My New Love

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Holy crap you guys. I have a new found love. (And I’m not just taking about this guy:)

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I did something for the first time ever last night, and after the 75 minutes, I was over the moon. I. DID. YOGA.

I NEVER wanted to do yoga. I always thought it was crazy and that I wouldn’t have the patience for it. I preferred high-impact, crazy workouts. Only lately have I been feeling the urge to give it a go- not only for a change, but to see how it could affect my body.

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I lucked out with Hot Yoga on Crowfoot– not only are they just around the corner form my house, but they have been voted the best yoga studio in Calgary.

After my early morning trip to Target yesterday, I swung by the studio to get more information on rates and class types and speak with them on which class I should do as a yoga virgin. They were super helpful and suggested I try Traditional Hot Yoga first. So I did. 

The next TH class was offered at 6pm, so I basically went home and hydrated until class time. I got anxious and nervous and almost backed out. 5:30 rolled around, and I arrived at the studio to pay a new student 7-day trial ($25 for 7 days of use!). There was already about 20/25 people lined up along the corridor waiting to take the same class as me. 

This is insane. Already that many people waiting and it’s still 30 minutes before class is scheduled to start? Eek.

Ok, so the doors finally open and BAM it was hot. And I loved it. Being a California native made me a-ok with this heat. Especially in Calgary.

I always think of this image when I remind myself I am a warm-weathered person somehow living in Calgary:

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(Source)

I immediately darted to the back corner to lay out my mat. As people were ‘ready’, they were laying down. I had no idea that about 5 minutes of laying down in 108 degree heat would get me so prepped and excited for a workout!

This is how the studio’s website described the TH class:

Traditional Hot Yoga (TH) is a series of twenty-six postures performed in a precise order, in a room heated to 42 °C (108 °F). The postures combined with heat help cleanse the body and warm the muscles. This class systematically works the entire body, concentrating on the essence of every organ, bone, joint, muscle, ligament, tendon, blood vessel, nerve and gland. Incorporating strength, balance, and flexibility, Traditional Hot Yoga teaches students how each pose stimulates the mind and restores and shapes the body. This class is available in a 65, 75 or 90 minute format.

I whispered to the girl next to me asking her if it was going to be hard and she said no. I must be a trusting person, because I took her word for it.

Come to find out, it wasn’t hard at all. There were a ton of challenging positions, but never once did I find myself straining or wishing I was elsewhere. And the instructor was AMAZING. She had such a warm and welcoming presence and fluently instructed each move and the purpose of doing each. She varied from walking the room to demonstrating moves. 

The only thing that felt funny about that class was the collective sound of people’s exhales. Seriously, just a weird sound to me.

OH. And I sweat. A LOT. Ghastly amounts. Lovely amounts.

There were some floor exercises towards the end of class that made my lower back a bit uncomfortable, but the combination of those and the heat made me realize AFTER class that the pain was gone. And my posture was better. And I woke up this morning feeling 2 inches taller. (Oh God, 2 more inches?! I’m already a giant!) I EVEN TOLD TYLER LAST NIGHT THAT I FELT GREAT ABOUT MY BODY<——that never happens, people.

Of course, I am now sore as hell. But it’s a good sore. One that makes me excited to jump back into my usual strength and cardio training for today. Only downside to this new found love is the price-tag that comes with it.

I know there are a lot of at-home yoga options, and my gym even offers classes, but neither come close to the hot yoga experience that I had. (Plus, creepy Jen noticed that there were about 30 gals my age in the class, meaning creepy Jen can actually have an opportunity to make friends!!) I seriously can’t wait to start working and making money so I can continue taking classes at this studio.

Namaste

Life as of Late

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Well shit. I had this whole post written out, and my computer went and deleted it. I want to scream, but then the puppies would come and rub their wet noses into my sides and that would be gross and uncomfortable. I really don’t think I can re-create the post, either, because that first one was pretty awesome. DANG IT. Let’s try this again.

I figured since my posts as of late have been pretty day-specific, and generally about exercise or food or stuff I found on the internet or booze, I would revert back to my old ways and catch up on some life stuff. (See: that’s not funny. The first draft’s intro paragraph was way better.)

Here we go.

1. I won a photo contest from Quest Nutrition Bars that I didn’t even know I entered. The prize was a whole box of their protein goodness, so I obviously went with chocolate chip cookies dough. Want to see what pic got me free stuff?

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2. I have a new sister wife.

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Tyler got a brand new 2013 Mustang (followed by a bunch more fancy words that makes the car sound super awesome. whatever). We’ve only really taken her out once, and it was pretty awesome. I can’t drive her, though. Not because of any Man-Ego-Bursting reasons, but simply because I don’t know how to drive standard. Nor do I really want to because the last thing I want is for anything to happen to my sister wife while I’m out with her. Yaknowwhatimsayin.

3. About a week or so ago, I made a batch of cake batter blondies. Solely for the purpose of eating sprinkles. And I needed something to put them in. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for ordering an extra cup of sprinkles with my soft serve (EVERYONE should be doing that), but I didn’t want to run the risk of having Tyler come home to me on the floor in a sugar coma with empty sprinkles jars. Although, similar things have happened (namely with brownie batter and Nutella).

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I pretty much followed the recipe you’ll find online. Honestly, if you just google it, there will be about 2305972039 search results, all posting pretty much the same recipe. Only difference with mine was that I added extra almond milk AND I threw in some pb2 powder. Um yeah, that was the best decision ever because those suckers were the bomb dot com. But then I wasn’t craving them the next day so I threw them out. This would be different if I HAD A JOB in which case I would bring excess treats into work to share. BUT NO….Sigh, I’m not going there today. I will probably cry. I go plop my mug into that big ass tub of nutella I recently purchased. No, can’t do that. I have a wedding dress to fit into. Sidenote: It is a TERRIBLE idea to have the final fitting for your dress SIX months before the actual wedding. And it doesn’t help that it is sitting in the bridal shop 3000 miles away so I can’t even visit it and make sure I don’t look like a sausage in it!

4. The three of us (Me, Tyler and the Sister Wife) drove out to Canmore on Saturday. 1.) So Tyler could break in the new gal 2.) To enjoy the friggin FIRST nice day of the year, and 3.) To go test out some beers and enjoy a nice lunch on the patio. We went to The Grizzly Paw for our first stop and enjoyed some beers. (The first draft had a really good joke about getting sun burns, but now I totally forget it, so your loss)

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Maybe it was something about how it was so nice to sit outside and enjoy a great afternoon of drinks and food even though we each only got burnt on one side of our bodies? I don’t know, I think there was some mention of altitude in that joke as well.

The beers were really good! The only one I didn’t care for was the IPA. (Canadian joke: IP-eh! hahaha I’m so silly)

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And we both got Bison burgers. My side HOUSE salad had beets and egg and a whole bunch of other delicious things that I immediately shovelled into my mouth.

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5. Beer + Lemonade= Shandy

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This stuff was WAY TOO EASY to drink. That is all I will say about that.

6. Tyler is SO good on the grill. We had filet mignon with caesar salads and grilled corn the other night. The dogs were going nuts because we kept ‘mmmmm-ing’.

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Also, the corn was from the US so of course it was good. 

7. Now that the sun has made its appearance for 2013, I have to take what I can get and say VAMOOS to tank top tan lines. Those don’t make for good wedding pictures..or so I hear.

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I was not intending for that picture to look scandalous, but I guess that’s what happens when you unhook the straps of a bathing suit. (for no tan lines people!)

Other tidbits as of late:

  • I made these and these and loved them both! I can’t wait for Sally to come out with her cookbook!!!
  • Target opened in Calgary today. I was bummed they didn’t have a larger grocery section, but HELLS YES I stocked up on Double Stuf Oreos. THEY WERE $1.88!!! 
  • I finally got my first Iced Coffee of the year from Starbucks. Crazy nees: Did you know they don’t offer iced coffee in the winter months? I suppose it’s not in high demand when the weather is -20, but I STILL WANT IT!

Now you tell me something!!! 

Monday Moves #5

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The weather has just been amazing here the past few days. I have tried to soak up more than my fair share of the rays- and so far, have been pretty darn successful. Taking the pups to the park or for a walk without having to first put on a jacket is just awesome. And driving with the windows down. Ahh, yes.

But before I continue to keep speaking of the glorious weather- and leave my computer to get more rays before the sun sets- I have to post some exercise moves! Yet another three for you this week:

1. Gliding Jackknife 

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-If you don’t have gliding discs, paper plates are just as effective (an cheaper!)

-One foot on each disc, starting in plank position. Contract core muscles to bring the discs up under your chest, then return to start position.

2. Single Leg Wall Squat with Hammer Curl

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-Start with the ball behind your back (with the ball against the wall). Hold the weights at your side.

– Lower into a squat while simultaneously doing a hammer curl. The more advanced option is to perform the squat with one leg (see middle picture above).  Watch placement of knees and toes, make sure back is straight through entire move.

3.  Rear Deltoid Raise on Ball

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– Lay on the ball, stabilizing yourself with your feet (knees up)

– With bent elbows at your side, squeeze your deltoids to bring your elbows up to shoulder height. Bring back to starting position.

 

Ok, that’s all I have for now…wordpress has been acting up so I wanted to make sure to get this published asap!

Question: What’s a move you’ve been loving lately??

Exercise and Eats: Week of 5/6

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Happy Cinco de Mayo, all! I am currently slurping the tail-end of my first mug-a-rita of the day, and about to blend another as soon as I finish this post. Just wanted to check in with my exercise and eats for the week, per usual. Here goes:

Last week’s eats:

Monday: Portobello Pizzas These were seriously delicious and filling. They are SUPER easy to make, too!

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Tuesday: Quinoa ‘Fried’ Rice Um yeah, I eyeballed the ingredients for this recipe, and either I wasn’t hungry or I did a terrible eye-balling job, because I barely picked at this. Tyler took the leftovers to work the next day and said it was even better! Score for him 🙂

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Wednesday: Chicken and Avocado Baked Burritos I found this recipe from I Wash You Dry and they were SO yummy. I highly recommend making these!

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Thursday: Broccoli Salad I absolutely CANNOT stand raw broccoli, but when it is made in this salad, I honestly can’t get enough. So good. It’s generally a side dish, but I made a big batch and we ended up being satisfied with just a bowl full of this stuff each.

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Friday: Homemade Pizza! I was originally planning on making noodle bowls, but when Friday rolled around, I wasn’t in the mood AND I had leftover dough in the freezer. It was super quick and easy to make and even more delicious. I really love having pizza on Fridays with Tyler and the pups around.

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On tap for next week: (Oh man, Tyler and I actually thought this week’s menu up TOGETHER and I am really excited for what we each plan on making!!!)

  • Monday: Avocado Egg Salad Sandwiches
  • Tuesday: Crab cakes
  • Wednesday: Spicy Black Bean Burgers
  • Thursday: Kale Pesto Pasta
  • Friday: Fish Tacos

**Note: There are TWO dinners with seafood. Yes, this is crazy since I HATE seafood, but I am really trying to incorporate some here and there.

Ok, now on to the exercise. I think this past week went pretty well. Let’s take a look:

Sun, 4/28: 1 hour hike with Tyler and the pups, full body strength/cardio at home DONE

Mon, 4/29: Best Body Bootcamp Strength Workout A, 30 min run, 10 min row DONE

Tues, 4/30: 60 min run 40 min spin, 20 min row DONE

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Wed, 5/1: BBB Strength Workout B, 20-20-20 (spin, row run) 30 min run DONE

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Thurs, 5/2: 30 min spin, ab tabatas 20 min spin DONE

Fri, 5/3: BBB Strength Workout C, 30 min run, 10 min row DONE

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 Now, on tap for this week:
 
Sun, 5/5: Walk with the pups, TRX circuits
Mon, 5/6: Best Body Bootcamp Strength Workout A, 30 min run
Tues, 5/7: 40 min spin, 20 min row
Wed, 5/8: BBB Strength Workout B, 20-20-20 cardio
Thurs, 5/9: 60 min run
Fri, 5/10: BBB Strength Workout C
Sat, 5/11: HIKE!!!!!!
 
NOW…time for that next margarita (and steak dinner 🙂 )
Question: Tried any new recipes lately? Favorite workout?? I wanna know!

 

Winesday Wednesday: 5/1

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Short post for this week’s Winesday Wednesday. Not too many submissions. (PLEASE keep them coming! Tell your friends…)

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Chelsea (who recently had a birthday and I forgot to tell her Happy Birthday!!!!) @RunnerGirlChels (twitter) send me a pic of a wine she got for her birthday! She said it was a smooth red blend that was perfect for the patio. Um yeah….wine is always a great bday gift. Or any occasion type of gift (I guess unless it’s a “congrats on the pregnancy” type gift. In which case, I would probably bring wine as a gift anyways and laugh in their face while I drink their gift. Because I CAN)

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Love wines from Columbia Valley!

Next up, Keith submitted a photo of another homemade wine (dang, I wish we made wines as fancy as all of his..they look and sound so fantastic!) Here’s what he attached with the photo:

Here is tonight’s wine, a limited edition Italian Primitivo. You know I love you if I serve this. It’s my current fave.
As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the best of the current crop. It has just the right amount of weight in my mouth, a nice crisp flavor without being tart, nice depths and mix of flavors, without being heavy or overwhelming. We had this with BBQ chicken burgers, and of course it went very well. It’s also great just drinking by itself. It’s a beautiful deep ruby red. I wish I’d bought and made two.
Sounds fantastic. I think we are about to pick up a limited edition case of our own…but not sure yet.
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Monique @burpeestobubbly (twitter) sent a collage of boozy goodness! 1) Wine 2) Mimosa 3) Sangria. Yup, I want to drink that whole collage right now.
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Nicole @hauterunningmama (instagram) posted a pic of a wine I had never heard of, and yet I want to buy mostly because of its name: Laughing Stock Vineyards Syrah. I looked it up online and it actually sounds yummy, too. (To be honest, I really buy a lot of my wines based on the label or the name…)
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Mary @mkc7946 (instagram) posted a beer pic!!! (Seriously, I equally love both wine and beer…OK, and liquor too) This one looks really good, and she mentioned it was her new favorite beer!
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Surprisingly, I didn’t get any pictures from my mama (I’M TOTALLY CALLING YOU OUT, MA. PS: WE SHOULD MARGARITA SKYPE THIS WEEKEND)
And to round out this week’s pics, here is my selection for the week: Rigamarole Red
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Chosen solely because it had a Gibra on the label (I told you I’m a very visual person). It was a bit dry, and I only ended up having a glass of it. Tyler finished it off over the weekend. 😉
COOL NEWS
I have been invited to a Brewmaster’s Dinner for Big Rock Brewery! They are introducing a new brew and I am SO EXCITED to attend! I was invited for the launch of another beer back in January, but was unable to attend because I was out of town. I can’t wait to share the experience with everyone!!
See ya for next week’s installment! (Remember, you can email, tweet, instagram or fb me your drink stuff!)