holiday weekend recap

On Saturday my family had the annual Hale Christmas party. I love my family and I’m very close to all my cousins, aunts and uncles. I love that we do this every year. And it is getting bigger and bigger every year!
My family always knows how to have a good time.
We started with dinner before breaking out the festivities.

I filled my plate with turkey, veggies, variety of different salads, orange roll and a white roll with raspberry butter. –>homemade rolls are amazing! B helped eat my plate so you know I went back for seconds! After our bellies were full, it was time for entertainment.
Courtesy of buddy the elf.

aka. My dad!!!!
He stayed in character the entire time. It was hilarious.
We played a few minute to win it games.
Hanging ornaments


With your partner or significant other you had to hang 3 ornaments on string without using your hands.
The 2nd game you had to hold a string in you mouth with a red puff ball on the end, put Vaseline on your nose and you have to flip the red puff up to stick to your nose without using your hands.

The 3rd game you tied a tissue box full of ornaments around your waist and you have to shake your booty. First one to empty the box wins!
Shake shake shake!!
The 4th game I didn’t get a picture of but they had to put a gingersnap cookie on their face and get it in their mouth without using your hands.
These games are sure to make you laugh till you cry!!
Then we had a special visitor!
B wouldn’t sit on Santa's lap but after a minute she warmed up to him.


T wasn’t to sure but was happy to get a gift.

We had a good time hanging out with our cousins!

This morning I got a quick 5 mile run in before heading over to GPP to complete this workout. – I love team workouts!

For breakfast I just had some egg scramble with butt load of vegetables.

5 egg whites, some yellow pepper, green pepper, green beans, onion, avocado and tomato.

Perfect start to a Monday!!!
Last night I made some whole grain-
 white chocolate cranberry cookies!
---->Recipe will be up later today!

Q. Do you like team workouts?
Q. What is your favorite “Minute to win it” game?

December Goals

Good Morning!! I started this morning off with this workout. I warmed up on the bike for about 20 minutes before tackling that beast. My hamstrings are  ALWAYS sore after those SLD. Tomorrow should be fun. It feels good to get up early again for a workout! Lately my A.M workouts have taken a backseat.. Cold weather, late nights, no goal motivation(races) to work for= Lazy Candice. Although, I have been getting my workouts in they have just been more of an afternoon thing.
I came home and made a quick egg scramble

4 egg whites + 1 yolk, tomato, spinach, yellow onion and mushrooms

Today we have the funeral to celebrate Brent’s grandfathers life so I’ll be quick

In order for me to get through this season I am going to plan out some goals I want to work on to keep me motivated. Last months challenges were awesome! And I did pretty well with sticking with them! Although I did miss 3 or 4 days of KB swings. Overall, I think I did pretty well!

December Goals!

1. Drink more WATER!! I used to be really good at this.. The past couple of weeks I have been lacking and I can feel and see the difference of not staying hydrated.
2. Get back in the pool! I miss the water and need to commit to swimming at least once a week! Even if it is 10 degrees outside.
3. Take a yoga class! NEED. I always put off stretching and end up regretting it when it comes down to an injury. I know how important it is to stretch to actually prevent injury.. and I think it will give me the “slow down” time my mind and body need during the holiday season.
4. Christmas Cards- We got our family pictures on Saturday. Lets just hope one turned out! So I can get them addressed and in the mail!
Q. What is one of your goals for December?

Mash of Meals

 

My computer is bi-polar.. either that or technology really hates me.

No lie. I seem to have issues everyday with a stereo, computer, IPhone, TV etc. Technology is out to get me.. or test my patience.. I’m sure of it.

source

Today, my pictures wouldn’t simply drag and drop into the post.. I restarted it and tried dragging them other places.. no luck.. all of a sudden (after I  vented about it on fb) it worked. Why do I have to try it a bazillion different ways until it finally succumbs to my stubbornness? I was not going to give up! I did yesterday though. After teaching double pump and back to back I couldn’t lift my arms and just went to bed.

I had a full intention to start “What I ate Wednesday” and it just didn’t work out.. I’ll try again next week. But I did snap a few pics.

I got my workout done early this morning and came home really wanting something sweet and cool. Orange Julius? Uh. yes.

While I was shopping the other day I passed the little crystal light packets and figured its been awhile since I have used them. Impulse buy I grabbed the sunrise classic orange flavor with orange Julius on my mind. Genius.

{Orange Julius Protein Shake}

This little packet added the perfect orangey punch to my protein shake. It was perfect. Sweet and creamy.. just like the real thing.

In the mix:

• 1.5 C. Vanilla Unsweetened Almond Milk
• Handful of Ice
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 packet sunrise classic orange crystal light
• 1 scoop Vanilla protein

So creeeaaaamy…

How could you resist? This would make a perfect dessert for my late night sweet tooth!

LUNCH:

A boring salad..

I love salads at lunch just because they come together so easily.

• Romaine
• Tomato
• Red pepper
• Tuna- Mixed with celery, Dijon mustard, Zero Cal Ranch dressing (found it at sunflower) and a little olive oil.

Mixed it all together and done!

I taught tonight and came home just wanting something quick and easy so of course a egg scramble sounded about right! Breakfast for dinner is always a winner!

5 egg whites, spinach, onion, red pepper, tomato, avocado, mushroom, and broccoli! Gotta LOVE my veggies!

I seasoned it with a little Mrs. Dash and I know its not the most appealing looking meal but it sure taste delicious and nutritious.

Of course this isn’t EVERYTHING I ate today! But by the looks of it, It was one of those days most of my meals were thrown together.. Mash of meals.. But if it works it works right?!

Q. What is your favorite food mash ups?

Early riser?

Good morning!!!
Lets just say my mornings have become a little more laid back since I completed my triathlon. Without a 5 am alarm clock to wake me up and get going I have been sleeping in as long as possible. Today, I was able to sleep until 8! Thank you babies!
Brent has been taking advantage of the early morning workout slot. I'm not going to lie, I kind of miss it.. there was just something about waking up, getting my workout done and getting some chores done around the house as well. A sense of accomplishment maybe?  I'm thinking that next week I'll be setting that alarm once again... But getting a little extra shut-eye has been appreciated after a year of waking up before the sun either for a workout or for two little early birds! Lets just hope I can drag myself out of my cozy bed just as I use to. Working out in the morning is my favorite time of the day to get it done!

For Breakfast I made a egg scramble with zucchini, onion, spinach and fresh garden tomatoes!! --> which I could eat like an apple! They are SO good!

Along side of a banana with almond butter.

Favorite kind of workout?

What is your favorite way to workout?  I love teaching Les Mills  because I love each program and pushing through each track to great music along with the energy of everyone in the room.
But  I think I have to admit my favorite type of workouts are interval workouts "for time". I love the challenge it is to push myself to complete every movement of the workout as fast as I can. Building a sweat in 20 minutes that is dripping off my face is a feeling of accomplishment for me. It doesn't take an hour of running to get that heart rate up and to feel like you had a good workout. Its fast and effective. They allow me to just focus in on me for that time. Yesterday's workout at GPP was just that. This tops in as one of my favorite workouts.

Flabaway


5 rounds for time:

20 situps
20 sideups R
20 sideups L
20 back ext
20 DB biceps curls 15/20
20 OH triceps ext 15/25
20 lunge steps
20 KB swings 25/35
400 m run

Give it a go! Plug in your earphones and shoot around the gym as fast as you can. You will love it!!
When your done go ahead and post your time here! 

I also really enjoy just running. Its something that I honestly really have to be in the mood for though. When I need to clear my head or its just been a tough day, hitting the pavement always seem to make me feel better.

What is your favorite way to workout?
 ---> Check out the poll I added on the side bar!!
Also, What is your favorite time of the day to get your workout in?--> Lets take a VOTE! 

READY SET GO! 

Also, guess who turned 14 months old yesterday!!!

Green Bean Fries.

This morning I woke up bright and early to get a few things ready to go before I leave today for the Red Rock Relay! 

Breakfast:
For breakfast I whipped up an egg scramble.. meant to be omelet meal.. with a pear on the side!

Apparently, you can't make omelets with huge broccoli florets in it, next time I won't be so lazy and chop them a little smaller;) 

Lunch:

For lunch I made a quick chicken salad served with green bean fries!

Sweet Potato fries, Zucchini Fries, and now Green bean fries. I originally saw these on Julies blog and have been wanting to make them for awhile now. Although, when I went to make them I didn't search her blog on how she made them and just went for it. I made them a little differently... but here is how she made them. PS she has the cutest blog and its so fun to read!

Yesterday I received my bountiful basket with a whole bag of fresh green beans!

These are simple to make and delicious.

Green Bean Fries

Ingredients:

• Green beans --desired amount
• Olive oil
• Sea Salt

Directions:

Pre heat your oven to 350
Wash your green beans and remove ends
Place green beans on a cookie sheet
Spray with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
Bake for 15-20 minutes

Note: the longer they are in there the crispier they will be.
These make a great side dish to any meal!

Enjoy!

I'm off to clean the kitchen after making some granola!  And then of course finish packing because of course I didn't finish this morning as planned...and I'm leaving in a hour!!  Better Go!
Have a good weekend!!!

Q. Anyone else have a race this weekend? Or what is something fun you have planned?

**Winner Winner**

 Good Morning!! I can't believe my triathlon is TOMORROW!! I totally have the race nerves going on.. and I still have 24 hours till go time! I woke up pretty early for a easy & quick 3 mile run and called it good! I'm planning on relaxing till I have to squeeze myself into that wetsuit.. (which I tried on last night and it took me a good 20 minutes to get on and off.) I Hope someone will be willing to help peel that bugger off me before the bike!
Breakfast!
Welcome back EGG SCRAMBLE! Its been a little while since I have whipped one of these up!

4 Egg whites, with some roasted veggies from last nights dinner with a garden tomato and diced avocado!  some I enjoyed some raspberries on the side and of course I snacked on a few while my eggs were cooking... I also had my regular half of a banana with some almond butter pre-workout. 

get your hot eggs!

So good! Now its time to head off and do the work thang! But first how about I reveal the winner of the Vita CoCo giveway!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:34Powered by RANDOM.ORG

CONGRATS!!

Sadi!

Travis Sadi and Taiya said...

The pineapple flavor is my absolute Fav but I would love to try the tangerine!! Yum!!

August 25, 2011 7:12 AM 

Please email me your address pronto :)
Thanks to everyone who entered! More giveaways to come!!!


Q. Any fun plans this weekend?
Im going to "tri" not to drown, crash, or trip;)

Heavy Lifting?

Happy Tuesday!! Glad you guys are liking the Hawaii re-cap post! In case you missed the them, 

Here is Day 1 and day 2

Breakfast was a quick egg scramble with a side of a grapefruit and some blueberries! 

Egg Scramble had 4 egg whites, broccoli, onion and spinach. 

After getting some things done around the house I headed out to get my workout done at GPP, I love strength days. There is something about being able to put your mind into the muscle and just focus on the one muscle your working to change. By lifting as heavy as you can and taking a break between sets. You get a little more chat time with friends as well ;)

Recently I received an email asking why I lift heavy weights? and why am I not afraid that I will bulk up. 

My answer? 

Lifting heavy does not mean you will turn into a hulk! That is a complete myth. 

What you will get is definition, lean & tone muscle! No, your arms wont get bigger & no you won't gain weight. Strength training actually assist you to burn calories not only in the weight room but as you go through your entire day! 

So don't be afraid to get hang out with the boys in the weight room. Try to lift heavier then them..haha! 

Today post-workout the green smoothie RETURNS! Oh, how I missed them! Hawaii doesn't have a lot of spinach unless you cut off your arm and leg for it. Okay, food in general is just expensive on the islands.

oh how I missed you..

This green smoothie was very refreshing after my workout! And no, protein smoothies will never get old;)

In this mix, 

• 1 scoop of chocolate protein
• 1 c. Almond milk unsweetened milk
• Frozen banana
• handful of spinach
• 6-7 ice cubes

***Tomorrow, I have the opportunity to do a segment on a local news station!! I am very excited for it. It will air about 8:50am on Fox 13 for all my local readers. This will be my first appearance on live TV. Wish me luck!! 

Off to boot camp!

Q. Are you a Cardio Queen or a Power lifter? Maybe both?

wedding day!

Today started quick and early! I woke up bright and early and headed to teach Body Pump then to GPP for this workout! I was driiiiiiiiping sweat! That's when you know you got a good workout in! I love the challenge it gave me, my shoulders were already a little sore and now I'm not sure how I am supposed to pick up my children. Needless to say, motherhood called... I came home to two sleeping babies, Brent had to go run a errand for work, so I made a post-recovery shake! I love love shakes and smoothie bowls especially in the summer! It fills those ice cream/milkshake cravings that hit full force with the heat.

In the mix

1.5 Cup of almond milk unsweetened vanilla

handful of frozen blueberries

4 frozen strawberries

1 scoop vanilla elite protein

1 handful of spinach

4-5 ice cubes

Xanthan gum (for thickening)

This baby was THIIIICK! Just the way I like it.. uh huh uh huh! I quickly drank my shake, jumped in the shower, got the babes bathed and ready all before 9am. That is some sort of record... I'm talkin' hair done, makeup, babies hair etc.. phew. I'm tired just reviewing my morning! 

We dropped off the babies with grandma and headed to the wedding ceremony for Brents brother. Everything went smoothly and Janey was absolutely beautiful (as always). 

Just Muuuurried! 

Hi. meet the family. 

The luncheon was shortly after in which I kind of just walked in and out of due to the invite from my sister in-law to get a pedicure, Since it was a special occasion and we leave for Hawaii in 2 days!! I was in desperate need for one. I jumped at the chance! Missing lunch I quickly snacked on a apple and one of these

Love the taste and it held me over (barely) till I could get some actual food in my belly.. but I enjoyed the pedicure fully...

mmmmm.. feet. 

The lady massaged my calfs and I think I would of paid her double to keep doing it for 5 more minutes. It was heavenly. 

I came home and was craving a chicken salad, but I didn't have any grilled chicken in my fridge and need something quick cause I needed time to blog, (duh!) clean up and get the babies ready again... (in dress & suit) So I opted for a egg scramble!

Green Beans

4 egg whites

some onion

tomato 

broccoli 

Not so pretty, I know but it had veggies, protein, & healthy fats (all of which I include in each of my meals everyday). Off to the reception! For dinner? Most likely sorbet, candy and wedding cake! .. I'll let you know ;) 

Hope your having a great day so far!

Q. Whats your go to snack to keep you from starving while on the go?

Q. Do you eat something at every meal? Even if it isn't part of your actual meal?

I always snack while things are cooking, right now my favorite is piece of a frozen banana with a bit of almond  butter.