I am really finding it hard to believe that today is my last post for the year 2009... and that when you visit me here again next Monday, it will be not only a brand new year, but a brand new decade! It's very exciting, especially since I'm anticipating some wonderful, new changes to this site along with some fresh ideas to help you become healthier and happier... both of which you truly deserve to be!

The countdown has begun... we have less than three days to go until the beginning of a brand new year – a year that I KNOW is going to be absolutely amazing! Yes, 2010 is going to be a phenomenal year for all of us, and that includes YOU!

Good morning and welcome back to Walkytalk! I'm hoping that each and every one of you had an amazing holiday that was spent with close family and/or friends... four fun-filled days that allowed you to create some wonderful memories to be cherished forever! Our family did just that; plus, with the hundreds of Christmas photos taken it's almost a guarantee that these "wonderful memories" will be brought up time and time again!

Well, we're down to the last hours of the holiday shopping season; I wonder how many people are out today trying to shop for those last-minute gifts? I'm sure a couple of my family members will take off to the local mall today, which is fine with me as it gives me time to wrap up their gifts while they're away shopping.

For those of you who own a treadmill, do you find that the time goes by much faster if you are watching a television show while taking your daily "treadmill walk?" I definitely notice it, especially if it happens to be one of my favorite shows, like NBC's "The Biggest Loser"!

Well, here we are... the last Monday before Christmas, and another day closer to the beginning of a brand new year. Along with that comes the end of a "holiday feeding frenzy," and I must admit I'm pretty proud that I've been staying away from most of the holiday treats for the last few weeks. But I also realize that I do have many family gatherings yet to attend this year, and I'm hoping that I can continue to sample the goodies that surround me instead of eating more than my fair share like I once did years ago.

The last two days sure have been nice as far as "walking outdoors" goes! Yes, I know it's been a little brisk outside, but at least the sun has been shining and the roads are dry, which makes it much safer than walking on winter snow and ice. On those days, I definitely appreciate that I can walk indoors on my treadmill, especially because for a few years we never owned one. In fact, when I started my new lifestyle in 2001, I just couldnt afford to purchase a treadmill so I walked outdoors during winter, spring, summer, and fall – NO excuses!

When I became a stay-at-home mom 20 years ago, I had to be very economically creative, especially once I had three children aged 5 and under. It wasn't an easy task, that's for sure! But as the years went by, I learned little tricks here and there. Today I actually feel like an expert when it comes to being frugal – just as I did eight years ago when it came to losing all my excess weight in 2001.

So how is everyone doing on their holiday shopping? I think I've been "out & about" to focus on my Christmas shopping list at least three times a week since Thanksgiving... and I'm still not finished! But that's okay because I really do enjoy shopping – a LOT! It's something I have always liked to do – no matter what time of year it is – even though I will say that I have much more energy now than I used to years ago.

Can you believe it's the 15th of December already? Every year it's the same for me - the month of December seems to just fly by. I suppose it just supports the old saying, "Time flies when you're having fun!" Yes, that old saying is one that the majority of us have used, one that we really do believe is true.

Good morning and HAPPY MONDAY to you! I was looking at the calendar this morning; did you realize that we only have about two-and-a-half weeks until the new year arrives? It's funny that when I read or hear the words "new year" I immediately think of how society makes us feel as though we are supposed to set a New Year's resolution, which is basically a promise that we make to ourselves to change something in our daily routine that will improve our life.

Talk about a blizzard... wow! And we're only in the month of December; yes, we still have at least three more months of winter weather to go yet! Okay, I will admit that the snow does help put me in the holiday spirit - but then that only makes me want to go shopping, and I'm not ready to venture out on I-94 to head to the local mall this morning. I'm sure the driving weather will improve by this afternoon... let's hope anyways.

For some reason, my morning coffee always tastes better on days like this. Most likely it's because it brings me a little warmth as the cold, winter winds blows all the snow that has fallen throughout the night, and continues to fall as I peer outside my window this morning. Yes, a nice hot cup of coffee is much more enjoyable when it's cold outside, and what's even better is enjoying it from my favorite coffee mug... one given to me by my daughter.

Well, it certainly feels like winter now even though the calendar shows that it doesn't officially arrive for twelve more days! With all the snow and ice we see outdoors this morning, I'm sure many of you are now enjoying an "unexpected" day at home, with no plans of heading to town anytime soon. I hope so, anyways, as I wish everyone stays safe inside on this wintry day, and not attempt to drive down the slippery roads.

Good morning! I'm so happy to have you join me here today on this lovely, snowy Tuesday as I will be focusing on what I mentioned in yesterday's post: hoping to give the "gift" of healthy living knowledge to each of you this holiday season! I truly enjoy sharing with you all the information that I can when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle; and today, I want to give you some information regarding the holidays and gift giving... HEALTHY gift ideas that I think you'll really like!

Welcome back after a lovely "snowy" weekend! I normally don't enjoy any type of snowfall, but I will admit that I enjoyed these first few December snowflakes, which put me into a very "festive" mood! It was great to see the snow falling softly outdoors as I decorated the tree while listening to my favorite Christmas classics and enjoying a hot cup of eggnog tea. It was nice and very beautiful... but I won't complain a bit once it melts!

Well, you made it through another week and now have a wonderful weekend to look forward to, right? I know I have a great weekend in store for me: it begins this evening when I spend a few hours with some of my most "favorite people in the world!" My girlfriends and I will be having dinner, along with participating in a "game-style" Christmas gift exchange. This is an annual event that always seems to give me an ache in my stomach... caused by the hours of continuous laughter! Yes, we have a lot of FUN, to say the least!

Did you know that walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise? It's true – and if you walk faster, farther, and take a few hills, you get even more out of it! Many adults don't realize that they need at least 150 minutes a week of moderately intense aerobic activity, such as WALKING! And if you decide to walk at a vigorous pace, adults need to walk at least 75 minutes a week. Either way, you can reduce your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis... and have fun doing it too!

Now that we've had our fill of turkey, dressing, and pumpkin pie... it's time to prepare for yet another "food-focused" month: December. Yes, as we all know, this time of the year can really cause us to pack on the pounds IF we allow it to; and that is why I want you to make a conscious effort to stop this from happening!

Welcome to the first day of December! Yes, I know... December in Michigan basically equals cold and snow to most of us - oh, goodie. But to some people, it means even worse: "I have only one more month to eat anything and everything I want; and then in January, 2010, I'll begin a new diet as my New Year's resolution to lose weight."