Shape it up!

Today I went to my first bootcamp at the Y, and let me tell you, it totally kicked my butt! We started out running around the track, which I am used to... but then we had to run single filed and that's where it got tough for me. I have my own slow pace that I like to run, and I know I need to speed it up some, but the people in my class were just too fast for me! It seemed like they all were in tip top shape and were just doing the bootcamp to keep that up. I liked it though, even though my abs are feeling it right now (you know there has to be some abs under there somewhere!), and I may even go back next week! Thanks Miranda for inspiring me!

I have started to pick up more workouts this week than my usual one or two. I went to zumba on Monday and Thursday, ran at the Y and lifted weights on Tuesday, then I did the bootcamp today (Friday). I may start taking some different classes at the Y, instead of going to the zumba on Mondays. I hope I can keep all this up after I go back to working again.

I have also decided to cut down on my portions during meals, try not to snack late at night, and only drink pop on the weekend. Phil and I have been planning our weekly menus the week before, and making up our shopping list with those meals in mind. This has helped on cutting costs at the store each week.

Here is our new favorite recipe for our crockpot:

Lentils

1 cup dry lentils
1 cup carrots (chopped)
1 cup celery (chopped)
1 cup onion (chopped)
1 cup smoked turkey sausages (chopped)
4 cups vegetable broth
Season with salt, pepper, & cumin

Place all ingredients in the crockpot on LOW for 6 hours.

We are addicted to this right now, it is super easy, and before we made it Phil, had never had lentils before! I had never used cumin while cooking and now I love it! So good!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Our Babies

I have decided to introduce you to mine and Phil's fishy babies today!

First up is Chameleon! Chameleon is a Plecostomus, aka pleco or algae eater. He is a type of catfish (all our fish are). We have had Chameleon since he was a baby about 5 years ago! Isn't his belly pretty?

Next is Harley! Harley is a Striped Raphael catfish. She likes to stay inside of her house most of the time, but she will sometimes venture out, especially if Chameleon kicks her out! We have had her for about 4 years.

This is 1 of 3 new additions to our fishy home! Meet Bruce! Bruce is an Eclipse Catfish, aka SunCat. These guys like to hide, so I though I'd get a picture of him in his bag before we released him.

This is B.B. King, our new Spotted Corydora catfish, aka cory cat. B.B. King is much larger than this now and we have had to put him on a diet!

And finally, our last baby is an Albino cory cat we name Mr. Miyagi! He is named that cause his favorite past time is swimming back and forth the front of the tank waxing on and off! haha



I also wanted to mention my outside furry baby we named Muffin! Muffin is not our cat but loves to visit us occasionally and will want me to pet him and will stare at us through our window! We first met Muffin on Phil's birthday, a couple days after we moved into our place. The birthday card I got Phil is above, then Muffin shows up looking alot like the cat on the card! It was meant to be!

What kind of pets do you have?

Valentine's Wreath

I know I promised to show you my Valentine's Day wreath I wanted to make, and I think it turned out just okay. Let me know what you think...

I used the flowers from my bridesmaid bouquet from my friend's wedding I was in several years ago. After the wedding, I hung the bouquet upside down until after my wedding when I put my bridal bouquet in it's place! I was inspired to use it for my wreath.

My mom purchased this wreath around my wedding and thought we could use it. We didn't use it there, but I was looking for something to put up on my door in place of the Christmas wreath so it came in handy anyway.

And the finished product! I think it turned out good enough. I kind of just placed the dried flowers in between the branches of the wreath, so I hope the wind won't be too harsh on it! At least our porch is covered and the rain can't get to it! I kinda want to have something hanging down in the middle, like a cute little Valentine's sign or something. What do you think?

I Had A Dream...

Very fitting for this week, but not what you may think. A couple nights ago, I had a dream about Jake Pavelka, you know the pilot guy who was once "The Bachelor"? It was pretty weird and I can't even remember what it was about, except that maybe the song "On the Wings of Love" may have been in it! But, after I woke up from that dream I kept going in and out of sleep thinking about how to write a blog on my love for the show. I did tell you I didn't feel good in the beginning of this week, right? haha One of my ideas was a list of how you knew you might be addicted to "The Bachelor/Bachelorette"... so I am just going to try that idea! Here goes...

• You have dreams about past cast members of the show! (obvious addition to the list!)


• You can't wait for Monday nights!


• You watched Miss America just because you love Chris Harrison!


• You follow Chris Harrison and Ben Flajnik on Twitter!


• You root for the girl (or guy) who is in your profession to at least not be crazy!


• You follow past bachelors/bachelorettes after their shows! For example: did you know that Kasey Kahl, you know the guy that wanted to honor & protect you, was arrested??? Click here to see his mug shot! Also, go here to see who will be the next Bachelorette!

That's all I could think of right now. Can you all think of anymore? Feel free to comment them to me, I would love to see what you think!

Yuck!

I haven't felt too great this week. Monday I worked and felt fine, but yesterday and today I just don't feel the best. Anyways...

Since I last blogged, on Friday we celebrated mom's birthday with some yummy garlic mashed potatoes I made! They turned out really yummy and I found the recipe here.

On Saturday, Phil and I went to his work party at the casino/dog track. I finally got to play the Sex & the City machine there and ended up making $10! Woot!

Sunday, we did nothing except go to Subway, which we should make into a place we regularly go out to eat instead of some other places we go. It will save us some money and be a healthier choice.

I need to start working out again. Last week I went and pushed myself to run a faster mile, then my hip hurt. So I didn't do anything else the rest of the week. Now I don't feel good, so I guess I am just making excuses now for not doing anything. Tomorrow, my plan is to go to Zumba! I miss it!

I still plan on making my Valentines' wreath! Stay tuned!

Just to let you know...

• Tomorrow is my mom's birthday! Happy Birthday Momma!




• I am going to attempt to make some scrumptious garlic mashed potatoes to bring to mom's birthday dinner and I need a recipe! Anyone know a good one?




• I am going to be decorating a Valentine's Day wreath for our door, and I think I will take some pictures to show you all!




• I am hoping I wake up to some snow in the morning, but that the roads are okay cause I don't wanna worry about my hubbo driving to work!




• I got woke up to work this morning and I get to work Monday too!




• I love you friends! Have a happy day!

Makeup!

I almost forgot to tell you about one of my most favorite gifts I got for Christmas from my awesome hubby! I use it everyday (that I go out and wear makeup) and it is great!This is the Sephora Collection Makeup Studio Blockbuster and can be found here! As you may remember, I LOVE eyeshadow and I can make so many color combinations with this collection! I have already made a few and haven't even scratched the surface of what I could create! It also includes liquid eyeliners, tons of lip glosses, 3 different shades of blush, a bronzer, mascara, and some brushes to use with each. The price is pretty good too, ecspecially for the amount and quality of makeup you get!

Thank you husband! You done good!