Coffee Cake

It was a busy weekend in this house!  I took a half day from work on Friday to get a jump start on the weekend, because I had a ton of errands to run!

I dropped Colby off at Doggie Fun Camp for the afternoon, then met Ryan for a quick lunch at Subway :)  From there I had several stops to make including grocery shopping, picking up wrapping paper, getting my oil changed and going to the chiropractor.  I also managed to fit in a quick 3 mile run because it was COMPLETELY gorgeous outside on Friday afternoon. 

The chiropractor said that I was experiencing pain in my lower back/upper hip because my pelvis had rotated and was causing those muscles to strain.  He got me adjusted back to the way it's supposed to be and gave me stretches and a series of core exercises to work on.

Friday night I spent time after dinner making treats for the weekend... my college friends were making an appearance in Green Bay and I was hosting at my house.  I made Rice Krispies Treats & Sour Cream Coffee Cake!

Saturday I cleaned the house... did a short workout (I didn't feel like it) then went to my cousin Katy's baby shower.  From there I came back to clean the rest of the house & prepare for a night of fun!

After a super fun night on Saturday, I completed my 5 mile run today with the beautiful winter sun shining :)  I finished the weekend celebrating the 3rd & 5th birthday of two very special little boys!!

Here's the coffee cake...

The batter gets sticky...

But it looks amazing once the cinnamon & sugar get added to it :)

Then you bake it and take it out of the oven to reveal all it's mouthwatering amazingness...

Then you enjoy a piece :)

Sour Cream Coffee Cake
3/4 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
3 eggs
3 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. light sour cream
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Topping:
2/3 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Cream butter and sugar.  Add 1 egg at a time, mix until blended.  Sift dry ingredients into mixture.  Add sour cream.  Once fully blended, stir in vanilla.  Dump half the batter into greased angel food pan.  Cover with 1/2 of the topping mixture, add remaining batter, then sprinkle 2nd 1/2 of topping mixture over the top.

Bake for 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean.  Cut into 18 pieces

Weight Watchers Points Plus: 7pts each slice.

Weigh In #4

Complete lost track of time last week and forgot to post my weigh in #4 results...

Weekly:  -1.6lbs

Total Lost to date:  -7.8lbs

I really feel like the weight is not coming off as quickly as it has in the past.  However, I keep reminding myself that I don't have as much to lose as I have in the past... and I am already very active, so I my body is used to workouts.  I know that as I continue to increase my mileage, I will continue to see results and it will really help in my weight loss.  However, I am building muscle - which doesn't always help you lose a ton of weight.  I definitely see the "shape" of my legs changing - becoming much more defined and less "jiggly" with all the running I am doing!!

At any rate, I am still please with my results so far, and look forward to week 5 weigh in!

A Weekend Review

Friday night we stayed in, mostly because I had to be up before 7 to head to my training run on Saturday morning.  It was Ryan's birthday Friday... the big 2-9!  So we celebrated with dinner and he opened his presents :)  Then I told him I would make him mini cupcakes or we could go to Dairy Queen... Ryan chose Dairy Queen.  I stuck with a small vanilla cone and it was worth every point! :)

Saturday morning at 7:30, I stepped out in the -1 degree weather for a 4.5 mile training run in Ashwaubenon... and boy was it chilly!  I layered up with my running tights under windpants, 2 pairs of wicking socks, and 4 layers on top - tank top, long sleeve, zip up track jacket & northface fleece.  Topped off with a fleece hat & running gloves.  I am sure I looked pretty silly but I stayed warm... and eventually got really warm.  The most I had to do though was unzip my fleece.  Everything else stayed put!  My final mileage for the day was 4.65 in 51 minutes :)  11:07 pace.

I came home to warm up and relax while Ryan went to work... Colby and I lounged :)

We spent the afternoon playing tetris on the Wii before heading out to dinner @ Chefusion, downtown Green Bay.  We didn't make reservations because someone Ryan works with said we really didn't need them if it wasn't a holiday weekend or home Packer game.  The hostess was slightly rude about "finding us a table" when in front of us was an entirely empty dining room.  They sat us at the smallest table in the corner of the restaurant.  Our waitress was super nice though, and our service was fast.  Ryan got steak & I got Mushroom Risotto.  I enjoyed my meal but Ryan was not overly impressed with his steak.  I tried to sneak a picture of my meal, but it was pretty dark in the restaurant.

We came home after dinner and played two very serious rounds of Skip-Bo.  We are tied 1-1 and have yet to play the tie-breaker game :)

Sunday my dad, step-mom and brother came over to visit & deliver my Christmas present...

My last kitchen cabinet got installed... it's beautiful and I absolutely love it!!!  Hope you had a great weekend!

Week 3 Weigh In

Today was my 3rd weigh in since I have been back on Weight Watchers.  In 16 days, I am happy to report that I have lost 6.2lbs!  It's amazing that this plan seriously works as long as you have the determination to stick to it!!

I only hope that I continue to have success :)

I got bit by another cold on Sunday - but this one was strictly achy ears & sore throat... no cough or runny nose.  My ear and throat pain hasn't gotten better, so I went to Urgent Care this morning... negative for both strep and ear infection.  I just have "what's going around!"  What a waste-o-money!

Because I was not feeling well yesterday, particularly with the pain in my ears - I didn't run, and took a 3 1/2 hour nap in the afternoon instead (huge bummer - because I didn't work Monday and had big plans for a longer run).  I know my body needed the rest... but I am bummed about missing my first run on my training schedule.  Tonight I had volleyball, thus was not able to run either, so my goal is to get my makeup run in tomorrow & then be back on track for Thursday.

Over the weekend I made two yummy dishes
1) Milk Chocolate Chip cookies.  Ryan's parents came to town for the Packers game... so I decided I could make a sweet treat.  I did the smart thing and sent the rest of the cookies to work with Ryan instead of keeping them in the house.  Even though I was bad on Sunday & ate 4, YES 4 cookies... I still managed to lose this week!  WOOT!!

2) For lunch on Sunday while his parents were here, I made Chicken Stir-Fry.  It is my dad's recipe, and I am happy to report that I was actually able to live up to his cooking and got it to turn out the same :)  Only bummer is, I was so busy cooking and baking... I didn't take time out to snap some pictures.  The next time I make it, pictures will happen!

Happy Wednesday...already... tomorrow... heck yes!!  I love being 1/2 way through the week after 1 day of work :)

Run, Run, Run

Today was one week that I was back on Weight Watchers... I have an OCD personality when I am trying to lose weight and I weigh myself daily.  Tomorrow is my official weigh in, and I am hoping to be down 3lbs from last Tuesday :)  Here's to hoping!!

I also started my half marathon training.  The official training calendar started on Jan 5th, but I chose to start on December 31st.  I also set a minimum running goal of 10 miles per week.  Last week I hit my goal - 10 miles exactly:  2 days @ 2.5 miles each (Monday/Thursday) and Saturday I did 5 miles.  I truly believe we are being blessed with this amazing weather.  Never thought I'd be running outside on dry ground in JANUARY!

The route I took Saturday was almost all hills... let's just say my calves and shins were still screaming in pain today :(  Here's one of the steady incline hills.

Here's an action shot running up that steady incline... ugh :(

Lately after I run more than 2-3 miles, I get incredibly nauseous about an hour after I finish running.  It's horrible to the point that I have to sit with my head between my legs because I feel like I will be sick.  The only time I didn't experience this after a longer run, is when I drank a glass of chocolate milk after I ran... it seemed to help coat my stomach.  I think I'll have to start keeping chocolate milk in the house!!

Sunday I finally got out my air popper that I got for Christmas.  It's official... I will NEVER buy microwave popcorn again!! :)  Unless I happen to come across a bag of Pop Secret Homestyle, that I just can't pass up!  Anywhoo... 1 cup of seeds produced two HUGE bowls of popcorn.  Ryan and I enjoyed munching while watching the Falcons/Giants game.  Turns out the Packers will face the Giants next week in Week 2 of the playoffs... eek!   

And finally, I ended Sunday evening by relaxing with my puppy :)  He used to sit in the recliner when he was a puppy all the time.  Then he stopped, I think he felt he was too big.  Well, we rearranged the living room after taking down the Christmas tree... and he decided the chair was his domain once again.  I just had to post this hilarious shot of him sleeping.  And yes, he is eyes closed, snoring SLEEPING!  What a dog.

I kicked off the week making stuffed peppers for dinner & completed a 3 mile run tonight at the Y.  I did 2 miles on the track (my iPod ran out of battery after about 20 minutes and I couldn't stand running without music so I finished the third mile on the treadmill).  Either the NY Resolution gym-goers have already given up or they go earlier, because I haven't seen any increase of people at the Y.  That gives me a big happy face! :) :) :)  P.S.  Happy 2 year anniversary to Ryan & I :)  Here's to hoping for a very happy future for us!!

My Dad

My dad is an amazing person.  He's one of the coolest guys I know, amazingly helpful  - to everyone he meets, creative, talented, generous, an amazing cook, and rarely ever thinks of himself.  He's always doing for others and expects nothing in return.

He's about to turn the big 5 - 0 in March... and today he made me so excited... he told me he registered for the HALF MARATHON!!!!  He will be 50 when he runs his first ever half marathon... and I know will whip my butt with his time... he has a natural gift to run!

Here is my dad & I after the 2011 Bellin Run... doesn't even look a bit tired after running 6.2 miles :)  I can't wait to take a father/daughter picture following the Cellcom on 5/20/12!

GO DAD!!!

Back to Work...

Why is the day after a long weekend so difficult!?!?  I struggled getting out of bed this morning and then I felt like the day would never end.  But now I am home and relaxing for a bit before my volleyball game & dinner with my team!

Of course, day two of weight watchers, and I'm headed to a Mexican Restaurant!  I am determined to be good.  I figure if I skip the margarita, I'll be saving a ton of points right there :)

I weighed in this morning, for my first official weigh in... I'm down 1 pound since Sunday when I joined!  I am hoping for a steady 2 lb loss each week - with a balanced diet & exercise.  If I lose 2lbs per week, I will reach my goal in 13 weeks!  However, I want to be a realistic person, knowing that because I don't have as much to lose this time, it might be more difficult towards the end.  Therefore, I'm setting my goal date of:  May 15th (which is 19 weeks).  Having a cushion always allows for a few weeks of setbacks or small losses.  This is also the week of the HALF MARATHON, so I would be very pleased with myself if I hit my goal weight (1 resolution) and ran my first half marathon (another resolution) in the SAME week!

Today's menu (sorry no pictures!):

B - 2 Eggo Waffles w/Peanut Butter
S - 1/2 Grapefruit w/ 1tsp. sugar
L - Morning Star Chik Pattie on a sandwich thin with lettuce
S - Apple w/Peanut Butter
D - Mexican:  I'll either be getting a salad or chicken tacos.... TBD!

Workout - Sand Volleyball (it's technically my rest day)

Happy Tuesday... very glad to know that we're half way through the week TOMORROW!

Day One

Today was my first day back on Weight Watchers.  This time, I hope it's a major success.  The last time I rejoined (I have gone on and off weight watchers since 2005), I did not take it seriously, and it did not yield results.  This time, that all changes!  Here was my day...

Breakfast: 2 Eggo Waffles, 1 egg white, 1 slice muenster cheese, 1 Tbsp Strawberry Jam w/ 1c. homemade applesauce.

 

Lunch: Arnold Multi-Grain sandwich thin, ham, a slice of colby-jack cheese & lettuce w/a 1/2 grapefruit & 1 tsp. sugar.

Dinner:  Wild Salmon brushed with olive oil & seasoning, Baby Bella Mushrooms sauteed with seasoning and a little olive oil, and Roasted Zucchini spears.  And for dessert:  Chocolate Milk (not pictured).

Workout:  Ran 2.25 miles & biked 3 miles

Tomorrow is my official first weigh in... let's hope the number is not too scary! :)

Resolutions

Last year I don't recall making any resolutions... But a lot of things happened (good & bad in 2011) to make me realize that I should set some goals (call them resolutions if you will), for 2012.

1) Run.  Run 13.1 miles on May 20th, 2011 - never run less than 10 miles in any week of 2012.
2) Blog More... Often.  I need to really work more at being a better "frequent" blogger.
3) Rejoin Weight Watchers, lose 25lbs again... and maintain more than just a few months.  This needs to be a lifestyle change.
4) Workout a consistent 4 days a week.  Give my body rest on those other 3 days... I won't get burned out, and I will have less of a chance for injury!
5) Live every day to it's fullest... you never know if it will be your last.  The sudden loss of my Aunt in August 2011 has taught me that.

8-19-11 Forever in our Hearts

How I Spent my NYE 2011

New Years Eve 2011 was probably one of those great days I will remember.  We had stayed up past midnight, so when it was officially my birthday (12/31) Ryan gave me my birthday present - a cover for my Kindle & DVD (The Help).

BACK UP:  Earlier on the 30th - I had bought myself a birthday treat, Friends with Benefits on Blu-Ray.  I got home from work - popped in a movie & settled in with my magazines...

You can tell it's the new year... I see a very obvious them on all these covers!!

My dad, stepmom & little brother came over Friday night to wish me a happy birthday and take out the old kitchen cabinet that my dad's replacing.  After they left, Ryan and I played a few rounds of...

We have a pretty epic battle going on right now :)

Back to NYE... We slept in on Saturday morning (until 9... so late), lounged around for a bit, had some toast, then decided to workout.  Ryan wanted to do his P90x... and I wanted to run.  I decided to stop being a baby and run outside.  It's rare in WI that we have mid-30s on December 31st with no snow or ice on the sidewalks.  So I bundled up, put on my new running gloves and headed out.  My goal was to do 5 miles (my longest run since Thanksgiving day)... but I would have been happy with 3 miles.  I was feeling great and it was beautiful outside.  My run turned into 5 1/2 miles in 1 hour!  Here's me post run (no shower, no makeup)...

No, I didn't wear a tank top running outside... I had to immediately shed the long sleeve & sweatshirt when I walked in the house.  My hat was shed 3 miles into the run and I held onto it the rest of the time. 

After our workouts, we showered & headed to the mall... to finalize our NYE outfits.  When we got home from the crazy mall, my mom & stepdad were at my house to wish me a happy birthday.  We spent some time with them, then played a few more games of skip-bo.  At 6pm we headed out to dinner at Eve's Supper Club in Green Bay.  It is a non-reservation restaurant, but the food was great and the people were so nice, so the 2 hour wait for dinner didn't seem so bad.  This was the only picture we have from our night, so sadly, you can't really see our stylin' outfits...

 We got one of the best seats in the house at Eve's... overlooking the Fox River at night.  It was pretty cool :)

This is from their website, but you get the idea :)

 We ended the night celebrating with some friends downtown, and were home just after 1am.

Here's to a Happy & Healthy 2012!

Holiday Rewind

Happy 2012 :)  I know I'm a bit behind in blogging, but it's been a crazy, busy few holiday weeks!  Here's a little look back in pictures :)

Ry & I Christmas Eve

Ryan got me a Kindle!

My Siblings - Christmas Eve

My last kitchen cabinet - Christmas present from my dad & stepmom :)

How Colby spent his Christmas morning!

Christmas Morning - Grandma/Grandpa - and all but 2 of the grandchildren... I'm the oldest of ALL!

While I only posted pictures of 2 of my gifts, I loved them all.  My kindle was completely unexpected, but I love it.  My cabinet is beautiful and will finish my kitchen completely - looking forward to it being completed by my dad in January!

Some of my other gifts included lots of kitchen stuff, an electric blanket for my bed, a new North Face fleece, bathroom towels, gift cards & a few collectibles :)  Thank you everyone!