Me VS. The Sugar...

The Salad Case: Sweet Potatoes!

2013-05-06T18:30:00.000-06:00

Workout: crossfit 40 min workout + lots of walking

How was your weekend?

Mine was all at home and all over the place at the same time. Saturday morning was go, go, go then an out from no where fever for BB put an end to that. Then Saturday night hit with a big dose of this : 4 month old sleep regression.

Who knew that was even a thing? Certainly not me, and I wasn't prepared for it. BBC has also started flipping from his back to his tummy, so I had to stop swaddling him. I was just lucky he did better last night but you know what - ain't no hidin' being tired!

... and sore, I can't seem to hide being sore. The thing is, we didn't do anything lower body related today. I'm just still sore from last week. I don't know if it's the planning to go to crossfit, the $$$ it costs or that I'm just tired of the extra weight, but I've been doing so much better diet-wise. It was the first weekend I didn't treat as a "you earned it" buffet of sweets. We'll see at the end of the month if any actual gains will be made. I no longer have time to weigh myself every morning and I actually think that's a good thing. How about you?

On to today's salad case:

Spinach
Sweet potatoes
Cilantro (I'm on a kick and can't seem to get enough)
leftover squash/pinto beans green enchiladas (very little cheese)

Packing my lunch for the week has been a time/$$$ saver, let me tell ya. Plus, I can't seem to get enough sweet potatoes as well. BBC got his first taste of them this weekend and he was a fan. He did that whole "head zoning in" to the spoon, it was priceless. He also didn't want to give the spoon back, so that was good.

What's your favorite sweet potato recipe?

ADios :)

Flashback Friday: Scream & Shout

2013-05-03T18:30:00.000-06:00

Workout: crossfit mix

You guys, I made it to crossfit this AM and it was... tough + wonderful!

I had so much fun and was reminded of my old basketball days in high school. It's seriously been about 17 years since I've done box jumps. It's been 17 years since I was in high school. I am officially OLD.

They actually set up a bunch of weights so I didn't have to jump as high. It was still tough. I was the only one in class again, but the trainers are really nice and I can't complain too much about the music. I think they were playing Will.I.Am's latest CD and let me tell ya, by round 4-5 (I don't know, I lost track) my legs wanted to Scream & Shout:

So today's video seemed so appropriate.

On a sidenote; Britney always reminds me of my college days because everyone was all into her, I didn't know what the big deal was. Now, I have no idea why, but I really like her. Maybe it's because she seems to be getting past all the drama. Or maybe it's because she's never been stick thin or seemed like she wanted to be. She just always seems so fit.

Anyways, are you a Britney fan?

Have a great weekend!

ADios :)

Taco Thursday: Avocado Goodness!

2013-05-02T18:30:00.000-06:00

Workout: 40 min crossfit workout

You guys, I'm trying "the crossfit" this month!

After thinking about how I need to setup a workout routine, it just seemed like another thing I had to get done. I decided to call this Push 4 Fitness since it would kill two birds with one stone. It would prevent me from loosing 20 minutes in traffic and I wouldn't have to worry about what to do at the gym when I got there. Also, with all the crossfit hype I just wanted to try it and I.LOVED.IT!

They usually have classes every hour and are strict about coming in late, but I called to see if they could work with my schedule and kind of let me overlap two classes since I wouldn't be coming in until 7:20ish or so. Guess what, they said they would.

Turns out this morning, I was the only one at my class. Woo-hoo! It felt like I got a personal trainer. It was fun, challenging and now my arms and legs are seriously hurting. Funny thing is, I thought I knew what I was doing at the gym but I haven't been this sore in ages! Plus, it has been made known to me by a professional that I am severely not balanced. Moi? I know, shocker!

So, since I'm taking the extra 30 minutes to exercise (and I fully intend to go as much as I possibly can because OMG crossfit is $$$) - I'm trying to make dinners at home as simple as possible. In lieu of crockpot dinners for a month, I try to prep for tomorrow's meal if today's meal is really easy.

Last night's prep included a super delicious roasted red bell pepper cream sauce, but really I kind of still don't know what to make with it today. Sure, I could do the pasta thing, but I have a bunch of avocados seeing as my BBC is now old enough to start eating. BTW, he's lovin' them!

So I'm thinkin tonight is the night for:

Avocado + Bacon (opt) Tacos with Red Bell Pepper Cream Sauce

Avocados
Tortillas
Cooked bacon (optional)
Roasted Red Bell Pepper + table cream
cilantro

I'm probably not going to fry these tacos, just going to heat up the tortilla and fill it with avocados, cilantro and top it with cream sauce. Who knows, I may get crazy and add some quinoa to the avocado, but that would involve another pot. We shall see?

Ever tried an avocado taco before? If not, go forth and eat!

ADios :)

Work It: I will!

2013-05-01T18:30:00.000-06:00

Workout: 30 min weights + cardio circuit

So today was the first day of my new schedule at work. I awoke to a dog barking 5 minutes before my alarm went off. I was so mad!

It woke up the BBC so there was no prepping for the arduous task of wrangling two kiddos out the door. Needless to say, I was 15 minutes off my mark to get out the door. That translated into a 20 min commute after I dropped off the BB. 'Twas a learning experience.

Still, I got a short workout in and I had so much fun. I didn't have a weights plan, so I just did 4 circuits of mixed upper/lower body workouts and I ran for a couple of minutes after each circuit.

Really fun!

At some point I probably should structure the exercises a bit more, but for this week I'll just do what I can and smile.

How do you setup your weights workouts? Any cool online resources?

Mommy Needs Coffee: Guilt 2.0

2013-04-30T18:30:00.000-06:00

Workout: 25 min yoga + 10 min run

Hmmm, coffee...

So... there may or may not have been an incident with RC dealing with pregnancy weight-loss that I may or may not have blown out of proportion. You decide.

A comment was said. I reacted. He apologized and said it came out the wrong way. I was still mad and tried to move on. We had a good Sunday. Sunday night I thought about it some more and I got really mad because, well, you know, how dare he comment about my weight loss. Email explosion ensued on Monday morning. He apologized again. I was still mad then we had another heart-to-heart at night and here we are today.

Looking back, there is so much going on right now. Yes, most of my jeans are fitting me now but I'm still about 8lbs away from my pre-preg weight. On the diet front, it's been mostly good but there's always room for improvement. In terms of workouts I have not been making it a priority. I have a 4 month old who has no idea what a schedule is so I can't plan around that. I have an almost 3-year old that sometimes wakes up early and hangs off my leg as I try to finish my squat set, asking "up...up...up...".

Today, the clouds aligned and BBC slept later than usual (oh mighty swaddle - thank-you!) but BB was up and at 'em. I snuckaway as RC got her ready for the learning center and was able to squeeze a mile run in. She later wrangled herself to the bedroom and proceeded to watch me run while she made funny hand-running motions and smile at me. I loved it. I finished with some yoga and feel great today.

In order to avoid the guilt of not spending enough time with the kiddos, I thought working out at home was the best route, but we're just not there yet.

Kim, thanks for this blog post today: Avoiding the Mommy Trap

I think part of the blow-out with RC stems from the fact that I myself am not happy with where I'm at and I miss working out but I feel too guilty to make anything happen.

I have to recognize that I obviously can't plan to be at the gym each and every morning at 7 am, but I can take steps to make that happen because my sanity needs it. So starting tomorrow I have a new schedule. I'll be going in to work 30 minutes later and am planning on taking BC/BBC a little earlier to their respective daycare centers so that I can use that long-lost forgotten gym membership.

Hello pool, I missed you!

I can't wait for that me-time, and I think RC/BB/BBC will be all the better for it!!! I hope ;)

Take a fistpump - mommy guilt!

Mommy Needs Coffee: Grateful!

2013-04-23T18:30:00.000-06:00

Workout: 30 minute walk + Better Than Coffee Vinyasa flow

This will be a short and probably very random post, but I felt like writing.

Last week I wrote and re-wrote a blog post, I wasn't sure how to handle what happened in Boston while I was vacationing in San Diego. Then I tried to add a picture from my phone. Then I tried to edit the post from my PC. Then it all got deleted. Then I gave up and just sent some more thoughts and prayers to Boston.

Today I did my yoga and it felt great (pssst, it's not really better than coffee). In fact, I may be dealing with a bit of an afternoon iced-coffee addiction compliments of Einstein's and their new Hazelnut Iced coffee flavor. Seriously, I can't seem to pass up on their $1 refills. Someone help.

Now, for some more coffee ...

Life with a toddler + an infant is tough - not going to sugar coat it. Sometimes I get lost in trying to get it all done. Today I found this blog: House Unseen - Life Unscripted and something, I can't remember which post, made me feel so grateful - for everything more than words can ever convey.

Thank you God!

What are you grateful for?

ADios :)

The Salad Case: Bundles

2013-04-08T18:30:00.000-06:00

Workout: 30 min yoga + 30 min walking

3 snoozes this morning, but I got my yoga fix in! Nuff said ;)

It's so much easier for me to get myself out of bed when it's yoga and not running on the schedule. Once I'm up though, it seems like I'm much more motivated to get the cardio in. Starting tomorrow, I'm going to try the yoga/weights before the run and see how that works. Hopefully I'll log at least two runs this way.

Are you religious about getting in the cardio before any other type of strength workout?

This week's case was simple and all packed in zip-lock bags:

Roasted brussel sprouts & potatoes
spinach (forgot it today)
pinto beans
avocado
whole-wheat tortilla

In really, give me avocado and a tortilla and I'm a happy girl. Adding the extra veggies does make me feel better about it all. Plus, throwing it all together at work is SO.MUCH.EASIER than doing it at home. Whoever invented the Ziploc bags, thank-you!

What's in your lunch bag today?

ADios :)

Snapshot Saturday: late ed.

2013-04-08T15:44:00.000-06:00

Generation 2000 - a Children's Fair

She was in there long enough for me to snap a couple of pictures:

Hammering in those pegs, though - a good solid 5 minutes. Note to self: get one of those foam things, some pegs and a kid hammer for the house!

Still working on those self-portraits!

BB would have never slept like that as an infant. EVER.

The one she kept going back to:

Priceless!

The Sunday Plan: SD - 5

2013-04-07T10:00:00.000-06:00

Workout: 20 min interval run + walk with the dogs

So exited, we'll be in San Diego sometime this Friday. Til then, here is the eats plan for the week:

CrockPot Sundays: Paella over rice
Panini Mondays: Gouda + apple + turkey(optional) + brussel spouts
Surfin Tuesdays: Pizza + asparagus + red lentil soup
Sghetti Wednesdays: Sghetti + chicken sausage + spinach
TacoOrRice Thursdays: Chile Rellenos (Mom-made + daughter approved) + tomatoes & pea saudce
Pizza Fridays: San Diego
Savory Saturday Breakfast: San Diego
Sweet Sunday Breakfast: San Diego
Breakfast Savor of the week: pb + jam
Salad Case: sweet potatoes + brussel sprouts + carrots + quinoa + pinto beans

Produce Isle

mushrooms
onions
carrots
squash
garlic
spinach
peas
apples
fruit (on sale)

Staples Isle

bread
tortillas
brown rice
pasta
beans
red lentils

Dairy Isle

gouda cheese

Protein Isle

eggs

Frozen Isle

blueberries

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

ADios :)

Flashback Fridays: Blackbird

2013-04-05T18:30:00.000-06:00

Workout: Lower body workout + 20 min walk

BBC woke up twice last night, the second time was due to a broken swaddle. The preventable wake-ups are the worst. No surprise, I snoozed two days in a row.

I'm trying not to be to hard on myself, it is my first full week back at work. I found this awesome lower-body workout and was able to sneak three sets in throughout the day. Not too bad, but no excuses this weekend, or so I'm telling myself!

In order to celebrate a week of clean eats, a 1lb weight loss, no added sugar and no 2nd cup o'joe for the week, I decided to treat myself to a small iced coffee from Einstein's.

I laugh because my attempt at a self-portrait of me with said coffee was a total FAIL. HAHA.

Now for some flashback tunes: Blackbird by The Beatles.

I'm not sure if you've picked up on it, but I'm a huge Beatles fan. Grew up on the hits albums but I've never owned their entire catalog. I didn't even know about this gem of a song until one of the girls on American Idol sang it a couple of years ago. It has quickly climbed to be in my Beatles Top Ten list.

Are you a Beatles fan? If so, would you be able to pick just one song as a "favorite"? I thought I could, but no, really I couldn't.

Have a great weekend.

ADios :)

Taco Thursday: Salmon Tacos

2013-04-05T08:33:00.002-06:00

Workout: 30 min walk + more missed yoga regret

I'll just apologize to myself because I snoozed 3 times, could have totally done the yoga thing. So should have! My 16 lb baby has been wreaking havoc on my lower back, I need all the yoga I can take.

Instead, I snoozed. The BBC did get up a bit earlier than usual and I got to spend an extra 30 min of exclusive time with him. Not too shabby.

As I was writing this I wasn't sure if I should continue the Taco Thursdays. I had planned on a salmon + spaghetti squash dinner and even googled some recipes. Then, picture the light turning on when the picture of yummy salmon tacos popped into my mind. Sign.me.up - Taco Thursday lives on!

Salmon Tacos

1 onion
1/2 spaghetti squash cooked
1 lb skinless salmon, cubed
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp mild chili
1 tsp paprika
optional toppings: queso fresco, avocado, salsa

Saute onion in some oil until clear (5-10 minutes)
Add cooked spaghetti squash and sautee for 5 minutes
Add salmon and spices and sautee until cooked
Serve with your favorite toppings

A one-pot wonder + so good! Where is the cilantro when you need it?

Had any good tacos lately?

ADios :)

Work It: 1 mile at a time!

2013-04-03T18:00:00.000-06:00

Workout: 1 mile interval run + 30 min walk

Boy oh boy, did I have a 2nd coffee cup craving this afternoon. I almost justified it by telling myself that I'd walk to the coffee store that's across campus. Tricky, tricky some may say. Luckily, I resisted the urge and made myself some tea instead. Go me.

I figure my diet is the only real thing that I can control right now, and I am trying hard.

The workout schedule, I'm way more laid back and take it one mile at a time.

Today, it was exactly that, 1 mile + my walking breaks throughout the day. One of those includes a walk to the mailbox with BB because we all know that toddler needs her exercise. I am so jealous of her energy levels, it's unreal. I used to mock my Mom all the time because she couldn't stay up past 9, now I just wish I was so lucky. Reason #934 that I'm turning into my parents.

Despite the 1+ hour that I was awake in the middle of the night (BBC didn't go back to sleep as he normally does), I snoozed my alarm a couple of times. When I finally awoke, I had enough time to squeeze a mile on the treadmill. I asked RC if it was even worth it - I'm so glad he said yes.

That little 10 minutes of alternating between 5 and 7mph intervals was so much fun. I have to keep on telling myself to just do it - you really do feel so much better afterward.

This is my week's Work It goals:

Thursday: 10 min steady run + 30 min yoga
Friday: total body weights + 30 min yoga
Saturday: 20 min steady run
Sunday: 20 min interval run
Monday: 30 min yoga
Tuesday:20 min steady run + upper body weights
Wednesday: 20 min interval run + lower body weights

In the battle of the snooze vs working out, I'm really going to try this week. Any tips? Wish me luck.

ADios :)

Mommy Needs Coffee: The Pump!

2013-04-02T18:30:00.000-06:00

Workout: 30 minute walk + major regret at a missed yoga session (still figuring out the sleep thing)

Now, for some coffee ...

During my maternity leave I went back to having a second cup o'joe in the afternoon. Although it was decaf, I looked forward to it each day and even tried to give it up for lent. I failed a week into it, and instead opted for no chocolate/ice cream to go along with my daily readings of the Bible (if you're Catholic try the Laudate.droid app - so awesome).

I've been doing good this week and last, but it's a struggle. You know what else is a struggle: the Pump.

The breastfeeding pump that is. It's back in a major way and I'm just trying to get into the routine of it all.

I had no problems at all during my first pregnancy so I thought it'd be the same for this one. I was wrong. Here's what I've dealt with so far:

Fast let-down on the left side. Poor BBC was not a happy camper for the first couple of months on that side but I think he's able to handle it now.
More production on the left side. As much as I try to balance it out, the left side just always makes a bit more.
Plugged duct on the right. Turns out BBCs longer sleeping sessions at night (which I love and can't really believe) and my return to work led to this very PAINFUL condition. It started last Friday when my boob turned into a rock-like thing. Man it hurt. Lots of heat/massage/breastpumping have helped, but I do not wish this condition on anyone. Don't even get me started on what it felt like to nurse with that thing - just don't.
Overall, my milk production is down. I used to be able to pump 4oz + on each side in one sitting. Now I need to sessions for a total of 12 or so. I wonder if it's just me getting older?

Not to mention, I hate pumping at work.

Someone at work has always been pregnant/nursing since even before BB so we have an old office dedicated for it. It's nice, but was missing a chair and table when I came back. In my search for a chair, a fellow co-worker followed me in there as I wheeled one in and would not leave. He just stood there, like "hey, what are you up to?" Um, um, um... eternity, um...

Finally he left, but it was so awkward.

Then I locked myself out and had to get my male supervisor to open the door. Wonderful.

Then I forgot to put the bags on at the end of the pump - I caught that one fast, though.

Then I forgot to pull down my shirt and was walking around with my breastfeeding tank in all it's glory. Such a trend-setter I tell ya!

Ever have to pump at work? Any horror stories?

ADios :)

The Salad Case: I'm back - kind of!

2013-04-01T18:00:00.000-06:00

Workout: 17 min treadmill run + 15 min walk

As the title implies, I'm back - kind of. At least I think I am.

Let me explain, my absence is due to this guy:

Blog (and by blog I mean my 3 readers who probably have already met him), meet Colton (or my BBC)!

I'm absolutely blessed to call him my son,

and BB my precious daughter.

Don't let the smiles fool ya, there have been some tough times at our little casita - but those smiles get me every.single.time.

My maternity leave is officially over (boo... and boo) and now it's all about trying to calm what I affectionately like to call "the Crazy". Yes, I'm right smack in the middle of the Crazy so I'm trying to take it one day (no hour) at a time.

So, where does the blog fit in - you ask? I miss it. It's something I do for me, a snapshot of what was going on during a particular day before all the days melt into one.

As far as the nutrition/fitness goes, it is so much different this time around. Sleep has pretty much trumped any planned morning workout sessions and I'm okay with it for now.

I gained a total of 34ish pounds this go-around. I lost 20 pounds in the two weeks following delivery, then a whopping pound at my 6 week checkup. Haha - that was a fun weigh-in!

I've lost a little since then and am about 10 lbs from my "goal". It's kind of hard to gage the weight because I'm still breastfeeding so I'm going to rely on measurements to track my progress. Now if only I had time to get those measurements down.

I've come to realize I don't have much control over my workout schedule, I'm at the whim of BB, BBC and how much sleep they decide to give me on a given night. I'm going to try to keep it simple and will post more about that in my Work It Posts!

My main focus in July will be "Clean Eating," with my own definition of clean. I'll be limiting my dairy/sugar consumption and trying to add lots of veggies and healthy stuff. I don't believe in deprivation.

Since I'm back at work, the salad cases are back as well and will be prepped at work for the most part. This week's case is:

baked sweet potato
baked carrots
baked kale
hummus + egg + whole wheat tortilla

I brought everything in containers for the week so that is one less bag I'll have to prep each night.

BTW, how good are baked sweet potatoes - really :)

What's in your case today?

I leave you with some more LOVE <3 p="">

ADios :)

The Sunday Plan: Winning Combo

2012-11-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Workout: 30 min walk with the fam!

I'm tired, so so tired! The show must go on though, the dinner planning show that is.

Last week's Sunday Plan actually went well during the week and the meals came together fairly easily, I can't say enough good things about the Spaghetti Carbonara too! This was good, real good! As the BB's transition into toddler bed woes were on my mind, I needed all the extra time I could buy!

Also, this is a winning combination in your kitchen if you have a toddler and you're trying to make/clean-up after a meal:

kids stool + tea sets + dish soap bubbles

Plus, any random kitchen utensils you can hand the said toddler to play with are gold!

Hopefully this plan will also unfold just as nicely :)

CrockPot Sundays: Crockpot Chicken Pasta
Panini Mondays: Double Bean Burger Patty Melts
Surfin Tuesdays: Shrimp Stir-fry
Sghetti Wednesdays: Pumpkin Parmesan pasta
TacoOrRice Thursdays: Santa Fe Casserole (Remix)
Pizza Fridays: Cheese
Savory Saturday Breakfast: Eggs + potatoes
Sweet Sunday Breakfast: Pumpkin Spice pancakes
Breakfast Savor of the week: pb + jam
Salad Case: stir-fry + walnuts
Smoothie: yogurt + blueberries

Produce Isle

mushrooms
onions
carrots
celery
bell peppers
avocado
garlic
spinach
bananas
apples
fruit (on sale)

Staples Isle

bread
baglethins
tortillas
brown rice
pasta
beans
canned pumpkin

Dairy Isle

shredded cheese
parmesan cheese
butter
cream cheese
yogurt

Protein Isle

chicken
eggs
salmon
roast turkey

Frozen Isle

blueberries
veggy stifry

ADios :)

WorkIt: Not so much?

2012-11-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Workout: 30 min Super Lunge Vinyasa Flow

As my co-worker put it so lovingly, "Wow, you really popped out!"

Yes folks, the bump has popped out! I'm very blessed to have a growing baby who is very very active and let's me know it!

The work-outs continue and I absolutely love pumping iron at the gym. SO.MUCH.FUN!

However, that growing bump is leaving me winded a bit more, I'm generally walking much much slower and am getting up once or twice in the middle of the night. Not to mention the staring at the gym has picked up quite a bit. All that, coupled with the time change has got me thinking maybe it's time to give up the gym weights sessions.

Ay-ay-ay - so let me tell ya more about this time change!!! I'm usually a big fan of the big Fall Backwards time change, this year - not so much.

The BB has had it with her sleep slack and can now climb out of her crib so we are going through a transitional stage into her toddler bed. Some nights are good, some not so good.

Since there's been nights where it's taken 1+ hr of having to continually put her back in her bed (while trying to ignore the non-ending screaming) we decided to not adjust the time for starting her bedtime routine. That means, her bath starts at 7 and we can hopefully get her to sleep before 8:30. Yesterday, it was 9.

With my current work schedule, that means I get off work around 4:30 and we don't get home til 5ish. Straight to making dinner then that only leaves us an hour of playtime.

Everything just seems so rushed, I've decided to suck-it-up and wake up a bit earlier to get my yoga on. I'll also be moving my weights into the family room to get in some reps while I can during play time. I figure, every little bit helps and it'll be good for BB to see me working out some.

For now, here's the WorkIt plan:

M: yoga + weights
T: yoga + swim
W: yoga + weights
Th: yoga + swim
F: yoga
S: long walk
Su: long walk

I also bought and am hoping to add 30 minutes of active playtime to our routine after we get home from work.

I'm hoping this will be a fun activity and help get some of her energy out and maybe give me a kick-start as well!

How do you fit in exercise?

ADios :)

The Sunday Plan: Carbornara!

2012-11-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Workout: 30 min walk with the fam!

So, in trying to get my shopping lists ready to have before BB#2 arrives, I'm writing this post sometime in the previous week and documenting what the plan was.

I'm actually really looking forward to the Spaghetti Carbonara, I never knew you could make a sauce quite like that. Who knew? Let's just hope the spaghetti is hot enough to cook those eggs - I hate getting anyone sick.

Ever cause any food poisoning? I'm pretty sure I've gotten RC sick with under-cooked chicken once (maybe twice). That's why I'm really hesistant to cook any type of chicken that is not boiled or stir-fried - I actually just don't like cooking it. I will try this week though (which for you, is really last week). Wish me luck :) - maybe wish RC luck since he's the only one that's gotten sick.

CrockPot Sundays: Creamy Chicken Soup
Panini Mondays: Cheddar/Avocado + Leftover Soup
Surfin Tuesdays: Salmon + sweet potato baked fries
Sghetti Wednesdays: Spaguetti Carbonara
TacoOrRice Thursdays: brown rice + lentils + bell peppers w/ acorn squash
Pizza Fridays: Cheese
Savory Saturday Breakfast: Eggs + bacon
Sweet Sunday Breakfast: Bacon
Breakfast Savor of the week: Eggs + Cheese
Salad Case: tomato + mex squash + bell pepper + spinach stir-fry + cashews
Smoothie: yogurt + blueberries

Produce Isle

potato
onions
carrots
celery
avocado
shredded cabbage
sweet potatos
acorn squash
bell peppers
garlic
spinach
bananas
apples
fruit (on sale)

Staples Isle

bread
tortillas
rice
pasta
lentils
yeast
pizza sauce

Dairy Isle

shredded cheese
parmesan cheese
cheddar cheese
yogurt

Protein Isle

chicken
eggs
salmon
bacon

Frozen Isle

blueberries

ADios :)

Mommy Needs Coffee: Toddler Talk

2012-10-30T20:00:00.000-06:00

Workout: 30 min swim

Sooo, last week was one of those feels-like-I'm-a-single-parent weeks because RC had a crazy work schedule. Yes, fun times and in a non-sarcastic way - they really are fun times. It just takes some reminding sometimes.

I also ended up only getting one swim in plus the walks, but that was it for the entire week. I was tired. However, I keep having to remind myself that tired begets tired, and not exercising for me makes me even more tired, so this week - two workouts under my belt. Yay!!!

Now, for some coffee ...

and some book talk.

I kind of got into a reading rut and finally got through a couple of books that prompted me to clear out my Nook library. So glad I did. It made me realize that I had ordered this sample, but never actually read it.

I can't complain too much about the BB, but she is definitely testing us right now. As much as I have this thing against reading self-help books, I'm actually ok with reading baby-help books. In my mind, I need all the help I can get.

I haven't gotten too far on this book, but will post a full review later (or eventually). However, in the short couple of chapters I've read I kind of feel more empowered as a parent. It's a strange thing to say, but I do.

I had forgotten one of the most important lessons I learned from "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer," here's my oh so wonderful review, which is to really treat your child as their own person.

This has led to a very subtle change in dealing with her, really. Here are some examples:

I try to be more courteous and ask her before we do anything like change her or put on her jacket.
I am trying to wait and ask if she needs help with certain tasks instead of rushing and doing things for her. This one is tough for me, I must say.
I also have to remind her to use her words whenever she starts getting angry or frustrated.

One of the biggest issues I had was trying to rush home and get dinner on the table while trying to keep her from asking me to hold her half of the time. Things are slightly better now, I try to do most of the prep work after her bed time (lifesaver!!!) and we try to spend some time outside playing before actually starting dinner. I also try to include her in the meal-making process. She's now a fan of sitting on the counter and having her own spoon to stir with.

Are you a fan of baby/toddler-help books? Got any suggestions?

ADios :)

Saturday Snapshot: Chalk-the-Block!

2012-10-20T20:00:00.000-06:00

Workout: 30 min walk + chasing of the toddler!

This past weekend was jam-packed and so much fun, we feel so blessed.

Take these lovely strangers, whom my BB picked up at the local Chalk the Block festival this weekend and handed them some chalk!

Then inspected their chalk-coloring skillz! Future manager on our hands, maybe?

Not pictured here, there was also a Luminarium Mirazozo (a "calming balloon" that you walk through and hang out in), people on stilts (I never know how they do it) and some cool street vendors.

It was a fun event that everyone got into!

What's the most random festival you've attended?

ADios :)

Taco Thursdays: leftovers!

2012-10-19T08:46:00.000-06:00

Workout: 20 min yoga + 25 min swim

Yayyyy, today's swim was G'rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat - if I do say so myself. As you know, I'm slow at both running and swimming (go me) but I love the fact that I can be pregnant and actually do some "speed" work. That feeling never gets old and I am missing running right about .... NOW!

Now, my "speed" work is probably more like a regular person swimming but it makes the work-out so much fun and it just flew by. I also make sure to keep it easy and not over-exert myself, but that's where listening to your body really pays off.

Actually, I think I'm making the weight's guy at my gym nervous. He came over while I was working on those squats yesterday and asked when I was do. How I was feeling and if my doctor was ok with my workouts?

I told him my doctor was fine with me working out as long as I kept the weights light (which I do) and don't over do it. I try to do both of those things but I don't think he's seen many pregnant women pumping iron, I'm sure I must be a sight!

If you've been pregnant before and worked out, did you ever experience anything similar?

Also, there were no tacos today. In fact, it was one of those rare weeks that for some reason, a crock-pot full of soup served us for 3 days. It was heavenly :)

ADios :)

Mommy Needs Coffee: Hot water + Dates!

2012-10-16T21:00:00.000-06:00

Workout: 20 min yoga + 20 min swim

Another day, another BB breakdown at the daycare. Fun times!

This one wasn't so bad and the 20 min swim got me feeling better about the whole situation, I just have to take it one breakdown at a time. Plus, after a month or so of cold showers at the gym, we got our hot water back. 'Twas glorious!

But today I wish I could have more than one of these:

I'm just so tired, I think I may be trying to fight a cold and hopefully I will :) Hello sinus cleaning, honey and oranges!

I know yesterday's blog was more of the Mommy Needs Coffee variety and it was such a bummer, too! Thanks for listening and the kind words - it helps to know I'm not the only one going through it and I wholeheartedly agree that:

me+a workout > me-a workout

Plus, after reading Three Surprising Tips for an Easier Labor it gave me more motivation to continue my strength training plan. Squatting and lunges are some of my "favorite" exercises and it's good to know it may help on that whole upcoming labor thing.

I'm also definitely going to make sleeping a priority, it just gets so hard once the belly is in full bloom - and IT is! I've been averaging anywhere from 6-7 of sleep but the middle of the night wake-ups have started so my new goal is to be in bed by 10. Maybe if I write it and repeat it enough it will come true!

Also, note to self: stock up on dates this weekend. Apparently, having 6 dates a day can lead to an easier labor. Sign.Me.Up.Please! Not knowingly, it's a good thing I made some date+pumpkin whole-wheat bread this weekend so I'm on the right path. I just need to start planning my date shakes and date oatmeal concoctions.

Are you a date fan? Favorite recipes? Random easier labor tips you swear by?

ADios :)

The Salad Case: Pricey?

2012-10-15T21:00:00.000-06:00

Workout: 30 min walk + 30 min weights

Today was one of those days where I dropped the BB off and left her crying. I HATE those days!

My entire days has been painted by that feeling of failure I get sometimes when it seems I can't do anything right. Ever get that feeling?

I so wish I could stay at home and get to spend more time with her, but that's just not in the cards right now.

I don't want to get too deep here, but it just made me start thinking (among other things) about the price we pay to lead a healthy lifestyle.

I'll be honest, I still feel guilty I'm taking an extra hour to work out while she's in daycare. Right now, my decision to do so has more to do with prepping for labor (which ohMyGosh is coming up so so fast) than to fit into my "goal" jeans (because I have no "goal" jeans right now).

The yoga, swimming and strength-training are helping me get through this third-trimester and I'm so glad. Still, I wonder if I'm focusing too much on the workouts because I'm still eating a wee-bit too much sugar? Or getting to bed too late to be able to wake up at 5 and work out at home?

I've been thinking about this for a while. Every time I reach for a fun-size Snickers bar, or order a mini-Pumpkin Blizzard (you have to order this - oh so good - but maybe don't) I wonder if I'm un-doing all that work that goes into planning and prepping healthy meals not to mention all those workouts.

Do you guys ever have such thoughts? Does it ever impact your future decisions?

ADios :)

The Sunday Plan: Updated?

2012-10-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

Workout: long walk with the family

So... I've been good about menu planning (a bit), but bad about packing it to work. As a result, $$$ down the drain. This week, I work on that!

Below is the plan, but on Monday I plan to take some veggies/bread snacks that I can prep at work in case I don't prep at home the night before.

Also, I've been going a little crazy on the squash (on sale + me likey) but it's worked out well. I can bake them all on Sunday and they are ready to go on their respective nights!

CrockPot Sundays: Pork Stew
Panini Mondays: Brie + apples + acorn squash
Surfin Tuesdays: Salmon patties + spaguetti squash
Sghetti Wednesdays: Butternut squash fettuccini
TacoOrRice Thursdays: Paella
Pizza Fridays: Garlic + spinach
Savory Saturday Breakfast: Bean Burritos
Sweet Sunday Breakfast: Pumpkin Bake
Breakfast Savor of the week: Eggs + Cheese
Salad Case: Spinach + Greek + hummus
Smoothie: yogurt + blueberries

Produce Isle

acorn squash
spaghetti squash
butternut squash
bell peppers
potato
onions
celery
cilantro
garlic
spinach
bananas
apples
fruit (on sale)

Staples Isle

bread
tortillas
rice
pasta
canned artichoke hearts
yeast

Dairy Isle

shredded cheese
parmesan cheese
brie cheese
yogurt

Protein Isle

pork
eggs
canned salmon
hummus
chorizo

Frozen Isle

veggies
blueberries
pizza

When was the last time you partied like it was your b-day?

ADios :)

Flashback Fridays: Songbird

2012-10-12T21:00:00.000-06:00

Workout: 30 min weights + 30 min walk

Ok, I know - I'm terrible at being consistent (that probably goes with everything) and I'm sure you've figured it out by now. What gets me is, when did we get to mid-October?

At least there was a much-needed break to good ol' San Diego!

With some quality family time at the beach with our little munchkin! Can you believe she is already 3 ft tall??? Again, when did that happen?

Plus, we've been taking in the Fall and all it has to offer - including more sugar than I'd like to admit. I am also proud to say that I've kept up with the swimming (yay) and strength-training at the gym. We've also been walking it up as a family since my 2-yr old refuses to stay in her stroller after her cheerios are gone from her her snack cup.

We're also blessed because the pregnancy has been going well, but I've been dodging that gestational diabetes test like there's no tomorrow - talk about giving sugar a bad rap! Why can't they just let you bring in a nice Pumpkin Latte from Starbucks?

I was looking through my drafts and it turns out it's been quite a while since I posted on a Friday. The below is actually an old draft that I had prepared and scheduled to publish back in April!!! However, I just realized (I think) that you still have to hit the Publish button for it to publish at the time you schedule a post. Yes, I know - here I thought I was tech savvy! So here you go, a 6-month old Flashback Friday post!

What were you up to 6 months ago?

***

...speaking of music, I read this article about the cast of Glee getting 200 records on the Billboard charts. Crazy, huh? Although I am a GleeK I obviously don't think they should be considered to be in the same group as the Beatles or Madonna.

Also, I was actually surprised that despite the iTunes phenomenon of the show, it's ratings aren't that strong. I'm all about the music and the Finn + Rachel high school romance but I do think the show can get a little "preachy" from time-to-time.

Glee has however introduced me to some good music, including the Rumors sound track.

I immediately downloaded it the next day after the "Rumors" episode aired and have been known to play it non-stop on certain days. "Songbird" being my favorite song from the album.

There's lots of music that I absolutely love and I wonder if my BB will share my opinions. I'm a big Beatles and Juan Gabriel (I know, totally different) fan because of my parents and have picked out some other music along the way. But if you really think about it, there's so much good music out there that I probably have never heard of or ever will.

Have any recommendations?

ADios :)

Mommy Needs Coffee Tuesdays: Friends!

2012-09-19T08:07:00.000-06:00

Workout: 25-min Super Lunge yoga flow + 25 min swim

It seems there is a conspiracy out there to keep me from swimming at the gym, or at least try to. Last week, I forgot my ID (again, shocker!) and ended up being two hours late to work WITHOUT a swim in the pool. I don't even want to get into that one!

This week, a note on the gym shower that read, "Sorry for the incovenience... blah, blah, blah...no hot water...blah, blah, blah..."

After some serious thought, I went through with the cold shower after my swim. Good choice, but they'll hopefully have this situation resolved before Thursday. After realizing that (in my hurry of getting the heck out of the shower), I had failed to get all the shampoo out of my hair, I was scarred. I'm not sure I could knowingly do it all over again. Do you fancy cold showers?

Now, for some of this:

and The Challenge of Making Friends as an Adult. I'm really not sure if I've already posted this article, but I remembered it after catching this video:

Mine should be like, "why I can't make mom friends on my side of town, that have kids my BB's age, and share the same nap schedules, and don't give me the side-eye cause I don't do everything the blonde mom in this video does, and have the same work schedule as I do so that we can go to the gym together." Is it too much to ask for, I mean really?

I mean, I know it's hard to make friends, it's hard to make couple friends too, but trying to coordinate friends that have kids is even tougher.

At my BB's birthday party, I got to see some of my friends come together and we got to see the kiddos have fun. At the same time, it made me realize how long it had been since I'd seen them and then feel a bit bad because I couldn't spend more than 5 minutes talking to them. Time just goes by too fast.

One of my goals this Fall is to set up some play-dates with the friends I already do have, even if it means driving across town to see them. I also tried to join a meetup group, but haven't heard back from them.

If you're older, how do you handle making/maintaining friends?

ADios :)