And the verdict is in...

I am very guilty. Very, very guilty of eating all the wrong foods for about 3 days. It all started on Christmas day. I got up and ran for 30 minutes to get my body and metabolism going. I ate some Greek yogurt before we went to my mom's for Christmas breakfast. I ate scrambled eggs with peppers and onions, turkey sausage and lots of yummy fruit. I did have a couple pieces of chocolate and some grasshopper which proved to be my terrible downfall for the day. So I did OK. Then we went home to hang out for a few hours. We relaxed, watched TV, and played Colton's new game Candyland. I ate some steak left over form the night before. I think I also ate some carrots and an orange. Then we finished up the day at my dad's house for dinner. I brought a large pan of veggies for roasting in the oven so I was confident I had at least one good dish to indulge in. I felt that I ate ok including some white lasagna, but only a little bit. Then, my dad brought out the grasshoppers again, and it was all downhill from there.

On a weak whim, I had a little bit of coconut cream pie and a little bit of apple pie and I felt so sick! Talk about a bloated belly. I suffered all the way home and even complained in a text to Lisa (my Physicians Weight Loss Center counselor). She pretty much laughed at me and told me it was a holiday, enjoy it, but remember it.

The next morning, I ate a good breakfast, but on the way to Green Bay (Tom & I had tickets to go see the Packer game on Dec 26th which was AWESOME!) I ate Arby's for lunch, pizza for dinner and lots of drinks. It was a rough day on Monday. I was hungover, tired, bloated, my face was very puffy, it was really unattractive. But it also gave me a new perspective on this "clean diet" I've been on for the past 2+ months. I also didn't have a very good eating day on Monday and my stomach paid dearly again.

Just think, if this is how THAT food makes me feel, why-oh why would I even want to eat it. Normally, the big three eating holidays aren't really that bad if you only eat that day. I don't and probably won't ever eat like that again for 3 days in a row. The trip to Green Bay was one that we have planned since September so it was special.

I couldn't wait to wake up on Tuesday morning and work out and eat good again. I now know that creamy drinks, fast food and heaving meals make me feel YUCKY and meals filled with lean meats, veggies and fruits make me feel energized and confirmed for me again that eating clean is how I want to do it and I want to extend this to my family as well.

I am a little scared to go in to PWLC and see what kind of damage I really did, I think I will wait til later this week. I'll be back at the end of the week to talk resolutions!

Heading into the biggest time of the year…

It’s Christmas Eve and Merry Christmas to you and your family. I’ve had a great week. I’m down in weight, fat and up in muscle and my running is going very well. I stopped in to see Lisa at Physician Weight Loss Center last night on my way home from my radio show. I had to go and see where I was at before I went into the Christmas weekend. I want to have a standard so I know how much “damage” I do to myself over this crazy weekend. My current stats: down 18.6 lbs and 13.5 inches! I’ve also put 148 miles on my legs since November 1st. I think I’m the most proud of that. It was a huge goal of mine to get my running lets back before I start training for the ½ marathon I want to run. It will be my first ½ marathon in a long time. I’m also not done with that number. My time period goes til Christmas day and I’m planning on running this afternoon and then also getting up in the morning to get a quick run in before the chaos starts!

I did have my first drink yesterday. We had our last radio show yesterday and Don finally convinced me to have a drink, so I had a very light bloody mary and it was delish! Then later last night, I went to a little get-together at another friend’s house with my best friend that was home for Christmas. I ended up having two more drinks. (I just know that Lisa is going to rough me up for this) I didn’t feel bad or bloated after the bloody mary, but I didn’t feel good at all after the other two, very sugar and thick drinks. YUCK! I did feel bloated and just icky. So when tomorrow comes, I’m quite certain that I will do just fine. I don’t really need cookies and desserts but if I want a little, I will have a little. I’ve already requested an egg scramble for Christmas breakfast at my mom’s tomorrow morning and I’m taking a huge crock full of yummy veggies to roast in the oven and I’m sure that if I eat mostly that, with some type of protein, I will be happy and satisfied.

But the wild card comes on Sunday. Tom and I are leaving bright and early to go to Lambeau to see the Packers play. I’m super excited. Tom and I haven’t done anything like this in a long time. My dad is watching the boys for a couple days and we get to go and relax. So my diet isn’t going to do very good on Sunday. I really want to eat pizza (and once again, I’m sure Lisa is going to give me a time-out or something=)) I will report back after I get back and then report after I go and see Lisa and see what kind of damage I do to myself. Maybe I will be able to catch a run on Monday after we get back.

Have a super weekend, Merry Christmas and Go Packers!!!

Tis the season of insanity...

The happiest time of year is also the most insane...shopping, cooking, food, parties, constantly ringing phone, running around like a chicken with my head cut off! I've already typed about this before but it truly is the way I'm feeling right now and its messing with everything.
I have had a much better week - 10x better than the past two. I even sat down on Sunday night and wrote myself a little letter on & read through it every day this week - well at least Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. It helped and the stress & pressure is much better. I'm also working on oozing with positivity! Trying to give myself a break I guess. I'm pretty hard on myself so this past week, if I was running a little late, I didn't freak out or get extra stressed or yell at my kids for not moving fast enough (poor Colton) Instead, I took a deep breath and let it go.
My workouts have been great like I said earlier this week, I hit my running challenge and that is a reason to celebrate a hi-5 moment!
I didn't have such a hi-5 moment when I went into Physicians Weight Loss Center yesterday. I really felt all week like I was melt away. I'm down one more hole in my belt loop so I was excited to weigh in. Well - not only did I gain some weight (.6 lbs) but I gained a full pound of fat and that is making me sick and also freaking me out! Unfortunately I missed Lisa (the owner of PWLC) I should have let her know I was coming in when I did, but her hubby and chiropractor, Dr. Pat, weighed me in. He's a great guy, but I told him it was his fault - just kidding. He said that I shouldn't worry too much, just stick to the diet and don't cheat. But I didn't cheat!!!
I may have eaten a larger amount of food on Wednesday, but it was all clean. When we had our family Christmas party on Wednesday night and all I ate was shredded chicken and raw veggies. I didn't even nibble on a cookie. So that it was is freaking me OUT! I guess I will take a deep breathe and see what comes of Monday. I will definitely let you know what the scale says on Monday. And I was going to have a bloody mary at my husband's Christmas party tonight. Not anymore................

I really am trying to ooze with positivity! Hate to be a Debbie Downer!

A Refreshing Attitude...

Part 1: There's one reason why you haven't heard from me since early last week, and that's because I was oozing with negativity. I had another icky week, 2nd one in a row but that's coming to an end. Once again- I'm writing this on Monday night, the news is almost on, I finally shut my computer down and I'm starting to unwind on the couch. My multi-bad weeks are blamed on this overwhelming time of year and my period is really throwing me for a loop this month.
I didn't even go to PWLC the end of last week because I just couldn't. I felt fat and just not my self all last week. I just didn't want to bum myself out with some weight gain, and I didn't even cheat. But I went to see Lisa at Physicians Weight Loss Clinic today! It was a Hi-5 moment again! I am down 17.2 lbs in just over 2 months and I've also lost 16.25 includes. By tomorrow (Tuesday) I will have surpassed my 120 miles running goal that I started on November 1st and that will be over a week and a half a head of schedule. I'm still having some issues balancing my muscle gain and fat loss, but it is coming along. Can you believe I'm just not eating enough! I'm still doing a great job and this will catapult me out of my two week funk!
Part 2: It's Tuesday morning and yes I did surpass the 120 miles challenge with flying colors! And one last thing, I have to tell you about this great recipe that I tried this weekend. It is for Cranberry Sauce/Relish. I love cranberries, but the canned ones are just terrible and the homemade ones are full of sugar. So I tried this recipe:
Cranberry Relish
2 cups of fresh cranberries
1/2 cup honey
1 cup of orange juice
1 pear - cut up into small pieces
combine all and boil until all the cranberries pop then put in a dish and then in the frig until gelled then serve!

They have a different taste but I really like them! Try it and enjoy!

The best time of year can also be the hardest

(It's Monday night)
I'm hand-writing this blog on Monday night sitting on the ouch watching football. I just got done eating a bowl of chili (homemade) and a bunch of green beans and I read thru the Hudson Bagel & Coffee Co's newsletter that came in the mail today. It was a heck of a week last week and I'm trying desperately to maintain control over today. I guess it is just the time of year when life gets crazy and overwhelming at times.
I'm preparing for a family Christmas with Tom's Family this Saturday. Once again, I'm trying to stay on top of thing.
So last Friday, when I went into Physicians Weight Loss Center, it was a Hi-5 moment! I dropped more weight and all in fat - way to go Lisa! (happy dance:))My weekend was great. I did a lot of work, got a lot done and felt like it was a productive weekend. I decided I wanted to head on in again today (Monday) to PWLC to weigh in again and see how successful my weekend was.
It should have been a Hi-5 moment buy by obsession with weight really shadowed over my success. I did gain over 2 lbs, BUT I gained 2 lbs of muscle. This is awesome. I'm back up to 113 lbs of muscle which is where I was when I started my journey at PWLC. I can probably thank 19+ miles of running last week and a kick butt training session with Tera Busker of Fitness To Go.
But I did gain a little fat so I need to WATCH IT! I need to get just a little more disciplined on the amount of Mochas and lattes I consume even if they are non-fat and sugar free. I wish Lisa wouldn't have told me I could have them every once in a while. If you give a kid an inch...right!
Speaking of running - I'm doing awesome on my challenge. I'm at week 6 and I'm at 98+ miles as of this morning. Even the treadmill is feeling good. Cheryl (my sister-in-law) ran outside last Friday night in the snow. The run was going well, but the snow, wine and slippery conditions made it hard and we only ran 5 miles.
As I look into this week, there is a lot on my to-do list. I'm going to put a smile on my face and keep moving forward. I'm gong to tighten up on the food I'm eating and continue to pound the pavement or treadmill wheel.
Thanks for the recipes, keep sending them. I've got good stuff in the works to share with you so stay tuned! Thanks for following.

I found my love for peppers!

You know - just because you're on a diet doesn't mean you can eat! Even my hubby is getting into the diet and helping me think of great ideas. Its easy - lean meat, veggies and a small amount of carbs. An example - last night, I fried up some 93% lean hamburger with sauteed onions, red & green peppers and mushrooms - then I boiled some potatoes and mashed them up. I laid the hamburger mixture over the potatoes with a side of green beans and it was yummy ! Not to mention filling. It is all about portions too, about 5 oz of meat.

Another great idea - I eat a lot of eggs these days and Tera Busker (my trainer and owner of Fitness To Go) suggested using whites only too. Cut the fat and only eat the good protein. So for lunch, I eat an egg scrambler. I sauteed (in EVOO) onions, peppers & mushrooms and add a 2 full egg/2 egg white mixture and cook it all up and once again, you have a great, yummy and filling lunch or dinner that is easy.

Like my title, I've found a love for peppers and onions. It has been fun cooking with fresh veggies and I can't wait to grow all kinds of veggies this summer in my garden. So I'm looking for healthy recipes - do you have one? Please email or comment with one. Tera just gave me one last week that I've already tried twice. It is oatmeal pancakes & this is the recipes: 1/2 cup whole oatmeal, 1/4 cup apple sauce & 4 egg whites. Mix well in a blender. It makes 2 large pancakes and once again - YUMMY! I put a couple of tablespoons of real maple syrup and enjoy! I suppose you could use applesauce or peanut butter as well. You've gotta try it!

I haven't told you about Thanksgiving, I did well. I ate lots of turkey, my wild rice stuff (which turned out good) and then a small amount of scalloped corn, stuffing and mashed potatoes (no gravy). I was satisfied and I didn't wreck my diet! Then I went in to get weighed yesterday and it was a HIGH FIVE MOMENT! I am now down to 165.8lbs which is 13.2 lbs. Do you know how long it took me to loose that much weight the last time I lost a lot of weight? I was also down 3.6 lbs of fat and my muscle mass stayed put. This was an awesome moment because I didn't let Thanksgiving beat me!

How was your Thanksgiving?

I will leave you with a few ideas for good protein snacks to have in your house all the time. Hard Boiled egg, low fat cottage cheese, low fat natural lunch meats like turkey, yogurts and nuts like raw almonds! Just a few tips the next time you reach for that high cal snack, reach for a high pro snack!

TTFN................................

Happy Thanksgiving!

You may think I’m nutz for starting a serious diet program right before the holidays. I think I am. How the heck am I going to make it through Thanksgiving and Christmas and all those parties without eating all that yummy, once a year, can’t wait to eat yourself silly foods?? I love cookies and all that heavy food that comes with those big dinners. BUT – its only for one year, right?

I'm staying at a friend's house tonight and for the next couple of days with my kids up near deer camp. My kids are too little to stay at deer camp and there really isn't that much room. My friend is watching the boys while I go hunting. Then tomorrow, we are going to do the big Thanksgiving meal at deer camp. Just like I've been doing for years. We will have it all; the turkey, the stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, all the good stuff. I even had the request to make my famous green bean casserole. One of my favorites. So - what is a person on a very strict diet suppose to do???

I think my number one advice for a holiday meal or a party is bring something that you CAN eat. I made a variation of wild rice stuffing. I substituted bread crumbs for brown rice and skipped the butter. I added ground turkey and some celery and onions. I will let you know how it turns out. I can eat the turkey and I will eat up on the turkey - white meat of course - then I might have a little mashed potatoes, the wild rice stuffing and then I suppose I should have some veggies of some sort too! I will let you know how it goes.

Here's a few other tips: It is OK to splurge on your very favorites, but don't let your family decide what you should splurge on. Your splurges are way too precious so put some thought into it before you dish up. Also, don't starve yourself. If you have a late afternoon dinner between football games, eat your good high protein breakfast, have your snack, then eat a light lunch. If you starve yourself, your insides are going to get all messed up. If you keep eating normal then when you do eat that huge meal, it won't be such a shock!

And don't remember, get some exercise in! Even if it is just a walk.

I'm going to get up at 4am, drive out to deer camp, eat my high pro-low carb breakfast, get all my heavy clothes on (because its going to be cold tomorrow)and tromp out to the woods to sit in my deer stand for a few hours, or maybe just a couple.

Talk to you after Thanksgiving...hope you and your family have a happy Thanksgiving!

Jumping for Joy!

It was very intense...it was Wednesday morning...my socks and shoes were off...I got the go ahead to step on the scale...AND...I am finally in the 160s!!! yeah for me!!! I have been waiting to get down below 170 since I started. The funny this is that I feel lighter than just having lost 10 lbs. Its really weird. I've lost 3.5% of my body fat plus 9 lbs of fat and then like I said, 10 lbs on the scale. And I just can't say enough how amazing I feel.

Above are the before and after pics of my currently. The first is me when I started about Oct 18 and the second one is from me last week. What do you think?

I'm sitting here on Friday evening, the house is quiet (my mom picked up my kids) and I'm waiting for the UPS man to arrive with my packets of coffee so I can get up north and hunt this weekend. I've been hunting since I was 12 and it is a yearly tradition I look very forward to. I hunt with my dad still and have hunted with my mom in the past as well. My hubby also hunts with us as well. We hunt north of Cameron, WI and I'm very anxious to get going. It has been two years since I've been up north to hunt opening weekend. Last year, I just had a baby so I didn't get to hunt. The really cool thing is, my hunting close hang on me! That is exciting. I remember the year after I had Colton, that wasn't the case at all. I really owe it to Lisa at the Physicians Weight Loss Center in Hudson.

She stopped my outrageous eating problem. I just love to eat like I told you about last week. Now I eat all whole foods and my only true splurge is lattes and mochas. I was told that it is OK to have a treat every once in a while. I just can't over do it. But my body is truly working for me now instead of against me. Lisa told me to eat something like string cheese or a scoop of real peanut butter when I eat a snack that has sugar in it. That way my blood sugar won't spike and I won't wreck everything. Just think...what would it be like if we all ate healthy whole foods??? Would our health crisis be under control? Will cancer be such a concern? I'm not a doctor and I'm not making any out right statements, just a thought of what would happen and what IF all our health problems came from the crap we eat every day?

still waiting for the UPS man........

The running is going amazing too. I just feel so good and don't have the heavy icky feeling like I have before. It does get hard by the end of the week to get up at 5:40am to run, but I've been doing it. Since November 1st, I've run 56.57 miles. I'm pretty pumped about that. Here I come 120 miles!

Well if you aren't in a tree stand this weekend, you better get out there and shop or go out to eat and spend some local money! Check out www.thelocalbizonline.com for a great list of everything
that is going on. I'm sure your favorite restaurant or bar has something going on, so be sure to take advantage!

Part 1: Let it Snow!!! Part 2: All I want to do is EAT!

Hello Everyone! How's it going? I'm feeling awesome!

Part 1: I'm glad I didn't get a chance to blog yesterday because then I can share with you my morning. Due to the blast of winter direct from Mother Nature, Cheryl and I have to postpone our run for the weekend. We're hoping to run tomorrow after after the Viking game. I went into River Falls to run some errands, had to go to the grocery store and also wanted to hang up a few posters for the Snow BIZaar around town. I splurged on my diet and had a non-fat mocha from my fav coffee show, Dish and Spoon Cafe. Then I got a chance, FINALLY, to visit Karma Gifts right there on Main Street next to Dish and Spoon. What a great little gift shop. They have lots of candles and soaps and foods, lotions, children's gifts. You have to check it out. I even bought a new candle, didn't have much on me to spend, but I wanted to try this candle out, have it burning right now next to my computer, its Pumpkin Butter, yumm-eee.

Part 2: All I want to do it EAT! At least that is what my problem was before I started working with Lisa at the Physicians Weight Loss Center. I don't have any psychological problems like most of the contestants on the Biggest Loser, my favorite show, I just love to eat! Well with this diet, I have to eat and eat all the time. I started eating a meal replacement bar before I get on the treadmill in the morning and I think its working! I went in on Friday and my results are continuing to amaze me. Since the beginning (10/18/10) I've lost 9.2 lbs of fat mass and gained 2.6 lbs of muscle mass. And my weight has dropped 6.6 lbs on the scale. I have to get the obsession out of my mind about losing actual weight, its not about the weight, they tell me muscle weighs more than fat and I believe it now.

So eat, eat, eat, but eat the right kinds of foods, and that is what I'm learning. I eat (like I've told you before) lean meats, veggies and fruits. And I'm not hungry much at all. Isn't that why diets fail?

And here is a little information about breakfast, a healthy breakfast, that is:
Carbs-based Breakfast - In the morning simple carbohydrates (sugary refined cereals, white breads, toasts, etc) cause an immediate surge of blood sugar level which results in a substantial emission of insulin. The insulin removes sugar from blood turning its excess into fat. The result is a decreased level of blood sugar, and thirst for more carbs. This cycle repeats itself 2-3 more times during the day. This viscous circle continues one of the major reasons for diabetes, high blood pressure and extra weight.
Skipping Breakfast - When you skip breakfast, blood sugar drops below the normal level, you experience cravings and a drop of energy. You again revert to simple carbohydrates to achieve a quick surge of blood sugar and to over come hunger and a drop of energy. Simple carbohydrates will cause an immediate surge of blood sugar level and a substantial insulin emission. the insulin removes sugar from blood turning its excess into fat. Then this cycle repeats itself 2-3 more times during the day. This viscous circle continues one of the major reasons for diabetes, high blood pressure and extra weight.
Balanced Protein-based breakfast - Such a breakfast supplies our body with all vital nutrients and energy without increase blood sugar and insulin levels. It helps to avoid dependence on carbs during the day. In this way, appetite stays under control, cravings from carbs (snacks, chocolate, pastry, junk, soft drinks, etc) diminish and the body uses its own stored fats to get more energy.

Of course, so you know, these are not my words, this is from an informational sheet that Lisa gave me to share with you. I have been eating either 2 eggs, or a cup of cottage cheese, a banana and a 6oz greek yogurt every day for breakfast. Then a protein supplement.

Just think about it! See you soon...........................

smokin hot...my new moto

I'm still plugging along, it hasn't been easy though. I guess it isn't suppose to be easy because then no one would be fat, right? I am learning so much about food and your body and how it all works and is suppose to work. I intend of sharing all of this with you.

My new motto is "I'm going to be smokin' hot and this isn't forever" I will be able to eat a piece of cake again or eat Thanksgiving dinner without skipping the pie. But for now, I need to learn how to eat right and pick the right foods and learn how my body feels when I do eat good foods. And I feel AMAZING!!! I'm eating all whole foods and nothing really processed and I don't feel graugy or tired or the way I used to feel before I start loosing the weight. Just think, maybe its all the processed, fast foods that we are eating that not only is making us fat, but sick too??? Just think about it.

So to date, I have lost 6.4 lbs of FAT! That's 2.6% of my body fat that I've lost, what out Biggest Loser! I've lost 5.4lbs on the scale and I've gained 1 lb of muscle. I'm been rocking the run lately too. I think I told you about my 120 mile challenge, well I'm at 24.26 miles already and I'm really feeling good and strong. That is huge.

I had a meeting with Lisa yesterday and she is making me eat MORE! It boggles my mind...I need to eat more to loose the right kind of weight. So I ate a PWLC meal replacement bar before I ran this morning. Yup, up at 5:40am. I will probably stop in again later this week and I will let you know how it turns out. Maybe I will be out of the 170s by the end of the week!!! yeah!!

Remember the radio show on Thursday. So far, we have guests from the new Roberts Medical Clinic scheduled to join us. Remember also that you can stream online at your work computer as well if you can't get the radio station in your office.

Chat with you soon..................

Burning the Fat

I'm doing well! But before we get into that, I have to say that we had an awesome radio show today! We had the people from the Green Diamond in Roberts. You HAVE to go and check this place out. It is a great place and I'm planning on checking it out this Saturday. They have art and antiques and so much that I haven't been able to explore because when I go there, I'm in a hurry and haven't had time to look around. It's very easy to find, go east off of Hwy 65 on 70th Street (near County Material) then go a mile and a half, they will be on the right side of the road. Hope to see you there this weekend.

We also had Dee Peper on the with us today. She talked about Market America and shopping online and making money as you shop. All you have to do is go to deepeper.com and shop! Thousands of stores to shop online. Go to www.thelocalbizonline.com and listen to the show and find out more!

OK, now to the weight loss - now its just normal to eat chicken and broccoli for lunch and feeling full most of the day. I met with Lisa on Wednesday morning. I weighed in a I'm back down to 174 where I was a week and a half ago. But the exciting news is that I've burned 2.2 lbs of FAT so far in my 22 days of this diet. That might not sound like much, but I can surely tell it in my clothing. Lisa said again not to worry about the lbs that the fat is where its at. The lbs will come off, and that I'm on the right track. I've found the right amount of food and protein that I should eat. I'm eating 4 protein supplements when I work out and 3 when I don't. I'm eat 4 to 5oz of meat for lunch and dinner. It's been crazy. Sometimes it takes me an hour to eat breakfast because I eat so much. And like I said before, I'm not hungry.

I've also been thinking about the comments I've gotten in the past 6 or so months about how good I look. They were so annoying because I didn't believe any of it. So I may not be obese, but I did need help controlling my eating and the Physicians Weight Loss Center has done that for me. Even when I'm done with the program, I will have a good sense of what I should and shouldn't eat and when. I'm learning so much and you can too. Even if you only have 20 lbs to loose, don't be afraid to call Lisa and sit down and talk about your goals. Trust me, it's worth it!

Be back to chat again soon! Take care...........................

Still rolling...

It's Saturday morning, I meant to do this yesterday, it's early on Saturday morning for me. 6:19am. It got up yesterday morning early too to workout. I had some fun with my children yesterday. After stopping in to see Lisa at Physicians Weight Loss Center yesterday morning, we were suppose to go to the Giggle Factory in Hudson with a play date, but they were closed due to a sickness - so we came back to my house and played instead. Oh well, we will go to the Giggle Factory again or even Inside Out in New Richmond. Then in the afternoon, we went to New Richmond and trick-or-treated! That was fun and WIXK was having their Treat Street so the kids got to play in a jumpy house and get their picture taken. That was a lot of fun. I'm glad we got to do that.

Then last night, I worked on thelocalbizonline.com because we have a new Local Biz out and about now! Yeah! It is awesome. Full of great advertising. People - it is time to spend some money! We are on the brink of the holiday season, I believe that officially starts on November 1st (which happens to be my son's 4th birthday!) I think you can even get Christmas music already! That being said - get out and get your copy and get shopping or eating or drinking (in moderation of course) at your favorite places or even go out and make new favorites!

It has been a good week for me, I've gotten lots done, worked out well and stuck to my diet! We had an awesome radio show and I wasn't stressed out! Yeah for me!

So let's talk diet first, I can't even begin to explain how good I feel. I put a pair of workout pants on yesterday morning and they were BIG. It was a little funny. I was all excited to weigh in on Friday morning. And when I did, I didn't loose any weight, BUT, after a little scolding not to get all obsessed with weight, Lisa pointed out that my body fat percentage is down and that is what we are looking for. Muscle weighs more, but muscle doesn't make you feel fat, so this is why I feel so good. I'm ridding my body of all that yucky body fat!!! I'm feeding "the machine" as Lisa puts it and my body is responding my eating away at that yucky fat. So please join me, stop eating all the processed foods that we are bombarded with daily. I know it looks and smells yummy, but we can do it! You won't believe how good you feel.

As I mentioned before, Colton turns 4 on Monday. So we had a birthday party for him with family on Wednesday night. It was a lovely party and Colton got lots of great gifts. But I found some power that night. I ordered a beautiful 1/2 sheet cake with ooy gooy frosting, which I love, and I cut the cake, scooped ice cream and served it to my family AND I never faltered!!! I'm so proud of myself. It would have been so easy to lick my fingers. But I didn't. Not only is it power, it is a victory over myself. I can have control and SO CAN YOU! If you make it through the first 2 weeks, you got this in the bag! You can stop drinking for a few months. THIS IS NOT FOREVER, IT IS JUST FOR NOW! And I will help you if you want to chat. Pick up a Local Biz today and check out the ad on the back for Physician Weight Loss Clinic!

We also had an awesome show on the radio this week. My partner Don and I had three wonderful guests. We had Judy Rusch of Sweet Greetings in New Richmond on telling us about her amazing 15 year anniversary and her open house this upcoming Thursday afternoon from 3-6pm. Don and I are going to stop in after the show. Details on the What's going on page on the Biz online, check it out. Then we had Lisa from the Physicians Weight Loss Center. If you want to learn more, call her up (715-386-7952) and even stop in and see her! She will chat with you for free about the program and help you get started. Then we had my favorite guest, Tera Busker! She has an amazing article in the Local Biz for November. Check it out. Wanna make it through the holidays and not gain all the weight? She has some helpful hints and I bet if you had some questions about working out and eating right, she would help you too. Check out her newly redesigned website at www.fitnesstogo.net.

I better stop typing and get some other work done before I go run. I'm putting in a 5 or 6 miler this morning. And I start my running challenge on Monday. 120 miles in 8 weeks! Wish me luck!

I feel great!

It's Saturday, one of my favorite days of the week. Not because its the night to party, at least not anymore, but because I get to take a long run in the morning. My wonderful mom usually watches my kids and I get to go running. I usually run with my sister-in-law Cheryl, but she had to work today and I wasn't for sure of the weather so I decided to go on my own. It was a really great run, only 4 miles, but I'm working my way up. We have been running 5 miles, and I will be working on 6 miles soon too. I'm going to be working on a running challenge for myself that I plan on starting on November 1st and going through Christmas. I will let you know about that.

Then I stopped at one of my favorite coffee shops in River Falls. The Dish and Spoon Cafe. I love that place. I had a non-fat latte with sugar-free caramel flavoring. (I have to stay true to my diet, but I did run 4 miles this morning.) I made sure that this was allowed because I'm really trying to be very strict on my diet. It was yummy!!!

As of yesterday, I have lost 4.6 lbs and 8 inches!!!! WOW!!! I feel so good. I can't believe it. I'm already down one jean size (from size 14 to 12) That's super exciting too. All of this is credited to Lisa and Physicians Weight Loss Center of Hudson. She is awesome and so is the program.

I'm now on days 10-14 and I'm up to 1000 calories a day, BUT I'm allowed a few more calories because of my workout routines. Wondering what I'm eating??? Well, I'm eating mostly whole foods. A lot of chicken and veggies and fruit. That is the key to this diet. You are learning to eat the proper amounts and eating all whole foods. Too bad I didn't start this diet when I had a garden full of fresh veggies all summer long. I do take in 2-3 protein supplements a day which is the other key to this diet. These protein supplements come in many different forms. Shakes, drinks, soups, hot cocoa and more. Lisa told me that She wanted to get me to the point where I could barely get all the foods in my body that I'm suppose to eat. That should be interesting because I've always been a big eater, hence my whole problem.

Have any questions? Please leave me a comment or email me anytime. I would be happy to rave to you about this program! It's all about changing the way you think about food. Chat with ya soon..............................

Down 2.2!

It's day 6! It hasn't been easy, in fact, Sunday was probably the worse day. Sunday is my day to lay on the couch and watch football and eat what ever I want. I usually get one of those really yummy mochas from McDonald's or from Dish and Spoon Cafe. It really sucked when my hubby made some pizza rolls. I tried not to smell them. I did good though, I figured it wasn't worth it. This is for now and not forever. I can do it!!!

I had a meeting with Lisa Kolashinski at Physicians Weight Loss Clinic yesterday and I lost 2.2 lbs. I have to say, I was a little disappointment that it was only 2.2 because I feel so good and my close feel loose, but REALLY Lisa - its 2.2 lbs in 4 days! I should be happy. I did loose the weight in muscle so Lisa K. looked over my food diary (which I stick to religiously) and I wasn't eating enough - isn't that crazy! Well I'm a runner and I had need more calories than what I was eating to loose the good fat weight and not the muscle weight.

Its nice to know that I have Lisa and Carolyn at Physicians Weight Loss Clinic to call ANYTIME if I need anything or have questions. Lisa K. is very easy to talk to and very knowledgeable about the program. Its also great to have that peace-of-mind that this is a physician developed program and you really don't have to worry about it no being healthy and I'm eating REAL food as well. Lots of protein, veggies and fruit. Please email or comment if you have questions. I will continue to blog about my experience weekly.

Over the weekend, I did make it to my local farmers market to get some apples (just haven't had time to go pick them yet) and I took the boys to the Oktoberfest Parade. That was fun, Colton collected LOTS of candy. Kim and Todd at A-1 Priority Insurance borrowed my 4-wheeler for the parade. Then we stopped at Roberts Grocery to get a few things. Then on Sunday while Colton was at Sunday school, Cash and I headed to Baldwin to grab some groceries at Nilssen's Supervalu. What a great store. I think this week, with all the great grocery sales, I will be shopping around to get some great deals!

TTFN...chat with you soon......

Now is the time...

It has been so long since I wrote on my blog, I'm so sorry to all of you faithful readers. It has been quite the hectic summer. But I'm ready to get consistent with my blog and tell everyone what is going on with the Local Biz!

I think we were doing the hour long LIVE radio show on WIXK when I posted my last blog. We are still doing awesome and we are getting more and more listeners every week. And now WIXK is streaming live so anyone anywhere can hear our show. Please check it out either live weekly or check out thelocalbizonline.com and listen to the current week's show. It has been more than a blast and I'm so excited about the future of this radio show. Please let us know if you are interested in hearing the show!!!

Because of the show, I have an exciting announcement to make, I talked about it a little bit on the radio this week, but didn't really want to go into a lot of detail because I just started on the program. I'm the self-proclaimed spokesperson for Physician Weight Loss Centers of Hudson! I just stared working with Lisa this past Wednesday and I started the program on Thursday. I'm very excited for so many reasons.

First of all, I'm pumped about loosing weight! Like many woman, I have struggled with my weight for ever. I have tried other diets and settled on doing it the old fashioned way, I ate less and worked out more! I lost about 40 lbs between having Colton and getting pregnant with Cash. I was very happy at about 163-160 lbs. It was my sister's Abby's wedding where I was 160 lbs and felt amazing! I also have run 3 half marathons between the two boys as well and really got back into working.

Then I got pregnant - yeah for me but not year for my weight! Like my mother, I almost instantly gained weight in my thighs and hated ever minute of that part of being pregnant. Then last September, I had a wonderful healthy baby boy that we named Cash Steven. Very sweet little boy that decided to come 3 and a half weeks early via c-section. That was rough, and I struggled to get back into working out and eating right. Still after a year, I can't STOP EATING!!! I have gotten back into working out. I have been running 3-5 days a week. I've also been working out with personal training Tera Busker.

Just an aside: Tera is awesome! She has been writing for the Local Biz and I'm excited to call her my friend. It has been a blessing training with her.

OK, so an awesome opportunity has come my way. I talked to Lisa from Physicians Weight Loss Center of Hudson last week and this is a match made in Heaven! I'm going through their program and I'm going to get the word out about their program and how successful it is for me. I'm doing that through the radio show and though this blog and also through my website and the publication itself! I'm very excited to share my journey with everyone. Although it is a little scary to talk about my weight in public, I think this is a huge honor that I will take very seriously. So far, on day 2 (10-15-10) I've stayed true to the diet and followed it religiously. I didn't workout today like I planned, and I have no good excuse, but I will be running in the morning and am thinking about starting a great challenge for myself that will start on November 1st and end on Christmas Eve! I'm thinking like 120 miles of running, or something like this! I will keep you posting.

Now along with the blogging about my new weight loss program, I will also be chatting about businesses and experiences weekly! I have to say, I was just at JJ's Sports Bar today for a ribbon cutting. I'm the Ambassador Chair for my chamber (Central St. Croix Area Chamber) and it's my responsibility to organize and handle ribbon cuttings! I met the owners Jeremy and Jesse Penman. They have a beautiful bar in a great location. It is in the former Doll House Bar. They did a fantastic job on the inside using a lot of diamond plate! I can't wait to enjoy a drink or two there sometime soon. (It might be a while, I can't drink on the diet!) We had a great group of people there too from the chamber. Of course Don Fowell was there and so was April from WIXK. Lynn and Beth Pabst and Ron Revere from MIX105, Pete Keskey my favorite printer! and Doug from Energy Plus. Hope I got them all. I talked with Beth and April after were done about the weight loss program! I"m so excited to share, if I haven't mentioned that lately!

Chat with you soon...I'll be out loosing weight...

Big weekend in Hammond!

Oh my, if you missed the BUZZ on the Local Biz Live from the Hammond Hotel yesterday, you missed a great time. Every Thursday afternoon from 3-4pm, we broadcast my once 10 minute pre-recorded show live from Hammond, Wisconsin. We sit out on the patio (by the way, it was super hot yesterday) and we chat about events going on and we talk about businesses. We are all about name dropping and informing the public. We are hoping that WIXK will be able to stream online soon and then our show will be easier to listen to. Some of your can't hear the show because WIXK doesn't come in where you are!

So this weekend is huge for Hammond. The very popular and long awaited Hammond Heartland Days is this weekend and there is so much going on, I'm not going to list it all. But know that not only is there activities and live music going on all weekend at the Park, but each restaurant/bar in town has something going on. Please check out thelocalbizonline.com for more information. And you can also check out the poster for Heartland Days to get a day by day list of all activities!

A few things I will mention, the bean bag tourney is tonight. Sponsored by the the Central St. Croix Area Chamber, it happens tonight (Friday)in the parking lot of the Hammond Hotel. There will be live music out on the patio so you can enjoy music, drinks and some friendly competition! Hope to see you out there!

Another event going on right now and has been since Tuesday is the medallion hunt. Check out how it works at www.cscacoc.org for more information.

And finally - if you have any aggressions against me, come out to Heartland Days! The Chamber is having a dunk tank and I'm sitting it in at 11am! WOW - this should be interesting! I have Don Fowell to thank and I understand that Michelle and Sandy have Don to thank to. So hard to say no to, that Don Fowell is! All proceeds go to the Chamber Scholarship! Hope to see you out there. It will be set up in the Hammond Hotel parking lot.

Have a super weekend, we are also going to the Pierce County Fair on Saturday afternoon as well!

It’s going to be a big week!

First off, our radio show was AWESOME! If you didn’t get a chance to hear it, I’m not sure if I will be able to get the show uploaded to the website anymore. We are working on that because of the size of the files, it might be a little difficult. If you aren’t doing anything on Thursday afternoon from 3-4pm, please stop by the Hammond Hotel. Sit out on the patio with us as we chat about the Local Biz, the Hammond Hotel and with Local Businesses. Last week, we chatted with Brad Parrott of the Central St. Croix Chamber and also with Dirk Vrieze of 3 Guys Granite and the host of Dirk Off Tuesdays at the Hammond Hotel! We sent Don off in style to Sturgis, but he will be back today and ready for our show on Thursday and for Hammond Heartland Days that is about to get started this weekend!
Heartland Days starts out with a Medallion Hunt that is sponsored by the Central St. Croix Chamber of Commerce of which I sit as co-chair of the Heartland Days committee! So go out there and start looking! The hunt starts tomorrow (Tuesday morning by 8am). Then on Wednesday, the Hammond Golf Club has their Big Cup Tournament. There’s still time to get in on the fun! Give Brandon a call at the golf club. The number is 715-796-2266. Also on Wednesday, the Hammond Library is hosting the Teddy Bear Band outside next the other Library. Again this year, the library has many activities planned for Heartland Days. If you go to the Local Biz website, and go to featured stories, there is more info about the Library’s Heartland Days activities!
Then of course, there is so much going on this weekend throughout Hammond. It’s a huge weekend for many of my friends! Find out more on the website and make sure to stop by the Hammond Hotel on Thursday afternoon for the Buzz on the Local Bizz LIVE from the Hammond Hotel!
More to come later this week!

LIVE from the Hammond Hotel!!!

Today is the big day! I'm very excited for our new radio show!!! My little 10 minute show on Thursday mornings is being expanded to a full hour long show Live from the Hammond Hotel. We will have more guests and talk about business. It is just going to be more fun because we will be live!!! I have a new co-host as well. Don Fowell owner of the Hammond Hotel will be on the air with me every week as well. So please come on down!

This weekend is another full week. Today starts Uff Da Days in Woodville, WI. There's lot of family fun going on. Hit the website to download the poster to see what is going on. Then my favorite band Wolf River is playing in River Falls for Music in the Park on ?Friday nigth from 7-9pm. That is is Vetern's Park in downtown River Falls. (Bum's Park for those of you that have been around RF for a while!) Of course there is live music at the Hammond Hotel too this weekend and a huge Benefit going on all day at Parksiee. Like I said, it the back arrow and go to the "What's going on" page and read all about it. And remember, if you want to post anything on this page, just email me! I'm happy to do it. And it FREE!!!

I really need to get better with this blog and be more consistent - but what can I say, it's summer! Chat with you soon!!!

Awwww...Another Bright Sunny Monday!

It's another Monday in a short line of summer Mondays. When the sun is shinning, it doesn't quite hurt so much to go to work, or in my case, sit at my computer. My oldest son is home all week because the daycare lady is on vacation so it hasn't been very quite here, but I'm still getting lots of work done.

The August Local Biz just went to print today so I'm hoping to get it by early next week. There just isn't enough him in the month to get it all done and in my hand by August 1st, but I promise that as soon as I have it, you will have it! I'm very excite about this issue. It has so great stories about local businesses like BCM Law offices, and Parkside Restaurant and Kelsey's Photography and that is just to name a few.

We also have a great coupon section again, so don't forget to use up those July coupons as well!

Now - this weekend - There is some good things going on this weekend. Last Saturday of July. First on Friday, Sylvan Learning Center is hosting a "Night with the St. Paul Saints". Check out more info on the website! Then this Saturday, there are two great things going on in Roberts. First of all the Town of Warren is having a 150th Sesquicentennial Celebration. I will be out there with the Local Biz for most of the day. I'm still working on getting someone to watch my children for the day and if I"m lucky, the weekend! Then Saturday evening, the Sidetrack is having a grand opening celebration for their new owners Trish and Nate. Should be fun! Hope to see you there.

Chat with you soon!

Such a busy week!

It is a huge week for River Falls, Farm Technology Days starts today and it is a huge event for this area. We are talking thousands of people. My family is heavily involved in this event. My step-father is on the grounds committee and they have been working on the grounds for months. I plan on taking my boys to this event on Thursday, my hubby will join us if it doesn't rain, if it does, we plan on going in the morning so hopefully we would miss the raindrops!

But tonight is a huge event for me and my family, Wolf River is playing tonight at the Westwind Supper Club. They start at 7pm and my family is planning on being there. I hope to see you there too.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is my Chamber's 2nd annual golf tourney. Good luck to all the golfers!

Then this weekend is full of events all over the place. It is the St. Croix County Fair, and Lumberjack Days! Check out the Local Biz online to see other events as well. There seems to be a lot of live music this weekend. I would love to check it all out. We will have to see how the weekend goes!

I just wanted to drop a quick note about this week's events. Chat with you soon.....

Just flying by...

This is just a crazy weird time of year, one day its Memorial Weekend, the next thing you know, your garden has taken over your life and River Falls Days is a thing of the past! It's crazy because every weekend is filled up with this event and that family. thing and this camping trip and that holiday.

So as I sit here in my "office" aka kitchen counter, I'm deciding what I'm going to do with the rest of my day. Should I spend my time working on the August issue of the Local Biz? Should I work on the many other projects that I haven't gotten to this past week? Or should I put Cash down for a nap and take Colton outside to play? Sun, tanning, reading my book??? I think outside wins!!! It isn't going to be much longer before the green grass is covered in snow, or at least died off and brown, and we are whining because it's cold outside. I guess what I"m trying to get at is that we have to take advantage of the nice weather when we have the chance. I can sit in the AC later this afternoon or evening. Tomorrow is an extended family day (my grandparents are in town)so I think I will hang out with my 3 year old this afternoon. I'll get my work done later!

Now for the fun going on...The Westwind Supper Club is having their 29th Annual Anniversary Celebration this weekend. Last night the Tommy Bentz Band played under the big tent and tonight, it's Wolf River! I have a special connection to this band. My dad is the bass player and he does a lot of lead singing too. I've been known to join them on stage as well. I'm still hoping the daycare fairy will send down a babysitter for the evening so we can go out! I hate missing any show they do and I have missed plenty due to the whole mom thing. Hopefully by the time my children are older, they will still be playing so I can join them more.

Then this coming week, it's a HUGE week for the town of River Falls. All the crazy farm-loving people are coming to town for Farm Technology Days. I hadn't even heard of such a thing before a few years ago when they announced that Farm Tech Days was going to be hosted by the Peterson Family just sound of River Falls on Hwy 29. This this is so big that they are shutting down Hwy 29 south to Prescott from 8-5 each day. That's a huge deal. My step father is on the grounds keeping committee and they live right next to the land where this is going to be happening so it is also a huge deal for my family. I'm looking forward to going. (this is the reason my grandparents are in town) Oh and Wolf River is also playing on Tuesday night down at the Westwind in River Falls.

Well ta-ta for now, I'm sure I will more exciting news to share the next time! Have a good weekend, Lisa

WOW! Long time no type!!!

Hello everyone in cyber world! I can't believe it has been so long since I've written. I've been busy and that is the worst, but best excuse I have for you. I was on vacation and I had family in town last week. I also was working very hard the two weeks before working on catching up with my design work. I did catch up, but got other jobs so I'm still behind - oh well - what else is new!

Did you pick up the latest copy of the Local Biz? I'm very proud of it. I'm excited to showcase some great local home improvement businesses. If you haven't already, you can read about local businesses like St. Croix Tile, T. Larsen Design, Lakefront Framing, Ellner's Window Treatments, J Haas Excavating and Cody Plumbing. They are all great stories! It's time to start thinking about all the improvements you want to make on your homes and you should (if you haven't already) read all about some local businesses!

Also - New this month - is the coupon insert! You HAVE to check it out. We are already working on the August issue and we are planning a coupon insert in next month too - so please check it out and use the coupons! What an easy way to save some money!

Let's see - what else, hum, hum, hum - It was a great 4th of July and River Falls Days for me and my family. We went up north for the weekend of the 4th and played in the lake and sat by the fire and ate lots of great food! I was a great family vacation. My sisters and their families where there as well as my father. So it was a great time. Then last week, I was sort of out of vacation last week as well. Doing only the very minimal work which was a lot of emailing. A little work though!

But now it is back to the grind stone today. We are working on the August issue like I said and I'm very excited about this upcoming issue. Our deadline for advertising is the end of this week so please email me as soon as possible if you want to put an ad in this next month's issue. Oh - and if you have an idea for us to drop the Local Biz - please let us know as well. We are always looking for ways to improve the Local Biz and make it better!

TTFN..............................

July is fast approaching!

It has been so nice lately, besides the rain, but we need the rain no matter what!

The Local Biz for July is at the printers and will be out next week. I'm hoping to be able to pick it up Monday or Tuesday and start delivering ASAP! I have family coming into town next week and I need to get my work done so I can have some fun!

The July Biz is full of great stories about local businesses and has an awesome lineup of activities going on during the month of July. I can't wait for you to see it. We have several stories about how to improve your home the local way. We feature businesses like Ellner's Window Treatments, Lakefront Framing, St. Croix Tile, T. Larsen Design, J Haas Excavating, Cody Plumbing and I think that may be it. If I missed anyone, you will have to check it out when the latest edition come out next week.

The radio show is going well too. It is an awesome way to promote your business to a different audience. Have you ever dreamed of being on the radio? I know I have and it has been fun. We have some big changes coming up int he future so stay tuned and please email or call me if you are interested in coming on the radio with me as the sponsor/business of the week!

The big event of the weekend is Ellsworth Cheese Curd Fest! Go on out to Ellsworth's Pierce County Fair Ground this weekend to enjoy all the fun - and cheese. Find out a full lineup of what is going on at www.ellsworthchamber.com. There is also a huge GOLF TOURNAMENT/DINNER/SILENT AUCTION/RAFFLE for the Roberts UCC Church. Find out full details about this event and other on the "What's Going On" page of the Biz website.

Talk to you soon, enjoy the weather!

That's it for now.

Talkin' with Tera!

Hello All, It was good to see the sun today and I only hope that it stays out. My garden could use a little sunshine!! If the sun stays out all weekend, my garden is going to double in size! And that is good, I can already taste the zucchini. Yummy zucchini bread.

I recorded my radio show today with special guest Tera Busker of Fitness-to-go! She is AWESOME! She is the one that runs the bootcamp that I was in this spring which I loved as well. She has been a personal trainer since early 2000s. She says she loves it! She will come to your house or office or you can go to her personal home gym at her beautiful house just south of Roberts. She will even come to your house and help you set up your own home gym. I know that I will be saving up my dollars so she can help me get fit and loose the thighs! I would love to loose about 30 more pounds, but I know it is a work in progress and I will get there.

Either way - check out the Buzz on the Local Biz tomorrow (Thursday) morning after the 8am news on WIXK AM1590. If you miss it, it will be up on the website by the end of the day as well.

And if you want to be my special guest during a future radio show, please please give me a call or shoot me an email!

There is a new celebration going on this weekend. It is the Yellowstone Trail Social in Hammond, WI! Everything happens from 11-4pm on Sunday, June 20th (Father's Day) between the Hammond Hotel and the Library park. Just head to Hammond and you will see the action. Activities include: Music by Tin Pan Alley Cats 1-4pm, Library Book Sale, Historic Newspaper Display, Kids Activities, Car Show, Toy Tractor Museum Show, Retro Menu at Hammond Hotel, Root Beer Floats, Dress up in 20’s attire, Farmer’s Market and so much more! Hope to see you there!

That's it for now, please feel free to comment on my blog and let me know what is going on in your neck of the woods!

Scared to Death of Change!

I'm not one that like to do crazy things with fashion. I love comfort and something that makes me feel good. Most of all, something that is cheap! That is where Serendipity Thrift Store comes in! Check them out in Baldwin. Bigger then my non-crazy fashion is my boring hair-do. I haven't really done anything exciting with my hair since I turned 30 and got highlights! So, now that I"m done having my babies and feel like myself again, I wanted to do something with my hair other then the norm of the past several years.

So I went down to Attitudes Salon in Hammond, WI. I have known Karla since my years at the New Richmond News. So I gave her the green light to do just about anything to my hair except cut it off completely! She cut it just below my shoulders and to my surprise, I LOVE IT! It is fun and has more volume and has a sport feel to it which I love. I can still pull it back in a pony when I workout. I actually want to curl my hair and show it off now! Yeah ME! Thank you so much Karla! Stop in today and check out this full service salon or go to their website www.attitudesonline.net. I also had a hand in designing the website and logo!

The big event for the weekend is June Bug Days in Hammond. Check out some of the events on TheLocalBizOnline.com.

Have a great day and please check out my weekly radio show on WIXK on Thursday mornings.

Things are starting to heat up!

It seems like I haven't blogged in a while! Wow-sorry about that.

Things are starting heat up here in late spring starting this weekend with several events going on. First - Good Neighbor Days in Roberts, WI starts tomorrow (Thursday, June 3rd) Go back to the website and view the poster of events. There is so much going on, GND is always a great way to kick off the summer! I'm looking forward to the music. I usually run the 10K race on Saturday morning, but I'm not quite ready for a 6 mile race yet! Stay tuned to RF Days, I plan on running that. I'm also looking forward to the parade. My family and I along with Shalena and her husband are planning on being in the parade. We will be handing out copies of the Local Biz and maybe some candy! Watch for Colton and Tom riding in a great old car! I will make sure to post pics on Monday.

Then in New Richmond, the Park Art Fair and the Blues and Brews Fest are happening this weekend as well. More info on the website. Along with much more!

It's also a new month. I didn't have a problem at all spending enough money to satisfy my quota in May! But it starts over. I will be taking my mom out for her birthday on Friday for lunch. Happy Birthday Mom! I will let you know later this week where we will go. Probably somewhere in RF, but I"m not sure.

Well that is all, please make sure to enjoy some of the many celebrations going on this weekend! Have a good one!

Hot-Hot-Hot

My-oh-my it is hot outside. I'm not complaining at all, but it is steamy! A glimpse of things to come? I hope it is a nice summer and I also home that it is a nice weekend. A big weekend is coming up. Do you have any plans for the weekend? I think my family and I are just going to hang out at home and get some things done. I'm having a garage sale in June so I need to work on getting that organized!

The newest issue of the Local Biz is at the printers and will be out by the end of the weekend. I'm hoping to get it out to the world by the end of the day on Friday. At least I hope!

Check out my radio show on Thursday morning at 8:30am on WIXK AM1590 and get a sneak peak of the new issue! I'm very excited and proud. The Local Biz is on fire and I can't wait for you to see it.

I think that is it for now. Not a whole lot going on this week - but I will be back towards the end of the week to give you the 411 on the weekend. I'm having lunch with some girlfriends on Friday so I will be anxious to tell you all about lunch at the Hammond Hotel. I'm sure it will yummy as always!

Til then.............................

It's already flying past...

It seems like yesterday was just Monday! Now it's already Thursday, wow I love this weather! I plan on staying outside as much as possible this weekend!

there is plenty going on this weekend - starting with a free fireworks display and live music at the Coachman Supper Club in Baldwin, WI. This event is sponsored by Fireworks Outlet also located, in Baldwin. (Be sure to use that coupon in the Local Biz this month for a great deal on some fireworks!) It's kind of a down weekend before all the craziness starts for Memorial Weekend so take advantage of this free event!

Also going on this weekend, the Hammond Hotel has S&S Power Karaoke on Saturday night starting at 9am. So another great way to relax, have some good food and listen to some people make fools of themselves OR hear some locals sound good!

I can't believe the month is almost over. The June issue of the Local Biz is currently in press and we plan to have it out by next weekend so you can pick up a copy and read over your Memorial weekend vacation! I'm very excited and proud of this issue. I am getting great response from many and more and more people calling about advertising in the Biz!!!

As far as my 3/50 project goes, I'm happy to say that I spent more than my $50! Between Mother's Day brunch at Parkside and stopping at Olson's Woodville Meats for some tasty dinner treats, and Roberts Grocery Store, I spent plenty, which I'm also proud to tell you. And of course, the occasional stop at a coffee shop or two!

That's it for now, enjoy your weekend and talk to you soon!

For A Good Cause...

Hello Everyone! This is a short little note that there is a great fundraiser taking place this afternoon. It is a Relay-For-Life Fundraiser and that is always a reason to take note. It is happening tonight from 5-8pm at 1012 Cardinal Circle in Hudson, WI. It is an Open House with 4 local Artists that all happen to be jewelers. A percentage of all the sales will be donated to the American Cancer Society via the Relay-For-Life – Bethal Lights for the Cure Team. It is for the Hudson Relay for Life which happens June 25 & 26. This open house is hosted by Laura Butler and Jane Nicol ( a friend of mine and reason for me to promote this). There will be complimentary refreshments and light snacks. You could shop for yourself and get a gift for a friend, maybe even a grad gift??? The artists featured are Jessica Betzold – Beaded Jewelry, Jane Nicol – Mixed Metal Jewelry, Monique Parent – Fused Glass Jewelry, Paula Rabens – Recycled Fused Glass Jewelry.
More to come soon……………………….

Steak and Lunch

Let me tell you...it doesn't take long to spend $50 in our local market when you put your mind to it. Whether it's a cup of coffee/latte at a local coffee shop or lunch at Bo's in River Falls. I'm not having any problems at all spending my money locally. You should try it!

I have to say that I went to Olson's Woodville Meats on Tuesday to talk to Carol there and drop off some Local Bizes. I got 2 huge rib eye steaks and some awesome homemade brats. They were fabulous and I don't know why it has taken me so long to get back there and buy my meat! Well now I will be getting there at least once a month to drop off Local Bizes so I will have to keep buying those yummy steaks!

Let's see, what else! As I said on Monday, we went to Parkside for Mother's Day, but I didn't get to spend any time with my mom on Mother's Day so I took her to Bo's 'N Mine for lunch on Wednesday. Great food and nice atmosphere. I'm not sure if it is smoke free in there, but I didn't' even smell any smoke! That was awesome since Cash was with us. And I think I had a trip to Roberts Grocery Store this week as well so I believe that my $50 is already spent! So...I guess any more money I spend is just a plus for our community!

This weekend there are a few great things going on. First off, in Woodville, the Syttende Mai celebration is going on today (Thursday through Saturday) and second, in Hudson, the Yellowstone Trail Days will be going on Friday through Sunday. Check out more information about this on my website www.thelocalbizonline.com.

Talk to you soon!

Mother's Day - the day after!

Hello everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's day and to those the it applies to, Happy Belated Mother's Day! For mother applies to many, whether you had a baby or just a dog, you are a mother so celebrate!

I myself had a super Mother's Day. Much better than last year when I laid on the couch with a terrible case of strep throat. That was a BAD DAY! But long forgotten with a beautiful day spent with my boys. We went to church and then to Parkside in Hammond for brunch, then we went home for a short time to play outside and then we took a drive to Stockmans, the Cady Cheese Factory then the grocery store. It was a really nice day? How was your day?

I have to say that the brunch at Parkside was good, and I was told by Lisa, the managing waitress, that it was really busy there on Saturday night and busy off and on on Sunday, so that was good! You should try dinner or a pizza at Parkside in Hammond. They deliver if you live in or near Hammond - just an FYI!

So we start another wonderful week. How are you spending your money and time this week!

My blog is short today only because it is Monday and I've got lots going on - chat with you soon!

Let's talk about jeans...

Let's talk about jeans - I'm one of millions of people trying to get into shape. My story begins with loosing quite a bit of wait between baby 1 and baby 2. After feeling really good about myself, I got pregnant and gained it all back - Thanks Cash! (just kidding, not his fault) So now I'm pretty much back to square one, at least I was a couple of months ago. Now I'm back on the workout trail and feeling much better. I'm trying to eat better and working out at least 30 minutes almost every day of the week. And I proud to say that I've drop a jean size.

What does this have to do with the Local Biz and spending money? If you are a woman, you know how hard that is and how terrifying jean shopping can be. Yesterday, I stopped in to see my friend and great supporter, Jennifer at Serendipity in Baldwin, WI. I've been working with her for a long time. I do a lot of her design work. I needed a new pair of jean and I went there because I'm not going to spend some big bucks on a pair of jeans I'm hoping that I'm out of in a month or two (at the latest) so I grabbed 4 pairs hoping at least one would fit. And to my surprise, I found three of the four to fit. Yeah me!!! So I left there with three pairs of brand name jeans for under $30 bucks! Talk about a great wait to start out my 3/50 Project for the month of May!

You have to stop by Serendipity and check out all the great deals and brand names Jennifer has. She is located on main street on the northside. She is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 8pm and on Saturday from 9 to 5pm. If you have questions, please call her at 715-688-3570. I'm hoping to be in there, like I said, in a month or two and ready to get a new pair of jeans one size smaller!

I have to tell you that I was in Roberts Grocery store again this week getting chicken! It was yummy. I'm serious, make the big trek to downtown Roberts, WI, stop into the Sidetrack and have a cold beverage, have dinner at Carbone's and stop at Roberts Grocery Store to get some chicken for Saturday night!

And one last thought before I end this blog today, Don't forget, Sunday is Mother's Day. Have you gotten your mom anything yet? Try to make it a good one for her. I know my mom deserved the best day ever! Pick up the latest issue of the Local Biz and see what we have to offer you for ideas on Mother's Day OR go to our website www.thelocalbizonline.com and you can read Mother's Day stories there too!!!

Til next time...toot-a-loo...

Livin' Out a Dream!

This is an addition to the post I made a couple days ago...
I have to tell you that I did make my 3-50 goal for April. I didn't just spend the $50 in three places, it was more like 4 or 5 places, but at least I spent the money! I have to tell you that I'm buzzin' about Phoenix Bar and Grill in Baldwin! I had lunch there on Thursday with some friends. It is a beautiful place in a really nice new location. (It is located south of the interstate at the Baldwin Exit) First off, the aura of the place is relaxed and sporty. There are booths and tables so if you like the booths, you can have a little more privacy. The menu is full of good food and everyone at my table really enjoyed their lunch! So, PLEASE, go and try out Phoenix Bar and Grill in Baldwin. Oh and kids eat for 1/2 price on Tuesdays. I'm thinking I will take the kids there soon.

___________________________________________________________________

Hello again, The NEW May Issue of the Local Biz is now available!!! We will be getting this out the next couple of days so get out and get a copy.

I have some big news! (I may have mentioned this last time) The Local Biz has a radio show!!! We have a weekly radio show on WIXK AM1590 that airs on Thursday mornings after the 8:30am news. This has always been something that I've been interested in. I'm no Donna Valentine, but it is fun to get on the radio and talk about the Local Biz and what's going on in the area. The Show will get bigger and bigger as I get more comfortable with this, so please tune in on Thursday mornings at around 8:30am. I also plan to post a link to the radio show on the website as well.

SPEAKING OF THE WEBSITE...The site is fully operational! It is all good to view and includes features like the What's going on events calendar, extended articles, past issues, information about advertising, contact information and a link to this blog. Please, please take advantage and contact me with any suggestions and comments. Also, if you have an event, I will list it for free on the website.

What is going on this weekend, it is all about art again this weekend. The Creative Drive is this Saturday and Sunday. The Creative Drive is a driving tour of 4 artist studios. This weekend, Saturday and Sunday (May 1 & 2) you can visit these studios between 10am - 5pm; Color Crossing in Roberts, Onkka Pottery in Baldwin, Silver Bison Ranch in Baldwin, and Trout Lily Studio in Spring Valley. Please go to www.thecreativedrive.com for further information! What a great way to spend some money locally AND get your mother a great gift. Don't forget, Mother's Day is NEXT weekend!!!

Also this weekend, go to the Hammond Hotel on Saturday night to enjoy Dave Burkhardt's humor and guitar playing. This starts at 9am. And Monday night, at the Hammond Community Library for a free poetry reading by Amery local Laureate LaMoine MacLaughlin. This starts at 6:30pm and refreshments will be provided by Hammond Friends of the Library.

Oh - and also in North Hudson, they are starting the Discover North Hudson Fishing Contest. Visit the local businesses in North Hudson during the month of May. Scorecards can be obtained at Village Liquor & Bait. Teams of two are only allowed. Fishing spots are allowed anywhere fishing is legal. Visit any participating business in North Hudson to learn more-Village Inn, The Riverbank, Heartland Payment Systems, Edward Jones-Ann P. Hall, Freedom Valu Center, My Sister’s Garden, Kozy Korner, Bauman Associates, Hudson Pet Hospital and many more!

That is it for now - Don't forget Mom! Checkout the new issue of the Local Biz for great Mother's Day ideas.

Take care!!!!

Art'about the Weekend!

I'm buzzin' about the weekend! There is some good stuff going on this weekend in Hammond. First of all, catch the bus to the casino. Leaving tomorrow from the Parkside! Call Dusty ASAP if you are interested in going. 715-796-5222.

Its all about the Art this weekend and Earth Day. The Hammond Arts Alliance presents: Earth Day Show - Found Art Exhibit in the Foster Art Vault at Associated Bank in Hammond. The show runs from 5-9pm on Saturday and 10-2pm on Sunday. Then the Fisher Coulee Ramblers (a jug band) are playing at the Hammond Hotel from 6-8pm on Saturday. But don't go anywhere on Saturday night, because the Hammond Hotel will have more music by DJ Chad from 9-close and Ladies drink for $5 all night.

Don't forget that you can stop into the Sidetrack Saloon for breakfast either Saturday or Sunday morning!

That's it! Talk to ya...............................

Still buzzin' about Cinda and Chicken!

Well I'm still buzzin about Cinda and the 3-50 project. Of course now that I know you are suppose to go to independently owned businesses for your 3-50 $$, that makes things a little different, but still awesome. I've been spending with a few independents, but just a few dollars here and there, I still have quite a bit of my money to go. I'm thinking it is time to go out for lunch? Maybe Parkside or the Hammond Hotel or maybe Pheonix Grill in Baldwin? I don't know, some place with yummy food! Want to join me???

I've also got to tell you about the chicken at Roberts Grocery Store. Yes, Roberts, WI has a grocery store (along with a main street and businesses for you to check out!) and it is a great little place to pick up those things that you need all the time like milk, eggs, bread, they have a wide variety of things. My husband, Tom, (who will be happy to know that I finally mentioned him in something) loves to grill chicken in the summer time. He is an excellent chicken griller over charcoal. Not just anyone can do that. What he found in Roberts, was this great Amish grown chicken. A whole cut-up chicken for a great price all the time! Sometimes it is even on sale for .99 a pound and that is a great price. It isn't fatty and always tastes great. It makes Tom an even better master griller! Please, stop by and check out the Roberts Grocery Store. This is a great place to spend some 3-50 money! Their bananas are really good too, they don't get brown right away like some stores that shall remain name-less!

That is it for now, I have lots of buzzin to do in the near future. Lots of new things coming up. The Local Biz for May is at the printers and will be available for you next week! Til then! Bye.

Buzzin' About Cinda Baxter!

Hi, it has been too long since my last post, sorry about that. We are heavy into selling and production of the Local Biz for May. It is going to be an amazing issue. I'm very excited to share it with you.

On Tuesday morning, I got the privilege of going to the Phipps Center for Good Morning Hudson to hear Cinda Baxter, creator of the 3-50 project. (Thank you Tom and Julia) It was amazing, she is amazing. Shalena was able to come with me as well. Which means we will have a great story in the May Biz for you to check out.

Back in late March 2009, after we hit rock bottom in our economy, Cinda happened to hear Oprah tell her viewer to stop spending all money except on the necessities. Cinda was not happy with this. In fact, she had a blog too and she used it to tell the world that this was NOT a good idea. that this idea would kill our economy even more. Thus the 3-50 Project was born after Cinda thought what would help our fragile economy. (I love the fact that she was mad at Oprah)

She launched the 3-50 Project on March 30, 2009 and it didn't take more than a week to realize that she had started something that would change her life.

I've talked about the 3-50 Project. I've told you that I have dedicated at least $50 of my money to this movement. But what I didn't realize is that I need to look more into "brick and mortar" businesses. Not franchises, but the mom and pap shops that don't benefit from any national marketing at all. Cinda said that you have to find a balance between the national and the local because it would be very hard to live without national big box companies too.

So - we all need to think of at least 3 local independently owned businesses that we don't want to see fail and close their doors. I can think of way more than that which mean that my job is easier! So far the coffee shops that I've spent money with this month works! I'm not sure about the coffee that I purchased from Brad Parrott counts, but I will try to spend my other $40 with independent locally owned businesses and I will report back to you!

This is what I've been buzzin' about this week!

I do need to mention that there is a Salad Luncheon coming up on Friday at the Heritiage Court Dinner Room from 11-1pm. The Luncheon is hosted by the AHCC Auxiliary.

That's it for now...I will keep buzzin'...

It's going to be a beautiful weekend!

How are you doing to spend your weekend? I know that I get to go on a date with my husband tonight, my kids are going to my dad's and I will be going to a party with my husband. It is much deserved! Then tomorrow, it is going to be a Carbone's Pizza night and a Nascar race. Sounds like a great Saturday night to me! I'm going to use my Carbone's coupon from the April Local Biz. That will be a part of my 3/50 project for the month of April.

I want to give a shout out to Barb Haas at JHaas Excavating. Thanks for being a great supporter of the Local Biz. She did some decals for my dad's truck for his businesses. They tuned out great and the prices were great too! Just in case you need some decals done for your vehicle or a sign, give her a call at 715-749-3269. She also does some singing and song writting with Boston Haas. She gave me a CD this week and I have enjoyed listening to it while I drive.

What is going on this weekend: There's an Indoor Garage Sale going on at the Roberts Park Buildign right now. It runs today (Friday) from 8-5pm and then tomorrow 8 - Noon. I guess it is the first official garage sale of the season! Also during the day on Saturday, the Hammond Public Library has their Spring Fling Shopping Extravaganza going on. Go check it out at the library from 9-2pm. Then head down to the Hammond Hotel Saturday night, Ken Wanovich is playing and let me tell you, he is a great entertainer. Maybe catch a bite to eat there or at one of the other restaurants in Hammond.

It's goign to be a beautiful weekend so maybe dust off teh clubs and head down to the Hammond Golf Club and golf 9 holes or maybe even 18???

After my yummy pizza on Saturday night, I will be heading to Get Fit Bootcamp at the Roberts Elementary School on Monday night at 6:30. Can't wait to get my butt kick...did you hear that Tera????

Have a super weekend and please let me know how you supported your local businesses this weekend!

A new month begins

Hello All! I can't believe it is already the 6th of April. The weather is beautiful, it was a great Easter Weekend and now we are ready to start making this a successful month.

First off - it is time to start a new 3/50 project month. If you aren't familiar with the 3/50 project, it is simple, just spend $50 at 3 or more local businesses and you will be helping our more than you think.

You help the business - and you keep "your" money in the community so it re-circulates. Just think about it. I have committed to it and I would love to hear how you are spending your 3/50 project money! Please comment here on my blog.

Starting out my 3/50 project this month is a visit to the Hazelnut Tree in Baldwin for a yummy iced mocha last Thursday, and then a visit to the Bean Bag Coffee Shop in New Richmond, this morning for a great carmel latte. Not a ton of money spent yet, but at least I started out spreading it out. It might be more than three places this month!

Don't forget to use your Carbone's coupon from the April Local Biz. I think I'm going to use mine this weekend for Saturday night pizza and a movie!

Our website is up and running now! Go check out www.TheLocalBizOnline.com. I'm very very excited about it. It isn't anywhere done yet, but still working on it. At least you can see a list of where to find the Local Biz! That is exciting. I will have lots of stuff finished up by the time the May Local Biz is out.

Here's what's going on this week: The Hammond Golf Club has their league meetings for Senior Men and Men's leagues, Thursday, April 8th. Senior Men at 10am and Men at 7pm. Also, the Indoor Garage Sale sponsored by the Roberts Ribbon Reapers 4-H Club is this Friday and Saturday, April 9 and 10. More info coming up, but you can donate clean gently used items on Thursday, April 8th from 5-8pm at the Roberts Park Building.

That's it for now! More to come soon, if you are interested in advertising in the Local Biz, please email Lisa at LisaLeaChristensen@gmail.com

Happy Easter Everyone!

Hello again, its time to chat about the Local Biz and "What's going on" in the area! Its a big weekend for many families and what better way to start the weekend off then by going to a FREE Easter egg hunt. There are several around the area, but the two that are featured in the Local Biz are on Saturday. the first one is at 10am in Roberts at the Roberts Park Building and the second one is at the St. Croix Central Middle School field at 1pm. Both hunts are sponsored by local 4-H Clubs. Everyone is welcome! I'm hoping to get Colton out there.

Other things going on Saturday are a Benefit Dart Tournament in Roberts at the Sidetrack and L&Ms. The Tournament will benefit Calvin Herink. Sign up at L&Ms at Noon. Please call Angie Potting at 715-781-3325 for more information.

At the Hammond Hotel on Saturday night, enjoy humor and guitar entertainment by Dave Burkhardt starting at 9pm. So many things do to this weekend and don't forget that Easter Bunny is coming to town!

On Easter Sunday, forget about all the work and head out to either Parkside Restaurant or the Hammond Hotel for their Easter Sunday Brunch Specials. Is it OK to drink Bloody Marys on Easter Sunday? Either way, enjoy, I'm sure the food will be delicious, it always is!

As I said earlier in the week, the April Local Biz is out and about waiting for you to pick it up and read it. Not only can you find the Local Biz in Hammond and Roberts, but you can find it all over over Baldwin now too. (A few select stops in River Falls, Hudson and New Richmond as well) What a copy, email me! LisaLeaChristensen@gmail.com.

Once again, Happy Easter and have a super weekend!

Hot Off the Press

The April Local Biz is hot off the press and it is hot!!! My featured business of the month is Roberts Towing and Repair. Tom is a great hometown guy! Check out my pic with him on the front page.

Lets see...whatelse is in the Local Biz...there are plenty of great local businesses that advertised for April (thanks advertisers!) so please check them out.

The big thing is this weekend - we have lots going on with Easter! There are egg hunts for the kids. 10am on Saturday at the Roberts Park Building and 1pm Saturday at the SCC Middle School fields. Should be fun! I want to take Colton. He would have a blast!

There is also a Benefit Dart Tourney at the Sidetrack and L&Ms on Saturday. Call Angie Potting at 715-781-3325 for more details. Sounds like fun!

I have a new addiction, it is called OrGano Gold Healthy Coffee! The past few years I have been enjoying an occasional mocha or latte. Then I got worse and had to have it! I was trying very hard to ween myself off this addiction, but it would only last a little while. I love chocolaty mochas from the Bean Bag in New Richmond or Dish and Spoon Cafe in River Falls - but then I was turned on the OrGano Gold! Brad Parrott sells it and if you want to learn more about this "healthy coffee", go to www.copioushealth.organogold.com. It is a great alternative to your regular joe!

Also, one last thing, thanks Tera for kicking my butt last night at Boot Camp! It feels great to be sore again and sweat!

I will have more later, I have to go to a Candidate Coffee for Bob Loberg, he is running for Pierce County Judge and I've been working with him on his campaign for months now.

What's going on this weekend!

WOW - I'm not sure how the weeks are going so fast, maybe its the weather. We just can't ask for better weather. I suppose unless you are a snowmobiler. Either way, it was a long cold winter and I just love the sun! That was, of course, until I crunched my sunglasses. Anyone know of a local spot to get a nice pair of sunglasses?

We've got some great community things going on this weekend. Starting out Friday night with the Annual Fish Boil at the Hammond Golf Club from 4-7pm. Proceeds go to Extendicare Foundation. Great food for a great cause!

Let me see, what else...On Saturday morning, the Hammond Community Library will hold their Spring Breakfast at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1250 Broadway in Hammond from 7:30-Noon. Free will donation for a yummy breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, ham, baked goods, fruit, juice, coffee and milk. There is also a bid-on-a-basket auction and coloring activities for the kids.

The Hammond Hotel is also having Jambo Bones Acoustic Guitar on Saturday night starting at 9pm.

So that's the Buzz on the Local Biz. Chat with you soon!

The Blog for the Local Biz!

Hello everyone and welcome to the blog of the Local Biz! I just have to say thank you for checking up out!!!

Yesterday was a huge day for the Local Biz. I spent all day at the Hammond Showcase and the SCC High School and met tons of people and handed the Local Biz out all day long. Some people had already seen the Local Biz and some people hadn't.

Not only did I get a chance to meet people, but I also handed out advertising information and the Local Biz to all the vendors at the Showcase. What a great opportunity for the Local Biz, ASIL Design and Quick Draw Solutions. Not to mention all the other businesses that participated in the Showcase. It was a huge success! (Thank You Showcase Committee)

What I plan do to with this blog is keep you up to date with what is going on in the area. I also want to dedicate myself to the 3/50 project and let you the viewers know exactly how I will spend my $50 per month with local businesses. The month, the entire $50 will be spent with the Community Education and Fitness To Go. I (Lisa). I started Tera Busker's Fitness Bootcamp and the cost for 8 classes is $56.

BUT - I also would love to stop in to the Roberts Cafe and have breakfast. It has been so long since I ate there. They have a wonderful Sunday breakfast. Maybe next Sunday! Then there is my new favorite drink - OrGano Golf coffee. Sold locally by Brad and Amy Parrott. It is a wonderfully healthy alternative to lattes and mochas that I love so. I will be purchasing some of that real soon.

Oh - I guess I did spent $20 with Joy Peterson and Tastefully Simple. I purchased my favorite Seasoned Salt.

That is it for now! Chat with you soon...Lisa