In respect to...

Good Morning..well, it is not really..upon waking up this morning I read that there were 5 separate bombings in Paris with over 100 individuals killed. While today's FSF was to be one full of pictures, nutrition tips, and celebrating being healthy..with what has happen I wanted to just say that the state of the world today is heartbreaking..bombings, the complete and total disrespect for life and just about everything else, the names of Christain holidays being changed so as not to offend, stupid arguements over red cups..not only did I read about Paris I was also treated to images of individuals living in the USA standing on the American Flag..without consequence..at this point I don't even know what to say or feel anymore...and I am sure there are many more of you just like me out there..I personally struggle with feelings of anger, disappointment, disbelief..knowing that some of the things running through my head are not how I was raised to think or feel..but that was another time, another world. My heart is heavy and I am saddened for everyone affected by the events taking place...

Wake up and work out!!

 Good Morning all!! okay..it is 0845..a bit of a late start this morning due to getting caught up searching for half marathon possibilities for 2016..but workout is done for the day..as far as my daily goal of 20,000 steps..10,380 have already been taken!! Whoopwhoop..feeling awesome and motivated!! 
For all of you out there who have served in the US Military or are serving..Happy Veteran's Day..and thank you all for your service and commitment to do what only about 1% of the nation does!!

Breakfast this mornng was a vanilla protein shake and Kaki fruit..only got through about 1/3 of the fruit before I was 1 stuffed puppy..will make a great afternoon study snack. ;D
So..yes..while on my date with my treadmill I thought it is time for me to find out how it feels to run first a few 1/2 marathons and then progress to the full ones..found several for the spring here in Germany and am waiting for the late summer schedules for TN and GA as starting in July I will be stateside once more!! So excited for family and friends again!!..I have some educational and career goals (yes..I know I am closer to 50 and that technically I should be slowing down instead of pushing forward, but....life happens!) that I just cannot quite accomplish here and my husband is such an awesome support system for me..so very grateful!!! 
During my Bible study and conversation time with God this morning I came across the following verse which just hit the nail on the head this morning and gave my motivation level an extra push...
      
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
                                                                    --1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Powerful words...

    I wish you all an amazing day and all the energy and concentration to accomplish all you want and need to today..don't forget to share your smile while being your awesome self !! 

This kitchen is busy!!

 Hello all!! The weather has changed and therefore I have been spending a lot more time indoors than normal..and that means about every third day or so my kitchen explodes with healthy goodies!! Now, this is the first year I have ever worked with fresh pumkins..and let me just say that I am totally addicted. They so outrank the canned version in taste and color!! And as far as getting them opened and cleaned out..well..let's just say that you can skip about half of your arm workout for the day..but the results are oh so worth it!! These 2 pumpkins found a home in pumpkin muffins made with whole wheat flour and applesauce (instead of oil or butter)..with a bit of honey and molasses thrown in to substitute for the sugar..;D and also for pup treats to go with the continuation of the season..I love the feeling I get when I feed my fur children items that come out of everyday ingredients that I make for them..fresh pumpkin, eggs, and pumpkin oil..so good for them!
Have been using some ground turkey lately..made a yummy chili (not pictured..:C next time though) and some turkey burgers (pictured below) that took the guilt out of eating a burger..plus served them with fake mashed potatoes..made with cauliflower 
 instead and some freshly prepared spinach..you know what I find so amusing is that the man who informed me about 4 years ago that he wasn't a rabbit now consumes about 4 meatless meals a week..the stuffed mushrooms for example..perfectly filling for an evening where you don't want a big meal.
Have been hitting the treadmill on an almost daily basis (8.6 km) now for e couple of weeks..I do have days..like today where I choose to give my body a rest but still deposit good, healthy foods into it..this morning saw a raw grain and oatmeal cereal with dried fruits and soy-rice milk..have my large bottle of H2O by my side and am ready to hit the books..as the weather outdoors is grey and windy it looks like a perfect day to light a fire and some candles also to welcome the NW German winter in..on these short, dark days sometimes it takes some adjusting and creativity to not get caught up in the blues related to the dreariness outdoors. Okay..I wish you all an amazing Tuesday..I am going to increase my knowledge and spend some cuddle time with my fur babies!! Don't forget to share your smile!!

 Stuffed Mushroom Ingredients:

Spinach
crumbled Feta Cheese
Goat cheese
Roasted Walnuts
Green Onions
Sea Salt
Fresh ground Black Pepper

Motivational Monday is here!!

Guten Morgen!! Today has started out awesome-8.6 km on the treadmill, ran 2 miles of that (3.2 km) in 18:18..have another fitness test in April and am setting my run time goal at 17:20. Wanted to give you all a glimpse into my day-food to be consumed, the Spa Water of the day..this time with fresh grated ginger, fresh mint, and sliced limes...my reading material..both for my university courses and for those personally chosen to assist me in  improving my life..Spiritual growth, mental health and increased self-confidence, nutrition and fitness wise. I am an avid reader of just about everything I can get my hands on, and besides FSF and Have Flip Flops will Travel-I keep at least 2 journals going at all times-one for health and fitness and one for personal growth and reflection..I am also a huge fan of coloring books for adults-studies are shown that this activity has the same affect on the brain as meditation-which I am also beginning to do..to sit still for seveeral minutes at a time is really proving to be a challenge for me, but as the saying goes..practice makes perfect! The more I learn about nutrition and what we put into our bodies the more I am leanig towards a plant based diet minimal animal protien such as eggs and fish for the health benefits-have decided that red meat and pork products are out, as is anything that contains ingrediants that has been produced in a factory and are not natural (ie..chemicals)-so this means almost 100% of prepackaged foods are out, as is white flour and white sugars. At this point, with what I have learned I am just kind of disgusted with what I have previously put into my body.  But..today is a new day, a day to start taking super good care of this body and soul God has given me and I am excited to share this journey with all of you. Due to changes made in my life over the past few years my lifestyle and career has changed dramatically, I am, at the age of 46 years old, being given the opportunity to redefine and reinvent who I am and what I will spend the majority of my time doing- as a result of courses taken, material read, and information gathered I have definantly decided to focus on my next step of becoming a Health and Wellness Coach (as a 2nd career)..I had introduced this idea a couple of weeks ago and have done a lot of soul searching, prayer, and weighing of pros and cons (over months) and have decided that this is a door that God is opening for me and giving me motivation to work towards. 
 
 I do not think this will be an easy task as I have tons to learn, experiences to go through, and certifications and classes to earn and complete, but am looking forward to even more growth and change and being able to help others do the same.
So, time to hit the books-eat some healthy foods, hydrate and make today awesome. I wish you all a wonderful Motivational Monday and don't forget to share your smile!! 

A special day!!

 Good Morning to everyone!! Today is Saturday the 31st of October..today my oldest child turns 24!! On of my biggest prayers is that this time next year we will be together! Life is indeed blessed but this is a perfect example of one of the downsides of living in another country away from 97% of your family..
So, creativity has been flowing over the last few days and here is the finished product..now hanging proudly in our 2nd kitchen area..bright colors filled with a travel theme ;D. I have to admit, living in this part of Germany during the fall-winter months can be a challenge for me, the sun doesn't come out to play very often and it is dark very early in the evenings..lots of colors, candles, music and journaling to help me stay positive and upbeat!!-I took the above picture yesterday about 0730, very pretty in it's own right I think..another blessing is that our grapevine we planted earlier in the year has been very productive..how yummy do these grapes look?? And, knowing that grapes that had to be shipped in from who knows where are at almost 5 Euros in the grocery stores right now make these taste even better!! Okay..the house is quiet, as it is about 0515..time to spend some time in conversation with God and work on my meditation skills (a new experience for me) before beginning the day with my treadmill and tennis shoes!! I wish you all a very Happy Halloween!!! and a wonderful weekend in general!!

Sorry, it's been a minute...but look at the goodies!!

 Hello to everyone!! Sorry, I had to take a break from as many electronic devices as possible for a while..I was way too connected and had no down time and after spending abut 6 months solid in online courses (so far am maintaining all A's in my courses) and traveling all over (work related) I needed to administer some "self-care"..which meant focusing on me, spending time at home with my husband and turning off the outside world as much as possible for a while. Lots of time reading, journaling, exercising, 
hanging out with my critters, coloring ;D, and recentering! The good news is..that I am feeling much calmer now and ready to continue this crazy journey! 
As promised..pictures of the wonderful finds (and purchases) from my new favorite store the Secondhandboutique "Finderlohn" located in Aurich, DE..as previously mentioned not only for the amazing clothing and accessories that you can find but also for the wonderful owner who makes you feel right at home the minute you walk through the door! I have been organizing our closets and have goodies to take in for resale... am sure I will discover at least a couple more items that will be "must haves"..The concept of secondhand may cause some to turn their noses up, but to me it is great..especially in a store like Finderlohn-up to date items that you cannot find in a regular retail store..which means..there is 1 of something and not 50..I don't know about all of you, but I don't necessarily want to wear what everyone one else is wearing!!

                                                                                                           

 Fall is upon us here in NW Germany, the weather has changed, the leaves are falling, and that means that time spent outdoors is increasing..that also means it is the season for delicious friuts such as plums and sharon fruit (Kaki)..so excited as I can eat these by the bucket full-finding the Kaki in the grocery stores after almost a year is just a big ol happinessness booster for me!..yes, I know..it doesn't take much!!
After my time out my creativity is ready to play..started a new decoupage project yesterday for our second kitchen area-should be able to show you all the finished project tomorrow :D.
For all of you FSF readers and followers that remember the work in progress that is the new back fence-patio project..well, it is finished except for new furniture and some deco items , but those are going to have to wait for a while..as it is no longer the season for outdoor living!! See picture below for the results of my husband's hard work.. Okay..time to get to work on my studies..the morning date with my treadmill has been checked off, as has the arm and ab work for the morning..enjoying a cup of green tea and am thankful that God is so good!
 


 As always, I wish you all an amazing, blessed day..and don't forget to share your smile!!

Guten Morgen

Love it!!😊

Brain block is the worst when you have a deadline!!

 Guten Morgen !! Ughhh..am in the final 3 days of this session for my courses, have 1 fairly large project left and despite all of this my brain is blocked..it is like it is just tired and refuses to function..kind of like Max the Wonderdog when he doesn't really feel like going for a walk so he just stands and doesn't budge. But on the positive side-made the pup treats from the last of the pumpkin puree-these called for rice flour which turned out to be a bit difficult to work with and pumpkin oil which was a little on the pricey side at 10 Euros for a bottle..but the results were worth it-the fur babies scarf these up and come back for more! I tried one also-would be really good with one of the more intense flavored cheeses that are out there.

 Since no coursework was getting done after about 1500 yesterday I found my way back into the kitchen to make a Vegtable Lasagna that turned out to be pretty tasty..my husband had 2 servings!! I expect like most dishes like this it will taste even better today once the flavors have had time to meld together!!

The mornings have seen me on regular dates with my treadmill, had bumped the distance to 6.4 km and am scheduled for another increase this morning to 8.6 km, this is 5 miles-to all of you natural born runners out there that may not seem like a lot but for those of us who are not so the "runner type" but trying hard to get there ...this is a good-though short- distance and a small something to be proud of!! Of course after the run, and the fat is crying (sweat!!).. come the arms and abs. -the time spent taking care of my body like this every morning pays off, for the rest of the day I feel good and am sleeping like a rock at night.

 Did another closet clean oout and took the items to my new favorite store in Aurich..
It is called Secondhandboutique Finderlohn..a second hand store with newer clothes (for both women and men!) and accessories with brand names, the owner is awesome, super friendly, loves her customers..and I would guess knows everyone's first name!! The store is not so large but very tastefully organized 
and easy on the eyes..for me personally going into this store is a small peice of joy every time!! Am super excited as I was there on Monday, bought a new outfit, belt, and small bag..but saw another bag that I did not purchase as it is a bit larger..more of an weekend bag but could not get it off my mind..she sent her a message and she is holding it until tomorrow for me..I promised myself that this purchase would be my "yeah-you finished the project" gift to myself!!;D..so a bit of incentive for me to get on the ball after this morning's workout!! and who doesn't love cute clothes and all the trimmings at great prices?? Will post pics of the goodies tomorrow!!

Alright..time to get on with the morning..be blessed, don't forget to share your smiles and have a great Wednesday!! 

The days of Fall

 Hello to everyone!! Well, yesterday saw me hit the kitchen yet again..remember the pureed pumpkin?? Well, it was totally calling my name so I whipped up some yummy pumpkin bread and muffins..My freezer is so packed full of goodies right now..;D 
I have included the reciped that I used..but have to admit I did some tweaking for what I had in the house..ran out of Cinnamon so added some Pumpkin Spice instead..and the dried fruit I opted to use were..raisons, dates, candied ginder, and pineapple..wowso yummy!! I doubled the recipe and ended up with 3 large loves and 6 large muffins. 

What about fitness you ask?? As I know I seem to do quite a bit of baking--can't help it, it is such a passion of mine!! This morning saw another 6 kilometers before 0645 and I have already hit 10176 steps so far today and it is 0859!! As my time for my fitness room upstairs was up I brought my hand weights with me to the living room and will be working on arms after I finish here!!

 So..made the vegtable tower dish last night, must say..mine did not turn out so pretty as in the picture, but they were tasty..added some yellow bell peppers for some more color ..would definantly do this again, even for company!!

So, have lots do do today..the house is already clean, floors have been both vacumned and mopped, tash is out, dishwasher is running-crittters have been fed..now is time to work on my arm muscles and hit the books... got sidetracked with the pumpkins yesterday and did not get as far as I had hoped to--

I wish you all an amazingly blessed day. It's Friday, take a deep breath, finish out the week..and of course..don't forget to share your smile!!

Show mw your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
                            Psalm 25:4-5