Yummy Chili

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Recipe you MUST try: Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili from SkinnyTaste

Holy Moly, was it tasty (and there’s a bit left, so I get some more today!) I actually made half of what the recipe calls for since the two of us are pretty sucky at using up all the leftovers. I topped mine with a dallop of greek yogurt and a pinch of cheese.

Yesterday’s workout felt GOOD. I did the strengh “ladders” from this phase of Best Body Bootcamp at home, then went to the gym to bust out a 30 minute interval run and 20 minutes on the spin bike. Here’s what my run looked like:

Hey, so I am going to be boring and do another survey. Mostly because the coffee hasn’t kicked in yet and I am brain dead. Yay!

1. Last thing you ate:

Multigrain Cheerios (my weekday breakfast of choice)

2. Last beverage you drank:

Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.

3. Last workout:

See above

4. Last thing you pinned:

Lace wrapped mason jars

(I totally forgot about pinning this, by the way, but I ironically took a bunch of used glass candle jars- put them in the freezer for a couple hours, popped out the leftover wax, and now they’re ready to get some similar decorating!)

5. Last text message you sent:

Well, it’s not the last one, but I thought this rant I sent Tyler yesterday was pretty funny

6. Last blog you visited:

Meh, I sort of skimmed over a ton and Marked as Read when I woke up- haven’t clicked back over yet to check more out. Actually, I lied. I clicked on Its Linz post on pumpkin muffins (through twitter)

7. Last tweet you sent:

8. Last place you visited:

Yesterday I went to Safeway, Pet Planet, and the Y. Super exciting stuff.

9. Last time you did ab work:

Sunday night. I did side crunches on the bender ball.

10. Last show you watched:

We have been recording this season of Revenge because I was obsessed with it. But I watched the first episode of this season this morning, and I am so over it.

(Source)

11. Last thing you baked:

Pumpkin Bread!

12. Last thing you Instagrammed:

Some pre-workout powder I got in one of my Bulu Boxes

13. Last Item on your to-do list today:

Well, ummmmm…..

And I leave you with my thoughts about school right now:

Ok, your turn- answer one or some or all of these!

Recipes, Purchases, and a Workout

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Hey, I’m back. I told you I would be, so it shouldn’t be such a huge surprise.

1. So these:

Holy hell are they sweet or what. They’re so sweet, I gotta say it again: holy hell. But if you’d like the recipe, you can find it here.

2. Apple Leather

Here’s what I did: 6 apples peeled and halved. Put into boiling water for a few minutes to get them nice and tender. Drain and throw them in the blender with just under 1/4 c water and cinnamon to taste. Then spread out on a cookie pan lined with saran wrap (sprayed with cooking oil helps). Then put oven on the lowest setting (mine was 170 degrees) and let it sit in the oven overnight (8-10 hours. Check it now and then to make sure it doesn’t crisp up, you want it to be a bit pliable).

There ya go!

3. I went to Lululemon (because Tyler TOLD me to) and I got 2 precious gems to add to my collection. This is totally going to help me with that issue I mentioned yesterday.

It’s the Virtue Energy Pant in dense purple and the Run: Swiftly Tech long sleeve

4. Then I got carried away and found an amazeballs steal on some more winter clothes. I got two pairs of cords and 2 sweaters and they were each $20! Not bad, Jen. Not bad.

5. Yesterday’s workout.

It was somewhat adjusted because I only had one girl attend the class, but here’s the gist: (some of the moves were taken from Best Body Bootcamp. Green= strength; Blue= cardio)

5 minute warmup

Elevated push press (using the step) 1 min each side
Up/down plank- 1 min

Run laps around the studio for 3 minutes
15 seconds jacks/15 seconds mountain climbers x3

Lunge stance with row- 1 min/Opposite leg forward lunge stance with reverse fly- 1 min
Tricep dips- 30 seconds at the 4-count and 30 seconds at single count
Repeat lunge moves and tricep dips

Run laps opposite directions for 3 minutes
1 min torso twist hops

1 minute wall sit with bicep curls
1 minute weighted laying hip abduction/1 minute weighted hip adduction
1 minute wall sit with overhead press

30 seconds jump rope/30 seconds quick feet x3

15 squats with front raise
15 chest flys
30 second decline plank
15 single leg tricep kickback Left/15 right
10 plank with single arm row Right/10 left
8 surrender squat right/8 left

BURPEES

we did 5 burpess with a 15 second rest 10x through

ABS

Crunch progressions: 10 reg crunches, 10 with legs at tabletop position, 10 with legs straight in the air, 10 with scissor legs left, 10 scissor legs right, 10 tabletop, 10 regular

Tell me something random. How about: what’s the last thing you bought online? Where’s the last place you went out to eat? Favorite TV show this fall? Favorite cold-weather meal to make?

NOT a healthy grocery list

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Hi, Internets. Happy Tuesday.

This is NOT a healthy grocery list.

But it’s not for like…me. (ok, it is.) I just put together something yummy, but I can’t share it yet because I haven’t tried it yet. But, you can tell it’s gotta be good based on the list.

Last night, I got through the strength portion of Workout A from Best Body Bootcamp at home. I did some homework (also at home, hence the name), then scooted over to the Y for the cardio interval portion of my workout.

Sidenote: I got my midterm grades…..an A and a B+ (not proud of the B+, but it is what it is)!

This is the least flattering picture ever. I need to get my roots done STAT. And get rid of my sideburns. And stop doing that tween face.

OMG I HAVE TO TELL YOU SOMETHING. I was going through my phone looking for this workout picture for the post, and I had taken a bunch throughout my workout, including some at the gym, and in the one in the locker room mirror, I snapped the naked tushie of an older lady! Totally didn’t even see her when I took the pic. I immediately deleted because I’m pretty sure that’s illegal.

Hi. Target is coming to Canada. That is the ONE credit card that I owned in the states, and pretty soon I can start using it again.

I was entirely too giddy when I saw this at the mall yesterday. My giddiness turned into shopping rage, and I bought a butt-ton of candles, some jewelry, and some long sleeve sweaters and tops. And…kombucha.

God, I love that stuff.

And Essie nail polish. I never splurged on this brand before because it’s pretty expensive, but after my first experience with it yesterday, I am a total convert. Go out and buy it. Now.

HEY YOU. Yes, you. Get on Facebook and ‘Like’ my page. Right now. Please? I’m borderline begging you.

Remember last week when I told you that I went to the bottle return and got $23?! Well, I forgot about one significantly large box of bottles that were in the backseat instead of the trunk. And so, all week I have been driving around Calgary with a LARGE box of empty tequila bottles (yes, they are ALL tequila bottles). I should probably take them out of my car. Again, I’m guessing that’s illegal.

For your entertainment, this post tells you how to scare yourself thin this Halloween. I am so doing EVERY SINGLE thing on that list tomorrow.

Since I’m bored, and still have pretty much no friends in Calgary, and I want to get a lot of people to comment to keep me from eternal boredom, do me another favor and answer the following in the comments:

Are you dressing up for Halloween at work?
Watching scary movies?
What’s your favorite halloween treat?

Let’s get to it.

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Happy Monday, folks. Let’s get to it.

1. I won 2 tickets to the Kensington Wine Market Wine Fest on Friday! I was so excited because I really never win anything- and this I could share with Tyler!. Unfortunately, he got my cold, so at the time he couldn’t really taste much. We still had fun though!

There were 80 wines to try, and they were separated by country. Only one bottle of each wine was opened, so we were encouraged to ‘move on’ to another sample to allow for others to get a try. They had some food catered- finger foods as well as meat and cheese platters (I got hooked on the smoked bison).

And Crave cupcakes!

The event ran from 7-9pm. At 8pm, they brought out the cupcakes and dessert wines. If I could have just drank port all night, I would have been fine with that.

I got a good laugh because everyone arrived very timid and quiet, and by the first 15 minutes, we were all buzzed and chatting. Tyler and I made nice with the Spain and US tables. MMmmmmMMM (I have the pamphlet they gave us which listed all the wines, but I have yet to take a picture to share with you. I would do it now, but I am typing this in bed and I’m too comfy to move. Maybe another time.)

So fun!

2. Saturday, we ran tons of errands. But who cares about those. When we got home a bunch of hours later, we carved our pumpkins!

Tyler’s came out better than mine. Whatever. I scraped the insides out of both of those suckers, so I’m the real hero.

His:

Mine:

And I roasted the seeds! I had no idea how friggin easy that was. AND TASTY.

4. Our post pumpkin treats were….beer. We indulged in some seasonal brews from one of my faves, Big Rock Brewery. We loved all three!

Autumn Wheat: Spiced Ale. Light in taste. Great with din din.

Loved the Espresso Stout! Only 4.2% alcohol content. It tasted like cold coffee with a hint of beer. There was absolutely no aftertaste. We both thought this would be nasty, but it was an awesome surprise. I could have drank about 6 more of them.

But I moved on..

Winter Spice Ale was 6.0% alcohol content, so I thought it would be massively strong, but it was still quite pleasant. Seriously, there is not a single beer from Big Rock that I don’t like. Good job, guys.

5. Oh, and I actually got dressed on Saturday. Like, makeup and everything. That never happens. Even Tyler gave me a double look because of it.

Not TOO shabby.

6. Yesterday I finished up my two midterms. Not fun, but after about 5 hours of work, I submitted both and the weight was immediately lifted. Now, only 5 weeks to go and I’ll have my Masters!

7. Layla is a lazy bum.

8. Workouts. Love em. Let’s talk about em.

Friday

Best Body Bootcamp workout C (It was a mostly-arms circuit)
20 minutes of kickboxing

Saturday

Sunday

The 100 workout

Oh wait, you don’t know what that is? Probably because I made it up. I was too busy making pumpkin pancakes, watching football, doing schoolwork, and finishing my book to get to the gym for any cardio yesterday (wasn’t up for cardio anyways), so I do a bunch of strength stuff in my jammies at home.

100 pushups
100 Gliding side lunges
100 stability ball situps
100 lateral raises
100 wall squats
100 leg lifts

Today will be an INTENSE cardio session followed by Workout A from BBB.

8. I bought toilet paper this weekend. I know, I know, it’s a big deal. I used to buy it at Target (in bulk), and it’s cheap. But grocery stores are significantly more expensive. I chose the cheapest one, which oddly enough was 3-ply. The verdict? 3-ply is no better than 2-ply, so don’t waste your pennies. #justsaying.

9. Started this book last night:

(Source)

10. Got the new Pink CD. Played it on Friday night after we got home from the Wine Fest, and of course I had a dance party (with myself. Tyler doesn’t dance, and Layla usually just stands in front of me and stares)

This one is my fave: (you probably won’t see the link if you’re viewing this through Google Reader)

11. Important notes saved on my phone:

These are very imporant

Trash can liner size
light bulbs for house
light bulbs for kitchen lights
weight conversion (mostly for meat in the grocery store)
gas prices. I still don’t understand why they price it so crazy looking,

Ok, I have to get to the mall. See ya.

Hello! I love everybody!

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

I am a bad blogger because I haven’t published anything in almost a week. That is not acceptable! But I have some excuses if you’d like to hear them.

I am sick
It’s midterm week
SNOW

I don’t know if they’re legitimate excuses, but I am using them.

Hmmm…so since I have been stuck inside blowing snot out of my face and doing homework, what do I have to talk about???

1. Best Body Bootcamp started yesterday!

If you’ve never heard of this before, I definitely think you should check it out and register for the next round! Anyways, it’s an 8 week program for only $25. Cannot beat that. Tina sends you 4 phases of workouts (each are 2 weeks) that incorporate strength and cardio.

“But Jen, you’re a fitness instructor and personal trainer, why are you TAKING a class?”

“Because, my little internet friends, it is awesome to have someone plan a fitness regime for you. And it refreshes my workouts, and gives me inspiration to incorporate the different exercises and concepts to the classes I teach. Again, cannot beat that!”

Yesterday’s workout was 20 minutes of cardio intervals that alternated between 60 second and 30 second recovery periods. I did the strength portion at home because I had all the equipment. Then when I finally decided to chip the large ice cube that had formed around my car, I got to the gym for the cardio- which I probably shouldn’t have done while sick. I was doing my 8-8.5mph sprints in such a fog, that I don’t remember thinking of anything but bed.

I’m sore today, so it was worth it.

Today’s workout will have to be modified since I am teaching TRX. I’ll probably skip the strength portion for another day but still get the cardio done (assuming I can breathe, I heard that’s important).

2. Midterms this week. This is all I have to say about that:

3. There is a lot of snow outside.

And I lost my winter coat this weekend. It is my belief that all coat-checkers be certified (you know how elevators have inspection stickers, and restaurants have certifications, and hair stylists have their permits? Yeah, coat-checkers should have the same) I handed mine to an imposter and BAM my $220 coat was gone. So sad.

Because I am super cheap, I spent most of the day yesterday online trying to find a WARM coat for a good deal. After much hoopla, the best thing was to have my parents get one for me in NY and mail it here. Therefore, I can’t go outside until the FedEx guy shows up Thursday. (Ok, I do have a wool coat and a puffy parka, but the wool coat is fancy schmancy and the parka is for poopy dog walks only)

4. My bestie, Kysha, sent me an invite to Zulily since they had some coats on sale there. (THANKS!!!) I got sidetracked and looked through Zulily (it even allowed me to ‘shop internationally’, so Canadians out there, you can shop on Zulily, too!) and there are so many awesome deals. Click here to check it out, sign up, and SHOP SHOP SHOP till ya DROP DROP DROP! (or if you lose a coat, like I did)

5. I roasted my first acorn squash last night and it came out perfectly. I suck at using sharp objects in the kitchen, so I took a butcher knife and a hammer to that sucker and got the job done. I sprinkled each half with melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup and baked at 400 degrees for just over an hour.

I also tried my hand at Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf. It was alright, but not good enough for me to post the recipe. We also had asparagus. Um, there is a reason I don’t buy asparagus here.

it’s THICK (twss)
You end up breaking off almost half the stalk, so it’s wasteful
it’s MUCHO DINERO

6. My latest Pinterest obsession has been wedding flowers. I need to make a decision so I can figure out what some of the other decorations I might want. This one caught my eye for color purposes only