Goodness, where does time go?! More than a week has passed since I last posted, yet it feels like two days!
The time has gone to SCHOOL, that's where. I am now a full-time graduate student, already averaging ten pages of written work each week Let's hope that average doesn't increase!
I typically like to have a theme or specific direction when I write, but so much has been on my mind, I have no idea where to begin! So, please stick with me while I unload. :-)
Since I last posted I've...
...Done plyometrics in my pajamas every morning.
I started this routine last April, when Janetha hosted a Wake-Up challenge. The habit stuck, and now I do about three minutes of plyometrics (jumping jacks, jump squats, butt kicks etc) after I roll out of bed. It gets my heart pumpiing and revs up my energy! If you tend to drag in the morning, I highly recommend giving plyometrics a try.
...Been drinking instant Christmas coffee
I KNOW...the holidays are over...But I'M NOT over Starbucks Via Christmas Blend! Nor am I over Starbucks Christmas cups! (The white ones are soooo boring), I always save paper cups from coffee shops because I like the lids...They keep beverages warm and that's important. I also feel virtuous about recycling used cups This one lasted five days and about 10 refills. :-)
...Discovered a replacement alternative for Laughing Cow cheese
Rondele Light Garlic and Herbs is super creamy and delicious.
...Fallen in love with carrot chips
New find: Boalthouse Farms carrot chips! Perfect for dippage! (in this case, hummus and Rondele).
Side note: I've also been eating off of my new Valentine's plate, found at Target, every day...Now I just need to find a Valentine to eat WITH! Less than a month to complete this mission! ;-)
...Purchased a new lip stain
Color Sensational lip stain in Bitten Berry
The former picture makes the color look purple, but trust me, it's more berry. I am obsessed with anything bright and shiny I can apply to my lips... Gloss, sticks and stains are by far my favorite beauty accessory.
(I always smile with my mouth open...Always...Keeping my lips closed feels fake!)
...Made Roasted Butternut Squash and Shallot Soup
AMAAAZING. Roasting the squash and shallots gives the soup a slightly sweet, caramelized flavor.
...Painted my toes for the first time since November
In the winter nobody sees them, so I have little motivation to keep 'em pretty.
Can you believe I've only had TWO pedicures in my entire life? After reading about infections from un-sterilized tools, I've been scared to go back!
I used this color, which exploded in my toiletries bag when I flew back to DC a few weeks ago.
O.P.I. makes the best nail polish!
...Learned that my body requires MUCH more energy than I thought
I recently purchased a BodyMedia FIT Armband, which tracks sleep quality, energy burned, steps taken etc. during the course of the day. It's an amazing tool--similar to a heart rate monitor--but more complex. I wear it on my arm during workouts, and occasionally for an entire day. At night I plug it into my computer and see a spreadsheet with an analysis of my day.
I am BLOWN AWAY by how efficient my body is! I typically eat about 2200-2500 calories/day because that's what I'm burning! (And that's doing no more than 40-60 minutes of weight lifting OR cardio on any given day).
You've probably heard it, but may not believe it: Our bodies often need MUCH more energy than we give them! It took me years to TRUST my body and feed it well...In turn, it now TRUSTS me and uses fuel efficiently. :-)
...Made HOMEMADE hot chocolate
I usually call on no-sugar-aded Swiss Miss to satisfy my cocoa cravings, but in keeping with my effort to eat whole foods, I decided to make it from scratch.
*Homemade Hot Cocoa*
1 T. cocoa powder
1 c. milk (skim, Almond, Soy, 2%, whole, half and half...whatever you desire!)
Liquid stevia, to taste (real sugar or Splenda would work well too)
1/4 t. Vanilla, Peppermint, Coconut or Mint extract (adds a little something extra!)
Dash of instant coffee (for a deeper, richer flavor)
Heat milk on the stove or in the microwave
In your mug, mix cocoa and instant coffee (if desired).
Slowly stir in hot milk.Add liquid stevia (or sweetner of choice) and extract.
Stir well and enjoy!
So warm and comforting when it's 10 degrees outside!
Almost gone!
I'm not usually an advocate for milk, but it really does make a great snack. For a long time I avoided all caloric beverages, but milk offers 9 grams of protein, Vitamin D and 30% of your RDA of calcium. Not bad!
...Continued my obsession with sweet whipped cottage cheese and peanut butter
My brother recently brought me that cute pinch cup from Turkey!
swirled together
Guys, this combo is SOOO good. It tastes like cheesecake!
...Finished my last Zing Bar
LOVE these!
I can't find Zing bars in Washington DC, so I stock up when I'm home in Boise. I ate this slowly so that I could savor every bite! I've only tried the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip flavor (naturally--gotta love that combo!), but have heard the others are awesome too.
...Purchased a one month membership to Arganica Farm Club!
I'll be receiving a weekly box full of fresh, locally grown produce during the month of February!
...And last, but certainly not least...
...I FOUND A NEW HOME!
My new apartment is just steps away from my favorite shopping street in DC...UHH OH. ;-)
The move will happen next weekend!
I'm off to make dinner and watch The Bachelor with my friend, Elaina. I'm not a huge fan of Brad, but I've been a loyal Bachelor viewer since the show began years ago! Can't jump ship now!
<3 Thank you so much for reading . As always, your comments, feeback, advice and love are so appreciated!<3
When smiling for a picture, do you keep your lips closed or do you flash your pearly whites?
What's your favorite lip prouct? (Help feed my obsession!)
