tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31077826140831106822024-02-21T05:07:30.108-06:00Getting Back to the BasicsWorking to make exercise a regular part of my life and learning to eat like a normal person again!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-32057947934725491312011-08-05T15:46:00.001-05:002011-08-05T15:47:28.382-05:00I've Moved...Don't tell Blogger, but I moved somewhere else...Shhhhhh :)<br /><br />Please come visit!<br /><br />http://gettingstaying.com<br /><br />See you soon!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-90315111207750081702010-11-04T16:50:00.002-05:002010-11-04T17:02:48.362-05:00Oh, goodness...2 months have gone by?! Not good!<br /><br />Life (work!) got busy...then I left the country...then I came back a different person with different priorities...and that all meant that the bloggie got tossed aside. <br /><br />As crazy as it sounds, I really did return from Egypt a different person than when I left. Hopefully, a BETTER person! It opened my eyes to so many realities we never have to face here in the states and it made me realize that a lot of the things we think are so important really just aren't. At least not in the grand scheme of things. <br /><br />So...what does this all mean? Well, I don't know! Okay, I kind of know a little, but I'm not all together 100% positive and that is the fun of it. The blog will probably be taking a turn. I still care about my health and I still would love to lose that last 10 pounds, but I also know that I'm not like a lot of the food/health bloggers out there that I was trying so hard to be like. The truth is, I actually like peanut butter better than almond butter. Sue me! And I wish that I could put all kinds of organic/sprouted/non-processed things into my diet every day, but I'm too lazy/a bad cook/not able to get to the store that often/chocoholic to make that a reality. Therefore, I've decided to take off the mask and just be me. That means I will probably eat Subway a lot. And yeah, I usually get the 2 cookies with the meal AND a diet soda. Again, that's just me! <br /><br />I still want to show people how I can be healthy, but I also know that the lifestyle I see on a lot of blogs is not mine and I shouldn't try to make it be. I'm going to do the best that I can and cross my fingers. I hope to get a good blog together this weekend about my trip and how totally amazing it was and how it opened my eyes to so much more and completely changed my future focus. From there on out, your guess is as good as mine, but I hope you stick with me!!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-49633846236548404732010-09-01T11:00:00.007-05:002010-09-01T11:38:35.028-05:00Busy, busy!! And Fire 55 EZ ReviewI'm sure I have not mentioned it on here, but I work in Financial Aid for a college and we have our Fall semester starting next week...that means things are CRAZY at work!! I haven't even had time to read blogs, let alone write one! Augh!<br /><br />But here I am! Writing at work...Shhhhhhh!<br /><br />My eats have been fairly simple over the past couple of days now that I'm really watching my calorie intake. Breakfast looks something like this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaonCtFteE2iij50gnpqdCm0H0vBhqdLa-5NH6g689ge3AgUHwb1eIHnr2h_n9WLzGtZssowbKY4Daa6T6KOzJYPVAz7-4DrRvUh28LGf6W5N75PpxYXyj5AQKpZ539-XIeJsW3bC2aU/s1600/break+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaonCtFteE2iij50gnpqdCm0H0vBhqdLa-5NH6g689ge3AgUHwb1eIHnr2h_n9WLzGtZssowbKY4Daa6T6KOzJYPVAz7-4DrRvUh28LGf6W5N75PpxYXyj5AQKpZ539-XIeJsW3bC2aU/s400/break+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511977157517313218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">WF High Fiber cereal & Cinnamon Puffins w/ almond milk<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSevWEK2Qe5Ef_Fmnb5RWVtmCSIn1aSHLPkLud0LH3uzfhh5u5p9n0E8MOkqoyjgD4aG2PebXTM2WIPYnF_wgqSx2BBlp3SZoGxEcjmNfQZ3WNTrFxNP-80LmsJHXaNXAp_vww5wzBss/s1600/break+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSevWEK2Qe5Ef_Fmnb5RWVtmCSIn1aSHLPkLud0LH3uzfhh5u5p9n0E8MOkqoyjgD4aG2PebXTM2WIPYnF_wgqSx2BBlp3SZoGxEcjmNfQZ3WNTrFxNP-80LmsJHXaNXAp_vww5wzBss/s400/break+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511977155573496834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Light english muffin w/ Dark Chocolate Dreams & banana<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Let me be honest here with the Dark Chocolate Dreams...I don't taste any chocolate :( It still tastes like peanut butter, just maybe a little sweeter. I'm a bit disappointed.<br /><br />One thing my mornings have not included is one of these:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF770xrhCvcn08KfeIFNPSOmgQ4Bv88OE8qf9j1yuKT-1w0iS_ChW1UCTOiUU1emU2hBcOssJIiWNNCjZ0A56hNiUw7SNCKYJd7Ujby0ZFZAXBV_cILwDt-MaNP3oZzfHE9Yv7-unWv_Q/s1600/mocha.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF770xrhCvcn08KfeIFNPSOmgQ4Bv88OE8qf9j1yuKT-1w0iS_ChW1UCTOiUU1emU2hBcOssJIiWNNCjZ0A56hNiUw7SNCKYJd7Ujby0ZFZAXBV_cILwDt-MaNP3oZzfHE9Yv7-unWv_Q/s400/mocha.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511977875098072850" border="0" /></a>That's right, people, I'm trying to quit that darn White Chocolate mocha I adore so much every morning. I've been making good ol' coffeepot coffee at work! So not as yummy, but much cheaper and far fewer calories...despite the fact that I use half the can of powder creamer :)<br /><br />I did however sneak into the Starbucks this morning and saw this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqddkTTJkywgjtCFHnZ_QulzXPyhHCL-S1CXnqlFydh0TSbqRgChCKQROCejGvVcRcKVjrJoFLxA400IxlhcA2jYkonNR1tN78fDEwUBoNupoGoW4hL8q8ISZptELi0de8uwDCNjM1ZCY/s1600/pumpkin+muffin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqddkTTJkywgjtCFHnZ_QulzXPyhHCL-S1CXnqlFydh0TSbqRgChCKQROCejGvVcRcKVjrJoFLxA400IxlhcA2jYkonNR1tN78fDEwUBoNupoGoW4hL8q8ISZptELi0de8uwDCNjM1ZCY/s400/pumpkin+muffin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511978464291042690" border="0" /></a><br />The Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese muffin is finally back in season! Even though this was absolutely NOT on today's food plan, I HAD to have it! Just HAD TO!<br /><br />And do you know what happened when I took that glorious first bite? It tasted like poo! I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that SB has tried to make their treats a little healthier. It didn't taste anything like it did last year. The cream cheese especially tasted...off. Texture and taste were all wrong. The upside to this is that I won't have to worry about fighting the urge! I don't even want to think about how many of these babies I ate last fall!<br /><br />Lunch has been Subway so far. Veggie sandwich on wheat. Nothing exciting, but a safe option.<br /><br />For Dinner, I made some Chana Masala (I hope I got that right, I didn't write down what it was exactly) and Indian rice from Trader Joe's and have been eating portions of that. It is really good. The rice has apples & raisens in it so it has that nice mix of sweet and spicy. Although, my house has been stinking like curry for two days ;)<br /><br />My eats will probably be a bit on the boring side for now...my apologies!<br /><br />As I mentioned before, I am full speed ahead on my TurboFire! Modifying it a little, but loving every minute of it! Today, I'm going to review the Fire 55 EZ workout.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIzpKcOMV2dfXBlOI1fz-8oD8xJa3KyYCD14RECL054ftzs9sEb_eV-62dKwSuREdZqkrdk6Qi9j35LO9njo09o_4oylck9J6Qf-3cRy3xLsYss-1O4OhooZHx3Hj8BJSzjZUv5NYROc/s1600/fire+55+ez.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIzpKcOMV2dfXBlOI1fz-8oD8xJa3KyYCD14RECL054ftzs9sEb_eV-62dKwSuREdZqkrdk6Qi9j35LO9njo09o_4oylck9J6Qf-3cRy3xLsYss-1O4OhooZHx3Hj8BJSzjZUv5NYROc/s400/fire+55+ez.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511980719460953794" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TurboFire - Fire 55 EZ</span><br /><br />This is a 55+ minute cardio workout in the TurboFire program. You will usually find it squeezed into the program about once a week if you are following the Class Schedule.<br /><br />Most of the cardio DVDs have a warm-up, multiple cardio sequences, Fire Drills (HIIT), a Finale and a cool-down. This one is no exception. Don't let the "EZ" fool you, this workout is no joke! It is long, which means LOTS of calories burned and you can make it as high intensity as you want to. I think the EZ is referring to the difficulty level of the moves. I find the sequence of moves in this to be easier than the non-EZ classes. <br /><br />After the warm-up, you go into a couple of cardio sequences that last about 15 minutes. They involve a lot of punching, some kicking, some floor movement and even a little plyo. Then comes your first firedrill. These are High Intensity Intervals that last 1 minute. You are supposed to go all out and give it everything you've got! Then, you cooldown for 1 minute. Next, you go into more cardio, new moves though...another firedrill...then the final cardio sequence. After the final cardio set, you go into the finale. For this DVD, there are 2 finales...I know, that makes no sense. The finales really only differ from the cardio segments in that they are a shorter sequence of moves and they seem to be a little higher intensity. So, short and sweet! You end the workout with a cool-down. I usually burn anywhere from 600-650 calories doing this workout...pretty awesome! <br /><br />I know it sounds like 55 minutes is a long time, but it really does fly by! The moves keep your attention and you have fun doing it. When you get to some of the harder moves, you will find that by the time you've mastered them, it's time to move on! For the duration and the amount of calories I can burn, this is one of my favorite workouts in the program!<br /><br />If you want to learn more about TurboFire, <a href="http://www.determined2stayfit.com">check out my site</a>! <br /><br />Keep rockin' on, peeps! I will try to get back in the swing of things if the week slows down and catch up on all your blogs!!<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-17824683433458133032010-08-28T14:03:00.002-05:002010-08-28T14:18:43.963-05:00Turning PointHello and happy Saturday to you!!<br /><br />I'm having a completely lazy day so far...how about you? I had all kinds of things on my agenda and after getting off to a great start, I somehow fell apart! I was up early to take the bunny to the vet for a routine nail trim. It is usually best to get there right when they open because other animals freak her out and its usually pretty quiet first thing on a Saturday. There was another girl there who came in with a baby bunny! It was a chocolate brown and could fit in your palm, just like Boo Boo was when I got her! It was so freakin' cute!!! Believe me, I thought about grabbing it and making a run for it ;) <br /><br />Once we got home from the vet, I kind of just crashed! <br /><br />After sitting here and being annoyed at my laziness, I made a decision. The whole basis of this blog is supposed to be about me trying to get away from diet and exercise extremes and find a happy medium that will keep me healthy. Somehow, I feel like I'm not really having much success. <br /><br />The route I took on it was no limitations. Learn to make healthy choices, without having a set of rules to freak me out. Unfortunately, I don't think that freedom has been working for me. So, despite the fact that I hate dieting and obsessing about food, I think I need to lay down the law for myself!<br /><br />I'm going to take a new route. I'm going to go from strict to middle of the road, instead of complete freedom to middle of the road. Does that make sense? I hope so!<br /><br />So, now that I have my TurboFire (which isn't going to do me any good if I pig out everyday!) I am going to really plan my meals for the next few weeks. I'm hoping that will jump start some progress and then I can start to ease up the restrictions from there. <br /><br />My fingers are crossed!<br /><br />On a different note, did anyone see the article this morning about how Angelina Jolie blames being vegan for "nearly killing her"? I was so upset at reading that!! Being vegan did not almost kill her, her lack of knowledge on how to be vegan in a healthy manner almost did. There is no excuse for someone of her wealth to not be able to educate herself in how to follow a vegan diet properly or at the very least, hire someone to do it for her! :) I really hope there is a backlash against what she said because it completely delivers the wrong message! <br /><br />And now, I will step off my soapbox!<br /><br />I hope the weather is beautiful where ever you are and enjoy the weekend!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food for Thought: Do you have to plan your meals or are you pretty good at making healthy choices on the fly?</span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-86111417716957960942010-08-27T07:20:00.004-05:002010-08-27T07:46:51.960-05:00On FI-YAH!Oh yeah, that's right!! It came!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WneIUs6LZ0p5CUjsFGJ4u66nDukIfyFrBgP8-5Di-Bc4nC4Rh4u-yJB7H0c5dlbqNdf8Yzu_F17uHdV0BbHBXS0QAVlmzLmf-muggM98A-AVXqxNZ0nPHG_-QHU2VmZ0102xGAJiifs/s1600/turbo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WneIUs6LZ0p5CUjsFGJ4u66nDukIfyFrBgP8-5Di-Bc4nC4Rh4u-yJB7H0c5dlbqNdf8Yzu_F17uHdV0BbHBXS0QAVlmzLmf-muggM98A-AVXqxNZ0nPHG_-QHU2VmZ0102xGAJiifs/s400/turbo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510063829695996994" border="0" /></a><br />My TurboFire!! I was kind of in a rut with Power 90 and needed a boost so I gave in and ordered TurboFire a couple of months early. I'm so glad that I did! It is a lot more cardio than I've been doing and unfortunately for me, that is the only thing that is going to blast this bod back into shape!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cK4X0wIGxBOY6K29wJzqbzgWNnG1kM8t0bIL5HzMA4OshJ0oIed0iLhBTkt8mE3Yk0pZze9ri98pVdgXw-gEdQOfXFBWf1Pjqlpa2P8CbbyYoW1RFsxzmIipGQeRXVzKZHNMBaYpA3M/s1600/turbo+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cK4X0wIGxBOY6K29wJzqbzgWNnG1kM8t0bIL5HzMA4OshJ0oIed0iLhBTkt8mE3Yk0pZze9ri98pVdgXw-gEdQOfXFBWf1Pjqlpa2P8CbbyYoW1RFsxzmIipGQeRXVzKZHNMBaYpA3M/s400/turbo+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510063835285220546" border="0" /></a><br />I decided to buy the standard version. There was no price savings to get the Deluxe box that includes all the Advanced discs rather than ordering those separately later. As you can see, it comes with a DVD set of 12 workouts, a band for resistance training, a measuring tape, the program schedule (you can do 12 weeks or the extended 20 week version), a nutrition guide, program guide & the 5-day Inferno plan.<br /><br />My first instinct was to do the 5-day Inferno, but now that I'm 2 days in and SO SORE, I don't know! I might need a rest day! Seriously, my shoulders and lats are crazy sore! And it's not like I haven't been working out for the past couple months...that should show you what a serious butt kicking Chalene Johnson delivers your hiney! I am loving it!<br /><br />If I don't end up doing the 5-Day Inferno, I will probably start the program schedule on Monday with a couple of modifications. First, I think I'm only going to workout 5 days a week, rather than the 6 days in the program. I know my weaknesses and burnout is one. Best to cut back a little and avoid it. I plan to still follow the order of the classes, just with an added rest day. So, it will take me an extra couple of weeks to complete the "12 week" program. I think I'm also going to try to squeeze some of the Power 90 Sculpt 3-4 video in there. There is a lot less resistance training in this program, but I really like how strong I was feeling and don't want to lose that. Maybe on the HIIP (High Intensity Interval Training) days I can add it in since those workouts are only 15 - 25 minutes. We'll see!<br /><br />I will do a short review of each workout as I get through them so you can see what they are all about!<br /><br />After my workout (and a much needed shower!) I headed over to Whole Foods to grab some dandelion greens for the bunny...of course I walked out with plenty of other stuff too! <br /><br />I finally broke down and bought some of this...I hope it's as good as everyone makes it sound!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi38teFRNl-NmzqkiA8BIf-vvwSKkjjvDAJ8Ar88ui4QwoglGoaBoEcBtXl2Xg0OvFmFu1jUWWkXkJE0quOsuJ5vAZooWekEBlf-_mEyPljsDnnmFIgfZlp9q5PRr4aE7GHw3COj4LtA/s1600/choc+dreams.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi38teFRNl-NmzqkiA8BIf-vvwSKkjjvDAJ8Ar88ui4QwoglGoaBoEcBtXl2Xg0OvFmFu1jUWWkXkJE0quOsuJ5vAZooWekEBlf-_mEyPljsDnnmFIgfZlp9q5PRr4aE7GHw3COj4LtA/s400/choc+dreams.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510066568951478962" border="0" /></a><br />I couldn't figure out if I'm supposed to put it in the fridge or not. It said to keep it in a cool dry place...hmmmm.<br /><br />And I got some of these after <a href="http://www.healthydivaeats.com/">The Diva</a> made them look soooo good!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOckDiNIFQAUlfsnsJ3jGBLFGe1rbGP8ZEfWsGaIQg3ZDXUHJr26kOaB36hga2RywOVsd5Bc-dxvZQm7vdQ5JMFLS3bYF5XyP1s4Ze1HamuBGBkB97_3oUX-OCbtzFUqB_8-kezTQXX0/s1600/puffins.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOckDiNIFQAUlfsnsJ3jGBLFGe1rbGP8ZEfWsGaIQg3ZDXUHJr26kOaB36hga2RywOVsd5Bc-dxvZQm7vdQ5JMFLS3bYF5XyP1s4Ze1HamuBGBkB97_3oUX-OCbtzFUqB_8-kezTQXX0/s400/puffins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510066598394846498" border="0" /></a><br />Once I got home, I dove into the cereal. I hadn't eaten since before my workout and I think my body needed some serious carbs!<br /><br />I did a cereal mix, and idea also stolen from <a href="http://www.healthydivaeats.com/">The Diva</a>, that included the Cinnamon Puffins and WF High Fiber Cereal and some sliced banana.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDM0a19h9RLvY4_4m88WDYrVvHr8X81WoF78ty4-LhxllOQqJG6ey1gYq3xcMmL3n6qx7_HygqG2H-Kr66YynDNMclpmJnj9WcRsJsZPDViRV7y5xOsKkDIpe97_94DjrtGjFcZVBetc/s1600/cereal+8-26.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDM0a19h9RLvY4_4m88WDYrVvHr8X81WoF78ty4-LhxllOQqJG6ey1gYq3xcMmL3n6qx7_HygqG2H-Kr66YynDNMclpmJnj9WcRsJsZPDViRV7y5xOsKkDIpe97_94DjrtGjFcZVBetc/s400/cereal+8-26.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510066562049654290" border="0" /></a><br />After that, it was off to sleep to let my tired body recover! <br /><br />I started today off with a little Greenberry Shakeology blended up with a banana. I'm still getting used to this flavor, but it's getting better.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWwtHToJqhrTbnh5B7k_AwVqEnTlq0ANh4DzVY_uMiFxJ-zFsn9GGaKjA4J1qwulPOxA5i1TLgN14-hB52IJq9wFRcUYcZ1xTvYnTMJ0qES1O-TMuNmm0SraNfCbtR45MBum50BBy5qc/s1600/green+sludge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWwtHToJqhrTbnh5B7k_AwVqEnTlq0ANh4DzVY_uMiFxJ-zFsn9GGaKjA4J1qwulPOxA5i1TLgN14-hB52IJq9wFRcUYcZ1xTvYnTMJ0qES1O-TMuNmm0SraNfCbtR45MBum50BBy5qc/s400/green+sludge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510066584757593554" border="0" /></a><br />I've got to try the EAS sports drink and let you guys know if it works! Augh! So much to do, so little time. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food For Thought:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When you are sore from a workout, do you power through another one or let your body rest?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What items can you just not pass up at the grocery store? Mine are bananas!</span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-12017820448544996532010-08-25T11:55:00.009-05:002010-08-25T12:34:52.797-05:00So Much to Say!Augh!!! Remind me never to neglect the bloggie for more than a day! As I was looking though my pictures to post, I realized that I have a whole lot of things to tell you guys! Where to start?!<br /><br />I guess I'll start with the package I had sitting on my desk when I got to work this morning. I was racking my brain trying to think of what the heck I had ordered from "Abott Nutrition" and couldn't figure it out! I started to think I'd gotten wrapped up in some mail order scam with all the internet shopping I do :) I opened the box and was deighted to find this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUiNWx6sNUdqJFBu2piNhxEJjSI_VXjHf4snaNnQaNLzcN_w4kDre_TUxy_zqBkmnRnugEmZimdvuy5QpSe2JIkji0Qz8Py0ldr1J4Zx3q14faLoogCHMz9DBipb0nzL8RO14DjA8c9Y/s1600/drink.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUiNWx6sNUdqJFBu2piNhxEJjSI_VXjHf4snaNnQaNLzcN_w4kDre_TUxy_zqBkmnRnugEmZimdvuy5QpSe2JIkji0Qz8Py0ldr1J4Zx3q14faLoogCHMz9DBipb0nzL8RO14DjA8c9Y/s400/drink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509393390117756322" border="0" /></a><br />EAS Peak sports drink! I had totally forgotten that I signed up to test this drink for EAS! The box included 2 of each flavor and I will be sure to do a review on here of what I think! If you would like to be a part of the field study, just <a href="http://eas.com/peak/login">click here</a> and sign up!<br /><br />Next, I wanted to tell you guys about a great event that <a href="http://www.pawschicago.org/">PAWS</a>, a local animal shelter, put on here over the weekend. For a 3/4 of a mile stretch on a main street in my neighborhood, they set up tables and had a zillion (okay, at least 150) cats and dogs up for adoption. What a great idea! This is a key spot for foot traffic on the weekends and a great way to get pets adopted. Every table we stopped at was telling us that they had already adopted most of the animals they had! It was so much fun to get to see all the different breeds too. As a matter of fact, I got so caught up in the petting and licking (I was NOT the one doing the licking, thank you very much!) that I only got a couple of pics! But, it was so much fun!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2zUVv5PeML25sKCwdDxw-QyJiA27IAJSEe66CaCC3I_YG3uCcMttHQ0n5StaAIiJmueBizNhPjKu8eO2jNgTif6Q7BBr4LGKN20nAWTN8lSxt_axcpPzxjEHFJcdR1oDENKQkd-5rHA/s1600/kitty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2zUVv5PeML25sKCwdDxw-QyJiA27IAJSEe66CaCC3I_YG3uCcMttHQ0n5StaAIiJmueBizNhPjKu8eO2jNgTif6Q7BBr4LGKN20nAWTN8lSxt_axcpPzxjEHFJcdR1oDENKQkd-5rHA/s400/kitty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509395101183998098" border="0" /></a><br />This guy had everything shaved except his head! He looked like a little lion!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcglKsENFkOWQSIgD1iTivvqyF4OrRi6fuzSnnPzhTq39qnns_oUaDRBJE9cB2XQWlKMBS4rID-eblXrLuYg6wehNf0tDXpWN7ejQetoNAb5yYrt5HXEzv-exuCS_C54-RHoxHXFoXdGg/s1600/doggie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcglKsENFkOWQSIgD1iTivvqyF4OrRi6fuzSnnPzhTq39qnns_oUaDRBJE9cB2XQWlKMBS4rID-eblXrLuYg6wehNf0tDXpWN7ejQetoNAb5yYrt5HXEzv-exuCS_C54-RHoxHXFoXdGg/s400/doggie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509395109878506210" border="0" /></a><br />I'm not really a little dog kind of girl, but somehow this is the only dog picture I took...who woulda thought?! He was a cutie though! There was everything from Chihuahuas to St. Bernards. And a number of ridiculously adorable puppies too!<br /><br />Fast forward to yesterday!<br /><br />I had an appointment at 9am with the Travel Medicine clinic to get my immunizations for my trip to Egypt. They said to make sure I ate beforehand, so I started the day off with a little of this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEuzC3xROwRCaG0WgZ1AlQExVFTM3YHW6B0vFEQjCh_XmEO8mlu8TUMdOgAu1B7XU5VE4DcQ7kS8Xibw7xdjmEosonY-qkTvLIhNsnnbXouX7eUSxgM9ZH4kyCvlqgmyLSNlebdFHkyc/s1600/eng+muff.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEuzC3xROwRCaG0WgZ1AlQExVFTM3YHW6B0vFEQjCh_XmEO8mlu8TUMdOgAu1B7XU5VE4DcQ7kS8Xibw7xdjmEosonY-qkTvLIhNsnnbXouX7eUSxgM9ZH4kyCvlqgmyLSNlebdFHkyc/s400/eng+muff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509396175496327730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OX7pAA15Jn1Qp2vY9qo3RWGFK9w6IXvhp2My8xsxLT7xY23XMNrbapArto-N2QcSxWfvCvK66EVMlnCMrTUzWcZ963_KwlmV4YgKsRJpmEk0axS2cfIgiW9rC_d4nXG1deSRkaW2yeM/s1600/eng+muff+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OX7pAA15Jn1Qp2vY9qo3RWGFK9w6IXvhp2My8xsxLT7xY23XMNrbapArto-N2QcSxWfvCvK66EVMlnCMrTUzWcZ963_KwlmV4YgKsRJpmEk0axS2cfIgiW9rC_d4nXG1deSRkaW2yeM/s400/eng+muff+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509396182832340018" border="0" /></a><br />Yeah, that's right...I cut my bananas with a butter knife! So sue me!! :)<br /><br />Then, I headed on down to see the doc. She was absolutely hilarious! I guess for someone who gives shots for a living, you have to learn to put people at ease! She went over all the lovely things that could happen to me while abroad...no goodo. I had to get so many shots that we have to spread it out over two visits! Plus, I have to get a PRESCRIPTION strength Anti-diarrheal medicine in case the Pharoah's Curse strikes! So, I got three shots in three places, leaving both arms a bit sore. However, I will now not have to worry about contracting Hepatitis A or B, Polio or Typhoid! Hallelujah! Next on the agenda will be round 2 of Hepatitis A/B and Tetnis. Yay!<br /><br />If that didn't get me excited for what is to come in Egypt, I made my way over to the Egyptian Consulate to turn in my visa application. Upon opening the door, I was hit with a blast of horrifying body odor! Great! I didn't even think of that issue while I was there. This is going to be a joy. Good thing we will be outdoors a lot!<br /><br />I tried to survive the rest of the day at work, but my arms started to hurt (especially the Typhoid spot!) and I could barely keep my eyes open. After all, I was essentially injected with 4 diseases and my poor immune system was working overtime! I called it a day around 3:30pm and headed home. What did I do when I got there? Well, baked some goodies, of course!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64J5B3FV86qAeW-FdLnzwbh8paQXvYfFtGA6GgiLKVFk25a7GKv75iFUvu3r-AGBnzHgWfj2NZvXtEF4DqEAc6qk4boHULkF_JKR-qBrHmEEu2O7YOMA-mAjH7SGthh37UySm7sxULqM/s1600/bloob+bar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64J5B3FV86qAeW-FdLnzwbh8paQXvYfFtGA6GgiLKVFk25a7GKv75iFUvu3r-AGBnzHgWfj2NZvXtEF4DqEAc6qk4boHULkF_JKR-qBrHmEEu2O7YOMA-mAjH7SGthh37UySm7sxULqM/s400/bloob+bar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509398678958134434" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blueberry Crumb Bars<br /></span></span><ul><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 cup white sugar</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 teaspoon baking powder</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 3 cups all-purpose flour</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 cup butter<br /></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 egg</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 pinch ground cinnamon (optional)</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 4 cups fresh blueberries</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1/2 cup white sugar</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 3 teaspoons cornstarch</li></ul>Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9 x 13 baking dish<br /><br />In a bowl, stir together 1 cup sugar, baking powder, flour, salt & cinnamon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSX_q6zTnwqEJHudvfXDc4QuFARpIRWF8duRMEUHRd0KVWRg8CMOV-fw2MZTMrB9O4BaW_dCuMzS2CBzReyudAXIuYcF21NnMpKqL_EN7dl2Tdg-z3CAuOQmbspz4huEZiYdKERNb0ZM/s1600/BCB+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhSX_q6zTnwqEJHudvfXDc4QuFARpIRWF8duRMEUHRd0KVWRg8CMOV-fw2MZTMrB9O4BaW_dCuMzS2CBzReyudAXIuYcF21NnMpKqL_EN7dl2Tdg-z3CAuOQmbspz4huEZiYdKERNb0ZM/s400/BCB+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509399361328919410" border="0" /></a><br />Then using a fork or pastry cutter, blend in egg & butter until crumbly<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xxEWRXoYe3786ckhyphenhyphenbKDGtIrdb9oGYNmnuHf_UtuBV6bhPKDy6pRCCPKzv1ZBaaGnFdoQ44MKTMsjr-aXwvmIEosVgmFFh-AoNcgAFYyAuUycI3IhoOWQ6huFA3m4jJJmUA-AM2hWgY/s1600/BCB+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xxEWRXoYe3786ckhyphenhyphenbKDGtIrdb9oGYNmnuHf_UtuBV6bhPKDy6pRCCPKzv1ZBaaGnFdoQ44MKTMsjr-aXwvmIEosVgmFFh-AoNcgAFYyAuUycI3IhoOWQ6huFA3m4jJJmUA-AM2hWgY/s400/BCB+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509399838158637698" border="0" /></a><br />Pat 3/4 of the dough into prepared pan. In another bowl, combine blueberries, cornstarch and remaining sugar. Spread blueberries evenly over dough. Then, sprinkle remaining dough over blueberry layer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhsIiZ37cSHiC59xsVLJTRKRUV5-E7ysHw9m3xNQfB1r4eevuoX7Jpfk0KnxJrPs1J3Uc1Cn877k9PkcrqofTPBHxPqqLnCd8zsncAlxRIWF0XS_IuQsj9-0ANJ26_AJmPxzFuYDPmTo/s1600/BCB+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhsIiZ37cSHiC59xsVLJTRKRUV5-E7ysHw9m3xNQfB1r4eevuoX7Jpfk0KnxJrPs1J3Uc1Cn877k9PkcrqofTPBHxPqqLnCd8zsncAlxRIWF0XS_IuQsj9-0ANJ26_AJmPxzFuYDPmTo/s400/BCB+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509400666699539666" border="0" /></a><br />Bake for 45 minutes or until top is golden. Wait for it to cool before cutting into squares.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLvfqnlhuHnwOnM2cbmFuGBOUdvraYfABrbkT30nfW5Lrzu7v3jY2BscAv58S9zutYknj2QFQwcMe1Az6Qgs9YH0dJ0jlMbAujyFpBGGpY1h_Oy-FrtiWoIqpDrwPzCV-7AElLEsXTCs/s1600/BCB+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLvfqnlhuHnwOnM2cbmFuGBOUdvraYfABrbkT30nfW5Lrzu7v3jY2BscAv58S9zutYknj2QFQwcMe1Az6Qgs9YH0dJ0jlMbAujyFpBGGpY1h_Oy-FrtiWoIqpDrwPzCV-7AElLEsXTCs/s400/BCB+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509400677020259522" border="0" /></a><br />Besides the fact that blueberries are great for you, this dish is not something I could consider healthy...but I will say it is delicious!!! <br /><br />And on that note, I'm signing off!! Have a lovely day!<br /><br />P.S. Where is my TurboFire?!! I haven't even gotten my email that is shipped yet :( Maybe I'll get lucky and have another surprise on my desk tomorrow morning.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-80526982161197420402010-08-22T08:09:00.003-05:002010-08-22T08:30:34.694-05:00A Rough StartHello, Hello!<br /><br />On Friday night a friend and I went to see Inception. Really good movie. I won't give anything away, but I just wanted to say that before going to see it, a bunch of my coworkers were talking about how confusing it was and they didn't really get it. I was prepared to be taking notes just to make sure I "got it"...well, no notes needed! I didn't think it was confusing at all! Go see it!<br /><br />Afterward, we went and had a couple drinks. Seriously, I had TWO vodka and cranberries over the course of THREE hours. Yet, somehow when I woke up yesterday morning, I felt like I'd been hit by the Blue Line "L"! Here is my hangover solution: Step 1 - upon waking and feeling like crap, get up and chug a glass of water; Step 2 - go back to sleep. Repeat steps as necessary! This meant that I didn't officially roll out of bed until 11:15!<br /><br />Once I did finally decide I was ready to face the world, I headed over to my friend's house to TRY to finish up designing my business cards. Who thought this would take so dang long?! And guess what? After 2 hours at the computer...still no business cards ordered! I'm about to be happy with a pad of Post-Its that have my website & email on them and call it a day!<br /><br />Around 4pm we decided to get some lunch...yeah, when you get up as late as I did, 4 is considered the lunch hour :) I ordered a veggie panini & some red potato salad. Too many mushrooms on the panini...mushrooms kind of scare me...so I only ate maybe half. I killed that potato salad though! It wasn't too heavily dressed and was delicious! I also got a glorious mocha! Sooooooo delicious! Maybe I need to start a tab on here where I just review mochas where ever I go!<br /><br />By 8:30 last night, I was still kind of full, but knew I'd get hungry if I didn't eat something. Do you ever have those moments where you don't really feel like eating anything, but then kinda feel like eating everything, at the same time? It was one of those. So, I made a sampler plate!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7qynbGgxC4GoAOAh5nwd61wkQAfM7y8xhbV0U8dCIg9cuZTm4ekLGBhwJBj-O9H9rg8jmEX_c5KY3Duhf76-jE9B7Y7nMeoSUGk_ZhS_5WDy9hyphenhyphenehYSl34LaUlMtC4Ct-XpZiPMxilY/s1600/sampler.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7qynbGgxC4GoAOAh5nwd61wkQAfM7y8xhbV0U8dCIg9cuZTm4ekLGBhwJBj-O9H9rg8jmEX_c5KY3Duhf76-jE9B7Y7nMeoSUGk_ZhS_5WDy9hyphenhyphenehYSl34LaUlMtC4Ct-XpZiPMxilY/s400/sampler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508223746032532738" border="0" /></a><br />Trader Joe's Meatless Meatballs, Trader Joe's Cucumber Wontons, Gardein Chicken Nuggets & Spicy Sweet Potato Fries. Oh yeah, this all hit the spot!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYeBzm_VYoiW64uX5Bg8LdIHETpsb_6Y-tebva1BDaN_vO1bShuz7eYAVwFAicGDVKbB3mtFFY-qBHFRScfHuWzMV80v_asilVbuK9xW0mpNKi_LExyBwO2nfIGn8A_GCTx0vxsDZZ5Q/s1600/dressings.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYeBzm_VYoiW64uX5Bg8LdIHETpsb_6Y-tebva1BDaN_vO1bShuz7eYAVwFAicGDVKbB3mtFFY-qBHFRScfHuWzMV80v_asilVbuK9xW0mpNKi_LExyBwO2nfIGn8A_GCTx0vxsDZZ5Q/s400/dressings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508223740513189346" border="0" /></a><br />Threw on a little of these and I was set! Well, almost...one last sample to be had:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharVcr63ymhkPTO4suGllw97U3I0so_R5MK9jPYo7sPITVuod8g5V1nulg0ZnhxlRkQ_MSth83IvS0y9o6Jq4UDrcLeyIXAkSVjZBcOiQKb58GsCzQgq2AgOmSg5ZuE_sms5pxEGss2WI/s1600/chocolate+chunks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharVcr63ymhkPTO4suGllw97U3I0so_R5MK9jPYo7sPITVuod8g5V1nulg0ZnhxlRkQ_MSth83IvS0y9o6Jq4UDrcLeyIXAkSVjZBcOiQKb58GsCzQgq2AgOmSg5ZuE_sms5pxEGss2WI/s400/chocolate+chunks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508223734045167666" border="0" /></a><br />Whole Foods Organic Dark Chocolate Chunks. Oh. Yeah.<br /><br />I went to bed a happy girl. Unfortunately, that didn't last because a friend of mine called me at 1am and we talked for 2 hours. It was a good talk though...sometimes those middle of the night ones are! <br /><br />I started off this morning with a little banana boat that I've seen everyone making for a snack. I don't know if my nanner was too ripe or if the almond butter was too drippy, but this was a hot mess! You can even see in the picture that it is starting to fall apart!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCtidgvmu9qPfZI3q6ylLTGzWCD0RFQi5Jt2jzXBqKVZfO2TN2Zo7eNiOVgalpa2j6a8VUBhJXtsR9ENHQVsXjyOYrjYBDagRYgEJUo66aU_P96TmtlRX-jE_jGjSVJua0GoIw5YdMRE/s1600/naner+boat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCtidgvmu9qPfZI3q6ylLTGzWCD0RFQi5Jt2jzXBqKVZfO2TN2Zo7eNiOVgalpa2j6a8VUBhJXtsR9ENHQVsXjyOYrjYBDagRYgEJUo66aU_P96TmtlRX-jE_jGjSVJua0GoIw5YdMRE/s400/naner+boat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508223742119713330" border="0" /></a><br />I ate this in about 1 minute flat since it was oozing AB everywhere and setting it down would surely mean not being about to pick it up again in one piece! It was yummy, but I'll have to be a little more strategic if I make another one!<br /><br />I have about 500 things on my to-do list today, none of which are fun :(<br /><br />Lots of errands, lots of cleaning, working out and making some food. Good times!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-54736187006503010482010-08-20T11:47:00.002-05:002010-08-20T11:56:29.352-05:00Hitting Bottom...Okay, okay...that post title is a <span style="font-style: italic;">wee bit </span>dramatic! But seriously, I had a bad couple of days! <br /><br />As you all already know, I've been burning out a little with my workout routine. It has been part boredom and part frustration with results. For some reason, I've had no progress for the past 2 weeks! My diet has NOT been perfect, but I don't think that is was bad enough to counter working out hard 6 days a week...ya know?!<br /><br />So, what did I do? I took a couple of days off. And maybe ordered some take-out Thai food...maybe...<br /><br />And I thought long and hard about what I want and what I'm willing to do to get there. Am I tired of ending every day in a sweaty mess and having to wash my hair, dry it & straighten it a million times more often than I would if I didn't workout? Yes!!! Am I tired of trying to eat balanced meals when I could be happy living off cereal and chocolate? Yes!!! But will I get what I'm looking for if I don't do those things? NO!!<br /><br />There you have it. <br /><br />My solution: I am going to give in and order <a href="http://determined2stayfit.com">TurboFire</a> earlier than I had planned. I wasn't going to start TurboFire until I got back from Egypt, but with the burnout I'm feeling, I think I need to shake things up! I will probably do a hybrid with Power 90 because I really love the Sculpt workout Tony does. And at least I will have both programs to work with so I won't get bored so fast. <br /><br />I'm actually really looking forward to my new plan and hopefully it will be just what I need to get back in the game! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you get bored with your workouts? What do you do when you start to fall off the wagon?</span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-41784481590687114822010-08-17T20:46:00.002-05:002010-08-17T20:51:09.438-05:00WordPress & P90X...Video Style!Hey there! I'm really exhausted tonight and this was a much faster way to blog than to type it out :) Sorry for the laziness! Enjoy the show!<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyI_TdtxGongwzqZM6L4NpTmpe2HACs0w4bApWZtPX5EJYud20O-MilTY5LyL6QMn_B-k-D6u-Dzj4vGmPQNA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Head over to <a href="http://couchpotatoathlete.wordpress.com/2010/08/17/follow-the-leader/">Couch Potato Athlete</a> to enter her giveaway for <a href="http://rawcrunchbar.myshopify.com/">Raw Crunch</a> Bars...they look great!<br /><br />Also - for the Buy From a Coach P90X deal, just go to my site at <a href="http://www.determined2stayfit.com">www.determined2stayfit.com</a>! <br /><br />See ya'll tomorrow!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-20364890867340899342010-08-16T23:37:00.008-05:002010-08-17T10:15:13.152-05:00Heart Rate Monitors & Pizza!It is way too late for me to even be trying to type something coherent, so please, be patient with me!<br /><br />Hello there!<br /><br />It is probably not very apparent on here, but I used to be a runner. Yes, I've run half marathons, trained for the full deal (though never finished) and run countless shorter races. Running was always the perfect way for me to keep my weight in check. Then, after my attempt at the <a href="http://chicagomarathon2007.blogspot.com/">2007 Chicago Marathon</a>, I was seriously mentally scarred from the ordeal and have not been able to pick up running again. I know, it sounds crazy, but I swear it is true!<br /><br />I do however own all the goodies that most serious runners do! I started with my good old Polar F11 heart rate monitor. I wore that thing like it was gold!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUwwLK7G2dvkAPRuxk0R8E_VCfMoBXN6_k48lr-VynQzU2PexOBLTQFvMDOOjW8ONX07wGz0DooWqsRMR8J2kTaH_IfngjyHjkXYTeYhQWvOmEwxWo-HW8byEtlExvleaWmEM87tan6U/s1600/polar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUwwLK7G2dvkAPRuxk0R8E_VCfMoBXN6_k48lr-VynQzU2PexOBLTQFvMDOOjW8ONX07wGz0DooWqsRMR8J2kTaH_IfngjyHjkXYTeYhQWvOmEwxWo-HW8byEtlExvleaWmEM87tan6U/s400/polar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506234787374223842" border="0" /></a><br />Yeah, not exactly gold, but I loved that bad boy! That is until my runs got long enough that the dang monitor started rubbing me raw! I had a scar on my chest for like 6 months!<br /><br />So, I moved onto the Garmin Forerunner...can't recall the model right now and I'm too lazy to get up and look! That was pretty much the Lamborghini of sports watches...too bad its been sitting on my kitchen table for the past year just gathering dust. Oh well.<br /><br />Anywho, I dug out the Polar, made a quick run to Radio Shack to get some replacement batteries, and I was ready! Finally, I was going to see the massive calorie burn that I was getting from all this hard working out. People on my Power 90 message boards were claiming 700, even 800 calories burned...I was psyched!<br /><br />Strapped it on and went to town! Jumped, kicked, punched, sweated until the end. Hit the stop button, went to the summary...and saw 440. Really?! Just 440?! The truth is, I knew it was right. It is dang hard to burn more than 100 calories for every 10 minutes you workout. I knew I shouldn't buy the claims of 800 calories for the Sweat 1-2 video (I'm on Sweat 3-4 even!). Oh, I was taken in. And then disappointed when reality came crashing down. What a crock! I will keep wearing it though because I need to get a better handle on what I'm eating and knowing what I'm burning is a start!<br /><br />On to dinner!<br /><br />This weekend, I bought all the fixin's for a pizza since I've seen everyone all over the blog-o-sphere making them. And, I had all those veggies from the Farmer's Market to use up!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZUYfV2j0ZZ4xpDN2RnN3UNYF3nrMNEBmPJk08a4ixzkRl0wXeHgy38qS_HNx5CqRLa0j5wiSx6rtTpKHTTmhT_XzN_dNuqd35Y5ZzTdZjxE-cll0yY60ctvod3d7hojBn0pM0_7O7OU/s1600/fixins.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZUYfV2j0ZZ4xpDN2RnN3UNYF3nrMNEBmPJk08a4ixzkRl0wXeHgy38qS_HNx5CqRLa0j5wiSx6rtTpKHTTmhT_XzN_dNuqd35Y5ZzTdZjxE-cll0yY60ctvod3d7hojBn0pM0_7O7OU/s400/fixins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506237650039427058" border="0" /></a><br />I forgot to throw the tomatoes into the picture...lots of veggies, pesto & soy cheese.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzhbKk5GZuaMX1Z9BHpcHTPLKm4J4CzcfCrBtYyvFeHgX3Llls6AmRhEOuMKJpmphzrCHowEE9ENmk621ki4SgqgESeLQzp37nM-aZtko1lAvH1cqSAiJv3hAORsz80FEKgm90qRZjGA/s1600/crust.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzhbKk5GZuaMX1Z9BHpcHTPLKm4J4CzcfCrBtYyvFeHgX3Llls6AmRhEOuMKJpmphzrCHowEE9ENmk621ki4SgqgESeLQzp37nM-aZtko1lAvH1cqSAiJv3hAORsz80FEKgm90qRZjGA/s400/crust.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506238952855652962" border="0" /></a><br />I really, REALLY wanted fresh pizza dough. For some reason, the Whole Foods I went to did not have any :( This was all I could find so I gave in and bought it. Not a whole lot of nutritional value in these...so sad.<br /><br />And the final product...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYulDDGPDPWo3TspG77QRDw-PzyaA3B6CPAIrJCH5CzBW0XzxoqvY0QuXVEUVOb5JOVR_gn22F3OQC_233UWQBdv5N4FswGop0CBzvgiHczOpnt18DL1O5RyJnptUW8HRKcEdL22g6Wug/s1600/pizza+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYulDDGPDPWo3TspG77QRDw-PzyaA3B6CPAIrJCH5CzBW0XzxoqvY0QuXVEUVOb5JOVR_gn22F3OQC_233UWQBdv5N4FswGop0CBzvgiHczOpnt18DL1O5RyJnptUW8HRKcEdL22g6Wug/s400/pizza+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506237661765721762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IzVFSq3-yueVXnLhciCarFtXwnQyb6_KItGG27FLiuqA9smTIgKHOa5tRqjLh7OutgtE3RFtGGm4k62LNKY-iviptJdxYrzUih7kFIPJ69Bl8Gh2pmAfG0S8c0h27q9HmooD_A-dEFY/s1600/pizza.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IzVFSq3-yueVXnLhciCarFtXwnQyb6_KItGG27FLiuqA9smTIgKHOa5tRqjLh7OutgtE3RFtGGm4k62LNKY-iviptJdxYrzUih7kFIPJ69Bl8Gh2pmAfG0S8c0h27q9HmooD_A-dEFY/s400/pizza.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506237655841333682" border="0" /></a><br />Very refreshing! The crust was like a big thick cracker...eh. But the veggies cooked up so good! I made two of these little guys and only ate half so I will be eating this for a few days! Love cooking for one!!<br /><br />On a sweeter note, I was wandering through another department at work today on the way to a meeting and saw a little gift box on the counter. Made my way over and it was filled with these little gourmet chocolates. The only catch was that the labels were in another language. Most of them had pictures of fruit on them so I knew what they were...and I'm not a huge fruit & chocolate fan...but there was one (and seriously, only one left) that did not have a picture on it. Complete crap shoot as to what it was...I took it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbF-yfYp2Ndj_cVhWEAZjm48YOoolwZ-P5C-WNSqaBUbssEJROhk2Ql9fqcA4D3pcPGZWX6FZk4u-bhcpPTxDUxBPSOcaxHRsZjuTY-GpGUHaH76H_Cs_lcvcaQsJ5ZYpZ7CtE1imwt8/s1600/candy+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbF-yfYp2Ndj_cVhWEAZjm48YOoolwZ-P5C-WNSqaBUbssEJROhk2Ql9fqcA4D3pcPGZWX6FZk4u-bhcpPTxDUxBPSOcaxHRsZjuTY-GpGUHaH76H_Cs_lcvcaQsJ5ZYpZ7CtE1imwt8/s400/candy+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506242091478075170" border="0" /></a><br />Unwrapped it...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBpcCYArGNXsfCkLwR1YLo5PxvkYl9SnhFb3WfBO6rV1mxdkjR9Q8Ikafw_NmbJTVGlubCwNFl_LGIJt0_T6LWo_MPguFttclDzrBdRu2J7CG6P_c0aI8_Wzw8BnBjd7nOUF36U_iVt0/s1600/candy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBpcCYArGNXsfCkLwR1YLo5PxvkYl9SnhFb3WfBO6rV1mxdkjR9Q8Ikafw_NmbJTVGlubCwNFl_LGIJt0_T6LWo_MPguFttclDzrBdRu2J7CG6P_c0aI8_Wzw8BnBjd7nOUF36U_iVt0/s400/candy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506242095988697186" border="0" /></a><br />Dark chocolate with a rum filling! Success!!! Oh, it was sooo good! Perfect little mid-afternoon treat!<br /><br />On that note, I'm going to try to have some sweet dreams! Have a lovely night!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-12145628566640881722010-08-15T15:01:00.006-05:002010-08-15T15:27:31.885-05:00Bakin' & EggsThis morning I took advantage of a recent <a href="http://www.groupon.com/">Groupon</a> offer and headed over to <a href="http://www.bakinandeggschicago.com/">Bakin' & Eggs</a> for breakfast! Love me some breakfast!!!<br /><br />A friend and I decided to walk over so I didn't have feel so guilty for indulging this morning. It was about a mile and a half round trip...I know that isn't far, but it's something!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q4R7cMIBD3sm_BvLvNIBpAyewbXfaj1MKa7iokYHzXSeGuHGbtvwH-qBpDOpn2YgBI6RRl4bD8Mjx9OOHy7_vlC_CUwf5sVQUjJG8b_E1E2G9XoVzLBboqXyBWy4LnWZqou7s8kh3EE/s1600/Bakin+Eggs+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q4R7cMIBD3sm_BvLvNIBpAyewbXfaj1MKa7iokYHzXSeGuHGbtvwH-qBpDOpn2YgBI6RRl4bD8Mjx9OOHy7_vlC_CUwf5sVQUjJG8b_E1E2G9XoVzLBboqXyBWy4LnWZqou7s8kh3EE/s400/Bakin+Eggs+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505730564216890802" border="0" /></a><br />Look at that beautiful blue Chicago sky this morning! I'm pretty sure that is was already close to 80 and it felt much warmer in the direct sunlight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2A1_nPhtLMvoxClMCvmJGUXbENTH-Lt2g1popvH6Pb93ZOKZQKEZbnRrSCr9ISpBk_MXtPCg9BDfscOdWqGqlDOgTY-5uZu5jcszHUmgGgRjUYjgtd5aEs1Yd4360jGmF4QxH97gdUG4/s1600/Bakin+Eggs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2A1_nPhtLMvoxClMCvmJGUXbENTH-Lt2g1popvH6Pb93ZOKZQKEZbnRrSCr9ISpBk_MXtPCg9BDfscOdWqGqlDOgTY-5uZu5jcszHUmgGgRjUYjgtd5aEs1Yd4360jGmF4QxH97gdUG4/s400/Bakin+Eggs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505730574213016706" border="0" /></a><br />When we walked in, it was pretty packed. There were only a few open tables and we were about 3rd in line with more people already coming in behind us. It moved pretty quickly and we ended up wedged into a small table for two. We literally had to pull the table out so I could get in between the other tables to sit down. It was also VERY noisy in there, like, I couldn't even hear the waitress talking to me and had to pretty much read her lips and go on instinct!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ambiance: B-</span><br /><br />The waitress, while not having a loud speaking voice, was very nice and helpful. Always had a smile on her face and did not have even a hint of an attitude, which somehow has become the cool persona to have in Chicago restaurants.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service: A</span><br /><br />First, we ordered drinks. A regular coffee for him, a mocha for me! What? Did you really expect anything else?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeQ_F_jFADXxc4OcUSQlSriqjj-8yta23A_zDcyXhyzsm59I0FwpAaVfYBkk3CSMvic3R17Iw2JhqtIjCvQaqhbaa-xh59c66K1kQ07RawtPguMt01xr2ZA0T9CzSzBXlUlxApi_V9lo/s1600/Mocha.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeQ_F_jFADXxc4OcUSQlSriqjj-8yta23A_zDcyXhyzsm59I0FwpAaVfYBkk3CSMvic3R17Iw2JhqtIjCvQaqhbaa-xh59c66K1kQ07RawtPguMt01xr2ZA0T9CzSzBXlUlxApi_V9lo/s400/Mocha.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505732000753313842" border="0" /></a><br />This was quite possibly the best mocha I've ever had! Not too sweet, but not too bold! Of course, I forgot to shoot a picture until it was almost gone! I believe they serve Intelligentsia. Even my friend raved that his coffee was great! They also brought us 2 glasses of water and a carafe for refills...gotta love that!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Drinks: A+</span><br /><br />Now, the food! I ordered their Banana Bread French Toast. Let me go ahead and repeat that. Banana. Bread. French. Toast. There is no way to go wrong there, folks! It was served with a side of butter, a banana rum sauce and a hazelnut spread. Oh goodness was the banana rum sauce amazing! I would buy that stuff by the jar!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLjFTWBw9BdjTd4VyjFzE2ecOeDMNR52CNTZ5J4qNNmQMkR3boGVCiNbyqPpxEjZrzdm-uqtrR_-C7jqIHw0BLniYoXah2IaY5Jv_eRN0-rnk2LIwQEvt1tFd_sL7He-m1mKLf2zVYxU/s1600/BB+French+Toast+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLjFTWBw9BdjTd4VyjFzE2ecOeDMNR52CNTZ5J4qNNmQMkR3boGVCiNbyqPpxEjZrzdm-uqtrR_-C7jqIHw0BLniYoXah2IaY5Jv_eRN0-rnk2LIwQEvt1tFd_sL7He-m1mKLf2zVYxU/s400/BB+French+Toast+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505733256759740194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXBCPPv59GISyUFdBV5GuJ05ScgTs_ksdLV7peHmbHA-5ABTia2aDuDu6nAqM685VuMaYHN6nCOLlvGYq1Y9xmESZEN1V9HGTpcylwr9LbcDletwNV_hZg1oUec7H44fse61r3Lkm3vE/s1600/BB+French+Toast.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXBCPPv59GISyUFdBV5GuJ05ScgTs_ksdLV7peHmbHA-5ABTia2aDuDu6nAqM685VuMaYHN6nCOLlvGYq1Y9xmESZEN1V9HGTpcylwr9LbcDletwNV_hZg1oUec7H44fse61r3Lkm3vE/s400/BB+French+Toast.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505733246221477138" border="0" /></a><br />The banana bread was so incredibly moist! And since there was no syrup smothering the flavor, you could really taste the banana coming through. I only ate one piece since I drank that whole mocha and about 3 glasses of water before it came. Had another slice for lunch and I'm sure the final piece will be consumed before the day is done!<br /><br />My friend is much more traditional and went with the Two Eggs Your Way breakfast. It came with 2 eggs (duh!) that he had scrambled, toast, your choice of meat (he chose chicken apple sausage) and cheesy grits. I didn't photograph his whole meal since he already thought I was crazy for taking pictures of mine, but I did snap the grits since he said they were the best part!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3Ho1HVsh8M5cNwO9jgEEGBWcddA-cjzcHvcZkrbUTWzMh-E5SX0c3eLziT8RI9OxI32tYxjwiej4t-WShyMDTOthcdzmpc4ujzZAyP9DmjFW4mLE_kVVm035c-d-zk6veR54vv8mrt4/s1600/Grits.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3Ho1HVsh8M5cNwO9jgEEGBWcddA-cjzcHvcZkrbUTWzMh-E5SX0c3eLziT8RI9OxI32tYxjwiej4t-WShyMDTOthcdzmpc4ujzZAyP9DmjFW4mLE_kVVm035c-d-zk6veR54vv8mrt4/s400/Grits.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505734148320703954" border="0" /></a><br />I did manage to snag a bite and I'd have to agree that they were delicious!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food: A</span><br /><br />I would have to say that I would definitely make a return trip to Bakin' & Eggs. They have a <a href="http://www.lovelybakeshop.com/">sister bakery</a> that I've been meaning to try, so now I have even more incentive! Yes, it was loud and crowded, but if you've ever been a part of the Chicago weekend brunch scene, that is pretty much the norm. The food was delish and definitely worth checking out!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-43718475513369653322010-08-13T10:32:00.003-05:002010-08-13T11:03:08.564-05:00Yoga Help!I apologize for my absence the past couple of days...I have been really tired and not feeling the greatest! I'm not 100% convinced this is the reason, but I had ice cream on Wednesday (co-worker's birthday) and Thursday (ice cream social in our building...heat index of 103, I'll take it!) and it really made me feel sick both times afterward! I've never had a lactose intolerance, but maybe now that I've cut it out so much, it's starting to happen.<br /><br />Both days when I came home from work I had zero energy and felt a little sick to my stomach! No good-o! I managed to still squeeze in a workout on Wednesday night because it was the Sculpt, but last night was cardio and the thought of jumping all around with a sick belly was not high on my priority list...I then konked out at 9pm!<br /><br />Let's talk Sculpt 3-4 for a minute here...holy crappers. So much more lower body work compared to Sculpt 1-2! There are 10 sets of lunge w/ right leg, 5 squats, lunge w/ left leg that nearly killed me by the end. Then, you finish up the workout my maxing out squats...oh man! It felt really great though! And...drum roll, please...I knocked out 5 more pushups than ever before! One of these days I'm going to be able to complete all the sets, I swear!!<br /><br />Now, on the yoga front...I think I'm the only person in this world that has not fallen in love with yoga! Several months ago I took a beginners set of classes to learn all the basic moves. I didn't hate it, but I didn't fall in love with it enough to pay to go back. I tried to do one of the videos on Exercise TV, but I found it even less enticing to do in my own living room. What is wrong with me, people?!<br /><br />I've decided that after having some time away from it, I'm ready to give it another try! Does anyone have any suggestions for a good yoga DVD, webcast or Exercise TV video? Something that a beginner can do? I would love some suggestions because I really would love to find a liking for this!<br /><br />A friend and I stopped by the Farmer's Market yesterday and one vendor had the most awesome looking veggies! All sorts of weird hybrid looking ones and things I had never seen before! I picked up some baby zucchinis, a red & green pepper, some plums & some bagels...I know, bagels? Yes, bagels!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TVpjGpQ_a5mr6Lnk4nIho1dzoYy5GEyAc0J1WH7susYl8mDT28UjvEI-cd5Qw2OcNeHQ-loRIUaP0ckovbgsBjEb1Xmt1KGgxdXMo6GlqBE-tZR7GvFCn1QNV_h_3E8JJ6jhK4BQAec/s1600/peppers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TVpjGpQ_a5mr6Lnk4nIho1dzoYy5GEyAc0J1WH7susYl8mDT28UjvEI-cd5Qw2OcNeHQ-loRIUaP0ckovbgsBjEb1Xmt1KGgxdXMo6GlqBE-tZR7GvFCn1QNV_h_3E8JJ6jhK4BQAec/s400/peppers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504923383256123586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCt1Mkt6MA7dna4A8QtemgjDNavIw9Ms0KJdp_aEDO_pI-DqmNPOY8juGgebwqA1KG6J6NUoXtV8G0AjeKhx4Jd_urbZ2e96jJGhFl15MbJ7xtSxc7E171REv0N8ihQ34WIx4m0HTNkc/s1600/beans.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCt1Mkt6MA7dna4A8QtemgjDNavIw9Ms0KJdp_aEDO_pI-DqmNPOY8juGgebwqA1KG6J6NUoXtV8G0AjeKhx4Jd_urbZ2e96jJGhFl15MbJ7xtSxc7E171REv0N8ihQ34WIx4m0HTNkc/s400/beans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504923387123676882" border="0" /></a><br />No idea what kind of beans those were, but they were white with pink/purple speckles...I wanted to buy them just to have them!<br /><br />My diet has been not so good lately...as I mentioned feeling very tired and sick to my stomach...I can only blame myself! Besides the ice cream, here are the other bad things that went into this belly lately:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQq1jm1kE7CRRnXMOaTqPyzHqOonvcWPoeBm7KmbtwK2LsmJXMi_9POYblJnOFzYK-6T3FhikWdKlTrxXoZvcAzCIGLu281HrqSwm1jTW3AWo3d47Hc3tGpP8i7j6XgKyDykGhAGCWiM/s1600/sun+chips.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQq1jm1kE7CRRnXMOaTqPyzHqOonvcWPoeBm7KmbtwK2LsmJXMi_9POYblJnOFzYK-6T3FhikWdKlTrxXoZvcAzCIGLu281HrqSwm1jTW3AWo3d47Hc3tGpP8i7j6XgKyDykGhAGCWiM/s400/sun+chips.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504923402107677250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchvKsVr_ShBZuofFTB1XIyPihRUOecbcZS7lATES4ZsGjVN4fJdPkeeYBAZ8wutSAFj9bywYSOJmHI0AttEe1DFYF47P1KciVUmNk9UXYNdS_j_uju1TqH4z_kqoIN7EC2TA12VIQjUI/s1600/scone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchvKsVr_ShBZuofFTB1XIyPihRUOecbcZS7lATES4ZsGjVN4fJdPkeeYBAZ8wutSAFj9bywYSOJmHI0AttEe1DFYF47P1KciVUmNk9UXYNdS_j_uju1TqH4z_kqoIN7EC2TA12VIQjUI/s400/scone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504923398406439858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3t5uhU2mLG8OMrkkWicotPP_RTNtjBJxFwEgLBp-pUyS7aYxe2hCxPHygpnRRobcgFLIvelR5u-rRiiO7F57phfE2h4YkSZEqsgs2Zbs0EL9VkqNkLAlzgiM2lv2q22AGE1S2bvlX2Po/s1600/coffee.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3t5uhU2mLG8OMrkkWicotPP_RTNtjBJxFwEgLBp-pUyS7aYxe2hCxPHygpnRRobcgFLIvelR5u-rRiiO7F57phfE2h4YkSZEqsgs2Zbs0EL9VkqNkLAlzgiM2lv2q22AGE1S2bvlX2Po/s400/coffee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504923392388491138" border="0" /></a><br />Whoa is me! <br /><br />I have some fun ideas for cooking this weekend so that will help me keep healthier things around! I hope you all have had a good week and stay away from ice cream :)<br /><br />Here is an <a href="http://oxygenmag.com/vegetarian">awesome article</a> you should check out about vegetarians & fitness...thanks to <a href="http://www.fitnessista.com/">Fitnessista</a> for posting it!<br /><br />Also, for anyone who is looking for a new phone or is an Android fan, a good friend of mine just started a blog on all things Android...check it out! <a href="http://www.vecdroid.com/">VECDROID</a><br /><br />Talk you all soon!!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-41156514497593217832010-08-10T21:11:00.002-05:002010-08-10T21:40:07.371-05:00DehydrationIs it really only 9pm? Seriously, I feel like I could have fallen asleep an hour ago! It is my rest day and by golly, I'm resting!<br /><br />Today started off filled with all kinds of household inspirations: I was going to do all my laundry; wash all the dishes; clean out the bunny's cage...yeah, well, so far it looks like writing this post may be the most constructive thing I will do all evening!<br /><br />I started off the day with a nice little bowl of granola, blueberries & soy milk. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97lOWyGrIzTizLoXnGkU_r8y3WfsHCRY7BItWdWlXSOAq9UUcK40y02pjMw0kwF8d6xA83LCC7pBe-mhNjyYftprBk2tsXxJvmjJyd29XkogCnK4lzldScM6JmO1Xk5wuEsJe2AshsGk/s1600/granola+8-10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97lOWyGrIzTizLoXnGkU_r8y3WfsHCRY7BItWdWlXSOAq9UUcK40y02pjMw0kwF8d6xA83LCC7pBe-mhNjyYftprBk2tsXxJvmjJyd29XkogCnK4lzldScM6JmO1Xk5wuEsJe2AshsGk/s400/granola+8-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503972057805425602" border="0" /></a><br />I did not intend to get a mocha at the coffee shop, but somehow my feet led me there anyway. Not only did I walk out with my coffee, but I somehow managed to have them whip me up a sandwich for lunch later! Can someone please chaperone me to work from now on?! Geez! I cannot be trusted!<br /><br />The evil sandwich:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSRKK4t9MnoFZEfeMWZPDvM25d6L08tWF6_RxWE6Gv44okuaUeVmdnr4ndmHp6hZm7yuhh9fOAf1QhqfzmKju31ILEekYaGiUZqP9mIrU5bZW117iCEflBuVs3EeYlkNNJZFGSTFgq6A/s1600/mozz+sam.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSRKK4t9MnoFZEfeMWZPDvM25d6L08tWF6_RxWE6Gv44okuaUeVmdnr4ndmHp6hZm7yuhh9fOAf1QhqfzmKju31ILEekYaGiUZqP9mIrU5bZW117iCEflBuVs3EeYlkNNJZFGSTFgq6A/s400/mozz+sam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503972079162042706" border="0" /></a><br />I generally toss out the top piece of bread so at least that relieves some of the guilt. Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil & lite mayo. The one time I will eat cheese without a second thought!<br /><br />The first thing I do when I get to work everyday is fill up this bad boy:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgReue-VesUueRWvcI6okhjcexGO5qLVYjBMn5y_OlZXlQDm2atLSDd9RjND2mkGV0MFZLyYuUJ6u_XLAtkW0wnotPO_WStR2fz0FOPoVlFgBP_FTgCRiOCgUsxiRMtW2wJbDy9DUsRb8/s1600/water+bottle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgReue-VesUueRWvcI6okhjcexGO5qLVYjBMn5y_OlZXlQDm2atLSDd9RjND2mkGV0MFZLyYuUJ6u_XLAtkW0wnotPO_WStR2fz0FOPoVlFgBP_FTgCRiOCgUsxiRMtW2wJbDy9DUsRb8/s400/water+bottle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503972241903108674" border="0" /></a><br />That is 32oz of water at my disposal. Obviously, my intent is to kill 2 of those and then any water I drink at home is just bonus. The reality of the situation is that I usually kill the first one and never make it back to fill it up again. Bad! <br /><br />Today, however, I finished off two full bottles! I used to be really good about getting a lot of water, but the past few months have just not been working for me. The strange thing is, the more water I drink, the thirstier I get! Does that make any sense whatsoever? I'm weird...<br /><br />On the way home from work, it being my rest day and all, I decided to call my friend and see what he was up to. I dial the phone as I'm walking down the major street in my neighborhood...it rings once...I look up and what is that? Is that my friend sitting at a table outside a coffee shop just 20 feet from me?! It was some crazy timing!<br /><br />I stopped to chat and then we started walking back to my place. I ducked into a little local grocer to grab a banana and saw this in a bin next to the register:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7UMno43jb9abYwpi0MtfFImF2JJ7EyXxOqo7NPwvpeHrIBhvuK0uIpwYXP3HoFIxOtVgq9MNqHYJgtSF2OlySHE1XrR72ZKmjFE1tDhtVGLflLTJR6g3EbllLDQudmVbnNTcDRRPmGI/s1600/granola+bar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7UMno43jb9abYwpi0MtfFImF2JJ7EyXxOqo7NPwvpeHrIBhvuK0uIpwYXP3HoFIxOtVgq9MNqHYJgtSF2OlySHE1XrR72ZKmjFE1tDhtVGLflLTJR6g3EbllLDQudmVbnNTcDRRPmGI/s400/granola+bar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503972058539881058" border="0" /></a><br />I huge Peanut Butter & Chocolate granola bar that looks pretty darn fresh...who cares that it was $3?! Okay, truthfully, this all happened very quickly and I didn't even think to look at the price before throwing it up next to my banana...I would have thrown it right back in that bin if had seen the price tag! But, it was rung up and I now had the most expensive organic granola bar known to man :)<br /><br />It was made by a company called <a href="http://www.eatgreenfoods.com/">Eat Green Foods</a>. They are based here out of Chicago and use local farmers for all that goes into their products. That is something I like to hear and now I feel a little better knowing my $3 went to a good cause! Check out the ingredients:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyUHobBiYl7E3QZmUVNDtVgUPuTB3qB-hUHIZ-vxHLuw73STwnfoPPERJjJt6jf8KbfdV2CUmj0aS7vwGgHq_HqdATQcOXEtEamOd3gbXhWLN6wqj_Z7xeM1PLtwhE43GK2uSPOtj4T8/s1600/granola+bar2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyUHobBiYl7E3QZmUVNDtVgUPuTB3qB-hUHIZ-vxHLuw73STwnfoPPERJjJt6jf8KbfdV2CUmj0aS7vwGgHq_HqdATQcOXEtEamOd3gbXhWLN6wqj_Z7xeM1PLtwhE43GK2uSPOtj4T8/s400/granola+bar2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503972065570515970" border="0" /></a><br />Nothing but the basics! Hey, just like me!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YCAnY4FC598hpVeQ5yzQxilXa5Bh9lcR6TZqqxBIZZzS37ZJpW7vVvzxUNj8HBrfo1IL4TsP3lyRBXarpIz_97MgzBFW4cSoD-_xNVD1ckjsA3aU9hauAuEAB3MSm4hNFhBMdUBwSuA/s1600/granola+bar3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YCAnY4FC598hpVeQ5yzQxilXa5Bh9lcR6TZqqxBIZZzS37ZJpW7vVvzxUNj8HBrfo1IL4TsP3lyRBXarpIz_97MgzBFW4cSoD-_xNVD1ckjsA3aU9hauAuEAB3MSm4hNFhBMdUBwSuA/s400/granola+bar3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503972069778125810" border="0" /></a><br />Oh yeah...<br /><br />Seriously, not what I would call a well balanced dinner. So, shoot me.<br /><br />Tomorrow is a new day and I will be better. I have lots of leftovers in my fridge that need to be eaten so I will try to stop spending my money on food! Grrr! <br /><br />My goal is to be in bed by 10pm and I only have 23 minutes to go! See you tomorrow!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-48588864865249035062010-08-10T11:21:00.004-05:002010-08-10T11:27:48.000-05:00What Are We Eating?I saw this today and was surprised by a few things. Mainly the fact that we still eat more red meat than poultry! For some reason, that blew me away...but I guess hamburgers are still probably the most popular fast food item. Being a vegetarian, I was happy to see the amount of veggies and fruits consumed. That's the good stuff!! <span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you think about this? Does anything surprise you?</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.visualeconomics.com/food-consumption-in-america_2010-07-12/"><img style="width: 537px; height: 973px;" src="http://www.visualeconomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/american-average-food-consumption.jpg" alt="american-average-food-consumption" /></a>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-62423097531726577122010-08-09T21:01:00.012-05:002010-08-09T22:10:58.092-05:00Manic Monday!5:45am - Wake up call from a friend so I can attempt a morning workout<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxf3I-KsjwqNJJCzGBDB0eP-AU6-JBzyoFT8HfxBZq8X6kKgINexuBUwbbHCpzuy2i8WTRLnC10XBKgrUF5dnDjKwbffnejQe7BkdbWXnuRNsZwP4EwowfPopfazvCOLDqEGJO2X4gjo/s1600/workout.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxf3I-KsjwqNJJCzGBDB0eP-AU6-JBzyoFT8HfxBZq8X6kKgINexuBUwbbHCpzuy2i8WTRLnC10XBKgrUF5dnDjKwbffnejQe7BkdbWXnuRNsZwP4EwowfPopfazvCOLDqEGJO2X4gjo/s400/workout.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503608266532984562" border="0" /></a><br />6:05am - Friend insists I meet him at the coffee shop to ensure I'm actually up...sit outside and drink coffee until 6:40am.<br /><br />6:45am - Go back to my house and promptly fall back to sleep :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurWMG17LeKij5rdlOAh5DKHQg-Jr45AIRyIcoutDELrPL4x5Yg3wd8nT-W4aVx0H2PMqDt9Ge9UHHzXEVHCUiQVHZL-XBGZle1HyPcpKOy5HKXoO8p9EfXTGqJ79v5esuotG7G00Nl3k/s1600/sleepy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurWMG17LeKij5rdlOAh5DKHQg-Jr45AIRyIcoutDELrPL4x5Yg3wd8nT-W4aVx0H2PMqDt9Ge9UHHzXEVHCUiQVHZL-XBGZle1HyPcpKOy5HKXoO8p9EfXTGqJ79v5esuotG7G00Nl3k/s400/sleepy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503596983172080450" border="0" /></a><br />7:30am - Get up and get ready for work<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAG68i90Uspkk2dqHRm_exwbpeOm6Vp_fwVflJrp8IDHOuiWeKdavLk1y0ShnN7O6azTurRa004Oue-NIYhpvKectO4f2dYqiJoZnH0Wip1F1ykp58aNfwtZWgkBBON19as4uZQBX6kc/s1600/makeup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAG68i90Uspkk2dqHRm_exwbpeOm6Vp_fwVflJrp8IDHOuiWeKdavLk1y0ShnN7O6azTurRa004Oue-NIYhpvKectO4f2dYqiJoZnH0Wip1F1ykp58aNfwtZWgkBBON19as4uZQBX6kc/s400/makeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503609059288215666" border="0" /></a><br />9:30am - Breakfast: my last biscotti :(<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4mJhWK2PD9crXkT3HXKDLYAb-BMFwsQQrLBzKS0xwDw5H4GoQWmhqiEshqc3Jop24lSoxQKNXkpYom40r6t0OvexgZcMeZmvbOsmBBNge3bjlYsn29mUh2n_8FjypdWt59RqbObxcx8/s1600/coffee+8-9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4mJhWK2PD9crXkT3HXKDLYAb-BMFwsQQrLBzKS0xwDw5H4GoQWmhqiEshqc3Jop24lSoxQKNXkpYom40r6t0OvexgZcMeZmvbOsmBBNge3bjlYsn29mUh2n_8FjypdWt59RqbObxcx8/s400/coffee+8-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503612234020267154" border="0" /></a><br />10:15am - First Meeting of the day<br /><br />11:30am - Second Meeting<br /><br />12:30pm - Lunch: a HUGE cookie. I am not proud.<br /><br />1:00pm - Third Meeting<br /><br />2:00pm - Fourth Meeting<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhDo6QLWCJTMagjuQyXS_zmKLBVwp6P9jqtBN6vlij1J0U0RhKm3fU_L4Oddn6QSm0Lwa9O5DmDuQe9BFu2TTcIS2qR629Hb3fhoExf5lvfNaZ2vfeKPYY2BYFTj6-zr1vAgBAUO6FTE/s1600/meetings.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhDo6QLWCJTMagjuQyXS_zmKLBVwp6P9jqtBN6vlij1J0U0RhKm3fU_L4Oddn6QSm0Lwa9O5DmDuQe9BFu2TTcIS2qR629Hb3fhoExf5lvfNaZ2vfeKPYY2BYFTj6-zr1vAgBAUO6FTE/s400/meetings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503598072099140994" border="0" /></a><br />3:00pm - read blogs & play on facebook<br /><br />4:00pm - Snacks<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherfY_UvV_BdI0c-Ls5qObhp773gl1SDGS-swqL9NF0C8FUSCDVD_5BdD-Q1kE9IU3ajJUlZS14NN7aZnxW6bt4ANaKVZH3e2sVqPLUha68QQ6XDIs377tMe-ChPaFtUj8rwerOvUX_DI/s1600/sun+chips.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherfY_UvV_BdI0c-Ls5qObhp773gl1SDGS-swqL9NF0C8FUSCDVD_5BdD-Q1kE9IU3ajJUlZS14NN7aZnxW6bt4ANaKVZH3e2sVqPLUha68QQ6XDIs377tMe-ChPaFtUj8rwerOvUX_DI/s400/sun+chips.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503610414129915698" border="0" /></a><br />5:30pm - Finally heading home<br /><br />7:00pm - Rocked the double workout: <a href="http://www.determined2stayfit.com/">Power 90 Sculpt 1-2 & Sweat 3-4</a><br /><br />8:15pm - Dinner: TJs throw down!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKycSu9FUOM3vNak5QO2ulROoXUDcCIb4HXUhLXP0AJOwmq3RQhPmG5g3FCq9rg5x8Ritdq_oCPehlGibhmY2cKpXGf3jh5VkzrKYd6wG-u1DcZ-LJH-XttyaXXydH8uv4Qev8poPsHU/s1600/tj+stir+fry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKycSu9FUOM3vNak5QO2ulROoXUDcCIb4HXUhLXP0AJOwmq3RQhPmG5g3FCq9rg5x8Ritdq_oCPehlGibhmY2cKpXGf3jh5VkzrKYd6wG-u1DcZ-LJH-XttyaXXydH8uv4Qev8poPsHU/s400/tj+stir+fry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503612237654297602" border="0" /></a><br />8:30pm - shower!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrvOh6EEzHIZGm3-C3ns9S5IdjMmmyr8xzc78QurbXXHiVray0kTGANTKp1mz0Gw59LhX637_oiewP9fIbe5rHuZNN39Vtb9aGbd1gfQV1BBr2PxdQMsIgsKapsafo7INQm_CMgQ6SRM/s1600/stinky.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrvOh6EEzHIZGm3-C3ns9S5IdjMmmyr8xzc78QurbXXHiVray0kTGANTKp1mz0Gw59LhX637_oiewP9fIbe5rHuZNN39Vtb9aGbd1gfQV1BBr2PxdQMsIgsKapsafo7INQm_CMgQ6SRM/s400/stinky.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503599936277811714" border="0" /></a><br />9:00pm - Beach Body Team Call<br /><br />10:00pm - BLOG!<br /><br />Good night!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-59763274795869510852010-08-08T09:09:00.005-05:002010-08-08T09:42:26.833-05:00Sunday MorningGood Morning!<br /><br />I feel like a real blogger this morning! I'm sitting here at my local coffee shop, sipping a coffee, eating a sammich, browsing blogs & writing...why that makes me feel like a real blogger, I do not know!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVchHO0exHVo6JhF_81mHUk7VMwSZ02wzMykKysvJVcfQRFIfS8lw08-EH1qGPlyganWVzXV-wgVRfCJpOQvUo6wg9gN47NolMOx03FUXNivm5JnCHRihMlFYsnoZtKu0xOe-sGiztCA/s1600/mystery+muffin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVchHO0exHVo6JhF_81mHUk7VMwSZ02wzMykKysvJVcfQRFIfS8lw08-EH1qGPlyganWVzXV-wgVRfCJpOQvUo6wg9gN47NolMOx03FUXNivm5JnCHRihMlFYsnoZtKu0xOe-sGiztCA/s400/mystery+muffin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503043253912402930" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, that is real egg (well, Eggbeaters) and real cheese on there. I generally try to avoid these things, but I've had a carb-tastic weekend and my body was screaming for a little protein!<br /><br />Yesterday started with a delish bowl of oats...I think the fruit combo is just what works for me!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p6IXfg4t5DZujcWnBZjDJRCT0YSqyeGvRyWl32csTVovsoxKiyp4XDdGAfR1DZcPtrDukhPfMfsq3dsDRQWXCbDWTxR1enKp0auWU4U-IeNEtPxlkWu_4PAyesmmsgHy66aqLRvLlMI/s1600/oatmeal+8-8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2p6IXfg4t5DZujcWnBZjDJRCT0YSqyeGvRyWl32csTVovsoxKiyp4XDdGAfR1DZcPtrDukhPfMfsq3dsDRQWXCbDWTxR1enKp0auWU4U-IeNEtPxlkWu_4PAyesmmsgHy66aqLRvLlMI/s400/oatmeal+8-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503043259033693346" border="0" /></a><br />Oats, cinnamon, bloobs & banana - this time the bunny did not get a bite!<br /><br />After breakfast, I walked about a mile to my friend's house to pick up my bike and then ran some errands which included sending off some goodies to these two wonderful ladies - <a href="http://couchpotatoathlete.wordpress.com/">Couch Potato Athlete</a> & <a href="http://www.onefitfoodie.com/">One Fit Foodie</a><br /><br />I then had to jet off to a hair appointment...I scheduled it right for lunch time, but it was too soon to eat so I did a bad thing! I stopped at the Starbucks next door and picked up a few things to save for when hunger did strike...cuz if you know me, it WILL strike!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOrkN7hcO1N9ovUZ7qO0vpRo4CJcs7CbzT7Kt4A3X1d1vcEwuhoXKOedBqvE3xTIwIQZb8EeB_lUZEgUxJ_jRz3VarNlwQh6_xLrze19IkVba8AtE1POngpkrcIG5fF0tHmC-WT3LZB0/s1600/starbucks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOrkN7hcO1N9ovUZ7qO0vpRo4CJcs7CbzT7Kt4A3X1d1vcEwuhoXKOedBqvE3xTIwIQZb8EeB_lUZEgUxJ_jRz3VarNlwQh6_xLrze19IkVba8AtE1POngpkrcIG5fF0tHmC-WT3LZB0/s400/starbucks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503043352577570274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqvCkbBqBQBzT3FAdAIHc5qzXI74Y54TnpjLh83emuNirUUbAEtB36kJLiiKIPDcXHbkAERR3ey17bon51tsVazGiO0YDHTJaFOIMmbQPmbO-G-JSvBYaQm8sal-wRw6F8B8iNQDF4Nw/s1600/scone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqvCkbBqBQBzT3FAdAIHc5qzXI74Y54TnpjLh83emuNirUUbAEtB36kJLiiKIPDcXHbkAERR3ey17bon51tsVazGiO0YDHTJaFOIMmbQPmbO-G-JSvBYaQm8sal-wRw6F8B8iNQDF4Nw/s400/scone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503043269923493922" border="0" /></a><br />I headed over to another friend's house and decided to take a nice little walk with this guy:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiautA9ufPHzJ4S3bm8uIVB7RAhi41m9PwlybFXvdHvLt3SAcmMg9q4zeIFZGwB_uuv-BahQHfzEECmZd-oEWr-cVlmjEFlBbDEA8jnhkbQVD2RhJbrZhzSwC8vAAaHwchBcvNbIJioGtg/s1600/mixo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiautA9ufPHzJ4S3bm8uIVB7RAhi41m9PwlybFXvdHvLt3SAcmMg9q4zeIFZGwB_uuv-BahQHfzEECmZd-oEWr-cVlmjEFlBbDEA8jnhkbQVD2RhJbrZhzSwC8vAAaHwchBcvNbIJioGtg/s400/mixo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503043236140253794" border="0" /></a><br />He isn't mine, but I consider myself his mom :) He is my other baby...it's just a shame that he and Boo Boo (the bunny) can never be friends! He is a 2 year old Staffy and he is a maniac! Apparently, I was making him walk farther than he was prepared for because there were many stops like this one in the shade!<br /><br />After we got back from our walk, my friend and I headed over to a street festival in his neighborhood. If you've ever been to Chicago in the summer, you know there is always a street festival somewhere! I had a delicious vegetarian southwestern wrap and forgot to snap a pic! I guess all the people, beer and live music distracted me!<br /><br />We walked through the fest and came upon this bad boy...so cute! My friend is going to kill me if he ever finds out he made an appearance on here...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCaAN4_J-V7H3oi-Q8B0CFpwE3d-oQ78M_BWU7CrlWXSt9ejw3kdKcvTuaupDU41a77NEGgqOvjMuuK8VnU87U-w8wvMg539g_RJ4tuaNloIz_ylMl_4ENgSz_UbESNle_K804UYPMXA/s1600/mini+car.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCaAN4_J-V7H3oi-Q8B0CFpwE3d-oQ78M_BWU7CrlWXSt9ejw3kdKcvTuaupDU41a77NEGgqOvjMuuK8VnU87U-w8wvMg539g_RJ4tuaNloIz_ylMl_4ENgSz_UbESNle_K804UYPMXA/s400/mini+car.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503043246172675394" border="0" /></a><br />When I was in Italy, my uncle drove something fairly close to this size. It must have been a little bigger because this one was only a 2-seater...my uncle's did have a very tiny backseat. I just remember with 3 of us piled in and driving up some hill, we literally were holding up all the traffic and people were honking and going crazy! My uncle (actually great-uncle...Zio if you want to get Italian on it!) was an older man and in typical older man fashion, he didn't give a damn!<br /><br />A-ha! I have located a picture of it! It was a Fiat 500...but we knew it as a Cinquecento which is how you say 500 in Italian.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClYMD9yooAxei0LPAPb3vw2IV5NGRXVskW6ZxzrsCacTFYWmiK_Onzmviy0dJyhPUyKWn1vh0CLxNbn8I8JrsRB71GjyxuDuNH_23u22C1MZXXSngWKLm3ejBs4jgCFjVIVHSB2JR2lo/s1600/cinquecento.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClYMD9yooAxei0LPAPb3vw2IV5NGRXVskW6ZxzrsCacTFYWmiK_Onzmviy0dJyhPUyKWn1vh0CLxNbn8I8JrsRB71GjyxuDuNH_23u22C1MZXXSngWKLm3ejBs4jgCFjVIVHSB2JR2lo/s400/cinquecento.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503047361372074866" border="0" /></a><br />I guess you really need a regular sized car next to it to get an idea...it's a lot like a Mini-Cooper.<br /><br />So, after walking a lot today and biking a lot today, I wasn't really feeling like working out. Then I remembered that these next 60 days have to be awesome! It was almost 9:30pm, but I popped that DVD in and rocked it! <br /><br />I have a feeling today will be a lazy day. It looks like it may downpour any minute. Movie day it is!!<br /><br />Enjoy your weekend!!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-65381491915739873312010-08-07T07:47:00.002-05:002010-08-07T08:08:05.101-05:0030 days!Good Saturday Morning to you!<br /><br />Thursday marked Day 30 of the Power 90 program so yesterday I hopped on the scale for the official weigh in and took my measurements. Here is how things shook out:<br /><br />Weight: lost 3.5lbs<br />Body Fat: lost 1%<br />Waist: lost 1.5 inches<br />Hips: lost 1 inch<br />Right Arm: lost .25 inches<br />Left Arm: no change<br />Right Thigh: lost .5 inches<br />Left Thigh: no change<br /><br />I'm happy with the results, but then again, I'm not really happy with the results. I remember a time where I could have dropped twice that amount of weight in half the time. As I've gotten older, my body has become increasingly stubborn about letting weight go...however, it has no problem adding a few!<br /><br />So, to know that I went from hardly working out at all and eating lunch and dinner out at least 5 or 6 times a week to working out 6 days a week and being much better about food...only 3.5 pounds seems a bit of a let down. <br /><br />It is moving in the right direction though and I will try to concentrate on that positive note. Plus, now that I'm in the 3-4 phase of the program, the next 30 will hopefully see a bigger change. <br /><br />I don't know if I've mentioned this, but I'm going to Egypt for a couple of weeks in October. This 90 days just barely squeezes in and I started when I did because I don't want to hate what I look like in the pictures of the trip. I have to make these next 60 days the best I can!!<br /><br />On a different topic, we had a big announcement at work this week. My boss, who has been a good friend and the only boss I've had through my 6 and a half years at this company despite being lucky enough to have several promotions over that period of time, has decided to take a regional position and I won't be reporting to her anymore :( Now, I will be reporting directly to our President. He used to be our VP of Finance when I was still in our accounting division so I've worked very closely with him in the past and we have a great relationship...but now he's my boss? <br /><br />I just can't wrap my head around it, ya know? I know my current boss inside and out. I know what I can get away with and what I'm going to need to explain. I know how she works. This is going to be a huge adjustment for me. Next week is my first "check in" meeting with him...so we'll see!<br /><br />Another note about work...we had a potluck yesterday! I did pretty good at portion control, just took small amounts of things that I wanted to try, but I'll be honest and say I definitely at too many sweets! My workout last night suffered...I could tell I wasn't properly fueled. The craziest part is that...TMI coming up...my body basically knew it was full of crappy food. First thing this morning, it let me know it was time to get it out. Let me tell you, I don't generally have that fast of a turn around :) <br /><br />But, that made me feel like things are on the right track. I used to eat crap all the time and my body didn't care. Now, it's trying to get rid of it asap. That is kind of amazing to me. And it reminds me that I'm doing something right!<br /><br />Sorry for the lack of photos, this week kind of got away from me and I've barely had time to get anything "extra" in! I hope you all enjoy the great weather this weekend!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food for thought: </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Have you had to change bosses within the same company? What was your experience?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Is your body good at telling you when you've eaten something you shouldn't have or do you have a stomach of steel?</span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-71863378977699141462010-08-04T22:16:00.004-05:002010-08-04T23:24:37.891-05:00A QuickieHey there, folks!<br /><br />I got home really late tonight so I skipped my workout (boo!) and just barely scarfed down some dinner (I was starving) before sitting to write this and then I'm knocking out!<br /><br />I'll keep it short and sweet!<br /><br />First, the reason I was so late in getting home is that I went to a meeting about starting a community garden in my neighborhood! I'm really excited about it! We are still getting approvals from the city so it isn't finalized, but we've got all the plans ready for when it is. We won't be able to plant until next spring, but our plan is to build all the raised beds and pathways this fall so it will be ready to go next year!<br /><br />Second, I realized today that I need to utilize my Google Reader. You should see me, I sit here trying to remember all my favorite blogs so I can read them...uh, isn't the reason you hit that "follow" or "subscribe" button so that you don't have to try to remember them all? Seriously, people, I need a little nudge sometimes! Going forward, I vow to use my Google Reader!!<br /><br />As for eats, lots of duplication from earlier in the week, but here are some yummies:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuNPnbIJgGOOWLnI38aQj4C3UoYKFgf-4lwdDpLiAbf7JoY69f5mlArF0gIWWcCf3LfRJakG1ndAuV2utOLiVfqmwZgYVq4_u-5vw1zLAlvGk2IZH_xrhvDE55FhySNVD9300j7RQ0CM/s1600/cereal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuNPnbIJgGOOWLnI38aQj4C3UoYKFgf-4lwdDpLiAbf7JoY69f5mlArF0gIWWcCf3LfRJakG1ndAuV2utOLiVfqmwZgYVq4_u-5vw1zLAlvGk2IZH_xrhvDE55FhySNVD9300j7RQ0CM/s400/cereal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501775869701582482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Cherry Vanilla granola w/ bloobs, banana & soy milk<br /><br />Bananas are someone's favorite...<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DiGZglM2XUDNDMKR6edn2ZIFBvNZaUSNS13iltpa7-uScn1r9wDU_5vQ4x0GxjlKR5D6gYen_jQR35RcxmTs0ONyuMmQxQPY4cifPDnegMSYA44LtKVLx9EgyJo_5SJFB2RS0zzgkN0/s1600/bunny.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DiGZglM2XUDNDMKR6edn2ZIFBvNZaUSNS13iltpa7-uScn1r9wDU_5vQ4x0GxjlKR5D6gYen_jQR35RcxmTs0ONyuMmQxQPY4cifPDnegMSYA44LtKVLx9EgyJo_5SJFB2RS0zzgkN0/s400/bunny.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501775872798353298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vIK9rzzHSJH5Us2vqtWjbkXUrrMhR7jyKDWmFruRah0JPWw1_KMSX-x0mmBpFvbdCmMRRZbzzFhtvGHpF94wXH5Lq25mRCykP5x8nkcjclrV8IRlIqgvGVj-14XxTfHo_KvbDFFlrik/s1600/larabar+cinnamon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vIK9rzzHSJH5Us2vqtWjbkXUrrMhR7jyKDWmFruRah0JPWw1_KMSX-x0mmBpFvbdCmMRRZbzzFhtvGHpF94wXH5Lq25mRCykP5x8nkcjclrV8IRlIqgvGVj-14XxTfHo_KvbDFFlrik/s400/larabar+cinnamon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501775879714259218" border="0" /></a>My new favorite Larabar flavor!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFcxoEZjmoB_gY8qTRNgaIizwL6FalLFro6asLk_KgPd8BTjRcfJeA-UOBmsP4jDMqHtJXDoACeISww9Zb1bd4DTt-raKbeUX5w0dlQefgApYvEG0OMthDv29e6KfiBkA-_VdKnk9hIk/s1600/office+goodies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFcxoEZjmoB_gY8qTRNgaIizwL6FalLFro6asLk_KgPd8BTjRcfJeA-UOBmsP4jDMqHtJXDoACeISww9Zb1bd4DTt-raKbeUX5w0dlQefgApYvEG0OMthDv29e6KfiBkA-_VdKnk9hIk/s400/office+goodies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501775887066313010" border="0" /></a>I found these in the office kitchen...and I had one of each! The churros were soggy and I only ate it because I was starving and being cheap! :)<br /></div><br />A few things before I sign off:<br /><br />- Tomorrow, if you go to DQ and buy a <a href="http://miracletreatday.com/">Blizzard</a>, $1 will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network...so, give in to that summer temptation and get one! It's for a good cause!<br /><br />- One of the most creative blog posts I've ever seen is right <a href="http://www.katheats.com/sugar-spice/">here</a>. Click it. Now. :)<br /><br />- Two Great giveaways today:<br /><a href="http://thehealthydiary.com/2010/08/03/csn-giveaway-food-journal-and-workout/">The Healthy Diary</a> is giving away a $40 gift certificate to CSN!<br /><a href="http://balancejoyanddelicias.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/i-want-to-scape-chips-giveaway/">Balance, Joy & Delicias</a> is giving away Terra Chips!! Yum!!<br /><br />Have a great night!!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-66886768099647500712010-08-03T22:32:00.009-05:002010-08-04T11:05:22.660-05:00Motivating FactorsHowdy!!<br /><br />I just now finished my workout (late, I know!) so I'm a little energized! Tonight was the cardio and I worked up a serious sweat. I just realized that Thursday will be Day 30 of Power 90 and I have to officially record my weight and measurements. Yikes!<br /><br />Until I realized that, I was about to skip out on tonight's workout. Then, the thought of only having 3 days to make a difference made me break out the sports bra and get to it!<br /><br />Tonight, the 30 day mark motivated me. Recently, a new long-term motivating factor wormed it's way into my life...an unofficial college reunion!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgogTNPyX8_8AoUd2VWIYJNjWGchOAhP7cOz2oPSnMO58cn9bVEqfcS5ASu6Ej0mkGksFaIYewovMD-CaLVH2h1MPyalmjPf_vRzn-hzbjsQoK4T7leWfMxVz3pLmv3dynugLWP7N0i1A/s1600/beavs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgogTNPyX8_8AoUd2VWIYJNjWGchOAhP7cOz2oPSnMO58cn9bVEqfcS5ASu6Ej0mkGksFaIYewovMD-CaLVH2h1MPyalmjPf_vRzn-hzbjsQoK4T7leWfMxVz3pLmv3dynugLWP7N0i1A/s400/beavs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501394041648815986" border="0" /></a><br />The last football game of the season is usually against our in-state rival...it's called the Civil War! So, it started off as a few of the guys deciding that they would all meet up at the game...then some of us girls started tossing the idea around...next thing I know, my flight is booked and everyone under the sun is sending texts and facebook messages about who's going! What I thought was going to be a few of the old gang is now the gang and everyone who ever kicked it with us for a night or two.<br /><br />This group includes a couple of ex-boyfriends, possibly some rival girls and who knows what other surprises? So, now, I feel like I have to look great for this trip. Is it wrong to let something so vain be a motivating factor? I just want to look as good as I did back then!<br /><br />And speaking of looking good, <a href="http://www.kellyolexa.com/body/2010/8/3/go-big-or-go-home.html">this girl's</a> post today echoed exactly what I've been thinking lately...I don't just want to get back in shape...I want to get in GREAT shape! The BEST shape! It's a motivating read, check it out.<br /><br />As for the eats? I tried to make an exciting oatmeal this morning, but somehow, it just didn't wow me. With chocolate, almond butter & banana, I thought I couldn't go wrong...oh well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVxVGsJj63D_HtsuAtrumCqkr6HhwxcGUzBgKvsHQoqlBgPOV2QNfBtU12HP8q-jrxGE5YE3xk0h9-1yDB6AeFmGTvaVOvj-AqZD-G0-f66dAsx85PmNiAitoAPlLK3TVuOcx-4JQNEg/s1600/oatmeal+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVxVGsJj63D_HtsuAtrumCqkr6HhwxcGUzBgKvsHQoqlBgPOV2QNfBtU12HP8q-jrxGE5YE3xk0h9-1yDB6AeFmGTvaVOvj-AqZD-G0-f66dAsx85PmNiAitoAPlLK3TVuOcx-4JQNEg/s400/oatmeal+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501396166576417618" border="0" /></a><br />Then, I made a move toward giving up coffee...I skipped my mocha! Instead, I made regular ol' coffee in the pot when I got to work...as someone suggested, it starts with changing your routine. So, that's what I did!<br /><br />Lunch was a simple wrap and some peas. I have a colored bowl system at work. The red bowl is for savory things:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu76rDMSE-Yrx5PutywhvTszYmiTrkkrKlCo-jxDdpUBshvQ487CAc0OKuyflbC4gCW_QVl3WoLRHl5kWNBAHufs6iISH-4-jcoRogOSWkYEXNuHbdde2tYorsaBYJXl3DpL_T6uAMD4/s1600/wrap+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu76rDMSE-Yrx5PutywhvTszYmiTrkkrKlCo-jxDdpUBshvQ487CAc0OKuyflbC4gCW_QVl3WoLRHl5kWNBAHufs6iISH-4-jcoRogOSWkYEXNuHbdde2tYorsaBYJXl3DpL_T6uAMD4/s400/wrap+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501396695233132546" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDK9-kLGB6har8OJdgPGqGmos8qbCgZbKgk4RLaPAlv3DJyJVuQeEkfVWnEukQWylqi6C0pz-t3yRd40INxTu71jh76gdNAb0yB8v9k3mg6nTbQwL4T6zfirXTP3kqQxtvIoTRkQzviA/s1600/peas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDK9-kLGB6har8OJdgPGqGmos8qbCgZbKgk4RLaPAlv3DJyJVuQeEkfVWnEukQWylqi6C0pz-t3yRd40INxTu71jh76gdNAb0yB8v9k3mg6nTbQwL4T6zfirXTP3kqQxtvIoTRkQzviA/s400/peas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501396702529888818" border="0" /></a><br />And my blue bowl is for sweet things:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvoNmR26wZlCo92N-1jYlihZCbq6rYj09KIqGZEoId_08ds2TzkjpqmNgtbZEAvBWTnN1hKAnWXGBxiLymA4D7wRb-fnzuE-yQV6AawTVebGiemsjWYyPm77TEdT-wA-OwbDc7_q_5AY/s1600/apple.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvoNmR26wZlCo92N-1jYlihZCbq6rYj09KIqGZEoId_08ds2TzkjpqmNgtbZEAvBWTnN1hKAnWXGBxiLymA4D7wRb-fnzuE-yQV6AawTVebGiemsjWYyPm77TEdT-wA-OwbDc7_q_5AY/s400/apple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501396943287990034" border="0" /></a><br />I got this delish afternoon snack idea from <a href="http://fitnessista.com/2010/07/enchis-and-jokers/">this lady</a>. It was the perfect guilt-free treat sprinkled with a little sweetener & cinnamon! Zapped it in the microwave for about a minute in a half...YUM!<br /><br />Tonight I tried my bean & pasta salad and even with a little more EVOO, it was a little dry...back to the drawing board!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkES2Bp1aD3MtkM7UityUsJe-AswsSJlM7RDv5zY_A3P7qpDU3ibItALtJqHGl3eIRwEg2w1ipJHqYLi76j3MWr7enSzMvr2bH1nliFCKNFFF9mUSUIbBx-4ZLfjgxdrgaYwtp8zcOGhE/s1600/bean+salad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkES2Bp1aD3MtkM7UityUsJe-AswsSJlM7RDv5zY_A3P7qpDU3ibItALtJqHGl3eIRwEg2w1ipJHqYLi76j3MWr7enSzMvr2bH1nliFCKNFFF9mUSUIbBx-4ZLfjgxdrgaYwtp8zcOGhE/s400/bean+salad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501397723834907122" border="0" /></a><br />After dinner...WAY after dinner...came my workout and afterward, I tried the <a href="https://extranet.securefreedom.com/MillionDollarBody/csShopping/ShoppingCart.asp?Cat=Nutrition%20and%20Supplements%7CP90X%20%20Nutrition">P90X Recovery </a>drink for the first time. My muscles were still tired from the bike ride (if you can believe that?!) so I figured it might help. It tasted absolutely fantabulous! Like an orange creamsicle! And look at the foamy top!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh223j5tf27E_44ny8XE0I9RjoHNVkAwFKMtW-6x7xx0R9bermHAlQ7n_dHR_5S9BSrEVTh0WbgFaqM75PejNiqZYLtinWZ6-MLraCWrINY2IEORw7aZZdDrKU4LG47s5Nihy0pYpcFDQM/s1600/recovery+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh223j5tf27E_44ny8XE0I9RjoHNVkAwFKMtW-6x7xx0R9bermHAlQ7n_dHR_5S9BSrEVTh0WbgFaqM75PejNiqZYLtinWZ6-MLraCWrINY2IEORw7aZZdDrKU4LG47s5Nihy0pYpcFDQM/s400/recovery+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501398325099941730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujqkUtBNevxYPfJxId2OCiX3AW6ZP0a4qKATc1RLkNXcil1VpagDGvfey9oBdd9prLA9su-rfeZo63HzQpkBk53b7zlz38QpaCLT1cZEbtEWnqEH1xqnVnYavAOnG4iOwegoIz4l54uE/s1600/recovery.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujqkUtBNevxYPfJxId2OCiX3AW6ZP0a4qKATc1RLkNXcil1VpagDGvfey9oBdd9prLA9su-rfeZo63HzQpkBk53b7zlz38QpaCLT1cZEbtEWnqEH1xqnVnYavAOnG4iOwegoIz4l54uE/s400/recovery.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501398337625446690" border="0" /></a><br />It will be interesting to see if I feel any more "recovered" tomorrow :)<br /><br />So, that was my day...wish I could go to bed soon...but as I said, I'm wired!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food For Thought: What motivates you? External things? Internal things?</span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-76586112982460857672010-08-02T18:42:00.007-05:002010-08-02T19:22:11.137-05:00Table for One, Please...Good Evening, Friends!<br /><br />My mind has been all over the place today, so if this blog ends up that way, my apologies in advance!!<br /><br />First off, I am postponing my recipe trial...I realized that I have a whole lot of food in my fridge that I need to finish before I go out buying more!<br /><br />And that brings me to the title of the post. I don't know how many of you out there are cooking for one, but it ain't easy! I feel like I end up letting so much food go bad because I can't finish it before it's too late. Unless, of course, I want to eat the same thing every day for a week. For example, my hummus. I love the stuff, but unless I eat a serving of it every day for 8 days, there is no way I'm going to finish it before it needs to get tossed. And don't even get me started on my produce :(<br /><br />So, rather than buying a bunch of new stuff and letting everything else go bad, I decided to make a hodge podge of a meal tonight! I cooked up the rest of my pasta and divided it in half. Then, I steamed up some peas and tossed them up with half the pasta and some pesto that was close to going bad. Yum! <br /><br />After that, I sauteed up some garlic in olive oil and added TJs Six Bean mix. This mix is awesome! It has white kidney beans, cranberry beans (never heard of those before), red kidney beans, black beans, white navy beans & black-eyed beans. Once that was warmed up, I mixed it with the other half of pasta. I divided it out into containers and will freeze most of it. Now, I have meals for all week!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjQ7NrFBD8YQXi_x7cr4RauP6y8L4ls49zJprHOO5atBmVpSHAMNw3MpWzuZ940QllRUl_KuMGyeEFV1vuZTuCmAF49-Hb43zq9oe_MHmFrLScHRMOy9vRbGe8frmUBLZ1kAlpnTgBPU/s1600/pasta.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjQ7NrFBD8YQXi_x7cr4RauP6y8L4ls49zJprHOO5atBmVpSHAMNw3MpWzuZ940QllRUl_KuMGyeEFV1vuZTuCmAF49-Hb43zq9oe_MHmFrLScHRMOy9vRbGe8frmUBLZ1kAlpnTgBPU/s400/pasta.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500966495192297090" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The 3 P's - Pasta, Pesto, Peas!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">I was feeling under the weather again this morning so I just had my mocha for breakfast. A couple hours later I downed one of those yummy biscotti. For lunch, I ate one of the delicious pretzel rolls with a butter knife and jar of almond butter at my side...oh yeah!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LRUiw-s30_xiKQbji2EyXeh4JvFD9LWyB6cfx2DWHMPtMj5roT99vZLqukRLOqNQ7ZUIOqxkD3cf94tGCRVZ8CxhlK_pnFio5ZHZI7iKgbQVvnCfLLWPDAfjau1IGKKBS_d2V7J4kqU/s1600/roll.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LRUiw-s30_xiKQbji2EyXeh4JvFD9LWyB6cfx2DWHMPtMj5roT99vZLqukRLOqNQ7ZUIOqxkD3cf94tGCRVZ8CxhlK_pnFio5ZHZI7iKgbQVvnCfLLWPDAfjau1IGKKBS_d2V7J4kqU/s400/roll.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500967232197088162" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Tell me that doesn't look amazing!!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">After my workout I had some green sludge :) Okay, I threw in a banana and some blueberries too!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84I6cRcYShFmsGgWBNXsaK1D_MPS6d7NS31mdZJfpaW0jhcR0tSFxL-VTKXfp22_LKRONgxSrIbHoUQ-WOTy_MUKMHZijXH-hNF-wb25MJ7C1JT-0RMNV-DAwcosLCSK1MyBjCzmZt0U/s1600/green+sludge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84I6cRcYShFmsGgWBNXsaK1D_MPS6d7NS31mdZJfpaW0jhcR0tSFxL-VTKXfp22_LKRONgxSrIbHoUQ-WOTy_MUKMHZijXH-hNF-wb25MJ7C1JT-0RMNV-DAwcosLCSK1MyBjCzmZt0U/s400/green+sludge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500967794190861170" border="0" /></a><br />It still looks like green sludge though!<br /><br />Now, on to my HUGE accomplishment! Yesterday, not only did I bike to the store in the morning...but then I agreed to go for a "ride" with my friend. This "ride" ended up being 20 miles! My bike is just a little cruiser.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrmPnGPzER8zAdi1CuBUmEo6RGS5XziThh2hGuRA9oSzWWAsxIZxoVV7sPfJb5-nHuX7lEUSEhwupjE4zKaIp21Lrgj3HBP4b0nqhzpe4zFMrNJtLdxELdBaeEJeUcTzJyWUQSAyuxX0/s1600/bike.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrmPnGPzER8zAdi1CuBUmEo6RGS5XziThh2hGuRA9oSzWWAsxIZxoVV7sPfJb5-nHuX7lEUSEhwupjE4zKaIp21Lrgj3HBP4b0nqhzpe4zFMrNJtLdxELdBaeEJeUcTzJyWUQSAyuxX0/s400/bike.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500968905865543202" border="0" /></a><br />We are talking ONE speed. This is NOT a bike meant for distance riding. There were moments where I thought I wasn't going to make it! My quads were on fire...and then by the end, I could barely feel them at all! Oh, how amazing I felt when I finished though!! It was awesome. Now, I want a bike meant for long rides so I can really see what I'm capable of!<br /><br />So, today I was all pumped to move up my Sculpting workout to the 2nd Phase (since I already moved up with the cardio one), but I soon realized that my poor quads probably could not take it after yesterday's ride. I want to be able to walk tomorrow, ya know?<br /><br />But after today? It's all Phase 2!<br /><br />After my workout, I got to thinking about what makes me feel strong. No matter if the scale budges or if the inches are coming off, there is one thing that always makes me feel like progress is being made. And here it is...please, excuse the pit stubble, it's been a long day!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlY77k26vMataGsp7vfcifRlswvGMrSeCTqMiAWxQcLd7fejFkBbIJDm7RrdhoWnHyH_fwiaouUzzKDrvuKcsuvDW_GNsnSRWEBZy9jXlEWx4zlREwOcn6nJVcVMgpsaIPnUQNU67RT8/s1600/muscle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlY77k26vMataGsp7vfcifRlswvGMrSeCTqMiAWxQcLd7fejFkBbIJDm7RrdhoWnHyH_fwiaouUzzKDrvuKcsuvDW_GNsnSRWEBZy9jXlEWx4zlREwOcn6nJVcVMgpsaIPnUQNU67RT8/s400/muscle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500969572388844978" border="0" /></a><br />Now, I'm not talking about my bicep because, well, there isn't much of a bicep :) What I AM talking about is that crease between the shoulder and the bicep. My shoulders always build up really fast and that crease becomes apparent fairly quickly. It just makes me feel like I'm getting strong! I love it!!<br /><br />On to another track: I really, really, REALLY want to get over my coffee problem. It is a waste of money and calories. It sounds so easy right now, but come morning I will be fighting tooth and nail to get to that coffee shop! So, I must come up with a plan. My goal is to be caffeine-free by August 15th!<br /><br />On that note, even though I'm sure I forgot half of the things I wanted to write about today...good night!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food For Thought:</span><br /><ul><li style="font-weight: bold;">What makes you feel strong? Where do you see your progress?</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">How do you go about breaking a bad habit? What is yours?</span><br /></li></ul></div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-58443895876914572242010-08-01T11:16:00.004-05:002010-08-01T11:26:25.532-05:00Danger!Hello and good morning to ya!<br /><br />After seeing all the yummy-licious things everyone has been finding at Trader Joe's, I decided to hop on my bike and give it another go! I went to a different location this time since I heard it was a little bigger, thus better selection.<br /><br />Holy Moly! I found one of the most dangerous food items ever!! Okay, well, maybe it comes second to this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPf_ITL1rfZ7SHeAb7Qfke_vDWbb_PxlWWF8Y_hO-JegsYAM1UGjBEKC1jgOPzvXlRAfrzmJACbZxaXCm1oSLru6rjSLM5pLthQrgKZ0jXuAX-cSU3z6HebfvUjlwS35s7MixbzXsyzc/s1600/chocolate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPf_ITL1rfZ7SHeAb7Qfke_vDWbb_PxlWWF8Y_hO-JegsYAM1UGjBEKC1jgOPzvXlRAfrzmJACbZxaXCm1oSLru6rjSLM5pLthQrgKZ0jXuAX-cSU3z6HebfvUjlwS35s7MixbzXsyzc/s400/chocolate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500476485908000722" border="0" /></a><br />But, chocolate is a given danger!!!<br /><br />Here is what rocked my world yesterday...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LxV0xss5FzktIciP-fE3I14f16P9XCgLVGDjTjfr2fZPzfqYvlvpdXVko-MVjxBl2uk0_ycQp-6NktaPuv36Zd605Nrdq5Cz-y6gFydxVfEUpeyRQ-Yq_oybeqa2GV5iH1AX8-T1JCs/s1600/pretzel+rolls.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LxV0xss5FzktIciP-fE3I14f16P9XCgLVGDjTjfr2fZPzfqYvlvpdXVko-MVjxBl2uk0_ycQp-6NktaPuv36Zd605Nrdq5Cz-y6gFydxVfEUpeyRQ-Yq_oybeqa2GV5iH1AX8-T1JCs/s400/pretzel+rolls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500476677618713938" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, Pretzel Rolls! Oh. My. Goodness! I was walking the bread aisle, with nothing particular in mind when these jumped out at me. I picked up the bag and they felt so soft and moist that I just had to buy them. Once I got home, I tore into them and it was sheer delight! They are very obviously made from pretzel dough, but somehow they are a little lighter and fluffier. They aren't as dense as an actual soft pretzel is. And they have just the slightest hint of salt so that they aren't bland, but not overly salty.<br /><br />All day I had to keep myself from diving back into that bag...okay, I may or may not have ripped a piece off of a second roll at some point throughout the day, but whatevs!!<br /><br />I cannot wait for lunch cuz I'm working one of those bad boys in somehow!<br /><br />Breakfast was light, but great after a 4 mile bike ride to the Whole Foods. Nothing like hopping on your bike first thing in the morning on completely cold legs. Yeah, those first couple miles were not easy. The ride back was much easier as my legs had warmed up a tad.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75R_EqrgBLdzv5PLRi8YuCdzt02WTybXt3RFKnthrm5IAMXEPOZ5p15G6KfstQKLzlN-JbD4h6xgc4FgoB_KlQkmrYjWgyhpmYButYI2sI5LDqyQSrsi-qB1tNZWqyubgm3PnF45C9lI/s1600/bloobs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75R_EqrgBLdzv5PLRi8YuCdzt02WTybXt3RFKnthrm5IAMXEPOZ5p15G6KfstQKLzlN-JbD4h6xgc4FgoB_KlQkmrYjWgyhpmYButYI2sI5LDqyQSrsi-qB1tNZWqyubgm3PnF45C9lI/s400/bloobs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500477957795523570" border="0" /></a><br />B&B - Blueberries & Biscotti<br /><br />Now, I have to work up the energy to hit my real cardio...Grrr.<br /><br />Have a lovely day!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-51635433778563878952010-07-31T09:03:00.008-05:002010-07-31T09:29:42.910-05:00Food Baby in the HouseI'm going to pretend like I am writing this last night before I passed out<span style="font-family:arial;"> <span style="font-family:georgia;">after my workout...so, Good Evening, my friends!!<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">After all this breakfast talk, I did start off yesterday with a big bowl of oatmeal. I had a couple of these High Fiber packets of oatmeal that needed to be used up so I mixed that with some protein powder and fruit. Delish!!<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDc_wriQeIS-ZikjKGppvOUTEen103Gtp64dCC0dAsd7tV9s3GUVZ632a2KCq7e8h4g1xskaW1n4JrI6A0YXiL3Wy7vliMq2eid73aLdk0rqNCA-ZM_NphY0LOTPLB61ww6rxsAIT1UE/s1600/oats.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDc_wriQeIS-ZikjKGppvOUTEen103Gtp64dCC0dAsd7tV9s3GUVZ632a2KCq7e8h4g1xskaW1n4JrI6A0YXiL3Wy7vliMq2eid73aLdk0rqNCA-ZM_NphY0LOTPLB61ww6rxsAIT1UE/s400/oats.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500072476816631042" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">packet of oatmeal<br />1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder<br />1 Tbsp dried cranberries<br />1/2 banana<br />cinnamon<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Sooooo Good!<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>This morning got off to a good start!<br /><br />However, once lunch time rolled around...since I didn't bring my own, I was in trouble. I decided to check out this place about a block from my office called Freshii. It's almost in the lobby of an Equinox gym, but I'm not sure if the two are connected. You can build your own burrito, wrap, bowl or salad. I decided to get a bowl with brown rice, tofu, tomatoes, carrots, corn, red onion, black beans & low-fat ranch as the dressing.<br /><br />I went back to my desk and ate until I was full...good girl. But then for the rest of the day, I kept taking another bite, and another bite...and another bite! Until it was gone! And by that point my stomach was bursting! I have no idea why I kept eating it except that work was slow and I was bored. No-goodo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXdxg10J1LyvbolxDdN6CWvk1LexFfsuolu0NMqlCDlTr7qlXa7hZ5li6qbWzGdLWAjTQkcVToX-PUPrbF517BYuNFC9IJPnt40ETwHezyPWlDxBFMdJ3Hzax3-8vg2VJ5GkC22-hgfI/s1600/freshii.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXdxg10J1LyvbolxDdN6CWvk1LexFfsuolu0NMqlCDlTr7qlXa7hZ5li6qbWzGdLWAjTQkcVToX-PUPrbF517BYuNFC9IJPnt40ETwHezyPWlDxBFMdJ3Hzax3-8vg2VJ5GkC22-hgfI/s400/freshii.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500074045116654162" border="0" /></a><br />By the time I remembered to take a picture, that is all that was left...and as you can see, that is no small container! To top it off, I also finished these babies off as the day moved on...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57pcb_gVnNwQTrFzi9cVQXtkWJn9252He9IYfU7W9P7yjafDYKZbaN2Y6Bucm1-DSUIQLb0HQrlgY_vSido9dL_GTVzGlFzz3SxFmzWQQSHz0_Js3Xp2YYqFBi5-_kzchMTFL2dGDWrA/s1600/pretzel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57pcb_gVnNwQTrFzi9cVQXtkWJn9252He9IYfU7W9P7yjafDYKZbaN2Y6Bucm1-DSUIQLb0HQrlgY_vSido9dL_GTVzGlFzz3SxFmzWQQSHz0_Js3Xp2YYqFBi5-_kzchMTFL2dGDWrA/s400/pretzel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500074320714618930" border="0" /></a><br />I know there are worse things in the world than some yogurt covered pretzels...but not when you are already stuffed! I was very disappointed in myself, to say the least!<br /><br />When I got home, I threw on my workout clothes (after watching an episode of <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/bethenny-getting-married">Bethenny Getting Married</a> on the DVR - this woman so intrigues me!) and rocked my Sweat 3-4 video. It seriously kicked my butt! I hate to be a quitter, but I may have bitten off more than I can chew by moving up to the next phase already. Don't get me wrong, I can do the video all the way through, but when it's done? I'm absolutely exhausted! Like, pass-out-on-the-couch-at-9:30pm exhausted! Gah!<br /><br />Here was me after...yeah, I know, I'm obsessed with sweaty pictures!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapw3v5yDkPmX4zIXoUuaqoPlUg_6rX6gcyXc_0E-_He-0dXf9NXZYgUhr3-MBWT4XeUHDKGYOZZgWy0d7sfxf8SViPXyK8DpBXq4pt8htfmabO091v3mZ2YhddcLjICwt0tLdbFhxRHI/s1600/713.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapw3v5yDkPmX4zIXoUuaqoPlUg_6rX6gcyXc_0E-_He-0dXf9NXZYgUhr3-MBWT4XeUHDKGYOZZgWy0d7sfxf8SViPXyK8DpBXq4pt8htfmabO091v3mZ2YhddcLjICwt0tLdbFhxRHI/s400/713.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500077216423182418" border="0" /></a><br />After the workout I still wasn't hungry because that lunch gave me an all day food baby, but I did mix up a Shakeology with some peanut butter and call it good!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtofyD-8vgpRZdCFwdvzv32WlCdJaYPxgaJrUsJKtc4xf-eI0HwPbYciwT9q6X-XQfq3STj8ad1ZDPXRnmb3JdwYID7bL81ZhX2zJy0zd2TjMDqiwgb0kY-XGVSFetQwt5dBrR8B8bEqs/s1600/choc+shake+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtofyD-8vgpRZdCFwdvzv32WlCdJaYPxgaJrUsJKtc4xf-eI0HwPbYciwT9q6X-XQfq3STj8ad1ZDPXRnmb3JdwYID7bL81ZhX2zJy0zd2TjMDqiwgb0kY-XGVSFetQwt5dBrR8B8bEqs/s400/choc+shake+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500075827681013074" border="0" /></a><br />I think I picked out the recipes I'm going to attempt this weekend and can't wait to show you on Monday! Have a lovely weekend!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food For Thought: Do you ever eat when you are bored? How do you stop yourself? Do you graze and graze and don't realize it until it's too late? What are your bad food habits?</span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"></span></div></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-18814043673643833312010-07-29T20:13:00.005-05:002010-07-29T20:49:09.626-05:00What's Your Workout?Why, hello there! I've missed you!<br /><br />I was feeling under the weather yesterday and only went into work for a 1/2 day. I didn't work my biz at all AND I didn't do a blog post. It was an all-around-no-good-day! Last night, in order to try to rouse myself to some degree I did head over to a friend's house to watch <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1037705/">Book of Eli</a>. Have you seen it? What did you think? I thought it was pretty good, I just wish there had been a little more insight into how the world got the way it was. It was kind of like the first 30 minutes of the movie were missing, ya know?<br /><br />Anywho, today was back to (mostly) normal! My stomach seemed to be a little touchy so I didn't really eat anything noteworthy. I will try to spice it up for ya tomorrow!<br /><br />Which, speaking of, I've been sort of pondering a way to bring a little structure to this here blog and came up with an idea that I'm pretty excited about! I may have mentioned that I'm a disaster on the stovetop. Cooking freaks me out and I'm not good at it. Recently, a few decent friends have been "supervising" me while I cook and I'm finding it slightly less daunting than normal. I think I may be ready to strike out on my own! So, I was thinking of devoting a day a week to trying a new recipe...and what better way to keep it all in the blog family, but to use one of YOURS! Everyone always makes delicious meals that I want to try, so why not? You'd get all the credit, of course! So, if you have any good starter ideas, shoot 'em at me!<br /><br />And speaking of food...I just learned something really awesome today. Have I mentioned I'm a vegetarian (for about 4 years) and that I'm about 85-90% dairy-free? It is something that is really important to me, although don't freak out...I'm not preachy about it and I won't give you carnivores a hard time ;) Well, today I was on a Beach Body live webinar with Tony Horton (love this guy! Seriously! And yes, he's really that silly!)...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYplCh3g5TWSUAonq0oH2-k9vwVeDmD0ZSdm0P7qt7Hmzz5ANN00rtXaCBPwP_lNGIRzwZ-MxtCYcRLZZqsVr0JS0oTxGKBwjXkeQ8iKQS_iXMfHMRwt9MvYBfgXNDInExBBFWWRd0ro/s1600/tony.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYplCh3g5TWSUAonq0oH2-k9vwVeDmD0ZSdm0P7qt7Hmzz5ANN00rtXaCBPwP_lNGIRzwZ-MxtCYcRLZZqsVr0JS0oTxGKBwjXkeQ8iKQS_iXMfHMRwt9MvYBfgXNDInExBBFWWRd0ro/s320/tony.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499504947793154802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Bring It!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">...and he's talking all about how important being fit is to him and how as he gets older he keeps finding ways to improve it. He totally shocked the heck out of me when he then told us that he is currently doing a VEGAN cleanse and he's on Day 40! First off, this is awesome cuz have you seen this man's body? I know some vegans who think they can't be toned and athletic...well, consider that argument out the window! Second, Tony isn't just doing regular workouts right now, but is currently creating and filming the P90X One on One videos! So, it's not like he's doing this cleanse while taking some sort of fitness break...no! He's working it out like never before. I think he is my hero...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAQ7FLh4P12g6mFTiv_i2fl_vPMdGHklBP0En377g8Uh0pB54T3vMA9NpHs5tZmpQ-JQSauXO4UJF795La_n3U4pPjkNgcGlGZpIR4yVDXjYx5Id06RcEcTrHKxExPyM7TDjd0Ka5My4/s1600/crazy+for+you.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAQ7FLh4P12g6mFTiv_i2fl_vPMdGHklBP0En377g8Uh0pB54T3vMA9NpHs5tZmpQ-JQSauXO4UJF795La_n3U4pPjkNgcGlGZpIR4yVDXjYx5Id06RcEcTrHKxExPyM7TDjd0Ka5My4/s400/crazy+for+you.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499506541268499138" border="0" /></a><br />Okay, maybe he's a little more than my hero...I think there might be a little crushin' going on over here! And on that note, I vow not to bring up the business anymore this week because that really isn't want this blog is about. There has just been a lot going on with it lately and I can't help but spread the awesome news.<br /><br />Now, what's your workout? I started as a runner. I ran in high school. I ran in college. I've trained for half marathons and marathons. There have been periods where I've been the girl who spent every night in the gym lifting. And now I'm a girl that appreciates getting to sweat my butt off in the privacy of my own living room! Besides good ol' Billy Blanks, I've never really put much into workout DVDs. Until now, that is. I'm totally loving that as soon as the urge hits me, I can get up and go. And the shower is only 10 feet away when I'm done!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What type of workout do you prefer? Why? Do you like working out with a room full of people? A partner?</span> Perhaps your sweet little bun?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJdRqQYyevGS8vWvvs-E4ILJeCE_I4WcdGM9F_c-idHNUVO2mE2ki245M1z4kYbzTpZIoYzIkoUCVhyphenhyphenTa7mJYyPeMOKc9-dv3nD9CHT4zIs0S4JUbX3AwOnqeiT2vTPhGARYB655ygBk/s1600/736.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJdRqQYyevGS8vWvvs-E4ILJeCE_I4WcdGM9F_c-idHNUVO2mE2ki245M1z4kYbzTpZIoYzIkoUCVhyphenhyphenTa7mJYyPeMOKc9-dv3nD9CHT4zIs0S4JUbX3AwOnqeiT2vTPhGARYB655ygBk/s400/736.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499507935971594146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you enjoy the privacy of your own home or a less traveled running path? What motivates you to get out there and Bring It?</span><br /><br />I really enjoyed hearing all your opinions about breakfast. I think what I need to do is make sure I'm fueling up in the morning, but keep it light if I'm not feeling all that hungry. A piece of fruit...a soy yogurt...some Cap'n Crunch...You know, the good stuff :)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-73323320165090367462010-07-27T21:15:00.010-05:002010-07-27T21:50:24.180-05:00Are You a Breakfast Eater?Why, hello there!<br /><br />After reading all your blogs about the millions of great ways to make oatmeal and seeing all the delicious pictures, I decided this morning I was going to make it! And make it I did...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EPrYe3Ud64HRqxv0WaZp3U6FIVLqDioYne0dEoCao5RZ07g-iojY50TkWzPagYXcmQ3nEfkku2iV7XT-I8d7vnFB6-Zmx3LEoK1PecO4H1gqtSeO9JF-gV3DimCP374WGLH-dABJulQ/s1600/oatmeal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EPrYe3Ud64HRqxv0WaZp3U6FIVLqDioYne0dEoCao5RZ07g-iojY50TkWzPagYXcmQ3nEfkku2iV7XT-I8d7vnFB6-Zmx3LEoK1PecO4H1gqtSeO9JF-gV3DimCP374WGLH-dABJulQ/s320/oatmeal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498778263621788162" border="0" /></a><br />It was very simple. Threw in some ground flax seeds, lots of cinnamon, some Splenda (shoot me!) and then a big ol' glop of peanut butter! Very, very yummers. However, after consuming this bowl of yum, I noticed that my belly was feeling a bit stuffed. See, usually I just grab a mocha at my local coffee shop and head to work. Every now and then I'll have a bowl of cereal or something, but my oatmeal is usually saved for a "later in the day" type of meal.<br /><br />After bringing up Intuitive Eating yesterday, this got me to thinking. Did I eat it just because they say you should never skip breakfast? Even though I'm usually not hungry in the morning? Should I or should I not be eating it if I'm not hungry? I think this is one of those topics in the health world that will forever be up for debate. So, do YOU eat breakfast? Do YOU believe it is the most important meal of the day? Should you eat it even if you don't feel like it? I'd love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />I packed the rest of my food for the day and it looked something like this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GzYE9RaXKER4O6S8jcHA5TPjmXMEKBivvGLZwmRqQO-a_KfjJ3iOKOn0OlhisdvxjKuueCsNWH1rxUOp6AjSOZ81qgZLDVuvJFaWLxAd_4MieFj6cujlVr7SGk2VNSOGCSOQT8enj9Q/s1600/wrap+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GzYE9RaXKER4O6S8jcHA5TPjmXMEKBivvGLZwmRqQO-a_KfjJ3iOKOn0OlhisdvxjKuueCsNWH1rxUOp6AjSOZ81qgZLDVuvJFaWLxAd_4MieFj6cujlVr7SGk2VNSOGCSOQT8enj9Q/s320/wrap+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498780160820111394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">a simple wrap with hummus & veggies<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvUeBckKRTsymaRHNojfFLO-kDdhQVTPSmTdRKwNesxJbqW8Wk4rp8Tw7Mxx6zLN9HSw0chXPPKIltzrULZqamwvFI2R-UhI7GUnua2GltxrRHPZ4dk6evuYG6PxP6DVECTLW0LHGZHQ/s1600/wrap+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvUeBckKRTsymaRHNojfFLO-kDdhQVTPSmTdRKwNesxJbqW8Wk4rp8Tw7Mxx6zLN9HSw0chXPPKIltzrULZqamwvFI2R-UhI7GUnua2GltxrRHPZ4dk6evuYG6PxP6DVECTLW0LHGZHQ/s320/wrap+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498779885721843730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Yum!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Then later this afternoon I broke out the good stuff:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmN_OobMmDkzS8ZLvDCD9W2OOY9tFbS_a3Kj3v03QyMOyqyt8pHCuvs87JRybaTknGYZmS9dZjW-VdrOfzIMwzUbePa_jYI90vBwMkCZOBNwoTik4jNOfzjea_7urw1Vy9MgKDvZkX6E/s1600/berries.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmN_OobMmDkzS8ZLvDCD9W2OOY9tFbS_a3Kj3v03QyMOyqyt8pHCuvs87JRybaTknGYZmS9dZjW-VdrOfzIMwzUbePa_jYI90vBwMkCZOBNwoTik4jNOfzjea_7urw1Vy9MgKDvZkX6E/s320/berries.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498780531892280242" border="0" /></a><br />Love summer fruit!! I left work and headed home knowing I'd probably have to eat before my workout. Decided to give myself a mini carb load with some pasta. I threw in some shredded soy cheese, hoping it would make it a little creamy, but it just stuck to the bottom of the pan! Lesson learned!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7J5FfqSN_aXchjXZSP5DNXbCqHQf2Y4hZTSa5Ml_rvIzZS5HfP66hEe_5q_zw9Qs_WW8Pn6m_EHpjLTM0dcA8vR8JAPHju1w3WjVAYt7RfxKHF4KXce3fs7rg2w-jaz2PI1dWYPfxz7E/s1600/pasta+dinner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7J5FfqSN_aXchjXZSP5DNXbCqHQf2Y4hZTSa5Ml_rvIzZS5HfP66hEe_5q_zw9Qs_WW8Pn6m_EHpjLTM0dcA8vR8JAPHju1w3WjVAYt7RfxKHF4KXce3fs7rg2w-jaz2PI1dWYPfxz7E/s320/pasta+dinner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498781059376549106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">whole wheat pasta w/ pesto & grape tomatoes<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Saved half for lunch tomorrow...can't wait! I should confess...there was a little of this going on while I was waiting for the water to boil...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjuELATNcvChJWjKmGDck6w4y2rYQoMuBhroQw6pG_BNIgJBF4ruRT3V0t5ooRYJJTP4_uQ-Nq7QtZwZ4NaDxjbuA5JY7Do4Zqch6WFpjGlNhSs1btMJxFyrC0APCg5MbB1_OMP4GmSw/s1600/dark+chocolate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjuELATNcvChJWjKmGDck6w4y2rYQoMuBhroQw6pG_BNIgJBF4ruRT3V0t5ooRYJJTP4_uQ-Nq7QtZwZ4NaDxjbuA5JY7Do4Zqch6WFpjGlNhSs1btMJxFyrC0APCg5MbB1_OMP4GmSw/s320/dark+chocolate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498781565458168914" border="0" /></a><br />Oops! But, I made up for my little indiscretion by moving up into the Phase 2 set of my workout video! Talk about a butt kicking! It was all the same routines as Phase 1, just faster and with an extra circuit of each set of moves. Holy sweat-fest! Oh, but it felt good!!!! Don't you just love when you push yourself for all you've got, nothing left on the floor except a puddle and a smile! Loved it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AeAcNcOPGHl3HGDMER-pMFCCs_oidtk-vWnDnKtnE8CZjyauUlmeNfLYtTrncBkU7CMbh67gptRNCdEnuAIx5Yi4H6ai-owvte5DytTqLn5NXcYZOEZlZfXhpOhJJQMicmmiaWO6yJ4/s1600/sweaty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AeAcNcOPGHl3HGDMER-pMFCCs_oidtk-vWnDnKtnE8CZjyauUlmeNfLYtTrncBkU7CMbh67gptRNCdEnuAIx5Yi4H6ai-owvte5DytTqLn5NXcYZOEZlZfXhpOhJJQMicmmiaWO6yJ4/s320/sweaty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498782341285484882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I wasn't kidding!<br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Well, I think that's all I've got for ya today! The shower is calling my name...<br /><br />Wait! Before you go...check out these two awesome giveaways today:<br /><a href="http://www.sideofsneakers.com/2010/07/27/giveaway-time/"><br />With a Side of Sneakers</a> is giving away a chocoholic's dream! <br /><br /><a href="http://runningdivamom.blogspot.com/2010/07/fox-river-socks-product-review-giveaway.html">Running Diva Mom</a> is giving away some awesome running socks!<br /><br />Hop over there and leave a comment!! See you kiddos tomorrow!<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107782614083110682.post-52560666762644426012010-07-27T10:32:00.003-05:002010-07-27T10:42:29.851-05:00Breaking News!!As I've kinda, sorta mentioned on here, I'm a coach for <a href="http://www.determined2stayfit.com/">Beach Body</a>. Well, I was on our National Call this morning (okay, it was the recorded one from yesterday, but I can't get on live because it's during my regular work hours!) and they made a HUGE announcement! They are starting a new program to encourage people to buy their fitness programs from a coach! Not only is it awesome that this company supports us coaches by giving us tools, training & inspiration every day, but now they are actually encouraging people to by from us rather than directly from their infomercials! That truly means a lot to me and shows me exactly what kind of company this is!<br /><br />It is called the Buy From a Coach Advantage Program and it is kicking off with Insanity. So, when you buy Insanity from a coach right now, you get a BONUS workout from Shaun T. called Fast & Furious. Talk about awesome! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4JXE30vrGjvP2UIOGiLqBzuJt886tL-YLyiN8kXo8w5CxWDIQM2beYJzvD97zkfuJ_s8J2C24Az6FR9DpDv1JX21BPi2zAkieyTayFdFhsVJGoeMgXWu9jshj8bkp2b5OIqObVwnB0g/s1600/shaun-t.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4JXE30vrGjvP2UIOGiLqBzuJt886tL-YLyiN8kXo8w5CxWDIQM2beYJzvD97zkfuJ_s8J2C24Az6FR9DpDv1JX21BPi2zAkieyTayFdFhsVJGoeMgXWu9jshj8bkp2b5OIqObVwnB0g/s320/shaun-t.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498610790157586290" border="0" /></a><br />Now, tell me you aren't ready to let THAT kick your butt all over the place!! So, if you are ready to try Insanity AND get an awesome BONUS workout, <a href="http://www.determined2stayfit.com">click here</a>! Just hit "Shop Team Beach Body" and you are good to go! If you know anyone who has been thinking about buying Insanity and doesn't already have a coach, pass the link on!!<br /><br />Oh yeah, they said they will be rolling this out with more programs too...so I'll keep you posted if Insanity isn't for you!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16702902616381845423noreply@blogger.com2