Music Thursday?- Bastille

Yeah, I know it's not "Music Monday" but I love this song! I'm becoming a fan of Bastille. They are upbeat songs and especially good for running :) Enjoy!



Check out:

"Pompeii"

"Of the Night"



by Bastille as well.

Paleo Pumpkin Muffins

Happy Monday! I have another healthy (paleo) recipe for you! I've been on Pinterest a lot lately (if you haven't already noticed ;) ). Since you don't really eat "carbs" in Paleo I wanted to make something that was like bread and satisfied the need to eat carbs. These muffins turned out delicious! Very simple to make and didn't take much time at all. 

Ingredients:
1 cup almond flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt (or a good pinch)
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon
2 eggs 
3/4 cup pumpkin
1 mashed banana
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp maple syrup
chia seeds

Directions: 
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.  Pour into sprayed muffin tins (24 mini or 12 regular) and top with chia seeds. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool and enjoy :)

Adapted from: Fitcupaker 

MMT 2014 Week Three

These two things don't mix.....

Running and snow 

Two words for this week COLD and SNOW. I hate cold weather and snow! So that means that everything was done inside on the TM this week. I can't wait for warmer weather to start up so I can run outside. My week was off to a rough start after having an off weekend celebrating 3 birthdays (and gym closings), but the end of the week was great!

WEEK 3:

1-19-14: OFF 

1-20-14: Ran 1 mile 10:36 

1-21-14:OFF
1-22-14: Ran 1.5 mile 14:58 (TM), Weight lifted 35 minutes, Ran 3 miles 28:48 (TM)

1-23-14: Yoga class 50 minutes, Ran 3 miles 28:40 (TM)

1-24-14:Ran 1 miles 9:06 (TM), elliptical 40 minutes  

1-25-14: Ran 3.5 miles 36:37 (TM)

Total Mileage: 11.5 miles 

TM= Treadmill

So I didn't reach my goal for week three to run 3 miles in 28 minutes, I got close though. I think a big part is the treadmill. I don't want to make excuses but I think I could get that 28 minutes running outside. Just something about the treadmill....

Goal for week four: Run 15 miles total

Paleo Beef Vegetable Soup

Another Paleo Soup Recipe here!
Great for a chilly and snowy day outside. 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups onions, diced 
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cups celery, diced
• 2 cups tomatoes, diced or canned 
• 2 cups carrots, diced
• 1 cup green pepper, diced
• 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic  
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 2 teaspoons parsley, for garnish

Directions:

In a large stock pot, brown ground beef and sauté onions. Drain fat if necessary. Add beef broth, celery, tomatoes, carrots, peppers, sweet potatoes, spices, and garlic . Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat, cover and cook 30-45 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Adapted from: Once a Month Meals

Happy 90th Birthday Grandpa!

This past weekend I went to Cleveland to celebrate my Grandpa's 90th Birthday. It was a surprise party and he was surprised for sure. He got the biggest smile on his face. There were lots of family and friends to celebrate with him. I made a quick trip there, considering I was only there for less than 24 hours. It was definitely worth it 

It's always a plus to see family anytime. Here are a few pictures from the party...

MMT 2014 Week Two

So I didn't complete my goal of running 3 miles in 27 minutes. This week didn't go as well planned as I would have liked. It was my "birthday week" so running was my biggest focus. This upcoming week I'm going to try harder, although it's going to be quite cold!! 

WEEK 2:

1-12-14: Elliptical 35 minutes, weight lifted 25 minutes 

1-13-14: Ran/walk hills 4.5 miles 60:00 (TM)

1-14-14:Yoga class 50 minutes, Ran/walk 2.5 miles 32:06
1-15-14: Weight lifted 45 minutes Ran 3 miles 29:45 (TM)

1-16-14: Yoga class 50 minutes 

1-17-14:Ran 3 miles 33:58 (TM), weight lifted 45 minutes 

1-18-14: OFF

Total Mileage: 13 miles 

TM= Treadmill

This week I want to share about Life Bar. Life Bar= awesome. They sell wholesome healthy organic drinks. I've gone twice since training. They are a perfect way to end a run. They have ingredients for natural energy with lots of healthy vitamins and nutrients. Check out the website here. 

These are the two that I've tried so far:

Green For Life – Packed with the organic healing power of Green Vibrance, adaptogens eucommia and eleuthero, warming ginger, the delicate sweetness of organic pineapple and banana, this tasty drink makes it easy to enjoy the benefits of better nutrition.

BanillaMaca Protein – Ideal after a workout or for an on-the-go meal replacement, this protein-rich, bodybuilding blend of vanilla Plant Fusion protein, the superfood maca, organic banana, vanilla extract (made in-house), cinnamon, ginger, and almond milk will surely be the extra boost you need after your daily workout.

Most of them are around 150-250 calories, so not bad! If I complete a good run or week I decided that I will treat myself :) 

GOAL for WEEK THREE: Run 3 miles in 28 minutes 

Until next week, happy running!

Animal House- Adoption Center

Today Katelynn and I went to Animal House- Adoption Center to visit the dogs and puppies that are up for adoption. They all were so adorable! It was so hard to leave without a dog. It was a fun way to spend my birthday afternoon. 

We visited with four different dogs:
1. Pokey- 2 month old Saint Bernard Mix. He was sooo cute and sweet! He loved to play and hop on onto your lap. His paws were so big so there's a good possibility that he could grow up to be 150 pounds!
2. Lucy- Pug mix. She was full of energy, snorted, and a little overweight. She was cute, but very high energy.
3. Charlie- Husky and German Shepherd Mix. He was hyper and had the cutest face ever, with wrinkles on his forehead. He was getting a little frisky with Katelynn...ha!
4. Nugget- Black Lab mix. He was the sweetest dog ever. Two years old and very chill. He was abused so he had some scars and marks on him and the worker said he has accidents sometimes when he's scared. We were really considering taking him home!

It's you're ever interested volunteering or adopting a dog or cat, Animal House is your place! It was sad to see so many lonely and abandoned dogs, but it was great to see the signs that said just adopted. 

Pokey

Lucy

Charlie

Pokey

Alex and Ani Bracelets

Hello everyone! I hope you're January is going well. I wanted to share some jewelry that I own and love. Last year my Mom discovered Alex and Ani. This is a company that makes jewelry that has a "meaning" behind them. They have all different options and any person can find one that can tell their interest, personality, etc. 

Here is their story from their website:

Alex and Ani, LLC offers eco-friendly, positive energy products that adorn the body, enlighten the mind, and empower the spirit, designed by Carolyn Rafaelian and made in America. Carolyn believes that every individual has a positive message to share with the world and by incorporating powerful symbolism and design into each (+) energy piece, Alex and Ani provides a vehicle for the wearer to express their individuality in an organic, spiritual way. She believes it is her life’s work to support communities and organizations while inspiring her customers to relish what is unique and authentic about themselves, revealing the beauty that resides within.

It is kind of a Northeastern thing because I only have heard of the jewelry being in Connecticut. No one in Kentucky knows what they are. I absoltuely love my  bracelets! I have three and hope to add more to my collection. They are perfect gifts for someone or a present to yourself :) All three of mine, my Mom got for me. Thanks, Mom :)

Here are my three bracelets that I own. The meaning is below them. 

Fleur de lis 

Regality • Faith • Renewal

Traditionally used to represent French royalty, the Fleur de Lis symbolizes perfection, enlightenment, and life. The three petals are also associated with the protection of the Holy Trinity. Wear the Fleur de Lis as a representation of your faith in the changes and regeneration of life. Each charm hangs from Alex and Ani's Expandable Wire Bangle and is available in a Russian Gold and a Russian Silver finish

Jordan Beaded Bangle 

Enlighten • Enchant • Empower

Dating back to slaves crossing over from Egypt to the Promised Land, the crossing of the River Jordan is considered the final step in a journey towards freedom. Adorn yourself with the Jordan Bangle to promoteinner freedom and self-expression.

Cross Wrap

Life • Union • Immortality

The Cross Wrap represents the union of the concepts of divinity. The cross is one of the most ancient human symbols and is used by many religions to represent the crucifixion of Jesus Christ Symbolizing health, fertility, life, immortality, and the union of Heaven and Earth. Wear this bangle to honor your personal beliefs in the cross. Each cross is adorned to Alex and Ani's Expandable Wire Bangle and is available in a Russian Gold and a Russian Silver Finish

MMT 2014 Week One

It's begun!! Yay! MMT=Mini-marathon Training 

WEEK 1 (and 1/2):

1-1-14: OFF

1-2-14: Ran/walk 3 miles 41:23 (TM)

1-3-14: OFF

1-4-14: Ran 2.5 miles 25:58 (TM)

1-5-14: Cardio circuit: elliptical 20 minutes, walk hill TM 40 minutes, stair stepper 20 minutes

1-6-14: OFF

1-7-14: Yoga class 50 minutes Ran 1.5 miles  (TM)

1-8-14: Weight lifted 50 minutes, Ran 2.5 miles 44:22 (TM)

1-9-14: Yoga class 50 minutes  

1-10-14: Weight lifted 45 minutes, Ran 2.5 miles 25:45

1-11-14: Ran 3 miles 28:46, Ran/Walk 2 miles 25:14

Total Mileage 1/2 week: 5.5
Total Mileage full week: 11.5

TM= Treadmill

Thoughts....

This first week has been a slow ease into training, running wise. I actually ran a lot when I was in Hilton Head, but coming back to the cold didn't help my motivation. I've been running mainly on the treadmill and had a couple days outside, which were perfect! That below 0 weather hit us this week, so it was hard to be able to run outside. I definitely have picked up my weight training, which I know will make a difference in my pace. I've been getting up early (6 am, gasp!) and either lifting or yoga and then running or cardio in the afternoon. I love getting an early start to my day. I think a combination of getting rest, exercising more, and eating right has made this first week a success. Once I start running more, I'm sure my pace will be a lot better because I was quite slow this week. 

Another side note....I love love love Yoga! It makes me feel so good. I was quite sore after the class on Tuesday considering I hadn't taken a class in over 3 weeks. Glad to be back!

And another, another side note....check out my snazzy new outfit! I got the pants and pullover for Christmas and I love them! And the shoes are new as well, matches perfectly. 

Goal for week 2: Run quicker, specifically have a 3 mile run at 27:00. 

Healthy Turkey Chili

Coming back to some cold Kentucky weather I wanted to find a good (and healthy) soup recipe. I came across this Paleo Turkey Chili. It's really really good! I love it. I will be eating it for a week now since it made so many servings. I'm not complaining. 

The original recipe was made for a crockpot, but I left my on low on the stove for about 3-4 hours. 

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 big green bell pepper, diced
• 4 stalks celery, diced
• 4 carrots, peeled and diced
• 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes 
• 14 oz. can fire roasted petite diced tomatoes
• 14 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp. cajun creole seasoning (Spice Hunter brand – a salt-free mix of Paprika, onion, garlic, black pepper, lemon peel, chile pepper, allspice, thyme, cloves, mace, red pepper, bay leaf) ***or whatever spices you like to add to a chili

Instructions

1. Saute onions and garlic in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
3. Throw the turkey/onion mixture and all other ingredients in the crockpot. Give a good stir, and cook on low 6-8 hours.
4. Serve with avocado slices.

Recipe adapted from: Inspired RD

Hilton Head

My family and I (well minus Nick) went to Hilton Head, SC for a few days after Christmas. I love Hilton Head and this trip is my fourth time, I think? We stayed in Sea Pines close to Harbour Town. 

We had a lot of fun! The weather was definitely warmer than CT, but still jeans and sweatshirt weather (except for one 70 degree afternoon!)

We brought Penny with us and she had an absolute blast playing and running on the beach. She was a very good girl on the 16 hour drive as well. 

We did a lot of relaxing. We went on lots of walks around and on the beach, rode bikes, and also did some "house hunting" for my parents. 

One day we went to the Island Winery of Hilton Head for some wine tastings. Chris enjoyed the free cheese and crackers....

The wines were ok, nothing too special. I tried an apple wine. Talk about sweet! 

We had lunch at the famous The Salty Dog. It was delicous. I had a crab soup and shrimp salad sandwich. We had a great view outside our table as well. 

Lots of walks on the beach!

Harbour Town at night with all the Christmas decorations. It was very pretty!

And Harbour Town during the day time. 

Bike riding 

Fun on the tandem bike!

The house that we rented was really nice. It had it's own pool, even though it wasn't warm enough to swim, a golf course view, big back porch, huge living area, and three bedrooms. The location was great too, very close to the lighthouse. I didn't take many pictures of the house. 

Penny watching out for golfers

Backyard view of golf course

Back porch 

We took several car rides to the beach. What a cutie!

Penny is a big fan of Hilton Head and she loves her new hat!

 Hope to see you soon Hilton Head!

5 month old Penny

I can't believe that Penny is 5 months old already! She is growing up fast. Last time I saw her during Fall Break she was definitely smaller and not as well behaved (but still cute, of course). She is now almost 30 pounds, listens better and loves to play at the dog park. She had so much fun on her first vacation to Hilton Head as well. She loved the beach, and could probably stay there all day if she could. She didn't like the water. She wanted to drink it, but finally realized that it was salty. Chris also wanted to see if she could swim....let's just say she didn't really like when he threw her in the pool. I will try to upload the video. 

Here is a five-month-check up pictures:

Merry Christmas from Penny and I 

 Dog Park pictures...

Hopping up for a treat...I call this "Elf Penny"

Penny's buddy LuLu

Around the house....

She's my snuggle buddy

And I can hold her like a baby

Look at what nice teeth she has!

New coat to keep warm in CT winters

 Hilton Head....

Long car ride

Beach sniffing 

Harbour Town 

Beach

Penny wanted to play Rummikub too

Watching out for the golfers 

Frisbee at the beach, we got her in the water!

Her new Hilton Head hat!

And when we got home from warm Hilton Head to below 0 CT, she loves the heated blanket.