2.28.2014

Five on Friday: Fitness Edition

 You know the drilll...


Y'all it is time that I stepped my game up.  I may have lost all the baby weight but things are jiggling a lot more than they used to and it ain't pretty.  Bikni season is a mere 4 months away which means I have some work to do.  
I haven't been to the gym in 17 months- 17 months!!!! That has to be some sort of record for me.  I've never been a die hard 7 day a week gym goer but I still managed to go at least at least 4-5 times a month during my lazy periods.  

In an effort to jump start this working out I signed up for a 10k with my sister.  It's in 6 weeks.  Yup in 6 weeks I need to teach my lazy sleep deprived butt how to run again.   It isn't going to be pretty but I think I can get my act together to do it.  

So in honor of getting back into it I'm talking about fitness:  

1. Nike DriFit V-Neck Running Tank-  I got this tank from my sister for my birthday and I have to be honest and  tell you I haven't worn it yet but I know it's going to be perfect.  I prefer to workout in tank tops and I prefer loose fitting tops when I run.  I hate being sweaty and having clothes clinging to me.  This tank is perfect and it's only around $28 which works for me.  I promise I will report back with an update once I try it for real.   Plus isn't it always fun to have new workout gear to get you motivated. 



2. BOB Revolution SE jogging stroller- I've been thinking about getting a jogging stroller for awhile now and after talking to quite a few people about their love for the BOB I've decided to get one! 

Remember how I was going to buy this gorgeous bag with my Christmas/birthday money-
Well I decide to be a grown up and use my Christmas/birthday money to put toward a jogging stroller. Luckily Amazon is having a sale on the BOB right now so it's $120 off it's retail price- I couldn't pass this up and had to pull the trigger!   It isn't nearly as gorgeous or glamorous but being healthy, active, and fit for my family is more important right now.  To be honest I'm actually more excited for this stroller than I ever was for the bag.   It should be here next week! Now let's just hope our temperatures get above freezing so I can actually use it. 


3. Sportline Duo 1010 Heart Rate Monitor- I got this heart rate monitor last Christmas so I could monitor my heart rate while I was pregnant and it's been great.  I don't use it as often as I should and do wish it had a calorie counter but it's still good to see whether I'm working out to my full potential or not. 

4. Asics GT Series Running Shoes-  many years ago after I ran my first half marathon I got fitted for running shoes at a running store- I highly suggest this to anyone who runs because this seriously changed my running life!  I found out that because I have high arches I over pronate so I need shoes that are going to offer stability and support when I run.   The Asics GT series has been my go to ever since and finding out my perfect fit has taken away all the knee and hip pain I used to get while running. 

I got a new pair right before I got pregnant and since I barely used them I should be able to eek a few more months of them.  I am loving this pink and orange pair so I might need to get these when I'm in the market for new ones.  

5. C9 by Champion Advanced Performance Capri Tight-   I've been wearing these workout capris from Target for years. So far I haven't seen the need to spend tons of money on workout pants when these get the job done.  No the probably don't suck me and flatter me as much as a pair from Lululemon but I'm not really looking to impress anyone at my gym so I don't really care.   I'm thining about adding a few new pairs to my collection to help get my motivated :) 


So I know it's only 5 but I had to share one more with you...

6. MapMyRun App-  This is my absolute favorite workout app.  I mostly use it to record my mileage when I'm walking or running around my community but you can use it for treadmill workouts, sprints, cycling, hiking, walking the dog, crunches, leg lifts, etc.   You can also record your calories for the day and save running or walking routes for future use.  I like that it let's you know your split times which helps me when running so I know if I need to speed up or slow down.  It also saves all your past workouts so that you know when the last time you worked out was or you can see averages for the week or month.  

So tell me do you have any fitness tips, tricks, clothes, apps that have changed your life?!  If so please share.  I'm always looking for new ideas!
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2.26.2014

A Day in the Life

I've seen a few people do these and now that I have a pretty good schedule with Miller I decided to document one of our days.  To be honest I started to do it for the blog but it ended up being really helpful to me with how well my days are running and how much I'm actually accomplishing.

The day I chose was this past Monday February 24 and we were at home most of the day except for Miller's gym class.  I chose this day because we didn't have to run and errands and I didn't have to do any work outside of the house so I consider this a typical day.    I ended up being really detailed with my day so I hope I don't bore you too much!  Not all my days look like this and somedays Kyle is out of town or Miller is fussy all day or the dog drives me bonkers all day.  I just happened to get a really good day on Monday- minus the lack of sleep Miller was a happy camper and easy to please most of the day. 

A Day in the Life: Monday February 24, 2014

1:30am Miller wakes up crying and I can't calm him down with just back rubs so I bring him into our room and nurse him.  He's back to sleep within 20 minutes.  Put him back in his crib.  Did I mention I didn't go to bed until 11:30pm...

5:00am Miller is back up crying hard again. I bring him into our room, lay him on my chest and rub his back until he falls asleep.   Let him sleep in our bed (this never happens but I'm desparate as this point for some sleep!) until 6am and then I put him back in his crib.
  
6:30am Miller is up for the day (an hour earlier than normal! Teething is really messing with his sleep and mine! He usually only wakes up once a night if he wakes up at all and usually sleeps until 7-7:30am) Kyle usually picks him up and changes him in the morning because this is the only time they get together during the day.  I nurse him and then we play in bed while Kyle gets ready for the work. 

6:50am- I put M in the pack n play in our room and run downstairs to feed the dog and let her out, change a load of laundry, and make myself a cup of coffee. I'm back upstairs by 7:05am- I brush my teeth, put in contacts and wash my face before we all head down for the day.


7:10am- Kyle leaves for work.  I pop M onto the family room floor with his toys and I put away dishes and prep his breakfast

7:30 Breakfast for me and Miller.  M has whole grain waffle with a sippy cup of water and I have an egg sandwich. 




7:50am Back up stairs so I can put away some laundry.

8:11am Head back to the family room to play before nap time.

8:25am Miller is really cranky and not happy with playing so we head up for his morning nap.  Diaper change and one story before lights out.  (Miller usually talks to himself/fusses for 5-10 mins before falling asleep) At 8:35am he is screaming which isn't normal so I head upstairs with some Tylenol and I rock him back to sleep.

9:00-9:30am Miller is finally asleep so I catch up on emails and read some blogs. 

9:30-10:15am  Upstairs to shower and get ready for the day.

10:15am Miller is up from his nap and in a happy mood!  Change his clothes and diaper and head downstairs for a bottle.  Pop M in the exersaucer so I can make him a bottle and me a quick snack.  I also sneak downstairs and change out the laundry.  M gets an 8oz bottle at this feeding. 

10:30am- Feed M his bottle and try to eat my snack but when I'm not looking Layla steals most of it.  It's just apple slices so I have a feeling she isn't going to be happy ; ) 

10:50am- Get ready to leave for gym class.  Get Miller in hat and coat, gather up my diaper bag and get the dog in the crate.   We are out the door by 11:00am

11:15-12:10pm- Miller's gym class! We LOVE this gym class- if you're thinking of doing one for your little one I highly suggest it. Miller loves the other kids and his teacher Miss Lindy. Miller is very social and loves the other babies.  The class has also helped tremendously with his sitting, crawling, and standing.  Plus I have learned so many tricks to help him with gross and fine motor skills.






12:30pm- We are home and Miller is asleep in his car seat.  I'm hoping to do a smooth transfer but he wakes up.  I take him up anyway and change his diaper and into pjs for his nap.  He's so exhausted from gym class that he goes right now and doesn't fight it.  (I would usually do lunch at this time for Miller but he's always so exhausted after gym class I just put him down for a nap and since he still doesn't get his main nutrition from food so I'm not worried if we miss a meal)  

12:45pm-1:30pm- Make myself lunch (a boring salad since we're on a diet), clean up kitchen, and fold/change/put away laundry.  

1:30-1:50pm- Play ball with Layla outside since it's sunny and she's antsy to play

1:50-2:15pm- Check email- personal and work and do some junior league gala work.

2:15pm- Miller is awake from his nap- change his diaper and back into play clothes and head downstairs for a bottle

2:30pm- Put Miller in the family room with toys so I can get a bottle made. At this feeding he gets a 6oz bottle.  While feeding Miller the contractors show up to finish up some work in our kitchen and half bath.

3:00pm-  Take Miller and Layla for a walk while to help calm Layla down who goes crazy anytime anyone comes over



3:40pm Change diaper and put Miller in his highchair with some puffs so I can pay a few bills real fast, send a few emails and eat a snack. The contractors finish up and are out by 4pm

4-5pm Play in the basement with Miller- the basement has been turned into a playroom so we keep most of his big toys down there

5pm- Come back upstairs for dinner for Miller- tonight he's having mozzarella, avocado, and mangos (he usually has fruit at lunch but since we missed it I added it to dinner) He also gets a sippy cup of water 








5:30pm- Miller finishes dinner- I put him in the family room with Disney Jr on, let the dog outside, get his dinner mess cleaned up real fast, and take some laundry upstairs 

5:45pm-Let dog back in and head upstairs to get M changed into pjs for the night.  I also take the time to put away Miller's laundry that I couldn't put away while he was napping

6:10pm Back downstairs so I can make Miller a bottle- pop in the family room with Disney Jr again.   He gets an 8oz bottle at bedtime

6:30pm Bottle is finished so we head back upstairs for bedtime routine.  Which consists of diaper change,  reading 2 stories, rocking, and then lights out. 

6:55pm Back downstairs to clean up the kitchen,  prep for our dinner, and more laundry.

7:07pm It has finally quieted down in Miller's room and he's asleep! Yay! I can finally relax for the day.

7:10pm- Pour myself a big glass of wine, check email, read blogs, internet browse etc. Kyle calls and says don't expect him until 8:30 or 9pm.   Wish I could say this was a late night but this is pretty standard.  If he's home at 7:30pm that's considered early.

 

7:30pm turn on jeopardy and start dinner. We are having turkey tacos tonight.   Realize I'm out of taco seasoning and whip up some homemade stuff from what I have in my spice rack.  A little nervous but hoping it works.

8:10pm eat dinner and I'm surprised to find out my homemade taco seasoning is delicious and probably something I will make all the time now

8:30pm- Clean up my dinner mess, put foil over the leftovers for Kyle.  Change and fold laundry then I relax in front of the tv

9-9:15pm Kyle is home from work so I join him at the table while he eats so we can chat about our day

9:15pm Clean up kitchen and wash bottles so I'm ready for tomorrow

9:50 Head upstairs for the night after I gather the rest of the laundry.  Put away laundry and get ready for bed. Kyle watches True Detective on his ipad while I read.  I'm currently reading Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. 

10:30pm Lights out for the night. Let's hope Miller sleeps better tonight so I can get some rest!

If you made it to the bottom you're a trooper and thank you!! It isn't the most exciting day ever when I'm home with Miller but it's my life right now and I'm honestly loving it!  




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2.21.2014

Five on Friday: Healthy Snack Food Edition

Good morning! How are you all doing on this fine Friday? It's supposed to rain here today and I'm looking forward to it because I'm hoping it will melt the remaining snow. 



Today I'm sharing some my favorite healthy snack food items that are diet allowed.  Did I mention we were on a diet in this house?  Well we are and I'm trying to make the best of it! 


1. V8 Fusion Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade-  This stuff is my new favorite.  One of the diet rules is cutting down on sugar which means no sweets for this all things sugar loving girl.  This little can of deliciousness has only has 50 calories and 11 grams of sugar and totally hit the sweet spot when I have that late afternoon sugar craving.  It also claims to have one serving of fruit and vegtables which sounds good to me.


2. Wholly Guacamole mini 100 Calorie Pack-  These are the perfect size for an afternoon snack when I'm craving something crunchy and salty.  I've been eating them with baby carrots which aren't as good as chips but do the trick.


3. Mini BabyBel Light Cheese- I have been a fan of these for years!  I used to eat string cheese when I was craving a cheese snack but these just taste so much better and feel less processed.  They offer a few different flavors but the light is my favorite.




4. Peanut Butter and Greek Yogurt Dip- I love dipping apples in this.  Since PB is really high in fat and calories if you just mixed it up with a little greek yogurt, honey, and cinnamon it's a delicious good for you dip.   I use this recipe from FitSugar but I subsitite honey for maple syrup and you don't need as much honey because is sweeter, I just base it off taste as I make it. 



6 ounces nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

5.  The Good Bean- I randomly picked up a pack of these at HomeGood and I'm hooked!  They are crispy crunchy flavored chickpeas that come in a variety of flavors such as sea salt, cracked pepper, and smokey chili lime to name a few.  The are packed with protein, fiber, and folate and are low carb, low fat, cholesterol free and contain nothing artificial.  They are perfect if you are a snacker that has to have the crunch of chips or crackers but you want to avoid the calories!


Do you have any good healthy go to snack foods?   Have you tried any of these snacks? 
Gluten-free, nut-free, cholesterol-free, low fat, low in carbohydrates, nothing over-engineered, nothing artificial.  - See more at: http://www.thegoodbean.com/snacks/#sthash.vHqkEZXv.dpuf
Gluten-free, nut-free, cholesterol-free, low fat, low in carbohydrates, nothing over-engineered, nothing artificial.  - See more at: http://www.thegoodbean.com/snacks/#sthash.vHqkEZXv.dpuf
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2.20.2014

Naptime Confessions

The little man is down for a nap and I don't have the energy to craft a blog post the requires much brain power so here we go...

- Yesterday during naptime I watched 5 episodes of Melissa and Joey.  The show from ABC Family.  It's so cheesy and so cute all at the same time.  I love me some Melissa Joan Hart.

- We've been on a diet since Sunday.  It sucks.  Why can't I still have my 21 yr old metabolism where I could eat junk food and drink beer all day and not gain any weight.  

- Sometimes I let Miller watch cartoons.  I swore I wouldn't but when you're home alone with a 7 month old 12 hours a day 5 days a week you pretty much throw all those rules out the window.   Disney Jr and Sprout have saved some major 5:30pm meltdowns. 

- I hate the baby food stage.  I cannot wait until Miller can chew/gnaw food better.  Every single meal is a huge fight so I usually just give up.

- I rarely make my bed.  I just don't see the point.  I assume I need to change this if I ever expect Miller to make his bed one day.

- I've been loving beer lately.  Especially Blue Moon or Hoegaarden.  I think it's just my body craving warmer weather. 

- Drive through Starbucks is pretty much the best thing ever. 

- I just bought a bunch of warm weather clothing from J.Crew factory even though I probably won't be able to wear any of it until May.  Again I'm over winter. 

- I have an embarrassing about of clothes in my closet that still have tags on them.  It's a horrible habit.  I need to stop.

- I'm trying my hardest to learn how to enjoy cooking.  I mean I cook food because I have to but I don't really enjoy the act of it.  Now that I have this gorgeous new kitchen I really need to get my act together.  Any suggestions?  I do love to bake but that isn't really working with this new diet right now. 

- I need to start working out again, regularly, but I just can't find the motivation with the weather we've been having.  My bed is too warm in the mornings. 

-Kyle and I don't have a TV in our room because I heard they were bad for your marriage before we got married we made it a rule.  Well now we both watch TV on our ipads in bed together.  Can't imagine that's good either, haha.

- I'm very easily distracted.  I started this post at 2pm and now it's 2:50pm and I'm just finishing up. Oops.  There was just so many other things on the internet I had to look at, haha. 


Off to have some coffee and clean the kitchen before the little guy wakes up. 



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2.19.2014

What's in my bag?: Guest Post on Pink and Fabulous

Today I am over at Pink and Fabulous sharing what's in my bag!  If you don't read Lindsay's blog yet you need to.  She is a stylish mama of two adorable children who look like so much fun!  She is one of my daily blog reads so stop by and say hi.

Here is a sneak peak of what's in my bag.  I just switched my bag so you all get to see the clean version of it.  Usually it's full of much more junk and receipts ;)



 Thanks so much for having me Lindsay! 


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2.18.2014

Life Lately: My Birthday, Snow, Valentine's Day, and Kitchen Updates

Hi All!  Sorry I've been MIA for the past week or so.  Between moving back into our house, baby teething, and constant snow our schedule has been all screwed up.  


I got to celebrate with my family on my actual birthday this year since it fell on a Saturday.  I started my day with a Carlson's glazed donut just like I wanted, they seriously are the best donuts ever.  The rest of the day was spent doing kitchen stuff to get it all finalized followed by dinner.  We kept it low key with dinner at the Annapolis Yacht Club.  Unfortunately poor Miller was miserable all day because he wouldn't nap and was teething so it was hard to enjoy my night since my little guy was so unhappy. :(   My family tried so hard to help me relax and enjoy my night but it's tough to do that when you're baby's unhappy.  Still I wouldn't have wanted it any other way then spending it with them, happy or unhappy baby.

I know it looks gross but it really is the best donut ever... 

Me and my sister at AYC

Miller with my Dad at dinner

Chocolate Fudge Bundt cake from Whole Foods

Birthday Dinner Outfit

I'm loving the new J.Crew Merino tunic- go buy yourself one if you haven't yet! 

My parents and sister gifted me with Black Hunter Boots and they are perfect! I got to test them out last week in the snow and with two pairs of socks on they kept my feet warm.  They are a little awkward to walk in but I think that will just take some getting used to 


Snow Snow Snow! Y'all I hate snow.  A lot.  We have gotten so much of it this winter. I'm over it.  The only plus side was that Kyle didn't have to travel last week and got to stay home with us for a snow day- which is very rare in his book.  The snow day did provide us with time to get the kitchen unpacked and organized too which really helped me feel more settled.




We celebrated Valentine's day at home this year with fajitas and sangria which is pretty much the perfect meal for us.  Since my birthday is so close we really don't make a big to-do of Valentine's day but it's still fun to have a night to celebrate love.   I found an adorable heart shaped cake mold at Target so I had to buy it make a cake with it.  I took the easy way out and just used boxed cake mix- yellow cake with chocolate icing and it was delicious!  I think the heart shaped cake is going to be a new V-day tradition in our house.


 

The kitchen is almost finished!! I am working on a post right now with all the before and after pictures and full details on everything we picked and how we did it.  We are back living here but there are still a few punch list items that need to be taken care of.  The backsplash went in yesterday so once we take care of a few more things it will be finished.  I cannot wait to have all the contractors out of our house and be back on our normal schedule.



Dining table and new light 

 We moved back in on Tuesday Feb 11 and celebrated with some champagne

The backsplash went in yesterday




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2.07.2014

Five on Friday: Birthday Edition

TGIF!! You know the deal...



Tomorrow is my birthday!  I am turning the big 3-2.  Woohoo.  I not usually a big birthday person but I think because I was pregnant and still not feeling that well last year on my birthday I'm excited to celebrate this year.  Plus I have a pretty awesome new little guy to spend it with. 

1. Birthday Donut-  my only real request from my husband was to have donuts for my birthday breakfast.  I haven't had donuts in awhile and I think they're totally appropriate to consume as a birthday treat.  I really want them from this local bakery that we have in Annapolis that has the most deliciuos donuts ever, but I will also take Dunkin Donuts.  I kind of want to try the Valentine's day ones.
2. Birthday Dinner-  We don't have any crazy plans we're just going to have an early dinner with my family at the Annapolis Yacht Club.   I am so excited because they have the best food in Annapolis (in my opinion) and I can't wait to just eat up.  (you know calories don't count on your birthday ;)


3. A Much Needed Pedicure-  I did also request to sneak out of house this weekend to get a pedicure.  Before I had Miller I used to get these every 1-2 weeks and now I'm lucky if I go every other month so I'm looking forward to a foot massage and some alone time.
 
4. Hunter Rain Boots- did you all know that I still don't have a pair of Hunters wellies?!  Ahhh can you believe it. Hahaha.  I feel like I never knew about rain boots and then suddenly they were everywhere.  At first I didn't get the hype but with how wet and gross this winter has been I've decided that I need a pair.  I am leaning toward the black or maybe the red.  


5. Gigi New York Mini Taylor Bag-  I asked you all for some advice on which new bag to get for my birthday and I've decided to treat myself to the Mini Taylor bag.  I'm lucky enough to have some money and gift cards I can use so it will be a steal. 

And lastly I'm just excited to spend my weekend hanging out with my family and this guy...


 He tries his hardest to climb out of the cart whenever I turn my back... he's only 7 months old!! Is this a boy thing??  He never ever stops moving.  


Hope you all have a great weekend!



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