tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47145056882131275212024-03-14T00:39:01.761-04:00Figuring It All Out One Day At a TimeFood. Fun. Finances. Weight Loss. Beauty. Inspiration. Life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-59431632125278011312013-07-06T23:07:00.001-04:002013-07-06T23:07:35.775-04:00Follow Me on Bloglovin!<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-82724038650675626302012-12-04T00:40:00.001-05:002012-12-04T01:32:32.803-05:00Books that changed my life in 2012Reading is one of my favorite ways to spend my leisure time. Not only is it great entertainment but strangely sometimes it is my therapy. It amazes me how the right book comes along at the right time and is just what you need for that season. I did not plan on reading any of these books at the beginning of the year. As a matter of a fact, they were nowhere on my radar. However they each came into my life at the right time and made a remarkable difference in what I was going through.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXbX_wTpe28/UL2XTVw_JII/AAAAAAAAAI8/CVB4kUY2IAc/s1600/Bittersweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXbX_wTpe28/UL2XTVw_JII/AAAAAAAAAI8/CVB4kUY2IAc/s1600/Bittersweet.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310328160/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310328160&linkCode=as2&tag=figuitallouto-20">Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=figuitallouto-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0310328160" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (Amazon) </div>
I came across this book on a friend’s Facebook page this past summer shortly after my daughter passed away. My friend posted the following excerpts:<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ktIvPrfz62o/UL2MpwQL6WI/AAAAAAAAAH8/P1FGrzcxMSk/s1600-h/Bittersweet2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Bittersweet2" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xq6Ah0haYEk/UL2MqeRv1sI/AAAAAAAAAIE/jq21tJ7z1Fk/Bittersweet2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Bittersweet2" width="184" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hrXvrVAqhbo/UL2Mq1EADvI/AAAAAAAAAIM/G_TpLPG6rpk/s1600-h/Bittersweet1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Bittersweet1" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i72xzJTzshw/UL2MrlYA43I/AAAAAAAAAIU/KKamle35D9k/Bittersweet1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Bittersweet1" width="244" /></a> </div>
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When I saw them, I knew I had to read this book. Looking back, this book started the healing process for me. I had been through a lot over the past six months and I became totally absorbed in Shauna’s stories while on a long train ride to and from my best friend’s bridal shower. I felt all of her ups, downs, joys and pain. I also highlighted almost every page! I remember hoping and praying at the end of the book that she had gotten her desire. So as soon as I finished the book, I hurried off to Google the rest of her story. Most importantly, the message in Bittersweet was simple: “when life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow.”<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4A1Vo86YGQ/UL2WWrYI43I/AAAAAAAAAI0/cvMMmI3X2jQ/s1600/Bloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4A1Vo86YGQ/UL2WWrYI43I/AAAAAAAAAI0/cvMMmI3X2jQ/s1600/Bloom.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062045032/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062045032&linkCode=as2&tag=figuitallouto-20">Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected--A Memoir (Amazon)</a></div>
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A short while after reading Bittersweet, I came across Kelle Hampton’s blog <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/">Enjoying the Small Things</a>. I had seen it once before while I was pregnant but this time her story touched me in a different way. I borrowed a copy of her book Bloom which tells the story of her daughter Nella who she discovered had Down Syndrome at birth. Boy oh boy, this one really brought back all the emotions that I had experienced in the past few months. I was amazed at how similar our grief process was even though our circumstances were different. This book truly did for me what no therapist, or my family and friends could. I also knew after reading Nella’s story that I had to write Karissa’s story. And so I did- the night before my surgery shelf no less. Sometimes you have to get some things out to move forward.
If I had to assign a theme to the second half of this year in my life it would have to be love. I learned about love as I sat and talked with Hospice patients and their families, in church as my pastor labored with us in John 14 v. 34-35 and 1 Corinthians 13 for weeks, and even as I stepped outside the box to learn about faiths that were different than mine.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFzF6Y9X5EU/UL2Vow0sgNI/AAAAAAAAAIk/FSAC-dAPy-I/s1600/Love+Does.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFzF6Y9X5EU/UL2Vow0sgNI/AAAAAAAAAIk/FSAC-dAPy-I/s1600/Love+Does.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400203759/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1400203759&linkCode=as2&tag=figuitallouto-20">Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=figuitallouto-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1400203759" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (Amazon)</div>
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A few weeks ago, I came across Bob Goff’s book Love Does on Amazon. As I read this book all I could think was this guy really does everything big (to the point of annoyance in some cases). By the time I was through however, I was left inspired to live a life that exemplifies Christ’s love by doing and not just saying, studying etc. Bob has done some daring things that I would never have been bold enough to try (seriously, who invites Heads of States to their houses?) but reading about them led me to ask myself, why not? Why not be bold and daring if it means doing something meaningful? So Bob, if you ever read this :-) I will definitely find a way to do something bold, daring and entirely unconventional in 2013.</div>
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<b>Up Next</b>:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5HE3qW9s6yg/UL2VzhySuGI/AAAAAAAAAIs/yg6IBlk1onI/s1600/A+Million+Miles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5HE3qW9s6yg/UL2VzhySuGI/AAAAAAAAAIs/yg6IBlk1onI/s1600/A+Million+Miles.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400202981/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1400202981&linkCode=as2&tag=figuitallouto-20">A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: How I Learned to Live a Better Story</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=figuitallouto-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1400202981" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (Amazon)</div>
I haven't read this last book as yet but I will be closing out the year with A Million Miles In A Thousand Years and I expect nothing less than to be left feeling inspired and ready to take on 2013.<br />
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<b>Share</b>: Did you read any great books in 2012? Please share!<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-3612502661463592852012-12-03T01:38:00.001-05:002012-12-03T01:43:08.902-05:00Rocking the Runway<p>Recently I had the opportunity to model at a fashion show put on by our local <a href="http://snma.org">SNMA</a> Chapter. I had a blast but after the show I promised to never ever criticize another runway model again! It was so tiring and I was more sore after the show than I have been in quite a while. I had four outfit changes during two segments (two in each segment) separated by a break so I was rushing a lot. Check out the photos below. Outfits are courtesy of Black Cat Vintage.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C9eeN9wihLY/ULxI0P9g0fI/AAAAAAAAAGk/AUTli1vWtnE/s1600-h/SNMA-325%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SNMA-325" border="0" alt="SNMA-325" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RyoM7nLoUbY/ULxI0vesmfI/AAAAAAAAAGs/HSdoy930xr4/SNMA-325_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Uzr4E44BZ3E/ULxI1RQscjI/AAAAAAAAAG0/qumipIJPTdA/s1600-h/SNMA-322%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SNMA-322" border="0" alt="SNMA-322" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H7a5c8OsLZI/ULxI2E6RweI/AAAAAAAAAG8/Yik52_Iy6wk/SNMA-322_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8byAdR6rg6g/ULxI4KAiQBI/AAAAAAAAAHE/g5rgKEsb-l4/s1600-h/SNMA-398%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SNMA-398" border="0" alt="SNMA-398" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2YZglSHuDD0/ULxI42BVATI/AAAAAAAAAHM/lc4zB887SC8/SNMA-398_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FEPjNv5InWw/ULxI5u4LluI/AAAAAAAAAHU/N6YKUiernvk/s1600-h/SNMA-453%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SNMA-453" border="0" alt="SNMA-453" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iE5JFT2aUB4/ULxI6AhkDzI/AAAAAAAAAHc/jfpI0QIZhn8/SNMA-453_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="160" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0xWx4L1pSSU/ULxI7S0tbAI/AAAAAAAAAHk/PU-YhbXtrJw/s1600-h/SNMA-575%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SNMA-575" border="0" alt="SNMA-575" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WI0db5mPndg/ULxI7__7NCI/AAAAAAAAAHs/ES3dHOBeCk8/SNMA-575_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="244"></a></p> <p>Thank you to the photographer for these awesome photos.</p> <p>This experience taught me to seize opportunities to have fun no matter what size or shape you are. Live your life to the fullest and remember, You are Beautiful!!</p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png"></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-7206642118959840912012-12-02T00:03:00.002-05:002012-12-02T00:03:59.284-05:00Shrimp and Grits (My remixed version)<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><u></u></b><span style="font-size: small;">This recipe is a fav<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">o</span>rite of min<span style="font-size: small;">e <span style="font-size: small;">when I am short on time. It packs a serious flavor punch!</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2NQVKkqI9sk/S67u0hm-mgI/AAAAAAAAAM8/_ZzsuJisAf0/s1600/March+Madness+022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2NQVKkqI9sk/S67u0hm-mgI/AAAAAAAAAM8/_ZzsuJisAf0/s320/March+Madness+022.JPG" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The original recipes can be found <a href="http://foodwishes.blogspot.com/2010/03/shrimp-and-grits-breakfast-for-dinner.html">here a<span style="font-size: small;">t Food Wishes</span></a> and in the Cook Yourself Thin Faster Cookbook</span></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Grits</span></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3/4 cup quick 5-minute grits</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3 cups water</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dash of salt </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bring
water to a boil and add grits and salt. Cook for about 5-6 minutes.</span></span> </span></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">S</span>hrimp</span></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">a</span> handful of grape or cherry tomatoes </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 tsp Olive Oil</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/4 teaspoon black pepper</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A dash of seasoning salt (I used Adobo) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3 cloves garlic, minced</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 tablespoons minced green onions</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 tablespoon minced jalapeno</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 tablespoons chopped parsley</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1/4 cup water</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 tablespoons cream (I actually used some Soy Milk and yes, I know they are not equiv. but it worked!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 teaspoon lemon juice</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">dash of Worcestershire</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Heat olive oil and add shrimp and tomatoes. Add in the other ingredients
listed above and let simmer until the shrimp is cooked and the tomatoes
have collapsed. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Serve shrimp over the grits and enjoy!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-86461496082500476222012-12-01T23:58:00.002-05:002012-12-01T23:58:42.699-05:00Cheese "Fries"<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2NQVKkqI9sk/S67vzbN_b6I/AAAAAAAAANE/KJmDGHFrVUQ/s1600/March+Madness+023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2NQVKkqI9sk/S67vzbN_b6I/AAAAAAAAANE/KJmDGHFrVUQ/s320/March+Madness+023.JPG" /></a></div>
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Recipe found in Cook Yourself Thin Faster<br />
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1 Large Butternut Squash, peeled and seeded<br />
1 Tablespoon olive oil<br />
1 Teaspoon salt<br />
1/4 Teaspoon pepper<br />
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese<br />
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Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Cut squash into 1/4 inch fries. Toss
with olive oil and spread onto foil lined pan. Sprinkle with salt and
pepper. Bake for 30 minutes until the fries are golden- toss and turn
them about half way through. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and return to
the oven for about 2 minutes. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-47177610302986711592012-09-23T00:23:00.000-04:002012-09-23T00:23:23.591-04:00A New Season<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcETpcdS5Vc/UF6NRtKHriI/AAAAAAAAAEM/nNx-hSbouUk/s1600/Fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcETpcdS5Vc/UF6NRtKHriI/AAAAAAAAAEM/nNx-hSbouUk/s320/Fall.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg242/SAG59/scenery/DSC01858.jpg">Photo Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fall is here again. I love this season not only because of the beautiful colors in nature at this time of year, but because it usually represents a time for re-commitment to my health and fitness goals. This is the time to think about what I want to accomplish before the end of the year and begin working on it. The heat and craziness of summer has gone and I can finally return to my kitchen to spend some quality time. I can also workout more comfortably at home.<br />
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My overall goal for weight loss is still the same. I have about 55 lbs that I would like to lose over the next few months. That being said, I would be happy with 45 or anywhere in that ballpark that my body decides to settle.<br />
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I am kicking off this new season with a 48 hr cleanse. I have eaten sooo much crap this year. It all originated in pregnancy cravings that just kept perpetuating themselves even after the pregnancy ended. Now I am at the point that I have consumed so much sugar, fast food and junk that I feel tired and crappy all the time and I am getting frequent headaches. Many of the healthy habits that I worked hard to develop have fallen by the wayside. I feel like I need a reset; a fresh start.<br />
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Today I went grocery shopping and picked up all the items I will need for the<a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/48-hour-weekend-cleanse"> Dr. Oz 48 hr Weekend Cleanse</a>. I have never done an official cleanse before but I am familiar with the concept from the "washouts" I got as a child. I am excited to see the results. From there I plan to get my eating back on track since hopefully I will have curbed some of my unhealthy cravings. I am also developing a rough plan for working out for the next few weeks. I have my eyes on a 5k on October 20th so I am going to try to get some runs in between now and then along with Yoga, Pilates and strength training. There might be another round of Turbofire coming up after that!<br />
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<b>How do you plan to bring in this new season?</b><br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-28590672901666370742012-06-30T19:27:00.001-04:002012-06-30T19:27:26.206-04:00Starting AgainHello friends! It's been a while but I am back and ready to get back on track with achieving my weight loss goal. The days of eating all kinds of crap and inactivity must come to an end. Regarding my last post... sigh. I will explain at a later time. So here I am six weeks post surgery, got the all clear from my doctor and I am ready to make it happen. I started with a 1.7 mile walk yesterday and a 3.4 mile walk this morning with our local <a href="http://www.blackgirlsrun.com/">Black Girls Run!</a> group followed by some much needed stretching. My work hours will be much better for the next month so I should be able to fit in 4-5 workout days per week. On the food side, I have a raging sweet tooth as usual that I am trying to get under control. I am also working on eating healthier and watching my portion sizes. The main problem I have right now is that it is just too hot outside for me to want to turn my stove on, especially since I don't have AC. So tell me ladies, what are your workout plans for the summer and how do you continue to eat healthy during these warm summer days?<br />
<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-69684169833503705822012-02-22T00:43:00.000-05:002012-06-24T15:18:26.590-04:00Our New AdventureHello Friends. This post has been a little while coming. I am sorry I abandoned the bloggie for a few months but I promise there is a good reason. I was not feeling well around Thanksgiving so there wasn't any working out going on over here. My diet was also pretty blah and it felt like survival mode all around. The holidays have come and gone and school has dominated my life for the last six weeks with 60+ hrs/ wk work weeks. However, amidst all that came the wonderful news....<br />
<br />
We're having a baby!!<br />
<br />
Currently I am two weeks into the second trimester so things are moving along. In retrospect, I now know what was going on back in November :-). I will be writing all about first trimester changes and how that went as well as documenting as much as I can going forward. First on the agenda though is getting back on a workout schedule. I am a little scared since I haven't actually worked out in a few months. Hopefully it won't be too big of a readjustment. In addition, I won't be working out anywhere near the intensity that I did prior to pregnancy.<br />
<br />
Thanks to everyone who stuck around during the hiatus and I hope you will join me on this new journey as well. I appreciate any advice as I figure out this new path in my life!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-27841384828501990332011-11-03T00:41:00.000-04:002011-11-03T00:41:21.152-04:00<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hey Friends,</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hope your week is going well. Things are chugging along over here. Exercise went well last week; I did 5/7 days. I planned to do six but I ended up doing a strength/cardio interval workout one day so I did not feel too bad about the extra day off. I am doing three days of cardio, three days of strength training and an active rest day (Yoga). </span><span style="font-size: small;">As I mentioned <a href="http://figuringitalloutonedayatatime.blogspot.com/2011/10/back-at-it-updates.html">before</a></span><span style="font-size: small;">, I am using Chalean Extreme for the strength training and the cardio is mostly TurboFire but I have allowed myself some flexibility there. I am on Week three of the Burn Circuit in Chalean Extreme. I also wrote down to the best of my memory what I ate every day for the week so I'm happy to be getting back on track with being accountable in those areas.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Weekly dose of randomness</u>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">-I am seriously considering purchasing a Bikram Yoga package especially since they gave me a discount on my first one. The weather has cooled off so now is a good time to get back into it.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">-I really should own shares in Kashi considering how many of their products I bought lately.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">-It's time I set some non-scale goals (NSGs). First will be to do the crow pose. Second, a flat stomach (can't remember it really being flat… ever. I blame my sugar situation.)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">-I think I am gonna re-read<a href="http://figuringitalloutonedayatatime.blogspot.com/2010/12/week-in-review-holiday-hoedown-week-2.html"> A Course in Weight Loss</a>. Still don't plan on doing the rituals/altar and all that but I do respect the fact that weight loss and staying fit is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">-I am currently rotating through Adolescent Psychiatry and it is fun but emotionally exhausting. Exercise has been a good coping mechanism. Yeah for endorphins!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">-I tried Kale chips last week and I liked them (recipe to come). Will try it in a smoothie and salad soon.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">-I discovered that I can bench press 75 lbs yesterday :-)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Something to talk about</u>:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have you all seen the personal trainer who went from<a href="http://www.fit2fat2fit.com/"> Fit to Fat</a> and will be going back to fit? He gained 75+ lbs in 6 months.<span> </span>Any thoughts? I will be tuned in for the journey back to fit.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Also, November is here! Any goals for the month or strategies to survive the holidays? Almost time to revisit those resolutions from last year. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-23763534084260665242011-10-30T20:02:00.000-04:002011-10-30T20:02:37.987-04:00Mini Website Round up<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRgFZAjPeVc/Tq3hlzFkMJI/AAAAAAAAADo/cQy57FEqSOs/s1600/SandbagSwing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zRgFZAjPeVc/Tq3hlzFkMJI/AAAAAAAAADo/cQy57FEqSOs/s320/SandbagSwing2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bodyrock.tv/2011/10/26/swing-it-for-tight-buns-exercise-challenge/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Have you checked out the body rock movement as yet? <a href="http://www.bodyrock.tv/">Bodyrock.tv</a> has great workouts that you can do at home. They are short, effective, and best of all FREE! They will also be adding more recipes on a regular basis in the near future.<br />
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I have also been spending some time on the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/YogaJournal">YogaJournal</a> YouTube channel lately. They have an array of free yoga videos. I tried the one on Arm Balances the other day and the instructions were pretty good. I am excited to learn these seemingly impossible poses.<br />
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Side notes:<br />
<br />
I saw two things on FB this week that stayed with me long after I viewed them so I thought I would share. The first is a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150208910403934">video</a> in which Oprah describes the beauty of surrendering. Amazing insight on how to get what you what in life :-)<br />
<br />
Finally, an associate of mine share this photo with the following quote on his page:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97t7xK36SJs/Tq3ihz0628I/AAAAAAAAADw/KZ2BPqRxII4/s1600/caringppl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97t7xK36SJs/Tq3ihz0628I/AAAAAAAAADw/KZ2BPqRxII4/s1600/caringppl.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Be yourself because everyone else is taken."</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I was reading a blog recently and caught myself almost wanting to be like the writer because of their experiences and things they had accomplished. This quote came back to me and was a nice reality check.<br />
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Have a great and productive week :-)<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-47451505786232549582011-10-13T14:53:00.004-04:002011-10-13T14:57:29.651-04:00Back at it/ Updates<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IorqtsARsiI/TpcyvRtGinI/AAAAAAAAADg/oT_56DpAZRQ/s1600/balance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IorqtsARsiI/TpcyvRtGinI/AAAAAAAAADg/oT_56DpAZRQ/s320/balance.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice reminder :-)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><br />
Hey Friends :-). It's been a looong time but hopefully this post puts an end to yet another unintended hiatus. The past few months I've been focused on mostly on school (taking one major exam and a few not so major ones, and transitioning to a clinical learning environment i.e. working way too much at times.). I am somewhat settled in now but life is still busy as usual. On the weight loss front, I have not been consistent with eating healthy or working out all summer so my weight has fluctuated but it has mostly stayed within 6-8 lbs of my lowest weight. I haven't lost sight of my goal though so I have recommitted to getting it done. I plan on starting by being consistent with the basics:<br />
<br />
-Eating right (more fruits and veges, three meals and one snack per day)<br />
All I can say about this one is that I am a work in progress. At one point I had incorporated just about everything I worked on cutting out/reducing back into my diet on a regular basis. Sugar... just ridiculous how much I have been having. Weight loss is 85% diet for me though so I will keep working on this "lifestyle change" goal.<br />
<br />
-Drinking water (eight or more glasses per day)<br />
Unfortunately, drinking water makes you pee. I am usually too busy to pee multiple times or to sip water throughout the day so I try to drink more in the evenings at home rather than earlier in the day. On the days when I come home and pass out, I usually end up more on the dehydrated side. Not sure how to fix this though...<br />
<br />
-Working out five to six days per week<br />
I started Chalean Extreme again last week and I am doing a modified version of the hybrid with TurboFire. I am usually good about getting my workouts in on strength training day but I've been lazy on cardio days. Maybe because a part of me feels like I do a lot of walking at work and my feet hurt by the time I get home. I have been working on getting up earlier to work out in the mornings but when earlier means 4:30am...ummm, yeah... Next week when I have more normal hours hopefully I can get into the habit.<br />
<br />
For those that are still out there, how have things been going and what are your fall/winter fitness plans?<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-2264781994301548042011-05-07T13:04:00.001-04:002011-05-07T13:05:20.522-04:00Today's Breakfast: Baked OmeletI've been eyeing this recipe over at <a href="http://divascancook.blogspot.com/">Yes, Divas Can Cook</a> for a while and so when she re-posted it as a Mother's Day breakfast option I was inspired to give it a try. You can find the recipe and video <a href="http://divascancook.blogspot.com/2011/03/baked-omelet-recipe.html">here</a>. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in the blogosphere!<br />
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Step One: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Whisk 1/2 cup milk and 1/4 cup all purpose flour together. Add 4 eggs, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt and whisk until smooth (you may also use a blender to get rid of lumps). Add mixture to a well greased (using butter or non-stick spray) 9x13 dish and bake for 5-7 minutes until firm. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAiJwoCVDCA/TcV11_7rHJI/AAAAAAAAADQ/V9MxPXTjJeM/s1600/foodie+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAiJwoCVDCA/TcV11_7rHJI/AAAAAAAAADQ/V9MxPXTjJeM/s320/foodie+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Step Two: Chop 1/3 cup onions, 1/2 green pepper and about 1 cup smoked turkey sausage and then saute in a little bit of olive oil. Spread over the baked egg mixture and top with 1 cup cheddar cheese (I used 3/4 cup Mexican). Bake 1-2 minutes until cheese melts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GI1kgvpBvZ8/TcV143e-XKI/AAAAAAAAADU/wS52x3bosEo/s1600/foodie+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GI1kgvpBvZ8/TcV143e-XKI/AAAAAAAAADU/wS52x3bosEo/s320/foodie+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Step Three: Use a spatula to free the edges from the dish and roll up into a log keeping it tight as you go along. Be careful, the omelet will be hot! Slice and serve with a dollop of sour cream (I substituted Greek yogurt) and salsa. Garnish with parsley and Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hqNTFUUDG70/TcV17_HOsDI/AAAAAAAAADY/Z0GwRL8AA-E/s1600/foodie+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hqNTFUUDG70/TcV17_HOsDI/AAAAAAAAADY/Z0GwRL8AA-E/s320/foodie+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum-Yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also had Strawberry and Blueberries with Strawberry cream cheese dip with my omelet. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpi4_s7scTc/TcV1-L3ABRI/AAAAAAAAADc/dXy2uZJZT40/s1600/foodie+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpi4_s7scTc/TcV1-L3ABRI/AAAAAAAAADc/dXy2uZJZT40/s320/foodie+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Something to read: Check out this post by Erica at BGG2WL on <a href="http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/play-with-your-food/in-praise-of-greek-yogurt-5-different-ways-to-dive-in/">5 Different Days to Enjoy Greek Yogurt</a>.<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /><br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><br />
<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-24233167069145339592011-04-17T23:23:00.001-04:002011-04-17T23:25:28.204-04:00One Reason Why I Love the Blogging CommunityA few hours ago I really wanted a slice of cake. My sweet tooth has been rearing it's head for the past day or so and my pecan cracker with dark chocolate almond butter fix was not cutting it. Since it was dinner time, I decided to make a Hawaiian Pizza using <a href="http://www.monicawantsit.com/2011/01/hawaiian-pizza-healthy-eating.html">this recipe</a> that I have been all but living off for the last few days. It works very well for those days when you have little time to prepare a well rounded meal. The first two times I made it was under conditions of extreme hunger so they were quickly devoured. Today I waited long enough to snap a pic :-).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp45479R8ng/TauswQfrRdI/AAAAAAAAADI/FLJfdA_E8UA/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yp45479R8ng/TauswQfrRdI/AAAAAAAAADI/FLJfdA_E8UA/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hawaiian Pizza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The cure for my sweet tooth came from these <a href="http://fitnessista.com/2011/01/ballz-for-all/">Amazeballz</a>. <a href="http://fitnessista.com/">Gina (the fitnessista)</a> swears by them and I must agree with her. They definitely taste like cookie dough and provided the baked goods taste I was craving without all the sugar. Another quick and easy winning recipe.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WyVhjvfYEs/TautAdEaMLI/AAAAAAAAADM/T56mnOy9V9o/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WyVhjvfYEs/TautAdEaMLI/AAAAAAAAADM/T56mnOy9V9o/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazeball!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If it were not for these and other health and fitness bloggers, this weight loss journey could have been a lot harder. I am always copying tasty healthy recipes into my OneNote program for easy referencing. This recipe for <a href="http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/recipes/maple-glazed-salmon/">Maple Glazed Salmon</a> changed my life. It makes a yummy dinner with veges on the side in less than 15 minutes. Check out the <a href="http://figuringitalloutonedayatatime.blogspot.com/p/resources.html">Resources page</a> for more websites with great recipes.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Something to read</b></u>: <a href="http://www.revolutionaryact.com/101ways/">101 Revolutionary Ways to be Healthy</a> (scroll over each one for a description or view the full list <a href="http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/inspiration/101-revolutionary-ways-to-be-healthy/">here</a>.) My favorite is #16: "<b>Learn the skills </b>Healthy, fit people have learned how to be healthy. Learn those skills, practice them, and you’ll be healthy, too." What's your favorite?<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /><br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><br />
<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-8567497200998895892011-04-17T21:54:00.001-04:002011-04-17T21:57:40.764-04:00Quote of the Day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgwS439QIAw/TauZd2wmoBI/AAAAAAAAADE/YtZ7i_Va-RU/s1600/Duck-Leader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgwS439QIAw/TauZd2wmoBI/AAAAAAAAADE/YtZ7i_Va-RU/s320/Duck-Leader.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cashprior.com/blog/2009/10/becoming-a-good-leader/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." – John Quincy Adams</span></span></h6><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><br />
<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-19086233977673406892011-04-14T00:21:00.004-04:002011-04-17T21:56:05.920-04:00Spring in2 Action Challenge Wrap up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GgCCoWW3XGk/TaZ0tjO_UcI/AAAAAAAAADA/65gq3eyY0ho/s1600/SpringIntoAction1-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GgCCoWW3XGk/TaZ0tjO_UcI/AAAAAAAAADA/65gq3eyY0ho/s1600/SpringIntoAction1-01.png" /></a></div>This challenge went by in a flash but I am proud to say that Team Unstoppable rocked it! I missed last week's update but I will put the numbers in this post. The last two weeks have been busy as usual. I finished up TF/CE and entered the Beachbody Million Dollar body contest (pls. cross your fingers that I make it to the voting round). After that I took a few days off of working out. They were not planned, I was just too tired and my feet hurt too much at the end of those days to get a workout in. I got back into it on Sunday and became a Yogi again :-). I went to Bikram on Sunday, then did Zumba on Monday, and yesterday was a rest day. Today I did <a href="http://figuringitalloutonedayatatime.blogspot.com/2011/04/hip-hop-yoga-and-foam-rolling.html">Hip Hop Yoga</a> and Zumba. I love getting out of the house for workouts after a six month long program at home. The weather is also becoming warmer so that make it even nicer. The only disappointment so far is that I planned to start running last week and that hasn't happened because I am still having shin pain. I decided to take it easy for a while rather than risk aggravating my old stress fractures.<br />
<br />
My eating is still so-so. My appetite has been weird and I've been eating outside the house more often because I haven't made time to cook. I need to get back on track in this area. The only other notable thing I can think of is that I have been extremely achy these past few weeks. Between muscle soreness, tiredness and bone pain, I was hurting much more than usual. I had another foam roller session a few days ago so hopefully all this pain will go away soon.<br />
<br />
Okay now for the numbers:<br />
<br />
Beginning of Challenge: 199<br />
Week 5: 194.2 (<span style="color: #cc0000;">+ .8</span> from previous week, probably due to stress)<br />
Week 6: 193.0 (<span style="color: lime;">-1.2 </span>from previous week)<br />
Total for the challenge: <span style="color: lime;">-6.0 lbs!!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Woo-hoo! I think this is the most I've lost in a Shrinking Jeans Challenge so far. As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, my teammate <a href="http://kristydares.blogspot.com/">Kristy</a> also did an awesome job. She lost over 10 lbs! Way to go Team Unstoppable!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-33627700540597008802011-04-03T18:13:00.000-04:002011-04-17T21:56:11.925-04:00Hip Hop Yoga and Foam RollingHappy Sunday everyone and welcome to my new readers!<br />
<br />
Last Wednesday I tried out a new class that I wanted to tell you all about. I bought a Living Social deal for a local Yoga studio and while perusing the class schedule, I saw a listing for Hip-Hop Yoga. I just had to see what the class was all about. I got to the class a little late but at the beginning we were just going through various Yoga poses. The instructor had a R&B, Pop, Rap mix playing in the background so that was the first thing that was different. It definitely gave the class a more upbeat vibe. As we progressed, we still did poses but instead we were now holding them for shorter periods of time. We would get into a stretch and alternate between two different positions. There were a couple of finger snaps and "hands in the air" thrown in there and the poses were slowed down versions of popular hip hop dance moves. The class ended with a long <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savasana">savasana</a>. Overall I liked the class and I will go back (I have four more classes left in the deal that I bought). It kept my interest and got my heart rate up quite a bit during some of the moves. There was just one problem...<br />
<br />
The next day my legs hurt soooo bad. Now, this class seemed very harmless; as I said before, my heart rate increased, I got my sweat on a little but nothing seemed super challenging or painful so why on earth were my calves and hamstrings DONE the following day? I mean, I was doing some cardio and I was hurting so bad I was praying for the DVD to be done. The only reason I didn't quit was that I was too determined to finish it. I followed that cardio session up with a date with this bad boy:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALc3EehTwHY/TZjvER7xEpI/AAAAAAAAAC8/MtBytdrzUWU/s1600/blog+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALc3EehTwHY/TZjvER7xEpI/AAAAAAAAAC8/MtBytdrzUWU/s320/blog+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Foam Roller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I bought this foam roller a few months ago and had never used it until last week. I went to You Tube to look up some exercises for calves and hamstrings and then threw in the IT band exercise for good measure. I cannot tell you how much this helped. I mean I was dang near crying while I was rolling out the different muscle groups (especially my IT band which I didn't even know was tight) but the next day I was good to go and had minimal pain. After a second session, I am now pain free. This foam roller is truly like having a masseur/masseuse on hand- I think we will become great friends.<br />
<br />
Learn more about Foam Rolling or Self Myofascial Release <a href="http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/flexibilityandstretching/ss/FoamRoller.htm">here</a>. <br />
<br />
Have you tried or considered using a foam roller? Have you been to a Hip-Hop Yoga class? Please share your experience below.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /><br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-68537291030481683542011-03-30T21:16:00.001-04:002011-03-30T21:35:00.169-04:00My South of the Border inspired (Breakfast for) Dinner<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqQr_k0XttQ/TZPNgfXI7II/AAAAAAAAAC4/OBEJirFVG2A/s1600/March+%252711+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqQr_k0XttQ/TZPNgfXI7II/AAAAAAAAAC4/OBEJirFVG2A/s320/March+%252711+063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huevos Rancheros w/ Blue Corn Tortilla Chips and Guacamole</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ever since my visit to Max Brenner's in NYC and having that foodgasmic <a href="http://figuringitalloutonedayatatime.blogspot.com/2011/03/updates-and-big-news.html">Huevos Rancheros scramble</a>, I've been seriously craving a repeat performance. When I saw <a href="http://fitnessista.com/2011/03/his-and-hers-huevos-rancheros/">this post by the fitnessista</a> the other day, I though I would give it a shot. I combined that recipe with <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/huevos-rancheros-recipe/index.html">Chef Emeril's version</a> and I now present to you the remix. While it was not the same as Max Brenner's, the results were quite tasty! <br />
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<div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">1 tablespoon olive oil</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">1/2 large onion, diced</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">1/4 cup chopped red and green bell peppers</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">1/2 cup diced tomatoes</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">1/2 cup black beans</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">1/2 teaspoon ground cumin</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">1/8- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">1 tablespoon minced jalapeno</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">1 teaspoon minced garlic</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">1 tablespoon dried cilantro</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">1/4 cup water (can substitute chicken stock)</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">Salt and pepper to taste</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"> 2 large eggs</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">Pepper jack cheese (optional)</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">2 tablespoons Guacamole</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">1. To make the Ranchero Sauce: In a medium pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers, and cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the black beans, cumin, salt, cayenne, jalapeno, and garlic, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the water and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the cilantro. Adjust the seasoning, to taste, and cover to keep warm.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"> 2. Spray a frying pan with non-stick spray and fry eggs until they begin to set, about 1 minute. (You can sprinkle cheese on top here if you choose.)</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">3. Place the eggs on a plate, top with the warm Ranchero Sauce and guacamole and serve with tortillas or tortilla chips. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">4. Enjoy!</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div>Let me know if you give it a try. Until next time...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br />
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<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-5311055938367302332011-03-30T16:35:00.002-04:002011-03-30T21:35:29.074-04:00Spring In2 Action Challenge - Weeks 3 and 4 Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QyCSQVgFiPw/TZOP1DvZFtI/AAAAAAAAAC0/27a_g_dl9kw/s1600/SpringIntoAction1-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QyCSQVgFiPw/TZOP1DvZFtI/AAAAAAAAAC0/27a_g_dl9kw/s200/SpringIntoAction1-01.png" width="200" /></a></div>Where has time gone? This challenge is almost over! I missed last week's update because I had a major final exam on the brain. Now that that's over I am enjoying a little rest and relaxation. So, what's new?<br />
<br />
-Well first, I didn't exercise for most of the last week (all except yesterday actually). First I was tired and then I didn't feel up to it. This doesn't really happen very often but maybe it was my body telling me to take it easy. I was having some shin pain and I knew I needed to get new shoes. I got that taken care of on Monday and jumped back into it yesterday.<br />
<br />
-My eating habits were so-so. As usual, they could be better. What I've been eating hasn't been too bad but I need to include more veges. The sugar reduction for Lent is also going okay. I had ice cream from Coldstone and chocolate in the last couple of days (blame it on the hormones), and two sugary coffee drinks during exam week but overall I haven't been going too crazy with the sugar. By the way, the sugar in that ice cream messed me up so bad, I became sooooo tired after eating it and swore I was running a temperature. I won't be doing that again any time soon. <br />
<br />
-I still need to get back on track with breakfast but now it's more because of laziness rather than being busy.<br />
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Let's have a look at the numbers:<br />
<br />
Beginning of Challenge: 199<br />
Week 3: 194.8 (<span style="color: lime;">-2</span> from previous week)<br />
Week 4: 193.8 (<span style="color: lime;">-1</span>)<br />
Total: <span style="color: lime;">-5.2</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime;"><span style="color: black;">Edited to add* - How could I forget to mention? Team Unstoppable kicked major booty last week and made our debut on the Leaderboard at position 8. <a href="http://shrinkingjeans.net/2011/03/spring-in2-action-leaderboard-week-3/">Check it out</a>!</span> </span><br />
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How was your week?<br />
<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /><br />
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<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-75918579545226094962011-03-24T09:54:00.002-04:002011-04-17T21:56:43.228-04:00Quote of the Day<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody">"If you think you can do it, you're right. If you think you can't do it, you're still right."<br />
<br />
Henry Ford</span></span></h6><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-35271589137812419202011-03-17T13:41:00.002-04:002011-03-30T21:35:29.074-04:00Spring In2 Action Challenge - Week 2 RecapI began writing this post yesterday but didn't get around to posting it so here it is: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ldFjz3FJBLs/TYJDpMhkngI/AAAAAAAAACw/a5yo29ICMI0/s1600/SpringIntoAction1-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ldFjz3FJBLs/TYJDpMhkngI/AAAAAAAAACw/a5yo29ICMI0/s200/SpringIntoAction1-01.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
What's new for this week?<br />
<br />
-I am in the final month of the TurboFire/Chalean Extreme hybrid program. This program served me well as my <a href="http://figuringitalloutonedayatatime.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-winter-workout-plan.html">winter workout plan</a> but I am ready for it to be over. I began writing my review of it and I will share it along with progress pics when I am done.<br />
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-I decided to drastically reduce my sugar for lent (I say drastically reduce because I still get sugar from fruits and I use it in my tea/coffee.). This is <a href="http://figuringitalloutonedayatatime.blogspot.com/2010/11/could-chocolate-be-remedy-for-my-sweet.html">something that I really needed to work</a> on and so I decided to make it my sacrifice during this season. It has been a little challenging but I feel like I can already see and feel the difference it is making. I passed up desert over the weekend at dinner but on Tuesday I gave in and had a small piece of a cookie. I think I will also cut down with alcohol as well but I haven't really been drinking much these days anyway.<br />
<br />
-Challenges: I skipped breakfast a few times this week - partly because I was not hungry and partly because I was busy working on something or the other. I was also exhausted by the time the weekend rolled around and losing an hour on Sunday did not help. I also still haven't found the time or energy to begin the push-ups challenge so I think I might postpone it until after finished with TF/CE because those workouts have push-ups in them already.<br />
<br />
Overall this was a good week. I am even happier today because my major focus this week is to clear my To Do list and it is dwindling slowly but surely! Here are last week's numbers:<br />
<br />
<br />
Last week- 199<br />
This week- 196.8<br />
Total for Challenge- <span style="color: lime;">-2.2</span><br />
<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /><br />
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<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-21734385688491533522011-03-09T21:31:00.002-05:002011-03-30T21:35:29.075-04:00Spring In2 Action Challenge - Week in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7GVRMzoAr1w/TXgz-vZ6v1I/AAAAAAAAACs/q0_Og_fnxkk/s1600/SpringIntoAction1-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7GVRMzoAr1w/TXgz-vZ6v1I/AAAAAAAAACs/q0_Og_fnxkk/s200/SpringIntoAction1-01.png" width="200" /></a></div> <br />
The Spring In2 Action challenge is on it's way! Meet Team Unstoppable!!! You can check out my buddy for the challenge Kristy <a href="http://kristydares.blogspot.com/">here</a>. We are both ready to get 'er done.<br />
<br />
The first week is already over and I've barely had time to figure out what I should be doing for the challenge. Y<strike>ou blame it on the two programs I was planning, one last Saturday and one tomorrow.</strike> My eating was not on point this past week because that tends to happen when I get really busy. Cooking is one of the first things to go when time is limited. I didn't eat as much fast food but I did eat out a few times and Saturday was muffin, pizza and wings day. My water intake has also been slowing slipping from my 8-9 glasses/ day. I really need to figure out new strategies to combat these issues since me being busy won't go away any time soon. On the other hand, I got in all of my workouts except Friday and Saturday when my body and feet would not comply because I was on them most of the day running around.<br />
<br />
I am participating in the <a href="http://hundredpushups.com/">100 Push ups Challenge</a> however I am starting the workouts this week. I did push ups in my regular workouts and was able to do a full set of 8 this week (my starting number was 6). My goal for this challenge is to lose 6 lbs over the six weeks (1lb/week).<br />
<br />
Starting weight: 199 <br />
Last week: 199 <br />
Today: 199.2<br />
Total: +.2<br />
<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><br />
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<div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-35774204375518925172011-03-04T11:54:00.000-05:002011-03-04T11:54:59.666-05:00My Blog's 1st Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EV3CvY4oEjo/TXEYI_lsc1I/AAAAAAAAACo/i7zSrscuJog/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EV3CvY4oEjo/TXEYI_lsc1I/AAAAAAAAACo/i7zSrscuJog/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My blog turned 1 today! I remember last year this time when I on my way with my weight loss journey and was considering starting a blog. There we so many things to consider and I was quite worried that I would not have the time to put into it. That has not changed :-) but I think I did pretty okay. Since then we got a face lift and became a little stylish (signature and all), I learned a ton about creating images and html codes and all that jazz, and I've made some new online friends :-). Most of all this blog has kept me accountable in my weight loss journey and has played a huge role in helping me to lose the 35+ lbs that I have said goodbye to forever.<br />
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I love being a part of the blogging world (and having my own little corner of the net) and I really hope to be able to keep up in year 2 as well. Thank you to all of my readers for following and for your support during this journey. I REALLY appreciate it!!! Do you have any suggestions for improvement?<br />
<br />
Check out <a href="http://figuringitalloutonedayatatime.blogspot.com/2010/03/introducing.html">my very first post</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-12198286919252034782011-03-01T11:50:00.000-05:002011-03-30T21:38:27.552-04:00Updates and Big News!First and foremost, welcome to my new readers. I appreciate you following :-)!<br />
Second, it looks like we have a Bloggerversary coming up on Friday! Stay tuned for the celebration.<br />
Third.... I've found my way back to..... Onederland!!! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3HHI0zjNYgE/TW0dPFrCtZI/AAAAAAAAACI/nKKai5WY0lM/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3HHI0zjNYgE/TW0dPFrCtZI/AAAAAAAAACI/nKKai5WY0lM/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I am extremely happy about this scale victory! I still have quite a way to go in my journey but I remember a few years ago when I was gaining weight, I would think to myself that 200 was the number that I shouldn't let myself get above. I went above and beyond that so it definitely feels good to be back in Onederland territory.<br />
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I spent last weekend in New York City for a conference. It was extremely tiring. I had very long days, plus I ended up dragging broken luggage all over Brooklyn and Manhattan (didn't even have to worry about getting a workout in after that) but I had a good time with my family and friends. On Sunday I met two friends for breakfast at Max Brenner in Manhattan and all I can say is if you're in NYC you should definitely put this on your list of restaurants to try. Here are some pics... Enjoy!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DWILa2BJbbM/TW0fxeRFgrI/AAAAAAAAACM/oEyMLsmKVmg/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DWILa2BJbbM/TW0fxeRFgrI/AAAAAAAAACM/oEyMLsmKVmg/s320/014.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York, New York</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zi59tsU2AJg/TW0f2j2UK-I/AAAAAAAAACQ/bV7Hj59g_SE/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zi59tsU2AJg/TW0f2j2UK-I/AAAAAAAAACQ/bV7Hj59g_SE/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fjdXcVk3oVY/TW0ghqYrpVI/AAAAAAAAACk/Sv_AvrIPIfE/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fjdXcVk3oVY/TW0ghqYrpVI/AAAAAAAAACk/Sv_AvrIPIfE/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had a Chocolate Cappuccino in the Hug Mug. See the heart?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vVqqx2m3G9g/TW0f8B6OezI/AAAAAAAAACU/TXZ3muU1CdA/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vVqqx2m3G9g/TW0f8B6OezI/AAAAAAAAACU/TXZ3muU1CdA/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friends had Chocolate Chai in a fancy teapot contraption</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HQr__2-rBY4/TW0gCmPsBEI/AAAAAAAAACY/K1XCz46ipO0/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HQr__2-rBY4/TW0gCmPsBEI/AAAAAAAAACY/K1XCz46ipO0/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had the Huevos Rancheros Sunrise Burrito scrambled instead of in a burrito. Instant foodgasms!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> These were their menu choices:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H1CNNPZcu8s/TW0gHqfIGzI/AAAAAAAAACc/p_w6rI1ujc8/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H1CNNPZcu8s/TW0gHqfIGzI/AAAAAAAAACc/p_w6rI1ujc8/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Cheesecake Crepe</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4jlcAWnTA-U/TW0gMfbLLcI/AAAAAAAAACg/cjgkjTEtqRw/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4jlcAWnTA-U/TW0gMfbLLcI/AAAAAAAAACg/cjgkjTEtqRw/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Apple and White Chocolate Truffle Cream French Toast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was all worth every single calorie! Until next time...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><br />
<div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-36875846416701557162011-03-01T11:07:00.000-05:002011-03-30T21:35:29.075-04:00The Power of One Challenge- The final three weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--0UTjmYc3bI/TW0WW68rggI/AAAAAAAAACE/_GPn04OGqFo/s1600/power-of-one-badge1-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--0UTjmYc3bI/TW0WW68rggI/AAAAAAAAACE/_GPn04OGqFo/s1600/power-of-one-badge1-01.png" /></a></div>The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of me trying to keep up with my life. <strike>What's new?</strike> As I am writing this post, I should really be studying for an exam that I have tomorrow morning. Anyhow, the Power of One Challenge ended last week so I though I'd give a recap and post my numbers for the last three weeks.<br />
<br />
Beginning of Challenge: 205<br />
<br />
Week 6 (2/9)- 202.2 (200.8 the following day)<br />
Week 7 (2/16)- 203.6 (202.2 the following day)<br />
Week 8 (2/23)- 200.6 (<b>199.4</b> the following day)<br />
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Total loss during the challenge: <span style="color: lime;">-4.4</span><br />
<br />
In the <a href="http://figuringitalloutonedayatatime.blogspot.com/2011/02/power-of-one-week-5-recap.html">Week 5 Recap</a> I weighed in at 201.6 so I had a gain the following two weeks but was still able to have a final weight close to my goal for the challenge (<200). My exercise regimen was pretty consistent but my eating was probably what caused these fluctuations. I also posted my weight on the morning after the weight in because interestingly enough it is always a lot lower??? I am not sure why this is the case but it might have to do with the fact that Wednesdays are my rest days and I am usually pretty sore or tired by Tuesday night. Maybe the recovery day helps with decreasing inflammation etc.?<br />
<br />
Overall I really enjoyed this challenge. I missed getting to know new people since it was about the power of one person, but I got to know myself a lot better. My weight fluctuated a heck of a lot, running as high as 208 in the beginning and below 200 toward the end of the challenge. I've become a better planner and while it is still a work in progress, I've made strides in planning my meals and activities for the day and week. I also became very familiar with working out to muscle failure. I didn't comment on the <a href="http://shrinkingjeans.net/2011/02/february-project-operation-body-fail/">February monthly project</a> before now but for me this month it was the push-ups that did it. I hated doing push-ups before however, this month of Chalean Extreme gave me the gift of push-ups. I did them until I ended up on the ground in a slump. The upside? I can do at least eight perfect push-ups on my toes baby!<br />
<br />
So the really good news is that the <a href="http://shrinkingjeans.net/2011/02/the-next-challenge-spring-into-action/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ShrinkingJeans+%28Shrinking+Jeans%29">Spring Into Action Challenge</a> begins tomorrow - and there's even a push-up challenge included! Are you in?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4714505688213127521.post-4935292847358235922011-02-02T23:52:00.000-05:002011-03-30T21:35:00.169-04:00White Chili with ChickenI fell in love with this dish a few weeks ago (I am late, I know). Since then I've made it twice and I feel like I could eat it everyday! It is very comforting in this cold weather and is a quick recipe that you can play with and make unique to your taste. The version of the recipe that I modified can be found <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Chili-II/Detail.aspx">here</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nyR_Epb5kLI/TUowXEDcwBI/AAAAAAAAAB4/dx9u0RaGAW0/s1600/Food+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nyR_Epb5kLI/TUowXEDcwBI/AAAAAAAAAB4/dx9u0RaGAW0/s320/Food+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<strong> Ingredients</strong><br />
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast meat - finely chopped</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">4 tablespoons olive oil</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">1 onion, finely diced</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">3 cloves garlic, minced</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">1 red bell pepper, diced (I omitted)</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">1 yellow bell pepper, chopped (I omitted)</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">1 tablespoon chili powder</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">1 teaspoon ground cumin</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">1 teaspoon dried oregano</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">5 cups chicken broth</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans </span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles (I used about 2 tablespoons Jalapenos, diced and seeded )</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">2 Tablespoons cornstarch (optional)</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">salt and pepper to taste</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">1 can of corn (my personal addition because I love corn)</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">1 teaspoon cilantro (my personal addition for flavor)</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><strong> Directions</strong></div><ol style="direction: ltr; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.75in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="1"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" value="1"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">In a large stock pot, saute chicken, olive oil, onion and garlic and red and yellow peppers. </span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" value="2"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Add chili powder, cumin, cilantro and oregano. Cook on medium for 3 minutes. Add chicken broth, beans and green chilies (or Jalapenos) and continue to cook on medium low for 5 to 10 minutes. </span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" value="3"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">If you want to thicken, add the cornstarch to the chili. Season with salt, pepper and hot sauce and serve.</span></li>
</ol><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nyR_Epb5kLI/TUozgVcLWAI/AAAAAAAAAB8/elNQrDbzlBw/s1600/Bloggin+2+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nyR_Epb5kLI/TUozgVcLWAI/AAAAAAAAAB8/elNQrDbzlBw/s320/Bloggin+2+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Enjoy! <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/53/D1EF219E9CD24B103BF2F404F7F539AD.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2