread, cereal, rice, pasta *whole grains are best
1 serving size = 1 slice of bread
1 serving size = 1 cup of ready made cereal
1 serving size = 1/2 cup of cooked cereal (oatmeal), rice, pasta
1 serving size = 1/2 cup of couscous 
1 serving size = 1/2 cup of farro
Vegetables

1 serving size = 1 cup raw leafy vegetables
1 serving size = 1/2 cup of vegetables corn, peas, sweet potatoes, 
1 serving size = 3/4 cups of vegetable juice
1 serving size = 1 small 3oz potato
1 serving size = 1 cup or 4 spears of asparagus
1 serving size = 2 medium carrots
1 serving size = 2 celery stalks
1 serving size = 1/4 of a head of cauliflower 

Fruit

1 serving size = 1 med apple, banana, orange, pear...
1 serving size = 1 cup diced melon
1 serving size = 16 grapes
1 serving size = 6 strawberries or 1 cup strawberries
1 serving size = 1 medium peach 
1 serving size = 1/2 cup chopped, cooked or canned fruit
1 serving size = 3/4 cup fruit juice
1 serving size = 1 cup mixed berries, cherries, chopped cantaloupe

Milk - Yogurt - Cheese 

*low fat or fat free products are best
1 serving size = 1 cup milk or yogurt
1 serving size = 2 oz of natural cheese
1 serving size = 1 slice bread

Meat - Beans

1 serving size = 2-3oz cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish
1 serving size = 1/2 cup cooked beans
1 serving size = 2oz soy burger
1 serving size = 1 egg
1 serving size = 2 tbs peanut butter
1 serving size = 1/3 cup of nuts





I felt like I should include a food pyramid after reading about serving sizes

Now we know what 1 serving size is, in reference to ounces and cups. This is very valuable information, but if you don't carry a food scale or measuring cups around with you may need another way to measure. 

That's where our trusty hands come in.


I love this little poster. I can measures my servings with my hand, very convenient. 

Lastly I want to address food labels. I've had a love hate relationship on reading food labels. I never wanted to be the kind of person that checked labels before I ate, but I've turned into that person. Oh well, I find it interested to see what a serving size is, especially in pre-packaged food. 

I wish I had more junk food in my cabinet, but I don't. 

Skippy Super Chunk Peanut butter
1 serving = 2 tbps

 Brown Rice - Rice Cakes
1 serving = 1 rice cake

Popped, Apple Cinnamon - Rice Cakes
1 serving size = 16 cakes

Top Ramen
1 serving size = 1/2 a package

That's all today folks!
Blessings
Mary

References:
www.heart.org
www.wiki.com
www.healthyliving.org
Hi Friends,

 I took the day off yesterday, hopefully everyone had a wonderful 3 day weekend. There were a few festivals around the Bay Area that I attended, but I didn't do anything crazy. 

 Lets get to our challenges!
Fitness Challenge

I challenge you to complete at least 3 sets of Sun Salutations everyday for the rest of the week

 Challenge Synopsis
  • Complete the 12 poses of Sun Salutation aka Surya Namaskar for the next 6-7 days
  • It's best to complete the sequence in the morning to receive all of the benefits
  • Focus on form rather than speed
  • Complete each stretch at a slow, meditative, steady pace **NO RUSHING!
Why Why Why
  • Completing 3 sets of Sun Salutations in the morning is a great way to wake your mind, body, and spirit
  • Practicing yoga creates healing energy 
  • Sun Salutations is a great total body workout that stretches, flexes, and tones
  • Sun Salutation helps relax the mind, which leads leads to meditation
Materials
  • Exercise mat
  • Water
  • Open mind and heart


Directions
Complete sequence in order at least 3 times
preferably in the morning

Prayer Pose
Pranamasana

Stand with feet on edge of mat
Keep feet together
Expand chest and relax shoulders
BREATH IN lift both arms up from sides as you EXHALE bring your palms together in front of your chest in prayer position
Raised Arm Pose
Hastauttanasana

BREATH IN lift arm up and back 
Keep biceps close to ears
slightly push pelvis forward
Reach up with fingers rather than trying to bend backwards

Hand to Feet Pose
Hasta Padasana

BREATH OUT bend forward, keep spine erect as you EXHALE completely
Bring hands down to floor, besides feet

Equestrian Pose 
Ashwa Sanchalanasana

BREATH IN push your right leg back as far back as possible
Bring the right knee to floor and look up

Stick Pose
Dandasana

BREATH IN take left leg back and bring the whole body in a straight line
**Keep arms perpendicular to the floor

Salute with 8 Parts or Points
Ashtanga Namaskara

Gently bring knees down to floor and EXHALE
Take hips back, slightly slide forward, rest chin close to floor, raise your butt a little
2 hands - 2 feet - 2 knees - 2 chest - 1 chin

Cobra Pose
Bhujangasana 

Slide forward and raise chest up into cobra pose
Keep elbows bent, shoulders aways from ears, look up

Mountain Pose
Parvatasana

BREATH OUT lift hips and butt up 
Chest downward in an inverted 'V' posture
Try to keep heels on the ground

Equestrian Pose 
Ashwa Sanchalanasana

BREATH IN push your right leg back as far back as possible
Bring the right knee to floor and look up

Hand to Feet Pose
Hasta Padasana

BREATH OUT bend forward, keep spine erect as you EXHALE completely
Bring hands down to floor, besides feet
Raised Arm Pose
Hastauttanasana

BREATH IN lift arm up and back 
Keep biceps close to ears
slightly push pelvis forward
Reach up with fingers rather than trying to bend backwards

Tadasana

EXHALE straighten out body, bring arms down, relax in this position

My Take
I've tried to make Sun Salutations a regular morning routine for a few years. I always enjoy completing the sequence in the morning, I actually love the way it makes me feel, but somehow, no matter how great my body feels afterwards I slowly stop doing it. This time I'm really going to try to stick with it. Stretching in the morning is a great way to wake up your body and "mentally" check in with yourself to prepare for the busy day ahead. I'm taking this challenge with all of you. Lets try to make Sun Salutations a regular everyday routine. At least for the next 6-7 days :)

Nutrition Challenge

I challenge you to increase your fruit intake
Try to eat at least 5 servings a day for the next 6 days

Challenge Synopsis
  • Add more fruit to your diet
Why Why Why 
  • Fruit is a great source of vitamins and minerals
  • Fruit is an excellent source of dietary fiber, that helps with constipation and other digestion issues
  • Fruit can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and some cancers
Materials
  • Fruit
  • An Open-mind
  • Will power and strength
Directions
  • Add more fruit to your diet
  • Hide fruit in salads, smoothies, and healthy snacks
My Take
I'm on a quest to drop a couple of pounds. It seems like I'm always on this particular quest around this time of the year. Whenever I'm trying to slim down I make sure to eat my 5 servings of fruits. Not only are they good for me, but eating 5 servings will help keep me full. Lately I've been snaking on apples, grapes, bananas, pears, and mangos. This week we are all going to increase our fruit intake. 

Self Improvement Challenge
I challenge you to fly a kite one day this week
Yep, I said fly a kite!

Challenge Synopsis
  • Fly a kite
Why Why Why
  • Kite flying regenerates energy
  • Kite flying reduces stress and helps relive everyday issues that come up in life
  • Kite flying helps develop creative thinking and can improve concentration
  • Kite flying is cheap and environmentally friendly
  • Kite flying is a light cardio workout, and a good exercise for the eyes
Materials
  • A Kite
  • You 
  • A friend (optional)
  • A park with no power-lines around
Direction
  • Purchase or make a kite
  • Go out and fly it
My Take
Growing up we had regularly scheduled kite flying nights. I believe they were held on Tuesday nights, after school and work, the entire family piled in the car headed to our local park. It was so much fun getting the kites up in the air and keeping them there. It brought us closer together as a family and we weren't in front of the TV. It was an excellent time to decompress, enjoy, and appreciate one another. I want all of you  to experience kite flying. Even if it sounds stupid to you just try it. You can fly a kite with family, friends, or by yourself. This week I'm going to make a kite, drag my non-kite flying boyfriend out to the Marina Green in San Francisco, and we are going to fly a kite. 


That's all today folks!
Blessings,
Mary 

References

About

My name is Mary! I was obese for most of my life, around 7 years ago I decided to take control of my life and successfully lost over 150 pounds. But that's just the beginning of my journey. Join me as I evolve into the person I was born to become. I love to cook, craft, read, and make people smile. I'm happy you've stumbled on by. Let’s Evolve Together.

Contact Form

Name

Email *

Message *

Hello

Hello
Former fat chick that loves to cook, exercise, craft and make people smile. Have fun poking around

Social

Eat Seasonally

Eat Seasonally

Search This Blog

Popular Posts