blueberry bread...just plain delicious!

we go through blueberries like nobody's business. it's my precious toddler, LO, who requests them through the day. he is somewhat of a blueberry connoisseur, i would say. you see, he won't he just any old blueberry. it must be plump, perfectly round, juicy, with a touch of tart, and have just enough sweetness to put a smile on his face. if those poor blueberries don't past that initial taste test, he will refuse them. so, now when i pick them up from the market, i've got to taste them first.

we made a trip to our wholesale superstore about a week ago and bought a huge box of blueberries...way more than any household needs. i didn't bother tasting them. of course, once we got them home, they didn't meet the standards of our 21 month old. what the heck was i going to do with a bunch of milly, bland blueberries?

aha...muffins! oh, but i let my sister borrow my muffin pan. and, i didn't have any of those cupcake liners with tin foil. so, i decided to be resourceful and make a bread loaf. who needs muffins, anyway? that's me rationalizing.

now, all i needed was a recipe! have you guys ever checked out elana's pantry? go, go now! she's got gluten-free recipes that hundreds of thousand of people swear by. not only is she gorgeous, but she's like super famous in the paleo/mommy/GF world. all the recipes i've tried have been absolutely delicious. my recipe is adapted from her blueberry muffins!

i'm telling you, this blueberry bread is amazing. it's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert! it does have a little agave nectar, so super duper low carb, but it's pretty darn close. and, with something this sweet and tasty, anyone can look past that!

ingredients:

1/2 cup sifted coconut flour
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
4 eggs
1/3 cup agave nectar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh blueberries

preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

in a medium size bowl, combine all of your ingredients and whisk by hand until smooth. gently fold in blueberries.

pour into a greased bread loaf pan (1.5 qt).


bake for approximately 40-50 minutes. test with a toothpick. let the loaf cool completely before turning out of the pan.




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gym stylin'

just cause i workout in my garage doesn't 

mean i have to look like i work in one!

gym stylin' by deliciouswife featuring a racerback sports bra

Graphic design shirt
$24 - republic.co.uk

Under armour
sport-seasons.com

Adidas racerback sports bra
adidas.com

NIKE blue running shoes
jcpenney.com

Illesteva acetate sunglasses
net-a-porter.com

baked onion rings...crispy, tasty, and super low carb!

y'all, this recipe is delicious! i can't tell you how much i love onion rings. i'd choose onion rings over french fries any day. but, when i embarked on a paleo/low carb lifestyle, onion rings (along with everything else dredged in flour) were on the list of foods to avoid...until now! as soon as i saw this recipe from Delighted Momma, i was thrilled and tried it straight away. go check out her blog, for real! all of her recipes give me a "why didn't i think of that" moment. and her skin and beauty tips are sure to make you glow!

instead of traditional flour, this recipe calls for almond meal (also called almond flour). almond meal is what makes these low carb. it takes onion rings from a once in a while splurge to a once a week treat. unless you're like me, and you want them 2 or 3 times a week! i use almond meal as a flour substitute in dozens of recipes...even in cookies and cupcakes.

if you like a little kick, add 1/4 tsp of cayenne to the dry mix. as far as the herbs go, you could try rosemary, sage, or skip the herbs all together.

i'm telling you, these are worth trying!

ingredients:

2 large onions (sweet or yellow taste best)
2 tbs of finely chopped thyme
1 1/2 cup of almond meal
1/2 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp of pepper
1/2 tsp of garlic powder
1/2 paprika
2 eggs

preheat oven to 400 degrees.

wash, peel outer layer, and slice your onion into rings. mix all of the dry ingredients together in a bowl. in a separate bowl, whisk the two eggs together. first dip an onion ring into the egg wash, then dip into the almond meal mixture.

place on a lined baking sheet or onto a wire rack sitting inside of a baking sheet (helps each side to crips up).

bake for 20-25 minutes or once golden brown. if the onion rings are on a lined baking sheet, turn them over at the halfway mark.

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how to remove gum from clothing (aka husband's expensive dress shirt)

okay, this tip isn't all-natural, it just works!

the other day, i was doing laundry...whites. i didn't bother checking the pockets, because there were no shorts or pants in the load. i DID shake everything before i put it in the washer....just to make sure a red sock wasn't trying to sneak in there. i shut the door and turned the washing machine on.

once the load was done washing, i grabbed a handful of clothes and threw it into the dryer. i'd be lying if i said i shook everything to get the wrinkles out. as soon as i reached for the next handful, i got a whiff of something suspicious. it smelled a little minty, but i just blew it off. i shoved everything in the dryer, threw in a softener sheet, and pressed start.

the next morning, i remembered the whites were in the dryer. so, as usual, i gave them a fluff on high heat. when they were wrinkle-free and hot, i pulled them out and starting folding the pile of mostly t-shirts.

to my surprise, Mr. Fit's expensive dress shirt was mixed in the bunch. i flattened it out, before i hung it on the back of a chair. and, there was that delicious, minty smell! then, i noticed a big, greasy spot (the size of a silver dollar) on the pocket. i opened the pocket, and what do you know...it was gum!

this isn't the first time i've dealt with double-mint. i've tried baking soda, ice, vinegar, the freezer, and hairspray to get rid of gum. none of which worked particularly well. i'd also heard of using lighter fluid and gasoline, but that just didn't seem smart. this was not ordinary gum. this gum had been put threw the spin cycle, then had the wonderful opportunity to melt not once but twice! seriously, a sticky situation!

i had and idea. Goo Gone! it's great for removing adhesives, stickers, and label off of ceramics and glass, but it leaves a greasy residue. i knew i'd have to use a stain remover afterwards. so, i skipped the Goo Gone and went straight for the Resolve stain remover. not because i'm lazy, but because i'm efficient!

i sprayed the gum spot until it was soaked and let it sit for a few minutes. then, i began scratching the gum off with my nails. i even scrubbed each side of the fabric which helped get out the melted candy shell. after about fifteen minutes, the gum was all gone and no sign of a grease spot!

i gave it another go in the washer and dryer. and, voila...no sign of a sticky mess and no grease spot! it was good as new!

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homemade chorizo...smokey, spicy, and fresh!

although i'm Latina through and through, i've never really loved chorizo. the chorizo i grew up on oozed red liquid fat. i mean, i'm all about "Viva La Raza", not Viva La Grasa. Mr. Fit, my husband, now he LOVES chorizo! i've been neglecting the poor guy. come to think of it, i don't think i've made chorizo and eggs for him...EVER!

a couple of months, we visited great friends in Calgary. they showed us a fantastic time and filled our bellies with the most fabulous homemade food. Annie put me to shame. but, i didn't mind. one morning for breakfast she made chorizo and eggs...homemade no less. i was pretty surprised that this Philippina in Calgary was making homemade chorizo. i had to up my game. how come it never occurred to me to make my own chorizo?

so, of course, i asked her for the recipe! and, now, i'm passing it to you! it's super easy and you could easily double the recipe and freeze in portions.

my only suggestion is that you use ground pork that's got a good amount of fat. the leaner the pork, the dryer the chorizo. if you can only find lean pork, then add 1 tbsp of lard or oil. oh, and add more cayenne and chili flakes if you like it spicy.

ingredients:

1 pound ground pork
2 cloves of garlic (minced or pressed)

1 tbsp paprika

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 onion powder
1/4 tsp chile powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (1-2 tsp if you like it spicy)
chile flakes (optional)

mix all ingredients by hand. refrigerate for 3 hours.

when you're ready to cook it up, heat a pan over medium-high heat. throw the chorizo into the pan and break up with a spatula. cook through for about 7-10 minutes. add your egg mixture and scramble away!

i made 5 eggs and 1 cup of chorizo. that fed me, my hubby, and our toddler.

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things i love!

music - The Concretes (self title debut)
it's perfect pop! a little haze, a little 60s vibe, a little distortion, and a kick-butt girl on the mic. i love bands that have girls as frontman lead. think Mazzy Star and Broken Social Scene (my all-time fav) all mashed up into a juicy meatball and covered in gravy. did i mention they're from Sweeden? they're a troupe band, like BSS, that's gone through some changes over the years and but got some flack for it. like when Victoria Bergsman left the group and was replaced with a new lady. if i change my hair or pickup a new hobby, i'm still me, right? Pink Floyd got away with it. this troupe band will always be on my playlist. because, i love their sound. and, troupe bands are just cool. they make me feel like we're friends, and i could just join them for a night on stage when they swing by my town for a show. then, afterwards, they come by my place to chill and play a little music while we all sing and drink brannvin and eat pickled fish. okay, so i got carried away...i wouldn't eat pickled fish.

food - Pizza (mostly Grimaldi's)
why? i was forced. no, really, i was forced! i mean, i totally love pizza. but, i never eat it. well, i've had so much pizza (like 12 slices in the last week), at the request of my parents and friends. i did enjoy it. and, i think i can see it on my thighs already. good thing is that i got my fill, and have been eating clean like nobody's business!

reading - FitSugar
just because i don't flip or swipe my way through an ebook doesn't mean i don't read. FitSugar, a fit and health focused blogzine, has some awesome articles and tips. from how-to perfect a crunch to how-to cut an onion, FitSugar always has something for everyone.

shoes - [pink] vibram fivefingers
do you hate running because you get shin splints or have knee pain? i know i did. it's probably due to your running shoes...not your body. most people choose running shoes with the support they think they need or because they like the way they look. chances are, you're not wearing the right shoes for your feet. have you seen those people running around or working out with funny looking toe shoes? well, don't laugh, they're freaking awesome! i'm not a runner, but i run like 3 miles in 20 minutes, and it's no big deal. i do it in my fivefingers. this "barefoot" running craze...it's the shiz! i've got them in black and, i really want a pink pair!

hat - green military hat
we spend a lot of time outdoors...running, body bootcamp, swim lessons, garden work, and park play. it's so hot out, so i always wear my hair in a ponytail. but, my poor little scalp is getting sunburned. this military hat will protect my head and give me some style too! it's looks fierce with my aviator sunglasses!

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stretch for a healthier body and longer, leaner muscles!

do you stretch? no, do you really stretch? like take the time, breathe through it, and feel it in your body kind of stretch?

i do. i didn't always. but, i do now. and, you should too!

i hear stretching offers a bounty of benefits such as a healthier body and longer, leaner muscles. i'm totally into that kind of stuff!

what's stretching?

stretching is movement that helps to keep the muscles supple and improve the joints' range of motion. exercises like yoga and pilates, where stretching is the exercise, are designed to stretch and elongate and improve flexibility.

what are the benefits of stretching?

improves your workout – supple and lengthened muscles give a greater range of motion and efficiency. 

anti-aging – haven't you heard, we are as old as our joints. flexibility gives more mobility and helps to avoid joint pain often associated with aging. it also maintains range of motion, spine health, and stability.

long, lean muscles – stretching, especially yoga and pilates, can build muscle while elongating it. you know how ballerinas have very lean and tone bodies!

improves flexibility - flexibility allows muscle to be turned, bowed, or twisted without tearing. as your flexibility improves, you'll be able to stretch further.

injury prevention and healing – stretching and maintaining flexibility helps to prevent muscle injuries by keeping muscle elasticity. it also helps to prevent and heal soreness from working out.  

relaxation - the controlled breathing helps to calm and relax the mind and to release tension.

improved health -  stretching may improve your circulation, increasing blood flow to your muscles. and having good circulation can help protect you against illnesses such as diabetes to kidney disease.

according to the american journal of physiology, greater flexibility has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. in this 2009 study, people age 40 and older who performed well on a sit-and-reach test had less stiffness in their arterial walls (an indicator of the risk for stroke and heart attack).

when to stretch?

you probably think about stretching and end up blowing it off with a couple toe touches. am i right? you probably wonder when you should stretch. before a workout? after?

when you workout, you're probably ready to get right to it, so you can be done with it. and, you're probably short on time. but, skipping a stretching routine will hurt you in the long run. so, stretch before and after a workout. remember to never stretch a cold muscle. start your workout by warming up with a few minutes of jogging, jump rope, or jumping jacks. 

how to stretch?

start a workout with dynamic stretching (gentle movement like arm circles). this will warm up your muscles and your joints. end a workout with a static stretching (held position like toe touches). static stretching is what develops flexibility. this where the breathing comes in.

inhale when preparing for the stretch. exhale as you move into the stretch. then, hold the stretch for a count of 5 exhales. holding the stretch while breathing during your stretching will help you relax and reach further. finally, inhale when returning to the start position.

the key to stretching is to know your comfort level. never push a stretch to the point of pain. that would not be stretch...that would be pulling a muscle. so, feel for a stretch, but stop when it starts to hurt.

some stretches you can try

3 dynamic stretches before a workout

arm circles - in a standing position, with feet shoulder with apart, extend your arms straight-out to the side at shoulder height with shoulder relaxed. do 20 small forward circles. then, switch directions and do  20 small backward circles. then, follow with 20 big circles (forward and back)

body swings - in squat postion with feet shoulder width apart, knees bent, and hands together, swing arms between your legs. and, with a swift, fluid motion, reach arms out and up. when arms reach toward the sky, move into a standing position and extend you hips slightly forward. repeat for 10 complete swings.

arms swings - in a standing position with feet shoulder width apart, slowly swing arms in the same direction at shoulder height. when arms reach full swing limit, slightly twist at the waist for a 10 count. then, with arms at shoulder height, swings arms in opposite directions.

3 static stretches after a workout



straddle stretch – in a seated position, open your legs as wide as is comfortable, keeping them straight. bend forward keeping your back straight and hold. sit up slowly and turn and lean towards your right leg and then your left for the same time. goal: reach your nose to your knee

standing toe touches  - in a standing position, with your feet shoulder with apart, reach your hands between your feet and try to touch the floor. goal: reach palms to the floor

glute cross-over stretch – still seated, extend both legs straight in front of you. bend one leg at the knee and cross it over the other placing your foot flat on the floor. use both arms to hug your knee towards your chest. you should feel a stretch in your bottom and hip of that leg. switch legs.

make time for stretching and improve your flexibility

1) commit to your flexibility routine

if you workout, stretch before and after. if you don't workout, make stretching your workout 

2) breathe deeply, fully, and slowly

deep breathing relaxes you and your muscles. being tense and holding your breathe is not a good combo for stretching.

3) take your time

rushing through stretches will defeat your effort. from start to finish, move through each stretch. taking time to feel and reach will help to develop your flexibility as you continue your daily routine.

4) know your limits

"no pain, no gain" does not apply to stretching. feeling pain while stretching is warning. if you feel pain, you've found your limit. with daily stretching you'll be able to stretch past that and find a new limit by increasing flexibility. keep in mind, feeling a little discomfort is normal.

5) repeat your stretches

repeating each stretch 2 or 3 times will help your muscles become more supple and elastic. repeating your stretching routine daily will ensure increased flexibility. before you know it, you'll be able to reach further and deeper into your stretches. your muscles will be longer, leaner, and stronger.

what did you learn?

if your rushing to get out of your workout clothes, you're cutting yourself short. if you don't stretch after a workout, you're more likely to feel muscle soreness and joint pain. and, at an older age, you will lose your range of motion, shrink your spine, and stability.

start off with dynamic movements and end with static holds. its important to prepare your muscles for exercise and work on your flexibility, so you aid with the healing and injury prevention.

for more stretching tips and benefits, here are some links:

http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/guide-stretching-and-strength-training

http://www.askmen.com/sports/bodybuilding_100/144b_fitness_tip.html

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pico de gallo...the perfect sidekick!

pico de gallo is a fresh salsa made of diced or minced (depending on the texture you want) tomatoes, onions, and green peppers (typically jalapenos or serranos). other ingredients like cilantro and lime juice are usually added as well. pico de gallo is awesome when paired with any kind of mexican food...tacos, fajitas, tamales, etc. but, i also love it on the side with roasted chicken, meatloaf, hamburgers, and even eggs! it's perfect for throwing into a casserole or stew to add a little a kick. or, if you just need some finger foods, make it the star of the show with some tortilla chips.

pico de gallo is perfect for any meal, if you ask me. and, it couldn't be easier to make. there really isn't much to it. i don't get fancy with this recipe, but i know people who add mango or cucumber. i've even heard of people adding apple cider vinegar instead of lime juice. a drizzle of olive oil sometimes shows up in recipes from time to time, too. maybe one day i'll get a little wild and try something different.

for now, i'm sticking to my recipe.

ingredients:

3 medium tomatoes (small dice)
1/2 yellow onion (minced)
3 serranos (minced)...opt for 1 or 2 seeded jalapenos if you can't handle the heat
1/3 cup cilantro (chopped)
salt to taste

mix all ingredients in a bowl. add as much salt as you like. that's it!

mexican picadillo...simply delicious!

picadillo is a dish that is made all over latin america. it's called picadillo because "picar" in spanish means to mince or chop. it's super easy to make and very versitile. it can be served as a stand-alone or used as a filling for enchiladas, chile rellenos, tacos, burritos, tamales, and empanadas. picadillo always calls for potatoes, onions, and garlic as the base. typically, ground beef is the protein source, but beef brisket, pork, or seafood can be used as well. also, you can throw in whatever else you like...squash, zucchini, carrots, jalapeno, cheese, raisins, etc. it's basically like a goulash or hash. in mexico, sweetness is often added by using honey or sugar. traditionally, it is served with rice and tortillas.

i skip the rice and tortillas and eat it straight out of a bowl...often over fresh spinach. sprinkle with chopped cilantro and diced jalapenos for a little something extra!

oh, and i skip white potatoes and honey and opt for sweet potatoes.

ingredients

2 pounds ground beef

1 large sweet potato (small dice)

1 cup chopped red onion

3 cloves of garlic (minced)

2 large tomatoes (diced)

1 tbsp cumin

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp salt

water

olive oil (if needed)

heat pan over medium-high heat. add ground beef to hot pan and break it up. i like it a little chunky, but you can make it as fine as you like. once ground beef is nicely browned and caramelized. remove from pan and set aside.

add the onions to the beef fat and saute until translucent. add some olive oil if the pan is a bit dry. toss in the garlic and stir until fragrant, about 40 seconds. this is where you'd add chiles if you'd like. i add them to the individual servings at the end, so our toddler can eat it too.

stir in the diced tomatoes for about 3 minutes. tomatoes will begin to stew and change to a deeper red. 

return the beef back to the pan and add the diced sweet potatoes or any other veggies. mix in cumin, chili powder, salt, and 3/4 cup of water.

cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

if you're in the mood for tortillas, try my flourless crepes!

round the clock: 20 month old schedule

patience is a virtue? okay, i've got to work on that one. because he is so curious and notices everything, it takes FOREVER to do ANYTHING. which is cool, but sometimes we have to just get out the door. and, when we finally do get out, we have to be sure to pack books and cars to keep LO entertained.

and, i can forget about eating out...for a while at least. sitting in a chair for more than 5 minutes is painful for him. he'd prefer to be under the table. is it terrible that i let him eat off the floor? at least i've limited it to fresh food. that should count for something, right?

he makes more and more choices each day. before, he just did whatever i asked. now, he does what he wants to do and gets confused when i want him to do something else. so far, it's been a smooth ride...just a few bumps along the way. but, i know i need to fasten my seat belt...next stop, trantrumville.

all kidding aside, this boy makes my heart glow. times are a changin'! but, it's all good in the toddlerhood. i love that he can communicate with me. he puts together these two (and sometimes three) word sentences. and, i know what he's saying...most of the time.

i'm super nervous about what next month brings. he'll be starting a part-time preschool program. i'm thrilled about the school we chose and all the fun he'll having with the other kids.

here's what we've been doing lately:

he wears sunglasses!

he pushes his own cart at the grocery store!

he shares his cranberries, and shows all the mama's at a CPR class exactly why life saving skills are important!

he falls asleep in his clothes hamper!

he likes the layered look, and his clothes must have cars all over them!

he's learning to share [his food with the dog]!

8:00a: wake up, brush teeth, sit on potty, and play (wants to play more in the morning)

9:00a: breakfast (5 oz of whole milk, 1/2 banana, 1 egg omelet, and a slice of bacon or sausage patty)

9:30a: play outside in the garden (obsessed with going out)

10:00a: get ready for the day (get dressed and pack a snack)

10:30a: go on an outing (playgroup, swim lessons/pool/splash pad, or run errands)

12:00p: eat lunch (4 ounces of protein [1 egg, beef, turkey, or chicken], 4 ounces of veggies)

12:30p: play with cars, trains, and trucks, and more cars (he's definitely a boy)

1:00p: sit on potty, read books, then take a nap

3:30p: have a snack...a sippy cup (5 oz) of whole milk, fruit, and cheese

4:00p: go on an outing (run errands; too hot for the park these days)

5:00p: play in kitchen while i clean up a bit and get dinner ready (coloring book, scooter, or bang bowls)

6:00p: bike ride with mama and daddy

6:30p: dinner (4 ounces of poultry, fish or beef, 4 ounces of veggies, and fruit for dessert)

7:00p: sit on potty, then bath time

7:30p: get dressed for bed, brush teeth, cuddle up, and read books

8:00p: bedtime

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the "maine" thing is that we have fun!

the maine thing is that we have fun! by deliciouswife featuring a red canvas tote bag

Off the shoulder shirt
alloy.com

Lanvin
$500 - farfetch.com

J.Crew summer shorts
jcrew.com

Red canvas tote bag
$23 - debenhams.com

Dorothy Perkins gold bangle
dorothyperkins.com

Tory Burch aviator sunglasses
nordstrom.com

Summer hat
theorchidboutique.com

Jimmy Choo Poria
jimmychoo.com

how to stick to a diet while on vacation!

what? diet and vacation? that's dumb! i don't diet while on vacation. i'm not a professional fitness model or bodybuilder. and, i'm not so sure they don't take a break while on vacation too. i make sensible, healthy choices everyday, so i can eat and drink whatever the heck i want when it's a special day or vacation!

and, that's exactly what i did this past weekend while in Calgary. our trip was centered around Stampede. how can you not check the diet at the door. i mean bleachers, carnivals, and firework shows...greasy food and sugary drinks are like a prerequisite. pizza, yes! beer, yes! onion rings, yes! crepes, yes! soda, yes! poutine, yes!!! what's poutine you ask? why it's a Canadian delicacy...french fries, brown gravy, cheese curds, and these even had a little truffle oil...it's marvelous! (come back friday for more on what we ate and what we did!)

so, i don't stick to a diet for vacations or special occasions. however, i do get back on track the moment the party is over. that first day back is like going through withdrawal from crack. i don't keep bad food in the house, but if someone tossed, let's say, a piece of cake in my garbage, i'd probably eat it. i'm talking, uncovered and sticking to brown banana peels and wet coffee grounds. it's all about detox.

i got back on the wagon as soon as i hit the airport. it was 6:30 in the morning, and i was starving. the only options were bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and donuts. i went with a sausage and egg breakfast sandwich. of course, i didn't eat the croissant...that went in the trash. for the plane, i opted for a big bottle of water since i drank everything except water. oh, and a bag of unsalted, raw almonds to snack on instead of pretzels. once i got home, i didn't feel like cooking dinner, so we had chinese chicken and vegetable takeout...no sauce (lots of starch and sugar in that goopy stuff). then, almonds and a little sharp cheddar for a late night snack. that was yesterday. today, i had a protein shake for breakfast, roast turkey breast and spinach for lunch, cashews for a snack, and chicken and roasted cauliflower for dinner. i still had naughty nibbles on my mind, but i didn't cheat.

what i'm most proud of is my workout. when Mr. Fit is out of town, i don't work out. i know that's an excuse to be lazy. but, this week...there are no excuses. there are a million things i can do without my husband.

i can even do a crossfit workout...my hunny would be so proud!

For time:
Snatch 135 pounds, 30 reps (use 95 pounds, 65 pounds or broomstick as needed)



i can't wait for tomorrow's workout!

i did 350 squats and have the video to prove it!

i've been doing more leg workouts, because i'm getting ready for my vacation trip to Calgary for Stampede. i plan on wearing a blue jean skirt with my cowboy boots. i have yet to find a blue jean skirt, but i'm hopeful that today will be the day. it has to be...i'm leaving very soon! if i don't find one, i'll be resourceful and wear a cute dress...one that's already hanging in my closet.

in either case, i'm showing some leg! so, i've been working on whipping these babies into shape...like pronto. squats, deadlifts, and overhead squats have been on workout board the last week.

yesterday's crossfit workout was a doozie. we don't have a rope in the garage, so we subbed the rope climb with sit ups.

For time:

100 Squats
15 foot Rope climb, 4 ascents (60 sit-ups)
75 Squats
15 foot Rope climb, 3 ascents (45 sit-ups)
50 Squats
15 foot Rope climb, 2 ascents (35 sit-ups)
25 Squats
15 foot Rope climb, 1 ascents (25 sit-ups)

that's 165 sit ups! i can only do about 40 sit-ups before i get sloppy. not to mention the friction burn i get on my booty when i do lots of sit-ups, because i don't do them nearly as often as i should. i had to pull out a mat just to finish them.

the squats weren't so bad. around the 315th squat, i started to slack off a bit. but, Mr. Fit left me know, so i tried to correct as best i could...i was losing steam.

but, i finished with a smile...yay me!

here's the video...yeah, i made a video. it helps me work on my form!

you haven't subscribed to my youtube channel? shame on you! go check it out now. i have lots of good stuff coming!

http://www.youtube.com/thedeliciouswife

a more fit-focused blog...a little change is good!

i've made a few changes around here. things were getting a little cluttered and unorganized. i began to lose focus of my true goals...motivating me and, hopefully, you!

my link bar at the top is a little different. i've consolidated some things and added some new stuff. i'm really excited! these changes will help me give you more fit-focused message.

i've had a ton of interest in my weightloss journey. it's incredibly flattering that anyone would ask me for fitness or weightloss advice. being that i once tipped the scales and an unhealthy and slow 210 pounds, i couldn't be more happy to share how i continue to reach my goals. so i've added "my weightloss". there you can find my testimony, diets, food i eat, and workouts. i hope you can find some inspiration...i know i will!

i'm also going to post videos in gym like how-to stuff and nutritional tips...you can find that under "fitness & health".

i'll still do the baby/kid/family stuff...you can find that under "family & fun".

and, i'll keep playing with fashion, so i can give you taste of the things i love...you can find that under "fash & beauty".

take a look around, and let me know what you think. i'm off on bike ride!

have a delicious day!

zucchini saute: the perfect side for the 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July...food, family, fun, fireworks, and freedom!

now, let's get to the food! my family loves this. it's my go to side for BBQ or Mexican. the zesty flavors and crispy veggies are perfect for just about any dish.

today, i'll be making this zucchini saute for our 4th of July family festivities! it's delicious, but the best part is that it's super easy. you probably have the ingredients in the fridge. yeah, it'll go perfect with the brisket we're having.

round the clock: 19 month old schedule

we're busy these days! mostly, because this little boy can't sit still. i thank my lucky stars i created a schedule and stuck to it, because it makes life so much easier if i know what we're going to do with our time. not to mention what it does for his development. i find when i deviate from it, we end up shopping and running around town. and, spending the day in a car seat and in a stroller is really no fun for a toddler!

he's still an awesome eater! this kid will choose cauliflower and blueberries over candy!

i love hearing words coming out of his mouth. his new one is "bye". he tells everyone bye. and, if he's ready to leave, i'll hear it a thousand times until we make an exit.

LO wants to explore and use his hands. so, we hang out in the garden. of course, he loves playing with dirt, and he loves watering the plants!

the grocery store is a haven. he can't resist the samples!

he tells me "no" when i pull the camera out.

he still loves his daily bike rides. LO pats his cute little head and says, "hat, mama, hat", and i know he wants to hop on the "bithe-kool"!

he begs to ride on "dada's" shoulders.

being able to reach the counter changes everything! this was as much my fault.

we chill at the park.

not only is he taller, but he can climb!

and, he loves his "dada"!

8:00a: wake up, brush teeth, sit on potty, and play a bit

8:30a: breakfast (5 oz of whole milk, 1/2 banana, 1 egg omelet, and a slice of bacon or sausage patty)

9:00a: read books/development activity/play

10:00a: have a snack (fruit and cheese)

10:30a: go on an outing (playgroup, swim lessons/pool/splash pad, or run errands)

12:00p: eat lunch (4 ounces of protein [1 egg, beef, turkey, or chicken], 4 ounces of veggies)

12:30p: play with blocks, puzzles, sing songs

1:00p: sit on potty, read books, then take a nap

3:30p: have a snack...a sippy cup (5 oz) of whole milk, fruit, and cheese

4:00p: go on an outing (park and run errands)

5:00p: play in kitchen (coloring book, scooter, or bang bowls) while i clean up a bit and get dinner ready

6:00p: bike ride with mama and daddy

6:30p: dinner (4 ounces of poultry, fish or beef, 4 ounces of veggies, and fruit for dessert)

7:00p: sit on potty, then bath time

7:30p: get dressed for bed, brush teeth, cuddle up, and read books

8:00p: bedtime

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when you put all your eggs in one basket, just get more eggs!

i was picking up our breakfast plates from the dining room, which is just around the corner, when i heard this loud and messy sounding crash. when i discovered LO sitting on the floor crying next to the eggs, i knew that he knew he did something wrong. besides the fact that i was running late for a FitMoms walk, it was no big deal. i mean, who's going to get mad over something as simple as 22 busted eggs. besides, no one ever shows up to those Thursday walks which i so proudly organize...haha!

round the clock: 18 months old schedule

you guys, my baby is growing up. i usually don't post on Tuesday, but lots has been happening in the world of Liam Oliver (LO).

this little boy has put me to tears twice in the last two weeks. well, technically, his Daddy put me to tears by making simple observations regarding LO's development. and, i was surprised by these observations even though i spend all day with him. DENIAL...you think?

first, LO was super sick for about a week. it sucked the joy out of my little sunshine boy. one night after LO was all better, his Daddy turned to me and said, "he's changed, he's not a baby anymore." in an instant, my lips quivered and my eyes filled with tears. i sobbed. i blame the virus for making my baby a boy!

then, last night, well after we put LO to bed, we kept hearing him kick the door. so, his Daddy checked the monitor and cracked up laughing. i snatched it out his hands to see what was so funny. he said, "is he wearing shoes? he put his shoes on so he could kick the door even harder." i took a look, and immediately began sobbing. Daddy asked why i crying. hello! LO has never put on his own shoes. that's like a big deal...like milestone stuff.

he's also eating less. i'm not sure if it's a little phase or if the picky eater stage is creeping up on us. regardless, i'm going to keep serving him what we eat. eventually, he'll get hungry, right? the funny thing is he won't skip out on the fancy stuff like creamed spinach and crab cakes. 

and he loves cooking with mama!

the summer heat is crazy! so, we've been swimming a lot. his swimming lessons are so much fun! we'll be in the water all summer.

it seems like bedtime keeps getting later and later. i'm going to keep putting him to bed between 7:30 and 8:00pm, but he doesn't actually fall asleep until 9p.

8:00a: wake up, brush teeth, sit on potty, and play a bit

8:30a: breakfast (5 oz of whole milk, 1/2 banana, 1 egg omelet, and a slice of bacon or sausage patty)

9:00a: read books/development activity/play

10:00a: have a snack (fruit and cheese)

10:30a: go on an outing (playgroup, pool/splash pad, or run errands)

12:00p: eat lunch (4 ounces of protein [1 egg, beef, turkey, or chicken], 4 ounces of veggies)

12:30p: play with blocks, puzzles, sing songs

1:30p: sit on potty, read books, then take a nap

3:30p: have a snack...a sippy cup (5 oz) of whole milk, fruit, and cheese

4:00p: go on an outing (park and run errands)

5:00p: play in kitchen (coloring book, scooter, or bang bowls) while i clean up a bit and get dinner ready

6:00p: bike ride with mama and daddy

6:30p: dinner (4 ounces of poultry, fish or beef, 4 ounces of veggies)

7:00p: sit on potty, then bath time

7:30p: get dressed for bed, brush teeth, cuddle up, and read books

8:00p: bedtime

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