creating a healthy lifestyle for mothers and women everywhere

Friday, July 8, 2011

baby love.

Last night I was up pretty late working on my to-do list and when my alarm went off at 5am I didn't even hear it! The second alarm went off at 5:30 and I groaned. Just not ready to get up yet, I think I require at least 7 hours to function.. but with everything I want/need to do today I had to get up to get my workout in! (I can sleep on the plane right?) I got to GPP for the 5:45am class, I love getting the workouts in nice and early, especially on run days because the sun isn't blazing and the weather is PERFECT! THIS is the workout we did along with a 1 mile run. I changed the run for a 5 miler. I don't want to jinx myself but my foot felt okay from my last run so I went for it! My garmin battery was low :( Usually, I'm all about keeping track of my pace while running. I like to challenge myself to be faster each mile... But today I just enjoyed it. I took it easy and I enjoyed each and every step. I think my hamstrings enjoyed that favor.. ;) The key to running... just keep one foot in front of the other till you cross the finish line.. I got home with just enough time to shower quick and make my shake to get out the door for work!

1.5 C. Almond Milk
4 frozen strawberries
handful of blueberries 
5-6 ice cubes
1 scoop of vanilla elite protein
1 tsp of cinnamon
1 handful of spinach


I grabbed 5 boiled eggs to snack on while I was at work.. and I was smrt and mixed my boiled eggs with my raw eggs and so I couldn't tell which was which.. but Brent taught me a trick..

SPIN the egg! 
Boiled eggs spin Fast and Raw spin slow!
who knew?

I snagged the boiled ones and sped to work. Leaving Brent with this smiling face.
Cheeeese!

After work I got home and went to visit my friend at the hospital who just had a baby girl!! She is a doll! Literally, I held her and couldn't believe how perfect she was! All 4lbs and 6oz of her! 
I love each and every one of these girls! Congrats Lauren! She is so precious!


Lunch today was pretty much a repeat of last nights dinner!

Off to finish some last minute things before we leave!
ALOHA!

Q. Do you compete with yourself on your runs? Garmin nazi?






Thursday, July 7, 2011

meet mom & dad #2

After tackling my mile long to-do list.. which is still about that long... sigh* Do any of you start something but kind of half finish it? Yep, thats me... I feel like a have a pile here, a pile there... etc. For example, here is few things that I got done or almost done on my list!


  • Laundry- Washed.. took upstairs. I have yet to fold and put away..
  • Clean Bathrooms- Mirrors check, counters, check. Toilets......
  • Vacuum 
  • Mop/sweep kitchen- did it. Then T&B spilled syrup that I had hiding in the pantry from our Christmas party.. Now my floor is sticky and so were they.. Put I got to cross off dishes.. 

  • Teach Pump
  • Dishes- see...
  • Find Maxi dress- FAIL, 3 stores and nada... 
  • Pack- ha. 
  • Create posts for next week Pictures taken. Now to type. +1 more recipe to create! 
  • Find Subs- 2 no's and about 10 no response. #expected. 
  • Pick up Invites and address for twinners birthday- Never made it.. must get in mail before we leave! 


AND this is only the first half..  I have to work in the morning, so as soon as I leave I best be getting to it.
with a little help of course...
After Pump tonight! Which was a great class! (Hi Cindy!!) It flew by quickly.. it was a smaller class today full of a few regulars so we were able to chat about non-pump things in between tracks.. such as the casey anthony case (crazy sauce), the fact my hair was somewhat manageable looking,  oh and of course form and technique... ;)
After class I hurried home because Mom & Dad #2 were coming over to eat some grub & learn the twinners nightly routine!

Meet the most gracious, helpful, amazing couple EVER! Matt and Jaclyn have been friends of ours since High School! Jac and I danced together in High school!  At our birthday party last week she totally jumped at the chance to tend the babes (in fact she offered!) & I honestly feel 100% comfortable leaving T & B with them! They both love them and aren't hesitate at all! Which is amazing since B has become a bit more clingy to mommy lately. I prepared a feast, okay, not really just the usual dinner around these parts. 
Salad- Made by Jaclyn! 
Strawberry/Blueberry combo
Grilled Chicken and Salmon
Sweet Potato fries (HOW-TO Post Coming Soon!)
Veggies via steamable packet.




I originally planned on making some brownies to but didn't get to it. Maybe tomorrow? (just add it to the list!)
I'm off to write up a few blog post to share while I'm gone AND also I have some AMAZING guest post for you all to keep you entertained and hopefully I'll be able to pop in a few times while we are in Kaui! (rumor has it there may be free wi-fi!)

Q. Is anyone else a halfer to doer? (if that makes sense?) 

Q. New Maxi dress?, Hat?, New Sunglasses?, or swimmer? Which do you prefer before a fun trip?


I'm counting down...

Hey friends! I have two days till we leave for Hawaii!
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I actually haven't announced, that we decided not to take the twinners! After several tweet and facebook conversations asking for YOUR input the majority.. okay, practically everyone advised us to leave them home. I made a list of pros and cons, and as much as we would LOVE to have them with us, traveling will be easier, packing, suntime, naptimes etc. will be more enjoyable. We are going to take the week to relax and enjoy being baby free and actually doing some of our favorite activities TOGETHER!! I feel as if this last year we just haven't gotten to do much as a couple so this will be a trip to remember!

 I can't wait! But my to-do list is a mile long! Our friends who are so SO kind to take T & B for the week are staying at our house so the babies will be in a familiar environment. So I want to make sure they have everything they need.
I went to bed last night with the intention to get a good nights rest, but my mind would not turn off! I kept thinking of all the things I had to get done and I tossed and turned till a eventually fell asleep around 2! Then I woke up by myself about 6 so I just got up and started crossing things off my to-do list! At about 7 everyone was still asleep so I figured I'd go get my workout in at GPP,  On the way out the door I snacked on half of a banana with some Homemade Cinnamon Chocolate Almond Butter! + a finger dip.. or two. (This stuff is delicious!
not actual picture.. but you get the point right? ccab is  def. chocolaty looking! 

Recipe coming soon!!!

Along with a handful of mixed nuts I was out the door. 
We did this workout today! KILLLLER! I felt great! There was a 400 m run X5 in this workout and my foot felt great!!! Thanks to my brother in law who is practically a Dr. and the new foam roller that I received last week!
When I got back home I of course whipped up a recovery protein shake
Chocolate for Breakfast?- Yes please!

  • 1 scoop of chocolate elite protien
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 5-7 ice cubes
  • 1.5 C. almond milk
  • pinch of each: gaur gum/ xanthan gum
  • 1 tbs of cocoa powder unsweetened
  • 2 handfuls of spinach! (spinach ALWAYS makes my shakes a funky color, mostly green if you + berries usually gray)







 and took a little time on this sweet deal. I am LOVING my foam roller and highly recommend them if you are a runner or athlete! My hips get sore from running and I have knots that require a LOT of pressure to undo. This hurts in a good way!

Q. Do you foam roll?

Q. Hawaii Ideas? (if your a new reader, tell me the must do's in Hawaii!)

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

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. 



Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Wedding and Aloha!

Hey guys! Hope you are having a great day! Its been a little cloudy and windy here but I was able to tackle my to do list! (That is a mile long) This week is a little crazy, but there is a happy ending!
Tomorrow Brent's youngest brother gets married!                                                                                                 The sister's are in charge of the candy bar at the wedding so we traveled around salt lake picking up bulk candy anywhere we could! We got gummy bears, taffy, kisses, and jelly beans! Not to mention, ribbon, bags etc. We got everything and tonight we are decorating the reception hall! Busy times. Don't worry Janey, we totally planned on procrastinating...
The actual happy ending I was talking about is that we are going to HAWAII on Saturday!!  okay.. the wedding is a big deal to.. we are going to have the honeymooners with us as well :) lucky them.
Its our family vacation with Brent's side, I am SOOO excited! We will be visiting the Island of Kauai. Does anyone have any recommendations for must-do's? Places to eat? etc? So far we have...

  • Kayaking
  • Hiking
  • Cliff Jumping (eeek!)
  • Rope swing
  • Shaved Ice
  • Scuba diving
This will be our second trip to Hawaii, I love the islands and the people there. If you have been there before, what did you do?                                                                                                                                             We are going to make the best of this trip!                                                                                                     Dinner came together pretty quick tonight- Chicken and Veggie bowl.      

                                                                         The Bowl

In the mix: Green beans, Romain lettuce, Spinach, Cucumber, onion, tomato and 2 strawberries. I love the fresh crisp of veggies in my salad. Drizzled with TJ's Raspberry vinaigrette dressing this salad was perfect for tonight!                                                                                                                                                         Off to DECORATE!!!

We're baaaaaack!

Oh hey!!! I love the fourth of JULY! I love spending time up at the cabin (for those of you who guessed.) with family, roasting marshmallows, hanging out on the paddle boat, fireworks and the rodeo! Doesn't get much better! But I also love coming back home and getting back on schedule (the twinners appreciate this just as much) And settling back into normalcy. Here are a few pics from our crazy weekend!
T&B's FIRST RODEO! They loved it! We even were able to teach them how to MOOOO! & whenever they saw the cows they would Moooo! 



T and I swinging on the swing! He could spend HOURS on the swing. He loves it!

We even hung out for a little while in the paddle boat! Since my babies don't like water I was a little nervous but they did great! 


Since the fourth fell on a monday we packed up and headed home! When we arrived home Brent and I both decided due to the holiday we would have a BBQ! Its a must!

On the menu?

Turkey Burgers with all the fixings!
Grilled Asparagus
Sweet Potato Fries 
Grilled Peaches!

TURKEY BURGERS

I only had about a Quarter pound of Lean Ground Turkey so I added the following
1/2 C. Old fashioned oats
1/3 C. Oat flour
1 egg white
1 tbsp of  Rosemary
1 Tbsp of Oregano 

I mashed it all together and formed two perfectly sized patties!  Everything came together beautifully! I topped my patty on a bed of lettuce with tomato, onion (the size of your head).. cucumbers, with a smear of grape seed veganaise 
My plate

His Plate


GRILLED PEACHES?

Grilled Peaches are the bomb. They are so simple and become the sweetest thing you will ever eat. I sliced the peach in half and covered with agave nectar and placed it on the grill. The Agave becomes like a glaze and is simply perfection! 

We ended the night by relaxing out in our backyard watching all of our neighbors fireworks... (hey free, is free..) and once our backyard neighbors were done we went out front and watched others. (The fireworks that shoot up in the air just became legal in Utah so they were shooting over the housetops for us to see) It was so fun and I didn't have to burn up my own money.. haha! Thanks neighbors! ;)

Q. What is a MUST for your 4th of July Celebration? or for my Canadian readers how do you celebrate Canada Day?

Q. Grilled FRUIT? Grilled VEGGIES? Whats your fav?


Friday, July 1, 2011

june in review

First off, Thank you to everyone for your sweet tweets and and messages from our family video! I do love it and it is something that I will cherish forever because I think it completely captured T & B in this perfect little stage that I love.  I never want them to grow up... Can't they just stay this way forever?

Back to business..

HAPPY JULY!!
source

I can't believe how fast June went by!! But I am happy that July is here, it is my favorite month of the year!
Summer
Swimming
Fireworks
BBQ's
Twins First Birthday
Handcart day parade
S'mores
Vacations
& the list could go on! I simply just love it! Lets recap some of June!


Fun Events

Ragnar
My birthday
Combined Birthday party
Family Pictures

Recipes

PP cream
PB granola via julie
Spaghetti Shrimp
low-carb Waffles
no cereal- cereal
Chia chocolate shake
Flourless cupcakes
Personal Pan Pizza


Its been a fun month! But I have been waiting for July all year! We have a family Vacation planned to go to HAWAII! Right after Brents brother gets married! The wedding is on wednesday next week and we leave for hawaii on Saturday!! ALOHA!

Yesterday's workout was one of my favorite upper body workouts. Today's workout at GPP was all about lower body! I have a feeling I am going to be very sore tomorrow! Thanks to JP leg shredder.



Four rounds of:
 20 BTB squats  (squats that begin and end in the bottom of the movement)
rest 30 sec
then,
Four rounds per side of:
20 SLD 15/20
rest 30 sec
then, 
Four rounds of:
20 heel raises
rest 30 sec

then, 
200 walking lunges

As with yesterdays workout..scale as needed! This workout has a very high sore factor! Be sure to stretch, foam roll and consume A LOT of water to help with recovery.

We are going to my favorite place again this weekend! Any Guesses!! 
I'm off to pack for four!!