Awesome April Arms--Fitness Challenge

Hi! How have you been? Did you tackle my March Fitness Challege? I tried. I failed, miserably. Those v-ups were killers, which probably means I need to do them more! I never made it to the four sets, but did the 2 sets consistently. Something is better than nothing, right?

Well, Spring is upon us (even though the weather isn't cooperating) and that means we will be showing off our arms more (mine are really pale!) which means its time for another Fitness Challenge just for our arms.

I found this workout over at FitSugar and I think it is the perfect way to get those toned arms ready for Spring and Summer (aka sleeveless tops, maxi dresses...). You can add this to your daily cardio routine or as they suggested, pair it with your lower body workout. I am going to do this 3 times a week for the entire month. I'm using 8 lb weights at home and 10 lb weights at the gym, but you can use whatever weights you have. Don't have weights? Nonsense...use soup cans or filled water bottles! The important thing to remember is to feel fatigued on the last couple of reps. If you aren't, you need to move up in weight.

You can click on the picture and print it or PIN it for future use!

I found examples of the exercises on Women's Health Magazine's website--it's a great resource for healthy recipes, workouts, etc. And they offer daily/weekly email newsletters, too!:


PUSHUP Photo: womenshealthmag.com

BICEP CURL Photo: womenshealthmag.com





SHOULDER PRESS
Photo: blog.womenshealthmag.com

BACK ROWS Photo: womenshealthmag.com

TRICEP DIPS Photo: womenshealthmag.com

LATERAL RAISE Photo: womenshealthmag.com

TRICEP KICKBACKS Photo: womenshealthmag.com

So, what do you say...are you going to join me? Hope so! Let me know if you're in!

Cindy

The Bond of Sisterhood

Today, I'm writing to you about dealing with a friend in pain and the bond of sisterhood. I don't have any living blood sisters, but I have plenty of other sisters in my life. See, if you recall, I founded a Sorority with 15 other amazing women. And through the years, that Sorority has given me the greatest gift of sisterhood. Even those sisters that I didn't go to school with or perhaps only met briefly at a Sorority event 5 years ago or maybe I only know them through Facebook--they are still my sisters. We have an amazing bond. Let me share with you an example of what I'm talking about.

A short while ago, one of our sisters dealt with the tradegy of losing her daughter suddenly. It broke our hearts. We ached. Although we knew it was nothing compared to the pain our sister was going through. It sparked a long conversation thread on Facebook. Not only were we trying to wrap our heads around the situation (most of us have children the same age), we wanted to make sure some of us would be able to attend the wake/memorial as well as the funeral. And, we wanted to make sure we could do something for the family. Each of us took time to think about how we could help. We decided that the Sorority would send an floral arrangement to the services and the Alumni Association would purchase engravable wind chimes with the sweet child's name and dates as well as a fitting quote.

But, how can we show our support? One suggestion came out that we needed to be there for her not only now, but when the dust settles (so to speak) as they try to get back to daily activities and their new normal. We decided that we would put together a calendar with a  FAMILY HELPER. We'd each take a month and for the next year, we would do something for the family. We decided it could be a hand-written letter letting them know we care, a gift card for dinner out, a movie rental, dinner delivered, a small gift for their surviving son, etc. We also decided that we would include the same card each time so that she knew it was from the Sorority. And within a matter of hours, we had the calendar filled--each month with two helpers! Most of the sisters that came forward went to school with this sister, now grieving mother, but a few did not. It brings me such joy to know that through good times and bad, we are there for each other--just like real sisters. It's amazing that we can go 6 months or a year without seeing each other and picking up where we left off. Or, finding out that we live close by to a sister we haven't met yet and make it a point to meet each other and create a new friendship. That is the bond of sisterhood.

I hope our friend and sister will find comfort in our FAMILY HELPER.

I created a FREE Printable from a quote I found that I included with my card to the family at the wake. Just click and print.

Have you done anything special for a grieving family? I'd love it if you would share.

God Bless You Grace, may you rest in peace sweet child.

Cindy

Tasty Tuesday--Chicken Caesar Salad Sammies

I had another DUH moment last week--I'm starting to worry myself, seriously--I mean, how many can we have before we hit 40??!! Well, whenever I take a trip to Sam's Club, I always buy a rotisserie chicken--they are delicious, huge and only $5! Plus, you can use it for so many things! We are a busy family and the sports season is beginning already. One kid is in volleyball and the other is starting baseball soon, so quick dinners are a must! This took less than 15 minutes to assemble, thanks to the help of Sam's Club's rostisserie chicken!

If you love Caesar Salad (I do!), this is a perfect meal when you don't necessarily feel like just eating a salad. You could even make this into a wrap (which I suggested to the kids, but was shot down!). And even if you didn't care for Caesar dressing, Ranch or Zesty Italian would work too! My mouth waters just looking at the picture and remembing this sammie!

Chicken Caesar Salad Sammies

Ingredients

1-2 cups shredded chicken (depends on how many sammies you make)
Shredded Romaine Lettuce--per taste
Caesar Dressing (we love Ken's Lite Caesar Dressing--its not the creamy kind)--per taste
Shredded Parmesan Cheese--per taste
Croutons (ours are homemade--so easy and delicious)--per taste
Ciabbata Rolls or tortilla wraps

Directions

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until it looks like a good balance of salad vs. chicken. I just eye-balled the amounts according to our families tastes. Spoon (or pile) on sliced Ciabbata Rolls. Seriously easy. Extremely delicious!

My kids gave this 2 thumbs up and told me we needed to have it again real soon! So, what are your favorite recipes for rotisserie chicken?

Cindy