Logan Can

A Lifestyle Blog about Marriage, Parenting, Fashion and Fitness

{GUEST POST} Tarole at “Island Livin’ with One Haole Girl”

Aloha all you Southern Sunflowers and Coffee Bean readers!

I’m Tarole and I blog over at Island Livin’ with One Haole Girl
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin’
I’m stoked that Logan is allowing me to guest post today! I absolutely love her blog and I think she is so stinkin’ adorable! Don’t you agree?
Moving on..
Today I’m bringing you a post on health/fitness. I’m such a health nut and am always looking for work out routines and new healthy recipes. I have an entire blog dedicated to leading a healthy lifestyle (plus it acts as GREAT motivation!) You can visit it here.
There are SO many ways to lead a healthy lifestyle. Whether it be in the kitchen, in the gym, or what have you. People think they have to spend tons of money on “healthier” foods or memberships to a big fancy gym. No. Wrong. I don’t have a gym membership, nor do I waste money on those packages claiming to be “fat free” or whatever they say these days. 
Want to know the secrets to my success?
Yup.
She’s The Biggest Loser coach for a reason people! 
Things I love about the 30 Day Shred video:
  • You can work out in the comfort of your own home – not a stinky, sweaty gym with creepy guys staring at you. 
  • All you need is a set of hand weights, and a mat if you’re on a hard surface.  
  • It’s only 20 minutes with a 2 minute warm up and a 2 minute cool down.
  • There are THREE levels so you can work your way up as you get stronger and more fit.
  • She has two friends working with her. One for beginners and one for more advanced. You can make it as hard or as easy as you want.

Personally, I use a set of 5 lbs weights. I have a smaller frame, so to tone and be lean, I use a lighter set of weights, but that doesn’t mean I’m not still working my ass off. I also use a set of 2 lb ankle weights to add a little extra to the work out.

Don’t think I just get by on a 20 minute video work out. 

I’m also a huge fan of running. Living in Hawaii I am blessed with beautiful scenery which makes running a heck of a lot easier. But honestly, anyone can do it. And it’s the fastest way to shed that fat that’s covering up all of your defined muscles! 🙂
When it comes to running, people always have misconceptions. “I need to run hills”, “I need to run as fast as I can”, “I need to run every day”. 
Whooooaaa pump the brakes there Sally. 
No. Wrong.

Some facts about running:
  • Running on flat surfaces with slim you down, while running hills will bulk you up.
  • Women who regularly JOG live about 5.6 years longer than women who don’t jog.
  • Higher mileage isn’t always better – You don’t have to run 8 miles every time you run!
  • Running in the rain or cold does NOT mean you will get sick.
  • There’s no set speed you have to keep while running. Set YOUR own pace.



I am training for a half marathon, so I actually will run 5 nights out of the week. It’s *ok* to have a rest day or two. Your body needs time to keep up and change the way you want it to. 
Of course listening to music can help with the process. I like to listen to the “Workout” station on Pandora while I run. It has upbeat music that helps me to set a good pace and gets my mind off of the actual exercise. I also use the app “Nike+ Running” It works as a GPS, records your time, pace, and distance. It also has an option for “root me on” where people can drop messages to help you keep going! Plus, it still allows me to listen to Pandora!
Moving on to Health/Nutrition

You know that saying, “abs are made in the kitchen”? Well, it’s true. 
Often times people think working out on the regular will allow them to eat whatever kind of junk they want.
No. Wrong.

Working out will dramatically increase your fitness, but you have to be in full force if you want that dream body, or to simply live a healthier life style. 
“But Tarole, healthier foods are SO expensive”
I bet you there is a farmer’s market at least once a week somewhere close by where you live. These days people are all about locally grown and organic. Farmers markets are a GREAT way to save money while getting those healthy fruits and veggies you need to have a balanced diet.
Pay attention to your problem areas. There are specific foods that are geared more towards specific areas. For example, my problem are is the midsection. I like to store a lot of belly fat for some weird reason. So I like to stick to foods packed with protein, omega -3 fatty acids, and fiber (spinach, fish, and nuts). There are so many foods that can help sky rocket your metabolism. That in itself will shed body fat. 
Another app I like to take advantage of is called, “My Fitness Pal“. This is great for those of who who are dieting and exercising to lose weight, but it’s also great for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s basically like a food diary. You record everything you eat (you can even scan barcodes of packages and the nutrition facts are recorded for you) insert the amount of calories burned during your workout, and it tells you if you are good to go, or if you need to eat more or burn more calories. It’s a great tool to have!
I’m sorry this post was so long – but you made it through! I could go on and on about this subject. If you have any questions, concerns, or would simply like a few tips in the health/fitness department, shoot me an email – I’d love to help you out!
Stick to a daily routine of health and fitness and this could be your result!

That’s me!
Living in Hawaii – A bikini is an almost every day attire. 

I hope you enjoyed my post and found it semi useful! If you’d like, head on over to my blog for more tips and ideas. I have a whole page dedicated to a healthy lifestyle!
Thanks so much Logan for letting me take over and writing an obnoxiously long post. Isn’t she the greatest! 
Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas) and Happy Holidays everyone!
Xoxo,

Isn’t she awesome!? And holy cow, I want her body! I know that during the holidays, I need a bit of motivation to stay away from the sweets and get off my tush to work out. I hope this gave y’all the extra push it gave me! Thank you, Tarole!

Be sure to go check out her blog for more tips!

It’s Ok Thursday (2)


Its Ok Thursdays






It’s ok:







that I have called Bath & Body Works “Bed Bath and Body” all week. Oops.







that I cried when I heard Kate was pregnant.







that I want to move here:















that I’ve had zero time to read this week.





that it’s 78° in December.





that I bought 4 candles…for myself.





that I decorated for Christmas BEFORE Thanksgiving (gasp).





that I bought my dog a Christmas stocking.





that I don’t  have my Christmas cards yet.



What’s okay with you?



Oh How Pinteresting (8)


 




Today I’m linking up with Michelle from The Vintage Apple for Oh, How Pinteresting!

Source: 9gag.com via Logan on Pinterest


Source: rstyle.me via Logan on Pinterest


Source: stuff.co.nz via Logan on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Logan on Pinterest

Happy Wednesday!

Helen’s Giveaway.

Harry Potter Link-Up (1)

I’m linking up with Tarole, Ashley, and Kim for the Harry Potter Party! Whoop!


1. What is your favorite quote from the Harry Potter series?


“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
-Albus Dumbledore 


2. How old were you when you became a fan of the series?


I fell in love when I began watching the movies when they first came out in 2001 (I was 15), but I didn’t read the books until I as 22.


3. Have you ever tried any HP recipes at home?


No, but I’d love to! I wouldn’t mind getting the HP cook book! 


4. Which sort of obscure character would you want to know more about?


Via



This one is tough. Bellatrix, maybe because I am a psych nerd and her craziness fascinates me. I’d love to know what made her so crazy. I’d like to know more about that entire family (Sirius, his mother, Bellatrix, Narcissa, etc.).


5. Have you ever used Harry Potter to prove a point in your everyday life?


Not to prove a point, but I’ve been known to quote the books.


6. Be honest…would you dabble in the dark arts?


Absolutely! But I’d use it for good, not evil.


7. Shop you would most like to visit in Diagon Alley?


Via



Flourish and Blotts! Hello, book heaven in the wizarding world!

(Guest Post) Bookworm Review by Melanie from “Keep it Simple and Fun”

Today I want to introduce you to Melanie! She is a newlywed, a teacher and blogs over at Keep it Simple and Fun. I have really enjoyed getting to know her, and I know you will too!

Welcome, Melanie!
First, I would like to say how honored I am to be writing a
book review for Logan. She is one of the sweetest bloggers I’ve gotten to know,
and I absolutely love her blog!  When I
first started blogging about a month ago, she was the first person I asked to
swap buttons. She realized my button was not quite right (even after I had
worked on it for hours) and she fixed it for me!  Pretty cool. Now, onto my book review!
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

Publisher: Scribner, 2012
Format: Hardback, 352 pages
First Line: On the day of the miracle,
Isabel was kneeling at the cliff’s edge, tending the small, newly made
driftwood cross.
Description: After
four harrowing years on the Western Front, Tom Sherbourne returns to Australia
and takes a job as the lighthouse keeper on Janus Rock, nearly half a day’s
journey from the coast. To this isolated island where the supply boat comes
once a season, Tom brings a young, bold, and loving wife, Isabel. Years later,
after two miscarriages and one stillbirth, the grieving Isabel hears a baby’s
cries on the wind. A boat has washed up onshore carrying a dead man and a
living baby.

Tom, who keeps meticulous records and whose moral principles have withstood a
horrific war, wants to report the man and infant immediately. But Isabel
insists the baby is a “gift from God,” and against Tom’s judgment, they claim
her as their own and name her Lucy. When she is two, Tom and Isabel return to
the mainland and are reminded that there are other people in the world. Their
choice has devastated one of them.

My thoughts: This novel captured my
attention from the very first page. The first chapter describes the day Isabel
and Tom discover a boat with a baby and dead man. The reader is left wondering
how the couple got to this point, and so begins the journey of Tom and Isabel’s
pasts, their love story, loss, and difficult choices. This beautifully written,
unforgettable book takes many twists and turns and leaves the reader wanting
more. It is a story of morality and deep, unconditional love for one’s spouse.  I applaud M.L. Stedman for her first work of
literature and look forward to reading more of her books.  I give the book five stars.
While
searching for the backcover description, I found out that Dreamworks is
planning to make the book into a feature film.  Click here for the trailer! http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=97428
Doesn’t this book sound awesome? Thanks, Melanie! Go check out her amazing blog, Keep it Simple and Fun!

So You Think You Can Dance {Tour}

This past weekend, we went to Atlanta for the So You Think You Can Dance Tour. Ryan bought me tickets back in October for our anniversary (I know, he is pretty awesome).

It was incredible. Seriously, if you ever get the chance, GO. It was a fantastic show. I only cried…3 times. Yes I’m a baby when it comes to dancing. There are just those few dances that make you ball. So here is a look at the show in (poor quality) pictures, shot on my IPhone. Because of the stage lighting, they turned out extremely blurry.

“Bang Bang” Eliana’s lift.

Girls group dance.

A little too excited for the show to start!

 I’m also posting videos of the dances that made me cry. These are some of my favorites from this past season. I hope you enjoy!
“Bang Bang” danced by Eliana and Alex, Choreographed by Stacey Tookey

“I will always love you” danced by Chehon and Whitney, Choreographed by Stacey Tookey
“Unchained Melody” danced by Audrey and Matthew, Choreographed by Travis Wall

It’s Monday! What are you Reading? (8)


“It’s Monday! What are you reading?” is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. Post the books you finished reading last week, the books you are currently reading, and the books you plan to read this week.

Book(s) Read: Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

Currently Reading: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

For Review: Adulation by Elisa Lorello


What I plan to read next: The Distant Hours by Kate Morton (maybe)
What are you reading this week?


Sunday Social (4)


Sunday Social




Linking up with Neely and Ashley for another Sunday Social!


This Weeks Questions:
1. What is your favorite Holiday season tradition?
My parents host a themed Christmas party for our entire family every year. We have a contest for who is best dressed depending on the theme ( PJ’s, Tacky Christmas, etc.).
2. Do you have a certain Holiday movie you watch more than others? If so what is it?
-National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation- my family and I have watched this movie together for as long as I can remember. It never gets old.
3. Show us your favorite decoration or Pinterest decoration you wish you could have
On My tree this year:




4.Favorite Holiday Song? 


–“Baby It’s Cold Outside”


5. Favorite Holiday dessert? 

-My mom’s coffee punch (Recipe coming to you soon. Get excited.).

6. What is on your wish list this year? 
-Rose Gold Michael Kors watch.


Have a blessed Sunday!

Bookworm Review: “Big Stone Gap” by Adriana Trigiani

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
The Ballantine Publishing Group
2001
Format: Paperback, 269 pages

First Line: This will be a good weekend for reading.

From the back cover: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the tiny town of Big Stone Gap is home to some of the most charming eccentrics in the state. Ave Maria Mulligan is the town’s self-proclaimed spinster, a thirty-five-year-old pharmacist with a “mountain girl’s body and a flat behind.” She lives an amiable life with good friends and lots of hobbies until the fateful day in 1978 when she suddenly discovers that she’s not who she always thought she was. Before she can blink, Ave’s fielding marriage proposals, fighting off greedy family members, organizing a celebration for visiting celebrities, and planning the trip of a lifetime- a trip that could change her view of the world and her own place in it forever. Brimming with humor and wise notions of small-town life, Big Stone Gap is a gem of a book with a giant heart.

My Thoughts: Big Stone Gap is the first book in the Big Stone Gap Series. I have come to love Trigiani’s books because they are so warm and inviting. This book was no exception. It was a bit slow at first, but towards the middle I found that I couldn’t put it down. I loved Ave Maria (the main character) with her stubborn, ‘independent woman’ mentality, and all of the quirky townsfolk. The characters really make this book.

Ave Maria takes us on her journey through the passing of her mother, finding love, and finding her long lost family. On this journey she learns more about herself and her Italian heritage while defining who she is as a person. She discovers that she is no longer alone and is worthy of love and a happy ending.

Overall, this book is a light and enjoyable read. I definitely look forward to reading the other books in the series. I gave this book 4 stars.

         

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