My best accomplishment this month, possibly this year.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
New challenge: 100 Push ups
The goal is to do 100 good form push ups by the end of 8 weeks. Considering I can barely hit 5, this will be an awesome project. I'll take my initial test on June 30th and then start the training on July 4th. This is really coming at a good time for me, since I've just been told I can't run for the next 7 to 10 days, at least. My hip bursitis is back and that means physical therapy and really easing back into the running game. I really hope to be good to start back in 2 to 4 weeks, since I have another race the end of September. So, along with this challenge, I'll be doing Yoga and more strength training, until I get the ok to go back to running.
Who's with me?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Fourth of July Recipes
June Photo Challenge Day 27
4 by the 4th: Week 2
Here's the plan for Week 2!
Monday - yoga and 1 mile run
Tuesday - 2+ miles run/strength
Wednesday - yoga
Thursday - 2+ miles run/strength
Friday - rest day/long walk
Saturday - 3+ miles run/strength
Sunday - yoga/abs
Monday - WEIGH IN!
I will do this. And, I already have the next challenge on my mind. Starts July 16th thru Labor Day. Sounds like an awesome challenge!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
4 in 4: Week 1 - Updated
The Plan
Monday - Jillian Michael's Yoga MeltdownTuesday - cross training with Jenny
Wednesday - easy run (2 miles) & yoga
Thursday - speed work
Friday - yoga
Saturday - long run (3 miles)
Sunday - OFF
Updated to what really happened:
Monday - Yoga
Wednesday - run
Friday - Yoga
Saturday - run/walk 3.6 miles
I'll weigh in tomorrow morning and see what the scale says!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
New Favorite (Healthy?) Cheap Snack
Last night I made Taco Salad for dinner. Instead of using Tostitos (mainly because I forgot to buy them) and made my own. Really simple and so good!
Take the tortillas and cut them into eighths, then sprinkle them with olive oil (the Pampered Chef mister works well) and some salt. 10 minutes in the oven at 350, rotating the pan front to back half way through.
Yum! I think next time I may sprinkle them with some lime juice.
June Photo Challenge Day 21
This was really hard, but I'm going with this calm picture. It looks like there are some clouds but they are wispy and the bright blue is coming through. While there are frequent (and small!) trials in my life, the goodness always comes through.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
June Photo Challenge Day 20
/ˈboʊkə/ boh-kə,[1] Japanese: [boke]) is the blur, or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image, or "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light." (wikipedia)
I'm really not sure if this is bokeh or not, but its a little blurry and its cute!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
June Photo Challenge Day 17
I'm cheating a little bit, since I didn't take this picture. But I love it! And I will give credit to the photographer .... my 2 1/2 year old son, Declan.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
4 by the 4th
How?
- Keep up the running. Aiming for 7 mi a week.
- Cross-training is important! Looking at doing yoga, strength training, or the machines at the gym. Aiming for 90 minutes a week.
- Continue eating healthy
Who's with me for this quick and easy challenge?
30 Day Challenge - COMPLETE
1. Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred - I did pretty good with this. Honestly, I'm just not a fan of circuit training or workout videos. But I need to work on this, so it will probably play a role in my next challenge. Its an excellent program, though.
2. Spend 15 minutes a day in devotional time - I rocked this part! I feel better about life most days than I have before. I am happy, settled, and content.
3. Running 3 to 4 days a week according to my training plan - I have made some awesome progress with my running. I need to look at the big picture and see how far I have come instead of how far I want to go. The most important thing is that I am doing it. A bad run is still better than no run.
4. Eating healthy - we have been doing pretty good with this. I still count my calories using myfitnesspal.com and I've been coming in under 9 days out of 10. I've discovered our biggest challenge is when we're travelling or eating out. But that is another thing to work on!
2. Spend 15 minutes a day in devotional time - I rocked this part! I feel better about life most days than I have before. I am happy, settled, and content.
3. Running 3 to 4 days a week according to my training plan - I have made some awesome progress with my running. I need to look at the big picture and see how far I have come instead of how far I want to go. The most important thing is that I am doing it. A bad run is still better than no run.
4. Eating healthy - we have been doing pretty good with this. I still count my calories using myfitnesspal.com and I've been coming in under 9 days out of 10. I've discovered our biggest challenge is when we're travelling or eating out. But that is another thing to work on!
Results
Down 4 lbs and feeling so much better!
Can't wait to start my next challenge.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Day 29
Tomorrow morning is the 30th Day of my 30 Day Challenge. I can't wait to see what the big results are! I guess its time to find another challenge. I will search and start this new challenge on the 20th.
Pool Fun
Today I took the kids to the pool. They had so much fun. Abigail likes to lean up against the wall and watch Declan run around. When it was break time, they had some snacks. Declan insisted I should go swimming during the "grown up swim time." He said he'd watch me swim.
Its days like today when I have so much fun simply playing with the kids that I love being able to stay home. I really hope this was a glimpse into how awesome the rest of their childhood will be.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
A Weekend to Remember
This the awesome shot system the Afghani's have. Ok, they use it for holy water and we totally disrespected that by pouring Sambuco in it, but oh well.
June Photo Challenge Day 13
Today was over so quickly, I wasn't able to get a good picture. So here I am, holding the beautiful flowers (12 + the vase) I received for our 2nd anniversary in 2008.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
June Photo Challenge Day 10
I don't have any digital pictures of my childhood, but I'm sure at least one of them would look like this.
Spiced Carrot and Zucchini Bread
I have a friend who comes over for coffee about once a week and usually I bake something yummy for us to eat. This week, I was thinking about what to make and thought banana bread. Except this particular friend doesn't like banana bread. That got the creative juices flowing and I discovered this wonderful Pampered Chef recipe for Spiced Carrot and Zucchini Bread. It was wonderful! The next time I make this (since it only uses about half a zucchini, it will have to be soon) I am going to try to alter the recipe so its healthier.
Here's the recipe!
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 cup finely chopped carrots (about 3-4 carrots)
3/4 cup finely chopped zucchini (about 1/2)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
2/3 cup vegetable oil (I plan to substitute applesauce for this)
1/2 cup milk (skim)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Directions:
1. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cloves. Add remaining ingredients; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.
2. Spoon batter into loaf pan. Bake 65-70 minutes at 350.
Yields 12 servings.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Real Life Army Wife
Remember that scene in Season One of Army Wives when TJ takes the boys to the pool? When the boys are the only ones fooling around and talking during Retreat at 1700? I've seen some of that here during the past 6 months. As well as people driving or running into buildings to avoid having to stand at attention. It really irks me. I mean, if my 2.5 year old can stand still and quiet for Retreat and To the Colors, anyone can!
I took the kids to the neighborhood pool today and about 5 minutes before 1700, the lifeguards called for the hourly break (aka adult swim time). When Retreat sounded, everyone was silent. Everyone. Babies, toddlers, teenagers, and adults. Quiet and respectful. You could have heard a pin drop. It gave me goosebumps. It made me proud.
Virtual 5k - Everyone Can Participate
This Running Mom started her own Virtual 5k to support Juvenile Diabetes. Check it out and donate some money, or run/walk it if you can!
June Photo Challenge Day 8
Not my worst habit, probably, but definitely one that could use some work. I'm addicted to my coffee, and my Keurig.
The First Dip
Last night DH and I took the kids to their first swimming lessons. The class is a Parent & Child (the new Mommy & Me), 30 minute, 2x a week for 2 weeks. It was not as enjoyable as I would have liked. The kids were so excited, especially Declan, and they looked so adorable! But all that changed the second we hit the water. It was cold! That immediately set Abigail off and she alternated between crying and shivering for the next 20 minutes until we took her out early. Declan was fine with the splashing and playing games, until we tried to get him to float on his back or do anything else that required him to remove his death grip from our necks. Ugh!
The only thing that makes me feel better is that we were not the only ones with screaming kids. We'll try again on Thursday and hope that it is warmer!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
June Photo Challenge Day 7
I baked with my last banana today, so I borrowed Abigail's IKEA fruit today.
Cheerleaders
This morning I was reminded about how awesome it is to be able to stay at home with my children. I mean, how many people get two adorable cheerleaders when vacuuming? Declan kept saying "Go Mommy, go!" and Abigail clapped her hands. I hope they continue to think a clean floor is that exciting.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
June Photo Challenge Day 5
Portugal, 2009 - Taking a picture of Steven right after he took a picture of a statue, from the ground.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Race for the Cure 2011
This morning, me and 5 members of the Pink Pals, headed out to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 2011 Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure. This was my third time participating in this event, but my first in D.C. (For the history books, the first was in Scranton and I walked the 2miles, the second was 2010 in Frankfurt.)
This experience was phenomenal. Despite getting up at 0515, figuring out the crazy Metro cards, and eventually finding my way to the start line, I had goosebumps every time I passed a pink shirt. Even now, several hours later, thinking about all the people that took their Saturday morning to participate in this event makes me smile. I really hope to continue this tradition for decades. I can't wait to bring the kids, run with them, and then watch them pass me. I can't wait to keep bringing new people to this experience. I can't wait until we find a cure!
June Photo Challenge Day 4
A somewhat blurry shot of the trees on the National Mall as I approached the 2 mile mark of my 3.1 mile Race for the Cure run this morning.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
June Photo Challenge Day 2
Day 2 - What you woreI wore my running shoes tonight and ran the best 5k of my life. 36 minutes, with some hills and it felt awesome. Can't wait for Race Day on Saturday.
June Photo Challenge Day 1
I'm making up for starting this today by posting two pictures.
Day One: A Self Portrait
Its an old picture, and I promise from here on out I will take new ones. But this is my self portrait. I see myself as a Mom. I see myself in my children. It makes me a better person.
Arbonne Giveaway
I also have a Show closing the 7th of June, so if you would like some Arbonne products, please let me know!
Water Fun!
Yesterday was HOT and the kids spent the majority of the day outside. We hit up Playgroup in the morning, where Abigail had a blast in the water table and the baby pool. Declan was a little hesitant initially to be in the "big kids" pool, but later I caught a glimpse of him sliding down the slide into the pool.
After awesome naps, we filled up our water table and the kids splashed in it for almost 2 hours. Of course, once we got them to sleep they slept wonderfully and long! I did too, all those hours in the sun wore me out!
June Photo Challenge
My friend Kate is doing this, and I was searching for one, so here we go! I'll make up for Day 1 today as well.
Anyone else want to join in?
Anyone else want to join in?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Quick Fix Dinner
After a long holiday weekend, a super hot day, and a busy errand schedule, dinner was farm from my mind at 6pm. So, we had veggies and tortillas and .... that awesome dry rub steak from last week.
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