Plastic surgery is great option for many patients

Some friends and I recently had a discussion regarding plastic surgery. 

 To do or not to do? 

 We know several people who work in this field, and have had the privilege of seeing some of the wonderful things that plastic surgeons and their staff can achieve. 

Did you know how many patients after cancer treatments, see a plastic surgeon to have reconstructive surgery? They are able to do a flap, and give the patient back some feeling of self after radiation. Or maybe they have had to undergo a mastectomy and have elected to have implants. After speaking with the surgeons they say patients have such a sense of gratitude and are so appreciative to feel more like themselves with the help of this procedure. 

The other side to this discussion are more elective cases. Like my friends and I were discussing, after the combination of age and childbearing, our bodies are not like they used to be! Nor do we expect them to be, but after eating healthy and regular exercise, it can become a frustrating place to find yourself. I've seen women's self esteem plummet, due to poor body image. I'm not advocating for or against surgical options, but it is so nice to know that there are just that, options. 

The friends I know who have chosen to have an augmentation or a tummy tuck have been so very pleased. It's all done very tastefully and has boosted their sense of overall confidence with regards to their bodies. There are many things to consider, price, downtime, risk, and it is certainly not for everyone. But it is so wonderful to have such an option right in our backyard. 

I think the stigma of plastic surgery has changed, and needs to change. These talented surgeons offer such hope to patients, and it's not all about boobs and botox! Have any questions, don't hesitate to consult with your local Gundersen plastic surgeon today!


gundersenhealth.org/plastic-surgery

Heading to the 'Birkie' this weekend!

As this winter stacks up as one to remember, or maybe more accurately, one we may never forget, we can say we are more than half way there and spring will come. 

With that being said, my husband and I have committed to participating in our first ever Birkebeiner ski race. Some of you may be asking what that is. Well it's an annual ski race, either classic cross country or skate ski style, that occurs in Cable, Wisconsin every February. As I've written before, we have taken up the sport of skate skiing, and are now throwing our hat into the racing ring. Although, at this point, having not been on my skis in over a month, I am seriously reconsidering this decision! 

Who am I fooling, I'm not cut out for this! I guess I'm in it purely for the experience and the chance to head north with a great group of people. I will be attempting to finish 12 kilometers, and my husband will be skiing the Kortelopet, which is 23 kilometers. The true Birkie is 50 grueling kilometers, complete with a challenging course filled with giant hills and thousands of spectators watching your every move! 

I guess there is a place along the race course where the skiers come flying downhill and have to make a very tricky turn. It is here that a group of wonderful fans sit to "judge" those who fall, and just how spectacular their wipeouts are. 

Note to self, don't be fooled by what sounds like a great idea in June, because race time is officially here! I was half hoping for sub-zero temperatures so that I could bow out gracefully, ha! Are my nerves coming through in print? It will be quite the experience to be in the presence of elite athletes and watch them perform with elegance and grace. If nothing else I will definitely earn that post-race beverage! 

So while you watch those gifted athletes at the Olympics this weekend, remember that there is a tremendous event taking place in your own state. A ski marathon like no other. And your friendly blogger is a reluctant participant! Feel free to send those support vibes, I know I could use every one of them. See you on the other side of the finish line!

For more information about this fantastic race, its history and all the crazy events happening throughout race weekend, check out the link below.

birkie.com

Show someone you care!

Was your house been bombarded by red and pink like mine last week? Are your kids bouncing off the walls from the sugared hearts and sticky suckers they received in their Valentine exchanges at school? Did you spend hours creating the perfect Valentine for them to give or the perfect "Mailbox" to house all of their sweets? 

It is a fun holiday, and with the winter that we have endured it has certainly helped add some color and fun into our rather cold, white world! My kids were so excited for all of their parties at school, and to give their teachers the special treats they prepared, or rather their mother, prepared! 

Some consider it a Hallmark holiday. I say bah humbug to that! What better excuse do you need to send a fun card to your favorite aunt or special grandparents? My kids were racing to the mailbox all week to see their cards come with only their name on it! Brighten up your niece or nephew and send them a giant card like my sister did! Seeing the excitement that a gesture like this brings is worth it! And I haven't even mentioned the opportunity to indulge a bit in some chocolate, perfect! So forget your bah humbugs and remember to celebrate those you love. It doesn't take much to show that you care, and bringing a smile to someone is well worth it, on Valentine's Day and every day!

Warm up the winter with creativity in the kitchen

Cooped up and tired of the cold?

Maybe you are like me and tired of all the warm weather vacation pictures everyone (but me) seems to be flaunting on social media. What to do, what to do? 

Well, I have been turning my creative energy inward and started cooking! My husband and I have taken to researching recipes on a Sunday afternoon, and then going to the grocery store Sunday evenings for our weekly menu supply. Some have been real winners, like the teriyaki chicken with sushi rice. Others were not quite as successful, but fun to create anyway!

Sometimes we rely on old standbys. Like quiche. Never considered it for dinner? Well think again. It's warm, flaky, and can be filled with any ingredient to suit your palate. I tend to buy just the pre made, frozen crust. It comes in a two-pack. I will make one flavor for the kids, and one for adults. If you aren't up for two, they freeze beautifully. Voilà, dinner for next week is ready! 

While we all endure this endless winter, we need something to keep our sanity! Throw a dinner party and let your creativity shine. Not in the mood to cook? Try our take on the "European" dinner. We serve up some good cheeses, sliced meats and hearty bread. I added some grapes and some good nuts, and dinner is ready! Of course, with a nice glass of wine, most things taste even better. 

Good luck with whatever method you choose to battle through the winter. Remember, spring will come!

Is it the destination, or the journey that matters most?

Are you more about the journey you take or reaching your final destination? 

Do you take more pleasure in the accomplishments along the way, or maybe you revel in reaching the summit? 

After watching this past weekend's Superbowl game I couldn't help but reflect on this question. These football players just spent an entire season battling game after game, some overcoming injuries, to make it to the final game to see who is crowned world champs. Then it ended in a way that most would not have predicted, with an utter sweep and crushing, one-sided, defeat.

I can't help but think what a let down that game was to all of the Denver Bronco players and fans. But maybe they held onto the joy that the journey was along the way, throughout the season. They made it to the final game, one of the two best teams in the league. Despite the ultimate outcome, wasn't it worth it? As other teams and fans could only sit on the sidelines to watch, they participated in the pinnacle of well-fought journey. 

It's funny how this can be compared to life. Maybe we need to realize that the trip is as much about the journey and the lessons learned along the way, as it is about reaching our goals. Yes, to achieve a feat or goal you set for yourself is fantastic, but so are the pitfalls and achievements reached along the way. 

Life is filled with our own "superbowls." Just making it to the arena is an accomplishment, and not everyone walks away with the trophy, but remember the journey that helped you get there in the first place. Keep striving for the win, but don't forget to enjoy the ride.

Been puzzled lately?

Santa happened to deliver a beautiful 1,000-piece, very challenging puzzle to our house. We have set it up on our dining room table (can you tell how little we dine in the dining room?) and have been working on it little by little. 

 I have not attempted a puzzle in years, except the last winter up at a cabin, which only lasted for about two days, and was never completed. My husband has found the entire thing totally therapeutic and very relaxing. 

I've sat down to "just find a few pieces" and end up sitting for over an hour! It is not only relaxing, but very addicting as well! The one tip I would strongly encourage, do not let your 4-year-old "help." 

We recently found four pieces in her doll's dress. And because our puzzle is not quite complete, we are unsure how many pieces may be missing for good! Ahh, I guess it adds to the challenge. My good friend has a puzzle going for each of her kids, she simply sets it up on a cookie sheet. When they are not working on it, she slides it under her television stand, out of sight! 

Waiting for the next Polar Vortex to descend upon us hardy midwesterners, we need SOMETHING to keep us sane! Might I suggest a puzzle? Maybe you want a second one for your little "helpers" too!