What are some of your favorite at-home exercises for toning up the belly and elsewise?
Published on August 29th, 2010.
I already know about kegels and other standard exercises, but figured out two new ones this morning, and I can tell if I keep doing it, my stomach will not pop out so much, and my waist will show more, as will my glutes, neck and the rest:
I don’t have names for these things yet, so maybe you could help me name it too. Both things are so simple but burn up a lot of energy, make you sweat if you do it a lot:
1st Exercise (after doing other stuff)
Step One: Grab two hand weights of 5 lbs or less, one in each hand. Should be less than or equal to 5 lbs so you don’t mess up your knees or back muscles. Stand with feet shoulder width apart (or more if you fancy, but not too much more.)
Step Two: Slightly squat, try to keep the back kinda straight but don’t tense it. Don’t tense any muscle group, actually.
Step Three: Slowly, very slowly, lower one hand to the knee. Do not bang the weight on your knee, don’t even rest on it. Slowly go back up as high as is comfortable. What you do on one side, do to the other.
Step Four: When you have done at least three reps of ten, twenty, or what is comfortable for you if you like to go higher, you can experiment with squatting lower or holding your squat higher! It is an awesome exercise. No, I do not have photos to help you see how to do it right, and no I am not a gym instructor so do it at your own risk. Use common sense. If it hurts the wrong way, you know to stop!
2nd Exercise:
Also very simple, but not intense in the same ways as the first.
Step One: Set a sturdy fold up footstool (no higher than nine or ten inches really) on a very open space of the floor. You might like a floor mat for this one if you do not have carpeting.
Step Two: Without standing on the thing, just keep taking steps on it with each leg, making sure the legs are being lifted very well and the foot flatly touches the whole thing before you bring it back to the floor. Do not place your weight on the thing. If you decide to use a stair step or other such object, you could probably place your weight on it, but try not to or the exercise won’t work as well! It’s supposed to resemble marching in place with lots of control.
Step Three: If it becomes too easy, you can sometimes add the hand weights with the steps. You can go to one knee each time it goes on the step or to the sides or straight out to the sides. But don’t go over your shoulder or head with it while doing the steps.
(The step stool exercise might not be a newish thing but it’s just something I figured out that I like that is starting to work a lot.)
What are some of your favorites that are working or have already worked very well? That you can keep doing after you are well-toned, to keep toned?
Filled under Uncategorized. 2 Comments. Tags: carpeting, common sense, exercises, floor mat, footstool, glutes, grab, gym instructor, hand weights, knees, muscle group, muscles, obj, open space, shoulder width, stair step, stomach, taking steps, tense, wrong way. .
Babies R Us "MUST HAVES" list?
Published on July 10th, 2010.
What will i honest to god actually need that i shouldnt expect to get at the baby shower? below is the list of stuff Babies r us says i need-i posted it just so you can see why i’m questioning how much of it is legit. (as you can tell this is my first, lol)
Infant car seat
Car seat base for 2nd car
Convertible car seat
Booster car seat
Car seat toys
Shopping cart cover
Car seat comfort & accessories
strollers
Travel system
Full-size stroller
Lightweight stroller
Mid-size stroller
Jogger stroller
Double & triple stroller
Stroller comfort & accessories
Stroller toys 6 Stroller diaper bag
backpacks & carriers
Backpacks
Front & back soft carriers
Sling & wrap carriers
play yards/travel yards
Play yards/travel yards
Play yards/travel yards sheets (Qty: 2-3)
activity
Stationary entertainers
Walkers
Gyms & playsets
Bouncers
Swings
Door jumpers
Infant positioner
baby gear
feeding & nursing
Warmers & sterilizers
Burping cloths (Qty: 6-12)
Cloth diapers (Qty: 6-12)
Lap pads (Qty: 6)
Bibs (Qty: 8-12)
breastfeeding
Breastpump
Breast pads, shields & cream
Breast milk storage
Containers or bags
Nursing pillow & stool
Nursing wrap/cover
bottle-feeding
Bottles for formula (Qty: 6-8)
Bottle nipples
Bottle drying rack
Bottle brush
Dishwasher caddy
Insulated tote
solid feeding
Feeding sets
Training cups
Infant spoons (for home)
Baby food processors & accessories
high chairs
High chairs
High chair cover
Splat mat
High chair toys
Extra high chair pad
booster seats
Booster seats
Splat mat
feeding accessories
Feeding accessories
infant care
bath & potty
Bathtub & seat
Washcloths (Qty: 8-12)
Hooded bath towels (Qty: 4-6)
Bath robe
Gentle shampoo & body wash
Baby lotion
Bath accessories
Bath toys
Step stool
Travel folding potty set
Stand alone potty seat
Toilet training seat (ring)
baby care & grooming
Nail clippers
Brushes & comb
Digital thermometer
Ear thermometer
Grooming kit
First aid kit
Humidifier/vaporizer
Baby mittens
Lotion
Baby oil
Cotton swabs
Cotton balls
Petroleum jelly
Gas relief drops
Teethers
Pacifiers
Pain relief products
diapers & formula
Diapers
Baby wipes
Diaper pail refills
Wipe warmer
Diaper pail
Formula*
Diaper bags
Baby changing mat
Diaper ointment
Travel wipes
safety
Audio monitor
Video monitor
Cabinet/drawer latches
Safety gates
Outlet covers
Corner guards
Edge guards
Smoke & carbon monoxide alarm
infant care (continued)
nursery
cradles/bassinets
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib
Bedding sets
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib sheets (Qty: 2-3)
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib toys
nursery furniture
Crib**
Crib toys
Changing table
Armoire/chifforobe**
Dresser/chest**
Drawer linens
Hutch**
Glider or upholstered rocker**
Ottoman**
Blanket chest
mattresses
Crib mattress
Crib mattress pads (Qty: 3)
Vinyl mattress cover
Cradle, bassinet or
portable crib mattress
bedding
Crib bedding set
Fitted crib sheets (Qty: 4-6)
Blankets (Qty: 4-6)
Receiving blankets (Qty: 4-6)
Waterproof pads (Qty: 4-6)
Sheet savers (Qty: 4-6)
Changing table covers (Qty: 2-4)
Changing table pads 6 Sleep positioner
room décor
Wall hanging
Switchplate cover
Crib mobile
Lamp
Wall border
Window treatments
Diaper stacker
Rug
Hamper
Waste basket
nursery storage
Storage solutions
Organizers
Shelves
Baskets/storage bins (Qty: 2-4)
layette
Bibs (Qty: 8-12)
Burp cloths
Washcloths (Qty: 12)
Towels (Qty: 4)
Bodysuits (Qty: 9-12)
Gowns (Qty: 4-6)
Layette sets
bedding
Bedding sets
Blankets (Qty: 4-6)
Sheets (Qty: 4-6)
bath & healthcare
Wipes
Lotion
Massage lotion
Shampoo
Diaper cream
Stretch mark fading cream
Just for mom gift sets
Homecoming quilt
Matching sets
Cap & bootie sets (Qty: 2-4)
T-Shirts (Qty: 4-6)
Cotton overalls (Qty: 3-6)
Gowns (Qty: 4-6)
Socks (Qty: 9-12)
Wearable blankets (Qty: 2)
Clothing hangers (Qty: 12-24)
Snow suit or bunting
Sweaters**
One-Pc. coveralls (Qty: 4-6)
Outfits (Qty: 4-6)
Bodysuits (Qty: 9-12)
clothing and layette
infant toys
Rattles
Teethers
Soft toys
Toys 0-12 months
Toys 12-24 months
Filled under Uncategorized. 4 Comments. Tags: baby food processors, bath robe, breast milk storage, breast pads, car seat toys, cloth diapers, feeding bottles, gentle shampoo, high chair pad, infant car seat, jogger stroller, lap pads, nursing pillow, play yards, potty seat, seat car, shopping cart cover, soft carriers, stationary entertainers, storage containers. .
Babies R Us "MUST HAVES" list?
Published on July 9th, 2010.
Babies R Us "MUST HAVES" list?
What will i honest to god actually need that i shouldnt expect to get at the baby shower? below is the list of stuff Babies r us says i need-i posted it just so you can see why i’m questioning how much of it is legit. (as you can tell this is my first, lol)
Infant car seat
Car seat base for 2nd car
Convertible car seat
Booster car seat
Car seat toys
Shopping cart cover
Car seat comfort & accessories
strollers
Travel system
Full-size stroller
Lightweight stroller
Mid-size stroller
Jogger stroller
Double & triple stroller
Stroller comfort & accessories
Stroller toys 6 Stroller diaper bag
backpacks & carriers
Backpacks
Front & back soft carriers
Sling & wrap carriers
play yards/travel yards
Play yards/travel yards
Play yards/travel yards sheets (Qty: 2-3)
activity
Stationary entertainers
Walkers
Gyms & playsets
Bouncers
Swings
Door jumpers
Infant positioner
baby gear
feeding & nursing
Warmers & sterilizers
Burping cloths (Qty: 6-12)
Cloth diapers (Qty: 6-12)
Lap pads (Qty: 6)
Bibs (Qty: 8-12)
breastfeeding
Breastpump
Breast pads, shields & cream
Breast milk storage
Containers or bags
Nursing pillow & stool
Nursing wrap/cover
bottle-feeding
Bottles for formula (Qty: 6-8)
Bottle nipples
Bottle drying rack
Bottle brush
Dishwasher caddy
Insulated tote
solid feeding
Feeding sets
Training cups
Infant spoons (for home)
Baby food processors & accessories
high chairs
High chairs
High chair cover
Splat mat
High chair toys
Extra high chair pad
booster seats
Booster seats
Splat mat
feeding accessories
Feeding accessories
infant care
bath & potty
Bathtub & seat
Washcloths (Qty: 8-12)
Hooded bath towels (Qty: 4-6)
Bath robe
Gentle shampoo & body wash
Baby lotion
Bath accessories
Bath toys
Step stool
Travel folding potty set
Stand alone potty seat
Toilet training seat (ring)
baby care & grooming
Nail clippers
Brushes & comb
Digital thermometer
Ear thermometer
Grooming kit
First aid kit
Humidifier/vaporizer
Baby mittens
Lotion
Baby oil
Cotton swabs
Cotton balls
Petroleum jelly
Gas relief drops
Teethers
Pacifiers
Pain relief products
diapers & formula
Diapers
Baby wipes
Diaper pail refills
Wipe warmer
Diaper pail
Formula*
Diaper bags
Baby changing mat
Diaper ointment
Travel wipes
safety
Audio monitor
Video monitor
Cabinet/drawer latches
Safety gates
Outlet covers
Corner guards
Edge guards
Smoke & carbon monoxide alarm
infant care (continued)
nursery
cradles/bassinets
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib
Bedding sets
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib sheets (Qty: 2-3)
Cradle, bassinet or portable crib toys
nursery furniture
Crib**
Crib toys
Changing table
Armoire/chifforobe**
Dresser/chest**
Drawer linens
Hutch**
Glider or upholstered rocker**
Ottoman**
Blanket chest
mattresses
Crib mattress
Crib mattress pads (Qty: 3)
Vinyl mattress cover
Cradle, bassinet or
portable crib mattress
bedding
Crib bedding set
Fitted crib sheets (Qty: 4-6)
Blankets (Qty: 4-6)
Receiving blankets (Qty: 4-6)
Waterproof pads (Qty: 4-6)
Sheet savers (Qty: 4-6)
Changing table covers (Qty: 2-4)
Changing table pads 6 Sleep positioner
room décor
Wall hanging
Switchplate cover
Crib mobile
Lamp
Wall border
Window treatments
Diaper stacker
Rug
Hamper
Waste basket
nursery storage
Storage solutions
Organizers
Shelves
Baskets/storage bins (Qty: 2-4)
layette
Bibs (Qty: 8-12)
Burp cloths
Washcloths (Qty: 12)
Towels (Qty: 4)
Bodysuits (Qty: 9-12)
Gowns (Qty: 4-6)
Layette sets
bedding
Bedding sets
Blankets (Qty: 4-6)
Sheets (Qty: 4-6)
bath & healthcare
Wipes
Lotion
Massage lotion
Shampoo
Diaper cream
Stretch mark fading cream
Just for mom gift sets
Homecoming quilt
Matching sets
Cap & bootie sets (Qty: 2-4)
T-Shirts (Qty: 4-6)
Cotton overalls (Qty: 3-6)
Gowns (Qty: 4-6)
Socks (Qty: 9-12)
Wearable blankets (Qty: 2)
Clothing hangers (Qty: 12-24)
Snow suit or bunting
Sweaters**
One-Pc. coveralls (Qty: 4-6)
Outfits (Qty: 4-6)
Bodysuits (Qty: 9-12)
clothing and layette
infant toys
Rattles
Teethers
Soft toys
Toys 0-12 months
Toys 12-24 months
Filled under Uncategorized. 7 Comments. Tags: babies r us, baby food processors, bath robe, breast milk storage, breast pads, car seat toys, cloth diapers, feeding bottles, gentle shampoo, high chair pad, infant car seat, jogger stroller, lap pads, play yards, potty seat, seat car, seat ring, shopping cart cover, soft carriers, stationary entertainers. .
Where is the cheapest store to buy things for my college dorm?
Published on May 16th, 2010.
I’m gonna need 1 laundry basket (instead of a bag so that i can fold my clothes right away-do u think that’s a good idea?), 1 under bed containers (i prefer something open), hangers, stepping stool, waste baskets, bed covers adn whatever goes in a set, 2 pillows, bed table, hair dryer, shower rug so that i don’t slip again like during orientation, book light….. get the picture? Here are some of the stores I am thinking of: KMart, Target, Anna’s Linens, Big Lots, Walmart. Is Anna’s Linens the cheapest for the things I need for the toilet and beddings and towels?
Filled under Uncategorized. 7 Comments. Tags: adn, beddings, big lots, clothes, containers, hair dryer, hangers, kmart, laundry basket, orientation, pillows, target, toilet, towels, walmart, waste baskets. .
how exactly do you go about using reusable cloth diapers?
Published on May 15th, 2010.
i am just trying to get a mental picture of the necessary steps that need to be taken in order to successfully use cloth diapers.
i am thinking of purchasing some cloth diapers that are adjustable, one-sized and well-padded. they are apiece.
i am not due until september, but i want to make most of my decisions way before it’s due so i can relax when i’m big as a house.
this is the mental picture that i currently have: (is this accurate?)
wrap the baby up in cloth diaper, baby poops/pees, remove the diaper, dump and stools in toilet, fold diaper and add to laundry hamper (seperate from other items to be laundered).
is this about all there is to it, or should i rinse out the diaper in the shower or sink before putting in the hamper…
please help!!
Filled under Uncategorized. 10 Comments. Tags: cloth diaper, cloth diapers, decisions, diaper baby, laundry hamper, mental picture, necessary steps, seperate, stools, toilet. .
Aggressive or protective behavior in male bulldog puppy?
Published on May 14th, 2010.
My 10 month male old bulldog puppy acts very protective at times, and I am not sure if this is going to evolve into something bad. He barks at the vaccum, the step stool (if I unfold or fold it), the mop, garbage can. But he is also very scared of trash bags and runs away when he sees them. In fact, if I’m walking him down the street and he sees a bag blowing in the wind he runs the other way. Otis seems to be barking more when he hears noises from the hallway. He also barks when he hears any loud noises.. for instance last night I fell asleep and he was on the bed with me (we usually crate him at night, but once in a while we let him on the bed) and my boyfriend slammed the window shut in the livingroom and he started barking like crazy. Another night I fell asleep on the couch and was wearing a hoodie and came into the bedroom around 5am with the hood still on and he started barking very aggressively towards me until I took the hood off. I noticed he only seems to get like this when he is on the bed with us and we are sleeping. Is he just protecting us or is this a preview of an aggressive dog? Thanks!
I didn’t wear the hood deliberately.. I was just super tired and walked into a dark room. He has never shown teeth while barking, he just stands at attention. Also, he is quite loveable and has no problems with strangers (such as delivery guys, etc). I just want to make sure he doesn’t become one of those aggressive dogs that I see on the Dog Whisperer.
Filled under Uncategorized. 7 Comments. Tags: 5am, aggressive dogs, blowing in the wind, bulldog, couch, garbage, hallway, hoodie, livingroom, loud noises, mop, otis, puppy, step stool, teeth, trash bags, vaccum. .
Where is the cheapest store to buy things for my college dorm?
Published on May 13th, 2010.
I’m gonna need 1 laundry basket (instead of a bag so that i can fold my clothes right away-do u think that’s a good idea?), 1 under bed containers (i prefer something open), hangers, stepping stool, waste baskets, bed covers adn whatever goes in a set, 2 pillows, bed table, hair dryer, shower rug so that i don’t slip again like during orientation, book light….. get the picture? Here are some of the stores I am thinking of: KMart, Target, Anna’s Linens, Big Lots, Walmart. Is Anna’s Linens the cheapest for the things I need for the toilet and beddings and towels?
Filled under Uncategorized. 8 Comments. Tags: adn, beddings, big lots, clothes, containers, hair dryer, hangers, kmart, laundry basket, orientation, pillows, target, toilet, towels, walmart, waste baskets. .
Design ideas for new replacement windows?
Published on May 12th, 2010.
I have large windows in my stairwell that go from bottom of house to top. Consists of 3 slider windows 58X58 placed one on top of the other. They face my neighbors 3 windows. I need to replace. I want to do something different than what is already there. Was thinking about a picture window for the top (kind of silly to have a window that can open when nobody can reach it), a double or triple slider for the middle and a picture on bottom (could reach to open but would need step stool, plus it is ground level so security is issue). Any other ideas? Also, I was thinking about "rain glass" instead of clear since it will cost a ton to have custom verticals made. My concern with this is 2 fold…. even though glass isn’t clear neighbors could still see shadows and 2, isn’t the point of a picture window to see through it? Any ideas or suggestions? I’ve looked at a ton of pictures and like so much. I’ve even considered glass block but its too expensive. I’m in remodel hell!
Filled under Uncategorized. 3 Comments. Tags: glass block, hell, neighbors, picture window, rain, slider, stairwell, step stool, verticals. .
How do I find out if an old wooden ironing board/step stool combo has any vaue?
Published on May 11th, 2010.
I have an old wooden ironing board that folds into a stepstool and someone suggest that it may be an antique and possibly have some value. How do I find out if this is true?
Filled under Uncategorized. 3 Comments. Tags: ironing board, stepstool. .
can a step stool be made out of PVC?
Published on May 11th, 2010.
i need 2 design a step stool in which the step is folded or slides under the stool.
Filled under Uncategorized. 4 Comments. Tags: slides, step stool. .