Sun, Fun, and Blueberries...

Ever have one of those days that don't start off the way you wanted? I really wanted to go to the CrossFit PRx lake day but didn't make it out due to errands. BOO. 

So instead I got in a great WOD at home while my mom ran on the treadmill. Gym time is like movie time with exercise! I think I was making my mother nervous while I was doing squats. Beastmode. I also got my Unbroken Designs belt this week in neon yellow; I absolutely LOVE it. Plus its pretty.

This week at CrossFit has been rough! I have been sore pretty much everyday. 

Some highlights: I PR'd my clean and jerk by 10lbs making it 100lbs, I finally got my toes to bar and strung two together (at the expense of 4 hand tears in one day - joy), and I over came my fear of high box jumps (usually do the 20" side of the box but Wednesday I did the 24'' side) but it was definitely a challenge mentally.

After my workout I had this amazing dish for lunch! Chopped tilapia over baby spinach and broccoli! SO GOOD. I pretty much inhaled it. And yes that is a John Deere plate. 

When the hubby came home we got ready to go to Moorehead Blueberry Farm to pick blueberries but when we checked their site they were already picked over. I was definitely not happy as I have been looking forward to picking blueberries for days. So like always it was Hubby to the rescue and he found us a new farm to try out called Pioneer Blueberry Farm! We definitely enjoyed it more so than the other farm. It had tons of organic berries at a great price and it was much more peaceful. We spent two hours in the 90 degrees heat sweating our butts off picking blueberries and ended up with 10lbs! Something about picking blueberries is so therapeutic. Not to mention that I probably ate my body weight in blue berries as I picked. Oops.

Dinner was thrown together quick: beef burger over baby spinach with onions, mushrooms and avocado and sweet potato fries. Definitely my favorite easy meal.

Well I'm off to help my mother make homemade peach and blueberry cobbler (I don't like cobbler apparently I'm a freak but Dad and the hubby do)!

Question: How did you spend your Saturday?

Did you PR or overcome a fear this week?

Eat clean, train mean, and inspire others!
-Jaren

Remember you can follow me on Instagram @kiwifitblog

I Want to Try That Thursday

I thought today I would share of the recipes I have seen on other blogs that have mine and the hubby drooling. If you start seeing a trend, I would like to say that while it was not my intention to pic mostly recipes with sweet potatoes… I’m just obsessed. I need help. 

First off, because I would die without brownies in my life, Sweet Potato Brownies from Lindsay at the Lean Green Bean! Don’t those babies look moist and delicious? Serve with a little low fat ice cream and I’d say instant win! 

Second and third come from Jenn at Peas and Crayons. She cracks me up all the time. 

Homestyle Macaroni Salad – add some boiled eggs in there… Oh yeah. Are you drooling yet? Make this as a side dish to some BBQ’d chicken… America. That’s all. 

Next, Savory Sweet Potato Cassarole. If you haven’t had the awesomeness that is sweet potato, black beans and salsa combined in awesomeness in your face… Well you just aren’t living. This recipe is so easy and versatile! 

Lastly, Sweet Potato “Noodles” with Creamy Miso Dressing and Salmon from Meg at A Dash of Meg. Easy, healthy, and delicious!

As for the life of me, trying to get things set up for my last semester of college and it has been a complete nightmare. They only offer the class on Monday mornings, its mandatory to graduate, and impossible for my schedule because I work your typical M-F schedule. My advisors words were and I quote, “It looks to me like you have 2 options: quit your job so you can take the class or change your major.” Yes I have one class left, let me just switch my major! SO MAD. So I’m trying to find out my other options and so far no response. I need a margarita. Or a few. 

The WOD from this morning, as Thursdays is sort of the easy day and most people skip. Today was not easy. Those squats almost killed me. Good lord, my thighs were not happy after 45 of those at 85lbs. Yesterday and today's WOD have me pretty darn sore after a week of vacation. Walking like a Granny over here! 

You know those cravings we women get? I swear something is wrong with me, as I usually don’t have many cravings. Earlier this week it was dark chocolate, so I bought a bag of those Dove dark chocolate squares. Hit the spot! {Not the whole bag, I still have about half left after I hid them from my husband} Today its Starbucks… So off I went for a tall Iced Skinny Carmel Macchiato. NECTAR FROM HEAVEN. Day is made. 

Sometimes being married to my hubby is like having your own personal chef but better. He is a great cook and loves doing it... Doesn't hurt that he is cute and all mine. So earlier today I sent the hubby a text of a new Skinny Taste recipe and I came home to find the kitchen in full swing! Jalapeno Shrimp Cakes, spinach and cheese stuffed portabellos, and mashed potatoes! Holy wow! This girl is stuffed!

Questions: Have you had any strange cravings lately? 

What new recipe do you want to try?

Eat clean, train mean, and inspire others!

-Jaren

Heart Attacks in Women – I thought I had the flu…

Over this last year I have seen a few stories of women, in their 30’s, dying from heart attacks. IN THEIR 30’S. I don’t know about you but I didn’t think that was something you would worry about until maybe your 50’s.

Sadly, heart disease is the #1 killer of women. Not child birth, breast or cervical cancer… Heart disease.  Every 34 seconds someone has a heart attack. Heart attacks are caused with the blood flow that carries oxygen to the muscles in the heart is severely reduced, or cut off completely due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol or plaque in the arteries.

{photo: womenshealth.gov}

“But I never had any chest pain,” most women say. That’s because symptoms for heart attacks for women are not the same for men. While you may experience chest pain, most women experience symptoms similar to the flu or exhaustion. Lots of women brush the symptoms off as acid reflux or the pains of aging as well.

Are you freaked out yet?

So the facts. What causes heart disease? What are the symptoms? And how do you reduce your risk and increase your chances of a long and healthy life?

Well bless your heart, I have answers. You’re welcome.

Your chance for heart disease depends on:

1. Your cholesterol levels
2. Blood pressure
3. Salt intake
4. Blood sugar
5. Genetics
6. Substance abuse

The top eight symptoms for women are:

1. Shortness of breath
2. Joint pain or weakness
3. Unusual fatigue or depression
4. Nausea, vomiting, and/or heartburn
5. Dizziness upon sudden movement
6. Dehydration
7. Fatigue on exertion
8. Upper back pain, pain in jaw
9. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.

How to reduce your risk:

1. Quit smoking! You can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease just by laying down the smokes for good!
2. Exercise! (DUH!) Get up and move for at least 30 minutes a day!
3. A healthy diet! Lean meats, lots of fruits and veggies, and less processed foods
4. Last but not least – see your doctor! Go in for regular exams to know where you stand and what you can do to live a healthier life!

This is not something  you put off ladies, if you experience these symptoms call for help immediately!
Spread the word and learn your risk.
I like all of you and want you around as long as possible.

Now on to happier things.

Last night the hubby and I ended up going out, again. I managed to convince him to take me to Chipotle, I love it but he is a die hard Freebirds fan. Again he was disappointed but my bowl sure was AMAZINGLY delicious.

Then we went to see Fast and Furious 6, I tried to bring the Camaro into the theatre but they said no. Lame, she would totally fit. Straight up - it was awesome! Where some things totally exaggerated or completely impossible? OH YEAH. But it’s a movie. And it was a great movie. I like anything with fast cars, and dudes kicking butt. All in all it was a great night.

Oh except for one tiny thing. I was in the bathroom, walked out of the stall to wash my hands and there was a man in the womens bathroom with his pants down. I am scarred for life. Seriously, someone give me a loofa so I can scrub my eyes.

Anyways. CROSSFIT HOW I HAVE MISSED YOU!

I loved every minute of my vacation but I am not lying when I say I was having serious Crossfit withdrawals. I love my 5am workouts, and the people in my class make it even better!

Speaking of my box, CrossFit PRx, they competed at the South Central Regionals this past weekend! Sadly our awesome team was eliminated but Chelsea ended up 14^thand Cole ended up 9^th in the individuals! I am CRAZY proud of everyone at PRx who went out and gave their best and kicked butt! I was so sad I had to miss it, but I have been watching videos like crazy!

{none of these are my photos, I found them on Facebook}

So if you are in the Spring, Texas area check them out!

Eat clean, train mean, and inspire others!
-Jaren

Sources: Jillian Michaels Podcast, Heart.org

Cooking with grease, well not really grease... Thats gross.

Knock, knock...

Whose there?

Me. :)

If any of you follow me on Instagram (KiwiFitBlog) you'll know that life has been sorta nuts for me the last few months. Half my family moved off, my little sister moved back, accounting almost killed, crossfit tries to kill me everyday, and my trusty Mac Book straight up just gave up on life. Well not really; it runs, the hard drive is just bad and so trying to do anything is impossible... Even blogging.  After receiving such diagnosis from the doctors at the Genius Bar the hubby and I bought a new baby...   And here we are. Getting all my music, movies, and pictures off of my old laptop is proving to be a pain... {hence chocolate was needed} About to ship that sucker off and let someone else get the grey hairs.

Anyways. My world. You're probably wondering what is new... Our home gym is finally finished, and this bad boy came in the mail! Rogue Fitness Charlie bar and bumper set, as well as the S-4 squat rack! Absolutely love it, definitely allows me to work on form and technique at home, practice makes perfect! They couldn't get the semi down our road, so the hubby went and brought it to the house on the tractor. Only in the country. :)

Recently, I came back from heaven. You may call it Florida, but seriously it is as close as it gets. I hate dragging myself away every year, if only I could win the lottery... I would never leave. Ate way to much seafood, spent countless hours on the beach {holy crap the water was cold}, and got to see my awesome MeeMaw {HI MEEMAW, LOVE YOU}!

While in Florida, I bought some Saucony's! I love them! I was hoping they would help with some leg pain I have been experiencing while I run.... No go. Going to work on form this week and if it doesn't get better then I'll probably go to the sports doctor to make sure nothing is wrong. I have never liked running, but I am still trying.

As for this wonderful holiday weekend, I spent Friday on the beach laying out with Logann and watching Dino and Mom paddle board. Never wanted it to end. Saturday was spent in the back seat of the Camaro, watching movies {Star Trek and Mirror Mirror} on my iPad. Yesterday, the husband I had a flat out awesome day. Got up early and did our Sunday food prep while watching Ever After. Tilapia, brussel sprouts, green beans, and quinoa for the week!

Then we went to the mall to see the Apple doctors, saw Star Trek Into Darkness {OMG IT WAS SO GOOD-yes I'm a nerd}, walked around Hubbell & Hudson {a way cool market in the Woodlands}, and finished the night at our favorite restaurant America's! We had plantains with pesto and empanadas as appetizers. The hubby had a glass of wine and I, off course, got my mojito. We split steak and buffalo as an entree, and topped it off with tres leches for desert. SO GOOD. 

Today, the hubby is grilling and is forcing me to watch the whole Duck Dynasty series... Oi vey. 

On another note, look what our friends at Lara Bar sent me to try out... Its their new ALT BAR! It has 10g of protein made from PEAS! Its vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and non-GMO. Super filling and delicious! I loved it and I can't wait till they arrive in stores!

Last but not least, tonight when you sit down to enjoy your beer and BBQ with your friends and family please remember the reason for today's holiday. Raise up a prayer or a thank you for those who gave their life so you can enjoy freedom. They gave up all for you. 

Well I'm off to order the Rogue SR1, was finally able to string 10 double unders together! WINNNNING! So this girl is going to practice, practice, practice! Good night!

Eat clean, train mean, and inspire others!

-Jaren

Drinking the Koolaid

Good evening my lovelies!

Christmas has come and gone and we are standing at 2013's door! Holy cow where did the year go? I blinked and it was gone. Friends, fun, love, wedding, hard work, and good memories made up a great year but it is time to look forward.

January is that time of year where people think about change. They set goals, make promises, make commitments... To better themselves, to better their health... Sometimes for their own benefit and sometimes for their loved ones. 

So what are your goals for 2013? To quit smoking? To quit drinking? To eat cleaner? To lose weight? To get a better job? To find love?

As for me, I have started a new journey of my own in November. I drank the koolaid and started crossfit. Yup, I did. I have been at it for a month now and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. I signed up for 6 months {which I will definitely be extending}. I have never been so humbled or sore. Seriously for a week sneezing and laughing was akin to torture. I thought I was in good shape, I thought I was strong... SIKE. I go to the 5am class so my workouts are out of the way and after work I have the rest of the day to play! Everyone in my class is so nice, supportive and humble. Even though who have been at it for years and are waaaay stronger than me. There is nothing like struggling through a workout and having a room full of people cheering you on!

In the short time that I've been going I have seen lots of changes in my body. I've noticed more definition in my legs, in my arms and definitely in my back. My midsection has leaned out. I have noticed more of a change in a month than I  ever did when I was actively doing Insanity or P90X {which are AWESOME programs}. I am not as strong in my arms and I am in my legs but I'm progressing. I did set two PRs for myself though; 105lb front squat and 140lb back squat.

{little ol' me in the background there}

And I got these bad boys for Christmas {THANKS MOM}! Reebok Nanos 2.0. I absolutely love them! They are light, and comfortable. They do run a little on the small side so you may want to add a half size to what you normally wear. But I highly recommend them to all you crossfitters out there!

So question of the day:
What are your goals?
Leave a comment, I would love to hear what you will be working toward this new year! 

Everyone please stay safe! Have fun, but be responsible!

Eat clean, train mean, and inspire others!
-Jaren

Quote I saw this week that loved.
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and I could say, 'I have used everything you gave me.'"

When I said I do...

SCHOOL IS OVER. {For a month.} Who is excited? This girl. I survived both my classes, and I'm so relieved to have them behind me. 

I have finally sat down to take the time to write a post about the wedding, nearly two months later. I think though I will save the reception for another post cause there is just too much to write about.

So the wedding.

Well lets start with the day before shall we? I got up early and drove to Houston to pick up a rental camaro, since I didn't want anyone messing with my own. It was a gorgeous 2012 Victory Red 2SS/RS (which means its a fully loaded V8 for those who don't speak car). Perfect chariot for the weekend. 

After I picked up the camaro, I met my little sister Logann and my best friend Brittney to get our nails done. It had been a long time since I had gotten a mani/pedi and it was such a blast to sit there and chat with my girls while we relaxed. From there we met my aunts, grandmother, other sister and mother at Crossroads Tea Collection for another round of high tea! Sitting around nibbling on sandwiches and drinking tea in such a gorgeous setting just made me feel like I was in a movie. Could not have been any more perfect and I know my grandmother enjoyed it a lot! 

The last stop of the night was the rehearsal dinner at the church. We did our run through in the chapel and then headed down to the large hall for some yummy fajitas catered from Margarita's Mexican Restaurant by the husband's super sweet mom! Everyone sat around and mingled, lots of laughs and shenanigans as usual. 

When it was time to go home and get our beauty rest, I took the camaro and hit the road. Never fails. Got pulled over by a state trooper; I explained to him that it was the night before my wedding and that I was exhausted so he let me off with a warning but all my friends got a huge kick out of it.

The day of I woke up around 9am, double checked my list, got dressed, and loaded the car with mine and Logann's stuff. Let me tell you that car was loaded down, you'd think we were going on a trip for a month! We drove to town to pick up my older sister Candace, stopped by Starbucks {of course}, and headed to the church to get ready! One of my super sweet Camaro club friends did my hair and my make up while we jammed out to music, munched on subs my mother dropped off for us, and we goofed off. Next thing I know the photographers have showed up and its less than an hour to go! 

They were not kidding when they said time would fly. Every time I went to do something someone kept saying -45 minutes, 40 minutes... Oi vey. Dad forgot the marriage license and had to go all the way home to get it! Granny's rental broke down and they had to get help! I was starting to worry. Everyone kept saying how calm I was during everything but I was so excited, no worries or woes. Thirty minutes out and I didn't have my dress on, not to mention started the laces on the back. In the last few minutes we were rushing around like little bees, so was my stomach! 

Next thing I know we are standing in the hallway, lined up and ready to go, piano music is blaring in my ears, Dad is waiting on me... My bridal party heads in, and I started shaking. I was worried about walking in my shoes, dropping my bouquet, falling flat on my face. 

They opened the doors and first thing I see is the husband is crying, like not a tear, full out crying. BE STILL MY HEART. I just wanted to hug him. 

The rest flew by, I do remember the preacher trying to get him to look at me instead of her, everyone laughed at that. We almost missed our kiss cue, you'd think we'd remember the most important part, and then it was out the door in a flurry! 

And we will save the rest for another day... :) So stay tuned.

PS. The professional pictures are courtesy of Kat and Loren from Mustard Seed Photography, I love them dearly they are beyond AWESOME. 

Eat clean, train mean, and inspire others!
-Jaren