Booked Baby!

No, the title of today's post does not mean that I'm writing a book. In no way does it mean that I was offered a book deal because some brilliant publisher realized that I was a priceless little gem. I wish!!! BUT NO!

What it DOES mean is that WE DID IT! It's official. We booked an amazing vacation house on Ocracoke Island, NC and we leave in mid May for a week long getaway from life, stress, work and drama. I AM SERIOUSLY INCAPABLE OF CONTAINING MY JOY RIGHT NOW! I already requested the time off at work. I'm giddy! The insane list writing already commenced last night. There was no stopping me. The numerous (yes, numerous) lists cover many, MANY exciting topics. Such as...

1. What to buy before hand,
2. What to buy there (food wise),
3. What to pack for the car ride,
4. What to pack period.
5. What to do while there.

I love making lists! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Here's a sneak peek from the rental property website.... (juuuust a mini teaser...) This is the view from the deck. AHHHHHHHH! I'm going to LIVE out there! So gorgeous!


Okay, please excuse my uncontrollable enthusiasm. We can now focus on some edible goodies.

BREAKFAST (meal #1) at 9:15am.

I had the usual "at work" morning feast.

• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/4 wheat bran
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp apple pie spice
• pinch salt
• Splenda to taste
• (Microwaved to creamy perfection and topped with 1 tbs Better N' Peanut Butter, 2 tbs sugar free cherry preserves, 1 tbs ground flax)

I started making more lists for vacation in between bites. You know, just in case I lose the ones at home. (My list problem runs deep...)

LUNCH (meal #2) at 12:30pm.

I made a tasty little wrap in a honey wheat FlatOut with spinach, tomato, orange bell pepper and smoked turkey. On the side I had more peppers, tomato and a very ripe kiwi. Twas tasty.


Ann and I escaped Cubicle Shangri-La today and went to Target on our break. She needed a few items for her new apartment and I just needed a break away from my nagging computer screen. Mental breaks are so lovely.

SNACK (meal #3) at 4:15pm.

I enjoyed a blueberry Dannon Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of Udi's vanilla granola.


Alright people, it's official. I am in love with Udi's. I love the chewiness of their granola. The fresh scent of honey and vanilla in this mix was amazing.


The second I opened the bag it was like being slapped in the face with a vanilla infused honeycomb. Intense aroma, great flavor and perfect texture. LOVE!

After work we hit them gym hard. I was in the groove today. It was Bicep, Tricep, Shoulders and Cardio day. My favorite. ;)

WORKOUT!

Tricep Pushdown (cable)
80lb x 15
70lb x 15 (2 sets)
Bicep Curl (barbell)
40lb x 15
35lb x 15 (2 sets)
Front Shoulder Raise (barbell)
25lb x 15
20lb x 15 (2 sets)
Tricep Overhead Extension (Cable)
50lb x 15 (3 sets)
21's (barbell)
25lb x 21 (3 sets)

SUPERSET (3 sets)
Military Press (barbell)
35lb x 12
Upright Row (barbell)
35lb x 12

Skull Crusher (barbell)
25lb x 15 (3 sets)
Bicep Curls (barbell)
45lb x 9 ( :-0 )
Elliptical Cross Trainer
30 minutes, Uphill Challenge, Levels 6-18 (18 is insanity!)

Total time at gym = 1:12
Max HR = 178
Average HR = 147
Total Calories Burned = 650

SNACK (meal #4) at 7:15pm.

I refueled with a green monster smoothie as soon as I got home. It has been to long my beloved green beast. Far too long!

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze
• 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder
• 1 banana
• 1 tbs sugar free Irish Cream Torani syrup
• 2 cups ice
• 2 cups spinach leaves

So good, but so cold. It almost hurt to finish it. ALMOST! Of course I managed because it was absolutely delicious! I just wrapped up in a blanket until I was done and then warmed up in a nice hot bath.

DINNER (meal #5) at 9:30pm.

I've been craving a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup for quite some time now. I finally gave in and had it tonight, seasoned with black pepper and cayenne.


On the side I had a grilled cheese sandwich. I made it with rye bread and fat free cheddar cheese. I like using rye. It adds so much flavor to this typical sandwich. It was delicious!


Time to go snuggle with the Mr. now. He's wrapped in a blanket and looks really comfortable. I want in on that comfort.

Lids are getting heavy. I think it will be bedtime soon.....
XOXO
Ildie

I live in a jungle

Hello lovelies.

I adore waking up to sunshine on a Saturday. I celebrated with a caramel drizzle flavored coffee infused with cinnamon fresh out of my French Press. I cuddled with Oliver and his typical attention whoreish ways. He's only like this first thing in the morning. Trust me! Fluffy Butt and I cuddled for a bit while I read my favorite blogs. Morning perfection!

BREAKFAST (meal #1) at 9:00am.

I made a quick egg white scramble with 4 eggs, S+P, chopped fresh spinach and diced tomato. I toasted a wheat, Thomas's bagel thin, sprayed it with a bit of butter and topped each slice with the eggs. Simple perfection!


Enjoyed with two kiwis on the side, skin and all. YUM!


I let my food digest for a while and then got dressed for the gym. I was feeling extra motivated to sweat and KILL myself today. I always feel like I get my BEST workouts in on Saturdays. The gym is less busy, I have more time and I get to go in the morning which lets me enjoy the rest of my day.

WORKOUT!

Hack Squat (plate loaded)
50lb x 15 (3 sets)
Leg Extension (cable)
90lb x 15 (2sets)
80lb x 15
Seated Leg Curl (cable)
90lb x 15 (2 sets)
80lb x 15
Inner Thigh Machine (cable)
65lb x 20 (3 sets)
Outer Thigh Machine (cable)
75lb x 20 (3 sets)
Ab Machine (cable)
100lb x 20 (2 sets) WHEW!
Single Leg Press (plate loaded)
100lb (each leg) x 15 (3 sets)
Squats
x15 (3 sets)
Stuff Legged Deadlift (barbell)
45lb x 15 (3 sets)
Elliptical Cross Trainer
30 minutes, 2.78 miles, 2 minute intervals of levels 8-10

Total time at gym = 1:28
Max HR = 175
Average HR = 143
Total calories burned = 747

I looked like a deranged, sweaty and overly red beast by the time I was done. Ann said I looked "weird". I guess parts of my face were bright red and others looked jaundiced. ?? Whatever. NO PAIN NO GAIN!

I drove home with the sunroof open and loved every minute of it. I LOVE YOU SPRING!

SNACK (meal #2) at 12:30.

I refueled my quivering little legs with a green monster smoothie.

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze
• 1 scoop chocolate peanut butter whey protein powder
• 1 packet of Amazing Grass green superfood

• 1 tbs sugar free chocolate Torani syrup
• 1 banana, sliced
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves
• 2 cups ice

Blended to perfection and sipped on for what seemed like an eternity. This made a MASSIVE amount! So delicious though. You better believe that I drank it all. :)

Nick and decided to work on the "Jungle" for a bit this afternoon. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before or not but I have a Super Hybrid Mega Jungle taking over a portion of my property. Junk grows taller than me every Spring and is UNCONTROLLABLE! I think we're in denial about needing professional help but I'll play along! At least I got to enjoy some nice weather while we slaved away.

LUNCH (meal #3) at 4:30.

I made a quick lunch after our outdoor adventure. I was STARVING! I made a quick FlatOut quesadilla with a wedge of light swiss Laughing Cow Cheese, fat free refried beans and jalapenos. Toasted in a pan with Pam and topped with Trader Joe's pineapple salsa.


I also had cauliflowers, green peppers and roasted garlic hummus on the side.


This meal made he happy. So happy that I did a little dance. No, not really, but I thought about it. :)

After lunch I FINALLY got to sit down and do nothing. Lame? I THINK NOT! I miss downtime. It seems like I'm always rushing around and doing something. Working, working out, cooking, cleaning, laundry, blogging, visiting with family and friends etc... I cherish "nothing" time.

DINNER (meal #4) at 9:00pm.

Tilapia was on the menu tonight. I've been craving them for days. I seasoned the fillets with pink salt and dill, dipped them in egg whites and coated them with panko bread crumbs (which were seasoned with garlic powder, rosemary and key lime powder). I also seasoned some asparagus with pink salt and black pepper. I put the fish and asparagus on the same cookie sheet and baked them at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Dinner turned out perfect! I had some low calorie tartar sauce on the side and drizzled some Sriracha over the fish. MMM!


Deeeeeeeeeelicious!

I think Nick and I are about to play that new board game I got him for his Birthday. It looks VERY involved. He has been reading and re-reading the rules for over an hour. EEEK!

Night!
XOXO
Ildie

Feelin Fine

I feel FANTASTIC today. Bursting with energy even. Perhaps it's all the green tea I've been drinking? Or ALL the water I'm consuming? Some of my coworkers think I have a "problem" though. I'm in the bathroom every 20 minutes!!!!


Maybe it's because I cut back to one cup of coffee a day? Or because I'm having 5 small meals a day and avoiding a HUGE dinner? OR maybe it's because I'm having an "I feel thinner" day. Whatever the reason, I woke up feeling fine! I was all smiles today. Say whaaaa?

BREAKFAST (meal #1)

The feast this morning was Pumpkin Maple oatmeal. And yeah, it tasted just as good as it sounds. I do LOVE me some pumpkin puree though. If you're not into it you won't like this concoction.

• 1/2 cup Irish Oatmeal
• 1 1/2 cup water
• lots of cinnamon
• dash pumpkin pie spice
• Splenda to taste
• 2 HEAPING spoonful of pumpkin puree. 1/4 cup maybe?
• 2 tbs sugar free, low calorie maple syrup

Good, soothing, calming, warm, ooey and gooey. Loved it! I enjoyed it with my ONE sacred cup of coffee for the day. I savored every little caffeine smothered sip!

It was a busy day at work today. Usual Monday hustle. I kept chugging water in between working and before I knew it, I had consumed 3 bottles (75oz) all before noon. This is ABSURD for me! I think I'm clearly getting better at this water consumption thing. My bladder hates me right now!

LUNCH (meal #2)

A lovely salad to appease my starving and screaming stomach!

• spinach
• sweet butter lettuce
• chick peas
• cherry tomatoes
• feta cheese
• honeycrisp apple
• sugar free strawberry walnut dressing

I THINK I SWOONED while eating this. Seriously, I SWOONED! So glad I purchased the dressing. It blended beautifully with the feta and the crisp, sweet apple. I could eat this every day.

For our mental (must leave the office for a while) break, Ann and I ran to Barnes and Nobles again. It's turning into our second home I swear! I grabbed a large green tea and nestled into a nice and cozy spot to read a handful of health and fitness magazines. AH, this is the LIFE!


My dream only lasted for an hour though and then we had to get back to work. TRAGIC!

SNACK (meal #3)

Ah yes, the all too familiar yogurt mess. A 4oz cup of plain (0%) Oikos with cinnamon, Crunchy Maple Sunrise cereal and a drizzle of the sugar free maple syrup I had leftover from breakfast. DUH-LI-CI-OH-SOOO-GOOD!


RANDOM: I found these old advertisement pictures online and I just HAD to share. Seriously, what the HECK? WOW!


Promptly at 5:00 it was off to the gym. This week will be the true test of how my body and mind like (or hate) the new Plan Of Attack. Today was back, chest and cardio day.

WORKOUT

Advanced Chest Press (plate loaded)
50lb x 15
50lb x 15
50lb x 13
Lat Pulldown with V-Bar (cable)
70lb x 15
70lb x 14
60lb x 15
Inclined Chest Press (plate loaded)
30lb x 15
30lb x 14
25lb x 15
High Row (plate loaded)
90lb x 15
90lb x 15
90lb x 15
Seated Chest Press (plate loaded)
50lb x 15
50lb x 15
50lb x 13
Seated Row (cable)
60lb x 15
60lb x 15
50lb x 15
Elliptical - Interval Training - 34 minutes
Resistance 6-8
2.8 miles
420 calories

WHEW! That felt great. So far so good! Curious to weigh myself on Friday morning. I swear I may toss the scale out the window if I don't see what I like. I'm not a violent person, I assure you! I'm delicate like a butterfly. (ALL LIES!!)

SNACK (meal #4)

I made a Green Monster Smoothie the second I got home to fuel the BURN!

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein Powder
• 1 packet Stevia
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/2 banana
• 2 cups spinach
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1/4 tsp Xantham gum

I began to blend this like a maniac. Lightning flashed around me and smoke began to fill the room! You could hear the muffled cries of women and children screaming in the background while I pushed the buttons and laughed wickedly with WILD eyes. I couldn't wait to have it! The stuff is like green liquid crack!


Yep, it was THAT good! Here's a lovely stache picture for you Janetha!


While sipping on this frothy, cool, tall (never ending) glass of goodness, I read some emails and a few blogs (SHOCKING, I KNOW). While perusing my emails I came across the most lovely Award ("Honest Scrap" award) from Nancy over at Spicy Foodie. How very sweet. Thanks Nancy! This award means that I have to tell you 10 honest things about myself. Oh boy.... You ready?

1. I'm a clean freak. Over compulsive disorder? No, I just like things clean and organized!!
2. I hate Country music. HATE IT! It runs deep people!
3. I'm completely blind without my glasses. It's probably why I own 6 pair!
4. Three biggest (stupid) fears are driving in the snow, earthworms, heights (which also rolls over into flying...)
5. Three biggest (valid) fears are getting too old for kids, actually HAVING kids, being alone.
6. I constantly pick at the flesh around my fingernails. I'm doing it right now!
7. My dream would be to open and run a coffee shop/healthy eats/smoothies/funky vibe/artsy/cool music playing joint. Oh if only! You know, if only I were rich and had the slightest idea of how to run a business. MINOR details. HA!
8. Sometimes.... Sometimes I watch The Antique Roadshow.... Willingly! (and then there was silence...)
9. I've been known to cry during commercials. It's even worse during shows and movies. We're talking lower lip tremble, muffled whimpering, swollen eyes and the whole bit!
10. I've never farted in front of a man. In my sleep does NOT count. I don't even care! HAHAHAHA!

Now I'm supposed to pass this on to 10 people. However, I CAN'T CHOOSE. I love you ALL! I give this to all the fine ladies (and gents) that read my blog. You're all fantastic and worthy. I know this is the lame way to do this but I just can't help myself. If you choose to accept this FANTASTIC Award please let me know and I'll make sure to read your responses. XOXO!!

DINNER (meal #5)

I decided to have protein packed tuna. It sounded SO good and I knew I could throw it together in just a few minutes.

• 1 can tuna in water, drained
• 2 tbs fat free Miracle Whip
• 2 tbs spicy hummus
• 1 tbs relish
• 1 squirt of spicy mustard
• sea salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic salt to taste

I only ate half the tuna and put the rest away for another day. I enjoyed it with torn up wheat and flax pitas, spinach and tomato slices.


I made little bite sized baby pita sandwiches.


I had a blood orange on the side as well. It was super sweet, juicy and delicious. YUM!


Tonight was clearly not one of the NO CARBS ALLOWED evenings. I'm only doing that 3x a week TO START! I might change it.... We will see how it goes. Either way, these sexy little pitas only pack 6g of carbs each. Gotta love that!

Of course I had dinner with a nice cup of wild berry tea (which I forgot to photograph). Pretty sure I'll start sweating tea any day now. Can't seem to get enough of the stuff!

Ta-Taaa!