Thursday, August 29, 2013

Group Kick AND Centergy?

Since I am going away tomorrow, I doubled up on classes at the gym. It was a great idea at the time, but it is only 9 pm and I need to collapse. Plus, we need to leave the house at 530 tomorrow morning.

Group Kick is hard enough on its own, so what was I thinking? Actually, it was great! Centergy wasn't too hard and it was a great way to stretch out and cool down. Plus, the ab part was really challenging-in a different sort of way. Or maybe it was two ab workouts in one morning that did the trick, because I can feel it now! My goal is to incorporate some sort of yoga or centergy class each week, preferably hot power yoga, which I really loved. I remember the days when I could cross my legs! I also miss all those spinal rotations. I know that the warrior 1 poses helped my hip flexor. I'm hoping the new, "back to school" class schedule at the gym works for me and my schedule! Oh happy day!

Maybe I can run this weekend while I'm away? I still have my fingers crossed and I am packing everything. I remember my goal at the beginning of the summer: to run 8 miles a week, with one 3 and one 5 mile run. Well, between extreme heat and extreme pain, that number has diminished to maybe 3. That is so frustrating!

By the way, I made the best gumbo yesterday and it tasted even better today. I added plain old boring white rice to it (it was served that way to us in a restaurant in NOLA) and it was so filling! Say what you might about Paula Dean, but this recipe was super! Although I must say, it was more time consuming than I though. When it said 1 hour of cooking, I didn't know that half of that meant I had to stand by the stove and stir and stir and stir.

Are you watching the US Open? So fun. That was a great doubles tennis match with Serena and Venus. Have to go watch Nadal grimace and fix his underwear. Really?

I tried on the Lululemon DSJ and I am going to keep them, I think, although I'm still now sure what all of the hype is all about. They are super tight in the arms and torso. Does anyone know how heavy the Right as Rain jacket is? Today I wore my groove crops, CRB and energy bra. I didn't take a picture because you have seen this outfit too many times. Next week, something new!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Group step is hard! Hip Flexor- do you know where yours is?

I took step again today, for the second time in many years, and it is still hard. I'm not sure why I stopped doing it, because it was fun and I got a good workout! I am tired now!

Well I have finally identified the source of my leg pain and it is the hip flexor. I didn't know that it goes all the way down to the inside of your knee. I thought I had two separate injuries. Well, I certainly felt discomfort during step and I'm not sure if I am going to be able to run in the near future. I'm trying very hard not to work out through pain, since I know that as I get older, it takes longer to heal. But I'm so bummed! I had dreams of running on the Atlantic City Boardwalk this weekend! So fun. Having the ocean on one side and tons of people in front of me and passing me makes the time go by so quickly! Even though I am running so slowly- ha!  At least that makes the decision of buying a TomTom Runner- there is probably no running in the near future. I'm still going to group kick tomorrow, and I guess I'll see how it feels after that grueling class. Has anyone experienced this injury? How long did it take to heal? Maybe I don't want to know!

Tonight I'm making gumbo for dinner. Can you tell we miss New Orleans? The recipe comes from Paula Dean and I feel like I have been stirring and making a roux all afternoon. I hope it comes out okay! Lunch today was the overnight chunky monkey banana oats. It was so good, I even forgot to put the chocolate chips in. The house smells so good...is it dinner yet?

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Laissez le bon temps rouler

Well, New Orleans was certainly fun, but I wouldn't say dropping off my son to college was fun by any means. There were lots of crying parents there and I don't think they were all tears of joy.

Anyway, after eating amazing food (jambalaya, gumbo, fried bread and butter pickles, the list goes on...) for so many days, it feels good to be back home. I actually did a ton of walking - between the hotel and the French Quarter, up and down Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond, and on the campus - but there is nothing like sweating it out with some weights. I'm not sure why I bothered to bring exercise clothes, but I didn't take off my running shoes for 3 days straight.

My puppy was in a kennel for 4 1/2 days and came out a monster. Today she is better, but yesterday she was soooo wound up and frantic. She is better today and is a bit calmer, but she is still doing some jumping and even a little biting, which she hasn't done in a while. She cried in the crate the first night, and that hasn't happened since the first day we brought her home. Has this happened to anyone else? What did you do?? One step forward, two steps back. And thank goodness for bully sticks and yes I know what they are and no I don't care because it is one of the few things that she will sit and chew.

What did you think of last night's Lululemon upload? There were a ton of things I could have bought, but I held off to the 105 singlet and another pair of astro shorts. I would like to try on the Right as Rain jacket in person. Plus, it is a lot of money! I have a heavy North Face raincoat that gets a lot of use in our New England weather, so I hope this is a lighter one. Hard to tell from the pictures. I wanted the Power Y tank in regular luon, but I talked myself out of it. I love the skinny will pants in pique, but i have black and inkwell, so I didn't get that either. The CRB in plum is gorgeous, and I do like the striped ones, but I just bought the soot and red, so I can't justify that either. I have two old scoop neck tanks, old enough to be made in the good luon, and that really tempted me too, but I just bought all those track and train tanks. I might feel differently when I actually see them in the store. That work it out duffle also looks tempting. You know me and bags, right? I just got my Fedex delivery of the Dance Studio Jacket and I quickly put it on. But, that is why there is vanilla, and every body is different. I'm not sure I know what the hype is about and I think the jacket seems very small- both arms and torso.  I'll try it tomorrow with actual exercise clothes and not my "hang around the house with the puppy" clothes. I'll let you know then! What did you buy?

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

"Hello Carol"

Oh, that is so ominous! This Sunday I'll be on a plane and won't be able to watch Breaking Bad live. In fact, I'll probably have to wait until Tuesday. Oh, the horror!

What did you think of True Blood? I thought the whole season was pretty awful. The plot was thin and the characters seemed to change direction in the blink of an eye. Sookie hates Warlow? Okay, then go have sex with him. Jason hates vampires? Okay, go save them all. Sam and I don't even know what that woman's name is who is now pregnant? The only redeeming part of the whole season happened in the last few minutes. You guessed it. Eric sunbathing nude and giving us all an eye full. Yippee. I'm holding my breath for next year, and Eric better not be fried to a crisp. And he better be just as snarky.

I went to Hot Power Yoga this morning, for the first time in about 5 years. Yes, the Laura Mercier Longwear Eyeliner stayed on well and yes, I'm going to keep it. Oh, the yoga? I can't wait to go again. But, I forgot how much I hate downward dog. For me, it starts off as a resting pose and then depending on the class, it is definitely not. I can't believe how tight my hips are. The instructor was very welcoming and had many modifications.  It felt so wonderful and I really hope I can incorporate this class into my schedule once school starts up again. I think my body really needs it!

I'm off first thing in the morning. I think I will be too busy to run, although the hotel has a gym and I am bringing my stuff. I'll be back and after eating cajun food and breakfast, lunch and dinner out, I'll be ready to hit the gym hard and go back to eating clean. Talk to you next week!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

I did a bad thing...


When I went to Lululemon last week, I had to cut through Nordstroms. And to go through Nordstroms, you either have to go through shoes or makeup. In this case, it was makeup. I don't know why, but something caught my eye and I stopped at the Laura Mercier counter and tried on the Longwear Eye Pencil in Sage. I spent about two seconds and applied it to my upper lids and never thought about it again. By the time I went to bed that night, it was still on! So of course I ordered it and it came the other day. As I mentioned earlier, my hormones have been off the wall and I have been in tears since Saturday (although today is better, but we leave in two days). The eyeliner has stayed on pretty well! I thought for sure I would return it, but I might  just end up keeping it. I think it stays on a bit better than Bobbi Brown's version and definitely better than the Nars that I have. Oh, and it came with a sharpener, which is great because I refuse to buy one for every brand of makeup that I have and I think I might have just ruined the Nars ones. (Pet peeve, can you tell?)  I have always had trouble with eyeliner and always use a lid primer now, and that helps a bit, but I am constantly on the search for the perfect liner. I might do a test and wear it to the gym tomorrow to see if it budges when I sweat. Next post will be about the best mascara ever! And I have tried them all! 








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I had my hair done today...

and I didn't go work out because it looks so nice! Have you ever done this? I have dry shampoos and they work well, but my blowout is so nice I just want it to last more than a few hours. And when I go to the gym, I SWEAT. I do not perspire, I do not glisten, I DRIP. And I always position myself next to the fan. I don't really understand those people who move the fan away from them. I find a slight drop in temperature allows me to work that much harder. Anyway, I usually wear Lululemon Bangbusters and they do a fantastic job of holding back all of my layers and absorbing the sweat. I find when I don't wear one, I have sweat dripping down my face and onto the floor (yuk).

And also, my left leg feels a little off again. I'm not sure if I am somehow landing a little differently in my stride or if it is something else entirely, so a day off is handy. I think tomorrow I might try Power Yoga. It has been probably 6 years or so since I have taken a yoga class. You know how it is when you work, there are only so many hours in the day....so if the stars align, I might get this class into my weekly schedule. I would love to incorporate it, but I have a hard time justifying giving up a different class that is burning 400 plus calories. On the other hand, as I get older and my aches and pains intensify and take longer to recover, I think it is more than necessary to start up again.

I'm so happy with my "back to school" haircut! Of course, it always looks incredible when someone else does my hair. There is nothing like having someone wash your hair though! I wish I could have that every day!

Did you order anything from the Lululemon upload? I ordered the Dance Studio Jacket, so we will see in a week. I see the Universal Wrap is up and the more I think about it, the more I like it. I'm not sure when I would wear it though....These fall colors are depressing me, even though they are gorgeous. I have enough energy bras, but I do like the new colors. I have the Still pant in inkwell and I wear it out, it is so comfy and classy. I'm thinking about the plum, but I think I'm all set.


Monday, August 19, 2013

What to wear for moving in day?

I'm a slow packer and I like to set out my clothes days in advance so I can stare at it and make changes and ponder life. My kids can make these decisions at the last minute and it always ends well for them. So, this is what I have so far, and I have to laugh: everything is black and it is almost all from  Lululemon.  Not that this should be a surprise to anyone.

All day flying? studio crops, basic gap vee neck tee and voyage hoodie in case the plane is cold. How comfy is that?

Moving in day? (I think he is on the sixth floor) black clam digger Lululemon shorts from a million years ago and black clarity tank. I love that tank and it is so comfy and looks nice enough to be "real" clothes. I wish it came in plum or soot. Here me, Lululemon?

Walking around New Orleans? Which, by the way, is super hot and humid? Probably shake and bake shorts, sneakers and plain old gap tee shirts.

Crazy me, but there is a Lululemon on Canal Street!

Not to worry, I am also packing some nicer clothes to wear out to some of the restaurants, but generally, everything is scrunchable, it goes together, and can get dirty.

I remember the days, and they weren't that long ago, that I could wear fancy shoes for hours. Now, instead of my Prada wedges, I'm bringing my Reeboks (with orthotics). Can you say old lady? Next I'll be doing laps at the mall.

Actually, the shoes that I wear the most, and are almost always in the photos that I post, are by Mephisto. I had bunion surgery 10 years ago and my podiatrist told me to buy these shoes. I wear the sandals and I wear them every day, all day. They are like slippers for me. They have a wide foot and a high arch and when I put them on, I just kindof go, "Ahhhh."

My first run in a while and....

it felt good! Although I am a little big pooped now.

So far, no aches or pains and my left leg feels fine. Mentally, I was just hoping to finish 5k and I even surprised myself by finishing a little faster than I thought I would. I mean, we are still talking extremely slow, but yay for me. So the whole time I was running, I was thinking about that TomTom Runner. If I could see all my stats on my wrist, would it make me go faster or would it just make me feel guilty? As it is now, I just look at the info when I am changing a song on my iPhone. I know where every mile breaks on my two running routes so I wouldn't need it for that.

No picture of me in my running clothes because I wore my Lululemon shorts (forget the name but they  have dots on the sides and pockets and I bought them last year- dart and dash maybe), which I really hate. I don't even want to think about them let alone see me in a photo. They are tight in the legs and give me camel toe. Why do I keep putting them on? Pockets! Energy bra and swiftly tank. Thor-lo socks of course. Asics Gel Noosa Tri still feel good on my feet.

I tried on some of my haul from yesterday and I am keeping the shake and bake shorts. Yeah, the butt might have a bit of extra material, but the rise and inseam work for me. Same goes for the astro shorts. I don't think I could actually wear them to the gym and bend over, but they are great for out and about. Still thinking about the pants.  I think they will probably go back....maybe.


Sunday, August 18, 2013

TomTom Runner is still running through my brain


I found an absolutely amazingly detailed review of the running watch, which is on this link below:


http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/07/tomtom-runner-multisport.html


still twiddling my thumbs about this, but I really do like the idea. Let me know what you think!

So I finally made it to Lululemon...

I have no photos because we were in a total rush, but I did try on a lot of items. Here goes:

1. No 105 singlets in the store. Boo hoo. I really want to see how one more size down looks. Do I have to set my alarm for Tuesday night? Now that the puppy is sleeping through the night?
2. Chai Time Pullover was pretty awful on me. The fabric was amazing, but the sleeves were tight and the collar really wasn't good. I generally don't wear boat neck. I wish this could have worked.
3. The Shake and Bake shorts felt very much like the Track Attack. I got the busy plaid. I need to try it on in the privacy of my house but overall, I liked it a lot.
4. The Astro short fit very well too, since I don't like a tight leg on my shorts. Again, I need to try on at home.
5. Track To Reality Pant. Well, I walked out with this one and I'm not sure I'll keep it. I don't think I have a good reason why, I just hate to buy winter pants in the summer! They are definitely made for short women, so I loved it. No hemming. I think I need to see if it fits over a pair of wunder unders and then decide.
6. Bliss Break Sweatpants. They came in a dark grey and a light grey. I have a pair of Tea Lounge Sweat pants from many years ago and I live in them. These I definitely had to size up. Unfortunately, that makes me hate them already. Irrational isn't it? I don't think so. I'm on the fence about these, but I'm not making any decisions today. Very pretty colors though.
7. The Tuck and flow felt super soft. Just not ready for fall clothes yet. I liked the white with stripes a lot.
8. Universal Wrap. I'm not sure if this is what it was called, we just threw it on over our clothes. Definitely not made for short people, as it came to our knees. I would have loved this! I still might... I don't even see it online.
9. Bliss  Break Wrap. Didn't even want to try this on.
10. Race me Short Sleeve. I picked this up and my daughter asked if I already had it. And then I put it down.

I made it to Group Power this morning and it felt good. My hormones have been haywire lately (no sad songs for me, no Hallmark cards and definitely no thoughts about dropping my son off to college on Thursday). I'm glad I got to exercise because that helps. So did the retail therapy at Lululemon. And, we brought back Cheesecake Factory. It's not like he isn't going to have amazing food in New Orleans, but have you tried their new Smores Cheesecake?

Here I am in my Fast Track Tank and groove crops and an old purple bangbuster. I think that jiggle in the middle is going to have to wait for after Labor Day.



Saturday, August 17, 2013

Tonight's Dinner ! I just had to post!

I know it doesn't look too appetizing, taking photos of food is definitely not my strength, but tonight's dinner was delicious and easy! It is from the Pioneer Woman and is one of those recipes I always come back to.  All you need to do is grill some pineapple, grill some chicken, cut up pineapple, cut up chicken, throw it on a tortilla (I use one of those whole wheat tortillas by Joseph's, which is 70 calories or something), add bbq sauce (I use Ray's) and dump on lots of cheese. I think The Pioneer Woman then fries it up a little bit, but this woman just nukes it and then inhales it. Yum.

TomTom Runner

Okay I had some time to kill and rather than clean the house or do any of the other things that needed to be done, somehow I found myself reading all about the TomTom Runner. Has anyone used it? It looks really fabulous! I'm curious to know. And then I say to myself, do I really need one? Am I that much of a runner (well, not lately since my leg is almost "not weird" anymore)? Is it going to do anything that my Nike run app won't? Such a dilemma. I know some people feel VERY strongly about their watches! Leave a comment!


Friday, August 16, 2013

I see a red door and I want to paint it black.... Black clothing that is!

I saw a very funny thing, of all things on QVC (don't ask) and it was about black work out clothes. My ears immediately perked up. This woman said she wears black to work out in because it is fat going to a funeral. I love it!



Like that causal pose?

I am definitely returning the black midnight iris multi CRB. While I love the pattern, I am okay with the black Fast Track Tank. I'm working on the "enough is enough" thought. I also have on my groove crops. I didn't get to the store yesterday and I see that the 105 singlet is sold out in every color in every size. Yikes. No sleeping on Tuesday nights if you want one of those, I guess. Or paying a lot on Ebay. 

I'm having one of those moments. The ones that go "This is my 46 year old body and no matter what I do, I don't think I can change it." I'm a little frustrated and I know that is normal. I feel like I constantly watch what I eat and that is just to maintain!  I don't want to be that person, I want to have a glass of wine or a cookie. But, on the other hand, I really want that middle jiggle to go. I am probably in the best physical shape of my life, but that middle is still there. I know how hard it is to lose weight the older you get. It is not a myth, ladies! So how to crank things up a notch? 

This is how I plan to feel after my workout this morning. Isn't she the cutest? Especially when she is asleep. Any advice out there? I know I'm not the only one. Plateaus are the worst!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Latest Lululemon Lovelies! HELP!

I might hate it all (because of the way it looks on me) or love it. I'm really undecided. I'm also thinking do I need another...? So here goes with what came in the mail.

The 105 singlet is really great. This color might be a bit too bright for me and I also want to see it in a size down. I already ordered one size down but just to be sure. I can't believe how quickly this sold out online and am hoping that Lululemon takes the hint.  My store better have some in stock so I can give it a try. It just might be perfect!





This is the black midnight iris multi. It fits tighter than the soot CRB that I have. It is black....so it might be a keeper. I can't believe that you don't even see the pattern in the photos.  I am torn over this.





And then there is the bliss break hoodie in plum which is super cozy and fits very well. Do I really need another hoodie?





Of course, what did I end up wearing to group kick today? First base tank. Why? It has stripes and is a dark color, so I'm hoping that camouflages my middle.



15 days to bathing suit time and my leg is still too funky to run. Of course, I am still going to kick. And of course, I am still going to eat clean because that is really what is all about.  Right?

So let me know your thoughts on my new purchases? Since they came Tuesday I do have some time to return them, but I hate that hanging over my head. Help!



Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Ooh, so many Lululemon goodies uploaded!

I am expecting a delivery today with my 105 singlet, and then I'll know what size I am. I'm so glad the tank is "reasonably" priced, since it is really just a shell. Then I am loving that plum! I also ordered the midnight iris CRB, but have to see if it is one of the tighter fitting tanks or looser ones, see previous Lululemon rant if you are wondering what I am talking about!

Also interested in the astro shorts as they look a a little like the knockout shorts from ages ago. Loved those, too. I've read on lululmum.com that the shake and break shorts fit like the track attack, and I've got my fingers crossed. The midnight iris black with yellow is calling my name!

I thought the Bliss Break Wrap looked pretty awful and I don't even know where to begin with that Half cut pullover. I liked the Race me short sleeve very much and the Track to reality pants! I have a pair of tea lounge sweat pants from a few years ago which I live in, but are getting a little stretched out.

The scarves never do it for me. Since I am short, I often feel like when I wear one, I am all scarf. I'm sure there is a way to wear it, though, that doesn't give this effect. It always looks so good on the models.

I am NOT going to run to the store today, since I think I have learned my lesson. Where or where are you fedex truck???

Monday, August 12, 2013

Have an A-1 Day!

Well, Breaking Bad was pretty awesome! I'll be so sad when it is over, but my oh my, until then? WOW.

So I'm having a lazy day while I wait for verizon to come fix some outdated piece of equipment. Did I mention they gave me an 11 hour window? So unless they miraculously come soon, I will have a quiet day at home with the puppy. Haha. I see lots of short walks in my future today. And I can watch True Blood and that last scene between Hank and Walt one more time! Wish I could go for a quick (ha) run, but my leg still feels weird. My shoulders were sore last night from Group Power, so I'm glad that I went up on my weights. Time to push it, push it. To the limit, limit.

I'm making my most favorite turkey meatballs for dinner tonight! I feel like I haven't cooked dinner all summer and it is a good feeling. I'm having the chunky monkey overnight oatmeal again for lunch and I can't wait. I love it when I find a new recipe because it inspires me to cook again and stalk Pinterest for new recipes. I saw an interesting recipe with Sweet Baby Rays and peach jam and chicken, which will be my next attempt at dinner. I'll keep you posted!


Sunday, August 11, 2013

A Little Lululemon Rant

I have recently posted about the swiftly tank top and how unforgiving the material is if you are not lean and trim. I know a lot of folks have problems with snags, but that has only happened on one of my tops and it was a probably my fault anyway.  I am okay with that. This morning I was getting dressed for Group Power and I put on my pink swiftly and immediately took it off because there were too many bulges. I tried on my bright yellow one (sorry, I forget the color, but I got it last summer and you could probably see me in it from outer space), in the same size, and it fit COMPLETELY DIFFERENT! Now I know Lululemon will say that different colors affect the fabric but really? Isn't this a quality control issue to make sure each and every top is exactly the same? This is the reason I didn't buy the spry blue swiftly tank, which I absolutely love, because I don't know if it is going to fit more like the pink or the neon. Same thing with some of the CRBs. I have a gingham print from this year that is so tight that I am sure seams are breaking and then I have the new soot CRB and it is long and looser. So, what's the deal?

Okay, between getting that off my chest and exercising first thing this morning, I feel better now. I went to Group Power and just took it easy on my legs, since my left leg is still a little funky. I decided to up my weight on shoulders because I have been doing this for too long and because shoulders never gets easy. Enough is enough. I might as well feel a lot of burn, instead of just a little burn. How is that for logic?

I'm looking forward to three things today: my chunky monkey overnight oats, True Blood and BREAKING BAD!

19 days until I can put my toes in the sand.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Who likes Burpees?


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I hope this image comes through! I love Pinterest! Here is the thought process that got me here.

Burpees make me want to throw up.
I still have a headache and I feel like I want to throw up. 
Get it?

I really think there is something about being down and then up so fast that makes my breakfast want to come back up. 

By the way, I read in Entertainment Weekly that the last episode of True Blood will have what I have been waiting for (and I think everyone else who watches the show): Eric naked. And he better be back next season or I am done. There is absolutely no segue there.

this is good, i feel bad

Well, here is what has been going on.

This is my good:

Yesterday I went to a group step class. I haven't taken a step class in ages, due to the schedule and I guess a little bit of boredom. You know what? It was HARD! I forgot how challenging it can be and I think the choreography got harder and included more HIIT training. I got a great workout and will definitely do it again. I know some people think it is hard to get all the steps right but I find I am so busy concentrating on where my feet are supposed to be that the time flies right by. The rest of my day I spend with Verizon because my FIOS (computer, tv and housephones were all down). Everything is fixed now but my phone rings at crazy times and no one is there. By crazy I mean 2 am and then again at 6am. You know what it feels like when the phone rings in the middle of the night? Panic that something is wrong. Guess when Verizon can come? Between 8am and 9pm. How is that for a window?

This is my bad:

Today I woke up with a killer headache and it is just starting to go away. Sometimes exercising helps but I thought that today wasn't one of those times, so no gym for me today. I think maybe I slept wrong, but as longs as it doesn't turn into a migraine, I am happy.

This is my good:

I found on Pinterest a recipe for chunky monkey over night oats and it was fabulous. It came from this website www.stephsbitebybite.com and I can't wait to spend more time looking over her recipes. It includes banana greek yogurt, peanut butter, almond milk, oatmeal and a few chocolate chips. Right? How can this not be awesome. I think I have a new snack/lunch. Yippee.

This is also my good:

I ate it before I could take a picture, but an omelet with mushrooms, onions, cheese and Trader Joe's Peach Salsa. Have I mentioned a million times how I love this stuff? I put this bleep on everything.

The weather is amazing today and I am bummed not to be running, but I must get rid of this headache. Off to find some more Tylenol. And a bed...

Thursday, August 8, 2013

22 days to go and a big uh oh.



I just realized that although I have 22 days until I'm in a bathing suit, I am going to be in New Orleans for 4 of those 22! I think while I'm there, all attempts to eat healthy are going to fly right out the window. I'm also having company for a few days and my daughter will be back, so there will be more food in the house and more eating out. I better really focus the next week before all hell starts to break loose. 

I'm one big stripe! Lululemon mod moves crop, energy bra and black and white striped CRB. I'm off to group kick in a little bit. The puppy slept til 5 so I'm feeling good, except my leg is acting a little funky. Oh the aches and pains are getting worse! So while I won't mind not exercising for a few days to let my body recover, weight loss is mostly about food choices and I don't think I'm going to be able to do much about that. But it will be so fun!







The two bags that I have been obsessing over and on WMTM, but after looking at these college bills that are on the horizon, I'm going to pass. OUCH. I really don't need another bag, I'm just sick of the one I have. Oh well.


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

day 5 recap

I went for a 4 mile run and after two miles, the sun peaked out, the humidity started to rise, and I started to falter. I made it home with a few too many walking breaks. It's frustrating that what was "easy" the other day was so challenging today.  I think I have to chalk it up to the weather, since I'm that person who exercises with the fan blowing on high, hard enough to dry out eyeballs and chap lips. I do not exercise well when it gets sticky. My perfect temperature is anything below 65.

The rest of my day was great and I only had one tablespoon of my chocolate peanut butter. I am writing now to make sure that it stays that way! Healthy eating all the way, baby.

By the way, did anyone see Stephen Colbert doing Get Lucky by Daft Punk? That was the funniest thing I have seen in ages. Who knew Jeff Bridges could move like that? And Bryan Cranston! How many days until Breaking Bad? Oh, I can't wait. This season of True Blood has been really awful, hasn't it? Too much Sam, not enough naked Eric, not enough Lafayette, and I even miss Reverend Newlin. Although, characters seem to be dropping like flies on that show. I liked Terry, of all people to go...?

Have a great night! The peepers are especially loud right now.

day 5. almost off to a good start

The puppy slept until 5! I was in so much shock that after I took her out, I couldn't fall back to sleep. Damned if I do... I'm just waiting for her to finish her tasty bully stick and get ready to nap and I'm off for a run. I'm not sure if its 3 or 4 miles, and this is probably something I need to think about before I go. I'm wearing nothing fancy. Just an old pair of running shorts, a Lululemon all sport bra and a swiftly tank.

By the way, all but size 10 of the 105 singlet is sold out. For real? I hope that means that Lululemon will keep it coming, but I have no idea. I'm still hoping for some fun patterns in track attack shorts, afterall it is only August here and it is shorts weather for a long time. I did great eating yesterday, until the Peanut butter and company chocolate peanut butter started calling my name. Must make myself stop !

I think instead of counting how many days I am into this goal, I maybe should also keep track of how many days until it is my vacation. In that case, 23 and that is no time at all. Yikes. I better get going!

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

I love TRX, but

my wrists tend to get sore but for lower body, nothing beats it. You can get so low into squats and lunges. My legs are talking to me now!

I wore a Lululemon no limits tank and groove crops. I didn't take a picture for three reasons: first, you have seen this outfit many, many times and second, I forgot, and third and most important, I'm feeling large. As helpful as it has been to see pictures of myself, for some reason today all I could see was what was bulging. I know, bad bad bad!

I headed over to our local Lululemon store and the 105 singlet was not in! Once again, my store only got a few new items. By the time I got home, one of the sizes I wanted to try was already sold out. I did try on the new Bliss Break Hoodie and really, really liked it! I think the venting in the back makes it not as tight as a scuba. Also, the material was super soft. I tried on the heathered black, and couldn't justify that with the voyage hoodie that I love so much, so I ordered the heathered plum/plum. I really have to see the color in person though. I also tried on the Energy Tank and it was okay. I felt a little like I was wearing a bathing suit and the sizing with the bra/waist just wasn't working out right. Anyway, I am all set with the tanks that I have been wearing, the TaTa topper and the Fast track tank. And I saw the Happy Hatha Hour bag in black and love it. I might not get it though, and hold out for a duffle. Lululemon, please step it up with the bags! I also tried on the serene tee and really liked it, but sized down since it was so billowy. It might even be another size down. The material reminded me of the clarity tank and was something I could wear every day. It has great reviews and I think I might just have to do it. Darn!

Dinner tonight is sweet potatoes, oops,  I already ate mine, and crispy fried onion chicken. I got that recipe from Cookingupnorth.com. It is tasty and easy and can be prepared in advance.

So all in all, day 4 went well. Of course, I have 4 1/2 more hours to go. Day 5 might involve a run or spin. Something to look forward to, right?

Day 4- I'm ready to go!

Had an almost decent night sleep, so I can't use the excuse, "I'm too tired..." Anyway, taking a nap in the late afternoon has been working out just fine. Whenever this puppy starts sleeping through the night, and when is that ????, my sleep patterns are going to be completely off.

I'm going to take my class with our trainer and hope I am not too wiped later because I want to shoot over to the Lululemon store to see some of the new upload. I'm excited about some of the pieces, 105 singlet especially, and some of the colors in the CRB, but seeing the color plum means summer is on its way out (even though it is still August 6 and hot, hot, hot). Guess they aren't going to upload any more shorts. I wish I bought the track attack shorts in orange. The only size sold out? Mine.

I'll post more later!

Day 4 is Take no Prisoners!

Monday, August 5, 2013

day 3. epic fail.

Well my plans for the day got a little messed up. We went college shopping for my son, I got too hungry, inhaled my totally delicious lunch and then felt sick to my stomach. Five hours later and I still feel off. I felt so guilty about not running that a little less than an hour ago, I changed my clothes, got my headphones and made it... one block. I probably could have worked through it, instead of babying out, but I didn't want to get a mile away and feel sick and call for help. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! On the plus side, my stomach is preventing me from snacking so it is a good eating day, right? I guess today is my rest day for the week. Oh well. 

I made an overnight oatmeal with coconut milk, chia seeds, coconut, almonds and a few chocolate chips. At this rate, I will eat it tomorrow and give you my review. There was a fun recipe for an overnight oatmeal named chunky monkey. I don't think I can go wrong with that. That is my next recipe to try.

BTW, has anyone been watching True Blood. Is it me, or is it depressingly bad? Where is my snarky, naked Eric? At least there is Breaking Bad in a few days. Have you heard Bryan Cranston read Ozymandias? My son actually read that poem in English lit class a few years ago. How about that? Uh oh. The first Breaking Bad is the same night as True Blood and Dexter (my son watches that). Is that right? OH NO!

Cross my fingers for tomorrow. Day 4 has to be better!


Sunday, August 4, 2013

Day 2. Still nothing to eat!

I managed to get myself to 815 Group Power, which was pretty impressive because the puppy cooperated!  Good doggie! Of course, I forgot to get a picture of what I wore. I put on an old Lululemon Run Back on Track tank, because the idea of putting a bra on and then a top was just too much for me. How sad is that? Sometimes I feel like I am going to pull a muscle getting some bras off. And, of course I wore my groove crops. I was a little sore from running yesterday and Power on Friday, but they were mostly different tracks. I love the crouch for legs! I knew that if I went and did it on my own I wouldn't push myself enough and since I have a goal, I want to be pushed. Tomorrow I plan to run and I'll try to do a fast one. Ha. I hope you are all laughing.

I'm off to take a nap and then figure out some meals. I know I am making my favorite clubhouse burger, from Iowagirleats.com. I can cook the bacon at any time and then throw the burgers on the grill. Easy peasy. Plus, some delicious Alexia waffle sweet potato fries on the side and we can't go wrong. The problem is lunch. Lunch is always a problem. Any ideas? What is your favorite lunch that takes no time to put together and is going to keep me full! That's always the challenge!

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Countdown to vacation and getting rid of that jiggle.


I finally got to run outside and it was glorious! I know, that's not really a word I would typically use to describe running. Painful and boring and tortuous are more likely. Some days the curbs just seem like mountains, but today was good.  It was a very slow run as I just wanted to finish, especially considering the humidity, my hip flexor, and the fact that it had been about 2 weeks since I ran. My mantra today was if I could do tabata for 45 minutes, I could do this. Check.

I'm so glad I put on a Lululemon swiftly to run because I was tempted to buy one in that gorgeous spry blue color, but then I saw all the flab and remembered how unforgiving this material is. Deleted that one from my shopping basket! Plus, I really do have enough of them. I wore the dart and dash shorts and the only reason I wear them is because of the pocket. I do not like the way they fit at all- too tight in the waist and around the thigh. Still hoping for more track attack shorts because they are perfect and I wear them almost every day around the house. 

I wish there was a magic wand that could fix the area from bra line to bikini line. But I know that is really just clean eating and lots of exercise. I'm going away for Labor Day and that is my goal. Today was day 1. 26 to go. It certainly helps to have a plan and I am going to set aside some time to make up menus and exercise goals for the week. After my nap, of course. The puppy had a nightmare and took ten years off my life. Then I had to google if that was really a thing or if I dreamt it. I think it was real, but I'm so tired anymore I can't tell. 






Friday, August 2, 2013

I'm so hungry and there is nothing to eat!


I finally made it to they gym today after recovering from pulling a calf muscle and being extra busy with family and it felt good! I went to group power and upped my weight on the clean and press. Go me. I could have gone heavier with the chest, but oh well. Biceps is still a killer. Shoulders never gets easy. And now I need a nap! 

I wore my Lululemon fast track tank with polka dots. I really like the front view as the side black panels are very slimming. From the side, not so great, but that is an issue with me and not the top. I would love to be able to wear it in some other colors, but I think not. I am still waiting to hear how the energy tank fits and I love the spry color and am thinking about the ta ta topper in it. It's fun to dream!

Now I am starving and here I am writing instead of getting something to eat. I thought I was going out to eat but my plans changed. I think the fastest, easiest thing for me to do is prepare the avocado, sirracha and olive oil toast. I sound like one of my kids when I say that there is nothing to eat. Oooh, blackberries.

I must run either tomorrow or Sunday because it has been a while. I can't put it off too much longer....or can I? NOPE. 

Must go before I eat an arm off. Any ideas for quick, healthy snacks? Save me!