food

Everyone is ballin’ on a budget  these days and with the Holidays coming up there will be lots of parties where some sort of baked goods are on the to-do list.  That’s why I keep a few boxes of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin mix ($2.99) on hand.  I know its baking from a box but when there’s not enough time to get ready, let alone bake something, this stuff rocks! 

The bread takes about 45 minutes to bake but the muffins only take 15-20 minutes.  For extra flavor, throw in some dried cranberries or walnuts.   A free added bonus is the tasty pumpkin spice aroma that fills the house!Beach Kings buy

After two weeks on the new workout plan and diet I’m down 4 lbs and 3% body fat!  I have come to realize that my arms are in the worst shape!  This morning I did 2 set (15 reps per set) of Bent-Over Barbell Rows with 30 lbs!  That’s right…after eight weeks you’ll find me at…..THE GUNS SHOW!!!  Anywho…my arms were burning but this morning my clothes are fitting differently and my muscles have a good workout ache.

I know its hard to always measure out food but for $6 this Walgreens diet scale was well worth it!  It has become my new best friend, sorry E!  I don’t use it all the time but its really helpful when weighing a standard 4 oz portion of meat like chicken or salmon.

I’m packing more lunches and snacks to help avoid making bad food choices.  For example, tonight is bowling night and to be prepared I packed a light dinner of egg salad, raspberries, and string cheese.

That should help me avoid the standard issue nachos and cheese (Pantone 138). I’ll still enjoy a beer or 2 depending on how many gutter balls I make!

Issue Challenge!  The hubby and I are taking a mini-break at the beginning of December and since we’ll be heading somewhere that has a beach its a great reason to breakout some fitness goals. 

I have 8 weeks to shed 15 lbs.  It’s aggressive but with the right tools I know I can make it happen. I’m not using any crazy diet like Atkins or South Beach. I will still have carbs, protein and fat but all in moderation. The type of exercise is key! 

I received some great advice from my co-worker, Chris, who recommended The New Rules of Lifting for Women. It’s for those that are serious about seeing some results.  There are a lot of myths about women and weightlifting!  This books blows those myths out of the water and with a great sense of humor.  “Put down the ‘Barbie’ weights and step away from the treadmill.”

Not to worry, this won’t turn into a fitness journal.  I still have plenty of crafty stuff to share!  I’ll have the occasional update on my progress and along the way I’ll share some recipes.  Wish me luck!

beer dinner

Originally uploaded by dhop76

Wednesday night we meet another couple at Newstead Pub here in St. Louis for a five course food and Bell’s beer pairing. The food was excellent and the beer was good!

My favorites were course 1; the salmon flatbread and course 4; the braised rabbit. Let me tell you that the wabbit was dee-wish-us!

The only thing that fell short for me was the last beer. A cherry stout. I’m a fan of the stout. I don’t drink it very often but on the odd occasion I have one I really enjoy it. This one…not so much! The heavy stout beer with a cherry finish was compared too cough syrup or even as far out at soy sauce! Great for dipping, not for drinking!

All in all, it was a really fun evening. Great company and something different for a Wednesday night.