Foodie Pen Pal GOODIES!

This month I participated in the Foodie Pen Pal program for the first time! It is a wicked program set up by Lindsay at the Lean Green Bean blog, where you are matched up with other people (you don't have to own a blog to participate!) and send them a sweet package of foodie goodies!

This month, the lovely Danielle from Eating Running Living sent me THE most thoughtful pack of goodies that I could have ever asked for! Everything she sent had me in mind- both my excessive need for sweets and love for all things healthy!

Who wouldn't shriek over opening this!?

 I had to yell at my husband to not touch anything so that I could take a photo first- he was jumping to dig in!

How adorable!!!! Danielle sent three bibs for my little guy! SO thoughtful!

We don't have PB Cookie here (at least if we do, I can't find it!) I dug into this bad boy and I am HOOKED!
Also, I like balls.

Danielle's own Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins!!! DELICIOUS!

Another thing we don't have- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chex Mix! My hubby freaked. 

Fair Trade Maple Crunch Milk Chocolate??? I'm crying, I'm so excited. 

Adorably sweet local Wildflower honey! I used this to make these Kisses from the Eat Clean Veg Cookbook!

Rice and Bean Chips with Guac- the way to my heart. Now kindly make me some tacos. 

Local Huckleberry Jam- Perfect for PB&J cravings! 

A huge thank you to Danielle- go over and send her some love for me! She made my son and I very, very happy.

If you were part of the Foodie Pen Pal group, what would you send? What would you love to get?

Backyard Madness Workout!

I was lucky enough to write this workout originally as a guest post for Around the Plate- an excellent community of peeps that share a love for good food, recipes, health and wellness, and overall inspiration. I connected with Kati a few weeks ago when I found AtP's Facebook page and truly appreciated the sound, honest, REAL advice that was being given in regards to healthy eating. They have tips for regular peeps, moms, moms-to-be, athletes, plus a ton of solid advice from community writers.

What's the biggest excuse I hear as a teacher, trainer and instructor for not getting to the gym?

"I have no time!"

All right people, I get it. Exercising is hard. Trekking to the gym, working your butt off, showering, changing- all time consuming. Many people dread the gym because of the travel time in addition to the hours they believe need to be spent while there. So why drag your butt to hang out with sweaty, smelly machines when you have your own sweaty, smelly machine at home?

That sweaty, smelly machine is YOU!

Icy cold stare included, baby gunt extra. 

This workout can be done in your own backyard (showering still necessary). Don't worry- you'll be able to check yourself out in the mirror afterwards and peruse hot women and men that you may run into at the gym. It's called Pinterest- and there's no harm in staring.

YOU HAVE TIME FOR THIS! You have 15 minutes, Yes, you do. You DO!

Sorry for yelling. But truly, you could do this while your laundry is finishing, while your kids are playing out back, while everyone in your house is still sleeping- you CAN do it!

I created this workout as a pre-natal fitness routine (I'm 5 months along!), but it really is not specific to pregnancy. You will need a set of steps and a patio chair to complete this workout. A few things to remember:

1. If you are pregnant, be sure to ask your health care provider if this form of exercise is right for you.
2. Bring water! During the summer months especially, it's important to stay hydrated before, during, and after your workout!
3. Try to exercise earlier in the day or later at night, when the temperature is cooler.

Here's the entire video with all four moves- you want to repeat the circuit 4 times and give yourself a break after you've completed all four exercises- about 30 seconds to a minute.

Exercise 1: Chair Lunges
This exercise works both your balance and your lower body- kind of like when you've had too much to drink on a Saturday night. God, I can't wait until I can drink wine again. Right... back to working out. Begin standing away from a regular patio chair. Move your right foot as far forward as you can and reach back with your left foot, with your upper body straight. Complete 10 lunges on one side, being sure that your knee does not pass your toes when in bent position. Repeat on the other side.

Exercise 2: Downward Dog Plank with Twist
This is a great core and upper body exercise- and always a neat party trick.  Begin in a plank position, your hands under your shoulders and your body in a straight line. Push the ground away from you so that your hips are high and your heels are low, then take one hand off the ground and bring it to your opposite thigh/knee/shin/ankle (depending on your flexibility). Come back to plank position and repeat on the other side. Complete 10 reps!

Exercise 3: Side Step Up
An excellent exercise for your quads (thighs) and glutes (butt), find a challenging height for this- maybe two steps. Begin with one foot on the higher step and the other on the ground, in a squat position. Bring your bottom foot to touch your top foot, and then back to starting position. Complete 10 reps and switch to the other side!

Exercise 4: Tricep Dips
You can complete this exercise on a sturdy chair, bench, deck, or step! Begin with your hands just underneath your bum, your knees bent at 90 degrees and your feet on the ground. Lift yourself off the step and bend your elbows as close to 90 degrees as you can- keeping your upper body straight and your elbows reaching behind you. Then, straighten your arms back to starting position. Repeat 10 times. Safety tip: keep your shoulders away from your ears and your elbows as close together as possible!

Enjoy the workout and remember- I WILL yell at you if you don't find time for fitness. My next post will include a harrowing scream so annoying, you'll have no choice but to shut off your computer and get active.

I do a great Fran Drescher impression...

Eat Clean Giveaway!

Hey, peeps!!! A HUGE thank you to everyone who commented on my last post about dumb things people say to pregnant women- you have all made me feel sane for wanting to punch so many people in the box face! Today, I bring you a fabulous contest brought to you by the Eat Clean Dream Team!

You'll recall my obsession with clean eating, and my idol, Tosca Reno here and here.

The ridiculously amazing folks at Eat Clean sent me the Eat Clean Diet Vegetarian Cookbook to review and give away back in March- and yes, I am just getting around to giving it away now.

I needed some alone time with Tosca. Don't hate.

Why? Well, I was newly pregnant and feeling totally off. Cooking was the LAST thing on my mind- in fact, as many of you can sympathize, looking at food would sometimes completely put me off of wanting to eat it. I would make a huge pot of Tosca's Butternut Squash or Lentil Soup, or gnaw on toast, popsicles, and bagels until I began to feel like myself again. This happened about a month ago! 


Once my appetite was back (um... with a vengeance) I tore into this bad boy like no tomorrow. Some of my favourites of the Eat Clean Diet Vegetarian Cookbook thus far include Sweet Potato Picnic Salad (I made this for my fam the other day and they loved it!), the Souper Cleanse, Chana Dal, Red Lentil Dal with Spinach, Broccoli Potato Gratin.... um, I could go on. 


There is an entire section with one-pot meals and savoury soups- my absolute favourite to make in bulk and store for leftovers- I shrieked when I saw this! Then, I thought about how to be cool, as if Tosca was here in front of me. I then slyly said, "great idea, Tosc" and closed the book, delighted at the new nickname I created for my idol. Tosc. Totally cool.  


This book is for Vegans, all types of Vegetarians, Pescatarians (those who eat mostly vegetarian but include fish), or those who just love good food that happens to not have meat- and many of the recipes can be easily adapted to be gluten-free as well. 

Along with my revived appetite in my second trimester of pregnancy came my fierce cravings for chocolate. Was there anything I could do, besides eating a King Sized Twix Bar? As I do often, I thought of Tosc.

What Would Tosca Reno Do?

Well, here's what she would do. 

She would round up those chocolate cravings, look them in the eye, and find a delicious, clean, and healthy way to kick some serious ass. Then, she'd turn to me and say "Way to go, K!" You see, Tosc and I both have cool short-form names for each other. That's how we roll.

I bring you: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Backpack Kisses.... from the Eat Clean Diet Vegetarian Cookbook! Pretty sure Tosca named these after me. Just saying.

Ingredients needed!

YUM! No bake and FULL of good stuff like hemp seed, flaxseed,  and of course... chocolate!

Ridiculous, delicious, and easy- a way to drop kick chocolate cravings and be healthy about it!

You can WIN your own copy!

You can WIN your own copy of the Eat Clean Diet Vegetarian Cookbook by cooking up one of three recipes to share: 

1. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Backpack Kisses
2. Tricolour Pasta
3. Seven Citrus Salad

All these recipes are perfect for summertime! You can enter one of two ways: 

1. By blogging about the recipe you tried and linking to the Eat Clean team!
2. By making any of the above recipes, taking a photo and sharing your photo to the Eat Clean Diet's Facebook Page or Twitter Account!

Good luck! I will be able to see if you entered by checking Eat Clean's Facebook or Twitter pages (it would be great if you could tag me in the post (using www.facebook.com/fitinheelsblog or www.twitter.com/fit_in_heels), but if you do a blog post, please comment below with your link so I can add you to the entries and give you a shout out on my Facebook and Twitter!

You have one week to give it a try, and you can be entered up to three times, if you make all three recipes! Winner will be announced Monday, August 6th!

It's A...

So I have a bone to pick with people in general.

People say the dumbest sh*t to pregnant women.

"Oh, you ARE pregnant! I knew it! You were getting a little soft around the middle."

It's as if I have a sign on my forehead that reads, "I'd like to hear your horrible birthing story!" or "Yes, please tell me how my life is doomed!" and my ever-favourite, "Why yes, I'd love you to tell me how my body is changing in accordance to your standards!"

This all stemmed from the gym a few weeks ago. Might I remind you, that this pregnancy has been good to me. I didn't have morning sickness, and I've continued my regular workout plan, with a few tweaks here and there. Sure, I've had my share of unpleasantness (the heat is killing me, my back is sore, I've had terrible headaches, walking up the stairs feels like running a marathon, my ass has increased in size), but overall, when people ask me how I'm feeling, I am not lying when I say that overall, I feel great.

I do wish this water bottle was full of wine, but that's another story.

I was teaching my regular Thursday classes (a Pump class with barbells followed by a class I call SPA- Speed, Power, Agility- lots of HIIT training) and had just finished up an excellent workout. I've been holding out participating in SPA as it is too intense to do while pregnant, plus the Pump class is a killer workout in itself and back-to-back classes are just not happening right now. 

A woman who frequents the gym asked me how I was feeling, yadda yadda. She herself recently had a baby boy, and was telling me about the old wives' tale of "if you're carrying high and all belly, you're having a boy, and if you're carrying in the hips/thighs and just overall wider you're having a girl".

Great, thanks lady. As if I haven't heard that a gazillion times, and that is so old school and irrelevant.

But it wasn't finished there. After telling me that, she decided to guess, that I'm having a girl.

"If you're carrying more in the thighs and hips, and are just wider overall, you're having a girl. So my guess is you're having a girl."

Um, my guess is you're a douchebag.

Who the hell says that? How is that not insulting? How do people not hear the words that come out of their mouths without wanting to reel them back in and slap themselves silly? Between hearing about cracked nipples and stretch marks and screaming children and terrible husbands- and I haven't even gotten to the labour stories that women decide to tell me, as if it's a good idea for a pregnant woman to hear about the massacre that is your vajayjay- I've had it! I am aware that my life is going to change. I am aware that I am basically needed to push a watermelon out of my nose. I understand that it is going to be hard. And I appreciate any advice, but not in a condescending, "just-you-wait" kind of tone. Being pregnant is an exciting milestone for my husband and I, and we are trying to enjoy every second.

Please, for the love of God, stop saying stupid sh*t to pregnant women. Think before you speak. Then, don't speak.

And for the record, even if my hips, thighs, and ass are growing at an exponential rate, we're having a boy.

Yep, a boy. So there.

What's the dumbest thing you've heard said to a pregnant woman?

Titika Activewear Giveaway!!!

It's giveaway time!!!!

I've been extremely lucky to be a Titika Activewear advocate for the last year- I discovered this small heaven in the Toronto Beaches a few years ago, when looking for ways to spend my hard earned money on things other than chocolate and ice cream. As a Phys Ed teacher, fitness and yoga instructor, I literally live in activewear (and currently, maxidresses. I'm scared to go back to work in September and put on real pants). Finding Titika was like the time I discovered Cave Spring Riesling for the first time- I wasn't sure how I'd previously lived without it.

Fast forward a few years later, and I somehow conned the amazing owner, Courtney, to take a chance on me (likely because I drugged her coffee, and slipped her a twenty). She has been nothing but supportive and lovely, all the while opening new, successful Titika stores at Don Mills, Oakville, and awaiting the grand opening of the latest store on Queen St. W.!

To celebrate the grand opening of the new Queen West store (coming soon!), I have a sweet giveaway for my peeps!

You can win the Shaping J top- valued at $98.00!

Buddha not included. 

I DIED over this top (don't worry- I'm still alive)- as a fatty pregnant chick, trying to squeeze myself into my fitness gear has been a bit of a challenge. I didn't realize how difficult it was to squeeze my sausage arms into skin- tight activewear. Then, I'd have the great joy of feeling like Jessica Simpson in her 9th month of pregnancy.

Weight Watchers? Where's my $4 million dollar deal?

Holding this kettlebell was my workout.

You can't tell, but I'm smizing here. 

This top not only flatters the midsection, but it has the cute peplum-style bottom that floats away from the belly! It is super comfortable and I'll be wearing this bad boy out to the club tonight with a mini skirt.

Alright, fine. I am not going to the club.

But it will look equally as hot when I wear it to my grandfather's 85th birthday celebration this weekend.

The winner will get to choose their size and get their very own Shaping J top! I can only assume the "J" stands for "Jealous? You should be."

You can enter to win three different ways:

Must:
+1 Like Titika on Facebook and tell them your favourite way to get your workout on! (Keep it clean, people).
+1 Like Titika on Twitter and tell them @fit_in_heels sent you! Also, tell them to make me their national spokeswoman and pay me millions of dollars. Thanks.

Optional:
+1 Like Fit In Heels on Facebook- otherwise, I'd have no friends.
+1 Share this contest on your Facebook or Twitter! If you do so, please leave a link with how you shared.

Please leave a comment telling me all of the ways you entered. You can do this below or on my Facebook page! Contest winner will be picked on Tuesday, July 24th.

Good luck!

So Apparently, Walking Is Hard.

Pregnancy is hard, man. It’s bad enough that I have to feel like a cow, but now I have to look like one, too? I am exhausted by walking up a flight of stairs; I have to shove myself into summer clothes as I refuse to buy maternity clothing until the fall; my tastebuds are off (I turned down pizza the other day.. PIZZA); and I’ve had to lay off the running seeing as it’s a zillion degrees outside. That, and I’m starting to feel pressure that makes me want to pee every 5 seconds when I bounce around too much. I did a jump rope warm up with my peeps last week and had to look down with every jump to insure I hadn’t wet the floor.

Have I sold you on pregnancy already?

I was still going to yoga, doing my own interval training, and weightlifting- but I was really missing some cardio.

My friends and I went down to the Beach last week for a glorious day of lounging out and enjoying the weather. A much needed street meat later, we were off to Baskin Robbins to get ice cream, when...

GOLD MEDAL RIBBON was finally available!!! I shrieked and hugged the teenage worker, then promptly walked out of the store with my head hung in shame... in the ice cream.

F YEAH!!!!

Afterwards, Amanda, Jessi and I walked down to the Beach. I wore my old woman crocs, seeing as walking to the corner store in flats nearly killed me the last time. And I’d be damned if I wear running shoes with a summer dress to the beach.   Does anyone else have this problem? My feet KILL after wearing flats- shoes or sandals. I invested in some crocs that are hideous but somewhat functional. It’s devastating, really.

Trying to hide the shoe hideousness.

The girls and I decided to walk the boardwalk- about 4 km- and I wanted to die. 

We stopped to take some very mature photos. 

Good Auntie.

I got home that afternoon and needed to sleep for about 6 hours straight.

Why is it that I can do hardcore exercise for up to an hour and feel fine- great, even- but walking at a light-to-moderate pace for a longer period of time kicked the sh*t out of me? I am afraid for my impending motherhood... I will not survive.

Since the walk that killed me, I have started utilizing the treadmill. I’ve come up with a walking pyramid-style workout that kills me... in the best way possible. Try it out!

Min 0-2: Warm Up Walk- 3.5 mph

Change speed to 3.7 mph

Min 2-7 (5 minutes): Incline 1.0

Min 7-11 (4 minutes): Incline 2.0

Min 11-14 (3 minutes): Incline 3.0

Min 14-16 (2 minutes): Incline 4.0

Min 16-17 (1 minute): Incline 5.0

Min 17-19 (2 minutes): Incline 4.0

Min 19-22 (3 minutes): Incline 3.0

Min 22-26 (4 minutes): Incline 2.0

Min 27-32 (5 minutes): Incline 1.0

Change back to 3.5 mph

Min 32-34 (2 minutes): Incline 0, cooldown

You will complete 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) doing this workout! 

In the meantime, I'll be getting ice cream and having a nap. 

My peeps- can someone tell me where I can get a support belt for exercise so my bladder doesn't fall out?

What's your FAVOURITE ice cream flavour?

Hot Momma Medicine Ball Workout

Alright, peeps. I just finished watching the Bachelorette and I'm feeling sorry for myself. Yes, myself. I would like Emily and Sean to live happily ever after, mainly for my own selfish reasons- being able to stare creepily at photos of them and envision their future children. 


Speaking of future children, I will be wiping my tears and thinking of Sean's hot bod while doing this Hot Momma Workout! 

Please God, don't let my child's head be as large as my shadow's.

*As always, speak with your health care provider to see if exercise during pregnancy is right for you.

This workout can be done throughout your entire pregnancy- you'll need a 2 to 4 pound medicine ball and a timer- the one you'll hear in the videos is my Bit Timer App, which is available on iTunes for $0.99!

This is an interval workout where you will work for 30 seconds and rest for 20. You will go through the exercises and repeat the circuit 4 times. If you need more time in between, rest for 30 seconds!

Overhead Tricep Press
Using a 2 to 4 lb. medicine ball, stand about 6 inches from a structured wall. With elbows by the ears, elbows back as far as possible, bend the elbows and take the med ball towards the nape of the neck. Push the ball back up and touch the wall in front of you and repeat. If you feel comfortable, you can throw the ball against the wall and catch it over your head to start the overhead press.

Superwomans
Begin in a kneeling position. Place the med ball in one of your palms, and complete 4 superwomans with the opposite leg lifting when the arm is lifting. Change sides and complete 4 on the other side.

Plank Med Ball Rolls
Begin in a plank position, balancing one hand on the medicine ball. Remain as steady as possible while rolling the ball from right side to left. Repeat.

Squat Presses
Begin with feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart, and the medicine ball at chest height. Squat and bring the ball as close to the ground as possible, keeping your chest lifted. Then bring the ball above your head as you straighten your legs. Repeat.

Good luck, happy Tuesday and just freaking do it!

WIN a "No Sweat" Spray & Wash To-Go Pack!

Many of you know I'm a No Sweat Ambassador- and that means that I really, really smell. True story. 


Between Carter and I, we go through at least one sweaty outfit a day, which makes for a LOT of laundry. Now, most of the time, I let my husband do most of the housework (I'm far too busy making a child and blogging, you know), but when I do laundry, I've been super lucky to use No Sweat as my activewear detergent. 

Depending on your stank, you can use it alone (you need the teeeeeniest amount- it is 3x concentrated), or you can add it to your regular detergent for an extra blast. It's the only thing that I've used that actually protects my yoga/workout gear and preserves the fit of it. We spend a TON of money on good workout gear, so it only makes sense to invest in the proper care for our nasty thangs. Thongs, too.

No Sweat has a new scent called Sweet Freesia that I ADORE- I've been caught smelling Carter's underthings on occasion because they smell so good. 

By the way, this is about a day's worth of laundry for my husband. Jesus Christ.

Speaking of sweaty, nasty things... let's talk about my underarms, shall we? 

Alright, fine. Let's talk about yoga mats.

No Sweat has a new product!!! They came up with Mat Spray in Sweet Freesia and Citrus Rush- which is fabulous to use on both exercise and yoga mats! I'm thrilled that I don't have the scent of cheese or feet when in downward dog.

I've previously ruined yoga mats before by using mat sprays- they take the grip right out of them- but I've used No Sweat Mat Spray to clean my mat on a regular basis- including regular yoga, HIIT, even beach yoga- and the grip is well in tact and it smells AWESOME. I tell everyone it's my natural odour. They all believe me.

The wonderful peeps at No Sweat have graciously offered one of my fab readers a chance to win a Spray & Wash Combo To-Go Pack!

You can win 2 types of Activewear Detergent and 2 types of Scent Spray! 

To enter, please follow No Sweat on Facebook and Twitter and let them know I "scent" you! (My twitter is @fit_in_heels!)

Leave a comment below (or on my Facebook page) telling me you did and that's your entry! Winner will be picked Sunday, July 8th!

I Have An Amazing Rack, And Other Musings.

Alright. I'm the first to admit how freaking sweet it is to be a teacher in the summertime. Today is day one of my summer vacation and so far, I've slept in, watched The Bachelorette, made lunch, and ate a chocolate bar.

I also stalked my favourite blogs by Emily and Laura, two amazingly amazing chicks- so amazing, that I used amazingly amazing to describe them, and didn't change it.

Emily posted 26 Facts about her today, and I thought I would jump on the bandwagon! I haven't done a post like this in a while- buckle up, peeps.

26 Facts! Fist Pump!

A is for age:  30, but most days I forget this. When watching the Bachelorette, I have to remind myself that I am older than all the contestants. Fuck. 

B is for breakfast today:  Cheerios (don't F with a pregnant woman and her cereal) with the most amazing Ontario strawberries, and half a banana. I will say I went a straight month eating bagels with cream cheese for breakfast. 

C is for currently craving:  I don't really have one... mainly because I just ate a King Sized Twix bar. 

D is for dinner tonight: I do need to mention that my BFF Jessi (known to me as Edna, for our love of 85-year-old everything) and I made BBQ chicken salad with her crack home-made dressing, and it was glorious. Tonight, I'm going to Safari Bar and Grill to see my other friend Jackie! 

God, I am so popular. 

E is for favorite type of exercise: "I LOVE Fit in Heels workouts and I am lucky enough to be able to attend her classes in person! I also want to be just like her in every way!"

Alright- I kept that from Emily's blog (and may have fudged the ending... just a bit), purely for selfish reasons. But I do like my workouts. They kick ass, and they are definitely my favourite type of exercise- especially when my HIIT intervals can include punching bags, for my built up residual anger. 

F is for a fave food: This is hard. I truly love healthy foods- pretty much anything from the Eat Clean Diet Cookbook- and I am a sucker for Mexican food like fajitas, tacos, mexican salad, guacamole- and yes, I will forever stick behind the notion that Mexican food is healthy. Truth be told, I am a sucker for all things KD and chocolate. 

And wine. Fuck, that is a food group I really miss. 

G is for gross food:  I HATE corn. All kinds. When I tell people this, they inevitably ALWAYS ask me, "But what about corn on the cob?" Um, what the hell is the difference? Is eating a chopped up apple different than eating it whole? Then, I take the corn on the cob and beat them over the head with it. 

H is for hometown:  P-Town. P-City. P-Rizzle. The P-Dot. 

This was to prove that no one cool comes out of a town called Pickering. 

I is for something important: Wine. 

J is for current favorite jam: I love strawberry jam. Blueberry, raspberry, even blackberry. 

Oh, "jam" as in "song". Sorry- I only speak current lingo, like "yolo", "legit", "epic" and "preach". So I'll preach my legit, epic track to you. 

Celine Dion- My Heart Will Go On. 

Yolo.

K is for karaoke: Alright fine. This would also be Celine Dion- My Heart Will Go On. But my fave track(s) for real right now would be Usher- Scream and Kylie Minogue- Timebomb. 

L is for luxe: I splurge on clothes, to be honest. I don't really care about brand names, but I do like to shop. Which is why I have a gazillion pairs of shoes, and why I will die if my feet grow during this pregnancy. 

M is for muffins: When I see this, I see "muff", and then laugh. Then, I think of Emily's banana chocolate chip muffins, and begin salivating, and secretly hope she'll bring me more. Now if I could just find a way to hint that to her...

N is for something you need:  A nanny and a magnum.

O is for occupation: I am a teacher- therefore, I inspire youth to live healthy, active lives through empowerment and effective role-modelling.

Bahahahaha well that's what it says on my resume, anyway. 

P is for pet peeve:  When people don't give credit where credit is due. Also- mean girls. Girls are so freaking mean. And women are so amazing- it's such a shame that we can't all celebrate each other and not be so damn catty. 

Anyways... did you see what Miley Cyrus wore on the red carpet the other day? Gross.  

Q is for a quote: My fave quote of all time (besides the obvious, "Sarcasm is the lowest form of humour"): 

"Your biggest challenge isn’t someone else. It’s the ache in your lungs and the burning in your legs, and the voice inside you that yells can’t, but you don’t listen. You just push harder. And then you hear the voice whisper, CAN. And you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are."

R is for running: I know what you're thinking. "Running Sucks". I can't disagree with you- but sometimes running is freaking awesome- especially with your fave tunes (see the Celine reference above) and your ability to forget everything around you- especially the jiggling happening in your lovehandles with each step. No? Just me?

I've run 4 half marathons, 3 10-milers, and too many 10km and 5km races to count. All of them sucked at one point.

S is for favorite healthy snack:  Oatmeal, greek yogurt and berries, smoothies, apple and peanut butter, gnawing on the arm of the couch. 

T is for favorite treat:  Gold medal ribbon ice cream from Baskin Robbins... which by the way, they DIDN'T HAVE when we went on the weekend to get some. You don't do this sh*t to a pregnant woman. I shrieked and yelled "BUT IT'S YOUR BEST SELLER!" to the teenager who worked there, then hung my head as I left. Mostly because I know Baskin Robbin's best seller. How embarrassing. 

U is for something that makes you unique:  My ridiculous rack. 

V is for favorite vegetable: Say it with me, peeps! CAULIFLOWER! It's true. 

W is for today’s workout:  Treadmill interval workout- 10 min run followed by tricep extensions, 2 plank versions, squats with the med ball, and lunges. Repeat, bitches!

X is for X-rays you’ve had:  teeth, knee, ankle, shoulder... mostly my stupid head, though. I realize you can't get an x-ray of your head, but I've had many concussions so I felt that it needed to be said. Multiple concussions also explains why I'm such a weirdo. 

Y is for yesterday’s highlight: The entire weekend was spent with my AMAZING husband- between going out for dinner, walking along Queen, getting ice cream, doing workouts together (you know it), cooking, enjoying our backyard, going to the Beach, going to the movies, having Edna and Ed over, and endless belly rubbing (both ways), it was the weekend of perfection. As I look over at him with pride right now, sitting in front of the air conditioner, eating chips and dip, topless. What a man.

Z is for your time zoo…as in animal that I would HAVE to visit when I go:  Penguins! Emily chose this, too- and she doesn't even know about my extreme obsession with penguins when I was a little child. And when I say "little child", I mean I had stuffed animals and a penguin mural in my bedroom in university. The guys were banging down my door, let me tell you.

Tell me ANY of the above that you agree with (I know you feel me on the Mexican food being healthy), and answer any question about yourself! 


If you write a blog, do your own 26 Facts! Give me credit, of course. Then tell everyone what an amazing rack I have. 

"I'm Pregnant, Not Dead" At-Home Workout (Great for Beginners, Too!)

Since I've been knocked up, people feel the need to walk with their arms around my belly like a bubble to ensure I don't do anything to hurt the babe. While I appreciate the concern, I sometimes want to yell, "I'm pregnant, not dying, people". I've already discussed some of the benefits of continuing to exercise while pregnant, (read more about it here) but when trying to find workouts on-line, I came up pretty short. So, I decided to create my own!

I'm totally sucking in. 

These workouts will be highlighted over the course of my pregnancy (I'm 5 months along), but I have my hubby and sister will be continuing to do my hardcore workouts for you crazy peeps... even though this is news to them. That being said, increasing the intensity of this workout will still give you an amazing head-to-toe workout in no time flat.  

This workout is not specific to pregnancy, and in fact, is excellent for beginner to intermediate exercisers. Please remember to always consult your doctor to see if this is right for you, especially while pregnant.

There are 10 exercises for this workout:

1. Wide Squats
2. Forearm Plank Foot Walkouts
3. Tricep Push Ups
4. Side Plank (Wide Leg) Taps- Right
5. Side Plank (Wide Leg) Taps- Left
6. Curtsy Lunges
7. Hand Plank Hip Touches
8. Reverse Warrior Lunge- Right (an option is to do regular squats if you are in the 3rd trimester)
9. Reverse Warrior Lunge- Left (an option is to do regular squats if you are in the 3rd trimester)
10. Modified Jumping Jacks

You will complete 10 reps of each, then move to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2.

Take as much time as you need in between exercises, and stop exercising if you feel dizzy or exhausted. Good luck!!! :)