I think they are at some Walgreen's, but of course I ordered mine on Amazon. I even get the kids to eat them so it's a win!
Friday, January 31, 2014
Protein Bar
I have one other thing that I neglected to share! I have found a wonderful protein bar that is so tasty! It is like a rice krispie treat. An instructor at the Y handed them out after class one day as a treat for working out because they are the perfect blend of protein and carbs for after a workout (the little square ones).
They are Elisabeth Hasselbeck's (I know - funny) NO GII (no gluten if you care) high protein bars, peanut butter and chocolate. The post workout little ones (shown above) are 3 points M, and a full size one is 6 pts. Not as low as the full Quest bar, but I do enjoy them more!
I think they are at some Walgreen's, but of course I ordered mine on Amazon. I even get the kids to eat them so it's a win!
I think they are at some Walgreen's, but of course I ordered mine on Amazon. I even get the kids to eat them so it's a win!
One Down, 11 To Go!
How did the month go, peeps?! I am reporting in that I had a pretty good month. Of course I always want to see more progress, but I am focusing on the positive! So, I tracked my food every day (I owe $1 . . . there was a day that I wrote it in, but not until the next morning so I am being honest!), made some kind of meal each week and making progress with the meal planning, totally kept up my working out, and signed up for my swim class!
The efforts show in other ways, right? So I will share an uplifting story that I must remember. Miranda and I were at a spin class the other night, and I am pretty friendly with the instructor (Jamie, in fact she is the one I did the silly Burrito Biathalon with) and she was giving MK a hard time b/c she had no idea who Barry Manilow was. So after class she asks me "who is this? Your niece?" And I replied, why no, it is my daughter. And she could not believe that I was old enough to have a 14 yr old daughter (she was being serious - not just polite - I know her enough to know if she was faking it). So I told her "I have a 17 yr old!" She inquires (see, we 're friendly enough to ask) "how old are you?" and I stated "Jamie, I am 48!" and she literally almost fell off of her bike. At this age, when you get an honest reaction from someone like that who sees you working out every week for a long time (i.e, no make up or hair help), it is uplifting!
It must be all of that amazing moisturizer that I have been religiously using!
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to success!
E
Sunday, January 26, 2014
SMASH
This is one crazy, cold winter we are having. School maybe closed again this week (colder than last time they closed) which means our district will be out of snow days already. Anyhow, I guess it keeps me inside, and I finally had some time to work on my SMASH project! Lil Ricky - you can ignore us - I know this may overwehlm you- it's just our form of therapy (and keeps me out of the kitchen! LOL).
For some reason I had an obsession of using fabric for this page, which of course I did not have. The idea I "lifted" it from was paper, and of course I have plenty of paper, but you know ... I was fixated on fabric. Which of course meant a special trip to a store, and anguish of selecting it, then finding scissors to cut it, downloading the perfect font .. . on and on. Clearly NOT in tune with my "SIMPLIFY" mantra. So what should have taked 15 minutes did indeed languish over two weekends. But I am awfully happy with it!
This is the next page - kind of boring, but cute bluebird. I will not acknowledge the hours I "wiled away" reading all of the million of cute quotes out there!
Close up:
Well, just a little closer. You know what it says anyway. I still have a little surprise to send you guys for motivation, and the lady swears that it shipped, so hopefully we'll see it this week. Just in time as we kick off Feb! One month down almost!
Ethel
INVASION!
I just think these are all very funny so I wanted to share them. Now I have to motivate myself to get over to the Y!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
My Space!
How is everyone's month going? I feel like I am over my big hurdles (of work, kid stuff, etc) so I can start to really get organized now. I have TWO things to share:
It is a little hard to see (I should not have done sepia tone) but as you know, I have been infatuated with those letter alphabets (especially outdoor ones). So I had blocks made for my desk with my mantra for the year. SIMPLIFY. I have to quit making things so complicated and overwhelming and just try to be more simple and efficient. It is right on my desk, and I like it, so I see it every day.
Here is my other new addition - my "standing desk." I used my B'day money and ordered myself a riser for my desk. My office is a little out of sorts now (lighting, cords - things to situate) but do you know how much healthier I just might be instead of sitting on my butt all day? I've been sitting on my butt for 25 yrs. We'll see how it goes. It says to take your time getting used to it, and I wonder if I need to upgrade my footwear from my UGG slippers, but I will keep you posted!
I also have this inspirational photo up - it is us headed towards our GOAL!
Gotta take care of our SPACE, right? One little change at a time.
It is a little hard to see (I should not have done sepia tone) but as you know, I have been infatuated with those letter alphabets (especially outdoor ones). So I had blocks made for my desk with my mantra for the year. SIMPLIFY. I have to quit making things so complicated and overwhelming and just try to be more simple and efficient. It is right on my desk, and I like it, so I see it every day.
Here is my other new addition - my "standing desk." I used my B'day money and ordered myself a riser for my desk. My office is a little out of sorts now (lighting, cords - things to situate) but do you know how much healthier I just might be instead of sitting on my butt all day? I've been sitting on my butt for 25 yrs. We'll see how it goes. It says to take your time getting used to it, and I wonder if I need to upgrade my footwear from my UGG slippers, but I will keep you posted!
I also have this inspirational photo up - it is us headed towards our GOAL!
Gotta take care of our SPACE, right? One little change at a time.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
I love my new crockpot…….
That's a teaser right…..I bet you stopped everything to read this post, am I right?
I Hilton Honor points that were about to expire and so I spent them on a new modern crockpot. The one I had must have been from the 80's. In fact I think it may have been a gift from Ethel when we worked at Venture together. It was a lovely shade of cream with a beautiful medium blue country cross-stitch pattern on it. Many meals over the course of the last 25 years were made in that vessel. But it has now been retired.
I have a new shiny stainless beauty with a black internal pot and a convenient cord keeper. But enough about that. I am posting because I have a super easy, super good beef roast recipe I wanted to share with you guys. No idea if this is an appealing meal for you guys -- but Tim and I love it. Clearly I love comfort food and this fits the bill!
What you need:
> a crockpot of course
> a beef roast: i normally buy a 2-2.5 lb. pc of meat, that's typically the smallest I see, I would estimate about 8-10 oz. per person. It shrinks as it cooks so the serving will be smaller than that. There are lots of types -- I tend to buy which ever one looks the leanest, typically a sirloin roast.
> 1 can of cream of mushroom -- except for Ethel I would suggest cream of celery (I also try to buy the healthy request version….to lower sodium)
> Lipton Recipe Secrets Beefy Onion Packets, it like a dry soup mix that acts a seasoning mix. I use a half of one packet…you might need more if you make a much bigger roast.
> Potatoes, Carrots & Onions: I buy the tiny red or yellow potatoes and baby carrots, this way there is no real prep needed. If they are not available just cut up veggies into chunks.
> Red Wine: I use 5 oz. -- more if you make a bigger roast
Ok -- now the assembly process. Dump the veggies into the crockpot first, then the roast, then the can of soup. I mix the dry soup in with the wine and pour over the top……and that's it. I cook it on low for 4-6 hours, just depends on what's going on. It makes the house smell super good! FYI -- you can't fast the wine at all…if you are concerned about the kids.
For fun you can do a few other things -- but totally not necessary. I will sometimes cut slits in the roast and insert garlic cloves, sprinkle rosemary and/or cayenne pepper on top, etc. I also typically put ground pepper on top as well.
Hope this sounds good and easy!!!!
I Hilton Honor points that were about to expire and so I spent them on a new modern crockpot. The one I had must have been from the 80's. In fact I think it may have been a gift from Ethel when we worked at Venture together. It was a lovely shade of cream with a beautiful medium blue country cross-stitch pattern on it. Many meals over the course of the last 25 years were made in that vessel. But it has now been retired.
I have a new shiny stainless beauty with a black internal pot and a convenient cord keeper. But enough about that. I am posting because I have a super easy, super good beef roast recipe I wanted to share with you guys. No idea if this is an appealing meal for you guys -- but Tim and I love it. Clearly I love comfort food and this fits the bill!
What you need:
> a crockpot of course
> a beef roast: i normally buy a 2-2.5 lb. pc of meat, that's typically the smallest I see, I would estimate about 8-10 oz. per person. It shrinks as it cooks so the serving will be smaller than that. There are lots of types -- I tend to buy which ever one looks the leanest, typically a sirloin roast.
> 1 can of cream of mushroom -- except for Ethel I would suggest cream of celery (I also try to buy the healthy request version….to lower sodium)
> Lipton Recipe Secrets Beefy Onion Packets, it like a dry soup mix that acts a seasoning mix. I use a half of one packet…you might need more if you make a much bigger roast.
> Potatoes, Carrots & Onions: I buy the tiny red or yellow potatoes and baby carrots, this way there is no real prep needed. If they are not available just cut up veggies into chunks.
> Red Wine: I use 5 oz. -- more if you make a bigger roast
Ok -- now the assembly process. Dump the veggies into the crockpot first, then the roast, then the can of soup. I mix the dry soup in with the wine and pour over the top……and that's it. I cook it on low for 4-6 hours, just depends on what's going on. It makes the house smell super good! FYI -- you can't fast the wine at all…if you are concerned about the kids.
For fun you can do a few other things -- but totally not necessary. I will sometimes cut slits in the roast and insert garlic cloves, sprinkle rosemary and/or cayenne pepper on top, etc. I also typically put ground pepper on top as well.
Hope this sounds good and easy!!!!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Sunday Funday -- Updated!
I am reposting….cause I don't think my fabulous pictures posted properly!
Actually I went out this morning and did a 10000 step walk in what we Houstonians would call the frigid cold! FYI Ethel we are suppose to get into the 20's tonight and tomorrow night....the coldest since we have moved to TX.
Anyway.....
I started working on my journal (Smash Book) to chronicle the event. So I thought I would share to let you guys know there is "forward progress". ( a little football humor! )
I wish I could arrange those a little better......but I don't need that kind of frustration on a relaxing Sunday. I realize we are only on day 5 -- but hope everyone is in a good place.....WTH -- let's make that a great place!
Keep your feet on the yellow brick road!!!!!
Lucy
Keep your feet on the yellow brick road!!!!!
Lucy
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Happy New Year!
We all know what to do, and we all have the power within us!
Follow The Yellow Brick Road!
Remember you have friends for help! We're off to a Great 2014!
E
I'm a World Record Holder!
I know it is hard to believe on a lot of levels, but supposedly it is the truth . .. I am part of the WR for the most people completed a 5K as one. Personally, I am waiting for the footnote (The most people on 12/31 in 8 degree weather in the state of WI or something) b/c it was "only" 116 people but they claim it broke a record. They were trying for 500, and hmm .. .do you think the icy pics of the course they sent out the day before, and temps, etc scared a few people off?
I'll start at the beginning: LR, do you know what these are? This is how one runs in WI! (Yak Trax).
I went to a spin/boot camp style class on Mon nite, which is not my normal routine (7 pm). I knew the leader was a tough guy, but I had to go so there I was. I'm sure I did at least 3000 lunges, 200 push ups, and planks for 10 minutes. Not to mention spinning, rows, and so forth. I signed up long ago with Doug to do a winter run series (not sure what possessed me) and I was determined to do the 5k "Run in the New Year" on Tues. 9 pm Mon nite Doug tells me that they did not have enough people for this World Record attempt (that he signed up for) and would I run with them instead. I really did not want to, b/c I was sure I would slow everyone down and I was completely self-conscious about not being remotely in shape. But he roped me (literally - explain below) in.
(sorry - can't figure out how to rotate the image)
It was all very official - there was a rope and we all clipped in with carabiners. We had to sign stuff. I knew I would probably punch Doug if I ran by him so I found some nice ladies down the line. They had done a half and a full marathon like this (really - you cannot unclip - even to pee). I'll remind you that it was 8 degrees at start time, icy, slushy, snowy - Doug almost fell on his butt in the parking lot. It truly is a miracle that nobody got hurt.
I am that short person behind the guy in the red tee on the far right. Yes, we are all clipped to a rope. And yes, I did make everyone stop once so I could walk for a minute! The power of controlling over 100 people . . . well, they said you could just flag the captain but I still felt like a loser. At least I did not drop out (I did see one lady on the sideline). I don't think anyone really cared - most were singing Jingle Bells, or Auld Lang Syne (which no one knows the words to, so it was humming). I am telling you - it was hard. Not just b/c I'm out of shape, and trying to dodge ice, etc (different muscles, you know) but it was like an interval workout - jogging, then run, then slip, of course no ones stride is the same. Remember I did that ridiculous workout the night before so I could already barely walk.
And there is the official book, signing off before unclipping. I had on an earband, a hat, a buff, a facemask, sunglasses, two pairs of gloves, baselayer, vest, polar flc . . . the run was not bad. It was AFTER, when you are wet with snow and slush and sweat that you freeze. I could not get in the hot bathtub fast enough. Skipped the beer party - but I did earn a bottle of champagne!
This was clearly the craziest, silliest, strangest things that I did in 2013!
I'll start at the beginning: LR, do you know what these are? This is how one runs in WI! (Yak Trax).
I went to a spin/boot camp style class on Mon nite, which is not my normal routine (7 pm). I knew the leader was a tough guy, but I had to go so there I was. I'm sure I did at least 3000 lunges, 200 push ups, and planks for 10 minutes. Not to mention spinning, rows, and so forth. I signed up long ago with Doug to do a winter run series (not sure what possessed me) and I was determined to do the 5k "Run in the New Year" on Tues. 9 pm Mon nite Doug tells me that they did not have enough people for this World Record attempt (that he signed up for) and would I run with them instead. I really did not want to, b/c I was sure I would slow everyone down and I was completely self-conscious about not being remotely in shape. But he roped me (literally - explain below) in.
(sorry - can't figure out how to rotate the image)
It was all very official - there was a rope and we all clipped in with carabiners. We had to sign stuff. I knew I would probably punch Doug if I ran by him so I found some nice ladies down the line. They had done a half and a full marathon like this (really - you cannot unclip - even to pee). I'll remind you that it was 8 degrees at start time, icy, slushy, snowy - Doug almost fell on his butt in the parking lot. It truly is a miracle that nobody got hurt.
I am that short person behind the guy in the red tee on the far right. Yes, we are all clipped to a rope. And yes, I did make everyone stop once so I could walk for a minute! The power of controlling over 100 people . . . well, they said you could just flag the captain but I still felt like a loser. At least I did not drop out (I did see one lady on the sideline). I don't think anyone really cared - most were singing Jingle Bells, or Auld Lang Syne (which no one knows the words to, so it was humming). I am telling you - it was hard. Not just b/c I'm out of shape, and trying to dodge ice, etc (different muscles, you know) but it was like an interval workout - jogging, then run, then slip, of course no ones stride is the same. Remember I did that ridiculous workout the night before so I could already barely walk.
And there is the official book, signing off before unclipping. I had on an earband, a hat, a buff, a facemask, sunglasses, two pairs of gloves, baselayer, vest, polar flc . . . the run was not bad. It was AFTER, when you are wet with snow and slush and sweat that you freeze. I could not get in the hot bathtub fast enough. Skipped the beer party - but I did earn a bottle of champagne!
This was clearly the craziest, silliest, strangest things that I did in 2013!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)