Friday Five: Fall Comfort Foods

I'm joining in today with the ladies for Friday Five & the topic being Fall Comfort Food.

I'm all about food... comfort food is the best too.

I never really thought of it as seasonal... but let's see where my brain is at right now with comfort food.

& I'll note right here.  Doing this 21 Day fix & watching my diet - I really need comforting if I'm going to guzzle down any of these.  Comfort food isn't about caring about calories though, is it?


ONE // Apple Pie ... hot!

Oh gosh - anything apple related covered in some sort of crust.  Yes please!  Apples are the best during the fall & I'm the biggest fan of apple pie. I always say I prefer apple pie over any other dessert.  So when the apples are fresh & its heated up, or even covered with caramel sauce?  I just gained a pound thinking of it.


TWO // Pumpkin Pie

... ok... I could probably just do a post on pies.  I'm not joking when I say they are my favorite.  But how do you not pick Pumpkin Pie as a fall favorite?  With Thanksgiving & all things orange & pumpkin?  This is just a no brainer. 


THREE // Vegetarian Chili

This one is a quinoa Chili!
YUM!!!!

Chili is just made for the cool nights of fall.  So delicious. I love it that there are so many ways to make vegetarian chili as well.  The bad thing, I've had not a lot of luck making any myself. A friend of mine made some for our home church in her crock pot & it was amazing. That reminds me - I need to get her recipe.


FOUR // Broccoli cheese casserole

My brother makes this for Thanksgiving every year & I have to say, its worth not eating anything else the entire day to save the calories just for this dish. 


FIVE // Hot Chocolate

There's something special & comforting & cozy at sitting at home in front of our fireplace - though its a fake fireplace - bygones ... but holding a cup of hot chocolate in your hands & just winding down a day.  The taste of warm chocolate...My favorite is Starbucks Double Chocolate Hot Chocolate packets. OH MY GOSH... the best instant hot chocolate there is!  But I'm always on the hunt on Pinterest for great HC recipes.

 

What food comforts you during the colder days heading in?

 

Friday Five: Fall Activities

Today's Topic:  Favorite Fall Activities

I love everything about Fall so this is an easy topic for me...

But it may not be "activities" that I'm going with... maybe more 5 of my favorite things about Fall.   & if you really think about it, just surviving & breathing is an activity - so I think it all works together - right?

... just tell me right...

ONE // Running!

Well duh!  That seems obvious.  But something about Fall that makes running just magical to me.  I stick indoors during the humidity of summer. I'm not tough like most of you runners that get out there & sweat it out. I'm on  a treadmill, in front of a fan, watching Netflix #firstworldproblems ... but when the cool of Fall comes, I love hitting the outside pavement & watch the world as it changes into the most beautiful time of the year.


TWO // Windows Open

I don't only love it because my utility bill gets a break (thank you mother nature) - but something about crisp, fresh, cool air filling up a house just makes me happy.  I can't tell you how much I look forward to the weekends right now where I can just sleep in perfect comfort of a cool room & fresh air.    Let's ignore that it also gets my allergies in gear & gives me a sore throat & ear ache... I'll still choose to sleep with the windows open every time.


 
THREE // Warm Drinks

There's my first hot cup right there of the season!

I'm not a fan of warm drinks - I'm an iced coffee gal through & through.  But when it gets cool outside, I have started to appreciate the warmth of a hot cup of tea or coffee.  I had my first cup last weekend while I was Bible Journaling, next to the open window & the chill was too much.  So I kept my coffee hot... & it was just comforting.


FOUR // Decorations

I love all things Fall when it comes to decorating.  All the orange & browns & greens.  I'm not much good at doing it myself, but I love seeing it everywhere.  Give me all the pumpkins & leaves & wreaths & scarecrows & everything else you can muster up!  That picture above?  I imagine that's what Heaven's gates looks like to me :)


FIVE // VACATION & ANNIVERSARY!!!
(yes, all big letters on that - I am totally screaming)

I always love Fall especially because its when the Hubs & I take our vacation & its always during our anniversary week.  This year, its our 20th!... (I still can't believe I've been married 2 decades!!!) But we are both Fall lovers & love to just enjoy a week together soaking up everything Fall has to offer.  The best time of the year to us!

What is your favorite thing about Fall you love?

Weekly Wrap 08/31-09/06/15

Monday - T25

Here's an oldie but a goodie. I hadn't done T25 in such a long time.  I can tell the difference in my body since I did it last.  I was able to do a lot more of the higher impact moves.  & look at that messed up sweaty hair.  Prove positive it worked me out.


Tuesday- Les Mills Combat 30

Man, I dont think I'll ever have a workout that I love more then kick boxing.  I hadn't done Les Mills Combat in awhile & I missed it even more doing it.  Something about punching & kicking that is just home to me.


Wednesday - Running

Ricky had to work late so I ended up doing a run to pass the time.  I felt really good & strong on this one too.  A big thumbs up for that!


Thursday - Les Mills 45

I loved it so much on Tuesday, I did the next one up... a longer kickboxing class.

Friday - Walk / Abs

I dont normally work out on Friday but I needed a good stress break away from the computer so I walked about 2 miles & then did some abs.  A walk is always good for the body & soul.

Saturday

No 'formal' workout - but I was running all day & had a photo session which made for a good hour & a half of walking.  In 95 degree weather.  It was a sweat fest for sure in its own rite.

Sunday 

The hubs was sick & I was pretty much shackled to my computer... consider it a rest day.

* I think I could eat a whole carton of portabella mushrooms all by myself.  Make them up in olive oil & salt & pepper & yep, give me a whole plate.  I made it up with some quiona pasta & some fresh steamed broccoli & this was probably one of my best dishes I've made in awhile.

* I hate Baked Lays with my Subway sandwich this week.  That may not seem like a big deal, but I havent had any chips since June 1st.  I want to figure out how to live real life & that includes having a 130 calorie bag of chips if I want it.  Balancing it with my whole day's nutrition.  I don't want to feel like EVERY bit of food is not allowed.  I made sure to skip one carb (a yellow for you 21 Day Fixers) just so I could enjoy this bag of chips at lunch.  I think I made it work.

* I could eat Panera's avacado, egg & spinach sandwich every morning if I could.... YUM!

* My spirits are SOARING this week when I got on the scale & see that I am now down 21 lbs!  I am now in ONEderland... That's embarrassing to even say, but its accountability & the truth... & maybe it inspires someone else.  Its been a long time since I've been there. I never want to get out of there again.  I refuse for that to happen again.  I refuse.  It's only down from here!

* My spirits were also up when I got into a pair of shorts that I couldnt even get up over my hips at the beginning of the summer.  & they were comfortable too.... 

* My heart is aching for a close friend who has been fighting cancer for over 10 years... the doctors are saying her fight may be nearing the end.  I hate cancer.  My heart actually hurts for her & her family.

So how was your week? 

 

Give me the best thing that happened to you

Weekly Wrap... August 24-August 31, 2015

I love joining in with some of my favorite ladies & catching up on the previous week.

So here we go again.

Monday - Run

I so loved the run tonight. I felt good & strong.  The weather was perfect.  There was just nothing wrong with this tonight.

Tuesday - FAIL

I went to get my hair done on Tuesday & by the time I got home, I worked on pictures & didn't even get out of my work clothes until 10:45pm.  I really needed that workout.


Wednesday - STRESS RUN

Oh my gosh you all - I had the worst phone call of my life from the most random person in the world.  It was just a nightmarish phone call.  I cant even get into it because apparently, this woman, who I seriously saw for less then 2 minutes in my life, has been stalking everything I do & type & apparently, she thinks everyone knows I'm talking directly about her.  It's very bizarre.  But let's just say I have NEVER IN MY LIFE had someone talk to me like she talked to me... so I went out for a run after I sat & shed tears of frustration & anger for a few hours.  It was the best medicine to get out that stress.


Thursday - Cardio Fix

Ever have those workouts where you can tell from the beginning, you're not going to feel it this time around?  I struggled from the beginning to the last stretch.   But at least I completed it regardless.


Friday  / No workout
I  totally just worked on pictures from the time I got home until the time I went to bed.

Saturday / No workout
We were up & out of the house at 6:30am & we were on the run until we got home at 11:30pm ... It was a constantly go go go day.

Sunday / No workout
I had church & then a family photo session & then it was just time to work on pictures & get ready for the week ahead...


Not the best week... what can you do...

* I didn't get to eat one night because I was so busy.  I went to bed starving & work up ready to eat my arm off. That's bad to do on a body.

* I ran out of blueberries this week & almost felt in a panic. 

* Friday night, the hubs brought home some food from Chuy's & I ate it so fast, I was miserable.  If I slowed down, I probably would have only ate half of it.  Lesson learned.

* I switched up my Shakeology this month to vanilla & gave the vegan ones a break to see how it would affect my digestive system.  Jury is still out - though I do like the different taste of vanilla.  I've been doing chocolate for 2 months now.

* I had butter for the first time in forever on a sweet potato out at a restaurant & I think it made me sick.  I felt so bad after I ate it.

* Went out to Wick's pizza Saturday night & everyone had breadsticks or thick crust Chicago style pizza... I ordered a healthy quesadilla with spinach, red peppers & mushrooms.  Proud of my food choice.

* My emotions have been so up & down with all the church drama that has been happening.  But I always remember who is in control.

* My stress level has been at an all time high this past week with trying to get my wedding pictures done & having another photo session on top of it.

* I need a vacation...seriously... I need to hide from the world for a bit.

How was your week?

 

What the best thing about it?

Friday Five: best of summer 2015

I can't believe we're rounding out summer.

Though I do love fall! Always excited to see it come... but then double sad to get to winter.  The seasons put me in such an emotional roller coaster.

But today's Friday Five is fun - a look back at some of the best moments of Summer



ONE// Surprise 20 year Renewal

I so loved this summer being able to capture the most special event.  These two celebrated their 20th anniversary & their kids orchestrated a whole vow renewal - complete with dress, cake, memories from their wedding all displayed & even brought back the groom's best man.  It was just the most amazingly perfect day.

Mom surrounded by her daughters as they were explaining to her what was happening.

TWO//  4th of July



Loved having our family up for 4th of July & celebrating it at my parents house with the greatest fireworks ever. The Grand Dudes loved it... fields, horses, LOUD BRIGHT fireworks. It was a wonderful day.


THREE//  Color Run

I'm used to doing races by myself or have the hubs with me so this was so much fun to meet up with ladies from my church.  I so enjoyed those 3.1 miles in talking with them & getting to know them better.  Glitter on top of it all makes it even more special.



FOUR//  Merge Camp

Me getting my "preach" on :)

This was our 3rd year of doing Merge Camp & it was just as special as the previous years.  New faces joined in this year.  I got to get some deeper connections with some new kiddos.  & we were reminded about falling in love with God at the most critical time our church kids needed it.


FIVE//  Women of Faith



It never ever gets old to worship in a room full of thousands of people... even better when its thousands of your sisters in Christ.  Loved getting to see some old friends & making new ones.  Fill up my soul every day Lord!

How was your summer?

 

What's the one best thing that happened for you?

 

Weekly wrap

Well, not a great week... only because I was super swamped & on the move the whole time - so while not working out, I wasn't lazy.  Let's make that noted

BODY

Monday - C25K Week 5

I felt really good on this one.. but its also the run that sparked my post last week about being a slower runner then a fast walker.  The jury is still out on how that affects me mentally or what I'll choose to do more - I guess I just need to listen to my body because ultimately, the aches & pains of being in my mid-40's pretty much rules everything anyways.... but look at that mid-40 yr old body give a good jump! GO GIRL


Tuesday - Upper Fix

I picked up my weights to 7 lbs... which my left arm loves. My right arm is saying, "Did you forget you basically need shoulder surgery?"... blah.  But yeah.  Like I always say, I'm pressing on.  I need to get these flabby arms toned up.


Wednesday - Cardio Fix

I normally go for a run on Monday & Wednesdays... but I knew the weather was going to be better the next few days so I thought I'll switch it up.  & this may not be a run, but its a sweat gusher of a workout.  & apparently a very serious work out if you look at the facial expressions.  #IDontPlayAround

Here's where everything went downhill in the 'workout' sense.

Thursday - I had a wedding rehearsal & didn't get home until about 8.  & it was gorgeous out & I could have gone out for a late run & I just had too much to do - with getting equipment ready & trying to get life in order a bit.  & I figured I would work out on Friday since it was going to be beautiful

... except Friday came & went & I never worked out. I got home from work & was exhausted.  Beat down.  Fridays catch up all the week stress on me in 1 day. I just wanted to get some rest - especially knowing I'd be on my feet the ENTIRE day the next day.

Saturday - WEDDING DAY!

No 'real' work out, but I got in over 17,000 steps - so yeah, I was on the move all day long.  Not to mention, I probably only ate about 750 calories for the day as well...  wedding photography diet plan.

Nutrition

* I tried to get more on track this week & again, Friday & Saturday threw me off.  The hubs picked up pizza & I did good keeping it down to 2 slices... but then had 1 more.   Hey, 3 slices is great for a girl like me who can usually eat a whole medium by myself.  But 2 slices would have been perfect for my 21 day fix.  & honestly, I didn't really blow anything with my meal plan, I had some room for that day to eat - I just didn't like that feeling of riding the edge of over eating again. I don't want to go back to that.

* I also had my first York Peppermint patty since June 1st.  Had it for basically my whole meal for Wedding day. I knew I'd need sugar in the day... it was kinda my life saver for the busy day.  So I'll not take too much heat for that snack.

* Sunday was my biggest failure.  We went out to celebrate a friend's ministry work & they had cake. I've done good to turn down all cake offered to me since June 1st but I gave in & ate a small slice.  It wasn't even something that I was like, OH MY GOSH - THIS IS WONDERFUL.  Every bite I was like, "mmm, this is ok" & then felt like it was going to make me feed bad about it.  I don't think I'll be as sad skipping a piece of cake again, so there's that good that came out of it.

* Iced Coffee count?  Too many to keep track of. That would be interesting to see how many I drink in a week.  As of today, already 1 down.

SPIRIT

* I appreciate all the kind words over all the church drama happening... our pastor ended up stepping down this week so now we don't know where our church is headed - I'm hoping towards healing, but that's still going to be a bumpy road.  Needless to say, I stood in my church youth room & cried after the kids left with sad faces & confusion on what was happening in their church & seeing the loss of friends as they left the church.  It's a trying time.

* My spirit was also lifted as I got to share in the beautiful wedding day I got to photograph this weekend.  Gorgeous bride & grooms & stunning wedding days make me happy to be able to capture for beautiful people.

How was your week?

 

Give me a high & a low

Weekly Wrap

So I just noticed I didn't even post anything after last week's "weekly wrap"...

that's how crazy my world has been lately...

But its been another week, so let's look back.

BODY

Monday -Total Body Cardio Fix

I really like this workout in the 21 Day Fix program.  It covers the WHOLE body. & I'm loving that I'm picking it up - doing more high impact & feeling stronger throughout.  It really gets the heart pumping.


Tuesday - Upper Body Fix

I still love this workout as my favorite in the workout mix.  I am such need of arm flab to go away.  I've increased my weights on some exercises to my 7lb'ers ... for me, that makes me feel like Arnold. 


Wednesday - Les Mills Combat 30

Kickboxing will always be my workout love language.  I hadn't done it in awhile & my legs instantly remembered how much it can ache.  There's a part that does over 240 kicks in a row. Yeah, my butt, I'm pretty sure, cries during this.  I definitely know my quads are sobbing.


Thursday - Run 2 miles

I was off on my running this week because I was just squeezing in workouts when I could - so I didn't follow my C25K program but picked up where I left out - Week 4, day 3.  I actually felt great during the 5 minute runs this time too.  The night was warm but not miserable - enough to make me a sweaty mess though.  All of this pounding of the pavement is making me think about starting to sign up for some races again.


Friday & Saturday - GIRLS WEEKEND!

I had the Women of Faith conference this weekend. & while I didn't get in any workouts, I was on the move a lot. A lot of walking, A lot of standing. A lot of worshipping - which for me, I'm a mover & a shaker. I'm the person who is standing dancing to songs.  It helped that we couldn't find anywhere for lunch on Saturday & walked for 25 minutes to find a spot.  It DIDN'T help that the only place we could get in was White Castle.  Thumbs up that even they have veggie burgers though.

Sunday - Rest day is an understatement

I was exhausted.  We ran to Sam's Club so I could reload on fruits & veggies & by the time we got home, I laid down on the coach the rest of the evening. I got up long enough to make half a Peanut Butter sandwich.  I fought to keep my eyes open to watch Bachelor in Paradise - I do have priorities in life.

Food

I felt a little off on my food this week.  So much is happening in my world right now with some issues in my life - I was in meetings till 11pm some nights, visiting with families to talk about what's happening in our church, checking up on kids hearing all the 'adult drama' going on (their words, not mine) - its been some days I don't eat at all, & most days, just getting what I can get my hands on quick.

When I had onion rings at White Castle for lunch, it felt like the biggest treat ever.  But its not something I care to indulge in every day anymore.

I'm ready to get food back on track this week

Soul

My soul has been on a roller coaster this week.  Our church is having 'issues' & by issues, I mean basically crumbling apart.  ... but then I go to a weekend where God is the focus & raising your spirits & having your soul filled is what its about.  & then you leave there & see the heart break that is happening around me & yeah... roller coaster..

How was your week?

 

Have a great workout?

 

What's the best thing you ate this week?