Fitness Friday - Week 5

Original Starting Weight: 223

Last Weigh In: 147

Current Weight: 146

Pounds lost since last weight in: 1

Total Pounds Lost: 77

Only 16 days left till The Color Run. I am super excited, but also really nervous. I missed pretty much a whole week of running due to my stupid injury. (See last weeks post.)

Monday I got in an easy 2 mile jog/run with the pup.

Wednesday we dropped Kaiser off at doggy boarding school. I miss him terribly. Even with 2 kids and 3 cats the house seems terribly quiet and not quite as cozy without him here. After we dropped him off we went to the nature reserve by our house for a 2 mile walk.

During nap time I was able to get a run in while the hubby stayed home with the kiddos. I went to the green belt by our house and did a total of 3.76 miles, most of which was an attempt at day 3 of week 6 on C25K. I made it 9 minutes without having to walk...which annoyed me at the time, but looking back the terrain is really all over the place so it really was a good run. I was super sore afterwards, but the weather was so perfect and I really needed it to clear my head.

Yesterday, I got in a good 2.4 mile walk with the boys. It was a lot easier without the pup in tow, but goodness it's getting harder to push them. They need to stop growing for just a second so I can build up some upper body strength!

Today it's rainy and sad outside, but I'm hoping to get in some much needed yoga. I don't think I'm ready for Jillian yet. Hopefully next week my finger will be healed enough that I can put more of my body weight on it. Until then I'll just be doing a relaxing yoga session. The rain is supposed to stop tomorrow, so I'm hoping to get a morning run in and then I have a day date with the hubby :o)

I don't have a page for it (yet) but I do have a new recipe for you! We tried this Tuna Noodle Casserole a couple weeks ago and it was delicious!

We added an extra can of tuna, a small can of mushrooms and half a can of peas to "beef" up the meal a little and it was PERFECT. We actually made it again this week and I'm having left overs for lunch. YUM.

I hope everyone has a happy and healthy week!

Fitness Friday - Week 3

Original Starting Weight: 223

Last Weigh In: 146

Current Weight: 144

Pounds lost since last weight in: 2

Total Pounds Lost: 79

The weather has been awesome this week for getting runs and walks in. I haven't gotten up to jogging the whole time again, but I did find a great 5k route. I'm going to work on that a couple times a week and then do an easier jog once a week. The easy jog will be with my sister, although she is catching me up quickly on c25k so it won't be easy for long! She is in NYC this weekend, so I don't have a jogging buddy. :o(

On Wednesday I was going through my closet and I found an old dress I stole out of my sister's donate pile. Honestly I NEVER EVER thought this dress would fit. I was so excited that it did, even if I don't have anywhere to wear it and it has a coffee stain down the front of it.

Our new recipe this week is for a turkey mushroom swiss burger. Super yummy.

 credits: National Scrapbook Day
Templates from Sweet Shoppe Design and Autumn Potpourri by Mscraps

For the original recipe w/nutritional facts please visit SparkPeople: HERE.

Have a happy and healthy week!

Fitness Friday - Week 2

Original Starting Weight: 223

Last Weigh In: 147

Current Weight: 146

Pounds lost since last weight in: 1

Total Pounds Lost: 77

Despite losing a pound I've actually had a rough week eating. It's like my body was desperate to reject all things healthy. Tuesday I just gave up completely and spent all my time (that wasn't spent parenting) on the couch curled into a tight ball and wishing my stomach would just die and leave me alone.

However if we pretend Tuesday didn't happen this week has been great as far as workouts are concerned.

• Saturday I went on an early morning jog. I started C25K again(ish) and decided I could handle Week 5 Day 1.
• Sunday my sister and I went for a jog at a local nature reserve. It was awesome having a jogging buddy and even better that we were able to talk a majority of the time. We ended our workout with brunch, which just made the morning even more perfect. When I got home I decided to go crazy and rake our front yard. Our neighbors cedar lost all it's needles all over our yard. Between the front and back we filled almost 6 bags. Ridiculous.
• Monday, I was SO sore. I did yoga, but not my usual video because that woman was just too happy for me to deal with...and I was already feeling kinda crap.
• Wednesdays John is home so I got to take an awesome jog and pretty much found my new 5k route. Just need to add a street somewhere.
• Thursday, John worked from home so when the boys went down for their naps I went out with the pup for a nice long walk.

In other news. My sister won't be joining me for The Color Run. Somehow she forgot that she was going to be in New Orleans. Punk. I wish I was going with her. John is really excited about joining me though and my sister and I are going to find another 5k to do together.

Last week I tried a Broccoli and Cheese Soup. It was really easy and tasted really good. Wonderful for a cold day. I didn't think it reheated very well, but John did. I'm thinking it may have tasted fine and it was just my quirky stomach overworking my imagination. Here is the recipe!

Created using - Hootin' Annie by Raspberry Road Designs

(Nutritional info can be found on Spark People.)

Have a happy and healthy week!!

FAF - Week 36

Original Starting Weight: 223

Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200

Last Weigh In: 143

Current Weight: 142

Pounds Lost This Week: 1

Total Pounds Lost: 81

I feel like I should post. I skipped last week, but I feel like FAF has really become almost a habit.

11.2 - I finally ran again. In the morning. I ran past our soon to be house and on the way back home decided to cut through the green belt and try a little trail running. I hurt my hip with that genius idea...

11.5 - I went with my sister and her maid of honor to get my matron of honor dress. They measured me at a size 4 on top and size 8 on the hips. Kinda sad it wasn't the other way around, but super happy with the number 8 anyway!! We also went with my sister so she could try on her wedding dress. She's is going to be the most beautiful bride!

11.7 - I got REALLY tired of babying my silly hip and decided to try some power yoga. Thank you Jillian for fixing my hip.

11.9 - I finally got out to run again! No running through parks this time, just a nice jog with the pup. Then I got my hair cut and colored for our family pictures on Saturday. I haven't gone this dark before and certainly never gone red(ish).

(I also haven't washed it yet...cause I'm terrified that all the color will wash out and I'll be back to my mousy brown, not to mention that I'm supposed to wash my hair in cold water and I've been freezing since Wednesday.)

We had THIS for dinner.

 It was REALLY yummy.

11.11 - Did a 3 mile walk with the boys and pup this morning. About to do some power yoga and then force myself into a shower. I feel gross and my hair isn't looking so pretty, so jumping into a cold shower while I'm covered in sweat should be easy. Yeah, I know I just painted a pretty picture. 

Thank you to any Veterans out there! Have a happy and healthy week everyone!

Spooky Sunday - Spider Egg Cupcakes

Wednesday was my Mum's birthday.

So I made some (okay WAY more than some) cupcakes.

  With pretty glittery black spiderwebs

 

and a wonderful little surprise in the center.

Everyone really liked them, especially Munch.

The center is just a cake ball from my new toy. I made the cake balls and then dropped them in when I made the cupcakes. I thought I made them orange enough, but they cooked a little lighter and I was using yellow cake instead of white, so next time I'll try white. I'll probably add some chocolate chips to the cake balls too...after all they are spider eggs...they should have some little "spiders" in there! Thanks to my hubby for coming up with the creative name!

The boys costumes are finally done! I'll be sure to post LOTS of pictures tomorrow!

FAF - Week 35

Original Starting Weight: 223

Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200

Last Weigh In: 143

Current Weight: 143

Pounds Lost This Week: 0

Total Pounds Lost: 80

Whoo Hoo! I know I didn't lose, but I am SO happy that I didn't gain.

• I haven't run in FOREVER.
• I only got one walk in.
• I celebrated both my parents birthdays with steak one day and ribs another.
• I suck at drinking water when the weather dips down.

Thankfully, birthdays in our house are over for a little while and I can focus on other things.

Like running, cause I signed up for a virtual 5k next week and I haven't run....so I'm scared that I'm going to suck. Thank goodness it's virtual, so no one has to watch me suck.

I also need to REALLY focus on packing. We are buying a house at the end of the month and I have packed a very little bit more than nothing. I have boxes in the garage packed to the ceiling...but with nothing actually in them.

Anyway...I could do a whole post about moving.

I finally got around to making a new recipe this week. It was SUPER easy.

 (credit: Summer Pears by Kelly's Korner)
It was also super yum! The only thing I would say is to maybe make some rice or something to go with it, cause it's not a TON of food. But, when I say easy...I mean it. Seriously one of the easiest meals I've made in a long time. Totally going in my cookbook.

Original recipe can be found on Spark People: HERE.
Have a happy and healthy week!!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 18

Link up your blog with Brandy at You Don't Know.

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 167
Current Weight: 166
Pounds Lost This Week: 1
Total Pounds Lost: 57

Whoo Hoo! 1 pound closer to 60 pounds! Only 3 tiny pounds to go! 31 to go for my ultimate goal. When I first started Spark People I would have whined about how many pounds 31 was. Now, I can't help but think: "That's nothing! You are SO freaking close! You've pushed past the halfway point and only have a third of the way to go."

Meal of the Week:
Killer grilled swiss with parmesan crusted asparagus w/herbed squash and zucchini - Drool. Big thank you to Krod (aka hubby) for making it for me I love you!!

New Me Vs Old Me Moment of the Week:
Saturday I took a glorious morning hike with the hubby. We saw a bunch of trail runners. Old me would have shook her head at the crazy people...New me wanted to join them. I think once I've "graduated" from C25K and the summer ends I'm going to try it out. It just looked like SO much fun. I know, I'm a looney toon.
Freaking Awesome, "I'm making visible progress!" Moment of the Week:
Saturday during nap time I went shopping for a bathing suit (EEK). Found a bathing suit I feel good in (insanity) AND got some new work out clothes in size MEDIUM!! Can't remember the last time I could say that. MEDIUM...sorry had to say it again. Here I am enjoying a jog on Sunday...in my new gear.

Questions of the Week w/backstory:
Sunday - Attempted C25K Week 7 Day 1 and couldn't quite make it to the half way point. Part of it may have been that I partied with my sister the night before at her engagement party. I wasn't well hydrated and I was getting over drinking a little more than I usually do. However I have had this problem jogging during the day before. Usually I jog at night when my boys have gone down for the night. I jog on the well lit sidewalks and ROCK it. This is the third time I've attempted to jog on a jogging trail that runs along the green belt near our home. All three times it's been during daylight hours and all three times I haven't been able to complete my runs.
Anyone have any tips? Should I try starting the C25K over for the days I get to jog during daylight hours? How do you morning joggers prepare for your jog?

In other news:
I apparently am a vampire of some kind. Sunday I tried C25K Week 7 Day 1 - another 25 minutes of straight jogging and I couldn't do it. I couldn't even make it to the half way point. This isn't the first time this has happened. Everytime I try to jog during the day, I SUCK. However, when the sun goes down and I hit the sidewalk...I don't suck so much. I checked on Monday night and did another 25 minute jog. Thursday as great...but I did 20 minutes straight, which is still good. I'm convinced the sun weakens me and brings me down. Silly sun, why do you have to look so pretty and be so mean at the same time?

Haven't gotten a chance to see if I fit back into my wedding dress yet. Hopefully this weekend.

Hope everyone has a fantastic and healthy week!! Hugs!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 16

Link up your post with Brandy at You Don't Know.

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 169
Current Weight: 167
Weight Loss This Week: 2
Total Weight Lost: 56

I'm seriously considering changing this to Skinny Saturday...since half the time I can't get the post up on Friday. SIGH

SUPER SUPER happy about my loss this week! I realized this week put me at 4 more pounds till a grand total of 60 pounds lost! SO EXCITED!

Kinda sucked at working out this week. I attempted a 20 minute jog Sunday and even though I failed I felt pretty good. Then, it poured on Monday, so in my genius I decided that I was strong enough to take on Jillian Michael's 30 Day-Shred. Seriously STUPID idea. I was basically out of commision until yesterday. SO FREAKING SORE. I went on my walks, because the weather was too gorgeous not to enjoy, but I almost didn't make it home a couple times....my legs were screaming at me. So no jogging after I did Jillian this week.

Jillian, I love ya, but we can't be friends right now. I know you were trying to help, but you almost derailed my train to Skinnyville.

My recipe this week is for Honey Mustard It was SO SO yummy. Love me some honey mustard. We did change up the recipe a little. Didn't use the 2 pounds of chicken the first time around, although I may next time, cause I seriously could have eaten a whole chicken. We changed the original recipe (found: HERE) by doubling the Honey Mustard sauce and adding onions.
Created using Kitshcy Kitchen Freebie by jenn barrette
and Sahlin Studio

Everyone have a healthy and happy week!!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 15

Link up your post with Brandy at You Don't Know

Original Starting Weight: 223
Post Preggie Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 170
Current Weight: 169
Weight Loss This Week: 1
Total Weight Lost: 54

Lost a total of 8 pounds in April!! Super SUPER happy about that. Hopefully I can keep it up. Although there is chocolate in the house...and that's ALL I want to eat at the moment. Eeek.

Was really happy with my jogging this week. I restarted week 5 since I was sick last week and jogged twice. I decided to take it SUPER slow this week and it worked out great. Didn't have to stop during any of the runs. I was so proud during the 8 minute runs. I didn't even look to see how much time was left. We'll see how the 20 minute run goes next week. I doubt I'll be able to run the whole thing, but I'm going to try.

I stepped it up a little with my workouts and walking this week. I needed to make up for last week and Easter. I really surprised myself and burned almost 2000 calories and walked/ran 20 miles! I'm going to see if I can do it again next week too. Crossing fingers.

Here is the recipe of the week.

Created using Summer Mini by three paper peonies

The original recipe and nutritional info can be found here. It's so super yummy and fresh. Tastes like summer :o)

Tomorrow I'm trying on bridesmaid dresses with my sister's skinny bridal party. Wish me luck!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 10

Link up your post at You Don't Know.

Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 178
Current Weight: 178
Weight Loss This Week: 0
Total Weight Lost: 22

Sweet...exactly where I was last week. Love these plateaus. I haven't given up though. Just need to push past it. I made sure to bump up my protien intake and it worked! I'm not as hungry as I was, still hungry, but at least not starving.

I felt super sick on Tuesday and I missed one of my running days this week, cause we went over to my mother's. I actually considered doing week 2 of C25K over. Then I realized how silly that was (at the last second, I was on my way out the door) and I sucked it up and did Week 3 Day 1. It seems crazy, but it actually seemed easier than all of Week 2 was.

I saw the tutorial for this sign over at WhipperBerry. Don't know if I'll make it, but I love the quote. It's just something I need to remember.

Speaking of excuses; I've got zero as to why my blog hasn't had any posts in a week. Pathetic. I PROMISE to be better this week.

Finally got another recipe page together!! My hubby likes to cook up this meal in double batches, cause it's SO yummy. Here is the recipe and nutritional info my hubby entered on Spark People: HERE. And here is my page: Created using: Blog Freebie Template 8.4.2010 by Jennamy and Wimsy kit by Three Paper Peonies

Hope everyone has a happy and healthy weekend!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 8

Link up your post at You Don't Know.

Starting Weight: 200
Last Weeks Weight: 181
Current Weight: 178
Weight Loss This Week: 3
Total Weight Loss: 22

Sweet! Gotta say I'm super surprised about the weight loss this week....cause last week was so horrible. I'm so happy to have jumped right over the 20 pound mark. Only 5 more pounds till I reach my pre-preggie weight again!!

My hubby bought me an arm band for my ipod touch (for my b-day on Tuesday) so I could start C25K. He had one I could have borrowed, but it is SO much nicer having one of my own. I started on Wednesday and loved it. I ran again tonight and thought I was going to die before I hit the half way point...but I pushed through and made it. We'll see how the next jog goes...there are three runs per week...and I'm thinking I might have to repeat the first week...LOVE the program though...LOVE that I get to use my own music. I really have to go through my music though, since I've only got 22 songs on there and I can only listen to those so many times before they will start to drive me batty. What's your favorite workout song?

I have a new recipe this week! My mother made some ratatouille and it's super easy to make. So I wrote up the recipe for Gigi's Ratatouille on Spark People. I'm still hoping to do a digi page for it...just didn't seem to have the time this week. Enjoy!

Hope everyone had a great healthy week and hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

St. Valentine's Day Review

I hope you had a great Valentine's Day. It ended up being a pretty good day for us.

Last week I received a awesome envelope full of fabric scraps from Bethany at Vermillion Rules. For her birthday she decided to do 31 Acts of Kindness and I was lucky enough to be the recipient of one of those acts.

I just had to use some of the fabric immediately...so I made Valentine's gifts for the boys. I got the pattern for these adorable guys at The Long Thread.They were SO super easy. I added a pocket and their names on the back of each AND I finally learned how to do a slipstitch so you can't see the seams at all.

Nox thought his heart was super yummy.

Monkey Munch wasn't being a good model...so I had to give him a good tickle.
I also made cookies...which WERE all hearts when I put them in the oven....
Didn't seem to turn out that way though. Hubby thinks the sprinkle ones...which were double hearts...look like butts. Oh well, they are still yummy. (Even if they aren't exactly on my diet.)

The stained glass cookies turned out great...which is all I really cared about.
You just put hard candy, like Jolly Ranchers in the center and bake. Pretty, right? I'm thinking about making some for St. Patty's.

Fat Ass Friday - Week 4

Link up your post at You Don't Know...

Starting weight: 200
Last week's weight: 188
Current weight: 186
Weight lost this week: 2
Total weight lost: 14

I am seriously not sure how I've managed to continue to lose weight. I really haven't been able to work out, cause the weather is ridiculous and there isn't a DVD player in this house that works...not complaining though, love losing weight! :o) Just wish I could work out...it's strange, but I actually miss it.

Thankfully I had Nox, that could lead in some great yoga...This week we enjoyed another Pizza Bake, except with green peppers, onion and mushrooms instead of meat. It was scrumpcious. I seriously think pizza is going to become a new staple in this house...hopefully not too much of one. I would HATE to get tired of it, but while we are on the subject, what's your favorite pizza?

On Wednesday we made one of my favorite cold weather meals: Split Pea and Ham Soup (original recipe: here). I know you are thinking, "That's disgusting!" But I promise (cross my heart) that it's not, it's super yum. AND it's super easy AND it freezes well, so it's perfect to take to work!

Here's the nutritional info:
Calories: 118.6
Total Fat: 2.0 g
Cholesterol: 15.9 mg
Sodium: 828.2 mg
Total Carbs: 14.5 g
Dietary Fiber: 5.1 g
Protein: 11.1 g

And here's my page!

Split Pea and Ham Soup - Night Owl kit by Steadfast and Immovable

Hope everyone has a great weekend! I'm hoping the weather forecast was right about the pretty weather on the way.

Fat Ass Friday - Week 3

Link up your post at You Don't Know.

Starting weight: 200
Last week's weight: 190
Current weight: 188
Weight lost this week: 2
Total weight lost: 12

Have a seriously not blogged in a week? I keep promising myself I'll be better...and then...I don't know what happens. Life I guess.

Last weekend we experienced GORGEOUS 70+ degree weather. We walked a total of 5 miles, played outside and really enjoyed ourselves.

Monday it got cloudy...and Tuesday a sheet ice had covered the Dallas area. Then this morning my 2 year old decided to wake us up at 5am...and out the window was a winter wonderland of quiet and beautiful snow.
I'm so thankful for that pretty weather of the weekend, because I haven't managed to get a work out in since. The hubby has been home most of the week...and for some reason I can't bring myself to do my workout videos with him in the house. Weird, I know.

On to yummy stuff. Last week, Brandy suggested this Pizza Bake. We made it with mushrooms...it was FANTABULOUS and SERIOUSLY EASY. John asked if we could make a different variation every week.

John also made Crustless Spinach, Mushroom, Onion and Feta Quiche. The original recipe and nutritional info can be found here.
Created using Stone Soup by De Crow Designs and Conversation Piece no. 1 elements by paislee press and one little bird

Our quiche has mushrooms so it's a tiny bit different...here's our info:
Calories: 146
Carbs: 14
Fat: 6
Fiber: 2.2
Protein: 11

We usually make it as a side to a meat or something. 146 calories just doesn't cut it as an actual meal for us.

Hope everyone is has a wonderful weekend! I'm off to make some snow ice cream and hopefully not screw up my diet in the process!

Fat Ass Friday - Week 2

Link up your post at You Don't Know!

Starting Weight: 200
Current Weight: 190
Pounds Lost: 10

Super excited about reaching the 10 pound mark. 17 to go before I'm at my pre preggie weight again! Can't wait to fit back into my skinny jeans!

This week we were super lucky and got some awesome weather. I decided to be brave the other day and take the double stroller AND our dog for a walk. I've NEVER done this before, since Kaiser is a puller on the best of days. I'm surprised my arm hasn't been ripped out of it's socket. BUT, the pup was sitting so nicely by the door I could hardly say no and it was actually a pleasent experience. In fact it was so pleasent that we really got to enjoy the 60 degree weather yesterday and took a 3 mile walk. Probably a little much for Munch...he was SO ready to get out of the stroller, but I enjoyed it.

Here is my recipe for the week. I recently discovered that my crockpot is my best bud and Crockpot Southwestern Chicken is one of my new favorites. It's SO yummy...even better when you add some hot sauce. We found the recipe on Spark People: here. I made the page 8 1/2 x 11 so it would print easily.

Created using Homecooked Happiness by Dielle Designs

Here is the Nutritional Info per serving if ya want it:
Calories: 392.4
Total Fat: 3.4 g
Cholesterol: 133.4 mg
Sodium: 1,554.9 mg
Total Carbs: 36.4 g
Dietary Fiber: 7.8 g
Protein: 60.2 g

In other, non weight related news....You Don't Know and A Little Dirt Never Hurt are hosting a Cheer up!! Swap. I totally joined. It's my first ever swap and I'm excited :o) The more the merrier, so GO join!! Entry is open until Jan. 30th

Halloween Apron and a Yummy Treat

Months ago, I was in Joann's with my mother; we were looking through the clearance section for treasures and Mum spied some Halloween fabric. She promptly purchased the rest of the bolt and handed it to me and requested that I make it into an apron for her birthday.

I wouldn't have thought finding the perfect apron pattern would be so hard....but it was...ridiculously so. Then Dana at Made had a Celebrate Yellow Month and Delia Creates joined the party with a tutorial for her Pumps and Pearls Apron. The PERFECT apron for my mother. It was easy to make and I LOVE the style.

So super happy with how it turned out!

Making an apron inspired me to bake! Don't these Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies look yummy?

Here is my mother modeling her new and fabulous Halloween apron and the fun kitchen towel I made her!

Next up: A special project just for my sister and her 3 Day Walk team and a little something for the season.