PHAB Lifestyle A blog dedicated to a healthy balance

My morning started off early with a 4KM run with my running buddy.  We did 4K in 26 minutes…it was a little slow.  However, we were not out to beat any records or anything just for some fresh air and some exercise.  It was actually a really nice morning for a run it was warm and just a bit of a breeze.  Refreshing!  I love those kind of runs.

When I got back home I was hungry and made some breakfast before hitting the shower.

A lovely ham and egg white sammie.  Twas delish!

On a whole wheat muffin I layered an egg white puffy, white cheddar, deli ham and spinach.  With a side of sweet strawberries.

Of course breakie is not complete without a cup of joe!

My morning hustled along nicely.  I snacked on a unpictured bran muffin with a little spread of nut butter. Then J and I spent some quality time playing around on the PBS kids website.  He loves watching the videos and I help him play some of the cute games.

My lunch today was a big salad with the leftover salmon and veggies from last night.

In my bowl was:

• Mixed salad greens
• cucumber
• leftover bbq salmon, yellow pepper and red onion
• 1/4 of an avocado
• goat cheese Holy YUM this salad was delicious!

I warmed up the grilled salmon and veggies just a bit to take the chill out of them which made the goat cheese all melty…so good!

After I put J down for his nap.  I had a little quiet time and snacked on an Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie from the Clean Food Cookbook and a warm cup of Vanilla Earl Grey tea.

I love the Clean Food cookbook everything I have made from it has been wonderful.  This is the second batch of these cookies I have made.  Just love them and a least they are somewhat healthy!

Supper tonight is one of my favourite casserole dishes with something special I made this morning for dessert!

Off I go….

The weather today was totally awesome so I just had to fire up the bbq for supper tonight!  I had a hankering for salmon so I searched for a great salmon kabob recipe and found one on the Wholefoods website.

They have some of the best recipes and this one did not disappoint.  The salmon turned out delish!

It was super easy.  I just cut up a large red onion, zucchini, yellow pepper and some salmon into chucks.  It got marinated in olive oil, fresh rosemary (from my garden), garlic and lime juice.

It marinated for about 30 minutes then I threaded the kabobs.

They grilled for about 10 minutes not very long on a med-low heat.  I basted them with the marinade that was left in the dish.

I served it along with quinoa and I made a little sauce with greek yogurt and dill.  YUM!

I also had a small glass of white wine with my supper.

This meal was so darn good.  The yogurt sauce was so refreshing with the salmon.  Plus the salmon was cooked just right it was still moist.  I love these kinds of meals.  Simple but oh so delicious!

Also yesterday was a certain someone’s Birthday….I just have to say Happy Birthday to my awesome friend Michelle!  She lives across the country and I don’t get to see her or talk to her as much as I would like.

But when we are together we always have a great time and we can be pretty goofy.

She is just the best and I hope that you had a WONDERFUL Birthday my friend!

Well I am off to give myself a little pedicure before I hit the hay….

Good night!

Last night I was thinking what I could have for breakfast this morning then I discovered that there was a nut butter jar with only a little bit left in it!  Perfect time to have OIAJ!

I did a batch of overnight oats with the following:

• 1/3 cup muesli (Bob’s Redmill)
• 2 tbs rolled oats
• 1 tbs chia seeds
• 4 oz of Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 2/3 cup of Almond Milk

It was waiting for me in the fridge after my workout this morning.  I got up nice an early and cranked out a weight session.  I found a great workout in one of my favourite magazines.

I love this magazine and I pretty much buy every issue.  I really should just subscribe.

I did 2 circuits of the following group of exercises. These exercises are performed one right after another and then I rest 60 to 90 seconds between circuits.

1. Pile Squat – 10 reps (25lbs)

2. Dumbbell row – 12 reps (12lbs)

3. Alternating dumbbell curl – 12 reps (12lbs)

4. Dumbbell set ups – 10 reps (holding 10lbs)

5. Flat-bench dumbbell chest press – 12 reps (15lbs)

6. Seated dumbbell shoulder press – 12 reps (15lb)

7. Seated triceps extension – 10 reps (12lbs)

8. Stiff-legged deadlift – 10 reps (15lbs dumbbells)

9. Cross-bench pullover – 12 reps (12lbs)

10. Standing dumbbell cross-chest curl – 12 reps (12lbs)

I usually would do 3 circuits for this workout but I only had time for 2 this morning. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the full workout.   I was kind of dragging my butt this morning.  But I really like this workout and most of these exercises happen to be my favs so that helps.

After my workout and a good stretch I gobbled down my OIAJ!

I topped it with the rest of the strawberries that were in the fridge and some granola.

Along with a lovely cup of fresh coffee.

Breakfast was scrumptious!

FINALLY the weather here today is glorious!  I have big plans to fire up the bbq for supper tonight!

Be back later!

I cannot get this song out of my head!  I LOVE rocking out to it!

This afternoon I took a little time to myself and went and saw Sex in the City 2…by myself…yes I do go to the movies by myself sometimes.  I am a total Sex in the City fan and I loved the movie!!  It was great!

The movie was over the top and the fashions we fabulous! 

I of course packed myself a little snack of sunflower butter and jelly on Ezekiel bread.  I did not snap a pic because I was in a hurry!  I ended up eating it before the movie even started since I was hungry.  I had an expensive bottle of water to sip on throughout the movie.

After the movie I made a stop at the grocery store to pick up some ingredients for tonight.  The hubs and I are having a friend come over later to watch UFC with us.  Tonight it is Rampage vs Evans!

So we will be partaking in some munchies and beer!

I could not decide which one to get since I like both of these beers so I got both!  I am also making a dip that I have not made in ages.  This is usually my go to recipe for get togethers.

This recipe is from an old Company’s Coming cookbook and it is just delish!

Tonight for supper on the menu is leftover’s.  I had some extra pasta sauce left in the freezer so I am making a quick meal tonight.  Thought I better have something so I don’t over indulge later.

Time to eat…

Hi there!  This weekend we spent the weekend at my hubby’s parents.  They have a lovely acreage  in the country.  It was a relaxing weekend spent with family. Unfortunately the weather was not very nice.  It rained and was very cool for most of our stay.

But the main reason we went was to see our new little niece Hayli.  The hubs and I became an Auntie and an Uncle last Friday and J now has a little cousin!

   She is the cutest little girl and I forgot how tiny a newborn is since J is so big now.

I enjoyed holding her and just watching her investigate her surroundings.  Of course it was a little hard to relax too much with noisy little J in the room.

He pretty much just played but he did come over to investigate her a few times.  He was actually pretty gentle with her.

Uncle Devin did most of the baby holding!

Zoei enjoyed herself too.  She played and ran around outside which pooped her out a little.  She loves having the freedom to run around outside.

We stayed until Sunday afternoon and then headed home.  When we got back to Calgary it was supper time so we decided to grab some sushi from our favourite place.

Globefish

We started with some water.  I was thirsty!

I had a bowl of miso first.  I love starting my meal with this soup…it is so yummy.

We got J a California roll.  He loves them.

Open wide!

I ordered the Rainbow Roll for my main dish.

Crab & avocado roll wrapped with assorted fresh seafood (prawn, tobiko, fresh tuna & salmon) mango & avocado

It looked so pretty!

It tasted delicious and fresh.

The hubs had a few rolls for his meal.

California Roll

Alaska Roll

Dynamite Roll

My handsome dinner companions!

After supper we headed home and unpacked the van and I got the pleasure of putting everything away.  I then ran to the store to pick up some milk since I discovered we were out.

Today we need to try and get ourselves ready for our garage sale next weekend!  I have to dig through our stuff in the basement and pull out what I want to sell.

The hubs already was busy this morning putting some of the stuff in the garage into the new shed.  Plus he cut our grass!  Thank goodness it was starting to get pretty long.

Well it is almost lunch time and I need to get myself busy.

Later!

Why hello!  It has been awhile and I finally have some time to sit and do a little blogging.  Lately most days I have been busy right up until bedtime and have not felt much like sitting down to blog about it.  I would rather get into bed and sleep.

My days have been busy ones and today was no different.  Spring is pretty much in full swing here and all our garden centres are open and hopping.  So this morning I decided it would be a good time to go and get some herbs for my garden.

I purchased:

Lavender (this one smells a-maz-ing!)

Lemon thyme

Rosemary

Oregano

Chives

Sweet Basil

Jalapeno pepper

But when I ventured outside after lunch to do my planting I discovered that it had got considerably cooler since the morning.  So I planted some of them in the warmth of my garage and then went out back to finish putting in the rest.

Before I got to work I had a tasty lunch of some leftovers I scrounged out of the fridge.

I had some grilled veggies with quinoa and the last bit of tofu grilled up with Carolina Treet.  I love this sauce it is so darn yummy!  It tastes good on pretty much everything!

My hubs ordered this bbq sauce and it is the bomb!

After my lunch I got to work and planted my little herbs. 

I put 3 plants in a hanging box off my deck.

The other 3 I put in my cedar box on my deck.  I just love having fresh herbs over the summer months and try to use them as often as I can.  The herbs that I bought today were so hardy and are in such great condition.  They should hopefully thrive!  I just love the smell of all of them!

The Lavender smells so darn wonderful.  I plan on using this one in a vinaigrette for a salad in the future.

I also got a lovely hanging basket for my front porch.

It also smells wonderful!  I just love when it gets warm enough so I can fill my yard with beautiful smelling flowers.

We also have a new addition to our backyard….

a shed!  They came and built it the other day.  It still needs to be painted.

I just love it!  It is so darn cute.  It looks like a little barn.  It is going to be great to get some of our yard stuff out of the garage that is currently taking up too much space!

After I was done freezing my buns off in the cool and cloudy weather.  Call me crazy but I made a cold green monster for a snack.

I did however consume this lovely drink with my slippers on.  My feet were freezing!

In my smoothie went: almond milk, 1/2 a very ripe banana, blueberries, maca powder, Amazing Grass and a good handful of spinach. 

Also couple of days ago I also got the most cool new toy!

The Cuisinart Single cup brewing machine.  This thing is awesome!  I am in love!  I am the only one that likes coffee in my house so using a regular coffee pot just does not work.  I always end up wasting most of it because all I really need is one cup. 

This machine does that and it makes a pretty darn good cup I must say!  It came with a sample pack of K-Cups so I have been having fun trying the different varieties everyday.

This weekend is the long weekend for us Canadians and we are heading out to my in-laws for a little visit.  You see the hubs and I became an Auntie and Uncle last Friday so we are going to be visiting the new little girl that my sister and brother in-law had.  I can’t wait to meet her!

Plus we need to try and get our trailer ready for camping season.  We store our trailer on their property.

So I have another busy day tomorrow getting us ready to hit the road for the weekend.  I have a bunch of errands to run in the morning while the hubs takes J to school.

Well I have a chance to go to bed early tonight and hopefully do a little reading!

Nighty,..night!

I had a busy afternoon!  Once I was ready I headed out to pick up my race packet for tomorrow’s 5K.

They were handing everything out at the fitness fair for the race.  It was set up at Mount Royal University.  I managed to find a spot to park easily and walked in.

The fitness fair was small and the booths that were set up were the sponsors of the race.  I took a short walk around and had a look.  I did buy some running socks at a really good deal of two packs of 2 for 10 bucks!  I going to wear a pair and try them out tomorrow. 

There was quite a crowd of people but nothing too crazy thank goodness.

After a bit I found the race pack pick up.

I headed to the 5K run table.  It was broken down by last names.  I was the last table!  I got my bag of goodies and my t-shirt.

When I left and got into the car I was pretty darn hungry so I headed to Quizno’s and got a veggies sandwich.

I really like their veggie sandwich. It pretty much has everything but the kitchen sink in it plus avocado!  Yum.  I also ate the hot peppers today…I was craving something spicy!

I washed it all down with a Vitamin Water the multi-v flavour.  I was feeling a little bit of a sore throat this afternoon and I DO NOT want to be sick tomorrow!

After lunch I finished running the rest of my errands.  The hubs and I made it home at the same time, he was out with J.

They were picking Mommy up a little Mother’s Day gift!   Which I got to open early!

A cute little heart shaped box and a bottle of wine.  Whatever could it be…

A very pretty necklace that says Mom and has a little bit of sparkle with some tiny diamonds!

I love it!

J also gave Mommy another little gift this weekend by walking about 10 steps all BY HIMSELF!!  ACK!  He did this on Friday.

This is a snap shot from the video we took.  We did try and down load it but it did not work very well and is grainy and not very clear.  I am sure we will catch him on video again!  But for now my little man is turning into a WALKER!! Yipeee!  I am just so darn thrilled!

Unfortunately J is also feeling a little under the weather tonight.  He has been cranky and his supper did not still well in his tummy.  We had plans to go out tonight but we cancelled to stay home with J instead.

Just as well anyway I have my race tomorrow morning.  I have all my stuff laid out and ready to put on.

The timing chip is on my shoe.

I am ready to go!

But the weather is no longer looking very good!

Yup. They are saying chance of showers or flurries tomorrow morning!  Guess I am dressing in layers for warmth!

Well I am now going to curl up on the couch and watch a little TV with the hubs.

Good night!

Good Morning!  Today is shaping up to be a lovely day out..the sun is actually shining here.  I also have more than a few things to do today.

So I thought I would start it out with a hardy breakfast of some coconut french toast.

I had some whole made ww bread still on the counter and needed to use it up.  So I made some very yummy french toast with coconut in the mix!

In the dreg I put:

~ 2 eggs

~ 2 egg whites

~ 1 tsp cinnamon

~ splash of Almond Milk

~ 2 tbs of unsweetened coconut

~ 1/2 tbs of flax seed

This made 3 pieces of bread.  I made some for J as well.

I cooked the slices in a frying pan with a little bit of coconut oil.  Delish!

I topped my portion with banana slices, walnuts, a strawberry, sprinkle of coconut, chia seeds and maple syrup.  Sounds like a lot but it was Yummy and I am very full!

It should keep my stomach happy for quite awhile.  Which is a good thing because I have a lot to do today. 

First on the list is to go a pick up my race packet for my race tomorrow.  I am running in the Mother’s Day Run and Walk.  I will be running the 5K with about 20,000 people through downtown Calgary.  It should be fun I have never run in a race this large before!

Well I better get going…I need to shower and get my butt in gear!

Adios!

I thought today I would do a little reminiscing and post some of my favourite shots from my New York trip back in November.  I had just the best time of my life and I will definitely be making a trip back to this awesome city some day!

Hmmm…I will have to continue this post another time.  There are more pictures than I thought..there will have to be a Part II.

My morning started out on the wrong foot…about 5 minutes after I woke up the power went out.  The reason was we were having a pretty bad spring snow storm…again!  It was snowing all night and was pretty darn windy!

So I said to myself fine it will come back on eventually..yeah 8 HOURS LATER!! 

So, I spent most of the day hanging out with J.  We did venture out when it started to get a little chilly in the house.  I opened the garage door manually and warmed up the van and headed out in search of a hot beverage.  Of course my beverage of choice is Coffee!  The roads at this time were not bad just really wet and very slushy.

Since parts of my community had power and some did not scouting out coffee became quite the challenge. My local Sbux was closed, no power.  However, the Tim Horton’s was open but the line up was insane!  I think the whole community was in line.  So I drove around a little bit more and found no line up at the Tim’s counter at the Esso..bingo!  I got my coffee I was a happy lady!

By this time the snow was pretty much ending thank goodness.  So it was getting close to lunch so I got me and J some eats.  When I got home still no power!  We ate and then I called the hubs since we needed to decide what to do with our food in the fridge.  It was going on 4 hours without power and the fridge was not so cold anymore.

I picked up the hubs from work after lunch and we got some ice.  We took the milk, eggs, yogurt and deli meat out of the fridge and put into coolers with ice in the garage.

While we were waiting for some power to hopefully come on I snacked on some of my Cheezy Kale Chips.

They turned out delish!  I really like them.  Plus how more healthy could you get for a “Chip”  I don’t feel guilty eating these that is for sure!

So by this time I had not had a shower plus I was cold so since my parents place is only about 10 blocks away and they had POWER I went over there to have a nice hot shower. The hubs put J down for his afternoon nap.

Well while I was there the power came back on at my house…THANK GOODNESS!  So when I got home the heat was on and my house was getting toasty warm again.  Plus I could put all the food back into the fridge!  I also did a little tidying up and put the clean dishes that were in the dishwasher away.

As I was doing this I got a little hungry and decided I needed something right away.  I was originally going to have a Grilled Banana Sandwich for breakfast but no power no sandwich.  It was still on my mind so I made it!  I saw it on Tina’s blog a few days ago and it looked so darn good I knew I had to try it.

I made it exactly like her recipe and let me tell you it was awesome!  I used my homemade WW bread.

The outside was crispy from the brown sugar and so darn yummy and not too sweet.

The bananas on the inside got nice and warm and creamy.  Loved it!  Brown sugar good…cinnamon..good!…Banana’s..good!  It was….you guessed it GOOD!

Since my day was totally thrown off by the power problem I was not in the mood to cook supper.  Plus we ended up having it later than normal due to our late afternoon snacking. So I went over to the grocery store and picked up some sushi.

Salad rolls, spicy California roll, brown rice California roll and Spicy tuna roll. 

My plate of goodies.

I took a little of each.  Now this is not the best sushi by no means but it works in a pinch and when you don’t feel like driving miles for the good stuff.  It did taste pretty fresh though which was nice.  The grocery store that I get it from has a sushi counter and they make it there daily.

I also made myself a little pot of green tea.  It filled me up nicely.

I also had one macaroon for dessert!

Now it is time for me to climb into bed and get some zzzzzz’s.  I have a strength workout planned for the morning.

G’night!