Chilly Throw Back Thursday!

It was so hot at the park today! 

The only way Nico and I could stand it, was by reminiscing about the frosty Winters passed. 

Have a cool TBT! ^.^

7 Suggestions for Surviving Blackout Boredom

 

No matter where you live, you cannot escape the weather, whether it's a blizzard, or a thunderstorm, or a hurricane. It seems like God is constantly reminding us that He has the power to make our plans take a hard left turn! 

Fortunately, storms are not always bad news. Sure, the power could go out and you could be left in the dark for the night, or even a few days, but the good news is that people have lived without electricity for centuries. They got together with friends and family and made the most of the time they were given. Today, we wonder how they survived without Netflix or Facebook. 

What did they do for entertainment? 

If you are drawing a complete blank, here are a few activities to get you through the "dark ages".

1. Make a reading nook! - Before movies and television, people were actually forced to use their imaginations. What better time then to get some comforters and pillows together, on a cozy spot on the floor, next to a window providing sufficient light. This is especially fun to do with kids, or your roommates! Put together an intricate fort that is large enough for all of you and then crack open your favorite books. You can all take turns reading; use funny voices and really get in to it! When it gets dark light a few candles; there is a magical quality to the candle lit pages of an enticing novel. 

2. Indoor camping! - This pretty much speaks for itself, doesn't it?! Make a clearing, set up a tent, and let the games being! Get a candle, and make s'mores. If you don't have anything to make s'mores with, find other food to put on sticks and toast them the best you can. Find "fire wood", pretend you are river rafting, cover the ceiling with glow in the dark stickers, have an epic "sword" fight, etc. This is when you put your heads together and get really creative.

3. Have a shadow puppet play! - Each person takes a moment to decide what and who their character is. Take turns describing your character, the more details the better! The sillier the better! Then put on a play; it could be a reenactment, or a completely original work of art. To keep the fun going, make a rule stating that everyone must stay in character all day. 

4. Create an indoor obstacle course! - Remember when you were a kid and you would pretend that the floor was made of lava? Well, after being dormant for over a decade, the volcano erupted again. Lay down cushions and make blanket rivers. If you live in a 2-story home, the stairs have just become Mount Everest; someone could even stand at the top and throw pillows at climbers simulating an avalanche. You can even sit in boxes and take turns pushing each other to the finish line; make things interesting and race! 

5. Play hide and seek! - Someone counts to 50, and you all find places to hide; good places, where it could take a little while to be found. And once you are found you must help the seeker find the other hiders. The last person to be found wins!

 6. Marco-polo with a blindfold! - I recommend this game to everyone, no matter how old you are. Pick someone to blindfold, spin them around a few times, and spread out! You know the drill, they say Marco you say Polo and you watch with giddy delight as they stumble around trying to find you!



 7. Write a never-ending story! - If you just want to sit around and be cozy, you can still do something fun; the more people the better. You each take turns writing a couple paragraphs or sentences, and when you all have had a chance to write something, read the story out loud. Then go for another round, and keep it going! See where your story adventure takes you. 

Whatever you decide to do during the atrocious weather storm, stay safe and stay warm. Just keep in mind that there is loads of fun to be had inside! 

3 Tips to Keep the Winter Weight OFF

Yeah, it's that time of year again. We are putting away the bathing suits and busting out the sweat pants and leggings! We are finally stepping away from the scale and hiding that extra chub under giant comfy sweaters. 

But wouldn't it be nice if we didn't have to get back in to shape come summer 2015? Imagine a world when you look good in a bathing suit ALL YEAR! 

With these simple tips, you can enjoy this holiday season and still avoid falling out of love with your beautiful body! 

1. Toasty Workout! - In some places, I'd imagine that it is getting in to the "Too Cold" temperatures. Too cold to go out for a jog, too cold to take the kids to the park, too cold to enjoy the outside world, just TOO COLD! When the threat of frost bite seems too high, you don't have to risk it. Here is a secret you might not have known; there are hundreds of free full length workout videos on YouTube! And the best part is that there is an excellent variety to fit different needs. Whether you like Zumba, Krav Maga, Belly Dancing, or Weight lifting, I guarantee there is something for everyone. Find a quiet, private place (like your room) and get physical! 

2. Portion Makes Perfect - You might have heard of the healthy alternative to all of the yummy holiday snacks that are floating around this year, and if you are anything like me, that is simply NOT an option. Everything tastes better with an extra scoop of butter, am I right? So, instead of eating cinnamon spice celery sticks, eat whatever you want, just be mindful of how much of it you are eating. If you must try everything this year at Thanksgiving, again like me, try 2 bites of everything and then go back for you favorite. And since you're trying one of everything, you might want to hold off on that second piece of pie. Food for thought. (get it?)

3. Get a dog! - I love animals, but dogs are my all time favorite. No animal will make you feel as loved and welcomed and needed as a dog. Yes, they need you to love them back, and care for them, and most of all, they need you to walk them. A dog will force you to brave those "too cold temps." and by taking them out to do their business, you will receive some much needed sunlight and a breath of fresh air! (Don't only get a dog for this reason though, get one because they are AWESOME!)
But seriously, go outside every once in a while to change your body out of that comfortable sitting position you find yourself in throughout most of the day. Sometimes it is easy to forget that we have legs too!