Christmas Gift Guide for the Runner.

Christmas shopping can be a little daunting every year. I, for one love giving gifts but I DO NOT enjoy buying gifts to just get a gift. Do you know what I mean? I like to put some thought into my gifts and get the person something they will really use throughout the year instead of a gift without meaning that I just bought because I had to.
So for all of you that have a runner in the family or fitness enthusiast, here are a few ideas to help you out. You may even find a few things that you want to add to your wish list!
*Please note: These are not in any particular order and each item I recommend is not affiliated with the blog and I am not getting paid to “advertise” any one item. They are simply things I enjoy and love from personal experience and or lust.
1. Sleeves!! Zensah sleeves are compression sleeves. Which help circulation and aid in recovery.
Calf sleeves

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2. Lulu tank, sweater, jacket, wunder unders is something you can NEVER go wrong with. Little pricier so make sure you really love that person. Because you may bring tears to their eyes.

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3. Medal display hangers!
I found these on etsy via pinterest and realized how awesome it would be to have all my medals hung neatly and not on the corner of my dresser mirror… I also think it would be an easy DIY project and your gift receiver would be oober impressed.

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4. Running gloves
I can’t tell you enough how much I love wearing gloves in the winter/fall when running. I hated finishing a long run and not being able to use my fingers to get my car key out of an itty bitty pocket to get in my car and blast the heat.. I have under armor ones that I love but these are similar!

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5. Books-Intense dedicated runners like to read about running.. its about as addicting as actual running is.
So get them a subscription to my favorite running magazine. It’s the gift the just keeps on giving!! Right now they have a special.. $9.97 for 12 months.. SIGN ME UP! *hint hint hubby lub.

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or a book about running (there is like a zillion)

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6. Book a massage! Now, a sports massage would be in the top of all gifts to get ANY athlete, lazy person, grandparent, spouse etc.
Massages should be a weekly thing really.. If I had the finances I know I would!!
7. Running Socks- Yes, they exist and once you run in high quality running socks you will never go back to the 10 pack from costco ever, ever again.
And I know its kind of going to be kind of silly to actually give someone socks for Christmas.. but your runner-gift-receiver person will appreciate you greatly.. and think about you every time they slip on their special running socks.

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Hopefully, that gave you some stellar ideas on what to get the runner in the fam or even maybe surprise yourself with a little somethin, somethin.
You might be interested:

• You remember how I went to IMAZ to cheer my friend on and I have been procrastinating the post ever since because I simply can’t find the words to describe the feeling and emotion I experienced even though I wasn’t even in the race?! Yes, well there is no better way to hear it, then from the Ironman HERself!! Liz, honestly is one of the most amazing individuals I know. She is just the kind of person you want as a friend for your whole life. I admire her SO much and can’t thank her enough for how much she does for me and how she has impacted my life for the better! Check out her IMAZ rundown HERE!
• 
  Exercise for health. The Demotion of Exercise- By Neil Anderson
• DIY- Workout headband via fitsugar

Multigrain Waffles

Yesterday we pulled out the Christmas décor and set up the tree. We stringed the lights, hung the balls and placed the star on top.

Then the babies woke up from their nap..and now its left like this…

mmm.. good thing they twinners aren’t any taller or I’d be a bit worried about the star.

ooomph.

Any ideas on how to baby proof a tree?

Multi-grain waffles

*slightly adapted from here

I had some extra buttermilk in my fridge from making these muffins and couldn’t let it go to waste right? Brent requested waffles for breakfast so I got to work and got down to business. I don’t use buttermilk ever. Really, its just not something I regularly pick up at the grocery store.. kind of like butter or sugar. I came up with a perfect multi-grain waffle

Ingredients:

 

2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ

2 1/2 tbs ground flaxseed
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup agave nectar
1 tbs olive oil
2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Mix buttermilk and oats in a medium bowl; let sit for about 15 minutes.

Mix whole-wheat flour, flaxseed, wheat germ, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl with a whisk.

In another bowl combine- eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla into the oat mixture. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients; mix with a rubber spatula until well combined.

spray a waffle iron with pam/olive oil. Spoon in enough batter to cover three-fourths of the surface (about 2/3 cup for an 8-by-8-inch waffle iron).

I apparently had issues on round one

Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter.

Top with favorite toppings and serve

 

The babies gobbled these up! And I had plenty of left overs for breakfast tomorrow! I freeze them and the next day I just toss them in my toaster for a quick breakfast. I’m telling you. If eggo didn’t already create this idea I would of made millions.

Q. How do you baby proof a tree? barb wire? electric fence? I’m totally kidding.. but really thinking about a baby gate!

Thanksgiving Stuffing

In my thanksgiving prep post I mentioned that I was also in charge of making some additional stuffing for our thanksgiving meal.

I have never made stuffing before! I started searching for a perfect stuffing recipe through pinterest, blogs, cookbooks and I couldn’t settle on one recipe that I could make. Mostly because I was missing one or two ingredients or they required a little more work that I simply just didn’t have time for.

I decided to just wing it and make it myself! Its not like there was 30 people depending on quality stuffing right? eeek.

Good thing I’m a confident brave soul in the kitchen sometimes. And sometimes my recipes turn out.

Here we go!

Thanksgiving stuffing

 

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of white bread
• 8 slice of wheat bread
• 2 Tbs. Olive Oil
• 1/2 purple onion
• 2 small yellow squash
• 2 medium size apples (I used gala)
• 1 C. mushrooms diced
• 4 Celery Stalks chopped
• 3 1/2 C. low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 C. Apple Cider

Directions:

Lightly toast each slice of bread in toaster

Cut toast into small bite size squares

Pre-heat oven 350 degrees

Sauté all vegetables in skillet with 2 TBS Olive Oil till soft

In large saucepan combine Apple juice, vegetable broth

Bring to boil

Combine vegetables and toast squares

Mix well

Transfer to 9x13 glass pan

Cover with tinfoil and bake for 20 minutes

After the 20 minutes remove the cover and continue to bake for 15 minutes.

Serve warm!

I have to say it turned out better then expected! With husband approval we brought it to the party and it was completely devoured!! I was glad since I kind of just winged it, but after looking at millions of recipes I at least had some sort of idea of what to shoot for. I’m so happy it turned out well!

Someone was verrrrry patient waiting for the stuffing! While the stuffing was baking I decided to make some extra yams that I had on hand before they grew arms and legs and walked away.

I peeled, chopped and boiled them and then sprayed them with a little olive oil and sprinkled cinnamon over them. Simple, healthy and delicious!

 

Our thanksgiving was spent with Brent's family and it was a complete hit! Everyone pitched in and we had a mountain of food available with plenty of leftovers for the week!

 

Q. What is your favorite part of the thanksgiving meal?

I’d have to say the turkey! I eat a lot of chicken and fish because they are easy and quick. But a turkey, its like a once/twice a year thing. Maybe one year I’ll be in charge of the turkey.. I might just be wingin’ it though.

Thanksgiving Prep!

For thanksgiving I was put in charge of a few things.

• Cranberry Sauce
• Biscuits
• Pumpkin pie
• Stuffing

I have never made my own stuffing or cranberry sauce before so I did what anyone would and turned to pinterest, other blogs, and Google search.

After spending way to many hours drooling over so many delicious looking recipes I jotted down my favorites I got to work!

Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 C. Cranberries
• 1 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbs smart balance butter
• 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 c. chopped pecans
• 6 tbs. orange juice

Mix all ingredients in large sauce pan

Cover with lid and bring to boil over med-high

Until cranberries pop, usually takes about 3-4 minutes

Uncover and keep on med- low

Allow to thicken 6-8  minutes

Cool and serve!

This made my house smell just like Christmas. Yes, Christmas.

Pumpkin Pie

This was the easiest pumpkin pie I have ever made!! It literally takes 2 minutes! I discovered this little diddy from Meghan who found it from someone else.. & I couldn’t find that blog again..

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of Pumpkin puree
• 1 Cup Plain Greek yogurt
• 1 pkg. Butterscotch sugar-free pudding mix
• 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
• 1 graham cracker crust (or you can make your own)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl

Transfer into pie crust

Spread evenly

Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving

Simple!!

This pie also packs a protein punch! Low-cal and Low-fat! Can’t go wrong with that!

Cranberry whole wheat buttermilk biscuits

 

I found the recipe here.

 

I used a heart shape cookie cutter and they turned out fabulous!!

They were also quite simple and quick to make!

ANNNNNND the Stuffing.. I’m in the process of making right now!! I must say finding a recipe for stuffing was tough. In fact I spent so much time searching for one that I actually had all the ingredients on hand that I gave up and am going to just go for it! Hope it turns out!

Enjoy your Thanksgiving meals!!

P.S Ironman in Arizona, Tempe--- WAS AMAZING!! I’m still processing the experience and I have to admit that there are NO words that can explain the feeling of being at an Ironman. I was so inspired by each and every athlete! I will post about it soon!

P.P.S. My internet has been lagging lately hence the lack of post! My deepest apologies. But ya got two today. And it’s a holiday. Word.

Grateful

Today I am grateful for where I am in this life.
I am grateful for having such a wonderful husband who works hard to support our family and his never ending understanding to put up with me.


I am grateful for my children and their sweet personalities and the joy they bring to my life each and every day.

I am grateful for my family. My step-mom, dad and siblings. Including all my in-laws for their never ending love and support.



I am grateful for great friends and their inappropriate texts, never ending laugh fest and amazing understanding and friendship.


I’m grateful for my health and the ability and strength I have to do what I love every day.

I love thanksgiving because it is that one day of the year I actually sit back and reflect on the important things in life. Oh yes, and eat way to much pie, turkey and more pie.


And finally, I am thankful for all of you. Thank you for your contribution and support to bodyofamother! I read each and every comment, email, tweet and give thanks for every single one of you. I can't tell you all enough how much you guys inspire me each day. Thank you!!
Enjoy today, enjoy being with your family and friends. Be thankful for everything and everyone around you!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Pizza is a vegetable

The U.S congress has officially gone nuts.

I think I will give them a high five.. to the face.. with a freaking chair.

Have you read this?

Are they actually serious?

Does this mean I can smear 2 tbs of tomato paste on a bar of chocolate and call it a vegetable? Or how about my garlic bread?

Oh and I guess spaghetti can now be called a vegetable?!

Or do you think they are they labeling pizza as a vegetable only to allow it as a school lunch?

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Either way.. America is laughing.

I’m sorry lawmakers.. if it didn’t come from the ground its NOT a vegetable.. in any processed way or form.

I’m going to go have myself a piece of vegetable tonight!

Actually.. I’m off to witness this.

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And I can’t wait!

Q. What food are you going to now label a vegetable with your additional 2 tbs of tomato paste?

Q. What are your thoughts about this decision?

Q. Would you ever do an ironman?

Twilighted

Last night I went to a movie for the first time in 16 months!
Embarrassing and true.
The last movie I went to was actually the last twilight movie! I was also 9 months pregnant!
I must say it was a bit more enjoyable this time around without 4 legs in my ribs. But I could totally relate to Bella though
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I had a fun time with my sister and the girls!

Side note: My sister and I actually went to the WRONG theater at first and had to high tail across town…towns..We made it RIGHT on time. Phew!
I enjoyed the movie though.. Can’t wait for part 2!!
Want to know something else that’s kind of creepy?

My other sister.. looks just like Bella!
Crazy right?! She doesn’t seem to think so.. but if I had to pick between the two I'm not sure if I could do it... my sister does have a better personality though..
Yesterday, I picked this up at the grocery store and figured it would help make my chocolate protein shakes a little more chocolaty.

FAIL.
That my friends does not taste like chocolate at all.
AT ALL.
We got a new protein powder to try out but it doesn’t seem to really have the chocolate taste I want.

Nothing a little cocoa wouldn’t fix though.


A girl has got to have chocolate.

looks weird in that last pic? But it was delicious!
In this mix

Double Chocolate Protein Shake

• 1 scoop chocolate protein
• 1.5 C. chocolate almond milk
• Ice
• 1/2 banana
• 1 tbs unsweetened Cocoa
• handful of spinach
• pinch of xanthan gum

I love chocolate. love.
Q. Have you seen twilight yet? Did you read the books?
I read the 1st book.. that’s all. Once I found out they were going to make movies I gave up.. the movies mess with my imagination and I end up being disappointed with the movie. So this go around I’m just watching the movies and actually enjoyed this one!
Q. Are you a celebrity look alike?
I have heard I look like Miley Cyrus.. um. no. I . don’t.