Scenes from the weekend

Hello Friends!
How was your weekend??  I have a great weekend.  Friday was a low key day.  After work I picked up my race packet for the Deer Park Independence Fun Run.

After I picked up my packet, I went to the gym for a light shake out run.  Afterward I set up on the couch for a evening with Netflix.

Saturday, I was up at 5:00am to get ready for the race.  I always lay out my race outfit the night before.  I put everything I need in one spot- GPS watch, race belt, fuel, asthma inhaler, sunglasses, etc.

If I run a 5k, I will not eat anything before the race.  But for this 10k race, I knew I needed the fuel, so I planned ahead and made overnight oats Friday night.

I ate my oats, drank and pre-workout shake and headed to Deer Park.

Friends, I will say, this was not an easy race.  It was hot, 86 when the race started, humid and no breeze.  It was tough.  I had to walk a couple times.  Even the seasoned runners, were stopping to walk.  I didn't run my best time. Not even close.  However, I did finish- without injury nor was I sick. After I crossed the I found a shady spot to hydrate and stretch.   After I cooled down, I headed back home to lay out by the pool.  

After the pool it was time to feed the beast!  I went to Hooter's - yes Hooter's! Don't judge me!  I love their sauce.  Wings, beer, Astros and good company- how else does a girl want to spend a Saturday night out?!?!

Today I woke up early for the last class of FPU at church.  Followed by service, then serving in PeeWee Wille.  

Then it was a quick trip to the grocery store. Where I only spent $26!!! One reason I got off so cheap was because I didn't buy any protein.  I go to The Fresh Market on Tuesdays to purchase my chicken breast.  They have no-antibiotic, hormone free, organic chicken for $2.99/lb.  That is a steal!! Air chilled, organic chicken at my usual store is $9/lb! 

I wrapped up Sunday having dinner and visiting with my church small group.

Sadly, Monday came too quickly!!! Can I get a witness?!?!

Work was typical.  My workout- wasn't!

It was leg day! 

I started with a quick warm up on the treadmill.  Then I did the following for 4 sets- 15 reps

Standing Leg Curls

Leg Extension

Split Squats

Walking Lunges

Single Leg Press

Thigh Abductor

Thigh Adductor

I finished by stretching and foam rolling.  I hadn't worked legs in a week(since I was taking it easy for Saturday's race) so we shall see how sore I will be.  

If you missed my Monday Motivation post on Instagram, here you go

-Arnold Schwarzenegger

Training and running are my outlets. I work out the frustrations of work and world. I leave it all there in the gym or on the pavement.  It's so gratifying working your body and pushing yourself to the limit- then seeing results! #winning

What helps you to work through frustrations?  How do you feel when you don't workout?  Lethargic? Guilty? Tell me, I would love to hear! (c:

New Recipe Tuesday!

Hey friends! How are you?  I am riding high this week . . . so far!  I usually train legs on Monday, but since I have the race on Saturday, I worked back and bi's instead.  I have struggled with pull-ups.  I hate doing them.  They just feel uncomfortable for me. Not in a I'm-going-to-be-sore but in a awkward like my shoulders and back feel "out of place".  However I have been working through sets and really pushing myself.  Focusing on the eccentric contraction.  Here are some "selfies" from last night's session.

I am so proud of my progression!  It's been a long journey! I am looking forward to having bat wings!! haha As my friend Richard says, until then, I will be Robin! (c:

Today I have a hair appointment.  Ladies, we cannot neglect maintenance.  Or am I the only one who doesn't like the ombre look?!?!? I just looks like you need to see a stylist! haha

Seriously my stylist is amazing!!! 

After the trip to the salon, I went to the gym for a quick 5 mile run.  Wow was I HANGRY after all that.

On Monday I made almond crusted chicken.

This isn't a great picture because the chicken looks so much better than this!

Almond Crusted Chicken

3 chicken breasts, approx. 1 lb

1/4 c almonds, ground in the food processor

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp cajun seasoning

1/4 c whole wheat bread crumbs

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Cover a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.  Mix ground almonds, onion and garlic powder, cajun seasoning and bread crumbs together.  Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture and place on the baking sheet.  Bake for 35 mins.  Broil on low for an additional 3 minutes or until crisp.  Enjoy!!

That is all for now friends! My bed is calling me! Goodnight!!

Weekend happenings

Hey friends!
I hope you all had a great weekend!  I hope you celebrated with your father, stepfather or adopted father!
I went to hang out at my parent's house on Friday and Saturday.  We did not get to go fishing, but we did get to shoot our guns.
I intended to cook for my dad but he insisted on cooking.  When he offers to fry soft-shell crabs- you do not argue with him! Yes I said- fry! It was treat day- don't judge!  Again- everything in moderation.  Not to mention I haven't had any fried foods in . . . . well I cannot remember.  Don't these look delicious?!?!

*not pictured- the delicious chocolate sheet cake my mom made. SMH

We played games that night and went to bed early.

Sunday, I got up EARLY, to head home then to church.  After church I hung out with friends and ate some really yummy brisket. 

I was a slacker and didn't meal prep so I had to get take out for lunch today.  I'm thinking crockpot buffalo chicken is what I will make tonight.  But I still have to go to  the grocery store.  At least I will  the crowd that is there on Sundays.

I am super excited to running another race on Saturday!!! This will be race #6 out of 12!

I am running the Independence Fun Run 10k hosted by the City of Deer Park.  This race benefits the Armed Forces Children's Education Fund.  You can find more info on this amazing fund at www.afcef.org

I need help finding a race in August.  Anyone know of any? I am willing to travel! Though not farther than Austin or Dallas.  

Here is some Monday Motivation for you!

haha I chose "look good naked".  Though a good a Tom Haverford "treat yo self" day is always fun!! (That is a Parks & Rec reference- if you've never watched the show- you're missing out! Catch it on netflix)

Later friends!

Helloooooo Friday!

Am I ever so happy to say Friday!! It's been an uneventful but oddly busy week.  I haven't had much time to play in the kitchen this week.
I did however make these tasty salmon cakes for dinner on Wednesday but only after a quick at home workout!

I need a thicker yoga mat! Does that exist?  My hardwood floors are "too hard"! haha

My sister and I got into a conversation about eating clean, healthy, unprocessed foods.  She and I "agree to disagree" on protein powder and the process in which it is created.  I do strive to eat unprocessed or minimally processed foods.  Truthfully, protein powder is the most "processed" of food items I eat.  Of course I read the nutritional labels on everything I purchase or eat(when the labels or nutritional data is available).  I think it falls under my "everything in moderation" approach.  

I did read this article and found it interesting view on foods- both processed and unprocessed.

What is your opinion and views on this??

I did stumble upon this protein powder which boasts, grass fed whey, no-gmo's and no artificial sweeteners.

Formulx

I ordered a sample(free shipping woot woot!).  I will let you know when I receive it.

I am getting off work at 3:00 and heading to my parents for the weekend.  Father's Day and all.  We will do Daddy-Daughter things- like fishing, shooting guns and building a bonfire.  All my favorite country girl type things, which I don't get to do enough since I'm now "city-fied" as my Dad says.

How do you plan to celebrate your Dad? #worldsgreatestdad

New Recipe Tuesday

Despite the craptastic weather we have, thanks to TS Bill, I had a pretty great day!

Today was my first day back at the gym!! woot woot! My friends though I was dead because  I hadn't been in a week!  I jumped on the treadmill for an easy run.  Before I knew it I had ran 4 miles! I felt so good! I guess my body really needed the rest. Maybe the cold "reset" my body! I will definitely be ready for my race next Saturday!!

Speaking of running, my goal is run a race every month for a year.  I'm having trouble finding a race in July.  Specifically I prefer to run a race that benefits a women's or children's charity.  If you know of one, please let me know.  Here is my schedule so far
June 27th- Independence Fun Run 10k, benefiting Armed Forces Children's Education Fund
July ????
September- 9/11 Heros Run at Ellington Field
October 31st- Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
November ???
December- Santa Hustle Half Marathon

Last week I experimented in the kitchen and created this tasty treat-

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE PROTEIN CAKE!!

Serves 1- not for sharing (c;

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 scoop of vanilla protein powder

Pinch of baking powder

1 packet stevia

1/2 tsp ground flax seed

1 tbsp liquid egg white

1 tbsp + 1 tsp unsweetened applesauce

Splash of vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a small oven sage dish with cooking spray.  Mix cocoa powder, protein powder, baking powder, stevia and flax seed together.  Then add wet ingredients(egg white and applesauce).  Mix thoroughly.  If mix is a bit thick, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Check after 15 minutes to see if the cake is firm, poke with toothpick, if it comes out clean- then cake is done!

Serve warm! Enjoy!

My heart is so full right now!!! I just got off the phone with my niece. She asked my sister to call me just because she wanted to say hi! Awww she's so cute.  Cutest 7 year old ever!  I'm so lucky to have a niece and 2 nephews!

Good night friends! My book and bed are calling my name.  Anyone studied Ecclesiastes before?  Would a study bible help? Thoughts?

A weekend of fun

Hello friends!
I hope you all had an amazing weekend! I know I did, despite still feeling sick! If I'm not feeling better tomorrow, I will go to the doctor.  This may warrant a trip to my doctor because I have a race in 2 weeks and I haven't ran in over a week!! Eek!

Moving along, Friday was the release of season 3 of Orange is the New Black.(cringe, gasp- yes I watch it! The character development is so good once you overlook the graphic nature of the show).  My friend and I made breakfast for dinner- "Brinner" as we're going to call it now and watched two episodes.

Saturday started out rainy but it didn't keep me and a few of my small group members from going to lunch before the Astros Game.  We lunched at a cute little restaurant called Barnaby's cafe.

Doesn't this look amazing?!?!  You cannot tell by my poor photography skills!  My friend and I split a burger and salad.  The salad was GIGANTIC.  You can see I split it into two bowls- when it came piled in one! I could have been 3 meals for me.

The burger was mile high! See the beverage in the picture! It was tasty and I ate it all! #treatday

After an amazing lunch we headed to the ball park!

The highlight of the evening was the testimonies given by Collin McHugh and Josh Fields followed by an amazing concert by MERCY ME!!!!! Did you know the Band Mercy Me was from Greenville, TX??? I didn't!!! Love me some Texas boys!

This isn't our entire small group- but we still had fun! We missed the others who weren't able to join us!

Grudgingly, I got up extra early on Sunday to take FREE financial course that my church was hosting.  I need the refresher! Primarily my job costs of numbers and money, its difficult to come home and balance my own checkbook ok and write a budget.  I know I am not alone in that feeling.  But trusting in HIM and knowing HE has control is key!  

After class, church service, then volunteering in PeeWee Ville, I headed to the grocery store to do my weekly shopping.  I only needed a few things so it was quick trip in and out.  

I scored major when I bought a pound of Texas Peaches for only 98 cents!!!! No they were not organic, however at that price, it is too good to pass up!  I do try to buy most all my food organic.  However, staying on budget, eh hem financial class I just attended, is crucial when you want to a better steward of your money.  #daveramsey

Another shopping trick, is to check different areas of the store for certain items.  If you're shopping for spices, we go to the spice aisle.  However, check in the ethnic section or bulk section- its often cheaper in those sections.  

I needed dried oregano.  

The 2oz package on the left was $1.68, while the container on the right is .75oz for $1.86.  It doesn't take a mathematician to figure the savings there!  Luckily I hadn't tossed the container in the recycle bin yet, so I washed it and refilled it! Saving money and helping save the environment! haha

Do you have a supermarket saving tip? Please share it with us!

I am a bit sad that this great weekend is coming to a close.  I hope to be back in the gym tomorrow! Stay tuned in, on Tuesday I will be posting my recipe for the Flourless Chocolate Protein Cake I made this past week!

Goodnight Loves!

TGIF

Hey friends! I hope you all had an amazing week!  Other than battling this summer cold/sinus/allergy thing I've got, it was a restful week.  By restful, I mean, no working out!!! YES I know! Hard to imagine.  It's been pure torture.  I love to workout for many reasons.  It keeps me happy and healthy- physically, emotionally and mentally.  I am feeling better today and hope to be back in the gym and kicking butt on Monday.

I am super excited for Saturday! My church group is going to the Astros game and Mercy Me concert following!!

GO ASTROS!!!!!!

Did you all see this amazing dessert creation I made last night???

Flourless Chocolate Protein Cake!!!(single serving- I promise you won't want to share this)  I will be posting the recipe on "New Recipe" Tuesday.

Well this girl is tired.  Goodnight loves!

Hey Friends!
How is your week going?  Mine has been pretty good. Except that I might be getting "S*&%".  Yes I cannot even type the word let alone say it.  Sick! There I typed it! I absolutely hate, hate, hate being sick.  It seems menial and slows me down.  So here I am, home from work, laying on the couch watching Netflix.  Who is brining me soup?!?!? Anyone?? haha

Last night, when I was feeling ok, I experimented in the kitchen a bit.  My sister and brother-in-law have a little "farm" outside of Austin.  They have deer, pigs, chickens, among many other animals and vermin.  My brother-in-law gave me some venison backstrap when I was there a couple weeks back.  Typically my favorite way to prepare this cut of meat, is to "chicken-fry" and make gravy. GASP! My mom perfected this way of cooking it, so I wasn't even going to attempt it last night. Not to mention it's incredibly unhealthy(but so dang tasty).

I thought venison fajitas was a good way to prepare the meat.  I took some tequila and made a marinade, which it rested overnight. Here is the recipe.

Tequila Marinated Venison Fajitas

1 lb Venison(approximately)

2 tbsp Tequila(any brand)

1 Lime, juiced, zested set aside

1 tbsp Liquid Aminos

1 handful Cilantro, chopped

1 tsp Cumin

1 tsp Black Pepper

1/2 tsp Paprika

1/2 tsp Chili Powder

1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp Onion Powder

1/2 tsp Sea Salt

Whisk all ingredients together.  Place venison in a plastic bag or air tight container and pour marinade over top.  Refrigerate overnight(or for a few hours at least)

Remove and grill or cook in pan-whichever you prefer. 

I cooked these in coconut oil in a nonstick skillet.  It didn't get the "char" I like from the grill or a cast iron skillet would have, but they were still very tasty.  Operation Sherry-needs-a-grill is in full effect! 

Here are an article I found informational regarding working out while sick.

"Are you crazy for working out while sick?"

And

10 Foods that fight flus and colds

I hope these are helpful if anyone is battling a summer cold.

Time for some rest!  See ya tomorrow!

Scenes from a Sunny Weekend

Hello Friends!  I hope you all had a great weekend! It was picture perfect weather here in Southeast Texas.  Here are a few snap shots from my weekend festivities.

After work on Friday, I had a deep tissue massage appointment.  My sweet masseuse continues to tell me that my muscles are tight, knotted up and that I need to take a few days off(in a row, she knows she must specify with me haha).  So I took her advice and veggied out on the couch all evening.  Binge watching The Americans! What a great series!

Saturday morning I slept in and drank coffee in bed.  I made my usual Saturday morning protein waffles and put myself together to head to the Nutrition Depot Clear Lake Health and Fitness Expo!
At the expo I ran into this hot blonde, my friend- Alexis! She reps my favorite protein powder brand(which I hope to someday)

Here are the goodies I scored from the expo.

After the expo, I made a quick trip to the grocery store.  Then, I couldn't ignore the lounge chair any longer.  I threw on my bathing suit to soak up some rays.

Of course I lathered myself in sunscreen.  I did get some color to my skin, and I am no long "egg-shell" white. haha

After I laid out and played in the pool a bit, I went to the craft store for some fabric.  I met up with my queen-sewing-bee friend and we put together this project

I took an old set of mini blinds and turned it into a roman shade.  This was a project I found on Pinterest.  We made some modifications, and it turned out well.  I am glad I didn't attempt to create this on my own, because it definitely requires more than two hands.

Today I went to church, and came back home to continue to "be still" and binge watch The Americans.  I did a bit of meal prep and making snacks for the week.

One great trick is to precut cucumbers and carrots to have readily available when you have the urge munch.  Instead of grabbing chips, or handfuls of nuts, grab something lighter while your cooking dinner.

Before I let you go for the night, I am working on a new recipe using this

No it isn't a cocktail! Those recipes I've already perfected! haha (c;

Any guesses???

Hello Friends!!
Sorry I have been MIA! It's been a crazy hectic week but fun!
I promised you a few recipes ....................

TURKEY QUINOA BURGERS

1 lb 99% Lean Ground Turkey Breast

3/4 c Quinoa, cooked according to package directions, cooled

1 Egg White

1 tsp Liquid Aminos

1/3 c Red Onion, finely chopped

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Ground Mustard Powder

1/2 tsp Sea Salt

Black Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet(preferably with a lip) with foil and spray with cooking spray.  In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients.  Form into 6 patties- more or less depending on how large you like the patties.  Place on baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.  Then switch oven to low broil.  Broil for 4 minutes, watching to ensure the patties do not burn.  Done! Enjoy! 

Chipotle Aioli

Aioli typically means a mayonnaise based sauce or with egg yolks. This recipe does not include either.  I don't think it should be called a "sauce". Either way it's tasty and would work as a topping/condiment for many recipes or dishes. I used 2 chipotle peppers in the recipe, picture above. However it was entirely TOO hot to enjoy the flavor.

1-5.2 oz container of nonfat plain greek yogurt

1-Chipotle chili in adobe sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Blend all ingredients in the food processor.  Refrigerate. 

Wednesday was National Running Day!  So I celebrated by getting up at 5:30am to get in a run before work.  I snapped this shot while on my morning run by Clear Lake.  While I am not a fan of getting up that early to run, I am glad I did!  Except . . . that there is a donut shop on my route.  The smell of warm delicious pastry followed me for miles.  

Later that evening, I met up with a buddy for some good ol' American Baseball!!!!

2nd Row, 3rd Base Line- Epic seats! Thank you Chuck!! 

Yes this happened! It was $1 Hotdog Night!  I haven't had a hotdog in years.  Surprisingly, it was tasty! haha Though it gave me terrible acid reflux.

I follow Shields of Strength on IG and Facebook and have been wanting a necklace like BAD!  They were hosting a "Treasure Hunt" at the ball park.  I left my buddy(sitting in our spectacular seats) to "hunt" out this treasure!  I located the owner and he rewarded me with this kettle bell necklace with Psalm 28:7 verse on it! I NEVER win anything nor am I lucky person.  But I was definitely "winning" on Wednesday!

See this picture- these tire flips and box jumps kicked my butt on Tuesday.  

I've been feeling extremely fatigued this week.  My doctor is still trying to adjust my synthroid and vitamin d supplements to no avail(yet).  So I decided a few days off from training is probably in my best interest.  Rest/recovery is critical and listening to your body is just as important.  It's extremely hard for me to "be still" (Psalm 46:10) however my body is fighting me.  So I will oblige!

Friday, I have a deep tissue massage with my favorite girl at the spa at my gym.  I hope she can work some of the tension out!

I am super excited because my local sports nutrition/health store is hosting a health expo!  I hope to stop and visit a few of my favorite nutrition vendors!!! 

If you are going- let me know! Let's meet up!!

What plans do you have this weekend????

I will be poolside, catching some rays and vitamin D!!!

It's Monday!

Here is my weekly "Motivation Monday" pic

It's so true.  Once you get in the routine of meal preparation, figure out which short cuts and tips work best for you, then it is simple.  When I meal prep on Sunday, I typically have the microwave cooking, something in the oven and another food item in the crockpot.  The crockpot can be your best friend.  Throw a bunch of food in it, 8 hours later, BAM dinner(or lunch) is done!

Need crockpot meal ideas- check out my cookbook!!!

Freakin Fit Foodie Eats

I promise it won't disappoint!

I whipped up this dinner tonight

That is turkey quinoa burger with chipotle aioli with a side of roasted(too long) asparagus.  The burgers were to tender and moist!  The chipotle aioli was really good but VERY hot! I may need to add in more greek yogurt.  I will post these recipes tomorrow.

Today I trained legs and am exhausted.  I'm heading to bed.

What recipes/dishes/meals would you like me to create new recipes for or "clean" up?