Hello Stranger...

Hi Guys,

Long time no talk! I know I know...it's me, not you.  I'm hoping to blog more regularly now.  You have to start from somewhere. So, here I am...starting!  Let's just get over this awkwardness and straight into this post!

So, after a year and a half, I finally made it to the gym.  Why, after a year and a half?  Let's just say mom life has kept me pretty busy. I'm now into a solid routine and ready to get back at it!  As far as baby weight goes, I still have 12 pounds to shave off. More importantly though, I want to gain my strength back.  I feel my body is weak.  I want to gain back cardio strength, core strength and upper body strength.

It's so weird...I use to work out all the time.  In college, I skipped classes to go to the gym. Adult life, I always made time for the gym.  Due to all this I have always had strength. Sure, I may not have been the leanest of individuals, but I was a healthy, strong person.  More important than losing weight, I want to feel healthy, strong and energetic. I want to be the Energizer Bunny (my nickname after college).

How am I going to get there:

• Balance (family time: my loves, work:  productivity)
• Healthy diet (cut the sugar)
• Exercise (combine cardio and strength)
• Happiness (cut the negativity out in life)
• Sunshine (feel the rays on my skin) - I have always been a sun person!

How is this blog going to help me:
I want this blog to hold me accountable with the "How am I going to get there". I also hope to share my experiences. My ups and downs. Show people that this is what life is about...ups and downs. I want to share my exercises, foods, recipes and outdoor adventures.  For now...this is good. Baby steps with everything (no pun intended).

What I need to ask of myself:  Be patient.  If I can only lift 10 lbs of weight, it's OK. I'm starting. I will only get better. Just be patient.

What I ask of you: Sit back, relax and let's learn together!

Oh yeah,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

PS:  We got this...

30 Days of Health & Happiness...

Hello Hello!

I know I know...long time no blog! Well, let's just say I'm back and will be here for a while. I have no excuse so we will get right into this post. 

The hubs and I just came back from a WONDERFUL cruise.  We took in the beaches of Cozumel, Belize, Honduras and Grand Cayman. Pictures to come soon. 

Well, with this wonderful cruise came quite a bit of weight gain :-(. I know... cry me a river. Anywho, I've decided on a 30 day challenge of Health & Happiness! Yes, 30 days of eating healthy, wholesome foods and getting some form of exercise in and 30 days of happiness. The 30 days of happiness is about what makes me happy and to be grateful for all that I have. 

Let's begin, shall we? My day started off with a bowl of Puffins (one portion measured out), almonds and some almond milk. 

Simple and delicious. 

A few hours later I had a black bean bowl made of whole wheat cous cous, black beans, tomatoes, green peppers, onions and carrots. Here's a pic of the black beans being cooked:

A few hours after this I had a fruit smoothie made of mango, pineapple and coconut milk. This was incredibly delicious and I WILL replicate this at home :)

I also had a snack of pretzels and nuts:

Dinner time rolled around and I made home made falafel burgers. These falafels are not fried and are packed with flavor. I had one falafel burger on a whole wheat bun with a salad on the side:

That my friends, is my food for the day!  I also managed to go on a 4 mile walk as my exercise for the day.

Now, onto happiness. What makes me happy? Spending time with my husband, brother in law, sister, brother and my darling, darling, precious niece who is the light of my life! I love her so much!!! 

I'll just leave on that note. Good night, all!