Painkillers and Nachos

“Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”

I am officially almost half-way done my week. I have off the next two Fridays and I am so looking forward to a nice 3-day weekend! I can hardly wait!

Luckily CL (yup, that's the bf) had off this entire weekend so we were able to go out for a date night Friday and spend family time on Saturday with both his and my parents. I almost forgot what it was like to have the whole weekend uninterrupted to spend together!

Sunday rolled around and my friend Stacey and I met up at the Baltimore-Annapolis trail for our weekly run. Personally, I can run longer distances on a treadmill than I can outside so I am thankful to have someone to push and motivate me out on the trail. But I think it is about time I invest in new running apparel since my pants are starting to become see through (whoops!) from all the wear and my shoes are about to die out on me. Yup, I got a blister on the top of my big toe - I have never even heard of that happening from a 3 year old sneaker. Hint taken.

Most of you know that after running you become extremely hungry... almost unbearably hungry. Apparently I thought it was a good idea to wait 4.5 hours later to eat... which resulted in the most amazing plate of nachos ever. period. game over. this one is a winner.

 

Even the ducks flew out of the water onto the dock to join us...

How could you have this view at lunch and not instantly be in a great mood (not good, but great)...

And of course nobody goes to lunch on a Sunday without a drink...

It was a perfect weekend. Sun, date night, drinks, fish tacos (mmmm) and CL. That's all I need to make me happy.

On a foodie note - if you have never tried store-made organic guacamole... go buy some right now!! Seriously, I love making my own but not when avacados are 2 dollars a pop. This was cheaper and convenient and tasted soooo good on top of my Faux Chipotle Burrito Bowl that I made for dinner last night. I don't know how guac makes everything taste delicious, but it does it's job well!!

If you visit their website they have a $1 off coupon when you sign up for their updates! I have an email address just for when I sign up for promotions! Best decision ever - especially since I just printed out a free app coupon for my girls lunch on Saturday.

Have you liked Chic Meets Healthy on Facebook yet? You can by clicking here.
Also! Don't forget tonight at 10pm is when I am pulling a winner for my Love Grown Granola giveaway! Enter here!

Move Day

"When people say, 'She's got everything', I've got one answer - I haven't had tomorrow." -Elizabeth Taylor

Today our offices at GKV are moving! Which means all employees gets the day off. No connection to email, servers, or the new building! Which means I can replace my morning smoothie with a glass of white wine right? Chris woke me up and took me to breakfast. Two egg whites, turkey bacon and whole wheat pancakes. The best part about this was I didn't have to make a single thing! I love cooking and adore my time in the kitchen, but I could easily get used to days off like this!

So what's on my schedule for today? Catching up with all of you, cleaning the house, taking the dogs for a walk, a five mile run, napping and meeting up with friends tonight to celebrate my friend Rachel's 24th birthday.

Since I have been lacking in the recipes section, I decided to share with you all my roasted chicken recipe. I think this is going to become a bi-weekly staple in our house. It was so moist, easy and the dogs love when dinner is over they get to snack on the treats when I am putting away the leftovers!

Rosemary-Baked Chicken:

5 pound whole chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika
1/2  lemon cut into forths
1.5 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 cup chicken stock

Directions:

Set your whole chicken in a baking dish and rub the olive oil all over the chicken. Give him a good massage. Combine all other ingredients (minus the lemon slices) and sprinkle all over the chicken and inside. Give him another healthy massage. Place the lemon slices inside of the chicken. Pour the chicken stock in the bottom of the baking dish. Preheat oven to 375 and cook for about an hour and a half uncovered. It is important to baste the chicken every 20 minutes or so, this will help keep your chicken extra moist and juicy. Your whole kitchen will smell wonderful!

I used the leftovers on salads and in quesadillas/burritos with some black beans, corn, jalapeno and tomatoes. You could also use it to make practically any other dishes that require shredded chicken.

Sometimes a girl just craves some toast and laughing cow cheese wedge for breakfast. It doesn't get much easier than that.

Recently Chris and I have been discussing buying our first house. Did you know the average age a person buys a home is between 28 and 32? We are on the early bloomers side of things, but we both have steady jobs and everyone has been telling us now is the time to buy. So combined with the stress of work, talking to a realtor, spending every free minute looking at houses online and talking to a mortgage broker we have been exhausted. It is going to be a long, but exciting process!

I always get excited when I am the first to tag the lobby's flowers to take home at the end of the week. I love fresh flowers in the kitchen.

Lately I have been mixing in canned pumpkin with the dogs dinner. Not only is it a healthy staple for us, but is a common ingredient to help manage a dogs weight, help upset stomachs and used in many homemade dog treats. It has a high content of vitamin A that keeps your dogs healthy and resistant to infections, helps ward off cancerous cells and improves their night vision.The potassium helps their iron levels and keeps their blood healthy.

Hope you all have a great Friday! It is surprisingly gorgeous out in Maryland after the past two days filled with rain!

xoxo,
Cara

Garlic Cilantro Aioli

 no one can ruin your day without your permission.

And I'm back! Whew, I hadn't realized I haven't written a post since Friday? The weekend flew by and ran off with my Monday. Not to worry, my stack of Chobani has almost disappeared and I found yet another way to put one flavor to use!

Luckily, I was too paranoid about missing another hair appointment I woke up 4 hours before mine on Saturday morning. Mission accomplished. Afterward my momma bear met up with me at the salon with my pup and we stopped to get some lunch. I love sandwich shops {especially healthy ones} that allow me to try a new spin on a sandwich I would normally hate. I hate lunch meat. I almost dread eating a sandwich when I pack myself one for lunch. Until I met the berry brie turkey sandwich. So delicious and so simple. It had spinach, whole wheat bread, turkey, brie slices and berry preserves and was exactly what I needed to fuel me up for some shopping.

How cute is this stuff? I love shopping in small town's main streets because they always have the best stores! I hit up Retro Metro where my mom picked me up a serving tray with matching cheese knife and napkins, adorable porcelain measuring spoons and some chill pills {ice tray} for Chris haha. Just in case I need to prescribe him some extra strength ones! I also got a bud vase for my kitchen and a vintage lace hook for my kitchen towel at The Hive. I was a happy girl. One day I want a black and white kitchen and dining room. Similar to these, but really it was so hard finding images for black and white dining rooms. Go figs!

Saturday night was movie night. After being out at the bar 3 times in the past 7-8 days, we needed a break. So, I rented two movies {knowing I was only going to stay awake for Toy Story 3} and made some snacks for Chris and I to munch on.

pre-oven

cooked and crispy!

Spicy Baked Fries:

4 medium red potatoes sliced into "fries"
olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 tablespoon cumin
salt and pepper

Directions:

Wash and slice your red potatoes. Cover a baking sheet with foil and spread out your fries so that they each have their own area to get nice and crisp. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with spices. Bake at 400 degrees for about 30-35 minutes, depending how crispy you like them. Serve with a cool garlic cilantro aioli.

Garlic Cilantro Aioli:

1 package of 0 or 2% Chobani plain greek yogurt
bunch of cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper

Directions:

Combine all ingredients together, reserving some cilantro for garnish. Serve with spicy baked fries and quesadillas.

What's in my quesadilla?

Chicken

Spinach

Jalapeno

Corn

Tomatoe

Chili Powder

Reduced fat Mex cheese

Delicious. I also popped some natural chocolate chip cookies in the oven for Chris to snack on knowing I don't like chocolate so that saved me some miles on the treadmill :) I cheated on the gym all weekend with family, friends and good food so I am not feeling the usual amount of guilt. I am returning today with a vengeance so don't you worry!

Yesterday's breakfast and lunch were oh so colorful! I picked up some edamame at the grocery store and added them to my salad. Hello colors of the rainbow! My salad was so bright and cheery I loved digging in! An apple and thin bagel was my snack and of course I had to have some Chobani and granola for breakfast. Stay tuned til tomorrow when I give my last greek yogurt recipes and review!

If you, your dog, your boyfriend, your friends have Facebook please take 2 minutes out to vote for me and Chris to win a free photography session. We are so neck and neck with another couple and it makes me nervous! Here's what to do:

Step One: Like Misa Me Photography on Facebook

Step Two: Click on the 2011 Lovebirds Giveaway photo album

Step Three: Like Chris and Cara (photo one) to help us win!

So easy and so simple. If you vote for me, I'll vote for you in the Woman's Health Mag's Blogger Contest! Hope you guys have a fabulous Tuesday!

xoxo,
Cara

Favorite Finally Friday

 "Stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone should be."

It is finally Friday. The birds are chirping, the sun is out, people are poppin' bottles. haha Well, maybe not all of those things are happening {at least not at once}, but who doesn't love Fridays!? I am starting to love Thursdays if they are anything like my yesterday.

I got my awesome huge honka box from Emily and her team at Chobani to sample and review 12 of their flavors and I got my prize from Oats & Spice's Nutridel cookie giveaway!
 

So excited to try these all out! In my love box was 2% plain, mango, strawberry banana and pineapple. 0% black cherry, honey, raspberry, lemon, peach, blueberry, strawberry and plain. It was like a Greek Yogurt Christmas up in my kitchen!

Plus, the girl who is a crappy runner {me} ran intervals for 45 minutes and I actually really enjoyed it... probably because I said a prayer to the treadmill gods beforehand.

0-5 minutes: 3.6 mph

5-15 minutes: 6.0 mph

15-20 minutes: 3.8 mph at 7.5 incline

20-25 minutes: 5.8 mph

25-30 minutes: 3.8 mph at 7.5 incline

30-32.5 minutes: 5.8 mph

32.5-35 minutes: 3.8 mph at 7.5 incline

35-40 minutes: 5.8 mph

40-45 minutes: 3.4 mph

gettin' my love on with my number one man.

pre-workout. he is model material!

I know some of you are crazy good runners, but this is a personal accomplishment. Finding a routine that was challenging yet enjoyable at the same time without giving up. Total was about 3.25 miles. I finished my workout with bicep curls and abs.

I finally picked up some cilantro at the store near my work - Safeway has been slacking. I made some of my corn salsa, cilantro lime rice and faux chipotle chicken {i didn't follow the recipe i was lazy plus I think it is embedded in my brain}. Turned out delicious! Move over chipotle, a new girl is coming to town! haha yeah, right.

I hope you all love picture books, because I have a feeling that's what today's post is turning into. Breakfast was Chobani's 0% Black Cherry Greek Yogurt topped with galaxy granola. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Too bad you can't really tell I had some leftover yogurt on my lips... and doesn't everyone eat their yogurt with a fork! Spoons are over-rated. Note to self: invest in sporks. Today's breakfast, lunch and snacks include: CBC yogurt, galaxy granola, strawberries, peaches and left over rice with salsa. Good thing my yogurt had 14grams of protein - i wasn't feeling like meat today. 

Tonight we are celebrating our friend Hoss' birthday! Let's hope I don't oversleep tomorrow and miss my hair appointment the second weekend in a row. Any takers on being my own personal alarm clock? I'll make you something yummy in return, or trade Chobani! 

PS. I want this swim suit. Like now. Thank you Kourtney Kardashian for designing my next purchase! This is why I work out 5-6 times a week. Beach bod, beach bod, beach bod.

xoxo,

Cara

Tofu Banana Bread

I was once afraid of people saying, "Who does she think she is?" Now I have the courage to stand and say, "This is who I am."

This morning I reunited with my long lost friend - oatmeal. I had an extra couple minutes so I decided to get fancy and make them on the stove instead of the microwave. Chris says he likes the taste better that way, I think I like the taste better in the microwave... but it did save me from having to clean up any explosions that would have indefinitely happened. I topped each with half a banana, sliced strawberries and galaxy granola. I found this at the grocery store about a month ago and it has 70% less fat than other granolas because they use fruit instead of oils. How perfect.

If you haven't heard, Woman's Health Magazine is holding a blog contest. I have nominated a few of my favorites, go ahead and enter me for a chance to be nominated! I'll love you forever and you can enter as many times as you like! I also added a few of my favorite blog reads as a tab, check them out! All those girls are amazing!

After waking up from a dreamless night, I decided to throw some baby powder on my roots, dress down and relax. It felt good and I love getting to work earlier than normal. It makes me feel productive. However, I do miss my Ojon Dry Shampoo. I am a firm believer every girl should carry this in her beach and/or gym bag. It works so well! Do you ever use dry shampoo? I know so many who are clueless to this! Hello to days without showers and not looking homeless!

Chobani announced today via twitter that it was national Banana Bread Day. What a perfect way to introduce you guys to tofu banana bread! It is vegan and oh so delicious. I first was introduced to this by Chris' mom. If you are afraid to try tofu, this is the way to do it!!

Tofu Banana Bread:

2 ripe bananas
1/2 pound tofu
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup whole wheat flower
1 cup unbleached flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts optional

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray. Line pan with foil, letting edges overhang, and spray foil with cooking spray. Blend or beat the tofu and bananas together in a food processor or mixer until smooth. Scrape down the sides. Add sugar and vanilla. Process until fully blended. In a medium bowl, mix together flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture to the banana mixture and beat or pulse in a food processor just until smooth. By hand, fold in walnuts, if using. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until lightly browned, springy to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Remove from pan. Peel off the foil and let the cake fully cool on the wire rack. Enjoy! I got this recipe from food.com and it tastes amazing. Serves 10 and is 160 calories per serving.

dry and wet ingredients

blended tofu and banana

all ingredients combined, this is one thick batter!

finished product, if you look closely you can see the piece i tore off the top!

So good! I can't wait for breakfast!

It's Wednesday, so I am sure you all can only assume what I was doing. Kickboxing class! I never get sick of it, and I hope you don't get sick of reading about it. I am obsessed with my instructor. I don't know who invented turbo time, but they are a genius! Pre-workout. Your Welcome, now take your butt to the gym! I hadn't worked out since Saturday and was feeling extra guilty about all the pasta and pumpkin cheesecake I ate last night!

Chance wanted his 15 minutes of fame!

I made some asian style lettuce wraps for dinner. It was my first time and I have to say I'm pretty impressed with the recipe I came up with!

Cara's Asian Lettuce Wraps and Rice:

2 chicken breasts
cooking spray
6 green onions (finely sliced)
10-15 baby carrots (finely sliced)
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1/2 jalapeno (finely diced)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon garlic
juice of one lime
1 cup uncooked rice
lettuce or butter lettuce would have been good
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook chicken breasts with cooking spray, salt and pepper. Slice and set aside. In the same pan (on low) add garlic, lime juice, sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, 1/2 sliced green onions and jalapeno. Stir until warm. Add your chicken to the sauce and let it hang out until you are finished cooking your rice. Top lettuce wraps with rice, chicken, sauce and the sliced green onions and carrots. Done!

I think that was a successful night of cooking!

Do you have a favorite class at the gym? Would you rather cook your oatmeal in the microwave or on the stove? Have you ever tried tofu before? If so, what was the recipe?

xoxo,
Cara

Thin-d

 When friends tell you how awesome you look, drop the "I still have more to go" crap.  You worked hard and you deserve the compliment!  ~Jillian Michaels

This morning I finally tried the ever so popular bagel thins! All I can say is DELICIOUS. Love me some cinnamon raisin bagel thins with low-fat cream cheese. 160 calories total for breakfast including the cream cheese.

It seems like every time I turn around I see something else getting thin-d out. My bagels, my bread, my milk, my thighs... say what?! Now I just need to get my eyebrows waxed so they can join the thin-d club.

I hope you walked outside today. 62 degrees! Spring fever is starting to kick in. I took a ten minute break from work to step outside and enjoy the weather. Afterward, I immediately came back to my cozy cube and opened all the shades around me. It really does put you in a brighter mood!

Kickboxing class was a lot easier for me this week, I didn't feel like curling up in a ball and dying. That's always a plus right? Plus, I get a giggle of satisfaction when I look around and half the class can't keep up. My hard work must be paying off! I realized I had stopped taking pictures pre-gym. Don't worry, I did today!

I feel like I am slacking in the lunch department. Although I bring a snack of whatever fruit I have in the house {today was red grapes} I am slowly getting back in the habit of bringing leftovers instead of packing a salad. Ugh. Probably because I hate the thought of posting on here that I have nothing new to share!

Oh well, lucky you because tonight I made a thin-d version of shepard's pie. {406 per serving, serves 2} You could always make healthier by using mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes, find the recipe here. Here is how I did it.

Cara's Thin-d Shepard's Pie:

1/2 pound ground chicken {or turkey} 280 calories
1/2 tablespoon olive oil 17 calories
1 cup carrots {diced} 52 calories
1 cup frozen peas 100 calories
2 medium sized red potatoes 200 calories
2 tablespoons skim milk 22 calories
1 tablespoon fat free sour cream 12 calories
3 teaspoons beef stew seasoning 22.5 calories
1/2 cup organic vegetable stock 2.5 calories
1/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheese 100 calories
1/2 cup slice mushrooms{chris' side}
cooking spray 0 calories
1 minced clove garlic 4 calories
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook chicken in olive oil until brown. Add in 1/4 cup vegetable stock with 2 teaspoons beef stew seasoning. Transfer into a sprayed meatloaf pan, should coat the entire bottom evenly. Cook your potatoes until fork tender. Add milk, sour cream, garlic and s/p. Mix with a speed mixer until smooth. Set aside. Boil your carrots and when they are just about done cooking add your frozen peas. They will be done cooking at the same time. Layer on top of chicken in pan. Cook your mushrooms, add to pan. Add the rest of your vegetable stock and beef stew seasoning to a hot pan and cook until seasoning dissolves. Pour over vegetables in meatloaf pan. Layer the mashed potatoes on top. Sprinkle with cheese. Cook in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, until potatoes are browned and cheese melted. Done!

Pre-Oven

After! Yum!

I don't think you can mess this up. It has your protein, carbs and veggies. Plus, it is only 406 calories if you can finish that huge serving. Good luck!

Day 20: Nicknames

I don't know if this is referring to my nickname or not. If it is for my dogs, Maggie's nickname is moo or mooie. Chance's nickname is Chauncey... as in the You Tube video "Chauncey bit my finger and it reallyyy hurt!" hahaha yeah.

I guess you could say Cara is a nickname for me. My full name is Carolyn. Cara Lou Bella is a nickname of mine given to me by one of my bests Brittney. I also was called carapants and the dreaded Caroline {eeekkk}.

My nickname for Chris is grizzly bear. He makes this rumbling bear growl when he is sleepy.

Anyways, hope everyone got out at least for 10 minutes today!
xoxo,
Cara

Impossibilities

"In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities."

Did you know that when I was in elementary school and took my career aptitude test it told me I would grow up to be a librarian? True story. The creators of that test must have been on crack. I was always getting in trouble for talking too much or playing hair dresser in class. Major FAIL on their part.

Although I think I fit quite well in Advertising, I am always thinking about where I would like it to take me. I would love to be able to have the ability to travel in my job. I am at a secure place in my life and relationship that I could be away a few days, no sweat. The only responsibilities I have at home are my pups and making Chris meals. He could manage a few days without me.

I would love to move to a new city (Boston, Chicago, San Diego, NY), but I don't think it's fair to make that decision solo when you are in a committed relationship. A part of me has always wanted to do events - maybe down the road I will be able to branch into the PR side of marketing or start my own event company (weddings, children's birthday parties, you name it i'll plan it).

I think it is a nice skill to be able wear multiple hats in your life. That's what makes life interesting. Plus, I could always become a life coach. I love that so many people in my life ask me for advice - and usually it isn't on their relationships but things like date or gift ideas, places to see while they are traveling, what to name their pet. Honestly, sometimes I wish I were a guy just so I could be the modern day "Hitch".

 Guys, here are a few thoughtful suggestions.
1. Show up at her work one day and surprise her by taking her out to lunch (or bringing it).
2. Leave a note for her by the coffee pot in the morning wishing her a good day.
3. Send her flowers just because you think she is wonderful.
4. Hand make her a Valentine's Day card. Instant tears.

Honestly if I were a guy I would be riding the lucky train every day. It is so simple to show someone you appreciate them, but most of the time we let our busy lives catch up to us and forget to remind each other how much they mean to you.

Today Katie from our PR department (who btw has the cutest name for a dog - Oxford) sent out an e-mail of Kate Spade's Valentine's Day e-cards. Too cute. Here are a few of my favorite, send one to a friend by clicking here.

I'm going to use some of these to make a homemade card for Chris this year, I'm feeling crafty. How cute would the top flower be as a canvas for your kitchen? So many ideas! While I was in the Valentine's Day mood I also looked up some flower arrangements that I wouldn't mind getting. Boys, this is the time you take notes.

Uh, I am going to pull a Rachel Zoe and say I die for those flowers. Personally, I think red roses are a cop out. They have been done over and over. {hahaha} Don't get me wrong, I got them for my Anniversary and they were a lovely surprise but I am loving these arrangements. Peonies are so gorgeous and romantic. Try a low flower arrangement, it would make a great statement on your bedside table.

As far as gifts go - check out groupon. You never know what you will find. Today's Baltimore deal is 20 dollars for 5 hot yoga sessions. Get it here. That would be a wonderful gift any girl would love. Or go to snapfish and order her a mug with photos of you on it or make a calendar of the two of you. Chris and I are planning a snowboarding getaway for Valentine's Day. Day trips make great gifts too. If you are low on money check out the museums in DC (all are free) and go to lunch at a small cafe. Be a tourist in your own town!

Alright, enough of my rambling. I just love romance and believe everyone can have a fairytale love - they just might have to be the one who makes the first move. It does take two to tango.

Breakfast was a cup of non-fat yogurt and 1/4 cup no sugar added granola. Lunch was leftover chili on a bed of salad with 1/2 an apple and 1/2 an orange. It was delicious. Total calories of breakfast and lunch combined was 480. I am loving how you can calculate calories online, I miss my iPhone. I used to have an app that kept track for me!

Tonight I am going to make chicken, asparagus and mushroom whole wheat penne pasta and a side salad.

Cara's Chicken, Asparagus and Mushroom Whole Wheat Pasta
2 cups dried whole wheat penne pasta 172 per serving
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 119 per serving
1 large chicken breast, or 2 thin cut chicken breasts 95 per serving
salt and pepper to taste
2-3 cloves minced garlic 6 per serving
1/2 lemon juiced 3 per serving
1/2 bunch asparagus spears, cut into diagonal pieces 15 per serving
1 teaspoon garlic powder 0 per serving
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms 4 per serving
1/4 cup reduced fat Parmesan cheese 34 per serving 

Directions:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and set aside. Spray pan with cooking spray and add in chicken with pepper and garlic powder. Cook until chicken is cooked through and browned, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken to paper towels. Spray pan with cooking spray or use 1 tablespoon olive oil to cook asparagus and mushrooms. When fully cooked add lemon juice, garlic, pasta and chicken to pan. Top with parmesan cheese. Calories per serving (2) is 448.

I'm having an internal conflict about the gym tonight. I don't know how to say no once I am on a roll. We shall see!

Day 14: A picture of you last year – how have you changed?

This was from Feb 11, 2010. I was a LOT tanner, bartending and still studying for my bachelors degree.  Now, I have longer hair, am a WHOLE LOT paler and have graduated and am working in Advertising. Honestly though, I still have the same goofy boyfriend, the same amazing girlfriends and same hard work ethic as I did back then. I was also eating healthy and working out like a maniac because Spring Break to Panama City was fastly approaching - but I wasn't blogging ;-) Man. I miss that tan!

Hope you start thinking about your Valentine!
xoxo,
Cara

Sore

 Aerobics:  a series of strenuous exercises which help convert fats, sugars, and starches into aches, pains, and cramps.

Coming back from kickboxing class I can honestly say I am whooped. My body was saying "please don't go", but my heart was saying "it's kickboxing night!!" All in all, I am so glad I went - especially since I am making tomorrow my day of rest after working out 4 days in a row.

I made it to cycle class 30 minutes early, signed up (#3 on the list of 35) and of course there were empty bikes in the class yesterday. Typical. I loved the class though! It definitely does give you a good wedgie - I picked mine a couple times. No shame. It is now my second favorite class and I will be returning.

 
I bet you guys are wondering how my black bean burgers turned out. Umm... amazing! Not only was it my first time making a black bean burger, but also my first time eating one. I had to convince Chris that it is okay to have a vegetarian meal every now and then and he ended up finishing his way before me! Sorry the photo quality stinks, I was trying to make it quick since we were starving!

uncooked

finished product!

Just an FYI - I sprayed my hand with cooking spray, the mixture was mega sticky! I had a side of guac and the burger was ginormous. I went out and bought two more cans of black beans just so I can always have a meal even if the fridge is empty!

If I had 100 extra dollars laying around I would totally buy these cute workout pants! Until then I'll stick to marshalls.

Today I had a yummy protein breakfast smoothie and a tuna sandwich and guac for lunch. I added some Old Bay to my tuna and it was amazing. I could eat that stuff on anything. I love putting it on my eggs in the morning. Sooo good!

Walking out of the gym it was snowing! I wish Spring would hurry up and get here fast. Since it is cold and wet outside I decided I needed to warm up with some chicken chili. You can find the recipe on my Recipe tab ;-)

That is one good looking pot!

I love corn in my chili! and extra onions please!

I am going to top my lunch salad with some of this good stuff tomorrow! I'm looking for some good homemade granola bar recipes - so if you know of a good one leave the link in my comments section!

Day 13: Goals

There are so many goals I have in life - short term and long term. A couple that come to mind (without mentioning I want a fabulous wedding and amazing kids in the long long term future). oops!

Short: 

1. Continue to expand my workout class selection. I would love to wake up one Sunday at 8:30 and make it to bootcamp class.
2. Be able to run for longer than 30 minutes.
3. Continue to find new healthy recipes and continue my healthy eating habits.
4. Make plans for a girls dinner party at my place.
5. Go snowboarding.
6. Make homemade granola bars.

Long:

1. Lose 15 pounds.
2. Travel somewhere new.
3. Grow in my career.
4. Win the HGTV Dream House (hey, a girl can wish)
5. Continue to grow in myself and my relationship.
6. Travel abroad. Greece? Rome? France? Australia? 

What are your goals? Alyssa made an inspiration board and I think that is an amazing idea! No goals/dreams are out of reach as long as you keep working towards them.

xoxo,
Cara