A Tale of Two Hikers

It seems appropriate that in my goal to kick up my personal health and fitness, my husband would recommend that we get into hiking. Also seems appropriate that we begin this quest to become hikers in the springtime, because I feel like all the most beautiful hikes are in their best bloom during springtime. Plus it's not that hot yet.

So Tim has been actively searching out hikes for us to go on around here in San Diego, and we are booking some trips in the upcoming future. It's Tim's goal to become backpackers that live for the trail. I'm excited too because, well, I love being outdoors so it should be a fun journey. There are a few things I am a little nervous about. I'll be honest I do love to camp probably most then most, I love sitting around the campfire, sleeping in tents, waking up with the sun its all great fun, but I am in no way a hard core camper. It's going to be interesting to just have a backpack in the wilderness and have to go without little luxuries like showers, and bathrooms eek. Also I'm a little concerned about food and water what happens when we run out I'm not a happy camper if  I don't have sustenance to keep this engine running.

Have any of you done the backpacking thing do you have any tips for how to survive the trail for this beginning female. Do you have any great backpacking trips or hikes to recommend.

Springing into Gear

Wow time flies I really can't believe we are changing the time again seems like winter just flew by, which is great because I hate winters blah so cold and dreary to depressing for this sunshine loving girl. What happened this winter well I'm ashamed to say that I let myself go and let the graduate school blues (that's the depression you experience when you finish graduate school) get the best of me. I lost motivation for things I love to do run, surf, dance etc. So what happens when you get older and stop being as active as you used to, you get fat, well you gain weight. But I'm saying good bye to those stinking lb's and taking my life back, Im springing into gear this month I started by finding myself an accountability partner my good friend Bea and I are checking in together to make sure we stay on track with our fitness goals. I had a physical today at the doctor so I know I'm in good health and I know my exact wt. So here are a few of the things I have learned about staying in good shape.

1. Don't ever starve yourself, that really just slows your metabolism down which is completely counterproductive. 
2. Make realistic goals for yourself.
3. Guilt is counterproductive don't beat yourself up over little mistakes if you didn't make it to the gym one day but made it the other 4 don't spiral into a woah is me I can't do this. 
4. Don't put your focus on calorie counting there is so much bad information out there that companies market their snacks as low calorie or 100 calorie type snacks but those snacks have zero nutritious value. If you are going to eat calories make sure they are nutrient dense meaning that even if there is a high calorie count there are tons of vitamins and minerals in that food that is going to keep your body and metabolism functioning. 
5. Carbs aren't the enemy, but if you are going to eat carbs they need to be very high in fiber, and pair it with a protein because the combination of carbs and proteins together is actually a really great combination to keep your body energized. 
6. And finally most importantly don't do workouts you hate that is the fastest way to failure, if you love to dance do an hour of dancing, (sign up for that club dance class at your gym) if you love to hike, hike, if you hate running don't do it, if you love to do yoga do yoga find something you love and look forward to, so that working out is not as much of a chore. 

Here are my fitness inspirations!!! 

You gotta be in good shape to catch all those waves out in the water!!!

Money Saving Housewife 101

So being married it seems like there is a natural give and take that just happens to take place over time, overtime you just find your self falling into your naturally assumed roles. Maybe you observed these roles based on what you have learned from society or within your own family. I'm a bit of a feminist myself so gender roles are a bit taboo for me but then again here I am enjoying taking up some of those stereotypical housewife roles. For example I love to cook so I generally do the cooking and grocery shopping for Tim and I which I don't mind because it's what I love, (can cooking be a sixth love language I think I'm adding it to the list). Anyways since I do the grocery shopping I am always searching and scanning for ways to save and get the best deal, I do the regular compare ads, clip coupons, shop clearance etc. but my favorite way to save money is by shopping at Sprouts on Wednesdays double ad wednesdays are my favorite day of the week! You get the deals from the week before plus the new deals for the next week. I was so excited when I walked away from the grocery store with three full bags of groceries (mostly produce I might add) for just $13, whoever said eating healthy has to cost more was so mistaken! What is your favorite way to save money at the grocery store, this new wife loves any advice she can get!