Friday & self hosted….

Well, I guess it’s really official!

I’m going self hosted! Yikes!  What have I done?  No idea honestly, but it should make things easier for everyone!  I guess since I’m making this committment to be self hosted, I’m committed to keep blogging!  I have been having fun with all of this;  meeting new virtual blogging buddies, sharing my “stuff”, keeping my self accountable which is a motivator for me & I love learning about new products  & sharing them with you.

Now, the weather is breaking & I’m going to be “amping” up my training & getting myself outdoors for my runs.  I’m hoping to get in some good runs this weekend!  Woo hoo- finally spring is springing!

There aren’t many entries for the NuNaturals rafflecopter.  Honestly, this is a great giveaway!  We’ve been finding more ways to use it around my house.  Last night I made Stone & Samantha a smoothie with yogurt, berries, almond milk & a couple drops of vanilla NuNaturals.  It was delicious!  I also added a couple drops of the chocolate to my hemp smoothie the other day.  I added a couple drops of vanilla to my overnight oats yesterday a.m. & 2 drops of peppermint to my licorice tea.  IT was a great combo.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check it all out here!

The only downside to all of the NuNaturals is that last night, I bumped the lemon & it shattered!  Fell on the granite counter & then onto the ceramic floor.  I love my counters & floors, but it’s not good when I break glass.  😦

I’m beat!  Waiting for the sunshine & warm weather.

I pinned buffalo cauliflower & am making it for dinner tonight.  I’m so excited, hoping it’s great!

Have a wonderful day.

What’s your favorite flavor extract?

WIAW

Here’s another What I ate Wednesday.  Thanks Jenn from Peas & Crayons for hosting!

Let me tell you that last night for dinner, I certainly served up an extra cup of veggies!  Take a peak below!

Ok, this pic. is recycled, but this has been my breakfast of choice of late.  It’s tasty, filled with protein & quick!

I had this salad with (peppers, cucumbers, heart of palm, tomatoes, carrots & roasted chickpeas)!

This was a great afternoon snack!

Check out this plate of goodness I had for dinner: roasted kabocha tots, asparagus, roasted broccoli slaw atop mixed greens & topped with nutritional yeast!  I loved this dinner!

My kids had some of this after dinner.  This is definitely not my favorite brand of ice cream, so I can usually refrain, but it had pb in there, so I had to have a little.  Surprisingly, I really only had a 1/2 mug full.  I can sometimes eat the whole darn thing!  That was remarkable for me :).

I only have 2 episodes left of the 3rd season of Prison Break!  I’ll be a little sad to see it end.  I was hoping that by the time it ended, I’d be running outside all the time.  Well, for the next 2 days, there are supposed to be terrible storms.   I better get a new series/movie to watch until these storms go away!

Don’t for get to enter the rafflecpter on the right side of the page for Hemp from Manitoba Harvest!

Is there a great movie or a short series you recommend for me to watch while running until the rain stops?

Here it is: A giveaway for Hemp Hearts

Manitoba Harvest sent me a great package of both hemp hearts & protein powder.

I’ve used hemp hearts before.  I add them to salads, yogurt & have even sprinkled them into cookie dough.  They’re easy to digest & are packed with protein.  They have a nutty flavor & I really love all that they have to offer.

I was also pleasantly surprised with the protein powder.  I was using whey protein, but am trying to eliminate dairy, so I’ve been researching plant based protein & this is a winner.

Here’s some information:

Hemp Protein Powder

Excel in all that you do with an all natural, easy-to-digest, plant-based protein. Kick start your day, use as mid-day fuel, or incorporate into your pre or post workout regime to help your body replenish.

Manitoba Harvest offers five different protein powders; HEMP PRO 70, HEMP PRO 50, our Certified Organic HEMP PRO FIBER and our Certified Organic flavored hemp protein powders in dark chocolate and vanilla. Each of these protein powders have 10 essential amino acids and are rich in essential fatty acids (omegas).

Hemp Hearts

Taste great, are easy to use, and so good for you!

These soft-textured seeds taste a bit like a sunflower or pine nut. Sprinkle over salad, cereal or yogurt. Add to recipes, or simply eat straight from the bag.

Per serving, Hemp Hearts contain 10g of easy to digest protein and 10g of Omegas.

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts are made in a hemp-dedicated facility by dehulling non-GMO seeds. Once shelled, Hemp Hearts are immediately packaged to seal in the freshness.

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts are all-natural and contain NO additives, fillers or preservatives.

Are you eating clean? Only cooking with minimal ingredients? Or looking for a way to add EFAs, protein & omega-3 & omega-6 into your diet? Then try a bag today, you won’t be disappointed!

So, If you’d like to try these if you’ve never had before or if you just want some more…..

Enter the rafflecopter on the right.  By now, you should know the drill!  They won’t disappoint!

MEATLESS MONDAY & great recipes!

I have a couple of yummy recipes for you today.

Roasted Almond Butter 

3 C almonds

2 t honey

1 t vanilla

1 t cinammon

Preheat oven to 350

1. Spread almonds on cookie sheet & toast in oven for  15 minutes.
2. Put almonds in food processor & blend until desired consistency (could take 15 minutes).  Don’t get nervous, it takes a while.  It’ll start crummy & then will get a little thicker & if you wait it out, will become smooth & creamy.
3. When it’s finally creamy, add vanilla, honey & cinamon.

Enjoy, it’s absolutely delicious!

I also had this for breakfast yesterday & am really loving it.  It’s a bit messy, but hits the spot.

I put pepper & paprika atop.  This is the perfect Passover breakfast.

Did I show you my other breakfast concotion?

It was great because the avacado was perfectly ripe.  I added little salt & pepper & smoked paprika.  YUM!

I got out for a 3 mile run yesterday.  I’m so happy to get outside again.  However, my body is really struggling with running.  I’m not sure if it was the 12 mile run that beat me up the other day or if it’s the transition to outside.  Either way, this is my taper week, so I’ll be taking it quite easy & focusing on tabata bootcamp workouts instead of running.  Hoping that my aches go away prior to my 1/2 marathon this weekend in Springfield.

Are you having a Meatless Monday?

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for the halter top from Girls4Sport here:  http://wp.me/p30bSw-ki.

WIAW #5

Thanks again to Jenn over at Peas & Crayons for the WIAW link up!

I must say that this is not one of my proudest posts!  However, I must be honest, so here goes it!

I had a pumpkin mug with plain Chobani for breakfast.  I was off to a great start until I found out that Truman wasn’t feeling well & not going to school.

After a few phone calls, I needed a snack.  Looks like Nemo wanted some of this delicious apple too.  She didn’t get any!

Lunch was leftover soup!  It’s still good & I’m not tired of it, so it was lunch!

After lunch is when problems arose!  Truman wanted to make cupcakes, so I promised I wouldn’t add chickpeas, coconut flour, spelt flour, or any of my other secret additions.  They would be down right poison, nothing good for you in them, just the way he likes them.  So, we found a box of cake mix in the pantry (only one we had) along with frosting, and we were making cupcakes.  The problem is that I LOVE cake batter.  Gross, you may say, but I say YUM!  So, I had a spoonful of batter here & a lick of the finger there & by the time we were done filling up the cake tins, I was a bit naseaus!  I like it a lot & have no control when it comes to this poison!

That was my afternoon snack.  Nothing good about that, but Truman was happy!

Dinner was great!  We all had eggs different ways.  Mine were nice & easy.  I had a jar of Rotelle with poached eggs, hot sauce & nutritional yeast as a topper!  Really quick, easy & delicious!

Then, the boys were having cupcakes for desert, well I had to have 1.  Yes, I only had one, am really sick of them now.  (At least until next time.)  I always tell myself that I’m never going to do that again, but then next time comes & I do it again!  More issues…..

I did have a quick run in the a.m., along with my push ups as planned, so at least I started the day off on the right foot & felt good about that.

I’m now off to run on my treadmill watching my new passion: Jail Break.

Love that show!

There are still a few more days left to enter the Rafflecopters on the upper right side of this page.

Don’t forget about the 30% off deal for any Quenchwear!  Just enter RUNMOM30 when you place your order.  This offer is valid until Friday March 15, so don’t wait much longer if you’re thinking of placing an order.

My friend, Laura over at Fit Running Mama is putting me on a new workout regimine.  I’m just learning about it, but will be sure to share with you when I get going.  She has me all set to start next week….

What are you up to today?

Push-Up Challenge & giveaway……

I’ve been participating in the No Girly Push Up Challenge with Alex over at Alex Tries it out.  It’s been a lot of fun.  I always do better when I have a goal.  Without a goal, I don’t always push myself.

So, honestly, that’s why I love running races.  I used to not care much about my time, but now I do.  The first races of the season, I’m never concerned much about time.  However, as the summer endures I run faster & push myself a little more.  The first 1/2 marathon I’m running in next month, 4 weeks away in Springfield.  I always get the jitters for the first race.  I’m not sure what I was thinking of running a 1/2 marathon in April.  Oy!  I hope I’m ready!  It’ll be a new course for me & very early in the season.  I haven’t run a 1/2 marathon that early, ever so I’m hoping I’ll be ready.  I’m not ready just yet, but have a few more weeks to gear up!  And, I’m going to keep popping these       in hopes that they continue to give me that extra boost!

Have you tried them yet?

Since I’ve made the announcement about Cross-Fit a couple of people have given me a couple of sites to try cross-fit at home.  I will soon check into them & let you know what I think.  It’s hard for me to find a balance between training for races & doing other exercises, but I know it’s best for my body, so I’m going to try to find a way to keep incorporating other exercises other than simply running.

I think that the time change really hit me a day later.  I was so tired last night!

Off for my morning run & push ups!

How about you?  What’s your exercise plan for the day?

***Don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter on the upper right hand of this page for a chance to win the awesome medal & bib holder, along with another huge  10 blogger giveaway.

Meatless Monday & great giveaways!

I found a new show to watch & it’s perfect! Jail Break.  Have you heard of it?  I ran 4 miles & saw the 1st episode.  It was pretty interesting & kept my attention, so it’ll be a watcher for a while now.  I want to see what happens.  I love that desire b/c it keeps me wanting to get back on my treadmill for the next run!  That’s the best while I’m indoors on my treadmill.  I’m hoping that it warms up a little more soon so I can get outside very soon!  I’m starting to get the “itch” to run on pavement!

 

I made the easiest & very tasty soup for the dinner & this week’s lunches.

It’s all in one pot Soup!

2 boxes of vegetable stock

1 28 oz. can chopped tomatoes

1/2 C split peas

1/2 C green lentils

6 while garlic cloves

1/2 C quinoa

1 C fresh spinach

1 C frozen broccoli

Put stock, garlic, split peas, lentils in a pot on medium for 30 minutes.  Add the other ingredients for 30 more minutes.

I like a little heat, so I added hot sauce to my bowl & it was the perfect addition!

That’s it!  Quick, easy, delicious & filling!  Looking forward to my lunches this week!

Don’t forget about the awesome giveaways going on this week.  To enter, click on the rafflecopter links on the right side of this page.

One is a group of 10 fitness bloggers, offering a variety of products & the other is for the awesome bib & medal holder.  Don’t forget to enter!

What did you prep. for lunch?

Weekend Recap-new giveaway!

The weekend is usually a great time for me to get in a lot of miles.  I had big plans, however, my “trusty” treadmill didn’t have the same in mind!  My plan was for a nice long leisurely run.  I started off by watching a rental from the Redbox; The Intouchables.  Well, the movie was based on a true story & I love those, however I didn’t look closely enough & it was SUBTITLES!  YUP- Subtitles.  It should have been great for me while on the treadmill because sometime I have a hard time hearing while I’m running, but reading subtitles while running just wasn’t doing it for me.  So, after 3 miles, I turned it off & was flipping stations looking for something to hold my attention.  I wasn’t having a lot of luck & began increasing my speed as well because I tried ENERGYbits for the first time & they were working their magic.  However, my treadmill wasn’t working it’s magic & stopped after a couple of speed increases.  I hate when that happens.  So, after 6 1/2 miles of trying to increase my speed & my treadmill dying at each increase, I was frustrated & hopped off.  I still had lots of energy from the ENERBYbits, so I continued to workout, albiet NOT on my treadmill!

I have to say that I was a little skeptical of all of the great things that these little “bits” have to offer, but I do believe they really gave me a little more zip in my step!  They recommend taking 30 bits, I took 20 & felt it.  I think next time I’ll feel 30 to see how much more “zip” I get.

The greatest thing about these little au natural babies is that they are au natural.   They’re made from 100% organicallly grown spirulina algae and loaded with 40 nutrients, ENERGYbits® algae tabs have the highest concentration of protein in the world (64%) all for just one calorie per tab. Endorsed by the United Nations as the most nutritious food on earth, spirulina algae has been a favorite of Olympic gold medalists for decades and is a super food in every sense of the word, delivering instant and enduring energy to your brain and body.

Now, I must tell you I certainly do not compare myself to an Olympic athlete, not even close ( a girl can dream though), but there are so many benefits & I do feel the natural boost.  It’s very different than a caffeine boost I get from coffee.  When I drink too much coffee, I get the shakes, this was nothing like that!   I really do like them & will continue trying them for my longer runs.  There’s actually no down side to them, so why the heck not?

It’s hard to find a natural boost with so many benefits.  Here are some more:

• Increasing Energy
• Increasing Endurance
• Increasing Mental Vitality
• High Protein Snack
• Curbing Hunger
• Meal Replacement
• Balancing Blood Sugar
• Lowering Blood Pressure
• Reducing Fatigue

I did tell Benji that he should try some in the afternoon when he gets tired & see if they give him the same “boost” that  I got from them.  I’ll let you know

In the meantime, they’re going to be a staple in this house.  Anything that’s natural & gives me that kind of a boost, I’m sold!

I did decide that enough talk about cross-fit, I need to do it.  I found a place not far from my house & within in the next week, I’m going to try it!  I’ve been a bit intimidated, but I need to face my fear-ha!  If I say it aloud or write it, I’m going to do it.  Too many people know about it now, so I must.  That’s how I absolutely commit to things- saying or writing it down!

I’m really excited because I have a few more giveaways lined up for you that’ll knock your socks off.  I’m going to post them in order as they have come to me.

Don’t forget about the giveaway with 10 other bloggers going on right now with LOADS of stuff.  There’s surely something there that’ll spark your interest.  To enter go to the rafflecopter on the right side of this page & enter as you wish!

In conjuction with that giveaway, here’s another one you’re going to LOVE!

Jenny over at Strutt your Stuff sign company made me this fantastic medal/bib display!  I couldn’t wait to get it up & I absolutely LOVE it.  It’s my inspiration to keep me going.

How awesome to have your medals & bibs hanging to keep you inspired & remind you of your great accomplishments.  Jenny has an amazing ETSY shop that has the most wonderfully creative designs.  You’ve gotta check it out!   She is so kind to offer a giveaway for this sign (below)  & medal holder  (the middle word can be MARTHON, RUNNING, or TRIATHLON):
www.etsy.com/listing/121046582/marathon-medals-display-and-bib-holder

For those not winning the giveaway she would like to offer a 10% discount and you can use the following coupon code: HRM10.

Seriously- How awesome is that?  Don’t forget to enter.  The giveaway will end on Sunday March 17th.

 

Health and Fitness Group Giveaway!!!! (& RunnerBox winner)!

Happy Friday to all!

I have to tell you that I was a little sad yesterday because I had such a rough time running.  I only got 2 miles in.  Some days I just don’t feel it & don’t push it when I’m feeling like that!  I’m hoping to get my mojo back this weekend!  Sometimes, I guess it’s just my body’s way of telling me to take a break, so I try to listen.

Kelly over at Leafynotbeefy has put together this great

In the meantime, I want to tell you about something very exciting that is happening for you right now!  I teamed up with 10 other health and fitness bloggers, led by Kelly at leafynotbeefy,  and we decided to work together to put on a health and fitness themed group giveaway for you all!  It’s March, and I think everyone is itching for Spring.  Well, we can’t do much to hurry along mother nature, but why not enjoy this time between winter and spring with some health and fitness goodies?   With lots of great prizes and friendly blogs to check out, make sure you enter the rafflecopter & go to leafynotbeefy for more information on the following products:

-pair of Elite socks (noncompression)

-3 Tradtivity Bundles

-Skakeology sample bundle

-RunningDiva’s grey running shirt (size M)

-Gold sparkly Headband

-Energybits Sample Pack

-Body by VI 2-week supply of shakes

-Hip Hop Abs

-5k/10k 8-week training plan

-$25 GoSportID giftcard +1 Motivation Pack bands

There’s a rafflecopter giveaway on the upper right side of this blog with all the requirements to enter!  Go do it, what are you waiting for?

AND, the winner of the RunnerBox is:

Don’t forget about the Quenchwear discount.  IF you need a great bathing suit or other wonderful comfortable clothes, don’t forget to use the discount code RUNMOM30 for 30% anything you choose! Enjoy!

I have the best giveaway next week all lined up for you!  Really!  I’m so excited to post …..

What do you have planned for this weekend?

Bathing suit time! Yikes!

I had such a yummy dinner last night & wanted to share it with you!

I started out with my favorite roasted vegies.

I roast the kale salad in the oven with garlic/onion powder, chili powder & paprika: 425 for 20 minutes.

pb date dressing

Then I made this delicious dressing to go on top!

3/4 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

2 T Bragg’s Amino Acids

5 Medjool dates

1 clove garlic

1 teaspoon turmeric

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Blended in blender until smooth & put a nice plop into my vegies!

It is seriously delicious!  Simple & delicious!

I wanted to tell you about a line of clothing that I absolutely LOVE & I’m not so sure many of you know about it.  It’s called Quenchwear!

QUENCHWEAR IS ALL ABOUT:
FIT 
Fit on a women’s body
with a thicker waist and curves,
this detail is key to the way the
pieces hang and embrace the body.

STYLE 

Quenchwear is a system of dressing for the modern era. It’s modular dressing that’s made up of interchangeable building block basics.

VERSATILITY 
From relaxing at the pool or spa, working out (gym, tennis, yoga, whatever) working, or a night out, it’s perfect here, there, and everywhere. And it’s the ultimate travel wear!

It’s funny; Quenchwear is described as “modular dressing that’s made up of interchangeable building block basics”.  Do you remember Garanimals?  That’s just like Quenchwear!  It’s simple to mix & match whichever pieces you like.

I was introduced to Quenchwear several years ago by a dear friend who had a party in her home.  When Quenchwear was starting out, it was mostly introduced via “Tupperwear” type parties in people’s homes.  I immediately fell in love with the clothes.  Mostly, the bathing suit.  I immediately bought one.  It has plenty of coverage and support & yet is still stylish.  I love it!  Actually, over the years, I bought other bathing suits, but nothing compared & I continued to wear my Quenchwear suit.  Then, I purchased a 2nd suit, as another style I liked came out.  So, now I have 2 Quenchwear bathing suits.  I’m as comfortable as I can possibly be in a bathing suit.  They’re both tank tops & I have 1 skirt bottom & 1 short bottom.  I absolutely love them both.

I’m letting you know about this company, because I constantly tell people about it, but because it’s only sold online & not in stores, many people aren’t aware of them.

They do much more than swimwear, but that’s what I fell in love about Quenchwear.  The spring is coming & it’s time to start thinking of bathing suits.  So, I contacted the fine ladies at Quenchwear & they were generous enough to offer any of my readers 30% of on any Quenchwear you choose by using the code RUNMOM30 until Friday March 15.  So, if you’re thinking of making a purchase, don’t hesitate.  The 1st pieces I purchased from Quenchwear several years ago are still in great shape & I wear them often.

If I find something I love, I want to share it with you.  I do not work for Quenchwear, they didn’t compensate me in anyway, I just wanted to share this with you & hope you find them to be a quality company, as do I.  They offer a lot more than bathing suits, but it’s so hard for me to find a suit I like, that I am simply so happy to have found a company that can meet my bathing suit needs!

This is all of my Quenchwear.  See my color theme!  Just like Garanimals- :).

Please let me know if you do order & if you love Quenchwear as much as I do!

Don’t forget about the RunnerBox giveaway.  It’s over on Friday, so don’t forget to enter here.  There are great things in the box.  For those of you who are looking forward to trying some new products before purchasing them, here’s your chance.

If you liked my workout gear that I got from Ellie, don’t forget to get yours with the discount here!  It’s time to get ready for spring people!!!!

What are you most looking forward to in spring?