Monday, August 29, 2011

BeautyBit #4

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Monday, August 29, 2011 0 comments
I found my favorite soap once again!! Palmer's Complexion Soap.   Shoppers didnt carry it for the longest time, but this time I found it in Walmart!  FANTASTIC!!

When I used this soap in the past, it evened out my skin on my face soooo good and it also clears up my skin very well.  I have the usual combination skin type.....oily T-zone.....little acne breakouts here and there, nothing major but it bothers me to have a pimple or two!  Especially at my age.   But with this soap my skin starts looking great after the first week I use it!!

I would recommend this soap to EVERYONE!!!   Enjoy!

What soap do YOU use and LOVE?

NL xoxo

Friday, August 26, 2011

Mmmmm...a little comfort to start the day!

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Friday, August 26, 2011 0 comments
I LOVE waking up in the early mornings, even on weekends, sit outside on the deck and enjoy my "hot chocolate".  You know how hot chocolate gives you that WARM, COMFORT feeling....like in the winter when you are bundled up in comfy clothes and a blanket!  Well this is what I do every morning before everyone wakes up....now some mornings can be chilly.  I have my pj's on and grab a sweater, go make my "hot chocolate", grab my laptop and a book, and sit outside on the deck!  Its so peaceful in the mornings with the birds chirping.....this is when i have a clear mind and I have my good ideas.  Im a thinker....I am constantly thinking of buisness stuff........and I LOVE to learn!
So you must be reading this so far thinking....."she's drinking hot chocolate?!!  This person who is into fitness and talks about eating healthy, is drinking hot chocolate everyday?!!".  lol  NOPE!  I am drinking a PROTEIN SHAKE HOT CHOCOLATE.  It's the easiest thing to do!  Now not every Protein powder is going to taste the same.  So sometimes you need to try a few different ones until you find the one that you really enjoy!!

Now you can have the comfort of a hot beverage and its not going to put the pounds on and have the added calories like a hot chocolate would!

Nina's Healthy Hot Chocolate
one scoop Chocolate protein powder 
1/4 cup cold water
hot water
splenda - optional

In a shaker cup put in one scoop protein powder.  Add the cold or room temperature water and shake well.  You should jsut have enough water in order for the powder to mix well, so you have no chunks.  Once you have shaken the powder up VERY well, about 30 sec, poor into your favorite mug.  Add in hot water until mug if full.  And there you go.....easy as that!  You can add in splenda or two, for those who have a sweet tooth!!

The protein powder I use right now is Myofusion, Milk Chocolate,  by Gaspari Nutrition.  Sold in GNC stores.

SO go grab your favorite mug and enjoy your hot chocolate protein shake!

NL xoxo

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Get Those Legs In Shape!

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Thursday, August 25, 2011 1 comments
I see it and hear it all the time from clients and any woman talking about her legs....."I jsut cant seem to get these legs in shape."  Legs are the hardest bodypart to get into shape for most women.  And its the bodypart that most women DO NOT train hard enough! 
With over a decade of training women and pushing them through a leg workout, most women stop during an exercise because, and I quote, "it hurts!"  Now it doesnt HURT when you do the exercise, its the BURN that happens because of lactic acid build up and because legs are a big muscle group, this is why you feel such an uncomfortable burn like no other.  But its when you get to this point that you NEED to keep going.  You NEED to keep going to see results. 
And not only will exercises help build your legs but cardio exercises such as running, will help you create strong muscles and toned legs. 
Legs are where most women will carry a lot of their weight....all I can say is GET MOVIN!!
You carry cellulite on your legs....GET MOVIN!  You have unwanted fat on your legs.....GET
 MOVIN!  Want tight toned legs.....GET MOVIN

My problem area are my legs as well....and people will always think that my legs are in such great shape cause they see my upper body!  But thats not the case.  My upper body is in great shape yes, and thats from always being on the go around the house.....I am constantly doing physical labour, so a lot of lifting.  But I never get in anything for my legs, so they suffer.

Here is photo of me before I did the Toronto Pro Show back in June.  The before pic is taken 7 weeks prior.  You can see how my hips (the saddlebag area) carry a lot of the weight.
Is this embarrassing for me....lol....YES!  But it shows I am a real person. 
Here in the before pic I felt aweful!....Unattractive!.....Down in the dumps!  I cut my hair off which I thought was a good idea at the time, but it wasnt!  lol  This also helped with the aweful feeling i had of myself.  lol.  It jsut wasnt me!  So I did something about it... I did the show for some motivation and push!  Took Me 7 weeks to lose the weight and get my body back!  And the solution for getting the legs down....CARDIO.....EXERCISE THE LEGS......and of course I ate well!

So I dont want to hear any excuses!  GET MOVIN!  Move those legs and work them out!  Doesnt have to be heavy weights at all.....high reps, conditioning, explosive movements, agility....this will all help!  This is how I train my clients and how I run my BOOTCAMPS!

I will be posting more leg shaping moves along with video, very soon! 

NL xoxo

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Fresh Food Best For Baby

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Tuesday, August 23, 2011 0 comments
There is nothing more healthy than having made FRESH food for your baby to eat!
I must say that I NEVER once fed my daughter any jarred or preserved food!  Everything she ate, even now, is ALWAYS fresh.  There are too many preservatives that are in baby food....in a lot of food that is on the grocery store shelf.  So, TOO many chemicals to keep the shelf life.

Preserving foods to keep them from spoiling do more harm than good in the long run. The side effects of some of the chemicals used in preserving foods can cause....
     -  allergy attack
     -  diarrhea
     -  dizzy spells
     -  migraines
     -  cancer
     -  birth defects
     -  liver damage
     -  asthma symptoms
     -  hyperactivity in children
     -  skin rashes
     -  heart palpatations

This is why its better to buy fresh food for baby.  Food that has come from the earth.  Not "man made".
It takes no time at all to make your babys food from scratch.  When you cook up something, you jsut have to puree what you've made and baby has fresh pureed food.   You dont need an expensive food processor either.....a hand blender, the magic bullet or the baby bullet all work GREAT!

What pureed foods are your babys favorite??  Aspen LOVED yams, peas, pears and apples.

Here's to good, healthy food for baby!

NL xoxo

Monday, August 22, 2011

The BEST Wraps You Can EVER Have!

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Monday, August 22, 2011 0 comments
Best in the Business!  A wrap BETTER than ANY OTHER!!!  I can honestly say that I have NEVER tried anything better then.....CHIPOTLE!!  Theirs wraps are BY FAR the best I have ever tasted!  Comes in a nice light wrap, with rice, lightley sauteed green pepper and purple onion, tomato, a little cheese, cilantro, and chicken or beef, along with their chipotle sauce.  Its just a little on the spicey side, but not too hot.  I dont like spicey, but I can handle these.  And all their ingredients come from LOCAL FARMERS, which is FANTASTIC!!!  Go and read on their site about their business.  No other buisness around that cares so much about where all their ingredients come from to make the wraps!
Chipotle Chicken Wrap!
If you have NEVER tried these wraps, trust me its WORTH the drive to Toronto!!  My first experience with them was in Columbus, Ohio.  I would go down and train with my trainer and this would be my cheat meal.  Its VERY healthy!  Then a couple years ago, Chipotle came to Toronto!!!   Well, now Vince and I will go to chipotle whenever we are shopping in TO, or when theres a fitness show in TO, or we are just craving a good ole wrap from Chipotle!
Make the drive down and GET ONE!!!
Check them out at www.Chipotle.com!

Everyone who has had a Chipotle wrap, pleave leave a comment on your yummy wrap!!!

Enjoy!! I know we (My dad, Aspen, Vince, and myself) are all enjoying our wraps right now!  Nice that Vince had a job to quote downtown Toronto!!!  Thanks Vince!  And thank YOU Chipotle!!

NL xoxo

Weekend Wilderness

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Monday, August 22, 2011 0 comments
This past weekend was a fun wilderness weekend for Aspen!  Its nice to live just on the outside of town....still close to all the stores without having to drive awhile to get somewhere, and still far enough out that we enjoy all the wildlife around.....and peace and quiet!
Aspens first little encounter was with a chipmunk.  I found the poor thing swimming in the pool.  The little guy would swim a bit and then float, swim a bit and then float.  I quickly dropped everything and ran for the pool net.  And Aspen right behind me to see what was happening. lol
I scooped up the chipmunk and it was literally lifeless....I was praying this little guy wouldn't die.   I'm a softy for animals!!!  He jsut lay on his side on the net not moving at all.  I brought him over to the trees and lay the net down on the grass.  Aspen jsut crouched down and watched, pointing and saying "tiny".  lol  It was too cute. We got him Aspen's old baby blanket to cover him cause he was shivering.  We picked him up in the blanket and put him on the grass in the sun.  Poor thing jsut lay there still.....this is after about 10 mins.  Aspen wanted to touch him the whole time!


Here is little "Chippy", as we called him, recovering from the pool.  Happy to say that he did recover after about a half hour and slowly took off as we sat and watched him.  Aspen CRIED when he left!!! LOL!!  So funny and cute!

Next little critter Aspen enjoyed watching was a catapillar.  Something Im not very fond of, but I dont want to show her my little fear of bugs, so I kept telling Aspen "wow, look how beautiful the catapillar is"....meanwhile im cringing inside.
Here is Aspen tryin to feed the catapillar strawberries!! lol
tryin to feed a catapillar that is on a leaf
Aspen tryin to feed me a strawberry.....the one she just tried to feed the catapillar
Aspen also got to see the baby chipmunks that live in our front yard (but we couldnt' get close enough to take any pics....they quickly hide), she finally got to see the hummingbird that feeds in our front window....Vince tried to take a pic of this beautiful bird but he's not fast enough! lol  She saw a woodpecker feeding on bugs in the grass in the early morning, and a "walking stick" bug....but the poor little guy was already dead in a bucket of water.  And the bunnies that come and go all day long. 

What a fun weekend Aspen had.....all the wildlife, all the company we had both days and the fun she had playing with the kids too.

NL xoxo

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Can't BEET a Farmers Market!

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Sunday, August 21, 2011 0 comments
Friday I went to the Farmers Market in Oshawa at the Oshawa Centre.....which by the way is a GREAT market for our area!  Lots of variety!  I do like to go once in awhile and hit the markets for some fresh food.  I havent gone all summer and then my friend Mandy had mentioned the farmers market.  Thankfully she did cause I have a new love.....BEETS!  I went two weeks ago and got a couple bunches of beets.....came home and made some steamed beets for dinner for my dad, Vince and Aspen, and then a beet cake!!  OMG the cake was FANTASTIC!!! 
Aspen and I went back this past Friday. Vince met us there to help me carrying everything back to the truck. This time I got a bushel of beets! lol Along with strawberries, peppers, tomatos, onion, garlic, cucumbers, fresh organic bread and some beautiful flowers! We were having company over on friday night for dinner so some fresh food was perfect!
Aspen enjoying some fresh organic bread in the back of the truck!

I ended up peeling the bushel of beets saturday afternoon while a friend was visiting. Saturday evening I spent steaming and bagging the beets for the freezer. I made a couple bags of shredded beets too so I can make Borsh (beet soup) this winter.
after washing my hands about 20 times!!!!

I''ll be going back for more fresh veggies this Friday.....going to start pickling cucmbers and beets!  This is something my parents did every year.  I remember helping when I was little!  And I remember ALL the jars of peaches, cucumbers, beets, raspberries that mom and dad would jar, and all the raspberry juice and strawberry, peach and raspberry jam they would make!  Nothing like making is all yourself.  HUGE difference in taste too.  I went and bought beets at the grocery store mid week last week, I brought them home, steamed them and took a bit and SPIT IT OUT!  It was disgusting!!

So this week I will be prepping all the things I need to start pickling!  Breakin out my all my mom's and baba's recipes!

What are some of your FAVORITE pickling recipes??  Or some of your FAVORITE pickled veggies?

NL xoxo

Thursday, August 18, 2011

BeautyBit #3

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Thursday, August 18, 2011 4 comments
My little BEAUTYBIT for today is on shampoo and conditioner.  One of my favorite hair products (I do have a few) is BED HEAD.  I LOVE BED HEAD products.  I use the "Moisture Maniac" for both shampoo and conditioner.

Now this may seem a little silly but it works for me.....because my hair is very fine and VERY straight I use a different shampoo for the top of my head.  This way I will stil be able to do something with my bangs  and crown area.  If I was to use the Moisture Maniac (which is for dry hair to help it be smooth and soft), then my hair would not style at all.  I also have extensions (most of the time), to give me a little fullness and also so that when I curl my hair, it actually stays in a curl.  If i didnt have the extensions, my hair would NOT hold a curl.....annnnd i would look like a drowned rat!  Not a nice look.

The shampoo I use on the top of my head is BIG SEXY HAIR "extra big volume" shampoo.  Anytime I need a little volume I do go to this line for the volume.  I find it works best on my hair.



So yes, it may seem a little odd but there is no "protocol" on how you are SUPPOSED to wash your hair right?  Well, this is what I do and it works for me. 
So.....wash top of head with BIG SEXY HAIR to give volume, then the rest of the hair with MOISTURE MANIAC to have it nice and soft, and then MOISTURE MANIAC conditioner, making sure I DON'T put any on the top of my head.....it will jsut weight down the hair.

And this is what I use for my shampoo and conditioner!

What are some of the shampoo/conditioner products you use?

NL xoxo

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

My Favorite Leg Shaper

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Wednesday, August 17, 2011 0 comments
Legs are one of the hardest body parts to get into shape for most women.  But then again most women do not train their legs hard enough to get the results you need.....plus eating helps with that but thats for another post!
One of my favorite exercises to shape the legs are lunges. Every kind of lunge!  Theres stationary lunges, walking lunges, diagonal lunges, backward lunge, jump lunges, back and forth lunges, backward lunge with high kick.....there are so many and all are FANTASTIC  for shaping the legs.  I use lunges a lot when I train my BOOTCAMPERS. 
I rarely use weight when conditioning the legs.  I go for high reps and keep the intensity level high.  For my BOOTCAMPERS, I push them as far as they can go for their own fitness level.  One thing I stress on is DONT GIVE UP!  Your legs will start to burn....some people will say "it hurts", but its not a pain hurt, its the burn that feels SO DARN UNCOMFORTABLE.  But thats the point where you need to push beyond to see results.  IF you do feel a pain (sharp pain) then do stop, but otherwise its the burn from lactic acid in the muscles.  Legs will ALWAYS get that burn, so for the beginner or even the intermediate, that is wondering "geeez, i must be out of shape" or "will this burn ever go away?".....NOPE!  lol.  You will just learn to tolerate it.
Here are some pointers on the perfect lunge....

-  front should be at a 90 degree angle when in the down position
-  front knee should NOT go past the toe
-  keep front heel on the ground AT ALL TIMES!!!
     -  if front heel comes off ground, what happens is you are pushing with your toes, which then puts pressure on your knees....RESULT, BAD KNEES!  Be sure to push with your heel!
-  do not bring body forward when doing the lunge.  Body should be moving up and down only!
-  keep chest up and shoulders back.  Always proper posture
-  when doing walking lunge, besure to take a long stride.  A short stride will result in your front heel lifting and therefore you pushing with your toes.....again, BAD FOR THE KNEES!
- be sure to bring back knee down so it almost touches the ground.  A nice deep lunge to benefit the legs most.
I will do about 20 - 30 steps of walking lunges.  I will also so timed lunges.  When I train the bootcampers, I keep the times around 30 - 40 secs as I have them also supersetting (doing back to back exercise) with another leg exercise.  Conditioning legs is my specialty.

Now go get those legs in shape!

NL xoxo

My Little Model!!

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Wednesday, August 17, 2011 0 comments
The other day Aspen was enjoying one of her mini ice cream cones, and of course her being a cutie pitutie, I HAD to take a few pics of her.

Lately I have been teaching her to look at the camera and smile.  She used to cover her eyes and do a big grin, now she understands and she lets out a big smile. LOL  I tell her to show her teeth and say "cheeeeese".....too funny! LOL....shes says cheeze too. 

So here are a few pics, in order, on me trying to get her to look at the camera and smile.
The beginning...not bad.
Oh, I need a break!


There we go, its coming!

Not sure whats happening here! LOL
Maybe getting ready for the next pic....big breath!

Yep, thats what it was.... here we go!

There's shes getting the hang of it.
Oh my little cutie!!!  These pics were taken one after another too.   Too funny!  She does love the camera.....and her ice cream!

NL xoxo

Just The Right Size!

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Wednesday, August 17, 2011 0 comments
I was at the grocery store the other day, looking for some things as I am trying something new here.....not going to say what it is but once i figure it out I WILL post!  Anyways, I came across these little mini  cones for ice cream!!  Perfect size for Aspen! 
So I wanted to mention it to all the moms out there with young kids.  A normal size ice cream cone is WAY too much for a little one.  But these are fantastic!  Look at the size of this cone compared to my thumb and fingers!! 
FANTASTIC!!!
Then I thought, well this is the perfect size for us moms who want to watch our sweet tooth habits that will result in weight gain.  As a personal trainer, and one who believes in balance, instead of "avoiding" things we like, this is the perfect size to enterain those tastebuds and get our sweet fix!  BRILLIANT!  ......Cause geeeez, I LOVE ice cream!! 

Now the only brand I found that made these were NO NAME, and I bought them at the Loblaws Supercenter, which is also affliated with Independent grocery store too (for those who live in places like Port Perry!)  Comes in a box of 48.

Hope you find them and enjoy!  Remember, its all about balance in life.  Be sure to get the exercise in as well or you WILL have weight gain.....even with these tiny, innocent cones!

NL xoxo

Busy, Busy.....But LOVIN it!

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Wednesday, August 17, 2011 0 comments
This past week has been a busy one!  Vince has been busy all summer with his business (so proud of him), and I have been diving into a few different projects, and "cleaning house/buisness", which has kept me busy.  All good though!
 
Bootcamps are going GREAT, clients are right on track for their upcoming competitions, Aspen is all signed up for fall classes, renos are still going on at the house, and planning Aspens 2nd birthday.  I must say that being busy is feels sooooo darn amazing....I accomplish so much and it feels FANTASTIC!  Its honestly a rush for me! lol

Vince and I are planning to have a fall corn roast this year....should be fun.  Hoping that the back yard will be finished by then....its a huge "eyesore" in the backyard right now.  Reduing the pool and we want to do it ourselves (of course)! Thats my personality....'I know i can do it myself'.....plus doing things yourself is so rewarding.   We want to do stamped concrete.  So vince and dad and been cutting and breaking up the old conrete....what a job!  Poor guys.

 The hard part is that we both own our own business so when work calls, you definitely can't ignore the calls.  You have to drop and go.  We're very thankful that my dad comes and gives us a hand now and then.  He's great like that.  If he's not over helping out my brother with whatever he can, he will be here helping if we need it.  I'm pretty thankful to have such a good dad.....there for his kids.  We all try to stay close too.....my brother has his own business so he is VERY busy as well.  We only have the 3 of us....dad, my bro and myself.  My dad, and my brother and his family mean a lot to me so I like to keep as close as we can (lol which isnt much cause we all work so damn hard). .....but I wouldnt have it any other way.

I will be blogging daily again.  So check back everyday for tips, advice, research, or what's going on in the Luchka House!

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

NL xoxo

Monday, August 15, 2011

Too Many Hands.....Fussy, Fussy, Fussy!

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Monday, August 15, 2011 0 comments
Well, its almost the end of the month which means my little girl will be 2!!  TWO!!  OMG time DOES fly.  And I must say that I made every day count!  I'm planning her birthday party and so enjoying it.

So, I was remembering when Aspen was first born.....this is something new moms/moms-to-be SHOULD think of......handling the new born.  When I was pregnant and speaking with the lamaze teacher, a couple nurses, the doctor and a few moms, they ALL highly recommended, NOT LET BABY BE HANDLED BY EVERYONE!!  My husband and I told this to a few people when Aspen was born and some did NOT like our choice.....but ah well!  Now the reason for not handing around baby and why some recommend this, is that when baby is born, you want baby to know your touch, the way you hold and know that YOU are the one that will comfort baby.  If baby is handled and tossed around to everyone baby gets stressed out which can be very harmful to baby.  Plus, you will most likely be stuck with a baby that will cry and not be comforted by your touch.  Baby has to get used to you, bond with you, know your special touch.

We also told people that we do not want visitors at the hospital or at the house for a bit....let us bond with our new little girl and get used to things OUR way.  Yes you will piss the odd person off, but most are understanding.  I would also have visitors come to the house always at the wrong time....breastfeeding/pumping (as I had to do both).  I refused to answer the door!  Some people jsut didnt understand.  But most would call and see what time would be a good time and if I was up for company.  You will get all kinds during this important bonding time, but stick to what YOU want to do or how you want to do things. 

Here is a link to read but take a look at the comments to see what others say as well....  http://www.babycenter.com/404_how-do-i-handle-friends-and-family-with-a-newborn_9934.bc

For those who are going to do this on their next child, good luck on pleasing everyone.  lol  It happens.  Some people jsut dont understand, or respect your way.  I am VERY happy that we stuck by our plan of not having baby handled by many or have many visitors the first 2 weeks, and I must say we had a FANTASTIC baby!  Aspen slept well and was NEVER fussy.  She was such a great baby. ......  Buuut, not a baby anymore!  My little sweetie is a toddler now.

Be sure to stick to how you want to have things happen when baby comes in to the world.  Be vocal.  Those who dont understand.....they'll get over it. ;)

I will be posting soon on a baby's immune system and the importance of keeping baby away from germs.

Just some info from what I went thro....lots more to come.  enjoy.

NL xoxo 

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Panic Attacks...My Story.

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Wednesday, August 10, 2011 0 comments
Tight chest.  Gasping for a deep breath.  Heart fluttering.  Am I going to have a heart attack? Am I going to die right here?  If something happens, what is everyone going to do?   I am jsut going to try to fall asleep for a bit.....as its a loooong ride back home!

This was my first experience of a panic or anxiety attack.  I honestly thought I was going to have a heart attack or something. 

Vince and I were on our way to Columbus Ohio to train with my trainer back in September 2002.  We were about an hour and a half away from my trainer's house and I didnt tell Vince how or what I was feeling.  I just told him I was tired and Im going to try and get some sleep.  I must say, its a SCARY feeling!   I didnt know what had happened.

The next panic attack happened in March of 2003, again heading down to Columbus to work a booth at the Arnold Classic.  Vince and I had our 2 dogs packed in the truck and on our way.  I started to get the attack about an hour away.  I told Vince this time, and I wanted to go home.....again, its EXTREMELY scary going through this and you have no idea why or what is going to happen.  He said "well lets jsut try to get to the hotel and see how you feel".  We got to the hotel, stayed there about 30 mins, packed everything back up and left for home!  Poor Vince drove 8 hrs down there, stayed for 30 mins and then 8 hrs back!  And when we got down there we arrived at about 10pm!!!  So the poor guy had to drive all night back home.  I tried everything to relax and take it away, but this was so new to me so I had no idea what it was still.  When we got home, I literally cried the whole weekend.....having vince drive the whole way there and back without rest, letting people down at the booth that I was to work at, and not having control of what was going on with my body.

What the heck was this ....what was happening to me. 

I went to the doctors, explained what was happening and she told me "Panic attacks.  You are experiencing panic attacks."  She then perscribed me some Adivan.
Now this is a difficult thing for me as I DONT LIKE TO TAKE MEDICATION.  I try to stay as natural as possible.  VERY rare that I even advil for a headache!!  So, i didnt take the Adivan.  BUT I did carry it everywhere with me!!

My attacks got so bad that when I left the house to go to work, about 10 mins away from the house and I would start to go into an attack.  I needed to do something.....and heres what I did.

First, i didnt want to be medicated.  Especailly when "something" was causing this, so I wanted to figure out what it was and fix it.  I looked back when my first attack happened.....a month before my moms year anniversary of when she passed.  Same weekend  as when my brother passed 5 years earlier.  Hmmmm.  Then I started to think "why is it i get an attack on the way to work" ?  Ahhhhh!!  I got it!  If something was to happen to me (as i was going to the states, or going to work, or just out of the house) what would my husband do?.....what would my dad do?.....what would my brother do?  THATS what the problem was!  I was scared that they wouldn't be ok.  We have had so many deaths close to us over the years that I felt that if something happened to me then how would or could they handle any more loss.

Now that I feel I have figured out the problem, now I have to control this.  I started to read A LOT!  A lot of self help books!  Then I did a little research and found that Rescue Remedy, a natural homeopathic remedy would help!  I started taking it right away!

It took awhile to get things under control but with some patience, a supporting husband (who could see the warning signs when i was having one), some great books, and rescue remedy, I was starting to feel in control again.  What a relief.  Now if I experience a hint of anxiety, I acknowledge it and figure out what is causing it and relax. 

Here are a few little tidbits of advice on how I handle my attacks......

- relax
- breath deep
- know that everything is fine  
- Rescue remedy (i would put drops in each water bottle all day every day)
- self help books
- take a nap if you can
- simplify things in life
- surround yourself with positive people and weed out the negative ones
- talk about it....you will realize you are not alone.

If you are experiencing panic attacks, feel free to contact me anytime.  One little warning sign that you are going to have one or your body is getting to that point, you will start to yawn. This is your bodies way to relax.  So you may not even be tired but you will start to yawn.  This is how I can tell when any of my competitors are nervous before stepping on stage!;) 

NL xoxo
Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Wednesday, August 10, 2011 0 comments
Here's a pic I had to share!  I got this for Vince for Father's Day.  He is SO in LOVE with his little girl!!!  AND SOOOO PROUD to be a daddy!!!  He is such a great daddy too!  Its nice to know that I can leave to go shopping or work (even overnight) and he will be just fine....even when she was tiny he was GREAT with her like that!!  Im VERY fortunate to have such an amzing husband....and Aspen is VERY lucky to have a daddy like him.
 "A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way."


Photo taken by Tara Hingo of Whitby, in 2009.  Aspen was about a week old.


NL xoxo

Dont let the dog have it....

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Wednesday, August 10, 2011 0 comments
Went to visit a friend today for a casual and business visit.  I was ready to go and I got Aspen packed up and then.......she yells!  "Kona! Kona!" Thats our Doberman's name.  When she says that I know there is something she wants to bring with us so that the dog doesnt get it or be near it.lol  hmmmm....i wonder what it is?  Is it her doll?.....maybe her book?.....oh, its gotta be her ball!!

Out she comes with her dolly stroller!  lol  Yes, I guess we should bring this outside so KONA doesnt get it!!  He might use it.  lol  Then, she runs back in the house......oh geeez (lol) Im thinking to myself, then she comes out with the other doll stroller.  lol  Then she runs back in, calls me for help.... by this point I am laughing so hard at this situation!  lol  I go back inside and I have to help her bring out her little car toy she rides on, while she grabs her shopping cart! lol  I REALLY needed to go but this was so darn cute that another 5-10 mins is not going to hurt. Phew I think we are done and ready to finally get in that car seat.......NOPE!   Baaaaack in to the house to grab her big wheel bike!  You know, the dog MAY ride around on it while were gone! lol

So I thought maybe I would line them all up on the porch and leave them there until we get back.....NOPE!  Aspen wants to bring them in the truck!  Ok fine.  I will put them all in the truck JUST in case Kona unlocks the front door and comes outside to play with the toys. lol!!! 

Oh my little cutie!!
LOL!!!!!

PS.  Yes i put a lot of "lol" cause i giggle the whole time.  She makes me laugh so much cause she is so darn cute!!  I even erased a few of the "lol"!!!

NL xoxo

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

I Just Want to Wash My Hands!

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Tuesday, August 09, 2011 1 comments
Today I ventured out and did some errands with my little "angel".....yes my little angel!!  She is honestly TOO FUNNY!  We made our way to Party Packagers to pick up some of her birthday party supplies.  We venture in to the store.... Aspen carrying her Cabbage Patch Doll and a wipe.....yes a wipe (wet nap)!  lol
We are walking thro the store picking out supplies, and some "sandbox" toys.....which by the way are 40% off right now!  She is being such a good little girl thro the store.  She sees a bag of "coins" in the pirate section...."money.....money".  lol  I tell her its not real money, but of course she thinks it is so she walks around with the bag of "coins" thinking that she will take this home and put it in her piggy bank. 
Everything was perfect!......Then, we leave the store and head outside only to have it POURING rain out.  Rushing a little faster back to the truck, I pick her up to put her in her car seat and SHE LOSES IT!  Back arching, legs kicking, crying like someone just stole her money! lol  I stop trying to put her in the car seat and stand there in the rain, holding her, asking her what she wants and that its ok.  And because she cant speak sentences yet, I am hoping i can figure out whats up with my little angel, fast, because we are getting soaked!. 
As she's pointing to her hands and rubbing them together, i see she wants to "wash her hands"!  Yes, my little cutie wants to wash her hands!  Geeeez.  I start to giggle at the situation.  I tell her we cant.  I dont even know if they have a bathroom back in the store.  I try to put her back in the car seat...nope....same thing, back arching, screaming, stiff body! lol  So i take her out again.  I try to calm her down, as I'm giggling thro this whole situation.  I wish I would have taken a few pictures!!  Or someone take a few pics of me and Aspen going thro this ordeal. 
Now, even tho shes fighting the whole time, NOT to get in to the seat, crying and carrying on, it was sooooo cute and funny!!  All she wanted to do is wash her hands!  But not sure if that would get her in the seat anyways. 
I ended up getting her in the seat after about 10 mins in the rain, of talking with her and calming her down!  lol  And the whole time I was just giggling and loving the whole situation.  Seriously.  It was so cute! 
Oh the joys of mommyhood.....I ABSOLUTELY  LOVE IT!!

I LOVE MY ASPEN JADE!

NL xoxo

Healthy Spicy Patties

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Tuesday, August 09, 2011 0 comments
So the other day I decided to make some Spicy Patties and keep them as healthy as I can.  They turned out fantastic...mmmmmmm...yummy!  Aspen and Vince absolutely loved them!  Hope you do too.  And be creative!

Ingredients
1 cup cooked Bison
1 cup cooked wild rice
3/4 cup shredded cheese (pick a spicy one!)
4-6 egg whites
3 cloves fresh garlic
tex mex spice
cajun spice

Have the rice cooked and ready to go and be sure that once you cook the Bison, you immediately make the patties.  Mix all ingredients into a bowl.  Use as much spice as you want.  Spray frying pan with Pam and cook patties at medium heat, cooking them 3 mins per side (until a med brown).  Be sure to make the patties like you would a hamburger pattie.  I made a few small ones for Aspen.

Dipping sauce
1/2 cup greek yogurt
1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
2 tablsp lime or lemon juice
1 clove garlic

Enjoy!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Recipe for Good Parenting #1

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Monday, August 08, 2011 0 comments
I am SOOO in love with my little girl!  I LOVE watching her grow and being her own little person.  She has such a personality its unbelievable!  I must say she has a great sense of humor already and jokes around like Vince and I do.....ITS HILARIOUS!!!!  So as I watch my little girl grow each day, and spending time with her and teaching her as much as I can, here is a list of things that Vince and I do for our Aspen Jade!

Each one of thse goes a LONG way and are SO important!
-  spend time with your child
-  laugh as much as you can with them
-  share a cuddle and a giggle everyday
-  teach them the right values
-  notice them!
-  listen to their stories
-  respect your child
-  apologize when you are wrong
-  play with them
-  have patience
-  tuck them into bed at night
-  ask them to help
-  let them explore
-  encourage them to reach for their goals
LOVE THEM!!!!


These are just some of the things that Good Parenting is all about.  You will have a beautiful child when you show them each of these things!


I am such a proud mommy....
NL xoxo

Friday, August 5, 2011

BeautyBit #2

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Friday, August 05, 2011 0 comments
Here is my latest FAVORITE eyeshadow....Mac ORB!  I use it as a highlighter.  So this can be used on your lid or your brow bone (just under your brow).  Such a great color and will look great on almost everyone!

Enjoy!

Anyone wanting makeup tips, write your comment below and and would be more then happy to help!  And for those who dont know, I am a Makeup Artist!

NL xoxo

Thursday, August 4, 2011

For the Curious....I'm NOT Doing Olympia!

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Thursday, August 04, 2011 0 comments
WOW!!  So many come to my blog and check out my post on "Im going to Olympia!".  lol   Well, I've decided NOT to compete in the Olympia. 

You know, you get to a point in your life where you have achieved what you wanted to do.  And I have done that!  I trained hard, STAYED NATURAL!, and got my Pro card.  I've stepped on the Arnold Classic Stage, did one qualifying show in Montreal and qualified for the Olympia, and stepped on the Olympia stage!  There were a few of my goals and I did it!

Then I had a baby, got into a "comfort zone" of not working out and doing everything for my little one, and thats the reason for stepping on the Toronto Pro stage this past June.  It wasn't to "TRY" and qualify for the Olympia,been there, done that .....it was for me to get my motvation back!  Something I needed to do.   I jsut happened to place 4th (against all these youngins!) and because the top 3 already had their qualifications, the next in line qualifies for the Olympia....thats ME!

My decision of NOT competing came to me when I needed to sign the Olympia Contract by July 29.  I looked it over and noticed that I only get a VIP ticket for my husband .  The last time I did Olympia, my flight and hotel were paid for and I got a VIP ticket.  But I guess cause I didnt "technically" place top 3,  that my hotel and flight are NOT paid for.  So, Vince and I were going to make a vacation out of it and stay longer and enjoy Vegas with Aspen.....Vince and I love Vegas and we are not gamblers.  But now that I would have this expense added on, a trip to vegas to compete in the Olympia, that would be "JUST FOR FUN", would now be an approx $3500 trip! Vince and I could have a better trip to enjoy and at a cheaper cost.

So, many of you are probably saying...."but this is the Olympia!!!  This is the Best of the Best in the world!  Not everyone will ever have this chance to step on this stage!"  Well, I've been there and done that.  I dont "need" to step on that stage again.  It wont mean as much as it did when I first stepped on that stage and achieved my goal.   Once a goal is achieved, we move on to achieve other goals...and this is what I am doing.

On to the next goal!.....hmmmmm....i wonder what it will be!! ;)

NL xoxo

Monday, August 1, 2011

Aspen's PLAYLAND is Finished!

Posted by Nina Luchka ... the motivated mom at Monday, August 01, 2011 0 comments
It took about a week to put together the whole set, modifying a few things!  My dad is good at modifying and putting in good support!  So Vince, my dad and my dads friend all worked hard at putting this playset together for Aspen.  AND SHE LOVES IT!!!
This is the playset that we got at Toys R Us, made by My Big Backyard.  It was a fantastic deal!
We decided to fill in around the playset with sand.....so its one HUGE sandbox for Aspen....and Vince and I!  lol  We LOVE playing in the sand with Aspen.
Vince, My Dad, and Dad's Friend Peter building the playset
Grandpa aka "GiGi" (my dad) bringing a few trailer full of sand for the playset area

And the FINAL RESULT.....Aspen's Playset is finished!!!

Thanks to my dad's friend Peter, my dad and of course my husband Vince for building this perfect playland for Aspen! 

NL xoxo
 

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