Monday, May 6, 2013

The Salad Case: Sweet Potatoes!

Workout: crossfit 40 min workout + lots of walking

How was your weekend?

Mine was all at home and all over the place at the same time. Saturday morning was go, go, go then an out from no where fever for BB put an end to that. Then Saturday night hit with a big dose of this : 4 month old sleep regression.

Who knew that was even a thing? Certainly not me, and I wasn't prepared for it. BBC has also started flipping from his back to his tummy, so I had to stop swaddling him. I was just lucky he did better last night but you know what - ain't no hidin' being tired!

... and sore, I can't seem to hide being sore. The thing is, we didn't do anything lower body related today. I'm just still sore from last week. I don't know if it's the planning to go to crossfit, the $$$ it costs or that I'm just tired of the extra weight, but I've been doing so much better diet-wise. It was the first weekend I didn't treat as a "you earned it" buffet of sweets. We'll see at the end of the month if any actual gains will be made. I no longer have time to weigh myself every morning and I actually think that's a good thing. How about you?

On to today's salad case:

  • Spinach
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Cilantro (I'm on a kick and can't seem to get enough)
  • leftover squash/pinto beans green enchiladas (very little cheese)
Packing my lunch for the week has been a time/$$$ saver, let me tell ya. Plus, I can't seem to get enough sweet potatoes as well. BBC got his first taste of them this weekend and he was a fan. He did that whole "head zoning in" to the spoon, it was priceless. He also didn't want to give the spoon back, so that was good.

What's your favorite sweet potato recipe?

ADios :)






Friday, May 3, 2013

Flashback Friday: Scream & Shout

Workout: crossfit mix

You guys, I made it to crossfit this AM and it was... tough + wonderful!

I had so much fun and was reminded of my old basketball days in high school. It's seriously been about 17 years since I've done box jumps. It's been 17 years since I was in high school. I am officially OLD.

They actually set up a bunch of weights so I didn't have to jump as high. It was still tough. I was the only one in class again, but the trainers are really nice and I can't complain too much about the music. I think they were playing Will.I.Am's latest CD and let me tell ya, by round 4-5 (I don't know, I lost track) my legs wanted to Scream & Shout:


So today's video seemed so appropriate.

On a sidenote; Britney always reminds me of my college days because everyone was all into her, I didn't know what the big deal was. Now, I have no idea why, but I really like her. Maybe it's because she seems to be getting past all the drama. Or maybe it's because she's never been stick thin or seemed like she wanted to be. She just always seems so fit.

Anyways, are you a Britney fan?

Have a great weekend!

ADios :)

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Taco Thursday: Avocado Goodness!

Workout: 40 min crossfit workout

You guys, I'm trying "the crossfit" this month!

After thinking about how I need to setup a workout routine, it just seemed like another thing I had to get done. I decided to call this Push 4 Fitness since it would kill two birds with one stone. It would prevent me from loosing 20 minutes in traffic and I wouldn't have to worry about what to do at the gym when I got there. Also, with all the crossfit hype I just wanted to try it and I.LOVED.IT!

They usually have classes every hour and are strict about coming in late, but I called to see if they could work with my schedule and kind of let me overlap two classes since I wouldn't be coming in until 7:20ish or so. Guess what, they said they would.

Turns out this morning, I was the only one at my class. Woo-hoo! It felt like I got a personal trainer. It was fun, challenging and now my arms and legs are seriously hurting. Funny thing is, I thought I knew what I was doing at the gym but I haven't been this sore in ages! Plus, it has been made known to me by a professional that I am severely not balanced. Moi? I know, shocker!

So, since I'm taking the extra 30 minutes to exercise (and I fully intend to go as much as I possibly can because OMG crossfit is $$$) - I'm trying to make dinners at home as simple as possible. In lieu of crockpot dinners for a month, I try to prep for tomorrow's meal if today's meal is really easy.

Last night's prep included a super delicious roasted red bell pepper cream sauce, but really I kind of still don't know what to make with it today. Sure, I could do the pasta thing, but I have a bunch of avocados seeing as my BBC is now old enough to start eating. BTW, he's lovin' them!

So I'm thinkin tonight is the night for:

Avocado + Bacon (opt) Tacos with Red Bell Pepper Cream Sauce

  • Avocados
  • Tortillas
  • Cooked bacon (optional)
  • Roasted Red Bell Pepper + table cream
  • cilantro
I'm probably not going to fry these tacos, just going to heat up the tortilla and fill it with avocados, cilantro and top it with cream sauce. Who knows, I may get crazy and add some quinoa to the avocado, but that would involve another pot. We shall see?

Ever tried an avocado taco before? If not, go forth and eat!

ADios :)






Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Work It: I will!

Workout: 30 min weights + cardio circuit

So today was the first day of my new schedule at work. I awoke to a dog barking 5 minutes before my alarm went off. I was so mad!

It woke up the BBC so there was no prepping for the arduous task of wrangling two kiddos out the door. Needless to say, I was 15 minutes off my mark to get out the door. That translated into a 20 min commute after I dropped off the BB. 'Twas a learning experience.

Still, I got a short workout in and I had so much fun. I didn't have a weights plan, so I just did 4 circuits of mixed upper/lower body workouts and I ran for a couple of minutes after each circuit.

Really fun!

At some point I probably should structure the exercises a bit more, but for this week I'll just do what I can and smile.

How do you setup your weights workouts? Any cool online resources?

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Mommy Needs Coffee: Guilt 2.0

Workout: 25 min yoga + 10 min run


Hmmm, coffee...



So... there may or may not have been an incident with RC dealing with pregnancy weight-loss that I may or may not have blown out of proportion. You decide.

A comment was said. I reacted. He apologized and said it came out the wrong way. I was still mad and tried to move on. We had a good Sunday. Sunday night I thought about it some more and I got really mad because, well, you know, how dare he comment about my weight loss. Email explosion ensued on Monday morning. He apologized again. I was still mad then we had another heart-to-heart at night and here we are today.

Looking back, there is so much going on right now. Yes, most of my jeans are fitting me now but I'm still about 8lbs away from my pre-preg weight. On the diet front, it's been mostly good but there's always room for improvement. In terms of workouts  I have not been making it a priority. I have a 4 month old who has no idea what a schedule is so I can't plan around that. I have an almost 3-year old that sometimes wakes up early and hangs off my leg as I try to finish my squat set, asking "up...up...up...".

Today, the clouds aligned and BBC slept later than usual (oh mighty swaddle - thank-you!) but BB was up and at 'em. I snuckaway as RC got her ready for the learning center and was able to squeeze a mile run in. She later wrangled herself to the bedroom and proceeded to watch me run while she made funny hand-running motions and smile at me. I loved it. I finished with some yoga and feel great today.

In order to avoid the guilt of not spending enough time with the kiddos, I thought working out at home was the best route, but we're just not there yet.

Kim, thanks for this blog post today: Avoiding the Mommy Trap

I think part of the blow-out with RC stems from the fact that I myself am not happy with where I'm at and I miss working out but I feel too guilty to make anything happen.

I have to recognize that I obviously can't plan to be at the gym each and every morning at 7 am, but I can take steps to make that happen because my sanity needs it. So starting tomorrow I have a new schedule. I'll be going in to work 30 minutes later and am planning on taking BC/BBC a little earlier to their respective daycare centers so that I can use that long-lost forgotten gym membership.

Hello pool, I missed you!

I can't wait for that me-time, and I think RC/BB/BBC will be all the better for it!!! I hope ;)

Take a fistpump - mommy guilt!






Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Mommy Needs Coffee: Grateful!


Workout: 30 minute walk + Better Than Coffee Vinyasa flow

This will be a short and probably very random post, but I felt like writing.

Last week I wrote and re-wrote a blog post, I wasn't sure how to handle what happened in Boston while I was vacationing in San Diego. Then I tried to add a picture from my phone. Then I tried to edit the post from my PC. Then it all got deleted. Then I gave up and just sent some more thoughts and prayers to Boston.

Today I did my yoga and it felt great (pssst, it's not really better than coffee). In fact, I may be dealing with a bit of an afternoon iced-coffee addiction compliments of Einstein's and their new Hazelnut Iced coffee flavor. Seriously, I can't seem to pass up on their $1 refills. Someone help.

Now, for some more coffee ...



Life with a toddler + an infant is tough - not going to sugar coat it. Sometimes I get lost in trying to get it all done. Today I found this blog: House Unseen - Life Unscripted and something, I can't remember which post, made me feel so grateful - for everything more than words can ever convey.

Thank you God!

What are you grateful for?

ADios :)


Monday, April 8, 2013

The Salad Case: Bundles

Workout: 30 min yoga + 30 min walking

3 snoozes this morning, but I got my yoga fix in! Nuff said ;)

It's so much easier for me to get myself out of bed when it's yoga and not running on the schedule. Once I'm up though, it seems like I'm much more motivated to get the cardio in. Starting tomorrow, I'm going to try the yoga/weights before the run and see how that works. Hopefully I'll log at least two runs this way.

Are you religious about getting in the cardio before any other type of strength workout?

This week's case was simple and all packed in zip-lock bags:


  • Roasted brussel sprouts & potatoes
  • spinach (forgot it today)
  • pinto beans
  • avocado
  • whole-wheat tortilla
In really, give me avocado and a tortilla and I'm a happy girl. Adding the extra veggies does make me feel better about it all. Plus, throwing it all together at work is SO.MUCH.EASIER than doing it at home. Whoever invented the Ziploc bags, thank-you!

What's in your lunch bag today?

ADios :)

Snapshot Saturday: late ed.

Generation 2000 - a Children's Fair


She was in there long enough for me to snap a couple of pictures:



Hammering in those pegs, though - a good solid 5 minutes. Note to self:  get one of those foam things, some pegs and a kid hammer for the house!


Still working on those self-portraits!


BB would have never slept like that as an infant. EVER.


The one she kept going back to:


Priceless!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

The Sunday Plan: SD - 5

Workout: 20 min interval run + walk with the dogs


So exited, we'll be in San Diego sometime this Friday. Til then, here is the eats plan for the week:
  1. CrockPot Sundays: Paella over rice
  2. Panini Mondays: Gouda + apple + turkey(optional) + brussel spouts
  3. Surfin Tuesdays: Pizza + asparagus + red lentil soup
  4. Sghetti Wednesdays: Sghetti + chicken sausage + spinach
  5. TacoOrRice Thursdays: Chile Rellenos (Mom-made + daughter approved) + tomatoes & pea saudce
  6. Pizza Fridays: San Diego
  7. Savory Saturday Breakfast: San Diego
  8. Sweet Sunday Breakfast: San Diego
  9. Breakfast Savor of the week: pb + jam
  10. Salad Case: sweet potatoes + brussel sprouts + carrots + quinoa + pinto beans
  • Produce Isle
    • mushrooms
    • onions
    • carrots
    • squash
    • garlic
    • spinach
    • peas
    • apples
    • fruit (on sale)
  • Staples Isle
    • bread
    • tortillas
    • brown rice
    • pasta
    • beans
    • red lentils
  • Dairy Isle
    • gouda cheese
  • Protein Isle
    • eggs
  • Frozen Isle
    • blueberries
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

ADios :)

Friday, April 5, 2013

Flashback Fridays: Blackbird

Workout: Lower body workout + 20 min walk

BBC woke up twice last night, the second time was due to a broken swaddle. The preventable wake-ups are the worst. No surprise, I snoozed two days in a row.

I'm trying not to be to hard on myself, it is my first full week back at work. I found this awesome lower-body workout and was able to sneak three sets in throughout the day.  Not too bad, but no excuses this weekend, or so I'm telling myself!

In order to celebrate a week of clean eats, a 1lb weight loss, no added sugar and no 2nd cup o'joe for the week, I decided to treat myself to a small iced coffee from Einstein's. 



I laugh because my attempt at a self-portrait of me with said coffee was a total FAIL. HAHA.

Now for some flashback tunes: Blackbird by The Beatles.




I'm not sure if you've picked up on it, but I'm a huge Beatles fan. Grew up on the hits albums but I've never owned their entire catalog. I didn't even know about this gem of a song until one of the girls on American Idol sang it a couple of years ago. It has quickly climbed to be in my Beatles Top Ten list.

Are you a Beatles fan? If so, would you be able to pick just one song as a "favorite"? I thought I could, but no, really I couldn't.

Have a great weekend.

ADios :)





Taco Thursday: Salmon Tacos

Workout: 30 min walk + more missed yoga regret

I'll just apologize to myself  because I snoozed 3 times, could have totally done the yoga thing. So should have! My 16 lb baby has been wreaking havoc on my lower back, I need all the yoga I can take.
Instead, I snoozed. The BBC did get up a bit earlier than usual and I got to spend an extra 30 min of exclusive time with him. Not too shabby.

As I was writing this I wasn't sure if I should continue the Taco Thursdays. I had planned on a salmon + spaghetti squash dinner and even googled some recipes. Then, picture the light turning on when the picture of yummy salmon tacos popped into my mind. Sign.me.up - Taco Thursday lives on!

Salmon Tacos

  • 1 onion
  • 1/2 spaghetti squash cooked
  • 1 lb skinless salmon, cubed
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp mild chili
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • optional toppings: queso fresco, avocado, salsa


  1. Saute onion in some oil until clear (5-10 minutes)
  2. Add cooked spaghetti squash and sautee for 5 minutes
  3. Add salmon and spices and sautee until cooked
  4. Serve with your favorite toppings

A one-pot wonder + so good! Where is the cilantro when you need it?

Had any good tacos lately?
ADios :)

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Work It: 1 mile at a time!

Workout: 1 mile interval run + 30 min walk

Boy oh boy, did I have a 2nd coffee cup craving this afternoon. I almost justified it by telling myself that I'd walk to the coffee store that's across campus. Tricky, tricky some may say. Luckily, I resisted the urge and made myself some tea instead. Go me.

I figure my diet is the only real thing that I can control right now, and I am trying hard.

The workout schedule, I'm way more laid back and take it one mile at a time.

Today, it was exactly that, 1 mile + my walking breaks throughout the day. One of those includes a walk to the mailbox with BB because we all know that toddler needs her exercise. I am so jealous of her energy levels, it's unreal. I used to mock my Mom all the time because she couldn't stay up past 9, now I just wish I was so lucky. Reason #934 that I'm turning into my parents.

Despite the 1+ hour that I was awake in the middle of the night (BBC didn't go back to sleep as he normally does), I snoozed my alarm a couple of times. When I finally awoke, I had enough time to squeeze a mile on the treadmill. I asked RC if it was even worth it - I'm so glad he said yes.

That little 10 minutes of alternating between 5 and 7mph intervals was so much fun. I have to keep on telling myself to just do it - you really do feel so much better afterward.

This is my week's Work It goals:

Thursday: 10 min steady run + 30 min yoga
Friday: total body weights + 30 min yoga
Saturday: 20 min steady run
Sunday: 20 min interval run
Monday: 30 min yoga
Tuesday:20 min steady run + upper body weights
Wednesday: 20 min interval run + lower body weights

In the battle of the snooze vs working out, I'm really going to try this week. Any tips? Wish me luck.

ADios :)

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Mommy Needs Coffee: The Pump!



Workout: 30 minute walk + major regret at a missed yoga session (still figuring out the sleep thing)

Now, for some coffee ...



During my maternity leave I went back to having a second cup o'joe in the afternoon. Although it was decaf, I looked forward to it each day and even tried to give it up for lent. I failed a week into it, and instead opted for no chocolate/ice cream to go along with my daily readings of the Bible (if you're Catholic try the Laudate.droid app - so awesome).

I've been doing good this week and last, but it's a struggle. You know what else is a struggle: the Pump.

The breastfeeding pump that is. It's back in a major way and I'm just trying to get into the routine of it all.

I had no problems at all during my first pregnancy so I thought it'd be the same for this one. I was wrong. Here's what I've dealt with so far:


  1. Fast let-down on the left side. Poor BBC was not a happy camper for the first couple of months on that side but I think he's able to handle it now.
  2. More production on the left side. As much as I try to balance it out, the left side just always makes a bit more.
  3. Plugged duct on the right. Turns out BBCs longer sleeping sessions at night (which I love and can't really believe) and my return to work led to this very PAINFUL condition. It started last Friday when my boob turned into a rock-like thing. Man it hurt. Lots of heat/massage/breastpumping have helped, but I do not wish this condition on anyone. Don't even get me started on what it felt like to nurse with that thing - just don't.
  4. Overall, my milk production is down. I used to be able to pump 4oz + on each side in one sitting. Now I need to sessions for a total of 12 or so. I wonder if it's just me getting older?
Not to mention, I hate pumping at work.

Someone at work has always been pregnant/nursing since even before BB so we have an old office dedicated for it. It's nice, but was missing a chair and table when I came back. In my search for a chair, a fellow co-worker followed me in there as I wheeled one in and would not leave. He just stood there, like "hey, what are you up to?" Um, um, um... eternity, um...

Finally he left, but it was so awkward.

Then I locked myself out and had to get my male supervisor to open the door. Wonderful.

Then I forgot to put the bags on at the end of the pump - I caught that one fast, though.

Then I forgot to pull down my shirt and was walking around with my breastfeeding tank in all it's glory. Such a trend-setter I tell ya!

Ever have to pump at work? Any horror stories?

ADios :)


Monday, April 1, 2013

The Salad Case: I'm back - kind of!

Workout: 17 min treadmill run + 15 min walk

As the title implies, I'm back - kind of. At least I think I am.

Let me explain, my absence is due to this guy:



Blog (and by blog I mean my 3 readers who probably have already met him), meet Colton (or my BBC)!


I'm absolutely blessed to call him my son,


and BB my precious daughter.

Don't let the smiles fool ya, there have been some tough times at our little casita - but those smiles get me every.single.time.

My maternity leave is officially over (boo... and boo) and now it's all about trying to calm what I affectionately like to call "the Crazy". Yes, I'm right smack in the middle of the Crazy so I'm trying to take it one day (no hour) at a time.

So, where does the blog fit in - you ask? I miss it. It's something I do for me, a snapshot of what was going on during a particular day before all the days melt into one.

As far as the nutrition/fitness goes, it is so much different this time around. Sleep has pretty much trumped any planned morning workout sessions and I'm okay with it for now.

I gained a total of 34ish pounds this go-around. I lost 20 pounds in the two weeks following delivery, then a whopping pound at my 6 week checkup. Haha - that was a fun weigh-in!

I've lost a little since then and am about 10 lbs from my "goal". It's kind of hard to gage the weight because I'm still breastfeeding so I'm going to rely on measurements to track my progress. Now if only I had time to get those measurements down.

I've come to realize I don't have much control over my workout schedule, I'm at the whim of BB, BBC and how much sleep they decide to give me on a given night. I'm going to try to keep it simple and will post more about that in my Work It Posts!

My main focus in July will be "Clean Eating," with my own definition of clean. I'll be limiting my dairy/sugar consumption and trying to add lots of veggies and healthy stuff. I don't believe in deprivation.

Since I'm back at work, the salad cases are back as well and will be prepped at work for the most part. This week's case is:
  • baked sweet potato
  • baked carrots
  • baked kale
  • hummus + egg + whole wheat tortilla
I brought everything in containers for the week so that is one less bag I'll have to prep each night.

BTW, how good are baked sweet potatoes - really :)

What's in your case today?

I leave you with some more LOVE <3 p="">



ADios :)