Things I Love: NAUGHTY!

A waist is a terrible thing to mind and a mind is a terrible thing to waste.  Especially a dirty mind.

What can I say?  I'm a fan of sick, naughty humor.

Anything about farts can make me giggle.  Hysteria surrounds sharts.

I find the F word to be quite entertaining.  One day my kids will yell it at me like it's gonna break my heart but I'll probably laugh and high five them because, hey, I can totally handle F-Bomb rebellion.

Apparently my friends have picked up on my love of the naughty.  One of them posted this on my facebook page.

Source: dalanicole.blogspot.com via RJ on Pinterest

For someone like me who has a mature taste in the tasteless, somecards is pretty much the equivalent of cigarettes for a smoker.

My love for the naughtiness pretty much means I can lift my spirits anytime I go to somecards.com

Here are some of my naughty faves (STOP HERE and don't read if language offends)

Source: someecards.com via RJ on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via RJ on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via RJ on Pinterest

For the record, I pulled all of these off my Pinterest account. But please,

Source: someecards.com via RJ on Pinterest

Things I Love: Aha! Moments

I love the feeling when something just clicks.

When I didn't understand something and I finally do.

When I couldn't figure out how to make something work and finally, it dawns on me how to do it.

Aha moments.  They are a fave.

When the light finally comes on, I feel pretty bright.

Now I seem to have Aha! moments a lot.  Not because I'm not smart but because I'm always trying to learn new things.  But I'm going to share a real game changer with you.

Don't ask me how I never knew this before but I didn't.  And since I've learned it, and shared the knowledge, I've learned lots of other people didn't know what I'm about to share with you either.

Here it goes.

Prepare yourself for an Aha!

You can make healthy microwave popcorn with nothing but a microwave, a brown paper sack and some popcorn.

From DAMN GOOD FOOD

Hello?  Mind blown, right?

Seriously, did you know this because I didn't until I read this post: All Natural Home Made Microwave Popcorn.

I've been making this kind of popcorn for a couple of months and now I can't figure out why anyone would pay wayyyyyy more for that preservative heavy crap (that tastes chemically amazing) at the store.

I've decided the only logical reason people pay more for the unhealthy stuff is because those people have obviously not had this popcorn AHA moment.

And now you have.

You're welcome.

Things I Love: Art for a Cause

There was this amazing couple who used to go to our church (but moved--boo hiss!).  They have a heart for people--all people.  Any people.  This couple are the sort of folks who pick up hitchhikers and get them food and a warm place to stay.

Being around folks like this make me on fire and that is how I know the power of living LIKE Jesus because other people can and do see Him in you!

Anyhow, the wife half of this couple really has a heart to stop human trafficking and oppression.  And while we would likely all get on board with the concept, few of us actually do something about it.  I'm mean, it's just easier to eat sugar without wondering if a slave worked the cane farm or to buy our kids a Disney princess dresses without realizing some other 6 year old girl probably made it.

But not Heather and the folks behind The Canvas Story.

If you click the link above and check out their page, you'll learn that the mission and vision of The Canvas Story is simple:

Our Mission: Cultivating creative ways to combat human trafficking. Through our collective abilities,  passions and opportunities, we will research and execute strategies to bring freedom to victims of severe abuse/slavery.
Our Vision: To See individuals find healing and restoration from abuse, and to then help them pass that gift to someone else. To lower the demand for trafficking through raising awareness of the problem and cultivating solutions.

They encourage small steps, such as The 90 Day Challenge exchange one product you use (coffee, tea, etc.) for a fair trade/slavery-free option for 90 days help promote a public demand for ethically created products.

They also sell artwork to fundraise and support various projects. 

You could buy this and support a good cause.  Good decor+good cause=winning!

I love The Canvas Story!  

Things I Love: That Summer Song

I'm a music lover.

Shocking, I know.

There are many things I love about music but one thing I've always loved is the way a good song can just transport you to another time.  The way it can dredge up memories and feelings--how it can make hearts glow or tears flow.

For me there is one and only one ultimate summer song.

On Monday I was driving back from visiting a friend at the hospital when my summer song came on.  

I got this euphoric feeling where I was whisked back to a hot summer of tubing behind the Jus-T-Nuf on lake Michigan ... to early morning croquet matches with John and Martin ... to walking the long, long way to Lauren's house, past Jason Polano's house, just to see if he was outside ... to watching Father of the Bride over and over when the late afternoon sun made outside unbearable ... to changing the words of the song to tease my cousin.

My cousin.  

Jenny.

That euphoria vanished and I was overcome with this heartache that these memories were 19 years old ... and she's been gone for 15 of those years.

That summer song--it sends me soaring on the clouds of happy memories and keeps me grounded in reality that these days ... these summer days are like life ... too short to not enjoy.

That's why I love music ... especially this song.  My summer song.

And in honor of Jenny ... Jeeennnny, Jenny baby ... Jeeennny can you come out tonight?

Things I Love: Mac-N-Cheese

Confession: I buy my kids the blue box Mac-n-Cheese.

What can I say?  They love over-processed, powered chemical cheese and I love that lunch is ready in 10 minutes.

The problem is I feel guilty every time I whip up a batch of blue box magic because I love these two little people and I want them to be as happy and healthy and well fed as they can be.  Blue box Mac is not my best and it's not the best for them (though it is better than letting kids starve).

So I'm changing my ways and I'm starting slowly with Mac-n-Cheese.

The blue box is out.  Homemade Mac-n-Cheese is in.

Honestly, the kids don't love the switch.  They miss the sodium heavy, bleached noodle blue box Mac-N-Cheese but I am their mother.  I understand and care about their health in ways they won't appreciate until they are adults.

Although they'd still prefer their powered cheese addiction, the kids are slowly warming up to this recipe.  And I love it because lunch is ready in 10 minutes.

What's that?  Homemade mac-n-cheese with whole wheat pasta and freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese ready as fast as the blue box variety?  You bet your biscuits!

Seriously, you cook your pasta in milk for 10 minutes, stir in a dash of salt and some cheese and wa-la--lunch you don't have to feel guilty about!

Photo property of Budget Bytes

Want more information?  Go check out Miracle Mac-N-Cheese at Budget Bytes.

FYI--I follow this recipe to the T EXCEPT I do not add in mustard or paprika and I use whole wheat noodles.

Finally a quick Mac-n-Cheese I love.

Things I Love: One Disney Princess

Two years ago this August I wrote one of my most looked at blog pieces on Disney Princesses (<--Click here if for no other reason than to read some of the comments.  Hysterical.  Especially the one telling me to turn off comments if I don't want them ... clearly that person doesn't understand reverse psychology!  And of course there's the comment that says something to the effect of "people with stupid facts ruin everything."  I'm pretty sure that comment is from a politician. Good logic, that one!).

In me previous Disney Princess post, I talk about my issues with the princess movies.

• Princess either have no mom or a messed up relationship with their mom.
• Princesses are weak and must be in the care of a man.
• While princesses have amazing character qualities and talents, it is their physical beauty that gets the man--not the heart underneath.
• Princess movies perpetuate cultural myths and are historically inaccurate
• Princess movies can be super scary

Of course my daughter is slowly seeing these movies and we are talking about the stuff that bothers her and the stuff that bothers me (BTW--I never advocate not to watch them so don't get all bristly on me).  What's really funny is so far, she doesn't like most of the princesses.  And by most, I mean she only likes Rapunzel from Tangled.  She has not asked to see any of the other shows for a second time.  

Until now.

Now my daughter and I agree on one princess.  Merida (the star of BRAVE).

Photo from FilmFilia

We took our kids to see Brave and although there was still some scary magic stuff and some freaky bear scenes, I found the movie to be quaint and charming.

Did it perpetuate cultural stereotypes of pre-Christian Scotland being filled with dark, blood-thirsty, drunken men in kilts?  You betcha.  What do you expect?  It's Disney.

Was it filled with humor and great graphics? You betcha.  What do you expect?  It's Pixar.

Unlike other shows, though, I loved, loved, loved Merida.

Here's why I finally love a Disney Princess (and a princess movie):

• Merida wears a dress but she is not overly girly.  She likes to run and be wild and do archery.  She's almost like a real girl, like my daughter, who can go from make up to mud in under thirty seconds.  Finally a movie that shows the fullness of gender roles (and how they can be crossed).
• Merida has good and bad characteristics.  Unlike other princesses who are "always good", Merida is disobedient, sneaky, and selfish.  I love that she has some rust on her and that kids get to see the consequences of negative behaviors.
• Merida has good characteristics.  Above and beyond being kind to animals and being a good singer (like most princesses), Merida is brave, loyal to her family, doting on her brothers. She's not afraid to apologize and try to make amends.
• Merida has a mother.  YAY for mothers and daughters!  Yes, a girl ought to have the love of a father but she also should have the love of a mother (most Disney princesses have no mother relationship). Is Merida's mother a bit overbearing?  Yep.  Do they struggle? Yep.  Does her mother love her to the point of doing anything to protect her, even to change for her daughter?  Yep.  Finally, a Disney mother-daughter relationship that isn't sick and twisted.
• Merida is girl next door pretty. She isn't flawless.  She isn't the skinniest girl on the block.  She doesn't have every hair in place or lipstick on her lips. She is alive and vivid (for a cartoon, that is).  Somehow not being drop dead gorgeous makes her so ... appealing.
• Merida doesn't need the Prince.  Sure boys are vying for her hand, political alliances and all, but Merida is more concerned with her family and finding her path than being defined by love and a man.  Sure I hope she ends up with the right guy but I hope that doesn't happen until the right time.  In the meantime, I'm content with her strengthening her relationship with her mom, dad, and brothers.

Yes. It's true.  I finally love a Disney Princess.  I'll own this show and I'll watch it over and over again with my kiddos. 

**If you haven't seen Brave yet, then I encourage you to read the movie review by Plugged in (click that link).  There are some scary scenes in the show and, depending on your level of comfort, some themes might not be suitable for your children.**

Things I Love: Baked Beans

Have you seen the SNL skit where the girl is all "I love me some baked beans?"  I'd post it here to show it to you but SNL isn't into skit sharing.  Who can blame them.

Anyhow, Matt quotes "I love me some baked beans" about 872 times a summer ... one for each time I eat a serving of baked beans.

I don't know what it is about baked beans but I really do love them.  I don't care if they are made at home or from a can (so long as they are vegetarian)--I love them.  I love them hot and cold.  I love to dip chicken in them.  I'd probably attempt a baked bean sandwich if my husband wouldn't give me that "maybe she needs to be committed" look.

Baked beans.  I love them.

If posting this made you think of the "Beans, beans the magical fruit" song, you owe me a comment.

Things I Love: Damn Good Food

Yes that's right.  I love to eat.

I love to eat sweet things and salty things and savory things.  I love American and Mexican and Asian.  I eat meat and veggies and quinoa.

I love to eat.

By default, this means I love damn good food.

I bet you are thinking I'm going to go on and on about how much I love my fave food blog, Frontier Kitchen.  True, I do love that site.  But you are wrong.  Today I'm telling you how much I love Damn Good Food.

You caught me.  Damn Good Food is Frontier Kitchen with a catchier, edgier name.  I love the name change.  Now, since this blog is brought to you by one of my BFFs, I can tell you that the name change has come with a bit of controversy.  Apparently "damn" is too risque.  Seriously, people have unfollowed the blog because of "damn" (at this point I'd like to say F*%$ or S!@& but I won't.  It isn't classy).

Despite the damn name drama, I must admit the new blog name suits the site and the food so much better for these reasons:

1.  Although our town used to be on the plains of WY, we are now the biggest city in our state.  It hardly has a "frontier" feel.

2.  I've been in Sarah's kitchen.  There's nothing rustic or "frontier-y" about it.  It's very sleek and modern.  She's hardly roughing it.  Seriously, even her grill has a charcoal or gas option.  No open fires.  Last time she made me dinner she made s'mores in the oven (with peanut butter cups!  Hello, brilliant!).  Nope. Not roughing it.

3.  The food cooked in said kitchen is damn good.  There's no other way to describe it.  Her recipes aren't pretentious and self-important.  She makes real food for real people with a zero tolerance policy on casseroles.

Congrats on the name change, Sarah.  I'm going to continue following your damn blog with it's awesome damn name and it's mission to bring Damn Good Food to the masses.

Damn, venting this felt good.  Now, how about some damn good steaks for Father's Day?

Things I Love: This Boy

About three years ago, this photo was taken.

And a year after that, this photo came on the scene.

Another year passed and we snapped this shot.

And this past Saturday, this epic moment featuring a monster truck cake with sparkler candles was caught on tape, er, or whatever the digital equivalent to "tape" is.

Has it been three years?  Has he really gotten so big?  Sometimes the days seem to go slowly but the years, oh dear friends, the years go quickly.

(BTW, the birthday cake hat is family tradition. Everyone takes a photo in it on their birthdays. It's my subtle way of reminding my family I am A). Not quite stable and B). Out to humiliate them in the name of family fun. Which is code for, in charge).

Things I Love: This DYAC

Homonyms.  Homophones.  Words that sound the same but are spelled differently.  Words that are spelled the same but mean different things.

He rose and handed her a rose.

Hey, did you give the horse some hay?

To grammar and usage fanatics, misusing these words can drive us crazy.  For me it's particularly bad with your/you're and there/they're/their.

Source: tumblr.com via RJ on Pinterest

Yes, these words can be confusing but c'mon folks, we are smarter than your average primate so let's use words correctly!

Source: Uploaded by user via RJ on Pinterest

Things I Love: Political Signs

You must go to this article and read through the signs. There are a ton of them.  If you need a laugh then trust me, this is TOTALLY worth it!  Some are naughty. Some use cuss words. Some are offensive.  Some are dead on accurate.  You decided which is which.

The Funniest Protest Signs Ever  <---Click that link!

Here is a preview.  All photos are from the website I linked to.  I do not own, nor claim to own, any of these photos!

Things I Love: Gemma Doyle Trilogy

I'm a fan of young adult literature.  I like to tell people this is due to the fact that I teach young adults.  Really, I just like how profound and lovely young adult literature can be (without takings itself to seriously).

Think about it.  How many of the most recent literature phenomenons have been geared toward young adults?  Harry Potter.  Twilight.  The Hunger Games.

I've never read Harry Potter {Gasp} and I have no intentions to do so.

I read and liked Twilight although I think Bella is whiny, helpless, and sets the feminist movement back to B.C. times.

I loved, loved The Hunger Games but even though I found Katniss to be a strong, caring lead, I didn't totally love her character.  She was harsh and cold and didn't have an ounce of humor in her.

Right after I read The Hunger Games I read The Great and Terrible Beauty series by Libba Bray.  Ever since, I've been wanting to read them again.  The books are Victorian Gothic/paranormal which sounds odd but let me tell you, it's compelling. You aren't quite sure what you are gonna get.

And the lead.  Oh the lead.  Gemma Doyle is a great mix of Bella and Katniss.  She is brave, strong headed, and selfless like Katniss.  She is silly and dramatic like Bella.  But unlike both, Gemma seems really ... real.  She struggles with life--with thoughts of not being enough, with girl drama, with boy drama, with family drama but through it all, she is hilarious.  She thinks these sarcastic thoughts and is utterly delightful.

Anyhow, if you are looking for a new series to dive into, I'd suggest The Gemma Doyle Trilogy (I've suggested this to friends.  2 loved it, 1 thought it was so-so.  Although I will say one of the gals loved Gemma so much she contemplated naming her daughter after her ...).

This photo does not belong to me.  I stole it from Wikipedia but don't read Wikipedia and ruin the book!

P.S. Although I TOTALLY think this should be a movie, and IMBD thinks it might become one in 2015, right now, it's looking doubtful.  Rats.

Things I Love: Cookies that Teach about Jesus

This is an excellent recipe to teach your children that Jesus rose from the dead!  I cut this recipe out of a Christian book club magazine years ago and love it.  Sadly I can't eat the cookies because of a nut allergy but everyone else seems to like them!


Ingredients:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon or rolling pin
scotch tape
Bible

Directions:
Make these on the night before Easter!

Preheat oven to 300'.

1. Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or rolling pin.  As children break pecans into small pieces, explain that after Jesus was arrested.  He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.  Read: John 19:1-3
2. Let each child smell the vinegar.  Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read: John 19:28-30
3. Add egg whites to vinegar.  Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read: John 10:10&11
4. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.  Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27
5. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.  Add 1 cup sugar.  Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.  He wants us tocknow and belong to Him. Read:  Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
6. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. 
7. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
8. Fold in broken nuts.  Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.
9. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.  Read: Matthew 27:57-60
10. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
11. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.  Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66
12. GO TO BED!  While you tuck your kiddos in, explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight just like Jesus' followers were sad when he died. Read: John 16:20&22
13. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie (for breakfast!  You'll be super mom for allowing a cookie for breakfast!).  Notice the cracked surface and take a bite.  The cookies are hollow!  On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9
14. Turn on praise music or sing a song of praise to Jesus.  
15. Say a prayer with your kids thanking God for sending his Son to redeem the world!

Things I Love: Small Appliances

Yes, yes, yes.  I am susceptible to loving small appliances that I probably don't need but like to have despite the fact that they totally clutter my kitchen cabinets.

Onion choppers and mandolins and 15 different sets of mixing bowls and measuring spoons ... I'm basically a sucker in a kitchen shop.

But, there are three small appliances that have been worth the money, honey!

Kitchen Aide Mixer:

Photo Source

I got one of these babies as a wedding gift and, hands down, I would forsake most items in my kitchen before getting rid of this!  It kneads dough, shred chicken, mixes brownies ...  I pretty much LOVE it!

Cuisinart Food Processor

Photo Source

I just got this for Christmas from my mother-in-law.  She's brilliant!  It's a veggie chopping, hummus making, cheese shredding little miracle.

Magic Bullet

Photo Source

Honestly when I first saw an informercial for one of these I thought it was a gimmick (and not just because it sounds like a sex toy).  I didn't buy one.   BUT last summer at a garage sale I found one cheap and decided to give it a go.  So glad I did.  I'm kinda of a smoothie addict and this sucker blends, pulverizes, and grinds my smoothies to yummy perfection.

Things I Love: March Abness!

During February I kept seeing this "Fab Ab February" workout plan everywhere.

So I did something crazy.  I did it.  I addition to my regular workout schedule, I added extra planks, sit ups, and push ups.  It was amazing.  I loved it.

Lucky for me the creator of this awesomeness made another one for March.  Hello side planks, crunches, and pushups.

The crazy thing is how "slow" it starts.  I mean 14 crunches after rocking 100 sit ups?  Not even a challenge.  So I took it a bit further.  I don't start counting until I start feeling the burn (which means I'm doing more like 70 crunches) but still, I love this!

Won't you join me?

Please note, I did NOT create this plan/calendar.  I take NO credit and claim no copyright.  I found this on Tone and Fit.  I do, however, take all credit for finishing it :)

Things I Love: Dessert for Breakfast (that's healthy)

I'm pretty sure I've already blogged about my smoothie obsession.

Well today, I'm confessing: I found a new recipe and the obsession has gotten epically worse.

I couldn't be happier.

So this great little smoothie is loaded with vitamins, protein, and chocolate.  Yep chocolate.

Did I mention it's totally vegan?

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

What you need (per smoothie):

• 1 T ground flax seed
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 T peanut butter (almond butter, sunflower seed butter)--More or less to taste
• 1 c. chocolate almond milk (can also use plain almond, soy, or coconut milk and add 1T cocoa powder)
• 1 handful of fresh spinach (what?? trust me--you get all the nutrient benefits without the taste!)
• 1/5 cube of silken tofu (hello protein)

What to do:

In a blender, combine flax seed, almond milk, and tofu.  Blend a few seconds.  Add in peanut butter, banana, and spinach.  Blend again.  Add in ice.  Blend.  Pour into a glass.  Drink.

Why do I blend in batches?  Mainly because my blender is not awesome and will give up if I put too much stuff in at once.  Can you throw all this into one blender and have at it?  Sure, if your blender is awesome you can.  But don't brag about it because no one likes a braggart.  Ha!

Ice or frozen fruit?

Okay, there are people who swear that using ice in a smoothie ruins them.  I'm not one of those people. I love ice :)  But if you are anti-ice, then use frozen bananas--the result will be a creamy, cold delicious breakfast that tastes like dessert.

Things I Love: A Long, Hot Shower

I am not one of those gals who showers first thing in the morning.

I save my shower for the end of the day.

I practically scald my body with water as hot as I can stand.

And I stand there.  Sometimes for five minutes; sometimes for thirty.

I let the water finger through my hair and un-knot my back.  I let my mind wander--in prayer--in praise--in imaginative talk and dreaming.

This is my me time.

This is where I do my best thinking.

When the steam fills up the bathroom and the scent of milk and almond body scrub permeates my nostrils, my soul is restored.

I'm a long, hot shower girl.

What's your guilty pleasure?

Things I Love: Growing Older

Today is Ground Hog's Day.  For most of you, that means nothing except that a ball of hair is either gonna make your day by saying Spring is coming early or make you want to fry him up for dinner by saying winter is staying longer.  For me, it means adding another year to my age.

I know some people who want to hide from their birthdays and pretend they aren't getting older.  As for me, I'm so grateful for one more year.  What a pleasure it is to look back and see how I'm not who I once was.  Each year I'm being made new--more compassionate, more patient, more disciplined, more affectionate ... more.

Sure there's more of me too.  More wrinkles on my forehead.  More cellulite on by butthigh.  More blond peach-fuzz on my upper lip.  More.

In the end, though, I'll take the the "growing older" badges of honor with pleasure because crow eyes have nothing on a lifetime of laughter and wrinkles can't diminish wisdom earned (sometimes the hard way) and fuzzy lips can't stop a smile and cellulite ... can be hidden by a good pair of Miss Me jeans.

So as I climb the hill every so slowly, one year at a time, I'm determined to do so with grace and humility--being grateful for a life well lived.  Each day. Each year.

Things I Love: Gilly

Ever talk to people about Saturday Night Live?  It's kinda funny because you always seem to hear, "it's not as funny as {insert date here}".  For example, my dad thinks the days of Chevy Chase were the best.  I happen to LOVE the Chris Farley/Adam Sandler days.  That being said, I still love SNL.

Right now my current SNL obsession is Gilly.  I'm not sure why I find Gilly to be such a hysterical character but I do.  Every now and then my husband just looks at me and says, "Gillllllyyyyyy....."  He sure can make me laugh.

Gosh, I love Gilly!  If you want a little Gilly fix, click here!

Photo Source

Things I Love: Skorcher

So my dad was at an auction and picked up several of these work out machines called Skorchers.

Did you just think "never heard of it?"  My thought exactly.

Photo Source

But he gave me one and I set it up and after the New Year I started using it.  Turns out, it's pretty freaking A.Mazing.  Now in truth, it is essentially just a work out bench.  You'll still need weights, etc.  BUT it isn't JUST a workout bench. The range of motion and the number of workout possibilities on this thing are incredible!

Here are a few options:

Legs. Butt. Core. Arms.  You can work it all on this baby.

Okay, so a lot of the exercises you do on the Skorcher can be done without it.  So why do I still love it?  Because it's there.  It's set up.  I can use it right now.  I don't have to find my yoga mat.  I don't have to bribe my kids to give me back the swiss ball.  I don't have to ask Matt to hold my feet while I do Twisty Crunches.  I don't have to pull out the kitchen chair so I can do chair dips.  Even though it takes up a bit of space, I love that it is waiting to be used.

The Skorcher takes minimal adjusting (which is why I got rid of the Total Gym.  Loved the idea--hating adjusting it every exercise) and requires NOTHING else besides weights.

Sadly, Skorcher went out of business, which is why my dad was able to buy several at an auction.  Turns out this was just another work out fad.  Of course, that's the way it goes with all work out stuff. They only work if you work it.  I'm working my Skorcher and I'm lovin' it.

The end.