little of this, little of that!

here's a few mini-proofs from the Aramco Half! Hard to believe it was already almost a month ago! 

 I guess I have a hard time spending so much money on these pictures, because where in the world will I display them?  Over the fireplace? On the fridge to remind me to make healthy food choices??

Hmm...

Today, after my husband left for work...these two, crazy boys were playing upstairs 

and when I asked them to stop running and acting crazy, my oldest said 

"but Mom, we're working out and getting muscles!"

NICE SAVE because you know instead of yelling at them, 

I was proud of them for working out! ha!!

and there's those big muscles to prove they were telling the truth...Ha!!!!

an upcoming sweepstakes..."Watch It, Write It, WIN IT"

Most of you know that I promote heart health as much as possible, partly because my grandmother died of congestive heart failure and also because it was a huge part of my studies in college, as well as my experience in cardiac rehabilitation, and working with heart patients.  When I saw this stamp and sweepstakes, I knew I wanted to share it with all of you...hope you'll tune in to The Biggest Loser on the 14th!!

"In a move to raise awareness of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the U.S. Surgeon General, the host from NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” and the American Heart Association joined the Postmaster General in dedicating the 2012 Social Awareness Heart Health Forever stamp."

“Prevention is the key to eliminating heart attacks and strokes,” said Benjamin. “We are giving Americans information and tools to make healthier choices to prevent tobacco use, access healthy foods and find enjoyable ways to get regular exercise. The Heart Health Social Awareness Stamp and the Million Hearts Campaign are great reminders of the importance of prevention.”   

About the Biggest Loser Sweepstakes:

As part of The Biggest Loser Feb. 14 airing, the stamp will be the centerpiece of the national “Watch It. Write It. Win It.” sweepstakes. For an 11-week period, viewers are invited to watch, write and win by sending letters of encouragement to their favorite Biggest Loser contestant(s). Viewers may submit an unlimited number of separate letters addressed to one contestant at a time. Letters also can be addressed to previously eliminated contestants from this season. Letters will be drawn at random to win one of three prizes:

§         Grand Prize:  One week, all expense paid trip for two to the Biggest Loser Resort.

§         Second Prize:  Four weeks of Biggest Loser prepared meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) — delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.

§         Third Prize:  Tickets for two with airfare to the Biggest Loser Grand Finale that will air in May 2013.

Sweepstakes information will be available on Feb. 14 at Post Offices nationwide and at this link the day after the show’s airing:  usps.com/biggestloser.

I think the coolest part is that they have really focused on heart health and included prevention tips on the back of each book of stamps...nothing is better than that!  

here's an example of what's on the back...

Coronary heart disease, or CHD, is the leading cause of death among women and men in the U.S., but it doesn't have to be. Many cases of heart disease can be prevented. By making just a few simple lifestyle changes, you can lower your risk of developing CHD and help protect your heart for a lifetime.

§         Eat a heart-healthy diet. Consuming lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and avoiding foods that are high in sodium, saturated fats, and sugar promotes heart health. Such a diet can help control blood cholesterol levels and prevent high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes — all risk factors for heart disease.

§         Exercise and control your weight. Regular physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy heart, but you don't have to be an athlete to reap the rewards. Getting a moderate amount of exercise most days of the week will lower your risk for heart disease and help maintain a healthy weight. Ask your doctor how much and what kind of exercise is right for you.

§         Don't smoke. Smoking causes your arteries to narrow and your blood pressure to rise, which can lead to a heart attack. No matter how long a person has smoked, quitting will dramatically lower the risk of developing heart disease. If you don't smoke, protect your heart by avoiding secondhand smoke.

§         Manage stress. Did you know that prolonged emotional stress can harm your heart? Regular exercise and supportive relationships with family and friends can help relieve stress and improve your physical and emotional well-being. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if anxiety or depression interfere with your ability to function.

§         Sleep well. Sleep is essential to your heart. Adults who get less than 7–8 hours of sleep each night have a higher risk of developing heart disease.

§         Get regular health screenings. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can creep up on you without symptoms. Simple tests are available to detect these conditions, and medicines can be prescribed to control them if diet and exercise prove insufficient.

Do you order race photos? If so, where do you display them?

Do your children like to show off their muscles?

Will you participate in the sweepstakes, or possibly purchase the stamps?

and most importantly, have you signed up for my Spring Fever 10K/5K??

(will take place March 1-15, and several giveaway items up for grabs.  to participate, email me that you want to sign up, I'll get a bib out to you in the next few weeks, after you race email me your time and you are entered to win!  if you'd like an extra entry, take a picture of yourself on race day!  but most of all, HAVE FUN!!!)