Ab - Packed!

No, I'm not talking about the movie Magic Mike releasing this Friday... Although, I can't wait to get a glimpse of all those 6 & 12 packs on the big screen.
I'm actually talking about a pin that I found, the 300/30day ab challenge. I completed day one! annnndd .... OUCH! My core is feeling it. Along with my lower back. Yes, I know I have been slacking lately but I feel like I have some motivation back since my knee & ankle are feeling better. I have been doing my 6 pages of therapy exercises... yay! Haven't done much else besides swimming at the lake! (Blog later). Reason for choosing this pin: I'm a sucker for before & after photos, like on this blog. Plus, the links to the blog, "2012...My last fat year,"which I don't think this program originated here but her blog is cute & I like the exercise pictures. Supposibly, this is the P90X ab program... I wouldn't know, haven't gone that hardcore... yet ;)

This 15 minute challenge consists of:
NOTE: It took me longer than 15 & before looking at the pictures I had NO clue what some of these even were.

• In-N-Outs - 25 reps Did good with these
• Bicycles - 25 reps  tough but do-able
• Reverse Bicycles - 25 reps
• Crunchy Frogs - 25 reps one I have never done but was kinda fun
• Cross leg/Wide leg Sit-ups - 25 reps scheesh! haven't done a FULL sit-up in ages
• Scissors (hold 3 sec) - 25 reps ouch! these were hard as my flexibility is awful (can't keep legs straight)
• Hip Butt Ups - 25 reps haha! felt a little dirty doing these
• Heels to Heavens - 25 reps started to really feel 'em after 15
• Roll-up V-ups - 25 reps ha! could only do the first part... I have no balance to do the 'V' part
• Leg Climbers - 12 reps each side did but needs more work due to my legs not straightening
• Kayakers - 50 fast or as many as you can... I got in 30, these are also one of my favorite, like to add the medicine ball or any weight.

 

the pin I followed

Lower Postponed. Upper Crunch.

UGH!!!
 
I am extremely bummed! Notice the picture. Right ankle. Yep, that would be my Achilles tendinitis flaring up. AHH!

Not only that, but my left knee is killing me too! When it's bent. When I'm sitting. When weight is on it.
Here I have done everything by the book: stretching constantly, taking it slow, drinking more water, & spreading it out. Yet, I still have leg issues! My head is telling me that my body & joints aren't meant for jogging, but my heart just wants to go for that damn 5K... JOG SOMETHING! Well, I have a doctor's appointment Friday (luckily I was already going for a med check - I like to save multiple issues for one trip = one co-pay :). Plus, I've kept off my legs today (had too! It was killing me!) & most of yesterday with ice soaking & stretching. Because if I don't, I walk like a toy soldier... Knee feels like a noodle & ankle doesn't bend = ouch. The sooner this bull heals, the sooner I can get back to C25K'n it & then roller derby!

However, this is no excuse for me to not get in any work outs. Today, I did a Pinterest workout; The Love Handle Blaster pin which originates from flatmytummyworkouts.com site. It didn't include any leg stuff so I was golden.

It consisted of:

• Side Crunches (15 each side)
• Oblique Crunches (10 each side) It says to hold these 20 seconds, at first I thought, 'Ya like that does anything!' but after a few you can really tell.
• Abdominal Bicycles (30 elbow/knee touches)
• Trunk Twists (10 each way)
• I added:
• 20 push ups
• 20 Triceps dips
• 30 second abdominal leg hold (don't know the real name but where you hold your legs off the ground while laying on your back)

All-in-all it took me about 25 minutes (not including stretching). I tried to do them one after another to get my heart rate up. Hopefully I'll feel it tomorrow, because I felt it during... felt exactly where my scar is & the connective tissue (owie!) (note: the scar goes from my sternum to belly button).

Get fit quote of the day:

I'm in pain & I just have to keep this in mind.

Triceps, Biceps, & Deltoids. Oh My!

While hosing at work today, I looked at my arms & decided it's an arm day! Pinterest arm search brought me to this:

It's originally from a Women's Health Magazine article, "Arm Exercises for Women: Get Sleek, Sexy Arms." I especially enjoy workouts with pictures, because who knows what all those laterals, burpees, extensions, kickbacks, & climbers are. This routine called to do each exercise 15 times then start over & do each one 3 times (ie. 3 sets - 15 reps). Do without stopping in between. I also added 10 push ups into the routine (30 total). Then ended with 7 tricep dip things (hold a chair, w/knees bent, & dip your butt & feel the burn in your tri's).
It took me about 15 minutes to complete.
During my arm search, I found a new motivation/tip site, Skinny Ms. It has daily workouts, monthly challenges, slow cooker recipes, nutrition information, tips, and FAQs. I am now following them on FB & bookmarked the site to return to for tips, recipes, & different routines.

Paul & I also completed Week 2 Day 2 of Couch-to-5K.
        Results:  2.16 miles at 14.21 per mile.
The path we took was a slightly different one in our neighborhood. Still has hills - every path around our house has them - & lots of shade. We totally thought we were faster but oh well. Overall, this one I felt great afterwards... my breathing is becoming better during the jogging part & I don't get as exhausted. After Wk 2 Day1 my knee was killing me, hence not doing anything yesterday to give it a rest. So, I was a little hesitant to start today, but after the first jog/walk rotation the pain went away. Although, I can feel it coming back so I'm gonna go drink water & chill with a bag of ice & my book (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson). 

Today's Get Fit Quote:

Pinterest Workout #1

This afternoon, since I didn't have my C25K buddy here (he doesn't get off work till 6 & we're meeting up for dinner) I opted to try out my first Pinterest work out.

Here it is:

Looks short & sweet huh!?!
NOT! I could only do one repetition (my legs were burning & could not pick me back up!), then I added 40 side leg lifts (20 each leg - works your saddle bags & love handles). I also have to do 'girl push ups' (on your knees-I don't think I have ever done a regular one in my entire life- they still work my arms though!)

 

  Make sure when doing the side lifts to tilt your hip bone in just slightly & bring you leg back a little. I like to be against a wall, that way I lean forward slightly then when my leg is as far up as I can take it I touch the wall - hope that makes sense, I guess just try till you feel the difference & trust me you'll feel it in your love handle area (obliques I believe they're formally called). Overall, it was a great workout. Took me 15 minutes to do the one rep. I will try this one again soon & see if I can get another 2 cycles in & maybe add a walk in the end.
Note: lock up or kick out your animals. I had a cat playing with my laces for the sit-ups & an Aussie thinking I was going to pet her belly for the push ups (she tries to put her belly over you when you're laying on the floor).

GO get 'em! I sure did... let's hope my legs are able to cycle to work tomorrow. Oh, by the way my damn alarm got the best of me this morning so I had to take Betty. The missed 3 mile ride was totally worth today's Jeep cruising weather.

Everyone's Talkin Enchiladas

Everyday when I log-on to Pinterest someone has pinned...

 Including me.

Every week I try a new Pinterest recipe & last week it was this one.

Originally, this recipe came from Budget Savvy Diva's Blog (click for recipe). In it she calls for 2 cups shredded chicken only she doesn't mention how she got to the shredded stage. Luckily, I new how or I would've had to Google that too. For those of you who don't know, just throw some chicken (breasts, thighs, etc) into the crock pot with seasoning of your choice. I used a bullion cube, pepper, chili powder, garlic & onion seasoning. Then I put it on low & left it for the day. When you get home from work the chicken will fall apart with a fork & be ready to be cheesed & rolled.

I grew up with canned red sauce (which I love), so I wasn't used to this home made white stuff.

After stirring it up on the stove-top it wasn't hard to make at all!

25 minutes later.....

OH. MY. WORD.

Delicious, white sauce & all! I will definitely be watching & trying those popular pins. These enchiladas will make our 'regular dinner menu' for sure.

And, kudos to Budget Savvy Diva for spreading this excellent & easy recipe for all of us to enjoy!

Greek Pot Zucchini

Nope not all together...
...Greek in the yogurt for the chicken, Pot of the crock pork chops, & zucchini flavored boats!

I've been on a new recipe kick this week, which also helps out the 'By 12/31/13' list.

The first night was salad, zucchini boats, & Melt in your Mouth Chicken. Of coarse I got the ideas from Pinterest but the Zucchini boats originally came from Proud Italian Cook blog. & the Melt in you Mouth Chicken came from Food.com. I re-posted their recipes in my De-lish Dishes page because they are both ones that I plan on visiting again!

Another new dinner I tried was 3 ingredient crock pot pork chops. I first heard about this idea from Lori but I have also seen it's caught onto the Pinterest world as well. It is super easy!
All you need is:
- Pork chops
- Can of Cream of Mushroom (could use any 'cream of' soup)
- Packet of Ranch seasoning
Toss it the crock pot for the day, and by 6 add a veggie to the plate and whalla! yummy tender pork!

I think Paul is loving me & this 'cooking Alicia' character....

..... haha we'll see how long it lasts :)

Le Cordon Bleu

Last Friday night, I decided to finally use one of my dinner recipes off of Pinterest. It was Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups which came from Cinnamon Girl Recipes: Modern Comfort Food's blog.
Once I collected the ingredients I realized this recipe wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. The full recipe can be found in my De-Lish Dishes tab or by clicking here.

The chicken breasts are easier to roll up if they are thinner... ha! This was my version of a meat pounder.

Worked just as good too!

After my chicken was pounded out, I had my ham, cheese, & dipping mixtures all ready to roll! (haha, no pun intended :)

I used just a Virginia ham from the deli, which I had them slice thicker then a normal sandwich slice. You want to be able to taste the ham & cheese! I also tried out two different cheeses, Swiss & provolone. I know traditional cordon bleu calls for Swiss, but I LOVE me some provolone!

 After I tightly rolled it up, I shoved some toothpicks in it to secure the roll while baking.

 What they looked like before hand.

 

The final, melted cheesy goodness!

This recipe I would have to say was a huge success to me and my taste tester ... Paul.

Laundry day

As I was putting my laundry away today I looked in my drawer...

I always have known I was a t-shirt gal, but when you take a look into my drawer it really defines my high points. K-State purple. Green & Black Crushers. John Deere. Hill's royal blue. A little breast cancer pink. Red Horsetooth, FoCo (red's my one of my favorite colors). I truly LOVE t-shirts! Clever Sayings, "You train to look good. We train to kick your ass," places I've been, concerts I've seen, causes I support, & my new t-shirt love is roller derby team shirts! 

Some girls don't like them because they 'aren't flattering,' awe horseshit! There's different types & even ways you can cut them to style 'em up. We do it all the time in derby. Here's a blog I stumbled over on pinterest that gives tips on different t-shirt ideas. Jewelry also dresses it up a notch. There's just something about pulling on that cotton top with a saying/picture accross my boobs that I find so comforting. If you spot a good one pass it on! :)

Does your drawer define you?!?

Derby Day!



I LOVE this pic!!!



Roller Derby that is!!!

heck yes! Derby Band aides

Today's post ALL derby... why? Because I am excited! Last night I strapped on my skates for the first time since the end of may! I was a little wobbly at first but then I picked it right back up & it was GRRREAT! Oh how I missed it. Plus, today I am headed to Kansas City to meet up with some of my fellow crushers to watch the 2011 WFTDA Southwest Regional Playoffs, where we are going to watch our #1 KC Warriors take on some other great teams in our region (Nebr, Tenn, TX, Atl, etc). I also LOVE their logo this year... a COW and I love cows! The tournament will start out today, go through tomorrow, and play off on Sunday. Unfortunately, I have to work on Sunday & will miss the final title taking game.

Then the winner will head to Broomfield, CO for the Continental Divide & Conquer 2011 WFTDA Championships. I would love to go & had plans to fully attend & show my family this wonderful sport that I am involved in, only I don't think I am going to be able to make that drive this time. SO... any of you Colorado peeps should take a trip to the rink & cheer on your local gals & have a great time for me!



me at the 2011 St.Patricks parade



love pin-ups



Now, in these titles you may notice 'WFTDA' that stands for Women's Flat Track Derby Association. If you check out this site it has all the teams rankings, roller derby association rules, the community, a store, any sponsor information, a 'MVP,' & updating scores of Bouts being played all over. If you're looking for a team in your area this would also be a good starting place to find one. Just a note though, there are other teams that aren't listed WFTDA, as there are more recreational teams (for instance the Capital City Crushers are more rec than competitive - don't get me wrong we love to whoop a girls ass but we have a lot of mom's, full workers, & busy ladies that just want to play) and there are also 'outlaw derby' which are teams that play without minors (there are penalty calls: major & minor). Dead Girl Derby in KC is our 'local' outlaw team. I haven't been to one of their Bouts yet, but hopefully I'll make it to one & check it out.



gotta love a good T-shirt



The crazy thing about derby is that we are girls of all different colors. If you join a team you should be an open minded person culturally... I mean we have ladies that are teachers, nurses, animal care techs, students, government workers. We have country girls, moms, hard rockers, grandmamas, tattooed up ladies, afraid to tattoo ladies, lesbians, straights, older girls, young girls, the list is really endless but no matter what once everyone gets on their eight wheels & rolls onto that rink we are ALL roller girls & got each others back no matter what! I love all the different people I meat & I learn a lot & I wouldn't change a thing.



Embroidery pattern, I would change it to my name



I have also found with all these different fabulous ladies, comes tons of 'derby garb'... Socks, jewelry, tutus, tights, make-up, and a new name. Mine, I am Bruisin' Bourbon, number 125. Why you ask the name change? It's our derby persona, that's our alter ego. I love a good bruise, giving a good bruise, & a good glass of whiskey & the highest percent alcohol in a whiskey I have seen is 125proof. Oh & I better mention there are NO two names alike... we have a database where when you join & pick a name you can see if your taking someones or if you are truly original.

Also, here are some picks of just derby stuff I love & you can check out my derby board on Pinterest.

Well, I better get a rollin' to the big KC in the big Blue ... I had to barrow Paul's lovely ford b/c I don't think Black Betty will do good on an hour hwy drive & in the big city.

P.S. Please go check out your local roller girls & hell slap on some skates, get a name, and learn the game... trust me nobody knows the rules when they first start. :)

~ Cheers,

Brusin' Bourbon #125



necklace I found on Etsy





Luggage tag













Strawberries with a zip!

A few weekends back for my friends bachlorette party I decided to get a little creative!

It all started with my new addiction site Pinterest, I tend to collect recipes & delicious appearing dishes or drinks. I stumbled upon Strawberry Margarita Jello shots... only they were actually served in the strawberry. This one fit the bill for Jaclyn's bachlorette party! It took me two nights to make them and paid off in the end as they were DE-Lish!!! :)


First, the strawberries need a place to sit up

 

of coarse I had to make it appealing



and it had to sit up off the bottom so the bottom of the strawberries were able sit in the holes



At bed, bath, & beyond I found a strawberry pitter, it worked alright, a knife would've probably worked. Then I dipped them in sugar. If I do it again I would save the sugar dipping until after the jello has set up, the berries produce too much juice with sugar



the Jello! My dad taught me some tricks with jello making, he's a pro jello shot maker! Have boiling water ready & put ice in the measured out alcohol portion to make it "chilled" then you can either pull out the cube right before you add the booze or after you've stirred it into the jello mix. Since they were Margaritas of coarse I used Tequila for the kick



key limes, regulars would probably work too



my mess! I had left over jello from the strawberries so I made just regular margarita shots





They look pretty cute... and delivered quite the bite!!



the finished product!!!



they took a little work but were amazing in the end!



Hope you enjoy them as much as I did  :)