Month: January 2015

Blog 365 // Day 18 // Weekend Update

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It’s Sunday night and I am wondering where the weekend has gone and I’m thankful that tomorrow is a holiday and that Neil is off tomorrow. This weekend was kind of a crazy one that actually started off particularly lazy. Saturday it was pouring out so we spent the morning at home just lounging around in our PJ’s until just after nap time. After nap we headed straight to coffee because we found ourselves without any Saturday morning so come afternoon we were ready to enjoy a cup of coffee. After we secured our coffee it was time to head to IKEA.

Can I just tell you how much of a love/hate relationship with IKEA? I love it but then a toddler + IKEA = so much fun and sometimes just so many tears. This trip had a bit of both but we successfully left with only a few things we hadn’t planned on (rather than the cartful that usually happens) and only a few tears were shed. We ended up spending far too long at IKEA, which always happens, and ended up breaking our “no eat out in January” rule and went to Veggie Grill on the way home. 

Sunday was spent just as lazy, well lazier actually. We spent the morning reorganizing our bedroom, which now feels significantly bigger despite there being a new toddler bed added to the room (yes we all sleep in the same room). Besides that we did hardly anything until close to 5pm when we decided to check out Grocery Outlet where pleasantly surprised at what we found. While you have to be picky but there are actually some really great finds and this time we found some cashew butter, Earth Balance, Amy’s soups, Kiss My Face body wash and about 6 more bags of things. Check out a sneak peek of my cart. 

We ended up making it a late night with a Target run and finally got Edith to bed and sat down for dinner and The 100 at 8:30pm. Now it’s time for wine, popcorn and more of The 100 before heading to bed and enjoying Neil’s day off tomorrow. 

What did you do this weekend? Who has the Monday holiday off? 

Blog 365 // Day 17 // Craigslist Adventures

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Random throw back photo from 3+ years ago

Random throw back photo from 3+ years ago

This year we are working on becoming more minimalist, I mean we aren’t going crazy and getting rid of all our things but we are working to declutter. This week was a huge step for us in that process as we sold of an extra stroller, bassinet (tear) and a bunch of carriers that we had accumulated over the last three years. It sure felt good to rid of things but it got me to thinking about how crazy services like Craigslist can be; how you never know what you are going to find when you go to look at something/buy something or who will show up to buy what you are selling.

It actually reminded me of a time about 3+ years when Neil and I were looking to buy a washer and dryer. We had found a listing on Craigslist that advertised a washer and dryer in excellent condition. So we drove about 35 minutes from our house to go and check it out. When we arrived we found ourselves at an old, practically decapitated barn. The person who was supposed to show us the W/D showed up a few minutes later and led us into the barn that was filled with tons of random things. Finally at the very back corner of the barn we found the W/D that looked to be at least 10 years old and excellent condition ….well that was debatable. To top it all off the W/D still had clothes in it and the person showing us scrambled to take all the clothes out while still trying to sell it to us. Needless to say we decided not to buy that W/D. At least we got a story out of the experience. 

Do you have a good story about buying or selling items? Share below in the comments!

5 Tips to Reach Your Fitness Goals in 2015

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Lands End - 5 Tips to Reach Your Fitness Goals in 2015

It’s that time of year again when many of us are re-committing to eating healthy and getting fit. The holidays have come and gone and if you’re like me you say you are going to stay on top of your workouts and healthy eating and then December gets the best of you. So here we are it’s January, a new year and it’s time to refocus and get back on track.  I am working hard to get back on track and lose the baby weight and get back to my old healthy self. Here are five things that I am doing to help get back on track:

Lands End - Drink Water

1. Drink Water. I can’t stress this enough drinking water is so incredibly important. Drinking water promotes weight loss, increases our energy and aids in digestion among other things. For me it has taken years to really get in a habit of drinking tons of water but there are two things that really help and the first is to drink a big glass of water as soon as I wake up, it really helps to get my body started for the day and sets the tone for my day. The second is finding the right vessel to drink my water out of. I have tried so many things from pint glasses, to jars, to cups with straws and a variety of bottles but the vessel that works best for me is a Blender Bottle; I don’t know what it is but when I use one I drink tons of water.

2. Follow a plan.  If I am left on my own to figure out my workouts I can get lazy and easily skip days. Give me a workout or training plan to follow and I am more apt to stay on track and reach my goals. Right now I am registered for a Spring race and have a training plan; only two weeks in and I am already seeing a difference in my activity level. Not a runner? That’s fine there are tons of workout plans out there for whatever you enjoy. 

Lands End - BOB

3. Get outside everyday. And no walking from your car into work, home, a shop, ect doesn’t count (unless it’s a good distance away). Being outdoors, in the fresh air helps to reenergize us, helps us to clear our mind and reduces stress. We have to remember that mental health is just as or some might argue even more important than physical health. I believe that they are connected so how about trying to get outside for 15 minutes per day? Take your workout outside, go for a walk, read or simply sit quietly.

4. Find a buddy. Working out with a buddy makes the time pass by more quickly. You have someone to support you and you can help to keep each other on track. Bonus you also get to make your workout a social event which also helps with our mental health. So ask a friend to join you for a workout, find a running group or group class or simply get your family involved in your workout.

Lands End Family FUN

5. Get more sleep. Our bodies need to rest and recharge. Most of us don’t get enough sleep and lack of sleep can result in lower energy, lack of focus and often causes us to turn to quick forms of energy such as sugar and coffee. I have settled into a routine that every night I am in bed by 10pm whether I think I am tired or not. I know I need to get more rest and just what a huge difference it makes for me. When I get more sleep I feel more motivated, focused, encouraged to eat healthy and I am less apt to skip a workout. 

Bonus Tip: Get yourself some clothes both for working out and for everyday that you feel good in regardless of the size. Don’t wait until you are at your goal weight/size to buy clothes that you feel good in. When I have clothes that I feel I look good in I actually feel MORE inspired to keep up my healthy lifestyle. If you are looking for some great activewear gear to help to make you feel beautiful and motivated to get active I highly recommend Lands’ End new line of workout apparel. I love the quality of the workout apparel and how versatile the pieces are. 

What I’m Wearing:

Women’s Activewear Control Crop Legging

Women’s Activewear Tunic Sweatshirt

Women’s Activewear Control Tank Top

Thank you Lands’ End for the new workout gear. 

Lands End - BOB - Family RUn

What steps are you making to reach your health and fitness goals?

Blog 365 // Day 15 // #TBT Moving to PDX

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IMG_0088

We have officially lived in Oregon for two years now. It seems like forever (in a good way) and yet two years is such a short time. I laugh when I see this picture now because we were just so excited for vegan Voodoo Doughnut’s and now I’d tell you if you came to visit that they aren’t worth the hype and send you towards the Hawthorne Street Blue Star Donuts. It’s funny I always thought I would be an East Coast girl and in many ways I still think I am but I sure love the PNW and have no plans on leaving.

 

@Foodie | 12 Healthy Quick Meals

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Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Foodie. All opinions are my own.

Happy Wednesday Friends! I haven’t done a Foodie round up post in a few months so I thought why not? I know that many of you, like myself, are trying to clean up our diets and have set out to eat healthier in 2015. While we all have good intentions sometimes life gets in the way or frankly we usually just get in our own way. To help make eating healthier a little bit easier I have rounded up 12 of my favorite recipes for quick and healthy breakfast, lunch and dinners. Check them out below.

Check out 12 Healthy Quick Meals

by Lindsay at Foodie.com

  • Breakfast Cookies: Obviously you want to make these because cookies, duh. These things are so good (I have made them) and they are packed full of nutrients. These are a favorite of mine and Edith’s, my toddler. 
  • Yotam Ottolenghi: Have you checked out any of his cookbooks yet? Seriously amazing and my library is hating me right now because it’s (way) past due. Anyways if you haven’t here is your chance this butternut squash recipe is to die for. 
  • Cannelini Bean Stew: If you don’t know by now I’ll tell you that I a. LOVE Deliciously Ella and b. love cannelini beans. This recipe is so quick and so easy you’ll be making it all the time. 

What are you favorite quick, easy and healthy recipes? 

Blog 365 // Day 13 // We Keep Running

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 Nike Run

There is a local musician that my daughter has seen a few times and he has as song that goes something like “run, run, run, run, we keep running” and lately I find myself getting the song stuck in my head. The thing is although it just becomes obnoxious and after the thousandth time of singing it to myself I’m screaming “GET THIS SONG OUT OF MY HEAD” (p.s. this is the only line of the song I know) I do find it is a constant reminder that I need to get get out and run and to keep on it. 

I just started back up running consistently and I’m at that point where I am not yet in a routine so it doesn’t feel weird if I skip a run. I am working on changing that and now that I have a training schedule to follow I am finding the constant reminder a good thing. My training officially started last week and it is going well so far. I am starting out slow, no like real slow, but that’s okay because at least I am getting out there. I’m a week in and I’m already feeling stronger and excited to run. I’m three training runs down 47 to go! 

Who else is training for a race? What keeps you motivated?

Blog 365 // Day 12 // December Favorites

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December feels so long ago by now but I still wanted to share a few of my December Favorites with you. My favorites range from food to fitness to self care items (beauty and skincare). These items are ones that I found myself going back to over and over again all December and I’m still addicted to them this month. 

December Favorites: Pukka Elegant English Breakfast Tea

Tea. I don’t know what it is about December but it seems every year right around the same time I become obsessed with tea and then Spring comes and I move on to iced coffees. In December I found myself having a cup of tea every afternoon. Tea seems to help me relax and unwind for a moment even when life is chaotic. While I have been drinking a variety of teas I have been hooked on this Pukka Elegant English Breakfast*. I have no idea what makes it “elegant” but it tastes amazing. I have the relax and the original chai as well but I have yet to try the relax, although there are days I probably should and the original chai is okay but it’s not as strong as I’d like. Honestly I just have them displayed right now on our coffee/tea station because they look so pretty together. 

December Favorites : NII Bar

Nii Bars. Seriously these bars are so good! I have found myself turning to bars in the afternoon when I just need to grab something quick to snack on. I first tried these bars at the Portland Veg Fest and I was super impressed. The bars are filing, taste amazing and have a great texture. I only have a few bars left so I’m going to have to restock soon! P.S. The Cherry Coconut Nii Bar is my favorite flavour. 

December Favorites : Julep Plush Pout Lip Crayon

Julep Plush Pout Lip Crayon. I got this in a Julep Maven box back in the summer (that I have since canceled) so I have had this for awhile but I rekindled my love for it this past month. This lip crayon is super hydrating and easy to put on when you are on the run – no mirror necessary. I just think it’s great in the winter because it doesn’t dry my lips out and it makes them look fantastic. The shade is Almond Nude and it’s just a simple nude but it’s really pretty.

December Favorites Mama Mio Goodbye Stretch Marks

Mama Mio Goodbye Stretch Marks. I would say that this is one of my favorite products not for just December but if I were to make a 2014 favorites list it would be included. Seriously amazing stuff. When I first decided to try it I was skeptical that it would actually work but I can honestly say it has reduced and faded my stretch marks on my stomach. After two babies my belly is basically all stretch marks but I have been using this since mid-September and it has visibly reduced my stretch marks. I have only been using it once per day and I believe it recommends three times per day but I am here to tell you once per day does really help. I am sad because I am at that point where you know any day now I’ll go to pump some out and it is going to be empty. Sad face. I have a few other stretch mark balms/lotions to use up right now so I probably won’t run out and buy another one but if I didn’t have others to use up I would. Basically I heart Mama Mio.

photo 4Fitbit Charge.  I just love my Fitbit Charge*. It helps to keep me motivated and moving more. There is nothing like a little watch tracking your movements to keep you in check. My only gripe about the Charge, and this goes for most non-GPS trackers is that when I am pushing the stroller or a cart it doesn’t accurately pick up the steps because my arm stays pretty stationary. I guess it’s not a terrible thing because it just tricks me into moving more so I can get in my 10,000 steps.

What are your December favorites?

*Amazon Affiliate Link.