tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61396396164714563832023-11-16T05:22:07.012-08:00simply livingfitness. taste. travel. pets. home.Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-85781047083915846532010-02-20T07:25:00.000-08:002010-02-25T16:43:31.482-08:00Holy MolyGuess what... I'm still a live! I have so much catching up to do on here. Since my last post when school started again, a lot has changed. Since I'm heading out for a haircut, mani & pedi, maybe even a trip to whole foods (oh my!)... here is a very brief recap.<br /><br />I got an <strong>A</strong> in my silly music class. yay!<br /><br />I've slowly incorporated meat and other diary into my life. It's all about balance, right?<br /><br />We got a crazy amount of snow in Maryland and the pup got salt in her eye. Poor baby is on eye drops 3 x a day.<br /><br />I'm no longer running the half-marathon on my birthday. (this post is starting to sound like failure). Still working my butt off, literally or trying to, just not much running in this crappy weather. Looking forward to a 5K on st. pattys day with my hubby.<br /><br />Here is something cool... I got a new jobbie!!! Beginning March 8th or sometime around there I'll start my new role as Branch Manager.<br /><br />What else...<br />For those of you who don't know, the hubby and I are TTC!<br /><br />Almost forgot that I'm down to 129 lbs! Sweeeet! 4 more to go for my goal weight.<br /><br />That is all that I can think of for now but hope to post more details soon. I hope everyone is doing well!<br /><br />Looking forward to SPRING!<br /><br />xoxo<br />StasaStasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-42864332740917851092010-01-06T17:10:00.000-08:002010-01-06T17:16:47.132-08:00Let the fun beginHello all! I've been M.I.A. for a while since the winter semester started on Monday. I am cramming in an online course that is only 4 weeks long which makes for a huge work load. Music Appreciation sounded like an easy fine arts credit to take online but I could never have guessed how much work would be assigned. Since I'm devoting an hour each night (plus lunch breaks) to school work, that doesn't leave time for blogging.<br /><br />There will be a lot of catching up to do come February but I'll try to stop by over the weekends.<br /><br />I hope that everyone is having a wonderful 2010 so far! Reach for the stars.Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-75123070862891219012009-12-31T11:12:00.000-08:002009-12-31T11:27:27.914-08:00Ring in the New Year!Happy New Year’s Eve!! So, what kind of plans do you have to ring in the New Year this evening?<br /><br />We’re having some family and friends over for munchies, drinks, and fireworks. The city does a great firework display at midnight that we can see perfectly from our rooftop deck.<br /><br />I’ve spent today doing some final touches, cleaning (o.c.d. here) and prepping food. We have quite a spread planned…<br /><br />Pulled pork BBQ<br /><a href="http://www.harryanddavid.com/gifts/store/item__10455_10002___13707?sliSearch=pepper%20and%20onion%20relish">Harry & David’s </a>pepper relish cheese dip with crackers <br />Hot pepper cheese ball with sliced almonds<br />Dill Havarti cheese<br />Deviled eggs<br />Tortilla chips with salsa<br />Fresh veggies with hummus<br />Pumpkin roll<br />Cookie tray with chocolate covered cashews<br /><br />Let me check the frig to see if I missed anything…. Oh yeah, three bean salad.<br /><br />As you probably guessed I will not be eating much of this so I’ve planned on making a BBQ tempah sandwich to fill my belly. What better way to get rid of food you don’t eat, feed it to guest. (Oh that sounds terrible). I’ll post pictures of all these goodies sometime soon.<br /><br />While I was cleaning today I used these stainless steel wipes for all our appliances. They work great so I thought I’d share.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmuU87KcIbTfjiNYUxSj6X8j51I5i-Xz1JPrDnJbg8ciNpHf_gAs73LM5QuuqTAb-djK_q-Psa3wUhOyP2R37t4ZxrTtWUopEmWjqBo3zFrfnHJH1QHVOCWiOXwTyCIONDC0V-t25pE3A/s1600-h/blog284.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmuU87KcIbTfjiNYUxSj6X8j51I5i-Xz1JPrDnJbg8ciNpHf_gAs73LM5QuuqTAb-djK_q-Psa3wUhOyP2R37t4ZxrTtWUopEmWjqBo3zFrfnHJH1QHVOCWiOXwTyCIONDC0V-t25pE3A/s320/blog284.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421481707979712418" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.methodhome.com/">Method</a> Stainless Steel Wipes<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MKfjFzGrrKjC4KrStZkHBZe4zd2P1gn4tIGnwU1uPPJHFYX3Aar6spPV8FeuOLtqXVAuLh-PZd-8Ku1B5qaUoL2RUqGbRiJjEToeiaBvRX-VBCZwvcsI7AcRg96p7F-tE5R4HGQDh9iR/s1600-h/blog285.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MKfjFzGrrKjC4KrStZkHBZe4zd2P1gn4tIGnwU1uPPJHFYX3Aar6spPV8FeuOLtqXVAuLh-PZd-8Ku1B5qaUoL2RUqGbRiJjEToeiaBvRX-VBCZwvcsI7AcRg96p7F-tE5R4HGQDh9iR/s320/blog285.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421481713704859538" /></a><br /><br />We pick these up at Big Lots super cheap. Look how shiny the refrigerator is! <br /><br />....<br /><br />Have you thought about your 2010 resolutions? Mine seem to be about the same every year and I haven’t put too much thought into them this year but here’s a general idea of what I would like to accomplish.<br /><br />Save money (always on the list)<br />Live a simple and healthy life<br />Start a family (TTC this spring!)<br /><br />I try not to set goals like loose 10 pounds, although I’d like to, I rather be realistic and stick to a healthy lifestyle. I just want to feel great and be happy! Of course I have other goals besides just these three (i.e. attend church frequently, spend more time with family and friends, further my education).<br /><br />....<br /><br />In case you’re wondering about my eats (probably not but I’ll share anyway)…<br /><br />Today started off with my regular black coffee and pb/ab oats. Like always I wanted to lick the bowl clean.<br /><br />After cleaning a while I ate an apple, sliced with sprinkled cinnamon. This taste so good I’m not sure why I hadn’t tried it sooner. I also polished off the last two vegan cookies I baked. They were in the freezer just yelling my name :)<br /><br />For lunch I am baking some <a href="http://www.choosingraw.com/carrot-fries-and-natural-care-for-common-ailments/">carrot fries</a> that I can’t wait to try. I always see these on Mama Pea’s <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/">blog</a> and wanted to try them. There’s no better time than after buying 5 lbs of carrots from Sam’s.<br /><br />Note to self: don’t toss in olive oil. The first batch burnt in less than 25 minutes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzCC_BbhZG3cB0U3w_OuNKuatUNl5iFf3Os8xXrvQ6sTHreLHEiIxBwZ7qO_XrVWp8IyB6PRcLQfCxm9g4SZx-K55pTnVXXeGMkKPEgGGj5KFdH0z33BSrLCEH2c1ALZfZjBg9J5PGrwG/s1600-h/blog286.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzCC_BbhZG3cB0U3w_OuNKuatUNl5iFf3Os8xXrvQ6sTHreLHEiIxBwZ7qO_XrVWp8IyB6PRcLQfCxm9g4SZx-K55pTnVXXeGMkKPEgGGj5KFdH0z33BSrLCEH2c1ALZfZjBg9J5PGrwG/s320/blog286.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421482925523957602" /></a><br /><br />Much better with canola oil.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMFnEtO4p9zYSIGOLw2_Q22Q5iM-QLayUzRTeym1zHoLbtR8RWHODsAouy5Vs-tXULSirT-apHJqQIJ356AsPiyO0MgrH209U8DAZlcjfTui6YQhvK_w6BnEsXvNPhAlEkGaGskdiM150/s1600-h/blog287.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMFnEtO4p9zYSIGOLw2_Q22Q5iM-QLayUzRTeym1zHoLbtR8RWHODsAouy5Vs-tXULSirT-apHJqQIJ356AsPiyO0MgrH209U8DAZlcjfTui6YQhvK_w6BnEsXvNPhAlEkGaGskdiM150/s320/blog287.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421483115162961778" /></a><br /><br />For someone who loves sweet potatoes fries, carrot fries are right up there! I could have done without the salad and had more fries. These maybe a new staple in our house.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8pOG-82lgXZT2XU7hOG8tgnDg9nYQFD9ZYk39JiQFlnLfnUzzAl2wkYVO2D4_N4QlyJQqFIzfeP6NxcyD9opbVNl8NMUpidAYVSPhkYcmJsVA-fJ4oXIyLAn2Oa3q7geZbK417u2qVfA/s1600-h/blog289.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8pOG-82lgXZT2XU7hOG8tgnDg9nYQFD9ZYk39JiQFlnLfnUzzAl2wkYVO2D4_N4QlyJQqFIzfeP6NxcyD9opbVNl8NMUpidAYVSPhkYcmJsVA-fJ4oXIyLAn2Oa3q7geZbK417u2qVfA/s320/blog289.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421483392825701570" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVXDNUg3-LXJIcr_0jC9wJ0tacgTPt14refdmys10qX4de08qS71snZRqsNR09SQlIbg-Zp2kNmfh5NGtxC_-t_SBDLU_fCocZAqgfKTT5DAw74weSYJo5ApPe_LAFvyjrMIkWffPc5FW/s1600-h/blog288.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVXDNUg3-LXJIcr_0jC9wJ0tacgTPt14refdmys10qX4de08qS71snZRqsNR09SQlIbg-Zp2kNmfh5NGtxC_-t_SBDLU_fCocZAqgfKTT5DAw74weSYJo5ApPe_LAFvyjrMIkWffPc5FW/s320/blog288.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421483387017825842" /></a><br /><br />Fiesta themed salad: spring mix, broccoli, carrots, salsa, Kashi Fiery Fiesta rice<br /><br />Time to finish house work and get myself cleaned up. If I have time I’d like to workout before guest arrive, we’ll see.<br /><br />Wishing you a very happy 2010!!Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-79497129789711800382009-12-30T04:36:00.000-08:002009-12-30T08:55:47.200-08:00Shrimp ScampiGood Morning! As I mentioned yesterday, after watching <a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/julieandjulia/">Julie & Julia</a> I was inspired to cook something different. After raiding our cabinets for ingredients I found this <a href="http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2009/07/shrimp-scampi-with-zucchini-and-tomato.html">recipe</a> to try. It’s nothing too fancy or out of the ordinary but something different for us. Shrimp Scampi. <br /><br />I used the base of this <a href="http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2009/07/shrimp-scampi-with-zucchini-and-tomato.html">recipe</a> since those were all the ingredients we had and it turned out lovely. <br /><br /><strong>Shrimp Scampi </strong><br />(modified from the GoodLife eats recipe <a href="http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2009/07/shrimp-scampi-with-zucchini-and-tomato.html">here</a>)<br /><br />1 lb shelled and deveined shrimp<br />2 Tbs Smart Balance Light buttery spread<br />1 Tbs olive oil<br />2 cloves garlic, minced<br />1/3 cup white wine<br />2 Tbs lemon juice<br />1 Tbs parsley<br />cooked pasta for 2<br /><br />Sauté shrimp in Smart Balance until cooked through. Add garlic, sauté one minute more. Add white wine and lemon juice. Simmer sauce until thickened, about 2 minutes. Add olive oil and some parsley. Combine cooked pasta and shrimp with sauce in large bowl. Toss with additional parsley and add freshly grated parmesan (optional).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp425wxYyBS900VUitdnflCGeozGjo0eJ7HtkRY4D1CiL76B25dmuZZzCP2MvStLH1OIWxunyg0XszHiSlnMzcm4qQ0lCbWTOTz6mu9OkIpvB1O7ozIP4l-DX7lhGWli4-JOiUDIjwvjYv/s1600-h/blog281.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp425wxYyBS900VUitdnflCGeozGjo0eJ7HtkRY4D1CiL76B25dmuZZzCP2MvStLH1OIWxunyg0XszHiSlnMzcm4qQ0lCbWTOTz6mu9OkIpvB1O7ozIP4l-DX7lhGWli4-JOiUDIjwvjYv/s320/blog281.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421013562330850658" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2RgAZbZy9-F_nl20P3zQ6oH_MA3hoSk5Y-wbpOZn0svPSIcpXQ2bC2JbKPQ7RF31jXYQkG9SrrWtx-PNBErQ2vXW_UvjhVF5r1q0dPncq7xBXaSgFMHS9NtOOioeJczTxIrBnH2B6Yls/s1600-h/blog282.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2RgAZbZy9-F_nl20P3zQ6oH_MA3hoSk5Y-wbpOZn0svPSIcpXQ2bC2JbKPQ7RF31jXYQkG9SrrWtx-PNBErQ2vXW_UvjhVF5r1q0dPncq7xBXaSgFMHS9NtOOioeJczTxIrBnH2B6Yls/s320/blog282.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421013557844327602" /></a><br /><br />This didn’t photograph well but tasted great. I especially liked this scampi since it wasn’t rich tasting like most made with real butter. It went great with steamed broccoli on the side. I also made salad but we were so eager to try the scampi that I forgot to get them out of the refrigerator. So I have my lunch ready for today.<br /><br /><br />This morning started off like any other day with my black coffee and oats.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdgnMJVireG2E7jXl06_Bs-IohQPoHEdqeDD752oqjdhYt-pcQXVGAFbU166bSprIgtUBH49pHZZNjwB-NXQsrmAc-zcWspM181zhqGGq-GDuQK0xtMcH8ry3XTjW2TOCRbER_B80WQFx/s1600-h/blog283.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdgnMJVireG2E7jXl06_Bs-IohQPoHEdqeDD752oqjdhYt-pcQXVGAFbU166bSprIgtUBH49pHZZNjwB-NXQsrmAc-zcWspM181zhqGGq-GDuQK0xtMcH8ry3XTjW2TOCRbER_B80WQFx/s320/blog283.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421013889741293426" /></a><br /><br />At the moment PB and apple butter oats are my favorite!<br /><br />½ cup oats<br />spoon of peanut butter<br />spoon of apple butter<br />cinnamon<br />½ packet of stevia<br />cooked with about 1 cup hot water<br /><br />Perfection!<br /><br />There’s a lot to do today so I need to step away from the computer. Here is what’s on the agenda:<br /><br />• Give Elli a bath<br />• Get oil changed<br />• Workout<br />• Finish Cleaning <br /><br />Doesn’t seem like much but the last on the list may take awhile. Off I go…. Have a great hump day everyone!Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-67866618157184185852009-12-29T09:36:00.001-08:002009-12-29T10:57:39.828-08:00Windy 3 MilerI finally motivated myself to get out of the house and outside in the cold to run. Since my training <a href="http://simplenbalancedliving.blogspot.com/2009/12/lets-have-dessert-first.html">schedule</a> has been nonexistent over the last week with the snow and holiday get-togethers, I'll be playing catch up this week! <br /><br />It was rough getting my foot out the door with the windy <a href="http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/vacationplanner/local/21224?from=recentsearch">weather</a>. It's 30 degrees here but feels like 17 with gust of wind up to 39 mph.<br /><br />I had to return our DVDs from last night so I carried the movies for my first 2 miles until I reached a <a href="http://www.redbox.com/">RedBox</a> to return them. The last mile I ran against the wind which explains the decrease in time.<br /><br />Here's what the Garmin reported:<br /><br />Distance 3.01 mi<br />Time 29:59<br />Calories 317<br />Avg pace 9:57<br /><br /><strong>Splits</strong><br /><br />Mile 1- 9:32 <br />Mile 2- 9:59<br />Mile 3- 10:12<br /><br />I'm not thrilled with this run but after a week off and crappy eating it will have to do.<br /><br />After I thawed out with a hot shower I made some lunch. While cutting the veggies for my salad I dipped some in the container of hummus. (no pic)<br /><br />I had a huge salad with carrots, sugar snap peas, green pepper, sliced almonds, and Annie's Goddess dressing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjtz58Uaowxyomv2jBUNQyXI-feBaKdR8Hl_-XSO52mgnNafB-2eK4ArbIomH2DyLzwimBgBLs0zwbEfnRCUHf7GgHGpITBGhRMutojXXB6CuLOuE4OyCc_klXhyphenhyphenh9naklI8r7MKClEiJ/s1600-h/blog279.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjtz58Uaowxyomv2jBUNQyXI-feBaKdR8Hl_-XSO52mgnNafB-2eK4ArbIomH2DyLzwimBgBLs0zwbEfnRCUHf7GgHGpITBGhRMutojXXB6CuLOuE4OyCc_klXhyphenhyphenh9naklI8r7MKClEiJ/s320/blog279.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420733694592014370" /></a><br /><br />I also had some crackers with homemade plum jam. Thanks Aunt Bonnie, it's delicious!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzr7-Fi78fXunS_P7kgH7ck5b634jlw2nU1jQm6Z9jwhda7CH21WEqbA_gKoF0kNrn4ys39CAtZYuWfLG-f0QoibroP2fqXf5CQ92LadcLtkPESPj5-jqVNvybeSRr5taaK-LNx3fNkr0/s1600-h/blog280.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzr7-Fi78fXunS_P7kgH7ck5b634jlw2nU1jQm6Z9jwhda7CH21WEqbA_gKoF0kNrn4ys39CAtZYuWfLG-f0QoibroP2fqXf5CQ92LadcLtkPESPj5-jqVNvybeSRr5taaK-LNx3fNkr0/s320/blog280.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420733860024408306" /></a><br /><br />Time to start cleaning... oh what fun!<br /><br />2010 is right around the corner and I still haven't posted my goals. Have you though about your goals yet?Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-60809327528318919902009-12-29T06:07:00.000-08:002009-12-29T06:20:20.203-08:00Getting back on track... MondayJeff was off work yesterday so we spent the day together running errands and watching movies. Fun stuff!<br /><br />I started my morning off with pb and apple butter oats. Oh how I missed them! It feels so nice to get back into my routine. We then headed out to pick up our kitchen tile that finally came in and also did some grocery shopping.<br /><br />First stop was Trader Joe’s where we got some odds and ends. Peanut butter (I can’t live without it), frozen vegetables, pizza sauce, and other random things.<br /><br />The most fun we had was at Sam’s club! With our Christmas money we decided to join the club and do a big grocery shop. We cursed up and down every isle in the store and Jeff tried every sample too :) Most were meat but I got to sample a soft pretzel that held me over till lunch.<br /><br />From what I’ve heard we would probably enjoy a membership at Costco much more since they carry more foods that we eat but Sam’s is much more convenient. I did get some good deals on daily eats like my 9 pound box of oats!! They had great produce too so I stocked up on fruit and salad. We were a little bummed that they didn’t have a faux meat products but were happy to see lots of soymilk.<br /><br />When we got home I made a big salad <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbAElqjsi_UxvWz4RZUAT8LMAIjL0w1MkV8jOjOp3ZT2hUheVspXQ-oZkgvv2ub_tF0n0tntEGAwoHVuIfk6F7RIX1AvYa6haZ9HhP-RF9VJWJ_K02g7MZyh6GtBS8Nu5ztTzlv8s9QF9/s1600-h/blog275.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbAElqjsi_UxvWz4RZUAT8LMAIjL0w1MkV8jOjOp3ZT2hUheVspXQ-oZkgvv2ub_tF0n0tntEGAwoHVuIfk6F7RIX1AvYa6haZ9HhP-RF9VJWJ_K02g7MZyh6GtBS8Nu5ztTzlv8s9QF9/s320/blog275.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420659925977356354" /></a><br />Lots of veggies, slivered almonds, and hummus. I’m really trying to get back to healthy eating after all the holiday treats I had the last couple days.<br /><br />We rented two movies for tonight: Paranormal Activity (Jeff’s pick) and Julie and Julia (my pick of course). I am not a huge fan of scary movies but somehow Jeff always talks me into watching them. Promising to hold me tight...blah blah blah… you get the drift. It never makes the movie any less scary and Paranormal Activity was no exception. Needless to say I didn’t sleep well last night.<br /><br />Julie and Julia was very cute and made me want to cook a fancy meal. Jeff kept reminding me that I could never live off French cooking. I assumed because it would make my ass huge but he just meant that they cook with a lots of foods I don’t eat. Either way I don’t know how the French stay so thin.<br /><br />Before eating dinner I had to fit in a workout after the weekend I've had. So I did Jillian's 30-Day Shred level 2. These are the best 20 minute workouts! <br /><br />For dinner we had a very Americanized meal of salad and pasta.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDb3n_WuJKGRaXpJal09E6dUpfYTzjhfSvp2G4oEPehSmxHnTsB2NABv1nXsBJ40h17tXG_eBKZVBopULV_RMBM6oCJGK0ZzCV3xdRramxZNQjwD-M5jLuPaktgMoc3zem3W120EZGzlc7/s1600-h/blog277.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDb3n_WuJKGRaXpJal09E6dUpfYTzjhfSvp2G4oEPehSmxHnTsB2NABv1nXsBJ40h17tXG_eBKZVBopULV_RMBM6oCJGK0ZzCV3xdRramxZNQjwD-M5jLuPaktgMoc3zem3W120EZGzlc7/s320/blog277.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420660501946479506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TRkVs5uSYRV9oBp74m4jfKeP3rT09Tu-CnnQWZsiYU6p_4JqZGMwkFyvpo8qvDlR4OOzuNK2JejgGJRtOXlbclJTB6a8adwmvjwkdlMcWv2JQXzL6Gy6hk1lwb6-lhz8Fs5Vbx0U8_mo/s1600-h/blog276.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TRkVs5uSYRV9oBp74m4jfKeP3rT09Tu-CnnQWZsiYU6p_4JqZGMwkFyvpo8qvDlR4OOzuNK2JejgGJRtOXlbclJTB6a8adwmvjwkdlMcWv2JQXzL6Gy6hk1lwb6-lhz8Fs5Vbx0U8_mo/s320/blog276.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420660498464266098" /></a><br /><br /><br />It was nice to spend the day with my hubby but now we're back to the daily grind.<br /><br />I need to get motivated to run this afternoon. It's so windy and cold outside that I'd much rather workout in the basement but I haven't ran for a week. Santa did bring some warm running gear so I'll head out a litte later hopefully it will warm up.<br /><br />Is anyone else having a hard time heading outside in the cold weather? I could really use a running buddy to help keep me motivated.<br /><br />Hope you all have a great Tuesday!Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-81256474938037877192009-12-29T04:52:00.000-08:002009-12-29T13:34:46.727-08:00Lots of Catching UpHello there, wow it's been a while! I'm glad that I'm off work all week since there is so much catching up to do. Not only with the blog but I have to clean house for our New Year's party, get my oil changed, and other stuff. Surely there are other things to do. Rather than writing a really long post about the holidays I'm going to keep it semi short with mostly pictures instead. They're more fun anyway!<br /><br />Christmas Eve started with my first ever oats in a jar! Here is the pb I started with<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRL2pAp2xNMOFFp48ByqHi5KHV41OLiUImLiOnbtawCZ3Nk_K41eQns7qOHUQg6oMHtqWcrRztV5nYInUPwzhU8fxu6X33xycduNAhWzbs9ZqTYMV2GUZTIDy0HY1s_BDhGWBO-usppV88/s1600-h/blog241.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRL2pAp2xNMOFFp48ByqHi5KHV41OLiUImLiOnbtawCZ3Nk_K41eQns7qOHUQg6oMHtqWcrRztV5nYInUPwzhU8fxu6X33xycduNAhWzbs9ZqTYMV2GUZTIDy0HY1s_BDhGWBO-usppV88/s320/blog241.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420641256762859586" /></a><br /><br />I added oats, cinnamon, stevia, and apple butter. Cooked with about 1 cup hot water.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlbvgF4r0SoG1NZyh_Nj34fudCrfmzGH1ezYhiUNTFJj8fE_4fQiLbrt532KQQSj63z64T_Hq2drDlRFhJtKCrvrk4hNyncrSEX_ZCTZFyl3f3A_FyZcbOvPvbmuJfbLfoQAjrjCFihr5/s1600-h/blog242.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlbvgF4r0SoG1NZyh_Nj34fudCrfmzGH1ezYhiUNTFJj8fE_4fQiLbrt532KQQSj63z64T_Hq2drDlRFhJtKCrvrk4hNyncrSEX_ZCTZFyl3f3A_FyZcbOvPvbmuJfbLfoQAjrjCFihr5/s320/blog242.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420641554692182738" /></a><br /><br />Yummy! When I was done, this was the cleanest pb jar to ever go in our recycling.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvm684tfDUryoQ0dgFjXj-sCCHgOA3hHYNVtycapgEe9eDWGDCa5j1uPMvmGPTnQsfDkWFlZNGpC5uUEfdB36-vdWfuL-2OWJkdf2suX-GXJ1njw4pYILvZgoufizArTm1lcMjiuzYiwG/s1600-h/blog243.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvm684tfDUryoQ0dgFjXj-sCCHgOA3hHYNVtycapgEe9eDWGDCa5j1uPMvmGPTnQsfDkWFlZNGpC5uUEfdB36-vdWfuL-2OWJkdf2suX-GXJ1njw4pYILvZgoufizArTm1lcMjiuzYiwG/s320/blog243.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420641743942818066" /></a><br /><br />Now for the good stuff!<br /><br />We spent Christmas Eve night at my parent's house. This has been a tradition for as long as I can remember. Here's a peak...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwBqarct6Qsq0CQsUIwlRVZSStQ_fJG2D_R1GSm2Zn2FNt0vX9saphyphenhyphenCdJeO65eyCjvDWxtDEv8SKjNEsKb_uOkyKS-Md3wWZWJC3aFWZjU_lvZXXUxD3Lk55SCNluA_enNnJn8BoIFqQ/s1600-h/blog249.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwBqarct6Qsq0CQsUIwlRVZSStQ_fJG2D_R1GSm2Zn2FNt0vX9saphyphenhyphenCdJeO65eyCjvDWxtDEv8SKjNEsKb_uOkyKS-Md3wWZWJC3aFWZjU_lvZXXUxD3Lk55SCNluA_enNnJn8BoIFqQ/s320/blog249.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420643358426721746" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEH_A2RTO7958zAAn4vwyLQG7yUC10M244-9FYzvNeaYlWKCWj0rMODnrb_Ja4Ws1jAQCjpuDJMxTp7XUtwCsIsy9qI9-cTdt2gNIak0CkKfAUvWTEFQ_SSORj_A-ZJI9kWXwSUHX3Zi8q/s1600-h/blog248.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEH_A2RTO7958zAAn4vwyLQG7yUC10M244-9FYzvNeaYlWKCWj0rMODnrb_Ja4Ws1jAQCjpuDJMxTp7XUtwCsIsy9qI9-cTdt2gNIak0CkKfAUvWTEFQ_SSORj_A-ZJI9kWXwSUHX3Zi8q/s320/blog248.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420643350715525122" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YMBrz5OWKWcTPGYGu9Mz7Prrcv5yAgdTeGIklxv4IWiH5753OnUn8SeGoBmJ6ZZEcYcs6Bi6weXhRtSct2asrekb30OlJLLZHi6RS5c-8AC0myZ335wJbaf6TvisDbSnpPtIzr1s50DL/s1600-h/blog246.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YMBrz5OWKWcTPGYGu9Mz7Prrcv5yAgdTeGIklxv4IWiH5753OnUn8SeGoBmJ6ZZEcYcs6Bi6weXhRtSct2asrekb30OlJLLZHi6RS5c-8AC0myZ335wJbaf6TvisDbSnpPtIzr1s50DL/s320/blog246.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420643345756346274" /></a><br /><br />Lots of good food and company!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksKKPsgI3PMjtcCpIpRr_OOE2jeEZc0_sywzElfnrpEW3ZPI7g6W0LYdgz0eOuuMcvBXlTlDfTjfrsO6UwsDklH03ZGOionD3HHgfZ1BxO1UIuRnfZhGlYWkegdmXNhbAYJvbiGgsjol-/s1600-h/blog257.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksKKPsgI3PMjtcCpIpRr_OOE2jeEZc0_sywzElfnrpEW3ZPI7g6W0LYdgz0eOuuMcvBXlTlDfTjfrsO6UwsDklH03ZGOionD3HHgfZ1BxO1UIuRnfZhGlYWkegdmXNhbAYJvbiGgsjol-/s320/blog257.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420644251461200738" /></a><br />My FIL with the silly cat.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChkfXPOX36IGb-BPBMgS3_wDMRddAw2kMAeEvcGs7FrsgMr3Ehtn5_MoDfR1xZXEBB38tUpzZrzk_MOyZtXuIXPmgMpXH5WVqHV6OG9Y0Z74dCNbqDuK7N4002zcbE3dbnKYriVF47Hmz/s1600-h/blog254.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChkfXPOX36IGb-BPBMgS3_wDMRddAw2kMAeEvcGs7FrsgMr3Ehtn5_MoDfR1xZXEBB38tUpzZrzk_MOyZtXuIXPmgMpXH5WVqHV6OG9Y0Z74dCNbqDuK7N4002zcbE3dbnKYriVF47Hmz/s320/blog254.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420644251029176578" /></a><br />Best girlfriends!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0a5F6UUj2LR2PF1mP6fLLlT4CQFKQXvIPdI1DWCEdBwFjhxq7g13thzAZJ20GLwJ0eHGbPTvKcCjJ_YAVXZqDjL5hJXiHbmpH9rMNBVH0cpMt96QSUQa9pBb0bZO5UMAZMAxU1jt1b1jh/s1600-h/blog262.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0a5F6UUj2LR2PF1mP6fLLlT4CQFKQXvIPdI1DWCEdBwFjhxq7g13thzAZJ20GLwJ0eHGbPTvKcCjJ_YAVXZqDjL5hJXiHbmpH9rMNBVH0cpMt96QSUQa9pBb0bZO5UMAZMAxU1jt1b1jh/s320/blog262.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420644245262798242" /></a><br /><br />Good news! I'm going to be an aunt!! Me with my SIL who finally shared the news that she is 3 months pregnant.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8oEFuG4_QGeyLNyiRQ5SKXIG9w_jNNoP96fMWfyGnnrFgXlroR7jrzigY0SR9JPcK9ogLL0lJzAf5DR0UC0nLf9oS3zvpXnmP4QXouBk9cs5P2UirmdR8m8zpGWKO5rRgJrCG8-ct1Ui/s1600-h/blog260.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8oEFuG4_QGeyLNyiRQ5SKXIG9w_jNNoP96fMWfyGnnrFgXlroR7jrzigY0SR9JPcK9ogLL0lJzAf5DR0UC0nLf9oS3zvpXnmP4QXouBk9cs5P2UirmdR8m8zpGWKO5rRgJrCG8-ct1Ui/s320/blog260.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420644958061396818" /></a><br />(for those who didn't know, shhhh!)<br /><br />And being silly with my mom<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nbRWPQd8VICgYnFknmZrWX5JDYrpYr1VUfLKXzMRQPMg6WW8_EDpX6Bl54gLGOBKHKg7HG6fmE5P5-70sFNFt1X2hnRE48gmFjsbttTEKPv3FEHkkHWtIERT8K78i9NC5tWuNBf2z3lk/s1600-h/blog258.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nbRWPQd8VICgYnFknmZrWX5JDYrpYr1VUfLKXzMRQPMg6WW8_EDpX6Bl54gLGOBKHKg7HG6fmE5P5-70sFNFt1X2hnRE48gmFjsbttTEKPv3FEHkkHWtIERT8K78i9NC5tWuNBf2z3lk/s320/blog258.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420645158905610546" /></a><br /><br />Christmas Day was also spent with my parents. We had too much fun opening gifts and trying on our new <a href="http://creativekitchenonline.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=20965&gclid=CKfp5sDc-54CFQk75QodqncHIQ">onion goggles</a> that I forgot to take pictures. woops.<br /><br />I was able to snap these of my parent's cute dog.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWLxHNy5PPaRwDr-Suk-5O1qDVBOubI5zLfNuLC4Lggjt1yNozosmdPoFYOAgKvTz3FSq3tVwOOsD1sTv2PIMg1-1dHOgawNBUGHbbKwKjlTw59DGCLeF8LmKdrtV2c0Tj0ZSKzKA2sQ7/s1600-h/blog269.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWLxHNy5PPaRwDr-Suk-5O1qDVBOubI5zLfNuLC4Lggjt1yNozosmdPoFYOAgKvTz3FSq3tVwOOsD1sTv2PIMg1-1dHOgawNBUGHbbKwKjlTw59DGCLeF8LmKdrtV2c0Tj0ZSKzKA2sQ7/s320/blog269.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420645921179040322" /></a><br />He loved the camera!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLkzOMlvdMZlApsKnaVSktk_xtKUCLK6oZ-SZ_9qyFMooJT8f7fRAS5bpmAuc4GkoR7C92b3L_V61uP5raeksS4erAU_ReAQvKhZcoM8uq4GcK_hCW_F8_0M6dH89fzsq9VBD4zbyij_i/s1600-h/blog268.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLkzOMlvdMZlApsKnaVSktk_xtKUCLK6oZ-SZ_9qyFMooJT8f7fRAS5bpmAuc4GkoR7C92b3L_V61uP5raeksS4erAU_ReAQvKhZcoM8uq4GcK_hCW_F8_0M6dH89fzsq9VBD4zbyij_i/s320/blog268.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420645914371314738" /></a><br /><br />And I have to show off my Mom's favorite gift this year- Lenox Christmas china.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoFM2Aq8ojzpIahQ4PHC4AjHB1ZRvjrfEJheIZwIRsCfnvzI_Fg35IMD6qB8JRjo-Udp3RyvM2tzX-xcbSFeq7kvo0Nuxyx_pDvasQ_YS7bjk3UtsvUIxtI2peV9WGZrFZ5LEAlz-KEbF/s1600-h/blog270.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoFM2Aq8ojzpIahQ4PHC4AjHB1ZRvjrfEJheIZwIRsCfnvzI_Fg35IMD6qB8JRjo-Udp3RyvM2tzX-xcbSFeq7kvo0Nuxyx_pDvasQ_YS7bjk3UtsvUIxtI2peV9WGZrFZ5LEAlz-KEbF/s320/blog270.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420646509980392402" /></a><br /><br />Saturday we spent the day with my in-laws and family. Once again I didn't get out the camera but we had a blast together. We laughed our butts off playing charades!<br /><br />The entire weekend was wonderful and we couldn't have ask for a better time with our family and friends! I'll admit it's nice to be home and away from all the Christmas cookies though :) Now I have to get back on track.<br /><br />I'm enjoying my morning coffee and Good Morning America this morning. I'll brave the cold weather for a run this afternoon.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnCjO8jXWA67IraoCT5f5WMiVo64xEY9ZSGM4h4XfGi41ZVzNfuvM4ylJi7VIZNThK4CUssdQ-tIpwGybx5dmj5JxVGCLrawG332X9EbMNG_zuYXAL5MB7rH-3_3Cj1pgifkDxz1y7QGe/s1600-h/blog278.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnCjO8jXWA67IraoCT5f5WMiVo64xEY9ZSGM4h4XfGi41ZVzNfuvM4ylJi7VIZNThK4CUssdQ-tIpwGybx5dmj5JxVGCLrawG332X9EbMNG_zuYXAL5MB7rH-3_3Cj1pgifkDxz1y7QGe/s320/blog278.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420647928166266866" /></a><br />I keep this mug out all year since it fits me so well... thanks Mom!<br /><br />Well that's all for now but I'll be back with a Monday recap.<br /><br />I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday! Have a great day!!Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-55882340362461521112009-12-22T15:19:00.000-08:002009-12-22T15:26:05.041-08:00Oats RemixGood Morning! I am happy to report that I didn’t eat any sweets yesterday, YAY! Just had to get that out first thing :)<br /><br />I finished the last of my holiday baking yesterday. Peanut butter treats for the doggies in our life. I tried my best to make them look like bones with the little cookie cutter I found. Elli wouldn’t leave me alone while these were baking. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-C09Zox-YOCzfE5eJzit6_6pen-LRD5Q2sJghVaPikHq92H9Ga9clXhUQYDkhZ2dLmzslwny4tmzE2SF4CJDiw7H3C7XZOdpjTft9ngLvFENKtjf0XwSeLhyphenhyphenJwrU59QgtqMpVnOMmnN9/s1600-h/blog236.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-C09Zox-YOCzfE5eJzit6_6pen-LRD5Q2sJghVaPikHq92H9Ga9clXhUQYDkhZ2dLmzslwny4tmzE2SF4CJDiw7H3C7XZOdpjTft9ngLvFENKtjf0XwSeLhyphenhyphenJwrU59QgtqMpVnOMmnN9/s320/blog236.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418204490468722242" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhBcssyFf4bnYAKbwNGXEJjArPvcMMxzKu4hvr_uzYMTFy5qAF921rfOrsStSxZZf_KfDrO3M1EokrS33TQHfBLQaWtwSu_GXLTeJWsYpGyPA3DrfYqvTPfsYglH-dM9Zp8vWPZyphdrj/s1600-h/blog235.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhBcssyFf4bnYAKbwNGXEJjArPvcMMxzKu4hvr_uzYMTFy5qAF921rfOrsStSxZZf_KfDrO3M1EokrS33TQHfBLQaWtwSu_GXLTeJWsYpGyPA3DrfYqvTPfsYglH-dM9Zp8vWPZyphdrj/s320/blog235.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418204423664539522" /></a><br /><br />Last night after dinner I curled up to watch football with a mug of Sugar Cookie tea. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqDZ3gHXOwNQyvVnnFXwgBCvRWXL0holBNYH_-016kx0r8KG8Wn7H8KESiiSIH_w0-sobK_apzxTJXp7Mpt356HRkfkzNaostCREmYYRcwHlsD2wbtyeTBRk9WwqSfw6NNM21KQb03yGW/s1600-h/blog237.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqDZ3gHXOwNQyvVnnFXwgBCvRWXL0holBNYH_-016kx0r8KG8Wn7H8KESiiSIH_w0-sobK_apzxTJXp7Mpt356HRkfkzNaostCREmYYRcwHlsD2wbtyeTBRk9WwqSfw6NNM21KQb03yGW/s320/blog237.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418204641982571794" /></a><br /><br />While watching the game we heard several fire trucks pass our house. This is pretty common since we live on a busy city street but they just kept coming. Soon we heard helicopters and police and quickly peaked outside. Oh my goodness, there was a huge fire just two blocks from our house. It’s sad but I immediately grabbed my camera and took this terrible picture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqlmK_pp396FH44kdoiZTpXUxFwPCO7P8zyRispvpgVfzKuREtXUDDfW3x7VbArtXEsjEBDH7eZfTieR8YkBXfLsBVMZNQwPvGNMO-6ox8TuDnkiKdphV6VDkoFYozBzsK3EjDH1ho6pb/s1600-h/blog238.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqlmK_pp396FH44kdoiZTpXUxFwPCO7P8zyRispvpgVfzKuREtXUDDfW3x7VbArtXEsjEBDH7eZfTieR8YkBXfLsBVMZNQwPvGNMO-6ox8TuDnkiKdphV6VDkoFYozBzsK3EjDH1ho6pb/s320/blog238.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418204831971787426" /></a><br /><br />Now for today…<br /><br />I skipped a workout today since my butt is still sore from Jillian. (Damn her!) My body could use some rest though so it feels nice.<br /><br />With no more bananas I decided to try a different mix with my oats. I added apple butter to my normal pb oats. Why haven’t I done this sooner? OMGosh it was amazing! I definitely found another great combo. With just a little peanut butter left I’m looking forward to oats in a jar on Thursday. Tomorrow I’ll be having brunch with my co-workers so oats will not be necessary. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHQcpEmp-DdSEUlVzP9znOr0uM4qgRGJZiGHtqEbeGchxHsoGr5YFVqedngAV0wVBKHuomutACqHfhXzyUP7eANrEV9bFZJ7dv2wmu_tlWEVhfUZxCl3qQlJtQ1Pbhjf6HK8amZ_V4niz/s1600-h/blog239.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHQcpEmp-DdSEUlVzP9znOr0uM4qgRGJZiGHtqEbeGchxHsoGr5YFVqedngAV0wVBKHuomutACqHfhXzyUP7eANrEV9bFZJ7dv2wmu_tlWEVhfUZxCl3qQlJtQ1Pbhjf6HK8amZ_V4niz/s320/blog239.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418205039530607042" /></a><br /><br />• 1/2 Oats<br />• 1 tbs peanut butter<br />• 1 tbs apple butter<br />• cinnamon<br />• stevia<br />Cooked in about 1 cup hot water.<br /><br />Pure deliciousness! You know it’s good when you plan breakfast two days in advance.<br /><br />Today was yet another freezing cold day in the office. My lunch warmed me up a bit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonpjzStWacJxLQIvDngh14Di7qmu56F9xcVLbA9leWPi-_fjjsmxWKUQRtNP2k7mQVvKdph4VvCSTiwRB2VvYjz1ydS6dgXyeyS0oewjS1AeOMSlcGkbNFc9nRQKoffAbahptAZeRahzs/s1600-h/blog240.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonpjzStWacJxLQIvDngh14Di7qmu56F9xcVLbA9leWPi-_fjjsmxWKUQRtNP2k7mQVvKdph4VvCSTiwRB2VvYjz1ydS6dgXyeyS0oewjS1AeOMSlcGkbNFc9nRQKoffAbahptAZeRahzs/s320/blog240.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418205239935758578" /></a><br /><br />Remember my impulse buy from last week, this <a href="http://www.rightfoods.com/scripts/display_product.php?product_id=6107">Pad Thai</a> soup? Besides the rice noodles it didn’t resemble the Pad Thai I know but it was tasty. For a convenient soup it was fairly healthy too and number one, it warmed me up! Along side my soup I had an apple and baby carrots. Overall this was a very satisfying and filling lunch. <br /><br />I don’t know how you’re feeling about work these days but it’s rough. This time of year work is the last place I want to be and I really have to push myself to get things done. Does anyone else have that problem? Man, am I looking forward to vacation next week!<br /><br />Time to make dinner... have a great night!Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-23352661262482913132009-12-21T14:25:00.000-08:002009-12-21T14:29:02.341-08:00Running BluesIts official I have the blues. This is when my no-gym membership decision kicks me in the butt. I can’t run outside! Ugh! Have you looked out there lately? It’s a mess. Not only do I have cabin fever but I’m supposed to be training and am extremely anxious. I did yoga this morning but that didn’t help my anxiety. This afternoon it was pretty nice outside so I decided to give it a try, to run that is. Since we had movies to take back to the <a href="http://www.redbox.com/">Redbox</a> I decided to attempt a run to Safeway to return them. <br /><br />It was nice to get outside and the sun was shining. But this was pretty dumb to say the least. First of all, not many people in Canton shoveled their sidewalks and the city still hasn’t plowed any side streets. So needless to say it was very dangerous and I couldn’t do much running. I had to hop over snow and run in slush so my feet were soaked.<br /><br />Ok, enough complaining but I really miss my runs. So I’ll be hanging out with Jillian for the next couple days or week. Santa, please bring me a treadmill!<br /><br />Have a good night everyone :)Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-43819088997805740142009-12-21T08:51:00.000-08:002009-12-21T09:00:37.251-08:00Cabin FeverHappy Monday everyone! We got over 12 inches of snow this weekend so I’ve been stuck in the house. Needless to say it was a pretty uneventful weekend. I stayed home today as well since the city still hasn’t plowed our side street where we park. Can you say Cabin Fever!<br /><br />Still sore this morning from Jillian’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-More-Trouble-Zones/dp/B001NFNFMQ">No More Trouble Zones</a> that I did yesterday, and not able to run because of the conditions outside, I opted for yoga today. Every time I do <a href="http://www.gaiam.com/product/yoga-studio/top+rated/yoga+for+beginners+dvd.do">yoga</a> I describe it as “much needed” yoga. It feels that way since it gives my whole body the tender stretching it needs and leaves me feeling calm. The rest of my day seems so peaceful.<br /><br />Back to yesterday, Jillian kicked my butt! I’ve been doing her 30-Day Shred on weekdays, when not running, since it’s only 20 minutes. I had extra time on Sunday for this other DVD that is 50 minutes total. What an amazing workout! I felt like I was in boot camp and sweated my ass off. I highly recommend this one but will have to get myself pumped up to do it again. <br /><br />Not too much went on this weekend. While stuck inside I took the opportunity to wrap all our Christmas gifts, clean the house, do laundry, and play with Elli in the snow. Oh yeah and I had fun trying a few new recipes! I shared the <a href="http://simplenbalancedliving.blogspot.com/2009/12/pumpkin-spice-pancakes.html">pumpkin spice pancakes </a>but we also made Mama Pea’s <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/?p=22">whole wheat pizza dough</a> for dinner on Saturday. Jeff added some spices (garlic, oregano, parley, and what ever else) to make it an herb crust. This was so easy to make and it rolled out nicely. We may have found a replacement for the Trader Joe’s pizza dough- sorry TJ’s!<br /><br />We we not able to get very creative with the toppings. Lack of groceries. But we doubled the recipe and got two of these.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGCXq2X_LMyHphuy5W7VmnRbHifl7P0TxgWKIaaDCuaaS8UdpMltMUsGXS1BtAJORZ6MuMG1hfKeoSIajq6Ftgy1daFEinmcN5QJLlXmiQ9hGY5aJzryWhJ7hBw-P16e4ZG1H5IqbhoTA/s1600-h/blog233.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGCXq2X_LMyHphuy5W7VmnRbHifl7P0TxgWKIaaDCuaaS8UdpMltMUsGXS1BtAJORZ6MuMG1hfKeoSIajq6Ftgy1daFEinmcN5QJLlXmiQ9hGY5aJzryWhJ7hBw-P16e4ZG1H5IqbhoTA/s320/blog233.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417735024592784082" /></a><br /><br />I also have to fess up about my consumption of sweets over the weekend. We can’t wait to take all the baked goods to our family this week and get it out of the house. I’ve had absolutely no willpower and it’s driving me crazy. I wish I could just suck it up and move on but it bothers me when I eat healthy all day than blow it will cookies and crap. My goal this week is to stay away from sugar, period!!<br /><br />That’s about all for today. Pretty boring, huh? I’ll leave you with the cutest pup ever :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwWRlX-t7DPos_yCG34rDkwiDI3YpcnbSAdxgSJ_dZR8cxiNXXKiby0W-QDZQpLcRBTZO9w9zuDyKa6bdxAiGq93ycNKUBlDbnFlBfu3Ln2TRVS58sFTSEXssPHDcbPRA6VdKYgPrk9iQ/s1600-h/blog234.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwWRlX-t7DPos_yCG34rDkwiDI3YpcnbSAdxgSJ_dZR8cxiNXXKiby0W-QDZQpLcRBTZO9w9zuDyKa6bdxAiGq93ycNKUBlDbnFlBfu3Ln2TRVS58sFTSEXssPHDcbPRA6VdKYgPrk9iQ/s320/blog234.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417735321141021666" /></a><br /><br />And <a href="http://www.thankingthemonkey.com/index.php">this</a> new book I found. If it wasn’t too late I’d add it to my Christmas list. <br /><br />Namaste.Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-27010415116906089542009-12-19T07:16:00.000-08:002009-12-19T07:47:28.425-08:00Pumpkin Spice PancakesGood Morning everyone! Elli woke me early this morning, I think she wanted to play outside in this<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsvN1FfVcTIXpD1czQKWH9JbufzbLjlx6exg-aQNeFgrTMOgaYGbyJAVo_Th-DwPsnEgOB_RZMXCdo9V-1oA6e88ipdcdB3Z95OARkHvBvI9bVJo_nbH_XtlfsMOYaKbX9kv7UBlTKHOL/s1600-h/blog228.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsvN1FfVcTIXpD1czQKWH9JbufzbLjlx6exg-aQNeFgrTMOgaYGbyJAVo_Th-DwPsnEgOB_RZMXCdo9V-1oA6e88ipdcdB3Z95OARkHvBvI9bVJo_nbH_XtlfsMOYaKbX9kv7UBlTKHOL/s320/blog228.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416966889529519490" /></a><br /><br />yep this is what I woke up to. At least 6 inches of snow and its still going strong. These are the best days! I love being stuck inside a warm house watching movies, baking whatever comes to mind, and relaxing with my family.<br /><br />Feeling very thirsty and just a bit hungry this morning I made my very first <a href="http://greenmonstermovement.com/">Green Monster</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXbyGKE0ss_fHNzxEU04qDOv39t-ZB6PfUg6TPTKPgA9YXsEAlARDTYmnNarBYKnxB7iCb6h6twuPkpQoZ1Y3HE0G0WQlrUY_VkuhDSVSt6TBuFGro7-aqvMARvReAXh4ibur8AC5Gtd7/s1600-h/blog229.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXbyGKE0ss_fHNzxEU04qDOv39t-ZB6PfUg6TPTKPgA9YXsEAlARDTYmnNarBYKnxB7iCb6h6twuPkpQoZ1Y3HE0G0WQlrUY_VkuhDSVSt6TBuFGro7-aqvMARvReAXh4ibur8AC5Gtd7/s320/blog229.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416967961427333986" /></a><br /><br />• kale<br />• banana<br />• soymilk<br />• flax<br />• wheat germ<br />• peanut butter<br />• ice<br /><br />This was very tasty but I wish I had some berries to add. They're now on the grocery list just for my next GM!<br /><br />Later this morning once Jeff woke I made Pumpkin Spice Pancakes. After my impulse buy of <a href="http://www.silksoymilk.com/products/silk-seasonal/pumpkin-spice">PS Silk</a> I had to make something with it. I veganized the recipe on the carton and thought they were blog worthing since the husband gave them 2 thumbs up.<br /><br /><em><strong>Pumpkin Spice Pancakes</strong></em><br /><br />¾ cup flour<br />¼ cup whole wheat flour<br />½ tsp salt<br />1 cup Silk Pumpkin Spice<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />2 tbs oil (I used canola)<br />¼ cup unsweetened applesauce<br /><br />Whisk dry ingredients together. In another bowl mix wet ingredients together. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing gently. Cook on a preheated skillet. <br />Note: Batter maybe a little lumpy. Makes about 10 pancakes.<br />*recipe modified from Silk's Pumpkin Spice carton.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5OTaB68WiRGDxgrXAhpKXmtHI7dv2-cBpU5PpjwxC1ngoqmi8jQl2SZrwxaEHtejlo1uG7NdDYb-CFvy_5S82W5zWf1oyOm3IiwFEE0UHJMYM2xYdty1WhY8pBB1-bu42IfZTHQPmTmS/s1600-h/blog230.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5OTaB68WiRGDxgrXAhpKXmtHI7dv2-cBpU5PpjwxC1ngoqmi8jQl2SZrwxaEHtejlo1uG7NdDYb-CFvy_5S82W5zWf1oyOm3IiwFEE0UHJMYM2xYdty1WhY8pBB1-bu42IfZTHQPmTmS/s320/blog230.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416973163518004850" /></a><br /><br />Top cooked pancakes with your favorite toppings. Here's mine with earth balance and agave.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92upm8ojtA_QKK4iPzXJ-_7oK5eP3xpr5DeJRUVGJs25VGFJQzEB0eEkcJrwtGXpnXUEWP2zvVTYgE4TtrVWL4wUn87e_MV8Es14y2cgzXJpxTKJ4VYiAPo91cY7sngCa1GvaNzLyK62r/s1600-h/blog232.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92upm8ojtA_QKK4iPzXJ-_7oK5eP3xpr5DeJRUVGJs25VGFJQzEB0eEkcJrwtGXpnXUEWP2zvVTYgE4TtrVWL4wUn87e_MV8Es14y2cgzXJpxTKJ4VYiAPo91cY7sngCa1GvaNzLyK62r/s320/blog232.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416972385252402626" /></a><br /><br />Now it's time to finish wrapping Christmas gifts and watch movies.<br /><br />Have a great day!Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-82319739363991982682009-12-18T15:12:00.001-08:002009-12-18T15:27:38.326-08:00Impulse FridayHappy Friday everyone! I’m looking forward to the weekend, how about you? In my area they’re calling for snow tomorrow. Apparently a blizzard with anywhere from 1 – 20 inches! I’m so glad we don’t have any plans.<br /><br />Time to fess up and share my impulse buys for the day. I was so close to making it all week without any more buys! Today I headed to the grocery store during lunch for a trip to the salad bar and look what I spotted…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GeunZcCBZTooejiHVygt8Q6r1exl9cLvl1l87el5AE0TjyKdkJ9n_48l1NCX877yDWUQU1TTWoA-WP2mY33vhk7XSIzerDynqdy1MmNIbn1YS3MHIyLu5fQlrFgeiLWlr74rypCyc6Is/s1600-h/blog225.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GeunZcCBZTooejiHVygt8Q6r1exl9cLvl1l87el5AE0TjyKdkJ9n_48l1NCX877yDWUQU1TTWoA-WP2mY33vhk7XSIzerDynqdy1MmNIbn1YS3MHIyLu5fQlrFgeiLWlr74rypCyc6Is/s320/blog225.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416718318007904962" /></a><br /><br />Pumpkin spice Silk! I had to try it, just had to. Anything pumpkin is a must have. Somehow I justified this purchase but not sure how or why. While waiting in line I was excited to see a recipe for pumpkin spice pancakes on the carton. There that’s why I needed it so I can make breakfast while we’re snowed in this weekend.<br /><br />Here is what I really went for<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvqOd_84YOoJC0P6eLrsk2qQj8IRiHTUEVXSF6WW8fdp2JFCrW2NB8PhMX-WdjhsfStSzsZVP1PUEbdEl0y_-PctLsXptpeTn1FVw3FmcXwZ4khp3SfBzN2OcA7-aJBttPVj3NGuxITfy/s1600-h/blog223.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvqOd_84YOoJC0P6eLrsk2qQj8IRiHTUEVXSF6WW8fdp2JFCrW2NB8PhMX-WdjhsfStSzsZVP1PUEbdEl0y_-PctLsXptpeTn1FVw3FmcXwZ4khp3SfBzN2OcA7-aJBttPVj3NGuxITfy/s320/blog223.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416718519853665410" /></a><br /><br />This fixed my salad craving that I’ve had for a while now. I loaded it up with good eats.<br /><br />• spring mix<br />• spinach<br />• mushrooms<br />• black olives<br />• chickpeas<br />• tomatoes<br />• broccoli<br />• shredded cabbage<br />• cucumber<br />• green pepper<br /><br />Then I added my own toppings of edamame, Mary’s crackers and Annie’s organic balsamic vinaigrette. Exactly what I needed!<br /><br />Somehow this ended up in my tummy too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiyFhV7DRqr5Y5sDf-5It4NVosPDVM9me4PfPN6ow2c9cTdv13Z0WN2_XXOmrigV1D3mZWn3Z4e-Wb2kLgHP-4RKiobnnzDOv_myeniYuhuwGgbdn_irJVXSzgec3cr7tPqzXA2wZxbw6/s1600-h/blog224.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiyFhV7DRqr5Y5sDf-5It4NVosPDVM9me4PfPN6ow2c9cTdv13Z0WN2_XXOmrigV1D3mZWn3Z4e-Wb2kLgHP-4RKiobnnzDOv_myeniYuhuwGgbdn_irJVXSzgec3cr7tPqzXA2wZxbw6/s320/blog224.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416718777852060274" /></a><br /><br />Freezing cold office + pumpkin spice Silk = pumpkin spice chia tea<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyAKumrdR3pQ2QtXL2vtbTdWpEiKmsOB5aniYWD01IYSm74YxPWoNdHcQWvwv3kvRyl0BonCj2e5OUekGk5CQVcksdFuLTQgVCXUv6RgRao1-4LrySU7WrmQDB66QYrF0N23u-hTXn-uJ/s1600-h/blog226.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyAKumrdR3pQ2QtXL2vtbTdWpEiKmsOB5aniYWD01IYSm74YxPWoNdHcQWvwv3kvRyl0BonCj2e5OUekGk5CQVcksdFuLTQgVCXUv6RgRao1-4LrySU7WrmQDB66QYrF0N23u-hTXn-uJ/s320/blog226.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416719053835230354" /></a><br /><br />I almost forgot to share my second impulse buy of the day. Man, I really blew it today. While at Sears picking up my Dad’s Christmas gift the latest Fitness magazine was screaming “renew your subscription!” and it jumped into my cart. On a better note I am finished Christmas shopping! Now I just have to stop shopping for me.<br /><br /><em><strong>Workout</strong></em><br /><br />I froze my butt off this morning during my run. Just went for 2 miles (2.21 for those counting) with the sista. This is what she said<br /><br />Mile 1- 10:03 <br />Mile 2- 9:24<br />.21- 2:04<br /><br /><br />Yesterday I didn't post my workout or eats but I started the morning off with Jillian's 30 day Shred.<br /><br />Also had this super huge and yummy lunch of baked tofu with leftover grilled vegetables and basmati rice. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKa4Ilf7Q-U3mCJsp3LVKoSPU9golXVNhLhBGvkEOuoMpP6AuQJzcoCUsVeRsr075rjxdUF61N30GLXGy31byooiGCzdgxqOSmeTiVo1ZfPIXMC6IUQfuum5qdzMTmr9rq7T3bhFFpv6er/s1600-h/blog222.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKa4Ilf7Q-U3mCJsp3LVKoSPU9golXVNhLhBGvkEOuoMpP6AuQJzcoCUsVeRsr075rjxdUF61N30GLXGy31byooiGCzdgxqOSmeTiVo1ZfPIXMC6IUQfuum5qdzMTmr9rq7T3bhFFpv6er/s320/blog222.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416720138229009138" /></a><br /><br />The joys of working from home! <br /><br />The rest is history... have a great night, do something fun before the blizzard hits :)Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-21953274692182565922009-12-17T07:56:00.000-08:002009-12-17T08:18:19.793-08:00Season's GreetingsHello there and happy Thursday! Rather than writing about what I ate and what workout I did today I decided to share some thoughts (some of other people) of the season.<br /><br />I read such a nice post this morning over at <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/?p=366">Mama Peas</a> about giving. It really got me thinking about the season and what it's all about.<br /><br />You may remember when I posted about my Salvation Army <a href="http://simplenbalancedliving.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-angel.html">Angel</a> that I bought <a href="http://simplenbalancedliving.blogspot.com/2009/11/cold-misty-weather-and-warm-chai-tea.html">gifts</a> for this year. This is something I plan on doing every year from now on. It's amazing how helping others makes you feel, it really brightens the season for me and hopefully for the little girl as well.<br /><br />I encourage you to think of ways you can help others during this holiday season and over the course of the year.<br /><br />Check out the Mama Peas <a href="http://peasandthankyou.com/?p=366">post</a> for great gift ideas for all ages. Also read about Holly's <a href="http://www.thehealthyeverythingtarian.com/?p=4670">goal</a> over at the healthy everythingtarian.<br /><br />Sometimes I make excuses for not donating but than I remember how very blessed and fortunate I am and that every little bit counts. After reading about what Holly is doing I donated a little towards her goal. Again, every little bit counts! <br /><br />There is no better gift than knowing you brighten someone's day :)<br /><br />Before I wrap I have to share this beautiful clip with you...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4ubAh9TLko">Peace On Earth</a><br /><br />(I saw this on Jessica's <a href="http://www.jessicatudor.com/">blog</a> and it gave me chills)<br /><br /><br /><br />Season's Greetings to all!Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-43839744517711656532009-12-16T16:51:00.000-08:002009-12-16T16:59:06.981-08:00First TimerAfter hearing so much about Jillian Michael’s 30-Day Shred on other blogs I had to check it out. Since I decided a few weeks ago that joining the gym wasn’t an option, I ordered 3 of her DVDs to keep me busy at home. Hoping these workouts will be good on my days off from running I gave one a try.<br /><br />I started my morning off with Jillian’s 30-Day Shred workout. This is the one I’ve heard the most hype about. As a first timer I started with level 1 as she instructed. The DVD is made up of 3 workouts (level 1,2, and 3) that you progressively work through. Each level is 20 minutes of continuous workouts alternating between strength, cardio, and abs.<br /><br />I have tried a lot of these quickie 20-minute workouts and never see results or feel very challenged. Jillian held her word and worked my ass hard during those 20 minutes. I have a feeling these workouts are going to be good! Come on, <a href="http://www.jillianmichaels.com/ ">she</a> is referred to as America’s toughest trainer.<br /><br />Soon I’ll try the other DVDs- No More Trouble Zones and Banish Fat Boost Metabolism.<br /><br />Once at work I had breakfast- PB oats :)<br /><br />Amy’s came back into my life today around 1:00. I promise I’ll never cheat on her again! Today I had the low fat Minestrone soup that is by far one of the best. Next time I’ll look for low sodium in this flavor. No wonder I like it so much with all the salt!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CThVEYXmGbVKfaRsGBAv2BtVQr-4onIJrpgDkV8GlbgTWC-3xfvmuVHP32laDphFHyiGM5wRN4cEzPAtqT0nClTASLdoca4obUjLP3ay4IDvaVsVrfqC39gqXE5QrN_SE7UA6tQnj2-6/s1600-h/blog220.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CThVEYXmGbVKfaRsGBAv2BtVQr-4onIJrpgDkV8GlbgTWC-3xfvmuVHP32laDphFHyiGM5wRN4cEzPAtqT0nClTASLdoca4obUjLP3ay4IDvaVsVrfqC39gqXE5QrN_SE7UA6tQnj2-6/s320/blog220.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416003086164555314" /></a><br /><br />After lunch I made some hot tea to fill the rest of my belly :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWlxvEA8iwvRFXUF37yt4z7_A_dFGdw5XkaIl9Ldnbeykvy7OT_oW9uIZ6bUfKzAnHn7amCg0dfvRKws7XGOz64gN2da4d0JroGq9uTrusDgnEbn8Yf21vI1Lyu72uqklwj4KijHY1v_Y/s1600-h/blog221.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWlxvEA8iwvRFXUF37yt4z7_A_dFGdw5XkaIl9Ldnbeykvy7OT_oW9uIZ6bUfKzAnHn7amCg0dfvRKws7XGOz64gN2da4d0JroGq9uTrusDgnEbn8Yf21vI1Lyu72uqklwj4KijHY1v_Y/s320/blog221.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416003264131120994" /></a><br /><br />Side note: I drink water all day long. I don’t see the need to post it everyday but I keep a 24-ounce bottle at work that I fill up at least 3 times a day. Yesterday I had 3 bottles before even eating lunch. Just to give you an idea. I’m always thirsty and can never get enough ice-cold water. I read once that you should drink half your weight in ounces of water each day. There’s my little fact of the day :)<br /><br />Not too much going on this evening. Take a peak at my to do list.<br /><br />Make dinner- grilled vegetables over brown rice<br /><br />Pack Jeff’s lunch and my oatmeal<br /><br />Set out work and warm running clothes for tomorrow<br /><br />Bake M&M cookies with leftover candy (while Jeff’s at basketball)<br /><br />Relax <br /><br /><br />There you have it! Stay warm tonight wherever you are.<br />See ya tomorrow!Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-61194125915893178782009-12-16T14:20:00.000-08:002009-12-16T14:28:47.531-08:00Christmas BakingHello everyone! I hope that everyone is having a wonderful hump day. The weekend is near and Christmas isn’t very far away either.<br /><br />Jeff and I had fun baking cookies last night while listening to holiday music. We both love chocolate (who doesn’t?) and peanut butter so we made peanut butter blossoms. I ran to the grocery store for the ingredients, list in hand and no impulse buys. Yay me! Can you believe there was no regular Hershey kisses at the store? Everyone must have had the same idea. Of course there were a million other fancy kinds of kisses that really didn’t sound good to me. So I chose a variety of candy to use instead of regular kisses: mini Reese’s cups, Rolos, and special dark kisses. <br /><br />We stuck with the traditional Hershey’s <a href="http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/recipes/detail.asp?id=5191&page=3&per=25&classics=1&ICID=KH1001&rectypecat=Cookies ">recipe</a>. I liked this recipe in particular because it was to yield 4 dozen cookies, which sounded perfect to share with friends and family.<br /><br />Jeff helped unwrap all the candies and also served as quality control. I had a few too :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlqGriKgE9Mqb9i_yGq1kd3zmKQYlWwASNKOJvIy4G7KnkZ1LvtdeO24Pv2Mabr5cJLA0YFz9oVSdXM0mC026Sx1xpXO6rhHKPyoIXhEznDn7LTMG_IG18b7lrY57JPBS_C2-2SM2uMqx/s1600-h/blog210.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlqGriKgE9Mqb9i_yGq1kd3zmKQYlWwASNKOJvIy4G7KnkZ1LvtdeO24Pv2Mabr5cJLA0YFz9oVSdXM0mC026Sx1xpXO6rhHKPyoIXhEznDn7LTMG_IG18b7lrY57JPBS_C2-2SM2uMqx/s320/blog210.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415963151014183266" /></a><br /><br />In the cookie dough I substituted with soymilk and natural peanut butter. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcBbAKulvgMMf0oFcUjNatZH0MyK6q4FsglNFy2qJJ_dGsu8XcAbTDu2UfA0iNyjxAGQQWk2-zKXviteSBPztqfTnJeCZOwZg2NAVZn3_K-8dwZ1XRnaWBHs5Jdu1_fBchF57Cg0cu-if/s1600-h/blog209.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcBbAKulvgMMf0oFcUjNatZH0MyK6q4FsglNFy2qJJ_dGsu8XcAbTDu2UfA0iNyjxAGQQWk2-zKXviteSBPztqfTnJeCZOwZg2NAVZn3_K-8dwZ1XRnaWBHs5Jdu1_fBchF57Cg0cu-if/s320/blog209.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415963329127080386" /></a><br /><br />Then rolled dough balls in sugar and baked.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtEs2axh7ufo8FcheFslbrib38CHGBcl-sQ5-dJRdKssT4f9rH9zeJChMeAnIjnkT_GTwSk4IYLsy_Tz-_t2ub05jn9mscR7xdNgYbi1Izyt69N7xdsavX39oEMWBRcML8XvkfQ1U1F4k/s1600-h/blog211.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtEs2axh7ufo8FcheFslbrib38CHGBcl-sQ5-dJRdKssT4f9rH9zeJChMeAnIjnkT_GTwSk4IYLsy_Tz-_t2ub05jn9mscR7xdNgYbi1Izyt69N7xdsavX39oEMWBRcML8XvkfQ1U1F4k/s320/blog211.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415963519423737266" /></a><br /><br />Once baked press in your favorite treats. Reese’s cups, Rolos, and dark kisses!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoiSeWn4hSgOcBdubOBi5d_PboCz6QJH94SGPGZJ3AcVs-pzBHlx532UHiL36msXcFZCBVDqAky3MlXQ3DPcVgH-v4Ou_4F6cE_ZMiC2dVHctcKo4UtB__Bl3rs8UStCjhFaoSk8zDV6c/s1600-h/blog213.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoiSeWn4hSgOcBdubOBi5d_PboCz6QJH94SGPGZJ3AcVs-pzBHlx532UHiL36msXcFZCBVDqAky3MlXQ3DPcVgH-v4Ou_4F6cE_ZMiC2dVHctcKo4UtB__Bl3rs8UStCjhFaoSk8zDV6c/s320/blog213.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415963685170532274" /></a><br />(Santa, I need a cooling rack)<br /><br />I had to sample just one cookie while they were warm and gooey. The Reese’s cup was my pick and it was delicious.<br /><br />Somehow we only ended up with 2 ½ dozen cookies. My cookie scoop must be big because we didn’t come close to the 4 dozen. <br /><br />With the leftover candies we made pretzel treats. I have no clue if these treats have a name but I’ve had them on several different occasions. I was reminded of them by Janetha over at <a href="http://mealsandmoves.wordpress.com/2009/12/13/ya-win-some-ya-lose-some/">meals & moves</a> and so glad I was since they’re super easy and tasty. <br /><br />You can make so many different varieties of these pretzel treats. We went with these:<br /><br />• dark kisses with almonds<br />• dark kisses with almonds and dried cranberries<br />• dark kisses with M&Ms<br />• Rolos with almonds<br />• Rolos with M&Ms<br />• Reese’s cup with M&Ms<br /><br />I sorted through the M&Ms for all the red and green ones. The candy was so picked through at the store they were out of the holiday themed bags.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vvySKtwGwRkfTu4vfH2MR3_sOqzP0sLfgmfn-UCbBh8oNtnzeHeuVM0_G0abvFBV8HRrg1cDoBfAHHaNveZlxMPNleMxvu7qbFZ0YSIH8cn__wDyqiWQHyOnAjNqR6Mzhlt9Eu17xtpk/s1600-h/blog216.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vvySKtwGwRkfTu4vfH2MR3_sOqzP0sLfgmfn-UCbBh8oNtnzeHeuVM0_G0abvFBV8HRrg1cDoBfAHHaNveZlxMPNleMxvu7qbFZ0YSIH8cn__wDyqiWQHyOnAjNqR6Mzhlt9Eu17xtpk/s320/blog216.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415964077112889026" /></a><br /><br />These treats are very addicting but I limited myself to 4 of them. I had to eat the ones that I messed up!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjOh9K71lqtrQEUjJRgfpUSBFamEsCfYEMJ5Tm445AbwKJ0ah0KN-MVlglIrR9BibH2zs-2f69GnlLinHHjzwpC1_1fG3fcOiwvTROL3u7HF0tVanbKVqINM4j1RoFyZSk1mZKw-hepft/s1600-h/blog219.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjOh9K71lqtrQEUjJRgfpUSBFamEsCfYEMJ5Tm445AbwKJ0ah0KN-MVlglIrR9BibH2zs-2f69GnlLinHHjzwpC1_1fG3fcOiwvTROL3u7HF0tVanbKVqINM4j1RoFyZSk1mZKw-hepft/s320/blog219.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415964244393695058" /></a><br /><br />After cleaning up the mess from baking I snuggled up on the couch with my Mother Earth <a href="http://www.motherearthpillows.com/largeheartbeat.html">Pillow</a> (heated in the microwave) on my hip. Elli and a blanket also kept me toasty while watching the National Christmas tree lighting and the Sing Off.<br /><br />Then it was nighty-night :)Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-73390541094875778732009-12-15T13:20:00.000-08:002009-12-15T19:07:39.416-08:00Hip, I'm begging you!Hello blog world! I kind of left you hanging yesterday with my eats. So I have to fill you in on my awesome dinner from last night: baked tofu with quinoa medley. This was the first time I ever made baked tofu and was pleasantly surprised by the result.<br /><br />I pressed a carton of light extra firm Nasoya tofu on Sunday since this meal was planned. I was the only one eating it and still have 2/3 of the carton left. After searching a few baked tofu recipes I came up with this marinate, no measurements.<br /><br />• soy sauce<br />• agave nectar<br />• apple cider vinegar<br />• dash of hot sauce<br />• garlic powder<br />• ketchup<br /><br />Brush this mix over sliced tofu while the oven preheats to 375 degrees. Place tofu on non-stick baking sheet and bake until golden brown. Rotating one time through it takes approximately 20 minutes total. Serve with whatever sides you’d like!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyVqoZYdCpecAJt1CxcnbpldZ69XjMl5X_1CWcg6pQmHSj0EYTES8GWQ2ou-_cvH5-LzY5fczVJlM4YVnQm1Nx979dpeBZ1dQN3By00Rf_j5jDbH6n7mAKbCjr4b6tLioXrgJ_5KgFLSq/s1600-h/blog203.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyVqoZYdCpecAJt1CxcnbpldZ69XjMl5X_1CWcg6pQmHSj0EYTES8GWQ2ou-_cvH5-LzY5fczVJlM4YVnQm1Nx979dpeBZ1dQN3By00Rf_j5jDbH6n7mAKbCjr4b6tLioXrgJ_5KgFLSq/s320/blog203.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415663608760166402" /></a><br /><br />I choose Nature’s Promise bulgur quinoa and vegetable mix I found at Giant. The two paired great together and made a very satisfying dinner. Can you believe this left me so satisfied that I didn’t even want dessert? Now that’s just weird and unheard of!<br /><br />This morning I ran my scheduled 2 miles from yesterday. Have I mentioned how much more fun running is with my sista? I absolutely love my Garmin! My hip however is a different story, as soon as I hit the pavement the pain started. Really?! Maybe I need to rest for real or go get an x-ray. In pain I still managed decent time:<br /><br />Mile 1- 9:34<br />Mile 2- 9:50<br /><br />During my run it dawned on me that I need to use my heart rate monitor. It syncs with the Garmin to track my heart rates, which should help during training although I’ve never tracked it in the past.<br /><br />I really want to try out Jillian’s 30-Day Shred so hopefully my hip pain will go away for tomorrow. Although I know I probably shouldn’t do anything.<br /><br /><br />For breakfast I packed a breakfast cookie in my <a href="http://www.wrap-n-mat.com/">Wrap-N-Mat</a>. And enjoyed it with some chia tea with soymilk once I got to work.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZ4egj8h_ekhgeB1BB3CEZuf9ozM4Qudmh-xgOzkj9fFxyWMoMWLYYds9oXaelmKzvmdqONy27_SI2I5BOmN8e1LwuJMiRQBZAe6xqMeI2l4MuqUKXF2D4J1-kVyDOi9nUutFXMwLobxr/s1600-h/blog204.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZ4egj8h_ekhgeB1BB3CEZuf9ozM4Qudmh-xgOzkj9fFxyWMoMWLYYds9oXaelmKzvmdqONy27_SI2I5BOmN8e1LwuJMiRQBZAe6xqMeI2l4MuqUKXF2D4J1-kVyDOi9nUutFXMwLobxr/s320/blog204.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415663827485473698" /></a><br /><br />See I snuck a bite of the cookie this morning after my run :) This one was made with oats, almond butter, soymilk, stevia, and raisins. <br /><br />Around 12:00 I wanted lunch, not particularly hungry but just wanted to eat something. I had a coupon for Health Valley Organic soups and today I gave it a try. The grocery store I went to (not today, I’ve been good) only had two types to choose from. I went with the vegetable since the other was chicken noodle or something like that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCl5bsTGxj8wiAGd2gYGI4QOIx5xJPk2XfB9Drp82GkK6sKhjQzdPcYu3Cdwvp380ViQETqucyXrR0DYPKNxeUj379pjtqry8Xp4Cnop1bwNblwvPiaaHA4J8Ow4xGPFUFTf9SpQnDkz7/s1600-h/blog205.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCl5bsTGxj8wiAGd2gYGI4QOIx5xJPk2XfB9Drp82GkK6sKhjQzdPcYu3Cdwvp380ViQETqucyXrR0DYPKNxeUj379pjtqry8Xp4Cnop1bwNblwvPiaaHA4J8Ow4xGPFUFTf9SpQnDkz7/s320/blog205.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415664024545007794" /></a><br /><br />Now if anyone reads my blog then you know I’m a huge fan of Amy’s soups and I don’t like cheating on her. Blame it on the coupon. <br /><br />The verdict is in and I don’t think I’ll be cheating on Amy ever again. Coupon or no coupon! The soup was very bland which is to be expected with only 140 mg of sodium. Of course I realize how evil sodium is but I also enjoy eating foods with some flavor. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDBr6vmMFHUaxHCXQp_37Ox_MGwTKCTQd3JWxb9DD5BF9wSXFpoiZ3HMU11hYLV4HpjNMYbZg7ASLZkK0vbSlSlWpno8QqqH6CSMLr59btIowSqbmHw7645rRXc_j_N9HoAdMuwyYmrlI/s1600-h/blog206.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDBr6vmMFHUaxHCXQp_37Ox_MGwTKCTQd3JWxb9DD5BF9wSXFpoiZ3HMU11hYLV4HpjNMYbZg7ASLZkK0vbSlSlWpno8QqqH6CSMLr59btIowSqbmHw7645rRXc_j_N9HoAdMuwyYmrlI/s320/blog206.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415664184555167202" /></a><br /><br />Thank goodness for Mary’s crackers! Now these babies are tasty :)<br /><br />My hips felt stiff all morning so after lunch I walked laps in our office building. It’s a good thing I was the only one there today because surely I looked like a fool. A good pace for 15 minutes helped loosen my body. Then back to the desk I went.<br /><br />Here is my afternoon snack of peach soy yogurt, blueberries, and a little bit of Kashi 7 grain puffs cereal.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IeelfcBjvsf6QzCaY8yntho7xzIsh44K5Xxq3LWiIcMedrvf4uML2mWxmF3v-_oYVrmRuhjcBjDEkSVS9SAGsiiVuMLqnxP9K4JjP8CrtFFiBjOj8k2uYzdcnCNSw4ivMI5B-a3A4e2S/s1600-h/blog207.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IeelfcBjvsf6QzCaY8yntho7xzIsh44K5Xxq3LWiIcMedrvf4uML2mWxmF3v-_oYVrmRuhjcBjDEkSVS9SAGsiiVuMLqnxP9K4JjP8CrtFFiBjOj8k2uYzdcnCNSw4ivMI5B-a3A4e2S/s320/blog207.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415664355228725346" /></a><br /><br />Total winner!<br /> <br />Well on the menu for tonight is shrimp pad Thai with sugar snap peas. I’ve been looking forward to this dinner and it will taste even better since Jeff is making it.<br /><br />Heading out to take Elli for a walk… bye for now!<br /><br />Oh wait... I waited a while to post this and now have a picture from dinner.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aSjYx-VbIrnpu2oFmbRxuPhTwoXslOOeWm2NCp_Oao6XNt3p9y8rzt1zi54RXo6bHGpfNPTqQYGfa9OB6HRXJSH7zAseb60ltV_mYbR_LkhUtOLc0V53wS2ALug4mvw2Ypz7SagUf1Fp/s1600-h/blog208.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aSjYx-VbIrnpu2oFmbRxuPhTwoXslOOeWm2NCp_Oao6XNt3p9y8rzt1zi54RXo6bHGpfNPTqQYGfa9OB6HRXJSH7zAseb60ltV_mYbR_LkhUtOLc0V53wS2ALug4mvw2Ypz7SagUf1Fp/s320/blog208.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415664821217354290" /></a><br /><br />While eating Jeff asked what my favorite ingredient is in pad Thai...hummm? I'd have to say peanuts! The peanuts just add another element to the dish and bring all the flavors together. Dinner was so good I had seconds!<br /><br />Check back tomorrow for our Christmas cookies :) Ok Good Night for real this time.Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-13924265744434558872009-12-14T15:05:00.000-08:002009-12-14T15:13:27.396-08:00ConfessionHello there and Happy Monday! I’m usually not so chipper at the beginning of the week. It must be the holiday season :)<br /><br />So I have a confession to make today but lets get through the morning first.<br /><br />After checking the weather forecast for the week and reevaluating my hip pain, I decided to reschedule today’s run for tomorrow. Instead I worked my glutes, arms, and abs. I followed the Booty Camp <a href="http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/butt/exercises/15-minute-butt-workout/">workout</a> from the July/August issue of Fitness magazine. You can find great workouts in magazines that are really easy to follow. Then I worked my arms.<br /><br />Hammer curl (3 sets of 10)<br />Tricep extensions (3 sets of 10)<br />Double-arm raise (2 sets of 12)<br />Should press (3 sets of 10)<br />Chest Fly (3 sets of 12)<br />Upright row (3 sets of 10)<br /><br />Just a little ab workout: 3 sets of 12 crunches and reverse crunches<br /><br />My breakfast was the normal pb oats: ½ c oats, 1 tbs pb, stevia, cinnamon.<br /><br />All right, I have to fess up! I’m embarrassed to admit this but I think I am addicted to grocery shopping. Is that even possible? Does anyone else ever feel like that? <br />This morning I went to Safeway only to recycle plastic bags. They have a drop off bin there. Then it dawned on me that we needed tissues and I had coupons in my purse. Now this was a legitimate purchase and I got a good deal. Kleenex tissues were on sale and I had two coupons totaling $3 off, plus we really needed them. But here is where I got in trouble… the tissues are in the same isle as the magazines. So I picked up the new Oxygen and I saw a soup that I wanted to try neither of which I needed. Impulse buying is definitely a problem of mine. I never have a hard time justifying purchases though since I’ll get great workouts from the magazine and the soup is fairly healthy and will serve as a cheap lunch. However I still didn’t need either of them and now feel guilty thinking of all the Christmas gifts I still have to buy, but I waste money on this crap.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_71XBg6gCGONOUBEaodZ5pYFXYTa1kgHXaqoOsbYGzs6U_sEYysT5N0WMPK3loi0GyD267Bdd_Bube2AYVXRqPc9kTkxaIK30KS1cKJY0tKxSHgYg3tnIQmd35WiJswXpINNRjqXlk5R/s1600-h/blog201.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_71XBg6gCGONOUBEaodZ5pYFXYTa1kgHXaqoOsbYGzs6U_sEYysT5N0WMPK3loi0GyD267Bdd_Bube2AYVXRqPc9kTkxaIK30KS1cKJY0tKxSHgYg3tnIQmd35WiJswXpINNRjqXlk5R/s320/blog201.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415232757699474498" /></a><br /><br />This is also a problem since I always want to have the latest health food. If I read about a new ingredient or product I run out and buy it- again I don’t need it. I tend to be resourceful when it comes to cooking, planning meals, clipping coupons, and watching sales. If I could just stick to the plan and not stop at various grocery stores and buy random crap.<br /><br />Maybe it will help if I just fess up on here anytime I screw up and impulse shop. Most women have a problem buying clothes and shoes, me I buy groceries! Oh I’m so ashamed. <br /><br />Here’s my goal: No grocery store the rest of the week! I’m already starting to get anxious thinking about it. I need to get food for the holidays but I guess that can at least wait till next week. Feeling like such a weird-o right now but I had to get this off my chest.<br /><br />I feel better now and am confident that I can resist the store!<br /><br />I’ll end my post today with a little office doodling…. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVv92zr2IUFXowmTrTDRj7VGacdQDCS2K2GVgzoDz94OWmhz6yW51P4Vj9mEaInYxK2MFWrVrCes5Ui-cayoG9K-L7URCRPteuS6sSw_YG4uEO8xy0qhGpr27n3f0VmPtnGvS2o6V1ckrC/s1600-h/blog202.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVv92zr2IUFXowmTrTDRj7VGacdQDCS2K2GVgzoDz94OWmhz6yW51P4Vj9mEaInYxK2MFWrVrCes5Ui-cayoG9K-L7URCRPteuS6sSw_YG4uEO8xy0qhGpr27n3f0VmPtnGvS2o6V1ckrC/s320/blog202.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415233022289405138" /></a><br /><br />Oh one more thing- My Jillian Michaels DVDs came today!<br /><br />Have a great night :)Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-65948670949766494912009-12-13T14:43:00.000-08:002009-12-13T15:21:44.000-08:00Kale, Yams, and Onions... oh my!hello again, second post for today and then I'm done! <br /><br />Decorating our Christmas tree today totally got me in the holiday spirit. We listened to festive music and ate sugar cookies :) Elli was so well behaved too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoR79edtOBW5xuM9hXatkXJkbOF-lMKDo39dCJ0dfesgHkr1ooEQKBtrptc2sCeFsGHW_Lqq5dnxbF-h6eyN_3SN0d9_Yo1W884h6LJx5jFqgBph_L0-gaUsnJccS4eUcygcysCYX37njj/s1600-h/blog172.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoR79edtOBW5xuM9hXatkXJkbOF-lMKDo39dCJ0dfesgHkr1ooEQKBtrptc2sCeFsGHW_Lqq5dnxbF-h6eyN_3SN0d9_Yo1W884h6LJx5jFqgBph_L0-gaUsnJccS4eUcygcysCYX37njj/s200/blog172.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414860349249788290" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlTmBBYsDWo4hjE9s3izoUNkA7QypM-Jq6tomVyEM4o00cbjxmysGRUtNX1cNBkrisr3Cl9w4H01pZynx4bchOO4HJiltsWb1rylD089Fu2crTEDGEL8EuQkFSsIzSQuv4K0VRlUBIhic/s1600-h/blog171.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlTmBBYsDWo4hjE9s3izoUNkA7QypM-Jq6tomVyEM4o00cbjxmysGRUtNX1cNBkrisr3Cl9w4H01pZynx4bchOO4HJiltsWb1rylD089Fu2crTEDGEL8EuQkFSsIzSQuv4K0VRlUBIhic/s200/blog171.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414860228459503442" /></a><br /><br /><br />I still can't get over the fact that she isn't interested in the tree. Maybe I should stop saying that so I don't jinx it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnVQhZs2clXVAy9ylIc4SWZALW8jjU0rXmfb8GiS6eA281h7_1TarTYBAW_gtYScvnZ28fskzLL6Z8R3UmdWsToxj24zIdut_kzWE9QuMUInXhskeJeu3ebhMq7Vgyik3pO_6qxJ4oE7S/s1600-h/blog194.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnVQhZs2clXVAy9ylIc4SWZALW8jjU0rXmfb8GiS6eA281h7_1TarTYBAW_gtYScvnZ28fskzLL6Z8R3UmdWsToxj24zIdut_kzWE9QuMUInXhskeJeu3ebhMq7Vgyik3pO_6qxJ4oE7S/s200/blog194.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414860855033706738" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OM6fQm6s-uyVtSAvThyphenhyphenazJDhjsQXlv694kZ_XT23J90bjHB4O4c8efPv3ssgdDrvZ0doUqiaISh_H3UFzF_nCeNZsMBW7X4zC5fNhH5zf_n1G5BbmNQ6zlglr8MjTPNzBqc6-s8ecmkb/s1600-h/blog175.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OM6fQm6s-uyVtSAvThyphenhyphenazJDhjsQXlv694kZ_XT23J90bjHB4O4c8efPv3ssgdDrvZ0doUqiaISh_H3UFzF_nCeNZsMBW7X4zC5fNhH5zf_n1G5BbmNQ6zlglr8MjTPNzBqc6-s8ecmkb/s200/blog175.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414860728047181378" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZPojfuK3S7E1W3A_NHmlGIVTskeL89R_o9edGXQo1U7YHhBw6IUT-qXYbY21Wx7cOLXP1k4krkRbjH8qUlKvOkFT2vLlFQawJF_Wb5RVWd-xNzwOfhnzP31jfKppjyRpG3DLAvuSR86U/s1600-h/blog185.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZPojfuK3S7E1W3A_NHmlGIVTskeL89R_o9edGXQo1U7YHhBw6IUT-qXYbY21Wx7cOLXP1k4krkRbjH8qUlKvOkFT2vLlFQawJF_Wb5RVWd-xNzwOfhnzP31jfKppjyRpG3DLAvuSR86U/s200/blog185.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414860591951873074" /></a><br /><br /><br />We also did a lot of cooking today. Jeff made some huge turkey meatballs that he'll probably be eating all week long. I must admit they did look pretty good.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyfOrr2ieQIlQNb-WzUA3FU9ifML3zQQE2__slN_QuXnl8-sNXtgDXa0echDe508lDjjLJ6RtRU5KhX1yhr6Iu9icU8k0r6WVNp9Lo2DkUMHfhHKwU_agrHVqZaiaagyMe5c6WAV4y6xs/s1600-h/blog183.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyfOrr2ieQIlQNb-WzUA3FU9ifML3zQQE2__slN_QuXnl8-sNXtgDXa0echDe508lDjjLJ6RtRU5KhX1yhr6Iu9icU8k0r6WVNp9Lo2DkUMHfhHKwU_agrHVqZaiaagyMe5c6WAV4y6xs/s200/blog183.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414861120790611666" /></a><br /><br />He cooked them then added peppers, onions, and seasoning.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVp4npLpR2T4qX1xOXusVhsFEckenCgU0JKfYPTH6nEfYj8JDY-5iLdT3O_hMX1UfJeTMn2QECHeAqbHQBTvAR0XNyKqzsRz5ihSEVtcZy-ugXWaByxL6phV5NBnaTcx7vZz9qE3a_tWH/s1600-h/blog184.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVp4npLpR2T4qX1xOXusVhsFEckenCgU0JKfYPTH6nEfYj8JDY-5iLdT3O_hMX1UfJeTMn2QECHeAqbHQBTvAR0XNyKqzsRz5ihSEVtcZy-ugXWaByxL6phV5NBnaTcx7vZz9qE3a_tWH/s200/blog184.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414861362040164322" /></a><br /><br />Topped them with sauce and then put them in the oven for about 40 minutes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykhc84DXAisHjS6A9O0wN4fhUsmyF9T6W9juqfVRidmk7EhKBNHCuMdzGiktAyTEvHjW89sX0Ktn8Avrm5N0xJy9Wk3K0RiSsgnbE8ete2yivEKtYuH4BSgicNlAKO22NqDS1tEOZL6-9/s1600-h/blog200.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykhc84DXAisHjS6A9O0wN4fhUsmyF9T6W9juqfVRidmk7EhKBNHCuMdzGiktAyTEvHjW89sX0Ktn8Avrm5N0xJy9Wk3K0RiSsgnbE8ete2yivEKtYuH4BSgicNlAKO22NqDS1tEOZL6-9/s200/blog200.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414861629947305890" /></a><br /><br />Once they baked he covered them with a ton of cheese. <br /><br /><br />We each made our own dinners for tonight. I bought kale at the grocery store yesterday but have never cooked with it or ever eaten it for that matter. So I looked up some recipes on Veg Cooking and found this <a href="http://www.vegcooking.com/recipeshow.asp?RequestID=942&Search=kale">one</a>. It sounded good and we had most of the ingredients. I had to modify it just a bit. <br /><br />I chopped and cleaned the veggies.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnLZnrMWR1rM8zbag11mLW8AsuDniTZ5qv6wbLi-xr4izjTxtldPVfqNxHRxZlAfq0ydKnh9UwZsRjQBwb58CKyWzdrju2RTAoxgIRA_zetPepJCsAAS5lE9XlrduU8i7_ai5fG_4ISCN/s1600-h/blog193.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnLZnrMWR1rM8zbag11mLW8AsuDniTZ5qv6wbLi-xr4izjTxtldPVfqNxHRxZlAfq0ydKnh9UwZsRjQBwb58CKyWzdrju2RTAoxgIRA_zetPepJCsAAS5lE9XlrduU8i7_ai5fG_4ISCN/s200/blog193.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414862051497418082" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2xUOlIZ2Fk5Gz0oZtKRmq7ME0lRrgYVoBtulzOMi-iq86fpVjjqukQ9ESEuyJCb2KPJAnWea236YKlOkjxPdVHB597YPIHQV7PHR_waNU2TkwD-wbOyPUveNZ53NnidHU5lQ68-1nU02/s1600-h/blog192.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2xUOlIZ2Fk5Gz0oZtKRmq7ME0lRrgYVoBtulzOMi-iq86fpVjjqukQ9ESEuyJCb2KPJAnWea236YKlOkjxPdVHB597YPIHQV7PHR_waNU2TkwD-wbOyPUveNZ53NnidHU5lQ68-1nU02/s200/blog192.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414861923177670402" /></a><br /><br /><br />Cooked the yams then added onions and garlic.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz0uNUh79whLnDFlTctjoNyyVyrh_xMB_KfFeeS5KKhfepPcJWeFCyt_YzuW-UCZcR6TBUe50ALYJPxRnEO3QSLesDr7P2OSG7Skg1N7NHNBzpEJQEjxLYiN3SgLFuJnbKgN3uBeWRTJG/s1600-h/blog196.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibz0uNUh79whLnDFlTctjoNyyVyrh_xMB_KfFeeS5KKhfepPcJWeFCyt_YzuW-UCZcR6TBUe50ALYJPxRnEO3QSLesDr7P2OSG7Skg1N7NHNBzpEJQEjxLYiN3SgLFuJnbKgN3uBeWRTJG/s200/blog196.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414862223856028450" /></a><br /><br /><br />Tossed in the kale.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2oLBaYf2mn2RqQUSr2sViCzoFXriTepbizDpzDHsm71RYYwevzL3Rb6-tU784nF2d_Ik2OdKi2fagBLAmDkEanbpHuiKVF2MiJV1CnWq3BWHFNqNdVmCreHeF99tek3PaaXsKTfJ-UYf/s1600-h/blog197.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2oLBaYf2mn2RqQUSr2sViCzoFXriTepbizDpzDHsm71RYYwevzL3Rb6-tU784nF2d_Ik2OdKi2fagBLAmDkEanbpHuiKVF2MiJV1CnWq3BWHFNqNdVmCreHeF99tek3PaaXsKTfJ-UYf/s200/blog197.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414862314522365474" /></a><br /><br />Once the kale was cooked down it was ready. Look at the vibrate colors!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfvd8_WnRDlqAWAiy7NgvBuFaDVQpXQECCiLG-q-o5tkTp0rEzFwvNZwwQQH1FNcwMiio2P12IyOxr4ZZxCKxsSRTCUp7oTQgN0T3e4ZBqmXVYHncnBUh0HdtUzucxI4Jntbr-1FLHoqU/s1600-h/blog198.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfvd8_WnRDlqAWAiy7NgvBuFaDVQpXQECCiLG-q-o5tkTp0rEzFwvNZwwQQH1FNcwMiio2P12IyOxr4ZZxCKxsSRTCUp7oTQgN0T3e4ZBqmXVYHncnBUh0HdtUzucxI4Jntbr-1FLHoqU/s200/blog198.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414862517767848866" /></a><br /><br />This was a great way to eat kale for the first time. The meal was very flavorful, clean, and light. I believe I could eat the entire pot and not feel the least bit guilty. And I just might do that if I get hungry later :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8y6XmPR6o4KhyphenhypheniQkrnVXFhBHStAPwthw3zuSv04GgsY71VGlEE_HZd63-woVFUVWQ2xAGH71JvcnyZ27XNz3u1pQI3rWRcxwrDE7elp1NBMlcx8jGHyOCvmg-5eIQsuljjk1vkiZlGksg/s1600-h/blog199.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8y6XmPR6o4KhyphenhypheniQkrnVXFhBHStAPwthw3zuSv04GgsY71VGlEE_HZd63-woVFUVWQ2xAGH71JvcnyZ27XNz3u1pQI3rWRcxwrDE7elp1NBMlcx8jGHyOCvmg-5eIQsuljjk1vkiZlGksg/s200/blog199.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414862582295427218" /></a><br /><br />That's all for tonight. Time to put laundry away and plan my workouts for the week.<br /><br />Have a good evening!Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-33771099351066920112009-12-13T05:38:00.000-08:002009-12-13T05:44:56.450-08:00Hip pain with the SistaYesterday was a super productive day! We had a ‘to do’ list ready and checked it all off which is an awesome feeling. Jeff got up early to take Elli out and to my surprise also served me breakfast in bed. So sweet. He made me oats with dried cranberries, fresh blueberries, slivered almonds, and a touch of agave nectar. It was so yummy!<br /><br />After getting ready we headed out to complete our list of things. We went to the grocery store to pick crab meat for my MIL. She makes crab cakes every Christmas and we found a good deal. Then we headed out to the county to order our kitchen backsplash <a href="http://simplenbalancedliving.blogspot.com/2009/12/saturday-shopping.html">tile</a>. I’m so glad this is final done and can’t wait till it’s installed. <br /><br />Our next stop was supposed to be the Christmas tree farm but on our way we passed a tree stand that advertised all trees $25. What! We were feeling cheap so we stopped and found a beautiful Scotch pine tree. We’ve never heard of the Scotch pine before but it’s a nice looking tree that ended up costing $28. Not sure how they managed the additional $3 but it was still a good buy. The past couple years we have paid around $70 which seems insane considering we’re never really home for the holiday. <br /><br />We set our tree up to see how Elli would react and she could have cared less. I thought she would try to play with it, eat it, pee on it, who knows what. Anyhow we decided to let it sit one day and soak up lots of water and are decorating it today.<br /><br />Our naked tree<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_uaDyuqv8KB0tYAC9oOzUkHjTlablpxi3J79UjA3WceoH2aHfz0q1wIY1NR-sb_cPeVyg5hxG13EohSoGOkgSNWqrDy0iMFL2A7p5NinUoxuyJTgBTOvDWf9jesFiBs2GhYJyMIduyBf/s1600-h/blog169.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_uaDyuqv8KB0tYAC9oOzUkHjTlablpxi3J79UjA3WceoH2aHfz0q1wIY1NR-sb_cPeVyg5hxG13EohSoGOkgSNWqrDy0iMFL2A7p5NinUoxuyJTgBTOvDWf9jesFiBs2GhYJyMIduyBf/s200/blog169.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414715036738381458" /></a><br /><br />I finally went for a run once the tree was up. According to my training <a href="http://simplenbalancedliving.blogspot.com/2009/12/lets-have-dessert-first.html">schedule</a> I was suppose to run 2 miles but since it was a nice sunny day I went for 4 instead. Besides I couldn’t wait to run with my sista aka my Garmin! Yeah, that’s her name now. Sista! It’s appropriate since we’ll be spending a lot of time together exploring the city. <br /><br />Jeff snapped a picture of me before <em>we</em> headed out.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BOF-_Yg-C0u-jM2uT_PcGcBPSlieaevfiM1GJV4zImicOhWSKj3mwgT5nk6bXtkniGXTpvhz2FsJ-DMRG23GYGUmS94lu0OOuEPfbFOY4r0AxlC9_tlUPwEApadkqV4vLtRjM1q2_3g3/s1600-h/blog168.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BOF-_Yg-C0u-jM2uT_PcGcBPSlieaevfiM1GJV4zImicOhWSKj3mwgT5nk6bXtkniGXTpvhz2FsJ-DMRG23GYGUmS94lu0OOuEPfbFOY4r0AxlC9_tlUPwEApadkqV4vLtRjM1q2_3g3/s200/blog168.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414715259191719858" /></a><br /><br />And one of Elli too… with his earmuffs on :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmur1UxNvA5qMhlQLGQ1G6NSLk4-5Hj4pThzOkf-QZFVncfFbRRiR6axT4yi_KOoWNQML0LKWTtDpNasGw2UL60lXlybEUwCgID475ogRe2vqGR0PRQi1Cyv952Jpqh1J8r95N6WGm_K_T/s1600-h/blog167.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmur1UxNvA5qMhlQLGQ1G6NSLk4-5Hj4pThzOkf-QZFVncfFbRRiR6axT4yi_KOoWNQML0LKWTtDpNasGw2UL60lXlybEUwCgID475ogRe2vqGR0PRQi1Cyv952Jpqh1J8r95N6WGm_K_T/s200/blog167.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414715432985243746" /></a><br /><br />Running with my sista really pushed me to run faster. During the first mile warm up I was confused with the display screen and couldn’t see how fast I was running. I need to change the display but got used to it on this run. After my run I couldn’t wait to log into <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/dashboard">Garmin Connect</a> to see my stats. Here goes…<br /><br /><br />Distance: 4.01 miles<br />Time 39:48<br /><br /><strong>Splits</strong><br /><br />Mile 1- 10:44 (warm up) <br />Mile 2- 9:47<br />Mile 3- 9:41<br />Mile 4- 9:26<br /><br /><br />Seeing my time each mile pushed me to do better. I hope that this will help me to achieve a PR at my next race.<br /><br /><strong>Bad news</strong><br /><br />My body is screaming for rest! Apparently my hip hasn’t completely healed from my fall 10 days ago. After the 4 miles I felt pain in my right hip and by the evening I could barely walk. <br /><br />I am the type of person who hates being hurt and tend to push myself too hard which of course makes it worse. Today I will be resting and that I can justify since I worked out every other day this week. <br /><br />Well I’ll be spending the last day of my weekend decorating the tree, packing lunches, planning meals for the week, doing laundry, and whatever else I can get into. Oh yeah, I’m supposed to be resting. We’ll see how that goes.<br /><br />Enjoy the day everyone!Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-75424016040158506532009-12-11T15:04:00.000-08:002009-12-11T15:15:35.875-08:00Santa Came Early!Last night when Jeff got home from work he threw a package on the counter and said Merry Christmas baby!<br /><br />Santa (aka FedEx) delivered my Christmas gift. It’s a…drum roll please…. Garmin Forerunner 405!! Definitely an upgrade from the Timex Ironman on my wish list. My hubby does it right.<br /><br />Here take a peak! Charging...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRyC0xClyQNmE34DTeUyqc4Gj2WjRtRrxvAORA942Lq6cisuscFV_4-qoyel4wKnWkrEEUroX2jg5o73QyzcInhsVMqxw5a6ZE6JS1qjYDzeuLkI7KpbzyLyMyIsoXXJPQhSfwVOL5shx/s1600-h/blog157.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRyC0xClyQNmE34DTeUyqc4Gj2WjRtRrxvAORA942Lq6cisuscFV_4-qoyel4wKnWkrEEUroX2jg5o73QyzcInhsVMqxw5a6ZE6JS1qjYDzeuLkI7KpbzyLyMyIsoXXJPQhSfwVOL5shx/s200/blog157.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414118809438418834" /></a><br /><br />Isn’t she darling? Yes, she!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzn6WuC60u3fq-OqYqYIO1eMxJGiizshv4beaJ9khCthzNsiCRtWFd2Yg9S-A6g5W5gHvLcPp90fFGQZynHMLv07KcQuF2Z_8uI6Rrm-3j8aUz7Ou5rAS60KACdh6f0XhGYD3IRXNKuVk/s1600-h/blog164.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzn6WuC60u3fq-OqYqYIO1eMxJGiizshv4beaJ9khCthzNsiCRtWFd2Yg9S-A6g5W5gHvLcPp90fFGQZynHMLv07KcQuF2Z_8uI6Rrm-3j8aUz7Ou5rAS60KACdh6f0XhGYD3IRXNKuVk/s200/blog164.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414119323816076562" /></a><br />(these pictures suck)<br /><br />I was eager to post this last night but spent the entire evening reading the owner’s manual and setting up everything. I can’t wait to run this weekend. <br /><br />There are so many cool features. It has a heart rate monitor and a USB to upload all my stats to the Garmin Connect <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/ ">website</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqRwa7Yd1qNbAoSX1CdtDkFkL30BVFVb40OCs4AZWlInX6viIczxePXD4Qnn-dsC8XtQ6jlhY39n-8m5AyArimMg5I608pWOeCX_tcvH__bzPpAIGaL5UOsePIomJIO5ujCj4wLJFEhVt/s1600-h/blog161.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqRwa7Yd1qNbAoSX1CdtDkFkL30BVFVb40OCs4AZWlInX6viIczxePXD4Qnn-dsC8XtQ6jlhY39n-8m5AyArimMg5I608pWOeCX_tcvH__bzPpAIGaL5UOsePIomJIO5ujCj4wLJFEhVt/s200/blog161.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414119662292276658" /></a><br /><br />This means that I will be running outside a lot this winter! Hopefully no frostbite!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Workout</strong><br /><br />This morning I did the Ace Fitness At-Home <a href="http://www.acefitness.org/workouts/13/">workout</a> again. This time with music! If you haven’t looked at the site yet here is what the workout included:<br /><br />Warm Up<br /> Cobra pose<br /> Cat-Camel pose<br /> Supine Pelvic Tilts<br /><br />Workout: 3 sets of 12 unless noted otherwise<br /> Glute Bridge<br /> Contralateral Limb Raises<br /> Side Lying Hip Abduction<br /> Side Lying Hip Adduction<br /> Side Plank with straight leg (held 15 secs/3 times per side)<br /> Push Ups (only did set of 12, then 10 more)<br /> Forward Lunge with Arm Drivers (did 2 sets of 12/side)<br /> Side Lunge (2 sets of 12/side)<br /> Supine Reverse Crunches<br /> Bent-Knee Sit-up/Crunch<br /><br />Cool Down<br /> Cobra<br /> Downward-facing Dog<br /> <br /> <br /><br />This felt great and I figured out that the lunges were what made me so sore last time. I think I’ll continue this workout at least twice a week.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Meals</strong><br /><br />I had another breakfast cookie this morning alongside some chia tea with unsweetened soymilk. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgIcSHpYO3Pa4Tit-CPzQVj9d8CwVuiKw35-S1yo1RvZlqzcaDAvVlPd8XZXzv__51tHOdLHZuIlGmmXcnitRUE5CVw4_cyYyoYXtzggSusO4CEIGghJ8kE6a6RJd3Am_xc2CoD3e0b36/s1600-h/blog165.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgIcSHpYO3Pa4Tit-CPzQVj9d8CwVuiKw35-S1yo1RvZlqzcaDAvVlPd8XZXzv__51tHOdLHZuIlGmmXcnitRUE5CVw4_cyYyoYXtzggSusO4CEIGghJ8kE6a6RJd3Am_xc2CoD3e0b36/s200/blog165.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414120527182082642" /></a><br /><br />This b cookie was even better than the first, I tried stevia instead of agave nectar. It had a more subtle sweetness that was perfect.<br /><br />• ½ cup oats<br />• unsweetened soymilk<br />• 1 tbs raw almond butter<br />• raisins<br />• vegan chocolate chips<br />• stevia<br /><br /><br />I still can’t believe how long this breakfast sticks with me. No morning snack and I didn’t eat lunch until almost 2:00. I think it was 1:50 to be exact. Lunch was a huge salad from the grocery store salad bar with Annie’s balsamic vinaigrette dressing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk5IG9b7pS5ZS_m_Tcg3uEE9-mQUvXBug-0MazqpHFtm2EB0r0GQ6WyHLG2HPTM4gHqOjaLXJcrpPPGy05IM3CT0ay1ZkIprV7-UAH2im3p_rhiQXM5iDMYqheYMRSkiecptYbKxXYJpG/s1600-h/blog166.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk5IG9b7pS5ZS_m_Tcg3uEE9-mQUvXBug-0MazqpHFtm2EB0r0GQ6WyHLG2HPTM4gHqOjaLXJcrpPPGy05IM3CT0ay1ZkIprV7-UAH2im3p_rhiQXM5iDMYqheYMRSkiecptYbKxXYJpG/s200/blog166.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414120931134515394" /></a><br /><br />There was so much in this salad…<br /><br />• spring mix<br />• spinach<br />• cucumbers<br />• carrots<br />• broccoli<br />• broccoli slaw<br />• bean mix (black, pinto, kidney, black-eyed, lima)<br />• red, green, and yellow peppers<br />• mushrooms<br />• black olives<br />• cherry tomatoes<br />• grapes<br /><br />I think that’s everything. It took me 40 minutes but I managed to eat every last bite of these beautiful veggies. I just couldn’t stop once I started.<br /><br />You know sometimes I get sick of posting what I eat every single day. It does help me keep track of my diet rather than journaling, which gets old real fast. Besides I am even more conscious of what I do since I share it with the world. (Well I know that no one really reads this but the world has access). Just wanted to get my thoughts out there. I will continue writing as I have been since this blog is about me and what I do. It keeps me sane and gives me my sort of a diary to look back on. <br /><br />Anyway! Jeff is planning to make us dinner tonight since he may get home early. We are trying to be creative and avoid the grocery store. (Although I stopped this morning for a few items that were on sale). He is planning to make chili with baked French fires and a vegetable on the side. Hey sounds good to me! <br /><br />Tomorrow I’m going to test out my Garmin. Yay! I haven’t looked forward to a run like this in a while.<br /><br />I hope that everyone (the entire world) has a wonderful weekend. Stay warm.Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-84197906384875627472009-12-10T15:03:00.000-08:002009-12-10T15:16:06.901-08:00My first breakfast cookie!This morning I woke up early to run my 2 miles from yesterday. Surprisingly I am still sore! What the heck? I feel like an old lady when I get up from bed, out of a chair, even walk.<br /><br />I snuck out of the bedroom trying not to wake Elli. I planned to run quick then take her out when I got back. It worked since she was sleeping soundly and I even covered her up with a warm blanket as I tiptoed out the room.<br /><br />I bundled up with lots of layers and ran my two miles. My stomach was growling the whole way. I usually don’t eat breakfast till 9-9:30 so this was strange for 6:00 a.m. I kept thinking about my breakfast cookie waiting in the frig which made me run a little faster.<br /><br />Once back home I stretched my sore body, took the recycling out, then woke Elli. I couldn't believe she was still sleeping. When we got back in I had to try the breakfast <a href="http://simplenbalancedliving.blogspot.com/2009/12/change-in-schedule.html">cookie</a>. After the first bite I knew it needed a little sweetener (there wasn’t any included to start with) so I drizzled some agave on top.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd31A0fTWtd0CrsyThcJu8DEqEy9j1YID7qFuwXtbH_4Feu_RsHA3xQGrYQgGK3kkXo-ZxCww790VIZRE04glqhqgXfsIojmWAlUczIwsXc_NS0wMf9R4CREwu73RF83stj2_rQPIes7wJ/s1600-h/blog152.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd31A0fTWtd0CrsyThcJu8DEqEy9j1YID7qFuwXtbH_4Feu_RsHA3xQGrYQgGK3kkXo-ZxCww790VIZRE04glqhqgXfsIojmWAlUczIwsXc_NS0wMf9R4CREwu73RF83stj2_rQPIes7wJ/s200/blog152.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413747251829521458" /></a><br /><br />I ate half and brought the other half to work. I can’t even describe how delicious this was! And a nice change from my regular oats. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlQpBF_Vhf3fnkHX0tAo0yFsG9eR8FXFFkUDWKNjfFMLHAyo3ip6T5o61qQMJX0ZUCJEnQyyv8f0C-ECc0xxpoFuIMGF_ecGPy0gTmpsDyEhlRfU8xrEdmjgC_pGy9jngWGZ50srSsasY/s1600-h/blog153.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlQpBF_Vhf3fnkHX0tAo0yFsG9eR8FXFFkUDWKNjfFMLHAyo3ip6T5o61qQMJX0ZUCJEnQyyv8f0C-ECc0xxpoFuIMGF_ecGPy0gTmpsDyEhlRfU8xrEdmjgC_pGy9jngWGZ50srSsasY/s200/blog153.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413747439981983282" /></a><br /><br />Once I got to work I had some breakfast blend coffee with a little unsweetened soymilk. <br /><br />Oh yeah, I almost forgot that I baked some vanilla cake last night. I had some <a href="http://www.nasoya.com/nasoya/ ">Nasoya</a> leftover from the sugar cookies and found this <a href="http://carrotsncake.com/2009/07/silken-vanilla-cake.html ">recipe</a> on Tina’s blog. Since I had all the ingredients I thought I’d give it a try. I’ve baked a lot this week but end up freezing most of it. Whenever I get on a baking kick I throw most of it in the freezer that way we can have treats anytime. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6cGicioRMDFz2h_Im6P6VTLpcczBsDsCGoYx9lorJVl8ycQAQPZcSaA6YbDFoGhUkOcavO-G8TdX14X1v_rh6H3GfX-LWE45iR7w0gIrVNPqVRPIqRWrl1nndL2AG5Pj8npfh_qt1sMG/s1600-h/blog151.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6cGicioRMDFz2h_Im6P6VTLpcczBsDsCGoYx9lorJVl8ycQAQPZcSaA6YbDFoGhUkOcavO-G8TdX14X1v_rh6H3GfX-LWE45iR7w0gIrVNPqVRPIqRWrl1nndL2AG5Pj8npfh_qt1sMG/s200/blog151.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413747938335814338" /></a><br /><br />Back to today… my bfast cookie held me over till 1:00! I couldn’t believe it.<br /><br />Lunch was Amy’s Organic Chunky Vegetable soup. This is one of my favorites! I also had, for my first time, <a href="http://www.marysgonecrackers.com/product_info.php?products_id=1 ">Mary’s Gone</a> crackers that were really good. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNLmuUChdN6GH1wCnDiHN0EUP2NWlEHdFB5rhB_BrKPuEgdBk_4-GcCOALh-gIxmACiOpKrSttcq8stTIGJ3Y5KWwsmoXGJwGeOdlxb3d7D_7OZpZ4QPonZ0M57dhyGnUypcPUDA8idst/s1600-h/blog154.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNLmuUChdN6GH1wCnDiHN0EUP2NWlEHdFB5rhB_BrKPuEgdBk_4-GcCOALh-gIxmACiOpKrSttcq8stTIGJ3Y5KWwsmoXGJwGeOdlxb3d7D_7OZpZ4QPonZ0M57dhyGnUypcPUDA8idst/s200/blog154.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413748208263525378" /></a><br /><br />Look at all the veggies!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxs4cpgGXNSue1-mRurSCzWjL1Edy7djIWe7cc361RDIlc3Z1Ghn_tOZ6eyiV5UPT93FO4CJ5gEe9wGVBtVIA7bcs8gyHYcolQswU72zVFFkt6hCLLxXJ_QFpn4JoQNNzi9Rhg4EeWfku/s1600-h/blog156.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxs4cpgGXNSue1-mRurSCzWjL1Edy7djIWe7cc361RDIlc3Z1Ghn_tOZ6eyiV5UPT93FO4CJ5gEe9wGVBtVIA7bcs8gyHYcolQswU72zVFFkt6hCLLxXJ_QFpn4JoQNNzi9Rhg4EeWfku/s200/blog156.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413748408327765122" /></a><br /><br />Plus I finally remembered to pack a reusable napkin and spoon, see!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFqNmQk5_uBP_A2hAiM1PhsH77ExiDONfQLgmcSvsdme0RpDij-o73VZ_1OrLzH6a2wissFF2vZJz3J3u3WW3AA2wqbuBUEDaKQ5A0N5sFYneVSGGwQo91b_gYyop3ZqNdukZXevFri0P/s1600-h/blog155.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFqNmQk5_uBP_A2hAiM1PhsH77ExiDONfQLgmcSvsdme0RpDij-o73VZ_1OrLzH6a2wissFF2vZJz3J3u3WW3AA2wqbuBUEDaKQ5A0N5sFYneVSGGwQo91b_gYyop3ZqNdukZXevFri0P/s200/blog155.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413748575294206946" /></a><br /><br />There’s something about Mary’s crackers, I kept going back for more. (Wonder if that's where the movie came from..hehe) I think it’s the crunch. It’s a nice texture. After my soup I had a sweet tooth so I had 2 clementines. <br /><br /><br />Around 3:30 I felt hungry and my blood sugar felt low but I was in a training session. As soon as I finished I felt a binge coming on since my body was so weak. (I’m hypoglycemic). So then at 4:00 I ate a lot! An apple, crackers, and an organic Z Bar. What a terrible feeling it is to have to get your blood sugar up without inhaling too many calories. I thought that I balanced my meals pretty well today so I’m not sure what made me crash like that. <br /><br />After getting rid of my shakes and feeling normal again, I realized that I didn’t photograph my late day snack. I’m sure you got the idea though.<br /><br />There are no major dinner plans for tonight. I think I’ll be eating a salad with some Mexican inspired toppings since I still have leftover rice and beans.<br /><br />I’ve gotta catch up on all my recorded shows from last night. I still can't believe we didn’t stay up for the Top Chef finale! <br /><br />Shhhh… don’t tell who won :) Night!Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-63024696919354943652009-12-09T13:03:00.000-08:002009-12-09T13:15:12.046-08:00Tina's Element Bar GiveawayHave you ever heard of <a href="http://www.elementbars.com/">Element Bars</a>? These are so cool and super fun! Element Bars allows you to create your own bar without all of those unnessecary artifical ingredients.<br /><br />I haven't tried any yet but their website has some great options to choose from. There are endless possibilities! <br /><br />If this interest you, check out <a href="http://carrotsncake.com/2009/12/element-bars-giveaway.html">Tina's giveway</a> for your chance to win a box of Element Bars!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3LRpd2K2YbM1rjNM2L0_wTZ3-P8NFU5xPY-7Iofb382TqECxCbIjfJIXniQFIE2LUVrtvVHJ1JixTVb0c6OMp5eU7wYYofXwq6YhSy9oVKZX5aLq3H2zW69zAwLQkLEekrPZVf4pjHup/s1600-h/custom_energy_bar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3LRpd2K2YbM1rjNM2L0_wTZ3-P8NFU5xPY-7Iofb382TqECxCbIjfJIXniQFIE2LUVrtvVHJ1JixTVb0c6OMp5eU7wYYofXwq6YhSy9oVKZX5aLq3H2zW69zAwLQkLEekrPZVf4pjHup/s200/custom_energy_bar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413347690133421010" /></a>Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-9628888623516056072009-12-09T04:48:00.001-08:002009-12-09T11:00:55.693-08:00Change in scheduleSo I don't forget, here is dinner from last night. Baked sweet potato with earth balance and cinnamon, steamed green beans, and black beans with onion.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4p1QI1exm4WaYAyh6q7KYV08MQ0dWpT4i9BeZYokBJEHH89HnLC1M5go_xQQoWFoBzrKp6xXvRr_4cWxTNkC2RbUveiTaBBDPRxNJn768ITkDc5uok6yqRzHHba1lnCsb_4YZTh2FI9z/s1600-h/blog142.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4p1QI1exm4WaYAyh6q7KYV08MQ0dWpT4i9BeZYokBJEHH89HnLC1M5go_xQQoWFoBzrKp6xXvRr_4cWxTNkC2RbUveiTaBBDPRxNJn768ITkDc5uok6yqRzHHba1lnCsb_4YZTh2FI9z/s320/blog142.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413311207178904786" /></a><br /><br />This morning was not a typical morning in our house. Jeff had to leave at 5:30 a.m. to catch the train to DC for the day. This threw me off a bit since I usually get up at that time and he is still snoring away in bed. The weather is crappy today and it's raining pretty hard, so I decided to stay in bed while he got ready. I woke around 6:00 to take Elli out and couldn't believe how sore and stiff my body was. I guess that workout <a href="http://simplenbalancedliving.blogspot.com/2009/12/lets-have-dessert-first.html">yesterday</a> worked my muscles more than I thought. To my surprise I was really feeling it. Since the weather sucked and I was sore I decided to skip my run this morning. Instead I started my morning off with a good cup of black coffee, <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_zMSQRn7fhUYFVsMjOiidA9fm_nJgTTrtV4mxPBfZHdskYrD5cjRAUvQHZWP7oWTLW2jSJJvvnnzuUCIsWZPGRQ_6aCx30IbOuikGyyTxlOitAMONl_zCXrvUThGHeiCWJuTQRrW-MT-/s1600-h/blog143.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_zMSQRn7fhUYFVsMjOiidA9fm_nJgTTrtV4mxPBfZHdskYrD5cjRAUvQHZWP7oWTLW2jSJJvvnnzuUCIsWZPGRQ_6aCx30IbOuikGyyTxlOitAMONl_zCXrvUThGHeiCWJuTQRrW-MT-/s320/blog143.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413311372637328434" /></a><br /><br />read some blogs and then did some much needed yoga.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMzh5tM1U5nkKYtFbsQkB0NeaOYR-pzayBgm66T8HvznCcntJlUnz8rK6hUm0_eZuZnjN1WquCiGoXln6MO2tE9vIGuaImtm-HbVV491WRYGnTAT8ZkeuttYaaYFhC0m7miPVsgxjIEbS/s1600-h/blog144.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMzh5tM1U5nkKYtFbsQkB0NeaOYR-pzayBgm66T8HvznCcntJlUnz8rK6hUm0_eZuZnjN1WquCiGoXln6MO2tE9vIGuaImtm-HbVV491WRYGnTAT8ZkeuttYaaYFhC0m7miPVsgxjIEbS/s320/blog144.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413311513064605810" /></a><br /><br />This yoga <a href="http://fittv.discovery.com/tv-schedules/series.html?paid=56.14605.111858.28974.x">series</a> on Fit TV is just what I needed today. It felt so good to stretch my sore muscles.<br /><br />Afterwards I took Elli out again and showered for work. By the way, I plan on running my scheduled 2 miles either tomorrow or Friday. Depending on the weather. I'll do the Ace Fitness <a href="http://www.acefitness.org/workouts/13/">workout</a> again the other day.<br /><br />My breakfast this morning was pb oats with raisins...mmmmm..yummmy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDyWZbbjlrzcX2GdcoWz2jiZLUEhXuQ_Vh9bEx0tF06IycmEP8eETjpm9pJZE2DaTLLCH3txs06ny0z2nuVO_XBJn0EMrQ9Yhz2P7cxnB98H1QSVWSlOhC_XmoiQ311aId93JHM7hUaD8/s1600-h/blog145.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDyWZbbjlrzcX2GdcoWz2jiZLUEhXuQ_Vh9bEx0tF06IycmEP8eETjpm9pJZE2DaTLLCH3txs06ny0z2nuVO_XBJn0EMrQ9Yhz2P7cxnB98H1QSVWSlOhC_XmoiQ311aId93JHM7hUaD8/s320/blog145.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413311679138930354" /></a><br /><br /><br />• ½ cup oats<br />• cinnamon<br />• raisins<br />• quick squirt of agave nectar<br />• 1 spoon full of nature’s promise organic pb<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEj3iuezb3mZunlnnMpaG_en5AftY-qxDCzT7DFA9Cn6parcAR5li92lOLH1bak02RQftiBxWKXB92NAD2EGXaeOZ_2L_TAKo1vBJAajr_9J9slPaJCYDcSdwXEzIHnAgQlaPwzGFaXBT/s1600-h/blog146.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEj3iuezb3mZunlnnMpaG_en5AftY-qxDCzT7DFA9Cn6parcAR5li92lOLH1bak02RQftiBxWKXB92NAD2EGXaeOZ_2L_TAKo1vBJAajr_9J9slPaJCYDcSdwXEzIHnAgQlaPwzGFaXBT/s320/blog146.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413311830253017186" /></a><br /><br />After breakfast and reading Bobbi's <a href="http://nhershoes.blogspot.com/2009/12/fresh-off-press.html">post</a> I felt like I needed a little bit more of a workout. Since my upper body wasn't sore I got out my little 5 lb. wieghts.<br /><br />• <a href="http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Brachioradialis/DBHammerCurl.html">Hammer curls</a> (3 sets of 10/arm)<br />• <a href="http://oxygenmag.com/main.php?page=1&id=517">Standing triceps extensions</a> (3 sets of 10/arm)<br />• Double-arm raise (2 sets of 12)<br />• Shoulder presses (3 sets of 10)<br />• <a href="http://exercise.about.com/od/exerciseworkouts/ss/chestexercises_8.htm">Chest fly</a> (3 sets of 12)<br />• <a href="http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/DeltoidLateral/DBUprightRow.html">Upright row</a> (3 sets of 10)<br /><br />(Big thanks to <a href="http://fitnessista.com/?p=401">Fitnessista</a> and Bobbi for these links)<br /><br /><br />Then it was time to get to work...<br /><br />I worked from home today so I was able to prep a few things for tomorrow. During lunch I made my first breakfast cookie to try tomorrow morning. I followed Fitnessista's recipe <a href="http://fitnessista.com/?p=178">here</a>.<br /><br />I made mine with the recommended oats, raw almond butter, unsweetened soy milk, and my "add-ins" were vegan chocolate chips and raisins. I cannot wait to try this!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJbE1jmNTyy8aG0pd7L0rPLV5YY5xVLiEdH7ACMy9PEdcOwedhVaj1NzhML1KOaQosmFN2FkBZU5l3EBcXkWiFzbR_wpwYzTRwmo2AEm8mTeKqvcOfYqp6WahrFIhOTDo6rj2Tig4LDCV/s1600-h/blog148.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJbE1jmNTyy8aG0pd7L0rPLV5YY5xVLiEdH7ACMy9PEdcOwedhVaj1NzhML1KOaQosmFN2FkBZU5l3EBcXkWiFzbR_wpwYzTRwmo2AEm8mTeKqvcOfYqp6WahrFIhOTDo6rj2Tig4LDCV/s320/blog148.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413312035689578530" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Training</strong><br />I was checking the schedule of events for the race and also found this training <a href="http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/Assets/shamrock_assets/2010+Half+Marathon+Training.pdf">schedule</a>. It's a beginner training plan but seems more intense than the one I got from Runner's World. I might mix the two together and see what works for me.<br /><br /><br />Here is what I whipped up for lunch. I had some green and black beans leftover from dinner and added this Kashi whole grain pilaf and carrots sticks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWrE0CzTyQM4veacsl2qVv2yE4uFun5-ASS92K0F9WENQVqkUJjo3yCgJ7g4CCbA3YXW9qvp72bonUeU7YRabHg_54d6DUzaGOu1v4kbafcdQdZTYUczdJD5EpbjBtalZrGbX0xHI6afC/s1600-h/blog149.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWrE0CzTyQM4veacsl2qVv2yE4uFun5-ASS92K0F9WENQVqkUJjo3yCgJ7g4CCbA3YXW9qvp72bonUeU7YRabHg_54d6DUzaGOu1v4kbafcdQdZTYUczdJD5EpbjBtalZrGbX0xHI6afC/s320/blog149.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413312208430880146" /></a><br /><br />Added taco sauce and it was perfect! Lovely lunch and very satisfying.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWEIeSCARwue9X57vMXA9kbxRqmFDXH59FLDVk_tM6EIr-zz8yTT9Bzsi7tew1R61PIXwSoVzF0B1fNoY9bTj2U6U3gI54RbSvh-TZQWJe6-387bzQtdtwgTAfeyqKi2hHnrAwEFmGmFR/s1600-h/blog150.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWEIeSCARwue9X57vMXA9kbxRqmFDXH59FLDVk_tM6EIr-zz8yTT9Bzsi7tew1R61PIXwSoVzF0B1fNoY9bTj2U6U3gI54RbSvh-TZQWJe6-387bzQtdtwgTAfeyqKi2hHnrAwEFmGmFR/s320/blog150.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413312327573747618" /></a><br /><br />I even had black beans and pilaf leftover for dinner tonight. Works well since tonight is "clean out the frig" night.<br /><br />Well I hope you have a wonderful night :) We're half way through the week! Yay!Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-92208106377253872682009-12-08T16:02:00.000-08:002009-12-08T16:19:29.192-08:00Let’s have dessert firstI always liked the saying that you should eat dessert first to make sure you have room for it. <br /><br />Last night after dinner I made the Nasoya sugar <a href="http://carrotsncake.com/2009/12/i-love-the-holidays.html">cookies</a>. They were huge and had a nice flavor! Much sweeter than I expected from the ingredients and they had a cake-like texture. Oh yeah, they look more like Easter cookies since we don’t have any green/red sprinkles.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIkya6AL5W8H5J5pa-0o_M6CHEmf4Rl5ttUq7Q9e66EFU2m_ONJYX2NJtoYXGaN4mdRlP8zybC7l8yOOEi8QcdiZp9xqTZ0GrHqnSS4GPLm-OBS_xis1K5de1ldQndrc4nzo0u3622kVN/s1600-h/blog134.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIkya6AL5W8H5J5pa-0o_M6CHEmf4Rl5ttUq7Q9e66EFU2m_ONJYX2NJtoYXGaN4mdRlP8zybC7l8yOOEi8QcdiZp9xqTZ0GrHqnSS4GPLm-OBS_xis1K5de1ldQndrc4nzo0u3622kVN/s320/blog134.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413021110842684402" /></a><br /><br />I got a little creative with my dessert. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdZu6JknShrMBSh4TACOxxp6jBVq2uDK-ssAu1nV0sKN8xskvq_p8XuRiw7Ssx-MTDjt3uuuZdxIQ4vBooIHGG4hVXN4jthFfKei0F3URxuhG66cr2IiFb4iceC-Gruhe3bgUcCteQdVN/s1600-h/blog136.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdZu6JknShrMBSh4TACOxxp6jBVq2uDK-ssAu1nV0sKN8xskvq_p8XuRiw7Ssx-MTDjt3uuuZdxIQ4vBooIHGG4hVXN4jthFfKei0F3URxuhG66cr2IiFb4iceC-Gruhe3bgUcCteQdVN/s320/blog136.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413021252355556034" /></a><br /><br />The end result: sugar cookie soy ice cream sandwich! This vegan treat was sinful and oh so tasty.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVB4bY8T8AFa9Fx2pnf9Vif7xH0TJtIUgP-_thVLwfSkRLbliM3JM8RARGUTL8Pxp6Z6kSDMDvViqavwvTKDh3PXU1EBOLPcWYJeuym0UjGjJyi8uG_CvmtB3ede9Y9DgDU-_RJpdYt0Ww/s1600-h/blog137.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVB4bY8T8AFa9Fx2pnf9Vif7xH0TJtIUgP-_thVLwfSkRLbliM3JM8RARGUTL8Pxp6Z6kSDMDvViqavwvTKDh3PXU1EBOLPcWYJeuym0UjGjJyi8uG_CvmtB3ede9Y9DgDU-_RJpdYt0Ww/s320/blog137.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413021458124898962" /></a><br /><br />Onto this morning’s workout… I tried something new today. Yesterday I discovered the Ace Fitness <a href="http://www.acefitness.org/">website</a> and their At-Home <a href="http://www.acefitness.org/workouts/13/">workout</a> caught my eye. I have to try new things at home since there will be no gym in my life. This was a good workout to do and I’ll probably do this on my days off from running. It was pretty quick, about 25 minutes, and targeted several different muscle groups. The warm up and cool down include yoga poses and the workout is pretty basic. Take my advice and play some music if you decide to give this a try. It got a little boring and music would have jazzed it up. I was too lazy to turn any on.<br /><br />I also ordered 3 of Jillian Michaels’ DVDs from Amazon this week. I read from other bloggers that she has some great workouts. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d8VCvoJFlJkS0czYPfJW5zOnXckwaT3GX8O6WveWBXKdaL61EFzcbWUKnhXV08Qj7i7IIjxhR_ibVf9BFIHU4aFUTQtS3mBrzTJJfQA4XaTK13oLAvvmoTeoeFMo4BkFU38IGsANZnXE/s1600-h/51YGX6ZiSZL__SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6d8VCvoJFlJkS0czYPfJW5zOnXckwaT3GX8O6WveWBXKdaL61EFzcbWUKnhXV08Qj7i7IIjxhR_ibVf9BFIHU4aFUTQtS3mBrzTJJfQA4XaTK13oLAvvmoTeoeFMo4BkFU38IGsANZnXE/s320/51YGX6ZiSZL__SL500_AA240_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413022133444086594" /></a><br /><br />My plan is to make our basement a comfortable place to workout and keep things interesting. Unfortunately I’ll be stuck inside a lot through the winter months. I just hope the weather doesn’t keep me from running outside, safely anyway.<br /><br /><br />I changed my oatmeal this morning since there was no fruit on hand. <br /><br />• 1/3 cup oats<br />• 1/4 cup Bear Naked granola<br />• Cinnamon<br />• 1 tsp agave nectar<br />• 1 spoonful of natural pb<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmjxTxcr4Q-QN3Av1Vro1Mmby5Ssi6fO4UTDHTOk7-Llvv80lcbwUG0B1wnzFZYvigw3xpWa7ws0FRSjpJ_F643iIAIZuMiqu0gCuUm8wEm54yRn6h6dPlmAcT09BrnGdvVX1QSF9xM92/s1600-h/blog139.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmjxTxcr4Q-QN3Av1Vro1Mmby5Ssi6fO4UTDHTOk7-Llvv80lcbwUG0B1wnzFZYvigw3xpWa7ws0FRSjpJ_F643iIAIZuMiqu0gCuUm8wEm54yRn6h6dPlmAcT09BrnGdvVX1QSF9xM92/s320/blog139.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413022372968984418" /></a><br /><br />I added too much water to the mix so it wasn’t as good as it would have been. I also finished off a bottle of Trilogy <a href="http://www.synergydrinks.com/">Kombucha</a> that I had at work. This stuff takes some getting used to but I find myself craving it now, weird. <br /><br />Back to training- I’m jumping around a bit today. <br />I charted my training schedule today since I like to check off the days as I go along. I used <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/">Runner’s World</a> to create my schedule through the Smart Coach application. It’s a moderate schedule with Saturday as my long-run day, a total of 15 weeks ending on race day. I’m not sure how to post the chart so I’ll try my best to explain it. I will run on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday (weather permitting) and cross-train/rest the other days. After running 2 half-marathons I am comfortable tweaking the schedule if needed but this is the plan.<br /><br />Week 1: M 2 mi, W 2 mi, S 2 mi – 6 miles total<br />Week 2: M 2 mi, W 2 mi, S 3 mi – 7 miles total<br />Week 3: M 2 mi, W 3 mi, S 4 mi – 9 miles total<br />Week 4: M 2 mi, W 3 mi, S 5 mi – 10 miles total<br />Week 5: M 2 mi, W 5 mi, S 6 mi – 13 miles total<br />Week 6: M 2 mi, W 5 mi, S 6 mi – 13 miles total<br />Week 7: M 2 mi, W 5 mi, S 7 mi – 14 miles total<br />Week 8: M 2 mi, W 6 mi, S 7 mi – 15 miles total<br />Week 9: M 2 mi, W 7 mi, S 8 mi – 17 miles total<br />Week 10: M 4 mi, W 4 mi, S 4 mi – 12 miles total<br />Week 11: M 2 mi, W 6 mi, S 8 mi – 18 miles total<br />Week 12: M 2 mi, W 7 mi, S 9 mi – 20 miles total<br />Week 13: M 2 mi, W 8 mi, S 9 mi – 21 miles total<br />Week 14: M 2 mi, W 7 mi, S 10 mi – 21 miles total<br />Week 15: T 2 mi, Th 5 mi, Sun Race Day! 13.1 mi<br /><br />Hopefully that makes sense. I find it difficult to squeeze in long run during the week since I work full time and try to run in the mornings. So I tend to adjust this schedule as needed.<br /><br /><br />Ok enough about running for today!<br /><br /><br /><strong>What was on the menu for my other meals today…</strong><br /><br />Lunch- Amy’s Organic Vegetable Barley Soup, carrots sticks, and two clementines. I also had Celestial Seasoning’s gingerbread spice tea since my office was freezing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNa55U31w9jeH-Ys7Ez90gUZIXw38Ley2CgKX_cTuqBALE1zfFHPDjZB1OdQRxW7lL1vYZn3XxrH_AZ_Uk6G5fm1vBdLqHilLYqKgijXaovziG7xAUawWfm9mGldPLAx_-Fd0lZ1ZHaeS0/s1600-h/blog141.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNa55U31w9jeH-Ys7Ez90gUZIXw38Ley2CgKX_cTuqBALE1zfFHPDjZB1OdQRxW7lL1vYZn3XxrH_AZ_Uk6G5fm1vBdLqHilLYqKgijXaovziG7xAUawWfm9mGldPLAx_-Fd0lZ1ZHaeS0/s320/blog141.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413023135737780050" /></a><br /><br />I’ve realized from all my lunch pictures lately that I am very wasteful. I consider myself to be fairly ‘green’ so are all these disposable spoons necessary? I have reusable plastic spoons at home and need to start packing them for my lunch. I promise to start working on that.<br /><br /><br />Dinner- Baked sweet potato with black beans and green beans (me) and baked chicken (Jeff)<br />I'll post that pic tomorrow.<br /><br />It's now time to clean up from dinner and watch Fringe (DVRed from last week).<br /><br />Help me out and cross your fingers that we don’t get the icy mix their calling for tomorrow morning! I’ve gotta run!<br /><br />Have a great night!Stasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6139639616471456383.post-57577897238419170432009-12-07T15:38:00.000-08:002009-12-09T09:46:37.770-08:00Training and Holiday CookieMonday, Monday, Monday….<br /><br />I officially started training today for the <a href="http://www.shamrockmarathon.com/site3.aspx">Shamrock Half-Marathon</a>! Waking up bright and early to run in 30-degree weather isn’t what I call fun but it felt great. I have to tough it out through the winter training outside and have a feeling it’s going to be a rough winter. You may have guessed that after some convincing from the hubby, I will not be joining a gym like I’d hoped. So there is no back up plan for running in a warm gym on a treadmill. Instead I’ll bundle up and hit the pavement. Maybe Santa will bring a treadmill :) along with the Garmin Forerunner. (Shhhh… I’m not supposed to know).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWXXfHcqMuppHNclx2t6q-s_p-1Mqo_VAW6YsoE_Bm08MR6VXAsCH6ZO-g_zZq2UYT30ZIk68yr7CgVPI9-dFGaHQEgTBhFinZHHx1MFEFHNCcap25II5WL3q2o3GBoi8nEA5E7-a1HWP/s1600-h/blog127.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWXXfHcqMuppHNclx2t6q-s_p-1Mqo_VAW6YsoE_Bm08MR6VXAsCH6ZO-g_zZq2UYT30ZIk68yr7CgVPI9-dFGaHQEgTBhFinZHHx1MFEFHNCcap25II5WL3q2o3GBoi8nEA5E7-a1HWP/s320/blog127.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412643709120213058" /></a><br /><br />I <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/">mapped</a> out my run after I stretched this morning and it ended up being 2.13 miles. Just a little over the scheduled 2 miles.<br /><br />• Ran 2 miles (21:00/9:86)<br />• Stretched<br />• Abs (plank-side plank-reverse crunch- twisted leg crunch)<br /><br />My hip felt a little better today while running. I definitely felt improvement other than my bruised butt that still hurts. Yes, it’s big and bounces while running! The worst pain I felt was during my ab workout. While holding plank, especially side plank, my hip really hurt. I tried not to over do it on my right side hoping not to put too much strain on it. <br /><br />I also reserved our hotel room for the race today. My bestest girlfriend and running buddy is joining me. We are driving down on Saturday to check-in and p/u our race packets and the race is on Sunday, 3/21. Did I mention it’s on my birthday? Probably! I’m getting super excited!!<br /><br />On my way into work today I stopped at Giant for dog food. Oh, and I got an awesome deal too! Regularly $14.99/14 lb bag, on sale for $12.99 plus each bag had a $1.50 coupon!! Anyway, what I was going to say is that I also picked up some vanilla Nasoya Silken Style Creations to make sugar cookies tonight. Hopefully this will get us in the holiday mood since we haven’t put up our tree yet. After seeing these cookies on Tina’s <a href="http://carrotsncake.com/2009/12/i-love-the-holidays.html ">blog</a> I have to try them.<br /><br />For breakfast this morning I had oats, go figure. I decided not to photograph them since that picture is getting rather boring. I did switch it up by adding almond butter rather than pb. <br /><br />• ½ c oats<br />• Dash of cinnamon<br />• ½ tsp agave nectar<br />• 1 spoon full of almond butter<br />• ¾ of banana<br /><br />This was good but I still love my peanut butter. The almond butter doesn’t have the smooth and creamy texture that I like about natural pb.<br /><br /><br />Packed for lunch today is a variety of Amy’s organic soups (I have four cans in my desk), 2 clementines, and an apple. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyFoZSmU19BDVL4MfguI2T18wYDYaccULsBN5kF4Xto2q1q46pZU8X6_H2qBf3gx5Et2sxkG5AFaShtS7AFA6xv67tsAwycDLxbStyuCFVCLB3bKPa6RmgGVNxxOzro1d56_vTwR5RTLY/s1600-h/blog128.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyFoZSmU19BDVL4MfguI2T18wYDYaccULsBN5kF4Xto2q1q46pZU8X6_H2qBf3gx5Et2sxkG5AFaShtS7AFA6xv67tsAwycDLxbStyuCFVCLB3bKPa6RmgGVNxxOzro1d56_vTwR5RTLY/s320/blog128.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412644303783144530" /></a><br /><br />I decided to have the alphabet soup since it sounded fun and a bit childish. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4HfvPOMNPragRL8CQj1MHxs_ZDgaWCrEqjxgXUdiJbFMmjOLBdYRbl6W26wh_91rKd_rzvfbhsPwQHAiN33YMRbDROu928q4RNcTm3ANcgGBsH1MzXHTX1RPyWNJDyEAsxnoLuc_T-B0/s1600-h/blog129.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4HfvPOMNPragRL8CQj1MHxs_ZDgaWCrEqjxgXUdiJbFMmjOLBdYRbl6W26wh_91rKd_rzvfbhsPwQHAiN33YMRbDROu928q4RNcTm3ANcgGBsH1MzXHTX1RPyWNJDyEAsxnoLuc_T-B0/s320/blog129.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412644406563852210" /></a><br /><br />It tasted a bit like spaghetti-o’s but that didn’t stop me from cleaning my bowl. I wasn’t completely satisfied so I had a PB&J Larabar (also stashed in my desk) and saved the other goodies for tomorrow. <br /><br />On the menu for dinner tonight is stir fry- one of my favorites! I marinated chicken for Jeff and tempeh for me in ginger sesame dressing. The vegetables are a mix including asparagus, carrots, mushrooms, squash and zucchini that we’ll have over brown rice. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lU7wPWoEqlZ55zNowbjlOoaeSIpnIjoUBlVoamzvA3EgsrpYxZGU60eFhtvWsy7Nhfz506nRBMBf0kq5aCRS8eHSnnAz31W4dhvsKjswnY5k2KYU8OGrzExHiGU5q6Cmhy_AUuvmZzto/s1600-h/blog131.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lU7wPWoEqlZ55zNowbjlOoaeSIpnIjoUBlVoamzvA3EgsrpYxZGU60eFhtvWsy7Nhfz506nRBMBf0kq5aCRS8eHSnnAz31W4dhvsKjswnY5k2KYU8OGrzExHiGU5q6Cmhy_AUuvmZzto/s320/blog131.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412644833284870738" /></a><br /><br />Turns out the veggie mix had cauliflower which we found kind of strange in a stir fry mix. But it tasted pretty sweet.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX8nTOrQdHwdY8YRoVKhDShv7gDKrHJgrkj0WFKrV5KKLDXZh4POZP5B4f4bdp_jZb0Q57Z9g_h0CZZFo9Ysiu3hfL44J6Ca_hG-WKtNM5Zoe00mkf8Jwly2nAPGF0VvYJ4I7aC635wTf/s1600-h/blog132.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX8nTOrQdHwdY8YRoVKhDShv7gDKrHJgrkj0WFKrV5KKLDXZh4POZP5B4f4bdp_jZb0Q57Z9g_h0CZZFo9Ysiu3hfL44J6Ca_hG-WKtNM5Zoe00mkf8Jwly2nAPGF0VvYJ4I7aC635wTf/s320/blog132.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412644913890883698" /></a><br /><br />Dinner is cleaned up and it's time to bake sugar cookie! Yay! I'll post them tomorrow... good nightStasahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03216805570475163644noreply@blogger.com0