MIMM #9 June beginnings...

Good afternoon my lovelies! Its Monday – BOO, and the sun is shining – YAY! So I guess I can’t complain too much! Sorry for the hiatus (Granny I’ll try to post faster I swear), but I got sick then the hubby got sick so you know how that goes. Fun stuff.

Since it's Monday, I thought we would talk about all the marvelous things that I've been up to this past weekend!

First, I got a sweet package in the mail from my friend who teaches an indoor/outdoor cross training program that was created with women in mind called the Brawlin’ Betties Frit Camp! Can’t wait to wear my shirt and to represent! If you are in the Killeen, Texas area check them out or check them out on Facebook!

My family came into town (missed them BUNCHES) so I made some more of The Lean Green Beans Peanut Butter Avocado Cookies. In fact I made a double batch, and they lasted a day. ONE DAY. Obviously they were a hit.

Saturday was a blast! I love when you have an all-over MARVELOUSLY AWESOME day. Woke up and went to CrossFit PRx for a fundraiser. Houston recently lost 4 fire fighters in a terrible fire on May 31st; it was a very sad day. So Saturday the husband, my family and I loaded up and went to show our support for the HFD Fundraiser. It was 100 degrees outside so I didn’t participate (I don’t tolerate heat very well, or at all in fact and I didn’t want to spend the rest of the day with a migraine puking all over the place). They had a team wod (5-Alarm Fire: 5 Rounds – 41 DU’s, 35 Box jumps, 29 KBS, and 24 Wall balls), as well as a team firefighter wod. One of the firefighters did 5 minutes of burpees in full gear, such mad props to him! No way I could do that. I did however get the chance to help with the Kids Wod and that was a blast! Some of those kids meant serious business and didn’t care about coming in last place so long as they completed. Over all we were able to raise over four thousand dollars to donate to the 100 Club which supports local law enforcement and firefighters. And that’s what I love about the CrossFit community, dozens of people coming together to get their butt kicked in the miserable heat for a good cause. (More pics here.)

Later in the afternoon, hubby and I went out on a date! First stop Jerry’s Built Burgers for dinner! I got a fruit cup, my burger bunless, and the sweet potato crinkle fries! (No way I can resist them, they are like heaven in my mouth) And we rounded off the day with Man of Steel in the mega theatre. Probably my favorite movie so far this year! I’ve always been a huge Superman fan, and I was no disappointed with this one. It had a lot of Christianity references which some people are having problems with according to news media, but I found it awesome! Isn’t the hubby just cute as can be?

Tried a new recipe this weekend as well! What Runs Lori’s Paleasagna. It was delicious! I felt like I could have done a better job seasoning it, and I added spinach to the recipe but it was awesome and I plan on making this again and again! When Dad and Hubby are happy you know its good.

Since I have been asked this a few times this weekend, no I do not follow strict Paleo. I do cook a lot of their recipes, but I believe in (almost) all things in moderation (meat, fruit, dairy, nuts, grains, fats, ect.) I don’t eat a lot of grains except for Ezekiel bread, brown rice, and quinoa which is technically a seed. I don’t eat anything “white” except for cauliflower. I’m just an eat clean (little to no processed foods) kind of girl.

Questions: What is your favorite benchmark or hero wod?
What’s your favorite Paleo recipe or blog?

Eat clean, train mean, and inspire others!

-Jaren

Marvelous in my Monday #1

Marvelous in My Monday is a link up party started by the wonderful Katie over at Healthy Diva Eats. You just post about marvelous things that have happened to you over the week. And since I had a wonderful weekend at the Indy race, I have lots of marvelous things to talk about!

1. Texas Burger. There is a restaurant about an hour north of here in a little town called Madisonville called Texas Burger, and they serve, you guessed it, burgers. If you ever make it to Texas Burger, it will probably be in the top five, if not the best, burgers you have ever had. My Mom and I elected for their garden burger, which was DELICIOUS.

They also had Blue Bell Ice cream with waffle cones, so I was not leaving there without one since the only ice cream I usually eat is Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches. I got Tin Roof which is vanilla with chocolate swirls and peanuts covered in chocolate. It tasted like one of those Drum Sticks, TO DIE FOR. 

2. The Indy Race. I have to admit, I was terribly sad since Danica Patrick is no longer going to be running Indy cars, but as soon as I saw the stadium got some lovely Camaro and Corvette pace cars, I was pretty stoked.

They start every race with a prayer, the Remax sky diving team brings the flags for the singing of the National Anthem, and then several jets fly over. Its pretty awesome. Then its start your engines and warm up laps! I can honestly say when they give those cars a green flag and they put the peddle down, the sound is so overwhelming it will make your hair stand on end! Its just such a cool feeling.

There were a few wrecks but everyone made it out okay. Justin Wilson won the race in the last lap, so that was pretty cool! Then we made our way down to the pits to watch them take apart the cars and load them into their trailers.

3. Healthy Snacking. Like I mentioned in my previous post, I packed lots of healthy snacks for my parents, Logann, and myself so we wouldn't have to buy stadium food. It was such a good idea. We just snacked our till our little hearts content on tortilla roll ups, baby carrots, broccoli, pretzel sticks, watermelon, beef jerky, apples with almond butter, and grapes! 

4. The fiance's PT test. I didn't sleep very well Friday night, and Saturday I checked my phone every 10 minutes waiting to hear back on how he did on his test. Finally around 11 am, he called with some EXCELLENT news, he ran his mile and a half in 12.32, and he did VERY WELL on his exams. I was so happy and proud of him. So Sunday night after we got back we went out for some sushi, which he loves, to celebrate!

That about wraps up the weekend! It was marvelous indeed! 

Question: What marvelous thing did you do or experience this weekend?

Live, Love, and Lift!

-Kiwi and Me

For tips, suggestions, questions, or if you just want to share your weight loss pictures and story - email me at: kiwiandmefit(at)gmail(dot)com

Healthy Snacking

Tomorrow is one of my favorite events of the year, the Indy Car race in Fort Worth. I can't even explain how excited I am. Fast cars, need I say more?

What I don't look forward to at the event... Stadium food. It is so over priced, most of it is fried and I always end up miserable all evening long. This year, I said NO. Don't I always say go at things with a plan? Well I did.

My father and I went to the store to buy coolers and load up on healthy snacks we could take to feed the four of us going tomorrow. We made tortilla roll ups with low carb tortillas, fat free cream cheese, turkey and lettuce. We also cut up watermelon, broccoli, packaged baby carrots, low fat string cheese, and grapes! In addition we packed Kashi Bars, Justin's Almond Butter packets, beef jerky, pretzels and apples! Who is prepared? This girl right here. You have a choice in what you eat. So step up and take charge, even if it means taking an hour out of your day to prepare.




Well, on another note, I'm nervous for my fiance's test in the morning. I'm sending lots of love and prayers his way tonight. Also, earlier today I helped my dad wash his big Dodge 3500 only to have it pour down raining tonight, should have seen that coming. But the lightening is amazing, so that makes up for it!

Tonight I'm sore from last nights Total Body Sculpt by Gilad, but its all worth it to wear my size four short shorts. But being sore isn't going to stop me from kicking my own butt again as soon as I'm done writing this post!

And last but not least, being that today is Furry Friday I thought I would send some fuzzy cuteness your way! 

Question:

What is your favorite snack to take with you?

Live, Love, and Lift!

-Kiwi and Me


For tips, suggestions, questions, or if you just want to share your weight loss pictures and story - email me at: kiwiandmefit(at)gmail(dot)com

Run Baby, Run!

Good evening! Its a stormy afternoon here in Texas, and I couldn't be happier! I love the lightening and thunder. {I just don't like my clean car getting dirty, boo.} 


While I watch the fiance cook dinner, I swear my parents are never going to let him leave, I decided I would talk a little about running. Yesterday was National Running day and while I'm not a runner the fiance is. He picked up running as soon as he knew it was the best way to be prepared for his PT test, and to build endurance for the academy. He has been working to beat and do better than the required 13.33 mile and a half run that must be performed during his PT test.  


When he started running his first time was just a little over 14 seconds, and he knew he would have to try harder and incorporate sprints into his exercise to bring his time down. Yesterday I got this text message.

He ran a mile and a half in 12 seconds flat. Who was proud and excited? This girl. He told me that is all that matters, that I'm proud of him. I could be kind of a drill sergeant when his numbers weren't changing fast enough, it is the Jillian Michaels in me. The fiance's favorite running song is Super Massive Black Hole by Muse. I know its not the olympic record for running but for a guy who didn't do much exercising till he met me, that is pretty good!


As for me, like I said, I couldn't run more than 15 minutes to save my life. But I can lift weights and do cardio till the cows come home. During the winter I can build that number up to thirty minutes sometimes, but as soon as summer hits I quit exercising outside and it goes away. Running just isn't my thing. To each his own, and I have mad respect for those who can go out and run 5 to 10 miles a day. It is a great way to get in shape and improve your health. So if you didn't get your National Running Day run in yesterday, get it in today - there is still some daylight left! 


Holy moly, what ever the fiance is cooking smells divine, he wont let me into the kitchen - he likes to surprise me with his talents often.

Yesterday, I got to go out to lunch with my friend and enjoyed some AMAZING sushi. I'm an addict! Then I came home and we cooked pulled beef sandwiches, roasted diced sweet potatoes, and cucumber salad. Lots of good eats lately! 

As for Ms. Kiwi {she is curled up in my lap, like usual when I write my posts}, the fiance snapped a picture of her being a stinker during my workout so I thought I would share. Such a brat. Please excuse my lack of cool workout clothes. 

Question: 


Do you enjoy running?


And if not, what is your favorite workout?


Live, Love, and Lift!


-Kiwi and Me


For tips, suggestions, questions, or if you just want to share your weight loss pictures and story - email me at: kiwiandmefit(at)gmail(dot)com

What A Week

This week has been a busy one for me! Lots of writing posts, cooking and trying to get other stuff done. But I can’t complain because I have done a lot of fun stuff this week as well.

Wednesday, I woke up early and while I was posting my WIAW post (and farting around on twitter), the fiancé cooked me pancakes! He used Skinny Taste’s Whole Wheat Pancake recipe and added strawberries! So good! One problem… He made wayyyyyy too many. [no we didn't eat them all ourselves]

After filling my tummy with pancakes, we got dressed and headed out to register for our wedding! Which was just crazy, cause it was like "this is really happening, this is real". After five years, we are really getting married, and its only four months away. (I don’t want to think about it – too much to do). Our first stop was Macy’s. We got most of our kitchen stuff registered there. The fiancé and I made a deal, he picks kitchen stuff (except color) and I pick bedroom stuff. I say that’s a win.

After that, we went to all the jewelry stores in the mall looking for his wedding band and none of them carried it. I think we are going to have to order it. Then on our way out, I thought, what the heck! We dropped by the Apple store and bought this girl an iPad. I LOVE IT. Perfect for this blog and book reading addict. We finally got hungry and walked over to America’s, again my favorite! We started off with the soup of the day which was this corn based puree soup. I literally could have picked the bowl up with my hands and chugged it. The fiancé had similar thoughts. While he ordered a chicken salad sandwich, I got this amazing chicken dish with pineapple pico, quinoa, and asparagus. It was amazing. I tried to fit it all but I couldn’t.  America’s never fails to impress.

Next we registered at Bed Bath and Beyond, and the fiancé was in kitchen heaven.  I did find these cool pots I want though!

By then we were all registered out, and headed south to pick up my wedding dress. When I tried it on it was in this pretty off white color, but the color I ordered was white and I had yet to see the dress in that color. It is so pretty. They brought it out in a clear bag though and I was like “Uh…. My fiancé is in the car…” So I had to buy a white bag to put it in to take it home and keep it a mystery. I keep going in the guest closet to look at it. LOVE IT.

Well it’s exactly a week out till the fiancé’s Texas State Trooper PT Exam. They have to run a mile in less than 13.33, and do as many push ups and sit ups as they can. He is getting pretty nervous about his running time, and is trying to run every day to get his time down enough for the exam. Next week I’m going to roller skate while he runs (so I can keep up) and yell at him the whole time to try to motivate him to do better under stress. I’m sort of looking forward to this, in an evil way. So keep him in your prayers for a good time! To be a trooper is his dream, and I like seeing my guy happy. After his test he is going to start the Insanity program for a second time, so that he can be ready for their academy. I was reading on an officer’s forum that it is supposed to be harder than army training. I do not envy him, but he will come home in great shape – a plus for me!

Friday I went to a friend’s house to make my wedding invitations, what an amazing friend! After that we hit up a late dinner at PF Chang's (lettuce wraps for the win) and still had time to drop by the movies for a little Chris Hemsworth droolage in Snow White and the Huntsman. I really wanted to like that movie because I'm a die hard fairytale lover, but it was just so dark and it wasn't well written. It's DEFINITELY not a kids movie. 

I am so glad that it is the weekend. I have just been go go go. I haven’t been able to fit in any long workouts and that depresses me, so hopefully tomorrow things will slow down and I’ll be able to focus on getting some kick butt workouts in! 

I also have problems with acid reflux, and have really been struggling with that this week. I know I just have to be really diligent about eating small portions, one soda a day, lots of water, and keep it healthy. Eating at home isn't a problem, its when I go out with friends. I look for healthy options on the menu and still spend my whole night miserable. Stinks. Hopefully next week I will feel better!

Live, Love and Lift!

-Kiwi and Me

For tips, suggestions, questions, or if you just want to share your weight loss pictures or story - email me at: kiwiandmefit (at) gmail (dot) com!

The Weekend and Back to Routine

Sorry for the weekend absence, but I was a busy little bee. Plus I wanted Logann’s post to enjoy some glory. It was pretty awesome wasn’t it? I don’t know if she has gotten on to see everyone’s kind comments yet since she is on her way back to Austin but I’ll shoot her a message and let her know!

Friday, after soaking up some last rays on the beach we headed to Granny’s (Hi Granny – Love you) for some family time and dinner. Now like most other granny’s in the world, my grandmother, my father’s mother, is a wonderful cook. Pretty much everything she makes is to die for. We watched Wall-E with my nephew and then sat down for some pot roast with sweet and regular potatoes, lima beans, broccoli and salad. Oh my lord was this girl stuffed!! You should see my family when lima beans are involved, it’s a mass grab it and growl fest! Don’t step between this girl and her lima beans, you may get hurt.

Goodbye white sandy heaven, until next time.

Saturday we left the condo and headed to the country. My mother’s parents had lots of land north of Fort Walton, which her father divided between her siblings and a few others during his life and at his death. My aunt has a horse ranch there, and my parents have a little house near the canyon. On this property is a fishing pond, and a natural spring feed creek perfect for hot afternoons. So after lunch, and a nap, we headed down the hill to the creek – Logann, Candace and her family, and me and the fiancé. The first time you step in that water it never ceases to make you cringe with the cold, but we took a hike up the creek to explore. I wish I could have gotten some pictures but I was afraid of getting my phone wet. We found animal tracks, little beaches, and spring heads that we literally took a cup and drank from. The land there sits on a large slab of iron which gets in the water, and holy moly it is the best water I have ever had. I think it lost out on a national taste test to somewhere in Colorado. But oh so good.

We came back up to the house to find Granny had shown up, and my aunt and uncle cooked up some fish, cole slaw, and potato salad. At this point I was a stuffed pig. Then she tells us that she has angel food cake with strawberries in the fridge. If you learn anything from this point, remember this – Angel Food Cake with Strawberries is MY FAVORITE. Period. The end. So I couldn’t say no. Last day of vacation, what the heck. Spent some time chatting and playing with my sisters kiddos, and then it was time for goodbyes before heading to our hotel for the night.

Yesterday was spent in the Camaro, driving from Florida to home. I hate leaving Florida every time, but it is nice to be back home in the great state of Texas! I spent the morning driving and then the fiancé took over, while I napped. Those who claim you can’t sleep in a camaro are wrong, I got two hours of sleep only to wake up to my fiancé driving like a crazy person – almost gave me a heart attack. In his defense, he was trying to get over and some guy cut him off going like triple digits and he slammed on the breaks and woke me up. Brat. All in all it was a good drive. Got to do lots of chatting with the honey and I got to listen to the Indy 500 race on the XM.

Vacation is wonderful but I am glad to be home, back to my routine - healthy food, and exercise! Came home to find a box for me, I’ll post more about that on Thursday, and my Women’s Health Mag with none other than my favorite Jillian Michaels! I can’t wait to read it later today! Tonight I am cooking dinner for my mom and myself, and in a house with no groceries this girl is going to have to be creative. Then I think I will bust out some Beach Body Insanity, which I’m dreading after a week of not doing it. Pray for my muscles.

Please ignore my lack of make-up above. 

On a separate note, I had three very happy fur babies when I got home yesterday. Pookey seemed freaked at first, I’m sure she was enjoying the peace and quiet. Jasper let us cuddle with him for a good ten minutes, I’m pretty sure that is a record! Since we had to leave food down for them instead of portioning out their food, Mr. Chunky Monkey is… a little chunkier. Back to his diet too! And Ms. Kiwi. Well she hopped right on the bed and onto my back and rubbed her head against mine as if to say, “MOM! Thank goodness your home!” Those moments where she is being kind and not a princess are few so I soaked it up!

Question:

What do you miss most when you are on vacation?

Live, Love, and Lift!

-Kiwi and Me

For tips, suggestions, questions, or if you just want to share your weight loss pictures or story - email me at: kiwiandmefit(at)gmail(dot)com!

Can't Complain

Yesterday was one of those beautiful days that you look back at and say, "that was a really good day". I got up early, had my ezekiel raisin bread, and went for a walk on the beach with my mother, sister and the fiance. We walked two miles down the water front until we were in front of one of the local air force bases. With no one around we jumped into the water for a quick swim. It was just us, the sparkling clear water, and the sun. It was so peaceful. I felt like we were on our own little island. Then we made the returning two mile walk back to the condo. Walking on beach sand is NO JOKE. My legs and bum are sore today.


Since I've been getting a lot of sun the last few days, and I'm of the pasty white nature I spent the afternoon on the patio. It was nice to listen to the waves, read more of The Skinny Rules by Bob Harper and get some blog stuff done. Why can't I have a beach in my back yard?

For dinner, we all headed to The Back Porch for some seafood. We ordered our food and then us girls went outside to grab a picture or two. Quick lesson: Don't go take pictures after drinking margaritas. It only leads to pandelerium, funny pandelerium though. I ordered the shrimp and scallops, and asked for them to not be cooked in butter. Guess what? They showed up, covered in butter and the waiter disappeared. Story of my life. So my Dad laughed as I took every piece and dabbed them with my napkin. You gotta do what you gotta do! All in all it was very good, the tuna dip was to delicious!

I love being at the beach, it is so relaxing. But I can honestly say I miss my kittys. And driving my car. [She is just sitting underneath the building, lonely.] The fiance has his state trooper physical in two weeks. He has to run 1.5 miles in 13.33 minutes, today he did it in 13.44. He has asthma so it's hard for him to push himself but I think he is doing pretty good, he just needs to shave off a few more seconds in two weeks. I'm very proud of him.


Tonight we are boiling shrimp! Who is excited? This girl!


Live, Love, and Lift!


-Kiwi and Me


For tips, suggestions, questions, or if you just want to share your weight loss pictures and story - email me at: kiwiandmefit@gmail.com

Its getting hot in here... And not in a good way!

Good evening from the lovely emerald coast! Today has been kind of a roller coaster. The fiance and I got up early, along with my little sister and mother to meet my older sister for a workout. We took the same three plus mile path as yesterday, except it was noticeably hotter this morning than before. We mixed it up with jogging, power walking, and sprinting. On the way back, I could tell something was not right. I have an intolerance to heat which can make exercising outside impossible for me at times, hence why working out in my living room with air conditioning is the majority of my routine.


By the time we got inside I walked straight to the bed and just laid down, my head was pounding like crazy and I felt like my skin was on fire. This is where my wonderful fiance swung into action. He ran me a cold bath, fixed me cold water, a cold Coke Zero, and some medicine. [Apparently Excedrin has been pulled from the stores for having pieces of other drugs in the bottles - not good for me since I'm out of my prescription headache medicine.] After about thirty minutes of cooling down, I was finally able to lay down and take a nap. This means that I missed family time on the beach. But by lunch I was back to one hundred percent. What would I do without him? 



This afternoon I purchased Bob Harper's new book The Skinny Rules. I'm only half way through Part One, but it has a lot of useful information for those trying to lose weight as well as those trying to maintain their weight. If you are looking to live a healthy life, pick up this book. It's an easy read, and it's funny. I like his rules, I won't ruin them all for you but I can definitely see the value in drinking a glass of water before every meal, as soon as you wake up in the morning, eating apples and berries every day, and incorporating more fish into your diet. I can just hear Bob speaking the words on the page and it cracks me up. Then I participated in FitFluential's Blue Diamond Almond chat on Twitter which was fun and informative! So I spent the majority of the evening on the patio watching the lightening on the beach, sipping a sangria, and reading. What more can a girl ask for?


My grandparents and my aunt came over for dinner to celebrate my sisters graduation from college. We had salad, pizza and cake. While I feel bad for eating all those calories, it was delicious! It was good to spend time with my family since we don't see each other that often.





All in all, it was a great day! I'm looking forward to beach time tomorrow and hopefully not having a repeat of this morning after my workout!

Live, Love, and Lift!

-Kiwi (still miss her) and Me

For tips, suggestions, questions, or if you just want to share your weight loss pictures and story - email me at:kiwiandmefit@gmail.com

Motivation and a recipe

The only person holding you back is you. When you start down this journey, before you move forward you need to make peace with everything you see behind you. You can do this. And you deserve this, no matter what anyone has told you in the past. 


A recipe I would like to share.


Southern Water
1 pitcher of water (I empty my Brita pitcher into another)
1 handful of washed mint leaves
1 lemon sliced
1/2 a cucumber sliced (optional)


Combine in a pitcher and allow to steep over night and enjoy all the next day! Easy!


Live, Love, and Lift.


-Kiwi and Me
(she is curled up in my lap, bathing in the sun after attacking me while I had my bowl of cereal this morning)