Fitness | | Page 6

Image via

I say life lately – but this is more of a brain dump! (I started writing this post on Monday and it’s now Friday and I am finally getting around to hit the publish button)

Weekend Recap
We actually had a nice weekend. Friday we were at a first birthday/Lohri party for a dear friend of mine’s daughter. The party was at an Indian Banquet hall and I have to say it was so well done. A play area for the kids, candy bar, amazing decor, well planned table games, even the entertainment was something new. Although now I am more convinced to do a small intimate celebration for our Ellie. I do feel kind of guilty for not doing the same things with both kids but I do have keep my sanity!

Image via

Starting Meal-Prep
I did meal prep on the weekend in an effort to practice for the real deal in a few months. Here is what I made: Breakfast options included 2 days of oven baked omelettes, 2 days of green smoothies (to be paired with pb on toast), 1 day of oatmeal. For mains I made slow cooker eggplant parmesan, buffalo cauliflower and we made a huge batch of brown rice. Also I had a coconut chickpea stew in the freezer that I pulled out for dinner and lunch! I’ve been eyeing these meal prep containers for over a year – I should just get them!

So what have I learned from meal prepping / using my slow cooker is that:

Meal prep 2.5 mains for use during the week as lunches or dinners
Prep veggies/legumes as the 0.5 for 1) above. So things like the roasted cauliflower, roasted chickpeas, cooked black beans or steamed broccoli or peas (which I am doing next week). These can be added to anything to make a meal more full (or to pasta or rice for kiddo meals).
Make a big batch of grains for use during the week. I like to add some to a big salad and it can obviously be used as a base.
Prep some healthy snacks like energy bites or protein cookies (I didn’t do it this time but I will try next time)
Have tons of sauces, spreads, toppings and garnishes on hand. I made a ranch dressing out of mayo, milk, onion powder and dill – it was so good and I was quite impressed. I hate buying store bought dressing to only use it once or twice and then have it be a complete waste. Other things we have used this week: cilantro, hot sauce, roasted sesame seeds, almond butter, cacao nibs etc
Plan your grocery run and make sure you have a list
Do the groceries before the weekend (if you can). I find it very tiring and impossible to do the groceries on the weekend with the kids in tow and then to some how find the time to prep the food. I haven’t figured out when to make the food (right now it’s a little at night and little in the morning and lots in between) so having the food in the house gives me some leeway.

Image via

Watching
I am heavy into some royal history on Netflix. Reason being two fold – I find the modern royals fascinating and I get a history lesson along the way.

Image via

Fitness
The mister and I are trying to find out new norm for working out. Gone are the days where we could spend upwards of an hour at the gym. Having kids changes everything. Do cardio, resistance training, some abs and of course stretch all in one session. We’ve realized the best we can do is 15 minute intervals. So we are starting again, starting small and slow.

Reading
I just finished reading The Rushing Woman’s Syndrome. It was actually a really great read for the point in my life where I am now. I’d love to a review and share my favourite parts of the book in a later post (a girl can dream). But after reading this book, I feel even more empowered to care for what I eat and how I treat myself #Selfcare. I started reading Overdressed, and it’s already grabbed my attention. And I still have to go back and finish reading Ishmael.

PS: All images are from Tumblr (credited as found)

The day before yesterday was my birthday And if you can tell by the title, I turned 35!

Initially I didn’t give it a second thought, because ever since I turned 18 I realized I always have felt like I was 16 :)

But I figured, I’d mark the moment with a little reminder to myself of 35 of my favourite things.

1. Hugs from Miss S and EliHaze
I am grateful for when my girls wrap their tiny arms tightly around my neck and lately when Miss S tries to reach all the way around my shoulders. I completely agree with all parents who have ever told me that kid cuddles are the best.

2. 1 second video app
I’ve been struggling with trying to capture the special moments but also stay present with the kids. Buuut, I think I’ve found something that may be the solution. I used this awesome app for about 6 months. It’s so fun to watch how our life changed in those months. Just doing some sound edits and will be posting it soon.

3. Day dates with the Hubs
Before kids, the mister and I went out almost every night. Living downtown, we took advantage of every scene possible. The ‘Liscious events, Nuit Blanche, Going to movies after work/dinner, even a late night (10pm) gym session was a luxury we enjoyed. However now, we take serious advantage of the “day date”. I know we may have a few more years ahead of us before we can truly enjoy a night out again so we are using daycare and a kiddo napping in the car seat whenever we can!

4. My DSLR
Mad love although I am in the market for a something new :) Like this and this or this.

5. My blog
I think anyone out there who has a blog agrees. And even though I’ve questioned parts of the blogging experience – my blog is a special place for my words, thoughts, art and photographs.

6. The Library
I love walking into a big room full of books, and then walking out with a stack of books for free (for appx 3 weeks) is even better.

7. Our kitchen chalkboard
I actually got the idea to paint a wall in our kitchen from a family member who also had it in her kitchen. Sometimes we use it for our grocery list, doodles, teach a lesson to Miss S, a seasonal message, a reminder, a to-do list. But it fosters our family’s cohesiveness and creativity – which is top of my list.

8. Kiddo art work
Whether it’s stuff that gets sent home with her from preschool or things her and I create together when her pops is in school – I love it. I really really really hope I am instilling some foundation of creativity in her.

9. Marketing/Social Media/Millennials/Hygge
I probably sound like a big nerd but I find the above topics so fascinating – especially how they interwine.

10. Gratitude
It’s a habit I picked up a few years ago, but it’s still my favourite mind recharging tool. (Now if only I can get into meditation)

11. Easy green smoothie
Handful or two of baby spinach, one chopped up pear, a few splashes of lime juice and teaspoon of maple syrup – the EASIEST greens smoothie eeevvaaaa! Also quick add ons for my weekend smoothie: cinnamon, ginger (fresh with peals on), a banana, coconut water, hemp hearts, celery, cucumber #Slurp

12. Moleskin planner
I’ve mentioned this a few times, I am kind of planner and journal obsessed. But the Moleskin planner is my current fav. It’s a a one or TWO year planner with a SOFT COVER! It has lined pages beside a weekly page, tons of simple stickers, monthly calendars, free pages and a pocket.

13. The Social
Love this TV show. Especially when I was using the gym on my work lunch break. I can break up the work day to watch it lol

14. PodCasts
I know they’ve been around for a while, but I only got into them recently. It’s such an EASY way to get information without having to look at something (i.e.: a screen). I started this one recently after reading this book. Other favs include: Richroll, The Millennial and the Ted Talks.

15. DIYing
Probably the coolest concept. Growing up I didn’t really have anyone role model to me what a DIY was so when I started planning my wedding and realized it was thing I was hooked. I do it a lot from party decor to house hold stuff. Somethings I want to try in the next year: rope basket in different shapes and sizes (thinking small one for the front door key / phone spot and something larger for Miss S’s room)…aaanndd maybe this too.

16. Fresh roses on our coffee table
The house can be a complete disaster (which it normally is) but when I see the fresh roses on the coffee table – I feel like I am in a hotel lobby or in someone who’s house is clean and spotless LOL

17. Reading Blogs
I think I’ve said this before but blogs (currently and more specifically lifestyle blogs) are so inspiring and motivating. I’ve been reading blogs for over 10 years now – The one blog I used to read/interact with is no longer around, but the writer was a sweetheart and so relatable. That said, with social media the past time of ACTUALLY reading the blog posts is now a long lost hobby I feel.

18. My faux Marble table top
I saw a DIY for this in the summer and it was the coolest thing so I made one. Theeennnn I realized I could probably just swap out a table top from an actual table (maybe something from Ikea or Target) and actually have a “marble table”. In any case it’s perfect for clean background / flatlay shots that I love taking and it cost me less than 10 bucks!

19. Counting my steps
I think a few years ago when 10K steps a day became a thing I didn’t catch on. But the older / wiser I get I feel like walking is a misunderstood form of physical activity. I realized this by starting the BBG program (which I didn’t finish – twice now) I love the gym, I love weights and I love running but I am starting to fall in love with walking. I’ve been going back and forth between my phone and my husbands fitbit flex (which I gifted him but he doesn’t use lol). And some days when I am feeling really motivated, I walk circles around my house just to “get my steps in”

20. My Foam Roller
I first started using a foam roller in 2012, but it should have been sooner.

21. This photograph is by far my fav photograph from this year. You can find it on my Etsy shop too!

22. Doing arts and craft projects with my daughter
I am legit that IT analyst corporette/Mat Leave mom by day and that wannabe DIY/Craft Mom all the other times of the day lol. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now just gotta find a way to do more DIYs and crafts in the day :P

23. Going to the gym on my lunch break
I never thought I would be one of those people rushing to the gym to get a workout in during my lunch break – but it’s been the best decision for my lifestyle (as a working mom).

24. Instagram
I’ve been using it since 2012 on my personal account and since 2015 as an extension of this blog. It is still by far my favourite social media site. I always find motivating and intriguing people to follow and I love scrolling my own feed to see all the cool things I’ve been up to/pictures I’ve been able to capture.

25. Our neighbourhood
All the parks and green space – serious game changer.

26. Yoga / Sun Salutations
I don’t do it enough but it always makes me feel better. Now next year I need to get into meditiation.

27. Facetime
I know this is super old technology but it’s major thing holding me back from getting anything other than apple products. Plus – It’s an awesome way to talk to grandparents, cousins and friends who are not close by.

28. Loaded Oatmeal
Although I haven’t had oatmeal in a few weeks I love love love personalizing it and making it into a hearty meal or very filling snack. Some of my fav toppings are: hemp hearts, hazelnut almond butter, cacao nibs/dark chocolate chips :)

29. Wholewheat toast with melty pb, banana and chia seeds
I would eat it everyday.

30. Intention/Minimalism
Being more aware of what I am doing/eating/thinking/saying has allowed me to be more conscious of my consumption. And that awareness is only something a 35 year old can get :P

31. Giving up chicken (and bacon!)
I have never been so proud of myself then I have these past almost 4 months.

32. Journaling
Whatever form it is in, i.e.: this blog, bullet journaling or even in a folder of word documents. The process and practice is very invigorating to me.

33. Red nail polish & Red lipstick
Honestly someone just perma-stain my nails red because it’s truly the only nail polish colour that I can keep on my nails for longer than 3 days :P

34. The words “I am”
Totally related to being intentional these words are really powerful. I recently read that chanting the words “I am, I can, I will, I do” during meditation is probably more doable / powerful than focusing too hard on breathing.

35. Mind Maping
Getting all your thoughts out on a topic or project is so freeing!

Category Archives: Fitness

A new years Life Lately post

PS: All images are from Tumblr (credited as found)

35 Favourite Things #HappyBirthdayToMe