First Week of December

Hey All!

Sorry I haven't been around to write to you, but it was Thanksgiving and then I went on my first ever business trip. I am an official adult now. Hello world!

Well it is the first of the month which means new monthly challenge. Also, it is the start of a new week so it is time for a new weekly workout list.

My monthly challenge will be an awesome jump rope challenge.

Week one: Jump rope for 1 minute a day
Week two: Jump rope for 2 minutes a day
Week three: Jump rope for 3 minutes a day
Week four: Jump rope for 4 minutes a day

Easy enough. You don't even need a jump rope. You can make your body stay in the jump rope position. This week. I have decided to try this calendar:

Monday: Running
Tuesday: Insanity
Wednesday: Running
Thursday: Insanity
Friday: Running
Saturday: Pinterest Pins

These will be including the jump rope regimen along with anything else I feel that need to be done. However, here is the kicker. I'm sick. Somehow, somewhere, someone gave me a cold. I have been trying diligently to find it off because I don't have time in my life to have a cold. It is very inconvenient. My approach to fighting this nasty cold is medicine, green tea, water, fruit, and staying in my baby pink bunny footie pajamas while watching all the Hulu and Netflix as I possibly can. So today, I will do 1 minute of jump rope and then go back to my lazy attempts at better health.

Mondays Epic Fail

I did something horrible, terrible! Completely unforgivable! Okay, maybe not those things, but I did cave into a most unhealthy craving. I ordered the mac n' cheese from Noodles and Company!! I KNOW! I fell into a cheesy noodlely pool of deliciousness and didn't get out until I was through. Oh my friends I can testify it was  so good and I will probably do it again. But, it was not a healthy decision and it became my gateway drug to further unhealthy decisions made that day. It also made me feel not so good afterwards. My instant gratification came with a price. I have eaten healthy and clean for so long, ingesting that much carb and fat at once did not sit well with me.

So, as I sat at my desk eating this bowl of childhood comfort warring between nostalgia and what I knew to be right I thought, "I'll will just hit the gym no matter how much time I had- 30 minutes is better then no minutes".   And I did. Right after work I headed towards my gym, which is the city rec center, only to find out the horrible truth! It was closed for Veteran's Day! Don't get me wrong. I fully believe in honoring our troops and our veteran's, they are what continue to make our homes safe. They deserve as much respect as we can give them. But, on a day that I ate a bowl of unhealthy mac n'cheese!? I drove away disappointed in the outcome of my day.

However, my day was not all bad. I tried to offset my unhealthy choices and now lack of exercise with frequent outbursts of dancing throughout my house followed by a very healthy dinner choice! I made a very simple turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread. There was no white fatty substance covering the bread and no cheese. I already had my feel of that food for the day thank you very much! It was paired with a few vegetables and a very small serving of dump salad.

Now remember this: yes I ate food I shouldn't have. Yes, I didn't get to do my scheduled exercise. Yes, I will probably hit another similar speed bump. But I am human. I will jump off the train to success a few times, it is not big deal. I will get back on and continue down the healthy path.  Now this doesn't mean we can't have a bowl of mac n' cheese every once in awhile, it just means that since we enjoy the food we need to look at how to make it healthier. I can look for substitute ingredients, smaller portion sizes are always a good way to go, and throwing in some green vegetables like peas and broccoli are a great way to make mac n' cheese healthy!

Week 1

Okay everybody it is Sunday November 11, 2012 and I am going to start pulling activities out of a hat. I call it my magic exercising trick! ha ha.  Okay, here it goes, drum roll please.. .. . . . . . .

Monday: Cardio- running (couch to 5k)

Tuesday: INSANITY

Wednesday: Cardio (couch to 5k) yep! I was lucky and pulled out two running slips

Thursday: Pinterest day- (good I need a break from the cardio)

Friday: Yoga day

Saturday: Free activity day ( This is my wild card day. I may choose to do a new activity or repeat one of the other ones. Who knows what I will do ;) )

So, lets get this party started. I'm excited to see how this goes, Each day is something entirely different and I am really looking forward to it. Also, when I start December, I will ad one exercise plan that I must complete in that one month. But since I am in the middle of the month it kind of defeats the purpose of a month exercise. Plus, I'm kind of OCD when it comes to start days for projects or goals.

Well, that is all I have for tonight everyone. I do have a few outfits that I could blog about, but I think I will save those for another day.

So I leave you with this most fantastic saying-since it really did happen to me last Christmas! and that special holiday is coming up, but also, it is a reminder to everyone that is reading my blog and those who don't, that no matter what size we are or what stage we are in our transformation, we are all sexiest enough for Santa to wrap us up and give to someone as a present.

Stuck in a Funk

I haven't been posting much because I have been doing the same thing every day! I have become bored of my workout routine and have decided to try out something new! Everyone loves new things right?! I know I do. Also, I get bored fast.  So here is what I'm going to try. Every Sunday I am posting my weekly workout routine. I will throw in 3 cardio routines, 1 random activity (my surprise card), 1 strength, and 1 pinterest group post.  I will throw several options into the hat and randomly pull them out of a hat. and then post the weekly schedule. Each day I will then go into detail about how each activity went, and what I did specifically.  I will also pick at the beginning of each month an additional daily exercise that I will need to do daily. I will also be more diligent with posting my outfits.

So, my fellow people. Let's try this out. It will work because I won't get bored. Also, if anybody has some great ideas for exercises or pin posts let me know about them. I would love to add it to my plans.

Paintball Madness

Today, I went paint balling for the first time in my life. I have been dying to go for some time now, desperately trying to convince my dad and brothers to take me with them.  My attempts have been unsuccessful, until today when I went with a group of friends. Now, if you know me, I take my sports very seriously. So, placing a loaded weapon in my hands may not be the smartest thing someone can do, but oh well, they'll learn.

I have to say I did fairly well for my first time. I played five games and out of those five I was usually one of the last few to get out. No, I didn't win and my team didn't win. I do have to give credit to the well strategically played game from the yellow team. Well, played boys, well played. Let me just remind everyone. I can only get better the longer I play.

Now, when we played girls team vs. girls team, that is where I dominated!!! It was five on five and I shot out all five. My team was a HUGE part in helping me sneak up on the others. They were determined, and aggressive! Holding our line strong and working together to tell me where each girl on the opposite team was hiding. I may have gotten the shot, but I needed that team. Good work girls! May we play such an incredible game again.

So, after having a taste of the paintball experience, I would love to try play again. Anyone up for it? I came out unscathed, no welts or bruises, just a little tired. Nothing a quick nap can't cure.

My First Outfit

So, I'm very excited to post to you my first outfit! This look is one of my favorites.  I wore a cream colored cardigan, paired with  a red ruffled tank top, black skinny jeans and black boots. At the bottom of the post I will tell you where I bought them. 

Okay, so the reason behind why I wore these things.
 Fist I will start with the jeans. I believe a pair of black jeans should be in every woman's closest. Not only are they slimming due to the black color, but they can be dressed up or down, which I'm all for versatile outfits. These jeans are ridiculously comfortable too. They feel like denim jeans, have a little bit of stretch, but always retain their shape! (At least for me they do) Also, it is a well known fact with my friends and family, I have no butt.  But when I wear these jeans, MAN do I have a FANTASTIC back side. Also, don't be afraid to buy skinny jeans. For awhile there I didn't think they would work for me,  I do love them! I even have to buy the super skinny because I have really narrow ankles! But skinny's are great. They are easy to wear boots with and I think just a fun staple to have in the wardrobe. Give it a try!

Next comes my lace ruffled top in red. I LOVE the color red. It is super flattering on my skin tone, and again, depending on the cut of the shirt it can be dressed up or down. This particular shirt has a simple, but cute razor back, so I could wear it without the cardigan, but for now I do and I will tell you why.. but when I talk about the cardigan.  What I like about this top is it has a bold yet feminine touch. The lace and shirt are super soft. Also, the ruffles help to camouflage those hard to hide places, while not adding bulk to my shape.  BUT LISTEN TO ME CLOSELY ON THIS NEXT PART!! I love lace, and I love ruffled shirts, but this is the ONLY, I repeat, ONLY ruffled shirt I own. Do not be fooled by people and style magazines when they say ruffle tops are super flattering for curvier women. THIS IS FALSE!! The RIGHT ruffled shirt can be flattering. Case in point-the one I'm wearing. But, in order to find this shirt, I tried on several different ones. From silk, to cotton, from non-lace to lace. This one worked for me. So, ladies, just because someone says ruffles are flattering, don't buy it, unless you try it on. AND if it makes you look like a box, you feel like a box, or if it doesn't make you look FABULOUS!!! DON'T BUY IT!!

I  shop by that statement. If I don't love it, if I sit there debating over it, I'm never going to wear it. Don't be pulled in by your best friend, your mom, or even your boyfriend when they tell you it looks good. If you don't feel awesome when wearing it, you will regret it.

Okay, sorry, I got a little off tangent. Back to the cream cardigan. This cardigan, is a nice soft neutral cream color, short sleeve and a soft cotton. It is very light and does not button up. It gathers nicely in front and down next to my hips as you can see. The way it sits on me and accents my shirt make me appear a little leaner than I really am.It emphasizes my hidden hourglass figure ;) What is great about this cardigan, is I can pair it will different colors, and several different belt looks. (Which those looks will come later)

So, that is what I wore, my hair was nothing special; just crazy curly. But now I will list where I bought the stuff. WARNING: I buy A LOT of my clothes at RUE 21.

Ruffled Lace Shirt Red: Walmart $10
Cream Cardigan: Rue 21   $3
Black Jeans: Rue 21  $12 (They were part of Rue 21's buy a pair of jeans get one half off)
Black Slouchy Boots: Payless Shoes  GIFT

YUMMY IN MY TUMMY

What I ate was almost perfect. I cheated in a few areas, but nothing to crazy. I'm going to give you a nice menu version of what I ate today:

Breakfast:

1 egg

1/4 cup egg whites

2 small corn tortillas

dash of cheese

hot sauce

Make breakfast tacos!!

First, warm up the tortillas using a flat top and canola oil spray. Next, scramble the eggs. Toss in the tortillas sprinkle with cheese and hot sauce! Easy, delicious and the eggs are a great source of protein for an after work out breakfast. 

Drink:

 

1 cup frozen pineapple

1 thing of light yogurt ( I did cherry flavor today, but you can do pina colada, orange etc.)

1 tsp. vanilla protein shake 

Water

(Blend together and enjoy!)

Lunch:

1 Lean pocket

Banana

Dinner: Chicken Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti

1 cup of Spaghetti Squash

Light Sweet Tomato Basil sauce

1/2 Chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces. 

Red Pepper Flakes

Pepper

Garlic Powder 

Garlic (for squash)

Butter (for squash)

Season Salt

Baked Asparagus.

Dessert:

1/2 cup of Chocolate Moose Track ice cream ( I know. I was naughty ssshhhh)

Cooking spaghetti squash is extremely easy. I have a great microwave method that frees up your time to worry about the other stuff. 

First, cut your squash in half and remove the inner seeds. Do NOT cut the skin in any other way. Also, cutting the squash is very hard. So get a really good knife and use your muscles.

Once you have it cut and cleaned out place one half  in a tight fitting dish cut side face-up. You don't want your squash moving around. Next, fill it with 1/2 cup water, then place the other have back on cut side down. You should have put the squash back together. 

Place in the microwave on high power between 10 to 25 minutes. Depending on the size of your squash. The way you can tell if it is done, when you touch it, it should be soft and the color should be a vibrant translucent  color. 

Lastly, drain whatever water is left, scrape with a fork, toss with butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic, or anything else you want or leave it plain.

Top with spaghetti sauce and enjoy!

For the chicken, I just tossed it with some red pepper flakes, garlic, and season salt. Cooked it till done and then added the sauce. 

Now is the really really good stuff!!! My asparagus has turned the most veggie hating people into mindless, asparagus craving fiends!! A.K.A my very very picky friends. (You know who you are, and you know I love you any way ;) ). 

 

First, you need to buy the slim asparagus. The fat stalks are nasty!!

Next wash and cut the ends of the stalk. 

Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Bake for 15 min. at 400 F.  Enjoy!!