Fido's first breakfast out

              Meet Foxy

Foxy's first experience was overwhelmingly exciting. Needless to say. Was so excited that breakfast ended up not staying down very long. 

We went to Tin Shed in Portland Oregon.

Check out there menu here:

http://tinshedgardencafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Breakfast.Web_.pdf

The breakfast goes to the top of fte list for sure. Incredible as well and fantastic customer service. 

Coffee is self serve and they have a dogs eat free night on Tuesday. If you buy a bandana for your pup and come back with them wearing it you get a discount on their food. Pretty stylish if I say so myself!

The best part after a big breakfast is you pup is pretty tired out or at least mine was but we will remember she was very busy with all the excitement of people, kids and food. 

Bring Fido Road trip to Napa Valley

Do you debate on weather to bring your dog on vacation or not? Most often then not my little pooch gets put in the doggie hotel. She can sometimes be quite wild. Recently I started remembering that I only have so many years with her. I am determined to enjoy the rest of it as well as have her enjoy it too. Fido = Mans best friend! 

Her favorite part of a road trip is the air conditioning! 

And yes with all parts of life she loves to be in the drivers seat.

Uh oh! Tired already?

Learning the ropes of arthritis and prolonging surgery

So after a couple years of dealing with pain and trying to diagnose what is happening in my body I have recently found out that I have basically degeneration on my right hip which is most likely the cause of the excruciating back pain I have dealt with for the past year. If you got into details it would include moderate osteoarthritis, synovial herniation, femoral head neck offset, labral tear and a cyst in my right hip. I have been told by a surgeon recently that the only thing that will take my pain away is a hip replacement. Seeing that I am only 32 years old they are not in a hurry to do that because the longer I can hold off the less surgeries I will have to have. Hips only last for so long which means there is a good possibility of having to have a revision to the hip. Each revision I believe takes away more bone and puts you at greater risk for complications. 

Even though I didn't think I was going to be having to learn about arthritis at 32 that is reality. I need to learn how to reduce inflammation. What I should and shouldn't be doing to manage my condition. Even though the journey has been challenging giving up has never been an option for me. 

What is osteoarthritis?

According to the mayo clinic: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people around the world. Often called wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time.

This morning I went to the gym. First time in a long time. Had a great massage yesterday and I felt renewed. I have read that one of the best exercise for hips is cycling and the pool. One of the worst things you can do for arthritis I believe is stop moving. Today I tryed 20mins on the recumbent bike. Some push-ups. Started with full push-ups which I noticed was straining my lower back probably due to a weak core muscles do for now I brought it down to my knees which took a lot of ease off my back. I tryed some quad, calf and hamstring stretching as well as stretching my arms up in the air and behind me to get my back a little. The hip plays a hug part in movement which means I need to move about this progression slowly and mindfully. So far so good! 

Best Smoothie Ever!

Yesterday I started to think about how my smoothies were not turning out like the smoothies at a smoothie place. I decided to look up how to make a smoothie. 

I ran across this website:

http://eternallifestyles.com/perfect-smoothie-making-secret/

I am well known for just winging things and not really paying attention. Sometimes that turns out ok other times it means the consistency is lacking. 

This morning I tryed to pay a little more attention to what I put into my Ninja Bender. 

Started with my base which is the liquid of the smoothie. See I am using my smoothie vocabulary now. Today I used 1 cup coconut milk. 

Next I added my filler which thickens your smoothie, helps make you fuller and more fullfilled and can make it very creamy depending on the ingredients otherwise you would end up with a slushy. Today I added 1/2 avocado and some Greek yogurt. I didn't measure it but it may have been at least 1/2 cup.

Next I added the fruits and veggies. A few spinach leaves, 1/2 bananna and some applesauce maybe 1/2 cup or so. Last but not least I added about 7 ice cubs. Oh and not to forget I threw in some frozen dark cherries.

Finishing touch was one of the best smoothies I have made for myself. With a thumbs up! :)