I'm a wife to an amazing man, mom to a tuxedo cat and I'm rapidly approaching 30. Now afternoon naps are replacing late nights out, brunches are replacing early morning breakfasts, and yoga pants are replacing tight jeans. This is my niche, a place to document our memories.
Another week has come and gone, and I'm not going to attempt to make any excuses for myself, I'm just going to tell the truth. I've had little to no energy and motivation this past week, maybe even for a week and a half. I've woken up basically every morning feeling hung over; I've had headaches, I feel like I'm moving through water, and that I'm not making progress in life (and to clarify I haven't had a drink since the second of this month). In the afternoon I start to feel a bit better, but now I've noticed that my evenings are starting to become like my mornings. It's hard for me to wake up, I feel tired in the mornings, but it's difficult for me to fall asleep at night. I apologize for not being as active in life, the blogging community, and with my exercise plan. Hopefully this feeling will pass as quickly as it's come on, and my life will be back to normal again.
With that, I still wanted to post something for The Click Chicks Photo Challenge. This weeks challenge was window, so I dug up this photo from Vegas in 2009. The windows of the Bellagio, with the fountains in front. Done.
I've been in a grumpy mood lately, and when I get down and start complaining, Justin automatically has me look back and see how much progress I've made, how far we've come, and how much more comfortable our life is now. So, I thought I'd do a little of the same thing here, reminding myself that March was a great month!
we decided to take our Acadia on our summer vacation, instead of flying and renting a car. We also decided to stay out of the cities, and just enjoy the smaller towns - making memories along the way.
April holds lost of amazing things in store for us, including: dying Easter eggs, creating inside jokes with my family, hot tubing, my birthday and a trip down to the States. I'm ready for you!
my beautiful niece being born at about 1:30 today. I'm in love with Mackenzie, and I haven't even seen her yet! She has no idea how spoiled she's going to be.
two long weekends in a row. This weekend is Easter and the following Sunday is my birthday, so Justin and I have Monday booked off to celebrate. I can't wait to have some rest and relaxation.
Mio. Sometimes it's difficult to drink eight glasses of water each day, this "little or a lot" water enhancer makes it easier; it's a wonderful thing.
my parents being back home (here) in May. I literally can not wait!
the nice weather. Although the grass isn't green, and the trees aren't budding, it's still nice. It also makes me want to go on a road trip, so I'm excited we're heading down to Kalispell, Montana for my birthday. I hope this nice weather stays now.
1 - Friday night, I wanted to watch a movie with a healthy snack and instantly thought about those tasty Spiced Cauliflower Poppers. I had to make a run to the grocery store for ingredients, where I bought three heads of cauliflower, two red peppers, bananas, and grapes. It made me laugh that I used to buy a bunch of junk food on Friday nights, and now I buy a bunch of fruits and veggies! Oh, and I fabulously left my wallet at home, which I realized while at the checkout. The guys there were so kind, and put my order aside until I came back to pay - now that's customer service!
2 - I went shopping with my mother in law Saturday afternoon. We always have great conversations and I made a good haul: two tops, a cardigan, a pair of shorts, a lipstick, a blush/bronzer and a to-go mug.
3 - Spontaneously I came up with a yummy pasta sauce. So healthy, so good, and so easy! I'll share the recipe in a post soon.
4 - I woke up Sunday with a bit of a rats nest for hair!
5 - Justin had gone camping with his hunting buddies for the weekend, but when he got home we decided to head to Shelby, Montana for a beer run. It's always great when the border guard asks, "oh, you don't have beer up there in Canada?" Yea, we do - but not Coors Banquet.
6 - A quick trip down and back, but it was so refreshing. Justin and I decided we need to do that more often.
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When I decided to create a new blog, I wanted to come up with a name that had multiple meanings and that stood out. To me "soup" is the comfort part of life, and "laundry" is the every day stuff. But when I ran Soup and Laundry past my parents, my dad immediately said that if there's soup in the title, he'd expect to see recipes featured on my blog. Well, this one's for you dad!
I'm pretty much addicted to Pinterest; there are SO many amazing recipes, it's almost overwhelming. I found a great recipe for Baked Cauliflower Poppers, and then saw a recipe for Spiced Sweet Potato Chips that looked good, so naturally I got to thinking. I thought: self, what if I combined these two recipes and used the seasoning from the sweet potatoes chips to season the cauliflower poppers. And so we have, Spiced Cauliflower Poppers.
Ingredients:
1 head of cauliflower
cooking spray
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon sweetener
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Steps:
1 - Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2 - Chop up the head of cauliflower into bit sized bits.
3 - Put the poppers into a bowl, and spray lightly with cooking spray. Toss, then spray again, toss and spray one last time.
4 - Mix the spices together in a separate bowl, and sprinkle half onto the poppers. Toss the cauliflower, then sprinkle with the other half of the spice mixture.
5 - Put the poppers on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, and pop in the oven.
6 - Bake for a total of one hour. Take the poppers out of the oven every fifteen minutes to rotate them, so each side gets crispy and yummy. They don't get burnt, they just get tastier!
7 - Serve with a side of ketchup to dunk the poppers in, and enjoy.
Note - If you prefer crispier fries, like Justin does, I'd recommend chopping the cauliflower into smaller bits, and maybe cooking them for an additional 15 minutes. And although these have flavour, they are not spicy, just really tasty, and very addictive!
I made these last night while Justin was home, but he went over to a friend's before they were finishing baking. When they were done I sat down and had a couple, then a couple more, then soon enough the whole batch was in my belly. I did feel bad that I didn't leave Justin any, but then didn't because they are just that good! If you snooze you lose, right?
Let me know what you think of them, and expect to see more recipes popping up on this 'ol blog!
I'll be honest, I again thought I had another day to sneak in a photo - but it was already Wednesday at bedtime when I thought that! I need to get better at this, it's time to crack down! This weeks Click Chick Photo Challenge, sunset, left me in a bind; it seems sunsets just aren't something I capture often with my camera. I had to go back to a memory card from 2011 to find one, and at that it's not the best. As today comes to a close, I look back and wonder what happened to my day!?
It's the first day of spring, so that means it's time for the flowers to be blooming, the trees to start budding and the sun to be shining! And it is... someplace else. Sadly, we're still waiting for the spring weather to match the date on the calendar in Southern Alberta. Snow is actually in the forcast again for Thursday - yuck! Come on weather, please warm up and match the spring fever that I have in my soul!
Last night, I was running a bit late to aquafit, but I managed to get changed and was sitting on the edge of the pool five minutes before class started. I was sitting there, reluctant to get into the water, but I mustered the courage and lowered myself in. Less than a minute later a whistle was blown, and the lifeguard was telling everyone to get out of the pool. Everyone was in a state of confusion, but slowly made their way to the side of the pool. The lifeguard became even more urgent this time, yelling loudly that everyone needed to hurry and grab their stuff because there was a fire. Well, that put people in motion! I hustled, changed out of my bathing suit bottoms, put on my yoga pants and threw my two sweaters and coat over my wet swim suit top. Another lifeguard was now in the change room expressing her concern that we needed to hurry, and could change in the lobby if needed. I left the change room, and waited anxiously in the lobby with a swarm of other aquafitters. We were then told that there was a fire by the family change room, the fire department was coming to take care of the situation, and that we needed to leave the building, and get out to our vehicles. Out I went to the snowy night, thankful that I had worn boots and a winter coat, and not my normal light jacket and flip-flops. I waited until I saw the flashing lights in my rear view mirror, and then headed home.
The whole incident really got me thinking, no matter how we can plan our lives out, some emergency, or fire, can come and change the path we're heading in. Specifically I was thinking in terms of exercise, eating healthy and meal planning, but this really applies to life in general. Sometimes there is an event that comes up that is simply unavoidable, and we just need to come up with another plan, a Plan B. Last night, I needed to be the firefighter and find a solution to my unexpected exercise dilemma. Other times it could be needing a different meal option, because something unplanned took up too much time, or left you away from home. As long as we make another healthy choice, or the best choice that is now available to us, this new plan will work.
In life, it's far better, and a lot less stressful, to realize that an alternative is available, rather than just going up in smoke.
This is the one and only photo I took this past weekend! This was my supper before the portobello mushrooms decided to turn my pasta sauce into grey grossness. Oh, and as an added bonus, it also tasted like dirt. This was a major supper fail! (At least there's the green spatula and asparagus representing St. Patty's day!)
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Dear husband, let's have some fun tonight! We should start planning our little Washington, Oregon, California trip, and let's talk about throwing Vancouver into the mix, shall we!? Dear Lowie, please be extra cuddly to me this weekend, I could use some cuddle time with you. Dear my cousin Brittany, I can't wait for Easter weekend, and you coming down! Dear parents, I miss you more than you'll ever know, and I hate you living so far away. Finally, dear me, get some rest this weekend, and take a moment for yourself to relax.
Last night Justin and I went out for supper, and during the course of our conversation he said, "I can't believe it's Thursday again already tomorrow." Apparently I wasn't really paying attention, because as we were driving back home I suddenly realized that it was already Wednesday, and that I hadn't yet taken my green photo for the Click Chicks Photo Challenge. Oh poop! So, here's another photo from our honeymoon. For whatever reason, this trip is sticking out in my head lately. I'm actually wanting to re-do it, spend a little more time at the places we loved, and have a more relaxed trip. Maybe this August, to celebrate our third anniversary? I guess I'll leave it up to Justin, I hope he'll say yes!
When life gets rough, or when my work days drag on, I sit and remember the vacations Justin and I have been on together. After the vacation is done, it's the little moments of our trips that end up meaning the most. Those unplanned moments: the random stops on the side of the road for a photo, stopping at a restaurant just because it looks good, eating fish and chips on the warf with a flock of seagulls - these are the moments that I always remember and look back on. That bowl of clam chowder we had on Pier 39 in San Fransisco, that amazing bottle of riesling Justin ordered for us in Astoria, Oregon, the crazy town of Bandon, Oregon and the food we had that didn't sit well with either of us. These moments are what memories are made of and I think it's about time Justin and I set off to make more of them.
It seems Tuesday is the day I work the hardest at my diet plan; it's when I weigh in, and it's the start of my week for my exercise plan. I like the first day of my week being on Tuesday though, that means Friday (my favourite day) is in the middle of my week. Hump day is a highlight, rather than just a blip to pass by.
Anyways, I wanted to share my latest fitness related web find, My Fitspiration. These two sisters were the Season 11 Winners of The Biggest Loser, so they really do know what they're talking about. Together they lost a whopping total of 249 pounds! Seriously, Hannah and Olivia are amazing and have truly done it all to have lost the weight. My favourite tip, and one that I implemented myself today, is writing in a food journal. It's so much more than just documenting your daily food consumption; it's a way to stay motivated and give yourself a pat on the back.
Lately, if I don't feel motivated to do a work out, I give myself two options (either the elliptical or one of my Walk Away The Pounds DVDs), and choose which one I'd prefer. Each time I've given myself the choice, I choose one, and before I know it my workout is done! And, a great after workout snack, is a sliced granny smith apple with a triangle of Laughing Cow Cream Cheese smeared on each slice. Crunchy, and a little bit of protein - so yummy!
I think any new ideas, or sources of information are essential to losing weight. What are some of your tips, or places on the web you go for inspiration?
1 - On our way to Calgary on Saturday. Justin and I had discussed making the trip up, but didn't set it in stone until Friday. Justin suggested getting a room, but I wanted to come home, so we'll get a room the next time we go to Calgary.
2 - My first time at Anthropology. It's not at all what I expected, much more of a boutique than I thought it would be. I still loved it and will try and stop there whenever I can.
3 - There's a carousel in the Chinook Mall. I still haven't gone on one (that I remember), and I think I'm going to add this to my list to do before turning twenty-nine.
4 - My Anthropology finds. Totally worth the four hour round trip drive!
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Dear winter, I am ready for you to leave the area. Although I loved the hoarfrost this morning, I don't like the cold. Dear snow, please melt fast, as I am ready to start running outside. Dear sunshine, please come out to play soon so that I can get a nice glow after a few outdoor runs. Dear daylight savings time, please don't make me feel like I lost too much sleep this weekend. Dear Sunday nap, be warm and cozy with a sleeping cat by my side.
I love how I can have the best of intentions, and the weather throws a wrench into my plans. It's been cold, snowy and overcast for most of this past week. If I was Punxsutawney Phil, I would have been pridiciting an early spring, but that seems hard to believe at the moment! Basically, it's a little hard to see my shadow, or any shadow for that matter, when the sun isn't shining!
Enter the beautiful Redwood National Park that Justin and I visited on our honeymoon in 2010. I've been thinking, and remembering them a lot recently, so I went in search of a photo with shadows to link up with the Click Chicks Photo Challenge this week. The red wood trees are magical, and I wish I was able to get more photos of them while we were there, especially while visiting Paul Bunyan at The Tress Of Mystery. Yea, they were mysterious alright, and my almost new camera batteries were dead shortly after stepping foot into the forest. Obviously there's some sort of mystic power there, allowing the trees to grow like they do, and I believe that same power drained my batteries. Something to ponder anyways.
If we're going to be better friends, I figured you'd want to know more about me. Here, for your pleasure, are ten things you might not know about me:
I have been to Vegas six times now. It's always the first place I suggest when Justin and I talk about going on a trip somewhere. Either that or Mexico.
I'm missing a tooth. It never did grow in when I was little, nor did it when I got my adult teeth.
Avocados are my weakness. I love them. Needless to say, salmon avacado makis are my kryptonite.
Ice cream makes me cough. So does pop. And chocolate makes me thirsty for water.
When I picture New York city, I think of it being winter. Always. I'm not sure where this stemmed from, maybe from watching Home Alone Two. I think it seems more romantic this way though.
If money and time were no object, I would have a lengthy vacation in Bora Bora. That blue water and the bungalows on stilts are paradise to me.
When my husband and I were dating, he lived next door to me. Although I had first met him while he was living elsewhere, he moved in next to me and we started hanging out daily. I told my mum about Justin, explaining that he was a neighbour, and she winced. Luckily I was right when I told her, "but he's different."
I was a big Hanson fan back in the late nineties. Oh, who am I kidding, I am still a huge fan! I listen to their Snowed In album each December before Christmas.
You will always see me in a pair of glasses. I can no longer wear contacts because I need to have a prism in one of my lenses.
My favourite sound in the entire world is my cat purring.
I'd love to say that inspiration struck me today, and this post spontaneously happened. But in reality, I was looking through my blog feed and saw a little Taylor Swift video that had me check out a post by Erin at Love, Fun and Football. The post had absolutely nothing to do with with T-Swizzle, and neither does this one, but I found a fun link up party to join in on! It's always fun to meet new bloggers, and I love being able to get to know everyone better. I also love these kind of posts since they are bat-cat simple!
First thing I reach for in the fridge - Since my habits with food have changed recently, I first reach for veggies from the fridge! Either that or milk. I have a slight addiction to milk. Both are much better options than reaching for the butter.
First car accident or traffic violation - I was driving to a co-workers house early in the morning, meeting him, then driving to Calgary for a training class. It was super early in the morning, around four if I recall correctly, with nobody else on the road. As I approached a red traffic light, I looked around to ensure there was still no traffic, came to a quick stop at the light, and continued on. That's when I saw the red and blue lights flashing behind me. I got a ticket for failing to come to a complete stop. What made matters worse, is that the colleague that I was meeting up with was and ex-RCMP officer. He gave me a bad time the whole day.
First BIG accomplishment I'm proud of - The one that moved me the most, the most recent, and one that changed my life was last Friday when I could tighten my belt to the tightest notch. I've never had that strong wave of pride come over me before. I was moved to tears.
1 - Justin and I treated ourselves to a nice dinner out Friday night.
2 - We got out of the house Saturday afternoon, and got some errands done, including washing the Acadia.
3 - Our plans for Saturday night changed when my cousin Brittany got sick. Her and her boyfriend were headed down for a visit, but headed back home when she started feeling ill. As the weekend progressed, Brittany and I realized there was a reason she got sick, and called it fate. There was a winter storm brewing for Sunday, and her and Logan would have either had a horrible drive back home, or would of had to spend another night here in town. And, as it turned out, Justin and I really did need a night to relax just the two of us.
4 - After our supper, Justin and I headed to Moxie's for another drink. I discovered that they have amazing wine spritzers, made with a very tasty Pinot Grigio.
5 - Then we decided to go to a sushi lounge, and enjoyed a roll each for dessert. It was such a fun and simple date idea, one that I'm going to keep in mind for future reference.
6 - Sunday morning the snow storm hit. From what was fifteen degrees on Friday, to ten degrees Saturday, to blowing snow and white out conditions Sunday. Oh the joys of Southern Alberta.
7 - The snow kept coming down, and we heard that all the highways were closed from Calgary south.
8 - A book my mum gave me as an early birthday present. I'm really finding it inspirational, and heartfelt.
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When I get to work on the first of the month, I always tear off last months paper from my desktop calendar. I always wait until it's actually the first day of the month because my Grandma always told me it was bad luck to change it ahead of time, and you should always listen to Grandma. There's something so satisfying about leaving another month behind, and being able to do better at any mistakes you made last month. I always like having a fresh start. Although, February was pretty awesome!
a bonus from losing weight is that my blood sugar levels seem to remain at a constant, Justin can't believe how much more calm I am now, and how I don't get bitchy when I'm hungry.
losing nine pounds and a total of four inches in a month. Although it's technically now a new month, but when I put on my pair of two week old jeans this morning, I was happy when they were a little loose. I was even happier when I needed to use the smallest notch on my belt. I became very emotional about this milestone, and cried tears of joy. I'm so proud of what I've already accomplished.
Bring it on March, I'm ready to have a full month of exercising five days a week, and making even healthier decisions. I'm ready for a fresh start again!
