#workouts Archives - Northern California Style

Good morning dear friends. How are you coping? I hope you’ll start thinking of this blog as a good space. What I am going to share with you all regularly will be some things to get your minds off what we cannot control right now. I don’t know how helpful that is, but it’s what I can do with this space right now, so I’m trying it.

For those who may be just starting sheltering in, it’s not all bad. I have to say there is some good to it. The slowing down of life is really nice. I appreciate our governor taking the stance he did so early on. I feel like in California we will all be a little safer.. Now if the young people could just comply..

Yesterday I sat in the yard and we had the most amazing clouds and beautiful sun. I tried to soak up some warmth. The birds were singing away and not a car or mower was to be heard. Truly peaceful.

Our wisteria has began its annual bloom..as someone said, “Spring is not cancelled.’ I’m trying to find the good.

On the bright side, I am not homeschooling, my kids are older. For those mom’s that are in the thick of these young years..OMG! This would be me..

Sorry I couldn’t resist a little laugh, we need to take them where we can.

It has not been easy being a mom of a teen now either. I have to constantly fight for the youngest to stay in. He loves to be out, the opposite of my older one. We keep telling him this is all for the greater good. It’s not just about us, but many of our young people have been being raised that it is only about them. The sooner we impress upon them this matters, the better for us all. It isn’t fun.

On the bright side, we had a wonderful family meal last night, where no one rushed off. Another bonus, my husband is starting to take charge of meals or being a big part of prepping them. This yummy parmesan chicken he made this week was a hit. We have had good conversation and a family feeling of being together at the table that we haven’t had for a while. I will take it for now.

If you are like me, with four adults under one roof, a family pact, or some house rules will likely be needed. It’s not that my kids are jerks, but they need reminders. Also one of them, not naming names, said this week, “Well mom why do we need to vacuum.. it’s kind of your job.’ WHAT?? He regretted that comment. For my own sanity, I crafted a few house rules. We will see how this goes over..

I cannot play tennis now, but I need to do something to keep feeling happier and not like a sloth. Regular neighborhood (social distance from others) walks with my kids and hubs where we’ve been appreciating spring and having some nice chats have helped.

The original 1982 Jane Fonda Workout which found it’s way back into my sphere. It’s actually an excellent workout! Jane was then 45 and as inspiring as she is now. I remember being in high school when my mom had the VHS tape and I sometimes did it with her. The video I originally linked here no longer works so try here :

From Instagram I found a daily live half hour program I’ve been doing at 10:00 a.m. Pacific. DanceFactoryFitness has a different workout every day and you access it by hitting their profile photo for most recent workout for the last 24 hours. Wednesday had a dance centered one which included a great arms workout using soup cans from your cabinet! My arms were actually burning. Thursday they had body sculpting, so check them out if you can fit a 30 minute workout in. Not fancy, but what we can use right now!

Other ideas on things we can do now..

I grew up in a family full of gardeners, and my dad is an extra gifted one. I have a personal goal each year to be a better gardener like him. I want my yard to be as pretty as his, but I never have time to spend as he does.. Guess that excuse is out! This pandemic came at a the perfect time to start your veg garden and get your yard pretty for summer. It’s heaven to be outside now with the blooming trees and vines, soft bird sounds and way less traffic noise and very fresh air. This book, A Garden Can Be Anywhere is a good one for those interested in starting your own garden by a gal who creates them for chefs and others. She believes they should be as pretty as they are useful.

We should try and use some time each day to time to delve into books and get away from the internet. The Elements of Home is a rabbit hole you can take a deep dive into. A blog follower friend sent me the suggestion and I couldn’t be more excited. It has fun and interesting stories that go along with the history of so many things we use daily. I can’t wait to take this and a nice cup of tea to a cozy corner, something we don’t do enough. Thank you Marla!!

You may have seen my last post about Beauty Secret videos from Vogue. Those are fun and I have already watched a few more today and learning a lot from the young gals to the older ones. I especially like people closer to my age like Amber Valletta and today I watched 80’s model Joan Severence, who is funny and real. A lot to learn on this page!

Beginning today , I’m going to share some of my favorite blogs with you. Each time I post I’ll give you some more to follow. I learn more from blogs than anything. They’ve almost replaced the magazine for me, and it’s good to get tips on clothes, cooking ideas, home decor, travel and just about everything..from real people, not celebs don’t you think?

Some bloggers just have a way they live that I aspire to and one of those is my friend Elizabeth, aka Contessa who lives like an Italian royal in Orinda with her cute pets including a full sized pig named Banksy. I adore her house, her love of life, her way of entertaining and connecting, and her kindness. She’s always sharing some wonderful find or person and there is no comment this woman has not answered and she has so many followers and fans!!

Dani, a Canadian friend I have been fortunate to connect with, lives in a beautiful way. I have enjoyed her Mop Philosphy posts which seem to touch on the little things that make every day beautiful and just what we need even more of now. You’ll love her excellent taste (she just bought and redid a pretty stone house), clothing color stories, recipes and positive affirmations on life. Even her post today about missing her Miami vacation has a upbeat feeling that makes me not want to complain, but carry on with hope. Love her…

More blogs coming ..

I leave you with a piece of fluff, a new obsession this blouse from Loft. I bought it on my last day before quarantine. I was with friends and we didn’t know we were living dangerously out shopping.. I have been wearing it with this belt I bought also. It is just the thing I need now as it feels springy and feminine, but still has long sleeves. My housemates say it looks nice…LOL.