EC LifePlanner 2015/2016

Hello friends. How was your Monday? I had a great start to the day with my usual morning regimen: nestled under a blanket with my coffee and my thoughts. My weeks are starting to mold a fixed fashion as I settle in a new job-more on that later. I am pretty pumped about today's post because it involves one of my favorite things: planners! 

The husband doesn't get the obsession (yes, it's a problem). For as long as I can remember I have kept a planner. Though I would use it for a little more than just planning: documenting fun times, stressful times, etc. It really served as somewhat of a scrapbook. Every once in a while I'll pull an old one out and read through it. Now that the world (or awesome designers) has caught up with me, more and more planners are allowing users to tap into an extra creative side giving us the opportunity to utilize planners for more than just planning... You are thinking I'm silly, aren't you? Hang in there with me!

Planners/Organizers are recognizing the "big picture" in our lives; reminding us that we have a purpose and it's not just to get through today (I know, sometimes that is a goal). Take the Day Designer for instance. This daily planner is centered around the users’ goals and gratitude’s. On the daily sheet, one section provides a daily schedule, another for top priorities, and a section for daily gratitude. I have a sheet I developed similar to this layout- I'll link it at the end. The designer offers a free download too. 

Photo Source: DayDesigner.com

The Heidi Swapp Memory Planner is simply a planner and scrapbook in one- awesome, I know!

Photo Source: heidiswapp.com

Heidi Swapp has an ENDLESS amount of gorgeous accessories. If you have never visited her site, consider that your warning! 

No matter your needs and likings there is a planner for you. I am a BIG fan of color and clichés. I have been using the Erin Condren Life Planner for two years. I have tried to break away and use others but it's never the same. Tomorrow she launches the 2015/16 Life Planner. This version has several changes. This is yet another reason I love her, because she listens to her users! See the new changes below: 

Photo Source: ErinCondren.com

Photo Source: ErinCondren.com

Photo Source: ErinCondren.com

Photo Source: ErinCondren.com

Photo Source: ErinCondren.com

Photo Source: ErinCondren.com

Photo Source: ErinCondren.com

Photo Source: ErinCondren.com

Photo Source: ErinCondren.com

Photo Source: ErinCondren.com

After discovering Kikki-K I ordered a large planner that was 50% off! I uncoiled my EC LifePlanner and placed it in the Kikki-K. This is another site that's full of beautiful stationary and accessories. I have this pink binder in the video. 

What do you think? If you are interested in purchasing one click the banner below to show me some love (and to fund my planer addiction). Now, let's go make a memorable Monday!!

To download the sheet below click on the picture to be taken to the origional post!

Enjoy!

Listen to your heart...literally: An update on Sodium recommendations.

Before we get started let's test your Salt IQ by taking the quiz beow!

Are we liking, loving or slashing the salt theses days? To be honest no one reallys knows... Talking with your physician and dietitian is your first step in determining if you need to slash the salt!

Sodium

FUNCTION

Sodium is a mineral that the body needs to function properly. Primary functions include: balancing fluid throughout the body, maintaining pH balance, muscle and nerve function. Sodium is most commonly found in table salt.

FOOD SOURCES

• Salt - 1/4 teaspoon of salt has ~600 mg of sodium 
• Processed Foods
• breads 
• canned foods 
• snack foods 
• instant foods (cereal, rice, potatoes, noodles, etc.) 
• meats
• cured or smoked meats 
• deli/lunch meats 
• processed, canned meats
• cheeses
• Condiments, Sauces, and Seasonings 
• salad dressings
• ketchup 
• mustard 
• meat seasonings 
• sauces
• soy, BBQ, steak, etc.
• pickles and olives (Two of my favorites!!) 

DAILY RECOMMENDATIONS

Generally Healthy Adults
1 Teaspoon (~2300 mg)

Those with high blood pressure
1/8 Teaspoon (~1500 mg)

For a visual go to the kitchen and get a teaspoon and level out a teaspoon of salt. There you go. That's all the salt you are supposed to have in one day. Now, if you have high blood pressure I'm going to need you to empty out a little over a quarter of that amount.

CLICK TO TWEET

"What's the big deal? So I eat a lot of salt? I'm still normal weight and have a clean bill of health!" -imaginary person

TOO MUCH SALT IN THE DIET...
Can increase chances of developing high blood pressure (Hypertension) and/or create complications for other chronic disease types like: renal failure, heart failure, and cirrhosis. An increase in sodium may cause excess accumulation of fluid in the blood which creates pressure. Over time arteries become damaged and become stiff making it harder for blood to move freely. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, organ failure, and other life threatening changes. Listen to your heart...literally! Know the signs and symptoms of hypertension. Assess your risk by visiting HEART.ORG

References and recommended readings

Dietary Reference Intakes: vitamins. Institute of Medicine of the National Academies Web Site.http://www.iom.edu/Global/News%20Announcements/~/media/474B28C39EA34C43A60A6D42CCE07427.ashx. Accessed January 5, 2014.

Mahan LK, Escott-Stump S, Raymond JL. Krause’s Food and the Nutrition Care Process. 13th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2012.

Merck Manual Home Health Handbook. Overview of sodium. Merck Manuals Web site.http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/print/hormonal_and_metabolic_disorders/electrolyte_balance/sodium.html. Accessed January 5, 2014.

US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Hyponatremia. MedlinePlus Web site.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000394.htm. Updated April 14, 2013. Accessed January 5, 2014.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition Care Manual. ght:22px;">http://www.nutritioncaremanual.org. Accessed May 1, 2015.