Monday Motivation....Reaching Out

One thing about the blogging community that has never ceased to amaze me is how supportive we can be of each other in times of need.  We all have times in our lives where we need more courage than others...times where life takes a turn and knocks us into a direction we never imagined.  Harmony from Keep On Keeping On is facing one of those times facing her husband's cancer diagnosis.  I usually use Mondays to start all of us off on the right foot for the week but as I sat down to write Harmony was on my mind...her need to be lifted up and supported has been weighing heavy on my heart.  Today as you go through your day...lift up Harmony and her family...pray they have courage overflowing and healing!

What's For Dinner Week 5...Protein Power!

If I'm going to be completely honest I planned a great week last week that....well...went better planned than in reality!  The days had a crazy way of getting away from me and before I knew it I had only sucked down 2 cups of coffee and it was 2pm...yeah not what I was going for!  This week I need to be more mindful of taking the time to refuel even if I may not be extremely hungry.  My body needs it!  I also want to focus on having a source of protein at every meal...breaking my day into 5 small meals and having some protein at each meal should get me headed in the direction I want to go! 

Here is a snapshot of what these meals will look like....provided Sandy the Frankeinstorm doesn't take us off the map!

Meal 1:  green monster smoothie

Meal 2: cottage cheese and almonds

Meal 3: salad with tuna/chicken

Meal 4: apples with peanut butter

Meal 5: grilled chicken and broccoli

Even typing it sounds boring but right now I need to just be focusing on getting the fuel in...I'll spice it up when I have had a full night's sleep!! 

What's for dinner at your house??  Any quick ways to get protein into your meals?  Are you prepping for Sandy??

Fitness Friday....Holiday Fitness

Oh yes it is that time of year again!!!  That time when desserts are making their way to our counter tops and when time could be as valuable as liquid gold...or gasoline depending on where you live!  The trick is getting through this time of year without a layer of insulation like you are ready to take a long winter's nap...and some (me included) want to lose during this time!  There are two challenges that I have done for several years that have really helped me to stay motivated and in my jeans through the holiday season!  Seriously check them out...you will NOT be sorry!!!

Monica from Run Eat Repeat is hosting Pile on the Miles again this year.  It starts on November 1 and lasts until December 1st.  It's literally how many miles you can pile on during that month so that the lbs don't pile on instead.  Head over and sign up!!!

Amanda over at Run to the Finish is again hosting the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge this year.  I love this challenge too since you get points for not only miles but also weight training, eating veggies, and just moving your body!  Head on over to check it out....and don't forget to tell her that Fancy Nancy sent you!!

How do you keep the added lbs away during this time of year???

Three Things Thursday

I feel like it's been a long time since I've done a Three Things...then again I feel like a lot of time has gone by since I've done many things...like run!

So sit back and enjoy this week's Three Random Things!

1.  My inner skinny...One thing that I'm feeling this week is that I feel much skinnier than I actually am...it makes things hard because when I look in the mirror it sometimes surprises me!  Weird and random I know!  I know that as time goes by the reflection will surely match the way I feel inside...especially once I get the green light to work out in 4 more weeks!

2.  Second time around...Today I brought Aubrey to her 2 week check-up.  In the waiting room with me was a couple with a one-week old (their first) and an expecting mom.  I honestly wanted to give them both hugs!  Certainly I do not think I have this whole mom thing down pat and yes I did cry while watching friggin Rachel Ray this morning, but the looks of terror on both their faces made me realize that my Mom was right...you are much more relaxed the second time around!  Has anyone else had this experience with #2?

3.  Toddler turn-around...Please do not get me wrong on this point, Em is an amazing little girl but I feel like since starting preschool (and yes I am fully aware that this coincides with a pint-sized addition to our family) her behavior has me saying, "Do the kids in your class act like that?" more times than not!  Seriously I don't know where she gets half the stuff these days!  As a teacher I wonder what things my students have gone home with through the years that had their parents scratching their heads!  One mom at school told me there is a 6 month adjustment for kids when they start school....does that mean I get my sweet...only sometimes sassy chickie back?  

What random thoughts are on your mind this Thursday? 

Cupcake Classic Race Report

With this being the first week that I have been home from the hospital, I did not "run" this race but covered the miles over the past week with my little new nugget and then with both chickies!  I had done this virtual race last year and boy was my time much faster!!  I was happy to do it this year and it was good find out that Miss Aubrey loves the fresh air...and it makes her sleep really well!!

Here is the cupcake crew!

Ok so not the picture I had planned to post but time got away from me....these are all the girls who did it though!!

Monday Motivation

Today starts a weight loss challenge with other fabulous bloggers (and their significant others) who are part of a Tristate Fitness Blogger group.  This is coming at a great time since I am starting to settle into the routine of being home...kind of (I mean why can't they send home a nurse with you when you leave the hospital?)...and ready to be on my way to fitting into my clothes again!  I know it isn't going to be easy and I'm going to be back to tracking what I eat and do.  I'm actually looking forward to the structure and accountability again!  As with anything I know it isn't going to be easy but I know when I slip on that pair of Lucky Brand jeans...the ones that make me feel fabulous...it will all be worth it!!

What are you facing that is going to be hard but oh so worth it?  

Let me know...it's so much easier facing it with support!

What's For Dinner...Menu Planning Week 4

No you didn't miss a week...I did!  I left last week in the hands of my dear Mom who came to stay with us for my first week home from the hospital. 

It was such a blessing to have her here...like a little elf that magically kept the dishes clean, laundry baskets empty, and yummy food on the table.  Add to that that she was game for any project I had on tap and always there with a hug only a mom can give!  We miss her dearly!!

It also means that I am back to menu planning for this week, unless one of you know someone who can be our personal chef for..ummm...like the next year!!  Hubs and I agreed on light dinners that are super easy to throw together so the name of this week is "Make ahead meets Thrown together"!

Breakfast

oatmeal and green monster smoothies...I've fallen off the smoothie wagon and am certainly in need of hopping back on!  Anyone know of anything (not caffiene) that I can add to my smoothies for added energy?

Lunches

roasted veggie wraps...I've made these a bunch of times before.  Basically you cut up a bunch of different veggies(I try to use what is on sale), toss them in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and roast at 400* for 1 hour.  They come out super yummy and so versatile!  This week I'm going to use them on wraps with hummus for lunches!

Dinners

Salads with grilled chicken....I told you we are KISS...aka Keep It Simple Stupid!  I'm feeling rather "stupid" working off of little sleep and can't be responible for how elaborate dinners may turn out but I can chop veggies and throw them into a salad! 

Exciting I know...This week leaves me with the question...

What are your quick, mindless meals you throw together when you are pressed for time & sleep?

Don't forget to check out the other recipes and menu plans at Fitness, Health and Happiness or Mommy Run Fast