Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Mommy Needs Coffee: Daycare

Workout: 30 min Contrarian Core Yoga Flow + 20 min interval run

Ahh yes, I only got 6 hours of sleep but I still awoke refreshed. Again, I need to get better about "getting ready for sleepy time" at 10 - not 10:30 and definitely not after 11.

Here's Jason's (awesome instructor) on today's flow:

Talk about opening a can of worms...I actually suggest that the abdominals are not necessarily "core" throughout this practice. I'm not sure if it was a moment of insanity, clarity, or both, but you should definitely tune in and add to the discussion. My point is that I can't believe I'm publishing this--but "core" seems to be evocative of much and descriptive of little. What this class does focus on is the relationship between your inner-legs, pelvic floor, hip-flexors and abdominal center. It's like my other, ahem, "core" classes, but a bit longer. Try it out, it's pretty good (if contrarian).

I have to say, I've never thought about our "core" in that way - but it kind of makes sense. Agree/Disagree?

I also love his classes. I'm always amazed by the simplicity of his flows and how demanding they prove to be. The most simple of poses really do require so much strength, I definitely feel STRONGER after each class. WinWin!

Now let's have some coffee and talk daycare - shall we?

Last week I caught the following story: Is Your Daycare Safe? Scary stuff.

Of course I worry, but I do think my daycare is safer than this (*I hope*) and I really like all the care takers. I'm able to relate to all of them and it seems like they run a very tight ship. Just look at this schedule:

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My BB is a toddler!

For everything that my daycare offers, though - there's still some guilt. I won't lie. I wish I could stay at home with her and take her to story time at the library or play time at a park. I feel like I'm missing out on so much. 

I try to rationalize it since she's at day care for 8 hours so I tell myself that 2 of those are for nap time, 1 hour for eating and 1 hour for changing diapers. That means (by my awesome logic) that I'm only away from her for 4 hours. My mind can handle that! However, my mind doesn't like it much when others unknowingly add to the guilt.

Last week, a friend told me she couldn't put her babies in a daycare because it would "break her heart". She would rather juggle her family's schedule while her family caretaker (who's dealing with health issues) until she was back in business. I asked her what was wrong with a daycare and mentioned all the positives, but she still said she couldn't do it because she didn't have to. She said she might look at things differently if "she had to".

I don't thing she meant to make me feel guilty, but she did. We don't really "have to" put BB in daycare, we could ask my mom and his mom to alternate but I really think that would be an imposition on them.  BB has all sorts of energy so watching after her is literally a full-time job.

Plus, we both believe daycare actually helps her development. Take this article, HIGH-QUALITY EARLY CHILDCARE = LATER ACADEMIC SUCCESS? We hope that the skills she's building now will help her in school and later on in life.

I like that her Development center follows a schedule, not to mention the practice she gets socially - she's turning into a little butterfly. We're currently working on what "gentle" means, she's slowly getting it but any tips would be greatly appreciated.

How about you, what are your thoughts on daycare?

ADios!

Monday, January 30, 2012

The Salad Case: Insanity!

Workout: 20 min run + 20 min weights
Despite all the crazy from last night, I was pleasantly surprised to wake up refreshed and got my AM workout done!
I'm happy to say that I've met most of my January challenge. Yay!
I'm also happy to report the scale is down those 3-4 pesky holiday pounds. However, I'm pretty happy with the toning part. I still have a ways to go, but I can definitely see improvement.
This challenge has been fun, but I'm looking forward to switch it up and have started planning my February Challenge!!! I'm thinking about adding more Insanity and more yoga. Should be fun!!!
Kimberly recently asked about Insanity so I went ahead and added a label for it. Some thoughts:
  • Waking up to Shaun T - not too shabby!
  • I workout at home, so I get the whole "class" vibe and I like it.
  • It's high-impact so really listen to your body and make any modifications to the exercises as required
  • The plan comes with a 60-day challenge but I got bored/lower back got hurt (see note above) a couple of weeks into it.
  • The plan comes with a weight lifting DVD that I haven't tried, but other than that - you lift on your own.
Have you tried it? Are you a fan?
On to this week's salad cases:
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  • Handfuls of spinach
  • Roasted brussel sprouts + carrots
  • Roasted eggplant mixed with cheese
  • Handful of almonds
Oh so good :)
Dinner was has become an new-goto favorite!
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Butternut Squash Mac-N-Cheese – a great recipidea that made yesterday’s roasting party all worth it :)
Plus (and a doublescore plus at that) – RC forgot his lunch so we get to have leftovers for dinner tomorrow. Yippee!
Aren’t leftovers the best???
ADios :)

Sunday Slow-Cookin: un-slow!

Workout: walk with the doggies + lots and lots and lots of house work!

Ha, does this sound vaguely familiar?

Note to self: use BB's nap times wisely!

Seriously, when will I learn? I opted to read (then nap) during  my BB's nap time yesterday. MISTAKE!

I had to:
  1. Cook Dinner (yummy)
  2. Pack up lentil leftovers (work)
  3. Roast brussel sprouts/carrots  (work)
  4. Roast butternut squash for tonight  (work)
  5. Roast pecans/almonds (over-roasted both!)
  6. Bake the Mango Breakfast Bake  (work)
  7. Roast coffee beans in the popcorn popper because RC likes it better that way!  (work)
  8. Pack salad cases (work)
  9. Pack breakfast bakes (work)
  10. Clean up all said dishes (yuck yuck yuck - work)
  11. Wipe down all the counters (work)
I'm tired just writing about it! It didn't help that I fell asleep while trying to get my BB to sleep at night. When I woke up it was 10 and I still had to do #10-11. Not fun! I may try to split up the salad case prep and breakfast bake on Saturday and Sunday. We'll see?

On a good note, I really enjoyed last night's dinner!


Lentils + Potatoes + Cheese
  • 3 russet potatoes, cubed
  • 1 onion
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 2-3 cups cooked lentils
  • 3 handfuls spinach
  • 1/2 bar cream cheese
  • 4 slices muenster cheese
  • rosemary + garlic seasoning, salt, pepper
  1. sautee potates, onions and bell pepper in some olive oil.
  2. stir and cook potatoes until tender (~15 min)
  3. add lentils and some lentil stock or water and stir
  4. add a sprinkling of your favorite seasoning
  5. add spinach and stir until wilted
  6. add cream cheese stir
  7. stir in muenster cheese
  8. enjoy!
Cheesy goodness at it's best - oh so tasty. Although it is a one-pot wonder, I'm still bitter because the old crock pot along with many different pots and pans required cleaning. Do you ever just feel like givin your dishes the side-eye?

On a good note, RC and I will be signing up for this race this year:

Should be fun, + or - the wind factor!

Have you signed up for any races lately?

ADios :)

Thursday, January 26, 2012

A Natter: Short and Sweet!

Workout: 20 min interval run + 20 min weights

Manager: How's it going?
Me: ok, but... it's slow and we're back to the drawing board.
Manager: Well, that's how it goes. Let me know if you need to request more time for testing.
Me: will do.

Yes, that’s me going up against a deadline. I no likey deadlines, but they’re there – looming in the background.

I usually rise to the occasion, but sometimes it’s just out of your hands. Too much work, too little time and I won’t sacrifice quality. The good thing is we have a good relationship with our users who understand there are sometimes setbacks. It’s sooooo important to build that trust – I tell ya.

How do you handle deadlines at work? Do you get stressed?

I think I’m a bit stressed right now, I obviously don’t like asking for extra time to finish something. I’m so glad I’m into nutrition and fitness because I think it gives me an edge and helps me stay focused.

It’s amazing what good food and some exercise will do for your confidence! Case in point:

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Leftover Rice Bowls

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • leftover veggies: roasted broccoli + micro-waved spaghetti squash + avocado
  • 1 cup beans
  1. Sautee some garlic in a bit of olive oil
  2. Add veggies + beans + rice
  3. Add spices, salt + pepper
  4. Enjoy

A one pot wonder that came together in less than 15 minutes. LOVE IT.

Plus, there was enough leftover to serve as our side for tomorrow. Doublescore!

Time to “relax”. Yoga, I’ll be looking for ya in the AM!

ADios!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

WIWW: `

Workout: Max Cardio + Abs Insanity Video - 47 min

Two glorious days in a row where I go to bed before 10:30. It feels Grrrrreat! I even woke up before my alarm and had enough time to just close my eyes and lay there. It was great!

Plus, I needed the energy for my Insanity workout today. It was tough. My back was feeling a bit sore, too so I needed to make some modifications on some of the jumping squats. I still got a good workout in :)

I'm happy to report Operation DressBetterAtWork is going well, proof:

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Sorry RC, I know - I'm a total teeny-bopper posting my pics for the whole internets to see!!! I know, shameful!

It's true though, can't help that my hubby pokes some fun my way every now and again. I tell him he doesn't need to read ALL my posts. More like I'll tell him when he should read one and that works fine with me. That way, I can fully dive into my "corky" personality and no harm is done.

If you blog, does your SO read your posts religiously? How do they feel about you sharing some aspect of your life with so many strangers? I know RC keeps telling his friends to recommend that their wives get their own blog when they have too much of those "things" they like to talk about. Too cute!

Dinner tonight was spectacular, which is defined by the taste + nutrition + the number of pots + time needed to cook. I wish all meals were this easy.

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What’s the easiest dinner you make at home?

Off to do some chillaxin’

ADios :)

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Mommy Needs Coffee: Wipeout

Workout: 20 min interval run + 30 min Boost of Energy yoga flow

Woo-hoo - sleep is my friend :) It felt so good to go to sleep around 10:30 that I was ready to go in the AM. I got my run in and then found this yoga practice so empowering, it was great. I started out with another flow but found it odd the guy was playing some sort of musical instrument. I had to abandon that yoga ship!

Isn't that so true? But seriously, let's have a cup shall we?

Today's edition is proof enough that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and that karma will get you EVERY TIME!

Last week while I was dropping off my BB at daycare and adjusting her jacket, she quickly lost her balance and ended up on her little bum on the floor. It was in front of all the kiddos and a little 3-year old laughed and said "that was funny". I couldn't help but laugh.

This week, karma caught up to me as I was taking a new route to a meeting on campus. Before I knew it, I was on the floor with my Ipad on one hand and my coffee mug on the other. All I could say was, "boy, it's slippery in here." I got up and walked out as fast as I could while trying to ignore those smirks that were all around me.

Are you a klutz or is it just me? When was the last time you took a spill?

To top it all off, turns out my Dad's taken a couple of recent spills. I guess he's too preoccupied with other matters to notice anything that's in front of him. With this type of family history, I should probably look into turning my BB into bubble girl! Right?

Well, all things in moderation - I guess. Take this article on Free-range parenting where parents let the kids learn what it feels like to fall. I really don't think I could follow this type of parenting though, it would go against every grain in my body, actually. Could you?

Also, did you guys here about this 9-year old girl that escaped her kidnapper. Scary, right? I will definitely try to follow her parent's example but it's a tricky one. Got any tips on how to teach kids about the line that should never be crossed with strangers or someone they may know?

ADios!

Monday, January 23, 2012

The Salad Case: ABCS

Workout: 20 min run + 20 min weights

Note to self: use BB's nap times wisely!

Last night, I learned the lesson the hard way. I didn't start setting up my Salad Cases and weekly breakfast bakes until dinner time and that was a BIG mistake. I didn't get the kitchen all cleaned up until 10 or so and I was so tired. Then I couldn't get my mind to turn off. Arggh!!!

When will I learn??? If you're in the same boat, here's a good article on How to Sleep Better! Let’s see if I can follow my own advice, shall we?

After setting back my alarm determined to skip my workout, I didn’t account for the BB waking me up with one of those solitary cries in the night (*hate those*). Instead of just lying there waiting for my alarm, I ended up running a steady 20 minutes and I got in some weights as well. I am sooooo glad to start the week off right ;)

Plus, it felt good to get a steady run in. I've been doing all intervals this month which always go by so fast, I'd forgotten how good a steady run can feel. Do you prefer intervals or regular runs?

As you can imagine, I didn’t have to time to take a picture of the Salad Case. You’ll have to imagine it in all it’s glory - in the mix this week:

  • a couple handfuls of spinach
  • roasted shredded brussel sprouts and carrots
  • baba ganoush (roasted eggplant mixed with some tahini & lemon)
  • handful of roasted almonds

I was a little unsure of this case, but was pleasantly surprised with how the flavors came together. It’s sometimes not easy to put these together, but it’s worth it when I know I’m doing the right thing for my body.

As some of you may know because of this, the way I look at nutrition/fitness has greatly changed After the Breast Cancer Scare (ABCS). However, I hate to admit it, but sometimes I feel like I totally did NOT learn my lesson about taking the self-breast exams seriously.

This weekend, I panicked a bit because it felt like the lump had grown a bit but it's just cause it'd been about a month since I last felt it. It's funny how your mind tricks you sometime. Well, maybe not so funny.

I then started thinking about maybe cutting back on the caffeine, since I was diagnosed with some form of fibrocystic breasts and some people claim it helps. Below are some dueling studies about the impact of caffeine on breast cancer and a good one about some of the myths.

I also found this really cool Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon:

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So I think I'm going to do a monthly breast cancer awareness post to help me be more vigilant about it.

When was the last time you did a self-breast exam? Guys included, too!

On a completely random tangent, have you guys seen this video?

That guy is my hero!!!

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And would you believe, I live in a house full of cookie monsters!

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ADios :)

Friday, January 20, 2012

Hey Dude: Lovefool!

Workout: 20 min weights + 20 min walk

It took 3 weeks, but the snooze button finally beat me. I felt defeated. I got up, ready to get ready. Then I realized, I indeed had enough time to get in a weights session. So I went to work and I felt STRONGER!

This week I missed a total of 2-runs and a yoga session. I will try to get one run in and a yoga session in this weekend. Fingers crossed!

I know I said it last week, but I think I'm missing sleep and I have to make it a priority starting tonight! Do you think you're getting enough sleep?

I know I'm not, just like I didn't in college - which brings us to this edition Hey Dude: Lovefool.

Caught this on this fun article: 20 Lessons Learned from Love Lyrics of the 90s. I can probably write a post on almost every song on that list. Oh the 90s!

When this song hit it big, I was a freshman at A&M. I so loved that song and I was always hoping I would find that someone in my life, soon. I'm not really sure why I was in such a rush, but I was. Where you or was I just this lonely Lovefool looking for someone to tell me:

Love me love me
Say that you love me
Fool me fool me
Go on and fool me
Love me love me

Isn’t this song just so romantic?

I remember watching this video on MTV, when they actually had videos on MTV. Good times - I'm old! If youtube had been around, I would have probably spent a whole lot of time watching it on the internet. Do you remember staying up to watch your favorite videos? Am I just dating myself here?

Anywhoo, that year actually came with many challenges. After my Corps of Cadets debacle, I definitely turned to food for comfort. I probably gained 10 pounds at the end of my first semester and then another 10-15 the one after. I never really got on the scale at my heaviest. I did NOT want to know.

I just remember not being able to fit into any of my summer clothes and not having enough $$$ to buy new ones. I survived, but I was so happy when I got home that summer because it was so stinkin' humid at school and I could borrow my mom's shorts at home.

That summer it was probably my first attempt at getting back into the healthy scene. Lots of aerobics classes, trying to watch what I ate and probably lots of nights staying up to watch this video on MTV. Mind you, I had no clue what I was doing nutritionally but I think it put me in the right direction.

Did you go to college? Was your freshmen year as traumatic as mine? Do tell!

ADios:)

Thursday, January 19, 2012

A Natter: Grilled Cheese ed.

Workout: 40 min insanity video.

I did go to bed earlier last night, but my mind wasn't turning off so I only got about 5 hours of sleep. I hit the snooze button twice and had a big debate on whether or not to work out. It was a dilemma. Then I remembered it was Thursday and I wanted to keep the streak going and I got up and went "INSANE" <- get it? hee-hee!

Oh how I amuse myself! Sorry folks, but I'm not sorry for the below.

Me: Here's your grilled cheese sandwich.
RC: Let me see...
RC: Well, I think you would have been kicked off the show.
Me: Why's that, too much butter?
RC: The cheese isn't melted.
Me: Mine is, look at the cheesiness in all it's glory.
RC: Hey, mine isn't. Kicked off, I tell ya!

I love me some grilled cheese. Let me tell ya and I've been on a kick since watching this episode:

The headline: Cheech gets chopped.

It was actually a fun episode to watch and the two losing grilled cheese sandwiches were due to cheese that was not melted.

I'm probably in no danger to get kicked off my cooking show at home, seeing as how I doubt anyone is going to sweep in and cook all our meals - but I decided to try again.

This time...

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Melted Cheese + Avocado + ham(for him)!

What is your favorite grilled cheese combo?

ADios!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

WIWW: Moto ed.

Workout: 30 min brisk walking + 20 min weight session

Today's workout almost didn't happen courtesy of this:

and him:

 

I wish he was the main character!

I just recently started watching the show and I'm trying to catch up. The drama is CRAZY! Have you seen it, are you a fan?

I feel so out of the loop when my parents tell me all about how good this show is and how I should also start watching Game of Thrones. Really? Mom? Really? Please tell me more about how much cooler you guys are than me. Please.

So as the story goes, I stayed up too late, slept past my alarm but had just enough time to get a weight session in. I also parked 10 minutes away from my work and briskly walked it to get some cardio in. Yes, walking = cardio :) and I got 20 minutes in for sure plus my daily walking break. Little things can add up!

How do you deal when you miss your planned workout? I say, just do what you can and move on. Hopefully, I'll know how to bid good night to Duke of Suffolk a little earlier tonight!

On to other non-fashion news - proof I'm on the right path of dressing up at work:

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Hopefully the outfit is doggie-approved.

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They can be a tough crowd to please ;)

I'm really not sure what my mental block is against dressing up at work. Is it being lazy or just loving my jeans/nikes combo? I mean, it can't get any more comfy than this outfit, but I really had to make myself step away from the jeans.

I'm actually glad I did it, though - I'm lovin this Moto-jacket. Can you believe it was almost an internet-buy casualty? When I got it on clearance (aka no return optional), I thought it was way too cropped for my liking. Ha ha - little did I know that was supposed to be the style. Clueless, anyone?

Now I love it and need to find other ways to keep wearing it before Spring arrives! Just like I need to find more ways to incorporate leftovers into my meal planning!

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Meatballs + Potatoes

  • 4-5 red potatoes
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 bunches kale
  • 1/2 c cream cheese
  • garlic seasoning, salt + pepper
  • leftover meatballs (or any type of beans, really)
  1. Sautee potatoes, onions and bell peppers in some olive oil until potatoes are fully cooked (15-20 minutes)
  2. Add kale when the potatoes are almost done
  3. Add cream cheese, garlic seasoning, salt + pepper
  4. Stir in meatballs until they are nice and heated through
  5. Enjoy!

Another yummy one-pot wonder!

It’s the second time I ever try kale, that veggie is really growing on me ;) Is there a veggie that’s recently “growing” on you?

ADios!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Mommy Needs Coffee Tuesdays: Organization!

Workout: 20 Min Core Workout + 20 min interval run

After a 3-day weekend, this somehow just fits:

Good times, specially when driving to work on the first day at school here. The students, the traffic, the no open parking spots - the HORROR!

At least a workout was DONE, but I'm so not looking forward to 2 NO-SUGAR Days in a row. Why, me? Why??? We'll get through it somehow, I guess. Give me a moment to breathe please before we move onto a cup of this:

In fact, let's breathe together and day dream about a nice cup of coffee. Doesn't coffee make all things better?

Sidenote: if you're interested in reading a great article about daydreaming - go here. I'm sure RC will love to know I'm exercising my mind the next time I happen to zone out when he's talking ;)

Today's edition of Mommy Needs Coffee comes courtesy of this:

I think I LOL'd when I first saw this. Seriously, who has time to do this? In fact, this whole article made me giggle a bit.

Trying to keep the BB's clothes all clean and tucked away has proven to be more of a hassle than I ever expected. It's a bit under control now and I've found that clumping outfits together of pajamas and what she's going to wear has helped. In fact, I've applied this principle to my workout clothes and pajamas - I think I'm delusional in thinking those extra seconds add up. Nevertheless, I still do it.

I also started doing one load of laundry per night and letting them hang dry before putting them away the next day. I think it's helping us save some $$$ on the no-dryer time and since I don't iron (EVER), I only use the dryer when I need to avoid ironing at all costs!

An added bonus, the no drying also helps ensure my jeans don't shrivel up and suffocate me the next time I try to wear them. File that under #doublescore!

How do you handle the closet organization. Any tips?

Need an extra cup o'joe? Well here's a real gem:

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This was such a simple idea and I loved the variety. I wish my ramekins were a bit bigger, though because the egg did fluff up some and spilled over.

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Baby Vans – are they not just so adorable?

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A week of Breakfast bakes!

  • 2 eggs + 1/4 c milk + 1/2 c millet fluffed
  • Optional toppings:
    • raisins + pecans (my favorite)
    • cheese of your choice + dill seasoning
    • blueberries
    • mangos + coconut
    • anything you really like
  1. Mix the egg mixture with your desired toppings and fill ramekins
  2. Bake at 375  (10-15 min) in the oven or microwave (2-3 min)  until egg is fully cooked

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I loved that I could just grab one from the fridge and eat it on the road or at work. I honestly can't remember the last time I sat for breakfast at home on a work day. The snooze button always wins out.

Plus, these were actually yummy. I didn't get bored and I felt full all morning.

What are your favorite busy morning breakfast go-tos? Do y'all take the time to sit while having breakfast?

Well, anyways - hope you liked the coffee ;)

ADios!

My Little Word: Stronger

I may be a little late to the party, but that's fashionable in the blog world - right?

When I heard about the link party and Layla's word UP - I thought it was such a fun idea. Her description made me want to copy her, but I set out to pick a word of my own.

Finally, after I kept belting out Miss Clarkson's song all over the place:



I chose:



What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone


What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
doesn't mean I'm over cause you gone.

Ok, I'm far from being an angry single girl right now but I really want to tackle this year. To get stronger not only physically, but mentally and definitely spiritually. I need to work on myself and my relationship with my friends, family and with God.

I want to wake up each day and use up every minute of it. Here's to 2012 being STRONGER!

What's your word?

Monday, January 16, 2012

The Salad Case: Partner ed.

Workout: 20 min interval workout

One might say, this morning the BB woke up earlier than usual. Another might say we should have gone to sleep earlier and planned accordingly to get that workout in. That other one stinks!

RC had his thinking cap on, though and he suggested we go to our meeting in our workout clothes. That way, we could go for a quick run afterwards - genius!

We scheduled a “Data Party” in the early AM for one of the local dog rescues. Dog people have some pretty lively conversation and it felt good to be around people who are so passionate about helping our furry friends.

Plus, we got to play with two of the Golden Retrievers that are up for adoption. They are adorable and they somehow manage to survive in a household of 9 Goldens/mixes. NINE! We can barely manage with this guy:

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I doubt this little lady would be too amused, either!

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So we said bye to the doggies and headed home. We we’re so close to stopping at the Chico’s Tacos but we, and by “we” I mean RC, was good and drove us to the nearest park.

It was fun, believe it or not. Parks are so nice, we really should make it a point to use them more often. Do you?

I’m also incredibly lucky to have a partner that motivates me to be a better person. Thanks RC!!! It’s so nice to have someone there who believes in a healthy lifestyle and who challenges me to keep going.

We came home and I started prepping for this week’s case:

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Oh so good, even minus the spinach that I forgot to buy – arrrgh.

Nonetheless, a good case:

  • Roasted broccoli, shredded carrots and brussel sprouts.
  • Roasted almonds (I forget how good these are roasted).
  • The piece de resistance: honey goat cheese dressing!!!

That’s right folks, just take some goat cheese, mix in some honey and bake in the oven at 350 until melted. Oh so good! Are you a fan of the goat cheese? I don’t think it can do any harm!

Have a good one guys!

ADios:)

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Snapshot Saturday: 1/14/12

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Me, trying to take pretty pictures. T’was a good day :)

ADios:)

Friday, January 13, 2012

Hey Dude: Fantasy Ed.

Workout: 45 min Yoga Workout

Read the description for today's workout:

Is it ok to use yoga for my workout? Yes, it is! This is a physically challenging flow class that is technically not complicated. If you want to get on your mat, sweat it out, and move your body then you will love this class. I have the "newish to yoga but strong and getting stronger" person in mind for this class. The sequence is well rounded and strength building.

Again, queue Kelly Clarkson belting out the lyrics to "Stronger" - that is how I feel :)

I don't even feel bad about foregoing the run two Friday's in a row - I'm pretty happy with how I'm approaching my fitness goals this year. For next week, I'm gonna keep on doing what I'm doing, but I'm really going to focus on getting enough sleep. I think it might be one of my missing links!

The January Eat-In Challenge is also going well and we had the simplest but yummiest pasta dish last night:

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Spaghetti with Creamy Crab Sauce

  • 1 packet spaghetti of choice
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced/pressed
  • 1 can clams 
  • 1 cup half-n-half
  • 2 T flour
  • 4-5 big handfuls of spinach
  • salt/pepper/spice blend (optional)
  1. Sautee garlic in olive oil for a couple of minutes
  2. Add clams and sautee for another minute
  3. Add half-n-half and 2 T flour and stir for a couple of minutes until thickened
  4. Add spinach and stir until semi-wilted
  5. Add spaghetti and mix it all together
  6. Enjoy!

This was so good, my BB ended up covered in white sauce.

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While Abacus observed and made sure none of that sauce ended up on our floor.

Blog 152
Trying to learn from last week, I decided to schedule TWO NO-SUGAR Added Days in a row. BIG Mistake, HUGE. I didn't realize my addiction to sugar was so bad (ok, maybe I did), but last night rolled around and I practically needed a straight jacket to keep me from gulping down my entire sugar dispenser. I kid you not.

Instead, I was STRONG and opted to use my AeroLatte to froth up some warm milk and paired it with a teaspoon of honey over 1/2 a toasted sandwichthin. Of course, that would be local honey which is totally justifiable as it helps keep my allergies under control! That is NOT  a lie, I don't care what you say. I don't!

Ha ha, I was going to sign off but forgot to mention my Hey Dude post which is based on me catching this song on the radio: “Girl” by The Beatles.

Ya see, in high school, my best friend and I were HUGE Beatles fans. Sometimes we would day dream about what it would have been like to actually know them and we would pick out different silly scenarios. I always got John and she always got Paul.

The fantasy I remember was based on this song, just read the lyrics.

She's the kind of girl who puts you down
When friends are there, you feel a fool.
When you say she's looking good
She acts as if it's understood.
She's cool, ooh, ooh, ooh,
Girl
Girl

In my fantasy, we were living in Germany and I was a waitress at the local pub they worked at before hitting it big. I was this completely confident girl who caught his eye and he of course fell madly in love with me.

Yes, Sarah did point out that in no way would I ever pass for a German girl, but hey - it is a fantasy so you can gloss over those little bits. High school was so much fun! Agree?

I can't remember the last time I actually had the time to sit, talk and fantasize about something - must make sure to give her a ring this weekend! I somehow doubt any of our fantasies would involve the Beatles right now – it’d be more like dreaming of magic fairies who would go to work for you, clean your house, make yummy dinners, wash the dishes…

I digress, but wouldn’t those fairies be awesome?

Do you or have you ever done anything like this? If so, wanna share? Probably not, ok - I understand!

Have a great weekend guys!

ADios :)