Its all about Mii...and my Wii family

Restarting my Hula Hoop Challenge

2012-01-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a year now with this baby weight...so time to get back to moving. I lost so much using my Wii before getting pregnant that I am going to use that quite a bit again. Phew....I did the Wii fit hula hoop last night again for the first time in months. I think I was actually getting a cramp in my side, but I continued. I even did it twice...once to start my workout and once to end it.

I also got a riser for my balance board. That really helps intensify any step aerobics I do. When I used to do the Wii fit step aerobics I didnt think it was much, but with the increased height it helps out. I really love using it with the EAsports Active2 step aerobics...makes me sweat!

So I have quite a few exergames that I love, so hopefully using these and some other workout dvds I have I can get feeling more comfortable and maybe fit back into some prepregnancy clothes by summer!

Some of my favorites I will be starting out with:
Wii fit
EAsports Active2
Gold Gym Cardio Boxing
Golds Gym Dance workout
New Mommy Makeover dvds
Leslie Sansone walking dvds
Biggest Loser 30 day dvd

We finally got a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

2011-12-19T18:25:00.000-08:00

I finally have my back saver! I love having a newer van that is wheelchair accessible. It has been great for all our trips we have had to take. It was a little difficult to load lots of luggage, but I can deal with that seeing it is so helpful in so many ways.

Besides the luxury of having the wheelchair tie downs I like the accessories it has in it. The kids really love the built in DVD player. That is a definite plus with little ones and long trips. One thing I liked on the long trips was the automobile compass. It surely helped when I would take a detour and try to figure out which direction I was heading in.

We recently had to put a new battery in it. I know there are other things that we need too. I recently bought a new steering wheel cover, but it did not fit. So now I am on the search for steering wheel covers for girls. I figure I might as well get a cute one seeing my husband barely ever drives it. I know I would like some winter tires too. If my husband was driving it we would have to get michael tires, so he could pretend he was a race car driver. I am sure the kids would like riding with Michael Schumacher! Although on the other hand, its a pretty bumpy ride having the back end raised up for the wheelchair ramp. I bet they would actually love it, not just like it! We would have to get some of Dad's music though ...which I could actually play now seeing I finally have a CD player.

I know, get with the times Colleen. We need the satellite radio or built in mp3 player. It is funny how times change you. Ten years ago I had no children and drove brand new cars. Now I drive a mini van and it is 6 years old, but that is new to us and fits us well! I wouldn't trade it for Michael Schumacher's Mercedes....OK maybe I would!

Saving Money

2011-12-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

Guest post written by Geraldo Russo

Saving money is a high priority right now for us and that’s a good thing. We were getting a little out of control on the spending last year and it’s good we’re able to reign it back in so we can keep saving for the kids’ college funds and keep our rainy day fund up and running. I love my job as a teacher but it’s not like I make much money so it’s nice to be able to do what I love and feel like I’m still contributing in some way, you know? I think that my kids have gotten really into it, too…my son came home with a printout of some direct tv cable deals and my daughter’s been leafing through coupons with me on Sundays – it’s like they know we need to save! They’re only 12 and 13 so I’m surprised they even have a concept of money like they do but hey, if they can grasp it now while they’re young I feel like they’ll be in good shape for years to come.

Haven't done well keeping track of my workouts this week

2011-06-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

I honestly do not remember what exactly I have done this week. I know I did the hula hoop a few times...not every day like I want to though. I also have done a couple Wii workouts using the Wii fit and the Golds Gym Cardio Workout. I have gone for a few walks also, although they have been more in the evening than the mornings this week. I have learned not to go after it gets dark, as we were warned there was a skunk somewhere near us last night...so we ran a little bit lol. I have had someone staying with us most of this week, which means I have had company over for dinner most of the week and they like to cook a lot. So Thursday I ate a bit too much, and Friday I know I ate too much and actually ate some chips. Naughty Me! Tried to do a lot better today. Now I am off to look up some recipes for this coming week.

Hula Hoop challenge Day 7

2011-06-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

This morning I went for another 4 mile walk. My back still was a bit sore after even though I wore my regular sneakers...so maybe it is just due to weak lower stomach muscles since having baby.

Today is Mamavation Monday and I want to follow the show tonight...but I need to get in my hula hoop challenge...so I will probably turn on the show...turn up the volume and do my 10 minute hula hoop. I really want to get more workouts in, but I really gotta kick out my father in law...I hate exercising in front of others. My kids and husband are really the only ones I dont mind, but even then I get a bit weirded out.

I WILL do my hula hoop tonight...so day #7 check!

Hula Hoop Challenge Day #5 and #6 ~Saturday rest day....Todays workout

2011-06-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

After a lazy day yesterday, today I went the extra mile. I have a few options for trails to walk here. There is a fairly flat trail in which you can go miles and miles...I have no idea where it ends. The trail is a bit different on the other side of the highway..which is what I normally walk. It goes up "the ledge" and has a big hill to walk up. When I do this trail I sometimes only go about 3 miles. If I actually finish it out it is just under 4 miles...which is what I did this morning. It took me about 70minutes, so not too fast, but I felt it. I do think I need to wear my cross trainers instead of my exerwalks(toning shoes). I think they are making my lower back sore about half way through. So tomorrow I am gonna try the normal ones and see how I do.

So I didnt do my wii fit super hula hoop yesterday...so day # 5 of challenge is a fail

I just did it tonight...so day #6 check! I really want to do it and am hoping to get it in earlier in the day. Tomorrow I am going to try to add 20 minutes of Gold's Gym Cardio boxing too. I believe the weather is supposed to be pretty much like today so I should get my walk in too.

Hula Hoop Challenge Days 2-4 (Today's workout(and yesterday))

2011-06-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

It's been kind of quiet. My morning walk got rained out on Wednesday, and I ended up going back to bed. I then didn't get a lot done as baby Lauren was really fussy and wanted to be held. I realized I hadn't gotten any workouts in, so I hopped on the Wii and did my 10 minute hula hoop. I guess at least that is something.
Wii fit hula hoop challenge day #2.... Check

I also signed up for the LeanGreenYOU 6 week bootcamp. This will hopefully help me stay focused and learn how to eat and exercise to get fit and stay fit! I know I can do it...I have done it....it is just sticking with it!

Thursday I got in my morning walk for about an hour(which I am guessing was approximately 3 miles). I brought Lauren along this time as she was starting to wake and I didnt want my hubby getting mad that he had to get up with her (God forbid lol). We went over to our neighbors...the friend I am walking with...for dinner. I planned on doing my hula hooping when I got home....but...yep here's that but. I was rocking Lauren to sleep and I actually fell asleep too. So Wii fit hula hoop challenge day #3...no check.

So it is now Friday....First day here of summer break. My son is already whiney, and of course it was cloudy, rainy, and cold today. This weather is crazy. My friend and I decided to start out this month with walking every other morning so we don't burn out. So we skipped today....and I am off to bed seeing we will most likely go at 5am tomorrow. If it rains I think I will do my walking dvd instead. I was kind of lazy today, then got busy in the evening, ate dinner late...but I actually did go and do some Wii fit. At 9:30 I finally got moving. I did my 10 minute hula hoop, the 5 minute step aerobics, and then 20 minutes of free steps. Wii fit hula hoop challenge day #4 ...check!

Wii Fit 10 Minute Hula Hoop Challenge #WiiMoms

2011-06-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

I started a challenge yesterday...pretty much with myself. I am challenging myself to do the 10 minute hula hoop on the Wii fit at least once every day for the next month. I am actually hoping to stick with it until Labor day. I set a goal to lose 25 pounds from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I lost 50 pounds before getting pregnant (unfortunately gained most of it back while pregnant). I owe a lot of that loss to using the Wii, especially the Wii fit. I swear the hula hooping really helps you lose all over. I can feel it from my toes all the way up to my jaw while I am doing it! So I am wanting to tone that stomach back up, and think this is the best way to do it! If anyone wants to join in the challenge...feel free to leave a comment here or over at WiiMoms.

Hula Hoop challenge day 1 ~Today's workout

2011-06-07T19:54:00.000-07:00

Started off the morning with a 3 mile walk with my friend at 5:30am

Started my Wii fit 10 minute hula hoop challenge tonight. I am 100 points away from my top 10 scores...hoping to one day make it to 3500 spins.

I also did the 10 minute wii fit boxing tonight.

Does your TV need to be updated?

2011-03-10T20:55:00.000-08:00

While I may sometimes veg out in front of the tv, I also use it for exercising. I love my exergames and I need a decent TV to play them on. We are looking at getting a new LCD TV for our family room. Right now the TV in there is about 15 years old! Buying a new TV means I also need a new TV stand. LCD TV stands need to be sturdy when you are doing exercise or jumping around...I know I wouldn't want my new TV to fall onto the floor ! So I was checking them out and found some nice ones at CSNstores.com

I really like this style. It has lots of room for the tv and all the extras that we have also. We need room for the dvd player, dvds and of course my Wii and games!

disclosure: I will be compensated by csn stores for this post.

Gold's Gym Cardio Workout is a personal favorite

2011-02-05T06:55:00.000-08:00

This is an older game, and inexpensive.....and if you like boxing games, then this is a must have. I think this is my favorite exergame out of the ones I own (Wii fit/plus, EAsports active personal trainer and more workouts, and Jillian Michaels).

This game works it all! You totally work your arms doing all kinds of different punches. It works your legs a lot because you are constantly doing the boxers stance, and then are doing step moves or squats when ducking. On top of this your core is always working, especially when you are twisting to throw punches and ducking. I feel like I burn the most calories using this game than any of my others! I haven't even really done too much of the other exercises on the game, because the shape boxing is so much fun. If you are looking for an inexpensive game to get a good workout this is the one!

blogger giveaways for Active Life Explorer for Wii

2010-11-28T07:25:00.000-08:00

well my sister told me my nephew just loved this game so I figured I would try and find a couple giveaways for it to enter for our house...

http://shawnssharings.blogspot.com/2010/11/explore-lost-city-sweepstakes-and-win.html ends 12/9

http://www.robynsonlineworld.com/2010/11/active-life-explorer-for-wii-review.html ends 12/10

http://www.bookieboo.com/profiles/blogs/active-life-explorer-for-wii ends 12/7

csnstores.com can help me get fit

2010-11-21T12:30:00.000-08:00

Did you know you can find so many different things by going to CSN stores? They offer things from cookware, to clocks, to extra tall bar stools, and even exercise equipment. While trying to figure out my game plan for the new year and getting fit I have been checking out some of the things I can get from csnstores.com.

While not wanting to spend tons of money you can find some health and fitness items from some of their many stores. You can find things like the EatSmart Precision scale to resistance bands.

One thing I would like to get more of are some hand weights and dvds. I think I could really use this Gaiam Strong knees dvd as I start using my Wii Active games again. I know I have issues at times of my knees having a lot of pain and needing to really watch what exercises I do. So I think this would be a great dvd to check out.

disclosure: I will be receiving the opportunity to do a review from csnstores.com for featuring them on my blog.

califmom.com hosting Just Dance 2 giveaway

2010-11-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

http://www.califmom.com/califmomreviews/2010/11/califmomreviews-just-dance-2-for-the-wii.html

link to blog giving away a copy of Just Dance 2 ...ends Nov. 21

Just Dance 2 and Just Dance Kids review

2010-11-20T21:07:00.000-08:00

Check out Just Dance on facebook for their Dancegiving sweepstakes!

We just had a Just Dance 2 houseparty and what a blast we had! We had kids from 3-16 years old, plus us oldies who had some fun and burned some calories by dancing our butts off playing Just Dance 2 and Just Dance kids!

Just Dance 2:

Just Dance has got America dancing! The #1 Best Selling Music/Rhythm Game on the Nintendo Wii system is back to keep the party going with an all-star tracklist, the hottest dance moves of today, and a brand new beat for everyone to enjoy.

Key Features:

Chart-Topping Singles: Over 45 new tracks from classic hits and legendary songs to today’s chart-toppers!
-To name just a few: I Got you by James Brown, When I Grow Up by Pussycat Dolls, and Tik Tok by Ke$ha.

Real Moves: Like its predecessor, Just Dance 2 features iconic dance moves choreographed by real experts in every style of music, rock, pop, hip hop, R&B, and world!

All New Game Modes: All new modes deliver hours of multi-player fun!

-Dance Off: Create your own dance crew and compete against others in a true dance off!

-Party Mode: The party never stops in this mode as the music plays continuously

Just Sweat it Off: Just Dance 2 is a workout in disguise, keeping you energized and motivated as you dance the calories away! You can also keep an eye on your fitness with the Just Dance Sweat Meter and a calorie burn counter!

The older kids really enjoyed playing this. They love all the newer songs and even the older ones. They really liked the "simon says" version where you get some extra points by doing things like spins and freezing. They also love the "duets", especially for just 2 of them to dance together yet not doing exactly the same moves. The younger kids loved it too, but tended to just dance next to them. Their favorite is "Jump" by Studio Allstars. All the kids were jumping to this one! I might need new floors lol. This is a huge hit game for our family and friends. I cant wait to be thinnner and be able to move along better with this one. Being 9 months pregnant I could do some of the dancing but needing to limit it....I can really see me adding this one to my New Years resolution of getting fit. What's a better way than having a blast and toning up!

Just Dance Kids:

This was a huge hit for the younger kids. Having hits from Yo Gabba Gabba and The Wiggles really made it awesome! My son must have palyed "Get the Sillies Out" 20 million times! He loves the shake and freeze mode....ok mostly the shake! They had such a blast dancing the night away. Even the teens played this game and enjoyed it....and I have to admit I loved it too! I love sharing in the dancing and singing with the kids. I was able to dance along and was even able to get my disabled daughter moving to familiar songs. It was great. I would totally recommend this for the preschool and elementary aged kiddos! The only thing I wish, which maybe it has and I didnt notice, is the ability to shut off the competition/scoring. My son is not big on losing and I would have loved to have them just dance and not worry about who was beating who.

disclosure: I received free copies of Just Dance 2 and Just Dance Kids through houseparty. These are my personal opinions and I was not required to post a review.

Well looks like it has been almost a year since I wrote on my own blog

2010-11-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

I have pretty much been focusing on my regular blog instead...which I have renamed since I last posted here. It is now called Finding Our Way Home. There I have been keeping up with writing Mamavation Monday posts and following along with all the Mamavation Moms and sistas. While many of them do use the Wii they do not focus on using the Wii for fitness quite as much as I do. When I first got the Wii I had to get the Wii fit and that started me on a great weight loss journey. I then added in the EA sports Active personal trainer and More Workouts games. Then I added one of my favorite games Golds Gym Cardio Boxing. With all these games, plus some other weight loss/ training programs I could do at home and eating well I was able to lose over 50lbs! That was the most I had ever lost before. I was at a weight I do not even recall the last time I had seen.

Then I became pregnant....between that and during the beginning my daughter being hospitalized I kind of went through a time when I just wasnt feeling very active and didnt really care. I am currently just going on my 9th month of being pregnant...and have probably gained every pound back. Yes this is the most weight I have ever gained during a pregnancy! I was stupid and didnt exercise well and ate junk.

So now we are coming to an end of the pregnancy....and coming to a new year soon. Well that is how I started my last weight loss ...by making a New years resolution, and I actually had stuck with it for well over a year. So this year I am doing the same! That is why I am starting this blog back up. I know the Wii helped me so much in the past that come New Years I am dusting off my balance board and Wiimotes and getting fit!

I think my plans are to post about using the Wii here and other fitness or game related tips I might have come across. I will still write my Mamavation Monday posts on my regular blog and then link up here to my Mii Mondays. That way I can incorporate everything into getting healthy!

Mii Monday

2009-12-21T05:59:00.000-08:00

I received the new EAsports More Workouts from Active last week. I love it! I have only be en able to use it 3 times so far, but love the workout. I have not noticed it bothering my knees...and the ab workouts are awesome! I did the easy ab workout with my stepdaughter and kicked her butt! I thought that was pretty funny seeing she is 15 and only a little over 100lbs with a nice flat stomach. I surely noticed it the rest of the weekend too...it was good! It is a lot of fun doing the "workout with a friend". Thanks EAsports active for the game and the extra leg strap and band! I did day one of the 30 day challenge last week and now that I am by myself will continue this week....maybe that will get me my goal. I want to lose 4 lbs in the next two weeks. If I can do that then I will be at 50 lbs for one year! This week I didnt do so great in losing weight. I actually gained...but luckily it was just 1/2 a pound. I guess that is what happens after not exercising for just about a week. I went from not exercising the end of the previous week to the beginning of last week. Then I was good once I got my new game. So I am going to step it up this week!!! Here is to -4 pounds!!!

Mii Monday

2009-12-14T06:36:00.000-08:00

I am on a losing streek(and a winning one). I weighed in one pound lighter this week! I was nervous checking this morning as I wasnt so good over the weekend. I didnt feel the best yesterday and ended up snacking instead of eating meals and didnt exercise. I also was pretty busy Saturday and went to a tastefully simple party, so more snacking and no exercise that day. I was pretty good during the week though and shovelled snow and exercised and ate pretty well. So I probably would have done better if it wasnt for the weekend. oh well. I will have to try harder this very busy week! For my winning streek...I four prizes this week...so that is awesome...one of those being the new EASports More Workouts for the Active. Now I have to be careful with the Active personal trainer because if I do too many of the jump type exercises my knees get very sore. This version looks like it has much more abdominal exercises which will be great. I can not wait to try it out! Thank you EAsports Active fore holding the giveaway and the prize! Also thanks again to Judy for holding this challenge..although there are not too many people doing the challenge ...it is keeping me going and accountable during the holidays! Also for Julie over at Wii mommies....keep your head up....you have been such a great inspiration to so many. I said it before, but focus on your health, not your size. Having procedures like yours take a lot out of you physically and mentally.

Mii Monday

2009-12-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

I am quite happy today.....I weighed in losing 3.5 lbs this week! I am finally down lower than I was before children(9 years ago)! Only 3.5 more lbs and I will be down 50 lbs this year! I have mostly been using the Wii fit plus for exercising, with some Wii active. Hoping to win the more active soon! I have really been enjoying the obstacle course on the wii fit. If you do it several times you really work up a sweat...I combine that with some hula hoop, boxing, jacknives, and chicken flying and feel like I get a good workout.

Thanks Judy for the amazon congratulations motivator! I would probably use that for Christmas shopping, but might just hang on to that for myself and see what games I might want to get after the holidays for my Wii...I am entering a few contests to win some different ones...hoping to win some. I have also entered the house party one also...I would love to get that house party!

Mii Monday....did fairly well over Thanksgiving!

2009-11-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

I was happy to see that I had not gained any weight this past week!!! I am surprised, as I ate lots of mashed potatoes...but I think using the wii fit plus really helped. Thanksgiving I even snuck in a quick 10 minute hula hoop to boost my metabolism. I finally got past the first level on the obstacle course...I didnt think I was ever going to as I kept getting stuck in the last spot...but now I am slipping and sliding on the ice instead! It is so much fun! My step daughters were cheering me on and I think that is how I made it through. I really worked up a sweat getting there. I hadnt been doing the boxing as much lately...but I realized that, you burn quite a few calories in those 10 minutes(70 for me)..so I am going to be adding that again like I used to. I always do the ten minute hula hoop as that seems to shrink everything from your double chin to you calfs. So my goals for this week are to increase the wii exercises and stay away from the christmas cookies the kids and I baked Sunday!

Win the Fitness Ultimatum 2010

2009-11-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

win a copy of Jillian Michaels’ new Wii game “Fitness Ultimatum 2010″ and a Wii Fit Plus board over at The Dirty Shirt and Rockin Mama I have heard this is good and would love to try it out...I have the wii fit plus and love it...

Mii Monday

2009-11-16T06:07:00.000-08:00

Well I am happy I am back on the losing track! I have really been thinking a lot about what I eat and I think that is going to help a lot in the long run. I am eating lots of whole grains, fruits, veggies and trying to keep things healthy. I made myself a yummy trail mix with some apples and pears I dried myself, mixed nuts with sea salt and dried cherries....mmmm dried cherries are like candy for me.

I have been doing exercises with the wii fit plus and easports active....I think this will be good, especially if I step it up a notch. I am down 43 lbs now...I really want to hit at leat 50 by new years.

Has anyone tried the new active, more exercises? Not sure if I want to get it as it costs more than I was expecting it to be...kind of wishing it was just $20 like the wii fit plus. So want to see what people think about it.

Wii game giveaways over at Robyns World

2009-11-14T16:53:00.000-08:00

Ok Shawn...just cause I link them here doesnt mean you can win them all again lol...I would love to win some myself!

Need for Speed Nitro

Ben 10 and Secret Saturdays

Astro Boy

If you are like me you need those rechargeable batteries for your wiimotes of balance board...well she has those too...click here

jello legs

2009-11-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

So I restarted my 30 day challenge from the EAsports Active game. The first day was just 20 minutes long...I felt fine doing it. I decided I would do more working out with the wii fit, as I want to get 45 minutes in each time. Well I only managed the 10 minute hula hoop. I was so tired and my legs felt like jello. I feel fine today, so that is good. My knees are not hurting either, another good. I am going to do the whole challenge this time, but will X off the jumping items, so I dont hurt my knees. I think that is what did them in the last time. Reminder to myself...do the wii fit first! I am not sure if it was the exercising or if it is because I am getting sick. I didnt really feel great yesterday morning or last night...sinus crap. Same this morning again...but it feels like it is breaking up, so I am hoping I will feel better in a couple days.

Fifa 10 soccer game

2009-11-04T15:11:00.000-08:00

The wii mommies are giving away a copy of the wii fifa soccer game. to enter click here. This looks like it could be a lot of fun!