Sunday Blogging

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Simultaneously blogging while watching Home Alone 2 on a Sunday. Ambitious.

But what do I have to blog about? Nothing, really. This is where I ask you, dear readers of this silly little blog, to give me some suggestions. Have questions you want me to answer? Want me to write about a certain something? Let me know. Otherwise, the next 7 months of blogging will consist of only Layla pictures, crap I’ve baked, and my workouts. That gets slightly boring.

To briefly recap the weekend thus far: Friday afternoon I did a nice SWEATY home circuit workout.

Each set is done 3x through before moving on to the next (if it’s one side-specific, 10 reps for each side=1 set). Each move will consist of 10 reps.

Stability ball split squats
Weighted pliet squat

Bicep curls
Up-Down plank (5 with right arm leading, 5 left)

Gliding curtsy lunges
Single leg deadlifts

Pushups
Overhand grip standing row

I alternated the moves in each set (ex: 10 pushups, 10 row, 10 pushups, 10 row, 10 pushups, 10 row) and completing the set 3x through without rest. 1-2 minute rest between each completed set.

Tyler came home with an awesome bag of goodies that were being handed out downtown. AND IT WAS FROM TARGET! OHMYGODIMSOEXCITED.

A sweet reusable bag with even sweeter shades

A fleece throw and a snow/ice scraper thingy.

Friday night was spent on the couch (BOOOOOO-RING). A nice little dinner and Elf.

Saturday’s face:

Tyler was working pretty much ALL DAY yesterday, so Layla and I had even more quality bonding time. We watched The Holiday, then went to the park for about an hour or so.

I started to get really bored, so I randomly got dressed up (it lasted for about 15 minutes before I switched back to jammies) I think I was influenced to dress up because I was watching RHONY. As soon as a wedding show came on, I was all F this noise and F these tights, I’m getting comfy y’all. Anyways- here’s the get-up:

Today was an early wakeup- obviously because of football, but also because we hadn’t yet submitted our picks. Tyler ran to the store to submit them, and came back with Tim Horton’s. Good guy. Good, good guy.

So, ummmmmmm, yeah that’s all I got.

Best Body Bootcamp is over, so I’m actually going to have to plan my own strength workouts. At least until the next round of BBB starts up in January.

This commercial is hilarious:

I started watching Dexter.

The neighbors behind us have all their Christmas lights and blow up things in their backyard. I don’t understand. Backyard? Then only *I* can enjoy them. Thanks, I guess.

Let’s talk about the pigeon lady in Home Alone 2. I never liked her.

The guy from here:

(Source)

Is THIS GUY:

(Source)

Never made the connection before. Crazy pants.

Give me suggestions/questions for future posts

Or, leave me something random.

Thanks!

Weekend Catch Up. And free lululemon!

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Ok, I think I can get back to normal now. School is over and grades are in. 2 A’s to finish grad school! My cumulative GPA is 3.751. Not. Too. Shabby. I am really glad it’s over. The other night, I dreamt that I hadn’t finished all my work. But I also dreamt bears were chasing me, so I couldn’t take it too seriously. I finally checked yesterday morning and had to refrain from hooting and hollering because Tyler was still sleeping.

Made me feel even better about getting this puppy from Tyler as a graduation gift:

I have already made a batch of chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies and biscotti. The chocolate chip recipe that was my go-to recipe has been officially taken over by a new recipe that came with my mixer. Tyler and I agreed that this batch was the best because it wasn’t as sweet. I thought they were chewier, too. Makes them last longer (or not). I am still on the hunt for a savory dish to make with this. But why rush, when the obvious thing to make during the holiday season is tons and tons of cookies?! I loaded up on sugar, flour, brown sugar, powdered sugar, eggs, BUTTER, and food coloring in preparation for the madness that will be my kitchen in the next few weeks. PS: If you have any cookies recipes you’re dying to share..PLEASE DO!

Saturday was a busy day. It was a FUN day! And, after two weeks sans makeup and normal clothes, I got myself dressed.

I rocked some red corduroys, brown leather boots, a plaid long sleeved tee, and my wool scarf from Zulily. If you haven’t heard of Zulily, I highly recommend you check out that link I provided. There are some insane deals on there! (The girls got their bridesmaids earrings from there!)

We had a Groupon for Fatburger that was due to expire this week, so we decided to make the trek to the NE for some fat-kid food.

The voucher was for the standard burger, fries, and soft drink. A meal that is totally out of my norm. I managed to finish most of the burger which was OK, and a couple of fries. Had to force feed those, since I am NOT a fry person. The best thing I can say about that meal was that it wasn’t greasy. So I didn’t feel like a tub-o-lard that I planned on feeling like.

While eating the meal, I spotted a Bulk Barn across the way. I had never been to one yet, and I really wanted to sneak a peak on what goodies they had to offer. Yup, it was heaven. I was surprised by the variety of things they had- coffee to spices to baking ingredients to candy to nuts to….everything.

I managed to restrain myself, and we walked out with only a couple of goodies:

Irish cream coffee beans, hot tamales, corn nuts (for Tyler). and silver sugar pearls. I was entirely too excited to see the pearls because I remember my mom always having them in the cupboard, ready for baking. I guess the store we went to stopped carrying them or they were discontinued because we couldn’t find them for the longest time. Tonight, we will be definitely using them to decorate christmas cookies- made with my new mixer 😉

We also stopped by this shop that was within the same neighborhood- and we got a home brewing kit! Tyler and I LOVE drinking beer, and Tyler has been interesting in making it at home. We ended up getting the kit and a box of wort for mexican cerveza.The guy at the store said it was more like Dos Equis than Corona. As soon as we got home, we got right to it!

I can’t wait to see how it turns out. We have already been looking into other ‘flavors’. I’m rooting for Apricot!

After the beer was all set (it is currently still sitting in the basement fermenting. Or doing whatever it does), we got to our gingerbread building. I opted for the traditional house, while Tyler mixed it up and got the tree. I think they turned out pretty good. Mine included red and green fondant that I had to roll out and shape myself. I now have a new respect for wedding cake bakers. But I’m still going with cupcakes.

We rounded out the evening with Caesars and Home Alone.

And Layla drooled all over us. Typical.

Sunday was nothing unusual. Except for the fact that I wasn’t bogged down with homework! Tyler watched football while I did laundry and napped and snuggled with the pup. I was feeling pretty blah and didn’t want to go to the gym, so I did a pretty quick- but effective strength circuit:

50 left reverse gliding lunges
50 right reverse gliding lunges
50 overhead presses
50 shoulder presses
100 stability ball situps
50 right single leg deadlifts
50 left single leg deadlifts

Yesterday’s workout was Workout A from Best Body Bootcamp– 6 rounds of tabatas, with each alternating between two moves (this is my favorite series for arms, because I have seen immediate results after both last night’s session and last Monday’s session. Score!) I also got to the gym and did a 30 minute treadmill interval workout.

I think that makes me sufficiently caught up. What’s going on with you?

PS: Don’t forget, if you’re looking for a fitness-related gift for you or someone you know, check out the monthly fitness apparel subscription box from pv.body. If you click here, you can get 20% of regular price! AND IF YOU SIGN UP BY 12/13 (THIS THURSDAY) YOU WILL GET A FREE $25 LULULEMON GIFT CARD!!!!!!! (You can thank me later. Or now. Or send me cookies/lululemon gift card)

Workouts and Christmas Gifts!

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Hey, internets. It’s me, Jen. I’ve been SUPER busy the last few days working on my finals. MY.LAST.FINALS.

EVER!!!!!!!!!

I actually turned one in Tuesday night and already got my unofficial final grade (it’s an A 😉 )I have a little more to complete of my other exam, then DONE!

The only breaks I really took were to workout, make dinner, and watch Ellen. Priorities, people.

My workouts have actually been following this phase from Best Body Bootcamp! I have been feeling pretty great this week- even under all this stress!

Monday: 30 minutes of sprint intervals on the treadmill. I made up my own intervals: 2 min run, 1 min run faster, 1 minute SPRINT. This was done quite a few times through- each time shortening the ‘rest’ intervals in between. Thanks, Pitbull and Will.i.am for getting me through. I waited until I got home from the gym to do the strength portion of the workout: tabata style! Tina had planned Monday’s strength tabatas to be focused on upper body moves. I seriously couldn’t stop flexing all night because I loved how awesome my arms looked! (and it only took 24 minutes. I didn’t get bored. AND I wasn’t even listening to music!)

Tuesday: 30 minutes of spin. I have been actually really good at motivating myself and pushing myself on the bike lately- since I haven’t liked ANY group ex classes since moving here. On the Keiser bike, I noticed that I was getting in about 12.5 miles per 30 minute session on the bike. I know it’s not about the distance- especially since I love to dial up the resistance once in a while, but Tuesday I decided I wanted to ‘beat’ my average. I kept using the varying resistances, but I really pushed myself and got an extra mile in. SUCCESS! I also did 100 stability ball sit ups at home.

Wednesday: I knew I didn’t want to get to the gym (I really only go there now to run or spin) because I didn’t want to overdo it on the same type of cardio I had been doing this week. So, before I got in bed last night, I managed to get in strength Workout B from BBB. This one was focused on lower body, and after 24 minutes I was nice and sweaty! Great way to end the day and snuggle in bed.

Today: since my legs feel rested (ok, maybe not completely rested after last night’s workout) I am looking forward to mixing up my cardio at the gym with a combo of sprints, spin and rowing! Then maybe some abs at home.

A while back, I signed up for a blogger Christmas swap that Leigh set up. I was paired with Jolene, whose blog I had not yet come across. We swapped some emails to get an idea of what each other liked, and began reading each others blogs. On Monday, I received my package from Jolene, and I was blown away with all the awesome goodies she included. They were so ‘me’.

She had individually wrapped everything, so of course I was super giddy. The dog looked at me in horror as I ripped and threw paper around the room, gasping with each item. Not to mention, the paper was SUPER cute. Here’s the loot:

Along with a cute card came Lindt chocolates, Toffifee, taco scented stickers, a face mask, 2 different perfume samples, lotion, chapstick, ESSIE nail polish, chocolate cake vodka, shampoo/conditioner, BACON SALT, and some treats for Layla!

The Lindt chocolates are already gone (they were PEPPERMINT flavored. Of course I ate them already) and half the box of Toffifee has been eaten (only 2 pieces from me. Tyler loved them too!) I actually never had them until Jolene sent them to me, and now I can officially say they’re on my list of favorites!

Caramel, nougat, chocolate and hazelnut? Pass it on.

A huge thank you to Jolene for the awesome gifts!!!

Ok, back to the books. Hope that helped with your Jen fix. Layla says hi.

FPP reveal and an AWESOME offer!

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Hey guys, happy Friday!

As you may know, I participate in the foodie pen pal program run by Lindsay at The Lean Green Bean.

Every month, Linsday pairs all participants with a partner in their respective country. You are assigned to send your partner foodie gifts not to exceed $15. Then, on the last day of the month, she hosts a reveal day on her blog for everyone to share! (If you are interested in signing up, it is a bit different for December- she is having people donate to charity for Hurricane Sandy. I am assuming it will resume back to ‘normal’ in January. The sign up info is on her blog linked above).

I actually didn’t get my pen pal package until yesterday afternoon, so I haven’t had the opportunity to try any of the items (Lindsay has us send our packages by the 15th every month to allow time for delivery and the recipient to try the stuff). Here’s what I got:

First off, I am super appreciative of this package. I signed up to connect with other Canadians and to try new foods. The SkinnyGirl Granola bars sound yummy and delish, but I don’t normally eat granola bars, so it might be awhile before I get to those. I also don’t use sweeteners. The ginger chocolate I might save for a brownie recipe or something; ginger is way too sophisticated of a taste for me! All this things I will probably use when I am playing around in the kitchen for recipes. We shall see. Thanks, Kim! 🙂

Yesterday’s workout:

I wanted to make sure I could get in some cardio last night before my meds kicked in, so I ran to the gym real quick and busted out a cool 22 minutes on the treadmill and 10 minutes on the row machine. I have been so off my Best Body Bootcamp workouts this week, but I have still pushed myself pretty hard, and have been sore the last few days (I haven’t been sore from any of the workouts from this Round of Bootcamp). My treadmill workout consisted of a couple repeats of intervals: decreasing the time with each interval while increasing speed.

The row machine I haven’t used in AGES. I thought it felt pretty good last night, but soon learned this morning when I tried to scratch my back, that I am super sore. woo hoo!

So here’s some pretty exciting news…..

I was recently contacted by the people at pv.body- they started a monthly subscription program where subscribers take a quick fitness quiz and receive a package every month with one workout top and one workout bottom specifically chosen to fit their fitness activities. The best part is that they use top brands- EVEN LULULEMON– and upcoming brands as well. For just $39 a month, you get over $130 worth of fitness attire! Anyways, they contacted me to see if I was interested in participating in the program. I of course said yes, AND I want to share this awesome stuff with you guys!

If you click on THIS LINK, you will be directed to the pv.body website to sign up. Not only that, but through that link, you will get 20% off the regular price of $39. Act quick, because today is the LAST DAY that monthly subscriptions are offered at this price! If you sign up today, you will be locked into the $39 price. But, starting December 1, subscriptions will raise ten dollars to $49/mo. (You can still save 20% after today- so long as you click on the above link that I have provided).

I have already signed up- but since it is a new program, they do not yet ship to Canada. I am having my box sent to my parent’s house in NY so that I can still be involved in the program. Trust me, I’ll be doing a review post AS SOON as I get it! If you do live in Canada and want to be a part of the program, I highly recommend you sent the wonderful people at pv.body an email 😉

In case you don’t feel like scrolling up, Here’s the link again!

*Note: I got an email today from the company stating that the 20% discount is not currently being applied at check out due to technical issues. They have let me know that anyone who signs up through my link with be refunded the 20% AS SOON as the technical issue is fixed!*

What do you think of monthly subscriptions? To to subscribe to any? Favorite workout from the week?

A treadmill workout! And music! And..well just read.

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Here’s the treadmill work I did (2x through!) last night

3 minutes of running, 2 minutes of running, and 5 one-minute sprints with a minute walking between each interval, 2x.

Then, I somewhat followed Workout C from Best Body Bootcamp. I did three sets of 10 reps for each exercise; after each set, I did as many partial reps as I could (going halfway through the contraction). I didn’t move on to the next exercise until all sets (with partials) were completed.

Barbell squats on the bosu
Barbell side lunges on the bosu
Stability ball barbell chest presses
Stability ball barbell skull crushers
Barbell overhand grip standing row
Barbell underhand grip standing row

I also saw a celebrity look-a-like while I was at the gym. Brownie points if you know what this guy’s from:

(Source)

So, all day I have been listening to this song:

And when the base kicks in, I can’t help but dance like this:

In other news, I’m on a medicine to supposedly fights infections (I feel fine, but my doctor gave it to me just in case). Side effect? No booze. For 10 days. I’m going to be a ball of fun this weekend. All homework and no fun makes Jen a dull girl.

Other ramblings:

-I went to Teavana for the first time today to try and find some peppermint tea. The girl working there was such a complete female dog- and I don’t mean this kinda female dog:

I mean THIS kind:

(Source)

Never going back there again. Good thing I saw a DavidsTea place is opening up in the same mall.

-Hello, new best friend:

(Source)

-Extreme Cougar Wives. Seriously? That was 60 minutes of my life I’d like back.

– I am going to invent washers and dryers that do their specified jobs for.the.same.length.of.time. I hate when I do a load of towels, then put them in the dryer, and put another load in the washer. Then, when the washer is done, the wet clothes have to sit and wait for the dang towels to get all fluffy and dry.

[Sidenote: We are covering the Theory of Constraints in one of my courses this week, and they gave that exact ‘problem.’ Smart people of the world, why have you not fixed this yet?!]

– Is it just me, or does anyone else think that Abby from The Amazing Race looks like the actress, Kim Raver? (from Revolution,