Category: Blog

Why to Start a Roth IRA (Part 1) and How to Start a Roth IRA (Part 2) via Our Freaking Budget because financial stuff might not be the sexiest thing to learn about, but it’s super important. I discovered this blog over the past couple months and have learned a lot from Joanna and Johnny. I’m fortunate to have a retirement account through my current employer, but I know that the more I can learn, the better off I am in the long run. Money is confusing, yo.

It’s a rough fact of life, but this near-mediocre physique will one day be even more mediocre and wrinkly and stretchy. And with that elderly age will (hopefully) come retirement. Most retirees will need to have saved 8x their final salary in order to have enough money to last their final 25 years. That’s a lot of dough. For those of us in our 20′s, 30′s, and 40′s, the time to get ahead is now. A Roth IRA is a great retirement investment vehicle.

Vegetarian Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe via Salted Plates because I’ve been craving soup like whoa during this spell of arctic air, and Casey’s recipe sounds heavenly.

I think this soup would be really good served in a bread bowl like they do at Panera. I hear that is best way to enjoy broccoli soup but since their recipe is chicken based I have never had the opportunity. Luckily there are leftovers (this recipe makes a lot) in my freezer so maybe some cold weekend I will whip up some bread bowls. Anyone got a good recipe?

IT Band Exercises for Runners via Run Eat Repeat because my IT bands are super weak and I think it would be a safe bet that is true for a lot of my fellow runners. IT Band Syndrome can lead to aches and pains, initially, but more serious issues down the road, so learn how to care of yourself.

So here are three IT Band exercises you can do at home or at the gym. All you need is a resistance band for one of the moves – the rest require no equipment.

How we tell stories via Love Life Surf because this is something I’ve been thinking about a ton lately, so it really resonated deep within my soul.

The stories that we tell through words, in-person or social media (and that others tell about us) are layers or veils that we drape over ourselves. The more we hear these words, the more we begin to believe them and the more that they obscure our true selves – our truth.

25 Times Anna Kendrick Was Painfully Accurate via BuzzFeed because Anna is the bomb dot com, and I was cracking up at this. Why am I not following her on Twitter? Excuse me while I go fix that.

In first grade when I’d tell my parents what I learned in class and they’d act amazed, I’d think “Shouldn’t you know this shit already?”

— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) January 2, 2014

Why Increasing Pageviews Should Never Be the Goal via Blog Genie because while one of my 2014 goals is to increase pageviews, there are some really awesome points here that all bloggers should think about, and why I’m ready and willing to work hard to make that goal a reality.

What if instead of goal setting based on metrics (or pounds as is often the case this time of year too) we focus on doing the things that we can control, the things we know, and letting the outcome take care of itself.

This Revolutionized the Way I View Goal Setting via Passion for Life, Love, and Health because it’s a great perspective on goals and how they can impact who we are as a person.

Now, what are small action steps you can take to become that person? See, the thing is that you have to prove to yourself that you can be that type of person. The more action steps you successfully complete, the more proof that you gather that you might actually be that type of person after all. And the more you prove it, the more you truly start to believe it!

Study: Reading a Novel Changes Your Brain via The Atlantic because reading FTW.

While [previous] studies have focused on brain activity while a person is reading, a new study suggests that reading doesn’t just make a fleeting impression. It may make long-term changes to to the brain.

Don’t Fear the Treadmill via Run, MeriG, Run because it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one out there who doesn’t totally hate the treadmill.

I’m not a treadmill hater. No, I think there is actual incredible value in the machine. You can control your pace and keep it constant. You can add hills. You can have your water and snacks ready along with a towel (should you be dripping as I am). You can wear a tank top in January. And — importantly — you can watch copious amounts of E! True Hollywood Stories.

Change Your Twitter Handle without Losing Your Old One in 3 Easy Steps via FitBloggin because it’s useful information in this age of social media and branding; important information for bloggers.

Regardless of why you do it, changing your Twitter handle is a nerve-racking experience. Just ask Carla, aka MizFit, who is in the middle of rebranding herself.

Thanks for stopping by JustaOneGirlRevolution.com!

Mindy

The Essential Holiday Gift Guide for Fitness Buffs via Greatist because shopping for loved ones can be really tough and there’s a bunch of ideas here. Or, you can gift yourself this holiday season. They’ve released guides for tech lovers and foodies as well.

In honor of the holidays, Greatist selected 35 fitness-inspired gifts we’d love to unwrap this festive season. Some of these come with a pretty high price tag, but they’re worth it — and if nothing else, they’re fun to drool over.

Support Bloggers Through Holiday Gifting via Then Heather Said because it’s like shopping locally (which I love), but for the Internets.

This year I’ve decided to support bloggers and HLB community members with my holiday gift giving as often as possible. It’s clear that this here blogging community means an awful lot to my heart and soul, and I want to put my money where with my mouth (and keyboard) is. I also love to share about the brands and businesses I believe in with my friends and loved ones, so being able to do so in my gift giving has a special bonus element worth celebrating.

The 20 Most Inspirational Runners in the U.S. via DailyBurn because if this doesn’t make me want to go run, nothing will.

When Hurricane Sandy devastated the East Coast, Staten Island resident Jen Correa lost her house and all of her possessions in the wake of the storm, not to mention her running shoes. The marathoner and mom of two had planned on running the New York City Marathon in 2012 before it was canceled. Like many, she ran it this year instead, “putting it all behind me, as a sign of resilience,” she told Runner’s World. She takes inspiration from a cartoon fish; her mantra is “Just keep swimming.”

All the Times Peeta Mellark Messes Up in Catching Fire via Vulture because there were some literally LOL moments while I read through it. Fair warning to anyone hardcore #TeamPeeta, you may not find it as entertaining as I did.

As the 75th annual Hunger Games begin, Katniss and the other contenders dive off their watery perches, swim for their lives, climb onto some narrow catwalks, and sprint for the weapons cache at the Cornucopia. After they grab their items of choice and engage in some deadly Tribute-on-Tribute action, Katniss looks around and thinks to ask, “Where’s Peeta?” Turns out, Peeta didn’t even make it to the Cornucopia, because another Tribute is drowning him. Already.

Forming a Gratitude Habit via Jess Lively because we shouldn’t need a holiday as a reminder to be grateful (an easy think to forget as we head into what’s become a highly consumerism-driven season).

In order to strengthen my gratitude for all that I have, I am adopting Jeff Goins’ philosophy of gratitude as a discipline. Like a muscle that needs exercise, our gratitude can grow stronger simply by choosing to think about things we’re grateful for each day.

100 Notable Books of 2013 via New York Times because I’m a definite bibliophile and this list is evidence I didn’t do nearly enough reading this year. NPR and Goodreads released their lists as well. It’s interesting to see the overlaps. Now, if you’ll please excuse me while I go read amazing things for the next six months.

The year’s notable fiction, poetry and nonfiction, selected by the editors of The New York Times Book Review..

Why I Hate the Elf on the Shelf via BlogHer because I think that is one creepy ass little elf, and I’m glad to know I’m not the only one on this bandwagon.

It’s one thing to park your elf on the mantle for the season, and maybe move him or her around a couple of times, but that’s not enough. Your elf is supposed to be naughty. Make messes (that YOU make and then clean up). break things, move stuff around. WTF, elf?

NASM Personal Training Study Guide via Fitnessista because it’s a certification I’m considering at some point in the next couple of years, and it’s a great overview about how to prepare.

At first, the text was extremely daunting, even though it’s a topic I’m passionate about and have been working in the fitness environment. A large portion was repeats of things I’ve already studied and utilized while training clients (movement assessments, progressions, regressions) and some of it was entirely new information. It was a lot of memorization, which was tricky for me, since it had been a thousand years since my last big exam of any type (the GMAT, quite a few years ago).

8 reasons I don’t own a cell phone via Converge because in a time when so many people are addicted to their smartphones, it’s a refreshing perspective. While I’m not ready to part ways with my iPhone, I did put it in my bag after reading this. Out of sight, out of mind, right?

Have you seen that new YouTube video that’s oddly named “I Forgot My Phone?” I can’t do that to my poor wife. It drives her crazy when she’s chatting with a friend and they say, “I’m listening” while they check their Twitter feed. She usually walks out of the room to see if they even notice. It’s not that I mind, personally — when the whole room goes silent as everyone checks their Facebook messages, it gives me the opportunity to nab some extra guacamole.

10 Things Stopping You From Being Spectacularly Successful via Your Super Awesome Life because dreaming big is awesome, and it seems we are usually the ones getting in our own way.

Undefined purpose. The number one way to NOT be successful? Don’t have a purpose. Your purpose could be as simple as “make people happy” or as big as “start a self-love revolution.” However, without the clarity of a definite goal in mind, you’ll struggle to stay inspired and make it happen..

10 Ways to Do Adulthood Well via RELEVANT because I love a good post about life lessons and how to be a better version of me.

If anything, adulthood is a daily and gradual process of choosing maturity over immaturity. It doesn’t happen in one big moment, but over years of wise decisions. Adulthood is a sculpture carved over time. It’s a process of a person casting away their childishness and taking the shape of Godly maturity in their thoughts, words and actions.

10 Things I Want My Daughter to Know About Working Out via Wellfesto because all of us need these reminders about why we strive towards health and fitness.

Strength equals self-sufficiency. Being strong – particularly as a woman – is empowering. It will feel good someday to be able to carry your own luggage down the stairs if the airport escalator is broken, and it will be important to have a solid shot at outrunning a stranger should you meet one a dark alley.

Thanks for stopping by JustaOneGirlRevolution.com!

Mindy

This fun little quiz popped up on Julie’s blog awhile ago and I’ve since seen it on some others. I thought it was a fun one, so I saved it for a (proverbial) rainy day…alas, here we are!

current book: I’ve never been one to read just one book at a time, so current books is more accurate. My regularly updated reading material is on Goodreads, but a couple that I’m reading and loving now are: What We Talk About When We Talk About God by Rob Bell, The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer, and Imperfect Birds by Anne Lamott.

what we talk about when…

current music: I’m actually listening to a Freakonomics podcast (Can You Be Too Smart for Your Own Good? And Other FREAK-quently Asked Questions) at this exact moment. A song that I’ve had on repeat lately, though, is Clouds by Zach Sobiech, the young man I wrote about last week. The song is so stinkin’ catchy.

current guilty pleasure: on the music theme, I am really excited about the new Backstreet Boys song, “Permanent Stain”! I’ve been a BSB fan since 1996 and have stuck with them this whole time (yes, they’ve still been recording and touring these past several years). I’m going to see their 20th anniversary tour this August in Detroit and it will be a blast.

current nail color: Gelish’s Princess Tiara. It’s a really subtle greyish-purple color that I’m loving. The gel polish is similar to shellac, so it’s lasted almost two weeks, but it’s starting to come off and I keep picking at it!

current drink: now that it’s summer, I love an iced coffee with two pumps of vanilla and a splash of soy, or if I want to spend a little more, an iced soy caramel macchiato, both from the Bux, of course! I’m also really obsessed with the Sparking Ice water lately, especially the black raspberry and kiwi strawberry. For an adult beverage, I love Oberon from Bells Brewery.

oberon

current food: I am loving baked sweet potatoes with some almond butter and a little cinnamon sprinkled on top. Until I actually tried it, I thought it sounded like such an odd combination that I’ve heard others swear by. Now? Give me all the sweet potatoes.

current favorite show: Parenthood! I adore the Braverman clan and I am so flipping excited that they’re coming back for another season!

parenthood

current wish list: an Oster My Blend. It’s a blender that makes your drink right in the sports bottle, and it’s pink. On a larger scale, a new MacBook because mine is going on six years old now and it’s starting to slow down a lot.

current needs: a solid 8-hour night of sleep, to catch up on my nutrition school lectures, and to sit down and update my finances. I think a day trip out to one of the Lake Michigan beaches or up to the cottage also qualifies as a need.

grand haven beach

current indulgence: I’m going for a mani/pedi on Saturday with my mom and one of my sisters. It was our Mother’s Day gift, and we’re going out for lunch beforehand! It should be a fun girl’s day.

current blessing: warm weather! After months and months of snow and cold weather here in the Mitten, I am so grateful for sunshine and heat. Until I have to run, then it’s kind of miserable. For now, I don’t even mind not having air conditioning in my apartment, but ask me again in another couple of months and I might be singing a different tune.

current outfit: PJs! More specifically, my “you belong here” from the student ministries program I volunteer with and hot pink polka dot pajama pants. I look really cool. But, I’m crazy comfortable and sitting in my bed, so it doesn’t particularly matter. I have nobody to impress.

current excitement: even though it’s not until September, I am super stoked for this year’s Healthy Living Summit! Before then, I’ve got a couple half marathons that I’m looking forward to including ZOOMA Chicago (where I’m going to pace Stina to a PR and Kelly is running the 10k) and the Indianapolis Women’s Half Marathon that I’m running with my friend Emily who is coming up to run the marathon with me in October! All in all, summer is my absolute favorite season and I’m excited to make the most of it this year!

Your turn! Leave a comment and let me know what you’re currently loving!

Thanks for stopping by JustaOneGirlRevolution.com!

Mindy

With less than 150 pages filled with short essays ranging from about 4-15 pages in length, An Idiot Girl’s Christmas is an easy read about Notaro’s Christmas memories, perfect for those times when you only have a few minutes here and there to read. It is a far cry from your usual Christmas story, but that uniqueness makes it stand out. Hilariousness ensues as she talks about the hijinks she’s encountered over the years, many of which left me literally laughing out loud. It has a very National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation feel, just waiting to see what would go wrong next. She kicks off with a snarky letter to her mom about what she really wants for Christmas. Another story finds Notaro with a Christmas Eve emergency, when she “had an unscheduled, unannounced guest, one form whom I had no present but who had a present for me. It was My Special Friend, weeks ahead of schedule,” and the rush to remedy the issue, resulting in a late night trip to K-Mart, being ridiculed by teenage boys.

While An Idiot Girl’s Christmas would likely be most appreciated around the holiday season, it was an entertaining read that made me extremely thankful for the quiet Christmases in my life (knock on wood). Like any book of it’s type, most of Notaro’s essays were spot-on hilarity, however, a couple felt like duds in my book. Although I had not previously heard of her, I am now looking forward to picking up Notaro’s other books in the future. This would be a good read for someone short on time or fans of Jennifer Lancaster’s memoirs.

Ambassador Spotlight: Mindy Nienhouse (aka me!) via FitFluential: shameless self-promotion

FitFluential is about being healthy and happy, and inspiring others to find the path that leads them to the same.

on meaning via Camping Out In America: this one is going in my favorites folder. Great read!

Look for meaning, because meaning endures — it touches us and those around us, and it gives us purpose. And it’s usually right in front of our face, we just have to grab hold.

Beyonce’s Unflattering Photos Were a Good Thing via The Sweet Life

If anything, I think the photos getting splashed around are a positive for a culture of young women (and men for that matter) who are constantly inundated with the “unreal.”

People Today Are Happier Than Ever, Study Says via Greatist

Researchers were interested in two basic issues: how well-being changes across the lifespan, and how it varies between people born at different times.

The Power of Habit Investments via Zen Habits: one of my favorite blogs! This is a really great post, per the usual.

It sounds really obvious when you say it, but if you do something small repeatedly, the benefits accrue greatly over time. It’s obvious, but not everyone puts it into practice.

why paleo wasn’t for me via Fitting It All In: bio-individuality FTW!

So Paleo wasn’t for me. At least right now. Things change. I used to not eat meat and now I do, so maybe one day I’ll give Paleo a shot again.

Vegetarian Buffalo Chicken Dip via The Wannabe Chef: yum! Buffalo chicken dip was always a favorite, can’t wait to try this veg-friendly version!

Too often the impulse for making meat-free dishes is to reach for something with tofu or the name “fak’n” in front of it. Beans are a great substitute that are also cheap, tasty, and something everyone can recognize.

ABCs of 2013 (What I’m Looking Forward to This Year) via Carrots ‘n’ Cake: such a fun post idea.

Since the new year is moving right along, I thought it would be fun to highlight some of the things I’m looking forward to in 2013 with the help of the alphabet. (Why not, right?)

Yes, You Can Do a Triathlon via Healthy Tipping Point: seriously, you can.

I really wanted to blast away the typical “I can’t!” excuses when it comes to triathlons. If it’s your dream to do a triathlon… DO IT! It’s so fun, it’s completely attainable, and you’ll feel so proud of yourself afterwards.

Why Quitting Sugar Changed My Life via Mind Body Green

I’ve spent more than my fair share of afternoons at work watching the clock, having an internal battle (always a battle!) about whether to go and get sweets, and how many, and how could I hide my sweet eating from my colleagues (or husband, or friend, or sister… the battle didn’t always take place at work). I was mean to myself about my lack of willpower, and my ugly fat body*. Whatever my size, I was unhappy with it.

21 Things We All Need via Thought Catalog: love pretty much everything about this post.

10. To be honest with ourselves and other people about our goals and aspirations — in order to push ourselves to achieve them. We need to not be scared to want too much or too little and have the courage to ask for it.

2 Different Ways to Make a Custom Header and Navbar for Your Blog via something swanky: blogger friends, this is super helpful info!

With blog design, I think it’s best to start at the top. So let’s rewind past some of the other stuff we’ve covered and talk about the top of your blog– the most important part of your blog design: the header and navbar.

It’s never too late to start again via Deployment Diva: on falling back into old habits.

The only thing stopping you from getting back on track is YOU. Make the choice … right now. Because if you wait, suddenly it will be 3.5 months later and you’ll wonder why you let so much time pass.

Thanks for stopping by JustaOneGirlRevolution.com!

Mindy

From the Coach: 10 Life Lessons from Running via Live from La Quinta because the more years I run, the more I realize it’s not just about running.

You’re Stronger Than You Think

With hard work, training, and dedication to your goals, you might surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.

Tips for Running a Marathon via Running Toward the Prize because as I make another attempt to become a marathoner this year, I’m soaking up everything I can.

Don’t be afraid to have fun. In fact, make that a priority for your first marathon.

8 Awesome Podcasts to Get You Through a Long Run via DailyBurn because you can find out what my favorite podcast to listen to while running is, plus there are some other really awesome suggestions – and they’re good for times when you’re not running, too.

Usually free and frequently updated, podcasts are a great alternative when you just want to zone out as you log the miles. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, personal growth or just to learn how to run faster, you can find a show to fit your mood. We asked pro runners, running bloggers and coaches for their favorite podcasts to give you a heavy dose of motivation as you hit the pavement.

Be Authentic via It’s Progression because I fully agree that there’s no one right way for a “healthy” life.

It’s the journey of finding the answers to those questions that makes living a healthy life so wonderful – there is no one mold to fit into because “a healthy life” looks different on every single one of us.

In Through Your Nose, Out Through Your Nose via Katy Widrick because even though my yoga practice has been pretty non-existent of late, I still use ujjayi breathing on a regular basis. It makes a difference.

I’ve never found it a particularly natural thing to do, but the more I practice yoga, the more I find myself being centered by the work of warming up my insides, of steadying my heart, and of honing my focus. I’m always glad when I take a moment to really set myself up for a successful practice.

Boston Marathon Recap: Undertrained and Overjoyed via Race Pace Jess because I can’t get enough of stories from Marathon Monday. What an inspiring day.

What I do want to tell you is this, if you want to BQ, go for it! Work hard. Dream Big. Make it a priority. Learn from your mistakes. Never give up and you too can BQ. The blood, sweat, tears, and the money spent on racing fees, running shoes and body glide were all worth it.

Shailene Woodley’s Natural Life via NaturalHealth because I think she’s got a very cool attitude about food, nature and life, especially for someone at such a young age.

The abundance of traditional Hawaiian culture is magnificent. It’s a lot of connection to the land that we don’t have in the “my ego, my mind, my this, my that … ” way of thinking. I heard that in the Hawaiian language, ha means breath, and when you say Aloha to someone, you’re really saying, “I’m breathing so that you can inhale my spirit, and when you exhale, I’m inhaling your spirit.” It’s true recognition of another person’s soul and entity.

Ending the glorification of BUSY via Carla Birnberg because I’ve realized about myself in the last year or so how often I use “busy” as a fallback response, and I’m trying to be more aware of it.

The BUSY which, even if we make efforts not to glorify, invariably seems to become a source of comparison among us.

Hoda Kotb on post-cancer body image: ‘You live your life and you carry it with you’ via TODAY because cancer survivors are so, so inspiring and while anyone getting cancer is horrible, I think it’s great when someone in a very public position can take something crappy and find the light in it.

I remember after my surgery and the cancer was out, my sister said that I immediately looked healthier. I think sometimes when you have something inside of you that’s poisonous and terrible, until it’s out you don’t realize you got the light back in your eyes, the color in your face. And really, you didn’t even realize it was gone. You were just walking around that way and didn’t know it.

5 Tips to Quit Sugar the Spirit Junkie Way via Wellness Today because I think that Gabby’s tips are helpful for more than just cutting sugar out of the diet (which, by the way, seriously impressive), which she states as well.

If you’re not sure that you’re truly ready to let go of sugar (or any other habit that’s not serving you), wait it out. There’s nothing wrong with not being ready. I’d rather see you continue to indulge in the habit and simply stay willing to receive greater guidance than force yourself to change. If you try to force yourself into change, then change will never stick.

Thanks for stopping by JustaOneGirlRevolution.com!

Mindy

Welcome to the Seven links page of the site. This is where I’ll be linking to some older pages of the site from before the re-design. Feel free to check out those old pages by clicking the links below :

Pinned it Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas

Reading List Volume 35

Reading List Volume 4

Review an Idiot Girls Christmas

Currently

Reading List Volume 20

Reading List Volume 22

Twosday Volume 60

Health Coach to Be

Breakfast Burrito Quiche

If you have any questions or concerns about the seven links page our about anything on our site feel free to check out the contact page here!
Thanks for stopping by my blog,

Mindy

One thing’s for sure.. Eating vegetarian is definitely healthy and much more healthy than consuming meat every single day of our lives.

The problem is that most people are raised consuming meat for protein and assume it’s the only way, but it’s not!

Even those folks that come to understand that vegetarian lifestyle is much healthier than any other, they find it difficult to convert.

In this short and sweet article I want to give you some tips on converting and what to expect when cutting meat out of your diet.

Let’s dive right in!

Accepting the Change

This is the first step and you can take it slow.. Baby steps!

Start by trying to cut meat out of 1 meal every single day. You could try to go cold turkey but this could lead to uncontrollable cravings that even the strongest willed person couldn’t overcome!

Obviously, if you’ve been eating meat for any amount of time, this is going to be a HUGE change for you AND your body so you need to keep this in mind..

On top of that, you need to slowly start replacing your protein intake that was in your diet with something else.

Click here to Check Out One of the Most Popular Vegetarian Approved Diets on the Entire Internet!

What Type of Vegetarian Are you?

There are a ton of different styles of vegetarian and this is something you want to think about.

Just because your neighbor Annie doesn’t eat any meat doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the occasional white fish!

In fact, some people say that eating white fish is actually a good thing.. With all the fish oils and suches.

What Types of Foods Should You Eat?

There are a ton of delicious dishes that you can eat as a vegetarian and most of them consist of healthy greens like broccoli, kale, spinach and things that contain tons of calcium.

On top of greens and healthy salads, vegetarians tend to eat a lot of nuts which are a rich source of protein. Do you like peanut butter? Maybe a Peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch?

Pasta is another delicious dish that you can enjoy as a full time vegetarian. Things like Alfredo pastas, pesto pastas and so much more

Making the Switch..

Turning to vegetarian lifestyle is a difficult move to make but one that could bring you immediate and lasting heath benefits. It’s been proven time and time again that eating meat every single day in excess is bad for your heart, the number cause for death in the United States is HEART disease!

So maybe it’s time to start thinking about the major benefits over that juicy steak and start making progress towards a newer, healthier lifestyle!

Click here to Check Out One of the Most Popular Vegetarian Approved Diets on the Entire Internet!